Unknown Location

Lightning flashed across the skies and thunder roared. A blizzard raged atop an icy mountain. Lava burst from a heated volcano. Avion cries echoed in the air as three creatures sought to dominate one another. Yellow, blue, and a reddish-orange clashed. Thunder, Ice, and fire fought. A vortex of water rose from the sea accompanied by a harmonious melody and a shining light within. The creatures turned their rage at the light, unleashing awesome power upon it. Music ceased, the vortex died, and the light began a slow descent towards the raging waters below. Three avions beings of legends turned to the raven-haired boy who watched it all. Their mouths opened, ready to let loose their powers on him. As the elements formed, the wind carried a song.

Disturb not the harmony of fire, ice or lightning
Lest these titans wreck destruction upon the world in which they clash
Though the water's great guardian shall rise to quell the fighting
Alone its song will fail, thus the earth shall turn to ash

Fire, ice, and lightning were upon him, and the boy knew no more.

Somewhere Over the Seas Between Kanto and The Orange Islands

Ash woke with a start, his heart racing wild and a cold sweat covered his forehead. Taking a quick glance through the window, Ash saw the sun beginning to set, bird Pokemon flew peacefully in the air, and the seas were calm. The tension left the boy as he released a breath he had been holding.

What was with that dream? Shaking his head to clear his mind up, Ash turned to the rest of the occupants in the helicopter. Lucario was deep in meditation, something that was typical, while Brock appeared to be napping himself.

"Hey mister, do you know when we'll be there?" Ash whispered to the pilot up front.

"We should be arriving at Valencia Island in a few hours young man," responded the pilot, keeping his eyes in front of him. The sound of his friend yawning and stretching drew Ash's attention back to their part of the vehicle.

"Get a nice nap in Ash?" asked Brock, still working out the kinks.

"Yeah… I slept fine," lied the boy.

"How about you Brock?" The teen adopted a goofy grin.

"Oh yeah. Very pleasant dreams." Ash didn't want to know, so he changed the subject.

"The pilot said we're still a few hours away. Want to trade stories on what we've been up to?"

"There's not much to tell really. Reunited with the family, fixed the Pewter City Gym, and started training my brother up as a permanent replacement," shrugged Brock.

"Sounds like quite the story," commented Ash. Brock merely sighed.

"Yeah, dad wasn't exactly a good Gym Leader. Forrest has some talent though. I left him Golem just in case he needed the additional fire power. How has your training been Ash?"

"Pretty good overall if not a little boring. My dad's Pokemon were amazing with helping some of my oldest partners out. They've probably done too good a job considering Pikachu and Charizard chose to stay behind," grumbled the boy with a minor amount of resentment.

"Besides that, I'm finally getting to train the Pokemon I caught back in the Safari Zone more, even if Scyther is being as much of a pain as he was when I first caught him. Speaking of, how's that Chansey of yours doing anyway?" Ash asked with curiosity.

"We've gotten some work done here and there. She's not much of a battler, but her gifts might surprise you one of these days," winked Brock, his eyes shifting to the third occupant.

"Say Ash, what's with that teacher of yours anyway. Professor Oak had mentioned you were getting trained to use that power you showed back on New Island, but I never imagined this. He kind of just appeared out of nowhere after we landed in Pallet Town and has been awfully quiet."

"Lucario's just like that Brock. He's a cold and aggravating task master, who loves his meditation and dealing me pain during aura training," Ash answered, rolling his eyes.

"You might consider meditating more yourself apprentice, lest you neglect your skills and experience more pain as you put it," commented Lucario, never opening his eyes or leaving his meditative position. Ash flinched at the rebuke, while Brock snorted.

"Yes master," sighed the boy, adopting the stance he had been taught, and trying to focus on the aura of those around him.

Valencia Island Pokemon Center

Ash's meditation went about as well as it had been going for the past few weeks, but it did pass the time. The group soon found themselves on Valancia Island. As the pilot had mentioned that the Pokemon Center was nearby, that is where they headed first.

"Thanks for taking a look at our Pokemon Nurse Joy," Ash smiled, handing over every Pokemon, aside from Espeon who was currently by his side. Ash still remembered the consequences of being without his powerful partners and wouldn't let himself be so vulnerable again.

"Not a problem young man. Is there anything else I can help you with?" asked the Nurse.

"Well actually—"

"YES! YOU CAN HELP ME TO CALM MY BEATING HEART BY AGREEING TO A PICNIC DATE BY THE BEACH!" exclaimed Brock on one knee, holding out a rose to the flushing Nurse Joy. Where he got the rose was beyond Ash. Before Ash or Nurse Joy could respond, Lucario did.

"GURK!" cried Brock, having taken a swift chop to the back of the head, and collapsing into the Pokemon's arms.

"Don't you think that was a little harsh Lucario?" asked Ash with a raised eyebrow. Misty was certainly never that rough.

"That boy was making a fool out of himself and being discourteous to a noble maiden. He shall remain here, while we go to the lab," Lucario answered without a care, depositing Brock onto a chair.

"Oh yeah! Hey Nurse Joy, do you know where Professor Ivy's Pokemon Lab is?" Ash asked, turning back to the woman whose eyes had widened at the quick display of unusual events that transpired. Recovering in no time at all, Nurse Joy explained the directions and told Ash that his Pokemon would be ready to go in a few hours. Outside the Pokemon Center, Lucario stopped his apprentice and turned to him.

"Another lesson for you apprentice Ash, so listen well. Those of ill intent may not strike you from the front. Instead, they may attack in a sneaky fashion. You will run to the lab with your Pokemon by your side, but fair Espeon will not aid you from the attacks that come, and come they will," finished Lucario.

"What do you mean attacks?" Ash asked, turning to his now absent tutor.

"You best start running," echoed the voice from all around him, followed by a blue ball of energy that exploded into the ground in front of him, knocking him and Espeon to the ground.

"Um Daddy, I think we should take his advice," chirped up his Princess. Ash didn't need to be told twice.

Valencia Island Pokemon Laboratory

A bruised and battered Ash Red Ketchum limped into the Ivy Pokemon lab, accompanied by his trusty Espeon and a smug Lucario. Ash might have appreciated the beautiful white marble structure of the lab and its strategic location right next to the ocean if he wasn't exhausted, but alas he was.

"Where is everyone?" Ash wearily asked, looking around the apparently empty lab.

"I think I can sense something just up ahead. It reminds me of that hidden tile at the Fuchsia City Gym," warned Espeon. Sure enough, the green-tiled floor panel sprang away, and three identical little heads popped out. Each head belonged to a child with spectacles.

"Who are you, and what are you doing in Professor Ivy's lab?" asked one of the three in an accusatory manner.

"Are you here to rob us?" asked another.

"Why would you do such a thing!" cried the third.

"Woah. I'm not here to cause trouble. My name's Ash Red Ketchum and I have a delivery from Professor Oak," responded Ash, hands up to try and de-escalate the situation.

"I don't know. Looks kind of shifty to me."

"Yeah, and then there's those weird Pokemon with him."

"Certainly up to no good," nodded the third in agreement. Ash was starting to get visibly annoyed.

"Look kids, I'm just looking for the professor—"

"To rob her, yeah we know," interrupted one of the little punks.

"I'M NOT TRYING TO ROB PROFESSOR IVY YOU TWERPS!"

"Is something going on in here?" called a feminine voice from the doorway. Ash, now thoroughly embarrassed from his outburst, turned to see a very attractive woman with a white lab coat that covered a one-piece blue swimsuit.

Good thing Brock's not here, idly thought Ash.

"Sorry ma'am. I didn't mean to yell, but—" This time the boy was cut off by sniggers.

"I think I see what's going on here. What have I told you three about rattling guests?" sighed the lady, giving the three a quick glare.

"Sorry Professor," chorused the trio, not looking sorry at all. Shaking her head, she turned her attention back to Ash.

"My apologies for their egregious behavior. I am Professor Philena Ivy. How may I help you young man?"

"I'm Ash Red Ketchum from Pallet Town, here to deliver a package from Professor Oak," answered Ash, pulling out the GS Ball from his jacket. Professor's Ivy's eyes lit up at this news.

"Ash! I've been expecting you. Professor Oak says you're planning on competing in the Orange League," pressed the lady, taking the opportunity to grab the GS Ball for herself.

"Yes ma'am, and I'm in it to win it!"

"Your Pokemon certainly look capable from a glance," wryly smiled the woman. Lucario said nothing, opting not to correct her assumption.

"As an apology for my assistant's behavior, how about I give you some information about the Orange League?" offered Professor Ivy.

"That would be great!" enthused the boy.

"The Orange League is comprised of four Gym Leaders and a champion, who we refer to as the Orange Crew. There is no tournament like what you would see in Kanto. You simply need to defeat each Gym Leader and then you will have the right to challenge the champion. Be warned though, these will be Gym Battles like you've never experienced before. You can register for the league on nearby Tangello Island. I believe there is a ferry that runs between Valencia and Tangello," mused the girl.

"Thanks for the information Professor Ivy. Uh, do you need anything else?" Ash nervously asked, wanting to go pick up Brock and find that ferry asap!

"Well, you might want to know that it will take me a few months to go over this thing thoroughly," chuckled the Professor, holding the GS Ball.

"Whether we are able to make a breakthrough or not, it would be wise of you to return before you leave for Kanto to pick it back up if necessary. Otherwise, best of luck out there Ash."

"Thanks Professor Ivy! Got to run bye!" quickly spouted the boy, taking off for the Pokemon Center in anticipation for some good competition. Espeon sprinted by his side, while Lucario smirked, ready to resume what he had been doing on the way to the lab. The Pokemon found it interesting that the boy was wiped out only 15 minutes ago when they had arrived but had the energy to sprint. Ah well, more energy for more lessons to be learned.

Cerulean City Gym

"Squirtle is unable to battle. As the challenger has no remaining Pokemon, the Gym Leader is the winner!" called out Violet, relieved for the chore to be done. She quickly exited the facility, leaving her little sister to clean up and see the challenger out.

Speaking of the challenger, poor Jimmy fell to his knees, losing yet another Gym battle and letting his Pokemon down.

"I-I'm so sorry guys. I just can't do anything right," sadly said the boy. Misty had defeated the boy quite easily, even if she had been holding back and using some of her weaker Pokemon. She currently had her own problems going through her head, but maybe she could take some time to cheer this boy up.

"Hey Jimmy," gently called the girl, who had now come to his side of the battlefield and knelt next to him.

"You and your Pokemon didn't do that bad."

"I appreciate the sentiment, but we couldn't even win here, and everyone told me this was supposed to be a guaranteed badge," moaned the boy.

"When my sisters were operating the gym it probably was," conceded Misty. It's not like they weren't decent battlers, they just didn't care enough to try.

"Maybe I should just give up and save my Pokemon the pain and embarrassment."

"GIVE UP? Listen boy, there will be no talking of giving up as long as I am here. This is what you are going to do! You are going to come back to this Gym every day and challenge me to a battle until you win!" declared the girl.

"But I—"

"DID I STUTTER?" yelled the fired up red-head.

"N-No ma'am. I-I will be back every day," mumbled the boy.

"Good," smiled Misty, her angry personality instantly vanishing.

"We are going to get you some confidence!" Jimmy himself cracked a smile at that.

Helping trainers and their Pokemon feels pretty good. Maybe staying back at the gym wasn't such a bad idea after all?

Tangello Island (The Next Day)

Despite Ash's best efforts to speed back to the Pokemon Center, hindered by Lucario's game of dodge the Aura Sphere, the boy was informed that the ferry had left for the day by Nurse Joy. Thus, the boy and the newly awakened Brock, along with their Pokemon, spent the night at the Pokemon Center. The next day saw them catch the ferry with no issue early in the morning. Stepping off the boat with Lucario and Brock and onto the docks of Tangello Island, Ash was brimming with excitement to get registered. This of course had to be ruined.

"Let's hit the beach!" yelled Brock.

"The beach? But what about registering for the Orange League? Come on Brock," pleaded Ash.

"Nope! It's hot outside, which means pretty girls in bikinis and we get that at the beach!" adamantly declared Brock.

"What about Lucario? Aren't you afraid he'll knock you out again?" countered Ash, thinking he was clever. Lucario rained on that parade rather quickly.

"Actually apprentice, my issue was with your friend harassing a woman at work, who clearly had better things to do. I have no issue with his desire to flirt with the beachgoers so long as he respects the wishes of those that he seeks. The beach would make for an ideal training spot for our daily exercises as well."

"Even Lucario agrees!" gleefully exclaimed Brock, now dragging the boy with him.

"Traitor!" growled Ash, staring daggers at the blue jackal-like Pokemon that trailed behind him with a smirk.

Tangello Island Beach

"CLOSED?" Brock yelled and gasped at the same time. Things just weren't going right for Brock in the Orange Islands. The beach was completely devoid of humans and Pokemon alike, including the beautiful beach women the teen was hoping to encounter. It was all due to one pesky signpost, which Ash was currently reading, while Brock laid on the ground in the fetal position.

"Due to the migratory patterns of Lapras passing through, the beach will remain closed until further notice. Warning: anyone caught harassing or harming the Lapras will face punishment from local law enforcement, including fines and imprisonment," Ash finished reading aloud.

"Guess that makes sense why the beach is closed, but I don't see any Lapras," Ash said, peering into the waters.

"Not fair… Not fair… Not fair," Brock repeated, rocking himself back and forth. Ash and Lucario ignored him.

"It is relatively peaceful out apprentice, so we shall resume our training here and now. To your meditative position," instructed Lucario. Ash knew it was useless to argue and got to it, going to the ground, and crossing his legs. Espeon laid by his side, opting for a nap of her own.

Got to clear my mind. Not that it's worked before. Really, I should be training my Pokemon right now. Focus Ash! Clear my mind. Focus on the aura of the creatures around me. Who am I kidding? I can't sense jack. Brock's moaning isn't exactly helping either. Then there's Misty and her whole absence. Can't forget about that weird dream. Ash let out an audible groan.

"Calm yourself apprentice. Let go of your worries. They cloud your senses," patiently intoned Lucario.

"Easy for you to say," spat the boy. Lucario opened an eye, glancing at the youth.

"You think you are the only one with problems?" asked the Pokemon in a warning tone of voice.

"Well no. I guess, just how do you do it?" fumbled Ash. Lucario softened, taking pity on the boy.

"I accept that some things can't be changed. The past is set in stone. The future is for another day. We control only the here and now. Let go of your worries and tie yourself to the present. If it helps, think of something near and dear to your heart, and focus on that," sagely advised the Pokemon. Ash looked thoughtful for a moment, glancing at his surroundings, before nodding, and resuming meditation.

Espeon, Brock, and Lucario are with me. My friends are with me. Focus on them. Focus on them Focus on them. Ash repeated the mantra, breathing deeply in and out. Time passed unnoticed to the boy; Brock having fallen asleep on the sand along with Espeon. The sun began to set in the distance. Ash started to see something, though his eyes remained closed. Around him a blue energy coalesced on three figures. One laid by his side, the other sat next to him, and the third was at rest several feet from the boy. The boy tried to dig deeper at these sights, but the energy of two other presences flared brightly from the sea, and his eyes flew open along with Lucario.

Out in the ocean, Ash spotted a Lapras thrashing about and crying in deep pain. A spherical Pokemon with spikes was lodged into the Pokemon's back. It's upper body was a dark teal, while the lower half was a muted yellow. It was also currently firing what looked to be Spike Cannon at the poor Lapras' face.

"Ivysaur and Gengar, come on out!" Ash yelled, immediately chunking two Pokeballs into the air. The Pokemon materialized, ready for instruction.

"What's going on?" Brock said abruptly, sitting up from his now spoiled nap.

"No time to explain Brock. Gengar, I need you to carry Ivysaur over the ocean waves with your levitation. Ivysaur, once you're there, use your Razor Leaf to dislodge that spiky Pokemon from Lapras. After that, bring Lapras in with Vine Whip. It looks like it will need some treatment. Understand?" the serious boy asked.

"Gar!"

"Saur!" affirmed the two Pokemon, taking off to perform their tasks.

"Chansey, come on out and standby," Brock called out, sending Chansey to the beach. Ash eyed his friend with curiosity, but Brock was purely focused on the matter at hand, whispering into Chaney's ear and staring out at the Ocean afterwards. Meanwhile, Gengar and Ivysaur had gotten close enough, allowing the Grass Pokemon to unleash his leaves with precision, striking the spiky Pokemon and forcing it to dislodge. It quickly retreated into the Ocean. Unfortunately, Lapras wouldn't stop thrashing about, still agitated from before.

"CALM IT DOWN WITH SLEEP POWDER!" Ash yelled as loud as he could. Ivysaur heard the call, dropping green spores on the Ice Pokemon and slowly lulling it to sleep.

"GOOD WORK! NOW BRING IT IN! Espeon, use your Confusion to help pull Lapras as they get closer."

"Got it daddy!" projected Espeon.

My apprentice continues to impress when it comes to his teamwork with his friends, internally thought Lucario, observing the events taking place. Slowly but surely, Gengar and Ivysaur managed to bring Lapras in from the ocean. Espeon's assistance dramatically sped up the process once they were close enough. Soon enough, Lapras was on the beach, and Lucario was by the Pokemon's side, scanning its condition with aura infused hands.

"This Lapras is an infant. It's condition is not good either. The Pokemon that lodged into its back poisoned Lapras, which has seeped deep into its core. I'm not sure Lapras has long," gloomily summarized Lucario.

"NO WAY!" Brock yelled, moving in with Chansey.

"Brock," muttered Ash, bewildered by his friend's passion and anger.

"Chansey, I want you to focus on Lapras' back and send out your strongest Heal Pulse," barked the teen, pulling out a Pecha berry at the same time.

"Chansey!" cried the Pokemon. Vibrant orange energy emerged from Chansey's arms and flew onto Lapras' rocky back, diving through the cracks and seeping into the Pokemon.

"Keep it up Chansey!" Brock called, pulling out a pestle and mortar to grind the Pecha Berry into a paste, and then mixing it with some water. Chansey poured more and more energy into her move, while Brock headed towards Lapras' mouth.

"What are you doing Brock?" Ash asked, worried but very interested in his friend's actions.

"Lapras is asleep and probably doesn't have the energy to swallow solid foods anyway. This liquid should allow it to get the berry down and clear away more poison," explained Brock, pouring the liquid mixture into Lapras' mouth and making sure it was swallowed. Finally, Chansey could give no more and she fell to the sand in exhaustion.

"Return Chansey, you did good work," praised Brock, calling back his Pokemon.

"Lucario, can you check Lapras again?" the teen now asked the Aura Pokemon. Lucario didn't hesitate, moving his glowing hands over Lapras.

"It's heart rate has settled. The poison is largely gone and what is left is dissipating. Lapras still needs some treatment, but it will survive," assessed Lucario, giving Brock a nod of respect.

"Good. Ash, I need you to catch Lapras in a Pokeball so we can get it to a Pokemon Center," Brock turned to the boy.

"Me? You're the one who helped it Brock. Don't you think you deserve to catch it?" the taken aback boy responded.

"I wouldn't have been able to help if you hadn't acted so fast with your Pokemon. Do it Ash," repeated Brock with a reassuring nod and smile. Ash studied his friend for a moment, but returned the smile with one of his own, pulling out a Pokeball and tapping it against the unconscious Lapras. No resistance was offered, and the ball dinged immediately, disappearing in a glow of light soon after.

"It's off to Professor Oak's lab. Now we just need to find the local Pokemon Center and make the switch," Ash mused aloud.

"I can help with that!" called a clearly male voice. Brock, Ash, and the Pokemon turned to see a boy who looked to be around Brock's age. He had dark green hair, a salmon-colored hair band, and a green T-shirt with dark red shorts. He was also carrying what looked to be a sketchbook and a writing utensil.

"Who are you exactly?" Ash asked.

"The human whose been spying on us for the last few hours," interjected Lucario before the new teen could say a word.

"Spying?" Brock repeated with some ire. The teen flushed having been called out on it, but he gave no denial.

"Yeah. Funny story about that, and I'd be happy to share it back at the Pokemon Center. For now, I think that Pokemon is in need," offered the teen.

"Fair enough," answered Ash, recalling his Pokemon aside from Espeon. The three boys, Espeon, and Lucario departed, relying on this newcomer to get them to their destination with haste.

Tangello Island Pokemon Center

The new boy came through, getting the gang to the Pokemon Center in no time at all. One quick call to Professor Oak later and Ash had exchanged Gengar for Lapras, who the boy promptly handed over to Nurse Joy. It was at this point that Ash's stomach predictably grumbled from the lack of food all day, and he headed off to the cafeteria with the others. Now with food in his system, Ash turned to the boy with the headband, noticing that Brock, Espeon, and Lucario also eyed him with suspicion.

"I guess I owe you all an explanation for earlier huh?" nervously chuckled the teen, scratching the back of his head.

"My name is Tracey Sketchit. I was born here on Tangello Island and have pretty much stuck around all my life. I didn't mean to spy on you earlier. Besides, I wasn't really spying anyway. I was actually making a sketch," said the boy, pulling out his sketch book and opening it up. The gang was admittedly impressed by what they saw. Tracey had illustrated Ash and Lucario meditating together with Espeon laying down next to the boy, with the sunset and ocean in the background. Brock was also shown, though in his unflattering position asleep on the sand.

"That's pretty good Tracey. Why were you sketching us though?" asked Brock with interest. Tracey's eyes lightened up at that question.

"It's how I study Pokemon! My passion is to research Pokemon and their habits. Sketching their interactions with the world at large allows me to gain an understanding of what they do and to keep it as a permanent reminder. I guess I couldn't resist when I saw two Pokemon I've never seen before. Again, I didn't mean to cause any offense," explained the teen apologetically.

"I'm not offended," piped up Espeon.

"Nor am I," agreed Lucario, sipping tea from a cup.

"If the Pokemon are cool with it, I guess I am too. Oh, I'm Ash Red Ketchum from Pallet Town. Nice to meet you Tracey," smiled Ash, offering his hand. Tracye grabbed it with an iron grip and stared the boy down with fierce determination.

"PALLET TOWN! YOU SAID PALLET TOWN! DOES THAT MEAN YOU KNOW PROFESSOR OAK?"

"Uh yeah. I was just on the phone with him actually," the somewhat freaked out boy said, reclaiming his hand from the death grip.

"YOU'VE GOT TO INTRODUCE ME ASH!" adamantly declared Tracey.

"Woah now. Calm down," Brock interjected, though he was a bit amused. Tracey looked to see that he had drawn more than a few looks and flushed again, sitting back down.

"Sorry about that. It's just, meeting and working with Professor Oak is my dream. I've looked up to him ever since I was little," softly said the teen with restrained excitement. Ash could certainly respect that. Following one's dreams was something the boy supported whole heartedly.

"I'd be happy to help Tracey, but we're going to be in the Orange Islands for a few months before we actually head back to Pallet Town. After that though, sure," offered the boy.

"You wouldn't be here to compete in the Orange League, would you?" observed Tracey.

"And to meet and catch some cool new Pokemon," affirmed Ash.

"If that's the case, do you think I can tag along? I may have stuck around here for the most part, but I like to think I know my way around the Orange Islands pretty well."

"What do you think Brock?" Ash looked to his friend.

"Brock Slate, and I'm from Pewter City. I have no problems with it," smiled the boy.

"Welcome to the group Tracey!" declared Ash.

The Next Day

"You'll be happy to hear that Lapras has made a complete recovery Ash," stated Nurse Joy, handing the Pokeball over.

"That's a relief," nodded Ash, his shoulders releasing palpable tension.

"Unfortunately, I think Lapras' family has moved on. The migration season is just about over, and they are likely headed towards the Johto Region," frowned the nurse.

"Oh," Ash said unimpressively. The truth is, Ash was a bit conflicted on that. The selfish part of him was happy that Lapras would likely be here to stay, but another part of him felt awful for the poor Pokemon. Ash wouldn't want to be forcefully separated from his own mother.

"Well thanks for your help Nurse Joy, and thanks for registering me for the Orange League," Ash finished, heading out. His friends were waiting for him at the beach. Might as well get going and see how Lapras would react to the bad news.

Saffron City Gym

Anabel laid on her bed with Espeon, thinking back on her time here. She had come to Saffron City a few years ago, dropped off by parents who didn't know how to deal with a child gifted in the psychic arts. Sabrina had been able to empathize, even when she was an emotionless train wreck. With the Gym Leader's help, Anabel came to understand and love the powers that gave her a deeper connection with her Pokemon. She had also met her first life-long friend in Espeon, who was currently laying by her side. Helping people and Pokemon as she had done during the storm was yet another perk. Still, something gnawed at the girl. Was it enough? A year ago, she would have said yes. A few months back though, something changed her mind.

Anabel couldn't get the image of the raven-haired boy out of her head. He had walked out of the neighboring Fighting Dojo with a brand new Pokemon Egg and a Pikachu atop his shoulder. Even from a distance she could feel the deep-seated love and connection the boy had with his Pokemon. A certain strength was there too. This was also around the same time that Master Sabrina has come out of her previous emotionless state. Being the smart girl she was, Anabel connected the dots and approached the Gym Leader. Sabrina had no issue informing Anabel that the boy, Ash Red Ketchum he was named, had been responsible for bring Sabrina's lighter disposition forward. Anabel had looked for the boy soon after, but he had already moved on.

If traveling with friends and Pokemon could grant such love and power, perhaps she should do the same.

"What do you think Espeon? Should we leave and see more of the world?" the girl asked her companion over their shared link.

"I think you already know what you want to do and I'm ready to follow," he answered.

"A few more months then to prepare," agreed Anabel. Espeon nodded and went back to sleep.

Maybe, if I'm lucky, I'll meet him along the way, thought the girl as her cheeks flushed red.

Tangello Island Beach

Ash approached his friends with a neutral expression, meeting them at the same spot as yesterday.

"Lapras is going to be ok, but Nurse Joy said her family has moved on."

"Sorry to hear that Ash," Tracey answered with sincerity, while Brock appraised his friend and nodded. Lucario was of course meditating.

"Yeah, I think it's time to break the news." Pulling out his Pokeball, Ash sent out Lapras. The baby Pokemon emerged in the water, trilling in delight at her renewed health, but soon taking on confusion.

"Hey Lapras," Ash called gently, getting it's attention. Lapras turned to the boy, not recognizing him, but seeing that he was relaxed and unaggressive. She cried out in confusion.

"She wants to know where her parents are," Espeon translated. Ash swallowed hard, but he knew he had to bite the bullet here.

"I'm sorry Lapras, but they've moved on. When we found you yesterday being attacked by that Pokemon, no other Lapras was around. We were told that they're probably gone," sorrowfully answered the boy. The Ice Pokemon wailed at the news, starting to grow agitated. Ash moved quickly and placed a soothing hand on her forehead.

"Hey, I know it hurts. Just because they're gone though, doesn't mean you won't see them again. There's still a chance they might be somewhere in the Orange Islands, or maybe somewhere else in the world. My friends and I are going to travel around. How would you like some help in searching for them? Until we find them, maybe you can come along with us on our journey?" offered the boy as he soothed the Pokemon by stroking her forehead gently. Lapras gazed into the boy's eyes for a while, while he held eye contact. The onlookers said nothing, giving the two the time they needed. Lapras cried again, but this time it was one of happiness and she leaned into Ash, rubbing against him.

"Thanks Lapras. You won't regret it," smiled Ash, wrapping his arms around his newest team member for a proper hug.

END CHAPTER

I would like to start by admitting that I goofed up, which two reviewers have pointed out now. Tauros can only be male, but I designated Tauros as a female back when Ash caught it in the Safari Zone. Now that it is getting trained, this is getting called out. I apologize for the lack of realism, but this is Fanfiction for a reason. Thus, this universe is officially AU in terms of Tauros and its ability to be male or female. So let it be written, so let it be done!

Based on the opening sequence, I may have changed my mind about a certain movie not being in this story. Also, the Cerulean City Gym interlude was dedicated to Reader, who is a long-time reviewer and had the brilliant idea to bring this character forward. I took the liberty of changing the Lapras encounter due to the fact that Ash arrived several months earlier than in cannon. Theoretically speaking, Lapras shouldn't have been at the beach either, but at the very least I removed the punks that were bullying the poor Pokemon to change things up. Tracey joins the gang. Orange Island Bro trip is official! Finally, Anabel gets more screen time, as she gears up for her own possible journey.

Next Time – Ash does some preparation for the first member of the Orange Crew and takes on the Gym. Perhaps Misty will get some screen time as well.

Reader2 – Thanks for the review! I addressed the Tauros debacle above. Also, I hope you are happy with the change of plans for the second movie. I think I can tie in certain elements to make it a worthwhile addition. Lapras has joined the gang. We will see on others, though Snorlax is likely a given, especially since he knows his father had one.

Guest44 – Thanks for the review! A light ball is a nice idea for the future. Perhaps Pikachu will get one down the line. I don't want to get too crazy on the move sets, so we will see.

Reader – Thanks for the review! Brock is likely my favorite anime companion, so ditching him was never in the cards. I hope you enjoyed the call out scene with Jimmy. Good ideas for Pokemon to capture. We will see what happens.

Jonathan-Mandrake – Thanks for the review! Lucario's inclusion in the second movie is going to be loads of fun.

Midnightrebellion86 – Thanks for the review! Yup I goofed up. She will stay female though.

Ultron0901 – Thanks for the review! Lucario introduced himself after Ash's oath.

Espeon860 – Lol! I kind of laughed when I wrote the chapter and thought about your review. Scyther will be starring in Charizard's role to a lesser degree indeed. I do want to give the GS Ball more importance. I think It will tie into the Rocket storyline in Johto.

Remember to review with your thoughts and critique : )

Smell ya later!