Chapter 3: Tepig's Choice

"Tepig!" A Tepig cried out, tears flowing from his eyes as his trainer tied him up to a street pole while showcasing a heartless expression.

"You've got nobody to blame but yourself." The trainer huffed as he turned his back to Tepig.

"Tepig, Tepig!" Tepig frantically cried out as tears flooded from his eyes, begging the trainer to not abandon him but the trainer ignored him and left as Tepig's cry rang throughout the night as his trainer ran off without giving Tepig a single look or thought.

The next day, Ash and his friends arrived in Accumula Town the following day. It had been a week since they left Nuvema Town. Accumula Town wasn't exactly a city but it was much bigger than the small town that Hilda had grown up in. There were several establishments such as a Pokémon Center, offices and apartment complexes along with a few homes and some large building that served some unknown service.

Ash and his friends were headed for the Pokémon Center when they caught sight of a large crowd gathering at Accumula Town's park. Ash's gaze looked over the crowd before looking back towards Hilda and Brock. "What's going on?"

"Who knows, maybe one of the Elite Four is passing through?" Brock suggested. The Elite Four in other regions were celebrities and usually attracted crowds. It was possible that one of them lived around here as Lorelei, a former member of the Kanto/Johto Elite Four, was born and still resided on a small island south of Kanto.

"I don't think so, they usually don't come this far south." Hilda spoke while looking as curious as Ash, something had the crowd excited and she wanted to know what. "I'm going to check it out." As she stepped closer, a large crowd could be seen standing before the spectators, most of them wearing attire similar to knights of old. Though there were a few that stood out among the group, someone in black armor that looked like a knight from a fairy tale and several old men dressed in large robes. A man that wore similar robes spoke to the crowd, though he appeared visibly younger than the other robed individuals. He had long green hair and had a bit of a crazed look to him, a red scanner sat atop his nose and before his right eye while a cane stood in the grasp of his right hand.

Chase noticed Hilda in the crowd and grunted out. He was fortunate enough that Hilda had never met him before, only Skyla appeared onscreen when her brother video called her. He knew it was her though as she looked just like her brother. Brick noticed his unease and tapped Brooke's shoulder.

"Huh? What's up? You look like you saw a ghost or something."

"I'm fine." Chase brushed it off.

"Ah, okay." Brooke shrugged, returning her gaze towards the knight while Chase and Brick focused their attention towards Ghetsis.

"A long time ago man and Pokémon were separate from one another and the world was at peace, then according to legend over a thousand years ago there was a powerful trainer that helped stop a crisis in ancient Sinnoh which helped popularize the idea of catching and raising Pokémon as he helped show them that there were benefits of living with Pokémon such as companionship... however that also led to Pokémon battling, a rather immoral practice. Forcing Pokémon to fight when they used to only fight for survival." Several members of the crowd began booing Ghetsis, the knight appeared to be agitated as the grip on his sword increased but he didn't speak up.

"And it led to several villainous organizations such as Team Rocket, Team Magma, Team Aqua, Team Galactic, Team Snagem and Team Shadow rising to power over the years." Ash recalled his encounters with the others but the latter two was new to him. "Apart from Team Shadow and Team Rocket, they're all long gone. Team Rocket thrives on stealing, poaching and brutalizing Pokémon by selling Slowpoke tails and Cubone skulls! Team Shadow is a relative unknown but they're just as bad as the rest. They've all endangered the world countless times and we'll likely see more of their kind as time goes on." Ghetsis ranted. "Which is why I formed Team Plasma, we're a peaceful organization that aspires to make owning Pokémon illegal for the sake of world peace. We want to protect the people and Pokémon of this world while also striving to put an end to the evil of this world."

Ash clenched his fists, Ghetsis was right that there were bad people out there but there was also a lot of good that came from owning Pokémon. "What a load of Tauros!" He growled.

"Pika!" Pikachu angrily shouted out.

"Relax Ash, nobody's going to buy it." Brock stated before sweating as a few walked forward to talk to Ghetsis.

"He makes a good point," Hilda turned and shot bright red, hearts appeared in her eyes as a handsome man with long green hair tied into a ponytail could be seen standing behind them. Brock noticed her expression and smirked to himself as the green haired teenager spoke up. "If being a trainer was illegal then Team Rocket would never have had the world undergo several world ending disasters, Hoenn wouldn't have been nearly wiped off the map, our universe would have never been endangered by Team Galactic, heck not even smaller regions like Orre are safe!"

"That's not true, even if being a trainer was suddenly made illegal you seriously think that'd fix the issues?" Hilda was quick to snap out of it. Sure he was hot but she wasn't going to just agree with him. "They'd still be catching Pokémon while the rest of us are defenseless!"

"She has a point, I heard a bit about that legend that guy was talking about while studying for my degree." Brock piped up. "From what I heard the trainer that saved ancient Sinnoh wasn't the first trainer out there, it was one of the original trainers that was the true culprit. If he never became a trainer then he'd never have beaten the evil trainer and all would be lost. Everything you know and love wouldn't exist!"

"And I've met countless of selfless people while traveling around the world, far more than the heartless trainers I've met." Ash spoke up.

The green haired trainer looked at him before taking a look at Pikachu. "Well let's just see what your friend has to say about this. Pika pika pika, Pikachu?"

"Pika?!" Pikachu gasped out as the trainer flawlessly spoke to him in his own language. "Pika Pikachu pika pika Pikachu!" He said defensively with a flick of his tail.

"I see, it appears that this Pikachu is your best friend and the one you're closest to in the world." The man smiled. "Even though you speak in defense of trainers, I can tell that you're a good person. The name's Natural Harmonia Gropius but you may call me N."

"I'm Ash Ketchum!"

"I'm Brock!"

"And I'm Hilda."

"A pleasure to meet you," Hilda blushed once more as N bowed, grabbing hold of her hand before giving it a kiss. "I must say the women back at the castle look nothing like you."

"Castle?" Ash questioned but N ignored him, his attention turned towards the large building Ash had seen on his way into the town.

"Pardon me," N quickly took off and as he left, Ash was quick to notice what appeared to be a Pokémon tied to a lamppost.

"Oh no." Ash quickly raced after him while Brock and Hilda followed, Hilda could be heard uttering out a loud gasp as the Tepig came into view.

"Who could do such a thing?" She asked, tears falling from her eyes. Tepig was skinny compared to the one they met at Juniper's lab, indicating it was starving.

"It's former heartless trainer starved it in an attempt to make it stronger but they kept losing anyway so his trainer left him here to die." N explained.

Ash clenched his fists. "That's so cruel!"

"Pika!"

"What a monster..."

"Do you name his name? I'll report him to Officer Jenny." Brock offered while holding out some fresh Pokechow to Tepig who hungrily ate it up.

"Unfortunately he won't say." N frowned.

"Tepig, te!" Tepig cried, thanking Brock for the food before he continued chowing down on the food.

"You're welcome." Brock chuckled.

Ash cast a quick look around before noticing a security camera pointed directly towards where Tepig had been tied up. "Excuse me," Tepig looked up and watched Ash walk in the direction of the building before he disappeared inside. It appeared to be a battle facility of some sort as there was a healing machine in the corner, helping save a trip to the nearby Pokémon Center. Multiple screens could be seen around the lobby which showcased various trainers fighting throughout the facility, Ash noticed what appeared to be Trip and his Snivy though Snivy was noticeably different than before.

"Huh, he evolved already?" Ash remarked before shaking his head as he recollected his thoughts. "Excuse me miss, is that camera live?" He asked the front desk reception while thumbing towards the entrance.

"Hm? Oh yes, why do you ask? Not thinking about robbing the place are you? If you are I'd like to point out that entry is free at all Battle Club facilities, we make no money."

"Nonono!" Ash went pale and quickly shook his head while holding out his hands. "Nothing of the sort! I just want to know if it caught Tepig's trainer is all."

"Well in that case you'll have to speak to our owner, I'm not allowed to give out footage without permission."

"It's quite alright," Ash turned to see a tall and muscular man in his late fifties stood directly in front of him, his arms crossed as he looked Ash over. "Why do you want my footage?" He simply asked while coming across as intimidating. His gaze briefly shifted towards Pikachu before looking back at Ash.

"I'm hoping that it caught Tepig's former trainer, he abandoned it and starved it. We want to track him down." Ash wanted to show N that bad people rightfully got punished and didn't just get away with it.

The man stroked his chin while looking Ash over. "Okay but I'd like you to participate in a battle here afterwards, I'm Don George by the way." He waved for Ash to follow while leading him towards the security room.

"I'm Ash Ketchum and this is my buddy Pikachu!"

"Pika pika!"

"Ketchum...?" Don George gave him a look before looking towards the monitors as he walked into the room. He began fiddling with the monitor which showed live footage before reversing to the previous night where an unknown figure could be seen tying Tepig up. Ash watched closely but unfortunately the trainer was wearing a hat, it appeared that the trainer knew he'd likely get found out and didn't want to get his license revoked. "Drat, sorry kid. I wish I could have helped."

"It's alright," Ash sighed out. He didn't like that the trainer got away with it, at least Paul had a change of heart and Damian had his license revoked after Ash reported him to Professor Oak. "I'll go check on Tepig."

"Okay kid," Don George watched Ash head back out while tilting his head. "Ketchum... Ketchum... where did I hear that name before?"

"Tepig!" Tepig was looking a lot happier and chirper now that he had a full belly. "Tepig Tepig!"

"Any luck?" Hilda asked.

"Unfortunately we can't find out who it was." Ash frowned. "Sorry Tepig."

"Tepig!" Tepig smiled at Ash and waved it off. "Tepig Tepig."

"Huh, Tepig appears to have a desire to grow stronger and find a way to prove himself to his former trainer." N spoke, translating Tepig. "He wants to participate in the Unova League and win it all to prove he isn't a 'loser'."

"Tepig... is that what you want?" Ash asked, slowly dropping to a knee while holding out an empty Pokeball. "Tepig, I've raised abandoned Pokémon before and they're among my strongest Pokémon! I'm competing in the Unova League just like your former trainer and I'd be honored if you joined us, we'd love to have you!"

"Tepig!" Tepig beamed, quickly headbutting the ball. The ball opened up and absorbed him in a beam of light before shaking within Ash's hand, the ball soon chimed out to signal the capture.

"Alright, we just caught a Tepig!"

"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu posed alongside his trainer while N silently watched.

"Impressive, despite all that happened Tepig still desired to start over with a new trainer in order to continue battling." N stroked his chin. "It appears I've got much to learn. Pokémon and mankind can definitely coexist." N turned to take his leave, holding up his hand as he left. "I'll catch you around, Ash."

"Bye cutie-er I mean... N!" Hilda flushed, her cheeks burned bright red. N turned around to meet her gaze, smiling at her as a light color formed on his own cheeks.

Brock smirked at the sight before waving along with the other two as N disappeared. It appeared Team Plasma was similarly gone as the crowd from earlier had dispersed.

"Hilda, have you ever heard about the Battle Club?" Ash asked.

"Yeah, it's where trainers of the Unova region go to in order to train or challenge trainers to battles. I know my brother used to fight in them often as he was too shy to frequently approach trainers on the open road." Hilda explained before tilting her head. "Why do you ask?"

"I sort of promised I'd compete in a battle if Don George let me view the security footage." Ash spoke while rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well it would be a good opportunity to try out Tepig's strength." Brock suggested.

"Exactly!" Ash grinned. "I'll show Tepig that signing up with us wasn't a mistake, we'll make him the strongest Tepig there ever was!"

"Pika pi!"

"So you're ready to fight?" Don George asked upon Ash's return.

"I am!"

"Pikachu!"

"Very well, I got the perfect candidate." Ash's mind instantly went to Trip upon Don George's words but much to his surprise a completely different trainer stepped out onto the battlefield upon hearing Don George's words.

"This is the kid?" Iris asked causing Ash's eye to twitch.

"I'm not a kid!"

"Well then prove it by facing me in battle!" Iris grabbed hold of a ball and tossed it into the air. "Axew, let's go!"

"Axew ew ew!"

"Whose that Pokémon?" Ash quickly retrieved his Pokedex to scan the dragon.

"Axew the Tusk Pokémon, they mark their territory by leaving gashes in trees with their tusks. If a tusk breaks, a new one grows in quickly."

"Alright Tepig, I choose you!"

"Tepig!" Flares erupted from Tepig's snout as he burst onto the battlefield.

"This will be a two on two Pokémon battle!" Don George exclaimed while holding up his arms. "Substitutions are allowed but the battle will come to an end as soon as either side is unable to continue or forfeits. Now feel free to get started!"

"Tail Whip!" Tepig whipped around, waving his tail at his opponent.

"Scratch!" Iris shouted out.

"Axew!" Axew leaped out, scratching his opponent.

"Tail Whip!" Ash shouted out.

"Tepig?" Tepig looked at Ash before waving his tail again.

"Not going to attack?" Iris smirked. "Suits me just fine, Axew use Bite!"

"Axew!" Axew showed his fangs as he lunged forward before biting down on Tepig's snout.

"Tepig!" Tepig uttered out a cry of pain.

"Tackle!" Ash shouted out.

"Tepig!" Tepig cried out as he tackled Axew, pinning him against the floor.

"Axew..." Axew groaned as he fell onto his back, swirls formed within his eyes as he laid in defeat.

"Axew!" Iris shouted out in alarm.

"Perhaps you should focus on defensive attacks and not just offensive." Don George recommended. It was friendly advice, he didn't speak in a stern tone. Don George always gave advice to trainers that participated in the Battle Club.

Iris huffed and gave a light nod, understanding her mistake as she recalled Axew to his ball. "Alright well we'll just have to step things up, Druddigon!"

"Druddigon!" A large primarily blue dragon Pokémon burst from the ball. It had a muscular build and red spikes that went along his back and arms, the scales on his face matched that of his spikes.

"Druddigon the Cave Pokémon. It warms its body by absorbing sunlight with its wings. When its body temperature falls, it can no longer move."

"Dragon Tail!" Iris shouted out.

"Druddigon!" Druddigon's tail glowed blue-green as he took a swing, crashing it atop his opponent.

"Tepig..." Tepig groaned out, collapsing beneath the weight as swirls formed within his eyes.

"Tepig return, you did great out there and earned a well deserved rest. I'm proud of you!" Ash smiled at the ball before placing it back upon his belt. "Alright Snivy, I choose you!"

"Sni!" Snivy raised her snout as she emerged from the ball.

"Attract!" Ash shouted out.

"Sni!" Snivy flashed a seductive wink towards Druddigon, large pink hearts appeared in his eyes shortly after as he gave off a lovestruck expression.

"Druddigon..."

"Leer!"

"Druddigon..." Druddigon was too lovestruck to attack.

"Tackle!" Snivy rushed her opponent before tackling him.

"Drudd..."

"Leer then follow up with another Tackle!" Ash shouted out.

"Sni!" Snivy leered at her opponent before tackling him once more.

"Flamethrower!" Iris desperately shouted out as Snivy got in close.

"Drud!" Druddigon's eyes shot wide open as a powerful flame erupted from his mouth, blasting Snivy head on.

"Sniv!" Snivy screeched out as the flames scorched her body, falling limp as swirls formed in her eyes.

"One shot..." Hilda breathed out.

"Druddigon is likely a few levels above Axew." Brock informed her.

"But of course, Druddigon was my first Pokémon!" Iris exclaimed while cheerfully hugging Druddigon as Ash recalled Snivy. "Druddigon and I made a promise to each other a long time ago that we'd beat Alder and become Champion along with becoming Dragon Masters!"

"Not if Pikachu and I have anything to say about it, you got lucky this time but we aim to beat the Unova League, challenge the Champion and become Pokémon Masters!"

"Keep telling yourself that kid," Iris flashed him a playful smile. "When this is all over, we'll be the ones at the top!"

Ash smirked as him and Iris shared a challenging gaze. It appeared that he'd finally made his first proper rival in the Unova region. Ash may have lost the battle but he gained a brand new Pokémon and friend that day and that was enough for him.