"So you'll be leaving Kanto tomorrow?"
"Yeah, after everything I think we all sort of need the vacation."
"Of course… you'll remember to message me, right?"
"Of course, Lance, I'm not going to just forget you exist because I'm a little farther away! You still need to send me pictures of the Gible you talking about, in case it slipped your mind."
"I do, don't I? Well… I see you, then."
"Let me know when you have a free weekend, Alto can probably make the flight pretty quick now that she's got a grasp on Tailwind."
XxXxX
Rota was a gorgeous place, built of stone and brick and all manner of cozy nooks and crannies tucked away in the almost labyrinth-like streets. The weather was warm and clear, flowers blooming in planters and wherever the dirt was deep enough for them to take root. It wasn't only the cheerful colors of petals against the warm browns and earthy tones of the buildings, but also the sheer amount of people that added to the liveliness.
Trainers and families swarmed into the royal city, lured by tournament and celebration alike, and the many Pokemon that were practically swarming, wild and trained alike, were enough to make Serena's head spin. With Felix on her shoulder she could only grip Ash's shirt to ensure she didn't lose the group.
They'd arrived just that morning, and had only paused long enough to check in at the hotel and drop off whatever they weren't going to carry with them. The rest of the morning was spent exploring, with Delia, Professor Oak, Norman and Caroline Maple having split off to check out a historical tea house among some other buildings. The young trainers had all opted to wander the twining walkways bordered with flowerbeds that connected the main roads.
Max was currently running a breathless lecture to his Eevee as he stared at all the local Pokemon, especially a few rare ones lounging on windowsills that must had belonged to the people living in the cozy looking homes. His sister had one arm hooked around Serena's own, the younger girl content to take in the sights while being near the two she'd claimed as older sisters. Misty was walking next to them with the Togepi whose egg had recently hatched during the trip to Rota, telling May about how she'd found the baby Pokemon's egg.
Calem had taken to redirecting Max every time his enthusiasm got out of hand and they almost lost him twice. Meanwhile, Ash and Brock were leading them as they wandered, the raven-haired girl occasionally bantering with Gary as they pieced together a vague map of the town. They'd already come across some out of the way shops that Serena wanted to go back to during their stay here.
Feeling Felix shift on her shoulder, the honey blonde glanced over at him, smiling to herself when she saw that her Ralts was eagerly looking around. It had been wonderful, getting to show her Pokemon lots of new people and places. She could hardly wait until it was time for Ash to challenge the Kalos League so she could start really travelling, too, it was killing her just thinking about the years that she'd have to endure until then.
"Hey, Ash?"
"Hm?" Her friend twisted her torso to face her, pausing her conversation with Gary.
Grinning, Serena threw herself－and May, because it was obvious how the girl idolized Ash but was still just a tad too shy to be overly affectionate－at the slightly taller teen in a big hug.
"Thanks!" She chirped.
Ash blinked at her, nose scrunched just slightly in confusion. "For what?"
Shrugging, inwardly laughing at her friend's reaction, Serena leaned her head into Ash's shoulder before stepping away again.
"Let's go see that tournament area, the one you were saying they hold that yearly hero tournament," she exclaimed, earning the attention of Max and Calem, both of who had been interested in said tournament for a variety of reasons. Floundering under the sudden onslaught of excited cheering, Ash could only roll her eyes and share a look with Brock, who obligingly began to usher everyone in the right direction, map in hand.
Being able to see Ash again, meeting new friends who she got along with far better than anyone in Vaniville Town or Lumiose City… well, she'd hang in there until she could travel with her best friend properly. These guys were worth holding onto while she waited, the type of friends she could see having for the rest of her life.
"I hope we find more friends like them to join us," she whispered to Felix, hearing him hum in delighted agreement. Absently wondering what of the surrounding emotions he was feeling that made him so happy, she nuzzled his face before trotting off after the rest of the group.
XxXxX
Misty grinned as Ash, Gary, and Calem fiercely debated the best strategy for dealing with the next Pokemon she had set her heart on catching. Watching Pikachu wilt a bit when reminded that Gastrodon had the Ground typing made her feel a tad guilty, but really, what had they expected? A Water/Flying type? No, one of these days she was going to find a Shellos (and maybe help Max catch another Pokemon for informing her that they existed) to expand her growing team. And a Chinchou.
Considering how well Ash had trained her own team, Misty had been putting serious thought into her career and dream. Becoming a Water type Master had been her goal since she was just barely eight years old, and looking at the sheer power Ash had managed to train her team into? It felt like a challenge, as if a new bar had been set. And the spirited redhead couldn't resist the urge to rise to the occasion, hunkering down and really planning on how she could add to her team, her family.
Little Togepi was wonderful, of course, and Misty loved the tiny Fairy type, but it would be a while before the young Pokemon would be ready for serious training, not to mention that while Togepi would always have a place on the team, Misty needed to add some more Water types. She loved Starmie, Staryu, and Goldeen, but it was time to give them some more teammates.
She was hoping the Orange Islands would have some more options for her, and was looking forwards to traveling with Ash again. If their days in Rota were any indicator, they were going to have a great time.
XxXxX
Brock relaxed to the sounds of light chatter, eyes lingering on the long sleeves Ash currently wore. For all the worries he'd had when they'd split ways what felt like years－geez, had it really only been several months?－ago, he felt justified in feeling like that well-honed older-sibling-sense he'd been silently going crazy over had been entirely too correct. While he may not have known Ash that well in the beginning, she was someone he respected and cared about.
Just thinking about the things she'd gone through, though she'd only given the bare basics, made big brother instincts in him burn. But it was good to see her smiling and laughing, so much less reserved than when they'd first travelled together. He could remember when she had watched him and Misty from across the campfire, eyes guarded even as she maintained a polite sort of distance, no matter how agreeable she'd seemed about having human company.
It must have taken a lot for her to just accept travelling in a group, he'd come to realize. And while caring for Charmander had just been too much of a strain for her to continue with both, he was proud that she had chosen Charmander over them－it was a show of character that he'd thought about a lot, in his studies to become a breeder. Putting the needs of a Pokemon placed in one's care first. And it had paid off, so obviously that sometimes he could hardly believe the cheerfully little Fire type was the same abused, starving Pokemon they'd first stumbled over.
Ash was the sort of person Brock found himself aspiring to be, that steel-solid spine when it came to the things she felt strongly about. It was comforting in multiple ways, knowing that he'd be travelling with her again; first, because that sort of inner strength was and always would be a great thing to have by one's side, and secondly because he'd be there to help make sure she didn't have to keep showing it without any sort of human support.
He leaned back as Max darted past, chasing his Eevee around the small plaza they'd decided to stop and take a break from exploring in. Misty and Serena were going through Ash's PokeDex, as it had recently gotten an upgrade from Professor Oak in the form of more regional Pokemon entries, the girls fawning over the various Water types as Misty explained her dream. Calem and Gary had been swapping failed capture stories, with May listening with wide eyes as Calem's Glaceon laughed at a dramatically recounted incident with a less-than-pleased Phantump.
At the slight rustle next to him, Brock turned to offer Ash a smile when she sat down next to him, Pikachu hopping to the grass from her shoulder. Houndoom padded over from where he'd been watching Charmander crawl all over Alto's wings, collapsing to the ground in front of the duo and wriggling slightly to get comfortable.
Absently patting the massive canine's head, Brock turned his thoughts to the upcoming few weeks. After the annual tournament, they'd be exploring the upper levels of Ice Cave to give the Maple siblings a taste of what they mind find on their own journeys when they were able to start them, and then he, Ash, and Misty would be headed for the Orange Islands. It would be good for them all, he was sure. Sometimes all you needed was a sunny day and a beach.
… And, perhaps, some lovely ladies. The more the merrier, after all, and he would never turn down the chance to cook for a crowd. It was, perhaps, one of the few things he'd refrained from using to woo women in the past, but after the way his friends had reacted to just this morning's meal, he'd realized that just might be the tactic he needed.
XxXxX
I apologize for such a gap between updates!
As I've replied to several reviewers/messages, my laptop has developed some issues and I can't really use it for anything, so writing was slow going. Half of this was done on my phone, so if there are typos… that's why.
This is the end of the Kanto Arc! Next will be a much shorter arc with the rest of Rota and Ice Cave, because we have a band of budding adventurers all together and little to no adult supervision! :D
Thank you to everyone who read, followed, and again to everyone who reviewed, for all your support of this fic, it's one of my favorites and the first I will, one way or another, finish completely with all planned arcs. Eventually. Your comments meant so much during the times I felt like nothing I wrote was worth anything, or worth posting.
And another thank you to those who messaged me with your own theories and ideas, they were all great and if I haven't responded, it's not because I didn't read them, it's because I immediately went to see what could be done with them and forgot to reply.
Recently (somewhat… .) someone asked me to start putting a little reminder at which Pokemon knew what, etc. I figured it was probably something I should have done a while back, but to start with, here's Ash's team:
Oberon (M): Espeon － Abilities: Synchronize & Magic Bounce
Mischievous; Prankster; a lighthearted King of the team, but will resort to vicious protectiveness when needed
Moves:
Quick Attack
Swift
Confusion
Psychic
Teleport
Protect
Shadow Ball
Toxic
Hypnosis
Dream Eater
Disable
Grass Knot
Dazzling Gleam
Dig
Iron Tail
Signal Beam
Titania (F): Sylveon － Abilities: Cute Charm & Pixelate
Mature; Regal; very much the Queen of the team who will handle all offenses with cold vengeance; no wrong-doing is ever forgotten
Moves:
Quick Attack
Swift
Baby-Doll Eyes
Fairy Wind
Moonblast
Disarming Voice
Protect
Draining Kiss
Shadow Ball
Aromatherapy
Toxic
Dig
Iron Tail
Pikachu (M) － Ability: Static
A loyal partner with a mischievous streak a mile wide. Is no longer allowed to engage in prank wars with Oberon. Hard worker and more observant than he lets on.
Moves:
Quick Attack
Agility
Thundershock
Iron Tail
Thunderbolt
Electro Ball
Magnet Rise
Toxic
Grass Knot
Discharge
Protect
Electroweb (it's a work in progress)
Alto (F): Altaria － Abilities: Natural Cure & Cloud Nine
Cuddly and loyal; a Mom Friend; never opposed to preening; will not hesitate to disembowel anyone who touches her precious trainer or teammates; she bIG FLOOF DRAGON
Moves:
Sing
Peck
Take Down
Fly
Mirror Move
Perish Song
Steel Wing
Moonblast
Dragon Pulse
Draco Meteor
Solar Beam
Toxic
Ice Beam
Dazzling Gleam
Rain Dance
Aerial Ace
Tailwind
Houndoom (M) － Abilities: Flash Fire & Early Bird
A Good Boy but inexplicably hates Bellsprout. Nearly 6 feet tall, but he really has no idea just how big he his
Moves:
Ember
Smog
Bite
Counter
Fire Fang
Foul Play
Flamethrower
Dark Pulse
Shadow Ball
Solar Beam
Toxic
Hypnosis
Dream Eater
Charmander (M) － Ability: Blaze
Timid but loving, cannot battle and unable to evolve but still tries to help as much as possible
Moves:
Ember
Scratch
Roar
Bite
Greninja (M) － Ability: Protean
A proud, competitive, and honorable fighter who thinks Ash is the best trainer ever; definitely knows more about human social norms than Ash thinks but also thinks its hilarious to disregard them completely (I.e; the bathtub video call); Pikachu is his ultimate rival and he would like it known that he will beat him in a proper match one of these days, thank you very much
Moves:
Water Pulse
Bubble
Tackle
Slash
Pound
Double Team
Cut
Aerial Ace
Water Shuriken
Night Slash
Toxic
Ice Beam
Rain Dance
Grass Knot
Now that I look at this I realize that they're all OP, but eh. They worked for it.
Stay tuned for the next Arc, as it will be posted as its own fic in order to keep the file sizes manageable!