The Greatest Pokemon Trainer

by Victor Soul

Join Charles Roberts, his Pikachu and his travelling companions as he attempts to become the ultimate Pokemon Trainer. On his travels he will meet new friends, rivals and many Pokemon to capture. Follow him on his journey to be the best, like no one ever was. (OC x harem)

34. A Toxic Battle

Here's the next chapter, hope you'll enjoy it :)

Important Notice: The Potential Pokemon List has gotten to long for me to manage so I'm sorry to say that I can't take anymore suggestions until it goes down a bit more. I'll put on the Pokemon you suggested in the last chapter, but no more after that please. Thank you so much for all your help, you have been a great help to this story.

pokemonking0924 -Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Apollo and Tomoe are definitely going to have more moments together in the future at Alice's expense. They both seemed to work well together. Although, I have to admit it wasn't my best chapter. There are some places I could have improved, but I'm glad you like the interactions between the characters. I like Tommy as a character and I will definitely have Flo carry him around in a bucket. It's such a sweet idea. Hope you'll enjoy this chapter.

Djinn - Thanks so much, hope you like this chapter as well.

Kunoichi69 - Thank you, I thought it was about time they travelled together for a while. Apollo and Tomoe are great together and I feel like they will be great friends (or comrades) in the future along with Atlas and Ruby. I'm glad you liked Team Rocket's appearance. In the original episode, they wanted to train ekans and koffing so they can evolve, but I reckoned they needed an entire day to do that. They will play a much larger part in this chapter. It's actually quite fun thinking of how Pokemon would sound like. For example: sharpedo speaking like pirates and always ending their sentences with 'Arrr!'. I hope you like the next chapter.

colbylast - That's a shame. Thank you for giving the story a go anyway, I really appreciate it.

TurboDriver07 - Thank you so much. Good point about the excavator machine. I wonder if they do use the same place. Flo may not have a strong Pokemon now, but she will definitely catch one when the team go to the safari zone. But, for now, Tommy is great, honest and hard-working diglett and will be a valued member of her team. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the next chapter.

SkullGreymonX - Thank you so much. I need to make a note on where Alice will get her other police supplies, that might have to tie in with another chapter. Flo does have her main First Aid kit in her bag pack, but (I don't think I've mentioned this before) she also has a smaller emergency grab bag that hangs of the back of her bag pack filled with plasters, bandages and other smaller supplies. I'm glad you liked the character interactions, they were quite fun to write. Thanks for reading.

Guest - I think they definitely bonded more in this chapter. I don't think I've written a scene with just Charles and Brock. I feel like they can connect over Pokemon care and grooming. While Alice and Misty seemed to love being pampered. I need to make sure Flo and Ash are included more and they as well bond with the others so they don't get left out.

wellingtonlucas282 - No problem, glad that you enjoyed it.

supriya700000 - Thank you, I'll keep it in mind. I agree that some parts of the last chapter dragged on a little, but I reassure you that this one will be much better. Thank you for reading.

Guest2 - Thank you so much. I thought Ash's primape should appear at some point since they seemed to get along after the fighting episode in the anime. I suppose Team Rocket has some off days and this was one of them. Makes you wonder what they could achieve if they stopped being...well evil. I can't wait for the safari zone either, I've got some good ideas what can happen. Thanks for reading and I've added your suggestions to the list.

Lovely - Thanks so much. Personally, I don't think it was my best work and it could have improved in some ways, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. I have written your suggestion down, so I'll be sure to remember it. I've also added your suggestions to the PPL. Thanks again.

FartNinja - I know what you mean about the machine. I also like your other idea, I have to involve it in the story. Thanks for reading.

Guest - Thank you, I usually use Pokemon Database as a point of reference for this story. Technically, Pikachu would have to use a TM machine to learn Rain Dance, but never mind. Thank you for reading.

GoMagikarp - That sounds hilarious. I believe Alice will be getting a lickitung so I make sure to remember it. Thanks.

Guest - Thank you so much, you are too kind. I really like your suggestions, especially the first one. I can imagine them taking up a whole day trying to figure out what it could be.

---

Chapter 33: A Toxic Battle

Outskirts Of Fuchsia City

In the middle of a dense, overgrown forest, six children and two pikachu navigated their way through the bushes and foliage towards the Fuchsia City gym. They had arrived at the city just the previous day and they can firmly say that is was, by far, the smallest out of the ones they already been to. With its old fashioned wooden buildings that were in a state of decay and roads so full of potholes that it meant travelling by car almost impossible, the team were quite appalled. The only building that remotely looked new was the Pokemon Centre and the Nurse Joy was quite surprised to see them. Judging by how she was so enrapt in her book she didn't notice them until they walked up to her desk, she didn't get many guests at her Centre.

After they rearranged their teams they asked the Nurse where they Fuchsia gym was, but imagine their surprise when they discovered that the gym was not in the city, but located somewhere in the forest. At that point they were too tired to ask why and decided to leave the very next day with directions from Nurse Joy. It was midday now and they haven't found any sign of any gym so far and decided to take a rest. They had found a large boulder by a small stream and sat down on it. Brock was grooming his vulpix, Flo was polishing her pokeballs, Charles and Ash we're discussing battle strategies while their pikachu listened in and Misty and Alice were talking to each other.

"You caught a farfetch'd," Misty said, "I've always wanted one. They look so cool."

Alice nodded, "She sure is. Tomoe was able to take down Atlas and nearly defeat Apollo. She's super strong...although a little uptight."

"I heard they make a great soup, especially if you cook their leek with it," Brock said looking up from his grooming.

"Brock," Charles warmed in a serious tone over his shoulder.

"I-I mean that's what I heard. I'll never do it personally," he stammered.

Misty giggled before she looked down at her pokeballs, "I'm a little jealous. You were able to catch a tentacool and a farfetch'd before me. All i've got is a lousy-"

Suddenly, one of Misty's pokeballs opened up to reveal a new Pokemon. It looked like a large duck with yellow feathers, a wide bill, three strands of brown hair on the top of it's head and round eyes that held no sort of intelligence in them. It held its winged hands up to to the sides of its head and looked around as if completely confused about its surroundings. Misty rolled her eyes in irritation.

"Psyduck!" she cried out as Charles took the opportunity to scan it with his pokedex.

Psyduck: Always tormented by headaches. It uses psychic powers, but it is not known if it intends to do so.

Misty sighed in irritation, "What did I say about coming out of your pokeball without-"

"Squeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaalllllllll!"

Everyone, except for Psyduck, covered their ears as a high-pitched squeal almost damaged their eardrums. The perpetrator of the sound immediately leapt toward the Pokemon and kneeled down beside him, holding her hands to her cheeks.

"A psyduck!" Flo squealed once again, her face filled with absolute delight "Oh my goodness, it's so cute! It's so cute! IT'S CUTE!"

("I think I've gone deaf,") Pikachu muttered as he rubbed his aching ears.

"Yeah, so have I?" Ash agreed as he rubbed his ears as well.

Misty gave Flo an odd look as she continued to admire her psyduck; she could practically see her eyes sparkle, "Errr...you like psyduck, I assume."

"That's putting it lightly," Charles chuckled, "They're her favourite Pokemon."

"What why? What's so special about them?"

She leaned her head back when Flo got in her face, grinning excitedly, "What isn't special about them!" she countered before she pointed at the psyduck behind her, "Look at those round eyes, the soft feathers, the adorable way his tilts its head. He's such a sweetie! Can I hug him!?"

"B-be my guest," Misty stammered.

Flo gasped in joy and leapt over to psyduck and wrapped her arms around him...only to find that she was just hugging open air. She fell onto the ground painfully, but soon recovered and looked around to see where he went. She found him on the bank stream and drinking its water, completely oblivious of what happened.

"Must have been thirsty," Misty giggled as Flo got to her feet.

"That's not a problem," Flo said as she made her way up to the drinking psyduck, "I'll wait for him to be done and then-"

Suddenly, Psyduck straightened himself up, turned around and ran back to Misty and leapt onto her lap. The young Nurse Joy's face dropped in utter despair as Psyduck ignored her.

"Okay...that hurt a bit," Flo uttered, earning an apologetic look from Misty before her face brightened.

"Wait!" she cried out turning to Charles hopefully, "I almost forgot you can talk to Pokemon. Do you mind helping me with Psyduck? It's...well, kind of hard to tell what he's thinking of...at all."

"Thinking of?" Charles questioned.

"Yeah, like how's he feeling, what's his goal in life, why he decided to join me. Stuff like that. It would really help me understand him more," she explained excitedly, "Can you help me?"

"Hmm, never really had talked to a psyduck before," he mumbled thoughtfully before he nodded, "Yes, of course," he decided before turning to the Pokemon in her lap, "Hello Psyduck, my name is Charles. I'm able to communicate with Pokemon so if you want Misty to know anything then I can translate it. Tell me, how are you feeling?"

Psyduck looked up at him with a blank look and tilted his head to the other side while Charles waited patiently for him to respond. Eventually, the Pokemon opened it's bill and quacked out, in an even tone, an answer.

("Psyduck!") he said.

...

...

...

...

Charles blinked in confusion, "I'm sorry?"

("Psyduck?") he quacked again.

"Okay...what's your goal when you decided to join Misty's team?"

("Psyduck?")

"What are your likes and dislikes?"

("Psyduck?")

"What's...your favourite... colour?" he asked, staring to run out of ideas.

("Psyduck?") he responded once again, causing him to sweat drop.

Misty grinned eagerly, "So, what did he say?

"Err...well..." he stammered awkwardly, "...Psyduck."

"Yes, Psyduck, what did he say?"

"No...he said, 'Psyduck'...just 'Psyduck'."

Misty gave him a blank look before looking down at the psyduck in her lap while the Pokemon looked up at her. After a few seconds, her face turned scarlet and an angry tick mark appeared on her forehead.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME! ALL THIS TIME YOU'VE JUST BEEN SAYING YOUR NAME!" Misty screamed as the Pokemon leapt of her lap, "I THOUGHT YOU WOULD HAVE A LEAST SOMETHING INTERESTING TO SAY!"

She slumped forwards, allowing Charles to rub her back reassuringly, "Yeah, sorry. Some Pokemon are like that. But at least he's a Water type, I'll bet he'll be really great during water battles."

"He can't swim," Misty mumbled, causing Charles to sweat drop.

("Yikes,") Benny uttered, looking over at the oblivious psyduck.

Misty sighed, "I don't what to do with him. It's not like I could just release him into the wild or something."

Flo gasped and sat beside her on the boulder, "Why don't I take him off your hands. I would love to have him."

"You want to do a trade," Misty said, her mood turning 180 degrees, "That's sounds great."

Flo frowned slightly, "Well, maybe not a trade. My Pokemon are my best friends, but if you don't want him then I'll look after him."

"That's fine by me! He gives me a such a headache so please take him."

"Then we have a deal," Flo said, putting out her hand.

Misty raised her own hand to shake, "Dea-"

"Misty Waterflower and Florence Joy!" Charles cried out seriously, shocking the two girls.

They turned and saw that he was standing over them. His arms were crossed over his chest and he looked down at them in disappointment which scared them a little bit.

"Hey, what are you full naming us for?" Flo asked.

"Your full name's Florence?" Ash said in surprise, "I thought Flo was your real name."

"Ash, we've known each over for over five years," Flo sighed.

Charles ignored it and continued to glare down at them, "I can't believe what you were about to do. Psyduck may not be ideal to you Misty, but he's not object you can just give to somebody else. He's a Pokemon with feelings and emotions...despite appearances. Flo, you should know better then this," he scolded angrily.

"But Charles, I didn't want him to join in the first place," Misty complained, "It was an accident. He just followed me one day and wouldn't leave."

"He wanted to be with you and now you want to get rid of him? That's even worse."

"...Well, when you put it like that."

"Wait Charles," Flo calmly said, "Nobody knows what Psyduck is thinking so is there's a way that maybe he wants to leave Misty. Maybe we can do a test or something and then we'll decided who gets to keep him."

He hummed and rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Well, there might be a way."

---

Two Minutes Later

Charles put Psyduck down on the ground and kneeled down to his height, "Okay, Psyduck. Misty is over there," he said pointing to said girl standing a few meters away, "and over there is Flo," he pointed to the pink-haired girl standing a few meters away on the other side of Psyduck, "Go over to who you would like to travel with. Do you understand?"

("I see you're going for the scientific method,") Benny sarcastically said as he stood his shoulder.

"It's the best way and it's not too complicated for Psyduck to understand," he said while the Pokemon looked around with a puzzled look, "Well, let's hope he does understand."

"Come on, Psyduck!" Flo called out encouragingly, "I'll make sure to comb your feathers every day and give you lots of hugs!"

"Yeah go with Flo! She'll take care of you!" Misty cried, earning a sigh from Charles.

"Not what I had in mind Misty, but fine."

Psyduck looked at Flo and then at Misty and then back again. He kept looking between them as both girls yelled out encouragements on both sides. His head turned to Flo and he looked at her for a few seconds. She gasped happily, thinking that he had chosen her, but then he turned away and began walking over to Misty, much to their horror.

"No, no, no, no, no!" Misty cried as he got closer and closer to her before he hugged her leg, "No! Damn it! Pysduck!"

Charles raised his arm towards Misty, "Looks like we've got a winner."

Flo fell to her knees as tears began to form in her eyes, "No...Pysduck," she uttered.

"You're being overdramatic Flo," Alice said with a roll of her eyes.

While this was going on, Benny's ears twitched as he heard something. It sounded like a shrill cry from somewhere up in the trees and he turned around to see where it had come from. He scanned the trees, searching for the source of the sound when suddenly, out of the corner of Benny's eyes, something round and furry moved in the branches of a tree. He tried to look for it but it disappeared without a trace, causing him to hum curiously. However, before he could investigate more, Ash stood up on the boulder and pumped his fist in the air.

"Come on, I'm no longer tired! Let's get to the gym now and win the next bade!" he declared boldly.

Brock rolled his eyes at his antics and returned Vulpix to her ball, "Fine, is everybody ready to go."

"We're ready," Charles said as Benny nodded in agreement.

Misty returned Psyduck to her pokeball with a sigh, "Yeah, whatever."

Alice lifted a weeping Flo and put her arm around her shoulder to support her, "Yeah, we can go," she said with a thumbs up.

"Psyduck," Flo moaned.

The children and their Pokemon continued their journey through the dense forest. Benny cast a look back at the trees one last time before he shook his head.

He must be seeing things.

---

Fuchsia City Gym

"Is this the place?" Ash asked in astonishment.

"It's huge. It's like a palace," Flo agreed.

"I can't believe something like this exists right in the middle of the forest," Brock added as they all stared up at the giant gateway.

Before them was a giant wayo-style mansion complex situated on the side of cliff overlooking a ravine. There were several buildings of varying heights and sizes had lapis blue roof tiles and walls made of white plaster and wooden beams surrounded by a tall wall. The entrance, being a large wooden gate with a decorative rope hung up on the side of it, was open to reveal one of the largest of the buildings whose wings are connected to two other buildings nearby. To the left inside the complex was a few trees in a courtyard and to their right was a small green area with a round pond in the middle of it. However, despite its large size, there was nobody around. No human or Pokemon roamed the entire place, making it seem like it was abandoned. An eerie silence filled the area which caused them to shiver slightly.

"Do you think we can just go in?" Misty asked as they cautiously stepped inside the complex, "There's no sign or…anything."

("Maybe it's closed, for the day") Pikachu suggested from Ash's head.

Charles shook his head, "Nurse Joy would have mentioned if it was closed. Let's go in through the main door. There could be a receptionist or a worker."

Benny nodded in agreement before his ears twitched again, causing him to look up at the roof tops in time to see a shadowy figure leaning down at them before it darted away. Benny narrowed his eyes suspiciously and hummed, catching Charles' attention.

"Something wrong?"

("I don't know,") he replied, ("I think somethings following us. I'll keep an eye out.")

"Alright," he whispered back, also casting a look around his surroundings.

They climbed up the wooden steps to the entrance and slid the shoji door to the side to reveal an empty, plain corridor. They stepped in, the wooden floorboards creaking beneath their feet echoed throughout the building.

"Huh, okay. That's weird," Charles hummed.

"Where is everybody?" Ash murmured, "Are you sure this is a gym?"

Alice nodded, "According to the map and Nurse Joy, this is the place."

Misty hummed in agreement as she leaned against the right-hand wall, "Besides, how many giant mansions do you think are in this-AH!" she cried out as the wall gave way from underneath her, causing her to fall backwards.

Before anybody could do anything, Misty fell through the newly opened passage before the wall swung shut in front of her.

"Misty!" they all shouted in worry.

"I'm fine," the voice of Misty called out from the other side, "Can somebody get me out of here! It's really dark!"

Brock placed a hand on the plaster wall and gently pushed it open to reveal Misty rubbing her back as she sat on the floor of the darkened passage.

"Ow!" Misty moaned, "Why would you build something like this."

"Looks like a secret exit," Alice said, "I've read that ancient estates have things like this in case of raider attacks. It's pretty cool."

"Don't forget painful," Misty muttered.

Benny's and Pikachu's ears twitched at they heard a sound coming from down the dark passage.

("There's that sound again,") Benny muttered.

("What was that?") Pikachu whispered.

Before anyone could investigate more, something darted out of the darkness and jumped over the shocked Misty. The blur leapt and collided against Alice's stomach before jumping off her like a springboard and slammed into Ash's face, making Pikachu leap off onto Flo's shoulder at the last moment. The two fell onto the ground in pain as the fuzzy blur leapt of Ash and landed in the middle of the corridor and turned towards them with a mocking grin.

It was a short bipedal Pokemon with a round body covered in purple fur, a pincer-like mouth with two teeth poking out of it, two tanned forepaws, two white antennae poking out the top of its body, and two large red compound eyes. It seemed to giggle in delight at the sight of Alice and Ash as they recovered from their hits and dance in a circle joyfully.

("Hehe! That was fun!") she giggled, ("I bet none of you saw me coming.")

("A venonat. That's what's been following us all day,") Benny muttered as Charles took out his pokdex.

Venonat: Its large eyes act as radars. In a bright place, you can see that they are clusters of many tiny eyes.

Alice sat up and glared at the Pokemon, "Hey! What was that for!?"

"That hurt!" Ash snarled at the cackling venonat.

Misty only took one look at the venonat before she squeaked in fear and hid being Charles, "Ah! A Bug type! I can't believe it almost touched me."

The venonat leapt cheerfully in the air before it spun on its heels and sped down the corridor, ("Bet you can't catch me!") she called back to them as she rounded a corner.

Ash jumped to his feet and pointed aggressively at the direction it went, "Come back here!"

"You're not getting away with this," Alice shouted as she and Ash ran after her down the corridor.

"Wait stop! She's baiting you. She wants you to..." Charles sighed when they ignored him and turned the corner, "...follow her."

Brock gave him a nod and took off as well, "I'll catch up to them!"

Charles, Flo, Benny and Pikachu watched him go around the corner as well and shook their heads in disappointment, "I suppose we have to go after them as well," Flo said.

They were about to walk down the hallway when Charles felt Misty grab onto his coat and hold him back. He looked back at her and noticed her shivering in fear, her eyes darting all over the place.

"Err... Misty?"

"If there's Bug Pokemon then there's definitely more somewhere," she muttered, causing him to hum in concern.

---

Meanwhile, Alice and Ash ran after the venonat down the empty corridors, hearing the Pokemon's high-pitched taunts echo down the hallways. They saw it hopping around merrily away, going down one hallway after another. Ash was catching up to the Pokemon when suddenly he shouted in pain. Alice stopped short when she saw Ash get electrocuted before he fell to his knees, his body starting to smoke a little.

"Ash, are you okay?" she cried as carefully ran over to him.

She looked around and saw the floorboards in front of him open up to reveal an voltorb, glaring back up at them.

Alice hooked her arms underneath Ash's arms and dragged him away from the electric type Pokemon, "What is this place?" she muttered.

The sound of footsteps alerted her to Brock's presence, "Alice!" he looked down at the dishevelled Ash, "What happened to him?"

"Voltorb," she answered, pointing to red and white Pokemon who was crackling with electricity, "they floor just opened up and it electrocuted him."

They heard a high pitched squeak coming from the end of the hallway where they saw venonat appear and began jumping up and down. Ash immediately recovered and jumped to his feet, pointing accusingly at the Bug Pokemon.

"Hey, you did that on purpose!"

The venonat merely giggled and skipped away, causing him to growl angrily, leap over the voltorb in his hole and continue to run after it.

"Why you-oof!" he cried before he ran into something.

Alice and Brock raised an eyebrow as they saw him crash into...well, nothing. It was as if an invisible wall suddenly appeared in front of him out of nowhere. They too jumped over the voltorb, ran over to a infuriated Ash and reached out carefully. They felt their hands collide with the solid invisible barrier, reaching from floor to ceiling and wall to wall, preventing them from travelling further down the hallway.

"It's glass," Brock muttered, "But the venonat passed by here. How did it get through."

Alice looked around and saw a gap in the wall in the exact place the barrier was, "Looks like it slid out from there after the Venonat went by. We could be dealing with more then one person here."

Ash jumped up and instantly began hammering his fist against the wall, "Hey! Let us through! I just want a gym battle!"

"It's no use," Alice sighed as she walked back down the hallway, "We have to go back the wa-"

THUNK!

"OW! Alice cried as her forehead smacked into something. She stepped back and rubbed her head to relive the pain before reaching out and feeling another invisible barrier, "Another one," she muttered before her eyes widened in realisation, "We're trapped."

"What?" Brock sputtered as he felt the other wall as well, "Oh no, we are."

Ash began to pound on the invisible wall, "Help! Somebody let us out!"

They sighed in relief when they saw Charles, Flo, Misty and their Pikachu go around the bend and run up to them, making sure to avoid the voltorb still in the floor.

"Charles!" Alice cried as she knocked on the wall, "There are two glass walls keeping us trapped in here! We can't get out."

"Hold on! You must have triggered some mechanism. We'll find it!" he called back as he and the others began studying the walls and floor for any kind of switch or pressure pad.

"This is so weird," Flo muttered, "What is this place?"

"I don't know, but let's get out of here before-"

Misty was interrupted as she and Charles, Flo and the Pokemon felt the floor fall out from beneath them like a trap door. They screamed in shock as they fell into the dark pit before the floor rose up once more and snapped back into place, muffling their cries completely. Brock, Ash and Alice gaped in horror as they watched them plummet somewhere and pounded on the glass wall as, trying to get through to help them. As they began to shout out their names through the wall, the venonat peeked around a corner at them and lifted her foot of a pressure pad disguised as a floorboard. She giggled in delight before she hopped away to cause more mischief.

---

The Basement

BANG!

"OW!"

"OUCH!"

"Damn it! I landed on my back again!"

"Someone's foot is in my face."

("Someone is sitting on me!")

"Hey, what's this?"

("Ow! Stop that's my tail!")

"Oh sorry."

"Charles, is that you? Where are you?"

"Right here. Who is that grabbing my leg?"

("It's me.")

"And the other leg?"

("That's me.")

"Right, Pikachu, Benny climb up to my shoulder, so you're safe. Girls reach out and grab my arm so I know where you are."

"Okay."

"Got it."

"Huh, Charles you're a lot skinnier then I remember."

"Yeah, and why do you smell like chlorine."

They saw a red beam of light and heard the sound of a pokeball, before Pyro appeared with his flame tail illuminating the dark room they were in. Charles, with Benny and Pikachu on both of his shoulders, looked down and saw Misty and Flo clinging to each others arms tightly as they knelt on the floor and tried his best to not chuckle. Once the two girls realised what they were holding on to they let it go and glared angrily at the other.

"Who you calling skinny?" Flo demanded.

"Never mind that, I do not smell like chlorine. I shower after every swim...I mean not always if I'm in a rush, but I still do it."

"Girls, can we focus on getting out of here," Charles sighed before he turned to Pyro, "Sorry for bringing you out early."

("It's no problem,") the charmeleon happily said before looking around, ("Is this the gym?")

"We don't exactly know," Charles answered as he looked around as well.

It was a large spacious room with plaster walls and the wooden floor were segmented in square panels. There were no lanterns and, like the hallways above their heads, there was other furnishings or anything. Just a plain, normal basement...although that's what they thought about the hallways. Charles squinted in the dark and spotted a wooden door on the other end of the room.

Charles hummed thoughtfully before he stepped forwards onto one of the square tiles, "Alright, let's move carefully. We don't want to set off anymore tra-" he felt the tile sink into the floor.

Creak! Clang!

"Oh for goodness sake," Charles muttered as heard the unmistakable sound of a trap being set off.

Flo and Misty reached out and grabbed the collar of Charles' coat and pulled him back. Not a moment later, a stone pillar slammed down from where he was standing, right on the square tile. They stared in utter shock the pillar that had almost killed him for a few seconds before Flo decided to speak up.

"Why don't we not move until somebody comes and gets us," she suggested.

"Sounds good," they all agreed.

Suddenly, the door at the end of the room opened up to reveal a man in his thirties with fair skin, spiky black hair and sharp facial features. He wore a blue ninja uniform and a long red scarf that flowed to his side. He raised an eyebrow as he saw them huddled together in the middle of the room as if confused why they were there.

"And who might you be?" he asked in a serious tone.

("That didn't take long,") Benny murmured.

---

Hallways

A Couple Minutes Earlier

Alice, Brock and Ash watched in horror as the trapdoor snapped back into place, covering up the hole that their friends fell into. Alice and Ash hammered at the invisible wall as they tried to break through and rescue them.

"Pikachu! Misty!" Ash cried.

"Charles! Flo!" Alice shouted in fear.

Brock sighed and rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Guys don't panic. I think I may know a way out of here."

The two stopped what they were doing and turned to him in confusion, "You do?"

"Of course," he declared with a proud smile, "Every single part of this mansion holds some sort of trap, hidden passage or obstacle so anyone who walks in has to overcome so they can get to the gym leader. That means, in order to test our capabilities, there must be a secret way of getting out," Brock deduced before he pointed to the wall, "See that patch of paint on the wall. It's slightly lighter then the rest of wall."

Ash looked over and tilted his head, "Huh? You're right."

"That must be a mark for a secret passage," Brock deduced before he took a couple steps back, "Don't worry, I'm getting us out of here."

Alice smelled a familiar scent coming from mark on the wall and frowned, "Err...Brock, I don't think that's-"

But it was too late.

Brock ran full speed at the mark on the wall and lifted his arm to ram the wall. He jumped, braced himself for when he's goes through the fake wall and...

SMACK!

...slammed into the wall.

Like a character in a cartoon, Brock stayed stuck on the wall for a few seconds before he peeled off and dropped onto the floor with a painful thud. He held his shoulder as pain racked up and down his arm, tears rolling down his eyes.

"B-but why?" he croaked out.

Alice gave him a sympathetic look, "I was going to say that the mark smelled like a fresh coat of paint," she told him.

It turned out the wall was in fact...just a wall.

"Geez Brock," Ash chuckled as he leaned on the wall next to part the other boy slammed into, "You really need to look before you le-AH!" he cried suddenly as the part of the wall he was leaning on gave way, making him fall into another room.

"So close," Brock complained, seeing how close he was to finding the real secret passage.

It was a large, empty room with, just like the rest of the mansion, wooden floorboards and wooden panelled walls. On the far end of the room was a raised platform leading up to a small shrine and altar. The altar had two vases holding two leafy plants, a small wooden stool, and a hanging scroll with a kanji character just above it. It looked like some sort of dojo, large enough for people to spar in.

Alice giggled as she stepped over Brock and Ash and entered newly revealed room, "You guys really need to pay more attentio-"

SWISH! THUNK!

She froze in place as she felt something fly by her face unexpectedly. She turned her eyes towards the object that almost hit her and gulped when she saw shuriken embedded in wall behind her, the sharp points of the throwing star sparkling dangerously.

"Hahaha!," a female voice laughed from somewhere, "We finally meet."

Suddenly a person leapt down from the ceiling rafters and landed in a kneeling position on the wooden floor elegantly. It was a pretty woman in her fair skin, long green hair that was tied in long ponytail and blue eyes. She had rather sharp facial features like her nose and her eyebrows and wore a, rather short, pink ninja uniform, red ankle socks and waraji sandals. She kept her kneeling position, smirking proudly at the ground as she spoke to them.

"Born in darkness, living in darkness. Such is the fate of a ninja. I am Aya, ninja-warrior," she declared proudly.

"Hey, ninja-warrior I know your fate as well: being arrested for throwing a weapon at me!" Alice shot back angrily, "You almost killed me."

Aya chuckled and stood up to her full height, "Hah! That was merely a warning throw. You should thank me for my kindness. Besides, you and your trespasser friends are not entirely innocent either."

"Trespassing?" Ash asked in confusion as he got off up the floor, "We didn't know we were trespassing."

Suddenly, Ash and Alice were almost knocked off their feet as Brock came charging through. He grabbed a confused Aya's hand and looked up at her with a love-sick look.

"We may not have known we were trespassing, but you sure have trespassed into my heart," he declared dramatically before she slapped his hand and pushed him away in disgust.

Alice sighed and rolled her eyes at him, "You really go for any woman you see, huh?"

Ash heard a squeak come from Aya and turned to see the venonat hiding behind her legs. He gritted his teeth and pointed furiously at the Pokemon, "Hey! It's that venonat. So it's your Pokemon all along."

Aya rubbed the Pokemon's head comfortingly, "Venonat was the one to inform me that six stupid-looking people had snuck into our dojo..."

"Stupid-looking!"

"...for this dishonour, I will not let you leave until you challenge me in a Pokemon battle," she proclaimed before she presented a pokeball in her hand.

Ash got his pokeball off his belt, "Bring it on!"

"Stop it! The both of you!" a new voice called out, surprising the three of them.

They turned and saw the serious-looking man from before standing at the entrance of the dojo. Behind him, they saw Charles, Pikachu, Benny, Flo and Misty looking over his shoulder at what was going on.

"Pikachu!" Ash cried.

("Ash!") Pikachu cried out as well as he hopped down from Misty's shoulder and scampered towards them.

Alice sighed in relief and ran up to them, "I'm so glad you guys are safe," she said, hugging Charles and Flo at the same time, "What happened? Where did you guys go?"

"We fell into the basement," Flo said before frowning slightly, "and Charles almost got crushed."

"W-what?"

"But I'm fine now," Charles insisted, before nodding towards the man, "Luckily, he was able to get us out of there."

The man entered the dojo and shook his head at a grumpy Aya, "Must you always use violence to solve your problems, dear sister."

"Sister!?" Ash, Brock and Alice shouted in shock.

"Yep," Charles said, "Guys, this is Koga. Also known as the Poisonous Ninja Master and the Fuchsia City gym leader and I believe you already met his sister, Aya."

The female ninja glared back at her brother, "But Koga they were-"

"It was an honest mistake," he interrupted, "They didn't see the doorbell when they entered."

"Doorbell?" Brock asked.

"You know that rope on the side of the gate," Flo answered.

"That was a doorbell," Alice said, "I thought it was for decoration. It totally didn't look like a doorbell."

Aya frowned in confusion, "But there's a sign right underneath..." she trailed off before she looked down at Venonat not making eye contact, trying her best to look as innocent as possible, "Oh Venonat, not again," she sighed.

("I don't know what you're talking about,") she lied as Aya put her back in her pokeball.

"Koga!" Ash suddenly declared, "I challenge you to a Pokemon battle right now!"

("Not a great time, Ash,") Benny muttered.

Koga looked over at him and smirked, "A battle, you say. I don't see why not. Shall we begin now?"

"Yeah!" Ash cried out in excitement, but before they could get it started Aya stepped in front of Koga.

"Wait! Allow me to battle the challenger. With our training in the art of ninjutsu, Venonat and I shall defeat him swiftly and gracefully," she said while the Bug Pokemon jumped up and down excitedly.

Koga, however, shook his head, "Aya. You still have much to learn. The point of a gym battle is to test the challenger's worthiness, not the gym leaders. Besides, you are not an official gym leader and so the battle wouldn't count."

"But you let Janine battle in your place," Aya complained.

"My daughter is in training to be the next gym leader. It's essential for her to have the experience."

"That's so unfair," she complained, stomping her foot in annoyance.

"For a ninja-warrior she can be pretty childish," Alice mused.

Charles cleared his throat and caught Koga's and Aya's attention, "You know. I think I might have a solution. Since, I want to have a battle as well, why don't we-"

CRASH!

Out of nowhere, part of the ceiling of the dojo caved in on itself as something large fell through it. Everybody jumped at the sudden intrusion and turned to see, bizarrely enough, a five by three meter green, black and orange curtain. Nothing happened at first until they head the sound of a tsuzumi drum being struck and the curtain parted away to reveal three figures with their backs to them. One of them was clearly Meowth, but the other two were wearing colourful kabuki costumes and holding large red umbrellas that hid most of their appearance.

"Welcome to the show!" they announced, much to everyone's confusion, "now let our ancient performance begin!"

One of the figures stepped forward, still holding the umbrella in front of them, "Prepare for..."

"Benny it's them," Charles sighed.

("On it,") Benny said as he cheeks began to sparkle with electricity, causing the intruders to flinch.

"Wait!" Meowth cried desperately, "Please let us do this one. It took us ages to prepare our intro and we really want to do it."

Charles and Benny shared a look before shrugging, "Alright, fine, but just this once."

("I'm actually kind of curious,") Benny hummed.

"Thank you," the first figure said behind their umbrella, before she cleared her throat, "Prepare for trouble!"

"HA HO HA! And make it double! HO HO HA!" the other figure announced as he stepped forwards as well.

The first figure lifted her umbrella to reveal Jessie in her full Kabuki costume with her face painted white and a long bushy wig over her head, "To protect the world from devastation!"

James lifted his umbrella to reveal his face painted white with black markings and a red bushy wig, "To unite all people within out nation!"

"To renounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend out reach to the stars above!"

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket blasts of at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now or prepare...prepare to fight!"

"Meowth that's right!" Meowth announced jumping between the both of them.

Charles nodded and held up a board with the number '7' on it, "Not bad, pretty inventive and keeping to the overall theme."

Benny held up a board with the number '6' on it, ("I felt like Meowth could have dresses up as well. Kind of disappointing, but I liked it.")

"Where did you get those number boards from?" Flo asked with a sweat drop.

Team Rocket ripped off their costumes to reveal their usual clothing underneath, pokeballs ready in their hands.

"7 and 6? That make-up took ages to put on," James growled before he opened his pokeball to reveal her newly evolved weezing, "You'll pay for that. Weezing use Smog!"

("Hack Hack Hack!") the weezing coughed as if they had been chain smokers for most of their life, ("No problem, Hack! Hack! Hack!, Boss,") the larger head replied in deep raspy voice before he spewed a purple mist out of his two mouths.

However, before the Smog could get any where close to them, Charles had already brought out Pyro to fight, 'Weezing dispel gas so it can float. Hit it in the right place with a Fire type attack and the gas can ignite,' he thought before ordering, "Pyro use Ember."

The charmeleon opened its mouth and fired small balls of fire at the weezing. The Poison type Pokemon's eyes widened as it saw the fire balls coming at him. It braced itself as the fire balls pelted him with one hitting one of its pores. He heard a spark go off and then...

BANG!

The weezing was thrown back as the gas around him exploded, making him fly back and hit the far wall. James cried out in worry for his Pokemon, turning in time to see them slumped against the wall with swirls in their eyes.

"That was a low blow," James cried as he returned Weezing to his pokeball.

Charles was going to retort when he saw something heading towards Pyro at the corner of his eye, "Look out!"

Pyro turned, but it was too late. Jessie's arbok sunk its teeth into his arm, causing him to cry out in pain. Arbok released him and he stumbled back before falling onto his side, his body spasmed in pain meaning only one thing.

"Poison Fang," he muttered as he picked the injured Pyro up and put him back in his pokeball, "What were you saying about low blows?" he growled.

Meowth chuckled, "We're villains. Low blows and sneaky tricks are our special abilities. Now hand over all those Pokemon!"

"No way!" Ash shouted back.

Koga and Aya nodded in agreement, "We must work together to bring these intruders down."

"I quite agree," Aya said as she and her brother brought out their Pokemon.

"Don't forget us," Brock said as he, Misty, Flo and Alice also brought out their own pokeballs.

However, before they could release their Pokemon, Team Rocket stretched out their hands and threw some sort of pellet. As soon as the pellet hit them, it released a sticky glue-like substance that wrapped all around as if they were caught in a spinarak's web. They struggled against their bindings, their arms trap to their sides and unable to reach their pokeballs. Even Benny and Pikachu were stuck on their trainer's shoulders.

Aya frowned when she recognised what it was, "This is our capture gear? You stole this from our storage unit."

"We tend to use what we can find," James said.

"Waste not, want not, that's what I always say," Jessie sang.

"They were not going to waste!"

Flo struggled in her bindings, "Can anybody reach their pokeballs?"

The other shook their heads no, but Misty turned and looked at her bag she left on the floor, "I think I can get one of them out of my bag," she said before calling out, "Starmie, we need you come on out."

To her amazement, one of the pokeballs in her bag opened up as her Pokemon were released. However, that amazement soon left when she saw which one it was.

("Psyduck?") Psyduck quaked tilting his head in confusion.

"Damn it, Psyduck! I asked for Starmie, not you!" Misty cried out.

"EEEEEE!" Flo squealed, "Psyduck is here!"

The psyduck looked up at Misty, completely ignoring Flo, and tilted his head at her.

Misty sighed, "You want to battle?"

("Psyduck?")

"Fine, what moves can Psyduck use?" she asked turning to Charles.

---

(Battle Start)

"Try using Water Pulse," Charles said, however Psyduck shook his head, "You don't know that one?"

("Psyduck?")

"Right, what about Fury Swipes?"

("Psyduck?") he shook his head again.

"Err...Water Gun?"

("Psyduck?")

"Tail Whip?"

Psyduck paused for a moment before nodding his head.

Charles gave Misty a sheepish smile, "He only knows very, very basic moves."

Misty sighed again, "Alright, use Tail Whip!" she commanded.

The psyduck turned around with his back towards Arbok and wagged his tail at him. Arbok looked on with confusion, not quite sure what the point of that was; he didn't feel any different. Everyone fell over in despair at Psyduck's lacklustre attempt at an attack. All except Flo, who cooed happily at the sight of him trying his best.

"Err...okay. Try using Scratch," Charles encouraged.

"Psyduck use Scratch!" Misty ordered.

Psyduck raised its feathery wing, the tips of his fingers sparkled in the light as he charged towards Arbok. It reared its wing back and sent it swung it down onto the Arbok, ready to strike its opponent down...

...Arbok simply dodged and bit down on Psyduck's head, stopping his rather meager attack.

...

...

...

...

("Psyduck?") the Pokemon quaked in confusion before he began to flap its wings in panic, ("PSYDUCK? PSYDUCK? PSYDUCK?") it cried.

Arbok released him, allowing him to run around the dojo hysterically whilst he continued to flap his wings. Everyone, even Flo this time, sweat dropped at what he was doing.

("PSYDUCK? PSYDUCK? PSYDUCK?") it screamed in fear.

"What's it doing?" James said in confusion as he watched the Pokemon run around in circles.

("PSYDUCK? PSYDUCK? PSYDUCK?")

"It's gone absolutely loopy," Meowth uttered.

("PSYDUCK? PSYDUCK? PSYDUCK?")

("I honestly feel a little bad now,") Arbok admitted.

"Psyduck please calm down," Misty called out desperately.

("PSYDUCK? PSYD-URTS! HEAD HURTS! HEAD HURTS!")

Charles and Benny's eyes widened at the last cries.

'Wait did he just-' they both thought before they listened again.

("HEAD HURTS! MY HEAD HURTS! MY HEAD HURTS!")

("He's actually saying something,") Benny uttered before he realised, ("Charles, remember Psyducks and their headaches.")

"You're right," he gasped before turning to Flo, "Flo, what can cause headaches."

Flo frowned thoughtfully, "Err...stress...fluorescent lights...dehydration...listening to Alice snore when you're trying to sleep..."

"HEY!"

Charles nodded and turned to Psyduck who continued to run around aimlessly, "Psyduck we all depend on you! If you lose this battle, it'll be all your fault!"

("MY HEAD HURTS! MY HEAD HURTS!")

("Don't be so useless!) Benny piped up, ("You're a burden on everybody!")

("MY HEAD HURTS! MY HEAD HURTS! TOO MUCH STRESS!")

Charles looked over at Alice, "Alice, quick. You have to snore like you usually do."

"SHUT UP! I DON'T SNORE!" Alice roared.

("I'M GETTING STRESSED! I'M GETTING STRESSED! MY HEADACHE'S GETTING WORSE!")

"What are you doing," Misty asked in confusion, "You're making him worse."

"Precisely," Charles replied.

("You're no good, Psyduck!")

"You're awful!"

("You're just like your father!")

Meowth, who had been getting irritated by the second with Psyduck's yelling, stomped over to him and raised his paw, "Would you just shut up!"

He swatted Psyduck with his claw, sending him flying across the room and skidding across the floor. Misty and Flo cried out in worry for the Pokemon, but Charles gave a knowing smile; he knew that should be enough to awaken him.

After a few seconds, Psyduck got back to his feet and turned to Team Rocket. Everybody expected him to go another panic attack, but, to their surprise, the Psyduck looked different. The vacant look on his face has disappeared and was replaced by a steely determination. He didn't stare blankly, but glare at them; recognising them as his enemy. He raised a wing to the side of his head and pressed his claws to his temple. They were even more surprised when his eyes began to glow bright blue; power seeming to radiate off of him.

("You villains are rather uncouth,") he said in sophisticated tone, ("I shall deal with you now.")

"Huh? What now?" Jessie sighed in boredom, "Arbok, use Poison Fang."

Arbok snapped his jaws wide open and leapt towards the psyduck. However, Psyduck raised his other wing up at him and suddenly he stopped in mid-air. Arbok looked around in confusion and saw a blue aura surrounding him, preventing him from moving any closer.

("Quite the attempt, but it was not sufficient. Time for my retaliation,") Psyduck said before he threw Arbok back at Jessie.

The pink-haired woman had only a second to think before he own Pokemon slammed into her, knocking off her feet, "Ah!" she cried, "What was that!?"

"That would be Psyduck's Confusion," Charles answered simply, "When psyduck suffer from intense headaches they can unlock bursts of psychic powers."

Misty's eyes widened in surprise, "What? No way! Psyduck can use Psychic type moves."

"He sure can," Charles said, "Why don't you demonstrate, Psyduck."

("With pleasure,") Psycduck said as his eyes glowed blue once more.

An aura, just like the one that surrounded Arbok, now surrounded all of Team Rocket. They cried in shock as they felt themselves being lift off the ground and pushed together into one Team Rocket sized ball. Psyduck smirked as he put his wings together and closed his eyes in concentration.

("Enemies, BE GONE!") he proclaimed as he pushed his wings out in front of him.

Team Rocket cried again as they were thrown out of the hole they had crashed threw and hurled up into the air. They flew through the air, further and further until they were nothing but dots on the horizon.

"TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" they wailed in the distance.

(Battle End)

---

"Alright Psyduck!" Flo and Misty cried out happily.

("Naturally,") Psyduck said before he lifted his wing up and used his psychic powers to tear away the capture gear.

Everybody sighed in relief as they were free from the bindings. Flo took the chance and ran up to Psyduck, opening her arms up so she can give him a tight embrace.

"Oh Psyduck, you were wonderf-"

Before she could put her arms around him, however, Psyduck leapt out of the way and ran up to hug Misty's leg who petted his head for a job well done. Flo stared blankly at the spot he had been before she fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face.

"Psyduck," she whimpered as Alice and Brock came up to her and patted her on the back.

Charles gave a small chuckle before he noticed Koga and Aya walking up to him and Ash, "That was...quite something," Koga said, "thank you for trying your best to protect the gym. I hope you're Charmeleon is alright."

"He will be once Flo has a look at him," Charles said before looking down at his pokeball, 'But I was going to use him for the battle. Damn, I think I have to come up with a different strategy."

"Hey Koga," Ash said, "Can we have our battle now. I really want my next badge."

Koga chuckled, "Such determination. Of course, we can."

"But I still insist I battle," Aya complained, before turning to Charles, "You want a gym battle as well. Perhaps if you battle him then I can battle Ash."

"Well, actually I was thinking of something else before we were interrupted," Charles said with a gentle smile, "Have you ever heard of a double battle?"

---

Courtyard

Koga had decided that the battle should take place in the courtyard outside rather from within the dojo. It made sense considering they needed the extra room and the amount of poisonous fumes being released will be a safety hazard in an enclosed space. On one side of the pitch, Koga and Aya stood with their pokeballs in hand while Charles with Benny on his shoulder and Ash stood on the other side, just as prepared. The others were on the side lines, eagerly waiting to begin.

"Challengers," Koga called out, "you are here to compete for the Fuchsia gym's Soul Badge and to continue your Pokemon journey."

"But in order to do that," Aya continued, "you must fight us in a double battle. Each challenger shall put forward three Pokemon each, six Pokemon on each team and twelve Pokemon in total."

Koga nodded, "If a Pokemon feints, the battle will pause until its trainer brings out their next fighter and then the battle will restart. If a challenger's Pokemon have all feinted then they are defeated. But if their partner has a healthy Pokemon then they may continue. Do you understand?"

Charles and Ash nodded, "Yes."

"I can't help but feel a little worried," Alice whispered to the others, "I feel like anything can happen in a double battle."

"Double battles are all about cooperation with your partners," Brock said as he crossed his arms over his chest, "As long as Ash and Charles work together then they've got a chance."

"It's still a little nerve-racking though," Misty admitted.

Koga and Aya held up their pokeballs, "The gym leaders shall present their Pokemon first," Aya announced.

Her older brother smirked proudly before he tossed his pokeball into the air, "Be swift like the wind and as strong as the mountains, show your worthiness Grimer!" he announced.

Everybody smelt the Pokemon before they saw it. The stench was putrid like rotting sewage that's been under the sun all day. It made everybody but the gym leaders gag and hold their nose in absolute disgust. They turned to see a weird greyish purple sludge of a Pokemon with round eyes, a gaping mouth showing a grey tongue and two gooey arms coming out of its slimy body.

"Arceus! What is that," Alice moaned in disgust.

"Oh no, not again!" Misty cried, "I thought we seen the last of them!"

Charles, while still holding his nose, took out his pokedex and scanned the new Pokemon

Grimer: Appears in filthy areas. Thrives by sucking up polluted sludge that is pumped out of factories.

("How can something like that be swift?") Benny questioned.

The grimer looked around and chuckled, ("Look-thhh like me ha-thhh got another battle,") it rasped in disgusting voice. It was unable to pronounce the letter 'S'. It instead came out as a hissing sound, ("don't be afraid of me. You get-ttthhh u-thhh-ed to me thhh-melll!")

It was Aya's turn. She tossed her pokeball and released her venonat, "Warrior, hidden in the shadows, strike your enemy down!"

As soon as venonat was out, it did a little happy dance a if she was taunting them, ("Hehe! More Pokemon to play with. Hehe!")

Grimer waved a slimy hand at his partner in greeting, ("Hello, Venonat. Long time, no thhh-ee .")

Venonat ducked as bit of goo flung at her from Grimer's waving, ("Hello Grimer,") she sighed miserably, ("it's time like these that I'm thankful that I don't have a nose.")

("You-thhh break-thhh me heart") Grimer chuckled, ("that i-thhh, if I had one in the fir-thh-t place.")

Charles hummed thoughtfully as he studied the two Pokemon, 'A grimer and a venonat. I need a Pokemon that can out-pace the both of them,' he decided before taking out his pokeball and releasing his first Pokemon, "come on out, Hurricane."

The butterfree appeared in a flash of light and began to flutter around excitedly, ("Yay! I've got another battle! Fear me! For I am the Hurricane!") he cheered as he made loops in the air.

"He's as excited as always," Flo giggled as she watched him fly around.

Misty giggled as well, "I haven't seen Hurricane since our gym battle. I wonder if he has gotten any better."

Ash smirked as he presented his pokeball, "Alright my turn, I choose you…" he released his Pokemon, "…Muk!"

Everybody gagged again as the rotting smell got ten times worse. Even Koga and Aya flinched at the stench hit their noses, feeling thankful that they were doing this outside instead of they nice, clean dojo. Ash's Pokemon was a Muk, the evolved form of grimer. It too was a blob of greyish purple sludge, but it was three times larger with a bigger mouth, bigger eyes and even smelling even more fouler. Charles pinched his nose with one hand and, with the other, took out his pokedex to scan it:

Muk: Thickly covered with a filthy, vile sludge. It is so toxic, even its footprints contain poison.

("This is becoming unbearable,") Pikachu muttered from on top of Brock's shoulder.

"Ash!" Misty complained as Flo began to give out the clothes pegs from her bag to everybody, "Why did you bring Muk out!"

Ash smiled at her proudly, "To fight fire with fire…or sludge with sludge."

Muk turned his slimy head at him, it's large mouth pulled back into happy smile, ("A-thhh-h!") it cried in a deep baritone voice, it too was unable to pronounce its 'S' properly, ("it'thhh thhh-o good to thhh-ee you. Give me a hug!")

Ash's eyes widened when he saw it coming at him with its gooey arms raised, "No Muk! No!"

("Big hug!") he happily cried as he pulled Ash into his slimy body, ("Big Hug!")

"Let…go…of…me," Ash gasped as he tried to get out of his embrace.

Benny and Hurricane watched on with sweat drops while Charles smiled proudly, "Aww Ash. He really likes you."

("Should we help him,") Benny questioned, (He looks like he's dying.")

"He's fine."

"Help…me…" Ash sputtered.

"Challengers," Koga called out with clothes pegs now on his and his sister's noses, "now you have chosen your Pokemon…let us begin!"

---

(Battle Starts)

"Alright! Muk use Mud Slap on Grimer!" Ash suddenly announced, managing to get the Pokemon off of him.

"Wait Ash!" Charles cried, but it was too late.

Muk had already scooped a chunk of mud out of the ground and tossed it at the grimer. The slime Pokemon looked concerned for a moment when Aya gave her order.

"Venonat use Psybeam on the Mud Shot," she commanded. Venonat jumped in front of grimer and fired a pink beam of light at the chunk of mud, making it explode mid-air, "Use Psybeam again on Muk."

Venonat fired another beam at the shocked Muk.

"Hurricane use Harden and block the Psybeam," Charles instructed.

The butterfree glowed for a second before it flew in front of the Psybeam, taking the hit. Hurricane was knocked back a few feet, but recovered a couple seconds later, ready to fight.

Charles turned to his partner, "Ash, what are you doing?"

"Huh? But Grimer's weak to Ground type attacks," Ash replied in confusion.

"I know, but look," Charles said pointing at their opponents, "Grimer relies on Venonat's speed to protect it from attacks. Once that happens, either Grimer or Venonat can then retaliate with their own attacks. It's like a spear and a shield; one protects while the other attacks. Remember your not facing the one opponent."

Ash frowned, understanding what he meant, "Then what should we do?"

"We need to take Venonat out first and then Grimer. Distract Grimer for now and watch for an opening to strike," he replied before turning to Hurricane, "Hurricane use Psybeam on Venonat."

("Yahoo!") the butterfree cried as he first the psychic beam at the other Bug Pokemon.

"Dodge it Venonat," Aya ordered before her Pokemon leapt away just in time.

Venonat chuckled, ("You have to do better then-")

"Keep using Psybeam. Don't let her rest," Charles suddenly ordered.

("Huh?") Venonat squeaked before she jumped out of the way of another Psybeam from Hurricane and then another.

Aya growled as she saw her Pokemon get assaulted from above, forcing her to leap around the pitch helplessly, "Venonat use Stun Spore. Keep that butterfree at a distance and then use Psybeam to knock it out."

Venonat stopped and shook her body to release a green mist from her fur that enveloped the area around her, making Hurricane back away just above her. Once he was distracted, she then fired a Psybeam at him, hoping it would hit. However, the butterfree simply did a backwards flip, easily dodging the attack as if it was nothing.

"Hurricane…" he thought for a moment before shrugging, "…play with Venonat for a while."

("Best order ever!") Hurricane cried as he fluttered around Venonat until he became a blur, being sure to keep away from the Stun Spore, ("Hey, so what's you name? Why are your eyes weird? You look so fluffy. Can we be friends?") he rapidly asked in excitement, much to his opponents' anger.

("Stop moving") she growled as she tried to follow him, ("Why are you so fast?")

Aya's eye widened as she saw what's happening, 'That Pokemon is too fast for Venonat to keep track of it,' she thought before turning to her brother, "Koga-"

"I know. Grimer use-"

But before the Poison type Gym leader could give a command, Grimer was suddenly blocked by Ash's Muk, preventing him from helping his partner.

"That's right, Muk!" Ash encouraged, "Keep blocking Grimer!"

("You want a big hug too?") Muk questioned as he looked over the grimer.

("Don't you patroni-thhh-e me,") Grimer spat in reply as it tried to get away.

They kept this up for a few more seconds, with Venonat trying her best to hit Hurricane and Muk pinning Grimer down with his strength, before Charles nodded at Ash.

"Hurricane use Gust to dispel the Stun Spore," he suddenly ordered.

The butterfree stopped and began to beat his wings fiercely, kicking up a gust that wafted the Stun Spore away, leaving Venonat without its defences.

"Venonat," Aya called out, "Prepare for an attack from the butterfree," she instructed, making the Bug Pokemon crouched down in readiness.

However, to her surprise, it wasn't Charles that gave the next order. Ash pointed at the distracted Venonat and commanded:

"Muk give Venonat a hug!"

"What?" Aya said.

("What?") Venonat questioned before she saw, out of the corner of one of her eyes, the slime Pokemon leap at her from across the pitch, preparing to flatten her. She gulped once she realised she was unable to escape, ("Oh no.")

SMACK!

With a sickening wet sound, Muk landed on the poor Venonat, completely submerging under his goo.

("Big hug!") Muk happily said while the Bug Pokemon tried to get desperately out.

After a few seconds, they saw her stop struggling and, after Ash ordered Muk to move, saw that she head feinted…and covered in slime. Aya looked upon her Pokemon in shock before she sighed and returned her to her pokeball, whispering how sorry she was.

Ash jumped and pumped his fists in the air, "Alright! That's what you get for kicking me in the face! Ha!"

Charles and Benny sweat dropped, "Ash, don't be petty. She's only playing."

The other boy stopped his celebration, "Aww but that Venonat-"

"Ash," Charles warned, causing him to pout grumpily.

Koga gave a light chuckle while Aya glared at the Muk, "Fooled by misdirection. Surely you're better then that, dear sister."

Aya growled and took out her second pokeball, "That was merely a warm up. Now comes a real challenge," she announced as she tossed the pokeball into the air, "Come out and battle Golbat!"

In a red beam of light, a blue bat-like Pokemon appeared. Its most notice feature was its mouth as wide as its own body which showed of four very pointed teeth. It had leathery wings, two taloned feet and small eyes onto of its body which glared down at them as it hovered in the air. Charles took out his pokedex and scanned it:

Golbat: Once it strikes, it will not stop draining energy from the victim even if it gets too heavy to fly.

"That's pretty terrifying," Alice muttered out loud.

"Seriously, who writes those pokedex entries?" Flo questioned.

Hurricane gasped, ("Hey! He looks like Echo!") he cried before turning to the golbat, ("Hey! You look like Echo! Do you know him!? He's my friend, but he doesn't have any eyes.")

("What are you talking about, you fool?") Golbat grumbled.

"Let the battle recommence," Koga announced.

Aya immediately pointed at Hurricane, "Golbat use Poison Fang on the butterfree."

("Yes, sensei") Golbat said before he zoomed up to Hurricane with his fangs glowing purple.

Hurricane managed to dodge just before his mighty jaw snapped closed. The golbat was much faster then Charles was expecting.

("Make Golbat chase after him. He may be fast, but his not as fast as Hurricane,") Benny encouraged, earning a nod from his brother.

"Hurricane, fly into the air and try and lose him," Charles ordered before the butterfree zoomed upwards away from the Golbat.

"Go after it," Aya commanded.

Golbat flew after Hurricane, the butterfree having somewhat of a head start over its opponent. They soared through the sky with Hurricane trying to shake him off by doing twists, loops and corkscrews randomly, but the Golbat still managed to keep up with him no matter what he did. However, Charles didn't want Hurricane to outmanoeuvre the Golbat, he wanted to exhaust him. When he decided that it was enough, Charles called out to him.

"Hurricane dive to the ground."

The butterfree instantly turned at a 90 degree angle down and dived towards the ground, tucking his wings in so he can pick up more speed. Golbat closely followed, diving after Hurricane in determination. Charles waited for the right moment before signalling to Ash to get his Muk ready. When Hurricane was three meters away from the ground, he cried out once again.

"Now!"

The butterfree instantly straightened his wings and came out of the dive about a meter away from the ground. Golbat, being a larger Pokemon had a little trouble doing this manoeuvre and so opted to straighten his wings a few meters above so he could slow down. But that unpreparedness was what Charles and Ash was waiting for.

"Muk use Sludge on Golbat!" Ash cried out

Muk, who had been pushing Grimer into a the corner of the pitch all the time, turned to the Golbat and fired a purple ball of slime out his mouth. It should have been a direct hit, but much to their surprise, the Golbat twisted in the air and avoided it at the last second.

"What? No way!" Ash cried.

"He dodged it so easily," Charles muttered in disbelief.

Aya smirked, "Like our students are Pokemon are trained in the way of the ninja," she said before commanding, "Golbat use Screech!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Charles instinctually covered Benny's long ears.

Preparing for what was going to happen. There was no way they could escape form this attack. A high-pitched scream, came from Golbat's mouth, causing everybody to cover their ears at the horrible noise. Hurricane and Muk were the worst off. Muk's slimy body began to vibrate and shake while Hurricane was almost knocked out of the air. Once the Screech subsided, both Pokemon were in a daze with the butterfree flying around in circles in confusion. Now at a disadvantage, Koga knew he had to strike.

"Grimer use Sludge Bomb on the butterfree and Mud Shot on Muk," he commanded.

("Ye-thhh thhh-en-thh-ei!") the grimer rasped before jumping out of the corner and shooting a glob of purple sludge at Hurricane, knocking him out of the air in explosion of poison

He then turned on the dizzy Muk, scooped a piece of mud out of the ground and threw at him, making him hiss in pain.

Hurricane fell to the ground hard, much to Charles' horror. He began to wither in pain as the poison took hold of his body. He tried to flap his wings so he could get up and fight once again, but Charles knew that letting him continue fighting was just cruel. He lifted his hand to pause the match before jogging over to the butterfree and scooped him up in his arms.

"Hey, Hurricane. Are you okay?" he gently asked as he stroked his head.

Hurricane winced again before signing sadly, ("I thought I was going to win this time.")

("You fought really well,") Benny told him as he carried him over to Flo.

"Next time, you'll win," Charles softly said as Flo took him off his hands.

"Leave him to me. I'll treat him along with Pyro," Flo said in a soothing tone that only Nurse Joy's could do.

Charles gave him one last look before going back over to Ash.

"Sorry, Charles" Ash whispered, "Maybe if I got Muk to defend-"

"Don't worry, Hurricane will be fine," he told him with a reassuring smile, "Let's win this one, alright? For Hurricane."

"Right!"

"May the challenger bring out his next Pokemon," Koga called out while Aya smirked while petting her golbat's head.

Charles took off the second pokeball off his belt and took a deep breath, "Sorry, it took a while., but you finally get your chance," he whispered before releasing the Pokemon, "come on out, Ichigo."

The tyrogue appeared in a flash of light and immediately got into a fighting stance. He studied his two opponents for a few seconds before bowing to them in respect, ("It is an honour to battle you today.")

("Finally a Pokemon with some respect,") Golbat muttered.

Misty's eyes widened as she recognised Ichigo, "That's the Pokemon from the dojo we went to."

"Tyrogue are quite tough," Brock remarked, "I can't wait to see how it battles."

Alice frowned in worry, "Yeah, they have been training a lot, but he doesn't have much battle experience. This could go either way."

Koga hummed as he looked over at Charles' pokemon, "A tyrogue. Relentless, but its moves are limited. Are you sure you want to battle with him."

"I trust my Pokemon," he simply replied, earning a curt nod from the gym leader.

"Very well, let the battle recommence!"

Aya immediately sent out her first command, "Golbat, use Poison Fang on Muk. He's the stronger adversary here."

Golbat's mouth widened as he flew towards the still dazed Muk, ready to bit into him.

"Ichigo use Protect."

Before Golabt could reach it's target, Ichigo jumped in between them and crossed his arms in front of him. A green glow appeared in front of him which stopped Golbat in his tracks, knocking him back slightly. Aya frowned in anger at that.

"Now use Air Slash."

Golbat whipped his wings and created a several blades of air that hurtled towards Muk. But once again, Ichigo jumped in front of him, raised his arms and created a green barrier which the Air Slash bounced off. Although, Ichigo did grit his teeth in pain slightly.

Koga hummed thoughtfully, "Using your tyrogue as a shield may be wise, but it won't last for long. Grimer use-"

Charles smiled, "Ichigo use Helping Hand on Muk," he ordered before Koga can give his command.

Ichigo turned back to Muk and clapped encouragingly at him. Muk felt power flow through him, making him feel stronger and faster then ever before.

"Muk use Mud Slap on Grimer," Ash ordered.

Muk roared as he scooped up some mud from the ground and hurled it towards the surprised Grimer. Aya saw there was no way for the sludge Pokemon to escape the powerful move and was about to order her Golbat to use Protect, but Koga raised her hand up to her to say stop. The Mud Shot was a direct hit and it sent Grimer flying back. Because Helping Hand doubled its power, the Mud Shot knocked the grimer out and became nothing but a puddle of gooey sewage. Koga sighed and returned his Pokemon.

"You were excellent, Grimer," he said before putting him away and replacing him with another pokeball.

"Why didn't you let me help," Aya interrogated, "Golbat could have taken the hit."

Koga shook his head, "The attack was too powerful. I know Ground type moves little effect on your golbat, but your Pokemon is still winded from its chase with the butterfree. We would have been at a disadvantage," he explained, "Not only that, but if golbat was knocked out then you will be down to one final Pokemon. I thought it was better to take the sacrifice," he said, causing her to frown slightly. How could she not see that? Koga tossed his pokeball into the air, "Come out and fight for your gym, noble weezing."

In a flash of light, the gas Pokemon appeared and hovered in the air, its two heads looking around curiously before settling on Ichigo and Muk.

("I shall, Hack! Hack! Hack!, fight to the best, Hack! Hack! Hack!, of my abilities, Hack! Hack! Hack!, sensei,") the larger head declared through bouts of coughing.

Benny sweat dropped, ("Weezing really do have a miserable existance,") he remarked.

"Let the battle begin again," Koga announced before declaring, "Weezing use Smokescreen."

The weezing opened its mouths and spewed out a thick fog that immediately covered the area. Ichigo and Muk searched their surroundings, seeing nothing but white smoke no matter where they turned. Charles, Benny and Ash peered into trying to see their Pokemon, but it was no use.

"Damn, this is the thickest Smokescreen I've ever seen," Charles mumbled.

("They must have specially trained Weezing for this,") Benny guessed.

"Golbat use Poison Fang on Muk," they heard Aya call out from the mist.

"Use Sludge Bomb on Muk as well," they heard Koga call out.

They heard a cry of pain come out of the Smokescreen, making Ash's eyes widened in shock, "No Muk!"

("Ow, that really hurt-thhh!") he heard his Pokemon cry before there was silence.

"Muk has fainted," Koga called out, "May the challenger take out he's next Pokemon."

"What no way!" Ash cried, "how do you know that? I can't see a thing."

Charles hummed, "They must be using Golbat's echolocation to navigate through," he explained while Ash returned his Pokemon with a disappointed sigh, "Ichigo are you alright?"

("I'm fine,") he heard the tyrogue call out, ("I'm sorry. I didn't see them coming. I could have protected Muk.")

"It's not your fault. Concentrate on the battle. They have a massive advantage over us, so keep your guard up."

Over from the side lines, their friends frowned sadly.

"Poor Muk," Misty said, "He didn't stand a chance."

Brock nodded, "At least we don't have to wear these anymore," he said, taking the clothes peg off his nose.

Everybody firmly agreed with him.

Ash took out his next pokeball and released his next Pokemon, "Let's fight, Charmander."

The Fire type starter appeared and was instantly swallowed by the Smokescreen with the only visible thing being his fiery tail. Ash watched the small flame for a moment before his eyes widened as he got an idea.

"Charles, I think I know what to do. You said that Golbat relies on echolocation, so what does Weezing use?" he asked.

Charles frowned slightly, "As far as I'm aware, Weezing don't have the ability to see through its own Smokescreen. It must rely on Golbat to move around."

"Great, he's the plan."

Ash explained his idea to both Charles and Benny, making sure to keep his voice low so their opponents can't hear them. The two brothers thought about it for a few seconds before a smile crept on to their faces.

"That's sounds like a good idea," Charles said, "What do you think, Benny?"

("I think it could work. Let's give it a go.")

Charles smiled and called out into the mist, "Okay, we're ready!"

"Then let the battle begin again," they heard Koga announce.

"Golbat use Poison Fang on the tyrouge," they heard Aya call out from somewhere.

In response, Benny closed his eyes and listened out for the sound of flapping. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open as he heard them and patted Charles' shoulder.

("Coming at him from the top left,") he said.

"Ichigo, dodge right!" Charles called out.

They heard the sound of Ichigo leaping to the side followed by Golbat's snapping his jaw on open air and a frustrated cry.

"What?" Aya called out, "How did you- Never mind. Use Poison Fang again."

Benny listened out before telling Charles, ("Coming from the rear right this time.")

"Ichigo dodged forward right," Charles informed.

Swish! Chomp!

Golbat missed once again.

"Damn! Don't stop until you hit it!" Aya shouted.

("From the left,") Benny said.

"Dodge backwards."

Swish Chomp!

"Again!"

("Front right.")

"Dodge left!"

Swish Chomp!

While Aya and Charles and Benny were busy playing meowth and rattata, Weezing was looking around in confusion, having lost his guide.

("Hack! Hack! Hack! Golbat! Hack! Hack! Hack! Where are- Hack! Hack! Hack! -you!")

Suddenly, he saw something from within the Smokescreen. It was a small flame, glowing clearly in the fog.

("That must be- Hack! Hack! Hack! that charman-Hack! Hack! Hack! -der,") he said out loud, as he floated towards his opponent, ("I- Hack! Hack! Hack! -guess I can take him out- Hack! Hack! Hack!")

Weezing was almost to the unsuspecting Pokemon when suddenly, Ash's voice called out through the mist, "Alright, Charmander! Hide your tail underneath you!"

("Okay!") Charmder called out before suddenly the flame was gone.

Weezing stopped and looked around in surprise, ("Huh? Hack! Hack! Hack! Where did it go?")

"Weezing," the voice of his sensei, called out, "I can't see you anymore. Stay with Golbat as you were trained to do."

("But I can't-")

"Ichigo, dodge right!" Charles interupped his question.

The weezing looked around in confusion until something smacked him on the back. He turned around and saw that it was Aya's Golbat and he didn't look to pleased.

("Don't get in my way. I almost had him.")

("But I- Hack! Hack! Hack! -lost you. We were meant to stick together.")

("Don't question me, I'm the-") Golbat trailed off when he noticed their surroundings.

The Smokescreen had dispelled and everybody could now see the pitch once more. They were currently floating over the middle of the pitch with Ichigo standing as far away as possible from them. Not too far away, Charmander was crouched down, holding his tail underneath his body to hide his appearance in the fog. However, now that it had lifted, he let it go and stood to his full height when Ash gave an order.

"Charmander use Ember on Weezing!"

The Pokemon' eyes widened when they saw Charmander open his mouth to release the balls of flames at the gas Pokemon. Golbat beat his wings furiously as he tried to get away from Weezing, but it was too late. The Ember hit him with one entering of its pores. They heard a spark and suddenly...

BOOOM!

Weezing exploded.

Both Pokemon were sent flying back, landing on the ground painfully and skidding to a halt. Koga and Aya cried out in worry, but it was too late. They saw the swirls in both of the Pokemon's eyes, signifying that they were out of the match.

"Yeah!" Ash suddenly yelled, "My plan worked! It really worked!"

Charles chuckled, "It really did. Let me guess, you got the idea when I used Ember in James' Weezing earlier."

Ash rubbed the back of his head and smiled sheepishly, "I like to think it was inspired by it."

"Woohoo!" Alice cried out in excitement, "Two Pokemon in one go! That was amazing!"

"Now that's what I like to call team work," Misty commented.

Brock nodded before his face became serious, "It was great, but let's not celebrate now. Remember anything can happen with the next Pokemon."

Koga and Aya returned their Pokemon to the pokeballs and congratulated them on their fight. Koga hummed thoughtfully as he stroked his chin, thinking about the next battle.

"Clearly, these two are quite worthy opponents. It would seem that we need to take them a bit more seriously," he said as he produced another pokeball from his belt.

Aya smirked and brought out her next pokeball, "I quite agree," she said before releasing her Pokemon, "come out and battle, Nidoking!"

"You too, Venomoth!"

The first Pokemon that appeared was a large, bipedal, purple plated Pokémon. It has narrow eyes, large, spiny ears, a long tail and a short snout filled with pointed teeth. On its forehead there's a large horn and a ridge of spines down its back. Each of its two hands had three claws, while each foot has only a single hoof-like nail.

The second Pokemon was a purple moth-looking Pokemon. Its head and thorax are both light purple, round, blue eyes, and a small mandible for a mouth. From the thorax are three pairs of tiny, whitish legs. Its abdomen had several black, zigzagging stripes encircling it and it has two pairs of pale purple moth-like wings.

Charles and Ash instantly got their pokedexes out and scanned the both of them.

Nidoking: It uses its powerful tail in battle to smash, constrict, then break the prey's bones.

Venomoth: The dust-like scales covering its wings are colour coded to indicate the kinds of poison it has.

Nidoking turned to his partner and smirked, ("Ready to smash these pipsqueaks.")

The other Pokemon gracefully put a hand over their mandible and giggled, ("How violent, Nidoking. I prefer the term silenced for eternity,") she said with another chilling giggle.

Benny frowned at the sight of them, ("I'm getting bad vibes from the both of them. You need to be careful.")

"May the battle begin recommence," Koga announced before ordering, "Venomouth use Disable and then Tackle on the charmander."

Venomoth's eyes glowed for a second which was followed by Charmander's body glowing.

"Disable," Charles muttered, "Charmander won't be able to use Ember for a while."

Before they could think of what to do, Venomoth carried out the second order and flew towards Charmander.

"Ichigo use Bullet Punch to protect Charmander," Charles ordered.

The tyrogue sprinted in front of Charmander, ready to defend him from the attack when suddenly, much to their surprise, Koga clicked his fingers. At the sound, Venomoth changed direction and abandoned the move before Ichigo could attack. Charles was confused by this, but as soon as Aya shouted out her next order, that's when he realised his mistake.

"Use Horn Attack!"

Out of nowhere, Nidoking charged at the surprised Ichigo and swatted him with his horn, sending him flying into the air. Ichigo skidded along the ground and came to a stop just on the border of the pitch. He grimaced as he tried to get back on his feet, trying to get up and fight again, but Aya was not done yet.

"Nidoking use Earth Power," she commanded.

The large Pokemon raised one of its leg and slammed it on the ground. The ground beneath Ichigo began to tremor and shake until it exploded from under him. For the second time, Ichigo was rocket off his feet and fell painfully on his front on another part of the pitch. He pushed himself up with his arms, but they eventually gave way and he passed out, overwhelmed by the sudden attacks.

Charmander was shocked. His partner was knocked out in the space of few seconds, but before he could react, Venomoth suddenly appeared in front of him and starting beating her wings rapidly.

"Venomoth use Poison Powder," Koga calmly ordered.

A purple powder began to emit from her wings and as soon as Charmander breathed it in, his body was racked with pain. He collapsed on his side, quivering and shaking as the Poison Powder took effect until swirls appeared in his eyes.

"Tyrogue and charmander have fainted," Koga announced, "May the challengers please bring out their final Pokemon."

In under a minute, Charles' and Ash's Pokemon were knocked out by their opponents. They had barely had time to react or give out any commands. In a slight daze, Ash scooped up Charmander and gave him to Flo to treat while Charles put Ichigo back in his pokeball.

("That was...") Benny hesitantly said.

"Yeah," Charles mumured, "That was unbelievable. Now, we're down to one Pokemon. If one us loses then we both lose."

("Don't think about that. Think of ways you can take them down. Have you decided on you're going to send out next?")

"I think...I do," he said as Ash trotted back to his position, "You ready?"

Ash gripped his hands into fists and nodded in determination, "I'm so ready."

"Good," Charles said before he took out his next pokeball and released the Pokemon, "Come on out, Kani."

The krabby appeared in front of him and looked up at him with a casual wave of his claw, ("Hey guys. Haven't seen you in a while. How you've been?")

Charles chuckled, "Fine Kani. It's nice to see you to."

"Has Kani battled before?" Brock asked Alice.

"Not in a while, no, but I heard he's been training with Mystic," she said.

Ash then released his final Pokemon, "Let's go, Primape!"

The Primape appeared in a flash of light and glared angrily at the venomoth and nidoking. While Charles had see Ash's Primape during the diglett incident, he never got to meet him and so took the opportunity to scan him with his pokedex:

Primape: Always furious and tenacious to boot. It will not abandon chasing its quarry until it is caught.

"Alright Primape, are you ready to battle!?" Ash called out in encouragement, however he was left confused when his Pokemon turned his nose up on him, "Huh? What's wrong?"

("No hat, no battle,") Primape snorted.

"He wants your hat," Charles translated, causing Ash's jaw to drop.

"What, but I-" his argument trailed off into an irritated grumble as he took his hat off and placed it on Primape's head, "Fine, you can wear it."

The monkey-like Pokemon adjusted the baseball cap on his head with a satisfied snort, ("Good,") he said before his eyes narrowed and he waved his arms in the air aggressively, ("NOW BRING IT ON, YOU WEAKLINGS! I'M GOING TO KICK YOUR BUTTS!") he screamed furiously.

("WHO YOU CALLING WEAK!") Nidoking roared back while Venonat gave a dainty giggle.

("My, my. Such violence,") she said.

Kani turned to his partner and waved his claw at him, ("Hey, hey. No need for that, man. You want to listen to some wailmer music to calm down. That always relaxes me.")

("WHAT'S A WAILMER AND WHY IS IT MAKING MUSIC! I HATE IT!") Primape screamed back at him.

("They are the absolute personification of chalk and cheese,") Benny remarked.

"If the challengers are ready," Koga said, "then let our final battle begin."

"Primape use Fury Attack on Venomoth," Ash ordered.

Primape roared with rage as he charged at the calm Poison type, his fists ready to beat her her up.

"What's Ash doing," Misty criticised, "He's making the same mistake he did the first time."

"I think I know what he's doing," Brock muttered, "He's trying to knock Venomoth out so he and Kani can concentrate on tackling Nidoking together. Remember what Charles said about the shield and spear; if Nidoking is the spear…"

"Then he's taking out the shield first," Alice finished, "Good in theory, but I don't think it will work."

Primape leapt at Venomoth and raised his fists above his head, but then Aya gave her command.

"Nidoking use Horn Attack."

The nidoking charged and jumped, horn first, at the incoming Primape and knocked him away from Venomoth. The primape shouted in pain as he flew through the air, but managed to flip himself back onto his feet and growl at Nidoking.

("THAT'S IT! YOU'RE DEAD!") Primape yelled furiously.

("BRING IT ON, FUZZBALL!") Nidoking bellowed back as the two charged at each other.

"No Primape!" Ash cried, "You were supposed to go after Venomoth."

Said Venomoth gave another dainty giggle before she sensed something behind her. Koga also saw it too and quickly delivered his instructions.

"Use Protect," Koga called out to her.

Instinctually Venomoth created a green barrier behind her, just in time to protect her from Kani's Water Gun attack. While Primape was drawing everyone's attention, Charles ordered his krabby to sneak up behind Venomoth while she was distracted, but clearly it didn't work. Venomoth was also trained in the way of the ninja; she was quite the master of sneak attacks.

Venomoth turned around and looked down at Kani, ("Oh my, that was rather cruel of you.")

("Sorry, that was rather mean of me,") he apologised earnestly.

Venomoth giggled, ("Not at all,") she said before her eyes darkened creepily, ("I always enjoy the pleasure of malicious attack. It is rather exciting to see your enemies suffer and their confused state makes it even more thrilling.")

("...Oh okay, glad you enjoyed it,") Kani chirped happily.

("Read the room, Kani!") Benny yelled at him.

"Venomoth use Psybeam," Koga instructed before she produced a Psychic beam aimed directly at Kani.

"Dodge it and use Water Gun," Charles ordered.

The krabby moved out of the way just in time for the beam to hit the ground he was on. He then opened his mouth and spewed a jet of water at the flying Pokemon, but the venomoth simply dodged with an elegant corkscrew in the air.

Meanwhile, Primape and Nidoking were in the midst of a battle. The two strong Pokemon began clashing against each other in impressive display of strength.

"Use Fury Swipes!" Ash ordered.

Primape immediately swung his fists at his opponent, but the Nidoking moved his head back to avoid it.

"Use Scratch!" Ash commanded, keeping the barrage of attacks going so Nidoking doesn't rest.

His Pokemon swung his clawed hand down at him, but, yet again, he dodged it.

"Use Low Kick!"

Primape dropped low to the ground and kicked his leg up at Nidoking. This time the attack hit and the Poison type staggered back, but used his tail to prop himself up and valence himself. Aya frowned thoughtfully on what move to use next before she smirked and declared.

"Nidoking Focus Energy and the Fury Attack."

Nidoking reared his head back and roared into the sky as he felt a boost of power run through his body. His heart started to beat faster, his muscles tensed and his focus sharpened upon the Primape. He charged at Primape and furiously threw punch after punch after punch, causing Primape to scream out in pain. The last hit sent him flying into the air and skid along the ground, causing Ash to cry out in shock. Primape groaned in pain as he laid on the ground, but he still hung on.

Aya smirked in satisfaction before she looked over to where Venomoth was trying to his Kani with one of her attacks, "Nidoking, Horn Attack on the krabby."

The Poison type turned away from Primape and charged at Kani with his horn. Kani was caught off guard by the attack, there was no way he could dodge now. However, Charles knew what to do.

"Kani grab onto the horn now," he urgently commanded.

With his left claw, the krabby grabbed onto Nidoking's horn before it could pierce him, causing him to be lift of his own legs and dangle helplessly in front of Nidoking's face.

("Hey! Get off of me!") Nidoking yelled as he shook his head back and forth to throw him off.

("No can do...sorry,") Kani apologised lightheartedly.

Venomoth giggled at the sight, ("Oh my, what an annoyance,") she said before her eyes turned dark once again, ("Now, now, little krabby, why don't you admit defeat now. Personally, I rather like to see you suffer until the end, but we have a reputation to uphold. There's nothing wrong with giving up. You wouldn't want to go through your weak friends, do you?") she cruelly said.

Kani blinked up at her, ("I...would rather you not call them that.")

("Hmm? What weak? Well, are they not? They were defeated rather easily. It was so satisfying,") she said with another giggle.

As Kani dangled of Nidoking's horn, something seemed to snap from within him. A sensation he had never experienced in his life flowed through him for the first time. And it was...

...Annoyance.

Kani frowned crossly, ("They are not weak. They train really hard all the time.")

("Clearly not enough,") Venomoth sighed, ("Do you know why our master's brought us out? Because we are the best of the best of the Fuchsia gym. We are trained in the way of the ninja just so we can put little weak Pokemon, like your friends, in their place. Don't feel bad, though. It's only natural. The strong always triumphs over the weak.")

Kani felt something ignite in him. It was like a blazing fire that was growing bigger and bigger by the second, ("Apologise now,") he demanded, ("Don't insult my family.")

Venomoth gave a cold giggle before she glared condescendingly down at him, ("Or what?") she spat.

Kani felt the fire in him grow into and inferno of anger...and that's when he began to glow brightly. Everybody were stunned when Kani was suddenly enrobed by light, seeing him grow larger and larger until Nidoking was forced to bow his head due to the weight. After a few seconds, the bright light stopped and a new Pokemon was revealed.

It was a crab-like Pokemon with a thick shell that covers the outside of its body. Its upper half is topped with six tall, thin spikes that resemble a crown and its arms are also connected to its upper body. Its lower half doubles as its jaw with six fangs overlapping its upper body. Its hips visibly protrude from its lower body and connect to its four long, thin legs. Each leg has a single, claw-like foot. The prominent featured was its claws with his left claw, which was still holding on for Nidoking's horn, being twice as large as the other. Nidoking started to struggle under the weight of large claw while Venomoth flew back slightly, clearly in shock.

"Kani...evolved," Charles sputtered in surprise as he took out his pokedex:

Kingler: The large pincer has 10,000 hp of crushing power. However, its huge size makes it unwieldy to use.

"Alright!" Alice and Misty cheered while Flo and Brock gasped in shock.

"After all this time, Kani has finally evolved," Flo uttered in disbelief, "and during a battle, as well."

Aya grimaced at the sight of the kingler grabbing her Pokemon by the horn, "I was...not expecting that."

"Reminds me of how Venomoth evolved," Koga hummed thoughtfully.

Kani looked down at himself in awe. Overall, he didn't look very different, except this his left claw was very, very heavy. The biggest difference was now he felt stronger then ever before as if he can take on the world.

("Whoa! Pretty cool,") he said.

And, of course, he wasn't overly fussed by it.

("I haven't seen an evolution in ages,") Benny remarked, ("Congratulations Kani!")

"Now let's win this for our team," Charles added encouragingly, earning a happy nod from the kingler, "Use Hammer Arm."

Kani raised his other claw and slammed it into Nidoking's jaw, making him fly back across the pitch and skid along the ground. Nidoking groaned as he got back to his feet again and prepared another attack when suddenly:

"Primape use Fury Swipes!"

("What?") the Pokemon gasped before a fully recovered Primape slammed into him and fired a barrage of punches at him.

("TAKE THIS! AND THIS AND THIS AND THAT!") Primape cackled as he continued to attack Nidoking.

Koga glanced over at his sister and saw the panicked look on her face as she watched her nidoking being attacked. He needed to do something.

"Venomoth use Confusion of Primape," he ordered.

("Gladly,") Venomoth growled as her eyes began to glow, creating an aura around Primape, making him lift up into the air.

"Kani use Mud Shot."

However, Venomoth's concentration was broken when a ball of mud slammed into her, forcing her to drop Primape who continued to attack her partner.

She looked around and saw Kani a few feet away, poised and ready to battle.

("Don't forget me, alright,") the kingler called out happily, causing Venomoth the hum in annoyance.

("You should have given up,") she muttered threateningly.

Koga narrowed his eyes, "Use Leech Life," he ordered.

Venomoth's mandibles began to glow brightly as it soared towards Kani, intending to drain away his health. However, Charles was ready for this.

"Use Protect," he ordered before Kani created a green barrier in front of him.

Venomoth rebounded of the Protect and fluttered in air in a daze before shaking it off.

"Now use Mud Shot."

Not allowing her to rest, Charles sent out his next command. The kingler scooped up a large chunk of mud from the ground with its might claw and threw it Venomoth.

"Dodge it and use Psybeam," Koga sternly commanded.

Venomoth twisted and twirled around the Mud Shot elegantly before swooping towards Kani whilst charging up another Psybeam.

("This will teach you for defying our gym,") she angrily spat as she prepared to fire.

She needed to get closer to him; make sure that when she fired the Psybeam, it would be a critical hit. However, too enrapt in her anger, she failed to notice that flying closer was the worst possible thing. Koga was the first to spot it and tried to call out for her to stop, but it was too late. It was only when Charles gave his next command that she noticed her error.

"Kani use Metal Claw!"

The kingler raised his largest claw and swung himself around to build up the most momentum. As he did his claw began to glow before turning into shiny metal, heading towards Venomoth. The Metal Claw slammed in the Poison type, sending it flying across the pitch and landed hard at Koga's feet. The gym leader looked down and frowned when he saw the swirls in his Pokemon's eyes and sighed in defeat.

("Probably should have apologised,") Kani hummed cheerily.

Charles smiled proudly at his Pokemon before turning Ash's and Aya's Pokemon still battling for supremacy. He nodded and Kani and pointed at Nidoking.

"Use Bubble Beam," he ordered.

Kani pointed his smaller claw at Nidoking's back and fired a jet of bubbles which struck the Poison type on the back. Nidoking bellowed in pain and Ash now saw his chance.

"Primape finish Nidoking off with Seismic Toss!"

"Seismic Toss?" Charles uttered, "interesting choice. Didn't know Ash knew about."

("He probably just wants to be sure Nidoking will be knocked out,") Benny mused.

Primape grabbed ahold of the distracted Nidoking and jumped in the air, making to sure to keep ahold on his opponent. He did one flip in the air to confuse him before slamming him down on the ground with a might boom, leaving him in a nidoking shaped crater in the middle of the pitch.

"No!" Aya cried as she saw her Pokemon try to get up before falling back down again.

She looked over and saw the swirls in his eyes, signifying one thing…

…Ash and Charles had won!"

(Battle End)

---

"Yes!" Charles and Ash shouted joyfully before they high-fived each other. As they congratulated their Pokemon for a job well done, Koga and Aya returned the unconscious Pokemon to their pokeballs. The gym leader smiled gently before turning to his sister.

"You battled well. Almost as well as a gym leader," he told her.

She chuckled lightly, "I suppose, but there's always still room for improvement."

Koga nodded before he approached the two boys, catching their attention, "For your victory over the Fuchsia City gym and for your demonstration of cooperation, strength and skill, I, the gym leader, present you two with the Soul Badge," he declared before taking out two badges shaped like pink hearts out of his pocket.

They took the badges and held them in their hands, inspecting the shiny badges in awe. Ash clasped his hand around his and pumped his fist in the air.

"Alright! I've got a Soul Badge!" he proclaimed as Pikachu jumped on his shoulder. However, he then fell on his hands and knees as a depressed aura surrounded him, "Wait. I just realised we got our badges at the same time. I wanted to get ahead of you," he muttered as Pikachu patted his shoulder.

"What did I say about being petty, Ash," Charles sighed as he and Benny sweat dropped.

"Your name's Misty, correct?"

At the side lines, Misty looked away from the two boys to see Aya approach her, "Err...yes. That's me."

The ninja gave her a serene smile, "Next month, I'll be heading to a training school in the Johto region..."

"So, would that mean I won't see you again?" Brock cried as tears rolled down his face.

Alice gave him a sharp jab to his ribs to shut him up.

"...As I was saying, I'm going away soon and I was impressed by your psyduck's psychic abilities. With some training, he will be quite the worthy adversary. Would you be willing to a trade? I would love for him to be part of my team."

"No," uttered in despair, not wanting the psyduck to go to a different region.

Misty thought for a moment before glancing over at Charles. She remembered when he told her how much psyduck wanted to be with her and recalled how the Pokemon came over to her during the test. Eventually she shook her head, "Sorry, but I have to decline..."

"Yes!" Flo cheered her mood brightening up.

"...In fact, I'm never going to trade him for any Pokemon."

"No!" Flo wailed in despair.

"Let it go, Flo," Alice sighed.

Misty took out Psyduck's pokeball and released him on to the ground. She kneel beside him and rubbed his head, "Although, I was annoyed with him at first, underneath the blank, baffled expression, Psyduck is a living creature with thoughts and feelings and to give him away like he was nothing would be horrible. I may not know why he wants to be with me, but I should respect his decision. In fact, I should be honoured that he choose me," she said while Charles looked on, smiling proudly, "Besides now that I know he has powerful psychic abilties, we can work together and become stronger. What do you say, Psyduck?"

The Pokemon tilted his head up at her, ("Psyduck?")

Misty blinked in confusion, "You know, your psychic abilities," she elaborated

("Psyduck?")

"Are you saying you don't remember!?"

Charles rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Yeah...I forgot to mention, but psyduck always forget about their psychic abilities after they use them. I'm afraid he's back to using very, very basic moves. Sorry."

Misty's jaw dropped as she stared down at the (mostly) useless Pokemon. Her face became beet red and gritted her teeth in rage before she screamed into the sky.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!"

("Psyduck?")

---

And that's it! This took a long time to write. Phew!

So a few things. I think I presented Psyduck pretty accurately. Confused all the time, but becomes sophisticated when using his Pschic powers.

Choosing what Pokemon Koga was going to use was quite difficult. In one episode (I think it's called 'Bad To The Bone') Koga was seen using a scyther...which doesn't make sense because scyther are not Poison types, nor can they use Poison type moves. So I settled with grimer, because I don't believe we've met one before.

I also mixed up Ash's Pokemon team a bit so we can see them in action.

The current team members Charles has (because I forgot to mention it) are: Hurricane, Kani, Marina, Pyro, Ichigo and Miko.

Thanks for reading :)

---

Potential Pokemon List:

Charles

Nidoran (Female)

Gastley

Ponyta

Drowzee

Goldeen

Tauros

Aerodactyl

Onix

Grimer

Hoothoot (Johto)

Octillery (Orange Islands)

Pinsir

Salamance (Hoenn)

Metagross (Hoenn)

Dewgong

Elekid (Johto)

Poochyena (Hoenn)

Chikorita (Johto)

Flo

Psyduck

Nidoran (Male)

Kangaskhan

Cubone

Jolteon

Shellder

Weedle

Igglybuff (Johto)

Exeggcute (Orange Islands)

Qwilfish (Orange Islands)

Slugma (Hoenn)

Snubbull (Johto)

Miltank (Johto)

Beautifly (Hoenn)

Alice

Venonat

Rattata

Poliwag

Tangela

Spearow

Lickitung

Mr Mime

Spinarak (Johto)

Umbreon (Johto)

Rhyhorn (Johto)

Wobbuffet (Johto)

Nosepass (Hoenn)

Swinub (Sinnoh)

Smeargle (Johto)

Leaf

Gloom (Female)

Gloom (Male)

Leafeon

Exeggute

Parasect

Hopip