Pokémon Gray

by Carlos Shiny

Pokémon Gray. What if Ash had never traveled to Unova before now? Ash, now eighteen and strongest trainer in the world, wants to take an important step in his journey to become a Pokémon Master. It's not about participating in another Pokémon League Tournament or defeating other champions, but doing something new and completely different.

2. The beginning of a new adventure?

The beginning of a new adventure?

"No! No! And still not!" The girl complained, trying to hide under the covers, as if this somehow served to protect her from the outside world.

"You're sixteen now. It is the age at which all young people in Unova receive their first Pokémon. You know it very well. You can't skip this appointment, you know that!" Her mother took her back. "And so? What if I don't have to become a Trainer? The world would continue to turn in the same way." The girl answered, still tucked under the covers. "Do you think I don't know? I always saw you watching battles on television. You looked at them with dreamy eyes and you seemed to identify with one of the Trainers. I could see you trying to predict their moves. And how I went into crisis every time Ash fought. I was defined as "the unpredictable Champion" and then… after the battles you fantasized about what you would have done if you were the trainer of that Pokémon. And now that you can do it..." A thick dark brown hair emerged from the covers, then the face of a beautiful girl with blue eyes, a small nose and thin lips.

"I knew mentioning that boy would change your mind." Comment on the woman. The girl didn't answer. Who knows what he thought. Without any doubt the girl, like almost all the young people, Trainers and otherwise, had a lot of esteem and respect for that boy who, having left together with his Pikachu, from Pallet Town, a small town in Kanto, had managed to become the Trainer strongest in the world.

Of course, he didn't know his entire story, he only knew that he had traveled to various parts of the world to achieve his goal of becoming a Pokémon Master. Whatever he meant.

"Imagining something and actually wanting to do it are two different things. If you imagine, you don't risk getting hurt or even worse. You know it very well." The girl countered. "Did you think you were going to stay here for life?" The woman asked her. "I just don't want to be a Trainer." The woman, at her daughter's words, shook her head no, as if to say that she had no other choice. "Yes, but you are not a Trainer. I don't see why I should become one." The woman made a strange gesture. "You don't know everything about me. I was a Trainer too. And many said that I could do great things, it's just that..." The girl finally turned her gaze towards her mother. "Just what?" The girl asked. "I made a decision that I regret to this day." The woman, noticing the curiosity in her daughter's gaze, who in the meantime had sat down on the bed, decided to begin her story. "I had recently become a Trainer. I had chosen to start with Tepig, the fire-type starter. I had also caught a Lillipup, which had evolved into a Herdier. We had won two medals. Everything changed when I met a strange boy. He looked like some kind of preacher or something. He talked about how he thought humans and Pokémon should live separately. I don't remember exactly what the movement he was preaching for was called, but I think it had something to do with plasma. I, who was then the same age as you, was deceived by his words, and abandoned Tepig and Herdier. I haven't been home since then. I met your father, and the rest is history." The girl's gaze lit up. As if he had made a great discovery.

"Is that why you care so much?" Churches. "Exactly. And then. This is why you never met your grandparents. On the contrary. They don't even know you were born. Or that I gave in to that preacher's words. Or…" The girl nodded that she understood. "So you would like me to become a Trainer to fix your mistakes? It is not a good thing." The woman shook her head no. And he took her right hand in his.

"I just want you not to repeat my mistakes. Don't be influenced by bad advisors. Choose carefully who to listen to and who not to. And taking a trip like this is perhaps the best way to do it. You might meet new people and..." The girl sighed impatiently. "Alright then. But I don't promise you anything."

The girl got out of bed, heading to the bathroom. Her mother left the room shortly after her. The woman took advantage of the fact that her daughter was taking a shower to bring her a small gift.

A red shoulder bag with metal eyelets. Given the long time it took her daughter, the woman also had time to get in touch with her friend, Professor Aralia. The woman answered after a few rings.

"Ready? Jessica? Alright?" The teacher asked. "How come Anita hasn't arrived yet? Ash is starting to lose his patience." The woman was stunned. "Ash?" Churches. He couldn't believe his ears. "Yes. Ash Ketchum. In person. I wanted it to be a surprise for Anita. You told me how much you respected him, so, thanks to the help of a colleague of mine and..." The woman on the other end of the phone smiled. "Anita is getting ready. It will be with you in a little while. Since she doesn't know he's there, you could ask him to hide and only appear at the right time." The teacher listened to her carefully. "Yes. Good idea. I'll ask him."

While the two women were talking on the phone, the girl had time to take a nice shower and treat her long hair with various products.

She estimated she would be home in less than a week, but even then, she wanted to look good. Of course, if anyone ever met her.

She entered her room, still in her bathrobe and with her hair wrapped in a towel. She was terribly undecided about what to wear. She had decided she would start with the pants. He had opened the dedicated door of his wardrobe and was looking through the dozens of pairs of trousers he owned.

They were mostly jeans, of different colors, some high-waisted, some low-waisted, some ripped, some less so. In the end he simply grabbed his favorite pair.

He then turned to the t-shirt. He took a white one with light blue sleeves. It had a drawing of a pink Poké Ball in the center. Finally he dedicated himself to shoes. She chose a pair of black and dark pink sneakers. He had recently bought them and hadn't had a chance to wear them yet. To complete the outfit, a black jacket with numerous pockets.

Only at this point did the girl notice the bag, placed on the bed. On it a handwritten note. The girl immediately recognized her mother's writing.

"With the hope that this gift will accompany you on your journey." The girl, analyzing the bag, noticed that all the zips were open, except one.

Almost instinctively, he opened it. Inside is a light pink smartphone.

"Thank you." The girl said, softly.

Having done this, he left his bedroom, went down the stairs and headed towards the entrance. Her mother was still on the phone with Aralia.

"Well then I'll go." The girl greeted her.

"Good, let's implement the plan." The woman answered on the phone, attracting her daughter's curious gaze. "We will see each other! Good luck!" The woman wished her, trying to cover what she had said.

Meanwhile, in the laboratory, Ash and Serena had helped the teacher rearrange the laboratory. Not that there was much to tidy up, the laboratory itself was quite tidy, they just had to move some tables, cluttered with delicate measuring instruments, to create a sort of corridor, towards the central table, placed against the wall opposite the entrance, where the starters' three Poké Balls were stored.

"Thank you!" The woman thanked them. "Now, however, I would like to ask you a small favor." The two turned in his direction "Yes?" The woman looked at them with a smile. "I haven't said anything to Anita yet. I know for a fact that he will be happy about it, he has great admiration for you, but… I would like it to be a surprise. Follow me." The woman

accompanied the two towards a door and he handed them a sort of small tablet. "From here you can observe everything. When you deem it appropriate, enter the scene." The woman explained to them. "All right." The two replied.

The door led to the small apartment owned by the teacher. Sometimes she happened to work late, and in that case she spent the night there. It wasn't an apartment, who knows how big, actually, to be honest it was a studio apartment. Inside the small apartment there was a small kitchen, a wooden table with four chairs, and a flat-screen television hung on one wall. On one wall there was a bookcase, filled with numerous scientific publications, and a small wardrobe. On the opposite wall another door led to the bathroom.

The two were able to observe everything from the tablet. A girl with long dark brown hair, wearing a black jacket, jeans and sneakers. "Ah. And so she would be Anita? I thought it was…" Comment Serena. "Is?" Ash asked her. "Smaller. I mean, you started your Trainering career at ten, I started at twelve. She's at least fourteen, if not sixteen." The girl explained to him. "AND?" Ash asked him. In his mind he just couldn't figure out what the problem was. "I wouldn't want him to get strange ideas in his head." The girl replied, trying not to blush. Pikachu, unlike his Trainer, understood what his friend was referring to.

"Good morning." The girl greeted the teacher. "Good morning to you! I imagine you're excited. Today is a great day. You will finally become a Trainer. I'm a little sorry that Ivan didn't arrive. In the meantime, however, you can choose your first Pokémon." The woman explained to her as she approached the table on which the Poké Balls were placed. Each of them was supported on a sort of red silk pillow.

From the room, Ash and Serena were observing the scene. "And who is this Ivan?" Ash wondered. "I have no idea. It could be a friend, or something similar. Which, in some ways, is like you. A chronic latecomer." The pricked Serena, not taking her eyes off the screen.

While the two chatted, the teacher opened one at a time, allowing the girl to choose her starter Pokémon. "These are Snivy, Tepig and Oshawott," he introduced them.

The girl knelt down to observe them Better. It started with Snivy, the Grass-type starter. Its appearance resembled some sort of snake. Its head was round with a pointed snout pointing up. Most of its body was green, while its belly was cream-colored. The entire back, up to the tail, was crossed by a yellow stripe. The large brown eyes were surrounded by yellow markings. Yellow bumps protruding backwards from his shoulders. Although it looked like a snake, it possessed fully developed limbs. Short, thin arms of the same color as the body, with three toes and small, cream-colored, nailless feet.

Perhaps annoyed at being stared at for too long, Snivy turned her head in the opposite direction from the girl. She also stood with his arms folded. "Vih!" Squeaked, in an annoyed tone.

It was clear that she didn't like him. He then moved on to Tepig. Choosing it meant choosing the same Pokémon her mother had chosen. Despite this, he still took it into consideration.

The Pokémon's appearance resembled that of a small pig. Its body was mostly orange, while other body parts were black, pink, and yellow. It had large eyes, a reddish-pink nose and a thick yellow stripe on its muzzle. Most of its face was black, as were its long, rectangular ears, positioned on top of its head. Its legs were short, and the tips of its front paws were black. Another black band was present on the lower and rear dorsum. From there extended the spiral tail, topped with a vermillion ornament.

Unlike Snivy, Tepig seemed quite happy with the attention he received.

Finally, the girl's gaze fell on Oshawott.

It was a bipedal Pokémon and resembled a sea otter. It had a white, round head, with small dark blue triangular ears positioned on the sides of its head. Its eyes were dark, while its nose was dark orange and oval in shape. Her cheeks were covered in several freckles. Its body was covered in light blue fur, which took a shape similar to bubbles, around its neck. It had white, rounded arms, while its feet were dark blue and had three toes each. Its tail was dark blue similar to a rudder. On its belly it had a light yellow shell.

The girl looked at him intently, expecting his reaction.

The Otter Pokémon jumped at her. He had made his choice. Anita would be his Trainer. From the room, Serena and Ash had observed everything. "Of course Snivy is a really nice pepper!" Comment Serena. "Already. I really believe that his future Trainer will have a lot to do to gain respect." The boy answered her. "Do you think we should introduce ourselves?" He added shortly after. "Don't be hasty!" The girl scolded him. "Let's at least wait for this Ivan to arrive. And Belle too." Ash, who was starting to get up, yes he sat down again.

Meanwhile the woman had taken a Poké Ball from another shelf. "Do you have a smartphone?" He asked the girl. The latter, after rummaging in her bag, took out the smartphone that her mother had just given her.

"Perfect!" Comment the teacher, while opening the Poké Ball. From the latter a Pokémon similar to a sprite emerged. An example of Rotom. The Pokémon's body was orange and made up of plasma. He seemed to be smiling. Its appearance resembled a small lightning rod, surrounded by an aura of blue electrical energy, giving it the appearance of lightning. "Well, raise your phone so Rotom can get into it!" The girl looked at the teacher with a perplexed expression. How would Rotom get into your phone? If he wanted to find out, he would have to follow the woman's instructions. He raised his right arm, being careful not to make that gesture. Rotom quickly approached the girl's phone, entering it.

Due to this, the phone rebooted. A pre-recorded message confirmed that Rotom was perfectly integrated into the phone.

Moments later, someone opened the door, startling Anita and her Oshawott. The girl instinctively hugged him, forcefully, with the Pokémon responding instinctively by attacking her with Water Gun.

Luckily the girl wasn't wearing makeup, otherwise it would have been a real disaster.

"Take this." A voice said, not very familiar to the girl. Instinctively she still picked up the object that had been handed to her. A towel. Anita dried her face and hair.

"And so you chose Oshawott…. Well, then I choose you! " The boy pointed to Snivy.

The Pokémon didn't take it well at all. From one of the bumps on his back, a long one came out, an interesting green one that hit the boy's wrist violently. "Vih!" He squeaked in an annoyed tone.

"Ouch! But do you think this is the case? Someone wants to become your Trainer and you treat him like that?" He took it back, angrily.

Snivy, in response, turned in the opposite direction of the boy.

She really didn't like that blond-haired boy. And no. It wasn't her clothing, simple and sporty, a Canadian

some sneakers and an orange jacket, for example, annoy her, but his way of behaving.

"You wanted it. Then I'll take Tepig." The teacher's concern wasn't so much handing Tepig's Poké Ball to the boy, but rather the wound caused by Snivy. He cleaned her with disinfectant and wrapped her with sterile gauze. "You have to forgive her. She's a very particular girl. You are not the first Trainer to refuse and you won't be the last."

From the room the two boys and Pikachu had followed the scene.

"Don't you think Snivy reminds you a little of Greninja when he was a Froakie?" Serena asked, catching Ash well enough counterattack. "I would not know. Maybe it's just a coincidence." Serena looked him in the eyes. "We'll never know if we don't go." The girl answered him.

The two got up from the sofa and reached the professor's laboratory. "Good morning!" They greeted the two. Anita looked at the two. Yes, she knew who Serena was, the finalist of the professional category at the Kalos Variety Show and finalist of numerous Grand Festivals, but her real interest was the boy who accompanied her.

A little taller than her hat, rather messy raven hair, brown eyes... Although he was dressed rather well, compared to her standards.

He was accompanied by a male Pikachu, perched on his shoulder. He had no doubts. That boy was Ash Ketchum. And came for her? The girl didn't want to believe it.

The two approached her. He trembled as he moved his right arm to stringer their hand.

"P-Nice to get to know you m-m m-my name is Anita" The girl introduced herself, showing all her insecurity. "I'm Serena, nice to meet you." The Kalos native introduced herself. "My pleasure! I'm Ash and this is my friend Pikachu!" The boy said as he pointed to the Pokémon, perched on his shoulder. "Pika-Pikachu" The electric rodent showed up, scaring the girl.

Ivan had also witnessed that scene, albeit a little apart. "You can't possibly be afraid of a simple Pikachu! What will you do out there, where there are much larger and more dangerous Pokémon? You'll be back to mommy in a few steps... pff!" Comment. He managed to make Ash, Pikachu and Anita nervous in a single move.

Serena and the teacher held them back with difficulty. Anita couldn't stand being treated that way by a total stranger, and, similarly, Ash and Pikachu had taken it rather personally.

Even Snivy, not yet recalled in the Poké Ball, had had the opportunity to witness that scene. And she too, like Anita, had an idea about who that boy was, and how her friend was not just a simple Pikachu. He approached silently, until he reached the small group made up of the teacher and the three boys.

Then he extended, from the bumps on his back, his whips. With one of them he gently touched Ash, with the other l'Oshawott by Anita. It was her way of declaring herself interested in battleing.

He didn't want to face Pikachu. He knew very well that the risk of waking up elegant would be very, very high. "Huh?! Would you like to battle Oshawott?" Ash asked. "Come on!" The Pokémon replied, with a short, sharp cry. "Don't you mind if…" The experienced Trainer asked the new Trainer. "Go ahead. But I don't think this is the right place." Not that saying it was strictly necessary, but adding details made her more comfortable.

The group, including a not very interested Ivan, left the laboratory, reaching the battleing field. Ash scanned Oshawott with his Smart Rotom.

"Oshawott, Otter Pokémon. Water type. Male specimen. He battles with the shell on his belly. Promptly counterattacks after parrying the opponent's attack. Known moves: Tackle, Water Gun, Aqua Jet, and Fury Cutter." He later switched to Snivy. "Snivy, Pokémon Grass Snake, Grass type. Female specimen. He is endowed with intelligence and cold blood. When it receives abundant sunlight, its movements become very agile. Known Moves Pull, Whip,Whirlwind and Tackle" The boy remained silent for a few moments. "Very interesting. I'd say we can start!" Serena, the teacher and Anita were sitting on the only available bench, exactly in this order. Anita considered the teacher, a great friend of her mother, almost like an aunt.

"You'll see, seeing Ash battle live is a unique experience." Serena explained to the two as she cuddled Pikachu. Meanwhile, the battle was finally starting. Snivy made the first move. He winked at his opponent and threw several pink hearts in his direction. "Damn! It's Attract!" Comment Ash. His tone, despite the words used, was rather calm. "Soon! Use Water Gun and spin around!" He ordered. The Pokémon obeyed without question. A powerful jet of water came out of her mouth which hit all the hearts thrown by her opponent, not allowing the treacherous attack to carry out its task. Snivy let out a hard-to-interpret moan. On the one hand she was frustrated because her attack had not succeeded, but on the other she was happy. Even though Ash was struggling for the first time with quell'Oshawott, it seemed like she had always known him.

Despite this, she wouldn't give up so easily. Two vines quickly emerged from the bumps on its back, closing in on Oshawott at great speed. It was his Whip attack. Snivy were Pokémon famous for the skill with which they controlled their whips. That's why she felt so sure.

"Force! Use Aqua Jet to dodge!" Ash ordered. The Otter Pokémon's body became covered in water, and it jumped. "Very good! Now move as I tell you!" The boy shouted. Despite the blanket of water, the Pokémon was perfectly able to hear it. It moved first to the right, then quickly downwards, then left, then upwards, then in the direction of Snivy, then in the opposite direction, with the Pokémon having more and more difficulty following that loose cannon.

"Very good! Now reach her and use Fury Cut!" The Otter Pokémon headed towards its opponent. He was brandishing his Clamp Saber and swinging it rapidly.

"I didn't know you could use two moves at a time!" Comment Anita, caught up in the battle. "Ash is a boy full of surprises. You haven't seen anything yet." While in Oshawott had reached his opponent and thanks to the momentum given to him by the Aqua Jet, he managed to hit Snivy with much greater power than a normal fury cut.

Snivy was violently thrown upwards, then fell back to the ground.

He tried to get up, but failed. This meant that the victory of that battle belonged to Oshawott. To the great happiness of the latter. The latter jumped to celebrate, but soon collapsed too, due to the fatigue of that battle.

The teacher took some revitalizing salts from the pocket of her lab coat. Bipyramids of salts with a light yellow color and the smell of lavender and ammonia.

The two Pokémon stood up quickly, stimulated by that smell. "Well, for the moment they can be fine like this. Then I'll take you to the Pokémon center. The closest one is in Quattroventi." The teacher explained.

Meanwhile, Snivy had gotten noticeably closer to Ash and, with one of her whips, gently squeezed Ash's wrist. "Looks like he wants to come with you." Comment Serena. "You know, Snivy is a very special case. Usually Pokémon of its species, as well as Tepig and Oshawott, are entrusted to young trainers. As just happened with Anita and Ivan... who, in the meantime, has decided to abandon us. They are usually Pokémon that easily forgive mistakes due to inexperience and, being Pokémon that evolve twice, they follow the growth of their trainer. But, as I was saying, Snivy is a particular little girl, she doesn't seem to be happy with her role as starter Pokémon. Many Trainers chose her, but then, in desperation, they brought her back to me." The person directly concerned Emmettè a moan that could be interpreted as a "so what? I'm just like this!" The teacher continues his story. "He attacked them, like he did with Ivan a little while ago. He didn't think they were worthy. And so he started not even being chosen by new Trainers. Attacking them as soon as they showed any interest in her. And finally he found you." He concluded his explanation.

"Is that so?" Ash asked. The Pokémon responded with an unmistakable shake of its head. Yes. "Very good, then I'll go get your Poké Ball. If you allow it." Since no one objected, the woman entered the laboratory.

Anita remained slightly to the side, still not entirely at ease. Yes he asked again why the world champion and a coordinator and performer of the highest level wanted to witness such an ordinary moment. There

giving the first Pokémon to a trainer.

The professor, in the meantime, had returned from the laboratory with Snivy's Poké Ball. As soon as it arrived, he handed it

to the boy. Snivy, with one of her whips, triggered the opening mechanism of the Poké Ball, being absorbed inside it. "Yay!" Ash shouted as he raised the Poké Ball to the sky. "I have a new friend!" Anita looked at the boy. "Of course he is a very, very enthusiastic boy!" Serena turned to her. "You'll get used to it." He answered her. "You'll get used to it." Those few words bounced in his head.

In what sense would he have gotten used to it? Maybe he meant that…

Meanwhile, Ash had released all the Pokémon he had brought with him from their Poké Balls. "I would like to introduce you to some friends of mine." He turned to the newcomer. "Here they are, they are Gengar, Infernape, Noivern and Lucario." Even Pokemon of the boy they began to get to know the new arrival, who proved to be rather kind and polite with each of them.

"Maybe I think it's time to say that." Serena turned to Ash, further adding to Anita's confusion. What did he have to say that was so important?

"Ah. Right. We didn't tell you why we came here." Ash turned to the new trainer, who was studying the boy's Pokémon a little aside. He focused in particular on Noivern, and Infernape.

He had never seen them in his life. Before scanning them with his Smart Rotom, he tried to get an idea of what they looked like. The first resembled a huge purple and black bat. The head was black, while the jaw was purple. He had yellow eyes, equipped with an iris heavenly. The nose is red and forked, with large black pointed ears with aqua green insides. Inside the ears there are also concentric black rings. The neck was covered with a large amount of thick white fur. The chest and limbs were black, unlike the belly, which was purple. The front of the wings were teal, with the back starting from black, ending in purple. The wings were equipped, in the lower part, with two large black spikes, while the three fingers protruding from the wings were red. The hind legs had two toes. The long black tail had two spikes just before the end.

Then he focused on Infernape. Its body resembles a chimpanzee. Mostly a brownish color with shades of red, sections of white fur on the chest, head and legs, and a large flame burning on the head. Infernape wears two golden rings on his chest. It also had spiral designs, gold shoulder pads, knee pads and wrist guards. The markings on his forehead were a deep blood red color. He had yellow sclera, and blue irises. His hands, feet and the insides of his ears were blue. The scanned with the Smart Rotom. " Infernape, Flame Pokémon, Fire and battleing type. Male specimen. Final evolution of Chimchar, one of the , one of the starter Pokémon of the Sinnoh region. He uses a special kind of engaging martial art called The Arts. Its flame never goes out. Known moves, Fire Charge, Pit, Fire Punch and Brawl" He then moved on to scan Noivern.

"Noivern, Pokémon Sound wave. Flying and Dragon type. Male specimen. Pokémon native to the Kalos region. It flies in the darkness, wounding its opponents with ultrasound capable of shattering even boulders, then finishing them off with its sharp teeth. Known Moves Dragon Claws, Boomburst, Air Slash and X-Scissors"

Serena and Ash approached the girl, taking her by surprise. "We had to tell you something." Serena began. "The real reason we came this far." Ash continued the girl's sentence, making her slightly embarrassed. "The reason?" The girl asked, more and more confused.

"You know, my biggest dream is to become a Pokémon Master." Ash began. "AND?" Asked the girl, who was starting to feel a little more at ease. "I understood what is one of the fundamental steps to becoming one. And to do that I would need your help." The girl, mechanically, turned her gaze towards him.

"And I, who have just become a Trainer, how could I help a champion like you?" Ash smiled at her. "You see, I understood what one of the steps to becoming a Pokémon Master is. And it would be to help someone achieve their goal." The girl still didn't understand. "I'm here because my mother forced me. If it were up to me..." Ash was disappointed. He couldn't stand the idea of someone being forced to do something.

"Then I'm not sure you're the right person. I don't like that someone has to be forced to do something. Even to become a Trainer. As much as I love battleing, I don't like anyone being forced to do it."

The girl made a small gesture, as if to say stop. "To be honest, that's what I thought before. Before seeing you battle Oshawott. I've often seen you battle on television. But seeing you live… it's a whole different thing. It seemed like I had known him forever. I realized that being a Trainer doesn't seem so bad after all." Ash smiled at her, as if to say "this is the right spirit". "I'm not sure I'm the right person. I'm afraid of failing." Serena looked into her eyes. "I too have always had this fear. And I still have it, but I've never stopped believing in it. That's why I decided to come here with Ash. I would like to become Unova Queen. I know that Pokémon Showcases are difficult here, but I take it as motivation to do better. That's something I learned from Ash."

A few minutes later, Ash returned his Pokémon to his Poké Balls. "Now, if you don't mind, I'll take you to the Pokémon Center." The teacher interrupted them. The three followed her to her car.

He unlocked the doors with a button on the key. Successful unlocking was confirmed by the flashing of the arrows. Ash, like a knight, opened the back door, allowing the girls to take a seat. Having done this he closed the door, then sat down in the front, next to the teacher.

The trip was short-lived, Nuvema Town and Accumula Town were very close. Very few minutes of travel. The woman parked in front of the Pokémon Center. Ash got out and opened the door for the girls.

The teacher accompanied the kids inside the building. On the outside the building was a simple brick construction, not too different from Pokémon Centers in other regions, but the differences were on the inside.

In addition to the Nurse's counter, the benches where you can sit while waiting to be served, or waiting to receive your Pokémon, there was also a convenience store. Something new for Ash.

"Good morning!" They said goodbye. "Good morning to you!" The Nurse reciprocated. "How can I help you?" Churches. Ash looked at the woman. Yes. She looked like all the other nurses he had met, but her uniform was different. She wasn't wearing the classic pink shirt and apron, but a darker pink shirt. The hat, however, was identical to the other nurses. At his side is an Audino. A Pokémon that Ash and Serena had learned about.

"Do you want me to take care of your Pokémon?" He asked, almost rhetorically. The three trainers handed her their respective Poké Balls, with Pikachu jumping onto the counter. "It will not take long." He reassured them.

"Now excuse me, but I have to go." The teacher took her leave. "Until we meet again!" They greeted her. After a while the nurse returned with the Poké Balls and Pikachu. "You're in excellent health. It's clear that you care a lot about them." Yes he congratulated The three greeted her and headed towards the exit.

Anita appeared very agitated, now that the comforting presence of the teacher was no longer there, the girl felt at a loss unease. She would have liked to return home, but, for the moment, the thought of disappointing the champion stopped her from doing so.

As soon as the three went out, they noticed, not far from the Pokémon Center, about ten people, around a strange boy, whose way of dressing was reminiscent of a sort of ancient knight. He was dressed in grey, black and white. He wore a large hood that covered his hair, on it a cross, made with black laces. He wore a gray robe with wide short sleeves, covered by a white overcoat, held by a black belt. The shirt under the gray robe and trousers is also black. He was wearing gray gloves and boots. The man was standing on some sort of counter. Behind him this poster, also present on his surcoat:

The exact moment the three approached, he began to speak. "The Pokémon have grown tired of being under the tyranny of their Trainers! Are you tired of seeing them battle and suffer for the pure pleasure of their Trainers? Then join Team Plasma! For too long, Trainers have forced Pokémon into slavery, into bending to their orders! As if they were inferior creatures! And worse still, they exploit them to gain unfair advantages against non-Trainers! Follow Ghetsis and together we will bring all this down! Pokémon they will return free from the yoke of the Trainers!" The three looked into each other's eyes. "But how dare you say something like that! Being a Trainer is the strongest thing in the world! And none of us ever forced the Pokémon to follow him!" Ash's tone was terribly irritating. And, Pikachu was also quite annoyed. Large electrical discharges came out of the electric sacs on his cheeks.

"What are you going to do? Let me guess? You'll ask your Pokémon to attack me and throw me down from here!" Trainer and Pokémon looked into each other's eyes. "We were just thinking about it!" The boy replied. " Pipi-kachu" The Pokémon confirmed. "That's what's wrong with this world!" He shouted! "Trainers like this boy, use their Pokémon to battle anyone who doesn't think like them!" The people around him started screaming, cheering him on.

"What? We are not attacking anyone!" An increasingly annoyed Ash answered him. Serena, who knew him well, understood that the situation would soon degenerate.

Luckily, Serena managed to drag Ash along before the situation escalated.

"Wait a moment! But what happened to Anita?" Serena was quite worried. It was the first trip for that girl, and perhaps the first time she went away from home alone.

While the two were desperately searching for her, the girl was approached by a strange boy. A tall, thin boy with long light green hair was wearing a black cap, a white shirt, light brown trousers and green shoes. Around his neck was a pendant that resembled a planet. He also wore bracelets, and a sort of Rubik's cube hung from his trousers. "A-And who are you?" The girl asked, rather scared. "D-Don't t-tell me that you're one of those from Team Plasma!" The boy with light green hair shook his head no. "Who cares?" This was followed by a short pause of silence. "Yes. I believe the Trainers oppress Pokémon. I know you are a Trainer. Your Pokémon told me…" Anita made a small gesture, to interrupt him. How do you mean Pokémon talk? "I understand your surprise. Talking to Pokémon is something I've always been capable of." Quickly the boy changed the subject.

"I see you have a Smart Rotom, I imagine you will take advantage of its Pokédex function. And, to do so, you will imprison dozens and dozens of Pokémon in the Poké Balls. I'm a Trainer too, but I can't help but wonder if it's true that in Pokémon they are really happy in this state. But I'm curious. Let's hear what your Pokémon says!" Anita was even more confused. Did that boy want to challenge her to a battle? He would have satisfied him. Or at least he would try.

"Go Purrloin!" The boy sent out a Pokémon very similar to a cat. With large green eyes with fuchsia spots that started from the eyelids and ended at the beginning of the ears. The rest of the body was predominantly purple, with some creamy white spots on the muzzle, forehead, chest, back, and two on the hind and front legs. The tail, completely purple, had rippled fur at the end.

The girl examined it with her Smart Rotom. "Purrloin, Cunning Pokémon. Dark type. Male specimen. Let the enemy get closer by distracting him with poses bewitching, and then suddenly scratching it laughing. Known moves: Quick Attack, Shadow Claw and Scratch."

The girl put her Smart Rotom back in her bag and took out Oshawott's Poké Ball. "It's your turn!" He exclaimed as he sent it onto the field.

"We'll start. Purrloin, use Quick Attack!" The boy ordered. The Cunning Pokémon began to run at great speed towards its opponent. He seemed to be covered in a white aura.

"And what do I do now?" The girl thought as the Pokémon approached. "Come on… what would Ash do?" The Pokémon was now awfully close. "Force! Dodge!" He ordered. The Pokémon moved at the last second, avoiding being hit. "Let's try this. Use Water Gun!" A powerful jet of water was generated from the mouth of the Otter Pokémon which, thanks to the close distance, hit the target squarely. "Come on, fLet me hear your Pokémon's voice again! Purrloin, use Quick Attack again!" He ordered. The Pokémon, thrown back by the previous attack, started running again at great speed towards its opponent. But this time, Anita was less taken by surprise. "Let's try Acquagetto!" The Pokémon's body was surrounded by a layer of water, which completely covered it.

The battle between the two Pokémon was inevitable. Both Pokémon were thrown back by the great energy released by the impact.

Luckily for their trainers, both Pokémon got up again, shaking off the dust.

"I like what your Pokémon says!" Comment on the boy. "Purrloin! Shadeclaw him!" He ordered. The Pokémon's claws

Cunning grew in size, and glowed purple, as the Pokémon ran.

"Come on then! Use Water Gun!" The young trainer shouted. A very powerful jet of water was generated from the mouth of the Otter Pokémon, which hit the opponent squarely, projecting him into the air and preventing him from attacking and defeating him.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Purrloin, but remember that until Pokémon will be imprisoned in Poké Balls, they will never become complete beings. It is for them, for the sake of my Pokémon friends, that I, N, I will revolutionize the world!"

With that said, the boy headed to the Pokémon Center.

"That's where you were!" Anita immediately recognized that voice. "You made us worried." He added. Anita turned in the direction the voice came from. They were Serena, Ash and Pikachu. "We thought you were kidnapped by one of the Team Plasma boys." Ash took it back. "Fortunately, no. Both Oshawott and I are fine, but…" He replied. "But what?" The two older boys asked, worried. "I met a boy, a Trainer who, like that boy on the counter, claimed that Pokémon are oppressed by Trainers." Ash and Serena turned in his direction. "What do you mean?" The two said at the same time, to Serena's slight embarrassment. Pikachu also confirmed this, touching Ash's neck with one of his paws. The boy, in response, patted him on the head. "Chaa" He squeaked with happiness. He loved cuddles. "Do you think Pikachu is oppressed? I do everything I can to make sure he's at his best, and so is everyone else!" The boy replied. "And the same goes for me!" Serena added. "I hope I can say the same." Anita added, holding Oshawott's Poké Ball in her hand. "I believe you will make it." Ash encouraged her, with his usual optimism. "Though now, I guess we'll have to deal with Team Plasma." He added. "What would you like to do? Expressing your ideas is not forbidden. However extreme they are." Ash tried to argue, but then realized that Serena was absolutely right.

"Have you decided what your goal will be?" Ash asked his new traveling companion. The girl remained silent for a few moments. "Forgive me if I say that I haven't decided yet. Sure, I saw you wrestle Oshawott, and you boys were awesome. I had the opportunity to battle too, with that boy who talked to Pokémon and I have to say it. The battles are wonderful. But I'm not sure that's what I want to do." Ash smiled at her. "No problem". Serena was added to the two. "You could try wrestling in the gym and aim for the title of Champion." Anita turned to Serena. "Do you think I can do it?" Ash was disappointed. "If you start like this, you'll never succeed." He took it back.

"Yes, but if we have to leave for a trip like this, we will have to get supplies and also tents and sleeping bags. We won't always be able to spend the night in a Pokémon Center" Serena explained to her. As if it were the most natural thing in the world. "What do you mean? Are we going to spend some nights in the open?" Anita complained. "Certainly. That's the beauty of Pokémon Journeys. You never know what can happen to you." Ash added, further increasing the concern of their new traveling companion.

Serena had taken her Smart Rotom and opened the application dedicated to maps. "We can consider ourselves lucky, here in the city there is a shop specializing in camping items and also some grocery stores." He explained.

The girl began walking, with Ash following her without question. Anita, having no other choice, followed them.

Their first stop was the store dedicated to camping supplies. It was located in one of the many streets of the city. It occupied the ground floor of a residential building. It had large windows, where various items were displayed, from stoves to spray cans, cutlery and camping plates. On the other side of the window, however, there were sleeping bags displayed and there were photos of tents, with various indications.

On one of them there was a sort of sign, which, in shape, imitated a sort of comic book. "You get two two-person tents and you pay half the price for the second one." It was written there.

The three entered the shop. "Good morning!" They said goodbye. "Good morning to you!" The clerk greeted them. A man in his thirties. Orange hair and blue eyes. He was wearing the shop's uniform, brown dungarees over a green shirt.

"How can I help you?" Churches. "I guess if you're here, you're looking for some items for a Pokémon trip. Although I wonder why the World Champion wants to travel as if he were a novice." He let it slip.

Ash was visibly getting upset. He couldn't stand that someone did it his business. Sure, he didn't mind talking about his goals, but he couldn't stand being judged.

"If you have to go on a trip…" The man changed his tone slightly. "You will need a bit of everything. But consider yourself lucky, we have some great offers. I think you've seen the offer on camping tents, if you get two, you pay half the price for the second one, but we also have other offers. For example, if you buy three sleeping bags, the fourth is free, and we also have a quantity discount on gas cylinders and plates and cutlery." He explained.

In short order, the three walked out of the store with everything they needed and more. What the hell did they do with a fourth sleeping bag? Or two two-person tents if there were only three of them? Of course that boy was really good at selling.

The three headed to the grocery store. It wasn't far from where they were, about a fifty meter walk.

Unlike the camping shop, it was located in a dedicated building and was quite large and well stocked.

"I don't think we'll have to make any big purchases here." Comment Anita. "Maybe you don't know these two!" Serena replied, trying to keep from laughing. "They are bottomless pits!"

"Hey! But you know it very well! To perform you need a lot of energy" The boy replied, with Pikachu confirming, in his own way, the Trainer's words.

Once the purchases were completed, a noise similar to thunder frightened Anita.

"I think it's time for lunch." Comment Serena. "Their stomachs are more accurate than any clock." The girl, again thanks to her Smart Rotom, accompanied the group to a fast food restaurant. It was one of the many restaurants of a famous chain in Unova. Given the time, there were a lot of people, but the queue moved rather quickly.

Soon their turn came. When ordering, Ash and Pikachu demonstrated what Serena said. And the boy's other Pokémon don't either.

After lunch, the three left the room, with all the Pokémon, except Pikachu, stored in their respective Poké Balls.

"Sorry if I'm indiscreet, but..." Anita asked. "Tell me everything." Ash answered her. "But why do you always keep Pikachu out of the Poké Ball?" The boy turned to his friend and caressed him. "He can't stand being inside the Poké Ball. He made things clear right from our first meeting, didn't he?" The Mouse Pokémon confirmed this, in its own way.

The new trainer wondered if she had done the right thing by placing her Pokémon in the Poké Ball without asking her. "Now that we have full stomachs, we might as well get on the road. Where do we go?" Ash asked.

Serena had taken her Smart Rotom and opened the application dedicated to maps.

"The first Gym is located in Striaton City. It's a city not very far from here. But I think if we left now, we'd have to spend the night in a tent. The alternative is to leave early tomorrow morning. While I'm looking for information on the Gym, can you tell me what you want to do with it?"

While the girl was looking for further information on the gym, Ash and Anita had clarified their ideas on what to do.

"For me we could leave directly tomorrow." The boy replied. "Me too." Anita added.

"As you wish. Meanwhile I found some information on the Gym. It would appear that she specializes in the Grass-type, Fire-type, and Water-type." Ash scratched his head, perplexed. "What do you mean, a gym specializing in three different types? All the ones I faced specialized in just one type." Comment. "And then, you recently became a Trainer, before challenging a Gym, perhaps it's better to do some training. And I think you should try catching some new Pokémon..." Serena motioned for Ash to calm down. "Yes, you're right, but don't rush, we have plenty of time. Maybe we should go to the Pokémon Center and book rooms for the night." The three headed to the dedicated building, the same one where, in the morning, they had greeted Professor Aralia.

As soon as they entered, they were greeted by the Nurse. "Good afternoon boys! How can I help you?" Churches. "Good! In the afternoon, we will book two rooms for tonight. If it were possible." The Nurse turned in the direction of the key ring hanging on the wall.

"You were lucky. There is only one double and one single left. Here are the keys. The one with the green key ring is the single one. The one with the white key ring is the double room" The nurse handed the girl a copy of the keys.

Serena handed the single one to Ash. "I have a question, can we use the wrestling field?" The boy asked. "No problem." The nurse replied. The three left the Pokémon Center and reached the battlefield. It was a normal dirt battlefield, on the right side of the Pokémon Center. There were benches on the long sides of the field to allow spectators to follow the battle. On the opposite side of the Pokémon Center, there was the referee's station.

"You said you fought that boy before, didn't you?" Ash asked her rhetorically. For the expert Trainer this meant a lot. "I don't like theory. I much prefer practice. If you want, we can start." Serena stopped him before he took Snivy's Poké Ball out of his bag. "Don't you think it would be better for him to train with someone closer to his level, if you know what I mean." Ash understood the hint. After all, he would have all the time in the world to train with Anita. "Alright then. But you too, please, treat her well." The boy answered her.

Anita wanted to object, but refrained from doing so. Maybe not training with the Champion right away wasn't such a bad idea after all. After all, she had seen him use some truly unlikely techniques and, perhaps, she wasn't ready for that.

The two girls lined up on opposite sides of the field. "Remember that it is a training battle. There doesn't have to be a winner." Serena explained to her. Anita indicated her understanding with a gesture of her head.

"Good, Pancham! It's your turn!" Serena sent out a Pokémon similar to a Giant Panda cub. It had ivory-colored head fur, with the exception of the fur on the ears, around the eyes and on the torso, which is black. From the waist down, the fur took on a dark gray color and the puffy tail was ivory. He also carried a bamboo leaf in his mouth. Anita I scanned with its Smart Rotom. " Pancham. Rascal Pokémon. battleing Type. Male specimen. He wants to appear threatening but is not taken seriously by his opponents. Known moves: Ice Punch, Stone Edge, Arm Thrust, Black Pulse." Anita, not that she had much choice, sent out her Oshawott.

"Pancham, remember that they are not very experienced. Do not overdo it!" The Pokémon nodded in understanding. "You start." Serena invited her. "Are you sure?" Churches. "When I fought that boy, he started it." He added. "All right. This time we'll start, but in an official battle these things can't happen!" Serena pointed out to her. "Of course… I understand." Anita replied, not very convinced.

"Good, Pancham! Start with Pietrataglio!" The rascally Pokémon threw a powerful punch on the ground, causing huge, sharp, blue boulders to pop up. "Come on, Oshawott! Dodge and then use Tackle!" The Otter Pokémon moved away to the right, avoiding being hit, then he started running towards his opponent. Serena waited and waited. The Otter Pokémon moved closer to Pancham. He was almost ready to strike. "Pancham! Use Arm Thrust!" One of the Rascal Pokémon's hands lit up white, hitting his opponent, who in the meantime had approached him. The blow was quite violent, such as projecting it backwards. "Pancham! What did I tell you!" Serena took it back. "Sorry, but if he doesn't battle at least a little seriously, how do you think he'll stay there?" Ash came out. "Then why don't you battle?" Serena asked him. "I just wanted to say that we have to get her used to the fact that battleing is serious. That's all." He explained himself. "As you like." The girl answered him. "Oshawott, is everything okay?" Anita asked, worried. Pokémon, in answer, yes, stood up and shook the dust off. "View?" Ash said. "He wants to be serious too." He added. Oshawott confirmed this. "Alright then!" Finally Anita also joined. "Use Aqua Jet!" The Otter Pokémon surrounded itself with water and jumped. It had become a kind of projectile. "Soon! Defend yourself with Ice Punch!" He ordered Serena. One of the Rascal Pokémon's hands was covered in a thick layer of ice, ready to hit his opponent, who had now arrived within a very short distance.

"Soon! Dodge!" Anita ordered. The Otter Pokémon changed its trajectory slightly, moving upward. Pancham failed to hit it directly, but hit the trail of water it carried with it, freezing it.

Oshawott was stuck in his own attack. "And now let's break the ice with Arm Thrust!" Serena ordered. Pancham struck the frozen trail in front of him with a violent blow of his hand.

Part of the ice broke, allowing the Otter Pokémon to move again. "Let's continue with Acquagetto!" Anita ordered. Oshawott's body became covered in water, which, due to the ice that partially covered it, quickly froze. The little Pokémon had to work hard to manage the different resistance of the ice. "Try telling him to attack!" Ash urged.

"Ah... Yes... Of course... Let's try it! Oshawott! Attack!" The Pokémon, making an immense effort, managed to control the attack, and hit Pancham squarely, sending it flying into the air.

Moments later, Pancham fell back to the ground. He was still able to continue, but it was clear that he had suffered a serious blow. Oshawott also fell to the ground. Shards of ice all around him.

He too was at the end of his strength. "I'd say that's enough." Serena stopped the battle. "You were both fantastic, your Pokémon put up a great battle." Comment Ash. Anita didn't want to believe it. Had the Champion complimented her? "Oshawott was able to perform a really good Frost-Aqua Jet, for the first time!" He complimented, adding to the girls' confusion. "Frost-Aqua Jet?" They asked, amazed. "It's a technique that a friend of mine invented and that Buizel and I then perfected. Or better. She invented it when Buizel was still her Pokémon, then she traded him with one of mine and we perfected the technique, teaching him Ice Punch." The boy explained. "If Oshawott ever learns an ice-type move, I think he could teach him the technique and perfect it." He added. "Yes, but calmly." Serena took it back. "Now we have to think about resting and letting our Pokémon rest," Anita added, noticing how her Pokémon barcollasse for the effort.

The following day the three got up early in the morning, and, after a hearty breakfast, tried to set off.

As soon as they left the Pokémon Center, the three saw a boy, around the age of Ash and Serena, who was calmly walking, escorted by a male Eevee. He was wearing a blue-toned jacket, black trousers, a black and blue bag and red shoes. He was wearing a hat. As soon as he locked eyes with the three, he started running at breakneck speed. "But what's wrong with that boy?" Ash wondered. Moments later, the boy got the answer he was looking for. A man and a woman, dressed like the boy from the day before, were chasing him at breakneck speed. "You won't want to leave at the mercy of those madmen!" Ash urged the girls as he walked away.

The three moved slowly, without being discovered by the pair of recruits. They had no idea where they were going. They were exploring neighborhoods of the city they had never visited.

They were all the same urban areas, gray buildings made of concrete, glass and metal. There wasn't a single tree to pay for it in gold.

"This place makes me infinitely sad." Comment Serena. "Do not say that to me." Anita joins.

"Use Swift!" A boy was heard shouting. The three could see stars coming out of a dead end. In front of the alley the two boys were battleing that boy and his Eevee.

"That's not fair! Two against one." Ash complained.

Even before the boy could intervene, a blanket of smoke was added to the Swift. Evidently one of the two boys' Pokémon had used Smokescreen. Ash and the girls approached the alley where that battle was taking place.

"Damn! We were too late!" Ash complained, frustrated. "Maybe we could still find him. They can't have gone very far." Serena tried to console him. Anita was more dubious. Why on earth would they help a boy they didn't even know?

Not having much choice, the girl joined them. The three searched the area, initially without finding anything. Until

when… "Wait, maybe I found something." Anita bowed and picked up a hat. It was white, red and black.

He immediately passed it to Serena.

"It could belong to that boy." Comment Serena, as soon as she received it.. "But alone it will never lead us to him." He added. "Maybe I know who can give us a hand." Ash tried to remain at least cheerful. "Just give me a second."

The boy took his Smart Rotom and searched for the nearest transfer machine in the dedicated application, Poké Exchange. After a short search and switching to the map application, he quickly reached the nearest car. It was about a three hundred meter walk from where they were.

Before making the exchange, however, he had to contact the interested person. Professor Kukui. In the boy's mind, Lycanroc's excellent sense of smell would help in the search.

The boy, when contacted, thought that it was the professor who was responding, and not his wife, Professor Magnolia. When the woman answered, Ash was initially rather taken aback.

"Hello, Ash, are you okay? Yes, I figured you were expecting to find Kukui, right? But it does nothing. I see you looking good, and Pikachu looks good too. By the way… this doesn't feel like Kanto at all to me. Have you left for Unova? Did you happen to bring some… friends? " Churches. The boy motioned for her to slow down. "Can we talk about this another time? We have quite a problem." The woman's gaze suddenly changed. "What happened?" She asked, rather worried. "We saw that some boys who call themselves Team Plasma, some people who say that Trainers and Pokémon should live separately, kidnapped a boy a little while ago. That's why I was asking if it was possible to send me Lycanroc. His sense of smell will certainly help us." The woman smiled at him. "No problem. Do you have any Pokémon with you, or can I send it to you directly?" Churches. "I was thinking of sending one of my own for now." He answered her. The two exchanged coordinates and, when everything was ready, they made the exchange. Ash had sent Lucario.

Once the exchange was over, and the teacher had said goodbye, the boy returned to Serena and Anita. "Sorry if it took me so long, but I had a little unexpected event. In any case I have a friend who can give us a hand. Come outside! Lycanroc!" From the boy's Poké Ball came a Pokémon similar to a wolf, with a quadrupedal posture and orange fur, except for the lower part of the legs, which were white, and the tips of the ears, which were dark, triangular in shape. He had four dark colored stones around his neck. It had a large white mane and a thick tail, always white. His eyes were a beautiful green color.

Anita, intrigued by that Pokémon, couldn't help but scan it with its Smart Rotom. "Lycanroc. Pokémon Wolf. Twilight Form. Rock type. Male specimen. Mysterious evolution of Lycanroc that only occurs at dusk. Ad Alola it is a very rare specimen. Under the apparent calm, he hides an impetuous battleing spirit. Known Moves Stone Edge, Counterattack, Crunch, Swiftrock." Meanwhile, Ash and his Pokémon had approached Serena. "Well. I think the hat smells like him." Ash explained. Serena bowed to the Wolf Pokémon and let him smell that hat.

"Do you think you can find him again?" He asked him. The Pokémon confirmed. After recognizing its smell, he began to follow its scent trail. The three followed the Pokémon, which, after a few empty turns, led them right in front of the Pokémon Center where they had spent the night.

Once they reached the square in front of the Pokémon Center, they heard some familiar words. "Citizens of Quattroventi… Ghetsis calls you to action!" A Team Plasma Grunt, standing on a table, was spreading propaganda against the trainers.

Lycanroc ran towards him growling at him again. The three ran towards that boy. "And what do you want from me?" His tone was rather annoyed. "You and one of yours have kidnapped a boy. Tell me where you took him!" Ash lashed out, quite angry. "You will not be able to stop Our revolution, Champion!" Ash didn't even think about how to respond. "Maybe not me, but..." At those words Lycanroc threw himself at the man, making him fall from the table, which overturned, sending all the flyers that were placed on it flying into the air. The Wolf Pokémon was on top of him, his eyes bloodshot and foaming at the mouth. He seemed to want to take a single bite out of him.

"Listen to me." Ash began, trying to be as harsh as possible. Not a characteristic that suits him he said a lot, but in that case he had no choice. "A boy was kidnapped by you and one of your colleagues. Where did you take him?" The man, crushed by the Wolf Pokémon, was at a disadvantage, he had to give at least part of the answer. "Yes. It is true. I was the one who kidnapped him. We took him to some other colleagues who put him in a van, but I have no idea where they took him." He answered.

Anita took one of those flyers, which in the meantime was falling. "You will witness the Revelation tonight, at ten o'clock." He read. "Come on, what is this revelation?" Ash asked, still trying to play tough. "Nothing that concerns people like you!" He answered. The look of Lycanoc, as much as possible, became even more threatening. Now he really seemed about to attack. "All right..." The man replied. "No one knows what the Revelation is, and as I told you before I have no idea where they took that boy, but if he is a trainer, I can assure you that he will get what he deserves!" He concluded. In the meantime, Serena had collected several posters.

Ash, in the meantime, had recalled Lycanroc in the Poké Ball. Once this was done, the three entered the Pokémon Center. They sat on one of the benches made available to the Trainers.

"Now what do we do?" Ash asked, sounding worried. "We can't leave him in the hands of Team Plasma." He added. Meanwhile, Serena and Anita were looking at the posters they had collected. "Watch!" The Kalos native pointed out. "It looks like there's some kind of map on the back." He pointed out. "We'll just have to figure out where they are." Yes he added Ash. "Here's a map." Anita spoke extremely softly. "Did you say something?" Serena asked her.

"I think there's a map here." The girl pointed to a map of the city hanging not far from them. "Thank you." They thank her. Shortly after they got up and reached the map indicated by the girl.

The two joined the pieces of the map they possessed and overlaid them, looking for an area of the map that corresponded to the one indicated. "Bingo!" Ash cheered. "We know where they will meet, but as we are we cannot go." Serena was more rational. "Now how we are too recognizable. I mean… even if we changed our clothes… they still might recognize us." Ash thought about it for a moment. Serena was right. Not to mention Pikachu. "We can get some scarves and hats. I can take care of the lenses. As for Pikachu, he could be with Anita. You don't mind, do you?" The Mouse Pokémon's response was not long in coming. That girl seemed okay enough. Sooner or later an opportunity like this would have happened. Better clear it out as soon as possible.

They returned from the girl, who hadn't heard much about their discussion. "We found out where their gathering will be." Serena explained. "It just seems very dangerous. It would be better for you to stay here. If there's any trouble, Pikachu will be there to protect you." Ash added.

Anita changed expression. Did they really believe she couldn't handle herself? Her great respect for them prevented her from contesting.

"If you have to go out and can't be back by eleven, you'll need this." The nurse took a pen and a post-it note and wrote down a series of numbers. ""

They should have asked for rooms for another night, postponing their departure for another day. They spent the rest of the day getting what they needed. Dark scarves, hats and jackets.

Afterwards, the girls did their makeup. The intent was to make him appear older. They later got busy

of contact lenses. Ash ne I'm wearing blue, Serena of chestnuts.

The evening arrived quickly and, after a hearty dinner, Serena and Ash headed to the affected area. Pikachu and Anita

They stayed at the Pokémon Center, as planned. "We go. Listen to me! We don't know how long it will take, but don't worry. We'll be fine." Ash greeted her. The new Trainer, as if she wasn't already worried, became even more worried.

The place where the revelation took place was in one of the oldest and most run-down areas of the city. Not too far from where that boy had been kidnapped. At night that place was truly creepy. Serena, to gain courage, hugged Ash. Being close to him made her feel better.

"Look at all the people." Comment the boy in a low voice. "I didn't imagine so many people thought this way." Serena replied, also amazed. In the meantime she had become even closer to the boy. The two were now walking arm in arm. "This way we will attract less suspicion." He tried to justify himself.

The two had joined the queue. Apparently they were ordinary people. Men and women, boys and girls, even gentlemen and ladies of a certain age.

The line moved quickly. It didn't take long before their turn came. In front of them yes he silhouetted a brute. A big man more than two meters tall, with broad shoulders and a muscular body. He had a long mustache, while otherwise he didn't have a single hair on his face. "Do you have an invitation?" He asked, his voice cavernous. "The invitation?" Ash asked, sounding worried. "Does that say?" Serena asked, handing him the paper she had collected in the morning. The man looked at him for a few moments, and then replied. "The revelation will save men and Pokémon. You're welcome Brother and Sister." He invited them. The two entered. They immediately decided to stand aside. "I didn't know there were so many." Comment on the boy.

"Ghecis! Ghecis! Ghecis! Ghecis!" All those present chanted his name in chorus, it seemed like they were one voice. The two turned their gaze towards the stage. Several Grunts of Team Plasma were lined up, like soldiers, towards the audience. Behind them three large banners with the Team Plasma symbol. At a certain point several follows lit up, pointing to the center of the stage. At the same time, a voice-over captured the audience's attention.

"Let us warmly welcome the one who will bring a new balance to this world! Gheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeccccccccccccisssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss "shouted!

In the meantime, a man about two meters tall and with a robust build had emerged from a trap door under the stage. He had long hair and an unclear color. Something between gray and green. He wore a white robe covered by a purple and yellow overcoat. On the purple side it was decorated with a stylized yellow eye, on the yellow side with a stylized purple eye. He wore a sort of decoration on his robe that resembled the battlements of a castle.

The time to observe it was, to be honest, rather short. Soon the man began to speak. "My name is Ghetsis. Ghetsis, leader of Team Plasma. Today I want to talk to all of you gathered here about the liberation of Pokémon! We humans have been living alongside Pokémon for a very long time. We look for each other, we need each other. This seems to be an idea shared by many. But are things really like this? Or is it just us humans who are convinced that this is the truth? Have you ever tried to think about it? The truth is different! Trainers enslave Pokémon and bend them to their will! At those words, the audience, as if in chorus, shouted "SLAVER TrainerS! SLAVERS! SLAVERS!" It took a few moments before the man could speak again.

" They exploit them for all sorts of things. Do any of you have the courage to deny that this is the case? Listen to me! Pokémon are completely different creatures from humans and it is likely that they possess abilities that are still unknown. There are so many things we can learn from them. So, what is the only sensible thing we humans can do for them? Exactly! We must free them! And that's what I'm going to do with these slavers! But, since I " Man" I particularly emphasize the word "I". "I am a magnanimous man. As much as they are all criminals, I will allow each of them to defend themselves. To keep his Pokémon." The audience roared in disapproval. During the speech, some of the Grunts left, only to return once the speech was over. Each of them held a person firmly. Ash and Serena looked at them one by one. The boy they were looking for was the last in line. Before him there were only three people.

"I'll start with you." The man turned to the man on the left. He was a man of about forty, and he had a really ugly face. "Well." He invited him Ghecis. "You will be the first. Deploy your Pokémon." He invited him.

The boy, who had in the meantime been freed, obeyed. "Toxicroak! It's your turn!" The man sent out a Pokémon biped with dark blue and aqua green colors, similar in appearance to a poisonous frog. The head had a slightly upward curled tip. It had bright yellow eyes, very intimidating, with a small pupil similar to that of a snake. The mouth looks like a mouth guard. The upper lip is red and curls upwards. Under the chin there is a sort of red vowel. It had three fingers and, on the back of each hand, a large red claw. The forearms were surrounded by two black rings. The legs were muscular. His feet had three toes. Below the pelvic area there were two white horizontal lines. "Oh!" Comment Ghecis. "We can start." The Trainer was taken aback and did not order any attack. "Why don't you order any attack?" He asked him. "Do you think I am incapable of defending myself because I am a mere human being?" He added. "I am perfectly capable of attacking and defending myself!" He provoked him. "Do you want a demonstration?" The man's eyes lit up. He raised an arm. This was enough to knock the opponent's Pokémon everywhere. This was enough to defeat him. Two Grunts restrained him, while another searched him. His goal was to catch all of his Pokémon. The boy owned three others. "And now release them!" he ordered Ghecis. The Grunt who had searched for the boy triggered the release mechanism from the Poké Balls, releasing a Watchog, a Tranqill and a Liepard.

Similar fates befell the next two Trainers. "Now they'll do the same to that boy." Comment Ash. Up until that moment, the boy had held back, albeit with difficulty. But he couldn't bear to see those things one more time. Even though, until now those who have suffered that treatment were criminals. But now it was that boy's turn.

He understood what was happening. "Eevee! This is the most important battle! We must win at any cost! Let's start with Quick Attack." He ordered. As soon as it was on the field, the Pokémon started running towards that boy. It almost seemed as if he had understood something that no one had understood until then.

He started running towards the man. These, as done with previous Pokémon, stopped him. Eevee struggled to bear those enormous powers. Impossible for a normal human being. He gritted his teeth and tried to move forward. Every step was a huge effort. His body lit up with a blue light. The ears, yes they stretched, the body became more muscular and slender. The tail became more pointed, and the same could be said of the snout. The eyes became scarlet and the coat black, decorated with yellow rings. "It evolved into Umbreon!" Comment Ash, softly.

"Do you think that a simple evolution could ruin my plans?" Ghetsis tried to rage. "That only means one thing." The man disappeared into the trapdoor where he had previously exited, only to return, after a few moments, escorted by a Pokémon. simile and a hydra. It had black wings on its back. There was a pink flower-like collar on her neck, opening from her head. The central head was dark blue and the eyes were brick red. The hands, black, housed a head each, also blue with black eyes. It possessed two pink lines on its lower body. The feet, forked in shape, had no claws. The tail also had a pink stripe with a black puff at its end. "One Hydreigon" Comment the boy, in a low voice. "You will have the honor of battleing one of my freedom battleers!" the man pointed to it. "Hydreigon! Dragon Pulse!" The man ordered. Three beams of energy came out of the Pokémon's three mouths

color tending towards purple. As they moved away from the Brutal Pokémon, they took on a draconic form.

"Umbreon! Dodge and use Swift!" The Moonlight Pokémon moved quickly, swerving to the right. He didn't lose then

time, jumping and launching a discharge of energy, in the form of stars, at the opponent. Despite the great effort in its attack, however, the opposing Pokémon did not seem to suffer any particular consequences, despite appearances.

"I don't know how long it will last. I think we'll have to intervene." Ash spoke softly in Serena's ear, making her feel a pleasant shiver. "What do you intend to do?" He answered him. "We'll figure something out. You'll have to distract him and then we'll save that boy... somehow." Serena was a little annoyed. Not that she didn't trust Ash, but sometimes she didn't like his having no plans very much.

"AND NOW THAT HE TOO IS FIXED, THERE IS SOMEONE WHO STILL DARE TO CONTAIN ME?" He shouted, rhetorically, Ghecis, indicating l'Umbreon boy. Lying on the ground, no longer able to battle.

"Certain. I!" Serena shouted. Ash had already walked away, implementing a plan that, until then, had only been in his mind.

He had only asked her to keep Hydreigon at bay with her Sylveon.

The girl struggled to make her way through the many people crowded there. Smiling at those present and asking for permission after permission, the girl reached the stage, standing in front of the big man and his Pokémon.

"Since you were so brave…" She referred to her opponent. "Since I am a magnanimous man, I propose you a deal. If I win, that boy gets to keep his Pokémon. If I win, you will have to free your people too."

The girl accepted with a small nod.

"Don't take too long." He said softly. "Sylveon! It's your turn! Fairy Wind!" The girl's Pokémon, as soon as it came out of the Poké Ball, attacked, generating a powerful current of pinkish air, which hit the opponent with enormous force. "Hydreigon! Reply with Dragon Pulse! The man ordered. Three beams of purple-colored energy came out of the Pokémon's three mouths. As they moved away from the Brutal Pokémon, they took on a draconic form. These rays approached the Pokémon, but not if they scratched in any way. "But how is this possible!" The man complained. "Try it again!" While the two were battleing, Ash had reached the passage from which they had entered.

The boy looked around and, not noticing anyone around, decided to take action. He took some Koffing-shaped balls from his bag. An invention of Lem. They were smoke bombs, non-toxic, obviously. The inventor was inspired by the techniques of Sanpei, their ninja friend. Until that moment he had always carried them with him, without ever finding any real use for them.

He threw a couple of them on the ground, with some enthusiasm. These exploded, generating a large quantity of smoke, black and dense, which was heading into the room. "We need to get it here faster! Noivern, I need your help!" The boy threw the Pokémon's Poké Ball Sound wave. "Well, Noivern, I need your help. You should direct the smoke into this door." The boy pointed to his Pokémon at the door he had come out of. The Pokémon, having understood what it had to do, began to violently flap its enormous wings, generating a very strong current of air which directed the large quantity of smoke inside. The boy continued to throw smoke bombs as long as he had, guaranteeing, thanks to the help of the Pokémon, perfect coverage.

The air in the room had become dark and difficult to breathe. It was almost impossible to see anything. It was part of the plan, at least in Ash's head.

Serena, her Sylveon and that boy were still on stage, with Ghetsis and his Grunts also. "I knew I should never have trusted you! You Trainers are all the same!" He shouted. "Take them!" He ordered. "But sir…" one of the Grunts objected. "Technically the girl would have won the battle..." Despite the smoke, the opponent felt the weight of his boss's gaze. But when he tried to intervene, it was too late.

Like his peers, he was thrown against the wall by a very strong current of air. The impact was so strong that it made him lose consciousness. "Come on, let's go!" A familiar voice urged Serena. It was Ash. And he was on stage, not far from her. He was escorted by his Noivern.

The two took a few steps, just enough to get off the stage. Ash immediately noticed that the boy wasn't following them.

Having no other choice, he had to go back and pull Umbreon's trainer by the arm. "Yes. I understand, I'm coming with you! But then you have to explain to me why you wanted to save me."

Ash remained silent. What mattered to him was reuniting with Serena and trying to blend in with the crowd.

Despite some shivers, everything went well. The three had run for a long distance, soon separating from the group, and reaching a less peripheral and safer area.

"Thank you for saving me, but..." The boy asked, still out of breath. "Who are you? Why would you have saved me? I could have been a criminal like the boys before me, and yet you had no problem coming to save me." Ash and Serena looked into each other's eyes.

"Maybe we're not exactly recognizable like this." He looked at Serena. Ash understood the message. He took off his scarf and hat. Then he moved on to lenses. Serena did the same.

The boy didn't believe his eyes. "But you two are… the World Champion and the finalist of I don't know how many Grand Festivals? I don't want to believe it!" He looked at them in amazement.

"Who are you?" Ash asked him. "N-Nice. My name is Carlos and I am the Gym Leader of Striaton City." The boy introduced himself. "I just still don't understand why you saved me. I represent nothing to you." Ash turned in her direction. "And so? We saw a boy chased by Grunts of Team Plasma and, thanks to Lycanroc's help, we tracked down who had kidnapped you and..." The boy nodded in understanding.

"I understand. But… tell me, why did you decide to come here to Unova?" Churches. "To cut it short, I realized that if I really want to become a Pokémon Master, I have to help someone achieve their goal. I was put in touch with a girl who became a trainer this morning and…" Ash explained. "I think I understand." Carlos replied. "This means that the I will meet very early." He added. "I suppose so." Ash replied. "But now it's better to go back inside." Carlos took his leave. "I was supposed to spend the night with a friend of mine and he's definitely going to be worried." He explained. "Until we meet again!" They greeted him.

The two returned to the Pokémon center. It was after midnight, so Serena had to punch in the code to open the door. As soon as he opened it, he signaled Ash to be quiet, putting a finger to his mouth.

The boy walked silently to his room. Serena did the same, trying not to wake Anita, who was sleeping peacefully. Pikachu was lying in her bed, and that made her very happy. She knew Pikachu liked her, after all, according to Ash, she was his only friend who had never been electrocuted. Even in that case, the girl should have been very careful.

The next day the three had to get up early. Ash and Serena were still tired from the night before. Tired and traumatized. Both Anita and Pikachu noticed their friends' bad mood. They had gathered and had just sat down at the table to have breakfast. "I see you are worried. Has something happened?" Anita asked. "Team Plasma..." Serena began. "It's worse than we could have ever imagined." He tried to explain. "They forced trainers to release their Pokémon. Sure, some of them were criminals, but… among them was also the Gym Leader of Striaton City." Ash explained. "We managed to save him at least." Serena added. "Then I think you shouldn't be so downcast. You managed to save someone." The two shook their heads. "The problem is not that we managed to save only one person. Nor how many we will not be able to save or not save. The problem is that these Team Plasma boys are very dangerous. Much more dangerous than Team Rocket." Ash explained. "And, by the way, what happened to them?" Serena wondered.

Anita was very confused. "And what is this Team Rocket?" Anita asked. "They were... or rather they are, even if we haven't seen them around for a long time, criminals who steal Trainers' Pokémon, to sell them on the black market and make money. And we know more about it, don't we?" He asked, rhetorically, both Serena and Pikachu.

"I don't see much difference between them." Comment Anita. "Both do not respect the bond between Trainers and Pokémon. And, now that, in my own small way, I have become a Trainer, I can't imagine myself without Oshawott." He explained.

Once breakfast was over, and in a more relaxed atmosphere, the three left the Pokémon Center and set off on their way.

"Sorry… Um… tell me. The gym leader of Striaton City, what is he like?" Churches. "We would like it to be a surprise." Ash answered her, without even thinking about it.

In the meantime the three had reached the outskirts of the city and would soon reach the open countryside.

"But... thinking about it, you recently became a Trainer, you only have one Pokémon with you. Maybe you should catch a few more." The proposal. "Do you think I can do it?" Yes, the girl, rather hesitant. "If you don't try, you'll never know." The boy took his Smart Rotom and searched the dedicated area of the dex for the Pokémon present in that area, then brought it closer to Anita. "Here you are. Here are the Pokémon you can catch here. There seems to be a good variety." He observed. Pictures of different Pokémon appeared on the Smart Rotom's screen, accompanied by their Pokédex number and their name. "We see…" Comment on the girl. "Let's see... Mareep, Riolu, Lillipup, Patrat, Pidove, Azurill, Purrloin... I have no idea who to choose." Everywhere the three looked, they could observe Pokémon of all species.

However, as soon as they tried to get closer, they did rintanavano wherever possible. "Of course it's really difficult to catch a Pokémon. Much more than I imagined." He tried to speak in a low voice. "Many Pokémon are easily frightened." Ash explained to her. "You have to be very careful." Serena added. "Thanks for the advice, but it seems that as soon as we take a single step here, they all disappear.." Ash took her again. "You have to be patient. Sometimes they're the ones who want to get caught." The three continued to walk along the road that separated the two towns.

At a certain point, a Pokémon appeared from one of the many bushes similar to a small dog with a light brown color. It had large, oval-shaped, brown eyes and a red nose. His face was covered in thick, cream-colored fur. It also had large pointed ears and a tuft of fur at the bottom of them. Its fur appeared puffy on the tops of its paws. On the back of the dark blue hair he remembered a flame. The tail was short and resembled a sort of tuft.

The girl scanned the Pokémon with the Pokédex function of its Smart Rotom. "Lillipup. Puppy Pokémon. Normal type. Female specimen. He faces even the strongest opponents with courage, but his intelligence allows him to avoid battles that are too disadvantageous. Known moves Tackle and Bite." The Puppy Pokémon sat down and began to scratch itself.

"I don't know about you, but I'd like to try to capture him." Anità spoke softly, trying not to scare him. "Come on, you can do it!" Ash encouraged her. "All right! PokeBall! Go!" The girl took a Poké Ball from her bag, but before she could press the activation mechanism, Serena blocked her. "Not like that. If you want to catch a Pokémon, you must first battle. I know it's paradoxical, but before you capture it you have to battle." Anita took the Poké Ball back into her bag to take her Oshawott's. "Good, friend. Counting on you." The girl let out her Pokémon. "You see that Lillipup?" He asked. I would love to capture him, but I would need your help. "Sha?" The Pokémon's tone was rather doubtful. "I think you can easily do it. But we have to hurry. He could leave at any moment." He instructed him.

"Well, let's try. Use Tackle!" Oshawott started running towards his opponent, still calm.

When Oshawott was close enough, he finally got up, and decided to respond to the opponent's attack, using Tackle himself. The two Pokémon collided and, due to the violence of the impact, both retreated. Due to the impact against the ground, both of them kicked up a cloud of earth.

"Oshawott! Aqua Jet!" The Pokémon's body was surrounded by a layer of water, which completely covered it. "Good, now try to move as unpredictably as you can!" He ordered. The Pokémon moved in different directions, trying to confuse its opponent. Even though he jumped in different directions, he couldn't follow it.

In the end the impact was inevitable. Lillipup was thrown into the air.

He soon fell back to the ground, dazed. "This is the moment!" Ash proposed to her. The girl followed the advice, putting her hand back into her bag and picking up the Poké Ball again. He triggered the magnification mechanism and threw it at the Pokémon.

This was immediately absorbed by it, transforming into a beam of light. Once this was done, the sphere began to vibrate, moving left and right.

The three watched her move, it was difficult to determine whether or not the capture was successful. Although it was nothing new for Ash and Serena, the tension created by having to wait to find out whether a capture had been successful or not was always present.

The sensation immediately disappeared when the Poké Ball confirmed the capture. "Now all you have to do is pick it up." Ash remembered her. "Oh… yeah… sure… right."

The girl said yes, he bowed and picked up the Poké Ball. "I caught my first Pokémon!" She rejoiced, and Oshawott with her. "Come out Lillipup!" The girl activated the opening mechanism of the Poké Ball, letting the Puppy Pokémon come out.

He immediately approached his new trainer, attaching himself to her leg. "He seems to adore you already" yes he congratulated Ash.

After having lunch, the three set off, still in the direction of Striaton City. They were continuing calmly, despite some shivers caused by the wind that picked up every now and then.

Their peaceful walk was interrupted when they crossed paths with those of a boy with blond hair and dressed in sports clothes. "Hello, Ivan!" They greeted him. "Well… hello" He replied, in an annoyed tone. His way of responding annoyed Serena a lot, who didn't have much trouble pointing it out.

"I didn't think you'd survive this long." He turned to Anita harshly. "Is it perhaps to give the two of them a minimum of satisfaction?" Serena and Ash had to hold her back, to prevent her from putting her hands on them. "Perhaps you should settle this matter with a battle." Ash proposed. "As you wish." Ivan replied. "Three against three?" Churches.

"Actually I only have two Pokémon." Anita replied. "Fffff, all right… two against two." He replied, rather annoyed.

Having found a clearing large enough to serve as a BattleField, the two trainers positioned themselves on opposite sides of the improvised field. "If you don't mind, I'll be the referee." Ash proposed. "As you like." An increasingly annoyed Ivan replied. "The battle between Anita and Ivan begins. It will be a two-on-two battle. Whoever manages to defeat both opposing Pokémon wins." Once the explanation of the rules was finished, the two trainers sent their respective Pokémon onto the field.

"Oshawott! It's your turn!" Anita sent out her first Pokémon, and so did Ivan, with Tepig. "We can start!" Ivan left. "USA Nitrocarica!" He ordered. Tepig's body was engulfed in flames and he ran towards Oshawott. "Let's try it! Reach him with Aquajet!" Anita ordered. The Otter Pokémon's body became covered in water, and it jumped. It was a crazed bullet attached to a trail of water.

The two Pokémon clashed halfway across the field. The contact between the two was quite violent, with the two Pokémon being thrown backwards by the force of the impact.

Tepig had taken the most damage, but he still didn't want to give up. "Use Tackle!" Ivan ordered. The Fire Pokémon started running against his opponent. Anita waited and waited. Tepig was getting dangerously close.

"Now dodge and use Water Gun up close!" Anita ordered. A powerful jet of water came out of the Otter Pokémon's mouth which hit the opposing Tepig squarely, throwing it into the air. A few moments later he fell back to the ground, with a thud. "Well! So what do you do? On! Force! Move and attack! Flame Charge!" Tepig's body was covered in flames and he started running towards his opponent. Due to his injuries, he was slower than normal.

"Oshawott! Aqua Jet!" The water-type Pokémon covered itself in water and transformed into a crazy projectile that hit the opponent squarely, sending him flying. When he fell again, the result of the battle was clear. Tepig was on the ground with his paws outstretched. "Tepig can't battle anymore. Oshawott wins!" Ash decreed. "Make sure you suck less next time." Ivan withdrew his Pokémon, defeated. Ash barely stopped himself from punching him in the teeth or, in any case, smashing his face. "Your Pokémon fought to the best of its ability. If you continue to behave like this, I refuse to referee the battle." Ivan turned to him. "There is no need for anyone to referee this battle. And then the Pokémon are mine. I treat them as I see fit." Went out.

"In any case, let's close this quickly! Wherever you go!" A Pokémon came out of the boy's Poké Ball similar to a gray pigeon. He had large oval eyes that were golden in color. The head was round. On the top of it there was a kind of three-pointed crest. The beak, black in color, was surmounted by two small pink protuberances. Below it was the belly, which with a heart pattern, was lighter in color than the rest of the body. On the back of the body, at the neck, there was a black streak. On the wings, there was a black streak of gray. The Pokémon had pink paws with three toes with black nails. Anita used the Pokédex function of her Smart Rotom. "Pidove Pokémon Pigeon. Normal and Flying Type. Male specimen. Pokémon that live in the city. He easily becomes attached to people, so it is not strange to find him in parks or squares. Known moves: Gust, Quick Attack, Air Razor." Anita put her Smart Rotom back in her bag. "Good, Pidove! Air Cutter!" The Pigeon Pokémon generated blades made of air from its wings. He directed them with surgical precision against his opponent. Despite trying to dodge, the Pokémon was hit right in the chest. Due to the blow he suffered, he fell to the ground, exhausted. "Oshawott is no longer capable of continuing." Ash decreed. "Now you can rest, friend, you did great!" Yes he congratulated Anita. "Congratulating a Pokémon that has just lost is synonymous with weakness." Comment Ivan. Anita didn't answer. "Lillipup! It's your time!" The girl took her second Pokémon's Poké Ball from her bag. He pressed the release button and released the Puppy Pokémon from its Poké Ball.

"Pff… A Lillipup! Banal!" Ivan commented, in a bored tone. Anita just ignored him. Lillipup had only been his Pokémon for a few hours, but he already cared a lot about it and couldn't stand anyone treating them that way. "Lillipup! Use Tackle!" Odin. The Puppy Pokémon ran towards its opponent, trying to hit it. "Come on, dodge!" Ivan ordered. the Pigeon Pokémon took flight, avoiding the opponent's blow. "And now use it Aeration!" Blades of air were generated from the Pigeon Pokémon's wings, which hit the opposing Pokémon squarely. "It's Pidove's Super Luck ability. He has a very good chance of hitting some bad shots." Ivan explained. "And I also feel like I won. No? What are you waiting for to declare my victory, referee?" Ash glared at him. "Ivan wins." Decree. The winner of the battle placed his Pokémon in the Poké Ball. "Next time make sure you are a worthy opponent. Or, for a bit of a challenge, should I challenge you, Ash?" Ash just didn't answer. Not because he was picky, but because, like his Snivy, he really didn't like that boy.

A few moments later, Ivan had taken his things and left. "I don't know about you, but I don't like that boy at all."

He looked at Ash. "I agree. I didn't like how he treated his Pokémon at all. You who fought for it, what do you think?" Serena asked. Anita didn't answer. "Everything is fine?" Serena asked her, in a worried tone. Another dead silence.

Serena took a few steps back and found it. She was sitting against a tree. He had his face in his hands. He looked quite sad. As soon as he noticed the Performer's presence, he turned in the opposite direction.

"Don't think that doing this will change anything." Serena took it back. "You can't be so upset about a defeat." Ash added. "Don't you understand? You are now the champion of champions! You don't know what it means to lose! I don't deserve to be a Trainer! I don't deserve my Pokémon's trust!" He vented.

Ash and Serena sat down across from her. "No. You can't say that. If all Trainers didn't deserve Pokémon, after just one defeat, then there would be no Trainers. Everyone lost at least one battle. Even the greatest Champions. No exceptions, right?" Pikachu confirmed this. "And the same goes for Competitions and Variety." Serena added. "The only important thing is to always get up and learn from your mistakes." Ash tried to motivate her.

"Do I still deserve your trust?" The girl picked up her two Pokémon's Poké Balls. the girl stood up and resettled It's Poké Ball.

"But now let's get back on the road or we'll have to spend the night here." Serena remembered. "I'm not sure I want to spend my first night as a Trainer out in the open like this." Anita replied.

The three set off, speaking little or nothing. "I don't know about you, man…" Ash spoke to Pikachu, trying not to be heard by the girls. "Pika?" The electric rodent asked. "I say that Ivan, in some ways, reminds me of Paul." The boy explained.

"Sorry if I'm indiscreet, but who is this Pol?" Anita asked. "It's Paul, not Pol. He's not a motorbike rider. However… Well, it was a rival when we traveled to Sinnoh. Yes, he was and I think he is undoubtedly strong, but I never liked the way he treated his Pokémon. But maybe I'll tell you about it another time. I don't like talking about people who aren't there." Ash explained.

Meanwhile, the three had almost reached Striaton City. Or rather, they managed to see the first buildings. They were the tips of the tallest skyscrapers. They were buildings made of glass and steel, with the most disparate shapes.

Continuing walking, they began to reach the first residential buildings, the first terraced houses with gardens, the first children playing with pet Pokémon, like Growlithes, Lillipups, or Yampers.

Having passed these, they began to reach the most central part of the city. They began to glimpse the first taller buildings and the premises. Among them is also the modern Pokémon Center.

It was a modern building, two stories high and very large. The entrance overlooked the square, while on the right side there was the wrestling field. The building was surrounded by numerous trees.

It was almost time for dinner. And, although Ash's stomach was growling, the priority was to book a room for the night. And that Pokémon Center was the ideal choice.

They booked the rooms, and after having their Pokémon checked, they reached one of the clubs in the city. A pizzeria, which, from the numerous reviews received, seemed to be one of the best places in the city. After dinner, the three went to the Pokémon Center, where they spent the night. Anita didn't feel like challenging the Gym yet.

The following day, while Nurse Joy was relieving the medical guard who had been working the night shift, a boy was knocking on the door, insisting on coming in.

the Nurse, realizing his presence, pressed the button to open the door. The boy, not expecting it, risked falling forward.

"Ah… if you, Carlos…" The Nurse welcomed him. "Why are you here so early?" He asked him. "I know the heroes who saved me from Team Plasma. And I didn't have time to thank them." He answered.

"For the moment all the guests are sleeping. You can wait for them in the breakfast room, if you want. Eat whatever you want." The propose. The boy followed the advice, reaching the indicated room and sitting at one of the tables. To find who he was looking for, he had to wait over an hour.

"As I was telling you, if you still don't feel like battleing in the gym, we can do a training session here. Maybe with

Snivy. After all, she too is a beginner and a little training can only do her good." They were discussing plans for the day. Or rather, Ash was talking about it, with the girls trying to humor him.

They were about to choose a table at which to sit and then place the breakfast trays. Carlos, having identified their table, did the same. He joined them and got the breakfast food. It wasn't exactly something he was up to, but, to thank them, this and more. As soon as they sat down, Carlos did the same.

"Thank you again for saving me." The boy began.

"Eeeeeee… who would you be?" Anita asked as she turned to the boy. Serena had interpreted his look well. But he simply said nothing. "Well.. You see. The two of them saved me from Team Plasma and I just wanted to thank them. Certain. We already met in the evening, but we parted ways immediately." Anita tried to say something about it, but stopped.

"Excuse me. I didn't introduce myself." The boy left again. "My name is Carlos, I am the Gym Leader of Striaton City. But if you want you to call me Charlie or Chili, that's fine." Ash looked at him strangely. "But why, if your name is Carlos, why do you go by so many names?" Churches. "Well, your name is Satoshi, but everyone calls you Ash." Serena answered him.

Carlos, ignoring the question, continued the conversation. "I guess you came here to challenge me." He was referring to Anita. "Yes. That's why she came here." Ash interjected, leaving her stunned. "Maybe she should have said that, don't you think?" Serena took it back. "It does not matter. Ash told the truth. I am, or rather we are here for this. I'm just not too sure. I would like to try, but I'm afraid of failing. Yes, it was difficult for them to make me accept defeat. I don't know if they'll be able to do it again."

Ash and Serena turned in his direction. "We will always do everything we can." Ash answered her. "Exactly. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes." Serena added.

"Sorry if I'm intrusive, but don't you mind if I train with you?" Carlos asked. "Do not mention it." Ash replied. "And, since you're the Gym Leader, let alone slip out some secret technique..." Ash commented, in an ironic tone, inadvertently sending Carlos into the ball.

After breakfast, the four headed to the Battlefields of the Pokémon Center. "I was thinking about something." Carlos begins, sparking the curiosity of the other three. "Since Anita is still a beginner, perhaps it would be good for her to learn from a battle between trainers... let's say more experienced, right?" Carlos asked. "Do as you wish. Yes. Maybe I can learn something, but, again, do as you see fit." Anita replied.

The two trainers lined up on opposite sides of the field, ready to deploy their Pokémon. "Umbreon, come out and do some training!" Carlos exclaimed as he sent out his Pokémon. Anita took advantage of this to analyze it with its Smart Rotom. "Umbreon, Pokémon Lunar light, Dark Type, Male Specimen, It is a nocturnal Pokémon. Its large pupils allow it to see prey clearly even in the deepest darkness. Known Moves: Swift, Quick Attack, Shadow Ball, Black Pulse." While Anita scanned the Pokémon with his Smart Rotom, Ash had sent out Pikachu.

"If you're ready, we'll begin." I notified Ash. "Ready!" Carlos replied. Umbreon also confirmed that he was ready to battle. "It's an honor for us to battle against you." Carlos concluded.

"No more chatter! Pikachu, let's start with Quick Attack!" Pikachu began to run at great speed towards his opponent, moving rapidly to the right and left, disorienting him.

"Use Quick Attack too!" Umbreon started running in the direction of his opponent, trying to copy his every movement. The two Pokémon clashed in the center of the field.

"Let's take advantage of the height! Use Iron Tail!" He ordered Ash. The tail of Mouse Pokémon changed its structure. Because of the great energy from his fall, he gained great energy. Despite trying to dodge, Umbreon was hit directly.

"I'd say that's enough for training." Carlos gave the time-out. It had been a short battle, but rather intense, at least for Umbreon.

"So this is how champions battle eh! Imagine if I hadn't stopped the battle. We have a lot to do to be on your level." Carlos commented. "I heard you before you wanted to train with Anita, sorry if I wasted your time." He added. "No- it doesn't matter." The girl replied. "It–it was interesting seeing you all'opera. I hope I don't make a bad impression." Anita replied. "Do not say that. And I think I've already explained it to you. And then this is a training battle, both for yours and for Snivy" He answered Ash. Anita nodded in understanding.

The two were positioned on the sides of the battleing field. "It may be training, but I ask you to give your best." He encouraged her Ash. "We will try!" Anita replied. "Oshawott! It's your turn!" The girl sent hers to play Pokémon. At the same time Ash sent out his Snivy. "You can start too!" I invited her Ash. "As you wish! Oshawott! Use Aqua Jet!" Anita ordered.

Pokémon Otter covered himself in water and, like a projectile, launched himself towards his opponent. It seemed like it could reach him at any moment. "Quick, Snivy, dodge it and then block it with your whips!" He ordered Ash.

The little grass snake leaped a few moments before it was reached by its opponent. At the same time from the bumps on the back of the Pokémon two vines appeared and grabbed and tightened the Pokémon. "And now throw it!" He ordered Ash. The Pokémon He executed, using his whips to launch his opponent.

Oshawott was thrown into the ground, where he hit his head against the ground. Despite the hard blow, he managed to get up. "Do you feel like continuing?" Churches. Oshawott replied in the affirmative.

"Well. Maybe he wants to teach us that we don't have to battle only up close. Well… Perhaps? Let's try it. Use a Water Gun!" From the mouth of Pokémon Otter released a powerful jet of water in the direction of his opponent. Initially he was unable to direct it correctly, hitting the ground and kicking up dust and mud.

"Snivy, use Leaf Tornado!" He ordered Ash. The Pokémon jumped and generated a storm of leaves as sharp as blades, which reached and hit the opponent's attack, destroying it.

"No. Nothing. Even battleing from afar we can't attack." Anita commented in a frustrated tone. "What if we tried using one of his techniques?" I think. "But yes. Let's try it! Oshawott! Use Aqua Jet!" Ash noticed the half-smile mentioned by Anita, reciprocating in turn. He remained calm, as did Snivy.

Oshawott was about to reach Snivy, who was still standing still. "And now use Fury Cut!" Anita ordered, drawing a smile from Ash. "Defend yourself with whips!" He ordered Ash. With his whips, the Pokémon managed to slow down the opponent's attack, albeit with consequences. The two Pokémon were on top of each other.

To avoid embarrassment, Snivy used her whips to move Oshawott and stepped aside.

"I'd say that's enough for training." He concluded Ash. "I see a lot of potential in you!" Yes he congratulated Anita. "Are you serious?" The girl asked. "I would never lie." He answered Ash.

Carlos had also seen the battle. "Sure that Ash, despite being a champion, he also manages to work well with inexperienced Trainers, who knows if..." He thought.

His train of thought was interrupted by the presence of Anita. The girl was in front of her. Pretty close. "Y-you know, C-Carlos. C-" The girl was visibly embarrassed. "Tell me." The boy replied. "I-I would like to C-challenge you in-a Gym Battle. If you want tomorrow too." He asked him.

"Do not mention it! I am always ready to face new challenges!" He answered.

"See you tomorrow!" They greeted Carlos. Serena smiled. He had a feeling inside him. She couldn't help but think about her friends and what she felt towards Ash. He didn't want to be intrusive. After all, he was the first person to know that certain things needed their time.

Yes, I wanted to make a shorter chapter, but I hope it's still an interesting chapter. In my intentions it was a simple introductory chapter, let's say. The real banging will start later. Do not worry. I already have several ideas to put into place.