Chapter eleven (AKPKMN)

**Review Responses:**

**keyblademeister88:** Yeah, it should be interesting.

**Phenomenal Ultra Instinct:** I'm glad you're enjoying my story so much.

**Yaw6113:** Thanks.

**Lezaroth:** Frenzy Plant and Blast Burn cover large parts of the battlefield and are harder too escape. Imagine it as a master martial artist, they have to train too hold back and avoid killing enemies; Ash's Pokemon have that training and discipline. Basically the Pokemon were given stamina training and can also "bench their max weight" with moves more often. I'm trying to paint Ash as diverse; strategic, brute force, ruthless, and also kind.

**buterflypuss:** Thanks. I'm glad you're liking them.

**Dylan-A-Friend:** Thanks.

**SkylerHollow:** You're welcome.

Ash had arrived in Littleroot Town just ten minutes ago and had wasted no time in flying to Professor Birch's lab on the back of Charizard.

They arrived at the same time as a girl on a bicycle, scaring her in the process.

"Sorry about that," Ash said apologetically, dismounting Charizard with Pikachu in his arms.

"Um, that's okay," the girl said nervously. "What kinda Pokemon is that?"

"A Charizard, the evolution of Charmander; the Kanto region starter for the Fire-type. My Charizard is larger than most Charizard though, being just over eight feet tall. He can seem pretty scary though... especially during battles." May still looked nervous so Ash returned Charizard. "Anyway, I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town..."

"I'm May," the now named May said.

"Nice to meet you, May. Are you a beginner trainer?"

"Yeah, I'm coming to get my first Pokemon," May said, but she didn't seem that enthused.

Ash opened the door. "Ladies first, then," Ash said, causing May to giggle at his gentlemanly behavior.

"Ah, Professor Ketchum, and you must be May," Birch's assistant, Joshua said.

"Hello," Ash and May said.

"Professor Birch will be with you shortly Mr. Ketchum. May here needs to pick out her first Pokemon first." Ash nodded in reply.

Professor Birch entered the room and after greeting Ash and May he brought out and introduced the three starter Pokemon. May found the Treecko creepy and she wasn't thrilled with the Mudkip either, but when the Torchic rubbed on her leg affectionately she chose that one.

"Okay, did you bring them?" Birch asked eagerly, catching May's interest.

"Yes," Ash replied, before extracting Mega Stones and Key Stones for an Aggron and Swampert. "These are loans, if you wish to purchase them though it wont be cheap."

"What are those?" May asked.

"Mega Stones and Key Stones; objects that allow Pokemon to undergo a temporary evolution, but require a lot experience and a strong bond between both trainer and Pokemon." May looked annoyed by the fact that she was too inexperienced to use them. "Don't worry, the Mega Stones are for specific Pokemon and these are of absolutely no use to you... unless you have an Aggron and a Swampert."

"I don't," May replied.

"I'll get these back to you as soon as possible, Ash," Birch said, looking forward to running tests with his son Brendan. Ah, speak of the devil.

Brendan had just entered his fathers lab.

"Ah, Ash and May, meet my son Brendan," Birch said with pride.

"Nice to meet you," Ash replied.

"Could you battle Brendan's Swampert and Aggron with Mega Evolution?" Birch asked in interest, wanting to see how his son stacked up against the kid who easily beat Harrison.

"Sure," Ash replied.

"Great!" Birch replied.

Ash, May, Birch and Brendan all went outside... where they saw Aggron eating May's bicycle.

"My bicycle!" May exclaimed angrily.

"It seems that your Aggron is still growing..." Ash commented drily.

"Um, sorry," Brendan said nervously. "About that battle..."

"I'm ready whenever you are," Ash replied.

After placing the Mega Stone on Aggron and Swampert, Brendan had Aggron Mega Evolved and ready for battle. Ash sent out Charizard.

"Whenever your ready," Ash replied.

Brendan started it off with an order to use Ice Beam, which Ash let hit. Charizard heated up his body to dissipate the ice and then used Blast Burn... one-hitting Aggron who was unable to dodge.

Brendan returned Aggron and sent out Swampert, quickly Mega Evolving it, and looking far more confident.

Brendan order Ice Beam, but Ash ordered Charizard into the sky with Brendan having Mega Swampert use Rock Slide. Ash had Charizard destroy it with Dragon Claw and then send them back with Steel Wing while annoying Brendan and Swampert in the process.

Growing bored, Ash ordered Charizard to use Solar Beam and Brendan ordered Mega Swampert to use Protect... Solar Beam pierced through Protect like it wasn't even there and then blasted Mega Swampert into a nearby hill, causing it to devolve into Swampert.

Brendan returned Swampert with a sigh. "I forfeit, you are too strong."

Ash nodded, but was indifferent about Brendan's reasons, and returned his Charizard. May went over and began talking with Brendan

"Well, I'm off to Oldale Town to register for the Hoenn League," Ash said.

Birch nodded. "Well, thanks for loaning us the Mega Stones and Key Stones, I'll return them as soon as possible."

"Alright," Ash replied. "Do you still have my Xtransceiver number?"

"I do. I'll call you so that you can teleport by to pick them up."

"Nice meeting you, Professor Birch, Brendan, and May," Ash said before walking away.

"Wait up! I'm coming with you!" May called out, and Ash stopped while wondering if she had a crush on him or something.

"Alright," Ash replied. "You going to register for the Hoenn League too?"

"I guess," May replied, not seeming really thrilled about it.

"There are also contests, which are kind of like Beauty Pageants and use moves to express that beauty." Ash said, catching May's interest. "I know very little about them though, but they might interest you if you dislike actual battling."

The short trip to Oldale Town went well and Ash had caught a few more Pokemon to continue working on completing the Hoenn Pokedex. May had tried to capture an Azurill, getting her Torchic injured, but failed. Ash actually found that to be a good thing.

"On the plus side, you didn't take a baby Pokemon from its parents," Ash said. "Training Torchic to keep its eyes open while attacking would greatly improve its fighting ability. That seemed to be the single greatest weakness in its fighting ability." May nodded. "I've given Torchic first aid, but it should still be checked out at a Pokemon Center." Ash handed Torchic to May and had her hold it like a baby.

After a short walk, where they were given directions by a Professor Alden, they both arrived at the Pokemon Center where Torchic was promptly proscribed rest and Ash registered for the Hoenn League.

After contacting Professor Oak and his mother, Ash gave May a tour of the facilities of the Pokemon Center. They even caught up with Professor Alden...

Until Team Magma showed up and Nurse Joy was taken hostage. The three of them were quickly locked in a room, much to Ash's anger and annoyance.

"Huge mistake," Ash commented, his eye twitching. "Go Charizard, use Dragon Claw on the door!"

The door was destroyed in an instant and Ash was in his element. "Nurse Joy, you and May can switch to reserve power. I'll go crush those insects like the insignificant bugs that they are." Joy and May nodded.

Ash was off though, calling Charizard back out and then flying to the ruins with Pikachu.

When they arrived, Ash had Pikachu use Thunderbolt on Team Magma and Charizard use Flamethrower on the pricks.

"Hello, morons," Ash said menacingly. "Pikachu, Thunder Wave."

"Pikachu!" Pikachu said before doing just that.

"You'll suffer for this!" A grunt said. Ash broke their leg, causing them to scream.

"Pray that I don't. I have very few people that your team can target, but there are thousands of you and then your families. Who will stay loyal when all that they love is the price for it? I'm more ruthless and merciless than you wastes of life can ever hope to be." In fact, just for that remark Ash crushed the grunts bones in his arms and legs and left him a cripple. Ash hadn't been mentally idle either... he drained important knowledge from their minds.

Once Team Magma was taken into custody by Officer Jenny, both Ash and Alden were able to test out the treasures. It wasn't hard to figure out and it opened up a new room, which they wasted no time in taking pictures of.

"This is a good find, but I feel like we are missing something," Ash said to Alden's confusion. "We basically just discovered an art display in a vault unlocked by actual treasure. I think we should observe the site for a day at minimum, because while value is subjective and in the eye of the beholder this seems suspiciously underwhelming. It seems like a hiding place for something."

"I suppose that you do have a point," Alden conceded.

Sure enough, as the sun rose on a new day, the metal door lit up and soon so too did the entire room... but the metal door slid back further to reveal steps. Naturally, both Professors went down them.

"Interesting, I wonder if it leads to the sea?" Ash asked quietly. A Relicanth, which Ash just barely identified, suddenly jumped from the water before landing back in it. "It's a great find. Congratulations, Professor Alden."

"Thanks..." Alden replied.

"You need to inform the league to protect the Relicanth and their habitat, of course, but other than that you should be able to focus on studying the location. I have a request, but I'd like to explain it first..."

"Ash, you helped me a lot by saving me and pointed out a few small things that I missed at first... I'm willing to hear you out."

"How well versed are you on the legends of Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, and the Legendary Titans?"

"I remember them well. The Titans can contain the energy of the Weather Trio and Rayquaza can defeat both Groudon and Kyogre."

"Rayquaza was the first Pokemon to ever Mega Evolve, but I have a suspicion that is an intuitive leap. Team Aqua and Magma, an interest in super-ancient Pokemon, and Kyogre who expands the sea and Groudon the land." Alden's eyes widened. "I'd like to catch a Relicanth in case I need the Legendary Titans to counter what I believe Teams Aqua and Magma's plan to be; unleash those two for their plans. I would also need to catch a Wailord according to the lore."

"Go ahead then," Alden replied.

"I'll communicate with them through Aura and try getting one willing," Ash said, improving Alden's opinion of him even further.

*"Hello, Relicanth,"* Ash spoke to them.

*"Aura User? Why have you contacted us?"*

*"I'm seeking a Relicanth for my team. There are groups who are seeking to expand the land and sea and I can only free the three Legendary Titans to counter the powers of Groudon and Kyogre with a Relicanth and a Wailord with me."*

*"Will the Relicanth be returned after the titans are yours?"*

*"Yes, it will,"* Ash replied.

*"Then there is a Relicanth that wishes to come with you... he will surface momentarily. He desires to grow much stronger to lead and protect us."*

*"He will grow in strength, of that I am certain."*

The conversation ended and a Relicanth surfaced and allowed himself to be caught. It was an impressive catch, level 60 and of a great size.

"Thank you, Professor Alden. I wish you luck on your work here, but I need to get going." After saying their goodbyes Ash met back up with May and they continued on to Petalburg City.

Ash and May had just arrived at Petalburg City, with only Ash feeling more accomplished... he caught three more Pokemon to evolve and he had already evolved the Surskit and the Corphish into a Masquerain and a Crawdaunt. Ash was making great progress on completing the Hoenn Pokedex, but he was annoying May with his activities.

"May, I have to catch one of each Pokemon to become a Pokemon Master and that means training some until they evolve. It's extremely difficult work and if you can't hand the pace that I'm traveling at then you are free to travel without me. We would have to stop traveling together eventually anyway. I train for months in complete solitude before league conferences, and I am prone to taking life threatening risks to catch some Pokemon. Actually, I almost die a lot." That last bit was a lie, Ash was immortal.

"But if we quit traveling together I won't get to eat your cooking!" May argued, to Ash's great amusement.

"I'm sure that you can cook, May. Trainers have to undergo a series of tests for their ability to survive and cooking is a part of that." Ash said.

"I didn't get a good grade though," May said, causing Ash to take pity on her.

"Okay, May. We can travel together, but being a Pokemon Master is my dream and I started learning about Pokemon at age six. I'm not going to travel back through Hoenn just to catch Pokemon and all with outdated information." Ash said, and May nodded. "Anyway, onto Petalburg Gym and my first Gym Badge!"

Predictably, May made an excuse and went away. Ash already knew that she was Norman's daughter, but he enjoyed messing with her. Still, Ash wasted no time in going to the Petalburg Gym.

"Hello? I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and I've come for a Gym Battle!" No one came so Ash was very annoyed. "Is anyone here?"

"Can you please keep it down? I'm right in the middle of watching a video of the Silver Conference!" A boy, who Ash guessed was Max said. Max noticed who he was talking too. "Wow! It's really you! Ash Ketchum the winner of the Silver Conference! And that's your Pikachu!" Max said, hugging Pikachu. "You dominated Harrison and all of your opponents!"

"Yes, I tend to do that," Ash replied in amusement. "I was also a stand-in as the fourth of the Johto Elite Four while Lance looked for a permanent replacement, but no one ever got to me."

"Cool!" Max replied. "What Pokemon did you use?"

"Earth and Rock-types, with an overall earth theme. Pokemon like Golem, Steelix, Tyranitar, Rhyperior, Aerodactyl, Gligar, and Mamoswine. Enough of them had a similar weakness and were predictable for a challenger, but I could still beat my opponents."

By this time the Gym Leader, Norman, had arrived.

"Hi, I've come for a Gym Battle for the Balance Badge," Ash said.

"I accept, how many badges have you won?"

"None in Hoenn yet, but I'm hoping to win here to cut down on travel time," Ash replied and Norman nodded in understanding.

"It'll be a three-on-three Pokemon battle with no substitutions." Norman said.

Ash nodded in agreement and took his place on the battlefield. The referee repeated Norman's words and began the battle.

"Go Slakoth!" Norman said.

"Go Charizard!" Ash said, causing Max to fanboy.

Charizard made extremely quick work of Norman's three Pokemon despite not having a type advantage. Norman was shocked when each of his Pokemon were one-hit.

Ash and Norman returned their Pokemon and met in the middle of the battlefield.

"I present you with the Balance Badge, proof of your victory over me, and 1000 Poke dollars will be transferred into your account." Norman said.

"Thanks." Ash replied.

"Um, wow," May said in shock, having snuck in and witnessed her fathers defeat.

"I was wondering when you'd show up, May," Ash commented in amusement.

"What'd you mean?" Max asked.

"May didn't tell me that she was Norman's daughter, but Professor Birch had already told me on the phone." May blushed. "I let her have her secret though. Plus it was quite amusing for me."

After that Ash was invited to have lunch with them, which Ash accepted. Ash was amused with Max being unimpressed by May's choice of starter, but he stated that Torchic can evolve into a powerful Fire and fighting-type Pokemon. Ash revealed the Pokemon that he was training and Max was awed by his new Professor status and the fact that he had learned directly from Professor Samuel Oak and was already accomplished and well-known. It was during lunch that Max began hinting that he wanted to travel and he eventually asked outright and his parents okayed it after asking Ash if it would be any trouble... Ash said that it wouldn't be. Ash and May were given badge cases and Max was given a PokeNav before departing.

The trip to Rustboro City was tolerable... there weren't a lot of distractions, at least. The only real trouble during the trip was encountering a poacher named Rico, but Ash very easily defeated him, freed captured Ekans and Koffing, and managed to rescue a Tyranitar and Fearow too. Rico was turned over to Officer Jenny, Ash compelled Rico to betray his clients names, and Officer Jenny would now be able to arrest all of Rico's clients. Ash had even exposed a scam artist named Anthony and forced him to return his ill-gotten prize money.

Ash caught a Wingull and Pelipper on route 105 and a Silcoon, Cascoon, Taillow, Shroomish, and Slakoth in Petalburg Forest. Wingull, Pelipper, and Taillow were released back into the wild, but Silcoon, Cascoon, Shroomish, and Slakoth were all evolved with the former three agreeing to be released back into the wild.

While training for his second Gym Battle, Ash's Beldum evolved into Metang, his Ralts evolved into a Kirlia, Treecko evolved into Grovyle, Mudkip evolved into Marshtomp, and Ash's Torchic evolved into Combusken.

All Pokemon were now at least level 25.

After helping out at the nearby Trainer School, Ash was finally going to battle Roxanne.

"Go Geodude!" Roxanne said.

"Go Grovyle!" Ash said, always seeking an advantage.

Ash started things off with an order to use Quick-Blade; a combination of Quick Attack and Leaf Blade.

"Geodude is unable to battle! Roxanne send out your final Pokemon!" The referee said, to the shock of both Roxanne and the referee.

Roxanne returned her Geodude and sent out her Nosepass, but that was the real threat and Ash had his Grovyle use Quick-Blade once more to defeat her second and final Pokemon.

"Nosepass is unable to battle! The winner is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!" The referee said. Ash and Roxanne returned their Pokemon and Roxanne walked over to Ash.

"That was quick, but your Grovyle is extremely powerful and that was a very creative use of Quick Attack." Roxanne said. "I see why you're a two time champion though!" She added.

"Thanks, it took a couple days to perfect but it paid off in the end." Ash replied.

"I present you with the Stone Badge; proof of your victory over me. Also, 2000 Poke dollars has been transferred into your account." Roxanne said, before handing Ash his new Stone Badge.

Before leaving Rustboro City, Ash flew to route 116 to catch some more Pokemon... Ash caught a Nincada, Skitty, and a Whismur.

Despite the happiness of having his second gym badge, it was quickly ruined by Team Aqua showing up and causing trouble. Ash apprehended the spy and drained him of essential knowledge and was planning to begin purging both teams soon... he just needed to wait until May and Max were both asleep.

Ash would later destroy several safe houses, a few bases, steal hundreds of millions in resources, kill hundreds of members, and confirm Team Aqua's goal of using Kyogre to expand the sea. Ash found their goal moronic and extremely dangerous. As such, they had to be dealt with... permanently.

It was while on the way to Dewford Island that Ash caught a Wailmer, and soon after it gained a little more experience and then evolved into a Wailord.

After researching Brawly Ash had decided to train all of his Pokemon up to level 30.

During this training, Bagon evolved into a Shelgon, Kirlia evolved into a Gardevoir, Whismur evolved into a Loudred, and Nincada evolved into Ninjask and Shedinja appeared in a previously empty Poke Ball. Ash had made some great progress though and he leveled all of his Pokemon up to level 30.

Now Ash just needed to win his third badge...