Chapter 21: Primeape Returns, The Rustboro Badgeis WonBeep—Beep— "Ash, it's you! Which Pokemon have you decided to swap? Although, I want to keep studying Silcoon for a few more days." Professor Oak knew that Ash was going to challenge the Gymtomorrow."Professor, please transfer over Primeape, Pidgeot, and Bayleef! I'll swap them for Tyranitar, Taillow, and Phanpy," Ash said. The little ones from Hoennwere already on the right track; Ash decided that besides the permanent Pikachu, the soon-to-break-through Eevee, and Treecko who was participating in the Gym battle, he would do a major reshuffle!That's right, the matter Ash had entrusted to Professor Oak was to get Primeape back from Anthony. After all, Primeape was originally Ash's Pokemon and had only been lent to Anthony."Oh?! Tyranitar! No problem!" Professor Oak's eyes lit up. "Oh, by the way, the Pokemon in your backyard have made great progress! Totodile has already evolved into Croconaw! And with Pidgeot's help, Noctowl has already broken through to the Gym level!""Really?! That's fantastic!"This time, Ash didn't plan to let Primeape participate in the Gym battle; instead, he planned to nurture their bond. After all, Anthony had borrowed Primeape not long after it was caught.Ash found an open space. "Come out, Primeape! Pidgeot! Bayleef!""Ha-cha!" "Pidgee!" "Bay-lee!"Bayleef immediately tackled Ash to the ground."Haha, long time no see, Bayleef!" Ash greeted her, then turned to Primeape. "Long time no see! Primeape! Welcome back!""Ha-cha!" Primeape nodded happily.[Primeape][Type: Fighting][Ability: Defiant (Attack rises significantly when stats are lowered by an opponent)][Strength: Mid-Gym Level][Moves: Bulk Up, Close Combat, Taunt, Double Team, Seismic Toss, Mega Kick, Mega Punch][tera type: Ghost][Bayleef][Strength: Peak Superior Level]———— The Next Day ————Ash's group arrived at the Rustboro Gym! The Rustboro Gym looked as if it were built entirely of stone.As expected of a Rock-type Gym, it's not much different from the Pewter Gym; both are built of stone, Ash thought to himself. At the same time, he was very excited, knowing that this was his first Gym battle since transmigrating!Ash and the others walked into the Gym and reached the battlefield, where several staff members were cleaning the area."So cool!" O(≧▽≦)O May said as she looked at the field."Is this where the battle happens?" Max also spoke up excitedly."It really feels like a specialized field for Rock-type Pokemon!" Brock, who was also a Rock-type Gym Leader, commented."Good morning, you must be Ash from Pallet Town! Leader Roxanne has already given her instructions, please follow me," a staff member stepped forward and said."Alright!""Teacher, the Gym challenger has arrived!" the staff member shouted."Ash, we are truly honored that the Rustboro Gymcan be the starting point for your Hoenn Leaguechallenge," Roxanne said with a smile as she walked out."The honor is mine, Ms. Roxanne!""Well then, Ash, shall we begin?" Roxanne asked."No problem, I've been ready for a long time!""Teacher, everything is ready," the staff member said, stepping forward."Are you a teacher at the Gym as well?" Brock asked curiously."They are all students from the Trainer's School. They are currently working here as my assistants while gaining practical experience as PokemonTrainers," Roxanne explained to Brock first, then turned to Ash. "Ash, do you mind if the battle is filmed? I'd like to use it in my teaching, as an actual Gym battle is the best teaching material for aspiring Trainers.""I'm fine with that."Afterward, Ash and Roxanne stood in their respective positions, while Brock and the others went to the spectator stands to watch."I wonder how Ash will fight. This is my first time seeing a Gym battle in person!" (✧∇✧) Max said excitedly."Max, haven't you seen your father battle at the Petalburg Gym?" Brock asked in confusion."Dad says it would distract the challengers, so he won't let us watch from the side," Max explained helplessly."From now on, the Gym battle between Gym LeaderRoxanne and challenger Ash of Pallet Town will begin. The rules are an elimination match using two Pokemon, and only the challenger is allowed to substitute their Pokemon," the referee announced the Gym rules first."Then I'll make the first move. Come out, Geodude!"[Geodude][Ability: Rock Head (Does not take recoil damage)][Strength: Late Superior Level]"Treecko, I choose you!" "Tree-cko!""Battle begin!" With the referee's command, the match officially started."Geodude, Mega Punch!"Geodude rushed toward Treecko to launch a punch!"Treecko, dodge with Quick Attack, then use Leaves!"Treecko easily dodged Geodude and condensed Leaves to attack Geodude."Geodude, use Harden and then Rock Throw!" Clearly, Roxanne wanted to tank the move and then counterattack!"Tree-cko!" Treecko was hit by the Rock Throw."Geodude, great job, use Rollout!"Geodude rolled toward Treecko."Treecko, jump up and use Absorb!"Treecko jumped up and absorbed Geodude's stamina!"The final blow, Quick Attack plus Pound!" "Tree-cko!" Geodude immediately lost its ability to battle!"Geodude is unable to battle! Treecko wins!""Come back, Geodude, you did great! Thank you for your hard work," Roxanne recalled Geodude!"Nice job, Treecko!" "Tree-cko!" Treecko nodded with a smile."Alright, let's keep going, Treecko!" "Tree-cko!""Come out, Nosepass!" On this side, Roxanne sent out Nosepass![Nosepass][Ability: Sturdy (When hit with a lethal blow, it retains a sliver of stamina)][Strength: Mid-Gym Level]"Battle begin!""Nosepass, use Rock Tomb!""Dodge with Quick Attack!"Nosepass struck the ground heavily, and many rocks began to appear around Treecko, surrounding it. Treecko used Quick Attack to dodge the attacks."Good! Treecko, counter with Leaves!"Treecko condensed Leaves to attack Nosepass."Nosepass, take it and use Stone Edge!""Tree-cko!" Treecko let out a cry of pain.Nosepass took the attack and condensed rocks to attack Treecko. The level gap was too large, and Treecko lost its ability to battle."Treecko is unable to battle, Nosepass wins!""Come back! Treecko, you were already amazing! Now, I'm counting on you, Pidgeot!" Ash recalled Treecko and sent out Pidgeot!"Nosepass, use Zap Cannon!"Nosepass's entire body crackled with electricity, which concentrated on its red nose, firing a pale yellow energy beam."Pidgeot, Double Team! Then Quick Attack plus Steel Wing!""Pidgee!"Pidgeot created countless clones and attacked Nosepass at high speed, immediately triggering the Sturdy ability!"Nosepass, quick, use Rest!" Roxanne shouted!Nosepass fell asleep."Do you think I'll give you a chance to recover? Pidgeot, use Hyper Beam at full power!"Pidgeot condensed a white beam of light and successfully hit the sleeping Nosepass.BOOM!!"Nosepass!" Roxanne looked at the fallen Nosepass."Nosepass is unable to battle! Pidgeot wins! The winner is Ash from Pallet Town!""Awesome! We won, great job Pidgeot!" ٩(*´◒`*)۶ "Pidgee!""Yay! Ash won!" Max jumped up and down, shouting."Nosepass, come back, you worked hard! Get some good Rest!" Roxanne recalled Nosepass.Everyone came outside the Gym."Ash, you're really amazing! This is the Stone Badge. Congratulations, I'm sure you'll achieve great results at the Hoenn League Conference," Roxanne handed the badge to Ash."Thank you," Ash thanked her, took the badge, held it high, and shouted, "Alright, I got the Stone Badge!""Pidgee!" "Pika!"[Ding~ Achievement completed: Obtain the Stone Badge. Reward: 1000 Points]Afterward, just as May liked to look at Ash's ribbon badges, Max wanted to see the Stone Badge! And so, the group playfully made their way to the Pokemon Center to discuss their next itinerary.To be continued...Please give a five-star review and some free 'Power Love' support. I will work hard to update. Thank you everyone!!
Chapter 22: Team Aqua Appears, President Stone's Thank-you Gift"Alright! Professor Oak, I've received Quilava and Taillow!""I've received Pidgeot and Treecko on my end as well. Ash, you'd better do your best!""Yes!"Ash's team update: Pikachu, Eevee, Primeape, Bayleef, Quilava, TaillowAfter Ash finished his call with Professor Oak, he regrouped with Brock and the others."Ash, we checked, and the nearest Gym is the Dewford Gym on Dewford Island!" Max reported to Ash."Great! Let's challenge the Dewford Gym then! What do you think, Brock?" Ash nodded in agreement. "Pika~"Meanwhile, Brock and May were flipping through a Rustboro City travel brochure, one thinking about a big shopping spree and the other thinking about delicious food."Brock!" Ash (ㅍ_ㅍ)Brock then looked up and explained: "The ferry to Dewford Island has three trips: morning, noon, and evening. The noon boat has already left, so if we take the evening one, we can move freely until then, right?""I agree." ＼＼\\٩( 'ω' )و //／／ May was the first to agree."In that case, alright!" Ash nodded in agreement.While Max was drinking a beverage and thinking about what he should do, he accidentally spilled it on the Pokemon Navigator."Ah!" Max was startled and quickly wiped the drink off with a handkerchief, but after trying to operate it, there was no response."Oh no!" Max's heart sank instantly.The three of them also turned to look at Max, and May asked: "What's wrong? Max."Max hurriedly hid the Pokemon Navigator behind his back, "N-nothing... We're moving freely now, right? See ya!"With that, Max ran off immediately. Max only thought about not letting May find out, otherwise he'd be teased to death.Then the three of them also split up for free time.Ash went to train his Pokemon. For the Dewford Gym, Ash decided to use Primeape and Taillow, so he prepared a secret weapon for them! The other Pokemon underwent training as well.On the other side, Max met a middle-aged man showing off strange inventions to some kids!And this man was none other than the President of Devon Corporation, the father of the former HoennChampion—President Stone!President Stone liked Max very much. Not only did he lead Max to fix the Pokemon Navigator, but he also took Max on a tour of the company and had his black-suited secretary invite Ash's group over.After President Stone finished showing Max the Fossil Resurrection Machine, they encountered a suspicious individual!Meanwhile, Ash's group regrouped at the Pokémon Center. Brock had finished his big shopping trip, while May was lying on a chair, unable to move from being too full. Then they were told that Max had gone to Devon Corporation and had invited them to join him.Afterward, Ash's group experienced the life of the wealthy, arriving at Devon Corporation in a luxury stretch limousine."So you are also Pokemon Trainers! Our Devon Corporation's young master is also a powerful Trainer," the secretary introduced."Of course, Steven is very strong!" Ash affirmed."Eh~ Ash, you know Steven?" May asked in confusion."Eh! May, are you really from Hoenn? Steven was the former Hoenn Champion!" Ash said helplessly."Hoenn Champion!" ♦(•'╻'• )꒳ᵒ꒳ᵎᵎᵎOn the other side, while President Stone and Maxwere tracking the suspicious person, the suspect escaped due to Max's mistake!"It's all my fault." (⋟﹏⋞) Max lowered his head in self-reproach."No, you've done a great job," Stone comforted him.Max (՞•Ꙫ•՞)ﾉ????"The fact that he fled in a panic is the same as proving himself to be a suspicious person through his actions. Alright, we have to give chase!" It must be said that President Stone had a way of comforting people, though Max didn't seem to see it.At this time, the laboratory was in a mess, and the secretary received a call from the President. "Hello? This is Kuroda... President... Here in the lab, we found that two Sealed Bottles of Culture Fluid are missing! Yes! I'll be right there!" After Kuroda hung up the phone, he said to Ash's group, "The President is with Max right now, and they are chasing a suspicious person!""What? What if something happens to Max!" Maywas worried about Max."Don't worry! Max is with the President. The President just called, which means they are fine. Let's get over there quickly!" Ash comforted May."I'll lead the way. I know a path; we can take a shortcut to circle around and intercept the culprit," Kuroda spoke.Soon, on the balcony, those taking the shortcut blocked the suspicious man, and Max and President Stone caught up from behind."You're surrounded. I suggest you surrender and come clean about your identity!" Ash said sternly, looking at the man."Max, are you okay?" May looked at Max with concern."I'm fine. This is my sister, and that's Ash," Maxscratched his head and introduced them."Is that so! Hello!" After President Stone greeted Ash's group, he turned to the suspicious man again. "Return the stolen Sealed Bottles to us.""Hmph, it's not that simple. Come out! Crawdaunt!" The suspicious man released a Crawdaunt."[Crawdaunt]""[Strength: Gym Peak]""Doing such things and using a Crawdaunt! It seems you are part of Hoenn's dark organization, Team Aqua!" Ash analyzed as he looked at the man."Pika~" Pikachu looked at the opponent seriously."Go, Pikachu! Volt Tackle!"Electric light surged around Pikachu as he charged at Crawdaunt, knocking it down!"Get up! Crawdaunt, use Crabhammer!"Crawdaunt's giant pincers emitted a white light as it attacked Pikachu."Double Team!" One must know that Pikachu was constantly improving!Pikachu created a large number of clones, dodging the Crabhammer."Pikachu, use..." Before he could finish, the Team Rocket Trio ran up."Team Rockets! What are you doing here?" Mayshouted. One should know they were watching an intense fight! What a buzzkill."Since you (Team Rocket motto intro)""Don't you run!" At this moment, Officer Jennycaught up."Ah! She's here!" Seeing Officer Jenny chasing them, the Team Rocket Trio shouted in panic."What exactly is going on here?" The catching-up Officer Jenny looked at the situation in confusion."Hmph! Crawdaunt, use Bubble Beam!""Pikachu, finish it with Electro Ball!"Crawdaunt fired a beam of bubbles from its pincers toward Pikachu. Pikachu condensed a yellow Electro Ball on his tail and threw it at Crawdaunt!Boom!! The Electro Ball burst through the smoke of the explosion, sending Crawdaunt flying."Pikachu, follow up with a Thunderbolt!" "Pika~chu~"Pikachu released a bolt of yellow electricity that hit Crawdaunt, and Crawdaunt lost its ability to battle!"Curse it, come back! Crawdaunt!" Afterward, the Team Aqua member tried to run toward a box.Ash's Aura was paying attention to him the whole time. "Don't move, Pikachu, Thunder Shock!""Pika~" "Ah!" The Team Aqua member was also shocked and fell.Officer Jenny stepped forward and handcuffed him. "You're under arrest!"Afterward, the Culture Fluid was searched for and returned to President Stone.The group went to the box and opened it, only to find a small Rocket Booster inside."Thank you so much, Ash! Otherwise, he would have escaped. And the Culture Fluid wouldn't have been recovered," President Stone thanked."Not at all, it's what I should do," Ash said politely to President Stone. Suddenly, his Aura sensed movement from Team Rockets. "Hmm? Pikachu, Thunderbolt!""Pika~chu~""What a nasty feeling!" "Wobbuffet (˃ʍ˂)~""[Ding~ Achievement completed—First defeat of Team Aqua. Reward: Basic Rare Candy x5]""Rare Candy?! Is it the one I'm thinking of?""[Ding~ Basic Rare Candy can directly increase the level by one for those below the Semi-Elite level (excluding the Semi-Elite bottleneck). Intermediate Rare Candy can directly increase the level by one for those below the Champion level (excluding the Champion bottleneck). Advanced Rare Candy can directly increase the level by one for those below the Legendary level (excluding the Legendary bottleneck). Each Pokemon can only consume one of each: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.]""Ah! No way, the restrictions are so big. Well, it makes sense; if there were no limits, even an ordinary Pokemon could eventually take down the Creator God!" Although Ash was disappointed, it was within reason.Afterward, to express his gratitude, President Stonetreated Ash and the others to a luxurious dinner. He then took out a Egg and handed it to Ash. "Ash, let this be my thank-you gift. Thank you very much for your Helping Hand!""Ah! There's no need to be so polite." Ash looked at the Egg in front of him; he was very eager but felt embarrassed to take it."Haha, it's fine. This Egg was actually given to me by Steven not long ago. He said he found it in the wild. I'm just passing on the favor," President Stone urged Ash."Alright, I will raise it well." Under President Stone's persuasion, Ash accepted it."By the way, my son Steven is on Dewford Island. You can go see him!" President Stone looked at Ashwith a smile.Suddenly, May had a whim to check the information on Dewford Island. As President Stone secretly handed over the Pokemon Navigator, Maxsuccessfully escaped his predicament.Afterward, everyone bid farewell to President Stone!To be continued...Everyone can guess what kind of Pokemon is in the Egg ʕ ᵔᴥᵔ ʔ
Chapter 23: Arriving at Dewford Island, Pikachu's SurfAsh didn't use the system to check what Pokemonwas inside the egg; after all, the mystery is the most exciting part.When everyone was setting off, because Maywanted to eat noodles and there was a mistake in the magazine, Ash and the others missed the ferry.May bravely took responsibility and, through her hard work, finally found an old man who owned a boat—Mr. Briney and his Wingull, Peeko.And so, everyone boarded Mr. Briney's boat, the S.S. Peeko, and continued their journey toward Dewford Island!On the way to Dewford Island, Ash and the others were attacked by Sharpedos and arrived at an unnamed small island. On the island, they met Team Rockets, who had come to assist, which eventually led to Ash and the others reconciling with the Sharpedos."Pikachu, use Thunderbolt to send them on their way!""Pika~chu~""What a bad feeling!" "Wobbuffet (˃ʍ˂)~"ε(*･ω･)_/ﾟ:･☆ You all should really thank me, otherwise you would have been torn apart by the Sharpedos.After two days, Ash's group finally landed at Dewford Town on Dewford Island. After bidding farewell to Ash's group, Mr. Briney decided to set sail again for Slateport City because of his encounter with them.Ash's group went to the island's Pokémon Center to rest for the night.————The Next Day————"Great! Pikachu, let's take down the Dewford Gymin one fell swoop, let's go!" "Pika-pika~" Ash ran toward the Dewford Gym holding the egg with Pikachu."Hey~ wait for us! Ash!" Brock and the other two chased after him from behind.Subsequently, Ash's group arrived at the Dewford Gym. It must be said that it really had the feel of Haimi; they saw a golden arch with words carved on it—Fighting Big Waves!"The Gym's sign has the word 'Fighting' written in large letters; I think they must be very confident in their Fighting techniques," Max guessed."That's right, maybe like Mr. Chuck from the Cianwood Gym, it might be a muscular fighter!" Brock also reasoned from the side.Indeed, in the eyes of ordinary people, the first reaction to a fighter is a muscular middle-aged man, but the Dewford Gym was different; it was a Looker!At that moment, a young man with sky-blue hair walked out of the Gym holding a surfboard!"Who are you? Is there something I can help you with?" the young man asked in confusion."Hello, I'm Ash from Pallet Town, and I'm here to challenge the Gym." Ash stepped forward with the egg to explain his purpose."Hello! I am the Gym Leader of the Dewford Gym, Brawly." Brawly answered with a smile, then gave an apologetic look, "I'm really sorry, but until yesterday, the sea was all swoosh-swoosh, drip-drop, splash-splash, with roaring waves. But today is different; the face of the sea is very beautiful, so you should come back tomorrow."After Brawly finished speaking, he left."There's no choice. Since the Gym Leader won't have a Gym battle, we can only come back tomorrow. How about we also go to the beach and rest for a day?" Ash suggested to everyone."Agreed!" ♡(*´∀｀*)people(*´∀｀*)♡ x3Afterward, Ash and the four of them went to the beach, where many people were surfing!"It's the ocean! Let's hurry up and go swimming." After May said that, she started to take off her clothes."You can't do that, Sis! You can't change clothes in a place like this! No way!" (ﾟ⊿ﾟ)ﾂ Max hurriedly stopped May's behavior."It's fine, I already put my swimsuit on underneath. How is it? It suits me, right?" May explained while undressing.(•́ω•̀ ٥) So you had this planned all along!"That's... the big sisters, they ride the waves so beautifully. Please come quickly and accompany this young man for a Surf of love." Brock was already unable to control himself and wanted to rush forward.The others silently distanced themselves from Brock, acting like they didn't know him!"Ah! Look! The Gym Leader from before is also here." May pointed in a direction and shouted.Everyone looked over and saw Brawly surfing with a Hariyama.[Hariyama][Ability: Thick Fat (Damage from Ice or Fire-type moves is halved)][Strength: Gym Leader Late Stage]"The Pokemon beside him should be Hariyama." Brock came back to his senses and said as he looked at the Pokemon beside Brawly."But? Does Hariyama like to Surf?" (๑•̌.•̑๑)ˀ̣ˀ̣ Maywas very confused."This should also be a form of training, and it can cultivate the rapport between himself and the Pokemon!" Ash thought for a moment and explained."I see, as expected of a Gym Leader!" Max nodded, indicating he understood."Since this is a rare opportunity, let's all go play separately!" Ash said with a wave of his hand."Yay, come on Max, let's go swimming!" May pulled Max and was about to leave."Wait a minute, Sis! I haven't changed into my swimsuit yet!"Afterward, Ash, Brock, and Max changed into swimsuits at the Pokémon Center, and Ashentrusted the egg to Nurse Joy's care."Come out, everyone! Let's all have a good day of fun!" All of Ash's Pokemon came out and went to play in the water, only Bayleef stayed behind by Ash's side, unwilling to leave."Then, same for me, come out, Torchic and Wurmple!""You guys come out too, Forretress, Lotad!""Sorry, Bayleef, Pikachu and I are going surfing, it's not really suitable for you. Take this as compensation!" Ash gave a Basic Rare Candy to Bayleef. With Ash's coaxing, Bayleef finally agreed and ate the candy."Bay-lee?" Bayleef's aura surged and she suddenly broke through to the Gym Leader Early Stage. One must know that every major realm is very hard to break through; otherwise, Bayleef wouldn't have been stuck for so long. Pikachu still hasn't broken through to Semi-Elite yet!Ash rented a surfboard and a small surfboard and began surfing with Pikachu."Come on! Pikachu!" "Pika~ Pika~"While surfing, Ash and Pikachu met Brawly and made an appointment for a Gym match tomorrow."How does surfing feel, Pikachu?" Ash asked Pikachu after they finished surfing and came ashore."Pika~" Pikachu nodded happily."Great!" Seeing Pikachu's expression, Ash knew Pikachu had mastered the skill of surfing. At the same time, he said in his mind, "System, exchange for a Surf TM, user: Pikachu."[Ding~ Use successful.]Afterward, Ash met up with Brock and the other two. After eating lunch, Ash went to the practice field."Come out, Primeape!" "Ha-cha~""What is Ash going to do?" May asked in confusion."I don't know, it should be some kind of training!" Brock said as he looked at Pikachu and Primeape."Pikachu, use Surf!" Ash shouted!"What? Pikachu knows Surf!" Max was greatly surprised."It seems possible. I've heard that only some exceptionally talented Pikachu can learn it. As expected of Pikachu! Now he even has the ability to deal with Ground-types." Brock understood that Ash wanted to test the power of Pikachu's Surf."Ha-cha~" Primeape was sent flying."Great, Pikachu, you're amazing! And thanks for your hard work, Primeape!""Pika~" "Ha-cha~"And so, everyone happily played on the beach for another afternoon. During this happy day, Eeveeunexpectedly broke through to the Superior Middle Stage without anyone noticing, which left Ashspeechless. Other Pokemon would be stuck for a long time, but Eevee seemed to have no bottlenecks and had already caught up.The next day, everyone arrived in front of the Dewford Gym once again."Ash, I welcome your challenge! I will give it my all," Brawly said to Ash.To be continued...Requesting five-star reviews, requesting power stones!! Thank you all for your support!!
Chapter 24: Rage Fist, Annihilape"The Gym match between Gym Leader Brawly and challenger Ash from Pallet Town is about to begin. Each side will use two Pokemon!" After the referee finished the announcement, the match officially started."Go, Machoke!" Brawly was the first to send out his Pokemon.[Machoke][Ability: No Guard (The moves of both sides are guaranteed to hit)][Strength: Superior Peak]Ash's mouth twitched. If he remembered correctly, it should have been a Machop in the original story. It seemed his own performance had made Brawlytake him very seriously!"Go, Taillow!" "Siba~""Taillow, use Wing Attack!""Machoke, take it. Then use Thunder Punch." Brawlywatched the attacking Taillow with a smile.Machoke actually used Surf techniques to neutralize part of the damage."What's going on? Why is Wing Attack's power so low? It shouldn't be!" (๑•̌.•̑๑)ˀ̣ˀ̣ Max asked in confusion."Is it using Surf techniques to deflect the force?! I see!" Ash understood the mystery behind it."That's right, Ash. How are you going to break through?" Brawly asked Ash with a smile.The combination of No Guard and force deflection was indeed troublesome. Taillow's advantage had vanished entirely, making a war of attrition impossible."The simplest way! Use absolute strength to break all techniques and settle it in one blow! Quick Attackplus Brave Bird!""What?! Machoke, use Thunder Punch!"Bang! Machoke fell with a thud. "Siba~" Taillow was also heavily injured and collapsed shortly after."Thank you, Taillow. I saw your spirit. Come back!""Machoke, you did great too!""Taillow and Machoke are both unable to battle.""Ash, your Taillow has amazing spirit. You really are strong!" Brawly praised as he sent out his next Pokemon, "Go, Hariyama."It was the same Hariyama that had been surfing with Brawly yesterday."Then, on my side, it's Primeape!""Hacha~""Primeape, this is your first Gym match. Let's start with a victory!""Hacha~""Fighting vs. Fighting? I like it. Hariyama, Bullet Punch!""Primeape, counter with Mega Punch!"The two Pokemon traded blows, fist to flesh, going back and forth. Brock and the other two in the stands enjoyed the spectacle."Haha! I haven't had this much fun in a long time! Ash, it looks like your Primeape has been specially trained! Hariyama, Zen Headbutt.""Primeape, let's give it our all too! The twentieth Rage Fist!""Hacha~" It unleashed its accumulated rage in a single punch, sending the attacking Hariyama flying!Blue and white light surged around Primeape as its body began to change. It was evolving."That is..." Brawly looked at Primeape in surprise."How is that possible? Primeape can still evolve?" Max felt like his brain couldn't process this."Hacha~" The light of evolution shattered around Primeape. Its fur became wild, its skin turned black, and its crimson eyes looked berserk.[Annihilape][Type: Fighting, Ghost][Ability: Defiant][Strength: Late Gym Level][Moves: Shadow Punch, Rage Fist, Tera Blast...][Tera Type: Ghost]That's right, the secret weapon Ash prepared for Primeape was Rage Fist. Originally, Primeapecouldn't learn it, but the system's specialized Rage Fist Technical Machine for Primeape could break that limit."Congratulations, Annihilape!" "Hacha~" Annihilapegave Ash a thumbs-up.May took out her Pokedex to scan it: No data displayed."Annihilape... Ash, what is this?" Brawly voiced the question everyone was thinking."Annihilape is a Ghost and Fighting type Pokemon, the evolved form of Primeape. It can only evolve after using Rage Fist twenty times. It seems only Primeape from the Paldea region can learn Rage Fist. I don't know why my Primeape knows it either," Ash explained."I see. I suppose one of your Primeape's ancestors must have come from the Paldea region, allowing the inherited genes to awaken! You're very lucky!" Brawly perfectly filled in the gaps of Ash's lie. Ashreally wanted to hug Brawly for the help."Well then, let's continue our match, Mr. Brawly!" Ash looked at Brawly with a smile."Hariyama, use Zen Headbutt with all your might!" Since Brawly knew it was a Ghost-type, he wouldn't use Fighting moves anymore. Moreover, Psychic moves dealt double damage to Annihilape, which was perfect."Annihilape, full power Shadow Punch!" "Hacha~"Bang! Hariyama was knocked down!"Hariyama is unable to battle. Fire—no, Annihilapewins! The winner is Ash from Pallet Town!""Great job, Annihilape!" "Hacha~""Ash, thank you for showing me Primeape's evolution. This is the Knuckle Badge; you've earned it!" Brawly stepped forward and handed over the Knuckle Badge."Alright! I got the Knuckle Badge!" Ash took the badge and held it high. "Pika~" "Hacha~"[Ding~ Obtained Knuckle Badge. Reward: 1000 Points]———— Pokémon Center ————"Ash, show us Annihilape!" *⁂((✪⥎✪))⁂* Max and May looked at Ash."Alright, but Annihilape gets angry even more easily than Primeape, so you guys have to be careful!"Max and May nodded like chickens pecking at grain."Everyone, come out!" Ash released all his Pokemonto let them get to know Annihilape.The group and the Pokemon all looked at Annihilape curiously. Eventually, Annihilape couldn't take it anymore and returned to its Poke Ball."What a shame, I wanted to see more!" Maylowered her head in disappointment."There will be plenty of chances in the future. I'm going to the Pokémon Center to swap some Pokemon first, and I can also have Professor Oakcheck on Annihilape's condition," Ash comforted May and ran toward the Pokémon Center.——————————"Good! I've got it. Don't worry! I'll give Annihilape a thorough examination. Hehehe! Ash, if you need anything in the future, just come to me. I'll do my best to help you settle it," Professor Oak promised, patting his chest."Okay, thank you, Professor Oak." Seeing Professor Oak's expression, Ash knew exactly what was on his mind and silently apologized to Annihilape.Ash's team update: Pikachu, Quilava, Bayleef, Noctowl, Croconaw, Charizard, and one Egg.Ash had transferred Noctowl over because he planned to use it in the next Contest.Afterward, Ash met up with May and the others."Ash, we heard from Nurse Joy that Mr. Steven is actually on the island!" Max said excitedly."President Stone is Mr. Steven's father, after all. How could he be wrong?" Ash replied with a twitch of his mouth."Uh~ no! It's that Mr. Steven seems to be in the Granite Cave," Max quickly explained."Alright, then let's go take a look!" Ash made the decision. He entrusted the Egg to Nurse Joy again, since no one knew what dangers lay in the Granite Cave.Then, the group headed toward the Granite Cave.Meanwhile, at Professor Oak's Laboratory: "Hehehe! The Paldean Pokemon Annihilape... I haven't studied one yet! Just as Beautifly finished its evolution and I ran out of research subjects! You've delivered yourself right to me!""Come out, Annihilape!" "Hacha~" Annihilapelooked at Professor Oak very indignantly, wanting to throw a punch, but it suddenly felt a very powerful aura lock onto it."Hehe, old partner, keep an eye on it. Annihilape, here I come!"Annihilape: Help! If I'd known, I wouldn't have evolved. (╥﹏╥)On the way to the Granite Cave, Ash and the others were attacked by Team Rocket. May and Jessie had a Wurmple vs. Wurmple battle. After blasting Team Rocket away without further incident, they successfully arrived at the Granite Cave.To be continued...
Chapter 25: Granite Cave, Catching LaironAsh's group arrived in front of a pitch-black cave."This is it, the Granite Cave!" Max said excitedly."Is Mr. Steven looking for rare stones here?" Maylooked at the unremarkable cave and turned to ask Max, "Max, do you know what it's like inside the cave?"Max scratched his head, indicating he didn't know either; clearly, he hadn't done enough homework."Granite Cave is the den of Aron, so many tunnels have been dug underneath by these Aron, as complex as a maze. So everyone, be careful," Ashreminded them."As expected of Ash, unlike a certain someone." *⁂((✪⥎✪))⁂* May looked at Ash with admiration.Brock looked back at Ash and also felt that Ash was becoming more and more reliable!Max ╰(⇀‸↼)╯Afterward, Ash and the other three walked into the cave; it was pitch black, and they couldn't see a thing."Incredible, so this is what it feels like inside a cave," May remarked."Sis, this is a cave, be careful," Max said, somewhat speechless."Come out, Quilava! Burn with fighting spirit!" Ashreleased Quilava, and the surroundings brightened significantly."Great! It's much clearer now," May said happily."Awoo~" Quilava walked in front, with Ash's groupof four following behind.At that moment, two tunnel entrances appeared ahead. Brock stepped forward and placed a marker sticker between them, explaining, "This way, even if we take a wrong turn and get lost, we can tell the direction with this mark."Everyone nodded, thinking Brock's idea was excellent!After that, Ash's group chose a tunnel and continued forward. They reached a spot with a massive hole above, where sunlight shone through, making the scene before them very clear.Just as Ash's group wanted to walk under the hole to check the situation, the ground suddenly collapsed, and they fell into a deep pit."What's going on?" Brock asked in confusion."Wahahaha! Since you..." (Team Rockets' motto)"It's you Team Rockets again!"The Team Rocket Trio jumped around the deep pit happily. "Haha, it worked! You fell for it!"Using his Aura, Ash discovered the ground was starting to collapse again and shouted, "Wait, Team Rockets, don't jump!"Unfortunately, it was too late. Cracks appeared in the ground, and it began to cave in again. Ash's group of four and the Team Rocket Trio all fell down together, sliding all the way down and getting separated.Ash crawled out from the pile of dirt and began using his Aura to find his way and the others."Pikachu~" Pikachu also crawled out from the dirt at this time."Ah! What a mess! Help!" On the other side, Mayalso crawled out from a dirt pile."Great, Pikachu, May, you're both okay," Ash said happily."Pikachu~" "Ash! That's great!"Ash, Pikachu, and May all looked up at the large hole above them."We fell from all the way up there! It's so high!" Mayfelt a wave of lingering fear."We've fallen to a lower level! It must be because Team Rockets used Dig, making the ground loose. And then those idiots jumping around on top! That's what made us fall!" Ash analyzed the situation."We should find Max and the others first, then figure out a way to get back to where we were," May was still worried about Max's safety."We should head up first. They'll probably try to climb up too, and it'll be easier to rescue them from the outside," Ash felt they should go up first.May thought it made sense and nodded in agreement.Then, after scouting with his Aura, Ash led May and Pikachu into a tunnel.On the other side, Jessie, Meowth, and Ash's Quilava were grouped together. Team Rockets had to rely on Quilava's light, so they reluctantly called a truce and began searching for an exit.The last group was naturally Max, Brock, and James. After criticizing each other, they began looking for a way out.Ash led May and Pikachu through the cave. It was pitch black, but fortunately, Ash had his Aura, so they didn't lose their way. May watched the surroundings nervously; although she had an adventurous spirit, being unable to see anything made it hard for her heart to remain calm.Suddenly, a sound came: "La~""Ah—" May was startled. At that moment, Ashgrabbed May's hand and said, "Don't be afraid, I'm here!"Feeling Ash's hand, May lowered her head with a slight blush. Ash led May to the source of the sound, and a Lairon was right in front of them."It's just a Lairon, no need to be afraid anymore, May." After saying that, Ash let go of her hand.Looking at the Lairon, May felt much more at ease, but also a bit disappointed![Lairon][Gender: Male][Type: Steel, Rock][Ability: Heavy Metal (Doubles the Pokémon's weight)][Strength: Gym Leader Early Stage][Moves: Heavy Slam, Dragon Rush, Head Smash...][tera type: Steel]"Alright, let's go! Pikachu, catch it! Use Surf!""Pikachu~" A giant wave surged from beneath Pikachu and attacked Lairon. Lairon, however, glowed with a white light and charged out, repelling Pikachu."Lairon's defense is really high. Pikachu, let's end this quickly! Use Volt Tackle with all your might!""Pikachu~ Pikachu~ Pikachu~"After knocking Lairon out, Ash threw a Poké Ball, caught it, and it was sent to Professor Oaks Laboratory."Alright! I caught a Lairon! Huh~ what's this?" Ash's Aura sensed something unusual in the wall, and he pointed directly at a spot and ordered, "Pikachu, Iron Tail!""Pikachu~" As the Iron Tail struck, Rocks splattered, revealing a glazed stone."This... it's this kind of gem again!" May said in surprise. Shroomish had given Ash a similar gem before.[Ding~ Aggronite]A smile appeared on Ash's face. Buy one, get one free!Afterward, Ash led May and Pikachu further ahead; they could clearly feel they were moving upward."I should have reached the upper level. Is anyone here?" Ash looked above him and shouted again."Pikachu-pi~" "Is anyone there?"Just then, Ash sensed an Aura and ran toward it with May and Pikachu. After running for a distance, they saw a silhouette with a Pokémon beside it!"That person is..." Ash exclaimed. It was a young man with silver-blue hair, accompanied by an Aron."Champion Steven!""Eh?! So he's Mr. Steven!" May said in surprise."Hello! What are you doing here? Are you lost?" Steven asked politely."Hello, I'm Ash from Pallet Town. This is my partner Pikachu, and this is May. Could you please help us? We don't know where our companions are!" Ashasked Steven for help; after all, Steven had been here for so long, he must be more familiar with the terrain than they were."Please." "Pikachu~""So you're Ash! My father mentioned you not long ago. Don't worry! Leave it to me!" Steven said, then suddenly remembered, "Oh, right, so that's why the Aron just now...""Did they disturb the Aron? That's dangerous!" Ashwas shocked."Ah! Let's go save them!""Yeah, let's go. This way." Steven didn't dare to be overconfident and quickly led Ash and May forward.Ash and the others ran in one direction. After a while, they found that a section of the path ahead was broken off."What should we do?" May asked worriedly."Look down there!" Steven shouted. Ash also sensed Brock and Max's Aura.At that moment, the sound of footsteps came from below. "Brock! Max! Quilava, look up!""Ash! Sis!""Huh?! Satoshi!""Are you guys okay?" Brock asked with concern."We're fine, we met Mr. Steven.""They're coming. Listen to me: first, run forward like this. There's a waterfall at the next intersection; we'll meet there," Steven told Brock and the others."Understood," Brock nodded in response.After that, Brock and the others ran forward, followed by a large swarm of Aron."We should go too!" The three of them ran to an opening. Below was the waterfall, and Brock and the others were already in front of it, with the Aroncharging toward them!"I'm counting on you, Bayleef! Use Sweet Scent."Bayleef released a refreshing fragrance, and the Aron gradually calmed down."Aron, those people aren't bad. Go back now!" Steven stepped forward to explain, and only then did the Aron head back.Afterward, Ash, May, and Steven came out from above."Come on, it's our turn to take the stage. Since you..." (Team Rockets' motto)"Go, Seviper!" "I'm counting on you, Cacnea!"Cacnea turned around and hugged James. "Ah! Ow, ow, ow! It's that way!""Pikachu, finish it with Thunderbolt..." "Pikachu...""Wait! The Pokémon in this cave all live peacefully. If anyone wants to break this peace and cause trouble, I'll be your opponent! Aggron, let's go!" Stevenacted first."Roar~""Hyper Beam!"Aggron spat out a beam of violet-black energy, hitting Team Rockets. Team Rockets went flying into the sky like shooting stars again. "What a bad feeling!" "Wobbuffet (˃ʍ˂)~""Well done, Aggron! Come back and rest!" Stevenwithdrew Aggron."As expected of the Champion, so powerful!" Maxlooked at Steven with admiration."Former Champion. I've already handed the Champion title over to my good friend Wallace," Steven explained helplessly.At that moment, an Aron began digging in the pile of dirt that had fallen from the Rock wall smashed by Team Rockets."What's wrong, Aron?" Steven asked in confusion, seeing Aron's unusual behavior.Aron was seen finding a red stone inside the hole it dug in the dirt pile."Found it! Good job, Aron," Steven shouted happily, holding the stone."Aron~" ( ﹡ˆoˆ﹡ )"Mr. Steven, did you find something?" Max stepped forward to ask."It's a Fire Stone. I've been looking for this in this cave," Steven explained."Fire Stone?" The poor student May asked!"Yes! It's one of the stones that significantly helps with Pokémon evolution. For example, it can evolve Growlithe into Arcanine," Steven explained patiently."Right, there's also Vulpix evolving into Ninetalesand Eevee into Flareon," Ash added, then turned to Steven, "Mr. Steven, I want to challenge you!""No problem!" Steven nodded and agreed.To be continued...
Chapter 26: Battle with Steven, Corphish StrikesEveryone arrived outside Granite Cave, and Ash and Steven stood on opposite sides."Alright, go! Aggron!" Steven was the first to send out a Pokemon, and it was indeed the same Aggronfrom before![Aggron][Ability: Heavy Metal][Strength: Mid-level Semi-Elite]"I choose you, Charizard!" Ash sent out his only Semi-Elite level Pokemon."Roar~" Charizard looked at Aggron solemnly.Ash knew that although this Aggron wasn't Steven's main Pokemon, as the Pokemon of a former Champion, it was still very strong and incomparable to wild Pokemon."Aggron, Metal Claw!""Charizard, Dragon Claw!"The two Pokemon attacked each other. Aggron's silver claws clashed with Charizard's emerald claws. Bang! Bang! Bang! The two Pokemon attacked continuously, sending dust flying!"Wow, both Pokemon are so amazing!" *⁂((✪⥎✪))⁂* Max's eyes sparkled as he watched the two Pokemon.Brock and May also nodded.Then, Ash shouted, "Charizard, the warm-up is over. Let's show them our bond!" As he spoke, he threw the Charizardite X he had exchanged from the system to Charizard."Roar~" Charizard caught the Mega Evolution Stone, and Ash activated the key stone on his Universal Ring!"Mega Evolve! Charizard, Mega Charizard X!" Several links of light connected them, and Charizardbegan to Mega Evolve!Bang! Charizard turned blue and black, bone spikes appeared on its shoulders, and two blue flames flickered from its mouth!"Roar~" Mega Charizard X roared at the sky, then looked at Aggron with intense fighting spirit.[Mega Charizard X][Ability: Tough Claws (Increases the power of moves that make direct contact)][Strength: Mid-level Semi-Elite]"This is...!" (*ﾟﾛﾟ)!! Brock and the others were shocked!"Mega Evolution! Is that the Mega Evolution from the Kalos region? I didn't expect you to have mastered Mega Evolution, Ash. Not bad! Come on, Aggron, Head Smash!" Steven clearly knew about Mega Evolution and immediately launched an attack!"Mega Charizard X, Dragon Tail!"The two Pokemon clashed again, but this time Mega Charizard X's Dragon Tail interrupted the Head Smash, knocking Aggron back!"Again, Iron Head!" "Dragon Claw!"The two collided continuously like giant beasts! Brock and the others found it thrilling!"As expected of Mega Evolution, its strength has increased so much! Aggron, use Heavy Slam with all your might!""We'll go too! Charizard, Flare Blitz!"Bang! Boom!!As the smoke cleared, Charizard had reverted from its Mega Evolution, covered in wounds and panting heavily. "Roar~" Aggron had fallen and lost its ability to battle! "Roar~" Charizard gave a loud cry to the sky before also collapsing."You did great, Charizard!" Ash recalled Charizardand watched as Steven recalled Aggron. "Mr. Steven is truly strong. This Aggron probably isn't even one of your substitutes, right?""After all, I've been around for many years. You're already very strong. You should know that I raised this Aggron as part of my main team, yet your Charizard was slightly superior." Steven smiled and shook his head."So amazing! Ash's Charizard actually beat Mr. Steven's!" *⁂((✪⥎✪))⁂* Max looked at Ash with a face full of admiration."Mhm!" *⁂((✪⥎✪))⁂* May also looked at Ashadmiringly."Ash has really gotten stronger!" Brock was happy for his good friend's progress."This was probably your first time using Mega Evolution. You should get used to the sudden surge in power; otherwise, Charizard would be even stronger! I look forward to our next battle. I'll go all out then," Steven suggested to Ash."Yes! Thank you, Mr. Steven!" Ash said he would practice hard.Afterward, Steven said goodbye and left, and Ashwas surrounded by Brock and the others."Ash, Ash! Can my Torchic and Wurmple Mega Evolve too?""Ash, when did you get Mega Evolution?""Ah! I want to see Mega Evolution!"Ash had to brush them off with the excuse he had prepared beforehand."No wonder that gem looked so familiar! It turns out the gem Shroomish gave you and the gems in Granite Cave are just like it! That means Mega Stones exist in the Hoenn region too. I'm going to find Blazikenite!".ヽ(^Д^*)/. May shouted excitedly."If it were that easy to find, it would have been reported long ago!" ←_← Max rolled his eyes at May.——————————The next day, Ash and the others set up camp on a beautiful beach to train! After a great battle, Charizard successfully broke through to the mid-level Semi-Elite. Congratulations.Ash held the Egg and arranged training for his Pokemon. Charizard was put on a Macho Brace, Pikachu learned the Electric Net skill, Bayleefpracticed Energy Ball, Croconaw practiced Psybeam, and Quilava practiced Wild Charge. As for Noctowl, Ash began preparing for the Pokemon Contest performance with it."Sis, Ash is practicing. Are you all ready?" Max (￢_￢) looked at the idle May beside him, speechless."Max, that's a great question!" After saying that, Mayran to an open space and began her performance."Isn't a Pokemon Contest supposed to showcase a Pokemon's beauty and coolness? Especially the moment they come out of the Poké Ball—that's the main scoring point during the first appeal!" May said, taking out her Poké Balls. "I'm currently practicing my entrance. Look, look! Onto the stage! Everyone, come on out! Torchic, Wurmple!"May started spinning and released Torchic and Wurmple, which showcased her own charm, but Torchic and Wurmple just looked around and ran all over the place after coming out."No, no! You have to spin when you come out, like this—jump with a 'whoosh' and then spin! Honestly." May demonstrated for Torchic and Wurmple again, but she almost tripped. She looked at everyone awkwardly. "Haha, sorry, it's not perfect yet! I'm still practicing.""May, this won't work. Not only can you only use one Pokemon in most Contests, but the stars of the Contest are the Pokemon themselves. You should showcase the Pokemon's own charm!" Ash walked over and explained the essence of a Pokemon Contest."Ash! Is your performance ready?!" May asked about Ash's progress."Almost! I've already got the concept down; I just need to practice more." Ash nodded."That's great!"Suddenly, there was a noise from their tent! Everyone quickly looked over and saw that the tent stakes had been pulled out. The entire tent collapsed, and the tent along with the clothes on it began to be dragged toward the sea."Ah! The... the tent... and the washed clothes!"Ash and the others hurriedly chased after it. Fortunately, there was a tree ahead that stopped the tent's progress, and then a small mound of dirt appeared."There it is!" Max pointed at the small mound."You rascal! Wurmple, String Shot! Catch it!" Mayimmediately ordered.Wurmple's String Shot successfully entangled whatever was inside the mound, but because it wasn't strong enough, it was dragged away."Ah! Wurmple!""Bayleef, use Vine Whip!" "Bay-lee~" Ash also grabbed onto Bayleef and pulled with all his might.Bang! A red Corphish was forcibly dragged out by Ash!To be continued...
Chapter 27: Capturing Corphish, the Egg Hatches!Chapter 27: Capturing Corphish, the Egg Hatches!"Hehe~" (╬◣д◢) Corphish raised its red claws and shouted at Ash's group, expressing its anger. It had just gone out for a trip, and suddenly there were several tents at its home, and it was even forcibly dragged out by humans. As the Great Strength Kingof the Corphish Family, this was simply a great humiliation!"Ah?! That's..." May took out her Pokédex and scanned it:Corphish...[Corphish][Type: Water][Ability: Hyper Cutter (Prevents other Pokémonfrom lowering its Attack stat)][Strength: Elite Mid-Stage][Moves: Bubble Beam, Harden, Crabhammer, Water Gun, Taunt...][tera type: Water]"As expected, Dewford Island is a blessed land! The harvest is quite good. Go, Croconaw, capture it." Ashsent out Croconaw."Wani!" Croconaw looked at Corphish seriously!"Hey! Hehe!" Corphish looked at Croconaw, filled with fighting spirit!"Croconaw, show the results of our training! Psybeam!" Croconaw condensed blue energy and attacked Corphish."Hey!" Corphish dove into the sand to dodge the attack and fired a beam made of bubbles from another direction!"Wani!" Croconaw dodged them all with a mysterious dance step."So amazing! Croconaw actually dodged the attacks by dancing!" (⊙o⊙) May looked at Croconaw in surprise."This is normal. Back when it was a Totodile, those dance steps dodged countless skills! It has performed great service!" Brock explained, as he was used to it."Croconaw, in that case, fight at close range! Ice Fang!" "Wani!" Blue light surged from Croconaw's teeth, and Croconaw lunged to bite Corphish!"Hehe!" White light emerged from Corphish's claws as it countered Croconaw."Wani!" Croconaw was sent flying by Corphish, but Corphish's entire body was frozen after being hit."Hiss! Corphish's Crabhammer is so powerful!" Brock exclaimed."The more it's like this, the more I want to capture it! Croconaw, while it's frozen, use Crunch!" "Wani!"Bang! Corphish lost its ability to battle!"Go, Poké Ball!" Ash threw a Poké Ball and pulled it inside. One shake, two shakes, three shakes—the warning light went out, success!"Yoshi! I caught a Corphish!" "Wani!" "Pikachu~"Afterward, the Poké Ball disappeared, teleported to Professor Oak. I believe Corphish and Kingler will become good partners; their team name will be the 'Shrimp Soldier and Crab General'!"So great! Ash has caught so many Pokémon! I've only caught one Wurmple." May looked at Ash's capture with envy."A Pokémon Trainer's journey is about meeting various partners and nurturing them. That is the true meaning of the journey. I believe you will have new partners soon too!" Ash comforted her."Mm! I understand, Ash!"At that moment, May's Wurmple began to glow with the light of evolution. "Great, Wurmple felt your will and has begun to evolve!""Mm!" May watched Wurmple's evolution with expectant eyes.Ultimately, it formed a white cocoon! At the same time, on the other side, Team Rockets Jessie's Wurmple also evolved into a pale purple cocoon."Ash, is this a Silcoon or a Cascoon?" May asked nervously.Ash took a look and shook his head, "Regrettably, it's a Cascoon!"May immediately lost heart, "Ah~, no way! But, no matter what, it's still my Pokémon." However, the weight in her heart lifted, and she quickly adjusted her mindset!Ash smiled as he looked at May. "Ash, stop teasing May. Congratulations May, this is a Silcoon." Brock also stepped in with a smile to explain."What?! Is it the Silcoon that evolves into Beautifly?" May was first surprised, then her face puffed up with anger as she looked at Ash, "Ash——""Ah! Ash, your egg!" Σ(っ °Д °;)っ Max suddenly shouted."The egg?!" Ash looked down and found the egg in his arms was starting to glow."Is it about to be born? It's my first time seeing a Pokémon egg hatch!" May looked at the egg in Ash's arms with curiosity.And so, everyone gathered around, wanting to watch the egg hatch!The light from the egg grew brighter and brighter, and then a flash! Two red flat horns appeared first, the larger one in front and the smaller one behind. "Ralu~" A porcelain doll-like creature appeared in Ash's arms, with a green bowl-like cap covering most of its face and wearing a white dress."Ah~ it's a Ralts!" Max cheered!"So cute!" May's eyes sparkled as she looked at Ralts; the little fellow was truly too adorable!Ralts kept rubbing against Ash in his arms, as if it knew Ash was its master![Ralts][Gender: Female][Type: Psychic, Fairy][Ability: Trace (Copies the opponent's ability upon entering battle)][Strength: Early Common (Infant stage)][Moves: Growl, Disarming Voice, Confusion, Mystical Fire][tera type: Fairy]Ash also liked Ralts very much. One must know that every ability of Ralts is very strong, and since this Ralts is female, she is definitely a future Psychic Queen. If it were male, Ash would definitely have it evolve into Gallade—wouldn't evolving into Gardevoir be awkward? Since it's female, he'll just pamper her to the end!"Ralu~" Ralts smiled and waved her hand. The red horns on top of Ralts could feel the emotions of people and Pokémon; feeling Ash's pampering, she was also very happy.Everyone found this scene very heartwarming, except "Be-ri~" Bayleef looked at Ralts and was completely overcome with jealousy! Fortunately, Bayleef was sensible and didn't make a scene.Ash took out a Poké Ball, "Little one, come inside for now!" Ash gently touched Ralts with it and captured her!"Charizard, you go back to Professor Oaks Laboratory first!" "Awoo~" Charizard nodded in agreement.Ash now felt that the six-Pokémon limit was too restrictive; he would discuss it with Professor Oakanother day.After teleporting Charizard away, he then released Ralts. "Ralu~" This time, Ralts took a serious look around and greeted everyone.Everyone began to play with Ralts to build a bond!On this beautiful beach, Ash's group welcomed a triple blessing: Ash's egg hatched into Ralts and he captured Corphish, and May's Wurmple evolved into Silcoon! The day passed happily like this!——————————The next day, Ash's group was walking upstream along a river."Mystery novel fans across the country, I've kept you waiting! The May Exploration Team, leading you into unknown territories, the time to pursue the world's incredible mysteries has come! This time, our destination is an unnamed river on Dewford Island." May made a camera gesture with both hands, directly becoming a commentator to start reporting. Unfortunately, she lacked a phone to start a live stream!"A drop of water flows into a great river, and then into the sea. This is truly romantic!" Brock sighed as he looked at the surroundings."That's right, as long as we Trace this river upstream, maybe we'll encounter new Pokémon!" Max said excitedly, holding the Pokémon Navigator."The May Exploration Team is now walking along the river on an unknown path. What mysterious phenomenon will be waiting for them ahead?" Maycontinued her hand gestures, performing the work of an ace commentator!After walking for a while, Ash's group came to a massive waterfall! The momentum of this waterfall was quite impressive!"Ah! Unbelievable, blocking the May Exploration Team's progress is a giant waterfall. What should we do?" May continued her commentary dutifully.Indeed, if they didn't climb over this waterfall, the exploration journey would end here!"Even Magikarp wouldn't be able to climb a waterfall like this." Max said helplessly."However, the more a place is like this, the more likely there are unknown Pokémon." Brock seemed filled with drive, wanting to go against the current!To be continued...Please request updates, please recommend, give some 'Power of Love', Qing Tong will add more chapters appropriately, thank you!!
Chapter 28: Hoenn Water Starter Pokémon Breeding BaseRecently, Brock and May have watched Ash capture several Pokémon, making them want to catch new Pokémon too! They were filled with longing for this unknown land!Ash, with Ralts and Pikachu on his shoulders, stepped forward and suggested, "In that case, let's all rely on our own abilities!"Everyone is a Pokémon Trainer; let's try to scale this waterfall with the help of our Pokémon!"Agreed!" ＼＼\\٩( 'ω' )و //／／x2"Then I'll go first!" After saying that, Brock sent out Lotad! Using a rope and the boost from Lotad's Water Gun, he tied the rope to a tree above. As a Rock Gym Leader, he naturally had rock-climbing skills and climbed up with Lotad.Inspired by Brock, May (☆_☆) immediately sent out Silcoon and used String Shot to pull herself up."What about us?" Max didn't have any Pokémon, so he could only rely on Ash."Come out! Noctowl, use Confusion to carry us up." After all, Ralts was still very young and its psychic power likely couldn't withstand the weight of both himself and Max, so he had to use Noctowl.Just like that, Ash and Max flew straight up."That's awesome! Is this the teamwork between Pokémon and Pokémon Trainers?" May cheered as she saw everyone had cleared the waterfall.The group of four looked around and found that the river above the waterfall was shrouded in mist and rich with aquatic plants. The environment was beautiful, like a fairyland!"I didn't expect the top of the waterfall to look like this.""The river flows very slowly here." The current was indeed slow, which was likely why such beautiful scenery was created."That's because this is a tributary; over there seems to be the main stream with a very fast flow," Maxexplained after checking his Pokémon Navigator.As the four walked forward, they found the soil became looser the further they went, and they could already feel their feet sinking.Brock warned, "Everyone, the soil in this area is very loose, you must be careful!""Okay." The three nodded.As they walked out of the mist, the view brightened, and a group of cute Pokémon appeared before them, playing around."Look, those are Mudkip!" Max pointed excitedly at the Mudkip."Looking at their size, these must be baby Mudkip!" Ash judged, seeing that these Mudkip were nearly half the size of normal ones."When I first met a Mudkip, I wasn't really interested, but these baby Mudkip seem so cute!" May hadn't been interested before, but seeing the cute baby Mudkip changed her mind. "This is a great chance, let me catch one! Here I come!"After saying that, May happily ran toward the baby Mudkip."Wait, May, the Mudkip here might be..." Before Ashcould finish, an adult Mudkip jumped out of the grass and sprayed May right in the face with Water Gun![Mudkip][Strength: Early Superior Rank]"Ah! As expected, Mudkip are my natural enemy!" (╥╯﹏╰╥)งJust then, while several baby Mudkip were playing, one of them accidentally fell into the water. Because of its young body, it couldn't climb back up and was swept away by the current!"Pika!" Pikachu shouted urgently upon seeing this."Ah! The main stream is right ahead!" Max cried out. The main stream was very turbulent; the baby Mudkip was in danger!Just as Brock was about to send out Lotad to the rescue, Ash commanded, "Noctowl, use Agility to rush over, then use Confusion to fish the baby Mudkip out!"The elegant Noctowl quickly approached the baby Mudkip and used Confusion to bring it back to the shore."Whew~" Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.Ash stepped forward and patted the baby Mudkip's head. "Are you okay, Mudkip?""Gelele~" the baby Mudkip replied with a smile.The large Mudkip lowered its guard slightly after seeing this, but it remained wary of the four humans.Seeing this, Brock spoke up: "You don't need to be so wary of us. You used Water Gun on May just now because you wanted to protect the babies, right?""Gele~" The Mudkip thought for a moment and then ran into the grass, disappearing!Ash walked over to Brock holding the baby Mudkipfrom before and said, "It looks like it has let down its guard! Brock, could you help check on the baby Mudkip?""Okay!" Brock then examined the baby Mudkip in Ash's arms. It wasn't injured, which was a stroke of luck.At that moment, an old man with a hairstyle very similar to a Mudkip walked out of the grass."Ah~ A Mudkip Old Monster... What has appeared before the May Exploration Team might be the legendary Mudkip Old Monster that has become a spirit with age!" May was startled but didn't forget her commentary work."That's impossible! Honestly, Sis!" (￢_￢) Max rolled his eyes."Who are you calling an Old Monster!" Angry!! ٩(╬ఠдఠ)و"Ah! It actually spoke!" May wasn't listening to reason at all.Everyone (⇀‸↼‶)"To think you wanted to steal the Mudkip I've been carefully tending to, it's unforgivable!"Seeing the misunderstanding, Ash quickly explained, "No! We did this to save the baby Mudkip."The baby Mudkip in Ash's arms also spoke up, "Gelele~""Oh! Is that so! Then I'm truly sorry." The old man quickly apologized."I'm Ash from Pallet Town, hello!""Hello, I'm May.""My name is Max, nice to meet you!""My name is Brock.""I'm the person who breeds Mudkip in this marsh. My name is Swampy, you can just call me Grandpa Swamp," Grandpa Swamp introduced himself, then questioned, "Entry to this area is prohibited. Didn't you see the fence at the entrance to the marsh?""Grandpa Swamp, to tell you the truth, we were traveling upstream for our Pokémon training," Brock explained."No way, did you climb over that waterfall to get here?!" Grandpa Swamp exclaimed."Sorry, we didn't know this place was off-limits." The four of them quickly apologized. "Pika~" "Ralu~""Forget it, it's fine. Since you saved my Mudkip, why don't you have some tea before you go?" Grandpa Swamp invited the four of them to his home as guests."Thank you, Grandpa Swamp!" x4Afterward, the four followed Grandpa Swamp to a wooden hut.Looking at the hut, May asked, "Is this your home, Grandpa Swamp?""In a way. This is a lookout hut built specifically for taking care of the baby Mudkip," Grandpa Swampexplained.Max immediately noticed an incubator containing several Pokémon eggs that were primarily blue with orange spots."Ah! Those must be Mudkip eggs!" Although each new Trainer receives one of the three starters, they are actually very hard to find in the wild. The base stats of the final forms of each starter are excellent, making them perfect for a main team. Only a protagonist with Ash's immense luck would encounter starters in the wild in every region."Yes," Grandpa Swamp nodded.May and Max ran to the incubator, carefully observing the Mudkip eggs."This is the first time I've ever seen a Mudkip egg.""A major discovery for the exploration team!" Maywas still excitedly commentating."But where do these eggs come from?" Brock asked curiously."My wife always reminds me not to talk too much, but! I simply can't stay silent anymore." Grandpa Swamp suddenly became emotional and asked the four, "Have you ever wondered why the three Pokémon a Trainer first receives must all be raised to the same level?""I've thought about it," Brock answered first."I don't think I have," May followed.Ash chose to remain silent!"Oh, come on, Sis! That's a question every Pokémon Trainer must have thought about at least once!" Maxteased his sister."Ah! Really?""Let me tell you, it's because there are people like me who accept commissions from the Pokémon League specifically to hatch eggs!" Grandpa Swampgave them the answer."I see, so that's how it is," Brock said, understanding."In that case, is Professor Birch the same?" Mayasked."Professor Birch catches and raises them himself," Grandpa Swamp shook his head."Oh, there really are all sorts of people, though it seems most are Pokémon Breeders!" Max remarked."Yeah, but it's a bit different from the goal I imagined," Brock frowned, deep in thought."Oh? Brock wants to be a Pokémon Breeder? Then would you like to see a Mudkip being born?" Grandpa Swamp invited."Really? Thank you, Grandpa Swamp!" Everyone was overjoyed and quickly thanked him. ヾ(≧∇≦ Thank you ≧∇≦)ノTo be continued...
Chapter 29: Got a Baby Mudkip!Chapter 29: Got a Baby Mudkip!Afterward, Grandpa Swamp led Ash and the other three to the hatching area. Three Mudkip eggs scheduled to hatch today were placed here.Under everyone's gaze, one Mudkip egg emitted a white light, and after the flash, a cute baby Mudkiphatched."Ralts~" Ralts was very happy looking at the newly hatched baby Mudkip; after all, it had also been born from an egg yesterday."Wow! The baby Mudkip is really so cute!" Maycouldn't help but crouch down to look, and unsurprisingly, the baby Mudkip sprayed a jet of water, splashing May right in the face.Everyone (￢_￢)... As expected, May and Mudkipare naturally incompatible!"By the way, Grandpa Swamp, is that large Mudkipalso from here? Its level seems to be very high!" Ashasked Grandpa Swamp."Oh... that one! No, that's a wild Mudkip that sneaked in from somewhere. It seems to treat the Mudkip here as its own companions," Grandpa Swamp explained after thinking for a moment."In that case, that Mudkip must be quite impressive!" Brock added.Grandpa Swamp nodded first, then said regretfully, "It is quite impressive, but it's grown too large and its level is too high! No rookie Trainer can handle it. Moreover, its companions here will eventually leave, which is to say, it doesn't have any true companions.""So that's how it is." Brock also felt regret for it.On the way back to the wooden hut, "Gle-le~" a baby Mudkip jumped into Ash's arms."It's the one Ash saved!" May said in surprise.Afterward, Ash's Ralts and the baby Mudkip began to play together.At that moment, "Ding-ling-ling—" an alarm sounded!"Ah! That sound is... oh no, I have to go take a look," Grandpa Swamp said and ran out."Let's follow and see! Maybe we can help," Ashsuggested, picking up Ralts and Mudkip.May suddenly became excited: "Okay, let's see what problems the May Exploration Team encounters next." The commentator was back on stage!——————————————————While the four of them were following Grandpa Swamp, Brock was drawn away by that large Mudkip from earlier.The remaining three, Ash and the others, followed Grandpa Swamp to a fence and saw that part of it had been destroyed."Who on earth did this?!" Grandpa Swamp asked angrily."Wahahaha! Since you... (Team Rockets' opening lines)... that's how it is, Meowth~ Wobbuffet~"Grandpa Swamp looked bewildered. Team Rockets? What on earth is that?"Damn it, it's Team Rockets again. Grandpa Swamp, be careful, they are villains who steal other people's Pokemon," May warned."What! Fine, you despicable villains, you've come here to steal the Mudkip I'm raising for the Pokémon League, haven't you!" Grandpa Swamp confessed without being asked."Mudkip is a very rare Pokemon," James said excitedly.Meowth followed up, "And they have the Pokémon League's quality guarantee, meow.""A person as noble and tasteful as the Boss will definitely love them," Jessie fantasized."Then, after we please the Boss, our future will...""Be promoted to executives and appointed as branch chiefs," James and Meowth also fell into a fantasy."It feels so great!""What's wrong with these people?" Grandpa Swamp was bewildered again. Is there something wrong with their heads?"Honestly, it's all because Mr. Numata talks too much that they became like this," May complained."Oh, is that so? I'm really sorry. My wife often reminds me, too, but this is just my personality; I can't keep any secrets. For instance, the destruction over there...""Okay, okay, Grandpa Swamp, don't say any more," Ash quickly interrupted to prevent him from revealing more secrets."That was close! That was close!" Grandpa Swamphurriedly covered his mouth."In that case, Meowth, go for it!" Jessie ordered directly."Okay, robot start, meow." Meowth took out a remote control, pressed a button, and summoned a robot they had built on a loan, which held a shovel and had a bamboo basket tied to its waist.When Team Rockets tried to control the robot to catch the baby Mudkip, Ash shouted: "Team Rockets! Do you think I'll let you have your way? Come out, Quilava, Croconaw! Use Flamethrowerand Hydro Pump in alternating attacks!""What, such a familiar feeling, meow!" Meowth had an ominous premonition in his heart.Under the alternating effects of fire and water, the robot was instantly scrapped!"Oh no, meow!" Meowth's eyes widened."Pikachu, send them on their way with Thunderbolt." "Pika~chu~"Boom!! "What a loathsome feeling!" "Wobbuffet(˃ʍ˂)~"At this time, Brock and Mudkip just rushed over. "Eh?! We arrived late! Is it already settled?""Yes, it seems the bond between Mudkip and Brock has already become very good!" Ash stepped forward and patted Brock's shoulder to congratulate him!"At the beginning, Mudkip was so wary of him!" Maxexclaimed."As expected of Brock!" *⁂((✪⥎✪))⁂* May looked at Brock with admiration.Brock scratched his head sheepishly."Brock, I have something I'd like to ask of you," Grandpa Swamp said, stepping forward to Brock."Ah? What is it?" Brock asked."This little guy won't be able to have companions if it stays here, but it just became best friends with you. If possible, I hope you can take this Mudkip with you," Grandpa Swamp entrusted."Really? Thank you, Grandpa Swamp!" Brock was startled at first, then hurriedly thanked him with a salute (｀•ω•´)ゞ, and looked at Mudkip, "Are you willing to come with me?""Gle~" Mudkip thought for a moment and nodded in agreement, jumping into Brock's arms."Great, Mudkip, from today on, you are my best partner." Just like that, the Rock-Type Gym Leader captured another non-Rock-Type Pokemon."Brock, then I'll leave Mudkip in your care.""Yes, I will definitely raise Mudkip well." (｀•ω•´)ゞ Salute "Gle~"When the four of them were about to say goodbye to Grandpa Swamp, "Gle-le~" that baby Mudkipstarted crying, causing everyone to spend a while coaxing it.Seeing the baby Mudkip's sad look, Grandpa Swamp made a decision in his heart. "Ash, if you don't mind, take this Mudkip with you!""Eh?! But, this Mudkip belongs to the League!" Although Ash was tempted, he still spoke up."Haha, don't worry! I've been raising Mudkip for the League my whole life; giving away one Mudkip is no problem at all!" Grandpa Swamp guaranteed."Thank you, Grandpa Swamp!" Ash bowed to Grandpa Swamp."Mudkip, are you willing to go with me?" "Gle-le~" The baby Mudkip nodded with a smile.[Mudkip][Gender: Male][Type: Water][Ability: Torrent (When HP is less than 1/3, the power of Water-Type Moves increases to 1.5 times)][Strength: Common Initial (Infant Stage)][Moves: Tackle, Growl, Water Gun, Mud-Slap][tera type: Water]Ash took out a Poké Ball and captured Mudkip, while the unsuspecting Bayleef was sent back.When Bayleef found itself at Professor Oaks Laboratory, it directly learned Thrash, which it originally shouldn't have been able to learn!!In this way, the exploration ended perfectly with Ash and Brock each getting a Mudkip!To be continued...Ash's Team: Pikachu, Noctowl, Quilava, Croconaw, Ralts, Mudkip
Chapter 30: Reunion with Professor BirchEarly this morning, "One, two, one, two!" Ash's group and their Pokemon were doing morning exercises along the beach. Facing the sea breeze and listening to the sound of the tides hitting the shore, everyone's spirits were high during training!Although May kept complaining about being tired along the way, she persevered.As the morning exercise ended and Ash's groupwas heading back along the beach, Brock suddenly called everyone to a stop. "Wait, everyone!""What's wrong, Brock?" Ash asked in Confusion.Brock pointed to a cliff at the end of the beach and said, "Look, there's someone over there!"Everyone looked where Brock was pointing and saw a man wearing flip-flops, a white lab coat with shorts, messy hair like a bird's nest, and a beard, clinging to the cliff wall!"That figure... looks like Professor Birch! What is he doing clinging to the cliff wall?" Σ(ﾟ∀ﾟﾉ)ﾉ Mayexclaimed."Let's go take a look first!" Ash suggested.No one objected, and they ran toward Professor Birch.As a representative of the practical school, Professor Birch was naturally not the type to just sit in a lab doing research; he loved wandering around outdoors and personally inspecting the living environments of wild Pokemon. This was also his main research direction.At this moment, Professor Birch was engaged in a dangerous activity: observing the nests of wild Wingull on the seaside cliff."Oh~ so that's how it is!" Professor Birch marveled as he carefully examined the Wingull nest, even fiddling with it. He was constantly hovering on the edge of death, completely failing to notice a Wingullreturning to the nest, catching him red-handed. Seeing someone messing with its home, the Wingull was furious.The Wingull used its beak to peck wildly at Professor Birch's bird-nest hairstyle. Professor Birchwas thrown into a panic and accidentally fell from the cliff."Ah—""Noctowl, use Confusion to catch Professor Birch! Croconaw, use Water Gun to scatter the Wingulls!"A burst of Confusion successfully caught Professor Birch, while jets of water dispersed the Wingulls.Ash's group, who had rushed over, were startled to see Professor Birch falling from the cliff. Fortunately, Ash reacted quickly and saved him.Noctowl slowly lowered Professor Birch. "Thanks, Noctowl. Croconaw, come back and rest!""Are you okay? Professor Birch, are you alright? You nearly scared us to death," Ash asked with concern."Haha! I'm fine, no big deal, no big deal. I didn't expect to be saved by you again, Ash!" Professor Birch waved his hand.When old acquaintances meet, they naturally need to have a good chat.Everyone sat on a large rock and chatted. "Oh, how nostalgic! It's been so many days since you set out. It's great that Brock was able to reunite with you safely," Professor Birch sighed with emotion."Thank you for taking care of me back then," Brock expressed his gratitude."By the way, Professor Birch, why did you come to Dewford Island?" Ash asked curiously.Professor Birch explained, "Actually, I've always had a wish to observe the Pokemon on this island. For example, look, the Wingulls around here look like that and build their nests on steep cliffs.""But climbing up there like you did is way too risky!" May said, looking at the Wingulls and the cliff speechlessly.Max spoke up excitedly, "What are you saying, Sis! In the field of wild Pokemon research, Professor Birch is a huge celebrity! He's amazing! To see a Pokemon, he's not afraid of any hardship and dares to explore anywhere!""Ah! Is that so?" May scratched her head awkwardly. You're clearly just risking your life!"Haha, I'm honored by such praise." Professor Birchlaughed first, then asked everyone, "By the way, Ash, why are you guys here? I thought you should be near Slateport City by now.""Well, the environment here is actually quite good and very suitable for training, so we've been training here for a while," Ash explained."I see! Ash is working hard on his training, and Mayis also training with the goal of the Pokemon Contest!" Professor Birch nodded."Professor Birch, what do you plan to do next?" Ashasked."I want to do more investigation around here," Professor Birch answered truthfully."Then, can we come along with you?" Max looked at Professor Birch with longing eyes."Sure, no problem!" Professor Birch nodded in agreement."Awesome!" Max jumped up happily."That's fine, maybe we'll run into something interesting!" Ash also nodded in agreement."Hey~ we just made a dense training schedule! Are you guys giving up on it?" Brock pulled out the schedule and pointed to it."Can't be helped, plans can't keep up with changes!" Ash shrugged."Yay, let's go!" May agreed without hesitation upon hearing she didn't have to do special training.Seeing this, Brock put away the schedule. "Sigh! Alright then!"——————————Just as Ash's group followed Professor Birch into a small cave, a red armed helicopter slowly landed on the top of the cliff.A group of people in red uniforms emerged from the helicopter—it was none other than Team Magma, one of the dark organizations!And on the calm sea surface, a wave suddenly surged as a huge blue submarine emerged from the water. The submarine bore a pirate-like logo; it was Team Aqua, another dark organization!Subsequently, five Team Aqua members in blue wetsuits jumped out of the submarine, led by a woman with a hot figure and long, wavy red hair. The Team Aqua members jumped into the sea one by one and swam toward the cliffs of Dewford Island.——————————Unaware of the actions of Team Magma and Team Aqua, Ash and the others followed Professor Birchto a deep, dark cave."There might be wild Golbat in this cave," Professor Birch analyzed seriously.Max got excited immediately upon hearing there were Pokemon. "Wow, let's go in quickly!""Alright, let's go!" Professor Birch waved his hand, and the whole team set out.With Professor Birch leading the way, the group began to explore. Fortunately, although the cave was deep, the light was sufficient, and everyone curiously surveyed the interior."So this is what it's like!" May marveled as she looked around.Meanwhile, Max was praying for a Golbat to appear soon to satisfy his wish to see Pokemon."I think the Golbat should be in the innermost part," Brock said, stroking his chin and thinking."Don't you think it's getting brighter here?" Ash said, looking around, then suddenly pointed. "Look, there are lights and a door over there!"Everyone looked over and indeed saw two lamps and a wooden door."It looks like a secret base!" Ash remarked, looking at the design.Max went straight up and started knocking. "Is anyone there?"Then, with a click, Max opened the door on his own.Seeing everyone's eyes on him, Max said innocently, "I didn't mean to, listen to my sophistry—no! Listen to my explanation, I just wanted to try it, I didn't expect the door to be unlocked!"To be continued...