Greetings, Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to A Promise Kept Ash's Johto Journey. Apologies for the delay in updates, as I've been engrossed in the Kanto story, and my Beta Reader, Vital Info, has been diligently reviewing the chapters. I'm excited to share that we're approaching a pivotal point in the narrative-the league. To build up to this, I'll take a slightly different approach in the next few chapters. But for now, let's dive into this chapter, shall we?
Chapter 77: Doubts
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech (though it might be the whole chapter)"
A few days have passed, and the Whirl Cup is in full swing. Our heroes, Ash and Misty, have shown remarkable skill, advancing to the Semi-finals. Both have wanted a chance to test their power against one another, and as the competition dwindles down, their clash beckons. However, we shift our focus to Ash's Charizard, who has been given the green light for light training. We can't help but marvel at their journey so far.
Charizard was now training with his older brother, Dragonite, who was sparing with him to get him stronger for what was to come. Given that Dragonite was originally Damien's ace before he was released he knew at his current level Charizard needed to be pushed like never before. All this occurred as Dragonair and Pidgeot were watching from the sidelines along with Lance's Dragonite and Lance's Charizard: The parents to Ash's Charizard, Dragonair, and Damien's Dragonite.
They were currently at Professor Oak's Lab because it was a lot more protective than the islands, especially with Damien on the loose and who knows what else was out there.
Ash's Charizard managed to land a Mega Punch on his older brother, who was impressed. By this point, Charizard barely landed a blow on him, even when they were on Damien's team. At this milestone, Dragonite chimed in.
"Not bad, little brother. I can see that you are training back on that Island, but not bad isn't good enough," Damien's Dragonite said before he used Dragon Claw, slamming his claw enveloped in draconic energy right into Charizard and sending him crashing to the ground. Dragonite was shaking his claw from how hard he had hit Charizard as he held back earlier until now. This made Pidgeot look on in concern, but as she saw Charizard getting up, she remained collected, though barely calm, as Damien's Dragonite now held his claw to help him. Charizard sighed as though he would've liked to not need it, he stretched out his own claw and accepted his help.
"You're going to need more than Mega Punch if you want to take out Scar, let alone Damien, but right now, we should rest. I think an adjustment of your moves should be helpful if you want to win," Damien's Dragonite said in an honest tone, and Charizard knew that he was right to say that. So much needed to change to one day beat Scar.
"Before your group came to the island, little sis was planning on teaching me Dragon's Dance. We were set to do it the next day, but this injury put those plans on hold. I figured it was worth learning from her, given that that move is from your side of the family, brother," Ash's Charizard said to Dragonite, who understood the logic behind using their sister to teach him that move. It was then Dragonite who sighed as he turned to get some rest. That Dragon Claw took more out of him than expected as Charizard continued to train, albeit alone for a bit. It was then their father's booming voice was heard.
"I feel Charizard isn't going to let what happened back on the Island go away, is he?" Lance's Charizard asked aloud to his wife Lance's Dragonite, his daughter Dragonair and possible daughter-in-law; by the looks of things, Pidgeot, who hated admitting it yet knowing Charizard as she did, could do nothing but agree with that statement and spoke out.
"I think that it stems more from his issues with Scar and Damien. Passionate rage is behind what your oldest son, Scar, did, and I know he is following orders from Damien; however, whatever it is that's still going on between Charizard and Scar is something Charizard is holding back so much. His emotions, his power, and his own self-worth," Pidgeot said to Charizard's mother. Dragonite, who wasn't sure what happened during his time back at the Charizific Valley. Pidgeot had seen a side of Lance's Dragonite and Lance's Charizard's son, which not many had, and Dragonite was thankful in a way that Charizard had her company and affection. They wanted to see him happy because he was still their baby boy. Was he happy, though? This whole situation with Scar surely has his emotions all over the place. She wondered and was going to ask as Charizard had finished up for now and walked towards the group. It was then he noticed what they were saying. Charizard sighed but spoke out.
"I know what you are going to ask, and I really don't want to talk about it, sadly," Charizard said to the group, trying not to cause an issue as his mother addressed him.
"Look, dear. I know that you are still mad at him, and what happened to your wing in his mind is what happened to his eye. Though we know you never meant to hurt him, Scar has always wanted to have justice for what happened that day. I'm not supporting what he did. I wish all my children were at peace, but I can understand him. Just as I want to understand what you're feeling," Lance's Dragonite said to her son.
Lance's Charizard intervened. "The sooner you speak out about it what happened that day, the better chance we can take all those emotions out of the equation and move on so that you can train better," Lance's Charizard said to Charizard, who was taken aback by this as he turned to Pidgeot and his mother, Dragonair. They were right. He needed to let it out.
"Charla only gave me a small explanation that you gave him back at the valley, but the rest is something that you need to tell us. You know I have intended to press you to tell me as I've trusted you to open when you wanted to. Though right now, it feels like you need to. It's holding you back from being the best version of you," Pidgeot said to him, who just let out a berated breath and sat down, ready to tell his story.
"It's always been more about my family and my family's ties with Charla's family," Charizard said as the group listened. Charizard looked down at his father, Lance's Charizard, hoping he would explain this complicated family matter better than he could before continuing his story. He did so.
"As you know, because my mate and Charla's mother are step-sisters, the whole fact that relationships other than cousins are forbidden both in the valley and outside it, not many knew about it other than both families of the hierarchy. However, because my son trained under Red's Charizard, many think he would be the next king," Lance's Charizard said, trying to clarify small parts before Charizard picked up where he left off.
"Not like Charla, Blaze, and I were planning on going against that anyway, but there were rumors about us being more than friends, and that's what started the whole issue between me and Scar," Ash's Charizard said to everyone.
"As you know, Scar's family were originally the rulers of the valley before my dad and Charla's father took over. While he was a good leader, pride really took over his son. Not to say it wasn't the same for me, as I wanted to be like you one day, Dad. I was reckless trying to prove myself to be like you one day, and right after a day of training with Charla, that's when it happened," Ash's Charizard said, as Dragonair knew where Charizard was going.
"He called you out for those rumors, if I recall," Dragonair said to Charizard.
"Yes, this was after Red's Charizard left the valley, so he wasn't there to clerify the whole thing, and I was close to telling him the truth though I doubt that he would have believed me. He'd find ways to justify his rage and choose not to accept Charla and I as cousins. There was nothing he wouldn't believe except she was my girlfriend," Charizard said, and then he continued.
"He told me that he thought that I was getting close to Charla to get back in the Hierarchy and not training. This is not what we agreed to, so he attacked me when we were Charmanders to the point that he was pinning me down, beating me to the point that I had no choice but to fight back, and suddenly my claw slashed his eye, in self defense.
However, he still held a grudge against me and wanted to get back at me in any way. I found out later that the scar was permanent and the most damage I've ever done in my life at that point. While I do regret what happened that day, we shouldn't have kept it, the truth of our families, away from the others," Charizard said to the group.
"He's been a bully to the point that he payed the price, all because your family is what they are. Ugh, what an idiot. Charizard, I can see that he still has a vendetta against you, but have you ever tried to apologize to him?" Pidgeot asked Charizard, who regrettably shook his head.
"Sadly, at the time I was going to, I was selected to become a starter, so no. Even if I did, it feels like it wouldn't make a difference. He's bent on taking things out on me, and now he's on my former trainer's team and did this damage to my wing. Apologies are out of the question," Charizard said to everyone.
"Not to blame you, but this just shows how you two have been more interested in your trainer and the league than seeing how your family was for a long time. I haven't spoken to either of you two until recently, and I wouldn't say I like how this treaty has brought things like this truly unnecessary rivalry with Scar to our family dynamic. It's not like Charla, her sister, and I plan on ever going as far as being a couple.
We're childhood friends. The family relationship is just an added help to that, Something that if everyone knew perhaps could've prevented so much of what's happened," Charizard said to his father, who knew what his son said was true as Charizard, Dragonair, and Pidgeot noticed something about Lance's Dragonite, which had been ailing Ash's Charizard's thoughts earlier as he noticed that his mother was rubbing her belly like something was wrong. "Is everything okay with your belly, mother?"
Dragonite nodded. "Oh, yes, I'm just trying not to be stressed right now, and I want this whole thing to be settled without arguments," Dragonite said as she looked down at her belly, but she wasn't saying anything. An act many would forsake. Pidgeot, however, caught on to what was going on.
"You are acting that way for another reason. If you don't mind me asking, how many months in are you, Dragonite?" Pidgeot asked Lance's Dragonite as Ash's Charizard instantly figured out what was going on.
"Mother, you're expecting? That explains why you wanted to be the rational one on the islands. I'm not saying that you aren't that normally, right?" Charizard said to his embarrassed mother, who rubbed the back of her head. Dragonair was surprised that she was new to this whole thing.
"I'm five months in and give birth in about two more months from now. This was planned given that another five months would be enough time to have them. I was hoping to wait until after the league or when we run into each other during that time that I would tell you," Lance's Dragonite said the group was surprised by this as Dragonites are known to have one of the most extended cycles for having eggs around the same time as humans with children. Still, she was expecting less than usual as Lance's Charizard spoke up.
"That was the other reason we were checking in at the Pokemon Center, not just to check on you but to ensure that things are going well when it comes to our new additions. You can see why your mother was acting more motherly than usual when we arrived then, and we are avoiding trying to cause arguments or lecture you all or vice versa, pipsqueak. I know matters of the family should've been handled better, but there's no need to call us out on it, either. Much as we want, we also have a responsibility to Lance, and more often than not, we trust that things in the Charizific Valley would work themselves out. Clearly, they didn't, and we're sorry," Lance's Charizard said to them, who nodded. Ash's Charizard then interjected.
"Did Joy tell you how many would be expected or you don't know?" This was directed to his mother, who nodded and added.
"From what the ultrasounds showed, I'm expecting about two eggs, and even the Blissey were surprised that I'm expecting sooner than normal, healthy eggs by the results," Lance's Dragonite said as the group understood what she was saying.
"That's enough training for the day, and you can all do what you want. We'll continue tomorrow, and we'll keep you in touch if anything changes," Lance's Charizard told the group, who agreed and split off to do what they wanted.
Pidgeot went to spend time with her flock to check on things while Charizard and Dragonair went to check on how things were going on with the Whirl Cup, given that most of Ash's Pokemon where watching the tournament on a big screen TV as there was a day off for the league going on so the new covered what was going on.
"The Whirl Cup has now reached the Semi-Finals as the tournament has been a wild ride, with the fan favorite Ash Ketchum already making it far along with Misty Waterflower. With her experience as one of the Cerulean City Gym Leaders, it's no wonder she's made it this far. However, the remaining two trainers that are against them, Paul and his older brother Regi, have made it pretty far and are against both of them, especially after a good battle between Paul and Gary in the Quarterfinals, as both brothers are the underdogs to win in the standings," the news reporters say as the image goes to the Whirl Cup tournament bracket showing the Semis matches being Ash vs. Regi and Misty against Paul.
All of Ash's Pokemon, including the ones originally abandoned by Damien, the Pokemon Rangers, and brought overnight to Professor Oaks Lab, were watching this.
"With today being a day off, we'll have more info covered as things develop more on the amazing tournament known as The Whirl Cup tomorrow," the news reporters said. Many of the Pokemon were not happy that Whirl Cup was off today and thus had not much to do.
Ash's Ivysaur decided to go and check on how Kang, the Kanghaskan, was doing and how the rest of Ash's Pokemon were doing, those that weren't watching the Whirl Cup, that is.
Ivysaur noticed Ash's Noctowl perched up in the trees. He had been recovering more and more from his experience with Team Rocket since joining Ash's team and with the help of Kang, the Kanghaskhan, speaking of whom Ivysaur noticed her with Growlithe, who was making progress from the fire tournament. However, it looks like Growlithe still has doubts as he notices that both Houndoom and Umbreon are keeping an eye on Growlithe.
"Hey, Kang, how's it going with Growlithe and most of the Pokemon that came here since the Rangers brought the Pokemon to the ranch?" Ivysaur said to Kanghaskhan, who turned to him and said.
"Oh, Ivysaur, it's good to see you are checking up on things, dear. Things are going well. We've already managed to get Noctowl back to his normal self, or close to it, I think. It seems as though some of his memories from when he was with Team Rocket are still missing," Kang said. Ivysaur understood what she meant, as Noctowl had been under their control for quite some time under his own hypnosis. Kang continued and turned to Growlithe.
"Growlithe, on the other hand, has fully recovered from Damien's mental assault, but she, for some reason, is still nervous about evolving given that Ash now has a Fire Stone. As for what reason, I don't know," Kang explained. Ivysaur sighed and felt he knew the reason. He turned to Growlithe, who was happier than usual as he walked over to her.
"Hey, Ivysaur, any news on Ash, or he's still at the Whirl Cup?" Growlithe asked Ivysaur while wagging her tail.
"Yeah, he's in the semifinals of the Whirl Cup as well as Misty," Ivysaur said as Growlithe smiled, as were Houndoom and Umbreon, though Ivysauar looked nervous to ask but did so anyways.
"I take that you are worried that your evolving would make you disobedient towards Ash. Is that the reason why you are affraid to evolve, Growlithe?" Ivysaur asked Growlithe was taken aback by this, as she was surprised that Ivysaur figured that out as she looked down.
"The truth is...I've heard stories about Charizard not listening to Ash after he evolved to Charmeleon, his middle stage, and then his current stage for such a long time," Growlithe looked away before continuing.
"I'm just afraid that I might go that route, given what Damien did to me. What if his tactics of manipulation get to me when I evolve into an Arcanine? The things he did and said were horrible, and I believed him for so long that I don't know if that change in power would inflate my ego. Fire Types are known to be passionate creatures. Prideful and often regarded as the game changer to any team's dynamics. Try as some might, it's tough not to let get your head, and so when we evolve, it can be for the good or bad of the team.
And how would Ash react to that? Having already gone through that with Charizard. He, too, felt the cruelty Damien is known for. He almost died for it. Still, I feel he had hoped Damien would find him worthy even with Ash showing him love and compassion because Damien manipulated us to believe his approval meant we weren't weak, that we had made it and made us yearn for it. The things we underwent to please him..." It was then some of the other Pokemon Damien abandoned gathered around and heard Growlithe's tale, knowing the truth behind her words as this too was their reality. So much was done for Damien, and they so little back that it made them wonder if was it worth it?
"...but I am better now. And those past actions, they won't define me any further. I want to be his family's pet one day like Houndoom wanted to be. There's a lot that could change in my evolution. I don't want to fight those changes or do something I will regret, but still, I feel I'm not ready just yet," Growlithe said as Houndoom walked over and nuzzled her, appreciating that she shared a dream similar to hers. Houndoom showed he cared for her more than just friends, though Growlithe didn't know it. Then added.
"It's okay. I understand; you are right about us Fire types; we can be a handful for good and bad reasons. It's all around the Trainers in our lives, and Ash is different. I'm in my final stage and don't plan to be disobedient. He's earned that. He saved my life from Team Rocket and yours from Damien; He couldn't just let us live our lives not knowing that the way Damien does things is normal behavior. His heart is open to love, and he showed that in enduring all Charizard had to offer in his disobedient days, and still he never gave up. Everyone of his past Pokemon have told us so. They've had no reason to lie to us.
He and Charizard are thick as thieves now, and if you were disobedient, which I'm confident you won't, he would do the same and be your friend no matter what. He would trust that you would obey his commands and trust in him as a person when you were ready to. You should remember that," Houndoom said to Growlithe, who began to blush lightly when another Pokemon spoke out.
"I agree with Houndoom. Like you, Growlithe, I, too, was a former member of Damien's team and am in my final stage. I still am loyal to Ash over Damien, and that's not just because he's my sister's and I's trainer, but because he's my friend as well," Umbreon said to Growlithe, who turned to him.
"Of course, you are loyal to Ash. You evolved through friendship, not through an evolutionary stone like members of yours and mine lines have to. There's something about those stones that can affect how we learn moves, sometimes preventing us from learning any moves outright. I guess that is also part of my hesitation. I want to learn all I can as a Growlithe so that when I become an Arcanine, I can serve Ash and his family, including you all, to my full potential," Growlithe said to Umbreon, who sighed as she had a point, even though he was trying to be nice. Umbreon knew there was no ill intent in her words. It was true his evolution was through friendship, and he hoped Growlithe would trust Ash and his friendship with her regardless of whether she stayed a Growlithe or became an Arcanine one day.
Many of the Pokemon abandoned in the group, like Dodrio and Kang, who knew Charizard and Umbreon the longest before they left Damien, could see what Growlithe was saying and had faith that Ash or someone would be able to stop Damien.
Others, however, needed to be more proof of action to be sure, as one spoke out about this issue. A Rhydon.
"And what if it's not enough to defeat Damien? You heard the news recently. He's on the run for what happened to Charizard," Rhydon said to the group, trying not to sound mean as another Clefable spoke up after he was done.
"And he's here at the ranch. Are you even sure he's willing to keep his promise to you all to stop Damien? Damien hurt all of us, whether it be through manipulations or lies. What reason do we have to truly believe Ash or his Pokemon will be loyal to all of us? If what Ash is saying it is true? I mean, even you all are here as well, waiting to see the mettle this Ash is known for. When do we get the chance to truly know his intentions with us?" Clefable said to the group, not trying to be mean, but she's been watching the tournament and the news more than most, along with Rhydon, as Growlithe stood behind Umbreon, who spoke up.
"That's enough, both of you; if it weren't for Ash, Charizard would've been stranded on that island. If it weren't for the Lugia of that Island, as well as Ash's friends and Rivals, a damaged wing wouldn't have been where Damien stopped, and his sister would've possibly been captured by Damien," Umbreon said to the group as Houndoom spoke up and added to what Umbreon said.
"I get having trust issues. After a trailer like Damien, who can truly trust a Trainer? It in their actions we see their true worth. Ash isn't evil or looking to deceive you. If that were the case, then why would Ash suggest that the League help find trainers for all of you once Damien is gone? Given you the freedom to not have to worry when your ext meal will be? To accept cruelty as your preferred method of validation? If you wanted that and measured up to what Damien wanted, do you think? He would've let you go, to begin with? It's sickening to know he made that someone. We yearned to the point you need it, and still, it wasn't enough. Why not give Ash or any worthwhile trainer a chance? I remind you that most of the Pokemon at this place are with trainers as well. They seem happy. Don't you all deserve to be happy too?" Houndoom said to the group. Murmurs filled the air. These words carry a lot of weight. The truth is hitting harder than expected. Here, Ivysaur saw the opportunity to add to the conversation.
"Need I remind you all that I, too, was abandoned by a trainer, not to mention Wartortle? We had our doubts about Ash at one point three years ago, but he was willing to help us. To save us and fight for us. And he's doing his best. You guys can't just give up like that," Ivysaur said as a voice called out.
"I advise that you listen to Ivysaur and the group if you want a chance to get a normal life again away from Damien," Ash's Charizard said to the group. He heard the whole thing, and they turned to him; as many wanted to protest at him, not many had the valor to do so, but one did.
"Oh, really, Mr. Fall asleep in the middle of the League when your trainer needed you the most? Why should we when you have shown how a once-owned Pokemon by Damien is capable of?" Clefable said to Charizard, who glared at her as Rhydon soon mustered up the bravado and spoke up after her.
"It took you what a year to finally listen to Ash, and how did that go for you? Here you are with an injured wing and having your parents be there for you, trying to tell a child it's ok when they know it's not. Are we sure that it was your choice to come here, or was it Ash's?" Rhydon said to Charizard defiantly.
At this time, Charizard wanted to reply but was cut off.
"Enough, both of you. It was our parents' idea, and Ash suggested this place, given who knows what Damien or anyone else associated with him is doing out there," Dragonite soon made the reason his line of Pokemon are considered Pseudo Legendary. With his mere presence, both Clefable and Rhydon backed down and listened as he continued.
"Also, need I remind you that I'm the last Pokemon to be abandoned by Damien here amongst all of us? I was amongst his strongest. I did everything he asked of me. The things I had to do... and still, he demanded more. I knew then he would never make me or any of us feel like we were enough. I get it. We're damaged goods. But shouldn't we want to be mended and healed? To want better of ourselves? Then, quit advocating for Damien's way. Give Ash a chance. If he doesn't wind up being what you wanted in a Trainer, say so. Just do so after you try to see how Ash has impacted your life as he did with Charizard and by many of the other Pokemon here. Until then...SHUT IT!" Dragonite spoke out to the group in a more commanding tone. They shut up as he continued.
"All you are doing is proving not only Damien's but Growlithe's point. Making things worse on her decision. Yes, I was there when that happened to her. It is something I do regret, but right now, you all are showing why I am happy not to be on his team anymore. What we've been through is something I don't want that in my life, my brother's or his team's...no, family to endure and us bringing up every chance we get and questioning Ash's intent is doing no good.
If you want to continue this, go back and beg for forgiveness from Damien. See, if he even grants you a chance to be caught again. And pray to Arceus you survive what he does this time, or have faith in my brother's trainer and his friends and go on with your lives.
Yes, doubt is a thing and still looms over us, but we can't let that be all that consumes us," Damien's Dragonite said to the group, leaving them truly speechless.
Even though he was the most loyal among Damien's Pokemon, Dragonite was still the type to keep things in line and try to show authority, no longer to Damien but to other Pokemon, as an older brother would. Many grumbled and walked off, apologizing in the process as Dragonite sighed.
"I hated that when I was on his team, being the voice of reason or stopping fights, but this had to be done," Dragonite said to his brother and the others who understood.
"Thanks for the help, you two. I don't know if any of that got through some of their skulls, and surprised that you two were nearby as we thought you were training?" Ivysaur said to Charizard and Dragonite.
"We wrapped up for today and are taking the rest of the day off. I was heading my way to talk with someone who is almost in a similar situation as me when it comes to being close to disobedience to Ash when I heard the whole thing from start to finish," Charizard said as he turned to Growlithe, who emerged from behind Umbreon, still as confident as she was before.
"Thank you, both of you. I almost lost my confidence and probably would've taken what they said to us as a sign of what would happen if I evolved," Growlithe said to the two brothers as Charizard smiled. Dragonite looked away and pridefully humphed.
"Don't listen to them. They are showing why I hated Damien. As for you, Growlithe," Dragonite said as she looked at him, and he sighed. "Your loyalty isn't towards Damien, nor will it ever be. I hope you know that you have those around you to help you and guide you through this endeavor. Which route you choose to evolve or not is up to you, but I don't think you'll turn against Ash or be like my brother was," Dragonite said as he turned and was about to fly off. Before doing so, he looked at Charizard.
"They need a bigger punch to their words. Let's get you back in fighting shape and show them that you can lead them into a new era. One free of Damien. I'll See you tomorrow. I'll help with Dragon's Dance but teach you Dragon Claw as well; take care," Dragonite said as he took off to rest.
"I'll be taking my leave as well. I gotta talk to a certain Grass Starter about the way she acts. You did well, you three, and take care," Charizard said as he took off. The group sighed and went their own ways.
Meanwhile, Pidgeot was checking on things with her flock. Things have been settled a lot more since she's been gone, though she was brought up about a new council. Many were curious about her being there and if the merger was going to happen, which Pidgeot noticed and shook her head.
"Not yet, everyone. I will be planning on the merger once the League is over. That way, when things are peaceful on my end, we can go through with it," Pidgeot said to her flock, who understood what she meant as they heard what was going on in Johto through Daniel's Pidgeotto, aka Pidgeot's older brother and many other Pokemon as Pidgeot noticed Murkrow, who was spending time with some of the younglings of the flock. It was Murkrow who saw Pidgeot and flew to her.
"Hey, teacher, seeing you back so soon is good," Murkrow said to Pidgeot, who nodded.
"Something happened when we were at the Whirl Islands when I was training with Charizard and his sister that led us here, and we're here to train away from any issues. How've things been over here on your end? I take it that you are fitting in well with my flock?" Pidgeot asked her apprentice and soon to be her second in command when the merger happened as Murkrow nodded and added.
"Yup, been spending time with most of the younglings here as some were my age, 8, and was welcomed in when Skarmory mentioned my ties to your family, and I occasionally spend time over with her flock to learn more about the Spearow half of my family tree, which Fearow is okay with," Murkrow said to Pidgeot who cooed approvingly as she had a feeling that Murkrow would do that. Fearow was okay with it as Pidgeot noticed that Skarmory, Pidgeotto, and Fearow were heading their way.
As the group landed in front of the two. Fearow turned to Pidgeot.
"I heard that you came back to Kanto. I take it that things are going well with your teammate, Charizard?" Fearow asked Pidgeot, who nodded and added.
"We're here training with his parents, brother, and younger sister. Sadly, I'm not here to start the merger yet. It's still too early, and..." Pidgeot was interrupted by Fearow.
"I know. Your brother explained the whole thing to Skarmory and I. We know what happened. We just came over here to check on the flock and possibly catch up with you and see how you are holding up since you've been back and to see how things are going for you as well as your brother's trainer," Fearow said to Pidgeot in a more calm and rational tone. That's not usually what Fearow are normally known for but for this situation as a soon to be joint flock he was willing to do so.
"I appreciate that and am willing to help Murkrow here as well. So far, Ash is in the Semifinals of the Whirl Cup. Sadly, your trainer, Daniel, lost to him, but your team put up a good fight, brother," Ash's Pidgeot said to the group. Pidgeotto perched up as he felt that would be the case and added.
"So far, Daniel hasn't sent for me, and I'm happy to spend a bit more time here before we head off to the next gym, but I'm glad things with Charizard are well, as many of us were worried about him even though he's not on my team, of course," Daniel's Pidgeotto said to his sister, who chirped approvingly.
"Today's a day off for the Semifinals, so we're just resting. Who knows when we'll be called back to be with him, possibly once they leave for Olivine City or something of sorts," Pidgeot said, and Skarmory sighed in understanding as she added.
"I hope so. While I do enjoy being with my uncle here, I do want to get more time with Ash and battles, but that's his thing, not mine, and I wouldn't mind training with you guys as well," Skarmory said to Pidgeot. While Skarmory respects Pidgeot for now, she still sees Pidgeot as her rival.
"Well, we'll be training tomorrow, so if you want to join as well, you two are more than welcome to. Even though we are training with Lance's Dragonite and Lance's Charizard, well, mostly his Charizard, given that Lance's Dragonite is expecting, that is," Pidgeot said to the group, who contently cooed at the thought of facing such powerful Pokemon as training partners as Fearow spoke up.
"I'll pass on this, but I do appreciate the offer, as I am not a human-trained Pokemon, and right now, this is your fight, not mine," Fearow said to Pidgeot and his niece Skarmory as Pidgeotto spoke up.
"I'll be happy to join you guys in training; I don't want to be rusty and need to be ready just in case we do run into Damien," Daniel's Pidgeotto said as Murkrow spoke up.
"As will I. I'm not going to sit back and do nothing," Murkrow told the group as Pidgeot noticed something about her brother.
"I appreciate that you two are okay with training, brother, especially given that you are close to evolving at any point. Are you sure that you don't want to save that for when you are with him?" Pidgeot asked her brother, who shrugged.
"I mean, I evolved before meeting him, and nothing is wrong with training anyway. Besides, I'm not going to stand around and do nothing," Pidgeotto said to the group.
"I should warn both of you one thing. If you are challenging Damien, the former flock leader that was before you, Pidgeot, well, Damien has him on his team," Pidgeotto said to the group.
Fearow knew what that meant and spoke up.
"I remember him. He was just as bad as I was at one point and is the reason why our flocks weren't trusting each other as he tried to do what you were doing, but without consulting the leaders or members of the council, I am the reason why he's no longer flock leader as I beat him in battle," Fearow said to the four flying types who were surprised to hear that as Pidgeotto thought Damien's avian looked familiar.
"And why don't you help us then, given that you have experience with him, Uncle?" Skarmory said to her Uncle Fearow, who sighed as he turned to them.
"You three want me to help, you two, even though I'm not a part of your teams, huh?" Fearow said to his niece and fellow flying types, who looked down, unsure what to say. They would appreciate the help, but something told them they might not get it, as Fearow sighed. "That there is something that is going to hold you back. You need to rely on your strength and will to battle. We learn that here in the wild, and it takes us years to teach our highest might. If you don't shape up facing Damien or trainers like him, you'll never know your strength," Fearow grumbled a bit. As many of the flyers in his presence took his words to heart and value learning from him even if for a short time. At this sight, he knew he had to help. "Fine, but don't expect me to go easy on you all tomorrow. I may be old, but I will not go down easily. You're in for a tough lesson, but I'll teach you all that I can," Fearow said to them as they agreed.
Meanwhile, we see Charizard as he was trying to find Bayleef, as he tried to talk some sense to her about her "attitude" around Ash, fearing that she might go that same route he did in his younger days.
Charizard did find her, only for Bayleef not to be in a talking mood. She knew why he was there, as she was still showing some hope about Ash, at least hope in knocking some sense into her brother, but that hope was dwindling the more she thought about it.
"Save it, Charizard. Right now, I'd rather not talk about it. I've heard the stories. I'm not going to turn into what you were. Your situation and mine are total opposites. I'll talk about it when I am ready to. That's all I'm gonna say to you," Bayleef said as she walked off before Charizard could say anything. Her mind was made up, and Charizard knew not to try and argue with a female when their mind was made up. He learned that the hard way being around Pidgeot but chimed in at the last second anyway...
"I'll be waiting. We can talk another time, but please understand that I am concerned. That is all." Charizard said as Bayleef humphed and nodded. Having nothing left to say, for now, Charizard took off.
In flight, he pondered about this whole day to himself.
"Well, I tried. I'll talk to her again at some point. Until then, the day is about to end, and it'll be back to training tomorrow. Hopefully, the others will see what they see. Damien needs to be stopped," Charizard thought as he looked at the ranch and where the TV was showing highlights of the battles that led to the Semis before announcing they would air the Semis live for all to see as he flew off to his home. "We'll be 're counting on you, Ash. Here's hoping that my training will be enough when that day comes to face Damien..." Charizard thought as he returned to where his family was staying at the ranch.
Meanwhile, back somewhere in Johto, close to where Charizard and his group originally stayed before moving to Professor Oaks' lab. We see a familiar Team Rocket Trio along with a few members, including what looks to be a professor-like person with orangish-red hair.
"Things are going well, Dr. Ziggurat. Are we getting close to starting our next mission?" Jessie asked the person who nodded.
"Soon enough, my dear Jessie, I must admit the boss has made the right decision to ask you three to help with the next phase in our project, especially with the Pokemon you have brought to Team Rocket lately," Ziggurat said. This made the Trio proud but also irate that their ace in these missions being a success had been taken away.
"Sadly, our operative has been broken free from his hypnosis," James said. Ziggurat knew what James said and laughed.
"It was bound to happen sooner or later, and we no longer need him. After all, we have his student to help with our operations," Ziggurat said as a picture of a Hypno was shown on the screen of the base they were in who was resting.
"Isn't that the Drowsee from the Orange Island? I thought his hypnosis was strong enough the last time we encountered it. It's tough to compare those powers to Noctowl's, even though Drowzee's powers had been amplified by its previous owners." James said to the Dr., who humphed.
"Let's just say when Noctowl wasn't working for you three, he's been teaching him, strengthing him, and little did he know it, most of his powers were added to him. Even strengthening his hypnosis capabilities to the point, not many legendaries can fight it," Ziggurat said. "Once the Whirl Cup ends, we'll start our next mission."
Stay Tuned.
Done and done. I really appreciate your patience while waiting for this chapter to come out. This was something that both me and my Beta Reader were coming thinking while during the tournament. And yes, I noticed that most of the story is about tournaments, and we decided to take a break from that. We'll cover the next round for the tournament in the next chapter. Until then, please review and give my other stories a read and review, as most really need some reviews. I'll see you next time, and for those who are reading all of them, we'll see you in Kanto for the next chapter there.