'PokeSpeech'

"Normal Speech"

Valencia Island, Professor Ivy's Lab

Ash finished packing his stuff up in his room. Pikachu made his way onto the Ash's shoulder. Ash and Pikachu gave a determined stare at each other before nodding and heading down.

"Morning Ash," Ivy greeted.

"Morning Professor Ivy," Ash greeted back.

"Ready to take on the Orange League?"

"You bet!"/'You know it!'

"Great, I'll just take your Pokédex and register you for the League."

Ash complied and handed it to her, before deciding which Pokémon to take with him. While he knew Pikachu would be one, the other five eluded him. He walked to the corral and surveyed which ones to bring.

Charizard was a definite no at the moment. Ivysaur and Wartortle were maybes. Pidgeotto also fit that bill. His Muk, Kingler, and the leader of the Tauros herd were possibilities. Mimey had potential from the looks of it, but maybe later. Togepi was young and maybe ready to start some training (even if Misty didn't allow it). And Psyduck... was in odd case at the moment. And plus he didn't want to release Mew in public, perhaps only during dire situations...

"Choosing which Pokémon you want at the moment?"

Ash, once again, jumped at Seth with his Pikachu and Eevee. "Uh... yeah... something like that..." Ash explained.

"Hmmmm... perhaps you could get an extender on your limit," the teenager said.

Ash blinked at that. An extender? That would mean he could carry more Pokémon on him! "How would I get one?"

"Well, I just briefly chatted with Ivy and she's doing it herself. You will be able to hold up to eight now, but only use six in official battles. And as an added bonus, she's upgrading your Pokédex to a National Dex. So that way you know any new Pokémon that you come across."

Ash was stunned. This teenager he barely knew had gotten him an extender on his Pokémon. Maybe...

"Ummm... Seth?" Ash mustered the strength to ask.

"Yeah?"

"...Thanks for that..."

Seth smiled, "It's alright. I figured you would want to carry some more Pokémon on you."

Ash inwardly smiled, but he still was wary of the teenager.

"Alright! I've finished registering you to the Orange League and extended your limiter to eight," Ivy said as she gave Ash his Pokédex back. "So, which Pokémon do you want at the moment?"

"...Well, Pikachu for starters. Hmmmm... Ivysaur and Wartortle... throw in Pidgeotto too... Togepi, so I can know him better... and I would want to leave an open slot in case I catch a new Pokémon... but the two others..."

"Maybe Psyduck?" Seth suggested.

"Huh? Why Psyduck?" Ash questioned.

"Trust me, I know a thing or two about Psyduck headaches."

"... Okay, Psyduck... and..."

"Perhaps Mr. Mime?" Ivy spoke up.

"Are you sure? I mean Mimey's more of a cleaner than a fighter, even though he is one to shy away from a fight..."

"Nonsense, Ash. He's keeping the place tidy, but I can sense his fighting prowess."

Ash nodded. He had spoke to Mimey and the Barrier Pokémon wanted some action.

So it was decided. Ash returned the six Pokemon he wanted while the rest where to stay at the lab. 'Aw man, why not us?' Muk whined and motioned to him and Kingler. "Don't worry, I promise to keep you guys in rotation, but for now train at the corral. Professor Ivy told me about a training area for you guys to workout in," Ash told them.

The Sludge and Pincer Pokémon agreed to train. Hopefully learn some new moves while they are at it. The Tauros herd agreed too, ready to train so they could be called on battle. Charizard was still being his lazy self, so he wouldn't be called on anytime soon.

Ash made his way out the front door with his Pokémon in check, ready to take on the Orange League!

...

...

If he knew where to go first.

Seth had followed him out the door and noticed his confused aura. "Need help knowing where to go?" He asked. "Uh, yeah actually. I don't really know anything about the Orange Islands or even what Pokémon can be found here," Ash reluctantly admitted.

"It's alright. Not many people usually challenge the Orange League, mostly from the natives and Sevii Islands residents. Sometimes the Declore Islands too. But I know my way around the islands. So I could be your guide, if you want," Seth informed.

Ash pondered this over. Seth looked like a good guy from the looks of it. He had said he knew a thing or two about Pokémon training. So maybe...

"Alright, sure," Ash accepted, "you could be my tour guide."

Seth smiled, he was getting somewhere with Ketchum, even if he is a tour guide and future mentor for now.

"Alright then. Charizard, come on out!" Seth's Flame Pokémon came out, spewing fire from his mouth. Seth, his Pikachu and Eevee hopped on, Ash and his Pikachu soon followed afterwards. "Tangelo Island."

'You got it, Seth!' The Kanto fire starter took off, heading for the selected destination.

Pallet Town, Professor Oak's Lab

"So, you haven't seen or been in contact with him at all?" Oak asked.

"No way, gramps! I haven't seen that loser since the league. Just cause that loser got higher than me on his first league, he probably went off to train, much like yours truly has," Gary Oak, Ash's former friend and current rival, said with his haughty tone.

The older Oak frowned at this. He had tried to teach his grandson some humility, humbleness, and empathy, but he always dismissed this. Not even Blue was this arrogant, more down to earth and serious since he wanted to beat Red.

"Any reason I should care where he is? He doesn't even know about Johto!" Gary boasted with his knowledge.

The professor was beginning to find this attitude unbearable. His grandson was more of childish when it came to boasting, but he needed to learn that Ash was just as great as him. Even if they have had a feud over a Pokeball. "Well, anyways, thanks for chatting with me Gary."

"Yeah, yeah, just send me a few of my Pokémon. Need to train them if I'm going to beat Ashy Boy at his own game," Gary dismissed.

Oak choose the Pokémon Gary wanted and sent them to the trainer. As his grandson hung up, he slouched in his chair. From his exhaustion of searching for Ash or dealing with his grandson, it was unknown. Maybe it was possible Ash went to Johto? Perhaps...

Tangelo Island

Charizard landed on a road, disembarking his five passengers. Seth stretched himself, his Pokémon following in suit. Ash though...

Was stumbling a bit. He wasn't exactly used to riding Charizard, let alone a Pokémon. Pikachu was the same.

"Alright, we are here!" Seth exclaimed, "Thanks for the help, Charizard. Return." The dragon nodded and returned to his ball. The teenager saw Ash at his feet and giggled. Given that his Charizard was stubborn and prideful, it didn't surprise him that he was a bit dazed with the ride. After a while, Ash was on his feet.

"Ready to go?"

"Of course, can't wait to challenge this League!" Ash exclaimed. 'Let's show them what for!' Pikachu let out, before they head down the path, Seth and his Pokémon following afterwards.

"Hey, move you stupid Pokémon!"

"Yeah, can't you do anything right!"

"How are we supposed to take on the Orange Crew, if you don't work for us!"

The five stopped their descent and saw three men insulting while poking a young blue plesiosaur Pokémon with a grey shell and cream underbelly. Ash was infuriated by this. "HEY! Leave that Pokémon alone!" He shouted.

"YEAH! Maybe she doesn't want to be your Pokémon!" Seth added.

The three men turned their attention to the two trainers, before one spoke up. "My your own business, trainers!" "Yeah, this Lapras is going to help us win the Orange League!"

Ash began to bubble with anger at this. Who were they to say that this Pokémon was theirs! "Pikachu, get ready!"

"You two as well!" Seth said summoning his Pikachu and Eevee.

The boys pulled out their Pokémon: a Hitmonchan, Beedrill, and a Spearow.

The air was tensed and Ash was about to make a command...

"Hold it!"

The trainers and their Pokémon turned to the voice which belonged to a boy with a green shirt, a red headband and shorts.

"Your Beedrill looks quite frail. Spearow's plumage lacks color. And your Hitmonchan's muscles look about scrawny," the boy addressed to the three men. "But both of your Pikachu's coats are shiny, showing they are getting great exercise. And Eevee as well!" Seth's Pokémon blushed at the compliment while Pikachu had a small smile on his face. Ash was more interested in how the boy knew all that just from the looks while Seth returned to the task at hand. "Eevee, Pikachu, use Return!"

Ash was puzzled at the move name. Return?

Both Eevee and Pikachu nodded before running towards their three opponents. They glowed with white energy and hearts flattering around them before ramming the three Pokémon with immense force. The three men's Pokémon collided with their trainers and fell to the ground, eyes swirly.

Ash was gobsmacked at the move. Even Pikachu was in shock. That move seemed like a normal type but did so much damage! He had to teach Pikachu that move sometime.

"Let's help that Lapras," Seth said, snapping Ash out of his stupor. "R-right," Ash said. The observant boy came down as well to help. The boy reached Lapras first, but recoiled in fear at the boy's touch. "This poor Lapras is scared. Those men must have affected her trust." Ash could only frown at this but she needed help, Pikachu was doing his best to counsel the Transport Pokémon. All they could do was bring the Pokémon Center too her.

"Well, well. How the tides have shifted in our favor."

"A most delicious thing to savor!"

"Two Pikachus, an Eevee, and a Lapras for a party favor!"

The three voices cackled and began to plan.

Tangelo Island, Pokémon Center

Ash stood by as Lapras struggled to get away from the humans that handled her. He heard her cries of displeasure, much to his sadness. But he decided he could reach her later.

"That poor Lapras isn't taking any of our medicine. It seems those three men had broken her trust in humanity," Nurse Joy informed. Seth and the boy faces fell at that, Ash's just frowned.

"That Lapras is young for her age. She must have been separate from her pod. An interaction like that might never make her open up,"the boy said. "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Tracey Sketchit."

"I'm Ash and this is my partner Pikachu."

"I'm Seth and these are my partners Pikachu and Eevee."

Tracey nodded, learning their names, before continuing, "How would Lapras begin to take her medicine if we don't get her to eat?"

"...Maybe I could talk to her?" Ash suggested. Tracey raised an eyebrow while Seth smiled at this. "I think it's best for you to do so," Seth added.

Lapras was her pool in the farthest corner to keep her distance from any humans that would come near here. All these humans were the same, they may have been trying to help her but what if they were going to use her as well.

She heard the door open and the same boy with his Pikachu came close to her pool. 'S-s--stay away," she stuttered out.

"Hey, hey. It's okay. I won't hurt you," the boy reassured. 'Trust me, he won't,' the Pikachu added.

"My name is Ash," the boy said, Lapras didn't move. But something about the boy was luring her.

"Ya know, Lapras," Ash began, "I know how you feel." Lapras was confused at that statement. "Thinking humans are all the same. Not knowing who to trust," Ash continued.

'H--how would you know?' She asked.

Ash acted on this ping of wanting. "I lost an important battle. And I thought my friends and family were going to cheer me up..." Ash said before choking up, the memories still fresh in his mind, "they nearly k--k-killed me all because of a stupid decision I made in that battle. Even my own my mother had sided with them." Ash managed to say at least. Pikachu snuggled up to him, even he was still reeling over the fact he too had nearly died to defend his trainer.

Lapras was surprised. Humans were just as cruel to Pokémon as to other humans? 'D-d-do all human mothers do that to their children?'

"No, not all. I have been wondering why she could do such a thing," Ash told her.

'Wait, you can understand me?! My mother and pod told me humans couldn't understand us!' Lapras said in surprise.

"Most can't," Ash informed, "but I woke up yesterday and I cherish this ability."

'Yeah, makes things easier for us to communicate with him,' Pikachu added, 'Ash is truly a one of a kind trainer.'

Lapras surprised again, perhaps this boy was in the same situation as her and she felt drawn to him...

The happy moment was interrupted when a net fell upon the three.

Ash wiped his tears and looked up to see a familiar balloon. He and Pikachu groaned, of course they had followed him.

(Team Rocket motto)

"Could you three leave me alone for just a week!" Ash shouted, the TRio didn't care.

'Ash, I'm scared,' Lapras squeaked. "It's going to be alright, Lapras,' Ash comforted before pulling out a Pokeball. "Pidgeotto, go!"

The Bird Pokémon was released outside the net. "Use Quick Attack!" 'You got it!' She said before taking off. With a white streak, she flew through the balloon, effectively popping it. The occupants in both the net and balloon fall and land outside the Pokémon Center. Their landing caused Nurse Joy, Seth, and Tracey to come outside.

"What's going on out here?" Nurse Joy asked.

Seth eyed the TRio and began to have flashbacks from the organization, "Team Rocket..." He muttered darkly. His Eevee growling along with him.

"Argh! As if you couldn't crash the balloon again, twerp!" Jessie said, sending out Arbok and Lickitung. James sent out his Weezing and Victreebel, the latter chomping on his trainer's head.

Seth, Tracey, Lapras, and Nurse Joy stared at the interaction with confusion as Ash and his Pokémon sighed since they were used to this interaction. James pulled his Grass/Poison type after his struggle and landed with the other Team Rocket Pokémon.

Ash had Pidgeotto and Pikachu ready. Seth had Pikachu and Eevee front and center with his Charizard out as well. Tracey fumbled his Pokéballs, sending out a purple round bug Pokémon named Venonat and a blue round mouse named Marill.

"Weezing, Sludge Bomb! Victreebel, Razor Leaf!" James commanded.

Weezing fired a glob of poison and Victreebel fired a couple of leafs at Ash and Tracey's Pokémon.

"Marill, Bubblebeam! Venonat, Tackle!"

"Pikachu, Quick Attack! Pidgeotto, Gust!"

Marill fired a plethora of bubbles that was spend up with Pidgeotto's Gust. The bubbles collided with the Sludge Bomb, causing an explosion before striking the Poison Gas Pokemon. Venonat and Pikachu rushed towards the Flycatcher Pokemon, Pikachu rushing with a white trail behind him. They avoided the Razor Leaf and strike, Pikachu first followed by Venonat ramming the Grass/Poison Pokémon.

"Arbok, Poison Sting! Lickitung, Lick!" Jessie shouted. "Taste my Fury Swipes!" Meowth added.

Seth's Pokémon merely dodged the weak attacks, especially the Fury Swipes. Eevee swerves out of the Scratch Cat Pokémon's move, before his tail turns iron. The Iron Tail smacks Meowth away into Jessie. Charizard grabs the tongue of the Licking Pokémon and pulls the pink Pokémon towards him and uses Power Up Punch. The punch sends the normal type flying into her trainer. Seth's Pikachu sends a Discharge, electrocuting Arbok and send her back like the others.

Weezing and Victreebel are knocked into James, which leads them to end up on the pile.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Ash shouted. 'Taste lightning!' Pikachu said, unleashing his signature move. The bolt blasts the TRio, with their usual saying and twinkle.

Ash lets out a breathe before turning to his two companions. "Sorry about that, that was Team Rocket. They have been following me since day one all for Pikachu," he informed. 'It's true,' Pikachu backed up.

Seth just looked to where Team Rocket had "blasted off" before shaking his head. "Those members are nothing but jokes. I've seen darker members, ones he hired. Luckily, I know he wouldn't be looking for them as recruits," he muttered before noticing Lapras nuzzling Ash. That scene brought Seth joy.

'Thanks for saving me,' the Transport Pokémon said softly. "Awww, no problem," Ash replied. "Look Lapras, I want to help you find your family. Are you okay with that?" He asked. Lapras let out a happy cry as Ash pulled out a Pokeball to catch her, which it did instantly. "Alright, I caught a Lapras," Ash cheered with Pikachu and Pidgeotto jumping along with their trainer.

Tracey was impressed with Ash's interactions with Lapras while Seth smiled at this. He was coming around with his PokeSpeech ability and maybe soon he could be the trainer he was destined to be.

Night came and the three had slept in the Pokémon Center. Well, two did. Ash was on the balcony, thinking.

Seth and Tracey seemed alright. Heck even Ash's Pokémon had gotten along with Seth's. Maybe...

Maybe he could travel with people.

No, he couldn't. He needed to sleep on this first.

Ash's Team (on hand): Pikachu, Ivysaur, Wartortle, Pidgeotto, Togepi, Psyduck, Mimey the Mr. Mime, Lapras

(Ivy's Corral): Charizard, Muk, Kingler, Tauros Herd (x30), Mew

A/N: Ash is unaware of the mind control. Mimey hasn't informed him about it.