Titans

by Harlequin K

Ash Ketchum has always dreamt of receiving a Charmander from Professor Oak, battling powerful trainers, and reaching his lofty goal of becoming a Pokemon Master. However, fate had other plans and brought him together with the energetic Growlithe.

10. Thunderdome

ThunderDome

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Ash had pictured this moment hundreds of times. What he would say. What he would do. But now having Gary in front of him, his mind came up blank. No witty retort. No clever comment. Instead he took in his friend and rival.

Gary wore a purple shirt and dark pants, however that wasn't the biggest difference Ash noticed. Before Gary had an air of an arrogant know it all but something must have changed in the months since he started his journey, something had tempered the exuberance out of his rival and replaced with a cool and somewhat calmer demeanor.

"Gary, what are you doing here?" Ash couldn't help but ask the first thing that came to mind.

"What am I…" Gary shook his head. He pointed to the small cafe area with a few tables in the corner of the Poké Mart. "How about I buy you something to drink and we can talk it over."

More confused than ever in his life Ash followed Gary as he got them both a pair of slushies. They both sat in silence for a long minute as they sipped on their drinks.

After a moment Gary let out a breath. "I heard from Grandpa and dad what happened to you with Cipher. They told me you were rushed to the Saffron Center just as I was leaving the city. I decided to stick around and wait until you were discharged before coming to see you. I went earlier today but they told me, you were already out. Figured I'd find you here eventually."

Stunned, Ash sipped more of his drink. "Why stay? I mean I'm grateful and that's very thoughtful but that doesn't seem like you Gary."

Eyes wide Gary got up and smacked Ash on the back of the head.

"Ouch, what was that for?" Ash rubbed the back of his head, what was it with people wanting to hit him.

"For being a dumb-dumb." Gary rolled his eyes. "Really, Ash? We grew up together. We're more like brothers, no wait we fight too much, more like cousins than friends of course I would care if something happened to you." He sipped his slushy. "And apparently you haven't had the smoothest journey out of all of us who started from Pallet Town. Seriously man, you got IRISed? Do you know how crazy that is for a rookie to get marked already?"

Ash took a moment to process what Gary said and couldn't help but agree that he was right. If something were to happen to Gary, he would've gone to him and made sure the loud mouth was okay.

Ash let out a breath and laughed. "You don't know the half of it."

Gary made a motion with his hand. "Well go on, tell me. I've only heard bits and pieces."

For the next twenty minutes Ash gave Gary a condensed version of his journey. From getting Growlithe, meeting Bill, Cynthia and ending with the whole Cipher debacle.

Gary made for a great audience he cursed, ooh and ahh at the appropriate times. "I swear Ash, you have the rottenest luck out I've ever heard of. I feel bad for Joe stuck with you."

Ash crumpled the straw wrapper into a ball and flicked it at Gary. "Don't get smart with me. Now why don't you tell me about your journey."

Gary rubbed the back of his head. "It's kind of crazy once you think about it. Well not as crazy as your journey but I've had my share of moments. I still can't believe how naïve we were that we were going to take the Kanto Championship in our first year."

"We might have if Lance hadn't changed the rules at the last minute." Ash shook his head. "I got my ass kicked by Daisy from Cerulean. I had to fight her twice. Our dad's definitely had it easy back then."

"Tell me about it, thankfully that order didn't come into effect until I was well into my journey. I blitzed through Brock, beat Violet and had a close call with Surge. Let me tell you even with his basic team, Surge isn't someone to mess with. I hate to think about what he is like now that he has been given free range." Gary snorted. "It wasn't until Erika that I had to struggle because of the rule change. She curb stomped me so fast I didn't even have a chance to put up a fight and I had a type advantage against her. Let me tell you Ash, all of the Gym Leaders are crazy now."

Ash's eyes widened, he hadn't thought about this. Lance hadn't changed the rules until a month after the Gym Season started which was a whole month Gary had to get through the easy gyms without much difficulty. The mere mention of Surge, who Ash planned to go after next, sent shivers down his spine.

"How many badges do you have now?" Ash couldn't help but ask. He knew he would be behind Gary but he didn't think much of it now hearing that in his first month Gary already had three badges. He dreaded hearing the answer.

"I just got my sixth badge this week. It was why I was still in Saffron." Gary tapped the table with his finger and repressed a shudder. "Sabrina is a monster, plain and simple. I only managed to eek out a win because one of my Pokémon evolved recently otherwise it would've taken me a couple of tries." Gary must have noticed the look on Ash's face. "Don't worry about this, you started late and have been battling powered up Gym Leaders all the way. The slow start might actually serve you in the long run. I have to tell you that you really need to prepare for Surge since he is your next challenge. Though I have some good news for you."

Ash slumped in his chair. "I don't think anything you have to say will be good news Gary, I'm four badges behind you and about to go against the rookie crusher with nothing to hold him back."

Gary laughed then leaned closer as if to say a secret. "True but when you survive this and make your way eventually to Fuchsia City you won't have to battle Koga. He got promoted to Johto's E4. His daughter took over and this is her first season, you couldn't ask for a better match up. She is tough but nothing like her old man."

That did sound like good news. "Well you look at that. You do have some good news. What are your plans now?"

"Consider it my Get Well gift." Gary crossed his arms. "I've delayed my departure from Saffron long enough. My plan is to go to Cinnabar Island next and take on Blaine. Then I'll take about a month or so off to train before even thinking about tackling Giovanni. I'm headed to Vermilion City to take the S.S Anne from there."

"Why don't you travel with us, at least as far as Vermilion." Never in his life had he thought he would be traveling with Gary Oak but hey, new day, new adventures. "You can set off with the ship while we challenge Surge and then head to Celadon for Erika."

Gary thought about it for a second then pulled out his pokenav. "We'd have to leave tomorrow though if I want to catch the next ferry out. You said you had a Rhyhorn and Joe a Ponyta? Yeah, that could work. I also have a riding Pokémon so we can head out together."

Ash nodded. "I was actually going to buy a saddle for both of them."

"That's a good idea, let me help you pick one out." They both got up. "I had a long lesson from mom about saddles and what not to get."

They both made it to the back of the store to the Pokémon equipment aisle. The aisle had different cards with a description and picture of the item to take to the front desk so they can go and get your item.

They browsed for a couple of minutes before Gary took out two saddle cards and handed them to Ash. "Here, these are the ones you need for now. They're a little expensive and don't have a lot of features but the one they do it's worth it. The saddle is made from cured leather and infused with the Minimize feature. You pressed that button right there and it will shrink the whole thing to the size of your palm for easy storage."

Ash checked the prize and yeah they were expensive at five hundred poke a piece. He still needed them so he got them as well as a resupply of his potions and buying a super potion for emergencies. Hopefully he won't need it but given his luck it's better to be safe than sorry.

He finished paying for everything and got two small metal boxes where the saddles were stored. Ash turned to Gary. "Where are you staying?"

"At the center. Why?"

"Want to have a battle?" Yes he was supposed to take it easy but seeing all those battles at Joe's tournament and after meeting Gary again, well he got the battle bug and he needed to scratch it.

"Didn't you just get out of the hospital?"

Ash grinned. "It would be our first battle since we both became trainers. Come on, don't tell me you don't want to."

Gary rubbed his temples. "Fine, but it will only be a 2v2, you just got out of the hospital and don't have a full team of six yet."

"Now you're talking. I can't wait to see what team you have, you were very mysterious about it."

"I can't go on babbling my team to every Tom, Dick and Jerry."

"Oh, I'm going to enjoy beating you so much."

A short time later they made their way to Madam Jenny's place and were quickly let in. Joe had apparently returned sometime before and was sitting in the small living room looking at his Pokedex. He noticed their approach and looked up.

"Oh, hey Ash. You found the saddles?" He then saw Gary. "Who's this?"

Ash got Colt's saddle out of his bag and handed it to Joe. "Here you go." He pointed at Gary. "This is Gary Oak, we grew up together. I ran into him at the Poke Mart and we're about to have a battle. Then we're all going to ride to Vermilion City together."

Joe's eye twitch. "Didn't you just got out of the hospital?"

Gary snorted. "I said the same thing." He thumbed at Ash. "Now you see what I had to deal with for ten years?"

"If the last couple of months are anything to go by, yeah I feel you." Joe stretched his hand. "Hi, I'm Joe."

"Gary. We should start a support group." Gary shook Joe's hand and they both laughed.

"Ha, ha. Aren't you two a pair of comedians." He rolled his eyes at them. Then looked at Joe's Pokedex. "How did it go with Machoke?"

Joe transferred the profile to Ash. "Nurse Joy says there weren't any issues with his evolution and he was in tip top shape."

[Machoke, the Superpower Pokémon. A sturdy creature boasting a robust physique and boundless stamina. Loves training above all else and voluntarily assists with tasks such as construction and clearing land. Machoke's boundless power is very dangerous, so it wears a belt that suppresses its energy. Its thoroughly toned muscles possess the hardness of steel. This Pokémon has so much strength, it can easily hold aloft a sumo wrestler on just one finger.]

[This Machoke is a male, and knows the moves: Karate Chop, Low Kick, Focus Energy, Foresight, Low Sweep, Ice Punch, Vital Throw. This Machoke has the ability Guts.]

Ash whistled as he read the description. "Well, you got yourself a powerhouse right there."

Joe nodded. "I'm going to keep working on his elemental punches for coverage now that we got Ice Punch down, I'll have Colt fill that capsule with fire energy to work on Fire Punch. I'm thinking it would be easier now that he has a foundation with Ice Punch."

"That sounds like the smart thing to do." A female voice said from behind them.

Ash turned around to see Officer Jenny standing with her arms crossed, unlike the rest of the Jenny's he had met, this one's uniform was different. She wore a dark blue long sleeve button shirt with matching pants. She also had two bars on her shoulder pads. If Ash wasn't mistaken this was the Chief of Police.

"The same theory applies when one wants to teach the Elemental Bite techniques, once one is learned the rest come easy." She turned her gray-blue eyes on Ash. "I was informed you were discharged and am glad to see you're feeling better."

Joe snicker. "Yeah, Chief, he is feeling so much better he wants to have a battle."

Something flashed in her eyes. "Does he now?" She uncrossed her arms and lay on hand on her hip. "I'd be interested in seeing how you battle." She unclipped a Poké Ball from her belt and released a familiar Growlithe. She had grown since he last saw her but he immediately recognized Growlithe's sister.

The fire puppy barked at her trainer before noticing the rest of the people, she seemed to remember Ash as she ran to him and pawed at his belt where Growlithe's ball was. "I'm guessing someone wants to see her brother."

"Cyra, come back, he has a battle right now. You can play with your brother later." Chief called to her Growlithe.

Cyra turned to Ash with pleading puppy eyes before finally relenting. She barked at him then sniffed her brother's ball. All she wanted to do was say hi but fine she could wait. She went back to her trainer and sat by her side.

Chief Jenny smiled at Cyra before turning to Ash. "Why don't we move to the back, who is going to be battling?"

Ash and Gary raised their hands. She nodded. "Okay, I'll serve as referee."

The sound of footsteps caught their attention and Madam Jenny strode down the hall. "Did I hear someone is going to battle?"

"Yes, mom. These two trainers."

Madam Jenny clapped her hands excitedly. "Well, what are you waiting for? For me to die? Let's get to it."

They all moved to the huge practice area in the back where they were training earlier that day. Ash and Gary took their respective positions. Chief Jenny stood in the middle. "What kind of battle are you planning?"

Gary palmed a Poké Ball in his hand. "A simple 2v2 with no substitutions. I don't want to strain Ash's recovery before we leave tomorrow for Vermilion."

Chief Jenny nodded. "That's sensible and Ash you're not planning on using Skarmory are you?" Her tone indicated she knew the answer but wanted to hear it from him.

Ash shook his head. "No, Chief, Saber still needs a few days rest before any training or battle."

"Good, then this will be a 2v2 with no substitutions between Gary and Ash. Begin."

Ash knew that if he wanted to beat Gary, he needed to use the Pokémon he was most familiar with. He smiled and released Nidorina.

Nidorina had been taking a wonderful nap when she was called out to battle. She stretched out and rubbed the sleep from her then groomed her claws.

On the other side Gary released a familiar Pokémon. It was a Nidorino but unlike every other Ash had ever seen, this one was different. Bigger than most of his kind, his powerful muscles bulged as he waved his horn in the air. But the clear difference was that this Nidorino was bright blue instead of pink and sapphire spots around its body. Then inside of his ears were a dark brown color. It looked like someone had taken Nidorina's colors and splashed them on him.

"You caught a shiny Nidorino?" Ash couldn't help but ask.

Gary smiled fondly. "Yeah, I caught him on the field between the entrance to Victory Road and Viridian City. He was a little Nidoran back then and was being chased out of its herd because of his different coloring. His horn had been broken and he was barely alive. I had to rush him to the Center."

Nidorino roared and stomped his legs, he wasn't that weak Nidoran anymore. He had grown and become more powerful. He then turned to see who his opponent was and froze.

With scales as blue as the morning sky and eyes of scarlet fury he had never seen such an imposing Nidorina in his life. Not even the ones in his old herd could compare to her. He roared a greeting at her.

Nidorina noticed the Nidorino out of the corner of her eyes as she cleaned her claws. And snorted, ignoring him completely.

Nidorino roared again and poke at the air with his horn to show her how long and sharp it was.

Both trainers looked amused at the antics of both Pokémon. But Ash remembered the warning his pokedex had given about having his Nidorina around other Nidorinos.

"Um Ash, by any chance has your Nidorina learned Toxic?" Gary asked, scratching his cheek nervously.

Knowing exactly where he was going with this, Ash nodded. "Yup, she just learned it."

"Well it's a good thing Chief and Madam Jenny are here." Gary sighed looking at the bustling and energetic Nidorino.

Joe looked confused and turned to Chief Jenny. "I'm a bit lost."

Chief Jenny smiled. "Once Nidorina learns Toxic, it signals their poison glands have matured and entered into their breeding cycle. Because of this, any Nidorino in the area will try to prove his dominance to claim her as a mate."

Nidorina snorted at that, her sire had been a powerful and dominant Nidoking. But he wasn't a nice sire by any standards. Dominance was built into her bones; she wasn't going to let just any brute mate with her.

Nidorino roared and Nidorina finished grooming her claws and turned to him. He was bigger than the usual males she had seen in her herd. His different scale colors actually complimented hers quite nicely. But a nice scale and big horn wasn't going to be enough to sway her. She turned to Ash and chirped at him to let her battle this one on her own.

Ash smiled at her, he knew how headstrong his little girl was. "Okay, do whatever you want."

Gary looked at his Nidorino and knew that no matter what order he would give, his partner would not listen to him.

Nidorina grinned, she was going to put this one to the test. Energy shrouded her claws as she made the first move. She rushed to him and slashed with a barrage of Fury Swipes. Nidorino's horn glowed and he countered with Fury Swipes of his own.

Claw and Horn met.

Nidorina was pushed back half a step but she didn't give up and pressed on. Nidorino's horn glanced several times and hit Nidorina's arms but couldn't penetrate her thicker scales. Nidorina channeled her Focus Energy into her claws and smacked Nidorino right across the face. The shiny poison pokemon took several steps back with a look of amazement in his face.

Nidorino rushed over, his horn lighting up. Nidorina ready her claws but at the last second her opponent turned and hit her with both of his back legs. She flew into the air and crashed into the ground dirt covering her recently cleaned scales.

Fury ignited in her eyes. How dare he get her dirty. She focused her energy like Machop had shown her but something clicked in her mind. Poison secreted from her fist and hardened into a purple glove and she ran over and punched him in the mouth. Not expecting the vicious attack Nidorino lost his balance and fell on his side. Before could get up she was on his side furiously scratching him with her claws.

Nidorino remembered being a small Nidoran and having something similar happen. He vowed he would never let suffer such a beating. The tip of his horn lit up with cyan blue light and a beam of cold energy smashed into Nidorina squared in the chest.

Ice crusted across her chest and shoulders and pushed her back. Nidorino got up and panted as he cut off the Ice Beam. Nidorina smacked herself on the chest with a Poison Jab breaking the ice.

Both pokemon looked at each other. Nidorino roared at her while she chirped back. While she didn't like getting dirty Nidorina couldn't help but admit that the Nidorino was strong. She still had enough energy to pound him into the dirt but this wasn't what this battle was about.

She chirped at him and Nidorino nodded eagerly. He ran to her charging another Ice Beam but didn't release it, instead he pressed the tip of his horn to the dirty spots on her scales and started cleaning her up.

Both Ash and Gary looked at each other then at Chief Jenny who looked equally perplexed. She coughed into her fist. "The first match is a draw."

Madam Jenny on the other hand roared with laughter. "Now that's how you treat your man, good for you Nidorina." She called out to Chief Jenny. "I remember the time your dad thought he could beat me. Bah, I showed him alright. His Venasaur ended up all burnt and he had two black eyes for weeks."

Chief Jenny stared at her mother and let out an exasperated sigh then promptly ignored the older woman. She returned her attention from the poison Pokémon to Ash and Gary. "Alright you two, let's get on with the second match."

Ash chuckled before throwing Growlithe's ball into the air. The fire puppy let out an excited bark before turning to Ash with a puzzle look. "We're having a friendly battle with my friend Gary and his…" The words died on Ash's mouth as he saw what Gary's choice had been.

A Growlithe. It looked bulkier and older than his own Growlithe, an intimidating light flashed in his eyes that Ash could feel in his bones.

Gary smirked. "I knew you would choose Growlithe and figured why not have a friendly spar between our Growlithes."

Madam Jenny whistled. "Well, isn't this interesting?" The sound of another Pokémon being released caught Ash's attention and a familiar Arcanine stood behind Madam Jenny. Growlithe's mother.

Cyra saw her mother and quickly ran over to her barking joyfully. Ash's Growlithe followed suit and soon mother and pups were exchanging lovies. Growlithe was happy to see his mother but he kept an eye out on the other Growlithe with the sharp eyes.

Madam Jenny smiled at the scene. "Cinder, let go of your pup, he has a battle to get to and I want you to see how much he has improved under this young trainer."

Cinder nodded then nudged Growlithe with her nose. Cyra gave her brother a lucky bark before laying down on top of her mom's head to watch.

"Way to put on the pressure." Ash couldn't help but mutter as Growlithe went back to stand by him.

Chief Jenny nodded at both trainers. "The second battle will be between both trainer's Growlithe. Begin!"

"Growlithe Quick Attack!" Both of them said at the same time.

Like being launched from a cannon both puppies rushed at each other with blinding speed. They crushed into each other claws at the ready. A quick exchange of blows had them both separating. At a glance Ash couldn't see which one had that particular encounter but he wasn't about to surrender the initiative to Gary.

"Growlithe Flame Burst." Ash commanded.

"Break through with Wild Charge." Gary replied.

A ball of intense flames shot out from Growlithe. Electricity covered Gary's Growlithe as he rushed toward Ash's with a determined look. He smashed through the Flame Burst, wincing at the force of the attack. The electrical sphere around him wobbled and threatened to dissipate but held at the last second.

It hit Growlithe with enough force to knock him back. Without waiting for Ash to respond turned around and smacked the other Growlithe with his Iron Tail in the jaw. A yelp of pain came from his opponent and they both backed off.

"Wild Charge? How did you teach him that move?" Ash couldn't help but ask.

"It's the TM I got from battling Surge." Gary grinned. "Pretty good move right? That's one heck of Flame Burst though it nearly broke through my attack."

"Don't think just because you got a fancy move that you're going to win this." Ash grinned.

Gary smiled back. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Flame Wheel!" Both trainers said at the same time once more.

The puppies ran at one another shrouded in a ball of intense flames. Gary's shroud looked more condense and uniform than Ash's which he wasn't surprised as Growlithe had only recently learned this move.

They clashed. Claws and fangs flashed and both of them separated before attacking one another again. Gary's flame cloak burned brighter and with more force than Ash's. Growlithe noticed this as well and focused his energy and flames to imitate his opponent and noticed a considerable improvement.

Madam Jenny nodded in appreciation and scratched her Arcanine beneath her chin. "Young as he is, it is undeniable that your pup has talent Cinder. The other isn't half bad either. He looks to be about a year old or some. Not that much older from yours but through their exchanges both of them are polishing their own combat styles and their Flame Wheels are getting hotter. It wouldn't surprise me if…there it is."

Both puppies clashed in the air once more and separated, the flames around both of them swirling in different ways. Ash's flickered and coalesced into his mouth as he shot out a spiral formation. It struck Gary's, creating a ring of fire around it.

Gary's flame cloak took most of the damage from the newly learned Fire Spin. Its flames covered the entire of its fangs and he leapt over the flames with a blinding Quick Attack and bit down on Ash's shoulder.

"This is how the young should be, using each other as a grinding stone to learn and improve themselves." Madam Jenny said sagely. "And there's no better competitive drive than pitting one Growlithe against another."

Ash's Growlithe ignited his own fangs and bit Gary's. Both of them let go and took some distance from each other. Panting and bruised they showed no signs of giving up.

"Morning Sun!" Ash yelled and Growlithe's fur glowed with orange light as he recovered his wounds from his stored solar energy.

Gary shook his head. "This one is yours Ash."

Ash cocked his head to the side puzzled. "What are you talking about? No one's one yet."

Growlithe barked along with his trainer, he was full of energy and could keep going.

Gary pointed at Ash's Growlithe then to his. "Our Growlithes are a match in speed, strength and moves. However mine doesn't have a recovery move. This will turn into a battle of attrition that mine will lose."

Chief Jenny nodded. "He is right. The winners of this match are Ash and Growlithe with Ash being the victor of this battle."

Gary knelt by his Growlithe and sprayed him with a potion. "You did good, we just have to train more and it wasn't all bad, you learned Fire Fang."

Growlithe barked but felt a bit dejected at not being able to win but that was okay, he will get stronger.

Cyra jumped from her mother's head and walked over to Gary's Growlithe nudging him with her nose then barked playfully wagging her tail. He looked at his trainer who nodded and soon both of them were rolling around the ground playing. Ash's Growlithe saw this and jumped into the puppy pile as well.

Madam Jenny walked over to both Ash and Gary. "You both have shown great promise as Growlithe trainers." She turned to Ash. "I'm glad Cinder's son has such an attentive and thoughtful trainer. He will reach great heights with you." She smiled at Gary. "As for you, you're just like your grandpa back in the day." She took something from her pocket and handed two familiar disks to both Gary and Ash. "As you both know Growlithe and Arcanine excel both in the physical and special areas. You both have taught your Pokémon moves to cover both areas as any good trainer should. What you both are lacking at the moment is an area of effect attack and this should shore up that deficiency. I can't wait to see what the future holds for both of you."

Ash took the burning red disk and read the description. His eyes widened. "This is a TM for Heat Wave and it's a permanent one. This must cost a fortune."

Madam Jenny winked. "Consider it a gift for such a good showing." She turned her head back. "Cinder, I'll be heading to bed, why don't you stay here and play with your pups."

The large Arcanine barked and continued to supervise the rambunctious bunch.

Ash turned to Gary. "Wow this is great, hey about during the trip tomorrow when we stopped for a break, I have Growlithe teach yours Morning Sun."

"Sure, and if there's a move any of my Pokémon can teach yours, feel free to ask."

Joe walked over to them and smiled. "That was a great battle guys. You were amazing."

Chief Jenny strode to them. "Okay, you three get inside to eat something before getting to bed. You did say you were leaving for Vermilion tomorrow right?"

Gary nodded. "We have to since I leave on the S.S. Anne in a couple of days to continue my journey."

"You're planning to tackle Blaine's Gym on Cinnabar right?" A mix look of concern and pity flashed over her face. "I hope your team is ready, he is a dangerous man and has become eccentric in his old age."

"What do you mean?" Gary asked over the sound of the puppies playing.

Chief Jenny patted him on the shoulder. "You'll see when you get there." She then turned to Ash and Joe. "You're heading to battle Surge, right? Ash your Rhyhorn will have to play a key element in that battle: don't waste his ground type advantage but don't count on it to save you. Surge has destroyed many trainers who thought like that." She crossed her arms. "As for you Joe, unfortunately out of the two of you, you're the one who is going to have the most trouble with Surge. You're only counter to him is your Bellsprout but that's not saying much. You still have a slot available on your team for a sixth member, you could head to Diglett Tunnel and catch one though I wouldn't recommend doing up against Surge with a newly captured Pokémon. That strategy might have worked in the past but with the restrictions lifted, don't even think about it."

Joe frowned. "Yeah, I know what you mean but I still have to give it a try. And I don't want to capture a Pokémon just to counter one gym, especially since we're only allowed a team of six during our first year. I need to be more discerning about my last choice."

Ash wrapped an arm around Joe's shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll come up with a strategy. You still have a solid team and if it's a 3v3 then you still have Machoke and Colt they will come in handy."

"Yeah, it will just have to be a whole lot tougher." Joe elbow Ash. "We'll make it work."

Gary shook his head. "I still have to get back to the center. I'll see you all tomorrow."

They said goodbye to Gary and went to eat and rest.

In a different part of the Manor, Madam Jenny sat drinking a cup of tea with a woman in her thirties with long dark hair and sharp eyes. Madam Jenny stared into those eyes and saw a thousand different thoughts flowing inside that brain.

"You've been keeping an awfully close eye on the boy, is it because of his father?" Madam Jenny smiled into her cup. "Are you still crushing on him?" She clicked her tongue.

Sabrina rolled her eyes at the older woman. "Like you're still holding a torch for Samuel Oak."

Madam Jenny nearly choked on her tea and glared at the Gym Leader. "Watch it, girl."

"Can't take what you dish out?" They both knew it was nonsense. Sabrina was happily married but everyone still liked to remind her of a girlhood crush. You trounced an entire season's worth of trainers because you were a little upset and people never let you forget it.

"Why are you so interested in him then?"

Sabrina didn't want to divulge too much information as it required certain levels of clearance but as the Matriarch of the Jenny clan. The Madam had that. "There's an air of destiny in his future, I can't see it clearly, the future is turbulent at the moment and clairvoyance was never my strong suit."

Madam Jenny never liked the whole hocus pocus psychics peddled. She arched an eyebrow. "An air of destiny? Is that all?"

Sabrina shook her head. "No, whenever I look into his future I see a curtain of flames so bright it blocks my sight. There's only a few individuals who have this particular trait. And you know who they are and what they represent."

Madam Jenny shot forward. "Do you know which one then?"

"No, the identity is being shrouded from me, it's like I'm looking at a seed instead of the tree it will become." Sabrina frowned. "I dare not share my thoughts because of the danger it will put the boy in. You're the first person I've told. However, I have to report this to Lance, you know what this means."

Madam Jenny put her teacup down. "Good, I'll mobilize my clan to keep an eye out on him. Thank the heavens the boy isn't subtle about his journey so that will make things easier." For a moment she remained silent and then smiled subtly. "One of those individuals is his next challenge. I wonder what will happen when Thunder meets this little fire seed you've spotted."

Sabrina had thought about this very issue for hours and the answer eluded her.

XX

The next day after a hearty breakfast Joe and Ash met Gary south of the city just outside of it.

Gary waved at them. "Hey, are you guys ready?"

Joe looked a little nervous. "I guess, didn't think I'd be riding Colt so soon but we talked yesterday and he seemed excited."

Ash had completely forgotten to talk to Ronar about it but it's not like this was the first time he would be riding the spikes Pokémon. Hopefully this time would end differently.

"Well then I guess we should start with you guys first." Gary motioned for them. "Get your Pokémon out and I'll help you put the saddles on."

Soon Colt and Ronar looked around excitedly. Joe went over and patted the fire horse's nose. Ash rubbed Ronar's horn. "Hey, there bud. Listen, we need to get to Vermilion City as fast as we can and I bought a saddle for you."

Ronar frowned at Ash, he understood but after the last time his trainer had gotten on top of him, he didn't think he would want that again.

"I know we kind of tried this before but we're in a better place now, aren't we?"

The spikes Pokémon nudged Ash with his horn, a happy expression on his face. Thirty minutes later. Both Ronar and Colt had their saddles on and Ash and Joe were sitting astride them with nervous looks on them.

Gary eyed them and made sure everything was nice and tight before releasing his own Pokémon. A three headed bird with dark brown plumage shrieked to the skies. Gary soon took out his own saddle and in a matter of minutes put it on his Dodrio. All three heads nudge him with their beaks.

"Now out of the three of us Ronar is the slowest so we'll keep pace with him but even not going at our fastest we can still get there by tomorrow morning."

Ash knew riding their Pokémon would cut down their travel time by a lot but he didn't know it would be that much.

"We'll stop once to eat and then to rest for the night." Gary pulled on the reins of his Dodrio. "Are you guys ready?"

Joe looked at Ash who also held the reins. "We won't know until we try."

With a quick flick of their reins the trainers were off. The beginning was a little rough on Ash, his heart kept wanting to go out of his mouth as the memories of almost crashing into the Pokémon Center window flashed into his mind. But once they got going it was actually nice, the wind blew in his face and he had to keep his hand on hat to keep it from flying off.

The one who appeared to have the most trouble was Joe. Colt kept running ahead of them and he had to rein the excitable horse back to keep pace with them only for it to run off again. Gary's Dodrio didn't have any issues and just ran alongside Ash for the entire length of the trip.

Around noon they stopped near a small creek to rest and have some lunch. As soon as they got off their Pokémon Ash felt his thighs burn and he walked a little funny. Joe looked disheveled, his hair tousled to one side and his clothes rumpled.

Gary looked at them and laughed. "Yeah that will happen until you develop your muscles. It will hurt like hell tomorrow though. As for Joe, I'm sorry but I think you got a racer on your team."

They all looked at Colt drinking from the creek before prancing in place still full of energy. Joe shook his head. "Tell me about it."

"Well let's have lunch." Ash said as he released all of his Pokémon.

Growlithe barked in excitement as he breathed in the fresh air. Nidorina found a nice shade under a tree which had been taken already by Ronar and just settled there to enjoy the breeze. Saber clicked her beak stretching her wings before taking off into the skies. As for the latest addition to Ash's team. Aster sent warm feelings to Ash before going to the creek and submerged itself in its waters.

"Saber stay close, I'm going to get your food ready. And don't strain yourself."

Saber shrieked back and Ash smiled at his friend who seemed a lot better before getting out the bowls and putting the different food types for each of his team members. He had restocked in Saffron and made sure to get some water type food for Aster. Like usual he put shredded oran berries in all of their bowls as a treat.

Next to him Joe went through a similar ritual. Bellsprout went to the sunniest part of the clearing, planted its roots and basked in the sun. Ash noticed a strange liquid falling from its mouth and wondered what that was all about. Zephryra flew into the skies with a twirl of her tiny body and went to chase after Saber. Finally Machoke went to the largest boulder around, pulled it out and lifted it over his head again and again.

Once he finished filling everybody's bowls and handed it out to him he turned around and saw Gary's team.

The first one he noticed was Gary's starter; it wasn't the arrogant little Squirtle anymore but its fully evolved form of Blastoise. A blur of blue passed by him who he knew without looking it would be Nidorino going to his Nidorina. Then he saw another Pokémon he recognized, a black feline with golden rings. Gary had somehow gotten an Eevee and evolved it into an Umbreon. Ash remembered that he said one of his team had recently evolved; it must have been this one to give him an edge over Sabrina. Ash spotted Gary's Growlithe as he made its way to his own and they both went off to where Bellsprout was. The final member of Gary's team was a bulky Electabuzz who was munching on its food.

Blastoise, Nidorino, Dodrio, Growlithe, Umbreon and Electabuzz, it was definitely a formidable team.

The boys all gathered beneath a tree while their Pokémon ate, mingled and rested. Ash nodded towards Gary. "You got a good solid team there Gary."

"Yeah because of the Rookie Restriction I wanted to have the most coverage when I tackled the league. I wanted to be careful with each and every one of my catches."

The Rookie Restriction was one every recently awarded license trainer had to abide by. For their first year, they were only allowed a maximum team of six Pokémon. At the end of the year they'd had to go to a League Branch office to have an assessment. There an official will review the trainer's record and inspect their team, if everything was okay, then the restriction was lifted. In the case of minors like them, it was partially lifted allowing them to catch up to eight Pokémon. They would need to have yearly assessments until they reach adulthood at the age 16.

At least that's how it was before Lance raised the age restriction, now Ash didn't know how the restriction was going to play out.

"You actually have a pretty decent and varied team Ash, though you only have one slot left. Do you know what you're going to get?" Gary took a bit of his sandwich.

Ash thought about it for a moment and shook his head. "I'm not completely sure yet." He started counting off his fingers. "I have Fire, Poison, Ground, Rock, Steel, Flying, Water and eventually Psychic when they're all fully evolved."

Joe thought about it for a moment. "It seems to me like you should be on the lookout for either a grass or an electric type. It's what I'm going to catch once we reach Vermilion City."

"How can you be so sure you'll find an electric type in the city?" Ash asked as he finished his meal and pulled out his canteen to drink from.

"Have you heard about the Gym Leader Symbiotic Theory?" Joe popped a pear slice into his mouth.

Gary and Ash looked at each other. "The what?"

Given who their parents were they were pretty versed in Pokémon Theory but this one was completely new to them.

"Okay so you know that each Gym Leader specializes in a single type of Pokémon right?"

Both Ash and Gary nodded.

"Don't you think it's a little weird for the most powerful trainers in their city to shackle themselves to a single type? Even with dual typing, they would be easily countered if you know ahead of time."

"I always thought it was just because they really like their chosen types. But now that you mention it." Ash put his canteen away and lay back against the tree.

Gary nodded. "It doesn't make sense."

"This is a theory anyways, according to what I read. The presence of a Gym Leader's team attracts Pokémon of the same typing and also as a side effect because the Leader's team is of a particular type they create training facilities and areas that are suitable for them thus also pulling in Pokémon of the same type. It's why there's so many rock types around Pewter City or Water Type in Cerulean, sure the city itself and surrounding areas help but not to that extent."

He pulled out his pokedex and showed them a map of Vermilion City. "Look at Vermilion for example, it's a port city which would make you think that it would have a lot of water type and while it does, the electric types in the area have risen exponentially since Surge took over ten years ago. Hell, if you look at Surge's day the skies are filled with Magnemites which is what I'm planning to catch as soon as I get into the city. Some people even think the League encourages certain leaders to take over a city to increase the population of a certain type of Pokémon in the area."

Ash whistled. "If this is true then the Gym Leaders don't have to go out hunting for new team members, the Pokémon go straight to them."

Joe's eyes were shining. "Isn't it super cool? Man, I can't wait to become a Gym Leader."

Gary rested his forearm on his raised knee. "Well if this is all true then what typing are you going to specialize in?"

A look of confusion settled over Joe's face. "Oh, shit. I haven't thought about that. I don't know."

Ash laughed. "Something to think about bud."

They all laughed at that and went back to resting for the better part of an hour before getting back on their Pokémon. They rode well into the day and only stopped as the sun was starting to set. They made camp beneath a cluster of trees, released their teams.

Both Growlithe went to the side where they continue to work on Gary's Morning Sun. Ash was okay with his buddy not learning the new move Heat Wave at the moment, it would take some time to get it right and tomorrow was their big battle with Surge.

Nidorino and Nidorina went off into the woods and he damn sure didn't want to know. Ronar, Colt and Dodrio ate their food, drank some water and promptly fell asleep. The day's ride had been hard on them.

Machoke did a bit of night training before retiring for the night. The rest of Gary's team were all huddled close and rested next to each other. Gary said goodbye for the night, climbed on top of Blastoise's shell and used his Umbreon for a pillow.

The whole scene made boh Ash and Joe chuckle.

Ash made sure Aster was good, he would need to spend some time with his water Pokémon and test him out but with Surge's Gym looming in his mind he couldn't devote much of his time to it as he wanted to but he still spent time talking to Aster.

Communicating with a Staryu was a novel experience for him. Aster didn't respond in barks or chirps like his other team members but with flashes of emotion. Once he finished talking to Aster he went to Saber.

She had been chirping with Zephyra as they both were engrossed in conversation before Ash stepped forward. "Hey, girl. How are you doing?"

Saber nudged him with her beak and splayed her wings to show him she was better. Ash inspected where she had been hurt and couldn't see so much as a scratch. He smiled at her. "That's good, after this next gym battle tomorrow we're going to do some intensive training, all of us. I'm counting on you and Growlithe for the gym after. Erika deals with grass types and I know you can handle them."

Saber pecked his cheek affectionately, she was rearing to go and couldn't wait. Ash nodded to her then rubbed the small Pidgeotto's head before getting into his sleeping bag and succumbing to sleep, the last thing he saw was Joe and Bellsprout in deep thought.

The next day the ride proved to be rougher than the day before, like Gary warned them, their muscles were killing them. Thankfully, they only had a couple of miles to go before reaching Vermilion City.

Known far and wide as The City of Exquisite Sunsets. Vermilion City was one of the most prominent cities in Kanto with its large port industry; it served as both a commercial and tourist hub. Because of its importance to the region it was one of the reasons why Lt. Surge had been stationed here.

Rated as the #7 cleanest city in the world the people of Vermilion City take pride in their home and defend it with absolute ferocity.

The trio of trainers reached the city and made a beeline for the Pokémon Center immediately Ash couldn't believe his eyes. The line of trainers waiting to get into the center was about a mile long. Dozens of trainers were anxiously shifting from foot to foot.

Joe whistle. "It seems nothing much has changed since I was last here."

Gary nodded. "It wasn't this bad when I came here though but there was definitely a line."

Ash couldn't help but swallow. "You're saying all these people challenged Surge and lost?"

Gary finished counting the number of trainers in line. "More like got creamed. Listen guys." He nodded towards them. "Listen guys, I'm going to head out to the port, my ship leaves in about an hour or so. They'll have some restoration machines inside so I'll be good. You two need to let both Ronar and Colt rest for a while before challenging Surge."

Ash took out one of the three moonstones he had taken from Mt. Moon and handed it to Gary. "Here, I don't know if you already got one for Nidorino but I got a couple after my last trip to Mt. Moon. This should give him a nice surprise for when he evolves." If he read between the lines of what his dad said about evolution stones, the rarer the location the stone came from the better and there wasn't a better place in the world to get moonstones than Mt. Moon itself.

Gary took the stone and put it away. "Thanks, Ash. I've been looking for one for a while but they're so expensive and not always available."

Ash shrugged. "We might be in-laws now, so it's only right."

The boys laughed and fist bumped. Gary shook Joe's hand. "It was nice meeting you, I'll be seeing you around and remember don't let this one drag you into too much trouble." He thumbed at Ash who glared at Gary.

"You know that's impossible." Joe smirked.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. Everyone's a comedian." Ash grumbled.

Gary left making his way over to the harbor. Ash then turned to Joe. "Do you want to go see your parents while we're here?"

Joe shook his head. "My folks are in Hoenn, my mom is a Guest Pokémon Contest Judge and she goes to a different region every year. As for dad, he is her manager so they work and travel together."

"Well then I guess we'll stay at the center then." Ash stretched and popping noises came from his back. "Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the outdoors but this boy needs a fluffy bed like pronto."

"Or you both could stay with us." A familiar voice said behind them.

Ash and Joe turned around to see Bill and Lanette standing behind them with a goofy grin on their faces. "You know Ash, you could've taken a bit longer to get here and then I wouldn't have to do the dishes for the next month."

Surprised Ash and Joe got out of the line and went to say. "What are you two doing here and how did you know we were here?"

Lanette grinned. "Always with the questions, this one." She pointed at Ash. "Come on, let's get something to eat and we'll talk."

Not about to say no to some free food they followed the couple into a parked car. Inside the car Bill pushed a button and a restoration machine, smaller than the ones at the center, popped up from the floor and Ash and Joe put their pokeballs in. As the driver took them to a restaurant their teams were fully healed. Once inside they ordered pizza and drinks.

Bill leaned back in his seat. "Now to answer your question, let's just say that I've taken a special interest in you boys and kept tabs on you. To be honest I was a little surprised to hear about the whole Cipher affair, nasty business all around. I'm glad you're safe." He grinned at Ash and Joel. "What I wasn't surprised about however is that you got IRISed. You actually beat your father's record. It wasn't until after his third gym badge that he got the designation for something that happened in the Celadon Casino."

Ash blinked in surprise, while he did know about his dad also getting tagged, he didn't know what caused it.

Lanette took a sip of her drink. "Once we got a notice about your change in status, we set up an alert for both of you. Which by the way Joe congrats on getting second place in Knucle's tournament that must've been hard."

"Thanks, it was okay. Machop evolved." Joe smiled. "Thank you for the Elemental Capsule, it really helped him learn Ice Punch that much faster."

Bill leaned forward a glint in his eyes. "Really? How smooth was the transfer of elemental energy from the capsule? Have you recharged it with other energies? How long did it take? Is it too heavy? How about the adaptability to attach itself to different body parts depending on the Pokémon did it work?"

Lanette put her hand on Bill's forearm. "Darling."

Bill raised his hand in defeat. "Fine, fine, I get it."

A loud noise of a Poké Ball being opened and a brown and white fluffy ball flew into Ash's arms.

"Eevee!" Eevee squealed excitedly as she nestled into Ash's arms.

"Well, hello there you little escape artist." Ash smiled surprised as he patted her head.

Bill snorted. "Of course you wanted to come out."

Eevee ignored Bill and nuzzled Ash's chest with her cheek before settling in for pets. Pets were the best in her opinion.

Lanette chuckled. "Anyways boys, we're actually here because we've been invited for the maiden voyage of the S.S. Libra. As the latest cruise ship tailored to the needs of the rich and powerful trainers they wanted our thoughts on it. All sorts of important people are flying in to check it out."

Ash looked at Joe while petting Eevee. "If it's a fancy smancy cruise then how much would those tickets be? I still need to get mine."

Bill shook his head. "Tickets have been sold out for over half a year now. It's nearly impossible to get them now." He gave Ash a sympathetic smile. "Not to mention they would be out of your price range. The only tickets available now are those given away for special promotions such as the exhibition tournament in the fighting dojo."

Dejected Ash stopped petting Eevee only for her to bat his hand with her paw. He resumed petting. He had thought going on a cruise to Celadon would've been so much fun and a change of pace from walking there. Though now he could ride Ronar but he still wanted to go.

"Wait, if this ship is such a big deal then why was the ticket given as the second place prize?" Joe scratched his cheek in confusion. "I would've imagined it would be first."

Lanette took a sip of her drink. "That's because it's a short voyage, just to Celadon and back before going into circulation. The S.S. Anne on the other hand is a world cruise, the ticket for that one however will take you from Vermilion to several ports including Johto before finally stopping in Hoenn."

Ash ignored his pizza and turned to Joe. "You go on the ship and I'll meet you in Celadon, there's no need for both of us to miss out on something like this."

Joe shook his head. "And have you travel alone? Are you crazy?"

"Yeah, it will be boring but this is not something you would want to miss."

"You could do that or you could bunk in with us." Bill said through a mouthful of pizza.

Both boys turned to him. "What?"

Bill swallowed. "I mean. Our cabin is so big there's plenty of space and it's not like they will say no to us." He winked at them. "Money has its perks, you know."

"Thank you so much Bill, that's great."

They all ate for the next couple of minutes with Eevee constantly demanding pets so Ash had to do everything one handed, both Bill and Lanette laugh. As they finished eating Bill took a sip from a coffee he ordered and smiled. "What are your plans now guys?"

Ash turned to Joe. "When does the S.S. Libra leave?"

Joe pulled out the ticket. "According to this, tonight at 6. We actually got here in the nick of time. If we hadn't rushed with Gary we wouldn't have made it in time. So much for Knuckle saying it would depart this week, he should've said tomorrow."

Ash scratched Eevee behind her ears. "That means we have one chance to beat Surge, if we don't we'll have to wait until we come back to challenge Sabrina to deal with him."

"I'd rather just get it over with now." Joe pointed outside. "You saw that line, it will be brutal but we got this."

Bill smiled at the boys. "Well how about we all go together and cheer you on. I want to see how much you have improved Ash."

Ash grinned at him. "You won't be disappointed."

Bill reached out to Eevee but she shook her head. Bill sighed. "Come on Eevee we have to get moving."

Eevee ran to Ash's shoulder and perched there proudly. "Eevee!" Ash chuckled not knowing what to do.

Lanette chuckled and patted Bill on the back. "We can leave her there until we get to the Gym."

"Fine."

Bill paid for everyone and they all moved to the south of the city where Surge's gym was located. A large, one story building, it resembled a warehouse storage place. The one peculiar thing about this gym happened to be all the Magnamite floating around the roof of the gym.

Well look at that Joe had been right. Ash elbowed him. "Well bud, here is your chance. Though I wouldn't recommend attacking any of them." There had to be dozens of them and if he did they might just get sent to the next life in a flash of lightning.

Joe grinned. "All the electricity generated by Surge's gym puts them in a sort of trance so they're actually easier to catch. I've seen a dozen people do the same. The problem is getting the one you want." At Ash's look Joe waved his hand. "You'll see."

With one mighty throw, Joe's Poké Ball flew through the air in a rainbow arc straight at the horde of Magnemites. It crested then stopped in mid-air. It remained there for a second and Ash was about to ask what was going on when the Poké Ball shot out like a pinball approaching the Magnemite but switched direction before it hit it then went for another. The same thing happened again…and again.

Ash stared at the pinballing Poké Ball. "Um what the heck am I looking at here?"

Bill chuckled then put his hands in his pockets. "When gathered in large numbers Magnemite can generate a magnetic field. Unlike in the past, Poké Balls are no longer made from acorns but a resilient alloy. And because of it this situation happens." He shrugged. "It's a passive field, it will continue until it draws near one that doesn't have the Magnet Pull ability. That makes the effect of the field more pronounced." He turned to Joe. "You will end up with one that either has Sturdy or Analytic."

Joe nodded. "I'm okay with that, I prefer one with Sturdy but I will take what I can."

The Poké Ball continued its whacky course for a couple of minutes before shooting like a bullet to a rather large specimen. It smacked it in the back of the head and promptly went inside the ball and fell to the floor.

Shake.

Shake.

Shake.

The Poké Ball remained motionless. Joe walked to it with a grin on his face. "Yes, I got it." He turned to Ash. "We're finally even. Five to Five."

Ash snorted then pointed at the Poké Ball. "Okay, let's see what you caught, that one was a big one."

Joe scanned his newest team member with his pokedex.

[Magnemite, the Magnet Pokémon. Magnemite floats in the air by emitting electromagnetic waves from the units at its sides. These waves block gravity. This Pokémon becomes incapable of flight if its internal electrical supply is depleted. The faster the units at its sides rotate, the greater the magnetic force they generate. They gather in places where electricity is available. They can be found clinging to the steel towers used to support power lines.]

[This Magnemite's gender is unknown, and knows the moves: Thunder Shock, Tackle, Super Sonic, Electro Web, Thunder Wave, Electro Ball, Gyro Ball, Screech, Magnet Rise. This Magnemite has the ability Sturdy.]

Bill nodded. "That's a pretty good Magnemite and with that move pool it should only take you a little bit of training to get him to evolve."

Lanette clapped Joe on the shoulder. "Congrats Joe. Now are you boys ready?"

As soon as she said that a line of half a dozen people exited the gym all of them had their clothes with scorched marks and were running for their lives.

"And get the hell out of here, you bunch weak pansies. If I ever see your snot noses in my gym, I'll kick your asses so hard you'll burp my boots for a week." A loud thundering voice echoed from the inside.

Ash arched an eyebrow at Joe. "Surge?"

Joe nodded. "Yup, that be him alright."

Lanette took Eevee from Ash's shoulders, the little fox protested. "Now, Eevee, Ash has to do an important battle you can watch with the rest of us. Good luck to you two."

Bill gave them a thumbs up and went inside the gym. Ash held his fist to Joe. "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

They both stepped inside the gym and the inside looked pretty much like the outside. A large warehouse space with what looked like several electrical appliances face against one wall. To the right a row of bleachers behind a protective screen wall sat. Ash spotted Lanette, Eevee and Bill sitting next to a familiar large man. The same one they had talked to back in the Cerulean Gym.

Odd, what's he doing here?

Joe elbowed Ash and he turned to where his friend was pointing. Standing a few feet from them was Jovi Crane. They both walked to her.

"Well this is a surprise, we have to stop meeting like this." Ash smiled at her.

Joe nodded.

Jovi eyed them then put her hand on her hip. "It's not that surprising, after Cerulean City you either face Erika in Celadon or Surge in Vermilion only a fool would try to take on Sabrina for their third badge."

"You have only two badges as well." Ash smiled then pointed to him and Joe. "So do we."

"Hey, are you going to be chatting all day wasting my time or are you going to battle?" Surge's voice rang out from the other side of the gym.

Ash turned to where the voice came from. A mammoth of a man sat in a large chair with his feet up on a table and rested his chin on his fist. "I swear after the morning I've had, I just want to nap. Tell me are you three here for a gym battle?" His eyes focused on Ash; they were hard and cold.

"Yes, I'm–" Ash started to say but Surge raised his hand.

"I don't care who you are or where you come from." Surge crossed his feet. "All I've been dealing with is a bunch of morons who don't know how to battle. I don't have time to waste on more stupidity today. Come back another day."

Ash and Joe both looked at each other. Was this guy serious?

An attendant with a tablet walked over to Surge and whispered something in his ear.

Surge frowned. "You're fucking kidding me. Are you telling me these two brats are tagged? Give me that shit." He yanked the tablet from the attendant and his eyes darted over the screen. "Well I'll be fucking damn. I got a couple of rainbow brats and the girl is from Orre." He rubbed his chin. "Now this changes things a bit." He looked up from the tablet at them. "Do you brats still want to battle?"

Ash hated the dismissive tone in Surge's voice but they really needed his badge. He turned to Joe who nodded. "Yeah we do."

Jovi crossed her arms. "I didn't come all this way for nothing."

Surge grinned. "Perfect then I'll grant you a single chance to battle me."

"Okay, who gets to go first?" Ash clenched his fist in anticipation.

"Are you hard of hearing boy?" Surge pointed at all three of them. "I said I would give you all a single chance. You three versus me in a 1v3, three round battle with no substitutions."

"What!" All three of them said at the same time.

Surge crossed his arms. "If you want to battle me today, that's how it's going to be. Take it or leave it."

Ash glanced at Joe. "What do you say?"

Joe's brows creased. "I mean the advantage is to us, we know each other's battle style and Jovi has actually seen us fight back in Cerulean."

Jovi arched an eyebrow at them. "Do you really think it's going to be that easy?"

Up in the stands the large man chuckled as he munched on a bag of popcorn. "Surge really hasn't changed a damn bit."

Bill laughed next to him. "What are you going to do boys? Are you going to rise to his challenge?" He then glanced at the man next to him with a wary eye. "What are you doing here Scott? I figured you would be preparing for the Ever Grande Conference."

Scott took off his sunglasses and smiled at Bill. "I'm doing what I always do, look for hidden potential and diamonds in the rough. This year something told me I would find an interesting gem in this year's Indigo Conference and I believe I stumbled upon someone very promising."

"Something or someone?" Lanette asked from her seat as she petted Eevee who only had eyes for Ash.

All three of them knew who they were talking about. Scott's organization might be a secret to the rest of the world but not to them and if they were being honest with each other out of the three down there only one of them would have caught their eye.

A hint of a smile played on Scott's lips. "The ways of the Maiden are lost on one as lowly as me."

That was all the confirmation Bill needed. "I see, so it is her."

"Who else." Scott popped more popcorn in his mouth. "Now, shush, I think the kids are about to ride the lightning."

Ash nodded at the other two trainers. "If you guys are sure about this, then let's do it."

"We don't have time to come up with a strategy so let's figure it out as we go and try not to get in each other's way." Jovi turned to look at Surge, a Poké Ball in her hand.

"This is going to be one hell of a battle." Joe rubbed the back of his head.

Surge smiled at all three trainers. "Let's see if you have what it takes to entertain me." He waved his hand from his chair.

An attendant, the same one who brought Surge the tablet, walked to the middle of the battlefield and cleared his throat. "The battle for the Thunder Badge between Lt. Surge and the trainers Ash Ketchum, Jovi Crane and Joe Landers will b three round with no substitutions. Best two out of three wins."

Surge pushed a button on his chair and a Poké Ball shot into the air from the back of his chair and opened. A large spherical pokemon landed with a savage grin on its face, it looked like a demonic inverted Poké Ball.

Ash and Joe had already thrown their own pokemon out. Ash had chosen Ronar for this battle and Joe went with Machoke. Jovi's pokemon was something Ash had never seen before. An orange, bug looking Pokémon. It had a round body with a white underside and four stumpy legs. It also had a proportionally large head, small black eyes with twinkle-shaped pupils, and a zigzagging mouth.

The attendant raised his hand. "Electrode v Rhyhorn, Machoke and Trapinch. Ready. Set. Go."

"Ronar Rock Blast!" Ash took the initiative. Ronar stomped on the ground and several large boulders rose from the ground and flew at Electrode.

"Trapinch hit it with your Sand Tomb." Jovi crossed her arms. Trapinch bit the air as its body glowed with maroon energy.

"Focus Chop, Machoke, knock it down with one blow." Machoke's fist flashed with white light as he ran behind Ronar's Rock Blast using it as cover.

"Well isn't this an interesting bunch? Energetic too." Surge smile. "Voltix use Magnet Rise then Charge Beam that Machoke into a fried steak."

Electrode's body glowed as he floated several inches off the ground and missed getting sucked into the sand pit opening beneath it. It zig zag away from the rocks as they weren't even there then faster than Ash thought possible it rolled away from Machoke's fist. Electrode's entire body crackled with electricity and a concentrated beam shot toward Machoke.

A sand pit opened beneath Machoke's feet and he sank several feet narrowly dodging getting cooked. The beam hit one of the walls leaving a scorched mark behind.

Joe turned to Jovi. "Thanks."

"Don't thank me yet, ground moves won't work on him anymore." Jovi frowned. "Trapinch use Dig."

Trapinch chomped the air and quickly dug underground.

Surge smiled. "Clever girl but it won't save you. Voltix, have fun."

Ash frowned. "I thought you said ground moves wouldn't work."

"I did but Electrode is faster than any of our Pokémon and he will definitely have other moves besides electric to counter us."

She was right, making Trapinch hide underground both protected him and hid him from Surge for a surprise attack. Ash frowned with ground moves being ineffective; he couldn't use most of Ronar's moves. This wasn't how he thought this battle would go.

"Ronar Stampede!" Ronar raised his horn and charged with all his might against the floating ball of sparks.

"Machoke, get ready he is going to come after you, hit it with Focus Ice."

Surge chuckled. "Focus Ice? How cute."

Electrode danced across the field using its superior speed to avoid getting hit by Ronar and tried to get a good shot at Machoke. As he charged his attack he had to roll away to avoid getting gored by Ronar. The superpower pokemon took that moment to launch his attack. Electrode saw the frost covered fist and rolled to the side narrowly avoiding getting hit.

Jovi's eyes widened. "That's it. Trapinch hit him with Fury Cutter."

The ground behind Electrode opened up and the tiny pokemon's jaws glowed with verdant light as it took a bite out the electric ball. Electrode howled in pain and fired a Charge Beam at Trapinch who went back underground completely unharmed. However, the hole on the ground widened considerably.

The attacks were getting stronger, if they let Electrode keep firing then they would be in real trouble. Ash recalled fighting against Bill's Jolteon. It was a similar situation, one against many and Electrode was as fast as Jolteon. Back then Bill played them against each other and used its superior speed to take them all out in quick succession. Surge on the other hand seemed to focus on taking them out one at a time!

Ash snapped his fingers. "Hey, Joe, are you ready for something crazy?"

Electrode fired another Charge Beam at Machoke grazing his shoulder. The beam continued until it blew up a washer on the other side.

"Remember my trip to Mt Moon's Pokémon Center and how I caught Saber?" Ash grinned.

"What does that…" Joe's eyes widened then grinned. "You're insane but let's do it."

Ash looked at Jovi. "Think you can have Trapinch do what he did again?"

Jovi considered him for a moment. "Sure."

Joe and Ash shared a look then at their Pokémon.

"Machoke ride on top of Ronar and prepare an Ice Punch!"

"Ronar charged straight at Electrode!"

Surge arched an eyebrow at them. "Well this is going to be fun."

Machoke jumped on top of Ronar, his fist covered in ice. Ronar sped straight at Electrode. Electrode noticed the incoming duo and his whole body crackled with electricity. Trapinch chose that moment to come out and bite Electrode's backside. Electrode flinched in pain and shot its beam at Machoke because of Trapinch his aim was off and it headed straight for Ronar.

"Ronar launch Machoke in the air then hit Electrode with Dragon Rush." Ash clenched his fist.

Ronar roared and bucked Machoke off him then increased his speed as he called forth his draconic energy shrouding his body. The shroud looked thicker and more uniform than before but there were still several spots where the energy wasn't flowing. Electrode tried to shake Trapinch off. Trapinch was flung at the rushing Ronar but managed to get out of the way glancing slightly off Ronar's Dragon Rush making barely enough contact.

Electrode saw Ronar and braced itself too late to dodge. As Ronar was about to make contact the draconic shroud popped like a balloon leaving the spikes pokemon surprised as he could attack with his horn. He thrusted upwards sending Electrode into the air and the awaiting fist of Machoke. The superpower Pokémon spiked him like a volleyball with his Ice Punch.

The electric ball was unconscious before he hit the ground.

"First round of this gym battle goes to the challengers!"

Joe and Ash cheered. Jovi grinned from ear to ear as she looked at something to the side. The boys followed her gaze which landed on her Trapinch. The unmistakable light of evolution shrouded the little ground type.

"Well that would've been a problem if it had done it during the battle." Surge frowned as he recalled his Pokémon.

As the light faded from where Trapinch stood a new Pokémon floated into the air on green wings. It had a small head with two yellow antennae and green bulging eyes with black oval-shaped pupils. Smaller than his previous form. It had a skinny yellow body, four skinny black legs with slender feet, and four green, rhombus-shaped wings with black edges.

Joe whistled. "A Vibrava, a dragon and ground type. Don't let its size fool you, all dragons are powerful and its evolved form of Flygon is ranked in the top 10 dragons in the world."

"Congrats Jovi." Ash knew from his time with his mom and Professor Oak raising a dragon type was anything but easy. He recalled Ronar. "Thanks buddy, you did great." Next to him Joe did the same.

Vibrava raised its head releasing a jet of blue flames right before Jovi recalled him.

"Thanks but don't think we're off the hook yet, look." She pointed at Surge who didn't look worried at all at having lost a battle.

"Well you three have proven yourselves to be above the common garbage that comes into my gym." He pressed another button and a new Poké Ball shot out into the air. "Now, let's see if you can keep it up."

The Pokémon that came out of the ball was small and orange. It kind of looked like a floating lightbulb with blue bolts coming from its bottom. It zip and zap from one place to the other without a care in its face.

Ash, Joe and Jovi released their next pokemon.

Growlithe barked with excitement as he saw he had been called to battle. Next to him came Bellsprout and they were rounded up by Jovi's Elekid who Ash and Joe had seen in her battle in Cerulean.

Surge snorted. "Well this is going to be quick. It's time you kids learn what obliteration means."

"Second battle for the Thunder Badge, Rotom vs Elekid, Growlithe and Bellsprout. Begin."

"Amps, go and have some fun." Surge rested his cheek on his feet. "If they beat you I'll do more than give them a badge."

Rotom snickered.

Ash knew about Rotom, they were very versatile and powerful pokemon. And as a ghost and electric type they had access to a wide range of moves not to mention that they could possess anything electronic.

"Growlithe use Quick Attack and then Bite."

Growlithe blurred and streaked across the field.

"Bellsprout back up Growlithe with your Sleep Vines."

The flower pokemon coated its vines with the knocked out powder and launched them at Rotom.

"This won't be an easy one but we can try it. Elekid use your Shock Wave and help them out."

Electricity covered Elekid's prongs and he sent the bolts straight at Rotom.

"You're little pincer attack from last time won't work." Surge grinned.

Growlithe jumped into the air, his fangs covered with dark energy while Bellsprouts vines came from the left as Elekid's Shock Wave blocked his right escape.

Rotom snickered once more before floating upwards avoiding all three attacks without any effort. It then flew straight at one of the appliances littering the field, an oven and took over.

"That little flower with all of its spores is going to be a problem, get rid of it first." Surge tone cracked the air like a whip.

Rotom oven door opened and a concentrated stream of flames shot forth from it. Growlithe jumped in front of it and unleashed his Fire Spin.

The two flames collided in mid air.

Surge laughed. "Your pup has more guts than brains."

Growlithe pushed more power into his flames, this was fire. He knew fire, he would not let himself be beaten by it.

The collision lasted a couple of seconds before Rotom's attack tore through Growlithe's Fire Spin and hit both Pokémon. Growlithe took the brunt of the flames protecting Bellsprout as best as he could. The attack launched them into the air and almost out of the battlefield. Growlithe's fur was singed in several places. Ash couldn't believe his eyes. How hot were those flames?

"Elekid fire your Shock Wave at Rotom, protect Grolwithe and Bellsprout!"

The electric Pokémon stood in front of Growlithe and Bellsprout firing blast after blast of electricity at Rotom. For his part the little ghost abandoned the oven, it clattered to the ground and the door broke, then flew into a refrigerator and grinned menacingly.

Bellsprout's leaves were badly burned as it lay unmoving on the ground. Growlithe tried to rise to his feet and yelped in pain before falling back to ground.

"Growlithe get up, you can do this." Ash clenched his fist, he had never seen Growlithe take such a beating. "Morning Sun!" Growlithe's body glowed with healing energy.

"Oh, we can't have that now can we." Surge tapped his finger on the chair's arm. "Rotom, Blizzard."

Bellsprout saw how Growlithe desperately tried to heal himself after he saved her. The temperature dropped as Rotom opened its belly and a blast of freezing air. Never had she been so outclassed and powerless before. She shouldn't need anyone's protection, she controlled the battlefield. She was the one who sent others to the hospital.

Pride and unwillingness filled her

She felt her poison bubble to the surface as her body morphed and changed. Joe couldn't believe his eyes as his Bellsprout evolved right before his eyes into a Weepinbell. Anger flashed into Weepinbell's eyes as she shot a glob of yellow liquid at Rotom only for it to freeze in mid air.

A sheet of hard cold ice covered the entire battlefield. Growlithe paws had been frozen to the ground as for Elekid and Weepinbell both of them lay encased in ice.

"The winner is Surge and Rotom."

Ash, Joe and Jovi quickly rushed to their pokemon and applied Ice Heal to their wounds. Once the ice melted Weepinbell looked dejected at having lost and wanted to go again.

Joe put a hand on her stem. "You did great, it was just a bad match up." He knew it wasn't just a bad match up. It was a complete beat down.

Ash was having a similar conversation with Growlithe but it wasn't having any effect on his battle partner. Growlithe felt devastated, how could lose in a fire fight and get burned. He didn't want to see anyone and pushed the Poké Ball's button with his nose and let himself get dragged into stasis. Ash didn't know how to comfort his friend but he would find a way to do so after this battle.

Jovi had already recalled her Elekid and stood by the trainer's are waiting for Joe and Ash.

Surge looked at the three trainers, they held up longer than he thought. He was starting to have fun. "Growlithe brat, I commend you for how you trained him, not many Pokémon can take Rotom's Overheat and continue to battle as he did or tried to anyways. As for you Plant boy, I remember you now, you came here a couple of months to get a starter. You have come a decent way to be able to challenge me in such a short time." He pressed a button on his chair. "But playtime is over."

A Poké Ball launched into the air releasing a massive Pokémon. Yellow fur covered his body and stood on two powerful legs with a white belly. It had conical ears with black stripes and a red orb on its forehead. Its long neck had several black rings around it near the base. Its stubby arms resemble flippers and each foot had a single white nail. It had a long, black-striped tail with a red orb at the tip. The orb on its tail shone so bright it almost blinded them. Ampharos, the native electric type of Johto.

Jovi frowned at Surge. "I don't have time to come back and battle you again. Sic Em Girl." She released her Pokémon at the same time as Ash and Joe.

Joe had gone for Colt as he final option while Ash went with Nidorina. Jovi's last Pokémon was an Espeon. The jewel on her forehead glowed with arcane power.

Up in the stands Eevee and Bill leaned forward.

"The final battle for the Thunder Badge will be between Ampharos and the team of Espeon, Ponyta and Nidorina."

"Sunstrike, end this fast so I can get lunch. Dragon Pulse."

Surprisingly it was Joe who took point. "We're not about to let you do whatever you want like last time. Colt Agility and follow it up with Flame Charge."

Colt's body burst into flames as he charged forward like a bolt of lightning made of fire sundering the skies.

Surge grinned. "Bring it, boy."

Ampharos arms came together and a sphere of draconic energy formed in front of it.

"He is not alone. Nidorina use Supersonic."

Nidorina opened her mouth and a soul wrenching screeched burst forth from her.

"Espeon use your Psybeam."

The jewel on Espeon's forehead glowed and a multicolored beam shot from it.

Ampharos yelped in pain as Nidorina's Supersonic hammered her ears. He tried to fire his Dragon Pulse at the incoming Ponyta but where there once was one Ponyta now were five. He didn't know which one to fire, he chose the farthest from the left.

The sphere missed by a wild margin and Ponyta collided with Ampharos sending it flying into the air right into the path of the Psybeam. The Light Pokémon screamed in pain. Surge frowned. "Sunstrike use Discharge!"

Ampharos' tail crackled with electricity before a torrent of power burst from it. Bolts of lightning flew everywhere without any sense of direction; they all hit their targets sending back a couple of steps. The ground cracked and broke with the power of the attack. Espeon growled but fought through the pain. Nidorina's scales cracked in several places but she remained firm. Colt raced between the lightning bolts but even with his enhanced speed he was getting hammered.

Ash saw their chance. "Guys hit it while it's still in the air. Poison Sting!"

"Espeon, Psybeam one more time."

"Colt, Ember!"

All three attacks streaked through the air. They fought through the field of electricity and hit Ampharos before he could recover himself.

"Nidorina use Toxic" Ash didn't want to give Surge time to Recover.

Jovi picked up on his strategy. "Espeon Swift!"

"Colt Flame Charge!"

A stream of poison flew from Nidorina while glowing stars bombarded where Ampharos had fallen. A ball of flame in the shape of Colt ran right into Ampharos. The light pokemon still disoriented from the Supersonic stood no chance.

Up in the stands Scott laughed through a mouthful of popcorn. "Well Surge really shot himself in the foot with this arrangement." He stood up and nodded at Bill and Lanette. "Well I've seen what I needed to see, he is promising but he still has much growing up to do. I'll see how he does in Celadon."

Without another word he left only. Bill looked where Scott went with a frown. "If those people are moving then something big is going to happen."

Lanette patted Eevee on the back of the head. "Yes, we need to reach out to our contacts and see what the hell is going on. But don't forget the real reason we came here, honey."

They both looked at Eevee then at the trainers recalling their Pokémon.

"Yeah, I remember."

Surge rose from his chair with a wide grin on his face even though he had lost. "That's the most fun I've had in weeks. You brats aren't half bad."

He flicked each of them a Thunder Badge. One of his attendants brought over three yellow cases. "Now I see that you two are traveling together so giving you the same TM would be moronic. Ash here you take this one for Charge Beam while you Joe take the one for Wild Charge. And for you Jovi, take this Thunderbolt one."

The trainers got their TM and put them in their cases. Surge then shook hands with each of them. "Once you get your teams trained up, come back here and we'll have a true one on one for everyone to enjoy." Surge then got to Ash and something sparked between them as they shook. Surge's eyes narrowed, he had only ever felt that sensation with two other people. However, this wasn't like those times, the sensation was muted as if barely there. Interesting. He gripped Ash's hand harder. "Especially you, I will be seeing you soon enough."

Ash tried to not have his hand crushed and pulled it back. There was no way he would face Surge until at least Growlithe, Ronar and Nidorina evolved. Yup no way, Surge was too scary and they only ever beat him because of the ridiculous rule he implemented. If it had been a true 1v1 then he would've crushed all of them.

But now he had his Thunder and he was almost half of the way done. Next would be Celadon City where he felt more confident than ever he would take Erika's badge.

---

Hello guys, back again with another chapter and wow did a lot happened in this one. I'm pretty happy with how it came out and have to say some characters popped back up that I originally wasn't planning to I'm looking at you Gary and Bill. But I feel that it was time we met our friend and rival and like how his interaction was with Ash.

Bill well he is always fun to write.

Now to answer some reviews.

SHAE H: Looking forward to seeing what Pokémon his grandfather gives him but was kind of hoping Bill was going to give him the eevee that keeps on following him for attention

HK: Thank you for reading and reviewing. I hope people like my choice for that particular pokemon, its not a commonly seen one. I cannot comment on Eevee but I think this chapter will let you in on my thoughts.

Haziq Saffari: Salutations, I came across this and its a great story. The team is solid and Joe from Poketech is a good companion. So Team Rocket wasn't formed and are instead good people? Its a welcoming twist seeing the replacement antagonist is unexpected but good.

Can't wait to see the reunion with Gary next. Keep it up.

HK: Thank you for reading and reviewing. I'm really glad you like the story. Yeah, I always liked Joe and the whole Poketech concept was fun so I wanted to expand on it. Now Team Rocket, I don't want to comment on it much but there's more to them than we have seen. As for them being good...that's well you'll see. In the next arc you'll get a glimpse behind the curtain but that's all I'm saying at the moment. I hope you like the reunion with Gary that one was fun to write.

Kingofsenju: Why are you giving all the Pokémon trash abilities? Justified growlith and a keen eye skarmory

HK: Thank you for reading and reviewing. I'm sorry you don't like the abilities but they were chosen for story purposes that will be made clear in later chapters.

Speed Reader: Congratulations to both of them on their new teammates and improvements to their existing teams. The category of trainers who get into crazy situations was a nice treat, the anime could have really used it. Fantastic reworking/additions to the previous chapters.

HK: Thanks for your review and yes I figured we needed a class of trainer for those who go into trouble again and again.

Red's Melancholy: Always nice to hear that an author left the story behind for awhile because of a happy reason! Often its for a sad reason, glad to have you back!

HK: Thanks Red, I'm happy to be back.

redmen6blight:Had to reread previous chapters to get caught up again and to remember characters but enjoyed this chapter. Staryu is a unique choice for water type still more of a mudkip guy myself are you considering a grass type for Ash-

HK: thanks for reviewing. Your suggestions are great however I can't reveal yet who his grass type will be but I already have it picked up, same with the fighting one, actually your review helped me narrow it down. It's not Riolu I can guarantee that. Rhyhorn is also a favorite of mine and can't wait to write more of him.

ShadeOClutch: I don't like the idea of 2 trainers travelling together simply because the battle experience they are supposed to earn on a journey directly gets cut down to half-

HK: Thank you for your review and your thoughts. There's story reasons as to why I'm having them travel together. Also i've seen a lot of fics where Ash is always alone or gets separated from his companions. I like some of those fics but this is a different take on his journey.

Darkmaster34: Well i wont be reading it anymore it was a good story until you did the nickname thing either nickname them all or dont nickname any really disapointed it was good until then but i just cant stand the whole only nicknaming some and not all pokemon thing

HK: Thank you for thoughts and your review. I'm sorry you feel this way but the nicknames for the pokemon are chosen as the story progresses and to show character development.

Well that's all of them for now.

Like I've said before I'll be aiming for at least one chapter a month, this one came pretty early considered it my Halloween present for all of you. Please leave a review as it lets me know if you like the chapter what you didn't like. If you have any questions feel free to leave it on a review or a PM, I'll answer or clarify everything I can. Reviews are a great motivator and I like chatting with you guys.

Until Next Time

HK