Ash felt better after the relaxing time they spent in Pallet town although he was a little mortified by his Pokemon treating him as a breakable item. Even his mother caught on and joined them on it, but after the first day they calmed down a bit or Ash suspected he would not be allowed outside at all. They stopped at Vermillion City where Gou dropped his reports for the Professor and they decided to stay the night.
Ash, "It's nice of the Professor to let us spend the night here."
Gou smiled, "I think Chloe and Misty are quite happy to be spending time together."
Banette, "Nette."
Ash, "You want to check the place out?"
Phantump nodded, "Phaaaa."
Ash, "You don't mind do you?"
Gou, "Go ahead, this park was made for them."
Phantump and Banette grinned and went off to check the place out, Tyrunt decided his Meema's lap was just sufficient enough and Lapras was in the river going through the park getting to know the other Pokemon. Ash didn't want to bring his babies for the short journey but Lucario persuaded him to bring them to the Park so they could spend more time with their Meema. Ash gave a huff wondering if he was spoiling them before shaking that thought off, his kids were anything but spoiled.
Brock, "Dinner's ready everyone."
Ash, "Desserts too."
Gou grinned, "Drinks as well."
Professor Cerise walked towards them, "Oh! They look good."
Ren, "I have not eaten home made curry in a while."
Chrysa, "We usually order our food."
Brock puffed his chest, "Well then, I will be happy to tell you this was made out of the fresh ingredients growing in the park."
Gou, "The Pokemon here really went out of their way to grow the fruits, vegetables and berries. We just had to get the meat and eggs."
Cerise nodded, "Nothing like Pokemon working together to produce good results."
Misty on the other hand was with Chloe, "It's so nice to be able to spend time together with just us girls."
Chloe, "Can't wait for the other girls to join us next trainer season."
Misty, "Yeah, Orange Archipelago is an amazing place."
Chloe, "I still can't believe there are pink coloured Pokemon."
Misty, "I would love a pink Gyarados."
Chloe, "Not sure Gyarados would be happy with the colour change. Lucario and Cinderace were not."
Misty snickered, "They looked cute with those pink cheeks though."
Talia called them, "Girls dinner!"
Chloe, "Coming mama!"
Parker, "Mama made steak tonight."
Misty put Dewpider on the floor so he could eat his dinner, "Sounds good. By the way, Lillie got a second egg to care for, from her brother."
Chloe, "I'm glad they are no longer avoiding each other anymore."
Misty nodded, "Yeah, I can't imagine my siblings avoiding me. That would hurt."
Misty and Chloe chatted a bit more with Talia and Parker about what they would be doing the next day before turning in for the night. After dinner Professor Cerise, Chrysa and Ren left for their homes while Ash, Gou and Brock decided to camp out in the Park. It had a large enough clearing for them and their Pokemon to have a sleepover together. Banette and Phantump returned feeling happy together and they chattered to Ash who figured they had a lot of fun. He took them and coaxed them to sleep or at least get some rest, as they had been active whole day. Half way through they were woken up by Banette screeching, Ash woke up to see Phantump hovering over him and Banette scolding a Gengar?
Gou, "Um what's going on?"
Gengar flinched at that and Ash asked, "Who's this Banette?"
Banette huffed, "Nette ban."
Brock, "Easy big guy, don't be scared we won't hurt you."
Gengar looked at them warily before huffing and disappearing from view making Banette scowl at him. Ash shook his head and called the ghost type over to sleep with them to which Banette agreed. The next day they spoke about the incident with Professor Cerise who nodded.
Cerise, "Gengar has lived in this building long before I set up an office here. He's harmless don't worry. The most he'll do is play pranks on you."
Gou blinked, "How come I didn't notice him before?"
Cerise hummed, "I think Gengar takes time to get used to others, mostly he starts with pranks before showing itself."
Brock, "Was it abandoned here?"
Cerise, "I suspect it, yes."
Ash grumbled, "Trainers are so stupid sometimes."
Gou, "Ditto that."
Gengar who had been listening in couldn't help but nod, his trainer was an idiot.
Ash, "Do you think he'll want to come with one of us?"
Brock, "You could ask him."
Gengar left before he heard anything else that gave him hope. He didn't want to go through that again, being abandoned once by his trainer already hurt a lot. Despite his preservations Gengar could not help but be curious and follow them from the shadows of the trees and poles. He didn't dare enter any of the human's shadows as Banette was scowling at him furiously. They met up with two human females, one with bright hair the other with hair the colour of chestnut. He quietly followed them as they left the city and came across a large crowd who were waiting for someone.
Ash, "That's a lot of people."
Misty, "I think I know why they are here."
Chloe, "Today is when they run through here holding the torch right?"
Brock took out a coupon, "Correct, you are. I think we are just in time to see it. We could follow them all the way to the League too then register ourselves."
Gou blinked, "You are registering too Brock."
Brock nodded, "Remember this badge that I earned from the exam, it qualifies me to take part in the League."
Gou looked at the blue badge with a school symbol on it, "Isn't that hard to earn? I read only Nurse Joy three years ago won the badge but she didn't take part in the League as she has a busy work load."
Misty, "You are right, Brock was studying and training hard to win that badge."
Chloe, "I might just do the same thing once I have twelve Pokemon of my own."
Yamper wagged his tail happily, "Yamper!"
Ash, "I'm sure you can if you work hard Chloe. It's not easy but I believe you can do it."
The group turned when the people cheered and a torch bearer was soon seen on the horizon running while holding a torch carrying the flames of Moltress. Ash half wondered who's flames it was exactly, the one that belonged to his brother or the one from the Orange Archipelago or another Moltress completely. It was an interesting line of thought but he ignored it to cheer for the runner instead. Even Gengar came out and looked about curiously when he saw and heard the excited cheers.
Ash, "Hey bud, want to join us?"
Gengar startled, "Gen.", before disappearing again.
Gou gave a small laugh, "He's a shy one huh?"
Brock, "Well if what the Professor said was right then....."
Misty scowled, "Some trainers can be so stupid."
Chloe sighed, "Yeah, they are moving on, let's follow."
Ash nodded and they followed the group following the torch bearer that consisted of other trainers as well. It seems they were not the only ones who had the idea to follow the group to the League grounds. It took the whole day with the torch bearer changing positions between different runners before reaching the Indigo Plateau. The second oldest League in the world, Ash marveled at the sight infront of him. The last two times he was here, he was cheering on for Daisy and after that Red and Blue, before the two went and became Champions. And kept changing the title between each other, every four months, driving Lance and the Elite Four up the wall.
Ash snickered, 'That was funny.'
Misty, "Day after tomorrow, we'll start battling for the title. I'm going to show everyone I'm capable of being a Water Pokemon Master."
Ash, "It'll be a fun experience and more fun battling each other."
Brock nodded, "I heard the turn out is higher this year compared to other years."
Gou, "Really?"
Ash, "Yeah, Red was telling me, there's a good batch of trainers this year."
Chloe, "Especially since there are trainers from other regions too."
Misty nodded remembering the flirty lady from Alola, she met on SS Anne, "I wonder if we'll be fighting them during the elimination, preliminary or semi."
Ash, "Either way it'll be fun."
Gou, "Look guys they are gonna light the torch."
Ash looked at the field below from the high cliff situated just outside the main Plateau grounds. The torch bearer had walked up the stairs and lighted the torch which burned brightly in Moltress flame colour. It was a very magnificent sight to watch and President Goodshow gave a speech welcoming trainers from Kanto and other regions to the hundred and twentieth Indigo League Conference.
Ash, "You know you guys could go there for a closer look."
Misty huffed, "And be swarmed by reporters asking about my non existent dating life with you? No way!"
Brock gave a shiver, "Yeah! I am a straight guy and you are like my own little brother. It's very disturbing to hear people asking if I'm dating you."
Gou nodded, "Reporters have no filter."
Chloe grumbled, "Or manners, if it's not you Ash, they'll ask if I'm dating either Misty or Brock."
Ash gave a sigh, "Well at least we are getting a break now, I can only imagine the drama that'll start once we begin battling."
Misty drawled dryly, "I bet they'll say I'm competing against other girls to be your best girl."
Chloe snorted, "That's a suckers bet."
Brock, "Jessilina and Jameson have it easy on that front, they are together and have a son."
Ash nodded, "We should go, the ceremony is over.", he looked at the corner, "You can stay with us if you want."
Gengar blinked and turned to Lucario, "Gengar geng? Gengar gen gen gengar?"
Lucario opened his eye, -My Meema and his friends can sense aura and could sense your presence very easily. And it's not that we are not interested in catching Pokemon. We just prefer it more if the Pokemon is sure they want to join us.-
Gengar looked at Ash then nodded, "Geng."
Ash, "Why don't you stick around and see how we do things first and then make a decision? We'll be staying here for a while after all."
Gengar contemplated it and agreed with the plan and the group went towards the place that had been set up to host trainers. It was a decent size town and many trainers could be seen mingling about. They were either battling in the League sanctioned fields or chatting in the restaurants or simply spending time with their Pokemon. Ash could see a large variety of Pokemon in the town from starters belonging to each region to various Pokemon considered rare in Kanto.
This place Ash realized was a hot spot for Team Rocket, no wonder Blue was barely home except for the party which he left half way. If Ash looked closely he could see the cameras in the public area disguised as decor, only the reflected shine of the lens giving it away. Ash had noticed the cameras on the gates and on the walls adjoining the gate as well. He would not be surprised if the entire boundary was fitted with security cameras watching over who was coming and going.
Just before Daisy's time Team Rocket had attempted to steal Pokemon from the trainers who were taking part in the League but they had failed. However the League had received backlash as well and had increased security since and when Blue took over added more to the already existing ones. They reached the large Pokemon centre where they would be registering for the League and Ash gave a quiet whistle in appreciation. The Pokemon centre in the Indigo Plateau was the largest by far that he had seen even the one in Viridian didn't compare. They registered their names and badges before going to the dorm assigned for them. They would be sharing it with another group according to Nurse Joy and Ash just hoped their roommates were not jerks.
Ash looked around the house meant to be their residence and nodded, "It's a neat place all things considered."
Misty, "There's a pool in the back for water Pokemon."
Brock, "And a rocky garden around it for rock types."
Chloe, "In simple terms perfect for us."
Gou, "Wonder where the other group is."
"Talking about us?"
Ash turned, "Ah, yeah sort of. We were about to pick rooms. My name is Ash, my partner Lucario, my baby Phantump, this shy fellow here is Gengar and the one inside my shadow is Banette."
The boy, "The Orange League Champion, it is an honor. I'm Berk from Galar, my partner Inteleon."
Misty gushed, "I'm Misty! This is Dewpider and that's the evolved form of Sobble right? He is very handsome."
Berk grinned, "Thank you."
Inteleon, "Teleon."
The girl next to him spoke, "I'm Trisha, from Unova, I am training to be a Grass type Master, nice to meet you. This is my partner Servine."
Servine, "Ser."
Brock, "I'm Brock, this is Corsula, we are all from Kanto and I'm here to prove I can be both battler and medic."
The girl next to Trisha spoke, "Nice, I'm Tally, I don't have a specific type yet but I'm going to show everyone I'm no pushover."
Gou, "I'm Gou and I'm here to support my friends. This is my partner Cinderace."
Chloe, "I'm Chloe and I'm here because of the same reason, to support my friends and this is Yamper."
Berk, "Awesome group we have here, eh Inteleon?"
Inteleon nodded, "Leon."
The group shared stories and early dinner as they relaxed before going towards the main arena for the opening night. It was quite a sight to watch with performers dancing and performing acts for the opening. President Goodshow welcomed the trainers to the Conference and gave another speech, this time a shorter one. He explained the rules, the first four battles would be one on one elimination battle rounds and the next four would be two on two elimination. After that those who were left, would proceed to battle three on three semi finals till there were only two top fighters left. He then prayed to Moltress and the fire burned brighter before wishing the trainers good luck for the next day.
Ash and the others returned to their dorm excited about the next day. They had a quick breakfast before going to the Pokemon centre and Misty went first and she was paired up against a boy in the ice field. Trisha went next, she was up against Gary in the grass field surprising Ash, he wished her good luck. Tally was up against a girl called Annabeth who looked familiar to Ash but couldn't figure out why, in the rock field. Ash went to choose his opponent and picked up a Magikarp.
Ash, 'Well that didn't change.'
A voice came from behind, "How lucky!"
Ash turned, "You must be Mandy."
Mandy smirked, "Correct Champion and I'm not gonna hold back against you. I'll be using my strongest Pokemon on our battle."
Ash, "I look forward to it."
Berk, "Well he is confidant."
Ash nodded, "Did you get yours?"
Berk, "Some girl called Rianne in an electric field."
Brock, "I'm up against a guy called Rick, normal field."
Ash, "Best of luck to all of us then."
Misty, Trisha, Tally and Ash had their battles simultaneously at the same time in different fields so Ash wished them luck before going towards the water field. He was a bit surprised to see Mandy paired up with him again, he would have thought that would change but it didn't. He half wondered how to do this, should he pick Pikachu or one of his water types as being in a water field would be advantageous.
Announcer, "Welcome everyone to the first water field battle of the Conference. Trainers take your positions and get ready to battle."
Ash stood on the Yellow box, 'I have decided, I promised him anyway.'
Mandy was in the green box, "Ready!"
Announcer, "As this is a one on one elimination battle, both trainers shall unleash their Pokemon at the same time. Ready, set go!"
Mandy, "Go my beautiful Pidgeot!"
Ash, "Let's go Blastoise!"
Blastoise stood tall and proud, he was very happy Ash chose him to battle first, he looked at his opponent determined to win.
Announcer, "Begin!"
Mandy, "Gust!"
Ash, "Into the water use rain dance."
Blastoise dodged the attack and dived in and started to use rain dance to boost himself.
Mandy, "Use hurricane on the water."
Ash, "Hydro pump."
Blastoise emerged among the rising water and shot hydro pump towards Pidgeot who was hit. But Pidgeot soon righted himself and stayed afloat above the water before flying up looking at his opponent warily.
Mandy, "Use double team followed by peck."
Ash, "Withdraw and use rapid spin and water gun."
Blastoise withdrew into his shell and despite the peck attack on him used rapid spin coupled by water gun to get rid of the copies and hitting the real one.
Ash, "Now water pulse."
Blastoise used water pulse and unlike the normal times used it to punch Pidgeot out cold.
Announcer, "Pidgeot is unable to battle, Blastoise is the winner."
Blastoise roared, "Blassssss!"
Ash jumped out of his box, "Blastoise you did it."
Blastoise turned to Ash and swam towards the shore and hugged his trainer nuzzling him, "Blas!"
Ash pat his neck, "I'm very proud of you big guy, you won despite the type disadvantage, looks like all those training with Fearrow paid off. Eh?"
Blastoise shivered remembering the brutal training Fearrow had given him, the flying type didn't hold back. Ash had simply told them to not break anything and to take breaks every half an hour before leaving him to the flying type's mercy. It had been worth it though, Blastoise thought as Ash and Lucario got their fake smiles on again. The one that trainer Misty called camera smiles as they were approached by a few adults... Charizard is not going to be happy about this.
Reporter, "Hello Mr Ketchum and Lucario. I am Louis Kent from Pokemon Daily Paper. I have a few questions."
Lucario, -Three questions make it count.-
Ash, "I need to get my Blastoise to the centre so let's keep it short."
Louise paused before resuming, "Of course, Mr Ketchum. Now it is known by everyone you have all three Kanto starters. Many viewers are curious how did you meet them?"
Lillie, "Oh dear!"
Lana, "She had to ask that."
Kiawe, "Ash doesn't look happy."
Gladion, "How can you tell?"
Sophocles, "His smile became really fake."
Mallow, "They just had to ask that question."
Professor Kukui, "I think it's understandable why he is angry though."
Back to Ash, he had turned to Blastoise, "So should we tell them?"
Blastoise contemplated a bit, before nodding, "Blastoise blas."
Lucario aura spoke with Ash so no one else could hear, #He agrees Meema, it might send a message to others who abandon Pokemon, no one is happy about what happened to Gengar.#
Ash, #You guy managed to talk to Gengar? I see it's another abandonment. Very well!#
Ash turned to the reporter, "Blastoise, Charizard and Venasaur were abandoned by their trainers as a Squirtle, Charmender and Bulbasaur. Their trainers thought they were weak Pokemon and left them in the wilds, Charizard's trainer would have succeeded in killing him too if we had not convinced him to at least visit the centre. You can ask Nurse Joy for confirmation."
Louis was shocked but calmed herself, "I.. I see, how did you meet Blastoise here?"
Ash smiled, "I met Blastoise as a Squirtle who loves playing pranks. Yup my big serious looking guy here is a prankster through and through, right buddy? We ran into one of his pranks and things just happened from there. You'll have to ask Officer Jenny for details I'm afraid I'm not qualified to speak."
Blastoise cooed, "Blas."
Louis smiled, "One last question, why do you think they were abandoned?"
Ash shrugged, "There could be many reasons, but I personally believe that people who abandon Pokemon are actually weak and pitiful. They could have left them at the Pokemon centre or sent them back to the lab from where they were chosen. But no they chose the cowardly and dishonourable way, to abandon their partner and friend who risk their lives in battles for them. That's all I will say in the matter."
Louis, "Thank you for your time Mr Ketchum."
Ash left with Blastoise, Lucario and Banette inside his shadow and walked to the centre located just outside the stadium. He met up with Gou who had been cheering him on and gave a sigh of relief when no one else bothered him and went to give Blastoise to Nurse Joy. Blastoise nuzzled him one last time before returning to his pokeball and allowed himself to be treated.
Mandy joined him, "I saw your interview."
Ash looked up at the adult, he was not as snobbish as his teen self, "Yeah?"
Gou, "Mandy!"
Mandy smiled in response to Gou, "I'm sorry you and your Pokemon had to deal with that."
Ash waved, "No big deal, just another day I guess?"
Mandy, "My Golbat was abandoned too, you know?"
Gou, "What?"
Mandy nodded, "Her wing had been torn off during one of her battles as Zubat and her trainer didn't want her anymore and left her to die."
Ash grimaced, "One of those types."
Mandy, "Yes, she was very underweight when I found her and took around a whole year to heal her wounds. Despite the disability she never stopped battling though and fly again she did after she evolved."
Ash smiled, "I'm happy to hear that."
Mandy, "Her trainer wanted her back but I pointed out I already paid for her so she belonged to me and if she wanted Golbat she would have to pay thrice the amount. Also all the medical fees, her trainer was not happy and tried to force her to go with her. Golbat was not amused of course and used scary face on that spoiled brat."
Gou chuckled, "Wish I could have seen that."
Ash snickered, "It must have been hilarious."
Misty stormed in, "Nurse Joy please check on my Pokemon!"
Nurse Joy, "Of course dear, would you like a seat?"
Chloe came running, "Calm down Misty."
Dewpider, "Ewp!"
Misty hugged Dewpider and took a deep breath, "Thanks for taking care of Dewpider Chloe."
Gou, "What happened Misty?"
Misty, "Reporters! The most annoying kind as well."
Chloe, "They thought Misty was trying to pair herself with Ash because both of them used Blastoise."
Ash, "I chose Blastoise because I promised him the first battle."
Misty, "I chose Blastoise because he knows ice attacks better than others."
Gou, "But the reporters decided you want to be with Ash?"
Misty fumed, "I knew this would happen but it still pisses me off."
Mandy, "Oh dear! Sounds like trouble."
Ash sighed, "It is. Hey Jessilina is on TV."
Reporter, "Miss Jessilina, I have heard you have a son."
Jessilina gave her signature ah ha ha ha laugh looking straight at the TV, "Yes, and mommy's first win is for you baby boy. I hope you are being good for your Daddy."
Reporter, "There has not been a single photo of your son before."
Jessilina went ah ha ha ha ha ha again, "That's because we want our son to decide what he wants to do and why he wants to be famous on his own. Instead of giving him fame directly, that way no one can say he is riding his parents coattails."
Reporters, "You must truly love your son."
Jessilina gushed, "More than anything in the world, he is the reason I decided to become stronger after all."
Misty chuckled, "Nice way to keep little Tomo out of public scrutiny."
Brock entered the centre, "Hey guys!"
Ash, "Congratulations on winning."
Brock, "Thanks, I could do without nosey reporters though."
Chloe, "We saw how you freaked them out with your actions."
Misty, "I should hit you for it but it's effective."
Mandy got up, "Well I better get going, it was nice to meet you and your friends Ash. If you ever pass through Celadon visit my rehab centre for Pokemon."
Ash took the card Mandy gave him, "Serenity corner! Oh this is the new rehab that took in half of Damien's Pokemon."
Mandy, "You know that guy?"
Ash, "My Charizard and Misty's Blastoise were his Pokemon once."
Mandy, "I see, well I am happy they are nowhere near him then. I better check on the others and I mean it, do visit."
Ash and Misty nodded, "We will!"
[A. N.: I changed Mandy a bit, because he was already older than Ash in the anime. So I decided why not make him am adult.
XDD
Hope you all enjoyed this!]
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