Greetings everyone, Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to A Promise Kept Ash's Johto Journey. I do appreciate some of the reviews so far on this story. Still, don't think that the whole issues with and the whole email stuff means that I won't be writting on here and I'm on Devientart, Furraffinity, Inkitt, and A03 under the same username which is where I post these as well so you can find me on there as well. With that said, let's get this chapter started, shall we?
Chapter 75: Trusts and Answers
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
It was the day after the events of the fourth Island with Charizard, Pidgeot, and Dragonair. Charizard was recovering from his injuries but still was out for a while as Clair Dragonite, Blaze, Charizard's middle sister who belongs to Ash's Cousin Michael, and Ash's Dragonair were in the room cause they were family to Ash's Charizard and heard about what had happened to him.
"Any word from mom or dad to know if they heard about what had happened?" Dragonair asked her sisters and cousin, who shook their heads. Dragonair looked down as Clair's Dragonite patted her head and turned to her oldest sister.
"Don't worry, sis, and they'll probably show up. If not, at least the league will learn about this, as this has gotten too far when it comes to Damien, Pidgeot filled us in on what happened, and I don't blame my twin for what happened nor you should blame your eldest brother cause of it either he wanted to protect you, but had no choice," Clair's Dragonite said to Dragonair who nodded as she looks at her brother who was resting as Joy came in as the group turned to her.
"I contacted Champion Lance, and he plans to send your parents here. They will be here in a couple of days to check on the situation and make sure that Charizard gets well. I do appreciate you all taking your time to visit him as a family to him," Joy said to the group, who nodded as Blaze was more cousin to them but still family, knowing that some response for this is a thing as Dragonair noticed that Pidgeot wasn't with the group. "Pidgeot is with her, brother, as your trainer is planning some preparations for his travels to his flock back in Kanto."
Meanwhile, with Ash and the others, Ash was talking with Daniel and Pidgeotto. Slowbro's psychic capabilities were back online for them to understand Pokemon, as Ash's match wouldn't be until later in the day as the tournament heard what happened last night.
"So you think I should send it to Professor Oaks place even though I'm not from Pallet Town or started there?" Daniel said as Ash nodded.
"This gives him more time with them, and I can ask Professor Oak to send Noctowl to get him, given how far Fearow's flock is from Pallet town," Ash said to Daniel, who nodded.
"Given that the flock is closer to Viridian City and my family's flock is near Pallet Town, that would work," Daniels Pidgeotto said to Ash and Daniel, who nodded.
"Are you sure that the council will listen to you or give you a chance to speak about our relationship with each other? I mean, I don't remember much of our family's flock, given that most of them are either new or I haven't seen in a while?" Pidgeot said to Pidgeotto, who nodded and was confident as Daniel and Ash contacted Professor Oak.
"I'm planning on visiting Fearow's flock first as I'm planning on staying with him first and then talking with them with Fearow by my side. As for the council, we do have more connections than you think, sis," Daniel's Pidgeotto said to Pidgeot, who was curious about what he meant. "As you know, you aren't the only Pidgeot in the group. Well, he's family to us as well," Daniel's Pidgeotto said to Pidgeot, who now understood where he was going.
"That would be my father. Seems like he's still with the flock even after my mom and I left," Casey's Pidgeotto said, trotting her way over to the two. Pidgeot was surprised as Daniel's Pidgeotto nodded.
"I didn't know that he was family to us, given that he confirmed my relationship to the flock. I have taken that he was also part of Dad's flock the longest?" Pidgeot said to both members of her flock, who nodded.
"He's more a family friend, as mentioned earlier. Cousin here is tied to us through her mother and is still a member no matter what. As for her father, he was originally dad's second in command before he was passed over for our previous flock leader. I'll talk about that the next time we meet as now's not the time to talk about it, but let's say that there's a reason why many of the flocks are spaced out in Viridian Forest," Daniel's Pidgeotto as Pidgeot nodded respectfully and thought of something.
"And what does your Godfather have to do with this? I know he is trying to maintain peace between flocks by visiting and discussing how to make the merger work without prying it. Does Fearow have something that you aren't letting on? I mean, we should stop hiding things, bro?" Pidgeot said to Daniel's Pidgeotto, who sighed.
"The other is connections that Fearow has to the flying type hierarchy through Skarmory," Daniel's Pidgeotto said as Pidgeot was surprised that Fearow has high connections. However, she needed to be made aware of the current leader's family in the hierarchy.
"You might not know this, but our family is ranked 2 in the hierarchy as dad refused to be ranked one cause he didn't want that burden to affect us, but let's just say it's a champion's Pokemon, and his daughter is the tie that Fearow has?" Daniel's Pidgeotto said as Pidgeot looked down, it made sense why her father was well known by many, but was curious as to who this champion's daughter was. Casey's Pidgeotto has a surprised look on her face.
"Mary? Fearow has ties to Mary? Do you mean "that," Mary? Cousin, are you sure?" Casey's Pidgeotto said to her cousin, who nodded as Pidgeot turned to her, confused. "Mary is known as the one who keeps in contact with other flocks and ensures that flock leaders don't try to do something that might cost them their status. From what I heard, she's also a flock leader somewhere in Johto," Casey's Pidgeotto said to Pidgeot, filling her in on who she was.
"I thought that was a rumor from the flock, so she is a real thing, huh? But I still don't understand. What does Mary have to do with Skarmory? What's their relationship with each other?" Pidgeot asked her brother, who sighed and looked down.
"It's cause Skarmory's relationship with Mary is the same relationship I have with Fearow. Mary is Skarmory's godmother, a family friend of hers as well as to our family, and Skarmory's mother's apprentice when Skarmory's mother was flock leader," Daniel's Pidgeotto said to Pidgeot, who was surprised by this. "And she's only been flock leader as long as you have Pidgeot, with only three months under her wing longer than you have, and she's only 20 years old."
"And I thought I was young when I became flock leader, and she's not that much younger than Dad or Fearow by three years. Maybe we'll run into her here in Johto if allowed?" Pidgeot asked her brother, who nodded as Ash was finished talking to Professor Oak.
"Thanks for understanding, Professor Oak, and we'll send him over soon enough," Ash said to Professor Oak, who nodded as Ash and Daniel turned to the group. "Professor Oak agreed to let you be transferred to his lab so you can spend time over there, and Noctowl agreed to take you there," Ash said as Daniel's Pidgeotto nodded.
"Thanks, Ash. I appreciate the help there. I can see why Fearow was willing to listen to you in the first place," Daniel's Pidgeotto said to Ash, who nodded and turned to his sister. "You sure you don't want to come with me to the flock, sis? I'm sure that you need some time away from all this?"
"No, I still got some training to do once Charizard gets healed, and I think being there would make things worse for you even with proof," Pidgeot said to her brother, who nodded in understanding as they both looked a missing patch of feathers on their wings when Nurse Joy took to get their feathers tested.
"I'll be staying on the island for a while after the Whirl Cup is over so that you will have time to yourself at the flock boy, so no worries about me leaving if I lose any point in the tournament," Daniel said to his Pokemon, who nodded.
"Well, see you around, little sis, and good seeing you again," Daniel's Pidgeotto said to his sister, who nodded.
"I can see why you picked Daniel as your trainer. He knows your needs and respects how a trainer is as well. Take care and tell the flock I said hi," Pidgeot said as Daniel's Pidgeotto nodded as Daniel returned him to his ball. And sent him off to Professor Oaks's lab.
"You are free to spend time with Charizard, Pidgeot, as Nurse Joy gave you the go-ahead to do so, given that you were there for him, and I'm sure you will be able to watch my battle today as well. Just keep an eye on him, just in case," Ash said to Pidgeot, who nodded and left to be with Charizard. Daniel walked off to the stadium to get ready for his match today. Ash sighed as he knew that it was just a typical day now for a tournament and up against Sissy today.
The tournament was going on as almost everyone had their matches aside from Ash and Misty's match as many trainers were OK with this given that it was announced what had happened that night or some of them saw what led to Lugia helping them and couldn't argue with the reason behind it as Ash was waiting for his match in the locker room as his and Misty's match were the last two of the day as Sissy walks over to Ash.
"Is everything OK with your Pokemon, Ash? We all heard what happened to your Pokemon during the tournament," Sissy said to Ash, who nodded.
"Yeah, according to Nurse Joy, we were lucky to get to them before things got worse. Sadly, it was at the cost of Charizard's wing. Luckily, it wasn't permanently broken," Ash said to Sissy, who nodded and understood about Ash's situation with Damien.
"I understand, Ash. I would've asked for our match to be tomorrow if your Pokemon needed rest or you needed an extra rest," Sissy said to Ash as she knew that things weren't right if the match was uneven between the two of them. Ash smiled and nodded.
"Thanks, Sissy, but I got enough sleep last night, so we should be able to get this battle today, and no worries, I wished you the best of luck in the battle today," Ash said to Sissy while offering a handshake which she smiled and accepted it.
"Will both our two combatants come out to the battlefield for today's battle," The announcer said, indicating it was time for Ash and Sissy's battle as both Ash and Sissy left and headed in the opposite direction of each other to their retrospective sides of the battlefield.
The T.V. was on in the medical room where Charizard, his siblings, Blaze, and Pidgeot watched today's matches. They knew that Ash's match was next. The sight of the water battlefield didn't affect Charizard as he wasn't taking part in this battlefield, though Dragonair wished she would take part in this, but it had to be a water type of sorts to take part in this tournament.
"Now, for the second to last match of the tournament before the main tournament, as many of you know that there was an incident last night, so we gave the time for our contestants to either rest up, as well as their Pokemon so with that said here are our combatants," the announcer said as Ash and Sissy arrived out of the stadium entrance and to their battlefield as Ash was introduced anyway though everyone knew who he was and who was the one who had Pokemon injured.
"Now, for his next opponent, she's the first member of the Orange crew who is known to have control of the water of the battlefield and is known to be one of the stronger members of the Orange crew, the Miken Island gym leader, Sissy," the announcer said as Sissy arrives at the battlefield trainers box as Ash was ready to face off against her as Misty was in the audience with Brock as the remaining combatants were watching in the stands. "Now, remember this is up to a 2v2 battle, so will both combatants release their first Pokemon? Let's get this battle started, shall we?"
"Kingdra, come on out," Sissy sent out her first Pokemon Ash realized that her Seadra evolved and was ready to fight against Ash as Ash pulled out his first Pokeball.
"OK, Kingler, come on out," Ash sent out his first Pokemon, who was ready to battle as well.
"Kingler vs. Kingdra, let the battle begin," the ref announced as both Ash and Sissy were ready to battle.
"Ash, no matter who wins today's battle, let's give it our best, so let's get going, Kingdra. Use Dragons Dance and then Hydro Pump," Sissy commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at Kingler.
"Mud Shot now, Kingler, and then use Bubble Beam," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attacks at Kingdra. The attack clashed, and the Bubble Beam hit Kingdra.
"Aurora Beam, now Kingdra, and then use Double Edge," Sissy commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at Kingler, who was blasted by the ice-type attack as Kingdra, who was coming at the crab Pokemon at a fast pace and slammed at Kingler hard.
"Knock Off Attack and Crabhammer now, Kingler," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who slammed his pincher, the big one, on Kingdra, sending it to the other side of the water battlefield hard as Kingler was panting from that attack from those two attacks.
"Hyper Beam, now," Ash and Sissy both commanded their Pokemon, who fired the attack at each other it caused an explosion as both Pokemon were still standing and tired from all these attacks.
"Dragons Dance and then use Double Edge now, Kindgra," Sissy commanded her Pokemon, who charged in at Kingler.
"Crabhammer and Knock Off now, Kingler," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who was waiting for the Water/Dragon Pokemon. He managed to reach him as the two Pokemon clashed, causing an enormous explosion and knocking each other out. Both Ash and Sissy were surprised by the fact that the two were knocked out.
"Both Kingler and Kingdra are unable to battle the match is tied as both trainers are down to their last Pokemon in the tournament," the ref announced as both Sissy and Ash returned their Pokemon to their balls and praised them as Sissy turned to Ash.
"Well, Ash, I was hoping that this battle would last longer than this, but you are showing why you won the Orange League, but you know what my last Pokemon is, and we aren't going to let you win this time," Sissy said to Ash who nodded as Sissy pulled out her Pokeball. "Blastoise, come on out," Sissy sent out her last Pokemon.
"Well, this ought to be good as it's the same as last time we battled," Ash said, pulling out his last Pokeball. "Lapras, come on out," Ash sent out his last Pokemon as the two Pokemon recognized each other and knew that this battle would be much different from their wave race back in the Orange Islands.
"We have to be careful that Blastoise might know Mirror Coat as the last time I faced one, that was a move, so we need to fight without that being the case," Ash thought as Lapras turned to Ash, showing that she was OK with whatever Ash has planned as Ash nodded. "Alright, Lapras, use Thunderbolt," Ash commanded her, who launched the attack at Blastoise.
"Hydro Pump, now Blastoise and the Skull Bash," Sissy commanded her Pokemon, who blasted the electric attack and then charged at Lapras via the water showing that it's gotten faster than their last fight.
"Use Hydro Pump, Lapras," Ash commanded her, who launched the attack at Blastoise, who was charging through the water-type attack and slammed right into Lapras.
"Hydro Cannon now, Blastoise," Sissy commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack as Ash realized what that move was about and decided to end this now.
"Use Hydro Pump Lapras as well as Thunderbolt," Ash commanded her, who fired the attack as both of the attacks landed and caused an explosion.
Ash and Sissy were covering their faces as everyone was on the edge of their seats, even Charizard and his family at the hospital, as the smoke cleared. They revealed that both Pokemon were standing and panting as Blastoise couldn't take it anymore and fainted. Ash and Sissy were surprised.
"Blastoise is unable to battle; Lapras wins, moving on to the main tournament of the Whirl Cup. Is Ash Ketchem from Pallet Town," the ref announced as Ash sat down and sighed. Sissy returned her Pokemon as Lapras swam over to Ash and nuzzled him which Ash chuckled.
"You did great out there, Lapras, for your second battle since you joined the team," Ash said to her, who nodded.
"Anytime, Ash, I'm not going to let the team down, that's for sure," Lapras said to Ash, who nodded as he returned her to her ball.
"There will be a 30-minute break, and then the final match of the second bracket of the Whirl Cup between Misty and Sakura will begin," the announcer said to the group. Misty sighed, got up, and headed to the locker room to wait for her battle as she ran into Ash heading her way to it.
"You look more nervous than before, Misty?" Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"I mean, it's one of my best friends that I'm facing against, and I was hoping to face her later, but I'll make due for this battle," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
"Just have fun, and you knew that this would happen; sooner or later, we've known that would happen since the beginning of the tournament," Ash said as Misty nodded as Ash walked towards the stands.
In the locker room, Misty was waiting for her turn to battle as Sakura walked over to her.
"Oh, hey, Sakura, I'm sure your team is ready for today's match?" Misty said to her, who nodded.
"Look, Misty, no matter who wins this battle, we are still friends. That's the point of these types of tournaments. I'm still planning on staying in the Islands when this match ends, not to mention the tournament, so no worries. I will be heading to Cianwood City a little later on, so yeah, I'm sure that you are worried about how this outcome will be?" Sakura said to Misty, who nodded. "As I said, we're still friends no matter what, so let's give it our all," Sakura told Misty, about to say something only to hear the announcer call out for the two to come to the battlefield.
"Well, that's our cue; best of luck to you, Sakura, and yeah, we are still friends no matter what," Misty said, offering a handshake to Sakura, who nodded as the two left the locker room and to the battlefield.
"Now, for the last match of the Whirl Cup, these two have shown how well they've been in this tournament, but this battle will determine who will make it through to the next round," the announcer said as Sakura and Misty walked out as they were being introduced. "Reminder that this battle will be, at maximum, a 2v2 battle, and given that both trainers have two Pokemon, will both trainers let out their two Pokemon, and we will begin this last match," the announcer said as both Misty and Sakura pulled out their Pokeballs.
"Vaporeon, take the stage," Sakura sent her sister water-type Eeveelution.
"Kingdra, come on out," Misty sent out her water/dragon type Pokemon as both Pokemon were ready to face off against each other.
"Kingdra vs. Vaporeon, let the battle begin," the ref said as Misty and Sakura were ready to go. Ash sat beside Brock in the stands.
"Kingdra, use Hydro Pump, now," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at the water Pokemon.
"Use Curse and then Hidden Power, Vaporeon," Sakura commanded her Pokemon, who used a move that didn't look anything threatening minus the name and fired the Hidden Power, which looked to be an electric type version, at Kingdra.
"Dodge it with Dragons Dance and then use Return attack, Kingdra," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who charged in at Vaporeon, who was doing nothing as Sakura smiled at this. "What's Sakura up to? She used a move I've never heard of, yet it's doing nothing so far?" Misty thought.
"Curse again and then use Batton Pass Vaporeon," Sakura said as her Pokemon used it again. Then it instantly returned to its ball, which made Misty and everyone surprised as Lanturn hit the field. The Return attack slammed into the Pokemon, only to not do much damage. "Use Return now, Lanturn," Sakura said as her Pokemon slammed into Kingdra hard, sending it to the water. Sakura smiled, giggling.
"How, what just happened," Misty said as Kingdra rose in the water, not letting that attack take it out that easily as the Pokemon in the hospital was watching this.
"Sakura is showing why she made it this far with that combo, cause Batton Pass will transfer those stat raising from Curse as it works two ways depending on what Pokemon used it," Clair's Dragonite said to her family, who were watching this. "Your friend Misty must do more than that if she wants to win."
"Sakura is showing why her siblings are widely known to be strategic in battle, and what we are seeing is a strong combo from the Curse Strategy as it raises the Pokemon Attack and Defenses at the cost of its speed. So, what is Misty going to do now," the announcer said as Misty could see why Sakura was calm about battling her in today's match.
"Now, use Thunderbolt Lanturn," Sakura commanded her Pokemon, who launched the attack at Kingdra.
"Ice Beam and Octozooka Kingdra," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at the electric attack as it clashed with the attack. "Now use Hydro Pump," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at Lanturn, blasting him hard and to Sakura.
"Psybeam and Thunderbolt," Sakura commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at Kingdra.
"Dive underwater now before it can hit you with Dragons Dance," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who dives underwater.
"Oh, no, you don't, Misty. Use Confuse Ray on the water, Lanturn," Sakura commanded her Pokemon. Misty was surprised as it covered the entire water battlefield and hit Kingdra. Kingdra was confused and shaky, moving side to side as Sakura smirked. "And I call that Checkmate; use Ice Beam and Psybeam," Sakura commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack.
"Kingdra, we're not going to let this get to use. Please snap out of it and then use Hydro Pump and Octozooka," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who snapped out of it and fired the attack just before the two attacks got to him. Sakura was surprised he escaped that confusion as fast as the moves clashed.
"Now, use Return attack," Misty and Sakura commanded their Pokemon, who charged in at each other and slammed into each other headwise, sending both of them to the walls and knocking both out.
"Both Pokemon were unable to battle. The match will be down to the last Pokemon on both sides," the ref announced as Sakura and Misty returned their Pokemon to their balls.
"I must say, Misty, your bond with your Pokemon is strong, that's for sure if you were able to get out of my combo like that, even matching blow for blow, but I won't let you get a win against me that easily, Vaporeon come on out," Sakura sent out her last Pokemon.
"Croconaw, come on out," Misty sent out her last Pokemon, who was ready to fight this battle. Vaporeon showed that it still had plenty of energy to fight against this Pokemon as Croconaw was doing a little dance she was known for. "Let's go use Surf attack, Croconaw," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who let out a tidal wave towards Vaporeon.
"Dodge it and then use Acid Armor Vaporeon," Sakura commanded her Pokemon, who jumped in the water and disappeared. Misty groaned as Croconaw looked around for where it went. "Curse and then Shadow Ball, Vaporeon," Sakura commanded her Pokemon, who jumped behind Croconaw and slammed the Shadow Ball right into Croconaw. Given that it was known as a Physical attack, it did some good damage to her as Vaporeon went back into the water and went invisible.
"Ugh, this is what I was hoping wouldn't happen and hoping to face Lanturn as her last Pokemon, Sakura. You are showing why you have made it as far as you did on your journey," Misty thought as Croconaw resurfaced from the water. Misty knew that Sakura would try this again, but spotting where Vaporeon was at was difficult.
"Misty, keep calm. She's somewhere on the battlefield. This is your specialty; try to help us sense where she's at," Crocnaw said to Misty, who was taken aback by this as Croconaw had faith in Misty's battle capabilities. Misty closed her eyes, as did Croconaw.
"Ice Beam, now Vaporeon," Sakura commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at Croconaw in another battlefield direction.
"Slash now, and then use Hydro Pump, Croconaw," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who slashed the ice-type attack and used Hydro Pump in the direction of the Ice Beam, hitting Vaporeon before it could get out of the way and sliding on the platform near Sakura.
"Not bad, Misty, but I won't let you go that easily. Curse and then Acid Armor," Sakura said as she jumped in the water. While using the two moves, Misty noticed something in the water when it was moving as it was heading toward Croconaw.
"That's it. It seems like Vaporeon isn't completely invisible while using Acid Armor in the water or hasn't mastered it," Misty thought as Croconaw noticed as well. "Surf on the water, get her out of it," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who used the attack, and the tidal wave slammed right into Vaporeon cause Curse made it slower, so it was harder to get out of the way and knock it out of the water. "End this use, Slash," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who was in the air after the Surf attack.
"Shadow Ball and Ice Beam," Sakura commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attacks at the water starter as they clashed with the Slash attack. Croconaw was coming down towards the water-type Eeveelution and slashed the water Pokemon and sent her to the wall, knocking it out.
"Vaporeon," Sakura said, surprised that it was knocked out as Croconaw was panting hard.
"Vaporeon is unable to battle. Croconaw wins. Moving on to the main tournament is Misty Waterflower from Cerulean City," the ref announced as Misty sighed and was happy that she won. Croconaw was too tired to dance but puffed her chest as Misty chuckled at this. Sakura returned her Pokemon to its ball and smiled that she battled her friend in this tournament. She saw Misty smile at her, and both nodded.
"Now, with today's matches over, we now have our trainers for the main tournament, and here they are," the announcer said as Ash and Misty turned to the scoreboard, which had brackets in the top and bottom parts. It revealed the trainers Ash was in the top Bracket, and Misty was in the bottom Bracket. It revealed that Ash was against his uncle and Misty was against Ash's cousin in their first-round Bracket of the tournament, but that wasn't the only thing that was in their brackets.
Ash's Bracket had the following trainers: his uncle David, Casey, Katie, Morrison, Pryce, and Regie in his Bracket.
Misty's Bracket had Ash's cousins Michael, Clair, Cynthia, Drew, Daniel Gary, and Paul in the Bracket; however, the way the Bracket was placed, Gary and Paul were going to face each other in that match to reach the semi-finals of their Bracket.
"There will be a day off tomorrow so everyone can get some rest and let their Pokemon get some time to get better as we are in the part of the tournament that will be a maximum of three Pokemon for the trainers, so we will see you then ladies and gentlemen," the announcer said to the audience as everyone left as Misty and Sakura left to the Pokemon center.
Ash checked on how Charizard was doing as he got his Pokemon healed. He saw Charizard's siblings and cousin there, and Pidgeotthey let him in. "How are you doing Charizard?" Ash asked him, who sighed.
"A lot better than yesterday, but I'm nowhere near ready to get out of here and train again, and my parents are coming here soon. It is a bit embarrassing," Ash's Charizard said to Ash, who was confused about why he saw it as embarrassing.
"It's more of his pride that our parents are showing up the cause of the family matter that is going on with my twin brother, Ash," Clairs Dragonite said to Ash, who now understood what was happening.
"You think your parents aren't confident that you will be able to handle your older brother or Damien?" Ash said to his fire starter, who felt stung by that but knew Ash was right. "Maybe that might not be the case, Charizard. You didn't know that Damien showed up," Ash said to Charizard, who nodded.
"This whole mess is caused by our family issues with siblings, and I felt betrayed by Dragonite while I was sleeping. He promised me that he would keep our family out of this, yet he brought Damien to where we were, and" Ash's Charizard was interrupted by Clair's Dragonite.
"And you don't think he had a choice, little brother?" Clair's Dragonite said to her brother, who turned to her. "We are all aware of what Damien did to you and the Pokemon that Damien abandoned. Not to mention, this is what Damien wants you to do: blame others and let your guard down. My twin wouldn't have done this if it was someone else. Think about it. Dragonair told me that he was the one who told you all about those herbs, Charizard, and knowing him, he had no choice but to get involved in this," Clair's Dragonite said to her injured brother, showing why she's the oldest of his siblings.
"And how do you think he discovered that sis was a wild Pokemon? Think about it, and Dragonite brought Damien to us," Charizard said. No one had any answers, as Ash remembers something.
"Gengar," Ash said aloud as the group turned to him. "Remember he had a Gengar the last time we saw Damien. He must've been spying on us through that Pokemon, as it's known for being in the shadows. Damien has been one step ahead of us lately and learned about his disbard as a trainer until the league; think about it, Charizard," Ash said to Charizard, who looked down as Charizard sighed.
"I know who he is, of all mons," Charizard said as Ash turned to him. "He's Damien's second capture and one of his most sinister Pokemon on his team, always trying to make sure that we are loyal to Damien. He is the most ruthless Pokemon on his team, not to mention he is the one who Dragonite and I won't bother trying to argue with either. If he is the one who brought to our attention who Dragonair is being a wild Pokemon, then we need to do something about it," Charizard said as he noticed something coming behind Ash. "Move now, everyone," Charizard said as he fired a Flamethrower at the shadow to reveal that it was a Gengar, the same one.
"Humph, it seems like you were good at spotting me. Even with a damaged wing, you still have a spark in you," Gengar said as Charizard and everyone were about to battle him. "Humph, I'll leave you be. My job here is to spy on you by Scar to mess with your mind to think that your brother is the one who betrayed you. Yes, he did, but I was the one who did the real work," Gengar said as he laughed and made his way out before everyone could attack him.
"Get back here," Ash said to Gengar, only for Clair's Dragonite to hold Ash back, shaking her head, showing that it was not worth it as Ash backed off.
"Oh, don't worry about me showing up. I've seen enough here to know that Damien is right not to fear you or your Pokemon, as I'm sick of the moping here and the goodie-goodie vibe. Next time we meet, you will lose to us, so savor this as we will decimate you in battle," Gengar laughed as he left the area.
Everyone sighed as Charizard groaned as that attack caused a pull on his wing that was injured. Ash ran over to him, as did Dragonair and Pidgeot, and Joy walked in to tend to him. "I warned you not to use your attacks while injured?" Joy said to Charizard as she was tending to his wing.
"It's not his fault as one of Damien's Pokemon showed up a Gengar," Ash said to Joy, who was understanding as she wrapped up Charizard's wing and sighed.
"Of all mons to be here, I'm fully aware of his Gengar and many Pokemon that the rangers have mentally broken cause of him; how he managed to slip past our security is still alluded to me," Joy said to Ash.
"He must've gotten to my shadow during that fight yesterday to ensure that Damien kept an eye on me," Charizard said as Ash relayed this to Joy, who looked down as Ash sighed.
"Now we have to watch for more of Damien Pokemon. We don't know what is left on his team?" Ash said to everyone as Charizard sighed.
"Dragonite, Gengar, Gyarados, Victribell, Magmar, Golem, and Pidgeot," Charizard said as the group turned to him. "Those are what's left, and they aren't the types to be dis-swayed from his team. They are the most loyal and ruthless Pokemon he has compared to the rest," Charizard said to Ash.
"That Bellsprout that he caught that leads to you being released," Ash said as Charizard nodded.
"The same one, indeed. He saw his potential and kept it around, knowing it would be useful to his cause," Charizard said to Ash. Ash knew what he was up against, as Charizard passed out earlier. Everyone was worried about Charizard's state of mind and state of health now that Gengar had done some damage to him mentally.
With everyone now through the Whirl Cup, things are getting worse for our heroes as the state of Charizard has worsened since he left the fourth Island. What is in store for our heroes as Damien is still out there as the Whirl Cup continues?
Meanwhile, in Kanto, Daniels Pidgeotto was now back at his flock with Skarmory and Fearow as Pidgeotto was getting answers from his flock now that he could talk to his council on his flock.
"You know why I'm here? Tell me, why hide the truth about my sister being our current flock leader, uncle, and the rest of the council? Daniel's Pidgeotto told his father's counsel, who turned to each other. "You know that this isn't what my father wanted when he left the flock to me, let alone what Pidgeot wanted?"
The council was about to say something, but Pidgeot, who was the main member of the council and Uncle of Ash's Pidgoet and Daniel's Pidgeotto, interrupted them as most of them were thinking of excuses.
"Enough. We all agreed to tell them the truth when the day was right," Pidgeot said to the group and turned to his nephews, Fearow and Skarmory. "I agree we should've told you the truth from the beginning, and I agree that this isn't what your father wanted, but after the former flock leader was banished from our flock after what he did to try to take over the other flocks, we had no choice, but to keep it quiet, from you two until we know for sure that she was your sister, and by the time we found out, we had an agreement with Fearow here," Pidgeot said to Pidgeotto as Fearow stood in next to his Godson.
"We agreed when we found out that your sister was indeed a member of your family that we would tell you two the truth when her trainer came back to get her, but you blew up and flew the coop before that could come out," Fearow said to Pidgeotto who looked down.
"And you didn't think my sister wouldn't have wanted to see her older brother again or know he was alright. This whole mess with me being at her throat and anger issues could've been avoided if you told us the truth sooner or later, " Daniel's Pidgeotto said, showing his wing that was missing feathers, showing how far they were willing to find the truth as everyone sighed. "I don't want this whole merger to be a thing as long as we are still hiding secrets from each other and not what Mary's family had in mind when that rule was placed."
"I agree with Pidgeotto here, and while I don't know what my godmother was planning with that idea, this whole thing is only causing more conflict, and as a member of your leader's team, I know that she would've wanted the truth about her and Pidgeotto here, she's really hated the fact that she was being treated as the culprit of what happened to Pidgeotto losing his flock leader status and now it feels like you just didn't want the truth to come out," Skarmory said to the council who looked down as Fearow held his wing in front of her.
"That's enough, dear. You made your point clear, and we can talk to her when she visits in the coming days, but right now, I agree we need to make things right with each other," Fearow said to Pidgeot, who nodded. "We need a new council once the flock merges, and I think this will be made of our leaders, along with Pidgeotto and Skarmory."
Many members protested, but only Pidgeot stopped them. "Enough. I agree with Fearow's assessment and proposal and look at our decision here and how it's going," Pidgeot said to the council, who shut up. "Need I remind you that Fearow was placed as our leader's son's caretaker for a reason, and how is it going? Being at each other's throats, pitting family against each other, a loss of a flock leader, and almost losing a treaty, that was a thing since the flock started," Pidgeot said as the council members looked down and turned to Fearow, who nodded.
"I helped this flock in the past with your previous flock leader when he went rogue, and I've been very lenient with you all. I agreed to this merger cause I wanted our flocks to be at peace, not to mention working with my former friend's flock. We need not be at each other anymore to keep this peace. I came here to propose the idea of a new council and let my Godson here talk and confront the truth, not to cause more issues, and you know that," Fearow said, putting his talon down as the group nodded.
"This meeting is over as of right now, we agree. Pidgeot returns from her journey in Johto, and we will disband the council for a new one. It's the only way to stop this issue, not just for our flock's sake but for the younglings so they can do what they want. If they want to be with trainers, it can be in a safe place," Pidgeot said to the group, who nodded.
"I'll leave this to you, Fearow. We need this merger to work peacefully and nephew," Pidgeot said to Pidgeotto, who looked at him. "Whatever you think might help make you happy, I want you to know that we meant no harm in this. Can you forgive us," Pidgeot said as Pidgeotto nodded and sighed.
"I forgive you, Uncle, but the council, I don't forgive. I'm staying with Fearow's flock as you got your way. I'm a member of his flock until this merger hits, so I hope you are all happy," Dainel's Pidgeotto said to the group, who looked down as he turned to Fearow. "I'm done here. We can leave."
"You're wrong about one thing, nephew," Pidgeot said to Pidgeotto, who turned to him after sighing. "You are still a member of this flock and our family. No matter what, I can see you. Becoming a human-trained Pokemon helped you become more mature, just like your father," Pidgeot said to Daniel's Pidgeotto, who nodded.
"I'll visit the flock during my time here, but with Fearow only, but when I leave for my trainer, the next time you will see me is when the merger happens, and I'm a Pidgeot, so see you all around and thank you for listening to me," Pidgeotto said to his uncle and council who nodded as he took off with Fearow and Skarmory.
During the flight, Fearow turned to his Godson. "I must say you handled it much better back there than you think, Pidgeotto," Fearow said to Pidgeotto, who nodded and looked down. "I did it cause your father asked me to look after you two, and I wanted, as you can tell, we had no idea how you two would react to it, hence why I told you not to look too much into this cause we wanted you to either find it out yourselves or as mentioned before when Ash came back for your sister," Fearow said as Pidgeotto nodded. "I won't push it further, but you are your father's son back there, and I can tell that something on your mind?"
"I'm now worried about what happened yesterday. As you know, there was an attack that involved my sister and Ash's Charizard. There's a lot of things that I don't know, but that trainer looks familiar to me," Daniel's Pidgeotto said to his Godfather, who knew what he was talking about.
"Let's just say he has something to do with your former flock leader. That's all I can say according to what my scouts told me, but right now, we won't delve into it," Fearow said to Pidgeotto, who sighed and was tired from all that talking and flying as they neared Fearow's flock.
Stay Tuned.
Done and done. This is the longest chapter I've written since chapter 5 of Kanto Journey, and this was to be expected given the state of this chapter. Should I cut the parts at the end? It does lead to a lot coming up, especially with the mention earlier, as we will have a chapter somewhere near the Mt. Mortor area before we reach Mahogany town. That said, I posted two battles at the same time cause you guys earned it, given the state of the last chapter. It's the first round of the main tournament of the Whirl Cup, and please review. I checked and read them, minus the issues with 's email system.