Reader: Thanks, glad you like it!
I like the sound of your suggestions but while I did want to have Ash face some of his old opponents, I'm not going to have him battle all the gym leaders again. It'd feel like way too much of a repitition, it'd take the fun of writing this out for me. I did have an idea around using some of the old characters, especially Sakura. But yeah, he's definitely going to use more of his pokemon than in the anime. I don't know about using the Kalos characters yet but we'll see...
May squinted, spotting the familiar sight of Littleroot Town ''So we take a boat to get us to Fortree from the harbor, right?''
Brock nodded ''It'd probably take us a while to actually get there but it's one of the quickest ways over. The boat will arrive in a few hours.''
"This is where Professor Birch lives, I can't wait to meet him!'' Max enthused.
It's not like you haven't met before.'' May pointed out.
The boy knew she meant the phone calls they had with the man ''That's completely different! I've never met him in person!''
"Whatever you say.'' She rolled her eyes. ''You better not start talking our ears off like you used to when it came to Professor Oak...''
"So, Max is a fan then?'' Brock hummed.
"Oh, big time.'' May snorted. ''I think he had at least of Professor Oak's books if not all. He hung on to his every word. You should've seen he used to harp about the guy, it was embarrassing to watch.''
Max glared at her while Ash looked amused ''No wonder you dragged him off when I was about to call Professor Oak the other day...''
"Someone had to do something.''
Max was about to retort when a yellow jeep suddenly rushed by, leaving him startled by its sheer speed. ''What...?''
"Wasn't that Professor Birch?'' Wally wondered.
Ash followed his line of sight ''Hey yeah...what's up with that?''
May looked just as confused ''Well, he seems busy so how about we just wait for him at the lab?''
They were greeted by Birch's assistant Joshua, who remembered Ash and May from heir previous visit, welcoming them in.
"You just missed the professor actually...''
"We know.'' Max returned dryly.
"We just say him on the way here but...I think trying to catch up to him then was an exercise in futility.'' Brock explained.
Joshua nodded ''Most people do, how that car is still in one piece is beyond me. Professor Birch is excited to settle stuff with Professor Oak so he went to pick him up.''
"Wait, Professor Oak's coming here?'' Ash clarified.
"Mmhm, pretty sure his ship would've arrived by now.''
"No way!'' Max's eyes shone. ''The Professor Oak is really...?!''
"Uh-oh, geek out alert.'' May chirped, smirking at her brother. ''Doesn't this bring back memories...?''
"S-stop it!''
"So, why is he coming today?'' Brock wanted to know.
"All the professor would tell us is that they had some sort of dispute in their research a while back.'' Joshua shrugged. ''He thinks he found something to prove Professor Oak was wrong so he really wants to settle this.''
Ash raised an eye ''This should be interesting. Haven't seen many people prove the professor wrong, especially when it come to pokemon.''
"Professor Birch said something like that. It's probably why he wants to do it so much.'' Joshua half-smiled. ''You've all been certainly busy since your last visit, he's had plenty to say about you guys.''
This lead the group to tell him a bit about their travels, leaving Joshua pleasantly surprised to know they were friends with Brendan. He told them how the boy was a semi-regular assistant around the lab before his journey, Brendan had his father's curiosity and his mother's easy going ways, keeping a watchful eye over his father.
"He's still helping us out now.'' The man added as he lead them towards the garden. ''Brendan sends us all sorts of useful data every now and then. He might have started for the professor's sake but he's already looking like a fine researcher in the making.''
"It's sweet that he's going through all the effort.'' May remarked with a smile.
"Isn't it? The professor really enjoys Brendan's help too, you can really feel the love there.'' Joshua paused, showing them the three starter pokemon playing near a tree. ''There we are...''
"Wow, Torchic, Mudkip and Treecko!'' Max ran past him to the trio, who looked suprised.
May gave an exasperated sigh as her brother began fawning over the three pokemon ''Why am I not surprised...?''
He began examining the three closely, recounting what he learned about them. However, his haste and excitement leads to him annoying the trio, who wind up attacking him lightly to keep him away. Despite that, Max wasn't even a little deterred. In contrast, Ash and Wally got along with Treecko and Mudkip respectively as Torchic looked over the group curiously.
Ash chuckled as Treecko climbed up to his hat while Wally patted a beaming Mudkip's head, eliciting a happy cry from the water type.
"So hey, Ash, how do you know Professor Oak so well? I know he lives in your hometown but...'' May started.
"Oh, he actually taught us a whole bunch about pokemon.'' The boy informed. ''He started out a summer camp where we'd get to meet a whole bunch of pokemon. The tests were a pain but it was great. Most of us went nearly every year.''
*I knew you'd say something like that, you probably screwed up a bunch there, huh?'' Max teased.
Ash gave him an unimpressed glance ''Look in the mirror much lately?''
Max had the grace to look sheepish at that. May snickered and the young knew he must still look pretty scuffled after the starter trio were through with him. Ash sure had him there...
With Joshua's permission, they let their pokemon out to let them relax in the garden. Skitty soon engaged in a game of tag while Taillow and Beautifly soared with some flying types. In contrast, the starter trio's attention was centered on Wally as he tended to his pokemon egg.
The boy gave them an amused look, Torchic hopped to his lap before leaning against the egg as if trying to hear anything. ''I think it's a little early for that.'' Torchic nodded after a moment, dissatisfied. ''Well, I know how you feel. It's going to be a while but I really want to meet this pokemon.''
Brock and Joshua looked on, the latter crossing his arms ''He must care for the egg a lot.''
"Yeah, Wally always looks out for his pokemon. The egg was entrusted to him and I know it's excellent hands.'' Brock smiled.
Around the same time, a man wearing a large that covered his face entered the lab, approaching Wally and the starter trio. ''I see this little one is doing quite well. You really care for it.''
The boy looked curious ''Oh-um, thank you...'' He was startled when Pikachu ran over to the newcomer with a smile, waving.
The man chuckled ''Good to see you again, Pikachu.'' He took his hat off, revealing himself to be...
Ash stared ''Professor Oak!''
The new arrival greeted everyone jovially, recognizing Wally, May and Max from Ash's stories. Brock looked confused, since Professor Birch went to get him but the man was even moreso, having not seen the younger professor anywhere.
"Whoa, it's really Professor Oak!'' Max looked amazed. ''The real thing! Can you please sign these?!''
May rolled her eyes as Max's enthusiasm continued to run strong, taking out a few books and pictures, the professor humoring him as he signed them all. She looked at Ash ''Just think, he complains that I embarrass him.''
Ash laughed ''Well, you can always hold today over his head.''
"Maybe I should go find Birch...'' Professor Oak mused.
"Don't bother. You'd be lucky to even come close for a second with the way he goes.'' Ash advised.
Joshua couldn't have said it better himself ''I think it's better if we wait. I'd call him but he forgot his pokegear.''
Brock thought back to some of the stories Brendan shared about his dad. The boy's insinuations about his scatterbrained nature were looking to be more and more accurate.
Professor Oak was glad to see the group's pokemon, all of whom were in very good hands. He explained that he and Birch had a debate around their respective regions' starter pokemon so he brought the three Kanto starters today. Excited, Max immediately if he could see them and Oak has no problem with that.
"This is so cool! I didn't think I'd get to see Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur in person!'' Max hurried from one pokemon to the other but just like before, his enthusiasm lead to him upsetting the trio and he was quickly knocked down. The boy wasn't about to let it get him down. ''Wow, they're tough!''
Oak looked amused ''Well, you're certainly enthusiastic but do try to curb it a little. They don't like being prodded so much, nor are they keen on anyone invading their personal space.''
Squirtle approach the Hoenn starters curiously while Charmander began talking to Pikachu and Bulbasaur regarded Tropius and Grovyle with wonder. The former smiled at their fellow grass type while the latter gave a slight nod of greeting.
Wally completely understood Max's enthusiasm to seeing those pokemon, in fact he shared it. He just thought the younger boy was really over the top about the whole thing. It was nice to see them interact with their pokemon so well...
The thought reminded him of something he'd completely forgotten to take care of.
Feebas perked up at the sight of her trainer approaching, the boy giving a small smile ''Hey...there's something I wanted to show you.'' Feebas blinked, seeing him reveal the item he was holding.
Somehow, he wasn't surprised to see her freeze up at the sight of the prism scale. ''Nurse Joy gave me this back home. I don't plan on using it until you give the okay.'' Feebas' eyes widened a little as he put it away. ''She wanted to give you the choice to evolve if you change your mind. I just thought you should know.''
Feebas was pleasantly surprised to hear this. In a way, it also made her feel bad. Wally had more than earned her trust already, she shouldn't be suspicious of him. She jumped to the worst case scenario again...
Wally noticed Charmander watching him curiously ''Ah, did I surprise you?'' A nod. ''I know a lot of pokemon do want to evolve and get stronger but I've learned that it doesn't always have to be that way. It'd be nice if my pokemon evolve but Feebas has her reasons and I'm not about to force her when she's not ready. I won't do that to any of my pokemon.''
"Well said, Wally.'' Professor Oak joined them. ''A true trainer should always treat their pokemon with love and respect. You truly cherish pokemon, that's very good to see. I see an excellent trainer already-as I'm sure your pokemon can attest.''
The boy looked embarrassed, missing the four in question chiming in as if in agreement. It was certainly flattering to hear this from someone like him. He wasn't even sure what he did that was so special, he just went by what he felt was right. ''T-thank you...'' He hesitated. ''...um, Professor? I was wondering if I could ask a few things...''
"Of course. What did you have in mind?''
Everyone at the lab awaited for Professor Birch's return, having no idea he'd run into trouble.
Said trouble came in the form of Team Rocket, who decided to abduct the man and take his pokemon, heading to their new base. They were especially interested in the starter trio-only to learn that Birch left them in the lab. Thus, the evil trio made their next best choice-using him as ransom for the pokemon.
"You'll never get away with this!'' An outraged Professor Birch cried from the cage trapping him.
"Let's see you eat your words!'' James taunted.
Little did the trio realize, there was a big problem brewing right under their noses...
Max snuck a glance at the book Brock was reading ''Another book about pokemon doctors? You probably know this stuff cold, Brock.''
"Ah, don't exaggerate. Joshua told me about this book and I figure it might be interesting...''
"Nah, I'm with Max. You should us a whole bunch of method. Besides, I remember the school visit-you knew most of the stuff the teachers did.'' May countered and Wally nodded.
"I'd argue but...'' Brock gave them an amused look. ''...I'm not about to win this one, huh?''
"Not a chance, Brocko.'' Ash chirped. He liked the boy's modesty but they were just giving credit where it was due.
The boy noticed Joshua and Professor Oak talking with troubled expressions in the hall. ''Hey, I think something's up...''
"What do you mean he never made it the harbor?!'' May exclaimed moments later.
"I went to ask around, no one's even seen the Professor anywhere.'' Joshua frowned. ''I saw his car on my way back but it's like it was thrown away. Something must have happened...''
"Then let's get to the bottom of this-Professor Birch might need help.'' Ash decided, the others nodding in return.
They had Manectric try to track the Professor's scent, leading them to the forest. With how wide the area, they decided to split into groups. Nothing happened until they reconvened, but Max and Professor Oak where nowhere in sight. They soon stumbled upon a crossroad and Wally got Kirlia to try finding Max. Thankfully, the pokemon was quickly able to point them in the right direction...
As it turned out, Max and Professor Oak had the bad luck to run into one of Team Rocket's traps. They wound up falling to the cage holding the missing Professor Birch, who quickly explained the situation...
"Not them again...'' Professor Oak grimaced.
Max scowled ''Those crooks never change.''
"That's not even the worst part. Those idiots don't seem to understand what they've done.''Professor Birch said tersely.
A growl resounded before either could question this and they could vaguely see a big figure traversing the water in one of the distant tunnels. ''Those caves are actually home to Gyarados, that's why hardly anyone comes around. They think it's fine since they barricaded the place but they're definitely overestimating themselves.''
Max groaned ''Gyarados are aggressive enough already and now they've gone and ticked them off!''
"Exactly. We've got to get out of here...'' Professor Birch started.
"If only I'd thought to get one of my team along...'' Professor Oak frowned.
The others arrived in time to see Team Rocket struggling to evade an angry Gyarados. They could hear thrashing from the cave that alerted them to something very wrong.
May scowled ''Of course it's them! Kirlia, where's Max?'' He responded by pointing towards the caves, leaving the girl alarmed as they could see the beginning to rattle. They hurried over to find one of the caves being in laid with metal walls and leading to a door.
Professor Oak happened to spot the arriving trio through the door's bars ''Ah, there you are...''
"Professor? Are Max and Professor Birch with you?'' Ash called.
"Yes, we're all here. There's a Gyarados trapped in a seperate area and it wants to make Team Rocket pay for taking their home.''
Brock stiffened ''They what?!''
"Don't those guys do anything but screw up?! What do we do now?'' May demanded.
Brock thought fast, sending Misdreavus to pry the door open from the inside. Fortunately, the little ghost was able to do it quickly with Power Gem and Psychic. Just when they were about to leave, the walls closed in, even shutting off the exit. A few screens hung in the cage, letting them see that Team Rocket were trying to barricade themselves in an attempt to get to safety.
It wasn't about to work for long, for the second Gyarados had already broken free, damaging a part of the area in the resulting chaos. Kirlia and Misdreavus kept the debris away from the group while Machop lead the other pokemon in prying the metal walls away, launching numerous attacks that gave them an opening. Kirlia helped everyone fly away from the cave to safety with Psychic.
It wasn't long before the second Gyarados turned towards them. Thinking fast, Max asked Bulbasaur to use Sleep Powder on the pokemon, who quickly crashed down moments later. They could see Team Rocket rushing out of the caves with fearful cries just as the other Gyarados began charging up a Hyper Beam.
"Oh, man-guys, can you distract it somehow? We've gotta be fast!'' Max told the six starters, who proceeded to unleash attacks on the Atrocious pokemon, startling it enough to stop the Hyper Beam.
"Good call, Max.'' Professor Birch praised, making the young boy smile.
The Gyarados let out a roar before lashing out with Aqua Tail. Ash and Wally had Pikachu and Manectric strike back, the combined electric blasts knocking it out at once.
Meowth sighed in relief while Jessie smirked ''Why, thanks-twerps! You just gave us easy pickings!''
"You're kidding, right? What the heck makes you think you're going to get away with any of us?'' Ash demanded.
"Watch us! Go, Seviper!''
"Come on, Cacnea!''
The first quickly used Haze on command, releasing the thick smoke that covered the area. James prepared a pokeball to toss at the Gyarados while Meowth threw a net to throw at the six starter pokemon. They were forgetting one thing, most may not have been able to see but Kirlia had no trouble keeping track of them. One Psychic attack later saw both of them tossed into their teammates as Kirlia continued using his powers to dispense of the smoke.
"Good going, Kirlia.'' The pokemon beamed at his trainer before turning back towards their enemies.
"The hard way it is!'' Team Rocket proceeded it to order their pokemon to attack, but Max called for a counter from the six starters. Two Water Guns, Embers, Vine whip and Bullet Seed knocked Seviper and Cacnea out. The next thing Team Rocket knew, they were surrounded by Pikachu, Misdreavus, Kirlia and Manectric. Now afraid, the evil trio was quick to retreat, screaming.
"Get back here...!''
It's all right, Ash.'' He looked at Professor Oak in confusion. ''They're going to get what they deserve really soon.''
The meaning behind those words became clear when they realized that Team Rocket's actions wound up waking the second Gyarados up. Recognizing its previous captors, the Atrocious pokemon quickly sent them blasting off with a Hydro Pump.
"Now that's just some sweet karma.'' Max grinned.
Brock chuckled ''You said it.''
Professor Birch invited everyone to lunch, with everyone coming to share stories and coming to know each other more. Both professors were impressed with Max's knowledge and desire to learn about pokemon, with Birch suggesting that a drive like that might do him well as a Professor himself.
"You know, I can see it.'' May remarked to her surprised brother. ''You said you wanted to take over the gym some day but I can totally picture you as a professor. Didn't you ever consider it?''
"I don't know...not going to deny, it'd be cool...''
"Just keep the possiblity in mind. I think May's on to something here.'' Brock smiled. ''Don't limit yourself. You know I'm thinking I might like to become a doctor someday.''
Ash blinked as the rest looked at him curiously ''You are?''
"I've been thinking about it for a while now. The subject came up when I visited home months ago.'' He admitted. ''I like being a breeder but sometimes I wonder if I could do more. I haven't decided yet but it's definitely something I'm going to consider.''
"You'd be great at either of them, Brock.'' Wally remarked.
"For sure.'' Ash agreed readily, eliciting a grateful look from the older boy. ''Well, you know what our goals are. Nothing's going to change there.''
"Yeah, the day your goal changes is the day Grumpigs fly.'' Max drawled. ''Say Wally, what're you going to do after the Hoenn League? Did you think of that?''
"A little-I've always thought I just wanted to see the world and get to know what pokemon are out there.'' The boy admitted. ''Dad's work took him to a lot of places so he'd get us some souvenirs every now and then. I read a bunch of books about the other regions and I've been wanting to see them ever since. This journey just really makes me want to follow that old dream but I'm still figuring things out.''
"Hey, that's cool.'' Ash returned.
Brock nodded ''It's a good goal as any, what matters the most is that you're taking the path you chose for yourself.''
Wally smiled as he agreed, May clapped her hands together ''I know just how you feel though, I've been wanting to travel forever. What do you know about the other regions? Any interesting stories?''
"Well...ah, actually, I think you'll like this one. In Unova...'' The boy started, his friends giving him their full attention.
Professor Oak and Professor Birch looked on with growing smiles, glad to see the group get along so well.
Well, let's stop here.
Max always seemed like he could be a good pokemon professor later on, at least to me. I always thought the whole thing with Brock becoming a pokemon doctor came out of the blue so I figure maybe I can have some fun introducing it a little early here, I can always play with the idea in one way or the other. I've got a couple of other pokemon stories where I could use Wally, the one I'm going to make after this story is in Unova. I've always loved the games (White 2 is one of my favorite DS games) and the anime was disappointing. So much wasted potential...oh, almost forgot, I know Feebas evolve when they're traded with the prism scale but that complicates what I'm going for here so I'm making so that the scale empowers them over time, allowing the evolution.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!