Author's Note: So I've finally finish up working this one and I thought it came out good, hopefully you guys will enjoy and I also want to say I have a plan to write a series to go with the Female Ash stories which I'm gonna call 'Ring Around Ashi, A Pokemon Full of Stories!' Later down the road. So I also thought of something fun. So I have add Easter eggs in here and if anyone can get all of them then I will see to write a Fanfiction of female Ashi with any character pair for the Ring around Ashi one shots, but only if you get close to naming them all. Second prize I can add any anime character to the story for the Omake if they wish or if they want to go and give a name to a certain Pokemon off any of the character's Pokemon but let's see how that goes down the line. Please read and review
Disclaimer: Blue Kitsune does not own Fairy Tail or Pokemon
Chapter 15 - The School of Hard Knocks Part 2
As they made their way to the back of the campus, the group was met with a vast, open yard. In the center stood a grand stage that was all set and waiting for Ashi's upcoming battle. The arena towered above them, its intricate design showcasing its importance in this momentous event.
As they entered the premise, everyone couldn't help but notice the large crowd that had gathered - a mix of students and faculty members, including Joe's bullies. Word must have spread throughout the school about Ashi openly challenging Top Beginner Giselle, and as they scanned the faces in the audience, a variety of emotions could be seen. Some showed support for Giselle, while others seemed more curious to witness this highly-anticipated fight.
But Ashi paid no attention to the numerous onlookers; nor did her friends, who were fully focused on what was about to unfold. Sora and Aratiri were perched on each side of Ashi's shoulders, both eager and ready to support her all the way. They were still miffed with Giselle and wished they knew the move Double-slap so they could use it on her smug, superior face. But instead, they would bide their time and see to it that Giselle received the thrashing she deserved.
Giselle was already on the stage when they arrived, standing confidently with her arms crossed and a smirk playing on her perfectly glossed lips. She turned to face Ashi with a haughty air as if challenging her before her opponent even reached the stage. "Well, it's about time you showed up. I was beginning to think you'd chickened out," she said nonchalantly as she examined her perfectly manicured nails. Her arrogance radiated off of her, convinced of her inevitable victory. But Ashi remained unfazed as she approached with her Pokémon by her side, feeling the tension between them and quickly soothing their nerves before Toshi stepped forward, his eyes blazing with fire as he addressed Giselle with his fist raised in the air.
"Dream on, Gishy. My sister is not one to back down from a challenge like this. You better watch what you say," he declared fiercely, his friends nodding in agreement. They all knew Ashi would never pass up an opportunity to teach Giselle a lesson.
Misty joined them with her usual bubbly energy, standing beside the Ketchum siblings. "That's right! Ashi is going to wipe the floor with you and make you eat your words!" she exclaimed confidently.
Ashi allowed them to say their piece before calmly locking eyes with Giselle and speaking up for everyone to hear, "Since you chose the time and place, I get to decide how many Pokémon we use and how this will be settled. A two-on-two battle, and whoever knocks out all of their opponent's Pokémon first will be declared the victor." Her tone was firm as she outlined her terms, and Giselle understood, tossing her hair behind her head with a huff.
"Fine by me. Let's see who will truly prove to be the champion in this showdown," she replied smugly.
Ashi glanced over at her brother and their comrades before giving them a nod to step back and let her handle this. They moved towards the crowd, searching for a spot with a good view of the arena among the excited throng eagerly awaiting the battle to begin.
Joe couldn't help but voice his concern to Toshi, his words heavy with worry. "Are you sure your sister can handle taking on Giselle?" Memories of seeing so many others try and fail against their school rep flooded his mind, causing him to doubt Ashi's abilities. But Toshi just grinned widely, exuding confidence as he reassured Joe. "You don't know anything about my big sister. She's not one to back down from a challenge, no matter how daunting it may seem. And she will come out victorious!"
Their comrades thought the same, as Misty cheered loudly for her friend without hesitation. "Go get 'em, Ashi! Show her what happens when you mess with the best!" She had her Slowpoke out and was placing an identical headband on her head that read "TEAM ASHI ALL THE WAY!" The rest of their friends watched intently as the Cerulean trainer yelled encouragement, eagerly awaiting the battle to come. Giselle scoffed at this vulgar display, while Ashi appreciated their support and knew she would do her best to keep her promise by giving it her all.
The air was thick with tension as Ashi took a deep breath, her heart racing with adrenaline. Her Pokémon, Sora and Aratiri, were also buzzing with energy, ready to prove themselves in battle.
Off to the side of the stage, two students sat at a small table set up for commentators. They started talking into microphones in front of them. "Good afternoon everyone, I'm Gurio Umino and this is Naru Osaka. Today we have an epic showdown between our school representative, Top Beginner Giselle, and challenger Ash Ketchum!"
Toshi and Misty quickly corrected the sandy-haired commentator who had been mispronouncing their sister's/friend's names. "Hey, it's ASHI! Pronounced ASH-EE, so get it right!" This caused Gurio to falter under their simultaneous correction before Naru smoothly corrected her partner's mistake and gave him time to recover.
"Yes, Ashi Ketchum from Pallet Town. The tension is tangible as we witness this highly anticipated moment at Kanto Tech where both trainers have agreed to a two-on-two battle. The stakes are high, and it's anyone's game."
"Will it be the ever-popular Starlight Giselle?" Gurio paused for dramatic effect as Giselle turned to the crowd, blowing kisses that elicited excited squeals from some of the boys in the audience. "Or will it be this unexpected challenger, Ashi?"
The audience remained eerily quiet for Ashi, with only her friends and brother visibly showing support. It was clear that Giselle's friends had warned the other students not to root for her opponent. Trying to break the awkwardness, they decided to get things rolling.
"This is sure to be an exhilarating match, so let's get ready to rumble!" Gurio announced, standing on top of the table before being pulled back down by Naru.
A Machop appeared on stage holding a sign that read 'Round One' before walking off to join its bespectacled trainer. By Gurio was a large gong that his second Pokémon, Hitmonlee, was supposed to hit to ring the bell. However, he put too much force into it and the gong rang loudly next to the dweeby boy, causing his ears to ring and him to try and stop the tremors that went through his body. Naru, who managed to block out the noise, pulled her hands off her ears and thought to herself, (That's what he gets for having it so close to him.)
Hearing the cue to start things up as they each picked who they would fight in the first round, Ashi knew exactly who she wanted. "Let's get started," Ashi said as she reached for her Pokeball and threw it into the ring. "Suzumebachi, I choose you!"
The Bug-Type Pokémon emerged with a loud 'Bzzz!' Her needle-sharp stingers glinted in the afternoon sun. Ashi's eyes were focused and determined as she faced Giselle, who smirked arrogantly at her opponent's choice.
"A bug type, huh? Shouldn't be a problem," Giselle sneered as she tossed out her first Pokémon - a Graveler! Those watching thought they knew how this would play out as knew that Giselle had the type advantage, but Toshi and their friends also knew that his sister had trained hard with Suzumebachi and they would have no problem defeating this opponent.
Brock saw this as an interesting challenge due to his familiarity with Geodude's evolved form. He wondered if the Rock-type's exterior would prove difficult for Ashi's Beedrill to chip away at its hardened defense. However, those who remembered Ashi's match in Cerulean City against Larcade's Cloyster knew she had a knack for finding ways to overcome tough challenges, making it clear that she would give Giselle a run for her money.
"Are both challengers ready?" Suzumebachi stared down at the Graveler before hearing the referee call out, "Begin!"
"Graveler, use Rock Slide!" Giselle commanded confidently, her eyes fixed on Ashi's Beedrill as she expected an easy win. Ashi remained calm as she assessed the situation. "Suzumebachi, dodge and counter with Pin Missile!" she instructed with a steady voice.
The Graveler unleashed a cascade of rocks towards Suzumebachi, who expertly evaded them with swift movements. In a split second, the Beedrill retaliated with a barrage of needles aimed at the Graveler. "Graveler, use Defense Curl!"
But Ashi had anticipated this move and knew that her Beedrill was trained to pierce through even the hardest surfaces with patience and determination. Gurio's voice cut through the crowd, "It looks like this might be a problem for Ashi's Beedrill as Giselle uses Defense Curl to make it impenetrable—"
"Wait a minute folks, it seems like Suzumebachi's Pin Missile attack is hitting with more force than expected!" Naru shouted in surprise as the stingers managed to pierce through the Graveler's hardened defense. The Rock-type Pokémon grunted in pain as the sharp needles found their mark, causing Giselle's confident expression to falter for a moment.
But Giselle quickly regained her composure and barked out another command, "Graveler, use Rollout! Crush that Beedrill!" The Graveler curled into a ball and began to roll towards Suzumebachi with increasing speed, determined to take down its opponent.
Ashi's eyes narrowed as she saw the incoming Rollout attack. She knew that a direct hit from that powerful move would be devastating for her Beedrill. "Suzumebachi, use agility now! Dodge and counter with Twineedle!" she called out urgently.
Suzumebachi's wings buzzed with increased speed as she darted around the stage, easily evading the Graveler's Rollout attack. In a flash of movement, the Beedrill closed in on her opponent with precision. The sharp stingers on her arms glowed with a faint light as she struck the Graveler with her Twineedle attack.
The crowd gasped in awe as the attack landed squarely on the Rock-type Pokémon, causing it to cry out in pain. Giselle's confident facade faltered further as she watched her Graveler struggle against Suzumebachi's relentless assault.
"Graveler, use Rollout again!" Giselle commanded, determined to turn the tide of the battle. She refused to let herself become a joke in front of the entire school!
Ashi told her Pokémon to dodge them and Suzumebachi darted around the rolling Graveler with precision, waiting for the right moment to strike. As the Rock-type Pokémon began to lose momentum, and Ashi once again called out, "Suzumebachi use Fell Stinger now!"
With a resounding buzz, Suzumebachi charged towards the Graveler with incredible speed, her stinger crackling with energy. The powerful attack landed right on target, causing the Graveler to cry out in pain as it was knocked back.
Giselle gritted her teeth, realizing she had underestimated Ashi and her ability. With determination in her eyes, she shouted, "Graveler, get up and use Stone Edge!"
The Graveler stagger to its feet, panting heavily but gathering energy to summon sharp stones that floated around it before launching them at Suzumebachi. The Beedrill danced through the storm of rocks, narrowly avoiding each one with graceful movements.
"This is incredible, folks! Am I actually witnessing what is bound to become a triumphant victory for Ashi and her Beedrill?" Naru exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.
The battle between the two trainers had intensified, with each move calculated and executed with precision. Ashi could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she watched Suzumebachi elude the incoming Stone Edge attack. She knew that one wrong move could inflict great damage to her Pokémon, but she also had unwavering faith in her partner's abilities. Seeing the Graveler was struggling with its stamina running on low and knew this was the opportunity they were waiting on!
"Suzumebachi, now's our chance! Finish it with Twineedle!" Suzumebachi flew straight at the Graveler with blinding speed, her twin stingers glowing with a dangerous light. She moved in for the kill, her agility like a yellow-black streak against the sky as she closed the distance between herself and the Graveler. With a swift and precise movement, Suzumebachi thrust her stingers into the Graveler, delivering a devastating blow.
The Graveler let out its final cry before collapsing to the ground, unable to battle any longer. A hush fell over the spectators as they realized what was happening - someone had defeated one of Giselle's formidable Pokémon.
"That was…incredible, folks! I have never seen anyone able to pierce through Graveler's usually impenetrable body like that. This is truly the greatest day of my life!" Naru exclaimed before her partner could even speak, jumping up onto the table with excitement just like Gurio had done earlier.
Toshi and the others noticed the pure delight on the female commentator's face and couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction themselves. They guessed that Naru must have been either bullied or beaten by Giselle in the past, making this victory even sweeter for her. Joe could see that many of the students shared this mutual feeling and couldn't help but revel in this amazing moment right before their eyes.
As Giselle recalled her fainted Graveler with a clenched jaw and a mix of frustration and annoyance on her face, she locked eyes with Ashi, who stood confidently waiting for her Beedrill to return to her side. Giselle couldn't believe what had just happened. "How is that possible? There's no way your Beedrill should have been able to do so much damage against Graveler's stony exterior!"
"Didn't your parents teach you what happens when you assume?" Ashi retorted calmly, her Suzumebachi standing proudly by her side while her Litten and Pikachu snickered behind their paws. The people around them couldn't hide their grins, especially after witnessing someone finally stand up against the queen of the school and make her falter.
"While Graveler may seem sturdy with its high defense, if one can find its weak spots and exploit them, anything is possible," Ashi explained with a determined tone that echoed throughout the arena.
"Good job, Ashi!" Misty cheered loudly alongside Toshi. Leon and Steven were also pleased to see how Ashi was handling herself, while others could hear students in the stands murmuring in disbelief at what had just happened.
Giselle clenched her fists, a mix of frustration and disbelief on her face. She was not used to being on the receiving end of such a defeat, especially in front of so many witnesses. But instead of letting it consume her, she straightened up and showed that she wasn't ready to give up just yet.
Ashi noticed Giselle's determination and refusal to back down, and the girl insisted on continuing their match. Another Pokémon, an Abra, appeared with a sign around its sleeping neck that read 'Round Two' before disappearing once its job was done. The second match was underway, and although Ashi had won the first round, there was no telling what might happen in this one. Despite the uncertainty, everyone was still eager to see how it would unfold, and some were now rooting for Ashi without fear of any repercussions.
Ashi turned to her Beedrill, affectionately patting it on the head as she expressed gratitude for its earlier victory. "Thank you for your help, Suzumebachi. But now it's time for someone else to take over." She recalled her Pokémon and then considered Sora and Aratiri as potential replacements before eventually deciding that Sora would take the lead this time around.
"Are you ready, partner?" Her Litten yowled in excitement and Ashi understood his message, "MEOW! (Hell yeah, I am! Let's do this!) Pikachu felt a twinge of disappointment at not getting a chance to step in, but from the quick, subtle look the two shared, he sensed that they had a special plan in mind. He couldn't wait to see what strategy they would employ for this battle.
Giselle saw Ashi's choice and couldn't resist laughing. "What's this? You're letting your pet kitty fight now?" She was unfamiliar with this type of Pokémon, but after taking a closer look at its appearance and noticing the flames emanating from its body, she figured it must be a fire-type. Refusing to let Ashi throw her off her game, Giselle decided it was time to bring out her own Pokémon: Cubone.
Cubone emerged onto the field with a determined look in its eyes, tightly gripping onto its bone club. Confident in her choice, Giselle knew that Cubone's Ground-type moves would give her an advantage against a Fire-type like Litten.
But Ashi carefully observed the Cubone and analyzed the situation before making her move. "Sora, let's start strong with Fire Fang!" she commanded with unwavering determination.
Sora leaped into action, his fangs igniting with fiery energy as he closed in on the Cubone. The Fire Fang attack landed successfully, causing the Cubone to recoil from the intense heat.
Giselle's expression turned sour as she realized the power of Ashi's Litten. "Cubone, use Bone Club!" she instructed, hoping to turn the tide in her favor.
The Cubone swung its bone club with precision at Sora, but the agile Litten was able to dodge the attack. Giselle wasn't finished yet and called out, "Cubone, use Leer now." She hoped to weaken Sora's stats and make it easier to take him down since he was a fire-type.
But Sora stood defiantly, meeting the Cubone's intimidating gaze without flinching. His eyes burned with determination as he faced off against his opponent. Seeing this determination in her partner, Ashi decided to give Giselle a taste of her own medicine with a move they had been saving for this moment: "Sora, show them your Scary Face!"
With Ashi giving the green light, Sora turned to his opponent and took a moment to get ready before grinning widely with an unusual smile. This caused everyone to look a little lost, as many knew that Scary Face didn't have anything to do with smiles. But for Giselle, seeing this made her burst out laughing.
"Wow, I didn't think your Pokémon had it in them to disregard their trainer's command like that. Guess your kitten isn't all that—" she started saying before noticing a strange fiery circle appearing under Litten's feet. Suddenly, the whole arena was engulfed in darkness except for Sora, who kept on grinning his eerie grin. Then something began forming behind him - a massive manifestation of blue flames that took on the shape of a monstrous feline. It glared menacingly at them with piercing yellow-green eyes and a maw full of sharp teeth.
(What the hell is that?!) The entire student body stood frozen in terror as they beheld the towering behemoth before them. Its colossal form seemed to emanate a menacing aura that sent a sense of dread washing over them. All except for Ashi's brother and their friends, who noticed her calm demeanor and realized it must be one of her creations. However, this one was different - less unsettling than her others, much to their surprise.
"Is this another one of Ashi's...you-know-what?" Steven whispered to Toshi as they observed the illusion closely. It definitely seemed like her signature design. Toshi nodded in confirmation, "Yeah, it's one of sis's earlier prototypes. I believe this one is number 313." Toshi recalled the numerous variations his sister had come up with for her Hannya illusions, even creating new ones just to see how far she could push her abilities. Although many didn't make the cut, this one caught Sora's interest ever since he learned the move Scary Face. With Ashi's help, they tweaked the attack using one of her previous illusions to give it a stronger potency. And now, the results were on full display, leaving everyone speechless. Even the two commentators were at a loss for words, clearly affected by the terrifying sight.
Aratiri stood next to Ashi as they watched the reactions of those around them. He couldn't deny that he felt chills running down his spine as he gazed upon the monstrous creature that loomed over everyone. However, he took solace in knowing that he wasn't the one facing it in battle. And although he should have felt sorry for Giselle and her Pokémon who were about to face off against it, he couldn't bring himself to feel bad for them. After all, their trainer deserved this for underestimating Ashi's abilities and going above and beyond.
Raihan's Rotom trembled as it recorded the scene unfolding before them. The Hammerlocke Gym Leader wasn't all too surprised that Ashi had somehow managed to teach one of her Pokémon THAT.
Leon couldn't help but be thoroughly impressed by what he was witnessing. It was rare for a trainer to revamp a TM with such flair, and seeing as Ashi did it proved how capable she was in pushing boundaries. Even Joe, who couldn't tear his eyes away from the fearsome illusion, exclaimed in shock, "She actually tweaked a Pokémon move!" He had never heard of someone doing such a thing before, and it was clear that his classmates were equally enthralled at what they were seeing now that they were used to it. The fiendish Bakeneko loomed over them, its dark blue flames casting an eerie glow as it glared down at them with its odd-colored orbs. Giselle's Cubone cowered in fear, unable to move as it faced this terrifying manifestation.
Meanwhile, Ashi stood watching her opponent's face lose all color with her eyes glued on Sora's creature. She knew that everyone else was feeling the same way, but she had made sure to instruct her Litten to dial it back just a bit. They didn't want any lawsuits on their hands for causing mass panic on campus. Still, the look of fear on Giselle's face was worth it for Ashi and her friends, and she couldn't resist a small smirk as her Litten confidently strolled towards its paralyzed opponent, basking in the tension created by Ashi's illusionary tactics.
Cubone cowered in fear, his tiny knees knocking together as he stared at the looming cat-like monster with its gaping maw and razor-sharp teeth. Slowly but surely, the Litten inched closer until it was right in front of Cubone's face and let out a fierce "MEROEW!" Boo!
Terror taking over, Cubone quickly scurried back to his trainer and frantically tapped his club against the pokeball, signaling for a retreat. The group watched in shock as Giselle realized she had no other Pokémon to use, resulting in Ashi's victory. With that, the illusion surrounding them dissipated and all were left speechless, trying to process what had just happened.
Giselle's legs gave out from under her as she struggled to come to terms with her defeat at the hands of this seemingly inexperienced trainer. She couldn't believe it was possible - how could she have lost? A whirlwind of emotions swept through her, leaving her feeling disoriented and frustrated.
Turning to her opponent, Giselle saw that she had bent down to have her Litten hop into her arms. Her mind raced with questions and doubts as she confronted Ashi. "That move isn't Scary Face, it shouldn't have been allowed!" Giselle exclaimed, trying to make sense of what had just happened. She had read the manual, as had everyone else, and now some were questioning whether their school representative was right or not. "Scary Face is described much differently in the Pokémon handbook, so how in the world did that- that thing come into play?!"
As Ashi finished petting her Pokémon, she noticed that all eyes were on her. She knew this question would come up, but she didn't mind explaining.
"It's simple," she began calmly, her voice carrying across the courtyard. "I created the move and then Sora was eager to use it, so we worked together to tweak it into his TM. I know this may seem unheard of, but Pokémon moves aren't always something they naturally possess. Humans also help configure them so they can use them effectively down the road. With each new generation passing down moves from sire to offspring, there is room for improvement and innovation. For Sora, he was eager to go beyond and who was I to refuse his desire to push the boundaries of what we could achieve together?" Ashi's unwavering gaze met the uncertain and curious looks of the crowd.
Murmurs grew louder among the students, some nodding in understanding while others still seemed skeptical. However, Giselle remained unconvinced, clenching her fist and glaring at Ashi as she turned to address the rest of the audience.
"While it's true that this move may not be mentioned in any official books, there is always room for improvement when training your Pokémon. We all know that Leer reduces a Pokémon's stats, similar to Mean Look or Scary Face. So why not train them to use it in a more effective manner and unlock its full potential? I taught my Sora how to recalibrate his TM with an illusion style, and through hard work and trial and error, we were able to repurpose it. And even though you may have read the official handbook, Pokémon are constantly adapting and evolving, just like us humans. So why can't this same principle be applied to the rules of battling?"
Ashi's eyes landed on her brother and their friends, with Joe standing beside them, hanging onto every word she said.
"Training in computer simulations can only take you so far if you keep following the same predictable patterns. Sometimes, when it comes to battling, you have to think two steps ahead if you want to be successful. When faced with opponents who think outside the box and play to win, you must understand that your Pokémon are an extension of yourself. Together, you must push boundaries, challenge rules, and discover new ways to unleash their full potential. Otherwise, you'll find yourself falling behind and unable to keep up with the evolving strategies of your opponents."
"Pika!" Pikachu chimed in, nodding in agreement with Ashi's words as he felt that was true since he thought he'd never get as far as he would if not for her encouragement and everyone here.
The courtyard was filled with a mix of awe and confusion as this information sunk in. Some of the faculty were nodding in agreement, seeing the logic behind her unconventional approach, while others remained skeptical, clinging to tradition and what they knew to be true. But it was clear that the students were now taking this into consideration for their future as Pokémon trainers.
Toshi couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as he watched the crowd hang onto every word spoken by his sister, Ashi. Many in the audience were still reeling from Giselle's unexpected defeat, especially those who had bullied Joe earlier that day. Toshi could see the stunned looks on their faces, their mouths gaping open like Magikarp.
(Shi Shi Shi, serves them right for messing with my big sister!) He thought to himself, inwardly doing a happy dance at how Ashi had shown everyone her true capabilities. Maybe now these kids would finally understand the importance of—
"Hey Toshi, what's going on with your bag there?" Brock suddenly interrupted Toshi's thoughts. He and the others had noticed a bright glow emanating from Toshi's backpack at their feet. As they all turned to look at Toshi, he quickly moved to check his bag and opened the flap to reveal the source of the light: a Pokémon egg! Some trainers there, like Leon, Raihan, and Steven, recognized what was about to happen while others who were unfamiliar with the egg puzzled over its significance. The light from the egg grew brighter with each passing moment, and small cracks began to form on its surface until finally a blinding white light enveloped it. Those nearby shielded their eyes to avoid being blinded.
When the light faded and everyone could see again, there in place of the egg was a small pink creature with a star-shaped appearance. Its large ears were pointy and completely brown in color. It had two small black eyes, a small mouth, and its cheeks always seemed to have a rosy blush. Stubby arms and legs that ended in points adorned its round body, along with a curl on its forehead and a curled tail.
"Cleffa!" The tiny Pokémon chirped happily as it leaped into Toshi's face, nuzzling against his cheek and emitting a warm, comforting glow. Raihan, whose Rotom was still recording the events, exclaimed, "Mazel tov Toshi, congrats on your new Cleffa!"
"Aww, how cute!" Some of the girls in the crowd cooed at the adorable Pokémon, all vying for a better look. Joe, who had been lucky enough to witness the hatching of the egg, couldn't help but notice the similarities between Cleffa and a certain Fairy-type found in Mt. Moon. "Hey Toshi, why does it look like a Clefairy?" Other students who were knowledgeable about Fairy-types also shared Joe's curiosity.
"That's because this is Clefairy's pre-evolved form, Cleffa." All eyes turned to see a group of newcomers joining them, led by an elderly man with a large head that was bald on top but had white hair tied in a ponytail at the bottom. His thick white eyebrows covered his eyes, and he sported a long beard that cascaded down his chest. Large earlobes adorned with yellow earrings framed his face. He was dressed in an orange gii tied with a white obi and wore a black haori over it, along with orange hakama pants and light-brown wooden clogs.
Leon and the others heard Joe's excited exclamation of "Headmaster Konoe!" as they spotted the older man walking towards them. The students gasped in surprise and fear as they saw their principal on school grounds. Even the bullies who had been tormenting Joe and Giselle's group were now sweating bullets, knowing that their actions would not go unnoticed by the headmaster.
It was well-known that Headmaster Konoe had taken a year-long sabbatical, but he had returned sooner than expected, catching everyone off guard. Ashi noticed him approaching her brother and watched with great interest as he examined the recently hatched Pokémon in Toshi's arms.
"Definitely from the same fairy type class," the headmaster commented, his sharp eyes taking in every detail of the Pokémon. "But this one was not laid in a daycare nursery. You were given this one in person, very impressive. Not many fairies would go to such lengths unless they know just how trustworthy you are."
Toshi blinked in surprise at how the headmaster seemed to know all this information about his new Pokémon. He was too busy trying to keep it from climbing onto his head and toppling over as it struggled to balance itself on his cap.
Meanwhile, the headmaster had moved on to where Ashi stood, eager to examine Sora in her arms. "Ah, and this one is a Litten from the Alola region, the fire type starter," he said with a knowing smile. "But this Litten – pardon me, Sora – has a different coloration from what you usually see in these types. It can only mean that he is a shiny variant, truly a rarity to find out in the wild as they are difficult to acquire."
The students erupted into a chorus of excited chatter, expressing their awe and disbelief at finding such a unique Pokémon. Even Giselle, who was trying to regain her composure after being defeated by Ashi, couldn't help but be amazed by the rare Pokémon in their midst.
The headmaster stroked his beard as he continued to explain to the students. "Pokémon are truly fascinating creatures, with many mysteries yet to be unraveled," he said. "For example, their eggs. While we know that Pokémon are born from eggs, no one has ever witnessed them giving birth. Some believe that they must lay their eggs in secluded places away from the general population. And even more intriguingly, while some species have a secondary form, like Clefairy and Cleffa, others may have a different first form altogether."
The students murmured in surprise and embarrassment at not having known this information before. The headmaster turned to them with a determined look.
"It seems that while I have been away, things have gone awry. If not for Professor Takahata sending me urgent details about the events that occurred during my absence, I would have been unaware of the situation." The headmaster's disappointment towards his vice-principal for allowing these things to happen while he was on leave was evident, but he knew he needed to deal with it later. He now turned to his students who were all looking nervous in his presence.
"My understanding is that we the school has failed to remind you of the importance of applying what you learn here to the real world. It is not enough to simply memorize information from textbooks and lectures. As Pokémon trainers, you must think critically and adapt to different situations. True growth comes from experience, from forming bonds with your Pokémon, and from facing challenges head-on."
The students listened intently as the headmaster's words resonated with them. Ashi's group also took note of the older man's expression and saw that he was serious about their education. He then thought of a solution to correct this issue and came up with an idea that would benefit all of the students.
"Takahata, wouldn't you say we are long overdue for one of our teaching seminars?" The handsome white-haired man with glasses nodded in agreement. "Indeed, you are right. It has been a while since we held one and I believe it would be best to have all classes attend today's lectures on battle strategies and how to handle various situations."
The headmaster turned to the two commentators, his stern gaze sweeping over them before he spoke. "Mr. Umino, Miss Osaka, I would like for both of you to make the announcement and inform everyone to meet in the gym auditorium in fifteen minutes. This is a mandatory session for all classes and I expect everyone there on the dot!"
"Yes, headmaster!" The two commentators said in unison, immediately following their orders as the crowd around them began to buzz with excitement. Many of them hurried off to spread the word, knowing that whatever the headmaster had planned for this mandatory lecture was sure to be riveting.
As the crowd dispersed in various directions around the school campus, Ash and his friends were left standing with the headmaster and Professor Takahata. The headmaster then turned to face them, bowing his head respectfully.
"My sincerest apologies for not introducing myself earlier," he said. "I was attending other pressing matters at the time."
The headmaster believed that everything had been going well while he was away, until a few days ago when he received an urgent email about critical issues caused by one of their staff members, Vice Principal Gakuho Asano. Apparently, Asano had been engaging in illegal activities such as accepting bribes and covering up bullying incidents involving certain students. The rest of the staff was aware of this but were unable to do anything since Asano held a position of power. Thanks to Professor Takahata's help in investigating and gathering all the necessary evidence, they were able to dismiss Asano and hand him over to Officer Jenny who had arrived alongside the headmaster with the warrant already prepared for his arrest.
After handling the situation, the headmaster decided to take a break and get some fresh air. He and Professor Takahata noticed a large crowd gathered around one of the practice arenas where a Pokémon battle was taking place. Curious, the headmaster approached and observed as Giselle, the class representative, showed blatant disrespect towards her opponent during the battle. This disappointed both faculty members as they were sure they had taught their students better when it came to respect and sportsmanship. However, what caught their attention was when Ashi's Litten used an impressive Scary Face move that left Giselle's Pokémon trembling in fear. The headmaster was truly impressed as he had seen standard moves before, but this one was something special - an absolute marvel of illusion created by someone truly ingenious. It turned out that this young teen not only revised a TM to make it more functional but also explored the possibility of reconfiguring a move that could give any trainer an edge if mastered.
As the headmaster, it was his duty to encourage students to push their limits and seek out new challenges with their Pokémon. He couldn't help but see the raw potential in Ashi as a trainer and hoped she would be willing to help him with his demonstration today.
"Excuse me, young lady," he said, turning to face Ashi. "I hope you don't mind my request, but I was wondering if you would be willing to lend your services for today's demonstration?"
Ashi blinked in surprise. She had expected him to ask someone more experienced, like a Gym Leader or even a Champion.
"Are you sure, sir?" she asked. "Wouldn't it be better to have someone with more experience or someone who runs a gym, like them?" She gestured towards her friends, thinking they would be more qualified. But the headmaster shook his head.
"No, I feel you would be most suited for today's lesson." He was eager to see what this trainer was capable of and saw that he had just the item on his person that would help explain why it would be beneficial for Ashi to participate in the match. He reached into his right sleeve and brought out a small wooden box, passing it to her.
Curious, Ashi opened it and saw a black cuff bracelet with intricate blue markings and a small crystallized stone bearing a familiar symbol she knew she had seen before. Steven also recognized the orb as a keystone, which meant that the bracelet itself was a mega device. However, he noted that the material was made of leather instead of alloy like the standardized version, which seemed very odd to him as he had never heard of anyone using something outside of that. Still, everyone couldn't help but gaze at it and be fascinated by the sheer beauty of its design.
"So what is this?" Toshi couldn't help but ask. Seeing the Headmaster saw fit to explain, "It's a Mega bracelet which I'm sure some of you are aware of its specialties - it's a device that a trainer wears to hold the keystone while the other piece, the Megastone itself is attached to the Pokémon it's linked by."
"Huh?" Toshi and the two Kanto gym leaders didn't understand, but Steven stepped in to further explain its capabilities since he was more familiar with them. "Keystones and Megastones have a unique property where a Pokémon can go beyond its normal evolution and reach a new level when used temporarily."
"I see you're familiar with it, Mr. Stone. I would expect no less from the Hoenn Champion itself to recognize its abilities," the headmaster said, nodding at Steven's lapel pin. He continued to explain how he came across this one-of-a-kind object that he was letting Ashi use for their match.
While on his travels, he stumbled upon a unique antique shop and bought it from an alluring yet mysterious proprietor who seemed aware of his arrival. She even let him have it for a very low price with a request. The bracelet also came with a keystone; however, he had no clue which kind of megastone it used. But seeing how the gem was reacting while in the presence of the young teen herself, he realized that his assumption must be correct - she must be carrying the other half to this one.
"If I may ask, did you happen to find something similar to this but slightly bigger?" Ashi blinked but recalled the yellow and black marble in her bag and nodded, "Yeah, so wait, you're saying it's…"
"Yes, that happens to be the keystone that triggers the Megastone, which is linked to your Pokémon Suzumebachi. Would you kindly put this on and meet me in the gym? Also, give this to your Beedrill to wear."
Ashi saw that Professor Takahata had came back with an odd belt-like device, and assume would need to attach it to her Pokémon. Him and Steven helped her adjust it onto her Pokémon and seeing was securely fastened around Suzumebachi's waist with the stone in its place. Takahata, the leading expert in Key and Mega stones evolution, gave Ashi the basics rundown of how to use the bracelet's functions with the Megastone now on her Beedrill. Seeing as she took to understand the mechanism behind both stones and seem to get the gist of it as now she felt like she could use it now that she was mentally prepared.
"Wait, are you going to be the one Ashi fights against then?" Toshi asked before the professor shook his head. "Unfortunately, while I do have my ring that holds the keystone, I left my Pokémon's Megastone back home. The only one more qualified would be Sensei here," he indicated to the Headmaster who nodded.
"Wait, seriously?" The group all looked at Ashi. While she felt overwhelmed, she couldn't pass up this opportunity. Plus, Suzumebachi seemed interested in her new gear and was still amped up to fight. "Alright then, I'll be happy to fight against you."
"Excellent! That is just what I was hoping for!" He turned to his professor and Steven and asked them to be the referees, given their familiarity with Mega Evolution. Hopefully afterward, they could assist in explaining what the young students had just witnessed.
With everything settled, the group hurriedly followed the Headmaster to the gymnasium. They found that the students had saved front-row seats for them to watch the battle up close.
"Hey Leon, do you know anything about what the Headmaster and that professor were talking about?" Toshi had been too busy dealing with his Cleffa to catch what those two had told his sister, but he was curious about what the Galar Monarch had to say given his expertise in this area.
"Yeah, you know how in some of our championship matches we can make our Pokémon bigger and stronger thanks to our Dynobands? Well, other places have come up with different tools and techniques to give Pokémon an advantage, and Mega Evolution just happens to be one of them."
"But wouldn't it have been better to have the match outside instead of here?" He had seen how humongous Leon's Pokémon was when watching it Gigantimaxed on TV, and now he was slightly worried if that would also happen here when Ashi used it on her Beedrill.
But the Galar Monarch chuckled, understanding Toshi's concern. "Don't worry, those two won't become super colossal. But you'll definitely feel the intensity when they get fully charged up, so pay close attention!"
He was also excited himself since he thought this would be a great opportunity for not just Toshi and these kids to learn more about the special capabilities of Pokémon, but also for Ashi as she would be the one to mega evolve her Pokémon. Looking over at her, he saw that she was both excited and nervous, while the leather bracelet with the keystone on her wrist glistened under the gymnasium lights. The tension in the air was palpable as Ashi and the Headmaster took their positions on opposite sides of the battlefield.
"Welcome back for another exciting lineup as today's match features our very own Headmaster Konoe vs. Trainer Ashi, who defeated Top Beginner Giselle! This will be a one-on-one Pokémon battle, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled because you don't want to miss any of the action!" Gurio was once again commentating alongside Naru, and they were both hyped about making history with this match. As they watched the battle commence with their principal bringing out his chosen Pokémon, "Pinsir come out!"
Everyone saw the bug type emerge with its pincers snapping, and many noticed what could almost look like a pro wrestler's belt around its bulky waist. A yellow orb was attached to it, similar to the one the headmaster had on his own wrist. Ashi moved to grab her Pokeball and threw it out, shouting, "Let's go Suzumebachi!" She saw that her Beedrill looked fully charged up, which might have been due to the crystal's energy on her trainer's left wrist but seeing was fired up more than anything as she looked to her opponent who returned the gaze head-on.
Misty shuddered when she saw what was on the floor and held onto her Slowpoke as she muttered, "Bugs...why did it have to be bugs?"
She hadn't shown this earlier in Ashi's match against Giselle since she was too focused on cheering her on to consider it, but now seeing not one but two bug types had her clinging onto Sweetie and unable to hide the revulsion that overcame her.
"Ah c'mon Misty, don't be like that!" Toshi cradled his newborn Pokémon in his arms and had Sora and Aratiri with him to watch the fight since they were being seated out of it. He wondered about what was going to happen and thought to ask Raihan if he could make a recording for him so that he could later send it to the Professor to show his own Beedrill. "Man, I really want to see what they're gonna do there."
Raihan, who already had his Rotom all set to go, turned to Toshi with a wide grin. "Oh, you'll see! You'll see!"
The battle commenced with Headmaster Konoe's Pinsir facing off against newcomer Ashi's Suzumebachi. The air crackled with anticipation as both Bug-type Pokémon eyed each other warily, ready to unleash their power. Headmaster Konoe raised his hand, signaling the start of the battle.
"Pinsir, use X-Scissor!" he commanded, his voice firm and authoritative.
"Suzumebachi, dodge it and use Poison Jab!" In response, Suzumebachi buzzed with determination. Her compound eyes gleamed with focus as she swiftly evaded the oncoming X-Scissor attack and retaliated with a powerful pierce full of venom. The attack struck Pinsir directly, causing it to stagger back.
Pinsir quickly recovered from the poison, shaking off its effects with a defiant snarl. Headmaster Konoe remained composed, his unwavering gaze assessing the situation.
"Excellent maneuver, Ashi. But let's see how you handle this. Pinsir, Brick Break!" he ordered, determination lacing his words.
As Pinsir charged forward with its massive pincers glowing with fighting energy, Suzumebachi anticipated the attack and swiftly backflipped to avoid it. She countered with a barrage of stingers launched from her forelimbs.
The arena was filled with a symphony of clashing moves and buzzing wings as the two Bug-type Pokémon battled in a dazzling display of skill and strategy. The crowd watched in awe as they exchanged calculated moves, each trainer responding to their opponent's actions.
Gurio and Naru provided commentary from the sidelines, while the audience cheered on at the intense match. Ashi's quick reflexes and Suzumebachi's strength proved to be a formidable combination against the headmaster's seasoned Pokémon.
Impressed by Ashi's skill and dedication in training her Beedrill, Headmaster Konoe narrowed his eyes as he prepared for his next move. "Not bad, young lady. I see you have trained your Pokémon well."
"Thank you, I appreciate it," Ashi replied as her Beedrill buzzed with determination and energy. She knew this battle was far from over, and so did the Headmaster who decided it was time to unleash his Pokémon's true capabilities.
"But let's see how she does against this: Pinsir, let's show her your true power!" The Headmaster press the gem inside his bracelet and seeing both keystone and and the megastone on the wrestler-like belt around Pinsir's body glowing simultaneously, everyone witnessed the Pokémon undergoing a metamorphosis. It gained a large pair of clear yellow wings with orange venation near the base, along with a set of brown elytras. Slicing through each elytron were orange blades, while its arms became longer and a T-shaped spike appeared on each forearm. The pincers on its head also grew larger with spikes, and its eyes turned yellow.
The bleachers erupted in shock and awe as they witnessed a Pinsir evolving for the first time. Even the Kanto gym leaders were taken aback, with Misty turning to her fellow gym leader Brock in curiosity. "Hey Brock, do you think your Onix could defeat this Pokémon?"
Brock took a moment to consider his answer, knowing that this mega evolved form posed an even greater challenge than the original Pinsir. "If I'm being honest, it would definitely give my Onix a hard time. This Pinsir looks twice as powerful."
The match was about to reach a new level of intensity, and Ashi couldn't help but feel excited at the prospect of facing this evolved opponent. The Headmaster gave everyone enough time to witness his Pokémon's new appearance before turning back to his opponent once more.
"Well then, young lady, perhaps now you should also give yours a try and even the playing field," he said. He knew his mega Pinsir could easily defeat hers, but this was a training exercise to help his students learn. And after observing her, he believed she would be more than capable of handling its powers.
Ashi turned to look at her partner and they shared a silent look that told her to do it. "Bzz bzz~"
"All right Suzumebachi, here we go! Time to give it our all!" Mimicking what the headmaster did, Ashi pressed down on the keystone and focused on activating the stone on her wrist, redirecting its energy towards Suzumebachi. She could feel her own magic thrumming under the skin as the stones were coming to synchronized with her Pokémon's, feeling the abundance power that was charging in through her Suzumebachi's whole being and seeing to bring forth her true potential.
When the light died down, they saw that Suzumebachi had gained more defined features: shorter, T-shaped antennae; longer and sleeker eyes; three pairs of wings with black trim; longer and larger stingers resembling lances; additional conical, black-and-yellow stingers with white tips replacing its legs; a larger and grooved abdomen attached to its thorax by a black structure; and black stripes covering its entire body.
"Whoa, that's awesome!" Toshi marveled at the sight while Leon had his Rotom scan the new form and then saw to display its details on its screen for Toshi to quickly read the information on its Mega evolutionary:
The ME Beedrill's fast-acting poison is stored in the stingers on its limbs, while the tail stinger produces a slow-acting poison that is used to finish opponents. The instantaneous poisons are instead used to prevent the foe from fleeing.
"Wow that sounds like Suzumebachi is really a force to be reckoned with now!" Even Aratiri and Sora couldn't take their eyes away from their comrade in her new form and see things were really getting heated up now that both Pokémon were at full power.
As the two bug-types glared at each other intensely from across the room, it felt like a scene from an old anime where powerful warriors were about to unleash maximum damage. The students couldn't tear their eyes away and some wondered if their own Pokémon could ever reach such strength. The principal could sense their eager anticipation and knew they all wanted to see how this match would turn out.
"Let's continue, shall we?" he said, but just as they were about to resume the match, smoke started filling the gym. It wasn't a fire, but a deliberate attempt to disrupt their team.
Confusion spread among the students and teachers, but those familiar with these underhanded tactics had a sinking feeling. "Oh no, not again..." And then came the grating voices.
"Prepare for trouble!/And make it double!" The silhouettes within the smokescreen revealed themselves as none other than Team Rocket, standing back-to-back in their iconic pose.
"To protect the world from devastation!/To unite all people within our nation!
To denounce the evils of truth and love!/To extend our reach to the stars above!"
The two continued their infamous introduction, stepping forward into the clearing smoke to reveal Jessie and James.
"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!/Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"
Meowth chimed in with his signature "That's right!" as he joined them. They looked around and saw that everyone was staring at them with a mix of confusion and annoyance.
"Great, just when things were getting good they had to show up," Raihan heard someone mutter and when he turned to look he saw Ashi's Litten by his side. But there was no one else except the Pokémon. It tilted its head curiously at his glance and let out a meow.
Raihan refocused on the intruders as Sora let out a sigh of relief. (That was way too close!) He had forgotten that there was another human sitting next to him other than Toshi and almost blew their cover. Thankfully, Raihan shifted his attention back to the situation at hand and hopefully wouldn't remember this slip-up later.
The headmaster's stern gaze bore down on the duo, his disapproval evident as he remembered their names. "Ah yes, I remember you two well. How could I forget the ones who not only failed the midterm exams, but were caught cheating?"
"Cheating? How dare you!/We studied hard to pass that exam!" The two protested loudly, but their words fell flat under the headmaster's unyielding stare. He remembered them all too clearly from when he had called them into his office and reprimanded them for their dishonest actions, ready to send them packing. However, James' parents had intervened, saving him from expulsion by withdrawing him and choosing to homeschool with handpicked tutors. Jessie, on the other hand, had simply fled without waiting for her inevitable expulsion.
The headmaster never thought he would see these two again and now hearing them try to make excuses in front of him and their peers was almost comical. He knew the truth and so did those involved.
"Yes, but what about the night before the exams? Someone attempted to tamper with my office door lock, thinking they could steal what they assumed were answer sheets from Kanto region exams. Little did they know, those were actually from a different class studying the Kalos region. And yet somehow, those same answers magically appeared on your exam papers - in every single box!"
"What?! That's impossible!/How could this happen? I thought I grab-um studied the right ones!" Toshi and the others listening couldn't help but roll their eyes at how incompetent these two were. Even Raihan couldn't resist muttering, "It's no surprise they would stoop to such levels."
They probably didn't even bother to take a closer look at what they had stolen, blindly assuming that "Ka" stood for Kanto. But with two regions using those letters, it was no wonder they had made such a blunder. Now everyone gave Team Rocket a look that clearly communicated their disbelief in the duo's intelligence.
The headmaster continued to glare at the trio, while Ashi sensed his growing indignation. Finally, he turned to her and her mega Pokémon. "Young lady, I have asked a lot of you today, but would you like to help me teach these cheaters a lesson they won't forget? They have brought shame upon our esteemed institution."
Ashi understood the principal's request and couldn't resist the opportunity to showcase her Pokémon's abilities with some willing Vic—um volunteers. She gave the principal a nod, indicating that she was more than happy to comply.
"Well, since this is a teachable moment and it would be rude not to allow the students to witness our Pokémon who have gone through such trouble to mega evolve, I'll happily oblige."
Turning to face Team Rocket, Ashi saw the terrified expressions on their faces as they finally realized the gravity of their situation. Her and the headmaster's Bug-type Pokémon stood in front of them, both itching to unleash their power on these fools.
"Pinsir/Suzumebachi, use Thrash/Air Cutter!" While these attacks were familiar, having them used by mega evolved Pokémon amplified their power. Everyone in attendance could see the devastating strength behind these moves, and Team Rocket knew they stood no chance against them. As they attempted to make a run for it, both attacks struck them simultaneously, sending them flying through the ceiling of the auditorium and into the sky like speeding bullets.
"Looks like Team Rocket is blasting off again!" With that matter settled, both the headmaster and Ashi turned to each other once more, their Pokémon facing off in anticipation of resuming their battle. Toshi could hardly contain his excitement as he eagerly waited to see what would happen next.
"All right, now we're really gonna see something epic—" But his words died out when both Suzumebachi and Pinsir reverted back to their normal forms. "Ah, what happened?!"
"Toshi, when it comes to the limits of evolution's power, it usually reverts back after a Pokémon either goes unconscious or uses too much of its power or when the battle is over. In this case, I guess when they double-teamed and took out Team Rocket, that counted as the battle being finished."
After that was over and seeing that Professor Takahata along with their unexpected guest and now speaker, Steven Stone – the Hoenn Champion – along with the two Galar trainers, were happy to explain about their own special form of special evolution called Dynamaxing. It took about two hours before they finished, and then the students were allowed to go back to class for the rest of the day. Many were talking animatedly about what they had just witnessed and feeling enlightened by this new information as they each thought to plan how to make their own Pokémon someday reach that level.
Joe was among them, thinking today had been truly eye-opening as he got to behold not just one, but two incredible battles – one he never thought he'd ever get to see in his lifetime. Yet it also had him thinking about what both his headmaster and Ashi had said and giving him a lot to process as he sat outside on one of the many vacant benches in the spacious grounds. Before he knew it, someone came over and sat down next to him.
"Um, excuse me Joe, can we talk for a second?" Joe turned around and was surprised to see it was one of his classmates – a girl who had transferred from the Sinnoh region not too long ago but had been quiet and kept to herself.
"Oh, you're Nodoka, right!" He remembered seeing her in the library a few times, often sitting in the back with her head buried in textbooks. Her grades weren't as bad as his, but she still seemed like she was also a victim of Giselle's clique – who took to bullying the shy student – and no one seemed to put a stop to it. But seeing her sitting alongside him now and noticing that she had something on her mind, Nodoka spoke up. "I heard about what happened this afternoon and I'm glad I'm not the only one who received an apology from our school president."
Giselle and the boys who had bullied Joe were the first of many to be called straight to the headmaster's office just a few moments ago. Seeing the clear writing on the wall, they knew what they had done. The evidence, incriminating folders with their names on them, had been procured by all his teachers. As the headmaster read through each one, his furrowed brow and serious expression made it clear that he saw the severity of their actions. Once in his office, he gave them a stern lecture and informed them that their parents had already been notified about their misbehavior. They were also instructed to make amends with the students they had hurt before being placed on a four to six-week suspension to reflect on their actions and write a 5000-word essay on empathy and respecting others. Some of their parents attempted to make excuses for them, but the headmaster firmly explained the school's laws and code of conduct that they had violated. He made it abundantly clear to the parents that this behavior would not be tolerated if they wished to see their children continue at the academy. He also warned them that these actions would go on their permanent records and other schools would be informed if they attempted to transfer their children elsewhere.
Joe was amazed by everything that had happened in just a few short hours. With the principal now taking charge in reshaping the school's image to its original pristine status, and most of the students fully aware of the consequences they faced, he hoped this punishment would set them straight. He was even surprised when Giselle approached him with an apologetic look and a somber tone.
"Hey Joe...I know what I did was wrong and I'm truly sorry for everything." Giselle had been spoken to by both the principal and her professor about her behavior. They were firm but fair, making her realize the impact of her actions not only on Joe, but on the entire school community. Giselle had never felt so ashamed and it weighed heavily on her conscience. She knew that while some of the students might not be willing to accept her apology, Joe took a moment to consider how genuine she was and thought it best to be the bigger person.
"Alright, Giselle. Let's start fresh. Just please don't let it happen again." With a small smile, Giselle nodded, feeling relieved that at least some people were willing to accept her apology. She understood why others might still feel wary towards her but now that she was truly aware of the pain she had caused others, she knew that this was a chance for her to make real changes within herself. She made a mental note to reach out to the students she had wronged and make amends in any way possible.
After apologizing to each person she had wronged, knowing that she only had today before she had to leave for home due to the headmaster's decision to let her handle this issue, Giselle made sure to express her remorse and take responsibility as the school president.
Joe watched this unfold and realized that people are capable of change if given the opportunity. He couldn't say for certain if Giselle and the others would return after their suspension, but only time would tell. As he reflected on everything he had witnessed, including Ashi's exceptional performance with her Pokémon and the strong bond they shared, he began to consider a different path for himself. He wondered if maybe he should think outside the box like Ashi and strive to become a more effective trainer.
Glancing towards the school grounds, Joe noticed that the students seemed more lively now that the issue was being resolved. Nodoka, who was sitting next to him, also seemed relieved and eventually opened up about why she sought him out.
"I heard you have extensive knowledge about Kanto Flying types. My aunt gave me a Pidgey for my birthday and I was hoping you could help me train it," she said nervously, fidgeting with her skirt.
Joe was surprised by her request but looked at Nodoka with a grin. She may not be as popular or eye-catching as Giselle, but there was something endearing about her. Plus, her blush earlier made his heart skip a beat. "Of course! We can go to the library or study outside with our Pokémon," he suggested, thinking it would be beneficial for them both to practice their skills in a new environment. "My Weepingbell loves being near flowerbeds, so maybe we can work on some moves together."
Completely unaware that Ashi was listening nearby and smiling at their interaction, Joe and Nodoka continued talking and getting to know each other. It was a good start for Joe, and Ashi couldn't help but feel happy for him.
Ashi turned to look down at her two Pokémon, who were also listening intently to the ongoing conversation. "I wonder if we went a bit overboard back there today, Sora? Aratiri?" Her two Pokémon had accompanied her as she confronted the kids who had bullied Joe, and she remembered the startled looks on their faces when she decided to have a brief chat with them. She had made a request to the headmaster, since they were his students, and he thought giving them a good scare might straighten them out.
"Heh, I'd say it was a tad underwhelming, but I think those punks got the message loud and clear, right Ara?" The Litten turned to the Pikachu, who nodded in agreement. "Pika Pi!"
While he may not have the same intimidating aura as Ashi and Sora, that didn't mean he couldn't give those kids a menacing stare that promised retribution if they ever crossed their trainer again or pulled the same stunt with other kids. Bullies deserved what was coming to them, and he was more than happy to deliver a fully charged Thunderbolt if necessary.
As they walked across the open campus, they noticed many of the students looking at them with awe, particularly Ashi. A couple kids even approached them to ask about what it was like to mega evolve Pokémon. While they had received some information from their professor and Steven himself, who was happy to fill in any gaps, most of the students came to Ashi because she was the one who had actually experienced it firsthand.
She couldn't help but answer truthfully when asked about her experience: "I could feel the power being transferred through my wrist into hers and Suzumebachi, I could sense her vibrating with such intensity, like nothing she's ever felt before. It truly was incredible."
Ashi then heard someone approaching and turned to see Steven, who had finished his own conversation with some students who wanted to hear more from him before he was allowed to leave.
"Hmm, it looks like things are finally on the right track here at the school." It was fortunate that the headmaster would take care of everything, and hopefully the school's reputation would return to its former glory now that the problem had been resolved.
Ashi nodded, her eyes scanning the bustling school grounds. "Hopefully," she replied, tucking a stray strand of ombré hair behind her ear. "As the principal said, he'll take care of what his vice did behind his back, and while it may take some time, I'm sure the school will return to its pristine state now that the issue has been resolved."
She couldn't help but steal a glance in Joe's direction, watching as he laughed with Nodoka and released their Pokémon. A faint blush tinged his cheeks as he made the girl laugh at something he said. Ashi couldn't help but smiled, happy to see them getting along.
Steven joined her in observing the pair before they continued on their walk through the school grounds. "You know, I'm glad to see how these kids' eyes have finally been opened," he commented, a hint of pride in his voice. "They're eager to learn about everything this world has to offer."
Ashi nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think a lot of the students here will benefit greatly from these experiences. It's clear that they are all capable of growth and change, especially with the right guidance and support."
She couldn't help but feel hopeful for the students at this school, knowing that they had mentors like the Headmaster and professors like Takahata to guide them.
"Well then I guess our job here is done," Ashi said with a smile. "I suppose we should be heading on our merry way."
As they walked towards the front of the school, they spotted both the headmaster and Professor Takahata conversing with their friends. They quickly made their way over to join them.
"Ah, there you are young miss," the headmaster greeted them with a smile. "I was just about to have someone come look for you."
"No worries sir, we were on our way here and I know we were sure to let you know before we said our goodbyes," Ashi replied, holding out the Mega bracelet she had borrowed. "Thank you for letting me borrow this by the way, I really appreciate it."
She felt a pang of reluctance as she removed the bracelet and placed it back inside its box. There was a strange connection she felt when her skin touched it, but she knew it belonged to someone else and she had to return it to its rightful owner.
"I'll admit that I never thought I would ever have such a wonderful opportunity like this," Ashi continued, her voice filled with gratitude. "It truly opened my eyes to how incredible it is to have such power flowing through not just me, but my Pokémon as well. I can't thank you enough for allowing me to take part in it."
She held out the box to the headmaster, expecting him to take it from her. However, he simply shook his head.
"While I do appreciate your words, young lady, I cannot accept this back now that I've already done my part," he explained.
Confusion flickered across everyone's faces as they wondered what he meant. The headmaster continued.
"The person who sold me this piece explained that it will only react to the one it accepts as its true owner," he said with a hint of skepticism. "And believe me, I was very skeptical myself. But then she told me that there was a certain uniqueness to it that only responds to its chosen master."
At first, he didn't believe it and tried using his own keystone with the bracelet. Nothing happened. But the seller promised him that when its future owner came along, the box itself would give a strong indication and he would feel its warmth when standing before them. It was then that he realized Ashi must be the chosen one.
The Headmaster could see why the girl stood out - she had a fiery spirit that radiated from her. With this customized trinket, she would surely achieve amazing feats. The trainer's eyes widened in surprise as he spoke, clearly taken aback by this sudden turn of events. A sense of awe washed over Ashi as she looked at the bracelet, now knowing that it had chosen her. She couldn't help but feel grateful and humbled by the experience. Her friends were also happy for her and congratulated her as they stood by her side.
"That's fantastic, sis! You're so lucky!" Toshi then turned to the headmaster and asked, "Hey, any chance you know where you got it from?" He thought it would be cool if he could get a similar one like Ashi's, maybe in a dark blue color. But the Principal blinked as if he didn't remember where it was from - memories of the unfamiliar shop and its elusive owner suddenly became vague in his mind.
Ashi noticed the brief look of confusion on his face before the headmaster shrugged, "Unfortunately, I don't recall. I believe the shop itself was a rental, so I'm not even sure if it would still be in the same area now. But don't worry, because I have a feeling that you may actually get to meet the proprietor herself one day in the future..."
Toshi looked down for a moment, but then perked up upon hearing this - there was a small chance they might come across this mysterious shop that sold the cool-looking mega bracelet. Ashi herself became interested in meeting the seller, as she found the bracelet fascinating. Strangely enough, her magic seemed to react to it in a way she couldn't quite understand. Perhaps if they met the person who sold it to the headmaster, she might get some answers.
But for now, they would have to continue on and say their goodbyes before following the path that the headmaster directed them towards - it would lead them back to Vermillion Road.
The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the horizon as the group walked down the road. The crunch of gravel under their feet echoed through the quiet countryside, accompanied by the occasional chirping of birds. Ashi took her time admiring the bracelet on her wrist, while carefully stashing the keystone in her bag with the other stones she had collected, each one pulsing with a unique energy. She couldn't help but smile, feeling grateful for the unexpected gift that had come her way.
"You were really lucky to have that Beedrillite on you," Leon said, breaking the peaceful silence. "Yeah, I guess so," Ashi replied humbly, still in awe of what she had just experienced.
"Yeah, who would have thought you'd be carrying the exact Megastone with you? I mean, what are the odds of that happening?" Raihan joked, knowing how rare these stones were and how people searched high and low for them.
"Oh come on, you're making it sound like it's a priceless treasure or something," Steven shook his head, but even he couldn't deny the value of such a stone. "Actually, Megastones do sell for very high prices in some places. For a Beedrillite, I'd say there are some that could go for at least a hundred thousand or more depending on the quality of it."
"WAIT, SERIOUSLY?!" This was shocking news to hear. Even Brock couldn't help but whistle low, knowing just how much these stones were worth. "Wow, that's a lot of money someone could make by selling them huh!"
Ashi inwardly winced at this thought, knowing that she had bought all those stones off Flint for a mere two hundred. She hadn't even known what they were at the time, and neither did the man himself when he sold them to her. But now, thinking about how he could've used that to make a small fortune and maybe provide for his large family, Ashi couldn't help but feel guilty yet thought there was no use crying over spilled milk.
She made a mental note to maybe send Brock's family something as compensation, though unsure what but for now until she was ready, wouldn't let the others know about her stash since they'll probably bombard her with questions and since the only reason the stones now were clean of all that grit was because she had been snacking on them in the late hours of the night when no one was awake. Of course only Toshi and her two Pokémon were aware but since they knew better than to say anything unless she gave the A-ok on it.
"Hey Ashi, earth to Ashi?" Ashi snapped out of her thoughts and realized that the group was looking at her expectantly, waiting for a response. "Oh yeah, that is something, for sure," she laughed weakly, hoping it was an appropriate response. Thankfully, it seemed like it was and she listened intently to the ongoing conversation as they continued on their journey towards their next destination. As they continue to move forward, Ashi couldn't help but feel a sense of determination wash over her. The Dragonslayer thinking that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she knew that with her brother and their friends by her side, they would be able to overcome anything.
Asharia 'Ashi' Ketchum - Age 18, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Ashi -
*Litten (m) - Sora
Pikachu (m) - Aratiri
*Litleo (f) - Sekhmet
*Luxio (f) - Yoruichi
Scyther (m) - Masamune
Beedrill (f) - Suzumebachi
Satoshi 'Toshi' Ketchum - Age 10, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Toshi -
Charmander (m)
Litleo (m)
Luxio (m)
Pidgeotto (f)
Butter-free(m)
Cleffa (m)
Leon Jordan - Age 20, Trainer (Advance) Galar Champion x5
Team Leon -
Charizard (m)
Dragapult (m)
Rillaboom (m)
Cinderace (m)
Inteleon (m)
Mr. Rime (m)
Raihan Tarsha - Age 23, Trainer (Advance) Hammerlocke Gym Leader
Team Raihan -
Duraludon (m)
Sandaconda (m)
Goodra (m)
Flygon (m)
Misty Williams - Age 12, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Misty -
Starmie (?)
Goldeen (f)
Seel (m)
~G~ Slowpoke (f) Temp Name Sweetie
Brock Harrison - Age 16, Trainer (Intermediate) Temp Pewter Gym Leader
Team Brock -
Geodude (m)
Onix (m)
Zubat (m)
Steven Stone - Age 25, Trainer (Advance) Hoenn Champion
Team Steven -
Metagoss (m)
Skarmory (m)
Aggron (m)
Professor Oak's Ranch
Ashi's Pokémon: Clefairy (f), Noibat (m) Names to be announce later on
Toshi's Pokémon: Beedrill (m)
Transfer ownership to Delia: Clefable x2 (m),(f)
Omake: Raihan you got some 'splaining to do!
Raihan could sense that the situation at Kanto Tech was finally being handled, now that the Head Honcho had returned to take out the trash. He knew that dealing with those bullies would be a piece of cake for the headmaster. But things took an unexpected turn when the headmaster asked for Ashi's help in giving the students a crash course on Mega Evolution battling. Raihan thought this was the perfect opportunity to showcase what Pokémon can really do as the students had never even seen what Pokémon were capable of and seeing Ashi was more than happy to agree once she got the mega bracelet and her Pokémon all set to tried out its new toy.
As they gathered around to witness their first taste of what happens when Pokémon are pushed beyond their limits, Raihan couldn't help but feel excited. He had never seen Ashi's Suzumebachi transform into its mega form, and he was awestruck by its badass appearance. The stage was set for an epic showdown between the two bug-types.
But before they could even begin, Team Rocket came crashing in, causing chaos and mayhem. The headmaster wasted no time in sending them flying with his powerful Pokémon team, accompanied by Ashi's fierce Suzumebachi. After the dust settled, Raihan noticed that both Ashi and the headmaster had reached their limits in Mega Evolution, but the students were still amazed and hungry for more knowledge about this special evolution.
Raihan, along with Leon and Steven, gave a pep talk to motivate the students and educate them about Dynomaxing. They even showed off some of their own Pokémon, including Leon's Mr. Rimes and Raihan's Duraladon, which surprised many students who had never seen these Pokemon before. Raihan happily answered their questions about his Dragon-types and allowed them to take photos with his team.
As their makeshift seminar came to an end, some students lingered around to speak with Raihan personally. They were intrigued by his tales of training at the Dragon Academy and wanting to learn more about his battles and adventures there. One boy even exclaimed in amazement, making Raihan feel proud and accomplished.
Overall, the day had turned out to be quite eventful and successful. Raihan was glad to have shared his knowledge and experiences with the eager students, who were now part of his growing fan club. He couldn't wait to see what kind of trainers they would become with their newly acquired tricks and techniques.
Raihan was reveling in the attention from the girls when one of them made a comment that caught him off guard.
"It must be wonderful for you and your girlfriend to travel together, despite living on different continents," the girl said with a smile. Raihan blinked, unsure if he had heard correctly. He turned to the three girls - Misa, Madoka, and Sakurako - who had been cheering for Ashi during her match against the headmaster. Many of the female students at the school had become fans of Ashi after watching her defeat Giselle and go up against their headmaster.
Misa went on to explain what she and her friends knew. "We heard from one of the boys who was with Giselle when they went to the Simulation Room that you called her beautiful. And seeing how amazing she is as a trainer, with her boyfriend obviously cheering her on and traveling with her like a romantic getaway...it's so cute!"
"Yeah, I wish I had a boyfriend who would come all the way from Galar just to support me! Especially one as famous as you!" Madoka chimed in happily.
"It's clear that you two are totally in love! We're rooting for you and we even came up with a fun nickname: Go Raishi!" Sakurako added.
The girls cheered for Raihan, who was dumbstruck by all this information. He thought back to his encounter with Ashi in the Simulation Room and now realized how his words could be interpreted as a declaration of love. He found himself blushing as the girls gave him and Ashi this cute name combining their names together.
"Oh, well actually we're just friends," Raihan tried to explain before things got too weird. "There's really nothing between us."
But the girls didn't seem to believe him. They thought it was cute how he was trying to deny it. Raihan didn't need this. He thought about how this could potentially cause problems for him and Ashi, especially if a certain someone were to hear about it.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Leon suddenly appeared behind Raihan, placing a hand on his shoulder. His smile didn't match the look in his eyes. "Could you ladies excuse us for a moment? I have something to discuss with my good friend Rai here."
The girls nodded and hurried away, leaving Raihan alone with Leon.
"Well, you have to admit, word is spreading all over campus," Leon said with a knowing smirk. "I've been asked how long you and Ashi have been together and when you're going to tie the knot."
Raihan's heart skipped a beat. Did Leon know about him and Ashi kissing in such an intimate way before coming to this place?
"Kids will make the craziest assumptions," Raihan quickly tried to defend himself. "You know how kids can be."
Eventually, Steven came over to join them and had the same look on his face as Leon's when he stood next to the two Galar trainers. "You don't say. Funny enough, I was actually speaking to one of the young ladies here and she told me something interesting that happened on her walk."
The student, whom the Hoenn Champion had been talking with, explained that she had taken her Growlithe out into the woods and while on her way back, she saw what looked like two individuals who resembled the gym leader and Ashi herself.
"So?" Raihan wasn't sure where this was going since he hadn't thought anyone had witnessed their interaction in the foggy area. "Um, come on now. There's no way...I mean, surely you don't believe—"
But Steven took the opportunity to question the girl further and found out that she was part of the newspaper club and had her camera with her during her stroll. She had taken some shots of her surroundings, including one that showed Raihan leaning in towards the Ashi-like figure and appearing to kiss her through the dense fog.
Raihan's face flushed as he stared at the incriminating photograph and understood why the Hoenn Champion looked peeved. "When was that taken?!" But Leon snatched the photo from Steven's hands to study it closely, clearly upset by what he saw. He turned to Raihan with a none-threatening smile, holding the evidence in hand. "Care to explain that?" he asked.
Raihan nervously scratched the back of his head, trying to come up with a plausible explanation. "I swear it wasn't what it looked like! We were just...um...OH MY ARCEUS LOOK UP THERE!" He pointed behind them and while Leon and Steven turned to see what he was pointing at, Raihan quickly snatched the damning photograph and stuffed it into his pocket. When they turned back around, Raihan had composed himself and was wearing a semi-disappointed face.
"Oh dear, looks like you just missed it. What a crying shame," he said in an attempt to pretend he was upset. The Hoenn Champion narrowed his eyes, clearly not convinced by Raihan's explanation.
As Leon heard someone calling his name, he left to see what they wanted, leaving Steven with the gym leader. "I might not buy that excuse, but for now, we'll let it go. Just know that we'll be keeping an eye on you," he warned before walking away with Leon.
Raihan let out a sigh of relief once they were out of earshot. He knew he had narrowly escaped that situation and made a mental note to be more careful in the future. He took the folded picture from his pocket, knowing he should destroy it but unable to bring himself to do so just yet. Instead, he carefully tucked it back into his pocket, hoping Steven or Leon wouldn't find and bring it up again. As Toshi came to tell him they were all heading for the gate and ready to set out, Raihan followed with his mind still lingering on that moment in the woods and the unexpected kiss that came with it to the forefront of his thoughts.
Author's Note: So I hope you guys all had fun with that I certainly had a blast writing and as I said before, good luck finding all the hidden characters but remember you have to give the name and which anime they are from.
Also the design for Ashi's Bracelet I got from here: listing/850318058/hand-tooled-leather-bracelet-with-onyx?gpla=1gclid=Cj0KCQjwgL-3BhDnARIsAL6KZ68ua5ymdGyrPWaxzfmrGlQC4E6PR_IebHuRBo5mXX4JFH7g9wTTHvUaAgBfEALw_wcB
Also for the next three chapters, I'm gonna introduce some fairy tail characters for our boy Toshi to get started on his own harem, but here's a hint to who she will be, she's once was a part of team Natsu, she has two older siblings plus an amazing ability that will surely be of good use for our team in the series. Good luck and may the Pokemon be with you!
