I encourage everyone to check out Teen Ash By Hollylu on Deviantart if you like this work.
Italic is a flashback.
A lot had changed since Misty had last been at the Indigo Stadium, sure her business as a gym leader meant she came to this city for meetings at least once a year but actually here to watch the annual tournament. She had not done that in years and despite the league updating the stadium with new seats,concessions stands,video boards etc it still felt very much the same. Of course there were big differences like before only Pokemon from the Kanto region could compete in it. The Indigo league was and still is is considered the most prestigious of all the leagues and by far the oldest.
The Granddaddy of them all of and the Senior Circuit as it was affectionately called was a proud league and for years had refused to allow other regional Pokemon to battle, that had only changed in the last couple of years. Given it's proud history of glory it's no surprise that this is the league that every trainer around the world wanted to compete in. Only the Silver Conference of the Johto League or the Junior Circuit could come close to this league Especially for natives of the Kanto region. Like Ash Ketchum.
Nine years had changed Ash and Misty could not help but appreciate it he had grown from a cute boy to a very handsome young man. Nine yearsof travel and labor had sculpted his body in to having hard but athletic muscles. Girls had loved him even as a boy. There was little doubt women would love him more now ''But he's all mine.'' A jealous part of her growled. Well okay they were NOT a couple yet but given how affectionate they were each other and how lovingly they teased and flirted with each other there was little doubt they would be an item sooner rather than later.
If there was any doubt about how much he had grown all you needed to do was look at the pikachu on his shoulder. The loyal electric rodent looked a lot smaller there now than he did when Ash was just a puny kid.
It was not just his physically appearance he had also grown up mentally. HE understood know what it took to win and the responsibility's that came with being a champion.
Misty wasn't shocked that Ash had planned to try the Indigo League again and she wasn't surprised that he made the announced at his party in celebration of being named the Pokemon Monarch but what did surprised her was that he told her first. In Private.
I'm going to make a run at the Indigo league again Mist.''And this time I'm going to win it.'' His confidence was one thing she loved about him. Misty knew she should not have been surprised by his decision but she wanted to know what his reasons were,after all he was a world champion. He didn't need this title to be acknowledged as a Pokemon master.
''I'm all for it Ash but you don't need to win the league to be a Pokemon Master.'' She gave him a soft and a wink ''Maybe you should let some other trainers win sometime.''
Ash chucked ''you should know the journey is better than the destination besides we both know the monarch is an unofficial title. I still remember that first time at Indigo and how I really wasn't ready for it. I was too rash,I slacked off on my training which is one reason Charizard didn't want to obey me ,and I didn't know how to handle success.
Misty was impressed by Ash's maturity here. ''And most off all I didn't earn most of my badges I'm happy to have them but If I need to earn them to make another run at being the Kanto Champion that's what I'll do.
''Alright Mr. Master but don't expect me to just hand you a hand this time.'' Ash just gave her his competitive smile. She knew as a Champion he didn't have to use badges to enter a tournament and Ash more than likely did to but she did want real rematch.
''Mist I wouldn't accept it anyway.'' True to his word he did face her for gym battle and won a badge fair and square.
She could not help but admire how he looked down on the field and how different he was the from the first time Before he was shy and nervous in the opening unsure of himself although that changed after he defeated The Amazing Mandi then his head blew up and he through he was going to beat everybody.
Now Ash was full of confidence NOT arrogance he knew as a Monarch and the champion of Alola he was the strongest trainer here but he also knew he had to earn victory. That was fine line for any trainer to cross but she had no doubt he would make it just like she had no doubt he was going to win the whole thing.
He wasn't going to lose, not this time.
Delia could not help but beam at how much her baby had grown up,he looked just like his father. Strong,confident, handsome but full of warmth and kindness to his loved ones. Even though she was sad for him when he lost the first time in this tournament she knew in her heart he wasn't ready for it but now he clearly was. Before he had done everything he could to avoid training which he paid the price for when Charizard refused to obey him against Richie. Now he was an experienced trainer. Hardened by his journey across the lands,every Pokemon he had obeyed his orders without question.
IF he lost which she didn't think was going to happen it would not be because his Pokemon decided to take a nap on him. She was also pleased that he matured mentally as much as she loved her son she also wanted him to find a beautiful girl to marry and give her grandchildren to spoil. Well if Ash sneaking off with Misty was any indication that might happen in a few years.
''You must be so proud Mrs. Ketchum'' That was all she heard when people figured out she was Ash's mother ''Oh I am'' she would always say and it was true but more than his skills as a trainer she was proud of the good man he had grown up to be.
Outside the stadium Team Rocket found themselves doing something unusual. For once they were not working to make money to pay their debts or in disguise to try and steal some Pokemon. There were here to actually root for the Tweep watching everything on a giant screen outside the event. ''That's our Ash'' James beamed with pride almost like an older brother or father seeing their boy all grown up.
''I know'' Meowth said crying ''It seems just like it was yesterday da tweep was just a runt and now'' he blew his nose ''He might be the strongest Pokemon trainer in the world.''
''Well'' Jessie chimed in ''He should be thanking us for keeping him on his toes for so long.'' She wanted some credit for the tweep becoming such a good trainer . Even though she hadn't given up trying to swipe Pikachu she could root for him since that made her and her team look good.
A part of Jessie was amazed at how far he had come from a runt kid that was lucky to keep them from stealing his Pikachu to growing up as a trainer and a man. Team Rocket had been there for the whole time. She also noticed how he had grown up physically, she wouldn't be honest if she said he wasn't pleasing the female eye. That red Jacket looked very good on him and the black shirt hugged his strong chest nicely.
''Oh great now I'm getting crush on him.'' Still there was no shame in that. Numerous women around the world felt the same. He was becoming a very popular man among the ladies and was a hit in their magazines. ''That Tweepette is a lucky girl'' she though bitterly.
''We should get some kind of recognition nobody followed him through his whole journey except us.''
Da's true Jimmy hey we might be able to get a book deal or even a cartoon about his adventures if we get started on it.'' Meowth grinned ''Just think about all the talk show deals we can get. Da true story of da Pokemon Master's journey by Jessie James and Meowth I like that.''
Wobbuffet''
''Sorry Blue boy but you weren't there when he went through Kanto the first time or the Orange Islands.'' James was now getting sentimental he was saying something about how special memories were and should not be sold and blah bla
Jessie just signed and watched the ceremonies ''yes Tweep you've come a long way just don't forget the people who got you there.'' Even though she would never say she was proud of him too.
Like everyone else who knew him.
