Thunderous Maturation: Ever Grande Progression

The cruise ship cut through the waves with ease. The grey and red hull slashed powerfully towards its destination, the Hoenn Region.

The bright sun warmed the wooden top deck, where a young teenager held an egg in an incubator as he looked over the ship's bow. A Pikachu sat on the railing next to the boy and a keen observer may notice the five Pokeballs connected to the boy's belt.

The boy wore comfortable clothes for traveling, ready for most weather. His sleeveless jacket and cap both with bearing the Pokéball symbol. The boy's free hand held the guard rail for balance and safety.

The two were high enough to avoid the spay of the ocean. There was some wind, but not enough to disturb more than hair.

Finally, the boy spoke. "We have a new challenge in front of us, right Pikachu? Not just the league, but in changing our approach to the league."

The yellow creature nodded, before gesturing. "Piii Pika pi ka chu."

"Your right, it is nothing we cannot take on." Ash Ketchum, competitor in the recent Silver and Indigo Conferences, murmured. "We have done hard things before."

Pikachu nodded as Ash started to grin. "It will be a lot of fun to see all the new Pokémon here. I can't wait to meet new friends, human and Pokémon."

"Chu ka chu Pika Pi." Pikachu said, flexing his arm.

Ash nodded. "Thats right, taking on the gyms will show our strength."

The boy leaned forward, resting the egg against the railing. "I think I see Hoenn." He said with a smile. "We should call Brock when we land. I should tell him about Pidgeot's egg."

He smiled reflecting on his few days at home. His Pokémon which had found a different goals and stayed at specific locations were easy to contact. The conversations had been interesting, to say the least. Ash was glad he had taken the opportunity. Several had even decided to come back to the team. It would be good to have some of the powerhouses back in the team. "We will win the Ever Grande Conference."

Pikachu leapt on to his shoulder, balancing with a paw against Ash's head. Together to two looked out towards land and their next adventure.

Port was crowded, with people rushing from one place to another. It was not quite as busy as Saffron or Goldenrod. Those were two of the biggest cities in the world after all. Still the quiet port town was busy enough to make it difficult to get to the Pokémon Center.

The Center was shockingly quiet after the bustle of the City, which Ash appreciated as he walked to the video phones.

As soon as the number was entered, the screen flashed on and his mother answered with a big smile. "Ash! You made it safely to Hoenn?"

"Thats right, Mom. Safe and sound."

"I am glad. Any idea when you are going to stop for a while?"

Ash shrugged. "Probably around the time I get to the first badge. I don't know when that will be though."

Delia rolled her eyes. "I know your ambitions for this league, just don't forget to rest. And let me know how things are going from time to time."

"I will, Mom. I promise." Ash said.

"Good. Now go. I love you and remember to change your underwear."

"Mom!" Ash complained before smiling. "I will talk to you soon."

Ash took a moment before he called the next phone number on his list.

"Hello Ash." Professor Samuel Oak said, the back of his head to the camera.

"It is the other camera, Professor."

Oak turned around to face the phone. "Thank you Ash. Have you been able to speak with Professor Birch yet?"

Ash shook his head. "No, I just got here and I wanted to call my Mom first."

The Professor chuckled. "Good idea. It is good to keep in touch, we worry and hearing from you helps."

Ash nodded. "I understand."

"Now, you are about to head to Professor Birch's laboratory?" Oak asked.

"Thats right. It is my next stop. I am going to register for the Ever Grande Conference here, Nurse Joy said she can help me out." Ash said. "Then I am going to head to the closest city with a badge."

The Professor nodded. "It sounds like you have a plan. Brock called a few hours ago. It seems he caught a ship as well. He may not be too far behind."

Ash sighed. "Good. I guess I won't call him, but I am glad he will be able to help for a while longer."

Professor Oak leaned forward. "Ash, I suggest you learn from him while you can. It will help you grow into the trainer you want to be."

"I know. I still don't have an answer to your question, but I am working on figuring one out." Ash said.

The older man chuckled. "There is no rush. In coming to an answer you will find your path. The journey is more important than the destination."

He paused before changing the subject. "I do have some good news for you."

Ash looked up expectantly as the Professor continued. "Your trainer ranking has been updated, Professor Elm seconded the promotion. You can now carry nine Pokémon with you."

Ash let out a breath. "Thats great. I was worried about adding more Pokémon and only having the ability to carry six with me."

The Professor nodded. "It is exactly thinking like that which will help you grow. Now, I want to give a word of warning."

Ash froze, eyes glued to the screen. "Yes, Professor?"

"This benefit can be removed. If for what ever reason cannot deal with the responsibility, I will reinstate the limit of six Pokémon."

Ash nodded. "I understand Professor. I won't let you down."

Back in Pallet Town, Professor Oak looked at the blank monitor. "You won't let me down Ash. You haven't yet and I know my trust is not misplaced. Keep doing what you think is right and I will watch you succeed beyond your wildest dreams."

The Path to Littleroot Town was well kept. Ash, not known for his great sense of direction, was still able to find the path and start down it without too much trouble. Sure he had taken a wrong turn here or there, but over all, it was a fairly easy path to find.

Ash looked back over his shoulder and smiled. The Port was far enough away. Slowly, Ash placed the egg incubator on the ground and slung his backpack off. It was a bigger backpack than he had taken on his previous journey's. Normally, he only took a backpack big enough for his personal supplies. For this journey, he had spent a bit of money and purchased a hiker's bag. Attached to the bottom of it was a bed roll and inside were more supplies.

Little things mostly. Pokémon food, extra Pokéballs, medicine, and the like. He had yet to fill the bag up and was still carrying more things, important things, than he had through Kanto or Johto.

He carefully secured his egg into the backpack. He lifted the backpack and put it on, with Pikachu looking at him with curiosity. Ash's hand drifted to his belt. With a quick flick, three of the Pokéballs were tossed into the air. Flashes of silver light resulted in three shapes emerging. First was the small Cyndaquil, who yawned. Her fire erupted from her back for a moment before her fire settled down. The second figure was the tall and powerful Tauros, its three tails snapping as it mooed out a greeting. Finally Bayleef tossed her head and the long leaf before she rushed forward to nuzzle her trainer. Ash stepped back and let Bayleef put her front feet on his chest.

The young trainer grinned. "Hey Bayleef, I am glad to see you too."

Bayleef dropped to the ground as Ash placed his hand on her head. "Alright you four, I decided we are going to train more for this League. To start with, we are going to run. After dinner, we can work on learning new moves. Are you all ready?"

The four Pokémon all nodded. Cyndaquil looked a bit hesitant but was as full throated in her support of the concept as the rest.

"Then lets go."

Ash returned his friends to their Pokéballs before entering Littleroot Town. They had done well, dedicating themselves to the exercise. If anything, Ash was holding them back. He was in pretty good shape for a trainer, but still not able to keep up as well as he would like.

Cyndaquil was more winded than the other Pokémon, panting a bit. Tauros on the other hand was still raring to go. Perhaps stampeding all of the Ranch had given him a deeper pool of energy.

Ash, with Pikachu on his shoulder, started making his way through town. Littleroot reminded him a lot of Pallet Town. Both were cozy places, quiet and calm. Both had a single location which could be seen from around the town, and in both cases the location was a Pokémon Laboratory.

Ash strolled through the town, eyes focused on his destination. Suddenly, a girl's voice rang out. "Watch out!"

Ash looked towards the sound and saw a girl, her hair in two long bangs and the rest covered by a bandana. She was racing downhill on her bike towards him. Ash leapt to the side, avoiding the girl.

The girls lost control of her bike, mostly because of some bad luck and speed. After she passed Ash, her bike wobbled and she crashed into a garden box.

Ash hurried over to her, helping her up. "Are you alright?" He asked.

"I think so." She said, her voice weak. "Owww."

He took her hands and turned them over. She was wearing gloves and while the gloves were damaged, she was fine. Ash looked and it didn't seem like it had really been that big of an accident. "It looks like it was just a tumble. You should be fine." Ash said before smiling. "I am Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."

The girl wiped a few tears away from her eyes before they spilled down her face. She gave him a small smile in return. "Thanks. I am May, from Petalburg City."

She turned around and moaned as she saw her bike. The front wheel was bent and the front fork had split. "I can't believe it. My mom got me this bike as a present for starting my Pokémon journey. And I have already ruined it."

Ash exchanged a look with Pikachu. "I'm sorry?" He said, grateful that it wasn't his or Pikachu's fault this time.

May sighed. "It was nice to meet you, but I am late to see Professor Birch. I have to go."

"I am headed to the Professor's Laboratory as well. Do you mind if I walk with you?" Ash asked.

May looked at her bike and then at him. "Sure, lets go."

The road to the Laboratory was fairly close by and within moments the two were walking up the Professor's driveway. The building was fairly stout looking, enough windows to allow light in. A number of trees and bushes hid most of the building from site.

As the two strolled up the path, May continued to speak, trying to explain why she wanted to go on her Pokémon journey. "I want to see the world. Every region, not just Hoenn." She explained. "Really, the main reason I want to travel with Pokémon is as an excuse to explore."

She paused, and created a frame with her forefingers and thumbs to create a picture of the sky over the laboratory, capturing part of the Littleroot Town skyline. "There are just so many interesting and new places to go and to see."

Ash nodded. "Seems like a fun reason to travel. I have definitely seen some interesting things since I left home. Each region feels different and there are always new things to see."

"How long have you been traveling then?" May asked.

Ash frowned, trying to figure it out. "Two years at least, probably two and a half years."

May looked at him in surprise. "Really?"

"Yeah, I traveled first through Kanto, then the Orange Islands. Most recently I went around Johto." Ash explained.

From his shoulder Pikachu nodded. "Pikachu Pika Pi chu ka chu."

May looked at the Pokémon in confusion. Noticing her look, Pikachu tapped his trainer on the head, getting the boy to translate. "Pikachu was just saying the number of years don't mater. As long as there is something on the horizon, the call of the journey won't end."

"How did you understand what Pikachu said?" May asked, seemingly ignoring Pikachu's comment.

Ash grinned, knowing he could not shrug his shoulders without dislodging Pikachu. "Pikachu is my starter and we have been together for our entire journey. I picked up what he wanted to say along the way. I also can sort of understand all of my Pokémon and wild Pokémon, though those can be harder to talk with."

May nodded as the two came to stand in front of the door to the laboratory. Instead of replying, she knocked on the door, calling out. "Professor, its May! I am supposed to get my first Pokémon today."

As she spoke, Ash leaned her damaged bicycle against the side of the building. The door didn't open, but a roaring sound came from behind them. Ash's hand drifted to a Pokéball as he turned towards the noise and saw a giant dust cloud speeding towards the two kids. He could barely make it out but it appeared as though the source of the noise was a vehicle.

The jeep skidded to a stop, spraying dust into the air around the kids. When the dust settled, Ash relaxed seeing the driver was a man in a long white coat over shorts and sandals. The man was stocky and only a little taller than the two kids. The man jumped down as he spoke. "Sorry, I am late. I was out observing the migration habits of Taillow."

He paused and looked over the two children. "I was only expecting one of you, wasn't I?"

May smiled. "I am May, from Petalburg City."

"I am Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town in Kanto. Professor Oak suggested I stop by."

Professor Birch nodded. "I guess I was actually expecting both of you. Come in, Come in."

He grabbed a bag from his jeep before pushing the door open.

The main room of the lab had a large rectangular table in the middle of it. Notes were scattered all over the table. Behind the table was a wall of windows, showing the forest out behind the building.

Ash watched as the Professor sent out three Pokémon onto the table. To the left sat a Mudkip, its large head and tail fins flapping as it shook its head. In the center, a Torchic chirped a warm greeting. Finally, on the right, a Treeko stood on with its long leaf like tail allowing it to stand on two feet.

Before the Professor could speak, the Mudkip took a deep breath. On the exhale, a Water Gun was shot straight into May's face. Luckily it was a fairly weak attack, getting her wet but not really hurting her.

Professor Birch winced. "Sorry May. Mudkip is a bit of a handful. Now, you are here to chose your starting Pokemon. May, your Pokémon adventure is about to begin. Take your time."

Ash watched as she moved forward to look at the three Pokémon. He smiled as he remembered his first day as a Trainer. May started on the right, looking over the Treeko before shifting to the Torchic. She gave a short look to the Mudkip before she turned to the Professor.

"I think I choose Torchic, Professor." May said.

Ash shook his head, but did not say anything. Internally, he was worried that she was not enthusiastic about any of her choices. Still, he had just met May and perhaps he didn't understand her like he did Misty or Brock.

The Professor nodded while returning the other two starters. "May, what is important is you make a choice and you are happy with the choice you make."

He stepped over to a side table and placed the two Pokéballs there and grabbed a tray. He presented it to the young girl, sitting there was a Pokédex, designed to flip at the side with a wide view scree. Additionally, there were five Pokéballs. "Take these with you, May, and enjoy your travels."

May nodded seriously. "I will."

As she took the tray, Professor Birch turned to Ash. "Now, you said Professor Oak told you to stop by and speak with me?"

Ash nodded. "Thats right. I am entering the Ever Grande Conference and I was wondering what you could tell me."

Professor Birch rubbed his chin strap beard. "Like most of the leagues, you need eight badges to qualify for the Conference. I believe the closest gym is in Petalburg City, though most trainers get their first badge in Rustboro City or Dewford Town."

Ash and Pikachu exchanged glances. "Is the Petalburgh Gym that tough?"

"I am not sure to be honest with you." Birch said with a shrug. "I have an extra Pokédex, would you like to upgrade?"

Ash nodded, Pikachu mimicking him. "Please." He held out his well traveled Pokédex.

After Birch took the device, Ash spoke. "Do you mind if I make a phone call?"

"Not at all, the phone is over there." The Professor said pointing. "In fact, I should be done upgrading your Pokédex by the time you finish."

"Thank!" Ash said.

A moment later May stood there alone, with Torchic at her feet. "But what am I supposed to do?"

Ash and Pikachu sat in front of the video phone and placed the call. A moment later the screen flashed on and Ash spoke.

"Hello. I had a question for you."

Fairly quickly, Ash returned to see May wondering around the lab space, her Torchic following her. Pikachu muttered into his trainer's ear. "Pika Pi, pika chu uu."

Ash ignored his partner for the moment and set his bag onto the central table. He pulled out the egg incubator and started to check the egg over.

He was a little surprised when May came to stand next to him and look over his shoulder. He had taken the protective shield off and started to polish the egg when she spoke. "Where did you get an egg?"

Ash didn't look up. Instead he kept the majority of his focus on the task at hand. "An old friend of mine couldn't come on this journey. As a parting gift, she asked me to take care of this egg."

"That is a good friend." May said.

Ash smiled ruefully. "Yes she is."

Professor Birch appeared over Ash's other shoulder. "Ah, a Pidgey egg. Those are quite rare here in Hoenn."

Ash jumped at the man's voice, as did May. Birch, ignoring their reactions continued to examine the egg. "You have taken good care of it. You can tell by its shin. I would guess it will hatch fairly soon."

Before Ash could respond, the Professor placed the new Pokédex in front of him. "You are quite an interesting Trainer Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town. Please do me a favor and keep in touch."

Ash nodded and started to put the egg safely away. May looked between his calm actions and the Professor. "Excuse me. Why do you say he is an interesting trainer?"

The Hoenn based Professor took a moment before answering. "I have a couple of reasons, but only one I will share. Ash here has competed in both the Indigo and Silver Conferences. Many trainers do not qualify for a single Conference and Ash already has made a good showing in two. I fully expect to see him at the Ever Grande Conference."

Ash chuckled, his backpack strapped on, scratching the back of his head. Pikachu stood on the floor, imitating the motion. "Its not that great. I still have a long way to go to reach my goal."

A knock came from the front door interrupting the discussion.

Birch frowned. "I was not expecting anyone else today."

As he spoke, his lab assistant lead a figure into the room. The new arrival was an older boy, with spiky brown hair and darker skin. His narrowed eyes glanced around the lab quickly.

Ash smiled. "Hey Brock."

Brock grinned back. "I am glad I caught up with you here. It would have been quite the challenge catching up with you on the road."

He turned to the Professor. "Hello Professor Birch, I am Brock from Pewter City in Kanto."

"It is nice to meet you." The Professor said as the two shook hands.

Leaning around Birch, May waved. "Hi, I am May from Petalburg City."

Soon enough, Ash and Brock were sitting on the stoop of the laboratory, looking out over Littleroot Town. Professor Birch, noticing how late in the day it was suggested the three young trainers remain at the Lab for the evening. May had eagerly accepted for the group and sent the two boys off so she could call her family in private.

Ash had sent out almost all of his Pokémon, letting them run around a bit. "I am glad you could make it Brock." Ash said as he held the Pidgey egg.

"I enjoy traveling and I still have a lot to learn about becoming a Pokémon Breeder." Brock explained. "So, you talked to the Professor then?"

Ash nodded. "He suggested I look for Pokémon types I don't have."

"Like Steel and Dragon?" Brock asked.

"Yeah. He also said I have a well defined battle style. Most of my Pokémon are fast and able to hit from a variety of angles. I don't exactly have enough ways to switch up the battle."

Brock thought for a moment, the two sitting quietly as the light continued to slowly fade. "You do have Snorelax who can take some punishment and Bulbasaur who has a number of status attacks. I can see his point though."

Ash nodded. "I thought about it on the boat over. I decided that I need to be more proactive in catching Pokémon, but I don't want to catch every one I run across. The Pokémon I catch are special and I want that to remain true."

"That may get harder as you continue." Brock said as he leaned back. "Keeping all of your Pokémon in a good rotation could be difficult."

"I know. And on top of that, I need to improve my training." Ash said, but he was smiling. "I was hoping you would be willing to help me."

"Of course." Brock said.

"Thanks. Will you teach me how to cook?"

Brock stood up and offered a hand to Ash. "Sure." He paused. "Aren't you worried about taking too much on at one time? With increasing training and then learning to cook?"

Ash took the hand and used it to stand up. "Sure." He said. "I thought about it on the trip over as well."

He glanced over to his Pokémon. "My Pokémon do all they can for me. I need to do my share of the job."

Professor Birch stopped May before she went to join the two boys.

"May, I would suggest you try to go with those two boys." Professor Birch said.

May blinked. "Umm, what?"

The Professor chuckled. "Those are two impressive trainers. Ash has raw talent. Brock was a gym leader. You could do a lot worse than learning about Pokémon from those two."

May shrugged. "My parents may not be too happy about me traveling with two boys."

"I understand." Birch said. "Still, think about it."

He started walking off down the hall, leaving the young girl to her thoughts.