Weather Institute (Hoenn Region)
"LET GO OF ME SHELLY! I'M GOINT TO SKIN THAT SCOUNDROL FOR MAKING SUCH A SUGGESTION!"
"Archie no!"
"I'd like to see you try oaf. Your ideas would do nothing but bring about another crisis, and one that we would likely not be lucky enough to survive. Isn't that right Tabitha?"
"Uh…"
Though the world had been saved and the cataclysmic weather receded, things were a bit tense at Hoenn's weather institute. After witnessing the world's salvation over the screen, the institute's two leading scientists, Archie and Maxie, along with their most prominent assistants, Shelly and Tabitha, gathered for a celebration of sorts. Libations were poured and treats enjoyed. Once the alcohol started flowing, tongues loosened, and of course things fell apart. Archie, well known for his enjoyment of spirits, was the one to break the unknown peace.
"You know mates, this whole crisis makes a man think," slurred the rugged man.
"You think? By Arceus, I was not prepared for such a revelation," chuckled Maxie as he sipped his wine.
"Aw shut your trap. I'm trying to be serious here." Maxie snorted but waived his hand as if to say go ahead.
"This whole manmade crisis proved to me what I already knew. We're a selfish bunch lads." Shelly raised an eyebrow.
"And lass. I say it's high time humanity did something positive for the world and for Pokemon! We can be at the forefront of it. All of us together!" beamed Archie. Maxie had put the wine down by now, his face a mask, shielding his emotions. Shelly was enraptured with the spiel, while Tabitha had picked up on Maxie's reaction, opting not to reveal too much himself.
"Speak plainly Archie. What do you have in mind to realize such grand ambitions?" calmly spoke Maxie.
"Always to the point with you Maxie! That's what I like! Listen to this. Imagine a world with an expanded sea. A world with more space for Pokemon. A return to how things were. We can remove the man-made masses that have encroached on the territory of Pokemon slowly throughout the ages. We can do it together with the might of the great KYOGRE! WHAT SAY YOU ALL? JOIN ME!" Maxie's mask slipped. The man was stunned. What were the odds that Archie had come to such a conclusion at the same time…
"Oh Archie, it's a beautiful idea!" gushed Shelly.
"Hahahaha! That it is Shelly! What say you Maxie and Tabitha? Together, we can change the world," smiled the man, holding out a hand to Maxie. His friend did not take it.
"No."
"No?"
"No. You have it all backwards Archie," softly said Maxie with a shake of his head.
"Backwards? Well, what would you do genius? It was you who said something needed to be done if we were to avert disaster in the future," spat the man with some heat.
"I had not wanted to discuss such things at this stage, but you leave me no choice. On the topic of using legendary Pokemon for selfish means, we are agreed. It is despicable and leads to ruin. However, to use a legendary Pokemon to expand the sea? Such a thing is ludicrous. In case you haven't noticed, the world is already largely made of water. It would be far more prudent to utilize the power of Groudon to expand the landmass. We can eliminate things like poverty, having more land for housing and the growing of crops. For the sake of mankind, that is the path we must take!" Maxie finished with conviction.
This of course brought the group to their current state.
"I thought we were friends… but you're no better than that scum from the islands Maxie! No better!" snarled Archie. Maxie rose.
"I am far superior to such a creatin, and it is clear to me that I am superior to you as well. Come Tabitha, we are leaving."
"Ok," quietly agreed the man, following his boss to the door.
"DON'T COME BACK MAXIE! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN!" Maxie stopped, turning back one final time to Archie, sending the man a look of loathing.
"Likewise." With that, he departed, leaving the institute and Archie behind him. Shelly tried to console Archie, but the man brushed her off, heading back for another drink. This time, it was not done to celebrate, but to drown the sorrows of a friendship lost.
Saffron City (Kanto Region)
Anabel, with Espeon at her side, stood in the presence of Kanto's mysterious Psychic Gym Leader. The girl was visibly nervous, having the tall slender Gym Leader with long green hair stare down on her from her throne-like chair. Sabrina could see it too, so she offered a sympathetic smile.
"There's no need to be nervous Anabel. Say what you have come to say."
"R-right. Master Sabrina, with your blessing, Espeon and I would like to leave on a journey."
"A journey? questioned the Gym Leader.
"Yes. We have learned much here, and I couldn't be more grateful to you for taking me in all those years ago, but I can feel it in my heart. It's time for us to go," Anabel said firmly.
"Agreed," echoed Espeon. Sabrina sighed, closing her eyes to think on the matter. It was of no surprise to Anabel or Espeon. This was simply one of the Gym Leader's many quirks. A minute passed and Sabrina stared back down at the girl.
"You have done well here. Your powers are under control, your relationship with Espeon is fruitful, and you have been a boon to the people of Saffron. For that, you have my thanks. You asked for my blessing? It's yours." The purple haired girl beamed.
"Thank you, Master Sabrina! I won't forget this. Never!" vowed the girl.
"It's easy enough to give. On another note, you're heading for Hoenn correct?" Anabel nodded, not bothering to ask how the Psychic Gym Leader knew such a thing.
"Hmm. I would like you to pass on a message. Soon, a new pair of Gym Leaders will arise to run a Gym in Mossdeep City. It lies in the eastern part of Hoenn, separated from the mainland. It is renowned for its ventures into space and the great beyond. Twin children to a leading scientist will take up the mantle of the Mossdeep Gym. They will battle with Psychic Pokemon, just like you and I. For this reason and their youth, I would like to offer the two of them guidance. Pass the message on. Let them know that should they need anything; I would be happy to help."
"Of course master." Anabel bowed, turned, and began to walk away.
"And Anabel…" the girl turned back.
"Yes?"
"Trust your heart. It's served you well in the past, and should you follow the path it has laid before you, I know you will find your way to what you need. And no, I don't need to be a Psychic to know that," smiled Sabrina. It was a smile that Anabel shared, giving her mentor a final nod. The next thing she knew, she and Espeon were outside of the Saffron City Gym. Anabel was ready for the challenges that lay ahead, ready to walk the path of her heart, and ready to see what was at the end of it.
I hope it's him.
Vaniville Town (Kalos Region)
Grace was at her wits end. First, her daughter had told her that she didn't want to be a Ryhorn racer. Fair enough. Though it stung that Serena didn't want to follow in her footsteps, Serena's life was hers to live. That hadn't been the end of it though. Next, Serena decided that she wanted to get a Pokemon to prepare for a journey of all things. Still, Serena had promised not to leave for a year, and maybe she was just overreacting to what had happened in Kanto with that storm. It was a request that Grace granted and seeing Serena interact with Fennekin, Grace was glad that she had. Now though, things were getting too real. Only a few months had gone by since Serena received Fennekin, but she wanted to depart on a journey immediately!
"Why?" weakly asked the woman.
"I need to get stronger mom," answered Serena, absently petting Fennekin in her lap.
"But why now? What happened to a year?"
"I-I just can't wait anymore." Grace gave her a skeptical look.
"Really? I'm sure it has nothing to do with a certain boy that has been gracing international television then."
"So what if it does!" challenged Serena, her face flush
"Dear, I'm worried you're rushing into something you don't understand and for the wrong reasons," Grace gently explained.
"Don't understand? What don't I understand mom?" frowned Serena.
"Well let's see. Do you have a plan for food and water? How about medical supplies? Survival equipment? How can you afford of all these things? We haven't even spoken about Pokemon supplies yet. Then you need to figure out the ability to stay warm in the wilds. What about staying safe? Do you know the terrible things that can happen to young ladies who travel out there alone? They don't talk about it much, but these things do happen." Serena's features softened, understanding her mom's point of view a bit more. She was concerned, because of course she was.
"You don't have to worry too much mom. I'm not getting ready to take off without a plan. First, I'm not planning on travelling alone. I asked the neighbor, a girl named Shauna, to come along with me. She was planning on her own journey and was happy when I suggested traveling together. A few of the other local kids are also getting ready to take off and I've connected with all of them, promising to stay in touch."
"Ok, but what about supplies? How will you afford everything?" pressed Grace.
"The same way everyone else who travels does. Challenge trainers on the road to battle and live on the prize money.," easily answered the girl. Grace was taken aback by this response.
"Battle? You're interested in battling? I thought you'd do something like Pokemon Contests or Pokemon Fashion Shows."
"Where did you ever get that idea?" laughed Serena.
"Also, Pokemon Contests technically have battles too."
"I-I'm not sure. So, ok then. Let's say you can win enough battles to sustain yourself, and you have a friend to help stay safe. What about your reasoning Serena? Do you really want you journey to be all about a boy from summer camp?"
"You've got a point mom… but it's not just about Ash," admitted Serena.
"Then what is it about. Explain it to me honey."
"I want to stand on my own. You're great but living life as the local sports celebrity's daughter isn't exactly easy. If I can go out on a journey and succeed, I can prove to myself and others that I'm great, because of what I did," passionately orated the girl.
"I didn't realize you felt this way," quietly said Grace.
"I do."
"Ok…"
"Ok?"
"Yes, you can go," clarified Grace.
"Really?"
"Really—oof!" Grace was tackled to the floor in a bone-crushing hug.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
"I'm glad this makes you happy dear," sighed Grace, patting her daughter on the back.
"Serena," Grace started, separating from her.
"I know you said you intend on battling, but what will you be doing specifically out there?"
"Oh. Guess I never told you," sheepishly said Serena, before turning serious.
"I'm going to collect 8 Gym Badges, enter the Kalos League, and win! I'm going to be a Pokemon Master!"
Just like you Ash.
Shamouti Island Shrine
"Thanks for agreeing to meet me out here Brock," said the boy, eying the older teen approaching.
"Not a problem Tracey. I'm curious why you chose this place to meet though?" answered Brock, walking next to Tracey who stood near the cliffside.
"It's actually pretty peaceful when the world isn't about to end. The view is nice too."
"Fair enough. You don't look too good. Not holding up well?" observed Brock, seeing the pale features of the boy and his desolate expression. Tracey grimaced.
"Noticed huh? That's actually why I wanted to speak with you."
"Fire away Tracey. I'm all ears," Brock said with an encouraging smile.
"I had a nightmare last night… it was about what happened on the airship." Brock sent the boy a sympathetic look.
"With Bisharp?"
"Yeah… I almost died Brock. I thought I saw Ash die… Slowking did die! I-I can't cope. So, how do you? How does Misty?" desperately asked Tracey. Brock paused, mulling it over for a bit.
"I guess I've learned that travelling with Ash is always going to be an experience. Well, to be more blunt, maybe troublesome is better. Misty and I went through something like this once before you know."
"Really?"
"Ash and I kind of glossed over it when we traded stories after we first met. It wasn't really something we wanted to talk about. Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure we probably weren't supposed to talk about it either. With everything that's gone on here though with the cameras rolling, I'm sure it will come out sooner or later though," sighed Brock. Tracey was confused at this point, so Brock put it out there, and proceeded to describe what happened on New Island.
"To think I actually told you guys that I wished I was there for the ride… Wait a minute? You saw Agatha die then… and Ash… and you were stabbed! I'll ask again, how are you not a mess?"
"Misty and I were Gym Leaders too Tracey, or perhaps we still are. Misty technically is at the very least. Anyway, there's more to battling and giving out badges. Part of the job involves serving alongside officers as a sort of paramilitary force under the command of the Pokemon League. You must have a mental toughness to take on that kind of responsibility. Also, there are bright sides to all this chaos. We've gotten to see and experience loads of cool things, meet new people and Pokemon, and help make the world a better place. Think about the events on Fossil Island. How about the Grapefruit Islands? What about the Crystal Onix? I'd say those events were pretty special." Tracey shrugged.
"It doesn't sound too bad when you put it like that, but Brock..."
"Yeah buddy?" Brock asked, placing a comforting hand on Tracey's shoulder.
"I don't think I'm cut out for this. If that makes me a bad person or a coward, then so be it."
"It doesn't make you any of those things Tracey, and you know what? That is ok. You don't have to be cut out for reckless adventuring to be a good person," chuckled Brock.
"Besides, didn't you tell us you had your eyes on another dream?"
"Yeah. I did!" brightened the boy slightly.
"Do you still hold onto it?"
"Of course I do! I will study with Professor Oak! I swear it!"
"Is that right? This is the first time I'm hearing about it," interjected the familiar kind old voice of one Samuel Oak.
"P-Professor Oak?" Tracey turned in shock, seeing the old man standing there with an amused expression.
"And that's my cue to leave," smirked Brock, beginning to walk away. Tracey narrowed his eyes at the retreating form of Brock.
"What did you do?" he yelled out.
"I may or may not have realized you would need a morale boost. Have fun!" called back the boy, finally escaping from sight.
"So Tracey, about that ambition of yours?" Oak asked with a smile. Internally panicking, but trapped, Tracey turned to his hero, and he began to confess.
Shamouti Island Elder's House
Meanwhile, another group of individuals were holding their own meeting on Shamouti Island. Elder Tobias has been gracious enough to offer up his home for the occasion. The man was currently away, overseeing repairs caused by the near cataclysm. This left Ash, Lance, and Lucario all squeezed in together in the modest home. Espeon and Pikachu were out too of course.
They had gathered here after a good night's sleep. Prior to the meeting, Ash had to deal with his irate mother. Much hugging, weeping, lecturing, and more of the same occurred on that front. She had just left back home for Pallet Town, escorted by Charizard and Red's Pikachu. Ash promised to see her soon again, which would be easy enough to stick to, since he only had one challenge left in the Orange Islands. Back to the current situation tough…
"And that's pretty much everything that happened up until you arrived," concluded Ash. He told Lance everything, including the bits about his visions.
"Are you sure there isn't anything else you are missing? Any detail?" pressed Lance, his face stern.
"Yeah, I'm sure," affirmed Ash.
"Anything to add Lucario?"
"My apprentice covered the story well," answered the Pokemon.
"What, you can't trust me anymore?" Ash asked, annoyed. Lance frowned.
"I'm not sure I can."
"Why not?" Ash spoke, a bit more heated now.
"Why didn't you contact me as soon as you started to have these visions Ash? Why did I have to learn about this from Cynthia of all people?" fired back Lance with crossed arms. Ash looked slightly ashamed at those questions. He didn't have an answer either, opting to stay silent.
"I see. On another note, have you considered the consequences of your actions Ash?"
"You mean of literally saving the world! Forgive me for that," sarcastically rebutted the boy. Lance sighed.
"That's not what I mean Ash and you know it. The world owes you and your friends another debt of gratitude, and It knows it. That's the problem!" blurted Lance.
"What do you mean?" Ash still didn't get it. Typical.
"Have you not watched a TV since last night? Did you perhaps notice anything odd in the sky, other than the flying machine and legendary Pokemon yesterday?" Lance asked with a pointed look.
"I was tired and literally fell into a bed. As for yesterday, I was kind of busy with the whole saving the world thing," Ash rolled his eyes.
"Then you will probably be surprised when I tell you that your face and name is all over the news." As Lance said, Ash was shocked.
"You were filmed live by a local reporter repeatedly during the events that transpired yesterday," continued Lance.
"I had no idea," quietly said Ash.
"Do you realize what this means?" Ash thought some more, and then it finally hit him.
"Team Rocket! Giovanni… they know," realized the boy.
"No doubt," agreed Lance.
"If only that was the worst of it. You are a celebrity now Ash. Your life will be changed. Take it from me, being famous isn't all glitz and glamor. You will be hounded. You will be harassed. Your mother will even be annoyed by interested parties. And don't you think that Team Rocket and Giovanni are the world's only villains. Now you are a target for anyone with bad intentions looking to make a name for themselves. Understand?"
"Yes… I-I'm sorry Lance," Ash answered with his head bowed.
"What's done is done Ash. We can't change the past. Now we must move forward," Lance sighed yet again, turning to Lucario.
"Give me your assessment. How is Ash coming along with Aura training?" Ash looked up at that question. Lance had mentioned he would seek a report on his progress at some point. It looked like that moment was now.
"My apprentice can be moody, disobedient, and rash, which you very well know," Lucario calmly spoke, causing Ash to go red.
"However, he is also compassionate, hard-working, strategic, a fine battler, and even heroic. To answer your question, he is coming along well with his aura training. Without his use of aura, things would have gone differently last night, and not in a good way. Honestly, I couldn't be prouder of the boy. It is for those reasons, that I request he accompanies me to Cameron Palace as soon as possible. The time has come for him to be recognized as an Aura Knight," summarized the Pokemon. Ash was genuinely touched at that assessment. He had to wipe his eyes a bit if the truth was to be told.
"An Aura Knight?" asked the boy.
"The next step of your progress yes. You are no longer at the level of an apprentice, but neither are you ready to take the mantle of a full-fledged Aura Guardian. Luckily, the designation of Aura Knight fits perfectly."
"That is promising," muttered Lance, processing the information.
"Ash will go with you after his upcoming battle for the Orange League Championship, and before the Indigo League Conference."
"I will? I mean, yeah I will!"
"In addition, after the Indigo League Conference, I will be training you myself for a few months. You will need it with the new danger that will be sure to follow you," warned Lance. Ash only caught one part of that sentence.
"YOU? TRAIN ME? AWESOME! What kind of training?" eagerly asked the boy.
Still a boy no matter how heroic he seems, mused Lance.
"Let's call it special training. When we're done, you'll be ready to continue your journey…"
And you'll be ready to join the organization. It will do both you and the world some needed good.
Shamouti Island Beach
Misty sat on the sand alone, enjoying the proximity to one of her favorite things in the world, and reflecting on yesterday's events. Togepi was in its Pokeball, just as it had been for most of the time Misty had been in Shamouti.
Another day, another time saving the world. Gyarados even started listening to me. Slowking though… he was very brave. Just like a certain someone I know. Speaking of, thought the girl, seeing Ash approach and sit next to her.
"Mind if I join you Misty?" he asked with a grin.
"Sure Ash. What has you in such a good mood?" curiously retorted the girl.
"Two things actually! First, my master said I'm ready to be an Aura Knight, whatever that means. I even get to go to a castle for a cool knighting ceremony! Even more awesome than that though, Lance said he's going to give me some personal training after the Indigo League! I'm pumped!" the jubilant boy said. Misty couldn't help but smile, naturally absorbing the mood of her high-spirited friend.
"I'm happy for you Ash."
"Thanks Misty. Hey, didn't you want to tell me something back on that boat before we got sucked into this whole mess? Maybe some good news of your own," Ash jibed, playfully elbowing the girl. Misty swatted the boy way.
"Cut that out! You are right though. I did have something I wanted to share. Something big!"
"Well, let's hear it Misty." She took in a deep breath and released it, soothing herself first.
"All right then. It's kind of like your news in a way. Ash, after the Indigo League—"
"HEY GUYS!" Ash and Misty looked behind them, seeing Tracey running down the stone staircase and onto the beach. Brock was not far behind him. Like Ash, Tracey was also radiating happiness.
"Sorry Misty," Ash whispered to the girl, standing up to greet their friends.
"Yo Tracey. Hey Brock! What's up?" Tracey didn't waste time.
"PROFESOR OAK ACCEPTED ME AS HIS RESEARCH ASSISTANT!" practically screamed the boy in ecstasy.
"That's amazing Tracey! Looks like your dream is coming true after all!" smiled Ash.
"Yup! There is one downside though," frowned the boy.
"Oh?" Misty asked, having stood up herself.
"Professor Oak needs to get back to Pallet Town right away. He offered to take me along for the ride with Dragonite, and I really want to get started," explained Tracey, rubbing the back of his head with a guilty expression.
"I gotcha. You're feeling a bit down about skipping out on us early. Don't sweat it Tracey. Have a blast and get to Pallet Town!"
"Agreed," nodded Brock. Misty remained oddly quiet, though she listened intently.
"Thanks guys! You don't know how much this means to me. Best of luck in the Orange League Championship Ash, and I'll see you all soon." With that, Tracey sprinted back to where he had come from, no doubt heading for Professor Oak. This left Ash, Brock, and Misty on the beach.
"isn't this a familiar situation?" chuckled Brock.
"That's right! The original trio is back in business. Endless adventures await!" grinned Ash.
"Ash… Brock…"
"Misty?" frowned Ash, seeing her forlorn expression.
"I'll be there for the Orange League Championship match. I'll be there too for the Indigo League. After that though, my journey with you two will be coming to an end."
"B-But… why?" Misty sent the flabbergasted boy a sad smile.
"Just as Lance made you an offer, I also received one, but from Lorelei."
"Well, that's ok. Lance said training will only take a couple of months. Surely your deal with Lorelei will be around the same time right?" Misty was quiet at that, shaking her head.
"She offered you an apprenticeship then," commented Brock.
"Perceptive as always Brock. The apprenticeship will last for at least a year, but likely far longer. At the end of it, if I do well enough, Lorelei will step down, and I will take her place as a member of The Elite Four."
New Bark Town (Johto Region)
Bordering Kanto, New Bark Town was a place where the winds of change blew. For some, it marked the start of the next leg of their journey. For others, it was where their journey began. A young native girl would soon find herself in the second category. Just a few months more until the exciting day. She lived in a large compound, with her giant family, on the outskirts of the small town. The girl was short, had purple hair done in twin pigtails, and wore a gaudy assembly of black and yellow clothing.
Normally, she would be downstairs, cheering with her family for a baseball team with that exact color scheme. They were still warming up for today's game though, and today was not normal. The girl, beyond baseball, was an avid Pokemon enthusiast. Currently, she was upstairs in her room, glued to her TV, watching a recap on the events that had gone down in the Orange Islands. Some hotshot lady reporter was babbling about the hero on screen.
"Unfortunately, we've still been unable to interview the young man that locals claim, almost singlehandedly saved the world. As we have previously reported, the young man in question is named Ash Red Ketchum, and the assumed son of the former Kanto Champion Red Ketchum. An interesting facet not yet explored are the boy's companions. Sources tell us that Brock Slate and Misty Waterflower, also known as Gym Leaders from Pewter and Cerulean City, have reportedly traveled with Mr. Ketchum for some time. During the Kanto Champion's press conference on the Rocket catastrophe a few months back, Lance mentioned that three young trainers were deeply involved in foiling the plot. Could these trainers be one in the same? Stay tuned as we air an interview after the break, with a boy named Ritchie, who is claiming Mr. Ketchum has a prior history of foiling Team Rocket, having done so aboard the S.S. Anne." A commercial flickered onto the screen and the girl lost focus, turning pensive.
That's a true Pokemon Master! Kicking butt and saving the world. Someday, that will be me!
"CASEY, THE ELECTABUZZ ARE STARTING!" yelled her grandpa from downstairs.
"COMING!" called back the girl, sprinting away to engage in her other favorite activity.
END CHAPTER
Ash took a bit of a back seat in today's chapter, but it was loads of fun writing about tons of characters. How about that Serena revelation? She will be following the path of her video games counterpart, as opposed to the anime version. My favorite thing to write was that last scene. I'm a huge Baseball fan and its of a team that everyone has hated for the last few years, but unlike the Electabuzz, this team has done well during that time span. GO ASTROS ^_^
Next Time – Ash reacts to Misty's news, the gang arrives on Pummelo Island, Ash meets Drake, and the championship battle begins!
Bleacherspam1 – Thanks for the review! All I ask is that you give it a chance. Hope you like what you have read so far.
Reader2 – Thanks for the review! Ghetsis was the replacement yes. The collector was a one off, which is why I ignored him. That would be interesting to see our early Hoenn goers run into Archie and Maxie. It takes a while to build an organization though. I have considered Kleavor and how Ash would get the item.
TalesFanJMf – Thanks for the review! Last chapter's reference was ripped dialogue from episode 1 of the Pokemon Anime, where Ash challenged the Spearow hoard to defend Pikachu. Glad you liked the Ash and Misty interaction. Fallout on Misty's breaking news comes next time.
Espeon860 – Thanks for the review! Lapras is finally going to get to shine! As for Lugia, who knows when he will return?
Reader – Thanks for the review! The Shamouti residents will pass his sacrifice down for sure.
Remember to review with your thoughts and critique : )
Smell ya later!
