S.R: So… We want to add a bit more variety among Ash's Pokemon.

M.R: Well there were a couple that are going to be joining his roster around this point anyway. We just decided to add a few more.

S.R: Oh yeah. I forgot about them after we decided his next Pokemon. Rather than spoil the surprise I'll shut up though.

M.R: Good call. Anyway, here you guys go.

ASH'S POV

Brock and I had just hopped off of Gyarados's back, having rode her all the way from Cinnabar island. I couldn't help the smile that came to my face. We were in familiar territory. After my dad had started to teach me about Aura, and I started helping the professor out, I got to explore the surroundings of Pallet town. That included the beach that Brock and I were standing on. Pikachu too, though he only stood on the beach long enough to shake off some of the water from when he tried to cool off. After that he climbed back up to his normal perch on my shoulder.

Ignoring Brock's attempts to rub some feeling back into his legs after riding in the saddle we had gotten for Gyarados I turned to my Water type Pokemon.

"Thanks for your help Gyarados."

Doing her best to be gentle, Gyarados softly rubber the side of her face against me, nuzzling me in an attempt to say it was no problem.

'I've grown a lot since we met. I never imagined I could become as strong as I am now. It's all thanks to you. But I know we can keep going even further.'

I heard her say through our aura bond. Smiling I nodded at the thought.

"True. There's always room to improve. I'm just happy we've had such a fun time so far."

But our talk was interrupted by a cry that didn't sound to far off. Without even thinking I took off running for the source of the sound. Brock wasn't too far behind me. Gyarados easily kept pace beside us as her body cut through the water.

Another cry sounded out, but it was weaker than the first one. I could tell that we were getting close however as I knew just around the next bend was a small cove that wild Pokemon liked to relax in. Just as Brock and I were finally able to see what Pokemon it was that was calling out, the Pokemon wailed once more.

"Brock we've got to help!"

I shouted knowing my friend would be on the same page. Neither one of us liked to see a Pokemon in pain. Pikachu didn't like it either, but he maintained a distance by hopping off my shoulder and staying where he landed. Lapras are Water type Pokemon so there was a chance it would be scared to see Pikachu who had a type advantage.

"I know. That Lapras really doesn't look so good though. We might have to evac it to a Pokemon Center."

Brock replied as we slowed down. Even though we wanted to help, we had to take it slow so we could avoid startling the poor thing.

"Easy now. We just want to help."

I commented when I got close enough to reach a hand out. The Lapras shakily moved it's head towards my open hand, a sign that it understood and was accepting our aid. Gently and slowly going over each part of it's body, Brock and I sprayed potions. We found a couple spots that we had to put some bandages on as well. It was very time consuming process. But we were glad to do it. Lapras was in rough shape.

"Hey Lapras, can you tell me why you got so injured?"

I asked when we were almost done. Brock was using the last potion we had and there wasn't much more we could do. So I figured I'd try and find out what happened.

Tilting it's head, I could tell Lapras didn't understand how I'd be able to understand. Because I'd been rubbing soothing circles on it's neck as Brock applied the potion, I gently let my aura pour out from my hand and connect with the Lapras's natural aura.

'Can you still understand me?'

I asked as I tested the link I had made.

'This is an aura technique… I see. So that's how you intended to hear my story.'

Nodding my head I asked once more about what happened.

I knew it wouldn't be a good story, but I was unprepared to hear what had happened.. Lapras had been swimming when a sudden and ridiculously strong storm kicked up. She attempted to get to safety on the beach, but the waves were rough and hard to tread. There were times where the waves crashed into her and forced her underwater, which normally wouldn't have been a problem. But there's a reef not that far from the shore, and she was repeatedly smashed against the coral. Which explained why she was so cut up. Lapras didn't even remember making it to the beach. She just recalled waking up a little while ago.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that. But why are you all alone? Shouldn't you be with your pod?"

But Lapras shook her head.

'My pod had a lot of elders in it, so we weren't moving around much. I didn't want to stay in one place so I left. I like exploring and seeing new things.'

At that point Brock had finished with the potion and was double checking that we had gotten the bandages on properly. When he nodded with a satisfied expression I spoke up again.

"We've done what we can. I'd suggest taking it easy for a while. I know you probably enjoy swimming, but if you can stay here on the beach for a day or two I'd recommend it. The bandages won't stay if they get wet."

I tried to stand up, and walk away glad that we were able to help, but I felt Lapras nudge my hand with her head.

'Are you traveling?'

'I'm a traveling Pokemon trainer yes.'

'I've always loved exploring. I'd love if you would let me join you on your journeys.'

Brock understood what was going on just from how she was acting. Shaking his head with a grin, he chuckled a bit to himself before speaking.

"Ash, you have some ridiculous luck when it comes to Pokemon."

Lapras tilted her head at his words.

'So you are called Ash. Well Ash, May I accompany you on you travels?'

I really wanted to say yes. I mean, I love Pokemon, so meeting and befriending as many as I could was something I enjoyed. But because she was still hurt I didn't know what to say exactly. Not to mention I didn't have any space on my team. Nor in my add on slots.

"I would be glad to have you with us Lapras. But… I wouldn't feel right bringing you along while you're injured."

Her head fell as she appeared disappointing at my words.

"So I'll make you a deal. Right now my team is full, but I'm heading home for a short break before I continue my journey. I want to spend some time will all of my Pokemon at once. If you don't mind staying in the same place for a bit to recover, then I'll gladly bring you along."

She eagerly nodded her head at that point. I could feel her happiness through the link I had made between our auras.

"I don't have a spot on my team right now so I'll have to send you on ahead of us. But we shouldn't be that long."

'I don't mind. After all you're letting me accompany you. So you do what you feel is right.'

She said through the link.

"Alright. But first I have to let the professor know. I'd hate for him to panic when he see's the state your in."

I commented as I fished my Pokedex out of my pocket. I had a few numbers saved in it, but the one at the top of the list was the one I wanted so I pushed the button and waited to hear the professor.

"Ash my boy, I thought you were on your way?"

"I am, but Brock and I stopped to help an injured Pokemon."

"Oh, do yo need any assistance? I can meet you at the beach if you need me to."

The professor asked, worry seeping into his voice like I knew it would.

"No, no we're good here professor. I just wanted to let you know, because she wanted to come with us. I don't have an open slot at the moment, so I figured it would be better to tell you about her condition before sending Lapras to you."

Even though I couldn't see it, I knew he was smiling.

"Yes that is a good idea. I'll be ready to take a look myself. After all my lab has supplies that you don't. We'll be sure to look after Lapras until you get here."

"Thanks professor."

"No need to thank me Ash."

With that we ended the call. Turning to face Lapras, I asked if she was ready. When she nodded I opened the side pocket on my backpack and grabbed a Poke ball from within. Pushing the button to enlarge it, I held it in my hand.

"Welcome aboard the team Lapras."

I commented as she leaned forward to allow the Poke ball to make contact with her forehead. The ball in my hands gently shook for a moment before going still. The ding that signified that it was successful was heard and then a moment later the ball disappeared from my hand.

At this point Brock and I turned to heads back towards the water were Gyarados was waiting patiently. In the rush to find Lapras I had forgotten to return her to her Poke ball. While I did that Pikachu hopped back up onto my shoulder.

"Let's get back on the road then." I commented with a small bit of cheer in my voice.

Half an hour later

When we got to the top of the last hill before we were in Pallet town, I couldn't help myself. A sigh of bliss came out of my lips as I turned to Brock, who was surprised by the view.

"Amazing isn't it?"

I asked, glad to be home, even if only for a little while. Unable to speak he just nodded his head. Which I could understand. Even after living here in Pallet town, the sight of professor Oak's ranch and laboratory still inspired nothing but awe in me.

I really wanted to stop at my house first and say hi to my mom, but Brock didn't know his way around town and it would probably be awkward for him to meet my mom like that. Plus she was probably at the professors anyway, helping him take care of my Pokemon that weren't currently with me. Not to mention we both wanted to check in on Lapras as soon as we could.

"Let's head to the ranch then."

Pikachu gave a happy cry at my words and even leapt off my shoulder to lead the way. Which was a little surprising to me.

'I didn't think you liked it when the professor had you.'

'I was only at his ranch for a few days before you and I met. But I like the place because it's where we became friends.'

My yellow partner responded to my prodding through our aura bond. Which reminded me, Once we made sure Lapras was alright I needed to deepen the link I had made with her and turn it into a proper aura bond.

As we walked through the door to the professors lab Brock and I were greeted by a familiar voice.

"Hey there Ashy-boy."

Leaning against the wall by the door to the professors kitchen was Gary. Unlike Brock I wasn't surprised to see him. After all, the Gary is the professors grandson. Plus he'd been traveling just like we had. So it made sense he'd stop by and take a chance to relax or stock up on supplies again.

"Hey Gary. Is the professor still in his lab or did he head out to the ranch?"

I replied before I heard the familiar cry of my Growlithe coming from the kitchen.

Poking my head into the room as Gary moved out of the way I saw Growlithe running in circles around my mom's legs as she prepared some food.

"Hi mom, hi Growlithe."

I spoke, my words startling my mother who turned to me with a smile. Growlithe charged towards me with her tongue lolling out the side of her mouth, happily barking at me.

'Welcome home!'

I heard her energetic voice through our aura bond. With a smile I kneeled down to rub her head affectionately.

"I'd hug you but I need to wash my hands first."

I heard my mom say as she continued to prepare whatever it was she was making. At that point Gary spoke up, finally answering my question of where his grandfather was at.

"Now that you've greeted everyone that's here, gramps is outside. He said you guys did a great job of patching up that Lapras so he took her to a spot she could be more comfortable."

Nodding at his words I continued to pet Growlithe while I introduced Brock to my mom.

"You might have seen Brock in the background when I call you from the Pokemon Centers while we've traveled, but now you can meet him properly. This is my friend Brock."

I commented as I used my head to gesture to Brock. Since mom was still busy with her hands she just smiled as she said it was nice to finally meet him. Brock said the same, and then offered to see if he could help her with anything. Before mom could say no I butted in.

"Brock is a really good cook, and he sometimes makes homemade food for our Pokemon, it would probably be a good idea to let him help with whatever you are making."

"Oh, alright then. Since I don't know how much the Pokemon you've got with you will eat I might need an extra hand with getting food ready for them."

Smiling Brock stepped up to help, he knew exactly how much to make.

"Well they'll probably be a bit. Wanna go outside and see the others Pikachu?"

I asked as I looked towards my shoulder. The nod I got from my buddy was all I needed. Gary had nothing better to do so he followed me outside as well. It was a nice day anyway, so I figured it would be better to be outside than to just sit around waiting till lunch.

"Come on out guys."

Letting all of the Pokemon I had with me loose, I smiled as they started playing, Blastoise, Ivysaur, and Gyarados all taking turns to show the others around as they were the ones with the most knowledge about the professors ranch. Pikachu, Growlithe, Eira, and Conan were the only ones that stayed with me.

"So I know Pikachu, I've got a Growlithe myself, and I met Conan last time, but who is this little one?"

Gary asked me as he nodded towards Eira. I wasn't the one to answer however as the professor and another man came around the corner of the building.

"Oh my, that's an Alolan variant of a Vulpix isn't it?"

The unknown man said with wide eyes as he looked at my Pokemon.

"Yeah. She's still pretty young though."

I said as the white fox like Pokemon looked up at me with sparkles in her eyes.

'Are they new friends?'

I was completely unable to stop the smile that came to my face at her question. Eira was a bubbly child that enjoyed making new friends and it never failed to cheer me up or make me smile.

"Oh where are my manners. I'm Scott. I guess you could call me a regional manager for the Pokemon League. I've heard quite a bit about you Ash. And not just from the professor. You and Gary both have made quite the impression on Lance. Not to mention Lorelei told me about your encounter as well."

"It's nice to meet you Scott… Anyway how is Lapras professor?"

I had to respond to Scott because it was polite but his mentioning of Lorelei reminded me about Lapras.

"Oh she's doing fine. You and Brock did well in treating her injuries, though I want to know where the rest of her pod is and how she came to be so banged up."

So I explained what I had learned from Lapras about her situation, and why she came to join me. Of course we walked as I did, the professor wanting me to see for myself how she was doing now that she'd gotten settled in.

That night

After checking in on Lapras I made my way around and visited with all of my Pokemon. I told them all that I wanted to gather them all together for a few days and to meet me by the pond where the professor had Lapras staying while she recovered. I didn't have any plans for her training just yet, but I didn't want her to feel alone or left out.

As Brock, mom, and I left the professors ranch, Scott came with us. He'd only been there because he needed the professors help with some things.

"Before I head out I've got a gift for you Ash. Traveling can be rough. You've already got a few different Pokemon you can ride on in the water, and I'll bet that you could get something set up to fly with Charizard but what about traveling by land? Sometimes you may have an emergency and need to move faster..."

As he was speaking Scott held two Poke balls as he moved his hand towards me.

"I want you to take these guys. Rapidash isn't trained for battle, and to be honest the only reason I feel comfortable giving him to you is because I know you've got three extra slots to carry Pokemon in as you travel. Those spots are meant for Pokemon that can help you travel for research purposes. As for the other one… Well I've got a good feel for your character and I think you can handle it."

Pikachu was staring towards the Poke balls. I knew the other Pokemon Scott was offering me. I could tell Pikachu did too. It was the only Pokemon we'd ever used an Ultra ball to catch.

"Are you sure about this?"

I asked, wanting to be absolutely certain Scott was okay with handing me these Pokemon.

"Positive. The Pokemon League has its eye on you. To be honest we're hoping that when you're old enough we can recruit you. You've got a passion for Pokemon and a talent for training them."

Since I could tell he wasn't going to back down I accepted the Pokemon with a smile.

"Alright then. You do know I have a bit of history with the one in the Ultra ball though, right?"

"So you were part of the group that caught the rampaging Rhydon? All the more reason for you to take him."

"Right, well for now since I'm here in Pallet Town they can stay with the professor."

I commented as I realized he was saying that I was the one most qualified to train Rhydon, since I had past experience with it.

S.R: For those of you that are confused, allow me to explain. Ash will eventually be granted a proper 'Field Researcher' status, which means he'll be allowed to carry another three Pokemon, bringing his total allowed to travel with him to 12. When that happens there are a few Pokemon that will be staying with him permanently. They won't be trained for battle at all. Only for whatever purposes he needs them for. (Essentially they'll be HM slaves, despite the fact that in reality there is no such thing).

M.R: Rapidash is one of those Pokemon. If something is happening and Ash needs to get somewhere, or he has to get away from a place in a hurry, he'll ride Rapidash. Other than that, we won't see Rapidash at all.

S.R: This was an idea we've had since the beginning of the story. We already have plans for who the other permanent slots are, but we aren't to them just yet. Gyarados and Lapras are powerful Pokemon so we wouldn't feel right relegating them to only being used when needing to travel across the water (So is the one we chose to be the surfing slave. But we like Lapras and Gyarados better).

M.R: There is still a few more Pokemon to go before Ash has all we're giving him in Kanto (discounting legendaires. We've moved all plots involving legendaires to points between regions so they do not count as part of any specific League). So stay tuned.

ON HAND:

1. Pikachu (M) 2. Conan: Riolu (M) 3. Charizard (M) 4. Gyarados (F) 5. Gengar (F) 6. Blastoise (F)

TRAINEE FIELD RESEARCHER SLOT ADDITIONS:

7. Ivysaur (F) 8. Albus: Amaura (M) 9. Eira: Alolan Vulpix (F)

AT THE RANCH:

1. Pidgeot (F) 2. Beedrill (M) 3. Nidorino (M) 4. Muk (M) 5. Growlithe (F) 6. Golbat (M) 7. Apollo: Espeon (M) 8. Artemis: Umbreon (F) 9. Scyther (M) 10. Lapras (F) 11. Rapidash (M) 12. Rhydon (M)