Chapter 80: Forward
"Human Speech"
"Pokespeek"
'Telepathy and thoughts'
It was a couple of days after the Whirl Cup as Ash and the others were resting at Ash's uncle David's villa, unsure about what to do next.
"Man, I still can't believe things still haven't died down since our battle two days ago, especially with many people still talking about our battle." Ash told Misty. Brock, Ash's cousin Michael, and his uncle David were listening in as they enjoyed a meal.
It was true that Ash and Misty were being recognized for their battle of the century on the Whirl Cup or, in Misty's case, most of her own accomplishments during the Whirl Cup, as David spoke up.
"I mean, this Whirl Cup wasn't a usual one. It was its Centennial Anniversary, hence why there were so many trainers appearing during all that.
I don't think people were things to go the way they did." David said to Ash and the others.
"To think that a Mega Evolution occurred and is still one of the most talked about parts of the Whirl Cup is a massive highlight that many will be talking about for some time, not just our battle. I am happy we gave it our all out there." Ash said to his uncle. Pride beaming of David. He was happy to see his nephew do so well.
"Changing the subject if you don't mind, do you think that it's been enough time for Jasmine's Ampharos, Sparkle to be fully healed already?
I know that the medicine was meant to take a while to take its full effect, but it has been a month since we last contacted her. Might be a good idea to check in." Brock said to Ash, who could not agree more as he also had a feeling that it might be near time for him to challenge Jasmine and also check on his own Ampharos, who was left running the lighthouse in place of her mother while she recovered.
"Yeah, I am itching to get back on the hunt for my last 3 badges before the Silver League Conference takes place.
Hey uncle, where's your video phone located?" Ash asked. Soon he went to contact Jasmine via the video phone, which was nearby, as David pointed out.
All the while, Brock was lost in his own thoughts. He was thinking about how much Misty and Ash had grown since they started their journey here in Jotho and how much progress they were making towards their own dreams. Meanwhile, he was not able to yet find a good way to make progress as a breeder. Maybe he needed to take charge and do something about that, but how could he tell that the his friends without seeming upset that because of the recent spree of back to back tournaments, though he was able to win The Poke Ringers Tournament, he was falling behind and this journey was as much about him as it was about Ash and Misty.
He was briefly brought out of this train of thought as he heard Ash's conversation as the video call finally connected.
"Hello, Olivine City Gym. This is Jasmine.
Ah, Ash. What good timing. I was wondering how things were going on your end since the Whirl Cup ended!" Jasmine told Ash that she was happy to see that Ash managed to contact her. Though her face showed confusion as she took in the ambience of the call and she wasn't sure where Ash and his friends were calling from. Most calls are made from any of the many Pokemon Centers across the region and world as a whole and they all basically had the same layout. This wasn't that layout. Ash noticed and explained.
"I'm in my uncle's VIlla over on the second of the Whirl Islands and was calling to check in checking on how Sparkle's recovery was going and if she's well enough now to be challenged, especially given that if I remember correctly, my Ampharos is still working her job, isn't she?" Ash asked Jasmine, who smiled.
"That's where you good timing comes in. I wanted to wait a few days to contact you and let you know that, yes, I'm ready to take on challengers again, Ash." Jasmine said to Ash, who was happy that things were going well over there as Jasmine continued.
"I'm sure that you will take at least a day or so to get here, so I'll be ready for your challenge around then. Your Ampharos is doing well. She does miss you and is ready to return to you now that her mother is back to full health. As a thank you for her help, she and Sparkle have training together. She'll be happy to use some new moves in our battle, I'm sure." Jasmine said. Ash was so excited to hear that. He was eager to reunite with his Ampharos. He also knew that she was also missing Pikachu as well. Despite the show of bravado, Pikachu was looking forward to seeing her as well. The sparks of their love were undeniable at this point.
"Alright, we'll let you know when we arrive in Olivine City. We hope to see you soon."
Before the call could end, Brock added, "Oh, and please let Janine know we said hi." Jasmine laughed lightly, seeing the blush on Brock's face at the mention of Janine. She nodded that she would do so as the call ended.
"Aha. A crush on Janine, eh?"
Misty teased. Brock turned even more pink than a Chansey.
"It's not like that. I… I…" Brock stammered to get out. Misty chuckled.
"It's ok. I saw you and her talking after that scolding Jasmine gave her after that incident with her own Onix. I'm guessing there was a little bit of a connection between you two besides being Onix owners, am I right?" Brock was surprised anyone saw him reach out to Janine.
"You're not wrong, but it's not like that, not yet, at least. Yes, we had a conversation, and yes, I do like her, but that doesn't mean anything if she doesn't like me back, so I'm just being cautious with to be a friend first, and if I find out later on that she likes me, then…"
"Brock and Janine, sitting in a tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g."
It was Michael who interjected this last bit. He and Brock had gotten to be friends after he was eliminated from the Whirl Cup. Often having conversations with Brock while the rest of his friends made it to the Finals. The group as a whole burst out laughing.
"Leave the boy alone, will ya? Remember, revenge is a dish best-served cold. I bet he won't hesitate to do the same when you all reveal your own crushes. Don't go crying when he does." David stated before ruffling Michael's hair.
"I'll be ready. Not sure about them." Michael replied as he pointed to Ash and Misty. They were playing with an Emolga. It was one of the few Pokemon to stay by David's side when he decided to retire. Some were scattered around the world, such as Ash's Houndoom's father and Ash's Lapras' father. They would be at his beck and call if he needed them, but he let them be free as they chose to be. Those that remained were a handful, and Emolga was among them.
"That little fella joined my adventures when I was younger and has been a loyal friend. I see the same bond of friendship between you and your Pikachu, Ash. Take good care of him, and he will do the same." David beamed as Emolga enjoyed the kind words and flew to his Trainer's shoulder and nuzzled against his cheek.
The kids loved seeing how long a Pokemon and a human could be friends and looked forward to moments like that when they grew older.
Later that night.
"I had no idea you felt this way, Brock. I'm sorry if its seemed like this journey hasn't been what you expected. What can we do to change that?"
Ash stated after Brock had asked for a private conversation between himself, Ash and Misty.
"I don't know yet, but I know that in a few weeks, an event in Bonitaville is set to take place. It's a Breeder event. Do you remember back in Kanto when Suzie left Vulpix in my care?"
Ash and Misty recalled this.
"Well, she contacted me to see how Vulpix was doing and asked if we could meet there. It may mean having to give Vulpix back to her around then, but I want to be a part of the event. Gaining some insight into whether this is my true calling or not would be great. Would you mind taking that detour in a few weeks? It'd mean a lot to me."
"Of course. I asked you to join us because I missed my best…" Pikachu was ready to smack him in the head as he did before they left Kanto "...human friend." Pikachu smirked happily, seeing Ash got the message loud and clear the first time. Best friend was his title, and he would defend it to the end.
"I know a lot has centered around me and Misty as of late but we will make time for you to do anything you need to do. I am sorry if it hasn't felt that way."
"Me too, I'm sorry, and we will meet Suzie and do a lot of fun things that include you, too, moving forward. Promise."
Misty added. This conversation put Brock's mind at ease. This had gone so much better than he'd expected, and he was thankful for his friends.
"Thank you. This means a lot. Now, let's go to bed. We gotta get to Olivine City soon."
The group agreed it was time to get some rest. They would have their final farewells tomorrow but now the promise of Olivine was the last thought on our heroes' minds.
Elsewhere….
Dr. Namba stood in front of a large screen as the Team Rocket Boss, Giovanni, spoke.
"I can't say I'm too thrilled that it's taken this long to hear from you regarding the Silver Directive, Namba. Other Legend projects have been moving along steadily, albeit Project Mewtwo had its hiccups."
Hiccups was putting it lightly. An unwilling parting of ways between the creation and its creator was not a good reflection of success on Giovanni. He had his scouts searching far and wide for HIS creation. Mewtwo may think it has free will and can do as it pleases, but when it's back under Giovanni's thumb, he'll apply so much pressure on it that the traitorous creature will never dare try to escape again.
Namba cleared his throat and replied.
"Unfortunately because of the recent Whirl Cup having its Centennial Anniversary, working discreetly has proven difficult. Thankfully, the Team Rocket members you sent have proven useful in gathering large pools of Qwillfish and Tentacool that our other experiment have communicated that our target, Lugia and its offspring, are in the area nearby. Not only that, it seems sightings of a Zapdos have been made. It could be a rare opportunity to gain 2 Legendary avians if we strike at the precise moment."
Namba had hoped this update on the Silver Directive would appease Giovanni. It did. Albeit briefly.
"I'm happy to see that after that stern warning that continued pursuit of that nuisance known as Ketchum was followed through, their termination…" everyone understanding what the word truly meant "...would be all but guaranteed.
Send them over. I have a message for them."
"Gladly, sir." Namba stated, not thinking twice to get out of dodge. As Jessie, James, and Meowth stood in his former spot, Giovanni gave off no sign of emotion. This made the group uneasy.
"I hear your efforts in helping Dr. Namba have been met well. I appreciate you being of good use for the organization. Your time in Kanto and the Orange Islands was wasted, and so were valuable resources in countless failures over a Pikachu."
The trio had to admit it was stupid of them to emphasize so much of their time and effort on Pikachu. Sure, they were happy that in doing so, they met some of their Pokemon, and had a helping hand in the saving of the world a few times and more, but their standing within the organization was abysmal. Butch and Cassidy stood levels above them prior to being called in to see Giovanni directly after they returned to Kanto from the Orange Islands the same fateful day Ash had reunited with his Pidgeot. A verbal lashing, followed by the promise of immediate termination, which they knew meant execution, was made if they did not prove useful when heading to Johto. No more Ketchum or Pikachu business. They would be useful Team Rocket assets or not be in Team Rocket at all.
"Thank you for giving us the chance to show our mettle. We are of worth to Team Rocket, just needed the focus to prove it. Thank you, Boss."
Meowth stated. He still had aspirations to be Giovanni's main Pokemon rather than that Persian currently at his side, but that would take time and dedication to pull off. He and, more importantly, the group as a whole needed to gain his good graces. They had failed him enough.
"Yes, Boss. Thank you. We hope you appreciate our past successful missions and the most recent batch of Sandshrews, which can be used to further Team Rocket missions across the globe."
James declared as Jessie was unusually quiet. She had a rather grim history of talking out of place when she disagreed with Giovanni. That resulted in Pokemon like her Lickitung being taken from her as a reprimanding action. She hoped that by showing Giovanni she had changed in that aspect of her character there was a chance to regain her friend. If she was still hers to own, that was. It wasn't uncommon to have Pokemon you once owned be given to another member for better use or even eliminated from existence, depending on how badly a Team Rocket member screwed up. Jessie hoped that wasn't the case for her Pokemon, but until proven otherwise, she had no way of knowing, and this it was just best to hold out hope while also preparing for the worst outcome.
"Just continue to do as you're told by Namba. The Silver Directive is the next project I want to see best results out of. You've earned a few things for troubles.
For starters, a rise in rank. You're now Officers. Amidst the likes of Attila and Hun. You can now carry more than 4 Pokemon with you while having access to the prototype of our Pokemon Prize Master."
This was great news. They were limited to having so few Pokemon as is, and to have access to the machine they had heard through the grapevine was essentially a toy-like vending machine filled with pokeballs of varied species that were gathered from all across the world was a huge milestone for the team.
"Secondly," he said as he gathered a Pokeball from his inner pocket. "you are welcome to have this one back. Just be mindful that he can taken back just as swiftly as he was given back."
Jessie's attention was drawn as she knew that was her Lickitung's ball. She only nodded, understanding the situation. She had gained what she'd lost. She was gonna jeopardize that anytime soon.
"Thank you, Boss. I look forward to having him return soon." Was all Jessie needed to say.
"And lastly, regarding that other experiment of ours..."
The experiment being Hypno. Not just any Hypno, but that evolved from the Drowzee they had encountered on the Orange Islands. Originally belonging to Cassidy, a failure on one of their missions meant she no longer was the owner of the Pokemon in question. It was instead given to Namba for experimental purposes.
"...though initial testing of the device it bears to amplify it's powers was left incomplete."
Referring to the device James' Bayleef wore during the Grass Tournament long ago, which was unfortunately destroyed during it's removal.
"The newest version of that device has been proven worth producing in mass. Be sure to protect the Pokemon, the device, and Namba himself. Help however you can, and more good things will come your way. Do not let me down."
Giovanni finished with a sliver of a smile. Thus, it truly caught the trio off guard. It was the first sign of Giovanni being…happy with them. It felt incredible as the screen shut off, and they were left to their own doings.
Shortly after the call ended, Lickitung's Pokeball was transferred to the location the trio was in. A Laboratory hidden in the first of the Whirl Islands. After opening the ball, the pink menace that was Lickitung appeared. Jessie hugged him with glee.
"I never thought I'd be so happy to have you back. I'm glad you're safe."
"Licky!" Followed with a light lock that said all that was needed to be said. He was happy to be home again with his Trainer.
"Now, let's go meet your friends. Both old and new."
Jessie guided Lickitung with James and Meowth not far behind to the area in the Lab where they had their personal teams out for training. Their teams were as follows:
Jessie had her Arbok, a newly caught Wobbuffet, and Misdreavus. On the other side stood James' team of Weezing, Bayleef, his Victreebel, and a reunited Growlie.
With their teams back to full capacity and the ability to use any mons available through the Rocket Prize Master, their missions would be a breeze from now on, and they could continue to be of worth to Giovanni.
Lickitung went to bond with his new friends as Jessie, James and Meowth had a private talk.
"We may have lost that Noctowl, but it served us well in the end by helping Hypno unlock his potential. Now we gotta find the best mons for the Boss and keep Namba safe. You heard the Boss."
Meowth stated. With their newly granted rise of rank and mission details not much was left for Team Rocket to do but to make Johto bend the knee before Giovanni.
The next morning.
We start our day at Oak's Ranch.
It was a normal day for many of the Pokemon at the Ranch now that the Whirl Cup had finally died down as many of Ash's Pokemon were wondering when they would be sent back to Ash and others were preparing just in case by training as we cut to Charizard who was training with Quilava and Hounddom while his father was watching from the sidelines.
Lance's Charizard was impressed by how much his youngest son had earned some respect of the two fire types, making them his apprentices and all. It was no easy feat to do.
Quilava was trying to upgrade her ember attack to a Flamethrower or Eruption attack, knowing that while moves like Double Kick and Flame Wheel were strong, she needed to get stronger. Seeing her effort into improving the move Charizard spoke up.
"Easy now, kid. Don't push yourself too hard there. You're still a baby and while you did prove yourself back at the fire-type tournament, you are still young, and who knows what the next few gym leaders have in store for our team. You need as much rest and mental fortitude as you do strength." Charizard said, crossing his claws as Quilava pouted. She hated that she was still being treated as a baby, especially now that she was in her middle stage but accepted her mentor's advice albeit begrudgingly. Charizard spoke up after letting out a sigh. He figured it was best to explain.
"Look, Quilava, your mother placed her faith in not only Ash but myself as well and not to mention Murkrow to watch over you.
You're my responsibility as not only as your mentor but a father figure to you, Quilava. Please understand that I'm only trying to look out for you.
I may be injured but I am trying to do my best for all of you." Charizard said to Quilava, who agreed.
"I know. I'm sorry if it doesn't seem like I'm grateful for all you've done. I just know I can be better, and it's tough to know that progress is slow. You're already so powerful, and the rest of us want to be like you. Isn't that right, big bro?"
Quilava asked Houndoom, who nodded and added.
"It is. We want to make you and Ash proud. It's why we train our butts off. Everyone does. So don't worry. We wouldn't render ourselves so useless by training non-stop that Ash needed us. We wouldn't be ready."
Houndoom finished and went on to practice his moves. He had shown a great affinity to use heat in varied ways particularly through Solar Beam. While Quilava had been eager to introduce a stronger heat attack and was debating between learning Eruption or Lava Plume. The former being a tad more reachable at her current stage of evolution. Charizard approached her and scratched her right ear, which got a purr out of her and she kicked her leg in delight as Charizard chuckled.
"I trust you both. It's just the nature of being a mentor and father figure. You'll always worry for those you care for. Just please, get some rest, and we'll continue a bit later, Quilava.
We'll make a Typhlosion out of you that'll burn the world to ashes if need be. Just one step at a time. We are often in such a rush to be a grown-up that we forget to enjoy being a child. Be a child still. Enjoy it. It's time we won't get back if we waste it in a never-ending pursuit of perfection.
Take what I said to heart."
Quilava nodded and walked off as Lance's Charizard walked over and spoke up.
"Those were some wise words, son. So, you're a father figure to one of them, I see."
Ash's Charizard turned to his father. He had wondered why he'd chosen to stay, as Lance would often keep his parents busy even during the off-season. Lance had so many duties aside from being Kanto and Johto Champion. He was also doing double duty, acting as one of Kanto's Elite Four. He was the leader of the elite Trainer class known as G-Men and was always shifting between regions as efforts to stop Team Rocket were ever present in both regions. He and his select team of mons were often too busy to take more than 3 days off at a time. It was not that Charizard was complaining, but he was curious.
"Both she and Houndoom are still kids but I took them in, given that they joined Ash early during this recent Johto journey.
Houndoom has been more of an apprentice to me while I look after Quilava like a daughter ever since I met her. Her mother wanted her to get stronger and I agreed to make it happen."
His father understood as Ash's Charizard looked to where Quilava was at.
"I just wish that she would not push herself like this 'cause if something happened to her, I won't forgive myself and won't hear the end of it from her mother and others like Pidgeot's own apprentice, Murkrow, especially how much she runs her beak." Charizard said as his father chuckled. "What's so funny, Dad?"
"It's just how much she reminds me of you, son, back when you were her age. She's at that stage where a little rebellion is gonna happen. It's all part of growing up." Lance's Charizard said to his son, who was surprised by this trip down memory lane, that most of his childhood was a fade to him aside from looking up to his parents.
"Look, son, I'm not gonna lecture you here, but don't go too hard on her. She's just trying to be the best she can be, and with your guidance and care, I'm sure she'll get there sooner than she even thinks she will. It's good to see you devote yourself to raising others.
Especially if you plan on one day having a family with Pidgeot that is." He said jokingly as Charizard was trying to hide his face turning as red as his tail flame, but it was pointless.
"Really, Dad! We're still young and right now. We're not working on plans like that, especially with what is going on in our lives!"
His father chuckled and placed his claw on his son.
"You know that I'm just messing with you son. Besides, I know that you all are going through a lot right now.
But you need to follow your own advice a bit. Don't be such an adult all the time. Stop being so strict and stop taking things so seriously when it's not necessary.
You don't want to stress your mother by worrying about you, and I want to make sure that you are up to speed even with your wing now almost fully healed.
Lance's Charizard pointed to his son's wing, which was now almost fully healed but still had a bit of a bend on it from it as he could only fly short distances but enough to fly. Ash's Charizard sighed and nodded.
"We are all kids at heart. Embrace your inner kid. Have some fun. Go on a date with Pidgeot. When your wing is better, take to the skies and roar like never before. Enjoy the little moments that help ease the troubles in your life, even just for a fleeting moment.
Go and rest, son. Maybe go check on the others to cool your head. You've grown a lot since I last saw you, that's for sure. If I haven't said enough before, let me say it now.
I'm so proud of you, son. Now…" Lance's Charizard said as his son nodded, "...can I ask why you haven't told your Trainer your true name yet?"
Ash's Charizard chuckled.
"He hasn't asked if we want nicknames, and at the time, even if he did, he'd never guess my name. Maybe it's time he knew. It would help set me apart from all the other Charizards we encounter, including you. It's tough when a lot of us gather to keep track of who's who. I'll let him know soon."
Charizard finished and walked off to see how everyone on Ash's team was doing across the Ranch.
A lot of the newer captures were engaging in conversation and training with Ash's former captures. Lanturn, for example, was talking with Charizard's twin, Dragonair, about how she learned electric moves despite not being an Electric-type herself. He found it fascinating that Dragon types could do so much. Summon water, fire, electricity, and many more energies on top using their own raw strength.
Elsewhere, everyone was off doing their own thing, like the Tauros, who were stampeding about. Tracey was taking care of most of the Pokemon's needs while Oak researched data from many of Ash's captures. That shiny Noctowl, most of all. Even amongst the shinies of its species, the red plumage and stature were standout features. They were a more burnt orange color and it was slightly smaller than most. As it was informed to Oak, the circumstances behind Noctowl's evolution and actions may have been accelerated and manipulated, respectively.
Through analysis, it was found out that Noctowl had Insomnia as his ability. This made the Prof. seduce that Hypnosis on this mon would have alternate effects than inducing sleep. Perhaps even enable a true hypnotic trance.
Noctowl now put all the pieces of that fateful day he had met Team Rocket. It was a few weeks since he had evolved when they tried to catch him as most Trainers would. His usual means of escape was to use Hypnosis, and once his foes were dormant, he'd fly away. What changed that day? A Wobbuffet.
It had reversed the Hypnosis and sent it right back. Due to his Insomnia ability, this left Noctowl's defenses down. He was unable to do anything. As Team Rocket's Meowth approached the trance Noctowl, ready to strike with Fury Swipes, the realization that they weren't in danger was made clear when, after a prompt for Noctowl to jump up and down and him doing so, led to them putting their heinous plan into action. They would manipulate Noctowl's natural instincts. They would make him hate humans. They would make him serve their purpose and make him be a tool to manipulate mons to join the evil organization. They would make him feel hollow. Like he was nothing to them. They would barely feed him. When he wasn't away with them, he was with Namba. Oh, that foul human. How he would make Noctowl and the Drowzee formerly belonging to Cassidy face one another to "enhance" their psychic powers would be considered despicable by anyone. However, to that maniac, only results mattered and the results he got as Drowzee evolved to Hypno. They had their substitute should Noctowl fail. Yet he knew he could not fail. He did as told.
Until he met Ash that day in Ilex Forest, the sight of the boy who had promised to come back and capture him to go on adventures had ignited ire in Noctowl. Why had he failed his promise? Why did his torment come at the expense of Ash not being able to reach him first? He had batted every Trainer's attempt to catch because he wanted to wait for Ash. Part of Noctowl still was upset at Ash for that, but it was thanks to the boy's relentless nature to see him free and seeing the boy's genuine guilt to have not been for him in the manner they had envisioned together that slowly but surely that hypotonic trance began to fade. Enough for him to be free of Team Rocket's grip. Now, he had to live with the knowledge of his past actions, helping the side of evil, but at least he had a shot at redemption. A true shot of living a just and honorable life, especially when Charizard and a few others had mentioned having him a higher calling, something about being a Guardian to the Legendary Ho-oH. He hoped this wasn't a tall and was true. After all the evil he'd been a part of, this would be his saving grace.
After the professor finished his work, he gave Noctowl a berry and told him to do as he wished. He would soon find Charizard.
"Noctowl. So nice to see you." Charizard greeted the avian.
"Happy to be seen." Noctowl smirked. "How are you doing? Is your wing getting better?"
"It's getting there." Charizard replied.
"Good. Hey, if you don't mind, would you mind telling me more about this legend's involvement? Murkrow is the one who first mentioned it. She was bragging slightly that may be part of the reason her eyes were different. Don't tell Pidgeot."
Charizard shook his head in slight disappointment. He knew Pidgeot wouldn't be happy Murkrow hadn't shed her bragging ways, but they had certainly been tamed enough that she wasn't doing it as often as when they first met. He agreed this would be best left unsaid when he and Pidgeot were together.
"I mean, I don't know much about myself. I know it's in Ecruteak City, that their Gym Leader Morty is very involved, and that the day we learned about that legend, we were looking for one of Ho-oH's Rainbow Wings. I guess it's meant to help the identifying of others like us who fit the legend.
I'm sorry, I don't have much to tell you, but I know we have to pass through Ecruteak City again to get to Ash's next badge challenge in Mahogany Town after Ash finishes over in Olivine City. The way the routes are made in Johto are weird that way." Charizard expressed. He wanted to let his friend know more, but he only knew so much.
"It's ok. I just hope that if the legend is true, it can help me make amends for all the bad things I did before."
"You know neither Ash or any of us blame you for that." Charizard interjected.
"I know. It helps ease my mind that you don't, but it doesn't remove this guilt I have. If it's true that Ho-oh has selected me and others to be of service to help protect the world or even her, personally, it would just mean a lot that a being of such power and importance saw fit for me to be a noble envoy towards the greater good. It's something I need more than I even thought possible. I can't let my past actions define me, and this would put me on a path towards something…"
"...more important than yourself. I get it." The two shared a silent moment. They would tell Ash that when he next traveled through Ecruteak City, they needed to visit Morty and find out more about this legend.
Over by the Whirl Islands…
Ash and co. were getting ready to board the ferry to reach Olivine in about a day. David and Michael had said their goodbyes and gave the gang a final meal and advice to focus on getting his final badges soon. Tournaments, while fun and a great test of skill, had made it so other members of the party had to delay their own aspirations, and now, this was the right moment to make things right.
"Well, it was great spending time with you, uncle. Thanks for a great battle. Maybe Michael and I can have our own battle next time."
"Count on it, cousin. Next time we meet, prepare to lose." Michael replied before the two shared a laugh.
"You're welcome back anytime. Be safe out there. Oh, and your mother says to call her more often. Though she appreciated the recent visit, it's often weeks before she hears from you."
Embarrassed at that point. Ash assured him he would do so. He knew he should do better at updating his mother. He would.
"Alright, Jasmine. I hope you're ready. I am."
With fierce determination in our hero's eyes, we await to see what's next in store as the journey continues….
Stay Tuned.
Done and done. Before I get this in the reviews, we wanted to clarify about the whole fact that we mentioned about Wobbafett and Lickitung, and given that I basically skipped Jessie trading one in chapter 18, we went for this, hopefully, that it will clear up some things for everyone. Special thanks to my Beta Reader, Vital Info. for helping me with this chapter and adding and writing what was needed for this chapter. With that said, next time is the Olivine Gym battle. See you next time.