Ash: Riddle Me This
Ash,Alex,Misty,Brock,Pikachu and Togepi have finally grabbed the ferry to Cinnabar Island. They are staring out at the ocean as the ship makes the voyage from Matcha City.
"I can't wait to get to Cinnabar." Misty says, "I've heard it's very beautiful."
"Is it really built around a volcano?" Alex asks
"Yes but the volcano's been dormant for years." Brock answers
"Wow. That's really cool." Alex looks genuinely excited
"I personally want to check out the Pokemon Lab." Brock says, "It's one of the best in the world and many trainers come from all over to learn the latest Pokemon techniques."
"I'm heading straight for the gym!" Ash yells excitedly
"Don't worry girls!" They all suddenly turn their heads in the direction of a familiar voice. Gary Oak is hanging out on the pool deck with his cheerleaders, "You'll all get a chance to take a picture with me."
Gary notices Ash staring at him, "Well well well. Who let this loser on the boat?"
"Gary!" Ash yells startled, "You're going to Cinnabar Island too?"
"And why are you dressed like you're on a tropical vacation?" Alex asks noticing Gary's ugly pink shirt with coconut tree drawings and his shorts
"Because I am on a tropical vacation." Gary brags, "Why else would I be going to Cinnabar Island?"
"To challenge the gym?" Ash suggests confused
"You really are clueless." Gary shakes his head, "Gym challengers haven't gone to Cinnabar Island since my grandfather's days as a trainer. It's a resort."
"A resort!" Ash yells, "No that can't be right. I need to earn my seventh badge!"
Gary laughs condenscingly, "You only have six badges? It's been four months Ashy. That's just pathetic."
"Oh yeah!" Ash tries to lunge at Gary but Brock and Misty hold him back, "How many badges do you have!?"
Gary smirks and shows off his badges, "I've gotten ten badges."
"But you only need eight?"
"Only pathetic trainers stop at the bare mininum. Like you." Gary replies, "Now shoo. I'm trying to get a tan and you're in my sunlight."
Ash growls, "Whatever..."
He storms off
The ferry docks at Cinnabar Island and everyone starts departing. The Pokegang glance around the heavily populated island and see it's full of tourists,hotels,stores and other places that tourists would appreciate
"Huh. I guess Gary was right." Misty says causing Ash to growl again,"Don't be grumpy Ash. Just because Gary was right doesn't mean you still can't earn your badge."
"That's true." Ash says,"We just need to try and find the gym."
They start walking. Unbeknown to them Jigglypuff had followed them onto the cruise ship and is now chasing after them
Jiggly Jigglypuff
The Pokegang are walking through a bunch of souvenir stands
"No sign of the gym." Ash says, "Just tourists everywhere."
"There are so many nice islands. I wonder why this one became so popular." Brock says
"It can't be for the souvenirs." Alex shows off a Clefairy glass sculpture,"Look at how cheap this looks."
"Then why did you buy it?" Misty asks causing Alex to look away embarrassed
"She was very convincing." He mumbles
A man suddenly steps into their path. He is dressed in tropical red clothing with green beads around his neck and a pair of round sunglasses donning his face. He has a thick,brown,bushy mustache and long brown hair
"Oh Mew." Alex groans, "It's a hippie."
"The answer to your question is a riddle." The hippie says, "What do tourists think is hot and cool?"
The Pokegang are all stumped
"Oh I know the answer!" Ash exclaims
"You do?" Alex asks
"Yeah. If you lie down infront of an open refrigerator and you wrap yourself in an electric blanket you'll be both hot and cool." Ash explains
"That is totally wrong." The hippie says dumbfounded
"I'm amazed at how your brain works sometimes." Alex shakes his head
"Hot springs are really hot..." Misty ponders, "And tourists think they're cool!"
"That's right!" The hippie raises his finger into the air,"See kids because of the volcano there are a lot of hot springs on Cinnabar Island, and every year more and more tourists come to visit them. Now they've even taken over Cinnabar Island. Trainers don't come anymore."
The hippie suddenly falls to his knees and raises his hands into the air, "Tourists! They've ruined the island!" He yells dramatically
"This guy's definitely on something." Alex says
"Is the gym still here?" Ash asks,"I have to earn the volcano badge."
"I heard that the gym leader was a guy named Blaine." Misty says
The hippie suddenly stands up serious,"His gym is right where you put your glasses."
Ash,Brock and Alex all look confused
"That's a tricky one." Brock says
"Infront of your eyes." Misty tells the hippie
"Right again!" The hippie yells,"Blaine's gym is right in front of your eyes."
He points a head to a demolished building a distance away from all the other buildings
"That's it?" Brock asks
"It's a wreck." Misty says
"Blaine got tired of battling tourists who only cared about postcards and t-shirts than about Pokemon so he abandoned the gym." The hippie exclaims
"Oh." Alex says,"That makes more sense than what I was thinking about."
"What were you thinking about?" Misty asks, but before Alex can answer Ash starts yelling
"But I'm not some dumb tourist! I'm a real trainer! I came all the way out to this island just to battle for my volcano badge!"
"I'm afraid you came to the wrong place my friend." The hippie starts digging in his pocket,"Here's my card if you need anything."
He hands Ash the card. Brock,Misty and Alex head over to check it out
"The Big Riddle Inn." Ash reads off the card
"An inn? How can you run a hotel and then blame tourists for ruining the island?" Misty turns towards the hippie but he has mysteriously disappeared
"So we're all in agreement that that dude was weird right?" Alex asks
"Yep."
Ash groans,"Now what am I supposed to do? I came all this way to challenge Blaine only for the gym to be abandoned."
"Cheer up Ash. Let's go check out the Pokemon Lab." Brock says
"It's full of tourists!" Brock yells
The group are standing outside the Pokemon Lab. The entire front area of the lab is full of flea market stalls selling to tourists
"Great." Alex says sarcastically,"Even the lab's been turned into a tourist location."
"And what's worse is that all that food is making me really hungry." Ash says as his stomach growls
"It is getting late." Misty notes,"Maybe we should head to the Pokemon Centre."
"Good idea." Brock agrees and they all turn to start heading to the Pokemon Centre when one of the stall owners calls out to Alex
"Hey you there! Come check out our merchandise."
"Alex don't-" Ash tries to stop Alex but Alex has already wandered over. Meanwhile closer to the lab one stall is selling Meowth shaped cookies
"You know Jess. I think we might have a talent for baking." James notes
"Our Meowth themed cookies came out perfectly." Jessie takes a bite,"And they taste delicious too."
Meowth laughs,"Ofcourse baking's not the only thing we're talented at."
They all look at the Pokemon Lab mischeviously
The Pokegang arrive at the Pokemon Centre. Alex is wearing a "I heart CINNABAR" t-shirt and cap,sunglasses,and is holding a tiny flag
"You may have a souvenir obsession." Misty says
"I don't want to talk about it." Alex mumbles
The group approach Nurse Joy to book a room for the night
"I'm sorry but we don't have any rooms available." Nurse Joy explains
"What?" Ash exclaims shocked
"There are too many visitors." Nurse Joy replies,"They're even sleeping in the lobby. We really have no room."
The group exit the Pokemon Centre upset
"I bet we were the only ones in that whole Centre who even have Pokemon." Brock complains
"I'm really starting to understand why people hate tourists." Alex mumbles
"This island is full of hotels right?" Misty asks and Brock nods,"I'm sure we can find a room in one of them."
"Full"
"Full"
"A room? Are you crazy?"
"Full"
"Full"
"We've been booked up since January"
"Full"
"Full"
"Ha ha. You're funny"
"Full"
"Full"
The Pokegang are sitting on the streets depressed. The sun has since set and all the tourists have gone to their hotel rooms for the night
"Not a single room available..." Alex sighs
"I'm so hungry..." Ash clutches his stomach,"I could eat a Horsea."
Misty clutches her bag tightly and glares at Ash
"I'm joking,mostly..."
"I just want a nice soft bed..." Misty yawns,"I can barely even keep my eyes open..."
A scent of food passes Ash's nose and he turns towards the source in an almost daze-like state, "That smells good..."
Ash starts trudging towards a hotel
"Ash we already tried that one!" Brock yells but Ash isn't listening. Everyone chases after him
As they get closer to the sliding door they can hear a lute being strummed. They can see shadows sitting around a table through the paper walls
"It's not fair..." Ash groans as his stomach growls,"They're having a banquet..."
Alex grabs Ash's shoulder,"Come on Ash. Standing here is just gonna make us hungrier."
One of the shadows looks up as if hearing something and stands up. They open the sliding door revealing it's Gary
"Gary!" Ash yells shocked
"Hey look!" Gary smirks,"It's the sucker squad!"
Alex is about to respond but he just hangs his head,"I'm too tired for this."
"So what hotel are you staying at?" Gary asks condescendingly
"We're camping out." Ash responds angrily
"Too bad you don't have a place like this." Gary snorts,"We've got food and entertainment."
He gestures at the Hitmonlee and Electabuzz who are playing lutes for his cheerleaders. However the gang is too distracted by the tables full of food to care about the entertainment. Gary notices and smirks
"That's just the appetiser."
Ash gulps
"Hey I have an idea." Gary looks at Ash,"I'll give you my leftovers in a doggy bag if you spin around and say Pikachu."
"Not on your life!" Ash yells,"I'd die of hunger first!"
As if to make a point Ash's stomach chooses to growl at that moment. Ash looks down embarrassed and Gary bursts out laughing
"You should let your stomach do the talking!"
Ash's fists clench together and he glares at Gary. Pikachu glances up at him worried before doing a spin
Pika-
Ash covers Pikachu's mouth,"No Pikachu! We'll never get so desperate that we have to sink to Gary's level."
And once again Ash's stomach growls undermining his point
Pikapi...
Gary starts laughing again,"Even your Pikachu feels sorry for you! I've never seen anyone so pathetic."
"Have you tried looking in a mirror?" Misty shoots back
"Let's go Ash." Brock says
The door inside the hotel suddenly opens and Gary turns towards it,"Oh that must be the entertainment."
Standing in the doorway,marker in hand,is Jigglypuff
Jiggly
Ash,Misty,Brock and Pikachu all scream
"Jigglypuff!" Alex yells excited and pulls out a pokeball. However Ash and Brock grab him and drag him with them as they make a dash with Misty and Pikachu behind them
"No let go of me!" Alex yells
Togepi hops out of Misty's bag and starts heading back towards the hotel
Togi Togi
Pipipi!
Pikachu grabs Togepi before chasing after the others. Gary shakes his head and takes a seat
"Idiots. They don't know what they're missing."
Jigglypuff raises the marker as if it was a microphone and begins singing
Jigggggllyyyyypufffffff
After successfully escaping from Jigglypuff the group have stopped to catch their breath in a park. They are resting on a bench close to a swing set.
"That...was...too close." Ash pants,"Jigglypuff almost got us."
"Yeah..." Misty sighs,"But atleast those guys are sleeping now."
"Actually now that you bring it up, why did we run?" Alex asks confused,"Sure we would have gotten our faces drawn on but atleast we'd be sleeping in a hotel."
Brock suddenly gets an idea, he glances over at Ash,"Hey Ash do you still have that card that guy gave you?"
"Hmm...oh yeah!" Ash pulls out the card,"The Big Riddle Inn."
They glance at the card. Brock reads what's written on it outload,"If you look near the swing,you'll see my hands,or atleast my face."
"Not another riddle!" Ash yells
"How does this guy get any business?" Alex groans
"There's a swing over there but I don't see anyone's hands or face." Brock points out
Misty is thinking the riddle over in her head,"I got it!"
They all look over at her,"He means a clock."
"A clock?" Ash asks confused
"Look up there." Misty points at a building on the hill overlooking the park,"If you look past the swing you can see the hands and face of a clock. That must be The Big Riddle Inn."
"Once again Misty came up with the correct solution."
The group have since arrived at The Big Riddle Inn and been greated by the hippie from before
"That was an easy one." Misty cheerfully replies. Alex is giving her dirty looks while Ash is just confused. Brock doesn't care
"As a prize I will give you free rooms here at the hotel." The Innkeeper tells them
"Your riddles may be dumb but your prizes are fantastic." Ash replies causing Alex to almost burst out laughing
"I guess I'll take that as a compliment Ash." The innkeeper replies,"Now you must be hungry so I'll arrange dinner for you folks too."
"Alright!" The group cheer excitedly
Pika Pika!
Prii
Meanwhile at the Pokemon Lab scientists are doing research and experiments. The Pokemon kept at the Lab are on the second floor working out and keeping in shape. A hole is suddenly blasted through the roof and debris rains down everywhere.
"What's going on!" One of the scientists yells
Smoke fills the room blocking out everyone's vision
"I can't see!"
"We're being attacked!"
A net falls through the hole in the roof and entraps all the Pokemon who struggle to break free
The Pokegang are sitting around a table with plates full of food in front of them. Ash,Alex and Brock are stuffing their faces while Misty just leans back in her chair staring up at the ceiling.
"What's wrong Misty?" Ash asks,"Aren't you gonna eat?"
"I just want to go to bed..." Misty moans
"That's terrible!" They're startled by the sound of the innkeeper's voice. They turn and see him on the phone,"The Pokemon Lab is under attack by a balloon!"
"A balloon!" Ash yells
Team Rocket are in their Meowth Shaped Balloon dropping bombs on the lab. While Jessie and Meowth are doing this James is busy pulling up the net full of the captured Pokemon
"Hurry up James!" Jessie yells
"These Pokemon are heavy!" James yells,"This would go alot quicker if you helped!"
"Quit whining and start tugging!" Meowth yells
The Innkeeper rushes up towards the lab with Ash,Alex,Brock,Misty,Pikachu and Togepi behind him
"Is that a Meowth shaped balloon?" The innkeeper asks confused
"Unfortunately." Ash shakes his head,"And I know exactly who it belongs too!"
"Look it's the twerps!" Meowth yells
James manages to pull the net up,"You're too late! Let's get out of here!"
The balloon starts floating away
"We have to stop them!" The Innkeeper is about to reach for something around his waist when Ash tosses a pokeball
"Pidgeotto go and burst that balloon!"
Pidgeotto pops out and immediately makes a beeline for the balloon
Pidgeo!
"It's coming right for us!" James yells
"Don't stand there! Do something!" Jessie yells
Pidgeotto pecks a hole in their balloon. Team Rocket scream as it crashes into the ground. All the Pokemon escape from the net
"We were so close..." Team Rocket groan
"Now Pikachu use Thunderbolt!" Ash yells and Pikachu fires the attack hitting Team Rocket and sending them blasting off
"We're blasting off again!" ding
"You know they're quickly becoming the highlight of my week." Alex notes
"Thanks for saving all the Pokemon Ash." The Innkeeper turns towards Ash,"You deserve a big reward."
"Is it more food?" Ash asks,"Because I'm starving!"
"You just ate." Misty points out
"Yeah but Pokemon battling works up an appetite."
"It's not food." The innkeeper interrupts,"It's a big secret. Blaine built a gym that tourists never see."
The group gasp in shock
"He did?" Ash asks excitedly,"Where is it? Where is it?"
"It's in the place where firefighters could never win."
Ash literally falls over out of annoyance,"Another riddle!"
"I'll see you around Ash." The innkeeper starts walking away,"Oh and feel free to pay a visit to the hotsprings if you have the time."
The Pokegang are hanging out at the Big Riddle Inn's hotsprings. There's a wooden wall that separates the men's side of the hotsprings from the women's side so Misty is all by herself with Togepi while Ash,Brock,Alex and Pikachu are together.
"I can't figure it out." Ash mumbles to himself depressed
"Cheer up and enjoy the hot springs Ash." Alex lets out a relaxed breath,"Just let it cool all your troubles away."
On the other side of the hot springs Misty is trying to figure out the riddle as well,"Where firefighters could never win? Maybe someplace that doesn't have enough water?"
Togepi climbs out of the hot springs and stares up at a Gyarados tap fixture
Togi Togi
"Togepi? What are you doing?" Misty asks
Togepi hops up onto the Gyarados tap
Togi! Togi!
"Togepi get down from there!" Misty exclaims concerned,"You might hurt yourself!"
Togepi starts bouncing up and down excited and accidentally presses a secret switch. The rock that the Gyarados tap is connected to starts sinking into the ground
"Hmm?"
As soon as the rock touches the ground,the boulder behind it starts moving revealing a cave behind it. Misty stares up at the cave confused and doesn't notice that the boulder also hit into the wall and broke it. Ash,Alex,Brock and Pikachu are startled by the noise and look towards Misty confused. Misty looks over in their direction and they all just stare at each other,taking a couple seconds to process...
"AHHHH!"
After quickly changing the group have headed into the tunnel. They are walking down a long stairwell. Misty is fanning herself,"Is it just me or is it getting hot down here?"
"It's not you." Alex wipes some sweat off his forehead
"We're almost at the bottom." Brock reassures them and true enough they reach the end of the stairwell soon afterwards. Ahead of them is a giant pair of doors. Ash approaches them and touches the handles to open them
"Owww!" Ash yanks his hands back,"It's burning hot!"
The doors suddenly open themselves revealing a gym battlefield suspended over magma. They are inside the volcano.
"It's the gym!" Ash yells excited
"I don't think that should be your first concern." Alex points out
The lights in the gym turn on revealing the Innkeeper standing on the opposite side of the volcano,"I guess you solved my riddle."
"What are you doing here?" Ash asks confused
"It's not a hat but it keeps your head dry." The innkeeper starts another riddle,"If you wear it,it's only because you already lost it."
"I'm getting so sick of all these riddles." Alex mutters to himself annoyed
"Uh...an umbrella?" Ash suggests and everyone stares at him dumbfounded
"An umbrella keeps your head dry but you don't wear it because you lost it." Brock tells him
"I guess not."
"A wig!" Misty yells,"A wig isn't a hat but it keeps your head dry in the rain,and the only reason you'd wear it is because you lost your hair."
"And Misty does it again!" The Innkeeper suddenly yanks off his hair revealing that he's bald. Everyone gasps in shock
"Yes I'm wearing a wig." The Innkeeper's voice has suddenly changed from his hippie like speech to a more serious voice,"And the reason I wear a wig is because I'm really Blaine the gym leader!"
The group are speechless
"You know in hindsight...it was kind of obvious." Alex realizes
"Yeah. Wow he really fooled us." Brock notes
"Now then Ash. I assume you want to battle me for your Volcano Badge." Blaine states
"You bet I do!" Ash rushes forward excitedly,"I've been looking forward to this for a good while now!"
Blaine and Ash take their positions,"This will be a 3-on-3 Pokemon Battle! Are you ready to begin?"
"I'm ready!" Ash yells
"Then for my first Pokemon I choose Ninetales!"
Ninetales!
Ash takes out his Pokedex and scans Ninetales
Ninetales the Fox Pokemon,a Fire type. Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1000-year curse. Ninetales is the evolved form of Vulpix. This Ninetales is Female
"Careful Ash." Brock warns,"I bet his fire type Pokemon are very strong due to training in this volcano."
"You better use your water type Pokemon." Misty suggests
"I know that." Ash replies and grabs a pokeball,"I choose Squirtle!"
Squirtle! Squirt!
"A Water type." Blaine notes,"How very predictable."
"Predictable!" Ash yells,"I'll show you predictable! Squirtle use Water Gun!"
Squirtle fires the Water Gun directly towards Ninetales but the fox gracefully leaps over the attack
"Ninetales Fire Spin!" Blaine orders and Ninetales fires a flaming vortex out of her mouth and towards Squirtle. The fire engulfs Squirtle who retreats into it's shell for protection. When the flames disappear Squirtle's scorched shell is left remaining
"Squirtle are you ok!" Ash yells
Squirtle pops back out of it's shell unconscious
"Squirtle!" Ash yells shocked. The rest of the group are equally shocked
"That attack took Squirtle out in one hit..." Misty says dumbfounded
"Yeah and fire attacks are supposed to be weak against water types." Brock notes,"That Ninetales is very powerful."
"Don't worry Ash!" Alex yells,"You can still win! Just be smart."
Ash takes a deep breath and returns Squirtle,"You're right. I can still do this. I choose Pikachu!"
Pikachu hops onto the battlefield
Pika Pikachu!
"Very well." Blaine nods,"Ninetales use Fire Spin once more!"
"Pikachu use your agility to dodge the attack!" Ash yells and Pikachu starts speeding around the battlefield. Ninetales fires the vortex once more but Pikachu is able to stay ahead it of it.
"Your Pikachu is fast Ash." Blaine admits,"However can it dodge this? Ninetales use Flame Burst!"
Brock's eyes widen,"Ash look out!"
Ninetales shoots out a ball of fire towards Pikachu. Right before the attack strikes it explodes sending fire flying everywhere
"Pikachu!" Ash yells
Pikachu manages to leap into the air avoiding the attack
Pikaaaaachuuuuuuuu!
And fires a powerful Thunder hitting Ninetales head on
Ninnnnnnnnne!
Ninetales faints from the attack
"Yeah! Way to go Pikachu!" Misty cheers
"It's even again." Brock says
Blaine returns his Ninetales and smirks,"Your Pikachu is impressive Ash."
"Careful Ash. It looks like he has something up his sleeve." Alex notes
Ash nods,"We're ready. Right pal?"
Chuu
Blaine chuckles and reaches for a pokeball,"You probably expect me to send out another fire type Pokemon right?"
"Um I did until just now..." Ash trails off
Blaine tosses the pokeball,"Well you'd be wrong! Go Rhydon!"
Rarrrrrr!
"A Rhydon! That's a ground type Pokemon!" Brock yells shocked
"Which means it's immune to Pikachu's electric attacks!" Misty yells
"Why do you have a Rhydon!" Alex yells at Blaine
"Rhydon's Rock and Ground typing means it is one of the few non Fire type Pokemon that can withstand training inside this volcano for long periods of time." Blaine explains,"And it's a good way to throw my opponents off their game. Isn't that right Ash?"
Ash looks visibly stressed,Rhydon's appearance clearly unnerving him,"Pikachu return!"
Pikachu rushes back towards Ash
"Good call Ash." Brock reassures Ash,"Send out another Pokemon to handle Rhydon and you can save Pikachu for later."
Ash however still seems stressed,"I need something powerful to handle that Rhydon."
Ash reaches down for his next pokeball and Alex realizes what he's about to do,"Ash wait! You're not thinking-"
"I choose Charizard!"
"Charizard!" Brock and Misty yell shocked as the Flame Pokemon appears on the battlefield
"Why would you choose Charizard!" Misty exclaims in disbelief
Blaine studies Charizard intently,(Hmm. It's at a disadvantage,but something about it does seem powerful.)
Charizard stares down Rhydon. It lets out a small puff of flames
"Ok Charizard we've got this!" Ash yells," I want you to use Flamethrower!"
Charizard suddenly spins around towards Ash and Flamethrowers him
"Ahhh!" Ash collapses,"Not...on...me..."
Blaine looks taken aback,"Poor kid. Rhydon use Horn Drill!"
Rhydon's horn starts spinning and it rushes towards Charizard whose back is still to it. However Charizard suddenly takes flight and flies away from the battlefield over to a nice section of rocks. It lays down and promptly falls asleep
"Charizard!" Ash gets down on his hands and knees and starts begging,"Please battle!"
"Charizard has left the battlefield and therefore forfeited the match!" Blaine yells,"Send back out your Pikachu!"
"Oh no." Misty says worried
"It's all up to you Pikachu." Ash says and Pikachu hops back onto the battlefield
"I must admit Ash. I'm disappointed." Blaine sighs,"You showed so much potential,but you were overconfident with your Squirtle and you sent out a Pokemon that wouldn't obey you."
"Don't count us out just yet!" Ash yells angrily,"Pikachu Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu fires the Thunderbolt hitting Rhydon. However the attack does absolutely nothing to the Pokemon
"Electric attacks won't wo...what?" Blaine suddenly notices that Pikachu is gone,"Where did it go?"
Pikachu slams into Rhydon from the side
Chuu!
Rhydon turns to attack it but Pikachu is too fast and manages to circle around Rhydon. It slams into Rhydon's back knocking it to the ground
Rhydon!
"It's so fast!" Blaine yells
"Let's wrap this up Pikachu! Use Quick Attack!" Ash yells and Pikachu rushes towards Rhydon at incredible speed. He leaps through the air and hits Rhydon who roars in pain before fainting
"Nice going Ash!" Alex yells
"And Pikachu!" Misty yells
Togi Togepi!
Blaine returns Rhydon,"I admit that was some clever thinking Ash,distracting me with Thunderbolt. However all it's done is buy you a few more minutes."
"What do you mean?" Ash asks confused
Pikachu?
"This Pokemon I'm about to choose is too hot to handle," Blaine smirks at Ash,"And it has a power that should interest you because it turns all it's opponents into ash."
Ash starts rubbing his head frantically,"No fair! It's too hot for riddles!"
"MAGMAR COME ON OUT!" Blaine yells at the top of his lungs and a Pokemon bursts from the magma below. Magmar lands on the battlefield
Magmar!
"What is that!" Ash yells shocked
"I think it's a Magmar." Alex replies and Ash gives him a dirty look before pulling out his Pokedex
Magmar the Spitfire Pokemon,a Fire type. Born in an active volcano. Its body is always cloaked in flames, so it looks like a big ball of fire. Magmar is the evolved form of Magby. This Magmar is Male
Pikachu stares up at Magmar terrified. He can literally feel the heat radiating off of the Pokemon's body
Chu...
"You can handle it Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!" Ash yells
Pikachu starts charging up a Thunderbolt when Magmar suddenly hits it with a Fire Punch
Pikaaaa!
Pikachu is sent flying across the battlefield
"Oh no Pikachu!" Ash yells
"I didn't even see it charge that up." Alex says shocked
"Yeah it was almost instantaneous. Just how much heat does that thing create?" Brock asks
"I don't know if Pikachu can do this." Misty says worried
"Ofcourse he can!" Ash yells,"Pikachu use Quick Attack!"
Pikachu speeds towards Magmar. However as soon as he gets close to the Spitfire Pokemon it retaliates with another Fire Punch
Chuuuu!
"Ahhhh!"
Pikachu hits the ground hard
Pika...
Charizard,who has been sleeping the whole time,awakens and glances over curious
"It's time to end this." Blaine says,"Magmar Fire Blast."
"Ash Fire Blast is one of the strongest fire type attacks!" Brock yells
Magmar takes a deep breath before releasing a stream of fire towards Pikachu. The fire transforms into a kanji 大 and hits Pikachu head on
Chuuuuuuuu!
"Pikachuuuuuuuuu!" Ash yells
Once the flames have disappeared Pikachu is revealed to have fainted in the middle of the battlefield
"This battle is over." Blaine notes and Magmar hops back into the magma
"Poor Pikachu..." Misty says softly as Ash rushes onto the battlefield to grab his fallen Pokemon.
Blaine puts his wig back on and turns towards the door behind him,"Your Pikachu needs rest. The hot springs will help it recover from it's injuries."
"Where are you going Blaine?" Ash asks,"You have to give me another chance."
Blaine opens the door,"We may battle again. Someday."
Blaine walks through the door leaving Ash to stew over his lose
The group are back in the hot springs. Ash is using the water to bathe Pikachu,"There you go Pikachu. You'll be a hundred percent better soon."
Chaaa
"And you'll feel even better once we get that Volcano Badge."
"I can't believe you still want to battle Magmar." Misty says stunned,"I don't even think my Water Pokemon could beat it..."
"Ash there's plenty of other gyms." Brock tries to convince Ash,"We can get your next badge from one of them."
"And none of them are hanging above a pit of magma." Alex scoffs
"I'm not giving up!" Ash exclaims determined,"I won't leave Cinnabar until I get that Volcano Badge!"
Alex sighs,"One of us better start looking for permanent residence."
Team Rocket have entered the secret tunnel leading to Blaine's gym. They are carrying freeze blasters with them
"It's hot in here." James moans
"Quiet James. If what the twerps said is true then there's a very powerful Magmar living here." Jessie points out,"So suck it up!"
They reach the closed doors leading to the gym
"Here we go." Meowth reaches over to open them,"Meowwwww!"
He falls backwards and blows on his palms,"My paws got burned! Freeze blast them quick!"
Team Rocket fire their freeze blasters at the door causing it burst open. They then rush into the gym
"Hello!" Jessie yells,"Is Magmar home?"
A column of magma shoots up from the volcano and Magmar emerges from it
Magmar?
It tilts it's head at Team Rocket uncaringly
"Quick freeze blast it!" Meowth yells and Jessie and James fire their missiles at Magmar. The missiles explode freezing Magmar in a block of ice
"We did it!" Jessie and James cheer
Team Rocket start hopping around excited,"We got a Pokemon on ice! Now the boss will treat us nice!"
However while they are distracted with their celebration,Magmar's body heat has started melting the ice around it
"When we show him what we have done! Our team will be number one! We've got a Pokemon on-huh!"
Magmar has broken free from the ice
Magmar!
Team Rocket instantly go into panic mode
"Freeze blast! Freeze blast!"
They start firing missiles all over the place
"Freeze blast da the whole place! Freeze blast da the whole place!"
Every spot that a missle collides with is covered by ice. The ice however starts immediately cracking
Back at the hot springs the ground is shocking from the constant freeze blasts
"What's going on!" Ash yells confused
"I don't know but I don't like it!" Alex yells,"I suggest we run for it!"
Blaine bursts out from his inn and rushes towards the secret tunnel,"Something's wrong with the volcano!"
The rest of the Pokegang chase after Blaine and they rush down the stairwell towards his gym. They burst into the gym and are taken back by all the ice.
"Ice in a volcano? That's freezer burn!" Blaine exclaims shocked
"Maybe cool it with the jokes." Alex says annoyed
"Look who it is!" Brock points at Team Rocket who are still freeze blasting the gym on the opposite side of them
"We've gotta get that Magmar! We've gotta get that Magmar!"
"What's going to happen to this gym if it's filled with ice?" Blaine asks in shock
"It'll be a snow cone!" Ash answers
"That wasn't a riddle! Freezing all this hot rock could set off a giant chain reaction inside the volcano!"
"That would be bad right?" Alex asks in some vague hope that the answer would be no
As if in response the ground suddenly starts shaking. Team Rocket stop their freeze blasting
"What's going on?" James asks scared
"I think we're cracking up." Jessie answers terrified
All the frozen rocks are cracking
"I was afraid of this. The ice is cooling the rock." Blaine explains
"Isn't the ice just going to melt?" Ash asks
"It's happening too fast! The rocks are already shattering and lava will flow through the cracks! The surge will cause a huge volcanic eruption!"
The rocks start breaking apart and fissuring. Steam bursting out between them. The chains holding up Blaine's battlefield rip out of the wall and the battlefield collapses into the magma below
"My gym is destroyed!" Blaine yells
"Priorities Blaine!" Alex yells,"I am so not ready to die!"
The ground Team Rocket is standing on is suddenly blown into the air by a burst of steam
"Ahhhh!"
They're blown out through a hole in the volcano,"We're blast-" ding
Once the steam clears away lava starts bursting through the cracks
"Oh no! The magma is starting to burst through the cracks! I'm afraid it's only a matter of minutes until the volcano blows!" Blaine yells
"Then why are we all just standing here gawking!" Alex yells,"We should be panicking!"
"There has to be something we can do to stop it!" Brock asks
"We need to try and block the magma flow. Magmar!" Blaine turns towards Magmar who has been watching the whole incident with total disinterest,"Pile up rocks to block the magma!"
Magmar
Magmar immediately leaps into action. It grabs a boulder and tosses it into the magma before rushing back to grab another one
Magmar!
Magmar!
"Is Magmar fast enough?" Misty asks worried
"It'll have to be." Blaine replies grimly,"Otherwise this whole island is doomed."
"Magmar's gonna need help!" Ash tosses his pokeball,"Go Charizard!"
Charizard pops out
"Charizard help Magmar block the magma!" Ash yells
Charizard responds...by taking a nap. Ash slumps over depressed
"Charizard never listens to me..."
"Charizard can't be our only option! Surely some of our other Pokemon can help?" Alex asks
"Only fire,ground and rock types can withstand the heat." Blaine explains
"Rock types?" Brock grabs two pokeballs,"In that case go Onix and Geodude!"
Rarrrr!
Geo! Geodude!
Alex tosses his pokeball and Charmeleon pops out
Charmeleon!
"We need you three to help Magmar pile rocks in that crack!" Brock explains and the Pokemon immediately rush into action.
Magmar!
Rarr!
Geodude!
Meleon!
The four of them rush back and forth tossing rocks to try and stop the magma. Magmar is going at an incredible speed,back and forth,back and forth,without rest. Charizard opens it's one eye and watches Magmar with interest
Magmar! Magmar!
Charizard suddenly rises to it's feet and grabs a rock. It rushes over and tosses it
"Charizard!" Ash yells shocked
Charizard rushes back and grabs another rock. It,Magmar,Charmeleon,Onix and Geodude continue piling rocks to block the magma
"I wonder why Charizard decided to help out all of a sudden?" Misty asks
Charizard and Magmar give each other determined looks as they carry on
"I think Charizard might be trying to outdo Magmar." Brock explains
"Well whatever his motivation is." Alex says,"I'm just glad he's helping."
Eventually thanks to the efforts of all five Pokemon the magma flow is stopped and the island is saved
"They did it!" Misty cheers and hugs Togepi tightly
"Thank Mew." Alex says
"You were awesome Charizard!" Ash yells at his Charizard who is staring down Magmar
Blaine approaches Ash,"I don't know how to thank you Ash. Perhaps if I give you another chance to earn your Volcano Badge?"
"Alright!" Ash pumps his fist excited,"Let's do it right now!"
"But how are you going to battle?" Misty asks,"The gym's been destroyed."
"I have a solution. Follow me." Blaine answers
Blaine has led the group up to the top of the volcano. There is a pool of lava inside the crater with several columns made of rock and sone. Blaine stands across it facing down the Pokegang. Magmar is standing at his side
"This will be our battlefield! The lava pit where I first discovered Magmar!" Blaine yells
"Ok it's official. This guy is insane." Alex says as he eyes the battlefield
"This time we'll just have a one-on-one battle." Blaine explains,"I obviously choose Magmar!"
Magmar hops from Blaine's side onto one of the columns
Magmar
"And the Pokemon I choose will be..." Pikachu hops forward ready to battle when Charizard suddenly steps up,"Huh?"
Pikachu?
"Charizard? You want to battle?" Ash asks
Charizard stares at Magmar determined
"No way. Charizard never wants to do anything but sleep." Misty says shocked
"I guess Magmar really had an effect on it." Brock says,"Charizard must want to test it's strength."
Ash is literally shaking in excitement,"This is gonna be great! It's ok if I go with Charizard right Pikachu?"
Pikachu nods
"Yes! Then I choose Charizard!" Ash points towards Charizard only to notice the Flame Pokemon is gone,"Charizard?"
"It's over there." Alex points to the battlefield where Charizard has flown to one of the columns
"I guess Charizard could still use a little training..." Ash mumbles
Magmar and Charizard both square up for battle. The two fire types stare at each other determined
"Watch out for Magmar's Fire Blast." Misty warns Ash
"I'll fight fire with fire. Charizard Flamethrower!"
Charizard fires a Flamethrower towards Magmar who counters with a Flamethrower of it's own. The two attacks hit each other causing an explosion of smoke and flame which covers the battlefield
"It's a tie!" Ash yells
"Alright Magmar! That Charizard is good but it can't compete with your skills!" Blaine yells,"Fire Blast!"
Magmar takes a deep breath before releasing a stream of fire towards Charizard. The fire transforms into a kanji 大. Charizard suddenly sticks out it's hands and catches the Fire Blast. The attack pushes Charizard backwards but the Flame Pokemon holds his ground determined
"Don't give up Charizard! You can do it!" Ash yells supportingly
Charizard grits it's teeth and with a roar tosses the Fire Blast into the air. It fades away into the distance
"Ok that was cool." Alex says impressed
"Magmar Skull Bash!" Blaine yells and Magmar starts leaping across the columns towards Charizard. It's skull is surrounded by a faint silver aura. Charizard spreads out it's wings to take flight but is too slow and Magmar makes contact with it's chest
Rarr!
Charizard is knocked backwards and slams into one of the pillars
"No Charizard!" Ash yells as Charizard plummets towards the lava. However Charizard manages to regain it's senses and starts flapping it's wings allowing it to take flight right before hitting the lava. It flies upwards past Magmar
Magmar!
Magmar looks up but has lost sight of Charizard thanks to the bright glow of the sun. It only notices too late that Charizard is diving right for it. Charizard crashes into it and shatters the ground underneath it. The two Pokemon are forced downwards through the column but Magmar manages to get a grip on Charizard's fists. The two Pokemon both end up on their feet trying to push the other one back. They are both struggling but can't seem to get an edge on each other. Magmar suddenly smirks and slides it's hands up to Charizard's wrists instead
Magmar
Magmar leaps over Charizard forcing it to stumble forward and almost right off the column. Charizard manages to stop itself but Magmar has positioned himself behind the Flame Pokemon.
"Behind you!" Ash yells but it's too late. Magmar has hopped onto Charizard's back and grips it in a Full Nelson. Charizard roars in frustration and tries to shake Magmar free
"Fly away!" Ash yells
Magmar
Magmar dives off the column dragging Charizard down with it. Charizard tries to break free but can't get loose and they plummet into the lava below.
"Charizard!" Ash yells. He turns towards Blaine furious,"It's against the rules to drag Charizard into the lava!"
"Magmar didn't cheat." Blaine responds,"You agreed to use the volcano as our battlefield. Inside the volcano is still part of the volcano."
Ash growls at Blaine and looks back down at the lava,"Charizard..."
The spot where Magmar dragged Charizard into the lava suddenly starts bubbling. Charizard bursts from the lava with Magmar clinging onto his back
"Ahhh!" Blaine yells in shock
"Charizard!" Ash yells in relief
Charizard flies further into the air. Magmar clings onto it tightly and Charizard starts spinning causing Magmar to become dizzy
"Hey Blaine!" Ash yells to get Blaine's attention,"Fair is fair right! If they can battle inside the volcano they can battle over it!"
Blaine growls in response. Magmar's grip loosens on Charizard and the Flame Pokemon grabs it
"Charizard use Seismic Toss!" Ash yells
Charizard starts spinning in the air over and over again before plummeting back towards the earth. He flings Magmar downwards and the Spitfire Pokemon crashes into one of the pillars with so much tremendous force that it shatters the pillar and Magmar plunges into the lava. Charizard lands on one of the pillars.
"That has to be it." Brock says
Magmar suddenly shoots out from the lava causing shocked gasps from Ash,Misty,Brock,Alex and Pikachu. Magmar lands on a pillar opposite Charizard and gets into a fighting position. Blaine smirks as the two fire types appear ready to continue their duel. Magmar suddenly flinches and collapses face first into the ground. Charizard lets out a flamethrower into the air
RARRRRR!
"Way to go Charizard!" Ash hops into the air excitedly
Pikachu!
Blaine returns Magmar and then turns his attention to Ash,"My congratulations Ash. I take my wig off to you." He takes his wig off exposing his bald head and bows in respect to Ash
"Yes!" Ash points his pokeball towards Charizard,"Charizard re-"
Charizard suddenly fires a Flamethrower at Ash scorching the poor boy and causing him to collapse to the ground
"I bet it was nice while it lasted." Alex says as Brock helps Ash up
Blaine and the group are now standing in front of the entrance to The Big Riddle Inn.
"I have one last riddle for you Ash." Blaine says getting a confused grunt from Ash,"What is it that is always red but has no words?"
He whips out a Volcano Badge,"The answer is a Volcano Badge!"
Ash,Alex,Misty,Brock and Pikachu all look exasperated with the riddles. Togepi apparently loved it
Togi Togi
Blaine hands the Volcano Badge to Ash,"And you have earned this one."
"Thanks a lot Blaine."
Blaine enters the inn leaving the group to contemplate their next move. Ash stares at his Volcano Badge in awe
"Seven badges. I just need one more and I can compete in the Pokemon League." Ash says in disbelief
"So where are we going next?" Alex asks,"Preferably someplace cooler? Because I am sick of volcanos!"
"You know," Brock speaks up,"I heard that the Viridian City Gym Leader has returned from whatever business he was on. We can always head there."
"Viridian City huh? Wow it seems so long ago since we were there." Ash says
"Yeah. It's when we first started travelling together." Misty says,"Remember how much we were fighting back then? I can't remember why I was mad at you."
Ash's eyes widen
"Remember it's because Ash destroyed your-" Alex starts speaking when Ash starts screaming random noises to get their attention
"That's ancient history! Let's hit the road to Viridian City!" Ash turns and starts walking away while humming loudly. Pikachu follows him
"I remember now!" Misty chases after him while clutching Togepi in her arms,"You're gonna pay me back for that bike Ash Ketchum!"
"Guys wait up!" Brock chases after them
Alex chuckles and runs after them
Meanwhile at the Viridian City gym. The gym leader is leaning back in his chair which has been turned to face away from the doorway. A Persian is laying on the floor next to him and he rubs it's head affectionately. There's a knock on the door.
"Boss. We've received news from Andrew."
The chair spins towards the door revealing that the gym leader is Giovanni,"Put him through."
"Yes sir."
About a minute later Andrew's face pops up on Giovanni's computer. He is dressed in warm clothing and appears to be in an icy area
"Giovanni sir. We have reached the Seafoam Islands and are beginning the search for Articuno." Andrew explains
"Excellent. Keep me posted on your progress." Giovanni responds
"Yes sir." Andrew is about to hang up when Giovanni interrupts him
"And Andrew,this is your final chance to get back into my good graces." Giovanni warns him,"If you fail me again there will be dire consequences."
Andrew's jaw clenches,"Understood...sir."
TBC
Pokemon:
Ash Ketchum:
Pikachu(Male)(Electric)
Pidgeotto(Male)(Normal/Flying)
Bulbasaur(Male)(Grass/Poison)
Charizard(Male)(Fire/Flying)
Squirtle(Male)(Water)
Primeape(Male)(Fighting)
Egg
At Oak's Lab:
Krabby(Male)(Water)
Muk(Male)(Poison)
Sandslash(Male)(Ground)
Tauros(Male)(Normal)(x30)
Haunter(Male)(Ghost/Poison)
Alex Martin:
Charmeleon(Male)(Fire)
Parasect(Female)(Bug/Grass)
Gyarados(Male)(Water/Flying)
Machop(Male)(Fighting)
Rhyhorn(Male)(Ground/Rock)
Eevee(Shiny)(Male)(Normal)
Nidorino(Male)(Poison)
At Oak's Lab:
Magnemite(Electric/Steel)
Hypno(Male)(Psychic)
Beedrill(Female)(Bug/Poison)
Misty Waterflower:
Goldeen(Female)(Water)
Staryu(Water)
Starmie(Water/Psychic)
Gloom(Male)(Grass/Poison)
Tentacool(Male)(Water/Poison)
Horsea(Male)(Water)
Psyduck(Male)(Water)
Togepi(Male)(Fairy)
Brock Harrison:
Onix(Male)(Rock/Ground)
Geodude(Male)(Rock/Ground)
Zubat(Male)(Poison/Flying)
Dugtrio(Jenny,Joy and Suzie)(Female)(Ground)
Vulpix(Female)(Fire)
Tauros(Male)(Normal)
Aerodactyl(Male)(Rock/Flying)
Team Rocket:
Meowth(Male)(Normal)
Arbok(Male)(Poison)
Weezing(Male)(Poison)
Seaking(Female)(Water)
Victreebel(Female)(Grass/Poison)
Lickitung(Female)(Normal)