Disclaimer: I don't own pokémon.

AN: Thanks for reviewing! Please send in either OCs or old Anime characters for the Cup. The next chapter wil feature the start of the Commissioner's Cup! And please review!

Chapter Twenty Three

After a few weeks of travel, Ash and co. had arrived in Kanto. Their ferry docked in Vermillion City, and from there, the duo took Diglett's Cave to Pewter. Brock decided to stay at Pewter while Ash went home to Pallet Town. Brock promised that they would reunite when Ash was ready to go to Pokémon Isle.

Continuing on his way to Pallet, Ash thought about how his various pokémon had done in their battles. He was proud of all of them, but there were certain things that Ash realized that he had to work on. That's why these next few weeks would be spent training hard for the upcoming battles.

Ash was so lost in his thoughts, he didn't realize that he had entered Pallet Town. After seeing some familiar buildings, Ash ran home to his mom. Pikachu chased after him.

"Hi mom!"

"Hi Ash!" Delia then walked up to Ash and hugged him. "I've missed you so much! So, how did your battles go?"

"They were great. I never lost a battle! I ended up tying with Norman, but I beat him in the next round. All the other gym leaders lost to me immediately!"

"That's great honey! Did you meet any old friends?"

"Yeah. I ran into May and Cynthia. I even got to meet Gowly!"

"You met Gowly?" Delia asked with a far off look in her eyes.

"Yeah, he was so cool!" Ash was so excited that he didn't notice Delia's expression. "He was battling Norman, and his Lucario wiped out Norman's pokémon! I want to be that strong too!"

"I'm sure you'll be strong sweety. Now, the most important question, did you change your you know whats very day?"

"Mom!" Ash had a scandaled look on his face. "I'm going to Prof. Oak's place to train my pokémon. Bye!" Ash ran off before Delia could ask more embarrassing questions.

Arriving at Oak's lab, Ash had a short conversation with Oak and Tracey about his journey. He then proceeded to start training with his pokémon. This pattern of training would continue for several weeks as the start date of the Commissioner's Cup approached.

Before long, Ash's training regiments had to be put on hold, and he left Pallet Town for Pewter City to pick up Brock. Delia and Prof. Oak said that they would come to Pokémon Isle a little bit later; since, contestants had to get there early for registration. After meeting up with Brock, Ash and co. left Pewter and headed for Vermillion to catch a ferry for Pokémon Isle.
-Line Break-

Gowly's office was, for once, a mess. Papers were strewn everywhere, and the computer was running a dozen different programs.

"Lucario, we're going to have to clean all of this up after the Cup." Gowly remarked to his loyal Lucario as the duo took a break from putting the finishing touches on the Cup.

Indeed. That's, of course, assuming that you remain Commissioner after this tournament.

"Are you questioning my abilities? Realize that you'll be the one battling. Are you implying that you'll lose?"

Have I ever lost a battle? We'll be fine. Now, do you have everything you need to perform the ritual?

"Hopefully. We have all the plates and the Azure Flute. All that's left is the Chosen One. Assuming, it's Ash, we'll depart for Mt. Coronet as soon as the tournament ends."

Will you tell him why you're going there?

"I will. It's only fair that he knows. After I explain what's going on, I doubt he'll disagree with me."

Will you tell him everything. Lucario emphasized everything and gave Gowly a pointed look.

"Maybe. I'm not sure yet. If it happens, it will be a heat of the moment decision. Anyways, the tournament is starting in less than a month, and we still haven't gotten food vendors. Let's get back to the logistics of the tournament."

As you wish.

With that, the duo returned to the computer and piles of paper.