Mega Author's Note: Punish me for my sins. Because I broke a big promise.
As I was writing half-way through the chapter that involves Blaine returning, and a wonderful fight between Charizard and Magmortar (It could've been a wonderful chapter) I lost interest in it.
I know I was the one who made the promise when I asked your opinion that I'd continue the pre-Tournament arc a bit longer, but after re-reading my chapter, the Elite Battler's Conference, I have come to a conclusion that it is time to start the world tournament arc. Yes, it starts the next chapter. But this chapter isn't the one I promised you. To make the story flow better, I have edited the final parts of the previous chapter.
Mainly, the epic reunion I planned with Charizard will be removed. Why? Because the canon decided to troll me and is bringing Charizard in the new 'Best Wishes, Episode N'. Yes, Charizard will soon be back in the anime (yes, not a fanfiction) to fight Reshiram and in the upcoming movie sixteen that involves Genesect. I'm sure most of you would know, but it's a heads-up for those who don't.
So basically, my new chapter would be redundant if I had written it.
Do note that it doesn't mean, I'm not respecting your wishes! But it's still my story, and I believe I can't write the chapters well as I have lost interest in the pre-tournament arc.
But of course, there are still zillions of character interactions once the tournament itself starts. So it will still be epic!
Time for a time skip!
Also, Pay attention to the dates as you read! Don't blame me if you get confused :P
9. Rival Destinies!
May 14th, 2013
Countdown: 139: 13:27:48
Snowpoint City
"This is really a good time in here isn't it?" Dawn said, as the jeep passed through the highway ridden with the chilling white snow, thankfully cleared off the road. She was wearing her winter outfit, a flowery-pink sweater over her usual mini-dress.
They were in Snowpoint City, a place where it snows throughout the year. The climate in here was extreme, but for a summer it's a nice place to visit.
"Well, I didn't call you to enjoy or anything," the redhead Zoey complained. "We're focusing on training Candice for the world tournament."
The woman on the wheel, Candice laughed at this. "Don't kid me Zo-Zo. You've been putting as much kiai as I have been."
The blunette looked surprised. "Wow, I thought you weren't interested in battles," Dawn asked the redhead, who smiled sheepishly having caught.
"Yeah," she said, putting on a serious frown. "I heard Wallace's taking part in the tournament. I want to challenge and win against him in a battle. I'd prefer a contest battle, but this isn't the season for us."
"I have to agree," Dawn said giving a weak smile. This was indeed a bad season for contest lovers. Almost every trainer in the world was aiming to participate in the world tournament.
"Speaking of which," Zoey smiled, "I think Ash might be loving it. A world tournament is something he would drool for, right? How is his training going?"
"To be honest," Dawn said apologetically, "I haven't spoken to him in seven months. I called Pallet, but I heard he's travelling throughout Kanto. He won against seven gym leaders of Kanto in just three months. I don't know what both he and his Dad are up to, right now."
"Three months?" Zoey looked impressed. "They must be travelling a lot."
The jeep then came to a screeching halt. Dawn realized, they were now before Candice's gym. She was invited by Zoey when she told she was feeling too lonely in Twinleaf. Barry and Kenny kept her company, but the former was always pestering her about Ash, while the latter was acting weird these days. He has a crush on her, she knew, but she wanted to avoid any such thing for a few more years.
"So, how's the gym running, Candice?" Dawn asked as they stepped down.
"Ever since that old man parked his oversized pyramid over there," Candice pointed in the direction where the Snowpoint temple was. "I've been getting too many challengers. Most of them want a badge from me to get back from their depression after being wiped up by a frontier brain."
"That's," Dawn grinned. "Really tiresome, isn't it?"
"Tell me about it," Candice said rolling her eyes.
She looked in the direction where the Battle Pyramid stood, at a distance beyond her vision.
'So that is where Paul has been training for the past few months.'
She had seen Paul seven months ago and one year before that. There was a tremendous difference in his personality. He mostly remained the same grumpy kid. But he at least smiled at her when they met in Viridian City. She should probably give him a visit. Paul's more of a lonely guy, and might not like people coming for him, but he should try getting social.
"Is it okay, if I check the battle pyramid?" She asked, suddenly.
Zoey and Candice threw the girl strange looks. "What's gotten into you?" Candice asked. The keys to her gym/house was still in her hand, as she was about to open them.
"Well, I thought I'd say a hello to…" she paused, realizing what she was about to say could be interpreted in the wrong way. "Paul," she said the last word weakly.
"Who?" A mischievous smile broke on Zoey's lips.
They were making the exact interpretation that she didn't want them to. It was embarrassing. "Paul," she said once more. Without realizing it, her cheeks were going red. "It isn't anything like that, okay?" She said glaring at Zoey.
"Anything like what?" Candice joined the redhead.
"Nothing," she looked away. "Anyway, I'm going to the battle pyramid. Care to come with me?"
The girls exchanged a glance and agreed at once, "Yes."
September 124h, 2013
Countdown: 19: 07:35:31
Cerulean City
The Cerulean Gym was as lively as ever, which wasn't quite much, unless you count the days the sensational sisters put a show.
Misty Waterflower was never the kind to be interested in manicured nails. Well she was interested in them, but not when she had her hands full with training her Pokémon.
"Gyarados," she yelled once more, "Use Giga Impact!"
The blue serpent jumped and twisted in the air completely revealing its long body. With a menacing roar, and a bone-chilling glare in its eyes, Gyarados charged at the empty pool as if an enemy stood in front. When the Pokémon struck the pool, the water ended up splashing all over the gym, but the red haired girl who ordered the attack stood unfazed.
Misty was frustrated, more than ever.
She was furious, for the past few months because a certain guy named Ash Ketchum challenged the gym, conveniently when she was in Four Island. She was invited to a meeting by Lorelei at that time.
If Ash had waited for one more day, she would have been back.
But he didn't.
Instead, he challenged her Pokémon, under Daisy's control. It obviously went bad and by the time she returned she had a newfound knowledge that her Gyarados was knocked out by an Iron Tail and Volt Tackle and her remaining two Pokémon were finished by a Servine and a Bayleef.
The news frustrated her in two ways.
"I won't forgive you," she gritted her teeth. She had two reasons to be mad at him. One, personal and one professional.
He didn't wait for one day, while she cancelled all her appointments, just to meet him in their reunion after Unova. She left him alone because he had a father to deal with, but this was absolutely inexcusable.
Professionally, her pride was her hurt that her trained Pokémon lost 0-3 against him.
Either way she was too mad at Ash Ketchum, and he's going to pay for it in the world tournament that was only two weeks away from now.
May 14th, 2013
Countdown: 139: 12:58:17
"Well, that's the battle pyramid," Candice pointed at the giant structure. "As boring as ever."
To be honest, the structure seemed grand to Dawn. The shape of the pyramid was something anyone would symbolize as 'climbing to the top'. It's an inspirational structure for people who want to climb the ropes to be successful at whatever they wish to be. Obviously Candice didn't share the same sentiments.
A brown haired young man was seen outside, a broomstick in hand. Dawn immediately recognized him as the frontier brain's assistant, Samuel.
"Oh, it's that Sam again," Candice sighed. "Why do I have to see him every time I come this way?" It was a moot question, considering that Samuel was Brandon's assistant. It only made sense for him to be there.
"Did anything happen between the two of you?" Dawn asked, curious.
Candice put a sour face at that, while Zoey explained, "They dated for a while, and she dumped him because he's boring."
Dawn gasped, putting a hand on her mouth.
Candice scowled at Dawn's reaction. "Don't give strange reactions like that. "I really feel sorry for that, okay?" She seemed like she was trying to reassure herself than Dawn.
At that point, the said man took notice of the three girls waiting at a distance. A smile crept across his face. "Hey Candice, Zoey!" He waved to them.
"He seems alright," Dawn said, noticing his cheerful greeting.
"Which actually pisses me more," Candice pursed her lips. She didn't return the wave back.
"So," the man walked up to them. "What's up? You girls rarely come this way."
Candice rolled her eyes, making Dawn smile. Zoey was the one who did the talking. "Did you happen to see Paul?" She asked.
"Well," the frontier brain's assistant said, "Paul went south. He said, he needed to train his ice type."
Could be Weavile, Dawn thought.
"Where?" Dawn asked, making sure she didn't sound too eager.
"The woods to the south," he said, "That place's a paradise for wild ice-types, right?"
"So he wants to train his ice types in its natural habitat? That's well thought," Candice commended.
"For someone who doesn't care for his Pokémon," Zoey muttered bitterly.
The statement pricked Dawn for some reason. That was because she saw Paul in Viridian. He was trying awfully hard to be—
Like Ash. But still there was some light in Zoey's words. Paul might be trying to start thinking about what's good for his Pokémon, but could he really chalk out something like taking the Pokémon to its native habitat?
"It was Brandon's idea actually," Sam said, clearing her doubts. Paul may have changed, but he couldn't just abandon the personality he carried for fifteen years. Old habits die hard, they say.
"Well let's go to the woods then," Candice said jumping. "Kiai!" She shouted as soon as she did so.
"Really?" Dawn looked confused. "Well we could come some other—"
She was cut short by Zoey who pulled her towards their jeep. "But we can't wait!" Zoey's face was full of a cunning smirk.
"That's right, Zo-Zo!" Candice agreed, hopping onto the vehicle.
Dawn realized they wanted to see her talk with Paul.
October 22nd, 2012
Countdown 344:00:18:27
Opelucid Trainer's School
"Welcome back, Iris," the stern man, who sported a constant frown, towered before the shivering future-to-be dragon master.
"Well," Iris laughed nervously. She actually planned to sneak into the gym. She didn't want to get caught, carrying a huge bag filled with souvenirs from Kanto, Cerulean especially. Unfortunately for her, the elderly Dragon Master stood right next to the window in her room. He obviously anticipated her coming back, and sneaking in through the window. "Good evening, Drayden," she said sending another forced laughter. She was one leg on the windowsill away from entering.
"You sure took your time in Kanto," he said. "May I know what kind of training you've been through?" He spoke with a dry, calm tone that made Iris wonder if he really believes that she trained in Cerulean or simply sarcastic.
"I-I uh, I was—" she paused, reminiscing of the last few days she spent in Cerulean with Misty. The only things that came to her mind was the Cerulean Cape, the couples they tailed, the water show in Cerulean, underwater exploration inside Misty's gym, a little party with her elder sisters, and taunting Misty a bit about her secret crush on Ash, and shopping. "I went through a lot actually," she lied through her teeth.
"I see the fruits of your training," he nodded at the bags that she carried with extreme difficulty.
"Ah," she eyed the bag in her hands. "These are just gifts from Misty. They're really rich." She lied again. But this time it wasn't a full lie. The Waterflower were indeed rich once upon a time. But nothing but the old mansion, Cerulean Gym was left for the four daughters.
Speaking of gifts…Iris's thoughts trailed. "Misty actually gave me a wonderful gift," she said opening the bag, as Drayden watched her disinterested.
After rummaging through the numerous 'gifts', Iris extracted a red, shiny gift box, that could perfectly fit in your hand.
Drayden raised an eyebrow, "And, what is that?"
She looked at the box, catching it preciously. "She said it's a Pokémon she caught. She told me I would really love it. It's a thank you for keeping her company."
"A water and dragon type?" Drayden asked, still maintaining the dry tone in his voice. It seemed the only logical gift a water leader to catch and gift it to Iris. The only possibility would be Kingdra or its pre-evolutions.
Iris shared the same thoughts too. "Can I take it to the pond and open?" She asked, eagerly. She could have seen what lay inside the ball before coming back, but Misty repeatedly warned her not to do so.
A short walk through the Trainer School brought them to a pond that was large enough to accommodate a Kingdra.
Iris unwrapped the gift completely on their way, and was now holding the bright red ball. It was a 'Cherish Ball', an expensive Pokéball usually given as gifts.
"Alright," she licked her lips, excited. "Come on out!" She yelled as she tossed the ball into the air.
The ball split open with a sparkling light, and a white beam shot at the water underneath. The white beam slowly shaped into a—
A large Blue Pokémon that had a long neck. The Pokémon had a grey shell on its back, and kind eyes that could enchant one. The Pokémon despite its appearance, growled in what seemed like one of the most melodious tunes she ever heard.
But more than being in awe, the dragon trainer was in fact astonished. As the Pokémon before her was a—
"It's an ICE TYPE!" Iris screamed.
A Lapras.
May 14th, 2013
Countdown: 139: 12:36:03
Dawn closed her eyes with her hands, as the cold blizzard blasted on her face.
"He's training in this weather?" Dawn had to scream to make herself audible.
"Well," Candice looked rather unfazed, "This is the best place for ice types."
The blizzard got stronger, this time halting the blunette who trudged through the snow with extreme difficulty. She was regretting for not wearing something that could cover her legs as well.
"It's getting worse," Candice frowned. "I don't think this is a natural blizzard." She stopped to look back at the redhead and the blunette following. "Something's wrong. It must be those Abomasnow."
As a Gym Leader who owns an Abomasnow, Candice knew how terrible their temper tantrums could be. So, what exactly could have happened to throw them berserk like this?
Anyways—"It's better if we hold hands. You don't want to get lost in this." But then—
The blizzard exploded with intensity once more, throwing Dawn out of Candice's and Zoey's vision. A few seconds ago, she was watching them and now, she couldn't even open her eyes.
But then something else happened—
At first it was a rumbling noise. Then it seemed like the ground was shaking. When the feeling grew stronger and stronger, Dawn realized one thing.
Something was coming for her.
She turned to her right, where the noise seemed to come from. At first it seemed like the snow was being pushed away by some kind of invisible power, but on close inspection she saw a rolling object.
And it was coming at her.
She didn't know what it was, but her instinct told her to get out of its way. In her panic, she accidentally tripped; falling on the snowy ground face first.
"Dawn!" Candice and Zoey screamed at once, watching her in a helpless state as something rolling came towards her, prepared to crush her.
Either girl reached for their Pokéball hoping they would make it in time. They wouldn't, they knew. But someone else could.
"Magmortar, Focus Blast!"
Either woman jerked their heads at a distant figure uphill. Despite the heavy blizzard, they could spot a reddish glow.
The creature which gave off the glow lifted its hands. A white spark of energy shaped in its arms, and slowly grew into a ball.
They heard a distant growl, as the creature fired the ball, like a canon. The 'shot' which was the Focus blast moved at an incredible speed, covering the distance towards the rolling creature in no time, and landed straight on it.
The collision gave off with a blunt explosion, blowing the snow around at once. With a scream of pain, a seemingly small creature was blown off into the air. The attack was obviously too much for it.
Dawn, still dazed stood up, as Zoey and Candice came to help her up. Before they could speak anything—
"Are you alright?" A male voice asked. It was undoubtedly the voice that commanded the Focus Blast.
"P-Paul?" Dawn asked, as the outlines of the Pokémon trainer became visible. Moments later, he was standing before her, a frown on his face.
"I thought you were a Pokémon trainer," he said sarcastically. He scoffed, looking at the creature he attacked. "You obviously don't seem prepared enough."
The comment ticked Dawn off. But more than her, "Alright, that's enough." Zoey retaliated. "You may have saved her, but that doesn't—"
"Zoey," Dawn placed a hand on her friend's shoulder, and smiled. "It's fine. I really messed up over there." She realized he must have panicked back then, and he deserved to throw the words at her. He saved her after all.
The purple haired trainer looked at her slightly surprised. He wanted to apologize to her. Yeah, that remark was too rude than necessary. He opened his mouth to say something nice but, he couldn't. He never sincerely apologized to anyone, and somehow doing that seemed inappropriate. Besides, Dawn looked like she didn't worry about it too much.
He silently turned around, and walked towards the creature he attacked.
"I hate his attitude," Zoey hissed as he walked away. "What does he think of himself anyway? Couldn't he even give a proper greeting?"
"What Pokémon is that?" Dawn asked, changing the subject. "Better check it out," she said following Paul's footsteps.
Zoey glanced at Candice, and shook her head in exasperation. The girls then followed Dawn.
Meanwhile Paul crouched down and examined the Pokémon. It was a grey colored creature, a small one at that, with body made up of what seemed like a neatly carved stone. It had four short legs, that didn't match well with its large torso, and a nose that ended up into a sharp horn. Judging by how it was blown off so easily, it seems to be weak.
The Pokémon noticed the human standing beside it, and tried to get up, but couldn't. It immediately buckled on its four legs, grunting in pain.
He mentally slapped himself. This wasn't the time to be analytic. He should perhaps, help the Pokémon because he injured it? Well, that's what Ash Ketchum would do, right?
"A Rhyhorn?" Dawn asked, as she stooped down below, Paul turned in the direction, and noticed the girl who stood right beside him.
He looked away immediately, and eyed the Pokémon. "Yeah," he muttered. He found her presence uncomfortable. "It attacked the Abomasnow over the ridge earlier."
"So, that's how the Blizzard came up," the gym leader Candice crossed her arms. "But what's a Rhyhorn doing here?"
Paul knew the answer to that. "It must have been abandoned by a trainer," he said.
Zoey's eyes narrowed at this, "How do you know that?"
"Rhyhorn know the move Rock Climb," Paul explained, not facing the three while he did so. His eyes were simply on the rock type before him. "There's a shortcut to Snowpoint along the mountains. But you need a Pokémon with Rock Climb for that. Not many Pokémon learn that move easily."
"That fits perfectly," Candice said placing her hand on her chin. "The poor thing," she said eyeing the suffering Pokémon, with an expression of pity.
Zoey however maintained her frown. "Oh, and it's so perfect because—"
"That's something I would have done," Paul finished for her. It was true. The Rhyhorn didn't look strong; it's natural for the trainer to leave it.
"You're wrong," Dawn spoke. She held her breath for a second. "You've changed haven't you?"
"Oh please," Zoey sighed. Dawn glared at the girl at that. She firmly believed Paul changed, she could see it.
"Winning the world tournament," Paul said, closing his eyes. "And becoming the strongest trainer ever are the only goals in my life. I may look like I care for my Pokémon, but I honestly don't care."
Zoey shrugged at Dawn, giving an 'I told so' expression.
Dawn only got pissed at this. "So, you're telling all of this is an act? Then why are you still standing here? If you were the old you, you would have left us by now. You care for that Rhyhorn, don't you?"
"I do?" For the first time Paul looked straight into Dawn's blue eyes. He then smiled derisively. He only cared for his Pokémon because he wanted the emotions strengthen his Pokémon. The only reason he loved his Pokémon was because the last time he used them as tools, he didn't have much success against Ash. Basically, he was treating his Pokémon better because he needs them. In other words, he was still using his Pokémon as tools. He was a terrible person, Paul firmly believed.
But Dawn disagreed with Paul's views on himself. "Don't you feel anything, when you look at that Pokémon?" She asked.
Paul looked at the Rhyhorn. Feel, huh? He asked himself looking at the suffering Pokémon.
Dawn observed the trainer as he silently stared at Rhyhorn. She was confident that she was right. Paul hates himself, more so because he lost to Ash in the Sinnoh League. "What would Ash do if he's in my place?" He asked, after a brief pause.
"He would carry the Pokémon and rush to the Pokémon Centre," Dawn replied, imagining Ash in the situation. With Ash, they won't be even having this conversation right now.
September 134h, 2013
Countdown: 18: 06:53:13
"Zippo, flamethrower!"
A large fire-dragon roared, and let out the streak of flames through its enormous jaws.
"Salamence," a man who looked like he was in his forties commanded. "Dragon Pulse!"
The Pokémon was a large blue dragon, and had a menacing look on its eyes. It used its powerful red wings to push itself away from the flames' reach with ease, and shot a green sphere of energy at the Charizard.
"Zippo," the trainer in a green over green clenched his teeth. "Block it!"
The Charizard braved the powerful sphere of energy by catching hold of it with bare hands. The impact pushed the Pokémon back, but it managed to get a hold, and pushed back the energy before it exploded somewhere at a distance.
"You're getting good," the man commended. "You still have around twenty days left."
"I know," the excited teen nodded. "I'll need to work harder if I need to win the world tournament, Mr. Silver." He turned to his Pikachu, "Isn't that right, Sparky?"
"Pika!" The Pokémon said, electricity sparkling on its cheeks.
The man Silver, smiled at this. "Then, let's do it."
For the past year, Ritchie has been training under Silver, a specialist who hunted for strong Pokémon. Ritchie met him a few years ago, and took up his offer and trained under him for the past year.
'After all these years, my aim to become the strongest trainer is in the horizon.' Ritchie believed. 'I have to beat them all. All of them, even Ash.'
May 14th, 2013
Countdown: 139: 12:09:32
"Rhyhorn will recover pretty soon," the Nurse Joy had a beaming smile. "You've done a good job bringing him in time."
The purple haired trainer nodded at this. If there was any sign of relief on his face, he hid it well. He simply didn't care, he told himself.
They were in the Pokémon Center. Zoey and Candice decided to take the job of calming down the Abomasnow. Dawn ended up accompanying him on the way back here.
"Good job in carrying him all the way here," Paul muttered, to a Pokémon that stood behind him.
"Scor," the Fang Pokémon Gliscor acknowledged with a nod, before it was sucked back into the Pokéball.
Behind the dematerialized Pokémon, the Sinnoh Coordinator stood with a coy smile on her face. "Well you didn't carry him all the way here but," the blunette teased. Then she gave him a thumbs-up, "You saved the Rhyhorn. I told you, no need to worry!"
Paul chuckled at her innocent smile, but paused immediately. It was so out of character for him to do so, he criticized. The usual frown on his face returned.
"Really?" Dawn placed her arms on her hips. "Why don't you let yourself enjoy for a change?"
He sighed. This girl for some reason stuck herself to him. This wasn't the first time she did something like that. She always seemed to ask him something or the other to put up a conversation with him. She wasn't interested in the conversation itself; she simply wanted him to talk. It was annoying in a way.
"How is he doing?" He asked, deciding to put some conversation.
"Seriously, the only thing you get into mind when you talk with me is Ash?" She frowned, apparently pissed.
Paul shook his head giving up. This girl was impossible. "What else should we be talking?" He asked.
Dawn couldn't help but give him a weak smile at that. There was indeed nothing else to talk with him. She knew nothing about him. The only thing they had in common was Ash. "He wanted to tell you that he's becoming stronger." She said.
The frown on Paul's face settled. 'It's so like him to tell that.' Knowing Ash, he must be training really hard for his loss against him. Well granted, he used Overgrow to boost Torterra's attack power, the downside of that move was that, had Tauros dodged the attack, Torterra would have been finished.
Premature Boost was a technique Pokémon with Overgrow, Blaze, Torrent and Swarm could learn. The Pokémon would activate the ability which wouldn't activate till its health go hazardously low, at a better health, but in exchange it would become extremely vulnerable after that. One hit would finish even Torterra no matter how much health he had. That was something Ash didn't know though. He had used it as a surprise element.
"What about you, Paul?" Dawn asked. "How's your training going?"
Paul, who still had trouble looking at her face to face said, "Brandon doesn't teach me anything battle related. He only coaches me on things like will power, and all. I never thought I'd believe in all that stuff. He says, those who have a strong will to win can beat people who are far stronger than they are. It's precisely why Ash managed to beat Brandon while I couldn't back then."
"The will to win," Dawn repeated falling into deep thought. Did she have the will to win? She was already positive that she wouldn't go much farther in the world tournament as she was a coordinator. But that shouldn't stop her, should it? If Ash managed to beat Brandon with will power, then she should take him as an example. That's right, even if her aim wasn't to become a Pokémon Master, she will have to give it her all for the tournament.
Paul studied the rising determination in her eyes. "It's funny how Ash inspires you, even if you are this far apart."
Dawn was caught off guard by the comment. "Huh?" Her cheeks were flushed for some reason. She apparently interpreted his comment the wrong way. Noticing her blush made Paul look away, as he cursed himself.
An uncomfortable silence stood between the two. Paul meekly glanced at her for a second. Dawn glanced at him, the same time. As soon as they made eye contact either of them immediately shifted their glances away. It was one of those awkward movements you wouldn't like.
The pause stood for some more time. Dawn didn't know if she should be speaking or not. Paul wasn't so talkative, so he mightn't be the person to break the silence.
Contrary to her expectations, however, "I will raise that Rhyhorn," Paul broke at last.
Dawn's eyes widened at the comment. "I don't know how well it goes," Paul spoke again. "But it will prove if Brandon's theory is correct or not. I'll try training it the same way Ash did with Chimchar."
"You want to use its feelings to get stronger for your advantage?" Dawn asked.
"Yes," he mumbled. "No matter how people hate me for it, I can't change the way I think. My intentions aren't completely pure like Ash's. A Pokémon like that has potential; I say that after seeing Infernape. I want to harness that potential."
"What you think doesn't matter, Paul," Dawn looked cheerful again. "You're doing a good thing, that's all matters."
Is that the way Ash thinks? He looked at the bright smile on Dawn's lips.
Yes, it didn't matter.
'Thank you, Dawn.' He wanted to say that aloud, but he didn't.
September 15th, 2013
Countdown: 16: 03:11:00
May took an exasperated sigh as she examined the contents of the refrigerator. They were empty except for the lone bottle of toned milk.
Apparently, her mother forgot to 'save' the dessert for her.
It was nine in the evening. After a good workout with her Pokémon, she took a shower. Eating something after a shower was something she was habituated to.
After thinking twice, she decided to settle with the bottle of milk.
"May," Her Dad called in from the living room.
"Yeah?" she asked. Both Norman and Caroline were in the living room, standing by the phone.
"Max just called," her mother said. "He's got the Sootopolis badge too."
Apparently it was big news for her parents. It didn't seem much to her. Getting badges just seemed 'easy' after watching Ash for a whole year. In fact she believed getting five ribbons was a whole lot difficult than eight badges.
"Good for him," she said casually.
Her father smiled at this. "You'd have made a wonderful battler, May." Norman said. "Your battle style is really good for a coordinator actually." He could say so confidently because the father and daughter have been training for the past year for the tournament. May wasn't so keen, but she wanted to help her Dad, and didn't have anything better to spend the time for.
"Well," May poked her cheeks for a second as she stared at the wall painting. "Drew says I took in too much of Ash's style."
Her father nodded at this in acknowledgment. "Speaking of Ash," Norman said. "Haven't met the kid since then. How's he doing?"
"No clue," May shook her head. "But,"
The look on Ash's face when he lost to Paul flashed in her mind.
"He must be training real hard."
September 15th, 2013
Countdown: 16: 01:10:18
"Vaporeon, Hydro pump!" A boy in his late-teens commanded the water-type Pokémon. He had a dark-blond hair, and wore a red suit that signified the rescue ranger operation he was a part off.
"Emboar, dodge!" The woman wearing a green beret replied. She was a clumsy woman, one could say if they took a good look at her. But despite that she was a well-spirited trainer who aimed for the Pokémon world tournament.
They were Virgil, Bianca, the Pokémon trainers from Unova. A trainer 'couple' who simply knew each other in the Unova League, then grew into friends and now—
"Ah, the love birds are at training again," Virgil's brother, Dave, mused as he watched the blond couple battle. "They spend more time on battling than be with each other," he sighed.
Virgil won the Unova League, Vertress Conference a year ago. He was a contender for battling the Elite Four. The Elite Four refused to battle him as the world tournament was nearing. In exchange, they proposed that any wins he got over champions and elites in the PWT will be considered official.
This guy who used all Eevee evolutions was a top contender for the tournament.
But there were more.
There was Tyson from the Hoenn region who challenged the Hoenn Elite Four and lost miserably three years ago.
He has been training in Mt. Silver in Johto ever since, along with his trusted partner, the Meowth in boots.
Harrison, who lost in the Kanto League's finals one year after his Johto expedition moved to Unova after that. After getting rare Pokémon that couldn't be found anywhere else, he challenged the Hoenn League again and won the next time.
While Ash made it to the top four in Sinnoh, Harrison won the Hoenn League and managed to defeat three of the Elite Four before losing to Drake. He's currently training in his home town Littleroot.
Morrison was a mixed bag. He always beat the top guns in the League tournaments but ends up losing against the less-named ones. Like Ash, he never won a League, but he was more confident than ever after beating Tyson, when they met a year ago.
There was Conway, who used the one year time to sketch new and rare strategies that could throw even the elites off-guard.
Then there was Barry, who trained under his father Palmer, the Tower Tycoon. He was bonkers, but he's talented.
Trip, who visited Kanto after his loss in the Unova League. He triumphed the gyms in no time, and won many local Kanto tournaments. When asked by a local news reporter on how he felt about Kanto he said, "Not bad."
If you were to visit the Tojho falls, then you'd know that some strange trainer from Unova was training under the falls. He broke Chuck's record of standing for eighteen hours under the fall.
His name was Stephan.
The training didn't just limit to these young trainers who aimed to be the best.
Even the best trainers like Cynthia and Alder, worked enough to exhaust themselves, to make sure they wouldn't bring their titles to shame.
They all have the same agenda in mind—to win the World Tournament.
September 29th, 2013.
Two more days left for the world tournament.
Three people were inside the Ketchum residence that night.
The clock barely struck 9. The woman, Delia Ketchum was impatiently walking to and fro. One could tell that she was really excited.
"Is she like this every time Ash comes back from a journey?" The brown haired Gary, who rested on the couch, asked the old Professor.
The Professor chuckled, "This time it's worse. She's waiting for two of them, after all."
Gary smiled at this. "I can't believe it's been a year already, and I still can't believe the PWT starts day after tomorrow."
"I know that feeling," the Professor said, a warm smile on his face.
Gary was honestly excited. It's been a while since he faced something this tense. Ah, how he missed the battling circuit. He loved research more than anything else, but that didn't do anything to cut his competitive spirit. In fact, he was training all the while he was in research, just so that he could keep up with Ash.
But now—
He wasn't sure how strong Ash had become in this one year. But he was confident he could give him a run for his life.
As his thoughts circled on and on, the ringing of the calling bell brought the three to attention.
"They're here!" Mrs. Ketchum lunged for the door, like a little girl. The Oak's exchanged a smile and followed her.
He saw Delia open the door. "I'm back, Mom!" He heard a voice outside exclaim. It sounded a little bit deeper than usual.
The woman spread her arms to greet her son. "Welcome, A—" She paused suddenly, staring at whatever it was like a ghost.
Noticing her expression, Gary peeked from behind. "Whoa," those were the first words that came from his mouth.
Standing before the door was sixteen year old boy, who was surprisingly tall for Ash. Ash had been below five feet, all his life. But this guy, he was something around 5'2". He was still shorter than Gary, but by Ash's standards he looked pretty tall. His muscles were pretty developed too. He wasn't too built or anything, but he was in a proper shape.
"What the heck have you been training, Ash?" Gary asked, a bit shocked. "Your Pokémon or your body?" He had talked to Ash, a few days ago in the phone when he asked to rotate his Pokémon. But he didn't notice the change at that time.
Ash looked at himself and sighed, "Blame Dad's ridiculous part-time jobs for this," he said.
At that point a pack of muscles, covered by a shirt came into the scene. "This's just one year's result. Give me another, and I'll make him the guy girls would drool for."
"Good old Alex," Gary's grandfather sighed. "Just as always."
The father and son proceeded to walk in, but the woman stopped them. "Before you go in. Do you guys have a proper reason for not calling me in nine months while you call Professor Oak every week?"
"It's his fault!" Both Ash and Alex exclaimed at the same time, pointing at each other.
"Dad!" Ash looked at his father, incredulous. "You were the one who told me not to call that day!"
"What?" Alex looked at his son, as if he was stunned by the accusations he made. "Don't be ridiculous."
"No Dinner for you Alex," Delia said, folding her arms. "Ash, get in."
"Pika Pika," at that moment a certain rodent took the woman's attention.
Delia smiled at Pikachu, "Of course, you can get in too."
"Ah!" Alex exclaimed. "Don't be so unfair, Delia!"
"I think it's fair, Mr. Ketchum," Gary said with a smile. His eyes stayed on Pikachu as Ash and the rodent walked into the house. He noticed something unusual.
Its tail for some reason kept twitching like it had a life of its own.
"Hey Ash," Gary asked. The raven-haired turned around. "Is something wrong with Pikachu's tail?" He asked.
"Oh that," Ash said scratching his head. "I guess it's the side effect for tying up his body for two weeks and make him do everything with his tail."
"What?" Gary looked befuddled. That sounded like some horrible training.
"Hey, I tied myself up too," he said, looking at the expression on Gary's face. "And I didn't have a tail like him."
"But why?" Gary asked, befuddled.
A smirk developed on Ash's face at that. "You're going to see why in the world tournament."
"I must say," the older Professor stooped below and scanned Pikachu. "He's grown quite a lot too."
The news somehow nerved Gary. Just what kind of training had Ash been through this whole year?
There was something different in Ash from when they left Pallet Town a year ago. It wasn't just physical growth, there was something else. It was as if a new glow filled Ash's face.
Confidence, Gary realized.
Yes, he didn't show it, but Ash was filled with confidence. It was different from his usual confidence, it was something more. Something that made Gary scared of his chances in the tournament. A confidence that can only be achieved through extreme training.
"I'll just fresh up and come back," Ash excused, before taking the stairs to his room above.
"Did you notice anything different in him," the old man Professor Oak asked, as they watched Ash go.
Gary smiled at this, "Yeah. He's gotten a lot stronger."
"I tried calling you," Alex on the other hand was having a furious wife to deal with. "But I did inform well in hand that we were coming today, didn't we?"
"Yeah, because the only thing you care for is to eat my cooking," she scoffed turning back from the man.
"That's—" Alex paused. He took an exasperated sigh. His shoulders slumped down in defeat and so did his voice. "I'm sorry. I know I should've called, but I needed Ash to forget everything else."
Delia's frown seemed to go softer, but she didn't give away so easily.
"Although, you needn't worry. Tomorrow Ash will be in Rosenburg. The two of us can be with each other from now, forever."
Delia's frown completely disappeared, instead filled with surprise. "You won't go with him?"
"No," Alex said. "If they were to know he's my son…" he grew uncomfortable. "I'd rather watch from somewhere far away than stand beside him and be the reason for people calling him names."
The fake anger Delia had completely disappeared. She jumped onto the arms of the man who stood before her.
Watching the husband and wife hug each other made Gary blush, and look away.
"Well," Professor Oak clapped. "Now that everything's settled, let's get in for dinner then?"
Delia and Alex blushed, and parted away from each other. "I've made the dinner. Let's start before it gets cold."
Dinner at home.
Perhaps the only think I love more than Pokémon battles. Both Gary and the older Professor gave an uncomfortable smile as Dad and I gobbled down the food. Mom, on the other hand looked very happy.
"So Ash," Professor Oak attempted to start a conversation. "What kind of you training did you do this whole year?"
"Oh," I paused. There was in fact a lot. "Well, after the conference in Seafoam, I challenged all the gyms of Kanto again. I beat Blaine, Lt. Surge, Erika, Sabrina," I was counting with my fingers as I said that. "Forrest, Janine and Aya."
"What about Misty?" Gary asked.
Dad immediately guffawed at the mention of her name. He laughed so suddenly that, he ended up into a fit of coughs.
"Dad, it wasn't funny!" I yelled. My cheeks were getting red in embarrassment.
"It was nothing but funny!" Dad slammed his fist against the table as he laughed again.
"Wow," Gary looked at Dad's reaction. "Did anything happen between you and her?"
Dad's laugh only amplified in intensity. "Cut it out!" I yelled once more. I then turned to Gary, "I won't tell you what happened but, let's just say, I was misled by her sister's words."
"Well that's a bummer," Gary said. "You really need to tell me what happened between them."
Dad's annoying laugh stopped. "Ah, not now Gary. The real fun happens when the two will meet in Rosenburg."
Humor aside, it's true. I really should be on guard, or a certain red head might end up killing me. I actually ran away from the Cerulean Gym when I learned Misty was coming for the next train. She'd be really pissed if she noticed I defeated her gym in her absence. I really should stop getting fooled by her sisters. They told she wouldn't be back in a long time.
But after the battle she said, "Long—Like in two hours?"
"After that, Dad took me to random places in Kanto." Truth be told, most of them were secluded areas where you see less people, sometimes even zero. There were lots of new things I learned, but the toughest was the poison endurance training. We stayed for two weeks in Fuchsia so that all my Pokémon would experience the training. The results were pretty good.
"Well Ash," Mom's soft voice brought me to her attention. I noticed she was looking at my feet. "You've gotten a lot taller, didn't you?"
"Yeah," I said, noticing my pants have gotten short again. "I think I'm gonna be taller than you in a few days."
She chuckled at that. "You'll be my little baby no matter how tall you are."
Yeah, that's right. "I think I need to get a new outfit."
"I'll design them," she beamed. "As always."
Mom had always designed the clothes for me. It's something she took pride in.
"He doesn't have the time," Dad however dropped her dreams into the drain. "He and Gary will be leaving for the next plane in three hours."
"Three hours?!" Both Mom and I exclaimed at once, looking at the man incredulous.
"Yeah," Gary agreed. "We booked the tickets to Rosenburg a week ago. Both I and Ash will set for the 1 'o' clock plane." He asked Dad, "You didn't inform them, Mr. Ketchum?"
"Ah," Dad opened his mouth to say something, but as he didn't have a reasonable answer in his mind, "I guess it slipped my mind." He spoke after a pause.
"How could you forget that?" I demanded. Sometimes my old man pisses me off to extremes.
"The tournament starts on October 1st, right?" Mom asked. "Can't he leave tomorrow?"
"The tournaments on October 1st, 00:00 A.M," Dad said, "That's just 26 hours from now."
Wait a minute. Why the heck didn't I think of that?
"We've already done the registrations," I said, "The flight gets you to Rosenburg in three hours. I'll be way before midnight even if I start tomorrow."
Dad sighed at my response, while Gary shook his head. Did I miss something again?
"Although you have registered," Gary explained, "You need to inform your arrival at the counter. They won't count us in till we confirm the registration in person. And there are only five counters for forty thousand trainers in Rosenburg's main complex."
"You're kidding me!" I exclaimed. That was beyond ridiculous. That's like eight thousand trainers for each counter.
"To their credit," Professor Oak replied, "Since the main registration's already done. It'll take less than a minute for each trainer."
"So, if you don't want to waste your time standing in a pointlessly large queue," Dad finished. "You need to leave NOW!"
I slumped on my chair, energy less. We just walked through Route 1 to get back to Pallet. We have to set out again?
"It takes two hours to get to the Viridian Airport," Mom said, standing up. "So I have one hour left. I'll make a quick work on Alex's clothes to fit you, Ash."
Dad protested something from behind, but she pretended not to hear. It was her sweet revenge.
An Hour Later
"You look really handsome in this," Mom clapped as I showed myself before them, wearing my new clothes.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed in agreement.
The dress I wore was a blue sleeveless jacket, over a black shirt underneath. The pants were light blue faded jeans. I didn't have much time to buy new ones, so I had to wear my old red sneakers I used in Unova. The gloves were black, similar to my Hoenn ones, and to finish off, I wore the hat that I originally wore. The hat I treasured like a precious gem. The official Pokémon League Expo hat.
"Alright," I said pulling the gloves back, fitting it properly onto my hands. Wearing this new dress got me all pumped up already. "I'm going to win the Pokémon world tournament!" I exclaimed.
"That's the spirit," Dad nodded. The said man was standing by the door, prepared to give me a sendoff.
"Good luck in the tournament, honey," Mom said, with a smile. "Remember, your Mommy and Daddy will always be cheering you from the stands."
"Yeah," I said. With the confident smirk on my face I turned to the open door. "Let's go Pikachu," I said, taking bold steps towards my Dad.
Pikachu jumped onto his usual position, on my left shoulder. "Pikachu!" He growled in determination.
Before I headed outside, I gave Dad one final parting hug. After we parted from each other, he placed an arm on me. "This whole year. I've did my best to shape you into champion material. I'm not sure about others, but I'm pretty sure you'll win this. Go get them, Ash."
The smirk on my face grew broader. "Of course."
As I turned and stepped outside the door, he said one thing. "I still regret for not spending our time on that."
"That?" I understood what he was talking about. We spent the whole year, shaping up my Pokémon, and make proper teams with them. We didn't have much time to work on my battle style. Dad said, I needed to do something that would put me above others. Something only I can do.
After thinking it through for a lot of time, I finally came up with the answer. But it would take at least two to three months to teach each of my Pokémon to apply my new strategy. We didn't have much time to work on it. We had two weeks to be exact.
"Even without that," I assured Dad, "I'm going to win this tournament."
The trademark Ketchum smile formed on Dad's lips, "Good Luck."
After taking one last look at my house, my mom, my Dad and Professor Oak, I joined up with Gary in his car.
Within no time, we were driving at express speed towards Viridian.
In five more hours, I'll be in Rosenburg.
The place where my Dad stayed for ten years to become the best trainer.
The place he abandoned my mother for.
The place that abandoned him for wrong reasons.
But more than these negative feelings—
It's a place where the best of the best trainers gather.
It's the place where I'll prove the world that I am the very best like no one ever was.
This chapter must be something you guys didn't expect. But I did it for a good reason. I am unable to write the pre-arc with just as much interest.
This chapter was named Rival Destinies, as it was supposed to focus on the other characters. I did give a line or two for each of the main rivals. I think I didn't miss anyone major, but if I did, do mention it!
The next chapter is something that I have been having in mind since three years.
Yes, I decided to paste the same ideas, because I think it is a good opening chapter for a tournament so grand.
The opening chapters for the world tournament will be mostly character assemblies, a bit of explanation on the format and not to mention there will be a couple of pre-league rumbles between the egoistic trainers.
I'm not going to give the tentative title this time because the last time I did, I failed you guys! Hope you forgive me for this blasphemy (:P)
Since the A/N is too big, I'll remove it before posting the next chapter.
Don't forget to review!