Ash's Unova Journey my version

by mgunnels3

Set months after the events of DP join Ash alongside Pikachu along with his two closes friends, Misty and Brock, as they travel the Unova region meeting new pokemon new friends and rivals, possibly old ones and new feelings for both Ash, Misty, Snivy, and Pikachu later on through the journey no lemons. Still, love is there smarter and calmer Ash.

66. Chapter 66:Evolution by Fire

Greetings everyone. Mgunnels3 here, and welcome to Ash's Unova Journey My Version. Let's get this chapter started, shall we?

Chapter 66: Evolution by Fire

"Human Speech"

"Pokemon Speech"

We joined our heroes as they finally arrived in Icirrus city's Pokemon center, where everyone was relaxing and waiting to see the sites before Ash took on the city's gym.

"I think that it's fair that tomorrow we should look around as Opulucid City is on a day's walk from here, and knowing Ash, he wants to go to the gym right away," Brock said to the group, who sighed and nodded aside from Ash who didn't answer that question. "Huh? What is it, Ash?" Brock asked.

"Huh? I agree with looking around, given that we barely do that during our adventure. That and unlike the other cities I've been to since my family visited here six years ago. I think it's a fair offer," Ash said, which surprised the group.

"Who are you, and what did you do to my friend?" Pikachu said jokingly, and Ash chuckled.

"Oh, no, I'm still the same Ash, you know Pikachu, it's that, earlier I got a call from my father about two things," Ash said to the curious group. "The first being that given that I will be sixteen soon, he wants me to stay here in Unova and have the family villa in Udella town," Ash said to the group, who was surprised.

"And what did you say?" Servine asked curiously as Ash sighed.

"Well, we might be heading there in a few months given that a Pokemon tournament will be happening over there, and we can use the place, which is also next to another big villa, but living there that I don't know," Ash said to Servine and everyone. "But that isn't what matters right now? I was told that a certain trainer the league has had their eye on for a while is here in Icirrus City," Ash said.

"Do you know who?" Misty asked Ash, who nodded and turned to Servine.

"Servine, you and Pignite might, after all, this trainer has in common with you," Ash said to Servine, who hissed, knowing precisely who Ash was referring to as Zorua was curious.

"Shamus, he's here, isn't he?" Servine said to Ash, who nodded.

"Who?" Zorua asked her friend, who sighed.

"Pignite's former trainer and twin brother to my former trainer before joining Ash, or should I say fraternal brother by human standards as my former trainer was female. Ash, don't let him get to you or under your skin. He's a sleazeball and loves to worm his way out of things, not to mention loves to brag," Servine said as Zorua translated this to Misty and Brock.

"Sounds like Damien Charizard's former trainer to me, Ash," Misty said in response to what Servine said as Ash nodded.

"Servine, aside from what you told us there, do you know anything else about him appearance-wise?" Ash asked Servine, who quivered at the mention of his appearance.

"I couldn't forget a face like his, Ash. You can tell by looking at him that he's important or thinks he is. Last I remember him," Servine said as she saw someone walking by, which she recognized. "That's him, right there, Ash?" Servine pointed to a short-haired boy and a long-sleeved red and black shirt and pants. He was getting his Pokemon healed as he had a battle in the nearby battle club.

"Servine, you sure that's him?" Ash asked quietly to Servine, who nodded.

"Yes, I can't forget a face like that, Ash smug, arrogant more than my evolution line. Judgemental, especially towards those he deems unfit to be in his presence just by how he looks," Servine said, not being too discreet with her words and judging by how he was, which wasn't too far off, which caught his attention.

"Humph, well, someone doesn't know how to keep their Pokemon's mouth shut over there, judging from the Pokespeech being said from that starter. Get it under control," Shamus said to Ash which Servine hissed, and Zorua was about to go after him, but Ash stopped them.

"Not worth it right now, you two," Ash said, reminding them that this also puts his trainer's license at risk, who nodded.

"Seem's like someone knows how to raise a Pokemon well. I'm willing to trade whatever you have other than these two if you want something worth your time," Shamus said to Ash, who shook his head. "Humph, your loss," Shamus began to recognize Servine standing next to Ash as he got closer to Servine, who was hissing and rattling her tail like a snake would.

"Well, if it isn't the traitor who left my sister's team and was why she's in jail now. After me now, it seems, huh?" Shamus said to Servine and Ash, to which Servine glared and nodded. "I also heard you caught my pathetic Tepig, who couldn't even be left to die properly. He can't do anything right."

"That's enough out of you, Shamus, save that talking for the battlefield and not for your pride which is even more pathetic than your sisters," Ash said to Shamus, who was taken aback. "You're not even close to the worst that I've seen. Your sister was worst, but I've dealt with trainers who are more pathetic than you and have gotten away with worst."

"Well, someone has a mouth. It seems you want to get rid of me and take my trainer's license just like you did with my sister. You'll have to beat me in battle, but in the end, you'll be just like the other trainers who tried to make the same loss and then run away just like the last one I fought today, and it didn't even last more than a few turns," Shamus said to Ash who stood his ground not even showing signs of backing down. "Humph, You have guts. I'll give you that."

"Place and time, Shamus. I'm done with trainers like you who think they are all talking rather than wanting to battle," Ash said to Shamus, who was taken aback again. Ash stood his ground, not wanting what he and his sister did to Pignite and Servine. "Or will you cry to your parents or Uncle back home in Kanto?"

"Triple battle," Shamus said to Ash, who was taken aback by this. "Tomorrow at the battle club near the gym at noon, we will be using three Pokemon at the same time, and I don't want to hear that it doesn't sound like a fair battle or that the league won't allow it as it is the type of battle mechanics here in Unova or are you too scared," Shamus said to Ash who was about to say something but was interrupted by Nurse Joy.

"That's enough, you two. This isn't the place to throw down," Nurse Joy said to Ash and Shamus. Ash doesn't remain flinched from what he said to the latter, who backs down. "Your Pokemon is healed, Shamus, and I suggest you leave them alone as a league representative. This will be very different from your sister's battle in Nacrene, so you better get going and not bother them for the rest of the night," Nurse Joy said to him, who grumbled and took off with his Pokeballs as Nurse Joy turned to Ash and everyone. "Sorry about that was hoping to catch you before he showed up," Nurse Joy apologized.

"It's fine, Nurse Joy, and it was Servine who pointed him out, and I was planning on dealing with him after seeing the sites here in Icirrus City, but that will have to wait," Ash said to Nurse Joy, who waved it off and asked the group to follow her who were curious and did so. They arrived in the infirmary area, and the group was surprised that many Pokemon were either poorly hurt or in the worst condition.

"Are these Pokemon that battle against him? Or was his Pokemon?" Brock asked Nurse Joy, who sighed.

"Both, actually," Nurse Joy said, surprising everyone. "The ones in worst conditions were his former Pokemon that he deems not worthy of his time, either using his Emboar to cause harm or starve them to the point that they had to beg, or trying to find trainers of their own," Joy explained which now Ash was surprised. "This is only half of what he's done, and the ones you haven't seen have gotten better trainers, thankfully, but the scars won't heal."

"I wished I saw this before calling him out like that because he's just as bad as Damien," Ash said aloud, to which Misty and Brock nodded.

"If I remember correctly, you were the one who put that trainer in jail almost a year ago from the news in a Tournament," Joy said to Ash, who nodded.

"It was the finals, and yeah, Charizard got his win against him, but boy, did he not go down without a fight. I am here because of trainers like him and Shamus, not just to participate in the league," Ash said, sighing. "Thank you, Nurse Joy. I have taken that you will oversee the battle tomorrow as league official?" Ash asked her, who nodded.

"The league asked me to do so if you when you arrived here. At the moment, Shamus is not allowed to participate in the gym battles anymore. Given his record and history, why he's on edge all the time? He's trying to prove something. You are the roadblock; 'cause Ash, I'm not sure you know the severity of this battle to him," Joy said to Ash, who sighed and nodded but knew that she would tell him anyway.

"If you lose to him, he will be able to rechallenge gyms, not to mention this would cost you your license as a trainer and league representation. Your father is a good person Ash, but only his status as champion's advisor can help you if you come up with something to stop Shamus. This is the last of the bad trainers here in Unova, Ash," Joy warned Ash, who sighed, and Servine and Pikachu were surprised by this. "I'll take my leave, but thank you for the help."

Nurse Joy leaves as Ash sighs as Pikachu and Servine look at Ash as the group is in their room.

"Ash, is there more to what is happening here than you are letting on about your being with the league? What does Nurse Joy mean that it will affect your trainer licenses," Misty questioned Ash, now concerned.

"Sadly, participating in these battles means putting my trainer's license on the line. If I lose, it means the league will put me on the spot. And I will have to either fight for my chance to get in their good graces again or take a leave for a while," Ash said to Misty, who looked down.

"Can they do that to you, Ash?" Zorua asked.

"Sadly, yes, Zorua," Brock said, which Zorua, as well as everyone aside from Ash, was surprised. "There are trainers like Shamus who are so bad that it's placed on all trainers if they are with the league, or were asked to take part in these battles, sometimes it's to see if the said suspect is worth the ban or not, and sometimes the trainers know what they are getting themselves into," Brock explains as Ash nodded.

"I've been asked to do this since I finished the Sinnoh league, that battle Nurse Joy mentioned against Damien. That was a week before I came here to Unova, and he almost put my team in intensive care for days before I could go on this Journey," Ash said.

"I remember that battle that wasn't fun, and he was showing why he was strong," Pikachu said, crossing his arms. "But I didn't know that these stakes were a thing," Pikachu told Ash, who sighed.

"I didn't want to worry you, buddy, that, and I just wanted you all to be at your best without worrying about the consequences of what would happen if I lost," Ash said as Misty turned to Brock.

"And you knew of this from the beginning?" Misty asked Brock, who nodded.

"Not, everything the whole part about Ash's ties to the league wasn't made privy to my attention, but yes, Ash told me this the day before we were to meet on the plane to go here and about that Tournament. He has taken part in," Brock said, crossing his arms. Misty was concerned about Ash, who might not show it earlier but was indeed worried.

"Look, as Nurse Joy said earlier, this is the risk that I have to take, and right now, we have to plan out who we should use in tomorrow's battle," Ash said.

"Why not use me, Samurott, and Pignite? It's similar to when they were there to help me with my situation," Servine said to Ash, who nodded.

"I thought that to Servine. You three are friends and have been there for each other back then and now," Ash said to Servine. "You can explain what is going on with them, but guys, please don't mention anything about this to them because that might affect them in battle," Ash said to Servine and Pikachu, who sighed.

"You owe us one, Ash if we do that, and they will find out sooner or later, you know," Pikachu said to Ash as Servine crossed her arms.

"Don't be surprised if Shamus mentions this tomorrow, as I have a feeling that he might have heard about this given his family's connections," Servine said, to which Ash nodded.

Ash let out his Pokemon and let them eat as Servine and Pikachu explained what was happening to Pignite and Samurott. Boy, was Samurott angry about the fact that Pignite's former trainer was here and what he did to other Pokemon? Pignite, on the other hand, was already showing signs of upset and not confident about it, which everyone noticed.

"Why does he have to be here now? Just as things were going well, and I am happy to be with a new trainer and friends," Pignite said, looking down sadly.

"Come on, Pignite; you were there for me when you and Samurott helped me with my trainer. We are fighting with you," Servine said to Pignite.

"Yeah, Pignite, you were willing to help Servine and were happy to help with Servine when she was down," Samurott said to Pignite, who was shaking as he took off running, upset as both Servine and Samurott were about to go after him.

"Let him be you two," Pikachu said to both starters as Pikachu crossed his arms as he understood why Pignite was like this. Ash saw this and decided exactly what to do to help with Pignite.

"Look, I know that you two are trying to help him and trust me, Servine, I know that you aren't going to like what I am going to say, but you saw what his trainer did. Who knows what other scars he put on Pignite mentally," Pikachu said to Servine, who looked down. "Servine, before you split with your trainer, when was the last time you saw him as a Tepig, if you don't mind me asking?"

Servine thought about that and sighed. "It was probably the day after we were chosen as a starter," Servine said. "I didn't get to see him as much as the two didn't travel together, but something about his trainer seemed off back then than what we know now," Servine said as Servine realized something about what Ash said. "Ash mentioned that he had a Pokemon who went through a bad trainer like Pignite?" Servine asked, which Samurott was taken aback, as did the rest of the team.

"I mentioned that before, Ash has a few fire types on his team, and one went through a trainer that almost got away with the worst thing a trainer would do if we hadn't gotten there sooner, nearly killing his Pokemon," Pikachu said, which the two starters were taken aback.

"The Pokemon is named Charizard. He's one of the starters in Kanto, where I'm from, and his trainer is Damien. He was worse than the trainers you had: Arrogant to the point that he brags about what he will do to his Pokemon that isn't worth his time," Pikachu said as he listed off many things that made Damien wanted by the league. From traumatizing Pokemon to hurting them, Servine and Samurott knew this might be what Pignite went through.

Meanwhile, Pignite wasn't getting over the fact that his past had now come to ruin things again.

"Why can't I get over this? Yes, I got lucky from his bullying, but why can't he leave me alone and go away?" Pignite said as someone was watching this from behind him, a tall figure.

"Mental scars from abandonment aren't the type to heal even when you found a better trainer, but there's more than that, isn't there?" a voice said to Pignite as he turned around. It is a fire-like dragon type speaking to him.

"Yes? How did you?" Pignite asked him as the giant Pokemon crossed his claws.

"I can see why Ash called me out here, and you need help?" the Pokemon said as Pignite was taken back.

"Ash!?" Pignite asked as he nodded.

"Name's Charizard. Just like you, kid, I'm also a starter from the same region as Pikachu, and before you asked, Ash told me the entire thing. You believe your friends will help you tomorrow, don't you?" Charizard said to Pignite, who wiped a tear from his face and nodded.

"You should believe in yourself as well, not just them. They want to help you as well. A trainer like him isn't the type to play fair, let alone care about them and probably go after you," Charizard said Pignite looked down and knew that. "I know what you are thinking. How would I know this? Let me guess your trainer used harsh words, forced you to battle against Pokemon that you couldn't handle, used his Pokemon on you to toughen you up, and when that didn't work, he left you to fend for yourself, knowing that you couldn't?" Charizard said as Pignite was taken aback. Charizard looks down.

"Look, I don't talk about my past because I want that to vanish along with him, but there are still memories that can never heal. I went through the same thing. And my former trainer almost got away with what he did to me? Making me believe that he would come back for me only to abandon me and even admit he has no intention of raising me properly," Charizard said as Pignite listened.

"Look, to make a long story short, and I can relate to you when it comes to this. Don't forget that we can't make things disappear, but I'm here to be there for you. I wished you had come to the lab, and we could've dealt with this sooner and maybe be taught under my wing," Charizard said to Pignite, surprised by this. "Infernape may have a hurt past and might also give his two cents, but I have gone through even more than he has," Charizard said.

Pignite sees that he's not the only one who has gone through grief and pain from their trainers like him. And had dealt with them as well, but he was not sure as Charizard put his claw on Pignite's arm.

"Don't give up, my friend. You can do this, and I will be there to watch it all tomorrow, focus on helping your friends and work together. I'm not battling in this fight. It's all one you," Charizard said as Pignite's eyes widened, and nodded. "Come on, let's go inside, and we can talk it out," Charizard said as Pignite nodded and headed inside with him.

The next day came, and it was time for the battle against Shamus. Ash arrived at the Battle Club with everyone, including Charizard, who stood beside him and headed inside. Ash arrived at the battlefield with Nurse Joy on the sidelines, and Shamus wasn't surprised that Ash made it on time.

"Humph, seems like you will be using another fire type than Pignite to fight me, huh?" Shamus said, laughing, which Ash shook his head.

"No, but Charizard here is here for Pignite, not to humor your ego," Ash said, which shut up Shamus. "Now, if you are done acting like you are someone important, let's battle," Ash said to Shamus, who didn't like being talked to, as he stomped to the trainer's box. "So what do you think, Charizard?" Ash asked Charizard, who snorted.

"I can see why Pignite has issues with him. What an arrogant jerk. He's no Damien, but he has the attitude. No wonder he's related to Giovanni from Team Rocket," Charizard said to Ash, who nodded. "Humph, even if I did take part in this battle, he's not worth a flamethrower on him; Pignite, maybe but not me," Charizard said as Ash chuckled as he walked over to the battlefield to the trainer's box.

"Well, let's get this battle going. It's a triple battle, and I hope you won't disappoint like the other trainers I've battled lately," Shamus said as he pulled out three Pokeballs and tossed them. As an Emboar, Heatmor and a Hydreigon came out on the battlefield, which made Zorua concerned.

"What's up, kid?" Charizard asked her, who turned to him.

"Let's just say Pignite won't like what he will see with the big fire type on his team being Emboar," Zorua said. Charizard was confused by this.

"Servine, you ready for this?" Ash asked her, who nodded.

"Word of advice, Ash, this is what Deino warned you about. Keep an eye on the Hydreigon. You've faced its evolutionary line before Deino's final stage," Servine warned Ash, who nodded as she ran out to the battlefield as Ash pulled out two other Pokeballs.

"Samurott and Pignite, come on out," Ash sent out both Pokemon. As the two Pokemon were on the battlefield, Pignite noticed the Emboar and was even more upset.

"Figured that trainers like him would use a member of his evolutionary line when he releases his Pokemon," Zorua said as Charizard crossed his claws.

"Now, I see what you mean. What a coward, doing that to the kid like that," Charizard said as Samurott and Servine told him that he shouldn't let this get to him during this battle and remember that he's with Ash now as Pignite calmed down.

"Humph, seem's like the Oshawott who we denied to take has evolved as well as my weak Pignite. I must admit you are good, but that won't save you in this battle," Shamus said to Ash, who blew what he said off as this was his last battle for the league and knew that he could say all this, not let it get to him. "Ugh, you don't seem to fall for all my trash-talking."

"Are we going to battle, or will you talk me into forfeit because it doesn't happen, and I've faced Hydreigon's evolutionary line? You aren't scaring anyone here," Ash said. "Samurott uses Hydro Pump on Heatmor, Servine uses Aerial Ace on Emboar, and Pignite uses Heavy Slam on Hydreigon," Ash commanded his three Pokemon as the three Pokemon used their attacks at the three targets.

"Hydreigon uses Tri-attack on all three," Shamus commanded his Pokemon as his Pokemon used all three heads to launch the attack at all three.

"Samurott uses Air Slash to get rid of them," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who used the attack, slashing through all three attacks and heading towards the trio as Ash's Pokemon landed their attack on their targets.

"Emboar uses Flamethrower, and Heatmor, use Bug Buzz Hydreigon use Surf," Shamus commanded his Pokemon, who launched their attacks right at the Pokemon as Servine nodded at Ash, who nodded back.

"Servine, use Mirror Coat, protect them," Ash commanded her Shamus was taken aback by this as Servine blocked the Surf and sent it back to the three Pokemon.

"Dragon Tail Hydreigon," Shamus commanded, who slashed the Surf, but its teammates weren't so lucky as they were hit as well. Shamus grunted. Ash had control over this battle.

"That Hydreigon isn't going to make things easier. I can see why he's put many Pokemon in the Pokemon center like that," Charizard said to Zorua, who sighed.

"It's just beginning, and if you are training Deino, you have a lot of work on your end," Zorua said to Charizard, who snorted as the two watched the battle.

"You're a coward using moves like that to fight back, and I thought Attract was worse," Shamus said as Ash glared at Shamus, seeing that Shamus was calling him a cheater like most losing people would do.

"It's a Triple battle, Shamus, and you are making excuses, and these moves are legal," Ash said to Shamus, who glared.

"Emboar, use Blast Burn. Shut him up," Shamus commanded his Pokemon, who launched his attack on the ground as it hit all three of them, sending them back.

"You guys okay?" Ash asked them, who nodded. "Shamus's mouth may run, but boy can he back it up; but he made a mistake by using that move," Ash thought. "Servine uses Aerial Ace, and Samurott uses Revenge," Ash commanded his two Pokemon as the two went towards Emboar and Heatmor and slammed right into both of them, knocking both out.

"Hydreigon uses Retaliate," Shamus commanded his Pokemon, sending his tail right into Servine, knocking her out.

"Servine!" Pignite and Samurott said in surprise as Ash ran over to her.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me, Pignite. I believe in you, not just Samurott. Remember, we are battling for you as our friend, not for ourselves," Servine said to Pignite, who looked down as Charizard smiled, seeing that even when she was knocked out, she still cared for her friend.

"That's for my sister, you traitorous snake, now for your friends, and then I can move on with my life as a trainer and won't have to worry about the league or pathetic trainers like yours, given the stakes in this battle," Shamus said out loud. as Pignite was even more taken aback.

"So the truth comes out about what is going on with this battle," Charizard says. Ash and Zorua were surprised to hear this. "Come on, Ash, I may be prideful, but I'm not stupid during my battle against my former trainer. Kid, don't let this get to you. You're stronger than this," Charizard said to Ash and Pignite.

"Charizard is right, Pignite. I can explain after this battle, but this isn't over, and we need to fight together as a team," Ash said Pignite felt bad but knew that Ash wouldn't tell him if he didn't believe in him, not just Samurott and Servine as Pignite snorted flames and looked at Hydreigon and Shamus.

"You're the reason I am with Ash and this situation, both of you," Pignite said to Shamus and Hydreigon as they laughed at Pignite's bravery facade.

"I see that Pignite remembers my Hydreigon, given that he was the reason behind his mental scars and what happens when you lose on my team," Shamus said to Pignite.

"So Charizard was right about Pignite and Shamus. He doesn't care about being a trainer. He wants to get his way," Ash thought as Pignite glared at his Hydreigon. "Samurott, use Mega Horn," Ash commanded his Pokemon. "Pignite use Brick Break," Ash commanded Pignite.

"Flamethrower and Tri-attack," Shamus commanded Hydreigon, who launched his attacks at the two Pokemon, which both were hit but managed to get up. "Now let's end this Giga Impact," Shamus commanded his Pokemon, who charged at Pignite, his real target, as Samurott countered with Revenge. Samurott was sent to the ground as the moves clashed and knocked out, but Hydreigon was still standing.

Pignite seeing this, was now getting angry and knew that this might happen as he knew that he had to win no matter what, not just for himself but Ash and his friends. Pignite began to glow, which everyone was surprised by as Pignite was now an Emboar who let out a roar and glared at Shamus and Hydreigon. Ash was surprised and worried about Emboar, given his experience with Charizard when he evolved fully.

"Don't worry about me, Ash. I won't let you down in this time of need. I'm loyal throughout, as this is part of what my evolution line is known for. Right now, I have no intentions of distrusting or disobeying you," Emboar said to Ash, who was surprised but nodded as Charizard could tell that not all fire starters are like what he was and can tell that Ash has learned since Charizard was in his Charmeleon days.

"Humph, just because he evolved into his final stage doesn't mean he'll win. Hydreigon, use Surf," Shamus commanded his Pokemon, who used the tidal wave towards Emboar.

"Use Heat Crash and Brick Break," Ash commanded Emboar, who jumped out of the way and slammed right into Hydreigon, sending him to the ground, and got up.

"Use Giga Impact," Shamus commanded his Pokemon, who charged at Emboar as Ash knew this was the final blow to end this match.

"Time to end this. Use Heat Crash and Heavy Slam," Ash commanded his Pokemon. The two Pokemon clashed as Hydreigon was sent to the ground. "End this with Fire Pledge," Ash commanded Emboar, who sent his arm into the ground as pillars of fire began to hit Hydreigon, knocking him out.

"All three of Shamus's Pokemon are unable to battle. The victor is Ash Ketchem from Pallet Town," the ref announced as Ash ran over to Emboar, who smiled and was about to pass out in Ash's arms as Servine and Samurott joined the celebration. Shamus wasn't happy that he lost like this, and to the Pokemon, he released all Pokemon.

"I won't stand for this insult," Shamus said as the group noticed as he was about to bring out all the Pokemon he had in his possession when a Flamethrower was sent at him. It was from Emboar as Shamus was sent to the ground.

"Humph, a well-deserved Flamethrower, not from me, like Damien, like this trainer, someone who needs a Flamethrower to shut them down," Charizard said, laughing. "You did good, kid. My job is done here," Charizard said to Emboar, who smiled and nodded.

The cops were called, and Shamus was placed in the back of the squad car. "Tell you, sister, I said hi, and I'm sure that you two have some catching up to do, and if anyone of your family wants a piece of me, I will be waiting," Ash said to Shamus, who grumbled at this as he was hauled off to jail.

"Remember, Ash, like Amelia, their family won't want anything to do with them, so I highly doubt that they will come after you after this battle; they may be rich, but they know when to cut their losses and not get involved," Jenny said to Ash who sighed at this. "If we have any issues with them, we'll let your father know as well as you, Ash."

"Thanks, Officer, and knowing my father, I will be the first to know," Ash said as Jenny nodded as she left. Ash sighed and turned to Charizard, who ate with Emboar and everyone. "Thanks again, Charizard. I'm surprised you knew about that," Ash said to the fire/flying type, who sighed.

"I already said it earlier. I may be prideful, but I'm not stupid. You battling my former trainer wouldn't come with a cost, and calling me to help Emboar here confirms my suspicion. I understand why you hid this from your team, but it puts us in a worse situation, so you got lucky that Emboar here didn't turn into me when I was a Charmeleon or before you saved my life," Charizard crossed his claws. Ash sighed.

"Sorry to worry you guys, but Charizard, I wasn't told about the consequences until after I agreed to battle against Damien, but that is in the past," Ash said. Charizard let out a small Flamethrower, as usual, on Ash, and everyone laughed at this as Ash shook it off.

"We'll. I think my job here is done; take care, kid, and we will meet again later down the road," Charizard said to Emboar, who finished eating and was surprised. "Like Infernape, I'm leaving it to you. You are strong; I'm not saying I'm passing the torch to you. I can see that you are in safe hands, and if you need training, I'm here for you."

Emboar nodded and bowed to him, showing respect, and as a teacher, Charizard smirked and nodded. Ash returned Charizard to his ball and returned him to Professor Oaks' lab.

"So much for spending the day looking around, huh, Ash?" Misty said to Ash, who shook his head. "We can still do that tomorrow, and my Pokemon needs some time to rest anyway. We can continue the gym challenge when that happens," Ash said to Misty, who smiled as Brock nodded, as well as Zorua and Servine.

With the battle against Shamus now over. Ash and his friends can enjoy their time in Icirrus City, and the weight on Emboar is now lifted. What else is in store for our heroes? As the Journey continues.

Stay tuned.

Done and done. This chapter took forever to finish, and I started writing it last week. This is my second longest chapter, maybe even as long as Chapter 14 in this story, and I wonder if I can top it well from the original version, which was over six thousand words. That said, Charizard should've been involved in the episode, given his past was similar to Tepig's in the anime. At least, that will happen in this story. Speaking of Charizard's past, do you want a chapter devoted to Ash vs. Damien, given that it will happen in my Johto story? Just asking. It's the Icirrus City gym battle next, as we will stick in Unova for the rest of the week. Prepare for a lot coming up in the coming chapters. See you next time.