Part 13
"Can you repeat that for me?" Ash said as he leaned forward in his seat to look at Mindy with a dumbfounded expression.
"We want you to train Anabel." Mindy said as she motioned to the girl who had been silent the entire time. Ash only looked up in thought for a moment, then he set his gaze on Mindy after a few moments.
"I'm confused." Ash began. "When I started my journey, you guys dropped me in Viridian City and wished me luck. Why does Anabel need training?"
"There's several differences between the two of you Ash if you haven't noticed. She lacks the experience you had." Mindy replied. "Not only did you go to a better Academy, but you also spent a year in the college circuit. Anabel is fresh out of high school with no experience, so someone has to watch over her to make sure she's safe until she learns the basics of being a trainer."
"A trainer?" Ash exclaimed.
"What did you think we brought her here for?" Mindy asked in return.
"Well she can understand Pokemon. I thought she was going to be some sort of translator."
"We're well aware of her ability Ash." Mindy stated in a deadpan that Ash quickly took as a warning. He was scratching the surface of a subject that wasn't supposed to be touched. "Tomorrow morning, come up to Riley's office at eight o'clock. We'll continue this discussion then."
"Fine." Ash mumbled as he glanced at Riley and Lawrence. They had been talking in a civilized manner the entire time until Lawrence that donned a smirk immediately caused Riley to abandon his calm demeanor.
"Look, the only reason I allowed you come to this party was because of your persistent calls. Get to the point before I have you thrown out." Riley whispered harshly at Lawrence who had taken a step back.
"I apologize Riley. I didn't mean to offend you." Lawrence said as he kneeled down in front of them man. "I came here tonight to ask for your forgiveness for my actions against you and your company years ago."
Riley looked down at Lawrence, a scornful smile forming on his face.
"After everything you did to me and my company. You're not worth it." Riley stated. Lawrence sighed deeply before reaching into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small envelop which he offered to Riley.
"Please, accept this." Lawrence said as he looked down at the floor.
"Why should I?" Riley asked as he looked down at the man skeptically.
"I know that Silph Co is still repairing the damages I caused to the company, so I came with a gift to ease some of the economic pressure you're all facing right now." Lawrence explained. "It's nothing more than a kind offer."
Riley studied him for a moment with a narrow stare. How did Lawrence know about this? Riley on shook his head before allowing a scornful expression to take shape on his face.
"I won't accept anything from the likes of you." Riley stated in a deadpan. "I know for a fact that you can't be trusted."
"Rest assured Riley, I'm no longer the man you remember from long ago." Lawrence said as he extended the envelop toward Riley once again. "I didn't attend this party with any ill will. I only came to gain your forgiveness. So please, take it."
Riley looked directly into Lawrence's eyes, recalling that the same eyes he was looking into right now were the same ones that had tried to kill him a few years ago. Numerous scenes flashed before Riley's eyes as he remembered the dangerous battle upon Lawrence's Flying Palace where he had nearly lost his life. Riley drew in a sharp breath before turning away from Lawrence, receiving a frown from the man as Riley began to head back toward his table.
"I can't speak with him anymore Mindy. You deal with him." Riley said as he dropped down into his seat, motioning for her to go. Mindy quickly rose from her seat to pursue Lawrence who had been moving toward the exit of the room, managing to catch the man before he could leave.
The two of them spoke for a short period of time before she returned to the table holding the envelop that Riley had refused to accept.
"You took it?" Riley asked as he looked toward his assistant as she returned to her seat beside Anabel.
"To confirm something." Mindy stated as opened the envelop to pull out the small piece of paper within it. Mindy studied it for just a moment before sighing deeply as she handed it over to Riley. "Take a look for yourself."
Riley snatched the paper from her, grumbling a bit before he read was printed on it. Riley tilted his head a bit as he placed an elbow on the table, using it to prop up his head as he took a few moments to think.
"He's hasn't been out of prison for too long." Riley muttered as he folded the paper. "Where could he have gotten money like this already?"
"My thoughts exactly." Mindy said, receiving a nod from Riley as he tucked the check away in his jacket pocket.
"There's something fishy going on with Lawrence."
June 3rd
Executive Office
Ash yawned rather loudly as he leaned back further into the plush chair he was seated in. He and Anabel were seated inside the office on the top floor of Silph Co that was used exclusively by Riley. The current president of the company was also present in the office with his back to his pair of guests as he stood beside the windows, observing the cityscape better known as Saffron City.
Anabel's gaze was currently fixated on Riley who was standing without the aid of a cane at the moment. There was a brace around his left leg that Anabel assumed was the reason why he was able to walk around without any assistance. Riley was clearly lost in thought based on the dark yellow aura that surrounded him and the fact that he hadn't even greeted them when they entered the room.
"Good morning." Mindy said as she entered the room, snapping Riley out of the daze that he had been in for quite some time.
"Ah, good morning Mindy." He replied as he turned around to greet the women as she closed to door to his office. Riley then raised his eyebrows when he noticed Ash and Anabel seated in the chairs in front of his desk. "How long have you two been here?"
"Not too long." Ash replied rather lazily as he straightened up in his seat. He was feeling incredibly tired right now. The party had continued well past midnight, leaving Ash with only a little bit of time to sleep before he had to meet to Riley in the morning.
"I apologize for not noticing the two of you earlier. I have a lot on my mind right now." Riley explained as he took a seat in the chair behind his desk.
"Don't worry about it." Ash said as he waved off the subject. He knew that Lawrence was the only thing on Riley's mind right now. The whole issue surrounding Lawrence was a subject that the entire company preferred to avoid, and Ash would do the same.
"Can I assume that Mindy informed you about your next task Ash?" Riley asked, looking toward the young man blinked several times as though he were finally waking up.
"Yup. I have to train Anabel." Ash replied as he looked at the girl seated beside him. "But what exactly am I expected to do?"
"As I'm sure you figured out all ready, Anabel is completely green as a trainer. Our next project relies entirely on how she develops as a trainer and a person. So we need her to gain as much experience as she can." Riley explained.
"How do I give her that?"
"We want you to accompany her around the Kanto Region for a few months and show her what it takes to become a Pokemon trainer." Riley went on.
"You want me to teach her how to be a Pokemon trainer…?" Ash asked, receiving a nod from both Riley and Mindy. "Not how to survive in the professional circuit."
"As of right now, our interest in Anabel has nothing to do with the professional circuit." Riley replied.
"I see." Ash said as he leaned back a bit. He then glanced at Anabel out of the corner of his eye as she opened her mouth to speak.
"I don't want to cause any trouble, but can you tell me what I'm supposed to do for you?" Anabel asked softly, struggling to maintain eye contact with Riley.
"As of right now Anabel, our interest in you solely depends on how you develop as a trainer and as a person over the next few months." Riley replied, watching as Anabel seemed to shrink back in her seat.
"Don't feel as though we're placing any pressure on you." Mindy cut in quickly. "What Riley means is that we're trying to make sure that you are truly the person that will be the centerpiece of our next project."
"So what exactly is this new project you guys keep fussing over so much?" Ash asked.
"You'll find out in due time Ash." Riley responded, raising a hand to silence Ash before he could speak again. Then he shifted his gaze to Anabel once again. "For now Anabel, we'll get right down to the point about our expectations for you right now."
Riley pulled a pair of keys out of his jacket pocket which he then used to open a draw on his desk.
"We understand that you weren't the greatest trainer in high school, but we want you to focus on developing your abilities." Riley explained as he pulled out small case from within his desk which he placed on his lap. "The custom of our company is to provide our trainers with a Pokemon to help them start their journey, so we've selected a Pokemon to join your party. We hope that the two of you become friends soon."
Riley placed the case on his and opened it up, revealing a Pokeball that was comfortably resting on a cloth that filled the bottom of the case. Anabel tilted her head once again as she looked at Riley and Mindy. Both of them had the same light yellow aura dancing around them as they quietly waited for her to accept the Pokeball. She then glanced at Ash who was seated on the edge of his seat with the same yellow aura. They all wanted to see her accept this gift.
Rising from her seat, Anabel approached the desk, slowly raising a hand which she then extended toward the Pokeball. She could only wonder what kind of Pokemon was held within it as a numerous other questions flooded her mind. Would she able to get along with this Pokemon like she did with Espeon? Would this Pokemon be as obedient as Espeon?
Anabel placed her fingertips on the Pokeball, feeling a strong sensation wash over her as she caught of glimpse of the colored aura within the Pokeball. The color orange was practically radiating off of the Pokeball as Anabel scooped it up from the case with one hand.
"Come on out." She said rather timidly, causing the bottom half of the Pokeball to open up, releasing the Pokemon within. A white flash jumped to the floor, quickly taking shape into a small Pokemon that stood on all fours. It gave a bark as it shook its orange and black fur before looking up at Anabel.
"Awesome, a Growlithe." Ash exclaimed as he observed the Pokemon who began to wag its tail as it looked up at Anabel.
"A Grow-lithe?" Anabel repeated slowly, earning a pleasant bark from the Pokemon in response to its name being called. Growlithe then approached Anabel, beginning to sniff at her shoes. Tentatively, Anabel kneeled down beside Growlithe, extending her hand toward it which immediately gained the attention of the small Pokemon as it looked up to her. "Hey there."
Growlithe placed its head underneath Anabel's hand, allowing her rub the top of its head for a few moments.
"I had a feeling the two of you would get along easily." Riley said as observed the new partners. "Growlithes are a loyal species. The perfect traveling companion for you as your begin your travels."
"Thank you." Anabel said softly as she rose up, causing Growlithe to quickly roll over onto its feet.
"Anabel, would like to introduce Growlithe to your Espeon?" Mindy suggested, receiving a nod from Anabel as she pulled out Espeon's Pokeball. She then released Espeon from its Pokeball, allowing the feline Pokemon to take shape on the floor. Anabel looked down at Growlithe curiously when its aura became a bright pink after taking one look at Espeon. The lilac colored Pokemon arched its back as it stretched for a few moments before greeting Anabel with a quick nod.
"Espeon, we have a new friend." Anabel said as she motioned to Growlithe who was seated beside her. "Meet Growlithe."
"Espeon." It said, giving Growlithe a nod, but the Pokemon that had been rather outgoing at first was now hiding behind Anabel's legs.
"What's wrong Growlithe?" Anabel asked as she stepped away from the fire type who continued to hide behind her.
"Well it looks like Growlithe has a cute little crush." Mindy said as she looked down the Pokemon that was unable to face Anabel's Espeon. Ash couldn't help but chuckle at the thought as Growlithe continued to hide behind Anabel whenever she moved away from it.
"Anabel, why don't you head down to the garden where my Pokemon are resting." Ash suggested as he motioned to the door. "I'll meet you there. I just need to discuss a few things with Riley and Mindy."
"Alright." Anabel replied. She had already come to realize that there was no point in asking questions at the moment. Silph Co wasn't going to tell her much at the moment, so she was going to save her breath. "Follow me guys."
Anabel led her two Pokemon to the exit of the room, Espeon following closely while Growlithe trailed behind. Once she closed the door, Ash turned back to Riley and Mindy, giving them a narrow stare.
"I'm not going to sit back quietly anymore. I want to know what's going on." Ash demanded, receiving a sigh from Riley as he leaned back in his chair.
"Something big is going to take place soon Ash." Riley stated after a period of silence.
"Big? Like what?"
"We're not sure. The only thing we know at the moment is that Anabel is definitely the centerpiece." Riley explained. "We're searching for something, and she's the guide."
"That explains why you want her traveling around Kanto." Ash muttered. "But what are you looking for?"
"I can't share that information with you right now Ash. Not only for your safety, but Anabel's." Riley replied quietly. Ash exhaled quite loudly in reply as he rose from his seat. They were still trying to keep in him in the dark right now...
"Alright, I'll play along for now." Ash replied, receiving a nod from his boss.
"Thank you Ash." Riley said. "And if anything strange happens to her, give us a call."
'Strange…?' Ash asked himself as he gave the duo one last look before making his way toward the door. "I don't know what you guys are going, but I definitely don't like it."
Garden
Ash entered the garden, deep in thought about what he should do with Anabel. How was he going to train Anabel?
Obviously he could show her how to strengthen the bonds between herself and her Pokemon through Pokemon battles. But first he would have to determine her current skill level as a Pokemon trainer. Outside of Pokemon training, they would have to do a lot of traveling to expose Anabel to everything the Pokemon world had to offer. Perhaps they could go back to Pallet Town and start her journey from there...
'Actually, maybe it might be better that we just start from right here.' Ash said to himself as he shot down his own idea. They could travel to Pallet Town on foot, and pass though Cerulean, Pewter and Viridian City. That way he could introduce her to a couple of his friends and show her around a bit while she practices. That could work. 'Alright then, our first destination is Cerulean City.'
"Pikachu Pi!" The familiar shout pulled Ash out of his thoughts as he saw Pikachu and Wartortle rushing toward him.
"Well well, it looks like you guys are feeling much better today." Ash commented happily as the two of them approached him, both of whom seemed to be completely re-energized.
"Pi-Pika!" Pikachu said as it raised its arms to flex its small muscles.
"It's good to see that you guys are ready to go, because we have to get moving soon." Ash said as they entered the clearing where he found the rest of his Pokemon crowding around Anabel, Espeon and Growlithe.
"Saur!" Ivysaur declared as it motioned toward Anabel with its nose. "Ivy-saur!"
All of Ash's Pokemon looked toward Anabel with a look of shock while Anabel blushed a bit. Then they all began to speak at once, trying to have their own conversation with Anabel at the same time. Anabel's Growlithe began to bark and shout at the group telling them to back up, but its attempts to defend its new trainer went unnoticed by Ash's larger Pokemon.
"Hey! Guys, guys! Stop crowding her!" Ash shouted as he put an end to the commotion. Once all the noise died down, all that was left was the barks of Growlithe who felt satisfied as though it had silenced everyone. "What's going on?"
All eyes turned to Ivysaur who chuckled nervously.
"Ivysaur revealed that I can understand them." Anabel said softly to Ash who then glanced back at Ivysaur before grinning a bit.
"Well since the Meowth is out of the bag, we have some new friends guys." Ash said as he raised a hand to point at Anabel. "She's a brand new trainer, so we'll be showing her what the Pokemon world is like. So be nice to her."
They all gave one collective shout, much to Anabel's surprise. She had never gotten to see a professional trainer's full team up close and personal, and she had to admit that the unity in the team was fantastic.
"And I'll just confirm it now, she can understand exactly what you're saying. So if you guys have been saying stuff about me behind my back, I have a translator now." Ash said jokingly with a large grin, getting a laugh from the group.
Anabel looked longingly at Ash's squad of Pokemon as they laughed, then she looked down at her Espeon and Growlithe. She wanted to create a team like his, and enjoy the company of so many Pokemon.
"So Anabel, I guess I need to introduce you to the gang." Ash said as his Pokemon quickly lined up to meet her. One by one, Anabel got to meet each of Ash's Pokemon and receive a statement from them, although most of them were still questioning her ability of understanding them. "And that's everyone."
"It's nice to meet all of you." Anabel said as she and Espeon bowed, receiving a curious glance from Growlithe before it realized that it was supposed to do the same. "Please take care of us."
"You got it." Ash said as Pikachu leaped up onto his shoulder. The two of them gave her a thumbs up while the rest of his Pokemon also agreed to assist her. "So when would you like to head out Anabel?"
"Today." Anabel said sternly. She wanted to get started as soon as possible. But her firm response received a snort in reply.
"Like this?" Ash asked he motioned to how she was dressed.
"Is something wrong?" She asked as she tilted her head.
"Oh boy, there's a lot of stuff you have to learn." Ash said with a smile. "Even though you went to a Battle Academy, there's still a few things I'll have to teach you before we head out. Come on, I'll give you your first lesson as an official Pokemon trainer."
Saffron City
Department Store
Clothing Store
"How you present yourself is very important, but you're also representing a company. So you have to look good." Ash explained as he sat outside Anabel's changing room. The first lesson he was teaching her was how to dress like a trainer so your appearance counted for so much in the professional circuit. She didn't come with any extra clothing from Hoenn, so they needed to pick out a proper outfit for her.
"How about this Ash?" Anabel asked as she stepped out of the changing room in a bright yellow sundress. "Is this any good?"
"Umm…not exactly." Ash replied. "You want to look good, but you have to remember that you'll also be spending a majority of your time outdoors. Dressing like that may not be the best choice you can make."
"Oh, okay. Then what should I wear?"
"Hmm…" Ash said as he took another glance around the store. He wasn't exactly sure what to suggest since he wasn't familiar with what a girl would find comfortable to where while traveling.
"Excuse me." One of the clerks said as she approached the two of them, although she clearly came over the with the intention of talking to Ash. "I'm a huge fan of yours after this years Indigo Conference, I just wanted to know if I could get take a picture with you."
"Well I don't see why not." Ash replied before glancing at Anabel. "But how about we make a deal out of this."
"A deal?" The clerk repeated.
"Yeah. My friend here is a brand new trainer and we're trying to find a good outfit for her, but I'm not exactly that great a picking out clothes for girls." Ash explained, receiving an understanding nod from the clerk.
"I'd be happy to help, after all it is my job." She replied, motioning for Anabel to follow her with a bright smile.
"How about this?" Anabel asked as she stepped out from the changing room once again. This time she was dressed in a large white t-shirt with the Poke-ball logo on it that loosely around her frame, covering the spaghetti-strap tank top she wore underneath. She also wore a pair of bike shorts and a set of sneakers that looked a little too nice to be used on a journey, but he wouldn't bother her about that right now.
Ash rose up from his seat and gave Anabel one last look as she spun around.
"Pika!" Pikachu declared as it gave her a thumbs up. Ash then did the same with a nod of agreement. She sort of resembled a Bug Catcher to an extent, although there weren't too many female Bug Catchers, but the look seemed to fit Anabel.
"Perfect." Ash said with a smile, causing Anabel to blush a bit as looked away. Ash then turned to the store clerk that was waiting to take her picture with Ash. "Alright, let's do this."
"Would you prefer to take a picture with each of us, or all together?" She asked as she motioned to the line of employees that were standing behind her, waiting to take a picture of with Ash as well."
"You guys did a great job helping my friend, so it's whatever you'd like to do." Ash replied, much to the delight of the group.
Anabel took a seat in one of the chairs beside the dressing room, watching as Ash began to pose with the employees of the clothing store, sharing a number of laughs with each of the them. All she could do was admire Ash for his charisma. He was having such an easy time having fun with people he had probably never met before. Hopefully she would be able to be as a outgoing as he was one day.
"Oh this is so cool." The clerk exclaimed as she looked at the picture of herself and Ash on her phone. "All my friends are going to be so jealous. Thank you!"
"It's no trouble." Ash replied after paying. He and Anabel then waved to the group as they began moving toward the exit of the store.
"Good luck with your journeys!" They said together as they returned the waves. Anabel felt a strange sensation wash over her as she looked back at the employees of the store. They were all rooting for her.
Turning around to face the employees, Anabel bowed to the group, silently thanking them for their support. Ash looked back at the purple haired girl with a bit of a smile on his face. She was pretty interesting to say the least.
Pokemart
"I'm sure you know what a Pokemart is." Ash said as the glass doors separated, giving them access to the store that solid products made specifically for Pokemon trainers.
"Yup." Anabel replied as the entered the store. Of course she knew what a Pokemart was, but she had never actually been inside of one, and it had quite a refreshing feel to it. The floors were shinning and the shelves were neatly stacked with items that were ready to be purchased.
Ash led her straight to the checkout counter that where the clerk was quietly reading a magazine since it was a slow afternoon business wise.
"Afternoon, what can I d-" He came an immediate stop as he recognized Ash. "A-Ash Ketchum!"
"The one and only." Ash said with a grin as he extended a hand toward the clerk with a grin.
"My name's Tim." He replied as he shook hands with Ash, struggling to find the right words to use.
"Nice to meet you Tim. You wouldn't mind setting us up with a rookie package, would you?" Ash asked as he motioned to Anabel who stood beside him.
"Of course." He said as he rose up from his seat, heading toward the door that was at the back of his work space. He disappeared into a dark room for a few moments before returning with a parcel that he placed in front of them. "This one was just delivered yesterday."
"Wow, thanks." Ash said as he slid it over to Anabel, motioning for her to open it up.
"Here, allow me." Tim said as he whipped out a box cutter, using it to slice open the package for Anabel before returning it to her. Opening up the top, Anabel found a number of items inside that brought a soft smile to her face.
Pulling out the yellow belt that every Pokemon trainer wore, Anabel quickly wrapped it around her waist and locked it. A sense of pride welled up within her as she took both Espeon's and Growlithe's Pokeball and placed it into the slots on the belt. She was really becoming a Pokemon trainer.
Anabel then took out the large tan colored messenger bag from the box and quickly threw the strap over her shoulder. The bag fell all the way down to her knees, getting a chuckle from Ash before he helped her adjust the strap so that it was a more comfortable height.
"Do you have a mirror?" Ash asked as he looked toward Tim who quickly moved over to another door that said 'employees only' on it.
"Right in here." He said as he opened up the door for Anabel.
She quietly entered the room and found the mirror waiting for her on the wall. Ash and Tim stood in the doorway, watching as Anabel observed herself in the mirror, checking out her new appearance.
She was no longer that schoolgirl that sat in the back of the class looking out the window. Now she was about to start leaving her own tracks on the endless road that many people addressed as a journey.
'Mama, I made it.' Anabel said as she took a hold of the strap of her bag, holding it tightly.
"So how much is that going to be?" Ash asked as he and Tim returned to the counter to pay for the parcel.
"That'll be twelve hundred dollars." Tim replied as he rung up the item on the register. Ash retrieved his wallet from his backpack and pulled out a card with Silph Co's logo on it. Handing the card to Tim, he swiped it over the scanner on the register, instantly paying for the items that had been purchased. "And everything's paid for."
"Thank you." Ash replied as he accepted the card from Tim, returning to its spot within his wallet.
"And um, if you have the time could you…?" Tim trailed off sheepishly as he placed a paper and pen in front of Ash.
"Sure." Ash said with a chuckled as he quickly put his signature down on the paper, earning a big thanks from Tim as Anabel stepped out of the room. "Ready to go?"
"Mhmm." She replied with a nod.
"So long Tim, it was nice meeting you." Ash said as he gave Tim a wave.
"Good luck you too." He called out in reply as he waved.
Anabel one again felt as though she had been given another pleasant pat on the back as reinforcement to begin this journey. Turning to Tim, she bowed to him just like she had to the employees of the clothing store she had been in earlier. Once she straightened up, she gave Tim a wave before dashing off to catch up to Ash.
"So are you ready for this?" Ash asked as they looked up at the north gate of Saffron City. It was really nothing more than a small tunnel that led out to Route 5, but for Anabel it was the tunnel that was taking her out into a whole new world.
"As ready as I'll ever be." She replied.
"If you're feeling a bit nervous, you just need to get yourself a bit hyped." Ash suggested.
"Hyped?"
"Yeah, like this." Ash replied as he began to slap both his cheeks while Pikachu did the same. Then he gave one loud shout to the blue skies that hung over them before taking off in a dash into the tunnel with Pikachu, leaving Anabel by herself.
Anabel only raised her eyebrows at Ash's antics before deciding that she had nothing left to lose. If she was going to make it as a Pokemon trainer, she would have to be willing to give anything a try at least once.
Raising both her hands slowly, Anabel proceeded to clap them against her cheeks just once. The slap left a stinging pain on her face for just a few moments as she took in a deep breath to clear her thoughts. Then she released both Espeon and Growlithe from their Pokeballs so that they could join in on this occasion.
Recalling the speech Ash had made to his Pokemon to congratulate them for their job well done at the Indigo Conference, Anabel decided that she would try to do something similar.
"Espeon, Growlithe." Anabel began as she looked down at the two Pokemon. "Today starts our journey into the Pokemon world, I wanted all three of this to take our first steps together. Through that tunnel is a world like no other, so let's promise to stick together and build each other to become stronger."
Both Espeon and Growlithe gave Anabel a confident nod before they all set their sights on the tunnel. Together, the three of them began moving into the tunnel, walking at first. But as they continued, Anabel quickened her pace which in turn caused Espeon and Growlithe to speed up. Soon enough they were running, focused solely on the light that awaited them at the end of the tunnel.
Reaching the light, Anabel had to place a hand over her eyes as they reentered daylight. It was breezy outside and the scent of fresh oak filled the air as she looked about her new surrounding. Anabel's sprint came to an end once she had gone a considerable distance from the tunnel leading into Saffron City.
Trees and bushes lined the dirt pathway she stood on, with an everlasting blue sky above her. Anabel took a deep breath as she spread her arms as if to embrace the world. It was magnificent.
"Having fun?" A voice asked, causing Anabel to jump as she looked around for the source. She then found Ash leaning against the trunk of a nearby tree with a small smile as he watched her. Once his question registered in her mind, Anabel gave him a quick nod as he approached her. "So how did it feel?"
"What?" Anabel asked in return.
"How did taking the first steps of your Pokemon journey feel?" Ash clarified.
"Oh." Anabel said before taking a moment to think about. "It was…awesome."
"Good answer." Ash said as he began to walk, motioning for her to follow. "But this is just the beginning. The Pokemon world is more than just awesome."
Ash looked up at the sky, recalling the recent events he had taken part in. He could see the opening ceremony for the Indigo Conference.
"It can be exciting…"
The thought of the weeks of preparation he put in for the Indigo Conference came to mind next. The times where they would train late into the night or even stay up the whole night.
"Stressful..."
The image of Ivysaur being crushed within Pinsir's horns appeared next.
"Scary…"
Then he recalled the moment he dashed onto the field to congratulate his Primeape for their first victory in the Indigo Conference.
"Joyous…"
Ash's heart began to race as he remembered the feeling of hoisting the Championship Trophy into the air, causing the crowded stadium to roar.
"Breathtaking…" Ash continued walking, unaware of the fact that Anabel had come to a stop. "There's more, but because of all of these feeling you experience during a journey, it always has you coming back for more."
Anabel looked at Ash's back as he continued to move farther and farther away from her. She was remembering just how much distance there truly was between them. He was someone that had gotten the chance to see what the world looked like from the top. She had yet to even get a glimpse of the world he was looking down at.
She wanted to see the world from Ash's perspective.
"Come on Anabel." Ash said as he glanced back at her, motioning for her to keep up with him.
Anabel closed her hands into fists as she looked at Ash who was waiting for her. But first, she would have to chase the back of the young man standing before her. Hopefully she would be able to see the world from his standpoint. From the top.
A/N
And here we go. I don't have a lot to say this time around. I'm still trying to get a better handle on how to portray Anabel, so if you guys can give me any thoughts on how I did that would be much appreciated.
Again I want to apologize for taking a while with this update. I'm working around a pretty hectic schedule so I haven't been writing as much as I used too.
Anyway, hope you all enjoyed this chapter and hopefully I'll have another update together sometime soon.