Omarnosian10: Almost five months… What a record.
Ash: Is that sarcasm I heard?
Omarnosian10: Over the fact that this has been the longest wait for a PTT chapter? Yeah.
Georgia: Anything unique about this chapter?
Omarnosian10: Thanks for asking. Don't worry you fellow filler-haters; I've turned the original episode into something memorable. ON WITH THE SHOW!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon. If I did, it would've gone the Yu-Gi-Oh route, and had Ash succeeded by someone, given Ash a sensible harem, done Unova better (like anyone would), or a lot of other stuff. All descriptions of Pokémon and most of their moves belong to Bulbapedia. A majority of this chapter before being edited by me belonged to 19jchoi's Unova Journeys.
"Normal"
'Thought'
"Communicating through a medium"
"Possessed"
"Telepathy"
Flashback or Dream
"[Poké-Speech]"
Chapter 8: Saving Darmanitan From the Bell!
(Route 3)
"The Double Battle between Dawn Berlitz of Twinleaf Town and Darwin Langley of Iccirus City is about to commence!" It's been almost a day since the mentioned Trainers caught their new Pokémon. Since then, the two have been bonding with them, especially Dawn with Munna considering she barely did it when Snivy came along. For a field test, plus being one picnic away from Ardentia Town, the two decided to battle each other while Ash, Georgia, and Cilan make lunch.
"You're going down, Dawn! My team of Purrloin and Blitzle will wipe the floor with you!" taunted Darwin, one choice an unspoken explanation as to why Cilan isn't spectating.
"[I shall make this swift and painless.]" giggled Purrloin, showing off her newest Move: Fury Swipes.
"[This battle is gonna be crack-a-lacking!]" whooped Blitzle, stomping the dirt.
"Munna and Snivy might be new to me, but don't underestimate us!" smirked Dawn.
"[Yeah!]" nodded Munna, flying in a loop.
"[The master shall show her student his place!]" taunted Snivy, lashing at the ground with Vine Whip.
"Only the Pokémon out now can be used in battle! Also, like both battlers agreed to earlier, no using Attract on account of the unbalanced guy-to-girl ratio and the chance of it delaying the battle." recited May; the referee.
"Good idea! Our vegetable paella made with fresh vegetables and olive oil will be ready by the time you're finished!" smirked Cilan.
"Now let the battle begin!"
Darwin: Purrloin & Blitzle VS Dawn: Munna & Snivy
"Winners first! Purrloin, Fury Swipes on Snivy! Blitzle, Shockwave on Munna!" begun Darwin.
"[Watch out for claws!]" laughed Purrloin, charging at Snivy with the Normal Move prepared.
"[Prepare for some crack-a-lightning!]" shouted Blitzle, firing the Electric Move.
"Rude! Girls, let's show him our technique! Snivy, grab Munna with Vine Whip!" grinned Dawn.
"What?!" Watching it happen, Darwin left himself surprised; he was expecting a Leaf Storm/Blade and/or Psybeam counter.
"Now spin her around while Munna uses Barrier!" added Dawn.
"[Yes, mistress!]" Nodding, Snivy did so, making circles.
"[Whee!]" Enjoying the fast-paced ride, Munna didn't ignore her Trainer, conjuring a dark pink sphere-shaped psychokinetic shield around her body that not only upped her Defense by 2, it also started extending towards Snivy.
"[Aw man!]" whined Blitzle, watching his Shock Wave get blocked.
"[Ye—Owch!]" Purrloin got whacked back by the spinning Barrier, sending her back; while the Psychic energy didn't affect her, the blunt force did stun her.
"What the…" awed Darwin, seeing the Barrier cover both Pokémon before dissipating a few moments later while both Pokémon went to each other's side.
"Like it? It's a Double Battle version of the Counter Shield technique. Granted, it's imperfect since Barrier was only supposed to cover Munna, but we're working on that." grinned Dawn.
"…Clever b—"
"JUST BECAUSE I'M NOT LOOKING DOESN'T MEAN I'M NOT LISTENING!" Georgia's voice is heard from the cooking.
"I mean clever trick! But you can't stay on the defensive forever! Purrloin, Assist!" gambled Darwin.
"[Let's see if you like this!]" meowed Purrloin, paw glowing while she rushed toward her opponents.
"Intercept with Yawn!" waved Dawn.
"[Nighty-night!]" giggled Munna, exhaling a clear, white bubble that sailed toward Purrloin.
"Aw cr—" Darwin couldn't finish his swear when the Yawn struck Purrloin's face, stopping the Dark-Type.
"[What… was… feeling… woozy…]" blinked Purrloin slowly, falling onto her back, asleep… but not before an Ember escaped her glowing paw and struck an off-guard Snivy.
"[Ack!]" Yelping, the Grass-Type stopped, dropped, and rolled.
"Good work, Purrloin. (takes out tape recorder) Note to self; ask Ash for tips on teaching Sleep Talk. (puts it away) Looks like it's all on you, for now, Blitzle. Quick Attack on Snivy!" ordered Darwin.
"[Victory is closer than ever!]" neighed Blitzle, glowing white while rushing Snivy, striking her with the Normal Move.
"Protect her with Psybeam, Munna!" declared Dawn.
"[I got you, miss Snivy!]" Eyes glowing dark pink, Munna then fired same-colored beams from them toward Blitzle.
"Keep up with Quick Attack to dodge!" Darwin's words were heeded, evident by Blitzle leaping away from the Psychic Move and striking Snivy repeatedly.
"This is bad… Munna, switch to Ya—"
"Oh no, you don't! Blitzle, switch targets, and use Shock Wave!" Darwin cuts off Dawn's order.
"[No sleepy time for me!]" With Snivy dazed, Blitzle struck Munna with the Electric Move, shocking the Psychic-Type into descending.
"Snivy, Leaf Storm while Blitzle's away!"
"Oh, cr—!" Darwin got cut off by the Grass Move pelting Blitzle away and onto his side.
"[I'm… standing my ground!]" Bltizle wobbled up.
"Can you still battle? (Blitzle nods) Alright, use Charge!" smirked Darwin.
"[Time to go crazy!]" yelled Blitzle, sparking.
"Brace yourselves…" warned Dawn, her Pokémon on guard.
"Shock Wave on Munna: Full Power!" fist-pumped Darwin.
"[Y~AH!]" Blitzle fired the Charge-powered Move.
"…Munna, Snivy, Leaf Storm & Psybeam!" decided Dawn.
"[Together?]" blinked Snivy.
"[Wheehee!]" cheered Munna, firing Psybeam.
"[Alright.]" Shrugging, Snivy fired her most powerful Move. Once the team's Moves met, the leaves began swirling around Psybeam in an infinity emblem, resembling a mask.
"[Pretty…]" This was the sight Purrloin woke up to… along with the combo cruising through Shock Wave and heading toward them. "[OH NO!]"
"ACK!" The combo exploded on Darwin's team, making him flinch and shield his eyes with his cast arm. Once the smoke dispersed, he lowered it, viewed the field… and sighed.
"Both Purrloin and Blitzle are unable to battle! Munna and Snivy win! Which means the match goes to Dawn!"
Winner: Dawn
"Great work, you two!" cheered Dawn, scooping her Pokémon into a hug.
"[YAY!]" If Munna could clap, she would.
"[It wasn't that impressive…]" denied Snivy.
"Don't worry you two, we'll get her next time," assured Darwin, picking his Pokémon up… with some difficulty with one injured wrist.
"Okay! The paella's ready!" called Cilan, setting the food on a table.
"[What about us?]" whined Pikachu, Pawniard, and Piplup.
"Don't worry, we didn't forget about you guys! Here's some Pokémon food!" chuckled Ash, setting down some filled bowls. Crying happily, they, along with the others and the recently battled, dug in. The Trainers soon followed, talking while they dined.
"Hey Ash, mind if I question you on something?" asked Cilan.
"Sure." shrugged Ash.
"When we reach the town, what Pokémon are you exchanging Gible for?" added Cilan.
"I wanna know, too. I mean, it can't be Infernape since his only Fighting Move is Mach Punch." tilted Dawn.
"Mach Punch?" echoed Darwin, searching his Pokédex.
Mach Punch, a Fighting-Type Physical Move. The user throws a punch at blinding speed. It is certain to strike first.
"Dangit, the only Unova Pokémon that can learn that is Timburr, and it's an Egg Move." cursed Darwin.
"And Heracross only knows Focus Punch," added May.
'Note to self, teach Fighting-Types more Moves of that Type.' "It'll be a surprise." grinned Ash. The girls whined before pleading with Ash to tell them. While they did, Darwin finished his plate before spotting something behind the girls.
"What's that?" At Darwin's question, everyone turned to his sight to see a Pokémon walking in front of them. He is a small, round, red Pokémon with short arms and legs and a stubby tail. He has an orange face and curly yellow eyebrows. He has three yellow ovals on his abdomen and a curvy yellow line on his back. His hands and feet are orange with three digits each.
"Whoa! What's that!?" asked May, surprised. Ash took out his Pokédex, scanning the new red Pokémon.
Darumaka, the Zen Charm Pokémon. When asleep, even when pushed or pulled, it cannot be knocked over.
"So, you're Darumaka!" exclaimed Ash. Darumaka sheepishly smiled while putting his paw on his head. May smiled as she walked over to the Zen Charm Pokémon.
"Aw… You're so cute!" giggled May, scratching his ear. Darumaka prepared to shoot a small Flamethrower at her… until she reached a spot he could never reach.
"[Ah~, that hits the spot!]" sighed Darumaka.
"Well, many people think of it as a good luck Pokémon!" explained Cilan.
"Oh, really?" asked Ash, amazed. Unknown to them, an orange paw is reaching out of a bush, nearing a food bowl…
"[No snatching!]" Beartic, the owner, reached into the bush and picked up the thief, his roar catching everyone's attention.
"What the—Another Darumaka?!" gasped Dawn.
"There are two Darumakas!" stated Cilan.
"[We've been compromised!]" shouted the captured Fire-Type.
"[Plan B then!]" The other Darumaka's hands become surrounded by golden energy and he raises both hands into the air before they fire two golden beams of energy into the sky. The two beams of energy fly high into the sky and twist around each other, forming an orb that shined brightly, blinding the gang.
"WHAT IS THAT, SOME KINDA SPECIAL FLASH?!" screamed Darwin, everyone covering their eyes; Beartic having to release the second Darumaka to do so.
"THAT WASN'T FLASH, THAT WAS A SUNNY DAY!" corrected Cilan.
"IT'S A WEATHER-CHANGING MOVE THAT BOOSTS FIRE AND WEAKENS WATER!" added Ash. Once their eyes adapted, everyone looked to see the two Darumaka run off with duffel bags filled to the brim with—
"OH NO, THEY DON'T! WE'RE NOT GONNA HAVE OUR POKÉMON'S FOOD TAKEN TWO DAYS IN A ROW!" growled May sympathetically.
"Tepig/Munna, use Yawn!" ordered Ash/Dawn.
"[Nighty-nighty, you thieves/meanies!]" Both Pokémon fired white bubbles at the thieves.
"[Oh ****, those Moves always hit!]" freaked out a Darumaka.
"[Maneuver NU—138, go!]" ordered the other, tossing his duffel bag toward his comrade before turning toward the bubbles, yelling out, and stomping around, making white sound waves come out of his mouth before both Yawn hit him and his comrade, yet…
"That was Uproar!" noted Cilan.
"That Move keeps Pokémon listening to it awake!" reminded May, a certain Loudred filling her and Ash's head.
"Plan B, then. Oshawott, I choose you!" called Ash.
"Piplup, Spotlight!" pointed Dawn. At their call, their Starters rushed to their side while the others went to the sidelines.
"Good choice! A Water Type is best going against a Fire Type!" complimented Cilan.
"Oshawott/Piplup! Use Water Gun/Hydro Pump!" called the foreigners. The Starters nod before doing so; Oshawott shoots the basic Water Move from his mouth while Piplup opens his beak and releases a powerful stream of water with white rings of water around it.
"[Maneuver GS—51, go!]" Having equal luggage now, as one, both Darumaka cartwheeled away from the Super-Effective Moves.
"What!? No way!"
"They saw it coming!" gasped the battlers. Turning to them, one Darumaka shoots Flamethrower while the other—
"Solar Beam?! Do—" The synced order came too late, the Grass/Fire-Type combination overwhelming the Water-Types and knocking them out.
"No, Oshawott/Piplup!" The foreigners run toward their Pokémon, picking them up and cradling them. Gathering, the gang looked back to see the Darumakas nowhere in sight.
"**** it!" swore Darwin. Shelving the Fire-Types' whereabouts for later, they focused on the knocked-out Water-Types.
"Are you two okay?" asked Ash. Oshawott and Piplup only groaned in pain.
"Oshawott and Piplup are knocked out!" replied Georgia sadly.
"A Sunny Day-enhanced Flamethrower combined with Solar Beam can cause a lot of damage!" stated Cilan.
"We need to get to a Pokémon Center!" replied Ash.
"How close are we to Ardentia Town?!" added Dawn. Taking out a Town Map, Cilan looked it over.
"It should be right up ahead!" stated Cilan, pointing.
"Right!"
(Ardentia Town Pokémon Center)
"Nurse Joy! Will our Pokémon be okay?" asked Ash, he and Dawn at the front desk while carrying their Water Starters.
"Don't worry! Oshawott and Piplup will be fine!" assured Joy.
"Thanks, Nurse Joy." thanked Ash.
"Audino? If you please?" asked Joy. Audino smiled as she took the Sea Otter and Penguin Pokémon to the emergency room. Ash and Dawn watched on with worry, the others sharing looks.
"Hey Ash, while we're here, maybe you can bring back that old friend you were talking about?" asked May, hoping to lift their spirits. Judging by Ash's smile, it worked.
"Sure." With that simple answer, he went over a video phone. It didn't take long before a familiar Professor appears on-screen.
"Hello— ASH?! Is that you, my boy?" gawked Oak.
"It's me." smiled Ash uneasily. Blinking, the Professor took out a can of coffee beans. Looking it over, he sighed in relief.
"Good, these weren't bad. Apologies for my reaction, but usually, you call me in a matter of months, not… (checks calendar off-screen) days," noted Oak.
"Well, I'm making changes in my routine this time, so this might happen more often," replied Ash.
"Good to hear… Also, Darwin did a splendid job connecting Unova and Kanto's systems. Four Pokémon before your first Gym Battle? That's a personal record for you." smiled Oak.
"Thanks." smiled Ash… before noticing some kinda scoreboard behind Oak, many of his Pokémon on it. "What's that behind you?"
"Hm? (glances behind) Oh, I forgot to tear it down. You see while we were at Juniper's lab, your Pokémon made a sort-of betting pool on whether your next Grass-Type would be a Starter or not," explained Oak. Ash resisted the urge to slouch; even most of his Pokémon think he's a hoarder.
'Ash the Grass Starter Hoarder… I hope no one makes that name a reality.'
"Anyway, (clears throat) I assume this isn't completely a social call?" asked Oak. Ash nodded, grateful for the subject change.
"Yeah, I'm planning to switch Gible with—"
(Minutes later, battlefield)
"Come on out!" Having his old friend in hand, Ash leads the gang (Pokémon included) out the back of the Center and onto the battlefield before throwing out his Poké Ball. Forming from the energy is a bipedal, simian Pokémon with a round body covered in whitish, shaggy fur. There is usually a throbbing vein on the left side of his forehead and he has triangular ears with pink insides, narrow eyes with tiny pupils, and a pink, snout-like nose. His arms and legs are brown and have metal shackles on the wrists and ankles. The hands have no visible fingers, instead resembling mittens or boxing gloves, and the feet have two toes.
"Who's that Pokémon?" Dawn scanned the Pokémon this time.
Primeape, the Pig Monkey Pokémon, and the evolved form of Mankey. It grows angry if you see its eyes and gets angrier if you run. If you beat it, it gets even madder.
"…Remind me not to get on his bad side." winced Darwin, glad he gave Nurse Joy Purrloin and Blitzle.
"Astounding!" Unlike the hacker, Cilan is unafraid to approach Primeape, looking at him from various angles. "Such luscious fur, the shackles are sparkling with no signs of rust and not a trace of fat in those arms! Truly a sight to be—"
"[Stranger danger!]" Cilan didn't get to finish his evaluation via a glowing red fist launching him to a tree.
"Yikes, glad I'm not him." winced Georgia, recognizing the Move as Dynamic Punch.
"Didn't he listen to a single thing the Pokédex said?" facepalmed Darwin, seeing Cilan return as nothing happened.
"…Was I ever like that?" dreaded Ash to May and Dawn.
"Well, you have the same energy…" started May.
"But you always respected personal space." finished Dawn. Sighing in relief, Ash clears his throat, getting everyone's attention.
"Alright everyone, I'd like you to meet my old pal from Kanto, Primeape!" smiled Ash… only for it to fall when his hat's snatched. "HEY!"
"[Come and get it!]" laughed Primeape, leaping through the forest.
"Seriously?! All these years and you're still like that?!" growled Ash playfully, chasing the Fighting Type. The girls giggle at the sight while Darwin felt his brain fry at it.
"I'm guessing nobody here knew about Primeape?" asked Georgia. After everyone nodded, Ash and Primeape returned; the hat returned.
"Anyway, Primeape's mainly here to teach my Pokémon some Fighting-Type Moves while improving Pikachu's Brick Break and when Oshawott gets well, help him master Rock Smash," explained Ash.
"[Sweet!]" grinned Pikachu.
"What Moves does he know?" asked Darwin. Ash grinned and took out his Pokédex.
This Primeape is Male and has the Ability, Anger Point. It has the Moves Thrash, Mega Kick, Mega Punch, Seismic Toss, Cross Chop, Close Combat, Punishment, Dynamic Punch, and Brick Break.
"That's a lot of Fighting-Type Moves." whistled Georgia. Humming, Darwin takes out his Pokédex.
"Let's see… Beartic and Blitzle can learn Thrash naturally, but it'll take a while for the latter and Tepig has it as an Egg Move… Mega Kick, Mega Punch, and Seismic Toss can only be taught to Blaziken and Pikachu, except the former already knows the first one… Nothing on Cross Chop, Close Combat, or Punishment… Again, Blaziken and Pikachu with Dynamic Punch… Pikachu already knows, but Blaziken, Piplup, Togekiss, Tepig & Pansage's evolutions, Beartic, and Pawniard can learn Brick Break." noted Darwin, the mentioned Pokémon cheering while the ones left out, Blitzle and both Tepigs whined.
"OK, so while Primeape's teaching everyone and helping Pikachu improve Brick Break… (resets Pokédex), Darwin's Tepig will help mine learn Incinerate, Pidove will teach Swablu Steel Wing and… I guess Snivy and Blitzle can teach the rest Attract," ordered Ash, the mentioned Pokémon perking up.
"Guess that's all we can do." sighed Darwin, scratching his cast, ignorant of the girls giving Ash stares.
'So commanding~'
(Many lessons later, that evening)
"Your Pokémon are completely healed and are feeling fine now!" smiled Joy, bringing out the Water Starters.
"Thanks so much, Nurse Joy!" synced Ash and Dawn, their Pokémon jumping into their arms.
"[I'm OK!]" hollered Oshawott.
"Glad you're feeling better, Oshawott!" smirked Ash, returning the Water-Type.
"You too, Piplup." smiled Dawn, shifting her Starter around her arms.
"With those two healthy and the training out of the way… Those little Darumaka will rue the day they crossed us!" declared Darwin, almost raising his injured hand.
"What? You met those two?" blinked Joy.
"Those two are the reason their Pokémon had to be rushed here!" growled May.
"You know them, Nurse Joy?" asked Georgia. The nurse sadly smiled and nodded.
"Yes… Those two Darumaka live here around town, along with Darmanitan!" answered Joy.
"Darmanitan?" echoed Ash, taking out his Pokédex to search for Darmanitan. In its normal state, Darmanitan is a mainly red, squat ape-like Pokémon. It has long, bushy flame eyebrows that curl at the base, and round, black-ringed eyes. The upper portion of its tan face is separated from the lower portion by a diagonal red stripe, and its large mouth sports spiked teeth. All these facial features give the impression of a manic or angered expression. Its head has no discernible neck to distinguish it from the rest of the body and its rounded back, culminates in a stubby tail. It has long arms with spiky hair fringes on the wrists and large tan hands, with a similar arrangement for its hind limbs. Additionally, Darmanitan has three tan ovals on its underside and two wavy lines on its back.
During Zen Mode, its red fur and tan skin change blue as it bears the resemblance to a Daruma doll. Its eyes turn blank, and its limbs fuse with its body, rendering them immobile. It also only has three toes, as opposed to a normal Darmanitan having five.
Darmanitan, the Blazing Pokémon, and the evolved form of Darumaka. Darmanitan switches from Standard Mode to Zen Mode when it has little energy left.
"At first, they couldn't have been friendlier to the townspeople… One day, the Darumaka started mysteriously stealing people's food! The two Darumaka are always with the Darmanitan… But, for some reason, only the two Darumakas were the ones stealing people's food!" explained Nurse Joy.
"And those two stole our food, too!" nodded Cilan.
"Wait… I'm guessing no one knows where Darmanitan disappeared off to?" asked Ash. At Nurse Joy's head shake, the veteran thoughtfully hummed.
'Stealing food… missing friend… It's sounding like—'
"Oh! What's that over there?" Georgia cuts off Ash's thoughts, pointing at a clock tower in the distance that everyone looked at.
"Oh! You must be asking about the clock tower! It's one of the oldest buildings in town. So old, in fact, the clock bell no longer works… I'm afraid it's going to be torn down soon." explained Joy.
"Dang." winced Darwin.
"Yes…" agreed Joy sadly. Suddenly, grumbling stomachs were heard.
"That wasn't me!" synced Ash and May with the group looking at them. The grumbling repeated, the group now looking at… Piplup and Pikachu.
"[S-Sorry… I'm really hungry, I guess…]" chuckled Pikachu nervously.
"[Star~ving~]" whined Piplup, rubbing his tummy. The ladies giggled at them.
"Because of what the Darumaka did, the Pokémon never finished their lunch!" chuckled Cilan.
"Plus, with all the training we did while waiting, we can use a break and recharge," added Ash.
"Correct!"
(Minutes later)
"[Where's your mouth?]"
"[Hmph?]" Blinking, Primeape stops munching on a riceball to look down, seeing Tepig (or M—Tepig for differential reasons, but the Fighting-Type's not doing that) staring up at him, crumbs of food around his mouth. Looking around to be sure, he sees his Trainer and the troop dining down on Cilan's dishes (except for Ash cooking his rice balls). Positive, he looks back at Tepig, biting another riceball.
"[It's hidden under all my fur… and that can't be the only reason you're talking to me, so spill.]" glared Primeape lightly. Having caught up with Ash's Pokémon, he's aware of Charizard and Infernape's backgrounds; while the latter relieved him that it wouldn't be a repeat, the Kanto Starter's former disobedience issues had Primeape filled with guilt. If he was still around back then, maybe he could've disciplined Charmeleon before anything could've happened.
"[W—Well, Pikachu told me of how you're M—Master's first Fighting Pokémon, and how you've won dozens of Fighting tournaments! It's an honor to be in your presence!]" bowed Tepig.
"[Thanks… I guess.]" blinked Primeape, feeling that he was worried for nothing. Suddenly…
"Excuse me! Tonight's a full moon! So, we have Moon Watch Dumplings for dessert!" announced Joy from her desk, exciting everyone.
"I'll hand them out!" called Georgia.
"Good call. (looks at certain Trainers) Knowing you two, you would've taken a bite out of them before you can hand even one." giggled Dawn.
"HEY!" blushed Ash and May, getting dry looks from the others. With the moment over, the gang and Joy neared the food cart… where two certain Pokémon are stuffing dumplings into duffel bags.
"The two Darumaka!" gasped Ash. He'd figured they'd try again, but not this soon!
"Not you two again!" added Georgia. Flinching, the pair turned to the gang… just in time for Lillipup to chomp onto a duffel bag.
"[Give back food!]" growled Lillipup, pulling the bag.
"[Let go!]" denied Darumaka, entering a tug-of-war with the Normal-Type. Eventually… the Fire-Type won, making Lillipup fall onto his butt. Adrenaline surging, he joined the other Darumaka in escaping through a window.
"Pidove/Swablu/Togekiss, follow them!" called the foreigners. Nodding, the Normal/Flying Types went out the door, turning to do what their Trainers commanded. With that done, they (after returning their Pokémon) followed through the window, surprising the natives.
"What are you three doing?!" asked Georgia.
"Isn't it obvious? We're going to find out where they're taking food!" answered Ash, leading the trio. Exchanging nods, the natives joined the other half of their gang in their chase, the foreigners' soaring Pokémon above. Unfortunately, the pursuit resulted in the pair splitting off into different paths.
"**—"
"Language!" Ignoring their antics, Ash made up his mind.
"Dawn, take Georgia, and Darwin and follow the one on the right! Cilan, May, and I will take the left!" ordered Ash. Normally, the girls would exchange looks at being split off with/from their crush, but the situation doesn't call for it.
"Right!" With that, the assigned teams split off.
This time, the chase became a double chase.
(Team A)
"For such a small Pokémon, Darumaka's certainly fast!" noted Cilan, trailing behind the two gluttons.
"If you think this is fast, you should've seen my Aipom when I was taking the Battle Frontier challenge!" retorted Ash.
"[Good thing I had these stashed!]" sighed Darumaka, reaching into a crevice before pulling out a black marble and throwing it between the two parties… and exploding, engulfing the team in—
"These two have smoke bombs?!" coughed May.
"The Darumaka might have either made or stole them," suggested Cilan, leaning towards the latter. Thanks to Ash's Torkoal and Cilan's few kitchen mishaps, the team made it through the smokescreen alright; however, Darumaka's nowhere in sight.
'Dang it.'
(Team B)
"GET BACK HERE, YOU WALKING DOLL, AND TAKE YOUR PUNISHMENT LIKE A POKÉMON!"
"That's not helping!" The girls responded to Darwin's threat, leading the rookie. Landing on an umbrella, Darumaka fired into the air—
"Not again!" Laughing at the humans' reaction to his Sunny Day, Darumaka continued running… with an unexpected pursuer.
"HA! Nice try, you flame brain! (taps darkened glasses) I turned on my glass' anti-UV vision so that Sunny Day of your's went to waste!" laughed Darwin triumphantly, still chasing the Fire-Type… only for his dimmed vision to backfire and lose the Fire-Type after crashing into a cart full of—
"MY CABBAGES!"
"AW COME ON!"
(Later)
"Any luck, you three?" asked Ash; the gang having regrouped.
"We got Sunny Day'd again." sighed Georgia, relieved that her brother didn't get hurt.
"The one we were chasing lost us with a smoke bomb… I'm not kidding," replied May to the team's surprise.
"With how long these Darumaka have resided here, it would make sense for them to hide traps and such." sighed Cilan.
"For little crooks, they were pretty clever," noted Darwin, spitting out a piece of cabbage that got caught in his mouth.
"Right… Guess the only thing we can do is wait for our Flying-Types to come back and see if any or all of them found either or both of them." sighed Ash. As luck would have it, cooing is heard above them. Looking up, they see Pidove, Swablu, and Togekiss nodding in a direction. Looking, they see the Darumaka pair sneaking into the clocktower via crevice.
"There they are!" called Ash, the gang running after the pair… but not before the foreigners return their Pokémon and thank them.
(Clocktower)
Entering the thankfully open landmark, the gang looks up to see the Darumakas hopping up the steps, duffel bags on their backs.
"Why would a pair of Darumakas bring food to a clock tower of all places? This place isn't religious, so it can't be for offerings." thought Darwin out loud, the gang running up. The foreigners exchanged looks, pieces of the puzzle setting in their minds.
"I think I have an idea why, but we need to be stealthy," answered Ash.
"…What?!" frowned Darwin at Georgia's look.
"Nothing." shook Georgia, the sounds of cackling with the images of her brother filling her mind. Ignoring that, the gang ran up the steps. Thankfully, the aged stairs didn't give way, letting them reach the top without issue, where they found a ladder leading to the bell floor and…
"HOLY ****!" The gang ducked and covered to avoid a pair of Flamethrowers.
"[They followed us!]" The Darumaka jumped down from the latter and took battle stances.
"Stop, Darumaka!" yelled Ash, raising his arms peacefully, May and Dawn following his lead. Cautious, the natives did the same nonetheless. At this, the pair slowly lowered their guard.
"Stop. We don't want to fight you!" assured Dawn.
"Yeah! We come in peace!" promised May. Puzzled, the natives and Fire-Types looked to each other, the latter whispering to each other. Taking it as a cue, Cilan stepped forth.
"We're just wondering why you want to steal all that food!" explained Cilan sheepishly. Separating, the Darumakas nodded before pointing at the top floor entrance.
"Are you saying you want to go up there?" asked Darwin, getting nods.
"Okay! No prob! We'll help you get up there, quick!" promised Ash, lifting the Darumakas under his arms and getting happy smiles from them. With the promise, Ash leads the gang up the ladder, stalling a bit due to his occupied hands, but he makes it up, soon being followed by the others. Once everyone is up…
"Is it just me, (tug collar) or is it getting hot in here?" asked Georgia, sweating. The girls would've taken that as an attempted pickup line… if it wasn't for the large surge of heat coming through the room.
"I feel it too." nodded Ash, the group feeling sweat trickle over their bodies.
"It feels like a sauna in full— HOLY ****, WHAT'S THAT?!" Following Darwin's finger, the gang sees the bell… and something under it glowing with Fire-Type energy.
"Who's that Pokémon?" asked Dawn.
"It kinda looks like a giant, metal Darumaka." compared May.
"Darumaka… this must be the Darmanitan that hangs with the Darumaka!" realized Ash, mentally slapping himself for not seeing it sooner.
"Let me see… In Standard Mode, his physical powers are enhanced. While his Psychic powers are enhanced, he's in Zen Mode!" explained Cilan.
"Wow… What a strange Pokémon… (removes hat and wipes sweat off forehead) Whew… I'm burning up. Darmanitan must be giving off that heat!" sighed Georgia. Following her lead sorta, May took off her bandanna and hoodie while Dawn did the same with her jacket, scarf, and beanie. Soon, the girls put those clothes in their bags.
"Yeah… I was thinking of the same thing!" agreed Cilan. Suddenly, the duffel bags by Darmanitan's side started glowing dark pink before opening, letting out floating Moon Watch dumplings with a similar glow that soon enter the Fire/Psychic-Type's mouth before it closed, eating the contents.
"It's Psychic!" noted Georgia.
"I knew it! (gains looks) The Darumaka were stealing food so they could feed Darmanitan!" exclaimed Ash, similar adventures filling the foreigners' heads.
"Because of Darmanitan putting his powers by using Psychic, his heat from his sac must be pouring out!" added Cilan.
"If that's the case… shouldn't Darmanitan be in Standard Mode as soon as he recovers?" asked Georgia.
"Right… You think he could've recovered with all that eating!" agreed Cilan.
"So, why hasn't it recovered?" asked Darwin. The natives held their chins thoughtfully.
"Is it just me… or is the bell glowing?" noted Ash.
"WHAT?!" Looking, they see not only that but nothing connecting the bell to the gears above.
"I think Darmanitan's keeping it suspended with Psychic!" guessed Cilan.
"Good call. (Darumakas smile) With how heavy it looks, and if this tower's as old as Nurse Joy says, I don't think it'd survive that bell crashing through the ground." noted Darwin.
"And with those handprints on the edge, it looks like Psychic was more of a last resort than anything…" glared Georgia, seeing subtle dents on the bell's edges.
"And he can't throw it outside because of the other buildings and people down there." winced May, looking out a window.
"Guessing from how long ago the Darumukas started stealing from Nurse Joy's story… Darmanitan must've been holding that bell for days, maybe even weeks!" realized Dawn, the feat impressing the gang.
"No wonder Darmanitan needed that much food! (looks at Darumakas) Is that right?" checked Ash.
"[Yes!]" The gang smiled at the Fire-Types.
"You two have the patience of saints to do this for so long." whistled Darwin, getting smiles from the pair. Suddenly, Darmanitan gave off another surge of heat, forcing the group back.
"At this rate, Darmanitan's heat will burn through the floor!" exclaimed Cilan.
"If only we had something to hold it up instead of Darmanitan!" growled May. Feeling taps, she looks down to see the pair holding some kind of stick.
"What's that? A cane?" tilted Darwin. Shaking their heads, the Darumakas point between it and the bell, the pieces coming together for the gang.
"It's a hook!" realized Cilan. Looking around, Georgia spots a broken one behind Darmanitan.
"No wonder the bell dropped; with no maintenance, the old hook broke and couldn't hold it anymore!" noted Georgia.
"So this is a new one?" asked May, getting nods from the pair. Determined, Ash took the hook from her, looking at the Fire Types.
"Don't worry! We'll deal with it! (looks between gang) First, we'll fix the hook, then we'll free Darmanitan!" decided Ash.
"Right!"
"Lillipup, give Darumaka a boost with Helping Hand!" started Darwin, bringing out his Normal-Type.
"[Yes, Master Darwin!]" Nodding, Lillipup ran over to Darmanitan, stopping a fair distance away before aiming a multicolored paw at the Fire/Psychic-Type, firing a beam of the same-colored aura at him. Once Darmanitan got hit, his glow briefly turned multicolored, the heat lessening a bit.
"Thanks, Lillipup! (returns him) I hope that bought us some time." sighed Darwin.
"You did, don't worry." nodded Ash. "Tepig, Oshawott, I choose you!"
"Piplup, Spotlight!"
"Blaziken, Take the Stage!"
"Pansage, we need your help as well!"
"You're up, Tepig!" In six blue flashes, the mentioned Pokémon appeared, ready to help. Georgia sighed; none of her Pokémon can help right now. Nodding, Ash threw the hook in the air.
"Tepig! Use Ember on that hook!"
"Follow that up with Flamethrower, Blaziken!"
"Put an Incinerate, Tepig!"
Before the hook could fall, the Fire-Type Moves struck it, keeping it in the air and heating it.
"[Don't leave us out of this!]" Dashing by the caught Fire-Types' sides, the Darumakas fired their own Flamethrowers, adding more power. Soon, the hook began glowing with heat, ready to be remodeled.
"Yes! It worked!" smiled Ash.
"Pansage! Use Bullet Seed on that hook!" called Cilan. Nodding, Pansage spat the Grass-Type Move, shaping the molten hook into an 'S' before it fell onto the floor.
"Great! Just where we wanted it! Excellent presentation!" smirked Cilan.
"Oshawott! Use Water Gun!"
"Piplup, Hydro Pump!"
In a matter of moments, the Water-Type Moves helped the hook cool down, losing its glow. Poking it to be sure, Blaziken picked it up and gave it to Ash.
"Okay then. We just need to hook it with the bell!" noted Darwin, returning his Pokémon along with the others.
"Yeah… But how?" asked Georgia, stumped. None of the gang's Flying Types can carry a human, and climbing onto the bell would add more weight and force Darmanitan to use more power. Speaking of the Fire/Psychic-Type…
"WHOA!" Dark pink glows covered Ash and Darwin before they started floating up towards the bell.
"Darwin!" Worried for her brother, Georgia preps a Poké Ball. "Let go of—"
"Wait, Georgia! (grasps her wrist) Darmanitan's only using Psychic to assist them!" corrected Cilan. True to his words, once the floating Trainers got close enough, Ash attached one side of the hook to the mechanism while Darwin, with a lot of struggling, clasped the other onto the bell, with a little Psychic help.
"YES!" cheered the two… before they lost Psychic's glow. "NO!"
"GUYS!" The sight of them beginning to fall scares the gang. Just when they reached for their Poké Balls for assistance, a large pair of hands caught the two before they could go splat.
"Darmanitan!" gasped Ash, looking at the now pure Fire-Type.
"He's Standard again!" fist-pumped Darwin… with his injured hand. "OW! Worth it!"
"[Thanks to you two!]" winked Darmanitan, climbing down to the ground.
"[You're at 100% again!]" The Darumakas danced toward their friend, happy. Letting the humans go to their friends, Darmanitan chattered with his friends. Soon, the three faced the gang.
"[Thank you for everything!]" bowed the Fire-Types. Thinking what they meant, the gang smiled, laughing.
"Now, as for you two, no more stealing food, alright?" asked Ash, kneeling to the Darumakas. In response, the two 'about-faced' and saluted.
"[Yessir!]"
(The next morning, Pokémon Center)
"Another day to give it all we've got!" grunted Ash, stretching his arms up high. Just as the gang prepares to leave…
"Wait!" Everyone turned to see the nurse running to them, Audino by her side.
"Nurse Joy?" blinked Cilan.
"The clock tower won't be torn down! I thought I'd let the six of you know!" explained Joy.
"So, what's going to happen?" asked Dawn.
"It'll be completely restored and maintained! All thanks… to the town!" smiled Joy. The gang did the same at the news
"Sweet!" fist-pumped Darwin and May.
"Yes. And thanks to Darmanitan and the two Darumakas protecting it, the town also decreed that they'll be able to live here as long as they like!" explained Joy.
"Delicious! People and Pokémon will be happy together, gesturing like that!" chuckled Cilan dreamfully. Nodding, Joy looked at Darwin.
"Excuse me, but how long has your wrist been injured?" tilted Joy.
"Around half a week, why?" frowned Darwin, twitching his cast fingers. Nodding, Joy looked at her partner.
"Audino, Heal Pulse." ordered the nurse.
"[On it!]" Nodding, Audino brought a hand up, forming a dark pink ball of energy in her hand. Stepping towards Darwin, Audino presses the Psychic-Type Move against the cast before it disperses, dark pink waves of energy coursing over Darwin's arm.
"What the…" Removing his cast, Darwin flexes his hand and spins his wrist, not feeling an ounce of pain like recently. "It's gone! Like the attack never happened!"
"Yes!" cheered Georgia, hugging her brother.
"What was that Move?" awed Dawn, searching her Pokédex.
Heal Pulse, a Psychic-Type Status Move. The user emits a healing pulse which restores the target's health by 50%.
"…Dang it," muttered Georgia after releasing Darwin, seeing no one on their teams can learn it.
"Sounds like a Move that would fit Brock," noted Ash, the foreigners nodding.
"Think of it as thanks for what you've done." smiled Joy.
"I can program again!" cheered Darwin, typing an air keyboard while walking out. Shaking their heads, the gang said their goodbyes to Joy and Audino before following.
"Wait for us!"
(Moments later)
"Oh, dear." frowned Cilan, looking back.
"What is it?" asked Ash, the gang having caught up to the rookie.
"I was hoping to see those three on the clocktower, or at least somewhere close for a proper goodbye," explained Cilan.
"Come to think of it… Do you think Darmanitan's the one who taught those two Solar Beam and Sunny Day?" asked Georgia.
"Those would be some useful moves to learn," noted Ash.
"Too bad we couldn't ask." sighed May.
"[Ask and you shall receive.]" The gang stops, seeing Darmanitan on their path with the Darumakas by his side.
"What are you three doing here?" smiled Ash. Instead of answering, the Darumakas marched away from their friend, who proceeded to repeatedly clap his hands over his stomach, letting out light vibrations with each hit.
"What… is he doing?" blinked Georgia.
"Darmanitan's using Belly Drum! It puts a Pokémon's physical power to the maximum in exchange…" On cue to Cilan's words, Darmanitan flashed white before shifting to Zen Mode. "For… half… health."
"Aw man, don't tell me we have to—" Darwin's complaint got cut off when Darmanitan lit up dark pink along with the gang's Poké Balls, which lifted off their persons slightly.
"Let's see what happens." hummed Ash, arms crossed. Via Psychic, Darmanitan lets out all of the gang's Pokémon, whom look around in confusion.
"[Stay calm.]" said Darmanitan, eyes flashing dark pink while the other Pokémon are the same… except for Purrloin and Pawniard.
"[What is he doing?]" asked Purrloin. Pawniard shrugged, equally confused. In a matter of minutes, the dark pink glow diminished, the 'victims' shaking their heads.
"Are you guys alright?" frowned Ash, the gang concerned.
"[I'm better than alright!]" smiled Pikachu, rushing to a nearby boulder. Suddenly, his body becomes coated in a white aura before he gripped the side of the boulder and—
"What the **—"
"LANGUAGE!" The gang grew amazed at Pikachu lifting the boulder a dozen times his weight… before effortlessly throwing it to Primeape, lit up with the same aura. The Fighting-Type caught it with one hand, pulled the other back, and clenched it into a fist. Just as the aura died down, flames coat Primeape's fist before he throws it into the boulder, breaking it apart.
"That was Strength and Fire Punch!" realized Cilan.
"But the Pokédex didn't say anything about them knowing that!" gaped Darwin.
"How is that possible?!" gawked Georgia. The surprises didn't end there; evident with Deerling, both Tepigs, Blaziken, Swablu, Togekiss, Snivy, and Pansage fired golden beams of energy into the sky from their mouths, hands, or wings. Once the beams disappear into the sky, many clouds vanished to expose the sun.
"Sunny Day?!" eyed Cilan.
"Didn't one of the Darumakas use that before…" Georgia couldn't finish once the Pokémon that used Sunny Day (except for both Tepigs, Deerling, and Pansage) gathered light into their wings or hands. Once it turned golden, they fired it off into nearby boulders, blasting them apart.
"Solar Beam…" gazed Darwin.
"What about you guys?" asked Georgia to Pidove, Oshawott, Lillipup, Blitzle, her Ice-Types, Piplup, and Munna.
"[Just this.]" shrugged Beartic, white aura coating him via Strength.
"[…I got nothing.]" slumped Oshawott, Blitzle, Vanillite, Piplup, and Munna.
"[Watch, cause it's about to get hot!]" Smirking, Pidove, Swablu, and Togekiss flew up before flapping their wings, releasing orange winds off the distance… with the latter lasting multiple times longer.
"[Aw…]" slumped Swablu.
"[Don't worry, I'll help you both master it.]" assured Togekiss, getting smiles.
"That looked like Heat Wave," noted Cilan.
"How many new Moves are here?!" gawked Darwin.
"[Master Darwin, look at this!]" barked Lillipup, using Bite… except the Move's fiery orange and covered in the Type before gnawing on air.
"Fire Fang?! I thought non-Fire-Types have to be born with the Move!" gazed Georgia.
"I have a Gliscor that learned it after evolving that says otherwise," smirked Ash; the foreigners having gone silent.
"Why aren't you three freaking out about this?! Our Pokémon learned Moves from out of nowhere!" shouted Darwin.
"You mean it isn't obvious?" grinned Dawn. The natives stared into space until…
"Now I understand! (slams fist onto palm) Darmanitan forced himself into Zen Mode to access his Psychic powers and telepathically gave our Pokémon Move teaching!" realized Cilan.
"In a matter of minutes?" blinked Darwin.
"I'm friends with a few Psychic-Type specialists, and from what they say, mental training is a lot faster than physical training," added Ash; Sabrina, Tate & Liza, Lucian, and… Anabel coming to mind.
"Good to know…" nodded Darwin slowly.
"[Aw~]" whined Munna. Giggling, Dawn pets her.
"Don't worry, Munna. I'll help you grow into a great Pokémon to impress your mommy." smiled Dawn.
"[YAY~!]"
"[We are done here for now.]" noted a Darumaka, the other nodding before throwing down—
"(coughs) Not again!" responded May at the sudden smoke covering everyone.
"You weren't kidding about the smoke bombs." puffed Dawn. Fortunately, the smoke dispersed, revealing the wild Pokémon nowhere in sight.
"Are those three ninjas or something?" asked Darwin, the gang returning most of their Pokémon when he asked.
"With how sneaky they are, I wouldn't be surprised." shrugged Cilan. Blinking, Ash looked around until…
"Hey, look!" Following Ash's finger, they see Darmanitan — Standard Mode and the Darumakas waving goodbye to them at the top of the clock tower. Getting the message, the gang smiled.
"Goodbye!" started Ash.
"Thanks for the Moves, you three!" waved Darwin.
"You be careful now!" waved May.
"We promise your gifts won't go to waste!" called Dawn.
"Now, you three take care!" called Georgia.
"Until we meet again!" called Cilan. With the goodbyes over, the gang faced away and headed into the wilderness.
With new Moves in their arsenal, their Pokémon are a force to be reckoned with!
Ash's Pokémon Team
Pikachu (M): Ability: Static. Moves: Agility, Thunder, Iron Tail, Quick Attack, Volt Tackle, Thunderbolt, Fusion Bolt, Brick Break, Strength
Primeape (M): Ability: Anger Point. Moves: Thrash, Mega Kick, Mega Punch, Seismic Toss, Cross Chop, Close Combat, Punishment, Dynamic Punch, Brick Break, Strength, Fire Punch
Deerling (M): Ability: Chlorophyll. Moves: Tackle, Camouflage, Growl, Agility, Double Kick, Sunny Day
Pidove (F): Ability: Super Luck. Moves: Gust, Quick Attack, Air Cutter, Leer, Steel Wing, Heat Wave
Oshawott (M): Ability: Torrent. Moves: Tackle, Water Gun, Razor Shell, Rock Smash
Tepig (M): Ability: Blaze. Moves: Tackle, Ember, Yawn, Sunny Day, Heat Wave
Darwin's Pokémon Team
Tepig (F): Ability: Blaze. Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Ember, Odor Sleuth, Incinerate, Sunny Day, Heat Wave
Purrloin (F): Ability: Limber. Moves: Scratch, Growl, Assist, Iron Tail, Fury Swipes
Lillipup (M): Ability: Pickup. Moves: Leer, Tackle, Odor Sleuth, Bite, Helping Hand, Fire Fang
Blitzle (M): Ability: Lightning Rod. Moves: Quick Attack, Charge, Shock Wave, Attract
Georgia's Pokémon Team
Beartic (M): Ability: Snow Cloak. Moves: Slash, Night Slash, Icicle Crash, Ice Beam, Rock Smash, Strength
Pawniard (F): Ability: Defiant. Moves: Metal Claw, Iron Head, Guillotine
Vanillite (F): Ability: Ice Body. Moves: Avalanche, Mist, Icicle Spear, Ice Beam
May's Pokémon Team
Blaziken (M): Ability: Blaze. Moves: Blaze Kick, Overheat, Flamethrower, Sky Uppercut, Fire Spin, Shadow Claw, Mega Kick, Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Heat Wave
Swablu (F): Ability: Natural Cure. Moves: Sing, Mist, Round, Double Team, Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Heat Wave
Dawn's Pokémon Team
Piplup (M): Ability: Torrent. Moves: Drill Peck, Ice Beam, Hydro Pump, Whirlpool, Mist
Togekiss (F): Ability: Serene Grace. Moves: Aura Sphere, Sky Attack, Air Slash, Safeguard, Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Heat Wave
Munna* (F): Ability: Synchronize. Moves: Psybeam, Yawn, Imprison, Barrier
Snivy (F): Ability: Overgrow. Moves: Attract, Vine Whip, Leaf Storm, Leaf Blade, Sunny Day, Solar Beam
Cilan's Pokémon Team
Pansage (M): Ability: Gluttony. Moves: Bullet Seed, Bite, Solar Beam, Dig, Rock Tomb, Vine Whip, Sunny Day
Omarnosian10: Like it?
Ash: It's awesome!
Dawn: That's a lot of learning for one chapter.
Omarnosian10: This will be most common when Psychic or Ghost-Types are the central focus of the chapter, like Darmanitan — Zen Mode.
Cilan: Not that I'm looking a gift horse in the mouth, but why didn't Darmanitan teach either Tepig Flamethrower?
Omarnosian10: Same reason they along with Pidove and Swablu haven't mastered Heat Wave or learned Solar Beam; it's too early for them, so they couldn't use the Move's full power.
May: Plus, Tepig learns Flamethrower naturally like Deerling with Solar Beam.
Omarnosian10: With the new Moves out of the way, I bet you old Pokéfans are happy to see Primeape in my story.
Ash: Yeah, I haven't seen him in years!
Omarnosian10: Before anyone asks; no, he's not gonna be in the Nacrene Gym Battle. He's gonna be the team's Move Tutor, prepping them for that battle.
Cilan: Then why have him learn Strength and Fire Punch?
Omarnosian10: I figured they'd come in handy; plus, Primeape primarily has Fighting Moves in his arsenal. With Ash's crazy training, he'll have a broader Move pool.
Ash: What crazy training?
Dawn: I can think of one example; Buizel and Ice Punch.
Ash: Oh… good point.
Omarnosian10: With that out of the way… SMOKEBOMB!
