Who's That Pokémon?: This Pokémon is instinctively drawn to the lights of big cities!
The answer: It's… Dustox!
Meeting of the A-rivals: Part 2
The tense standoff began.
"Hitmonlee, use Double Kick!," Hatcher called.
"Magmar, use Flamethrower!," ordered Dibson. Hitmolee charged in for a double kick, and Magmar blew a stream of fire from it's mouth at the two Pokemon.
"Pikachu, dodge it!," called Ash.
"You too, Shinx!," Alan added. Both Pokemon dodged the attacks.
"Now, Pikachu, hit Magmar with a Thunderbolt!"
"And Shinx, Discharge on Hitmonlee!"
Both Pikachu and Shinx let out bolts of electricity at Magmar and Hitmonlee. Both attacks hit their marks, knocking both Pokemon back.
"Oh, yeah! Magmar use Smog!," yelled Dibson. Magmar blew a stream of smog out of its mouth, covering the area and leaving Ash, Alan and their Pokemon unable to see.
As Pikachu and Shinx search for their opponents, Dibson then yelled, "Now Fire Punch!"
Magmar then emerged from the smog and with a punch covered in flames, came at Pikachu and Shinx. The former managed to dodge in time, but the latter was hit and knocked back.
"Oh-no, Shinx!," Alan exclaimed.
"Now Hitmonlee, Rolling Kick!," Hatcher called. Hitmonlee did a rapid spin-like move and then folded out to launch a kick.
"Pikachu, dodge and hit it with an Iron Tail!," Ash called.
Pikachu dodged the Rolling Kick, and as his tail turned to steel, hit Hitmonlee with it, knocking it away, shocking the Power Players and Magmar.
"Now Shinx! Use Thunder Fang!," Alan ordered. Shinx, now recovered, charged in with a bite powered with electricity, and chomped on Magmar, knocking it back into the just-recovering Hitmonlee, sending both back to the ground.
"Now Quick Attack/Spark," Ash and Alan commanded Pikachu and Shinx. Pikachu sped at the two Pokemon at rapid speeds, and Shinx ran at them as well, charging himself with electricity. It seemed like the finishing blow, until…
"Now, Lavernia!," Hatcher said to the group's sole female.
Lavernia motioned to the other two members of the group and they all then threw Poké Balls, letting out an Arbok, Electivire, and Granbull respectively.
"Use Wrap, Arbok!," Lavernia commanded. Arbok lunged at Pikachu and Shinx, and used its body to wrap around them, immobilizing them, and stunning Ash and Alan.
"Hey, that's cheating!," Ash protested angrily.
"Yeah, you guys can't do that!," Alan added, also angry about the other members interference in the battle.
"Yeah, well we just did pal!," Hatcher smugly remarked. "And now we have these little tykes of yours right where we want them!"
Ash and Alan could only look on helplessly as Pikachu and Shinx were trapped in Arbok's coils, as Hitmonlee, Magmar, Electivire, and Granbull surrounded them.
"Now, attack!," shouted Hatcher, Dibson, and the other two Power Players. Hitmonlee, Magmar, Electivire, and Granbull all charged at the trapped Pikachu and Shinx, when suddenly…
"Shadow Ball! Iron Tail!," a voice called out. Suddenly, three Shadow Balls came and hit Hitmonlee, Granbull, and Electivire, knocking the former two out instantly, and stunning everyone. Just then an Umbreon and Mightyena rushed in and hit Arbok and Magmar with an Iron Tail attack, knocking them both back, and forcing the former to release Pikachu and Shinx, much to Ash and Alan's relief. The Umbreon then stood together with the two Electric-types.
"Who dares interfere?!," Dibson snarled.
"I do," said a young voice. Everyone turned to see who it was. It was a 12-year-old boy with long, upper back-length black hair with bangs that covered his right eye and wearing a black shirt with a dark blue PokeBall symbol on it, black fingerless gloves, black pants, and black combat boots. With him was an 8-year old girl with short, shoulder-length black hair with a yellow ribbon in it, a gold-colored shirt, a red short skirt, white socks and black Mary-Janes. With them was a Houndoom, which then quickly joined Umbreon and Mightyena.
"Both of us," the girl shouted.
"Hey, this our battle, not your business," Hatcher snapped.
"It's my business when someone pulls a dirty move like having your friends interfere in a battle between you and a designated opponent!," the boy snapped back. "So you'll have to battle my Pokemon too if you want to cheat like this!"
There was a tense pause between everyone, until finally Hatcher said, "You know what, forget it. Battle's off! Let's beat it guys."
The Power Players recalled their Pokémon and started to retreat, though Lavernia briefly stopped to say, "Don't think this is over! Not by a long shot!"
As the Power Players retreated, Ash and Alan ran up to Pikachu and Shinx to check their Pokémon's welfare.
"Are you okay, Pikachu?," Ash asked Pikachu.
"Pikachu," replied Pikachu, affirming to his trainer that he was okay.
"What about you, Shinx?," Alan asked Shinx.
"Shinx," replied Shinx, also affirming his trainer. The two boys then turned their attention to the boy and girl who saved them.
"Thanks for the assist," Ash told them.
The boy simply shrugged and said, "It was nothing. I just don't like seeing cheaters win, that's all."
"What was that about anyways," asked the girl.
"Them," Ash said as he moved and pointed towards the still badly injured Fennekin and Eevee. The boy and girl both became horrified at the state of the two Pokemon and rushed over to them.
"What happened?!," the boy asked.
"Those guys apparently tried to release these two, and when they wouldn't leave, they had their other Pokémon attack them."
"And then we stepped in," Alan added.
"How could anyone be so cruel to such poor, innocent Pokémon?!," snapped the girl as she gently picked up and cradled the Eevee.
"Only the most selfish and power-hungry trainers, little sis," the boy said. Ash then ran over and gently picked up the Fennekin.
"We have to get them to the Pokémon Center right now!," he said.
"Pika Pika!," Pikachu said as he jumped on Ash's shoulder. The boy then recalled his Pokémon, and Alan picked up his Shinx, and they, Ash, and the little girl (with the latter two still carrying the injured Pokemon) all ran to find the Pokémon Center.
"By the way, I don't think we got your names," Ash said to the boy and girl as they ran.
"I'm Megan Black, and that's my brother Flynn," the girl introduced herself and the boy.
"You in the tournament, Flynn?," Alan asked.
"Yeah, but we can talk later. Right now we need to get those Pokémon help," Flynn exclaimed.
The four kids ran, trying to make their way to the Pokémon Center. But as they did, they turned a corner and Ash bumped right into someone, knocking both them and Pikachu to the ground as he continued to hold on to the Fennekin.
"Ash, are you okay?," Alan said as the others stopped.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Ash said as Alan and Flynn helped him to his feet. "You okay, Pikachu?"
"Pika," Pikachu replied as he got up too.
"Well, I'm not," a voice said. They looked down and saw who'd he'd knocked down. It was a 10-year-old girl with waist-length blue hair tied into a long braid and turquoise eyes, and wearing a purple shirt, blue skirt, black tights, and red running shoes.
"Sorry about that," Ash said as he helped her up.
"Well, what was that all ab–," the girl started.
"April!," a voice called. Everyone turned to see a 15-year old girl with shoulder-length blue hair and aqua eyes, and wearing a white jacket, yellow tank top, blue jeans and brown shoes came running up. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Kensi," the girl now known as April said. "I was just–"
Just then, she noticed the badly injured Fennekin and Eevee in Ash and Megan's arms respectively.
"Oh, my gosh! What happened to these two!," she said pointing at it.
"This group of jerk trainers released them and when they kept following them…," Ash started.
"Their trainers had their other Pokémon attack them," Megan added.
"Their trainers did this?!," April exclaimed, horrified at the news. "Who were these guys?"
"They were all dressed in red and blue uniforms and they called themselves–"
"The Power Players!," Kensi growled with venom in her voice.
"Yeah… how did you know?," asked Flynn curiously.
"I've run into them before… but that's for another time. These two need medical attention now!"
"Well, we were trying to get them to Nurse Joy when we knocked into you," Alan said.
"Well, I know a shortcut from here. Everyone follow me," Kensi shouted. Pikachu jumped back onto Ash's shoulder, and they and the others all ran to the Pokemon Center as fast as they could with Fennekin and Eevee.
Not too long after, the six kids and their Pokémon of them burst through the doors of the Pokemon Center in a hurry and ran up to the front desk.
"Nurse Joy!," Ash said frantically. "You gotta help this Fennekin! It's hurt really bad!"
"So's this Eevee!," Megan exclaimed just as frantically
Nurse Joy and her Chansey took one look at the two Pokémon's conditions, and both were shellshocked.
"Oh my goodness! Two more?!," Nurse Joy exclaimed in shock. "This is the Power Players doing, isn't it?!"
"Yeah, how'd you–," Alan started to ask, but he was cut off by Nurse Joy.
"Quick Chansey, we need to get Fennekin and Eevee to the ER Room now!"
Chansey quickly took and placed Fennekin and Eevee each on a gurney, and she and Nurse Joy quickly wheeled them in to the next room. Ash and the others just stood there looking on with worry.
"I hope those two are gonna be okay…," Ash said, with a hint of heaviness in his voice.
"Pikachu," Pikachu agreed, very worried about his fellow Pokemon
"Especially Eevee," Megan added, who was extremely worried about the Evolution Pokemon.
"Well, all we can do is wait, hope for the best, and brace for the worst," Flynn remarked.
"He's right, we should grab a seat," Kensi said. All six trainers along with Pikachu and Shinx, all headed over and sat down in the various seats in the Center's waiting area.
After a few moments of silence and tension, April said, "You know, just sitting here and being quiet isn't going to make things better. Maybe we could try to get to know each other better."
"Yeah, you're right," Ash said, deciding to break the ice. "I'm Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town in Kanto, and this is my partner, Pikachu," Ash introduced himself and Pikachu.
"Pikachu!," Pikachu greeted.
"And I'm Alan Kenworth from Cyllage City, in Kalos, and this is my partner Shinx," Alan introduced himself and Shinx.
"Shinx Shinx!," Shinx greeted.
"I'm Megan Black, and this is my big brother Flynn. We're from Azalea Town in Johto," Megan introduced.
"Hey," Flynn said nonchalantly, puzzling everyone.
"He's not really the sociable type," Megan sheepishly informed them.
"Anyways, I'm April Landors from Aspertia City in Unova," April said. "And this is my big sister Kensi."
"Nice to meet you, guys," Kensi said. "I suppose you're all here for the Densetsu Isle Tournament?"
Ash, Alan, and Flynn all nodded yes. But just then, Ash realized something.
"Hold on… Landors… you're the Landors sisters?!," he exclaimed.
"Wait, you've heard of us?," Kensi wondered, puzzled at this.
"Well, you guys and me are sharing a villa together!"
"Wow, really?!," April said.
"Yeah, with me and my mom, and Professor Oak."
"Wait? Did you say 'Professor Oak'?," Flynn asked, surprised at this. "As in Kanto's Professor Oak?"
"He's here? Right now? With you?," Alan asked also surprised.
"Yeah, he's a good friend of ours, and decided to accompany me and my mom here to the isle to cheer me on," Ash told him. Just then, in the corner of his eye, he noticed his mother and the professor enter the Pokémon Center. "And speaking of which, there they are now."
He then stood up and called over to them, "Mom! Professor!"
"Pika Pi," Pikachu called out as well. Deila and Oak then noticed Ash and Pikachu and headed over to them.
"Ash! What a surprise, what are you doing here?," Delia asked her son, surprised to see him at the Pokémon Center.
"I could ask you two the same thing," Ash remarked.
"We realized we were low on medical supplies, and came here to buy some," Oak said. He then noticed Alan and Shinx, the Landors sisters, and the Black siblings behind him. "And I see you've already made some new friends, Ash."
"Oh, yeah," he said as he turned to them. "Everyone come over and meet my mom and Professor Oak."
Ash's new friends then came and introduced themselves to Delia and Oak, whom were pleased to meet them all.
"It's so nice getting acquainted with all of you, especially with our villa mates," Delia said happily, referring to April and Kensi.
"Yeah, it's good to meet you too, Ms. Ketchum," April replied. "And you too, professor."
"And it's nice to meet all of you as well," Oak said.
"Man, I'm so jealous, you and your sister get to room with one of the best Pokémon researchers and poets in the world," Alan pouted. Flynn simply rolled his eyes at this.
"It's not the end of the world you know," he quipped, snarkily.
"But there's still the unanswered question as to what you're all doing here," Oak said. At that moment, Ash and his friends' faces dropped at this question.
"Well, it's a long story," he said uneasily. He and the others then told Delia and Oak about the Power Players and the abused Pokémon. Needless to say, the two were absolutely mortified at the story.
"And so thet's how we got here," Ash finished.
"My goodness. How could anybody treat Pokémon so cruelly?!," Delia gasped, appalled by everything she had just heard.
"That's what I said," Megan put in.
"It's astonishing how some people can be so callous towards Pokémon," Oak said with disappointment in his voice. "And these trainers, they called themselves, what again exactly?"
"The Power Players," answered Kensi. "I had a few runs-ins with them before and let me tell you, they are nothing but trouble."
"Trouble would be an understatement," a voice said. Everyone turned to see a handsome man with blond hair and wearing a grey business suit, a black tie and dress shoes.
Next to him was a woman with red chin-length bobbed hair and wearing a pink blouse and blue knee-length skirt and navy medium-heel shoes.
With them were also two children. The first was a 10-year-old boy with short blonde hair, and wearing a green and white shirt, knee-length white shorts and black and white shoes. The second was a 9-year-old girl with shoulder-length red hair, and wearing a black shirt, scarlet short shorts, and black shoes.
Professor Oak and Kensi quickly recognized the man as…
"Mayor Stone!," they said together.
"Professor Oak, this is a surprise," Mayor Stone said as he shook the professor's hand. He then noticed Kensi in the back as well. "And you too, Kensi."
"Same to see you, Mr. Mayor," Kensi greeted.
"Um, are you guys gonna introduce us, Professor?," Ash asked.
"Oh, right," Oak said as he turned to everyone else. "Everyone, this is Thomas Stone, the mayor of Densetsu Isle, and his family."
One bye one, Ash, his mom, and all of his new friends (sans Kensi) introduced themselves to the mayor and his family.
"Pleasure to meet you all," Mayor Stone said as he then turned to his family. "This is my wife, Violet…"
"Nice to meet you all," said the woman.
"My son, Robbie…"
"Hey-o!," greeted the boy.
"And my daughter, Kimmy."
"Hi!," greeted the girl. She then noticed Pikachu. "Hey is that your, Pikachu?"
"Yeah, it is," Ash replied. Robbie then took notice of Shinx.
"And that's a nice Shinx," he said to Alan.
"Thanks," Alan replied.
"You guys don't mind if we…," Robbie said, inferring that he and Kimmy wanted to pet them.
"Of course not. Pikachu, Shinx, what do you say?," Ash asked.
"Pika!/Shinx!," the two Pokémon replied as they hopped over to Robbie and Kimmy and allowed them to pick them up and pet them, much to their delight.
"Now, I couldn't help but overhear you mention the Power Players," asked Mayor Stone.
"Yeah, Mr. Mayor, you're not going to believe this," Kensi said. She and everyone else then told Mayor Stone and his family of the Power Players' actions against Fennekin and Eevee. Needless to say, they were stunned.
"My goodness," Violet said, astonished.
"That so low, even for those jerks," Robbie seethed angrily.
"And those poor little Pokémon," said Kimmy, concerned for Fennekin and Eevee. "Where are they anyways?"
"They're in the ER right now," Ash replied. The mayor, however, looked extremely upset.
"This is just typical of the Power Players, except now they seem to really be stepping up their game," he said.
"With all due respect sir, who are these guys exactly?," Alan asked.
"The Power Players were started by a former tournament champion, who also happens to be a childhood rival of mine and Violet's."
"Wow, really?," Ash asked, astonished as everyone else.
"Pika?," Pikachu asked too.
"Yes. He defeated another good friend of ours in the finals using a highly unethical tactic, and soon after founded the Power Players." The gang exists on the basis that power and victory are all that matters in Pokémon battles."
"And as a way of initiation, all new members must prove their commitment by releasing any and all Pokémon the gang deems as weak by any means necessary, or by battling either a trainer whose Pokémon they denounce as weak, or a trainer who sympathizes with said Pokémon," added Violet.
"So you're saying what we saw was likely… an intitation?," Flynn asked.
"Likely so."
"That's horrible!," Megan cried aghast at what she'd just heard.
"That's not all. They do everything to prove their point by attacking and battling trainers every chance they get, especially during tournament time!," Robbie added.
"Yeah, it's gotted so bad, Daddy has taken to banning them from participating in or attending the tournament, as well as all of the events happining in the coming weeks," Kimmy put in.
"Yes, Officer Jenny and the Isle Police do everything to make sure they do to keep the Power Players away," Mayor Stone said.
"Well, this founder, is he still here, because I've got some choice words for him!," Delia growled.
"Unfortunately for you, no. He moved off the Isle about fifteen years ago to pursue other interests. Last I heard, he was married, and running a Trainer Dojo in Viridian City."
"I see. But enough about that. Professor, how do you know the Mayor so well?," April asked Oak.
"Well, every year, the night before the tournament, the Isle has a festival that brings the culture of all the regions together into one, and the region professors, myself included, give a presentation of each region's starter Pokémon and some of it's culture," Oak replied. "Sometimes it's by telepromter, other times, we come in person. And we always meet the mayor beforehand."
"Wow, professor. Why didn't you tell me you'd been here before?," Ash asked, amazed at this.
"It would've come out eventually, I'm sure."
"And how do you know him, Kensi?," Megan asked.
"I can answer that," April interjected. "You see, Kensi is a former Isle tournament champion."
Everyone, save for the mayor and his family became astonished at this revealation.
"Wow, is that true?," Alan asked.
"Yeah, I won the tournament three years ago. It was the greatest thing ever. And I came back this year to watch my little sister compete."
"And I'm gonna to win it all," April said confidently.
"Not if I do!," Ash reiterated.
"Well, I'm glad to see such confident trainers," Mayor Stone said.
"But, um, what brings you and your family here, Mr. Mayor?," Oak asked. Before the mayor could answer, Nurse Joy emerged from the ER coming towards the group.
"Everyone, I thought you should know-," she started to say, before noticing the mayor and his family. "Oh, um, Mr. Mayor!"
"Nurse Joy. These fine young folks were just telling me about the Power Players' latest troublemaking," Mayor Stone said.
"I see," she said as she looked at the group. "I just thought you all should know Fennekin and Eevee are both recovering. Give them a day or two and they should both be fine."
Everyone sighed with relief at this, as Nurse Joy turned to Mayor Stone and his family.
"As for you Mr. Mayor, Robbie's Treecko's checkup is done, and it has a clean bill of health!"
At that, Chansey wheeled a Treecko out of ER doors on a cart, much to Robbie's delight.
"Alright! Good to see you healthy and strong, Treecko," Robbie said.
"Treecko!," the Wood Gecko Pokémon greeted its master.
"Wow, that's a nice Treecko," Ash complemented.
"Thanks."
"Given how young it looks, I'm guessing that's your starter?," Flynn asked.
"Yep. Just got it and my training license a couple of weeks ago. I'm planning to start my journey once the tournament wraps."
"That's great!," April exclaimed.
"Yeah, lucky you," Kimmy pouted. "I still have to wait another year, before I can get my first Pokémon and license, and go on a journey."
"You're more lucky than me, I have to wait two more years," Megan said, also pouting.
"Well, I'm sure when the time comes, both of you young ladies will make exceptional trainers," Delia said, reassuring both girls.
"Thanks, Mrs. Ketchum," Megan and Kimmy said together.
"Speaking of training, you got any place where we can train for the tournament around here?," Ash asked.
"As a matter of fact, we do," Mayor Stone said. "There are some training grounds located just north of where your villas are."
"I remember those, I used them all the time, training for the tournament," Kensi said. "Plus, you also used them for a couple of the pre-tournament events."
Mayor Stone grinned as he said, "Exactly. And speaking of which, I'm sure you guys know about these said events which will take place over the next few weeks before the tournament don't you?"
The young trainers expressed some knowledge of the events, at which the mayor responded, "I'm glad to hear that. Now these events are for both those participating in the tournament, and those that aren't, but I like to encourage the latter to participate as a why to let loose and bond with their Pokémon.
"We'll be having these events all the way up to the night before the tournament," Violet mentioned. "Please don't be afraid to participate."
"We won't," said all of the young trainers together.
"Right now, I'd like to check out those training grounds," Ash said excitedly.
"Same here," Alan added, also excited.
"Me too," April put in as well.
"I'd like to see them too," Flynn said stoicly.
"And me too!," Megan agreed.
"I can show you where they are," Kensi said. "Just follow me."
Ash and everyone else nodded to Kensi as he then said, "Mayor Stone it was nice meeting you and your family."
"Of course, young man and good luck to you all in the tournament," Mayor Stone replied.
"Thank you," the kids all said as they, along with Pikachu and Shinx began to depart for the training grounds.
"Mom, Professor, I'll see you all back at the villa later," Ash said as he and Pikachu left with the others.
"See ya, honey," Delia said, watching her son leave with his new friends.
"Well, you certainly raised a good one!," Violet complemented.
"I did my best, that's for sure."
Meanwhile, in the woodlands on the island, Team Rocket was in a clearing, looking into the sky waiting on something.
"What is taking them so darn long?!," Jessie asked impatiently.
"They should be here any second, Jessie," James responded.
"Well they better make it any half-second, cause I'm starvin'," Meowth whined.
"Wob-buffet," added Wobbuffet.
"Mime Mime," threw in Mime Jr. Suddenly they heard the whirring blades of a helicopter arrive on the island and got excited. The helicopter, which sported Team Rocket's "R" emblem arrived and hovered over the clearing, carrying a huge grey metal crate, which it then dropped down in the middle of the clearing.
The crate's sides then fell open revealing a huge two-section RV, at which Team Rocket gleemed. Jessie's communication device then rang, and she answered it as her teammates gathered around to see the hologram of a woman appear.
"Operatives, I assume you have just received the commissioned mobil command center for your operations on Densetsu Isle?," asked the woman.
"Yes, ma'am," answered Jessie, James, and Meowth.
"Good, it has all the resources you need for you stay on the island. Any issues arise, I'll be on call to handle them personally. Good luck operatives."
The woman then ended the transmission, and the chopper flew away, as Team Rocket looked over their new base.
"Well, let's stop gawking and start getting organized!," Jessie exclaimed.
"Right!," replied the rest of her teammates as they entered their new MCC.
Back with Ash, he, Pikachu, and the rest of his new friends were walking to the training areas with Kensi leading the way. Ash and Alan had just told the Black siblings and Landors sisters about their accomplishments.
"And that's my most recent journey," Alan finished explaining to everyone.
"So, Flynn what about you?," Ash asked the stoic boy.
"Well, I've made the Top 8 in the Johto League and the Top 4 in Sinnoh," Flynn replied. "I'm hoping to become the most powerful Dark type trainer ever."
"Wow, you like Dark Type Pokémon?," April asked, amazed.
"Yeah, all of his Pokémon are at least part Dark Type," Megan explained. "Well, except for one."
"Yeah, my starter, Feraligatr. I didn't bring him with me this time, but I can always call on him when needed," Flynn confirmed as he turned to April. "What about you April? What's your story?"
"Well, I recently participated in the Unova League, and came in the Top 8," she answered. "I'm hoping whatever experience this tournament gives me helps me to do better in the future. Heck, if I go all the way and win like Kensi, that'll be epic!"
"So you really won the tournament, Kensi?," Ash asked.
"Yep! It was amazing! But it was just the icing on the cake for me," Kensi replied with a smile.
"Yeah, my sister has been all over the world, just like you Ash. She's competed and even won regional Pokemon Leagues, Grand Festivals, even the Showcases in Kalos!," April explained with a huge squeal of excitement.
"Well, I haven't won all of them. But I just like doing what I feel, going where the wind takes me, you know."
"And I'm hoping to be just as great as you are, sis."
"I have no doubt, you will be," Alan put in.
"Shinx!," Shinx yipped in agreement.
"Me too, April!," Megan added in.
"Yeah, you just keep chasing what you want, and sooner or later, you'll get it," Ash encouraged.
"Pika Pika!," Pikachu agreed. The six trainers and two Pokémon continued on, until they finally reached one of the training areas. But upon entering it, they found that someone else was already there, using it.
It was a 16-year-old boy with short, curly, brunette hair and wearing a yellow shirt, white shorts, and close-toed sandals. Next to him was a 9-year-old boy with short, brunette hair in a bowl cut wearing glasses, a light green short-sleeved shirt, green short shorts, and brown boots.
With the two boys were a Blastoise, Pidgeot, Magneton, Machamp, Flareon, and Golem, plus a young Bulbasaur that was near the younger boy. The Blastoise and Flareon were practicing their Hydro Pump and Fire Spin attacks on some pop up targets, as the boys and other Pokémon watched.
"Good job, Blastoise, Flareon," the older boy said. Just then, he and the younger boy took notice of the group watching them. "Oh, hello."
"Hey, your Pokémon look pretty tough," Ash commented.
"Thank you, I been training most of them for a long time now."
"Yeah, I can tell," Kensi said. "I'm guessing that Blastoise was your starter."
"Yep, my very first. By the way, I'm…"
"Erald Konai from Saffron," Kensi answered for him. The rest of the group was taken aback by how Kensi knew him.
"You know him?," Flynn asked.
"Of him, yes. He's competed in the Indigo League for four years straight, and most recently he cracked the Top 4."
"Yeah, Kensi and I watched you on TV, for your most recent go," April added.
"Wow, impressive," Alan commented.
"Shinx!," Shinx exclaimed.
"So you know me, but who are the rest of you?," Erald asked.
"I'm Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town, and this is my partner Pikachu," Ash introduced himself and Pikachu.
"Pikachu!," Pikachu greeted.
"I'm Alan Kenworth, Cyllage City in Kalos and this is my partner Shinx," Alan said, himself and Shinx.
"Shinx!," Shinx greeted.
"I'm April Landors from Aspertia City in Unova, and this is my sister Kensi," April introduced herself and Kensi.
"Hello," Kensi said.
"And I'm Megan Black and this is my brother Flynn, and we're from Azalea Town in Johto," Megan introduced her and Flynn.
"Hey," Flynn said in a droll voice.
"Pleasure to meet you all," Erald said as he slowly brought the younger boy forward. "And this is my little cousin, Leo."
"H-Hi," Leo said meekly.
"Sorry, he a little shy."
"Hey, no worries, we're all good people here," Ash assured the boy.
"Yeah, we can all be friends," Megan said as she then noticed the Bulbasaur at his feet. "Is that Bulbasaur yours?"
"Yeah. Or it will be once I'm old enough to get my trainers license," Leo replied. "It's the offspring of Erald's Venusaur."
"Bulbasaur!," said the Bulbasaur.
"Wow, you have a Venusaur?!," April asked Erald in amazement.
"Yes, she's back home along with some other Pokémon of mine. She had several babies not to long ago, and Leo and this Bulbasaur here, they bonded with each other very fast," Erald explained.
"Sounds sort of like me and Pikachu, right buddy?," Ash asked his partner.
"Pika-Pi," Pikachu said with a nod.
"I think it's kinda cute," Megan said as she pet it.
"Me too," April added in.
"Bulba," Bulbasaur said with a grin.
"Speaking of which, I reckon that since you're all here, you're training for the tournament?," Erald replied and then asked the group.
"Yeah, all except Kensi here," Flynn snarkily pointed out.
"Then you've come to one of the right places."
"Yeah, this training area is one of six around the island," Kensi told the group. "And it has just about all the accomidations a trainer needs."
"Right, it has a target range for special attacks, as you can see here, a training bag and practice dummy area for close combat attacks," Erald pointed at the different areas, showing the targets, training bags, and dummies.
"It also has an aerial section for training Flying types, and a pool for training Water types," Kensi continued, pointing up towards some polls with rings hanging from them for Flying types to train, and then towards an open door that led to a pool for Water types. "And of course, each area has four battlefields for practice battling."
"Well, I'm up for some training right now," Ash said. "And you know, this actually might be a good time to let out all our Pokémon to meet each other."
Everyone, even Flynn, nodded in agreement.
"Me first," said Ash, as he gathered five Poké Balls and tossed them into the air. "Come on out, everyone!"
The Poké Balls burst open and out came Ash's chosen team: Bayleef, Swellow, Buizel, Pignite, and Noivern. Everyone was amazed at Ash's team.
"Wow, that's one Pokémon from each reigon you've traveled to!," Alan pointed out.
"Except that two of them aren't fully evolved," Flynn snarked, referring to Bayleef and Pignite.
"Hey, they might not be fully evolved, but Bayleef and Pignite are two of my best!," Ash said with confidence.
"Bay-leef!/Pig-nite!," Bayleef and Pignite exclaimed with confidence.
"Why don't you bring out yours next, big brother?," Megan asked.
"Fine," he said as he took out all six of his Poké Balls. "Everyone, front and center."
He then tossed them all into the air and they burst open, letting out his Umbreon, Mightyena, and Houndoom along with an Absol, a Weavile, and a Honchkrow. Everyone looked and were both amazed and a little nervous.
"Wow, they all look so… intimidating," said Leo, slightly frightened by the looks Flynn's Pokémon were giving everyone.
"Well, they are Dark types, so that's to be expected," April said.
"Pika!," agreed Pikachu, also somewhat intimidated.
"Oh, don't worry everyone. They're actually really friendly when you get to know them," Megan said as she began petting and scratching them on their head and behind their ears, eventually causing them to loosen up and start nuzzling and licking her in response, much to her delight, and everyone's relief.
"Hey April, how about your team next?," Ash suggested to April.
"Sure," she said as took out her six Poké Balls and tossed them into the air. "Come out and say hi, everyone!"
The balls burst open, letting out April's Unova-exclusive team: Emboar, Mandibuzz, Purrloin, Zebstrika, Simipour, and Cubchoo.
"Wow, it's all Unova Pokémon!," Megan exclaimed, amazed at April's team. Flynn only shrugged with a small smile.
"With Pokémon that can't be found anywhere else," Leo added, also amazed and slightly excited.
"I guess, it's my turn then," Alan said as he took out five Poké Balls. "It's meeting and greeting time!"
He tossed them all into the air, and they burst open revealing his remaining party: Haunter, Talonflame, Quilladin, Dewott, and Gogoat.
"Impressive, Alan," Erald said, strongly impressed by Alan's team.
"I've got plenty of others back home, but these guys are some of my best ones!"
"No doubt," Kensi replied as she then took out her Poké Balls. "Now I might not be participating in the tournament this time around, but, that doesn't mean I can't help you guys train! Let's go, team!"
With that, Kensi tossed and let out her Pokémon: Serperior, Swanna, Ninetales, Delcatty, Toxicroak, and Milotic. Her party amazed everyone, sans April.
"Wow, you've got some amazing Pokémon, Kensi," Ash complimented.
"Yeah, well, you should see all the others she still has at home!," April reiterated.
"Well, we have the whole day and this whole area, so let's get training, everyone!"
With that, everyone spread out with their Pokémon. They all spent the rest of the day utilizing the training area and its accomodations to train their Pokémon, even battling one-on-one.
Later that evening, the group, now including Erald and Leo, headed back to the villa village.
"Man, what a day! We just got here and already we've made a whole bunch of new friends, huh Pikachu?!," Ash asked his partner excitiedly.
"Pika Pika!," replied Pikachu.
"Yeah, just wait until the tournament though," Flynn snarked. "We'll see just how these friendships hold up…"
"You sure are a downer, aren't you Flynn?," Erald noted.
"Tell me about it…," April noted drolly.
"Oh, don't worry. Just like his Pokémon, my big brother's a softie at heart," Megan chuckled with a smile.
"Megan! Zip it, will you?!," Flynn said through gritted teeth, embarrassed at the news.
"I'll only believe that when I see it," Leo said, only to cower in the face of a major death glare from Flynn. Finally, the group arrived at Ash and the Landors' villa, and were soon greeted by Mimey.
"Mime Mime Mime!," Mimey said to the group.
"A Mr. Mime?," Alan asked, puzzled.
"Yeah, he belongs to my mom," Ash said. Just then, Delia in question came out, followed by Professor Oak.
"Ash, honey, there you are," she greeted her son. "
I hope you, Pikachu, and your friends all enjoyed the training facilities," Oak inquired.
"Yeah, it was great," Ash replied excitedly.
"Pikachu," Pikachu added in. Delia and Oak then noticed Erald and Leo with the group.
"Erald, how nice to see you again!," Oak greeted the teenage boy.
"It's good to see you too, Professor. This is quite the surprise!," Erald replied, having not been expecting to see the professor who gave him his starter on the island.
"You know each other?," Delia asked, bewildered. The rest of the group was also stunned at this
"Oh, yes. I gave Erald his starter Pokémon six years ago, I believe it was a Squirtle."
"Yeah, except it's a Blastoise now," Erald replied, before gesturing to Leo. "And this is my little cousin, Leo."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, young man."
"Um, you too, p-professor," Leo said nervously, struggling to compose himself in front of Kanto's professor. Delia then noticed the Bulbasaur near Leo's feet.
"And I'm guessing that Bulbasaur is yours," she inquired.
"Yes… well, when I'm old enough to become a trainer, it will be. It's the offspring of Erald's Venusaur."
"Bulba!," exclaimed Bulbasaur.
"I see." Delia said as she turned to April and Kensi. "By the way girls, your luggage was brought in, and it's been set up in your room for you guys."
"That's good to hear," Kensi said.
"Here here," April agreed. Ash then sniffed the air.
"Hey mom, is that…"
"Yep, I figured you guys might be hungry after the day you've all had," Delia guessed.
"Great!," Ash and April exclaimed as they rushed inside, with Pikachu and Kensi following behind them.
"Well, I guess we better get going to our villas now," Alan said.
"I agree, it's late," Flynn agreed.
"And tomorrow another day," Erald finished. The three, along with Leo, Megan, Shinx, and Bulbasaur then started to leave, when…
"Hold on, you guys," Delia said, catching their attention. "Why don't you all stay for dinner!"
"Really?!," everyone said at once, shocked by the offer.
"Of course, the more the merrier," Oak put in.
"I'm not sure. We don't wanna impose," Erald said.
"Me neither," Flynn added.
"Oh come on, big brother! Can't we stay?," Megan begged.
"Yeah, Erald, I wanna stay for dinner too," Leo agreed.
"Well, I'm up for a homecooked meal, even if it's not exactly home-cooked," quipped Alan.
"Same here," Erald replied.
Flynn thought for a while, before finally saying, "Sure, I guess we could stay too."
"Yes!," Megan and Leo exclaimed.
"Then come on inside everyone," Delia said, at which the entire group entered the villa.
Later, out in the villa's sideyard, everyone sat down at a table filled with all kinds of food that Delia and Mimey had prepared. Everyone sans Delia, Mimey, and Professor Oak was amazed at the meal. Meanwhile, Pikachu, Shinx, Bulbasaur, and everyone else's Pokémon were eating Pokémon food that the professor had prepared.
"Wow, Mom, you really went all out!," Ash exclaimed.
"Well, just thought you and your new friends could use a warm welcome," Delia responded with a warm smile.
"Wow, this is just like how my mom cooks for me!," Alan gleemed.
"Yeah, same with us!," Kensi said, also very impressed.
"Totally!," April agreed with her sister.
"I must agree, this does have many qualities of my parents cooking too," Erald added.
"Mmm-hmm," Leo added.
"Love it!," Megan threw in.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but… me too," Flynn said, somewhat excitedly.
"Well, I try. So dig in everyone!," Delia told eveyone.
"And the Pokémon too!," Oak said to everyone's Pokémon.
But before they could, Ash suddenly said, "Hold on!"
This baffled everyone, especially those who knew Ash's love for food. Why would he suddenly delay a meal?
"I just wanna say, I'm glad to have met all of you guys, and I want you to promise me that if we end up facing each other in the tournament, we give it all we've got!"
"You bet!," April agreed.
"That's a promise," Flynn quipped with confidence.
"You know it!," added Alan.
"Of course I will!," exclaimed Erald.
"Okay, now let's dig in!," Ash said. Everyone then began filling their plates and starting to eat, while their Pokémon ate their food as well.
And so, our hero has made a plethora of new friends and future rivals right on his first day on Densetsu Isle. And with the tournament three weeks away and plenty of events and training in between, it stands to be a big brand new adventure for Ash as his journey to become a Pokemon Master continues!
To Be Continued…