It was a bright and sunny Tuesday morning. The weather on Route 16 was warm and slightly breezy, causing leafs to shake merrily from their spots on the branches of the trees littering each side of the path. Tuesday mornings also marked the beginning of the day where Ash would take each of his pokemon aside individually and talk about anything they were feeling and if anything that week had bothered them.
Each week he would randomly choose the order of who he talks to, not wanting to feel like he was favoring one pokemon over another.
While the rest of the pokemon wait their turn beside a beautifully sparkling creak nestled away in the small expanse of woods, Ash was sitting cross legged a little ways off with Charmeleon sitting in front of him. Ash chose Charmeleon to start the day off with, knowing the fire lizard would want to get back to Dratini quickly. Plus Ash was curious on to how he was feeling about their newest member.
"So Charmeleon, you know how these sessions go. How has your week been?" Passing a Rawst berry to his fire type, Ash beams when Charmeleon happily munches on it.
During these sessions the aspiring trainer would make sure to have a supply of his pokemon's favorite berries. Having the small snack to munch on during their talks always made them feel more relaxed, plus it gave them something to do when mulling over their thoughts.
"I'm glad I finally got my chance to battle in a real Gym. And it made me feel like all the training has been paying off because of how well I did in the battle." Charmeleon replies thoughtfully, his tail lazily flicking behind him. "I have been training with Wartortle so that water type moves do not beat me right off the bat, though his type advantage usually allows him to win."
"I have seen you practicing with Wartortle and you have gotten very strong. I was incredibly impressed with your battle against Erica, it really hit home with how far you have come." The trainer praises. And Ash meant it. He always knew Charmeleon was tough, the fire type being one of the heavy hitters on his team. Though all of his team struggled each day to improve themselves. They wanted to prove everyone who had ever said anything negative towards their trainer wrong.
"Thank you Ash. I am hoping to gain enough experience with my own moves and battling so that I can evolve into a Charizard soon. Then I will be even stronger and if anything happens I will be able to protect all of you better." Charmeleon confesses, his ebony eyes flickering downwards in thought. "I remember how weak I felt as a Charmander, back when I was Damien's pokemon. I remember how pathetic he would make me feel just because I was weaker than the others. I never want to feel that way again. So defenseless." His voice grows soft at the end of his sentence. He hated admitting things like that, preferring to keep a tough façade, but he trusts Ash.
Reaching out to grab Charmeleon's clawed hand, Ash squeezes it gently. Rubbing soothing fingers over the sharp claws, Ash smiles sweetly at the middle level evolution. "You have come so far. And you have always been strong. Damien was just an idiot not to realize it. You were a lower level and he should never have made you battle against such high leveled opponents."
Feeling a wave of love rush through him, Charmeleon wraps his body in a hug against Ash's. For an abused and abandoned pokemon Ash was an Arceus send. He always knew what to say and he never was disappointed in them. Even when Charmeleon lost his battle against Sabrina's Kadabra in training, he only smiled and said they would take the defeat and do better next time.
Flashing white teeth at his toughest pokemon, Ash gently places a kiss against Charmeleon's small horn. "Tell me about how you and Dratini are bonding."
Dark eyes sparkling in excitement, and his tail waving madly, Charmeleon recants how much Dratini has grown in the past week. "I was even able to teach her Flamethrower! I know she isn't ready to do our type of training, but she has grown so much already! And she is so smart. I had a mock battle with her to test where she is at and she even managed to land a hit on me. Give me a couple of more weeks with her and I will have her ready to enter lessons with you!" Charmeleon beams. He thought of the small dragon type pokemon as a little sister. When he was born in the small clutch inside of a research lab, he had a sister. He loved taking care of her when they were still young, and it was sad when they had to leave each other to go off with their new trainers. He still remembers little Charla. He hopes to see her again someday. "She reminds me of my own little sister back when I was a baby Charmander. Her name was Charla. I know she went off with a girl trainer, all I can remember was that she had green hair. She even gave Charla a small little bow. I hope she is doing well."
Smiling gently at his reminiscing pokemon, Ash uses his aura to view Charmeleon's emotions. 'Happy, content, and melancholy. A nice mix, with the melancholy slowly leaving.'
"I am more that positive we will see them again someday." Ash reassures his friend. "And it makes sense why you have taken such a shine to Dratini."
Plucking another Rawst berry into his mouth, Charmeleon munches happily on it. "She is my little sister. And because I know I will never have to say goodbye to her, I am going to help you train her to be the best dragon type pokemon ever!"
Laughing, the two sit in a peaceful silence. Ash lets Charmeleon finish his berries before calling the next pokemon over.
"Why don't you go ahead and tell me about your week, Wartortle?" Ash questions, handing over a bowl filled with Aspear berries.
Beaming at the treat, Wartortle sits the bowl in his lap and plucks one into his mouth as he thinks over his past week.
"I have been working with Bulbasaur so that I can be able to combat the spores and powders he is able to produce. So far I have found spraying myself with my own water gun helps if the attack manages to land." Wartortle explains to his trainer, though he has a feeling Ash already knows. The aura user has a strange way of knowing everything.
"I am really proud of you. It takes a lot of dedication to go outside of our normal practices and training to seek help in the areas you want to better yourself in." Ash beams. His pokemon were always helping each other, a fact that pleases him to no end. It really cements in the fact that they are a family. "Is there anything that has been on your mind lately?"
Wartortle hums to himself. "I want to have the chance to battle a Gym. Everyone but Bulbasaur and I, and obviously Dratini because she was just hatched, have gotten the chance to. I was wondering when you were going to use me."
Uncrossing and re adjusting his legs, Ash contemplates his answer, a tan finger unconsciously rubbing against his bottom lip. "The Fuchsia Gym is known for their use of poison type pokemon. I was thinking of either using Bulbasaur or Charmeleon for that gym. However, Cinnabar and Viridian Gyms both have types that you have an advantage against, so I was saving you for those two."
Snickering the turtle pokemon eats another berry, grimacing when a bit of juice seeps out of his mouth. "So I get saved for the two strongest gyms? Heck yes."
"Well, you are my laziest pokemon, so I figured you would only accept battling those two." Ash teases.
"Hey!" Wartortle yelps, blue ears twitching. "There is nothing wrong with liking a good nap!"
Ash winks, a smile tugging against his lips. "When you are not battling, training, or swimming you are napping."
The water type sweat drops, self-consciously scratching his shell. "You got me there."
Chuckling, Ash reaches over and softly pets one of Wartortle's silken ears. "It's okay though. We all accept you just the way you are."
Sitting in silence for a few minutes and enjoying the sun's rays against their skin, the two enjoy the easy companionship of each other's company.
"I want to evolve into a Blastoise. After we get done battling the Indigo League and beat the champion, I want to open up the first firefighter station in Pallet Town. I know you were saying that you didn't have one. If there was ever a fire that broke out you wouldn't have anyone to put it out. I will still battle with you whenever you need me because I want to remain your pokemon, but that has been my dream." Wartortle tells Ash honestly. He knows Ash plans on going through each region and learning all about pokemon he can, but Wartortle wants to get strong enough so that when he evolves into Blastoise he can put out any fire Pallet will get on his own. Though he only wants to do that after they beat the League. He wants to prove the trainer that abandoned him wrong. And he wants to make Ash proud.
"That would be awesome. I know there has been some small fires and Professor Oak usually has to put them out when he learns about them. But if you are there then it would make everything a lot easier and safer. Plus you would get to nap as much as you like between fires." Ash knows it is Wartortle's dream to be a firefighter. He loves being helpful to people. And the fact Pallet Town doesn't have a fire squad had interested the turtle since he first heard about it. "Plus you would be another person I could count on to watch out for my mom. I love her to death, but she can be a little out there sometimes."
Grinning in relief, the water type nods his head seriously. "Of course. And I would never stop training either. I would need to stay in tip top shape in case you ever need me in battle." Wartortle is relieved that Ash isn't disappointed in him for not wanting to travel the other regions with him. But just because he didn't want to travel after Kanto does not mean he would quit battling for Ash whenever he needs him.
"I know you will become the best you can be. I have faith in you."
The two share a determined look. They were planning on making it to the champion. They want to win. And they knew they would need each other and everyone else to get there.
With a bowel full of Cheri berries and a one on one session with his trainer, Bulbasaur could say he loves Tuesdays. He loves that Ash took the time every week to really listen to what his pokemon have to say, and he takes all their words, their hopes and their dreams seriously. Bulbasaur knows that Wartortle wants to open his own little firefighting shop in Pallet Town, and while most trainers wouldn't let their pokemon do it, Ash supports the water type whole heartedly. It was something the seed pokemon really respects in his trainer.
Using his vine to eat some of his berries, Bulbasaur is content with the soft strokes against his bulb. It was something most Bulbasaur trainers didn't take the time to learn, or even care to do, but all Bulbasaurs love getting their bulb petted. Even their later evolutions enjoy it.
"Okay my favorite little seed pokemon, tell me what's been weighing so heavily on your mind this past week." Ash coaxes. He has noticed that Bulbasaur has been wearing a pensive look on his face, and his emotions have been in turmoil.
"How did I even think I could get it passed you?" Bulbasaur teases. "Evolution has been on my mind actually."
Ash curiously tilts his head to the side, fingers still massaging his grass type. "What do you mean by that?"
"Well," Bulbasaur pauses to collect his thoughts and try to find the right words to explain it. "Most wild Bulbasaur, and even some trainers, when they are ready to evolve there is an event called the Mysterious Garden that is held once a year that they evolve at. I know my experience is high enough for me to evolve into an Ivysaur, but I want to wait till the Mysterious Garden comes around to do it."
"If you want to wait to evolve till then than that is fine with me. It will always be your choice when, and if, you choose to evolve. I will never force you or look down on you if you choose to wait." Ash says seriously. He knows Pikachu doesn't want to evolve, he was happier as a Pikachu. And Ash would never take that away from him.
Feeling his eyes mist up, Bulbasaur cuddles further into Ash. Even though his previous trainer was an asshole, his current one was amazing. "You won't mind if I evolve into a Venusaur? I know most trainers find them ugly."
Scratching Bulbasaur behind the ear, Ash indulgently shakes his head in the negative. "I don't find any pokemon ugly. And I think the Venusaur form is pretty cool looking. Plus they have more vines that they can use than either Bulbasaur or Ivysaur. But speaking of Ivysaur, do you know when and where this Mysterious Garden will happen? That way we know to be in the right place at the right time."
Beaming happily, the seed pokemon is happy to inform his trainer. "It is next month in the mountains. I don't know the name of the town, but I will know how to get there."
"We will start making our way there after we get the Fuchsia Gym Badge. And while we wait for the Festival to begin we can train. It will be good practice for the League and our last two gym battles." Ash explains, taking a bite of the sandwich he had made earlier today. If there was one thing he knew, it was his aura burned off his food fast, so he was always hungry. It was one of the reasons you could always catch him snacking on an apple or something else.
"After we get our badges and go to the Indigo League, we are going to dominate there before heading to the Master League where we will beat the Elite Four and then the Champion!" Bulbasaur shouts enthused. And he believed with the right amount of training that they could do it.
Eevee happily sits in Ash's lap. While Ash would usually brush his fur, he always made sure to pull out a special oil to use too on Tuesdays. Eevee loves it because it makes his coat shiny as well as makes him smell good. Plus he just loves being pampered by his trainer.
"After six months, I think you know the drill by now." Ash teases, placing a plate of cut up banana slices in front of his little fox.
Needle sharp teeth snag a slice and the shiny begins happily munching on it. "There really hasn't been too much on my mind this past week. I've been practicing with Gengar and I have learned a few new moves, but you already know that. I have gained another level." Eevee beams, purring when Ash strokes the brush down his tail.
Grinning at the silver fox, Ash spreads a little bit of coconut oil onto the bristles before using the brush the fluff up Eevee's collar. "I am happy you and Gengar are getting along so well. I was nervous at first, but he has really found a place in our family."
"Yes, and it is funny how well he manages to get under Pikachu's fur. I always thought he was calm and collected, but Gengar has proven me wrong there." Eevee snickers. He loves seeing the electric mouse's fur ruffled after Gengar successfully manages to prank him.
"You know you love Pikachu. Though I would rather just stay happier than a dead pig in the sunshine when it comes to certain pranks. Plausible deniability and all."
Eyeing the look of complete innocence on his trainer's face, the evolution pokemon wonders if the aura user could get away with murder. With those dimples and his large amber eyes the answer was probably yes.
"Don't worry. If it ever gets to be anything too bad I will let you know so you can stop it." Eevee reassures. Just because he likes some of Gengar's pranks does not mean he wouldn't intervene if he thought the ghost type was going too far.
Beaming at his unofficial starter, Ash scratches him behind his long ears. If there was one thing Eevee loves more than battling it was being petted behind his ears.
"So, are you excited or nervous for the League?"
Eevee's ears twitch slightly, his face thoughtful as he chews on a piece of banana. "I'm excited. It has been a little under eight months since we started our journey. I want to win that trophy and then go on to challenge the Champion League."
Giggling, the aura user finishes up his brushing of the normal types fur. "With your spunk when it comes to battling there is no way we will lose."
Dratini lays curled up around Ash's neck. It was honestly her favorite spot to be. Besides when she was with brother Char, she felt the safest when she was closest to her daddy. She likes resting her head against his heart, she likes being able to feel the rhythmic rising and falling of his chest every time he takes a breath, and most of all she loves his scent. While the smelly goods in the store smelt good, nothing beat the natural scent of her Ashy. He smells likes the air just after it rains and fresh cut grass. She adores him.
"So my little love, how has your week been?" Ash questions his youngest member.
Dratini giggles. Once a week since she hatched her Ashy would take her aside and talk about her feelings, about how she was learning to view the world, and he would always ask if she was happy. "Char showed me a Butterfree. It was very pretty, it had big wings that had a lot of color on them."
Smiling, Ash strokes the snake under her chin. "I'm glad you liked it. One day you will have your own set of wings."
Bouncing up and down in excitement, and only calming down when Ash gives her an apple to nibble on, the dragon type hisses in elation. "I will have my own wings? Brother Char says when he evolves he will have wings too. Does that mean we can fly together and play games in the air?"
"Of course. You can play all the air battles you want to. Once you're big and strong." Because if she tries to do something like that now, he might have a heart attack, and he is only ten.
Curling her body tightly around him, Dratini gives Ash her version of a hug. "I love you Ashy. I don't really have anything I want to talk about today, I just want to eat apples together and enjoy the sunshine with just the two of us for a while."
Feeling touched, Ash grabs the large basket of apples and leans back against the rough bark of the tree. Even if it was not the most comfortable position, it was well worth it.
"I love you too, my little love." Ash softly tells her, letting his aura flow into her as he did when she was still an egg.
"You haven't annoyed the others too badly, have you?" Ash questions Gengar when he floats over towards him.
Snickering, Gengar waves his stubby arm dismissively. "They haven't tried attacking me yet, no."
Rolling his eyes, Ash tosses an Oran berry at his ghost type. "Anything interesting catch your eye this week?"
If there was one thing Ash has learned with these sessions it was that Gengar hates feeling overly emotional. He claims it 'dampens his superb masculinity'. Ash just thinks Gengar doesn't like to appear weak to anyone, not even his trainer.
"In my awesome awesomeness I have managed to shave even more time off my obstacle runs. I can't say it surprises me too much, I am the epitome of sheer coolness." Gengar flaunts.
Snorting, Ash throws an Oran berry at Gengar's head and begins giggling when it makes contact and then bounces off.
"Oh yes. You are the coolest on the team, with your big muscles." The ebony haired male teases. It is hard to take Gengar seriously sometimes, his extravagant and cocky attitude usually making him seem silly instead.
Flicking his fingers in the air, the purple pokemon strikes a pose. "I know."
Amber eyes glint in amusement. Gengar really was a pill. "Besides things involving training, is there anything you want to take talk me about? You know these sessions don't get out to anyone else."
Crossing his short legs and tapping his finger against his chin, the ghost type hums thoughtfully. "Besides training and pranks, no nothing. At least nothing that really stands out. And before you ask, yes I am still happy. And yes I do feel like part of the family."
Ash scratches the back of his head in embarrassment. He is a trainer that believes in keeping his pokemon happy, and was willing to do whatever it takes to insure that happens. If they were ever unhappy or felt out, he wants to know about it right away so that he can about correcting the situation. "If there isn't anything you want to talk about, what do you want to do with the rest of your time?"
Smirking, Gengar begins going over ideas for pranks. Not that he mentioned any names on who they would happen to. Plausible deniability and all.
"Alright buddy, you're the last one. Is there anything you want to get off of your chest or talk about?"
Pikachu, who has been feeling incredibly guilty ever since the perfume incident, jumps into his best friend's arms and begins softly crying. "Pikapi I am so sorry. I know that you have a problem with social anxiety but I didn't say anything when everyone wanted to go inside the store. I wasn't thinking. Please forgive me."
Cuddling the yellow mouse close to his chest, Ash releases his aura in calming waves, smiling when the tensions leaves Pikachu's body and his tears dry up. "Pikachu you should know I would never blame you for that. The only one to blame is myself, I knew what could happen yet I put myself in that position anyways." Lifting Pikachu's small head up, Ash gently wipes the tear tracks off his fur. "You are my partner Pikachu, not my care taker. I know we are a team, but you are not responsible for every problem I will have to face. But even then you were still there for me once you figured out what was happening."
Feeling a huge burden lift off chest at those words, Pikachu nuzzles his red check against Ash's scarred one. "Still. Now that the others know how you can get we shouldn't have to face anymore of those situations."
Gently tugging on Pikachu's black tipped ear, the aura user smiles at his starter. "We aren't here to talk about me, silly. We are here to talk about you. Anything knew happen this week that I wasn't aware of? Gengar hasn't been too bad, has he?"
Waving his zigzagged tail, Pikachu squeals in happiness when Ash begins massaging his cheeks. He loves it more than he loves ketchup. "Gengar is his usual level of annoying. But he is the annoying member that we all love. Besides, if he gets too bad I will just use Thunderbolt on him."
"'Don't take crap from anyone,' that has always been your moto."
"Of course Pikapi! A lot of people think Pikachu are weak and only powerful if they evolve into Raichu! I have to prove them all wrong!" Pikachu passionately exclaims.
"No Pikachu, we will prove them wrong."
Shiny black eyes gaze at their trainer in adoration. "Yes Pikapi, we will."
"And after we beat the League Gary Oak will have to eat Murkrow."
Pumping his tiny fist, Pikachu agrees.
Arriving on the outskirts of Fuchsia City, Ash cocks his head curiously towards the side. "This is the Ninja Mansion. It is known that Koga will only accept trainers on the weekdays, because on the weekends he spends time in his mansion practicing his skills with his little sister Aya."
"It is a good thing we got here on a Friday then, huh?" Charmeleon questions, using his long claw to tickle Dratini's tail.
Pikachu and Eevee are both staring quizzically at Ash. "You know," the electric mouse starts, "I wonder if Ash just doesn't plan it this way."
Placing his hand over his heart, and next to Dratini's head, Ash feigns hurt. "Me? Ever do something like that? You wound me so!" Draping himself dramatically on Charmeleon's shoulders, the young trainer begins fake crying.
"Oh Ashy don't let big brothers Pikachu and Eevee hurt your feelings. They are just being meanies." Dratini comforts her father figure, not knowing the trainer was only kidding.
"It's okay Tini. Ash is just playing with Eevee and Pikachu. It is meant to be funny." Charmeleon soothes the dragon type, gently stroking her baby blue scales.
Eevee, who was resting on Ash's left shoulder, moves from his perch and nuzzles the gentle dragon type gently on the cheek. "Our Ashy here likes to play around. Not quite like Gengar, but you can really see why the two get along so well."
"Yeah, plus he is a silly person anyways." Pikachu teases.
"Alright you guys, no need to pick fun." Ash exclaims, pinching Pikachu's red electric pouches.
Slithering off of Ash and around Charmeleon, Dratini harrumphs at her trainer. "It's not nice to pretend like that. I thought you were really upset."
"Awe, I'm sorry Tini. Please forgive me?" The amber eyed male pleads his youngest member.
Eyeing her father figure, Dratini hisses in amusement. She loves when he acts like this. It was funny plus she could usually get things out of him.
"Fine, but only if you can get me a whole bunches of apples." Dratini states primly, her figure nothing but supreme poise.
Giggling at the blue skinned snake, Ash nods his acquiescence.
Laughing at their family moment, Ash bends down to pick Pikachu and Eevee up before continuing on their trek down towards the Ninja Mansion.
The group admire the scenery as they pass, the majestic pine's stand tall from their places nestled cozily in the rich ground. As they make their way down the twisting path, Pikachu and Ash point out different berries and trees to the rest of their members, smiling when it earns 'oohs' and 'ahhs'.
It took several minutes, and the help of Bulbasaur, to get Ash across a narrow bridge. While his social anxiety was one thing he has to deal with, his fear of heights is something too. He figures once one of his pokemon evolves into something that can fly, it will get better but at this moment he hates not having control of whether he could fall to his death or not. Something Bulbasaur helps with greatly because of his vines and his gentle coaxing voice. Ash could swear Bulbasaur could talk Arceus into giving him all of his secrets with a voice like that.
Finally, after two hours, the group arrives in front of the gym.
"It says in the trainer's manual that all trainers wanting to participate to win a Soul Badge must go around the back. Koga is usually training with his pokemon there so that it is easier for trainers to challenge him."
The group nods at Ash's wise words, and follow their trainer around the back of the mansion and towards a small training field.
Stopping in their tracks, the group watches as a man dressed in blue skillfully goes through an array of katas, his Venonat following along with his graceful moves.
With his silken red scarf flowing behind him with every stance change, the group is enraptured by their beauty.
They are genuinely surprised when Venonat begins glowing, watching in awe as the small purple pokemon evolves into a beautiful winged Venomoth.
"Oh wow," Ash calls to the Gym Leader. "Congratulations on your Venonat evolving into a Venomoth."
Koga, who was aware of the kid's presence, but not wanting to stop in his movements until his Venonat evolved, glancing at the oddball group.
'Huh,' the poison type thinks to himself. 'Erica wasn't kidding when she said this kid was interesting. Not only does he have a shiny Eevee, but he also has a Dratini. Those pokemon are known for being super rare and notoriously difficult to catch. Though his Charmeleon and Pikachu look equally as impressive. They have obviously been trained well.'
"And who are you, young man?" Koga questions, though he already knows the answer.
"My name is Ash Ketchum and I am from Pallet Town. I have come to request a match with Koga in order to earn a Soul Badge." Ash formally states. He knows this is the Gym Leader, but the introduction was respectful.
"I am Koga of the Fuchsia Gym. Usually I will challenge trainers on weekdays when they request it, however I have heard a lot about you. In order to battle me you have to go through my Ninja Mansion, battle my sister Aya who is hidden somewhere inside, and then once you escape you may battle me. The catch is you can only choose two pokemon to take with you, these are the two you will use in battle. Seeing as these pokemon are already out of their balls they may follow me to the finish line if they wish. Now, which are your two pokemon?"
Contemplating, Ash idly scratches his scarred cheek. "I will choose Charmeleon and Bulbasaur, all of my other pokemon will wait with you at the finish line."
Grabbing Bulbasaur's pokeball, Ash releases the grass type before doing the same with Gengar and Wartortle. Quickly explaining what was happening, his pokemon happily, if not a little nervously, follow Koga as he walks off towards the shaded spot of the field.
Walking back around the building, Ash, Charmeleon, and Bulbasaur stand in front of the Ninja Mansion.
"You ready, you two?" Ash asks his two friends. Receiving twin nods, Ash pushes open the door and enters the mansion, trusting they would make it through.
It took an hour to make it through the entire house and fifteen minutes to battle Aya's Venonat, but the trio finally emerges victorious.
Koga, who was sitting casually at a small wooden table sipping from a teacup, stands to his feet.
"I see that you and your pokemon have managed to make it through my house as well as beat my younger sister. I congratulate you." Koga praises the small trainer. It usually took most trainers closer to two hours, but if you have a good eye for puzzles the house is easier to navigate.
Strolling onto the battle field, Koga's keen eyes watch as Ash does the same. "You know that I am a poison type Gym Leader yet you are still planning on using a Bulbasaur. With the way the other Leaders were talking about you, especially Erica, I was expecting someone wiser. I must say I am disappointed with seeing the other pokemon you have in your possession." Koga explains, using his long arm to gesture towards Eevee, Dratini, Pikachu, Gengar, and Wartortle.
"Yeah well, a battle isn't measured just by typing alone. I have complete faith in my Bulbasaur, he is strong." Ash does not know why people keep thinking he has not thought his battle strategies through. He has gone over this battle a thousand times in his head, picturing all of his pokemon battle. In the end it made the most sense to choose Charmeleon and Bulbasaur.
"Very well. This will be a two on two battle, the first person to lose both of their pokemon loses, agreed?"
Nodding his head in agreement, Ash sends waves of encouragement towards his two pokemon.
"Venomoth, go!"
"Bulbasaur, I choose you!"
As the two pokemon enter the field, Ash feels adrenaline begin pumping through his body.
"I am sorry for doubting your battling abilities, young Ash. Here is the Soul Badge to prove your victory against me." Taking out a scroll, Koga lets it unwind itself, the small pink heart glistening merrily against the white paper.
Plucking the badge off, Koga drops it into Ash's tanned hand, smiling when the young boy runs over to his pokemon to show it to them.
Erica was not joking when she said to bring his A game, Bulbasaur had almost beat both of his pokemon before Golbat had managed to knock the Seed pokemon out. However, when Charmeleon had entered the ring, Koga knew he was done for. His Golbat was already weak from battling Bulbasaur and the Seed pokemon had already defeated his Venomoth. The other Leaders were correct when saying Ash Ketchum was a Champion in the making.
He only wishes he would have taken the kid more seriously at the start of the battle, but when he chose Bulbasaur over the other pokemon he has with him he couldn't help but think the kid was just another newbie trainer that didn't know what they were doing and got lucky in the other gyms.
Sighing, Koga waves goodbye to the young trainer as he makes his way back down the path leading to Fuchsia City. He would have to call Blaine and warn him.
Ash is sitting inside the Pokemon Center, all of his pokemon spread around him in a loose circle as they all enjoy the ice cream Nurse Joy was nice enough to give them.
"This is so good!" Dratini sings, her happy expression causing the rest of the team to smile with her.
They all love it when the small dragon type is happy. Her being the only girl and also the youngest has proven to be the cause of the other pokemon becoming over protective. Though none of them have anything on Charmeleon.
Taking the final bite of his ice cream, Ash carefully sits Pikachu in the spot he just vacated.
"Where are you going Pikapi?" Pikachu questions, looking up from his vanilla ice cream covered in ketchup.
"While you guys finish your ice cream I am going to call mom. I want to check on her and also see how Cubone and Marowak are doing."
When all of his pokemon give him a nod in understanding, Ash makes his way towards the phone booth located on the opposite side from where they were sitting.
Picking up the green receiver, Ash calls home. Smiling at the small Pidgey flying across the screen.
Delia Ketchum's oval face appears on the screen, her hair is tied up in a loose bun. It is only like that when she decides to deep clean the house.
"Hi mom!" Ash calls happily, he loves seeing his mom.
"Hi honey. How is your journey going?" Delia smiles sweetly, happy to see her son.
"I just got my Soul Badge. I only have two more badges to earn." Ash happily informs her.
"Oh my little Ash. I am so proud of you." Delia beams.
Scratching his cheek, Ash blushes. "Anyways, I also was calling to see how Cubone and Marowak are doing."
"Oh! That lovely little Cubone lets me dress her up and her mommy Marowak doesn't even mind. They have been keeping me great company since you sent them over. I would let you talk to them now, but they are visiting Professor Oak's lab so that they can interact with more pokemon." Dalia explains, readjusting her hair into a loose ponytail. She is planning on going through the house and finding if any items could be donated to charity.
Pouting, the amber eyed trainer sighs. "I feel like such a bad trainer to them. I know I only caught them so that no one could hurt them again and to also give you company, but I feel like I should be doing more too, you know?"
Looking at the small lip pout and the adorably guilty look on her son's face, Delia can't help but giggle. "They know that you are busy training and gathering gym badges sweetie. It is nothing to worry about. Plus I have been training them in my spare time."
The sad look is instantly replaced with a beaming smile. "I knew you were the best!"
Laughing, Delia flashes her son another smile. "So, tell me details about what has been happening honey."
The two Ketchums sit on the phone and talk for hours.
If there was one thing Ash finds the most relaxing about his journey it would be the sheer quietness and peacefulness of the forest. With only Pikachu and Eevee perched on his shoulders, the rest of the gang taking a nap in their respective balls, the trainer and his two starters enjoy the calming winds of the forest.
Or they were enjoying the calming sounds of the forest until they heard soft whimpers coming from just off the path.
"I wonder who that could be?" Ash rhetorically questions his two companions.
"Well, whoever it is we might need to go check on them. They do not sound too happy." Pikachu says, his black tipped ears twitching towards the sound.
Climbing down from his perch on his trainer's narrow shoulders, Eevee sticks his nose into the air, scenting the upcoming drafts. "It smells like another Eevee. We should probably go and check to see if they are hurt or lost."
"Of course guys, when have you ever known us to leave a pokemon in trouble?" The ebony haired trainer teases his two pokemon, his feet already taking him off the sandy path and onto the soft grass of the open forest. Fending off a giant bush, the trio are able to enter a tiny clearing with a hollowed out tree. Inside of the tree is a small Eevee tied to a post, food and water bowls placed near it and a collar with a golden tag around its' neck.
"Hello there, are you okay?" Ash quietly asks the small pokemon, making sure to approach it slowly as to not scare the small brown fox.
Ducking its' head slightly, the young Eevee sadly drags his bushy tail against the dirt. "Yes, my trainer left me here for the day. His three older brothers are pressuring him into making me evolve, but I don't want to evolve and Mikey doesn't want me to either."
Eevee cuddles up against the younger, his silver fur brushing against the soft baby fur of the smaller. "If you do not want to evolve then you do not have to. My trainer hasn't made me evolve. He is waiting to let me have the choice."
The brown furred Eevee tilts her head cutely to the side. "Is that true?" She questions the trainer even though she knows better than to expect an actual response.
Plopping himself on the ground, and crossing his legs, Ash carefully unclips the leash from the young evolution pokemon and gently begins to pet her brown fur. "Of course Eevee. I believe it should always be up to the pokemon to choose if they are ready to evolve or not. My Pikachu doesn't want to evolve, my friend Bulbasaur is waiting for a special time of the year, and my own little trouble maker here has already chosen his evolution, he just can't evolve yet until we head to that area." Ash patiently explains to the small fox, gently rubbing behind her long brown ears.
Small black eyes widen in surprise. "You can understand me?" She stutters out, surprised.
Winking, the scarred training chuckles at the stunned fox. "Yes, it is a little gift of mine. Don't tell anyone though, it is our little secret."
"Wow that is amazing." The female gapes in awe. She has never met a speaker before, though she has heard some psychics can communicate with their pokemon through their powers.
"Now what do you say about us getting you back to your trainer, Mikey was it?" Ash questions, scooping the small fox into his arms.
Eevee's brow ears droop. "But he will be mad because he wanted me to stay here."
Pikachu, who had remained quiet in order for Ash and Eevee to put the younger fox at ease, pats the cream colored fur on the fox's neck. "Don't worry. You said the only reason he left you here was so he wouldn't be forced to make you evolve today, right? Well Pikapi will talk some sense into Mikey's brothers so that they will see you shouldn't be forced to evolve."
Feeling tears begin to build in her eyes, Eevee cuddles into the silver fur of the other Eevee, taking comfort in the shiny's presence.
"I'll take care of it. Don't you worry."
Walking into the backyard of the large mansion in Stone Town, Ash is immediately accosted by three men. All three are tall and lanky with the same tan skin and facial features, the only noticeable difference was their hair and pants colors.
The man with red pants and red hair leans in and plucks the young Eevee out of Ash's arms. "You found Eevee! Thanks a lot! The name is Pyro. The man with the blue pants and hair is Rainer and the one with the yellow pants is Spark. We have been looking all over for Eevee!" Looking over his shoulder, Pyro calls out into the crowd, not noticing the sweaty flush beginning to appear on the other trainer's skin. "Mikey! We found Eevee!"
Ash, who is currently trying to control his breathing, decides to focus all of his attention on the tiny brunette walking towards them instead of the huge crowd of people.
Handing Eevee to Mikey, Pyro beams in excitement. "Now you can choose which pokemon you want to evolve Eevee into! Flareon, Jolteon, or Vaporeon!"
Mikey sends the black haired trainer a glare, knowing he was the one to bring Eevee back.
Breathing deeply through his nose, and ignoring the withering glare sent his face, Ash steels himself. "You shouldn't force your brother to evolve his Eevee if both of them are not fully prepared for it."
Rainer cocks a blue eyebrow at the young trainer. "Oh yeah? Everyone knows that you can't win a battle if your Eevee is not evolved. Plus we are throwing this party in his honor, the day he chooses Eevee's evolution."
Plucking his own Eevee from his spot on the ground, Ash points to the silver furred fox. "If you think that Eevee cannot win a battle if they are not evolved, I will battle each of you with only my Eevee and if I win then you cannot force Mikey to evolve his Eevee until he is ready."
The four brothers look in shock at the shiny Eevee, while they call themselves the Eevee brothers, and live in an evolution town, they have never seen a shiny Eevee before. They are mesmerized by the silver and light blue fur of the pre evolved fox.
"Fine," Spark speaks up. "We accept your challenge, but if you lose not only does Mikey have to choose to evolve his Eevee but you do too."
Shrugging his narrow shoulders, amber eyes are full with determination. "I accept your challenge."
It is an hour later and the four brothers are gapping in awe of the silver Eevee.
"How? But- huh?" Rainer breathes.
While Ash wouldn't say the battle was easy, Eevee being forced to fight back after back, it was not as hard as he was expecting. And this annoys the young trainer. Others always underestimate him and his pokemon. It is maddening. Maybe when he is older people will start taking him more seriously.
"Eevee are capable of learning a wide range of attacks before they evolve. They are also smaller so it makes them easier to dodge attacks. I have had my Eevee since the beginning of my journey and he has trained every day with me." Ash patiently explains to the shell shocked Eevee brothers.
Mikey begins jumping around happily, swinging his baby Eevee in circles. Now he wouldn't be forced to evolve his Eevee, his best friend.
Feeding his pokemon a small snack, packed with healing nutrients, Ash happily strokes the soft silver head, smiling when Pikachu begins to congratulate their little evolution pokemon.
Looking up from his spot of kneeling in front of his pokemon, Ash settles a firm amber stare at the three older brothers. "Now do you understand?"
Hanging their heads in shame, all three nod their heads. "In exchange for opening up our eyes when it comes to matters of evolution, we want you to take one of each stone we have in our possession. Even if you do not use them please take them as a form of our gratitude." Spark begs of the petite young trainer, holding out a long dainty wooden box.
Accepting the sleek box, Ash places it into one of the many inside pockets of his backpack. "Thanks you three. It is highly appreciated."
Flashing straight white teeth, Pyro slaps the young trainer on the back. "Nothing we wouldn't do for anyone who isn't scared to stand up for what they believe in."
Clapping his hands together, Spark effortlessly draws their attention. "Now, this is still a party. But instead of an evolution party it will be a party celebrating our brother declaring to be an Eevee trainer. You can let out all of your pokemon if you want Ash, since everyone left we have enough food to feed all of you."
Smiling in thanks, Ash releases all of his pokemon, happy for the meal and spending time with some new friends.
Bulbasaur is a spitfire of energy. Usually the grass starter is the most calm and collected one of his team, but the closer the Festival got, and the closer they got to its location, the more antsy the small pokemon got.
Chasing after the seed pokemon, Ash laughs in joy. With Pikachu curled in his pack taking a nap, and the rest of his lazy pokemon following his lead, it was only Ash and Bulbasaur out today.
"Wait up for me, you silly little thing!" Ash calls, panting but smiling brightly.
Skidding to a halt, Bulbasaur impatiently waits for his trainer to catch up. With the Mysterious Garden looming closer, only two days away if his instincts are correct, he needs to get to the location soon. "If we do not hurry up we will never make it in time!" He complains to his trainer.
Bracing his hands against his knees in effort to draw breathe easier, the young trainer uses the back of his hand to wipe off the sweat from his forehead. Usually Ash was an amazing runner, he made sure to practice every day with his pokemon, but after two hours of sprinting the young male was at his exhaustion point.
"Yeah, but if you waste all of your energy trying to get there you won't have enough energy to evolve." Ash teases.
Huffing, Bulbasaur uses his vines to help Ash back into a full standing position. "Fine, but we are almost there. I can feel it. Can we at least keep walking?"
Smiling, Ash gently squeezes one of the vines. "Of course, anything for you."
Wartortle, Pikachu, Eevee, Gengar, Charmeleon, Dratini, and Ash all are sitting hidden underneath a giant bush. In a huge clearing beneath them, they watch as hundreds of Bulbasaur begin evolving, but all of their attention is focused on their Bulbasaur, their friend, their brother.
As a white light engulfs the seed pokemon his form begins to glow and grow bigger, twin leafs unfurling on either side of his body, and his bulb changes into a soft pink color.
Unconsciously, Ash begins to pour huge amounts of his aura into the almost fully evolved Ivysaur, unaware of the changes this would bring to his final evolution.
Entering into the giant white building, Ash stealthily sneaks to the front, Sabrina's reassuring presence resting calmly in the back of his mind. The psychic type gym leader had brainstormed with the young trainer in ways that others would start taking him seriously. Finally, after many hours of thinking, Sabrina urged Ash to take the Pokemon League Admissions Exam stating that only the best of the best were able to pass the test and that if Ash had the badge many people would take him as a serious challenger.
Sabrina also knows that being around large crowds of people causes Ash to have a panic attack, so resting in the back of his mind and constantly sending the young trainer a calming wave was making it able for the small trainer to be around such a large group of people.
Reaching the front desk, Ash looks up at the brightly smiling man wearing a blue outfit with a large P on it.
"Hello young man! Are you here to take the Exam?"
Cautiously nodding his head, Ash hands over his Pokedex in proof as his ID, and smiles when it is handed back along with a small badge with the number seven on it.
"Take this, this is your testing number. Also, you are going to need to leave all of your pokemon here. You are not allowed to use your own pokemon during the exam." The man states, holding out his large hand.
Unclipping the balls from around his waist Ash carefully places them into his hand, letting Pikachu jump onto the man's shoulder.
Laughing, the proctor scratches the yellow mouse under his chin. "He is a feisty one, yeah? I will let him stay with me during the exam."
Beaming, Ash nods his head in acceptance before making his way to the testing center.
Exam 1
"The first test will measure your overall knowledge of pokemon. Begin!" The proctor shouts.
Smiling and giving Pikachu, who is sitting on the proctor's shoulders, a small wave, Ash begins his exam.
Looking at a picture of Lickitung an animated voice begins speaking. "Lickitung's tongue is twice the length of its' body. True or False?"
Clicking the green button to mark it as true, the next picture appears of the screen.
"Ninetails evolves from Vulpix with only the use of the Fire Stone, True or False?"
True.
"Hitmonlee is also known as the punching demon. True or False"
False.
"The only attack Magikarp originally knows is splash. True or False."
True.
"Caterpie is the world's smallest pokemon. True or False."
Tapping his finger against his lips, Ash sighs. False. In Kanto Diglett is 0'08" while Caterpie is 1'00".
Exam 2
"Now we will measure your ability to recognize pokemon. Please name the pokemon by recognizing any part of its body as it is displayed here."
A circular black shape appears on the large screen. "Here is the first question, identify this pokemon."
Narrowing his eyes at the list of choices, Ash snorts. The obvious answer would be a Voltorb or Electrode, but Ash has the feeling the proctor is trying to trip them up. Plus a pokeball isn't a pokemon. Clicking on the fourth option, Ash slightly glares at the instructor.
"And the answer is… a Jigglypuff seen from above."
Hearing the other trainers groan, Ash huffs a silent laugh.
"Next question, which pokemon displays this pattern?" A black swirl appears on screen. Sighing, Ash clicks the second choice.
"The correct answer, Poliwag. As any master would know when Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl the swirl on its stomach reverses directions."
As the questions progress, they begin to grain difficulty, but for Ash, who worked in Professor Oak's lab as well as studied countless book, still found them to be easy.
"Question fifteen. Whose tail does this flame belong to?"
The obvious choice would be from the Charmander line, but for Ash who was in constant contact with his Charmeleon knows the flame is too jagged and large to be any of the three. That narrows it down enough for Ash to make an accurate guess, that and the fact Ash loved playing with the Ponyta when he was younger…
Exam 3
"Now select whichever one you like." The proctor, who Ash found out name is Dave, tells the young trainer gesturing to the table full of plain brown belts with three pokeballs.
The thought of using any other pokemon than his own to battle makes Ash feel slightly sick. He feels guilty, like he is cheating on his pokemon.
Sighing, the young Aura Guardian randomly grabs a belt and ties it around his waist.
Walking towards the battle ground, Ash smiles when he sees Pikachu sitting on the side rails.
Feeling better at the happiness on his first friend's face, Ash begins to feel better about the battle.
"Are you ready Ash?" Dave questions the amazingly smart young trainer.
"Yes sir."
"Good. Then, go pokeball!"
Leaning over the edge of the cruise ship, Ash sadly eyes the ruby red badge with a large P in the middle. He had came in third place during the Admission exams, scoring the same amount of points as Nurse Joy during the knowledge portions. But when it came to battling, Ash only managed to win one battle before being completely destroyed in the last two battles.
He doesn't know what it was, but battling with pokemon that wasn't his threw him off. He and his pokemon share a very profound bond, they are to the point, even with the small training he has been giving Dratini, that he and his pokemon can almost tell exactly what the other is thinking. He has trained his pokemon to automatically dodge attacks and to give their own if there is an opening without him having to tell them. But the pokemon he battled with did not know these things. He battled the same with them as he would with his own pokemon.
Sighing, Ash strokes the satiny skin of Dratini as he sees Cinnabar Island quickly approaching. He would be competing to earn his seventh gym badge, the Volcano Badge.
He knows that Blaine rarely took challengers anymore, his old gym falling to pieces while situating a new gym inside of a volcano. The perfect home for his fire pokemon.
Leaning against the stomach of Charizard, who evolved during a fierce battle with Team Rocket members posing as Daycare Breeders in order to steal pokemon, and sighs heavily. The obvious choice for the gym would be Wartortle. The turtle pokemon has a natural advantage over the fire type gym, but Ash has a feeling Blaine was already prepared for water types.
"What are we going to do?" Ash weakly asks his pokemon.
"We are going to win." Charizard tells his trainer, poking his long snout into Ash's scarred cheek.
"We are going to show them what's what! We are going to go in there and completely destroy them! We are going to rock!" Eevee shouts, his silver fur puffing up in excitement.
Turning around from watching the blue waves gently lap at the white body of the cruise ship, Pikachu flashes Ash a fanged smile. "We are going to prove all of our training wasn't for nothing."
Flicking out her forked tongue, Dratini gently kisses Ash's other cheek. "You are going to prove to this gym leader how strong Ash Ketchum and his team truly are."
Laughing in shock, Ash throws his skinny arms tightly around all of his pokemon that are currently out of their pokeballs. "I love you guys."
"We love you too."
Looking around at all of the tourists gathered in different spots and places around the town, Ash keeps a firm hold on Eevee. All of his pokemon know his fear of being in crowds, and of being around people in general, so they have taken to always making sure one of the was comforting their trainer.
"Don't worry Ashy. As long as you don't go into any shops they should leave you alone. Plus Eevee and I are both here. There is nothing to worry about. Even Kadabra says you will be fine." Sabrina's words calm the raising anxiety inside of Ash.
Looking around at all the people, Ash cutely tilts his head to the side. "I wonder why this island became such a tourist trap."
"That's easy. The hots springs make people gather around from miles. Even though this place used to only be visited by trainers, it is now a place most trainers do not even come to."
"It makes sense that the hot springs would be a tourist trap. I just wonder where Blaine hid his real gym at." Ash mutters out loud. He knows that it is inside of a volcano, he just doesn't know which volcano it is.
"And why do you think there is still a real gym here, boy?" A voice questions, snapping Ash out of his mental conversation with Sabrina.
Whirling around, Ash comes face to face with an older male wearing a weird red outfit, purple glasses, and curly blonde hair.
"Because the Cinnabar Island Gym is still registered in the Pokemon League Official Guidebook."
Scratching his chin thoughtfully, deep brown eyes critically eye the younger trainer. "Blaine has hidden his gym in a place that you would put your glasses."
Pikachu, who knows Ash is not the greatest at riddles, speaks up for his friend. "In front of your eyes."
Sighing in exasperation, Ash crosses his arms over his lithe chest. "I know that the gym is 'right in front of my eyes', because I know Blaine hid it in a volcano, I do not know which volcano he hid it in."
Eyes widening at the venom in the trainers words, Blaine is shocked at the knowledge the younger possess. "Most trainers do not take the time to look through the new League Books."
Snorting, amber eyes narrow in annoyance. "Yeah well, I am not like most newbie trainers." Ash spits, his aura flaring with his rising rage. He was always put down for his age. It is maddening!
Laughing, the old man reaches out the ruffle the ebony hair of the younger. "I like your spunk kid. I will tell you what, come stay at my resort for tonight. I am sure you will find the answers you seek there."
Still feeling annoyed, but with Sabrina's gentle coaxing, Ash reluctantly accepts the offer.
Mewtwo's head snaps up. There it was again! That amazing power. It felt like home, constantly calling for him to find it. The power was sweet and innocent, something Mewtwo could compare to the little girl from Before. Before he was birthed into this world. He couldn't remember her name, he only remembers three other pokemon and a small girl. They were telling him things, making him feel like he belonged.
That was what that power felt like. Like a calling for home and hope. It promised safety, acceptance, and love. And while Mewtwo ached with the very recess of his being to follow and find the source of that power, he had a promise to the human Giovanni. And while he might just be a clone, an abomination as he heard from the dark skinned man's head, he was a creature of his word. So he sits in his small cage, waiting for the day he could be released to find the home he so craved.
Sabrina sits pristinely in her chair, her blue eyes glassy as she stares through the eyes of someone she views as a younger brother. Ash was someone Sabrina could admire. He was witty, smart, and loyal. He would do anything for those he loves, even putting his own self at risk. She has seen him do it over the course of the months she has known him. He is self-sacrificing.
And he is currently facing off against Blaine in an epic three on three battle.
The small trainer had found the secret entrance to the Fire Leader's Gym, surprising Blaine who had figured it would take him longer.
Sabrina wouldn't admit it, but she was scared for the young trainer. Ash and Blaine are both down to their last pokemon; Charizard and Magmar. All of the other pokemon in both teams had been knocked out of the battle. Sabrina is proud of Ash for using Gengar against Ninetails, Kadabra beaming with pride when he saw the ghost type fight.
Holding her breath as the battle between the fire types raged on, the psychic user is on the edge of her seat. Charizard had just tossed Magmar down in a Seismic Toss. Biting her nail anxiously when the fire type stands up, Sabrina lets out an exhale of relief when Magmar collapses.
That one had been too close.
Sitting against a lush tree inside of Viridian Forest, Ash carefully inhales and exhales. Sabrina's dad was the one who had taught him this breathing treatment, hoping that it would be useful to Ash in learning to help control his aura. And so far it has been. It has been useful in other situations too.
The trip to Cinnabar Island not only allowed for Ash to collect a Volcano Badge, he was also able to practice being around groups of people. The hustle and bustle of the tourist trap allowed Ash to practice wrapping his aura around himself in comfort, the breathing exercises keeping him from hyperventilating.
Narrowing his eyes, his eyebrows scrunch up in the middle of his forehead as he pours his power and concentration into the palm of his hand. After several minutes of intense sweating in dubious places, Ash beams when a small flicker of blue fire appears in the palm of his hand. Finally! A physical manifestation of his aura.
With this step down, he is closer to unlocking the next step of his aura training.
Giovanni Rocketto sneers down at the purple pokemon in front of him. "You really think that you are my partner? You are nothing more than an experiment, something that I created. You are pathetic to think that anyone would ever care about you in the way you ask of me to."
The words leave Giovanni's mouth in something akin to word vomit, repressed childhood memories threatening to dig their way out of the deepest parts of his mind. He knew that when he was younger he wanted nothing more than to grow with his pokemon, but now he sees them only as tools and a way to make money.
He doesn't know when this shift happens, he assumes it to have been gradual. The older he got, the more he saw of the evil in the world. He realized that people did not care what he thought, they only saw him as some child. He began to work hard to be someone that people were forced to respect. And his love for his pokemon faded.
So when this cloned pokemon demanded respect, something inside of Giovanni snapped. And seeing Mewtwo's eyes light up in purple rage, he knew that he would be forced to regret the words that had left his lips.
Gary Oak glares at the small sign pinned to the giant doors of the Viridian City Gym.
Closed for four months.
Four months! He only has seven gym badges, it is required to have eight in order to compete in the Pokemon League, and League that was being held next freaking week!
"It's okay Gary. This just means that you will have an extra year of training before challenging the League." Misty, bless her heart, actually tries to comfort the fuming trainer.
"If it wasn't for those stupid idiotic Team Rocket members I would have got all my badges by now!" Gary screams, his hands tangled in his hair as he angrily paces back and forth in front of the gym.
Frowning at the childish display of her traveling companion, Misty opens her mouth to try to reason with him, when she is interrupted.
"Gary? What are you doing here?" A small sweet voice questions.
Turning on his heel, Misty watches as Gary's green eyes widen slightly before he relaxes into a forced natural pose. She finds this interesting.
"Hey Ashy-boy."
Tilting her head to the side, the water pokemon trainer studies the person that could cause such a reaction in her best friend.
The boy was no more than a couple of inches over four feet, his ebony hair brushed to the side revealing a large pair of amber colored doe eyes. A Pikachu sits on his shoulders, nuzzling comfortingly against its' trainers cheek.
"Have you already challenged the gym?" 'Ashy-boy' questions, his eyes rolling in annoyance.
Huffing, Gary casts another glare behind him. "No, the gym is closed for four months. The Pokemon League is next week. If you still need this badge too then we are both stuck waiting till next year to challenge the League."
Breathing in quickly in shock, and thus causing him to choke on his own saliva, Ash stutters out, "W-what?"
Frowning in concern, Gary shrugs. "You heard me. We won't get to compete till next year. But whatever, I am just going to take a vacation with Misty and practice training."
Grabbing the red head's hand, Gary waves over his shoulder. "Smell ya later."
"So…" Ash pauses to collect his thoughts. "You are saying you want me to take this pokeball and head to the Orange Islands to Professor Ivy in order to see if she can open it?"
Seeing the confusion in the young boy's eyes, Samuel smiles kindly. "Yes Ash, it would help me out greatly. As an added bonus, the Orange Islands has their own League of sorts. Once you earn four badges you will be able to challenge the Champion in order to win a trophy. I estimate it would take you no more than a month or two if you hurry. And for the remaining months you can stay here and study or train."
Fiddling with the Official Pokemon League hat in his hands, Ash contemplates the request. If he battled the Orange Island Gyms he would have a better chance against the Pokemon League, plus it would give him more time to waste while waiting for next year.
"Okay Professor, I will do it."
The elderly man beams. "I knew I could count on you." Leaning over, Samuel pulls the boy into a tight hug. "Go and make me proud."
Okay my lovelies. My plan is, without revealing too much of the plot I have planned out, is for Ash to go through cannon Orange Island Arc, ending with him at someplace special training with someone we all kind of know but probs do not really love because she took our precious Charizard from us for a while. So the next chapter is going to have a bit of a time skip, with two new members and some evolved old members. Do not worry though, because I will have flashbacks off special/major events that had happened during the skip so you will know what is going on. I hope yall enjoyed this and have an awesome New Year!