Disclaimer: I don't own pokémon.
AN: Sorry, but this chapter is going to sound like a filler. The next chapter will have Ash's battle with Winona. Also, please review. I really value every single review I receive.
Chapter Thirteen
Ash, Brock, Gallade, and Pikachu were walking on Route 119. With about eight months to go until the actual Cup, Ash now had five of the ten coins needed to compete. Each member of the quartet was deep in thought over various things. Brock was thinking about food and other supplies. Gallade was thinking about his battles with Norman's Slaking. Gallade went from sad to happy as he thought about his initial loss to Slaking and his later victory. Even though the first battle ended in a draw, Gallade regarded it as a loss and resolved to train hard for the next battle. Ash was also focused on his battles with Norman and his other battles with the other various leaders. None of these battles were easy, so Ash was also resolved to train hard with his pokémon to better prepare them for future battles. Pikachu was dreaming about ketchup and the next time Ash would be able to buy him some.
"Well Ash, we're now about halfway to Fortree." The group had just left Mawile and was on its way to Fortree so that Ash could challenge Winona for the Flying Coin.
"Yeah, Brock, I know."
"Are you at all worried?"
"A bit. I mean, I think I'm ready, but these battles aren't easy. These leaders have gotten a lot tougher since the last time I battled them."
I'll try harder next time Master. Gallade spoke up.
"No, Gallade, it's not your fault. You did great against Norman. Remember, you're still newly evolved, and Norman has been training with his Slaking forever. We'll train hard, and we'll win the Cup! Right?"
Of course, Pikapi. Pikachu replied enthusiastically.
Whatever you think is best Master.
"Have you picked your team for Winona, Ash? You might want to get some practice in with those three before your big battle, especially if you haven't used them in a while."
"You're right Brock. I think my team is going to be Pikachu, Glalie, and Charizard. Pikachu and Glalie have the type advantage, and Charizard should be able to respond to any aerial challenge."
"Well, Glalie and Pikachu have been used recently, so you should focus on training Charizard."
"Ok. Will do."
The group then continued their journey in silence. However, Gallade slowly became sadder and sadder because Ash had opted not to use him. After a few more moments, Ash picked up on Gallade's sorrow and decided to make his friend feel better.
"What's wrong, Gallade?"
Nothing Master.
"Not true, you look sad, so tell me what's wrong."
Well, you're not using me against Winona. Is it because I failed you against Norman?
"Of course not, Gallade!" Ash almost screamed. He was shocked that Gallade could even think that. "I'm not using you because of the type disadvantage. And you didn't fail me! You won your rematch, that's all that matters. Besides, I can't use the same pokémon for all of my battles. I have a lot of pokémon, so I rotate which ones I use. I'll keep you on hand, so that I can train you, but I'll still use different pokémon."
Ok Master. I didn't realize that you had so many pokémon. I promise to work hard to make them and you proud.
Ash nodded and the group continued their journey to Fortree in silence.
-Line Break-
"I want to thank all of you for coming today." Gowly remarked as he entered the conference room. The various champions in the room responded with their own greetings as Gowly took his seat at the head of the table. "Well, the only item on the agenda is to determine how we'll handle security at the Cup. I'm going to assume that everyone has thought about this in depth, but I'm going to remind you just in case. In brief, option A is the overt option. We flood the island with G-Men and rangers to serve as security guards. Option B is the covert option. We also flood the island with security, but the G-Men and rangers will be undercover. Hopefully, this lures in Team Rocket so that we can capture them without hurting spectators and competitors. Before we vote, are there any questions?" The Commissioner looked around the room. When no one spoke up, he nodded to himself. "Seeing none, we are officially moving into voting procedure. This will be a confidential vote. All votes are private. Please enter your vote into your computer now."
All the champions dutifully casted their votes for either option A or option B. After everyone had voted, the Commissioner's computer beeped indicating that the results had come in.
"Before I reveal the winner, I want it noted that regardless of which option won and which option you voted for, you are to put all of your effort into the winning option. Once the vote is revealed, I want all of you to forget about the other option and put any misgivings aside. Are we agreed?" After everyone nodded, Gowly continued to speak. "With that, all votes are in, and with one vote, option B is the winner. We are going for the covert option. I know this was a close vote, but I want everyone to focus on this option. Are there any questions?" When no one spoke up, Gowly continued. "Seeing none, this meeting is adjourned. Lance, please notify your G-Men commanders about the direction we're taking. Steven, please do the same with Erma of the Ranger Union. Diantha, please stay a moment. The rest of you can go."
After the champions filed out of the room, Diantha approached Gowly. "You wanted to see me, sir?"
"Yes, I assume you're returning to Kalos, correct?"
"Yes?" Her response sounded more like a question than an answer.
"Would you mid terribly if I flew with you? I have something I need to check out in the region."
"Oh, sure." Diantha noticeably brightened when she heard the request. Even though he noticed this, Gowly chose not to comment. "We're going to fly out in an hour then. Is that okay sir?"
"Works for me. I'll meet you on the airfield in a few moments then. See you soon." With that Gowly exited the room. Diantha headed out as well after a few moments.