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'Morning, Mom,' Ash said as he came down the stairs with Pikachu sitting on his shoulder.

'Morning, Ash. I've made some breakfast...'

'Thanks,' Ash said, sitting down and taking a forkful of pancakes as Pikachu leapt onto the floor. 'We're going out to Route 1 for some training and then head onto Viridian City. There should be some Trainers that I can challenge at the Gym...'

He finished the last of his pancakes and stood up, carrying his plates to the dishwasher.

'Thanks, Mom. I'll see you later...'

'...alright, honey. You should stop by the restaurant for lunch. It'd be nice to see you...'

'Sure. I'll try. I've gotta run. I'll see you later. Bye, Mom...'

'...bye. Have a good day, sweetie...'

She smiled sadly, watching him go before standing up and starting to clear the dishes...

##################

'I've brought you some coffee. How's the report going?' Professor Oak asked and Gary sat back from his terminal, massaging his neck with a groan.

'I'm almost done. A few more pages and I'll be ready to submit it to the Pokemon League...' He reached out to pick up his badge case and opened it, taking out his Viridian City badge.

'You miss being a Trainer, don't you?' Professor Oak asked and Gary nodded.

'...sometimes. But, I also enjoy what I'm doing now and I want to do it well...'

'That's part of growing up,' Professor Oak said, putting his hand on his shoulder. 'I'm very proud of you...'

'Yeah. Thanks, Grandpa...'

##################

Misty's head broke the surface of the water, looking round to see Lily walking along the edge of the swimming pool towards her.

'Morning, little Sis,' she said, kneeling down and Misty scowled.

'You know that I hate it when you call me that...'

'Well, you are little and you are our sister...'

'Lily...'

'Alright, alright. What are you doing up so early?'

'I have my water safety class at 9...'

'Oh, yeah...' She said, as Violet and Daisy arrived. 'Come on, Lily,' Violet said. 'We've got a show to practice for...'

'Enjoy your little class...' Lily said and Misty scowled at her retreating back.

At least I'm doing some practical...

Misty fumed before swimming towards the edge of pool and climbing out, heading towards the changing rooms...'

##################

'Morning, Dad...'

'Morning, Brock,' Flint said, looking up as his son came down the stairs into the Gym. 'How are you doing?'

'Fine. I'm heading over to Professor Ivy's Clinic..,'

'Hold on a minute, son,' Flint said. 'I need to talk to you...'

'Yes, Dad?'

'The Gym's getting busier, Brock. I'd like it if you'd help out from time to time, maybe take on some of the challengers before they get to me...'

'Come on, Dad. Professor Ivy needs my help. You know how many injured Pokemon we're dealing with...'

'Alright. You've got work to do, I know. Just...promise me you'll think about it...'

'Alright, Dad. Look, I've got to go. I'll see you later...'

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. Any reviews, comments or constructive criticisms are very welcome.