Well, it has been a while since I updated TBTB… too long actually, so for that, sorry.
As a quick summary, I finished my degree and got into Medicine. As a result of this, I set up a to help me out, with the cost of it. There is more detail on my profile page if you are interested and I'd be grateful for any support. Additionally, due to Medicine, I only have time to write 3 or 4 chapters a month. If you do support me on , you get the added bonus of seeing chapters earlier though, so there is that too.
Now, to the chapter.
Surprisingly, it was a good old bout of nostalgia that got me writing. I got the new mystery dungeon and it made me reminisce of the first mystery dungeon I played (red) and brought my Pokémon drive back. With that, I was back in the swing of things. Looking forward to Sun and Moon as well.
Well, I want to keep this note short and simply let you all ready the chapter, so that's all for now.
Happy Easter and enjoy the chapter.
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 8 – Sweeping Time
Ash sat down inside the Saffron City Pokémon Centre. His Pokémon were being healed, after another tough day of training. It had been a hard fortnight for Ash. He had thrown himself wholeheartedly into the training of his Pokémon and even his own training. The training had been fruitful though. Wartortle and Haunter had both evolved, becoming a Blastoise and Gengar respectively, adding to his collection of fully evolved Pokémon, consisting of: Charizard, Venusaur, Primeape and Lucario. Pikachu was just as spry as ever and Rayquaza was still an immense force to be reckoned with.
Ash's body had also experienced noticeable growth, having grown a few centimetres in height and gained a slight bit of muscle mass as well. His control over his Aura was almost back to what he had, before travelling back in time, but his overall power was still lacking. He had also improved on his own mental abilities, thanks in part to Sabrina and her Kadabra.
There was now one more week to go, before the Pokémon League would get underway and Ash was mulling his actions over thoughtfully. Ash absently noted that Sabrina had entered the Pokémon Centre as well, but made no move to greet her, continuing to stare at the wall in front of him. As Sabrina sat down next to Ash, Pikachu hopped off his shoulder and landed in the lap of the Gym Leader, who absently stroked the yellow mouse.
The two sat in silence for a few minutes, before Ash turned to face Sabrina.
'I'm going to head off tonight.' Said Ash simply.
'I figured.' Said Sabrina plainly, ceasing her stroking, which caused Pikachu to give a soft whine, before hopping back onto Ash's shoulder.
At that moment Nurse Joy returned with Ash's Kanto Pokémon. Ash stood up and quickly grabbed them, attaching them to his belt, giving a small word of thanks as he did so.
'I'll try and come back eventually, but be sure to watch the League battles, you'll see me rise to the top after all.' Said Ash, with a cheeky grin.
'I'm sure, although, I'd be more interested if you can actually beat the Elite Four.' Quipped Sabrina, with a small smile.
'Just watch me.' Said Ash, before leaving the Pokémon centre and Sabrina behind.
"So, you decided not to tell Sabrina." Said Pikachu telepathically, once they left the Pokémon Centre.
"It isn't time for it yet. I'll let her know eventually, but that will be later." Said Ash telepathically.
"A wise decision." Added Lucario, from within his Pokéball.
"Where to now?" Asked Pikachu curiously.
"Celadon City." Answered Ash simply.
Ash had been carefully going through his knowledge of Team Rocket, trying to figure out just what had changed from his timeline, only to fortuitously discover two grunts in Saffron City. Without them knowing, he had plundered their thoughts for information and learnt of their activities in Saffron. It wasn't anything special, but Ash had at least heard that Giovanni was in the area. That alone got Ash's attention.
While he was not ready to fight with the titan again any time soon, he needed more information. With his increased mental abilities and better stealth, Ash decided this was a unique opportunity, too special to pass up. After all, Ash needed to deal with the ripples he had caused.
Ash reached Celadon City in the early afternoon, giving him plenty of time to scout things out. From all his past interactions with Team Rocket… and due to the rather incompetent members that were a part of Team Rocket, Ash quickly found the hideout of Team Rocket, in Celadon City. That being said, finding it and infiltrating it, were two completely different things.
'Gengar, see if you can find an opening.' Said Ash, as he released his Ghost Pokémon, who quickly disappeared from sight and made his way through the Game Corner Ash had identified, as a front for the hideout.
'Pi, pikapi, pika.' Whispered Pikachu quietly.
'I know it is dangerous, but we can't just leave things like this.' Muttered Ash.
Pikachu gave a soft sigh, before giving a nod of agreement.
'Gengar, gen.' Said Gengar, his head rising up through the ground, a massive grin spread along his face.
'All right then, lead the way.' Said Ash, following Gengar, who had located the entrance.
There was a small entrance in the Game Corner, which led down to what was unmistakably a hideout. Ash paused for a moment, as he descended the stairs, why was the entrance not guarded? Ash mulled this thought over for a moment, before continuing to make his way down, while at the same time, raising his awareness, by spreading his aura out around him. Ash felt a dozen Pokémon or so, gathered in a single space, no doubt, stolen. Ash made his way through the floors, of what felt like, a winding laboratory. There were various computers everywhere and mechanical apparatuses and machines scattered throughout the building. For some reason, the computers were all completely wiped, containing absolutely nothing whatsoever on them, giving Ash no clues to what was happening here, or what Team Rocket's goal was.
As Ash made his way to the floor he felt the Pokémon on, he found two grunts.
'Wha-who are you?' Asked one of the grunts, clad in a simple black version of the Team Rocket uniform.
Ash wasn't in the mood to deal with peons and quickly grabbed Venusaur's Pokéball.
'Sleep Powder.' Ordered Ash, as the hulking creature appeared.
As spores shot from the flower on Venusaur's back, the two grunts slumped to the floor, asleep. Ash stepped over the two male grunts, making his way over to a prison cell of sorts, containing Pokémon inside it.
'Iron Tail on the lock, Pikachu.' Said Ash, his yellow companion quickly obliging, opening the door.
After a few reassuring words to the Pokémon, Pikachu managed to coax them out of their prison.
'Gengar, can you help them out of here please?' Requested Ash.
Gengar once again rose from the ground, with his signature grin, before giving a nod and leading away the newly freed Pokémon.
'So you did find this place, how quaint.' Said a familiar voice.
Ash quickly turned around to see Giovanni standing in front of him, the two grunts stirring slightly behind him.
'You two, leave now! Head back to the nearest base, the operation here is over.' Said Giovanni firmly, leaving no room for argument.
The two grunts quickly left, leaving only Giovanni and Ash.
'Pika.' Growled Pikachu threateningly, electricity sparking from the pouches on his cheeks.
'If it is a battle you want, I will oblige, but that is not what I came here for today.' Said Giovanni calmly, his orange suit with black trim appearing as pristine as it had been the last time.
'What do you want then?' Asked Ash suspiciously.
'To extend an offer to you, the chance to join Team Rocket.' Said Giovanni simply.
'What?' Questioned Ash in disbelief, eyes narrowing as he did so.
'You are a formidable trainer and hold the potential to be a great asset to Team Rocket, in return, Team Rocket can do much for you.' Said Giovanni calmly, unaffected by Ash's tone.
'What exactly could Team Rocket possibly offer me, which I would want?' Scoffed Ash.
'I don't expect you to have a good idea of what the future might hold, however, Team Rocket can provide you with a fruitful future. Money, Pokémon, subordinates, women, power, all of this and more, can be yours.' Said Giovanni.
'No thanks, I'm fine with the way things are now.' Said Ash firmly.
'The door is open for you, if you change your mind.' Said Giovanni, before turning on his heel and walking away.
'Where are you going?' Asked Ash in surprise, causing Giovanni to pause.
'I told you, I didn't come here to fight you, I merely wanted to extend an invitation. You're free to leave unencumbered. There will be no one to stop you from leaving this place.' Said Giovanni, before continuing his walk, leaving Ash behind.
'Well that was weird.' Muttered Ash.
'Pika.' Added Pikachu, nodding his head in agreement.
'Well whatever, let's head to the League then.' Said Ash, before he made his way out of the hideout, refocusing on his goal, to be the best in Kanto.
-line break-
The excitement around the Indigo Plateau was reaching a fever pitch. As Brock looked out among the stadium, he couldn't find his time travelling friend anywhere. After he had gotten in contact with his friends at Professor Oak's Lab, they had calmed down and gone off to do their own thing. Misty had headed straight for Cerulean City, wanting to give Daisy a piece of her mind. Gary had decided to go get some last minute training in and Brock himself had decided to head home and check on his Gym and family.
As the days slowly ticked by, Brock had eventually made his way to the Indigo Plateau, knowing his friend would be sure to show up.
'Do you see him, Brock?' Asked Misty eagerly.
'Nope, nothing.' Said Brock, causing Misty to sigh.
'Like, cheer up big sis, he'll be here, then you can go back to acting all violent again. Ah, I can't help but feel bad, that you felt like you had to become a Tsundere, but with your lack of good looks, I suppose it was inevitable.' Said Daisy, in faux sadness.
Brock had been surprised, that the Sensational Sister had attended, being stunned into silence for a few moments, when she first arrived with Misty. Brock knew that all Gym Leaders, were automatically invited to the Pokémon League of their region, case in point, Brock had received an invitation as well. That being said, Brock was also a little nervous. Not for himself, but for Ash. After all, invitations went out to the Champions and Elite Four of all regions as well and Brock knew of a certain Champion who would no doubt be attending. Then there had been that strange encounter with another Gym Leader.
-line break-
Flashback
-line break-
Brock had just arrived at the Indigo Plateau and was looking around for any sign of Ash or Misty. After a few minutes of searching, Brock decided they must have not arrived yet and went to get something to eat. That thought had been quickly shelved, when he felt a strange tingle run across his body. He quickly searched for the source, only to find it quite easily.
It was a woman, an attractive woman. The tingle though, came from a very faint memory, as he spotted the green haired woman.
"Anxious… how many green haired women can make me anxious?" Pondered Brock, before noticing two glowing bracelets that pulsed with Psychic power.
The women seemed to notice Brock, if her eyes widening slightly was of any indication and made her way towards him.
'Hello Brock, how are you?' Asked the woman.
'Sabrina, lovely to see you again.' Said Brock calmly, his past experience with the psychic giving him some pause.
'Have you see Ash around?' Asked Sabrina, getting right to the point.
'Not yet… do you know where he has been these past few weeks?' Asked Brock curiously.
'Up to last week, he was training with me, however, he left quite quickly a few days ago and I don't know where he went. I just know he will be here eventually and was wondering if you had seen him.' Explained Sabrina calmly.
Brock was trying to put his thoughts together. Ash had spent time with Sabrina. Sabrina, the psychic who had turned him into a doll at one point. Ash was really making Brock consider if he was brave, or stupid.
'I'll be sure to let him know you're looking for him, if I see him.' Said Brock.
Sabrina gave a small nod of thanks, before walking away, leaving Brock to stand there in silence.
-line break-
End Flashback
-line break-
Brock gave a small sigh, as he looked at the VIP section in the stadium, knowing just who would be there.
"Good luck Ash." Thought Brock, a hint of worry for his friend.
-line break-
'So, remind me again why we are bothering to be all flashy about this?' Asked Ash of Pikachu, who was currently on his shoulder.
'Pikapi Pikachu chu pika.' Said Pikachu almost tiredly.
Ash gave a sigh, before reluctantly agreeing with Pikachu. Ash had wanted to keep a low profile, but Pikachu insisted he meet Charles Goodshow once again. Ash knew it was important, to begin opening his connections with the higher-ups of the Pokémon world… he just didn't want to run and attract so much attention, especially since he was planning on winning this thing and wanted to be an unknown… running the flame kind of defeated that purpose.
Ash eventually made his way to the stadium, not encountering any one he knew. After a short wait, the opening ceremony got underway and Ash made his way onto the field calmly. Looking around, Ash was a little surprised at all the new turnouts. Not only could he feel Cynthia's aura, but also a few others. Sabrina's he recognised instantly, having been around her for the past few weeks and he quickly picked up on Brock's, Misty's and surprisingly, Daisy's auras. One particular aura stood out to him from the stands, one he was becoming more accustomed to, but was infinitely suspicious of. In a somewhat segregated area, Ash could clearly feel Giovanni's presence. Ash gazed up at him, only to find him looking down on him with a knowing smile.
Ash matched his gaze and felt a bead of sweat roll down his neck. Had Giovanni figured out Ash's ability to use aura? It would explain why he was interested in him. The calculating gaze unnerved Ash, but he couldn't perceive any ill intent, only curiosity. Mr Goodshow then gave the same stirring speech as before. Ash would have enjoyed the speech, but Giovanni's gaze was really distracting him.
Eventually, all the competitors, Ash included, headed back into the main building, to register for the Indigo Plateau Conference. After registering and being matched with Mandi as before, Ash prepared to leave, only to run into Brock, Misty and Daisy.
'Oh, hi guys.' Said Ash.
'Hi? That's what you have to say for yourself?' Asked Misty irritably.
'Um… yes?' Said Ash questioningly, sharing a glance with Pikachu on his shoulder, who simply shrugged his stubby shoulders.
'In any case, what happened back at the Viridian Gym?' Asked Brock.
'That was something.' Said Ash vaguely.
'Well obviously, you don't normally hear about Gyms being destroyed in a match.' Added Daisy.
'Oh hey Daisy.' Said Ash.
'So, what did you get up to with Sabrina for the past few weeks?' Asked Daisy teasingly.
'Just training.' Said Ash calmly.
'You know Ash, you should try to unwind every now and again. Like, I'll help you out even, I'm sure we can do something fun together.' Said Daisy.
'Ash is too busy to spend time with you anyway. Besides, you need focus on your Gym Battles.' Said Misty.
'Like, chill little sis, I'm still undefeated and no one is going to be challenging gyms when the Indigo Plateau is going on anyway.' Said Daisy tiredly.
Ash raised an eyebrow at that.
'You're undefeated?' Asked Ash curiously.
Daisy smiled at that, before walking closer to Ash.
'Yeah and it was all thanks to you.' Said Daisy, giving Ash a peck on the cheek.
Ash froze for a minute.
"D-did that just happen Pikachu?" Asked Ash in shock.
Pikachu was momentarily surprised, before holding in his snickers.
'I knew you'd come by here eventually.' Said a familiar voice, snapping Ash out of his daze.
'Glad to see you made it here, Gary.' Said Ash in amusement.
Gary walked up to the group, his cheerleaders in tow.
"I still don't know what the deal was with those cheerleaders." Thought Ash.
'Me? You're the one who disappeared for nearly a month, Ashy-boy. I was worried you weren't going to get eight badges and then I'd be the only one representing Pallet Town.' Said Gary.
'No need to worry. I'm here and ready to clear the League. A few weeks from now and you'll be calling me Kanto Region Champion Ash.' Said Ash confidently.
'Well, I must say, I love your confidence Ashy-boy, it's just a shame that I'm going to be the Champion, not you. See you on the field.' Said Gary arrogantly, before walking away, cheerleaders in tow.
'No need to worry, huh Ash?' Quipped Brock in amusement.
Ash merely gave a grin.
'Whatever, I'm off to get some food. Let's go, Pikachu.' Said Ash, with Pikachu cheering in excitement.
-line break-
After sufficiently stuffing themselves silly, Ash and Pikachu had ventured around the area a bit, taking in the view once again.
"Well, Pikachu, ready for our battle later today?" Asked Ash.
"You bet, clean sweeps all the way!" Cheered Pikachu.
Ash was about to add his agreement to Pikachu's thoughts, only for Pikachu's ears to suddenly twitch, which was quickly followed by Pikachu jumping off his shoulder and running off into the crowd.
"What the hell Pikachu?" Grumbled Ash in annoyance.
"Just come find me, there is someone here you want to meet." Replied Pikachu in excitement.
Ash muttered to himself about his impulsive Pokémon, before following where he had went nonetheless. Ash blinked rapidly, when he saw Pikachu licking an ice cream cone, from atop someone's shoulder. The person was wearing a long black coat and had blonde hair, along with black sunglasses, hiding their identity from most.
Pikachu gave a cry of content, as the person scratched him behind his ears, making Ash smile.
'So, you did come here after all.' Said Ash, as he walked up to the person.
'Well, you do owe me some ice cream after all, especially since someone's taken a liking to my cone.' Said the person, looking at Pikachu in amusement.
Ash gave a small laugh, at seeing Pikachu's nose covered in vanilla ice cream, before buying two more cones from the ice cream vendor.
'So, how have you been?' Asked Ash, handing one of the cones, to the person Pikachu was currently perched on.
'Good, mostly just training.' Said the person, as the two set off on a relaxing walk.
'I hope that's not all you are planning for the next few years.' Said Ash, with a small frown, before taking a lick of his cone, causing him to smile.
'Of course not, I need to keep an eye out for Cyrus after all.' Said the person.
'Cynthia, please tell me this isn't all you are going to focus on. This is more my problem than yours and I don't want you getting in too deep.' Said Ash, stopping and turning to face the person.
Cynthia gave a small sigh and lowered her sunglasses, her grey eyes boring into Ash's brown.
'Ash, just like I said on Spear Pillar, this isn't only your problem. This is our problem. Cyrus tried to destroy the world in the region I am the Champion of and should have protected. Whether I failed, or you failed, the point is, we failed and we can't let that happen. I don't know how we got a second chance, but the point is we did. We can't waste this opportunity.' Said Cynthia softly.
'I know… but there is some stuff you should probably know.' Said Ash apprehensively.
'Well, we still have a few hours until your match, so tell me.' Said Cynthia, pushing her sunglasses back up.
'Okay, but this is big stuff.' Said Ash.
'I think I can handle it.' Said Cynthia in amusement.
-line break-
'Well, that was interesting… at least it proves Arceus is real.' Said Cynthia thoughtfully, after Ash filled her in, on everything Arceus had told him.
'How are you so calm, after hearing all of that?' Asked Ash in surprise.
'Well, after we got closer, I decided to look into your past adventures. You really do get into trouble a lot though.' Said Cynthia thoughtfully.
'Yeah, normally everything works out, but… well… it didn't that time.' Said Ash calmly.
'Do you have any idea about what this other threat could be? I mean, the end of the world is kind of a big deal, what could top that?' Asked Cynthia.
'No idea, although, I am getting a little worried about the changes that are occurring.' Said Ash.
'Such as?' Asked Cynthia curiously.
'You know Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket?' Asked Ash, only for Cynthia to nod.
'I know of him, every Champion does. Team Rocket is the most widespread criminal organisation after all, making its way into two regions. If it wasn't for Team Magma and Aqua, it wouldn't be too farfetched for them to infiltrate Hoenn as well.' Explained Cynthia.
'Well, he's changed. He actually battled me, which didn't happen last time. Not only that though, he is apparently interested in me and offered me a place in Team Rocket.' Informed Ash.
'That is something.' Nodded Cynthia.
'Something? More like something that could be potentially worse than anything. The fact that I've encountered practically every Legendary Pokémon and Team Rocket's sole goal is to capture rare and unusual Pokémon, this could be a real problem in the future.' Said Ash.
'Well, you have one and I highly doubt Arceus will bother with them at all, so that's at least two down.' Said Cynthia thoughtfully.
'There is also another Legendary Pokémon, which is going to join me apparently.' Said Ash, with a nod.
'Even better, that makes three. However, for now, focus on your upcoming battles. After all, if I'm left on my own, maybe I will dwell on this issue too much, but if there were another Champion to keep me busy, well, maybe I wouldn't be so focused on it.' Said Cynthia teasingly.
'All right, I'll do my best to set you up with Lance after I meet him.' Laughed Ash.
'Funny, Ash, funny.' Said Cynthia sardonically.
'Well, in that case, I better get going. I'll be sure to see you again though.' Said Ash, walking away.
'You better win too, since I'll be watching after all.' Said Cynthia, to Ash's retreating back, as Pikachu quickly dashed over to him and climbed up to his left shoulder.
Ash didn't look back and simply turned his cap around. Cynthia laughed to herself, getting the message and then got up herself, heading to her special area in the stadium, to watch the upcoming match.
-line break-
Ash stood across from Mandi, ready for his first match.
"So, you actually going to use me this time?" Asked Pikachu eagerly.
"Nope, sorry buddy, I'm planning on a single Pokémon clean sweep, really stake our claim this time, like before." Said Ash, causing Pikachu to deflate slightly.
As the referee called for both trainers to release their Pokémon, Ash couldn't help smirking a little.
'Go, Gengar.' Said Ash, releasing his cheeky spectre.
Just like before, Mandi released an Exeggutor.
'What a surprising turn of events for the water field, with neither trainer sending out a Water-type Pokémon.' Announced the commentator.
'Ah, what a foolish move on you part, Gengar are very weak to Psychic attacks and this shall be child's play, Exeggutor, use Psychic.' Said Mandi arrogantly.
'Gengar, Double Team.' Said Ash calmly.
Gengar smirked, before suddenly splitting into a dozen Gengar, confusing Exeggutor.
'Exeggutor?' Cried Exeggutor in confusion.
'Now, Shadow Ball.' Said Ash.
All Gengar started to gather a dark, purple ball of swirling energy, in front of their hands, before launching them at the confused Coconut Pokémon.
'Exeggutor!' Cried Exeggutor, as the balls slammed into him, even though only one did any damage.
'Now, finish this up Gengar, Sludge Bomb.' Said Ash calmly.
Gengar's grin widened, before a launching multiple balls of brown sludge at Exeggutor, from his grinning mouth. The attacks pelted the still downed Grass-Psychic dual type, causing it to cry out in pain, before an explosion occurred, obscuring the Pokémon. When the smoke cleared, Exeggutor was knocked out, with swirls in his eyes.
'Exeggutor is unable to battle. Trainer, please send out your next Pokémon.' Said the referee.
'Now, Seadra, your turn.' Said Mandi calmly, despite having already lost a Pokémon.
"Ready for some fun Gengar?" Asked Ash, getting an affirmative giggle from his Pokémon.
'Seadra, use agility.' Ordered Mandi.
'Disable, Gengar.' Said Ash, with a smirk.
Gengar's eyes glowed blue and blue rings pulsed off his form, eventually reaching Seadra, who abruptly stopped his dashing through the water.
'Nothing to worry about, Seadra, use Hydro Pump.' Said Mandi assuredly.
The blue Pokémon launched a stream of water from its gun like mouth, right at Gengar.
'Dance Gengar.' Said Ash, confusing many.
Gengar jumped away from the attack, doing a handstand, while sticking his long tongue out.
'Keep it up, Seadra.' Said Mandi in annoyance.
Seadra continued to launch Hydro Pumps, while Gengar simply flipped over and away from the attacks. After five Hydro Pumps, Seadra looked exhausted.
'All right, Gengar, you had your fun, finish this, Thunderbolt.' Said Ash in amusement.
"That's totally my move by the way." Said Pikachu.
Gengar grinned, as he glowed yellow, crackling with static discharge, before an eruption of electricity arced off the Shadow Pokémon and fried Seadra, while electrifying the entire pool. Seadra cried out in pain, feeling numerous currents run through his body, from both the direct attack and the electricity racing through the water, before fainting, too exhausted from its repeated usage of Hydro Pump.
Ash and Gengar both grinned, as Mandi recalled Seadra and sent out Golbat.
"Feeling hungry, Gengar?" Asked Ash, getting his Pokémon to smirk.
'Golbat, Hyper Beam.' Said Mandi in annoyance.
As Golbat charged up a golden ball of energy in his mouth, Gengar merely grinned in anticipation. The immense wave of energy was launched at Gengar, but it was easily dodged by the ghostly creature.
'You know what to do Gengar, finish this.' Said Ash calmly, surprising many.
Gengar put his hands together and released numerous black circles, which quickly expanded, as they moved towards Golbat. Golbat's eyes dropped, before falling down towards the pool. Golbat never reached the water however, as a shadow-like version of Gengar was launched from his form, going through Golbat and sapping at his energy. As the apparition passed through Golbat, it was pushed back slightly, causing it to eventually fall at the feet of its trainer, knocked out.
'There you have it folks, the winner of this First Round battle, is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town.' Said the announcer, causing the crowd to cheer.
'Great work, Gengar.' Said Ash, as his ghostly Pokémon floated over to him.
'Gen, gen gar.' Said Gengar, still grinning widely.
'Pi Pikachu.' Added Pikachu.
Ash turned and noticed the cameras and quickly walked over to them.
'My name is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and I promise that soon enough, I will become Kanto League Champion Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town.' Said Ash confidently, before leaving the cameras, with Gengar and Pikachu in tow.