Mario 64: Thanks. Yeah, it was nice to see a reminder of Ash's battles and experiences. It does seem like Ash would meet some of his old friends-one of the recent trailers I've seen mentions him battling Korrina for one thing. Gen 8 is looking better and better, it's definitely got loads of surprises that make it all the more fun. Ash's team is shaping up to pretty interesting for sure. I don't know if you've seen it but there were a couple of videos on YouTube that mentioned Ash probably getting a Sobble and a Riolu.
Advance shipper: That is exactly what I'm going for here. Ash really does rush things so much and I also think he can missing out on a lot of things that could make the journey all the more better. I agree with you, seeing him dense was funny but it kind of got old after a while. He's still going to be impulsive, I find it hard to imagine him differently but I want to work things so that he learns to try and think and not just always charge in, guns blazing.
Anyway, thanks. I tried to keep some sort of schedule when I first started writing fanfiction but honestly, it just didn't work. Guess I basically work best when inspiration strikes.
May: Thanks, I will. Ash x May is one of my favorite pairings too.
Brock and Max were sitting in Lavaridge Town's Pokemon Center, specifically at the cafeteria, waiting for their friends to catch up to arrive breakfast together.
What happened at Mt. Chimney had really worn the group down so they wound up taking it easy for almost two days. The injuries Wally incurred from the altercation with Team Magma was another reason for that choice, the boy had been sore for some time and he needed to take it easy. It all served as a reminder of how much worse the situation could've gone.
Max glanced at his sister, who was talking to Ash and Wally as they picked up some food before speaking ''Hey, Brock? Does Ash seem kind of different to you?''
''Yeah...'' The older boy returned. ''...he's been thinking things over. It's because he really feels bad about what happened almost two days ago.''
''Well, he should. I get that he wanted to help but that didn't mean he had to charge into that mess like this.'' Max huffed. They had things all planned out but Ash simply threw that out the window on a whim. Wally had gotten really hurt because of it too.
''I agree, he's always been like that though.'' Brock stated. He understood Max's annoyance with his old friend as he really thought Ash should have known better. The teen was only glad that Wally handled things as well as he did. Brock had briefly been worried that Wally would hold Ash responsible for his injuries like May and Max did. But Wally had surprised him again as he had made it clear he only blamed that Team Magma Admin, helping ease any tension over the issue with everyone. Still, Brock knew Ash had taken the entire deal badly. The only upside was that the boy was apparently learning from that situation.
''We wound up coming here first, after all...'' Max trailed off, thinking of Ash and May's fight over this matter.
''Yeah, I hadn't noticed until May and I were looking over the map the day after we met Shelby. Looking for the Mega Stone with her wound up taking us off our planned path.''
He blinked ''Oh, yeah...do you know if May's okay wtih this?''
Brock nodded ''She knows it can't be helped...''
''Hey, what a coincidence.'' May's voice brought their attention to the girl as she joind them with Ash, Pikachu and Wally. ''We were just talking about that. But yeah, I plan to make the most of things. I can still make it so I'll make sure to be prepared, then I'll definitely win my second ribbon!''
''Someone's confident.'' Max looked amused.
''That's the way to go, May.'' Ash remarked, the others nodding to this.
''So did you talk to Professor Birch?'' Brock inquired, recalling something the boy mentioned earlier.
''Yup, turns out he knows a bunch about Mega Evolution.'' He returned. ''He's actually helping another pokemon professor over in Kalos who's learning. I think that guy's name was Sycamore...Anyway, since it turned out there's a bunch of pokemon native to Hoenn who can Mega Evolve, Professor Birch decided to look into this too.''
''So say someone wants to do it, how do they find the Mega Ring and the appropriate Mega Stone?'' Max inquired.
''He mentioned that, actually.'' May stated. ''There's few around Hoenn who know about those-and you remember the trouble we had finding the Medichamite. There's no telling where other stones would be. The material for the Mega Ring is apparently easier so Professor Birch found some. He's looking to pull some favors to get some made but he isn't sure how it'd work out.''
Brock nodded ''Makes sense-having someone who can use Mega Evolution willing to help would probably make progress with their research.''
Max gained a sly look ''So did you ask him if he'd give you one, Ash?''
''How'd you guess?'' Wally laughed a bit and both boys shared amused glances at the look on the kanto trainer's faces. ''Ash got pretty excited back there so he wanted to find a way to make it happen. It's mostly because some of his pokemon can Mega Evolve, right?''
''Yup, guess I got carried away...I was just thinking of what it'd be like to have Charizard Mega Evolve...'' Ash admitted, a faraway look on his face.
''You've got a Charizard?'' May blinked. ''Oh, wait-that's the one from the league Max was talking about before. Is Charizard back at your home now?''
''Actually, he's training in the Charicific Valley.'' was the response. ''It's this faraway reserve where only Charizard live. He wanted to train there so he could keep getting stronger so badly that I decided to let him but he still came to help a couple of times before.''
''Yeah, those two have had some bumps in the road but they're as close as it can be now.'' Brock mused with a smile, thinking that Charizard would definitely fit the bond requirement for Mega Evolution.
''So hey, I was thinking I'd take a walk later but I hear this town's got some amazing hotsprings. What do you say we go check that out?'' May suggested.
''Sounds good.'' Wally returned.
''Yeah, I've never been to one before.'' Max added.
''All the more reason to do it then.'' Brock stated. ''What do you think, Ash?''
Some of his friends were expecting him to want to hold it off until he got his badge so they were surprised when he grinned ''Let's go for it.''
And so, after taking a brief walk around the town, the group went to enjoy the hotsprings.
It turned out there were hotsprings and hot sand baths so the group and their pokemon soon seperated according to their choice.
Ash smiled to himself as he watched Feebas swim around. It was nice to see how the water type was warming up to them. She was still the most comfortable around Wally, Ralts and Electrike. But it was kind of like with Swablu, she just needed a little time to get used to things. From what Wally told them, this was a big step up. Though he wondered what on earth happened to Feebas to leave her in that messed up state in which their friends found her.
Normally he'd be more excited for finally getting here but the feeling was marred by a few realizations he'd had lately. He only recently noticed that they wound up changing paths through their travels until Lavaridge was closer than Fallarbor. And...he glanced at Wally, who was talking with Brock nearby...after what went down at Mt. Chimney...well...
He felt awful about the whole thing. Ash was perfectly aware that he likely would have been in even worse trouble if Wally and Ralts hadn't come to help back then. The boy had gotten hurt bad for it and despite his reassurance, Ash still felt responsible. He shouldn't have rushed off like that. But he felt angry when he learned what Team Magma was up to and he just acted on the urge he felt to do something about it. Ash felt foolish for not even considering the consequences and terrible that one of his friends paid the price for it. Brock had been right, it was lucky that the situation hadn't turned out worse than it already did.
But that was just why he wanted to learn from that day. Ash could be honest and admit that it may not be easy to change but he felt that he owed it to his friends to try.
Before anyone knew it, Corphish had decided to have a little water fight with the other pokemon. Some, like Pikachu, Ralts and Machop humored him and played along but others like Treecko and Lombre were not impressed and merely pushed him away.
This seemed to convince Corphish to try a different tactic, which wound up with him trying to include Ash and the others too.
''Hey!'' The Kanto trainer yelped in surprise when he felt the water on his back but Corphish just laughed. ''...All right, fine. You asked for it!''
Corphish blinked, then noticing Ash launching into rapid thrusts that wound up with him getting spun around in the lurching waves. But the trend kept going and soon most of them were dragged into the water fight.
It was quickly put to an end when Taillow, being annoyed when Corphish drenched him, hit the water type so hard that he hit the wall.
''That's that, huh?'' Max gave Taillow a wary look, preferring not to push this any further.
''You took this too far.'' Brock quickly apologized to the two others (a boy and an old man) who had been in the bath with them and came closer after being attracted by the noise. Thankfully, neither seemed to mind. They clearly found the whole thing amusing.
''You guys sure look like a lively bunch.'' The boy, who had dark hair, tan skin and blue eyes remarked with a grin. A Marshtomp swam behind him, approaching the group's pokemon. ''And with some variety of pokemon to boot-normally you don't see a Pikachu or a Feebas anywhere around these parts.''
''Well, we've come a long way.'' Wally returned.
''I know the feeling. Marshtomp and I go way back-we've been helping Dad's work even before I really set out on my journey but it's been a blast.'' The boy returned. ''Oh, name's Brendan, Brendan Birch.''
Max blinked ''Wait, Birch as in Professor Birch?''
''Yup, he's my old man.''
''We met-I didn't know he had a son...Oh, I'm Ash from Pallet Town.'' The boy then proceeded to introduce the others.
Brendan's face lit up in recognition ''Dad told me about you guys! You're the ones who wound up bailing him out when he got himself in trouble with those wild pokemon, right?'' Ash confirmed and the boy shook his head in exasperation. ''Mom and I keep trying to warn him to be careful but he always gets carried away.''
''Now that sounds familiar...'' Max muttered, not sparing the person he had in mind a look.
''So if you're traveling now, do you want to be a researcher like your father?'' Brock wanted to know.
''Not sure yet.'' Brendan admitted. ''I mean I wouldn't rule it out in the future but for now I'll stick with competing in the Hoenn League.''
Ash perked up ''Hey, you too? Me and Wally are challenging gyms, did you fight this town's gym leader yet?''
''Yup, Flannery just took over the Lavaridge Gym a few days ago. No one was sure about her seeing how experienced her grandpa was had. She was pretty nervous before but she's really tough when she gets going.''
''So then...'' Max blinked, seeing a shadowy figure dash around before yelping as he felt something touch his foot.
Ash was about to ask what was wrong but then he and Brendan saw the figure too, it quickly came before the latter. ''Whoa, Brendan...!''
The boy was looking unimpressed ''...I told you, that stupid trick got old ages ago. Now knock it off.''
Oddly enough, he seemed to be addressing the shadowy figure. But before anyone could question this, the figure jumped out of the water, revealing itself to be a Sableye. The pokemon looked back at them and grinned.
Brendan sighed ''Sorry about him. Sableye just likes his pranks way too much sometimes...''
''Well, no harm done.'' Brock offered.
Shortly afterwards, the boys invited Brendan to come with them to the gym. Their new friend took them up on it and was introduced to May, who was curious at the news that he was Professor Birch's son.
''Hey, that store has herbal medicine for pokemon. Is it like the stuff Brock and Wally know how to make?'' Max inquired, glancing back at the building they were approaching.
''Somewhat. I heard people talking about this place back at the Pokemon Center. I imagine some of the ingredients would be similar but the process can be different.'' Brock replied, noticing an old woman busy with a mixing bowl near a window.
''People are usually pretty careful around this stuff. Sure, it's usually potent but a lot of pokemon hate its taste. And if that's anything to go by...'' Brendan nodded at Pikachu, who was wrinkling his nose in disgust and turning away from the smell. ''...then the smell must be just as bad to them.''
''Pika.'' Pikachu mumbled, agreeing completely. That was awful. He really hoped Ash and the others wouldn't ever give him this kind of medicine.
They soon arrived at the gym and knock but receive no response. Their attempts to call are also to no avail.
''I guess no one's around...'' May almost jumped at the sound of a scream, quickly looking around for the source.
It turned out to be a redhaired girl who was running around in a panic, the reason being that a part of her hair was on fire. Thankfully, Brendan thought fast and called out Marshtomp, having his starter use a light Water Gun to put out the fire.
The girl sighed in relief ''Thanks...oh, hey Brendan!''
''Flannery, what was that about?'' He cocked his head, missing Ash and Max looking at him in surprise. So this was the Gym Leader?
She laughed sheepishly as she took off her jacket ''Well, you see...''
The girl took a step back in surprise when Brock jumped before her ''Hello there, I'm Brock. I'm only glad to such a beauty was unharmed...''
He never got further than that for as usual, Max grabbed his ear and began hauling him away. ''Okay, let's stop you right there.''
Flannery seemed puzzled while Brendan blinked twice ''Okay, what...?''
''That always seems to happen, you learn not to ask with Brock.'' May deadpanned. ''Anyway, what happened back there?''
''It was an accident. I was training Magu and Megu, my Slugma. I'm trying to get them to evolve.'' Flannery admitted, she sent both pokemon out then. ''So, Brendan, are your friends here for a challenge?''
''Yeah, Ash and Wally are.'' He informed, gesturing at each boy in turn before the group introduced themselves.
''All right! I'm ready to go!'' Flannery looked excited. She hurled a third pokeball, releasing a Torkoal. The girl then tossed a piece of coal which the pokemon ate and released a deep steamy breath.
May scanned the new pokemon, the pokedex buzzed ''Torkoal, the Coal Pokemon. Torkoal generates energy by burning coal. It grows weaker as the fire dies down. When it is preparing for battle, this Pokemon burns more coal.''
Wally gave the Gym Leader a curious look ''So...um, you want to battle here? Not that I see anything wrong with it but I thought the battles happen at the Gym.''
Ash kicked himself for not considering that-guess old habits die hard. Though now that their friend brought the point up, it was indeed unusual.
Flannery looked embarrassed ''Ah...well, it isn't really possible at the gym right now.''
Max blinked ''Why not?''
Brendan had a feeling that he knew ''Wait, don't tell me...'' He remembered the day he came to challenge her. ''...it's still a mess, isn't it?''
Flannery slumped a little ''...Yeah...'' To the others, she explained. ''...see, I had a few challengers before Brendan. And...well, things got kinda rough. I was trying to the field back in shape and I called some people for help but they couldn't come. I was beginning to work things around so the field was improving, I guess I got a little carried away when I took up Brendan's challenge and it's worse than ever now.''
The boy had actually been rather nice about it-seeing the state of the Gym, he assured that he wouldn't have minded waiting until it was sorted. Flannery wouldn't have it though, she felt that she had to be ready to meet her challengers just like her grandfather would have have been. Thus, they battled and Brendan won but the gym got even more messed up in the end.
''Well, how about we help you fix it up?'' Brock suggested. He could sympathize with the girl, she was just starting out and she was clearly still adjusting to her role as a Gym Leader. He knew from experience that it was a lot of responsiblity so he would be glad to lend her a hand.
''Good idea, I'm up for that!'' Ash stated.
''Me too.'' Wally added while May and Max nodded.
''Guess that makes all of us then.'' Brendan put in.
Flannery smiled ''Thanks!''
The field was unusable indeed, having plenty of deep holes. After handing her new acquaintances some shovels, Flannery went to prepare some drinks for them.
''So you tried to help her back then...'' May trailed off when Brendan finished telling them about his first visit to the Gym.
''Yeah...you pretty much know how that went though. It sounds like she got carried away but after I thought about it, I figured she's just trying to do her best. It can't be easy being in that position now.'' The boy remarked.
''Oh yeah, because people were comparing her to her grandpa.'' The girl nodded. That wasn't fair at all though. Everyone had to start somewhere, do they really just expect her to match up to him?
''She probably went through plenty of pressure.'' Wally remarked.
''No kidding...'' Ash agreed, though this made him all the more resolved to help the girl somehow.
And so they kept working, with the help of some of their pokemon. Flannery rejoining them once she finished and they fixed up much of the field. Later, they took a short break. Flannery gave them the drinks and treated the pokemon to some food.
''Grandpa was a great Gym Leader, one of the best in Hoenn.'' Flannery mused. ''He and his Typhlosion defeated so many challengers. Seeing that kind of team work really inspired me and I wanted to be just as strong of a trainer so he taught me what he knew. But then he recently retired and entered a pokemon poetry club. He was worried but I told him everything would be fine...only now it feels like I'm messing up everything.''
''Don't be so hard on yourself-you're just starting out. That can be rough.'' Brock offered.
''I think so too. Dad told us he didn't have it easy beginning as a Gym Leader either. Just give it a little time.'' May added, Max nodded in agreement.
Flannery gave them a grateful smile and Brendan spoke up ''You'll figure it out-we've got your back.''
''Yeah, it'll be fine.'' Wally smiled.
They began getting up to return to work, Ash picked up his shovel ''I bet your grandpa would get along great with Professor Oak-he talks a bunch about pokemon poetry too.''
''Really?'' Flannery knew of Professor Oak like many out there as he was a famed figure. She certainly hadn't pictured him as a poet. ''Wait, how do you know him?''
''Well, actually...''
Little did Flannery know that Mr. Moore, her grandfather, had actually returned to Lavaridge. He had tried to focus on his poetry with the rest of the club but he was too worried about his granddaughter and her career. He felt that he had to check on her before he could rest easy.
He couldn't just simply go back though. If Flannery found out, that would surely upset her. He was the one who chose to entrust the gym to her after all. Thus he decided to don a diguise to appear as a young man and carefully went about until he reached the gym.
It looked like she found some help to maintain the battlefield. That was good, he mused as he watched his granddaughter work. He could see her Torkoal rolling a rock to plug a big hole. Flannery's Houndour was also trying to help it. A Pikachu and a Machop were pushing another one together while a Ralts levitated a bunch of rocks to close the smaller holes and a Marshtomp seemed to be trying to even the field out.
Moore paused when he heard someone whispering, making him look around. Strangely enough, no one was there. Shrugging, he turned back to his observation.
If he had been searched a little longer, he would've seen Team Rocket just before they snuck away.
Moore cringed as he kept watching, Flannery's words to her new friends reminding him of something.
He had forgotten to tell her where he stored the badges! It was lucky a few were at the ready but now she had none...How could he have been so foolish?
The man thought fast and had an idea. This would work!
Flannery was surprised when an old lady stopped by, needing the bathroom. But she had no problem guiding her there before returning to the others as they continued the work.
The lady was actually a disguised Moore, clad in a dress and a wig. He waited until Flannery was out of earshot after closing the bathroom door before he immediately scampered about to find the badges where he knew he left them.
And luckily, there they were in the same old blue box at top of the cupboard. Thus, he quickly picked them up and presented them to Flannery, pretending that it was just something 'she' came across before hurrying away.
''Hey, that's lucky!'' Max exclaimed when the redhead told them what happened.
''Isn't it? I don't know how she found them but this is such a relief!'' Flannery smiled.
''...Guys, I don't think we're doing this right.'' Ash said after a few moments, glancing around the field. ''Can we really get this place fixed up?''
''No backing out, Ash!'' Brock said at once.
''That's not what I meant!'' The boy retorted, sounding offended at the assumption. ''Hey Flannery, aren't there any other tools to help? I mean sure, we're plugging the holes and all but that can't be all there is to it. This place is still pretty rough.''
''He's got a point. If there aren't any, do you know where we can get some?'' May inquired.
''Hm, I think so...'' Flannery started. ''...I'll see to it.''
Brendan raised an eye when Flannery returned minutes later ''Hey, that was quick.''
''Well, that's because I ran into Mauro here.'' She admitted, gesturing to the man walking behind her.
It was again, a disguised Moore, this time pretending to be a young man with blond hair and glasses that kept his eyes hidden.
''He's a sympathizer for the Lavaridge Gym. He was friends with Grandpa so he actually got what we need.'' She informed.
''Oh, thanks!'' Max exclaimed.
Mauro chuckled ''Not at all, I'm only glad to help.''
And so they went back to work, this time with better tools like a flattening wheel that helped even out the field. They quickly wound up getting help from some professional workers, who helped quicken up the pace.
After working for a while and finishing up, everyone heard Torkoal let out a cry only to see that the fire type was being stuffed in a bag by the workers.
''Torkoal!'' Flannery cried.
Mauro rounded on them ''What do you think you're doing?!''
''What a ridiculous question...'' One of the workers purred before they removed their clothes, revealing none other than Team Rocket.
''Not you again!'' May scowled.
Jessie laughed ''Well, too bad for you twerps but we refuse to give up. All your pokemon are going to be ours. So, prepare for...''
''Oh, save it! No one wants to hear any of your lousy motto!'' Max cut in.
''Lousy?! Why you little...!'' Jessie snarled.
''Come on, Jess, remember the plan!'' James said quickly.
''Fine!'' She hurled a pokeball. ''Seviper, use Haze!''
A thick, black smoke surrounded the area, enabling the evil trio's escape. Ash was about to send out Taillow to blow it out only to be surprised when Mauro called out a Wingull to do it instead.
Flannery blinked. She was suddenly reminded of her grandfather's pet Wingull...
Shaking the thought, she hurried after Team Rocket with the others. Team Rocket was up in their balloon when they caught up to them but Wingull put paid to their escape by popping their balloon with its beak.
The three pulled themselves up, blocking the bag that held Torkoal. ''Don't think you've won yet!'' James snapped before he and Jessie sent out Cacnea and Seviper respectively. Jessie had her pokemon charge at once but James had to dodge Cacnea's affectionate hug before telling it to attack too.
''You're not getting anything...'' Ash grabbed a pokeball.
''Hold on, I'll handle this.'' Mauro declared before sending out a Typhlosion. Flannery couldn't help but stare, it reminded of her grandfather's ace. But how could that be...?
''Seviper, Poison Tail!'' Jessie cried.
''Cacnea, Pin Missile!'' James added.
Typhlosion easily dodged the first attack, only to be tackled by Seviper on Jessie's command next. Flannery sent out Magu to block the Pin Missile with Ember.
''Flamethrower now!'' Mauro called.
Cacnea was sent flying back by the blast, but then Seviper took advantage of the distraction to trap it with Wrap.
''Hey, that's dirty!'' Brendan frowned.
''Nothing to worry about.'' Mauro assured. ''Get rid of it with Flame Wheel!''
The counter worked perfectly, leaving Seviper thrown off and badly burnt as it hit the ground a moment later. May, Max and Brock freed Torkoal but then Meowth jumped in the way.
''Flamethrower!''
Focused as he was on the three, the Scratch Cat pokemon never saw Magu's attack coming.
''They are good.'' Ash remarked, glancing at Mauro and Flannery.
''Yeah, those three idiots never stood a chance.'' Brendan put in.
''You're wrong, twerp! Seviper, Tackle!'' Jessie snapped while James had Cacnea use Needle Arm.
''Magu, stop them with Flamethrower!'' Flannery countered, grinning when the attack worked perfectly.
''Now Typhlosion, get rid of those crooks with Flame Wheel!'' Mauro commanded. The Volcano pokemon charged at the thieves full force and they were quickly sent blasting off again. ''Hmph, good riddance.''
''Yeah, you guys were awesome!'' Max stated.
Flannery smiled, then Magu started glowing a brilliant white. In moments, he had become a Magcargo! Her expression lit up ''Magu, you're...this is amazing!''
''I'll say! Congratulations!'' Mauro smiled.
''Thank you! You really helped us out!'' She beamed, shaking his hand hard.
May raised an eye upon noticing that the handshake wound up dislodging what was clearly a wig, revealing gray hair beneath it. ''Hey, what gives?''
Mauro sighed ''Well, I should explain...'' He removed the wig and the glasses, finally revealing himself.
''Grandpa?'' Flannery spluttered.
''Oh, so he's...'' Both girls started when Brock got in front of them and began heaping praise on Flannery.
Max grabbed his ear once again ''Okay, enough already. This is so not helping.''
''So I guess you came to check up on Flannery, huh?'' Ash cocked his head.
''Yeah...as much as I trust her, I was simply too worried. I felt that I couldn't rest until I saw how shared but that's why I couldn't show my face either.'' Moore admitted, seeming uncomfortable.
''Well, ah, no harm done. It looks like you just care enough to want things to work out for her. And you really did help us out before.'' Wally offered.
''He's right, Grandpa.'' Flannery added, after all it was with his help that they got so much sorted out. ''Sure, it was a surprise but it's good to see you again. I'm, ah, still trying to learn to be a good Gym Leader but I promise to make you proud.''
''Oh, you already are, my dear.'' He returned happily. ''The fact that you persevere is more than enough. You've certainly come quite a way in such a short time. I'm impressed with your battling skills.''
''Aww, thanks!'' Flannery beamed.
With all the present help, the battlefield was soon good as new. Flannery and Moore invited the group to dinner as thanks. May and Brock suggested that they go visit the hot springs again to rest up before the upcoming gym battles.
Moore left everyone amused when he decided to make haikus about them after having finished one about Flannery and Magu.
''Yup, it's just like with Professor Oak...'' Ash's lips twitched as he watched the man think of something for him and Pikachu.
He soon found Wally and Brendan talking animatedly nearby. The two had clearly hit it off and were soon exchanging tales about their travels, Brendan had taken routes different from theirs so he was interested to hear how they fared. The boy apparently still helped his father however he could from time to time if possible. It was nice to see them getting along so well.
''Oh, man so they saw those wacky traps too?'' Brendan shook his head, recalling his visit to the Mauville Gym. ''I'm pretty Sableye was the only one who got a kick out of the whole thing and it gave him ideas...the whole thing wound up being a real pain. I still don't get why he likes those gizmos so much.''
Truth be told, Wally didn't either. He'd only heard about the traps from Max so there wasn't much he could say. The boy was beginning to think it was really lucky that the Mauville Gym was undergoing repairs when on his visit though. ''Well, to each their own?''
''Yeah, let's go with that.'' He returned with a snort. ''So, you ready for your battle?''
''As ready as I'll ever be, I guess.'' Wally half-smiled as some of their pokemon approached them. ''It's strange...the first time I was really nervous but it actually wound up being fun.''
''Yeah, I know the feeling. So how'd you handle it?'' Brendan wanted to know.
''Well, I went with some advice I was given before...'' He thought back to Lisia's words. ''...if I couldn't give it my all...if I got nervous and down about it, it'd affect my pokemon so I just tried treating it like another battle. I could barely believe it when we won.''
Brendan smiled ''Feels pretty good, right?''
''Haha, yeah...'' The green haired boy returned, stroking Feebas' scales, making the water type beam at him. ''...I'm still kind of nervous but I think I'll try doing what I did back then.''
''Makes sense, that sounds like some pretty good advice anyway. You'll be all right.'' His new friend returned.
''Thanks...''
The two started as Max called out to them, stating that everyone was leaving. And so they headed to Flannery and Moore's place to have dinner together.
Well, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. So there are a few consequences for the Mt. Chimney situation. I intend to have Ash learn from that day but an sudden complete change sounds a bit too unbelievable to me. But the lesson is learned, just give it a little time.
I thought of introducing Brendan here ever since I got back to working on my plans. I saw some of his pokemon over in the movies but I'm not using them all. Anyway, I intend for him to be a recurring character so you'll see more of him and his team down the line. He's going to stick around for a bit before going on his own way, mind you.
Originally, I intended to put in a surprise in this chapter but given the state of things here, I changed my mind so it'll have to be in the next chapter.
Well, thanks for reading so far and I hope you keep it up. Till next time!
