Ash ate his breakfast rather quietly. Brandon noticed this, but decided to wait to ask as the sight of Pikachu smothering his eggs in ketchup made Brandon shudder. Vanillite was poking Ash's arm repeatedly.
Ash smiles a little and looked at the small ice type. "Guess I should feed you huh?"
Vanillite smiled and jumped into Ash's arms. He chuckled and made a little bottle of formula for baby Pokémon. The animate snow cone enjoyed the food.
"I have some duties you need to do today Ash, and not paperwork."
Ash breathed a sigh of relief, as did Pikachu and Vanillite. "Today, begins your real training of strength, conditioning, endurance, and analytical skills."
Ash sighed heavy this time. "Alright, what's up first?"
"First, a schedule change." Brandon handed Ash a clipboard of how his day was to be structured.
"6 AM? Why?" Ash asked pathetically, Pikachu and Vanillite mimicking his expression.
"A good routine starts with the same wake up time. Within a few weeks you will adjust when you fall asleep."
Ash nodded his head in despair. "When does this schedule start?"
"Right now! We begin with the exercise that starts at this time."
Ash scrolled to 11:30 AM. "Oh no. Brandon no."
Brandon smiles evilly and handed Ash a pen.
"Paperwork time!"
It was 1:30. Ash's hand had locked up. Vanillite was asleep on his head and Pikachu was outside playing with other Pokémon of Ash's, occasionally coming in to mock Ash.
Brandon poked his head in. "How's it coming along Ash?"
"It's all done Brandon."
Brandon walked in with a smile. "Good. Now we exercise."
Ash sighed and got up, stretching and taking Vanillite off his head.
"Alright, let's get this show on the road."
Brandon gave a smirk. Ash was going to have noodle limb by the end of today.
"Alright Ash, here's the list of exercises: 100 jumping jacks, 50 sit ups, 20 push ups, 10 pull ups, 5 mile run, stretches in between, and of course after all that, you do it again!"
Ash fell over, with Vanillite copying him. "You know Ash, Vanillite is a lot like you now. He's your little shadow."
Ash gave a snort and sighed. Brandon blew his whistle and Ash began his routine. This was going to be a long ten weeks.
At long last Ash finished his workout. He felt sore, sweaty, upset, and hungry. Especially hungry.
"Can we eat Brandon?" Ash whined. Pikachu did the same. Vanillite was asleep in his arms, the young ice type long having been worn out. Ash tried to get him to not exercise with him but you know what they say, like trainer like Pokémon.
Brandon has his eyes closed and arms crossed. "I suppose so, but afterwards right back to it."
Ash sighed in defeat. He could accept those terms
Night time had rolled in on the Battle Palace. Ash was asleep on his bed as Pikachu played with Vanillite on Torterra's back as some of Ash's other Pokémon had come in to relax.
A strange blue pulse had washed over the palace and Ash shot up in his bed. He felt energized and alert.
He put on his slippers and made his way through the building, his Pokémon following suit. "It should be around here somewhere…"
He turned a corner and saw a small door. Ash opened it and saw that it expanded into a larger chamber. Only Pikachu and Vanillite entered as everyone else had wandered off to bed or were not small enough to enter.
Once inside, a blue light had lit up the room. Ash's eyes adjusted to the darkness and he gasped at what he saw.
"You guys see that?"
He walked forward towards Spenser's staff of the unown, who's symbols shone a brilliant blue. Ash grabbed the old wood and held it in his hands, power and energy coursing through his body.
'I see you found it finally,' a voice rang out.
Ash, Pikachu, and Vanillite jumped and turned to see the ghost of Spenser, standing there as if nothing had happened.
"Spenser?"
The spirit smiled at him. 'Yes Ash, it is me. The natural world has let me do this, the Unown's energy still courses through me and it does you as well.'
Ash felt confused. He knew of his aura, but Unowns energy?
"Spenser I'm confused. What do you mean by energy of the Unown?"
However, just as quickly as the ghost had appeared, it was gone. Ash sighed and looked at the head of the staff as Pikachu and Vanillite jumped onto his shoulders.
Ash sighed and returned back to his room. What was that? It was very strange and his head started to spin. The clock read 3:19.
"Well now I can't sleep," he sighed. Vanillite was fast asleep with Pikachu.
He tiptoed his way outside and took a walk. The crisp night air felt good on his skin. The forest surrounding the Battle Palace purified the air and made everything calm.
"Man, who would've thought I'd have become a Frontier Brain? I mean, I'm not there yet but I'm on my way." Some Paras walked by as a Hoothoot perched in a tree nearby. "I'm just glad I have my Pokémon here to help me through it all," Ash smiles as he scanned the surrounding area, seeing a couple of his Pokémon asleep.
Ash laid down on the grass stared at the stars. He noted several constellations, Sawsbuck, Klink, Ursaring, Rayquaza. Although, he may have actually seen the Ozone protector but he didn't care. Ash was enjoying the time he had in nature. He could feel the natural world flow through him and fill his essence. Ash felt empowered and strong, he felt a jolt through his body. He looked at his hands and they were...blue? Some of the grass around him was glowing blue as well.
"What?" He said in amazement as he sat up. It clicked that this must be aura, and he tried to concentrate it in his hand. A small sphere, about the size of a seed, formed in his hands before the wisps of blue dissipated into the night.
"So cool," he smiled to himself. He spent another half hour outside until he headed back to bed. Ash crawled under the covers and found himself asleep once more.
Ash yawned and stretched, Pikachu and Vanillite copying his movements. He smiled at the two, they were really getting along.
He scooped up the ice type and made his way into the kitchen. There was a note from Brandon on the counter. He picked it up and began reading.
'Ash,
I have some business to take care of today. I'll be back in the morning. I trust you to use this time wisely,
Brandon'
Ash smiled and put down the note. "Well, guess that means we'll just train and get stronger!" Vanillite smiles and cried out with its arms in the air.
Ash went outside and called together all his Pokémon. He began pairing them all up and sending them to work on either speed, endurance, strength, etc.
He called over Machamp, Ditto, and Shinx and began looking at their stats and moves on Dexter. After a few minutes, Ash smiles to himself. "Alright! You guys seem awesome and I'm glad to have you with us! If you guys want to pick a partner and have at it go for it!" The three smiled at him and set off. Shinx paired up with Snivy, Machamp with Staraptor, and Ditto with Dewott.
Ash smiled at his Pokémon. They were all working hard. He decided to get in some physical exercise too to join the fun.
At the end of the day, everyone was exhuasted. There was a brief interruption as Charizard and Greninja got too heated with one another. But everyone felt good and stronger at the end of the day.
Ash got out of his shower and flopped onto his bed. His muscles were sore and he wanted rest. Pikachu walked up to him and showed him the clock.
"It's only 3:30 in the afternoon?" He exclaimed loudly. Ash screamed into his pillow and sighed.
Vanillite wandered into the room, hearing his trainer scream in frustration. Ash smiled at the baby Pokémon and picked it up. "Let's feed ya and maybe we can start getting you battle ready, what do ya say?"
Vanillite smiled and blew an Icy Wind in Ash's face.
After a feeding with berries for the first time, Ash was outside with Vanillite and some target dummies. Several of his Pokémon were watching the young one.
"Alright, Dexter says that you only know Icy Wind and your ability is Snow Cloak, also that you have two egg moves: Water Pulse and Magnet Rise. Those are good!" Ash smiled and Vanillite gave a small cheer.
"Those egg moves will be unlocked once you gain more experience and maybe after gaining evolution, but maybe we can try working on them before then. For now, let's focus on using Icy Wind on those dummies!"
Vanillite had other ideas and used Icy Wind in Ash's face again. Ash couldn't help but laugh, as did everyone else.
Within a few hours, Vanillite was able to accurately aim his Icy Wind at targets. Ash was pleased with the progress. He made dinner for everyone and he began grooming his Pokémon. He brushed, trimmed, did what he had to do for each of his friends. He regaled them all with stories that varied from all over the world.
After about an hour and a half, everyone was content and happy. Ash however, felt exhausted but a smile was still on his face. The sun was beginning to set and everyone began going to where they had claimed their resting spots.
Ash got up and went inside, passing by the video phone. "I need company that isn't Brandon. I should call mom," he reached for the phone but realized the time. "This late at night, she may think something is wrong. Maybe tomorrow."
Ash got into bed with Vanillite and Pikachu in tow. The day had been long, but everyone felt better. Tomorrow was a new day.
It was 2:47 when Ash got woken up this time. The blue glow trailed out of the room and back into the small cubicle hidden in the labyrinth of the Battle Palace. Ash got up, making sure not to disturb his friends, and made his way along the path, eventually getting to the destination. He opened the door and stepped into the chamber, the staff of the Unown glowed blue once again.
'Take it, Ash. They have accepted you. Your role in the natural world will be cemented. This is your moment. I had mine many many years ago and I never regretted it.' Ash saw Spenser's apparition off to the side. Ash walked up to the staff and grabbed it, feeling the power flow through him. His aura spiked and he grinned. There was a blue flash and the lights died down, back the the glow of the staff that had the room moderately lit before. Ash's iris' were blue as he stared at the staff in his hands.
'This will change things for you Ash. Your intertwining with nature will begin now. Pokémon will understand you more and you will understand them. Even the regular grass and trees and other wild flora will be able to communicate with you. The Unown chose you Ash, just as they did me.' Spenser gave a sad smile. His apparition faded away.
Ash took the staff with him back into his room. He placed it under his bed carefully and fell back asleep. His dreams were full of fire and passion on a cosmic scale.
When he woke up, he felt refreshed. Better than that actually.
"I am ready for the day pikachu!"
"Pika!"
Ash got up with a smile and saw Brandon, Scott, and Tucker in the kitchen. Scott smiled as did Tucker.
"Goodmorning everyone! I'm glad you guys showed up I was starting to go nuts just having to talk and work with Brandon all the time." Brandon deadpanned as Tucker and Scott sweatdropped.
"Yes Ash, it is good to see you too. It's been a month under Brandons training. How are things?"
Ash smiled. "Great! Had some evolutions and new friends join us. I can't wait for the next major step!"
Tucker and Scott smiled. "Young man, today let us battle. Just like last time, a double battle with two Pokémon each."
Ash have a feral grin, "I'd be more than happy to Tucker."
The two made their way outside to the dirt battlefield. Ash could feel the energy from the grass and trees fill him up.
"Come my titans, my companions, and show your true strength: Swampert and Arcanine!"
"Swaaaaamp!" The Water Type stretched and saw his opponent. He grinned, remembering the battle from years ago. Arcanine howled when released and gave a stance, ready to battle.
Ash grinned, "Tucker, we have gotten stronger and fiercer, ready to take on any sort of opponent. Swellow and Corphish, come back to me!" The flying type appeared from the trees and Corphish walked up to him, a fierce glare on its face.
Ash grinned, he knew from Dexter that Corphish was close to evolution. Hopefully this would push him.
"Arcanine use Flamethrower! Swampert Watergun!"
"Swellow use Air Slash and Corphish use Protect!"
Corphish's eyes glowed green as a dome appeared around itself as Swellow launched blades of air energy at the two attacks, dissipating the Flamethrower and dodging the Watergun.
"Interesting, Alright Arcanine use Extremespeed!" "Swellow use Quick Attack mixed with Brave Bird!"
Tucker's eyes widened at this. Combination attacks now? Things would be interesting.
The two Pokémon's attacks collided, resulting in a big explosion. "Corphish use Crabhammer with your right pincer and Bubblebeam with your left, keep on the pressure!"
Corphish moves quickly, firing a Bubblebeam and charging water energy in its other pincer. Arcanine could feel itself being cornered.
Tucker smirked. "Big mistake, Swampert use Water Pulse and Arcanine use Extremespeed to leave!"
Arcanine took off opposite of Swampert, who had crashed a blue orb of water on the ground sending a wave of water out.
"Corphish you can handle this, Swellow use Brave Bird on Arcanine!" Ash had a plan.
Swellow took off after Arcanine, gaining on the fire type inch by inch. Corphish took the water type attack, and though he resisted it the move still did damage.
Corphish was being pushed by the water when he felt it. He stopped moving and came to a stand still. Swampert watched. Swellow finally struck Arcanine, causing massive damage. Corphish was glowing.
"Finally!" Ash cheered as his newly evolved Crawdaunt came into view.
"Alright, use Night Slash!" Crawdaunts Linders glowed black as it struck Swampert twice in the side, causing it to faint.
"INCREDIBLE!" Tucker shouted with joy. He recalled his partner, thanking it gratefully.
Swellow returned by Crawdaunt's side, both glaring at the worn down Arcanine.
"One last shot eh? Let your fire flower blossom my friend, use Overheat!"
The air started to get hot. The grass around Arcanine grew brown as it drew in copious amounts of heat. Crawduant stood firm as did Swellow. "Alright guys I have a plan. Get ready for my mark."
The two Pokémon waited as Arcanine charged its attack. A breeze went by as Arcanine's eyes flashed orange. "Overheat my friend!"
Arcanine bared it's Fangs and fired a large ball of fire at Ash's Pokémon. Just as it looked like things were about to go wrong. "Swellow use Quick Attack into Brave Bird and Crawdaunt dodge and use protect!"
Ash knew Crawdaunt wasn't the fastest which is why he called Protect, but Swellow had the speed and power to faint Arcanine. The fire type tried to dodge but after using so much energy, it was no match as Swellow closed in and delivered a devastating Brave Bird. The fire type flew and landed at Tucker's feet, everyone knowing it was knocked out.
Tucker smiled and returned his Arcanine, thanking it for a first rate battle.
Likewise Ash did the same with his two Pokémon, congratulating them for a hard fought victory.
Everyone met up in the middle of the field. "That was a good battle Ash. Brandon is doing a good job of conditioning you and your Pokémon."
Ash smiled as Pikachu jumped on his shoulder. "Thanks Tucker, it was a great battle! I'm glad it gave Corphish the final push to evolve."
Everyone just smiled. Brandon has everyone come inside and eat some lunch, granted it was just some cucumber sandwiches and tea so there was no room for error.
Vanillite had jumped into Ash's lap and began to snooze as they all talked. "So Ash. You're almost a month in. How do you feel?" Scott asked after taking a sip of tea.
Ash opened his mouth but paused. He looked at himself, then Pikachu by his feet and the sleeping Vanillite. "Right now, I feel strong. I feel wiser. I can feel the essence of things around me, not just humans and Pokémon. I'm ready for the next step. I want more challenges and more training. My Pokémon are ready as am I."
Scott and Tucker nodded at his words, while Brandon sat with his arms crossed. It was true, Ash had gotten stronger. A few of his Pokémon even evolved while they all worked harder to get stronger. But our trainer knew that it was only the beginning. He still had five more months of training.
"Well young man, if that is what you want, then we shall have that. You're training will get harder, I will personally battle you biweekly, then weekly. Your Pokémon will train daily and constantly. You yourself will be right along with them, even fighting your team. I hope you are ready." Brandon stated stoically.
Ash nodded with a smirk and glint in his eye, "I'm ready for it."
Brandon smirked, "Very well. It will begin tomorrow. I have things to discuss with Scott and Tucker. While you get to do paperwork!"
Brandon mischievously whipped out a pile of papers and a pen for Ash to work on. His head hit the stack as he groaned. Scott and Tucker sweatdropped at the boy.
"Let's go discuss some things Brandon," Scott said as the three left the room.
A couple hours later, Ash finished his paperwork, all about becoming the new Palace Maven and where his Pokémon would stay and which region he would be registered in.
"Man Pikachu, paperwork is the worst."
"Pika.." Ash scratched behind the electric types ear, earning a coo from Pikachu.
Vanillite woke up and looked at Ash, blowing an Icy Wind in his face. Ash laughed and picked it up. "How about we try regular poke chow for you?"
Vanillite just cheered, he was happy to try anything new!
Ash gave a few bits to Vanillite, who cautiously sniffed the food before taking a small nibble. Vanillite gave a happy 'Vanil!' before eating some more of it. Ash smiled, his youngest was growing up.
There was a ringing on the video phone. He answered, and Professor Oaks face lit up the screen.
'Hey Ash! How are you doing?'
Ash grinned as Pikachu jumped on his shoulder. 'My pikachu you look stronger than ever!'
Pikachu nodded and soaked in the praise, Oak was always nice to him. "What brings you to calling here, in all due respect."
Oak gave a small laugh. 'A few more of your Taurus were traded and I was calling to see if you would like me to transfer you the newer Pokémon?'
Ash's eyes lit up, "Yes please professor!"
Oak smiled and nodded and disappeared for a few minutes.
A few zapping sounds were heard and four Poke'balls sat on the transporter location, freshly sent over. Ash grinned at the sight and turned back to face the screen. "They arrived safe and sound! Thank you so much for doing this professor!"
Oak laughed at Ash, 'No problem my boy. Just be sure to visit Pallet Town after you finish becoming a Frontier Brain.'
The two talked about miscellaneous things, how Gary was and how the process was going for Ash. Eventually the two bid each other farewell.
"What do you think buddy, should we take a peak?"
Pikachu nodded and jumped onto his head, looking at the four mystery Poke'balls.
Ash grabbed them and looked at them, before releasing all of them at once.
Out of two of them came the same Pokémon. Ash grinned in excitement at the two, as now he could add a little diversity. The two Eevees were apparently siblings, and they were already playing with each other.
Out of the third Pokeball came a Purrloin. Ash kept his grin at the small Dark Type, it was really young probably around his Shinx's age. They could train together.
The last one however was much different. Ash was shocked to get a Pokémon like this one. Although it was older, it was very experienced. "A Scizor. I'm impressed!" Ash smiled.
He whistled and got their attention. They all looked at him, one of the eevees having the others ear in its mouth. "Hello you all! I'm Ash, I'm your new trainer! This is Pikachu, my starter and best bud!" Ash introduced with a smile. The two Eevees tackled him as Purrloin nuzzled into him. Scizor just watched in amusement. He got a good bunch here.
The next day, Ash was awake before Brandon actually. He had the Staff of the Unown in his hand as he watched his Pokémon train. Purrloin and Shinx dealt blows to each other, while Quilava and Bayleef we're testing endurance. Everyone was working hard. Ash could feel all the natural presence full his being. It was a good feeling, he enjoyed it.
"Heracross!" He called out. The bug type was fighting with the new Scizor when it buzzed over with a smile.
"Hey buddy, you think you can do something for me?"
Heracross nodded at his trainer.
"You think you can teach me some combat? I need to grow with you guys, not just watch as you all have the fun to yourselves." He finished with a smirk. Heracross gave a worried look. "Don't worry buddy. I know my limits and I trust you to stop when I tell you to." Heracross hesitantly nodded.
They got into a fighting position and Heracross dealt a very light punch which Ash managed to dodge. They began to spar, which some Pokémon watched during their breaks. Brandon walked out and saw what Ash was doing with a grin. So Ash was being serious.
"Young man, what is this?"
Ash immediately knew what Brandon was talking about. The Staff of the Unown, he didn't put it away.
"Brandon I can explain, it happened at night there was a blue light and I was told that-"
Brandon held out a hand. "If you managed to find it, then there is a reason. No one knew where Spenser hid it. It was meant to be for you to become the new Palace Maven, and ambassador for the natural world around us Ash." He sighed as he ran his hand over the aged wood. "Just be careful please. He was dear to all of us. Continue what you are doing."
Brandon walked back inside rather solemnly which was a mild surprise to Ash. He hadn't seen that side of Brandon, the man was rather stoic and stern. Ash picked up the staff and felt a shock through his system. His eyes flashed blue for a brief second, no one seemed to notice. Heracross was dismissed by Ash to go return fighting with an opponent that would be more beneficial.
Brandon had called over Ash to a side office which he taken as his own for the time being. "Ash to see your progress myself, you and I are going to have a three on three battle next week. Hopefully by then more of your Pokémon will have increased in strength and resilience by then. Also, we will be having a meeting between all the Frontier brains soon. I will bring you with me as to see what these are like."
Ash nodded, "Understood."
Brandon nodded, "I will give more details when the time approaches. Now I have paperwork to do, continue what you were doing."
Ash turned back to his group as Brandon went inside. He whistled and called for a break, and everyone began to relax. The two Eevees ran up to him yapping at his feet as Vanillite playfully blew an Icy Wind at them.
Ash scooped them up and held them separate form each other. They were constantly at each other.
"What will I do with y'all?" He said holding them in front of him. They smiled at him and tried to nip each other. Ash laughed and placed them on the ground where they started running around.
Ash watched his Pokémon with intent. He could visibly see that several were close to evolution. Snivy, Bayleef, Gible, Palpitoad, Scraggy, and Fletchinder were all close to evolving.
He called them all over. He paired Fletchinder with Gible, Bayleef with Palpitoad, and Snivy with Scraggy. This would be the easiest way.
"You all battle each other. If you need a break go ahead to take one. But keep up the combat with each other."
All his other Pokémon came around to watch the matches. Ash whistled and they all began.
AN: This is a long one. I figured every once in a while I'll leave a list of Ash's Pokémon to help y'all keep up. Hope everyone enjoys it! I'm gonna change the pacing a bit and try to write more about the process and training Ash is going to go through. Every once in a while there may be a battle with a Frontier brain. Also, I hope to really go into some detail with the Staff of the Unown and how that fits in. Well enjoy! Read and review and keep an eye for chapter 6!
Ps. I have decided which one of the Eevees will evolve into, but one I'm not too sure about. I might let y'all decide
Ash's Pokémon
Pikachu
Bulbasaur
Charizard
Muk
Tauros
Machamp
Primeape
Kingler
Ditto
Snorlax
Eevee
Eevee
Heracross
Bayleef
Totodile
Quilava
Xatu
Scizor
Noctowl
Donphan
Swellow
Crawdaunt
Sceptile
Torkoal
Seviper(with Professor Oak)
Glalie
Staraptor
Torterra
Infernape
Buizel
Shinx
Gliscor
Gible
Dewott
Purrloin
Snivy
Pignite
Snivy
Vanillite
Scraggy
Boldore
Leavanny
Krookodile
Palpitoad
Fletchinder
Hawlucha
Greninja
Goodra