Disclaimer: I don't even want to own Pokemon, too much stress.

Chapter 2

Beginning the Journey

Ash grabbed his pokeballs, and headed for the door. "Wait," he said aloud. "I don't even know where that is."

"Where what is sweetie?" his mom said, coming downstairs from a nap. Her Mr. Mime followed quickly behind her with the broom.

"Gary just challenged me to defeat these eight gym leaders before he could, and I don't know where they are or what the islands are even called," Ash said, flopping on the couch in frustration.

"Oh, I know what you're talking about," his mother said, turning to a nearby table. "I got this letter for you in the mail about a day before you arrived. I completely forgot about it. Sorry hon'."

Ash took the letter, and with Pikachu sitting on his shoulder, read the letter.

Dear Mr. Ash Ketchum,

I applaud your determination to be a Pokemon Master. My name is James, and I am the leader of the Sacred Heights Mountain Gym, of the newly approved Eden Islands. I would like to invite you to participate in our Sacred Mountain Championship Tournament. In order to compete you must complete the following requirements:

Defeat the following Gym Leaders:

-Suzie of the Nebla City Gym

-Grace of the Tai City Gym

Robert of the Glen City Gym

-Martin of the Nytok City Gym

-Ashley of the Drake City Gym

-Devin of the Elden City Gym

-Cassie of the Atlan City Gym

and myself, James of the Sacred Heights Gym.

Earn the following Gym Badges:

Suzie's Sky Badge

Grace's Chi Badge

Robert's Meadow Badge

Martin's Mask Badge

Ashley's Solar Badge

Devin's Midnight Badge

Cassie's Ocean Badge

And my Neon Badge

Defeat at least one other trainer and earn his/her Sacred Seal.

We look forward to seeing you at the tournament. The winner will receive a very special prize, and will be crowned Sacred Heights Champion.

Sincerely,

James, Leader of the Sacred Heights Gym

Ash looked up from the letter, but looked back down when Pikachu pointed at the very bottom.

P.S. The first available ferry from your hometown leaves at 3:00 on Monday, the first of August.

Ash looked up from the letter. He had ten minutes to get to the pier. "Mom," Ash yelled, grabbing Pikachu, his backpack, and his Pokebelt with balls, "I gotta run. I'll call you soon as I can."

His mom watched the door shut behind him. "I hope he doesn't get into trouble."

A/N: R&R. I had to detail all of this information for an anonymous reviewer. Here it is.