Cheers for the reviews. I didn't envisage the last few being as long as they were but I can't see there being too many like it.
I own Nothing.
Chapter 4
The boat trip to Valencia Island was a nine-hour trip so Ash made the most of it by relaxing in his cabin going over various sheets of paper he'd printed off detailing key points on each of the Islands. He had no desire to visit all 30 plus islands but he knew the chances were high of him visiting two-thirds due the nature of how he was going to get around. For the last few months since the league Ash had been using Charizard on a daily basis to get around Kanto in a hurry but the Orange Islands weren't like that. Oh, you could fly from place to place but the best way of getting around was by water, so for the last few weeks, ever since Sam had given him this task he had been using the lake at home to learn how to surf on Blastoise. It had been very rough going for the first few days and Ash had taken to abusing his gift with Aura to stay onboard Blastoise's back but after a few days he realised that would get him nowhere and decided to learn the hard way. What resulted was very funny for the observing researchers as during high-speed turns Ash would go flying off into either the woods or the water, depending on where the turn was. It was a good job Ash was durable. But eventually he had begun to master it and learned the subtleties that Blastoise did during surfing and picked up surfing a lot easier. He wasn't amazing by any stretch of the imagination, but he would be very proficient by the time he was travelling around the Islands.
Walking out on the deck of the SS Aqua Ash leaned against the railing and watched various water Pokémon emerge from the sea from time to time. Unfortunately it was going too fast to release Blastoise so Ash and Pikachu just enjoyed the silence. That was until it was disturbed by people recognising him and either demanding autographs or battles. Usually Ash would be fine with the latter but the deck was nowhere near large enough to accommodate a battle so he declined, much to the displeasure of the challengers.
"You're just afraid you'll lose."
"Call yourself a trainer?"
"Red would be ashamed of you, he never rejected a challenge."
Now normally Ash wouldn't react to people making quips as he knew how strong he was but that last one was below the belt. So much so that Ash turned back around to the guy who said that and stood nose to nose with him.
"Normally I'd let insults like that slide, but no one, and I mean no one talks about my dad in front of me. So, here's what's going to happen, the three of you that didn't ask but demanded battles will face me in a battle on the beach at Valencia Island. And when I kick the shit out of you all, there will be no whinging, no whining and you will leave me the fuck alone. Have you got that?" without waiting for an answer Ash walked back to his cabin to cool off and calm himself down from the confrontation.
Hours later Ash packed his things up and disembarked from the boat, extremely thankful his mother had told him to pack for summer despite it being November as the weather was glorious. Apparently because of where the Islands were situated and due to the control that the Legendary Birds had over the ocean's currents very few occasions warranted heavy clothing. Ignoring people, and still simmering Ash walked off the jetty and out of the docks. Looking around he saw what looked like a suitable stretch of beach and headed there being followed by a big crowd of people. Evidently word had passed around the boat of the upcoming battle and people were eager to see the outcome. A few minutes later the three trainers stepped through the crowd and waited.
"This will be a three on one Pokémon battle" Ash said "you three will choose your best Pokémon and send it out, I will send out one. When your Pokémon faint and believe me, they will, you are out of the battle. Should you try and pull a fast one I will release my entire championship team and demolish you. Understood?"
Without waiting for an answer Ash walked back thirty paces and waited releasing Charizard and Blastoise.
"Let's go Machoke."
"Let's go Electabuzz."
"Tauros, you're up."
Observing where they were Ash made his decision "Pi, battle time". Pikachu jumped from Ash's shoulder and onto the beach, where no one said anything for a minute. The tension was building and building but Pikachu used the time well by getting his feet used to the sand and adjusting his footing.
"Enough waiting" one of the trainers said "Earthquake Tauros." Immediately his bull raised its forelegs and stomped down.
"Jump Pi" Ash said shaking his head at the stupidity of the trainer. The attack made the ground shake and sand flew up in various places but by the time Pikachu had landed he saw what had happened. The close proximity of where the trainers Pokémon were meant that they took the Earthquake full force. The Electabuzz was out for the count and the Machoke was struggling to stand up.
"You stupid idiot!" the other trainer said as he recalled his Electabuzz, angry that he never had a chance to battle.
"Well, you should have ordered it to jump" he retorted belligerently looking at his fellow trainer.
"Thunderbolt Pi, aim for the Tauros" Ash said as his mouse charged forwards and let out a lance of electricity striking the bull Pokémon in the face causing it to go crashing backwards into the Machoke who had just got to its feet and sending them both sprawling in a mess of limbs and hooves. "Thunder" Ash said seeing it was already over with as he shook his head at the stupidity on display today. He felt sorry for the trainer of Machoke as he had to contend with idiots but given he whinged on the SS Aqua Ash didn't feel too bad for him. A few seconds later after Pikachus attack ended the mouse came trotting back and hopped onto Ash's shoulder.
"Grrr" the Tauros trainer said recalling his knocked out Pokémon "you cheated! You waited until I was distracted and attacked."
"Being focused on who you're battling is essential if you want to go far in tournaments" Ash countered "the fact that your Pokémon took out your two allies tells me everything I need to know about you as a trainer." Turning around Ash was about to leave the beach when he heard his opponent shout "Hitmonchan, Raichu come on out."
Turning back Ash shook his head and was about to talk when Charizard stepped in front of Ash and roared at the two Pokémon that had just appeared with Blastoise joining him, cocking his cannons in their direction and waiting for the trouble to start. Evidently the man seemed to realise the position he'd put himself in as he remembered just who he was battling. The sight of the two Pokémon made him realise the last time he had seen those two Pokémon was on TV in the league final where one of them broke the psychic barriers and crashed though the wall of the battlefield. Saving face, he quickly recalled his Pokémon and ran away diffusing the situation. Ash just shook his head and recalled his two Pokémon after thanking them and picked up his bag before heading to the Pokémon Centre. Getting there he called his mum to let her know he was safe and that he'd try and find Professor Ivy the next day.
The next day Ash was heading in the direction of Ivy's lab when he happened upon a hall where a few people were queuing up outside. Looking at the poster on the billboard he chuckled and got in line where he bought a ticket. Half an hour later he stepped inside and walked over to a line where a man was doing a book signing. It felt strange to be on the other side of the line for once, he really didn't envy the signer at all, especially after Silph. As he got to the front the man came into view and he said "can you sign it to Ash and Pikachu please? We're big fans of yours."
Looking up shocked the man quickly broke into laughter and stood up from his chair. Walking around the table he hugged Ash and asked, "what are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing Brock, but it would be a stupid question" he replied nodding at the cardboard cut-out of Brock holding a book behind the chair.
Sitting back down Brock pulled over another chair for Ash and started talking about how his first book on Pokémon food was such a big hit that he had been asked to go to a special event on Valencia Island.
"My aim is to be one of the best Pokémon breeders/doctors the world has ever seen but I realised that in order for that to happen I would need to travel and experience things that I would never be able to in Pewter." Brock said signing a book and handing it to the person after Ash "so I got in touch with Professor Oak who put me in touch with several other people and they told me about the strange and wonderful rituals that Pokémon do. I'm actually here to see Professor Ivy because over the next few nights there's a Pollenating event, unique to the Oddish line that happens once a year here on Valencia Island."
"And what has this got to do with your book?" Ash asked.
"Oh" Brock said realising he hadn't actually told Ash yet "because of the success of our book, Silph asked if I would do another, this time based on the reasons why Pokémon liked certain food and dislike others. Our first book was basically making food for Pokémon with certain natures but didn't go into too much detail. This one does."
"Oh yeah" Ash said nodding recalling various emails they had exchanged "I recall sending you some notes about that a while back. I'm glad they were of use to you."
"They really were" Brock said "there's a foreword in this book saying I had your help for certain information, you were a source after all but I'm very proud of this one."
"As you should be" Ash said pleased that his random thought months ago at the Scissor Street convention about doing a book together had borne fruit. "I'm very proud of you, you know. I know what it must have sounded like when I offered a collaboration on the first book but I'm glad to see you've ran with it and are doing well."
"It's going really well" Brock said.
"So, what made you ask Sam in the first place?" Ash asked.
"Can we talk later?" Brock asked "only I'm not supposed to let people know just yet. I know you won't blab though."
"Yeah, of course" Ash said nodding "what time does this finish?"
"Around three" Brock said "I don't anticipate a lot of people coming here to be honest. Mainly because it's on this Island and not in Kanto but this was the only place Silph could fit it in given what I'm going to be doing soon."
"Very cryptic" Ash said laughing and standing up "I'll be at the Pokémon centre. Come find me when you're done." Handing him a book Brock good naturedly signed it to Ash and he made his way back to the Pokémon centre where he began reading the book to pass the time. Shaking his head hours later he marvelled at how good and useful it was. He would certainly be using it when experimenting with poke blocks and food in the future. Brock was a genius with the way he worded things. Around 3:30 he received a call from Joy and walked down to find Brock talking to her. Curiously Joy's face was bright red and when she saw Ash she quickly made her excuses. Chuckling Ash made himself known and Brock turned around.
"I still have it" he said looking smug. Ash simply shook his head and they walked up to his room. Brock pulled a bottle of water out of the fridge and sat at the desk while Ash opposite him.
"So" Ash said "you were about to tell me about why you're here."
"First of all this news hasn't been released to the public" Brock said taking a drink "only the Elite Four and the Gym leaders know. We attended the end of year review while you were at the league and we each listened to your report. Thank you for your glowing review by the way."
"It's ok" Ash said shrugging "You have taught me a lot about Pokémon training, and it was due to you that I realised there was a level I could aspire to when I lost to your Golem. I have a feeling I'm at least on that level now but at the time it made me think that there was a long way to go. So, when I was doing your review I made sure to add to it after each interaction. Apart from Lt Surge and my uncle you're the only Gym Leader I speak to."
"Well thank you" Brock said looking a bit shy "but anyway those reviews helped a lot. It wasn't just you by the way who did a review. The reason the Elite Four were more visible was because they wanted a wider pool of information to go with. So, during my review I was offered a deal by Mr Goodshow. They were afraid that I would be leaving my post soon to pursue becoming a breeder, the fact I'd released a book with you by that point also led them in that direction, so they made plans. They are currently building a Centre of Excellence in Pewter City specialising in breeding and doctoring. I am currently a month into gaining my mastery on different techniques but by the time it's up and running I will be placed in charge of the facility as lead doctor/breeder should I pass the bar. However, before that I have been given two years to find like-minded people to help me so that is what I'm doing. I'm travelling around the various regions looking for people who share my dream."
"Oh wow" Ash said stunned "that's amazing and it's thoroughly deserved. I take it you're here to witness the pollenating to use it in your thesis?"
"I am yes" Brock said "but not just that one. I've been reading up on many and I'm hoping that within the time given to me that I can provide enough information to be able to help the next generation of breeders."
"Do you need any help?" Ash asked curiously.
"In what way?" Brock asked.
"Well, I'm also travelling the various regions" Ash said "and I'm positive that when I visit places there will be people who have the same visions you do. I could forward their details on to you so you can interview them, I could also provide information on what I see from the Pokémon world to be used in your classes. I don't mind if you put your name to them either as I've got plenty in the pipeline. Not only that but part of your training could take part at my home where I'm literally breeding endangered species, that should give you a lot of information too."
"Don't take this the wrong way but I don't really want anything more from you" Brock said holding his and up to forestall any response "I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror and say that I did this on my own."
"I get that" Ash said "you're an idiot for thinking that way though. Don't look at me like that. I didn't get to where I am on my own Brock, I had help from loads of people, and I will still get help from people going forward. What I'm giving you is the chance to observe the Pokémon world in a place that will soon become one of the best places ever for breeding extinct or endangered species in an extremely secure and safe environment. It's an opportunity very few have ever had Brock. Just think about it, I won't be mad if you still say no after giving it some thought, but the offer will always be there. You were the third person I put on my all-access list to my home you know after my mum and Sam."
"Really?" Brock asked surprised "why?"
"Because you're just as dedicated to the welfare of Pokémon as Sam and that's very admirable" Ash said "you may have different outlooks but after your family Pokémon are an easy second on your list. Anyway, the offer is there should you take it. And even if you don't the offer of sending your students there when you're qualified will also be on the table."
"I'll think about it" Brock said frowning "so changing the subject why are you here?"
"Coincidentally I'm also here to visit Professor Ivy" Ash said "she has something that Sam wants to study, and I've been sent here as errand boy for reasons unknown to me, but Sam does. It's maddening to be honest. But as I told my mum, Sam has never steered me wrong in the past so here I am to collect the item and then do the gym challenge before the Johto League starts up in February. I'll likely still be here in the Orange Islands then, but I don't mind waiting until the year after to challenge their League. I have a lot on next year anyway, including having to do my own Elite Four challenge so I'm just winging it at the moment."
"Ah right" Brock said looking at the time "so shall we go and see the good professor then? It's early afternoon so hopefully she should be in."
Standing up Ash and Brock made their way out of the Pokémon centre and walked past the hall Ash had visited earlier up the path leading to the highest point on Valencia Island where Philena's Lab was located. Several people gave Ash wary looks as they passed them, and Ash did his best to ignore them. Brock on the other hand was concerned and asked Ash about it.
"On the ride here I was challenged by several people and declined due to the boat not having either the room or it being too dangerous. My Pokémon pack quite a punch and would likely break the boat and I don't fancy paying out millions to the SS company. Anyway, after I declined their offers they got pissed off and insulted me so I told them I'd battle them on Valencia beach instead. Obviously, I beat them but there was one who really wasn't happy and tried to intimidate me. Charizard and Blastoise put an end to it but there was a big crowd of people watching, hence the looks I'm getting."
"Ah right Ok" Brock said as they walked up the steps in front of Ivys lab and knocked on the door "some people just don't know when to quit do they? You didn't hurt them, did you?"
"No" Ash said as the door opened "but it was a close thing. Charizard was ready to burn them all to a crisp. Hello, we're here to see Professor Ivy, Sam Oak sent me in his place."
"Well," a young girl said looking concerned at the statement she'd just heard "that's one way to introduce yourself. My name's Faith, Professor Ivy is just out the back at the minute tending to a Raticate. I'm afraid it went too close to the Vileplume this morning and is sick."
"Oh" Brock said looking concerned "maybe I can help, I'm training to be a doctor."
"Oh, are you?" another young girl asked as she joined the first girl "that would be so helpful. Come, I'll show you where they are." Headed through the living room they walked out of a set of bay doors that led to the back area of the lab. "Professor" Faith shouted as they exited the doors, there's some trainers here to see you, one says he may be able to help with the Raticate."
"Oh" a woman's voice replied back "that must be the trainer Sam sent me. I'd be grateful for any help."
Immediately Brock stopped where he was, and Ash walked into him. "Oi" Ash said rubbing his nose "what's wrong with you?"
"She's so beautiful" came the mumbled reply. Ignoring him Ash stepped around the statuesque Brock and saw the person he had come to see. Professor Ivy was around 5'7, purple hair and brown eyes. She had foregone wearing the lab coat that was customary with professors and instead was wearing an orange sundress which showed off her figure and very long legs. And at her side was an identical looking girl to the first two.
"Hello" Ash said holding out his hand "I'm Ash, this moron is Brock."
"Hey!" Brock said coming back to himself outraged at being called out like that in front of a beautiful lady "I'm not a moron."
"Hmm" Ash said "that remains to be seen. Anyway, weren't you supposed to be offering help with Raticate?"
"Oh yes" Brock said suddenly becoming all business and facing Philena "can you show me where it is and tell me what's happened?"
"Sure" she replied ignoring their byplay "it's over here. Unfortunately, it got too close to the Vileplume last night and has been paralysed ever since. I've tried everything I could to help it recover but nothing I've done seems to have worked."
"Have you tried using a berry?" Ash asked as they walked around the corner to find the Raticate on a bed of leaves, its limbs straight and looking to be in some pain. Walking up to it Brock and Ash carefully made their presence known and each inspected it. Looking at each other they conferred quietly before coming to a decision.
"What do you mean?" Faith asked after seeing them communicate.
"Well, because I have a Pikachu and we spar all the time I had to create pokeblocks infused with berries to help counteract any Pokémon of mine that get paralysed from him" Ash said digging through his bag "so I'm always carrying an over-supply of Cheri berries and I've recently got my hands on a few Lum Berry trees at my home. Brock and I make Pokémon food infused with berries as many Pokémon refuse to eat certain foods due to their natures. Bugs are notorious for wanting sweet foods."
"Natures?" Philena asked, "what do you mean?"
"Here" Ash said to Brock handing over a yellow and red pokeblock "I make these all the time. It should cure the paralysis within minutes." Brock nodded and broke the block into tiny pieces and crumbled it in his hands before gently prying open the Raticates mouth, being careful to avoid the teeth and placing the bits on its mouth. Gently massaging its throat, the Raticate gulped, and Brock repeated the process until the whole block was gone.
"Just stay still and let the berry do the work" Brock said to the Raticate "medicine works best when you do what you're told to do by the doctor after all." Soon enough the Raticates features began to change as its limbs became loose. Brock still held it down by the nape of its neck signalling to it to just stay calm. After a few minutes Brock gently released it and it got to its feet and experimentally shook out its limbs before it ran off into the forest surrounding the path.
"Pokémon's natures are key to their survival." Brock said standing up "there are many articles on it that have been published but essentially all Pokémon have strengths and weaknesses based on what nature they are when they're born. A nature dictates what stat of theirs will be enhanced though training and which one will be repressed along with it. It's not a flaw in their DNA before you think that it's just what it is. Scientists have studied Pokémon for years and have come up with six stats that are integral to a Pokémons growth and survival. Those being its HP, Attack, Defence, Special Attack, Special Defence and Speed. Now to go along with theses stats it has been discovered that each type that matches with a stat also has a preference on what kind of food they like; those being Spicy, Sweet, Bitter, Dry and Sour. Just like humans Pokémon have a preference on what they like to eat too.
So, to that end certain Pokémon with a specific nature will actively shun a particular type of food because of the taste. My Steelix for example has a Hardy Nature which is classed as a neutral nature meaning the Attack stat that would normally be enhanced is also repressed meaning it doesn't lose anything. And due to that its food preferences are neutral as well meaning it has no preferences or dislikes. Now, Pikachu on the other hand has a Mild nature, meaning its Special Attack is enhanced naturally and its defence is repressed. Due to that it likes dry food and will shun anything sour."
"Oh wow" Philena said shocked "the world of Pokémon is so interesting, isn't it? There's still so much we don't know, it makes me giddy to think about the potential discoveries that we make on a daily basis just studying them."
"Indeed" Ash said placing the pokeblock tub back into his bag as they walked back to the lab "it's what makes life so interesting. Now, I am here for a reason. Can I see the GS ball?"
"GS Ball?" Brock asked confused "I've never heard of one of those before."
"And you likely won't ever again" Philena said as they walked into the lab. "Before we go to the lab though I need a cup of tea. Follow me please." As they walked into the kitchen Ash and Brock stopped in disbelief at the state of it.
"What the hell?!" Ash exclaimed as he took in the kitchen. Piles of dirty dishes were in the sink, cups and cutlery were strewn around various places in the kitchen, laundry was piled up high and the only clean surface was the table in the middle. Looking at Brock he quickly moved away from him though as a noticeable twitch had taken over his face "you lot are slobs! How can you live like this?"
"Oh sorry, we just get so focused on the research lately that we haven't had the chance to wash up" Philena said looking ashamed. "we've been on takeaways for the last few weeks now."
"We call it our little dump" the triplets said as one.
"Bone idle" Ash said quietly shaking his head. "Absolutely bone idle."
"Right" Brock said looking into his bag and pulling out several sets of marigolds. "If we all pitch in, we can have this done in a few hours. You three are on scrubbing duty" he said to the triplets "you are on drying and putting away" he said to Philena. Turning to Ash he looked pleadingly "can you help too?"
Nodding Ash rolled up his sleeves and started looking in the drawers for bin bags and started throwing all the take-away boxes into them. Brock was like a whirlwind, blitzing through the kitchen cleaning everything he could, Ash took direction from him and pitched in where he could, but Brock was merciless on the triplets and Philena, often reminding them they had hands to wash and that there was absolutely no excuse to live like this. Two hours later the kitchen was spotless, and a thoroughly chastised Philena made them all a brew and talked about her research, mainly to Brock who was also an aspiring breeder.
Finishing up they were led to the back area of the lab to the place Philena did most of her research. It was pretty much the same layout as Professor Oaks except there on a pedestal was a pokeball. Unlike any other pokeball though this one was Gold on top and Silver on the bottom with a green rim. "It's unique Brock" Philena said pressing a button on a panel opening up the clear case and picking it up.
Immediately Ash felt an enormous presence fill the room "what the hell?" he exclaimed to the concern of the others "can you lot not feel that?"
Shaking their heads Brock, Philena and the triplets looked at the ball and back to Ash.
"Ash" Pikachu said quietly "your hat is glowing."
Immediately Ash took off his hat and saw what was glowing. Carefully he opened the flap on the inside and pulled out the feather Ho-oH had given him the very first day of his Pokémon Journey.
"Ash" Brock asked, "what is that?"
"It's a Rainbow Wing" he replied looking up and seeing no reaction from anyone "the very first day of my journey Pikachu and I were attacked by the flock of Spearow that used to terrorise Pallet Town Forest on Route 1 and we were very nearly killed by how many there were. Luckily, I came up with an idea and Pikachu ran with it. He launched Thundershocks into the clouds and created a thunderstorm and used the lightning bolts to aid him in defeating the flock with a huge Thunder attack. After the storm ended and we had recovered the clouds parted and a rainbow was seen. But at the front of the rainbow was a Pokémon I'd only ever heard of in bits of articles. It was a huge glowing bird whose wings were creating the rainbow." Hearing gasps from Philena he nodded "I see now you know whom I'm on about. Anyway, I scanned it with my Pokedex and it must have heard me because it circled around and landed in front of me and greeted me. It was only an interaction for a minute at most, but she flew off after I told her I didn't care if anyone believed me that I'd seen her, I knew I was telling the truth and that was enough. She apparently agreed as when she flew off this drifted down and landed on my shoulder. Ever since then I've kept it inside my cap and it's still in near perfect condition despite the shenanigans we've got up to."
"You met Ho-oH" Ivy asked weakly as she scrambled to sit down on a nearby chair "Ho-oH?"
"Yeah, I did" Ash said "After my cap in which it sits this Rainbow Wing is probably my most prized possession. And to be honest it's far from the strangest thing to have ever happened to me."
"You don't want to know" Brock said wryly remembering that Ash had actually died.
"Anyway, this wing seems to be reacting with the ball" Ash said moving forwards to Philena and taking the ball from her. Immediately his Aura reacted with the ball, and he felt a whisper in his mind that he immediately tried to latch on to. He couldn't make out what the voice was saying which was maddening as he felt like it was just out of reach of his mind in giving him a picture of what it was. Moving the Rainbow Wing to the ball it immediately stopped the whisper as the Golden part of the ball seemed to glow. After around ten seconds the glow subsided, and Ash moved the wing away.
"Very strange" he muttered turning to Pikachu totally unaware of what it must have looked like to the others "it seems the ball reacts to Aura and given what the wing did when it touched I'd say Lady Ho-oH had a part in its creation."
"Do you think Lord Lugia helped?" Pikachu asked, "it would make sense given he's depicted as being silver and blue to Lady Ho-oH's red and gold."
"That's not a bad shout actually Pi" Ash said, "I have a feeling I'm meant to know what this is you know, like it ties in with my life somehow but for the life of me my mind won't grasp onto whatever it is."
"Do you think Sam knows?" Pikachu asked.
"Yes" he said looking back at the ball "I believe he does. There was literally no reason he had to send me to collect this if it didn't play a part in my life somehow." Making a decision he ignored the others in the room and walked over to the video screen and punched in Sams number. A few moments later Sam answered it.
"Hello Ash, are you on Valencia Island then?" he said, "I assume you have the ball by now?"
"What does it have to do with me Sam" Ash asked seriously holding it up "and don't try and fob me off with an excuse either. It reacted to my aura Sam, and it also reacted to my Rainbow Wing. I know this ball has something to do with me so what is it?"
"Ash" Sam said, "I cannot tell you; this is something you need to discover for yourself I'm afraid." Before Ash could protest Sam continued "I won't be budged on this Ash. At the minute all you need to know is that it's not dangerous, but it is essential that you keep a hold of it until you get back home. When you do, I'll be able to fill you in on a few more details but other than that I'm not allowed to say anything."
"I'm not happy about this Sam" Ash said "but as I told my mum and Pikachu you've never led me wrong before. I just hope this isn't the first time." hanging up Ash walked back over to the assembled party and put the ball into his bag. "Thank you for this, but I feel I won't be up to any conversation for the rest of the evening."
"It's ok" Philena said uncertainly "hopefully by tomorrow you feel calmer. Brock are you here for the event tonight?"
"I am yes" he said focusing on the question "if it's ok with you I'd like to witness what happens tomorrow also. To see if there's any changes such as a different phase of the moon, weather pattern, lighting etc. that way I can gain a better grasp of the event."
"That's fine" she said smiling "if you want to stay the night, you're more than welcome, we have spare rooms. You too Ash."
"No thanks" Ash said "I won't be much company tonight. I'll be back tomorrow evening though so I can see what happens if that's ok."
"I'll take you up on that offer though" Brock said eagerly "can someone show me where the room is?"
"Hang on" Ash said digging back into his bag and pulling out his berry case. Opening it up he pulled out 10 Cheri berries and 5 Lum berries. Handing them to Brock he said "just in case another Raticate incident happens tonight. Just give them back if they're not used tomorrow night."
"Cheers Ash" Brock said opening up his own case and placing them inside "these will come in handy; I was nearly out of them. I forgot to restock at the mart before."
"No worries" Ash said. Saying goodbye he left them to it and walked back to his room at the Pokémon centre and after a brief conversation with his mum he pulled out the ball again. "The answer is right there Pi, on the tip of my tongue. It's very annoying." Putting it back into his bag he settled in for the night and carried on writing something he had long since thought about doing, a script for a talk on aura.
The next afternoon Ash made his way back to the lab feeling much calmer than he had the night before. Knocking on the door it was answered by one of the triplets, Hope he believed her name was and led into the lab area where Philena and Brock were going over the data they had collected the night before.
"Hello Ash" Philena said "you feeling any better?"
"Yeah" Ash said nodding "I had a chat with my mum, and I've got her pestering Sam so it's all good. How was last night?"
"Terrific" Brock said exuberantly "it's absolutely amazing the process they go through to make sure nothing can enter their territory during their breeding season."
"Sounds thrilling" Ash said laughing.
"It really is" Brock said looking back at the screen completely missing the sarcasm. Ash shook his head and wandered back outside to the back of the lab and made his way down the path they had found the Raticate the day before. Curiously every Pokémon he found had a different colour to what they usually looked like but they weren't shiny.
"It seems the tropical climate changes their skin tones Pi" Ash said sitting down and writing notes on them. "Some of these could easily be mistaken for the shiny variant but they clearly aren't." For the next few hours Ash wandered the woods taking copious notes on the habitats and the Pokémon that lived in them. There weren't any rare Pokémon by any means, the rarest was the odd Scyther he saw but it was fascinating to Ash.
Walking back to the lab he wandered in to find them eating. Sitting down he pulled out a sandwich for himself and Pi before commenting on what he'd discovered. "It seems like location doesn't change the habits of just how a Pokémon creates their own little havens. The Pokémon I observed today behave exactly the same way as Pokémon in Kanto. That's fascinating really."
"Really?" Brock asked "nothing is different?"
"Not really" Ash said handing over a few pages of his notes to Brock who began to read them "apart from small things the major ones are exactly the same."
"Continental drift hasn't been a huge factor then?" Brock commented handing them back.
"Not at all it seems." Ash said.
"I'm sorry" Philena said confused "what are you on about?"
"Oh sorry" Ash said "continental drift hasn't changed the fact that Pidgeys still behave the same way here, hundreds of miles away from Inland as their relatives do in Kanto. Long ago the Orange Islands were a part of Kanto and Johto but they broke off several millennia ago and split into the hundreds of islands that make up this Archipelago but the Pokémon that established their territories on these islands still act like Kantonian Pokémon do. It's very interesting."
"No, I'm sorry" Philena said "you've lost me. What do you mean?"
"Right," Ash said going into lecture mode "thousands of years ago every region was a part of one large landmass called Pangea but slowly over the centuries little bits began to break off due to the seismic shift in climate, and the continents and regions were formed. The Orange Islands were once Kanto South and were what originally was the bridge with Johto but when they broke away Kanto and Johto were able to move closer to each other to the point they're now joined at the southern most point near Tohjo Falls. Anyway, the Pokémon that inhabited these islands before the break away became stranded when the islands separated and despite the Orange Islands drifting further and further away the Pokémon on them still kept the same habits and instincts they did when the islands were whole. Pidgeys still perform the same grooming habits as their relatives inland, Paras still live underground but forage above it, Vileplume still spray pollen at the edges of their territories to warn off any threat etc etc. The list goes on but every Pokémon I've observed today acts nearly exactly the same way the inland Pokémon do. It's fascinating really that over thousands of years of evolution the basics have stayed the same."
"Wow" Philena said leaning back "I can certainly see why you're the youngest Professor there's ever been."
"I'm only a junior professor" Ash said laughing "but Pokémon have always fascinated me."
Later that night Ash joined them in a cabin to observe the Vileplume and Ash' theory was proven correct. They behaved the same way as their distant cousins did when breeding.
The next day Ash packed his bag in the centre before walking back to the lab to say goodbye to Brock. When he got there he was greeted by Philena and he made his way out back to where Brock was. As one of the triplets asked Philena something she walked away and Ash made his way over to him.
"So, Ash" he said "where's next for you?"
"I'm planning on challenging the gyms so I'm heading in the direction of the nearest one. I think it's on Mikan Island but I'm also on a quest to find Pokémon that I can relocate to home. So, I'll likely visit most of the Orange Islands in my search. How about you?"
"I'm thinking about staying here for a while" he said nonchalantly and trying to discreetly look over at Philena.
Shaking his head Ash grabbed Brock by the ear causing him to squawk and the others to look over in concern. Ash though ignored them, and he pulled Brock into the lab. Closing the door Ash said "you better not be thinking of trying anything on with her Brock. You're 17 for Arceus' sake!"
"I'm not" he said looking away "but even if I was it's got nothing to do with you."
"She's in her mid 30's!" Ash said hotly "now I've seen what you've been like with some of the Joys and Jenny's and I've ignored it because they're old enough to stick up for themselves, but I'll no longer stand by while you perv on women and creep them out. You're my best friend Brock but you need to sort your shit out before you're locked up. Now, if you're planning on staying here because you want to become a better Pokémon breeder then I'm fully behind you, but if you're planning on staying here to try and do another kind of breeding then I'm not having any part of it. Think on it Brock."
Walking back outside Ash walked over to Philena and thanked her for allowing him to stay and for the GS ball. "Hopefully your research works out for you. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it. Goodbye."
"Bye Ash" she replied looking at Brock who had just exited looking thoughtful "are you and Brock ok?"
"Yeah, we're fine" Ash said, "I just needed to have a word with him about something that has been bugging me that's all."
Picking up his bag he walked over to Brock "think on what I've just said Brock. And also think about my offer too. My home will always be open to you" holding out his hand Brock took it and shook it.
"I'll think about it, both things" he said smiling tightly.
"That's all I ask" Ash said before he hitched up his pack and left the lab, made his way to the port and released Blastoise into the water. "We're heading West pal. There's no rush, I think the nearest island is called Tangelo Island. Let's try and catch that flighty temptress called adventure, shall we?" slowly Blastoise moved away and gradually picked up speed heading West. Who knew what was going to happen next?