I would like to thank everyone who recommended Pokemon to me again.
Ash's team was already more or less set in stone, but the other relevant rookies' teams weren't complete. I'm pretty happy with them, and I hope you all will be too.
Episode 6: Vs Erika
xxx
"So, let me see if I understand this," the boss said stroking his chin. "You had twenty Pokemon stolen from you, and ten Zubat killed by a mere rookie trainer, correct?" Jessie and James flinched at their superior's cold tone. Jessie found herself cursing Meowth for his abandonment. The cat Pokemon was as much at fault as they were after all. "Nothing to say for yourselves?" he asked again, his cold, green eyes harder than diamond.
"Boss, it wasn't just a rookie! There was a huge Donphan too!" James said, his shoulders hunched and his eyes glued to the ground.
"A bull Donphan?" the man asked, his eyes narrowed.
"No, we caught three females," Jessie interjected slowly pulling her eyes off the ground. "One of them even managed to defeat the Nidoking you loaned us!" she added quickly. The redhead barely resisted the urge to sigh in relief when the boss leaned back in his chair. She rolled her eyes when James did sigh. I really need to talk with him about the whole control thing. After all, the boss did not have patience for weakness.
"And you captured it without maiming it or losing the Nido?" the boss asked a raising a brow.
"Yes, sir," they intoned as one.
"I see…" the boss said, his expression unreadable. The man turned his attention to the impressive Persian by his feet. He scratched the feline behind its charm for several moments before turning back to his subordinates. Jessie clenched her fists and James gulped loudly, their forms tight with tension. "You have done very well," the boss spoke after another tense moment.
"Th-thank you sir!" Jessie whispered deflating in relief.
"You are to send the Pokemon to Proton from Saffron," the boss told them, "I shall send you pay and your reward to the Pokemon center there," he added before clicking the video phone off.
"Yay!" Meowth cheered, running into the room. Jessie narrowed her eyes at the cowardly feline. It was likely he had been listening in on the entire conversation. She gave a small smile when James cheered as well. She would be having words with the Meowth later. (Or rather, Arbok would be having words with him.) For now, though, she would be taking a long, hot bath.
xxx
"Team Rocket's back and you fought them," Doctor Proctor repeated.
"Yup," Ash answered, rolling his eyes. He could understand the man's shock at the news, but repeating it five times was beyond annoying. It was almost as if the man believed Ash would say it was all a huge joke if he kept repeating himself. The brown-eyed boy forward in his chair and glanced at the worried faces around him. He knew the Rockets were to be taken seriously, but he hadn't thought even Misty would be stunned into silence.
"You shouldn't have tried to fight them alone!" Misty said with a scowl. Ash scowled back, so much for silence. "But... if you hadn't then all these Pokemon would have been captured by them too," she added holding the black bags to her chest. "I probably woulda done the same anyway, so I guess I can't get lecture you," the Gym Leader admitted tightening her hold on the bags. No, not the bags, the Pokemon.
"I'll go tell the rangers what's up," the doctor said with a sigh, "Your Pokemon will be up and good as new in a few minutes," he told Ash before striding out of the tent.
"Thanks," the raven-haired trainer shouted. He glanced at the subdued Misty in the tent's far corner. Ash would be the first to admit he didn't know the redheaded girl very well. Even so, her quiet made him uncomfortable. Then again, he wasn't a particularly social individual in the first place. Maybe it would be best it I just leave her alone?
"You did a great job," Misty told him abruptly as she rose. "Stay here," she ordered marching out of the tent.
"Okay," Ash said awkwardly rubbing the back of his head. She returned a moment later with two small, white cases in hand and one large black box. "Are those?" the boy asked, taking a deep breath.
"Yup," the Gym Leader said with a smirk. The trainer took the cases with shaky hands. Ash swallowed harshly and opened the case carefully. The disc was green and had the words Mega Drain written on it in black letters. He set the disc back in the case carefully and opened the second case. Within it was a pink disk with the word Reflect written on it.
"You don't have to-" Ash began.
"Yeah, I do," Misty interrupted with a frustrated wave of her arm. "It shoulda been me protecting those Pokemon," she added in a whisper averting her eyes. "Anyway!" she began again clearing her throat "You woulda gotten one of them so I figure another and this'll be a good reward," she stated tossing something small to him.
The boy snagged it out of the air with a grin. "Thanks a ton," Ash said, glancing at the necklace. The necklace was plain with the exception of the small, fossilized fang attached to it.
"If you take it to Pewter you might be able to get it restored," the redhead told him. Ash's head snapped to her so quickly he hurt his neck. "Are you okay?" Misty asked wide-eyed.
"Yeah, I'm okay," the trainer said, rubbing his neck. "Now what were you sayin'? he asked after a moment.
"It'll take a bit to restore - since it's just a tooth - but the Pewter Museum just got a restoration thingy," Misty stated. "But it'll be a few months at least before it's completely restored," she added her brow furrowed. "If it can be at all," the girl finished in a mutter. Ash leaned back in his chair with a sigh. A few months was a long time to wait for any Pokemon, but he supposed he could ask them to send the Pokemon to him. If it could be restored Misty clearly doubted it. Ash drew breath to thank her anyway, after even if it couldn't be restored it would still be worth something.
"Lady Misty!" a short, bald man cried bursting into the Gym Leader's tent. "Are the Rockets really back?" he demanded frantically. The man wore a red vest with the symbol of the Indigo League embroidered on it. This guy must be a Pokemon Ranger.
"Yeah, they're back," the girl, stated with a sigh. "And don't you ever barge into my tent again, or I'll have my Kingdra use you as target practice," she snarled so fiercely that Ash jumped and the ranger scampered out of the tent with a horrified squeak. "Anywaays, say hi to Daisy for me," Misty told him with a smile.
"I-I will," Ash squeaked. Are all girls like that? The boy shuddered; he was starting to think he might have been better off staying single.
xxx
"We're never leaving Celadon!" Ash announced from his water tube with a grin. Krabby gurgled his agreement and sank back down to the bottom of the pool. Gore leaped into the pool with an excited squeal creating a small wave that pushed his trainer and a curious Horsea back several feet. "Be more careful! And where'd ya get a Sitrus?" the trainer asked blinking when he noticed the yellow berry hanging out of the boar's mouth.
Gore grunted and lifted his chin proudly, as though he had just achieved a great victory. Bulbasaur came around the juice bar in a sprint and leaped into the pool with a shriek. Gore squeaked in horror and swam in the opposite direction with his prize as quickly as he could. The trainer shrugged and leaned back in his tube. As long as they didn't hurt anyone, he didn't care what they did. That and the lifeguard was a mature Poliwrath, it could more than keep them in line. Ash sighed, thoroughly enjoying the sun's ray on his skin.
Krabby surfaced next to him with dark his eyes closed in bliss. According to Misty the nubs on a Krabby's head were incredibly sensitive, and could even cause pain when they began to grow. The trainer smiled and rubbed the tiny nubs on the crab's shell gently receiving a happy gargle from the young crab. Celadon truly is an amazing city. It had a Pokemon center on each side and giant swimming pools in both. After over a month in the desert, the clear, cool water felt like a gift from the Gods. Even after they learned, they had to share the pool with a hundred other people and their Pokemon.
Ash grimaced when a Spearow and Doduo squawked. Point proven. His brow furrowed when the Poliwrath padded in front of him dragging Gore and Bulbasaur behind it. The frog croaked at him with a glare. "Thanks for takin' it easy on 'em," the boy said rubbing his temple. Krabby gave his teammates a withering look as the lifeguard rumbled and knelt next to Bulbasaur. The frog snatched the Sitrus berry out of the dinosaur's maw and tossed it into its mouth. Ash rolled his eyes when Gore and Bulbasaur whined. Poliwrath shot the Pokemon a smug look, and then sauntered off to its chair. "You guys are idiots," the trainer stated propping his head up with his fist. "And you totally had it coming," Ash continued unperturbed by their looks of betrayal.
The trainer didn't care how good the Sitrus berries tasted. Chasing one another around a swimming pool was ridiculous. Especially, since they knew the Poliwrath was watching. Speaking of troublemakers. Ash found it a bit odd that he hadn't seen Vulpix. He looked over the pool carefully. Knowing the vixen, leaving her alone for too long could lead to another murder attempt. In the last two weeks of their journey in the desert, the vixen had tried to kill him ten times.
Ash sighed; he had been so sure that the vixen was finally ready to be a team member too. He would have to ask his grandfather about it. Oh? She hasn't moved in the last hour? Then again, Gore did clip her with a tusk. The fire-type was lying on the pillow he had set up underneath the palm tree and glaring at the Poliwrath's back. Vulpix seemed to sense his gaze and glared at him. She huffed and looked away when he blinked.
"What am I gonna do with you?" he mumbled his eyes downcast. Ash tugged on the bill of his hat and shut his eyes. No point in sulking, I guess. "You guys better behave, or else I'm leaving you alone with the Poliwrath," he warned meeting Gore and Bulbasaur's eyes evenly. Bulbasaur stared at him wide-eyed with horror and Gore whined and his eyes behind his hooves. Ash snorted, and patted Krabby one last time before crawling out of the pool. Is it really okay to leave them alone?
Krabby was too happy to cause trouble, it was the first time he had been able to truly swim in months after all. Bulbasaur tended to only be a problem when it came to berries or her naps. He chewed on his lip lightly. Ash remembered the cow's reaction to the cafeteria vividly. But she's okay now? So, she's over it, then? Finally he glanced at Gore. The swine had been in an incredible mood since they woke - he hadn't even tried to charge anything yet. The trainer nodded, decision made.
xxx
Much to Ash's relief, the video phones weren't nearly as crowded as the pool. He dialed his grandfather's number with a smile. The trainer had missed his family more than he cared to admit. "Yo!" he greeted when the old man's screen flickered to life.
"Hello to you too, brat," the old man greeted with a smirk. Ash blinked, the professor's right eyebrow was gone and he had a small burn mark on his face.
"Wha-"
"One of the Growlithe learned Ember, and got a bit err- let's say enthusiastic about showing everyone," Oak explained rubbing the mark lightly. "I'm going to be very happy when your mother and Acaya return," he added with a grimace. Ash nodded, not trusting he wouldn't laugh if he spoke. "What took you so long? A Piloswine should have been able to get you to Celadon half a month ago at the worst! Your mother was so worried! She nearly quite her tour early!" he inquired his gray eyes hardening slightly.
"A Steelix and a Rhyperior had a…. Disagreement," the raven-haired trainer explained wincing. "And how did you know Gore evolved?" he asked his brow furrowed.
"Misty told me," Oak said, leaning back in his chair. It seemed Ash's excuse had calmed the professor. The boy paled. If she told him about that then, would she? "I know all about the vigilante thing as well," the professor revealed with a chuckle.
"You're not mad?" Ash asked, sighing in relief. No matter how much he grew the professor could always make him feel like a child.
"No, I'm not, and your mother isn't either," his grandfather answered with a smile. "I'm not happy with what you did, but I understand why you did it," he clarified quickly his smile fading slightly. "Probably a good thing Delia was sitting when I told her, though," Oak added stroking his chin. "Now, what did you want to know?" he asked.
"Well, I caught a Vulpix about two months ago, but no matter what I do, I can't get her to listen to me at all," the boy said with a scowl.
"Not surprising, you're a male after all," Oak remarked after a moment.
"Huh?" Ash blurted standing so quickly his chair fell. He chuckled awkwardly when the other trainers and the nurse stared at him. "Just a bit of a shock," he muttered setting his chair back up.
"The Vulpix line are a matriarchy for a reason," the professor began as though Ash hadn't done anything odd. "The males are less than a third the size of a full grown vixen. They can barely produce a fireball, can't learn Extrasensory, and have been known to die from weight loss," he added. "From shaking in fear," Oak explained when the boy stared at him.
"Soooooo, they suck then," Ash declared nodding.
"Pretty much!" his grandfather agreed with a laugh that seemed to make his eyes twinkle. Ash smiled back. He enjoyed this side of the professor far more than the former Champion Oak.
"But I beat her fair and square," Ash pointed out his brow furrowed. Defeating a Pokemon in battle was usually the best way to prove yourself a worthy trainer. It was something even infant Pokemon could understand.
"She's tried to kill you hasn't she," Oak stated rather than asked. "And she hasn't tried to just run off?"
"Yeah, like ten times or somethin'," Ash, answered blinking, "And no," he continued.
"You're fine then," the old man said waving his hand. "How're the others?"
"Whaddya mean I'm fine?" the trainer demanded slamming his fist onto the desk. "Sorry, sir," he muttered averting his gaze when Oak narrowed his eyes.
"The fact that she's trying to kill you means she cares about you," the gray-eyed man explained. "If she didn't care she would simply leave."
"That doesn't make any sense!" Ash cried, holding his head in his hands.
"Welcome to women," Oak said with a snicker. "Now, how are the others?" he repeated.
"Gore's hungry and moody, Vulpix is homicidal, Bulbasaur's terrified by crowds and people, unless there are Sitrus berries involved, and Krabby's starting to like the others a little," Ash reported with a snort. He would need to look into a way to deal with Bulbasaur's berry obsession. "Oh, and for some reason Bulbasaur didn't know Acid," he added after a pause.
"That's not surprising, her ancestors have lived at the Laramie Pokemon Ranch for over two-hundred years, and haven't had to fight much in all that time," Oak remarked stroking his chin. "Actually, if she makes it to the Venasaur stage, she'll be the strongest in her line in a very, very long time," he continued with a sigh. Ash blinked, it was still hard for him to imagine the tiny cow as a mighty Venasaur. "How's Gore doing?"
"Missing him?" Ash teased with a smirk.
"Hardly!" the professor answered with a snort. "Wave's been sulking though, and I think this may yet cheer him up," he explained. "And I want to know how evolution has changed him," Oak added his gray eyes sharpening.
"He got bigger, moodier, and hungrier, but he's still Gore," the raven-haired trainer said rolling his eyes. Many Pokemon matured greatly with evolution. Evidently, Gore was not going to be one of them. "He learned Avalanche!"
"He's ice natured then, eh? Wave'll be happy! And I'm sure Ancient Power will come to him soon as well, he's got good instincts," Oak remarked tapping his fingers on his desk. Ash blinked when his grandfather looked hesitant. A pit of unease settled in his belly, he hadn't seen the professor hesitate many times in his life. "Nothing out of the ordinary? Just big for his age yes?" he asked, leaning toward the screen.
"No," the boy answered. "Grandpa is something wrong?" he inquired tugging on the bill of his hat.
"Nothing's wrong! But Piloswine tend to be very to themselves, so I haven't had much of a chance to observe them!" the professor said with a cheerful smile that made the unease disappear as quickly as it came. "Take care of yourself! Meet a girl! I want to see my great-grandchildren you know!" Oak exclaimed shutting off the video phone.
Ash's face burned when the other trainers began snickering at him. He hid his head in his hands. He just can't help himself.
xxx
Something crashed into Ash's back making the boy stumble into the department store's wall. The trainer groaned and rubbed his now sore shoulder. I can't wait to get the hell outta Celadon. Pallet town was a small place with a crisp breeze and a warm greeting from every neighbor. The people of Celadon were cold and uncaring at best.
The sheer number of people was overwhelming for the boy. To make matters worse, none of his team could be with him. If the kind people of Pewter and Misty put Gore and Krabby on edge, then their reaction to Celadon would likely be to attack at the first sign of hostility. An excellent method of survival in the harsh wilderness, they and their ancestors had called home for millennia. However, in civilization, it could have them taken from him or even put to death. He sighed and dusted off his vest. Bulbasaur was the perfect size and was well behaved enough to with him. When he had returned to the pool, the saurian had been shaking and hiding under Gore.
Guilt welled up in his chest. He had been a fool to believe Bulbasaur had pushed past her fears in a month. Ash had forgotten that he had set up a cushion for her, as he had for Vulpix. She only came out because Gore stole her berry. The raven-haired trainer gritted his teeth. He wouldn't, and couldn't accept such oversights. Ash took a deep, slow breath. Right now, he needed to find the best tools to help his team.
His resolve affirmed the boy scoured the store for useful items in his price range. A wide variety of children's toys to collector's items, ranging from Clefairy and Pikachu dolls to a Dragonite fang. Ash sighed as he beheld the last and apparently, most bought items. An entire row of replicas of the idiot's cape! Couldn't they have taken Ace or Drake's capes to make replicas of? Someday he would return and buy all of these capes. Then, he would have Vulpix set them alight and rid the world of this gross offense to fashions presence. Best of all he would do it in front of Lance. He laughed darkly at the thought and ignored the several disturbed looks received.
Ash shook his head, he needed to focus. Looks like going straight to the Pokemart section of the mall was smart. There were regular potions of course, Super potions, antidotes, full heals and even the legendary Secret-potion from Cianwood. The trainer grimaced at the price, but still placed it into his basket. Regular potions cost thirty dollars, super potions were priced at seventy, but even though it was about a third of the size of a potion can, the Secret-potion cost one-hundred and fifty dollars. If Gore and Krabby didn't have such a terrible sense of self-preservation, Ash would have avoided it as if it was an overly affectionate Muk.
He grabbed a few paralyze heals and made his way to the front desk. The trainer was halfway to the counter when a gentle chime reached his ears. A few feet to his right, a small girl was playing with a Soothe Bell. Soothe Bells were amongst the most popular items among non-fighting trainers. The bells helped to reduce a Pokemon's stress level and made them friendlier. It was a perfect item for someone who wanted a Meowth as a house pet. Or someone who's training a particularly stubborn Vulpix. Ash rubbed his chin, then shrugged. Well, it can't hurt to try. Unless she tries to set me on fire again. Or scratches me. Or practices Hex on me.
I'm so screwed.
xxx
"So, as you know, I was given a couple TMs from Misty as a reward for dealing with the Rockets," Ash began his expression blank and his tone stiff. Gore chuffed and stomped his hooves, his body shaking with anticipation and his brown eyes lighting up with happiness. Ash grimaced and averted his gaze from his partners. He looked away again when Bulbasaur trilled and Krabby gurgled with his claws held high. The boy sighed. After the incident with the Rhyperior and Steelix, Ash had been nearly obsessive in his desire to leave the desert. He had been so focused on his goal that he had forgotten to tell Gore that he wouldn't be getting either of the TMs. A feeling reminiscent of Butterfree flapping formed in his belly. Is that why he was in such a good mood?
"But I think it would be best to wait until Saffron - that's where our next challenge is - to use the TMs and focus on mastering the moves we learned in hell, I mean Grandpa Canyon," the raven-haired trainer announced swallowing harshly. Bulbasaur's gaze lowered to the ground and her ears fell at his statement, but accepted his decision and trotted off to begin her training. Krabby was outright glaring at his trainer. The water-type turned and strode away from Ash to begin his training. The trainer winced as the crab unleashed the strongest Water Pulse he had ever created at a large boulder.
Gore whined and kicked a small rock before turning away from him. "Actually, buddy we need to talk," Ash muttered wringing his hands. "Alone," he added when Vulpix didn't move. The vixen gave him an annoyed look and stretched. She sauntered over to a boulder - making Ash's breath quicken with anticipation - and then, strode toward the shade of a large tree. "I hate her so much sometimes," the boy confessed to Gore pinching the bridge of his nose. The swine grunted his agreement.
"Gore, you won't be getting a TM," the trainer blurted. The ice-type stared at him wide-eyed for several seconds making him fidget. Then his partner deflated and covered his eyes with his hooves. "Buddy, I'm sorry, but I'll definitely get you one the next time we pass through," Ash promised kneeling in front of the boar. He chewed on his lip when the Pokemon ignored him. The brown-eyed boy smirked as a solution came to him.
"Okay then, I guess if you don't want to have a TM, I can always just give it to one of the others," Ash said with a sigh. He grinned slyly when the boar peeked beyond his hooves. The trainer turned away with a shrug, "I guess it really can't be helped then! If you're going to sulk, I'll just have to focus on Krabby and Bulbasaur," he added. Gore whimpered and fidgeted, but still didn't move to rise. Time to nail it home.
"Maybe I'll even give it to Vulpix! Or better yet get me a ground-type," the raven-haired child said tapping his chin thoughtfully. Gore squealed and slammed his hooves on the ground. "Like maybe, a Nidorino or a Sandslash," he finished with a dark laugh. The boar butted Ash's side hard enough to make the boy fall onto his back and licked his face between squeals. The boy laughed and wrapped his arms around the Pokemon's thick neck.
Bulbasaur propped her front feet onto his head, and peered into his eyes curiously. Ash blinked, then rubbed her head gently. He turned to Krabby with an expectant smile. The crab Pokemon gave him an annoyed look, but sauntered into his hug obediently. The water-type looked long-suffering but didn't make an effort to get away when Gore and Bulbasaur licked him. Ash turned to Vulpix with a hopeful and less confident smile. The vixen narrowed her eyes at him but took a few, hesitant steps toward the team. The boy's heart pounded so loudly he could hear it. Is she finally ready? He received his answer when she spat a stream of flame at Krabby's target and went back to her nap. Damn tease.
The trainer sighed. It wasn't the progress he had been hoping for, but progress was progress. He smiled again when his partner licked his cheek. "Alright, let's get to today's training!" Ash declared untangling himself. His team voiced their agreement with enthusiasm.
xxx
Ash yawned and snuggled deeper into Gore's thick fur. Training and the day had ended hours ago. The trainer snorted amusedly. Bulbasaur had fallen asleep a couple minutes after her dinner. He gave Vulpix and annoyed look. She had never bothered to wake up for anything other than food anyway. It was a good thing her species were known to run over a hundred miles in a day; otherwise, she would be incredibly out of shape. Never thought I'd be grateful towards that Ninetales though. He was thankful that Gore had at least tried to stay up with him while Krabby was taking his ice bath.
He was also thankful that Misty had been kind enough to give them a gigantic pot for Krabby's training. Ash tugged on the bill of his hat. Isn't it a bit much? All I did was fight some Rocket throwaways. Definitely not giving back the necklace though. Nurse Evans, of the south Celadon Pokemon center, had explained to him that the fossil couldn't be restored. Even so, Ash had become a bit fond of the keepsake. Unlike his other rewards, he felt had truly earned this one. A crunching noise from Krabby's pot drew the boy's attention.
"Buddy," he called pushing himself off Gore reluctantly. The water in the pot rippled but his friend didn't surface. Ash peered into the pot. He was half expecting his Pokemon to have fallen asleep. The boy snickered at the sight that greeted his eyes. Krabby had finally learned Powder Snow, but instead of getting out of the pot, he'd decided to test his new powers out immediately. Krabby had frozen the water solid and trapped himself in the ice. The water-type chirped at him with a look of betrayal. "You gotta admit it wasn't very smart," Ash said with a laugh as he reached down to free the crustacean.
The crab Pokemon narrowed eyes gave him all the answer he needed. "No need to get mad," the trainer muttered as he freed the crab's left claw. Krabby broke out of the ice with a hiss, and held his claws up expectantly. "What're the magic words?" Ash sang with a grin. The water-type blew cold bubbles in his face. "That'll work," the brown-eyed boy, mumbled lifting the crab.
"So, I'm really proud of you," Ash announced averting his eyes. Krabby clicked and seemed to find the tree Vulpix was sleeping under rather fascinating. The trainer tugged on the bill of his hat and took a deep breath. "You've been with us for about three months ya know," he began, "I was thinking you might, maybe want a name?" he finished wringing his wrist.
Krabby's dark eyes bore into his for several seconds, giving nothing away. Was it too soon? A Pokemon, accepting a name meant it considered itself part of the team, and that it truly respected for its trainer. Three months may not have been enough time for a Pokemon that had lived alone for nearly five years. It didn't help that the Krabby line tended not to socialize until they became Kingler, and took a territory of their own. "Of course you don't have to! If you want we can just forget all about it!" The trainer blurted too anxious to be worried about waking the others.
The water-type clicked quietly and extended his right claw. It took an extraordinary effort for Ash not to whoop at the gesture. For the Krabby line, pressing one's dominant claw together was a gesture of friendship. He pressed his right hand against the claw. Ash smiled when Krabby's eyes curved happily. "So then, about your name," the trainer muttered tapping his chin in thought.
Whirl, River, and Claws were rejected nearly immediately. Blaster and Hydro were at least considered for a minute. He had suggested Pincher mostly as a joke and received a pinch. "How about just King," Ash offered rubbing his temples. They had been trying to find the crab a name for close to half an hour. Krabby gurgled and snapped his claws. "So King it is!" the trainer stated with a small smile.
King the Kingler wasn't a very original name, but it did have a certain ring to it. Even if the hopping crab didn't exactly look regal at the moment.
xxx
Ash stared at the gigantic building that was the Celadon Gym with wonder. It actually looks more like a greenhouse than anything. People in Celadon did call Erika the "Nature Loving Princess" so it made sense. Aside from that, young grass-types needed a great deal of time in the sun to grow properly. The boy shrugged and forced the unease he was feeling away. They had prepared for this. They would be victorious. He stepped through the doors with his head held high.
He flinched as the foul stench of a young Gloom assaulted his nose. The trainer shook his head and strode to the front desk on shaky legs. "How can I help you, sir?" the pretty brunette asked with a wide smile. "Here to get your girlfriend some of famous perfume," she whispered her smile becoming conspiratorial.
"I came to challenge Lady Erika," Ash blurted with a blush.
"Oh," she muttered with a wince.
"What?" the boy asked wringing his hands anxiously.
"It's nothing!" the receptionist blurted. "Please just give me a moment and I'll get our Lady," she said rising quickly. "Please take a seat."
Ash blinked as the young woman disappeared through the door behind her desk. "That was weird," he muttered as he sat. The trainer took several, deep, calming breaths. Oh, Gods, I can taste it! Great One have mercy! It took several moments for the boy to regain control over his breathing. There are a lot of girls here.
Ash knew that each Gym had ways to support themselves, and that Celadon's method was creating perfume, but that didn't explain why there were only women. The trainer shrugged the thought off, and examined the room. As expected of a grass-type Gym there were plants everywhere. A Sycamore tree lived next to the front desk, with another of its kind near the double doors that he assumed led to the Gym itself. Flowers were everywhere, and there was even an old bush in the middle of the room.
"Sir! The Leader is waiting for you!" the receptionist's voice called. The trainer rose and stretched. He took a moment to steady his pounding heart before striding through the double doors. Ash was taken aback by the new smells and sights before him. The room had the greenest grass, he had ever seen, the most beautiful rose bushes, and tall trees that seemed to stretch to the glass ceiling. The pleasant scent made the boy sigh happily.
"Are you my challenger?" a voice that reminded him of a bell's chime asked yawning.
"Yes," the boy answered, turning to face the Gym Leader. Erika was a young woman with chin length black hair and green eyes. She wore an elegant yellow dress with designs that resembled leaves on it with Pokeballs in them. "My name's Ash."
"Ash," she repeated, nodding and rubbing her eyes. She yawned again. Ash blinked at her. It looked as though the girl had just woken. He flinched when he felt a large creature approach from behind him
"I accept you-" she blinked, then swayed and fell. Ash moved to catch her, but was slammed onto his side by a large creature. The trainer rubbed his now sore shoulder with a groan as he rose. Erika was being held up by a quadruped green Pokemon's muscular neck. "I accept your challenge," she finished in a mumble as the grass-type set her onto her feet. The grass-type stood even taller than Bruno and had a large red flower growing out of its neck. It was easily wide enough for someone to ride on its back.
Ash's eyes widened as he recognized the grass-type. The beast was a Meganium. The mighty Chikorita line had protected and supported Celadon for centuries. They had the ability to heal and even, revive dead grass and plants. They also make lovely perfume. He sighed, with his mother's birthday coming up he had been hoping to buy her some Meganium perfume. Regrettably, it was far too expensive for a rookie trainer. At least, the perfume was too expensive for a rookie who was supporting himself. He sighed and did his best to suppress the surge of guilt that coursed through him. "If you want I can come back in a couple hours," Ash offered when Erika had finally steadied herself.
"Oh no, it's fine, three on three," she said, walking to the other side of the with Meganium's help. "Thank you Bloom," he heard the girl mutter as she rubbed the giant's neck.
"Will both battlers please enter the trainer's box!" a woman's voice called. Ash blinked, he hadn't even heard her enter. A Meganium's scent is overwhelming after all. "This battle will be between challenger Ash, and the Celadon Gym Leader Erika! Each trainer will use three Pokemon, only the challenger may substitute his Pokemon! Now, let the battle begin!" the brunette woman stated lowering a green flag.
Ash let Erika release her Pokemon first. No matter how harmless the beauty looked, she was still one of the most powerful trainers in Kanto. He would take every advantage he could get. The Gym Leader released a Parasect. The Parasect was an insectoid Pokemon with a large pink mushroom that obscured most of its body from view. What could be seen of the insect were its large white eyes and six legs. The trainer gulped as he stared at the pincers that were bug-grass-type's front legs. "Challenger! Please release your Pokemon within the next minute or this match will be forfeited!" the referee announced without emotion.
"Okay! Okay!" Ash muttered as he released King. He needed to get as much use out of the crab as he could. Like rock and ground-type's, most water-type Pokemon had never evolved to deal with draining attacks they had no need to. The mainly physical Parasect would be King's only chance at a victory. The boy smirked, researching the Pokemon Erika used had paid off massively. On the other hand, not researching the field had been a major miscalculation on his part. The trees that were spread out around the field could be a serious issue. "Water Gun!" the trainer commanded confusion in his tone. Why didn't she attack? Does she think I'm not a threat? He gritted his teeth at the thought. He would make her pay dearly for her arrogance.
He gasped when the concentrated stream of water was swept aside by a pincer. Maybe I'm the arrogant one. "Fury Cutter," Erika ordered so quietly that Ash could barely hear her. Parasect chirped and charged Krabby with one of its claws consumed by a bright yellow. The Krabby chirped and charged the parasite with his Vice Grip on.
"King get back!" Ash cried with a gulp. The crab Pokemon either ignored him of didn't hear him and continued his charge. The Krabby managed to catch the grass-type's pincer in his claw, but struggled when the Parasect applied more pressure to its blow. "Release it and use Harden!" the raven-haired trainer barked. King hissed and closed his eyes. The water-type let go of the larger Pokemon and was quickly covered by the sheen of Harden. His Pokemon hissed when he was slammed into the ground by the force behind Parasect's blow.
"Dual Cutter!" Erika said her green eyes sharper than he had ever seen them. Ash flinched when his Krabby gave an agonized chirp as a second, yellow pincer slammed down onto him. They hadn't managed to add Vice Grip to both of his claws yet. There was only one way to win now. The trainer gritted his teeth he had been hoping to save this.
"Powder Snow!" the boy ordered with a smirk. His Pokemon hissed and sent a small blast of chilly wind into the grass-type's face. To his shock, Parasect only flinched and hissed irritably. Krabby scrambled out from underneath the comparatively gigantic Pokemon. The crab blinked, seemingly as confused as his trainer.
"Spory, use Seed Bomb, two!" the Gym Leader commanded with a wave of her arm. Spory squeaked and glared at Krabby as it shot several seeds out of its mushroom.
"Bubble into the air!" the trainer cried clenching his fists. King looked confused with the command, but blasted a forceful spray of bubbles at the descending seeds. The trainer and crab covered their eyes reflexively when the seeds exploded on impact. King uncovered himself and was met with Spory rushing him with Fury Cutter. "Powder Snow!" the boy shouted with a wince. If even one of those hits him directly, it's all over.
King blasted the strongest gust he had ever created at the Parasect. Unfortunately, the water-type couldn't fully control his technique and sent it higher than intended. Spory hissed its agony and recoiled as the ice-type move hit its mushroom. Ash's eyes narrowed at the reaction. Parasect are sometimes called the Parasitic Pokemon could it be? His thoughts were cut off when King chirped and surged toward the insect.
"Now!" Erika shouted to the flailing bug. Spory gurgled weakly and extended a claw toward King. Abruptly, vines sprung up from beneath the Krabby and enveloped him. The Parasect's eyes narrowed and the vines began to glow. King shrieked and flailed as the vines drained him off his life force.
"Calm down and use Powder Snow!" Ash barked to the panicking crustacean. That's definitely Leech Seed! But when did she? Of course, she had Spory fire some Leech Seeds with the Seed Bomb! Leech Seeds aren't very durable though, so Spory must have fired them higher than the Seed Bombs. I might be out of my league here. He shook his head, now wasn't the time to start doubting himself. "You wanna switch out!" the trainer asked the freed crab.
King turned to him with a glare, insulted by the implication. "Alrighty then, let's go!" The crab gurgled his agreement and raised his claws. Ash fixed Erika with a confused look. While it wouldn't have been entirely honorable, he had still expected the Gym Leader to attack while he was considering switching.
"Ready to start again?" she inquired with a warm smile. The crab didn't give his trainer a chance to answer as he fired a Water Gun at the grass-type. "Energy Ball, full power," the raven-haired girl commanded her prior exhaustion nowhere to be found.
"Water Pulse!" Ash ordered gulping at the size of the still growing green orb. King sensed the trainer's urgency and poured every ounce of power into his attack. The Krabby blasted the rippling orb with a chirp. Spory's eyes widened when it realized the speed of its opponent's attack. The water-type's attack impacted with the orb with a hiss. Then, the Energy Ball exploded, throwing Spory feet from it throwing it back into a tree. King sagged with relief while Ash sighed.
The trainer's eyes shot open when he heard his Pokemon gurgle worriedly. The Parasect had risen back onto its feet and was glaring at the crab. King took a step back as the bug-type rushed him. "Slash and Fury Cutter!" Erika ordered her eyes narrowed.
"Water Gun! Don't let it get close!" Ash told the crab in a rush. The Krabby's blasts were blocked with ease by a yellow pincer, while the white one glowing with Slash, cocked back. "Try for the mushroom," the trainer muttered, taking a deep calming breath. King heard him, judging by the twitch of his claws. A Water Gun grazed the pink growth on Spory's back, drawing blood. The Parasect hissed and lost control over Slash, but continued its attack.
His Pokemon narrowly scrambled out of the bug's path, and shot a gust of snowy wind at the back of Spory's mushroom. "Spory!" the Gym Leader cried worriedly as the bug-grass-type flailed and chirped. King inhaled as deeply as he could and blasted another Powder Snow at Spory. The Parasect stilled, and then its legs gave out. Ash cheered and pumped his fist. King waved his dominant claw at his trainer in a weak salute. The trainer grinned and raised his arm in a similar fashion.
"In the match of Parasect versus Krabby, the winner is Krabby!" the referee declared, pointing her flag toward the exhausted water-type.
"I apologize," Erika told him quietly as she recalled the powerful insect. "I underestimated you, from here on out I shall treat you with more respect," she finished with a small smile.
"I could say the same," Ash admitted as he grinned back at the Gym Leader. "King you did great, but it's time to come back," he told the crab in a warm tone. The crab shot him a grateful look before being consumed by a red light. Erika quickly released her next Pokemon, a Jumpluff. The Jumpluff was a blue Pokemon with a large ball of cotton on both sides, and another on the Pokemon's head. The Hoppip line are as fragile as they are fast. "Go Gore!" the trainer cried as he released his partner. The boy was confident his partner could bring it down with a single blow.
The swine grunted upon release and glared at his opponent. Then the boar sniffed the air, and collapsed with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. "God damn it, Gore," Ash muttered face palming. Erika blinked at the blissful look on the ice-type's face.
"Sho-should we do something for it?" the raven-haired woman asked her challenger, glancing at the boar worriedly.
"You can just attack him," Ash said, rolling his eyes.
"Very well, then Bullet Seed, Cotton," the Gym Leader ordered her brow furrowed. The Jumpluff chirped, and then spat four glowing seeds at the Piloswine. Gore grunted and shook his head vigorously after being struck by the move. As his trainer predicted, the swine, then turned to his opponent with a fierce glare. The ice-type inhaled deeply and spat a gust of snowy wind at his opponent. Cotton squeaked fearfully before quickly ascending into the air.
"Ice Shard," Ash suggested quietly with a frown. I didn't realize they were that quick. Gore snorted and sent a chunk of ice at the Jumpluff. The grass-flying type dodged it with ease and hooked back around toward its opponent. The boar growled and blasted Ice Shard after Ice Shard at his tiny adversary. The trainer's eyes narrowed when Cotton evaded them as easily as the first, and hardly slowed as it did. Could it have Chlorophyll like Bulbasaur?
The Jumpluff squeaked and fired several seeds at its opponent. "Icy-" his command was too late; three of the seeds hit the Piloswine's right side and exploded. The swine squealed as he was thrown onto his side. "Gore get up!"
"Giga Drain quickly!" the Gym Leader barked at the grass-type. The Jumpluff did a flip in the air and dove back down toward the swine.
"Avalanche!" Ash barked panic in his tone.
"Get back up!" Erika shouted her eyes wide with horror. Cotton squeaked and weaved around the chunks of ice flying at it. The Jumpluff ascended quickly, but Gore had a chunk of ice waiting for it. It shrieked as one of its balls of cotton was covered in frost. Having lost one of its Cotton was struggling to stay aloft.
"Finish it!" Ash ordered with a wide grin. Gore roared and the rest of the ice slammed into his adversary from below. The ice-type breathed in deeply before releasing a powerful gust of snowy wind at Cotton. The grass-type was saved by a scarlet light before the swine's attack could consume it. Gore blinked confused with the disappearance of his enemy. "Great job buddy!" the trainer cheered.
"In the match of Jumpluff versus Piloswine, the winner is Piloswine!" the referee declared astonishment in her tone. Gore squealed happily and sprinted to his trainer with his tongue hanging out of his mouth.
"Gore wai-" Ash grimaced as his partner rammed the psychic barrier. The swine whined and shook his head. Gore poked the psychic wall with a hoof and grunted. "It's a barrier," the trainer said pinching the bridge of his nose. He glanced back at the Gym Leader who was staring at the ice-type without emotion.
"You're very strong for your age," Erika told him as she drew another Pokeball. "But," she continued when he beamed. "Never in the four years I've ruled Celadon, has a rookie ever defeated Vinya," the grass-type specialist said as she released her final Pokemon. The Pokemon she released was a Tangrowth. Vinya was a Pokemon whose body was obscured in blue vines and had six thick vines as its arms. The Pokemon stood closer to seven feet than six, and likely weighed over three-hundred pounds. The Pokemon gurgled happily before rushing to its trainer and Bloom with its arms spread wide. Ash winced as it hit the barrier at full speed. The psychics here sure have a weird sense of humor.
"Gore get ready!" he barked pointing at Vinya. The Piloswine blinked at the grass-type and then turned back to his trainer. "It's what we made the plan for," the trainer whispered. The swine stared at him, and for a moment Ash was frightened he had forgotten their strategy. Then the ice-type snorted and faced his opponent. "On my mark," Ash muttered sighing in relief.
xxx
Alternatively titled Sexism goes both ways.
I'm going with the game version of Erika. I think I can do more with that version of her.
People seem to dislike anime Erika anyway, so I doubt that's going to bother anyone.