Welcome to the Ikimono League
By Neko (Silver Tru-Neko)
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon, only the OCs mentioned in this chapter.
Author's Note: So, this is my first Pokemon fic... it's about Ash and Gary's rivalry, for fans of either trainer (or both!) to read. It's set just after Johto, so no newer Pokemon (I'm more of an oldschool fan, I don't know all the new ones) but before the Silver Conference. In this story, Gary doesn't decide to become a researcher after Johto.
On a side note, the league's name and its islands are all named in Japanese. Ikimono means 'animal'; I'll post the islands next chapter, once the story gets to those details.
Read on and enjoy!
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Chapter 1 – Surprise!!
"I'm one step closer to being a Pokémon master!" eleven-year-old trainer Ash Ketchum proclaimed, his new collection of Johto badges flashing against his shirt. He had just completed his set of eight badges, proof of his further efforts training his Pokémon. His travelling companions seemed less than thrilled, however.
"We know, Ash, it's only the fifth time you've told us," sighed Misty, gym leader of Cerulean City.
Brock, former leader of Pewter, nodded his agreement before frowning at the map he was clutching. "According to this, we're nearly at Pallet."
Ash, about to snap at Misty, instantly perked. "Almost there? Awesome! I can't wait to tell Professor Oak about all my adventures! He'll be so excited! And I've finally beaten Gary at something!"
Spurred by enthusiasm, Ash charged ahead.
"Hey, wait-" Misty protested, before letting out a sigh and shaking her head. "No stopping him once he's got something in his head."
"Toge-priii," chirped her egg Pokémon.
Ash had already reached a bend in the path, and was fidgeting as he waited for his friends to catch up. "Come on, slowpokes! I can see it up ahead!"
Ash and the others were heading back to his hometown for a reunion with the trainers who had started at the same time as he. Eager to outshine Gary – his eternal rival – with his Johto victories, Ash had immediately set off. Now they were nearly there in time for the party, hosted by none other than famed Pokémon expert Professor Oak.
Misty and Brock reached Ash's side, and the young trainer shot off again with his Pikachu bouncing on his shoulder. Misty was about to reprimand him when she caught sight of what Ash had noticed up ahead: a cluster of small, homey buildings and the domed lab belonging to Professor Oak. Ash was already sprinting up the drive.
"Ash! Slow down!" cautioned Brock, breaking into a run. Misty hurried after him.
They were in time to meet Ash at Professor Oak's door, where the man himself was waiting to greet them.
Smiling at Ash's antics, the Professor said, "Hello, Ash, Misty, Brock. It's certainly been awhile."
"And I've been training the entire time!" boasted Ash loudly. "Just wait till I tell you all about the new Pokémon I caught! And look, I got all eight Johto badges!" Ash again flashed the inside of his shirt. The Professor squinted a moment before examining the badges.
"Well done, Ash. It looks like you and your Pokémon did a lot of hard work."
"We did, and I couldn't have done it without them," smiled Ash. He peered around inside as soon as the Professor gestured them in. "Hey, have any of the others shown up yet? I can't wait to see the look on Gary's face when I tell him I beat him!"
"Says who?" a voice abruptly asked. Ash whirled around.
Gary Oak, his long-time rival, stood leaning against the upstairs balcony with his arms crossed. His typical smirk adorned his face, eyes narrowed at Ash.
"Gary!" It was all Ash could say in his stupor.
The lanky trainer vaulted over the banister, landing in a crouch before the four of them. He stood, addressing Ash in a drawl. "I heard you've been in the Johto league. So was I. Pity I didn't see you, or I could've beaten you then and there."
Gary dug a hand in his pocket and pulled out a fistful of badges, which he waved under Ash's nose tauntingly. They were the same Johto badges Ash had painstakingly earned; inside, the boy simmered with rage.
Gary pulled the badges back. "I forgot. You were probably way behind me." He grinned. "Too bad there's no losers' league, Ketchum. You'd fit right in."
Ash glowered at him. "Just you wait, Gary! We'll see who comes out on top in a fight!"
Professor Oak cleared his throat, and Ash realized he was making a scene. He pulled down the brim of his hat, embarrassed, and marched on.
"Everyone's waiting outside," the Professor explained before pushing open the screen back door. A rolling plain stretched away from them into the distance; trees rose up on the horizon, indicating the border of the property. Now Ash and his friends were standing on a porch, where a picnic table had been set up with dishes upon dishes of food. Multicoloured lights had been strung around the rafters; they glowed faintly in the midday sunlight. Gazing around the field, Ash spotted two other trainers standing nearby, chatting. And…
"Mom?!" Ash asked incredulously moments before Mrs. Ketchum crushed him into a hug.
"Oh, Ash, I'm so glad you're all right! It's been so long since I've seen you!"
"Mom…" he mumbled, "…you're embarrassing me."
Finally Mrs. Ketchum let go, and Ash saw the other trainers approaching.
"I don't suppose you've all met," Professor Oak offered. "So everyone, this is Ash Ketchum. He started with Pikachu." The Professor smiled at the Pokémon in question. "Next is my grandson, Gary Oak; he started out with Squirtle."
Gary nodded to the other trainers.
"This is Hikari, who started with Charmander." The boy in question offered a shy smile. With his long black hair and rather pretty features, Ash had almost mistaken him for a girl.
"And, last but not least, Melanie Gardiner, who started with Bulbasaur." Ash gawked a moment at the short girl with brown pigtails.
"…Melanie?! You became a trainer?" Then he blushed. She had been his childhood crush; he had never mustered the courage to speak to her before.
She smiled in puzzlement, studying him. Then realization illuminated her face. "Ash! You were in school with me, weren't you?"
Ash's head bobbed enthusiastically, cheeks still pink. "Yeah, yeah, I was in your class." He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Wow, I guess I never knew you were interested in Pokémon…"
Melanie shyly lowered her head, twin brown pigtails drooping forward. "I always wanted to be a healer, like Nurse Joy…"
"Yeah, that's pretty cool." Ash nodded like a bobble head doll.
Misty growled, "Oh, for the love of-" She grabbed Ash by the ear and pulled him away. "Brock does that enough, I don't need you too – look, scones."
As Misty dragged Ash toward the picnic table, the two Nidorans perched on the seats glanced up at them before scuttling off.
"As you can see," Professor Oak told them, "this is a reunion party for trainers and Pokémon alike. So go ahead and let your Pokémon out; they're free to wander, as they'll be safe here. I'm eager to hear what all of you have been up to for the past year. All of you have advanced so much!"
Under Professor Oak's fond smile, Ash pulled five Poké balls from his belt. "All right! Bayleef, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Noctowl, Charizard, it's party time!"
The five Pokémon appeared in a flash of light; then they separated to their own content. Pikachu, Togepi and Bayleef jumped onto the table.
"In that case…" Brock pulled out his own Poké balls. "Onix, Vulpix, Geodude, and Zubat! I choose you!"
"Starmie! Staryu! Goldeen! Psyduck! Go!" Misty added.
Ash looked around at the other trainers. "Well? What about you guys?"
Melanie cleared her throat uncomfortably. "Our Pokémon are already out here." Nidorans male and female nudged against her legs; looking down at them, she smiled.
"Help yourselves," said Professor Oak, indicating the table.
Ash scooped up a handful of chips. "Mmm, thanks, Professor!"
In response, the Professor smiled.
The Pokémon party lasted late into the evening. Hikari and Melanie left soon after eating, having to leave town to reach Viridian before nightfall. Ash, having not seen the Professor for ages, chatted with him for long hours about the Johto league. Gary would occasionally chip in snide comments like "I did that faster."
As dusk fell, Professor Oak set down his drink and inquired whether Ash and his friends had lodging for the night.
Gary shot him a look. "They're not staying here, Grandpa, are they?"
Ash sheepishly glanced at Misty and Brock. "Well, we didn't plan-"
"Don't worry!" Mrs. Ketchum jumped in. "You're always welcome back home, Ash."
Ash blushed. "Thanks, Mom. You wouldn't mind if Misty, Brock, and I stay?"
"Not at all. Anything for my little boy." She kissed his forehead, making him grimace.
"Before you go," the Professor interrupted, "I have a little…request for you and Gary."
"Like the GS ball mission?" Ash interjected, eyes lighting up.
Professor Oak nodded. "Sort of. You see, a new region has been discovered just to the east of us."
"A new region?" echoed Ash.
Oak nodded. "Apparently, like Johto, it has been running in secret all these years. This region is composed of islands, which explains its seclusion from the mainland. Anyway. As you know, I'm not as young as I used to be, and I don't travel as much as I used to. I was hoping –"
"That we could enter this league and check it out for you?' Ash jumped in.
Professor Oak smiled faintly. "That was the idea, yes."
"If it's challenging, sure," shrugged Gary. His blue gaze flashed sideways. "But I don't want to work with him."
"You won't have to. Just go as you would to any other region; compete, find out what's there. Report back to me. Perhaps they even have new Pokémon." He rubbed the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. "My curiosity needs to be satisfied."
"Will do, Professor!" Ash saluted, already pumped about his new adventure.
Gary rolled his eyes. "Whatever. What is this so-called league, anyway?"
"The Ikimono league," confided Professor Oak.
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That's the start for now! Please review and let me know what you think!