Disclaimers: I do not own Pokemon or any of its characters
A/N: Hello everyone, here is the 2nd chapter when Ash and his mother meet Prof. Lund and Tory. Tory will also meet Gary and Leaf, but will mostly spend most of his time with Ash and they form a close friendship.
I should also state, that Ash will be more mature and smart in this fanfic. He won't be that entirely clueless when it comes to Pokemon, traveling, other people and more importantly...thickheaded when it comes to love. Also, his eyes will be red instead of brown in the actual anime. Plus, Tory will not be afraid of Pokemon in this fanfic. The Walrein and Sealeo stampede that traumatized him in Destiny Deoxys never happened in this story.
Please be sure to review and comment.
Chapter 2: New Neighbors and New Friends.
"Ash! Time to wake up, sleepyhead!" A female voice called out, as she knocked softly on the locked door to her son's bedroom.
"Ugh, Mom. Five more minutes, please?" A young boy called out, groaning as he wished to sleep a little bit longer while still under the sheets of his bed.
"Alright honey. I'll be having breakfast ready, but we need to talk when you get dressed. Okay?" His mother, Delia Ketchum stated before she walked down the stairs and stepped into the kitchen.
"Alright Mom, thanks." Ash replied, as he had heard his mother walk away from his locked bedroom door and he had closed his eyes, as he was still groggy from sleepiness and closed his eyes.
After the five minutes had passed by, Ash was more awake and climbed out of his bed. He had slipped on a yellow cream t-shirt with an orange zigzag pattern running at a vertical angle across the front as he had slept in his bed shirtless. He had gone to bed wearing blue fabric cargo shorts with tassels tied into a knot so they wouldn't fall down. The last piece of clothing he had put on was his most prized possession...an official Pokemon League Expo hat. It was colored red and white, just like a standard Poke Ball with a stylized green L in the center of the front side of the hat.
Most of the other town's children had jokingly teased Ash for being so attached to his hat, but he had learned to ignore them. The main reason why he was so possessive over the hat was because Ash had won it from the Pokemon League annual free sweepstakes contest. The contest was rather simple: whoever mailed the most postcards would win an official Pokemon League hat. After watching so many commercials on TV, Ash was determined to win a hat and after sending over a million postcards...he had obtained his prize. The only two people who understood how important the hat was to him were his mother and Prof. Oak, whom had been like a parental father figure to him.
After putting on his hat, Ash had slipped on a pair of black leather strap-on sandals that he fetched from his bedroom closet and walked out of his room. He had walked down the staircase downstairs past the living room and straight into the dining room in the kitchen where his mother was cooking breakfast. Delia was cooking four bacon strips on a fry pan on the stove with three eggs yolks stirred thoroughly in a lime green ceramic bowl. There was a second smaller frying pan cooking two hash brown patties also on the stove.
"Hmm, eggs, bacon and hash browns. Sure looks delicious Mom." Ash stated as he licked his lips after seeing what his mom had cooked for breakfast.
"Why thank you honey." Delia stated as she turned and smiled, after seeing her only son completely awake and dressed.
"Say Mom, what do you have cooking in the oven?" He asked after noticing the oven light on and heat temperature at 375 degrees.
"Oh, that's the blueberry pie I put in there. I almost forgot to check on it!" Delia exclaimed, as she bent down and opened the oven door, seeing that the blueberry pie she put in wasn't burnt!
"What's the occasion?" Ash asked, since he knew his mom all too well: she would only bake a pie if someone new was moving into Pallet Town or holiday dinner.
"New neighbors moved in five houses down across the street. They arrived just this morning." His mom answered, explaining why she had put the pie in the oven to bake.
"New neighbors? That's great! When do we meet them?" The raven haired boy asked in an excited tone after learning a new family had moved in across from them!
"We'll go meet them in half an hour, after you've finished eating breakfast and the pie is ready." Delia answered while smiling at how psyched her son was after learning that new people were moving into the neighborhood.
After making sure the four slices of bacon were cooked thoroughly, Delia had poured the mixed egg yolk into the pan and stirred the eggs with a black plastic spoon. While the eggs and bacon were cooking, she had flipped the hash browns over as they were cooked thoroughly on one side. As his mother was cooking for him, Ash had opened the refrigerator door and pulled out a full gallon of grape juice. Once the eggs were cooked all the way, Delia had placed the egg bacon omelet on a wide round ceramic plate and onto the breakfast. Ash had poured himself a glass of grape juice in a cup, sat down behind the table and began to enjoy his breakfast.
While her son was eating the food she had cooked him, Delia had sat down and sipped a cup of lemon flavored herbal tea that she had made for herself, while waiting for the pie to be cooked. After eight minutes had passed, Ash had finished eating his breakfast and placed his empty plate and cup in the sink.
"Breakfast was delicious Mom." Ash complimented as he placed a soft kiss on his mother's cheek.
"Your welcome sweetie. The pie should be ready in another 5 minutes." Delia stated as she was glad that her son enjoyed the meal she had made for him and how long it for the pie to be ready.
"Alright, I'll go brush my teeth and be right back." The raven haired boy stated, saying he'd be brushing his teeth before they'd leave to meet the new neighbors.
"Alright, we'll leave right after you come back from the restroom." Delia answered as she was glad her boy was keeping up with his dental hygiene before he exited the kitchen and went back upstairs.
As soon as Ash had stepped inside the bathroom, he closed and locked the door behind him. He had turned the faucets to the hot and cold water on, so it would be warm. He grabbed his toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and squeezed it so a small amount would be on the toothbrush. He had thoroughly brushed his teeth, rinsed and flossed before turning the faucets off and stepping out of the bathroom. Ash had gone back downstairs and into the living room, as he saw his mother opening the oven and pulling the blueberry pie off the cooking rack.
"Mom, is the pie ready?" Ash asked from the living room as he he sat down on the sofa and waited patiently for them to step outside.
"Yep, its ready. Ready to meet our new neighbors Ash?" His mother stated after sniffing the pie and sighing in bliss, knowing by instinct that it was indeed ready.
"Yeah, I'm ready when you are Mom." The raven haired boy answered while relaxing on the couch and smiling after seeing his mother placing the freshly baked pie on the counter.
"I'm ready honey. Just put your shoes on and we'll get going." Delia stated, wanting to let the pie cool down first and her boy to put his sneakers on as his crocks weren't meant for outside use, just inside the house.
After taking off his sandals and putting on a pair of red/black outdoor sneakers, Ash was ready to get going. He and his mom had stepped outside of their house with Delia holding the pie in her bare hands. Since the pie had cooled down, it was safe for her to touch and carry it without gloves. Once they stepped outside, the two of them crossed the dirt road and walked five houses down. Once they approached the Lund's newly bought house, both Delia and Ash were surprised after seeing the Machoke the moving crew were using to move the furniture from the vans in the house.
"Excuse me miss, is there something you or your boy need?" The head contractor asked after noticing the two of them approaching.
"Oh, we don't mean to interrupt you or your men working sir. My son and I are stopping by to meet the new neighbors moving in." Delia stated while apologizing if she and Ash were getting in the way of their work.
"Well, that's very kind of you miss. Mr. Lund and his boy are in the living room." The head contractor stated with a kind smile after hearing that both Delia and Ash simply wished to welcome the Lunds into the neighborhood.
"Thank you very much Mr...uh, Harris." The young brunette woman stated after reading the contractor's name tag on the side of his work vest: Harris
While his mother was busy talking with Mr. Harris, Ash couldn't help but admire how strong the Machoke were and looked like in the flesh for the first time. He had never seen an actually Fighting type before in his life...and now he was seeing six of the Superpower Pokemon. Delia would softly nudge her boy back into reality, after noticing how amazed he was after seeing the moving crew's Machoke right at work. After coming back to his senses, Ash and his mom had stepped through through the currently opened front door.
"Hello?" Delia asked softly as she and Ash entered the house while making sure they weren't in the moving crew or their Machoke's way while they continued working.
Fortunately for both Ash and his mother, they didn't have to look too hard or wait long. Prof. Lund was advising the movers on where to place the furniture; the cabinets, coffee table and cabinet for the TV while Tory was leaning against the back wall, reading a book about basic Pokemon traveling tips.
"Yes, how may I help you miss?" Prof. Lund asked as he had noticed Delia call out after she and her boy enter the house.
"I apologize if my son and I are intruding. We live five houses down across the street and noticed the moving trucks outside. We just came over to welcome you both to Pallet Town." Delia stated while explaining that she and Ash lived right across the street from them and wanted to welcome them to the small town.
"Well, that's very nice of you Mrs...?" Charles stated with a kind smile, along with Tory as they appreciated their new neighbor's hospitality for welcoming them to both Kanto and Pallet Town.
"Ketchum. Delia Ketchum and this is my son, Ash." The young brunette woman answered, while introducing herself and her boy.
"Nice to meet you and Ash, Delia. I'm Prof. Charles Lund and this is my son, Tory." He replied while introducing himself and his son, while offering a hand to shake which she gladly accepted.
"Nice to meet you Ash." Tory stated while shyly offering a hand to shake, which the raven haired boy gladly shook with his own.
"It's nice too meet you as well Tory." Ash replied while shaking hands with the blue haired boy...while noticing the faint blush on his face.
'Huh, he's cute.'The raven haired boy mentally stated, while shaking Tory's hand and thinking that he looked rather adorable.
'Wait...what? Why would I even think that?'He asked himself after realizing what he thought of the other boy just now after meeting him and knowing his name!
"So, uh Tory...where are you and your dad from?" Ash asked after they released each others hands and finished shaking each other's hands.
"We're from the Hoenn Region." The blue haired boy answered, which surprised both Ash and his mom greatly.
"You're both from Hoenn? What brings you and Tory here to Kanto?" Delia asked after she and her boy learned where Charles and Tory were originally from!
"Work. I have a job interview with both Prof. Oak and the PokeTech Institute." Charles answered truthfully, as he knew there was no point in lying to either Delia or Ash.
"So...you're a Pokemon researcher from Hoenn?" The raven haired boy asked after learning that Tory's father had an interview with Prof. Oak at his lab and one of the most expensive schools in Kanto, where only wealthy individuals could attend.
"Yes and I'm also a part time teacher. I used to work at the Pokemon's Training School in Rustboro City." Prof. Lund answered while revealing that he also worked as a part time teacher.
"What subject did you teach?" Ash asked, as he was intrigued after learning that Mr. Lund was both a Pokemon researcher and part time teacher!
"My dad taught a class in type advantages and disadvantages. Basically how Fire types are strong against Grass and Bug types and how Poison type moves don't work on Steel types." Tory answered truthfully for his father, which earned a 'wowed' expression from the raven haired boy after hearing kind of subject his dad taught.
"Do you or Ash know where I can find Prof. Oak's laboratory by any chance Delia?" Charles asked, as he was rather eager to meet the well respected researcher and lecturer face to face for the first time.
"I can take you there Mr. Lund!" Ash stated excitedly as his face lit up after hearing him ask the location for the professor's lab!
Both Charles and Tory were surprised by how excited Mrs. Ketchum's son had became, which earned a chuckle from his mother.
"Ash practically spends most of his time at Prof. Oak's ranch every day." Delia explained while smiling softly down at her son's enthusiasm.
"Well, we'd appreciate your offer in being our guide for today Ash." Charles stated, as he was more than happy to letting the raven haired boy show him and Tory the way to Prof. Oak's lab with his boy nodding in agreement.
"I can take you and Tory to the lab whenever you're both ready Mr. Lund." Ash stated, showing he would be than happy to show both Tory and his father the way to Prof. Oak's lab and ranch whenever they were ready.
"Could you take us to the lab right now Ash?" Tory asked softly, which earned him a soft and warm grin from the raven haired boy...and blushed softly at the smile.
"Sure." He answered sincerely...and noticed the small blush on the blue haired boy's face which earned a soft chuckle at the sight.
"Well Delia, it was truly an honor to meet you and thank you so much for the pie. I'll be sure not to keep Ash too long and bring him home before it gets too dark." Charles stated warmly while shaking hands with the young brunette woman, showing he appreciated her and Ash welcoming him and Tory to Pallet Town and being their new neighbors/friends.
"It was very nice to meet you and Tory as well Charles. I hope your interview with Prof. Oak goes well." Delia stated while shaking his hand, showing she indeed hoped his interview with Samuel went well and knew he would get the job...as Prof. Oak had a reputation for being rather picky with whom he hired, but was a fair and sincere man.
After they finished shaking hands, Ash had led Tory and his father out of their house and up the dirt path that led across a bridge over a stream and an uphill stone staircase to a large sized magenta/peach colored arch designed building with a towering windmill behind the rear. Both Tory and his father's eyes widened at the sight of the lab with their very own eyes and kept their excitement levels in check as they walked uphill on the stone steps.
"So Ash, you mom says you come here everyday?" Tory asked while they strolled up the steps, while remembering how Delia mention how he spent most of his time at the lab and ranch.
"Yeah, my mom knows that I want to become a Pokemon trainer on my 10th birthday...just like my dad when he was around my age. So I started attending the Professor's Pokemon summer school along with a few other kids, paid close attention and studied hard...along with reading plenty of books about type advantages/disadvantages, habitats and how to treat them when they are sick." Ash answered, revealing how he was going on a Pokemon journey on his 10th birthday and how he'd studied thoroughly on the subject, which impressed Charles deeply on how prepared he was for the day he would go on his Pokemon trainer journey.
Tory on the other hand, was more than just impressed with how prepared Ash was being for his upcoming journey as a Pokemon trainer when he turned ten...as he practically found a new role model. After listening how the raven haired boy was going on a journey next year on his 10th birthday, the beau blue haired boy had entertained the idea of going with him...as he would be turning 10 one year from now just like Ash.
"I just hopehewon't be there." The raven haired boy stated softly, but was still loud enough to be heard by Tory and his father.
"You hope who won't be there at Prof. Oak's lab?" Tory asked confused, as he and his dad heard the cold and angry tone in Ash's voice as they neared the front door to the lab.
"Prof. Oak has a grandson...Gary." Ash answered softly, while sighing as he wanted to avoid this subject and conversation...but couldn't as he opened the door.
"You two don't like each other?" Charles asked, as he could tell there was story to why Ash and Professor Oak's grandson were at odds with each other.
"We didn't always start our disliking each other...we were childhood best friends, along with another neighbor of ours, Leaf." The raven hair boy answered softly, explaining that he and Gary were actually the best of friends, along with a girl in their neighborhood.
"So...what happened? What changed?" Tory asked as he didn't understand what made both Ash and Gary turn from being the best of friends into disliking each other.
"Well it wasn't me or Leaf, but when the three of us started watching the matches at the Kanto Pokemon League at the Indigo Plateau on TV...Gary became hooked and obsessed with the idea of 'becoming the best Pokemon Trainer in the world.' He started acting like a total jerk, talking to me and Leaf like we weren't 'cut out' to being Pokemon trainers or up to his 'standards'." Ash answered, explaining how Gary became disillusioned with a sad dream of wanting to be the very best and how he started treating him and Leaf like they were no longer his friends.
Both Tory and his father were stunned to hear what kind of jerk Prof. Oak's grandson had become. They could only imagine what kind of nice boy Gary must've been before he let some sad and messed up dream of fame and fortune turn him into the kind of person he was today.
"What about you and this girl, Leaf?" The beau blue haired boy asked as he was wondering if she was still a kind and nice person.
"We're still friends. We bump into each and hang out at either mine or her house from time to time." The raven hair boy answered, stating that he and Leaf had still remained friends and spent time together.
The three of them had approached the front door to the lab and Ash had knocked softly on the hard light red painted wooden door. Charles had taken in a few deep breathes, showing he was slightly nervous about meeting Prof. Oak face to face for the first time and attempted to calm himself down.
"Dad, are you alright?" Tory asked, as he was concerned as he noticed his father taking in deep breathes to relax himself!
"I'm alright Tory, just a little nervous. This will be the first time Prof. Oak and I meet each other in person." Charles answered, assuring his son that he was alright and straightening himself up before the doorknob started to turn.
The person answering and opening the door was middle aged man, somewhere in his mid-to late 50's with tan skin, gray hair, brown eye brows and black eye. He wore a large size lab coat over a red shirt with the collar folded, light brown slack jeans with a dark brown belt buckled around his waist and dark brown casual shoes.
"Ash, my boy! Welcome." Prof. Oak stated with a warm smile after seeing the young raven hair boy standing outside his laboratory and ranch.
"Hello Professor. It's nice to see you today too." Ash answered respectively, as he and the elderly man shook hands firmly with Tory and his father staying silent at the mere sight of the Pokemon professor.
"Who are these with you?" Prof. Oak asked as he had acknowledged both Charles and Tory standing a few feet behind Ash.
"These are new neighbors moving into Pallet Town from Hoenn. This is Tory and his father, Mr. Lund." The raven hair boy answered, while introducing the well respected professor to Charles and his son.
"Wait, Lund...as in...Prof. Lund?" Prof. Oak asked as he immediately recognized the last name and glanced at Charles, indicating he had heard of him!
"Professor Oak, it is truly an honor to meet you in person. I'm Prof. Charles Lund, a Pokemon teacher and lecturer from Hoenn." The beau blue haired man stated, while offering a hand to shake which the gray haired professor kindly accepted and shook firmly.
"It is also an honor to meet Prof. Lund. I had seen your lecture on the type advantages and disadvantages against Poison type Pokemon and Steel type Pokemon last month. I thought it was rather fascinating, as no one was familiar with those facts before." Prof. Oak stated while complimenting Charles reputation as a lecturer, while bringing up a topic he spoke about on television over a month ago.
"You are too modest for a Pokemon researcher and lecturer yourself Prof. Oak." Charles answered, while flattered that he was impressed with his televised lecture about the advantages and disadvantages between Steel and Poison types.
Both Ash and Tory had remained quiet, while smirking and crossing their arms as they witnessed both professors already treating the other as long time acquaintances and colleagues. Tory could already tell that his father had nothing to worry about, as he was sure enough to be hired as Prof. Oak's new aide.
"Prof. Oak...would it be alright if I showed Tory the Pokemon you have around your ranch?" The raven haired boy asked, since he could tell that he and Charles had a lot to talk about.
"Well there'd be no harm in that, but only as long as Charles says its alright." Prof. Oak answered showing he had no problem with letting the two boys having fun outside on his ranch, but only if Tory's father was alright with it.
"Dad, can I please go with Ash to see the Pokemon outside?" Tory asked, as he knew Ash was trying to keep them both preoccupied while his dad and Prof. Oak talked more and also so they could get to know each other a bit more.
"Alright son, but you and Ash better stay close and somewhere either Prof. Oak or I can see you boys." Charles stated, showing he would allow them to spend time outside only if they agreed not to stray too far.
"We'll stay close. We promise." Both boys said together, which surprised them both as they looked at each other and earned a soft chuckle from the two professors.
"Say Professor...would it be alright if Tory and I went on a ride on Ruby?" Ash asked, which caught both the gray haired man and beau blue haired boy by surprise!
"Of course Ash. I'll have Kenneth set up a double seated saddle for you boys." Prof. Oak answered with a warm smile, since he knew that Ruby took an instant liking to the raven hair boy when he fed her a handful of hay from inside the stable the last time he stopped by the lab.
"Cool, thanks Prof. Oak." He answered, showing he appreciated the professor allowing him and Tory riding on 'Ruby' before he led the beau blue haired boy outside.
"Um, Ruby?" Tory finally asked as he was caught completely off guard by his friend asking Prof. Oak if they could go on a horse ride, since he mentioned having one on his aides prepare a two seated saddle for them.
"Tory, trust me. You're gonna like this." Ash stated with a soft smile and it earned him a soft grin from his new friend, whom nodded showing he trusted him.
Once they stepped outside of the lab, Tory's eyes widen in complete shock at what he and the raven hair boy saw before them: small separated groups or herds of multiple Pokemon species! The ranch had an open field filled with small herds of Rattata and Raticate to the right, a small pack of four Growlithe in the center, a herd of Paras and Parasect in the field in front of the Growlithe, a small group of Oddish and Gloom near the Puppy Pokemon and a herd of male and female Nidoran. In the trees near the fences, were a group of four Mankey and a single Primeape hanging and sitting on the branches. Along with the Paras and Parasect, there was also a small group of Exeggcute. On a large ledge overlooking the field with the Grass/Bug and Grass/Psychic types were a small herd of two Rhyhorn, a single Rhydon and two Onix.
"Its very breath taking, isn't it?" Ash asked with a warm smile, as he noticed how speechless and quiet Tory had become after seeing how many Pokemon Prof. Oak had on his ranch!
"All these Pokemon...areallthe Professor's?" Tory asked as he finally found his voice again after recovering from the initial shock.
"Yeah, all these Pokemon belong to my grandfather." Another male voice answered...and Ash visibly flinched as he and Tory turned to their right and the raven hair boy glared softly at who had just shown up.
The voice belong to a boy that was the same age as them, nine years old, Caucasian with spiky Mohawk style mahogany hair and dark viridian eyes. He wore a light blue t-shirt with orange linings around the neck collar and arms, stone gray cargo shorts and black/blue sneaks.
"Hiya Ashy-Boy." The spiky haired brunette stated with a smug sneer on his face as he acknowledging the raven haired boy.
"Gary." Ash stated plain and dryly, showing he wasn't exactly happy about seeing Prof. Oak's grandson arriving...but decided to play it out, especially since Gary had every right to be at his grandpa's lab and ranch: just like him and Tory.
"Come to ask Gramps for advice on how to become a Pokemon Trainer? Don't bother, because the one who'll become the world's greatest Trainer is going to be me." Gary stated, immediately acting like a jerk and bringing up his pathetic dream for fame.
"Don't you have anything better to do than act like a total snob and bragging on how 'cool' you are?" The raven hair boy asked, showing he was sick and tired of putting up with his selfish dream for fame and fortune.
"Acting like a jerk already Gary?" A female voice suddenly asked and the three boys had glanced to see that a girl had also just showed up.
The girl was the same age as Ash, Tory and Gary; nine years old, Caucasian with long brown hair, reaching down her shoulders and upper back and brown eyes. She wore a white plain t-shirt with three purple stars decorated with silver sparkles on the front, black/blue jogging shorts, white socks and black/white/pink running sneakers.
"Hey Ash." The brunette girl greeted with a warm smile, which he gladly returned.
"Hi Leaf." Ash greeted back, with Tory standing right behind him as he had stayed quiet when Gary had shown up.
"Who's this with you?" Leaf asked, as she noticed the beau blue haired boy standing right behind him.
"This is my new friend, Tory Lund. He and his father just moved into the neighborhood today." The raven hair boy answered, while introducing the other boy to the brunette.
"It's nice to meet you Tory. I'm Leaf." The brunette girl stated with a kind smile as she offered him a hand to shake, which he slowly but gladly accepted.
"It's nice to meet you as well Leaf." Tory stated as he and the brunette shook hands, and noticed that Gary simply rolled his eyed and began to walk away.
"You're not even going to bother to talk to Tory?" Ash demanded, showing he was angered by what a jerk Gary was acting as he wasn't even going to bother to get to know their new neighbor!
"...Name's Gary. Welcome to the neighborhood, later." The spiky haired brunette stated coldly after giving off a sigh, showing he wanted the raven haired boy to get off his back!
Both Ash and Leaf glared daggers at Gary, as he continued to walk away and even Tory couldn't help but glare at the brunette as he was out of sight and leaving the ranch.
"You guys were actually friends with that jerk?" The beau blue haired asked, as he quickly understood by what Ash was saying after seeing first hand what a prick Gary had became.
"He wasn't always like that Tory." Leaf stated with a frown on her face, showing she was saddened by what made the boy who was once her and Ash's best friend into the person he was now.
"Would you still like to meet Ruby?" Ash asked softly, showing he wanted to forget that Gary was ever here and to cheer Tory up for how the brunette had just treated him.
"Sure, I'd like to meet Ruby." Tory stated, showing he indeed would like to meet this 'Ruby' and smiled softly at Ash, showing he appreciated him trying to cheer him up after how Gary coldly blew him off.
"Mind if I come with you guys?" Leaf asked, as she knew as she had witnessed Ash ride on Ruby before and even rode on her with him the last few times they had came to visit the ranch.
"Sure." Both Ash and Tory answered simultaneously and Leaf giggled at how they answered together at the same time.
The three of them had walked on over to the stable where Prof. Oak kept an extraordinary Fire type Pokemon; a stable filled with six horse like creatures with a mainly cream body. The horses had yellow and reddish-orange flames forming a fiery mane and tail and gray hooves at the end of their legs. The one difference between the two horses was that the bigger ones had a single horn growing extended from their foreheads and flames streaming from their fetlocks. Tory stared awestruck from seeing what it was Ash asked Prof. Oak if they could on together!
"Ever seen a Ponyta and Rapidash before Tory?" Leaf asked, as she and Ash chuckled softly at seeing how speechless and awestruck the blue haired boy had become.
"No...never." Tory answered as he finally found his voice and couldn't but admire how beautiful and graceful the Rapadish and Ponyta looked like before his own eyes.
"Why hello Ash, Leaf." An adult male voice called out and the three friends turned around to see one of Prof. Oak's current research aides approaching them with a two seated horse saddle in his arms.
"Hi Kenneth." Both the raven haired boy and brunette girl answered, showing they were glad to see him as he befriended them since the first day they had came by the lab and ranch.
"You must be Tory, Professor Lund's boy." Kenneth stated as he acknowledged the other boy with a warm smile and he returned the smile.
"It's nice to meet you as well Kenneth." Tory answered back with a warm and kind smile, while shaking hands with the aide as Leaf and Ash watched.
"Prof. Oak already told me that you and Ash requested to ride on Ruby. This'll only take a moment." Kenneth stated, having already been told by the Professor to have the saddle mounted on Ruby for both boys to ride.
After stepping towards the Ponyta and Rapidash, the aide had made a soft 'tsk tsk' sound while gesturing for the Ponyta in the center to approach. The Fire Horse Pokemon had glanced to its left at a Rapidash that was presumably its mother and after a soft nudge from her mother, the Ponyta, Ruby had slowly and steadily walked up towards the research aide. Kenneth had then proceeded to place the saddle on the center of her back, while making sure it didn't make the Fire type horse uncomfortable or injure her front and hind legs. After buckling and securing the straps to the saddle, Ruby was all set to ride.
"Alright boys, who wants to get on first?" Kenneth asked while gesturing for Ruby to kneel down for Ash and Tory to climb on and the Fire Horse Pokemon complied by kneeling down on all four of its legs.
"I'll go first." Ash stated, volunteering to climb up first so he could help Tory climb on after him.
He had slowly brought his right hand up and gently brush his fingers up against the left side of Ruby's face. The Ponyta neighed softly as she felt the raven haired boy rub his hand against its face and Tory couldn't help but smile at what a natural Ash was when it came to Pokemon. Kenneth and Leaf smiled softly as they saw how fond Ruby had become of Ash, as they remembered how nervous the raven hair boy was of the Fire Horse Pokemon before, but quickly overcame his doubts and slowly built a friendship with Ruby; offering to bath and feed her which earned the Fire type's trust and respect. The raven hair boy had placed left foot in the stirrup while climbing over Ruby's back and placing his right foot in the other foot rest.
"You're up next Tory." Ash stated softly, while gently gesturing for his friend to join him up on the back of the Fire Horse Pokemon.
"Um...o-okay." The blue haired boy answered a little hesitantly, nervous about climbing up and riding on a Ponyta for the first time in his life.
Tory had slowly approached Ruby and began to place his place his left foot in the stirrup, but had trouble climbing over the horse's back. Fortunately for him, Ash had offer him a hand to help climb up which he gladly accepted, threw his leg over after sitting right behind his friend and placing his right foot in the stirrup.
Kenneth had guided Ruby out of the stable and released his hold on the lead rope, allowing the Fire Horse Pokemon to start galloping. Tory was startled as Ruby had started out walking out slow and steady into a fast run!
"Tory, hold on to me." Ash stated, as he could tell that the beau blue haired boy didn't expect for the horse to move that fast and was about to fall off!
Without giving it a second thought, Tory did as his friend and wrapped his arms around his waist. The raven haired boy couldn't help but blush softly, as he felt his friend wrap his arms around his back and front of his stomach. He also felt Tory's head right behind his upper back. The beau blue haired boy also blushed, especially at how close both he and Ash were as they rode on the Ponyta.
While Ruby had sprinted across the field, Leaf couldn't help but notice at how both Ash and Tory were blushing as they rode on the horse's back. She saw Tory had quickly wrapped his arms around the other boy's back and waist and placing his head next to Ash's upper back. She quickly shook it off, as she remember doing the exact same thing when she and the raven haired boy rode on Ruby the first time together before she and Gary went on a ride together.
Both Ash and Tory rode on Ruby for six laps in half an hour, while they cheered at how fast the Ponyta was galloping until Kenneth had called for Ruby to return back to the stables. After they reentered the barn, both friends had climbed off the Fire Horse Pokemon with Leaf's and Kenneth's help.
"So what did you think of your first ride on Ruby, Tory?" The aide asked as he had unstrapped the saddle off of Ruby and offered the horse a handful of hay, which she gladly accepted and chewed on happily.
"It was a terrific experience, especially since it was my first time!" The beau blue haired boy answered truthfully, showing he enjoyed riding on a Ponyta for the first time, especially since it was Ash whom asked if he wanted to ride with him.
"Ah, Tory there you and Ash are." Prof. Lund stated softly, as he and Prof. Oak had entered inside the stable from stepping outside the lab.
"Hello Prof. Oak." Leaf greeted softly, while offering a hand to shake which the gray haired professor gladly accepted.
"Hello Leaf, nice to see today as well." Prof. Oak answered while shaking hands with the brunette, as Ash and Tory stood by and spoke to Charles.
"So Dad, how did your interview go?" Tory asked, as he was wondering how his father's interview with Prof. Oak had gone while he and Ash were busy meeting Leaf and Gary and riding on Ruby.
"It went pretty well and I've got noting to worry about kiddo...I got the job." Charles answered truthfully, while gently and playfully ruffling his son's hair and revealing that he got the job position to work alongside Prof. Oak as an aide!
"Seriously? You got the job? That's great news Dad!" The beau blue haired boy cried out excitedly, as he hugged his father after hearing his dad say he got the job position and Charles returned the hug.
"That's fantastic news Mr. Lund. Congratulations." Ash stated as he offered a hand to shake and Prof. Lund gladly accepted and shook it.
"Thank you Ash and thank you for spending time with Tory while Samuel and I spoke." Charles answered, showing he appreciated the raven haired boy congratulating him for getting the research aide position and spending time with his son to keep them both preoccupied.
"Are you ready to head home?" The older beau blue haired man asked, wondering if Ash was ready to head home or wanted to spend more time at the lab and ranch.
"Yeah, I should probably head back to my house. My mom's going to need my help with chores around the house." The raven haired boy answered, showing he indeed needed to head home to help his mom around the house.
"It was great to see you Professor. See ya later Leaf." Ash stated as Prof. Lund softly gestured for him to follow as he and Tory were ready to walk him back to his house.
"It was nice to see you as well Ash. You're always welcome to drop by anytime." Prof. Oak answered while stating that he was always welcome to stop by anytime he liked.
"See you later Ash. Is it alright for me to come by your house later?" The brunette stated, while asking if she could hang him with him at his house later today.
"Of course, you know my mom would like to have you over." Ash answered, showing that Leaf could indeed stop by his house later today and how Delia would be overjoyed to have her come over.
Prof. Lund and Tory had walked Ash back to his house by following the same route they used to reach Prof. Oak's laboratory and ranch. Once they reached the raven haired boy's house, they had noticed that the moving vans had left; suggesting that the moving crew had finished moving all the furniture into their house. There was also note tacked to the front door addressed to Prof. Lund, which he removed from the door and read its contents.
'To Mr. Lund: My men and I had finished moving all your furniture into the house. Along with this letter will be a bill with the total sum of payment for services rendered. Hope you and your boy enjoy living in Kanto. From Mr. Harris the general contractor.'The note read, showing that Mr. Harris and his men had finished moving the furniture from the vans into the house and left a bill showing how much the older beau blue haired man owed them; a sum of $1,200 dollars, which he would pay later on.
After placing the bill in his right coat pocket, Charles and Tory had walked Ash to the front porch of his house.
"Thank you for escorting me and Tory to the lab and ranch today Ash." Prof. Lund stated, showing he appreciated the raven haired boy being their guide for the day and showing them the way to Prof. Oak's lab and ranch.
"You're very welcome Mr. Lund." Ash stated, showing he was glad to be a big help and spending quality time to bond with Tory.
"Thanks for giving me such a great time today Ash." The beau blue haired boy stated, showing he enjoyed every moment hanging out with the raven haired boy.
"Anytime Tory, I had a great time with you as well." Ash answered, showing he enjoyed spending time with his new friend as well, especially as they rode on Ruby around the ranch.
He had shook hands with both Charles and Tory before they decided to head back to their house across the street. While he and Tory were riding on Ruby, the beau blue haired boy had made a rather important decision...that he would go with Ash on his Pokemon Trainer quest on their tenth birthdays.
"So Tory, what do you think of Ash?" Charles asked, as he could tell right away that his son had a fun time with the raven haired boy today.
"I like him Dad. He's really kind, cool and smart. Plus, Leaf was also nice as well." Tory answered, showing he took an immediate liking to Ash as he enjoyed every second spending time with him and also getting to know Leaf today as well.
After Charles and Tory had walked him to his house, Delia was delighted to see her boy walking through the front door.
"So Ash, did you have fun spending time with Tory today?" The brunette woman asked, as she could tell by the grin on his face that he and Tory indeed have a good time.
"Yeah, I did Mom. He's a little shy when it comes to meeting new friends, but he's really nice kid." The raven haired boy answered, showing he enjoyed hanging out with his new friend.
'Not to mention super cute.'He mentally added, but shook off: not believing what he had thought of the beau blue haired boy! But yet...Ash couldn't help but lightly blush, since that's how he secretly felt about his new neighbor and friend.
Ash couldn't help but feel that fate would throw him an unexpected curve ball on his 10th birthday...something that would evidently bring him and Tory much closer than just new friends.
A/N: There it is everyone the 2nd chapter to Ash's Pokemon Journey with Tory. I'm so sorry for the long wait, I've been struggling on trying to decide which fanfic story to work on: this one, The Raccoon and the Tigress, Spyro or Walking Dead fanfics. The third chapter will be coming up soon. Until then, please be sure read and review.
