Chapter 6
Reader- That's the point. Magnezone and Metagross aren't suited for Showcases like Pancham and Delphox, but that's the entire point of why I was thinking of having her have two Pokemon that are completely anthesis to the point of Showcases or Contest Spectaculars. In fact, I'm considering doing an arc for her. Whether or not that's her trying to figure out a way to make those two Pokemon (Or some other Pokemon) work in Showcases or learning to have Pokemon that don't desire Showcases like her yet still want to be her Pokemon is up in the air.
The Meowstic is in the same boat. So many ways to go about making a character arc for Serena.
You'll learn who Norman and the other Hoenn Gym Leaders are looking for soon.
Also, apologizes in advance to anyone that doesn't like the dark backstory of my OC region. I just thought it would be appropriate given the context of why the League didn't mention them in official information yet.
Also, it seems that people want to have Journeys in this fic. All the votes so far are in favor of it. As a result, I'll make my decision in the next chapter or two. When that happens, I'll likely update the previous chapters so that it's mentioned that Ash is the Monarch now. I'll also change the battle between the Agent and Ash, May, and Dawn significantly too. As in, Ash isn't fighting him, but it's just Dawn, May, and someone else fighting him. Ash will be fighting someone else at a later time. Yes.
Ash
"Alright! That tournament is going to happen in just two weeks! Oh boy, I can't wait for it to occur." Said Ash as he looked at his best buddy Pikachu, who voiced his own excitement at being in the new tournament soon. Delia, seeing her son's enthusiasm, simply giggled while showing him his new clothes that she just made. It had been several weeks since he received the additional information from the Pokemon League regarding the brand-new tournament that they were hosting. What he went through with his mother left him even more excited than ever to participate in it.
The idea of working with a team alone excited him, but the prospect of the other events that the League had in store for this tournament left him more excited than ever. Even his mother, who had witnessed his excitement about going on his journey, was left surprised, but happy at her son's enthusiasm. She, of course, was perfectly fine with him going away from home again. It's what her son was used to and she, no doubt, knew that he would have left the comforts of home the first opportunity he got when it came to a new region or some new tournament the League has in store for the world. Like right now. Honestly, she was just happy that he spent some time with her before taking off. That alone is enough for her to make her happy and wish her son luck on his new adventure.
To show her support, Delia Ketchum made her boy some new clothes as she did whenever he left on his adventures. Ash told her that he'll be bringing the clothes she made for him from his previous journeys as this tournament will undoubtedly be a long one, maybe even a year long. So having extra clothes will no doubt be a good idea. She approved, but still made him some new clothes. After all, it's to show her support for her son. She also planned to pack him some lunch when he left for the opening ceremony of the tournament located in Saffron City here in the Kanto Region. Of course, she'll be there with him, but she wanted to prepare him some food in case Brock or any of his former traveling companions that cooked for him weren't able to attend the tournament. Her son, unfortunately, lacked her ability to cook. She learned that a long time ago and it seemed he had never been able to learn how to cook. A pity. Hopefully either someone on his team will be able to cook for the whole team while they're away from civilization or her son learns how to cook himself. Otherwise, her boy might suffer a bit from the lack of good quality food around.
"Now Ash, here are your new clothes." Said Delia, showing a black shirt with a Pokemon symbol on it. With that shirt was a blue jacket with yellow and white outlines and black pants. All were made for traveling along with the red shoes she made as well, which were made to be both comfortable and fashionable at the same time. And also made for running in case her son angered any Pokemon and he had to run away from them with his Pokemon. She heard how he sometimes angers entire flocks and swarms of Pokemon like Beedrill and thus made a note to always make the shoes for her son comfortable enough for him to run in. "I hope you take good care of them along with the old ones."
"Thanks, mom." Said Ash as he looked at his new clothes with a smile before taking them. "I'll wear them with pride."
"I know you will, honey." Said Delia with a smile. "Now, I know that you're all excited about the tournament along with Pikachu, but you should probably check on your other Pokemon as well. No doubt they all want to attend it and get a chance to be with you again battling."
"Yeah." Said Ash as he recalled the last time he went to the ratch, sweat dropping in the process. After getting all the information he needed to know from the envelope he received in the mail from the Pokemon League some time ago, he told all his Pokemon about the tournament and what it was about. Needless to say, all of them were eager to attend. This, after all, wasn't like the regional conferences that Ash goes to that have him only using the Pokemon he catches in the region of a certain conference. No, this was a tournament that encompasses all the regions and thus there was no reason at all for him not to bring them all into the tournament. Thus, they all, as one, told him what they wanted and how they all wanted to participate in it. Ash, being the caring trainer that he was, agreed and stated that they'll all have a chance to participate in the tournament. Some of the wiser Pokemon along with professor Oak thought that wasn't feasible due to the sheer number of Pokemon that Ash has now, but Ash was firm in his decision and promised all his Pokemon that they'll get a chance to be with him once again and be involved in this tournament. In fact, Ash already had an idea of who he wanted when the tournament began and how he'll be able to keep his promise to his Pokemon.
"Well, whatever you have in plan for your Pokemon, I know that you'll do the best you can to make them all happy." Said Delia with a smile on her face. "Whatever you do to make them happy, I'll be there to support you. One hundred percent." Ash smiled at the kind words of his mother.
"Thanks, mom." Said Ash with a smile. "I have to go to Professor Oak's ranch soon. Professor Oak said that there was something important he wanted to talk to me about during the tournament." Delia nodded upon hearing that.
"Then it is best not to keep Samuel waiting." Said Delia with a smile. "After all, it's not like you're doing anything but training and preparing for the tournament while you're at home. Besides, if Samuel is saying it's important, then it must be something important that you need to know. Though I do wonder why the League wouldn't tell you this information. I'm guessing it's something that they want to keep hidden until the tournament starts."
"Could be." Said Ash before giving her his trademark smile. "Whatever it is though, I'm ready for anything." Delia just laughed a bit before wishing her son to take care before watching him leave for Professor Oak's ranch.
"He's so much like his father." Said Delia as she went out to the porch to watch her son run to the ranch. "If only he was here to see his son now."
Later
Professor Oak's ranch
"Professor Oak! I'm here!" Yelled Ash as he entered Professor Oak's lab. Upon hearing Ash's voice, an old friend of Ash's, a boy named Tracey, came downstairs to talk with his old friend. Tracey had been one of Ash's traveling companions during his many adventures. He was also one of the shortest traveling companions that Ash had the pleasure of traveling on his journey. If it weren't for the occasional temporary traveling companion that Ash received over the course of his adventures, Tracey would undoubtedly have been the traveling companion that Ash has the shortest time traveling with as he only traveled with Ash and Misty during their time with the Orange League. After that, he became Professor Oak's assistant and has been ever since, no longer having the time to go on journeys anymore. To which, Ash was a little disappointed, as he only traveled with Tracey for a few months at best, but he was still happy for his friend. After all, he was living his dream and working alongside a famous Pokemon researcher. Ash wouldn't dare to take his friend away from his dream job, especially when he was so good at it.
"Ash!" Yelled Tracey with a smile as he saw his friend at the door. "It's good to see you again. Sorry, I wasn't at your celebratory party like everyone else. Same with the Professor. We had an important duty to do that forced us to not attend."
"It's okay, Tracey." Said Ash with a smile. "You did what you had to do after all. You didn't need to be there like everyone else. Just most of my friends being there was enough for me."
"Still, I'll make it up to you." Said Tracey with a smile. "I think the Professor is in the same boat, though I think he's going to make it up to you right now. I believe that what he has to talk to you about the tournament will really help influence what you do in the weeks before the tournament. Maybe even after it starts."
"Really?" Asked Ash in surprise. "Then I got to go see the Professor now. Where is he?"
"He's in the studies right now. Waiting for you." Said Tracey. "I'll take you to him. C'mon." With that, the two teens went to go find Samuel Oak in his studies. After some time of traversing the laboratory of the famous Kanto Region professor, they found the professor in his studies, looking over some documents. He was so engrossed in the documents that he didn't notice Ash and Tracey come into the studies until Tracey spoke up.
"Professor, Ash is here." Said Tracey as he approached the Professor as he looked at the documents, deep in thought.
"Oh!" Said Professor Oak as he looked at both Ash and Tracey in surprise. "I'm sorry, my boys. I didn't hear you two."
"It's okay, Professor." Said Ash as he and Tracey sat in the coach in front of Professor Oak, who began putting down the document he had in his hand. "So, what's this about the tournament that you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Ah, yes. The tournament." Said Oak before taking a deep breath. "Tell me, Ash. Do you know anything about the Glacies Region?" Upon hearing that, both Tracey and Ash looked at Professor Oak in surprise.
"The Glacies Region? I never heard of it." Said Ash before suddenly getting excited. "Is that a Region with a Pokemon League in it?" Oak and Tracey chuckled at Ash's excitement. Even when he was the Champion of Alola he wanted to go exploring the world and compete in Leagues. Just what they expected of him. Taking some time to recover, Oak then shook his head.
"Oh no, Ash. Glacies doesn't have a League. Much like Alola before it created its own, Glacies doesn't have many affiliations with the Pokemon League beyond providing staff and a place for people of different regions to travel to safely." Said Oak before taking a serious face. "In fact, it's because of Glacies that I wanted to talk to you about the tournament." Upon seeing the serious face on the Professor, both Tracey and Ash suddenly got the feeling that what he was about to say was serious.
"Is there something wrong with the Glacies region, professor?" Asked Tracey. "Something bad?"
"Oh no, Tracey. Nothing too bad." Said Oak as he realized the boys misinterpreted his expression a bit before explaining. "Glacies today is a fine place to visit. Provided you wish to see the culture and the phenomenon there, of course. You see the history between Glacies and the other regions isn't exactly…friendly as it is today. In the ancient past, Glacies was perhaps the most hostile Region in the world. The people there often frequently invaded the other lands of the world that would come to form the regions you know now. Pillaging and raiding whatever their people desired. Whether that be Pokemon, resources, or even just because they could. They don't do it anymore, thank Arceus, but those days were quite dark indeed. Our ancestors came to fear Glacies and it took Glacies quite some time before it was accepted into modern society."
"Are you serious?" Asked Ash in shock. Tracey also had a surprised look on his face upon hearing this tidbit of history. "Why did they do it? Why did they go and hurt other people?"
"Well, scholars and historians believe these invasions and raids were done because the Glacies region itself is quite a harsh place to live." Explained Oak as he recalled the history behind Glacies and its people. "Much of the land there is inhospitable to everything but the hardiest of people and Pokemon. I've been to Glacies several times in my youth and I can say not even the coldest places in the other regions can match Glacies' warmest of environments. That region is one where you have to be fully prepared to visit. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a dangerous situation. Believe me, I know. I nearly lost my life during my first time in Glacies." Both Tracey and Ash gasped at that. Stunned to hear that Professor Oak nearly lost his life going there.
"That must have been a horrifying professor." Said Tracey, causing Oak to nod.
"Indeed." Said Oak before looking at the boys with a serious look again. "Now you may be wondering, why I'm bringing Glacies up. It's because I just learned that the Gatekeepers in the tournament are from Glacies."
"Really?" Asked Ash in shock. "And what does that mean, Professor."
"It means that you're going to face some tough opponents, Ash." Said Oak with a serious expression. "The Glacies people don't treat Pokemon battles as the other regions do, Ash. They treat them like actual battles. That means they'll do whatever it takes to win. Type advantages. Substitutions. Pokemon holding items to give them an edge in battle. Even have their Pokemon do a sacrificial attack to weaken their opponents for another Pokemon to take the reins. They'll do whatever they have to in order to win. Add in the fact that their Pokemon are almost always more powerful than typical Pokemon in the other regions, and you're facing opponents that will really give you a challenge, Ash. It's probably why the tournament is team-based and has five opponents against one Gatekeeper. The League most likely has some of the strongest trainers in Glacies acting as Gatekeepers in this tournament. So you better watch yourself, Ash. You, your Pokemon, and your team. They won't show mercy, even if you befriend some of them." Both Ash and Tracey were stunned to hear all this about Glacies and the tournament. Their history and the way they treat Pokemon battles. They weren't really sure how to act on this information. Disgust? Disagreement? Anger? It was all really a lot to process. One thing stuck, however, and Tracey asked a question relating to it.
"Hold on, Professor. You said the Pokemon from Glacies are more powerful than Pokemon in other regions." Said Tracey as he pointed that out. "Do you mean they're more high-leveled than other Pokemon? By training or the harsh conditions of Glacies?"
"Excellent question, Tracey." Said Oak before answering it. "The truth is that it's a combination of both and the history of Glacies itself again." Oak sighed before explaining. "You see, boys, there's another reason that Glacies doesn't have a League of its own. The Pokemon in Glacies is extremely powerful. I don't know how, but in ancient times, the Glacies people found some way to enhance the Pokemon native to Glacies. Enhanced them to degrees that aren't considered safe for the Pokemon's health, but made them powerful beyond comprehension. They used these Pokemon in their raids and whenever they faced major battles against the armies of the lands they raided. It caused them to always succeed in battle. In fact, I imagine that Glacies would be the most powerful region in those days if it weren't for the fact that these enhanced Pokemon had a short lifespan because of those enhancements."
"Really?" Asked Tracey while Ash looked at Professor Oak in shock that would no doubt soon change to anger. "They died?"
"Yes." Said Oak. "The Glacies people, most likely out of shame of what their ancestors did, revealed to us that Pokemon that were enhanced by the Glacies people, while quite powerful, had a considerably short lifespan because of said enhancements. The longest to live was said to be around have survived until about a month after it was enhanced. It's probably why they captured whatever Pokemon they could find during their raids and invasions. To supply them with more Pokemon as weapons of war."
"Pokemon aren't weapons!" Yelled Ash, his fists clenched in anger. "They're not tools you can discard away just because! They're living, breathing things! What they did was wrong in so many ways!"
"You're right on that, Ash." Said Oak as he nodded in agreement. "And so do the modern people of Glacies. They dislike what their ancestors did to Pokemon in those days and they have many memorials and shrines dedicated to the Pokemon that died because of them and their selfish ways. Of course, the consequences of their ancestors are still amongst them in their Pokemon. While the Pokemon that had these enhancements died, their descendants live on still and are quite powerful. Significantly more than your average Pokemon in other regions. In fact, when you told me about the Pokemon agent that was here weeks ago and his Aggron, I believe that man's Aggron was a descendant of those enhanced Pokemon and that agent was from Glacies as well. Or, more likely, were given a Pokemon from Glacies to demonstrate what you'll face in the tournament. Glacies Pokemon are quite dangerous, Ash. You'll need to be ready for them."
"Yeah." Said Ash after calming down. "But still. Hearing about all this, about Glacies and what it did, it really is angering and left me a bit down about the tournament."
"Indeed. It's likely why the League didn't divulge that information." Said Oak as he held his chin. "While most of the current generation of trainers and people don't know about Glacies and its dark history, some still do and that can cause some significant problems for both Glacies and the League if Glacies dark history is revealed to the general public. They'll no doubt reveal it in time, but doing it right now will likely lead to the tournament being postponed or even canceled. I don't agree with it, along with the other researchers, but I understand the League's reasoning."
"So why involve Glacies then, Professor?" Asked Tracey as he looked at Oak after recovering from all the relatively dark stuff he told him and Ash. "Wouldn't that be counterproductive for the tournament? Especially since it's one of the few cross-regional tournaments the world has?"
"I suspect, the tournament is meant to include Glacies more in the world." Said Oak. "Myself and the other regional professors have been hearing rumors that the leadership in Glacies desires to be involved more with the rest of the world. Initially, Glacies only was affiliated with the rest of the world through select trading and occasional involvement in global affairs, but it seems the leadership desires to change that. I believe they decided it's time to involve themselves more with the rest of the world and that it's time they do something to show the other regions that Glacies has changed for the better and that they are not the monsters that they were before." He then looked at both boys solemnly. "Ash. Tracey. Don't let what I said about Glacies affect your feelings toward the tournament. Glacies has a dark history, yes, much more than the other regions, but it's changed. I've met and interacted with the people of Glacies before. They're much different than what they were in those times. We can't let the past cloud the present and future. It's perfectly reasonable to be wary of them because of their history, yes, but not giving them a chance because of said history can prevent us from forming valuable friendships with others. Give the people of Glacies a chance, Ash. They're much different than what they were before. Believe me, they regret their past and wish to make amends. No doubt about this tournament. So please, promise me you'll give them a chance." Looking at Professor Oak, Ash nodded.
"Of course, Professor." Said Ash with a smile and a thumbs up with Tracey doing the same thing. "I meet people who I had a bad first impression of initially and I later became good friends with them. Don't worry. I'll give Glacies a shot, Professor. You can count on that."
"That's a good boy, you two." Said Oak with a smile, relieved. "Now, another thing I want to note with both of you, is that the Glacies people like to do their interactions with robots. I don't know why, but they always send robotic proxies to interact with the outside. And, I will admit, many of them are quite pleasing to be around. Though many of them are quite eccentric, I'll admit to that. You'll likely not face any real people from Glacies with the exception of the Gatekeepers. So keep that in mind."
"Really?" Asked Tracey in surprise. He heard about certain gym leaders "They're that skilled in robotics?"
"Oh yes." Said Oak. "Quite knowledgeable. They're quite skilled in many areas of robotics and technological advances. They always have been. In fact, technological exchanges are one of the few interactions they do with other regions. The initial fossil revitalization technology, for example, came from Glacies."
"Really?" Asked Tracey in surprise and intrigue.
"Oh yes." Said Oak as he went on. "Much of the more advanced technology throughout the regions is thanks to them with some exceptions. Aside from technological exchanges, they're also a good source of evolution stones as well. But we're getting off-topic, I'm afraid. What you two need to know is that most "people" you met are likely going to be robots from Glacies with the exception of the Gatekeepers. Although, it's possible that they're also machines as well. The Glacies people prefer to interact through their robotic proxies. Keep that in mind, Ash."
"Of course, professor." Said Ash, remembering his time with Clembot, a robot created by his friend Clemont to run his Gym while he was away for a variety of reasons. "Is there anything else you can tell me about Glacies or the tournament?"
"Actually yes." Said Oak. "As you know now, Glacies Pokemon are quite powerful. Powerful, but still beatable. It'll require good coordination with both your Pokemon and your fellow teammates if you want to win against them. So, choose your team wisely Ash. It could mean the difference between winning the battling portion of the Gatekeeper challenges or losing them. Now, you may be able to still acquire your Gatecard by winning both the Contest and Showcase portions, but I know what kind of Trainer you are, Ash. I know that you want to win the battling portion first and foremost. Isn't that right?" Upon hearing that question, Ash just smiled.
"You bet, Professor." Said Ash, his old self returning as he got over the history lesson Professor Oak gave. "Don't worry. I know who I want for my team. They may not be the best battlers out there, but I trust them and our bond is strong. Plus, some of them are really great in Contests and Showcases. So we got those covered." Professor Oak just chuckled, knowing who he was referring to.
"Well, you certainly have the bond down. The only thing to worry about is their ability to battle, but they'll no doubt improve on that so there's little to worry about. You'll do great, my boy." Said Professor Oak with a smile. "You may not need it, but good luck in the tournament, Ash."
"Thanks, Professor Oak." Said Ash with a smile. "I'm going to win this tournament and I'm going to show those people in Glacies that just because they have some tough Pokemon, doesn't mean they'll always win." Oak and Tracey just chuckled at that.
"If that's all, then you're free to go Ash. Make sure to train hard for this tournament, but don't go overboard." Said Oak with a smile.
"I will Professor, Oak." Said Ash before taking off. Once Tracey and Professor Oak were alone, Tracey looked at Professor Oak.
"If I may, Professor Oak, can you tell me more about Glacies. It's people and its history. Both the past and present." Said Tracey, a look of curiosity on his face. "Although what you said about Glacies and its people painted a bad first impression of them, I know you wouldn't defend them if there weren't some good in them. Right?"
"Of course, Tracey." Said Professor Oak with a smile, pleased that his assistant was so open-minded. "Well, for starters, you see Glacies people are actually quite pleasant to be around. At least their robots." Professor Oak then started to explain Glacies history to his assistant, who brought out his notepad and started taking notes.
Meanwhile
Pokemon League
"I get you all to need someone to take Goodshow's place while he's missing, but does it have to be me?" Said a figure as it stood before the Pokemon League board of directors. The figure wore a tan trench coat that had its collar popped up, covering their neck. Combined with the gray fedora on top of the figure's head, no one can see what they look like underneath the figure's attire. Despite that, the board can see that the figure wasn't normal as he had glowing green eyes.
The figure had been summoned by the Pokemon League a week ago concerning an acting director while they attempt to find the missing Charles Goodshow. And he was the unlucky one that was selected for it. Needless to say, he didn't want it. After returning from Unova, the figure was before the League in Kanto and was trying to protest him being Goodshow's temporary replacement.
"I mean." Said the figure before continuing. "There are far more qualified people for the role. Sure, Goodshow trained me for it, but I ain't exactly the most…patient or willing person to deal with politics and paperwork. Especially the paperwork. Seriously, the amount of time I see Goodshow doing so much paperwork instead of doing actual things that benefit the regions and the League itself."
"While we understand things are done differently in Glacies, we also understand that Goodshow has trained you in the role we're asking you to partake in or a position within the board of directors. Isn't that correct?" Asked a female director as she looked at the figure, who was looking at the board of directors in front of them. When the figure confirmed this, the director continued. "Then you have the necessary skills and experience to have the role. Not to mention, prior to you actually meeting Goodshow, you know the inner workings of the League quite well. Far more than any other Glacies Region personnel in our employment so far. You also helped in organizing this event and securing the cooperation of the Pokemon Activities Committee, despite their reservations about being associated with anything relating to the Glacies Region. You're perfect to be Acting Director until Goodshow is found."
"But still…" The figure spoke but was then interrupted.
"Also, this is the wish of Goodshow that you take over for him temporarily in case he goes missing before or during the tournament." Said the director. "Are you going to go against his wishes? After everything, he's done for you and your region?" Upon hearing all that, the figure went into thought, thinking about what he just heard, before eventually sighing.
"Okay. Alright. I'll do it." Said the figure with a small amount of reluctance. "But whose going to be the final challenge of the tournament? Goodshow and I decided that I would be the final challenge of the tournament once a team acquires all their Gatecards. Do I still have the position along with this?"
"Correct." Said another director. "Unless Glacies is willing to send someone else to take your spot in the tournament while you're operating the League."
"I doubt it." Said the figure with a shrug. "They likely want me to still be the final match of the tournament for the teams given my own Pokemon. Plus, I may not look it, but I'm actually quite skilled in battle."
"I don't doubt that." Said a third director. "Just do your required duties and a bit more and there should be no problems at all. The tournament is scheduled to be active for over a year. So, there should be no issues at all with the final portion being in the last month. Just plan ahead and we'll be good. And maybe hire a secretary or two to help with your duties."
"Yeah, I'll get on it." Said the figure realizing just how much extra work he had to do now that he was the acting president of the Pokemon League. Just what he needed. "So, tell me, what do I have to do right now? There's bound to be paperwork and important assignments that Goodshow had to do in the days before he was declared missing and also had to do today and the weeks preceding the opening ceremony of the tournament." With that, the Pokemon board began telling him what to do and where he can find the paperwork he needed to do. As they went on, the figure felt annoyance at this but also worry for Charles Goodshow.
He had known where the man's last known location was prior to his disappearance. The old man had told the figure weeks ago that he was going to Glacies in order to look into something. Something important that he had to witness. That was the last time he saw Goodshow and he worried that something bad happened to him.
"You better be fine, sir." Thought the figure as the board went on. "You're too good of a man to get hurt in that frozen wasteland. Or worse."
Several Days Later
Brock
Pewter City Gym
"I'll be leaving you in charge, Forrest." Said Brock as he looked at his brother with a smile. He had to go to work at the local Pokemon center. That was his assignment from the Pokemon Doctor's association. He just had to be there for a couple of more weeks before he's off to Kalos. That is if he didn't receive word regarding the letter he sent to the association regarding his desire to attend the upcoming tournament. The envelope he received from the League over a week ago really put into perspective all the effort and time that went into the tournament. Contained in that envelope was a letter from the Pokemon League that gives him special permission to attend the tournament so long as he becomes a team member for any of the teams as a Pokemon doctor. Stunned at the generosity of the League, Brock nonetheless did what the envelope instructed and sent a letter to the Pokemon Doctor's association about his desire to attend the tournament and the League's offer. Hopefully, he'll receive a response soon. He needed to pick out what Pokemon he wanted to leave home in case his siblings needed them, both for Forrest to practice with and as playmates for the rest of his siblings, and train those he wanted to bring along to prepare them for the tournament. He may need to capture a few Pokemon along the way, but that's part of a journey, isn't it? In fact, he already had a few in mind. And all that needed time. Time that depended on how long until the association responded to his letter.
"Don't worry, Brock." Said Forrest with a smile. "Mom and Dad don't believe it, but I can take care of everyone. Besides, I've done it since you had to go to work, right?" Brock chuckled at that before nodding.
"Too true." Said Brock before taking off. "If you need anything, just call the Pokemon Center. Okay?"
"Got it! Take care!" Yelled Forrest as Brock left the house and went to the Pokemon Center. "Hope he gets to participate in the tournament. He really misses traveling, especially with friends. Also, hopefully, he finally gets a girl to date. It's getting kind of tiresome to hear him about his many failures at getting women. Also would be nice to have a big sister. A really nice and kind big sister. Someone that can be there while Mom and Dad are off doing whatever they please."
As his brother was thinking about Brock and his love life, Brock was walking down the dirt road leading to the Pokemon Center when he heard a womanly scream. Stunned to hear that, Brock instantly sped in the direction of the scream, knowing that it was a cry of pain. Running to the location, Brock was stunned to see a woman on the ground while some Rattata were gnawing and scratching her, spilled groceries all over the ground. Seeing this, Brock instantly brought out his Croagunk and Marshtomp as he always had at least two battlers on hand in case of some low lives come to rob the Pokemon Centers he was stationed at the time or whenever someone is in need of help.
"Croagunk! Poison jab on the Rattata closet on the woman! Marshtomp! Use Mudshot on the others to scare them away!" Yelled Brock as his Pokemon obeyed the moment they came out of their Pokeballs. Croagunk, with ease, charged and jabbed two Rattata that were scratching at the woman's body, sending them flying away, while Marshtomp fired balls of mud at the rest, scaring them away. With the Rattata gone, Brock went over to help the woman.
"Are you okay, miss?" Asked Brock as he helped the woman up, her face obscured to him for a moment because of a hood that the woman had on at the moment. Once she turned to face him, Brock let out a gasp of shock.
"Winona?" Asked Brock in shock as he looked at the face of the Hoenn Gym Leader of Fortree City, dressed in attire that he didn't expect from the Flying Type Gym Leader. "What are you doing all the way out here in Kanto?"