TUESDAY
Training begins
That morning everyone woke up early including Ash, although it was not the first. You had to take advantage of every minute to be able to trainWhen they went down to the kitchen they found that Mrs. Ketchum already had breakfast ready, and was preparing the sandwiches for the day
- Good morning guys, I hope you slept well - Delia said
- Excellent as always Mrs. Ketchum - Misty replied
As Ash entered, he went straight to the inn and tried to take one of the sandwiches that his mother was preparing
- Ash! Breakfast is on the table ... this is for you to eat later
- I'm sorry mom, but they look awesome and I couldn't resist
- Typical ... you only think of Pokemon and food - Misty said
- Of course not!
- Yes of course!
- Not!
- Yes!
- No!
- Yes!
- Here we go again ... - Mrs. Ketchum said - Pikachu, could you help us please
Pikachu nodded and began to charge his thundershock.
- Pikaaaaaa! ...
Fortunately Misty noticed what he was about to do and managed to stop him in time
- Wait Pikachu! We already stopped ...
- I'm sorry buddy - Ash said
- Eh, what was that all about? - Goh asked surprised
- You better get used to it ... it's his "normal" way of talking - Mrs. Ketchum said
- If you say so ...
As they finished their breakfast, Ash decided to go talk to Professor Kukui. With this in mind he approached the videophone in the house
- Alola?
- Hello Professor Kukui
- Hi Ash, how are you?
- Good and you?
- Good too Ash, what happens?
- Ehm ... I was calling to tell you something ... You see, I had a little accident in Kalos ...
- What?! Are you okay?
- Yes, I'm fine ... but I must wear this sling for a couple of weeks - Ash said moving so that his arm could be seen in the camera
- Did you break your arm?
- No, but I dislocated my shoulder ... it's already in place, but I don't have to move it too much for it to heal properly ... do you think it will be a problem for the festival?
- Are you really okay?
- Yes, Profesor
- And can you have battles?
- Yes, as long as I don't move my arm much ...
- Then it shouldn't be a problem, as long as you feel well enough to do it ... what did the doctor say about it?
- Nurse Joy said that if I took it easy this week there was no problem ...
- In that case, I have no problem ... but you must take care of yourself during these days, ok?
- I will, don't worry
- Well, see you on Friday then
- See you Professor ... ah, I forgot to tell you that Goh and Misty will go with me
- Excellent, we'll be waiting for you three
- Another thing, could you send my Pokemon to Professor Oak? We'll have special training and I would like them to meet the others and participate in the training as well.
- Sure, I'll do it right away
- Thanks! See you in a few days
A few minutes after the phone call, everyone was ready to go to Professor Oak's Laboratory.
- Don't forget your sandwiches - Delia said, handing Goh a picnic basket - also add some berries for the Pokemon
- Thanks Mom
Upon arriving at Professor Oak's Laboratory they were greeted by Tracey
- Hey guys, come in, - Tracey said as he opened the door to let them in. Looking more closely at the newcomers he added, - Ash, are you okay?
- Yes Tracey, don't worry ... I'll be fine in a few days - Ash replied trying to downplay it.
Not very convinced by Ash's answer, Tracey looked at Misty for a better explanation.
- It'll be fine ... at least this time it was not for something as irresponsible as jumping into a volcano - Misty replied, staring at Ash with the last comment
- Come on Misty, don't start again ... - Ash said - Come on Pikachu, let's find the others
- Wait Ash! - warned Tracey - maybe it is better if Pikachu goes first to warn Bulbasaur, and together they can tell the others that you are hurt ... your Pokemon tend to be a bit effusive when they greet you ...
- It's true ... it wouldn't be a good idea to be run over by your Tauros - added Misty
- You're right ... Pikachu, could you go talk to the others? - Ash asked, as he let his other Pokemon out of their Pokeballs as well - We will catch up with you in a few minutes - Ash said
- Pika! - Pikachu answered and then ran off with his teammates in search of the others
- The Professor told me about the festival in Alola ... Charizard and Squirtle are already here - Tracey commented, as he approached a table and took some Pokeballs - Here, Professor Kukui just sent them. All your Pokemon are very excited to see you again and train with you
- Brilliant! I'm also eager to start training ... this will be great
- Here we go again ...- Goh said in exasperation. Seeing the strange face on them he also add - you've been saying the same thing for a week Ash ... but I don't see how this training can be so different from the training you normally do
- Oh, you'll see!
At that moment Professor Oak entered the room, carrying a cup of coffee in his hands.
- I thought I heard voices ... I see you are eager to train Ash - said Professor Oak. When Ash heard his name he turned to see the newcomer, at that moment the Professor noticed Ash's arm and added - What happened, are you okay?
- Yes, don't worry Professor, I'll be fine in a few days - Ash replied, he was really getting tired of that question
Luckily for Ash at that moment Pikachu re-entered the room
- Pikapi!
- What's up Pikachu? - Ash asked
- I think it comes to tell us that your Pokemon are already waiting for you - Misty said, after looking out the window and seeing that all of Ash's Pokemon were waiting outside, closely watched by Bulbasaur
- Excellent! Come on Pikachu - Ash said as he ran to his Pokemon
- Ugh! Why does he always have to run - said Misty, going after him
Outside the scene was somewhat funny, Ash tried to greet all his Pokemon (one by one), while his Pokemon tried to calmly wait for their turn to greet their beloved trainer. Some were doing a very good job waiting, like Sceptile, Buizel, and Noctowl ... but others like Totodile, Gible, Corphish, and Gliscor were having trouble containing their excitement and were being scolded by Bulbasaur and Pikachu. The Tauros were being controlled by Charizard
-!This welcome may take a while ... - Misty commented
- At least it worked and they are not doing the "group hug" that they normally do - added Tracey
- I am surprised that the Taurus are so calm, they love to take Ash for a run with them - Misty said
- I think that within all their excitement to see Ash, the Pokemon understand that they must be careful ... they love him very much and none of them will want to risk hurting him - added the Professor
A few minutes later when everyone was greeted, Ash told them the reason for his visit
- Before I tell you the reason for this visit, I wanted to introduce you to my Alola team, everyone out! - Ash said, as he released his entire Alola team at once
The Alola Pokémon, realizing that Ash had released them, were very happy to see him again and began to run towards him to give him his well-deserved group hug. Luckily Pikachu and Charizard were attentive and with a thunderbolt and flamethrowers to the ground between them and Ash they managed to interrupt the race. After Pikachu explained what happened and they will greet Ash calmly, Ash introduced them to the rest of the group. Once the introductions were made, Ash continued with his explanation
- In a few days a festival will be run in Alola to promote a new version of the league, and as you know with the Alola team we were champions of the first version that was held last year - Ash described - that is why they are inviting us to the festival ... there will be some exhibition battles and they asked me to bring my strongest Pokemon - hearing this, the Pokémon became excited and began to get impatient, everyone wanted to participate in those battles - There will be several battles, so several of you will be able to participate ... but not all - upon hearing this the atmosphere changed immediately - I'm sorry guys, but there are not enough battles for everyone to participate ...
The Pokémon began to look at each other ... evaluating their teammates and their chances of being in the "strongest" group.
- On Friday we will leave for Alola, so we have these days to be able to train ... although not everyone can go with me, I want everyone to participate in training ... in the future it is likely that we will have more exhibition matches, not counting the many battles that we have left in the world championship to be able to face Lionel
At this, the spirits were rekindled again, although not everyone could go to Alola, at least there are a few entertaining days of training
- The idea is that many of you can participate in the festival activities, si I will not repeat any of you in the different battles and I will ask the Professor or Tracey to help us with the shipments
- Sure Ash, no problem with that - added the Professor
- Great! - Ash answered, and then turn back to his Pokempn - As you all know, with every new journey through a new region I always felt that it was a new challenge so I had to start from scratch ... just Pikachu and me meeting and catching new Pokemon to build a team and battle in gyms to reach the league. This not only made me meet all of you, but also different travel companions ... - Ash said, looking at Misty and Tracey - I learned a lot from each of them, and that also made the battle strategies on each trip were somewhat different ...
- Pi Pikachu Pika - added Pikachu
- The idea with this week's special training is that everyone can share and learn the different strategies and movements that we have been using over the years - Ash said excitedly - for example, the counter-shield is a movement that only some of you know, but that is really useful in battle
- Bui Bui!
- Or the Z moves that we learned in Alola, I'm sure many of you would like to be able to use one, Charizard I know you will love it
- Charrr!
- Excellent! So to start we need to warm up a bit ... so let's run! - Ash said getting ready to run with his Pokemon
- Where do you think you are going? - Misty asked - they will run, you supervise them from here
- Fine...
After about 20 minutes of running and practicing some agility exercises, everyone was ready for something more exciting.
- Well, before we start practicing moves or strategies ... how about a little demonstration of Z-moves? - Ash asked, knowing that it would motivate the team a lot.
- But you must not strike a pose to activate the Z move? How will you do it with the arm like this? - Misty asked, remembering the times she had seen Ash use his z-moves.
- Yes, it is true ... but I can do it with only one hand ... also more important than that is the connection with the Pokemon, and we should not worry about that
- If you say so...
- Would you help me put the bracelet on? - Ash asked taking his Z ring out of his pocket
- Of course
- Well Rowlet, you first ... Who wants to face him, how about you Gible?
- Gible!
- !That's the attitude! Well let's get started
All the Pokemon were very interested in watching this battle, they were eager to see a Z move in action
- Rowlet Leafage! Gible dig and then bite!
Gible managed to dodge the attack while digging, but failed to bite
- Rowlet seed bomb! Gible Dig and Draco meteor!
Gible was able to dodge the first seed bomb and manage to launch the draco meteor, Rowlet managed to dodge a couple and drop the seed bomb a second time before being hit by Gible's attack at the same time as his attack hit Gible
- Well let's finish this! Gible Dragon Pulse full power! Rowlet Bloom Doom! - Ash said, activating the Phytostal of his wrist
Both attacks collided in midair, causing a great rumble and a lot of dust to kick up, making it impossible to see who had won. When the wind dispelled the dust it was possible to see that Rowlet was the one who had emerged victorious
- Well done Rowlet ... you too Gible, it was an excellent battle - Ash said, giving each one an Oran Berry - take a well deserved rest ...
- Wow, that move is fantastic - Goh said
- That's right, it's very powerful ... like all Z moves - Ash replied. Then he continued addressing his Pokemon this time - That was a Grass-type Z move, in theory if any of you know how to use a plant-type move, you could learn to perform the Bloom Doom - Hearing this Sceptile, Bulbasaur, Bayleaf, Snivy, Leavanny and Torterra were very enthusiastic - but I must warn you that Z moves are not easy to learn, but I have all the faith in you - Ash added when he saw the disappointed face on his Pokemon
- Do you have only a Plant type crystal? - Tracey asked
- No, actually I have 9. A Grass, Steel, Rock, Electric, Normal, Fire - upon hearing this Charizard threw a flamethrower into the air - and a specific crystal for Lycanroc, Pikachu and Solgaleo
- Really? And why haven't you used them in your world championship battles? - Goh asked confused
- I don't know ... I was hoping to use them once we reached the ultra class
The Pokemon were all very animated, most knew at least one move that could help them eventually learn a Z move ...
- I know you're all very excited - Ash said looking at his Pokemon, most of them were really excited, except for Squirtle - I'm sorry Squirtle, I couldn't get a Water type crystal ... but you could learn the normal type move if you want ...
- Poor Squirtle ... - Misty said, seeing that Squirtle was not very happy with his option ...
- I think we could try another battle before continuing with the training ... Lycanroc and Buizel, are you up to it?
- Bui Bui! / Lycanroc!
- I was hoping to see Buizel in battle - Misty said
- I'm not surprised ... - added Tracey
- Ok, let's begin! Lycanroc, Accelerock! Buizel, Water Pulse!
Buizel's water pulse managed to stop the advance of the attack without major problems
- Excellent... Lycanroc, counter! Buizel, ice aquajet!
- Ah? What attack is that? - Goh asked
- A combination that Ash invented, it's amazing ... but I've never seen it in person, only on TV - Misty responded excitedly
Lycanroc launched himself at full speed to attack Buizel, but thanks to the ice aquajet he was able to easily dodge him and then give him a great blow on the back
- Well done Buizel! Come on Lycanroc, Rock Throw! Buizel, counter-shield!
- Wow, ice aquajet was great ... - Goh said - but I can't imagine what the counter-shield could look like
At that moment Buizel threw himself to the ground and begin to spin on his back while using water gun ... the result was the ingenious attack, which at this moment was managing to deflect all the rocks that Lycanroc was sending
- That is awesome! - Goh said
- It really is ... - Misty added, maybe she could teach that move to one of her pokemon
- Alright Lycanroc, get ready! Continental Crash! - After performing the appropriate pose and activating the Z move, the rocks began to rise from the ground to begin to create an immense structure in the air - Now Buizel, a combination of rotating ice Aquajet with a water pulse!
The immense structure began to fall towards the battlefield, but was intercepted by Buizel and his combination of moves. The crash was a huge explosion of dirt, rocks, and dust. As the dust cloud dissipated, it was cleared that both Pokémon were still standing, very exhausted, but still not giving up.
- That was awesome! Good job guys, we'll leave it in a draw - Ash said, coming over to congratulate his Pokémon, giving them both an Oran berry.
- Well, since is it almost time for lunch ... What do you think if we practice something simple and leave the most complicated for the afternoon ... - Ash asked, looking at his Pokémon for approval - we will practice the poses of the Z movements. We'll separate into groups and practice ... Each group will be in charge of some of the Pokémon that already know how to perform the poses, and I will rotate to see how they are doing it ... ok?
When everyone nodded excitedly, Ash continued with his instructions.
- Rowlet will be in charge of the Z moves of the plant type, Lycanroc of the Rock type, Pikachu of the Normal type, Melmetal of the Steel type and Inceneroar of the Fire type ... Separate into groups depending on the move you want to learn ... - Ash said - those who cannot or do not want to learn a Z move, come with me and we will practice something else
After eating the delicious sandwiches for lunch, they started training again
- Well, now that everyone knows the pose to perform a Z movement, you will practice it with me ... The idea is that we are synchronized ... Not only in our movements, but also in our hearts and in battle - Ash explained - we will do it by group ... And then we will move on to something different
First it was the turn of the Grass-type Pokémon. They all performed the pose very well and Ash could immediately feel how the bond with some was stronger than with others, probably with them the Z movement would be more powerful. Bulbasaur, Sceptile, Torterra and Beyleef stood out in this group
Then it was the turn of the Fire types. Here the strongest bond could feel it with Charizard and Infernape
With the Rock types, Lycanroc, Donphan, Gliscor and Krookodile stood out.
With the Steel types Pikachu, Talonflame and Gliscor
With the Normal-types Ash had to make three small groups, since most of his Pokémon knew at least one Normal-type move. Among the highlights of this group are Noctowl, Squirtle, Heracross, Snorlax, Swellow, Staraptor and Lucario
- Very well, tomorrow we will practice the Z moves more thoroughly - Ash said to his Pokémon - now we will practice a very effective defensive movement, and that well executed can be very useful in the offensive as well ... Spinning to dodge ... Pikachu, could you show it while fighting Charizard?
- Pika!
During the demostration everyone could see how Pikachu dodged many of Charizard's attacks easily by spinning differently as the occasion warranted.
- Well, I know that not everyone can spin like Pikachu did - Ash said, looking especially at Torterra - but I'm sure we can find some way that suits each one well enough.
Several hours later we can see our heroes heading back to the Ketchum house.
- Well Goh, what did you think of the special training? - Ash asked excited
- Excellent, the Z moves are amazing ... And those attack combinations are great ... Your Buizel is very strong - Goh replied
- It's amazing! - Misty said cheerfully
- Haha I knew you would be impressed with him Misty - Ash said
- What do you have planned for training tomorrow? - asked Misty
- Review what we saw today and start practicing the Z moves with some of them ... Especially with those who will participate in the festival - Ash replied - and if there is time I would like to practice the Counter-Shield
- Ash, is it okay if I miss training tomorrow? ... I would like to go exploring around to see if I can catch any new Pokémon - asked Goh
- Sure, it doesn't make sense that you're watching me train my Pokémon if you can go exploring around - Ash answered - Misty, would you rather go fishing or something like that?
- No, I'll stay to see the training ... Maybe I can get an idea or two to use with my Pokémon
That night everyone went to bed early after dinner, the day had been long and exhausting, and there were still a couple more days of hard training waiting for them.
FRIDAY
The trip to Alola
Ash woke up early, very anxious about the trip to Alola they would have that afternoon.
After the arduous training on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday passed very quickly for Ash. Luckily these days of special training have gone perfectly. Almost all of his Pokémon mastered spinning dodge, and many were able to adapt Countershield to their attacks, was able to teach Z-moves to his strongest Pokémon, and a couple even learned new moves. Not counting the special training he was doing with Lucario and Greninja that was exceeding all his expectations
Ash got up slowly, trying not to wake Goh or Pikachu, and headed for the courtyard. He was so anxious, that he was not even hungry
Once in the courtyard, he lay down on the grass to review in his head all the strategies and teams that he had planned to use during the festival. He really did not want to disappoint Prof. Kukui or the people of Alola, he had to show that he was a trainer worthy of being the champion of the League.
Several minutes later, Ash had his thoughts interrupted when he heard someone say his name
- Ash, are you okay? - asked Misty
Ash was a bit startled when he heard her, and looking around he was surprised to find that she was sitting next to him. He was so focused that he hadn't even heard her arrive- Hi Misty ... I'm fine, I was just thinking a bit
- You must be very anxious to have woken up so early
- Yes ... It has been a long time since I trained with a clear purpose ... or prepare for a specific battle - Ash said, sitting down - the world championship battles have been with random trainers that I meet on the road, so the trainings are rather general ... But this time I know most of my rivals, so I can prepare strategies beforehand
- Like when you were fighting a gym leader or in the League
- Yeah ... To be honest ... I hadn't realized that I missed that so much
- I see ... But maybe this is a very good opportunity to recharge batteries, cheer up your Pokémon and start having many championship battles to go up in the ranking ... Once you'll be in the ultra class the battles will be more exciting
- You're right! after the festival I'll resume the championship with everything I've got ... I already want to be able to face the strongest and Lionel
- Why don't we start with breakfast first? - Misty said.
Upon hearing the word breakfast, Ash's stomach roared loudly
- Haha, come on ... Your mom should have it ready by now
Upon entering the house, they found Goh and Pikachu at the kitchen table, and Mrs. Ketchum finishing preparing breakfast.
- Good morning Ash, I see that you are very excited about the festival
- Yes ... I can't wait anymore
- Of course you can, first you must have breakfast ... Come I prepared your favorite
- Thanks Mom
When they were about to finish breakfast Delia asked
- I guess you already have your suitcase ready Ash ... I don't want you running around at the last minute
- Ehm ... No? - Ash replied - I have a change of clothes in my backpack ...
- Ash! You are the guest of honor of the festival ... one that lasts two weeks ... You will have interviews and other activities! Go pack a suitcase right now!
- Ok ok ... Don't be mad - Ash replied as he got up from the table. Misty, Goh and Pikachu were trying not to laugh in his face
- Come on, we'll help you - Misty said with a laugh
After an early lunch our heroes headed to the airport. His flight to Alola left at 3:30 p.m.
- We still have a few minutes before we have to board the plane. We can go and have some ice cream - Misty suggested pointing to a stand that was on her right
- Great idea ... Pikachu, do you want an ice cream? - Ash asked
- Pika!
- Nothing more relaxing than the scent of Alola - said Misty as she got off the plane - this vacation was a great idea Ash
- Yes of course! And the fun has not yet begun - Ash answered cheerfully - Prof Kukui said that he would be waiting for us at the exit, let's go
Indeed, as they approached the exit they could clearly hear Prof. Kukui calling them
- Ash! Guys, over here
Hearing Professor Kukui, a little boy who was passing by holding his mother's hand, he looked around ... Seeing Ash and Pikachu he recognized them cheerfully
- Mom! It's Ash, the League Champion! - He said very excited, pulling his mother's hand trying to go in the direction of the group of newcomers - can we go say hello, please?
- Okay, but calm down - she replied
Approaching the group of newcomers the mother asked
- Alola, sorry to bother you ... My son is a great fan of your and he wanted to say hello ... could I take a picture of you together?
- Alola! Sure, no problem - Ash answered, bending down to be at the boy's height - What is your name?
- Ehm .. Chris - the boy replied somewhat embarrassed
- Alola Chris, would you like to pet Pikachu?
- It's very soft - Chris said, while timidly stroking Pikachu
- Ready for a photo? - Ash asked kindly
After a couple of photos and a promise that one day they would have a battle, the group was finally able to move on.
- What a welcome committee Professor - Misty joked
- Haha I can't say I planned it, but I think it was ideal for the occasion - Kukui said - Come on, Burnet is waiting for us with dinner
Upon arriving at the beachfront house, they were greeted by a cheerful little baby in the arms of Professor Burnet.
- Lei! - Ash said cheerfully, running to greet the little boy - Alola Professor
- Alola Ash.- Burnet said, and then looked at the rest of the group - Alola Misty, Goh and Pikachu ... Come in, dinner is almost ready
- You can leave your things in the Loft - Kukui said
- Are you sure it's not much of a problem for us to stay here? - Misty asked - we don't want to bother, and with little Lei you must already be very busy. We have no problem staying at the Pokémon center
- Calm down Misty, it's not a problem - Kukui assured
After dinner, where Ash ate a second portion. The group decided to take some time to play with little Lei
- I hope you are prepared for the festival, we'll have many attractions apart from Ash's battles - Kukui said
- Really? Attractions like what? - Goh asked
- Each island will have its own small festival with different activities ... But they will all have food stands and games, different shows and small competitions ... Fireworks, etc ... The typical thing you can find in a festival, Ash's battles are just the main show
- The festival officially starts on Monday, so you'll have the weekend to wander and relax - added Burnet
- They can do that - Kukui said pointing to Misty and Goh - Ash has very important commitments this weekend
- I do? Really? There was nothing in the program you sent me, apart from an interview tomorrow - clarified Ash
- But of course they are not on the program, I have some surprises in store for these weeks, and if I put them on the program they would not be much of a surprise, would they?
- I think not, ..- Ash answered - but it means that this festival will be even more amazing than I expected! - Ash said, getting excited again
- Here we go again - Goh said exasperated as he saw how Ash began to name everything he had planned to do for the festival
- Imagine this with every gym or League battle ... And add to that a hyperactive 10 year old Ash ... This is NOTHING - added Misty
- Hey! That is not true, I wasn't that terrible
- Yes, you were!
- No, I wasn't!
- Yes!
- Not!
- Yes!
- No!
- Pikaaaaaachuuu! - Pikachu, tired of the pointless discussion, unleashed a powerful attack on Ash and Misty, being very careful not to affect little Lei
- Thank you Pikachu - Goh thanked
- Yes, thanks Pikachu - Ash said sarcastically from the floor, while Leí celebrated the show with a fit of laughter
- At least someone enjoys the moment - added Misty
- Ash, if you finished arguing with Misty, I wanted to talk to you about tomorrow's interview - Professor Kukui said
- Sure ... I'll be right away - Ash replied, following the Professor to his office
- How is your arm? - Kukui asked
- Better, I think so ... At least the pain has decreased over the days ... I had planned to go visit the nurse Joy tomorrow morning, she must have already received my medical file
- It's a good idea, she can tell us how it has evolved - Kukui said - Tell me, did you bring any Pokémon with you, apart from Pikachu?
- No, I was going to call Tracey before each battle, and let them continue training with each other in the meantime
- I see ... You see, the main objective of tomorrow's interview is to be able to show your beginnings as a trainer and how with effort and training you have become a better trainer - explained Kukui - the idea is that children or trainers who are just starting their journey can feel identified with you and thus aspire to be great trainers and eventually champions of a league like you
- Ok ... But do you really think I can inspire them? and meet your expectations?
- Oh, I'm sure of that Ash ... Maybe you don't realize it Ash, but from what I've heard and seen you are always a great influence on the people who know you, and many of them admire you ... Not only as a trainer but also as a person - Kukui replied with a big smile
- Thank you Professor - Ash said, somewhat embarrassed with so much praise
- As I said ... They want to focus on your beginnings, so they would like you to show some of your first Pokémon
- Oh right ... Tomorrow I'll ask Tracey
- Excellent ... Come on, it's almost bedtime for Leí
That night our heroes went to bed relatively early, mostly to avoid waking up little Lei.
Ash was so looking forward to the festival, and the surprises Professor Kukui had mentioned, that he had a lot of trouble falling asleep. When he finally managed to fall asleep, Ash dreamed of amazing battles in which he always won, and where the audience in the stands shouted his name in admiration ... Who knows, sometimes dreams come true.