Road to The Plateau, Part 1 - Prelude

by Weapon Frayer

Ash has just won the Unova League, but is now seeking a new goal. As Ash faces the thrills and peril of being a Gym Leader, an old enemy's resurrection, and war, he fins that the world isn't as clean as it looks. Story is canon up to Ash and Trip's Vertress Conference match. NO Pokeshipping, but hints of Pearl, and Advanceshipping. Combines Manga and Anime. ON INDEFINITE HIATUS.

1. Prologue

Author's Note:

This idea has been at me for a while, so I'm running the first few chapters here! Enjoy, and R&R!

Prologue

Ash's P.O.V

After beating Brandon, Scott, who was watching, spoke to me. "Hey Ash," Scott asked, as he gave me the 7th Frontier Symbol, "would you like a position as a Frontier Brain?".

I declined, but since then, and up to now, since I beat the Unova League, I've wanted to pursue a new goal, as I walked into the Indigo Plateau Entrance.

"Hello, and welcome to the Indigo Plateau!" Nurse Joy smiled. "May I see your Pokedex?" she asked. I took out my Pokedex, as I told her I had an appointment with Scott.

"OK! You're all clear! Your appointment is in Room 163, at 3:30!" Nurse Joy thanked, as I walked into the waiting room. While I was fiddling around with my Pokedex, my name was called, as I got up, and opened the door to Room 163.

"Hello Ash; I've seen you've grown since the Battle Frontier." Scott greeted, as I sat down into a chair, and knitted my hands a bit. "Well, let's get down to business; I got your letter Ash, and we've looked into it." Scott spoke.

"And, you have met all of the requirements except 1 on this list." Scott finished.

The List

1. Own or have previously owned a Pokedex.

2. Place Top 4 in any League'(s) twice.

3. Take the Leader Eligibility Test.

4. Have 4 or more Pokemon of one type.

5 (optional). Win a League at least once (used to determine if qualified for Top 4 or Bottom 4 of a Region).

6 (optional). Own more than 4 Pokemon Level 45 or more (used to determine if eligible for Top 2 of a Region).

"And what's the Leader Eligibility Test?" I asked. "Here it is." Scott replied, as he gave me a sheet of paper, labeled in bold letters, 'Leader Eligibility Test'.

LEADER ELIGIBILITY TEST

1. Have you ever competed in a non-League tournament/event? (e.g Battle Frontier, Grand Festival)

2. What was your placing in the event/how many signs did you get?

3. How many Leagues have you competed in?

4. In a Pokemon battle, do you specialize in power, strategy, defense, speed, balance, or all?

5. What is your home region?

6. What region would you like to become part of?

7. How many Badges have you earned (in all regions combined)?

8. In a Pokemon battle, do you fight until the Pokemon has fainted, or until the Pokemon is tired out?

9. Have you ever beat an Elite 4 or Champion? If so, describe the battle below.

10. What is your personality/style?

Signature,

"Have you finished?" Scott asked, the second I finished writing my signature. "Yep." I replied, as I gave the test to Scott. "So, tell me, it says here that you specialize in strategy?" Scott asked.

"Yeah. Did you see my Sinnoh League Top 8 match against Paul?" I asked, excitedly. "I see. Hmm, it says here that you want to stay in the Kanto/Johto League, near home?".

"I really want to stay home, so I can go back home once in a while." I told Scott. "..OK...OK...Wow!" Scott exclaimed. "Ash, you have a good chance of getting a job soon. Any certain places?".

"Well, I was thinking about Cinnabar Island, or Mahogany Town. I heard Blaine is planning to retire and so is Pryce. Plus, Cinnabar's really close to home." I answered.

"Actually, Blaine is going to retire next month. Do you want his position after he retires?" Scott informed me. "*gasp* I'd love to become Cinnabar's new Gym Leader!" I exclaimed.

"First though, what's your typing going to be?" Scott asked. "Hmm, I have a lot of types; hey Scott, mind if I can do two types at the Gym?" I asked. "Sure, why not? The only gym that doesn't have one specific type is Gary, in Viridian City." Scott replied.

"Oh yeah; I heard Gary became the Gym Leader there. One question though: what would the ordering be if I became Gym Leader tomorrow, and used Fighting and Flying-types?" I asked Scott.

"Well, the ordering would be Brock, then Misty, then Lt. Surge, then Erika, then Sabrina, then Janine, then either Gary or you, then the final person who wasn't 7th." Scott replied.

"So, let's fill out this paperwork, shall we?" Scott asked, as I signed a stack of waivers and papers. In one month, I thought, I'll be a Gym Leader.

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End Note:

Thanks for reading! This is a good idea, and please comment and R&R!