Greetings everyone, Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to A Promise Kept Ash's Johto Journey. The story updates should be out for you guys now that the emails are working. So, that said, let's get this chapter going.
Chapter 76: Whirl Cup Main Tournament first round pt 1: Family matters.
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
It was the day before the Whirl Cup main event as Ash and Misty let their Pokemon rest up while Ash checked on Charizard and Dragonair. Ash's cousin Michael was checking on things with his Charizard, who was Ash's Charizard's middle sister. At the same time, they were waiting on Lance's Dragonite and Charizard, as they would be there at some point today.
"So your Charizard is the middle sibling of mine. Wasn't expecting this, Michael?" Ash said to his cousin, who nodded as his Charizard looked at her younger brother.
"Hey, girl. I understand that you are concerned about him. Unfortunately, he's already left, so there's not much we can do except hope that the league can find Damien before Ash or I can?" Michael said to his Charizard, who nodded as Michael turned to Ash. "I do agree with you that our Charizards are family with each other. It surprises me, given that I have helped her since she was a young Charmander. We got off to a bad start, but we have a long now," Michael said to Ash, who chuckled.
"Sounds like brother like sister 'cause I had that when he was a Charmeleon, but the league is coming up for you in Kanto, given that you were invited to participate in the Whirl Cup with your father," Ash said to Michael, who nodded as there was commotion amongst Pokemon. "Well, I guess they showed up now," Ash said. Michael was curious about this as he wasn't aware of who his Charizard's parents were. "I'll ask my Slowbro to give you understanding Pokemon if you leave soon enough," Ash said as he nodded.
A male Charizard and a female Dragonite entered the Pokemon Center. They were noticeably taller than the ones in Ash's Charizard's room. As they checked in with Nurse Joy, many Pokemon were either gushing over them or were heavily noticed, while Ash sighed.
"Taken that's our Charizard's parents, but wow, I have taken that they're famous enough for the Pokemon here to start gushing over them; you mind telling me, cousin?" Michael asked Ash, who sighed and explained while the two Pokemon noticed Ash. Michael was surprised by this but was calm about it.
"I take you as my youngest son and daughter's trainer. We've heard a lot about you from the league and how you're trying to help," Lance's Charizard said to Ash, who nodded as he got wind of Ash and could understand them as they overheard Ash saying that.
"We appreciate that you took both of them in. Could you please take us to our son and explain to us as best as you can what happened to him? We don't blame you for what happened to our son because you did save his life more than once," Lance's Dragonite said as she was the calmer of the two; however, something was off about her, though it was kinda hard to tell with Dragonites which Ash overlooked. Ash nodded and took them to his Charizard's room while explaining what happened.
Lance's Pokemon weren't surprised, as they had heard rumors about Damien. However, they were upset that their oldest son had to be part of the team because he had no choice. They entered as their children, and Blaze turned to them as they arrived. At the same time, Pidgeot was calm about seeing two Champion's Pokemon showing up.
"Ash, would you mind giving us a moment? We'll catch you up on everything once we're finished here," Lance's Charizard said as Ash sighed and nodded as he left the room but watched from outside the room anyway.
"Father and mother, it's great to see you both again after all these years since before I became a human-trained Pokemon," Ash's Charizard said to them, trying not to show that he wasn't too happy that they got called out here for what happened.
"We're not here to lecture or take you away from your trainer. We trust him more than you may think, son," Lance's Dragonite said to her son, who calmed down and looked down. "We came to check on you as concerned parents. You're old enough not to need a full lecture."
"We're also here to give you some training when you are fully healed and were thinking of either here on the islands or the" Lance's Charizard was interrupted by Ash's Charizard.
"The Charizific Valley is that what you would about to suggest. I'm not going back there, especially given my history with being over there, not until I know that I'm strong enough, father," Ash's Charizard said as his father held out his claw to calm him down and shook his head, which calmed him down.
"First, I had planned on suggesting that you train under your grandmother in the Dragons Den, rather than in the Charizific Valley, son," Lance's Charizard said as Charizard sighed and looked down. "I am aware that your past experiences in the Charizific Valley were difficult due to Scar's treatment of you and your uncle's training, which made you quite stubborn. However, I believe it would be better for you to train with your mother's side of the family. Once the league is over, I expect you to come to the Charizific Valley and see your progress."
Ash's Charizard nodded as his mother was motherly towards her youngest son. Dragonair giggled, embarrassing Charizard as Pidgeot watched.
"I understand that you were the one who helped our son, Pidgeot?" Lance's Charizard asked Pidgeot, who nodded.
"One of the Pokemon, my older brother, and a few Pokemon that belonged to my trainer, his friends, and rivals helped out. We were training Dragonair at the time this happened," Pidgeot said to the two parents of her teammates, who nodded.
"We appreciate your help there, dear, and I can see that you were personally asked to be here with him. I can see you two are into each other," Lance's Dragonite said. Charizard blushed when she said that, as Pidgeot took it as a compliment and wasn't shy about it.
"MOM! YOU HAVE TO DO THAT IN FRONT OF EVERYONE!" Ash's Charizard told his mother, who placed her claw to calm him.
"Come on, bro, it's not like it isn't obvious that was the case. I mean, she ensured you got the herbs, even with her brother's help on the island," Dragonair said to her older brother, who shut up.
"Son, please try to remain calm and avoid arguing or trying to reason with anyone. Your father and I are here as concerned parents rather than league representatives since our trainer isn't here. Let's try to address the situation calmly and rationally," Lance's Dragonite said to him, who nodded and looked away as he noticed something about his mother that was different and was about to say something, but now's not the time.
Ash witnessed the whole scenario and understood why Charizard didn't want his parents around. He believed they were too overprotective and that things would return to normal once Charizard fully recovered.
The day of the Whirl Cup's main tournament had finally arrived, and Ash was ready to face his Uncle David in battle. He had been hoping for this since his journey in Johto began. However, Ash didn't know which Pokemon his uncle would be using when he approached him.
"I will give you a heads up that I'll be using three Pokemon in this battle, so you should be prepared cause I'm not going to hold back in our battle today, nephew, nor will your cousin against Misty," David said to Ash, who nodded.
"I wouldn't put it past you, Uncle, especially given that you gave me Ursaring; you knew that this day would come when we would face each other, huh?" Ash said to his uncle, who nodded as he was about to say something, only the announcer to ask for Ash and David to go to the battlefield. "Let's head to the battlefield. Best of luck, Uncle," Ash said as he nodded as they walked opposite each other to the battlefield.
Misty, Brock, and Michael watched the battle from the stands. Meanwhile, Charizard, Pidgeot, and Dragonair observed from Charizard's room. Though they knew Ash's Uncle was strong, they were curious to see how strong he was.
"Now for the first battle of the Whirl Cup main tournament; these two have made it this far, and they are related to each other as well, so will both trainers come on out," the announcer said as Ash and David came out of the entryway. "First, he was once a gym leader here in Johto and strong enough to be added as a champion of the elite four, the former Goldenrod City Gym Leader, David," the announcer said as David went out of the tunnel as the crowd cheered.
"Now for the other trainer, he's proven that he made it farther into the Whirl Cup. Can he win and make it through to the next round from Pallet Town and Nephew of the opponent across from him, Ash Ketchum," the announcer said as Ash was ready to battle against his uncle no caring no matter what happens this will be a good battle as Michael knew that this was going to happen and cheered for both of them.
"According to how it is on both sides, this will be a 3v3 battle with both sides able to swap, so will both trainers let their first Pokemon out, and we'll begin," the ref said as Ash and David pulled out their first Pokeballs.
"Poliwrath, come on out," David sent out his first Pokemon as the water/fighting type was ready to fight.
"Wartortle, come on out," Ash sent out his first Pokemon, who was ready to fight against the toad Pokemon.
"Humph, this ought to be good. Best of luck to you, Nephew, and let's get this battle started, shall we?" David said to Ash, who nodded. "Use Belly Drum and then use Hydro Pump," David commanded his Pokemon, who used both moves, though Ash was curious as to why he would use a move that would cost his Pokemon's health to get stronger as the water attack headed towards Wartortle.
"Dodge it, then use Skull Bash Wartortle," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who barely jumped out of the way and charged in at the Pokemon.
"Focus Punch now," David commanded his Pokemon, who slammed his fist right into Wartortle hard and sent him right towards Ash, which was fast compared to how that move usually set up. "Now, use Rest," David commanded his Pokemon, who used the move, which now got Ash's attention as to why he used Belly Drum in the first place.
"Hydro Pump and Skull Bash before it can fully recover," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who charged in at the Pokemon and landed a blow twice, only for the Pokemon to recover not fully but awake and catch Wartortle. "Uh-oh."
"Now use Submission," David commanded his Pokemon, who slammed his straight into the wall hard.
"Wartortle!" Ash said as his water starter got out of the water, wondering what hit him.
"Catch the License plate of the Snorlax that hit me," Wartortle said as he rubbed his head. Ash sighed as David chuckled at this as the two turned to him.
"You're going to need to do better than that, Nephew, given that I've come up with different strategies depending on my opponent, and that combo may have worked with Prima's Cloyster, but you should know better than to go up close with a fighting-type like Poliwrath," David said to Ash who figured that was the case as Wartortle got on the platform ready to continue. "Good. I'm glad to see how you will handle this battle, Ash. Now use Ice Ball Poliwarth," David commanded his Pokemon, who fired the ice attack towards Wartortle.
Ash knew that move would get out of hand if that hit Wartortle. "Counter with Ice beam and then use Skull Bash," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who blasted the ice ball and charged in at Poliwrath again. Just as David was about to respond, Wartortle managed to land a blow on Poliwrath, sending it back.
"Focus Punch now," David commanded his Pokemon, who slammed his fist right into Wartortle as it was sent into the water, knocking it out As.h and his friends were surprised.
"Wartortle is unable to battle Poliwrath wins," the ref announced. Ash was surprised that it recovered fast enough to use that move. Poliwrath flexed its muscles upon winning as Ash returned Wartortle to its ball.
"You see, Ash, I've trained my Pokémon long enough for it to master the Focus Punch move without worrying about its side effects. Although it may leave my Pokémon vulnerable if we act fast enough, the attack's negative effects won't trigger. You should know that I always have something up my sleeve, given how far I've come as a gym leader and potential champion," David said to Ash, who nodded and pulled out another Pokeball.
"Lanturn, come on out," Ash sent out his next Pokemon. She was ready to fight against the Pokemon, though her shyness was slowly fading. "Now use Thunderbolt," Ash commanded her and fired the attack towards Poliwrath.
"Ice Ball, now," David commanded his Pokemon, only for the Thunderbolt to hit his Pokemon quickly.
"End this with Psybeam," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who fired the psychic attack at Poliwrath, knocking it out.
"Poliwrath is unable to battle Lanturn wins," the ref announced as David returned his Pokemon to its ball, smiled at Ash and pulled out his next Pokeball.
"Blastoise, come on out," David sent out his next Pokemon, which Ash knew all too well.
"So your starter has shown up. I nearly forgot that you had him for a while, Uncle," Ash said to David, who nodded. "Though given my last battle with a Blastoise, we have to worry about Mirror Coat and play around it 'cause who knows what he has up his sleeve, and I'm surprised that he didn't save Blastoise for last," Ash thought.
"Well, if you aren't going to do anything, then we'll kick this off using Hydro Cannon," David commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack at Lantern.
"Surf to get out of the way and then use Psybeam and Thunderbolt," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack.
"Protect now," David commanded Blastoise, who protected itself as the two attacks grazed off the protective barrier like it was nothing as the shield went down. "Now use Attract," David commanded Blastoise, who used the attack when Lanturn's defenses were down, and she was affected by the attract as David and Blastoise smirked.
"Lanturn, snap out of it. Come on, girl, I know you can," Ash said as she rubbed her flippers at how handsome the Blastoise looked.
"And I call that Checkmate Ash; use Hydro Cannon," David commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack at Lanturn. It blasted her. Lanturn was barely recovering from the attack, and David was surprised when it snapped her out of Attract as he realized it would take more than that to knock out Lanturn.
"Thunderbolt before he could recover from the Hydro Cannon," Ash commanded her, who fired the attack at Blastoise and landed massive amounts of damage on the Water Starter.
"Use Mirror Coat now, Blastoise," David commanded his Pokemon, who sent it right at Lanturn. She was hit by it as well. Both Pokemon were exhausted to the point that something had to give. As both fell, Ash and David were surprised by this.
"Both Pokemon are unable to battle. The match is now down to one Pokemon each," the ref announced as Ash and David returned their Pokemon to their balls.
"Lapras, come on out," Ash sent out his last Pokemon, who was ready to fight. David smiled and was ready for this battle.
"Well, Ash, I'm impressed so far that you made it this far against me, and no matter what happens today, you have shown why I gave you Ursaring and all that," David said to Ash, who nodded as he pulled out his last Pokemon. "Time for last Pokemon, come on out," David sent out his last Pokemon, a Lapras; however, both Ash and his Lapras instantly recognized that it was Ash's Lapras's father.
"So, you were planning this from the beginning when we saw each other on the first Island," Ash said to the leader, who nodded.
"Remember, Ash, most of my Pokemon left on their own after I retired as a gym leader so that you wouldn't know about that, but we'll see how well you will fair as this is the real test for both of you," David said to Ash and Lapras who nodded. However, it was easy to tell who was who's, given that David's was more significant than Ash's Lapras. "Let's get this battle going, shall we? Now Use Water Pulse," David commanded his Pokemon, who fired the water ball at Lapras.
"Dragons Dance and then use Thunderbolt Lapras," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who charged up and fired the electric attack at the Thunderbolt, causing an explosion.
"Shockwave now, Lapras," David commanded his Pokemon, who fired the electric attack at Lapras as Ash wasn't aware of what that move did.
"Dodge it now, Lapras, and then use Psychic," Ash commanded her, who tried it by going into the water only for the electric attack to redirect towards the water and hit her as Ash and everyone were surprised. "How?" Ash said as David and Lapras's father smirked at Ash's realization of what happened.
"Shockwave is a move similar to Aerial Ace, aka a move that is a non-miss move that is impossible to dodge, and even if you could, the whole battlefield is water, and that will make things harder not to dodge it," David explained as Ash who was now getting the understanding what was going on now as Lapras shook it.
"Good that you took that attack and are still going, daughter, but this is the beginning of our battle between you and me. Show me why I trust you on Ash's team," Lapras's father said to his daughter as she looked at him, as did Ash.
Ash and Lapras noticed why the leader was with David's team in this battle to see how far Ash's Lapras had grown since she joined Ash's team and how far she would be as a leader.
"Right, we won't disappoint. Use Ice Beam," Ash commanded Lapras, who fired the attack at her father.
"Double team and then Shockwave attack," David commanded his Lapras, who made multiple copies of itself, and each one used Shockwave.
"No, you don't use Hydro Pump on each one, Lapras," Ash commanded her who fired the attack, blasting each of the Shockwave attacks before it could reach her while hitting each clone as they attacked the real one's Shockwave, causing explosion only for the Shockwave to strike Lapras again as this was serious.
Lapras's father wasn't trying to go after Lapras during this fight, but he was showing why he was experienced in this fight as Ash's Lapras was struggling. However, she was still hanging on, much to David and his Lapras's dismay, as this was where she should either be down or Ash throwing in the towel. Ash thought about it, but Lapras shook her head towards Ash.
"Lapras, I know that you want to impress your father and all that, but this isn't the right way to go," Ash thought as Lapras closed her eyes. Ash was surprised as she started to glow, not evolve, but use the move Rest.
"Ugh, Hyper Beam and Shockwave before she could recover fully," David commanded his Pokemon, who fired the two attacks at Ash's Lapras, who fully woke up.
"Thunderbolt and Ice Beam, counter it now," Ash commanded his Lapras. As she launched the attack, they clashed in a power struggle. This was the last part of the match, as Ash's Lapras was not going down without a fight.
"End this full blast," Ash and David said as they both launched their attacks As.h's Lapras managed to overpower her father's attacks, which surprised both David and her father as the two attacks landed a massive blow to David's Lapras, causing an explosion that was sending shockwaves throughout the battlefield even the audience felt it as both Ash and David were putting their arms in front of their faces as the smoke didn't calm down for a while.
The smoke cleared as both Lapras were panting heavily, even to the point if Lapras could use Rest, she would still be too tired to continue as her father was too tired as well as someone had to give, and one did David's Lapras as Ash and Lapras were surprise.
"David's Lapras is unable to battle Ash's Lapras. Wins moving on to the next round is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town," the ref announced as Ash and Lapras sighed. David sighed as well. As this battle was over, Ash's Lapras's father swam over to him, then turned to his daughter and Ash and nodded, which they noticed.
They were about to say something, only for both of them were about to pass out as they both were returned to their balls and headed back to the Pokemon center. Meanwhile, they were getting healed at the Pokemon Center, and both Lapras were talking.
"So when were you going to tell me that you belonged to a Trainer, let alone one related to Ash, boss, I mean father?" Ash's Lapras said to her father, who sighed and turned to David, who was talking to Ash.
"It's as David said most of us left to go on our own when he retired as a trainer. While I do have issues with humans, given how poachers were attacking the school and all, he was the one human at the time I trusted cause like you. He also saved my life and trained me well," the leader said to his daughter, who was surprised by this. "However, I didn't know he was related to my trainer. Then again, I wasn't around him like most Pokemon on the team."
"I see, but you could've told me, and while I won this battle, I'm not sure that I'm ready to lead a school, let alone our family one day, Father," Ash's Lapras said as he nuzzled her as he knew where she was going.
"You want to stay on his team until you are ready to be stronger. Is that what you want?" He asked which Lapras was taken aback by this and wanted to nod but was unsure if he was okay with it as he was the leader of her family's school, not just her father, which he noticed.
"I'll tell you what, if your group wins the tournament or at least makes it to the finals, I'll think about you staying on his team; you earned that after today's battle," He said as she was taken aback. "I may be the leader, but I'm a father first and a leader second and all I want is for you to be happy, and that's all I can say. The leader thing is my thing, not yours, but this tournament will determine if you are ready to move on your own through your trainer," He said as she nodded, though he knew that she wanted to stay on his team and he wanted her to get stronger through him but he won't tell her that.
Ash's Lapras was about to say something, for a commotion was happening in the next room, Ash's Charizard's room. Ash ran over to the room only to see another Dragonite in the room along with Ash's Charizard, Pidgeot, Dragonair, and Charizard's parents. It was Damien's Dragonite.
"What's going on here?" Ash said as Dragonite let Ash in As.h noticed something about Dragonite: his arm was in a sling As.h realized what was happening. "Damien abandoned you, did he?" Ash said to him as the Rest of the group, who wasn't privy to this, was taken aback as he looked away and nodded, though it was apparent.
"I'm here to check on my family's only brother and get my arm healed. Damien found out that he couldn't catch any more Pokemon, and he took it out on someone on the team and figured, given that I helped give info to my siblings, to take it out on me with Scar," Damien's Dragonite said to Ash and everyone. "I was lucky to get out of there with an injured shoulder and nothing serious like my brother here, as it didn't affect my flying."
"He's lucky that was the only injury he maintained before coming here," Nurse Joy said to Ash and everyone as she walked in, and everyone turned to her. "I will say that he will be healed at the same time as Charizard here, and it will be by the end of the week, which is faster than I thought for both of you," Joy said as everyone sighed. "I'll take my leave. I already told the league as he arrived just as your battle ended, Ash."
Joy left as Ash turned to Dragonite, who looked to the side as he was upset about what had happened leading up to all this, and he didn't want Ash as he was about to say something, only for Dragonite to shake his head.
"I'm not joining your team, Ash, or your friends if that is what you are going to ask, Ash," Damien's Dragonite said to Ash, who was taken aback by this as Charizard was about to say something only for him to glare at him. "I'm turning it down cause I don't want to be with a trainer cause it will lead to more issues, and I'd rather not be with my family trainers, not that I don't trust you, Ash, it's just right now, the time is not right to be with a trainer not while Damien is still out there," Dragonite said to everyone.
"I understand there, Dragonite, and I wasn't going to ask you that. I figured that you would rather be by yourself given that you are the eldest of your siblings, but now we can only move on until we are able to see Damien again; the problem is we don't know where he is?" Ash said as Dragonite sighed.
"He's already planning on heading to the league; he's already halfway across the region, and knowing him, he's already had his last gym badge," Dragonite said as he was about to walk off and stopped. "Once we are fully healed and fine to leave, I'm willing to help my brother and sister fight against Damien training-wise, but that's the only thing I'm willing to do for you all. Until then, I suggest you let things go and leave me be unless we are cleared to leave. Take care of all of you," Dragonite said as he left the room, and Ash sighed.
"And I thought you were stubborn, Charizard. Was he always like this?" Ash asked Charizard and Dragonair, who nodded.
"Runs in the family; he's half Charizard as well, Ash, and he may be stubborn, but he still cares for his family. Don't let him get to you what he said there. I'm more interested in what you were going to ask him?" Charizard asked Ash.
"I was going to ask him if he wanted to help you all out and maybe be temporarily captured until further notice or when we are done with Damien, but he beat me to the punch, but I will respect that of him. He's as stubborn as you all. I will agree with you. I'm just glad that most of what Damien did didn't rub off on your older brother," Ash said as the group nodded as Ash left the room.
Ash sighed and looked up. "Well, things are as usual. At least we have one less issue so far, but I still have a long way to go if I want to face Damien," Ash said as he turned to see Charizard and the others resting and smiled. "Get well, Charizard; we'll get back to Damien, that's for sure, at the league."
Ash was heading back to the stadium to watch Misty and his cousin Michael's match, which was coming up in the hour. Little did Ash know it, but Damien's Dragonite was watching the whole thing with Ash there.
"You sure know how to pick a trainer, little brother, and little sister. Here's hoping that you are prepared for Damien 'cause he's not going to take all that happened without a fight," Dragonite said as he watched Ash walk off.
With Ash's battle against his Uncle now over, Ash moves on to the next round of the Whirl Cup as things get more interesting now that the news about Damien is no longer in the area to cause issues. What else is in store for our heroes as the Whirl Cup continues?
Stay tuned.
Done and done, finally. This Chapter took longer than I thought to get done. Sorry about that, everyone; given that I struggled with David's team as the person who requested to have Ash have a cousin and an Uncle didn't specify a team for him, so I had to make one up and made a poll on Deviantart for which works, and this was the results. I had planned on Lapras being his last Pokemon for this battle as I felt that fit him. The rest was hard to choose.
As for Dragonite, whether it be Damien's or Lance's Dragonite, I had planned on this happening at some point in this story as I realized I gave Damien more than six Pokemon when I made his team in the last chapter, so I did this. As for Lance's Dragonite, you probably figure out what is happening with her, but I'll leave that for later.
Lastly, sorry for the delay in chapters. I plan to be more productive this year and get chapters for all the stories. While I do want to ask this in an update, I should ask now. If I ask an editor to take a second look at upcoming chapters, would you be OK with it? Sadly, I'll be happy to give you recognition as I have no way of paying, nor can I, but it can be for this or the other stories aside from Journeys cause I have a collab writer, and we are doing each other's edits. But that's up to you all. I'm not going to force you to do so; it's just a suggestion, and it won't be for the whole story up to this, just chapters from this point onwards. If you do, PM me. If not, that's fine as well. Story-wise, it's off to either Journeys or Kanto. As for the next chapter, here is the next battle with Misty and Michael. See you next time.