Crossroads Chapter 6: Settling In
Previously on Crossroads, Ash left for Vermillion City and was reunited with his old friend, Pidgeot. Once Ash made it to the Battle Frontier Headquarters, he was informed of the four-month trial he would have to go through to become a Frontier Brain. Ash has now selected Anabel to mentor him throughout the process.
Vermillion City, Battle Frontier Headquarters - Kanto Region
Upon hearing Ash's decision, the room went silent. Scott had a visible smirk as he knew the decision and was happy about it. Anabel, however, was a different story. Her face was now beat red as she now knew she would be the one who would mentor Ash over the next four months.
"Are you sure about your decision, Ash?" Asked Scott, just wanting to make sure.
"You bet!" Said Ash enthusiastically.
"Alright then! It looks like we got ourselves a deal! Anabel, do you accept Ash as your student for the next four months, and will you teach him everything you know about how to be a Frontier Brain?" Asked Scott in proper conduct.
Hearing Scott's question, Anabel shook her head affirmatively and said, "Yes, Scott. I do accept Ash, and I will teach him everything I know about how to become a Frontier Brain!"
Ash looked at Anabel and smiled at her, which caused the Salon Maiden to smile back before Scott announced, "Alright, everyone, you heard the man! He has chosen Anabel! Thank you all for coming, and I will see you again in four months for Ash's official initiation!"
Most of the Frontier Brains groaned in disappointment, knowing they wouldn't be able to train Ash. Still, it didn't stop them from wishing Ash the best of luck on becoming a Frontier Brain. A few Frontier Brains like Noland even whispered in Ash's ears about wishing him luck on getting close with Anabel.
Upon hearing that, Ash's face turned uncharacteristically bright red while Noland laughed and patted him on the back.
After the rest of the goodbyes, the six Frontier Brains left the room to return home, and the only ones remaining were Ash, Anabel, and Scott.
With it just them, Anabel walked up to Ash, engulfed him in her second hug today, and said, "Thank you for picking me, Ash! I promise I will do everything I can to make you the best Frontier Brain ever!"
Anabel pulled away, and Ash said, "Of course, Anabel. Besides, you were the obvious choice after I started to think about it!"
Anabel smiled and nodded her head at Ash before Scott said, "Alright, with that out of the way, it's time to begin your four months of mentorship. As I said, you will live with Anabel for the next four months, learning what it's like to become a Frontier Brain. Once you get through the training period about the same time, your new Battle Facility will be ready, and you'll be initiated as a member of the Battle Frontier!"
"How will the Battle Facility be completed if I don't know what its name will be yet?" Asked Ash. He wondered how this would all get done in only four months.
"Well, after about a month into your time with Anabel, I'll be making a stop by to ask you again. This will involve all the crucial details of how you would like your Battle Facility to look and its name. So think hard on it when you aren't learning with Anabel," answered Scott.
"What about my clothes and everything else I need? I didn't pack for anything longer than a few days." Asked Ash.
"Don't you worry about any of that stuff, kid. I'll have everything delivered by the end of the week. Any more questions?"
Ash racked his brain, thinking of anything else that could be of use, but when nothing came to mind, he just said, "Nope, I think I should be good. When do we leave? I can't wait to start!"
Scott and Anabel laughed at Ash's question and enthusiasm. Scott looked at his watch and said, "Well, actually, Ash, you can leave now. I'm sure you're tired from having to get all the way here today on such short notice. By the way, just getting here in time was the first challenge you had to pass."
"No way! That was a test?"
"Oh yes, of course. All Frontier Brains have their own way of travel, so you should have one too. Just look at Brandon and Noland. Brandon has his Battle Pyramid, and Noland has Articuno."
Ash nodded his head, now really thanking Pidgeot for being able to get him here on time.
"Anyway, I have some work to do before I head home for the day. So, why don't you two take off? I will see you both in around a month," said Scott as he motioned toward the hallway.
Ash and Anabel both nodded at Scott and walked out of the meeting room while Scott walked in the other direction towards his office.
The elevator down was the same as when the pair first rode it up. Ash was already beginning to ask Anabel questions about what her plans were for him for the next couple of months. Anabel, however, wasn't giving an inch. She told Ash, "Sorry, Ash. I'll let you in on everything we will be doing tomorrow when I take you on more of a formal tour through the Battle Tower this time."
"Aww… why can't you tell me now, though?" complained Ash like a child. Anabel laughed but still held firm in her decision which Ash eventually came to terms with once the pair headed out of the Battle Frontier Headquarters.
Once they were outside, Ash asked, "So, how are we getting back to your house Anabel?"
Anabel laughed, pulled a Pokeball off her belt, and called, "Come out, my friend! Alakazam!"
When Alakazam was released from his Pokeball, he called out, "Al-la!" While turning toward Anabel. Alakazam then noticed Ash and gave a slight bow to the raven-headed trainer.
"Hey there, Alakazam. You're looking great since last I saw you!" Said Ash, clearly impressed by the Pokémon's condition.
"Alakazam said thank you very much, Ash," said Anabel.
"Wow! I almost forgot you can communicate with Pokémon Anabel! That's so awesome!" Said Ash, excited by the Salon Maiden's unique ability, almost wishing he possessed a talent like that.
Anabel blushed at Ash's compliment and responded, "Thank you, Ash. Now, why don't we head to my house?"
"Sounds good to me. I haven't been to Tohjo Falls since I was there to challenge you for your symbol!"
Anabel nodded and called, "Alright, Alakazam. Use Teleport to bring us home."
Alakazam responded by putting its two spoons together, emitting purplish psychic energy. He then created an orb around himself, Ash, Anabel, and Pikachu, which glowed brightly for a second before completely disappearing and sending the group through what seemed like space towards Anabel's house in Tohjo Falls.
Tohjo Falls – Kanto Region
Not too far from Anabel's house, the white orb enveloped the earlier four appeared and then dissipated around them.
The four looked around to see they were on a path headed towards the Battle Tower with trees surrounding them. It was now 7:30 PM, so the sun was setting as well.
"Wow! I don't think I have ever been teleported across a whole region before," said Ash in astonishment of Alakazam's abilities.
"Yeah, Alakazam and I often have to do it. Although teleporting this far causes Alakazam to run out of power quickly, he can only do it twice in one day," said Anabel.
"Still, to be able to travel this far really is something. Thanks a lot, Alakazam!" Said Ash enthusiastically.
"Al-la Alakazam" said Alakazam with a smile. However, Ash could see at a glance that Alakazam definitely looked more tired than before.
After noticing the same thing, Anabel pulled out Alakazam's Pokeball and said, "Here, my friend. Return for now and take a nice long rest. You deserve it."
Once Alakazam returned to his Pokeball, Anabel said, "Come on, Ash, let's go to my house. I'm sure you've already had a pretty long day."
Ash nodded and began walking side by side with the Salon Maiden.
After about five minutes of walking in comfortable silence since Alakazam teleported them a reasonable 15-minute walking distance from Anabel's house, Anabel turned to Ash and asked, "Hey Ash... I know this is a bit sudden since I haven't seen you in a while, but do you remember when you were last here? I asked you to try to read my heart?"
"Yeah, I remember that. Why do you ask?"
"Well… I know it's been a while, but what would you say about giving it another try?" Asked Anabel, now stopping to turn entirely towards the raven-headed trainer.
Ash stopped himself and said, "Sure, Anabel! But why do you want me to try again? Figure I already must have read your heart to pick you for the training!"
Anabel's face turned bright red for a second; she'd forgotten how much she enjoyed Ash's sense of humor.
"Well, if you're such a pro, go ahead then. Just look into my eyes and use your senses to see if you can read my heart!" said Anabel snarkily. Ash then looked into Anabel's eyes and began to clear his thoughts as he tried to feel what kind of emotion was running through Anabel's heart.
The last time when he tried to read Anabel's heart, Ash had felt absolutely nothing. However, this time, Ash felt something warm, even if it was for just a second. Ash attempted to dig further; it was such a soothing sensation; however, as quickly as he felt something, it disappeared, leaving Ash where he started.
Anabel looked into Ash's eyes and asked, "So, were you able to read my heart this time?"
Ash looked at her with a confused face and said, "I'm not really sure. For a second, I felt something warm, but before I could get any deeper, the feeling faded away and went back to the way it was last time."
Anabel looked slightly disappointed. Ash couldn't read her heart once again, but at the same time, he felt something this time that was better than nothing.
"It's ok, Ash. I'm sure as we spend more time together, hopefully, by the end of the four months, you will be able to read it. Just give it some time."
"Yeah, I'm sure of it too. I just have to think about it as another challenge I will overcome while I'm here. That warm feeling is something I want to know more about," said Ash. He was determined to conquer this challenge and find out what that feeling was.
Anabel blushed a bit. She knew what he was talking about and said, "As I said, Ash, you will figure it out eventually. Now, let's get moving; it's getting dark."
"Ok, let's go," said Ash with a smile, and with that, the pair continued along the path.
After another ten minutes of walking, Ash, Anabel, and Pikachu finally reached Anabel's house. The trio walked in to see nothing had changed over the past year and a half. Anabel said, "Alright, boys. This is your home for the next four months. Now, if I were you, I would get ready for bed because we will be getting up bright and early tomorrow so we can start your training!"
With that said, Anabel showed Ash and Pikachu to the guest room where they would be staying. It was like any other guest room: it had a full-size bed with a dresser where Ash would keep all his clothes, a wall mirror, and an average-sized TV.
"What do you think, Ash?"
"It's perfect, Anabel; this is everything I'll need. Thanks a lot!"
Anabel blushed again at Ash's smile, "You're welcome, Ash. If you need anything, my room is right down the hall, so don't hesitate to ask" Anabel was about to close the door when she said quickly, "It's good to see you again, Ash. I missed you over the past year…."
Ash looked at her as he now had a slight blush on his face, "Thanks, Anabel and… I missed you too."
Anabel smiled at him before saying goodnight once more and closing the door.
Ash then collapsed on the bed and asked his starter, "This is going to be a crazy four months, isn't it, Pikachu?"
"Pika... Pikachu," said Pikachu, which meant something like "you know it," while curling itself on the end of the bed.
Ash looked at his now asleep best friend before changing into his pajamas and getting under the sheets. As he fell asleep, he was thinking about what the next four months might bring and the lavender-haired Frontier Brain.
Author's Note:
If you can leave a review, favorite, or follow the story, that would be great!
That's about it, so I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and here is the name for the next one.
Crossroads Chapter 7: Salon Maiden Anabel!
Cyclone20
