Jhoto - Azalea Town

Ash smiled and turned to Venasaur who was pulling his hand with one of his vines, the grass type wanted to show him something important. Ash excused themselves and went with Venasaur to the intensive care unit of the Pokemon centre only to be surprised with what was in the ICU. Venasaur explained the trainers and the Pokemon inside were found by Lance's men a few days ago and he would be staying in Azalea Town for a while. While Ash was glad the trainers and Pokemon were okay, he did wonder what happened, but decided not to push.

Lucario, -I must say I'm actually relieved we don't have to worry about them.-

Venasaur nodded, "Saur vena."

Ash, "What do you mean Lucario? I'm sure anyone would be relieved to find out they are okay."

Venasaur sighed, "Saur."

Lucario nodded, -Indeed.-

Ash, "Oi! Oi! Why do I feel like you are judging me?"

Lucario gave him a look, -Not judging you Meema but knowing you all, you lot would no doubt risk your own lives to save them.-

Venasaur growled, "Vena venasaur saur."

Ash sweatdropped, "Um, we are not that bad?"

Lucario, -You want an answer to that?-

Ash shook his head, 'Yikes! They are pissed. I think I should avoid trouble the next few days.'

Lucario sighed, -It's not a bad thing Meema, but... You are all still young by your human standards. Barely an adult, so you should value your life more. Not to forget that humans don't live as long as Pokemon.-

Ash, "Sorry but you know I don't go after trouble by myself right? There is a reason I avoid fighting the Champion and getting the title of Champion. In fact, I'm hoping Misty will become the Orange Archipelago Champion soon. That way I would no longer stay awake late clearing up paperwork and get some proper sleep."

Lucario nodded before jerking his head up, 'If that happened Starmie would curse us to hell and back. He is overprotective of Misty just like we are overprotective of Ash. Oh Mew!'

Venasaur who had a similar line of thought sweat dropped and sighed, they would cross the bridge when they reach it. The next day Casey was battling Bugsy who greeted them very enthusiastically. According to Bugsy Falkner had informed them of Casey's interest in becoming stronger and Ash's battle interest. Almost all the Gym Leaders were looking forward to their battles with the two of them as it was not always they were able to go all out.

Ash, "Huh. I had no idea."

Bugsy, "Yeah, aside from the daily gossip about which trainers have best chance of success or the problems of Jhoto. The chances of going all out are rare outside of battling other Gym Leaders, Elite and Champion. So having a trainer step up to the challenge is a fresh welcome."

Casey, "That makes sense I guess. Okay I'm ready to battle. Can we make it an all out bug Pokemon battle? I promised mine they would be able to battle."

Bugsy grinned looking a little wild, "Oh ho! You have powerful bug types? I'm actually looking forward to it then."

Casey grinned, "Yes, I'm gonna win."

Bugsy, "We'll see."

Referee, "Today's battle challenger is Casey and is challenging Bugsy's A team. The winner will be decided by last Pokemon who is left standing. There will be no switches."

Bugsy, "Go Scizor."

Casey, "Venomoth."

Max, "So big."

Ash, "She must have caught it during her beginning travels. Look at those huge wings."

Brock nodded, "Yes, that Venomoth is well taken care of."

Gou, "And considering how sharp the edges look trained well too."

Bugsy, "Scizor time to have fun."

Referee, "Begin."

Casey, "Bug buzz."

Bugsy, "Metal claw."

The two Pokemon attacked each other and dodged each other's attack before attacking again. The two bug Pokemon didn't stop at the first attack and went on battling using sword dance and quiver dance. Venomoth was no doubt trained very well and kept up with Scizor who had quite the reputation behind him.

Gou, "Scizor really is so cool. I wonder if my Scyther will want to evolve into one."

Brock, "You can offer him metal coat and let him decide."

Max, "Scizor is so cool. Look at how smoothly he moves. But Venomoth is not a slouch either. He is able to keep up with him."

Ash, "They are both powerful and evenly matched. It's very exciting, isn't it? You don't know who will win."

Casey, "Supersonic!"

Venomoth gave a shriek as Scizor avoided the sound based attack and used aerial ace to dodge and attack Venomoth. Venomoth used mega drain at the moment Scizor came closer but the steel type grabbed him and slammed Venomoth on the floor. Venomoth however was a stubborn one and refused to let go of mega drain drinking his opponent of energy.

Referee, "Both Pokemon are unable to battle. Choose your next Pokemon."

Bugsy, "Return Scizor. Thank you."

Casey, "Return Venomoth. You were awesome."

Bugsy, "Time to shine Kleavor."

Casey, "Your turn Ariados."

Gou, "Holy Mew!"

Max, "Wait isn't Kleavor from Galar?"

Brock nodded, "Yes, and she is very impressive."

Ash, "I had heard rumors but I didn't think we would see her so soon."

Gou, "So cool. Misty does not like it though."

Misty, :Can you blame me? That's one scary Pokemon!:

Ash acquiesced, "Can't deny she is quiet scary to look at."

Misty, :See?:

Ash mused inside his head, 'Actually most Pokemon are terrifying to look at up close for the first time. The only reason no one is running for the hills is Pokemon are more tolerant then humans.'

Lucario looked at Ash catching that thought train, -Really? You were scared of me?-

Ash, 'No, I was not scared of you. You were too adorable for anyone to be scared unless they have cynophobia.'

Abra, -Cy cyno cynophob cynophobia?-

Ash, 'Fear of canines, I pity those who have it. They are missing out on a lot.'

Lucario, -That's actually possible?-

Ash nodded, 'Yup, anyway the battle is starting.'

Lucario turned back to the fight where Ariados was using shadow sneak and Kleavor was using sword dance. Kleavor moved very fast for someone who looked like she is carrying two crude axes around.

Bugsy, "Stone axe."

Casey, "Shit! Ariados use shadow sneak to dodge. Move fast!"

Ariados hissed as he moved back and away from the dangerous female using shadow sneak. The rock mantis was a natural predator and was known for hunting other bug type Pokemon for food. Ariados clicked annoyed that the Mantis could pinpoint him despite the hits he was landing on her and dodging her.

Casey, "Use venom drench."

Bugsy, "Ominous wind."

Casey, 'That move again. I won't give up.'

Kleavor used ominous wind with a dark glint before attacking Ariados again. Ariados however didn't back down and covered the area around him in venom making the place look like a venom pit. Ash and the others sweat dropped at the state of the battle field and felt pity for the cleaners. Misty who was watching with the girls grumbled about scary bug types and to never piss them off. Chloe pat her shoulders though she did agree with Misty about the scary part, Serena and Melody however were interested in catching bug type Pokemon.

Casey, "Ariados!"

Kleavor had used close combat to defeat Ariados by getting close to him despite the venom around them. Kleavor was definitely affected by the poison but didn't show any weakness whatsoever. Brock was very impressed by the rock slash bug type Pokemon, he had heard about their tenacity and seeing it first hand was impressive.

Referee, "Ariados is unable to battle, Kleavor wins."

Casey, "Return Ariados. Thank you buddy. Now let's go Beedrill."

Gou, "Alright, Beedrill is here."

Max cheered, "Beedrill is her strongest bug Pokemon."

Bugsy, "The little Weedle grew up."

Casey, "Yup. He was a Kakuna when he was here last time."

Bugsy chuckled, "Indeed."

Referee, "Begin."

Casey, "Fury attack."

Bugsy, "Calm mind and X scissors."

Beedrill attacked the rock bug Pokemon and noticed the female was poisoned pretty heavily but still standing. Beedrill's respect for his opponent went up but he didn't stop his attack and flew around the female making her dizzy with exhaustion. Beedrill seeing her weak spot attacked using string shot covering her up and forming a cocoon from which she was too exhausted to move.

Referee, "Kleavor is unable to battle Beedrill wins the match."

Bugsy, "Fast and smart little bugger, aren't you? Return pretty girl. Now then your turn my beautiful Illumise."

Misty, :How adorable!:

Chloe, :Yeah.:

Serena, :Oh I want one.:

Melody, :I think I'll travel outside the island. So many cool Pokemon.:

Gou eyed Illumise, "She is really cute."

Max nodded, "Yeah, firefly Pokemon."

Brock, "Yup."

Ash, "Males are called Volbeat."

Max turned to look at the pokedex, "They are adorable too."

Referee, "Begin."

Bugsy, "Sweet scent."

Casey, "Agility, get away from it."

Beedrill flew at a high speed avoiding the tantalizing scent that could dangerously slow him down. Illumise grinned before using quick attack to attack Beedrill who retaliated using toxic spikes. The two bug types were moving very fast making it a little difficult for the audience to keep up. Casey called for endeavor making Bugsy look at the wasp like Pokemon impressed.

Bugsy, "You will need more than speed. Do it Illumise."

Casey, 'Now what?'

Illumise smirked before using what looked like moon blast coupled with infestation to cover the whole field. Beedrill hissed when he realized he was being cornered by the other bug Pokemon who was covering the field with her ability. Beedrill growled not wanting to go down easily focused on collecting his energy and waiting for the female to make her final move. As Beedrill waited Illumise did make a final move and attacked Beedrill using thunderbolt. Beedrill released his solar beam just as he was about to be struck and then fell unconscious.

Referee, "Beedrill and Illumise are unable to battle. This match is a draw."

Bugsy laughed, "Not bad Casey. Well done."

Casey grumbled, "I didn't win though."

Bugsy flicked her forehead, "Come now girl, of we were that easy to defeat, do you think we could have held on to our jobs?"

Casey whined clutching her forehead, "No, I guess not."

Ash, "That was so awesome Casey."

Gou, "You were amazing."

Brock nodded, "Yes, you are stronger then back during the Indigo Conference."

Max, "That was so cool. We could barely keep up with Beedrill in the end. He was so fast."

Casey's eats turned pink from the praise, "Yeah, they worked really hard, didn't they?"

Bugsy shook his head, "You worked just as hard as your Pokemon did. Give yourself some credit Casey."

Casey however looked frustrated, "But it's nowhere near what Ash and his team can do!"

Ash, "Casey, do not use me as a normal judge for this. Trust me! If it were not for the medical papers the Gym Leaders and Nurse Joys and Jims made me carry. People would be thinking and accusing me of using drugs."

Gou nodded, "It's his aura that gives his Pokemon an extra kick. Unfortunately it also attracts dangerous attention."

Brock, "Yup."

Max, "You don't look surprised by this."

Bugsy, "Lance is capable of using aura, what's to say there aren't other people who can?"

Ash, "Oh yeah! And he doesn't have to hide it like I do either."

Max, "So cheer up okay Casey."

Casey sighed, "I suppose you are right."

Ash, "And being stronger, does not protect them from getting hurt."

Gou winced remembering his Golduck's burnt back, "Yeah."

Casey shook her head, "You are right. If I'm not satisfied with my current position I should work on it. Moping won't make it better."

Brock, "That's more like it."

Ash, "Anyway we are going to Dr. Kurt's place in the evening so cheer up yeah?"

Max jumped, "Dr Kurt? As in the pokeball specialist Kurt? Him?"

Ash nodded getting a cheer from Max who went off on a tangent talking about the leaps and bounds technology made thanks to the specialist. Bugsy laughed at their enthusiasm and asked a request from Ash as he was going to the specialist place. Ash was surprised at the request but accepted it, how hard and dangerous would it be to deliver a package anyway.

[A. N.: Next chapter is Ash's battle.

No ribbon here, it'll be in the next town. :D

I should focus on work but my mind keeps coming to this book. :')]