AN: Multiple Anime references have been hidden in this. Guess them!

The next day the squad goes onto the St. Anne. They also got cabins – first class even – as the tournament spans over a few days. As they acclimated to the ship in their cabins, Ash messaged Giovanni about the tickets.

'May I ask why you gave me four tickets?'

Giovanni answered in light speed. 'Got a feeling you may want to invite friends. Did you?'

'Fellow trainers. Gary Oak and two girls from Pallet.'

'My feeling was right.' He then added, 'Wait, girl friends?'

'We're just friends, Mr. Sakaki!'

The first day was spend by just exploring the cruise. One hall had a fair, essentially. Which includes food booths with foreign foods. So Green and Yellow split from the group, leaving Gary and Ash on their own. All Gary said about this was, "Green's such a glutton."

"Mm, at latest, we see her and Yellow at the tournament.", said Ash hopeful. "Now, what types of Pokemon do you think will we see here?"

"Mm, probably mostly Kanto Pokes, maybe a few from Johto and Sinnoh, as these are somewhat close – albeit I won't call Sinnoh close – but I don't think there are many international participants. For that, we need to wait for the League.", answered Gary. "Now what?" Then the lights shut down. "Seriously, did I jinx this?"

"Woah."

"Ash?"
"Haven't I told you? I developed the ability to see in the dark.", explained Ash. "I just got reminded of that."

The light then returned and the speaker system voiced, "We are sorry for the short shut down, someone's Pikachu bit the circuit. The electrical system had been repaired, no need to worry."

"Good thing that I don't have a Pikachu, they sound annoying to deal with.", said Ash.

"Yeah. Now let us sign up for the tournament.", said Gary. Then he snipped. "I realized something! If we win the tag team battles, we have to fight each other if we come to the end!"

"Looks like our rematches come earlier than I anticipated.", said Ash. "On the other hand, that would require we get to that point."

"Whatever! Let's fetch something to eat!", decided Gary, "I think I saw a Unovan food stand somewhere?" Gary proceeded to drag his friend into the direction the twins left to before hand. Taking a turn on a Paldean Food stand, Gary froze as if he saw a ghost.

"Mm, I would prefer something Paldean...", muttered Ash, but Gary didn't listen.

Gary just stared at an older version of Ash. If Ash would have kept his black hair, that is. The man had the same pattern on the cheeks, the same hair style and the same tanned skin. 'Is that Farron Ketchum?', he wondered. Gary remembers little of Mr. Ketchum, but he just knows that is Farron. 'Nope, nope, nope! Change of plans! No way Ash is in a head space to deal with that dead beat.' He turned to Ash, "You know, Unovan food is so mainstream. What was your idea? Kalosan?"

"Paldean. Like the stand we stand at.", corrected him Ash, confused about his friends behavior.

"Than that."

They soon returned to their cabins. Under the slits of their doors, they found leaflets detailing how the battles are structured. They decided to meet in Ash's cabin to discuss it. Reading it, Yellow realized something. "By Arceus! These tag team battles are really just a time saver!"

"But a fun one!", said her sister. "Double battles and tag team battles, when do you have those? I wish Gym leaders and League battles would feature these more often."

"If you say so, Green.", replied Yellow. "Eight solo battles on the first day – looks like not many signed up for these – then four doubles on the second day. The final battle may be on a third day, depending how long the doubles take."

"To be fair, Yellow, these tickets were hard to get.", said Gary. "We only got ours due to Ash's sponsorship. Not to mention, a ship has only so much space..."

"Mm, they banned Pokemon over a certain size and weight. Ugh, Yellow? I don't think we have enough Pokemon. They recommend a team of six.", said Green sadly. She sat down on Ash's bed. "To be fair, we're the youngest who signed up for this!"

"If the glare of the receptionist was anything to go by.", muttered Yellow. "Mm, it isn't against the rules that we use borrowed Pokemon."

"Gary! Could we borrow some of your dozen?", asked Green. "You have like forty!"

"Mm, maybe not forty, but sure.", agreed Gary. "You too, Yellow?"

"Of course! Do I look like I want to loose?", replied Yellow. "Do you have a grass type to borrow? And an electric type?"

"I could give you my Pikachu and Exeggutor. They have a bit more battle experience compared to most others, so you shouldn't need to worry about them having stage fright.", said Gary, calling them up on his dex. Another quirk of being an On-Field Trainer and Researcher. They can call up Pokemon from their 'box' – aka the Pokemon they store somewhere like the Professor's ranch – and have a bigger carrying limit. But they still can only use six in battle at most, unless they battle with modified rules for bigger teams. "And you, Green?"

"Mm, do you have a psychic type you could borrow me? And a Meowth if you have caught one? Dunno for the last one.", answered Green.

"While I don't have a Meowth, I have an Eevee I could borrow you. She itches for battles and bites. Mind a Jynx? Mm, you have a core, these... hey, use my Noctowl I caught on a trip to Johto." He gave them the Pokeballs. "Nice, and my carry limit isn't even reached yet."

"Right, you can carry, what, twelve?", wondered Yellow. "I'm so jealous!"

"You can apply to be an OFTR if you really want.", said Ash.

"Yeah, but unlike Ash, we would have to do actual work!", said Green.

"Green!", shouted her sister.

"Come on! It's true!", countered Green. "Everyone knows Oak treats Ash like an egg!" Ash sighed bitterly, he hates that this is true. "Don't take it like that, Ash! Oak is a well meaning idiot. It is the age."

"Eh, not gonna argue that.", said Gary.

The first battle of the day was Yellow against some guy in his twenties. They really were the youngest in this, the commentary people pointed it out. They also pointed out when she beat that guy's three Pokemon only with her Taurus. The fight after hers was a surprise for Ash. The referee announced, "This battle is between Karma Akabane from Saffron here in Kanto and Aurore Laverne from Kalos! From far away!" One of his OFTR teachers! He has to wonder, is that Judas guy also here? But now he is just excited to see some Kalos Pokemon!

Aurore started with her Florges. It looked like a massive, white flower. But according to Yellow's dex, Florges is no grass type. "Pure fairy! Holy shit!"

"Looks like that Karma guy is not aware. He makes his Weavile use ice type moves.", commented Gary. "Oh, and the Florges beat it with one move." Then Aurore beat that guy's Lucario with a Pokemon called Delphox and his Luxray with her Gourgeist. "Damn, that Gourgeist looks like no joke. Ash? Any input?"

"That Gourgeist is rude. She mocked her opponent the whole time.", translated Ash. "But Aurore's strategy. She made the Luxray a ghost type, weak to her Gourgeist! I need to teach my team such moves if they can!" While talking, he didn't notice his group being approached.

"Bonjour, Asher. I knew I saw your cloud hair here.", said Aurore. "And thank you for that compliment. Are these your friends?"

"Yes, Mrs. Laverne!", said Asher. The sisters were a bit surprised he considers them friends like that. "These are Green, Yellow and Gary."

"Ah, Samuel's grandson.", she said. "I think the next match is Judas. You remember him?"

"Yes!", confirmed Ash. "I wonder if I end up fighting him in this?"
"You partake?", Aurore asked so surprised.

"We all do, Mrs. Laverne.", chimed Gary in. "In fact, Yellow already had her first match."

"I saw. Good match, Yellow. Well then, I need to go. See you four." Aurore left the scene and Gary got moving.

"My turn's next!", he said. Ash and the girls watched him stepping onto the stage. Not only did the referee point out that he is the grandson of the Professor, but also that he is an OFTR.

Someone yelled, "Still a pipsqueak! Why do children partake in this?!"

Karma, the looser from beforehand, told the guy, "Calm down, Aizawa! Easy picks for us adults!"

"Dude, you lost against a pipsqueak.", he got reminded. Some people in the crowd were laughing at this. Gary then proceeded to beat his opponent, a woman called Usagi Moon, with his Exeggutor. His tactic reminded Ash's of Aurore and her Gourgeist.

The next match Ash's turn. "This battle is between Misa Aname from Vermilion City - oh, a local – and the On-Field Trainer and Researcher – as well as GioCorp sponsee, Asher Farron Ketchum! The battle is a three v three single battle.", spoke the referee. "Potions, Substitutions, Mega Evolution and similar is not allowed, this battle follows the official League rule set of the Indigo League. Trainers! Call out your first Pokemon!"

Ash called out his Datrix, past that point Gary stopped to pay attention. Gary's attention was on a man who gasped loudly as Ash's name was stated. Looking around, he saw Farron. Like Gary when he saw him near the food booths, Farron also acts as if he saw a ghost. To be fair, Gary is not fully convinced that Asher isn't a ghost. Dead Boy walking and such. Gary kept an eye on Farron, as if he assumes the man will do something shady. Gary was ripped out of his observer state, when Ash won. Looking back to the stage, Misa's Persian fainted and Ash's Frillish floated proudly in the air. Apparently her poison stings did their thing.

Following this was Judas' match against some woman named Irina Jelavic. While most eyes were on the blonde's massive chest area, that changed when Judas called out a shiny Arbok. The golden serpent beat poor Irina's three Pokemon with ease. Ash was mesmerized by Judas ease in battle. Why didn't he coach him in that week? The Lieutenant clearly wasn't needed!

The following was Green's battle. Unlike her sister, she had to use Gary's borrowings. It was clear she was inexperienced with them as she nearly lost her match against Meliodas who fought like a demon! Especially his equally demonic Absol. But Green still managed. Somehow. After she was done, Green and Yellow returned the Pokemon to Gary as they only need three – probably even just two – for the double battles. They were done. Now they could lean back and just watch the last two battles, checking out potential opponents of tomorrow.

To Gary's annoyance – and Ash's shock – the guy Gary was sure is Farron Ketchum came onto the stage. His suspicion was confirmed. "This battle is between Tenko Shimura from Celadon City and Farron Ketchum – wait, like the ghost boy before – eh, from Lavender Town! Oh, he and Asher the ghost boy related? They look like it if you ignore the hair."

"Oi, referee! Ketchum's shaking! Sure he can battle?", yelled a challenger from before, Karma Akabane. While most people would see this as an attempt to get rid of an opponent, Farron really didn't look good. As if he saw a ghost, he shook as if he would faint any moment now.

But none the less, Farron said, "I-I can battle. Don't worry."

"Well then.", continued the referee.

Gary wanted to drag Ash away from here, from seeing the dead beat that abandoned his family. The girls had the same idea. While they aren't exactly close to Ash, Pallet is a small town, stories travel fast, so did the ballad of the useless husband, the dead beat Farron. And they heard it from Gary at one point. (The twins theorize Delia faults Gary to some extend for the whole ordeal as she is rather cold to him, as he got Ash hurt. To be fair, most of Pallet fault Gary for that, but not necessarily that he ruined her marriage. Most people assume Farron would have had hit the road at some point later either way.)

Gary took Ash's left arm, but his hands got slapped away. Ash starred at Farron, tears slightly coming though. Farron on the other hand thawed in battle. When his first Pokemon, his Leafeon got knocked out, his focus switched to his opponent Tenko. Said man soon found himself beat. When it was done, Ash left to his cabin, but he told Gary and the girls to stay and watch the last match. He wants some alone time.

The last battle of the day was between a pinkish-red haired woman named Jessica Star and a guy with periwinkle hair named Jamie Cain. Jessica lead with an Arbok – unlike Judas, hers was not shiny – while Jamie used a Meowth that – besides standing on two legs for some reason – didn't look happy to be there. Not stage fright, more like annoyance. Ash felt a weird sense of Deja Vu, seeing the two. Jessica won. She proceeded to mock Jamie, albeit she called him James.

As the battle was done, Gary and the girls returned to their cabins as well. They considered checking on Asher, but Gary decided his friends really needed some alone time right now. But Ash wasn't seeking to be alone, he talked to his ghostly team.

His team sat around him on the bed. Snorunt was sitting in his lap, Datrix had a wing around him and hooted softly to soothe her trainer.

"I-I can't believe it... I mean, it makes sense he's somewhere... but I didn't expect to just walk into him.", he said to his team. "And Lavender? That feels like a sick joke. Maybe we ditch the trip to Lavender? We could try for a Gastly at Maiden's Peak, the second most haunted part of Kanto."

"If he is traveling, he probably won't be at home in Lavender.', said Frillish, "We should still go."

Trevenant added, "I think what Frillish means is that you shouldn't let Farron ruin things for you."

"Yes, that too.", agreed Frillish.

"Mm, maybe...", started Dreepy, "If we battle him, maybe we can humiliate him, a slight payback for abandoning you and your mother." Datrix hooted, agreeing with Dreepy's idea. "Datrix agrees. What about you, Snorunt?" She made a noise, which Dreepy replied to, "Yes, living one's best life is great payback. Like winning this tournament!"

"Of course you say that.", said Frillish, "What Snorunt said is in line with your idea."

"I-I think I need to call mom.", said Ash. He took out his phone and typed inn her number.

'Hello? Ash? Did something happen? I hear you crying.', he heard her say. 'Did Team Rocket try to kidnap you?! Did you walk into a Mindless?!'

"No and No. You see, I got St. Anne tickets due to my sponsorship. One of the participants of the tournament... dad is here."

'What? Farron?'

"Yes. Unless there is a second Farron Ketchum who just looks like dad and has a Blastoise.", answered Ash. "I-I may need to battle him tomorrow... I-"

'Don't you dare to forfeit just because of this man! He ruined our lives enough already, don't allow him to do more damage!', she said loudly as she interrupted her son.

"Mm, that's the same thing Frillish said."

'Then listen to your Pokemon!', demanded Delia. 'Now, put me on loud speaker.'

"Uh, okay?"

After he complied with her demand, she said, 'Pokemon, if you end up fighting my ex husband, give him a beating for me, would you?' His Pokemon all promised her to do so in their own way – Snorunt with a sneeze – and Datrix with a hoot.

"Snorunt! You made it snow indoors!", complained Ash. "Your luck I prefer to sleep when it is cold anyway."

He heard Delia laugh. 'Anything else?'

"I developed a new power!", announced Ash, "I can see in the dark."
'Okay, that is very handy! Don't forget to use it.'

"Yes mom. Until next time, I'm tired now."

'Rest well and either ignore Farron or beat him for me.'

Aurore was passing though the corridors to her cabin. There she saw Judas talking to Jamie, a participant who lost earlier against Jessica. She was there as well. The duo then left, which allowed Aurore to approach Judas without the need to interrupt their talk. "So Judas, sure you want to tag with me?"

"Yes, Aurore. Have you noted this Farron guy?", he answered, adding a question on his own. "He's the kid's father, right?"

"I suppose. What do you think shook him so much?"

"Oh, you cliché blonde. He abandoned Asher – according to Oak – he was probably shaken to see him there.", guessed Judas.

"Poor kid, he must feel terrible as well.", said Aurore, "According to his friends, he left to his cabin after Farron's battle ended."

"I hope Ash doesn't decide to ditch the tournament.", said Judas. Behind Aurore, he saw Farron passing by. "I have to go, Aurore. I see you tomorrow when we battle. Rest well."

"You, too." With that, Aurore left into her cabin not far away and Judas followed Farron Ketchum.

"Hey, you! Ketchum!", said Judas a bit loudly.
Farron stopped and turned to Judas. "What do you want? You're Judas Starman, right? Wait, do you need a tag partner?"
"No, I'm already with Aurore Laverne.", revealed Judas. "I have a question. Are you related to Asher? The ghost kid?"

"I-I..." He just saw Farron falling apart. "I thought he was dead..."

"Uh... sorry for asking, mate.", said Judas and stepped away, then leaving. "Sorry for asking!" Walking to his cabin, Judas thought, 'How unexpected.'

Started: 19th October 2023

Edited: 29th July 2024

Finished: 21th October 2023

Uploaded: 23th November 2024