Chapter 30
Standing back from the door he let Brandon and Brock into his home and walked them through to the lounge. Walking into the kitchen he grabbed a few bottles of water and handed them to them and waited for them to begin the conversation.
"So," Brandon started "we're here today to find a spot that we can introduce the fossil Pokémon in and to make sure it's habitable for them to survive and more importantly thrive."
"I've chosen a spot that we cleared out a few months ago." Ash said "it used to be home to Spinarak and Ariados but they decided to not heed my warnings and bred like Rattatas, and literally took over a section of the forest, attacking whoever came past. It all came to a head when they attacked Nurse Joy while she was rescuing a Pokémon they captured from another part of the forest. Well, I wasn't having it so with Koga's aid we got rid of them and relocated them. So, the area is very well irrigated, it's been thoroughly cleaned out of webs, and I think it'll be ideal for those that live underground."
"Can we see it?" Brock asked.
"Certainly" Ash said nodding for them to follow, chatting idly as they walked around the huge lake that the Lapras were playing on. As they came to the area Ash walked into a grove that had been created and let Brandon and Brock have a look round.
"Hmmm" Brandon said looking serious "this should be ok actually. At the minute we're only introducing two Lileep, two Anorith, two Omanyte and two Kabuto. We're trying to see how well they live outside of the caves they'd normally live in. As you know they were revived so they've never actually lived in a cave so it's a very interesting field of study we're creating."
"It does sound it actually" Ash said, "who's lead scientist on this?"
"A guy called Mark" Brock said "he's from the Unova lab that was rebuilt after the Hydreigon tragedy. He seems like a decent chap actually, very knowledgeable about fossils and doesn't seem up his own arse."
"He is a very intelligent man" Brandon said, "and he doesn't take any nonsense, something I can appreciate."
"As we all can" Ash said nodding "well can you let him know that my Kabutops has made her home just in the lake area outside here and if there's any issues she'll likely sort them out."
"Oh yeah," Brock said "I remember seeing you had a Kabutops at the match. How did you find raising and training her?"
"Very fun actually" Ash said as he led them back to the house "according to Pikachu the two Kabuto I caught seem to have a fondness for munching on human hair."
"You're not wrong" Brock said laughing "I had so many incidents at home with Forrest because I'd find my own Kabuto in bed with him next to his head, nibbling on it."
"I knew it" Ash said roaring with laughter "Nia told me the same thing about the second Kabuto that I gave her. It has to be a species trait."
"That's very interesting" Brandon put in "I wonder what it is about hair that attracts them. Anyway, this area looks to be ok, I think we'll likely have to come in and do some excavation though in the next week to make it more habitable and we'll need to put some sort of barrier underground to stop them just leaving whenever they wanted."
"I was thinking about putting in a manmade cave area for them actually" Ash said "something that would keep them isolated but also give them room for exploration whenever they wanted. I have two Scyther that live just past the area we've chosen so they're protected fairly well, but I have no guarantees they won't try and leave, after all my lake feeds into the river and out to sea and I don't police that, the whole point of the lake area was to create a safe haven for water types that wanted a refuge either for a while or for good and I won't change that policy."
"Hmmm" Brandon said thinking "that could be an issue. Marks lab is funding this and I can't see him being happy finding out a few of his fossils have disappeared out to sea."
"I did explain that to him" Ash said shrugging his shoulders "not one Pokémon that lives here is obliged to stay. Even my own Pokémon are free to leave if they wanted to, I've always said I'd happily find them a new home if they wanted a different life. Thankfully none do at the minute, but I know that my Blastoise and Gyarados like to go on little trips, my Charizard is barely around and Salamence has her own cave just in the nearby mountains. Only a handful of my Pokémon live on site here."
"Still, I'll have to talk o him about it" Brandon said "once we have it in writing that you're not personally responsible then we'll go ahead with the plans. I'm not fond of wasting time, especially my own."
"Something I can agree with" Brock said with Ash nodding in agreement.
"Ok then" Brandon said standing up from his couch on the gazebo "I have an appointment at Cinnabar at the weekend, so I'll try and get the plans ironed out in the next few days. Will you be around?"
"I have a meeting at Silph Wednesday to go over my merch signing at the end of the month" Ash said "but I should be home for Thursday afternoon. I have my phone and laptop on me at all times so I'm always available should you need me. But I the have no plans until March after that so I'll be on site whenever work is going to start."
"Good" Brandon said shaking his hand, something Brock mirrored as Ash led them outside and saw them get into a car and drive off. Deciding to go back down to the lake Ash still couldn't believe this was all his, he was only Thirteen, how many Thirteen-year-olds had their own land and had a say in their life the way he did. Sitting down on his favourite bench he ruminated on the conversation he had with his dad again. A few hours later he still hadn't made up his mind and headed back home.
The week flew by for Ash, the meeting with Silph went well too which made his fairly happy. The numbers of units that had been sold already made Ash's mind boggle. Since his win they had run out of stock twice so there was a reason Hatori was happy when they met up. Getting back home Thursday, he told his mum and dad over tea what he'd been up to and they discussed what to do after the signing.
"Well, I want to be the world's youngest Pokémon Master" Ash said, "but I'm on a time limit to do so, I received an email before from Charles Goodshow letting me know."
"What did it say?" Delia asked curiously as she dished up for them all.
"Here" Ash said taking out his phone and loading up the email, passing it over to his dad first who read it aloud.
Champion-Elect Ash Ketchum
Firstly, let me once again congratulate you on your win over Champion Blue Oak and say we are looking forward to working alongside you in the future.
To that point we have discussed with the board of governors about the potential issues brought up in the meeting on January 6th. After much deliberation we have decided to give you until your 18th birthday, that is when you take over Blue as Champion to attain whatever goals you have set yourself. After that you will be required to take office at Indigo Plateau and take over as Champion of the Kanto region and your personal goals will have to take a back-seat, however you will find you have plenty of time and opportunity to still attain said goals.
It has also been decided that while Kogas solution was viable, it's just not practical at the current time due to Kogas own role and commitments so he will not be training as Champion, he will be the final member of the Elite Four until you take over.
The Elite Four positions have been suspended for four years, not the three planned to ensure we have enough time to get a new set of individuals who are not only competent but are also seen as the very best Kanto has to offer. During that time, we will require you to attend certain functions to promote the Kanto League and to also speak on the future of the Kanto League going forward with you as its head.
We are aware of your stance on accommodations, and it has been decided your home in Pallet Town will be the hub you will work from when conducting official Pokémon League business for as long as you remain Champion or Elite Four should you be challenged and beaten.
It has also been decided to go ahead with the tournament you put forward, however it will only start next year. This is for a number of reasons, the main one being we don't currently have a Kanto Indigo League Champion to be put forward for the tournament and the previous winners declining the opportunity to be an Elite Four member. With the standard being raised last year this year's crop is sure to be exciting and the prospects going forward can only help with finding the very best for Kanto.
Should there be any points, rebuttals or issues you would like to raise please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are very much looking forward to working alongside you. The future of the Kanto Leaue looks very bright with you at the helm.
Charles Goodshow
President of the Pokémon League
"Well," Red said handing him back the phone "that does pose a problem for you doesn't it. Do you have a plan going forward?"
"A tentative one yeah" Ash said nodding "I'll need to discuss it with my Pokémon first but there is a way I've thought of to get it all done before I'm Eighteen. It'll mean a lot of travelling and a long time away from home, something I can't say I'm looking forward to."
"Are we allowed to know?" Delia asked.
"Of course," Ash said "you two would be the first people to know once a decision has been made but only after I've discussed it with the others. I plan on gathering them all this week and going over it with them, so you'll likely know by the weekend."
"Ok" Red said nodding "but if you've not decided by then we want to know anyway. So, how's the fossil plans coming along?"
"Really well actually" Ash said nodding "Mark has signed the waiver saying we're not at fault should the fossils leave of their own accord but every staff member that has a trainer ID will be screened to check they haven't captured them should they go missing. Other than that Brandon will be here with his team over the next few months creating a habitat for them, I'm going to have to speak with the residents of the forest in that area to temporarily relocate for the duration of the excavation and building works. It's quite an exciting prospect actually. How about you guys? Have you decided on any plans for the future?"
"Sort of" Delia said "I have a lot of free time coming in the next few months as Molly and Anthony are taking a more executive role at the two restaurants as they plan on going into business themselves soon and need the experience. So, come March I will have about two months off."
"Yup" Red said, "hopefully by then I should be fit enough to be able to move freely so your mother and I are going travelling for a bit."
"Oh good" Ash said happily "I love home, but I also love travelling. It's something I've always been grateful that I get to do as a job."
"It's something we had planned before I went missing actually" Red said nodding in agreement "I resigned from Rota to be able to be with you and your mother more and we planned to go on trips. So, it'll be nice to get away for a bit, we have a lot of catching up to do."
"If you need anything just let me know" Ash said thinking over something "do you have any plans on being a trainer again?"
"No" Delia said giving him a look "he doesn't."
"Dee" Red said patiently "I have no plans on travelling but I am a trainer. I always have been, it's what I excel at. I can't just spend my life sitting around and doing nothing."
"No Red" Delia said, "you promised."
"No, I didn't" Red said shaking his head "I promised I wouldn't travel anymore, something I intend to honour. But I'm not going to stay in Pallet Town doing nothing for the rest of my life."
"I am not putting up with you gallivanting off around the world again Red" Delia replied stubbornly.
"I've literally just said I won't travel again" Red said sounding frustrated "you're not listening again, are you?"
"Have you thought of opening a training centre?" Ash asked trying to diffuse the situation "or training to be the new Professor?"
Delia looked over at Ash in surprise at the thought, and looking at Red she saw he had a slightly confused look on his face. "You did love the research aspect of training, especially when training for your mastery as it requires knowledge from around the regions, and you get to stay here in Pallet Town."
"But Sam could stay on as the Professor for a long while yet" Red said thinking out loud "and it involves a lot of meetings which I'm not keen on. The training academy sounds promising though."
"Have a word with Charles Goodshow" Ash said "he's looking to make Kanto into the best and strongest League, plus with Giovanni leaving to take over Charles it leaves the Viridian Gym needing a leader. Theres a few options available to you that compromises with mums wishes. And mum, I get you're scared of dad disappearing again, but you can't keep him locked up for the rest of his life. You told me yourself that that kind of behaviour creates resentment."
"I hate it when you throw my own words back at me" Delia groused as she ate in silence for a few minutes "I don't have any objections to any of those solutions" she said sounding reluctant "but I can see a few issues before you even start any of those."
"Namely I only have one Pokémon" Red stated earning a nod and a grimace from Delia "yeah, I've been thinking about that myself actually. I don't know if I could ever replace the team I once had, nor if I even want to."
"Then don't" Ash said "get new Pokémon and honour your previous team by training them as best you can. You're not trying to be Champion again, but you still have the Champions mindset when it comes to training. I've heard you discussing moves with Charizard so we both know you've never stopped wanting to improve yourself. Even mums Pokémon train and she's not a battler."
"Yeah, I've been wondering about them" he said nodding in the direction of Togepi playing with Pikachu on the couch "how did you get them considering you've not left Pallet Town."
"I got them for her" Ash said simply "it started with Cleffa who I rescued in Mt Moon from a Rocket cell, she was sent here primarily for rehabilitation and to get over what happened to her and just didn't want to leave. Not long afterwards I caught Eevee who turned into Sylveon a few months later, she was also a rescue from an abusive trainer who I trained to be able to look out for mum. I then caught her a Poliwag in the Safari Zone who looks after mums' garden and then she got Togepi by accident. I found her as an egg when I fell down Granpa Canyon, she was about to be eaten by a Tyrunt before I captured it, but I accidentally left her here while I travelled to Cinnabar Island. I knew I'd forgotten something that day but with making sure I had the Old Amber, and trying to find clues about you in the ruins of Cinnabar lab I forgot her so when I received a phone call from mum saying she'd hatched and imprinted I couldn't help but laugh. So, congratulations dad, you now have a daughter" he finished laughing while Delia shook her head chuckling.
"I've sensed a theme building here" Red said after chuckling himself "are any of your Pokémon not rescued?"
"Kabutops, Salamence, Sneasel and Gyarados" Ash said "Oh and technically Machamp but he was rescued by the police during a raid and sent to the Safari Zone as a Machop. The rest are unfortunately rescued from either abusive trainers, been abandoned or in Charizards case both."
"You've lived a hell of a life so far Ash" Red said shaking his head "you should write a book about your adventures; you'd make a fortune."
"I've thought about it" Ash said "but unfortunately most of what I'd write would implicate me being in certain situations and I don't want that. I've intentionally left out why I was in certain places for my Pokémon's sake. Plus, I've tried to limit the number of times New Island is brought up in conversation for mums' sake."
"And we won't talk about it again" his mum finished for him.
"No, we won't" he said nodding "So yeah, the majority have all been saved by me when I found them. The worst was Charizard and Lapras. To this day I still regret not breaking Damiens neck for what he did to Charizard, and I had to temper my anger with the three lads that were hitting Lapras with sticks on Tangelo Island beach."
"Well, that's all in the past now" Delia said pointedly gathering the plates.
"Mums right" Ash said as he stood up and helped clear the table "nothing can be gained by dwelling on the past."
"I'm going to message Charles, see what he says" Red said, "I'm sure I can be useful somewhere."
A few days later Ash watched as the diggers and tractors were unloaded on his driveway. Grimacing he walked off and towards his lake calling Venusaurs name as he did so. Etting a response not far away he walked down the little path and saw Venusaur waiting with Bulbasaur there too.
"I know you're not happy about this pal, but it's only for a few weeks and they'll be done." Ash said before he could say anything. "If it makes you feel better, I'm not happy either but there was no other way they could gain access to that part of the land."
"I've had to destroy several areas of the garden to create a path" Venusaur said sounding very angry "some of those I've helped from them being a bulb, Ash. This had better be worth it." He finished turning around and walking off. Shaking his head Ash followed and saw a strip of land had been created, wide enough to accommodate the diggers, leading from his driveway down past the East side of the lake, leading to the excavation area where several trees had been uprooted, laying on their side at the side of the path. Ash could understand Venusaurs' anger, especially as the trees were planted by himself not long after settling here.
"They'll be ok pal" Ash said patting Venusaur on his flank "as I said it's only for a few weeks, a month tops before the work will be completed and these can be planted again." Snorting Venusaur said nothing as the diggers drove past, further on down the path. He was due to leave for Silph in the morning but first though he needed to organise a meeting with all of his Pokémon. So, letting Venusaur know to meet by the gazebo at Six pm he walked off to find his water types before heading inside and pressing a button on the kitchen alarm panel. Ash had decided to give his Pokémon as much autonomy and freedom as possible but still needed to have a way of summoning them, so he had come up with an idea of having a panel on his wall that created a buzzing noise in Charizard's and Salamence's lair. He hadn't had to use it that often, but as he needed to speak to everyone they were summoned. An hour later he received two blips on his radar and walked out to greet them.
As they landed, they looked at each other curiously before seeing Ash walk towards them. "We have a team meeting at six at the Gazebo to discuss our plans for Johto and what Charles has decided. Can you meet us there please?" Gaining two nods they took off again, presumably to go back home and Ash walked inside to let Pikachu and Machamp know what the plan was.
Hours later Ash sat down just outside his gazebo and waited for them all to arrive, and within ten minutes they were all settled waiting for him.
"Ok," Ash said, "firstly I want to go over what Charles said before I ask you all a question." Discussing the email only took around an hour before they were all satisfied with what had been decided. Some of them weren't happy about being limited, others weren't concerned as they weren't part of Ash's Championship team, so they left it to the others to decide.
"Good" Ash said "I'm glad we have a tentative decision made. So, my next question, the one we all need to decide on is about Johto. Blastoise, Lapras and Venusaur, this doesn't really concern you guys as you have other commitments you need to focus on but I'd still like your input. Given we have a time limit on when we need to achieve our goals, I wanted to ask your opinion on where our future lies."
"What do you mean?" Pikachu asked, "I thought we were going to Johto."
"We are" Ash said "however I wanted to get your opinions on how we do the next three Leagues. I had a tentative idea on how to do them based on when the League Tournaments start. Johto starts March and the tournament is in October, the Hoenn League starts May and the Tournament is in February, Sinnoh is the same as Johto, starts in March but the Tournament starts in December so there's a longer period to get the badges. When we gain eight badges we have three years to use them in their tournament so we're ok on that part.
What I'm asking is, should we blitz the Johto Gym badge challenge, then move straight on to Hoenn and do the same before doing their League tournaments back-to-back and train for a year to take on both sets of Elite Fours, then relax for Sinnoh or should we do what we did for Kanto and take our time doing the badge challenge and then the tournaments individually followed by a few months intensive training for the Elite Fours? If we do the first option, we can get both Johto's and Hoenns Badge and Tournament challenge done by January next year before having a few months off to train for their Elite Fours before moving on to Sinnoh. If we go with option B it's a year and a few months for each region."
"That's a tough one" Sneasel said in the silence "I'll be honest Ash; I don't really care whichever way we do things as long as I get into some decent battles."
"You won't get that in Johto" Charizard said derisively "We saw the standard that Gary battled against, they were nowhere near our level. But this year will be the first year the gyms send their apprentices, right? Then I don't think we'll have any issues in Johto. Hoenn will be different as they'll have had two years to prepare, that's if we go with option B. if we go with option A then Johto and Hoenn will be a breeze, at least until their Elite Four."
"I'm not arrogant enough to believe we'll walk the leagues" Machamp said "but I cannot disagree with you. Is there a reason why you've come up with those options Ash?"
"Yeah" Ash said nodding "as I said I'm on a timeframe where I can freely roam the regions before I have to be back in Kanto full time. If we go with option A we'll have the three leagues done inside the next three years including their Elite Fours, if we go with option B it'll likely be five to six years which means we'll be challenging Cynthia around the time I take over Kanto full time which could be a distraction."
"It does mean less battles overall though" Machamp said "when we took our time in Kanto and the Orange Islands we battled many people and had a good time, option A means we will likely skip meeting new people and Pokémon just to get the challenge done."
"He's right" Pikachu said "the best bits on our travels so far have been the times where we've sat down after a hectic event and just appreciated the beauty of where we were and the Pokémon world around us. If we rush that we'll likely miss out on a lot."
"Hence why I want it to be a group decision" Ash said "I know it's not an easy one to make either."
"How long do we have to make a decision?" Sneasel asked.
"Until March" Ash said "we're definitely heading to Johto at that time, so I'd like to have a plan in place for the next few years by then. I'll be honest guys, I myself would prefer option A but that's just my opinion. I would not be disappointed should you choose option B."
"I'm swaying towards A" Charizard said after mulling it over "being the youngest and best ever has a nice ring to it, and should another prodigy come along and choose what you have asked and beat us by a few years would irritate me very much."
"We have a few months to figure it out" Ash said as he looked around "and I want all of your opinions, as well as reasons for and against each option. Same goes for you three" Ash said looking at Venusaur, Blastoise and Lapras "you're valued members of the team that will be called upon every now and then, so I want your input too."
Getting nods Ash stood up as they all dispersed to wherever they were all going, he walked into the house and sat down as he looked up information on areas in Johto to go and visit. He remembered talking to various people about places of interest such as Altomere outside of Azalea Town, The Burned Tower in Ecruteak and Dragons Den in Blackthorn City.
"I wonder why Altomere is classed as being part of Hoenn when it's just outside Cherrygrove City and Azalea Town in Johto" Ash pondered aloud.
"It's not" his dad said walking in and sitting down "where did you hear that nonsense? It's always been part of Johto, what gives it the link to Hoenn is the Legendary Pokémon statues there. That's all."
"Oh right" Ash said looking irritated "then I think I may need to write a paper to correct this one, misinformation like that should be a crime."
Laughing his dad shook his head and opened up his own laptop. Over the last few days he had been sending out emails back and forth with Charles, Giovanni and Sam Oak. Sam had told him that he had no plans to retire anytime soon which Red was fine with, but he would be happy to help train him in the research aspect of being a Professor should he decide to go that way. Charles and Giovanni on the other hand had very different responses. Charles was fine with Red being more in the picture and more prominent in a collaboration with the league, Giovanni on the other hand outright refused his petition to be the Eighth Gym leader because, as he put it, you can't be a Gym Leader with just one Pokémon. It was understandable really, Delia had said given the nature of what the Eighth gym represented and how important a milestone it was when a trainer reached Viridian Gym.
Red was a little disheartened by the response but understood that Giovanni wasn't being a prick, he just wanted to make sure that whoever took over knew and fully understood what the role of the final gym meant as he had represented the Kanto League for over twenty years now in that position and been the standard for what the gym challenge was all about. He was the final hurdle trainers needed to get past and very few people had managed to jump that hurdle over the years.
"The training school is probably my best bet to be honest" Red said a few days later to Delia and Ash over lunch "the others were nice ideas but as I'm done with travelling, I can't see where I'd meet new Pokémon, and without meeting new Pokémon I can't be a gym leader. Sams job would be great, but I'm not sure I could do it full time, I just don't have that kind of admin mindset he has. Not only that but I don't have a field of study I can choose to become a professor."
"Yeah, that's a tough one" Ash said "it's why I'm only a junior at the minute, I don't have a specific field either and until I decide on one, I can't become a full Professor. I'm too varied with what I choose to write about."
Before Red could answer his phone, on that Ash bought him a few weeks ago went off. Curiously he saw the number and walked away before answering it. Twenty minutes later he walked back in looking confused. "That was Charles" Red said "it's not been announced yet but the League are looking to put on showcases next year from June onwards and he wanted to know if I'd like to be an instructor when they open up to the public. Apparently, they're only announcing them in June, so I'd have several months to get situated but it's been given to me for first refusal. Did you know anything about this?" he asked Ash.
"Yes, well no but yes" Ash replied confusing his dad "when I went to see Charles for that big meeting, I put forth an idea, something Lorelei has been trying to champion for years now of inviting trainers to Indigo Plateau to gain first hand instruction from the Elite Four or Champion about what it takes to be an elite level trainer. Not only that but I want people to understand why a better diet means a better developed Pokémon. I wanted to improve the standard of person, not just battler or trainer but for anyone and everyone that has a Pokémon, whether it's for a pet, a companion, trainer etc. Before now Charles has always refused because of budget issues but because the standard has improved across Kanto and having such high-profile people in the Elite Four travelling across Kanto more eyes have been on the league, which has increased the revenue so he now has the money and resources to put on some of these 'roadshows' as I called them. It was something Giovanni was very interested in promoting when Lorelei and I mentioned them, so I think it's likely him that's taking charge of this project."
"That's actually a really good idea" Delia said "the Pokémon world is huge, and without access to Sams library over the years I wouldn't have known how to raise a Pokémon that I didn't want to battle. I'm not a trainer myself, so advice from those who are more informed can only be beneficial. What do you think Red?"
"I'm seriously considering it actually" he replied "it's a while away though so I have time to really think about it. I just want to do something constructive and productive with my life and I was bloody good at training."
January turned into February which quickly turned into March and soon enough it was time for the big decision to be made. The merch signing had gone off without a hitch and had been a huge success, they had arrived a few days earlier than planned to sign things in advance so they could just hand them out as they already had over three thousand units spoken for and like hell was he sitting there signing three thousand things in a day so Ash was incredibly grateful to leave Saffron City once it had finished. He was a little overwhelmed by the turn-out and he wasn't the most social of people to start with. He had told his mum and dad of the choice he'd given his Pokémon and they'd both said they'd support whatever decision he made; he would still be the youngest master ever at eighteen if they chose the second option so would it really matter if there's two years in it? Ash agreed as if someone broke that record, they'd deserve the accolade, Ash was already set to beat his dads record by six years anyway.
"You've not won the Johto League yet Ash" his mum had said "don't get ahead of yourself. I'm very proud of what you've accomplished but don't lose sight of the fact you still have to beat the gyms and Leagues."
"Your mum's right Ash" Red said "don't forget any gym you challenge now will be sending their best out at you and they're all gym leaders for a reason. I have faith in you though."
"Thanks" Ash said nodding "I'll see you guys later on." Standing up Ash headed down to the lake where he had arranged to meet with them all and sat down and waited. He had already talked over everything with Pikachu so he already knew his starters decision and the reason why, he also suspected what certain Pokémon would say and why so there was only a handful he wasn't certain about. Half an hour later they all arrived at the spot and settled down.
"Ok" Ash said "we've all had a few months now to make a decision. I want to hear your thoughts first and then your decision. So, we'll go in order of when I caught you to make it easier. Pikachu, please go first."
"We've had a long time and many discussions and to be honest I'm not bothered by what decision is made today as we've already created history by becoming Champions after two years. Whatever the decision made is fine by me." Pikachu said.
"I'm not going to be travelling much due to looking after this place, so I don't think my opinion is worth much" Venusaur said "you did ask for it though, so I'll say if I was travelling, I'd prefer to take my time and truly experience the new regions. I'd choose B."
"There aren't many pros and cons to either decision" Charizard said taking over "Pikachu was right, the decision doesn't change the fact we're already Champions so my mind was made up before I actually left here on what I would choose. I'd choose A."
"I'm in the same boat as Venusaur" Blastoise said "I don't have a Growlithe in this fight Ash, so I'm not going to vote for either."
"I have loved every second of travelling, but I especially liked the Orange Islands tour" Machamp said "mainly because we did it at our own pace and improved every day because we weren't rushed. For that reason, I'd choose B."
"I want to improve my position in this group" she said looking around and eyeing up Charizard "but I also want to be able to look at everyone here and say we have improved together. I believe we would gain a better understanding of who we are by battling tougher opponents and I don't believe we will get that challenge during the tournaments, so the sooner we face the Elite Fours the better we can improve. I'd choose A."
"I have spoken with mother" Lapras said "and I want to travel with you all. Most of my kin can now defend themselves to a decent standard so I'm not really needed here as they can take care of Blastoise's lake. I want to battle tough opponents, but I don't want to miss out on meeting new friends by skipping areas. I'd choose B."
Gyarados just looked at Ash before nudging Lapras. "You choose B too?" Ash asked earning a growl and a nod "Ok".
Kabutops chittered away for a few minutes, clearly having an opinion on the choice given to her but Ash had absolutely no clue what she was saying. Once she was silent Ash looked around puzzled hoping for someone to come to his rescue.
"She said she's not bothered because any travelling will mean she's still a part of this family. But she's eager for the ones who missed out to be a part of a Championship match and doing that as soon as possible would make her happy. She chooses A." Pikachu said.
"So, it's left to me, is it?" Sneasel said "I agree with everything everyone said to be honest. Everyone has very valid points. I'll be honest I'm just happy to be part of a family after the way I was exiled from my real one and I'm very grateful you've all accepted me. But I think that those who chose option A are all getting caught up in achievements and success to just enjoy life as it comes, and while I'm eager to be in a Championship team I'm still of the mind that we need to have fun and be able to relax. So, for that reason I'm choosing option B."
"Very well" Ash said nodding "so that's 3 for A, 5 for B and 2 non votes. Ok, it looks like we're doing the league challenge a year at a time. Thank you all for your comments, your input has been very valuable to me. We leave for Johto on the first of April, it'll have already been started for a few weeks but that's not an issue given we have just under seven months to complete the League challenge. Ok guys, over the next week or so I want those who are coming with me to get cover for whatever you have going on. If you're not here by the end of the week, I'll assume you were too busy, and I'll leave without you and pick you up when I land in Johto. Let me know in the next few days if you want to join us, I already know why Venusaur and Blastoise doesn't."
Over the next few days Ash had more conversations with the contractors and also the inhabitants of the lake to let them know he would be leaving soon but Blastoise and Venusaur would still be around. It was Nurse Joy who collared him the Wednesday before he was due to leave that caused him slight concern. Walking down to the lake he sat and waited for her and soon enough she turned up. Sitting down Ash waited to see what the issue was before suddenly the water broke and two heads popped out.
"Hello Dragonair" Ash said, "you too Dratini, I take it the good nurse is here on your behalf?"
"Yes" Dragonair said "my daughter is getting ready to leave very soon, but I have concerns about it."
"Oh" Ash said "I didn't know young Dratini just leave. Where is she going?"
"She wants a trainer" Dragonair replied "we've been having conversations with your mentors Dragonite, and he's filled her head with stories of adventure. But she also longs for a life companion like Dragonite has with your mentor. I have always been happy living a solitary life, that was until I yearned for a child, but she is soon to be three and it is time for her to leave."
"Oh ok" Ash said looking thoughtful "so what would you like from me?"
"Can you find her a trainer, or take her yourself?" Dragonair asked shocking Ash.
"I'm not sure" Ash replied "and I already have a dragon type who is very territorial. I wouldn't want your child to be injured because she has an issue with her, and I don't really want another Dragon type. I know of a few people who may be interested but I'll have to get in touch with them first. I have doubts over one, and I don't know enough about the second one, but I know they're trustworthy. Hang on, I'll ring them now."
Walking off to the side Ash took a deep breath and rang the first number that came to mind. After taking a few minutes to explain the situation he heard his contact speaking with another person before getting an answer.
Walking back, he sat down and waited and from the side a purple flash caught everyone's attention. "Dragonair, I'd like to introduce you to the former Champion of the Kanto League Blue and his son the Silver League Champion Gary. They're the son and grandson of my mentor, the man whose life partner is Dragonite. Blue, Gary I'd like to introduce you to Dragonair and Dratini, they're the ones from the Safari Zone who moved here because they were getting sick of poachers. They're also great friends with my Machamp who lived at Dragonairs lake as a Machoke. Anyway, Dratini has reached full maturity and is due to leave home in the next few weeks and they've been listening to Sams Dragonite telling them stories of travelling and battling and Dratini is very interested in following that path. Dragonair has concerns about who her child will gain as a trainer as once she's caught, she'll have very little choice but to put up with the character of her trainer. So, she asked me to find her a trainer. I could only think of you Gary or Nia and as a good trainer as she is I've given her enough Pokémon lately. So, Gary, would you like to be her trainer, you can say no and we'll try and find her someone else."
"Why me?" Gary asked looking at Ash confused "while we've been more cordial lately, we're still never going to claim we're close friends."
"We don't need to be" Ash said "while I have issues with how you were I've never once doubted your abilities as a trainer. I'm not perfect myself Gary, I just had the advantage of Aura maturing me faster than you, you've grown up over the last few years since the Indigo League because you've learned to listen to your mum and dad. I think you'd be a great choice as a life-partner for Dratini but the choice has to be yours. I'm leaving for Johto next Monday so you have until then to think it over, if you say no then there'll be no hard feelings between us, you have the right to say no, but I truly believe you're a good trainer and Dratini would do well with you."
"I'm staying at dads for the next few weeks" Gary said "can I visit here and get to know her first? While I've caught loads, I only have a relationship with a few. In fact, over the last few months, I've been relocating about a hundred of the Pokémon I've caught so gramps' ranch is less full now and I'm able to give my Pokémon more of my time."
"Yeah, of course" Ash said "I'll let Zoe know to give you full access, your father and grandfather are already on my list. Her Pokéball is in my ball vault, labelled but only myself and Zoe has access to it, so you'll have to speak to her."
"Oh, I don't think that'll be a problem" Blue said smirking while Gary blushed.
"Do not hurt her" Ash said immediately looking stern "that girl has been through hell, and I will protect her and Ava at all costs."
"I would never hurt her" Gary said looking offended by the very thought.
"I'm just warning you" Ash said pointing his finger at Gary "anyway Zoe knows where her Pokéball is. Let me know what you decide."
Nodding Gary and Blue disappeared in a purple flash leaving Ash to breath out and turn to Dragonair. "Gary will be a good match for your daughter, I have no doubts about that."
Nodding they both disappeared, and Ash and Matilda walked back to his house discussing plans before parting ways at his door. A few days later Gary and Blue arrived to get to know Dratini, to see if she'd be compatible with his other Pokémon. Their Blastoise's immediately joined Ash's in a tour of the lake and didn't want to leave by the time they were ready to go.
"Gary and Blue have full access to this area" he told them laughing "You can all come here whenever you like, all that I ask is that you respect the privacy of the other inhabitants of this area. If you need anything my Blastoise will be here every other weekend."
"Cheers Ash" Gary said recalling his own, something Blue mirrored. Over the next few days they repeated their visits and by Saturday Gary had made his decision.
"I'd love to take her" he said to Dragonair "and I promise you I'll do my best when training and taking care of her."
"Here" Ash said handing over her Pokéball as they watched mother and daughter say their goodbyes.
"Are you sure he's good enough for her?" Dragonair asked as Dratini coiled around Gary's neck.
"Yes" Ash said "as I've said in the past Gary and I have had our differences and issues over the years but no one could ever doubt his talent at training and battling. He just needed to get over himself and realise that talent without application will only take you so far in life".
Blue burst out laughing making Ash look at him confused "Do you know where that saying comes from?"
"Vaguely" Ash replied, "I know I've read it a lot over the years but for the life of me I can't recall where."
"It's gramps' motto" Gary said chuckling "it's literally over his door when you enter the lab."
"That's where I've read it" Ash said joining in their laughing before turning back to Dragonair "so yeah, Gary is an excellent trainer and is more than good enough to be Dratini's partner."
Getting a nod Dragonair gave one last look to her daughter before diving into the water and swimming away.
"Good luck with your training" Ash said shaking Gary's hand before they left together.
Delia and Red had left for their own holidays the day before Ash was due to leave. Delia had decided they would be going on a world cruise to get properly reacquainted as they hadn't had the time to re-connect after thirteen years away from each other. Ash wasn't stupid, it's hard to have a physical relationship when you're living under your son's roof and have a bedroom that connects by a single wall. They had moved back into their own home about a week before but that was spent getting everything in order for their holiday, so they had little time to anything but sleep. Ash for his part didn't want to even think about it, so he pushed it away and was glad he didn't hear any details. While he still hadn't had the talk yet from either of his parents, he never mentioned it to try and stave off that area of conversation.
By the weeks end Kabutops had also informed Ash she didn't want to travel just yet while the fossils were going to be introduced in the next few weeks and she saw herself as project manager with them. Ash just laughed and nodded to her and let her know to speak to Zoe when she wanted to join him. So, with him, heading towards the ship at Vermillion City was Pikachu, Charizard, Machamp, Salamence, Lapras, Gyarados and Sneasel. Walking onboard Ash sat back and sighed before looking over at Pikachu who was asleep on the bed.
"Another adventure awaits us pal." He said as he walked over to his window where the sea was passing them by "I can't wait to see what's out there."
Thank you all for coming along with me on this adventure with Ash. Originally, I only planned to do the Orange Island Arc and then move on to Johto, but I've loved writing so much I just carried on writing. It's likely going to be a while before I wite the Johto Journeys as I've got a lot of research to do (I never watched much of Ash in Johto so it's all going to be new to me. I have many ideas based on what I did see) Again, I thank you all and I'll see you all soon.