The stony arena separated them, a flat battlefield of shattered stones stood between three humans turned Pokémon.
Misty looked at the battle arena, eying her two opponents as they discussed strategies and tactics along with their teams.
Brock stood huddled with Geodude, Zubat, and Onix over him. Vulpix sat a bit further away, piping up every now and again, but mostly letting the Rock-types coach their trainer. Onix's incredibly loud booming voice occasionally let something slip, but nothing he said was particularly noteworthy.
For Ash, his Pikachu, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur joined him in a group hug as they laughed about something she couldn't hear. Ash caused quite a stir when everyone woke and thought he went missing, only for Bulbasaur to literally walk out the door and find him sleeping in the grass. Pikachu rightly Thunder Shocked him awake.
Scholar Aspen, the Decidueye, sternly awaited for everyone to be ready. Zorua, his assistant timidly watching from behind him.
"Are you feeling confident, Mistress?" Staryu asked, bringing her attention to her group.
Misty took this all in and turned to her Pokémon, twitching her whiskers as she did so. "A little. It feels a little. It feels a little weird to think I'll be fighting like this, but at the same time… I'm eager." This would be her first battle as a Pokémon, at least one that had stakes. Misty did not want to disappoint.
"Be confident in yourself and others and you will do your best," Goldeen explained from her bucket - Scholar Aspen had installed quite a few of them around the manor for Goldeen. "There is no shame in defeat, as well, Mistress."
Misty felt the tension build up inside of her. "I know that, but at the same time, I want to prove a point to Ash."
Goldeen nodded.
"Defeat is instructive, though victory is so sweet," Staryu flashed a few times.
"Does that mean Uncle Ash has learned alot from losing?" Togepi shouted cheerfully.
"Maybe he has, but I haven't seen it." Misty proudly smirked. Truth be told, Ash had grown, but the Buizel couldn't hesitate to make a jab on someone who wasn't able to listen in. The Water-type then leaned down and gave the younger Pokémon a giggle. "Now, be on your best behavior. We'll be fighting soon."
Togepi giggled. "Okay, Mommy!"
Misty smiled. When she had first awoken, she had originally thought this had been a fantastical dream. Humans shouldn't turn into Pokémon after all. Yet, last night's talk did put into perspective how utterly insane her life had become. At the very least, being a Pokémon, a Water-type at that, had all sorts of perks.
"Your Water Gun should be sufficient to defeat Brock," Goldeen reminded. "Aqua Jet would be useful, but I do not think you have mastered it quite yet."
"Ash might be difficult to fight," the speaker was Psyduck, who up until this point had been idly out of the conversation, his eyes turned outside from the building. "
Misty squinted at the yellow duck, skeptical. "What makes you say that?"
"Don't you feel it?" Psyduck stated. Then he tilted his head in a painful wince. "Ow… Ow…"
"Psyduck, focus!" Misty shouted.
"What were we talking about again?" Psyduck questioned.
Misty almost felt like punching the duck Pokémon. "Don't tell me you put Amnesia on yourself!"
"... I don't remember."
For that, Psyduck got a slap from Misty. The Buizel groaned.
"I will admit, I must concur with Psyduck," Staryu brought up. "Brock will likely go down the easiest due to weaknesses. But at the same time both he and Ash know this and might decide you are the bigger threat. Not that it will be easy."
Misty accepted the tactical advice. In a three way battle, the most disadvantageous position was facing the other two opponents at the same time.
Scholar Aspen let out an ear splitting caw, "ATTENTION! Everyone please get ready! We are about to begin. Combatants, take your assigned positions!"
Misty frowned at the declaration, but her apprehension gave way to a charged excitement, as her Pokémon, her friends all looked at her. Yes, even, Psyduck.
"Good luck, Mistress." Staryu flashed curtly. "May you be triumphant in Glorious combat!"
"Mommy will win!" Togepi cheered.
"Misty," Goldeen used her name instead of a title. "Win or lose, you have done your best."
"...Stay safe, okay?" Psyduck said simply.
With elation and excitement in her heart, Misty walked over the rough stone floor of the arena and came face to face to her traveling companions. All of them looked equally excited. For all of them, this was their first battle not as trainers, but as the Pokémon themselves.
Ash laughed, eying the rock dog. "So, Brock, how are you a Rock-type again? You're not covered in rock."
Brock growled lightly, a chuckle really. "My fur's surprisingly tough. It may look like I'm fluffy, but my fur is almost like coarse wool really. Also, there's lots of rock around my throat."
Misty stuck out her tongue. "So, what you're telling me is, you're going to be washed away very easily." She enjoyed the pre-fight trash talking and took part.
Brock made a face. "No, I'm pretty sure that's if I was a Ground-type."
Misty chuckled, turning to face the Riolu. "So, Ash, I hope you know how to fight."
Ash balled a paw into a fist and then promptly put a foot forward. "Hey, I've been learning all day and all night!"
"We definitely saw that," Brock replied.
Scholar Aspen let out a very loud cough and brought everyone's attention to himself.
This caused the banter to stop as all eyes turned towards the Decidueye.
"Challengers. Today, you fight each other for the right to bear this Looplet," the giant owl raised an object in his feathery mitts, a silver bracelet that seemed a little too large for even Charizard to wear. "While Looplets themselves do not guarantee or enforce leadership, the importance of carrying one does tend to lead to many Bearers becoming leaders for the groups they represent, as when complete, it proves that your group has bested the challenges possessed by the Dojos."
Misty glowered, not liking the idea of a world where Ash was her leader. Sure, he wasn't a complete moron and he had plenty of good traits such as his bravery and willingness to help others, but she did not like the idea of being reduced to a subordinate of him.
Ash meanwhile seemed to look very uncomfortable. Maybe that was a sign that he could be taken out quickly and efficiently.
Scholar Aspen continued. "Now, combatants, turn to face one another and then we may begin."
"May the best 'Mon win," Ash stated, still sounding uncomfortable, but looking eager to participate.
"You, too, Ash. You, too." Brock said.
Misty smiled at the two of them. "Trying to make a joke."
"Saying may the best Maiju win doesn't feel quite right," Ash explained as he took up a fighting stance, putting his left side forward.
"Three…" Aspen began, signifying a count down.
Brock leaned down, bringing his body close to the arena floor.
"Two…"
Misty, went on all four of her limbs, and became ready to spring into action. She eyed both of her opponents. In terms of skill, the three of them were evenly matched, having only had a single day worth of being a Pokémon to learn from.
"One…"
The standoff began there, each of the former trainers eying the others in an attempt to see which opponent would be the easiest to defeat. The question remained, who would be easier for Misty to strike, Ash or Brock… Ash or Brock…
"FIGHT!" Scholar Aspen shouted in a reverberating tone.
Misty, having felt that Ash was the most dangerous to her, decided to take her chance. In her mind's eyes, the Buizel conjured images of flowing water within her, the surety and strength of rivers as they tore up the land over time, of rain falling from the sky. And then she put those memories right against the people she knew, blasting out a Water Gun towards Riolu.
Ash, perhaps not even having planned it, instead stepped forward several paces and immediately went to knock Brock alive.
In Brock's case, a small floating stone appeared near the Rockruff. It grew in size and mass suddenly before it suddenly was thrown towards the Buizel
Rock Throw! Misty thought. Panicking, she immediately lunged out of the way. The large stone flew overhead and shattered into a dozen pieces from right behind her.
This caused her to break off from attacking Ash, leaving the Riolu to quickly run and attack Brock.
"Eat this!" Ash pushed. He lobbed his paws at the Rockruff and sent a flurry of strikes towards the smaller dog Pokémon. Then, just as suddenly, Ash leapt back and rapidly began to shake his hands."Ow! Ow! Ow!"
"That's Double Slap, Ash!" Brock complained, not hurt by much. "I'm not sure you're supposed to be able to use that!"
"And why not?"
In response, Brock shoved his body into the retreating Riolu, knocking Ash to the ground and forcing him to tumble.
Misty, seeing this change of events, focused on the pair of them. She quickly thought of her Water Gun again and lobbed several shots at the two of them.
Brock took a direct hit and reeled back, water dripping off his rough fur. He still stood, but he was definitely strained.
"Looks like I'm coming out on top!" Misty bragged.
The Riolu coughed as he rose, hurt but still willing to fight.
The onlookers all shouted reactions, her Pokémon praising her, whilst Brock's and Ash's shouted support for their chosen trainer.
Ash and Brock turned a glance to each other, silently communicating with a gesture alone.
Misty narrowed her eyes and got ready for the counter attack. Looks like that she forced herself into being the one the others ganged up against.
The Riolu and the Rockruff immediately charged at her, preparing an attack each.
Misty, upon seeing this, launched a volley of Water Guns right at them.
But try as she might, they were surprisingly fast.
One, two, three. Miss, miss, graze. Her shots failed to land a direct hit, the two canines dodging out of the way.
The Buizel ducked, just in time to evade Brock's tackle.
But for Ash, he was significantly more agile than she expected. He threw a Double Slap attack, sending his paws flying.
Misty, not being a Rock-type, desperately got out of the way, but she was not fast enough to tangle with both of them. She evaded the first slap, but the next few went towards her body.
Panicking, Misty blasted the Riolu at point blank range, a Water Gun launching the Riolu a fair distance.
But Ash was not the only problem. Brock came in and lunged at her, jaws extended.
A Bite sunk into Misty's flesh arm. The Buizel immediately began to panic further, as Brock repeatedly bit her and kept dodging Misty from getting into a position to Water Gun him. What do I do? What do I do?
"Mistress!" Staryu pulsed. "Aqua Jet! Do it now!"
Misty wanted to complain. She had Water Gun down. Her Aqua Jet was…still a work in progress at best. "But?"
"Do it!" Staryu said in a brilliant flash of light. "It's your best shot!"
Blinked a few times, Misty immediately understood. It didn't matter if she had it down or not, she needed to just get out. Conjuring the image of a tidal wave in her mind, water immediately began to surround the Buizel and she then used this water to propel herself forward at a rapid speed.
Brock, still repeatedly Biting her, was caught off guard by the sudden torrent of water that knocked him back.
Misty crashed into the stony ground but pucked herself up. Injuries and cuts surrounded her fur, but she was still in the fight.
So was Brock, who was honestly held out quite well despite the type disadvantage.
Misty caught her breath and became ready to use another Water Gun. She took in her breath, just in time for Onix to meddle.
"Dig! Brock! Dig!" Onix bellowed.
Brock, upon hearing this, stared at Misty.
Misty, in response to Onix, blew out whatever Water Guns she could at the Rockruff.
But Brock disappeared before she could connect.
The Buizel, sensing danger, immediately leapt out of the way as the Rockruff came barreling right from under her.
Then, just to add even more frustration, Ash stepped in close to the two of them and launched another set of Double Slaps, not caring who he hit.
Misty took several blows, the wind rapidly beat out of her.
"Bite!" Onix shouted.
Brock did so, Biting the Riolu and forcing him off when he flinched.
Staryu chimed in as well. "Mistress, now's your chance. Press the advantage! Aqua Jet!"
Summoning a wave of water around her, she threw herself at the Riolu, knocking him aside and rolling.
However as soon as the Aqua Jet ended, Misty found herself face to face with Brock once more.
Ash, to his credit, picked himself up, and continued.
All three former humans turned to each other, panting and exhausted. None of them were going to last much longer at this rate.
Misty couldn't help but imagine that this was what her Pokémon felt all the time whenever they fought. There was something exhilarating to be this close to collapsing, to feel powerful and to know you were at your limits. In fact, with Onix and Staryu giving orders, the three of them were effectively a trainer's Pokémon. She laughed, enjoying the reversal.
"Ash!" Pikachu shouted. Misty, slightly tilted her head as she noticed that somehow, Pikachu grabbed onto Ash's hat. "You're not going to win at this rate!"
"I know!" Ash panted, exhausted. "I just… I don't know how to push energy into my palms..."
Misty blinked. Of course, Ash still hadn't figured out how to use any of his Fighting-type moves yet. He must have been trying to pull off a Force Palm and got Double Slap because of his lack of knowledge and self control.
"I… I don't know how to do anything like that, Ash…" Pikachu admitted. "But… if it's like my cheeks, just… feel it!"
Misty and Brock both eyed each other, considering whether or not Ash was the bigger threat now or whether or not to deal with one another. By Misty's count, Brock had Rock Throw.
Misty took a gamble. She threw herself with an Aqua Jet right at Brock, catching him off guard.
"Endure!" Onix shouted.
But Brock apparently did not know that move or simply did not have the strength left.
Brock collapsed and did not rise.
Standing above the fallen Rockruff with a feeling of satisfaction, Misty took a deep exhale and turned to face Ash.
Pikachu was still trying to coach him.
"I… I don't know what to do about that!" Ash complained.
"Looks like it's just me and you!" Misty laughed.
Ash nodded at Misty, acknowledging her. "I guess it is!"
Misty focused her eyes and went to pick the best place to take down the Riolu. Ash was incredibly hard to hit with how fast he moved. And while she was getting good at using Water Gun, her aim still needed work. Sure, she could have attacked Ash at range, but at their current distance, Ash could close before he got a direct hit. Aqua Jet, despite how unstable it felt, was far more reliable.
"Ash, whatever you do, put everything you got into it. One strong blow, okay?" Pikachu requested. "Shout the name of your move, if you have to. THINK about what you're doing!"
The Riolu gave his starter a nod.
"Be on your guard," Staryu warned her. "Ash is known to try unthinkable to achieve victory."
Misty nodded as well, giving her starter a nod as well.
It was funny, just the other day, they were the trainers.
The two remaining former humans looked each other in the eyes, both knowing full well that this engagement would be their last.
Both took steps forward.
Misty conjured the wave of water again, surrounding her and using it to thrust herself forward in one final Aqua Jet.
Ash burst forward as well, bringing his palms forward.
Misty put more of her energy into her Aqua Jet, pushing herself to the limits she had. It truly felt like she was flying.
"Dodge!"
And then… Ash ducked out of the way, in a blink, his body skidding on the stones, just out reach of Misty's attack.
"Everything you got, Ash! Throw it at her!" Pikachu shouted.
Misty went so fast she did not have time to process it. Ash had narrowly avoided her attack.
Turning, the Buizel saw a blue fire erupt from the Riolu's paw. "FORCE PALM!" he shouted and then pushed that energy into Misty's stomach.
The Buizel felt her water construct break into a million pieces as she suddenly flew into the ground.
Her eyes closed, Misty felt her body go numb. Each and every motion she took felt like a massive effort. Even breathing, normally so easy and automatic, became a tremendous pain.
"Misty!" she heard Ash shout.
Opening her eyes, Misty saw the Riolu leaning down over her. "Ow…" she managed.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" the Riolu knelt down.
"I'll be fine…" Misty groaned out a lie. She felt ill.
Scholar Aspen stepped forward, a brown bottle in his feathery hands. "Drink this. It'll take care of most of the issues."
Misty went to reach for the bottle, but couldn't reach.
The Decidueye shook his head and instead poured a foul tasting liquid into her mouth.
Ash smiled awkwardly towards his cheering Pokémon.
"You did it, Ash!" Pikachu shouted over him, a large smile on his face. "I knew you had it in you!"
Squirtle pulled out his spiked sunglasses and gave him a thumbs up.
Bulbasaur gave him a nod of affirmation.
Even Charizard seemed to regard him differently now.
"Thanks, guys!" the trainer addressed his Pokémon… and promptly fell on the ground. "Ow…" he groaned.
"You overdid it, I think." Pikachu helped him up, laughing. "So, how's it feel to have your first real battle?"
"Fun. Painful. But fun." Ash managed, panting in between breaths. Now that the adrenaline was gone, he could feel the mess of bumps, bruises, and bites that he took during the battle. "...I felt… strong, I think." He brought his gaze towards his paws and thought of the blue fire that erupted from them when he attacked Misty. It was holding onto the sun itself, so warm and so powerful and yet… it was inside of him. The power that's inside.
"Here, take this," Bulbasaur came closer and handed Ash a brown flask containing some liquid. "It's a potion from our Decidueye host."
Ash eyed the bottle. "Huh, I would have thought it would be a spray."
"Calling it 'disinfecting spray' isn't as marketable, Boss," Squirtle agreed. "Like, why are potions spray bottles in Kanto?"
Shrugging and wanting to stop feeling like he was beat up, the Riolu took the potion… and promptly felt like throwing up.
Bulbasaur rushed close to him and brought a vine over to the Riolu's mouth. "You have to keep it in you, or else it won't work."
"It tastes awful…" Ash replied, his entire belly burned.
Pikachu stuck out his tongue in disgust. "Herbal medicines are like that," he agreed.
Ash fought against his urge to just throw up for a moment, his body burning as if consumed from the inside out. Then the pain all over him subsided, leaving him with a little numbing sensation all over his body. Flexing his arms and legs, the Riolu noticed that many of the cuts and marks he took had faded away entirely. "Wow…"
"That's… faster than I thought it would be," Squirtle took off his glasses as if he wanted to double check with his own eyes.
Bulbasaur nodded. "I guess we know it is very powerful."
"I think I'd prefer a spray bottle, just because then I don't have to taste it," Ash commented.. He just did not feel that drinking that awful concoction was worth it, injuries healed or not.
"You and me both," Misty commented as she stumbled over. She looked like she was trying to ease off of her left foot, but otherwise, she seemed better.
Staryu and Togepi were right behind her. The star shaped Pokémon curled slightly inwards, an expression that might have been sorrow or regret in its actions. Togepi meanwhile pouted intensely, unpleased. "You're a meanie, Uncle Ash…"
Ash gave the Togepi an awkward look. This was the first time she had ever said anything like that to him.
"Togepi," Misty called to her young Pokémon, holding her tightly. "Ash and I were just playing okay? I know I'm hurt, but it was fun all the same."
"But you lost…" Togepi pouted.
"And I'm going to learn from it," Misty informed her. "Remember what Staryu said?"
Togepi's frown disappeared as she settled down, accepting her adoptive mother's words of assurance. "Oh… Okay…"
"Congratulations on your victory." Staryu flashed its light and turned to Ash, "May I ask that you be better prepared next time? It is obvious you only won by the skin of your fangs."
I have fangs? Oh, right. The Riolu flashed a smile. "I know if Misty went for me there instead of Brock, I might not have gotten my Force Palm ready."
Misty gave a pained grunt and nodded. "You hurt, Ash. Force Palm or not, you really hurt. But I was thinking he'd go for a Rock Throw if I went for you. So I took him out first and thought you'd be easier to defeat."
"Same thing for me," Brock stumbled over, giving a pained expression while walking. "I did not have a fast attacking move, so Misty got me before I did."
"Planning failure. Fault mine," Onix stated, the large rock snake having somehow walked over to them quite stealthily despite being the largest person in the room.
"It's not!" Brock insisted. "I forgot about Dig until you reminded me."
Onix seemed to contemplate this, his eyes fixated on his trainer… Or maybe it was his Pokémon?
"And I forgot I could dodge until I was reminded," Ash said, turning to Pikachu.
Pikachu puffed out his chest and formed a smug expression. "Not bad for a rookie, huh?" He flashed a glance towards Staryu and Onix. "Does that mean we're rivals now?" He then pointed to Misty and Brock. "Wait, I got it. Does this mean I get the Boulder and Cascade Badges now? Because I distinctly remember Ash not getting those correctly!"
"Not ten," Onix said bluntly.
"I'm like eighty!" Pikachu insisted.
That sent a laugh among the group, even Ash who was the butt of the joke. The six of them were just some rookie trainers and their Pokémon… and the former humans were not the trainers in this scenario.
"I had fun. We should do it again," Misty said. "I could stand to not be paralyzed though."
"Same… even if I'm not looking at water quite the same way as I used to," Brock added.
Ash smiled at the two of his friends. A part of him was worried about hurting them in the fight today, especially since last night he had hurt Pikachu while training. To hear them say that they enjoyed themselves despite the pain put his mind at ease.
Scholar Aspen approached, the Decidueye flew and landed right in front of them. His eyes observed them intently. "A well fought battle the three of you," he then eyed the Pokémon trainers around him. "In the future, please refrain from giving out orders to your teammates unless you are actively involved in the fight. It is considered impolite for spectators to intervene in an official tournament setting."
Pikachu and Onix nodded their heads, whilst Staryu spun in place.
Scholar Aspen then turned towards Ash, the silver Looplet in his grasp. "This belongs to you now. Know that upon wearing the Looplet, you devote yourself to your companions. You are merely the first among equals." He gestured to the Riolu's left wrist.
What did being equals mean? Ash turned to Pikachu, to Onix, to Staryu, then to Misty and Brock. Before being stuck here, it was easy to think of Brock and Misty because they were not only human, but also trainers. In contrast, did he ever consider Squirtle his equal? Pikachu, arguably his closest friend, was as far as everyone else was concerned his responsibility rather than… whatever Scholar Aspen suggested; Pikachu broke a girl's bike, Ash had to pay for it. And what about Staryu or Goldeen? He only really thought of them as being Misty's rather than their own persons. Now that they could all talk to each other, that… no longer felt right.
Ash raised his left hand. "I understand." Before anything else, they were his friends first, above everything else. He didn't know what came after that, but friendship, companionship felt important. They were all his friends before, they could just talk to each other now.
The Decidueye eyed him intently, as if staring into his soul. His expression softened and he slipped the silver bracelet onto the Riolu's left arm. "The first Looplet was created by a Pokémon in the distant past who sought to commune with the gods, a feat unheard of in those times. Through the jewels he gathered, he made a statement, proving that he and those that were with him deserved an audience. You, young one, walk the path he once did."
Ash felt a tingle in his arm as the Looplet sat on his wrist. It was not necessarily painful, but the sensation reminded him of fire, like the same feeling he had when he just barely managed to use Force Palm. As he looked, the Looplet began to condense down, shrinking until it was the right size for his arms. Ash experimented with the bracelet, moving his arm up and down, yet the Looplet barely shuddered or moved from his wrist. "Wow."
"It has bonded to you," Scholar Aspen said. "You are the only one capable of removing it now."
"Hm, wonder how it would work for me," Pikachu mused. "My paws are shaped very differently."
"Regardless, my assistance here does come at a price," Scholar Aspen announced. "Looplets are not necessarily cheap."
"There was a catch?" Ash asked. This was the first time he had ever heard of something like this.
"And you did not tell us this?" Misty said back.
Brock eyed his companions and then said. "What exactly is the price?"
"Because I was waiting for something to occur, I must now act." Scholar Aspen took a step back, revealing Zorua who had been behind him.
Zorua looked very shocked as her Master pushed her forward. "Uh…"
Scholar Aspen pointed a feather towards Ash. "You are to care for her during your travels, up until this year's tournament is over."
"But but…" Zorua sputtered. "I uh…"
Ash blinked. He didn't know what as going on, but he could practically feel Zorua's hesitation and fear. "Zorua doesn't sound like she wants to go," he said. "Are you going to force her?"
"She wants to go," Scholar Aspen said firmly. "You are outsiders and I know my student is curious about where you come from."
"I am not!" Zorua shouted back… a clear embarrassment on her expression. "Uh…" She promptly turned into a Metapod and stayed perfectly still.
Scholar Aspen shook his head, turning to the former humans. "I do not condone nor support your quest to leave Citrine in its entirety, but I respect your desire to determine your path for yourself." He sighed. "That and I admit, looking at you has made me nostalgic for my own youth when I did the same with my friends. So, even if I dislike your specific goals, I feel it necessary to aid you here in this manner."
Ash paid close attention to the Decidueye's words. He sounded genuine about his motives, that he sincerely wanted to aid him and his friends out of the memories of his own friendships. "And Zorua?" Zorua on the other hand, felt unstable despite being perfectly still; she was…fearful.
"If she doesn't want to go, we can't force her," Brock stated.
"But sometimes, you have to be forced to leave your comfort zone in order to change," Pikachu spoke up, flashing a glance to his trainer as he did.
Ash blinked. His starter was speaking from personal experience there.
"Zorua," Scholar Aspen spoke in a lighter tone. "Regardless of all else, this is an educational opportunity to follow something you want to learn about. I do not care much for the human world, but you do. This perhaps might be your one chance to study in detail. Also, it is about time you did as the others and went on a journey."
Zorua changed back to her usual self. She shivered. "I… Master, if they win and the gods send them away, I think I want to go with them…"
Scholar Aspen glowered, closing his eyes. "If it is as the gods will, then I shall not oppose it," Aspen said eventually. "Your father will be upset however."
Zorua's eyes narrowed. "Well, I am not asking for his opinion!"
Ash could feel a tension in the air as the tone of the conversation flipped on its head as Zorua suddenly became outspoken and her Master becoming more reserved. There was history there.
He turned to the Pokémon nearby him, looking at their faces for advice. Staryu was unreadable. Misty seemed concerned. Brock seemed willing to try. Pikachu gave him an encouraging nod. With this, Ash believed he wanted to know more. "You want to go with us?"
Zorua looked like she was going to disguise herself yet again, but gulped. "It's silly, I know, but I have had this… idea for a long while."
"It's not silly." Ash flashed a grin. "You can come with us if you want, both here and well, when we go back home."
Zorua let out a sigh of relief. "I… I thank you. I will not let you down."
Visibly satisfied, Scholar Aspen produced a small sack and put it on the floor.
Ash walked up to it and found it full of colored stones of sorts, a strange collection of clear prisms, small pearls, and thin silvery wafers.
"This is the currency of Citrine. Use it to buy your initial supplies," Scholar Aspen recommended. "But if you would like more money, you should plan to fund yourselves somehow."
"Already thought of that," Brock said. "You said cooking was a rare skill, I think we can leverage that."
Scholar Aspen nodded. "That might not be enough, but it will serve as primary income."
Ash smirked. He would have been lost without his friends. He extended a hand-paw towards their newest traveling companion.
Zorua hesitated, looking at the Riolu's hand before realizing that she had to extend her own paw to meet his.
"Welcome aboard, Zorua," Ash smirked. It was funny to think about how back home, usually this would have ended with Zorua getting a Pokéball. Here, it wasn't necessary. She was just a new friend who was traveling with them… who also happened to be a Pokémon.
The other Pokémon in the group gave the newcomer their welcome. From Togepi's blissful cheering to Goldeen's official sounding proclamations to even just Bulbasaur acknowledging her with a wave of the vine.
Zorua returned an awkward smile to them all.
Then, as the group began to think of what to do next, a group of Pokémon stepped in, coming from the entrance.
"Scholar Aspen of Opalton, we wish to have an audience with you," said one, a large Arcanine with dark, thick hair around his head.
Behind him were a few other Pokémon, a small purple bat-scorpion Pokémon, a Voltorb that was made of wood, and a pale bodied biped with purple claws. Each of them had a yellow sash on their bodies, but the purple clawed Pokémon also had an orange scarf around his neck.
On reflex, Ash reached for Dexter to identify them, but he did not have his Pokédex on his person.
Brock identified them for him. "The smaller ones are Gligar, Voltorb, and Sneasel, though the latter two, I think, are supposed to be extinct. The Arcanine's also an extinct subspecies from Sinnoh."
Ash did not know how to handle these newcomers, but Scholar Aspen glared harshly at them.
"I deny your request," the Decidueye snarled. "Now leave."
"Your medicines and elixirs. Give them to us," snapped the Arcanine, ignoring the owl's statements. "The Keepers have need of them and you will provide."
The other Pokémon behind him adjusted their posture, as if expecting a fight.
That sent a signal for Ash's own Pokémon to also stand up and get ready. Misty's and Brock's teams also considered weighing in. Strayu stood ahead of Psyduck and Togepi, whilst Onix slithered ahead with Geodude and Zubat right on him.
Zorua fled behind Ash. Ash, seeing this, raised his hands and prepared to block if it became necessary.
Arcanine adjusted his paws and with that effort, his band eased their posture.
Scholar Aspen raised a hand and with a word, the same thing happened on his side.
"We will pay," the large canine snapped, an emphasis on his words. "Because unlike some of us, we keep our duties seriously."
The Decidueye scoffed. "Very well then. Stay here. I know what you want." He then flew off and left the room.
The Arcanine scowled as he turned to the other Pokémon around him. "I was not expecting guests." It was obvious to everyone that the newcomers had a distinct numbers disadvantage. Ash thought it was likely that they were only planning to intimidate Scholar Aspen and his apprentice, not a whole group of other Pokémon.
Ash wanted to say something, but Misty wordlessly glared at him.
The Riolu instead took a moment to look closely at the other Pokémon just as they were staring hard at him and the others. That was when he realized… one of them kept looking right at him.
The Sneasel took a long, hard look at him and then… nodded. He then pointed right at the Riolu.
Ash pointed at himself, wordlessly questioning.
Sneasel shook his head and then raised one of his paws, one that had a gold bracelet around his wrist, a Looplet. Then, he raised a hand threateningly at the Riolu. He seemed eager to get into a fight.
Ash was about to oblige him, but Pikachu stepped in the way and gave him a harsh look. "Ash, don't make a scene. You're still not fully healed," he whispered.
The Riolu winced slightly as he realized his best friend was right. "Then what do I do?"
"If things go bad, I'll fight if I have to, but you stay back."
Thankfully, before anything else could happen, Scholar Aspen flew back, bringing back a small box in his left talon. When he landed, he dropped the box right on the Arcanine's side.
The large canine gestured to Sneasel who then opened the box and pulled out a glass bottle full of… pills? Was that what they were here for? He pulled two more bottles and they were full of some sort of liquid.
"This is what you want," Scholar Aspen responded. "Now fulfill the end of your bargain so you might leave."
Arcanine scowled at him, he gestured for Gligar to move forward.
The bat-scorpion drew a satchel from the Arcanine's backside and tossed it towards the alchemist. A collection of colored stones scattered everywhere.
Scholar Aspen continued to scowl, Arcanine returning the favor.
Then, as abruptly as they came, the four strange Pokémon all left the battle arena, their business concluded.
Ash let out a sigh of relief. That group looked like they wanted to cause trouble.
Scholar Aspen also seemed quite relieved and let his shoulders stoop. "Zorua, clean up that mess and take it with you."
"Uh, yes, Master!" Zorua hesitated before she dove in and cleaned up the discarded stones.
Scholar Aspen turned to the Riolu and the other Pokémon behind him. "I am sorry you had to see that, but the Keepers are not the friendliest bunch. They thought to just force me to hand over my pill and tonics, not that they would have won."
"They did sound an awful lot like bullies," Pikachu agreed.
Ash nodded. "Yeah, why did you sell to them if they're being such jerks?"
The Decidueye looked at the two of them and shook his head. "That group could have easily been taken down even without your assistance, but that would have just caused trouble with the other Keepers. At the very least, you have plenty of money now, I recommend that you leave and spend it wisely."
Ash could practically feel like Brock and Misty were staring hard at him and the Riolu in response gave a nervous laugh. Yeah, planning for a several month expedition to Valencia Island on foot was not exactly his brightest monetary idea.
"If the gods do not see fit to grant your request, you are also welcome back here." Scholar Decidueye offered. "You can perhaps become an apprentice here."
Ash frowned, stuck on the idea that the Legendaries in Citrine wouldn't let him go back home. That would have meant not being able to speak to his Mom, to Professor Oak, or even Gary. Gary was a jerk, but… he did not want to never see him again.
At the same time, the Decidueye's words reassured him. "Thanks for all the help."
"May the gods watch over you on your journey."
The wooden building resembled a rough approximation of a small Pokémart from back home. A significant portion of the store was a simple grocer with food on display, usually fruits, vegetables, and berries in various states of freshness and dryness. Medicine bottles and pills had their own shelves, covering most common ailments. For protein, the store offered tofu and mushrooms. There was even a fridge section, a section of wall that was kept somehow cold; that section mostly held drinks.
All the while, the owners, a collection of Murkrow, eagerly assaulted everyone with promises of sales and deals
"Buy this brand new cooking pot now at a twenty percent up-charge and get a free fire starting kit!"
"Fresh and dried berries at a discount if you buy in bulk! At five stone, you can feel like you're paying for four stone!"
"A pressure cooker, an exclusive part of this all in one deal! Take it now and enjoy all the rice you want. Warning, requires electricity! Electricity is provided separately!"
Did you know that a group of Murkrow was called a murder?
Brock thought it was a silly name, up until the point that he could practically see the greed in their eyes that it almost felt like they were about to murder him. "Are you sure this was really the best place to go?" he found himself asking their guide.
Zorua gave him an awkward grin. "Remember, Maiju rarely cook for themselves. Cookware tends to be a very low priority to make."
While Opalton had plenty of stores, this was the only one of them that sold cookware at anything approaching a reasonable price range. While their finances were in good shape for now, the fact of the matter was that the group consisted of over a dozen Pokémon and they needed to make sure they could feed everyone for a month. And was before they needed to consider how much they had to spend on cooking ingredients to resell at an upcharge.
Brock located an iron skillet that seemed to be in good condition. He went to pick it up with his hands… and remembered he did not have hands. The skillet fell to the floor.
"You have to use your mouth, Brock," Geodude reminded him as he took the skillet in his hands and put it into the collection of raw produce.
"At least you can pick things up, I can barely carry anything that big before falling over," Zubat, flying overhead, reminded the two of them.
Brock glowered, envious of his current predicament. He really hoped he could evolve into a Midnight Lycanroc. That would solve all of his hand related issues. Why out of his friends that turned into Pokémon was he the only one without dexterous paws? Until then though, the Rockruff moved over to the next item on his list and found a small cooking pot.
Learning from his mistake, he picked it up by the hand with his jaws.
"My? What do we have here?" Brock heard a voice call out.
The Rockruff turned and saw one of the Murkrow looking down over him. She bore a pink ribbon over one side of her head.
"You look quite intriguing," said the Murkrow.
"Uh… thanks?" Brock just raised an eyebrow… did he still have eyebrows?
The dark crow's break split open and made a wordless caw, a laugh maybe? "I certainly think you deserve quite the discount? Perhaps ten, no, twenty percent?"
Brock blinked, trying to comprehend the bird's angle. Maybe she wanted to get him to buy more things? "Sure?"
The Murkrow cocked her head and seemed to contemplate something.
Then just as she was about to say something. Vulpix came running in front of him. "Hey, Brock. I found rice!" Behind her was a small sack that she had been pulling with her teeth.
"Good work!" Brock responded. It was not wheat or flour, but raw rice was good enough to turn into all sorts of things. Aside from just boiling it, you could turn rice into dough which could be used for all sorts of things. "Just make sure that the bag doesn't tear. We don't want it spilling all over the store."
"Oh, right!" Vulpix said nervously.
"Geodude," Brock ordered. "I think I can carry it."
"You got it!" the living geode replied, hefting the bag of rice and plopping it onto his trainer's back.
Brock went winded with the sack over him, but it was better on his back than on the floor where dragging could have torn it. Plus, as small as he was now, he was still a Pokémon with deceptive strength.
"Wow, you're strong, Brock!" Vulpix spoke.
"That he is…" Murkrow responded.
The two Pokémon turned to face each other, giving each other an odd look.
Brock did not understand. Maybe it was a Pokémon thing? "Let's get going. Maybe Misty and Ash have gotten the bags they wanted."
Brock and his group paid for their goods and promptly left. The Murkrow that offered the discounts said she was disappointed before they departed, for some reason and hoped that they would be back some day. Maybe she just wanted more money?
According to Zorua, the currency of Citrine was broken up into diamonds, pearls, and platinum wafers or rather objects that resembled them. While he did not know the exact valuation of the money yet, the former human knew that the money they had was enough to supply his team with the essentials.
Because of how much they bought, Brock sent out Zubat to return with the others. Zorua, Brock, and Vulpix could have handled carrying some items, but they bought enough for over a dozen Pokémon.
With a few minutes, Ash and Misty along with their teams came by the store, each Pokémon equipped with satchels and backpacks. Ash still had his green one, but the strap was adjusted to better fit his new size, whilst Misty had a sling bag. Charizard had several small backpacks fastened to him; the orange fire dragon looked very annoyed. Even Onix had a few bags strapped onto the upper part of his body. The only one who did not have a pack of some sort was Togepi.
"Hey, Brock!" Ash waved. "We got backpacks and camping supplies for everyone. We even have some for the rest of you."
Misty added, "Shame none of us have the body to work with a wagon long term."
Brock nodded. Since Citrine hated Pokéballs, the group decided to leverage the fact that since all of their Pokémon would be out whenever possible, it made sense to have them carry items in various packs. They were originally going to use a wagon for it, but after Zorua reminded everyone that Citrine was a chain of islands and Onix stating that he would have been too slow, the wagon idea was a no-go.
"This should be enough food to last us a while," Brock said. "We can even cook with it when we're ready and then sell it to Pokémon. Which brings me to a problem."
Ash frowned. "Is something wrong? You're the one who suggested we cook food to sell it."
Misty sighed. "Ash, he doesn't have hands anymore."
"You can't use your teeth like normal dog Pokémon?" Pikachu questioned.
"No," Brock shook his head. "Because we're going to need the money, I'm going to teach all of you how to cook. Anyone with hands, fire breath, or anything else related to cooking is going to have to help out in the kitchen."
Both Ash and Misty turned a sideways glance to the other. Neither seemed confident in their cooking ability.
"I guess if I really have to," Ash gloomily replied.
"... I can make scorched berries," Pikachu offered. "But I think that's mainly an Electric-type thing."
With packs and food distributed and the money recollected, the group felt ready to go traveling.
Almost ready.
"Hey, guys, I want to bring up something," Misty said. "I think we have enough money to go buy at least one more item, this one kind of being essential."
"If it's essential, we have to do it, don't we?" Ash replied. "Just what is it?"
"Goldeen," Onix answered, drawing attention that a certain Goldeen was being carried over Squirtle's head. "Inconvenient to carry. Must resolve."
"I do not mind myself, Sir Onix," Goldeen replied. "Though I know it is rather inconvenient for my helper."
"Yeah, I wouldn't mind not having to carry you everywhere," Squirtle spoke.
"Oh…" Ash said. "That is important."
"Thankfully, there is a solution," Zorua added finally.
Zorua led the group towards what at first glance appeared to be a mix of a jewelers and a clothing store. Stepping in, it was immediately apparent that the store was broken into a few major sections. The largest was devoted to a number of cloth items such scarves and various hats. The smaller section featured a number of jewelry items behind glass cases.
"Maiju here buy accessories and clothing items," Zorua explained as everyone except for Onix entered the building. "Most are purely cosmetic, but a couple of pieces are enchanted."
Enchanted? Brock wondered internally. Then again, Ash had explained something about how Pokémon viewed their moves and abilities as being rooted in magic rather than being something natural. Maybe there was a correlation.
The owner of the store was that Seaking they had seen around the town, the one that was floating just a few inches above the ground. "Greetings, customers!" he spoke. "How may I help you today?"
"I need something for my friend, Goldeen." Misty went and approached the Seaking with Goldeen above her head and Togepi behind her.
"How are you floating?" Goldeen asked.
With the Seaking occupied, the rest of the group broke off and went to explore the store while Misty conversed with the storekeeper.
Brock found himself looking at a grooming kit, a small case containing brushes, combs, and cutting implements. His old one had been lost at sea with the blimp crash. And though the breeder-in-training no longer had hands, he still felt the urge to resume where he left off. Plus, what would it be like to be the Pokémon subjected to a full-body grooming? Maybe it would help him learn more if he had…first hand experience.
"Hey, Geodude, you think you can use this?" He asked the moving geode. "I mean I don't have hands or anything, so I can't use it myself, but I'm kind of curious on what it's like on the Pokémon's end."
Geodude pushed himself over to the grooming kit. He snorted. "You had good hands, Brock and good taste in polish. I can give it a shot, but no promises."
"It's a really nice feeling!" Zubat exclaimed. "You were really good at taking care of us."
"Yeah… you were good at… combing my fur," Vulpix agreed, slightly out of it.
"Is something wrong?" Brock questioned.
"No!" Vulpix immediately replied. "Just… it's really weird to think that you're… well… like this."
Brock laughed. "I'm not weird, just different from how I used to be." He said as he walked over… and looked at himself in a mirror that had been placed for the customers to observe their selections.
The Rockruff blinked with large, bright blue eyes and placed a paw onto his reflection.
"Okay, I'm weird," Brock agreed. No wonder why everyone gave him odd looks. His natural squint was far less exaggerated as a Rockruff.
In the back of his own mind, the Gym Leader knew he had changed, but this shock drove him to acknowledge something he did not fully understand until he saw his own reflection. He was not human anymore; he was a Pokémon. He did not even have anything that was reminiscent of his original body. Misty and Ash were in the same boat, too. Anyone that knew them would not even recognize them without being outright told.
"The eyes were the biggest change," Geodude told him. "But you're the same Brock, I've known."
Shaking himself free from his reflection, the Rockruff took the grooming kit. "I'll get used to it," he promised.
"We'll be here for you," said Zubat.
"Yeah, we will!" Vulpix promised.
Onix, if he were here, would have said the same too.
Determined not to let his reflection bother him further because of his friends supporting him, Brock and his teammates continued to wander through the store, trying to see if anything caught their attention.
Vulpix stared at some bows as they walked past one aisle.
Brock took notice. "You want one?" he questioned.
"Uh…" Vulpix gave him a nervous expression. "Maybe. I saw some other Pokémon wearing one… and I'm curious."
"It's fine if you want one," Brock offered. He walked over to the bows and pointed one that was a minty green. "This one would contrast well with your fur. Blue would work, too."
Vulpix winced but then nodded. "Right. Red and some pinks might not stand out well against my fur. It… does look nice."
The Rockruff chuckled as he took the bow into his mouth. It felt weird grabbing things like that, but he knew he had to get used to doing it. "Anyone else?"
Neither Geodude nor Zubat found anything they wanted. Outside, Onix expressed some interest, but they did not have any rock polish.
After that, they resumed browsing.
There were no body covering clothing items for sale, no pants or shirts. Honestly, it made sense the more he thought about it, unlike the simple scarves or bows that only really needed to be in different sizes, proper clothes needed to be made to fit its targeted wearers; and unlike humans, Pokémon came in far too many different body types for a clothing store to be practical when you were limited to hand tailoring.
Ash and his team made a ruckus. Apparently, Pikachu complained about the others suggesting he would look good with a bowtie.
Misty eventually rejoined them, her Pokémon right behind.
Goldeen hovered nearby, looking pleased with herself. Around the base of her tail was a small metallic ring.
"It's called a Float Ring," Zorua explained. "Some fish Pokémon like the Tynamo line have the ability to levitate in the air. The ring replicates this on a smaller scale, though only for fish Pokémon."
Brock considered this. A magical ring object that allowed Goldeen and possibly other Pokémon that were otherwise water bound to travel on land seemed incredible. "That sounds very useful."
"Indeed, it is," Goldeen exclaimed. "Now I can join you all properly, instead of floundering on the land. I hope I will be able to use it when we return home."
"Would you be allowed to use it?" Ash questioned.
"Why not?" Misty said. "It's very useful."
"I don't know, it just… seems kind of odd to give Pokémon the ability to use items in battle?" Ash explained. "I know it's illegal to give Pokémon potions in League battles."
Brock chuckled. "Actually, Ash, the Indigo League hasn't had a firm consensus on the issue on item use yet. Most other Leagues allow a single item, because some Pokémon, such as Farfetch'd do need their leeks to be effective. The reason there's no consensus in Kanto is because the League hasn't officially voted on where to draw the line; Farfetch'd and other Pokémon that naturally use some items are given a grandfather clause because they use their leeks in the wild, yet others call this unfair."
"If it's legal in Hoenn to tie Balloons on to a Pikachu, this should be fine," Misty nodded. "It's not even something weird like giving a Pokémon high tech goggles to help them aim better."
"Wait, that's a thing!?" Pikachu snapped. "Can I learn Fly that way?"
The Riolu let out a sigh of relief. "Okay, so, I did not forget an important rule of Pokémon battling."
Goldeen floated over the others. "I can see that other waterborne Pokémon would love the chance to be close to their landbound friends."
"It would definitely save the League money if they did not need to make water arenas to accommodate fish Pokemon," Brock agreed.
"Hey, Zorua," Pikachu pointed to the fox. "What are the rules for item use in Citrine?"
"Citrine allows the use of as many enchanted items as you can carry," Zorua said. "Though because enchanted items draw on the latent magic of their bearers, wearing more than three is bad for your health; even more so if the item in question is powerful. For this purpose, a Looplet does count against this limit."
Everyone chewed on that thought.
"So, what kinds of items can we wear?" Brock asked.
"Well, this store sells enchanted scarves, they help with conditions that affect your health, curing burning, poison, and other effects of that nature. There's some that just increase defenses," Zorua thought. "At a bigger store there'd be trinkets made from Light Clay that increases the duration of barrier abilities. Or say a Life Orb which harms you but also gives you tremendous power."
"I heard of some of those back home," Misty said. "Never saw a need to look into them though, but I don't think we'd call them enchanted. I know Mr. Mime love their Light Clay."
"So, do we buy anything like that? Do we have the money?" Ash questioned.
Misty shook her head. "I think we should wait to get more income first. Goldeen's Float Ring wasn't cheap. It was not expensive either, but I'd rather we have more money before we think about it."
"Agreed," Brock added. If they did not do this, Goldeen either had to come in a Pokéball or someone had to carry her anytime they wanted to be on land. Even though it made her look like she was in an old battle simulator game like the Stadium series, this was the best option they had.
The Riolu accepted this with a nod.
"So, does anyone have any last minute requests they want to get?" Brock questioned. "Enchanted items seem expensive, but simple accessories are easily within our budget."
"I thought about getting a new scrunchy, but I did not find one I liked," Misty answered.
Squirtle shook his head. "They don't have glasses."
Ash patted his cap.
Vulpix gently held the ribbon in her mouth.
"Enchanted scarf?" Psyduck questioned.
"Maybe another time," Misty said back.
"They are overpriced here," Zorua agreed.
No one else seemed interested.
Brock turned to Ash. "Alright, it's not even noon yet. You're the one with the Looplet, what do we do?"
The Riolu reached into his backpack and pulled out a map. "So, according to this, the closest town with a Dojo is this place called Quartz Bay. Also, it's got a ferry, so we have to go there if we want to go to a different island anyways. So, I'm thinking we can get there before nightfall if we walk off by now."
"Here we go again," Pikachu voiced the words on everyone's mind. "We'll get lost! Again!"
Zorua tilted her head. "I don't see how we could get lost. The main road leads there and there's no other roads on the route we're going."
Brock gave an exasperated sigh. "Believe us, we'll find a way."
Somehow, Ash had lost sight of the road. It all started simple enough. Just follow the road and make no deviations.
And yet despite that, somehow the road just disappeared out from under them.
Ash kept looking at the map for guidance and details, but as sundown came and went, darkness started to creep in. Misty and Brock called to make camp while they still had sunlight.
So, the group took camp in a grassy field. Sleeping mats were rolled out and a fire was made in the middle of the group.
The only one who did not have a sleeping mat to themselves or shared one with someone else was Charizard, who instead opted to stay upon a large rock far away from anyone else.
Because Brock was no longer able to cook everyone and because they had little practice cooking for themselves, the group instead just opted to eat some of the raw fruits they had with them.
"Where did the road go!?" Zorua had a mild panic attack. "We were on it, and it was not there anymore! How did we lose the road?"
"This happens all the time," Pikachu exclaimed as he shocked the oran in his mitts. "We go somewhere and it's not where we ended up being."
"We haven't seen a giant mecha trying to steal Pikachu yet, so that's new," Ash suggested. If he had to rank the benefits to being stranded on Citrine, being able to talk to his Pokémon was on the top. The close second had to have been the fact Team Rocket was nowhere to be found!
"I don't even know what that is," Zorua said. "What's a mecha?"
"It's a giant robot, you know like on the TV!" Ash replied.
"Uh… what's a robot? What's a TV?" Zorua shook her head. "Sorry, I… are these common concepts in your homeland?"
"Actually, yes," Misty answered.
Ash gave a nervous grin. "Sorry, I just forgot you wouldn't know what those things are." The Riolu made a thoughtful expression.
"Maybe compare it to a Pokémon?" Pikachu suggested.
"A robot is like a… Claydol, I think, is what they're called. But they aren't Pokémon, they're more like… things that move," Ash explained. He knew he was doing a poor job at explaining, but he had little idea on what was necessary to explain. Then, thinking on it, Ash pulled Dexter out from his bag. "Actually, Dexter is essentially a robot, but instead of moving, all he can do is talk."
"So, a robot is a thing that… acts?" Zorua mused.
"That's a good way of putting it," Brock agreed. "It acts, but it isn't alive in any way."
There was a silent moment as the assembled Pokémon ate.
Eventually, Zorua spoke. "Your homeland is so fascinating to me; just now I've learned an entire concept I have never considered. Master was right that I wanted to go with you, but I was afraid of asking."
Ash gave the fox a grin. "You don't have to be afraid of us, Zorua. Just relax."
"Yeah," Pikachu agreed. "As I said, sometimes, you have to be forced into doing something that makes you a bit uncomfortable. I was forced to go with Ash against my will."
"But aren't you… close friends?" Zorua questioned. "You are close friends, right?"
Ash laughed. "That was after running for our lives from a flock of angry Spearow."
"Somehow, I do not think I want to know," Zorua said sheepishly.
Misty nodded. "It was quite the experience."
Ash leaned back on his sleeping mat and looked at the sky. The first stars were already beginning to poke out. "So, Zorua, why are you interested in leaving Citrine with us? You said it was a silly idea, but… you still want to do it?"
"... I don't really want to say." Zorua frowned. "But I suppose I can say it's a dream I've had. I've heard stories about tall buildings that reach above the clouds, of devices that can heal many ailments. It sounds fantastical, almost unlike anything here."
"I don't think of it as fantastical," Ash said. "But then again, it's where I grew up. To me, Citrine is bizarre. I'm a Pokémon now. That's just unreal to me."
Zorua nodded and then asked cautiously. "Do you have dreams, too? I gave you mine."
Ash curled inwards. "For me, I always had this dream of becoming a Pokémon Master."
"What's a Pokémon Master? The title implies that it involves us, Maiju. Does it refer to battling? Martial arts? Or is it like how Master Aspen is my Master?"
Ash shook his head. "It does involve winning a Pokémon League, but it's not the only thing about it. I wanted to explore the world, to prove myself." He laughed. "Of course, now that I've become a Pokémon, I've added some new requirements, like being able to understand Pokémon. Maybe I should add being good at fighting myself?"
"You've got a long way to go there, Ash," Pikachu snorted.
"Hey, you're my trainer! That's your fault!" Ash stuck out his tongue.
Pikachu laughed and lightly elbowed the Riolu.
"For me," Misty spoke up next. "I wanted to be one of the best Water-type specialists in the world. Arguably, being a Pokémon has helped me get closer to my goal."
Brock then spoke, "For me, it was always becoming good at caring for others, especially Pokémon. Being able to talk to them helps in that regard, too."
Ash smiled at his two formerly-human friends. He felt good listening to them, to how they were looking at the bright side. He frowned when he realized his human friends were the only ones who answered; that needed to be corrected. He turned to Pikachu. "What about you?"
Pikachu frowned. "Not really. I never really thought too much about having a dream, especially since before I met you, life was mostly about survival. After I met you, my fate was whatever yours was."
Ash frowned. Right, Pikachu was his Pokémon, bound to what he wanted. That had to change. "Well, is there anything? I'll help if I can."
Pikachu thought for a moment. "I'd like to meet my mom again. I hope she's alright."
Ash smiled. He would definitely help Pikachu meet that goal.
"I don't really have one yet, but I'll think about it," Squirtle answered preemptively.
"For me, I am content where I am already," Bulbasaur interjected. "But I suppose I can also see if I come up with a larger goal. I have not had to think about it in a long while."
Zorua looked contemplative. "Thank you for considering my question then."
Ash smiled back at his Pokémon, his friends. Even if only Pikachu really had a goal of some sort, just knowing what they wanted in life felt right. He frowned and turned towards the only member of the group who stayed far away. "Does Charizard have a dream?"
"Yes," Squirtle replied gloomily. "He wanted to evolve."
"And boy did he get it," Pikachu turned his head.
"Charizard's dream was to evolve?" Zorua questioned. "Is that why he evolved relatively young in his life-cycle?"
Pikachu nodded. "Ash didn't hear about it, but he really wanted to stop being a Charmander."
Ash frowned, thinking back to the day he met the now big fire dragon. He was abandoned and nearly died because of his jerk of a trainer, a torrential rain nearly smothering out his tail flame. He understood what Pikachu was implying. "Charizard wanted to be strong," he answered.
Pikachu nodded. "I don't know what Charizard wants now, but that's what Charmander wanted."
Ash wanted to get up and to talk to Charizard about this, to fix this problem, but at the same time, he was afraid of making a mistake and losing the fire dragon forever.
Pikachu tapped the Riolu's side. "Ash, don't worry about it. We've got more important things to worry about."
Ash frowned, but nodded.
"Dreamt of sky and sea," Onix's voice bellowed. "Seen them. Never touched."
Ash blinked as he noticed the other Pokémon begin to speak about their dreams.
"You want to fly and swim?" Brock asked.
Onix nodded, "Dreams improbable. Still desired."
Ash grew a smirk. "Why do you say it's improbable?"
"Trainer now Rockruff," Onix stated plainly as the answer pointed out the impossible has already happened. "Seen everything."
Brock chuckled. "He's got us there."
"I want to be beautiful, to be in a pageant or contest," Vulpix threw herself into the room. "Mom, well, my trainer and her Pokémon really encouraged that."
"That makes sense," said Ash.
"Yeah, if there's anything like that here, we can try it," Brock answered.
"There might be," Zorua mused.
Vulpix seemed to get really nervous, but she smiled despite that. "Er, thank you."
"My dream has just happened today," Goldeen added next, floating above the others as she did a dance. "I have always considered myself a liability due to the fact that I could never aid you while on land. This has been remedied. I suppose then, the next step is to indulge."
Misty reached for Goldeen and gently rubbed her side. "We still need to get you properly hydrated, especially when you sleep, but this is definitely an improvement."
"I want to be a Pokémon trainer!"
Everyone except Psyduck and Zorua just stared as the speaker leapt up from near Misty's side.
Togepi grew a large grin on her face. "Then I want to be a Gym Leader, so I can be like Mommy!"
"Can that even happen?" Zorua mumbled aloud. "I thought being human was a prerequisite, but with Pikachu and Ash, I'm not so sure."
Pikachu shrugged. "We're just joking because I'm acting like his trainer and he's a Pokémon now. It's funny. Togepi, I think, wants to do it for real."
"I never heard of a trainer who was a Pokémon before," Ash said back. "It might not be impossible, but this would be the first I heard of it."
Misty gave her Togepi a small smile. "Now, why do you want to do that?"
"Because Mommy helps people and is really strong and brave and smart!" Togepi said eagerly. "Especially when you fight Team Rocket!"
Everyone just smiled. Of course, Togepi would focus on Team Rocket.
Misty laughed merrily. "Okay, Togepi, if you really want to be a Gym Leader, you have to wait, okay? You have to be ten years old."
Togepi frowned. "But that'll be forever, Mommy!"
"I know, but it'll be plenty of time to get big, strong, and smart. That way, you'll be a good trainer, okay?" Misty promised.
Togepi seemed to consider it for a moment, before cheering. "Okay, Mommy! I have to be ten before I can be a trainer!"
Ash laughed. Togepi was cute like that, even more so now that everyone understood what she wanted.
Honestly, Ash kind of wanted to see the Egg Pokémon do that when she was old enough to travel on her own; maybe Professor Oak could help? He'd be thrilled.
Ash hefted Dexter in his paws and then had a thought. "You know, when we get back home, maybe we'd like to remember this? No one would believe us if we told them."
"A camera?" Zorua questioned.
"It's a tool that makes pictures in a flash," Brock answered. "A Pokédex has one because it stores information for research purposes."
"That does sound useful," Zorua thought out loud. "I can see why humans would make one."
Ash shrugged. "Professor Oak invented it. Though I don't know much more beyond that." Dexter's camera was nowhere near as good as a dedicated camera, but it was still good enough. "I'd say trainers becoming Pokémon is a very important research topic," Ash smirked. Professor Oak may or may not believe he had become a Riolu; but Ash knew he'd be interested in what happened even if his specialty wasn't in human-Pokémon relations.
"Your mom will kill you if she finds out," Pikachu laughed.
"What? I mean, she might be worried, but I think she'd ground me first."
"No, she'll kill you because she'd hug you to death!" Pikachu giggled.
Ash laughed. He didn't know about that, but he got the feeling Mom would definitely hug him if she could see him now.
The former trainer got up and decided to take his first picture: Misty and Togepi, and all of the others.
The Buizel saw this and grabbed hold of her precious child. She then waved over the other Pokémon in her team, including Psyduck to stand nearby.
Togepi smiled warmly as she was surrounded.
Ash raised Dexter, unfolding the device. Then he took a picture by pressing a specific button.
There was no glow, no snap. The only change was that in the picture frame of the Pokédex was now a still image of Misty and Togepi sitting close to one another with the other Water-types in the back.
The Riolu showed the others.
Misty and Togepi both gave laugh of approval.
"Splendid!" Staryu approved.
"I really wish I had one of those," Zorua then grew a sheepish grin. "Even if that…robot did recommend you capture me."
"All you have to do is be a trainer and have a Professor sponsor you," Ash answered.
Zorua frowned. "And that'd mean getting my own Maiju… Maybe I can ask someone who might be interested?" She then mumbled to herself unintelligibly about possible ways to avoid being a trainer.
Pikachu leapt up and stood next to him. "Hey, you should do us next! Then maybe Brock and the others? How many photos can we have?"
"Plenty enough," Ash answered, offering his Pokédex to Misty so that she could take his photo in return.
Then, thinking on it… Ash decided to try his luck. "Hey! Charizard!" he shouted to the dragon who stood far away.
"Ash!" Misty snapped.
Charizard lifted his head and turned towards him.
"Do you want to have your picture taken?" Ash said. "We're taking group photos."
Pikachu looked like he was about to shock his trainer, yet again.
Charizard narrowed his eyes and then to everyone's surprise he got up. "I… do not mind."
Ash smiled warmly as he stood right in front of him and turned to Misty.
Misty looked annoyed, but she seemed to have accepted it. She raised Dexter into what must have been an optimal position.
Pikachu glowered. He moved over to Ash and held him close.
Bulbasaur stood opposite Pikachu with Squirtle right next to the grass toad, his shades on face.
For some reason, Ash swore he could feel… something about the Pokémon next to him. There was a certain sadness mixed in with the joy that lasted only for a moment.
Then Misty took the picture and it was gone, the other Pokémon having left. Charizard in particular went back to his rock.
The Buizel handed back the Pokédex, allowing Ash to see the picture containing him and his current team. A silly Riolu with surrounded by a Pikachu, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur with Charizard standing right behind them all. No one would think the Riolu was originally the trainer there.
"It's us next, guys!" Brock barked, getting Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, and Geodude into position.
Ash smirked and readied Dexter.
Sure, they had gotten lost, but being able to camp like this had its upsides. Besides, they'd get to Quartz Bay tomorrow, for sure.
So, the Pokédex at least this version of it did not originally have a camera feature in canon that I know of. But it would be a logical inference since its entire point was to document and record information and then display that information about Pokémon, either for the trainer who was there or for a researcher who was not. Taking pictures for purely recreation purposes is a logical development by my reckoning.