Welcome back everyone. Last time not only did the midterms begin, but Ash was also invited to go to the Orange Islands during his Spring Break. But before he can do that, he still needs to pass his midterm.

Ch 20: Compromise

Ash wandered around for a few minutes as the boy pushed past a few branches. The leaves blocked his view, but he quickly found a clearing as he decided to approach it. Vegetation surrounded the area as the relaxing sounds of a stream ran through his ears. The boy felt his nerves wanting to kick in, being unsure of just how many students were watching him now. He figured most had left since Agatha told them once their exam was over, they could leave. And yet he felt some had stuck around just to watch him; even if he was in the last group.

Pikachu sighed out as the duo looked up at the enclosed ceiling. The sound of a battle echoed around them as Ash wondered if his own timer had begun. Though that thought was swept away the moment he heard rustling from a bush beside him. Pikachu leapt from his shoulder, cheeks sparking with electricity as they awaited their proctor to begin the examination. Instead they were greeted by an unwelcomed surprise as Paul emerged from the bushes.

"What're you doing here?" Ash asked only to be ignored. His fellow student appeared rather bored of the situation as he picked at a hangnail. Ash wanted to yell at him, but the presence of a third individual stopped him. Though unlike Paul, this one spoke up upon his arrival.

"Good, you're both here," Blue's voice echoed out as Ash got a good view of the man. He had on an outfit similar to the one he had worn in Vermilion City, but there seemed to be a slight difference. Weights appeared to be strapped onto him, as if they were meant to restrain him as the man took a heavy step forward. He rubbed at his wrists, Ash wondering if the objects were painful.

"So, you're probably wondering what's going on."

"Not really," Paul remarked. Ash glared slightly at the boy only to continue to be ignored. "I'm guessing if we're both here then it has something to do with the midterm."

Blue chuckled at the answer for a moment as he rubbed at the back of his neck. The action caused Ash to wonder just how correct Paul had been, considering that it was unlikely one of them wandered into the area by mistake. A breeze passed through for a moment as Blue reached for a pokeball, the object rolling about his palm before it expanded outwards.

"I'm not good with the whole teaching aspect, so listen up," he stated as the pokeball exploded outwards. A white light blinded Ash for a moment as even Pikachu was forced to shield his eyes. A Pidgeot emerged from the bright light, Blue climbing atop its back as the creature appeared to lack the same set of weights that Blue wore. It struggled for a moment under the intense weight before growing accustomed to it. "Your test is different.

"The two of you have to work together. The old hag mentioned something about trainers who meet on the road may need to help each other or something like that. Pretty much you must work together, but I don't care how. Also, your time is doubled since there's two of you," he stated as Pidgeot continued to rise into the air. Ash could now see a timer begin to tick down, though this one only appeared to have a few minutes remaining on it.

"Oh! And when this timer reaches zero, I'm coming for you two. So you'd better get ready."

Ash gulped at that as the Pidgeot flew off. The boy wondered if that meant Blue's Charizard would be showing up as well. His hands began to shake, the realization of facing such a strong opponent overtaking him as he pondered just how outmatched they were. His hand reached down onto his belt, a pokeball fumbling around his fingers as the thought of Saffron City and his inability to do anything there replayed in his mind.

"Murkrow, try and see where he's located. We'll take the battle to him," Paul stated as a pokeball was tossed into the air. Ash watched as the familiar blue creature emerged from it, the Dark and Flying-Type taking off for parts unknown as the creature vanished from sight. Ash looked at the remaining pokeballs on his fellow student's belt, a total of three sitting there.

"We should be looking for a way to escape. Starting a fight is the last thing we should try to do."

"Really?" Paul asked, the sound of his Murkrow alerting the duo to the fact it had found something. Before Ash knew it, the Darkness Pokémon landed on Paul's shoulder. Its beak pointed in a direction that Ash figured would be where Blue was. "Out of everyone in this class you're the one saying we should run. Didn't you rush into a hopeless situation just months ago? But it makes sense that someone pathetic like you would choose to run away."

Ash balled his hands at that, his nails digging into his skin as Paul merely walked away. He wanted to call out to the boy, but his feet answered instead as he trailed behind. Since Blue never mentioned winning as a qualification for passing, it made Ash wonder if perhaps all they needed to do was find an exit of sorts instead. Knowing what they were about to walk into he tossed a pokeball upwards as it exploded outwards.

"Rowwww!" the Normal and Flying-Type cried out before landing atop a tree branch. Paul paused for a moment as he eyed Ash and Fearow, a look of annoyance plastered upon his face.

"Fearow, think you can look for an exit of sorts? I'd assume it'd be a gate or something similar," Ash stated.

Fearow yawned slightly as his wings were spread wide, a gust overtaking the area as the trees rustled in the wind. A few leaves fell from atop, Ash forced to grab his hat as Fearow took off in one blast. The Normal and Flying-Type quickly vanished as Ash turned back towards where his partner had been only to notice he was now gone. A sigh passed through Ash's lips as he and Pikachu shared a look of annoyance.

"The nerve of that guy. He's told to work together and then he ditches us."

"Pikapi," Pikachu agreed as the duo walked forward. Silence fell over the area as the only noise that disturbed it would be the usual snapping of a branch or rustling of leaves. Occasionally a sound from one of the other matches would reach them as Ash looked towards the timer. There was roughly sixty seconds left until Blue would begin his search for them. How he hoped Paul wouldn't do anything to hurt their chances until he could find his partner.

A small clearing emerged before them once more, though a cloud of smoke quickly flowed from it as Ash decided to rush forward. His knees started to knock against each other, but his body told him to run forward. He just needed to prove his suspicion.

"When Agatha described you she left out your stupidity," Blue's voice spoke out. Ash stopped in his tracks, the boy hunched over slightly in the surrounding bushes as he watched the clearing. Blue and Paul stood opposite each other as Charizard stood on the field, charred blades of grass stood everywhere as a few trees had been burnt to a crisp. Laying before Paul appeared to be Murkrow, the Darkness Pokémon unmoving as Paul merely returned it to its pokeball.

"You lost the advantage the moment you searched me out."

"Did I? Tell me, did you honestly expect this?"

"Honestly? Not at all. But knowing the two of you I expected some sort of attack. I'm guessing Ketchum is hiding to sneak attack?" Blue asked. His hand ruffled at his hair as Charizard roared out in agreement. The Fire and Flying-Type's movements appeared sluggish however, Ash noticing the same set of weights set across his own body.

"Who knows where he is. The guy was dragging his feet," Paul answered as a new pokeball rested in his hand. The object rocked slowly before he tossed it outwards, Ash recognizing Sneasel as the Ice and Dark-Type stood ready. Its claws were extended, both ready to strike at any needed moment. Charizard huffed out smoke as Blue stood quietly. Ash could tell they were awaiting to see how Paul would strike first.

"Ice Shard now!"

"Sneas!" the Ice and Dark-Type shouted as a large ball of ice formed amidst its claws. Ash remembered exactly what was coming next, the same combo being used against him in their first battle. Sneasel sprinted across the field as the sphere grew larger and larger until it was nearly equal to the size of Charizard's stomach. The object being thrown forward as a chill passed through the area, some of the remaining grass gaining a frost from it.

Charizard didn't need an order to unleash his flames, the mighty Flamethrower encompassing the field. Ash could feel the heat of it from his spot as Sneasel protected itself with a dual Metal Claw, Ash noting how most of it ensnarled Sneasel. Though what seemed to annoy Ash was how Paul didn't issue any command as Sneasel embraced the flames only to be heavily panting when they died down.

"Torment!" Paul shouted out. His hand swung to the side of his body as Ash wondered just what this move would entail. To his confusion, however, all Sneasel appeared to do was stomp on the ground while crying out to Charizard. Pikachu muttered in annoyance as Ash hushed him for a moment. They didn't need to be seen.

Though to their confusion Charizard didn't launch off another Flamethrower. Instead Blue seemed to call for a Dragon Pulse as the draconic energy swarmed around the Fire and Flying-Type's mouth. Sneasel rushed forward once more as Paul called for a Metal Claw. Sneasel extended its claws, the shimmering appendages slicing right into the launched Dragon Pulse only for the attack to explode and swallow up the Dark and Ice-Type.

Smoke cascaded outwards as the sound of Sneasel tumbling around echoed through the area. Cries of pain followed as the smoke vanished to show Sneasel defeated and an annoyed look upon Paul's face. Ash could have sworn the boy muttered out "pathetic", but he couldn't quite make it out. Even Blue looked a bit annoyed as Paul recalled the defeated Sneasel before gripping a new pokeball.

Ash grit his teeth at that action, the boy knowing full well they couldn't win at this point. Especially if Paul lost every member of his team. With a glance towards the timer, Ash noted how roughly ten minutes had already passed for them as he realized that everyone else had finished their own tests by now.

"Pipi," Pikachu muttered as he pointed in a direction. Following the action, Ash noted Fearow's position in a tree not too far from here as the Normal and Flying-Type tried to locate a spot to fly towards. Instead Ash came up with an idea as he turned towards Pikachu.

"We've got one shot at this, Pikachu."

Without another word he rushed out of his hiding spot, Pikachu right beside him as his action annoyed Paul. Blue merely chuckled as the boy figured his proctor knew he had been hiding there. He wasted no time however as he quickly called for a Flash attack. Pikachu followed through on the command as the entire area was bathed in a bright light.

"This way!" Ash shouted as he grabbed ahold of Paul's wrist. The boy ran forward as he felt Paul try to fight against his efforts, the Pallet Town native not to be defeated today. With every ounce of energy he had he continued to drag Paul away until the duo and Pikachu were near Fearow. The boy panted as Paul ripped his arm away from him, Ash having expected as much.

He found himself leaning against a tree for a moment as his heart rate slowed. Ash waited for Paul to at least thank him, but the boy remained silent. His only action being his fist punching a nearby tree. A few branches shook from the action as he turned towards Ash.

"What was that for? I had him where I wanted him."

"If by losing half your team then sure. But a 'thank you' sounds better right now," Ash countered as the two boys glared down at each other. He wondered why Agatha would have put them in the same test, especially since they were nothing alike.

"Murkrow and Sneasel had set everything up. Between Mean Look, Feather Dance and Torment I could have finished him with Torterra and Elekid."

Ash narrowed his eyes at those words, the Pallet Town native finally catching on to what Paul had done. He spit at the ground before his arm moved on its own. His fist swung for Paul but the Sinnoh native avoided it with ease. Instead of striking the boy Ash's fist instead landed against a tree as he flinched for a moment. But his annoyance managed to cover any pain he felt at the moment.

"How could you just sacrifice them like that? They're you're partners."

"And they know their purpose in this," Paul countered as he looked around. Ash followed his gaze as their eyes locked on to a rustling section of trees. No doubt Blue was on the move now as Ash figured running would be their best bet right now.

"Well, now we can make it towards the exit and pass," Ash stated, his finger pointing in the direction that Fearow tried to lead them. However, before either of them could react a Flamethrower shot across the sky and struck Fearow. The Normal and Flying-Type dropped from his perch atop the tree as his wings were lit ablaze.

Ash moved quick as he recalled his partner before he struck the ground. The sound of flapping wings suddenly entered the area as Ash heard Paul scoff. Much to Ash's worry Blue emerged before them as Charizard knocked over several of the trees.

"Guess we have to fight now," Ash muttered as he felt his saliva get caught in his throat. Blue's eyes appeared rather bothered from the previous Flash attack as they looked slightly red, though Ash doubted that they'd be able to escape with a second Flash so soon. Instead he held a pokeball by his side as his knees wanted to give out. He fought the nerves that were building throughout him, images of Saffron and Kiyu replacing Blue for a moment.

Ash slapped himself in the face as Blue emerged before him once more, his pokeball tossed outwards as Charmander emerged from it. The Fire-Type looked up at his evolved form with awe only to dive to the side from a gust of wind generated from a single flap of Charizard's wings. Ash felt his hat fly off from it, but he was fortunate Pikachu grabbed it for him.

Paul didn't wait around for him, sending his own pokeball out as Elekid joined in. Pikachu also stepped forward as his cheeks sparked slightly. Ash bit at the inside of his mouth; he knew that even with a three-on-one advantage they stood no chance. But that didn't appear to deter Paul as he called for Elekid to attack with Thunder Punch. The Electric-Type rushed forward, his arms spinning as electricity surged through his entire body until it all converged on his arms.

Sparks flew off Elekid's arms as they ate away at the field, chunks of grass shooting up as Charizard remained unfazed. A few sparks struck the Fire and Flying-Type prior to Elekid landing a blow across his face. The attack failed to instill any damage as far as Ash could tell; the Flame Pokémon knocking Elekid away with his tail as Blue issued a Flamethrower. The fire built inside Charizard's maw instantly as Ash felt the heat rise around them, a few drops of sweat running down his neck as he wondered how strong the attack would naturally be. Seeing the target as Elekid he quickly issued an attack as both Pikachu and Charmander sprang into action.

"Pikachu, knock Elekid away with Quick Attack! Charmander, slow that Flamethrower down with one of your own!"

The boy swept his arm to the side as Pikachu leapt across the grassy terrain. His paws pounced across the grass and dirt as the earthy substance splattered upwards. A white trail of light followed behind him as it was quickly enveloped in Charmander's Flamethrower. The powerful Fire-Type attack scorched the grass as it collided with Charizard's own attack only to be completely devoured, the difference in strength beyond obvious. Despite his short comings, Charmander had managed to stall just long enough for Pikachu to slam his head against Elekid's body. The duo rolling to the side of Charizard's attack.

Paul grunted at the effort, Elekid likewise appearing the same way as he shoved Pikachu from his body. The Mouse Pokémon was annoyed from a lack of a "thank you" but Ash paid him no attention. Instead he called for Charmander to use another Flamethrower as the attack merely bounced off Charizard's gut.

"Mind staying out of my way?" Paul asked as both he and Elekid pushed past their partners. Ash clinched his fists at that remark as Charmander rolled to the side of a Dragon Pulse. The draconic energy exploded against the ground in a blaze of glory. Chunks of the ground skyrocketing as Charmander held tightly with a Metal Claw before spraying off a Fire Spin. The attack managed to entrap Charizard for a moment only to die down and allow him a chance for movement once more.

"Last I checked, we just saved Elekid from becoming a short-circuited battery," Ash argued as he swept his arms outward. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Pikachu scurrying towards Charmander as Charizard and Blue prepared another attack. The latter appeared bored out of his mind as a yawn escaped from his mouth. Pikachu managed to reach Charmander in time, pushing the Flame Pokémon away as his tail was burnt from the Flamethrower.

The Electric-Type cried out in pain for a moment, tears welling within his eyes as he pushed the pain away. He returned to his four legs as he quickly scurried away from the area, Elekid launching a Thunder onto Charizard.

"We had it planned out. Elekid would have used Protect in the moment we were attacked. You should have used that chance to attack Charizard."

As if on cue, a barrier emerged around Elekid, shielding him from an oncoming attack. Though the force of it appeared too strong as it pushed the Electric-Type backwards despite his protection. The

"That would have been nice to know. Maybe you should have explained it."

Paul didn't respond as Ash likewise turned away from his "partner" and instead issued for a Thunderbolt and Flamethrower. The two attacks were launched simultaneously as they exploded against Charizard, a cloud of smoke covering the entire area as Ash struggled to see anything. Then, to his surprise, sparks of electricity could be seen in the smoke as it was all blown away with one motion of Charizard's wings.

Elekid fought against the powerful wind gust as he struggled to land his Thunder Punch, instead being knocked back against Pikachu and Charmander. The three Pokémon sat piled atop each other, Charizard stomping towards them as he reared back for another Flamethrower. Ash called out for Pikachu to try and move but the Electric-Type found it impossible with the weight atop him. Even Elekid struggled to move as he shoved Charmander from atop his body.

The tiny Fire-Type looked across the field as flames raged within Charizard's maw. The fire spilling outwards as a few stray strands struck some nearby brush. The attack launched within seconds, giving the now standing Pikachu no time to dodge as he assisted Elekid onto his feet. Instead Charmander launched off his own Flamethrower, one immensely weaker in strength but just enough to cause a slight distraction. The two attacks exploded upon Charmander being enveloped, his own Flamethrower now destroyed as the impact allowed Pikachu and Elekid to roll to the side. The duo barely avoided the Flamethrower as Charmander laid there defeated.

"Quick, Pikachu, Flash!" Ash ordered out as he recalled Charmander into his pokeball. The boy quickly placed the device on his belt as his hand reached out for Paul's wrist. His partner tried to pull away at first, but Ash held strong.

"Pika!" Pikachu shouted, his cheeks sparking for a moment. A white light flashed outwards and across the field as Ash used this moment to take off running. He could hear Blue cry out in annoyance at the tactic. Likewise, the sound of Pikachu's paws and an annoyed Elekid alerted him to the fact his best friend was behind them. Within seconds the light died down, the small group now in a pile of brush as Ash struggled to catch his breath.

The exit could be seen now as it shined in the distance, the timer atop it reaching only five minutes as he knew they were cutting it close. The rustling next to him alerted the boy to the fact Paul tried to stand up. Ash quickly yanked him back down as did Pikachu to Elekid.

"Listen," Ash started to say in a hushed whisper. The sound of Charizard's wings flapping could be heard above them, the rustling of the trees telling them that Blue was heading right for the exit.

"I don't like you and you don't like me. That much we know. But if either of us want to pass this test we'll have to work together for the next five minutes. Unless you want to fail."

"Well what do you have planned?" Paul asked, annoyance present in his voice as he spat at the ground. Ash wondered just why Paul found it so hard to work alongside him despite their differing views. It wasn't like this would be a continuous circumstance. Once they passed they would be on their individual ways.

"I said what do you have planned? We can't waste anymore time."

Ash was nearly caught off guard by the boy's words, his hands reaching for a pokeball as he handed it over to Paul. The device rocked a little as Ash felt uncomfortable handing it over but he had no other choices. A second pokeball rested in his own hand as it quickly revealed to hold Squirtle. The Water-Type looking around for a moment as Pikachu seemed to clue him in.

"I'll distract Blue while you sneak up from behind. Once there's an opening use Bulbasaur to throw me across the exit alongside you."

"You're an idiot if you think he'll just let me do that."

"That's why you'll attack the moment I have his undivided attention. We'll hit him from both sides and then escape."

Paul didn't reply to that, instead he merely stood up as Elekid followed behind him. Ash waited until his partner was out of view before he took off for the exit, Pikachu and Squirtle right beside him as they raced across the field. Sticks broke beneath their feet until they finally reached the clearing where Blue and Charizard waited.

A breeze cut through the area as Ash clutched at his hat, his eyes locked onto Blue as the older man smirked for a moment. "So, you finally showed up."

Ash remained silent for a moment, his ears listening for any sort of sound from Paul. Though it appeared that the boy was moving carefully. Noticing that there were roughly three minutes remaining now, Ash made his move as he threw his fist forward and called for a Water Gun.

"Squirtle!" the Water-Type shouted out as a geyser of water shot outwards. The stream remained on target for Charizard only for it to be blown away with a single Dragon Pulse. Ash didn't stop there however, Pikachu launching off a Thunderbolt while Squirtle hid within his shell.

The Water-Type rolled along the ground for a moment, Ash immediately having him launch into a Skull Bash as Pikachu's attack landed. Squirtle rocketed forward, his head lodging itself into Charizard as the impact caused the Fire and Flying-Type to lose his breath for a moment. However, Ash could tell that Charizard was barely harmed as the Flame Pokémon tossed Squirtle with ease.

Pikachu was faster however, hitting Squirtle right back at Charizard with his tail as he charged forward himself. A trail of white formed behind Pikachu, the Electric-Type ramming into Charizard at the same moment Squirtle slammed into the mighty beast. Blue seemed a bit more interested now as he quickly called for Charizard to blow the two pests away, but Ash wasn't finished.

He immediately called for a combination of Thunderbolt and Water Gun as the two attacks were launched in midair. Pikachu's electricity surged through Squirtle's Water Gun as the jet of water sparked with electricity. The power of it radiating from the water as Charizard tried to block it with his wings. The attack slammed into the Flame Pokémon however, electricity coursing through his body.

"Charizard, let's take it seriously now," Blue spoke up. Ash gulped at that as Charizard rocketed forward. With just a simple command his claws began to glow green before they became enlarged. A single swipe being enough to slam Pikachu and Squirtle into the ground as craters formed from the impact.

Ash bit at his lower lip as he watched his two Pokémon get up slowly. A bright thought entered his mind however as he could see Paul near the exit, their plan nearly complete as a pokeball opened up. While Ash had expected his Bulbasaur to be the one released from the capture device, it was instead a large quadrupedal beast. A tree appeared to rest atop its back as it roared out slowly.

The noise alerted Blue to Paul's presence now as the creature slammed into the ground. Stones jutted outwards and slammed into Charizard, the Fire and Flying-Type now airborne as Ash ordered Pikachu to launch a Thunderbolt. Charizard avoided the attack with ease, though what followed next shocked everyone as a swarm of overgrown vines wrapped their tendrils around the Flame Pokémon.

"Frenzy Plant, Torterra. Send him for a ride!" Paul cried out. The tendrils wrapped tighter around Charizard as Ash could have sworn he saw a green energy-like substance be drained from Charizard. The creature now known as Torterra groaned out slightly as the vines that extended outwards from its tree appeared to tighten up. They quickly shook back and forth before shooting Charizard forward, the vines releasing their grip as the Fire and Flying-Type soared across the sky.

Ash could tell that Charizard would have struggled with changing directions with all the weights on his body, though he hadn't expected Paul to have a move capable of moving the beast himself. Otherwise they may have been able to handle the entire test differently. Regardless, Ash shook off his surprise as the timer reached down to roughly a minute remaining.

Wasting no time, he recalled Squirtle into his pokeball and booked for the exit. Paul seemed to have already been waiting as Charizard appeared to correct his course. His claws glowed green once more as he lunged forward for Pikachu, the Electric-Type still too far away to cross the gate. And that was when Ash was thankful for Paul. He would have never admitted it out loud or ever say it to the boy, but if it hadn't been for Paul he would have failed.

"Ele!" Elekid cried out as the shield from earlier erected itself behind Pikachu. Standing there was Elekid, the Electric-Type having appeared while Ash failed to notice his presence. The barrier surrounded Pikachu and Elekid, the duo being launched towards the exit by Charizard's attack as only Ash remained behind it.

Putting all his effort into the last few steps, Ash dove across the exit as the time reached zero. The boy breathed out in relief but to his annoyance he realized that Paul was already gone.

"Pikapi!" Pikachu moaned out slowly as he pointed towards the hallway. Ash figured that it would only be obvious they were to head down there. Though with the way his test was set up, he wondered if Agatha planned it that they could only realistically pass if they chose to run. Sitting up, Ash dusted himself off before adjusting his hat.

Now ready he leaned over so Pikachu could get on his shoulder before exiting down the hallway. He could hear Blue and his Charizard behind them, but Ash didn't care much as his feet continued to pound against the tiled floor. His steps echoed as he continued onwards, fatigue taking over as he struggled to make it down the hall. However, he finally saw the end as he reentered the main room he had first arrived in prior to any of the exams.

"Took you long enough," Agatha's voice stated. Ash turned his head slowly as his eyes locked onto his teacher. She seemed to be writing something down, her eyes never leaving the clipboard that rested in her hands. Ash wanted to reply, but before he could even get a word out he felt an arm wrap around his shoulders.

"You cut it kind of close there," Corey stated as a laugh erupted from him. Ash scratched at his cheek slightly as the older student released him. He wasn't quite sure how to respond, but with Corey lifting a bag Ash figured he had an idea as to what Corey wanted to talk about.

"So what time do we leave for the trip?"

"Whenever you're ready. We're taking off soon," Corey answered. Ash nodded slowly as he and Pikachu shared a yawn. The boy walked over towards the entrance of the building and rummaged around until he found his backpack. He had left it there prior to the start of his exam as he figured packing before would have saved a small bit of time.

Corey didn't acknowledge it however, as instead the boy marched out of the building. Ash followed behind him, his ears ringing as Corey talked about everything the school had planned for their trip. Though one of the days they were going to need to make a small detour as asked by the school. Ash wondered what the reason was for as they made their way across campus in a rushed pace.

Students appeared to be heading out for the week now as many of them strolled through campus with a bag or luggage. Some of the conversations being held spoke of trips to other regions or even just the Seafoam Islands as he now walked at an even pace with Corey. Before Ash knew it, they were outside the school and boarded onto a cab that appeared to be waiting for them.

"The plane ride will be about eight hours or so. You'll be able to catch some sleep on the way down," Corey happily stated. The boy appeared to have a smile plastered onto his face as the cab sped through the city. A few of the streets appeared to be packed as cars were bumper to bumper. Ash found it fortunate that their route had little stoppage as he could make out a large building in the distance. A plane took off from it as he noted another coming in.

Though before he even knew it, they were at the entrance as Corey jumped out of the cab. Ash followed the boy's lead as he walked into the terminal and took part in the different stages there. The boys immediately made their way to a large group of students, Ash recognizing a few of them as Neesha and Fergus made their way over to Corey. The latter tried to place Corey within a headlock only to instead find himself on the receiving end. Though it was another boy that Ash found odd to be seen with the group.

Sitting by himself appeared to be Thad, a bag resting atop his lap as he awaited one of the chaperones to return. The two boys shared a quick glance at each other as Ash quickly looked away. Pikachu muttered something, but Ash found it hard to hear as he tried to shake a feeling that Thad was hiding something.

Though, the boy realized he had little time to actually think it over as the entire process of boarding the plane moved rather quickly for him. He found that to be ironic due to all the time they had to waste with security and he even had to go through an examination to make sure nothing was hidden on his person.

"Oh, that's just a memento of my first day of being a trainer with Pikachu," Ash stated as one of the security agents pointed out his feather. The boy opened his jacket for a moment as his feather shined brightly, Ash unable to shake the feeling that eyes were all looking at him. Once the security officer told him it was all set he quickly zipped his jacket back up and joined the others as they made their way towards their gate.

"Alright everyone, listen up!" one of the chaperones called out. Ash had never seen him on campus before and wondered if the man was perhaps a member of the faculty that wasn't a teacher. He definitely didn't look like a teacher as his untucked shirt blew as they passed a fan. His stomach hung out slightly as a result of that and Ash found himself turning away from the man. "Seating has been prearranged based on when you signed up for the trip. So board in the order of your ticket number. When we reach the hotel rooms will be assigned based on grade level. Seniors and juniors will only have two in each room while sophomores and freshmen will have two roommates."

Ash nodded from the announcement as he looked at the ticket number. Based on how late he received it, he figured that he would be towards the back of the line. And just as he thought that, it turned out to be true as he was number forty-one out of fifty students. Though he found it moved rather quickly to board the plane as he handed the ticket over to the staff member.

He hadn't even remembered the line moving as the other students boarded the plane. Though it meant little as he made his way onto the airplane and towards an empty seat. As he sat and relaxed for the first time in hours his eyes felt heavy. He fought off the urge to sleep as he noticed that there were students from other schools on the flight, Ash recognizing a few from his short time in Celadon. Though there was also a loud red head that appeared to be giving Fergus a hard time. Ash wanted to tell her off but instead a yawn escaped from his mouth.

Looking out the window, Ash and Pikachu adjusted themselves within their seat as he watched a few people working down on the runway. One of them appeared to be loading their extra luggage onto the plane as his eyes continued to droop downwards. Finally, he stopped fighting the urge to sleep and allowed himself to head into dreamland. The only noise that kept him from fully falling asleep was the presence of something sitting down in the seat next to him.

The plane ride seemed to fly by for Ash as the boy slept through most of it, only awakening during the final twenty minutes of the flight. And even with that he had spent a good quarter of that time in the restroom as he emptied his bladder. Before he even knew it, the plane was beginning its descent as both himself and Pikachu strapped their seatbelt on for safety precautions. Likewise the passenger next to them also strapped themselves in.

It was a bumpy landing for Ash, the boy just now realizing he never had a chance to say goodbye to any of friends due to rushing off. He figured that he could at least call them once things were settled down. He could feel the wheels screech to a halt as his body jolted forward slightly, Pikachu using his paws to stop himself from hitting the seat in front of them. A voice quickly came over the intercom now as the passengers were thanked for choosing this plane for their trip. A statement that Ash was amused by since they had no choice in the matter; the school had chosen the flight and this just happened to be the plane.

As he made his way to the front of the plane he joined back up with Corey and the others as the school made their way towards the baggage collection. Though a few decided to wait at the shuttle since they had their stuff. Ash figured he would just wait at the shuttle as the only bag he brought was strapped to his back, Pikachu nodding as they approached the sliding doors.

The doors opened for them magically, Ash amazed by it all for a second as the intense heat got to him. Sweat started to pool immediately as he removed his jacket and shoved it within his backpack. The feather was also placed inside the backpack carefully as it rested atop his jacket. Though it was in that moment he lost sight of the other students from his school and just what shuttle they had boarded.

"I think we're lost, Pikachu," Ash muttered as the boy chuckled nervously. Though with five shuttles he figured he would manage to find the correct one eventually. Taking his first steps towards one, he looked inside only to not recognize a single student there. One of them sleeping in the front as a skateboard rested on the seat next to him. A pair of goggles rested atop his hat which sat backwards atop his head.

Knowing he was at the wrong shuttle Ash continued onwards as he found one nearly empty. He took a few steps onto the vehicle only for an annoying voice to call out to him. Ash jumped upon hearing the voice as he turned around slightly annoyed.

"This bus is only for students for Cerulean Academy. Try freeloading off another school," a young girl stated. Ash looked at her and felt his face lower in annoyance at it just happened to be the red head from before. Her hands rested upon her hips as a few other students waited behind her. One appeared to be dressed in a samurai outfit of sorts (something Ash figured was too hot for this weather), while another stood there with a Sandshrew by his side. The Pokémon appeared to be wearing a weight system of sorts where it appeared to struggle when it came to movements.

"Who are you calling a freeloader?" Ash asked, a yawn escaping his mouth at the worst time. Likewise his stomach grumbled as he felt his face heat up slightly. The last thing he wanted was for them to think he was looking for handouts of some sort. Though looking at how he was dressed following his exam he wasn't surprised that they thought he was a freeloader.

"I'm a student just like each of you! I just don't know where my bus is."

"Like we'd believe that," the girl replied as one of her hands slapped the side of the shuttle. Ash followed it to see that the name of the school was plastered on the side as he felt a wave of embarrassment sweep over him. "Each shuttle has the name of the school they're shuttling around the island on them. Based on how you're dressed, I'd say you either dropped out or only got your junior license and now you're bouncing around towns looking for local tournaments."

"No way!" Ash shouted. He leapt from the few steps of the shuttle and landed on the curb. His action caused the girl to blink a few times until a smirk crossed her face. She leaned in slightly, eyes narrowed on Ash as she almost looked ready to clobber him. The boy took a step backwards as the female student started to laugh.

"I recognize you now," she stated. Her hands moved behind her head as the two other students beside her moved onto the shuttle. However, she stayed outside, her voice now lower as her eyes remained glued on Ash. "You're the idiot who caused a scene in Vermilion and Saffron. You've been giving the schools a bad name. You know that?

"And if you even try anything to ruin this trip you'll have to listen to me. Especially once we become classmates."

The statement caught Ash off-guard as he blinked at those last words. He had no intention of transferring and it definitely seemed like she had no intention of leaving her school either. So why did she say they would be classmates?

"Get off his case, Misty," a new (and familiar) voice stated. Ash found himself blinking as he saw Ritchie standing a few feet away. The boy appeared to much different now, standing tall as he strode between the two students. He wasn't physically imposing as Ash could have sworn the boy didn't grow a single inch since he had left but the aura that radiated from him told Ash he was much more confident.

And yet he couldn't help but be slightly annoyed at the sight of the boy. It didn't help that he couldn't have even called Ash, all he had done was leave a simple note explaining that he was leaving the school for Cinnabar. His hands tightened for a moment as his mouth suddenly moved without thinking.

"I don't need you to fight my battles, Ritchie."

The girl (who Ash figured was Misty) shrugged her shoulders as she looked at Ritchie now. The boy had been taken aback by Ash's words, though he shook them off as he continued to stare down Misty.

"Ash didn't mean to bring the schools under scrutiny by the media. And even Surge said they had no choice in Vermilion."

Misty rolled her eyes at that statement, the girl moving to the side as a few more students made their way onto the shuttle. "Ritchie, I respect you, I really do. Especially after our joint training this past semester, but this kid is going to ruin things for so many of us. He's already got involved in two incidents in only a few months. And I won't let him keep me from getting my full license."

The girl turned her back towards them now as she strolled onto the shuttle. Pikachu licked at Ash's face, the boy now pissed at both Misty and Ritchie. Though he figured most of it was towards Misty, especially with how she treated him. Ritchie however seemed pretty friendly, though Ash found it hard to talk to him. He could see the boy trying to start a conversation with Ash, but he just couldn't understand what was being said.

Why don't you just leave another note instead of trying to talk to me, Ash thought to himself as he turned his back towards the boy.

"We should hang out during the week. I have so much I'd love to tell you about. And I'm sure you've got some stories too," Ritchie rambled on. Ash didn't reply as he instead walked away, his action obviously hurting Ritchie as he heard the boy trail off. He wasn't ready to talk to the boy, not since he still felt like Ritchie abandoned them all.

He paused for a moment, his body acting on its own as he looked over his shoulder. "I know my schedule is packed, but I'll try to make some room."

It was a lie and he knew it. But in that moment he didn't really care as he stumbled towards his school's shuttle, finally finding it near the end. To his surprise only a few students were sitting on it as he took a seat in the far back. Pikachu jumped down into the seat next to him as Ash placed his backpack onto his lap.

His head was swirling from the small interactions the past few minutes, though the one thing he really questioned was what that Misty girl meant. It had him worrying that perhaps she knew of something that was coming. Taking a deep sigh he watched as more students boarded onto the shuttle as the chaperones finally joined them.

With a rough start the vehicle's engine started as Ash felt the A/C flow through the vehicle. A few seats ahead of him was Corey, the boy sleeping as Neesha and Fergus talked across the aisle. Ash shook his head as he tried to remove any negative thoughts, this was a week to relax and recharge. He was going to make some amazing memories and have fun. No one would keep him from it.

And Ash finished his midterm with some difficulties towards Paul. But the fun is only just starting for Ash as he heads off to the Orange Islands alongside Corey and to his surprise Thad. Though we'll also have a few of the other schools appearing down here. As to what Misty meant, it'll be explained shortly in a chapter.

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.