Pallet Town - Oak Lab

"I believe I have reached a solution," Oak finally said, jolting his companions to look in his general direction. The three had been in deep thought for some time over the revelations brought forth by the Cinnabar Island Gym Leader. After all, it's not every day that one of Team Rocket's leading scientist tries to recruit said Gym Leader back to the cause, especially when the general consensus was that said evil team had died off. Thus, Bill and Blaine eyed Oak with weary, but somewhat relieved expressions. The esteemed researcher took this as leave to proceed.

"Team Rocket has not been spotted for months, and yet they contacted you Blaine, reaching out to bring you back into the fold. Still, no indication was given about their whereabouts, or their plans beyond the mention of Legendary Pokemon. Am I right?"

"Yes Samuel. That about sums it up," sighed the riddler, annoyed at the other man's indirect way of going about things.

"Given that they reached out to you and they have not been seen in Kanto, I can only conclude that Team Rocket is setting up shop in the neighboring region of Johto."

"Johto? No offense Professor Oak, but if you wish to base your assumption on that logic, then the Orange Islands would be an equally viable option," frowned Bill. Oak shook his head.

"No Bill. That might have been a valid argument a few weeks ago, but given their lack of activity during the events that occurred on Shamouti Island, I highly doubt they reside anywhere close. Four Legendary Pokemon were there for the taking, and of course Ash made his reappearance. It is my fervent belief that they would have struck to seek the birds… or to seek their vengeance," grimly finished the man.

"Agreed. It has to be Johto," nodded Blaine.

"So what if it is? You still haven't given us this alleged solution," Bill argued, playing devils advocate once again. This time, Oak shot an enigmatic smile… at Blaine.

"Why it's quite simple really. Blaine, you are to return Dr. Namba's call and graciously accept his invitation."

"WHAT? And end up like Champion Lance, absent a finger? That would likely be the best case scenario! Not a chance Samuel!" firmly denied Blaine.

"It won't come to that Blaine I assure you," soothed Professor Oak.

"And you assure me on what basis might I ask?"

"On the basis that this conversation will not be leaving this room." Bill processed the implications of that statement in an instant.

"You mean to say we will not be informing the Champion?" he asked incredulously. Once more, Professor Oak shook his head with a sigh.

"Lance and the Elite Four are good people, but the Pokemon League is like any large organization, which is to say neither infallible nor incorruptible. Somebody in the Pokemon League gave Lance up to Team Rocket, leading to his unfortunate circumstances. That need not happen if we keep this between the three of us."

"I don't like it Samuel! Not one bit!" Blaine continued to protest, though his resolve seemed to be weakening.

"It does seem feasible," noted Bill, warming up to the idea. Blaine scoffed.

"Well of course it does to you boy. You're not the one who will be risking his hide!"

"Enough with the dramatics Blaine. You will be perfectly safe. I'd say you owe it to the world anyway, given your past," Oak said with narrowed eyes.

"I-I… fine. You make one mistake involving the DNA of a legendary Pokemon and it gets held over your head like a guillotine, but fine damnit! I'll do it."

"Brilliant!" Bill beamed.

"I'm glad you think so Bill, because you will be helping him," continued Oak.

"W-what? Helping how?"

"Ha!"

"Hush you two. Bill, a Rocket agent can't be very well seen cavorting with Professor Samuel Oak, well known to be a mentor of Ash Red Ketchum and a strong opponent of Team Rocket in general. Therefore, Blaine will be passing on all relevant information to you, at which point you will divulge the information to me," explained Professor Oak with a smirk.

"And just what will you do with this information Samuel?" Blaine asked skeptically.

"Use it of course," said the man as if it was the most obvious thing.

"Use it how?" Bill pressed.

"That isn't the right question Bill. The proper question is when best to use it."

The Indigo Plateau

"Get your hot dogs! Get em while their hot!"

"I have official Pokemon League Badges at prices you can't beat!"

"How about a t-shirt? Take home a permanent reminder of your time among Kanto's greatest assembly of trainers!" Ash whistled appreciatively, taking in the sights of Indigo with enthusiasm. Vendors of all stripes lined the street and the public was all over it. Thank Arceus for all the commotion, lest someone recognize him in all this mess. Looking to his companions, Ash noticed a few things. Brock had his nose buried in that guidebook of his, studying the layout and peering up from time to time, likely comparing the Indigo Plateau to what the booklet told him. Misty's was radiant, eyes sparkling at the various displays. As for himself, Ash was getting antsy. The competition started tomorrow and he still needed to register. Cutting it close as always. Luckily, it seemed they were just about where they needed to be. A giant dome like strcuture, green in color, aside from the red tip, stood in front of them. Unluckily, so did a rather large line. Ash visibly slumped.

"That's what you get for getting here at the last minute," lectured Misty.

"It was worth the extra training," muttered Ash, stepping into the back with a sigh. This was gonna take a while. The boy occupied himself in a variety of ways. First, he pulled out his new Pokegear, messing with the gadget. With all the last minute training, he hadn't paid it much mind. Despite its ability to store numbers and cross-connect devices, there was a bit of a problem with that. Hardly anyone else had a wireless device. Still, others could contact him from their own stationary video phones so that was something. His mom had already done so… three times in just a few days. Beyond that, Ash also noticed some map functionality. He even had the ability to add data to the map, documenting certain facts from his travels, such as the kinds of Pokemon that could be found there. Although, that was a bit redundant considering his National Pokedex. Well, it also told the time and had access to a few radio stations. That had to count for something right? Ash stowed away the technical gadget, bored of it already. Reaching into his backpack, the boy pulled out his egg. Looking at it closely, he was disappointed to see continued signs of no life. The things hadn't moved or wiggled an inch since his master had gifted it to him. With another sigh, Ash stored the egg away and looked up.

"Come on!" Ash cried in frustration, seeing that they had moved maybe a couple of feet. A few people shot him curious looks, causing him to quickly hide his face, but for the most part, nobody really cared.

"Careful Ash. Don't want to attract attention," cautioned Brock, still completely enveloped in his little booklet.

"I know," grumbled Ash, resigning himself to a long wait. Time slowly crawled by and the line did indeed move. After what felt like forever, Ash and friends found themselves inside the dome-like structure, in front of one of several round pod-like desks. A girl who looked to be in her early twenties manned the desk in front of the trio, dawning a light blue and green Pokemon League uniform.

"Welcome to the Indigo Plateau. How may I help you?" smiled the girl, though the voice that came with it had a hint of exhaustion and felt rehearsed. Brock didn't seem to mind.

"THE QUESTION YOU SHOULD BE ASKING IS HOW I CAN HELP YOU!" adamantly declared the teen, grasping the now shocked attendant's hand with his own.

"The question she should be asking is whether she needs a restraining order," growled Misty, snagging Brock's ear and dragging him away.

"Ow! Be gentle! You're just as bad as Lucario," protested the teen, fading away in the distance with the red-head, leaving a sweat-dropping Ash and a flustered attendant.

"Sorry about my friend miss. He's just feeling under the weather. Anyway, I'm here to register for the tournament."

"Oh! Right," snapped back the woman, typing a few things into her computer like nothing weird had just happened.

"Name?" Ash looked around, not seeing anyone else, leaned forward, and whispered.

"Ash Red Ketchum." To her credit, she didn't so much as flinch, simply inputing the information, before turning to him expectantly.

"I'll need to see your qualification and some ID."

"Here you go ma'am," consented Ash, handing over the Pokedex and showcasing his badges, pinned in the exact same spot inside his jacket, even if he had switched it out. Giving the badges a quick look, the attendant grabbed the Pokedex and placed it into a nearby scanner. A few keystrokes later and Ash was handed back his Pokedex and a room key.

"That should just about do it. Congratulations young man. You are officially registered to compete in this year's Indigo League Conference!" beamed the girl.

"Thanks a lot! So, when do I get to battle?" eagerly asked Ash.

"Almost forgot. You see this monitor here," she asked, pointing towards a screen. Ash nodded, seeing a display that showcased the elements of Water, Rock, Ice, and Grass. With another click a light started flashing, whirling around the four elements in a circular manner.

"Press the red button on the table." Shrugging, Ash obeyed. The light came to rest on the water element with a ding.

"Your first battle will be tomorrow on the Water battlefield against a trainer named Mandi. It will be the third battle of the day, so don't be late. Oh, and the opening ceremonies start tonight at 7:00 PM sharp. Those will be held in the Indigo League's main stadium." Ash nodded again, not bothering to ask any further questions. He had done his homework, knowing exactly how things worked. Not to mention, he'd only watched Indigo League Tournaments on TV since he could walk.

A few three on three battles in the elemental fields, depending on how many people qualified, and then it's off to the sweet 16 in the Indigo League Stadium, Ash thought. Giving his thanks for her time, Ash headed off to find his wayward friends. The opening ceremonies were hours away, so he had plenty of time to kill. Ash knew just how he wanted to spend it.

Indigo Plateau - Trainer's Village

"When did you become such a nerd?" Misty asked in the background, grumbling at the sight of Ash clicking away at the in home computer. It was one of several amenities provided to the trainers who had earned a coveted spot in the Indigo Plateau.

"Actually Misty, Ash has been looking up the details on his competition for big battles since we started traveling through the Orange Islands," clarified Brock, while dusting up their new place of residence during the duration of their stay for the tournament.

"Besides, even before Ash started this whole computer kick, he'd ask around plenty about Gym Leaders during our journey through Kanto."

"Yeah, but that involved actual human interaction. Now, Ash can isolate himself and get answers from the internet. If he isn't careful, he's gonna start developing some lazy habits," sagely warned the girl.

"You may be right," conceded Brock. The two continued in a similar vein, talking about such nonsensical things, and Ash did his best to tune it out, focusing on the screen in front of him. A small smile appeared on his face when he found what he was looking for.

Bingo. I knew I'd heard of this guy before. The screen displayed the familiar visage of a man with blue-green hair, a red headband, and a garish hot-pink jacket among other things.

Mandi. If I remember right, this guy has competed in more than his fair share of Indigo League Tournaments. He never seems to go too far though, often showing off for the crowd and not really paying attention. Doesn't he have a nickname? The Astounding Mandi I think… well, can't underestimate him, even if he has historically been a pushover.

Scrolling through the article, Ash found a roster of Mandi's most commonly used Pokemon from previous competitions.

I think I have just the team in mind to counter these guys. Got to remember to call Professor Oak and switch up my Pokemon, Ash mentally noted with a satisfied nod. Stretching out, Ash gave a contented sigh. He was ready.

"All done then?" A bemused Misty asked.

"Yup. Ready to roll," declared Ash with a grin.

"Where are we rolling?" pondered Brock, setting down his duster.

"To an all you can eat buffet of course! Indigo League Participants eat free and there's plenty of time to eat before the ceremony," beamed the boy, strolling out the door, followed by Pikachu and Espeon of course. Misty giggled the the sight.

"What's so funny?"

"Even if he is a dork, Ash is still Ash," smirked Misty, taking off herself. Brock couldn't help but chuckle himself a bit, also joining the group to satisfy his own case of the munchies.

Indigo League Stadium - 7:00 PM

Watching the trainers march into the stadium, Lance couldn't help but allow a small smile to run across his face. Thousands of trainers competed for Gym Badges, attended trainer schools, took the league admissions test, and so on, in Kanto on an annual basis. Less than 300 had earned the right to compete at the Indigo League. It was quite the achievement. One these trainers should wear as a badge of honor. Still, he couldn't help but study the crowd of trainers, his eyes shifting rapidly, evident that he was looking for someone in particular. His eyes caught a brief flash of yellow on a shoulder and his face lit up just a bit more, but it quickly soured when he realized that it was not the specific person he had been trying to find.

"Ahem." Lance whirled to his left, seeing the twinkling eyes of Mr. Goodshow, who stood at his side on the makeshift stage that had been set up in the middle of the stadium.

"Looking for someone Champion?" innocently asked the man.

"Not at all," denied Lance in faux confusion.

"Really? Then you wouldn't care at all if I happened to point out a young boy sitting standing with a Green Espeon at his side and with a Pikachu on his shoulder over there." Lance's eyes quickly darted to the location, searching for and finding the one he had sought at last.

He made it here safe after all, the man internally sighed, sending a small smile towards Ash, who returned it. Mr. Goodshow merely chuckled.

"Don't you have a speech to give or something?" Lance asked, crossing his arms and turning his head down towards his short companion. Looking at his watch, the shorter and older energetic man jumped to attention. Hustling forward, Mr. Goodshow reached for the microphone.

"Testing. Testing. Settle down now everyone," his voice boomed across the stadium. The chattering trainers and equally rambunctious crowd did just that.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, people watching around the world, and esteemed competitors, it is my privilege to welcome you all to the Indigo Plateau for the annual Indigo League Conference!" He paused, allowing the crowd to release their own excitement at the declaration in the form applause and cheering. Several camera flashes indicated the presence of the press as well.

"Today, we have gathered Kanto's finest collection of trainers in one spot to determine who is truly the best of the best. Only one will walk away with that title. Only will will earn the right to challenge the Elite Four. Only one one will be tournament champion! But for tonight, we honor all of you for making it this far, especially when so many more failed to earn the right." More applause followed, as several trainers basked in the glory. Veterans, and even a few select rookies, were far more reserved. Ash and Gary were included amongst this number, focusing on Mr. Goodshow intensely and blocking out the noise.

"In keeping with tradition, this year's annual conference will open with the lighting of the fire with the flames of Moltres. Please turn your attention to the left!" Everyone's gazes did as instructed and a young woman jogged onto the field, bearing a torch. The lights dimmed and a spotlight followed her. She herself was focused on the task at hand, moving through the field and up a long staircase, finally arriving at the top. Being careful with her task, the young lady dropped the torch into a giant metal fire pit. The small torch quickly transformed into magnificent flames, burning bright for all to see and casting a light on the darkened stadium. Lights slowly turned back on as the woman proceeded to join the other competitors and Mr. Goodshow cleared his throat.

"The Flames of Moltres burn bright. They represent the ambitions and competitive spirits of all trainers who compete here at the Indigo League. They are a physical manifestation of that inner fire!" One more time he paused, his expression turning more somber.

"Sadly, it was only a few months ago that the fire of one of Kanto's greatest trainer's was dimmed forever. Agatha of the Elite Four truly embodied everything our competitors aspire to be. She was fierce, cunning, powerful, wise, and a truly sweet Pokemon trainer. It is in her honor that we will compete. That is why, I am proud to say that this year's champion will be walking away with the newly christened Agatha Memorial Cup!" Lights shined down on a pedestal next to Mr. Goodshow, showing a beautiful trophy, engraved with the title he had spoken aloud. Purple hints tinted the golden piece, highlighting Agatha's pension for Ghost Pokemon. A more polite and subdued applause followed this revelation.

"To end tonight's opening ceremony, I turn the microphone over to Kanto's most powerful Pokemon Trainer. I give you Champion Lance!" Lance stepped forward to enthusiastic applause and cheering. The man offered a quick smile and wave to the crowd, before getting down to business himself.

"Trainers, fight hard and honor your Pokemon as you take this final challenge in Kanto together. We will be watching closely, as will the world. Show us what Kanto's best truly has to offer. Now, it is time for you to rest. Tomorrow, your journey to the top begins. On behalf of The Elite Four and the Pokemon League, I declare this Indigo League Conference officially underway!" A final roar left the crowd and competitors alike. The opening ceremonies were over. It was time to battle!

The Next Day

Just a few more hours now. That was all Ash could think as he slowly ate breakfast at an outdoor cafe with Brock, Misty, Togepi, Pikachu, and Espeon. His egg was safely tucked away in his backpack. It was only a few minutes earlier that he had seen Gary on a television as he left the Pokemon Center. The reporters had indicated that Gary dominated his first round opponent on the Ice Field, sweeping the match with ease. "No comment," was all Gary had said when he was asked about the match, opting to walk away. Unfortunately they didn't exactly show highlights, but Ash could still sense the strength radiating off his childhood rival. He really had changed.

"Penny for your thoughts Ash? You've been pretty quiet," spoke Brock. Ash looked up, offering him and Misty a reassuring smile.

"Just thinking about the upcoming match."

"You're going to do great!" declared Misty.

"I wouldn't be too sure about that," a cocky voice uttered, appearing out of nowhere. Ash turned to see the face of the same man he had previously seen on the computer screen only a day ago.

"Mandi," Ash uttered in recognition. The man smirked.

"Ah, you have heard of me. I suppose my reputation does precede itself. Yet, I am not the only one with a reputation… am I Ash Red Ketchum?" Before Ash could get a word in, the man continued, speaking in a haughty tone.

"Hero of the Orange Islands. Champion of the Orange League. Rumored to have been involved with stopping Team Rocket in Kanto. You have quite the amount of fame for such a young boy, but then again that is all you are… a simple young boy. I on the other hand am astounding and look forward to putting on a show that will see you booted from the league," Mandi said with a flourish, his eyes almost appearing like stars.

"Do not shed any tears though. To lose to one such as I will be an honor for you I am sure. I wish I could stay to chat more, but I can hear the fans now. They call for me. Ta ta Ash Red Ketchum. We meet on the field of battle in just a few hours more." With that, Mandi departed, leaving three severely weirded out trainers.

"Not sure I see these fans the guy was talking about, but that encounter was certainly astounding," deadpanned Brock.

"Yeah, the guy loved the sound of his own voice," Misty said with a roll of her eyes.

"We're gonna pulverize him! Right daddy?"

"That's right Princess," Ash smiled, ruffling her fur, and going back to eating. Mandi talked big, but Ash wan't phased and he wasn't your average rookie. The boy had competed in his fair share of tournaments and was a full blown champion. Mandi wouldn't know what hit him.

Water Field - A Few Hours Later

"Tentacruel is unable to battle! Seaking is the winner! As John Forrester has no remaining usable Pokemon, I declare Grant Dean the victor!"

"ANOTHER EXCELLENT MATCH ON THE WATER FIELD! CONGRATULATIONS TO GRANT DEAN FROM CELADON CITY FOR MOVING ON!" Boomed an announcer, accompanied by the cheers and hollers of a sold out crowd. The losing trainer, a young boy, was ignored as he slowly exited the battlefield, his head hung low. He hardly noticed the raven-haired boy, waiting in the wings for his own turn.

Ash saw the slumped form of the retreating figure from underneath the stadium and felt pity. It must be awful to come so far on your journey only to suffer a first round exit. He quickly hardened his resolve though. He'd be fighting for his own life at the Indigo Plateau soon enough.

"NEXT UP, WE HAVE SOMETHING SPECIAL IN THE WORKS! OUR THIRD MATCH OF THE DAY ON THE WATER FIELD FEATURES TWO WELL-KNOWN TRAINERS! FIRST, INTRODUCING THE TRAINER FIGHTING IN THE RED BOX! HE'S A POKEMON LEAGUE FAVORITE, HAVING COMPETED IN SEVERAL TOURNAMENTS IN THE PAST! I GIVE YOU THE ASTOUNDING MANDI FROM NEON TOWN!" Ash heard a bang and saw a vague amount of smoke from his vantage point.

Guy likes to make an entrance, wryly thought Ash. He could faintly hear the man proclaiming his love for the crowd and promising to put on a fantastic show. Soon enough, the announcer must have had enough of it, because the man continued.

"MANDI MAY BE POPULAR, BUT HE'S NOT THE ONLY ONE! TODAY'S TRAINER FIGHTING IN THE GREEN BOX IS A NEW FACE TO THE INDIGO LEAGE CONFERENCE, BUT ONE WELL KNOWN TO THE WORLD! I GIVE YOU THE HERO OF THE ORANGE ISLANDS AND THE ORANGE LEAGUE'S NEWEST CHAMPION! INTRODUCING ASH RED KETCHUM FROM PALLET TOWN!" Ash took his cue, walking out from underneath the bleachers and into the light. A thundering crowd greeted him, roaring in approval at his appearance. His face was there, opposite Mandi's on a giant screen. Each trainer had three rectangles next to their face lit up, signaling a Pokemon that retained its ability to battle.

Ignoring the crowd and Mandi's mocking smile, Ash took his place in the green box, joined by Pikachu and Espeon, and stared down his opponent with a cold look. The battlefield between them was made entirely of water, with the exception of five platforms that floated at various points. A referee in a blue Indigo League uniform stepped forward.

"This is an official Indigo League Conference match between Mandi from Neon Town and Ash from Pallet Town. The battle will be 3 on 3. A victor will be decided when all of one trainer's Pokemon are unable to battle. Substitutions are allowed by either trainer. Per the pre-battle coin toss, Mandi will send out the first Pokemon.

"And it will be the only one I need. Exeguttor, dazzle the crowd with your talent!" called the man, tossing a Pokeball into the air. A tall, bipedal Pokemon resembling a palm tree with three faces materialized on one of the floating platforms.

Grass-Psychic huh? I chose my Pokemon well.

"Time to taste battle once again. Gengar, let's go!" Ash's ghoulish Pokemon appeared opposite Exeggutor, bearing his usual mischievous grin.

"Exeggutor vs Gengar. Begin!"

"Psybeam!"

"Into the water," calmly answered Ash. Eggecutor fired off a beam of pure psychic energy out towards Gengar. Honestly, Ash wasn't impressed. He'd seen far better on multiple occasions. Nonetheless, Gengar dodged the attack with ease, vanishing into the water as his trainer instructed. Mandi let out a laugh, snapping his fingers.

"You've done exactly as I expected my poor naive friend. Use your psychic powers and create whirlpools!" Eggecutor's eyes glowed blue and his hands moved with mystic energy. Whrilpools gradually began to form all around the battlefield and Mandi continued to laugh obnoxiously. Ash did and said nothing.

"WHIRLPOOLS HAVE ENVELOPED THE BATTLEFIELD COMPLETELY! HAS YOUNG KETCHUM BITTEN OFF MORE THAN HE CAN CHEW?"

As if.

From the corner of his eye, Ash saw it. A flash of purple beneath Eggecutor's platform. His lip curled.

"Shadow Ball."

"GAR!" An orb of shadow burst from the water, striking Eggecutor in the back and dealing supper-effective damage. That's not all that happened though. The Palm Tree Pokemon soared into the air, landing in the same whirlpools it had created.

"NO! MY BELOVED EGGECUTOR!"

"Again," Ash uttered simply, not caring about Mandi's distress. Another ball of shadow locked onto the now whirling Eggecutor, easily connecting with the moving target.

"TOR!" Eggecutor shrieked in pain, slowly sinking to the depths of the water, no longer able to battle.

"Eggecutor? Eggecutor? Fight!" Ash shook his head incredulously.

"Help him out," sighed the boy. Sinking into the water below, Gengar disappeared, reappearing moments later and dumping an unconscious Eggecutor onto a platform.

"Eggecutor is unable to battle!" called the referee. Immediately, a red rectangle dimmed next to Mandi's name on the big board. Meanwhile, the crowd reacted with a roar, appreciative of Ash's early effective take down.

"I SPOKE TOO SOON! YOUNG ASH RED KETCHUM SCORES AN EARLY KNOCKOUT WITH EASE! CAN MANDI OVERCOME THE YOUNG TRAINER'S TACTICAL ACUMEN?" Mandi looked like he had been slapped, growling out what he perceived to be an insult, while calling back Eggecutor.

"I was merely testing the boy. Now is when the true battle begins. Seadra, show this novice his place!" Mandi's sea-dragon Pokemon phased into being in the water. Again, Ash couldn't help but compare.

Seadra looks scrawny and poorly trained, especially next to Misty's.

"Seadra vs Gengar! Begin!"

"Seadra, use—"

"Return," Ash said, not wasting anytime in calling Gengar back.

"Ah! I see you are scared. Most wise," nodded Mandi. By now, Ash was used to the drivel and simply ignored it. Grabbing another Pokeball from his belt, Ash tossed it onto the battlefield.

"Chan!" cried his fighter, punching the air with fervor.

"Hitmonchan vs Seadra! Begin!"

"A Hitmomchan? What good can a land base Pokemon like that possibly do to my speedy Seadra? Speaking of speed, let's add to our advantage. Use Agility!" Seadra blurred, gaining speed and zooming around the battlefield like lightning. This time, Ash couldn't help himself. He actually let out a small chuckle.

"You mock me?" scoffed Mandi.

"You mock yourself," corrected Ash.

"Thunderpunch."

"It will never land," smirked the man.

"On the water," finished Ash. Mandi paled, and Hitmonchan's electric coated fist connected with the water. The entire battlefield crackled with electricity, shocking Seadra with super-effective damage. Things were only going to get worse for Mandi. Seadra wasn't knocked out, but it wasn't moving either, which was something Ash picked up on right away.

Paralyzed. Perfect!

"Mach Punch."

"Bubble Beam!" cried Mandi in desperation. This time it was Hitmonchan who blurred, flashing forward across platforms, jumping into the air, and then falling forwards towards the water and a helpless Seadra. It didn't stand a chance.

POW! Seadra was absolutely pummeled, being slammed to the floor and creating cracks underwater, despite the water pressure. Slowly, Seadra rose to the surface, swirls on its face, clearly knocked out.

"Seadra is unable to battle!" refrained the referee once more, while Mandi was now down to a single Pokemon.

"ASH RED KETCHUM STRIKES AGAIN! TWO BRUTAL KNOCKOUTS IN RAPID SUCCESSION! THE PALLET TOWN PRODIGY IS ON THE VERGE OF A ROUND 1 SWEEP!"

"Silence!" Mandi roared, outraged at the insinuation.

"I will not be swept away like trash blowing in the wind. Time to turn it around, and this time I will have the advantage. Golbat, it's up to you!" This time, it was a large blue bat that appeared from Mandi, mouth wide open and showing sharp teeth.

"Return Hitmonchan," Ash called, not letting anything show on his expression. With the ball secured back on his belt, he spared a glance to the mouse on his shoulder. It nodded. With great speed, Pikachu leapt onto a platform in front of Ash.

"Golbat vs Pikachu! Begin!" Mandi acted fast, angered at his previous humiliation.

"Use your Supersonic attack!" Golbat screeched, emitting giant rings of white from his mouth. The problem was, Pikachu was nowhere to be seen, or rather he was everywhere.

"Excellent Double Team Pikachu. Pair that with Agility," confidently pushed Ash. In no time flat, fifteen Pikachu were leaping from platform to platform, confusing a now rapidly spinning Golbat who just couldn't keep up.

"Focus Golbat! Don't try to—"

"Iron Tail."

"PIKA!"

WHAM! A Pikachu image hit home, whacking Golbat to the side with a powerful Iron Tail, before disappearing amongst the crowd of Pikachu's once more in quick fashion. For good measure Ash had Pikachu repeat the maneuver several times, much to Mandi's chagrin.

"Golbat!" Mandi cried, seeing his exhausted Pokemon barely sustaining flight at this point.

"Return." Every Pikachu image converged, heading straight for the dazed Pokemon.

"CHU!"

POW! Golbat was slammed to a stadium wall, far outside the confined Water Battlefield. It was over. All in all, the battle had lasted less than ten minutes.

"Golbat is unable to battle! As Mandi has no remaining Pokemon, I declare Ash the winner of this official Indigo League Match!"

"I-I lost?" slumped the man, thoroughly confused.

"A FIERY ROUND 1 SWEEP GIVEN TO US BY ASH RED KETCHUM! WATCH THIS TRAINER FOLKS! HE LOOKS LIKE HE'S GONNA STICK AROUND FOR A WHILE!" The crowd shared the fervor of the announcer, chanting Ash's name and cheering like mad. Sending them all a quick smile, Ash called Pikachu back to his shoulder, exited his box, and left the stadium. He'd been there and done that, even if this was the biggest crowd he had technically battled in front of. No need to stick around like a starstruck rookie.

Just gonna play it cool, thought the boy with a small smirk, passing another trainer who was likely headed up for his own battle. Soon enough, Ash found himself outside the Water stadium battlefield. The boy visibly paled when he saw what was waiting for him. His greatest fear stood in front of, or rather, surrounded him. Cameras, Microphones, people with gaudy makeup…

"Mary from Goldenrod City here with Ash Red Ketchum, Hero and Champion of the Orange Islands! Young Ash just swept his first official Pokemon League Battle here at the Indigo Plateau, knocking off a local favorite in the process. Anything to say Ash," smiled the pink-haired reporter expectantly.

"Crap…"

Oddly enough, Ash wasn't the only one to express such a thing. Near the back, another reporter with frizzled hair and a murderous expression had similar things to say, though of a worser variety. If only her incompetent cameraman hadn't forgotten to wake her from her beauty sleep. He would pay, and so would that Goldenrod trash!

END CHAPTER

It's been a while and I do apologize for the delay. Work's been pretty busy and some other real life priorities took over. Not sure when the next chapter is coming, because life is still busy. In any case, enough excuses. Today's chapter hinted at a new side arc featuring three interesting characters. Ash also finally made it to the Pokemon League, dominating Mandi of course.

Next Time - Ash's aftermath with the press, we catch up with some other characters in the vicinity, and more battling of course.

JaimonDosFendu - Thanks for the review! Maybe. Maybe not. No spoilers.

Talesfanjmf - Thanks for the review! I appreciate the compliment. Hope you liked the continuation of the subplot with our older characters.

Biohazard82 - Thanks for the review! Glad you like the story.

Espeon860 - Thanks for the review! Two love interests indeed. There can only be one though. Who will it be?

Strikerthefallen - Thanks for the review! Grandpa Issues! LOL! I Yep I'm going with that. Thanks for making me laugh.

Reader2 - Thanks for the review! Gary is kind of bent on revenge, hence him being a dick. In the anime, he humbled out after being defeated by a random trainer, which I think shocked him to his senses. Losing to his rival halfway through Kanto where he still hasn't fully matured could easily lead to differing reactions and motivations. Just my thoughts.

Reader - Thanks for the review! 1st battle was vanilla, but can't leave out the Astounding Mandi!

Rfk22 - Thanks for the review! Yes he is, even if he doesn't know it himself. Somewhere Brock is crying in a corner in jealousy.

Remember to review with your thoughts and critique :)

Smell ya later!