Chapter 2

Over the course of the next two weeks, Pallet Town was treated to the sounds of pokemon battling in the woods nearby. The town Sheriff had been called several times about the sightings of a large dragon flying around. Normally he wouldn't have investigated the matter but when people couldn't identify the beast as a Charizard or the legendary Dragonite he went to Professor Oak for answers. The Professor simply waved it off saying that it wasn't a threat to the town or the people.

Of course…we know the identity of said dragon.

Salamence was currently resting on the ground as he watched his human train the other members of their team. The first was a large green mantas like but with scythe like arms. Scyther had been Ash's first capture in Viridian forest which in itself was amazing considering how rare the elusive pokemon was in this part of Kanto.

The second pokemon was a brown bipedal creature with a fox like appearance. The pokemon held two silver spoons and had the presence of a wise sage.

The next pokemon that was standing near Alakazam was a yellow and black creature with two antennas and a long cat like tail. Ash's Electabuzz was sending bolts of lightning at a large black dragon with a flame at the tip of its muscular tail. Near the water stood a large pokemon with a single drill like horn, the pokemon was being pelted with water attacks from two others.

The first was a beautiful blue dragon with a single horn and gem on its head along with two feathers like ears. The other pokemon was a tall and skinny with two blades instead of hands. Rhydon groaned under the pressure from the attacks before he slammed his legs down, giving the signal to stop. The final two pokemon consisted of a dark purple pokemon that had spikes running down its back and a sinister grin; and a large bodied pokemon with dark blue and cream colored fur, that had the appearance of a panda bear.

Salamence looked up to see his human walking over with Alakazam, "Hey there bud, you up for a little flying?"

Salamence groaned and put his head on his front legs. Ash rolled his eyes and looked at Alakazam, "Someone is being lazy today."

The psychic type chuckled before speaking via telepathy, "With how much you train us it isn't a surprise that we want a break now and then."

Ash shrugged, "I figured he would want a simple fly…didn't realize that was such a difficult task."

Salamence growled in his throat which caused Ash to chuckle. Alakazam sat down in a meditative position and looked at his master, "We could work on your psychic exercises."

Ash thought a moment before nodding and bracing himself as he began to draw upon his powers. Alakazam took a breath before his eyes flared with a blue energy. The pokemon flare his power and sent the attack towards his master. Ash felt the psychic energies take over his body and closed his eyes. Focusing his mind, Ash called upon his mental powers before his eyes snapped open to reveal a bright blue glow. His eyes flared before he sent a blast of equal power towards Alakazam. Both figures started to sweat as their minds battled for dominance against the other. Ash brought his hand up and flicked his wrist, causing his pokemon to stumble to the left. Alakazam growled and brought both of his silver spoons up and sent an amplified blast of energy. Ash braced himself for the attack but was thrown back.

Cutting off his power, the young trainer got up and brushed off some dust, "Was that necessary?"

The psychic pokemon shrugged, "You got past my first level of defense so…yes it was. Look at the bright side Master; you are getting much more powerful."

Ash nodded and looked to the rest of his pokemon, "Alright guys bring it in." The group of ten pokemon came over, "I'm pleased with the progress you all have made over the last two weeks. We will be going to the Johto Region next and I want nothing but perfection." His pokemon roared in agreement before Ash returned them and started for home.

*PTCW*

On his walk home Ash decided to visit Leaf as it had been three days since they had seen each other. The teen arrived at Leaf's house and knocked on the door three times before waiting. The door opened and Ash found himself in the tight embrace of Violet Green. "Hello Mrs. Green." Ash's voice was muffled as she was hugging him to her chest.

Violet giggled, "Ash, how many times must I tell you to call me Violet? And you should know by now that you don't have to knock when at our house. We have known you since you were born."

Ash nodded and cleared his throat, still trying to get over his embarrassment of being face first into his best friend's mother's chest. "I know but out of respect for you and your family I will continue to do so."

Violet smiled, "Oh you are such a gentleman…you must have all the ladies wanting you."

Ash blushed lightly before regaining his composure, "They are fan-girls and nothing more. All they want is the fame and fortune that comes with me."

Leaf's mother smiled weakly, "Leaf doesn't look at you like that." Ash smiled at the mention of his best friend, "I know, I don't know what I'd do without her." Ash looked up at the stairs leading to Leaf's room, "I'll go find her now."

Violet smirked slyly, "Use a condom please."

Ash stumbled up the stairs, "What?" His friend's mother giggled, "Nothing dear, Leaf is in her room." Ash nodded in thanks before he quickly walked up to find his friend.

*PTCW*

He found his friend lying on her bed listening to music, one of her favorite pastimes. Her legs were bent at the knees and kicked in time with the beat as she was on her stomach. Ash felt his eyes wonder a long her legs and up to her nice backside. His mouth went dry and he had to lick his lips as her skirt shifted and he caught a glimpse of her light blue panties. Ash shook his head as he remembered that this was his best friend. He walked over and gently sat down on her bed, making Leaf turn at the sudden shift in her mattress. The teen smiled brightly at the sight of her friend, "hey you, when did you get here?"

Ash waited as Leaf paused the song she was listening to, "Been here about ten minutes."

Leaf nodded as she shifted so she was sitting with her knees under her. "Mom was beginning to think we had a massive fight."

Ash chuckled, "If you mean giving me the silent treatment for a few hours then that counts."

Leaf pointed at her friend, "If you hadn't made me walk this wouldn't have happened."

Ash shrugged, "It will keep you from gaining weight."

Leaf's eyes narrowed, "Did you just call me fat?" Before Ash could respond, Leaf pounced on him and pinned him to the bed, "Say you are sorry!"

Ash smirked, "Never." Leaf squeaked as she was flipped and pinned with Ash's hands dangerously close to her stomach. Her eyes widened, "Ashton Satoshi Ketchum if you move a finger you will get it!"

Her best friend's smiled grew, "You said finger…not fingers."

With that, Ash started tickling Leaf without mercy. Leaf squealed as she started laughing, "ASH STOP!" Ash chuckled as he continued his assault, "Who is the best?" Leaf growled as she tried to stop herself from talking but after a full minute of tickling she yelled out, "Ash is the best!"

Ash laughed and lay back on Leaf's bed as she groaned and put her head on his chest, "I hate you sometimes."

Her friend chuckled and kissed her head, "Love you too." He paused a moment as they settled down. "So I'm going to Johto in a few weeks."

Leaf turned her head so she could look at Ash, "So soon?"

Ash nodded, "The league starts in a month so I want to be under way before then."

Leaf sighed, "Then that means I won't see you for a while."

Her friend looked down at her, "You aren't coming?" Leaf shrugged, "I don't know yet Ash, let me think on it okay?"

Ash nodded and grabbed the remote before turning on the TV. One of Ash and Leaf's favorite things to do was cuddle and watch a movie. It reminded them of how much they meant to each other even if they didn't want to admit it. Ash stopped on the Pokemon Entertainment channel and saw the headliner… 'Interview with a Champion.' "This could be interesting." Leaf nodded from her spot on Ash's chest.

"We bring you live from Mount Silver with Champion Red Ketchum and a very rare opportunity to interview this all powerful champion."

Leaf's eyes widened as she heard the name and quickly glanced up at Ash. His eyes were cold and his grip tightened around her waist. Leaf knew this was his way of trying to prevent a massive outburst so she simply wrapped her arms around him.

"Champion Ketchum has been the leader of the Johto Elite Four for three years now, allowing the Kanto and Johto Regions to finally have separate branches. He can usually be found in the dangerous caves around Mount Silver and only comes out when a challenger manages to reach him inside." The reporter turned to a man around six feet with dark raven hair and a rugged face. He was wearing a simple red jacket and cap along with blue jeans.

"Champion Ketchum thank you for letting us do this interview with you. To start things off I have to ask, what is your opinion of the winners of this year's pokemon leagues?"

Red thought a moment, "They are all fine young trainers and anyone of them would make a worthy challenge once they train up a bit."

The reporter nodded, "What of this legend that has come from Kanto…Eclipse Silverline or as he is being called, The Assassin of Kanto."

Red seemed to straighten up, "I watched this young man's battles and he is very skilled, there is no doubt about it. I have heard rumors that he has yet to reveal his starter pokemon in battle which means it is probably something rare and powerful."

The reporter pulled out a picture, "So you are saying that the shiny Charizard in his possession isn't his starter?"

Red shook his head, "I don't believe so. Pokemon Trainers have a unique bond with their starter pokemon and the way this young man acted with the Charizard suggests otherwise. Not that I'm saying he doesn't care for his pokemon, that was shown during his battles but I do not believe it to be his starter."

The reporter went on, "So what do you think his starter could be?"

Red paused, "I don't know. It could be anything from a Pidgey he befriended or a pokemon from a different region. All kinds of possibilities are out there but if the boy proves himself a winner then I shall see him soon enough." The reporter turned back to the camera, "And there you have it ladies and gentlemen, the Champion of Johto has basically issued a challenge to all pokemon trainers. Prove yourself and you shall meet him soon enough."

The TV turned off and left the two friends in silence. Leaf knew that Ash was in a bad mood but needed to make sure he was alright, "Ash?" Her friend looked at her, "Are you alright?"

Ash sighed, "I have to defeat him Leaf…I have to destroy everything he has. After all these years he doesn't recognize his only son and clearly he isn't worried about us."

Leaf felt her heart sink as she saw the fires of revenge light in Ash's eyes, "I will win the Johto League and destroy Red Ketchum."

Ash's best friend nodded sadly put her head back onto his chest, "Then you won't be doing it alone."

Ash looked down at her, "What?" Leaf looked up, "I'm not about to let you travel a strange region with revenge on your mind without someone to keep you in line."

Ash smiled lightly and pulled her closer, "What would I do without you." Leaf didn't answer but simple snuggled closer to her closest friend and the two of them fell into a comfortable sleep.

*PTCW*

Another week went by before Ash decided to leave. His mother was less than pleased at his sudden departure but knew that he was a Pokemon Trainer and this was his dream. Leaf's mother and father agreed to let her go as long as she stayed with Ash and much to Leaf's embarrassment, that the two of them become a couple before they return home.

Ash decided to only take four pokemon with him and leave the rest at Professor Oak's lab. He brought Salamence, Alakazam, Dragonair, and Electabuzz, leaving the rest to be called upon at a later time. Ash decided that him and Leaf would fly to New Bark Town and then continue on foot. The Ketchum and Green family got together along with Professor Oak to wish them good luck, "We will be fine and I will make sure that Ash calls at least weekly."

Ash mock glared at his best friend but nodded in agreement, "I promise I will mom."

Delia hugged her son with tears in her eyes, "I know you will but I can't stop you from doing what you love. Make me prouder than I already am."

Ash nodded again before jumping onto Salamence's back. Leaf climbed on behind Ash and wrapped her arms around his waist, "We will call in a few days, love you all!"

With a mighty push of his wings, Salamence lifted off into the sky and turned towards the Johto Region.

*PTCW*

The trio made good time and arrived at Indigo Plateau within a couple hours of steady flying. Ash landed his dragon for a quick lunch break and to allow the pseudo legendary a rest. With the help of Salamence, Ash quickly got a fire going and soon the aroma of food filled everyone's noses. Ash and Leaf sat down with their meals only after feeding their pokemon, "Hey Ash what kind of pokemon are you going to capture in Johto?"

Leaf's friend shrugged as he took a drink of water, "In all honesty Leaf there isn't much in the Johto Region that I find worthy of my time. I'm for sure going to get a Larvitar but if I have to get anything else I might get a Murkrow so I can evolve it, an Umbreon, a Gligar for a Gliscor and finally a Larvitar." Ash paused a moment before he spoke again, "And should the opportunity present itself I will try and capture the legendary beasts."

Leaf's eyes widened, "You think you are powerful enough? I heard the Entei has the ability to summon volcanos with the sound of its roar."

Ash smirked, "I will never know until I try. What about you?"

Leaf thought, "I will go for anything I guess. I would really like to add another starter pokemon to my collection but I am for sure going to evolve my Seadra when I get the chance."

Ash nodded in approval, "It's a good choice being part dragon it is resistant to a large number of attacks."

Leaf rolled her eyes, "Do you ever think about anything other than pokemon?"

Ash smirked, "Do Charizards breathe fire?"

His best friend groaned and went back to her food. Ash chuckled lightly as he gazed in the direction of Mount Silver knowing that his father was somewhere on the mountain. Leaf noticed his gaze and decided it was time to move on, "Let's go Ash." Bringing Salamence out the two teens jumped on and continued towards New Bark Town.

*PTCW*

A couple hours later, the dragon landed in front of a large building that resembled a lab. Ash returned his faithful dragon and stepped inside with Leaf close behind. Ash's first impression of the room was a disaster. Piles of papers and books were all over and files were scattered on the floor. A low humming sound could be heard from behind a massive pile of papers, "Hello?" The sounds of a man jumping and falling out of a chair filled their ears. A few seconds later a meek looking man with glasses and wearing a lab coat walked out, "Oh hello there, what can I do for you?"

Ash sighed, "Are you Professor Elm?" The man smiled and nodded while puffing his chest up slightly, "Indeed I am and I assume you are the two trainers from Pallet Town that Professor Oak called me about?"

Ash nodded, "Yes sir, I am Ash Ketchum and this is my best friend Leaf."

The researcher's eyes widened at the sight of Ash, "My word you are the Kanto Champion!" Ash nodded his head slightly while Leaf smirked, "It is an honor to meet a trainer of your talent and on your first league too."

Professor Elm turned and attempted to straighten his desk out, "You will have to forgive the mess I was in the middle of writing an important document on the research of pokemon evolution."

Leaf smiled, "No problem Professor, Ash's room is just as bad if not worse."

Her friend glared, "It is not…I keep my room in perfect condition." Leaf giggled and rolled her eyes, "Whatever, so Professor we are to register for the Johto League."

Elm smiled brightly, "Excellent I can do that…but I'm sorry to say that I only have one starter pokemon available."

Ash raised his eyebrow, "What do you mean? We already have our starter pokemon."

Elm nodded, "I know but when the Pokemon League changed the starting age to fifteen the breeders who supplied us with our starter pokemon couldn't just shut down their breeding facilities so there was a surplus of starter pokemon. The Pokemon League stated that any trainer starting a new region, regardless of the fact if they already had a starter pokemon, could so choose to obtain one from the region they went to next."

Ash thought for a moment, "And when you finally run out of starter pokemon?"

Elm smiled, "Then we shall simply go back to the old way of doing things but until that time consider yourself lucky." The Professor turned and retrieved a pokeball and activated it. From the flash of light came a small bluish and cream colored pokemon. It had a long snout and four stubby legs. The pokemon yawned, "Quil!"

Professor Elm picked up the small pokemon, "This is a Cyndaquil the fire type starter of the Johto Region."

Leaf clapped her hands to the sides of her face, "Oh my gosh aren't you the cutest little thing!" She walked over and started petting the mouse like pokemon."

Ash looked at it and pulled out his black pokedex, "Hmm, let's see…Cyndaquil…called the fire mouse pokemon…specializes in speed and special attack. No notable attacks until level nineteen when it has already evolved."

The little fire type glared at Ash and puffed up its chest before flames erupted from its back and it sent a stream of little embers at Ash. The trainer backed up and wrapped his cloak around him before glaring at the little pokemon, "Rather bold for a usually timid pokemon."

Cyndaquil turned its nose at him and snuggled into Leaf's chest. Professor Elm was currently looking at Ash's cloak, "I'm impressed Ash is this resistant to other elements?"

Ash nodded, "Fire, water, electric, ice, and it keeps me warm against the winter." Leaf groaned, "And you don't share."

Ash looked at her, "you would literally have to lie on top of me in order for me to wrap it around us both." Leaf squeaked and blushed deeply as she turned her attention back to Cyndaquil.

Looking at the Professor Ash smirked, "The cloak was rumored to have been owned by an Aura Guardian long ago and his Aura powers made the material resistant to most damage…my limited psychic abilities only enhanced this."

Professor Elm gaped, "You are a psychic?"

Ash nodded, "Nothing major just the ability to sense when someone is sneaking up on me and communicate with a couple of my pokemon."

The Professor's mouth dropped farther, "Does Professor Oak know about this?"

Ash nodded slightly, "I would appreciate if it is kept quiet…I don't want any more attention."

Professor Elm nodded, "Not to worry Ash, now then about Cyndaquil…it would seem that she has already chosen a trainer."

The dark trainer looked at the little fire type, "So it would seem…looks like you have another pokemon Leaf."

The teen looked up and smiled brightly, "Are you sure you don't want her Ash?"

Her best friend shook his head and turned his attention to the window, pretending to forget the little fire type. Cyndaquil didn't like being ignored so she wiggled out of Leaf's arms and landed behind Ash. She opened her little mouth and let loose another stream of embers at Ash's head. The trainer under attack flinched before he glared at the little mouse that was looking around the room.

"I'm positive I don't want her."

Leaf giggled and returned the little fire type, "Thank you Professor Elm."

The man nodded and turned to Ash, "I feel bad that I don't have a pokemon for you." Ash waved it off, "I prefer to capture my own pokemon anyway."

The Professor was silent for a moment before he snapped his fingers and ran out of the room. The two teens waited for a few minutes before Elm made his return with a capsule containing an egg. "Ash this is a pokemon egg that I a friend of mine gave me for my research but it hasn't hatched since I have had it. I was wondering if you could help me…I want you to take this egg and help me with a little research. I have theory that pokemon eggs will only hatch when they are under the care of a trainer of a breeder."

Leaf raised her eyebrow, "That doesn't make sense they are raised in the wild all the time."

Elm nodded, "Oh yes I am well aware of this but I mean when breeding facilities go out of business they usually have eggs left over and so the eggs are stored in medical units until we use them. During the normal time these eggs don't hatch but when they are taken home and constantly cared for they hatch. My plan is to prove that it is the bond between the pokemon developing inside and the being taking care of it that lets it hatch."

Ash looked at the container and shrugged, "I guess I can take it for you. Are you going to want it back?"

Professor Elm shook his head, "No, when the pokemon hatches simply call me and let me know where you are and how long it took."

Ash nodded and placed the egg aside before handing over his pokedex which caused Leaf to do the same. Professor Elm took the devices and put them into a slot by his computer, "Alright, two trainers registering for the Johto League. All your pokemon appear to be in great health and you are already familiar with the Johto pokemon. Alright, you two are officially entered into the Johto League. It will start in a week's time giving you just enough time to get to Violet City, the location of the first badge."

Ash nodded in thanks as he placed his pokedex into his pocket, "Thank you for your help Professor. I will call once the egg hatches."

Elm nodded, "I look forward to hearing about your victories Ash. Take good care of Cyndaquil Leaf."

Leaf nodded, "I will Professor and thank you."

The two teens turned and walked out the door before turning to their right and heading down the pathway.

Chapter 2 is up.

Thanks for all the reviews guys.

As always send in ideas and reviews.

KingFatMan25