Been having a few ideas for Pokémon stories bouncing around in my head for a while, with this new series of short stories being about people learning about Ash as a Frontier Brain, which he joined after his journey in Sinnoh. This is heavily inspired by the story 'From One Side to Another' by True-InTha-Blue, which is on this site. I highly recommend you give it a read if you are a fan of the idea of Ash being Frontier Brain (But you don't need to read it to enjoy this story). Who knows, I might make my own version about how Ash became a Frontier Brain someday.
Ash smiled as the sun started to set on Professor Oak's lab, the teen visiting there with his class in the Alola region for the time to see the many differences between the Kanto and Alola region's Pokémon. He even got to see some of his old ones that were hanging out around the field like Muk and his Tauros, along with Misty and Brock who also came by.
"It was sure nice to see them again, right Pikachu?"
"Pika-Pika!"
Ash smiled at the response from his faithful companion, who was on his shoulder for the time being as they waited for the food to be prepped. Though that did make him wonder where the rest of his Pokémon were, as he didn't see them out when they were touring the fields with his class.
'They're probably out there training again...' the 17-year-old thought with amusement as his mother came by carrying a relaxed Litten in her arms and a smile on her face.
"Hello Ash, did you like the surprise?"
"I sure did!"
He meant it too; since it was a long day of exploring the fields with his friends seeing all the various Pokémon along with the sudden appearance of Team Rocket. Getting back to Professor's Oak to see a buffet all set and ready for them to eat was a sight to see, something that wasted no time in lifting everyone's spirits as Rotom moaned something about not being able to complete the Kanto Pokedex.
It was a pleasant time for everyone involved until a voice suddenly called out from the distance.
"Professor Oak!"
Everyone paused to look over the person who shouted, which happened to be a slender girl with lilac-colored hair and eyes wearing a long-sleeved lilac shirt that had a large white collar, making her way toward Professor Oak with steady yet determined pacing.
"Hey Professor, who is that?" Kiawe asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't know Kiawe..." the professor said with a thoughtful gaze as he wondered who this arrival was, as he had no idea of another person joining them for this field trip. While he didn't think it was anything to worry about, he still wanted to make sure given the encounter they had with Team Rocket earlier. Yet that didn't seem to be a problem, given that the focus of the new arrival was locked on Professor Oak once she noticed him mingling with his cousin after a brief double take.
"Ah Anabel!" the region's professor greeted her with a smile and a raised eyebrow, "I supposed it is that time again?"
"Yes, I need to call Ash," she said much to the surprise of the people around her, "Another challenger is taking the Battle Frontier."
While the title went over the heads of the students, Kukui's eyes widened at the name. Knowing about the organization that most trainers would only hear glimpses and whispers about in their travels, if at all. Really, he only knew about it since he was a professor and needed to know the many functions and institutions involved with Pokémon. Though that still raised one question...
What did it have to do with Ash?
"I'm afraid I can't do that," Professor Oak said with a sly smile on his face that took Anabel aback, seeing that she was never refused the chance to do so when she came by before.
"What? Why not?"
"Because he's standing right over there."
She followed his pointed gaze until her lilac eyes met the warm familiar brown ones that she associated with Ash. The young man wearing a sheepish grin while rubbing the back of his head as Pikachu eagerly looked on.
"H-Hey Anabel..."
Everyone watched as Anabel looked on in surprise before a large smile started to break out on her face along with a red hue on her cheeks, much to the confusion of everybody. They were even more taken back when she suddenly rushed forwards and enveloped him in a large hug. One that surprised Ash, but soon followed with a laugh as he hugged back before doing a twirl, the two separating briefly for a moment to look at one another while ignoring the dumbfounded expression of everyone there.
"You should've told me you were coming!" Anabel cheerfully exclaimed, "I would've shown up much sooner if I knew!"
Ash looked at her with a sheepish expression, one that she never grew tired of whenever he had to explain something to her.
"We were only coming for a day, and I didn't want to bother you with whatever you were doing."
The joyous look on their faces continued on before Anabel's diminished somewhat and started to sport a more serious tone that made him pay more attention.
"We have another challenger doing the Battle Frontier. I was just about to make my way to Professor Oak to let him know so that he could give you a call," she explained before a more amused tone grew, "But it seems like you beat me to it."
Ash chuckled a bit as Pikachu scampered his way back onto his shoulder, giving the new arrival a cheerful call that made Anabel smile as well.
"Hello Pikachu. Ash didn't get into any more trouble now did he?"
An exasperated sigh left the electric type's lips before a series of calls rang out from his mouth, something that made the others around him try to follow, but give up halfway through. Yet was taken aback when the lilac-haired girl nodded along to his speech, finally sighing along with the Pikachu before giving Ash a knowing look once the Pokémon's rant was finished.
"He's just as reckless as ever huh? At least he has you keeping him in check."
"Pika..."
The boy in question was only able to sheepishly chuckle at being chastised by Anabel and Pikachu, rubbing the back of his head with a nervous smile. Though it was only then that Anabel noticed the numerous people that were giving them odd looks.
"Ash, are these all your new friends?" she then paused as she saw some familiar faces, "Oh hello Brock, Misty, Delia. It's good to see you."
"It's nice to see you too dear," Ash's mother said in a warm tone, as Brock and Misty gave their own greeting with a smile.
Ash eagerly grabbed the hand of Anabel and guided her towards his new friends from Alola, who looked at the interaction between them with interest. Though they were in no way prepared for his introduction as he gestured to the new arrival with an eager smile.
"Hey everyone, this is my girlfriend, Anabel. She's a really tough trainer in the Battle Frontier."
Anabel blushed a deep red at the straightforward introduction but was happy that Ash didn't beat around the bush about their relationship (especially given his last group of friends' reaction to it). Though she couldn't help but giggle at the dumbfounded expression on their faces now, already knowing what they were already thinking.
Ash seemed to just notice their blank expressions though, looking between the others with a frown and a slightly furrowed brow. Not quite sure why they were looking at him like that when they didn't even bother introducing themselves to her, it was quite rude to be honest.
"You got a girlfriend?!"
He winced alongside Pikachu and Anabel at their conjoined shouts, but while this slightly amused Anabel and Pikachu, Ash had a look of indignation and slight frustration.
"Hey, what does that supposed to mean?!" an irritated Ash said with crossed arms while Pikachu snickered on Anabel's shoulder, "You guys didn't even say hi yet!"
Seemingly aware that they haven't introduced themselves to Anabel yet, they looked at Anabel sheepishly before stepping forward and introducing themselves and their Pokémon. Happy to meet a new companion of Ash's.
"I'm Lillie, and this is Snowy!" the bright blonde girl dressed in nearly all-white said while gesturing to a pure white Vulpix that sat beside her, "I've only recently hatched her."
"Vul!"
Anabel blinked in surprise at the odd coloration as she only did some light reading on the region when she heard that Ash was going to visit the region, "I've never seen a Vulpix like that before."
"That's because that's the Alola form," Ash informed her with an eager smile, "Some Pokémon have different looks and typing than the ones found here."
"Interesting," the lilac-haired girl said in understanding, "so it's an Ice type in Alola?"
"And Fairy." the floating Pokédex happily added, much to the surprise of Anabel who never saw the floating device before now.
Before anyone else could introduce themselves to her, Anabel crouched on her knees and looked into the eyes of Vulpix thoughtfully, much to the confusion of Lillie who worried that the new arrival could see something that she couldn't.
Meanwhile, Snowy tilted her head in confusion over the sudden focus coming from Anabel. Yet despite the intense eye contact, Snowy didn't feel intimidated or bothered by it as she stared back into the human's lilac-colored eyes.
"I can tell that you care an awful lot about one another," Anabel finally said with a smile as she looked between Lillie and Vulpix, "You guys must trust each other a whole lot, but don't be afraid to open up to others."
Lillie stared in shock as Anabel then started to pet Snowy, a feat very few were allowed due to Snowy's shy nature when it came to meeting new people. Even more so, when Snowy let out a coo after a particular scratch was made behind her ear.
"Really? She must trust you an awful lot if you're her first partner."
The group stared on in shock as the Ice and Fairy type confirmed Anabel's statement by turning to look at Lillie with a smile and wagging tail, letting out a coo that showed nothing but adoration for her trainer.
"H-How did you know that about us?"
Ash looked on in amusement as his class and even Professor Kukui stared at Anabel with dumbfounded expressions, remembering the first time he encountered her ability when he challenged the Battle Frontier a couple of years ago.
"I can sort of get a feeling of what a Pokémon is saying based on their emotions," Anabel answered while standing up to full height, "It's not perfect, but it can help sometimes whenever trouble arrives."
Now it was Ash and Pikachu's turn to chuckle at the group's dumbfounded expression, even more so when Rotom somehow displayed the same face on his screen.
"Bzztztzt! Updating data!" Rotom started floating around Anabel while taking pictures with a shocked voice piercing through as Anabel braced herself for the barrage of pictures, "Not only can Pokémon talk like a human, but a human can somewhat learn what a Pokémon is saying!"
This in turn managed to bring the rest of the group out of their state of shock as well, stepping forward to introduce themselves and their Pokémon to the lilac-haired girl. Wanting to hear what she might have to say about their own companions.
"My name is Lana," a blue-haired girl wearing long blue pants said before gesturing to her partner on the ground, a blue seal-like creature with a large distinctive pink nose, "and this is my friend Popplio!"
"I'm Kiawe," a shirtless dark-skinned boy with red highlights and red shorts introduced himself before looking towards a Marowak that Anabel was used to seeing in a different color and a large bipedal creature with a large shell and spines sticking out the back, "and these are my partners are Turtonator and Marowak."
The three Pokémon let out a greeting of their own, with Popplio standing on its back flipper while clapping its two front ones while the others let out passionate cries of their own, something that made Anabel smile.
"It's nice to meet you all," Anabel said cheerfully to Ash's friends as the three Pokémon greeted her back before the lilac-haired girl looked between the Pokémon with interest. Something that made the trainers lean forward with anticipation over what she might say about their Pokémon.
"This Marowak is a different typing than the ones here, correct?" Anabel asked.
"That's right, it's a fire and ghost type," Kiawe answered.
Acknowledging the different variation, Anabel peered into the creatures in front of them to see what she could learn about them. Already she could tell they spent a lot of time with their trainers perfecting their moves, whether it be in battle or the day-to-day stuff. Even if Popplio's weren't as intense as Kiawes', there's doubt about the amount of pride and unwavering resilience that lay underneath them that strove them to reach greater heights for their partners.
"I can tell you guys love training with them very much, and I have no doubt that your friends will help you much, much stronger," Anabel said as the three in question let out a cheer while the trainers beamed in pride before Anabel gave a pointed look at Kiawe's Marowak, "But maybe try not to be so hot-headed when it comes to battling."
"Maro," the fire and ghost type denied with crossed arms, much to the amusement of everyone and an exasperated Kiawe. Though that didn't stop a slight smile from appearing on the fire enthusiast's face.
"I'm Mallow," A green-haired girl with gray overalls stepped forward with an eager smile that made Anabel blink for a moment, already feeling her excitement even without looking too deep into her emotions, "And my partner in the kitchen is Steene!"
A bipedal grass type with two long green leaves that resembled hair stepped forward with a slight bow, saying its name in greeting and with a joyful smile on her face.
"I'm Sophocles," the chubby boy with bright orange-haired greeted with a smile, "And my partners are Togedemaru and Charjabug."
The round and grey creature with cheeks similar to Pikachu and the green rectangular bug with sharp jaws let out a cheer of their own, stepping forward to await their own evaluation.
While not battle or training-orientated like the last set she viewed, Anabel could feel the love radiating inside as they looked back. The way they helped their trainers no matter how difficult or challenging the task ahead of them lies, wanting nothing more than to support them and their dreams while standing at their side.
"You guys' love helping each other out, don't you?" Anabel asked the three Pokémon who gave out a cheer in return, "I'm sure they deeply appreciate all that you've done for them."
Mallow and Sophocles smiled greatly at the compliment from Anabel, happy to see that they were taking care of their companions.
Anabel smiled at the Pokémon and the trainers, always delighted to see the bonds between them whenever she got that chance. Though she noticed that there were a couple of the creatures that she wasn't introduced to yet, turning to Ash with a questioning look of her own.
"What about the rest of them? Are they your's Ash?"
An excited look took over Ash's face after hearing that question, showing off that familiar beaming smile that often made her form a massive one of her own.
"Yeah! I made a bunch of new friends so far on my visit!" Ash exclaimed with joy that made Anabel giggle even as the boy guided her towards the Pokémon that she hasn't been introduced to yet while holding her hand.
"This one is Rowlet," Ash pointed toward a small owl-like creature that had brown feathers with two green leaf-like tail feathers, "He was my first catch in Alola, but he really likes to sleep a lot."
"Really?" she asked in amusement while shooting him a sly look, "Looks like you have a lot in common already."
Kukui had to stifle a laugh after hearing that, used to Ash's sleep-ins at his home while the person in question could only chuckle at the connection. Not denying the fact at all as Rowlet flew up from the floor to perch on her shoulder, tilted his head with a coo that Anabel granted with a scratch to his chin.
"This one is Lycanroc," Ash pointed to an orange canine with a large mane and some pointed rocks on his neck that greeted them with a wagging tail, "He evolved not too long ago into this form. Which hasn't been seen before!"
"A new form?" Anabel asked in shock as the rock-type tilted its head up in pride.
"Beep Beep. Allow me."
The floating device floated in front of her with a smile before the screen changed to show two other canines, one that was a similar build to Ash's, but missing the large mane and sporting a light brown where the orange should be. While the other was red in color and bipedal, with a slight slouch in his posture, a vicious expression with blazing red eyes and sporting the large mane that she currently saw on Ash's.
"Lycanroc is a rock-type that has two different forms based on when it evolves. It evolves into Midday Form Lycanroc during the day and Midnight Form Lycanroc during the night. In addition to having different looks, they also have different personalities. With the Midnight form being aggressive and the Midday form being calm and collected," the Pokédex then closed to show a smile emoji on its screen, "We started to call this one a Dusk Form since it evolved at dusk. Seeing that this is a form that hasn't been seen before, I will document every new experience and growth for future use in the Pokédex!"
Anabel was impressed by the admittance from Rotom, leaning forward to get a closer look at Ash's Lycanroc who happily barked at the attention. She noticed something odd about the rock type as she looked into his blazing green eyes, something that made her frown. She still felt that same love and affection that she usually felt with all of Ash's Pokémon along with his sense of battle, but there was just something buried deep inside that didn't feel right. Not anything bad per se, just something that tipped her a bit off. Was it pride? Ego maybe? Arrogance?
"It's very nice to meet you Lycanroc," she complimented as she shrugged the matter off for the time being, not seeing any immediate problems with the rock-type, "I really like the color of your fur."
The orange-colored canine smiled while tilting its head up in pride, relishing in the praise.
She finally made her way toward the last of Ash's companions. A small black kitten with red highlights in the arms of Delia with its eyes closed, though it did peek an eye open when he heard Ash making his way towards him.
"That's Litten," Ash explained while giving a rub on the fire type's head, "We may not have gotten along at first, but we are working together to get much, much stronger! Isn't that right?"
Despite the sleepy state that it was in a few moments ago, Litten gave off a meow of agreement much to the delight of Delia and Anabel. Before making himself comfortable back into the arms of Ash's mother who stroked its back with her hand. Already Anabel could feel the red-hot desire of getting stronger despite its lackluster appearance now, making her smile. But she also could tell that it didn't always feel this way, only being relevantly new to the idea of working with a trainer.
"He's going to become very strong," Anabel turned to Ash with a smile," I can feel it."
Ash returned the gesture with a grin of his own, the two momentarily lost in their world much to the amusement of everyone around them. Though that didn't mean others still didn't have some lingering questions, as Kiawe stepped forward with a confused frown and crossed arms.
"You said something about how you needed to call Ash," Kiawe said while he glanced at Ash with a thoughtful expression, "something a challenger taking the Battle Frontier?"
"What is a Battle Frontier anyway?" Lillie jumped in with a question of her own, "Ash said that you were part of that group, but I don't think I heard anything about that in Kanto so far in my readings."
A beat of silence was formed as Anabel let out a knowing smile alongside Pikachu while Misty and Brock deadpanned at their friend's ignorance. Ash sheepishly fiddled with his fingers at the looks given to him, an uncharacteristic show of nervousness in their usual enthusiastic and outgoing friend.
"You didn't tell them yet, did you?"
"I mean... it didn't come up?"
Anabel let out an amused sigh alongside Pikachu, who have been in this scenario several times by now to know that it couldn't have gone any different as Ash rubbed the back of his head. Thankfully Brock stepped forward to explain the organization due to his journey with Ash.
"For starters, a Battle frontier is a group of powerful trainers that functions kind of like a gym but is much more intense. Moving from facility to facility that gets progressively harder until you beat all of seve-eight," he suddenly corrected himself before continuing on, "It is separate from the Pokémon league, usually only accessible if you have an invitation to challenge it."
"They're super tough." Ash jumped in, "It took me a couple of tries before I can fully complete it."
While the students' eyes widened in shock at how intense this group sounded, they nonetheless nodded in understanding of the description and the fact of Ash's participation in it. Kukui looking on from the side in slight shock that Ash completed the whole challenger before. Though he realized that he didn't really know much about Ash's travels as a trainer, making a note to ask him whenever they got back to Alola. All the commotion stopped however when Lillie pointed out something that seemed unfamiliar to them.
"Gym battles? I've heard that other regions had them for the league, but I never actually gotten to see them in person or how they functioned."
Now it was Anabel's turn to blink in confusion, as she was sure that everyone would at least know what a gym battle was and how it functioned. Thankfully Ash was there to clear up the misconception if only a little.
"The thing is Anabel; they don't have gym battles in Alola."
"Really?" Anabel blinked in slight amazement while Ash nodded at her, making her look back toward the group with a raised eyebrow, "...Huh, interesting."
"If you had something to compare them to, it would be like the trials we have in Alola," Kukui decided to jump into their conversation seeing the confusion in his students, "Where a challenger would fight a gym leader, or kahuna in your case, for a badge instead of a Z-crystal. The leaders of the Battle frontier are called 'frontier brains'," Kukui briefly explained before rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, "There was actually a gym battle set up for you guys tomorrow so that you can experience it, hence our special guests here."
Their students all widened in surprise once more as a look of realization took over Ash, looking at Brock and Misty with an elated smile.
"So that's why you guys are here!"
"Pi Pikachu!"
A grin grew on Brock and Misty's face despite the surprise being ruined, a sense of confidence surging inside of them as they stated their roles with pride.
"That's right, I'm the Cerulean Gym Leader that specializes in water types," Misty said with a wink.
"And I'm the former gym leader of the Pewter Gym that specialized in rock types!" Brock added with a smirk and crossed arms. Happy to announce his role even if he wasn't an active leader in it anymore.
The class from Alola looked on in awe at the people they were getting to know were also gym leaders, with Lana looking at Misty in awe at another water-type enthusiast.
"But it looks like we are going to have to put it on hold if Ash has to take on a challenger tomorrow," Misty deflated from her pose with a slight frown on her face.
Anabel winced at the fact that she basically stole Ash from their plans for the upcoming challenger, feeling bad for disrupting their flow even if she didn't really have a say in the matter. Yet felt a bit better when Ash grabbed her hand in a comforting manner.
"It isn't your fault, Anabel. You didn't know that we were coming anyways."
"Pika Pika..."
Anabel smiled at the reassurance from Ash and Pikachu, feeling the warmth and truth behind his words as they locked eyes while ignoring the coos of the people around her. Happy to share this moment together after being apart for some time.
"But what does the Battle Frontier have to do with Ash?" Sophocles asked with a tilted head as the two broke out of their state and shifted the conversation back to the original topic, "Why does he have to take on the challenger if it is a private organization?"
Kukui was thinking the same thing while trying to put all the pieces together, reaching for his drink seeing that the conversation was now back to a state with much less confusion.
If Ash had already taken the entire challenge, he should've been in connection with at least some of the other members given that his girlfriend was one of the brains. Though to ask an outsider to fight against a challenger was an odd choice and something that he couldn't see the Battle Frontier doing if it was an official organization. So why...
His eyes widen as the numb realization started to take place, the only way he could fight against the challenger was that he WAS already part of the group in the first place. And for that, to happen...
"It's because I'm one of the Brains," Ash cheerfully stated.
While Kukui choked on his drink over the confirmation of his thoughts, the other students looked on with shock that their friend and classmate were part of this elusive group to begin with. Kiawe going up to Ash and shaking him by the shoulders.
"You're one of the Brains?! How did you do that?!"
"I-I just took on the B-Battle Frontier as a challenger," Ash said in a daze as he shook back and forth, "If y-you beat all of the B-Brains, you can become one yourself."
Anabel wondered how many times they can be surprised in one afternoon, not quite sure if their hearts can take any more excitement. Though eventually, Kiawe managed to let go of Ash as he took his head in amusement.
"I already knew you were strong, but this really puts things into perspective."
Ash could only chuckle nervously at the praise from his most competitive friend, not used to singing his accomplishments to others as Anabel looked on in amusement and understanding. As Ash never really talked about his past adventures whenever he went to a new region, wanting to get the most out of his journey without being put on a pedestal. Though Ash soon shook out of his state to look at Anabel with an excited expression while clenching his fist in anticipation with Pikachu mimicking his actions on his shoulders.
"All right!" Ash suddenly exclaimed much to the surprise of everyone there, "I am so ready to challenge them! When are they supposed to show up?"
Anabel giggled at his usual excitement of getting to battle a tough opponent and turned to tell him of his opponent's arrival.
"Calm down Ash, he beat me earlier today," Anabel informed her boyfriend, "but he said he had to do some stuff before he can show up. Which means he would probably be here by tomorrow afternoon."
Ash nodded with the same excited look on his face before a troubled frown formed as he glanced at Professor Kukui and Principal Oak with a conflicted expression, realizing something important about their schedule.
"But if the Challenger is coming tomorrow, then we won't have any time to battle against Brock or Misty for their gym battle. I don't want to take them away from that after they went out of their way to meet with us," Ash said with crossed arms, "Maybe they would have to go without me to the gym battle while I stay here."
Everyone around them frowned at the idea of Ash not being able to join them on the field trip due to his upcoming opponent, with some feeling a small bit of disappointment of not getting to see Ash battle as a 'Frontier Brain'.
Thankfully for them, Kukui was also in the same boat wanting to see how far his student would go in the battle with an unknown opponent. Turning to ask Principal Oak with a questioning and hopeful look on his face.
"Surely there's a way to see both of them? Maybe we see how Ash challenges and then go do the gym challenge? It shouldn't take a long time, right?"
Each of the students waited with bated breath over what the principal might say about the idea of an extension. Looking at him with a pleading gaze that all hoped would sway in Kukui's favor, yet it was largely unneeded.
"Sure, I don't mind pushing the visit to a few more days. It could be a great learning opportunity," the principal said with a shrug before a sly smile grew, "But we would have to inform the parents before we make any decisions, that would be tenta-CRUEL."
Anabel, Misty, and Brock deadpanned at the pun while the others sweatdropped with a nervous laugh, already used to seeing their principal make numerous puns so far throughout the school year. Though they were all glad that their visit to Kanto would be granted, at least for the time being before they informed their parents.
Kukui clapped his hands to gain everyone's attention with a wide smile on his face, "Alright everyone, there might be a slight shift in plans, but let's dive right into it like a quick attack and learn as much as we can!"
Everyone let out a cheer at their teacher's usual enthusiasm before going back to setting out the plates for them to eat while Ash made his way towards Bulbasaur, bending down his faithful grass-type who stopped eating for the time being to see how the conversation would go.
"Hey buddy," Ash said with a smile and a pat on Bulbasaur's head, "you think you can let all the others that are here to meet up at our usual spot for tomorrow?"
"Bulba!"
With a smile, the Kanto starter hobbled away from the rest of the group to prepare its signature signal of Solarbeam to that let the others know Ash was here. Getting into a slight crouch with its four legs and using the last remains of the afternoon sun to charge up the attack, the bulb on its back started to glow as it held in the attack with minimal strain. Wanting to send out a massive blast throughout the entire field of professor Oak's lab.
"That should be good enough Bulbasaur," Ash advised with a smile before thrusting a fist forward, "Let it rip!"
"Bulba!"
Bulbasaur followed his order and released the massive beam of light towards the darkening sky, the signal shooting up and exploding in a massive shower of sparkles that spread out throughout the darkening sky as everyone gasped at the display.
"So pretty..." Lana said with a breath of awe, as she never saw a demonstration like this before by a single move from a Pokémon.
"I never knew grass-type moves could be used like that," Kiawe added in his own two cents while also looking at the sparkling sky in amazement.
Once Ash was satisfied with the outcome, he thanked Bulbasaur before heading back to his class who were animatedly chatting with Anabel. Wanting to know more about her after seeing everything that she has done with their Pokémon.
"Anabel!" Ash stepped forward with his expression demonstrating his usually never-ending excitement alongside Pikachu, "Since you battled the challenger you must know who it is right?! I don't think I can wait until tomorrow!"
"Now Ash," Anabel chided with a smile at his display, "you know I can't share the identity of the challenger before the match. You are going to have to wait for Scott to arrive with him just like you used to do when you took the challenge."
"Aw man…"
She giggled along with the rest of his friends as he slumped in disappointment, the young man turning away with crossed arms and a pout before he ultimately joined in on the laughter.
Anabel locked eyes with Ash and Pikachu as a fond and warm smile started to grow, happy to see how much fun he was having in this new region even if there wasn't a league to compete in. Though that did make her mind drifted off to the person she battled who sported the same look and also had a Pikachu on his shoulder, seeing similarities between them and Ash.
"Hey Ash, do you have a brother?"
Ash blinked alongside Pikachu who looked at her oddly, not quite sure what this had to do with the challenger or the odd question given how long they knew each other by now.
"No, why?"
Anabel searched his face for a moment for any signs of dishonesty, but only saw the familiar cluelessness he displayed whenever he was faced with a complex problem or situation.
"No reason," she shrugged knowing he wouldn't lie about this sort of thing before she grabbed his hand, "Now come on, I bet you are starving."
A growl from Ash's stomach was all the confirmation they needed as he laughed with a red hue on his face, happily following his girlfriend towards the large amount of food that was finally ready as they caught up with one another. Though his mind momentarily drifted towards the odd question she asked, curious about why she would ask such a thing after knowing him for so long.
He eventually shrugged the matter off, following her towards the others as they prepared their plates for the large feast in front of them, idly wondering what sort of opponent he would be facing tomorrow.
(Meanwhile, in the Viridian Pokémon center)
A certain young man with brown hair and a Pikachu on his shoulder waited eagerly at the front of the lobby. Unable to contain his excitement as Nurse Joy returned with a small package.
"Here is your package sir," Nurse Joy said with a smile, "I'm surprised that you were able to obtain one of these items. I heard that they are very hard to come by."
A smile made its way onto the boy's face as he opened the small box delicately, seeing two shimmering stones with a rainbow leaf-like symbol embedded in the center. Though one was notably larger than the other and more orange in color.
"To be honest, I'm surprised too," the boy answered before turning his attention back towards the item in his hands, "But I've been working hard to earn this ever since I heard about it."
He turned towards the electric type on his shoulder, wanting to know his opinion on the new item.
"What do you think Sparky? You think Zippo will like it?"
"Pika Pika!"
Let me know what you guys think, I would love feedback.