THURSDAY
Aquatic Competition
The next morning Ash and the others woke up early, and after having a good breakfast they headed to the beach, ready for the competition.
Apparently everyone on the Island was very excited about the competition. There were many spectators and participants. They had even installed some bleachers so that the public could watch the competition comfortably.
- We better go get ready - Lana said, watching how many of the participants began to gather at the designated place
- Good luck guys, we'll be supporting you - said Mallow
- Good luck - Ash said to Misty, giving her a tender kiss on the cheek
- Pi Pikachupi! - added Pikachu
- Thank you both - said Misty, while she stroked Pikachu behind the ears
- We will win, isn't it Primarina - Lana said to her Pokémon
Before Primarina could answer...
- Oh, of course not! That award will be mine alone! - Misty said, as competitive as ever.
After her comment, Misty turned around and went with the other competitors, leaving Goh and Lana behind, and the others a little surprised.
- Hehe... Sorry, she's a bit competitive - Ash tried to justify - especially if it's about water Pokémon
As soon as the three participants left the group, the others began to look around to find the best place to watch the competition.
- I think we have some seats available over there - Kiawe said, pointing to some bleachers to his left, just behind the judges' table.
- Great, let's go - Ash said
When they were reaching the bleachers, a girl approached them
- Alola - she said
- Alola - Ash replied. Looking more closely he could see that she was the same girl who had passed them the pamphlets the day before.
- Great battle yesterday Mr. Ketchum - said the girl, a little embarrassed to be talking to the current champion of the Manalo conference
- Ehm... Thanks - answered Ash, even more embarrassed than the girl - please call me Ash... What's your name?
- My name is Tina and I will be the presenter of the competition. Won't you participate?
- No... We'll be supporting our friends - Ash said
- That's right - added Sophocles
- In that case... Could you be a judge in the competition? I would have asked you yesterday, but I thought you'll participated - said Tina
- Oh... - Ash replied, somewhat hesitant
- Don't worry about us, Ash, we'll be sitting nearby - said Mallow.
- Okay... What should I do? - Ash answered.
- Great! Don't worry, it's not difficult... - Tina said, guiding Ash towards the judges' table, which was still empty.
- Just sit there, the other judges will be here soon. And then I'll explain the rules to everyone present - said Tina
A few minutes later, Hapu and Nurse Joy sat next to Ash.
- Alola Ash, I didn't know you would be a judge - said Hapu
- Neither do I... Tina asked me a few minutes ago.
- I hope you don't play favorites with your friends - said Hapu, jokingly
- Of course not! I would never do something like that...
- Don't worry, it was a joke... I know you wouldn't
Tina took the microphone and stood in the middle of the small stage where the judges' table was, and then began to speak
"Good morning everyone!
I hope everyone is ready to witness our great aquatic competition.
Before we start I will explain the rules.
First to mention that each competitor signed up with two of their water Pokémon
If you look closely we have a very special circuit in front of us. The circuit is divided into three sections: left, right and center
The section on the left is the circuit for Pokémon. One of our participants' Pokémon will compete in it. In the circuit there will be a swim race to a small platform where each Pokémon must take a piece of metal that must be carried to the large platform that is in the central section of the circuit.
Simultaneously the trainers must do the same in the circuit on the right. They too must swim to the platform to pick up a piece of metal and then carry it to the large central platform.
Once both, trainer and Pokémon, are on the central platform, they must put both pieces together to form a PokeRing
Then the final part of the race will begin.
On the central platform, their second Pokémon will be waiting for them, ready to pull small water floats to bring them back to shore.
Once here, with the help of your pokemon you should be able to insert the PokeRing in the post you see on my right.
The first one to get the PokeAro right wins!" Tina was heard saying through the speakers.
Ash looked carefully at the circuit in front of him. In the water there were three platforms, the two on the sides where the teams had to get the halves to form the PokeRing, and the large central platform where there were some small water floats (very similar to the ones they had used in the Altomare race) . As for the post where they had to insert the PokeRing in order to win, it was very similar to the ones used in the PokeRing competitions in which he had participated before in Hoen and Sinnoh
"Today we will be joined at the judges table by nurse Joy, our Kahuna Hapu, and the current champion of the Manalo Conference Ash Ketchum.
They will be in charge of seeing that no one cheats, and making sure who is the first to insert the PokeRing in its place"
The public was apparently very happy with the judges, as they applauded with great enthusiasm.
"Now that we have the rules clear, it's time to prepare
Trainers please release the Pokémon you register yesterday... Decide who will take part in the race, and who will bring you back to shore
Now everyone go to their places... Pokémon to the starting point on the left, trainers on the right, and the others go to the central platform... There our staff will help you with the floats" Tina said, giving the instructions to the participants
The nearly 30 participants released their Pokémon. Misty freed Corsola and Starmie, Lana freed Primarina and Lapras, and Goh freed Inteleon and Dewgong. Corsola, Elementary, and Inteleon headed to the left starting line, while the others headed to the center platform.
A few minutes later all the floats were ready, and everyone was ready to start
"Excellent, everyone is in their places and we are ready to start...
Pokémon and trainers prepare to start swimming... On my signal...3...2..1..
Now!"
All participants, Pokémon and Trainer alike, entered the water to begin swimming to their respective platforms.
In the Pokémon circuit, the race was very close, but quickly some faster than others began to stand out. A small group of five Pokémon began to gradually separate from the others, taking the lead by a couple of meters, among them were Corsola, Inteleon, and Primarina, along with a Seeking and a Buizel.
Something similar happened in the trainers circuit, quickly a group began to take the lead. This group was seven people, and in it were Misty and Lana.
In the Pokémon circuit, the first to arrive on the platform was Inteleon, closely followed by Corsola, Seeking and finally by Primarina and Buizel. After taking their respective pieces of metal, they all continued swimming towards the large central platform.
On the trainers' circuit, Misty quickly took the lead, slightly separating herself from the pack.
"Wow, so many years swimming and doing water shows in the gym have really made her a very fast swimmer" Ash thought, seeing the great race that Misty was doing
Misty was the first to reach the platform to take her piece of metal and continue swimming. The rest of the advance group reached the platform only a few seconds behind her, and a few seconds later the rest of the competitors did the same
Inteleon was the first to reach the central platform, closely followed by Corsola and Misty. A few seconds later, Primarina and Lana did it too, closely followed by the rest of the advanced competitors, and finally by the other competitors in general.
Misty joined the two pieces of metal to form the PokeRing, she put Corsola in her PokeBall and quickly got on her float, where Starmie was waiting for her.
- Come on Starmie! This competition is ours! - Misty said enthusiastically. Thanks to Altomare's career she had experience with water floats
Just a few seconds later Lana got on her float, and Lapras began to swim at full speed
On the platform, Inteleon waited impatiently for Goh to arrive. He arrived with the vast majority of the trainers, and after assembling his PokeRing he got on his respective water float
"And we are very close to knowing who is our winning team!
In the lead are Starmie and Misty, followed by Lapras and Lana.
Further back we can see that a large group of trainers is coming, apparently the third place is the one that is yet to be defined..." Tina said through her microphone
- Come on Lapras, speed up! - Lana said, trying to reach Misty
"But wait! Lapras and Lana are speeding up, it seems we will have a tight ending"
- Come on Starmie! - Misty said, noticing that Lana and Lapras had reached them
"We will have a photo finish! Attention judges... Lapras is overtaking Starmie...
Lapras and Lana will be the first to reach the shore, but they still have to insert the PokeRing into the post..."
- Ice beam! - Lana said. Lapras launched an ice beam to the shore, forming a small ice walkway between the water and the pole - Now slide!
"Look at that! Lapras is climbing the ice that he created, and has started sliding towards the pole...Looks like we already have our winning team"
- Of course not! - shouted Misty, who had just reached the shore. In a quick movement he threw his PokeRinh into the air and ordered - Water gun!
Starmie quickly complied, slamming the PokeRing into the post while Lapras and Lana were already halfway to it.
The audience, the judges, Misty and Lana were all watching in anticipation at everything that was happening. Misty's PokeRing was falling towards the pole, and Lapras hadn't reached it yet.
"In an unexpected twist Misty and Starmie make a risky move.. The PokeRing is falling towards the post... but... Will it land correctly?..."
"Come on Misty!" Ash thought. Even though he would be impartial if he had to decide, he couldn't help but wish that Misty would win.
"And...it got in! Misty and Starmie made it! What a great ending!!"
- Yessss! That was great Starmie, thank you very much - said Misty, hugging her beloved Pokémon
- Thanks Lapras, it was a great race - Lana said
"And the other competitors are just arriving... Seeking and Tom team are in third place"
In the bleachers the gang was amazed with the result of the race
- Wow, Misty was great - said Mallow,
- Yeah... I wonder why she didn't use her Gyarados? - Sophocles asked.
- I don't know - Kiawe said.
Tina walked over to the judges table and said
- Hapu, could you give the first place trophy, and you...
- Actually, could I give it? - Ash interrupted.
- Oh... I think so... Hapu? - Tina asked
- For me there is no problem, I can give the others
- Great! Thank you very much - answered Ash
Misty, Lana and Tom, along with their Pokémon approached Tina and the judges, to receive their prizes.
"Ash Ketchum will present the first place award to Misty!, who not only had a magnificent race, but also gave it a great finish"
Ash approached Misty with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a small but very beautiful trophy made with corals and other characteristic elements of the area.
- Congratulations Misty, it was a great race - Ash said, with a smile. Even though the gifts weren't his, it felt great to be able to give them to Misty.
- Thanks Ash - replied Misty, returning the smile
"Hapu will give out the prizes for our second and third place. They both put in a great effort."
Hapu handed out some ornaments very similar to Misty's, but smaller to Lana and Tom
- It was a great race Lana, you were very close - Hapu said, as he handed Lana her award
- Thanks
"To the rest of our competitors, thank you very much for participating and giving us such an entertaining race.
Thank you all for coming to share with us
Keep enjoying our Manalo Festival" Tina said goodbye, before turning off her microphone
Quickly the people who were sitting in the stands began to leave in order to continue enjoying the festival.
- Thank you very much for your help Ash - said Tina
- It was nothing... Happy to help - Ash said
- I hope we can count on your help or participation in other events. We are constantly carrying out activities on the different islands - explained Tina
- That would be great, I would love to participate if I can
- Great! Thank you - said Tina, before going to meet her work team, who were already beginning to disassemble everything they had used in the race
- Hello you - said Misty, approaching Ash
- Hello you - answered Ash, giving her a kiss on the cheek - congratulations, that was spectacular
- Thanks
- Misty! Congratulations - said Mallow, who was approaching with the others
- Thanks guys, although I must say that Lana did an excellent race too, you almost beat me
- Thanks Misty... - answered Lana, happy that a water trainer as powerful as Misty has give her a compliment.
- You are very fast swimmer Misty, you passed them all without problems - Kiawe said
- Growing up in a water gym, and doing water shows with my sisters for years, it helps you swim like that - Misty replied
- I was surprised you didn't use your Gyarados - Sophocles said.
- Yeah, well... The registration of the Pokémon was yesterday, when they still hadn't explained to us what the race would be about... Generally for races like this I don't use Gyarados, I prefer to use my smaller Pokémon...
- I thought you would use Corsola for the water float, just like the last time in Altomare - Ash said
- Have you ever competed with water floats? - Mallow asked before Misty could answer Ash.
- Yes, in Altomare with Ash, and since then I've entered a couple more races - said Misty
- That explains why you looked so comfortable... I found it a bit difficult to keep my balance - Lana said
- Don't even get me stared... - added Goh reluctantly, seeing that everyone looked at him strangely, he added, - ... I fell twice...
- Oh...
- As soon as they said that the final stage required inserting the PokeRing into the post, I knew I had to try it with Starmie - Misty said, finally answering Ash's question.
- Why? - Goh asked.
- You remember the Seadra from the Orange Islands gym, Ash... I've been practicing similar exercises with Starmie and other of my Pokémon, to improve their aim and accuracy with the water gun
- Great, it shows that it has worked - Ash said - inserting the PokeRing with an attack is not easy, right Pikachu? Although I've never seen a PokeRing competition with water Pokémon... Just flying ones
- What is a PokeRing competition? - Sophocles asked.
- In which I have participated, they are with Flying Pokémon... where in addition to trying to insert the PokeRing in the post, you must fight with another Pokémon and with the air currents to get it
- Sounds complicated, - said Mallow.
- Not so much... I've won both times I've participated... With Swallow and Staraptor
- Wow
- That's not a parameter Ash! - Misty said a little upset - for some hateful and inexplicable reason you usually win competitions in which you have no chance of winning... because you've never heard of them, or you don't have any experience in that sport/activity, or you sign up for last minute, or you just end up in them by accident... And you win anyway! So the fact that you won those PokeRing competitions doesn't say anything about whether or not it's difficult to insert the ring into the post - Misty said, a little annoyed. The competitive side of her had always resented those inexplicable victories from Ash.
- Um... I'm sorry? - Ash said, not sure how to respond to Misty
Mallow was rhe one breaking the tense moment between Ash and Misty
- What do you think if we tour the festival a bit ... then we can find a delicious place to have lunch or tour the island before returning home - said Mallow
- The truth is that I must return immediately to Melemele - said Ash
- Oh...
- But don't worry about me... you keep enjoying yourself...- Ash said, seeing the disappointed face of his friends - I had planned to train a little this afternoon... what do you think if you go to the house later? We can enjoy the pool or help me train if you want
- That sounds good - Kiawe said, thinking about the possibility of being able to train with Ash
- Great! I'll see you guys later then
- Do you want me to go with you? - Misty asked, calmer now.
- No... I have to prepare some things before seeing Frank... - Ash answered in a low voice
- Oh, I see... well, see you later then - Misty said, saying goodbye to Ash with a quick kiss
Ash headed to the port, so he could catch a ferry to Melemele Island. Luckily, there was one that would be out in just 10 minutes.
Since the race had finished early, Ash would have plenty of time before lunch.
Once on the Ferry, Ash took his cell phone so he could inform Evan and Frank that he was on his way home.
"Ash: Hi Evan I'm on my way home, Misty and Goh aren't coming with me, but I'll see if Frank is free to have lunch with us"
"Ash: Hi Frank, I'm on my way back to Melemele, I'll be at the house all afternoon. Do you think you can go and have lunch with me and Evan? If you can't, I'll see you once you're free"
A few minutes later he received a reply from Frank
"Frank: Hi Ash... I still don't know what time we'll be free, but I hope I can have lunch with you. As soon as I know I'll let you know."
- Great - Ash said.
Taking advantage of the peace of the trip, Ash began to think about the events in which he would participate in the next few days. The other day when Frank taught him how to use his planner, he had taken a quick look, but hadn't paid much attention to the content, and hadn't had the time to check calmly... Until now
- Oh... Well Pikachu... let's say we'll have a very busy week - Ash said - Luckily I have all my Pokemon in Alola... We still have many battles to go...
Getting off the Ferry, Ash headed towards his office, he had to pick up the things to be able to write the letters: the official papers and envelopes that had his logo, and his stamp.
Arriving home, Ash ran into Evan
- Hi, Evan.
- Hi Ash, congratulations on your victory yesterday
- Thanks
- Will Frank join us for lunch?
-He doesn't know yet, but he said he would notify
- Okay
Ash first headed to the garden, to free the Pokémon that had fought yesterday.
- Thanks guys for yesterday's battle, go rest, you deserve it
Then Ash went up to his room to leave his backpack, from which he took out the things he had picked up at the office.
- Chaaaa-said Pikachu, while he yawned and then curled up in bed to take a nap
- Sleep well buddy
Finally Ash went into his office/study to get to work before Frank arrived.
The first thing was to write the letters to his friends, remembering to change the handwriting slightly so they couldn't recognize him...
During the ferry ride he had been thinking about what to put in them. He had come to the conclusion of writing the same thing on each of them, so that there would be no suspicion in case they contacted each other.
He decided to start writing Max's
"Dear Max
It's been a long time since we last saw each other, I hope you and your pokemon are doing well.
Hopefully we can see each other soon, and maybe even have a battle.
Greetings
The Champion"
It wasn't very long, but he was afraid that if he wrote more he might get caught.
Next to the signature of "The Champion" Ash put his stamp, giving the letter a special and official touch. Satisfied with the result, he decided to repeat it in the other cards
Ash continued to write the same letters to everyone else, only changing the name he addressed it: Brock, Traecy, Gary, May, Max, Dawn, Cilan, Iris, Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena.
After much thought he decided that the letters from his mother, Professor Oak and Professor Cerise would be the same as the others, except for the battle part, and thus not raise suspicions.
As for Goh and the Alolan gang, he decided it was best not to send them the letters, it would possibly be too easy for them to guess.
Now all that was left was to find out if Gary, May, Dawn, Iris or Serena had answered something in the chat
Ash took his cell phone and checked for any new messages since last night
.
"May: Hey guys! Like Max said I'm training for a class 2 contest, and thanks to your Bulbasaur I already have my routine ready! The contest isn't until the next weekend, but at least I have time to practice it so it comes out perfect"
"Dawn: Hello everyone! Of course I've been watching your battles, I was very excited to see Torterra!"
"Dawn: I'm in Kanto now, Buneary has some events in Fuchsia City this week, and then we'll keep traveling around Kanto to get more ribbons... I already have 2!"
"Gary: Well done Ashy-boy, very good battles"
"Gary: At the moment I'm doing some research on Mount Coronet"
- Great, the three replied - Ash said, before answering them
"Ash: That's great May and Dawn! I hope you keep winning ribbons"
"Ash: Gary, please tell me your investigation has nothing to do with Team Galactico..."
- At least I know about everyone in this group
Ash checked Unova's group, but Iris still hadn't responded. He would have to send the letter to the dragon village expecting she still be there
.
He then checked the Kalos' group
"Serena: Hey Ash! Like Bonnie said, I'm in Hoen, next week there's a contest in Slateport City, so I'm on my way there. In the meantime I've been practicing my version of your Bulbasaur's moves, thanks for Ash inspiration!"
"Ash: Good luck in your contest!"
Great, he already knew where everyone was. With this Ash began to assemble the different envelopes, adding the various destinations.
Just as he was about to finish the ringing of his phone interrupted his work.
"Frank: It looks like we'll finish early, I can be there at 1:15 p.m."
"Ash: Great! We'll wait for you then"
Ash looked at the clock on the wall, it was still very early, he would have about an hour before Frank arrived.
Excited, Ash finished organizing the letters and envelopes, 14 in all. Six envelopes for Kanto: Three for Pallet Town (his mom, Prof Oak and Tracey), one for Brock in Pewter City, one for Dawn in Fuchsia City, and one for Professor Cerise in Vermilion City. Two envelopes for Hoen, for Max in Petalburg City and Serena in Slateportj City. Two for Sinnoh, for Gary at Mt. Coronet and May at Snowpoint. Two more for Unova, for Cilan in Striaton City, and for Iris in the Valley of Dragons. Two envelopes for Kalos, for Clermont and Bonnie in Lumiose city
When everything was ready, Ash took the envelopes and put them in his desk drawer. And he went to the kitchen to tell Evan that Frank was coming over for lunch.
Later he went to the lounge room on the second floor, he wanted to train a little with Lucario and Greninja, but he wanted to do it in a quiet place
About an hour later, Ash went back to his study to review Misty's sketch for his new house. He was at it when he heard a knock on the door
- Come in! - Ash said - oh, Frank... come in... thanks for coming
- Sure Ash, tell me... what did you want to talk about? Evan said lunch would be ready in about 15 minutes.
- Great, that gives us time before eating... You see... I want to surprise my friends... I know I can't tell them about being Champion, but Misty thought that sending them this letter could be a great surprise - Ash commented, showing him one of the cards that he hadn't put in his envelope yet - as you can see, it's anonymous and doesn't really reveal anything... the only clue is my official emblem, which no one knows yet
- It's ...great!
- Hopefully, they would receive it on Monday morning, so they don't have much time to find out or make a media scandal about it... in fact I don't know if they would be able to figure out who sent it... maybe Professor Oak, Gary, Brock or Clemont... but I don't think the others do
- It is true, it is difficult to decipher, but not impossible...
- Do you think they can make it in time? - Ash asked, handing him the envelopes so Frank could look at the destinations.
- I think so, if I send them today... don't worry, I'll make sure they are delivered on Monday morning
- Great! Thank you very much... I also wanted to tell you that I've already decided where I'd like to have my house - Ash said, while he took out a map of Kanto that he had printed a while ago
- Great, where? The sooner we do all the paperwork, the sooner you can enjoy your new home
- On the outskirts of Saffron city, towards Mount Moon - Ash said indicating the place on the map
- Why that place?
- It's central, I can easily go to Pallet Town, Cerulean City, Pewter City, The League, Professor Cerisse's laboratory...
- Oh, sure... it really is a good place. Well, as soon as I can I will look if there are places for sale in the area
- Thank you! Misty also made some sketches of how I would like the house to be... I don't know if they will help you or not...
- Sure! They will make everything much easier when searching, and especially when starting to build
- Excelent
- That was all?
- Yes... How did the gym leader applications go?
- Fairly good.,. Since Mr. Goodshow still wants to keep everything secret, the Kahunas will be in charge of delivering the application forms to people they deem appropriate in the meantime. On Monday after the official announcement, a public application process will be opened.
- Oh great
- Applications will be open for a total of two weeks, this way you will have time to read their proposals and thus select some candidates.
- Excellent, I hope I can find the right ones soon. I would like to have them all ready at least two weeks before the official start of the season to collect the badges
- I think you'll have just enough time for that
- I hope so... Let's go have lunch
Ash, Frank and Evan were sitting at the table, about to start enjoying a delicious lunch.
- I'm glad that we can enjoy this lunch just the three of us - said Ash - since we will be working together for a long time... or so I hope... I would like us to get to know each other a little more
- I like that idea - said Evan
- Great... How about you start Evan... How did you end up working on this?
- I worked many years for the League... Helping with the organization of some events and things liike that. Some time later Mr. Goodshow offered me to take over the Champions' residence in Hoen - said Evan - Last year I had the option to retire, but I didn't want to... Keep working keeps me active... A few months ago Mr. Goodshow offered me "a solution", to come to Alola, a paradise where I could work and rest at the same time
- I hope that with my Pokémon we're not being too much work - Ash said worried
- Of course not
- I'm glad... If at any time we are, please let me know - Ash said
- I don't think it will happen, but thanks
- And you, Frank?
- Like Evan, I also started working in the League, helping to organize some events. I was on that for a couple of years until last year...just before the creation of the Alola League was announced...Mr. Goodshow offered me to be his second assistant, in order to prepare me to be the assistant to the eventual champion of Alola
-Wow, Mr. Goodshow always thinks of everything... I can't believe he would think of that even before the competition was held- Ash said
- Well, he's been at this for a long time... I'm not really surprised - Evan said
Lunch passed quickly, with one story after another, and to Ash's delight, he got to know quite a bit about his new friends.
After lunch, Frank had to leave, so he could send the letters and get on with his work.
As soon as Frank left, Ash texted Misty to see if they were on their way.
"Ash: Are you on your way yet?"
"Misty: Not yet, but we're finishing lunch. We'll take the Ferry soon"
"Ash: ok"
- Well... That gives me about an hour... - Ash said.
Ash ran to the kitchen looking for Evan.
- Evan, the others will arrive in an hour or so... I have to go, but I'll be back soon - Ash said before running away - Come on Pikachu, we must find Tapu Koko
A few days ago, as soon as Ash had assimilated his new appointment as Champion, he had remembered one of the activities that were scheduled to end the festival, and he had had a crazy idea... and he had to tell Tapu Koko about it as soon as possible
Luckily for Ash, Tapu Koko wasn't hard to find, and he was able to get back to his house in plenty of time before the others arrived. He decided to go relax a bit on the lounge chairs by the pool. Quickly Ash began to fall asleep.
- Ash?
- Hmm? - Ash said.
- Wake up Ash - said Misty - I thought we'd find you training, not taking a nap
- Oh... It seems that I was more tired than I thought - Ash apologized
He couldn't believe how exhausted he was, considering that he had only been Champion for a few days... And that wasn't official yet
.
- It's okay Ash... You've been working a lot these days - said Mallow
- How was the festival? Did you enjou it? - Ash asked.
- Well, we even had time to tour the island a bit - said Goh
- That's good - Ash said.
- And you Ash, apart from taking a nap, were you able to do what you needed? - Misty asked.
- Yes, it was a very productive morning... I even had time to train a bit before lunch...
- Oh, that's good - said Sophocles - so it means that you can enjoy the pool with us? Or will you train anyway?
- I still have to train, but I can share a bit with you first - answered Ash with a smile, seeing the disappointment on his friends' face - what do you think of the house? Do you like it?
- Yes, it's beautiful - said Mallow.
- Although we haven't seen much of the interior yet - Lana said.
- I can't believe the league will let you use this house - said Kiawe
- Well, Mr. Goodshow has known Ash for many years... It's not that strange - said Misty
- Do you want to take a tour of the house? - Ash offered.
- Yes!
Ash guided his friends through the different rooms of the house, always emphasizing that the house belonged to the league, without giving any further explanations about it, to avoid suspicion. Facing the door to the small office/study, Ash remembered just in time that his laptop (which had his official logo on the lid) was on the desk, so he just pretended the door was locked.
After the tour of the house, everyone put on their bathing suits to enjoy the pool and deck chairs.
- Ash, do you have something to do tomorrow before the battle? - asked Mallow, from the pool
- Ehmm... No, I was thinking of sleeping in and travel to the island just before the battle - answered Ash, from his deck chair
- Oh... - Mallow answered a little disappointed.
- Why you ask? - Ash asked.
- Is that tomorrow there is a contest in Ula Ula Island in which I wanted to participate - answered Mallow
- Ah, in that case I'll be there supporting you - Ash said with a sincere smile - I already missed Sophocles' race, I don't want to miss another opportunity to support my friends
- Really? Thanks Ash! - said Mallow very happy - anyway, the contest is at lunchtime, so you won't have to get up so early
-Great - said Ash, then he look at the time on his cell phone - I'm sorry guys but I have to go to train... Does anyone want to come with me?
- I'll go - Kiawe said, getting out of the pool
- I'll go watch - Lana said, also getting out of the water
- Great! Come on Pikachu
A few hours later Ash decided that had been enough training for today. With the help of Kiawe, his Turtonator and Marowak, Ash had been able to practice various moves with different Pokémon, and not only with the ones he would battle the next day, after all the festival still had many battles and other surprises prepared
.
In addition, Ash had managed to devise some strategies, which he had decided it was better not to practice today, in order to keep them secret, but which he would later share with his pokemon.
Lana and Primarina had mainly been watching the training carefully, trying to learn as much as possible. This year they wanted to do better at the conference, and Lana knew that she had to train and improve a lot for that, and watching Ash's battles and training was a great way to learn. They had even been able to train a little with Ash's Squirtle
- Thanks for your help guys, it was a very good training - Ash said to his friends
- That was great, Ash - Kiawe said
- Thanks for letting us train with you Ash, with Primarina we learned a lot - Lana said, then looked at Squirtle - Thanks to you too Squirtle
- Squirt squirt!
- Who will participate in tomorrow's battle? - asked Sophocles, who was approaching them
- Surprise surprise - Ash replied, shaking his head
- Oh, come on Ash... You've kept everything a secret since you arrived... - said Mallow, who was also approaching - You don't want to tell us about the news of the league or the Pokémon you'll use in battles...
- It's true, you haven't wanted to tell us what other activities there will be these days either - Sophocles added - Professor Kukui insists that it will be two weeks full of activities, but they haven't wanted to announce anything yet!
- Come on guys... It's not Ash's fault... Professor Kukui and Mr. Goodshow want to keep everything a secret so it's a surprise - Misty said, trying to calm the others
- Sure... you said that becsuse he has already told you...- said Kiawe
- What? Of course not! I know the same as you - replied Misty, a little angry - Ash has respected Mr. Goodshow's request and hasn't told me anything I shouldn't know...
- Guys... - Ash said, trying to calm things down.
- If Professor Kukui and Mr. Goodshow want to keep everything a secret, it's so they can give us big surprises... Which wouldn't work if Ash is telling everything around
- Guys... - Ash repeated, still unable to be heard.
- But we're his friends! He could tell us something at least - Sopohocles said.
- It's true, we won't tell anyone - Lana said
- It would ruin the surprise! - Misty said, losing patience
- Guys... - Ash repeated again
Seeing that no one was paying attention to Ash, and that the atmosphere was starting to get a little tense, Pikachu decided to end the discussion.
- Pikaaaaaaa! - Pikachu yelled as he launched a big attack
- Thank you Pikachu. - Ash said, finally making himself heard - Guys, there's no need to fight... I'm sorry I can't tell you anything, but it's the only way to keep the surprise, and believe me... It'll be worth it. Also, as Misty said, Mr. Goodshow asked me to keep everything a secret and I gave him my word that I would do so, so I won't say anything to anyone... Not even my friends, including Misty - he said firmly
Ash stared at his friends, he hadn't wanted to sound angry, because he wasn't, but they had to understand that if some information was confidential, he couldn't share it with anyone, not even his friends. They had to understand it now, because in the future it would happen even more often, with even more relevant information.
- I'm sorry, Ash - said Sophocles.
- I think we got carried away - said Mallow.
- I was unfair Misty, sorry - said Kiawe
- We shouldn't have pressured you like that Ash - Lana added
- I think... it's just been a little weird having you around but sharing so little with you - Mallow explained.
- Oh... I'm sorry guys, but believe me it's been strange for me too. Mr Goodshow and Professor Kukui took me completely by surprise with all this - Ash said understanding how his friends felt
- You don't have to apologize Ash... - Lana said
- Well, now that everything is clarified, why not enjoy the pool a little more. I'll go get juice and something to eat, I'll be right back
- I'll help you - Misty suggested, following Ash into the house.
- Do you think Ash is angry? Mallow asked
- I hope not - answered Sophocles.
Goh had watched the entire discussion in silence, without participating in it. On one hand he wasn't very good at sharing with other people, especially in tight-knit groups like this where he felt a bit out of place; and on the other he wasn't so desperate to find out what Ash was hiding from them, they would find out in a few more days anyway. What had surprised Goh was the way Ash had responded, with a firm and authoritative tone, and a very serious look... Not quite Ash's style, but it had certainly worked to stop the discussion
- Are you OK? - Misty asked, a little worried. The way Ash had responded had taken her by surprise, it wasn't very common to see Ash so serious. But above all, Misty had noticed the authority with which he had spoken, without giving rise to new discussions on the subject, and without the need to raise his voice or anything like that, just authority. It had been a very... Interesting thing to see.
- Yes, I'm fine. Do you think I was too rough with them? - Ash asked as he entered the kitchen.
- Not really, it was very good - said Misty
- Really?
- Yes... It was even a bit... Sexy... - replied Misty embarrassed
- What?! - Ash said, blushing
- Ehm... Nothing, forget it...
- Hi, do you need anything? - asked Evan, who was coming into the kitchen
- Yes! - Ash answered, happy for the interruption - we wanted some juices and maybe something to eat whit the others at the pool
- I'll bring you some sandwiches right away - Evan said, as he pulled out a tray on which he placed seven glasses and a pitcher of juice, - you can bring the juice in the meantine
- Thanks - Misty said, taking the tray so that Ash wouldn't force himself with his left hand
- But... - seeing Misty's look, he add - fine... thanks Evan
- Here's the juice guys - Ash said, while Misty left the tray on the terrace table
- Evan will bring us some sandwiches soon - added Misty
- Thank you - said the others in unison, approaching the table
A few minutes later Evan arrived with an array of sandwiches for everyone. The group of friends ate animatedly, but the atmosphere remained tense for a while. Little by little everyone began to relax, noticing that Ash wasn't really upset with them, and that way they could enjoy the rest of the afternoon in the pool.
Shortly before sunset, the others went home so they could rest well before a new festival day that awaited them tomorrow.
Ash, Misty and Goh soon retired to their respective rooms, also a bit tired with today's activities.
Ash had already changed into his pajamas and was lying on his bed absentmindedly watching TV, when an idea came to his mind. He quickly got up and went to his study.
Once inside, and with the door closed, so that Goh couldn't get in, Ash took out all the materials with which he had written the letters that morning, and began to work.
After what happened this afternoon, he didn't want his friends to feel forgotten by not receiving a letter from "The Champion". He had yet to figure out a way they could receive her without ruining the surprise of the official announcement, but he didn't want to leave them out.
"Dear Sophocles
I hope you and your pokemon are well.
Hopefully we can see each other soon, and maybe have a battle.
Greetings
The champion"
It was even shorter than the previous ones, but that reduced the risk of revealing the secret
He put the five letters in his respective envelope and kept them in his desk drawer for as long as he figured out how to deliver them.
When finished, Ash went back to his room to go to bed, tomorrow would be a long day again