Author's Note: Hey I'm back so things have been busy for me but all good to keep my stress levels at a low been working long and hard and saw that I've finish with this one, I know it's a bit long but hey I was so really inspired plus I needed that pick me up to keep my day going. So anyways read and review!
Disclaimer: Blue Kitsune does not own Fairy Tail or Pokemon
Chapter 4 - One Way or Another, I gonna Catch chu, I gotta Pika Pika CHU!
Traveling through Viridian Forest was no small feat. Ashi checked the map repeatedly while navigating the dense canopy and twisting paths. Remembering her mother's advice, she carved 'A.K.' into a tree trunk, ensuring they could retrace their steps if necessary—a method that earned nods of approval from the Galar trainers accompanying them on their journey. After five hours on the trail, fatigue began to set in. "But sis," Toshi implored with a whine, "can't we go a bit further?" He was eager to reach the next city, but his sister preferred to take time strengthening their Pokémon.
"I think it's best to camp here for tonight," Ashi responded firmly. "We've made good headway today, and it's important we rest."
"She's right," Leon added, supporting her decision. "Besides, Pewter City isn't going anywhere. It's crucial to work with the Pokémon you have now and plan ahead in the grand scheme of things."
The prospect of their first gym challenge in Pewter City sparked both excitement and nervousness among them. Ashi suggested using this time to strengthen their team and brainstorm strategies—an idea that resonated well despite Toshi's initial reluctance. Even Raihan agreed that gaining some experience would serve them better before attempting their first challenge. Outnumbered, Toshi reluctantly helped scout a spot for them to set up camp.
They found a suitable clearing which gave ample space for their tents and later activities like practice battles. However, Raihan was constantly swatting at noseeums buzzing around him. "Why am I the only one getting bitten?" he grumbled, frustrated. Ashi noticed his cologne mixed with perspiration—a perfect lure for gnats—and smirked slightly at his oversight.
"You might want to tone down with the body spray next time," she suggested as she joined Leon to start the campfire. They managed to ignite it quickly thanks to Sora's ember. After enjoying a light lunch that Ashi had prepared, Toshi was itching to explore nearby.
"Slow your rolls there, Toshi," Ashi cautioned with a smile. "I know you're eager, but let's not rush off without being cautious." Ashi worried that Toshi's single-minded focus might cause him to lose track of his path, potentially necessitating a search party if he didn't return promptly.
"But sis, how can I become a world-class Pokémon Master if I don't catch any Pokémon? You said I need to consider having a diverse team for any lineup, which means I should catch some bug-types too." Toshi hadn't spotted any bugs during their walk, but Leon mentioned that they often hide in trees or bushes, so he decided to investigate.
Raihan grumbled under his breath, "If you want bugs, just take these ones buzzing around here!" He swatted at one near his neck, and thinking he had succeeded, only to hear buzzing on the opposite side of his ear. Aratiri, sitting nearby, noticed a lone bug approaching and zapped it with a small electric charge before it could touch his fur. Being an electric-type, he didn't have to worry about such nuisances.
Ashi observed Toshi's pleading posture and understood the importance of gaining experience for their team's growth. Before she could decide, Leon, who had been listening to their conversation, chimed in with an idea that might appeal to everyone. "If you promise to be back in fifteen minutes and don't wander too far, you can go."
Ashi turned to the Monarch with a questioning look, but Leon gave her a subtle wink, indicating he had a plan. Toshi, unaware of the exchange, beamed at the Galar trainer. "Really? Thanks, Leon!"
"No problem, but remember to stick to the trail and circle back in fifteen. If not, I'll have to send a search party after you!" Toshi had already dashed into the forest, having only heard the part about returning when time was up. Leon, however, had a feeling the boy might not adhere to the designated time. He had been like that once, but he had already devised a way to ensure Toshi wouldn't get lost. Leon grabbed a Pokeball from his belt, and Ashi watched as a familiar water-type appeared before them, allowing her to get a better look at the Pokémon.
Inteleon, a tall, chameleon-like reptile, emerged from its capsule with a regal presence. Its blue coloring adorned its head, arms, and tail, while dark blue streaks accentuated its head crest, torso, and legs. The Pokémon's five-fingered hands and three-toed feet were black, contrasting with its yellow eyes and white pupils. A unique, fin-like membrane formed a crest on its head, draping over its back like a cape. A white, diamond-shaped patch on its stomach completed its distinctive appearance.
"Intel," it said, surveying its surroundings and awaiting its trainer's command. Leon approached Inteleon with a request. "Inteleon, we need your help. Toshi, the boy from the Pokémon Center, is out in the woods searching for wild Pokémon, and his sister Ashi is worried he might get lost. Can you keep a close eye on him? Stay hidden, but if he runs into trouble, you know what to do!"
The suave Water-type nodded, acknowledging its mission. "Inteleon!" With that, it blended seamlessly into its surroundings, leaving only faint footprints as evidence of its presence before moving off in Toshi's direction.
Ashi appreciated Leon's ingenious plan. While Toshi explored the forest freely, the invisible Inteleon would watch over him, ensuring he didn't wander too far and intervening if necessary. Leon empathized with Ashi's concerns, recalling his own worries about his younger brother, Hop. "I understand how it feels to worry about younger siblings. Hop's a smart kid, but I'd constantly fret about his well-being if something happened and I wasn't there to protect him."
A loud snort interrupted their conversation,"Yeah, right! Don't you mean the opposite? You're the one who needs watching, considering how easily you get lost!"
Leon's cheeks reddened, silently confirming Raihan's observation. Ashi guessed that Leon had a history of losing his way, likely the reason for Raihan's presence. Attempting to alleviate Leon's discomfort, Ashi interjected, "Navigating new areas can be challenging. Fortunately, I have a compass, and if we survey our surroundings and orient ourselves properly, we should be fine."
The violet-haired man appeared comforted by her self-assurance, finding her words persuasive and her approach sensible. Raihan, however, offered his own perspective, "A compass is useful, but a Rotom phone can suggest shortcuts and provide weather updates for better long-term planning." Ashi's brow furrowed in bewilderment. "A what?"
"A Rotom phone—the mobile device you always carry for staying connected on social media and such."
Noticing Ashi's perplexed expression, as if the concept was entirely foreign to her, Raihan realized she had no clue what he meant. Swiftly, Leon retrieved his own phone to demonstrate. Ashi observed a sleek, compact device, similar in size to a Pokédex but with a more modern design that nestled comfortably in one's palm. As Leon handed her the phone, Ashi noticed the fire-type artistic case, but what truly grabbed her attention was the winking smiley face. The Dragonslayer was taken aback, while Leon found her astonished reaction endearing.
"This phone contains a Pokémon called Rotom, an Electric-type. They're incorporated into various electronic devices, and many trainers in our region receive one when they begin their journey. It's an invaluable tool, and the Applin company, the original creator of the smartphone, releases updated models every few months with the latest features," Leon clarified.
"Yeah, and your sponsor sends you the newest one, like the Applin 15, but you're still using that old model," Raihan noted. Leon's phone was an Applin 11, and although Raihan had recently upgraded his own, he observed that Leon's device remained in good condition.
Leon shrugged, "Well, it was my first, and the Rotom inside seems content. It has everything I need, so I don't see the point in changing it." Turning to Ashi, who was once again examining the device in her hands, Leon, assuming she was still processing the idea of such remarkable technology, asked, "Don't you have your own phone for calling your family or friends?"
As Ashi and her brother were preparing to embark on their journey across Kanto, Leon assumed they would have equipped themselves with smartphones to maintain contact with their loved ones. However, Ashi's blushing response revealed that she had never considered purchasing one for herself.
"Actually, I use the video phone at the Pokémon Center to talk with our mom and the professor. As for anyone else, I don't really have many people I can think of to talk with..." she admitted.
Despite having a few friends, Ashi found it challenging to keep in touch with them due to their busy lives. Her world had primarily revolved around her Dragonslayer training and volunteer work at the Professor's lab, leaving little room for a social life. Her mother, concerned about her daughter's limited friendships, had encouraged Ashi to be more open with other children her age in their hometown. However, Ashi struggled to fit in with those she perceived as shallow and more interested in material possessions or romantic pursuits.
Ashi found genuine companionship and unwavering loyalty in the company of Pokémon, which brought her more joy than most human interactions. She was aware that her reserved and aloof demeanor might be off-putting to others, but she couldn't help feeling more at ease with Pokémon than with most humans, save for her family and the Professor who understood her passionate dedication to the creatures in his labs. The only person who could have truly understood her feelings was her father, and Ashi constantly felt an ache in her heart whenever she thought about him, wishing he was there to fill the empty void within her.
"Oh, I see," Leon replied, finding it rather odd that Ashi didn't have a large group of friends given her kind personality, but choosing not to comment on it. "Well, the Rotom phone isn't just for making calls. You can store photos, listen to music, and even download movies and shows to watch on the go."
Not one to be left out, Raihan chimed in, "Yes, but that's not even the best part. This little beauty comes with the state-of-the-art National Dex, making it our Pokédex as well." This caught Ashi's attention. "That's certainly a good investment for a trainer."
Raihan noticed Ashi's standard Pokédex and recommended, "If you're just starting out, you should probably consider contacting your Professor and ask to get an upgraded Dex. It has more information that could be useful."
Ashi thoughtfully responded, "I understand what you're getting that, but I trust the Professor's judgment. Our town is small and the advanced gadget might be too expensive for new trainers. Plus, there's a risk of losing or having it stolen on the journey. And even with all those protections it has, the Rotom inside is crucial for storing important information about not just our Pokémon but also the trainers themselves, I've heard a lot about Identity thieves happening to certain individuals and seeing how that could easily happen to trainers too if they don't take the necessary precautions to keep their own Dex safe."
The gym leader's eyes widened in surprise at Ashi's astute observations about the potential risks of carrying such advanced technology. Her cautious nature and thoughtful reasoning impressed him, and he nodded in agreement. "You raise valid points. It's always good to consider the safety and practicality of your belongings, especially on a journey as unpredictable as becoming a Pokémon trainer."
Leon, who had been attentively following their conversation, interjected with a smile. "You know, now that I think about it, regional Professors are likely worried about their students' safety and want to prevent unnecessary risks when they first start out. But as the new trainers gain experience and learn the ropes, they develop the skills to think on their feet and be better prepared for challenges."
Ashi nodded in agreement, recalling her discussions with the Professor about how he evaluates the trainers under his guidance. "Children's minds are easily molded, and as long as they follow what they're taught, they should be able to manage without too much difficulty when they take their first steps into the world," The Professor emphasized the importance of trainers going beyond the information in the Pokémon database and incorporating their own experiences to progress in the long run.
"Remember, starting from where you are is crucial, and incorporating your own observations and experiences during your journey is essential for personal growth and learning," he had said, drawing from his years of wisdom. These words resonated deeply with Ashi, who had always believed that true knowledge came from personal experiences and the bonds formed with one's Pokémon.
Since she could remember, Ashi had been documenting her thoughts about what she had seen and learned at the ranch, filling three journals and now halfway through her fourth. Being out in the wild, she was eager to describe the Pokémon in their natural habitats using her own words based on her learnings.
"We're encouraged to be mindful of our surroundings to better understand a Pokémon's characteristics, and I wholeheartedly agree," Ashi continued. "Sometimes, we discover something more than what was recorded long ago, or we may even find something no one has ever seen before. We try to help others understand these discoveries too. These moments define us as trainers. Don't you agree?" Her response surprised both Galar trainers, but they recognized the soundness of her reasoning. Leon's respect for Ashi grew, and Raihan acknowledged the wisdom in her words.
"You make a very valid point," Raihan admitted, impressed by Ashi's deep understanding of the world of Pokémon that surpassed her years. "I've met many trainers in my time, but few have articulated the essence of being a Pokémon trainer as eloquently as you have, Ashi."
Leon smiled, watching Ashi's cheeks turn a bright pink as he and Raihan complimented her. "You'll become an amazing trainer, there's no doubt about it," he said. "And when you finally get your National Dex, it will be the best feeling in the world." Ashi's heart filled with joy at his words, thinking about how proud she would feel to achieve that goal not just for herself, but also for Toshi.
Speaking of her brother, Ashi suddenly realized that Toshi had been gone for over fifteen minutes, far longer than expected. She tried to suppress her rising panic, hoping he was simply taking his time and reminding herself that Leon's Inteleon was with him to ensure his safety. However, she couldn't shake the unease that had settled in her mind.
Leon, noticing Ashi's inner turmoil, came to the same conclusion about Toshi's prolonged absence. He understood that while Ashi likely wanted to search for her brother herself, Toshi might not appreciate being hovered over. An idea struck Leon, offering a solution to the situation.
Rising to his feet, Leon rubbed his calves and announced, "I feel like stretching my legs a bit. A nice walk to get the blood pumping sounds perfect." He turned to Ashi and asked, "Would you like to join me? I doubt I could find my way back here, even with my Rotom's help. Plus, it would be great to have someone with better navigation skills to guide us and keep me company."
Ashi, recognizing Leon's intention to provide her with an opportunity to search for Toshi, eagerly accepted his offer. "Yes, that would be wonderful. I'd be happy to accompany you and ensure we don't get lost." Her eyes conveyed immense gratitude as they met his gaze. "Then it's settled," Leon declared confidently before turning to Raihan. "You can stay here and keep watch over our base. We'll be back soon."
Raihan playfully rolled his eyes at Leon's remark, sarcastically replying, "Wow, what an honor to be entrusted with such a crucial task." Although he had no intention of joining them, Raihan understood the wisdom in having one person remain behind in case Toshi returned during their search.
As Ashi and Leon set off, Sora and Aratiri, who had been lounging on a nearby rock, perked up. Sensing that something was afoot, the Pokémon decided to tag along, eager to be part of the action. Litten and Pikachu walked between Ashi and Leon, taking the opportunity to explore their surroundings as they followed the faint scent trail left by Toshi. Sora ventured ahead, leaving scorch marks on a tree to create a trail marker in case they needed to find their way back. The seared bark prominently displayed his name for any passersby to see.
Meanwhile, Aratiri scouted from a higher vantage point, leaping from branch to branch while keeping pace with the humans below. Occasionally, he let out a cheerful "Pika!" to reassure them of his presence.
Ashi turned to Leon who had gone to great lengths to assist her. "You didn't have to do this for me," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. Leon met her gaze, his amber eyes radiating warmth and understanding. "It's no trouble at all, Ashi. We trainers should always look out for one another, especially when family is involved. It's not easy keeping track of our siblings and wanting what's best for them."
Ashi couldn't help but smile at his kindness and genuine nature. Despite their differences in experience and upbringing, she felt comfortable in his presence. "I can definitely relate to being the oldest and more responsible. It can be quite the taskmaster when it comes to our little brothers, but it's worthwhile because Toshi is very important to me, as is our mom. She's an amazing person who has always made sure we had everything we needed. Even while managing her work as a Lab Researcher, she always made time for us. Sometimes, if she was too busy, I would step in to handle what needed to be done."
"What about your dad? Wasn't he involved?" Leon asked, immediately regretting his question when he saw Ashi stop in her tracks, a forlorn expression clouding her face. Her eyes dimmed as she gripped her elbows, staring at the ground. "I'm afraid our father... he's no longer with us."
Leon's heart sank at Ashi's words, realizing he had unintentionally struck a painful chord. He cursed himself for his thoughtlessness, wishing he could take back his question. Sensing her discomfort, he gently placed a hand on her shoulder, offering a sympathetic smile. "I'm so sorry, Ashi. I never meant to stir up painful memories," he said softly. "Losing a parent is an unimaginable hardship."
Ashi, appreciating his empathy, nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Leon. It's a complicated situation, and if it's not too much to ask, please don't mention it to Toshi either." Her words, while not intentionally guarded, reflected the raw, tender nature of certain topics, especially when shared with someone unfamiliar with the full story and the depth of their family's pain.
With an understanding nod, Leon respected her wishes without question, making a mental note to inform Raihan later to avoid accidentally bringing it up. As they trudged through the unfamiliar terrain, an awkward silence settled between them. Ashi's mind wandered to memories of her father—his warm, gentle smile; his kind, room-brightening eyes; the rippling laughter that once filled their home. The ache of his absence persisted in her heart, the pain of loss never truly fading, yet she clung to the hope that he still lived.
Sensing the shift in Ashi's mood, Leon attempted to lighten the atmosphere. "I've heard the wild Pokémon here are quite friendly. Maybe we'll encounter some interesting ones while searching for Toshi."
Ashi smiled slightly, appreciating his effort. "That would be nice. I've always been fascinated by Pokémon and their adaptations to their environments, as well as the strong bonds they form with trainers."
Ashi's eyes sparkled as she shared stories from her time at Professor Oak's lab, where she had gained invaluable knowledge and experience working with Pokémon before starting her journey. As they bonded over their shared passion, she recounted a memorable incident involving her brother and the Professor's grandson being chased by an enraged Ninetales after one of them accidentally stepped on its tail. Ashi had to intervene to prevent the furious fox from setting them ablaze, though Gary's pants still caught fire, requiring a water-type's assistance to extinguish the flames on the panicking boy who forgot to stop, drop, and roll. Meanwhile, Ashi skillfully calmed the temperamental Ninetales, averting a potential rampage. She remembered the relief she felt when the situation was finally under control and the pride in Professor Oak's eyes for her adept handling of the crisis.
Leon couldn't help but laugh throughout the story, his enjoyment of Ashi's company growing with each passing moment. Their lively conversation was abruptly interrupted when Sora's ears perked up, and he let out a low growl, causing everyone to freeze. Aratiri leaped down from the tree, his fur bristling slightly.
"What's wrong, you two?" Leon asked, noticing Ashi's keen assessment of the situation, her eyes scanning for any signs of danger. Sora and Aratiri remained on high alert, their instincts warning them of something amiss. A noise emanated from beyond the bushes, prompting the humans to cautiously investigate.
As they peered through the foliage, they discovered two wild boars facing off against a wounded Pokémon—a bipedal, insectoid creature with a primarily green body and a thin, red-colored section between its head, thorax, and abdomen. Its reptilian head featured two narrow, triangular eyes and three blunt horns on its forehead. Large, white scythes served as both hunting and fighting tools at the end of its arms. Two pairs of cream-colored wings extended from its back, allowing for flight, though it rarely took to the air. Its thighs sported large, upward-pointing spikes, and its tall, rounded, and conical feet nearly reached its thighs, each ending in three small, white claws on the front side.
Leon recognized the Pokémon as a Scyther, noting its dire condition as it panted heavily, barely able to stand against the two boars ready to strike the wounded creature down. The situation looked grim; the Scyther might not be able to fight back or outrun its attackers in its current state.
Ashi and Leon, unable to ignore the heavily injured Scyther's plight, stepped forward in unspoken agreement to defend it from the attacking boars. Assessing the situation, Ashi knew they had to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.
"Sora, use Ember on one of the boars. Aratiri, Quick Attack on the other," Ashi commanded with confidence. The Pokémon responded immediately. Sora's fiery embers struck one boar, causing it to shriek and turn its attention to him. Simultaneously, Aratiri's swift Quick Attack collided with the other boar. The boars, now disrupted by the sudden attacks, hesitated for a moment before retaliating. Sora and Aratiri readied themselves for the incoming assault, prepared to defend their trainers and the vulnerable Pokémon that was in shock by what it was seeing.
The first boar charged towards Sora with a guttural snarl, its tusks gleaming in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above. With practiced agility, Sora dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the boar's attack. In a swift countermove, he unleashed another Ember, this time aiming directly at the charging boar's face. The flames licked at its snout, causing it to veer off course in pain.
Meanwhile, Aratiri danced gracefully around the second boar, his movements fluid and precise. With a sudden burst of speed, he darted in and out and then once it got close, released a thundershock that crackled through the air, striking the boar square in the chest. The boar stumbled back with a shocked grunt, paralyzed by the sudden jolt of electricity coursing through its body.
But it still got up and looking enraged as it move to charge at the mouse with its sharp tusk pointed directly at him, "Ara, dodge it now!" Ashi shouted. Aratiri barely evaded the boar's sharp tusks, leaping to safety just in time. As the boar lunged forward, missing its intended target by a whisker, Aratiri swiftly turned around, his cheeks sparking with electricity.
"Aratiri, Sora, use your Thundershock and Flamethrower at once!" A coordinated burst of fire and electricity erupted from Sora and Aratiri, combining into a powerful Flamethrower infused with crackling sparks. The dual attack engulfed the charging boar in a blazing inferno, sending it tumbling backward with a pained squeal before collapsing to the ground, defeated. The smoldering embers licked at the forest floor, casting a warm glow as the victorious Pokémon stood proudly beside their trainers.
With one boar down, the remaining adversary hesitated, its eyes darting between the triumphant Pokémon and the injured Scyther. Choosing its own self presevation, it took off running as it left its fallen comrade behind. Both Pokémon seeing they had defeated their opponents, turn to each other grinning before giving themselves a high tail five! (Team Ashi: 2, Boars: zip!)
With the threat neutralized, Ashi and Leon hurried to the Scyther's side. Ashi knelt beside the insectoid Pokémon, her gentle hands examining its injuries with a practiced touch. The Scyther's breathing was labored, and its exoskeleton bore deep gashes from the boars' tusks. One nearly gouged it's left eye and worried that this could lead to serious problem if they didn't do something.
"We need to get it back to camp so I can treat its injuries," Ashi said, determination in her eyes. Leon agreed, and together they gently lifted the Scyther, cautious not to aggravate its wounds or get nicked by its blades, as they carried it back to safety. Sora and Aratiri positioned themselves in front and behind the two humans, vigilantly keeping watch while ensuring no other creatures attacked as they made their way back to the campgrounds. The journey took a mere eight minutes, and upon arrival, they found Toshi waiting alongside Raihan, who looked up to see them approaching.
"Hey, it's about time you both—holy Magikarp, is that a Scyther!" Raihan exclaimed, catching sight of the unconscious Pokémon as they lowered it to the ground. Ashi swiftly retrieved the first aid kit from her pack, while Toshi, despite his shock, couldn't resist the urge to take out his Pokédex and perform a quick scan on the fallen creature.
Scyther: The Mantis Pokémon. Its claws are sharp as swords, and it is a powerful flier. This Pokémon is rarely seen by humans and almost never captured. However, like Electabuzz, it is also able to distinguish colors and becomes enraged by the color red. Females have the larger abdomen versus the male. This one is male and a juvenile.
Toshi, surprised by the sight of it, exclaimed, "Wow, I didn't think there'd be one out here!" During his search for Pokémon, he had only managed to come across a wild Pidgeotto hovering nearby. Thanks to his Charmander, who successfully took it down and learned a new move in the process, Toshi seized the opportunity to capture the Pidgeotto and add it to their team.
Ashi returned with her tools in hand and carefully examined the Scyther's injuries. Although not life-threatening, she was concerned about the rust-colored patches and signs of pitting on its arm blades. Ashi recognized the condition from diagrams in her father's medical books, identifying it as a bacterial fungal infection that could eat away at a Pokémon's weaponized appendages, causing them to become brittle and break easily if left untreated. In severe cases, amputation might be necessary—a fate worse than death for a Pokémon like Scyther.
Determined to help, Ashi opened her knife-sharpening case and gathered the necessary equipment, along with large basins, a jug of vinegar, and a few lemons from her pack. She instructed the others, "Mix these ingredients together while I treat the Scyther's injuries."
Understanding her plan, Leon began cutting the lemons and squeezing the juice into the basin, adding half a cup of vinegar to the mixture. Meanwhile, Ashi diligently worked on removing the pitting and rust from the Scyther's blades, using sandpaper to gently smooth out the affected areas. The unconscious Scyther remained still throughout the process, its breathing steady but shallow, as if it sensed the care and expertise behind Ashi's ministrations.
Unwilling to be left out, Raihan picked up a spare piece of sandpaper and joined Ashi on the other side of the Scyther. "Let me help," he offered, carefully observing her technique before assisting with the rust removal. Together, they meticulously restored the Pokémon's claws to their former luster, soaking the more stubborn patches in the mixture prepared by Leon and Toshi, and using bandages soaked in the strong-smelling concoction.
"It will take a couple of hours for the vinegar to remove the remaining fungus, but this will prevent the bacteria from spreading further as it sits overnight," Ashi explained as they carefully wrapped the Scyther's blades in vinegar-soaked gauze, ensuring a tight binding. She then checked the Pokémon's other wounds, applying a healing potion to aid in their closure. With the treatment complete, the exhausted group settled near the fire, the still-sleeping Scyther nearby.
"I didn't expect that to happen," Raihan muttered, noticing everyone's soreness, particularly Ashi's, from their tireless efforts. Seeing that he and Toshi had the least demanding tasks, Leon decided to prepare a hearty meal to reward their hard work. Fortunately, his pack's cooler had kept the hot dogs and condiments fresh for cooking over the campfire.
"Well, this calls for some good old-fashioned campfire dogs!" Leon announced, lifting the group's spirits at the prospect of food. With Toshi's help, they skewered the plump sausages and held them over the fire before nestling them in buns and passing them to a grateful Raihan and Ashi. Despite her lingering concern for the Scyther, Ashi managed a weary smile as she accepted the hot meal.
As they ate, Leon and Raihan shared stories of past adventures, the siblings listening intently. The crackling fire provided warmth and comfort, the aroma of cooking meat enhancing the atmosphere. As darkness fell, everyone prepared to turn in for the night. Toshi retired to the siblings' tent, while Ashi remained by the fire, lost in thought beside the two Galar men. Sensing what she must be thinking, Leon placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Ashi. You did everything you could for that Scyther. He'll be alright."
Ashi acknowledged his observation with a nod, realizing Leon was correct. Despite doing everything possible for the injured Pokémon, the weight of responsibility still burdened her. The fire crackled, casting dancing shadows around them as Raihan spoke up confidently, not wanting to be left out of the conversation.
"Not everyone would go to such lengths to help a wild Pokémon without simply catching it. I must say, you seem to know what you're doing," Raihan seeing Ashi nodded in response, explaining, "I do my best. It's not in my nature to sit by and let anyone, be it a Pokémon or a person, suffer needlessly. It's what he would have done..." She spoke the last part quietly to herself, but Leon noticed the familiar expression and knew who she was referring to.
The gym leader, feeling like he was missing something, was about to ask for clarification when a look from Leon silently advised him not to, promising to explain later when they were alone. "Well, I'm sure the Scyther will be good as new tomorrow and can be released back into the wild if that's what you wish," Raihan added, assuming she would do so unless she was considering catching it, a decision that was entirely up to the young trainer.
As fatigue set in, they collectively decided to call it a night. "Goodnight, then. I'll see you two in the morning," Ashi said, moving to enter the tent where Toshi had already fallen asleep with Aratiri and Sora curled up beside her sleeping bag. As she settled in, the Litten and Pikachu nestled on either side of her head, and she slowly succumbed to exhaustion, embraced by sleep.
The night passed peacefully, the soft sounds of nature humming around them. As dawn's first light filtered through the leafy canopy above, casting a golden hue over the campsite, Ashi stirred awake, feeling rejuvenated.
Emerging from the tent, she realized she was the first to be up and about. The Dragonslayer took the opportunity to stretch her limbs, feeling the need to loosen her arm muscles after the previous day's intense work. A cool morning breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the earthy scents of the forest. As Ashi gathered kindling for the fire, her thoughts drifted back to the injured Scyther they had cared for the night before.
Ashi made her way over to where they had left the Pokémon resting. To her relief, the Scyther was coming around, its uncovered eye alert as it tried to stand. Ashi approached slowly, not wanting to startle the Pokémon after all they had done to help it heal. "Easy there now," she said gently. "It's okay, I'm not here to harm you."
The Scyther regarded her with a mix of wariness and uncertainty, its bladed arms twitching slightly as if testing their newfound sharpness, but it kept its eyes locked on her. Ashi made sure to let it see she meant no harm, and once it settled back down, she knelt beside it, offering a gentle smile as she spoke in a soothing tone. "You feeling better?" The Scyther chirped softly in response, conveying both understanding and confusion. Ashi reached for one of its bandaged limbs and unwrapped the gauze to see that the fungus had been removed, leaving the skin looking good as new.
"Well, it looks like you're healing along nicely," she said. Now that she had removed its bandages, Ashi brought out a whetstone to sharpen the Scyther's blades. The Pokémon eyed the stone with confusion, but seeing as the human had gone to such lengths to help, it felt it could trust her and allowed her to take one of its bladed appendages.
Ashi worked meticulously, cleaning and sharpening the blades to a fine edge that could easily slice through anything. Pleased with the result, she moved to give the Scyther some medicine to help restore its stamina. "Okay, I know this will be very bitter, but I promise it will help you a great deal," she said, holding out a syringe filled with a reddish liquid.
The Scyther eagerly accepted the medicine, allowing Ashi to administer it without resistance, although it made a face as the tartness lingered on its tongue for a few seconds. As the effects of the tonic began to take hold, the Scyther visibly perked up, its eyes brightening with newfound energy. "Scyther!" it cried out, feeling much better.
Ashi smiled, seeing that the Pokémon was re-energized and knew it was going to be fine. "Well, I'm glad you're able to take the medicine better than a certain someone I know. As a reward, I'll make you a special breakfast. You just sit there and wait."
"Scy!" The Scyther chirped happily, content to bask in the morning sunlight while Ashi rummaged through her supplies for something suitable to feed the recovering Pokémon and make for breakfast. She figured some protein would do them all good. Luckily, their mom had packed freeze-dried Chansey eggs, which were very nutritious. Ashi also saw the spare ribs she had planned to cook the day before. With all the excitement, the sauce had been left to soak longer, which would give it an extra kick that she thought would suit everyone's taste.
Humming, Ashi intensified the heat of the fire using her mana and began cooking the meat on the portable grill while preparing hearty omelets for everyone to enjoy. As the delicious aroma of sweet, succulent meat filled the air, Raihan and Leon awoke from their slumber, unable to resist following the scent to its source.
Stepping out into the warm morning air, both men were shirtless, Raihan's headband had been discarded during the night, leaving his dreadlocks to fall over his face. "Ugh morning!" He scratched his head, making them even messier. Suppressing a yawn, he joined Leon in marveling at the tantalizing smell emanating from the nearby fire.
"Mmm, man, what smells so good? I didn't expect to wake up to something so scrumptious," Leon had to agree, his stomach gurgling as they watched Ashi prepare a mouthwatering breakfast.
They weren't the only ones roused by the aroma. Toshi coming out of the tent while rubbing his sleepy eyes and recognizing the smell as his mom's special mix. "Oh man, you're making mom's ribs for breakfast? Awesome!"
Ashi grinned at the sight of them eagerly approaching the campfire, their stomachs rumbling in anticipation. Raihan and Leon settled down next to her, pouring themselves fresh cups of coffee from the now-brewed kettle.
"Mmm, this definitely hits the spot!" Raihan remarked, taking a sip and letting out a contented sigh. Leon enjoying the warmth of the tin mug in hand and taking his sweet time to drink the warm beverage. It sure beat drinking energy drinks, and he liked his morning joe with just the right amount of cream for flavor.
With everyone now here, Ashi began plating up the breakfast she had prepared, setting out omelets filled with fresh herbs and cheese, along with tender spare ribs glazed in her mother's secret sauce. As they sat down around the campfire, the aroma of the succulent meat filled the air, making their mouths water in anticipation. Leon and Raihan took their first bites, and their eyes widened in surprise as the flavors exploded on their tongues. It was, without a doubt, the best thing they had ever tasted, even surpassing the famous Mckudo's ribs.
"This is incredible!" Raihan exclaimed. "What's this, Paprika, no maybe Chilan Berrie? Whatever this is sure got a real kick to it!" Ashi and Toshi exchanged a knowing glance, as the spice blend was their family's special recipe. While harmless to humans, as proven by the Professor's previous sampling of their mother's cooking, the fire stone particles added a unique and tangy heat that the Dragonslayers particularly enjoyed.
As the others indulged in the main course, Ashi prepared the Pokémon food, taking special care to create a sweet compote for the Scyther, mixing in fresh oran berries. When presented with its promised breakfast, the Scyther's eyes lit up at the first taste. It devoured the entire bowl with gusto, holding it out for seconds once finished. Ashi chuckled at its enthusiasm, happy to oblige. Nearby, Sora and Aratiri were equally content, sharing their own meal with evident delight. The group's energy levels soared as they finished their portions, their bellies full and satisfied.
"I couldn't eat another bite," Toshi sighed, patting his stomach after polishing off his fourth rib. Leon and Raihan, meanwhile, took their time savoring each morsel.
With the meal concluded, Leon and Raihan insisted on helping clean up, as Ashi had done the cooking. Ashi stored the leftover ribs for later, while Toshi and his sister took on the task of feeding the other Pokémon. As the trainers' Pokémon gathered to enjoy their own meals, Ashi recognized the Charizard, the final evolution of Charmander, and Inteleon from their previous encounter, along with the other companions by their side:
A tall, rabbit-like Pokémon stood out with its primarily white body accented by yellow. Its red-orange eyes, nose, and a flame-like tuft of hair added striking contrast. The lower body was covered in red-orange fur resembling pants with yellow accents, ending in navy-blue feet tipped with red-orange.
Beside it, a muscular, gorilla-like Pokémon displayed shades of brown throughout its body. Orange eyes and mouth were complemented by tan marks on its upper arms that resemble bow-ties. A thick, leaf-like green hairdo crowned its head, with a vine-like strand falling between its eyes. Green belt-like adornments rested on its hips, while leafy cuffs encircled its wrists. Above them hovered a triangular-headed dragon, accompanied by two smaller versions nibbling on the food as it also enjoyed the spread.
Finally, there was a peculiar creature resembling a Mr. Mime, but with a black color scheme instead of blue. A bowler hat-like adornment topped its head, and it had piercing yellow eyes and a prominent moustache obscuring its mouth. The upper body was adorned with a black-and-white coat or tuxedo design, featuring yellow "eyes" made from shirt studs, a red "nose," and a white cummerbund serving as its "mouth." Its lower body was blue, with large feet resembling shoes, possibly made of ice. Black, spherical shoulders and blue arms with white, mitten-like hands completed its appearance. It always held a formal cane crafted from blue ice in one hand.
Based on her conversation with Leon the other day, she deduced that these must be Cinderace, Rillaboom, Dragapult, and Mr. Rime.
Turning to the other group, she observed Raihan's Sandaconda, Flygon, Goodra, and another unfamiliar Dragon-type, which she recalled Toshi mentioning as Raihan's ace Pokémon, likely the steel dragon Duraludon.
This Pokémon resembled an armored dinosaur, with large feet, a chunky tail, and an integrated head and neck. Its body was light gray and dark blue, with zigzag patterns, gray bands on its arms, and black slits on its chest. The hands had four triangular indents. The red section on its head featured multiple slits, while its yellow eyes had green pupils and a permanent scowl.
She noticed that Duraludon had been staring at her and her brother for a while now, possibly sensing their Dracocian essences and seemed confused by this. However, the Goodra and Flygon appeared comfortable with her presence, and the Dragapult's Dreepy had come to nuzzle her after accepting the food, indicating there was a level of trust between her and the other Dragon types in their party.
After finishing putting the dishes aside for later, Leon and Raihan joined Toshi and Ashi, feeling energized and ready for the next activity. Leon suggested a mock battle between the siblings, as they each had four Pokémon, providing an opportunity for training and growth. The battle would also allow the Pokémon to get some exercise.
Toshi and Ashi agreed, setting up a makeshift battlefield with ample space for their Pokémon to move freely. As they took their positions, their teams stood ready, the tension in the air palpable. Ashi grinned with determination, while Toshi called out, his voice filled with competitive spirit, "Let's make this a good one!"
The battle commenced with Toshi sending out his Litleo and Ashi choosing her Shinx. As Ashi's Pokémon emerged, Raihan, who had been sipping his morning coffee, did a spit take in surprise. Everyone except Ashi gawked at the tiny lynx, its golden fur shimmering brightly and electricity crackling with energy. After processing the unexpected sight, Leon assume the role as the referee.
Ashi's shiny Shinx eagerly awaited her command. "Alright girl, use your quick attack!" Ashi ordered. "Dodge it Litleo!" Toshi's Litleo reacted swiftly, evading Shinx's attack with agile movements. The two Pokémon circled each other, seeking any signs of weakness in their opponent. Raihan was impressed by the coordination between the Pokémon and their trainers, while Leon watched intently, ready to provide feedback and guidance after the battle was over.
As the battle raged on, Toshi's Litleo showcased its superior size and strength, while Ashi's Shinx demonstrated agility and speed. The two Pokémon exchanged powerful blows, each landing impressive hits. Raihan couldn't help but whistle in admiration at the incredible display of skill from both competitors. Ashi remained laser-focused on the battle, her heart racing with excitement. Toshi matched her intensity, his determination evident as he skillfully commanded his Litleo.
Spotting an opportunity, Ashi shouted, "Shinx, use Thunder Fang!" The shiny Shinx's fangs crackled with electricity as she pounced on Toshi's Litleo, catching it by surprise. The potent attack sent sparks flying, and Toshi's Litleo stumbled backward, visibly affected by the powerful strike.
Toshi clenched his jaw, desperately seeking a counter-strategy. "Litleo, use Fire Spin to create some distance!" he commanded. The Litleo summoned a swirling vortex of flames that engulfed Shinx, making it challenging for her to approach. Ashi felt the tension mounting as she evaluated her options. Despite the formidable challenge, she had unwavering faith in her Shinx.
"Shinx, use Charge and channel all that electricity into a powerful burst!" Ashi ordered, her voice brimming with determination. The shiny Shinx's fur crackled with intensified energy as she unleashed a spectacular display of power, shattering the fiery vortex with sheer force.
The Wild Charge slammed into Toshi's Litleo in a dazzling explosion of light and energy, sending shockwaves rippling across the battlefield. Both Pokémon were thrown back by the impact, but as the dust settled, Ashi's Shinx emerged victorious, panting but triumphant. Leon couldn't conceal his surprise and admiration for Ashi's quick thinking as he declared Litleo unable to continue battling.
"Good one, sis!" Toshi praised, recalling his Litleo, knowing it had given its best effort. He then unleashed his own Shinx onto the scene, ready and raring to go. The two sibling Pokémon were poised to determine which electric type reigned supreme. Aratiri and Sora cheered on their teammate, while the Galar Pokémon watched the battle with peaked interest.
"Shinx, use Charge on it!" Toshi commanded. "Dodge it and use Double kick!" Ashi countered. Her Pokémon executed the command flawlessly, landing a swift blow on Toshi's Shinx. Toshi's Shinx staggered back but quickly regained its footing, retaliating with a powerful Spark attack. The crackling electricity illuminated the clearing as the two Shinx engaged in a fierce exchange of electric moves.
Ashi's heart raced with adrenaline as she strategized her next move, her bond with her Pokémon guiding her decisions. With unwavering trust in her partner, she knew they could overcome any obstacle together. "Shinx increase your agility and use Charge once more!"
Ashi's Shinx responded with a burst of speed, darting around the battlefield with electrifying agility. Toshi's Shinx attempted to keep up, but Ashi's strategic maneuvers were proving too swift and precise. The air crackled with electricity as the two Pokémon clashed in a dazzling display of power and finesse.
Toshi gritted his teeth, his determination shining through as he analyzed the situation. He knew he had to come up with a new tactic if he wanted to turn the tide of the battle in his favor. As Ashi's Shinx continued to showcase its speed and skill, Toshi could sense the pressure mounting. The outcome of the battle hung in the balance, each move crucial in determining the victor. Raihan and Leon noticed that Ashi's Shinx was starting to wane from the extensive use of electricity. Seizing the opportunity, Toshi made his move, "Shinx use Agility and follow up with Double Kick!" They watched as his Shinx rush head on deliver a swift Double Kick that caught Ashi's Shinx off guard. The impact sent Ashi's Pokémon reeling, struggling to maintain its footing after the powerful blow. Toshi seized the opening, commanding his Shinx to follow up with a Thunder Wave to immobilize Ashi's Pokémon temporarily. As the crackling paralysis spread through Ashi's Shinx, Toshi saw his chance to press the advantage.
"Now, finish it with Spark!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with a mix of excitement and determination. Toshi's Shinx unleashed a surge of electricity that arced towards its immobilized opponent, engulfing Ashi's Shinx in a brilliant flash. The blinding light faded, revealing Ashi's Shinx was down and unable to battle again. "Heh, looks like you're getting the hang of this," Ashi remarked as she recalled her Shinx. (You did good girl, now you have a rest there.) She then reach for another Pokeball and seeing to throw it out, "Alright, Litleo, it's your turn, girl."
Leon and Raihan were surprised to see the lighter-toned Litleo emerge, eager to join the battle alongside her trainer and avenge her fallen 'sister'. "LIT!" She roared with fiery determination. "Okay seriously, she has two shinies on her team!" The Gym Leader couldn't believe it yet Leon thought that this might turn out to be more interesting than they anticipated.
The two siblings, both humans and Pokémon, faced each other, determination burning brightly in their eyes. Ashi called out, "Let's keep this momentum going, Litleo! Use Fire Fang!" The Litleo lunged forward with jaws ablaze. Toshi quickly reacted, "Shinx, dodge and retaliate with Discharge!" His Shinx evaded the fiery jaws and unleashed a powerful electric shockwave towards its opponent. The battlefield was enveloped in a dazzling display of fire and electricity as the two Pokémon clashed with equal ferocity. Raihan and Leon watched on, taking in the spectacle that was happening and seeing they were both putting their best foot out into order to come out victorious.
"Well, not bad, sis. That was pretty good," Ashi nodded, observing her Litleo and noticing the electric surge that coursed through its fur. She realized the last attack had left a paralyzing effect, hindering Litleo's movement despite its struggle to resist. Prioritizing her Pokémon's well-being, Ashi decided to call Litleo back, unwilling to push it beyond its limits and risk further injury.
"Litleo, return," Ashi commanded, and her Pokémon obeyed, blinking before retreating. Leon acknowledged the tough call but recognized Ashi's wise decision, as the paralysis would have put Litleo at a significant disadvantage. Sora approached the fire-type, offering a comforting lick to convey its commendable performance and encourage rest. Aratiri also reassured Litleo of its impressive handling in its first battle. With two Pokémon remaining, Ashi summoned Pikachu to enter the fray. In response, Toshi recalled Shinx and released his newest catch from the previous day.
"Okay, Pidgeotto, I choose you!" he declared. The flying-type emerged from its Poké Ball, flapping its wings and hovering in the air with a resounding "Etto!" Ashi, aware of the type disadvantage, aimed to devise a strategy to counter Toshi's moves while helping her brother improve his own tactics.
As Toshi's Pidgeotto soared, ready to engage Ashi's Pikachu, the battlefield crackled with anticipation. The trainers' eyes met, both determined to emerge victorious. "Aratiri, use Quick Attack!" Ashi commanded, her voice ringing with resolve. Aratiri surged forward, a yellow blur of speed and determination, rapidly closing the distance to Pidgeotto. However, Toshi remained composed. "Pidgeotto, Gust attack," he ordered calmly, a confident glint in his eyes.
Pidgeotto's wings generated a powerful gust, buffeting against Aratiri's Quick Attack. The Pikachu struggled to maintain its trajectory amidst the turbulent winds. Leon and Raihan recognized the effective maneuver but knew more would be required to defeat Aratiri.
Raihan leaned towards Leon, whispering, "This battle isn't over yet. I can feel it." Leon nodded, his focus unwavering. Seizing the moment of Aratiri's disorientation, Toshi issued his next command: "Pidgeotto, now's your chance! Dive in with Wing Attack!" Pidgeotto angled sharply downwards, its wings glowing a brilliant white.
Toshi's Pidgeotto soared towards Aratiri, aiming for a powerful Wing Attack to knock the Pikachu off balance. However, Ashi was determined to fight back. "Aratiri, dodge and use Thunder Wave!" she commanded. With lightning-fast reflexes, the Pikachu evaded the incoming strike and unleashed a crackling Thunder Wave towards its opponent, hoping to disrupt the flying Pokémon's attack and gain an advantage.
Surprised by Ashi's quick thinking and Aratiri's nimble evasion, Toshi knew he had to act swiftly. "Pidgeotto, counter with Aerial Ace!" he ordered, his voice filled with determination. The bird Pokémon soared through the air with incredible speed, aiming for a direct hit on Aratiri. Ashi braced herself for the impact, knowing this clash would be crucial. "Pikachu, use Agility and follow up with Quick Attack!"
Aratiri's unmatched agility allowed it to evade Pidgeotto's Aerial Ace gracefully. In a blur of motion, the Pikachu closed the distance and countered with another Quick Attack, catching Toshi's Pidgeotto off guard. The powerful impact caused the flying Pokémon to stagger in mid-air before hitting the ground hard. "Pidgeotto!" Toshi cried out, hoping to see it regain its composure, but the last attack had taken its toll.
"Pidgeotto is unable to battle! Call out your next Pokémon!" Leon announced. Toshi summoned back his flying type and grabbed his last Pokémon. Leon's Charizard watched with keen interest as Toshi's Charmander emerged, roaring its support for the little one. The Charmander, feeling invigorated by the evolved fire-type's encouragement, prepared to face its trainer's sister. Seeing that Toshi was down to his last Pokémon, Ashi decided to bring Sora into the mix. "Sora, come!" she called.
The Litten rushed to switch places with Aratiri, who gave his teammate a quick tail slap for good luck before sitting with the cheering Litleo. All the Pokémon watched the spectacle, realizing it was now a fiery showdown as Leon gave the call to start. "Charmander, use Quick Attack and then Scratch!" Toshi ordered.
"Sora, dodge it and follow up with Flamethrower!" Ashi commanded, her voice filled with determination. The Litten moved with incredible speed, narrowly avoiding Toshi's Charmander's Quick Attack. Charmander lunged forward, its claws poised to scratch the fiery feline. Sora leaped back with agility, unleashing a scorching Flamethrower that blazed through the air towards its opponent. The intense flames engulfed Toshi's Charmander, eliciting a cry of pain as it struggled to withstand the fiery assault.
Toshi gritted his teeth, his determination unwavering despite the overwhelming odds. "Charmander, stay strong! Counter with your own Flamethrower!" he commanded. Shaking the soot from its face, Charmander gathered its strength and unleashed a blazing inferno from its mouth, a fierce Flamethrower surging towards Sora with intense heat and power. Undaunted, Ashi's Litten braced itself, a determined gleam in its eyes. Sora countered the incoming Flamethrower with a powerful Fire Blast of its own. The two fiery attacks collided in a brilliant display of light and heat, creating a dazzling explosion that illuminated the battlefield.
Leon and Raihan watched in awe at the spectacular clash of flames, each Pokémon showcasing their strength and resolve. The air crackled with anticipation as the fire-types battled fiercely, neither willing to concede.
As the smoke cleared, both Charmander and Litten stood panting, ready to continue their battle. Toshi and Ashi locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between them. This battle would push both trainers to their limits. Tension filled the battlefield as the Trainers carefully considered their next moves. Toshi, seeking to gain an advantage, commanded, "Charmander, use Smokescreen to obscure Sora's vision!"
As a thick cloud of smoke billowed from Charmander, enveloping the field in a haze, Ashi quickly responded. "Sora, use Fire Spin to clear the smoke!" she called out, confident in her Litten's abilities. Sora closed its eyes, focusing its inner fire. It summoned a spiraling vortex of flames that cut through the smokescreen with dazzling brightness. The Fire Spin roared through the air, dispersing the smoke and revealing both Pokémon once more.
Toshi, noticing his Charmander's weariness, knew he might have one more chance to attack. With unwavering resolve, he commanded, "Charmander, show them what we're made of! Ember attack, now!" Despite its fatigue, the fiery lizard Pokémon summoned its inner strength, unleashing a barrage of glowing embers towards Ashi's Litten. The small fireballs streaked through the air with impressive speed, aiming to engulf Sora in a scorching assault.
Ashi quickly assessed the situation and called out, "Sora, use Double Team to evade and confuse Charmander!" Sora nodded and split into multiple illusions, each mirage moving swiftly and unpredictably, confusing Toshi's Charmander. Ashi then shouted, "Sora, now, Fire Fang!" The real Litten, empowered by the Double Team distraction, lunged forward with jaws ablaze in fiery energy. Its gleaming teeth sank into Toshi's Charmander with a powerful Fire Fang attack. The Charmander yelped in pain, unable to break free as flames licked its skin.
Toshi's eyes widened in shock, realizing his Charmander was in trouble. "Charmander!" he shouted desperately, but it was too late. Sora's Fire Fang proved too much for Charmander to handle. With a final roar, the fiery lizard Pokémon succumbed to the intense flames and collapsed, unable to battle any longer.
"Charmander is unable to battle. This match goes to Ashi!" Leon declared, acknowledging that Toshi's Pokémon had done their best, but Ashi had emerged victorious.
"Well, that was better than I expected," Raihan said, impressed by their performance. His Rotom phone hovered, recording the spectacle to show them later and provide insights for their future development. Ashi had done quite well, while her brother, though not as polished, showed promise.
"You did pretty well, kid. You definitely have potential, and your Charmander was great until the end," Leon said, trying to cheer up the disappointed boy. Even Charizard roared in encouragement. "Thanks, Leon, but I still have a lot to learn and improve on," Toshi replied, a mix of disappointment and determination in his voice. He returned his fainted Charmander to its Poké Ball, patting it gently and making a mental note to train harder for their next battle.
Ashi approached Toshi with a warm smile and offered a congratulatory handshake. "There's no need to feel down. Your Pokémon put up a great fight." Toshi looked up at Ashi and grinned. "Thanks, but I'm still gonna beat you once my team is back on their feet. You'll see."
Ashi smiled at her brother. "I'll hold you to that but first, let's get everyone healed up and see what methods we can use to help our Pokémon get into better shape."
Toshi considered the opportunity for another chance to improve, but he realized that his Pokémon needed rest. As Ashi tended to their companions, providing first aid and nourishment to replenish their spent energy, Leon shared his thoughts on their performance. "Both of you showed excellent skill and strategy in that battle. I have no doubt that with more training, you'll be able to manage your first gym without any problems," Leon said, bringing a smile to Toshi's face.
Raihan added his own perspective, saying, "Yeah, you weren't too bad, but I think you could do with a bit more practice in maneuvers and your Charmander's fire technique. Lucky for you, I can help you in that department. We can try to level him up to learn Dragon Breath."
Leon continued, "Yes, with some strengthening techniques and increased stamina, they can exert more power. I noticed that unlike Ashi's Pokémon, which are more agile, your Charmander needs to work on its attack. But don't worry, we'll get their A-game on in no time."
Ashi, observing from the sidelines and proud of her brother and their Pokémon's valiant efforts, approached them with a sense of pride. "I think we all did great out there. Toshi, you showed real determination, and your Charmander was strong. With a bit more practice, we'll all improve together," she said encouragingly, placing a hand on her brother's shoulder.
Toshi, feeling a renewed sense of determination, looked at his Charmander, who gazed back at him with unwavering loyalty. "We'll train harder and come back even stronger next time," he vowed, grateful for the support of his sister and the experienced Trainers.
Ashi gracefully returned to her waiting Pokémon, crouching down with a gentle smile as she approached the Litleo and Shinx. Stroking them both, she praised their incredible strength and determination in their first battle. Sensing a sparking personality within them, Ashi decided to reward the golden Shinx for her efforts.
"From this day forward, your name will be Yoruichi," she declared, still marveling at the Shinx's lightning-fast movements and nimble feet. Shinx's little tail wagged, seeming to approve of its new name. Ashi then turned her attention to the Litleo, noting her warrior-like demeanor. Only one name seemed to fit her perfectly. "And you shall be known as Sekhmet." The two newly named Pokémon let out joyful cries, as if understanding the significance behind their monikers. Leon couldn't help but think how fitting the names were for Ashi's feline companions. Scyther, who had been observing the interaction, noticed the genuine care Ashi showed for her Pokémon.
As lunchtime approached, Leon took over the meal preparation, feeling it wouldn't be fair to leave it all to Ashi, despite everyone's enjoyment of her delicious ribs. They settled for panini-style sandwiches and an assortment of chips and snacks. During the meal, the group openly discussed their thoughts on the day's match. Raihan and Leon offered the siblings ideas for training regimes that would work best for their teams.
"Looking at what we have here, Ashi has two fire and two lightning types, while Toshi has two fire Pokémon, one lightning type, and a flying type," Leon observed. "We might need to consider adding more diversity, perhaps some bug types."
"Yeah, I tried, but they were a no-show!" Toshi bemoaned, grateful for the passing Pidgeotto that had joined his team. Leon rubbed his chin, contemplating how to attract Pokémon if they couldn't find them. "Bug types are usually wary of humans and prefer to hide out of sight, deeper in the woods. There are a few methods to try and attract them, either by slathering honey on a tree or having a Pokémon use Sweet Scent to lure them towards you."
"Ugh, had I known this earlier, I probably would have asked Mom to let us borrow some honey before we left..." Toshi groaned, looking at the ground dejectedly. Ashi watched as the Galar Monarch moved to sit next to her brother, placing a hand on his shoulder to reassure him that it would be fine. "Don't worry, Toshi. I'm sure we'll come across one or two later on, so don't fret too much about it," Leon said.
Raihan chuckled as he finished the last of his Ding Dong. "Yeah, seriously. It's not like one is going to go falling from the sky and into our lap. That would be way too easy, but should that ever happen, I'll eat my shorts!" Ashi listened to their chatter but then noticed Sora and Aratiri looking up at the sky, their tiny ears twitching as they seemed to notice something above them.
Ashi, noticing Sora's curious gaze, followed her Pokémon's line of sight. "Ara, Sora, is something the matter?" she asked, spotting a shiny object tumbling from the sky directly towards them. The group remained oblivious until the small projectile landed on Ashi's legs, revealing an unconscious Pokémon.
"Huh, what have you got there, Ashi?" they all asked, observing the light green Pokémon with a tan underside. Just below its head were four tiny legs used for movement, and atop its head sat a red, Y-shaped antenna capable of producing a defensive odor if threatened.
As the Pokémon stirred, it caught sight of the faces crowded around it. Panic-stricken, it let out a terrified "Pi!" before blasting everyone with String Shot and making a break for the bushes. The group, initially shocked, found themselves struggling to remove the sticky substance. "What was that just now?" Toshi asked, certain it had to be a bug type, as he removed the last of the webbing from his face.
Leon, busy helping Raihan who had gotten an eyeful of the String Shot, tried to pull the sticky stuff off but having a hard time with it, "Hey, watch it! You're gonna rip my eyebrows off here!" Raihan, still grappling with the String Shot on his face, muttered expletives as he attempted to regain his composure.
Ashi, quick to take charge, announced, "I think that was a Caterpie. They're known for their String Shot move and timid nature. It must have been frightened by all of us looming over it."
Intrigued, Toshi turned to Leon with determination. "Do you think we could catch it? It might be a good addition to our team for training and battles." Leon nodded thoughtfully, wiping bits of webbing from his hair. "It's certainly a possibility. Caterpie may not be the strongest Pokémon, but they can evolve into Butterfree real fast."
"Yes, but before that, we should focus on making sure it's okay," Ashi said, imagining the Caterpie's fear after falling from such a precarious height and sensing its presence nearby, likely too frightened to venture far. The Dragonslayer gathered some Pokefood and tossed it out, hoping to lure the Caterpie from its hiding place. "Come here, little one. It's alright; we won't harm you," she cooed softly, trying to coax the Pokémon out. As she continued calling, the Caterpie's head peeked out from the bushes.
Cautiously, the Caterpie emerged, sniffing the crushed pieces of food. Its wariness faded as it nibbled on the treats, its antennae twitching with delight. Ashi's gentle demeanor and soothing voice seemed to reassure the little Pokémon, and it inched closer to her, its eyes wide with curiosity. When Ashi extended her hand, the Caterpie tentatively crawled onto it, sensing the warmth and kindness radiating from her touch. The little creature relaxed in her palm, its tiny body vibrating with a newfound sense of safety and comfort. "There you go, that's a good little one," Ashi whispered.
The others watched in silence as the once-fearful Caterpie found solace in Ashi's care. Toshi's eyes sparkled with admiration, while Leon and Raihan exchanged knowing glances. "Oh, aren't you an affectionate one?" Ashi gently stroked the Caterpie's antennae, noticing how much it enjoyed the attention.
The Caterpie was in pure bliss, finding this trainer much kinder than the one who had screamed and whacked it with a hammer, sending it to another part of the forest. When the Caterpie had regained consciousness, it felt scared by the unfamiliar faces and worried they might hurt it like the previous trainer had. Despite its weakness, it had tried to flee, using String Shot on them before hiding in the bushes, shivering in fear. However, the sweet scent of the Pokefood had drawn the Caterpie out, and it found itself captivated by the pretty, kind trainer. As Ashi sprayed a potion on its body, the Caterpie cooed, feeling its wounds heal. "Piiii…."
"It looks like this one has taken a liking to your sister," Raihan remarked. Ashi shrugged in response. "Bugs never really bother me. They're just doing what they need to thrive, and they help, like any Grass-type, by spreading pollen and making the flowers grow. You can't say they don't have their own resourcefulness."
Ashi's father often said that everything has its place in nature, emphasizing the delicate balance and purpose of all living things, both big and small. "No matter how you look at it, every creature in this world serves a purpose. Even the tiniest beings can make great accomplishments that benefit everyone," he would explain.
As a Caterpie crawled from Ashi's arm to her left shoulder, she could see that it enjoyed her company. Stretching her hand up, Ashi watched the Pokémon move until it settled and turned to face her. "Caterpie, there's something I'd like to ask of you," she said, directing the Pokémon's attention to her brother, who stood nearby.
"This is Toshi, and he dreams of becoming a Pokémon master. I know that, like you, it will take time and patience for him to grow and develop his skills. Just as you will one day evolve into a Butterfree, would you be willing to join him on this journey and be his Pokémon? Under his care, I'm certain you'll bloom and become a strong member of his team. Do you think you can help him achieve his dream?"
The Pokémon closed its eyes and waved its tiny legs in agreement. "Pi!" it chirped happily. Ashi smiled, gently stroking Caterpie's antennae. "That's wonderful to hear!" She turned to her brother, who had overheard the conversation and couldn't believe it. "Toshi, I hope you'll help Caterpie in return. You will, won't you?"
Toshi nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, of course! Absolutely!" With both in agreement, Toshi took out a spare Poké Ball and used it on the Caterpie. The ball barely twitched before settling, signaling that Toshi had successfully added his first Bug-type Pokémon to his party. As Toshi performed a happy jig, Ashi smiled, confident that she had made the right choice in trusting her brother to raise the little worm to its full potential.
"She really has a way with Pokémon," Leon remarked, noting that Caterpie would keep its promise to Ashi and work hard alongside its trainer. He then glanced at the Scyther, who had been observing the interaction with a lingering gaze on Ashi. "Hey Ashi, I think there's someone here who wants your attention."
As the group turned to Leon, the Galar Monarch approached the blade Pokémon. "You want to join us and become a part of Ashi's team, right?" The scarred Scyther stared at Ashi, its piercing gaze seeming to measure her strength and resolve. With a low, guttural growl, the Pokémon suddenly lunged forward, its scythes gleaming dangerously in the sunlight. The group gasped in shock, ready to intervene if needed, but Ashi stood her ground, unfazed by the Scyther's display.
As the Scyther approached Ashi, it suddenly reared back its scythes in a graceful sweeping motion, tracing a symbol in the dirt at her feet. The symbol, resembling a bond formed through battle and trust, was immediately recognized by the Dragonslayer as a gesture of respect and acceptance from the proud Pokémon. Crouching down to its level, Ashi met the Scyther's gaze with unwavering resolution. "I understand and I would be very honored to have you join our party. I promise you won't regret this, and I vow to help you grow stronger."
The Scyther nodded solemnly, acknowledging her strength and compassion. It felt that by joining these trainers, it could become more powerful. Ashi, seeing the Scyther's determination, thought to fulfill its wish and accepted its offer. She reached for a Pokeball at her belt, enlarging it with a click before throwing it towards the Scyther. The Pokémon was enveloped in a red light and drawn inside. The Pokeball wiggled once, twice, and then emitted a satisfying click.
Picking up the Pokeball from the ground, Ashi examined it with reverence. She knew this Scyther would bring a new dynamic to her team. The others gathered around her, their faces filled with admiration for the way she handled such a powerful Pokémon. "Well, now that you both have a bug type, shall we head out?" Raihan suggested, eager to leave the spot as the Noseeums were returning with a vengeance now.
The group had no qualms as they broke down camp and made their way further through the woods. As they walked together, Toshi decided to let his Caterpie hang out on his shoulder, just like Ashi with Aratiri and Sora, and get to know his new Pokémon. "According to Dex, Caterpie knows Tackle, Quick Attack, and String Shot," Toshi said after scanning his Pokémon and checking its moves, seeing what he needed to find to help it grow stronger.
"And Ashi's Scyther knows Fury Cutter, False Swipe, and Wing Attack." They both knew they had their work cut out for them, but they were determined to persevere and help their Pokémon reach higher levels. "It won't be any trouble to get your Caterpie to evolve. Bug types always evolve faster, and by the time we get to Pewter City, he'll be a Butterfree in no time!"
Leon nodded in agreement, knowing that with Ashi and Toshi's dedication, their Pokémon would surely reach their full potential. "Really? You think so?" Just as Raihan was about to comment, a haughty laugh interrupted them, causing the four humans and their Pokémon to halt. "What was that?" Ashi asked, the laugh sounding strangely familiar. Another voice caught their attention. "So, we meet again!"
Toshi glanced at his sister, noticing that she and the Galar trainers also recognized the voice. A strong wind blew from behind, revealing three familiar figures standing in their path. The female spoke the same line as before. Raihan groaned, "Ugh, not these jokers again. Wasn't last time enough for them?"
Sora and Aratiri shared a quick glance, both wondering why these troublemakers had returned after getting their butts whoop by them. Were they back for seconds then? Toshi stepped up, his arms behind his head. "Sorry, but we're kinda busy. If you could just—"
"Quiet, you twerp!" Jessie snapped as Ashi, Leon, and Raihan glared at the trio. "We're not here to listen to your blathering. We're here for your Pokémon." She and James pointed directly at Ashi's Pokémon, who shifted into fighting stances. "Hand over those two, along with the rest you've got, girlie."
Toshi protested, "Hey, who do you think you are? Go find your own Pokémon. Sora and Aratiri belong to my sister, and we won't let you have any of ours!"
Jessie scoffed as she toss back her hair and said, "Oh, please. We only want those two." James added, still holding onto his rose, "We're only interested in the rarest, most valuable Pokémon, kid."
"And they definitely fit the bill to a tee," Meowth, sitting perched on their shoulders and realize they were revealing too much, used Fury Swipe on Jessie and James while yelling, "You idiots! Stop giving away our secrets!"
Sora listening to these morons couldn't help but muttered to Aratiri, "Not much of a secret since these clowns gave it away the first time." Ashi and Toshi heard him, but a sharp glance from the Dragonslayer silenced him. Thankfully, the others hadn't noticed.
Leon watching them and unable to keep his own thoughts to himself, "Do they really think we'd just hand them over like that? They must be crazy."
"And they're giving away their plans so easily," Raihan added, shaking his head. "Unbelievable."
Ashi chimed in, "I think they're just fools who believe they can bluff their way through anything. I mean, that whole motto thing—is that supposed to scare us?"
Meowth, unaware of the ongoing conversation, was talking about what he had witnessed at the Center and how impressed he was by the duo's power. "Those two exceed their evolutionary level. Her Pokémon would—" But he was cut off as Jessie and James began bashing him for spilling the beans.
"Now you're the one giving away our secrets!" Jessie scolded.
James added, "Shut up before you tell them everything."
"I'm in charge! Cut it out!" Meowth retorted. The sight before Ashi and the others was laughable, making them mentally sweatdrop. (These were supposed to be notorious Pokémon thieves?) Raihan couldn't help but mutter, "This is like watching the Three Stooges live or something." Sora and Aratiri agreed with the gym leader, wishing they had some popcorn as the trio comically bonked each other before turning their attention to Ashi, whose eyes narrowed at them. "Make it easy and hand over your Pokémon, girlie,"
Ashi gave Jessie a glare and angrily retorted, "Absolutely not! I won't let you lay a finger on them!" Her Mana surged at the audacity of these thieves trying to steal her precious friends. She vowed to teach them a lesson about messing with a Dragonslayer. Sora and Aratiri shared her sentiment, their fur bristling with energy as they growled at the intruders, ready for a fight.
Toshi chimed in, "Yeah the same goes for the rest of us!" He comforted his worried and frightened Caterpie. Leon and Raihan also stepped between the thieves and the siblings, prepared to intervene if things escalated.
"Then you leave us no choice! Pokémon battle, Ekans and Koffing, go!" They released their Pokémon from the Pokéballs, and Ashi realized this would be a double battle. She turned to her brother. "Toshi, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" They shared a knowing look as they each brought out their own Pokémon. Sora and Aratiri, aware they had already fought earlier, sat this one out, cheering from the sidelines.
"Litleo, I choose you!" Toshi called out.
"Yoruchi, come on out!" Ashi followed.
The two felines popped out of their respective capsules, ready and eager for action. "Lit! Shinx!" they cried.
Meowth's eyes turned to hearts upon seeing the shiny Pokémon. "Well now, who is that gorgeous looking kitty!" Shinx took a moment to look at them before turning her nose up with a huff, leaving Meowth feeling snubbed by another pretty Pokémon for the second time.
His teammates scolded him, "Hey Meowth, get your head in the game! This is no time for you to get your tail in a bunch!"
Raihan groaned, putting a finger in his ear wondering if this was going to take too long. "Geez, at this rate, we might be stuck here the whole day." He found the banter between the thieves tiresome. The Rockets turning their focus back onto the battle, each send out a command to their own, "Koffing, use Sludge! Ekans, go grab those two!" The Pokémon rushed to attack. Ashi countered, "Yoruchi, give that Ekans a special shock treatment using Discharge!" At the same time, Toshi ordered, "Litleo, use Quick Attack on the charging Koffing!"
Shinx unleashed a powerful burst of electricity, crackling through the air and striking Ekans. Litleo's Quick Attack was swift and precise, smashing into Koffing before it could launch its attack. The Rocket duo stumbled back, surprised by the sudden turn of events.
Jessie and James gritted their teeth, realizing they had underestimated Ashi and her friends once again. "Don't give up that easily! Ekans, wrap around that golden kitty! Koffing, use Sludge!" they shouted, determined to turn the tide in their favor. Ashi swiftly countered, "Yoruchi, use Thunder Fang to break free!"
"Litleo, use Ember on Koffing!" The battle intensified as Yoruchi's jaws crackled with electricity, freeing herself from Ekans' grasp, while Litleo sent a barrage of fiery embers towards the gas Pokémon. The flames ignited the flammable goo, creating an explosive reaction that threw the smaller Pokémon backwards into their trainers. "Litleo!" Toshi rushed to his Pokémon's side as it fell, while Yoruchi pulled herself back up, still able to fight despite the damage she had taken during the explosion.
"Toshi, call your Litleo back!" Ashi commanded. Toshi did and just as he was ready to call out his next Pokémon, Caterpie jumped down and stood beside the Shinx, surprising everyone. The bug Pokémon, having witnessed the mean-spirited duo targeting the nice trainer's Pokémon, was determined to join the fray. "PI!" Caterpie shouted, getting into a fighting position, much to everyone's shock.
"What's that?" Jessie stared in disbelief at the Caterpie the twerps had chosen to send out. "It's a bug, a measly little bug!" The Rocket members burst into laughter, making scathing comments about breaking out the bug spray. This only infuriated the bug-type, who refused to take the insults sitting down. "Pi Pi!" it challenged, moving its tiny arms in a fighting manner, clearly letting them know it wanted to knock their blocks off. (C'mon put up your dukes!)
The two Galar trainers were still reeling from Caterpie's bold decision to step into the ring, but everyone could see its desire to fight alongside them. Ashi, in particular, noticed the fire burning in its eyes, eager to give them a taste of its own prowess. "Okay then, let's show them what we've got," Ashi said, turning to Toshi, who seemed to have come to an understanding. Caterpie now stood beside Yoruchi, ready to give its all.
"This is gonna be too easy. Ekans, go squash that insect! You too, Koffing!" Caterpie stood its ground, a determined glint in its eyes as Ekans and Koffing lunged towards it. "Caterpie, dodge it and strike back at them using String Shot!"
"Yoruchi, use your agility and circle around them," Ashi commanded. With remarkable agility, the two Pokémon followed the command. Caterpie dodged Ekans' attack and swiftly spun around, releasing a string shot that ensnared both Ekans and Koffing. Yoruchi circled them, making the string wrap around them faster until they were encased in a large ball of string. With a swift batting motion, Yoruchi knocked the ball aside, leaving the Rockets shocked to find their Pokémon defeated by a mere Caterpie.
"Alright, it's my turn, Nyah! Let me show you what a real Pokémon can do," Meowth declared, stepping forward. However, Caterpie was ready, unleashing its second string shot onto the annoying furball. The string coiled around Meowth, transforming him into a mummy-like figure. "It's time for Team Rocket to blast off!"
"You may have won this round, but we'll be back!" they shouted as they fled the scene with their entangled Pokémon. "Come back anytime! We'll be happy to beat you again!" Toshi taunted, sticking his tongue out at them. The other Pokémon joined in, blowing raspberries and shaking their hinny at the retreating backs of Team Rocket.
"Somehow I have no doubt we haven't seen the last of them," Raihan remarked. "But given that you both need to gain more experience, I suppose we'll have to encounter those doofuses again in the future." He hoped they wouldn't have to endure their annoying motto every time they crossed paths, but had a sinking feeling that it would be the case. Meanwhile, Toshi approached his Caterpie and picked it up, exclaiming, "Way to go, buddy! You did it—your first Pokémon battle, and you were amazing!"
"Absolutely," Leon agreed. "Caterpie really showed its willingness to step up for you two." The Pokémon beamed with pride at everyone's praise. Ashi moved towards her brother and gently placed her hand on Caterpie's head. "You were incredible out there, little one. For that, here's a reward." She pressed a quick peck to its antenna, causing the bug to turn a brighter green than before. Suddenly, a bright glow enveloped the tiny Pokémon, and everyone watched in awe as it began to change and evolve right before their eyes. Caterpie's body elongated, and its skin hardened, transforming into a Metapod. "Metapod!"
Gasps filled the air as the newly evolved Pokémon flexed its new shell, feeling the strength coursing through its body. Toshi lowered the Pokémon and pulled out his Pokedex to scan it, marveling at the incredible transformation that had just taken place.
"Metapod, Caterpie's next stage. It has encased its body in a hard shell. This specimen reached this stage faster than any previously discovered Pokémon of this variety."
"Wow, that's incredible! Toshi's Caterpie evolved just hours after being caught. What are the odds?" Raihan exclaimed. The newly evolved Metapod stood tall and confident, its beady eyes gleaming with determination. Perhaps its rapid evolution was due to its own willingness to grow stronger or the bond it shared with its trainer. (Or maybe because of Ashi's kiss that it certainly felt like evolving but really who'd believe that!) It just sounded so ridiculous even to him.
Toshi's eyes widened in amazement, unable to contain his joy at witnessing his partner's transformation. He knelt down and embraced his Metapod in a tight hug. "You did it, buddy! You evolved!" Metapod responded with a gentle nod, its eyes reflecting its newfound strength. "Metapod!"
Leon smiled warmly at the heartwarming scene before him, proud of the growth and connection between Toshi and his Pokémon. "Congratulations, Toshi. Your Metapod looks ready to take on any challenge that comes its way." Raihan noticed Toshi grinning widely while hugging his Pokémon and Ashi looking on with a warm smile.
"Hey, we should take a picture to commemorate this moment!" he suggested. The Ketchum siblings thought it was a great idea, and Leon watched as Raihan's Rotom Phone hovered, ready to capture the special occasion.
The group gathered around Toshi and his newly evolved Metapod, with Ashi sitting next to him and their other Pokémon joining in. They all looked towards Raihan's camera, which preserved the moment in a digital memory for them to cherish. Once the photo was taken, Ashi and Toshi moved to take a closer look and requested that Raihan send a copy to their mother, wanting her to share in their excitement. Leon couldn't help but stare at the two siblings, recognizing the strength of their bond and knowing that it would only grow stronger with time.
"Isn't this great bud, you're just one step closer to becoming a Butterfree!" Looking down at his Metapod, Toshi felt a surge of excitement for their future adventures together. This evolution marked a new beginning for them, filled with endless possibilities and challenges waiting to be conquered. With a renewed sense of determination burning within him, Toshi knew that he and his Pokémon were ready to face whatever came their way head-on.
Leon then remembered something and turned to Raihan with a smug look on his face, "Oh yeah, what was that you were saying earlier? About a bug-type falling from the sky and into one's lap? I could've sworn it was something you'd—"
"Shut up, Leo! Not another word from you!" Raihan interrupted. Ashi turned to hear boisterous laughter coming from the Galar Monarch, feeling like she had missed out on something before shaking it off as nothing important.
Asharia 'Ashi' Ketchum - Age 18, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Ashi -
*Litten (m) - Sora
Pikachu (m) - Aratiri
*Litleo (f) - Sekhmet
*Shinx (f) - Yoruichi
Scyther (m) - Name to be reveal in next chapter
Satoshi 'Toshi' Ketchum - Age 10, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Toshi -
Charmander (m)
Litleo (m)
Shinx (m)
Pidgeotto (f)
Metapod née Caterpie (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)
Omake: A special Treat for everyone
After a long day of hiking and after battling Team Rocket, the group finally settled down to relax. Though the confrontation had delayed them, they couldn't complain, especially since Toshi's Caterpie had evolved. Ashi felt the Pokémon deserved a special reward for their hard work.
"Here you go! Fresh from the oven so be careful it hot!" Ashi announced, presenting a batch of Poffins she had prepared specifically for each Pokémon, taking into account their individual preferences and making plenty for everyone. "All right, dig in!" She laid out the treats, giving Metapod and Yoruchi first pick as a reward for winning their first battle. Toshi chuckled as he watched his Metapod gobble down the blue Poffins. "Wow, so you like the dry ones, huh? I guess that makes sense." How the Pokémon managed to eat without a visible mouth remained a mystery to him.
Ashi noticed that Leon and Raihan's Pokémon had also come to enjoy the delicacies, and they seemed particularly appreciative of her cooking. The Galarian starters looked starstruck as they savored the flavors. Before she even knew it, Cinderace and Inteleon sandwiched Ashi between them, while Rillaboom pulled them all into a tight hug. Dragapult and Mr. Rime also not wanting to be left out as they join in. The Pokémon turned to their trainer with wide pleading eyes, as if to say, "Can we keep her, pretty please?"
"Well, it certainly seems they like the cooking as much as we do," Raihan remarked, glancing over at his Pokémon. The Dragon-type had quickly finished their portions and were now looking around for more. Their eyes locked onto Charizard, who held a plate full of assorted Poffins in its claws, ready to devour the treats.
(Yum-yum-yum, thanks for the grub!) the Fire-type thought to itself. However, Charizard soon felt the ominous gaze of the hungry Dragon Pokémon, large pools of drool dripping from their open maws, and Charizard realized the potential trouble he was in.
(Uh oh, this could be trouble!) There was only one thing he could do in this situation. Leon and Raihan watched as Charizard took off flying, with the Flygon hot on its tail and the others chasing it on foot to grab at those Poffins. They knew it would take a while before the group returned, but they weren't too worried. The Pokémon were simply caught up in the excitement of the chase and the desire for more of those delicious delicacies.
The group erupted into laughter and shouts as they watched Charizard soar into the sky, trying to shake off the other flying type in hot pursuit. Raihan chuckled at the unfolding chaos, while Leon shook his head in amusement. Ashi and Toshi exchanged grins, enjoying the light-hearted moment after the day's excitement.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the forest, Ashi felt contentment wash over her. Surrounded by friends and their Pokémon, she knew they would always support each other through any challenges on their journey.
Raihan contained his laughter and turned to Ashi, eyes twinkling mischievously. "Your cooking is sure a hit with everyone here, and I'm not just talking with the Pokémon here." Ashi chuckled and shook her head. "Well, they say the way to one's heart is through their stomach."
"Good thing we're not near any Snorlax then! Though thinking if it ever did catch a whiff of your cooking, it might just follow us forever!" Raihan teased, earning a playful shove from Ashi. The two shared a moment of friendly banter before turning their attention back to the ongoing chaos in the sky. Leon watched the scene unfold with a smile, feeling grateful for the camaraderie and joy that surrounded them. In that moment, as the last rays of sunlight painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, he knew that their bonds would only grow stronger with each passing day.
As the laughter and cheers filled the air, Toshi and Metapod looked up at the sky with a bright sparkle in their eyes. The once small Caterpie knew that their journey was just beginning, and he couldn't wait to see what adventures awaited them next. The Pokémon gaze to where Ashi was and smiling to itself even if no one else could tell with its chrysalis form.
