Knocking on the large doors loudly, Ash waits in anticipation.

"Who goes there?" The voice echoes off the surrounding area, giving it a creepy feeling.

"Hey Bill! It's Ash!"

"Oh, Ash! Feel free to come in!"

Jumping on his toes excitedly, Ash rushes into the lighthouse when the doors creak open.

"Bill?!"

"Give me a second, Ash! Call the Professor while you wait. I know he has been meaning to talk to you!"

Nodding, even though Bill couldn't see him, Ash heads to the small table that has a computer and a Bellsprout phone, Ash dials Professor Oak's number.

Waiting for Professor Oak to answer, Ash picks up Charmander and Squirtle, sitting the two on the table so that they would be able to see too.

"Oh! Hello there Ash!"

Beaming at the cooking professor, Ash and his team wave back.

"Hello Professor! We made it to Bill's lighthouse!"

Glancing up from his tofu, Oak smiles brightly at the pokemon surrounding Ash. "Ah yes, and it seems that you have gained two new companions!"

"Yes! This is Charmander and Squirtle!"

"Hello." The pokemon say simultaneously.

Oak smiles genially at the pair. "I am going to guess that they greeted me. And in that case, 'hello' to you two too."

Ash beams, excitingly retelling his journey so far to the professor, gesticulating wildly throughout his tale, before his movements stop and his expression becomes somber. "The trainer that I saved Charmander from was very cruel Professor. But what I don't understand is how he had so many pokemon with him."

Oak strokes his beard, his eyes narrowed in thought. This Damien kid seemed like bad news, and if he was putting his Pokémon's lives in danger like that then he needed to be arrested and taken to a pokemon remedial school. If he could be taught to care for pokemon there, he would be able to resume his journey, however if he were to show no signs of improvement then he would be stripped of his license and would never be able to own a pokemon again.

"A trainer can carry more than six pokemon with them, however most professors tend to have any over six transported back to their labs. Most trainers do not have the skill and experience needed to take care of more than six so the professors take care of the extra pokemon as not to strain either party."

Ash and his pokemon nod along to the professor. "So if I were to catch more than six, could you make it to where they could stay with me?"

Oak sighs. He knew Ash would ask eventually. And while he turned down Gary's request, he would grant Ash's.

"Yes Ash. However if it ever becomes too tough, I want you to send them back to my lab so that I can watch them for you. Promise me."

"I promise Professor. And so do my pokemon."

Pikachu, Eevee, Squirtle, and Charmander all nod their heads in agreement.

"You are going to be entering the electric type gym next. Lt. Surge is known for his devastating electrical attacks, and because the other gym leaders have told him how good of a trainer you are, he will not hold back in your battle. I know that you have been training your pokemon hard, but I suggest taking some time while at Bill's to train. He has a wide variety of pokemon to battle against and he should be able to offer advice to your training."

Ash nods frantically. "I knew Lt. Surge would be tough. I just didn't know that gym leaders talked to each other about stuff like that."

Stirring his pot so that his tofu doesn't burn, Oak dips his head. "While on most accounts they don't, some trainers warrant their attention by proving they are capable with their pokemon. You have proven that you have trained your pokemon right and that you know what you are doing. By doing this the gym leaders will inform each other of your progress so that they know what skill level they should use."

"Huh. That is interesting." Looking towards the hallways that he can hear Bill calling him from Ash turns back towards the professor. "Can you please tell my mom I love her? I got to go."

"Of course Ash. And good luck."

Waving goodbye, Ash ends the call. Walking towards Bill's voice, Ash looks down at his four pokemon. "We can do this guys. We just have to believe in ourselves."

His pokemon nod in determination.

Ash stands next to Bill. The two are out on the beach watching Ash's pokemon battle. Bill had let Ash use his Jolteon to battle with Pikachu. The high level of Jolteon plus the excellent control of his speed and electricity was really pushing Pikachu to do his best. And Ash couldn't be prouder. The speed that he was gaining while training with Jolteon had caused Pikachu to learn Volt Tackle. A move Ash new was going to come in handy in the future.

Squirtle was training with Golduck. The duck pokemon was effortlessly gliding through the waters, forcing Squirtle to improvise on ways to gain speed in order to keep up with the naturally faster water type. Golduck, also being a lot higher leveled than Squirtle, was causing the turtle pokemon to level up quickly. His attack skills raising and his move set widening.

Eevee was unfortunately paired with an Alakazam. The psychic pokemon proved to be a devastating opponent against the small fox with his wide range of attacks. Eevee found it hard to pin point exactly where Alakazam would be because of the use of teleport. It was really being to irk him. Every time Eevee would think that he had the older pokemon cornered, one psychic attack would render his efforts useless. It was vexing the small silver fox. However, Alakazam made Eevee rely more on his brain, and the continuous duress that he was under caused Eevee to learn dark pulse. This gave Eevee a little more leeway with his planning, and was finally able to hit the other pokemon.

Charmeleon, who had evolved after defeating one of Bill's Vileplumes, was training with an Aerodactyl. The use of the rock type's wings caused Charmeleon endless vexation. He was forced to put his maximum amount of strength into his attacks so that they would be able to reach and damage the flying type. This caused the lizard to grow braver and slyer during his training. He would prove to Ash that he was strong, because Ash was strong. He wanted to show Ash that he wasn't weak anymore. It was probably why he evolved so fast.

Bulbasaur, who had showed up during the first week of training and demanded a battle from Ash, was fighting a Spearow. The flying type was tamed and thus went easier of the grass type, but Bill suggested Bulbasaur start off against someone who had a type advantage against him. While he was high level from protecting the forest, he was still the lowest leveled of Ash's pokemon, Squirtle coming before him.

"So, after they grow used to fighting against these pokemon, we can move onto others. They need a wider move pool as well as being able to think on the fly without waiting for you to tell them to dodge or make an easy attack. And if we are lucky, depending on how long you plan on staying, some of your other pokemon might evolve also."

Ash nods along to Bill's words. His pokemon were already getting stronger now that they had high level pokemon to battle against. And while his pokemon lost a lot of the battles they were having against Bills, it was increasing their strength and endurance. He knew that they would need it for the upcoming gym battles.

"I want them all to have a chance battling against Alakazam. Sabrina is one of my biggest worries."

Bills pats Ash's shoulder. "I do not blame you there. Now, you should get back to your own training."

Ash had confided in Bill about his new ability to use aura and how he had to try to learn to control it as well as master it. "Of course."

Walking back towards the shaded tree, Ash sits crossed legged under it, watching his pokemon train across the beach. He was so proud of them and how far they had come in such a relatively short time.

Sending one last soft smile towards them, Ash closes his eyes and begins to concentrate.

Ash, Wartortle, Charmeleon, Eevee, Bulbasaur, and Pikachu all sit with Bill as they eat dinner.

"I think this is going to be our last night here."

Bill, who was expecting this, grins at the younger male. "Of course, Ash. But I have a present for you."

Ash cocks his head to the side. "A present?"

Nodding, Bill goes into the room connected to his living room before coming out with an egg. "As you know, a couple of weeks before you came here I was visited by the pokemon I have been trying to contact. It was scared off by Team Rocket however so I never got the chance to actually meet it. BUT, it left me this egg. I don't have the time to take care of an egg right now because I have had a break through with my research so I was wondering if you could take care of it for me."

Ash, who gently took the soft blue and white spotted egg from the researcher, gazes down at the delicate object. "Do you know what it is going to hatch into?"

Bill sighs before pinching the bridge of his nose. "I have several ideas. It is all very vexing to me. It could really be anything. The egg is much larger than any I have ever seen, probably given the fact that its parent was rather gigantic itself. As of this point I cannot make an accurate guess. But that is what I have you for. Though I am sure that the pokemon will be larger than others of its kind. You can take care of the egg for me, as well as studying everything that happens during the hatching process."

Gently stroking the egg, Ash beckons his other pokemon to come and welcome it into their small family.

"Thank you so much Bill. You have already done so much for us."

Bill waves off Ash's worries. "Honestly, these past two months have been amazing for me. I never get guests, and to have someone as smart as you has helped out a lot. I can see why Professor Oak kept you as his assistant."

Blushing, Ash shrugs. "It's nothing really."

Bill can only shake his head. The small boy before him really has no idea how wonderful he is. It didn't help that he had no human friends growing up, thanks to Gary. But Bill couldn't help but wonder if that was a classical pulling ponytails case or not. Oh well. It was none of his business. 'Though,' Bill thinks to himself glancing over Ash, 'If he continues to grow into someone as gorgeous as I think he will, I might have to lay a claim to him… But that won't be for some years yet.'

Quietly standing up, Bill leaves the trainer and his pokemon to bond with the new egg.

Making their way down the gravel path Ash, Pikachu, Eevee, and Charmeleon were going over battle strategies for the next gym. Wartortle and Bulbasaur were safely in their pokeballs taking a nap, and the egg was securely nestled in Ash's arms.

"So, we know that Lt. Surge is going to use his Raichu. It is his go to and most powerful pokemon."

"Yeah, which is stupid because he uses Raichu against weaker trainers too. It's pathetic." Charmeleon growls, scowling.

Eevee, from his spot on Ash's shoulder, nods empathetically. "I agree with Charmeleon. It is horrible how that meanie head uses his most powerful pokemon against such low level pokemon. From what Bill said so far there has been thirty-six pokemon taken to Nurse Joy this month alone. He needs to be brought down a peg or two."

"Yes, both of you are right. But that doesn't answer the question on who is going to battle him." Pikachu pipped up from his spot on his trainer's head.

Crossing his arms across his chest, Charmeleon tilts his head to the side and shoots out a weak ember. "I want to battle him. Just to show him what it means to take battling seriously."

Smiling down at the fire type walking diligently by his side, Ash makes a humming noise. "I wanted to save you until we got to the grass gym. I know now that the gym leaders are discussing me, but I want them to at least have to guess about which pokemon I have with me. If I use you then they will know I have a fire type and might try to find pokemon within their type range that can combat you."

Charmeleon sighs. "I know, Ash. I just wish that I could show him not to be such a jerk."

Giggling, Ash's amber eyes glance up at Pikachu. "Don't worry Charmeleon. I think I have to perfect plan."

His three pokemon eye him curiously, but Eevee only shrugs before climbing down to cuddle with their unborn family member.

Walking into the Vermilion Pokemon Center, Ash beams brightly at Nurse Joy.

"Hi Nurse Joy."

The pinkette looks up towards the young adorable pokemon trainer walking towards her. "Do I know you, young man?"

Shaking his head, Ash hands over his three pokeballs along with Eevee and Pikachu. "No ma'am, but I read that all Nurse Joy's worked in the pokemon centers here in Kanto."

Joy nods in understanding before looking down at the pokemon being handed over to her. "Oh wow. A shiny Eevee. Even in my line of work, we rarely ever get any. He is a beauty."

Eevee, who had heard the praise, began preening for the nurse. "You hear that Pikachu? I'm a beauty."

Pikachu rolls his eyes. "You're also touched in the head."

Eevee narrows his eyes before pouting at the pretty nurse. Nurse Joy only smiles down brightly at the small fox.

"Don't worry young man, I will have your pokemon checked over in a few minutes."

Nodding happily, Ash begins to walk towards the waiting area before a young boy comes barreling into the Center.

"Please! Please! Hurry! My rattata! He's hurt!"

Ash could only watch, his anger at the Lt. Surge growing at the horrible state the small rattata was in.

Getting his pokemon back from the Nurse, Ash heads towards the gym, Pikachu and Eevee faithfully riding on his shoulders. The rest of his team were lying low in their pokeballs, hoping to give their trainer the advantage in future gym battles by not showing the pokemon he has.

Approaching a giant building with lightning bolts decorated on the front, Ash looks at his two companions. "This is it guys. This is the time to show Lt. Surge that he can't bully weaker trainers. Are you two ready?"

Seeing the two nod, Ash sighs in relief. "And you remember the plan, Pikachu?"

"Of course Ash. I go in and devastate his Raichu. And hopefully it will knock some sense into his head."

Ash grins. "Then let's do this."

Pushing open the gym doors, Ash is greeted with the sight of a man and woman standing at the entrance.

"Hello, my name is Ash Ketchum and I have come to earn a thunder badge."

The man sneers down at Ash before turning backwards. "Hey boss, we have another victim for the emergency room."

The words were so callously spoken and they cause Ash's grip to momentarily tighten around the egg. Breathing to calm himself down as not to hurt the unborn baby, Ash glares at the man.

Lt. Surge pushes off from against the wall he was leaning on to walk towards the front of the gym. Eyeing the new challenger, he grins impishly. Pinching the scared cheeks, Surge beams. "My next challengers a cute one! But don't think I'll go easy on ya!"

Ash frees one of his hands so that he can push away Lt. Surge. "I have come here to earn a thunder badge."

Lt, Surge snorts before noticing the Pikachu, and completely disregarding Eevee, on Ash's shoulder. "Ah, a baby pokemon for a baby trainer. Hey guys!" He calls to the two people standing behind him. "Look at this, a Pikachu!" The three begin to laugh.

Amber eyes narrow. "There is nothing wrong with my Pikachu."

Rolling his eyes, Lt. Surge pulls out a pokeball before tossing it.

"Raichu!"

Critically eyeing the newly released pokemon, Ash begins going over the plans in his head.

"Everyone knows that electric type pokemon are only good if they know all of their electric attacks. It is why you should evolve your pokemon as soon as you get them."

Feeling the familiar anger swell in him, Ash has to restrain his growing aura from lashing out.

"There is more to raising pokemon than forcing them to evolve."

"Yeah and you would know that if you weren't such a dick!"

Raichu's black eyes narrow on Pikachu. "What did you just say about my master?"

Pikachu stood taller, his cheeks sparking. "I said that he was a dick."

"I guess we are just going to have to wipe the floor with you in a battle so that you can take that back."

Snorting, Pikachu turns up his nose at his evolved form. "As if."

Lt. Surge shrugs. "I guess you'll learn baby." Clapping his hands, the lights in the gym come on. Walking to his side of the gym, Surge gets into his battle stance. "Go, Raichu!"

Raichu jumps out onto the field.

"I choose, Pikachu!"

Pikachu also takes his place on the field.

"This will be a one on one battle. No time limits, begin!"

"Pikachu, use the strategy we planned out!"

Nodding to let Ash know he heard him, Pikachu quickly jumps into battle. Using Agility to quickly out maneuver Raichu's thunderbolts, Pikachu hit Raichu on the side with an iron tail causing the taller mouse to cry out in pain.

"Quick Raichu, use body slam now that Pikachu is in reach!"

Raichu used body slam on Pikachu catching him off guard. Crying out, Pikachu attempted to struggle away from the heavier pokemon, but Raichu released a powerful thunderbolt onto the smaller pokemon.

Feeling his limbs shake, Pikachu powered up another iron tail, sighing in relief when it caused Raichu to roll off.

"Pikachu, I know you're hurt, but quick attack!"

Ignoring his shaking limbs, Pikachu launched into another quick attack, hitting Raichu in the stomach, causing the pokemon to fall onto its back. Seeing his opportunity, Pikachu used agility to make it back to the other wide of the gym before powering up for a volt tackle. Speeding towards the bigger mouse pokemon, Lt. Surge and Raichu were both caught off guard, allowing Pikachu to land his attack.

Raichu fainted, causing Pikachu to let out a breath of relief. He won.

Ash gently scoops up his oldest friend, using one arm to hold the egg and the other Pikachu.

"Congratulations Ash. You showed me that you don't have to make your pokemon evolve for them to be powerful. Here is a thunder badge to prove your victory here."

Accepting the badge, Ash pins it next to his other two. "Just promise me that you won't send so many trainer's pokemon to the emergency room."

Lt. Surge stares down into beautiful amber eyes. "Of course, baby."

Ash beams at the man, before turning and heading to the Pokemon Center to have Pikachu looked at.

Watching the boy leave his gym, Lt. Surge grins. The boy might be too young now, but that couldn't stop him from being his friend until he got old enough.