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theangrypokemaniac · 2 years ago

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Part One

In a sense, childhood never really stops.

Everything to come simply grows round and upon those foundations like the rings of tree, which means that all the thoughts and feelings you had then, even if no longer consciously 'there' on the surface, are all still inside, waiting.

And if you dig down far enough, they burst out like spirits from a haunted forest.

You'd best be sitting down for this one.

The thing to remember about Pokémon is that it was only supposed to last for one region, so its set up and early canon were written in the assumption of an imminent ending.

When that changed, it meant having to slowly prise apart the relationships already established, in order to give them more run time before a belated conclusion finally tied it all together.

If you look, there is a clear difference in tone between series one (which is, officially, from Pokémon — I Choose You! to The Breeding Centre Secret) and two (the rest of Kanto plus the Orange League).

Near enough all of the beloved and best-remembered Rocketshipping moments (Pokémon Shipwreck, Holy Matrimony! etc.) are confined to the first series, because that was intended to lead somewhere.

I actually can't think of any stand-out scenes from the latter half of Kanto. In fact, and perhaps tellingly, that's when the earliest Anti-Shipping elements crept in, as in Bad to the Bone, which is another rant in itself.

By series two, the writers knew Pokémon would last until at least Johto, and therefore tried to roll back the status of these romances to a more moderate level, so it felt less of a fait accompli done and dusted, and more of a work-in-progress with some way to go yet, i.e. still carrying enough mileage to get them over the finish line.

We know from Mewtwo Strikes Back and its deleted footage that characters were originally intended to age, move on with their lives and settle down, which is the right thing to do if you believe the grand finale is just around the corner.

And again, this was obviously how early Kanto saw the future unfolding, because it makes several references to the passage of time during Ash's travels.

(He tells Giselle, for example, that he's been a Trainer for 'about two months').

Even as late as The Battle of the Badge, Misty says it's been a year since they last visited Viridian City.

By the third film, suddenly now it's only a year since Ash and Pikachu met, but nevertheless, time was still ticking onwards, even if in a somewhat stretched condition.

Once we get to Hoenn, the idea of Pokémon as a product, dragged on and on forever, comes into play, where status quo is god and nothing can ever really progress, as doing so would push it closer to the end, thus leaving less room to manoeuvre in the following region.

Even if it does superficially 'develop' during the era, thereby giving the writers somewhere to go, it's simply cancelled out by re-booting it in the next generation, and thus they can do the same plots all over again.

I bet this is is why Kanto and Johto get lumped in together as 'the Original Series', even when Johto was specifically promoted as 'a whole new world', because that was the last point with any real semblance of continuity, when time actually mattered to the story.

Anyway, that's the prologue of why I hate this scene.

There is no 'Jessie episode' to the Indigo League.

We have one for James (Holy Matrimony!) and Meowth (Go West, Young Meowth), but I need to search round the era, picking out the fragments, in order to piece together the puzzle of her background.

And I will do that.

1. Met James at Pokémon Tech. Failed the entrance exam. (The School of Hard Knocks)

2. Got Ekans for her birthday. (Island of the Giant Pokémon)

3. Fears rollercoasters. (Island of the Giant Pokémon)

4. Despises women who sit around moping over a fella, 'cause she's got some bloody standards and don't take no nonsense from men. (The Ghost of Maiden's Peak)

You go, girl!

5. Spent years thinking Santa was a Jynx after one came down the chimney and stole her creepy Bruce Lee doll. (Holiday Hi-Jynx)

If that's a prized possession it doesn't say much for her childhood.

Or, rather, it says a lot.

6. Lived with her mother in a shack with no running water in the far north, and ate snow to survive. (Snow Way Out)

I know, I know it's not Ma Jess in the sub, but they chose to give her the exact same colour hair, when they could've picked any other shade, so it doesn't make sense otherwise, besides the rest.

7. Wants to be worshipped and waited upon 'like Cleopatra' by subservient pretty boys. (Pokémon Scent-sation)

8. Really has a thing for long-haired, effeminate lads, particularly with blue and purple hair. (The Punchy Pokémon)

9. Joined a bike gang with James and finally made friends there. (The Bridge Bike Gang)

10. Said bike gang came directly after running away with James from Pokémon Tech. (Holy Matrimony!)

11. Got nothing for Kids' Day, except 'baloney, and with one slice'. (The Purr-fect Hero)

I was never sure if 'baloney' meant cheap American meat (and meagre amounts of it at that) or was a deliberate play on words and actually indicated no filling at all.

12. Grew up poor and couldn't have Pokémon Dolls. (Princess Versus Princess)

13. Used to be friends with Cassidy. Hates her now because she's 'jealous'. (The Breeding Centre Secret)

James didn't recognise Cassidy here, which suggests Team Rocket separates boys and girls for training, where she and Jessie then met but fell out rapidly, so it can't have been that much of a friendship.

Then again, it takes very little for girls to resent one another.

14. Considers herself an actress for playing a worm in a school play. (Lights, Camera, Quack-tion!)

15. No friends before James. (Friend or Foe Alike)

This is before we even consider supplementary material about her mother, for all that it's never come up in the anime.

Picture the scene: Little T.A.P., having compiled this list, settles down to watch a new episode of the Orange League, and what happens?

...

Right, everyone dies now.

...

All the above, that I bothered to notice and value, because I'd invested in the programme, near enough every one of them is wiped out by this single bloody montage.

I paid attention, I listened to what they told me, I cared, and for what? To watch them set it alight once it's inconvenient?

They are, in effect, punishing the audience for loving what they want us to love in the first place.

One by one:

• Oh, so you did have friends as a kid then? (15 gone)

But only one foot.

• I bet you get a breeze something awful up them robes. (6 gone)

�� Note the clear implication here that Jessie met this berk as a little girl and grew up with him, thus she had a stable, settled upbringing, so you can put all that stuff about her getting shunted about here, there and everywhere in various foster homes after Ma Jess snuffed it out of yer head right now. (CD gone)

You take yer filthy hands off her.

Mind you, I don't blame Jess keeping her eyes shut.

Gotta protect her soul from getting sucked into the black hole of oblivion in Darren's face.

Yeah, he looks like a Darren to me.

Fresh from smashing up the local offy before browsing the racks of Top Man for classy, clearly-not-chav clobber.

Q. What do you call Darren in a suit?

A. The defendant.

• That's some fancy gear yer got on there, Jess. I'll bet that cost a few bob. (11 and 12 gone)

• Not keen on pale, long-haired foppish youths devotedly waiting on you hand on foot, eh?

Oh no, she's always wanted 'em assertive, domineering, cropped, and Ronseal'd to the non-existent eyeballs. (7 and 8 gone)

• May I again state that this routine shows Jessie growing up with this tosser, from almost birth to her current age, with no indication they'd ever parted during that time, which neatly eliminates the history she had with James. (1, 9 and 10 gone)

Not only that, but since she's now apparently lived near Darren until the very minute she signed up for crime, having no reason to do so in this continuity, it's erased the Chansey school before it's even been bloody invented!

It can't be a case of mountain shack, went home, Jynx castle, went home, Chansey school, went home, Pokémon Tech., went home, bike gang, went home, Team Rocket, as what the hell was she going home to? Parents?

And why wouldn't James go with her?

DARREN!!!

Girls like her disgust me.

Always waiting around for her man as if she were his faithful pet.

She can't stand the thought of losing him.

She cries but I'd say: 'See ya later!'

There are plenty more fish in the sea. (4 gone)

That screenshot is this meme:

Out of the list of fifteen, there are five left, 'cause that scene just kept on whittling 'em down like Cassidy on a speed run.

And before anyone starts (because they always start), I'm gonna pre-empt the 'ackshully' treatment.

What they type:

Fufufufufu... Oh they don't say that in the sub, don't you know.

What they mean:

Well if you were a Deesunt Yoomun Been, like me, you'd pay no attention to that vulgar old dub.

Frightfully common.

Alright, alright, I'll take all the words out an' all. (2 and 14 gone) Happy now?

Since Pokémon is no longer set on Earth, that'll be no Christmas allowed either. (5 gone)

All I have left is that she hates Cassidy and rollercoasters, and I'm not even sure if that counts these days, considering how quickly she pushed James on to her supposed mortal enemy. (13 gone)

And there's bound to be an episode I've forgotten about cutting out the rollercoaster terror. (3 gone)

Probably in Kalos.

It's the sort of thing they'd do.

So that's it then. Jessie's past was already a mystery, but this one scene destroyed every important piece of information I'd gathered about her, and quite a few minor details to boot, which set the pattern to come.

Now this wasn't the first time Pokémon ticked me off. We are, after all, dealing with the Orange League.

Who's this twat? And where's Brock?

Bad to the Bone was a portent of doom, but I grudgingly put it aside because I enjoyed the full series.

At least Tracey joining only changed the present, and didn't piss all over the past, but here, when I already don't like the overall situation, watching something blatantly wrong is even more infuriating.

Oooooh, it's just one scene. Get over it.

Exactly. One bloody scene. A few needless seconds easily eaten up by any other content, but oh no, they simply HAD to rip up everything they'd already said, for nothing.

I almost think being a meaningless, throwaway scenario makes it worse, as it led to no plot point within the episode, no vital exchange building to a legendary story arc, nothing of any worth whatsoever, which might (MIGHT) justify the soiled beginnings; it exists only as filler for empty air, never hinted at before, and never referenced again.

It doesn't matter at all, but they did it anyway.

At times like this I realize the value of Zero Tolerance, because the moment you put up with any slight slip in standards, precisely because it is so slight, and you're told to 'be reasonable', you've already consented to a hundred other much worse things down the line, because it's always 'just a little bit more' and 'But you accepted that, so why not this?' dragging yer down the path of damnation.

They got rid of Brock, and replaced him with Tracey, but fans weren't 'avin it, and kicked off.

So Brock returned, and stayed for another three regions, writers waiting for two generations of fan to grow up and leave before they dared pension him off again, and Tracey's barely been seen since.

But this? No one ever said a word.

No one ever says anything, and that just handed 'em a licence to do whatever they wanted.

And what have we had since then?

(Training Daze)

What be this 'shared history' of which ye speak?

Why, all the very moral people know Jessie and James only met in Team Rocket, so it must be true.

Mmm-hmm.

Ever noticed how most of the Team Rocket episodes after this retcon are all about splitting 'em up?

Oh, I wonder why.

Yeah. It's as if there's no deep bond anymore.

How people got swindled into believing this was a prime Rocketshipping goldmine I'll never know.

You'll gladly trade away their entire youth spent side-by-side, all to have one bloody GIF of him falling on top of her?

Why is this a novelty? Weren't they always hugging and falling asleep beside one another before?

Why is it suddenly a big deal?

Oh yeah. The Darren Dilemma hints as much, but this is the one making it official:

Jessie and James didn't know each other from Adam before today.

God knows what they were up to since birth though, 'cause all the adventures explaining have been deleted.

You can't have The School of Hard Knocks, you can't have The Bridge Bike Gang, and best of all, you can't have Holy Matrimony!, as that references them both.

Bye-bye now!

So we've gone from them staying together from childhood, as a choice, irrelevant to joining the Mafia, to something founded on a business deal between work mates?

That's romantic, innit?

(Sweet Baby James)

Jessie, and ME?!

Together?!

A COUPLE??!!

Ewwwwww!!! Yer dirty bitch, Grandma. I'd rather DIE!!!

I wish the writers wouldn't keep sending us these cryptic messages.

Come on, say what you mean for a change.

Uh! She's so disgusting, kids! Don't ship him with her!

That's just cruel, that!

(Crossing Paths!)

Well whaddya know. Here's another vapid dickhead who totally ruined my life in an unspecified timeframe who I nevertheless forgot about til now.

Austin Allegro or whatever his name is.

Real tragic tho.

Not before or after Darren, apparently.

In-between.

Try and make both these Shameful Secret Pasts fit, and you end up with Jess taking a break from Darren mid-way to fanny about with a fellow gibbering non-entity, who inflicted Major Trauma Of Which We Do Not Speak by getting on a bus, but shrugging it off immediately and going back to Darren, who inflicted Major Trauma Of Which We Do Not Speak by donning Giant's flasher mac.

Ah. The classic triggers.

What's this, anyway? Nurse Joy: The Wonder Years?

No, no, no, no, no! It's Jessie! Jessie, Jessie, JESSIE!

Ooh, yes. I'd know that hair anywhere.

This was a Serious Moment, people!

Ah, you mean another Butterfree rip-off?

NO! It was a moth this time! That's a completely different animal!

(Noodles! Roamin' Off!)

Yeah, I'm gonna do this Contest schtick full-time, love.

No, you can't come with me.

I ain't even offering.

Look, just sod off back to Jessibelle will yer?

She'll have yer. Daft bitch.

Hey, it's Mondo!

NO! It's once more a never-before-mentioned Very Important Character!

Amazing how Chris made such a life-shattering impact on the pair but somehow never showed up in the episode covering their Team Rocket training.

Crazy.

(A Fork in the Road! A Parting of the Ways!)

I don't like yer. I never really liked yer.

There will never be anything between us, so yer can forget that.

I don't even respect yer as a friend, 'cause I am outta here at the first sniff of something better without so much as a goodbye.

Who's this creaking old duffer?

That's Jessie an' all.

????????

I will dump you for some beady-eyed pencil neck within five minutes of meeting him 'cause it's Very Definitely Troo Luv Bruh.

Yeah, I know. But I don't give a shit about all the years we spent together.

You were just the only crawling simp I could get at the time.

Come on, even our 'best bits' recap is crap. What does that tell yer?

I don't even care if all yer Pokémon get nicked and you end up alone. I ain't coming back.

...

Okay, I'm back now. He doesn't want me so I might as well.

But don't get too comfy, sunshine. I am NOT happy and I will chuck you at the next opportunity.

Genius continuity here where James has gone from vowing to die before he married Jessie to having a nervous breakdown when she legs it.

Ssh. The Next Opportunity is coming up.

(The Good, the Bad, and the Lucky!)

You'd be much better off with that bird I've loathed with all-consuming murderous hatred for the last two decades.

You know, after she's bullied, belittled and beaten us up relentlessly?

Aye, that's the one. Go on, lad, get stuck in.

I can't be taking you away from Paradise when you've bonded over that famous shared interest of yours.

Whittling.

End of Part One

[Part Two] [Part Three]

[Part Three 2.0] [Part Four]

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1358456 · 1 year ago

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Pokemon Crystal "Free to Play" Run Part 1

Time to give this a try. I remember very little about the specifics and the hidden secrets of Generation II, so... um... this may be a doomed run. We'll see.

Here we go. No glitches, no catching any Pokemon whatsoever, and no buying Pokemon either. Free to play.

Once again, I don't have enough spaces, and don't have access to numbers so... FTP again.

... Who the hell is this? Her daughter is adamant about becoming Prof. Elm's assistant? ... Was that ever brought up in Pokemon Special? Hmm. I can probably use this in an upcoming Short.

There's some asshole looking into the lab and no one ever notices him. ... This lab has one entrance, and an assistant who wanders around that only entrance doing literally nothing else. How did this asshole get in and steal a Pokemon? ... I guess through the window??

Heh. Unlike Prof. Rowan who just stares at you, this dude begs you for help. "Please, we're drastically understaffed because we can't afford any helpers! You're not getting paid for this either!"

"Partner" my ass. ... Oh wait, Free to Play run. ... Er... Yes. Very important. Especially considering the later parts... Taking Cyndaquil for now and will deeply regret my decision at the end of this post.

So this is what a battle looks like from an outsider's perspective. ... So... how do the battles in my Yellow version runs look? "That dude's Pikachu is... er... blue."

Why does my character have a blue Pokeball? Did I merge a Pokeball with a Squirtle already? And this asshole's arm is... kind of messed up. Either his hand is as long as his forearm, or his arm can reach past his knee.

"My name is ???" ... Sure. I didn't ask for his name or his life aspirations, but I guess he's lonely. Well, f*ck him.

Er... I think there's a dude named Ricky in here who wants to trade you an Onix for a Bellsprout. But that requires me to CATCH a Bellsprout, so... nope.

... Huh. That's actually a thing. I thought the mandatory Trainer's School was given that name in Pokemon Special only. I guess the "orphanage" part is new. ... Orphanage... I miss the kids in Morning Glory...

... Where is the teacher? Did he f*ck off and abandon the class? There are like 12 seats here and only 4 kids, 2 of which are playing Pokemon games in the back. ... Wait, what?

I thought there was a path around the dollar sign. But I guess that's HGSS only?

Your dad's "cherished bird Pokemon" are just random sh*t he found in the Viridian Forest.

Nope. F*ck off. ... Oh wait, Free to Play... er... I mean... Yes!

Hey, this is guy who, back in the days, everyone thought was referring to Pokerus that you can only find in the grass around him. ... Back in those days, people also thought that shiny Pokemon were extremely rare variants that appeared in specific places. ... I found Pokerus in my actual Gold version. And Ruby. ... And then I spawned it in Silver! See my GSC Joy Run posts for that shenanigans.

... Sheesh. Sorry for being broke. There's a reason why this is a Free to Play run...

Hey! A gift Pokemon! I wonder what's inside? It better be good! Because I am very lacking in the Pokemon department!

This is Bill's mother. And... So Bill's father is a gambling addict? Hmm. Did I know that already?

Another "gift" Pokemon! It's like a quest delivery weapon/armor in Skyrim or something. As long as I don't complete the quest...

... It's a "gift", but... it ain't good. But... well... I effectively robbed this guy. I can't exactly complain about the quality of the stuff I stole. At least it can use Fly probably. Oh, it has mail. ...

Whoops. My bad. I do not work for the post office, so this is not my responsibility.

... I have to face Whitney very soon. And without a Geodude/Graveler for once. A Spearow and Togepi/Togetic do not help me against that. So... er... this Odd Egg had better hatch into something good!

... ... ... ... -_- ... ... ... ...

Odd Egg? Never heard of it. I only ever had my starter, Togepi Egg, and the "gift" Spearow. ... I just can't get away from that li'l abomination...

I guess Quilava has to solo Whitney... through Attract and Rollout. ... Hmm...

It's cheese time.

Just like Misty's Starmie, Whitney's Miltank is no match for this finely curated, moldy, nasty-ass fromage. Now there should be no more problems!

... So here I am in Ecruteak. And... This is it, huh? ... The first Water Stone you can get is in Cerulean Cape, so... I physically can't progress past Olivine City. Nothing here gets Surf. ... Um... so... I guess I absolutely needed to have picked Totodile at the start of the game. This run was doomed the moment I picked Cyndaquil. "Truth is, the game was rigged from the start."

... F*ck. This is like those very old text based adventure games where you could have f*cked yourself over at the start of the game and wouldn't find out until like... 10 hours in.

Well then. Part 1 is a proof-of-concept run. I'll restart with Totodile for Part 2. And looking at this right now, my team by the end is going to be...

Feraligatr (Surf, Whirlpool, Cut), Fearow (Fly), Togetic (Flash), Espeon, Dragonite (Waterfall), and... something other than Pichu from that Daycare random egg. I wonder if Togetic can learn Fly. If that's the case, I don't need the Fearow and I can replace it with a Hitmonlee/chan/top. ... If I remember where Tyrogue is, anyways. Might be that cave right next to Ecruteak...

Well, next time.

#gsrun

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pokemon-future · 3 years ago

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Kanto Gym Leaders

Are you ready to take on the Kanto Pokémon League again? Check out more information under the cut.

Want to learn more? Check out the Memories of Kanto tag.

Though the badge case image has the gym leaders in their traditional order, you won’t be challenging them that way in Memories of Kanto. Since you begin your journey in Lavender Town, the gym challenge will be in the following order:

Gym Leader 1: Mariana (Cerulean City)

Mariana hasn’t been gym leader in Cerulean City for very long, and she has big shoes to fill! The layout of the gym has remained largely the same, with a large pool in the center of the room where the other trainers in the gym (a swimmer and a tuber) swim around until they spot you.

Once you defeat Mariana’s team of Poliwag and Goldeen, you have your first badge: the cascade badge.

Gym Leader 2: Torsten (Pewter City)

Pewter City gym has a straightforward design. It’s simply a rocky path where you will be challenged by two campers and a black belt.

When you reach Torsten, you’ll need to defeat his Onyx and Aerodactyl to win the boulder badge.

Gym Leader 3: Fina (Cinnabar Gym)

Fina has recently built her gym and science center on Cinnabar island, after the original gym was obliterated by an eruption of the island’s volcano. She’s here to research and monitor the island, and her gym is staffed by scientists and ruin maniacs. These trainers do have work to do, so they might just let you pass by unchallenged, as long as you answer their trivia questions correctly. I hope you know about type effectiveness and Pokémon evolution!

However, you can’t avoid taking on Fina’s Vulpix, Growlithe, Flareon. Once you defeat her, she will reward you with the volcano badge.

Gym Leader 4: Janine (Fuchsia City)

At first glance, Fuchsia City gym appears empty. However, this gym has trained ninjas for decades now, so no one is surprised that it is affectively booby-trapped. Trainers are hidden throughout the room, and you never know when you’ll be thrown into battle with a ninja boy, lass, or battle girl. Make sure you have a lot of antidotes on hand!

Janine’s team of Venonat, Nidorina, and Crobat, will surely leave you poisoned, but if you survive the battle you’ll receive the soul badge.

You’ll also receive congratulations from the retired ninja master Koga, who has great faith in his daughter’s abilities. If you talk to him prior to challenging her, he will share some information about poison types with you, though he is skeptical of your odds against Janine.

Gym Leader 5: Vince (Vermillion City)

Vince keeps a much more relaxed gym than his mentor, Lt. Surge. The gym has now been fitted with colorful, musical tiles; if you step on all of the tiles of a given color in the gym, following them from front to back, they’ll play a tune together and turn off one of the rungs in the electric fence blocking off Vince’s stage. Following the musical paths will definitely put you in the sights of the gym’s trainers: a sailor, a juggler, and an idol, who mention that they are also a lead guitarist, keyboardist, and master Metal vocalist, respectively.

Vince compliments you on your musical chops when you reach him, and compares the support a gym leader gives to trainers--both his friends in the gym and the challengers that come from across the region--to the easily-overlooked importance of a bass guitar in a rock song. Once you’ve defeated his Pikachu, Lanturn, Magnezone, and Ampharos you’ll be rewarded with the thunder badge.

Gym Leader 6: Murdoch (Saffron City)

The youngest gym leader in Kanto, Murdoch works hard to be professional. He has turned the nine rooms built into the gym into a shadowy mirror-maze. It’s dark and difficult to navigate, and you will be challenged by school kids and mediums as you work towards Murdoch. (The school kids aren’t subtle about being Murdoch’s battle buddies, and the mediums are similarly un-subtle that they all look upon Murdoch as their adopted grandson and they’re very proud of him. Some will laud his world travels and interest in staying up-to-date with the newest Pokémon discoveries.)

Murdoch is impressed that you reach him, and even more impressed when you defeat his Haunter, Mimikyu, Mismagius, and Gengar. Somewhat begrudgingly, he will give you the marsh badge.

Gym Leader 7: Erika (Celadon City)

Erika takes pride in the upkeep of her flowering maze of a gym. In fact, at one of the windows outside a young girl gazes longingly at the beautiful trainers in the gym. These trainers include a lass, an aroma lady, a beauty, and a pair of ace trainers.

Erika’s team of Victreebel, Jumpluff, Bellossom, and Tangrowth are formidable, but if you can beat them you’ll receive the rainbow badge, and then there’s only one gym left.

Gym Leader 8: Blue (Viridian City)

Blue has done his grandad proud (if you talk to the retired Professor Oak in Pallet Town he’ll tell you as much!) by becoming a major facet of the community in Viridian City. He has taken well to being a gym leader, though he’ll playfully taunt challengers until or unless they defeat him. He’s built his gym to prepare trainers for the variety of his team, a stark contrast to the rest of Kanto’s gym leaders. You’ll need to navigate through a stream, a grassland, and some rocky terrain to reach Blue, and on the way you’ll battle a variety of ace trainers, all with Pokémon themed to the terrain (water and ice along the stream, grass and bug in the grasslands, and fire, rock, and ground type in the rocky terrain).

Blue will grant you the earth badge once you defeat his team of Rhydon, Exeggutor, Alakazam, Arcanine, Blastoise, which is no small feat. Now that you have all eight badges, he’ll wish you luck against the elite four and the champion. You’ll need it: Blue has never been able to defeat the champion, and not for lack of trying.

I also made Vs. sprites for Mariana, Torsten, Fina, Vince, and Murdoch to be able to make the badge case, but you can’t actually see much of them there, and I spent way too much time on them not to include them, so here they are:

#Memories of Kanto #Kanto #Sprite edits #pokémon #pokemon #pokemon red #Pokemon Blue #pokemon gen 1 #Pokemon FRLG #gym leaders #pokémon future

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nevermore-the-kitsune · 4 years ago

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Pokemon Teams for Fictional Characters pt. 2

Damian Wayne

(Also, I'm not including move sets because in my headcannon Pokemon do remember all their old moves. But humans choose to only use four)

For this AU I'm having the Wayne's own the Gotham City Gym, which specializes in Dark types. Most of the cannon events still happened. Just with a few tweaks here and there. (Dick's 20, Jason's 16, Cass is 15 Tim's 15 but younger than Cass and Damian's 13 because I love AUs where there closer in age).

Anyway here we go!

First things first in the Pokemon Universe his alias wouldn't be Robin since they don't exist. Instead I think it would be Rookidee, since thats the closest Pokemon to a Robin.

His Partner Pokemon and ace would be a Gligar

Name: Goliath

Gender: Male

Why: Gligar screams Goliath (his Batdragon) plus the coloring of his evolutions matches with Dami's Robin and Batman outfits

Story: He found Goliath while climbing a mountain for his training. At the time he was four and Goliath was a hatching. Damian ended up giving him some food, seeing that the hatching was hungry.

Grateful, the Gligar followed him hoping to return the favor.

When Damian's hand got broken on that same trip, Goliath was the one to help him finish his mission and get home safely.

Talia was impressed that Damian could tame a wild Pokemon without catching it, so she allowed him to keep him as his first Pokemon.

-----

Next he would have a Meowth

Name: Alfred

Gender: Female

Why: This one has to do with its evolution. Persian are said to only be loyal to trainers it likes and that it takes a lot to get them to like you. Their also said to be prissy and uptight. This reminded me of Damian. How it took forever for him to trust his brothers and his own snobby attitude. Thus I think it fits.

Story: After coming to live with his father Damian didn't know how to act. He saw his "brothers" and father treating their Pokemon so different than how the League did. They all trained hard. But, there was something eles: warm praise for a job well done, asking for insight on a case (they had taught their bipedal pokemon sighn language) and comfort on a bad day. His father and brothers treated their Pokemon like... people

In the League Pokemon where the lowest soldier, lower than the slaves or concubines. They trained, ate then they had to and got in their ball.

He had been a little more lenient in his training with Goliath. When asked he said that he was still a baby and he had to take things slow in this stage or he might develop too much muscle mass and be unable to fly.

He had kept him out of his ball with the excuse of developing muscle mass at a proper pace.

He liked Goliath's company. The Gligar was a good companion. But on the same level as another person?

He had expressed these thoughts to Pennyworth, the only person in the house to give him a straight answer when he needed it.

Pennyworth had explained to him that some people love to hold power over others and that Pokemon where an easy target, since they couldn't communicate their emotions as clearly as people could.

"Think of Mistress Cain. She sometimes cannot communicate with words, but we know that she's intelligent. But some people see her as less than intelligent and treat her as such because of the power it gives them."

Two weeks later Damian would come across a group of teenagers attempting to shave a Meowth. The Pokemon was little more than skin and bone and crying out on pain. So, Damian broke their fingers and shaved part of their heads for good measure.

He kept the Meowth and named her after the man who taught him about the abuse of power.

---

Next, a Poochyena

Name: Titus

Gender: Male

Why: These Pokemon and their evolution are ruthless with their pray, and only obey trainers with external skill.

Story: Raven gave Damian Titus as a gift. She said that she rescued him from an underground fighting ring (where the battles are to the death). He was still to young to battle so he didn't need much rehabilitation. The other Pokemon there though...

---

Now we have a Type Null

Name: Heretic

Gender: ???

Why: This Pokemon was created in lab, and artificial designed for the purpose of fighting, just like Damian. True I could have given him Mewtwo, but that cat seems to fit Kon more.

Story: Damian's mother had spent years creating Type: Null with the purpose of being able to kill any target. As a last test she wanted to see which of her creations was suppirrior. So she sent the Type Null out to (try and) kill her son.

Damian, with the rest of his team, beat the Pokemon but couldn't kill it. He had long since vowed to wash the blood from his hands. Instead he offered his hand to it and asked it to join him.

---

Here we have the hardest to explain... Mimikyu

Name: Habibi (I hope I spelled that right)

Gender: Female

Why: Damian is complex, he wants to be accepted and loved just like Mimikyu but dosent know how. Both try to mimic others in order to get that love, Damian his father and Mimikyu Pikachu. So I see this as Damian's spirit Pokemon in a way.

Story: He didn't know why it was so hard to fit in. Gods know he tried. But... little things confused him. Like how eveyone could understand each other without words or singhing. He had no problems with that on a battlefield, but in day to day life; it felt like he was on a separate server.

Like how Todd knew at breakfast with just a look that Drake was in a bad mood and how to help. Or how Grayson could audomadicly tell what kind of day at school the rest of them had withen a few minutes. Hell even Drake could tell what grunts ment what from father! Which ment good job, Which ment I'm glade your okay, or frustration either at them or at a case (Cass didn't surprise him, she had to learn how to communicate without words and watch body language and micro expressions).

School was no better; sometimes it was to load or bright othertimes, when everyone was doing a test, it felt to quiet. But, to much or to little, Damian was always aware of every movement, every sound. It was like the very instincts that saved his life every night where turned against him.

He turned to his nearly forgotten childhood habits to distract himself from everything around him. That only led to more whisper shouting and what even he could tell where displeased glares with a grunt of "fucking tapping" or a snap of "stop!" He knew it was disrupting but it was all be could do to drown out the noise or silence.

On one particularly bad day at school; apparently during one of their tests one of his classmates had had enough of Damian's tapping and decided to make a scene.

There was some yelling from the kid. A few cries in agreement. Before the teacher had gotten hem to settle down. He had demanded that Damian look him in the eye and when he finally did told him to stop with the tapping or else he would be sent to the office, Gym Leaders son or not.

He was the last to finish that test where he normally finished first. The silence had been to load!!

After that clusterfuck Damian finally headed home. He had texted Grayson saying that he was meeting a friend somewhere to work on a project and to not pick him up. In truth he didn't want his brother reading what kind of day he had had. He needed some time to himself.

That was how he found himself in a nearby park. It was filled with plenty of sounds that didn't suffocate him and the fall leaves where soothing to his eyes. Damian had Titus out of his ball as company, knowing that the pup loved park walks.

They had been walking for an hour when they came across a box set off just on the edge of the trail. "Free to Good Homes" was written on the side in black sharpie.

No sound was coming from inside, so he assumed that the had all been taken. Until Titus went closer sniffing at the seemingly empty box.

"Pooch Pooch"

"Hmmm... what is is it boy?" He asked as he walked closer to his Pokemon and the Box. Damian hoped he was wrong. It was cruel to leave a baby Pokemon all alone, especially since the weather was getting colder by the day.

Inside the box was in fact a lone Pokemon. At first glance it looked like a Pikachu. But something was off. It looked more like a doll than a living creature. If it wasn't for the small chirps it let out and slight way that it was shivering from the cold Damian would have written it off as a toy. No wonder it got left behind...

Damian reached down and picked up the mystery Pokemon as gently as he could.

"Come on beloved, lets go home."

He tucked the Pokemon in his jacket to warm it up before reaching for his phone to call Grayson for a ride home.

That night Damian locked himself away, even skipped patrol, and spent a sleepless night learning everything he could about his newest Pokemon.

---

That was inspired by this comic

---

Finaly, for his last spot Eevee!!

Name: Omni

Gender: Female

Why: I'm going to have all the Batfam members have an Eeveelution. This branch and the Batfam are both growing consistently. We all have our favorites but we love them all the same. So I think it fits.

Story: Everyone in the family had an Eevee or one of its evolutions. Damian's Father said that Eevee was the Wayne family symbol, it was potential, the ability to become whatever you wanted.

Though it surprised Damian that the Wayne symbol wasn't a Noibat or Noivern (Batman's ace) at first he eventually understood the logic in choosing such a Pokemon to represent the family name. That only made things harder for him being the only one not having one. Did they not truly see him as family?

On the one year anniversary of Damian arriving at The Mannor, his family through a small party. Pennyworth made his favorite foods, The Mannor was decorated in tacky streamers (Graysons' idea) and they watched some of Damian's favorite fims, their Pokemon curled up with them. His father had offered to take the day off from the gym. Until Todd suggested that Damian take on the challengers.

The Gotham gym was part of his heritage. Damian had been training for the day that he could finally help weed out the weak challengers just like his siblings sometimes did (think the battles you do before challenging a gym leader in the games).

On that day, if the challengers agreed to it, their final battle wasn't with Bruce Wayne the Dark Knight but instead his son. Most accepted thinking that it would be an easy win, that they had lucked out in not having to battle one of the stongest Gym Leaders in the League and could still get the Shadow Badge.

Those poor fools.

Damian was only allowed to use Alfred, Titus and Habibi since he used Goliath and Heretic primarily as Rookidee.

Damian fought seven trainers that day in 3v3 fights. Only two of them got the badge.

With the day overwith and the night rising, so did Gothams' protecters.

The night ended with exhausted body's and adrenaline crashes. Damian was ready to slip into a mini coma from the day he had but before he could head upstairs to The Mannor...

"Not so fast baby bat." Graysons' voice called out to him. "We got one more surprise for you."

Damian raised his eyebrow at that. What else could they do? His father came back from the locker rooms where he had been desuiting, it always took him the longest because of his "old man bones" as Todd said.

"Son," his father said "its Wayne tradition to get your first Pokemon when you turn ten years old. I missed that with you." He paused, eyes briefly shifting to the floor before they snapped back on Damian's face. "Luckily there's one tradition we didn't miss. When you've lived at The Mannor for a year or the adoption papers get finalized, I give my children this..."

He pulled a Poke'ball out of his poket and handed to Damian. "Go on son, let them out."

He did

Staring at him was his own Eevee.

---

AN: All of Damian's Pokemon (sans maybe Omni, I'm thinking of leaving her as an Eevee) will eventually evolve. Eventually.

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nodameshield · 4 years ago

Text

how are we doing? have the tears dried yet? I know mine haven’t ::

let’s start light : research fellows count ! (also, lady, only ten years old? - I resent that).

Goh understands this?? he’s got a silly proud smile and it’s following Ash’s butchered storytelling??? love

research fellows count !

perfectly attainable dream

sure, go for it. (look at both of their supportive lil smiles, we love best friends)

we all know the scene that’s coming ahead, but I thought this was a beautiful demonstration of growth already on Goh’s side.

Listen before the sad part begins let us appreciate for a moment how Ash and Goh were smiling at EACH OTHER after the interview was over. cuties.

behold : the last frame we have of baby Sobble. I’m going to miss you, bean. thank you for everything<3 (he was so proud of his good deed as well!! my very heart)

just how fast the night changes, indeed.

Drizzle went through shock and pain at record speed and swiftly landed on anger - only to fall into ✨depression✨ just as quickly.

and then we just stayed there.

someone

(oh hey Cinderace ! good to see ya)

having

a rough morning

(I’m sorry, this scene was just fucking funny - the drama)

Cinderace’s proud big bro moment was just too sweet to leave out - let us not forget, he’s been a big bro since he was Raboot (and even as a temperamental Raboot, he was always gentle to Sobble). And now his baby bro has evolved as well. precious !

Goh handled this situation very maturely from the beginning. And here’s when the build up starts. He’s saying ‘hey, let me help you how I think you need to be helped” and he genuinely doesn’t mean any harm! naturally, his reaction is to help his Pokémon, in the way that has worked in the past.

but then he starts to understand maybe that’s not the best approach this time around.

and he’s ready to respect those new boundaries (of course, there’s no blame on Cinderace, either. Much like Goh, he - and everyone, really - was just trying to help in the way he thought was the best).

shoutout to the animation on this bit because Pikachu’s ears darting down was a delightful detail. Chloe’s expression and Grookey’s simmering down drove the point home as well.

ah, you coy little thing. Did you forget how your trainer almost left you behind because of how rebellious you were??? Because you made him feel as though you’d be better off without him?? (Cinderace has selective memory, you can’t change my mind, don’t be miss-leaded by the cuteness)

this build up was wonderful - we begin to hear all these reasons why, yeah? maybe he just wants to be alone.

maybe he’s still very afraid and careful of his surroundings, and his evolution made it worse? (he’d been popping up in random places in previous episodes, hiding, which was also great foreshadowing for this episode !)

maybe he’s cocooning himself until he’s ready to evolve again? (which, considering his disappointment and how badly he wanted to be Inteleon already, is a very plausible reason)

but Prof. Cerise gets it right when he says ‘we can’t really know for sure’ (which ties greatly with Goh’s upcoming scene) - is it your Drizzle’s quirk? are they all like this? who cares? Isn’t wonderful how he’s a living creature? how he’s got nuances and a personality? shouldn’t that be enough of a reason to look after him, and try to help him right now?

my child, still thinking he’s got to do everything on his own.

and these two are just like ????? Goh ??? watchu talking about ???

can you imagine how MUCH this moment means to him?? he was ready to keep going alone (it’s what he knows) and even when Ash and Chloe prove him, time and time again, that he’s not alone, there’s still something in Goh coded to believe others won’t care as much/won’t be there when he needs them. and that’s why he insists: I’ve got this. I can do it alone.

and, sure, but you don’t have to. that’s the beauty of friendship.

you tell him, Chloe. (actually, without Chloe calling him out, he might have taken longer to figure out where Drizzle was. so...) // but also, it gives us a glimpse into the fact that, while Goh might have felt very lonely, Chloe has been observing and caring for him - in her way - for a long minute as well.

my very point above.

HEY, LISTEN: he doesn’t know, either. he’s a child, words are hard, and you rotate along the four moods of childhood (happy, upset, scared, hungry (?)) and don’t ponder much on anything else because you are a child, there’s no emotional intelligence to speak of, no need for it, you’re being shaped by your environment and all the stimuli of the world being a new place. things like loneliness, confusion, anxiety... we can’t put those into words - hell, they’re fucking abstract and confusing even when we are adults.

and Goh’s stimuli and environment was, given what we know of his family life, a rather lonely one. Did his parents have a lot of spare time to take him to the park? I don’t think so. Was he good at going out there and asking other kids to play? ... probably not.

Chloe doesn’t strike me as an extrovert, either, so even if she wanted to get close to Goh or invite him to hang out, perhaps she was too shy as well. Heck, perhaps Goh’s reaction would’ve been like the one above, he simply didn’t know. Maybe he didn’t want to ! and that’s perfectly fine as well.

am I forgiving the anipoke team for making Goh cry? no, never. but this was beautifully executed so I can grow to live with it.

“why are you depressed?” “you have nothing to be sad about!” “look at all the wonderful things you have!” “just be happy again!” - sound familiar? yeah, this was incredibly well done.

as adults, perhaps we see this and think ‘shit, how cool that they’re prodding on these topics, it’s important’ and it is !!! so important !! but if it’s this impactful as young-adults/grown-ups, imagine how impactful it must be as a child to see this and feel perceived. I’m honestly so proud of this moment, this whole episode. I’m grateful they took the time to look into this maturely. and even if children don’t do a full-fledged analysis on it, if they relate (like I know so many of us did) they won’t forget it. and that’s beautiful.

darling I’m blanking on your TW handle I’m so sorry - but someone in a tweet SO RIGHTFULLY pointed out that these are the words Goh would have needed to hear when he was younger. saying them to Drizzle it’s a full circle moment for him, he’s hearing them as well, and it’s helping both of them grow.

He’s not forcing himself as Drizzle’s trainer. Goh bears no entitlement here. He’s saying ‘Hey, if you’re comfortable, if you want to share , I’ll be here’ / as a kid, people did care for him, they kept wanting to know what was going on, but Goh couldn’t put that in words and people pestering him only made it worse, but if someone had said ‘hey, when you’re ready...’ then,,,,yeah,,,,maybe it would’ve been different.

he’s offering that safety now to his Pokémon, something he didn’t have, but he grew to understand is what he (and now Drizzle) needed. If that doesn’t have you breaking down in a teary mess then you are stronger than I’ll ever be, because my glasses were cloudy by this point.

why, why, why. because you needed to hear all that as well, baby! so did a number of us. thank you.

I’ll say that, however it was that you connected with this moment, that’s yours to cherish.

Personally, I too had a lonely childhood marked by parents who overworked, and I too spent a lot of time alone in kindergarten and through elementary school because it was hard to make friends (turns out i’m an extrovert, ha, talk about breaking out of your shell...) so, obviously there were easy common grounds for me in this episode.

but I LOVED to read the reactions and realize so many people still connected with it, one way or the other. So many of us felt seen and understood and acknowledged in emotions that are so hard to put into words !!

so, again, if you identified with Goh or Drizzle or any of the topics in this episode, that’s very beautiful, and I hope the underlying message that you’re not alone gets through.

With Sobble, and now with Drizzle as well, Goh is very adamant to remind us that, however we are, that’s fine. there’s something that makes us special, regardless of other people’s opinions, or their ideas of how we *should be* // that’s the message I’m taking with me, at least.

and i can’t wait to see how this story line evolves !! I have no doubts that, when the moment comes, Inteleon will be a wonderful addition to the team, but Drizzle is here now, and he’s plenty wonderful already x

Bonus:

ha ha, yes. I watched this episode three times. And all three times I was a mess.

side note but a very important one: the animation, the voice acting, the dialog, the scenery of the starry night - the entire scene was so beautifully executed. so carefully crafted. ugh, amazing. just perfect. so happy.

#all right this took forever #if you are still reading thank you #anipoke #pokemon journeys #ep 62 #we won't be forgetting this one now will we #journeyshipping #Pokémon Journeys: The Series #SatoGou #Firstfriendshipping #Goh #satoshi #Chloe #ngl Chloe was the mvp #calling Goh out on his bs #we love to see her #Goh I'm so proud of you #please keep growing #you're beautiful and i love you

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ramblings-of-a-mad-cat · 4 years ago

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Ash Ketchum: Badass or just bad?

Depends on the saga, and that itself is probably the most frustrating thing about him.

In Kanto, he was a moron, and even kind of an asshole. But I honestly didn't mind that, considering this season's role in the grander scheme of the show. I don't even mind how his Pokemon League journey ended. It was only his first attempt, and considering that he didn't earn most of his badges, his losing because he gambled on Charizard is surprisingly fitting. In fact, it's the perfect symbolism. He lost because he had a lot of power but had yet to earn it. He was a novice, the stupid moments are appropriate for this stage of his journey.

He's definitely come a lot further by the Silver Conference, but he's still depending on Brock and Misty. They're his teachers and they pretty much co-parent him. He's definitely gained power and experience as a trainer but he needs to take the training wheels off. I don't have a lot to say about Johto, but I also think that him gradually phasing his Kanto pokemon out and replacing them with the new ones meant that his growth was framed differently than other series', and maybe that's why I just never got into his Johto team.

To an extent, he does do this in Hoenn. Brock is still around, but with Misty gone the whole group dynamic shifts around. Seeing Ash alone and with new companions in those first three episodes, though? Man did he feel like he had come a long way. By the end of the Hoenn series, he even got a little too overconfident. Though I have soft spot for Hoenn Ash and I feel like he did earn that confidence. Still, few things symbolize how much he still had to learn as him straight up forgetting that Seismic Toss wouldn't affect Brandon's Dusclops. He made the right choice, continuing to travel and declining to become a Frontier Brain.

Everyone knows Sinnoh. Everyone loves Sinnoh. Apart from Tobias. Ash grew as a Trainer more in this adventure than in any other. In no small part due to having Paul as a rival. It motivated him to challenge himself. Gen 4 was where the games really fleshed out the competitive aspect and you can see this reflected in the show. Even the training itself, stuff like the counter shield. The entire storyline of Chimchar. I can bring nothing to the conversation about how incredible Sinnoh was.

We don't talk about Unova.

Kalos on the other hand, was-okay, okay, I'm kidding. I won't do that. But seriously, Unova was such a disappointment. I don't even mind Pikachu losing to Snivy, it's clear that was a "forced loss" plot-wise, that didn't truly reflect Pikachu's skill. But the entire saga was like this. I was joking before, but I'm serious when I say that we don't talk about Ash vs Elesa. What even was that nonsense. Not even Kanto Ash would have done that.

Kalos Ash was best Ash. I like Alola very much, perhaps more than most people, but I can't ignore the perfection that was the XY arc in the anime. Ash was a rock star in this storyline. He was at his most likeable, had far more agency, was very much competent and even inventive - and had his best team, I'm saying it. I don't even mind that he didn't get mega evolution, he pretty much got his own exclusive secret mega. Should have won the Kalos league though.

Alola, despite being one of my favorite arcs in the anime and finally giving Ash the league victory...it was honestly the sharpest reset he's gone through since Unova. Sorry, I love the whole school idea, but after he was the runner up in the Lumiose Conference...Ash should be like, an assistant teacher. Not a student who even feels the need to cheat. Doesn't help that they made him go from looking sixteen to looking seven.

Journeys is fun. I haven't seen a lot of it but this arc makes me happy because they actually committed to having Ash become and stay a league champion. They didn't retcon it, and he doesn't feel like he's reset at all. His team is a powerhouse, and they even gave him a Lucario at long last. This gives me hope for the future, that he won't get reset anymore.

So, yeah. His trajectory is a lot of ups and downs. He catches a fair number of pokemon, all things considered. Sure, he'll never "catch em all" but I actually prefer quality over quantity for his pokemon - since they basically retire from the series after they finish a league on the active team. That's why so few of his Unova mons are memorable, there were simply too many.

And yeah, he releases far too many of them, but again - it's not like he was ever going to use Greninja and Goodra again after Kalos. A release is a departure from the show, just like Ash does to his teams when he goes off to a new region. Some of them are pretty stupid (He gave his Primeape away to a total stranger for no reason, mere hours after finally getting through to him. You suck, Ash.) But other make sense. Anytime he releases a pokemon for the sake of their happiness, I can't complain. But I will complain when he leaves them with other people for "training" Dude, that's your job! It's right there in the name!

#Ash Ketchum #Pokemon #pokemon advanced generation #Pokemon Diamond and Pearl #Pokemon Best Wishes #Pokemon XY #Pokemon XYZ #Pokemon Sun and Moon #Pokemon Journeys #pokemon original series

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linneac · 3 years ago

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pokespe?

Oh man, it's been a hot minute since I've read the manga. I stopped some time in the middle of BW. So if there's anything incorrect here, I apologize. I still love the series, though. I should pick it back up again.

blorbo (favorite character, character I think about the most)

Silver! He's always been my fav. He's at that sweet spot in between "a sorta chill dude who just kinda wants to live his life", "someone please get this poor guy some therapy", and "he could probably murder me in an instant and only his own moral code prevents this." He was a little angsty and cringey when he was 12, but weren't we all?

Does he even have a place to live, or is he just crashing with Gold? Wouldn't he be an adult by now? Does he have to pay taxes? Does he have a job? Or is he still, like, living in abandoned shacks and sleeping on piles of leaves? I worry about him sometimes.

scrunkly (my “baby”, character that gives me cuteness aggression, character that is So Shaped)

Red's pikachu. This is what peak pikachu looks like.

Silver's weavile because I love how cute he is. So much personality!

scrimblo bimblo (underrated/underappreciated fave)

The pokemon. A ton of focus is put on the trainers, for good reason, but the pokemon are often unsung characters. I'm super guilty of it lol

glup shitto (obscure fave, character that can appear in the background for 0.2 seconds and I won’t shut up about it for a week)

It's kinda hard with pokespe, and I can't say that I'm particularly obsessed with him, but I've always wondered about that one swimmer dude Red met who was a foreigner. Where was he from? What language did he speak? Was he from a now established region? Somewhere else? He is a man of many mysteries and I want the lore.

poor little meow meow (“problematic”/unpopular/controversial/otherwise pathetic fave)

I only put Gold here because he has high likelihood of being pathetic but only because of his own actions. I'm just saying that he strikes me as the type of person who would get himself trapped in a chimney, and while he probably had a super valid reason, he's still trapped there and the chimney has to go down to get him out. Or, like, he gets some milk. But he keeps traveling and it's been weeks and it's gone bad. Like, I feel for him, but he's the cause of his own problems. His chaotic energy brought this upon himself and honestly I relate.

horse plinko (character I would torment for fun, for whatever reason)

Green. I dunno. I don't have any valid reason. He just has that sorta face and attitude, you know? Like, rationally, I would never want to watch someone trip and fall. I'm not about to secretly hope it happens. But I just want to see Green land on his face. He almost reminds me of those dudes in high school who just discovered hair gel and smelled like it. I'm so sorry for this disrespect, Green. You don't deserve it. You're a good person.

eeby deeby (character I would send to superhell)

Giovanni. Look, I know the series is all "love your family" and "he's a father who did everything to find his son" but also him being a career criminal is sorta kinda ruining Silver's life. My boy got kidnapped, TWICE, blinded, turned to stone, nearly died after almost drowning, had to face god, only for his own father to be like "I love you, son. Also, btw, I'm still going to be a criminal even though you've devoted yourself to stopping me lol."

It's been a while since I've read HGSS though, so hopefully I'm wrong. But if not, into superhell he goes.

#pokespe #thank you!#I really think I should pick the series back up #I wonder if BW is finished yet

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ecreau · 4 years ago

Text

25 Years

Advanced Happy Pokemon day, trainers!⁠

For my second post this year, it would be my starters through the years! It consisted of Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Totodile, Treecko, Piplup, Oshawott, Froakie, Rowlett, and Sobble. ⁠

I am happy that @Pokemon kept me inspired and motivated. Now and then whether it was a small change- from having a curry dex to getting your first ribbon in a Pokemon contest, they were all exciting to me. As an adult, the excitement faded off a bit because of the realization of how jaded the world is, but Pokemon kept my enthusiasm burning. ⁠

⁠From my first game, Pokemon Gold, getting my Totodile and releasing it accidentally to Pokemon Sword's Sobble perfectly trained with lots of curry love from me.

⁠Happy 25 years of Team Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, and Galar! Cheers to more exciting regions! Hopefully somewhere in Asia-Pacific~ :D

Here are the individual drawings of my starters and stories!

Pokemon Yellow - Starter: Pikachu

Technically Pokemon Yellow was my 2nd Pokemon game next to Pokemon Gold. I love the version so much because I relieved how Ash Ketchum had all the starters in Kanto plus Pikachu following you!

I remember I got another bootleg version of the Pokemon Yellow and the battery of the game was not working so you could not save my progress. I had to finish the game in a day before my batteries die. Fortunately, I finished the game with Pikachu, Charizard, Blastoise, Ivysaur, Pidgeot, Butterfree and Omastar.

Pokemon Fire Red - Starter: Bulbasaur

Fire Red was my 4th Pokemon game. I remember when I saw the trailer in the commercial I was imagining myself had lots of money and get the game and Gameboy advance SP.

Although by that time, I got a drive to save money and happily, I got my first Gameboy Advance using my own lunch money. I miss those days.

Pokemon Gold - Starter: Totodile

Pokemon Gold was my first ever Pokemon game. It was a bootleg that my father gave me because of a piracy raid as a gift for me haha! So ironic but a fun memory.

Totodile was my first starter although unfortunately, I accidentally released him because supposed to be the ‘Release�� button was ‘Fix’.

Pokemon Ruby - Starter: Treecko

After Pokemon Gold, I got a chance to play the newly released games on my cousin’s computer. I was ignorant about the concept of emulators that time. It was also the reason why I wanted to own a computer that time to play the new Pokemon games. Little did I know it was not the legit games.

Anyway, my 3rd Pokemon game was Pokemon Ruby on an emulator. I remember I wanted to stay in my cousin’s house just finish the whole game. I picked Treecko that time, got to evolve him to Grovyle while fighting Nincada and kept losing to a bug catcher haha! I just got to the first gym and turned off the computer because I had to go.

Oh memories~

Pokemon Diamond - Starter: Piplup

My first DS game was not my console neither my game. It was owned by my best friend in high school where he knew I love and knew a lot about Pokemon, so while him playing the game I was at his back giving commands.

I told him to pick Piplup for me and he agreed. We were in the 5th gym when we stopped playing because of our finals. Even technically I did not own any of those, I still felt I played the game.

Pokemon White 2 - Starter: Oshawott

Together with Pokemon X, Pokemon Black 2 were my first 3DS games. I bought them with my 3DS using my first salary. I waited for this moment where I could buy anything without my parents disagreeing with me.

I picked Oshawott as my starter and loved him in the game and in the anime!

Pokemon X - Starter: Froakie

I was so amaze when I bought Pokemon X because it was for me a huge leap from my previously owned games which was back from Pokemon Ruby! I loved the story, all the cities and my new rivals.

I chose Froakie and never even made it evolve until the last gym haha! Oh memories from Paris (what?)

Pokemon Sun - Starter: Rowlett

If I’m going to pick the best starter I have on my list, it would be Rowlett. I really love owls if only I could have one as a pet.

I got a Sassy one so I drew my Rowlett kind of judging you from head to toe haha!

If I would pick between the recent games (8th to 7th generations), I would pick the 7th generation. I really loved the anime series and the games because they were fresh of breath to me. It was the first time both series and the games chose different pathways.

I now want to play Pokemon Sun, again~!

Pokemon Shield - Starter: Sobble

While waiting for the games to come out, I already was saving up for my new Nintendo Switch. When I found out I could preorder the game in advance, I hastily went to my favorite game store in my city and bought a slot!

It was never a problem to me to buy a game before in that store but when the preorders came out there was indeed a line! I was jumping of joy while holding my game and Nintendo Switch at the same time.

I picked Sobble because it looks like a chameleon and a little baby for me. Just like Froakie, I only let it evolve after I completed all the gyms.

Pokemon is 25 now! How old were you when you first started playing Pokemon?⁠

-⁠

⁠Please do not repost my artwork/design. Ask me first. ⁠

Thank you!⁠

Deviantart | Instagram | Redbubble “Nostalgia is my favorite thing.”

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punz4lyfe · 4 years ago

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Pokemon Journeys Episode 71 Review

Pokemon Journeys Episode 71. Let’s review:

So we’re all the beginning of Goh’s Project Mew missions and we’re off to a... eh start.

Getting the good outta the way first, just as in episode 68, Gary and Goh’s interactions are pretty well-done. I also enjoyed Goh handling the Alola Ninetales and Professor Hodaka has a cool design and an interesting personality, both of which are saying when compared to the dull beings that are Cerise, Ren, and the two other peeps in Project Mew who I’ll get into later. It was additionally great to Goh utilizing more Pokemon for both exploration and battling aren’t any of the Galar starters.

And that’s where my personal positives end sadly. Let’s talk about Asahi and Tsurugi...

Yeah, they’re boring, dull, and literally possess no interesting personality traits other then the cliche “bleeeh, im seriousss”. Tsurugi especially has it bad. The dude literally acts like a middle school try-hard 24-7. Calling two random strangers ‘weaklings’, instantly declaring Goh to be disqualified from Project Mew without even giving a good reason why, declaring to Regice that he’ll be back for it one day, sulking around at the corner. There’s being badass and there’s being cringe, and Tsurugi is absolutely cringe.

And seriously, while it does make sense in context for the episode to paint Goh as a weakling compared to everyone else in Project Mew, it seriously does not for Ash. He’s been through Mt. Coronet and many other snowy areas before, so what’s the writing’s excuse. He’s blatantly leagues ABOVE Goh’s level, but just like with the Mewtwo episode, the writing is trying to depict him being just as much as an amateur as Goh, and just like Tsurugi, that’s just cringe. Because of Gary, wouldn’t it make more sense for Project Mew’s members to have high expectations from Ash, given all the stories Gary might have told them? Maybe after hearing what he’s done, they could request Ash themselves to join Project Mew, only with him declining the offer since he only wants to support Goh and he already has his own goals decided a long time ago. And this could build up Goh developing himself more in order to prove himself to the other members instead of Ash holding his hand all of the time. But no, just make Ash just a complete amateur, I guess.

You know what else is cringe? Pikachu losing to a wild Regice even though he defeated a trainer-ordered one before (owned by a Battle Frontier mind you), causing Tsurugi to step in (rudely telling Ash to step back despite him being a Champion mind you) and one-shot it with an Urshifu. Yes, Urshifu one-shotting Regice is reasonable due to its typing, as well as it also being a Legendary, but wouldn’t it make sense for the wild Regice to struggle against Pikachu, forcing it call upon backup through other wild Pikachu (such as Glalie and Prodopass), actually giving Tsurugi a good reason to join in order to help Ash keep all the Pokemon at bay so that Goh can focus on Ninetales?

So yeah, eh start to the Project Mew missions. This episode gets a 4/10 from me, but at least the next episode’s lookin’ to be a bit promising. (even though Morpeko’s gonna be involved and that’s just cringe)

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ayma-nidiot · 3 years ago

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Dawn of the Dark Chapter 19

This chapter can also be found here on AO3.

Chapter 19 – A Fresh Start

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” James wondered out loud.

For the first time in 11 years, Jessie and James were able to return to their under-the-telephone hideout in Vermilion City. Ever since they had left Team Rocket nearly three months ago, they had a hard time finding appropriate shelter. But thanks to Meowth’s sense of smell, they were able to locate their old hideout.

Jessie was impressed that the place had remained virtually untouched, even if it did show age. “Well, it’s a good thing that most people think that above us is just an ordinary phone booth.”

“It’s also a good thing that we all have the day off. Our new boss is so cool! He already gave us PTO and plane tickets to Galar? What a great guy!” Meowth spoke as he launched himself on the couch, regretting it when a cloud of smelly dust flew about. “Ick! We’re going to need some new furniture in this joint!”

“Maybe some new paint, too…” Jessie touched the walls. “So sticky!”

“How about we leave all of our luggage here and go buy some stuff to remodel with?” James suggested.

“Ooh, that sounds great!” Jessie hugged her husband. “It would be the perfect chance for us to spend quality time together, too.”

“Yeah, being members of a criminal organization never gave us the chance to do that… Now I can enjoy a peaceful life with my lovely wife and son.” James kissed Jessie and looked her in the eyes. “So we’ve got some making up to do!”

“Yes, we do.” Jessie wrapped her arms around James’s neck.

“Hey, I know where we can go!” Damian spoke up. “Why don’t we go to Hammerlocke?”

“Wait, why there?” James wanted to know. “We can find everything we need here in Vermilion City.”

“Because… because!” Damian clearly didn’t want to reveal the real reason why he wanted to go.

“This is the prime chance to use our plane tickets…” Jessie contemplated. “Plus, Galar has many romantic and family-friendly places.”

“Yup, it’s a sign, all right.” Meowth nodded. “Off to Hammerlocke, then!”

Professor Cerise was such a generous employer that on top of the plane tickets, he gave the family a decent SUV. Damian was especially fond of the TVs attached to the back of the driver’s and passenger’s side seats. He was so fascinated by this technology that he most often spent his time channel surfing.

On their drive to the airport, Damian watched a track race between two people, dressed as an Eevee and a Pikachu. “Who do you think is gonna win, Morpeko?”

“Peko peko!” Morpeko cheered as she ate from a bowl full of popcorn.

“It’s gonna be a tight race, all right!” Damian started bobbing up and down in his seat. “Whoaaah! The Pikachu won by a hair! So cool!”

“Aww…” Jessie looked behind from the front passenger seat. “He may be one of the smartest kids at his school, but he’s still cute as a button.”

“Isn’t he?” James cooed. “Still a kid, for sure!”

Damian remained this energetic throughout the flight, even while Jessie and James slept through most of it. When the plane landed, he ran out and gleefully declared, “Mommy, Daddy, you can go have a date. Morpeko, Meowth, Wobbuffet, and I will go to Hammerlocke Stadium.”

“Uh… We will?” Meowth changed his tune when Morpeko glared at him. “I mean, of course we will! I bet your Mommy and Daddy want some alone time!”

“Okay, Damian, but be safe out there!” Jessie waved as Damian walked off.

“Why would he want to go to the stadium?” James wondered aloud as he and Jessie entered Hammerlocke proper. “He’s not an official Trainer yet, so he couldn’t possibly want to challenge the Gym Leaders…”

“Maybe to watch a match?” Jessie suggested. “We didn’t give him any money, though… I sure hope he doesn’t sneak his way in.”

Meanwhile, upon having just arrived at Hammerlocke Stadium, Damian stared at the ceiling in awe. “Wow… It’s so big, but so tough-looking! I can’t wait to become a Trainer for real so I can battle here one day!”

“Morpeko!” Morpeko sounded equally enthused.

“Did someone say, ‘battle here?’” spoke a deep voice from behind Damian.

“Eep!” Damian sharply turned around to see Raihan. “Oh, hi! You’re Lily’s daddy, aren’t you?”

“Sure am! I just finished a gym challenge, and now I’m taking a break for lunch. So, anything I can help you with, little man?”

“Is Lily here? I really would like to talk to her.”

“Sadly, no. She actually just left for Ballonlea after the gym challenge so she can make cakes with former Gym Leader Opal. For the rest of the day, I’m going to be handling gym challenges myself.”

“Aww…” Damian frowned for a fleeting second, but then he spoke with a smile, “That’s okay! I’ll just go to Ballonlea, then! Is it far from here?”

“Not really. You just have to walk through Stow-on-Side, then pass through the Glimwood Tangle.”

“Thanks!” With that, Damian took off again, calling his parents as soon as he was outside. “Mommy, Daddy, guess what-”

“No need to call us,” James spoke; coincidentally, he had passed right in front of Hammerlocke Stadium when Damian made the call. “We’re right here.”

“So, how’d the shopping trip go?” Meowth asked.

“We ordered a couple of sofas, beds, and a new coffee table,” Jessie answered. “The sofas are made from Wooloo wool, so they’ll be super comfy! They’re going to arrive at our home in about a week.”

“I forgot that we can’t carry paint on a plane,” spoke James. “But we did buy some pretty sweet wallpaper!”

“Mommy, Daddy, how about we go to Ballonlea?”

“Hmm, it is a very romantic city,” said Jessie. “Not to mention it’s not very far.”

“You want me to carry you, honey?” James asked Damian.

“No, I’m good.” Damian walked far ahead of the group, not saying a word to his parents during their trip through the Glimwood Tangle.

“That’s weird… He always says ‘yes’ when I offer to hold him.” James didn’t like Damian’s sudden change of attitude.

“He’s not even talking to or looking at us.” Jessie pouted.

“Wobba wobba…” Wobbuffet chimed in, feeling uneasy as well.

“Hmm…” Meowth stared at Damian, as if he knew what was up. “I say we let him take the lead so we can find out why he’s acting up.”

Damian got noticeably cheerier when the family reached Ballonlea. “Aaah! It’s so pretty! Hehehe!”

“Morpe?” Morpeko jumped onto a pile of mushrooms. When a Ponyta leaped out of there, she wanted to fight and entered Hangry Mode. “Moooorpeeeko!”

“Man, you’re hard to please…” Damian whined, but soon remembered his reason for coming to Ballonlea in the first place. Grabbing Morpeko, he asked, “Hey, Ponyta? Can you help us out? Is a girl named Lily here? She’s got purple hair that looks like an Alcremie.”

“Puurrrr…” Ponyta started galloping in the direction of Ballonlea Stadium.

“Wait up, Ponyta!”

Damian was easily fast enough to keep up with the Unique Horn Pokemon, but Jessie was not. “The squirt can sure run fast, can’t he?”

“Or maybe we’re getting too old to catch up.” When he reached Ballonlea Stadium, James paused to catch his breath. “Huh? There’s nobody here! What could Damian possibly want to-”

“Guess again, James.” Meowth pointed at a setup of cakes and decorations – fit for any party. At the end of this setup stood the unsuspecting Opal, Bede, and Lily.

“They’re making cakes?” James’ face lit up. “So that’s why our boy wanted to come here! This place is heaven for Morpeko!”

“I wouldn’t mind a piece of those cakes either!” Jessie licked her lips.

“I think we should wait here and watch,” Meowth suggested. “Let’s relax and let those Gym Leaders decorate cakes for us.”

“Good idea!” Jessie and James spoke in unison, taking front row seats by where the cakes were being made. To their surprise, they were completely ignored.

“Lily!” Damian called out. “Hi!”

“Hmm?” Lily took a break from her cake-decorating to acknowledge the boy. “Why, if it isn’t Damian!”

Damian’s face lit up when Lily acknowledged him. “Whatcha doing?”

“I’m decorating cakes with Miss Opal and Mr. Bede, before I give them out to people here in Ballonlea.” It didn’t take Lily long to notice Morpeko’s hangry thrashing about. “Don’t worry, little Morpeko, there’s plenty for you. Help yourself!”

“Morpeko!” Morpeko jumped on top of the largest cake and started chowing down.

“Do you need some help?” Damian noticed that the tables were full of messes and undecorated cakes.

“Would you? That would be mighty sweet of you! Come on over!”

“Hehehe!” Damian got to work right away, partnering with Lily’s Rainbow Swirl Alcremie to decorate a three-tiered cake.

“Who’s this fellow?” Opal got curious.

“He’s a kid who attends a school in Vermilion City that I frequent,” replied Lily. “His name is Damian, and even though he’s only six, he’s smarter than a fifth grader!”

“Is that so?” Bede took an interest as well. “I look forward to facing him when he becomes an official Trainer.”

“Hehe.” Damian took a bow. “Thank you, thank you very much. Next year, I get to be a sixth grader. Ms. Cerise said so.”

“You keep on truckin’, little man.” Bede smiled.

“By the way…” Opal began. “That couldn’t possibly be your Morpeko.”

“She’s my Daddy’s Morpeko! He’s over there with Mommy, Meowth, and Wobbuffet!” Damian pointed to where his family sat.

“H-Hello!” Jessie waved nervously, hoping that her presence there wouldn’t create a scene.

“Aren’t they a part of Team Rocket?” Bede grimaced.

“Nope, not any more! Mommy and Daddy are research assistants for Professor Cerise now!”

“Damian, I’m happy for you.” Lily patted Damian on the head. “You finally get a fresh start.”

Damian blushed at this gesture, hoping that Lily wouldn’t notice. “Thanks!”

“So no more causing trouble at school, okay?”

“I’ll, uh, try not to. Maybe.” Damian had to admit that he couldn’t truly forsake playing pranks with Parker once in a while.

Lily continued talking with Damian for so long that before anyone knew it, they had already decorated five cakes, all with different Alcremie flavours. “Perfect! They’re all ready to go!”

“Probably shouldn’t do them all at once…” Bede thought. “Three tops.”

“In that case…” Lily turned to Damian. “You can take one home! Pick any one you like!”

“Ooh, okay!” Damian hurriedly gave Jessie a boxed-up Caramel Swirl cake with ornate decorations, then returned to the table. “Here.”

“What’s the meaning of this?” Lily was surprised when Damian handed her the cake that they made together.

“That one’s for you. Take it, please? You should get to enjoy your own cakes sometimes.”

“I gladly will!” Lily sent out a transport Corviknight. She put the Rainbow Swirl cake in the Corviknight’s pouch and spoke, “Can you take this home to Uncle Hop?”

“Cooooor!” With that, Corviknight flew off.

“Now it’s time to go give these out,” Lily declared when she, Bede, and Damian each took one cake. “What do you say?”

“Yeah, let’s go!” Damian hummed on his way back outside.

At this point, Jessie had to scratch that itch of curiosity. “All right, spill it, little man. Why have you been acting weird?”

“Weird?” Damian remained oblivious.

“I mean, you largely ignored us for the past twenty minutes…” James spoke up. “To top it all off, you decorated a cake instead of pulling pranks.”

“Yeah, that was my wedding cake for Lily!”

Jessie couldn’t believe what her young son just said. “Uh… Come again?”

“When we get all grown up, I’m gonna marry Lily! You just watch!”

“I knew it…” Meowth nodded. “The boy’s got a crush. A big one, at that.”

“Whaaat?” James exclaimed. “Already?”

“There’s no way it’s real… Right?” Jessie spoke slowly.

“It’s more common than you think.” Meowth shifted his focus to Damian, taking the matter into his own paws. “Damian, why do you like Lily so much?”

“She’s a really nice girl. She’s a Gym Leader but is always helping people out.” Damian hugged the cake box he carried. “And being around her makes me feel happy and calm.”

“…He’s got it bad, all right,” Jessie remarked.

“Wobbuffet.” Wobbuffet concurred with his Trainer.

“You plan on telling her?” Meowth continued when Lily and Bede started handing out cakes to less fortunate kids in Ballonlea.

“I… I don’t know… I just know I really, really like to be around her.”

“Well, whatever you do, take it slow. Don’t do anything to make her feel uncomfortable.” Meowth’s mind filled with thoughts of Meowzie, and the painstaking but futile efforts he tried to gain her affections. He cried a little while he spoke, “Don’t make the same mistake I did.”

“Meowth?” Damian gave the cake he was holding to Wobbuffet. “Are you okay, man? Are you crying?”

“N-No!” Meowth denied, despite full-on crying now. “Just got a little somethin’ in my eye, that’s all!”

“I don’t know what’s going on, but… You’re a really cool dude!” Damian knelt and gave Meowth a hug.

“You mean… You don’t think I’m freaky?” Meowth blinked.

“Nope, not at all! I mean, a Pokemon that can walk and talk like a human? How cool is that? You worked really, really hard!”

“Morpeko!” Morpeko jumped onto Meowth’s head.

“Not as cool as you!”

“Poor Meowth…” Jessie hadn’t thought of Meowth’s backstory for a while, but she cried with him.

“Our ol’ chum has come a long way, hasn’t he?” James cried too.

Before Jessie and James could join in the group hug, Lily walked up to Wobbuffet. “I’ll take that cake, thanks!”

“Oh, I almost forgot we had another cake to give out.” Meowth wiped his tears.

“This one’s going to a really special lady.” Lily turned around and gave the cake to an elderly lady with two small children. “Here you go, ma’am!”

“For me?” The elderly woman took the cake with gratitude. “It’s such a big cake!”

“Yeah! You work really hard to run the orphanage here while raising two grandchildren by yourself. A sweet treat for a sweet lady!”

“Thank you, Gym Leader Lily.”

“Bye! Take care of yourself, now!” No sooner had Lily waved the elderly woman goodbye when she got a call on her Rotom Phone. “Yeah, Daddy? …Aw, okay. Yeah, I’ll be there.”

“Going somewhere?” Damian frowned.

“Yeah, Daddy wants me to take care of the rest of the gym battles for today. His Pokemon are all tuckered out and resting at the Pokemon Center.” Lily sighed before pumping her fists in the air. “All right, Alcremies, it’s gonna be showtime soon!”

“Cremie cremie!” The Alcremies jumped back on Lily’s shoulders.

“Say, you wanna come with?” Lily offered to the former members of Team Rocket. “As thanks for helping me with the cakes, Damian, you and your family can watch my matches for the rest of the day. My treat.”

“What? But we haven’t even found lodging for the night…” James began. “And our flight back to Vermilion City leaves 6:00 tomorrow sharp.”

“That’s okay! You can spend the night with me, Daddy, and Uncle Hop. Uncle Hop can even drive you to the airport tomorrow.”

“Really?” Damian jumped for joy. “Yeah!”

“Flying Taxi is here!” Lily gestured towards the Flying Taxi she called for. “Everyone aboard!”

As the Flying Taxi made its way for Hammerlocke, Jessie couldn’t help but watch her son with a smile. “You know, we’ve come a long way too.”

“You think so, Jess?” James leaned into his wife, wanting to sleep on her shoulder.

“Yeah. Though our experiences in Team Rocket were humbling and have made us tough… Nothing – nothing – beats a life where we can raise a family and live the normal life that we deserve.”

#pokemon #rocketshipping #meowth #nyarth #fanfic #fanfiction

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inuyasha1sasuke · 5 years ago

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Be Somebody

Chapter 1:

"What the fuck is your problem?!"

Ash Ketchum's voice struck the Hearthome City's pokemon center as if it were a victim of one of Pikachu's electrifying thunderbolt attacks, shaking the cores of everyone who had the misfortune of being in the lobby at that time of night.

Paul cringed at the ferocity of his voice, but otherwise showed no other emotion than an irritated annoyance after slinging the soothe bell he had won at the tag battle alongside Ash at the competition earlier that day.

Ash had thankfully managed to catch the small bell before it crashed into him, carelessly throwing it onto the table before rising from his seat, ready to confront his assaulter who was only a mere few feet away.

"You can have that." Paul's voice was haughty and arrogant as he gave a nonchalant wave of his hand gesturing towards the sooth bell that had just been thrusted into Ash's care. He had began to turn on his heel and head back to his room before Ash roughly grabbed a shoulder, forcing him back around.

"Why are you such a prick?!" he shouted angrily. " You could've handed it to me like a normal person!"

"There's nothing normal about you," Paul said calmly despite the situation. He smacked Ash's hand off his shoulder as if it burned him, disgusted.

By this point, a small crowd of trainers had their attention caught on the scene, blatantly staring as the events unfolded. Dawn and Brock shared a weary look, both rising in case it was necessary to step in. At her desk, Nurse Joy kept a watchful eye on the pair.

"Says the guy with fucking purple hair. Why don't you want the thing, anyway? We won it; I have my half of the set and you have yours!" Ash practically screamed, getting in the other trainer's face.

"That's exactly it. I don't need a half to a whole. Keep it."

Ash blanched.

"What the hell, Paul. You don't want it just because I own the other half? Are you fucking kidding me."

Paul turned around, leaving Ash the view of his retreating back as he began heading toward the corridor that led to his room.

"My reasons for not wanting it are none of your concern," he said simply, not sparing his rival a second glance as he continued his pace.

"Yeah, just go on to bed, Paul. That's the best thing for you; It's past bedtime for childish pricks like you anyway."

Paul stopped, turned around, and stared.

Ash stared back.

An almost palpable tension filled the room as the bystanders watched in anticipation, nudging eachother playfully to pay attention and watch the impending fight as if it were a game.

Before things could escalate, Brock gave an exasperated sigh and stood in front of Ash, facing him.

"Don't goad him, Ash. Be the bigger man here, and just let it go."

Ash gave an incredulous look at the man blocking his way.

"Brock--" he began, stepping a foot forward, but was immediately cut off by Brock's menacing voice and hands on his shoulders.

"No. Do you see this attention we're attracting? Do you want to be thrown out? Think for once, Ash."

He gritted his teeth, fists balling up painfully as he realized Brock was right. He was absolutely livid. What for? This wasn't the first time Paul had been an asshole to him and it certainly wasn't the last. He'd be seeing him again anyway. Maybe then he could finally knock his lights out, preferably when Brock wasn't looking.

By the time he finally snapped back into reality, Paul had already rounded the corner on the path back up to his room. Ash exhaled sharply, unclenching his fists. Feeling Brock's hands leave his shoulders, he looks up.

From across the room, Nurse Joy shoots him a reprimanding look as he notices they had had an audience. One by one, trainers left the room once they'd realize the entertainment for the day was over which left the trio to themselves in the lobby to ponder things.

"Ash, you really need to learn to control yourself," the cerulean-haired girl reminded him, put out and exhausted by the previous drama. Brock and Ash both rejoined her at the table, forgotten coffee long gone cold.

Ash choked his down anyway, mainly to avoid his worried companion's statement as Brock sifted a hand through dark brown locks.

"If I'm still alive by the end of all of this, it'll be a miracle," he half-joked, leaning back in his seat as he glanced over at Ash. He was quiet now, and that was never a good thing.

"Look on the bright side, atleast you've got another sooth bell!" Dawn chirped, trying to ease some of the tension in the atmosphere around them. She picked up the tiny ball of silver by it's ribbon, the slight movement causing the bell to emit a soothing jingle that instantly made the teen smile.

"Should've rung it much earlier," Brock joked.

"Yeah, it could've saved us a lot of problems," she grinned, turning in Ash's direction who was currently moping beside of Brock.

Brock noticed the girl's switch of attention. He too looked beside him at the sullen-eyed boy, silent in his thoughts.

"Why so quiet?" he nudged the raven-haired boy beside him with his elbow. He only received an irritated look in return.

"Don't tell me he got to you," Dawn teased, taking a final sip of her tea before gently setting the cup back onto the table.

"Fuck off, both of you. I'm just thinking."

Used to her friend's constant abrasiveness, Dawn replied, "That's what's scaring us."

Finally having enough of their humor, Ash abandons his thoughts and decides to answer his probing friends accordingly.

"I'm just pissed off. No matter how much I think on it, I just can't understand why he's like the way he is. I've tried being civil with him. Hell, I've tried to be his friend, but he just fuckin' brushes me off with some smartass insult. I don't even have to look at him and I've somehow already offended his ass just by breathing the same fucking air as him! This shit's really starting to get on my nerves!" he grumbled loudly in his frustration, beyond irritated for the night. Dawn looked at Brock desperately, hoping he could diffuse Ash's anger.

As if somehow hearing her silent plea, Brock spoke up. "Don't think too much on it, Ash. Some people just are the way they are; there's no changing it."

"No, I'm tired of constantly running into him and getting into fights. It seems like it's every other fucking day. I turn around, right there he is, no matter where I go! How it's not affecting you guys I'll never know, but this shit's got to stop before I drive myself crazy!" He pounded his fist onto the table for emphasis, causing the empty coffee mug to clatter in its place.

"Alright Ash, just calm down. It is affecting us, but we just try not to let it get to us because that's exactly what Paul wants. Just don't let him know you're mad; act apathetic. Ignore him. Something besides yelling and fighting." Brock sighed, exasperated.

"Easy for you guys to say. He's not directing any of that shit at you; it's to me."

Giving up, the older man replied, "Well, I don't know what to tell you, Ash. Ignoring him is the only thing I can think of. He'll eventually get tired of it, and move on."

It was a commonly thought up way to get rid of school bullies, so he didn't know why it wouldn't apply to their current predicament. It was worth a try, and quite frankly the only rational solution he had for Ash.

"I'll just beat his ass and make him move on."

Ofcourse, he forgot for a moment that Ash was anything but rational.

Brock sighed. "No violence, Ash. Please."

Dawn had been silent through most of their conversation, but it had become apparent by her next response that her mind had been occupied, trying to solve their dilemma while the two before her bickered.

"You know, I was thinking. I've heard that abusive people were often abused themselves as children. Maybe that's his problem?" She ventured, hoping her two companions would see her logic.

"Who knows?"

Ash snorted. "Yeah, maybe his parents were the ones who shoved that stick up his ass. He just needs help getting it out."

"Ash!" Dawn grimaced. "Be nice! I'm being serious here. Maybe they never showed him any attention, and that's why he's constantly onto you for every little thing?" She tried, wishing her companion would be serious for once. "You always respond to Paul's snide remarks, and give as good as you get. He knows you're an easy target because of that."

"I can't imagine Paul begging for attention." Brock cut in, ignoring the lewd boy's comment.

It was true; Paul definitely didn't appear to be the type to want any sort of attention from anyone, but it was the only answer they had for his behavior.

"Easy target? Fuck you. But whatever the hell his problem is, I'm damn determined to get to the bottom of it. I'm seriously about to go mad here." Ash announced, expression gone stern.

"We can't have that." Dawn joked.

"Maybe I should start bugging the shit out of him left and right. Maybe I'll be able to get something of use out of him and figure out his problem."

"I guess it's worth a shot, but not so good for us. I have a feeling we'd only be breaking up a fight in the end, as always." Brock had always played as referee for Ash and whoever happened to piss him off at the time. Without him, he was sure Ash would have already been into deep trouble long before now.

"No, no fighting this time. I want to startle him; make him wonder. Make him talk," he smirked, feeling a great idea coming on. Brock was genuinely surprised at his comment.

Dawn couldn't help but to laugh at that first statement. "Ash, you seriously expect us to believe you when you say no more fights with him?"

"Yep."

She shook her head. "You're out of your mind."

"Maybe." He agreed. "But I'll try anything once."

"If you say so."

There was a comfortable silence after their talk which signaled their strategy for Paul had come to a close. The lobby around them was devoid of any people save for Nurse Joy scribbling up a few health reports behind the main desk. The sound of pen to paper was suddenly deafening in the silence of the night.

"It's getting late, guys. I think it's time for us to head back up to our rooms for the night and give poor Nurse Joy a break." Upon saying this Brock stood, quietly pushing in his chair while hoping the other two had officially given up for the night to follow him.

"Always thinking of women, no matter the situation." Dawn snickered, gathering their cups and pushing them to the edge of the table for the clean-up crew.

"Naturally," the breeder agreed proudly.

"Come on, Ash, before I drag you back up to the room. Can't stay in the lobby all night."

Ash sighed and finally rose to his feet, following his two companions. Something told him it was going to be a long night.

It was late, sometime past two in the morning, and Ash couldn't sleep. It was a pretty rare occurrence for the trainer. Under normal circumstances, as soon as his head hit the pillow he was as good as gone and completely out of it until late the next morning, earning him some pretty irritable comrades due to his late sleeping habits. But this time was different. This time, he was pissed off. And thoughtful. The mixture of the two equaled a sleepless night on his part.

He was restless, tossing and turning as images of Paul's apathetic yet somehow smug expression haunted his mind at every turn. Just that face was enough to send him overboard with rage; every word that came out of the teen's mouth always shot right through him no matter what he said. Even the way the guy walked pissed him off, and that's when he knew he had a problem. When he had realized this, it only caused him to think more, thus creating a never-ending chain of thoughts when he told himself he needed to sleep again and again, but every single time his mind drifted right back to him. At this point, he was more enraged at himself more than anyone.

What if I'm the one with the problem here? Am I just thinking too much on this shit?

He stared at a blank spot on the ceiling that was illuminated by the moonlight as his mind rolled, forehead creased in irritation.

Why the hell am I second-guessing myself because of him?

He had had enough. No way in hell was he going to lay there and actually blame himself for what was going on. It was that bastard's fault, plain and simple.

Except next time, he wasn't going to be such an easy target.

With that thought, he wrestled with the covers until he was up and out of bed. It was useless to try and sleep when all his mind did was race and think up ridiculous scenarios that even he was confused about.

Pikachu stirred with the motion, but never awoke at the foot of his bed. He continued to sleep peacefully along with the rest of Ash's friends as the trainer slipped on some shoes and quietly left their quarters.

The night air was cool against his bare skin as he walked to no destination in particular. The city lights off in the distance were like a far away memory, barely touching the forest around him outside the center. The lights and noise were blurred and could be easily overlooked with the constant chirping of kricketune echoing around him. All in all it was a peaceful night, and he sighed at the serenity. It almost reminded him of his childhood nights back in Pallet with Gary, chasing after the many nocturnal pokemon until Ash's mother called for them to come home. He smiled at the memory. He was under the same sky, the same stars, and that atleast gave him comfort.

He thought about his mother, and how it had been a few months since he had even spoke to her last. He knew she was worried; she would have called herself by now if she had known exactly which center he was at or even what town he was in. She was all by herself, minding their home with Mr. Mime while he was out living his dream, or trying to. He knew it got lonely for her, and he almost felt sorry for leaving her there like that. He still remembered the helpless look on her tearful face the day he set out on his journey outside Professor Oak's laboratory. It had almost made him forfeit any plans and dreams just to stay with her, but someone in their family had to make something of themselves. And that someone had to be him; there wasn't anyone else.

His father left them like a coward, never to be seen again after telling them he was going away for a little while to try and find a way to get them out of that poverty, and was to never be seen again. His mother was still hopeful though, claiming he would come back to them, and that he just had a rough road getting to where he needed to be. Where he needed to be was with his family, Ash had tried explaining to her a myriad of times. He had no clue why she felt the need to take up for him, constantly onto him when he spoke even a single ill word of the man. Anybody who could just up and leave their family in a guise of getting help for them was a total piece of shit in his book. The bastard could die for all he cared; he and his mother made it without him then and they continued to do it up until this very day.

Admittedly, it was hard at first. Just being a single mother was difficult enough, but she also had to find a part time job ontop of finding a reliable baby-sitter and figure out how to put food on the table. There was the matter of bills also. He couldn't count the number of times they were borderline homeless, sitting at an empty kitchen table in the dark with their stomach's growling. He remembered having to stay with Professor Oak quite a few times with Gary while his mother worked extra hours. Despite it all, they scraped by, and they made it out miraculously. He was proud, and would forever be proud of her.

He smiled. He may be brash, rambunctious, loud and outspoken, but he would forever and always be a mama's boy. He would always need his mother, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

He made a mental note to call her in the morning, to see what she was into and to give her an update on his well-being. He always made sure to never go long periods of time without contacting her, especially not after the stunt his father pulled. He could sense her anxiety after forgetting to call like he had promised once he reached the next town, repeatedly apologizing and explaining that he had just got side-tracked with new people and new pokemon, and that how he would never lie and leave her like that bastard did. After reassuring her several times she would finally settle down, and he would breathe a sigh of relief then later clench his fist that things had to be this way.

So he made a not-so-silent vow, a vow to win the pokemon league and to bring back that trophy for her. He would make her proud, like she did with him. He'd make sure she'd never have to work another day in her life; he'd make sure she'd be happy, and he would never leave her all alone again.

And in order to do that, he would have to beat Paul.

Paul was one tough trainer, he'd give him that much. After all, Ash had yet to beat the guy. He remembered the day he first saw the trainer, out in the woods catching a few Starly for himself only to let them go after learning their level and abilities through his pokedex. They apparently weren't good enough for him. That had angered Ash more than anything, so ofcourse he immediately confronted him and the two had a pissing contest then and there with Ash sharing his opinions on how to properly catch and train pokemon. That day he had learned how different trainers really could be, and how he and Paul were complete opposites. Wasn't one reason why people decided to become trainers was because of their love for pokemon? But this boy had no compassion for them whatsoever, belittling them and talking down to them if they weren't up to his standards right off the bat. Ash swore to himself that he would never understand him for as long as he lived.

It was strange. If Paul's methods were so wrong, then why was he such a successful trainer? Why wasn't Ash able to beat him? That was one of the main things that bothered Ash about the boy. It's what kept him up on sleepless nights like these, wondering what he himself was doing wrong.

He walked a little deeper into the woods beside the center, and paused in his tracks as he saw a crackling light of electricity a little further up, along with a menacing voice that sounded awfully familiar. He frowned as he watched the lights continue, this time followed by sparks of fire and a few distant crashes. He had his suspicions as to who it was out this late at night, and it almost made him turn back altogether to avoid him, but curiosity got the better of him.

He continued on quietly, avoiding twigs and leaves to make sure not to alert anyone of his presence. Once he deemed himself close enough, he hid himself securely behind a thick tree, almost in the midst of all the commotion. Peeking inconspicuously around the tree, a shock of lavender hair was the first thing that greeted his vision with the boy's back turned.

It was definitely Paul alright, stern voice shouting out orders to his pokemon who executed them perfectly amidst the chaos. Ash hid behind the tree again in awe.

He's training...! That idiot is training at almost three in the morning!

And he had never been so ashamed of himself in his life.

Instead of wasting time wondering what I'm doing wrong compared to him, I could be out training like he is day and night. Maybe that's my damn problem. He doesn't let shit like this distract him--

"You're fucking worthless."

Any further thoughts Ash had immediately halted at that cold voice. At first, he almost thought he had been caught, but upon further inspection Paul had been talking to his pokemon. Ash felt a fire build up inside him that replaced the shame before he even turned to look at the scene before him.

And Ash regretted it immediately.

Paul's team was there, but not completely the same team he had at their tag battle earlier. This was a different team, a team that had been so obviously and tortuously neglected to the point their bodies suffered for it physically and emotionally.

The team Paul was currently "training" Ash hadn't seen before except for Chimchar and Elekid. His team consisted of Murkrow, Azumarill, Stantler, and Weavile. And not a single thing was right about the situation.

It was one thing to verbally abuse your pokemon with harsh words like Ash had always been aware Paul had done, but it was something else to starve and beat them. Ash shook in his spot with concealed rage as he saw a malnourished Stantler, ribs poking from its sides with singed fur in patches, laying on the sidelines as it licked at it's wounds.

A very frail looking Weavile was currently attacking the Azumarill as Murkrow was attacking from above in a three way battle. The Azumarill's water gun was extremely weak and definitely not what it should have been, struggling to keep the attack up. The Murkrow had a hard time staying afloat in the air, wings exhausted with black feathers falling with the effort. It was very clear the pokemon hadn't eaten in at least a few days judging from their size and state, and Ash Ketchum was in absolute shock.

Elekid shot out another thunderbolt before him as Chimchar dodged accordingly. Elekid kept up its attacks as Chimchar continued to dodge.

"Is that all you can do is dodge?!" Paul shouted at the chimp as it moved about. Ash noticed the pokemon visibly cringe.

"How the hell do you expect to win completely on defense?! You're useless!" And with that, Paul picked up the nearest rock and launched it at the pokemon, the same exact way he had thrown the sooth bell at Ash earlier that day. It hit the chimp harshly as it cried out in pain. Paul picked up another rock, nearing closer.

"Learn to attack effectively! Until then you're absolutely useless to me!"

He reared his arm back, ready to throw the rock in hand again while the chimp prepared for the blow.

But it never came.

"What the absolute FUCK, Paul?!"

Ash Ketchum immediately shot out from behind the tree, seizing any further movements from Paul by grabbing his wrist harshly and restraining him, catching the other trainer completely off guard. Everything around them stopped.

"Holy fucking shit! Have you really been treating your pokemon this way?! I can't fucking believe you! Give me one reason not to beat the hell out of you right now!!"

Ash felt like crying he was so furious. His mind was in turmoil, his gut churning uncomfortably. He absolutely could not believe that Paul could ever be like this. Ash knew he had issues, but this? His fists shook uncontrollably, and without thinking, he grabbed both of Paul's wrists and pulled them up over his head. Slamming his back into the tree he had just came out behind, Ash held him against it, daring him to try and break free.

"Why the hell were you spying on me? Don't you have anything better to do at 3AM?" Paul asked calmly, staring into Ash's enraged eyes without a care in the world.

Ash was in disbelief.

"That's not the fucking issue here! Stop trying to change the subject! Don't you realize this constitutes as fucking abuse, Paul?! Do you think they deserve that?!" Ash practically screamed in his face, breathing through clenched teeth at Paul's blatant disregard at the state of his pokemon.

"Just look around you, you piece of shit! How long have they been like this?! Why are you fucking ignoring it?! How can you call yourself a trainer?! God, I have so many questions for you!!"

Ash's grip didn't lighten up even the slightest on Paul, nails digging into his wrists, free hand pushing his shoulder roughly against the trunk of the tree, bark digging into the other trainer's back uncomfortably. But still, Paul didn't give, simply staring down the raven-haired male who was breathing heavily in anger, waiting for a response.

It seemed like an eternity had passed before Paul said anything, but when he did, it was as if the forest itself went completely silent around them.

"They're fucking nothing, Ash. They have no feelings."

Ash's heart stopped cold.

Slowly, he lowered his hands, letting go of Paul's wrists which were throbbing painfully from the lack of blood supply. He freed his shoulder, no longer pushing into him. Ash stepped back with wide eyes, and stood frozen in his spot.

"How can you say that?" he whispered, shock still apparent on his features.

Immediately, he thought of Pikachu, always by his side since the beginning. All of their victories, their losses, the late nights he spent with his long-time friend pondering over things. The good times, the bad times, all of their experiences. The times they laughed, the times they cried...

"They're everything," he breathed.

Ash grabbed the apathetic trainers shirt, dragging him forward roughly. "They're fucking everything, Paul! They've allotted you a dream! Because without them, what is a pokemon master? What is a pokemon trainer?! Without them, where would you even be right now?!"

No feelings? He thought of Chimchar, and the hurt expression across the small pokemon's face as Paul had launched that rock at him and called him useless after he had tried his best to impress his trainer. His heart almost shattered at the memory. It would forever haunt him for months to come.

As soon as he heard Paul's next response, Ash shot back into reality.

"Without them, I would've had a fucking family, Ash."

Ash looked incredulous. "Just what the hell do you mean by that? How is that their fault?!" he shouted, confused.

"You wouldn't understand." Paul said instead, clearly bothered by something, eyes overcast.

"Try me!" Ash spat.

"How could you understand? Mommy checks up on you at every pokemon center you stop at!" Ash seemed to have hit a pretty sore spot for Paul, apathetic expression disappearing into something more sinister.

Ash was enraged at the foul mention of his mother.

"I don't know what the hell you're talking about, but you leave my fucking mother out of this!"

And with that, Ash punched him square in the jaw. Paul's back slammed into the trunk of the tree behind him, catching him from falling backwards onto the ground and injuring himself further.

"I should've done that a long damn time ago!"

What started as a yelling match ended up in an all-out brawl between the two. As Paul wiped off the blood that dribbled from his now-swollen lip, he launched himself at Ash, eyes fierce. That was the most emotion Ash had ever saw from him, and he burned it in his memory. The two hit the ground hard as Paul straddled Ash, pinning him in place. Before Ash felt the pain of Paul's returning punch, the weight on his torso suddenly lifted, and he felt light once again. He laid there on the ground confused.

Before him stood Nurse Joy and a Machamp, all four of the pokemon's arms enclosed around Paul, holding the irate trainer in place as he struggled.

"What on earth are you two doing out fighting at three in the morning?! I knew there was going to be trouble when you two started at it in the lobby earlier!"

The adrenaline in Ash's veins began to slow itself as he realized the reality of the situation around him. He had completely forgotten where they were for a second having been lost in his anger at Paul.

He was dumbstruck, unsure of what to say at the moment while Nurse Joy stood before him on the ground in her night slippers as the Machamp she used as her security pokemon quietly held Paul in place, staring down at him menacingly.

"If one more mishap like this occurs, both of you will be immediately kicked out of the center. This is your last warning. It needs to be a peaceful environment for both pokemon and trainers in order to promote healing. You are disrupting that, and also my sleep!" She informed him angrily, looking back and forth between Paul and himself.

Ash suddenly snapped out of whatever trance he had been in. "Nurse Joy, have you seen his pokemon?! They're extremely malnourished and abused! You'll thank me for beating the shit out of him once you take a look!"

She grimaced at Ash's rude choice of words, but looked around anyway.

It took only a second for her to react. She gasped in horror at their state; bones jutting out, patches of fur missing, burn marks... The light in their eyes was gone.

She was mortified.

She stood speechless for a few more moments, taking in her surroundings. All of Paul's pokemon were long since exhausted, resting on the ground looking pitiful. Ash couldn't help but to notice that none of them were concerned about the giant Machamp currently taking Paul hostage. He completely understood their dismissal of the situation.

A noise in the bushes caught his attention as Nurse Joy continued her observation of the horrible scene around them. Before he knew it, he had a face full of warm bright yellow fur. It took his exhausted mind a moment to register what exactly it was that invaded his senses so suddenly.

"Pikachu!" He automatically smiled as the yellow mouse burrowed its head under Ash's chin lovingly, happily chittering as it adjusted itself into its trainer's arms. It was moments like these that made him truly wonder how anyone could be cruel to these creatures. He clutched Pikachu to his chest protectively, watching the sorrowful and appalled look on Nurse Joy's stricken face as she examined each pokemon individually for any life-threatening wounds. They were compliant under her skilled hands, probably just relieved to have help.

Pikachu must've woken up due to all of his shouting, noticing his trainer not in bed where he should have been so he went to find him. He couldn't help but to smile. It was nice knowing he was cared for, that someone was waiting on him to get back and depended on him like Pikachu did. It gave him a sense of purpose.

Tiny yellow paws kneaded themselves into Ash's shirt, calming him down considerably. Pikachu was what helped keep him sane at times like this, and he was forever thankful.

He looked up at Paul, still bound by Nurse Joy's Machamp, and he felt any left over anger at the trainer suddenly vanish.

Paul didn't have anyone, not even his own pokemon at this point.

Ash couldn't possibly imagine not having the emotional support of pokemon, of friends. Paul did it all alone; it was him against the world. He sneered at anything in his way and talked down to everyone, all the while trying to get to where he wanted to be.

But what he didn't understand was those things were the exact reason why he hasn't gotten there yet.

What could have happened to him to make him like this?

He remembered Dawn's statement earlier, and it replayed in his head, "...Abusive people were often abused themselves as children." That's what she had said. Paul's eyes met with his instantly, but not a word was spoken between the two. Paul had appeared to calm down as well. Ash was relieved.

His expression was blank, and Ash desperately wished he knew what went through the trainer's head on days like these. He just wanted to understand him; to understand why he tormented him so mercilessly everytime he passed by and why he haunted his thoughts.

He just wanted answers.

Nurse Joy approached them once again, obviously shaken, but her voice never wavered when she said to Paul, "If not for your pokemon needing serious treatment, I would have you kicked out of here, here and now!"

The trainer remained silent in the pokemon's arms.

"I'll also be turning you in for pokemon abuse first thing in the morning, so prepare for your license and pokemon to be taken away permanently. It shouldn't have that much of an affect on you seeing how you treat your pokemon. You don't need them."

Ash quickly stood up from his place on the ground, Pikachu in arms. He couldn't believe his ears.

It was only for a moment, but he saw the wide-eyed expression on his rival's face; the look of panic, the look of hopelessness...

The Machamp released Paul upon Nurse Joy's orders. He stood silently in that same spot, sporting a swollen purpled jaw thanks to Ash's earlier handiwork. It probably would've physically pained him to talk anyway.

"It would be wise for the two of you to head on back to bed to avoid any more trouble. Things will be dealt with in the morning. But for now, I'm taking these pokemon in for immediate treatment. I'll have their health reports for you in the morning, if you even care to know of their well-being," she glared at Paul, cradling a starving, exhausted Chimchar in her hands. The Machamp dealt with the rest of Paul's pokemon, carefully picking them up one by one with strong arms, being mindful of any injuries.

Ash couldn't let this happen. He couldn't let Paul's dream be taken away, regardless of how much of a dick he was to his own pokemon. To make it worse, Paul wasn't even arguing; he just stood there in the same place looking dejected, not having moved an inch.

"Aren't you going to do something? Say something atleast? She's literally carrying your dreams away right in front of you!" Ash voiced the panic Paul was too afraid to show.

"What can I do?" he asked, voice hoarse as he watched Nurse Joy make her way back to the center with the very things he devoted the past few years of his life for. To anyone else it would appear that Paul just simply didn't care, but Ash knew better. He saw it in his stance, the way his voice slightly wavered, that single instant of panic that shrouded his features for a split second when Nurse Joy mentioned his license, the way his fists clenched and unclenched at his sides...

He trained those pokemon like hell, put them through hell, and for what? He wasn't even going to fight for them? He was out training them at 3am for fucking what?

Even if it was only all for himself, why would anyone willingly let all of that hard work go to waste? He had been training them so hard for a reason, and Ash knew Paul--he wasn't the type of person who could just throw away the things he put years of hard work into. Paul didn't do anything in vain. Why the hell was he giving up so easily?

But, more importantly, why the hell did Ash care so much?

"Oh, I don't know, maybe run the fuck after her and talk to her? Maybe explain your actions? Stop standing there looking like your life just ended and do something!" He shouted, stepping forward.

"That's your damn problem, you just give up too easily. Catching pokemon, looking at their level then later releasing them because you think they're too weak and not worth the time if they don't know a certain move right off the bat. You're in for a pretty rude awakening if you think you can continue about life that easily. And you're about to learn the hard way."

With that said, Ash left him, running after Nurse Joy.

You fucking owe me for this, Paul.

It was about 3:45 in the morning when Ash caught up with Nurse Joy in the pokemon center lobby. She was in the back tending to Paul's pokemon, or former pokemon. Ash desperately hoped that he could change that.

He waited by the desk in the lobby until she finished, Pikachu on his shoulder. Words couldn't describe how exhausted he was after the nights events, so he hoped his talk with Nurse Joy would go over well. The woman had been extremely upset at the condition of Paul's pokemon, so he knew what he was about to do wouldn't be an easy task.

If this works, I'll be having a serious talk with him tomorrow about the shit he's done.

He was still in shock how Paul ever had it in him to treat his pokemon in such a way. How long had this been happening without his knowledge? The team Ash had always saw him with seemed fine physically, but the team Ash saw last night he had never seen before that. Paul probably didn't want anyone seeing them due to their condition. But if that was the case, why was Paul even training them to begin with because someone would see them in the battles he used them in? Paul was an enigma that Ash just couldn't figure out, but he was willing to. He wasn't going to let Paul get away with the abuse of his pokemon, but he didn't want the trainer to lose his license permanently. Ash's only option was to give him a good talking to in hopes that he would actually heed his advice. Knowing Paul, it definitely wouldn't be easy. Nothing about the situation was easy, but Ash had to do something. And if Ash helping Paul would get him off his back and stop his sleepless nights, he'd be more than willing to help.

A moment later Nurse Joy appeared, the door behind her shutting softly, jerking Ash from his thoughts. She regarded him as she sat at her computer desk, messing with a few documents before asking, "Can I help you with something? You need to be in bed."

"Listen, about what happened," Ash started. He sensed her hostile mood towards him, so he tried to pick his words carefully. "I know the whole situation sucks; the way he treated his pokemon sucks, but... atleast give the guy another chance."

Nurse Joy quirked an eyebrow in disbelief. "You were in a fight with him moments before, now you want me to give him another chance? Not only that, but you saw the condition of his pokemon just as well as I did. I can't believe you're asking this of me. There's no way I could ever give someone who has treated their pokemon that cruelly another chance." She informed him bluntly, turning away from him towards her computer. She immediately began inputting information in an online database, only half-minding him now.

"Okay, look, let me start over. I'm not good with words," he said desperately, putting both hands on the desk as if it would better catch her attention. He couldn't believe he was taking up for the bastard, but Ash couldn't let him lose a dream they both shared.

"Firstly, I'm sorry for what happened earlier--both incidents. But I'm Ash Ketchum, a trainer from Pallet. Me and that guy--Paul is his name; we both share the same dream. We met just recently in our travels. Yeah, he's a prick, especially after the shit he's put his pokemon through. But I believe that deep down, his intentions are good. I honestly can't say why he's like the way he is, but I'm working on finding out if you'll just trust me."

His words just came out automatically. He was speaking from the heart, the way he always did when he felt passionate about something. Hopefully she would see how much he wanted this; sense his desperation to help someone.

She was silent, so he took this as a sign to continue.

"He's just going through some shit and needs help sorting it out. I know he's a total douchebag, but let me talk to him first. Having his license taken away would destroy him. He's young; we're all young. He's still learning. Just give him another chance. Please." He begged, trying to jerk her attention away from the computer screen.

"It would destroy him? What do you think he's done to those pokemon?" She said, sparing him a stern glance over her reading glasses before continuing to type once more.

"I know, I know... Believe me, I bitched his ass out over that, too. I plan on having a serious talk with him, not an argument, but talking with him, so I can try to understand his actions. I'm gonna get things straightened out with him. He's going to be better, if you'll just give me a chance. Give him a chance." He told her, heart beating out of his chest. He didn't understand why he was going so far for the other trainer, but he learned a long time ago never to question matters of the heart. Something told him to do this; it was his gut instinct, so he went with it.

"How do you know something like this won't happen again with him in the future? Can you guarantee that?"

"No, I can't guarantee that. I can't guarantee anything. That's why I'm asking for you to trust me. I'll change him." Determination laced his voice as he gripped the counter, his exhausted mind wishing she would just give in so he could go back to his room and sleep for the remainder of the morning. Possibly longer because it had been a long, difficult night.

"I appreciate your honesty," she said, shutting down her computer and straightening up her desk. Ash patiently waited for the rest of her response.

She paused for a moment, as if contemplating something. Then she sighed. She turned fully towards Ash, giving him her complete attention.

"I have a deal for you."

Ash's eyes met hers immediately. "Anything," he said.

She looked at him earnestly, making sure he was paying well attention. "I want you to promise me that you will not allow something like that to happen again, do you understand? And no more fighting here. Keep an eye on him for awhile to make sure he doesn't try the same stunt again. You asked me to reconsider confiscating his license, so you take responsibility for his actions until then. Clear?"

Ash stared in disbelief for a moment. taking in the information. "Holy shit, you're letting him off?" Ash answered immediately, not fully believing his ears.

She sighed. "Yes."

Ash stood, dumbfounded. "...Really?"

For the first time that night, she cracked a smile at him, unable to hold it back. "Yes. Only if you agree."

A smile split across Ash's face upon hearing her response. "Well hell yes I'll agree then! How can I ever thank you?!" He was grateful beyond belief, absolutely relieved that she actually gave in to him. He wasn't expecting it to say the least, and he was elated.

"By not causing any more trouble here. And keeping that trainer in line. That's all I'll ask of you." She said, gathering some of her belongings up.

"You're easy to please. That I can do. Thank you so much, Nurse Joy. Seriously." Ash told her sincerely, petting Pikachu happily.

"Thank me by going to bed so I can be done here. It's been a very long day. I also want you to be nearby when I relay the news to that trainer about his pokemon tomorrow, alright?" She stood, holding her belongings patiently, wanting to sleep just as much as the trainer before her did.

"Alright, sounds good. I'll be down here as soon as I wake up." He informed her, sensing the conversation coming to a close.

"Okay. Well, I'll see you tomorrow...Ash, was it?" She asked, not completely sure of the raven-haired boy's name. She figured she would need it for future reference, knowing him.

"Yep! Goodnight, Nurse Joy!" He said with a backwards wave, already on his way back to his room. He was dead tired and just wanted a bed.

"Stay out of trouble. Goodnight," she bid him, making her own way out aswell.

Why Nurse Joy decided to let Paul go and give in to his pleas, he would never know. All he knew is that he owed her big time, and that he was willing to do anything on her behalf. He felt the stress literally drain out of him the moment she uttered the word yes, albeit reluctantly, and now that left him completely exhausted.

He sighed. He was glad all of that was over with for now. His head was pounding with a migraine from a lack of sleep and he knew he had to have had bags under his eyes by now. He looked horrible. Grass stained his clothes and he suffered from a sore throat due to screaming at the top of his lungs at Paul. He ran his fingers through raven locks. He definitely needed a shower, but not tonight.

Ash was halfway down the hall before he noticed a light shining underneath the door to the room he shared with his traveling companions.

Well, shit...

So much for being able to go straight to sleep.

Dawn and Brock were awake in the room when he opened the door. He mentally prepared himself for the barrage of questions.

"I guess you guys couldn't sleep either," he told them a bit sheepishly, knowing they were sure to be ill with him for going out in the middle of the night on his own and causing a ruckus. Especially after he promised no more fights only a few hours before.

"Yeah, I wonder why?" Dawn asked, sarcasm lacing her voice. She was sitting up in bed and in her night clothes, looking bedraggled.

"Beats the hell outta me. I just went out for a leisurely stroll," he said, walking into the room and locking the door behind him. Brock was sitting on the edge of his own bed by the door, scrutinizing him quietly.

"Leisurely, he says," she rolled her eyes at him, Piplup still sound asleep beside her.

"Ash, what happened this time?" Brock asked in a serious tone, noting his friend's ragged appearance. He had one guess as to what it was, or rather, who it was.

"Fuck if I know," he lied. "I just want to get in bed, I'm dead tired. I swear I'll explain everything in the morning." Sighing, he kicked off his shoes. He threw himself onto his bed across from Dawn and Brock's face down, not even bothering with the sheets. He closed his eyes a moment.

"I'm holding you to that. You do look a little worse for wear," Brock worried, looking at the grass stains and dirt across the teen's back where Paul had thrown him down. It was obvious he had gotten into some type of altercation, but Brock didn't pry further. There would be plenty of time for that in the morning.

"I'll be fine once I've had some sleep. Wake me up pretty early though, I've got to be downstairs with Nurse Joy for something," he mumbled into the mattress without any explanation.

Brock and Dawn shared a confused look.

"Ash, you better tell us what's going on first thing in the morning, or so help me--" She was cut off immediately from her threat with Ash's irritated voice.

"Alright. Damn."

"That's what I thought," she said, throwing one of the spare pillows at him. Luckily he caught it, but he flipped her off in the process.

"You wish," she told him, crawling back into her own bed and getting comfortable under the sheets.

"Not quite. Feisty blue-haired girls aren't my type," he said nonchalantly, finally sitting up to turn down the covers on his bed.

"What about moody purple-haired men?" Brock joked. Dawn nearly choked on her own spit.

He paused a moment in disbelief that Brock of all people would say that. "Shit, Brock. Who's side are you on? You're supposed to be the level-headed one of the group!" Ash griped, feeling betrayed.

"Just calling it like I see it."

"Yeah, sure. You all can fuck off now. I'm hitting the sack." He announced, turning away from them while burying himself underneath the covers of his twin bed.

"Grouch," Dawn mumbled good-naturedly.

He ignored her, but couldn't help but to grin as Brock turned off the light. He had a feeling that tomorrow would be a decent day.

#comashipping #fanfiction #fanfic #ashxpaul #be somebody #ash #paul #pokemon

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