Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or any of its characters

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or any of its characters. I only own my OC's and my ideas.

A/N. For those of you who are curious, as of right now, Team Rocket will not be making an appearance in this story. Sorry to the people who liked them.

Chapter 4

The Long Road South

"Time to get up," said Alex. It had been a day since they had left Gollen City. They had stopped for the night in Amanor Town. The next gym was in Tolentine, was two days south of Amanor Town. "We've got two good days walk to the next gym."

"Why so far?" asked Ash.

"I didn't build the cities," said Alex.

"It should be lovely," said Morgan. "Tolentine is a seaside town. It is the second biggest city in Glora."

"What's the first?"

"Erotane," said Alex.

"Isn't that where my first opponent at the tournament was from?"

"Good job paying attention," said Alex. "I completely forgot about that." They left the pokemon center and headed south out of town.

They stopped after about three hours. "I can't take another step," said Ash. "Without eating."

"Same here," said Morgan.

"Then get the fire going," said Alex. She took off her backpack and pulled out the stuff for lunch.

They let out their pokemon, who played around while lunch was being prepared. "This is great," said Ash, taking a sip of the soup. Where did you learn to cook like this?"

"My husband," said Alex. "When we went through this region, when I was just starting, he did all the cooking."

"Reminds me of Brock's cooking." They finished and then continued on their way. It was getting dark, when they stopped for the day.

"Were making goodtime," said Alex. "Unless something happens between now and then, we should be there late tomorrow afternoon."

"What does the gym leader use?" asked Ash.

"Not this time, Ash," said Alex. "The gym leader is actually one of my best friends. Kayla and I go way back."

"Well, I'm going to bed," said Morgan. She headed to her sleeping bag.

"I think it is best we do the same," said Alex. "We have a long walk tomorrow." Alex and Ash climbed into their sleeping bags and went to bed.

Ash was woke up the next morning to the strangest sound. It sounded like trees crunching. He sat up and looked around. Alex and Morgan were standing up looking around. "What is it?" asked Ash, standing up.

"No idea," said Morgan. Just as she finished speaking, a Sceptile walked through the trees. Following behind was a woman who looked to be in her mid to late sixties.

"Ah," she said, seeing the three some. She walked over. "Alex, it has been awhile."

"Yes it has," said Alex. "Morgan, Ash, this is Breanna. Breanna, this is my friend Ash and my sister Morgan."

"Pleasure to meet you," said Breanna.

"Same with you," said Ash. "That's a nice Sceptile."

"Thank you," replied Breanna.

"Would you care to join us for breakfast?" asked Alex.

"That sounds lovely." Alex cooked breakfast and they ate while sitting around the fire.

"So what brings you to these parts, Breanna?" asked Alex.

"Some training. Sceptile and I love this area. This forest is a wonderful place to train. Let me guess, Ash. You are taking the gym leader challenge."

"Exactly. I plan to beat the elite four. I've already won a badge."

"How was the battle with Drapion?"

"How did you know?" asked Morgan.

"I can tell that Ash is the type of trainer that Ted would use his Drapion against."

"My Pikachu took it out."

"Then you Pikachu must be really strong."

"I've had it ever since I became a trainer."

"How about a battle then?" asked Breanna. "After we finish breakfast of course," she added.

"Sounds great," said Ash. Ash finished quickly and then joined Breanna on the path.

"I think one on one should work."

"Fine with me," said Ash.

"I choose Sceptile," said Breanna.

"I'll go with Pikachu."

"Begin," said Alex, the acting judge.

"You may have the first move," said Breanna.

"Quick attack, Pikachu."
"Dodge, Sceptile and use leaf blade." Leaf blade connected and sent Pikachu flying.

"Iron tail, Pikachu." The move connected, but Sceptile didn't even move with the blow.

"Slam, Sceptile." It connected and Pikachu was knocked flat. "Quick attack, Sceptile."

"Volt tackle, Pikachu." The move connected.

"Leaf blade, Sceptile." It connected sending Pikachu in the air.

"Thunderbolt, Pikachu."

"Leaf storm, Sceptile." The leaf storm stopped the thunderbolt and hit Pikachu really hard. Pikachu fell to the ground.

"Come on Pikachu." Pikachu started to get up, but collapsed.

"Pikachu is unable to battle. Sceptile is the winner. The match goes to Breanna." Breanna walked over.

"That was a good battle," said Breanna. "Your Pikachu is very strong."

"Thank you," said Ash.

"With a Pikachu like that, you have a very good shot at beating us, though it might be difficult."

"Beat who?" asked Morgan.

"The Elite Four," replied Alex.

"You're one of the Elite Four?" asked a surprised Ash.

"Yes," said Breanna. "I specialize in grass pokemon."

"Who are the others?"

"We do not usually share this info with others. Each of us has the right, if he or she chooses. Our matches are only rarely televised."

"Why?" asked Morgan.

"Because," said Alex. "Think about it. If trainers do not know who they will be facing, it makes them have to prove themselves even more to beat the Elite Four."

"Good point," said Ash.

"I will say this, though," said Breanna. Each of us, including the champion are probably some of the toughest trainers you will ever face. I just gave you a taste of what is to come, if you face us. You did well, but you are far from ready to take us on. Now, I must be going. I people to visit and more training to do. Good luck at your next gym, Ash."

"Thank you," said Ash. Breanna head north along the road.

"We better get going. With the time this took, it will be pretty late by the time we reach Tolentine City. If know Kayla, the earliest battle with be between 10 and 11 AM. She does love to sleep in."

They got on the path and continued headed south. They stopped for a quick lunch before getting back on the road. "Breanna sure seemed nice," said Ash.

"She is the oldest of the Glora Elite Four."

"Was she a gym leader, before they changed Glora?" asked Morgan.

"No," replied Alex. "Nor was she a part of any Elite Four. She has just trained real well. She is well respected by most trainers. Being a good trainer is in her blood. I believe you've met her son, Ash."

"Really?" asked Ash. "Who?"

"Lance."

"She's Lance's mother? As in Lance, the Dragon Master?"

"Yeah," replied Alex. "She is also a distant realtion of my husband."

It was nearly 9:30 when they reached Tolentine City. They headed straight for the Pokemon Center and got two rooms. All three of them crashed upon arriving in their rooms.

A/N. Please R&R. Hope you are enjoying. So they reached the site of the next gym, met one of the Elite Four, and learned some family history. As I said last chapter, I know the gym leaders, and I know the Elite Four. 2 of the other three you will meet before Ash participates in the tournament to decide who faces them. You just won't know it. Note: Alex is not one of the Elite Four.

Preview: Ash goes for his second badge.