So I'm a bit annoyed that email alerts have not been fixed for outlook yet, but I do have over a dozen updates ready across a few stories and there is no guarantee that it will be fixed any time soon, so I will continue with my monthly updates and hope the word gets around at some point.
Of course, all of these chapters are also available on my pat reon and become free when I upload here so you can always check there first.
Enjoy.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Ash would make it through the quarter finals with little fanfare, before facing Giselle of Pokémon Technical Institute in the Semi-final, handing her a one-sided battle due to Gengar's levitate nullifying much of her offense, with Hypnosis and Dream Eater for good measure. Agatha would see to it that Lance would return in time for the finals, with Lance witnessing firsthand how a Pikachu could trump a Dragonite. In other news, Ash had already made plans to head to the Orange Islands after conquering the Elite Four of Kanto, with only the battles with the elite to follow, after a day of rest to come.
Disclaimer – I don't own Pokémon. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
"Telepathy"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 12 – Champion
'Congratulations Ash.' Said Brock, as Ash exited the arena with the trophy.
'Thanks!' Said Ash.
'I can't believe you did it, and so easily.' Said Misty.
'I mean, I wouldn't say it was easy, but I guess I was better prepared than the others.' Said Ash, with Pikachu giving a small "Cha" in amusement.
'So when will you be challenging the Elite Four?' Asked Sabrina.
'After tomorrow. I think we all deserve a rest tomorrow.' Said Ash.
'Well, there aren't a lot of places to relax around the Indigo Plateau.' Said Brock.
'There is a small indoor swimming pool, although I think it was for water Pokémon more than anything.' Said Misty.
'That's a great idea, why don't we do a show in the pool. It'll be fun.' Said Daisy.
'You know it doesn't have the same stuff the gym does. There is no announcer, no special effects, it would just be you and your voice alone.' Said Misty.
'What? Don't you think you should be part of the show too? We can't be Sensational Sisters if there is only one of us in the act.' Said Daisy.
'Since when did you want me in the act… and since when did I want to be in the act?' Huffed Misty.
'I mean you're not my first choice, but you are the only choice here right now.' Said Daisy, causing Misty to fume.
'I'm sure we can do something in terms of appeal too. If Sabrina is happy to help me out.' Said Erika with a smile.
'I don't mind getting involved. I don't want to get into the water though.' Said Sabrina.
'I was just hoping for some psychic help is all.' Said Erika.
'That sounds lovely. I am looking forward to a show from the Sensational Sisters.' Said Cynthia, joining the group.
'I guess we should get permission to actually do the show first though, before getting too carried away.' Said Brock.
'Hmm, a show? How interesting, do you mind if the rest of the Elite Four watch?' Asked Lorelei of the Elite four, approaching the group.
'Of course, the more the merrier!' Said Daisy.
'Although, as you say that, I wonder if the others will have the time to attend. I would think the rest of you would be preparing for your battles.' Commented Cynthia.
'We are sending for our best Pokémon. It seems they will be needed, so we are recalling them. It speaks volumes about your ability that the Elite Four is going all out.' Said Lorelei, turning to Ash towards the end.
'Well, I just hope I'm able to live up to the challenge then, if not surpass your expectations.' Said Ash.
'I doubt you will be able to surpass the expectations of some of us, considering they already think you've won.' Said Lorelei with a smile.
'Where's Gary by the way?' Asked Ash, noticing his old rival and future ally wasn't present.
'I think he's on the phone with Professor Oak, apparently, he has some sort of job for him. He was going to ask you, but it seems like you're going to be busy for the next few days at least.' Said Brock.
Ash seemed to think on this for a moment, before remembering the GS ball.
'Okay, guess I can see what it is all about another time.' Said Ash.
'I can help you get permission for the pool as well, the Elite Four does have some sway here after all.' Said Lorelei with a smile.
'Awesome! Okay, me and little sis will start planning the performance then.' Said Daisy, dragging Misty away.
'So how are you planning to celebrate your victory, Ash?' Asked Brock.
'As if there is any question, we are going to an all you can eat buffet.' Said Ash, with Pikachu's mouth instantly watering.
'I think if we want any condiments, we better get them early on.' Said Sabrina, noticing some thoughts floating around in Pikachu's head.
'Yeah, I guess it doesn't take a psychic to know that Pikachu is not going to hold back after those battles either.' Agreed Ash.
'Well, if that's the case, I might go and give the Pewter Gym a quick call to make sure everything is ok. We shouldn't be getting any challengers for at least a little while, but there are always a few who head out almost right after the League finishes and most come to Pewter City.' Said Brock.
'Ok, we'll meet you there.' Said Ash, as he was left with Cynthia, Sabrina, Erika and Lorelei.
'Do you want to join us too?' Asked Ash, turning to Lorelei.
'Hmm, no, I think you should enjoy yourself right now and I would only remind you of your upcoming battle. I will sort out the facilities for tomorrow.' Said Lorelei, politely declining as she left the group.
'I guess we should get going then.' Said Ash, getting a nod from Sabrina.
'I can tell where the closest "all you can eat" restaurant is, and thankfully the numbers have thinned with the end of the tournament.' Said Sabrina, leading the group who followed behind.
Arriving shortly after, the group found the place was reasonably busy, but definitely less so than the restaurants had been at the start of the tournament. Ash and Pikachu quickly headed off to the savoury section, while Cynthia headed for the desert section. Erika and Sabrina made their way through and got a little bit of everything, before the four reunited and sat together.
'The two of you are both quite extreme.' Said Sabrina.
Ash had a plate of steak, meatballs and pasta, while Cynthia had loaded up on pastries, jelly and ice cream.
'There isn't anything wrong with going after the things you like. People shouldn't hold themselves back, especially when it comes to food.' Said Ash, causing Sabrina to blink.
'That is an interesting idea… I am not sure if I can get on board with that, since controlling myself stops me from doing things I shouldn't.' Admitted Sabrina.
'I mean, as long as you don't hurt anyone, I think people should just do what makes them happy.' Said Ash, before hearing the sound of a few glass bottles clinking.
'Although, that might be taking things too far.' Said Ash, as Pikachu struggled to drag a large sheet wrapped up into the shape of a knapsack, with multiple bottles of ketchup sticking out.
'Pika!' Exclaimed Pikachu defiantly, before Ash took pity on his oldest companion and lifted the bag to the table, with Pikachu bouncing up to the table moments later, fishing out his first, but definitely not last, bottle of ketchup.
'Hmm, I wonder if I can introduce a six-hour workday then? Wouldn't getting so much more sleep be lovely?' Mused Erika, eating a small sandwich.
Sabrina hummed, before picking up her spoon and tasting some of her soup.
'I will take it under advisement.' Said Sabrina, her expression unreadable.
-line break-
'What a day, huh Pikachu?' Asked Ash, resting in bed with Pikachu resting beside him.
'Pi-ka, cha.' Said Pikachu softly, still feeling full from dinner.
'Guess we better rest up for what comes next.' Said Ash, before hearing Pikachu give a soft cry, before starting to snooze.
'Night Pikachu.' Said Ash, before falling asleep himself.
-line break-
The next day, the group consisting of Ash, Brock, Misty, Daisy, Erika, Sabrina, Gary and Cynthia had gathered and were being led by Lorelei to the pool.
'So are you excited for your performance?' Asked Lorelei.
'Of course. I haven't had a bit of fun for a while now, ever since I started taking my Gym Battles more seriously.' Said Daisy.
'I see, so the rumours of the Cerulean Gym being overhauled were not exaggerated. It is nothing to worry about now, but you should remember that the League is always keeping an eye out, giving away badges is a good way to lose your certification. I'm glad to hear that isn't the case anymore.' Said Lorelei, causing Daisy to giggle nervously.
'Honestly though, it sounds like all of the gyms really improved this year. I guess given how much of an impact Ash had on things, it was really a matter of adapting or perishing.' Said Brock.
'Well, it sure made things harder for everyone who came afterwards. Sabrina is still undefeated from what I remember.' Said Daisy.
'I am only doing one-on-one battles; it shouldn't be too hard to develop a strategy against that.' Said Sabrina.
'I guess I could mix things up, but three-on-three always seems balanced to me.' Commented Erika.
'Well, I think Blaine's double battle was the most interesting. Seemed like quite a handicap at the time, but then I guess he can use more of his Pokémon than us. If we hadn't been so good, it would have been an easy win for Blaine.' Said Gary.
'I'm more surprised Blaine had stopped his battles in the first place. A gym in a volcano is so unique, he could have had his own shows.' Said Daisy, causing Brock, Ash and Gary to cringe at the unwitting mental picture Daisy had inflicted on them.
'Well, hopefully you keep the shows to the Cerulean gym.' Commented Brock.
Finally reaching the pool, the group saw they had spectators.
'Half of the Elite Four? I didn't think two of you would come.' Commented Daisy.
'It is good to rest every now and again.' Said Bruno, a large muscular man, who was clad only in white Gi-style pants and a black belt.
'Of course Lance and Agatha would have loved to join, but Lance is tying up some loose ends from his adventure prior to returning for the end of the league and Agatha is sorting out the stadium logistics with Charles.' Explained Lorelei.
'Well then, if this is the final audience, me and sis will get ready.' Said Daisy, pushing Misty to the change rooms.
The remainder of the group sat a short distance away from the Elite Two, preparing for the coming performance. After a moment of delay, Brock shifted towards Bruno, surprising Ash, before striking up a conversation about training with him. Sabrina closed her eyes and meditated, while Erika also closed her eyes and started to snooze.
'So Gary, what did Professor Oak want to talk to you about?' Asked Ash.
'Just a package he wants me to pick up from another professor. I just took Pidgeot early in the morning and that's all sorted for now.' Said Gary nonchalantly.
'Huh.' Said Ash, internally thinking the journey of the GS ball had been much more anticlimactic this time around.
As the lights started to dim, Sabrina opened her eyes and gently roused Erika. Who blinked twice, before drawing a Pokéball and releasing a Bellossom.
Misty emerged in a white one-piece, while Daisy wore a red one-piece. The two stood on opposite sides of the pool before each released a Pokémon. Seel emerged from Misty's, while Dewgong emerged from Daisy's.
'Seel, use Water Sport.' Ordered Misty, as Seel jumped into the water and launched a splattering of water into the air.
'Dewgong, use Ice Beam.' Said Daisy, causing a beam of ice to freeze the airborne water.
Moments later, Bellossom launched a wave of leaves from the crowd, before they were captured by Sabrina's psychic powers and started to circle around the icy particles, chipping away at them and letting sparkles rain down. The two sensational sisters then jumped into the water, before emerging and causing ripples to spread out on the surface of the water, which started to gain size and strength, as Seel and Dewgong each used Aqua Ring around their trainers. Bellossom then used a Petal Dance which Sabrina took control of, hiding the two performers from view. Once the petals had been sent high into the air, Misty and Daisy were each revealed standing on a platform of ice, surrounded by the previous Aqua Ring, as flowers rained down around them.
The audience clapped in appreciation at the performance, before Sabrina gathered all the ice shards and remaining foliage, before condensing it into a glittering green cube.
'Whoa, that was totally not part of the performance, but that was awesome.' Said Daisy, walking over to Sabrina, once she had swum out of the pool.
'I didn't think it would be a good idea to leave a mess after we were allowed to make use of the pool.' Said Sabrina, handing the cube to Erika.
'I must say, that was a splendid performance, even from the crowd support. Have any of you thought about participating in contests? I believe you would all do very well.' Said Cynthia.
'Contests?' Asked Daisy, as Misty approached the group, having spent a bit of time praising Seel.
'Yes, contests are quite popular in Sinnoh. It makes use of not just a Pokémon's power, but also encourages combinations to amaze and battle with a certain flair.' Explained Cynthia.
'That sounds like fun.' Said Daisy.
'I don't know, seems like a strange thing to do for competition.' Said Misty.
'Well, you still need to have strong Pokémon since there is a battle component. All the flair won't win you a contest, if you can't win a battle.' Added Cynthia.
'Oh that note, I better get going.' Said Gary.
'What do you mean?' Asked Ash.
'I need to get my team ready for the next stretch. Don't think this was the end. Even if you become Champion of Kanto, I'll become Champion of Johto or another region.' Said Gary.
'Don't let Lance hear you say that.' Said Lorelei, walking over to the group.
'Wise advice, Champions don't take threats lightly.' Added Cynthia.
'Well, we better get sorted for tomorrow in the meantime.' Said Ash, with Pikachu giving a sleepy "Cha", having been catching a nap in Ash's backpack.
'Oh, hey Pikachu, you missed the show.' Said Ash, to his yawning companion.
'Cha.' Yawned Pikachu, rubbing his eyes with his chubby paws.
'Let's go get you some ketchup to wake up.' Said Ash, causing the yellow mouse to instantly perk up.
'That's the spirit.' Said Ash approvingly, before the two headed out.
'I mean, a little feedback would have been nice.' Said Daisy, after Ash had left.
'Don't take it personally, I think Ash is locked into battle mode right now.' Said Brock.
'Maybe we should have waited until after the battles to do a show.' Commented Misty.
'Well, if he loses, he might not be interested.' Said Gary.
'He won't lose.' Said Misty.
'That's some confidence little sis.' Said Daisy.
'Hey, he may be annoying, but he is good at what he does.' Shrugged Misty.
'Is that so? How do you know what he is good at doing?' Teased Daisy.
'I think everyone here knows he is good at what he does.' Said Sabrina, causing Daisy to pout at her teasing attempt being foiled.
'Then we better get ready for tomorrow as well.' Said Brock.
'What do you mean, get ready for tomorrow as well?' Asked Gary.
'Well, considering the stakes, all of the Kanto Gym Leaders will be gathering to watch, so it is important we have our teams ready to go as well. We will be the unofficial security after all. If Ash does make his way through all the competition, the Elite Four won't have a way to defend themselves.' Explained Brock.
'I never thought of it like that.' Admitted Gary.
'Guess I better get my team ready just in case. I can hang around for an extra day.' Said Gary, before leaving as well.
-line break-
The next day arrived quickly, and the group had arranged themselves inside the stadium quite early in the day. As foreshadowed yesterday, there were a few new faces around. Across from Ash stood the Elite Four of Kanto, with Lance filling both the role of Elite and Champion. Lorelei stood in front of the group, staring across at Ash. Behind and to the right of Ash stood Brock, with Misty and Daisy to his right. On the right side was Sabrina and Erika, with Lt. Surge a small pace away from them. Across from Lt. Surge and to Ash's left was Koga. Slightly to the left and far behind Koga was Giovanni, with Blaine standing a few metres aside him, sending him furtive glances every now and again. Up in the stands was Charles seated with Cynthia to his right, while Gary was a few rows down, leaning forward on a railing as he watched on.
'Well, I suppose now is a good a time as any to start things.' Said Lance, stepping forward. To stand slightly in front of Lorelei.
'This challenge against the Kanto Elite Four comes from Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town. The rules are as follows. The challenger can select six Pokémon to use against the four members of the Elite Four. Each member of the Elite Four will utilise five Pokémon. The matches will run as a gauntlet, with a fifteen-minute break between challenges. Both sides will be allowed to substitute as required. Does everyone understand?' Asked Lance, getting a round of nods from those soon to battle.
Before Lance could proceed to start the gauntlet, the sound of heavy wingbeats was heard, and the sun was momentarily blocked out. A large Dragonite descended in the centre of the field and looked around for a moment. Naturally, the eyes of those gathered turned to Lance, the resident Dragon Master, but he simply shook his head. Strangely, the Dragonite had a large satchel strewn across his shoulder and proceeded to dig his claw into it, bringing out an envelope. The first envelope was given to a confused Lorelei, before the dragon repeated this behaviour with all others in the arena, giving Ash his letter last. Ash opened the letter and saw a small holographic disc player. Pressing the central button, a projection of a women garbed in what appeared to be a ball gown with a hat was displayed.
'Greetings trainer. You have been chosen to receive this invitation from my master, the world's greatest Pokémon trainer. My master seeks to gather the strongest trainers and have a tournament to test himself and others at his palace on New Island. If you decide to attend, please indicate so on the card contained in the envelope.' Said the projection, before vanishing.
Ash looked at the envelope and withdrew the card, before using the provided pencil to tick the "Yes" box.
'Well this is interesting timing.' Said Lance, causing Ash to look at him, before noticing everyone else had also watched the video.
'Well Ash, how do you want to do this?' Asked Lance.
'Let's take care of this first. If I become champion first then lose to this trainer, I'm not much of a champion.' Said Ash.
'I'm not sure if I should be offended or not.' Said Cynthia, walking over to the group with Gary and Mr. Goodshow.
'Looks like only the Kanto Gym Leaders, Elite Four, Champion and League winner received an invitation. I imagine they were not aware the Sinnoh Champion was here as well.' Said Charles.
'So what's the deal Ashy-boy, why are you holding off on your chance to become champion?' Asked Gary.
'A champion takes on all opponents.' Said Ash.
'That's the right attitude to have, but being hasty can lead to problems.' Said Agatha, walking over to the group.
'It's not hasty, everyone has their strongest team today.' Said Ash.
'I suppose we can take the League jet. I must admit, I'm also intrigued.' Said Lance.
'Very well, I will help with the preparations.' Said Charles, before the pair walked off.
Agatha wandered back over to Lorelei and Bruno, while Cynthia made her way to Brock and Misty. Giovanni seemed to retreat into the shadows while Lt. Surge walked over to Koga. Erika made her way to the stands for a rest while Blaine remained stoically supervising Giovanni, even in the darkness. Ash also made his way over to the stands and took a seat, resting his hands on the railing, with Pikachu balancing on the railing.
'PikaPika.' Said Pikachu.
'Yeah. The timing is all wrong, but it is probably him.' Said Ash, before sensing someone moved into the seat next to him.
'You seem tense Ash. Are you aware of who this Pokémon trainer is?' Asked Sabrina.
'I can't be sure, but I have an idea.' Said Ash.
Sabrina placed her hand on Ash's forearm in a move to reassure him, only to blink rapidly as a series of images flashed through her mind. Ash quickly broke the contact, moving his arm away, before staring at Sabrina.
'What did you see?' Asked Ash.
'I'm not sure. I have seen glimpses of the future in the past, but this felt different, almost as though I was seeing the past…' Said Sabrina.
A silence passed between the two for a minute, before Sabrina spoke up again.
'Do your powers also let you see into the future?' Asked Sabrina.
'No… but they do give me a sense for danger.' Said Ash, not looking at Sabrina as he spoke.
'Is that the truth?' Asked Sabrina flatly.
Ash sighed at this and when Sabrina looked at him, he seemed to age a few years before her eyes.
'The truth is complicated. The simple truth is I'm worried. Either I'm right about what's about to happen, or I'm wrong, and both options are terrifying.' Said Ash.
Sabrina attempted again to comfort Ash, placing a hand on Ash's shoulder, only to receive one clearer image this time. The image was Ash being engulfed in a blast of multicoloured psychic energy and then the image exploded.
'Ash, you aren't in this alone. We will all be with you.' Said Sabrina.
'I know and that gives me the confidence to follow through on this, but I'm still worried.' Admitted Ash.
'Do you know how I train my psychic powers?' Asked Sabrina, causing Ash to raise an eyebrow at the abrupt shift in conversation.
'I learn to block everything out except for one thing which I focus on. You need to focus your mind. Distractions will only weaken your resolve.' Said Sabrina.
'So would distractions break your focus and weaken your abilities?' Asked Ash.
'If a strong enough distraction, it would be very likely.' Said Sabrina.
'I guess that will have to be enough then.' Said Ash.
-line break-
Not an hour later the entire group was aboard an aircraft which was heading towards the location indicated on the invitation. Ash was looking out one of the windows, noting the peaceful sky. Brock walked over to Ash discreetly, pretending to look out the window as well.
'You know Ash, I never mix up any of the Nurse Joys.' Said Brock, causing Ash to give a chuckle.
'I never knew how you managed that.' Said Ash.
'It's all in the head, or at least what's on top of it.' Said Brock, much to Ash's confusion.
'So do you think this is going to be like what happened last time?' Asked Brock quietly.
'I hope not. Maybe we will be able to reason with Mewtwo this time and avoid all the problems.' Said Ash optimistically.
'Do you think Mewtwo will have remembered everything as well? He did wipe our memories once after all.' Commented Brock.
'I'm not sure. It might be because of that, or it might be because we did things differently this time. The lack of the storm, the late timing. It could all be a coincidence.' Said Ash, before the jet seemed to experience some turbulence.
'What's happening?' Asked Misty.
'It seems we've run into a storm.' Said Lance.
The storm seemed to pick up and start shaking the sizeable Jet. Sabrina closed her eyes and started to glow a faint purple, with the jet stabilising, no longer shaking. Ash also closed his eyes and was covered in a blue outline. Unbeknownst to the others, a blue dome shaped barrier appeared in front of the jet, deflecting the storm and dispersing it on contact.
'Guess we aren't welcome any more.' Said Brock.
The storm, while powerful, was not able to breach the strength of both Sabrina's psychic and Ash's Aura powers, being slowly dissipated as the craft moved through it. Once the jet had passed through the worst of the storm, a large island could be seen, with an intricate palace-like structure in the centre of it, sprawling out in all directions. If anything, it looked like a spider with a large spike impaled through the thorax. The jet came to land on a largely undisturbed area of grassland, not too far off from the castle. The two members of the party who had been keeping the jet aloft breathed a sigh of relief.
'Are you okay?' Asked Brock.
'Yeah, let's get going.' Said Ash.
The collective group exited the vehicle, before embarking on the short walk to the monolithic structure. Waiting for them all was the woman who had been seen on the message.
'Welcome all, to New Island, please provide your invitations.' Said the woman, before Ash withdrew the holographic device they had been given, with the others doing the same, bar Mr. Goodshow, Gary and Cynthia who had not received one.
'Follow me please.' Said the woman, before turning back towards the castle and leading the group towards the castle.
The large double doors opened and revealed a rather open area with a few dining tables of considerable length on either side. The lights in the area seemed to dim, before a blue beam of light appeared in the centre of the staircase, a figure descending from within it.
'You are about to meet my master, the greatest Pokémon master on Earth.' Said the woman.
Eventually, a slim, purple and white coloured feline body, appeared through the light, descending to the ground, before coming to rest on its feet which incorporated three spherical tips instead of toes. A long slender tail coiled from its purple underbelly, extending beyond its back.
'Mewtwo.' Said Ash, surprising the woman who had led them here and the Pokémon itself.
'Who are you?' Asked the woman.
"You don't need to speak through her anymore Mewtwo. Let her go." Said Ash telepathically.
Mewtwo stared at Ash impassively, before bringing his left hand up and then swinging it out to the side, causing the woman to stagger and fall, only to be caught by Brock.
"Who are you?" Asked Mewtwo.
"You don't know?" Asked Ash.
"I've never seen you before in my life." Said Mewtwo.
'Then let me introduce myself. My name is Ash Ketchum and I'm going to be a true Pokémon Master.' Said Ash aloud.