Hope: Ash's POV
Disclaimer: Come on man, you know by now that I don't own Pokemon. Don't be a hater.
It's here. It's finally here. Ash thought to himself as he arrived at the stadium with Cilan and Iris.
The Unova League Tournament. He had made it. He'd defeated all eight gym leaders, and now he had another shot to be the very best, that no one ever was. He arrived a day early, thankfully, and tomorrow the opening ceremony would take place. After that, it was all battles, just the way Ash liked it.
After winning the 8th badge, Ash had written to everyone - and he meant everyone - to let them know when they could watch him at the league. So it shouldn't have been a surprise to him that once he got to the Pokemon Center, a small stack of letters had come for him.
"Whoa, since when were you Mr. Popular?" Iris asked, teasingly.
"Looks like you got a fan club supporting you back home." Cilan added. "Of course, we're here to back you up too."
Ash smiled. "Thanks. Hey Pikachu, let's drop these off in our room and go train while we still got some daylight!"
"Pika!" The electric mouse replied.
After an intense afternoon of training, Ash, Cilan, and Iris retired to their room. Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, and Axew were playing a card game, but Ash decided to go through what Iris had deemed his "fan mail."
He first read the letter from Brock. It was a quick note, and scrawled very quickly. What is it with doctor's and bad handwriting? Ash wondered.
Ash,
Hey, I wish I had time to make this longer, but I've got a lot of homework to do. Congratulations man! You're just going to keep getting better, aren't you? I have some classes during a few parts of the tournament, but hopefully I'll be able to see at least most of your battles. We'll be rooting you on.
Doc Brock (like how that sounds, Ash? I do.)
P.S. I ACTUALLY WENT ON A DATE WITH NURSE JOY!
Ash laughed as he read the post-script message, and showed it to Pikachu. Pikachu nearly fainted in disbelief, making Ash laugh even more. Iris and Cilan just looked at each other in confusion.
"You'd have to know the guy." Ash explained.
Going back to their game, Ash crammed Brock's letter in to his backpack and moved on to the next one.
The next was from Misty, and luckily for Ash, much easier to read.
Hey Ash,
Glad to hear how well you've been doing! Sounds like you've become quite the vagabond (I don't know what that word means. Ash thought, making a mental note to look it up later) since we went our separate ways. I hope you win this tournament, how many more regions and badges are there for you to even travel to if not? The gym's been great, thanks for asking. I'm way better at this whole leading thing than my sisters were. Don't get too cocky with your skills, or I'll have to whoop you in a battle next time we hang out! =P
Good Luck Ash!
Misty
Ha. Same old Misty. Glad to see not everything has changed. Ash thought, smirking. He folded the letter up and tucked it away in his backpack.
The next one in the pile was from...Gary? Ash wondered, I sent one to Professor Oak...why did Gary answer?
Ash,
Gramps showed me your last letter and asked me to answer it while he was tending to some research.
Don't blow it! Smell ya later! Just kidding.
Gary.
Ash rolled his eyes. Man, how are those two related again? Ash crumpled the letter up and chucked it in the garbage. Not due to anything against Gary or anything, it just didn't seem like a letter particularly worth keeping. How many more of these are there?
He opened the next letter to see it was from May.
Ash,
CONGRATULATIONS! Although I can't say I'm surprised! I knew you would be able to make it to the League in any region you traveled to. You better win, you hear me? Max says you have to as well.
It was really great to get your letter, I've been wondering how you'd been since we last saw each other in Sinnoh.
No, I'm not in Johto anymore. I've been back home in Petalburg, helping my dad with the gym a little bit. I've been trying to think of where to do contests this upcoming season. I was thinking of trying them here in Hoenn again, but I'm not sure. Maybe Sinnoh? Are there contests in Unova? And if so, how's the food? I'm not going if the food is lousy.
We'll all be watching your battles Ash! Good luck!
May (and Max)
Ash smiled at the letter. I'll have to let her know there are no contests here. He put this letter in his backpack to save as well.
At the mention of Sinnoh, Ash's thoughts began to drift to a certain blue-haired coordinator, but he quickly focused himself to finishing his letters. Besides, he was almost done. Hey, this one's from Mom.
Dear Ash!
Oh, I'm so happy to here how well you and Pikachu are doing. Speaking of, is he staying away from the ketchup? You know I'll be watching each and every one of your battles, Ash. They always have me on the edge of my seat! You really have grown in to such a great young trainer.
But that doesn't mean you can forget to change your you-know-whats everyday! I'm serious!
Mom
Ash groaned. Of course. Really know how to close out a letter there, mom.
As Ash put the last letter away he turned and saw he just had one letter left.
Dawn answered. He thought simply, putting a smile on his face once more.
Dear Ash,
There was never any doubt you would get all the badges and get in to the tournament! I've seen the way you and your Pokemon train, you guys are amazing! I've always believed in you Ash, but you knew that, right? You better have!
I'll be sure to watch each and everyone of your battles! Better remember that I'll be cheering for you as hard as I can - especially when you win the finals! Have you met any of the Elite Four for Unova? I remember you told me about the Champion. His name was Alder, right?
So, which of your Pokemon do you think you'll want to use first? They all sound really strong. But of course, with you training them, they're bound to be. Your dedication always inspired me Ash. You inspire me.
Haha, that picture you sent me of you and your Oshawott was adorable. You both looked pretty cute.
Give it your all Ash! And I sent you something for good luck.
Love, Dawn
Ash blushed reading the letter. She...she called me cute? I inspire her?
Reaching back in to the envelope, Ash pulled out a ribbon with another small note attached. He read the note as well.
This was the first ribbon I won in Sinnoh. You helped me win this, so I hope it helps you win the League.
Love, Dawn
Ash couldn't believe it. She gave me her first ribbon...I...I don't believe it.
Ash didn't know what to think. He felt warm inside, like he had taken a big gulp of hot chocolate. He clutched the ribbon in his hand. After a minute or so, he put the ribbon and Dawn's letter inside his jean's pocket.
I'm going to win it Dawn. I'm going to win this and come see you as the champion. Your champion.
Ash immediately grabbed a pen and paper, and began to write her back. Dawn's letters always made him want to answer her right away.
Two days later, Ash stood backstage with Cilan and Iris.
"It's Tournament Time, Ash!" Cilan said heartily, patting him on the back. "You can do this!"
"Give it everything you've got, kid." Iris said reassuringly.
Ash grinned back at them. "Thanks guys."
A voice boomed from the battle arena. "AND OUR FIRST CONTESTANT, FROM PALLET TOWN...ASH KETCHUM."
Before walking out, Ash reached into his pocket, and pulled out Dawn's ribbon. He fastened it on to the front of his hoodie. Here we go.
"Let's go win this, Pikachu!" He said, with a mix of confidence and hope, and charged in to the area.
Next: Hope. Dawn's Perspective.
