Character introduction: Natalie Goldstone/Cure Trainer

~Basic info~

Name: Natalie Goldstone

Cure Name: Cure Trainer

Age: 12-13

Birthday: November 18

Hair color: Hazel (Natalie) Yellow (Trainer)

Eye color: Yellow

Natalie Goldstone is one of the six main Cures in Nintendo Precure!. She is a first-year (7th grade) student at Special Talents Academy. Natalie’s alter ego is Cure Trainer.

Natalie is a very energetic young girl whose energy is sometimes hard to contain. She can be very loud and can often scream when she’s excited, which she gets in trouble for a lot at school. She can easily make friends due to her outgoing personality, being the ball of energy in every room.

Natalie is obsessed with everything “cool”. She strides to be the coolest she can ever be, which is very intriguing to see… She is also very caring, especially to animals, which is why she helps out at the local animal shelter.

~Outfits/Appearances~

(Left to right) Basic outfit, Winter Uniform, Summer Uniform, Summer Outfit, Winter Outfit, Pokémon Universe Outfit, Cure Form

Natalie’s theme color is yellow… but she loves to balance it out with sleek blacks and hints of reddish tones.

~Favorite Games~

Natalie’s goal in Pokémon is to catch them all. Not for battle though, but to train them to be the best they can be! She enjoys how the newer games have modes where you can interact with your Pokémon. It’s her favorite part to make sure all her little fellas are well taken care of and loved, just like real animals. She enjoys other games that also have features where you can care for animals, but they often tend to not keep her engaged enough for the long run.

~Power and abilities~

As Trainer, she acts just like a Pokémon trainer and sends her (currently) only Pokémon, her trusty Pilachu. Her purifying attack is her Pikachu using the move “Volt Tackle” on monsters… shockingly it’s super effective.

~Voice Claims~

Here are Natalie’s voice claims~

For JP, her voice claim is Misora Kano (CV: Ayana Taketatsu) from Revue Starlight Re LIVE. I really like this voice for her because it’s easygoing, like her, and can retain energy that is well needed for Natalie’s overall character.

For EN, her voice claim is Mina Ashido (CV: Caitlin Glass) from My Hero Academia. Once again, I don’t know much about MHA at all (in fact a lot of my friends helped me with English voice claims for my girls so thank you to my friends ilysm) but I think Mina’s energy in her voice fits Natalie perfectly.

That’s it for Natalie! Next up will be Hotaru! Sadly, the rest of the precure intros will not have refs because I was in the process of making them but now my iPad is not in the condition to be doing digital art. So sorry for the inconvenience but it’ll get done when it gets done.

Oh yeaaaah the thunder armor, I remember that now. Do you think you can explain WHAT IN ARCEUS'S NAME HAPPENED THERE? The anime just said 'they're using thunder as armor.' What? How? How tf does electrocuting yourself suddenly make you gold and shiny? Does Thunder secretly have a 0.000001 percent chance to raise your SpDef?

So, here's how i can see Thunder Armor working, bear with me this is all based on ohysical interpretation

We now that Swellow needed heught and speed to basically create a makeshift giga impact without the drawback- moreso of a tackle if anything with Pikachu along its back.

Now, Pikachu is then commanded to use Thunder to create the Thunder Armor.

Here's the neat thing, i think Pikachu is the anchir and dead point.

We know, from the very beginning, that Pikachu can attract electricty by it's tail, its just a natural thing for the species, and with Volt Absorb or Lightning Rod, Pikachu cannot reabsorb that electricity.

But instead makes it a chain.

Have you ever sat on something and touched something generating electricity with one hand? You'll find that, leaving your free hand open, you wont feel a shock unless you put your foot down or touch the device with your other hand.

You are closing the circuit.

Granted, this is me explaining with no references and minimal rememberance but i always liked that experiment.

Now, Pikachu is that electrical source, he can confidently circulate the electricty in his space.

Swellow is that open circuit.

Note that Swellow doesnt touch the ground, and its wings are spread ooen, purposefully not clising that circuit and acting as a loose wire if you will.

While the electricty does pass through, it's at a nonfatal surface level. If at any point, Swellow had landed, or folded its wings, it'd be an instant KO.

Now on impact- hitting Solrock and Lunatone, the Circuit is closing.

But no longer through Swellow.

The Circuit closer is going to feel the brunt of it, being the ending loop where plenty of feedback will get by.

But Swellow isnt immune to that it'll still feel that electricty coursing through.

Unless it's at surface level.

Have you ever had static on your hands and touched something then - OW! You get a surpruse shock?

That's Swellow, and it shows when it later accidentally electrocutes Ash after a gentle poke.

With that electricty already at Surface level, it's allowing Pikachu's electricty to STAY on surface level and never passing through. Preventing Swellow from actually getting electrocuted!

This is a bunch of rambles and my own personal headcanon so thats MY take on it XD

Theoretically, if we got a Pikachu that had stats comparable to what Ash's Pikachu can pull off, what would we be looking at? That rat has taken down at least one legendary to my knowledge, and has regularly gone toe to toe with Champion Rank Pokemon and come out victorious. Hell, Ash and he SHOULD have won a few battles that they ended up losing to keep the series going.

Would we also be looking at a unique ability as well? Or would it be the regular hidden ability Lightning Rod? He does seem to get a boost from electricity every once in a while. Plus I'm nearly certain that he doesn't have Static.

The lil guy is FAST, and his electric attacks have been something legendary in the anime, so Speed and Special Attack are definitely needed. Interestingly, however, is that he uses a LOT of physical moves! Quick Attack, Iron Tail, and Volt Tackle are the most prominent ones I can think of, and they also do some pretty good damage. I can imagine he doesn't have much in terms of defenses however. He usually goes down in a few hits, even if he stays standing longer than he usually does in critical battles. Maybe low/middling Defence and Special Defense with a bit of a boosted HP stat?

I'd be curious to hear your guys' thoughts!

Farewell to You, ch 8

Just then, a Stone Edge saved Pikachu. A Tyranitar came over with a powerful looking Seviper. That's when Brock and Lucy came over. Behind them were Brandon and Luka. Brandon had brought out his Regirock.

Misty blinked, "Wait, wait. Brock, you have a Tyranitar?!"

Brock confirmed, "Yep! Caught it when it was Larvitar with my Heavy Ball!"

Ash regarded, "Nice! Pikachu, Iron Tail!"

"Pika!" Pikachu said as it landed an Iron Tail.

The Steel type move took out more floating stones.

Brandon commanded, "Regirock, Focus Punch!"

Regirock did just that, knocking away more floating stones. Luka was impressed, she was blushing at him.

Lucy commanded, "Poison Tail!"

Seviper did as it was told and it destroyed more floating stones.

Brock smiled at her, "Great work, babe!"

Lucy blushed. Yoni was getting annoyed at being ignored. Especially when she was getting so close. She looked down at her pokeball in her hand. She knew what she had to do. She came down out of her airship, surprising the group.

She told them, "You have all come a long way to annoy me. But now I will collect my prize and leave you in the dust." That's when she threw her pokeball and out came a powerful Tinkaton. Ash was confused as to what that Pokemon was but Yoni acted before he could find out. She commanded, "Flash Cannon!"

Tinkaton launched the powerful Steel type move, hitting Regirock. The super effective attack did a lot of damage and blew away Regirock.

Brandon breathed, "Regirock!"

Yoni smirked, turning to Brock's Tyranitar, "Now, time to Play Rough!"

Tinkaton did as she was told, going over to Tyranitar. It launched the powerful fairy attack, sending Tyranitar back a bit.

Brock blinked, "Tyranitar!"

Lucy growled, "Flamethrower, Seviper!"

Seviper launched the Fire type move. Yoni was ready for that.

She commanded, "Protect and then Skitter Smack!"

Tinkaton did as it was told as she fired the Bug type move. It didn't do much but it did send Seviper back a bit.

Lucy said, "Seviper!"

Yoni smirked, "See? This Tinkaton knows what to do."

"So do I!" Yoni turned to Ash. Ash commanded, "Pikachu, Volt Tackle!"

"Pika!" Pikachu said, running towards the Fairy/Steel type.

It landed its mark.

Yoni gasped, "Tinkaton!"

Misty went next, "Gyarados, Flamethrower!"

Gyarados fired it, towards a very dizzy Tinkaton. Yoni quickly recalled it, switching out for a Wugtrio. The fire type move did nothing against the water type. Misty growled.

Yoni smirked, "Got to do better than that."

Misty told her, "I guess I will." That's when Misty recalled Gyarados and called on Togetic. She said, "I think it's time we get some needed battling."

Ash was about to protest but saw some floating stones around Articuno. He warned, "Articuno! Look out!"

It was too late, the Ice/Flying type was caught. Not only that but more floating stones caught both Lugias. Silver quickly went into the water, trying to avoid the floating stones.

Brandon growled, "It was all a trap!"

Yoni stated, "Of course, you'd think I would fight you without a plan? I might have lost the rook but at least with this power, I can call all of the Legendaries and Mythicals to Shamouti!"

Brock told her, "You've lost your mind!"

Yoni replied, "Not the first time I've heard that."

With that, she went back into the airship and flew off.

Ash gritted his teeth, "Looks like Looker called that one." He turned to Pikachu and asked, "Are you okay?"

"Pika." Pikachu nodded.

Luka stated, "I'm sorry about all of this, Brandon. If I was a trainer, I could've helped."

Brandon reassured, "It was none of your fault, Luka. You've done your best." He turned to Regirock and added, "And so have you."

The group recalled their Pokemon (except for Pikachu).

Lucy asked, "You think you can get us to Shamouti fast, Luka?"

Luka winked, "Watch me."

With that, the group started to go towards Shamouti. Ash thought, 'Hang on everyone, we're coming.' Unknown to them, Silver was following them.

...

Gary, Erika, Anabel, and Looker had arrived on Shamouti Island. Rudy, Melody, Mahri, the Kalos gang, the Alola gang, and the Sinnoh gang had already arrived. With them was Team Rocket. They didn't know how they could help but they wanted to.

Gary stated, "Glad to see everyone."

Erika blinked, "But it seems you have bad news."

Clemont told them, "Articuno and both Lugia's have been collected."

Anabel did a double take, "And Silver?"

Before Clemont could answer, the airship appeared. The ocean had been awfully choppy but Luka's boat had made it too. The waters had turned a rainbow light, making everyone gasp.

Looker said, "The water is glowing!"

That's when Silver came out of the water.

Serena smiled, "Hey, there's Silver!"

Bonnie gushed, "He's okay!"

Silver whined happily but before it whined worried.

Lana commented, "Sounds like it's worried."

Mallow promised, "Don't worry, we'll get your mom and the others back."

Silver whined.

James told Jessie and Meowth, "Wow, that baby Lugia has really grown."

Jessie stated, "Sure has."

Meowth replied, "Maybe it can help us."

Silver whined, scared.

Sophicles pointed out, "It sounds afraid."

Olivia responded, "Won't blame it. All of the birds did get collected."

Kiawe said, "And Yoni won't give up until she has all of the Legendaries and Mythicals."

Dawn gasped, "Look!"

"Pip?" Piplup said.

That's when they saw the rainbow light was starting to work. Kyogre was the first to show and it was mad.

Kenny breathed, "Kyogre!"

Melody pointed out, "This can all be stopped if we can get to the altar. But since the water has been so choppy, how are we going to get out there?"

Rudy thought for a moment, eyeing Silver, "I have a small idea."

Mahri asked, "You think Silver can get you out there?"

Barry pointed out, "But Silver is so little. Even if he got someone on his back, it would have to be two people at most."

Bianca stated, "Well we know Melody is going."

Paul replied, "It's going to be obvious that Ash is going. And the rest of us try and get the legendary birds free while they do that."

Ranee responded, "It's a good plan."

Zoey said, "Better than no plan."

Todd was taking pictures, "Just be careful, Ash."

Ash slightly teased, "Hey, aren't I always?"

Misty giggled, "Nope, never."

"Pika pika!" Pikachu said.

Brock frowned, "But how are we going to get up there?"

Lucy said, "We don't have to. We can psych out Yoni so she can bring down the airship."

Brandon was on board, "Then let's do this."

Luka blushed, "Ooh this is going to be great."

...

Wishmaker1028: I know this chapter is short but I hope you all enjoy! Please read and review! And always think outside of the box!

Thinking about an AU (that also kind of reflects our world with Gamefreak’s decision) where Gorochu actually did make it into the game and somehow Raichu ended up becoming the mascot pokémon and Ash’s buddy and then Pikachu are just treated similarly to how Pichu is (with Pichu obviously not existing because evolution can only really be 3 stages).

Like imagine scenarios like…

Raichu vs Lt. Surge’s Gorochu (or any other rival asshole Gorochu that replaces the Raichu from the anime)

ALSO GOH GETS A GOROCHU AND ID LOVE HIM TO USE HER MORE OFTEN

Raichu & The Pikachu brothers!

ALOLAN GOROCHU or any regional variant tbh would be sick af

Episodes where Ash meets an alternate reality of himself and his Raichu slightly off topic but seeing those clips of those episodes where how alternate Ash has a different personality and stuff, what if he had a Raichu instead? Way to ruin that idea, Nintendo

RAICHU GETS THE LIGHT BALL (maybe not that big of an attack boost since that’d make it broken with its already evolutionary-enhanced stats and speed, especially since it has a kind of decent move pool nowadays) but it’d be fun to fuck around with an eviolite maybe lol

ALTHOUGH LIGHT BALL-BOOSTED VOLT TACKLE IS A GG 👏 except for ground types

GIGANTIMAX RAICHU

POKÉMON YELLOW WOULD FEATURE RAICHU AS YOUR YOUR PARTNER AND THEN WE’D HAVE LET’S GO RAICHU IN THE FUTURE

◦ This is my thing to throw in as well but I feel like Sandshrew and Sandslash were originally meant to be version counterparts for Pikachu and Raichu since the Pokédex has them labelled as mouse pokémon as well. However there’s no information/confirmation anywhere that Sandslash was meant to have an evolved form too like Gorochu or the mouse pokémon as a whole being version exclusives during the development for RB(G) but if we’re going to have an alternate version of Let’s Go, it could’ve been Sandslash (as much as I love Eevee). The other potential counterpart could be Marill who was originally going by “Pikablu” during Gold/Silver’s development because many thought it was gonna be a water-type version of Pikachu and since it’s also a mouse. If that was the case, I would imagine Marill would’ve ended up having similar stats as Raichu (probably with a slightly more enhanced design), maybe Azurill would be released early in that generation too and Azumarill would be similar to Gorochu which btw Jesus Christ if Azumarill was like the one we have now with being part Fairy and Huge power and all would be terrifying.

Not important but also with this AU, I like to imagine fat Pikachu would still be a thing because he isn’t the mascot and animators wouldn’t be animating them as much (that’s the official reason as to why Pikachu slimmed down btw). I personally miss that version of Pikachu more because that’s what I grew up with back when he was my favourite Pokémon and he’s just super cute being chubby with the pointy ears and all!

Man thinking about this is low-key getting me hyped but if that actually did happen, I think I wouldn’t love Raichu like I do now. I feel like I’d view him as overrated and annoying maybe like how I do with Pikachu now (I’d probably still like him more than I do with Pikachu now because Raichu just looks cooler while still looking adorable and huggable af). With that being said, I would view Gorochu as how I view Raichu; under appreciated because of the anime’s depictions and the influence on fans because of it. If only the company was more inclusive with it. Why’s it always Pichu who gets to be with Pikachu? Yeah he’s a baby Pokémon but I’m very certain it’s existence is only really for the anime.

Speaking of mascot Pokémon… Eevee really SHOULD’VE been the mascot if anything.

It wouldn’t outclass its evolutions in fame because they’re notable and there’s multiple of them. Hell there may be eeveelutions for every type these days and it could have its own version of the light ball that could make it equally powerful as it’s evolved forms! It just makes more sense to me. I think it would’ve been more appealing than Clefairy who was initially going to be Ash’s starter.

Egg Moves; Inherit vs Taught.

Move tutors must get paid a lot of money in the Pokemon world for teaching obscure ones. Take for instance the move Volt Tackle which needed a parent holding a Light Ball. You can have it taught to a Pikachu in Alola and Captain Zisu can teach it even in ancient Sinnoh. If you can get a Pokemon to know these moves without the right genetics, could all egg moves be taught if demonstrated to the Pokemon? How would an egg move inherited from a parent be different from one instructed to them? Maybe it’s skill using the move in the beginning?

Though I don’t imagine a newly matched Bagon can use Hydro Pump very well. Are there any advanced egg moves that the smaller stages endanger themselves when using? I mean, they probably have a limited energy pool to draw the non-STAB elemental energy from. And it has to be exhausting when first learning a move with a type you are weak to. Any backfires could hurt you more than your element. Inherited might give them the beginning stages of a pool to draw from. While being taught enables them to convert their energy to what they use. The first is arguably faster despite eggs taking a while to hatch. The second means you are capable enough to teach various species how to do it.

—Also, thanks to the ten followers who decided my little blog deserved paying attention to.—

The Bloom is on Axew

Would you believe this was supposed to be done a week ago?

“On their way to Nacrene City, our heroes face a change of pace; a battle between Iris and Cilan.”

In the middle of a small forest clearing, Cilan and Iris stood at opposite ends of a dirt path. Pansage and Axew stood in front of their trainers. Ash sat crossed-legged on a flat stone on the sidelines. His chin rested in his hand as he looked at them with a bored expression. Pikachu sat on his left, his arms crossed.

Ash groaned, “Come on guys, can’t we get in on this?”

“Pika!”

“No way,” Iris scoffed, “You’d just be trying to win.”

“Isn’t that the point?”

“You’re such a little kid. I don’t want you using Volt Tackle on Axew before he can do anything.”

Ash held up a finger, “Okay then, no Volt Tackle-”

“Not happening!” Iris said, “You can be quiet and watch for once.”

He rolled his eyes, “Okay, okay.”

“Axew!” Axew stomped his feet, glaring down Cilan’s Pansage.

“You’re raring to go, aren’t you?” Iris smiled.

“Axew!” he roared, or what Axew’s version of a roar was, given his size.

“Let’s get this show on the road,” Iris threw a hand into the air.

“As you wish,” Cilan smiled, “Pansage, let’s serve them just what they asked for.”

“Pan Pansage.”

“Asked for?” Ash mumbled with a raised eyebrow.

“Axew, use Scratch!”

Axew grunted his name as charged at Pansage, his claw raised. Though, charged isn’t the most accurate word. Aggressively trotted may be more fitting.

“Now Pansage, Bullet Seed. Gently,” Cilan added with a wave.

“Pika pika?” Pikachu glanced at his trainer questionably.

Pansage walked up to spit out a single seed at the Dragon type. It didn’t seem possible for it to move any slower. Still, it struck Axew in the head, making him stop and cry out. 

“Huh?” Ash mumbled.

“Pika?”

Slowly, Pansage sent another two at Axew, who could do little to dodge apparently.

“Oh no, Axew!” Iris brought a hand next to her mouth.

She was quickly at her partner’s side, “Are you alright?”

Axew let out another pitiful cry, clawing at the tears in his eyes.

“I’m sorry, I suppose we overdid it,” Cilan said with an awkward smile. Pansage looked more confused than sorry, scratching his head.

Iris gently grabbed Axew’s hand, “Remember to try your best, we’re in training.”

“This is just meant to be a practice battle?”

“Right,” Cilan said, “Just what they asked for. This is to get Axew used to battling. Nothing too difficult.”

“Doesn’t look like any training I’ve seen,” Ash mumbled, shooting Iris a cheeky side-eye.

“Oh, what do you know?” Iris glared, “Getting ready for battles takes time. A little bit at a time is a fine way to get started.”

“Yeah, when it’s an actual battle.”

“And that’s why I asked Cilan instead of you, Ash Ketchum. Cilan and Pansage are gentlemen. They don’t mind adjusting their power for us.”

Cilan hid a chuckle, bowing in sync with Pansage, “It’s an honor to be of service.”

“Pan, pansage.”

“Come on, Axew can learn so much faster if-”

“Ash, I’d advise letting Iris train how they want,” Cilan said.

He shrugged, “Yeah, yeah. Okay.”

Iris turned back to Axew, “Do you think you can go on?”

Axew wriggled, before shaking his head. He stood back up properly, facing Pansage with a growl.

“Yeah, Axew, you’re so strong!” she giggled.

“Go Axew!” Ash cheered without a hint of sarcasm.

“Pika pikachu!”

“Okay, Scratch again!”

“Axew!” his claws gleaned in the daylight. He ran at Pansage.

“Keep them in place, Pansage,” Cilan snapped his finger.

Pansage nodded as Axew was inches from striking him. Nonchalantly, Pansage grabbed Axew’s back horn, clamping each of his hands over it. Axew cried out pitifully, still trying to slash at Pansage. 

“Come on, Axew. Keep using Scratch!” Iris cheered, though she hid a grimace on her face. She shook a fist, “Get serious, Cilan!”

“I am serious. This is used in Gym battles frequently,” he shrugged, “When you face a close ranged attacker, you halt your opponent’s movements. Then attack from a distance.”

Pansage grunted, not struggling in the slightest to keep Axew in place.

“Now Pansage” -Cilan stretched his arms to the sky- “use Solar Beam!”

“Pansage!” the grass monkey backflipped away from Axew, letting him fall face-first to the dirt. Pansage raised his hands, charging solar energy.

“Iris, doesn’t Axew know any other moves?”

“Ye- yes,” she stammered, voice small, “But it won’t do any good.”

“What does that mean?” Ash asked, his voice slightly raised, “You can’t just use the same move the exact same way and expect things to change.”

“Would you stop backseat battling for me?” she yelled back.

“Iris, look out!”

Iris snapped back at Ash’s words. Pansage released the Solar Beam attack. Though, its size made it more like a solar blip. Still, it hit Axew head-on. Though, it was hard to imagine being particularly painful. Axew fell to his back, rolling all the way back to his trainer. 

“Can you get up?” Iris asked, sweetly. Axew groaned, forcing himself back to his feet. “Axew ew!”

“Great, now use Scratch!”

Ash rolled his eyes as Axew ran past him and Pikachu. The latter of whose gaze followed him worriedly. 

“You know, a big part of training is learning which moves to use.”

“Don’t you think I know that?” she snapped back.

“Then let Axew use a different move! Doing this again and again isn’t going to help him!”

Pikachu worriedly muttered his name as he watched Pansage flip around, dodging each of Axew’s attempts to make contact. 

“Stop telling me how to raise my Pokémon!” 

“What I’m trying to say is that if Axew doesn’t learn how to use his own moves, he won’t be able to get stronger,” Ash crossed his arms.

“Axew!”

They followed the noise. Axew was still trying to strike Pansage, but at this point was just running around like a mad man. 

“Arm out, Pansage,” Cilan ordered. 

His Pokémon was quick to follow through, holding his hand out. He let Axew run into his palm. Axew didn’t relent, but only the damage he could do was to the ground with the back of his feet.

“Cilan!” Iris gasped, worry clear on her face. He only shrugged innocently in response. She bawled her hands into fists, “Fine, we’ll show you a real move, right Axew?”

He stopped his attack to look back at his trainer, nodding quickly, “Axew ew!”

“Yeah, show em’ how it’s done, Axew!” Ash cheered.

“Axew use Dragon Rage!”

Ash and Pikachu gasped in sync as Axew stepped back, mouth open. Pansage and Cilan paused, watching in fascination as blue energy formed in the dragon’s mouth. 

“Axeww,” he groaned, fists clenched at his sides. Iris resisted the urge to bite her fingernails as the energy grew brighter. It seemed ready to be released, the orb-shaped power wriggling out of shape.

Then Axew flinched, his mouth closing shut.

…

A flock of Pidove happily roosted on a small collection of trees. Sharing the natural bounty of berries and the comforting shade. The normally flighty bird Pokémon were calm in their shared solitude. 

Then, in the distance, there was a booming explosion of blue energy, swiftly followed by a short spout of black smoke. The Pidove flew off in a panic, even leaving some of their feathers behind.

…

Axew opened his eyes, blinking as the smoke around him cleared. He glanced around, realizing he was in a small, self-made crater. While Cilan, Pansage, Ash, Pikachu, and Iris were covered in scorch marks. Pansage groaned as his trainer only flinched.

“Wh- what a move…” “Pi Pikachu.”

Iris laughed pitifully, “I guess we messed it up.” 

The forced smile on her disappeared as she threw her face into her hands, “Oh! Messed it up again!”

“Again?” Ash’s eyes widened.

“Pikachu?”

…

Inside a room illuminated only by the open windows, Jessie and James stood attentively in front of their communication screen, awaiting their boss. The room had papers scattered messily across the floor and countertops. Meowth pushed a rolling chair just beside his male partner. He grunted as he crawled onto the seat. Frustratingly, the chair began spinning as Meowth stood up. He growled deeply as it continued to slow before spinning again. 

James held an arm out, stopping the chair just before their boss appeared on the screen.

“Ready sir,” Jessie quickly said. 

“Good,” Giovanni said, “Your mission will take you to the Desert Resort.”

“The Desert Resort?” Meowth mumbled.

“Yes, it's located just beyond Castelia City.”

As he spoke, the screen switched to a display of the location, a map arena colored in sand, in contrast to the rest of the region’s green.

“Inside we have detected energy signals of a meteonite. Your mission is to locate and secure it. Once successful, we’ll send more resources to properly assess the situation.”

“And what exactly is this meteonite?”

Giovanni resisted a scowl, “Research shows that over a hundred years ago, it burst into our atmosphere, breaking apart. The largest piece landing in the Unova region. Even a small fragment contains a destruction amount of energy. After the data you acquired of the dream mist, our scientists were able to detect a massive energy flow, the center being in the Desert Resort.”

The trio nodded. James spoke, “Is this energy going to be used in sync with the dream mist?”

“Yes, though our plans have changed. With no Munna or Musharna to control it, the dream mist is far less-” he briefly paused- “general than we hoped.”

“But it’s not useless?” Jessie asked.

“No, but we’ve been forced to make new plans for it. I trust you’ll be able to handle this mission.”

“Yes sir, we are on route to Nacrene City,” James answered.

…

Iris sighed, pulling her knee under her chin. She and Axew were sitting on a tree that had long since fallen over, though it stayed rooted in the ground. 

Iris huffed, wrapping her arms around her as her head sunk low, “It’s frustrating.”

Axew tilted his head at her, “Ew?”

She untucked her head, smiling down at him, “Not you. It’s just us not being able to use Dragon Rage.”

“There’s a better name for Axew’s Dragon Rage.”

Iris looked behind her. Ash and Cilan were sitting on the three, with Pikachu next to Ash and Pansage on top of Cilan’s shoulder. Ash sat cross-legged while Cilan let his legs dangle.

“And that’s dragon sneeze,” Cilan raised a finger. Both were rather proud of themselves.

“So you-”

“It’s not a sneeze!” Iris shook a fist. She raised her nose, turning away from them, “And in case you couldn’t tell, I’m not okay with joking about it.”

“My apologies,” Cilan said, “We were only joking.”

“Yeah, our bad,” Ash scratched the back of his head, “So does Axew have any other moves?”

“No, only Scratch and Dragon Rage,” she turned back at them.

“Really?” Cilan asked, resisting the urge to ask more. 

Iris sighed, brushing a hand over Axew, “If I understand it, Dragon Rage should be a strong pulse of energy shot out from the Pokémon’s mouth. But when Axew uses it, the energy just- explodes.”

Axew climbed past Iris, sliding down the thickest of the roots to the ground. Curious, Pikachu followed after him. 

“When we started our journey, I thought we should take things slow to figure things out one step at a time. But then I realized-”

Axew ran over to another tree, grabbing onto the bark. He started climbing up to the branches. Pikachu followed after him.

“It’s a long, long road to becoming a Haxorous.”

Axew waddled across the branch, careful to not fall off. Pikachu watched as Axew grabbed at two of the red fruit, plucking them off the branch. He stabbed them into his tusk’s, to Pikachu’s surprise. Axew slid down the tree, Pikachu quick to follow. The group’s eyes followed the small dragon as he went back up the roots. He stopped just as he was beside Iris, tearing off one of the fruit. He paused, looking up at his trainer.

“I think Axew is trying to make you feel better,” Ash smiled.

“Those tusks seem to come in handy,” Cilan remarked.

Iris locked eyes with her partner for a moment, before giggling into her hand. She took one of the fruits from his tusk, “Thank you so much, Axew.”

“Axew!” he chirped, adorning the snack to run back to the tree. Pikachu sighed, before following again.

“I suppose that kind of praise is pretty motivating,” Cilan chuckled.

“Pansage.”

“Be careful!” Iris called after him.

Ash shifted towards Iris, “You know, Axew may not have full control, but I was seriously impressed by that power. With some special training, Axew will have Dragon Rage working in no time!”

“Definitely,” Cilan chirped, “If that explosion is anything to judge by, it’s easy to see Axew’s potential is already bursting at the seams.”

Iris’s eyes brightened, “Really? Thanks, guys.”

“What if you and Axew try training with me?” Ash tried, “I promise nothing too wild.”

Cilan nodded, “It's worth a try. Even a practice battle would feel like the real thing with Ash. Axew certainly seems up for the task.”.

Iris blanked, “I… ah.”

“Come on, what do you have to lose?” Ash asked.

Iris stared at Ash. What did she have to lose? It should be easy, easy to say yes. To say yes and accept genuine help. Iris’s eyes jumped away, scanning over everything that wasn’t her friends’ faces.

Iris faced away from them, “No way! I don’t want to lose.”

Ash and Cilan blanked as she took a bite out of the fruit in her hand.

“Seriously?” Ash held up a hand, “You’ll never battle if you think like that.”

She still avoided them, nervously shifting in place, “Maybe so…”

Axew happily trailed down a higher branch, Pikachu watching closely. The Dragon type had his eyes on a rather large fruit.

Cilan tried a smile, cautiously asking, “Iris… how did you get Axew, exactly?”

“Oh! I’d like to hear about that too!”

Iris looked out towards where Axew had gone. Though it was apparent that she wasn’t looking for him.

“He was a gift.”

“From who?” Cilan asked.

“An elder,” Iris grabbed at the hem of her shirt, “From my hometown.”

…

“It’s a quiet village that honors Dragon type Pokémon.”

The village was guarded by forest and wooded mountain range. The wooden homes were connected by winding dirt paths. Connecting them all, past the sunken boulders and tussling dragon types, was its heart.

A building painted with glorious colors shaped into powerful patterns. Just beyond its small staircase were two statues. They were made of the same stone material yet one would promise to their heart one had darkened while the other had accepted the sun. They were of Pokémon much grander in size than their statues could tribute.

The left carving stood on its back legs while its arms stood atent in front and hard wings were raised behind its back. The opposing statue was feathered or furred, most clearly shown by its barreled tail and two fire like streams that flowed from its stout head. Its arms grew into wings that folded towards the ground. 

Iris sat down on her knees inside the building. She sat in front of an aged woman who covered most of her body in cloth. She and Iris were divided by a wall of cloth that hung from the ceiling. There was a split that started from the center.

“The day of your grand trial has begun.”

“Yes, Elder,” Iris bowed slightly. The old woman spoke in a flat and concentrated tone.

“I am entrusting you with a task of great respect.”

From her side, she pushed forward an egg-shaped basket, whatever inside shut off from the world. 

“I’ll do whatever you ask of me,” Iris said, “I’ll take on any challenge-”

The elder held up a hand, stopping the young girl. She lowered it, pulling back the basket’s shielding top. 

Axew’s eyes fluttered open, blinking against the sudden light. 

“Ew?”

“You’ll be raising this Axew. He hatched only a short few days ago.”

“Just…” Iris thought through her words- “an Axew?”

“Just? You should know better than to think that, Iris.”

She lowered her head, “I apologize. It’s just that… I’m not sure how raising an Axew is… different.” She did not seem confident in her description. “As a challenge, I mean.”

The elder hummed.

“That is because you are not simply raising Axew, as you have helped in before.”

Iris listened in intense focus, yet her eyes drifted to Axew. He was holding out a claw, grabbing at the air. Iris carried her hand towards him, hovering just in front of him. 

“You are not only Axew’s guide to becoming a magnificent Haxorous, but your hearts are meant to become one.”

Axew grabbed onto Iris’s finger. He squeaked in delight and seemed to have no intention of letting go.

“How do I… do that?”

She chuckled, “I haven’t the foggiest clue. I’m sure you’ll both figure it out on your journey.”

Iris’s face twisted at the refusal to answer. Though it washed off her as she pulled Axew into her lap. 

…

“And that’s the story,” Iris sighed, “It’s been a while since we began traveling but Axew just wasn’t progressing. I thought I needed to do something fast. That’s why I asked you to help, Cilan.”

“Ah, sound logic.”

“Pansage,” Cilan’s partner nodded.

Ash scratched the top of his head, “So, is that elder lady your grandma?”

Iris rolled her eyes, “No, Ash. She’s the leader of our village. Right, Axew?”

They looked towards the trees, expecting to see Pikachu and Axew nearby. However, the two were nowhere in sight. 

“Axew?” she called out.

“Pikachu?”

The three jumped off the tree, each looking through the forest for the missing pair.

“Pansage, can you look ahead for us?”

Pansage nodded at his trainer before he jumped from his shoulder, landing in the tree limbs.

…

“Pikachu!”

Axew stopped. He was walking down an ever thinning branch. The limb just above them ended with an apple, the same Axew had retrieved earlier. Albeit, it was far larger, a true gem of random forest food.

“Axew,” he chirped, returning to his mission. Though, he did walk more cautiously. Still, Pikachu’s worried look did not fade.

“Pansage!” 

They each craned their necks back as Pansage landed behind them.  

“Sage?” he tilted his head at them. 

“Pi Pikachu,” he pointed at Axew. Pansage quickly matched the former’s worry.

“Pan!” “Pikachu” “Pansage!” “Pika!”

Axew waved them off, tiptoeing towards the fruit. The branch bent under Axew’s height, having the tension of a breaking type rope.

“Pikachu,” he told Pansage, looking at him as if it were his unique responsibility to stop Axew. Pansage raised his hands in a shrugging manner, his stress still clear.

Axew stretched his little hands out. He would have fallen off, but managed to save himself by grabbing the apple. Axew sighed, prompting Pikachu and Pansage to do the same out of relief. 

Then the apple broke off. Axew cried out as he plummeted to the bushery. Pikachu and Pansage gasped in sync. They jumped to the ground after him. 

Axew struggled his eyes open. Sunlight broke through the leaves above him, straining his vision. He pushed himself up against the ground with a slight groan. His claws grabbed at the ground. Axew quickly realized he was very much not on the ground.

“SCOLIPEDE!”

…

The trio gasped at the screeching cry. They each grew a work of distress. 

“Axew!” Iris gasped, running towards the sound. Ash and Cilan immediately followed.

…

Axew went from disoriented to panicked in a very small amount of time. In a blink he went from staring at the spots of sunlight to being throttled into the air.

Thrashing through the forest was a horse-sized, reddish purple, millipede bug Pokémon. It had four, stout legs that trailed to its long head, which had sharp horns that pointed to the sky. 

Axew reached as high as he was going to go. He paused in the air for a moment, just a moment, before plunging back to the forest floor. However, instead of landing on the ground, he landed on the Scolipede’s head. Unfortunately, this was exactly between its horns, trapping Axew. He was stuck on his stomach as he fruitlessly thrashing around. 

“Pikachu!” The Electric type charged at Scolipede, dashing over the ground. Pansage was behind him, but still couldn’t match his speed. Pikachu shot off at the larger Pokémon, striking him in the back with Iron Tail. 

Scoloipded’s face contoured into a deeper scowl. Undamaged, but very much bothered, he stomped around to them. He reeled his head back, preparing some kind of attack as Axew struggled in panic.

“Pika- '' Pikachu charged his electricity, ready to send a Thunderbolt. Pansage grabbed where his shoulder would be. He pointed at Axew, speaking quickly. Pikachu’s electricity dissipated. 

Scolipede launched a murky sludge from their mouth at the pair. They each gasped, Pansage threw them both out of the way. The sludge hit the ground, the dirt sizzling and even corroding at the contact. Scolipede threw their head down striking Pikachu and Pansage and knocking them around like rag dolls. They crashed into a tree, their backs snapping against the impact.

Scolipede dug its heel into the ground as Pansage and Pikachu attempted to recover. They charged at them, horns out. Axew thrashing around as Pikachu and Pansage decided the best thing to do was beg for mercy.

“Scoli!” 

Scolipede missed Pikachu and Pansage, instead tearing the tree out of the ground. The two immediately dashed under Scolipede. The larger Pokémon recorded from their attack, before turning around. They charged after Pikachu and Pansage down the clearing trail. 

Axew thrashed. He couldn’t do anything to help them.

Maybe he could try something, at the very least.

“Axewww,” his mouth opened with blue energy. Pikachu’s and Pansage’s eyes jumped open. Axew was ready to launch Dragon Rage, before his mouth flinched shut. The four Pokémon were trapped in a blue explosion. 

…

Iris, Ash, and Cilan’s heads whipped around at the explosion of blue in the distance. 

“That’s Axew’s Dragon Sneeze!”

“Funny!” Iris shouted at him, making Ash flinch. She ran out towards the commotion. 

Cilan gave Ash a slight glare, before going with her.

Ash threw his hands up, “I misspoke! I’m sorry!” 

After a lack of response, Ash grumbled and rushed to join them. 

Cilan was out of his element, if his clothing wasn’t evidence enough. Already Ash had passed him, the former's experience was obvious. Ash knew his way around the roots and brushery, while Cilan was barely managing to not trip.

Iris, however, didn’t even seem to think about her movement. Ash was beyond familiar with the wilderness, but Iris was on a high level.

This is why, when needing to pass a wall of bushery, Iris instinctively leaped over it while Ash shoved his way through. Cilan, trying to do the same, tripped straight to the ground. 

“Cilan!” “Are you okay?” 

He quickly hopped back to his feet. He chuckled awkwardly as he dusted himself off, “I’m fine. I’m fine.”

“Pikachu!” “Pansage!”

They nearly jumped at their sudden appearance.

“Where’s Axew?”

“Pika pika Pikachu!” Pikachu rambled, trying to mimic a yelling Axew and angry Scolipede. Pansage sighed, sensing the trainers’ confusion.

Iris and Cilan titled their heads, staring blankly at Pikachu while Ash scratched his head. The former two looked at Ash, Iris raising her hands in a muddled gesture.

Ash put up his hands in a defensive manner, “Hey, I can only tell that Axew did something.”

Iris groaned in frustration, “We have to find-”

“SCOLIPEDE!”

The group whipped around, just before the Pokémon burst onto the scene. It didn’t seem to notice them, rather it tried to shake Axew off of its head. 

“Axew!” Iris cried.

“What is that thing?” Ash gapped. He took out his Pokédex as Axew yelled with every swing.

“Scolipede: The Megapede Pokémon. A Bug and Poison Type. Scolipede catches its opponents with great speed and attacks using the horns on its head. Scolipede is highly aggressive and will not give up until victorious.”

Ash grinned at the device, “Man! This thing sounds tough. I’d love to train a Pokémon like this.”

Iris snapped, “Ash! Stay focused!”

Scolipede paused, shaking themselves, instead glaring at the group. It roared as it charged at them.

“Move!” Cilan shouted, promoting the group to jump into a mad dash as Scolipede chased them. Pikachu leaped onto Ash’s shoulder as Axew continued yelling for help, with little success. Scolipede pulled its head back, before they spat out its sludge. 

Cilan yelped, ducking out of the way. The sludge narrowly missed his face, insead hitting a tree. It quickly started melting away at the organic matter.

“That’s Toxic!” he gasped.

Scolipede scowled, repeating the attack. Which only caused Axew further distress. The Toxic flew through the air towards the trainers.

“Axew, hold on!” Iris shouted.

“Look out!” Ash pulled Iris out of the way by her sleeve. The Toxic hit a pointed boulder that cracked out of the ground. The stone’s center fizzled at the substance.

“Thanks,” Iris said, out of breath. 

Ash stepped up next to Cilan, “We’ll take care of Scolipede.”

He glanced at him, “Right?”

He nodded, his usual energy returning to him, “Right! Pansage, use Bullet Seed!”

Ash pulled out his Pokéball as Iris could only pick herself up and watch.

“Snivy, I choose you!”

“Sni,” the grass snake materialized before them. Their usual calm posture being overtaken by shock at the sight of the rampaging Scolipede.

“Pan Pansage!” he carried out his trainer’s order, firing away at Scolipede’s tank-like exoskeleton with seeds.

Scolipede flinched at the contact, but didn’t seem damaged. Their eyes widened before screaming out. Cilan held an arm in front of him at the splitting sound. 

“Scolipede!” their horns grew slightly, coating themselves in a green glow. It ducked a second before it charged at Pansage.

“Use Dig, swiftly!”

“Sage!” Pansage slashed into the ground, all with a terrified look. Scolipede slashed their horns at the top. When they rose, Scolipede realized they had only hit a hole in the ground. They shook their anger. Before slashing at the ground without a hint of relentling.

“Keep digging, Pansage!” Cilan ordered with concern.

The ground broke slightly, complemented by Pansage’s muffled screams.

“Snivy, use Vine Whip to grab Scolipede by the horns!”

Snivy nodded. She rushed to Scolipede’s side, the larger Pokémon too distracted to notice her. Snivy glared as two vines grew from her. They shot out from her within a blink. With Scolipede’s rapid movement, it took only a single wrong second to strike Scolipede in the eye instead of grabbing their horns. Ash and Snivy shared a short look, they both knew this.

“Snivy, now!”

“Vi!” her two vines curled around Scolipede’s horns. Their eyes widened as Snivy’s vines tightened. She grunted, working to keep Scolipede in place. Pansage took the opportunity to surface, popping his head out of the ground next to Cilan’s feet.

“Scolipede!” the Megapede Pokémon met Snivy’s glare with their scowl. They dug their foot into the ground, before whipping their head back. 

Snivy cried out, losing her footing and being forced into the air. Scolipede’s swing carried her to the opposite side of the Pokémon. Her yell was cut off by her back hitting the scraping bark of a tree. Scolipede wiped their head back, swinging Snivy back again. They repeating the motion, with no intention of letting up. Snivy could only shout her name with each swing. 

“Snivy!” 

The environment around Snivy devolved into a blur. Snivy’s eyes fought to stay open. The fatigue set in, making Snivy’s grip loosen. She broke away, flying towards Ash.

“Snivy!” Ash jumped up, catching her in his arms. He fell to the ground on his back. He and his Pokémon shared a groan.

“Here, come on back,” Ash recalled Snivy to her Pokéball. 

“The difference in power is simply too great!” Cilan said as Ash stood up. “A hurricane to our simple sapling!”

Iris bit her lip. Scolipede had changed their attention to her friends. They remained still, calculating. Axew was still struggling in vain attempt at escape. Iris was powerless to help. Powerless to stop Scolipede. Powerless to do anything.

The wind fluttered against her clothes.

Maybe she wasn’t completely powerless. 

“I’ll save you guys!”

Iris jumped in front of Ash and Cilan, between them and Scolipede. 

She bit her lip. She retrieved a Pokéball. She rubbed a thumb over it, her hand shaking even so slightly. She pressed its button, causing it to grow to its normal size. 

“You’ve had another Pokémon this whole time?” Ash asked while Cilan only had a look of confused bewilderment.

Iris stopped her throw. Her hand shook as they stared at it.

“What are you waiting for?”

She shook her head. 

“I choose… you!” 

With an admittedly awkward throw, Iris’s Pokéball flew towards the ground. The others, Scolipede included, watched in anticipation. The Pokémon began to materialize. It wasn’t the largest Pokémon, but certainly bigger than Pikachu or Axew. It was mainly a dirt brown with steel at its head. It had small red markings across its body, in the shape of splotches. It was- a drill. Just a drill. An organic drill with feet at its bottom that stuck together. But still a drill. It fell to the ground, without so much as a huff to subject it was alive.

“Scoli?” “Pikachu?” “Pan?” 

“I guess you’re still in a bad mood,” Iris mumbled to herself. Her hands tighten into fists, staying at her side. As if she was trying to compact herself.

“What kind of Pokémon… is that?” Ash asked, his shoulders falling. Cilan brought a hand to his chin, though his face suggested he was searching for thought rather than sorting through many. Ash grabbed his Pokédex.

“Excadrill: the Subterrene Pokemon. A Ground and Steel type. The evolved form of Drilbur. Excadrill can dig maze-like underground tunnels stretching over 100 meters. It is powerful enough to cut through thick iron plates using its steel claws.”

Ash glanced between the Pokédex and Iris’s “Excadrill”. The Pokédex’s image showed a bulky, mole-like Pokémon with a white face and three pronaged metal claws.

“Doesn’t look anything like the Pokédex.”

Cilan stepped up, “Excadrill enter this form when they tunnel underground. But why is doing so above ground?” 

Iris dropped to her knees. She placed her hands on Excadrill, shaking him slightly, “Come on, Excadrill! Axew needs your help.”

Her voice grew quieter, “I need your help.”

Excadrill did not move.

Her pleading face turned cold. She huffed as she stood, “Forget it! We can do this ourselves.”

“We can?” Cilan asked. 

Scolipede glanced up from Excadrill. Their curiosity had faded and their attention returned to the group. 

“Protecting Axew is my duty,” Iris told them, standing firm, “I need you two to keep Scolipede in place. I’ll handle the rest.”

They nodded, confidence returning to their faces. Cilan brought a hand up, “We can do that.”

Iris donned a small smile before she rushed over to the trees. 

Ash grabbed a Pokéball, “Pidove, let’s go!”

“Pidove?” she questioned as soon as she was out and about.

“Just wait for my signal.”

She nodded as she turned around. She was promptly met with slowly charging Scolipede, making her shrink in fear. Still, she stayed.

“Pansage, use Leech Seed!”

“Pan!” Pansage whipped around. Four seeds launched from his tail just in front of the Scolipede. The Pokémon did not change its course, running over them. However, before they could even cross them, vines grew from the ground, wrapping around Scolipede’s legs. They cried out, but no matter how they thrashed the vines wouldn’t break. 

“Now Pidove, use Gust!”

Pidove nodded, flying over to Scolipede’s side. She striked them in the neck with a Gust. Scolipede cried out, before slamming their head towards them. 

“Dodge with Quick Attack!”  

“Dove!” she dashed to Scolipede’s opposite side, letting them hit air. 

“Use Gust and don’t let up! And keep moving!”

“Pidove dove!” she nodded, carrying out the action. Scolipede couldn't keep up with the tiny Pokémon. They were forced to simply take the attacks. Iris shifted on the thick branch, her grip on the vine tightening.

She took a breath, jumping forward off the tree.

“I’m coming, Axew!” 

Axew eyes jumped open. He muttered his name softly at the sight of his trainer.

Iris held her breath as she barrelled towards Scolipede. She let out a battle cry as she swung her legs out from under her as she let go of the vine. Her arm extended as far as it could go. 

“Pidove, use Gust on Scolipede’s neck!” 

“Dove!” 

Pidove’s attack made Scolipede duck in pain, letting Iris glide over them. She gritted her teeth, reaching out to grab Axew. he saw this, and raised his hand as much as he could. 

She clasped Axew’s hand. She carried Axew with her, landing on the ground behind Axew. 

“Axew!”

Iris’s composition broke as she sighed in relief. She jumped to her feet, keeping Axew close to her. 

“I’m so glad you’re alright!” 

“Axew ew Axew,” he embraced Iris’s hug, holding onto her shirt with his claws.

“Great work, Iris!” Ash said.

“You were excellent,” Cilan added.

Iris and Axew’s reunion was interrupted by the deep, vibrating growl behind them. 

Said noise came from Scolipede. It was glaring daggers at Iris. They struggled against their restraints.

Iris’s eyes widened, stepping back. Her voice was weaker, “Oh- ah. Ni-nice Pokémon…”

“Don’t worry Iris,” Ash said, “We have-”

“Scolipede!” their horns glowed green as they raised their head back. Scolipede slammed its horns into the ground at its feet. Scolipede slashed into the ground without a hint of stopping.

The group’s eyes grew as Scolipede tore apart the Leech Seed.

“We don’t have em’!”

“That was Scolipede’s X-Scissor!” Cilan held an arm in front of him.

“Scoli…” Scolipede’s body lugged itself towards Iris and Axew. She gulped as Scolipede’s eyes narrowed.

The large Pokémon kicked its back foot against the dirt. It kicked its leg back, a signal it was going to charge.

However, its next kick hit Excadrill’s immobile body. The kick sent it rolling down the path, slowly gaining speed. Ash, Cilan, and their Pokémon gasped, jumping out of its way. Excadrill kept rolling until it hit a large rock. 

Everyone kept their sight on Excadrill as they were sent into the air. Excadrill continued spinning. After a moment in the air, the nose dipped down. It crashed into the forest floor. It hit the rock below, cracking the boulder and lodging the drill’s nose inside. 

They watched in silence for a moment.

“Excadrill?” Iris asked.

He started spinning. He started drilling into the rock at incredible speed. His drilling broke apart the rock. It exploded into a cloud of dust. 

Once it cleared, there was only a hole.

Scolipede huffed, turning back to Iris and Axew with a triumphant glenn.

Iris chuckled nervously, “I guess you’re still angry…”

“Iris!” Ash cried, “Pikachu use-”

He was cut off by the ground breaking. Excadrill broke through the earth. He crashed into Scolipede’s neck. The larger Pokémon screamed as Excadrill continued into the air. The former tried to maintain what little balance they had left while the latter reached as far as they were going to go.

Having no interest in a rough landing, Excadrill broke out of its drilling stance. Its metal drill turned into its claws and head. His mole-like body was on full display. He landed on the dirt, digging his claw into the earth. 

Scolipede turned their head to Excadrill, shaking with anger. They reeled their head back, spitting out Toxic.

Excadrill hardly reacted, knocking back the sludge with a claw.

“They deflected Toxic,” Ash said.

“Excadrill’s Steel typing means Poison moves have no effect,” Cilan noted. 

Scolipede shouted, attacking with X-Scissor.

“Iris, give Excadrill a command,” Cilan staggered as Iris walked over to them. 

She shrugged with a frown, “What’s the point, he doesn’t listen to me anyway.”

Ash and Cilan shared a glance.

Excadrill countered with his claws. They shared a scowl, growling their names. Excadrill dug his foot into the ground, shoving Scolipede back. They tried to recover, restoring their balance.

“Man! Excadrill is going all out,” Ash grinned.

“Pikachu,” he chirped.

“Underneath Excadrill’s unbreakable exterior I detect a delicate and precise battle style.” Cilan noted, attention fixated on even the slightest movement from the dual type. 

Excadrill grinned for a second before jumping into his drill state. He drilled into the Megapede Pokémon. Scolipede screamed in pain. Excadrill broke out of his drill, knocking Scolipede over the trees.

“Yeah! Go Excadrill!” Ash cheered, his Pokémon sharing the excitement. His energy quickly faded though, his arms returning to his side. He glanced up at Cilan, “Scolipede will be fine, right?”

Iris gasping, running up. She clasped her hand over her mouth, “Sorry, Scolipede! We didn’t mean to startle you!”

“Excadrill!” the Pokémon raised its arms in victory.

She turned around, attempting a smile at Excadrill, “Hi, Excadrill. Are… you feeling okay?”

Excadrill glanced at her, before jumping back into his drill form.

She sighed, taking back out her Pokéball. 

“Excadrill, return.”

He was called back with a red glow. Iris returned it to her pocket, with little noise. She squatted down to Axew.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Axew!” he threw his hands into the air with a smile. 

Iris returned an apologetic smile, “I’m sorry this turned into a scary day for you.”

“Ax!” her partner seemed unbothered by anything that had just happened. His innocent joy still shined through.

“You know, cooking is an art form.”

Iris turned around at Cilan words. He was standing beside her, his posture and expression reminding her of own he was their waiter. Or tried to be.

“Eh?”

“It takes time and practice to perfect,” Cilan raised a finger, “Battling is the same. If you train at the pace right for you, you’ll be able to lead your Pokémon through even the most challenging battles.”

Iris looked up at him.

“Both of them,” Cilan smiled, “I should say.”

Iris looked back at Axew, who tilted his head in response. Her demeanor broke, letting herself laugh into her palm. 

She stopped, and held out her hand for him, “C’mere.”

“Ew!” he hopped into his trainer arms. 

Iris breathed, letting them stay there for a moment. 

The moment passed. Iris stood back up to her feet. 

“Thanks, Cilan. Really,” she smiled. 

Cilan smiled, giving a small bow.

“Nice! So how about we try that battle?” Ash smiled. Pikachu threw a fist in the air while Pidove sat on Ash’s shoulder simply.

Iris deadpanned, “Ash, did you listen to anything we just said? Me and Axew are taking our time.”

He held up his hands defensively, “Okay, okay. I just thought the time could be now.”

She rolled her eyes, “If you want to battle so much why don’t you battle Pikachu.”

Ash’s face blanked, as did Pikachu’s. They looked at each other, before breaking into a wide smile.

“All right! Let’s go!” Ash held out his hand for a first bump, kneeling slightly.

“Pika Pikachu!” he whipped his tail around, hitting it. They each ran out towards the field. Pidove flapped off his shoulder.

Ash paused his running, turning back to his Pokémon, “You hang back with Iris and Cilan, okay?”

“Pidove!” she nodded, just before rushing towards Cilan’s shoulder.

He eyed her, “Uh… hello?”

Pidove looked over at him, throwing a wing up in greeting, “Dove.”

Ash ran in line with Pikachu. He balanced his stance. “Okay, Pikachu, use Volt Tackle.”

“Pika!” Pikachu surged with power, rushing at his trainer. He slammed into Ash’s chest, sending him directly into a tree.

Ash crackled with electricity, standing back onto his feet, “I- I’m not done yet! Thunderbolt!”

Iris shot Cilan a look as Ash let himself get electrocuted again. 

“Does he always have to take it this far?”

He simply chuckled, “Probably not, but you can’t help but admire his dedication.”

Iris looked at Ash as he laughed with his Pokémon. Despite Ash’s sparks, they were playing all over each other without a care in the world.

They were together.

“I guess so.”

“As always, the journey continues…”

Oh!! I love your self insert’s design! It’s really neat that she’s a tutor! Super curious, but what would her Pokemon battle quotes be? Things like victory, defeat, their Pokemon landing a super effective hit, their Pokemon taking a super effective hit, Pokemon on low HP, Pokemon fainting, low HP victory, stuff like that?

Ayyyyyy, thank you so much for your ask and your compliments! They mean a lot to me! :D <3

Here's a complete list of Tutor Regi's quotes!

Before Battle: "So it's true, huh? Big <player> has become Champion! Heh, I know I gave you some good tips, but can you hold yourself up in a battle against me? >:3

After sending out first Pokémon: I would like to remind you that there's a reason why I'm a tutor here! The truth is I'm one of the best battlers you'll ever meet!

Upon sending out last Pokémon (Cherri, the Pikachu): Think you're tough, little runt?! *angry face* THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING! GO, MY LOVELY CHERRI!!!

Before Terastalizing Cherri: Ready to lose?! Watch as my lovely Cherri terastalizes!

Upon first using Cherri's Volt Tackle: You know, I'm not usually one to burn food, BUT YOU GIVE ME NO CHOICE!

Upon being defeated: *Makes a hilarious astonished face, then a fake angry smile, you can see her shaking) It seems I taught you well!

After being defeated: I cannot believe I lost to you! Now I'M the one who's gonna have to study! This isn't over yet, kid! I'll be back, mark my words!

When your pikachu can’t use moves so you need to come at battles from a different angle

Me vs Hackmon

After a great many hours of poking it (again, without ever playing the goddamn game, because Excel-sheets are more fun?) I’ve updated my amazing bullshit-team of awesomeness.

  Top of the list is of course:

Pokemon: Pikachu Ability: Sheer Force Item: Light Ball Moveset: Thunderbolt / Psychic / Glaciate / Crunch

By the regular method of “dmg calculation“ (bigger than 40 is powerful, over 50 is very good), Pikachu’s Thunderbolt literally hits for 69. (And Psychic is 46.)

This damn thing is absolutely terrifying, and I love it.

  Second is “the only interesting Dark-type thing I could come up with“ (without just resorting to “Judgment with Dread Plate” on a Zoroark with Adaptability):

Pokemon: Hydreigon Ability: Contrary Item: Wide Lens Moveset: Draco Meteor / Dragon Pulse / Dark Pulse / Secret Sword

Kind of lackluster in the sense that it’s already something well-known in competitive fights, having a Sp.Atk that raises your own Sp.Atk by two stages every turn? It’s definitely on the terrifying side of things. (After a single Draco Meteor, the Dark Pulse hits for 72.)

  After that comes our weather-control:

Pokemon: Swanna Ability: Drizzle Item: Sharp Beak Moveset: Surf / Waterfall / Hurricane / Thunder

Water is always an extremely frustrating thing to create when you’re only looking at the numbers, and even this one (which is pretty much as high as they can go without set-up turns) only goes for 44 (Surf), and 45 (Hurricane).

(The normal is that good Surf-users tend to clock in at around 30)

  After this comes our Magic Guard-user:

Pokemon: Archeops Ability: Magic Guard Item: Life Orb Moveset: Brave Bird / Strength / Flare Blitz / Fly

Since Strength is a Rock-move (in Blaze Black), it’s easily the most terrifying Magic Guard user I’ve managed to make with regards to pure damage-output. It clocks in at 66 for Brave Bird, 47 for Strength, and 44 for Flare Blitz.

  After this is our Fighting-type, which is a return to the classics:

Pokemon: Primeape Ability: No Guard Item: Black Belt Moveset: High Jump Kick / Dark Void / Cut / Dive

It hits for 56, and can use an AOE-Sleep if it needs to. Very simplistic, but also very effective.

  Finally, our Ground-type (carefully selected for one that isn’t weak to Ice):

Pokemon: Excadrill Ability: Speed Boost Item: Soft Sand Moveset: Earthquake / Protect / Brick Break / Flash

Kind of boring with its 49-dmg Earthquake, but it’s very much a necessary evil for dealing with Electric-types.

  Fun things that I wasn’t able to use in the team (because of Type-weaknesses and personal rules like “only one version of this Ability/Item per team”). Also includes a few really cool things you can do with Hackmon.

Pokemon: Flygon Ability: Contrary Item: Wide Lens Moveset: Draco Meteor / Earth Power / Secret Sword / Dragon Pulse

Hitting with an Earth Power of 62 after a single Draco Meteor, this one is pretty scary. Unfortunately, there’s some fierce competition over the “Sp.Atk Dragon with Contrary“-position.

  Pokemon: Staraptor Ability: Magic Guard Item: Life Orb Moveset: Brave Bird / Facade / Fly / Volt Tackle

Special mention for being the scariest fucking anti-Poison thing I’ve thought up, seeing as it hits with a 68-dmg Facade when poisoned. And otherwise has a 58-dmg Brave Bird to lean on.

  Pokemon: Zoroark Ability: Adaptability Item: Dread Plate Moveset: Judgment

Clocking in at an even 60-dmg Judgment (Dark), this one is very powerful, but unfortunately also extremely limited in its utility (it’s pure Dark-dmg, with no inherent flexibility).

  Pokemon: Gothitelle Ability: Simple Item: Leftovers Moveset: Shell Smash / Stored Power / Dark Pulse

One of the absolutely most powerful pokemon in the game (if it can survive its first turn), clocking in at a 280-dmg Stored Power and a 97-dmg Dark Pulse. Unfortunately, I really dislike having set-up turns (especially ones that leave me vulnerable during them).

  Pokemon: Gengar Ability: Adaptability Item: Spell Tag Moveset: Sludge Wave / Shadow Ball

Clocking in at a solid 51 / 51 dmg for both moves, this one has the very unfortunate flaw of having a Type-weakness to the same thing that it would be used against (Psychic and Ghost).

  Pokemon: Conkeldurr Ability: Huge Power Item: Black Belt Moveset: Mach Punch

I never want to resort to Huge Power, but a special mention should still go to this one, for managing to reach a 41-dmg Priority-move. Which is insane.

  Pokemon: Conkeldurr Ability: Simple Item: Black Belt Moveset: Sword Dance / Mach Punch

Again, it’s forced to use a set-up turn. But it does clock in at 61-dmg, with a Priority-move. So... yeah.

  Pokemon: Staraptor Ability: Unburden Item: Flying Gem Moveset: Acrobatics

Yes, it does check out. The Flying Gem is consumed, and then Acrobatics counts itself as “no item”. So for one attack, it’s one hell of a move, clocking in at 61-dmg. (And then doubling your Speed, thanks to Unburden) Unfortunately, it would need to be “reloaded“ after every single fight, and I’d hate it.

  Pokemon: Marowak Ability: Speed Boost Item: Thick Club Moveset: Protect / Earthquake

Reaching a very respectable 53-dmg Earthquake, it needs a turn to set-up for some reasonable speed.

  Pokemon: Krookodile Ability: Adaptability Item: Black Glasses Moveset: Crunch / Earthquake

At 49-dmg Earthquake and 47-dmg Crunch, it’s very good. But in comparison to some of the other ridiculousness that can be made with Hackmon, it’s just kind of bland.

  Pokemon: Lucario Ability: Simple Item: Black Belt Moveset: Tail Glow / Aura Sphere

Clocking in at a terrifying 97-dmg Aura Sphere, this one still requires set-up.

  Pokemon: Scrafty Ability: Moxie Item: Wide Lens Moveset: High Jump Kick

Included in this list because of a mention from @waffliesinyoface, way back in the day, this one clocks in at 38-dmg until first kill, then goes up to a respectable 57-dmg.

    And that’s of course excluding things like “Shuckle with Soundproof and Perish Song“, seeing as that doesn’t really have damage to measure in this way.

Game Over for that Pikachu lass of yours?

Thunderbutt.

It was not an original name for a pikachu libre fighter but this was a gal who certainly owned that title. While only just over 4ft in height, she carried quite the rear-end as a weapon. Girthy, plump yet firm and packing might, the pika-gal was certainly a worthy foe. Yet, despite her rear-size, she was toned and expertly able to dart around. As a pokemon, it did make sense she had more strength than you ever did, even with her build. 

You had felt the sheer power behind both the arms and the rear, two things she used to beat you down into submission. A throw that bounced you off the ropes into a swing of her hips. A jumping leap that forced her booty to strike your chest or head.... As blissful as it might of sounded, it was still a painful endeavor. It was a quick fight, bring you down to the floor as the crowds chanted for the masked fighter. She played to the crowd, cheering something back but your senses were too muddled to hear it. As she heaved herself upon the ropes, she started to spark.

Now you knew. It was special move, a modified Volt Tackle. Something merely known as the Thunder-Crash. A finishing move, a firm and powerful butt slam that was charged up with electrical power. Your blurred gaze watched as she leapt up from the ropes, sparking as she soon vanishes but you can here the crackles of the current running through her body as....

SLAM!

....

You black out to the roar of a crowd and a surging pain.....

Game Over.

Title;  A Pika-Powered Blast Off! Rating; PG Summary; Abandoned fic. Ash and Skye are having a typical day at Tohjo Ranch when a certain trio of criminals appear to cause trouble.

“How can Misdreavus learn Sucker Punch if they don’t have any hands?” Ash asked the breeder standing next to him. Ash had come to the ranch to see Skye, but he had found his boyfriend in the middle of training a racket of young Misdreavus that Skye had bred for a client. Apparently, Misdreavus could only learn Sucker Punch if it was bred into them, like Volt Tackle. At the moment, Mariah—Mr Hunter’s Nidorina—was showing the Misdreavus how to use the move in question. “Becuz da name is weird,” Skye casually told him, his eyes still on the Pokémon in front of them. “Da actual move is mare eh a. . .” he scrunched up his nose in thought, then he gave Ash a quick, but gentle jab in the side with his elbow. “hittin’ fae oot eh naywhere sort eh ‘hing.” The jab didn’t hurt, but Ash made a show of wincing and rubbing at his side like it did. “Then, why is it even called Sucker Punch if it doesn’t need a punch to work in the first place?” Skye shrugged, and after Mariah punched a large chunk out of a rock, he raised his voice to the racket. “Awright, guys! Try ‘n copy wit Mariah did, den try hittin’ da rocks when yae feel confident enough.” The small group of Ghost types separated. Some of them crowded around Mariah while others went straight to practicing. Ash watched two of them size each other up, then fly at each other, only to end up slamming into each other face first. Ash and Skye went to step forward, but the two Misdreavus quickly shook it off and went straight back to circling each other. Skye shook his head. “Don’t jist ram intae wan anuhduh-! Gather yirselves befur yaes go in tae attack.” From his perch on Ash’s shoulder, Pikachu voiced his support. “Pika pika!” “Mis!” The two youngsters called back. Seeing the Misdreavus being so eager to learn made Ash smile. Whoever ended up as their trainers were going to be lucky to have them. Beside him, Skye scratched at himself underneath the front of his overalls. Ash’s eyebrows knitted together in concern. A few weeks prior, Skye had underwent an important surgery to correct his chest. Ash couldn’t recall the exact type of procedure Skye had gotten done, but he knew that the recovery hadn’t been fun. The last time they had seen each other in person, Skye couldn’t lift his arms over his head or even pick Pika up. That was when he had just gotten out of hospital. He said he was feeling better a few days ago on the videophone, but it shouldn’t hurt to ask if he’s okay. “How’ve you been holdin’ up?” Ash asked. Skye’s hand quickly went back to his side and sighed. “Ah’m awright. Jist itchy.” “Still can’t do much?” Skye sighed again, deeper this time. “Ah hivnae been able tae dae much eh anythin’ since da surgery. Ah cannae train da Pokémon da way Ah want tae. It’s bloody killin’ me.” Ash couldn’t imagine how frustrating it must be, not being able to move properly without being worried about hurting yourself. He just knew that, if he had to go through something like that, he would’ve lost his mind weeks ago. “It’ll get better,” Ash reminded him, offering him a smile. “just you wait.” “Aye, Ah know. It’s no like Ah’ve hid tae deal wae worse ‘hings before.” Skye’s right hand flexed, and his face creased slightly. “Bit, it’s been so borin’ jist sittin’ aboot no bein’ able tae dae anythin’. At least when ma haunds goat bug-” A loud, shrill wailing cut the brunet off. The both of them turned their attention to the racket, spotting a Misdreavus seated on the grass, crying. Two of their siblings floated above them, sharing concerned glances. Together, Ash and Skye ran over to investigate. The breeder was quick to bend down and scoop up the crying Pokémon into his arms. “Hey, hey,” he said softly, brushing calloused fingers through the Misdreavus’ wispy hair. The Ghost type buried their face into his chest to cry, but it wasn’t long until their cries dissolved into choked whimpers.. “Der yae go, yir awright.” Ash looked to their siblings. “What happened?” “Mis misdreavus! Misdre!” The two started chattering, their voices high-pitched. After listening for a bit, Skye nodded in understanding. “Are they okay?” Ash asked, kneeling down. “Pi pika?” Pikachu leaned forward to get a better look at the weepy Ghost type in Skye’s arms. “He’s frustrated dat he cannae git da move right.” Skye told him before going back to cooing at the upset Ghost type. “Yae only jist started. Yae’ll git it eventually.” Ash watched the young Pokémon lift his face away from the breeder’s chest to look up at him with large, wet eyes. “Misdre. . .” he moaned. “Everyone messes up sometimes, especially when you’ve just started.” Ash said to the Screech Pokémon, in hopes of comforting the little guy. “I mess up all the time. Don’t I, Pikachu?” Pikachu nodded a little too enthusiastically. The Misdreavus turned his watery eyes to the trainer. “Mis?” “My point is, messin’ up is a part of life.” Ash said sagely. “If you mess up—so what! Just get back up and try again, and keep tryin’ until you finally get it!” As he grinned down at Misdreavus, he thought that he saw Skye’s eyes darken. But when he glanced up to check, Skye had blinked and started speaking again. “Ash is right. If yae don’t keep tryin’, yae won’t learn fae yir mistakes. Noo, come oon.” Skye carefully got to his feet, letting Misdreavus hesitantly leave his arms. “Let’s try again.” Misdreavus looked at him with a skeptical look in his eyes. “Misdreavus mis. . .” “You can do it!” Ash urged excitedly, jumping to his feet. “Just concentrate, rush in, and-” he raised his fists and punched the air. “Pow!” “Pika!” Pikachu mirrored his trainer, his tiny fists moving in quick succession. Misdreavus didn’t look too convinced. Okay, if that doesn’t work. . . Ash turned to look for Mariah, only to see her supervising Misdreavus’ other siblings as they practiced. Okay, maybe not Mariah. He thought about who could help them until one Pokémon in particular came to mind. He snapped his fingers before looking to Skye. “I’ve got an idea!” He retrieved one of the Pokéballs from his belt, and lifted it up for his boyfriend to see. As much as he wanted to help, he didn’t want to step on Skye’s toes and start doing his job for him. At least, not without asking first. Once Skye gave him an approving nod, Ash threw the ball into the air and in a flash of white, Hawlucha appeared. Skye gave Ash a somewhat confused look before giving the muscular Flying type a small wave. He got a short ‘haw’ in acknowledgement. “Hey, Hawlucha. We’ve got a little someone in need of your help.” Ash told his Pokémon, gesturing to the flustered Misdreavus. “See, he’s havin’ trouble learning Sucker Punch, and I thought you’d be able to help out.” “Why Hawlucha?” Skye asked with a raised eyebrow. “He cannae learn Sucker Punch.” “Yeah, but Hawlucha just learned X-Scissor, so I thought he’d be a good teacher.” Ash explained. That, and Hawlucha loves to show off. “Oh aye, yae telt me oon da phone a couple days ago.” Skye nodded. “Dat’s becuz yir aboot tae take oon da Fairy type gym, right?” “Yeah,” Ash answered as he turned back to Hawlucha. “so, what do you say? Think you can help?” “Hawlu!” The Wrestling Pokémon spread his wings, flaring his feathers. “Great!” Ash straightened up, looking to the trio of Misdreavus siblings. “Guys, this is Hawlucha. He might not look it, but he had trouble learnin’ a new move too.” When the three youngster’s eyes widened in disbelief, he went on. “He was learnin’ to use a move called ‘X-Scissor’, and he couldn’t get the positionin’ quite right, so he kept fallin’ short. But! He kept tryin’ and tryin’ like I said you guys should do, and then-” Ash suddenly pointed towards one of the rock targets that had been laid out. “Hawlucha, use X-Scissor on that rock!” “Haw!” Hawlucha raced forward, crossing his muscular wings in front of him. White-pink energy took the form of a ‘x’ across his wings, and he slammed into the rock. Pieces of rock and dust flew everywhere, and when the dust cleared, Hawlucha stood proudly over the rubble. “Mis mis!!” Misdreavus’ two sisters cheered, zipping over to Hawlucha to marvel over the Fighting type. Their struggling brother stayed put, but he had an amazed look on his face. “You wanna be able to do that, right?” Ash asked Misdreavus gently as Pikachu hopped off his shoulder. Misdreavus paused, then gave the trainer a small nod. “Then, let’s do it!” And with that, Ash ran over to the closest rock target and punched it with wild abandon. Pain shot up his arms, but he beared through it. [...] [...] In the skies above Route 27, a familiar Meowth hot-air balloon lazily flew westward. In it’s basket, Team Rocket were doing the usual—looking for Pikachu. “Uoh,” James hung his head as he looked over his side of the basket. “why did we have to come all this way, Jessie? I wish we just stayed back in Kalos with the other twerps.” “Quit your whining, James!” Jessie past after putting down the set of high-power binoculars she had been peering through. “We need to keep a constant vigil on Pikachu so we can strike as soon as the twerp’s guard is down! Besides, wasn’t this your idea?!” “How about da two eh ya shut yer traps ‘n keep lookin’ fur Pikachu!” Meowth hissed, his ears turned back in irritation. The three stared at each other for a long moment before they all sighed and went back to looking through their binoculars. Sometime during the twerp’s travels through Sinnoh, he had started a disappearing act. He would disappear, then reappear a day or so later to continue on his twerpish way. The trio of thieves had no idea why he started doing it, but whenever he did leave, they kept close to his group of twerps to wait for his return. When the twerp suddenly left for Lumiose Airport the day before, they finally decided to follow him. They had gotten onto the same Kanto-bound plane and stalked him through Saffron City to the train station. Much to the trio’s surprise, they found that the twerp wasn’t heading for Pallet Town like they had assumed. Instead, he got onto a train bound for the south-west coast, towards the Johto border. Despite their burning curiosity, the trio had fallen asleep on the train and in doing so, lost the twerp. Thankfully, they were excellent trackers, honed by nearly a decade of chasing Pikachu and his twerp, so it wasn’t long until they spotted their target. “Pikachu and the twerp at 10 o'clock!” Jessie shouted, bringing James and Meowth to her side of the basket. Using their binoculars, the three leered down at the large expanse of field below them. Sure enough, there was the twerp and Pikachu–walking alongside a boy in dirty overalls. They seemed to be talking to one another. “Who’s that?” James asked with a raised brow. “Who cares.” Meowth huffed. “A twoip’s a twoip. We found Pikachu and dat’s all dat matters.” “I suppose. We should start thinkin’ about a scheme then.” James looked at the magenta-haired women beside him. “You got any ideas, Jess?” Jessie didn’t answer him. She was too busy staring out towards the fields they were hovering over. “Jessie?” “…there’s so many cute Pokémon down there.” She said slowly as if in disbelief. “Look at 'em all!” Looking away from Pikachu, James and Meowth saw an absolute smorgasbord. Pokémon all of shapes, sizes, and types were out in the open, practically begging to be snatched up and given to the boss. They had been so focused on looking for Pikachu, they hadn’t noticed where they had ended up. “We must be over a ranch.” James said. “But, shouldn’t we focus on Pikachu first?” “Pikachu 'n da twoip can’t help themselves when dey hear a Pokémon in trouble.” Meowth mewled with a smirk. “If we go down der and start doin’ our thievin’–dey’ll come runnin’! Roight into our paws!” The two Rockets looked at each other before grinning maniacally in unison. “Let’s do it!” Flash. “Wobbuffet!!” === “So, what’s next on the chore list?” Ash asked, turning to look at Skye as they walked together. They had wrapped up the Misdreavus’ training and were now heading to “Uh,” Skye scrunched up his nose in thought. “Ah’ve goat tae check oon dhose Sunkern eggs. Dey wir pretty active dis mornin’. Ah dunno if dey’re gonnae sprout daday, bit it doesnae hurt tae check.” “Sunkern seedlings? Cool!” Ash said excitedly. “That’s a new one for my ‘Pokémon I get to see hatch’ list I’ve got going.” “Yae’ve goat a list? Really?” Skye threw him a wry look. “Well, yae’ve goat a lot tae catch up oon if yae wanna hiv a list as big as mine.” “Like I’d be able to do that!” Ash playfully shoved him, making Skye snort. “I’d have an easier time trying to catch a Dunsparce-!” Pikachu rolled his eyes as he trotted alongside his trainer with Hawlucha. Skye wheezed out a laugh. Ash smiled at him, his face turning hot. He liked making Skye laugh, even if it meant poking fun at himself sometimes. His ego could take a hit for a good cause. “Ah’m sure yae’ll git dat Dunsparce wan eh dhese days, man.” Skye told him before bringing a hand up to his chin in thought. “Actually. . .ah ‘hink we might hiv a Dunsparce up fur adoption.” “Really?” Ash raised an eyebrow, still smiling. “Maybe I can-” The end of Ash’s sentence was cut off by a loud, heavy boom that vibrated through his chest and made the ground shake. Ash stumbled, then quickly turned to Skye. “What was that?” “A-ah dunno,” Skye said shakily. “Dat didnae feel like somewan trainin’.” Over the nearest hill, several Pokémon had started to run over it. Surprised, Ash watched them run past, then felt his stomach drop as he saw the frantic look on their faces. “Skye-” “Some’um’s wrang.” The breeder breathed. Then, with a shockingly determined stride, ran towards whatever was over the hill, even jumping over a trio of Nidoran that got in the way of his feet. Ash, Pikachu, and Hawlucha followed behind, coming to a stop on top of the hill. Ash’s breath caught in his throat at what he saw. In the distance, there was an oval-shaped robot wreaking havoc upon the ranch, chasing and snatching up the ranch’s Pokémon. The sight was far too familiar. Team Rocket! Seeing the thieves made his feet act on their own. He ran down the hill, more than ready to send them blasting off with a good old Thunderbolt—only to be pushed and sent rolling into a nearby bush instead. After shaking off the sudden impact with the ground, Ash sat up to see Skye on his knees beside him. “Did you just push me?! Skye, it’s Team Rocket! We gotta-” He nearly bit his tongue when Skye’s face was suddenly an inch from his. “Dae yae want tae git yirself kilt?! Dat ‘hing is huge!” Ash pushed Skye back so he could speak to him properly. “It’s nothing we can’t handle.” He said confidently. Pikachu and Hawlucha, once behind the bush also, made their agreement known. “Nothin’ yees cannae-” Skye made a frustrated squawk, shaking his head. “Ash, naw! Yae cannae jist run intae danger like dat!” “You were just about to do the same thing!” Ash retorted, pointedly eyeing the hill behind them. “Just a second ago, you were leading the charge.” Skye gritted his teeth. “Ah didnae ‘hink dat wiz wit we wir gonnae be up against! Ah thought it wiz a thief ‘r somethin’! Ah’ve dealt wae people like dat before, bit nothin’ like dis!” “Well, the people in that robot are thieves!” Ash barked. “They’re Team Rocket! Yanno, the bad guys who follow me and Pikachu around all the time?” “‘N how dae yae know dat’s Team Rocket?” Skye asked through his teeth. Annoyed, Ash threw his hands up. “Giant robots are their thing! They do this all the time!” His annoyance hadn’t been lost on Skye, because he scrunched up his face and raised his voice. “Well, den! If dis is normal, yae must hiv a plan right?!” “I do have a plan.” Ash told him as he pushed some bush away so he could see what Team Rocket were doing. His chest tightened as he saw a Nidoran be scooped up and thrown into the ever-filling net on the robot’s back. “Like wit? Run up ‘n attack ‘em? Don’t be stupit, dude!” Skye spat, his tone shifting into a mix of anger and fear. “Ah mean a proper plan!” “Well, do you have any ideas?” Ash asked, voice strained. Skye didn’t answer him. He had turned his attention to the crime-in-progress, his green eyes filled with horror. His whole body had begun to shake when he whipped his head around to look at Ash again. “Ash, w-wit if dey git tae da egg hooses?! Dey might take da babies! ‘R-r worse!!” He shrieked, clutching his head in his hands. Ash shuddered at the thought. He put a hand on his boyfriend’s shaking shoulder. “That won’t happen. Team Rocket are bad guys, but they won’t do that. We won’t let it.” “Pikachu pika!” Pikachu added, his cheeks sparking. “Hawlu!” Hawlucha puffed out his chest. Ash managed to smile reassuringly. “See?” The brunet continued to shake violently as he looked at Pikachu and Hawlucha, then back at Ash. He was doing his best to keep himself together, but his eyes were beginning to well up in panic. Ash wanted to comfort him, but he knew they didn’t have time. He wished Pika was with them; she could’ve helped keep Skye from being consumed by fear. He squeezed Skye’s shoulder. “You don’t need to come with me. You can stay here and hide or you can help the rest of the Pokémon get away.” That seemed to bring Skye to his senses, because his nose scrunched up and he almost looked insulted by the first suggestion. “Ah cannae dae dat-!” Despite his shivering, his voice had become steady. “Ah cannae jist abandon everywan becuz ah’m scared! Aw eh da Pokémon here depend oon me tae look ether dem! How cin ah call masel’ a breeder if ah jist ran away when dey needed me tae protect dem? Ah widnae be able tae furgive masel’!” Ash was taken aback by Skye’s sudden resolve, but he couldn’t help the flutter in his chest. He was still shaking, but his eyes were serious. Even though he was scared, he wanted to do something to help. That was something Ash admired. Even with all their differences, Ash and Skye shared this one thing. Their love for Pokémon. Ash grinned, giving Skye’s shoulder a firm slap. “Now, that’s more like it!” “B-bit, wit ir we gonnae be able tae dae against dat?” Skye spluttered after recoiling. “It’s a giant robot-!” “So? That robot hasn’t got nothing on what we can do.” Ash patted Pikachu on the head. “We can do this. Trust me.” Skye stared at him for a long moment, then took his hands away from his head. “. . .ah need tae ‘hink.” Ash blinked. “About what?” “Aboot a plan.” Skye squeezed his eyes shut. “We’re no goin’ against dat ‘hing waeoot a plan ‘r some’um. Yae’ve talked aboot Team Rocket befur, so ah’m tryin’ tae remember wit yae’ve telt me.” He opened his eyes. “Dey. . .attack wae der Pokémon, daen’t dey?” Ash nodded. “Usually, yeah.” “Wit kind eh Pokémon dae dey hiv?” “Aside from Meowth, there’s Inkay, Pumpkaboo, and Wobbuffet.” Ash answered, turning to look back at the ongoing thieving. “Meowth and Wobbuffet don’t tend to battle though.” “‘N wit aboot dat robot? Yae sayd dis wiz der ‘hing a second ago.” “It is. At least this one doesn’t look as bad as the mind control one they had a few days ago. . .” “Da. Wit.” Skye drawled slowly. “We don’t have time to chat about this sort of thing!” Ash hissed, gesturing to Team Rocket snatching up another Pokémon. “We need that plan, Skye!” The two sat awkwardly as Skye went back to brainstorming. Ash’s entire body was buzzing. He wanted to rush over and save the Pokémon, but he forced himself to stay put while Skye came up with something. Pikachu had started to knead his paws into the grass impatiently and Hawlucha had snapped off a branch from the bush after hearing a Houndour pup howl in terror. “D-dat robot.” Skye gulped. “Yae ‘hink it’s resistant tae electricity?” “Uhh, I dunno.” Ash shook his head. “I can’t tell from here, but Team Rocket aren’t too consistent about making their robots shock-proof.” “Huh. Den, we’ve jist got tae hope dey didnae dis time.” “You got something?” “Ah ‘hink so.” Skye said, turning his body to scan the rolling fields and hills around them. “Ah’m gonnae need Pikachu.” Pikachu? Ash almost asked why, but he didn’t want to waste any more time, so he nodded instead. “Alright. Pikachu, go with Skye.” “Pika!” Pikachu affirmed, looking a little too happy to finally be able to do something. “What about us?” Ash asked as Hawlucha rustled his feathers. Skye moved to get up, his jaw tightening. “C-cin yae keep dem occupied?” He sounded unsure about his own question. “We can do that.” Ash grinned again. “What are you guys going to do?” Before Skye could reply, an explosion rang out and shook the ground. The both of them snapped their heads towards the sound, seeing a plume of smoke. “A-ah’ve kept us too long.” Skye’s voice trembled. “We need tae go-!” Skye was standing and ready to run off when Ash scrambled to his own feet. “But, what are you going to do?” “A ‘hing!” Skye squeaked breathlessly. And then, he was off, running in the opposite direction of the mech with Pikachu following behind him. Ash watched him go, then turned on his heel to head the other way, towards trouble. “Let’s go, Hawlucha!” “Haw!” === “Come on now. Be good little Pokémon and get into our net!” Jessie demanded as she looked down at their targets. Team Rocket have had a blast, so to speak. They had been picking Pokémon like daisies, and were having a lot of fun doing it. Their net was already nearly full, but it wouldn’t hurt to get even more. Team Rocket was always open to welcome more and more members, even if they were reluctant. They had chased and cornered a group of young Pokémon into a deep sand pit with steep walls. Some had tried to scramble up the incline, but ended up sliding back into the basin. Others had just started to cry. The only thing in Team Rocket’s way from snatching them up was a Sandslash, who stood defiantly between them and the Pokémon. Her quills were bristling and she was hissing hatefully up at the evil trio. She had rudely attacked their mech when they tried stealing the youngsters. Thankfully, Pumpkaboo was there to defend their robot’s rather fragile shell by interjecting the Sandslash’s Gyro Ball with Seed Bomb. “Are you going to stop resisting now? It’s getting rather tiring.” James asked, annoyed. The Sandslash spat at him. “Hmph, no need to be so rude, missy.” Wobbuffet, who had been sitting quietly beside Jessie, saulted. “Wobba wob!” “Yeah, it’s not like yous got a choice!” Meowth mewled, pulling a lever to bring one of the mech’s arms up. “We’re gonna take every single one of yus!” With a push of a button, the arm shot out to grab of the Pokémon. . .only to be smashed into pieces by a green cannonball. The three stared dumbly at the destroyed hand, then started shrieking. In unison, they snapped their attention to what had got in the way of their evil deeds. A Hawlucha landed in front of them and uncrossed his arms, their green X-shaped glow fading away. “Good job, Hawlucha!” A voice called. They turned towards the voice, spotting a familiar face standing on the edge of the incline. The twerp! === Ash stood at the rim of the basin, looking down at the scene he had been kept away from. Team Rocket’s robot was a large thing with pale, green-speckled egg shell armor and two sets of arms; one set with claw grabber hands and another set were like hoover nozzles. On the back, a large net was attached. The top was cracked open, with Team Rocket sitting inside it. Ash never understood why their boss would allow them to create such bad pieces of machinery, especially when they never did their job right. Why couldn’t they make good robots, like Clemont? With their egg-robot, Team Rocket had captured several Pokémon, judging by how full their net was, and they had cornered more. He looked at them, and felt sick to his stomach. The Pokémon that Team Rocket had cornered were all babies, too young to fend for themselves and much too young to fight back against them. Did they have any dignity? Stealing Pokémon was a terrible thing to do, but there was something so wrong about putting baby Pokémon into this situation. He had to bite back his anger. If he was angry, he would only get caught up in his own emotions to actually help those Pokémon in need. Though, that gave him an idea. Team Rocket weren’t as devious when angered. “Hey, Team Rocket!” Ash shouted, before sliding down the incline and rushing over to stand by Hawlucha and the Sandslash. “You looking for me?” James was first to talk. He let out a long sigh. “Thanks for the damages, twerp.” “Where’s our Pikachu?” Jessie hissed, her voice as venomous as an Arbok’s bite. “No idea.” Ash said, shrugging. “Don’t be a wise guy!” Meowth hissed. “We saw yus with Pikachu before we started stealin’!” “No, really. I have no idea where Pikachu is.” Ash threw back. “Even if I did know where he was, I wouldn’t tell you guys!” The Sandslash stepped forward, turning to Hawlucha and chittered a question. Hawlucha nodded, glancing back at the trembling group of youngsters behind them. Ash recognised the Sandslash. Her name was Sandy and she belonged to Skye’s father, Lyle. Ash turned to the frightened Pokémon. “You guys need to get out of here. Me and Hawlucha will cover you!” Over a dozen sets of eyes stared at him, unsure and terrified. Hawlucha pointed a claw to the left side of the egg-robot, towards the cover of nearby shrubbery. “Hawlu haw!” “Sand!” Sandy started to feverishly dig into the sand. “Hey, don’t run away!” James whined loudly. “We just want you to get into our net!” Sandy quickly managed to make a sizable hole, enough for several of the group to jump into. She hopped out and shoved a small Ratatta into the hole with her snout. “Slash sa!” She called to the others. Some of them followed the Ratatta, while others were reluctant to budge. “Pumpkaboo!” Ash turned around just as the Ghost-type floated into position. “Stop them from getting away!” “X-Scissor, Hawlucha!” The Wrestling Pokémon launched himself towards Pumpkaboo, his crossed arms turning bright green. Pumpkaboo managed to fire off a Shadow Ball just as Hawlucha got close enough, sending him flying backwards. Hawlucha backflipped, landing on his feet and posing triumphantly, like a gymnast sticking a landing. “Leave them alone, Team Rocket!” Ash yelled. “They’re only babies!” “So?” Jessie put her hands on her hips. “So? So?!” Ash scowled up at the magenta-haired woman. “You’re trying to take them away from their home- their families!” “They were going to leave someday, weren’t they?” Jessie said sharply. “We’re only speeding up the process! And frankly, I’m insulted, twerp. We’ll give them a better family- with us!” “Who’d wanna be a part of your family?” Ash grimaced. The trio gasped dramatically. “Oh, that does it!” James yelped, fumbling with a Pokéball before throwing it. Inkay appeared in a flash of white light. Meowth raised the mech’s twin hose arms, pointing them directly at Ash and Hawlucha. The trainer tensed as he reached for Goodra’s Pokéball. “Thundabolt!” A heavily accented voice rang out and two bolts of lightning struck the hoose heads, destroying them beyond repair. “Wah! Again?!” Meowth yowled, slamming his paws against the robot’s control console. Ash looked up to see where the bolts had come from. On the basin’s rim stood Skye, Pikachu, and Pika. Skye was panting and flushed in the face. The two Pikachu’s cheeks sparked aggressively. Ash couldn’t help smirking at their arrival. “Oh, come on!” James groaned loudly, slapping a hand to his forehead. “We don’t get insurance for this kind of robot. . .” “I was wondering where you guys went!” Ash shouted as the breeder awkwardly slid down the slope with their Pikachu. The two Electric-types hopped in front of their trainers, flanking Hawlucha on both sides. “A-ah’ve goat da plan set up.” Skye said as he trotted up to stand beside his boyfriend, his voice wavering with adrenaline. “Ugh, not another one to deal with.” Jessie pinched the space between her eyes. “But, look!” James pointed excitedly. “He’s brought another Pikachu!” Jessie huffed, crossing her arms. “What? That old slipper?” “WIT?!” Skye barked loudly, so loudly that Ash nearly jumped back in surprise. Pika glanced over her shoulder at her trainer, looking worried. (ending cliffnotes) It begins to rain as James brings out Inkay, and the four of them have a double battle. Ash is beside himself about battling alongside Skye. The battle goes as follows; Pumpkaboo uses Seed Bomb. Pika uses Dig, and hides from the Seed Bomb with Pikachu. Pikachu jumps out to hit Pumpkaboo with Iron Tail. Inkay uses Foul Play, hitting Pikachu. Pikachu is thrown back, and Inkay goes into the dig hole to attack Pika. Pika uses Return, pushing Inkay out of the hole. Pumpkaboo uses Shadow Ball, hitting Pika. During the battle, the rain continues. The TRio taunt Ash and Skye, but as they take a step forward, the ground under the mech's foot collapses. The mech is unable to move. Jin and Tei appear out of the ground, having dug tunnels under the mech as they battled. The clouds rumble and several Pichu, Pikachu, and Raichu make themselves known. They have surrounded the mech. Team Rocket are taken aback, but Ash uses this moment to save the Pokémon in the mech's net with Hawlucha's X-Scissor. Team Rocket attemtpt to stop them, but all of the 'chus begin to spark including Pika and Pikachu. Skye had used Salem's Rain Dance to set up a Thunder that cannot miss. Hell rains down upon Team Rocket with the power of 20+ electric rats. Team Rocket are sent blasting off. Ash and Skye check the stolen Pokémon for injuries and when they see everyone are unharmed, Skye almost faints from adrenaline and relief. Aaand that's it!        

The funny thing is, hanbei is objectively one of the worst junior warlords and just unit in general. Like some of that has to do with the fact that most fully evolved electric types, minus galvantula and maybe jolteon, kinda suck in that game (thunder is a really bad move) he still kinda sucks. His PL of Raichu (at least in his warrior tranformation form) is pretty bad. He kinda suffers from Muneshige syndrome where he’s mediocre when Pikachu is viable but as soon as you need to evolve it into raichu he becomes instantly outclassed and waste of training. Where as his brother Kanbei is one of the worst units period in the early game but if you can get him a fully evolved chandelure he goes hard

Especially bc this idiot is a such a hard unit to get your hands on. Hes only available in certain storylines AFTER the first one. Like that’s how Keiji, motochika, motonari and all the units who were part of nobunagas army in the first storyline are, with some exceptions (looking at you, magoichi) and they’re all so much better than him. Like keiji is bonkers good and that’s bc u have to use a cheat code to unlock his storyline. But like even compare him to Ranmaru or Upgraded Hanzō and it’s not even a comparison. Hell Kai, in my opinion is the best unit in the game if u put a little work into her, and she’s in a very similar position.

Like there’s so many times I’ve tried to use this loser and so many times I’ve been yelling at him to either a) hit one (1) thunder or b) not fucking die instantly after using volt tackle

(battle TWO: a real rival rouser!)

OOOHH BOY. HERE WE GO. The real battle starts now!!

Oh man. Paul’s Drapion is BRUTAL. Ash tells Buizel to inflate its neck sac to escape, and it does. Cool, right?

James: Me thinks his opponent was taken aback.

Nope! Paul tells Drapion to use Toxic Spikes. And thus it begins. Toxic Spikes badly poisons any target on the ground when Pokemon switch out, and boy does Paul take advantage of THAT

Buizel gets knocked out, and then Staraptor. Oh Staraptor…Drapion catches it and Paul commands Cross Poison. Then it smacks Staraptor into the ground.

Do you think Paul taught Drapion to smack the opponent down, or that it just…Does That (he doesn’t tell it to, it just does it, ouch) I don’t want to think he did. But like…What if he did though  

Ash then sends out Torterra. And the beatdown continues because oh man. His Torterra just has a terrible moveset in general; though I do like how they animate Rock Climb. But…

Torterra gets two hits in, but Drapion is definitely still in the green because Energy Ball, Leaf Storm and Rock Climb are you serious Ash what the hell were you even expecting

Really though, Rock Climb looks neat. But then Drapion CATCHES IT and

Well

“Poison Fang.” those aren’t its fangs I call shenanigans

It’s resilient though! Torterra then uses Synthes—ahahahahaha no.

Torterra is one of my top favorite Pokemon, and it loses to Pin Missile. PIN MISSLE

Maybe this is that thing when you restore your Pokemon’s health and then the next attack puts it right back down to yellow or red health goddammit

Ash is now down to three Pokemon, two injured. Paul has four up with three at 100%. He recalls Drapion, saying he let his first Pokemon faint to see what Ash’s strategy was, and has perfectly predicted everything Ash would do up to this point. See that creepy smile up there? He knew Ash would send Torterra out; the poor thing never stood a chance.

“Paul, there’s nobody like you. That’s why I’m gonna win this!” I’m sorry what. Did we miss a line? The first line though ahhhhh

Now it’s Ninjask vs Gliscor. His Ninjask makes me laugh. Because, if that thing knew Baton Pass, just imagine the devastating beatdown that would ensue. Drapion 2.0, basically.

But no, it knows Fury Cutter, Agility, and Giga Drain. It’s my turn to mock Paul now because I…WHAT. It’s used pretty effectively here I guess but seriously what. There is no excuse for Giga Drain. He had to teach it that

I’m baffled, but anyway. Fury Cutter smacks Gliscor into the Toxic Spikes. Ash recalls it and sends out Infernape. And now, The One Big Thing I remember from this episode!

Infernape uses Dig and then Flare Blitz to get rid of the Toxic Spikes. Freedom! Ninjask is blown away a bit and hurt.

Barry: Whoa, I didn’t know you could do that!

You can’t; but that’s one of the things the show can do that I love. As long as it’s used effectively in battle I don’t really mind at all. That’s what I’m here for.

“It was a pretty clever move, Ash.”

My heart

Be still please

(seriously though I think this is the first time Paul’s EVER said his name? lol)

Ninjask uses Giga Drain while spinning around Infernape. But it’s not as fast now, (maybe that’s why it knows Agility psssshh) and Infernape Mach Punches it away. THREE DOWN. Now they’re even.

Paul sends out Froslass, another favorite for me, and Ash sends out Pikachu. It immediately uses Hail and shrouds itself. Somehow they explain its Snow Cloak ability without mentioning it’s part Ghost type. At all. Is that the joke? :o

Iron Tail to the face! Froslass’ Hail goes away.

He’s having fun.

Barry: All I have to say is, if Ash did that on purpose he’d be incredible!

Barry…God I love him xD

Froslass uses Ice Beam and Pikachu gets frozen.

Pikachu broke through the ice so Ash wouldn’t worry! Pikachu used Volt Tackle!

Actually Ash just says to use Volt Tackle to break out but…Ya know

Froslass fainted. Why does it look so huge in this shot, it’s terrifying. Anyway. FOUR DOWN. Paul sends out Drapion and Ash sends out Gliscor. Their attacks collide in the air and make a big BOOM cloud. Gliscor takes advantage and goes in with a Giga Impact, spinning in the air afterwards so Drapion can’t get near.

“Well done. That Stone Edge got my attention, alright.” Paul says a compliment, (maybe…? Lol) Drapion uses Pin Missile, Gliscor uses X-Scissor. Cliffhanger!!

given how they just, didnt get to making marnie a character with a storyline i guess it was kinda tricky to decide what to even do with her but i Think i got it

i went with a piers is old skool punk music and shes New school so like electric! and also a theme of like cute pkmn that evolve into gnarlier stuff, like a Character Arc

battle one

(ability: hunger switch, moves: super fang, parting shot, stockpile , swallow)

(dont mind me just treating this thing like a hamster )

(ability: rattled, moves: sand attack, tackle, tail whip, nuzzle)

(this move set is ASS compared to the lvl 5 beast it could be like flame charge? double-edge? fresh out of the egg? like omg, but marnie’s thing is being like an extra cute girl so her pkmn are like nerf’d by cute)

(this battle happens in motostoke with the other would be challengers! only 999 make it out of the whole region, marnie doesnt have a sponsor like a company but all her fans! she has like a pkmn version of a go fund me and runs like tons of social media stuff, shes like, an e-girl,a pkmn self made idol! sometimes people go easy on her just cause shes like, Cute but also like her rabid fanbase is scary! theres team yell stuff but thats a bit different)

(cheering and jeering are mechanics! ill figure it out 100% for l8rs but its like cheering  lets you endure strong attacks, heal from status effects faster and raises your stats i think like in order like your defense, your sp d, your speed,and then any boost after that raises your hp heals a bit, jeering increases your likely hood of having a critical hit, lowers your sp d, lowers your def but then raises your atk and then raises your sp attack,   it would totally effect return and frustration, like rages would be stronger in jeering, maybe jeering boosts dark moves and cheering boosts fighting moves, maybe they can all be split up like ghosts get boosts with jeering, fairys get boost with cheering, dragons with jeering and so On)

(but anyway so marnie gets like that cheer boost basically every time, she comes in fourth at the challenger tournament!)

---

battle two

(ability: hunger switch, moves: super fang, parting shot, stockpile , swallow)

(this things leveled up but is moves stay the same!)

(ability: rattled, moves: charm, tackle, tail whip, nuzzle)

(this pup is a higher level but its moves just get cuter! she doesnt evo it rn)

(ability: static, moves: lucky chant, sweet kiss, tail whip, thunder shock)

(she adds a kinda suped up pichu to her team! v cute! wow!)

(idk when this battle takes place, but out of the four of the Rivals, she uses water gun on the mudbray for each spots, i think hop uses it once but then is like oh no wait, bede doesnt and shield doesnt)

----

battle three

(no updates, just a higher level! i dont have exact places for marnie’s battles but gym wise, she sometimes passes hop, rarely passes bede and doesnt past shield)

(no change, just a higher level!)

(same as above!)

(ability: cute charm, moves: camouflage, string shot, absorb, spider web)

(i did NOT sit though years of misty being made fun of for being afraid of pokemon just to have this teeny tiny cutie have unnerve!! people in pkmn world canonically dont have the irrational fear of bugs! begone!)

------------

battle four

(there are no changes except level boosts for the hamster and yamper)

(ability: static, move: lucky chant, quick attack, sweet kiss, thunder bolt)

(she evos this one based on popular opinion)

(ability: adaptability, moves: swift, covet, fake tears, baby-doll eyes)

(wow another Cute Pokemon! this is plot relevent! )

(omg idk how much to talk about plotline ideas or like, anything cause thats like New and exciting, maybe im already sharing too much already? much this is also like showing my work, gotta keep this nuzlocke honest)

----

battle five

(no move updates for any of the others! a part of me wants to be like, give them one new aggressive move but i think that’ll take away the Effect)

(ability: punk rock, moves: disarming voice, rest, snore, tear-full look)

(im letting it have punk rock so crying moves do damage more haha baby joke)

(you see this pkmn a lot in the game, im not even sure if i like it but i want to use it again? baby yoda effect)

(she’ll have her team order a bit shuffled for this, with pikachu going last, she’ll get it to dynamax without a band! i want to play off some of the plot points from detective pikachu since spikemuth was obvi inspired by it or designed in tantum with it)

----

battle six

(moves update: super fang, aura wheel, stockpile, swallow)

(i have a general idea of what i want to do with marnie’s plot so the next time you see her all her pkmn are swole)

(ability: strong jaw, moves: thunder fang, crunch, pursuit, hyper voice)

(it should tech have the other ability but im going with whats cool also i cant wait to make this thing look more fucked up an not like, the vanilla of dog shapes)

(moves update: seismic toss, magnet rise, volt tackle, thunder punch)

(im surprised they didnt do a galarian raichu that was like gorochu? i love raichu so i might not do anything gorochu-ish but i do like how this gen was like early gen concepts into actual pkmn! so maybe?)

(ability: merciless, moves: lunge, poison fang,giga drain, bug buzz)

(i was going to give it unnerve but its kinda boring unless youre up against a shuckle)

(ability: volt absorb, moves: pin missile, thunder, double kick, skull bash)

(i love jolteon and the way it has moves that are like wild and will fukc you up)

(ability: punk rock, moves: overdrive, boomburst, shadow panic, venoshock)

(they put so much like work into making sounds more viable for attack then added like two sound attacks that deal damage instead of like, a bunch? so i took one from a spin off game, ill treat it as a dark move, but hopefully the sound theme reads throughout this line up)

 (its like the cup team she’ll have!)

(im worried that some of these teams im building feel samesy cause im like Sees Stats Change Ability “okay but what if it did damage instead” but i hope theyre coming across like a personality!)

Medea Just Saw Pokemon: Detective Pikachu

Well, it’s time I talk about a recent movie I just watched.

No. No, not that one.

No, I’m not going to review Lelouch of the Resurrection. It’s been almost 10 years since viewing and reviewing the entire Code Geass series and thought it’d be best to sit this one out since I’m not a hard core Geass-fangirl.

Today it’s Detective Pikachu!

Being the derpy-idiot I am, I have never played the Detective Pikachu game. I don’t know why. Not enough time on my hands? I’m gonna go with that excuse. But that doesn’t stop me from watching this creature feature. And I do mean CREATURES because this movie contains many, many, many pokemon. And not just Gen1. So you crybabies who bitch that Gen1 is the reason why no one can have nice things can stick a cork in it and watch this movie. They showed many pokemon from other generations. Just to name a few, Sneasel, Snubbull, Pancham, Greninja, Comfey, Loudred, Ludicolo, and Torterra.

I’m sure Clefable was somewhere, just not in my sight.

And you think it’s a funny that me, the derpy-idiot who never played Detective Pikachu to watch this film? My mother, who is almost 70 years old mind you, joined me in this escapade voluntarily. And to my amazement, she stayed awake the entire movie and actually liked it. Yeah, flashback to when movies # 1-5 came out and ask her to remember what she saw. She can’t answer. But I digress.

Warning before I continue, I will delve into spoilers. So...SPOILER ALERT! I hold nothing back from my “Just Saw” rants nor my actual reviews. So if you don’t want to be spoiled, sit this one out. Also be aware of the trailers that they show before the feature. There’s a good chance they’ll play that FuckUp the Hedgehog trailer. They did and I just facepalmed throughout the entire trailer (along with several other failures coming soon). NO ONE ASKED FOR LIVE ACTION DORA OR A SECOND ANGRY BIRDS!

On with it Medea! Okay, okay!

We begin the story with Mewtwo escaping from a laboratory and blowing up a car that’s driving away from the lab. Fast forward to Tim (a young adult played by Will Smith’s eldest son Justice Smith) being pressured by his friend to capture a pokemon. He gets Tim to capture a Cubone.

Now seeing a crying Cubone can trigger any true Pokemon fan due to the sad story of Cubone and his mother. And they even made a joke about how Cubone’s wearing the skull of his dead mother. Classy! But the capture didn’t go well and Cubone literally attacked Tim. Thankfully none of the Pokemon games nor Pokemon Go go that far. After that failure, Tim gets word that his father, Henry has passed away and must go to Ryme City.

Ryme City is a place where Human and Pokemon live together in harmony basically. No battles, no pokeballs, no harm. And all of this is made possible by a man named Howard Clifford (played by Bill Nighy). Tim goes to the detective agency where his father used to work to get keys to his apartment. Now from the looks of it, Tim and his old man do not see eye to eye. And the movie kinda shows little 5 second snipits of him younger every couple of seconds for a bit here. After the death of Tim’s mother when he was younger, they kinda drifted further apart.

Once Tim gets to the apartment, he’s stopped by a girl named Lucy Stevens, a girl who works as an intern at a news station. Oh yeah and she has a Psyduck (who can cause explosions with his mind if he has a headache). She’s been on the trail of Tim’s father and his disappearance. But of course that goes nowhere since it’s been years since Tim has seen his father. In his apartment Tim runs into two abnormal things. One, a capsule with purple gas. And two, a Pikachu he can understand! First the purple gas, let’s just say he accidentally released it and it got outside. Apparently, it has the power to turn pokemon demonic and vicious. Don’t believe me? Look at Aipom.

See? Cute as a button. Now look at Detective Pikachu’s...

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

If your mission was to scare children so hard they shit themselves inside-out for a week, mission fucking accomplished!

And we see these scary fucking gremlins for several minutes as a horde of them are chasing Tim out the apartment, down a garbage chute, and into the streets. But then they turned back to normal. Yeah, nothing about this is normal. A Pikachu can talk to you and you just got chased by a horde of nightmare monkeys. Nothing like a cup of coffee to calm you from this. No. No amount of coffee could ever make this right. I don’t care what Pikachu the Coffee Addict says.

So Pikachu is Tim’s father’s partner pokemon. And Pikachu is hell-bent on proving that Henry is still alive by any means necessary. Only problem is that he has amnesia and has no recollection of what happened the night Henry disappeared. On another note...

Rachel Lillis was Jigglypuff.

That’s right. O.G. Jigglypuff in the movie.

Rachel Lillis also voiced original Misty.

Just stating facts. Moving on.

Tim and Pikachu end up learning things about this mystery little by little with talking to Lucy, interrogating a Mr. Mime (and almost setting it on fire), and sneaking in an illegal underground cage match arena. Unfortunately, the owner of this arena has a vendetta against Pikachu because he hurt his Charizard in a previous match. So he wants a rematch.

Remarkably Tim knows Pikachu’s best attacks, but Pikachu can’t remember. And then dude gives his Charizard that purple gas so it goes demonic. Yeah, there have been reports of pokemon going berserk and that purple gas is the culprit. Tim gets the guy to cough up information on where he gets it. Unfortunately another capsule breaks causing all the pokemon in the arena to go berserk. Thankfully all this resolved eventually with Charizard turning back to normal and a powerful water attack from a newly-evolved Gyarados.

Tim is now convinced that his father is still alive despite video footage of his car being flipped over and on fire. Tim and Pikachu then end up meeting Howard Clifford, the visionary for the city of Ryme. He knows what happened to Tim’s father. And through holographic technology shows them that it was Mewtwo that caused the accident to happen. Not only that but Pikachu was there on the scene and Mewtwo stole his memories. The reason behind this is that Howard’s son Roger has evil plans to use Mewtwo and is the reason behind that purple gas.

Tim gets Lucy to help them get to the lab where Mewtwo escaped from. Inside, they discovered more than they bargained for. While the lab was still abandoned and a wreck after Mewtwo destroyed the place, there were still Greninja and Torterra held in captivity. Pikachu hacks into the computer to see holographic flashbacks of moments before Mewtwo’s escape, including learning that Henry caught Mewtwo in the first place. Apparently Roger plans on manipulating with pokemon evolution and created the purple gas from Mewtwo. But then shit got real when the Greninja escaped from their pods and attacked Lucy and Tim.

As they escaped, Greninja went after them and was ready to attack. And now it’s time for Psyduck to step up. Unlike Psyduck in the anime with psychic attacks, this Psyduck’s attack when it gets a headache attacks like this...

Which then caused a literal tectonic shift. But we can blame that on those captive Torterra. Because they are fucking giant. We proceed in several minutes of Lucy and Tim trying to escape from falling to their deaths. They do well with that except Pikachu wound up badly hurt. But thankfully a herd of Bulbasaur led Tim and Pikachu to a place in the forest to get help. Unfortunately that help came in the form of Mewtwo. And then Mewtwo was captured by Roger.

After all that, Pikachu starts to recover some memories and realizes that he thinks he’s to blame for Henry’s disappearance. Which causes Pikachu to finally spark up for the first time in the film (well over an hour in) and also split from Tim. So Pikachu wanders around by himself (while singing the first Pokemon opening) and Tim and Lucy drive back to town just in time for a parade. Tim heads up to tell Howard Clifford what his son was up to. But then...

DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUN...

Howard was the mastermind this entire time. After being diagnosed with a crippling disease that has now left him in a wheelchair, he went overboard with wanting to transfer his mind into the body of Mewtwo and through a machine, he was able to make that dream into a reality. His mind is now in the body of Mewtwo, literally the world’s strongest pokemon. Next phase, release the purple gas onto the crowd of people at the parade and have people’s minds in their pokemon’s bodies. Lucy tries to stop it from happening by trying to warn her colleagues and higher-ups but to no avail.

Pikachu finds a clue at the scene of Henry’s accident and thinks he’s got it all figured out and heads back to town. Pikachu ends up in a fight with Mewtwo that lasts several minutes. With pretty good effects for Volt Tackle and other attacks. Tim ends up finding Howard’s son tied up in a closet. Yeah, Roger was a good guy this whole time. But Tim ends up fighting with a pokemon. Or should I say, several pokemon in one. The answer is Ditto. Howard had a Ditto. And since all Ditto can do is transform, it has been transforming into different people this whole time to keep everyone thinking that Roger, Howard’s son was the bad guy.

Ditto turns into Machamp, Aipom, and other pokemon to take out Tim. Before you ask, yes all of them had those beady eyes. And then to add more nightmare fuel, it transformed into Tim’s love interest Lucy. The best way to describe Ditto transforming into Lucy would be this...

Yeah, it was that creepy.

Long story short with the fights, Tim was able to rip the machine of Howard which stopped Mewtwo. And Ditto deflated eventually. Mewtwo now has his body back in control again so he made things right. Mewtwo turned everybody back to normal again. Then got Tim’s father back to him. How?

The night of the accident, Mewtwo put Henry’s mind in Pikachu’s body and lure Tim to help him with this case. So Tim’s father was in Pikachu this whole time.

In the aftermath, Roger Clifford took over his father’s business and is going to set things right with the lab and earn back the public’s trust (all the while Howard being dragged off by police). Lucy gets a promotion. Tim is about to leave to go back home but decides to leave that old life behind and live with his father...Henry Ryan Reynolds and Pikachu. Hey, let’s face it. Selling insurance can suck it when you can solve mysteries with a Pikachu and your father.

Oh yeah...

I ship them so hard.

This movie was...interesting. I didn’t hate it but I still find my own faults with it. There were several things that kinda bothered me. At the beginning, I felt like the acting was kind of hokey especially when it came to Tim and Lucy. But it got better as the story went along. Next, they never really explained why Tim didn’t really want a pokemon or partner pokemon. Was it because when he was supposed to become a trainer his mother died? I feel like I missed that connection.

With the pokemon...I know I gave a lot of flack for many of the designs when the trailer first came out late last year, but many of it was very creative. A good look at what everyone would look like in the real world. I just could have done without Mr. Mime and Aipom. But definite creativity with pokemon like Octillery, Snubbull, and Flareon.

And Ryan Reynolds...yes, he did superb. All of you hyper fan people that yelled at executives for years to get this to happen, thank you. And thank you for the casting agents that got him to play Pikachu. And thank you for adding the word “Hell” to the Pokemon universe. It’s out there. And also, thank you for having Ikue Ohtani voice Pikachu normally.

Despite all my irks with this picture, I thought it was fine. I did enjoy the twists this story gave me and I do give a recommendation to go see it. And perhaps one day I’ll play Detective Pikachu.

Pokemon’s Detective Pikachu is now in theaters. Oh yeah and they also give out Pokemon Trading Cards at the theaters too. You know, just like in the good old days. I got Pikachu, Psyduck, and Jigglypuff.