By afternoon, Ash, Volkner and an extremely pleased Shade are back in Sunyshore, specifically in the Gym. The two adults are looking at Ash with undisguised amusement, and honestly, Ash doesn't blame them. After all, Ash has been clutching his brand new, personal Pokédex, updated to carry his Trainer License, for the past couple of hours. He didn't receive the standard Sinnoh Starters – they were already taken by the local rookies – but that was fine, because apparently, Shade had gone ahead and procured a Starter for Ash.

Wow.

Now, they had retreated to the Gym, as previously stated, and Ash is practically vibrating out of his skin at the prospect of getting his first ever Pokémon partner. His mind is running a mile a minute, wondering what Shade would give him. Is it Unovan? Is it going to be strong? Is it rare, or is it common? What's its typing?

"Look at him, so eager." Shade snickered, looking over at Ash with blatant amusement. Ash can feel himself flush, but he couldn't concentrate on it too much, not when Shade pulled out one of those odd green and black Pokéballs from within her jacket – not from the column clipped to the side of her thigh – and Ash knows that's the one that will be given to him.

"I don't exactly blame him," Volkner murmured from where he sits; at the edge of the Trainer box, with his legs dangling over the edge. He had released one of his team mates earlier, a small but speedy Raichu, and it's currently beside him, ears twitching as it watched in interest. "Everyone is always eager for their Pokémon. More so their first."

Shade nods agreeably, still smiling widely. "True, true. Now, my new charge, I suggest you tuck away your Pokédex for this!"

Ash is a little confused by the suggestion, but does as told anyway, walking over to the Trainer box and handing it to Volkner, who had gestured to hold it for him. Ash walks back to his original spot, and Shade paces around him with a sharp smile, like a hunter circling prey. Ash tried not to shiver in reflexive fear.

"Mm, do make a good impression on the little one, yeah?" Shade says conversationally, deeming Ash fit – or something – and walking over to him, carefully depositing the odd looking Pokéball in his hands. Ash isn't going to lie; his hands are shaking. Ash looks up when Shade pats him on the shoulder, her grin all teeth. "Good luck."

And with those honestly ominous words, Shade retreats, jumping up to grab the edge of the Trainer box and hauling herself up just by the strength of her arms. Ash gapes at the little display of strength, and Shade winks at him when she's settled beside Volkner, lying on her side and propping her head up with an arm.

Ash swallows roughly, looking down on the Pokéball in his hands- "Okay, before anything else can I ask something?" Is he stalling for time? Yes. Does he care? Not particularly.

Shade cocks an eyebrow before gesturing with her free arm. "Have at it, then."

Ash holds up the green and black Pokéball. "What kind of Pokéball is this? It looks weird."

Shade makes a confirming sound, nodding a little. "Recently made, actually. Those babies are called Dusk Balls, made to have extremely high capture rates the darker the environment is. It's perfect for night-time or underground captures, in my not so humble opinion." Shade's smile turns absolutely predatory. "It also has a nice synergy with… certain types, as well."

That's… that's ominous.

Ash looks down at the Pokéball- Dusk Ball in his hands. Takes a deep breath to calm his nerves – it didn't work – and he taps the release button, letting out the creature within.

The red light coalesces into a considerably large quadruped, and from the vague form, Ash can say it has four short but thick legs, with a large, round head and what seems to be a horn pointing upwards and backwards from the back of its head.

The light disappears with a final surge, and upon its disappearance, Ash is treated to further details of his new Starter.

It's mostly bicolored; short blue fur covering most of its body, and a pitch black mane covers the base of neck, its slightly long neck, and covering most of its head too, smoothly melding with the upright tuft of fur protruding from the back of its head. It has a wide but short, beak-like mouth – as far as Ash can see, it doesn't have any sort of teeth – and a nose that keep flaring. There are odd purple flecks on the thick mane decorating the reptile's neck, and Ash almost missed the stubby little tail if he didn't caught it in his periphery.

Ash watches in fascination when the little creature take deep, deep breaths, nostrils flaring wide. Ash couldn't see any eyes, even when the fur covering most of its head parted briefly. Ash is amazed that this little this is literally lacking eyes, so he figured it relies on its sense of smell, and hearing to locate things.

The little creature lets is tongue flick out slowly, and Ash realizes that it's sensing via taste. The little reptile has the prerequisite forked tongue – although it's still a little short – and that's definitely amazing.

The little creature swivels its head to look at Ash, tongue flicking out once more. It cocks its head, letting out a low, questioning chirrup.

Ash can't help but grin. "Hey there little guy." Well, he guesses it's a guy. The little reptile perks up, tilting its head towards Ash. "Curious little creature aren't you?"

It lets out a soft chirp.

Then opens its maw wide and screeches.

Ash yelps, clapping his hands over his ears, but it's no use; the little beast just keeps on screeching and screeching-

It stops, and Ash is left panting, ears ringing and a migraine growing alarmingly fast between his eyes. He's forced to fall onto his knees, dizzy as hell and head throbbing from the unholy noise. He can't hear anything – he hopes his ears didn't burst – and wow. He's both impressed and horrified at the lungs the little fellow has on it.

"What in the…?" Ash really can't hear anything properly; he sounds like his own voice is far, far away.

He can hear something, but it's oh so very faint that he can't discern anything-

Ash eyes catches on the little beast, and it has its mouth open, head hunkered low and it's stalking. Towards him.

Nope.

Ash, in a burst of fear-induced adrenaline, gets up on his feet in record time – dizziness miraculously gone – and he's already sprinting away from the violently hissing reptile, which is uncomfortably fast despite its small legs. It lets out a shriek, one that signals a hunt, and Ash questions his choices for a moment.

"What in the-?!" Ash shrieks, gunning towards the opposite Trainer box, and he hears Shade laughing uncontrollably from behind him.

Ash can swear Shade is actually the Devil.

The little beast on his heels snaps threateningly, and Ash pumps his legs faster. No way will he caught by this little demon!

Ash jumps, grabbing the edge of the empty Trainer box, and brings his legs up with a heave and a growl of exertion. The little beast squeals in surprise when its quarry – Ash, of course – is no longer directly in front of it. It didn't manage to stop itself in time, and so crashed heavily against the Trainer box's support. Ash didn't waste time in dropping down and running the other way, back towards Shade and Volkner's occupied Trainer box.

Shade was in hysterics, rolling around the Trainer box's floor – Ash distantly hopes she falls off – and Volkner and his Raichu are both doing well in hiding their amusement.

Ash hastily climbs the Trainer box, closing the gate behind him, and he lets a gusty sigh of relief, slumping on the floor, panting hard.

"What," He gasps, wincing when his legs cramped up. "What in Distortion's unholy name-?!"

Shade's only response was to let out another loud peal of laughter, legs kicking out in the air in her mirth.

Volkner, apparently, is the kinder person between the two, as he turned to Ash, gesturing at the black and blue beast picking a fight with the support post. If Ash wasn't so miffed – or scared – he would have laughed at the sight.

"That, Ash, is a Deino," Volkner begins, and Ash immediately whips out his brand new Pokédex, searching up the name. At its basic information, Ash bodily flinches. Volkner smirks at that, no doubt knowing what had caused such a reaction. "It seems you've found its information page."

Find it Ash did, and Ash is now 10000% sure Shade is the Devil.

Deino, or also classified as the Irate Pokémon, is a Pokémon local to Unovan lands, found deep in the cold mountainous areas. They're one of the Pokémons sitting at the top of the food chain in Unova, as the Deino line are known for their strength, viciousness, and their tendency to go into a blind (no pun intended) rage at the drop of a hat. It's ironic that these guys are herbivores, but despite that, they're one of Unova's monstrous jewels.

Oh, of course.

The Deino-line have also the primary type of Dark, and a secondary of Dragon.

"… I just might actually die," Ash whispers, robotically scrolling through the extensive part that warns a potential Trainer about this particular little monster. "I should've jumped off of the lighthouse."

Ash never heard of a Pokémon with this particular type combination before, and Ash knows that this little beast- Deino will be powerful.

Dark types are notorious for having one of the nastiest tricks in their sleeves – Ash remembers that Memento, a move Shade's Mismagius had used, is a Dark type move – and Dragons are just plain powerhouses. Combined into one, volatile creature…

Ash knows his work is cut out for him.

"Now, now, no thoughts of suicide in regards to my lighthouse," Volkner chides, reaching over to pet his Raichu, who purrs in delight. Volkner raises a foot to lightly kick Shade, who is now curled in a foetal position, tears in her eyes and wheezing uncontrollably. Ash wonders if he can punt her clear off the Trainer box- "Hey, joke time is over, you walnut."

"Joke time is never over you piece of untoasted, mouldy bread." Shade shots back, still giggling helplessly. She takes a moment to calm down – sniggering here and there – but she manages to tamp down most of her mirth, turning to Ash with a playful grin. "'Sup Rookie. How're you holding up?"

Ash looks at her, deadpan. "I'm going to die."

"No you won't."

"I definitely will."

"Well, I'm still alive right?" Shade shrugs, and pulls one of those Dusk Balls from her thigh holster, enlarging it and tossing it over. It lets out a large flash of light, and Ash scrambles towards the edge, peering over-

And into the deep violet eyes of what is no doubt Deino's final evolution.

Ash freezes, unable to move as fear choked him, making movement impossible, and he couldn't even breathe, couldn't think. The monster's eyes glittered, all three heads shifting to look at Ash above it, and it flexes long, large wings. Pitch black feathers seem to absorb all light from it, making the three pairs of absolutely massive wings like tendrils of darkness.

A hand on Ash's bicep pulls him from his frightened reverie, and Shade slowly pushes him away from the edge, a small smile on her lips.

"Relax," She tells him, and Ash is still too scared-stiff to do anything aside from sitting back down. "She's a friendly one."

To prove her point, Shade moves to the edge of the Trainer box, upper half of her body hanging off the edge while her hips and legs stayed within. Shade easily lowers herself, bringing her closer to the Hydreigon; fearless, reckless, and absolutely trusting.

To Ash's amazement, the Hydreigon merely cooed softly at Shade, all three heads surging up to shower her with kisses and licks, which made Shade laugh adoringly, cupping the biggest head under its chin so she can pull it up and press a loud smooch on its forehead. The Hydreigon shakes its wings in joy, fluttering softly.

Shade pulls herself back, still smiling, and gestured to her Hydreigon, who had spotted Ash's own Deino at this point. "As you can see, with enough time and work, trust can be made between you and someone of their species," She says, smiling affectionately at her beast of a dragon. "Granted, Nix is odd because she's relatively meeker than others of her kind, but I still had rough spots with her despite that. Now, well. I guess you could call her my one of my best friends."

Ash wasn't able to say anything more when Shade's Hydreigon, Nix, let's out a bellowing roar so strong it forced Ash to brace against the floor, feeling his bones and teeth rattle from the force of it. Even Volkner reaches out to grab on to hold onto something, his Raichu curled up safely in his arms.

"Now, let me tell you about Deino and their kind," Shade is saying, softly but urgently, looking into Ash's eyes with those unsettlingly bright eyes. "Particularly this little one I'm entrusting to you. He's freshly hatched; I'm speaking he has yet to acknowledge a parental figure, so if you do it the right way, you can present yourself as its kin and make things relatively easier for you." She says, tone firm and heavy with command.

Ash swallows, eyes flicking to the Deino who is now cowering in the face of the larger Hydreigon. He swallows. "W-what do I do?" He asks, because he really doesn't know. "How do I do that, I m-mean?"

Shade nods towards the two dragons. "Deino, Zweilous and Hydreigon have one of the most sensitive auditory, olfactory and palate. I'll let you figure that one out." She turns back to him, and her grin is Gengar-like. "So get down there and win the little one over!"

Thankfully, probably seeing how scared Ash is, Shade recalls her Hydreigon, and Ash carefully leaves the Trainer box, leaving the gate in case he needs to run. Or his nerves get the better him. Either or, really.

The moment Ash puts a foot down on the floor, the Deino had turn his way, head lowered and hissing in a show of menace, a clear warning.

"I'll let you know, Deino are mostly herbivorous." Shade pipes up absently, and Ash is sure at this point that Shade is giving him clues to a puzzle. A puzzle, that when he solved, would mean having the Deino's loyalty and acknowledgement.

The Deino slowly comes towards Ash, and Ash swallows his fear, taking one step forward but three steps to his right, keeping his front to the hostile little Pokémon. In response to his movement, the Deino falls into step, the two circling each other like battlers sizing each other up, hyping the tension to new heights.

Ash knows he can't dally for long, so he thinks about Shade's words, the obvious glee in her voice as she spoke her words of advice. Ash can tell she didn't outright say what he had to do, but he knows there is definitely, a clue in there.

So, running through the Deino's information in his head, Ash set out to solve the puzzle, all the while his eyes trained on the hissing and snapping Deino.

Deino, from the complete lack of eyes of visual organs, are confirmed only to sense their surroundings and objects via smell, sound and feel. Ash theorized that they might also be able to feel/sense vibrations from the ground, if the conditions are right. They're herbivorous, and while Ash isn't sure how that relates to the solving of Deino's puzzle, that still an interesting fact. Probably explains the lack of teeth, and the beak like mouth; perfect for snipping off berries, crushing them only a bit before swallowing them.

What else, Ash is sure there's more-

Wait. The Pokédex entry.

It said that Deino bumps and runs headlong into things due to its blindness, and only then it uses its senses to identify…

Oh.

Oh.

He just needs to get up to Deino and introduce himself, somehow.

It was simple, it was what is done in every other situations like this, and Ash was so blinded by the flashiness, the fancy Pokémon, overwhelmed by his own thoughts that all semblance of common sense fled him.

Ash smacks himself in the face, groaning.

"I think he solved it." Shade murmurs gleefully and Ash doesn't ever bother to glare at her.

Instead, he breathes deeply, forcing his fear away, away, away until finally he's able to put one feet forward, before putting another in front of it, on and on, advancing on the now confused, scared Deino. With its quarry now moving towards it, Ash realizes that all this time the Deino was merely posturing, intimidating him because it was the one scared.

Wow, common sense, good to have you back.

Ash drops low into a crouch, making himself as small as possible and in response the Deino hisses, drawing itself up in all its barely three feet glory. It shrieks at him sharply, probably a warning to stay away. Ash, scared but undeterred, holds a hand out, the back of his hand towards the small dragon.

"It's okay," Ash whispers, and the Deino tilts his head towards him, no doubt focusing on the sound of his voice. Ash swallows. "I won't hurt you, okay?"

But apparently, the Deino has no problems with hurting him whatsoever.

Ash yells in pain when the Deino lashes out incredibly fast, biting down hard on his forearm and Ash almost yanked his arm away when Shade called out in alarm. "Ash! Don't panic!" She calls out, and Ash feels just a little bit faint from the pain and the blood leaking from the bite, blooding the Deino's beak and the area around it.

"Easier said than done!" Ash bites back, really, really trying not to yank his arm back, but thankfully, somehow the Deino lets go of his arm, letting Ash stumble back as it licks its beak.

Hissing in pain, Ash pulls his wrist band up to his elbow, pulling it taut and twisting it to stem the blood flow. He raises his arm above heart-level, hyperaware of the Deino now oddly calm and quiet. Its nostrils keep flaring, head turned in his direction. Its keeping its distance, and Ash is glad.

While he does want the Deino to be his… He doesn't want to be bitten either.

Shade is suddenly by his side – Ash didn't hear her move, what the heck – and she's grinning. "Recall him, that would do for now." She's saying, and Ash manages to pluck out the Dusk Ball from where he kept it, pointing it towards the Deino and recalling the little dragon. Ash hisses when Shade sprays something on the bite wound – a disinfectant, most probably – before getting a roll of bandages… somewhere and set to cleaning and dressing the wound. "Must say, I'm not sure whether to be amused at your stupidity or impressed by your bravery."

Ash gives her the stink eye. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Shade continues, grinning gleefully as she secures the wrapping and finishing it off, hiding the wound behind a few layers of dressing. "That you didn't have to touch him right off the bat, just need to stick close and let your scent become much more familiar."

… Okay, so that was pretty dumb of him.

Ash sighs, thumbing at the surface of the inactive Dusk Ball in his hands. "… So what now?"

Shade didn't even hesitate to reply with a casual, "I don't know, you tell me."

Ash squints at her as she pulls back, finished with patching up his wounded arm. "Aren't you supposed to be my sponsor?" He asks.

Sponsors are, simply put, people who back up a Trainer; whether it be financial, a mentor-mentee relationship, or the quickest way to jump through several hoops set out by the League. Sponsors more often than not provide their beneficiaries the means to start well in their endeavours, whatever they may be, or maybe connect them to the right people.

As Shade is a Trainer with a decade worth of experience, a stable job and apparently an impressive resume back in Unova (Ash asked what those are, but Shade said it was confidential. She even had the gall to wink), Shade is very much an eligible candidate as Ash's sponsor. Not only is she connected to a lot of people – international level of connected, to be exact – but from what Ash heard, Shade is also rich. And powerful.

Ash really did luck out.

But when Shade just laughs in that obnoxious way of hers, Ash is reminded that Shade, while connected and rich and powerful, is just plain demonic.

"Hah! I'm your sponsor yes," Shade bends down, boldly flicking a gloved finger across Ash's forehead. Ash yelps in pain, because what the heck that shouldn't hurt as much as it does. "But I won't hold your hand. Not always, at least."

That made Ash pause, blinking. "That… that makes sense…" Ash trails off, looking down at the Dusk Ball in his hands, turning it over and over in his hold.

Shade snorts, and Ash looks up to see her shaking her head. "Well, since you've secured your Starter, I'm off."

Ash bolts up to his feet, brows furrowed in confusion and disappointment on his face. "What? Why?" Is he whining? Yes he is. Does he care? Not as much as he should.

Shade gives him a look. "I'm here in Sinnoh for business." She says. She takes a look at Ash, a long, piercing gaze that made Ash want to turn around and not look at her unsettling eyes. She then sighs once more, but this one is amused. She brings her left wrist up, showing a fancier Xtransceiver model than the one Ash has on his own left wrist. "Come on future Master, I'm giving you my number so if I'm not busy, you can give me a ring."

Ash hastily complies, thanking Shade as they swap contact numbers. Shade looks up at him, one corner of her mouth kicked up in a smirk. "Before I leave, I have a few things to say." She brings a finger up, "One, as soon as possible, register yourself in the Circuit via Pokémon Centres. I'm sure you know that particular drill. Two, wherever you go, whatever you do, your safety is important." Shade pauses, before lifting a third finger. "And last but not the least, have fun."

That was certainly strange. But before Ash could say anything else, Shade hops back, grinning wildly as she sings out farewells, obnoxiously blowing kisses in Volkner's direction – Ash realized that those two are not together, Shade is really just… like that – before leaving the Gym.

"Well," Volkner looks over at Ash, fishing the keys out and tossing them to Ash, who catches them with a startled look. "You can stay here for a while, just lock everything up when you leave."

"Wait, you're just gonna leave key's to your Gym with me?" Ash blurts, befuddled.

Volkner merely smirks at him, and Ash is wary at how… Shade-like that smirk was. "I'm not worried."

And with that, Volkner takes his own leave, leaving Ash staring dumbly at the keys in his hands and wondering what to do.

SUPERNOVA

That night, Ash is back in his mother's house, idly rolling the Dusk Ball across the surface of his desk as he stared blankly at the ceiling, practically just draped over his chair as he lets his mind wander.

It's been just a couple hours since he got back from the Gym, having used the morning and afternoon to bond with Deino. He's not sure whether it was a success or not; while Deino doesn't attempt to bite, chomp, charge him again – Ash had dumbly brought his hand close to the Deino again to test that out – the Deino does charge at the walls, hissing and screeching in offense when it doesn't break. Or fight back.

Ash figured he could first train the Deino in obedience, because a Deino, even a new born one, is dangerous. Ash can't use him – for he confirmed it to be male - to battle yet, not with his instincts telling to attacking everything and ask questions never. Not only would it be dangerous for the opponent, but it would just put Deino in the pound – with risk of being put down – and Ash would probably be clamped in chains.

So, no battling for Deino for now.

But if that's the case… Ash would have to stay in Sunyshore to train Deino in a safe and controlled environment. And that would set Ash back massively, which is maddening.

Unless…

Unless Ash finds another Pokémon, to potentially help in keeping Deino in line, and to battle with while Deino isn't prepared.

Actually, now that he thinks about it, that seems to be the safest way, not to mention the only way in minimizing the harm towards Ash himself and others because of Deino's temperament. Ash needs to have Pokémon as soon as possible aside from Deino; that way, Ash can safely battle, and protect or restrain the Deino if needed be.

With that thought, Ash boots up his computer, hopping onto the online Pokédex and checking the Sinnoh-exclusive Pokédex. Ash takes out a notebook from a drawer, as well as a pen, and he scrolls through the massive and informative list, penning his choices on the notebook. He adds and removes choices frequently, determined to make his choices as few as possible, while making sure the team he's envisioning will be highly effective as a whole.

Some of his picks come easily, while some also made him want to pull his hair out. He's been made aware of hard it is to be a Trainer – he had Gary as a role model on that front – but he hadn't fully grasped the sheer difficulty of it. Until now, that is.

In assembling his team, Ash also kept in mind how they would fare against the Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, and the Champion herself. They have public profiles, with their teams listed as well, everyone with extensive reports and articles written about them. They're constantly updated as well, meaning there is something new to these elite Trainers, always fresh, keeping rookies and veterans alike on their toes.

Roark, the mandatory first Gym one will encounter on their Gym Circuits, is a specialist on Rock-type Pokémon. Most would expect him to play defensively, as that is where Rock-Types usually excel in, but no. Roark has put a spin on his team, making them more offense oriented, although their defence is nothing to be scoffed at still. His real team's ace is a Rampardos; a massive Fossil Pokémon local to Sinnoh's lands, and in his rookie team's ace is the child of his Rampardos, a Cranidos that is apparently notorious for its near prodigious use of Ancient Power.

Gardenia, the Grass-Type specialist. Sinnoh, because of its naturally colder climate, doesn't have as much Grass-type to boast of. But apparently that didn't stop Gardenia, as her Grass-types are the pinnacle of a perfect Grass Pokémon, rivalling the Champion's own Grass-type, really. Her real team's ace is a seemingly ancient Torterra, and her rookie team's ace is Tropius, a curious Grass-Flying Pokémon that is both fast and fond of smacking opponents around.

Maylene is next, the newest and youngest of the Sinnoh Gym Leaders. She's Crasher Wake's very own protégé, but Maylene had gotten her position through her own effort and hard work. She's a specialist of Fighting types, and Ash saw speculations on forums that Maylene herself can bend steel, if she so wishes. He's not sure about that, but who knows? Maybe it's actually true. At any rate, her real team's ace is a Toxicroak, and her rookie team's ace is a Medicham.

Next is Maylene's mentor, Crasher Wake. An expert on Water-types, Crasher Wake and his team brings to life a violent ocean, which is terrifying or awesome depending on one's perspective. Crasher Wake, despite his looks and personality and volume, is actually a wily, wily man; he has the respect and loyalty of several dangerous Water-types after all, like a Gyrados, a Tentacruel, and lastly he has a Milotic to his name. Milotic is the ace of his real team, and Gyrados being his rookie team's ace.

With the opening four done, Fantina is considered the (relatively) weakest of the 'level 2' stage in the Gym Circuit. She's a Ghost specialist, with penchant for dazzling the opposition and taking them down while they're overwhelmed. Fantina is also a Contest enthusiast, and one can expect Fantina to battle as flamboyantly as she performs with her Pokémon, which can prove overwhelming. Her real team's ace is a Mismagius, and her rookie team's ace is a Drifblim.

Byron, surprisingly, is Roark's father. It's extremely rare – although not impossible – for family members to be Gym Leaders, especially in the same League, so Ash wasn't expecting that. Byron, though, prefers Steel over everything else, and his teams hits very hard, and can take a lot of damage, making him a very formidable enemy. If one isn't quick to act, Byron can easily overwhelm you can crush you beneath his heel, as he's quite the ferocious battler. His real team's ace is a Fossil Pokémon identified as Bastiodon, which is apparently a living fortress. For the rookie team's ace is Bronzong, a Steel-Psychic Pokémon similar – but not as powerful – as Hoenn's Metagross.

Candice is the second youngest Gym Leader, a couple years older than Maylene, to be exact. Candice is a specialist of Ice-types, which makes sense considering she lives at Snowpoint – name says it all – City and had trained extensively in the near sub-zero cold that seems to be normal in the Snowpoint Mountains. As she came out fine after spending time is such unfavourable conditions, it's a testament to how strong she ice, despite her age. Her real team's ace is a Glaceon – one of the famous Eevee's evolutions – and the rookie team ace is a Mamoswine.

"Heh." Ash huffs out in amusement as he comes across the last of the Gym Leader, one that he met personally. "Hello there, Shining Star."

Volkner, the Electric Genius. Sunyshore's pride and joy, her golden child. Volkner, as Ash knows well by now, is an Electric-type expert with the brains and skill to bring out his Pokémon's fullest potential. Volkner is also the mandatory last Gym Leader to be face, as Sunyshore is the gateway to the Pokémon League, and those who are not worthy will be stopped by Volkner. Volkner is sometimes described as a Porygon, especially if he's in the 'zone' with how fast he can calculate, anticipate and come up with counter, all in the span of a few minutes. His real team's ace is the Raichu Ash had seen with the man earlier – which is surprising; that Raichu was smaller than average – and for the rookie team's ace, it's a hulking beast of an Electivire.

Ash leans back with a sigh, popping his joints and rolling his neck to relieve tension as he takes a moment to get a break. He looks down at his notebook, reviewing the choices for his team.

A Budew that would evolve into a Roselia and lastly a Roserade, which is a Grass-Poison Pokémon. A male Ralts, so Ash would have access to having a Gallade once the Ralts is fully evolved, useful for being Psychic-Fighting. Either a Ponyta or Magby for a Fire-type, as both their final evolutions are strong Fire-types. Either a Wishcash or Quagsire as the Water-Ground Pokémon. A Gastly as a Ghost-type. And of course, Deino will be the Dark-Dragon.

Looking at his choices, Ash knows that most of his choices would be rather great on the offensive side of things, especially Gallade, Magby and Deino, but other definitely need more than raw power; Ash would have to freshen up on the tricks he knows, play smartly and not recklessly. If he wants to do that… Using Fantina's style would be the best bet. She may not be particularly or overwhelmingly strong, but she battles so inconveniently, few are prepared to face her. Apparently her moves in Pokémon Contests dazzle not only the judges, but opposition as well.

"This would make for an interesting battling," Ash muses, opening a new tab and pulling up videos of Fantina's public-accessible battles and Contest participations. Right off the bat, Ash can tell Fantina's preference. "She's certainly flashy." He murmurs with wide eyes, watching Fantina's infamous Mismagius light up the massive stadium with ghostly fire and dazzling lights.

Well, with that in mind, Ash really ought to plan out a travel itinerary; plot out his destinations, make note of where to go, what to do, list the locations of his prospective teammates…

As he lives in Sunyshore, Ash would have to prepare a hefty amount of money for sea fares, especially if he wants to go to the farthest places in Sinnoh, like Canalave, Snowpoint City, and if he can afford it, maybe even head over to the Iron Islands. To hasten his travel between city to city, Shade had given him a prepaid Travel Pass; to be handed over those in charge of transports to grant him access normally not gotten, as well as give him a discount depending on his badge count.

Ash had to smile at that last bit; travel fares – as he had looked up – would be quite expensive, and for him to save up, he needs to battle Gym Leaders and gain their Badges in order to do so. Basically telling Ash to 'get good or run out of money'.

Well, he's going to get good. He has to get good.

There's no other way for a future Pokémon Master, after all.

SUPERNOVA

Ash stayed for three more days in order to plot out a route of travel, funnily enough doing this in Volkner's Gym. The man had taken a shining for Ash, that much he could see, and damn Ash if he isn't flattered. In fact, he wants to do way better, what with a world-renowned Gym Leader watching over his progress.

Right now, Deino is back in his Dusk Ball – he's prone to running after anything that piques his curiosity still – and Ash's special travelling pouch/bag/pack is already strapped to his back, a couple of belts going over and under his shoulders for a much more secure fit. Ash has changed to a skin-tight thermal shirt, long sleeved of course, and another but looser shirt over it, giving him double protection. His pants are well insulated as well, the ends wrapped tight, and he has his brand-new travelling sneakers on. He's dressed to travel, because today…

Today is when Ash finally gets to leave his mother's house, and into the unknown path of being a Pokémon Master.

But at the moment, Ash let's his mother fawn and cry over him, blubbering something about Ash finally taking a step in taking his dreams, about growing up and she'd miss him something terrible. How he should come home every now and then, or if he can't he should drop a call.

Ash endures his mother's attention for a good while, letting her have her way for the moment, but when Volkner – should Ash be surprised at this point? – drops by, mother and son part ways, turning to greet the Gym Leader.

Volkner smiles at Ash. "You ready for the road, Ash?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Ash confirms with a resolute nod. "You need me for something before I leave?"

"Mmm," Volkner, pulls a slip of paper from the pocket of his blue pants, handing it over to Ash who accepts it easily. "Not really. You might need that before leaving though."

Ash, puzzled and just a little bit intrigued, opens the folded up piece of paper, holding it up close to his face. "Huh…?" Ash cocks his head to the side, blinking. "It just says 'look through the viewfinders, you just might see the ground and the water'…?"

Volkner's lips twitched, and Delia looks at the paper quizzically. Ash scowls, looking up at Volkner. "Shade put you up to this, didn't she?" Ash says.

Volkner just smiles, tilting his head to the side noncommittally. "She wanted to see you off personally, was even quite vocal about it, but she's called away for work suddenly. Can't even use her Xtransceiver." Volkner tells him instead, and Ash isn't quite sure whether to be flattered that Shade wants to waste her time on him, see him off, or glad that Shade isn't here. Sponsor or not, the woman is plain… eccentric. "So this is her way of saying goodbye."

"By handing me nonsense?" Ash asks, face screwed up. Volkner just laughed and nodded.

"That sounds very much like her," Volkner looks away for a moment, towards the city's exits, and sighs, sounding a little wistful before turning back to Ash, his smile a little softer now. "Well… I must be off now Ash. Good luck out there, have fun, be careful… And when your path comes back here, to Sunyshore…" Volkner's smile was a promise. "We'll just have to have a battle between us, don't we?"

"We do, bet on that." Ash takes a deep breath, before dipping into a bow, first to his mother, then to Volkner. If Shade was here, he'd bow to her too. He owes her, after all. "Well… I'll be going now."

And with that, Ash leaves Sunyshore, and towards the path to his dreams.


I only have one reason for the chapter being like this;

College.