A Legend's Journey

Hello, my fellow readers and writers! Your good old writer is back in the game. Now, when you receive a lot of PMs and reviews asking why I haven't updated in a while and then you check on your story, you know you did something wrong. I mean, TWO YEARS since the last update. I know I've been distracted with a lot of things (my night job for the last year been the most prominent one) so I can only offer apologizes.

Here's a brief list of how my stories are doing so far:

All of my DBZ stories (regular and x-overs): All of them are under hiatus until I work a way around most of the horrid mistakes I made back in the day. So that means new future story ideas in my profile are definitely not going to appear anytime soon.

The Master Path: On hold until I have a clear idea of what the hell to do with it.

Champions of Sinnoh: Working on a small rewrite for the first chapters while maintaining the overall arc.

Gym Battles Redone: Just need to watch more of the Gym battles in the Anime while adding my own twists, no big complication there. Although adding the background of this new Ash Ketchum is quite a pain to write down.

Unexpected Twist: Making small rewrites concerning certain famous Fairy Eeveelution.

Also I've been keeping up with Pokemon Anime and Dragon Ball Super (at least the manga, which I enjoy much more than the Anime). But seriously, holy shit! Ash has a Legendary Steel-type Pokemon and won a League?! Is he going to wake up from the coma any moment now? It's way too good to be true. I'm not saying I don't like it (been waiting since the Indigo League) but THIS particular Ash is the one to claim victory? Out of his strongest versions in Sinnoh and Kalos and now the low quality one is the one who wins?

Well, that does it for keeping you updated with the rest of the stories. Let's move on with our current story.

And so we have reached the third chapter of the sequel to "Unexpected Twist". And boy, did I make it up to you? Twelve thousand words! Whenever I felt the chapter was ready more words kept coming. I'm sorry if there are some details missing but keeping track of something so long is really hard. As I have decided, I'm not writing a lemon scene here. But don't worry. Ash has plenty of ladies to bang later on. Hell, if things go smoothly, I might go into Alola and then new region of Galar if the Anime continues as such so hot women are more than guaranteed to come across Ash, movies included.

Question for my fans: Do you want Ash to capture the Pokemon, that belonged to Team Rocket in canon, like Cacnea and Seviper? I don't mind as it will show Ash not capturing just willing Pokemon, who Ash befriends. After all not all of the Pokemon he meets can have heart-breaking stories like Charizard or Infernape. But what do you guys think? Let me know on the reviews and PM.

Also I'm looking for a beta. If anyone's interested of course.

Chapter 3: Ready for School?

Walking down Route 104, Ash Ketchum followed his path towards Rustboro City through the dense Petalburg Forest. The following two weeks in the new region of Hoenn since his departure from his short-time student were spent without wasting any second at all. Despite the intermission of the two days spent with May, the teenager's Pokemon almost seemed restless to properly train at their full power once more. Ash made sure his two dozens of Pokemon kept training at every moment to become even stronger, with breaks during midday and close to sundown. None of his family members wanted to complain. In fact, most of them trained without requiring their trainer ordering them to do. Ash always smiled with pride at how far his Pokemon came to knew him just like he knew them. They were a true team. No one was going to stand in their way.

Soon the training sessions to resist type disadvantage the group had been put through Johto had returned in full, this time with a side-along sessions of type advantage. Meaning that Feraligatr, a Water type would be receiving continuous Fire moves from Charizard so to make his natural resistance to Fire even higher than possible. As a beautiful Elite trainer once told him, watch your weak spots and harden your strong ones. While it sounded unorthodox, Ash had no qualms about going for it. He would not go far into reaching his dream of becoming a true Pokemon Master if he didn't push the boundaries of what people called normal.

The Aura trainer also started showing some of his Pokemon the ins and outs of contests, despite only knowing the basics that many recorded performances showed. To his astonishment, almost everyone was more than eager to practice the new battle style, despite been flashier than thoroughly throttling like a good-old gym battle. If anything most of them practiced it because of the possibilities of creating combination moves. But Ash couldn't complain. Doing such a change of training at this point could be very rewarding in the end.

Currently, Ash found himself supervising many of his Pokemon sparring against one another attempting to learn new moves or combine them. The Aura trainer saw his brand new Taillow flying around with Noctowl and Pidgeot making sure to learn as much as he could from his more-experienced partners. Despite Taillow's quite stubborn attitude to not submit to his new trainer for the first few days, the regional bird of Hoenn had been convinced after Ash had offered him to be again free, if he could first defeat one of his Flying types. Of course, that turned out to be the worst decision ever for the bird of Hoenn. One Wing Attack courtesy of Pidgeot's mighty feathered limbs put Taillow down for the count and in need of a Super Potion.

After that, the Aura trainer heard no further complaints from Taillow. In fact, it was now his two other Flying Pokemon trying to keep up with the very enthusiastic Pokemon of Hoenn. In the short span of a few days, Taillow had already managed to learn and fully master Steel Wing, Aerial Ace and Double Team. Ash always made sure that his pack learnt moves to fight against their disadvantages, not only by making them take effective moves. And Double Team was the perfect elusive move to distract the opponent. Some of Ash's Pokemon had learnt the move. As some of his Pokemon could be cumbersome by their massive bodies and weights, having such efficient moves were the easiest ways to get the rival foolishly thinking they could take on Ash's team with a faster Pokemon and lure them into the League winner's trap.

The Aura trainer turned his head and saw Charizard backpedaling, dodging Typhlosion' relentless Slash attack coming one paw to the other in a blurring barrage. The Fire starter from Kanto then hastily sidestepped, sensing someone else coming from behind. As predicted, right at the same spot Charizard had been standing in, Tyranitar had come down with a Thunder Fang that would have really injured the Dragon-esque Pokemon's wings. In a battle, that could have been a battle turner. Yet with a fanged grin, the Fire starter's right hand shot upwardly an attack already at the ready. A green energy claw construct enshrouded by orange flames sent the poor pseudo-legendary careening up and backwards with a loud bellow of pain. This was the reason why some of Ash's Pokemon were sparring against more than one partner to work on their reflexes and reaction time to dodge. The Fire starter from Kanto was one of the few who, while not mind-blown in interest for contests, he sure was focused in combining two moves in one. By the looks of it, an emerald Dragon Claw coated with Fire Punch. Something Ash was more than happy for. Charizard was sometimes just as stubborn as him so it was better to give in a few times. Forcing his Pokemon into something they didn't want wasn't the way to go to make them stronger.

Ash kept looking around for the rest of the team. His newest Nidoqueen stood strong as Tauros charged at her with a Horn attack. The female Drill Pokemon stood her ground, her pillar legs barely moving back despite the insane amount of strength the Bull Pokemon had, thanks to its time stampeding all over Professor Oak's lab. The Aura user had been shocked to find out how much stronger his Normal-type Bull Pokemon had become despite only spending time running around and probably observing the other Pokemon the Professor cared off. As a Normal type, his move pool was already dangerous and could become even more so. Yet his newest addition of Nidoqueen was no slacker either. The Drill Pokemon was actually but with a heavy effort, pushing Tauros back, her hands clasping the sharp horns her thick legs caving the soil with each push. Tauros' hooves made small swathes as he was been surprisingly shoved back even if at snail's pace. Looking behind him, one would see some desperation in his effort to not be thrusted backwards. Ash' shiny Bayleef was at the waiting alongside Rhyhorn, the collar of leaves aglow by absorbing the sun rays, energy amassed at her mouth ready to unleash a Solar Beam on either of the two Pokemon in combat, whichever the shiny Pokemon decided to make her ill-fated victim. Her Vine Whips were at the ready moving around her, working on how to multitask to not let her charging blast leave her exposed in the middle of the battle. The Rock/Ground Pokemon was instead stomping his front paw, ready to let loose an instant charge the moment any of the two got close enough. As Ash found out after trading it, the dual-type Pokemon hailed from Kalos and had been used a Poke Ride for Rhyhorn races. So it definitely wasn't missing in the speed department.

The happy Feraligatr also faced off against two Pokemon, only his case took it to the very extreme of Pokemon and human sanity. He bravely and very recklessly stood against the Titans of Fire and Lightning Moltres and Zapdos. The two Avian Pokemon, who were generating their elements by the mere flap of their wings, would normally intimidate any Pokemon and trainer. But not a fellow member of the gang. The Crocodile Pokemon jumped in delight, as water spurted around his crocodilian body shooting him forward like a living torpedo. The Aqua Jet shot forward, with the two Titans not flinching in the slightest. They incredibly took off towards the incoming living projectile, their own bird-like bodies enshrouded in bluish flames of Flare Blitz that ignited the grass and orange static Wild Charge that made trees lose their leaves. Ash smiled as he turned his head at the time of impact comparable to a handful of Self-Destruct between three physical moves. It was obvious who had won that collision. He'd get the Super Potions ready.

On the shore of the flowing river Blastoise and Kingler stood proudly. The fully-evolved Turtle Pokemon let loose two powerful jets of stream from its cannons, the powerful Hydro Pump soaring across the river cutting the surface of the liquid in two as it reached the other side of the shore in seconds even managing to break a few trees in half. The Crab Pokemon made its larger right pincer glow in white energy, slamming it hard onto the river. The powerful wave amplified the already split surface of the river, revealing the riverbed making it look like a path had been created. This great image kept on for a few minutes until the two Pokemon ceased their offensive. Ash smiled. Both of his Water-types from Kanto were working on their stamina, throwing rapid-fire moves for as long as they could, then a quick respite and back to it. So far Blastoise had been maintaining constant water streams for half an hour before needing a short break. Practicing Hydro Pump was far easier and more versatile than doing the same exercise with Hydro Cannon, the strongest Water-type move. Although it didn't mean they wouldn't practice it at some point. After all, many Elite Four and Champions had Pokemon capable of using moves like Hyper Beam in quick succession without needing a turn to rest. Kingler had the work more cut out for him, as his species wasn't well known for having great resilience. But been part of Ash's team meant his trainer would help him get past that limitation one way or another.

Close by, Phanpy was with Gligar and Heracross practicing their Hidden Power. It was a very good way to gain a new elemental attack. And thanks to the uniqueness of the move, the two Ground types could have different kind of elements. The kind of element they possessed now would definitely change upon their evolution one day. But that was something to be worked out much later in the future.

So far the Elephant Pokemon seemed to have more success in charging the attack but instantly dissipated afterwards, leaving her a bit frustrated. The Scorpion Pokemon didn't struggle so much, amassing the move much faster than his little sister and effectively launching the barrage leaving very obvious cracks and fissures upon the large boulder they were using as test dummy. And by the looks of the orbiting salmon pink colored orbs, it was a Fighting type move. Definitely a great way to counter his super effective weakness against Ice.

Heracross, however, was instead practicing his accuracy shooting one glowing purple needle from his mouth. The needle he spat sailed with such smoothness through the air and embedded itself deep into the stone, going straight through it and following undeterred, puncturing the bark of at least three trees until its momentum ceased. Ash wanted to gawk but he kept his composure. His Bug Pokemon's newest move was known as Fell Stinger. While not looking very impressive at first glance, it had quite the extraordinary side effect. If Heracross were to knock out a Pokemon with this move, his physical attack would double. A great way to gain a quick power up without needing to put his dual-type Pokemon in danger by staying still and using Sword Dance. Although combining the two power-ups was definitely something the Aura trainer would look into it. It would be quite a great battle turner in any Gym or league battle and definitely doubly appealing for contests.

The closest group towards Ash consisted of his fully-evolved starter Raichu alongside the dual-type Haunter. Ash had been quite amazed to find out after a quick check of his Pokedex that The Gastly line could learn the three Elemental punches. And while making the Ghost Pokemon learn them hadn't been hard, after all, Ash already had seventeen of the eighteen types in his massive team; they still had to work up Haunter's physical strength. This was the reason why Raichu was practicing with him, both Pokemon from Kanto punching boulders. For the Electric starter, he didn't need to summon any of its physical moves. Years as a Pikachu milking every ounce of training to become stronger and faster had made his final evolution consequently very astonishingly powerful. Haunter, however, was a whole can of Remoraid to open. The rather prankster of a Pokemon could barely produce a few cracks in the surface despite trying to summon the move Focus Punch his trainer had told him to work on to take advantage of his Dual immunity to Normal and Fighting and to fight its weakness to Dark. It was common knowledge that Ghost Pokemon' supernatural ability to fade through most matter came at the expense of not been able to keep solid form to be considered great melee attackers, Legendary Pokemon been the exception to that rule. Ash could also guess that spending time with Sabrina had mostly helped the dual-type in the long range department, which according to Haunter's move pool, it did. Psychics do have mostly special moves over physical ones. So until his ethereal body could harden enough to maintain such a powerful attack, he had to keep training. Been a ghost that barely needed sustenance definitely added in keeping him going more than the other members of the team could.

Near that team, Venasaur and Sylveon were practicing how to combine two moves. They were the first ones to start the new trending when their trainer mentioned coordinating, and were obviously not going to stop until they had at least accomplished one double move each. For the fully-evolved Grass starter, he was trying to work his Vine Whips with the far stronger Grass-type move Power Whip. Vine Whips was a rather weak move, even if used by a very powerful Pokemon. Yet its low power was surpassed by its versatility and quickness. And combining it with such a powerful move would create a faster and devastating move with almost no chance of dodging. And by the looks of it, the fully-evolved starter seemed to be almost done, shooting three vines surrounded in purple-colored aura towards a thick tree. When the impact came, to no one's surprise the poor plant had been torn to shreds, splinters flying everywhere in a brown shower. The Aura trainer smiled. Venasaurs had the unique trait among other Grass types of developing more vine whips as they grew old. As Ash could see, his own Starter already had three. So the dual move would grow in hazardousness at the same pace Venasaur did.

Meanwhile, the Fairy Eeveelution charged up a Moonblast holding the glistering pink sphere in her mouth. Holding the power of magic was only the first step, however. Now Sylveon started pouring more of her Fae power into her orb, making it grow in size and radiance. Contrary to her fellow training partner, the Eeveelution was aiming for a one-shot blast capable of taking out anyone that stood in her way. Something that other Pokemon, with or without type advantage over Fairy, would HAVE to dodge, with or without orders if they appreciated their lives.

Ash now back stepped, his aura sensing the massive gathering of energy. His other near-by Pokemon followed with his idea, when Sylveon let the attack loose aiming it up into the sky. An orb of energy with a width twice that of Sylveon's body erupted like a volcano shooting up into the blue heavens with blurring speed. Even without aiming at her family, the trainer from Kanto and company fell back by the shockwave created by the blast off. The sphere of pink light reached an incredible altitude until it bursted into a colossal display of glittering shockwaves. A drizzle of sparks rained down over the training field.

The panting Fairy type yelped in happiness, jumping to the shocked Ash's arms, who stumbled back until regaining his bearings. He knew that Sylveon was determined to grow strong but to such degree? Ash was proud and bit terrified. Apparently the Fairy type was more than dangerous to just Dragons. And Dragon Masters like Lance and Clair were revered in every region for a reason.

Did that mean that his shiny Pokemon now granted Ash the title of 'Dragon Slayer'? Definitely food for thought.

"Great job, Sylveon. But remember to not over do it. Hyper Beam isn't a move you can do consecutively. And I can see that Moonblast follows the same pattern, combined or not." The Fairy-type nodded, enjoying her dad's petting until he put her down. Her Pokemon friends moved to congratulate her.

Nearby after been amazed by the Fairy type's display of power, Ash saw Lugia with Snorlax taking deep breaths of air. They held their breaths for a while until the Aura user saw flickers of fire escaping their mouths, their bodies covered in a red aura of heat. The two bulky Pokemon already knew Flamethrower so Ash had told them to work on the much stronger move Overheat. Sure it wasn't a move that could be constantly performed due to its secondary effect of lowering the Special Attack of the one using the attack. But considering how dangerous both of them were, one hit was all they would need.

One of Ash's Pokemon, however, took part in none of the two training schedules. Muk was lying under the shade of a tree, dozing off. Although Ash could sense the sadness coming from his Poison type's Aura. The teenage trainer could only wager that Muk was either homesick, definitely possible after all the time he had left his Slime Pokemon in the lab with the professor. Or the other option, and the one Ash feared, was that Muk no longer wanted to be with them. Ash was not one to hold back anyone, even if that meant letting them go. But the league champion didn't want to jump to conclusions yet. Sadly, his Poison-type wasn't very forthcoming when it came to talking, even if his trainer could now clearly understand him thanks to his inner powers. And Ash was not going to start ordering Lugia to read everyone's thoughts. That would be a breach of privacy even he didn't have the power over his crew, no matter how close he was to them.

Ash sighed. His Pokemon were working perfectly as they were so he could use the time that he didn't supervise them to practice his own powers. The league winner strode towards a nearby untouched tree, calling upon his inner power of aura. However, this time he focused it at the soles of his feet. His right foot rose horizontally coming in contact with the unyielding bark. With a sigh of brief uncertainty, as all first steps were, Ash followed through with the other foot. To no one' surprise his body managed to remain almost ninety degrees parallel to the ground. Ash sighed, his focus still applied solely to his lower members to not start any shaky motion. Arceus bless his Aura. It sure was a pain in the ass to control especially without there been a teacher about that particular field of expertise. Until Ash knew if there were more Aura users like him then self taught would have to suffice for him. But as certain Elite trainer would say, "practice makes perfect" and he wasn't one to squander such an useful mantra.

His train of thought was cut short when sudden tremor run over the soil, which stopped the whole training session of the gang. Ash's focus went out of the window as he plummeted almost a whole meter into the unforgiving soil. He landed with a thud. Ash hastily got up thanking his Aura for reacting on instincts and cushioning his falling. Otherwise that could have left a serious concussion. Many of Ash's Pokemon fell to the ground by the tremors losing their balance while others, who could fly or hover remained air-bound.

"What the hell was that?" The League Champion blurted out rubbing the back of his head aching. "Is everybody okay?" The Aura trainer asked. Although by the fact his Pokemon were already standing up barely dusted made Ash smile. Even an unintentional Earthquake attack hadn't injured his team at all.

After recalling most of his team with the exception of Raichu, the League winner headed towards the place from where a plume of thick smoke rose into the clear skies. As the teenager got closer, he noticed the middle-aged man standing on the edge of a crater looking down. Ash gazed into the apparent frustrated trainer of sort. With spiky green hair, the man stood a few meters at the front of a sheep. He held in his gloved hands what looked like a gun although definitely not one that would shoot conventional bullets. This made Ash growl in anger. You didn't need to be very bright to notice the very obvious Pokemon Poacher.

Poachers were usually the bunch of angry trainers, who never made the cut for the top League. In fact, Lorelei had explained to Ash that Ritchie and he (and Gary to some extent) three brand new rookies of the Kanto region, making it so far into the Indigo League on their first try was completely unheard off. She herself had only managed to claim victory in an official League during her second year as a trainer. And that was mostly after she had started her unique drilling regime she casually called training. In fact, most of the participants of the Indigo Plateau back on that day already had a year or two as trainers and Ash still got to the sixteen best over them. If only his Pidgeotto hadn't been so tired or if Charizard had heard his commands then the teenager was sure he would have reached all the way to the Semifinals at minimum.

Sadly, not everyone could be a gifted trainer, who comes every few generations. Many of the hundreds of trainers who did make it through the eight gyms eventually found themselves surpassed in the Leagues and never made it to be considered Elite-level trainers to reap the benefits years later as that actually meant putting sweat and effort into training their teams. So the drop outs turned into the illegal methods to claim easier money. Poaching was one of the many and more common ways as there was always going to be a lazy asshole sitting in a mansion thinking that their riches could buy anything they wanted, rare Pokemon included. But despite how luxurious stealing Pokemon sounded like, many poachers were very much shitty trainers. Whatever powerful Pokemon they may have captured for themselves fell woefully short to a proper trainer-Pokemon duo.

Poor ignorant fool. As soon as Officer Jennys find out about his actions, they are going to rain down on him like starving Arcanine to a baby Ponyta. And that didn't include if the Pokemon Rangers find out first.

Many feet below at the bottom of the crater a very imposing tree stood proudly. Yet one quick look at it made Ash notice how much it had decomposed, no leaves on its branches and bark peeling off like animals shedding old skin. Why was this man even bothering to attack a giant dead tree? There was almost no energy flowing within its trunk. Aside from the many presences inside it.

"Inside?" Ash thought coming down on him, his gloved hands balling in tight fists. This tree, derelict as it may be, was the home to wild Pokemon. Many if his sensing skills were to be believed. And this asshole was willing to bring it down with them inside. That wouldn't stand at all!

"Cut it out!" The raven-haired Pokemon trainer yelled out, coming out in the open with a sprint, his starter sending sparks out of his electric pouches with a glare. "There are Pokemon inside this tree!"

"Why do you think I'm even here, brat?" The poacher commented with a scornful expression, his hands gripping the gun tightly. "Either they get out and I make a fortune in the market or I bury them under ten tons of rotting wood!" His right hand engorged two Pokeballs, calling out two Pokemon in front of the Aura user. Two very familiar Pokemon for Ash.

One stood on two clawed scrawny legs, an avian body resembling a vulture covered in brown feathers and long beak for mouth. The other one was a small blue-colored limbless shell Pokemon with two menacing eyes leering.

"A Fearow and a Pupitar." Ash stated, checking how the two Pokemon were obviously up to no good. But the seasoned teenager was by no means afraid. He had personal experience with the two species, having one as his family. "I'll show you some real strength. Raichu, you handle Fearow. Come out, Tyranitar!" The Armor Pokemon bursted out of his Pokeball roaring in strength. The sand storm kicked up around him and Pupitar thanks to its ability Sand Stream.

The poacher no longer looked so smug. This meddling fool was going to ruin everything for him. Sadly for him Rico was just a beginner in the field of poaching. He got sent here because it was supposedly an easy job. Something he appreciated. He definitely wasn't ready to go for some of the craziest jobs regarding Legendary Pokemon. But now the punk was going to cost him his initiation.

"Fearow, use Drill Peck and Pupitar, use Hyper Beam!" The poacher hastily commanded. His Fear Pokemon shot into the air onwards towards Raichu his beak making a drill motion. The middle-stage Pokemon gathered energy at its 'mouth' expelling the focused orange beam at the taller armored opponent.

"Stop Fearow with Thunderbolt, Tyranitar, show them a real Hyper Beam!" The Aura-powered teenager casually ordered ready to prove this idiot who was wrong in its ways. The fully-evolved starter unleashed the lightning while his fellow team mate gathered his own super attack inside his mouth hastily fighting back the incoming orange wave.

It was a massacre.

With a shrill of a cry Fearow landed with a hard thud smoke wafting from its scorched body. The Flying-type was lying on the soil struggling to get up after receiving more than thousand volt of electric current. Pupitar's lament of pain followed, when its attack was easily overpowered in seconds, leaving a middle-stage Pokemon unmoving inside a small crater with swirly eyes and a lot of cracks all over its blue shell.

Ash couldn't stop the grin of pride crossing his face. Despite the fact his team had just been training not but ten minutes ago, they were always at the ready for anything that came their way.

There was a sudden rustling from inside the old tree. Both Pokemon trainer and Pokemon hunter looked up into the tree cup a dozen of many Pokemon standing on the dry branches of the massively tall plant.

What surprised Ash the most were the species of the Pokemon. Half a dozen of small bipedal green-skinned lizard-esque Pokemon with rather long bulbous tails compared to their bodies were shaking in fear. These were the Grass starter of Hoenn Treecko, all of them varying from small to almost knee-high height looking fearful from the tree top obviously terrified by whatever battle was threatening their home. Meanwhile a smaller pack of three taller Groviles stood near them. The evolved form didn't have a tail and displayed two leaves on each forearm and a toothpick hanging from their snarling mouths. Ash raised an eyebrow when he saw one of the Treeckos actually not afraid but the whole opposite. It was enraged and one of the Groviles had to use both hands to keep it from jumping down into the battlefield. Ash didn't know whether it wanted to fight him or the poacher. Probably both.

But the more imposing Sceptiles, two of them far taller and bulkier than the previous forms with lengthy and bulky branch-shaped tails, yellow nubs on their backs and looking as strong as Ash's Blastoise were glaring daggers at the poacher. The final form of the Grass starter was well known as the Forest Pokemon for a reason. No one could compete one-on-one against them, let alone if they traveled in packs. Even Pokemon like Sevipers, Poison snake-like creatures with type advantage over the whole evolutionary line, knew to stay clear from a fully-grown Sceptile. Their incredible speed, dashing from tree to tree coupled with their incredible strength comparable to Fighting-type Pokemon made them dangerous to fight head on. And even in long range, their speed made that a futile point. Either you attacked fast or you were dead on the spot.

And by the looks on their glaring eyes, the Forest Pokemon were more or less ready to kill someone.

The Sceptiles opened their mouths. The yellow nubs on their backs started amassing power from the yellow star of the planet and fired a combined barrage of Solar Beams. Ash widened his eyes, jumping back alongside his two Pokemon before either the blast or the shockwave hit him as well. That unison attack alone could have injured any of his fully-evolved starters. This wild group was better if left unbothered.

The attack had hit the sheep and not the poacher, who managed to run a few feet before the shockwave hit him in the back like a ton of bricks. The poor idiot was still laying meters away after taking such a powerful explosion, looking very much like his knocked out Pokemon. In fact, Ash barely detected any Aura emanating from him. Alive or not, it wasn't in the trainer's mind to aid him. Only call Jenny and let her deal with this mess.

Quick movement from above told the Pokemon trainer to be wary. The apparent leader of the pack was the first who landed with a rather silent thud that betrayed his size. His fellow and the rest of the clan followed his example.

"Hey guys, are you okay?" Ash asked the Sceptile, who landed in front of him.

"We are fine," The apparent Sceptile leader said. It stood at an imposing seven feet tall, the leaves in his forearms showing there were four instead of the usual two. It proved its age as more leaves appeared as they grew old. He had multiple scars over his body to show the battles he had gone through in his long life against wild Pokemon or other trainers. "Thanks to you and your Pokemon our clan will see a new day." The seasoned trainer nodded, recalling his Tyranitar back.

"But what about the tree?" The Aura user asked looking at the obvious dead plant. Not to mention the obvious burn marks and chunks of bark that the poacher had removed with his gun. Maybe he could have Bayleef or Venasaur use some of their powers to fix it.

"There was no lasting damage," The leader of the clan retorted with a smile. "Besides, it is bound to die soon enough. But it will grow back in time. It has happened before." The seasoned trainer rose an eyebrow shrugging his shoulders in response. It wasn't his place to question how Sceptile led his family. Considering how many they were, these whole family line could pretty much walk into any area of the forest, inhabited or not and expel both humans and Pokemon if they needed.

"Okay, then. Good luck." Ash commented, turning around with his Raichu moving away towards the campsite for their stuff. Hopefully they could get some training done before the officers had the area cordoned off.

However, someone again interrupted Ash's departure. This time, a much smaller frame.

"I want to fight you." The Treecko, which had attempted to fight the poacher, stated looking very cocky. Ash sweated a bit now doubting. It wasn't because he was afraid of engaging in a fight with the starter. In fact, he was pretty sure he was the luckiest trainer in the world. How many could say they have captured all three starters of each region? But there was a group of the whole evolutionary line standing behind the Treecko. And Ash was not an idiot like the poacher. He appreciated his life, thank you very much. A brief nod from the Sceptile leader put the trainer's mind at ease. It seemed that this particular starter was on its own.

"Then I won't hold back," Ash stated with a winning smile, one Pokeball engorging in his hand at the ready, "Venasaur, come out!" The fully-evolved Grass/Poison starter stood imposingly, the soil quaking a bit by its landing. Treecko smirked charging at the enemy at high speed with Quick Attack. This Pokemon was a real challenge for him. His bulbous tail started glowing silver.

"You start with Iron Tail, uh?" The League Champion muttered. For a wild Pokemon it definitely knew how to handle a weakness. "Then we stay still." Treecko performed a front flip, his tail slamming hard on top of Venasaur's head. Treecko almost lost his toothpick. His strongest move had done nothing to the fully-evolved starter from Kanto. Not a scratch or bruise appeared on its lime-shaded thick hide. This, however, didn't deter the Hoenn Pokemon. Jumping back to gain some distance and with a deep inhale, Treecko let loose a volley of yellow-colored bullet-like projectiles at blinding speed.

"Bullet Seed," Ash commented to himself, gazing down at his starter who also looked up with a nod of approval. "Well he already shows me he has potential." Again not bothering to even order a command, the seasoned trainer let his fully-evolved Grass starter handle things on his own. This consisted mostly of letting the annoying attacks land on him like irritating bugs. Which they pretty much were.

The Grass starter from Hoenn felt completely out for a loop. How was one Pokemon taking his best moves without even blinking in reaction? It was infuriating! And exciting! None of his relatives ever wanted to spare, at least to the point of exhaustion like he always did. And most of the Sceptile leaders preferred to put him down in one hit than indulge him. That was his main reason for always drifting away into the forest looking for wild Pokemon or trainers to fight. He wanted to one day become the strongest Sceptile of the region and maybe more.

"You see it, Treecko?" Ash asked towards the Gecko Pokemon from Hoenn. "My Pokemon are very powerful because we train. I think that's what you want, don't you?" Ash sensed the short Pokemon's aura glowing in delight as he nodded, "Venasaur, show him your Vine Whips!" The three tendrils shot out from the plant of the Pokemon's back forward, making the smaller Grass type to start moving around. But for all of his dashes of speed, The Dual-type from Kanto had seen and fought faster than Treecko. Jumping up to elude it, Treecko still found his ankles wrapped by the powerful binds with the third whip tight around his neck. Suddenly, purple energy had spread over the whips, making Treecko want to get free now desperately so. Struggling did no good for the starter. He was suddenly yanked downwards, pounded hard into the soil by the most recent dual-move Venasaur had been practicing and apparently was already good to go. The starter laid completely still with swirls for eyes inside a small three-feet deep pit.

"Pokeball go!" Ash threw an empty capture ball, hitting the unconscious Pokemon converting it with red energy. The ball remained shaking for a few eerie seconds, Ash looking at the quaking Pokeball with a stoic expression that betrayed his internal doubt. No matter how many Pokemon he captured, this was always the most important moment as it symbolized the beginning of a new companionship.

The 'ping' erased the trainer's uncertainty with a sigh.

"Sorry if I was a bit harsh with him." The Aura user said in apology towards the leader of the pack clipping the newest member of his team to the belt.

"That Treecko needs a firm hand to be properly taught." The Sceptile leader stated now obviously not minded. The Treecko had always being a bit rambunctious and pride-driven to prove its worth. Sometimes going out looking for battles instead of living in seclusion with the rest of the clan. And that had led to some serious dangers, especially getting in the crossfire between the eternal-battle Zangooses and Sevipers of the surrounding forest.

Ash grinned. His time in Hoenn so far held no idle hour.

The following days since the poacher incident were just as intense as always were for our favorite trainer hailing from Kanto. Getting his brand-new Treecko used to the training sessions took time but Ash still pulled it off. While the Tree Pokemon still had some attitudes of a loner, mostly when it came to eating preferring to do so sitting on tree branches, the newest starter was quickly welcomed into the family. What the trainer couldn't pull off yet, was Treecko's insistence on trying to hit on his shiny Bayleef. It seemed that the Grass starter from Hoenn had a very serious Brock-ish attitude towards Ash's shiny starter from Johto. That had sadly earnt Treecko a few Razor Leafs to the face, which weren't as funny as they sounded even with the gecko been of the same type.

For the time being, however, the League Champion found himself resting atop of a viewing point in Rustboro City the beautiful metropolis down below. He had arrived just a day ago so to fully prepare for his first Gym battle using the training fields close to the Pokemon Center. Ash knew that the Gym leader of the city was a Rock-type expert as such he wasn't to going to be making rookie mistakes like he had first done so long ago. The trainer almost laughed remembering his first Gym battle in Kanto against his friend Brock. Oh how very lucky Ash had been that day.

Who on his sane mind would try to overload a Pikachu with electricity to make it stronger? Or activate the Gym's sprinklers? Why did Brock even hand out the badge to him despite obviously cheating?

From his high vantage point, the Aura trainer could clearly see the Pokemart. He definitely had to go there to pick up supplies, mostly a lot of Potions and probably some Evolutionary stones. A pack of nine stones for three thousand Pokedollars may sound much but considering his new outfit had costed his girlfriend much more then he wasn't going to be complaining. It wasn't like he was going to become a pinchpenny just to save up money considering how good of an income he already had. This brought the second point of his future visit to the Mart. To finally and hopefully if Arceus deemed it so, to get the Pokenav Plus he wanted. Getting lost in Hoenn wasn't an issue for him considering how many Flying-type Pokemon Ash had to help him for those instances. But having a proper map to navigate through the regions was far more preferable than wandering off clueless. He was still working within a time frame with the League starting in a few months so he couldn't take too many side tours.

However, one of the most interesting features of the Navigator was how it could be connected to the Global Trade System, which allows trainers to place submissions of the Pokemon one had ready to be traded. Of course, the physical trade had to happen at an official building like most Pokemon Centers with the official trading machines. But putting the notification that he had a few Tauros ready to go with most of the two dozens of his Normal-type Pokemon having a standard but powerful move set of Double Edge, Outrage, Thunderbolt and Stone Edge was definitely going to get noticed in a pinch by trainers or breeders of the other regions. And that didn't include the fact half of the Bull Pokemon had the ability Intimidate while the other had Anger Point.

So far Professor Oak had already uploaded the offer under his own profile. But Ash didn't want to bother his regional expert with something he should be handling. The Professor was already a busy man so no point in burdening him with more just because Ash still had to pick up the slack. Thank goodness his Ice lover had given him that needed wake-up call.

Ash's wandering sight turned left towards a rather lavish luxurious tower. The tall building was Devon Corporation, the great company manufacturers of many gadgets all Trainers needed on their journeys, first and foremost all kinds of Pokeballs. While the future Pokemon Master knew about the different types of Pokeballs, he had to admit to have never really paid them much attention. As most of his captures with regular Poke Balls were always successful, buying different kind of capture devices would have been for nothing, irrespective if it didn't make a dent in his money reserves. Although, having some Great and Ultra Balls ready to be used would definitely be great particularly if Ash was ever to encounter more Legendary Pokemon. At least one whose capture didn't disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.

Ash's thoughts hit the backburner when he saw a small Poliwag running towards him looking quite scarred. The Pokemon hopped up and the raven-haired boy from Kanto easily caught it in his arms. The Tadpole Pokemon had a band wrapped around its tail with a weird symbol embroidered on it, so it had to belong to someone.

"Hey little fellow, are you lost?" The Kanto trainer asked the shaking Baby Pokemon. Usually Pokemon which belonged to certain institutions couldn't go far from the place. Something related to certain tracking beacons placed inside the Pokeballs or something like that. Trainers also had this feature with their own Pokeballs although to a lesser degree and linked straight to the Pokedex.

"Poliwag, there you are!" A female's gentle voice brought Ash's attention up towards the mildly jogging lady. She had brown hair tied in two ponytails with pink ribbons. She was also dressed in quite a fine-looking one-piece suit with a skirt and pink leggings. The Water-type Pokemon happily jumped away from Ash been caught by the newcomer instead. "Thank you so much for finding Poliwag." Her brown eyes scrutinized him up and down. Tall, well-built with quite a form-fitting attire and rather handsome for someone younger than her. But why did his face look so familiar? "I'm Roxanne." The brunette introduced herself.

"I actually think he found me," Ash answered grinning towards the lady. She definitely was a cute one. "Name's Ash Ketchum." He introduced himself with a bow of his head.

Her eyes widen in shock. No wonder this man looked familiar. He was the famous trainer from Kanto everyone kept talking about. The one who had somehow managed to capture the three Legendary Birds of Ice, Thunder and Fire. Roxanne had watched the Silver Conference months ago and was just as shocked as many to not only witness very powerful Pokemon like Ash's Pikachu at that time and even a few and very rare shiny Pokemon. But of course, the spotlight had been mostly taken over by the debut of the legendary trio in an official League. Those news alone broadcasted over the TV made the amount of trainers coming to her Gym almost duplicate in the last month. Obviously many wanted to emulate the most recent League winner and capture their own Legendary. And Roxanne suspected Ash was probably here to challenge her as well. Roxanne suddenly felt she was going to be very busy today. She opened her mouth but was quickly interrupted.

"Miss Roxanne!" A group of young children ran up to the lady. She apparently led a small gaggle of three boys and two girls, all of them were accompanied by Baby Pokemon going from a Pidgey, Zigzagoon and even a Magby. Ash guessed they were all nine or ten years old. Although the trainer from Kanto took notice of one youngster looked very jumpy by his close proximity to the Pokemon.

"This was Kenny's fault! He ruined our class trip!" One sandy haired boy yelled out angrily. He was the one who apparently had the Magby. The shy boy physically recoiled by the verbal lashing.

"Don't blame him. You know he can't touch Pokemon!" A young girl said now obviously protecting her fellow student.

The brunette teacher sighed. Knowing her students as she did, this could get messy. Looking at Ash and his Raichu, however, an idea popped in her mind. She might be abusing of a good man's nature but her role as a teacher for future trainers had always been just as important as her role as starting the gym circuit in her home region.

"Okay everyone, that's enough," Her tone calm but serious put all the students' attention on her, "We have a live conference coming so I want you to be at your best behavior and learn as much as you can." With the students escorted back into their class by a man with a moustache, the Gym Leader turned towards her future challenger.

"Ash, I hope you don't mind but could you give me a hand?" The brunette gym Leader asked with a small pleading tone towards the trainer from Kanto, "You see, I'm a teacher here and the children would really benefit if they can see as many Pokemon as they can. Coming from a League Champion as yourself it will definitely give them a more lasting impression."

"Sure, why not?" Ash replied with a shrug.

Ash was glad this school was nothing like that Poketech academia in Kanto. That thought made him snort in anger. Bunch of assholes the students turned out to be. Pampered rich boys, who thought money could buy them a way into the League and just because they read a few books they were already equal to a trainer who had earnt eight gym badges. Real life was going to be the biggest bitch slap to all of them. If so little was requiered to graduate then Ash was sure he could march into the main hall, show any of his Pokemon and be appointed as Principal, no Legendary Pokemon needed.

After making a small tour with Roxanne across many classrooms, going from a medical class with Pokemon Doctor assisted by Nurse Joy all the way to Contest and Battle classes, Roxanne led her guest from another region into a classroom. At first glance it looked like a conference room with quite a large plasma screen on the chalkboard. A very familiar wrinkled face was diligently talking to the group of students Ash had met at the viewing port.

"Hey Professor!" The League Champion said hello to his regional science man.

"Ash my boy," Professor greeted one of his greatest trainers from Kanto turning his sight towards him. "It seems you got there faster than I thought." Ash smiled a bit sheepishly. Back in Johto, he would have already flown into Rustboro with one of his Flying Pokemon and get the badge as fast as he could. But looking back on it, the seasoned trainer realized how much he may have missed from the sister region of Kanto. Both regions, after all, were separated only by Mount Silver making them the only two regions which shared a national border. Although considering he had still managed to come face to face with Suicune and Entei then he was really not going to look at the gifted Rapidash in the mouth.

"By the way, I already had two of your Tauros traded." Ash gave a nod in gratitude. Now that sounded like something he needed to later focus on. Trading Pokemon was a whole new basket of relationship to start on. After all, he had to earn the respect of a Pokemon, which may have received prior battle prowess from a trainer with whom they had a very close bond or the Pokemon in question had experienced unfavorable human encounters. Both options didn't look favorable. However, his success with his brand-new Nidoqueen was more than a good incentive for the League winner. Even if it took him months to properly show he was more than a proper trainer then he would do it.

"Thanks, professor. I will call you from the Pokemon Center so you can send them over," The teenager thanked. "But after my gym battle."

"Oh so Roxanne hasn't accepted yet?" Samuel asked now surprising the teenage trainer. He turned his eyes one hundred and eighty, looking at Roxanne, who was attempting to not grin too much in amusement.

"Professor, you know this guy?" One of the students asked rising up from the seat.

"Why of course, I do," The seasoned expert answered cheerily. "I gave Ash his starter Pikachu."

"And from that little rascal came this even bigger rascal." Ash stated lazily pointing with his thumb at the Raichu standing next to his right leg. The big orange mouse looked up at his trainer with a not-amused face.

"Not funny." Raichu said deadpanned.

"Hey, if you are so experienced then what are the best attacks against Flying types?" The boy called Kenny or so Ash remembered asked rather smugly. The teenager raised an eyebrow. Was this kid seriously trying to bully him into submission? He wasn't Jimmy from Poketech, who could be put on a treadmill and forced to run.

"Electric, Ice and Rock type attacks," The seasoned trainer answered indifferently, "Of course that doesn't include moves and abilities that turn Normal-type moves into other types." The sandy-haired prepubescent growled after the correct answer. He didn't know half of that!

"Oh if you are so smart why don't we battle?" Kenny stood up now voicing his idea very cockily. This earnt a lot of eyerolls from his fellow classmates.

"Why would I battle you?" The Aura trainer asked arms folded across his chest uninterested, "First, you don't have the age to become a trainer and second, you don't have a Pokemon of your belonging."

"Besides, I don't think a young fellow like you is still ready to handle a League Champion like Ash." Professor Oak chimed in from behind the screen looking quite amused by the display.

"League Champion?!" The crowd of children asked in shock, the high tone making Raichu recoil his sensitive ears.

"I won the Silver Conference in Johto just a few months ago." The black-haired teenager casually commented. The aura trainer saw the kid, who had challenged him suddenly becoming a fan of him. The kid called Kenny wisely knew when to pick a fight.

"Wow, you must be really strong!" The little girl Anita said now enthusiastically, "Can you show us some of your Pokemon?" The League Champion turned his head slightly towards certain brunette teacher. Looking back at him was Roxanne smiling.

"I'll show you a few of them," Ash reassured smiling. His right took a group of six Poke Balls, "Okay guys come out!" Ash sent out some the smaller members of his team like Treecko, Taillow, Phanpy, Gligar, Haunter and Sylveon. Bringing up fully-grown starters or Snorlax was definitely not good for a closed space. And Ash definitely didn't need to start scaring children with Tyranitar or his three Elemental Titans. And Lugia would definitely punch a hole in the ceiling and traumatize the shit out of anyone, who was on the upper floor.

"I heard that." The Legendary Psychic type chimed in from his Pokeball. Ash sometimes really cursed his mind link.

Taillow and Phanpy enjoyed the attention they were given while Treecko was rather annoyed by the mob of young people enclosing him. He preferred to keep his personal space for himself thank you very much. Gligar and Gengar were the whole opposite playing with the children and pulling funny faces. Although Ash was really hoping his Ghost type didn't pull any bombs out of his throat. Harmless or not, bombing children was definitely going to get the worst kind of attention down on him.

Also a lot of the students remained aside from Sylveon obviously fearful of the Pokemon they had never met or read about. Ash's gaze landed on the shy kid Tommy, who apparently couldn't get close to Pokemon. He stood far away from the crowd looking very dejected. Gazing down at his Fairy-type Ash pointed his head towards the youngster, earning a nod from her. The two headed towards Tommy.

"Hey don't worry," Ash assured the shy kid, who looked ready to bolt out of the classroom by the sudden closeness with a Pokemon. His aura emanated not fear but apprehension. The fact it was a Pokemon the little boy didn't know turned up that factor to the second power. The League winner kneeled in front of the timid boy smiling reassuringly. "She is really harmless. But if you mess with her then you better run. Not even a Salamance can save you." Tommy doubted Ash' statement but looking at the rare Pokemon, with a calming aura around its feline-like body and those glowing blue eyes put the boy at somewhat ease. The fact Ash, a powerful trainer was there also helped him calm a little bit in case something bad happened. His right hand edged forward slowly. Yet the moment Tommy's hand touched the soft fur, he found nothing had happened. In fact, Sylveon's ribbon feelers wrapped coyly around his hands, making the boy laugh by the ticklish sensation.

The classmates were obviously quite shocked to see the mousey boy so openly affectionate towards such an enigma of a Pokemon. And this obviously caught everyone's interest right away.

"What Pokemon is this?" Kenny asked rubbing the soft fur of the Pixie Pokemon. Despite not liking Tommy much, just to spend time with so many Pokemon he wouldn't say anything.

"She is Sylveon and is one of the eight evolutions of Eevee," Ash explained sagely towards the gathered group of students. He knew Roxanne and professor Oak were witnessing everything and probably chuckling to themselves looking at a battle-harden trainer as someone' teacher. Ash wanted to snort. They just hadn't met May yet. "And she is a Fairy type too."

"But I thought Eevee only had seven evolutions." Anita asked obviously very interested.

"Sylveon can only be found in the Kalos region, for Eevee to evolve into one it must first know a Fairy-type move and must train while holding a Fairy Gem," The raven-haired trainer explained still remembering when his regional professor had told him how much he had spent to get the unique object shipped from Kalos. And boy did that Gem cost a pretty penny! Ten thousand Pokedollars wasn't something to scoff at. It was almost the average wining for just one regular two-on-two battle. Ash had obviously refunded his Professor after he found out. But the man of science was far more interested in finally meeting a Sylveon rather than the Gem. To him the price of knowledge outweighed any amount of currency. "And if you think she's cool then you obviously don't know my little girl is also a shiny Pokemon." That made all the students start talking to each other, sharing ideas about the newer possibilities of more undiscovered Pokemon.

This brought a melancolic smile out of Ash. He remembered how a Rapidash race in Pallet Town back when he had been five years old had sparked his fascination, which had eventually pushed him as far he was now. And certain beautiful girlfriend of him was keeping it alive.

With the group of kids distracted while Roxanne overlooked them trying to answer as many questions as she could, Ash decided to ask his regional Professor something that had been bugging him for a while.

"Professor, did you ever notice something… 'off' with Muk while he stayed at the lab?" The League Champion asked his regional professor. After a quick explanation of his Poison-type's rather dreary attitude and lack of drive for training, Oak pondered on it for a few seconds until his eyes widen in shock and bursted in laughter.

"What's so funny?" Ash asked eyebrow raised. His comment brought the attention of the students.

"Oh young man, Muk is obviously lovesick." Samuel commented, earning a shocked expression from his young trainer.

"Love sick? Did Muk get a mate while I was gone?" Ash questioned. It would definitely explain why such a murky attitude and the lack of spirit when it came to exercising.

"You see, for a few weeks my colleague in Alola Professor Kukui transferred a few of his regional Pokemon who are variants of those from Kanto. I guess your Muk started bonding with one Muk while I wasn't looking," Samuel chuckled, his hands typing on the keyboard behind the screen. "Here, let me show you." The Pokedex entry of a Pokemon appeared on the full screen displayed for everyone to see. It looked like Grimer and Muk but instead of pure purple slime, the new ones looked rainbow-style goo with crystal shards randomly blotching around their bodies.

"So Alola has version of other Pokemon with different types?" The League Champion asked quite surprised. That opened a whole lot of new possibilities to get brand-new Pokemon. Hell if Sylveon was already a rare Pokemon, then try to imagine discovering a different Eevee aside from the regular Normal-type. And who knows, maybe that Eevee could evolve into the other ten Eevelutions that no one has yet ever witnessed.

"Not only that. Both regions of Alola and Galar have Pokemon, which deviant from their regional forms," The professor kept on his lecture even if it hadn't been included in his schedule. But knowledge was not something the old man liked to hoard. "It's my theory, and quite a hard one to prove, that these regions variants are actually the original Pokemon and our region of Kanto is the one who has 'Kanto versions' of the Pokemon. Alola and Galar are located roughly at the center of the other eight regions. So it easily explains why they have such a variety of multi-regional Pokemon whereas other regions don't."

Ash looked deep in thought. That would also explain why Unova, the farthest region of the bunch had such a large regional Pokedex with many of its Pokemon not found in other regions. Of course, this didn't include introducing new species thanks to breeding ranches and then let them loose in the wilderness to start spreading the kind. That brought a lot of complications especially with the native species getting into fights for territory or preys. But that was for the Pokemon Ranger's problem to handle.

However, the trainer's main focus still lingered with his Poison-type Pokemon. If Muk had wanted to finally settle with a mate then Ash wouldn't be the one to put a stop to it. The Aura user considered all of his Pokemon a true family, and was more than willing to jump into the frontline and take a blast for them just like he knew they would as well. But just like with his former Butterfree, sometimes the call of nature was far more important for Ash to simply force his friends to continue fighting for his dream when they themselves had their own to fulfill.

The League champion cut his rumination short when a beautiful brunette tapped his left shoulder.

"Ash, I can't thank you enough for doing this," The Gym leader said towards the Kanto trainer with a smile Ash sensed was honest. "You just made the day for these children." It was quite interesting how one lucky encounter with certain trainer had brought the whole class together, former dissonances gone by the wind.

"Well how about you make my day and accept my challenge?" Ash asked now.

After a few more minutes of enjoying Ash's Pokemon, the seasoned trainer and Gym leader decided to finally move their battle into a proper battlefield inside the Gym located next to the school. All of Roxanne' students were in the stances looking quite giddy in anticipation.

"I hope you don't mind Ash, but I film my gym battles so my students can watch them at a later time." The Rock-type expert commented, her head slightly jerking to her left showing her challenger someone with camera equipment.

"Not at all, especially if it helps future trainers." Ash responded with a smile. As far as Ash knew, the only battles that would appear in his trainer's profile were League battles and if he ever continued on, his match against Elite Four and Champion. Besides after two Leagues, fighting in front of any camera crew was almost second nature to him.

"This is an official two-on-two Gym battle between Rustboro City Gym Leader Roxanne and the challenger Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. Only the challenger is allowed to substitute his Pokemon at any moment. Now send out your first Pokemon!" The referee said.

"Go Geodude!" Roxanne sent out her first Pokemon. The Magnitude Pokemon was one rock leg-less body with two arms and a mean look and leering towards the challenger.

"I choose you, Kingler!" The challenger called out his first Pokemon. The fully-evolved Crab Pokemon stood at the ready, his massive right pincer put on display for a more menacing look.

"Geodude vs Kingler, begin!" The referee said flags already raised.

"Type advantage, no surprise there." Roxanne stated looking quite smug. Many came with the idea that type advantage like Grass, Water, Ground or even Fighting was going to work against her. Especially rookies, something which she didn't expect from someone who had quite a lenghty profile like Ash.

"Use Rock Throw!" Roxanne started the battle. The rotund Pokemon yanked a slob of rock from the battlefield, throwing it with incredible speed towards its target.

"Just like against Brock all those years ago," Ash said to himself. But he wasn't the same upstart as he once was, "Stop it with Crabhammer!" Ash fought back. The Crab Pokemon's white glowing pincer slammed hard on the incoming rock, turning it into nothing but a floating cloud of dust.

"Use Roll Out!" Through the mist of stone came the rolling form of the dual-type Pokemon tucked on itself.

"Vice Grip!" Ash commanded. Kingler's large pincer opened wide horizontally easily intercepting the incoming Pokemon. The Crab Pokemon was barely pushed back by the momentum.

"Not very wise," The lady thought with a grin this match already half way done, "Use Thunder Wave!" Uncurling itself, Geodude's body bursted in yellow voltaic, quickly spreading all over Kingler, making the Water Pokemon groan out in discomfort. Ash was really surprised. His first gym battle of Hoenn and he was already on the receiving end of quite an ingenious tactic of inducing paralysis to lower the opponent' velocity. However, useful as it may have been against others, against him and his team was not the wisest. Not all of Ash's Pokemon relied on speed to be dangerous.

Kingler glared at the dual-type Pokemon, his claw never diminishing on the amount of pressure it applied. This shocked both Gym leader and Pokemon alike, who weren't expecting a Water-type Pokemon to merely ignore a direct Electric move.

"Now Roxanne, let me show you why Kingler was my trump card in the Indigo Plateau," He smirked looking at his Water-type. Kingler nodded at his trainer despite the lightning current already inside his hard shell body. "Use Hyper Beam and send Geodude straight up!" Before Roxanne could say anything, the inside of Kingler's holding appendage started gleaming in orange. Far too fast for the Leader to respond, the devastating attack went off literally point blank. Geodude resembled a rocket and lifted off reaching the ceiling in a few seconds, slamming hard into the metal beams above. The Magnitude Pokemon couldn't even start groaning in pain before something called gravity immediately took over and sent the dual-type plummeting down. With a great thud and quakes spreading over the arena, the rotund Pokemon laid completely still, the front part of his body looking like burnt charcoal and with swirls for eyes.

"Geodude is unable to battle. Kingler wins. Gym leader, send out your last Pokemon!" The referee said. From the sidelines many of the students were quite flabbergasted. They had witnessed many of Roxanne's gym battles but never one that looked already one-sided and without needing the challenger to use moves with type advantage.

The Gym leader couldn't believe it. She had a strategy to make Ash drop his guard and then to severely paralyze his Pokemon. But it seemed she hadn't reacted fast enough. After all, how many Water-type Pokemon can take an electric attack head on and still manage to physically hold on to its enemy?

Roxanne shook her head. This wasn't time for her to learn. It was time to fight!

"Go Nosepass!" Her second Pokemon was revealed to everyone. It was a statuesque rather cumbersome-looking Pokemon with a body made entirely out of blue stone. The most noticeable attribute, however, was its rather pointy red-colored nose also made out of rock.

Ash smiled. He had trained his less agile Pokemon in a way to fit them better. Kingler was one example. But he doubted Roxanne had trained her Pokemon like he did, obviously preferring to counter when the challenger made a mistake.

"Great job buddy, your training has really paid off in spades," The Aura trainer said recalling his Water Pokemon. Not because he doubted him. When it came to speed, his Water Pokemon was a no go. And paralyzed, it made him a literal sitting Farfetch. More than a good match up for a lumbersome Pokemon like Nosepass if it came to just standing still. But right now, he needed someone a little bit faster and wanted to also test out one of his newest team members. "Now Nidoqueen, I choose you!" The female Drill Pokemon roared with strength, undeterred by the presence of her unimpressive enemy.

"Nosepass vs Nidoqueen, begin!" The referee said.

"Rock Blast!" Roxanne commanded. Her Pokemon's large nose started glowing, sending a barrage of simmering blasts forward. Ash waited, his female Pokemon not looking worried at all. Despite not having been a part of Ash's team for long, the Drill Pokemon had come to appreciate her new trainer's attitude and knew how much experience he had in battles. Trusting him was the best course to take.

"Rock Tomb around you!" Ash countered. With a stomp to the ground, rocks bursted around Nidoqueen, creating a make-shift pyramid construct. The incoming attacks removed a few chunks of the self-made defence but Nidoqueen still remained behind a large slab of rock protected. Ash smirked enjoying the shocked expression he got out of the Leader and her students. "Now use Earth Power!" A roar of power came from underneath the rock construct, flashes of orange energy visible through the cracks. The female Drill Pokemon punched the rocky terrain once more, quakes washing over it. One glowing fissure started heading towards Nosepass. Sadly for the Gym Leader her Nosepass wasn't exactly one of the speedy Pokemon. The incoming crack reached the Compass Pokemon, making him cry out in pain by the effective damage done to it. If that wasn't enough, Nosepass' body started glowing with a green aura.

Ash smirked. It seemed Earth Power had lowered his opponent's special defence.

"Oh no you won't!" Roxanne said now very determined. Most of her Pokemon's Electric moves were useless considering her opponent's dual type of Ground and Poison. She knew from the get go that Ash wasn't going to be an easy win but she wouldn't be herself an equal easy win for him. "Use Flash Cannon!" Placing both of its lumbering arms forward, Nosepass hastily created a glowing orb of lustrous chrome of potent power. The beam of silvery sheen was expelled forward soon after flying off in a perfect linear path towards the rocky construct. The Steel-type move erased obliterated the make-shift defense and hit Nidoqueen in the snout, making her recoil in pain. The Drill Pokemon glared murderously towards her target, ignoring her purple-looking throbbing bruises. If anyone didn't know any better, people could say that Nidoqueen had the ability Intimidate.

"Well Roxanne, you shouldn't have done that," Ash commented with mirth. While he had wanted to let his new Pokemon fight a bit longer to get more experience, it was pointless considering how Nosepass was already on quaking feet despite only taking one attack. Either the Pokemon didn't receive proper training or his own Pokemon was too powerful. Considering how well nourished Nosepass looked, Ash had to go for the latter. "Use Focus Blast!" Cupping the hands and raising them, the Drill Pokemon created a cyan-colored swirling orb of energy. With incredible speed, Nidoqueen tossed it forward and onward sailing across the battlefield faster than a speeding bullet. Neither Gym leader nor Pokemon had the time to react and defend accordingly, the incoming projectile landing like a ton of bricks straight on Nosepass' bulky nose, leaving it completely charred. And thanks to the previous downgrade of stat, the Fighting-type move did a lot of extra damage. With a groan of pain, the Compass Pokemon toppled backwards completely motionless and with swirls for eyes.

Ash resisted the urge of yelling timber.

"Nosepass is unable to battle. Nidoqueen wins. The winner is Ash Ketchum!" The referee said. The whole gym remained silent for a few seconds until the group of students started cheering. Despite their teacher losing the challenge, they had still managed to learn quite a lot in just one day. The whole classroom couldn't wait to start their own journey as Trainers.

Roxanne sighed in acceptance recalling her defeated Pokemon. Most of the strategies she had worked out for battles revolved around using Electric-type moves. She never expected someone to actually fight her with such a variety of Pokemon or to have her moves resisted by such a wide margin. No wonder this young man already looked like a Champion in the making.

"Here you have Ash, the Stone Badge." Roxanne extended her hand forward showing her challenger her cobalt-colored insignia. The seasoned trainer grinned in delight placing his badge in the adequate slot inside the badge case. One down, seven to go.

After saying his goodbye to a certain brunette of a teacher and her students, Ash headed out with great haste. He was already heading back to the Pokemon Center to see what new Pokemon he'd just got traded.

Notes from Chapter 3:

And Treecko is here. And already has a Bayleef to flirt with.

Yes, more Pokemon for Ash. But you will see them on the next chapter. I think this one has gone long enough.

I changed the way Eevee evolves into Sylveon. I will be rewriting that part in "Unexpected Twist" too. Now Eevee must know a Fairy-type move and level up while holding a Fairy Gem. I know that the Gems apparently don't appear in games but were still introduced in Gen VI so I found some use for them.

For those wondering, I am not a very big fan of Ash's Muk. So in a few chapters he will be traded off for a new Pokemon. Would you guys prefer a regular Pokemon from another region or an Alolan/Galar version of a Pokemon Ash already knows? You can include OC ideas for Alolan/Galar forms (OC abilities included) if you have them. At least until I get a list from the newest Pokemon in Sword and Shield.

So Ash has done a great community service plus obtained his first Gym badge. Do you know what awaits him? You will find out in the next chapter!