Ash, and Lillie have agreed with Candice that they should move their matches for tomorrow. This was Candice' proposition because of all the commotion which happened in the school, with those two thieves, so it was thought to be better to leave the battles for the next day.
It was also agreed that they will start the battles earlier in the morning, and that Lillie will go first. They will start earlier, because after the first match, Candice wants to give her Pokémon some rest, before her battle against Ash.
Thus; Lillie, Ash, and Dawn, along with Zoey arrived in the Snowpoint Gym right around 9 o'clock in the morning. From there, the battle between Lillie, and Candice started right away.
As Candice is an Ice Type Pokémon Trainer; and Lillie wants to become an Ice Type Master, she wanted to show of the power of her Ice Types; thus, Lillie decided to go only with her Ice Types… then again, majority of her Pokémon are Ice, or part Ice Types.
Anyway, in Snowpoint Gym, the gym battles are four on four, unlike three on three, which the majority of the gyms do. As such, Lillie has decided to use her Snorunt (her first one, which is a female Snorunt), then she chose Swinub, a Snover, and finally, as her last Pokémon it was her Alolan Ninetales, which is arguably her second strongest Pokémon, though some will say that it's Aerodactyl.
In a four-on-four gym battle against Candice; Lillie was eventually able to pull a win, though it was a hard earned one. Her Snorunt, Swinub, and Snover didn't have much battles, though Snorunt and Swinub did have a lot of training. In the end, it was her Alolan Ninetales, which was able to bring Lillie her seventh Sinnoh badge, by defeating Candice' Abomasnow.
Another interesting thing which happened is that her Swinub has evolved into a Piloswine during his battle. So far, he has had a lot of training under Lillie, but not many battles, so it would seem that this battle against Candice and her Pokémon, is just what Swinub needed to evolve.
Upon evolving, Piloswine was able to defeat Candice' Snover, but then lost to Abomasnow.
And so, with Lillie getting her hands on her seventh Sinnoh Badge, she happily spent the next several hours with Dawn, Zoey, and Ash, going around the Snowpoint City, to see the interesting sights, and spend time until Ash's battle.
XXX
Now, it was time for Ash's battle against Candice.
Both trainers are at the battlefield, with Mr. Honcho standing to the side, as a referee for the match. Lillie, Dawn, and Zoey are at the bleachers, from where they are going to watch the match.
Candice went first, and released her Sneasel.
Ash followed, and released his Croagunk.
Ash started the battle right away, by having his Croagunk used Poison Sting.
Sneasel dodged the attack by sliding across the ice battlefield, showing its speed. Then, Sneasel used Icy Wind.
Ash let Croagunk take the ice attack, even though he could have told him to use Protect. Croagunk just stood there, while Sneasel slid all around him, and hit him with Icy Wind.
Couple of seconds into the attacks, Croagunk started to get bothered by the ice attack, even though he doesn't really have a weakness against it. It's still cold. Then, Ash attacked. He told Croagunk to use Poison Jab, but on the battlefield.
Croagunk hit the battlefield with his purple-glowing hand, and broke several pieces of ice, which were sent flying at Sneasel.
Candice, and her Pokémon were slightly caught off guard by this, so Sneasel was hit by the ice pieces.
Ash used this chance, and told Croagunk to use Poison Sting, which hit Sneasel, and then he followed it up with Brick Break.
Fighting Type attacks are very effective against Dark, and Ice Type like Sneasel, so one attack from Croagunk was enough to take it out of the battle.
"Sneasel is unable to battle," the referee said. "Croagunk is the winner."
"Great job, Croagunk," Ash said to his Pokémon, who just stood there calmly. He didn't react to the praise in any way, showing how calm, and collected he is. "Think you can keep on battling?"
Croagunk just kept standing there, which was enough for Ash to know that, yes. Croagunk can keep on going.
"Wow, Ash," Candice spoke after she returned her defeated Sneasel back to its Poke Ball. "You're KI is strong. Just like Lillie's was. These are the kinds of battle I like. Now, get ready for this. Medicham, show us your KI!"
Candice released her Medicham. A Fighting/Psychic Type.
Ash knew that this was coming because of Lillie's battle, so he knew the Pokémon Candice is going to use. Medicham being a part psychic type means that Croagunk is at the severe disadvantage, but, they can make it work.
Ash started the battle with his Croagunk using Poison Sting.
Medicham dodged Croagunk's attack, and then used Confusion. Croagunk was lifted of the ground, and then slammed back onto it. This was repeated two more times, before Croagunk was left lying on the ground.
He wasn't defeated though, as Ash called for his Croagunk to stand back up. Croagunk did, and used Poison Sting once again, but this time, he followed it immediately by sliding on ice, and preparing to use Poison Jab.
Medicham dodged the stings, and then used Fire Punch.
Medicham's attack, and Croagunk's Poison Jab clashed, with Medicham coming out as a winner, as Croagunk was pushed back. He stood his ground though, and immediately attacked again with Brick Break.
This time, Croagunk hit Medicham on the cheek, and sent it crushing into the ground.
It wasn't enough to win the round, though. Medicham got up, and used Psybeam. Croagunk used Protect to block the attack, but then Medicham attacked Croagunk with Fire Punch as soon as Croagunk released the barrier.
Croagunk was hit and brought to the ground, before he was lifted up again by Medicham using Confusion. He was slammed to the ice field three times, and after the third time, Croagunk passed out.
"Croagunk is unable to continue," the referee said. "The winner is Medicham."
Ash returned his defeated Pokémon, and thanked him for a great show.
"What are you going to do now, Ash?" Candice asked him while smiling.
Ash smirked. "How about this?" He said, as he released his second Pokémon. It was a Froslass, much to Candice's surprised.
"Are you ready for this, Froslass?" Ash asked his newest Pokémon.
She nodded, as she floated few inches above the battlefield.
"Then start with Ice Beam." Ash said.
"Counter it with Fire Punch." Candice said.
Froslass created a white orb with one of her hands, and then fired several beams of ice from it.
On the other side, Medicham set its hand ablaze, and then hit toward the incoming beams, leaving a fire trail behind its hand, which managed to stop all the ice beams. The collision of fire, and ice created a lot of steam, which covered the battlefield, and prevented everyone from seeing the two Pokémon, but also prevented the Pokémon from seeing each other.
"Stay calm, Froslass, and listen," Ash said to his Pokémon. "Listen to Medicham's breathing," Froslass closed her eyes. "Feel for its aura, feel the slight movements in the air."
Ash knew that Medicham can see Aura, which means that it knew where Froslass is, even though the thick steam. As such, his Pokémon will have to listen, and feel where Medicham will come from, in order to prevent it from attacking her.
Ash used a little aura in his eyes, and saw what's going on in the steam. He saw that Medicham is approaching to his Froslass from behind, and he could have warned his Pokémon. He didn't want to do that, though. He didn't feel right using his powers in a gym battle, and he also wanted to see if his Froslass will be able to detect her opponents, without seeing them.
"Medicham, use Fire Punch!" Candice suddenly shouted, and just as she did, Ash saw his Froslass open her eyes, and turn around to see Medicham in front of her, with its right fist set on fire, and about to hit her.
"Shadow Ball?" Ash shouted at that same moment.
Froslass created a black orb in between her hands, and then slammed it into Medicham's torso. At the same time, Medicham hit Froslass across the face with Fire Punch.
Both Pokémon were sent flying backwards, and fell on the ice, over which they slid a little, until they finally stopped in front of their trainers.
Ash looked at his Pokémon, and saw that she was standing up, though with slight bruise on her head.
On the other side of the battlefield, Candice looked at her Pokémon, and saw that it has passed out.
The steam cleared up by then, so everyone was able to see the results of the battle.
"Medicham is unable to battle," the referee said. "The winner is Froslass."
Candice returned her defeated Medicham, and then released her next Pokémon. A Snover.
Ash stayed with his Froslass, so the battle started immediately.
Candice started the battle with Razor Leaf. Froslass dodge it, and then returned with Shadow Ball.
Snover used Ice Beam, which clashed with the Shadow Ball. Both attacks dispersed each other. Froslass immediately fired an Ice Beam of her own, and this one hit Snover, sending it flying, and dealing it some damage, due to her being a part Ice Type.
Froslass fired another Shadow Ball, but Snover got up and dodged, before she used Bullet Seed. Froslass received some damage from this, but not enough to take her out.
Froslass used Night Shade. Her eyes glowed red and she fired two black beams outlined in dark red from them at Snover.
Snover was hit by a powerful Ghost Type attack, and dealt even more damage, but still not enough to be defeat.
Snover got up, and use Ice Beam. Froslass easily evaded this, even though she really wouldn't be hurt by an ice type attack. But then, Snover appeared close to her, and used Bullet Seed.
This, did deal some damage to Froslass, but then to add more damage, she was hit once again, this time with Razor Leaf.
Froslass fell on the ground, defeated.
"Froslass is unable to continue," the referee said. "The winner is Snover."
"You did great, Froslass," Ash said to his Pokémon, as he returned her to the Poke Ball. "Now take a nice rest." Then, he pulled his third Poke Ball, and released his Chimchar.
"A fire type, ha," Candice spoke. "I'm surprised you only pulled it out now."
"I wanted to test my Croagunk, and Froslass, as they are my newest Pokémon, and haven't had any battles so far," Ash said. "Now though, the real battle begins."
"I couldn't agree more." Candice said with a smile. She immediately told her Snover to use Razor Leaf, but Chimchar dodge that easily, and used Flamethrower.
Snover also dodged, but she wasn't expecting Chimchar to used Flame Wheel, right after the Flamethrower.
Chimchar slammed into Snover with a very powerful Fire Type attack, and sent her flying.
Snover fell on the floor, defeated.
"Snover is unable to battle," the referee announced once again. "The winner is, Chimchar."
"You shoved spunk, Snover," Candice said to her Pokémon once she returned her to her Poke Ball. "Thanks so much."
She then took her final Poke Ball, and released the Pokémon. "Show them you're KI, Abomasnow!"
Abomasnow came out of its Poke Ball, and stood with its arms crossed, and looking at Chimchar from high above.
Ash started the battle with his Chimchar using Flamethrower.
Abomasnow countered with Blizzard. The attack was powerful enough to counter Chimchar's powerful fire type attack, and actually push it back.
Chimchar jumped away before Blizzard could hit him, but then had to dodge once again, to escape from the Ice Shard.
Chimchar dodged Blizzard, once again, and then fired another Flamethrower, this time, hitting Abomasnow.
Abomasnow used Wood Hammer, but Chimchar dodged, which caused Abomasnow to hit one of the ice boulders, and destroyed a part of it.
Ash told Chimchar to jump on the ice shard which was broken from the boulder. Chimchar did just that, and then started to slide all over the ice field, practically running circles around Abomasnow. Each time he passed by Abomasnow, Chimchar would hit it with Flamethrower, thus, dealing it more and more damage, but also tiring Abomasnow out, as it was trying unsuccessfully to catch Chimchar.
Chimchar jumped of off the ice shard, and used Scratch on Abomasnow's face, causing it pain, and made it hold its face with its arms. Ash used this chance, and had Chimchar fire another Flamethrower, which hit Abomasnow, then followed it up with Flame Wheel.
Chimchar slammed into Abomasnow, and pushed it across the battlefield. Abomasnow grabbed Chimchar while using Flame Wheel, and managed to stop him, but in the end, it was all useless, as Chimchar simply jumped back on the ground, while Abomasnow fell forward on the ground.
"Abomasnow is unable to battle," the referee called out. "Chimchar is the winner, and the victory goes to the challenger, Ash."
"Great job, Chimchar," Ash said to his Pokémon, while smiling. He was very satisfied with his Chimchar's progress, and Chimchar was also satisfied, and happy, judging by the happy jumping up and down he was currently doing. "I'm proud of you." Ash patted his Chimchar on the head, before he returned him to his Poke Ball.
On the bleachers, Lillie and Dawn were happy with Ash's win, while Zoey applauded for his win, and the great battle she has just witnessed.
"That was a great battle, Ash," Candice said to Ash as he approached her, and her Abomasnow, who has managed to stand back up after it regained consciousness. "You and Lillie are both amazing. You've really got spunk, I'll tell you that."
"We sure do." Ash said.
XXX
Minutes later, Ash, and the others were in front of the Snowpoint Gym. There, Candice presented Ash with the Icicle Badge, as a proof of his win over the Snowpoint Gym.
"Thanks, Candice." Ash said as he took the badge.
"I got to say, you and Lillie have really gotten the best of me," Candice said. "I haven't lost twice in the same day in a very long time. Not to mention losing so easily."
Ash, and Lillie smiled at the praise, as Ash placed his seventh Sinnoh Badge in his badge case, leaving open space for only one badge he needs in order to enter the Sinnoh League.
Suddenly, a person walked toward them all. Ash, Lillie, and Dawn recognized his as Paul, their long-time… lets' call him a rival, though he can't really be considered that. At least not to Ash.
"You must be Candice, the gym leader?" Paul said as he looked at Candice.
"Yes," Candice said. "That would be me."
"I challenge you to a gym battle." Paul said.
"I'm sure you must have come a long way, but I've had two battles today, and have just finished battling against Ash," Candice said, with an apologetic look on her face. "I'd like to give my Pokémon some rest. How about we battle tomorrow?"
"Alright," Paul said. "Tomorrow it is." He then turned around, and was about to leave, but was interrupted when Ash asked him how many badges he's got.
"Why the interest?" Paul asked, once he stopped, though he didn't turn around to face Ash.
"Just curiosity." Ash shrugged.
"It's none of your business." Paul said, before he walked away.
"Who is that guy?" Zoey asked.
"That's Paul," Dawn said. "We've run into him a bunch of times. He and Ash don't really like each other."
"I can see that," Zoey said, before she asked. "But why?"
"They are… very different." Dawn said. She just didn't know how better to explain it.
Zoey somewhat understood what Dawn meant. Ash seems likable enough, and that's not taking into account his great physical looks. Paul, on the other hand… she didn't like him, and she's just met the guy.
XXX
The gang spent the night in the Snowpoint City Pokémon Center. Then, in the morning, they saw Paul's brother, Reggie, standing in front of the Pokémon Center, with Paul.
"Who is that guy?" Zoey asked Dawn.
"That's Paul's brother, Reggie," Dawn said. "He's a breeder from Veilstone City."
XXX
"Have you gotten pass the Snowpoint Gym?" Reggie asked his little brother.
"Coming soon." Paul said.
"Candice is tough," Reggie said. "Keep that in mind."
"I've got a plan for her." Paul said.
They were interrupted by Lillie, Dawn, Ash, and Zoey, coming out of the Pokémon Center.
"Look who do we have here," Reggie said. "It's been a long time. Hasn't it?"
"It sure has." Dawn said.
"Nice to see you again, Reggie." Ash said. "What are you going here?"
"I brought a Pokémon I was watching, back to its trainer." Reggie said. "Have you been thought the Snowpoint Gym yet?"
"Yeah," Lillie said. "Ash, and I challenged Candice yesterday. We both won our seventh badges."
"Great job, guys," Reggie said. "You only need one more badge to enter the Sinnoh League." He then looked at Paul, and asked if he can go, and watch his battle against Candice.
"Whatever you want." Paul said shortly.
"That guy, and Ash might be a lot different, but he's noting like his brother, either." Zoey commented.
"Yeah, Paul is… unique, in his world-view." Dawn said.
Suddenly, a ground shock, making everyone wonder what's going on. They all noticed a huge shadow pass over them, making them look up.
"What's that?" Dawn asked with shock in her voice.
"If I'm not mistaken, that's a Battle Pyramid." Ash said.
"Wait, you know about that thing?" Reggie asked Ash in surprised. Paul seemed just as surprised.
"Yeah," Ash said as he looked at Reggie. "I've never seen it before, but my sister described it to me, and this looks just like her description."
"How does you sister know about the Battle Pyramid?" Paul asked.
"She challenged the Battle Frontier while she traveled though Kanto, last year," Ash said. "She took on the gyms, AND the Battle Frontier at the same time."
"How did she do?" Reggie asked.
"Well, she lost in the final match of the Indigo League against a… friend of mine, Serena," Ash said. "But she won the Battle Frontier. She defeated that guy… I believe she said his name is Brandon."
"WHAT?" Paul couldn't believe what he has just heard.
"Yeah, Amber is something else," Ash said with a smile. "She lost to Serena, but that match was so close that one move chosen differently by either side, could have led to Amber's win. The two of them are about equal in everything. The same age. Started their journey at the same time, and from the same place. Have similar way or training their Pokémon. If they were to battle 10 times in a raw, then they would have more ties, then either side would win, and even the wins would be similar. That's how close the two of them are.
"As for Amber's battle against Brandon, I was in Alola Region at the time, so I couldn't watch the battle, but I heard that it was an amazing, full battle, and Amber was able to defeat three Legendary Pokémon in that match."
Everyone was shocked to hear that. Even Lillie didn't know the information's which Ash just delivered to everyone.
Paul looked steaming mad at the fact that the little sister of the guy he can't stand, is so good, that she was able to defeat a Battle Pyramid.
"What do you think that the Battle Pyramid is doing here?" Reggie asked.
"I don't know," Ash said. Before he could say anything else, his Rotom Pokedex started to ring.
Ash pulled it out of his pocket, and said. "Answer." The Pokedex change shape, and started floating in front of Ash, shocking everyone except Lillie, and Dawn. They've never seen a Pokedex/Phone like that one.
Amber's face appeared on the screen of the Pokedex. She was smiling widely, when she saw Ash, and he was also all smiles. "Amber," Ash said. "What's up?"
"Hey, big brother," Amber still called him that, even though she's not a little girl anymore. "It's nice to see you again. We haven't spoken in a while."
"Yeah," Ash said. "Sorry I haven't called you, but I've just been busy."
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Amber said. "I'm spending all my time training, in preparation to become the eight Frontier Brain."
"Good for you," Ash said. "But speaking of Battle Frontier, I've just seen a Battle Pyramid fly above me."
"Really," Amber smiled widely? Are in the Snowpoint City by any chance?"
"How do you know that?" Ash asked.
"Because I'm on the Battle Pyramid, and we just flew above the Snowpoint City." Amber said.
XXX
Ash, Lillie, Dawn, and Zoey were in Reggie's car along with Paul. They are on-route to the Battle Pyramid, so that Ash, and Amber can see each other.
As they were driving, Ash explained to Lillie, Dawn, and Zoey what the Battle Frontier is, and what it means to win the whole thing.
"Say, Reggie," Ash spoke after he finished explaining. "When we were in your house in Veilstone City, I think I saw a Battle Frontier Symbols. There were only six, though."
"Yeah, I challenged the Battle Frontier when I was still a trainer," Reggie said. "I never got the Brave Symbol though, which is the proof of winning at the Battle Pyramid."
"Is that why you stopped battling?" Ash asked.
"In that battle I learned one thing," Reggie said. "That I have a lot more to learn."
"You shouldn't have given up on battling," Ash said to Reggie, surprising him, Paul, and the girls. "You lost, so what? It's not that big of a deal. Everyone loses sometimes. What's important is to keep training, keep learning, keep traveling, keep battling… That's the most important thing in the world. If you do all that, you will get to the point that you will be strong enough to never lose."
Ash's speech has left everyone in silence. They were shocked by his words, and didn't know what to say.
XXX
It didn't take long for a group of six people, to reach the place outside of the Snowpoint City, where the Battle Pyramid has landed.
When they arrived, and got out of the car, everyone saw Brandon, another guy standing next to him, as well as two girls.
Amber saw the group of people coming out of the car, and the moment she saw Ash among them, she run to him yelling 'big brother', and jumped at him.
Ash managed to catch Amber, as she hugged him with her arms around his neck, and her legs around his torso.
The others watched this show either in shock, or with smiles on their face. Those who are shocked, are mostly shocked by Amber's beauty, and a little less by the fact that she has just jumped into Ash's arms like that. It's just that… it looks a little bit over the top, and unlike what sister would normally do with her older brother.
Eventually, Amber let go of Ash, and he let go of her. She stood on her own feet in front of him, and allowed everyone to get a good look of her.
At that point, Amber is just around 14 years old. She has long teal-colored hair, with two bangs on the side, and one over the middle of her forehead. She wears a red bow on top of her head, which is shaped like a bunny ears. Amber wears a jumper-like outfit composed of dark brown shorts, a red top that has only a hood and sleeves, a white and brown top with the crest of some kind in gold on the front, red stockings, and white thigh-high boots embellished with gold linings and symbols. There is also a brown belt, holding her Poke Balls, and finally, she wears a red and brown gloves. (For better look it's basically Amber's 5-Star Outrider from Genshin Impact. Her overall look is practically Amber from Genshin Impact, except the hair, and eye color, which are teal, and dark blue)
"Wow," Ash said as he looked his sister up and down. "You look amazing."
"I do, right?" Amber said with a smile, and a pose where one hand was on her hip, while the other behind her head.
"You most certainly do." Ash was practically looking at Amber like a predator, and she noticed that, which made her smirk.
"But anyway," Amber spoke. "Come. Let me introduce you to some people."
Amber led Ash, and introduced him to Brandon, and another guy who works for Brandon, and whose name is Samuel. Ash also introduced Amber to Lillie, Dawn, and Zoey, as well as Reggie, and Paul.
Then, Amber introduced Ash to the other girl who came with her and Brandon.
She was a girl around Ash's age. She has long lilac hair, and lilac eye color. She's wearing a black suit, with white shirt, and black tie. Black shoes, and black gloves are finishing her outfit.
She's a very beautiful girl, though Ash thinks that she might have gone a bit overboard with black color.
"Nice to meet you, Ash," the girl said. "My name is Anabel. I'm known as the Salon Maiden of the Battle Tower."
"A Frontier Brain, ha," Ash said, and Anabel nodded. "Well, I guess that answered how the two of you know each other."
"Yeah," Amber spoke. "We met when I went to challenge her to the Battle Tower. We've become fast friends, and since then we've become a bit… more than friends."
Ash rose his eyebrows at that, and looked around. He saw that they were a little away from the others, who have all formed a big group, and are talking. He overheard at that moment that Paul has challenged Brandan to a battle.
Ash scoffed at that. "Moron." He though in his head, before he looked at Amber, and Anabel, who were looking at him. "So… something more, you say."
"That's right," Amber said. "Are you… bothered by that?"
"Not really," Ash said. "Just surprised. I didn't see it coming."
"Neither did I, really," Amber said. "I liked boys at first. In fact, I still like boys, but now I also like woman."
Ash nodded. "Well, if that's your choice, then who am I to stand in your way?" he said. "If it means you anything, then you have my blessing."
"It does mean a lot, big brother," Amber said, as she hugged him. "You know that I love you more than anything and anyone else, so your opinion means everything to me."
Ash smiled, and kissed the top of Amber's head, while his left arm went over her shoulder.
"So," Ash spoke again. "What are you all doing here?"
"Well," Amber spoke. "Brandon came here to do some research on Snowpoint Temple, and the Regigigas, which is said to be in slumber in that temple. When I heard about that from Scott, I convinced Brandon to take Anabel and I with him."
"You should have seen her," Anabel spoke with a smirk. "She had Brandon convinced in under a minute, and he didn't even want to hear about taking us with him, when she first asked him. Less than a minute later, he was fine with it."
Ash smiled at that. "Yeah," he said. "I know how persuasive she can be."
Amber pouted at being teased by her big brother, and her girlfriend.
"Hey, Ash," Lillie interrupted them. Amber, Ash, and Anabel looked toward her, before she continued. "Paul challenged Brandon to a battle, and he accepted. Candice also showed up, so we are going inside to watch. Are the three of you coming as well."
Ash scoffed. "I'm not going to watch Paul embarrass himself against a trainer whose skill, and Pokémon are comparable to Elite Four members."
"I'm fine," Amber said. "I'd rather spend my time with my brother. We haven't seen each other since he came here to Sinnoh, so we have some catching up to do."
"I guess I'll go," Anabel said. "I'll leave you two alone to catch up."
Ash, and Amber nodded. The same with Lillie, before Lillie, and Anabel went inside the Battle Pyramid, while Ash, and Amber stayed behind.
"Come on," Amber said, as she took Ash by the hand. "Follow me."
"Where are we going?" He asked, as he was being dragged by his little sister.
"I'll show you around the Battle Pyramid," Amber said. "We can talk while doing that."
"I guess so." Ash said.
XXX
"So, how are things back home?" Ash asked Amber, as the two of them were walking through the Battle Pyramid. So far, they've visited a few places, like where Brandon trains with his Pokémon, then there was a room with relics, which Brandon has gathered over the years. Surprisingly, Ash also saw one Fossil Restoration machine, and he got an idea because of that. Then there was a vault where Brandon keeps his Poke Balls, but they couldn't enter in there without Brandon, so all they could see is a door.
"It's peaceful," Amber said. "You know how Pallet Town is."
"What about mom," Ash asked? "How's she doing?"
"She fine," Amber said. "She opened up a restaurant about two months ago."
"Yeah, she did tell me that the last time we spoke, a few weeks ago," Ash said. "Apparently, due to the PPA, there are a lot of tourists coming in to see it, - not that they are able to see much since the entrance is forbidden - so she thought it's a good idea to open a restaurant, and have something to do."
"That's right," Amber said. "Caroline also works with mom in the restaurant, as she has nothing better to do. She also employed Mr. Mime, and she even got her hands on a pair of Machoke, which are acting as security of the restaurant… not that there was any need for them, but they are free workers, which only cost the food they eat."
Ash smiled at that. "What about the divorce," Ash asked? "She never talks with me about it."
"She isn't even mentioning it," Amber said. She felt sad about her parents' divorce, even if they are not her real parents, they took her in when she had nobody, so she sees Red, and Delia as her mom, and dad.
Ash said Amber getting sad, so he hugged her with one arm. "Don't worry about them," he said. "Their divorce doesn't affect the two of us in any way. I'm sure that they still love us, just as much as they did when they were together."
Amber sighed, and leaned into Ash's arm. "I know," she said. "But I still feel sad about it."
Ash was the next to sigh. "So was I at first," he said. "Then I got over it, and learned to live with their decision. In a way, I had seen it coming for a long time, I just never accepted it until it happened."
Amber couldn't say anything to that, as she hasn't noticed the same things that Ash did.
Ash decided to change the subject of their talk, in order to cheer Amber up. "So, what else is new in Pallet Town?"
"Well, as I said there are a lot of tourists because of PPA, and even though they can't enter inside, they keep coming," Amber said. "This has boosted the tourism of the Town, and many people have actually started to rent out rooms, or houses. The problem appeared recently, though. With the PPA already there, as well as the Pokémon Center, and the Police Station, not to mention a hospital which is being built, then to add the Castle, which is also being built; a lot of people have actually expressed desire to buy land in Pallet Town, and then build houses over there.
"That's problematic because a Pallet Town is a small place, surrounded by nature. If all those people are let to move in, then a lot of that nature would be destroyed, and in just two to three years, the Pallet Town would no longer be a Town, but a City."
"What's Professor Oak doing about that?" Ash asked.
"Oh, he's no longer the mayor." Amber said, surprising Ash.
"Really?" Ash questioned.
"Yeah," Amber confirmed. "He quit few months ago. He said he's old, and can't keep doing that job, on top of all the job he has in his ranch. Lately, he's even toned-down on his research, and is letting Garry do that for him, while he's focusing on all the Pokémon on the Ranch. Tracey is helping him with that."
"I didn't know," Ash said. "We talk from time-to-time due to me switching some Pokémon, but he never mentioned any of that."
"Probably didn't think it was necessary." Amber said.
Ash nodded. "So," he asked. "Who is the new mayor?"
"It's Rin Tachibana." Amber said
Ash frowned. "I know him," he said. "I don't like him."
"Why," Amber asked. "He seems like a nice guy, and cares about the wellbeing of the people of Pallet Town. He's actually stopping the movement of the people in Pallet Town."
"I know he seems like a nice guy," Ash admitted. "But I just don't like him. I've known him my whole life, and I haven't liked him since that one time."
"What happened?" Amber asked, quite curious.
"I saw him several times looking at mom with this… weird look," Ash said. "Back then I was still a little kid so I didn't know what that meant. Later, I recognized it as the look with which the predator looks at its prey. One time, I caught him flirting with mom, even though she was married, and he knew about it. From that moment on, I didn't like him one bit."
"Hm" Amber was deep in though. "Well, he does show up around the restaurant very often," she said, making Ash look at her instantly. "Especially since mom, and dad's divorce."
"Keep watch over mom," Ash suddenly said to Amber, making her look at him. "I don't like him at all, and I trust him even less. I know mom can do what she wants with her life, but I don't want that guy with her."
"Ok, Ash," Amber said. "I'll watch over mom. I'm in Pallet Town most of the time, so I'll be able to do it."
Ash nodded, before he asked. "So you train back home?"
"Yeah," Amber said. "I train, and are making sure that the construction of the castle is going smoothly. Dad has actually left me, and Professor Oak, to make sure that everything is going according to plans."
Ash nodded in satisfaction. "How far has the construction gone?"
"Not that far, actually," Amber said, as she stood next to a window overlooking the outside of the Battle Pyramid. Ash stood next to her, as they watched the snow-covered nature surrounding the Snowpoint City. "The Castle is going to be very large, what with the arena for me to use as the Frontier Brain of the Battle Castle; then there is the Gym, which you wanted. Then there is a section of the castle which will be a Pokémon School. Then the residential area… so yeah. It will take a while to build all that, and everything else we come up with."
Ash nodded. "Well, we are not really in a hurry, so it's better to be made well, then fast." He said.
Amber agreed. She looked at Ash for a few moments, as he was standing next to her, and looking through the window. Then, she called him, drawing his attention.
Much to Ash's surprise, Amber jumped into his arms, and wrapped her arms and legs around him. "What are you doing?" Ash was shocked by this. Earlier when they saw each other after a long time, he could understand it, as Amber does that every time they don't see each other for a while, but this is different. He can tell that just by the look on Amber's face, which was right in front of his.
"What I've wanted to do for a while." Amber said, before she suddenly slammed her lips onto Ash's, shocking him to his core.
Ash stood there, his hands holding Amber by her ass-cheeks, and his eyes wide opened, while she was kissing him for all he's worth, her eyes closed.
He didn't know what to do. She was his sister, and on one hand, this doesn't seem right. On the other hand… it feels great.
After a full minute of kissing, Amber pulled back, breathing hard, and with her face flush. She was looking at Ash's eyes, who were looking back at her. She was feeling hot, while Ash was feeling surprised… and somewhat horny. I mean, who wouldn't in a situation like this.
"What are you doing, Amber?" Ash interrupted the silence with an obvious question.
"I'm kissing you, of course." Amber replied like it's the simplest thing in the world.
"Why?" Ash asked.
"Because I like you." Again, total freshness in her voice.
"You are my little sister." Ash said.
"Adopted sister." Amber countered. "Besides. Doesn't that make it even hotter?"
"I won't deny either of those things," Ash said, and Amber smiled hearing that. "But, I see you as my real sister, and this doesn't feel right."
"Doesn't it," Amber question, before she kissed Ash once again. "It feels perfectly right to me." She said once she pulled back.
Ash was now really interested. "Aren't you and Anabel together," he asked, confused about that, and this? "What would she do if she found out about this?"
"Nothing." Amber said shortly.
"What do you mean, nothing?" Ash asked with a confused look on his face.
"She knows that I love you more than just as a brother," Amber surprised Ash once again by that statement. "I was upfront with that from the start. She knows that I was going to go after you one day. In fact, I told her right after we talked earlier over the phone, that I will jump at you the first chance I get, most likely right now.
"She didn't mind."
"Ok, this just got even weirder." Ash said.
"Did it," Amber questioned. "More weird then the fact that you have like a, 10 girlfriends, and still sleep around with other woman?"
"That's… different." It really wasn't, but Ash had to defend somehow, before the things escalate, and he does something with Amber, he might regret later.
"It's not," Amber frowned. "And you know it." She kissed him once again. This time, Ash actually returned the kiss, instead of just standing there, and letting her kiss him.
"Now," Amber said once she pulled back again. "Take me."
Ash was shocked. "By take you, you mean…?" He knew, but he couldn't accept it right away.
"It's exactly as it sounds," Amber said. "Take me. Right here. Right now. I've waited too long for this, and I ain't waiting anymore."
She let go of him, and stood on her feet. That only lasted for a fraction of a second, before she was on her knees, and unbuckling Ash's belt.
In an instant, his pants and underwear were around his ankles, and his semi hard dick was out.
Ash stood there, his mind not able to process what the hell is happening, as Amber just took his dick into her mouth.
XXX
Paul, Reggie, Brandon, Lillie, Dawn, Zoey, Candice, and Anabel, walked out of the Battle Pyramid, after Paul's and Brandon's battle was finished.
"You can expect to see me at the gym." Paul said to Candice, no trace of emotions in his voice, though he seems like he's contemplating something.
"I look forward to is," Candice said with a smile, before she looked at Zoey. "So, Zo-Zo. I guess it's our turn next. Right? A KI battle with you and me."
Zoey looked surprised for a moment, but then she smiled, and accepted.
Candice released her Dodrio, before she and Zoey rode it away.
Paul turned around to walk away, but Reggie interrupted him. "Hey Paul. I've been meaning to ask you. Is there any chance that you and Ash can have a full battle at some point?"
Paul was surprised by this.
"Wait a minute," Dawn said as she looked around. "Where is Ash? And Amber. They are both gone."
"They said they want to catch up, as they haven't seen each other in a long time," Lillie said. "But I don't know where they could be."
"Well, you will need to convince Ash, if you want him, and Paul to have a battle." Dawn said.
"Why convince him," Reggie asked. "Wouldn't he think that a battle against Paul would be good for both of them?"
"I doubt it," Lillie said. "Ash doesn't consider Paul a rival. In fact, he said once that he thinks that Paul, and I could be rivals, and help each other improve. Our Pokémon are also close to each other."
"Is that right?" Reggie questioned, as he looked at his brother. Paul didn't say anything, though.
Seeing that Paul won't say anything, Reggie did, as he looked at Lillie. "Well, if Ash won't battle against Paul, will you," he asked Lillie. "I guess I'm really interested now to see if what Ash said, is the truth. I mean about you two being potential rivals."
Lillie though about it, before she shrugged. "I'm fine with it," she said. "What about you, Paul?"
Paul accepted as well.
"Ok then," Reggie spoke again. "How about we meet at the Pokémon Center near Lake Acuity, 10 days from now?"
Lillie and Paul agreed to the proposition, before Paul, and Reggie left, leaving Dawn, Lillie, and Anabel, with Brandon in front of the Battle Pyramid.
"Now, where could have Ash, and Amber gone off to?" Dawn wondered out loud.
Before anyone could say anything, or even begin to search for the brother and sister duo; Samuel - a guy who works for Brandon - as well as a Shrine Maiden, Maria, returned from the exploration of the Snowpoint Temple, where Brandon sent them before his battle against Paul.
Both of them shoved up in a hurry, and looking concerned.
"Brandon," Samuel called out! "Something terrible has happened at the temple!" Maria said, shocking Brandon, as well as Lillie, Dawn, and Anabel.