I don't own Pokemon
"Mom! I'm home!" 16-year-old Ash Ketchum yelled as he entered his Pallet Town home for the first time in well over a year. It was just as he remembered, in perfect condition and not an ornament out of place. He followed the smell of homemade cooking, pancakes if he was correct, and found the sight of his mother humming along to the radio having clearly not heard his introductions.
She hadn't aged a day since his travels began. His mother had long brown hair that was neatly tied into a bun. Soft features lined her face and she looked at least 10 years younger than her actual age. She was wearing a light pink blouse with a white apron draped over it which covered her dark trousers. She continued to be lost in her own world, humming along to the tune on the radio.
Ash smiled at the scene in front of him, naturally strumming the 6 pokeballs that lined his belt before deciding to cough loudly, startling his mother in the process before he was quickly enveloped in a bone crushing hug.
"ASHY!" Delia, his mother yelled out before finally releasing him from the bearhug. Tears slowly ran down her cheeks as she clasped her hands and begun giving him a once over.
"Oh Ashy, you have grown up so much, just look at you, so big and strong!" His mother stated before continuing to examine him for any bumps or bruises.
Indeed, Ash had grown up. No longer was he a scrawny, small teenager, instead was a man with a lean but muscular frame, standing at 6-foot-tall with an air of confidence surrounding him. His travels and training had aided him well. An easy smile slipped on to his face as he continued to watch his mother examine him. His black mane was cut short, much less messy than when he started his journey and without the hat he started with. A tightly fit white tee aligned his top half with his signature blue jacket over it. On his lower was again tightly fitted navy jeans with brand new white trainers on his feet. Ash had made sure to wash himself extensively before arriving home, knowing full well how much his mother would fuss over him.
Ash, seeing that his mother had stopped said fussing, popped his Silph Co. rucksack onto the kitchen counter and begun rummaging around for two small spherical items. He switched their settings to open and placed them on the ground. The devices quickly expanded to reveal a gold medal and an impressive shiny trophy.
"Look what I brought back mom!" Ash said giddily. External communications from Unova weren't the greatest and although he updated his mother as best as he could, mostly via email on his Pokedex, he thought that he would surprise her with the result of the Vertress Conference.
Ash watched as his mother's eyes practically bugged out from her sockets. A large grin split her face and before Ash had time to prepare, he was caught in another bone crushing hug. He swore that at least one of his ribs had been broken before his mother released him again.
"No way! Ashy, you won?" Delia practically yelped out. Ash, now matching a grin as large as his mother's simply nodded. Sure, he could have told her, but this reaction was definitely worth the wait. Ash in fact hadn't told anyone about his rookie achievements, not Gary, not even Professor Oak. Add all this to the fact that the Vertress Conference wasn't broadcasted outside of Unova made it relatively easy to keep his achievements hush hush.
"How? Rookies never win in their first year. It's unheard of isn't it?" Was his mother's next response. He wasn't too surprised by the question. He kept his mother up to date on his team and his travels, but she had never seen him or his companions battle. She knew he was good but even his mother never expected this.
"I guess your right." Ash replied to his mother. "I had a lot of luck in finding my team. Also running into the right teachers helped greatly. I certainly wouldn't have won the conference without Riley's help and guidance. But mostly I didn't have any distractions. My team and I trained and trained until we could train no more. When we weren't training our bodies, we were training our minds. I've learnt so much in such a short period of time Mom. You wouldn't believe it!" He finished before taking a deep, fresh breath.
His mother just nodded at Ash's response. A slight hint of worry expressed across her soft features and Ash seen the outline of a frown. Ash could tell that she did not expect quite the emotional response. It was all true though. He was very aware that he had sacrificed quite a lot in such a short space of time.
Ash wanted to make the most of Unova while he had the chance. He had been begging Professor Oak for a steel type as his starter for years and had extensively searched which regions could allow him to obtain a full team of his favourite type. Unova was one few that could and toppled with the region's mystique made Ash want to go there first.
He thought that wherever he travelled next would be less sacrificial. He had made a family which had the foundations for future success and that he could build on that foundation at his own pace. Ash still had major goals that he wanted to achieve but was fully aware that no matter how much he and his team pushed that they would need to be patient.
"Anyway, I'm home now Mom. It's time to put our feet up for a bit and relax. My team has certainly earned it." Ash declared trying to get onto a new topic quickly. "How have things been here in Pallet Town since I've been gone? Did you make sure the good professor kept up his appetite?" Ash asked trying to lighten up the mood.
His mother brightened up at the question, clasping her hands in fondness of both Pallet Town and Professor Oak. "Oh, nothing much, Pallet Town has been as quiet as ever, although the professor's lab has been as busy as I have ever seen it. From what Samuel has told me they have taken on quite a few Silph Co. projects and topped up with all the work he does for the league has made the lab extremely busy. It's been great for the restaurant though!" His mother stated. "I've had to hand deliver quite a few lunches and dinners over the last few months." She finished with a fond chuckle.
Ash could only imagine Professor Oak not leaving his work place and staying up to god knows what hour. The old man was far too devoted for his own good. It was a genuine question about his mother having to feed him. There had been more than one occasion where Professor Oak had forgotten to eat.
"And have you heard anything from Gary? He wasn't too happy that I went off to Unova if I remember rightly." Ash asked of his long-term friend and rival. He was generally interested to here how Gary's achievements matched up to his own. Unova was a well-respected league, if not a bit lax on who they employed, but due to the region keeping themselves to themselves no one quite knew how they measured up to rest of the world. There wasn't any documented matches between Unovan trainers and those of interest that Ash remembered on the top of his head.
"Oh, he did quite wonderful honey, not as good as you I might add but he was positioned in the Top 8. Professor Oak was very pleased with his performances." His mother finished.
"And his team?" Ash enquired, curiosity getting the better of him. The Top 8 of the Indigo Conference was very respectable for any trainer, never mind a rookie. Gary looked like he would be worth a battle after all.
"Now let me think!" Delia stated, her soft features turning into a frown as she tried to remember Gary's team. "I believe he has a Blastoise, an Alakazam, an Arcanine and a Umbreon. Those are the ones I remember anyway." His mother finished, although she looked to be still racking her brain for more of his Pokemon.
That was a formidable four. He would naturally struggle against Arcanine, although he had procedures in place to placate fire types. He felt like he had a counter to Blastoise, Alakazam and Umbreon though. He was also sure if there was one person who wouldn't be caught out by his exotic team that it would be Gary. He always was a no it all.
"So how was Unova Ashy? I know you kept me up to date on your travels but its so hard to dissect it through text. Did you meet anyone nice? Any girls I should know of?" His mother asked, bringing Ash out of his trance and jerking his head in her direction. "Other than this Riley person, you haven't really mentioned any names."
That was true. Unova, although a great experience, was rather lonely in the human sense. It was what Ash wanted though. No distractions. Just him and his Pokemon. Sure, he had met some people. The gym leaders were wise, well some of them more than others and it wasn't like he was a complete hermit either. He spoke to fellow trainers in Pokemon centres all the time.
So, Ash started this conversation carefully, fully aware that his mother was judging his answer. "To be honest Mom, I didn't really come across too many interesting people. Some of the gym leaders were kind of cool, if not weird, not that any great trainer isn't. It's a beautiful land though, you would love it."
"It wasn't all good mind you!" Ash added as he looked at his mother. "We got ourselves in some sticky situations, as any trainer would I imagine. Let's just say not everyone in Unova has the best intentions and even some trainers who are trusted by the league have questionable ethics."
"But other than traversing the landscape, seeing so many new and exciting Pokemon and training with Riley for a few months, not a lot else happened, certainly no girls Mom!"
Ash looked to his mother again to see if she had any more questions, when she didn't Ash offered one last smile. "I'm going to unpack and find a place for these two!" Ash said pointing down to the gold medal and trophy. "I think I'll head over to Professor Oak's and see what the old man has been up to. What time do you want me back?"
His mother gave him a soft smile before replying. "Dinner will be ready by 7. Grab some pancakes before you head out, you must be starving!"
Ash smiled again before nodding to his mother, grabbing his prized possessions before heading upstairs to his bedroom. Again, it was just how remembered. Not a sighting of dust to be seen. He placed the gold trophy on his mantle place before looping the medal around it. He peered over his prize again, the number one etched on both the medal and the trophy with VERTRESS CONFERENCE CHAMPION emblazoned front and centre of the latter. He was extremely proud.
Ash again strummed the pokeballs that lined his belt before casually picking off the one closest to his hip. He slowly examined the wear and tear of the luxury ball, he made sure all his team had one, before releasing his friend.
What emerged from the luxury ball was a bipedal, canine-like Pokemon, with blue and black fur. It stood at just shy of 6-foot-tall, large for its kind. Short, round spikes protruded on each paw, with a third on its cream chest. Its red eyes stared at Ash before they closed and the Pokemon dipped its head in a manner of respect which Ash mimicked. The Pokemon, a male, swished its tail now that the customary greeting was finished and waited on instruction.
"Lucario, do you remember this room? This is home, at least for me. We left here over a year ago to start our journey together. You were just a little Riolu and I was a mere boy. We've come a long way, haven't we?" Ash said to his first friend.
You never forget the day you receive your first Pokemon and start your journey. Across all the major regions that happens at quarterly intervals over a calendar year once you turn 15 years of age and have passed the Pokemon Trainer Exam (PTE).
The rules changed some time ago as more and more children were getting severely injured or killed as they left on their journey unprepared. In place was teaching with a thorough examination process to conclude. This consisted of five sections ranging from survivability to battling.
Trainers who passed the PTE where then even given a Pokemon from the local gym, through sponsorship or if they or their family already had one.
Ash of course passed first time. Having the privilege to be partially taught by Professor Oak helped greatly. He knew from a young age that with his close links to the professor and his grandson Ash would be one of the few that would receive sponsorship from Oak Laboratory. He had begged the professor for a steel type ever since that realisation and when he opened up his pokeball to reveal his starter he could hardly believe his luck.
Lucario again nodded at Ash before lightly shoving his trainer as to say, 'of course I do you idiot'. Ash laughed at his starter's antics. He looked to Lucario again who seemed to be getting frustrated. Ash understood immediately what he was doing.
It is said in the Pokedex that Lucario can learn to use telepathy with humans. Ash and his Lucario had seen this first hand with Riley's own Lucario while they trained at Chargestone Cave, but they were yet to master the technique. Both human and Pokemon couldn't wait for that day to happen. It opened up so many extra possibilities and would not only bring the pair closer, but he would be able to have a deeper understand of the rest of his team's thinking. Not to mention having Lucario direct his thoughts to his team mates if they ever got into a heated situation.
"You'll get there soon buddy, just keep on working on what Riley taught you. Okay?" Ash directed to his Pokemon who nodded and begun taking a meditative stance. Ash soon followed suit. Riley, his first teacher had taught him and his team a lot. Not only in terms of Pokemon but opening his eyes up to the world. Riley was not only a steel type expert, hence how he bumped into him at Chargestone Cave were Ash met half of his team, but he was also training to be an Aura Guardian, something Ash had previously never heard of. Very few people come across aura naturally, the knowledge of it hidden away.
Supposedly anyone can harness aura, although certain people are far more equipped than others. Having a Pokemon, such as Lucario, helps immensely as they wield aura far more easily and as such can help teach others to do so. Aura, as Riley put it, is also unique, as it is an expression of the individual. Ash so far had the very limited basics down. Since his love of steel types was apparent, he was less flimsy and more robust compared to human without aura, but that was as far as he had gotten. In time, with Lucario's help, Ash hoped to be more advanced. Again, that was in the future.
After allowing Lucario a sufficient mediating period, Ash rose from the floor and addressed his Pokemon. "Lucario, I am going to head off shortly to catch up with Professor Oak at his lab. That is where we first met if you do not remember. We might also bump into Gary if he is around. Would you like to come along for the ride or continue meditating?" Ash already knew his answer. Lucario rarely left Ash's side, he was extremely loyal after all.
After getting a confirmation grunt, Ash quickly returned Lucario to his ball before heading out to traverse the gravel path up to the professor's lab, not before grabbing a few pancakes and stuffing them in his mouth. He would never let his mother's cooking go to waste.
XxXxXxX
Ash rounded the corner, hands in his pockets, were the sight of the white laboratory and windmill appeared. A fresh lick of paint look newly applied to keep up appearance and the sight of a few Pidgey nestled on top of the roof. Ash smiled at the scene before walking up to the front door which opened automatically.
He made his way through to the reception where he was greeted by the familiar smile of Grace, a woman in her early forties who had been working for the professor for as long as Ash could remember. She had short black hair that covered her ears and an angular face which highlighted her high cheek bones. Grace was wearing a white, partially buttoned shirt and you could see the outline of a black bra which held her cleavage in place. The rest of her body was covered by the desk she sat at, but Ash could hear the distinctive sound of high heels clicking off the tiled floor.
Ash took a moment to compose himself before smiling back at Grace and asking if the professor was about. "Ash, so good to see you again!" Grace replied. "Yes, he is in his office fiddling with one of the Silph Co. products, I think he would appreciate the break and seeing a familiar face. You know where to go!"
Ash nodded his thanks to Grace before heading to his right and towards the professor's office. It was a short walk and he reached the opened door to an extremely messy room littered with all sorts of plans. The sight in front of him was one to behold. Professor Oak, his grey hair in the same shape as normal with his tanned, wrinkled face deep in concentration as he twiddled with a device Ash didn't recognise. His famous white overcoat was draped over his red shirt. Ash watched his mentor for a while longer before highlighting his introductions.
"Hello Professor!" Ash said clearly as he leaned against the door frame. "Good to see your not going slow in your old age!"
"Ah, Ash my boy. I can assure you I have many years left in this body of mine. Its good to see you again. It's been a while! Have a seat!" Professor Oak replied gesturing to the one the seats on the adjacent side of his desk. He continued to fiddle with the device for a moment more before lifting his head and giving Ash his full attention. "What can I do for you?"
"Oh, nothing much, I just wanted to drop by and see one of my favourite people was all. I'm going to be home for a while now the Vertress Conference is finished, and I thought it be rude if I didn't pay my sponsor a visit." Ash replied, happy to be conversing with the professor again.
"Ah, yes. Delia did mention that you made it into the Vertress Conference, she didn't mention that you won the whole thing though. Very impressive. I had to get that information for myself!" The wise professor replied smugly, blowing Ash's surprise up in his face.
"How did you find out?" Ash asked disbelievingly, although he should have known someone like Professor Oak had contacts everywhere. "Unova is meant to have closed communications to the outside world!"
"I have my sources my boy, and the technology to greet them too. You should know that by now!" The professor replied, stifling a laugh at Ash's expression. "But I must say, I am very proud of what you have achieved. Going to Unova has served you well. From what I have garnered you have assembled quite the team, most of which I have yet to examine personally, although I don't know were you stand compared to trainers on this continent. Alakazam should be able fix that." As the professor mouthed his last word, a majestic and powerful humanoid Pokemon with a short moustache and silver spoons wielded in both hands appeared. Its predominantly yellow body was covered in brown armour over its chest, shoulders, forearms and knees.
"Stay still Ash! Alakazam here is going to peer into your mind so as I can get a read on your development as a trainer. It should only take a second!" The professor stated and Ash did as he told. Ash could feel Alakazam brush against his mind for just a split second before his senses returned to normal. Seconds later Alakazam teleported out of sight and presumably back to her sanctum.
"Hmmm, why you have grown strong my boy, stronger than what I initially thought. The professor said, beginning his assessment. "Most notable trainers on the main continent would be hard pressed to deal with your defensive abilities, toppled with the exotic Pokemon and typing you possess unless they were extremely well prepared. I would rank you a bit below master level, however you are well trained, and your team is powerful, but they need time to develop new techniques and gain experience." The professor finished, his features highlighting pride in what Ash had achieved.
"Thank you, professor, your too kind!" Ash replied, cheeks turning pink as he tried to act as humble as possible.
"Nonsense my boy, I'm just relaying what you could of already hazard a guess at." The professor replied. "I'm going to have to do my duty and update your trainer ID for the Indigo League records since you fall under their jurisdiction now. Make it fair for the opposition!" The professor finished with a wink.
"Only if you show it to me!" Ash replied. He had never seen a trainer portfolio before. It would be insightful reading, even if it was his own.
"That sounds fair I suppose!" The professor responded. "I will pass the file onto your Pokedex once it is completed. Since your staying for a bit, would you be so kind to pass on a few of your team. I have never seen most of them in person. It will be truly fascinating."
"Of course, professor, anything to help you out!" Ash replied while simultaneously nodding in understanding. Professor Oak sent Ash a beaming white smile, clearly giddy at the prospect of analysing Unovan Pokemon up close and personal before Ash grabbed his attention by asking the question that had been on the tip of his tongue for a while. "Where's Gary? And how does his level compare to mine?"
"That's a good question Ash. He is about somewhere though. I think out back in the corral. I could call him if you like?" The professor replied to which Ash shook his head.
"No need Professor, I'll find him myself. I guess I'll also find out how good he is?" Ash stated, getting a nod and a tight-lipped smile from the professor.
"Thought so! Okay thanks professor. I'll be back soon, and I'll try not to wreck the corral while I'm at it!" Ash responded as he exited the office with a wave, leaving the door open. He wandered past the reception, giving Grace a smile in the process, before heading round to the back of the building to where the doors of the corral were held.
He opened the double doors and a flood of nostalgia hit him yet again. The grassy plains in front of him were the sight of some of his best childhood memories. Ash could make out the Nidoran heard grazing and the litter of Growlithe pups chasing an impressive Arcanine which could only be the professors. He could just about make out the forest in the back were he and Gary chased the roaming Pikachu all those years ago. He believed there was a large pond next to it if he was correct. A good a place as any to relax. He was about to release some of his team when an obnoxious voice pierced his ears.
"What's up loser?" A very familiar distinct sound rang through the air that could only belong to one person.
Gary Oak!
"Oh, not too much, just looking for you, Gare Bear!" Ash replied, a little bit of his childish impetuous coming out to play. A smile tugged at his lips. Some things never changed.
Ash turned to examine Gary as he brushed off the insult. He still had the same mane of brown hair. He wore the same dark blue top and although Ash had grown considerably in his travels, Gary still stood a couple inches taller than him at 6-foot-2. 6 pokeballs lined his belt and both trainers knew what was going to go down.
"1 vs 1! I don't have all day to battle a weakling like you, Ashley!" Gary declared as he created space on the makeshift battlefield. Ash didn't respond to the jibe but acknowledged he heard his opponent by also pacing to a safer spot. He had been practicing aura daily, that didn't mean he could take a hit from one of his team going all out.
"You can release first since you made the rules!" Ash shouted across the field. It wasn't an official battle but both Gary and Ash knew this would be bragging rights and Ash wanted any advantage he could get. Pride was at stake.
He would not lose to Gary Oak.
"Fair enough, you need every advantage you can get!" Gary replied before sending out his Arcanine.
What appeared on the field was a quadruped, largely orange canine Pokemon with black markings over its body. The fur was shaggy, and its paws began to scorch the earth underneath. It wasn't nearly as large as Professor Oak's own Arcanine, but it was still a specimen of its kind.
That was predictable. Ash had no doubt that Gary knew of his favourite typing. He had nagged on about it enough over the years. Of the four Pokemon Ash knew about that made the most sense. Arcanine was not only resistant to steel type attacks but also capable of melting through most steel type hides.
Thankfully Ash didn't possess any steel types that fell into the category of normal.
He quickly decided on his partner and what appeared from his pokeball was Excadrill, his third capture and fourth friend.
She was a ferocious little thing with a dark brown body with diagonal, red splotches. A large blade roughly twice as large as her face extended from her forehead. Blades also covered her arms making her look fierce. She has short legs with small, narrow feet and a small white face which was long and thin, tipped by her pink nose. Her eyes are set back, and she regarded Ash with fondness who waved cheerily back before turning to her opponent.
It was a logical choice. She had a vast amount of moves that could harm Arcanine and didn't have to worry about Earthquakes while underground. On top of that she was fast! This was a bad matchup for Gary, although by the look of this smug face, he didn't realise it.
"Okay let's start things off, Arcanine use Comet Fang!" Gary declared, instructing his Arcanine to move.
The fire type was blindingly fast, so far so that Ash struggled to keep it in view. Comet Fang looked like a mixture of Quick Attack and Extreme Speed. Excadrill knew what to do but Ash acted fast regardless.
"Dig, feel for its presence and follow up with Drill Run. Be on edge for a counter!" Ash said to Excadrill who duly followed his command.
Excadrill, who narrowly avoided Arcanine's attack, which looked have added Fire Fang into the combo, dug underground and into safety. Gary, who showed his frustration with a scowl barked a few commands to Arcanine.
Excadrill was patient underground, Ash knew she was feeling for were Arcanine lay, and burst open from the ground, all three blades spinning as she struck her opponent from underneath. Arcanine, clearly feeling the effects from the attack, spat a huge flame directly into Excadrill's side as a retaliation.
Both Pokemon were panting from the super effective hits, but both could take more. Ash, deciding to take the initiative directed Excadrill next.
"Sandstrom, followed by Rock Quake and Drill Run!" Ash stated to his Pokemon. Excadrill, not even glancing to hear her trainer's command threw up an enormous sandstorm that began to buffet the corral and encompassed both Pokemon. One clearly more at home than the other.
Ash smiled at the scene in front of him. Gary, now more evidently peeved off, would struggle to command Arcanine in the storm. He could see that Arcanine was moving at pace, however, clearly trying to divert Excadrill's attention and fired a Flamethrower in her direction which she took, wincing at the pain.
One of the negative effects of whipping up a sandstorm and following it up with an offensive technique was not only that it was draining, but it required immense concertation that left Excadrill vulnerable to hits. Thankfully, the pros outweighed the cons.
Arcanine, falling off balance thanks to the first part of Rock Quake, again wincing from the effects and thus took the full effect of the Rock Slide that followed. Ash always enjoyed that combination. Excadrill, seeing that the fire type was down rushed her opponent. With Sand Rush activated, her increase in speed doubling, Arcanine had no hope but to brace for the incoming Drill Run which connected with an almighty thump.
Ash knew this was over. Excadrill, badly bruised and lightly charred from the enhanced Drill Run and flames, reduced the Sandstrom till it was nothing but a light breeze and slinked over towards Ash's side.
On the other side of the battlefield, Arcanine was left in a crumpled heap, eyes closed over and heavily breathing. A flash of red light soon engulfed the fire type and it was returned to rest.
Ash looked up to Gary who had a face of utter disbelief. Hmmm, Gary genuinely thought that he would. Ash guessed that his grandfather did not tell him of Ash's achievements after all.
The Arcanine was truly impressive, Ash thought that almost any other member of his team would have found it difficult to defeat the canine. They all would have certainly taken more damage. As it was, he had the perfect counter, who could hit just as hard, be evasive and be more effectively.
Ash decided to walk over to Gary and offer a shake of hand, Excadrill by his side, which after a few seconds, was somewhat accepted. Ash began to speak but was cut off by Gary.
"How? There is no way you are that far ahead of me!" Gary said dejectedly, looking at Ash for answers.
Ash was going to fire back with a petulant jibe but thought against it. He looked up to Gary again, and could tell that he was really down in the dumps as if he was questioning every detail of his journey to be wrong. There was no point kicking a dog while it was down after all, so he took another route.
"I'm not!" Ash fired back, trying to be as modest as possible. Sure, he was still delighted to win, but Gary was the closest thing that he had to a friend. Well human friend anyway. And Gary needed a friend right now.
"You were unlucky with the matchup, Arcanine was a logical choice but Excadrill is my perfect counter to fire types. On top of that, you don't think that my team has worked extensively on its one glaring weakness?" Ash replied compassionately.
"I guess not. I thought Arcanine would just melt a hole through you. Man do I feel stupid. It won't happen again!" Gary replied defiantly, kicking the ground as he spoke. Dust quickly rose up, making both Ash and Gary cover their face. Gary levelled a quick apology leaving a wry smile on both boy's faces.
"Good! I don't want to pick your sorry ass off the floor every time we battle." Ash replied back in jest. It seemed like there would be a good chance that he and Gary would still be friends after all. "Besides, it was a good battle, well for Excadrill and I anyway." Ash finished off as he fondly scratched the top of the Subterrene Pokemon's head, who leant into his touch and elicited a pleasant sound.
Gary nodded at the response, looking to be somewhat happier than moments ago. Ash took the gesture as confirmation to ask his next question.
"So, what Pokemon do you have Gary? I know about Arcanine obviously and my mother mentioned Blastoise, Alakazam and Umbreon too, but I don't know about the others!" Ash asked his long-time friend.
"Scouting out the competition Ashy-boy?" Gary shot back before sobering up quickly. "Other than the four you just mentioned, I have a Nidoqueen and Pidgeot as part of my main team. I'm training up an Electabuzz and Scyther too, and I've passed a fair few other Pokemon to gramps for study. Got to help the old duff somehow!"
Ash nodded. That was quite the team. Powerful no doubt and in time they would pose a credible threat to almost any trainer outside of a select few. Ash duly wondered where Gary obtained the Scyther. They were very difficult to find in both Kanto and Johto, being the apex bug type in both regions along with its evolution Scizor. A steel type. Ash quickly brushed off asking Gary where he had found one. He already had a bug and steel type anyway.
"A powerful team no doubt!" Ash stated getting back on topic. "Do you want to be a generalist? Or do you have a completely different goal in mind?" Ash asked, generally curious as to what Gary was going to do next.
"I'm not sure to be honest!" Gary replied, looking down at the grass as he spoke. "I just wanted to gather a strong team initially and compete at the conference. You were my TARGET!" He exclaimed pointing towards Ash. "But you headed off to the back of beyond. I think I want to be a researcher like gramps, get my license early and study. Being a generalist, or master in general, looks tough. I'd have to hunt down several masters to learn from. Honestly, I really don't know, I've not put too much thought into it, but that decision isn't for a while yet anyway!" Gary concluded, looking to have shrugged a weight off his shoulder with the explanation.
Ash nodded his head, not really knowing what to say to that. Thankfully he didn't have to as Gary spoke again.
"What about you? What team have you gathered from beyond the realm. I'm not too familiar with Unovan Pokemon but I've done enough digging to know which ones are worth looking out for, particularly steel types!" Gary asked, putting the same question to Ash.
"I'm glad you asked." Ash said, a wide smile splitting his face. He loved talking about or showing off his team whenever he could.
"As you know I've got Excadrill here!" Ash started pointing down and scratching Excadrill's head, again eliciting a squeal of delight from his Pokemon. "Other than that, you have probably guessed that Riolu evolved into Lucario." Ash continued tapping the pokeball closest to his hip. "I've also got an Escavalier, Ferrothorn, Klinklang and Bisharp!" Ash declared, naming his team in the order he met them.
He was extremely proud of the team he had gathered and what they had achieved.
His Escavalier, he caught as a Karrablast in Route 6, just at the entrance to Chargestone Cave. It was a relatively simple catch and they became fast friends. A tricky Pokemon to evolve, Karrablast had to target a Shelmet and once they receive electrical stimulation, the evolution is summoned.
Ferrothorn was next, her prior evolution was the first Pokemon that he encountered in the cave that mustered up half his team. It was up for a fight though, spewing spikes out to attack Ash and his team and soon fell. She took time to warm up to Ash but now their bond is as strong as the rest of the team.
Excadrill popped up in a dust cloud next, as a curious Drilbur. She wasn't the strongest at the time, but the battle that took place with Karrablast left a burning hole in her soul to get as strong as possible. She was now proud and fierce.
Klinklang, then a Klink, practically caught itself in the cave. It was wandering aimlessly, well apparently aimlessly and bumped straight into Ash shortly after he met up with Riley. It was more than happy to tag along, clearly not having much on. Ash sometimes has a hard time reading the Gear Pokemon which one of the reasons he couldn't wait for Lucario to translate its thoughts to him.
Finally, but by no means least, Ash caught the Pokemon he wanted most from his Unovan experience. Bisharp, and what a battle it was. He was leading a group of Pawniard on Route 11, just before the Village Bridge and was extremely strong. The fact that he was leading a group of Pawniard made Ash to believe that he was an Alpha and boy did he show it. Without Riley's training they would have been screwed. Lucario was on his last legs by the time the Sword Blade Pokemon finally fell and the Pawniard dispersed soon after, likely to be taken over by another brethren. Bisharp was most certainly Ash's second strongest, if not strongest Pokemon and all his strength had been from the wild, untamed.
In the Vertress Conference he always opened with Lucario and closed with Bisharp, if the opposition got that far. He had only been used once.
Gary nodded at Ash's team, trying to gauge which Pokemon he had indeed heard of before replying.
"Not bad Ash! I've heard of a few of them, Bisharp are quite rare and powerful, and Klinklang are underrated, so I read anyway. I can't say I've heard much about the others though. By the way that's a massive advantage, just saying."
"Anyway, if there as strong as that Excadrill of yours then you will have no problem in tearing up the leagues this side of world. What ARE you going to do next?" Gary finished, happily analysing Ash's team out loud.
That was a good question.
"I want to try my hand at another league, although I'm not sure which one. After winning the Vertress Conference…" Ash began before he was interrupted.
"Hold the phone! What do you mean by winning the Vertress Conference? You gotta be shittin me!" Gary replied, mouth ajar.
Ash laughed. He laughed a lot.
"You heard me Gary!" Ash stated, finding it hard to breath.
"That's history man. I mean, its Unova, but still, history! Has a rookie ever won a league? How has nobody heard of this? You must be a legend across there?" Gary replied, sputtering out questions so fast Ash was struggling to comprehend them.
"Breath!" Ash replied, still laughing at Gary's antics. "And yes, I guess it is history. As for hearing about it, I'm not too sure. You know yourself, communications are poor, and I was hardly a popular winner what with being a foreigner. But I never stuck around long enough to see." Ash responded, still silently chuckling at what he witnessed prior. He had never seen Gary so surprised.
"You didn't challenge the Elite Four?" Gary responded to which Ash shook his head. "Why not?"
"I would have got creamed, three out of four of the Elite Four are masters of the mind arts trio, and I am hardly at master level, not yet anyway. I wouldn't have stood a chance and I wouldn't have learnt anything!" Ash replied, justifying his decision.
"Anyway, getting back on track, I feel I have all the tools to do the same on a grander and more global stage. Got to get my name out there you know." Ash continued, a bit of tongue in cheek at his lack of profile despite being the 67th Vertress Conference champion.
"Hopefully if I progress more over the next year or two, I can win another conference and fight the elites on a more even scale, maybe. I still want to seek out Riley, my teacher who trains steel types, he is originally from Sinnoh, but I am not entirely sure of his current whereabouts, or another steel type expert and that will probably determine which region I go to. I was hoping your grandad could help with that actually!" Ash finished, outlining his plan to Gary.
Gary gave a noncommittal grunt, still apparently in shock at Ash's revelation. He didn't so much as utter a 'that sounds like a plan' before changing the topic.
"Speaking of. We should probably head back. Gramps is probably worried that we've gone and blown up a section of his prized corral."
Ash, nodding in agreement, analysing if he had actually broken the taller teen as the two boys set out to the lab, turning to Excadrill and returning the Subterrene Pokemon to her ball, not before giving one last scratch.
XxXxXx
"Boys!" Professor Oak said cheerily, gazing up from his desk to give Ash and Gary his full attention. "I suppose your little battle settled your squabbling rivalry? What can I do for you?"
Ash tried to suppress a smug grin at his victory, it wasn't very effective. Gary on the other hand, seemed to have rediscovered his sullen look at the professor's words.
"Well professor, Gary and I were discussing our plans for the future, you know, and since your so well connected, I was wondering if you knew of any steel type experts, not necessarily masters per say, but experts that I could get in touch with?" Ash started rather nervously. He hated asking for favours. "It's just I don't want to stagnate, and I feel a master would help me out a lot!" Ash finished, giving Professor Oak his best puppy eyes in the process. Even a fire type expert would be somewhat beneficial.
It was true, Ash did need to seek out another teacher. He could still grow, find new challenges and worthy opponents, but they would be far fewer. It was something Ash was willing to embrace if an expert could be found.
His focus quickly switched back to the professor who spoke, thinking out loud. "Hmmm, I thought you would ask this question. Let me think. I could ask Blaine, he would certainly have time for you, although I'm not sure how long you could put up with him for!" the professor started, chuckling to himself of the joke he made about the former elite.
Ash had obviously heard about Blaine, everyone in Indigo had heard about the man. A former Elite Four member, he was notorious for beating down the unprepared and was a true force in the war. He and his team had waned in their older years, but Ash was sure he could still learn a lot from the man. He was also a brilliant scientist, or so Ash had heard anyway.
"I think I could do better though!" The professor added. "Give me a few days Ash and I 'll see what I can do. You will go to he/she I suppose?" The professor asked Ash to which he nodded. "Good, that should make things easier. By the way, I completed your trainer profile and took the privilege of uploading it to your Pokedex." Professor Oak concluded, bringing a bright smile to Ash's face. He was very, very lucky that he knew the man.
"Gary, a word please. Ash, I'll see you soon!" Ash took the notion that he was dismissed, not before saying goodbye to both Gary and the professor and taking the slow walk home for dinner.
XxXxX
Dinner was uneventful, it was nice to idly chit chat with his mother about the small matters in the world and Pallet Town in general. The restaurant was doing great, and his mother was planning on hiring more staff. She said that could allow her to return to her studies, but she wait and see first how the new members got on. They sat for an hour or two, just mother and son before Ash retired for the evening.
Now, he was in his room and looking at the file the good professor sent him over. Curiosity got the better of him and Ash dived right into his profile.
Full Name:
Ash Ketchum
Rank:
A
Age:
16 (PIL 983 -)
Height:
6'0" (approx.)
Weight:
185lbs (approx.)
Eyes:
Brown
Hair:
Black
Place of Origin:
Pallet Town, Kanto
Family:
Delia Ketchum – Mother
Personality
Independent trainer. Strong bond with Pokemon. Generally friendly and passionate individual who helps others when afforded to.
Bio:
Noticed as promising young trainer due to Professor Oak's sponsorship.
Proceeded to leave Kanto after receiving trainer license.
Visited Unova in 998.
Returned to Kanto in 999. Presence noted and observers placed as mandated by Indigo League protocol for returning trainers.
Placed on potential future list of recruits for Indigo League after winning the Vertress Conference in 999.
Team consists of Lucario, Escavalier, Ferrothorn, Excadrill, Klinklang and Bisharp with speciality in defence.
Interesting stuff. A smile crept up on Ash's face. Rank A, that must be good. As for potential recruit, he idly wondered what that would entail. It sounded like some sort of boot camp. Ash wondered if someone would present themselves to him and ask him to join the league. He had never thought of that before but there was something appealing about it.
He could imagine being some sort of military trainer for a league, ACE he believed they were referred to in Indigo, going on missions, capturing bad guys and protecting the vulnerable. Taking orders would be a bummer though, Ash was never overly great with authority. Still, it looked fun. Plus, he would basically be the law which sounded cool and also learning about the league was rather enticing.
His attention then diverted to who, if anyone, Professor Oak would find to train him. There wasn't that many fire or steel type experts in the world after all. He thought of his old teacher Riley, and duly wondered if Bryon would be a possibility. Riley had told him that Byron was a steel type gym leader who trained in the same area that Riley did. He was also strong, and it would be nice to visit the origins of his old teachers' birth.
Flint from the Sinnoh Elite Four could maybe spare a couple of months, but Ash didn't think the fire master would have much of a vestige interest in the teen. Maybe a retired master, or one less notable would pop up, someone he had never heard of. Professor Oak knew a lot of people after all.
His mind was swimming for the next few hours as he struggled to find sleep. Jasmine of Olivine, former champion Steven Stone (Ash wished), Flannery's grandfather Mr Moore, all capable of training Ash and he couldn't wait. One had to gain knowledge after all, snippets, ideas on new techniques and ways to resist attacks. Not only having ideas, bur forming them into reality.
Steven Stone, in particular, was one of Ash's idols. Sure, all of Kanto rightfully followed and loved Lance, but Steven was the one Ash looked up to most. The man wasn't as skilled as Cynthia or as strong as Lance, both prodigies amongst prodigies, but he made that up with thoroughness and leaving no stone unturned. He slipped under the radar, almost, took the throne and gave it away within two years. Apparently, he either didn't like the politics or just wanted to spend his time doing other things.
But other than being the proverbial steel type master in the world, what Ash idolised most from Steven was that he was a defensive wall, something Ash aspired to be. Ash would do anything If he could train under the former champion, even for a wee while. The information he could hopefully absorb would kick him on to the next level, that's for sure.
As he continued fantasying about who would train him and in what location, Ash noticed that it was past 3 am, well past his bed time and he solemnly focused to get some rest. After a while he dosed off, happy thoughts of his future at the forefront of his mind.
XxXxX
The next couple of weeks flew by nicely, with Ash embracing the calm of Pallet Town. Inhaling a breath of fresh air as he opened the front door. He slowly trudged his way to the laboratory, the familiar walk bringing a smile to his face.
Professor Oak was still working on finding him a teacher, supposedly he had a couple of options in the pipeline, but the good professor was waiting to hear back from a few of the more respected masters, or so he said anyway. He had however said that today would be the deadline and one way or another, he would have news for Ash.
His mother was doing great, although Ash could see an anxious look creep into her face any time his future adventures were mentioned. She clearly loved having Ash home and the thought of him leaving again was beginning to wear on her soft features. IT sent a pang of guilt into his heart whenever he caught the expression.
Ash made sure to keep his team in shape, regularly training them at the corral. Mostly it was just light exercises, a bit of sparring. It was his teams' vacation too, so they had earned the right to lounge about in the sun, a few of them even made friends with the local corral habitants.
As for Gary, well his friend and former rival had set his sights on Johto and the Silver Conference. The taller teen was getting his supplies ready and looked to set out in the coming days. A part of Ash wanted to join him. Gary would be good company, at least for a bit, and it would be nice to have someone pushing him along.
Of course, all of that would hinge on Professor Oak finding him a master, and if he could, where said master would reside. If the old man couldn't find anyone, then he might as well follow Gary to Johto. There were a few steel types that interested him, the lands were ancient and at least a few of the gym leaders' full teams would pose credible threats.
As he made his way to the front door, a few butterfree's entered his stomach, excitement and nerves hitting him all at once. Taking one deep breath, he went in, politely greeting Grace, before heading on through to the professor's office.
"Ah, Ash my boy, come in, come in. Your just in time. I've just been off the phone to your prospective teacher, and I feel you will be very pleased with the outcome!" Professor Oak stated, a smug smile on the older gentlemen's face. He was sat down on his chair, a stack of papers on his desk and a few objects that Ash couldn't make out were scattered across the room.
Ash beamed at the news, his mind going into overdrive again at who this person could be. He was beginning to become impatient when the professor spoke again.
"Ash, your prospective teacher is highly decorated and skilled. There are a few caveats included in the training which you will need to accept but I'm sure you will agree that in the long run they will be worth it."
"Your teacher, if you accept, will be…."
And scene. This is my second story. I hope you enjoy it. Please review and if you want to guess or recommend who will take Ash under their wing then go ahead.
Thanks for reading.