Chapter 6

The sea waves splashed against the metal hull of the ferry carrying the intrepid group of travelers. In the ocean, Ash's Lapras sang for her trainer as she swam playfully next to the ferry. Pikachu sat on the guard rail watching the younger Pokémon. Ash leaned next to his starter and glanced to his side where Bayleef stood strong.

Bayleef wore an interesting harness. There were four holsters, two on each of her sides. Cradled carefully in the cloth holsters were three Pokémon Eggs. Each Egg Ash received in return for the trade of his Tauros; one Egg each from Gary, Norman, and Whitney.

Lara Laramie eventually had taken twenty Tauros to her families Ranch. Ash steadfastly refused to take any compensation in transferring the Pokémon. To the young teen the value of a trade was in meeting new Pokémon. While Lara had offered Ponyta and Rapidash, Ash insisted he was happy being able to help out an old friend and in the end Ash still had seven Tauros. A lot of Tauros for any trainer, but more manageable than 30.

So, here he was on the Ferry towards the next Gym, with three Pokémon Eggs to take raise. It had taken Ash less than a day to decide he would not travel carrying the three Eggs himself. It was not that he did not want to carry them, he loved holding the Eggs and knowing he would soon have new friends. Instead there was a limitation of what was physically possible. He could carry one Egg in his backpack and another in his arms. That left the third being left behind or in someone else's arms, normally Brock's.

The solution was to bring Bayleef along to help. The evolution of the Johto Grass starter was a loving Pokémon. When Ash asked, Bayleef was happy to help her trainer take care of the three new Egg additions to the family.

Ash looked to the Eggs again. Each of the Pokémon Eggs looked different. In his mind, Ash had named each of the Eggs based on who traded the Egg to him. For example, one of the Eggs was a caramel brown on the top and the bottom. In the middle there was a cream band, almost looking like it was composed of ovals stuck together. Ash internally called it Gary's Egg.

Norman's Egg was a light grey. On the front of the Egg, or what Ash thought of as the front, there were a couple royal blue shapes. One of the shapes looked almost like a stylized axe. The other shape was a simple blue spot slightly separated from the primary shape.

Whitney's Egg was almost completely pink. Not just any pink though, this pink was cotton candy pink. Dark purple spots appeared here and there on the Egg. The purple was a strange color, in certain light looking almost like a blue or grey.

Ash looked over his shoulder as the door to the interior of the ferry opened and Brock stepped out onto the deck.

Brock stretched as he moved to stand next to Ash and his Pokémon near the guard rail. "May and Max are finishing packing up. We will be arriving at Mossdeep City soon."

Ash nodded. "I know, I am ready for the next gym battle."

"I am sure you are." Brock chuckled. "I was surprised at how easily you were able to defeat Winona."

"Pikachu has been working hard." Ash said with a shrug, not really answering the implied question, before smiling at Bayleef. "All of my Pokémon have been putting a lot of effort into training."

Brock heard the pride in his younger companion's voice and did not remark on the fact that Pikachu only fought one of Winona's Pokémon. "You have been doing a lot of work yourself."

"I don't want to let my Pokémon down again." Ash said quietly.

"Ash, you have done so much for this Conference. Even if you don't win, you will not have let any of your Pokémon down." Brock said.

"What about your studying to be a Pokémon Breeder? I haven't asked about that in a while." Ash asked. As he spoke, Ash reached out a hand a caressed one of the three Pokémon Eggs.

Brock smiled. "I haven't been as good about studying as you have. Still I am learning. I have improved my Pokémon food for electric types if you are interested."

Pikachu nodded. "Piii ka pika pi."

Ash didn't respond, knowing the Pikachu answered well enough. The friends settled into a companionable silence watching Lapras play.

A few minutes later, May and Max came out onto deck with their packs. The siblings moved to lean against the railing as well.

Max looked up at Ash. "You are almost qualified for the Ever Grande Conference and May is almost there as well."

Ash just nodded, while Bayleef nudged his leg with her head. "Bay Bay Bayleef."

"Don't worry Bayleef, you will be part of the Conference. I promise." Ash said with a smile, shifting his hand to rub Bayleef's head. She leaned into his touch with a satisfied air about her.

May sighed. "I am worried though. Am I really ready for the Hoenn Grand Festival?"

Brock raised his eyebrows as Ash started to laugh. May huffed at the slightly older trainer's laughter. "You don't have to be rude about it.

"Sorry." Ash chuckled. "It's just, it's a funny question."

May continued to glare at the chuckling boy. Shaking his head, Ash continued. "These competitions, the Conference, the Grand Festival, they are not something anyone can be ready for."

"What do you mean?" Max asked.

"What does it mean to win the Conference or the Grand Festival?" Ash asked in answer.

May and Max looked at each other, unable to answer. Brock spoke up before either could say anything. "They are different, Ash. The Conference lets you challenge the Elite Four and the Champion of a region. The Grand Festival means you become a Top Coordinator."

Ash snorted. "Close. They are a chance to be more. More than the average Trainer, the average Coordinator. Winning means you are recognized as someone close to greatness."

"I don't understand. I mean, I get what you are saying, I just don't understand how these competitions work like what you are saying." May said.

"You will." Was Ash's simple reply.

Brock cut in. "A lot of people qualify for these events. I agree with Ash on this, it is not about being ready. Once you are in and the competition is going on, what will you do? How far will you go? That is the true challenge."

Max nodded. "I get it, I think."

"I just don't want to disappoint either of you. You both have taught me so much and I want you to be proud of my performance." May said quietly.

"Do your best." Ash said. "If you perform as you have been in the last few contests, then I will be proud."

Brock smiled from his place on the railing. "Qualifying is a great feat. Most people take advantage of the fact a badge or ribbon is technically good for a few years. You are doing fantastically. I am proud of you."

Before the conversation could continue, the loudspeakers blared. "We are now arriving in Mossdeep City. Remember to take all of your belongings with you."

/

Later that afternoon, Ash sat in the lobby of the Pokémon Center, most of his Pokémon getting checked out by Nurse Joy. The exception was Bayleef and the three Eggs. Ash had a cleaning rag out and was polishing the Eggs.

The rest of the group was out running errands, except for Max. The younger boy had headed to the rented room in the Pokémon Center and was studying. Brock was out at the general store, looking to pick up some food and other supplies. He mentioned something about experimenting with new Pokémon food blends. May headed towards a department store to do some retail therapy. She claimed that because Ash had been so rude earlier she needed to calm her nerves.

As he was waiting for his friends to return, Ash sat with Bayleef. She used her vines to stroke one of the Eggs Ash was not holding.

"Are you looking forward to seeing what hatches?" Ash asked his Pokémon.

"Bayleef leef bay." The grass type responded with a nod.

Ash smiled at his Pokémon. "Yeah, me too. Are you still okay with carrying these three? If you want, I can let you get some rest."

"Leef Bay." Bayleef responded, shaking her head to indicate she was fine.

"As long as you are sure. I appreciate the help." Ash said. He sat down Gary's Egg and picked up Whitney's Egg. "When they finish getting checked out by Nurse Joy, I will let out Grovyle and Bulbasaur."

Bayleef tilted her head. "Bay?"

"Bulbasaur just wanted a bit fo a break from dealing with the conflicts at the Professor's Ranch. And I think he wanted to meet the Eggs. He will head home soon, I think." Ash said. "When May gets back, she might let her Bulbasaur out as well."

"Bay bayleef?" The Johto starter asked.

"Yeah, I know I need to make a few calls. I just want to wait a bit longer first." Ash replied.

Bayleef nodded, understanding he didn't want to leave her alone with the Eggs. She knew it was not because Ash didn't trust her, Pokémon Eggs were always in danger of being stolen. She glanced around at the two eggs in front of her.

The Egg from Gary was shaking and Ash hadn't noticed. Bayleef looked up at him and then used her vines to pull Whitney's Egg out of his hands. Ash frowned as she did before noticing the shaking Egg.

Ash smiled broadly and picked up the tan Egg. He cradled the Egg in his lap and pulled a container of a variety of Brock's Pokémon food from his backpack.

Suddenly, there was a bright white light as the Egg started to glow. As with an evolution the light became blinding and morphed from one shape into another. As the light died down, Ash looked at his new Pokémon.

Standing on four paws, the Pokémon looked up at her Trainer with big brown eyes. Her fur was the same brown as the top and bottom of the Egg, while there was a ruffle collar the lighter tan color. Her pointed ears flicked and the fluffy tail wagged a little.

"Eevee ee." The little normal type Pokémon grinned.

"Hello Eevee, I am Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town. It is nice to meet you."

"Bayleef bay bay leef!" Bayleef said, introducing herself as well.

"Vee ee." The newly hatched Pokémon replied happily.

"Pikachu is going to be mad he missed this."

/

Eevee was an excited little Pokémon. After hatching, she started to investigate the area. Taking her role as guardian seriously, Bayleef shifted from carefully watching the Eggs to hovering over the newly hatched Pokémon. Ash split his attention between the Eggs, now polishing Norman's Egg, and the two Pokémon.

Several minutes later, Nurse Joy walked over with a tray of Pokéballs. Next to her, Pikachu strolled towards his trainer. The two noticed the new addition at the same time. "Pika Pi pikachu!"

Pikachu ran over and introduced himself to Eeveee before starting to play with the newly hatched Pokémon.

Nurse Joy smiled at the cute sight. "Congratulations, Ash."

"Thanks Nurse Joy. Are my other Pokémon okay?" Ash asked.

"They are doing great." Nurse Joy said with a grin and tilt of her head.

Ash smiled and released his other two grass types to join the fray. "Thanks for taking care of them." Ash told the Nurse.

"It was my genuine pleasure." The Nurse replied before bemoaning the fact she had to head back to work.

Ash looked towards the group of Pokémon he had let out.

Grovyle was leaning agains the wall instead of interacting with the other Pokémon. His pride in battling and preference for training to interacting meant he was a bit of a loner.

Bulbasaur, a peacemaker and caretaker at heart was different. He immediately wandered over to Pikachu, Bayleef, and Eevee to join in their game. Ash noticed Bulbasaur's warm and caring heart meant he quickly embraced the new addition to the family.

Only a few minutes later, May walked into the area. She looked briefly at Ash before kneeling near the Pokémon. "Oh, goodness, you are so cute!" She exclaimed as she reached out to pet Eevee.

Ash chuckled. "She hatched from the Egg Gary traded to me."

May blinked as Eevee pounced over to land on Bulbasaur's head. The Coordinator reached her hand back to her waist. "I guess I should let my Bulbasaur out was well."

May's Bulbasaur, with her heart shaped spot on her head, smiled seeing Ash's Pokémon out. She was a sweetheart, interested in the adventures Ash's Pokémon could tell. Today, stories were the last thing on her mind. She greeted Ash's Pokémon before extending a vine for Eevee to leap at.

"May, could you watch Eevee for a moment. I want to call Gary." Ash said, standing up and stretching.

"Are you sure? I mean if I am not even ready to be in the Grand Festival." May shot back.

"I trust you. As I said, nobody is really ready for the big tournaments." Ash replied.

May nodded, accepting his words as the best apology she was going to get. "I will watch them."

"Thanks." Ash said as he started to walk towards the video phones.

/

Ash came back over to the slightly secluded area where he had left his Pokémon with May, a large grin on his face. Brock had returned while Ash was on the phone and while waiting pulled out some Pokémon food for the grass-types. Max had come out of his studying seclusion to sit on one of the couches watching Eevee play with the other Pokémon.

Ash sat down on the floor, Pikachu climbing onto his shoulder as Eevee came to put her paws on his leg.

"Eevee." Ash said warmly.

Before he could continue, Eevee climbed onto her Trainer-to-be's lap and laid down. "Ee ee vee."

Ash smiled. "You want to come with me then?"

The small creature nodded again, settling in deeper in his lap.

"Alright." Ash said and pulled out a Pokéball before setting it on the ground. "If you want to join us on our journey, tap the button."

Eevee batted the Pokéball playfully and was pulled into the contraption. The Pokéball immediately ding, signifying a successful capture, and Ash triggered the Pokéball again depositing Eevee back on his lap.

Ash looked up at his companions. "I don't think I am going to challenge the Gym today."

"Makes sense to me." Brock said. "Whose Egg hatched?"

"Gary's. I called to let him know. Tauros is doing great apparently." Ash replied.

Max leaned forward, a slight frown on his face. "Eevee are the only Pokémon with so many evolutionary paths. Does Gary not want Eevee back?"

Ash shook his head. "He already has Umbreon and as a researcher, he doesn't want to train another Pokémon. I asked."

"I have a couple of questions." May said. "Are you going to enter a contest with Eevee? And how do you know Eevee is a she?"

Ash rubbed Eevee's head before glancing over his shoulder at Pikachu and then at the two unhatched Eggs tucked carefully into a sofa. "I could tell Eevee is a she because I have seen several Eevee before and females have slightly bushier tails and pointier ears."

He paused. "As for contests, I don't think so."

May blinked. "Why not? Eevee is absolutely adorable and with an interesting moveset you could definitely win a ribbon."

Ash opened his mouth before closing it again. He frowned before speaking. "I am a Pokémon Trainer. I could enter a Contest, it just is not a passion of mine."

May frowned but nodded her acceptance of his rather abrupt dismissal of her interest. Ash winced as he saw she was upset with his answer. "May, you have some strong Pokémon with dangerous movesets, why don't you try a Gym?"

"Because I don't like the fight that much." May said softly.

Max looked between the two of them immediately understanding the exchange. "Aren't there Trainers who do both?"

"There are." Brock nodded. "The most famous is Jaun of Sootopolis City. He is a Gym Leader and Top Coordinator."

"Why not do both then?" Max asked both Ash and May.

At this question, Brock leaned forward, calling attention to himself. "Being on a Pokémon journey is all about passion. I am passionate about Pokémon Breeding. I stay near the Eggs a lot. I learn how to clean and cook for all of the different Pokémon."

He pointed at Ash. "Ash's passion is in the thrill of intense battle. He loves being focused on training. I am sure he wants to surpass the Regional Champions."

Brock then pointed at May. "As for May, her passion is in Contests. In showing the beauty in Pokémon at all of the different places you could visit."

The finger then turned to point at Max. "You want to be a Pokémon Trainer as well, but you are a couple of years away from your own journey."

Brock let his hand drop. "If you are not passionate, the journey will wear you out. Be passionate. Don't worry about doing everything, do the right things."

Ash spoke up. "Don't forget, passions change too. Gary started out seeking to become a Champion and now he is a researcher. Right now, my passion is in training. Perhaps later, I will branch out."

"I guess you are right." Max muttered.

May nodded thoughtfully though. "I never thought about it like that. I guess I have more to think about."

"There is always something more to think about." Brock said.

Ash nodded. "Like how soon after hatching can a Pokémon be caught. I had to talk with Professor Oak about this with Pidgeot's Egg. There is always something new and exciting."

Max pushed his glasses up. "How long do you have to wait?"

"Not long." Ash said. "Something about Pokémon physiology and Pokéball technology being compatible. I forgot the explanation. I remember the important part is to let the Pokémon be free for a while before capturing."

Max nodded as Brock chuckled.

Ash sighed as a thought struck him. "Brock, how are we on time?"

"It is only mid-afternoon." The older boy said with some confusion.

Ash shook his head. "The Ever Grand Conference is in six weeks. How are we on time?"

Brock sighed. "We have four weeks to get May two ribbons for the Grand Festival. It is a bit close on time."

Ash sighed heavily. "I made the trades at a bad time."

May blinked. "Why would you say that?"

"I don't know when these other two Eggs will hatch. Will the hatching slow us down enough to mean we miss either a badge or a ribbon? We are close to qualifying, but close is not enough." Ash explained.

Max shrugged. "I have checked the schedule. There is a contest in a week at Purika City and one in Pacifidlog Town in three weeks. If you can win your badges in between, there will be plenty of time."

"Can we move that fast?" May asked her brother.

Max shrugged. "Maybe. There is only one way to tell and that is by trying it."

Ash carefully stood up, cradling Eevee in his arms. "I guess I need to win this Gym Badge today then."

Brock shook his head. "We have the time, you can take today off. You have a new addition to welcome."

"No." Ash said, voice full of determination. "We are on a tight schedule. I have been slowing us down with my training."

Max frowned. "I slowed the group down in the beginning as I couldn't travel as far or as fast. It is not all your fault."

Ash smirked. "I know, but I can do something to help now."

"If you insist." Brock said, standing up and starting to put the harness back on Bayleef. "I fully support you."

"Thanks Brock." Ash said, as the older teen tucked the two Eggs into the harness. Ash carefully held Eevee with one hand while returning his Grass Types with the other. "Let's do this."

/