Ash decided to continue tomorrow. That day, after introducing Snorunt to Phantump, he called the Professor and his mother from the sponsorship. Delia was proud of him, while the professor said, "Didn't Mattis tell you not to accept deals in your first year?"
"But he also said deals from league officials are a save bet.", countered Ash.
"You... have a point. Stupid Mattis, he shouldn't have mentioned that.", muttered the professor, ending the call.
After that was done, he scanned in Snorunt. The dex spoke, "This is a female Snorunt, an ice type native to Sinnoh. In the snow country, certain folklore says a house will prosper if a Snorunt lives there. Their numbers seem to have rapidly increased in Alola. Custom has it that houses where Snorunt live will be prosperous for generations to come. Rich people from cold areas all share childhood memories of playing with Snorunt.
"This specimen has the ability Inner Focus and knows the moves Astonish, Headbutt and Powder Snow. Only females can evolve into Froslass by using a Dawn stone. Should I clarify something?"
"No, thank you.", said Ash as he was looking at the Dawn stone Mrs. Matori gave him. "Tomorrow we will pass though the Viridian Forest, I wonder if we walk into a Mindless there... I hope not."
The next day early in the morning, he called his mother, letting her know he leaves Viridian City. He also send Giovanni a quick message. After an equally quick breakfast at a bakery, he and his Pokemon, and Phantump, made their way though the bordering forest. There was a reason Ash wanted to go early in the morning and not after he signed the contract and got Snorunt. The forest is infamous.
Years ago it was famous as Kanto's most beautiful forest, now it is infamous as the hot spot for Mindless appearances. Not a place you want to be in night, so Ash tried to minimize the time he has to spend in there when it is dark. Now, the forest smelled sweet of pollen and wood, bug types could be heard making a buzz and the sun was shining though the tree tops, creating patterns on the floor.
But even at day light, the forest isn't harmless. And Ash just didn't want to bike when it is dark. Rowlet was flying around and circling over Ash. Snorunt was, most of the time, walking besides her new trainer, when Ash pushed the bike. Ash used the walk to build up her stamina and speed. If paths weren't bike friendly, Snorunt rode in the basket of the bike. Phantump was flying besides Ash and chatting up a storm about his trainer. From what Phantump said, Ash doesn't get the feeling Phantump was abandoned. Ash still didn't know what happened to his trainer, though.
When Ash wasn't talking to Phantump, he noticed Rowlet being annoyed by Phantump. Sometimes she will land on a tree and just stare at Phantump. Ash may not understand her yet, but he knows she does not like Phantump. Lieutenant Surge told him Pokemon of the same typing may feel a rivalry with each other, which can be a challenge to specialize in a type. Not to mention, from what professor Oak told him about her life with this Professor Kukui, she may feel territorial about her trainer, now that she finally has one. Starter Pokemon are given out young. His Rowlet is quite old to be a starter. Old Pokemon in general tend to be more territorial, while young ones play with everyone and everything, hence why they are given out young, to bond with the teams best.
Around lunch, Phantump helped foraging which he learned from his trainer, Ash and his team took a break and ate. Rowlet tried to snatch some food from Phantump, but Ash told her to stop which she listened to. She begrudgingly agreed, but voiced her annoyance. But because she was just a ball of green fluff, it was just adorable when she made her angry purring sounds.
Snorunt, while Ash cooked, she ran rounds in the clearing they stayed at. Rowlet kept an eye on her with her rotating head. Snorunt then stopped at a bush. Rowlet flew to her, to check on the small newbie. Snorunt sneaked into a bush, Rowlet followed her into the bush, they then came out carrying something.
Ash looked up from the pot and saw them carrying an open Pokeball.
"Where did you found this?", he asked, taking the ball. "This ball is clearly used, not defect. Why was it just in a bush. I wonder..." Ash pressed the button. The ball closed and sucked Phantump into it. Ash gasped surprised and let Phantump out again. "Looks like it is Phantump's ball. Does that mean your trainer is close by?"
"I hope so.", replied Phantump.
Ash then scanned it into his dex as a lost Pokemon he found. Seconds later, an automated message popped up.
"Dear trainer IDN9.928.563, we, the Indigo League, where informed that you found a lost Pokemon and\or a lost Pokeball. We will check on the trainer it belongs to. Until then, we ask you to hold on the ball and\or Pokemon and to care for the Pokemon until further notice. Please stay reachable in case we found the rightful owner. Thank you for your help and cooperation, the Indigo League.", he read out loud. "Looks like you stick with me for now."
"Mm, I don't mind.", replied Phantump. "Is the food done?" Rowlet let out an annoyed hoot. "Hey, I am not a glutton! Aren't you hungry from the constant flying?"
"Rowlet, be nice to Phantump or I won't let you ride in my bag.", said Ash, threatening his starter with a potential punishment. Rowlet accepted the terms and they ate the stew Ash made. Ash then got a second notification. "Oh, looks like Phantump does not count for my Pokemon carry limit. Good to know."
It wasn't quite evening when Ash and his team arrived at Pewter City. Well, it was more of a town. Not as much as Pallet, but it was not a city like Viridian. After healing his team, and calling his mom, he left his bike at the center – as Pewter didn't have a hotel Ash wanted to bother paying for – he and his team then explored Pewter. After finding a spot to eat something, Ash found a guy who sold a multitude of stones, rocks and anything stone.
"From evolution stones to just pretty gems, I have it all.", he said, "Anything catching your eye?"
Ash, in fact, had something his eyes on. A mega evolution stone. For a Pokemon he does not even have yet. A Gengarite. He bought it, despite there being a chance he won't never use it. While the chance that he catches a Gastly isn't zero, there is no guaranty he and that Gastly will ever have a bond strong enough to activate Mega Evolution. But what is the life without taking risks? He also bought also two evolution stones. Two dusk stones.
While deciding on the stones, he noted the seller looking at him. He had to point it out, "What ya looking at, old man?"
"Hey, this old man has a name, Flint!", he replied, "Now, may I ask why you need two Dusk stones?"
"Simple. I plan to specialize or at least focus on ghost types. Dusk stones are often needed to evolve then.", explained Ash. "And good trading stock. Kanto has only the Gengar line and Johto isn't doing better."
"That sounds accurate. I assume the white hair dye is because of that ghost obsession of yours?", asked Flint, lightly mocking Ash.
"Actually, my hair isn't dyed.", replied Ash annoyed, "And I am not obsessed with ghosts."
"No dye, eh? Doesn't your parents bother that color, or lack there of?"
"Not really, mom enjoys it.", answered Ash. "My dad isn't aware that my hair is white, probably."
That surprised Flint. "How is he not aware of that?"
"He ran and hit the road before it turned white. I had a freak accident and he ran, instead of taking responsibility and helping mom. That coward probably would get
scared by white hair.", told him Ash.
"Oh...", was all Flint said. Now it was Ash's turn to watch the other. He saw Flint looking to the table. His eyes jumping around, as if he was thinking. Flint then looked up to Ash, "Would you want to see him again?"
"No, at this point, he doesn't need to return.", answered Ash, "He is dead to me." Then Flint got really silent. Ash wondered if he should leave, if their talk was done, when his phone rang. It was the sound of someone aggressively writing on a chalk board, the ring tone he uses for Professor Oak. He accepted the call and said, "Hello Professor! Why do you call?" Ash started to walk away from Flint' stand. "Wait, before you start, something happened!"
"Really? What? Pokemon related?"
"Of course.", confirmed Ash. "Back in Viridian City, I found a lost Phantump. Then in the forest, I found his Pokeball. I now care for a lost Pokemon."
"How interesting. Mm, normally I would tel first year trainers not to care for lost Pokemon, as they can act in... certain ways due to yearning for their trainers... or feeling betrayed. But this Phantump is a ghost type, so you as a ghost whisperer should have an easy time. Now for why I call you,", spoke the professor, "Ash, you see, Mattis and I talked to the champion about you. Lance wants to meet you.", explained Professor Oak. "He is at the museum of Pewter. Delia told me you're there."
"It is about the powers, isn't it?", guessed Ash.
"Yes... now go, you can't let a champion wait.", said the professor before ending the call.
"Of course the old man wants me to go somewhere when I don't have my bicycle close by.", muttered Ash annoyed.
Arriving at the museum, Ash started to look for the champion. The well known Champion Lance Watari shouldn't be hard to find, but so should the white haired Ash, considering Lance found Ash first. Lance guided Ash to a cafe near the museum. Ash was quite nervous to meet the champion.
"Lieutenant Surge and the professor told me about you. Is it true that you have those powers and can understand Pokemon?", started Lance their conversation instantly.
"Yes. But for the record, I can only understand ghost types.", answered Ash. He then made a cup on their table float. It was casted in his purple aura. "Enough proof?"
"I suppose. I am pretty impressed. Psychics, like Sabrina, are one thing, but your power is something new.", said Lance, "Now, have you considered to join my group, the G-Men? Or any similar organization? Your powers would be insanely useful."
"Mm, I never did. I always had my eyes on being a trainer.", answered Ash.
"Well, now that I have brought it onto your radar, you can think about it, kid. You're still young, so don't rush. And-" Lance got a call. "By Arceus, Mindless outside of town. I need to go! Think about it, Asher!" With that, the champion left.
Ash also left the museum. He returned to the Pokemon center and rested for the night. Meeting Lance was quite underwhelming. But confusing, Ash didn't expect to be asked if he considered to join groups like the G-Men. His thoughts then wandered to tomorrow. He has Rowlet and Snorunt, but he doubts it is a good idea to make Snorunt fight rock types. Rowlet has a fighter's soul, but she can't handle all on her own. Challenging a gym with just one Pokemon is always a bad idea. So he decided to spend tomorrow with training.
But overmorrow, he decided to challenge the gym. Walking in, it was dark. Like his mom's room the first week his dad left. But then there was light and he saw the gym leader. He didn't expect the rock type gym leader to like dramatic entrances. Besides the leader was a younger version of him.
"Hello, challenger! The name is Brock Harrison, this gym's leader!", he said. He then gestured to the guy besides him, "This is my brother and referee, Forest. Now, before we start with the fight, I need to know a few things. Do you have any badges yet, if yes, how many? And what is your name and where do you come from?"
"My name is Asher Farron Ketchum from Pallet Town, I don't have any badges yet.", answered Ash, "But call me Ash."
"Oh, a newbie-"
"Forest, stop it. You don't even have a trainer's license.", said Brock, scolding his brother. He wanted to tell Ash to go on the field, when he saw the badges on Ash's neck. "Oh, you have a sponsorship?"
"Mm, show pony.", muttered Forest.
"Forest!", said Brock loudly. "I really reconsider having you as my referee."
"I-I also have an OFTR license.", chimed Ash in, trying to get their attention away from the sponsorship.
"Neat. Now go on the field. Forest, position yourself as well.", said Brock. "Wait, with who is your sponsorship?" Plan didn't work out. Brock took a closer look on the sponsorship badge. "Oh my Arceus! With Giovanni! Not bad, not bad. Now we really should get started."
"This battle follows the official Indigo League rules! This battle is between the gym leader of Pewter, Brock Harrison and the challenger Asher Farron Ketchum from Pallet Town!", announced Forest. "Mega evolution and similar, potions, substitutions and similar are not allowed. This is a two v two battle. Trainers, call out your Pokemon, go!"
Ash called out his Rowlet while Brock started with a Geodude. "Oh, what is this?", asked Brock. "And where did you get here from? OFTR request?"
"Exactly. She is a Rowlet, a starter from Alola.", explained Ash.
"I thought Rowle's are pale brown, nearly beige.", said Forest. Then he face palmed when the realization hit. "She is a shiny, isn't she?"
"Yes.", confirmed Ash. "Rowlet, Leafage!" Rowlet flew into the air and shot leaves at Geodude. The rock type countered by throwing rocks at her, which she dodged. She only dodged Geodude, and sneaked in attacks in between. When Geodude fainted after having his energy sizzled up like that, Ash had hope this could work.
"Mm, don't think you have won yet, Asher.", said Brock as he brought his Onix out.
Rowlet flew to Onix big face and used Astonish, to scar Onix, but she just got smacked into the ground by Onix. Ash sighed and called her back. Seeing this, Forest started to laugh his but off at his. Ash pulled his cap down over his eyes in embarrassment, when he felt Phantump's ball moving. Said Pokemon then broke out in front of Ash as if he waited foe something.
"Phantump?", asked Ash. What does his traveling companion plan to do? "Why did you break out?"
"Mm, looks like we can continue the battle. What an eager little guy.", said Brock. "Another grass type, are you planning to specialize in them? I doubt Erika would like some competition."
"Oh, she could profit from competition.", chimed his brother in.
"Actually, Phantump is a lost Pokemon I found and care for until his trainer is found.", told him Ash, "Come back, Phantump."
"Actually, you can use him in battles – not in the conference though – if he agrees to.", explained Brock. "So, let's continue."
"Mm, fine." Ash wasn't too sure. He isn't familiar with Phantump's power level. But remembering the moves the dex told him, he got a hunch Phantump isn't weak. He at lest can try it, or forfeit. Albeit the last one won't look good on his trainer profile. "Fine. Phantump, Magical Leaf."
Phantump looked around, then, to Ash's surprise, he used Dig and dug into the ground. Ash was about to forfeit, thinking the normally very friendly and accommodating ghost decided not to listed – despite clearly wanting to fight – when he came out under Onix and spammed Onix with a barrage of magic green. He then used a move, Hex.
Onix flinched and closed his eyes in pain, then Phantump used Shadow Claw on Onix, grabbing Onix' neck. Phantump tried to squeeze between his head and body. Onix was clearly in pain as he tried to shake Phantump off.
"Phantump, stop that." It was unnecessarily cruel. "Magical Leaf instead."
Phantump stopped as he was told and used Magical Leaf, the Onix fainted, ending the fight in Ash's favor. Ash was more busy by his thoughts, what the heck was Phantump's trainer as a person like?
"Woah. Well, looks like you won.", said Brock. He gave Ash his first badge, a golden rendition of the Boulder Badge. "The Indigo League introduced new badges, matching the three battle rule." Loose three times, be prohibited from challenging a gym until next season. "Win first try, gold. Twice, silver. Thrice, bronze. Give me your dex, so I can send you your prize money."
"S-Sure.", said Ash, giving him his dex. When he got it back from Brock, the door to the gym opened and the stone seller from days ago came in.
Unlike Ash, who was just a bit confused why Flint was here, Brock and Forest were frozen and starred at him. Ash dipped into his powers, he focused on their emotions. His way of – by probably ignoring one's privacy – reading the room. Ash could sense sadness and regret on Flint's part, but also sadness, betrayal and anger on the brother's part.
"Dad?", asked Brock. Ash looked to him, that could be an explanation. "I thought you left us."
"I... know. It was wrong of me to leave you and your ten siblings. I want to return and to apologize."
"Took you a while to realize that.", said Forest. His anger was stronger than Brock's. "Why are you back now?"
"I talked to someone.", he answered as his eyes wandered to Ash. "I had some insight and realized I've been an idiot."
Ash realized he probably reacted to what Ash said about his own father. He probably doesn't want that his kids be so apathetic to him – and his hypothetical death – so he tries for redemption. It is probably worse for the Harrison's as there seems to be no mother, if Brock was the main care taker. With that realization, Ash left. This is clearly a situation that is not his business.
Ash walked directly to the center and healed his team. Back in the room, he told Rowlet of their winning. Like with the battle against Giovanni, Rowlet wasn't happy to be reminded of her loss. But this time, she was even more aggregated. Ash rolled his eyes and asked, "What, are you bothered Phantump won us the battle?"
Rowlet slowly nod.
"Calm down, Rowlet. You can't win everything, you're part of a team and not a solo player.", answered Ash. "You beat Geodude, Phantump beat Onix, you two shared the work. Now, apropos Phantump. What the heck is your battle style?"
"I know you didn't tell me to use Dig, but my old trainer taught me to use it to trick my opponent if the ground allows it. And to follow with a certain move, depending on my opponent's fighting.", spoke the Phantump. Rowlet was perking up, sensing her rival may get scolded.
"This is actually a solid tactic, but this is not what I meant, Phantump. Your fight against Onix, your method was quite cruel. Please tone it down.", said Ash.
"Oh, that... I... okay.", said Phantump. "I never liked this either, but this is what he demanded from me and my team mates. He really was fixated in winning, wanting us to give more than one hundred percent."
"I see. Listen. You too, Rowlet and Snorunt. I don't want cruelty. Against your opponent. Which also mean I won't be cruel to you. In other words, I won't force you to do something you don't want to. So no cruel 'moves' like Phantump used against Onix."
"Understood.", agreed Phantump.
Started: 13th September 2023
Edited: 29th July 2024
Finished: 15th September 2023
Uploaded: 19th October 2024