Chapter 4

Two days has passed since Ash caught Bulbasaur and left Melanie house after everything was back how it was before Team Rockets attack. The group is still on their way to Vermilion City and Ash's next gym battle, but now it appears that they have strayed a little of the main road.

"Do you guys know where we are, because I have a filling we are lost," asked Misty?

"Hmm, I think if we continue down this path we'll be back on the main road to Vermilion City," answered Brock while looking at his map.

"Can someone tell me why we are using that map when my Pokedex has navigation installed in it," asked Ash, a little annoyed?

"Well, I thought it will be easier this way then to check your Pokedex every time," replied Brock slightly embarrassed.

After Brock said that, Ash sighed, and stopped. He then closed his eyes and tried to find if there is anything close to them. After about a minute, Ash opened his eyes and said.

"There is a Pokémon center a few miles away from here, I think we should spend the night there a then continue tomorrow morning."

"Ok then, let's go," said Misty.

Fifteen minutes later, while the group was walking towards the Pokémon center, run in to a Charmander lying on the rock in the middle of the road. Finding that to be a little strange, and also seeing wounds all over his body, Ash decided to approach him and check him out.

"Hey there Charmander. Can I ask what are you doing here lying on the rock like that and covered in wounds?" Ash asked with frown on his face, having an idea of what happened.

Charmander lifted his head a little after he heard someone asking him a question and saw a boy a little younger than his trainer and two Pokémon's next two him.

"My trainer left me here after I lost a match and told me to wait him here until he returns," answered Charmander but he wasn't really expecting that Ash would understand him.

After hearing Charmander's answer the frown on Ash's face turned in to an angry expression because he knew what that meant. This Charmander was abandoned by his trainer, and he didn't even release him and told him to go and be free, but just left him here to wait.

After a few minutes of saying nothing, Ash decided to tell Charmander the truth. "Charmander, I don't think your trainer is coming back. He has abandoned you and left."

Hearing what Ash said about his trainer, Charmander stood up and shouted. "You are wrong, my trainer wouldn't just leave me here. I know he will come back and take me with him."

Near the end Charmander's voice got a little quieter, it was like he was trying to convince himself and not Ash that his trainer will return.

Instead of Ash saying something after Charmander's outburst, it was Lucario who said with a stern voice.

"Listen kid, any good trainer wouldn't just leave his Pokémon on a rock like this and say he will return, especially if said Pokémon is hurt. And judging by what you said that he left you here after you lost a battle indicates that he did abandoned you and doesn't plan to come back."

After Charmander heard that tears started forming in his eyes and the he burst out crying.

"Hey Ash, what are we going to do with him? We can't just leave him here with those wounds, and the flame on his tail looks like it will disappear and moment," asked Brock after he and Misty came closer to Ash.

"Charmander!" Ash called. Hearing Ash calling him, Charmander looked at him with tears still flowing down his face.

"Listen. There is a Pokémon center not that far from here, why don't you let me take you there and have Nurse Joy examine you and then you can decide what to do," asked Ash.

"Bu-But what if..." started Charmander but was interrupted by Ash.

"He won't be coming back!" Yelled Ash, making Charmander flinch a little.

"I think you already figured that out before we even came here, but you just seem to be in denial and don't won't to accept the truth." Ash continued his voice much lower this time.

Charmander realized that what Ash said was truth, and that deep down he knew that his trainer won't be coming back for him, especially after losing to a Grass type Pokémon.

After few more minutes of silence, Charmander wiped his tears and said. "Ok, let's go to the Pokémon center."

Ash and the others smiled after Charmander said that, and then Ash came closer to him and took him in his arms.

"Don't worry, once Nurse Joy is done with you, you will be as good as new," Ash said with a smile on his face.

Charmander just nodded, and let his head down to have a little sleep.

XXX

The group arrived at the Pokémon center 30 minutes later and went to the front desk.

"Hello Nurse Joy. Can you check this Charmander, he's been abandoned by he's trainer and is pretty hurt?" Asked Ash.

"Oh my, he looks terrible," yelled Nurse Joy.

"Give him to me, I'll get right on healing him," said Nurse Joy and took Charmander from Ash's hand's and took him to the other room to heal him.

"Well, I guess we have to wait and see how is Charmander going to be," said Brock, and everyone went and set on one of the desk's in the center.

The group sat there in silence for several minutes before that silence was interrupted by some boys talking louder than they should.

"Wow Damian, you sure have a great collection of Pokémon don't you," said one of the boys who were sitting several desk's from Ash and the others, while looking at the collection of probably around twenty Poke balls.

"Hahaha, yeah! Of course I have great collection, all of this Pokémon have been picked by me, and they know they have to be powerful because if they are not I'll just release them somewhere in the middle of nowhere all beat up," laughed the boy now known as Damian.

"Wait, didn't you have a Charmander. Where is he?" Asked one of the boys.

"Oh, that thing, frowned Damian. "I left him on a rock several miles from here after he lost to some girls Bulbasaur. The weakling kept following me even after I told him that I'm releasing him, so in the end I told him to wait me on the rock until I come back for him. That idiot is probably still there."

When he said that all of them started laughing at Charmander's misery.

When Ash heard what Damian said he got very angry, so he stood from his chair and walked towards him.

"Hey you!" Ash called in a very low voice that sent chills down everyone's spines.

When Damian looked at him Ash asked. "What did you just say about leaving Charmander?"

"Why do you care, and who the hell are you anyway?" Asked Damian after he stood up from his chair.

"I found a Charmander lying on the rock few miles from here. He was hurt and the flame on his tail was very close to dying out. Are you the one who left him there?" Ash asked getting more and more angry.

Damian frowned after hearing that but responded anyway. "Yes I left him there because he was wicking who couldn't even defeat Grass Type Pokémon."

Right after he said that, Ash released his Aura and his right hand went forward and grabbed Damian by his throat and lifted him in the air. The other boys that were there with Damian quickly run away after they saw what Ash did, while Brock and Misty long with Lucario and Pikachu just stood there not wanting to interfere in this.

"You know, I really hate people like you. Instead of treating Pokémon like your friends and train them to become more powerful, you abuse them and when you don't like them any more you just get rid of them," said Ash in his almost demonic voice. (His voice is the same as Kyuubi in English dub of Naruto, while Ash's normal voice is like adult Gohan from DBZ).

"When you started abusing your Pokémon you made a mistake, when you abandoned Charmander like you did, you made another mistake, and you are even carrying with you more Pokémon then you are allowed," said Ash.

"Do you know what all of that mean's?" Ash finally asked, still holding Damian by his throat.

"Wh-What does that mean?" Damian barely managed to ask because Ash was crushing his throat with his grip.

"That means that you have broken a lot of law's and because of that I can revoke your trainers license and have you arrested for abusing Pokémon," Ash responded with a grin on his face, his voice now back to normal.

"WH-What, you can't do that. Who do you think you are," Damian managed to yell now because Ash loosened his grip on his throat?

"Oh, but I can. You see Damian I'm a Grand Master of the Aura Guardians, and because of that I'm allowed to revoke trainer's license and even some people if I think it's necessary," explained Ash, and everyone there got wide eyed because of what he said.

"Nurse Joy, could you please call Officer Jenny and tell he to come here and have this trash taken to jail," Ash asked after he turned his head around and looked at Nurse Joy, who has been standing there with Chansey since the beginning, not that anyone was able to notice her except for Ash and his Lucario and Pikachu, and has heard everything.

"Of course Ash, I'll call her right away," said Nurse Joy and went to make the call.

After Nurse Joy left, Ash turned back and looked at Damian, who was now on the floor.

"I would love nothing more than to rip out your heart an crush it beneath my feet, but if I do that the they would throw me in jail and I wouldn't be able to keep the promise that I made five years ago," Ash said to Damian again with his demonic voice, and Damian actually pissed himself when he heard that.

"Lucario, Pikachu stay here and guard him so he doesn't escape," Ash said to his Pokémon, and then looked at Brock and Misty. "Let's go see how Charmander is doing."

XXX

An hour later Officer Jenny came and after Ash explained what happened and Nurse Joy confirmed she went and arrested Damian.

Before Jenny came, Ash confiscated all of Damian's Pokémon and asked Nurse Joy to check them all and see if they are Ok.

He also sent a message to the President of the Pokémon League, Mr. Charles Goodshow, and informed him of what happened, and that he revoked Damian's trainer's license, and called Jenny to arrest him. He also asked him what to do with Damian's Pokémon's that he gave to Nurse Joy to check.

He received a message back fifteen minutes later, in which he was congratulated for the job well done, and that he can either release Damian's Pokémon or give them to someone he knows he can trust, and who can take good care of them.

When Officer Jenny left to take Damian to Police station, and Nurse Joy finished checking and healing all of Damian's former Pokémon, Ash along with Brock and Misty and released them all from their Poke balls.

Out of the Poke balls came; Wartortle, Pink Butterfree, Beedrill, Pidgeotto, Sandslash, Venomoth, Poliwrath, Cloyster, Rhyhorn, Pinsir, Tauros, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Tangela, Dodrio, Golduck. Charmander was already out.

All of them looked at Ash and waited to hear what he will say to them. Nurse Joy informed them what happened while she was checking them, and they were all happy that Damian won't abuse them anymore.

Seeing that they are all quiet and waiting for him to say something Ash said.

"Since Nurse Joy already informed you of what happened to Damian I'll get straight to business," said Ash.

"Because you no longer have trainer I was told to see what to with all of you. So I decided to do this." Started Ash.

"You all can chose one of three things; One, if you want I can release you back in to the wilderness, Two, you can join me and become part of my team, and Three, you can join Brock and Misty and become part of their team," explained Ash their choices. "You can all discus among yourself what to do."

Ash already said to Misty and Brock what he will do, so they were not surprised. They also made a deal that Misty can get all the water Pokémon who decide to join either her or Brock and everyone agreed.

When Damian's former Pokémon made their decision they all nodded at Ash informing him they have decided.

"Ok then, those of you who want to be released go stand to my left, I'll have you all released in the place where capturing Pokémon is forbidden, so you can leave in peace."

When Ash said that, Beedrill, Pidgeotto, Venomoth, Pinsir, Tauros, Tangela and Dodrio went to his left and all stood there.

"All those who want to be part of Brock's or Misty's team go stand closer to them," said Ash.

Wartortle, Sandslash, Poliwrath, Cloyster, Rhyhorn and Golduck all stood closer to Brock and Misty, who was almost salivating when she saw which water Pokémon she will get.

"And I assume the rest of you want to come with me," guessed Ash, and then Pink Butterfree, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon and Charmander came closer to him.

"Ok then. Since you want to be released, I'll gave your Poke ball's to Officer Jenny who will release you where I told you before. That place is about two days walk from here, so you will all be at your new home soon," said Ash to the first group, who nodded and said good bye to their friends before they were returned to their Poke ball's.

"Next, since you want to go with Brock and Misty you can, but if I can just ask if all water Pokémon among you will be willing to go with Misty, since she loves water Pokémon and wants to become water Pokémon master one day," said Ash.

All of them looked at each other and then they spread between Brock and Misty. Sandslash and Rhyhorn went next to Brock, and Wartortle, Poliwrath, Cloyster, and Golduck went next to Misty who smiled at them and even hugged all four of them, which caused them to blush in embarrassment.

"And since you want to come with me, all I can say is welcome you to the team and I hope we can be good friends. I'll introduce you to my other Pokémon's later, but for now let's make this official," said Ash and after releasing them from Damian's Poke ball's he caught them in his.

After he did, two of his Poke balls shrunk down and locked themselves because now he has fourteen Pokémon and he can only carry twelve at the same time.

XXX

Ash and company spent another day in Pokémon center and during that time all of their new Pokémon meet their older ones, except for Fearow, Pidgeotto and Golbat who were sent at Professor Oak's lab.

All of their new and old Pokémon started getting along very soon and are now friends. Well, all except Ash first Butterfree who when he saw Pink Butterfree he instantly feel in love with her, and has been chasing her ever since, but it appears that she's playing a little hard to get.

Pikachu, Vaporeon, Flareon and Jolteon quickly become very good friends, and during their talk it was discovered that all three of them were children of the two Eevee's that Pikachu lived with at Safari Zone. Apparently, when Damian went there he was able to capture them and later evolve them with Evolution stones that he had.

All three were happy when they heard that they will go there very soon and they will be able to see their parents and siblings again.

After a day of getting to know each other, all of them went to get some sleep, because in the morning next day they will leave Pokémon center and go to Vermilion City.

XXX

It has been a few days since Ash and company resumed their traveling toward Vermilion City, and like usual, Ash doesn't seem to be in a hurry since he has made several stops to train his Pokémon.

Now that he has five new Pokémon he decided to train them a little while Lucario, Pikachu and Alakazam are focusing on his older Pokémon.

Ash's first Charmander is ready for his gym battle since he has perfected Protect and Metal Claw, and now only improving his speed and power. Damian's former Charmander is with him, since they started training together.

His old Butterfree and his new one are now training together and learning new moves, with Pink Butterfree trying to catch up to first Butterfree because Damian hasn't trained her so good.

As for Bulbasaur, Vaporeon, Flareon and Jolteon, they are only doing physical exercises for now. Fearow, Pidgeotto and Golbat are still at Oak's ranch.

Right now, Ash, Misty and Brock are walking on the road toward Vermilion City when they all somehow ended up falling in the hole that someone dug in the middle of the street.

"Who dug this hole in the middle of the street," groaned Misty while lying in the hole along with Ash, Brock, Lucario and Pikachu?

"I don't know, but when I find out there will be hell to pay," Ash responded.

"Squrtle Squirtle Squirt," they all suddenly heard from above them, and when they looked up everyone saw five Squirtle's standing next to the hole and laughing at them.

"So it was those Squirtle's that dug this hole," stated Brock.

"But why would they do that?" Asked Misty.

"It doesn't matter why they did it, what's important is that they did, and now I'm going to teach them to not mess with me," said Ash after getting back on his feet.

"Hahaha, you humans are so stupid, what do you think you can do from inside that hole," mocked one of the Squirtle's after he heard what Ash said. This Squirtle sims to be the leader because he is standing in front of the others, and is wearing different sun glasses then the others, who are all wearing the same.

"Lucario, Pikachu, let's go!" Shouted Ash.

"Right father\Ash," yelled back Lucario and Pikachu.

Right as they said that, all three of them jumped high in the air and landed outside of the hole and surrounded all Squirtle's.

"WH-What, how is this possible, who are you?" Asked the leading Squirtle, after seeing Ash and his Pokémon jump out of five meters deep hole.

"What's wrong Squirtle, where did all that laugh of yours disappear," asked Ash in return, with a scowl on his face that was mimicked by Lucario and Pikachu?

Squrtle growled and was about to jump and attack Ash when someone's voice interrupted him.

"Hey kid are you Ok, did those Squirtle's hurt you," asked the voice of Officer Jenny who was coming toward them on her motorbike.

"Don't worry Officer Jenny, I'm fine and my friends are fine as well," answered Ash, after looking at Officer Jenny. "But I'm not so sure about these Squirtle's. I mean they did dig this hole in which we all fell."

"If you think we will let you hurt us, you are mistaken," yelled the leader of the Squirtle's and got in position to fight Ash, and was quickly followed by the others.

Imagine their surprise when it turned out that Ash understood everything they said.

"Who ever said that I'm going to hurt you?" Asked Ash with a smirk on his face, much to the surprise of all Squirtle's there and Officer Jenny.

"You understood what they said," stated Officer Jenny surprised by this.

"Yes, I did. I'm Aura user, and because of that I can understand everything Pokémon say," replied Ash.

"But before I do anything, can you tell me why you are doing this kind of stuff?" Asked Ash looking at leading Squrtle.

"Pft, I'm not telling you a thing," replied Squirtle, and turned his head away from Ash.

"Officer Jenny do you know something," Ash asked Jenny, after he saw that Squirtle won't say anything.

Officer Jenny looked down for a second before she said. "Those Squirtle's were all abandoned by their trainers and because of that they are now puling pranks on humans in this small town that's up ahead. They are not really bad, they just don't like humans."

Ash looked at Squirtle who had a scowl on his face. After thinking for a few second he decided what to do.

"Alakazam, come on out," said Ash and released his Alakazam from his Poke ball.

"Yes father how can I help you," Alakazam asked using Telepathy, and didn't care if the others heard him.

Ash ignored the others gaping faces when they heard Alakazam talking in their heads and asked. "Can you go and pull Bock and Misty from that hole over there?"

"Of course father," replied Alakazam.

"Why does he call you father," asked Squirtle?

"That's because Alakazam and Lucario were with me since before they even hatched, I raised them and we trained together since I was five years old," replied Ash, to Squirtle who got an interested look on his face.

"Ok then, back to business. I have a proposition for you Squirtle, do you want to her it?" Asked Ash.

"What do you want?" Squirtle asked back.

"I want to battle against you. I'll use one of my Pokémon and if you win, I'll let you and your friends go, but if you lose, I want you to join me and become one of my Pokémon's, and your friends will go with Officer Jenny, I'm sure she can find something for them to do," said Ash with a serious expression on his face.

All of the Squirtle's and Officer Jenny were surprised by Ash's proposition.

"And what makes you think I want to battle you when I know there is a risk I'll lose. I'm not interested to become another human's pet, who will just abandon me in the end like last one did?" Yelled Squirtle.

"Well you can refuse. But then I'll have to capture you all and hand you to the other Aura Guardians that will probably hand you to some trainers or keep you under lock because of your pranking habit. But if you agree than your friends will be all together, and you can be with me a will be able to keep in touch with them all," said Ash.

When Ash finished his explanation, four Squirtle's got scared looks on their faces. If what he said is truth then they might end up with some trainer's that are just like their former ones, and if they don't hand them over, they'll be under lock. On the other hand if they do except his proposition, then they will be all together, and will be able to keep in touch with the boss Squirtle.

Seeing their scared faces, the head Squirtle said to them. "Ok let's make a plan." And they all created a circle and started talking with each other.

While they were talking, Alakazam has managed to pull Brock and Misty from the hole they fell into, and then they all stood close to Officer Jenny to see what will happen.

After several minutes of talking, all Squirtle's turned around and looked at Ash. "Ok, we agree to your proposition, but if this turns out to be some trap and my friend's end up in any danger, then you will pay. Am I clear," said the leader of this little Squrtle squad.

"Don't worry about your friends, they will be fine, and you will be fine as well. Just wait and see," Ash reassured them all.

"Ok then let's get this over with. But you should know that I won't let you capture me, as I'll win this battle," said Squrtle with a smirk, and went to an empty field and stood on one side, while Ash stood on the other.

"Charmander, I chose you," said Ash and let his first Charmander on the battlefield.

"Why are you using Fire type Pokémon against a Water type, you'll be at a disadvantage," asked Officer Jenny.

"I want to see if Charmander has become strong enough to battle in the next gym like I planned, and this Squirtle might be a good challenge," answered Ash.

"Squirtle you can have the first move," said Ash, and then Squirtle went ahead and fired Water Gun at Charmander.

"Charmander dodge and use Flamethrower," said Ash.

When Water Gun that Squirtle fired was just several meters from Charmander, he jumped high in the air and blew a Flamethrower that was bigger the most Charmander's can fire.

Seeing that this Flamethrower is too fast for him to dodge, Squirtle quickly used Withdraw, and pulled himself inside of his shell, he was then hit by Flamethrower, and sent it flying several meters back.

"Good job Charmander," praised Ash after seeing successful hit.

"Thank you Ash," replied Charmander, with a smile.

Just then Squirtle got out of his shell looking slightly burned but overall fine. He then used started running toward Charmander and used Bubble Beam while running.

"Charmander dodge again," said Ash.

Charmander again dodged Squirtle's attack, but was surprised when Squirtle basically flew at him and used Scull Bash on Charmander that hit right at Charmander's stomach and sent him flying straight to the ground and in front of Ash.

"Oho, this Squrtle really is strong," commented Ash.

"Charmander get up and use Smokescreen," said Ash.

Charmander managed to get up but was holding his stomach from being hit by Skull bash. He pulled himself together and used Smokescreen, that quickly spreaded around the field and blocked Squirtle's sight.

"Now Charmander get in there and hit him with Iron Tail," said Ash.

Squirtle tried to see where the attack will come from, but because of the Smokescreen he couldn't see anything, and that's when he felt a very strong hit, straight on the head from Charmander's tail that was now glowing white.

The attack was so strong that it sent Squirtle flying back and collided with a tree. After that Squirtle fell uncounsces and the battle was over with Charmander as a winner.

"That was great Charmander, you are definitely ready for your first gym battle," said Ash and patted Charmander on the head getting a happy cry from him.

After that, Ash returned his Charmander and went to see how Squirtle is doing. Just as he got next to him, Squirtle's eyes opened slightly and he saw Ash standing over him.

"I guess I lost ha," sighed Squirtle and then pulled himself up. He had a big lump on his head where he was hit by Iron Tail, and a few burn marks from that first Flamethrower, but other than that he was fine.

"Yes you did, but you shouldn't feel sad because of that, you did very well. Also, I trained that Charmander very hard since we started our journey and that was the result. Now that you are joining us you will became very powerful very soon," said Ash, and put his hand on Squirtle's head, and patted him like Charmander before.

After all was over, Squirtle went to say good bye to his friend's from Squirtle Squad, and after a small talk with all of them and Officer Jenny, she told him that the other Squirtle's that are staying with her are going to become Fire Fighters in the City and live how they want to.

When the talking was over and everyone said their goodbyes, Squirtle allowed himself to be captured by Ash, and they all restarted their journey toward Vermilion City, but not before Misty had to drag Brock by his ear because he was flirting with Officer Jenny. (I'm not going to write Brock's flirting, because I think it's annoying. I'll just mention it from time to time and that's it).

XXX

It has been three days since Ash has captured Squirtle and in those three days he has introduced him to his other Pokémon and has started his training with other of Ash's Pokémon.

But Squirtle wasn't the only new Pokémon that Ash has caught. Yesterday while the group was coming to Vermilion City they decided to have a little training on the beach outside of Vermilion City, and it was during that training that the group saw two Krabby's, and so Ash and Misty decided to catch them.

Ash used his new Squirtle and was able to defeat Krabby and then capture it, but since Ash already had twelve Pokémon with him, he had to send Krabby to Oak's ranch, where he will stay with Fearow, Pidgeotto and Golbat until he gets him back to start his training.

Misty's Krabby stayed with her, while her Goldeen was sent back to her sisters in Cerulean City gym, where her Staryu was sent after Misty got four of Damian's former Pokémon.

The group spent the rest of the training all of their Pokémon, and Ash was doing final preparations with Charmander for his gym battle.

Misty did ask Ash at some point why he was only preparing Charmander for his gym battle, and he said that he has heard that few months ago the gym leader of Vermilion gym has started to do only one-on-one battles after he evolved his Pikachu into Raichu.

Ash and his friends have finally arrived a Vermilion City, where Ash can have his fourth gym battle. It took a few weeks to get here, but he is here now and is ready to get his fourth gym badge.

Before they go to the gym, Ash and company stopped at Pokémon center to check all their Pokémon, because they were pretty exhausted from all the training they did.

When they got to the Pokémon center Ash went in front of Nurse Joy's desk. "Hello Nurse Joy, can you check our Pokémon to make sure they are fine from our trip here and training?" Asked Ash.

"Of course, it's no trouble at all," replied Nurse Joy and took all of their Poke balls, but then some kid run in Pokémon center while carrying his Rattata who was very injured.

"Nurse Joy can you help my Rattata please, it's been injured in our gym match," yelled the boy!

"Oh my, this is terrible," yelled Nurse Joy! "Chansey bring the stretcher to put Rattata on, I'll come immediately to heal him."

"I'm sorry about this, but can you wait until I finish with Rattata and then I'll check your Pokémon," Nurse Joy asked Ash.

"Sure Nurse Joy it's no problem," replied Ash and then Nurse Joy run to heal Rattata.

After Nurse Joy left Ash looked at the boy that brought Rattata and asked. "Hey, what happened to your Rattata?"

"We had a battle against , the Vermilion City Gym Leader, and his Raichu beat my Rattata very badly," replied the boy with his head down, looking at the floor.

"I see," mumbled Ash. "I'm sorry about that."

An hour later Nurse Joy came out and said to Rattata's trainer that his Pokémon will be fine and that he doesn't need to worry any more. She then took Ash's Pokémon as well as Misty's and Brock's and went to check them, and since checking all of them will take some time they decided to take two room's in Pokémon center and spend the night there and then have a gym battle in the morning.

XXX

Ash opened the door of the Veridian City gym and walked in, his Lucario next to him and Pikachu on his shoulder, they were followed by Misty and Brock. "My name is Ash Ketchum, and I challenge to a gym battle," announced Ash.

"So you are here for a gym battle ha," stated a women that came in front of them.

"Yes I am," confirmed Ash.

"Ok then follow me," said the woman, and went further inside the gym.

"Your friends can sit on the bleachers while you have your battle," said the woman and pointed to the side where there were several rows of bleachers.

"Good luck in your battle Ash," said Misty and went to sit on the bleachers with Brock, while Ash just nodded his head. Oh Misty wait, called Ash and released his new Charmander.

"Charmander I want you to go with Misty and Brock and sit on the bleachers to watch this match," said Ash. "Is that Ok with you?"

"Yes, that's ok Ash," said Charmander, but only Ash understood him.

The woman that was leading him cast a glance at Ash curios why did he sent his Charmander to watch this battle, but then shrugged it off and said. "Sir, you have a new challenger," said the woman while looking at a massive man that was sitting on the chair on the other side of the field, his Raichu standing next to him.

"Is that so? Well I hope you are better than those before you, because if you are not I'll be disappointed because you have the look of a good trainer," said Lt. Surge while looking at Ash.

Ash said nothing and just stood on his side of the field, while the woman went on the side to be the judge of the match.

"This will be a one-on-one battle. The first trainer to lose his Pokémon losses," announced the judge.

"Raichu you are up," called Lt. Surge.

"Charmander I chose you," shouted Ash and out came his Charmander pumped up and ready for battle.

"You have two Charmander's," stated Lt. Surge a little surprised.

"Yes I do. But I caught the one on the bleachers not that long ago, and I want him to watch this battle, and try to learn as much as he can, replied Ash," after which Surge nodded his head and motioned to the referee to start the match.

"Begin!"

"Charmander, use Flamethrower," Ash called his first move.

"Raichu counter it with Thunderbolt," said Surge.

Charmander took a deep breath and fired a huge Flamethrower, which surprised Raichu and everyone else by how powerful it was, but Raichu quickly surrounded himself in electricity and fired a Thunderbolt straight at Charmander's Flamethrower.

Two attacks battled for dominance for a few seconds, before Flamethrower started to overpower Thunderbolt, and headed slowly at Raichu. But when it was close to hit Raichu both attacks exploded, which raised dust from the ground and sent Raichu lying back a little.

"Raichu get up and use Discharge," shouted Lt. Surge getting angry because his Raichu's Thunderbolt was overpowered by Charmander's Flamethrower.

Raichu got up with a scowl on his face and, lighted up his body with electricity and then released it all around him.

Seeing an attack coming at Charmander, and with no way to dodge, Ash said. "Charmander use Protect, and then Iron Tail."

Charmander created a greenish barrier around himself, and then started running toward Raichu with his tail glowing white, while Protect kept him safe from Raichu's Discharge.

Right when Discharge ended, Charmander jumped in front of Rachu, and hit him with Iron Tail, sending him flying back all the way to the other side of the field where he collided with the wall.

"No Raichu get up," yelled Surge not believing what is happening.

Raichu somehow managed to stand up, but everyone could tell he was close to passing out. "Charmander finish him off with Flamethrower," said Ash, and then his Charmander fired another Flamethrower at Raichu, but this time he couldn't counter it or dodge it so he was hit and blasted away.

When the smoke cleared out everyone saw Raichu lying on the ground covered in burns and completely passed out.

"Gym leaders Raichu is unable to battle, the winner of the match is Ash Ketchum and his Charmander," called the referee.

"Congratulations on your first win in gym battle's Charmander, you were great," congratulated Ash, and his Charmander smiled and thanked him. After that Ash's friends came down from the bleachers and all of them congratulated both him and Charmander, with new Charmander asking the other for some help in training.

"Well Ash that was a great battle congratulation's. Here is your badge you deserve it," said Lt. Surge and handed Ash Thunder Badge.

"Thank you Lt. Surge," thanked Ash, and then he and everyone else turned around and walked out of the gym and went back to Pokémon center.

XXX

After Ash got back to his room in Pokémon center he decided to call his mother and see how she is doing.

"Hello mom, how are you doing?" Ash asked his mom after she answered on her phone.

"Oh Ashy it's you!" She said. "I'm doing ok, but how are you doing, how are your battle's going?"

"I'm fine mom, you don't need to worry about me," answered Ash. "As for my battles its going great, I just got my fourth badge in Vermilion city gym."

"Oh honey that's great, I'm so proud of you," smiled Delia.

"Anyway, how are thing's back home," asked Ash?

"Everything is going great honey, in fact, your father came back few days ago, and we are planning to go somewhere on vacation," said Delia and surprised Ash.

"Dad's back, I wasn't expecting him to be back for a while," said Ash surprised. "And where are you going?"

"Well he said that he got some time free, and he wanted us to go to Porta Vista," replied Delia.

"I see, well then I hope you have great time," said Ash. "Anyway, I have to go now, I'll call again after my next gym battle."

"Wait Ash, your father want's to tell you something," called Delia, and let Red talk with Ash.

"Hey son, how are you doing," asked Red after he got the phone from Delia?

"I'm doing fine dad, I just finished battle in Vermilion City got my fourth badge. I'll start going toward Saffron City tomorrow morning," said Ash.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, why don't you take a few days rest from your journey," Asked Red?

"What do you mean?" Asked Ash, a little surprised.

"St. Anne is currently in Vermilion city, and will go to Porta Vista tomorrow at noon. I'd like you and your friends go and get on board, there will be some interesting things that will happen there, and I'm sure you'll like it," said Red. "We'll also be able to see each other in Porta Vista."

"St. Anne hah," Ash got a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Ok, why not, I and my Pokémon could use a few days' rest, and I'm sure Misty and Brock will love it," replied Ash after a few moments of thinking.

"Great, I'll notify the Captain, so that he can have tickets ready," said Red smiling.

"Why do we need ticket's, isn't St. Anne our ship?" Ash asked confused.

"Yes it is, but you three will need tickets because there is something special going to happen there," replied Red.

"I'm assuming you won't tell me what it is," said Ash.

"Nope, it's a surprise," Red replied with a smirk.

"Ok then I'll see you at Porta Vista," said Ash, and waved good bye to his father.

XXX

"Wow, so this is St. Anne," said Misty in awe while standing in front of a large Cruiser with Ash and Brock.

Yesterday after Ash finished his conversation with his father, he told Misty and Brock that his father has invited them all to go on board St. Anne because there is something special going on there, and Misty has been existed ever since because it was one of her dream to travel on board that Cruiser.

"Yes, that is St. Anne," said Ash.

"And you are telling me that this ship belongs to your family," stated Misty.

"Yep," Ash replied shortly. "Come on, let's go."

After that, Ash and company went towards the entrance of the ship and told who they are, then they were let inside and taken to their room, which was an owner suit. There Ash and the others were given their tickets, and told why was it important to have them.

Apparently, there will be a ticket drawing going on tonight, and four lucky passengers will be given some sort of gift, there will also be a tournament were also top four trainers will be reworded in some way.

For the next few hours after the ship left Vermilion City, Ash, Brock and Misty spent going around the ship and meting some trainers that were also on board.

"Ok everyone, will you all please gather around, it's time for the special surprise," the announcer said, and then everyone gathered around the central stage.

When everyone was in front of the stage, announcer said. "Pokémon League has decided to give some rewards to four lucky trainers whose names will be drawn from this ball," she said, and pointed to a ball that was full with tickets.

"Each of this tickets have your names one them, so when your name is called please come forward to receive your reword," said the announcer and got cheers form everyone there.

"So that was the reason why we needed those tickets," commented Ash.

"Yeah I guess, but I wonder what the gifts are," said Brock.

"And if you are wondering what the gifts four lucky winners will receive are," started the announcer. "It's these beautiful Pokémon eggs!" She pointed at four Pokémon eggs that were on the desk next to her, hidden by the sheet, which got even bigger cheering from the crowd.

"Let the drawing start," she announced, and the ball started spinning in circle for a few moments, before it stopped and she put her hand inside and drew one ticket.

"The first lucky winner is the trainer named Brock Harrison," yelled the announcer.

"Wow I won," said Brock surprised and went on the stage where he received a Pokémon egg.

"Congratulation Brock, here is your egg," said the announcer, and handed him an egg that was half red half yellow, with booth colors looking like a flames dancing with one another.

"Thank you very much," thanked Brock and went back to Ash and Misty.

"Ok let's get to the next lucky winner," said announcer and took another ticket from the ball.

"And our second winner is Cynthia White," said the announcer and the girl that looks about two years older than Ash (Cynthia from the anime I'm not writhing her description), came on the stage and received her egg, which was white with red and blue markings on it.

"Our third winner is, Misty Williams," announced the girl.

"Yes I won," shouted Misty and run at the stage where she got her egg. Misty's egg was light brown with several darker brown marks.

"What are the chances that the both of us will be drawn?" Misty wandered after she got back to Ash and Brock.

"Very small, but I guess we were just lucky," replied Brock, his egg in his hands just like Misty's.

"And our final lucky winner is Ash Ketchum," yelled the announcer which caused Ash, Brock and Misty to drop their jaws to the floor. I mean seriously, what are the chances for all three of them to be lucky winners?

"Congratulation Ash, here is your egg," said the announcer after Ash got to the stage, and gave him his egg. Ash's egg was white with red marks on it. He then went back to and stood next to Misty and Brock with all three of them holding Pokémon eggs.

"That would be it for this surprise that we had for you, but there is something else that will be going on today. There will be a tournament held on board this ship, and those who are interested can sign up here with me. The tournament starts in two hours, and it will be one-on-one Pokémon battle with top four trainers receiving some reward's for their performance," explained the announcer, and as she finished, she was swarmed by eager trainers who wanted to participate in the tournament.

XXX

For the next two hours, most of the trainers who were on board St. Anne signed up for the tournament that will be held later. Ash, Brock and Misty signed up as well since this would be a good opportunity to train some of their Pokémon, and if they are lucky again, they might get to the semifinals and receive something else.

Once the tournament started fights were being held all over St. Anne since the cruiser was so big, that it had several battle fields, and because of that, the tournament that would normally last several days, was coming to an end in just a few hours.

Right now, it's about eleven O clock in the night, and only the final battle was left, to decide who will be the winner of this little tournament.

Many couldn't believe it, but the four trainers that have made it to the semifinal, are the same trainers that have been chosen to receive Pokémon eggs earlier that day.

Ash, Brock, Misty and Cynthia were in the semifinals.

There Ash battled with Brock and was able to defeat him, with Ash's Squirtle defeating Brock's Onix. In the other semifinal, Cynthia's Gastrodon defeating Misty's Cloyster.

"Ok people it is time for the final battle of St. Anne tournament. On one side we have Ash Ketchum who got to the final by defeating all of his opponent's very easily, and on the other side we have Cynthia White, who has defeated all her opponent's almost as easily as Ash, since she had a little trouble with Misty in the semifinal match," yelled the announcer.

"Well Ash, I'm glad you are my opponent since I can tell that you are one of the best young trainers that I have encountered since the start of my journey," said Cynthia, and gave a slight smile at Ash.

Ash looked at Cynthia for a few moments, and got a small blush on his face seeing how beautiful she actually is. He didn't really pay attention before, so he didn't notice it by now.

"Umm, thanks' for the praise, and I hope we have a good battle," replied Ash, suddenly getting a little nerves, and didn't know what else to say.

Cynthia noticed Ash blushing slightly and getting nerves, and got a small smile on her face.

"Ok trainers chose your Pokémon,' said referee for this match.

"Gabite to the battlefield," called Cynthia and released her strongest Pokémon, since she knew that this was going to be difficult match.

Ash saw Cynthia releasing Gabite, and just by looking at her he could tell that it was very powerful Pokémon.

"That Gabite sure is powerful. Great job raising her," praised Ash, while looking at Cynthia.

"Thanks'. This Gabite was actually my first Pokémon, so we have been together for a while," replied Cynthia.

"Is that so," muttered Ash.

"In that case I'll chose one of my first Pokémon. Lucario you are up," Ash sent his Lucario, who nodded his head and entered the field.

"BEGIN!"

"Gabite start this off with Flamethrower," said Cynthia.

"Lucario Protect," Ash called his first move.

Gabite took deep breath and fired powerful looking Flamethrower at Lucario, who just stood there and did nothing, until Flamethrower was close to him, and then activated green barrier around himself.

When the attack hit, it caused an explosion that caused smoke to envelope the field and cover Lucario.

"That was good try Cynthia, but it won't be enough to defeat my Lucario," said Ash, and right then the smoke cleared and showed Lucario standing in the same spot, and green barrier around him.

"Lucario use Ice Punch," ordered Ash, and caused Cynthia's eyes to widen slightly.

"Gabite dodge that," yelled Cynthia.

Lucario's right fist gained white-blue color and then he started running toward Gabite, who barely managed to jump away and avoid Lucario's attack, because he was moving extremely fast.

"Lucario Ice Punch again but this time use Quick Attack to get in close," said Ash.

"No Gabite, quickly jump up and use Giga Impact," screamed Cynthia.

But it was already too late for Gabite, because before she could even blink, she was hit in the face by a Lucario's Ice Punch and sent he back toward Cynthia.

"Gabite no, please get up," yelled Cynthia.

Gabite somehow managed to get up on her feet, but was weakened because Ice Punch was very effective against Dragon type like Gabite.

"Can you continue to battle Gabite," asked Cynthia, worry for her Pokémon evident in her voice?

Gabite nodded her head slightly and returned to battle stance.

"Great then use Dragon Pulse and follow it up with Giga Impact while Lucario is distracted," said Cynthia.

Gabite opened its mouth and a turquoise ball of energy appeared in front of it, she then fired it straight at Lucario, and then jumped high in the air and her body got surrounded by spiraling orange streaks.

"Lucario dodge it," said Ash, and just as Lucario jumped in the air to dodge Dragon Pulse, he saw Gabite fly towards him with a purple energy sphere that replaced orange streaks surrounding her body.

"Lucario quickly Iron Defense," Ash slightly raised his voice.

Lucario crossed his arms and its body become surrounded in blue. His body then shined white, just before he was hit by Giga Impact that sent him straight at the ground, and caused small cloud of dust to appear around him.

"Great job Gabite, I think we have won this," said Cynthia and smiled at her Gabite who returned her smile.

"I wouldn't celebrate so fast if I were you," said Ash and then Lucario stood from the ships floor like it was nothing, his body still shining white.

"What, how is that possible he doesn't even have a scratch on him?" Asked Cynthia, while staring wide eyed at Lucario.

"My Lucario is very powerful," Ash simply shrugged his shoulders in response.

"Lucario it's time to finish this, Bone Rush now," said Ash.

Lucario created a long stick shaped like a bone, and in an instant appeared in front of Gabite and hit her several times which sent her flying towards Cynthia.

Gabite flew and landed behind Cynthia already uncounsces. "Gabite nooo," Cynthia yelled and run to see if Gabite is ok. After seeing that she is fine and just uncounsces, she breathed in relief.

"Gabite is unable to battle, the winner of this match is Lucario, and the winner of the tournament is Ash Ketchum," announced the referee.

"And that's it people, the first champion of the St. Anne tournament is Ash Ketchum, tolled the announcer which caused the crowd to cheer loudly for Ash.

"Good job Lucario," praised Ash.

"Thank you father," replied Lucario.

Ash then went toward Cynthia, along with his Lucario and Pikachu, who was on his right shoulder all this time. "That was a good battle Cynthia, you are a great trainer," said Ash, when he got in front of her.

"Thank you Ash, I just hope our next battle won't be so one sided like this one. Your Lucario completely overpowered my Gabite," replied Cynthia after she stood up and returned her Gabite inside its Poke ball.

"You just have to train harder, and then on day we will have an amazing battle," said Ash, and put his hand forward for a hand shake.

Cynthia accepted his hand shake and replied with a smile. "I will Ash."

"Alright, it's time for the reward for our top four trainers," said the announcer and everyone went in front of the stage, with Ash, Cynthia, Misty and Brock standing next to each other.

Before the final match Misty defeated Brock in the match for the third place, so she will be receiving third reward and Brock fourth.

"Our fourth place Brock Harison gets a set of Potion's", said the announcer and handed Brock a box with several different potions.

"Thank you very much," said Brock, and went off the stage.

"Third place Misty Williams gets a set of six Lure Balls and 2 water stones," said the announcer and gave the reward to Misty who was having hearts in her eyes because of her reward. "Ah this is great, thank you very much," shouted Misty and shock the announcer's hand, and then went and joined Brock.

"The second place Cynthia gets 3 Ultra Ball's and 3 Lure ball's as well as 2 water stone's, 2 fire stone's and 2 thunder stone's," Cynthia came and received her reward's and went down the stage.

"And finally our champion Ash wins this box," she pointed at the box that was on the table, and kept quiet for a few seconds causing everyone to start wandering if the winner just got a simple box, or there is something special inside of it. After a few more seconds, the announcer smirked and decided to continue.

"In which there is every evolution stone that exists in the world, as well as every item needed for evolving some Pokémon," she said, which caused every all of the people who were on board the ship to drop their jaws.

Ash who was standing next to the announcer looked between her and the box several times, because he also couldn't believe this.

After a few minutes he came back to his senses and took the box in his hands. "Congratulation's Ash, you deserve this reward because you proved that you are an amazing trainer," said the announcer whit smile.

"Thank you very much," replied Ash and shake her hand, before he came of the stage and stood with Misty, Brock and Cynthia.

"Whoa Ash, you really are lucky to get that reward, I still can't believe it," said Misty still little shocked by all the rewards they all got, but especially Ash.

"Yeah, I'm surprised as well, this isn't what I was expecting," replied Ash, while holding the box he got in one hand, and his new egg in the other.

XXX

The next week has been very eventful for Ash and his friends.

After the rewards were given, the crowd started going back to their room's since it was already late at night. Ash, Brock, Misty and Cynthia decided to stay a little longer and get to know each other better.

The group quickly became good friends with Cynthia, and spent a few hours talking with her. She told them all about herself, and they talked about themselves.

It was during their talk that they noticed that there is something going on with the ship. That is when they saw several people who are working there running around like headless chickens, and that got them worried, so Ash went to see the Captain of the ship and see what is going on.

He was told that there is a big storm going on outside and a huge tidal wave is coming towards them.

Ash quickly went outside on the deck, and used his Aura to sense his surrounding's, then he saw that the wave really is coming, and was just a few miles from them.

When they saw the wave coming at them, Brock and Cynthia got panicked looks on their faces, and Misty actually started to cry.

Not wanting to let the wave hit the ship, Ash released his Alakazam, and then he, Alakazam and Lucario used their Psychic and Aura powers to envelop the entire ship in the barrier, and Pikachu used his most powerful lightning attack to break the path through the wave, and Ash, Lucario and Alakazam steered the ship through the opening which let them pass the wave.

Since the storm continued for the next two hour, they had to keep the ship coated inside of the barrier and prevent it from taking damage, or possible sinking.

When the storm was over and the barrier was released, Ash, Alakazam and Lucario were completely out of energy, and spent the rest of the night and most of the next morning sleeping.

After they woke up, the ship's captain and everyone who was on board thanked them for saving their lives. The rest of the day, Ash spent with Brock, Misty and Cynthia, just talking and doing nothing in particular.

Cynthia has also decided to join the group and spend several days with them on Port Vista. She has noticed that there are some filing's that she got for Ash, but is not certain what they are, so by spending few days with him she thought that she will find out.

But just like Cynthia, Misty also started having filings for Ash, but unlike Cynthia who wasn't sure what they are, Misty knew that she was falling in love with Ash, and because of that she didn't know what to do.

Unknown to the two of them, Ash has also developed some filings for the two of them. For most of the guys that would be a problem because you can't have feeling's for two different girl's, but because Ash is technically the last male Ketchum who could revive the Ketchum clan, since his father is already married and doesn't plan to take more wives, and Riley isn't the kind of guy who would have multiple wives.

And since he knew that, he knew that the problem is not being with them, the problem is how to tell that to them if he finds out that both of them have feelings for him and want to be with him.

When St. Anne came in Porta Vista, she docked at Hutber Port where Ash and his friends run into a problem with a Giant Tentacruel and a whole bunch of Tentacool who were trying to destroy the City, because some stupid old woman thought that it would be a good idea to build a five star hotel on the coral reef where Tentacool and Tentacruel lived.

Because of some accident, one of the Tentacruel that was caught in it, got very big and attacked the City and wanted to destroy it like humans tried to destroy his home.

There was a battle that happened and in the end Ash and friends were able to stop Tentacruel with Ash capturing it, and send Tentacool back home after the old woman, whose name is Nastina, was arrested because she tried to do something illegal that would end up harming a lot of Pokémon, and almost caused the Hutber Port to be destroyed. She was taken away by Officer Jenny.

After everything was over, Ash sent Tentacrel to Urahara, so that he can try to revert him back to his normal size.

Misty was also able to catch one of the Tentacool who took a liking at her, and a Horsea, who tried to help them in the battle.

With the problem solved Ash and his group along with Cynthia left Hutber Port and went to Acapulco, where Ash's parents were. Once there Red and Delia, officially meat Misty and Brock as well as Cynthia, and they all spent several days together.

During those few days, the group helped an old man who head a restaurant and organized a beauty pageant, in which Cynthia won and Misty got second place.

Ash also sent some time with both Cynthia and Misty, and if one doesn't know better they would say that he was actually dating both of them. But that is not true, at least not completely.

He had a talk with them both and confessed that he has feelings for both of them, and that he would have to take several wives to return Ketchum's back to their glory days and because Ketchum's were always the best Aura Guardian's, and the world need's them or it will eventually fall into darkness.

When Cynthia and Misty heard this they felt a little down, because they knew that if they want to be with Ash, they would have to share him with other woman. In the end they decided to wait and see how will things go, and then they will choose if they want that or not.

After a week at Porta Vista, Ash, Brock, Misty and Cynthia decided to get back on their journey, while Red and Delia will stay a few more days.

While Ash, Misty and Brock decided to go to Lavender Town and then to Saffron City, Cynthia decided to go to Cinnabar Island, so after they all said good buys to each other, they each went their separate ways but promised to meet again at Indigo Plateau.

Ok a few things about this chapter.

I started with Charmander's episode, and those that have read "Pokémon Masters Path" by SSG-Goku3397, could see that there were some similar things between my and that fics. But I did change how Ash dealt with Damian and the Pokémon that Ash Misty and Brock got in the end.

Also I decided to introduce Pink Butterfree in this chapter since I didn't want to release Ash's Butterfree in the next chapter, so I had Damian have it and then she chose to go with Ash after he took all of Damian's Pokémon.

As for Squirtle's episode I didn't want to make it drag a lot since there was no Team Rocket here, and I just had Ash battle him and capture him.

I skipped Bill's lighthouse since there was no real reason to do it because nothing happens in that episode besides Ash getting a Krabby, and he got it on the beach, with Misty catching one as well.

Gym battle wasn't much since I was planning for Charmander to battle from the start, and he had a lot of training for that purpose. Ash also knows which Pokémon type every gym leader uses so he has a plan for all of them.

And in the end St. Anne and Porta Vista. Just like it was in "Pokémon Masters Path", Ash's family owns St. Anne and just like there, there was a tournament but it was much different, and I also had that lottery drawing, which was the idea I got from "The Journey of the Guardian" by dragonwolf12, but just like with the tournament it was changed a lot.

Cynthia is in this as well because I like her, and I want her to be in Ash's harem, so she is much closer to his age. She will still be the Champion of Sinnoh by the time Ash gets there, that won't change.

In the end I rushed it since I didn't fell like writing the meeting with Ash parent's and that Tentacruel episode, so I only mentioned what happened.

Misty and Cynthia are starting to have feelings for Ash, but you will have to wait to see how it turns out, because they are not sure if they want to share him.

Ok, that's it for this chapter. See you next time.

Ash's Pokémon

Lucario, Alakazam, Pikachu, Charmander, Fearow, Butterfree, Pidgeotto, Golbat, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Pink Butterfree, Jolteon, Vaporeon, Flareon, Squirtle, Krabby, Egg

Misty's Pokémon

Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen, Wartortle, Golduck, Poliwrath, Cloyster, Krabby, Tentacool, Horsea, Egg

Brock's Pokemon

Onix, Geodude, Zubat, Sandslash, Rhyhorn, Egg