I just decided to put this short note up to let people know that even though I used time travel to escape the fact that I hadn't seen all of Pokémon diamond and pearl, I had a stroke of inspiration and now have a solid plot and ending for my story as well as the main antagonistic group. So based on this you can consider the last three chapters a prologue of sorts. Sorry for the long delay but my first semester of Uni really left me with no time to do anything. To apologise I have written my longest Pokémon chapter to date.
Oh last note, I am thinking of getting rid of the whole Ash harem thing as well. Cynthia is head and shoulders above all other girls in Pokémon in looks, battle skill and personality, thus I feel that she is more than enough making a harem superfluous.
Disclaimer – I don't own Pokémon all I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
"Telepathy"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 4 – Old Rivals and Old Friends
'Ashy boy what are you doing here?' Asked Gary in a smug and slightly surprised tone.
'Oh you know beating gym leaders, getting my second badge before you.' Replied Ash in a smug tone.
"Man now I know why Gary did this to me all the time, it feels great." Thought Ash with a smile.
Gary however despite being embarrassed by Ash outdoing him, especially since Ash had started on his journey later than him, merely smiled.
'Well it's good to see you're a better trainer than I thought, then again, I didn't really think too highly of you to begin with.' Retorted Gary as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Ash as amusing as this is, there are more important things to deal with than you childhood rivalry." Said a bemused Pikachu through their telepathic link.
"Gotcha buddy I was just having a bit of fun." Placated the time traveller before getting serious.
'Hey Gary you consider yourself to be a smart person and a good trainer right?' Asked Ash somewhat unexpectedly.
'Of course, I am the grandson of Samuel Oak after all.' Replied Gary after recovering from the unexpectedness of the time traveller's question.
'Alright then how about a deal, whoever gets eight badges first wins?' Suggested Ash.
Gary narrowed his eyes suspiciously 'What kind of deal are we talking about and for that matter why the need for such a deal?' Asked Gary.
The time traveller panicked slightly "Damn I forgot Gary always was too smart for his own good, but then again, he was also too arrogant." Thought Ash before deciding to take advantage of Gary's pride.
'Well I just figured that since you think you are sooo great then maybe you would want to put your money where your mouth is?' Goaded Ash already knowing the outcome.'Tch fine Ashy boy first one to get eight badges is the better of us.' Agreed Gary easily falling for Ash's taunt.
'Alright and to make it interesting I propose we bet our lake treasure.' Said Ash seriously.
Gary's eyes widened knowing exactly what the lake treasure was and what it meant to both of them.
'Are you sure Ashy boy?' Asked Gary without his usual air of superiority.
Ash in return merely nodded his head with a stern expression.
'Fine then a deal is a deal.' Said Gary extending his hand.
'Yep it sure is good luck.' Said Ash as he took the offered appendage sealing the deal.
'Heh I won't need luck, later Ash.' Said Gary before he walked into the Gym.
After walking away for a while Brock rounded on Ash.
'So what was that all about?' Asked Brock genuinely curious.
'Well, we are going to need allies and Gary always was a strong trainer.' Replied the cap wearing boy nonchalantly.
'What about Misty then?' Asked Brock.
'Yeah I've been giving that some thought, I think we will need to meet up with Misty however going back to Viridian City is out of the question. One thing we do know is that she will come to Vermillion City on the S.S. Anne so she will have to show up there eventually, it also helps that the S.S. Anne leaves at the same time every year so it shouldn't be a problem to meet up with her. Although to get her to come with us I think me and Pikachu over here are going to have to pretend to be training and zap her bike again giving her a reason to come with us like before.' Said Ash showing he indeed had spent a while thinking on his next course of action.
'Glad to see you're taking things seriously. Now if I remember right you get Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle before we get to the S.S. Anne, right?' Said Brock.
'Yep so let's do it.' Said Ash before they set off.
-line break-
After meeting up with Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmander and filling them in on the events that had transpired in the previous timeline they were all happy to help out and agreed to get as strong as they possibly could.
Ash was training in a small field close to the path that lead to Vermillion City. After beating Lt. Surge with Pikachu and in the process shocking him, Ash told Brock that he was going to carry out his plan for getting Misty to join them again.
'Alright Pikachu make sure you tone down your thunderbolt a lot remember Misty has never been hit by one as of now.' Said Ash.
'Pika. PikaCHU.' Said Pikachu before launching a thunderbolt in-between two trees and hearing a yelp as a response.
Ash and Pikachu quickly rushed to the scene and arrived to see Misty looking charred and burnt while her bike was completely burnt black.
"Uh Pikachu, I thought I told you to tone it down?" Asked Ash mentally as he prodded Misty and the bike with his shoe backing off quickly when the bike discharged a few sparks.
"Well I guess I don't know my own strength anymore, I thought going back in time would have reduced it but I guess not." Said Pikachu sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head.
'*sigh* Well what should we do now?' Asked Ash.
'Pika.' Said Pikachu while shrugging his shoulders.
'Hmm Squirtle come on out.' Said Ash throwing out his Pokéball after some deliberation.
'Use Water Gun.' Said Ash pointing at the downed Misty.
'Squirt squirt.' Said Squirtle while nodding before launching a water gun right at Misty's face.
After about five seconds of this Misty's head shot up and she coughed up water while gasping for breath. As soon as Misty's head shot up Squirtle stopped his water gun and had to suppress his laughter upon seeing Misty's hair sticking up at odd angles.
'Um are you alright?' Asked Ash tentatively knowing that if this was really Misty he was about to get his ass chewed out.
'NO I AM NOT ALRIGHT! What kind of irresponsible trainer lets his Pokémon's attacks hit people? I could have been seriously injured, are you even a trainer or did you just happen to find a Pokémon and decided to pretend to be a trainer huh kid?' Ranted Misty.
"Yep same old Misty huh Pikachu?' Asked Ash while sighing internally.
'Yep no matter what it seems that Misty will always be Misty.' Agreed Pikachu with his own sigh.
'Sorry about that and if you don't think I'm a real trainer just have a look at my three gym badges said Ash opening up his jacket.
'No way! You got a badge from the Cerulean Gym?' Asked Misty in shock.
'Uh yeah why?' Asked Ash genuinely confused why she would make such a fuss over it.
'I don't believe you in fact I challenge you to a battle right now for that badge.' Shouted Misty as she jumped up off the ground.
"Pikachu is it just me or is Misty really aggressive in this timeline?" Asked Ash unknowingly taking a step backwards as he asked Pikachu telepathically.
"Well last time we didn't shock her, just her bike got destroyed and that, as far as she knew was from natural lightning. Secondly last time I was badly injured and she eased up a bit on you out of sympathy, I'm guessing, as I was knocked out at the time. Lastly I'm guessing she thinks you just walked in an asked for a badge given the fact that if her sisters would have attempted it in another timeline it may be something they have done before." Surmised Pikachu.
'Why should I risk my badge, I earned it fair and square?' Asked Ash rather calmly.
Misty blushed slightly realising that she couldn't outright accuse him of getting his badge for free as it would raise too many questions.
'Uh, um, well… SHUT UP!' Shouted Misty embarrassed.
Ash laughed slightly before putting on a serious expression.
'Although if you want a battle I'll oblige because I never back down.' Said Ash.
'Fine I challenge you to a three-on-three Pokémon battle.' Said Misty.
'Alright I accept although we will need a referee, oh hey Brock you're right on time we need a referee for a three-on-three Pokémon battle.' Said Ash.
Brock walked over and Misty narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.
'Who's he?' Asked the irate trainer.
'I'm Brock the Pewter City Gym Leader.' Said Brock.
'AHA this just proves that you stole that badge because you kidnapped the Pewter City Gym Leader!' Accused Misty in full confidence of her words.
Ash looked at Brock who glanced at him as well and in a surprising moment of clarity both thought the same thing.
"What the hell happened to Misty?"
"Pikachu did you fry her logical reasoning when you hit her with your thunderbolt?" Asked Ash as he turned to face Pikachu.
"Hey, hey don't go pinning this crazy Misty fiasco on me." Said Pikachu all the while pointing at Misty and shaking his head.
Ash and Pikachu in a united front both turned to look at Brock while motioning with their eyes for Brock to do something.
Brock took the hint and cleared his throat drawing Misty's attention.
'Actually Ash beat me fair and square as well as Daisy and Lt. Surge and I can vouch for it as I was with him for every battle. Furthermore he didn't kidnap me I just wanted to get out of the Gym and explore the world while pursuing my dream of being a Pokémon Breeder.' Said Brock which wasn't too far from the truth as; Ash had beaten all three Gym Leaders, but while the fairness of his matches were questionable the results weren't and his reason for joining Ash was the truth, or at least it was in the last timeline.
'Hmph fine but I still challenge you to a battle after all he could be lying.' Misty told Ash while pointing at Brock.
The cap wearing time-traveller sighed while inwardly thinking Misty was being more trouble than she was worth.
'Fine no problem at all can we start now?' Asked Ash tiredly.
'Yep now go Seel.' Said Misty before throwing her Pokéball.
"Huh I guess if she didn't catch me the first time around she would have caught a Seel." Thought Ash.
'Alright Squirtle your up.' Said Ash motioning for Squirtle to step forward with a nod of his head.
Squirtle nodded back before stepping forward and glaring down at Seel.
'This will be a three-on-three Pokémon battle with no substitutions allowed, begin!' Announced the rock type user.
'Seel Water Gun.' Ordered Misty.
'You too Squirtle.' Said Ash calmly.
The two jets of water clashed with each other fiercely before Squirtle's was overwhelmed.
'Quickly Squirtle use Withdraw then follow up with Rapid Spin.' Said Ash.
Squirtle quickly ducked into his shell as the Water Gun washed over him before he started spinning and charged at Seel.
'Seel use Headbutt to send him back.' Said Misty arrogantly.
Seel met Squirtle's Rapid Spin with a Headbutt and sent him back but what neither trainer nor Pokémon expected was for Squirtle to simply spin in a wide semicircle arc and strike Seel in the side.
'Oh no Seel!' Shouted the water type trainer in worry.
'Now end this Squirtle, Water Gun.' Declared Ash picked up speed in his spin before shooting out four streams of water which continuously struck Seel alternating between streams as Squirtle spun. After Squirtle had spun in three full circles Seel fell back and fainted with his eyes swirling.
'Seel is unable to battle Squirtle wins the match.' Declared Brock.
Squirtle who had stopped spinning rushed to Ash's side. Ash patted Squirtle on the head while complementing him on a good battle.
Misty returned Seel while telling him that he did a good job and deserved a rest.
'Now go Staryu.' Said Misty as a light brown starfish emerged from the ball.
'Misty if you don't mind I want Squirtle to take a rest now as I have two other Pokémon I would like to test against you.' Said Ash.
'Fine, but don't come whining to me when you lose.' Said Misty completing forgetting that she was the one who just lost.
Brock nodded his head before saying the Squirtle was now out of the battle. Squirtle took it in his stride and merely went to stand next to Pikachu who was standing off to the side near Brock.
'Alright go Charmander.' Said Ash throwing out Charmander's Pokéball.
'Char char.' Said Charmander in excitement of getting to finally have his first battle with his new trainer.
'Are you stupid Charmander is it a huge disadvantage?' Ranted Misty.
'Type advantages aren't everything now Charmander SmokeScreen.' Said Ash quickly.
Charmander opened its mouth spewing black smoke which hid him from view while slowly advancing on Staryu.
'Staryu use Rapid Spin to blow away the smoke.' Ordered Misty confidently.
'Heh too easy, now Charmander Flamethrower right under Staryu.' Said Ash.
Charmander launched a wave of flames right under Staryu and due to the fact that it was spinning the flames were fuelled by the excess oxygen pulled in from the vacuum-like effect and spiralled upwards engulfing Staryu.
'OH NO STARYU!' Misty cried out in worry.
When Charmander stopped it's flamethrower a slightly charred Staryu was revealed which promptly fainted.
'Oh poor Staryu.' Whimpered Misty as she picked up her unconscious Pokémon before hugging it and then returning it.
Ash nodded to Charmander who quickly hugged Ash's leg and with a quick 'Char' went to stand next to Squirtle.
'Go Bulbasaur.' Said Ash throwing out the last Pokéball he had.
'Bulba Bulbasaur.' Said Bulbasaur relishing the feel of being outside of his Pokéball and finally able to have a battle.
Misty by now was much less confident in her ability to beat Ash but stood up nonetheless gaining a small glint in her eye.
"I have to beat at least one of his Pokémon." Misty thought firmly.
'Go Starmie.' Said Misty unleashing her last Pokémon.
'Starmie Harden.' Said Misty hoping to boost Starmie's defence.
'Bulbasaur Razor Leaf.' Said Ash.
Bulbasaur launched a multitude of razor sharp leaves at Starmie but most bounced off harmlessly doing little damage.
'Starmie Rapid Spin.' Ordered Misty confidently.
'Bulbasaur use Vine Whip and whip Starmie so it spins faster.' Said Ash.
Bulbasaur continually hit Starmie causing it to speed up.
"What is he doing?" Thought Brock in confusion.
"Now Bulbasaur remain calm and start to angle Starmie so its jewel reflects the light from the sun onto your bulb." Ash told Bulbasaur telepathically.
"Bulba." Replied Bulbasaur figuring out what Ash's plan oblivious to the fact that Starmie was now reflecting sunlight straight at Bulbasaur's bulb ordered Starmie to use Water Gun while spinning in a manner reminiscent to Squirtle.
'You know what to do now Bulbasaur.' "SolarBeam." Said Ash calmly before finishing his order with a telepathic command.
Bulbasaur pressed his forelimbs into the ground while extending his hind legs aiming his bulb straight at Starmie.
'BulbaSAUR!' Shouted Bulbasaur before launching a massive SolarBeam right at Starmie blasting straight through the Water Gun and slamming into Starmie's jewel. Due to the fact that Starmie was spinning so fast, the SolarBeam started to spiral and practically drilled into Starmie.
Within seconds it was over and Starmie dropped to the ground while Bulbasaur angled his SolarBeam up to ensure it didn't hit anything.
'Starmie is unable to battle the winner of the battle and the match are; Bulbasaur and Ash.' Declared Brock.
-line break-
After the battle Misty was reasonably humbled and settled down long enough to hear how Ash got his badges.
'Wow no wonder you beat me so easily.' Said Misty in awe after hearing how he took out three gyms so easily.
'Well I can't take all the credit; it's mostly thanks to Pikachu here.' Said Ash while gesturing to Pikachu with a nod.
'Pika pi.' Said Pikachu from atop Ash's shoulder, while puffing out his chest and beating it twice with his tiny fists.
'Well here we are the port of Vermillion City.' Said Brock.
The gang looked around and saw the S.S. Anne was docked and passengers were boarding it despite the fact that it wouldn't leave for another two hours.
'Hello over there would you like free tickets for the S.S. Anne?' Questioned a woman with long reddish-magenta coloured hair.
Ash gave a disarming smile and accepted the tickets remembering that Team Rocket were a major part of the boat ride and where the ones who secretly gave out tickets to everyone.
-line break-
While the boat ride began enjoyably enough it ended with Misty, Brock and Ash getting trapped inside the boat while it sank to the bottom of the sea. After escaping thanks to the help of their water Pokémon Ash, Misty and Brock were stranded on a raft.
"Worst boat ride ever, again." Thought Ash in exasperation.
Ash's attention was drawn to a Gyarados which had just evolved and summoned up three other Gyarados with its cries. Ash idly noticed Jessie, James and Meowth flying through the air after the Gyarados had attacked them. After a while the four Gyarados sunk blow the surface of the water and swam away.
'Well let's get going.' Said Ash before the group spent the next few hours of their time paddling towards land.
-line break-
'So this is Porta Vista right?' Asked Ash.
'Yep sure looks like it.' Said Brock.
"Now Pikachu try not to stumble onto any boats now alright." Teased Ash remembering what happened last time.
"Hey I was just a curious Pokémon checking out a boat you were the idiot who decided to STEAL it." Retorted Pikachu indignantly causing Ash to blush hotly.
"Still, let's go find Moe and tell him we want to help." Said Ash changing the subject before heading off.
-line break-
After helping out Moe and saving the port from Team Rocket, for which Ash received a trophy with the plaque reading "First Place in Our Hearts: Ash Ketchum." The gang moved on and came to an area where Tentacool and Tentacruel had their homes destroyed. After they caused significant damage to the town, Ash calmed them down and made sure the town members knew that they shouldn't destroy the home of the Tentacool and Tentacruel while in the process Misty caught a Horsea.
-line break-
'So why are we going to Lavender Town again?' Asked Misty.
'I want to go catch a ghost-type Pokémon to use against Sabrina.' Said Ash sighing in exasperation.
'But why ghosts are scary?' Asked Misty.
'*sigh* Just relax Misty they won't hurt you.' Said Ash tiredly.
After walking for a while they arrived at the tower that Haunter lived in before joining Ash.
'Alright I'll see you guys in a minute.' Said Ash before he ventured into the tower.
Haunter joined willing after hearing Ash's story, excited at the prospect of getting to experience a lot of fun and play a lot of pranks.
'Alright let's go guys.' Said Ash after catching Haunter and making the curious observation that he can hold more than six Pokémon at a time, most likely thanks to Arceus.
-line break-
Upon entering Saffron City a man with a scruffy beard wearing a cap, sneakers, tracksuit pants and a green jacket over a grey shirt.
'If you travellers are here to challenge Sabrina you would be better off moving on to the next town none of you can st-' Began the stranger before Ash looked him in the eyes and built up his Aura in his eyes silencing the man.
'Don't worry Sabrina will be back to normal soon.' Said Ash before walking off with Misty and Brock following.
-line break-
After doing something similar to the person who tried to stop them from entering the Gym and battling the 'Great Sabrina' Ash and his friends finally came to a room in which there was a child who looked extremely similar to a doll holding a ball. Once all of them were inside the room the door closed behind them. More lights turned on once the door closed revealing a Pokémon battle field and the real Sabrina, upon whose lap the doll was sitting.
"Sabrina can you hear me?" Probed Ash telepathically.
Sabrina's eyes widened momentarily before glancing across the three trainers and settled her gaze upon Ash whose eyes were glowing blue.
"Who are you and for that matter, how can you speak to me?" Asked Sabrina telepathically.
"Who I am is not important neither is how I am talking to you all that matters is that I am here to bring you back to your senses, your parents are worried for you."Said Ash before pulling out Haunter's Pokéball.
'Sabrina I challenge you to a gym battle.' Said Ash.
'Very well I accept your challenge.' Said the psychic Gym Leader in an even tone.
'Go Abra.' Said Sabrina as the ball the doll was holding burst into a Pokéball which released an Abra.
'Haunter you're up.' Said Ash.
Abra cracked its eye open a fraction before it was enveloped in a bright glow before evolving into Kadabra
'Haunt haunt.' Said Haunter before vanishing from sight an appearing next to Sabrina while pulling a bunch of funny faces causing Sabrina to smile. Haunter gave a few ghostly chuckles at this before pulling out a cannonball which soon exploded covering Sabrina in ash. Sabrina blinked for a while before breaking out in uproarious laughter, while her Kadabra did the same through their psychic link. After Sabrina settled down, she reverted the transformation that she had put her mother under while the man from before appeared and revealed himself to be Sabrina's father.
'Sorry to break up the family reunion but now that you're back to normal I still want to have a Pokémon battle if you don't mind.' Said Ash.
'Sure besides it would be nice to have a battle.' Said Sabrina with a smile.
"You should smile more it suits you." Teased Ash telepathically getting a small blush out of Sabrina.
'Kadabra use Psywave.' Said Sabrina beginning the battle.
'Haunter use Night Shade.' Said Ash, Haunter's eyes glowed red, before it fired multiple black beams outlined in streaks of dark red from its eyes at Kadabra's Psywave causing a small explosion.
'Kadabra use Psychic.' Said Sabrina.
Kadabra's eyes flashed red and Haunter was surrounded in a light blue aura. Haunter performed his own Psychic at the behest of Ash and started to glow purple which began to fight with the blue aura surrounding him. The two auras clashed violently each being urged on by its user to overpower the other. Eventually Kadabra's aura won out and Haunter was launched into the wall behind Ash.
'Grr Haunter use Shadow Ball!' Shouted Ash through grit teeth.
Haunter's hands glowed with a blue aura before a black ball formed in between Haunter's hands which he shot at Kadabra. Kadabra was caught off guard and quickly crossed his hands in front of him to lessen the damage.
"Perfect." Thought Ash as he observed the cloud of dust that covered Kadabra and Haunter.
'Haunter, get in close and use Hypnosis.' Said Ash causing Sabrina to gasp.
'Quickly Kadabra use Teleport.' Ordered Sabrina frantically.
Kadabra heard his trainer and was about to Teleport when Haunter appeared in front of him, eyes glowing red. Kadabra's eyes began to close and when the smoke cleared everyone saw Kadabra sleeping on the floor.
'Now Haunter finish this with Dream Eater.' Said Ash confidently.
A shadow like apparition of Haunter burst from him and drove straight through Kadabra causing it to whimper before moaning pitifully and opening its eyes to reveal swirls.
'Nice work Haunter you were great.' Said Ash before pulling out Haunter's Pokéball.
'Haunt haunt.' Said Haunter before he was sucked into the Pokéball.
'You did great Kadabra.' Said Sabrina as she returned Kadabra and walked over to Ash.
'Well here you go Ash a Marsh badge, you earned it.' Said Sabrina handing Ash a Marsh Badge.
'Thanks Sabrina. Look Pikachu we got a Marsh badge cool huh buddy?' Said Ash showing Pikachu their Marsh badge.
'Well I guess we should head to the Pokémon centre it is getting late.' Said Brock.
'Yeah you're right let's head out in the morning.' Conceded Ash.
-line break-
At the Pokémon centre Ash was lying in bed reminiscing and was slowly, but steadily growing more upset.
'*Sigh* I miss Cynthia.' Mumbled Ash.
-line break-
Flashback
-line break-
Ash was in the Pokémon centre in Celestic Town lamenting the loss of the Lustrous Orb.
'Man Pikachu I can't believe we failed.' Said Ash sadly.
'Pi pika Pikachu chu, pi ka chaa.' Said Pikachu initially trying to cheer up Ash before also lowering his head in sadness.
'Still feeling bad Ash?' Asked a gentle voice.
Ash looked up to see Cynthia in all her beauty.
'Oh hi Cynthia.' Said Ash sadly.
'Well that's not the kind of greeting I expected, here I thought you would be happy to see me.' Joked Cynthia half-heartedly as she too was rather down.
Cynthia sat down on the bench next to Ash and closed her eyes while breathing in deeply. Pikachu walked over to Cynthia and rubbed his face against the blonde champion's leg having taken to Cynthia quite quickly thanks to Pikachu loving Cynthia's blonde hair which resembled the colour of Pikachu's coat. Cynthia picked up Pikachu and started petting him on her lap which calmed him down before lulling him into sleep.
'You know Ash failure isn't such a bad thing.' Said Cynthia.
'What, how can you say that?' Asked the despondent trainer.
The Sinnoh native sighed before turning to face Ash and raising his face to make him look at her.
'Look Ash I feel bad as well that we lost the Lustrous Orb but sitting here getting all moody about it doesn't help anyone. As a trainer you know that at times you will fail, sometimes badly, but you never let it stop you in the past so why now. Sure the orbs are missing for now but all that means is that we all have to get stronger and work harder, to ensure that when the opportunity presents itself, we can get them back successfully.' Said Cynthia passionately.
Ash chuckled before leaning in and kissing Cynthia which she reciprocated.
'Have I ever told you you're beautiful when you speak so passionately?' Said Ash.
'*Giggle* No but it's nice to know that you're feeling better.' Said Cynthia while smiling.
'Thanks Cynthia you always know what to say to make me feel better.' Said Ash with a grin.
-line break-
End flashback
-line break-
'Well no use acting all moody I guess, I'll just have to get the badges even quicker so I can get to Sinnoh... although I guess there is something I can do in the mean time for now.' Said Ash before going to sleep.
-line break-
After a rather interesting run in with a Mankey which evolved into a Primeape and Ash's subsequent capture of the irate monkey, the trio all simultaneously picked up a rather sweet smell.
'It's beautiful.' Said Misty.
'Such an enticing aroma.' Said Brock.
"I feel as though I should recognise this smell." Thought Ash with a sniff with his eyes closed.
The group followed the smell and eventually found themselves at a perfume store. Brock much as he did last time quickly rushed in while Misty walked in at a sedate pace.
"Hmm wonder if I should go in? I did last time but in doing so I got kicked out by Erika... oh well I guess I just won't upset her this time." Mused Ash before walking in.
'Hello how may I help you today?' Asked Erika approaching Ash.
'Oh no I'm not here to buy anything I'm... actually would you happen to have any vanilla scented perfume blends?' Inquired Ash.
Erika was mildly surprised having expected the boy to be one of those types who couldn't appreciate perfume finding it, for lack of a better term 'yucky' or a waste of time, however she quickly composed herself before answering.
'Yes we have a few please follow me.' Said Erika before leading Ash to a section of the store.
'Did you have a particular blend of vanilla in mind?' Asked Erika deciding to test out the boy.
'Hmm well it may sound a bit strange but I would like the blend you have which most closely resembles vanilla ice cream, *chuckle* you see the person I'm getting it for really likes ice cream and vanilla is her favourite flavour and just so happens to be her favourite flower as well.' Said Ash happily remembering Cynthia's ice cream quirk.
'Well this girl sure is lucky having someone so attuned to her tastes.' Said Erika with a giggle.
'Who said it was for a girl?' Inquired Ash with a slight blush.
'You did when you said what her favourite flavour and flower are.' Said Erika with another giggle as Ash's blush deepened slightly.
'Well I guess the jig is up.' Joked Ash.
'In any case this perfume is a blend of vanilla, jasmine and camellias and would probably be the best match for the type of smell you want it to reflect.' Said Erika handing Ash a small, black, oval shaped bottle which was flat at the bottom.
'Thanks.' Said Ash who quickly paid for it and left.
'Where's he going in such a rush?' Asked Misty suspiciously.
'Oh I'm sure he just has some old business to take care off.' Said Brock mysteriously.
"Hehe smooth Ash I can see you still haven't lost your touch." Thought Brock inwardly knowing exactly what Ash was up to.
-line break-
Cynthia had just come home after a brutal day of training with her Garchomp, due to remembering her failure in the past, or future as it would be and was pleased with how productive their training had been as Garchomp had learned Dragon Tail and Dragon Breath. Cynthia noticed a small box on her doorstep and saw it was sent from Kanto using same day delivery service.
"Wow, wonder what it is that could be so important?" Thought Cynthia awed slightly at the distance the little box had covered in a day.
Cynthia took it inside and opened it up to reveal a small bottle of perfume and a small note.
"Hey Cynthia,
Although we are so far apart right now I'm still thinking of you and miss seeing your beautiful face greatly. As soon as we meet up I'll take you out for ice cream but until then I hope this will do for now.
Love Ash."
Cynthia looked under the love Ash and saw a little drawing of her and Ash eating ice cream together which made her giggle at Ash's drawing but also smile at how cute it was.
Cynthia sprayed some of the perfume and realised it smelled like vanilla ice cream.
"I wonder if the Sinnoh Champion would be able to attend the Indigo Plateau Conference this year." Thought Cynthia with a smile.
-line break-
Ash was at the Pokémon Centre getting ready for his battle with Erika.
"Let's see, Pikachu should probably sit this one out, he is as strong as ever. Haunter proved his strength against Sabrina, hmm I guess Charmander, Bulbasaur and Squirtle it is then." Thought Ash making up his mind before heading to the Gym.
Unlike last time when he got to the Gym the two girls at the front smiled at him and let him in with a giggle, a stark contrast to the reception he got last time.
"My face hurt for almost two days straight." Whined Ash.
Like before Erika had been giving a Pokémon training class, but this time she held it in the stadium while waiting for him to show up with everyone else around the sidelines.
'Erika, I am sure you know why I am here, I challenge you to a Gym Battle.' Said Ash.
'Very well I accept your challenge. It will be a three-on-three Pokémon Battle. Please assist me Tangela.' Said Erika throwing out a Pokéball causing the vine Pokémon to appear.
"Let's try doing things differently." Thought Ash as instead of Bulbasaur he sent out Squirtle.
'Tangela Vine Whip.' Said Erika.
'Withdraw and then Rapid Spin.' Said Ash.
Squirtle quickly shot into his shell and the vines bounced off harmlessly before spinning at great speeds at Tangela.
'Tangela use constrict.' Ordered the Grass-type trainer.
Tangela struggled for a bit as Squirtle was spinning very fast but eventually, stopped Squirtle dead in his tracks but still inside his shell.
'Now Stun Spore.' Commanded the Gym Leader calmly.
'Perfect, Squirtle come out and use Water Gun to push the Stun Spore back at Tangela.' Commanded Ash, confident that this was over.
Squirtle popped his head out and launched a huge blast of water at Tangela knocking it back a fair bit but more importantly, paralysing it due to Stun Spore being sent right back at it.
Erika returned Tangela signifying that she decided since Tangela was paralysed the victory goes to Ash.
'That was a rather interesting strategy, I don't think anyone has ever used Tangela's Stun Spore against her.' Said Erika.
Ash simply nodded at the compliment while telepathically telling Squirtle to move to the sidelines and watch the next match.
'Why are you not using Squirtle, furthermore why aren't you returning it?' Asked Erika in confusion.
'I want to give all my Pokémon a chance to test themselves and watch other battles, to pick up strategies to beat other Pokémon.' Said Ash before grabbing another Pokéball which he threw releasing Bulbasaur.
'Is that why Ash kept taking out his Pokémon against me after a single battle?' Asked Misty to Brock.
'Yep Ash understands the uniqueness of each Pokémon and thus tries to give all his Pokémon as much experience as they can.' Replied Brock.
'Weepinbell your turn.' Said Erika releasing the flycatcher Pokémon.
'Razor Leaf.' Ordered both combatants.
Both attacks clashed against each other cancelling out.
'Sleep powder.' Ordered both combatants together once again.
Once again both attacks cancelled each other out.
'Well this isn't going anywhere. Bulbasaur use Vine Whip to jump.' Said Ash remembering his old strategy.
All but Brock were surprised by the unorthodox strategy.
'Now end this with Tackle.' Declared Ash triumphantly as Bulbasaur plummeted from the sky and rammed Weepinbell with his head knocking out the flycatcher Pokémon.
'That was very impressive.' Complemented Erika as she returned Weepinbell.
'Now go Gloom.' Said Erika releasing her last Pokémon.
'Alright then.' Said Ash as he nodded to Bulbasaur who went over to stand next to Squirtle.
'Go Charmander.' Said Ash releasing his last Pokémon.
'Char char.' Complained Charmander at the horrid stench coming from Gloom.
"Charmander last time around you lost just from this smell. I know you are stronger than this, you survived in the rain when you were abandoned for days and you became the strongest Charizard in Kanto through hard work. Don't let this be your first loss with me, you are stronger than this. You can do this."Encouraged Ash telepathically.
Charmander gave a nod of understanding and charged at Gloom, the tips on Charmander's left claw glowed white before he unleashed a brutal Metal Claw on Gloom knocking it out in one hit.
'Wow.' Said Brock in amazement never remembering Charmander being this strong early on.
'Oh poor Gloom.' Said Erika rushing to Gloom's side.
'Gloom gloom.' Said Gloom with sad tone.
'It's alright Gloom we will just have to train harder.' Said Erika cheering up Gloom.
'Well Ash I guess you…' Begun Erika before a bright glow enveloped Charmander.
Charmander grew a small amount before the glow died down. Charmander, now Charmeleon possessed crimson scales which were much darker than that of the bright orange of its previous form. Its skull developed a horn-like protrusion to the rear and its mouth had elongated into a snout. Its front and back claws were now far sharper and longer than its claws when he was a Charmander.
'Nice work Charmeleon you evolved.' Said Ash as he walked over to Charmeleon.
Charmeleon stared at Ash who also stared back. Their gazes were both very intense, each just waiting for the other to make a move.
'Tch you're just as headstrong as ever Charmeleon.' Said Ash with a smile when he saw Charmeleon start to grin.
'Ha! You thought I was going to be an arrogant lizard again didn't you. No need to worry I respect you as a person and my trainer, but don't think you're better than me.' Said Charmeleon to Ash however only Ash understood what was said while everyone else just heard a series of chars.
Ash smiled a little but tried not to laugh or everyone might think he was crazy thinking he could understand Pokémon, even though he could.
"Don't worry we will have a battle, me against you and I'll show you just how powerful I am." Said Ash challengingly.
Charmeleon just grinned in anticipation before walking over to Bulbasaur and Squirtle.
'Well congratulations Ash, you won, also congratulations on Charmander evolving.' Said Erika while pulling out a Rainbow badge.
'You earned this Rainbow badge.' Finished Erika before handing the badge to Ash.
'Thanks Erika your Pokémon battled strongly as well, I see you have raised them well.' Said Ash with a smile.
'Now you are just being kind, I hardly inflicted any damage on your Pokémon at all.' Said Erika in a sad tone.
Ash put his hands on Erika's shoulders, prompting her to look up at him.
'That doesn't mean you are a bad trainer. Being a Gym Leader means a lot is expected of you but if you didn't face tough challenges every now and again and dominated all the challengers who came to this gym, people would give up on trying to beat you. Instead of seeing this as you not being strong enough think of it as giving you a reason to get stronger so next time you will win. Remember I only beat you this time, next time you might trounce me.' Finished Ash with a smile.
Erika blushed shyly while most of the girls had hearts in their eyes.
'He is so strong.' Said one of the girls.
'And handsome.' Said another drawing nods of agreement.
Brock laughed with a grimace.
"Boy if Cynthia were here these girls would be cowering in fear… why can't I get a girl but Ash catches them all?" Thought Brock, his thoughts turning to whining and lamenting at his inability to get a girlfriend at the end.
As an update, I am up halfway through Ash's Hoenn journey in the anime. Also regarding this and my other stories please check out my profile for a special note about my focus. If you don't look… well no big deal but you will be disappointed. The note is up at the top of my profile.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter after the very, very long break.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.