Chapter six (AKPKMN)

**Important announcement: I'm posting two chapters today to celebrate the story being added to a community and gaining a hundred followers. Chapter five and six are both new chapters.**

The day after arriving, Ash sought out the Riddle Master; Blaine's disguise, and he quickly arrived at the Big Riddle Inn.

"Hello, Blaine. I'm Ash from Pallet Town and I challenge you to an official battle." Ash said, to the shocked Gym Leader.

"How did you know that it was me!?"

"I'm a psychic," Ash replied truthfully.

Blaine nodded, accepting the explanation. "I'll lead you to my new gym. All of those annoying tourists kept disturbing me during battles and I built a new one... In a volcano!" Blaine said, causing Ash to doubt the mans sanity.

"Interesting, but very dangerous. Aren't you concerned a battle or some idiot might cause an eruption?"

"Not really. I keep my new gym's location a secret."

"Well, I'll try not to break a volcano, but I should warn you that I'm great at breaking stuff. I discovered the talent really young and it's largely effortless and accidental for me, and I have difficulty stopping." Ash said, to Blaine's amusement. "The Pokemon League really should pass regulations to prevent cases like yours. You've been driven from your own gym and forced into a less safe environment where you, Pokemon, and their trainers could die." Blaine nodded in agreement and they took their respective places on the battle field.

"This will be a three-on-three Pokemon battle with substitutions allowed." Blaine said. Ash nodded in reply and sent out his Blastoise, with Blaine choosing a Rhydon.

"Horn Drill!" Blaine called out.

Ash waited and once Rhydon was closer he ordered Blastoise to use Hydro Pump.

"Clever. You let let me defeat myself." Blaine commented with a smirk. "Quite the powerful Blastoise you have. Go Magmar!" Blaine said, using his strongest Pokemon. "Fire Blast!" Ash knew that Blaine was going to try forcing Blastoise near the lava to force him to forfeit, so Ash telepathically commanded Blastoise to counter with Hydro Pump and brace for physical combat.

Sure enough, Magmar tried forcing Blastoise in the lava. "Hydro Cannon!" Ash ordered, to Blaine's shock. Magmar was blasted, at point-blank range, into a nearby wall, unconscious; thankfully one with an over-hang beneath it for Magmar to fall onto. Blaine returned the defeated Magmar to his Poke Ball.

"Telepathic communication?" Blaine asked.

"Yes," Ash replied.

"I think it's clear that you will just sweep aside my Ninetails, so I will forfeit." Blaine said, before sighing. "I've seen trainers like you before; prodigies. Still, you've worked hard on training your Blastoise and you naturally went with a type advantage."

"Well, Ash. I present you with the Volcano Badge, proof of your victory over me, and 7000 Poke dollars will be transferred into your account." Blaine said, handing Ash his new badge.

"I wish you luck on defeating Giovanni, he's the strongest of the Gym Leaders." Blaine said, giving Ash a redundant warning. Giovanni would have probably been chosen over Koga for the Elite Four, but he was 'suspected' of being affiliated with Team Rocket.

"Thanks, Blaine. I'll be training for a month and then teleporting to Viridian City to challenge him." Ash replied.

They parted ways and Ash went to go defeat every trainer that he could find and alternate between that and normal training, where he pitted his Pokemon against each other and had them do other challenging acts like weight training, practice, learning and perfecting moves, and even meditation... Ash had over twenty Pokemon to train up to level 65, or level 70 if possible.

Due to facing weaker opponents, Ash quickly amassed a great winning streak and a lot of money... Ash was now a millionaire. At least his training on a nearby island had produced some worthwhile results in terms of training and levels, and Ash had also caught himself a Lapras and got it level 50. Apart from that, his Pokemon were learning more moves; mostly from each other, but Ash was using his Move Tutor ability to help them where needed. It was very efficient and allowed Ash to focus most where he was needed. Getting his Charizard, Dragonite, and Tyranitar higher than the others to unlock all of their naturally learned moves before the Indigo Conference was an area requiring his focus. They needed to naturally learn moves before being taught some more... they would be at a higher level than the others because of that.

Ash's Tyranitar was currently at level 73, his Dragonite at level 75, and his Charizard was at level 71.

Ash was battling, as usual, and had just defeated another weak opponent... his 170th win.

"What's going on here?" Ash heard an annoying and familiar voice ask.

"This trainer is undefeated! He has over 150 wins and 0 losses!" One of Ash's fans said in reply.

"I wanna challenge him! I do love breaking someone else's winning streak!" An annoying voice said, before the owner rudely pushed his way forward.

"I'm Gary Oak the greatest trainer to ever come from Pallet Town and I challenge you!" Gary said, not even paying attention to whom he was speak.

"I know who you are and you aren't even in the top ten," Ash replied, causing Gary to look at him.

"Ashy-boy! How'd you even get this far, let alone get a winning streak?" Gary asked. "Don't worry, I'll end it for you!" Ash just rolled his eyes, angering Gary in the process.

"You seem confident... how about you put your money where your mouth is... Unless of course you're all talk and false bravado."

"W-what do you mean?" Gary asked, having lost his momentum and gotten called out in the process.

"How much money do you have?" Ash asked with a predatory smile.

"600,000 Poke dollars!" Gary said, smirking and loving the chance to brag. It took a lot of work on his part to increase the small 20,000 PD a month allowance that he was given by his family.

"Well, if you're so confident about your future victory then bet it all," Ash said. "I'll match the wager..." Gary looked nervous. "Where is all that confidence now? Afraid your cheerleaders will leave when you can't pay them to worship you?" Gary looked suddenly nervous. That was a very real possibility and he wanted to sleep with them all when he was older. "Just like I thought... you're all talk. A coward who coasts by on his grandfathers and cousins name. I bet your mommy and daddy gave you all that money for eating your veggies like a good boy."

Ash's fans laughed at Gary, humiliating and angering the prick.

"I'll bet 500,000!" Gary said, and despite Ash not baiting Gary into betting it all he found that acceptable.

"Fine with me, but at least I know that you're all talk now," Ash said, angering Gary but Gary wasn't going to bet it all and risk his future.

"How do I know that you can match my wager?" Gary asked.

"Because I won it all with these good people as witnesses!" Ash said, gesturing to the people surrounding them and causing the people to cheer. Yeah, Ash knew how to work a crowd when it suited him.

"Fine! Go Blastoise!" Gary said.

"You're up, Pikachu," Ash said.

"Use Water Pulse!" Gary called out.

"Dodge and use Electro Ball!" Pikachu obeyed, but Blastoise used Protect. Ash had Pikachu used another Electro Ball, which was protected against, and then follow it up with a Thunderbolt when ordered... defeating Blastoise.

Gary's Nidoking and Nidoqueen were each defeated with a single Iron Tail due to their much lower levels.

"Go Arcanine!" Gary said. "Use Fire Spin!"

"Dodge and use Thunderbolt," Ash replied. Yet another of Gary's Pokemon was easily defeated.

Gary's Dodrio and Krabby were both easily defeated next.

"And that, everyone, is how you sweep teams and humble someone who has insulted you for years," Ash said, causing some laughter. Ash confirmed the transfer of his prize money. "Well, everyone, I'm ending my winning streak and training here on a high note. Feel free to watch me in the Indigo Conference!" Ash said. Most of them looked sad that they weren't going to get to watch him in person, but would watch him in the Indigo Conference.

Once the crowd dispersed, Ash went to speak with Gary. "Well, I've beaten Blaine and I'm leaving to defeat Giovanni. Good luck on your battle."

"Wait! I thought the Gym was closed!" Gary said.

"Nope. Just in a secret location." Ash showed his Volcano Badge. "You have to find the Riddle Master and solve the riddle before being led to the Gym, but it's worth it to battle such a skilled trainer."

"How do I find the Riddle Master?" Gary asked in annoyance.

"His title is a huge hint, telling you his title should make it easy for you." Ash replied.

"Thanks. I'll defeat you next time, Ashy-boy!" Gary said.

"Not at your skill level you wont, Gare-Bear!" Ash said, causing Gary's eye to twitch. "Later amateur hour!" Ash said, before leaving.

After having his Pokemon healed, Ash apparated to Viridian City.

When Ash tried entering the Viridian City Gym, he was informed that Giovanni would be back tomorrow and was dealing with personal business. Despite his displeasure, he opted to visit Professor Oak and his mother.

"Hello, Ash," Oak greeted politely. "I have the Aerodactyl ready for you and have completed my study of it. Thanks for letting me do that. It was a great opportunity for me."

"You're welcome, Professor," Ash replied, following Oak inside.

"I was surprised that you weren't interested in training the others... any particular reason?"

"I have several Water-type Pokemon and I'm not all that impressed with my Kabutops and my Omastar's capabilities. My Aerodactyl, however, is extremely appealing." Ash handed Professor Oak the Mega Stone; Aerodactylite. "It can Mega Evolve and I need to begin training with it and bonding with it before I even think of attempting it." Oak nodded, accepting the reasoning.

"The fact that you managed to capture such powerful Pokemon is very impressive, Ash. They are as strong as some found on Mount Silver."

"Thanks. My goal is to train there and perhaps battle Red someday." Ash replied.

"Well, be careful. I couldn't last two days there and Red... he's on another level. He's been training there for years and his Pokemon should be near invincible by now. The last time Blue battled him he was easily defeated and barely got to Red in the first place."

Ash nodded, already knowing how difficult it would be.

"I'm no where near ready to battle Red... I have a great winning streak and I'm now a millionaire due to my battling skills, but I'm still not ready."

"Impressive, Ash," Oak said, also sensing that Ash had something to tell him.

"I wanted you to hear this from me personally... I... also defeated Gary recently and Pikachu here swept his team... I won 500,000 PD off him. He was being arrogant, mocking, and dismissive and I decided to teach him some much needed humility. He even called himself the greatest trainer to ever come from Pallet Town!" Oak grimaced at his grandsons stupidity and arrogance. His parents coddled and pampered him far too much.

"I'm not angry, Ash. He's my grandson, but he is arrogant and overconfident... his parents spoiled him and fueled his ego. Gary is intelligent but he believes himself to be great already and never fully developed his intellect and skills to there full potential. Everything has always come easy to him due to his parents spoiling him." Ash nodded, already knowing that. "I'm actually kind of glad that you defeated him so thoroughly."

"You're welcome, then," Ash said, amusing Professor Oak.

"Your progress on the Pokedex is also great, but it registered the capture of a Mewtwo and Articuno..."

"Team Rocket created another more stable version, which I rescued, and Charizard beat Articuno."

"Be careful, Ash. Team Rocket is being slaughtered and I don't want you getting caught in the crossfire." Oak said in concern.

"I met the guy doing it, he was in disguise, but he allowed me to rescue and keep Mewtwo. He said that he had no need for Pokemon with his skills. Also, I have no affiliation with Team Rocket or crime, so I'm quite safe. I got the impression that he was sick of Team Rockets, gangs, and thieves existences and was just purging them himself. Evidently the league, G-Men, and International Police are either incompetent, weak, or have been bought."

"I'd like to study Mewtwo and Articuno some time, whenever possible," Oak said.

"Well, Articuno's ability is Snow Cloak and according to its memory it was born with the moves Gust and Powder Snow, and learned Mist, Ice Shard, Mind Reader, Ancient Power, Agility, Freeze-Dry, Reflect, Hail, Tailwind, and Ice Beam in that order as he grew up." Oak nodded, that was already a lot. "Mewtwo is more difficult; he was trapped in a dream land of sorts, but he knows Laser Focus, Psywave, Confusion, Disable, Safeguard, Swift, Future Sight, Psych Up, Miracle Eye, Psycho Cut, Power Swap, Guard Swap, Recover, Psychic, Barrier, and Aura Sphere. Both are level 75. I'm hoping to catch an Moltres and Zapdos soon too, and if they share more similarities with Articuno then we may get far more information on all three of them."

Oak nodded in agreement, still making notes. When he finished them he gave Ash his Aerodactyl's Poke Ball. "Well, here is your Aerodactyl," Oak said, handing Ash his Pokemon's Poke Ball.

"Thanks. I'm gonna go visit my mom now. I was going to challenge Giovanni, but he won't be back in until tomorrow, so I decided to come pick up Aerodactyl and visit my mom." Ash said, and after exchanging goodbye's, Ash departed Professor Oak's Laboratory.

**Minutes later, the Ketchum House....**

After knocking on the door just to mess with his mom, Ash was let inside.

"You've grown!" Delia gushed.

"Ee!" Eevee said, rubbing her head on Ash's leg and getting petted by him. Ash set Togepi and Pikachu down to play with her.

"I know! I'm taller than Gary now!" Ash said, to his mothers amusement. "I thought I'd come visit you while I was waiting for the Viridian City Gym Leader to finish up his personal business. Defeating Giovanni will get me my eighth badge and then I'm going to train until the Indigo Conference."

"How has your journey gone? I know that you got a late start..."

"It actually went great. Pikachu is great and he made a great starter Pokemon. Plus I had my older Pokemon from when I assisted Professor Oak, Gyarados easily defeated two wild Gyarados and a bunch of Fearow and Spearow. I caught a lot of them and got a starter set and several other Pokemon that I wanted by trading. I actually beat seven of the eight main Gym's before the others from Pallet Town. I helped Vermilion City by capturing the territorial wild Pokemon that were disrupting their trade and hindering their ability to get food, and helped two towns."

"That's great, Ash!" Delia said, proud of her sons success.

"Yeah, I beat Gary on Cinnabar Island too! Pikachu swept his entire team! Gary was so arrogant and dismissive of me that he bet 500,000 Pokedollars!"

"Exactly how much money do you have now Ash?" Delia asked.

"1,757,000 PD and I've hoarded some gold, silver, Evolution Stones, and other rare objects. I'm preparing for my future and I have several secret projects that'll make me globally known and respected, but they will take years to complete." Delia nodded along, not believing that the plans were as grand as Ash thought. At least Ash seemed to be managing his money wisely though.

"So why have you been sending me money?" Delia asked.

"So that you can work less and have more you time. Besides, mom, you took care of me and that wasn't easy with my father not sending you any money and with me studying to be a Pokemon Trainer and being in all advanced classes." Delia looked touched by his concern and consideration, but wanted Ash to think about himself too. "You can travel if you want, read, eat expensive dishes that you've always wanted to try but couldn't ever afford, and do almost anything. I know that you can take care of yourself with the inn and the restaurant, but I wanted to do this for you."

"Most trainers keep money for emergencies, Ash, and trainers sending money home is actually quite rare. Your father knew that I could take care of the both of us and he has a lot of financial demands with travel, fines from getting thrown out of places, and supplies. Most just focus on being a trainer and decide against having families at all. Your father and I met and we fell in love... and we quickly married and then you were conceived... Your father missed being a Trainer and traveling though and I knew that he wanted to continue... so I just let him go. I knew that it made him happy."

"He doesn't even call, write, or even let us know that he is still alive... he abandoned us. I don't even have a single memory of him. If he can't do any of those at least once a year, then I honestly don't think that he truly cares." Delia was heartbroken about Ash's lack of faith in his father.

"Ash... your father does care about you. He just isn't the most thoughtful or considerate person, but I still love him and remain loyal to him." Delia said, trying to help save Ash's belief in his father.

Ash just nodded in understanding, but he had never even truly met his own father. He hadn't even heard the mans voice. He had no attachment to his father or to his grandfather, which was kinda sad. Ash knew that his mother was partly lying, his father abandoned them. And if Ash ever met his father in person then he was going to punch him in the face... possibly repeatedly. The sad thing was that Ash didn't even really want a father... he was just disgusted with his father in this world.

To cheer her son up, Delia decided to make Ash some of his favorite foods.

"Will you be staying the night?" Delia asked.

"Yes, but I'll need to drop by my island that I discovered and claimed to feed all of my Pokemon. I have some rare and unique ones that I'm eager to keep secret from Team Rocket."

"Oh, what Pokemon do you have?"

"A red Gyarados, Aerodactyl, Togepi, Lapras, foreign evolution's of Kanto Pokemon, Dragonite, Kingdra, and a Machamp. I also caught an Articuno with Charizard." Delia was skeptical until she saw the look on Ash's face... he was telling the truth.

"That is a good idea then," Delia agreed. "You must have worked very hard to have such strong Pokemon already. Just be careful and I'm sure that Team Rocket won't target you."

"I will. Team Rocket won't be around much longer, and after that I'll just need to avoid lesser criminals until someone destroys all of them too." Delia was shocked by Ash's coldness. "Team Rocket and crime has only flourished while the League, G-Men, police, and the International Police have done nothing of use and now someone has an effective solution that has shown immediate benefits. Murder is horrible, but at least it produces results and Kanto is better for it. Team Rocket is on its last leg and its demise will serve as a warning to other like-minded scum."

"Ash! People are dying!" Delia scolded.

"Evil people who spread pain, death, and misery are all dying... When they're all dead there will be far less suffering and crime. People are all glad that Team Rocket is being destroyed. Stolen Pokemon are being returned to their trainers and poached Pokemon are being returned to the wild. It's horrible, but at least it works." Ash replied. "No one else had a better solution until this person showed up and starting ending the lives of the scum... I'm sorry mom, but I've begun to see things get better in Kanto and I support Team Rocket's purge quite strongly."

Both Ketchum's decided to avoid that sensitive subject for the remainder of the night; wanting to avoid an argument.