REVIEW as it motivates me to update quicker!

Author Notes at End of Chapter

Chapter 15: Pokemon Technical Institute

It had been four days since departing Cerulean City. The trio had been traveling south through Route Five. Similar to Viridian Forest, almost the entirety of the route consisted of several forests. While exhausting and humid, it couldn't compare to the arduous terrain of Mt. Moon and its surrounding mountains.

At this point, Ash and Leaf had already become accustomed to sleeping in their respective tents while on the move. It was necessary, as they were well aware before starting their journey that they couldn't have the luxury of sleeping at a hotel or Pokemon Center every night. Traveling throughout the day wore them out completely, so it was relatively easy falling asleep right away. The most difficult part was waking up at an early hour.

Everything else came easy, as Brock was experienced in everything the two usually struggled with. Cooking and navigating were areas Brock excelled at, making the two trainers' lives so much easier.

"Again, Charmander. Brick Break!" Ash shouted, standing behind the shiny Charmander. The starter cried in determination, before raising his hand above his own head. Charmander's hand and part of his forearm turned completely white due to the attack, as it came crashing down into the small rock.

The rock, which was a bit smaller than the size of Ash's starter, caved in visibly. The outline of Charmander's arm was visible. Multiple pieces of the rock came flying from the contact, though they were small enough that any that hit Ash was merely a small nuisance.

"Nice job, buddy! Your Brick Break is definitely getting stronger."

Charmander nodded happily, flopping on his butt as he panted tiredly. Ash checked his Pokedex, making sure they hadn't been training for too long. The group had decided to take a small break as they were at a clearing just outside of a forest they exited from about an hour ago. Leaf and Brock sat from a distance about fifty yards away.

Since leaving Cerulean City, Ash made much more of an effort in utilizing his free time for training. Any time they were able to stop and take a break, Ash released his Pokemon to practice their moves or work on their strength, conditioning, or any physical attribute. Leaf seemed content to rest during most of these periods, but even she trained alongside Ash some times.

It was also an opportunity for Ash to workout alongside his Pokemon. While it was never something he had learned or thought of prior to starting his journey, Ash now believed it to be important to train his body as well. Not only was it a good way to get in shape physically, but it helped psychologically by building good habits. Most importantly, it was another way to bond and become closer to his own Pokemon by sharing the same hardships.

It was way too early, so there was no noticeably progress in Ash's physique. Hopefully, and a bit selfishly, that changed over the course of the journey for the Pallet Town native.

"Charmander, you're taking a bit too long once you've raised your arm for Brick Break."

"Char?" Charmander tilted his head, turning to the much taller human.

"Try doing it in one fluid motion." Charmander seemed to understand, repeating the action after a few seconds. It appeared much smoother, though the attack was noticeably less powerful. At the moment, it looked like either speed or power would be sacrificed depending on the duration of the setup. Regardless, training would easily fix this problem with more repetition.

"I can't believe we have to go through Saffron City." Ash complained, no doubt annoyed at the minor inconvenience. It was only just a day or two ago where Ash had learned that there was no Pokemon Gym in their next destination. Vermillion City was way south of Cerulean city, meaning that multiple Routes and Saffron City stood in the way before reaching that destination.

"I don't think it's that big of a deal." Leaf shrugged, walking alongside both Ash and Brock. "At least we can finally sleep on our own bed."

"I agree with that. Besides, Saffron City has plenty of attraction Ash. I'm sure you'll love it!" Brock jumped into the conversation, attempting to reassure Ash. Ash merely groaned in response, stumbling along the trail.

Before Ash could respond verbally, a loud shriek traveled through the open air. The trio were currently on the slope upwards of a hill, so whatever made the sound wasn't visible unless they continued upwards.

"What was that?" Brock asked aloud, raising his eyebrow at the interruption. A moment later, a shrill scream sounded again. Not wanting to remain clueless, as well as providing help to whatever was occurring, the group broke off into a sprint towards the noise.

As they finally made it to the peak of the small hill, the group spotted a small trainer crawling backwards. He couldn't be older than thirteen or fourteen, with a full head of brown hair. The boy backed away from an aggressive Raticate, who was slowly approaching the scared kid.

"Get back!" The kid cried, though Raticate paid no attention as it simply bore its long mole-like teeth. He was completely helpless, as it appeared that he had no Pokemon to aid him. There was a fainted Spearow a few feet away from Raticate, making it probable that it was the kid's Pokemon.

"Charmander, use Brick Break on the Raticate!" Ash shouted, tossing his respective Pokeball quickly. Charmander landed with a shout, drawing the attention of Raticate. Before Raticate could react, the top of his head was struck by Charmander's Brick Break.

Raticate stumbled backwards, almost losing its balance after a few seconds. The super effective attack seemed to do just enough to both damage Raticate greatly, but also separate the Pokemon from the boy.

"Ember!" Charmander obeyed, shouting its name as he spat flecks of fire towards the aggressor. Raticate was struck once again, this time crying out in pain. Panting heavily, Raticate's eyes flickered towards the group one by one. After a moment of thought, Raticate fled the opposite way towards a small group of trees and bushes. Ash returned Charmander and thanked him, not seeing any reason for chasing after Raticate.

"Thank you so much! I thought I could take him, but clearly I was wrong." The boy said, slowly pushing himself up and brushing off any dirt from his dress pants. He wore a very formal attire, consisting of black dress pants, a black tuxedo with a white undershirt, and a red tie.

"Not a problem. Glad you're alright." Ash responded with a smile.

"I'm Joee. What's your guys' names?" Joey introduced himself, outstretched his hand in greeting. The group took turns shaking Joey's hand, introducing themselves one by one.

"Joe, I don't mean this in a rude way. But why are you wearing a suit? I assume you're a trainer, so that must be pretty uncomfortable to travel with." Brock questioned politely, always being one to come off as welcoming.

"It definitely is uncomfortable, but I have to wear it. I'm a trainer, but not in the traditional sense. I attend Pokemon Tech." Joe responded. Brock nodded in understanding, though Leaf and Ash both looked at each other in confusion.

"Huh? What's that?" Ash interjected, having never heard of Pokemon Tech. Leaf also nodded, making Joe laugh sheepishly.

"Pokemon Technical Institute. It's one of just a few schools across Kanto to enroll in if you are an aspiring trainer looking to compete in the Pokemon League Tournament." Joe explained, going into more depth to the group. The student described how students enrolled in Pokemon Tech learned about everything a trainer would normally learn, except in a classroom environment. All students attended school throughout the day, as well as slept on campus as it was basically a boarding school for those who attended.

Joe detailed how it was an alternative method to compete in the Indigo League, as students who graduated had the opportunity to compete without earning any Gym Badges. There were three classes students were expected to pass before graduating. These consisted of a Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced class. Joe was part of the Beginner Class, which was the equivalent of a trainer having two badges.

"How come I've never heard of this?" Leaf asked once Joe finished explaining the basic details of the school.

"It's a really new implementation and alternative method, Leaf. It was actually just introduced, as these schools all opened just last year with the approval of the Pokemon League. The main reason being that not all parents are comfortable with their children embarking across the region without their guidance." Brock explained.

There was always a percentage of parents annually that prohibited their children from leaving on their own journey. While it was a small percentage, it was still rather unfortunate for those who dreamed of doing so. Ash couldn't imagine if he was in that kind of sticky situation, where his mother forbade him from doing so. At least with a school like Pokemon Tech, students had a different but nevertheless useful way of competing in the Pokemon Conference.

Pokemon Tech was also an alternative for teenagers who rather stay in one place, rather than travel. It was understandable, as not everyone preferred to be on the move.

After conversing for a couple more minutes and allowing Brock to tend to Joe's Spearow, Joe recalled the Pokemon and picked up his backpack.

"I just wanted to train a little with my Spearow, so I'm probably going to head back to school. You guys are more than welcome to come tour the school though! It's the least I could do to thank you." Joe turned to Ash in appreciation when speaking the last sentence.

"Really? That would be awesome!" Ash exclaimed, taking up the offer for the group. Brock rolled his eyes with a grin, amused with the change in attitude with Ash wanting to make it to their third Gym as soon as possible. Though, it was obvious him and Leaf wanted to see Pokemon Tech and what it was like, so there was no issue.

After walking a couple minutes, Pokemon Tech's large campus became visible. The group walked through the stone floored courtyard, scanning their surroundings and taking everything in. There were small groups of students chatting amongst each other, though Joe had explained that most students were in their dormitories, as it was the weekend.

The school was extremely luxurious to say the least. Ash immediately got the impression that it was mostly reserved to wealthy families who could afford to send their kids here. There were plenty of facilities, such as an outdoor pool, a gym to workout, an abundance of training fields to battle or train, and much more areas for all kinds of activities to occupy oneself.

The students also dressed the exact same, with their tidy and spotless uniforms. Though, it was the ampleness of watches and jewelry fitted on students that gave away just how well off their families were. It was evident that the group didn't fit in, judging by the skeptical stares they received from the occasional student who noticed them.

They eventually stumbled upon an open courtyard, surrounded by marble white pillars. It was easily the most populated area of the campus, as a crowd of people stood in the middle conversing.

"What's going on there?" Leaf pointed at the crowd. The mob of students appeared to be separated into two slides. Students appeared frustrated or upset, arguing to the opposite side. Joe appeared nonchalant about the dispute, shrugging before responding.

"Looks like the beginner and intermediate class of students are arguing. It's pretty common."

"Why?" Ash questioned in turn, raising an eyebrow.

"It's complicated. It has been a tradition these past few months for beginner trainers to have to pay their dues. This means that intermediate trainers expect beginners to do what they ask of them. It can range from doing their homework to useless activities like running on the track for hours straight."

"So that's why the beginner class is upset." Leaf stated more to herself, eliciting a verbal confirmation from Joe.

"That right there is Andy. He's one of the biggest bullies in the intermediate class." The brown haired student stated, pointing towards a tall, blue haired student at the center of the argument.

Andy was about the same height as Brock, with blue hair styled similar to a bowl cut. He held a cocky smirk, clearly thinking highly of himself as he looked down at the beginners with a dismissive glance. The majority of the intermediate students stood behind Andy, indicating that he was most likely their leader.

"Just shut up and do what she says. What are you going to do, battle us for it?" Andy scoffed, as the intermediates laughed loudly in response. The beginners simply glared at the slightly older students, with no one daring to respond at Andy's words.

"Wait, who's that?" Ash asked once again. Joe trailed Ash's eyes, not taking long to locate who he was referring to.

"Her? That's Giselle, another intermediate student. Everyone is in awe of her here at Pokemon Tech."

"No kidding." Ash muttered, sighing as he looked at the girl with a love stricken expression. Giselle wore the same school uniform as the other females, of that being a blue skirt, white undershirt, and dark blue vest. She had a pale skin complexion, showing off her toned legs as her white socks rode up a bit higher than other students.

"Ahh I see you, Ash." Brock laughed, elbowing Ash playfully to the side.

"Well, her beauty definitely plays a major role in her following. But she's also the strongest intermediate battler. Not to mention she flew through the Beginner class faster than anyone has ever passed." Joe replied, looking at the stunning girl in admiration.

Both Joe and Ash couldn't take their eyes off her, with Brock simply laughing at their fascination with Giselle. The group was completely unaware as Leaf rolled her eyes, opting to leave the boys to head towards the crowd.

"All of that is why she's the leader of everybody. Minus the advanced class of course. It's not like we see much of them anyways, as they are all inside studying for an upcoming exam." Ash nodded, somehow taking in the information as he remained enamored. Joe's words at least explained who Andy was referring to. It was now obvious that she was the unanimous leader. Even Andy appeared to act in a way just to please the brunette. It made Ash feel slightly disgusted, as he now felt embarrassed to admire Giselle based on everyone's lovesick glances. If this was how students sucked up to her, he wanted no part in doing so. No matter how pretty she was.

Just as the beginner class was walking away, prepared to accept their unfortunate conditions, Leaf marched in front of Giselle. Students looked at the appearance of the stranger with skepticism, no doubt confused with her lack of uniform or recognizable face.

"What makes you think you can order everyone around?" Leaf stated angrily, crossing her arms against her chest. The beginners stopped in their tracks, more interested in the new arrival.

"Because Giselle said so." Andy stepped forward, smirking at the much smaller girl as he stood more than a few inches above Leaf. Seeing Leaf get involved, both Ash and Brock approached the group. Joe whined quietly, not wanting to get involved in the slightest at the precarious situation.

"Please, dude. I've been here five minutes and I already want to throw up." Ash said, making everyone turn their attention to him. "We get it. You're into Giselle. You may have to switch up that haircut though so she can properly look at you."

A murmur of "oohs" sounded, with even some students flat out bursting into laughter at Ash's words. Leaf stifled her own, as she took notice of Andy's odd haircut. Andy's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, or anger. It was fairly difficult to say, as Ash would bet the bigger teenager was feeling both. Before Andy could retaliate, Giselle broke her silence.

"Who are you supposed to be?" The brunette asked, staring neutrally at the Pallet Town native. It seemed that everyone's murmurs vanished in an instant due to Giselle speaking for the first time since their arrival.

"Does it matter?" Ash stated in return, unfazed by the attention and tension filled air. Giselle narrowed her eyes, refusing to break the eye contact between the two. After a moment, she finally did so, only to glance at Joe. Immediately, the brown haired boy flinched, straightening up his posture.

"His name is Ash Ketchum and these are his friends Brock and Leaf. Ash is a trainer aiming to compete in the League Tournament. He's already got two gym badges!" Joe almost shouted, as his voice slightly wavered with nervousness. A few murmurs of interest sounded throughout the crowd, as it was likely not often they came across traveling trainers. "Ash and his Charmander actually got me out of a sticky situation with a wild Raticate!" Ash rolled his eyes, not caring much about Joe introducing himself for him. It's not like he had anything to hide.

"I believe you Joe. When do you not need the help of someone else?" One of the intermediate students remarked sarcastically, eliciting another round of laughter. However, it was silent once again as Giselle spoke.

"Ok, Ash. It doesn't make much of a difference what your name is. You're not a student here so it isn't even your business anyway." Giselle said with an arrogant tone. "Besides, why would I listen to someone beneath me? I'm an intermediate student, so naturally, I'm far superior than you." Ash rolled his eyes, already annoyed by the girl's cocky attitude. Her physical appeal was already overshadowed by her personality in a matter of minutes.

"It doesn't change the fact that what you're doing is wrong. A trainer's skill should have no influence on whether they should have to do people's dirty work." Brock cut in.

"I don't remember anyone asking you, dude." Andy now stepped directly in front of Brock, staring down the tall teenager. The air grew more tense, as the student's eyes widened with the possibility of a fight brewing. Realizing things were escalating too quickly, Ash came up with a possible solution. It wouldn't be easy by any means, since an intermediate trainer's skill was the equivalent of a trainer with four badges.

"Alright, Giselle. Since you think battling dictates power over others, how about a battle?" Giselle smiled almost deviously, as Ash now had fully captured her attention. "Me versus you. If I win, no beginner trainer or any student in Pokemon Tech will be ANYONE's lackey."

'Hook…'

"And what happens when I win?" Giselle interrupted, looking at Ash expectantly. Ash merely smirked, already walking towards the battle field as his back was turned on everyone.

'Line…'

"Then I will stop traveling this year and will give up on competing in the Indigo League."

'Sinker.'

The mob of students simultaneously gasped, not believing the stipulations. Giselle laughed in response, before nodding at Ash in response. Even with his back turned, Ash knew the answer would be yes. The brunette didn't seem like the type to deny a challenge due to her already arrogant nature. The potential punishment would also reinforce her acceptance of the challenge, regardless of how harsh the consequences would be.

"Ash, why the hell would you say that?" Leaf whispered in Ash's ear. It was clear she was frustrated judging by her tone and the exasperated sigh that followed. "If you lose, you don't owe her anything."

Ash stopped walking, finally turning around to look at Leaf face to face. "I'm not going to lose, Leaf. And if I did, I would hold up my end. My word means something."

Leaf held her mouth slightly agape, as she took on an even more appalled and frustrated posture. She refused so speak, almost analyzing Ash with her skeptical glare. Realizing that Ash wouldn't say anything else, the brunette grit her teeth and blew out a harsh exhale, walking away towards the crowd gathering at battle field.

Ash rubbed his eyes tiredly, now knowing he had another issue to deal with. He understood her anger at him, but it was his decision at the end of the day. She could also show a bit of faith, considering he wasn't a pushover by any means.

"So no way I could convince you to get out of this?" Brock joked, standing behind the trainer box.

"Nope. Not a chance, Brocko."

"Worth a shot." Brock shrugged. Giselle stood in the opposite trainer box, staring at her painted nails absentmindedly. Everyone besides Brock was already situated in the stands, preparing to watch the battle. The battlefield was like many the group had seen previously, as it was simply a flat dirt field with painted white outlines to highlight the boundaries. The school had much nicer ones, according to Joe. However, they couldn't utilize them due to some of the schools facilities being closed, as it was the weekend.

The battle hadn't even started, and there were cheers sounding for Ash from all the beginner class. It made sense, considering their future relied on Ash's potential victory.

Meanwhile, the intermediate class was huddled up together in Gissele's half of the field. It appeared as if they were whispering amongst themselves, likely worried about the outcome. Regardless, many of them still stared at Giselle like lovesick puppies.

"Arceus, did I look like them when I first saw her?" Ash asked out loud.

"Nope." Brock started, even though Ash's words were more to himself. "Worse."

"Ouch." Ash laughed, playfully rubbing his chest as if it hurt.

"How's Leaf?" The Pallet Town Native asked seriously, now scanning the spectator stands to spot the brunette. It was a useless effort, as there were just too many students.

"Nothing you don't already know. She thinks you're an idiot."

"What's new?"

"She just cares a lot. It's not that she doesn't think you'll win. In her eyes, it's just not smart making a deal like that. And she's completely right to think that. Just talk with her after you win this thing. You two will be just fine" Brock finished, always being one to remain neutral. Ash opted to nod in response, focusing on the scene in front of her.

"Are we going to start this or what? Let's get this over with." Giselle shouted, tapping her foot impatiently.

"I thought we were waiting for a referee! Isn't your friend with the Oddish haircut going to officiate?" Ash remarked sarcastically, pointing towards Andy. Dumbly, Andy touched his hair with one hand, before growling loudly at Ash. Giselle closed her eyes, craning her neck to look up at the sky in frustration. Though, there was a slight curl of her lips, as she likely struggled to conceal her smile. Andy could only blush embarrassedly, as a fairly large portion of students laughed, realizing that the boy's hair was extremely similar to the plant on an Oddish's head.

"I'll officiate this match." Brock stated, his words barely heard through his poorly concealed laughter. Brock used the next minute to explain the rules, detailing the battle would be a one on one.

"Are both sides ready for the battle to commence?" Ash and Giselle nodded determinedly. "Begin!"

Author Notes: Hope you all enjoyed. Another case of Leaf becoming frustrated with Ash's rash decisions. It's becoming more likely each chapter that this issue will boil over! On another front, I wanted to write Giselle's attitude basically very similar to how she is in the anime, as it works fairly well for the plot. REVIEW as it motivates me to update quicker, and I'll see you all soon!