Greetings, Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to Ash's Kanto Journey My Version. Before we begin, I hope you are all enjoying the story. I wish we got more reviews, not just here but also in my other stories. I don't like to be a beggar here, but this is what makes it harder to write these. I understand if you don't want to, but it helps me write. That said, let's get this chapter going, shall we?
Chapter 11: Precautions
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech and Flashback (if any)"
'Telepathy'
It was the next day after the battle with Ash and Andrew, and Ash and his friends were taking the time to rest and let their Pokemon take some time away from battles and traveling, given that Ash's Spearow was recovering from his injuries in that battle, specifically his wing.
Ash has been with Nurse Joy since the other day, checking on the status of his flying type, Spearow, and his injuries. As Ash's concern over Spearow became evermore prevalent, Nurse Joy spoke.
"Luckily, Spearow's wing should be healed by tomorrow if things go well and he doesn't peck at his bandages or anything of sorts, which he has been doing after we put that on his wing," Joy said to Ash while looking sternly towards Spearow's direction and shaking her head in a disapproving manner as he was, in fact, pecking his bandages once more.
Ash nodded and saw that Tempest, Misty's Pidgey, was in the room. Given that she was family to him after all, she looked like she'd be in trouble if his mother, who is Tempest's aunt, found out about Spearow's current predicament, as Ash sighed as much in relief that Spearow would be okay and also some shame as he feels partly responsible for what happened.
"I hope that he will get well soon." Nurse Joy added before asking, "What happened with Spearow during that battle?"
Ash gathered his thoughts as best he could and replied: "I honestly don't know. I feel bad because he asked me to continue even after I showed my concern for his wing after what Andrew's Tranpinch did to it. I saw Spearow's will to fight, and I guess it all got away from us in the blink of an eye." Ash said as Nurse Joy nodded in understanding.
"I'm not going to put the fault on you, Ash, for what happened to him. And as I said, you should be careful of his tactics. He's never been shy to push a battle beyond what many would call a justified finish to get his way. He may lose as he did to you, but in the end, his Pokemon are all well, and your Spearow's wing survived this onslaught, but it may not be so lucky next time. He'll lose a few battles if it means winning the war overall, and crippling your Pokemon is a means to justify that desire to win," Joy said to Ash, who nodded as she turned around.
"By the way, the league officials will show up tomorrow before you leave, which should be enough time for Spearow to recover; take your time and let everyone have time to rest," Joy said to Ash, who smiled kindly as Joy took her leave.
Tempest was looking at her cousin, who was still trying to peck at his bandages.
"Unless you want permanent wing damage, I really advise that you stop trying to peck at your bandages. I mean seriously, you never had an injury this badly, well, not completely this bad," Tempest said to her cousin, trying to sound serious, given that she is older than he is as he groans.
"It's not my fault that Trapinch got his jaws locked onto my wing like that, and I can't help it that the bandages are itching my feathers to no end, cousin," Spearow said to her, who wasn't amused by him not taking his injuries seriously which he noticed and stopped.
"Seriously, why are you being so serious about this anyway, Tempest? You know that my mom isn't going to fault you or your father for my well-being in or out of battles," Spearow said as he stopped pecking at his wing. She glared at him and wanted to wack him with her wing for saying that.
"Need I remind you, cousin, that even though we are family, our friendship is what keeps our flocks from being at each other's throats? (If they had it their way as things were..." Tempest shudders in the memory of how vicious both flocks were before taking a leap of faith and proving they could get along as friends but quickly adds: "...and I'm just not looking forward to telling your mother what happened to you if your injuries don't recover soon. It's not like they would become enemies again, but they could have arguments like: "Weren't they meant to protect each other? Those Spearows ego leads them to make stupid decisions, and Pidgey are too weak to intervene." or even "Pidgey just show how selfish they can be and let Spearows get hurt to prove how much better they are to the Spearow." and who knows what else they'd say. If we decide to go and visit them when Ash and Misty aren't using us, we need to show we are in this together," Tempest said to Spearow, who shut up as she sighed.
"Not to mention that they may put the blame on our trainers and dictate we can no longer be friends with them. We know it's not their fault for allowing us to want to push our limits in battle. We just need to be a bit more cautious. I can't stand seeing my cousin, let alone my best friend, ruin his wing like that."
"Aww, you wuv me..." Spearow added jokingly. Tempest tried to hold back laughter and continued.
"...you are lucky that I didn't slap you for that comment. If it was the other way around you would be worried as well, Spearow," Tempest said to her cousin who looks down in slight shame and agreed.
Ash looked at where Spearow was now rebandaged and smiled. "Take care, boy, and we'll get back at Andrew for what happened soon enough," Ash said as he made his way toward the living room of the lodge of the Pokemon Center. Misty and Brock went to the living room and sat on the couch. Ash explained what Joy had said about Spearow and the league officials' showing up the next day.
"I agree this is the best solution for our team, Ash, given that we are still far away from Vermillion City," Misty said to Ash, who agreed firmly.
"According to Mellony before she left, we are still at least a week or two from Vermillion City, so taking time off wouldn't be a bad idea, especially given that the Indigo League has just recently concluded and won't start back up again until next year," Brock said to Misty and Ash who saw no reason to debate that line of thinking. A break wouldn't hurt here, and there wouldn't hurt, and after that intense battle yesterday, they figured that would happen.
"I guess we should see what's going on in the world given that we aren't doing much now," Ash said to Brock and Misty as Riolu, Flare, Latios, Latias, and Piplup were heading towards the group, knowing that they aren't going to do anything so far as the leading news is shown on TV. What was being broadcast definitely caught their attention.
"Greetings, everyone all over the Pokemon world. I'm Alexa, a freelance news reporter from Kalos working in collaboration with Jubiliife TV, TV Mauville, and other corresponding news broadcast stations across the vast regions we reside in. I'm here to bring you news from the world with a special news report," Alexa said as Ash smiled upon seeing her, which everyone noticed.
"Seems like she's been doing well since we last saw each other," Ash said to Misty and Brock, who had heard about Alexa as she had made a name for herself in the past few years, which Ash noticed.
"I've met her a few times during my brother's stay when he was resting up for the League. While most reporters have been very keen on getting info and do not care about anyone else they come across, Alexa sticks to the source, and she's worked with my brother in finding Team Rocket during his journey," Ash said to Misty and Brock.
"Oh, does someone have a crush on her or something? Just from how you sound, it seems you two know each other more than you think," Riolu said jokingly as Ash sighed.
"No, as mentioned earlier, she's a family friend, and she's not interested in relationships, though she is the type who would rather not have that as it would put her in danger," Ash said. Riolu was about to say something when she noticed that the news brought up the whole thing with Team Rocket.
A lot of the footage was about Red's accomplishments, namely what he has done against Team Rocket, from the exposure of Celadon Game Corner as a means to launder money for the organization through the sale of stolen Pokemon to the invasion of the Saffron's Silph in Headquarters as they intended to steal the blueprints for the Master Ball design and its prototypes to further their reign of terror and Poaching ventures in Kanto and Johto at the time.
Flare was puffing her chest, given that she was seeing her father on-screen during this, as Riolu was impressed that this was the work of Ash's older brother.
"While many Pokemon that were stolen from the game corner have returned to their trainers or the wild, there are still some out there that are still unaccounted for," Alexa said as Ash and the others noticed.
"There have been reports that only half the Pokemon that has been reported to be missing were mainly from Kanto. However, new information has surfaced, suggesting that some operatives involved with Team Rocket might not be from Kanto, as previously speculated. Names such as Hunter J and Lawrence, the Third indicate that Team Rocket had their influence in Pokemon Poaching across regions like Hoenn and Sinnoh in the hoped to expand their nefarious empire before their demise thanks to the Trainer known as Red. Which brought about a brief resolution to Poaching in the last few years..."
"Man, that sucks wonder who else is out there, especailly it's been years since my brother had stopped their opperations," Ash said aloud, and the group was curious about this as well. But concentrated on Alexa's report.
"...however there are rumors that there are still past members of Team Rocket that are still out there, who are either poachers, may have joined other organizations like Team Plasma, who too partake in poaching Pokemon from Trainers under their and I quote, "misunderstood" mission to liberate Pokemon through manipulation of young Trainers minds into releasing their Pokemon or outright stealing when told their mission is not worth the price of losing the bonds forged with their Pokemon. Some may even be still operating on their own personal vendettas, but to what means?" Alexa said as everyone was still wondering what Pokemon were still out there and whether they were okay or still with Team Rocket given that they were disbanded and might be back on the rise now, having been informed that many past members may now be roaming the world as poachers.
"But before we continue, we'd like to remind everyone that poaching Pokemon is one of the most devastating acts in the world of Pokemon World. It can even lead to near-world-ending scenarios. Nowhere more evident than the events of poaching and converting stolen Pokemon into Shadow Pokemon from the Orre region years ago, where the infamous shadow organization (known simply as) Cipher, (worked alongside Team Snagem as part of their plan to rule the world through Shadow Pokémon.
To this end, Cipher supplied Team Snagem with Snag Machines, a device that allowed Snagem members to steal Pokémon from their Trainers. They were taken down, not once but twice, with two different heroes across the years named Wes and Michael, respectively, and many Pokemon were able to be purified of their malice through Purifying Ceremonies. These ceremonies are one point could only be performed at the Relic Stone in Agate Village after effectively having to spend days, weeks if not months bonding with the Shadow Pokemon as a means to open their heart to be purged of the darkness within them, but in the need to purify the massive amount of Shadow Pokemon in Order over the years, The Pokémon HQ Lab developed by Michael's father and Professor Krane, created what is called Purify Chambers to make purification of Shadow Pokémon faster just in case Cipher would ever return to Orre.
There are rumors that members of Team Snagem, including the notorious Miror B, are still out there. Still, those are rumors, and should any more information about them come to light, trust that I will do my best to investigate and bring the most accurate information to you all across Pokemon World." Alexa stated with a proud sentiment.
"Great. Now we might even have to deal with Shadow Pokemon as well," Ash said.
"I heard stories about the first incident, but this was outside the League's boundaries, as they play by their own rules in Orre. Not to mention, there are no leagues, just Coliseum Battles and those were pretty brutal from what I've heard," Ash said to the group.
"I've heard about Shadow Pokemon as well. I know a few people over there; those aren't just stories. If Cipher had gotten their way, the only other event it can be compared to would be the Legend of The Darkest Day from Galar. Thankfully, people with the will to step in and take action against these evil-doers have done so when the world needed them the most. And I'm sure there'll be a need for more to do so in the future. Let's hope it's not time soon." Brock said to the group.
"But if there are more members out there, we might want to be on our guard. If they still have access to Snag Machine technology, who knows the chaos that would ensue," Brock finished.
The group was now concerned about this news report. Clearly, things were worse than they had imagined, and they wondered if some of the still missing Pokemon were either in the evil doer's hands or, hopefully, with the authorities like the Pokemon Rangers.
"During the course of this investigative report, news that there are still members of Team Rocket being reported as poachers include higher ranked members of Team Rocket and former lackeys, among those being the following folks: The Iron Masked Marauder, who is infamous for using Dark Balls, Pokeballs that are able to catch Pokémon that already belong to a Trainer, as opposed to catching wild Pokémon only in an effort to turn those Pokemon evil, Annie, and Oakley, the infamous sibling duo who infiltration tactics have led to many technology and items used to poach Pokemon excels beyond many who came before them and are willing to stop at nothing to get their way, and lastly, Domino, the infamous Black Tulip, who is the former second in command of Team Rocket, highlighting just how dangerous she was among their ranks."
Alexa is shown displaying their pictures on screen TV as this caught Latias, Latios, and Piplup's attention but for the wrong reasons.
"On top of that, we have received word recently that Team Rocket members Jessie, James, and Meowth, with whom Red had run-ins in the past, are still out there as poachers still operating under the orders of their boss, they revealed to be Leader of Team Rocket and disgraced former Viridian City Gym Leader, Giovanni, who is stated be at large after alluding Red and the League authorities to have disappeared without a trace,"
Alexa said as she begins to wrap up.
"If you have any other information, please don't hesitate to let League officials or your local Nurse Joys know, as they are with the League and will try to report it as soon as we can. This is for all to hear. The League is doing their damnedest with the best and brightest trainers across the world to help stop poaching from becoming a bigger burden than it has become after years of evil Teams like Team Aqua, Magma, Galactic, Rocket, and many more having been disbanded or reduced in numbers led to a time of what can be dubbed as peace. Still, as new figures rise from the ashes of former chaos, peace is something we'll have to fight to keep striving for.
Noticeably, the latest reports on poaching center on an unknown figure that has made its mark on the world with a Houndoom that has devastated Trainers and wild Pokemon with a fiery passion that has many trembling in fear at the mere howl of the ferocious dark canine across the world. Please be wary and be safe. Despite wanting to help, only do so if you feel you must. We do not want any more injuries or, even worse, deaths in any trainer experienced or not trying to be a hero. Better to run and survive to report the incident in question and let the League handle things. Though it may take some time, we need to trust that things will be handled accordingly. You have been warned.
This is Alexa signing off," and with that, the news feed cuts off.
"And just like that..."
Ash now processing the information that they were given, began to add...
"Alexa didn't want to reveal her involvement with Red's operations there, and I thought she almost blew it there, but I think she managed to do a great job," Ash said to the group, who acknowledged what Ash meant.
Ash was about to say something only to notice a reaction from Latios, Latias, and Piplup. "Uh, you guys alright?"
"You remember we mentioned that we have been avoiding poachers lately? Well, the Iron Masked Marauder is one of them," Latias said to the group, who were surprised by this as Latios stepped in.
"Latias almost got caught by his Pokeball before I stepped in to stop it, but we got lucky, and from the sounds of it, she wouldn't be the same if she was caught," Latios said to the group.
"You two got lucky, indeed," Piplup told the group, who turned to him. "Most of my friends and family were taken by them by poachers looking to steal regional starters in Sinnoh, and one of them I saw was shown on the TV...Domino. I also recognize her as one of the ones Andrew spoke to in the past. I'm not sure about my other trainer, but she was brought up multiple times, and not in a we barely know each other conversation," Piplup said to the group.
"Do you think they are related or something?" Misty asked. Piplup shook his head as Misty turned to Ash, given his family's knowledge of Team Rocket. "You heard of any of them that was mentioned Ash?"
"Aside from our Rocket Trio poachers, yeah, Domino was brought up more often by my brother as she prefers to use her wits to battle than her Pokemon, not to mention her Tulip, a Black Flower, which is why she is known for and not because it's her nickname," Ash replied. "The others I haven't heard of sadly must've joined before the whole situation at Silph Co."
"I've heard of the first one that was mentioned through fellow league officials, but not good news-wise," Brock said to the group who turned to him. "I'm glad that you two got out of there before things got worse, Latias and Latios cause, because most Pokemon who have been caught have either not recovered or have been brainwashed to the point of no return, and unlike the others, there's no breaking free from his control once captured it's permanent unless the ball is broken," Brock said from what fellow league officials told him.
"It sounds similar to that shadow Pokemon incident you guys mentioned," Riolu said, crossing her paws.
"From what I was told, you aren't wrong, Riolu. But the situation in Order was a while different. The Pokemon that were turned evil were way stronger than normal and forgot they were ever good. That's why, like I mentioned, they had to undergo a purification process rather than being brought back to a normal state by breaking the Dark Ball.
I haven't seen it for myself, but there have been reports of more Pokemon going missing because of him. Whether it's related to what is going right now or not is still to be determined." Brock said.
"Well, we should try to help those Pokemon out. Shouldn't we?" Ash said to the group, who turned to him. "Look, I understand the warning that was given, but the League can't possibly handle it all. And while we may not be the strongest of trainers, we are still connected with the League; I mean, you two are Gym Leaders or were and all that," Ash said to the group, who weren't sure. They knew Ash had solid reasoning behind his train of thought, but there was more to it all.
"The main problem among the many that stand in our way is, Ash, we don't have that list of Pokemon that are still missing or if they are in this region," Misty said to Ash, who failed to process the issue in that way and decided to shut up.
Brock added, "And we aren't well equipped to deal with either of them, not in our team's current situation either."
"Brock's right, Ash. You barely survived dealing with Jessie, James, and Meowth, not to mention Andrew. We are out of the League as of right now," Misty said to Ash, who sighed and agreed.
Misty was right. Ash froze from the incident with Team Rocket and fell for Andrew's bag of tricks from yesterday's battle. Right now, the team is still in its infant state, and Ash couldn't think of a way to stop them. Despite his desire to help, he just couldn't. At least not now, but part of him hoped any Trainer who was willing and able to lend a hand after watching that report would. Only time would tell if they would.
"I agree with all your suggestions for the situation," Flare stated as they turned to her. "I admit I'm in no way near my father's strength to deal with these folks, but I'm willing to get stronger to help what we can." Flare said as Piplup nodded.
"I agree with Flare here. I may have just joined the team recently, but I am in this fight with you guys. We can work together to get stronger the right way. You lead, we'll follow," Piplup said to the group, who listened.
"The problem is what Misty stated earlier: we don't know if they are still here in Kanto, and from the sounds of it, they might either be Sinnoh or Flare's father's trainer, Red, may have dealt with one of them; by the time the news came out as sometimes it isn't fully updated.
I may not be knowledgeable about human stuff regarding the news. Still, we need more information about who we are up against and what they have if we can win against them," Riolu said to the group. Flare seemed slightly annoyed at Riolu; the intensity of that annoyance was severe this time, which Riolu noticed.
"Nothing against your father or Ash's older brother, but I have no history with them, and running in blind will only get us injured or, worse, captured by them and turned against Ash and the others," Riolu said to Flare, who in understanding Riolu's explanation calmed down.
"Sounds like there's more than you are letting on, Riolu? Care to tell us more?" Ash asked, in a curious tone, wanting to learn more about Riolu, who turned to Ash. "I must say your knowledge about the Pokemon in Sinnoh and other things is more impressive than what you are letting on, and you normally want to go in head first about battles. Is something wrong?"
Riolu sighed. "Look, you guys aren't the only ones who have ties to the League. Here, my family has some ties to them, both from the village I am originally from and a few trainers who own relatives of mine, including my mother..." Riolu mentioned to the group, who were intrigued as Riolu rarely mentioned her family. Riolu crossed her paws.
"I'm from a village in Sinnoh not far from Eterna Forest, a massive forest that gives Viridian Forest a run for its money length-wise. Something happened there with my father.
My father was the latest village leader of Riolu's and Lucario's. We are not only trained and raised to go on our own to find trainers we find worthy and can be binded to through Aura with, but we have deep connections with the League and are willing to help if necessary. A Gym Leader in Kalos owns my cousin, while my mother is with someone higher ranked in Sinnoh. I'm not sure who, as I rarely see her trainer during her visits," Riolu explained.
"Hold on. You mentioned something happened?" Ash asked Riolu, who looked away, shame evident on her face as she continued.
"He was taken away. Poachers attacked us. I fought like never before, and still, I barely got out of there. The last thing I knew, my father was taken away along with many of our kind. I wasn't asked to run the village cause I was going to go on my own during that time, and with a resolve to find the Riolu and Lucario taken away, I made it all the way to Kanto. I wasn't expecting my journey to guide me so far away from home; though I don't regret it, it all worked out and led me to show up here and join you. However, I have a feeling that one of the ones who showed up on-screen was the one who attacked our village and took him away." Riolu said to the group.
"As for my knowledge about Pokemon from my region, it's common knowledge for us to try and learn everything we can about the Pokemon World. Many of us who travel with trainers will travel to the forest in their free time to tell us stories of their battles and adventures from all the regions they've traveled and tell us of potential trainers that can be worthy of us one day if possible cause we don't want to roam the world endlessly in search of our chosen Trainers if we can help it. Something inside told me that Kanto was the place where I'd be able to find you. I listened to my instincts, and here we are," Riolu expressed before Ash knelt down and rubbed her behind the ear, much to the delight of the Emanation Pokemon, even making a purr from it.
"Thanks, Ash. I needed that. Normally, I'm against this (kind of) stuff, but I'll let it go. Though if I am to consider even allowing you to do that again if I'm feeling down or upset, please give my mask the scratch next time. It's our best spot on the right side," Riolu said to Ash, who gestured he would as told next time before facing the group, who now better understood why she's very quiet about most of her past.
"We are way too ahead of ourselves now. We can at least try to help other abandoned Pokemon as best we can, of course," Misty said, and the group agreed.
The group then noticed an announcement about something on the TV that had to do with the League.
"The League would like to bring this bit of news to fellow trainers' attention across the world, in regards to the upcoming Pokemon World Coronation Tournament exhibition matches that will happen in a couple of weeks.
The best trainers from all over the world will compete to be the #1 trainer worldwide," the announcer said as the group heard this.
"Held every 5 years, this tournament allows trainers to register and, based on the win/loss records, be placed in either the Normal, Great, Ultra, and Master Classes and engage in battles to rise through the ranks and gain a highly sought after Master 8 ranking. As those 8 trainers are the ones to push each other like no other to be officially declared as the absolute best Trainer in the world.
Registration is nearly over. We will be taking the time to sort out our classes and monitor all future battles through the use of Rotom Drones to ensure only the best are to take part in making their way to the top. This is important. These wins or losses only establish your initial Class placement. Only officially sanctioned World Coronation battles will affect your rankings. Any other wins or losses won't affect any chances of taking part in the Leagues or any other Tournament or Contest of the sort.
You may wind up amongst the top 32 or even win a Regional Conference Tournament but still have to rise through the Normal Class and face various Classes that include Past Conference Tournament victors, Elite Four members, current and even retired Champions looking for one last shot at glory in order to reach coveted Master 8 rankings. Those rankings are likely to include current Champions like Cynthia or Leon from Sinnoh and Galar, respectively, who were the finalists of the last World Coronation Tournament, in which Leon's Charizard just barely survived the onslaught Cynthia's Far chomp delivered before collapsing out of exhaustion. You had better believe that Cynthia is going to stop at nothing to avenge that loss, but Leon won't give up his #1 ranking and undefeated streak without giving it his all.
In commemorance of the event. The previous Master 8 Class will perform exhibition matches to give you all a small glimpse of what's to come including Lance facing Leon.
So good luck to all registered Trainers, and if you haven't already do so soon or miss out on this life changing event, and may Arceus watch over us all."
Though a bit bummed he wasn't able to register earlier, Ash knew this World Coronation Tournament would be on a whole another level. With his team in its infant stage, he would do his very best to enter this iteration of the Tournament next time and win it all, even if it means starting from the very bottom.
"I've heard about this," Misty said aloud as they turned to face her. Most of the Masters 8 are the current Champions, including Lance here in Kanto, who was just made as Champion, but there are a few that aren't champions," Misty said as Brock nodded.
"My father tried to go after this, but you know how that went for his life. Maybe you two could try it along with doing gym battles," Brock said. "But you will have to register soon or risk missing out. By the time we arrive at Vermillion, it should begin." Brock stated
Ash and Misty nodded at this and figured that this would be something they would like to try out and could help their team get up to snuff. However, the looming threat of Team Rocket that was mentioned was still in the back of their minds. However, that was something to worry about later. Right now, Ash had other concerns and is headed over to make a video call.
Ash contacted his mother to see if Eevee had arrived safely or had gotten her.
"Hello, Ketchem residence?" Delia said on the phone. Lighting up as, she saw it was Ash on the screen.
"Hi, Mom, it's Ash," Ash said to his mother, who happily replied.
"Hi, sweetie. I'm glad to see you are doing well and that you are contacting me. I hope things are going well on your end and your team." Delia asked Ash, who nodded and mentioned whether Eevee had arrived at her place. She smiled, bent down, and picked up Eevee, who looked happy, even wagging her tail.
"Ah, Eevee. I'm glad you're doing well and made it safely, girl," Ash said to Eevee, who barked excitedly.
"Your mom is exactly what I wanted; thank you, Ash. I'm also happy to be a part of this family," Eevee said to Ash, who nodded as Delia spoke up.
"She's been a big help in the house and garden. I must say she's full of energy after having her eggs just recently. Still, she will be a good pet and family member to our household," Delia said to Ash. Eevee nuzzled Delia, and she chuckled as Ash looked amused by this.
"Thank you, dear, for her. She reminds me of Vee, your brother's Eevee, back when she was visiting the house, but now Eevee is someone I'll cherish a lot. Thank you," Della said, as Ash knew what she meant.
"Well, it's getting late; take care, you two, and I'll send your kids over when they hatch to be with you, girl," Ash said to Eevee, who nodded as Delia added.
"Just don't forget to change your you-know-what every day," Delia said as Ash blushed furiously, signifying he was embarrassed.
Eevee was amused by this, not embarrassed by this banter. She will enjoy living with Ash's mother and being a mother herself, and she can see a lot Eevee can learn from her.
"Take care, dear, and contact me when you reach the next Pokemon Center to keep me in touch about what is going on. Take care, sweetie, and love you." Delia said before hanging up the phone as Ash said his goodbyes.
"Mom, why do you keep doing that to me in front of everyone," Ash said to himself before shaking his head and heading to bed.
The next day, Ash and his friends told the league officials what had transpired with Andrew and his friends two days ago. Sadly, though, there wasn't much they could do other than report what had happened, including how Ash and the others had met Piplup and how Andrew might have been abusive.
"Thanks for your report. We've had run-ins with trainers in the past who had dealt with Andrew and his friends, but as of right now, unless we can catch them in the act, there's only filing this with the league is a thing we can do." the official said to the group who knew that this was the outcome.
"Thanks for listening. We want to help out in finding the lost Pokemon, if possible. That would be great if you could tell us what Pokemon were missing or still out there." Ash asked the officials, who were surprised by this and were unsure of what Ash intended to do, something he had noticed.
"I understand the hesitation and even more so after that recent report, but this is not a group of some ordinary trainers. Alongside me are Gym Leaders, and given that my family has ties to the League, my brother was the one who originally saved them before they went missing. You can trust we would know how to handle ourselves and also know that if we can't, we would contact the proper authorities," Ash pleaded as the officials took note of Ash's relation to Red and the respected Gym Leaders with him, talked with each other and turned to Ash.
"We'll contact our bosses about this, and we'll contact you if they agreed to it or the Nurse Joy of the area, but any help would be appreciated, though please do not put yourselves at risk unnecessarily," the official said to Ash, who figured that might be the case. "Until then, we'll be on our way. Thank you, young man."
They took their leave, and Ash sighed, hoping to get that list, as he returned to his friends. Ash didn't want to contact Alexa as it might put her on the spot, especially with her reputation, so Ash let it be for now.
"Man, that sucks; even with my and Brock's connections, we are still turned down for getting that list. We aren't even with them or affiliated with Team Rocket!" Misty said, not happy at all, as Brock nodded.
"I guess it's a precaution given that there are still members out there, and a gym leader is a leader. They don't know who is to be trusted. Do remember even the likes of Koga was discovered to be working with Giovanni and they were both trusted to be Gym Leaders," Brock said as Misty looked at him, not happy that he said that, but Giovanni put a bad taste in title of Gym Leader lately.
Nurse Joy came over to the group with Spearow, whose wing is now fully healed and no longer has bandages. He hops on Ash's shoulders, and Tempest watches perched on Misty's shoulders, just as Blissey brings over the three Eevee eggs.
"They are in good health and should hatch by the time you get to Vermillion City, as that is how long most Eevee eggs are expected to hatch," Joy said to Ash and the others, who thanked Nurse Joy as they looked at the eggs. One of them was a different color than the others, which Ash took, as Misty took the one on the left. Brock took the one on the right as they put them in their incubators and then promptly in their bags, trying to make it as comfortable as they could for them.
Riolu hopped on Ash's shoulders, and Flare was beside Ash as Ash returned Spearow and Tempest for Misty to their balls.
The group went outside the Pokemon Center and were guided to be on a particular path.
"If you follow this path, you should arrive at Vermillion City in two weeks from now," Joy said to Ash and the others, who nodded. "As for the League and the missing Pokemon, I've put in a good word for you three. Here's hoping that is enough to help you all cause I'm sure that you are willing to help them, not just Piplup, so take care." Joy said to Ash and the others, who waved goodbye.
"Thanks, and we will," they said as they took their leave.
With our heroes well rested, they head towards Vermillion City, the site of their next adventure. The one question on everyone's mind is what Pokemon are still out there and if they can find them. What else is in store for our heroes as the journey continues?
Meanwhile, just as Ash and the others were walking, the yellow Pokemon from before was watching the group and was really impressed by Ash.
"So far, that human has shown that he's earning my trust by showing that he's strong in battle and does care for his Pokemon," the Pokemon said to himself as he looked at Ash, and they walked away as he smiled.
"I'll keep my eye on him a bit more and then decide if he's worthy of my time as my trainer," the Pokemon said as he walked toward the group.
Stay Tuned.
Done and done this chapter took longer than expected. Again, special thanks to my Beta Reader, Vital Info, for helping look over and add anything else needed in this chapter. As for what was shown, most of this was our idea the masters 8 mentioned, and in most stories shown, you might have your ideas about Riolu's family, which may or may not be the case. As for the Pokemon, you'll see when that comes up in the end. Speaking of what's coming up, we are still deciding what will happen in the next chapter, so until then, please review. Even with the stuff not showing in the emails, I will still check them, and I'll see you next time.