Author's Note:
Here it is, the part I have been dreading. We say goodbye to Brock... Until Johto, then he will be back. While he is away, I want to develop Misty so when he comes back I can develop Brock. One thing I regret about the Kanto arc is just having these two take a back seat. They will play a bigger role (along with the other travelling companions) and will even have chapters based around them. Of course, I can't really do that for Brock until he returns. As for this chapter, I feel like it is pretty similar to the cannon but that isn't always a bad thing. We also say goodbye to Leaf, she will return, but not until the Power of One arc near the end. Question Time:
Jasmine:
Q) Will there be any Pokemon mega evolve in this story? A) I am bringing in Mega evolution around Hoenn and the battle Frontier for Ash and Serena, they will each have one Pokemon per region (not including the Orange Islands) that can mega evolve when the time comes. Ash's Kanto Pokemon already has its mega stone and Serena's will find it's in this arc but neither will use it until the pre-mentioned arcs.
Remember to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin...
Chapter 4: Professor Ivy & the GS Ball
Stepping off the boat they caught from Pummelo Island, the group of six trainers and two Pokemon are now stood on Valencia Island. Looking around it reminded the group of Cinnebar Island from all those months ago. Although a main difference is the population. Being a main tourist attraction for Kanto, Cinnebar was jam packed with tourists while Valencia seems to have more of a home with nature feel to it.
"So where is the lab?" Ash asked Brock who is their usual navigator.
"Err..." Brock replied as he stared at the nearby beech which while not jam packed, it had a fair few people. His face was bright red as he saw all the beautiful ladies, but one wiggle from Rhyhorn's Pokeball snapped the breeder out of day dreaming. "Sorry, what was you saying Ash?".
"We have to follow the beach line north to get to the lab." Drake sighed as he put his Pokegear away.
"Wow Drake, how did you figure that out?" Leaf asked as she attempted to grab his hand although he quickly shoved both his hands into his pockets as he has learned that Leaf will grab his hands whenever out in the open.
"The Pokegear has a Town Map function. Using the GPS, it gives a detailed map of the local area no matter where we are." Drake replied. Seeing the look on his brother's face, Drake deadpanned. "You did know about Town Map function, didn't you?".
"Eheheh, not exactly." Ash chuckled nervously.
"I shouldn't be surprised." Drake sighed. "Are we gonna get going?".
The others agreed and the group started walking down the path towards the lab. Drake was off to the side chatting with his Cubone. True to his word, he has been trying to bond with his Pokemon. Other than Cubone, he seems to be having the most success Charizard and Jolteon but he is far from doing it naturally. The best thing that could happen for him would be, to watch Ash work with a wild Pokemon and chances are that will happen at some point.
Leaf was walking somewhat close to Drake. Still upset that she missed her chance to grab his hand, this is probably going to be the last day travelling with the group for a while, seeing as they are so close to getting the Pokeball for Professor Oak and true to her hyper active nature, she doesn't want to just sit around.
Misty was walking closest to the beech as she looked over the beach. Unlike Brock, she was having her own day dream about just spending time on the beach and working on her tan. Or maybe spending some time fishing and find more amazing water Pokemon like her new Poliwag. Both of these would work well when Ash takes on the Trovita gym leader as she can impress him with her trainer skill or tan respectively.
Brock is in the middle of the path with his head in a book. It is a research book Professor Oak gave them before they left which this Professor Ivy wrote on regional differences between Pokemon native in Kanto and the Orange Islands. For the most part, Drake and Leaf have been reading this and normally something like this wouldn't interest him. At first, he was just reading it to distract himself from the beach but as he got further into the more it has pulled him in. This stuff is really interesting and no doubt this Professor will have a lot of breeding techniques.
Serena is walking in total bliss as she is holding Ash's hand while resting on his shoulder. This first day in the Orange Archipelago couldn't be any better. Ash has already induced to compete and they made it too Valencia with it only being mid-afternoon. Of course, they will probably be spending the night on this island but the two main things they came here to do would've been knocked out. Not to mention they made new friends and she will get to see a real life Pokemon Contest in the near future, which might lead her to a new goal. Things couldn't be better.
Ash is walking along with Serena holding his hand and her head resting on his shoulder while he lifted Togepi up to his face with a look of somewhere between determination and desperation.
"Okay Togepi, try one more time." Ash sighed. "Use Metronome.".
"Toge?" Togepi questioned as he tilted his head in confusing. Soon a bright smile formed on the fairy types face and he happily waved his arms around. "Dada!". He leaned forward and gave his daddy a hug on the face happily.
"What are you doing?" Drake asked.
"Earlier with the rain cloud, you said it was Togepi who used Metronome." Ash explained although Togepi was squeezing his nose which changed his voice, causing the young fairy type to laugh at his daddy's voice. "I was trying to get him to do it again.".
"That was just a theory Ash." Drake sighed. "And walking down the path isn't the best place to practise a move like metronome.".
"How come?" Serena asked.
"Because Metronome is a move which could turn into any other move any other Pokemon could use." Drake explained. "Imagine what would happen if Togepi did it just now, and it turned into an Explosion.".
In Ash's head, he plays a sort of thought video of the six of them walking down the road when they are engulfed in an explosion. As the smoke clears, they are all on the ground injured and Officer Jenny showed because of all of the damaged caused.
"Eheheh, yeah. Maybe it is best we leave it for now." Ash replied after Togepi finally ended his embrace. Ash, Serena and Drake all looked at the fairy type who let out a happy chirp at getting all of the attention from the three trainers.
"Priiii!" Togepi cheered as the group continued onwards to the Valencia Island research lab and home of Professor Ivy.
Soon the group was stood outside of a research lab. For the most part, it resembles Professor Oak's lab back in Pallet Town as it has a fairly old-fashioned design with a primary colour of white. The only real difference if the surroundings as this lab is surrounded by a vast thick forest while Professor Oak's is out in the open at the top of a hill. It also seems to be a bit smaller then Professor Oak's lab and there seems to be something missing.
"Um, I don't see a doorbell." Ash stated lamely. "What are we supposed to do?".
"Maybe what they did back before door bells were invented." Drake suggested with a sigh. Stepping forward, he knocked on the door three times before stepping back and waiting for someone to answer.
It didn't take long, maybe twenty seconds for someone to answer the door. As it flew open, there were three nerdy-looking teenage girls around Misty's age. Just from appearance it is clear they are sisters. Despite being older, they were around Ash's, Drake's, Leaf's and Serena's height. All three of them are wearing short-sleeved tropical designed shirts. Much like the sensation sisters, the only difference seems to be in their hair.
"Hello..." The first girl spoke.
"What are you..." The next girl started.
"All doing here?" The final one asked.
The group of six all had awkward expressions on as they looked at the three sisters. Their voices are all practically identical and they even finish each other's sentences. Almost like they are Psychic types and can communicate with each other telepathically. Still, the group knew they should reply before things get weird.
"Hello, we were wondering if we could speak with Professor Ivy please." Ash replied.
"Really?" The first girl asked.
"Why do you..." The next girl started.
"Want to see her?" The final one asked.
The group sweat dropped at the three girls. Forget about that, them being part Psychic type theory, right now they are acting more like robots and are all hooked up to the same main frame.
"Well, I'm Brock. These are: Ash; Serena; Misty; Leaf and Drake." Brock stepped forward being the oldest and most mature of the group. He pointed out each person as he mentioned them. "We were sent by Professor Oak, to collect a Pokeball of some sort.".
"Oh, you're with Professor Oak." The auburn-haired girl replied. "My name is Charity.".
"I'm Hope." The red-haired girl added.
"And I'm Faith." The last one introduced.
"We're Professor Ivy's assistants." The trio declared together.
"Charity, Hope and Faith." Misty mumbled in amusement. The triplets are named after the three theological virtues.
"We will take you to..." Hope started.
"Professor Ivy right away." Faith finished.
"Follow us." Charity added as the three of them turned around and started walking into the lab. The group looked at each other before following them into the lab.
Sure, the three of them seem a little weird but they also seem nice and if they work her at a research lab then they must be good with Pokemon. As they walked behind the triplets, Brock inwardly chuckled to himself. These three remind him of his own siblings, namely Billy and Tilly. Being the two youngest of all his siblings they tend to use similar speaking patterns. Brock finds it sort of amusing.
As the group made their way outside of the lab a collective gasp could be heard from: Ash; Serena; Leaf; Misty; and Brock as they saw a vast combination of land and sea. Drake, was also impressed with the expansive area just isn't as vocal about it. Despite the actual lab being on the smaller side, the back could easily rival the ranch that Professor Oak has. Then again, they can't even see the back of this land because of the forest, so it could easily be bigger.
"Does all of this land belong to Professor Ivy?" Leaf asked as she tried to hide her excitement. Her inner adventure is telling her to just run right into the forest and see what she can find. No, they are here for a job and not to explore.
"It sure does." Clarity declared with a sense of pride.
"We use all this space for the Pokemon to live in." Hope added.
"While we study them." Faith finished.
The group nodded in understanding as they continued deeper into the forest where they presumed Professor Ivy was. As they walked, it became quite dark due to the thick trees above them. Serena used this and just tightened her grip around Ash's arm. The raven-haired boy felt this and looked at his girlfriend.
"You alright, Serena? Not scared, are you?" Ash asked. He knows she has a fear of the supernatural, like back at the Pokemon tower but this forest isn't so much creepy as it is mystical.
"Hehehe, yeah Ash. Let's say that's it?" Serena whispered with a giggle as she pecked his cheek. Ash blushed and could tell by the tone of her voice that she wasn't scared in the slightest. She was just using it as an excuse to be closer.
Drake rolled his eyes at the couple and turned his attention to going down the path. He has nothing against Serena, she is probably the nicest out of all of Ash's friends in Drake's option. He just can't understand the whole show of affection thing and he doesn't really want to watch them when they are acting that way.
As he looked ahead of him, he found Leaf looking into a brush obviously trying to find some Pokemon. He rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the guilds through this forest. He just wants to get this GS ball as soon as possible. After the two-week cruise with her, he is desperate for a break from her and she had made it clear that she plans to go off on her own to explore once they have the GS ball.
Coming out of the forest the group found themselves on a sort of secluded beach area. It wasn't that big but the sea which is in front of them is very vast and expansive (much like the forest). The group can only imagine how much of it belongs to Professor Ivy seeing as there are no barriers to see.
"Professor Ivy! We've got some visitors for you!" The triplets shouted in unison.
Looking around, the group couldn't see any sort of sign of the Pokemon Professor. Come to think of it, they haven't seen any Pokemon either. Well, seeing as the three girls are calling out over the water, the Professor is clearly out there but nowhere to be seen. Could she be under the water? If that is the case, would she even hear the assistant. Of course, they did shout loud but was it really loud enough? After half a minute, the triplets turned back to the group.
"Sorry about this." Hope apologised.
"Professor Ivy is probably studying some of the Pokemon, meaning she is in her own little world." Faith explained.
"She should be too much longer." Charity reassured.
Seeing as it will take a while before the Professor shows up, the group had a chance to collect their thoughts. Serena was still cuddled up against Ash and can't wait for the romantic areas they will find in the Orange Islands. They are on the beach after all, which is one of the most romantic places. Drake was just counting the seconds as Ash was thinking about his upcoming gym battles. Misty is excited for the sight of any water Pokemon while Leaf is trying and failing to cuddle up to Drake like Serena is to Ash.
Brock, however, has his thoughts on the Professor of this lab. After reading that article on regional differences he can already tell she is a very intelligent women and could give him a lot of help with different breeding techniques. He doesn't know why, but his gut is telling him like something big is about to happen.
"How long have you three worked with Professor Ivy?" Misty asked, trying to make small talk.
"Around seven years." Charity answered. "Since we were little.".
"Professor Ivy is like a mother to us." Hope added.
"A mother figure..." Brock thought to himself. He can relate as back when he was the gym leader, he was much like a father figure to his siblings. Heh, funny that the triplets remind him of his siblings and now he is thinking about his family again.
The rest of the group looked down, it is clear that Professor Ivy is the girls main parenting figure. None of them have a clue about their real parents or why they would come to live with Professor Ivy at such a young age but it doesn't seem to bother them. They should just push it to the back of their mind and try to forget about it. After all, it isn't really their business.
Soon a loud roar could be heard from the water and looking towards it they found a Gyarados burst out of the water. The group jumped in surprise except for the triplets while Ash; Serena; Misty and Drake each grabbed a Pokeball in case it attacked. The water flying type started speeding towards the shore.
"Professor! We have company!" The triplets shouted together.
The Gyarados came to a stop near the shore and a female became visible on the atrocious Pokemon's back. Said female jumped and flew over the reaming part of the water. Charity throw a lab coat which the woman caught and put on in mid-air before landing on one knee in front of the group.
The female was quite young despite being an adult and clearly older then all of them, late twenties to early thirties. Her hair is purple and short length which is quite slender although it spikes out at the end, while her eyes give off the impression that she is tired. Under her lab coat she has a one-piece bikini on which in all honesty is very revelling.
"Please to meet you, I am Professor Ivy." The women greeted the group. "How can I help you?".
Out of all of the group, it was Brock who ended up staring dumbly at the women in front of them. This was Professor Ivy? He was expecting a much older woman around Professor Oak's age but she was most definitely the last person he expected. He tried to straighten himself out. While he was able to get rid of his blush for the most part, he still had a stupid goofy smile on his face.
"Well, Heeeelllloooo Professor Ivy." Brock thought to himself.
"Hello, I'm Ash Ketchum." Ash greeted with a hand shake. "These are: Serena; Drake; Leaf; Misty and...". Ash was pointing out each person as he said their name but was cut off when it came to the Pokemon breeder.
"My names Brock." Brock cut Ash by jumping forward and shaking the Professor's hand. "It is a real pleasure to meet you.".
"The pleasures all mine." Professor Ivy smiled as she ended the handshake with Brock.
"Brock, are you alright?" Serena asked in a whisper so the others wouldn't hear. They are used to Brock's behaviour when it comes to beautiful women but this time it is different. He hasn't proposed or said anything too bad. Sure, interrupting was rude but this time he seems to be trying to control himself and they haven't even seen Rhyhorn's Pokeball wiggle.
"If you don't mind me asking, but is that Gyarados yours?" Misty asked.
"Yes and no." Professor Ivy replied. "We don't catch any of the Pokemon on this island but we study them and in return provide them with food and shelter. Gyarados use to be a Magikarp and while still a wild Pokemon, we are good friends.". As the Professor spoke, the atrocious Pokemon lowered his head and she stroked the dark blue crest on his head. The water flying type cooed under the Professor's touch.
"Ya know, it's kind of refreshing to see a Gyarados who doesn't lick me first chance it gets." Ash commented as the Gyarados stood back up. He briefly looked down to the Pokeball containing his own Gyarados. As weird as it is to have a Gyarados who shows any sort of affection, he wouldn't change his Gyarados or any of his Pokemon, sure they may have their own little quirks but they are also a part of his family and the best Pokemon a guy could ask for.
"You have a Gyarados, Ash?" The Professor asked after hearing what the raven-haired boy just said.
"I sure do, he is one of strongest Pokemon." Ash replied. "Even if he has a bad habit of showing his affection as soon as he comes out.".
"It is quite rare for a Gyarados to listen to a trainer, let alone show any sort of affection." The Professor replied. "If yours does then it speaks volumes about you as a trainer.".
"Hehehe, thank you." Ash replied bashfully. "It is actually because of Gyarados that I was invited to partake in the Orange League.".
"Well, I may not keep up to date with leagues but I wish you luck in your upcoming battles." The Professor replied. "So, what can I help you with?".
"Oh right, we were sent by Professor Oak." Ash replied. "He wanted us to pick up a special Pokeball.".
"Of course, he told me he was sending a group of children." Professor Ivy replied. "Please, follow me to my lab.".
Professor Ivy lead the way with her three assistants as the group followed closely behind. Although the group was making sure to keep an eye on Brock, especially since Rhyhorn seems to be taking a vacation for the time being.
Once the group made it back into the lab, they were lead into a room which resembled Professor Oak's upstairs lab. It was filled with all sorts of technology and different pieces of equipment. With a massive computer, which is probably what Professor does the majority of her work on; a transport was nearby but the main item of interest was a Pokeball on a table under a glass container.
"Here it is." The Professor declared as she signalled to the different coloured Pokeball on the table. Seeing as the group were a fair distance away from the item of interest, she let out a little chuckle. "You can come closer, it isn't a bomb or anything.".
The group took the Professor's advice and stepped closer up to the table as Professor Ivy took the glass container off the Pokeball. Pikachu and Cubone jumped onto the table respectively and walked up to the item. Pikachu acted first and tried to sniff the object, but it lacked all types of scent. Normally, a Pokeball has the scent of the Pokemon that it belongs to but this one just doesn't smell of anything.
"No luck, buddy?" Ash asked his starter. Who nodded as his answer.
Now it was Cubone's chance to see what was inside. Unlike Pikachu, he doesn't have a great sense of smell. Of course, he can smell but his nose isn't as advanced as the electric type. Well, might as well take the direct route. Picking up his bone, he whacked it down on the Pokeball. To his and everyone else's surprise, the bone just bounced off and didn't even leave a scratch on the surface. It was almost like the Pokeball used the move Protect.
"Quite intriguing, isn't it." Professor Ivy spoke up. Unlike the group, neither Professor Ivy or the triplets seem surprised that neither Pikachu or Cubone could figure something out about the different coloured Pokeball. "For simplicity, we've called it the GS Ball.".
"The GS ball..." Ash muttered as he stared at the object.
"Hello..." A faint voice appeared in Ash's head. "Hello, are you there... Chosen one?". Ash quickly looked around and by the expression on the others faces, it is clear that he was the only one who heard that voice.
"You okay, Ash?" Serena asked.
"Um, yeah. Just fine." Ash replied with a hint of confusion.
Could he have just made that voice up in his head? It is possible, but is it likely? The voice mentioned the Chosen one, which definitely set off alarm bells for the raven-haired boy as that is what Aerodactyl has referred to him as. It is possible it could have something to do with his aura, but he would need to ask his dad if it has anything to do with that. Plus, there is that whole thing with his dad seeing a hidden potential in Aerodactyl. Could this whole thing be connected?
"Right, we named it GS after the markings made on the top half." Professor Ivy replied. It seems like neither Professor Ivy or the assistance seemed to notice Ash's expression since they were looking at the GS ball. "If you look closely, they look like the letters G and S.".
"That makes sense." Serena replied. "It could also stand for Gold and Silver. Seeing as those are the colours of the Pokeball.". It is true, the top half of the mysterious Pokeball is gold while the bottom half is silver.
"Correct Serena, that is the only conclusion we were able to come up with for the presents of the markings." Professor Ivy replied. "Unfortunately, we haven't had much luck in uncovering its other secrets.".
"Oh right, Professor Oak mentioned that it couldn't be transported." Leaf interjected.
"That's right." Charity replied.
"It won't transport." Hope added.
"No matter what we try." Faith finished.
"That is just one of the GS balls mysterious, here we will show you." Professor Ivy replied as she picked the GS ball up and carried it over to the transporter. Placing it in the machine, she turned it on. The ball was engulfed in light, which is when the Pokeball would normally disappear but as the light faded, the GS ball was still in the same spot. It was almost like an outside force was stopping it from being transported. "We have used the transporter both before and after trying to transport the GS ball so it isn't our machine either.".
"Have you tried to open it?" Drake asked.
"Many times." Professor Ivy replied with a sigh. "Hammers, crowbars, chainsaws, hacksaws, power drills, dynamite and even lasers... Guess we can add a Cubone's bone to that list.".
"Serious?" Leaf asked in shock.
"Yes. We have had no-luck with this item." Charity replied.
"That is why we need to pass it onto Professor Oak..." Hope started.
"He has more experience and will probably have more luck." Faith finished.
"I see..." Ash muttered as all attention was drawn back to the Pokeball. "So, how did you find it. Anyway?".
"It was just on the beach one day. I had visited the local Pokemon Centre to collect some medicine for one of the Pokemon that lives at the lab." Professor Ivy explained. "I heard what sounded like a child calling out for help, wanting to find him. When I arrived, no-body was around except for myself and this GS ball.".
"My brain hurts just trying to figure this thing out." Misty groaned as she pinched the ridge of her nose.
"Well, this explains why Professor Oak was so interested in it." Leaf piped up. "He loves solving puzzles, just like this one.". The others nodded in agreement as Professor Ivy took the GS ball out of the transporter and carried it back to the group, handing it to Ash.
"Here Ash, the GS ball. Make sure you take good care of it and get it to Professor Oak safely." Professor Ivy instructed as Ash held it in his hand. He didn't know why but now that he held it, it felt like a Pokemon. Kind of like how Togepi felt in the egg, but this one was a lot more powerful. Could it just be because they hardly know anything about the mystery which is the GS ball? Or maybe it has something to do with his aura. One thing is for sure, this whole mess is confusing.
"I will." Ash replied as he slipped the GS ball into his bag. The first reason they came to the Orange Islands. they have the GS ball for Professor Oak. All they need to do is have Ash collect the four Orange League gym badges and win the Orange League. "You can count on me.".
"Maybe you should give Professor Oak a call." Serena suggested. "I'm sure he would want to know that we have the GS ball.".
"Of course, you can use my phone at the lab." Professor Ivy interjected with a friendly smile.
Leading the group into a separate room, they walked over to the phone and Ash went to sit down. Unfortunately, Leaf beat him to it. Moving the seat away he fell on the floor as she took the seat. Ash glared as his surrogate sister who just hummed a happy tone as she dialled in the number. It took around thirty seconds before the screen lit up with Professor Oak's face. Once the Professor saw who was calling, he smiled.
"Hey Professor!" Leaf greeted rather loudly. "Guess what!".
"Ah, hello Leaf. Hello to everyone else as well." The Professor greeted. He has a fairly good idea about what this call is about. "What is it?".
"We've arrived at Professor Ivy's lab and she gave us something for you." Leaf informed in an excited manor. She quickly dragged Ash into the view of the screen and opened his bag fishing out the GS ball before he could even speak. Once it was in her hand she pushed Ash out of the way and held it in view of the phone.
"The GS ball." The Professor mused as he folded his arms.
"Correct." Professor Ivy interjected as she too pushed her way to the screen. Leaf moved out of the way so the two Professors could speak.
"Ah, Philena. How are you?" Professor Oak asked.
"I'm doing fine, Samuel." Professor Ivy replied. "I must say, your recent report on the challenges facing Pokemon's natural habitation to be quite fascinating. Especially the part of how flying type migration patterns can be changed by the trainers passing through their territory.".
Oh yes, I recently had a strong Fearow pay a visit to my ranch as he was trying to escape a trainer. That is what started my theory in the first place." Professor Oak replied. "But your latest article on the regional difference on Kanto Pokemon in the Orange Islands and how they differ to those found in Alola was quite intriguing.".
"I'm glad you found it, intriguing." Professor Ivy replied. "I should thank you for the research notes from your cousin that you gave me, they really helped tie the piece together.".
The group couldn't help but tilt their heads with curiosity as to the familiarity between the two Professor's. They call each other by the first name. In all honesty, it is a little awkward for group seeing as they are always so formal with the Professors. Then again, it could feel awkward when Gary would call Professor Oak Gramps.
"Uh..." Ash muttered as he tried to find a way to make this a little less awkward, unsuccessfully.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I suppose we got a little carried away." Professor Ivy apologised. "It's not too often that us Professors can just chat casually, with all of our work which we need to keep up to date on.".
"This was chatting casually?" Misty muttered under her breath. The tone in her voice clearly showed she didn't believe it.
"Ah yes, sorry for the interruption." Professor Oak also apologised. "Now, I want you all to take care of the GS ball during your travels. And please contact me from time to time in case something happens with it.".
"We will Professor!" Leaf replied.
"Now, I must be going as I need to return your Pokemon for the night." Professor Oak replied.
"Hold on, Professor." Ash stopped him. "I thought you let our Pokemon stay out until it was dark. It only about half six, is this normally the time you feed them tea?".
"Hehehe, it may be that time where you are my boy." The Professor chuckled lightly. "But Kanto is about two and a half hours ahead of the Orange Archipelago meaning it is currently nine at night.".
"Okay Professor." Ash nodded in understanding. Guess by travelling here on a boat meant they didn't really experience the time difference. Guess they will need to remember that time difference now that they are travelling in a different region.
"Good point, Samuel. It is time that we fed the Pokemon here as well." Professor Ivy added. With one more good bye, the phone call ended. The group realised this was probably going to be the part that they left until...
"Excuse me Professor Ivy, would you mind if we helped you with feeding the Pokemon?" Leaf asked as she tried to calm her excitement.
"You, want to help?" Professor Ivy asked sceptical. Feeding Pokemon isn't what most youngsters would want to do with their free time, especially when they aren't even feeding their own Pokemon.
"Of course, all of the boats from this island have already left so this will be my best chance to see some of the differences to Kanto Pokemon." Leaf explained as she continued to fail to hold in her excitement.
"I wouldn't mind seeing some of the water Pokemon at the lab." Misty added.
"Yeah, and we can feed our Pokemon at the same time." Serena added.
"Who knows, maybe we could even exchange some recipes." Brock proposed is a flirty tone. Surprisingly enough, Rhyhorn's Pokeball failed to even wiggle again. Is he just asleep or maybe he has given up at trying to reign Brock in?
"Why thank you, the extra help would be appreciated." Professor Ivy smiled. Seeming oblivious to Brock's advances. "If you would like, you can all stay here tonight.".
"That would be great." Ash replied on behalf of the group. "Thanks a bunch, Professor.". With the arrangements made, Professor Ivy lead the group to the kitchen where the triplets already at work, creating several different types of Pokemon food.
Once the food was made the group took it outside. Somehow Ash ended up being the on troll with all of the bowls on.
First, they fed the water types in the sea. The group also released all the water types they had on hand: Ash released his Wartortle and Gyarados. Serena released her: Seadra, Seel and Kabuto. Misty released her: Tentacruel, Kingler, Psyduck, Vaporeon, Shelder and Poliwag. Brock released his Omanyte. Leaf released her Slowbro. Drake released his Starmie. Needless to say, they were shocked to see Ash really does have an affectionate Gyarados. When it was mentioned earlier, it didn't do justice to was an amazing thing this is. They were also impressed to see both a Kabuto and Omanyte in the flesh.
With the water types fed, the group made their way through the forest where they found a sort of flying type flock. Pidgey's, Pidgeotto's, Spearow's, a Fearow, Dodrio's and even a couple of Farfetch'd's. Ash let out his Pidgeot to join them. Brock released his Golbat. Leaf released her Fearow. Due to her size, the wild flying types seemed to take to Pidgeot like the new head. Although she was flattered she told them not to treat her different to the others.
After leaving the flying types, the group made their way to a sort of mountain location which had a bunch of rock, ground and fighting types. Geodude's, Graveler's, Onix's, Sandshrew's, Sandslash's, Diglett's, Dugtrio's, Machop's, Machoke's, Mankey's, Primeape's, and Rhyhorn's. Ash released his own Primeape who wasn't happy to see the others of his species, he still has those memories of the bully he use to have. Serena released her Kangashkan, despite being a normal type she is normally found near mountains so she would probably feel at home here. Brock released his: Golem, Diglett and Rhyhorn, despite the other Diglett and Dugtrio being friendly, Brock's Diglett refused to leave Brock's other Pokemon. Leaf released her Clefable since she found the fairy type at Mt. Moon.
Heading back towards the lab, they stopped by a meadow area filled with mostly grass and bug types but also some fire, normal and poison Pokemon were present like: Growlithe, Vulpix, Meowth, and Ekans. Ash released his Ivysaur. Serena released her Tangela and Eevee, who Pikachu joined. Brock released his own Vulpix. Leaf released her: Venusaur, Flareon and Venomoth. Drake released his: Charizard, Victreebel, Jolteon and Snorlax while his Cubone joined them. Ash would've set down Togepi to join Pikachu, but the fairy type was already asleep. Ash didn't mind as Serena fed Togepi while he pushed the trolley around so he already ate and it would be close to his bed time anyway. Over all, both Professor Ivy and the triplets were impressed by all the Pokemon.
"All your Pokemon are wonderful, clearly well raised." Professor Ivy commented.
"Thanks." Ash replied with his typical toothy grin. "We owe a lot of it to Brock, he really is a great breeder.".
"While Brock, you certainly have a talent for Pokemon breeding." Professor Ivy turned to the tanned Pokemon breeder. It is true, while she is impressed with all the Pokemon it is easy to tell which belong to the battlers; the adventure and the breeder.
"Hehehe, that's very kind of you to say." Brock uttered as he turned bright red. "Could she like me back? No. She was just being nice... And beautiful, and perfect.".
"Don't encourage him, Ash." Misty muttered as she elbowed the raven-haired boy in the ribs. Ash groaned from the blow as he is still tired from pushing the trolley around. While one would think it would get easier over time, they were also collected the bowls left earlier so the load never seemed to disappear.
"Oh no." Hope muttered.
"Not again." Faith added in the same tone.
"What is up with this Vulpix?" Charity asked in frustration.
"Something the matter?" Leaf asked as she popped up next to the triplets. It is clear from how they were speaking that something was. In truth, other than trying to help them out, she wanted to get a closer look at the Vulpix. Unlike Brock's this one has a dark fur coat, almost tanned like and is eyes are darkened like they have been combined with a pair of sunglasses. It is obvious both of these changes occurred because of the intense sun they are constantly exposed to.
"It's this Vulpix." Charity answered.
"Our food has all the required dietary needs." Hope continued.
"But she won't touch the food." Faith finished.
Brock had overheard the conversation and decided he could take a look. After all, his own Vulpix was a fussy eater according to Suzy but she has never turned down one of his meals. No Pokemon has. This will be his perfect chance to show Professor Ivy his culinary skills. With his mind made up, he made his way over to the girls.
"Hey, do you mind if I have a try with it?" Brock asked.
"Sure." Charity replied.
"Go right ahead." Hope added.
"Be our guest." Faith finished.
Brock shot them a grateful smile before kneeling down to the fire type and the bowl in front of her. To start with, he scratched her behind the ear. The place where he always scratches his Vulpix. Despite the different colouring they both cooed under his touch. With Vulpix happy, Brock picked up one of the pallets and seemed to be analysing it. He then made an unexpected move by eating it. His face clearly showed discomfort before he swallowed with a hard gulp. Now that he knows what the problem is, he slides his back pack off his back before fishing out two Figy berries and an Oran Berry. He cut the Oran berry up before mixing the dices into the food and then squeezed the Figy Berry juice over the food. He stood back up and watched as Vulpix sniffed the food before digging right in.
"Oh wow..." The triplets muttered in unison. All five of them failed to notice the Professor and the others approach them. Much like the triplets, Professor Ivy was also shocked to see Vulpix wolfing the Pokemon food down like a Snorlax.
"My sentiments exactly girls." Professor Ivy remarked to her assistance. "Brock, this is amazing. This Vulpix has been a fussy eater for as long as I have known her, she has even made herself sick on countless occasions because she refused to eat. How did you get her to eat the food?".
"Hehehe, well your food may be perfect in terms of a Pokemon's diet. The Pokemon itself doesn't really care about that stuff." Brock explained. "All the Pokemon really cares about is the taste. Fire types tend to prefer spicy food, which is why I let the pellets soak up the Figy berry juice. The Oran berry was just for flavour as I noticed it tasted pretty bland, no offence.".
"None taken." Professor Ivy muttered as she continued to stare at the fire type in shock. Of course, how could she miss something so obvious as the flavour. It is arguably the most important element for cooking whether for people or Pokemon.
"This place really is amazing..." Brock muttered as he looked across all of the Pokemon in meadow.
"How do you figure?" Professor Ivy asked with intrigue.
"I mean... This place is just so great. You get to live and study the Pokemon here every day. Even though they are wild they treat you like a trainer because of the close bond you share." Brock explained. "It is just so great that you get to do this every day.".
"I guess you would think so, being a Pokemon breeder." Professor Ivy replied before going to collect the bowls they left previously.
"You are also amazing..." Brock muttered under his breath as he watched the Professor collect the bowls.
Serena saw the look in Brock's eye and immediately recognised it. It is the same way she has looked at Ash since the day she met him when he saved her from that forest. The look is full of admiration... and love. It is clear it isn't just the flirty kind of feeling like he has for Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny since he hasn't really gone over the top with his advances. Who would've thought that Brock would find someone he would have true feelings for here at a Pokemon lab?
By the time Serena had finished her thought Professor Ivy had made her way back with all of the dirty bowls. Since the group is spending the night at the lab, they decided to let their Pokemon sleep in the labs back garden. Of course, Togepi is too young to do that but even Pikachu seems to be spending the night with the others. Professor Ivy just finished placing the bowls on the trolley before turning towards Brock.
"You know, Brock. It would be great if you could share some of your recipes with us." Professor Ivy requested kindly.
"I-I'd be happy to." Brock stuttered with a bright red face.
"Really Brock!" Charity Exclaimed.
"That would just be...!" Hope joined in.
"The best thing ever!" Faith finished in the same manner.
"Whoa, slow down." Brock tried to settle the triplets as they swarmed around him filled with excitement.
"Calm down girls, we can do all of that after dinner." Professor Ivy told the triplets. "We still need to decide who is stuck on cooking duty.". With those simple words, Brock turned away from the triplets towards the Professor.
"Did you just say cooking?" Brock asked.
"Why yes, since your all staying here tonight you can all join us." Professor Ivy replied with a friendly smile.
"Then you can just leave the cooking to me." Brock declared with a glint in his eye. This is his chance, to show the lovely Professor just the extent of his skills. He will show them that not only can he create the perfect food for Pokemon but also a beautiful meal for people as well.
After dropping the trolley off at the lab, Professor Ivy and the triplets lead the group to their house. It wasn't even a five-minute walk and was still close to the garden where all the Pokemon are sleeping (minus Togepi of course). This actually explains why this lab is so small compared to Professor Oak's lab, they don't live at the lab like Professor Oak does so it would make sense they only have the lab and research rooms.
"Here it is, home sweet home." Professor Ivy declared.
Upon entering the house, the group were surprised with what they saw. The house was an absolute mess. dirty clothes scattered everywhere. The rubbish bins were over flowing with litter also scattered everywhere. Drake even thought he wouldn't let his Snorlax lounge around in this and they are known for sleeping in really out their places. In short, it looks like a wardrobe blew up.
"Niiiiiiice place." Misty muttered sarcastically. She quickly covered her mouth after seeing the glares from Leaf and Serena, that did sound rude didn't it.
"Hehehe, we got so caught up in our research at the lab that we started to forget about taking care of the house." Professor Ivy replied in a light-hearted tone, not bothered by Misty's comment in the slightest. "Now we just call it...".
"... Our little dump." The triplets finished in a similar light-hearted tone.
"Is dump a little generous?" Ash asked with a nervous chuckle. He notice that the smell was making Togepi restless and he snuggled his head into Ash's arm to try and block out the smell. Despite the close call, he didn't actually wake up.
Brock, on the other hand, was shaking at the mess in front of him. It was almost like he was about to explode. How can anyone live in this? It's disgusting! It's vile! It's... Just like the messes his siblings use to make when he was looking after them.
"Um, you alright Brock?" Leaf asked nervously with a massive sweat drop on the back of her head.
"No..." Brock muttered. In the blink of an eye he seemed to disappear before reappearing a moment later with an apron on and a vacuum cleaner in his hand. "Floors need cleaning; carpets need vacuuming; clothes need washing. I can't take it!". Brock was soon at work cleaning the house like a one-man army against dirt.
In under three minutes he had the rubbish littered over the living room filled into four black bags and out by the bins. He also had all of the clothes collected and piled into several groups ready to be put into the washing machine with the first load going. Doing the finishing touches with the duster in one hand and vacuum in the other. Since the living room only has a carpet floor, he hasn't needed to bust out the mop yet.
"Um Brock, do you need some help?" Serena asked in a rather quite voice.
"No thanks, Serena. It's been way to long since I had a mess like this to clean up. I might explode if I don't sort it out." Brock replied as he finished the vacuum. With the living room done, it looked as good as new without a single spec of dirt.
Brock didn't stop there and burst into the kitchen. Like with the living room, he bagged up all of the rubbish and had them out by the others. Next, he loaded up the dish washer and started but realised he couldn't even fit half of the dirty plates and cooking utensils into the machine. Unable to resist, he pulled out a sponge and washed the remaining items by hand. Easily beating the dish washer. After sweeping what remained on the floor up, he quickly moped the floor and washed down every other surface. While organising what was meant to be there alphabetically. After cleaning the over, he quickly set on the dinner before finishing cleaning the kitchen. Finishing in the kitchen room he had the table set, everything spotless and tea on in under nine minutes.
"Brock sure is a great cleaner..." Professor Ivy marvelled at the work done by the tanned Pokemon breeder. She hasn't seen her house look so clean in, forever. "I could learn a thing or two from him.".
"I'll say..." The triplets replied as they too marvelled at work.
"Best part is, he works for free." Ash chuckled lightly. He even notices Togepi was no-long trying to avoid the horrible smell seeing as Brock had got rid of it.
With the dinner set and the first two rooms clean, Brock took one the latest rubbish bag out and noticed the large number of leaves over the garden and the mess in general. He has a couple of minutes before he needs to check on the food. Grabbing the rake, he got to work and had all the leaves in a nice neat pile in under two minutes. Once done with them, he also rearranged where the flower bed was meant to be seeing as it was currently existent. Once finished it was turned from a Grumpig stein to an award-winning garden.
On his way, back in he noticed the downstairs bathroom was also a mess and made a detour to making it spotless as well. Being the smallest room so far, he only brought out two bags of rubbish and like the rooms before it was made spotless.
Heading back into the kitchen, the group were amazed to see Brock wasn't even sweating with the speed and amount of work he has been doing. He checked on the food before noticing that while the ground floor is complete, he has yet touched the top floor.
Grabbing what he needs, Brock shot up the stairs and got to work cleaning the landing and four bedrooms. One had three beds in which clearly showed it was where the triplets slept while two doors were locked showing no-one has entered in a long time and the final room had a massive bed in as it was the master bedroom. Collecting a total of twenty-four black bags of rubbish from the upstairs alone. Brock soon had all the rooms looking brand new, with all the beds made and not a single thing out of place. He found the keys for the other rooms when cleaning the kitchen and due to them each having a bed buried in the dirt, he figured they must be guest rooms.
As he finished taking the rubbish bags out, it had been nearly half an hour since they first stepped foot in the house. Any normal person would've taken days to clean the one room but Brock completed the entire house, the garden and had a five-star meal cooked and placed on the table in half an hour at most.
"Everything is all set, Professor." Brock told them as he placed the stew bowl in the middle of the table. "Just wait until you try my famous stew.".
"Well girls, I say we all owe Brock a big thank you." Professor Ivy told the triplets whose mouths were watering at the sight of the stew.
"You bet!" Charity cheered.
"Thanks a bunch Brock!" Hope shouted.
"You're the best!" Faith finished. Before another word could be uttered the triplets and the professor had begun to serve themselves. The rest of the group noticed that the four of them had finished the stew off by themselves. They looked at Brock who already had another batch on the pot.
It was soon nightfall and everyone went to the freshly cleaned rooms. While Professor Ivy and the triplets took their normal rooms, Ash; Drake and Brock took the first guest room while Serena; Leaf and Misty took the second guest room. Brock was the last to fall asleep as he had thoughts run through his head.
"This place is perfect..." Brock thought happily to himself. "Who would've thought we would find some place like this when we were given the quest to come and find the GS ball?".
This place really is amazing. All the Pokemon here are so close to the Professor and the triplets, even though they are wild Pokemon. This is an aspiring breeder's paradise. They have all the Pokemon to work with and the island itself is beautiful.
"Than there is Professor Ivy and the triplets..." Brock continued his thought processes.
Professor Ivy is truly amazing. Sure, she is attractive but it is so much more than that. She is everything Brock wants to become. She has such a way with all the Pokemon on the island and is clearly very knowledgeable on all the different area of Pokemon. In all honesty, his brain has been going on over drive wanting him to ask the Professor out but she is different. Brock doesn't need to take her out and is just happy being around her. He hasn't even felt this way around Suzy; Nurse Joy or Officer Jenny.
Before he could fall asleep, Brock noticed the hall light turn on. Pecking out of the door he spotted Professor Ivy with a note pad and pen dressed in her lab coat clearly getting ready to leave for a midnight study session.
"There are also the triplets..." Brock continued his thoughts. While he would normally run after the person he found attractive, his brain was refusing to leave this current conversation with himself.
The three girls maybe young and inexperienced but they are also incredibly bright. It is clear that something must've happened for them to come and live with the Professor. Still, that doesn't mean they are completely safe. It is overly obvious that they aren't great at caring for themselves. You just had to see the state of the house when they first arrived. They also don't know how to cook for themselves. What will happen when the group leaves tomorrow? Will it go back to how it was?
"No!" Brock thought to himself.
In all honesty, taking his feelings for the Professor away the triplets remind him of his own sibling's way too much. He can't just abandond people in need. His head turned to see Ash asleep. While he would miss his friends, they don't really need him anymore. Sure, Ash may not be a cook but Brock has trained Serena in that aspect and both Ash and Misty know about the other different ways to care for each other... He wouldn't worry about their well-being, not like he would the triplets and the Professor.
"I need to at least ask!" Brock told himself as he stood up from his sleeping bag. Making his way downstairs after the Professor.
The group woke up to the beautiful and familiar aroma of Brock's cooking. After the hearty breakfast, they found out that Brock had already fed the labs Pokemon and collected the others as well. With the meal over, the group stood outside of the lab.
"Well guys, this is it." Leaf said as she pulled Ash and Serena into bone-crushing hug. "Take care of yourselves and I'll be sure to come and support you in the Orange League, Ash.".
"Hehehe, will do." Ash chuckled lightly as Leaf let go. She turned to Drake and tackled him in a massive hug as well. The older twin looked at his ground type with pleading eyes and looked to be in physical pain. His eyes said two words, 'Help me...'.
"And I'll be sure to see you there, too." Leaf whispered in Drake's ear before letting go.
"Hehehe, great..." Drake muttered as he sighed in relief since the nightmare embrace ended.
"It was great spending time with you guys as well, Misty and Brock." Leaf told her new friends. "But I need to get going, or I'll miss the boat which'll take me to the island with the supposed Crystal Onix.". Before anyone could say another word, Leaf bolt off. Waving to the group as she disappeared.
"See ya later, sis!" Ash shouted.
"Keep in touch!" Serena shouted.
Soon Leaf was out of sight. With a bright smile on his face, Ash turned back and looked at his four other travelling companions. First is his girlfriend Serena, they started travelling together all that time ago when first setting out to explore Kanto. Than they met Misty and despite the bumpy start, they have become good friends, although they can fight like siblings at times. Next came Brock who was a Arceus-send. Before he came along, the group was barely surviving eating nothing but sandwiches. Although Brock changed all that and took care of them, even teaching Serena to cook. Finally, his real brother, Drake. The latest addition to the travelling group and while not always seeing eye to eye, he is trying to learn and teach Ash like he said so maybe this journey is just what the brothers need.
"Well guys, are you ready to go?" Ash asked.
"I am." Serena replied as she interlocked her hand with Ash's.
"Sure." Drake replied with a shoulder shrug.
"Me too." Misty added.
"Actually guys, I've decided to stay here." Brock replied as he stopped in front of the house.
The group let out a collective gasp at what Brock was saying. They know him well enough to know he wouldn't sugar coat or joke about a situation like this, even when treating an injury in the group he would be straight forward even if he wasn't sure about the matter. Sill, none of them expected this. It was clear that Brock was interested in Professor Ivy but that wouldn't be his only reason for wanting to stay, is it?
"You're serious Brock..." Misty muttered. "You really want to stay?".
"I am... Remember that I want to become the best breeder, and while travelling is great. I won't be able to find a place like this again. All the Pokemon here are amazing is an opportunity that I can't miss out on." Brock explained.
"But that's not everything... Is it?" Drake asked being the only one to not have watery eyes.
"Huh, no its not." Brock chuckled lightly before having a completely straight face. "These guys need me. Professor Ivy, Charity, Hope and Faith. You guys saw their house and none of them know how to cook properly. In all honesty, they remind me of my family back in Pewter. These guys need me a whole lot more than you guys do.".
"... Brock." Ash muttered sadly.
"Come on Ash, you guys don't need me around." Brock reassured. "You've grown up a lot since you were the little kid with a Pikachu who battled the Pewter Gym. Not to mention Serena is becoming quite a cook and Drake is as knowledgeable if not more so on any subject I could help you with... You'll be fine.".
"I know Brock, it's just that I've really enjoy you travelling with us..." Ash replied as the tears finally escaped his eyes and ran down his cheek.
"It will be really weird not having you around, Brock." Misty took over. "You're like our big brother.".
"I know it feels kind of sudden but when you know where you belong, you just know." Brock replied. "I love it here, and so do my Pokemon.". Looking at the lab they noticed several of Brock's Pokemon interacting with the other Pokemon. Even the normally shy Diglett is interacting with some of the labs ground types.
The group realised that this isn't just some sort of crush endued decision and Brock truly feels like this is the best thing for him. He can't just leave a family in need and he will have the perfect chance to perfect his breeding skills. If this is what Brock truly wanted than they would support him.
"Well Brock, if this is what you truly want than we will support you." Serena told the Pokemon breeder as she tried and failed to stop her tears. "I guess this is good bye.".
"Hey, we will see each other again." Brock reassured. "You can always visit here, or maybe I'll drop by. I'll still visit Pewter from time to time.".
"Than it's not goodbye." Ash replied as he dried his eyes before holding his hand out. "It's just... Until we meet again, Brock.".
"... Until we meet again." Brock accepted the gesture.
"Until we meet again." Misty repeated trying to deal with her own tears.
The group just stood there neither side wanting to leave. In the end, Drake checked his Pokegear and sighed. He hates to spoil the moment but from what he read they need to leave now.
"I hate to break this up but if we want to make it your first gym then we need to leave now." Drake told his brother. "We have to get three boats today and the first one leaves in half an hour.".
"Right..." Ash replied before turning back to Brock. "Well Brock, it's been fun. We'll catch ya later.". Brock smiled as the group turned around and started to walk away.
"Goodbye guys! Make sure you don't forget me, won't ya!" Brock shouted.
"We could never forget you, Brock!" Ash shouted back.
As Brock lowered his hands now his friends were out of sight, he felt his own eyes which had tears also escape down his cheek. Quickly drying them he turned to see his new family stood at the front of the lab. This is the first day, of the rest of his lift...
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...