Welcome back everyone! Last time Gary began training under Agatha only to be sent elsewhere for his midterm exam. And speaking of them, they'll be starting in this chapter.

Ch 19: The Exam

Ash stared down towards the board, the boy finding it hard for his eyes to focus as a yawn escaped his mouth. With his best friend asleep still Ash wondered just how much longer class would go for, especially since Agatha had told them it would end early today. Though he figured it wasn't much of a reward since it was to allow them ample time to finish studying for the midterms that started the next day. To him it seemed that the rest of the class held his same views as even Janine began to space out.

Agatha cared little however, the woman continuing to review the entire semester up to that point. Ash scribbled slightly in his notebook as his mind wandered elsewhere. His thoughts too distracted by the pokeballs on his belt, specifically his latest capture. The boy couldn't shake the feeling that he shouldn't have become Charmander's trainer, that Charmander was Cross' Pokémon whether the boy wanted to admit it or not.

A tapping noise echoed throughout the room as several students jumped, the sound of their chairs skirting echoed around the room. Ash was one of them, the boy nearly fell from his chair as his eyes darted back towards Agatha. The woman seemed unamused with the class, her gaze locked onto all of them as a sigh emerged from her mouth. Ash waited for a berating, but instead she merely wrote down the time that the written portion of the exam was to begin.

"Tomorrow is the first part of your exam," Agatha began to say as she passed around one final packet. Ash stared at the review packet as he wanted to cry from more work. Though he quickly realized that it was just to help study, the work found within not mandatory. As the woman continued, Ash shoved the packet into his backpack.

"We'll start class slightly later around ten. The test has a three-hour limit and then the following day we'll have our practical exam."

A few students began to leave, Ash still seated as even Giselle booked it out of there. Though unlike the others she held the review packet close to her face. Ash moved slowly as he packed up, the boy now one of the few students remaining as Agatha erased the words on the board. Now ready, the boy prepared to leave as he exited the room and made his way down the hall.

He had found it strange that Gary was absent from class with how close it was to their midterms, though his thoughts were interrupted by a thump on his back. As Ash turned to his side, he saw Brock standing there cheerfully, the older boy holding the review packet outwards as they descended the stairs. He could see Janine up ahead but chose not to disturb her since she appeared to also be studying.

"Why don't we spend the afternoon studying for the exam? I'm sure you'll be fine with the practical exam, but I've seen your test scores. I think you'll need the extra help," Brock explained. Ash rubbed the back of his head at those words, especially since his friend wasn't wrong. On their previous test he had only managed to score a sixty-seven after spending hours the previous night to study. "We'll get lunch first and then find a quiet place to study."

Ash nodded in agreement towards the boy's question as the front doors were upon them. With a soft push they swung outwards, a slight noise alerting Ash to the fact they smashed against the outer wall. Though he cared little for that as his eyes were surprised to see so many students studying. Groups of students sat across the entire campus, benches and tables taken up by the swarms of them. Each group appeared to be focusing on different information, Ash unable to comprehend any of it as they passed by a few groups. His head swirled as one group talked about different pokeballs and how depending on which type you used, the efficiency would either increase or decrease. It made no sense if he were honest with himself.

The two boys continued their way towards the cafeteria as the campus appeared to whiz by them in no time at all. Buildings blurred together as they eventually reached their destination, Ash smiling as the smell of food entered his nostrils. The rowdy sounds from the cafeteria told Ash that several students were inside the building as well, a small line already forming as they stepped inside. The hall was packed, not a single table available as the duo took a step forward in line. One by one each student ordered their meal as Ash eyed the menu for the day.

It wasn't often he ate the cafeteria food as Brock had increased the number of meals he cooked for them. In fact, the boy couldn't even remember the last time he ate any of the school's cooking as he decided upon a pulled pork sandwich. He grabbed onto a nearby tray, a plate of fries placed gently on it as one of the food service members handed him the sandwich. Something about the person seemed familiar as the blue haired worker turned away, Ash shrugging as he grabbed a soda and paid for his meal. Brock was right behind him as the boy noticed he bought a tuna melt and a salad.

"Doesn't look like there's any open seats," Brock muttered out loud. Ash agreed with the assumption as he walked towards the bottles of condiments. Dousing his fries with ketchup, Ash stared out into the void which was the cafeteria. He could hear Pikachu cry from his shoulder as he placed the bottle back down, Ash chuckling at his best friend's desire to have some. Without a word he reached onto his tray and handed Pikachu a fry though the Electric-Type only licked the ketchup off before dropping the fry to the ground.

Ash sighed at his best friend, though his attention was grabbed as he noticed a hand wave him over. With a slight nod towards Brock he alerted the older boy of their possible luck as the duo approached the table. To their amazement a few seats remained as Ash plopped down into one of them. Brock was more courteous as he gently sat down. Before Ash could say a word however, an arm suddenly lodged itself around his neck as the boy tried to pull it away.

"So this is the new kid you've been talking about, Corey," the voice stated. Ash started to tap at the arm, unable to remove it until the sound of a loud thud echoed over the chatter of the cafeteria. The arm released its hold as Ash looked to his side, an older girl was berating whoever it was that had placed him in a headlock.

"Have a little more restraint, he couldn't breathe."

"He can handle it, trust me," a now familiar voice echoed outwards as a laugh followed it. Ash perked up at that, his eyes now locked onto the older boy. Sitting across from him was none other than Corey as the boy bit into a slice of pizza. To his left sat Mayaka, the girl paying no attention to Ash as she appeared to be chatting with another student. A smile rested on his face as the other two students sat down at the table. "Ash, you haven't met them, but this is Neesha and Fergus. They're seniors just like me."

"At least introduce us correctly," Fergus complained. The boy leaned back in his chair, the object leaning on its hind legs as Ash waited for him to tip over. The action never occurred however as he instead slammed the chair back onto all four legs before picking up the burger on his tray. "You'd think at this point being a member of the Big Three would have me recognized all over campus."

The comment garnered Mayaka's attention as she smirked towards Fergus. "Please. Last I heard you were being told what to do by some redhead my age. Makes you really wonder how you became one of the Big Three, Fergus."

"Corey, you promised not to tell anyone!"

"Wasn't me," the older boy responded as a snicker emerged from the older girl. Ash figured by this point she must have been Neesha. He reached down for one of his fries only to realize they were mostly gone. With a quick glance towards his lap, he saw Pikachu lick at his paws as they were soaked with ketchup. His fries placed all over his seat as they were only slightly nibbled on.

"Corey, this kid doesn't look special," Fergus stated as he ignored Mayaka. Ash felt the boy lift his arm up, as if he were inspecting Ash. He quietly pulled his arm away from the older boy only to notice Neesha also observing him. Looking for help Ash turned towards Brock but the boy appeared to be occupied as he stared towards some girl across the cafeteria.

A sudden shake erupted across the table as Corey's fists slammed against it. Silverware fell to the floor as did a few trays as the older boy pointed towards Ash, a smile plastered upon his face. "I'm telling ya, he's the real deal. Or will be. Tell them, Ash."

The boy chuckled at Corey's claim as he merely rubbed the back of his head. Normally he would have shouted out in agreement at the statement but after the strange lunch he found it hard to get the words out of his mouth. Though truthfully he had only wanted to study, but that appeared to be off the itinerary now.

"Is this a miracle? Hotshot's been shut up!" Mayaka stated with a bout of laughter. Ash growled at that as he leaned across the table. The action received a smirk as the girl playfully pushed against his forehead with her index finger. "Save that energy for the practical exam. Ya need it. Actually, ya probably need it for the written portion too."

"Your grades aren't much better..." Ash trailed off. Mayaka heard him however, the girl jumping onto her seat as she tried to lunge at him. Luckily for Ash she was restrained by Corey, a laughter erupting around the table.

"You've had your hands full, haven't you, Corey?" Neesha asked. Ash watched as the boy nodded in agreement, though he noticed there wasn't an ounce of annoyance or frustration. Instead his face seemed happy, a small smile stretching across his face as he too laughed. Mayaka appeared to calm down now as the girl turned back towards the other student beside her, Ash recognizing her as Rue.

"I don't know who keeps me on my toes more; these two or Surge."

"You gonna ask or not, Corey? I need to get some training in."

"Why don't you just rush everything, Fergus. Where's the fun in that?" Corey retorted as the two boys stared each other down. Ash couldn't tell if they were friends or not based on their attitude. Though he figured they were at least able to tolerate each other.

Corey however turned away from the other boy, a smile plastered on his face as Ash nearly pictured him as a younger kid. If he hadn't known what grade Corey was in, he'd have figured the boy was a freshman with how giddy he appeared. With raised hands Corey leaned across the table. Ash noticed he had leaned too far in and had gotten a bit of pizza sauce on his orange jacket, but the older boy didn't seem to care.

"Ash, what are your plans for Spring break?"

"Eh...When's Spring break?"

"Next week," Corey answered. His enthusiasm appeared to vanish now as Ash wondered if he should have known this. With a quick glance towards Pikachu, Ash found himself alone as his partner was finishing off his fries. L

"Well, then I have no plans. Why?"

A flier appeared before Ash as the boy pushed himself backwards. The action startled Pikachu for a moment as the Electric-Type muttered in annoyance as the last fry fell to the ground. The boy's eyes scanned the paper before him as it seemed familiar. Almost like the one he had seen in the campus newspaper for months now as it talked about a trip of sorts. It seemed that the school was heading down to the Orange Islands for Spring break and it was available for anyone who was interested.

"You should definitely come, Ash. It'll be an amazing trip! Besides, there's something I really want to show you there," Corey stated. Ash took the paper from the boy's hands as he read it over. The trip was free to anyone who attended the school so at least he wouldn't have to worry his mother with another bill. On top of that, he had a feeling that he'd have a chance to see some rare Pokémon while there.

"Plus, other schools will be there as well. Corey's told me about how you love facing new challenges. Maybe you could battle some of the students there," Neesha added in. Ash could feel his excitement rising as the thought of a new challenge filled him. His own worries for the midterm now gone as he imagined what the Orange Islands could have been like.

"Isn't it too late to sign up?" Ash asked as Corey took the flier back. A wide grin was plastered on the older boy's face as a ticket now sat in his hand. Without a word he handed it over towards Ash as the boy looked at it with awe. Though he couldn't just take it from the boy, especially since it would be his last chance to take the trip.

"I had signed you and Mayaka up before the deadline, though she has no interest. Party pooper," Corey explained as he poked the girl slightly. Mayaka ignored him as Ash overheard her making plans with Rue for their own Spring break trip. "I'll come by during your practical exam and once it's over we'll meet up with Fergus and Neesha and head out to the airport.

"The others on the trip should be waiting there by then."

Ash was still confused by the entire situation, Pikachu sniffing at the ticket for a moment as Ash moved it away from his partner. The last thing he wanted was for his best friend to get it covered in ketchup. Corey began to stand up now, Ash still unable to form a sentence as he stared at the ticket.

A smack on his back alerted Ash to the fact that both Fergus and Neesha had also stood up, the former smirking as he threw his hands behind his head.

"Corey's been looking forward to this. You should go since it'll be his last trip as a student."

The three upperclassmen didn't wait for an answer as they walked away, though Ash had a feeling they already knew his answer. He felt that this opportunity to travel down to the Orange Islands could be his only chance to see it. Ash turned towards Brock, the older boy now biting into his meal as whoever had caught his eye was now gone. Silence fell across the table as even Mayaka and Rue left, only Ash and Brock left now as the latter moved to place a few books onto the table.

Ash decided to follow his lead as his own books were placed before him, his tray now across the table as half of his sandwich sat there. The boy found it difficult to listen to his friend however, his thoughts focusing on the possible trip instead of reviewing. He didn't really care about type effectiveness or how to cure status aliments. Instead he wanted to learn more about this trip. He decided that if anyone knew it would be Brock.

"Hey, I've got a question," the boy asked. Brock nodded as Ash wondered if he already knew. Without a moment of hesitation Ash pulled the ticket from his coat pocket and turned it towards Brock. "Do you know anything about the trip?"

Brock chuckled out loud as he looked at the ticket, the older boy sliding his books away for a moment. He leaned back slightly as the front of his chair lifted off the ground. The boy's eyes remained on the ticket as a small smile crossed his face. "I know next to nothing about the trip. Though I had planned to be down there at the same time. Had to cancel though. I'm taking a crash course to make up all the work I would have covered for the Health course this semester."

Ash felt his enthusiasm for the trip lower as he heard that. As it was, he already knew that Janine was going to be off in Johto with her dad as they looked for a house there. And even Leaf had other plans as the girl had mentioned visiting some ruins for the next few days. In fact, he had realized that beside Gary, who was nowhere to be seen, everyone already had plans. It made him question how he didn't realize they had a break coming up.

"I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time there, Ash. But I'd be worried of what would happen if you failed the midterms," Brock stated. His hand reached outwards as Ash felt it press down against the back of his head. The force was stronger than he expected as his eyes nearly crashed against his book. Pikachu snickered from the action as Ash tried to glare at his best friend. "So hit those books."

Ash sighed out as he knew his friend was right, he had to at least pass the test. He felt that the rest of the day passed by in a breeze as the duo were quickly joined by both Janine and Leaf as their group of four focused on different sections from their textbooks. As it was, he felt they would be fine when it came to the practical test since he heard it would just be against Pokémon owned by the school. It was the actual written test that worried him, especially since it was worth half of their final score.

Topics ranged from evolution methods to Pokémon habitats as Ash watched the clock continue to spin wildly. Time seemed to fly by as he noticed the darkness cover the campus like a blanket. The entire cafeteria was empty now as the few workers that remained continued to clean up. The magenta haired woman seemed a bit tense now as Ash noticed her cover her face, her partner likewise keeping his back towards them as he closed out the register for the night.

Eventually their studying came to a close as first Leaf left and then Brock followed after her. Ash had told his friend he would be behind him shortly as he leaned against his chair. Pikachu was now sleeping on the table as Janine let a yawn escape from her mouth. Ash noticed the bags beginning to form under her eyes as he noticed it was nearly eleven at night. His friend moved slowly as she packed up her belongings as Ash joined her. His bag was nearly packed before Janine spoke up.

"Just think, after tomorrow we'll be one step closer. After the midterms all that's left is two months and then we'll be getting ready for our second year."

"It feels like we just got here," Ash responded as stood up. With a slight motion he placed his backpack onto his shoulders before carefully grabbing Pikachu. He cradled the sleeping Electric-Type carefully as Janine joined him. "You know, I wasn't really planning to attend school at first but then I met Pikachu.

"He really showed me that I needed to learn a lot more if I wanted to complete my dream of becoming a Pokémon Master."

"I heard you also failed your junior license test," Janine joked. Ash mockingly laughed at that comment as a whistle slowly played through his teeth.

"There's more to life than grades and tests," Ash responded. The two students laughed at that statement as they both knew he still believed in that statement. Especially since everyone knew he had the lowest grades in their entire class that enrolled, not just the Battle course. "But if I never came here I don't think I'd be where I am now.

"I'd never have met Surge or Brock or anyone else. Plus, I wouldn't have made such a great friend like you. Though I could have done without being attacked by you the first time we met."

It was now Janine's turn to playfully laugh though it was cut short by another yawn. Ash figured it was best for them to get some sleep before tomorrow. At least Agatha had pushed the start of class out so they could still get some sleep. Saying goodbye for the night, the two friends bumped fists before heading out different exits. Once outside, Ash stared at the moon for a moment as the memories from his time at school played across his mind. He had seen himself make leaps and bounds when it came to his skill since arriving.

Careful so that he didn't disturb Pikachu, Ash adjusted his cap as he made a silent promise to pass his midterm. He decided that it would be his next goal so that he wouldn't fall behind the others. A yawn escaped from his mouth now as he strolled across the campus. He knew that tomorrow was going to be hell for him, but he had no plans of losing.

A day had passed since Ash had taken the written exam as he waited outside for the practical exam to begin. His eyes darted around the small area as he felt an odd presence around him. He immediately found it to be Thad, the boy staring at him creepily as Ash noticed a burn mark on his face. He wondered how the boy had received it, the marking present since the start of the semester. Ash looked around momentarily as he tried to avoid the boy, his eyes noticing that besides Brock everyone had left their eggs back in their dorms. Luckily for him it was currently Giselle's responsibility to watch over their project.

The entire class stood together as they stared down the large building before them, Ash looking to see where Agatha was as she had prompted them to wait outside the main arena. With a glance towards the clock tower that stood in the nearby pathway he realized the teacher was late something he felt was odd since she was usually on time. A chill passed through the area as Ash noticed a few of his classmates shake from the sudden drop in temperature. A smirk merely passed across his face as he locked eyes with Janine and Brock; they all knew that things were about to get interesting.

Without a single announcement Agatha appeared before the group, the older woman emerging from the shadows with assistance from her Gengar. However, it was the others that appeared with her that brought along murmurs from the class. Multiple trainers stood behind their teacher as Ash recognized a few of them especially the one who garnered the most attention: Blue. The boy gulped for a moment as his eyes landed upon a few others as he remembered their names.

"That's Maestro from the tournament in Cerulean," Ash muttered. Janine nodded in agreement as the man leaned against a nearby tree. His flute rested against his lips as a melody played softly. The tune was enjoyed by the wild Pokémon as a Pidgey landed atop his shoulder.

"Those two are Yas and Kaz," Brock added in as he leaned over Ash's shoulder. The boy ignored the pressure applied by his friend as he found two men appearing to argue amongst themselves. He thought they looked strange based on their clothing style alone, but the way they yelled at each other made Ash wonder if they hated each other. "My dad said they applied for a Gym application. The League sent an inspector to see how things were and it went so bad they got declined."

"I heard they're doing community service with the League to get a second chance," Janine added in. Ash chuckled at that before his eyes moved to scan the rest of the trainers behind Agatha. Including their teacher and four trainers noted by himself and his friends, there appeared to be around a dozen or so trainers as some he had never seen before. Others were more well known as he recognized one of them as the newly named Elite Four member Karen.

"I don't think we're facing Pokémon owned by the school," Ash stated. A few of his other classmates overheard it as they agreed with his statement. Agatha simply smirked at their hesitation as she tapped her cane silently. The action garnered their attention as the entire class shut up and ceased their mutters.

"Enough with the chit chatting," Agatha spoke out. The words hung on the wind for a second as they traveled on a breeze, the woman smirking as she saw the nerves now present. Seeing this, Ash couldn't help but feel that Agatha was the one who had spread the false rumor for their practical exam. "Listen up because I'm only explaining this once!

"We have many tests to get through and only a limited amount of time, so you'll be broken up into groups of five. Each student will take part in their own test against one of the professionals seen before you on a different section of field," Agatha explained as she turned away. A few of the professionals seemed to follow her action as the large group moved for the entrance. With a single breath Ash followed them as his action led to others following behind. Though to his surprise Paul had also made a movement at the same time, the two boys leading the class through the doors.

The group entered the main entrance that Ash recognized from their Class battle. Only this time it was barren except for several television monitors and what appeared to be a makeshift Pokémon Center as a Nurse Joy and her Chansey stood ready. On one of the monitors Ash could see the familiar field structure used for the Class battle as the screen was broken into five sections; each of them showcasing a different section of the field.

Ash turned away from the screen upon hearing a small cough from his teacher, the older woman now growing annoyed from the lack of attention placed on her. As his eyes landed upon her he noticed a clipboard that rested comfortably amongst her fingers, her own eyes narrowing upon it as her cane pointed outwards towards everyone.

"First group will be composed of Tyson, Mayaka, Bryce, Dillon and Janine. Head to your marked sections on the field where you'll meet your instructor." Agatha didn't look away from her board as the sounds of feet shuffling filled the area.

Ash could overhear a few of the names called muttering to themselves over their crummy luck, though just as he expected neither Mayaka nor Janine seemed too nervous. Or at least they didn't show it as the former cracked her knuckles. Janine seemed a bit slower to react however as she readied herself mentally. Ash made his way over towards his friend, his hand resting upon her shoulder for a moment as Brock also made his way over.

"Guess I'm first up," she muttered jokingly. Though despite the laugh that followed, Ash could feel she actually was nervous despite her outward appearance. He smiled softly at her as he pulled his hand away, the object forming into a thumbs up as he flashed it towards her.

"You've been training for this, you'll do fine," he stated. Brock nodded in agreement to his words though he figured it meant little to Janine. The girl took a deep breath before she walked towards the door that Mayaka and a few of the other students had vanished for. Ash half expected her to say something only for silence to remain from her body; the only sign she gave being a thumbs up that Ash made out before the doors slid shut.

Pikachu leapt from his shoulder as he raced towards Leaf, the girl now joining them as Ash found himself pacing back and force. He bit at the tip of his glove as the different students emerged in their sections though it meant little for him as his eyes narrowed in on the square that held Janine.

"She'll be fine. Janine's trained for this," Leaf said as she picked Pikachu up. The Electric-Type made himself cozy within her arms as a few other students made their way towards the large screen. He had a hard time recognizing any of them due to the lack of interactions he had with many members of the class, the only ones sticking out to him being Giselle and Thad.

Agatha likewise strolled forward as Ash could feel her presence alone. A few beads of sweat rolled down the back of his neck as other students cleared the way for her. Her eyes remained on the screen as a timer quickly appeared with fifteen minutes on it as the numbers ticked away immediately.

"There's no doubt she's trained well," Agatha muttered as Ash noticed a few figures appear on the screen. A younger woman appeared in Mayaka's section as Ash recognized her from the tournament in Cerulean. She had been the one to showcase Mega Evolution in one of her matches to the crowd's surprise, though his attention was instead on Janine's section as he recognized Maestro stroll through.

"But there's a difference between training and a live battle. Miss Janine may handle herself fine with our in-class exercises, but I'd like to remind all of you that she struggled near the end of our halfway point when others learned her strategies," Agatha mentioned.

Ash bit his lip at the mention of that as he remembered back to just a few weeks ago to the last time he had seen her battle. Her movements had been readable from the onset of the match as both Venomoth and Zubat were unable to get into a groove as Giselle completely countered everything Janine had thrown at her.

"For Janine to pass she'll need to be quick on her feet and work on countering someone who knows all her moves."

"So you have paid attention to your classmates," Agatha remarked as her pen scribbled something down. To Ash's surprise Janine had yet to move or acknowledge her opponent while the others had all made their own opening moves. Though he felt bad for Tyson as his Farfetch'd was struggling to focus with its Leek gone. The others seemed to have been faring better as they were at least putting up some sort of fight despite the fact that they all had little to no effect. Even Mayaka had no impact as Magneton's attacks bounced off her opponent with ease.

"Each student's practical exam was to force them to face their weaknesses head on. So it won't be a piece of cake for anyone here."

Ash could see movement on Janine's section as her Venomoth emerged on the field, but he couldn't quite hear what was being said. The boy grit his teeth at that as he tried to turn the volume up only for it to have no effect. Agatha noted as such as she pointed her cane outwards, the object nearly hitting Ash as he ducked under it.

"We have televisions down the hall with volume on them. I can't be distracted by that noise when I'm grading."

He didn't say anything as he turned away, both Leaf and Brock joining him as they wandered down the hall slightly until they came to a section that had multiple televisions. To their surprise only Thad appeared to be there as the boy smirked creepily towards Ash.

The action caused him to shiver as they passed by him, Ash still unable to get a read of that guy while Pikachu sparked with electricity. Once far enough away from the guy Ash leaned against the wall as the screen showed the five different tests going on, or at least four now as it appeared that Tyson had already lost as his Farfetch'd was unresponsive. The Nurse Joy from the main area was also out there to which Ash was surprised at just how quickly the test had ended: it hadn't even taken five minutes as the countdown sat at roughly ten and a half minutes now.

Grabbing one of the nearby remotes, Ash changed the television (with help from Brock) so that it showed just Janine's test. To their surprise neither participant had made a move yet as a strange Pokémon stood before Maestro. Ash didn't even bother to scan it as Leaf spoke up.

"Exploud. That's a Normal-Type from the Hoenn region," she explained. Brock nodded in agreement as Ash remained quiet. He had no clue about the Pokémon or about the Hoenn region but figured now wasn't the best time to ask. Especially once he heard Maestro speak up.

"I find it ironic," the man stated as he twirled a flute between his fingers. Exploud stood ready, its feet stomping against the ground. Chunks of dirt flew around for a moment as the impact caused even the camera to shake, Ash growing dizzy from the movements. Luckily the object righted itself as the picture quality improved.

"I faced your father in a test and here you are, facing me. But, even if I'm here to help Agatha grade you I won't hold back. I've studied your profile that was supplied to me and I'm ready for anything."

Ash bit his lower lip once more as he realized what was about to happen. He wanted to alert Janine in some form that things were more than a standard battle as she called for a Bug Buzz attack.

Venomoth clicked her teeth together as the familiar red waves shot outwards. The noise was so bothersome that Ash found himself lowering the volume for a second until it died down, his ears ringing from the annoyance. Though they were immediately filled with a gasp as his eyes darted back towards the screen.

To everyone's surprise Exploud appeared unharmed, the attack doing nothing as it stood there. Maestro didn't offer any comment, instead a relaxing melody played from his flute as Exploud complied with it. The action reminded the Pallet Town native all about Maestro's gimmick as Venomoth barely dodged a Flamethrower attack. The Poison Moth Pokémon cried out for a moment as it fluttered under the raging flames before Janine called for another Bug Buzz. Just as the last one failed, so did this as Ash noticed the worry on Janine's face.

"Exploud's ability is Soundproof," Leaf spoke up as Pikachu cried out in concern. Ash rubbed his buddy's head to calm him down as they watched Venomoth use a Double Team to avoid another Flamethrower. Ash noted that despite the upper hand, Maestro wasn't taking advantage of it.

"Soundproof keeps it from taking any damage from sound-based moves."

"That includes Bug Buzz," Brock added in as the clones of Venomoth vanished. A powerful soundwave shot out from Exploud's mouth as each copy was destroyed. Even the actual Venomoth was struck by it, losing her flight for a moment before recovering.

"There's got to be something we can do," Janine muttered out as she bit at her thumb. Ash wanted to let her know what was happening, but he knew there was no way. As it was, it was difficult to hear what she was saying. Ash could make out her lips moving, but it was too soft to be picked up by the microphones attached to the cameras.

Whatever she had said, Venomoth took off as the Poison and Bug-Type flew low to the ground. She weaved in and out of the many trees that stood around them before appearing in front of Exploud. Her wings shook tremendously as a powder fell from them, Ash applauding as he realized she went for a Sleep Powder. The particles covered Exploud with ease as the Normal-Type appeared to doze off, its eyes growing heavy until they were finally shut. A loud snore could be heard, but otherwise the Pokémon remained still as it slept standing up.

Janine wasted no time as she declared for a Psybeam, but to everyone's surprise Exploud struck first. A powerful Screech erupted from its mouth as the sound disrupted Venomoth's attack and caused the Psybeam to sail above its intended target. A tree fell in the background as a noise echoed around the stadium, though to Ash's confusion Exploud attacked once more as a Flamethrower attack struck Venomoth.

"Miss Janine, I truly wish you'd take me a bit more seriously," Maestro stated as he raised his flute. With a simple breath of air he played another note as Ash recognized the new attack to be similar to the first soundwave. He heard Brock call it Boomburst but he was more interested in its strength, especially since it pushed Venomoth back into a tree.

"I told you already, I studied your style completely. Your usual tactics won't work here," he continued on. Venomoth managed to right herself, but the fatigue was obvious now. Between the two attacks Ash wondered just how much was left in her as the Poison Moth Pokémon barely fluttered above the ground. "Remember, this test is meant to push you. To overcome your weaknesses in a manner that emulates a real event.

"So do try harder."

Ash squeezed his hands for a moment as he felt bad for Janine. Though to his surprise the girl didn't appear to back down and instead planted a foot into the ground. An imprint stood out as the girl's foot rose and slammed down once more as Venomoth resonated with the action. She wasn't rejuvenated, but to Ash it seemed like they weren't anywhere close to giving up. Despite their previous failures they pushed forward as Venomoth rocketed forward.

A call from down the hall distracted the small group as Brock heard his name called. The boy figured they were getting the next group ready considering the timer had reached under the five-minute mark now. Without a word he began to stroll off, pausing only when Ash called out to him for good luck. Leaf likewise was called away as the girl placed Pikachu down carefully. Ash noted her hesitation to leave but the girl tried her best to hide her fears.

Now alone, he looked over to his partner as the duo struggled to see how Janine could turn it around. Though he felt part of that struggle was from the stare that Thad was giving them, his eyes locked onto them as Ash managed to see it from the corner of his eye. He knew the boy was strange, but ever since he had returned from the break between semesters Thad had gotten even worse. Ash shook the sensation away as he instead crossed his arms.

"Come on, Janine, do something."

The timer continued to tick away as Exploud awoke from its slumber, the sight of Venomoth before it being the first image it saw. The Bug and Poison-Type's antenna were glowing for a moment as the attack shot forward. It did little to harm Exploud as the Pokémon covered its face with its arms. A minor burn mark on its arms being the only sign of the attack as they were lowered to its sides. Though it was in that moment Ash thought he saw a plan unfolding.

Venomoth's wings started to flutter once more as Janine called for a Sleep Powder. However, it wasn't only the particles that emerged from the Poison Moth Pokémon's body. Instead, the familiar red waves erupted to as Exploud stood there. The Normal-Type didn't counter as it fell asleep from the attack. Venomoth and Janine weren't finished however.

"We finally figured out your gimmick," Janine cried out. Ash found himself pumping his fist from the declaration as another Bug Buzz erupted outwards only to be followed by a Psybeam. "You like to play that flute to keep your opponent from knowing your next move. But how does that work if your Pokémon can't hear it?"

The Psybeam erupted against Exploud's chest as smoke rose up into the sky. Venomoth circled around once more to position herself for a second strike as Janine threw a fist forward. Though the smirk from Maestro told Ash something was up.

"Your father already taught me that lesson," he stated comfortably as he placed his flute away. The action shocked Janine as the man spoke a command for the first time. "Sleep Talk, Exploud."

The Normal-Type grunted slightly amidst its snores as a Flamethrower erupted from its mouth. The attack struck Venomoth as Janine quickly called for a Double Team to minimize the damage. A flash of light erupted around the field as copies of Venomoth emerged. However, unlike before, they were slightly burnt as the Flamethrower had still struck its target.

Janine grit her teeth as Ash watched on, the girl calling for a Psybeam as the multiple copies began to charge up the blast. And yet it was too late as the buzzer sounded out across the entire stadium. Ash's eyes darted towards the timer as he realized that the clock had reached the end now.

"Pika..." Pikachu muttered out as Ash noticed the feed was cut. He wondered if it was to allow each student a moment alone with their instructor to go over their exam. The Pallet Town native pulled his hat down slightly as he hoped she had done well enough to pass. It would have been awful to learn that Janine failed due to her slow start.

"She's strong, Pikachu. I'm sure Janine did well enough," he tried to reassure his friend. Though in reality Ash wondered if he was just trying to reassure himself instead. Without another word spoken the feeds returned to the televisions around him only for the boy to not recognize the locations. He saw that Leaf appeared to be on a beach field as he quickly tried to locate Brock.

Finding his friend, Ash changed the screen to only show Brock's match. Only he wondered if it would go well as he saw his friend stammering for a moment over his opponent. Ash could only watch as Brock appeared to flirt with his opponent who just so happened to be a Nurse Joy. After a moment Brock quickly composed himself as the boy stood opposite the health care worker.

"And what honor do I have to be graced by a beautiful proctor?" Brock asked, his hand extended outwards as Ash figured he wasn't done yet. The older boy however pulled back as Ash noticed the egg within his arm shake in a manner he wondered was ferociously. "I'm sorry, but what exactly is my test going to pertain?

"I have a feeling that since I'm changing courses it'll be different?"

Nurse Joy merely smiled at the question as a pokeball rested in her hand. Ash watched as the timer began to tick away as the capture device was tossed outwards, a white light flooding over the field. Within moments a Primeape emerged from the pokeball but even Ash could tell something was up as the Fighting-Type slammed its fists into the ground. A crater quickly formed before the Pig Monkey Pokémon rushed for Brock. The older boy ducked as Primeape swung at him, its arm just passing over his head.

Without a moment of hesitation Brock called out both his Onix and Geodude, the latter trying to restrain Primeape only to be tossed away. The smile on Nurse Joy's face vanished as Ash wondered just what Agatha had planned for Brock's test.

"Your teacher noted in your file that you tend to avoid conflict and battles despite your skills," Nurse Joy noted, a few papers now rustling in her hand as a breeze passed through. Primeape was now jumping around as it changed directions and rushed for Onix. The Rock and Ground-Type shined for a moment as his body stiffened. Luckily Primeape merely bounced off of the Rock Snake Pokémon before screaming outwards.

"And because of that she wants to see how you can help Primeape here. It needs medical attention but because of its injury it won't allow me to get close. Find a way to help."

Ash placed a hand under his chin as Pikachu now sat atop his shoulder, the duo wondering if there was more to this test than what Nurse Joy stated. Either way, they figured Brock had it in the bag as he took a few steps towards Primeape. He appeared to hesitate with each step however, his simple movements causing Primeape to look towards him until finally the Fighting-Type swung at him.

Geodude pulled the older boy backwards while Onix's tail blocked the attack. Primeape bounced back softly as the Fighting-Type reached for its left wrist. Ash could notice Brock staring at it as the boy took a few steps forward but quickly found himself on the receiving end of a Thrash attack.

Ash sighed out at that, the Pallet Town native wondering if his friend could figure out a way to get close. As it was, every time he tried all he managed to do was get the Pokémon upset even more. That much was obvious as Primeape was now all over the field as it destroyed the area. Ash watched as Brock ducked under a thrown boulder, the object crashing against a tree as it fell over. The older boy watched Primeape as the more it attacked the angrier it got.

Ash looked at the timer as it now stood at eight minutes remaining. Though by the time he turned back to Brock his friend was already in action. With his egg held gently in his arms he moved towards Primeape with Geodude by his side. Ash could notice the egg glowing even more, but decided it was best to watch Brock.

With a swift cry, Primeape lunged for Brock only for its first attack to be caught by Geodude. The Rock and Ground-Type held strong as he caught a second punch and kept the Pig Monkey Pokémon from moving.

"Onix, help restrain its movements!" Brock cried out. His partner nodded in agreement before his tail wrapped around Primeape. It was exactly what Brock needed as he climbed atop Onix and approached Primeape. The Fighting-Type tried to break free but struggled under the hold of Onix's Bind attack.

"Let's see the issue," Brock muttered. Ash could only watch on with worry as his friend grabbed ahold of Primeape's wrist. A loud cry echoed outward upon contact, Primeape trying to pull away to no avail. As if Agatha asked, the camera zoomed in as Primeape's left wrist was clearly visible.

It was bruised and slightly puffy as Brock reached into his backpack before pulling out a long strand of compression wrap. He placed the material gently around Primeape but that still did little as the Pig Monkey Pokémon rampaged once more as Onix released him. Ash wondered if Brock would have to fight the Pokémon, but a new light suddenly broke his attention away.

"Please not now," Brock's voice echoed over the television. The light continued to expand outwards from his arm, Ash recognizing it as the familiar glow from the egg. However, it seemed as if the egg was changing shape now as a small pink creature sat in his arms.

Unfortunately for Brock it didn't stay there as the creature ran from Brock and towards Primeape. Ash watched as his friend ran after the newly hatched Pokémon as he pulled it away from the angered Primeape. Geodude once more stopped a flurry of punches as Brock held the baby Pokémon.

Curious, Ash pulled his Pokedex out as he wondered if it would scan a Pokémon on television. To his surprise it worked as his encyclopedia spoke.

"Happiny, the Playhouse Pokémon. The pre-evolved form of Chansey and a Normal-Type. It is said that they like to carry round white stones in its pouch if they look like an egg and in some occasions give them to people that they like."

Ash closed the Pokedex slowly as his eyes shot back towards the screen as to his worry Happiny was lifting Primeape off the ground now. Luckily for him Brock and his own Pokémon were also worried as they rushed towards Happiny. Though with a small toss the Playhouse Pokémon sent Primeape flying only for Geodude to hold Happiny within his arms.

"Think Brock, where will I find a stone here?" Brock muttered to himself for a moment. With a snap of his fingers he rummaged through his backpack once more as he pulled out a bar of soap. Ash watched through the screen as he wondered if now was the best time to wash up. Especially as only a few minutes remained in the test. That was when he noticed what Brock was doing.

With a small pocketknife he whittled down the soap bar until it appeared as a smooth stone. Even Ash had to admit it was good, if he hadn't seen it as a bar of soap he too would have been fooled.

"Hey, Happiny," Brock called out. Ash blinked for a moment as he wondered how Brock knew that Pokémon's name without a Pokedex, but it mattered little as the small Normal-Type waddled over towards him. "It may not be perfect, but I'd like to commemorate our friendship with this stone. Will you accept it for now until I can find you a better one?"

Happiny appeared to stare at it for a moment, Ash finding himself sweating from the anticipation until the Normal-Type took the whittled bar of soap. She then grabbed Brock by the hand and playfully waved him around, the strength of the baby Pokémon not going unnoticed as even Nurse Joy chuckled from it. Eventually Happiny stopped as she instead clapped happily.

"Hey, Onix, Geodude," Brock spoke up as he clutched his stomach. Ash eyed the clock once more as his friend had less than a minute now as Primeape rushed towards them. "Restrain Primeape, please. I have one last idea."

His two partners nodded as they moved out once more, Onix using Bind on the Fighting-Type while Geodude restrained its hands. Bending over, Brock grabbed Happiny and placed the baby atop his shoulders as she cried out happily. Ash was starting to understand what Brock was going for as the duo approached Primeape, the Pig Monkey Pokémon now a bit terrified after what Happiny did to it last time.

"Happiny, could you help Primeape out? It's in a bit of pain," Brock explained.

"Hap! Happiny!" the baby Pokémon cried out. She leapt down from Brock's shoulders as her arms waved back and forth. Ash found himself glued to the television, nearly missing how Thad was called for his own test as a blue mist emerged from the tips of Happiny's arms. The substance floated forward slightly, impacting against Primeape as it stuck to its wrist.

Brock used this time to change the wrap he had placed prior while also adding a layer of ointment to it, the buzzer going off just as he finished the quick procedure. Ash found himself let a sigh of relief go as he heard Nurse Joy mention how it was unorthodox, but it clearly worked out.

He tried to listen more, but the feed cut out just as it had for the first group. Now waiting for his own turn to be announced, he leaned against the wall slightly as his heart rate increased. It was almost time for him to see what Agatha had planned for himself. He couldn't help but imagine it was something crazy, but he didn't care. Ash knew that if he had Pikachu and his other Pokémon with him, he would be able to pass. All he had to do was stay calm and composed.

And we're starting the midterms. Next chapter will wrap them up before we get onto Ash's short spring break. Which will be in the Orange Islands for reasons that I feel should be a bit obvious but will be clear within the next two chapters.

But in other news for it, both Brock and Janine have completed their midterms to varying degrees of success while the former also ended up hatching his egg. Which just so happened to be what he needed to help with his test.

Thank you to everyone who read the chapter and supports this story. Please leave a review letting me know what you enjoyed and how I can improve the story.