The Problem with Paras (Re-edited)

After the situation with Melvin and the Exeggutor, Cora and her friends, along with Ash's group, arrived in a peaceful village.

"Here we are, Mossgreen Village." Brock announced.

"What a small little town." Misty observed.

"That's not necessarily a bad thing, small towns are quieter and much more relaxing." Cora commented.

"It somewhat reminds me of my hometown." Ash added.

Cora knew that they'll meet a girl named Cassandra who was having trouble getting her Paras to evolve. Not to mention that Team Rocket will also show up soon as well.

"Should we stop here?" Mairin asked.

"Well we do need some potions and antidotes seeing as how we ran out, so we need to make a rest stop here." Brock informed them.

"Brock's right, besides we need a break anyway after the whole Exeggutor fiasco at that carnival." Cora agreed.

"Don't remind me." Misty groaned.

"Pikachu. (I wanna rest up here, too.)" Pikachu said.

"Espeon. (Me too, I'm kind of tired.)" Kilala agreed on Cora's right shoulder.

"Chespin. (I'm hungry.)" Chespie added while on Mairin's left shoulder.

After no more arguments they headed into town heading right towards an herbal shop to purchase some new medicine.

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They soon arrived at the herbal shop and stepped inside.

"Hello, is anyone here?" Cora looked around.

Her question was answered when they spotted an old woman grinding herbs, hearing Cora's voice she responded.

"Can I help you?" the old woman asked.

"Yes, we were wondering if we could buy some potions or antidotes from you?" Brock asked politely.

"Hmmm, how about instead of potions and antidotes I give you a snake root that will cure insomnia and grow hair on your nose and tongue." The old woman suggested.

Cora, Alain, Ash, Mairin and Misty sweat-dropped, "Um, no thanks."

"Uh, does it come in a no-hair formula?" Brock asked.

"That sounds really gross." Misty commented.

"Grandmother don't try to sell them such weird things!" A young woman appeared from the back.

This young woman was Cassandra.

"I didn't mean to scare anyone." the old woman teased.

"I know, but we're here to help trainers with our miracle Potions, not scare them away." Cassandra stated.

Brock suddenly pushed Ash, Alain, Cora, Mairin, and Misty away, "My name is Brock, are you the owner of this Pokémon pharmacy?"

"Yes, with my grandma." Cassandra replied.

Ash, Alain, Cora, Mairin and Misty exchanged a look before looking at Brock in annoyance.

"I'm interested in Pokémon Potions, if you're not doing anything tonight, maybe we could have dinner together and talk about them." Brock flirted.

Cora sighed, "He never gives up."

Cassandra looked at all of them and smiled, "Are all of you Pokémon trainers?" she asked.

"Uh, well--" Brock started.

"Instead of dinner, how about a Pokémon battle?" Cassandra asked.

Ash suddenly pushed Brock out of the way with a grin, "Okay! You can battle with me." she said.

"That's great, we can battle out in the back," Cassandra said, "My name is Cassandra."

Everyone introduced themselves and their Pokémon.

Cora looked over at a sad Brock, "You've met Brock."

"Let's go, shall we?" Cassandra asked.

"Yeah." Ash agreed, and they followed her out.

"Come on, Brock." Cora heard Misty saying behind her and she looked over to see Misty grabbing Brock by the shirt and dragging him after them.

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They walked to the backyard and Cassandra pulled out a Pokéball and released a Paras from it.

"This Paras will be your opponent." Cassandra said.

"A Paras, huh?" Cora asked.

"Then I'll choose Pikachu." Ash decided.

Then Pikachu jumped off of his shoulder and walked closer to Paras.

"Pika-chu." He greeted and held his paw out, but Paras quickly backed away in fear and hid behind Cassandra.

Cassandra knelt down to pet Paras. "Paras, you can't give up already." she encouraged.

"Uh, Cassandra, I don't mean to be rude, but it seems like Paras doesn't even want to battle." Cora stated.

"You're right, I would love for Paras to evolve into a Parasect very soon, but it's too cowardly to battle." Cassandra explained.

"Too cowardly, huh?" Alain asked, "That's a huge problem."

"You're right about that. The best way for Pokémon to evolve is by winning battles, the more battles they win, the quicker they evolve." Brock said.

"But why do you want Paras to evolve so fast for?" Misty asked.

"Because I have to have Parasect's mushrooms." Cassandra replied.

"What for?" Mairin asked.

Cassandra petted Paras, "You see, after Paras evolves, I'll use it's mushrooms to make a new Potion especially for Pokémon, and I'll use the new Potion to help Pokémon all over the world."

"Sounds amazing." Cora said with a smile.

Then Ash knelt next to Pikachu, "Pikachu, take it easy on Paras okay?" He said gently.

"Pikachu (Alright)." Pikachu nodded.

"Pikachu, use as small Thunderbolt." Ash instructed.

Pikachu sent a small thunderbolt at Paras, but it ended up knocking the poor little guy out anyway.

"Oh, no!" Cassandra cried as she went over to Paras.

"I guess that was too much for it." Cora commented.

"Espeon. (I guess so.)" Kilala agreed.

"Hey Ash, why not try using Squirtle? Paras has the type advantage over water types." Misty suggested.

"Good idea, Misty. Pikachu swap out for Squirtle, okay?" Ash said.

"Pika. (Okay.)" Pikachu went over by the others.

"Squirtle, come on out." He sent out the water type.

"Squirtle? (What's up?)" Squirtle asked.

"We're in a battle right now, but I want you to hold your punches for this one, is that okay?" Ash asked.

"Squirt squirtle! (Leave it to me!)" Squirtle declared.

"Cassandra, is Paras okay to continue?" Ash asked.

Cassandra nodded, "Yes."

"Alright, Squirtle use a small Water Gun." Ash ordered.

Squirtle used a small Water Gun on Paras but that proved hopeless too as that also caused Paras to pass out again.

"Well that didn't work." Cora sweat dropped.

"Obviously." Alain said sarcastically.

"Chespin! (Unbelievable!)" Chespie exclaimed.

"Trying to get Paras to evolve is harder than we thought." Cora rubbed the back of her head, "Okay time out, Cassandra. This is getting us nowhere. What we need to do is get your Paras into shape before we continue battling."

"The young lady is right, Cassandra," Cassandra's grandmother appeared, "Your Paras needs to build up confidence, Cassandra."

"That's right," Alain agreed, "If we build up Paras's confidence it won't be afraid of battling."

"Good idea young lady, would you be willing to help out with that?" the elder asked.

"Of course I would," Cora agreed, "Cassandra, what are Paras's attacks?"

"Um, it knows Scratch, Stun Spore, Poison Powder, Absorb, and Fury Cutter." She listed off.

"That'll work." Cora said.

"You have something in mind, Cora?" Misty asked.

"Maybe, if we get Paras to train with the attacks it already knows then it'll gain some self-confidence and want to battle." Cora theorized.

"It's worth a shot." Brock said.

"Is that alright with you, Paras?" Cassandra asked.

"Paras! (I'll do it!)" Paras gave her a determined look.

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Cora had let out Kalmia (Chikorita) to help out Paras while she was letting her other Pokémon to train as well.

Midway through training, Scorch (Shiny Scorbunny) had evolved into Raboot and Naia (Popplio) evolved into Brionne which all of the Pokémon were happy about.

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"In all my years I have never seen such loyalty between Pokémon and trainer," Cassandra's grandmother observed Cora and her Pokémon, "They fully listen to her, even that Raboot."

"What do you mean?" Misty wondered.

"You may not know this, but most fire-types have a habit of not listening to their trainers once they evolve into their second form of evolution. They are known for their disobedience due to lack of respect towards their trainer's, but this young lady seems to have gained her Raboot's respect." The woman explained.

"Well at least I don't have problems with my water Pokémon." Misty stated, smugly.

"Don't you have a problem with Psyduck's headaches, Misty?" Mairin retorted, brow arched.

Misty's head slumped down at the mention of that.

Alain gazed at Cora with admiration. He could easily tell that Cora's Pokémon love and respect her as a trainer. The trait that you see a lot of in trainers. However, he sometimes saw those who only see Pokémon as objects to win battles. He hated how cruel some trainers are to their Pokémon. Perhaps that's why some trainers had lost to him, they're too focused on winning that they don't care about their Pokémon.

However, he had a feeling that Cora will be able to win the Indigo League. The reason why...is because she believes in her Pokémon.

======================

"Cora." The pink-haired girl looked over her shoulder and saw it was everyone.

"Oh, hey you guys." Cora greeted.

"So how's it going?" Brock asked.

Cora smiled, "Pretty good. Most of my Pokémon had finally mastered their moves. Scylla (Dratini), and Kalmia (Chikorita) have improved on their Water Pulse and Razor Leaf, so for Scylla I'm having her learn Hydro Pump and Kalmia work on Take Down." She explained.

"Sounds like a good plan to me." Alain said.

"Tha-" Cora was cut off by a loud noise near where Cassandra and Paras were.

"What was that noise?!" Misty yelled.

"Don't know, but it's over by Cassandra and Paras!" Brock said.

"Let's go see what's wrong!" Cora turned to her Pokémon, "You guys come along, too!" all of his Pokémon nodded as they followed him to where Cassandra and Paras were.

======================

When they arrived, they spotted Cassandra's grandmother just sitting there watching Paras face off against Arbok and Weezing all by itself.

"What are you doing?! Why aren't you helping them?!" Misty yelled at her.

The old woman merely gave him a calm expression, "Because this is something that needs to happen."

"Needs to happen?! Its two against one?!" Misty yelled this time.

Cora and her Pokémon took notice of Meowth who had heart shaped eyes.

"I think Meowth has a crush on Cassandra." Cora commented.

"What?! A rival in love?!" Brock exclaimed.

Misty rubbed her temples, "Brock, zip it."

The Pokémon shook their heads.

The gang saw Arbok attack Paras first trying to head butt it, but Paras was smart enough to avoid it but unfortunately didn't see the tail that was behind it.

Cora couldn't just stand there and watch, "I can't just stand here and do nothing, Kilala, use Psychic Fang on Arbok's tail!"

Kilala charged quickly at the serpent then a row of pink colored fangs appeared in front of Kilala and they chomped down on Ekans who cried out in pain, forcing it to back away from the two.

"Stay out of this, twerps!" Jessie growled.

"Like we listen to you!" Ash yelled.

"Young lady, don't interfere!" the old woman ordered.

"What?" Ash looked confused.

"Paras! Are you going to let Kilala fight your battles for you?! Are you that much of a coward?!" she yelled.

"Grandmother!" Cassandra cried out.

"That's going too far!" Misty yelled at the elder woman.

"No, she's right, Misty." Cora said making everyone look at her, "Kilala, come over here. Paras needs to do this on his own."

Kilala nodded as he understood and went back over to Cora standing next to her.

"Paras needs this. Besides he's not alone because Cassandra's with him." Cora stated as she returned all of her Pokémon who didn't resist being returned.

The elder smiled, "Precisely, well Paras? Are you just going to stand there or are you going to battle?"

Paras looked over at his trainer who gave him an encouraging smile before looking back at Team Rocket but looking more determined this time, "Paras Para (I'm ready to fight)!"

"Paras?" Cassandra was surprised but then smiled, "Right, we can do this!"

"Tackle it Arbok!" Jessie ordered.

Arbok came at Paras again, but this time Cassandra and Paras were ready, "Dodge it!" Paras jumped up avoiding the tackle attack. "Now, use Fury Cutter!" Cassandra commanded.

Paras repeatedly slashed at Arbok without hesitation, and it was actually doing some damage!

"Alright, Paras learned Fury Cutter!" Cora cheered.

"Tackle!" Cassandra ordered again.

Paras tackled Arbok this time sending it back a little, "We're not done yet Paras, use Scratch!"

The bug type scratched Arbok sending it flying backwards towards its trainer with swirls in its eyes. Paras had defeated Arbok!

"He defeated Arbok!" Brock said.

"Nice job!" Misty congratulated.

"Way to go, Paras!" Mairin cheered.

Cassandra hugged Paras, "You did it! I'm so proud of you!"

"Paras! (Thank you!)" Paras said with tears in its eyes as its body suddenly started glowing.

"It's evolving!" Cora smiled.

In the place of Paras was an orange, insectoid Pokémon that has been completely overtaken by the parasitic mushroom on its back. It has a small head with pure white eyes and a segmented body that is mostly hidden by the mushroom. It has three pairs of legs, with the foremost pair forming large pincers. The fungus growing on its back has a large red cap with yellow spots throughout.

"Parasect!" It announced.

"It finally evolved into a Parasect!" Cora grinned.

Ash took out his Pokédex to scan the Pokémon.

[Parasect, the Mushroom Pokémon. It battles using poison spheres that spread from the mushroom canopy on its back.]

Cassandra had tears in her eyes, "You did it! You finally evolved into a Parasect."

Parasect smiled at the girl, "Para Parasect.. (Thanks to you.)"

Cora turned to Team Rocket, "As for you three. Kilala, Psybeam!"

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash ordered.

Both attacks were launched at Team Rocket and sent them flying.

"I can't believe we wasted all of our precious time on helping that Paras instead of capturing those twerp's Pokémon!" Jessie growled.

"No kidding." James agreed.

"She's pretty when she's battling~" Meowth gushed.

"WAKE UP ALREADY!" Jessie and James yelled in unison, "TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" They screamed as they disappeared into the sky.

Cassandra pulled Parasect into another hug, "I'm so glad you evolved! You're not shy anymore either."

"Parasect. (That's right.)" Parasect smiled.

"Looks like it finally gained some self-confidence during its evolution." The elderly woman came up to Cassandra smiling.

Cassandra nodded as she stood up, "Cora, thank you so much for all your help."

Cora smiled, "You're welcome, Cassandra, but I didn't do anything. Paras responded to your feelings and evolved into a Parasect."

Parasect nodded, "Parasect. (That's right.)"

"Thank you anyway." She thanked Cora.

"Instead of a thanks how about you and me-" Brock's ear was yanked by Misty.

"How about I thank her by getting you as far away from here as possible!" Misty dragged him away.

"He's very persistent." Alain stated.

Cora smiled nervously, "Anyway, we better get going."

"Take care of those Pokémon of yours young lady for they are fiercely loyal to you." The old woman told her.

"Yes ma'am." Cora said before walking away along with the others waving at Cassandra and her grandmother as they departed.

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Having helped their new friend Paras evolve into Parasect, Cora and her friends, along with Ash's, are on the road once again as they head off to Cinnabar Island where Cora and Ash will earn their next gym badge.

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Pokémon Obtained:

Cora: Shiny Espeon (Kilala)(F), Shiny Charizard (Nuri)(F), Altaria (Talia)(F), Shiny Lucario (Jackal)(M), Frogadier (Kenji)(M), Pidgeot (Gail)(F), Shiny Gyarados (Rory)(M), Cloyster (Matta)(M), Shiny Starmie (Pyxis)(Genderless), Butterfree (Papilio)(M), Beedrill (Stinger)(M), Nidorina (Juno)(F), Nidorino (Malik)(M), Raichu (Tama)(F), Clefable (Shayla)(F), Sandslash (Digger)(M), Meloetta (Odele)(F), Chikorita (Kalmia)(F), Shiny Dephox (Rogue)(F), Mienshao (Mulan)(F), Glaceon (Nieva)(F), Leafeon (Panra)(F), Shiny Gengar (Sypro)(M), Shiny Monferno (Pirro)(M), Galarian Ponyta (Althea)(F), Shiny Quilladin (Cybele)(F), Alolan Raichu (Zuma)(M), Rockruff (Romulus)(M) Meowstic (Yuki)(F), Oshawott (Daisho)(M), Kingler (Kuka)(M), Shiny Umbreon (Zunair)(M), Sylveon (Stella)(F), Vaporeon (Kaori)(F), Jolteon (Lyn)(F), Flareon (Egan)(M), Dratini (Scylla)(F), Absol (Twilight)(M), Shiny Raboot (Scorch)(M), Brionne (Naia)(F), Alolan Vulpix (Elsa)(F), Pink Butterfree (Momo)(F), Sobble (Mystique)(F), Primeape (Manny)(M), Magnemite (Static)(Genderless), Growlithe (Aiden)(M), Kadabra (Houdini)(M), Zorua (Kurama)(M), Cubone (M), Marowak (Alsie)(F), Vulpix (Inari)(F), Persian (Cleo)(F), Ponyta (Rubira)(F), Dewgong (Moishe)(M), Horsea (Arnav)(M), Kangaskhan (Mildred)(F), Gardevoir (Guinevere)(F), Poliwhirl (Dallas)(M), Poliwag (Kishi)(F), Tauros (9), Porygon (Prism)(Genderless), Sprigatito (Fleur)(F), Quaxly (Emmett)(M), Hisuian Zorua (Eira)(F), Dreepy (Drogo)(M), Cyndaquil (Hugo)(M), Hisuian Growlithe (Fia)(F), Buizel (Itachi)(M), Type: Null (Talos)(Genderless)

Alain: Charizard (M), Metagross (Genderless), Tyranitar (M), Weavile (M), Bisharp (M), Unfezant (M), Leafeon (F), Umbreon (M), Chestnaught (M), Malamar (F), Steelix (M), Shiny Gyarados (F), Scyther (M), Golbat (M), Shiny Zorua (Unovan)(M), Frigibax (M), Prinplup (M), Copperajah (F), Lokix (M), Magby (M), Fraxure (M), Rockruff (M), Rhydon (F), Alakazam (M), Meowstic (M), Krokorok (M), Absol (M), Cyndaquil (M), Zweilous (F), Corvisquire (M), Squirtle (M), Growlithe (F), Marowak (M), Tauros (M), Lanturn (F), Fearow (M), Kirlia (M), Eevee (2), Fuecoco (M), Hisuian Zorua (M), Buizel (M), Pawmi (M), Hisuian Growlithe (M), Wattrel (F), Maschiff (M)

Mairin: Chespin (Chespie)(M), Flabébé (Bébé)(F), Gogoat (Grazer)(F), Butterfree (Bira)(F), Parasect (Paxtin)(M), Clefairy (Pixie)(F), Lilligant (Unovan)(Petunia)(F), Swadloon (Evanthe)(F), Thwackey (Biri)(F), Grotle (Aspen)(M), Simisage (Sage)(F), Roserade (Rose)(F), Azumarill (Mary)(F), Skitty (Cathy)(F), Cherubi (Cherry)(F), Maractus (Amaranth)(F), Snivy (Vinicius)(F), Shaymin (Carissa)(F), Squirtle (Kai)(M), Poliwag (Wade)(M), Eevee (Sorrell)(F), Seel (Nixie)(F), Goldeen (Maya)(F), Oddish (Bryony)(F), Hisuian Lilligant (Laurel)(F), Sprigatito (Jasmine)(F), Brute Bonnet (Shamrock)(M), Tandemaus (Kundu & Panya)(M&F), Smoliv (Olivia)(F), Applin (Pomeroy)(M)