Firstly sorry this took so long I had half of it done two weeks ago but then I got a pretty bad throat infection which took me out for five days, no sleep and very little food kills your ability to write. Even now I'm still getting over it but it is mostly gone so I can write again.
On an unrelated for anyone with Pokémon X and Y my friend code is 0962 – 9893 – 4194 and I have a Psychic safari. If anyone wants to add me I would be happy to accept as I only have 3 friend safaris at the moment :/
Just PM or drop a review with your friend code and I will add you, and if possible let me know what type safari you have :)
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own Pokémon all I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
"Telepathy"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 5 – A World of Difference
After leaving the gym the trio headed off towards the next gym in Fuchsia City. After a brief stop in Scissor Street, in which Brock received a Vulpix from the best Pokémon breeder for four years in a row; Suzy, they continued on.
When the stopped to take a break Ash was curious with Brock's behaviour towards women and decided to talk with him out of hearing range of Misty.
'Hey Brock can I ask you something?' Asked Ash.
'Huh, yeah sure.' Replied Brock in a somewhat confused manner.
'Well not to be blunt but, how come you never uh, how to put this, hmm. Well maybe this is a better way to say it, do you like Suzy?' Asked Ash after some thought.
'Uh yeah I guess, where are you going with this?' Asked Brock now fully confused.
'Well I mean in the past you let her go… and well now that I think about that you did that with a lot of girls who liked you back then, Lucy was probably your best shot in hindsight.' Muttered Ash in thought.
'Hmm I guess I did, what's your point though?' Brock asked cutting Ash out of his musings.
'Uh why didn't you ever decide to have a relationship with any of them?' Asked Ash finally getting to what it was he actually wanted to ask.
Brock paused and thought about, then thought about it some more. Finally he thought just a little bit more before face palming.
'Brock you idiot.' Brock mumbled to himself causing Ash to chuckle.
'Anyway can you keep Misty away, I want to have that spar with Charmeleon?' Asked Ash.
Brock nodded with a sad face as headed over to Misty.
'Come on out, Charmeleon.' Said Ash as he released Charmeleon.
'Meleon!' Cried Charmeleon eager to have a battle.
'Alright Charmeleon you remember what I said before, well it is time for us to battle. You ready?' Asked Ash in excitement getting a nod from Charmeleon.
'Oh wait one sec.' Said Ash as Pikachu jumped off his shoulder while he released Bulbasaur, Haunter, Primeape and Squirtle.
Pikachu quickly ushered them over to the side so they wouldn't get in the way as they waited in anticipation of seeing just what their trainer could do.
Ash's eyes turned blue slightly as he charged at Charmeleon. Charmeleon jumped up and tried to attack Ash's unprotected back with a Metal Claw. Ash ducked and rolled out of the way leaving Charmeleon to hit nothing but air. As Charmeleon steadied himself he noticed a big ball of energy about the size of a basketball being charged up between Ash's hands. As the Aura Sphere was launched at Charmeleon he retaliated with a blistering Flamethrower causing a small explosion. Ash pumped aura around his body and charged with an Extreme Speed attack from behind Charmeleon who was waiting for the smoke to clear to see where Ash was. Ash charged up a small Aura Sphere in his left hand and tapped Charmeleon on the head with his right showing that the sphere could have easily knocked him out right then and there. As Charmeleon turned around, he acknowledged this with a nod as well as a small grunt.
Ash released his hold on the aura in his hand, allowing the sphere to dissipate before turning towards Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Haunter, Primeape and Pikachu.
'So who's hungry?' Asked Ash happily getting various cries of agreement from the Pokémon before they headed back to Brock and Misty and where Ash started to pester Brock to start making food as he was still wallowing in self pity.
-line break-
Eventually the trio reached the Fuchsia Gym with Ash beating Koga's Venomoth and Golbat with his Squirtle and Primeape during which Squirtle evolved into Wartortle. After this the trio encountered the fossil Pokémon which led to Charmeleon's evolution into Charizard along with Ash once again finding Togepi's egg. Eventually though Bulbasaur started to act weird once again. In a battle with a hiker's Rhyhorn it demolished it straight away by using Solar Beam. Ash took Bulbasaur to a Pokémon centre just like before and received the news that it was going to evolve once again.
Ash remembering Bulbasaur's reluctance in evolving last time decided to have a chat with him.
'Hi Bulbasaur, how are you doing?' Asked Ash kindly.
'Bulba saur, saur.' Replied Bulbasaur sadly.
'Don't say that Bulbasaur, I'm really happy to have you. You are the strongest Bulbasaur I have ever met.' Said Ash intensely dissuading Bulbasaur from thinking that Ash perceived him as weak.
'Saur bulba bulba bulbasaur.' Retorted Bulbasaur.
'I don't want you to evolve because I think you are weak, I want you to evolve so you can be as strong as you possibly can.' Replied Ash calmly.
Bulbasaur remained quiet for a while before eventually nodding slightly.
-line break-
As Ash waited for night to fall, the line of Bulbasaur heading towards the garden appeared just like last time. Ash made to rouse Brock and Misty from their slumber but then, almost on a whim decided against it. Eventually Ash and Pikachu infiltrated the secret garden once more but this time kept out of sight as they evolved. Ash's Bulbasaur was indeed the last to evolve but at that point it started to glow once again growing larger than before becoming a Venusaur.
Ash gasped in shock realising that Bulbasaur went against what he wanted and evolved not once, but twice just for him. As Ash observed his newly evolved Venusaur he shed a tear at the lengths to which his Pokémon would go for him.
"And I would do the same for them." Thought Ash before he and Pikachu quietly left the garden and waited outside for Venusaur.
-line break-
The next morning Brock and Misty were greatly surprised seeing Ash and Pikachu arrive at the Pokémon centre with a Venusaur.
'Whoa where did you get that Venusaur from?' Asked Misty in shock.
'Bulbasaur evolved twice.' Said Ash with a smile while patting Venusaur on its side.
'Saur!' Bellowed Venusaur in agreement.
'Well I suppose we should head off to Cinnabar Island so I can get my seventh badge.' Said Ash.
The other two nodded before Misty paused and shouted.
'By the way, WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO GET ME A NEW BIKE?' Asked Misty angrily.
'Uh guess we better head off right Pikachu, Venusaur?' Asked Ash quickly before they started to walk quickly away from the irate water trainer.
-line break-
The group finally reached Cinnabar Island only to find hundreds of tourists around.
'Uh what's with all the tourists?' Asked Misty in confusion.
'Cinnabar Island is a tourist island, so of course there will be tourists around. You don't keep particularly bright company do you Ashy-boy?' Answered a voice.
The trio turned around and saw Gary with all his cheerleaders around him.
"You know Pikachu I always wondered, why did Gary have a bunch of cheerleaders around with him…I mean we were ten?" Said Ash to Pikachu.
"Jealous?" Teased Pikachu.
"Please Cynthia would destroy them all with Gastrodon, not to mention she is smarter and much better looking than any of them. My point being is, who are they!?" Questioned Ash in confusion.
"Well….uh let's just say Gary is special, seriously trying to rationalise why a ten year old has cheerleaders. By the way he is talking to you." Said Pikachu making Ash snap back to reality.
'Well Ashy-boy? How many badges have you got now?' Asked Gary mockingly.
'Six.' Replied Ash getting a laugh from Gary.
'Me too, guess you aren't that hopeless after all.' Said Gary giving a backhanded compliment which made Ash smirk.
'Well how about we battle, if we have the same number of badges you should at least be able to match me.' Said Ash mockingly.
'Ha, we are leagues apart but if you want to get destroyed I won't stop you.' Said Gary agreeing to the battle.
'Brock you can referee right?' Asked Ash.
'Yeah sure but where can you battle, this place is really crowded?' Asked Brock.
The group paused to consider this before a man who had been eavesdropping offered a solution.
'Well if you boys are so intent to battle I might know of a place.' Said the man in a soft spoken voice. He had dark blonde hair and a matching moustache with dark black sunglasses and a red shirt with a necklace around his neck which appeared to be made out of green shards.
'Great, where?' Asked Brock.
'Riddle me this, the fire that burns between you two battlers can only be found in one place on this island, where could that be?' Asked the man.
'The hot springs?' Questioned Brock to which the man shook his head.
'It has to be the volcano right?' Asked Misty.
'Bingo, the fiery headed girl is right.' Answered the man before quickly continuing.
'Now riddle me this, the location of the battlefield is somewhere near the volcano, its location is equivalent to the potential all trainers have?' Riddled the man.
'The sky.' Replied Ash.
'Bingo, we have a winner now if you would follow me I'll take you to the field.' Gestured the man grandly giving a slight bow and pointing both his arms in the direction of the volcano.
'Sure I'm ready.' Said Gary confidently.
'Sure lead the way, Blaine.' Said Ash as he walked past the man.
'Blaine?' Asked Gary in confusion.
'Huh you must have me mistaken me, I'm not Blaine I'm just a humble hotel owner.' Said the man.
'Yet you have the location of a battlefield on a tourist island which used to have Gym Battles. I doubt any tourist would care for any battling so you must be Blaine.' Said Ash confidently.
'Very well boy, after your battle I will show you to Blaine.' Said the man before walking off.
-line break-
The group of Ash, Brock, Misty, Gary and his cheerleaders as well as the man stood on the battlefield over the volcano.
'If you don't mind would you allow me to judge this battle?' The man asked Brock.
'Sure be my guest.' Said Brock who only recently remembered this was in fact Blaine in disguise.
Brock and Misty as well as Gary's cheerleaders all stood off to the side with Blaine opposite them in between Gary and Ash.
'So Gary how many Pokémon do you want to use? Four-on-four sound good?' Questioned Ash.
'Five-on-five, this way you can see how much better I am than you.' Replied Gary arrogantly.
'Very well this five-on-five battle between Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak of Pallet town will now begin. Substitutions are allowed for both trainers.' Said the disguised Blaine.
'Alright go Wartortle.' Said Ash.
'Go Exeggutor.' Said Gary.
'Alright Wartortle use Water Gun.' Said Ash beginning the battle.
'Exeggutor use Solar Beam.' Ordered Gary as the Water Gun approached Exeggutor.
"Damn and it is sunny today too." Thought Ash with a grimace.
'Wartortle stop your Water Gun and use Protect.' Said Ash.
Wartortle quickly stopped his attack as a green dome surrounded him before the Solar Beam slammed into it. After a short battle of attrition the Solar Beam faded away as did the green dome shortly after.
'Wartortle use Withdraw then Rapid Spin.' Said Ash as Wartortle quickly shot into his shell and started to spin while flying at Exeggutor.
'Use Psychic and stop him in his tracks Exeggutor.' Ordered Gary.
'ExegguTOR.' Cried Exeggutor stopping Wartortle in his tracks.
'Now Stomp Exeggutor.' Ordered Gary as Exeggutor jumped into the air and started to descend on Wartortle.
'Quick Iron Defense.' Said Ash as he urged Wartortle to set up a last minute defence.
Exeggutor slammed Wartortle into the ground kicking up a lot of dust. As the dust slowly cleared the two Pokémon were revealed. Wartortle was knocked out.
'Wartortle is unable to continue, please send out your next Pokémon.' Said Blaine.
'Go Haunter.' Said Ash.
'Quickly Hypnosis.' Ordered Ash.
'Exeggutor quick, use Confusion.' Said Gary panicked.
As Exeggutor tried to attack, Haunter appeared right in front of him, eyes glowing red which quickly put him to sleep.
'Finish this with Dream Eater.' Said Ash calmly as Haunter knocked out Exeggutor.
'Exeggutor is unable to continue, please send out your next Pokémon.' Said Blaine.
'Go Golem.' Said Gary sending out his second Pokémon.
'Rollout.' Said Gary.
"Smart now I can't put Golem to sleep, still Haunter does have other moves." Thought Ash mildly impressed with Gary's strategy.
'Haunter use Shadow Ball on the ground in front of Golem then use Shadow Punch.' Said Ash.
Haunter charged up a ball of purple energy which he launched in front of Golem while his hand became outlined in a black purple aura for the follow up attack.
'Stone Edge.' Ordered Gary as his Golem stopped rolling and two white rings formed around him before being replaced with rocks which shot at the Shadow Ball detonating it early and far from Golem before continuing towards Haunter.
Haunter faded away before appearing behind Golem before slamming his fist into Golem sending him sliding across the ground.
'Golem Fire Blast!' Shouted Gary.
'Haunter Night Shade.' Said Ash but it was too late as the blast of fire slammed into Haunter pushing it back, before Haunter collapsed to the ground unconscious.
As Ash returned Haunter Ash thought about his three remaining options.
'Venusaur come on out.' Said Ash releasing the final evolution of the Kanto grass starter.
'Solar Beam.' Ordered Ash calmly.
'Quick Golem use Iron Defense.' Said Gary but to no avail as Golem was utterly destroyed by the abnormally large Solar Beam.
'Fine then go Blastoise.' Said Gary releasing his starter after returning Golem.
'Solar Beam.' Ordered Ash.
'Hydro Pump.' Retaliated Gary.
The two powerful attacks clashed with neither attack gaining any advantage, before both attacks subsided.
'Venusaur Sleep Powder.' Said Ash as Venusaur launched a purple mist into the air which slowly descended on Blastoise.
'Sorry Gary but Blastoise is finished, Petal Dance.' Said Ash as Venusaur launched a massive wave of large flower petals which drilled into Blastoise causing him to faint.
'Your move.' Said Ash smugly.
'Go Arcanine.' Said Gary angrily.
'Flamethrower.' Said Gary.
'Sorry Gary but you don't seem to understand my Venusaur was the strongest Bulbasaur around, it knew Solar Beam then and could easily knock out a Rhyhorn, your Arcanine is no match.' Said Ash as Venusaur confirmed the validity of Ash's words and launched a Solar Beam which destroyed the Flamethrower and slammed into Arcanine knocking him out.
'What, impossible?' Said Gary in shock.
'You see the only reason Blastoise matched Venusaur's Solar Beam before was because he was only using it at half power, the power it would have been had he still been a Bulbasaur. As you can see, as he is now, none of your Pokémon can stop him as I assume Blastoise, being your starter was your strongest Pokémon.
'Well you are right about that but while Blastoise is my strongest my fastest is yet to be seen, although I suppose all good things come to an end. Go Eevee.' Said Gary.
'Well if it is a battle of speed you want I have just the opponent for you. Is that okay with you Venusaur?' Asked Ash.
'Saur, Saur.' Said Venusaur happy at the new strength he had available to him since evolving.
'Alright in that case return Venusaur, well it is your turn Pikachu.' Said Ash.
'Pika.' Said Pikachu jumping down from Ash's shoulders eager to avenge his lost from the past, or future as it would be.
'Agility.' Ordered both trainers.
"Wow I wonder how he managed to teach Eevee Agility." Thought Ash in surprise.
'Quick Attack.' Ordered both trainers together again.
Both Pokémon were running past and around each other at blistering speeds.
'Double Team Eevee.' Ordered Gary.
As multiple Eevee clones burst into existence around Pikachu Ash growled slightly.
'Pikachu use Rain Dance.' Said Ash in irritation.
Pikachu did a strange dance before launching a light blue ball into the sky. Clouds started to gather and it started raining.
'Eevee Double Edge.' Ordered Gary getting an idea about what Ash's next move would be.
'Use Thunder.' Said Ash knowing full well it was what Gary expected him to do.
"Tail up once Eevee hits you so you can absorb the thunder." Said Ash telepathically.
Eevee slammed into Pikachu distracting it and causing the Thunder attack to hit him but Pikachu raised his tail as the attack came down, acting as a lightning rod giving it extra energy.
'Now finish this with Volt Tackle.' Ordered Ash as the Thunder enhanced Pikachu tore through the ground creating a small trench before slamming into Eevee at breakneck speeds knocking it out.
'Eevee is unable to battle, the winner is Ash and Pikachu.' Said Blaine calling an end to the battle.
'So Blaine how about that gym battle?' Asked Ash cheekily.
'Cheeky kid heckling my disguise like that.' Said the man in a now significantly more high pitched voice as he took off his fake hair.
'No way so you really were Blaine?' Asked Gary in surprise.
'Of course, honestly your friend over there gave very concise logic behind his deduction of my identity.' Said Blaine.
'However I will not battle you today, to be fair I will allow you until tomorrow to rest your team up tomorrow, it will be a three-on-three battle just so you know. Also if you want to battle me as well you can after your friend…hmm actually I have a better idea.' Said Blaine to Ash before turning to look at Gary and back to Ash.
'You two are friends correct?' Asked Blaine.
Gary looked to Ash who looked to him and gave a slight shrug before they both nodded.
'Very well then to make this interesting why don't we have a double battle? I will use four Pokémon and each of you can use two, if you beat me I will give both of you badges.' Suggested Blaine.
'I'm fine with that Gary, what do you think?' Asked Ash while inwardly thinking about how many things, small but numerous, were changing in this current timeline from the one he originally came from.
'I suppose, but if you make us lose I won't forgive you.' Said Gary challengingly.
'Just don't get in my way and we will be fine. Blaine we accept your challenge.' Said Ash.
'Excellent it has been a great deal of time since I last battled so I will use the remainder of this day to whip my Pokémon back into shape. Come back tomorrow to this arena at noon for the battle.' Said Blaine before hurrying off.
'Let's get going, Brock you think you can whip up some food for the Pokémon? That battle took a lot out of me.' Said Ash.
'Sure no worries.' Said Brock knowing full well Ash, in any timeline, was always going to rely on his cooking, after all it was amazing.
-line break-
"Soon, you will come here, soon, chosen one." Thought a deep voice before going back to sleep.
-line break-
'Alright you two know the rules right, you each use two Pokémon and are allowed to substitute, to win though you have to beat all four of my Pokémon.' Said Blaine.
'Go Primeape.' Said Ash.
'Go Nidoqueen.' Said Gary.
'In that case go Ninetales and Magmar.' Said Blaine.
'Nidoqueen use Mega Punch on Ninetales.' Ordered Gary.
'Primeape Focus Energy.' Said Ash calmly as he watched Ninetales nimbly dodge Nidoqueen.
'Magmar, Ninetales use fire spin together on Nidoqueen.' Said Blaine.
'Protect.' Said Gary.
As the attacks of Ninetales and Magmar slammed into the green shield around Nidoqueen, Ash saw his chance to take one of them out.
'Primeape use Cross Chop on Ninetales, jump!' Shouted Ash.
Primeape beat his fists on his chest for a moment before leaping up into the air and crossing his hands before flying down at Ninetales and slamming two knife edge chops into Ninetales knocking it out in one hit.
'Whoa how powerful is that Primeape?' Asked Gary in amazement at seeing a Gym Leader's Pokémon get taken out in one hit.
'That was very impressive but how will you deal with this?' Complimented Blaine before sending out a Rhydon after recalling Ninetales.
'Magmar jump, Rhydon Earthquake!' Shouted Blaine.
Magmar jumped into the air as did Rhydon, but Rhydon came down after a short jump and slammed into the ground causing the field to shake. Primeape was brought to one knee while Nidoqueen was knocked out entirely.
'I didn't expect that, nonetheless this will be all I need, go Blastoise.' Said Gary sending out the Shellfish Pokémon.
'Rapid Spin.' Ordered Gary.
'Quickly Primeape jump on Blastoise's shell.' Said Ash drawing a raised eyebrow from Blaine.
As the Rapid Spin attack neared Rhydon, Primeape jumped up at the still airborne Magmar.
'Now use Seismic Toss!' Shouted Ash.
Primeape growled and grabbed onto Magmar's arm before swinging it quickly and throwing it down into the ground, wincing on contact.
"Darn I think Primeape got burned, I guess I'll have to call him back, that Eearthquake took a lot out of him." Thought Ash.
As the dust cleared Magmar was shown relatively unharmed.
'You need to do better than that to take out my Magmar.' Boasted Blaine.
'Rhydon Horn Drill on Primeape, Magmar Fire Spin on Blastoise.' Said Blaine.
'Blastoise use Hydro Pump.' Said Gary confidently.
'Primeape finish things up with low kick.' Said Ash knowing full well that Primeape was done for after this attack if the sweat pouring down his forehead was any indication.
Primeape charged at Rhydon somersaulting over the Horn Drill before slide kicking Rhydon's leg causing it to fall over and slam into the ground, knocked out.
As both Ash and Blaine returned their respective Pokémon Gary looked at Ash strangely.
'Why did you recall Primeape, sure it was hurt but it still had a move or two left in it?' Asked Gary, secretly testing his rival.
'Primeape had already sustained lots of damage and with a burn would not last long, rather than wait for it to be too weak to move it is better to return it now to avoid it being unnecessarily hurt.' Answered Ash getting a nod and smile from Gary.
'Smart move Ashy-boy. So who are you sending out now?' Asked Gary.
'Someone who would love a battle like this, go Charizard.' Said Ash sending out the Flame Pokémon who roared in excitement.
'Very well go Rapidash.' Said Blaine sending out his final Pokémon.
The four Pokémon looked more or less unhurt with only Magmar sporting a few bruises from that Seismic Toss.
'Magmar Fire Punch, Rapidash Quick Attack.' Said Blaine quickly.
Rapidash slammed into Blastoise with speed while Charizard gripped Magmar's fist stopping its attack cold.
'Dragon Breath.' Said Ash.
Charizard opened its mouth and spewed yellowish-green flames into Magmar's face while letting go of it.
Magmar stood up mostly unharmed before a wave of electricity raced over it.
'Rapidash use Take Down.' Said Blaine.
'Blastoise use Ice Punch.' Said Gary as the two attacks met Blastoise winced as the takedown slammed into it.
'Darn Rapidash has flame body as well.' Said Gary noticing his Blastoise was burned.
'Charizard Flamethrower.' Said Ash noticing Gary was in trouble.
Blaine noticing this decided to capitalise on it ordering Magmar to hit Blastoise with a Thunder Punch.
As Rapidash and Blastoise were knocked out only Charizard and a panting Magmar remained.
Both trainers ordered a Flamethrower which seemed to be equally matched until Ash said full power which allowed Charizard's attack to overwhelm Magmar's.
'Magmar Fire Blast.' Said Blaine.
'Charizard Flare Blitz right through then finish up with Seismic Toss.' Said Ash while most people were wondering what Flare Blitz was.
A red aura surrounded Charizard as flames surrounded him before he took off like a bullet, blasting through the Fire Blast before reaching Magmar who he picked up and carried high into the air, making a few revolutions before slamming Magmar down into the lava who emerged shortly thereafter with swirls in his eyes.
'Well that was quite a fight.' Said Blaine as he returned Magmar before walking over to Gary and Ash.
'But you two beat me so as promised, a Gym Badge for both of you.' Said Blaine giving them each a Volcano Badge.
'Lastly I would like to thank you two, you see after this island became a tourist island I haven't had a single battle before, not to mention seeing one. However you two changed that and showed, as well as gave me an amazing battle.' Said Blaine happily.
'Ah it wasn't a problem at all.' Said Ash.
'Yeah we were glad to help you revisit the excitement of Pokémon battling. Although if you want to see real battling wait for the Indigo League where I will sweep the competition.' Said Gary getting snickers from Ash.
'You couldn't even beat me, you aren't sweeping anyone Gary-boy.' Said Ash with a laugh.
'Well the Indigo League is still a few months away, plenty of time to train.' Said Gary nonchalantly, disappointing Ash who wanted to rile him up like Gary did to him in the past.
'Anyway smell ya later Ashy-boy.' Said Gary who left with his cheerleaders.
Brock and Misty walked up to Ash who as being patted on the shoulder by Pikachu, lamenting not being able to get a rise out of Gary.
'So where to now?' Asked Brock.
'Where else, Viridian City.' Said Ash.
Also just to let everyone know at this stage Ash has a:
Charizard
Venusaur
Wartortle
Primeape
Haunter
Pikachu
Lucario
Rayquaza
Togepi egg (for now)
Also I put I small hint in on who the Legendary is, if anyone can guess it correctly I will let you know by PM but I'm being purposely vague just to keep suspense ;)
Lastly anyone with X and Y who wants to trade friend codes let me know :D
My friend code is in the top author note.