Pokemon: A different Ash

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As the containers holding Pikachu and Elekid fell to the ground, Ash and Gary sprinted forward to retrieve them. The Team Rocket trio also hit the ground with a loud thud, sprawling in front of the two trainers.

"Boom!!"

"You're okay, Pikachu!" Ash exclaimed, quickly opening the container to release Pikachu, while Gary did the same for Elekid. Both Pokémon emerged unharmed.

"You little pests!" Team Rocket's hot air balloon crashed down in pieces, but Jessie, James, and Meowth scrambled out unscathed, charging forward and holding a Poké Ball menacingly.

Gary stepped forward confidently. "You're up against the two strongest trainers from Pallet Town," he declared.

Ash was momentarily surprised at Gary's bold statement. Though Gary's confidence was never in question, his declaration caught Ash off guard.

"Let me teach you another lesson: don't interrupt another trainer's battle!" Ash added firmly.

Both Brock and Misty knew how much Ash valued respect for Pokémon battles, and nothing frustrated him more than interference in a fair match.

"Pikachu, use Electro Ball!"

"Elekid, use Thunderbolt!"

At their commands, Pikachu and Elekid leaped forward. Elekid's body crackled with electricity as a powerful current surged forward, while Pikachu gathered energy in his tail, forming a glowing Electro Ball. The two attacks combined, crackling along the ground and creating a fiery trail with their combined power.

"Wait! We weren't ready yet!" Team Rocket barely had time to react before Pikachu's Electro Ball and Elekid's Thunderbolt struck, exploding on impact with an intense flash and powerful blaze.

"Not again!" 

"What a Disgusting feeling!" The trio was blasted skyward, sparkling like shooting stars as they disappeared.

"Nice job, Ash!" Gary turned with a nod, though a hint of pride remained in his eyes.

"Same to you!" Ash replied, and they instinctively reached out to shake hands.

From the stands, Professor Oak and the others watched with pride, and Delia smiled warmly, lifting her camera to capture the moment.

In the shadows, an onlooker watched the scene unfold, a thoughtful expression on their face.

"So... does this mean the match is still on?" Brock asked, stepping forward.

Gary, still holding Ash's hand, paused for a moment before releasing it and nodding slightly.

"Forget it; the match was interrupted, and I'm not in the mood to continue," Gary said after a moment of thought. "Ash, let's save this showdown for the Alliance Conference!"

It had been a good match, but the interruption had thrown him off. Perhaps seeing Ash's powerful moves like Splishy Splash and Ice Water Jet had also made him more cautious, uncertain of the outcome. Both trainers still had four Pokémon each, and the battle was far from decided. Still, Gary felt it best to postpone their rivalry.

"Fine by me," Ash replied, feeling similarly. Team Rocket's sudden arrival had disrupted his focus as well.

With that, the intense seaside battle came to an unexpected end. Neither Ash nor Gary minded much, understanding it was better to wait for a more opportune moment. They recalled their Pokémon and headed to the Pokémon Center, where Nurse Joy tended to their injured team members from the earlier rounds.

Their visit to this seaside city concluded as well, and Ash, Brock, and Misty spent some time gathering travel supplies in preparation for their journey the next day.

**The next morning**

Ash and his friends rose early, intending to meet up with Delia and Professor Oak, but they learned that Gary had already left without saying goodbye. Knowing Gary, Ash wasn't surprised; it fit his style to leave without any sentimental farewells.

After a hearty breakfast with Brock, Misty, Delia, and Professor Oak, Ash knew it was time to part ways.

"Remember to eat well, don't catch a cold by exposing your belly when you rest, be careful out there, and..." Delia began, her voice full of concern as she shared her usual advice. Ash listened quietly, letting her finish without interrupting, until he sensed the moment was right.

"Yes, Mom, I got it. Take care of yourself, too!" he said with a smile, signaling it was time to go. He knew that if they walked any farther, she might follow him all the way out of the city. Delia's eyes glistened as she held back tears, managing to stay calm.

"And take care of your Pokémon, Ash. Don't cause trouble for others along the way," she added softly, though her voice began to break.

"I will, Mom. Goodbye! Goodbye, Professor!" Ash smiled at Professor Oak, who returned the gesture with a nod.

"Goodbye, Professor Oak! Bye, Aunt Delia!" Misty and Brock echoed, waving. Ash turned and led the way, and the group watched until he disappeared from sight.

"Ash didn't look back this time," Professor Oak remarked. "It seems he's truly growing up."

Delia's eyes were filled with tears, but her expression was one of pride. Though Ash and his friends had encountered danger before, Delia knew better than to hold him back from the journey ahead.