pokemon Fighting Dreamers

Today our story starts with a slim 15-year-old young girl with pale skin, brown eyes, and rather short brown hair. She was wearing a short fuchsia dress underneath a gray wool coat, she also had a green wool cap with a white pompom on it. Said girl was named Gloria (Something that mildly annoyed her since she was named like that because her father was a fan a Bobby Roode, but that's an story for another day.) Gloria was running through the streets of Hulbury with her trusty Drizzile along her shoulder holding tightly trying to not fall off of her. After a while she made it to the place she was running to, Nessa's mansion.

''Hey girl! Where do you think you're going?!'' A security guard standing next to the front door stopped Gloria.

''I HAVE TO TALK WITH MISS NESSA!'' Gloria shouted trying to pass through the man without success.

''Yeah, sure, you're only the 80th person to ask that today, get lost.'' The man said still blocking her way.

''I'm serious! I have to talk with her!''

''Gloria, up here!'' The Hulbury Gym Leader called from one of the windows of the second floor of the mansion still wearing the red dress Valerie made for her. ''How have you been?''

''Miss Nessa! I'm so glad you're here!'' Gloria shouted again.

''Well, tell me what do you need.''

''Do you know where Ash Ketchum is?'' Gloria asked.

''Well, I talked with him a few minutes ago in th-''

''Sure, she did more than talk.'' Valerie interrupted her from another window while giggling.

''As I was saying...'' Nessa continued. ''Ash was in the Pokemon Center, But I think he already left.''

''Do you know where he's going?'' Gloria asked again.

''He already defeated Milo and me so I guess he's going to Motostoke now.''

''Motostoke, got it! THANKS MISS NESSA!'' Gloria shouted as she ran to the Hulbury outskirts not without first sticking out her tongue at the guard.

''What was all that?'' Valerie asked.

''Oh, that's just Gloria,'' Nessa explained. ''She challenged my Gym a few months ago, she's quite nice.''

''What does she have to do with Ash?''

''She deeply admires him, Ash was her inspiration to become a trainer, she even has mastered some of Ash's battle techniques.''

''...'' Valerie went silent for a moment.

''What's wrong?'' Nessa asked.

''Nothing, it's just...I feel like you shouldn't be the one doing that introduction.''

''Oh, don't mind that, anyway, I'm sure Ash will be happy to meet her, but I still need to think of something to catch him."

''Assuming Bea doesn't break your legs and makes you walk back home when she meets you again.''

''Geez, have some faith in me.''

After a few more minutes running Gloria stopped tired once she finally got a glimpse of Ash at the distance, he was a few meters away from entering the mine, she finally found him, Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, with his Pikachu on his shoulder as always, he was walking along a girl Gloria had never seen before, who was she? oh well, she had all the time to ask, right?

''There he is...'' Gloria was about to take another step, but something stopped her, it wasn't the fatigue anymore, what stopped her was the feeling that she wasn't sure of what she was gonna do or say. Gloria was excited, really excited, she came all the way to Hulbury for this, to meet him, but she was scared as well, what if she screwed up? What if she said something wrong? What if he wasn't as kind as she has seen in the TV? What if he doesn't want to talk with her? What if-

Gloria's thoughts were stopped by a soft punch on her cheek coming from Drizzile, she then looked at him, feeling her trainer was having trouble, the lizard simply gave her a small nod, that was all she needed.

''You're right, Drizzile...is now or never.'' She took a deep breath and... ''ASH KETCHUM!''

''Oh...Sorry.'' Gloria apologized for all the yelling.

''Fine then, Im gonna-''

''NO!'' Gloria shouted seeing Ash was going to search for a Poke Ball.

''No?'' Ash asked.

''S-Sorry, I mean, we would like to fight your Pikachu.''

''Well, that's alright, Pikachu?'' Ash looked at his partner who jumped from his shoulder.

''Let's do this, Drizzile.'' Similar to Pikachu, Drizzile jumped from his trainer's shoulder and stood infront of the rodent.

''Rotom?'' Ash asked as the phone came flying from his pocket.

'Drizzile, the water Lizard Pokemon and the evolved form of Sobble, it's Highly intelligent but also very lazy, it keeps enemies out of its territory by laying traps everywhere.' The Rotom Phone explained.

''Very well, ready, Pikachu?'' Ash asked adjusting his cap.

''Pika!''

''Alright, Drizzile, let's do our best!'' Gloria said something similar with her hat.

''Driz!''

'Well, this is actually going to happen...' Gloria thought trying to calm herself. ''...Ash, just one thing before we begin.'' She said.

''What thing?'' Ash asked.

''Don't hold back...AQUA JET!'' Drizzile jumped in the air surrounded by water and quickly crashed against Pikachu knocking him back.

''Alright, Pikachu, Quick attack!''

''Sucker Punch!'' Drizzile jumped forward as his hand was covered by a dark energy, the lizard then landed a punch on Pikachu's face before he could even charge the Quick Attack.

''Now Water Pulse!'' Putting his hands together, Drizzile created small blue orb flinging it against Pikachu as it expanded, the orb surrounded Pikachu totally and after a few seconds, the water exploded leaving Pikachu confused.

''ALRIGHT! Now's our chance, use Shadow Ball while he's confused!'' Drizzile put his hands together again, this time creating a dark orb and shooting it against Pikachu, this repeated several times as Pikachu was unable to get out of the confusion.

''Sucker Punch!'' Drizzile jumped and punched Pikachu on the face again, the rodent then crashed against a tree finally getting out of its confusion with the hit.

''Dang, he snapped out, use Water Pulse again!''

''Pikachu, Iron Tail!'' Pikachu jumped in the air and cut the ball in half, Drizzile then jumped back to avoid being hit.

''Quick Attack!''

''Sucker Punch!''

This time Pikachu managed to charge the attack, but after a power struggle, Sucker Punch still emerged victorious.

''Iron Tail!''

''Sucker Punch again!''

After another successful flinch, Drizzile stopped as he was surrounded by a static electricity caused by Pikachu's ability.

''How unexpected...'' Gloria said faking surprise as she searched for something on the inner pocket of her wool coat. ''...and by unexpected I mean...COMPLETELY EXPECTED!'' She quickly found what she was looking for. ''Drizzile, catch!'' Gloria tossed a small green berry, Drizzile caught it with his hands and then ate it, curing his paralysis.

'A Lum berry?' Ash thought. ''Iron Tail!''

''Water Pulse!'' The orb of water exploded onto Pikachu luckily not confusing him this time.

''Quick attack!''

''Shadow Ball!'' Both attacks crashed in the middle of the battlefield, neutralizing each other.

'Come on, just do it' Gloria thought.

''Pikachu, Thunderbolt!'' Ash shouted and Pikachu charged the attack.

''PIKA-''

''Here it comes!'' Gloria said to her Pokemon.

''Driz!'' The lizard prepared itself to receive the orders, this is the moment they've been waiting for.

''CHUUUU!'' The rodent shoot the bolt of electricity towards the Water Type.

''Drizzile, COUNTER SHIELD!''

''What/PIKA?!'' Both Ash and Pikachu exclaimed surprised.

Drizzile jumped and the spun on his back along the ground while using Aqua Jet creating various water whips that deviated the Thunderbolt and then smacked Pikachu as they grew longer.

''What the...'' Ash looked astonished at the move until Drizzile stoped spinning.

'ALRIGHT! WE DID IT!' Gloria thought smiling proud seeing how Ash was standing there with wide eyes. 'He's impressed, but we still have to seal the deal.'

''What was that?'' Bea asked watching the battle. ''This girl has a counter for everything Ash does.''

''I don't know.'' Cinderace said. ''But I'm getting some serious 'Notice me, senpai' vibes from this girl.''

''Could you stop talking like that for five minutes?!'' Bea shouted angrily. ''Is starting to become ridiculous!''

''Who taught you that technique?'' Ash asked once he got over his surprise.

''YOU DID!'' Gloria yelled, her smile refusing to disappear.

''What do you mean?'' Ash asked again even more confused.

Gloria let out a small laugh and ignored the question. ''Aqua Jet!'' The move hit Pikachu directly and he was back to the tree.

''Pikachu, Iron Tail!''

''Sucker Punch!'' Once again Drizzile punched Pikachu on the face before the mouse could even charge his move.

''Use Thunderbolt!''

''Drizzile, WATERY GRAVE!'' Gloria shouted as Drizzile created a Water Pulse with one hand and a Shadow Ball with another, the lizard Pokemon then combined both moves creating a bigger orb and shooting at Pikachu exploding in a screen of haze and steam.

''An attack combo too?''

''PIKA PIKA PI!'' The mouse ranted angrily as he has been unable to land a single hit.

'Hmm...She knows how to counter all of our moves...' Ash thought. ''Maybe...Pikachu, use Surf!''

''Wait, what?''

The wave took both Gloria and Drizzile unprepared as it crashed against the poor lizard leaving it almost unable to get up.

''Now Thunderbolt!''

''Counter Shield!'' Drizzile once again managed to successfully deflect the Thunderbolt with the water whips.

''Use Quick Attack!''

''Sucker Punch!''

''Use the impulse and go for an Iron Tail!'' Before the punch could reach him, Pikachu jumped in the air spinning and charging the Iron Tail outpowering Drizzile's punch and hitting the lizard directly on the face.

''Use Surf!''

''Counter with Watery Grave!'' The combined orb was launched and exploded once it crashed against the wave causing a short rain.

''USE THUNDERBOLT ON THE GROUND!''

''The what?!''

Pikachu discharged electricity on the water that was left in the ground due to the multiple Water moves used, Drizzile who was standing there, was unable to avoid the move and received the bolts directly falling to the ground fainted.

''Just three hits?'' Gloria sighed disappointed. ''Geez, when did he learn Surf?'' Although she knew they had an extremely small chance to win, Gloria made sure that they had the perfect way to counter Pikachu in order to at least give a proper fight, but she was not prepared at all for that Surf. ''Thanks Drizzile, you held your ground all you could.'' She got closer to her Pokemon and knelt down giving him a Full Restore, the lizard yawned waking up and then got back to her trainer's shoulder giving her small electric shock on the process.

''That was a really good battle.'' Ash said standing infront of her. ''You said your name was Gloria, right?''

''RIGHT! Sorry, I should have given an appropriate presentation.'' She got up and dusted off her clothes, then she cleared her throat before speaking. ''My name is Gloria Tsurutate and I'm a big fan of yours.'' She said to Ash.

''Fan?'' Ash asked.

''Yup!'' Gloria affirmed.

''...I have fans?''

Gloria and Drizzile heard a shattering glass sound as their eyes went dead for a second.

''Of course you have! What kind of question is that?!'' Gloria complained.

''Well, I didn't know.''

''B-B-But, you're Ash Ketchum!''

''So?'' Ash asked still not getting the point.

''SO?! You have traveled through 7 regions!''

''7 regions?'' Bea asked surprised. ''Well, that's-''

''You have met countless of Legendary Pokemon!'' Gloria continued.

''Wait, what?''

''You have saved the world more times than I can remember!''

''...Hold up.''

''You're the Champion of Alola!''

''YOU'RE A WHAT?!''

''You have-'' Gloria was about to continue but Bea stopped her.

''NO! ENOUGH! YOU SHUT UP!'' Bea shouted to Gloria who made a few steps back scared. ''7 regions? Legendaries? SAVE the world? CH-CH-CHAMPION?! Is all that true?''

''Well...yes.'' Ash said as if it was the most normal thing on the world, Cinderace then looked at Pikachu who simply nodded.

''Wait, you seriously haven't told her anything about that?'' Gloria asked.

''Uh-''

''NO! HE-DID-NOT!'' Bea shouted.

''I see...Ash, can I have your Rotom Phone for a second?''

''Sure, here you go.'' Ash handed over the phone while Bea kept staring at him with angry eyes.

After a few clicks, Gloria found what she was looking for. ''Here, this is Ash's Trainer Profile. it comes with lots of information about him, his battles along the regions, the people he has faced, it also has some news about the thing he's done.''

Gloria gave the phone to Bea who started scrolling, seeing information about some League and Gym battles Ash had in other regions, saying Bea was surprised would be an understatement, Ash had defeated more than 50 Gym Leaders, the 7 Emerald brains and he had won several tournaments 'WHAT THE HELL?!' She thought, Bea then opened the news section and her surprise only got bigger by the titles, 'Ash Ketchum stops Team Flare' 'Ash Ketchum saves Arceus' 'Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town becomes the first champion of Alola' just to name a few.

''...Ash, remind me how old are you.'' Bea asked while still scrolling down.

''Uh...I'm seventeen.'' Ash answered.

''SEVENTEEN?! WHY ARE YOU SO SMALL?!'' With 'small' Bea referred to the fact that Ash's head barely reached her shoulder when they were both standing, which was something comical, but she tried to not bring it up to not bother Ash, still, she did NOT expected Ash to be older than her, even if it was only for one year, Ash often childish behavior didn't help to guess either.

''I think you are the tall one here actually.'' Ash defended himself.

''How old did you think he was?'' Cinderace asked. ''Didn't you complain about Nessa being way older than him?''

''Shut up!'' Bea yelled at Cinderace and then looked at Ash. ''When, where, how did you do all those things?! How are you not dead?!''

''Well, I...'' Ash hesitated a moment before ending the sentence, considering how Bea has been reacting to the information, he eventually gave in and said. ''...I actually died a couple times.''

''YOU WHAT?!'' Bea screamed again, this time her voice reflected more concern than anger.

''Yeah...but just a few seconds, I'm not a zombie or anything, still, I really don't recommend it.''

''WHY DID YOU NEVER TELL ME ANY OF THIS?!''

''It's not like you've ever asked me.'' Ash tried to make a point.

''You're telling me you just expect people to ask you things like ''Hey, Ash, are you champion?'' ''Hey, Ash, have you seen a Legendary?'' ''Hey, Ash, HAVE YOU BEEN DEAD?!''

''...Yes?''

''NO! WHAT IS THIS NONSENSE?!''

''I mean you could have asked, how about yesterday when Nessa said 'This is Ash Ketchum we're talking about' what did you think she meant by that?''

''I...I...still...YOU...wait...'' A few sentences she had heard since she met Ash started to flow through her mind.

''I've been thrown harder.''

''I've seen things way weirder than a translator hairband.''

''I'm used to this kind of stuff.''

''Giant robot...Chase in the sky...Almost dying...this is the normal thing for you?''

''This isn't the first time I've been on a stadium.''

''That big commotion in Kalos.''

Bea then realized that Ash had a point there, she actually never asked what he meant with all that, she sighed defeated and then got back to scrolling, Ash on the other side sighed relieved, Bea was pretty scary when she was angry, he then got back at Gloria who was looking at him with an expectant look.

''Hmm...Can I ask you a few questions?'' She said pulling her pink Rotom Phone from her pocket.

''Sure, I suppose Bea's gonna be scrolling for a while.''

''Alright, let's start with something simple...'' Gloria thought a few seconds before doing the first question. ''Aside from Pikachu, which do you think is your strongest Pokemon?''

''Well, maybe Greninja when we're in sync, in normal terms I'd say Charizard and Infernape at a tie and then Sceptile and Krookodile.''

''Who has been your favorite traveling companion?''

''That's hard to say, but mayyyybe Dawn.''

''Favorite rival?''

''I'd say Paul, have you listened to his battle theme? That thing slaps!''

''It totally does, hmm, toughest Gym battle?''

''That would be Wulfric.''

''Any Pokemon you wish you had caught?''

''A Bagon, a Zorua and a Litleo would have been nice, I know that sounds basic but I just think they're cool.''

''Something you regret?''

''Traveling with Iris maybe.''

''Favorite Code Geass opening?''

''World's end.''

''I KNEW IT!''

''Can I do a question now, Gloria?

''Sure! what is it?''

''How did you became my fan? If I can ask of course.''

''You really wanna know?'' Gloria asked slightly embarrassed. ''...Well, it was during the time you were challenging the Emerald brains.''

4 years ago, I was switching between TV channels, back in the day, I wasn't really interested in Pokemon battles, however I ended up watching a broadcast of your fight against Brandon but I only saw the last part of it.

You had to fight Brandon's Regice, a legendary Pokemon owned by one of the strongest trainers in the world, and you were just a kid with his Pikachu, honestly I was expecting it to be a Massacre but then... Pikachu managed to give a true fight, he was actually going toe-to-toe with Regice.

''Pikachu, Volt Tackle!'' A younger Ash shouted as his Pikachu was surrounded by electricity and charged against the titan who was still sleep due to using Rest.

Soon enough Regice woke up from from its slumber and Brandon gave his order. ''Regice, Ice Beam!''

Pikachu managed to dodge the beams and was just a few feet from hitting Regice with a full-force Volt Tackle.

''No...'' I got up from the couch, that wasn't going to happen, there was no way...or so I thought...

I'll never forget that last hit, it felt as if the whole world shaked when Regice dropped defeated, I stood there speechless for several minutes, processing what I just witnessed.

''He did it...he actually won.'' I saw this kid defeat a god with his little Pikachu, after that I followed your career with great interest, I saw all the amazing things you've done, all your victories and losses, the more I learned from you, the more I wanted to become a trainer myself, eventually I started my Journey and I chose Sobble as my starter, it's because of you that I am trainer and Gym Challenger now, you taught me that it doesn't matter how mighty the enemy is, if there's enough willpower and a strong bond with your Pokemon, everything is possible.

Gloria ended her narration and got back to reality, she then looked at Ash. ''Every battle you had is somehow important for me, I learned something from each one of them, but that moment when the referee said 'Regice is unable to battle, Pikachu wins.' She looked at Ash's partner and then got back to him. ''That changed everything for me...You changed everything for me.''

''Wow...I don't know what to say...'' Ash was almost speechless, is not like he thought he was a bad trainer, but the fact that someone looked up to him at that degree was truly a surprise.

''Just promise that when Drizzile and I are ready, you'll give us a rematch.'' She offered her hand to Ash.

''Consider it a deal.'' Ash accepted the handshake. ''You know? It feels good to have one fan.''

''One?'' Gloria asked. ''It's not just me, you know?

''Really?''

''...You're way too humble for your own good, have they told you that?'' Gloria searched for something on her Rotom Phone and then showed a picture to Ash. ''Look, this is your Galar fan club during the finals of the Alola League.'' The picture showed a group of roughly 50 persons on a living room, on the TV there was Ash receiving the championship trophy, most of the people were celebrating, others were crying, some of them were paying money to each other and then there was Gloria simply watching the TV smiling.

''We're always cheering for you and there are lots of other people around the world that do the same, When you laugh we laugh and we've cried with you. Remember when you start fighting, That you will never fight alone!''

''...I...I truly didn't know, well...I'll try not to disappoint them.'' That was all he could think at the moment, he then looked at Bea who was looking at Ash's Rotom Phone as if she was about to explode. ''Bea, are you okay?''

''YOU DEFEATED A LEGENDARY POKEMON?! WITH YOUR PIKACHU?!'' Bea showed them a replay of the fight against Brandon, it was the exact last moment that Gloria described, apparently Bea had to search for it to see if it was true.

''Pikachu has defeated four Legendary Pokemon actually, one of those was a tie but still.'' Gloria corrected her while Cinderace took a few steps back from the mouse and Bea was looking at Ash with a weird face that seemed like a mix of anger and surprise.

''YOUR PIKACHU LOST TO AN OBSTAGOON!''

''To be fair, it was a Guts-powered Critical hit with STAB, Pikachu was poisoned too, I may be a Champion, but I'm not a Gary Stu.''

''AND YOU'RE COMPARING THAT TO FOUR GODS?!''

''Uh...Look! A wild pokemon!'' Ash pointed at the nothingness. ''I'm gonna catch it.'' He then ran away from the angry girl.

''ASH KETCHUM, YOU GET BACK HERE!'' Bea quickly caught up to him and then got back to where Gloria was, carrying Ash under her arm while he tried to force his way out and Cinderace and Pikachu just looked from behind, not wanting to intervene.

''Bea, please put me down!'' Ash pleaded.

''NO! I'm still mad! How could you not tell me any of that?! YOU'RE A CHAMPION FOR ARCEUS' SAKE! What are you doing here collecting badges?! Shouldn't you be defending your title or something?!''

''That's not how it works...I think.''

''YOU THINK?!'' Bea's rant was stopped when Gloria's Rotom Phone started to ring.

''Uh? A video call... Oh, no, it's my brother...120 missed calls?! ...I'm so screwed...''

''And you're not going to answer?'' Bea asked.

''Sure, but, you two might want to cover you ears.'' Gloria then accepted the video call and...

''GLORIA, WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!'' A voice shouted from the phone, it was a slim young teen with pale skin, brown eyes, and short brown hair, he was quite similar to Gloria. He was also wearing a red shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a gray wool cap.

''Nice to see you too, Victor.'' Gloria replied sarcastically.

''THAT DOESN'T ANSWER MY QUESTION!''

''Right, look, I'm with Ash Ketchum!'' Gloria changed the angle of the camera to show Ash who was still under Bea's arm.

''...I think I should be asking why that girl is carrying him like a bag, but well, who am I to judge? ...What was I saying?'' Victor asked.

''Where the hell was I?'' Gloria reminded him.

''Oh, right, thanks! ...WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?! YOU LEFT ME HERE IN WEDGEHURST!''

''Oh, well, just catch up to me.'' Gloria said unconcerned.

''You get back here right now!'' Victor demanded while pointing at Gloria with his free hand. ''You didn't even take your backpack with you!''

''Of course I did!'' Gloria looked over her shoulder to find the nothingness. ''Oh...no, I didn't...''

''GLORIA!'' Victor shouted again.

''Fine, I'll be on my way, Vic.''

''You better be! Hop starts his journey tomorrow and we promised him we'd be there!''

''I know, I know...'' Gloria said as she cut the call.

''What was all that?'' Bea asked.

''That was my brother, Victor.'' Gloria explained. ''We are traveling together and...I honestly forgot I left him behind.''

''Wait, why did you leave your brother behind to begin with?'' Ash asked.

''Well...''

Drizzile and I were in the Living room of our friend Sonia's lab watching the TV while Victor went for some supplies to continue our travel and then...

''And in other news, Ash Ketchum, the Alolan Champion, is taking the Galar Gym challenge and now he is on his way to Hulbury to fight for his second Gym badge against Nessa.''

''Driz...'' The lizard looked amazed at the TV, he then looked at her trainer who had stars in her eyes.

''He's here, Drizzile...'' She muttered. ''He's really here...'' The girl then talked with a rather normal voice. ''HE'S HERE!'' Gloria finally yelled out loud.

''Gloria, what's happening?!'' A peach-haired young woman wearing a lab coat came running to the living room as she heard her friend shouting.

''SONIA! ASH KETCHUM IS HERE! HE'S IN GALAR RIGHT NOW!'' She shouted pointing at the TV:

''Oh, well, that's great...'' After a few seconds Sonia understood what her young friend was going to do. ''Gloria, no-''

''GLORIA, YES!'' Drizzile jumped to her trainer's shoulder and held tight as Gloria ran outside the lab.

''Wait! What about Vic...tor?'' Before Sonia could end her sentence, Gloria was already out of her sight.

A few moments later.

''WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY 'SHE'S NOT HERE'?!''

''Yeah...I was really excited to meet you...'' Gloria giggled nervously. ''Drizzile and I spent all they way here preparing for the battle, so I guess I wasn't paying attention to the phone...

''Excuse me, Miss Gloria.'' The phone tried to call her owner.

''Not now Rotom, we're busy.'' Gloria said as they practiced Drizzile's Counter Shield.

''But, Miss Gloria, it's your-''

''I SAID NOT NOW!'' She shouted holding the phone strongly.

''A-As you wish, miss.'' The phone flew back to her pocket scared and shut down the vibrator mode to not anger her more.

''Well, seems like I'll be back to Wedgehurst.''

''Wedgehurst? Where is that?'' Ash asked.

''To the south from here, very close to Postwick, my hometown.'' Gloria explained.

''Hey, Bea is from Postwick too!'' Ash said as Bea felt shivers down her spine.

''You are?'' Gloria asked her.

''Uh...yes...'' Bea answered slightly nervous, she had honestly forgot she had told that to Ash.

''That's weird, Postwick is a pretty small town and I don't think I've ever seen you.''

''Eh, I didn't go out that much, that must be the reason.'' Bea tried to say something that countered Gloria's statement.

''If you say so, well, I'll be going, it was very nice to meet you in person.'' Gloria waved goodbye as she turned around to get back to Hulbury.

''Hey, can we go with you?'' Ash asked.

''WHAT?!'' Bea shouted scared, accidentally letting Ash fall onto the ground.

''What?! Really?!'' Gloria asked excited.

''Yeah...'' Ash got up with a slight pain. ''I would like to see as much of Galar as I can.'' He then looked at Bea who still hadn't react. ''What do you say, Bea? It would be nice to see your hometown too.''

''M-My hometown, sure...I mean, it would be nice but...'' Bea stopped talking a moment, trying to find her way out of this. ''P-Postwick is not exactly close so-''

''That's no problem at all.'' Gloria interrupted her. ''We can take the train at the Hulbury Station, if we go now we'll be in Wedgehurst tomorrow morning and we can go by foot to Postwick from there.''

''Oh, right...I forgot about the train.''

''Sounds like a plan, what do you say, Bea?'' Ash asked again.

Bea simply froze, she couldn't think of anything, she was caught, she had to agree, after all, why wouldn't she want to visit 'her hometown?'

''...Fine, let's go'' She sighed defated.

''ALRIGHT! We'll travel with Ash Ketchum!'' Gloria rejoiced holding Drizzile on her arms leading the way.

''Well, back to Hulbury...again.'' Ash said following Gloria as Pikachu jumped on his shoulder.

''Oh, no...'' Bea muttered for herself.

''I told you those lies were not going to end well.'' Cinderace said walking next to her trainer. ''What are you gonna do when we get there? Ash will want to meet your 'house' , 'family' and all that.''

''I'll think about it, just give me a moment.'' She said trying not to worry.

As they made their way back to Hulbury, Ash and Gloria kept talking side-to-side while Bea was a few steps behind them, still looking at Ash's record on his Rotom Phone trying to think how she would handle the Postwick situation.

''Gloria, you said you were taking the Gym Challenge, right?'' Ash asked.

''That's correct!'' She answered happily.

''How many badges do you have?''

''I have 5 badges right now, Water, Grass, Fire, Poison and Psychic.''

''You got 5? Wow, I only have 2, you're quite ahead of me.''

''Not really, since I'm a begining trainer I'm not very strong so I had to rematch most of those gyms, it took me 6 months to obtain 5 badges, you already got 2 in a couple of days, I watched your battle against Nessa in the train, I'm sure you'll catch up to me very quickly, specially now that you're calling some of your old Pokemon.''

''I suppose you're right, but don't underestimate yourself, if you got 5 badges then you are really strong as well.''

''T-Thanks for the compliment, it means a lot coming from you. -Intense inner fangirling- ''W-Well, if you want to, I can show the rest of my team when we get to Wedgehurst, I...I forgot them inside my backpack, but I'm sure Sonia and Victor are taking good care of them.''

''I'll be waiting to meet them.''

''Yeah, I'm sure they'll be excited to meet you too...oh, look! There's the train station.''

''Let's go then.'' Ash walked alongside Gloria to the station, but before they entered they noticed Bea was going other way, Bea herself not looking where she was going since she was still scrolling on Ash's phone while Cinderace tried to get her trainer's attention without success.

''Bea, where are you going?'' Ash called her. ''The station is this way!''

''U-Uh? I'm going!'' After Bea got back to them, the three trainers entered the station and went to buy the tickets.

''Hi there.'' Ash said to the clerk at the counter. ''We need three tickets to Wedgehurst.''

''Very well, the train will leave shortly and it will be arriving at Wedgehurst tomorrow morning.'' The man explained confirming Gloria's early statement. ''I will give you the tickets with the numbers of your rooms.''

''Wait, the train has rooms?'' Ash asked.

''Yes, they're pretty comfy too.'' Gloria answered.

''Here you go.'' The man handed over three tickets with different numbers, Ash paid and each member of the group took one as they entered the train.

After a few more talking and a dinner everyone went to their respective rooms with the exception of Pikachu, who went to Bea's room because Cinderace wanted to talk with him, now let's take a little look to what's happening in those rooms.

Gloria's room.

''Oh, god, oh, man.'' Gloria was walking around in circles around her room while Drizzile just looked at her from the bed. ''This is really happening, I met him, I had a battle with him and now we're traveling together!''

''Driz.'' Her Pokemon nodded

''I know it's only for a moment, but still...Do you think I made a good impression?'' She asked and her Pokemon nodded.

''He told me I am really strong.''

Drizzile nodded again

''But he knows I left my Pokemon behind! He must think I am horrible trainer!''

Drizzile shook his head.

''S-Still, he told me he didn't know he had fans, so technically speaking I'm the first one, that's a good thing, right?''

The water starter nodded.

''...You're just trying to make feel better, aren't you?''

The lizard nodded again.

''ARGH! DRIZZILE, I NEED HONEST CRITICISM!''

''Miss Gloria.'' Her Rotom Phone floated infront of her. ''You have a call from Victor.''

''Alright, answer it.''

''How you doing, Gloria?'' Her brother asked with a calmed voice.

''Everything's fine.'' She answered. ''We're on the train already, we'll be there by tomorrow morning.''

''That's good...'' He said and then sighed. ''Look, I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier, but you really had me worried.''

''It's fine, I kinda deserved it, sorry.''

''I understand Ash is your idol and everything, but please, don't do something like that again.''

''I won't do it again, I promise.''

''Alright, I'll forgive you, by the way, how did things end up with you and Ash?''

''Well, he's coming with me to Wedgehurst.''

''YOU KIDNAPPED HIM?!'' Victor exclaimed worried.

''WHAT? NO! You th-? Is that seriously the idea you have of me?''

''...'' The boy looked to the sides sweating slightly.

''VIC!''

''Sorry, sorry...''

''Look, he's traveling with a girl who's from Postwick too and he said he wanted to see the place.''

''Well, that's fine I guess, I'll be waiting for you at Sonia's lab, after that we'll go to Postwick to meet with Hop before he starts his journey.''

''Hey, victor, is that Gloria on the phone?''

''Yes, Sonia, it's her.'' Victor answered.

''How you doing, girl?'' She said grabbing the phone. ''You met your hero and all, how does it feel?''

''I feel great! How are my Pokemon?

''They're all fine, sleeping already.''

''Great, I'll show them to Ash when we get there.''

''I still find it hard to believe that you left them behind.'' Sonia said. ''You must really admire that boy.''

''Yes, she does.'' Victor said. ''She even has a plushie of him to sleep with.''

''W-W-What?! HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?! ...I-I mean, I don't know what you're talking about.''

''Driz.'' The water lizard jumped on her trainer's shoulder while holding a small hand-sized plushie of Ash on his Hoenn outfit, he then tried to give it to Gloria, who covered her blushed face in embarrassment.

''I'm talking about that.'' Victor said while she and Sonia laughed.

''DRIZZILE! YOU'RE NOT HELPING!'' Gloria yelled grabbing the plushie and carefully putting it on her pocket.

''Heh, you know? Leon told me the other day that Hop has a plushie of him too.'' Sonia said between laughs.

''Leon... he will be at Postwick too, right?'' Gloria asked.

''Yes, he already texted me, he'll be there to see Hop take off.'' Sonia explained.

''Got it, I'll see you guys tomorrow, good night, Vic, good night, Sonia.''

''Good night, Gloria.'' They both said as the call was cut.

Bea's room.

''So...your trainer is a champion.'' Cinderace said slowly trying to process all the new information.

''Yes.'' Pikachu simply answered.

''And you are his ace Pokemon.''

''Well...yes.''

''YES?! That's all?! You're the ace Pokemon of a champion! You're like Cynthia's Garchomp or Steven's Metagross! That's a big deal!''

''Not really...''

''NOT REALLY?! And what about the Legendary Pokemon things?!''

''Yeah, that was kinda tough.''

''KINDA?! ...This is going to be a long conversation.'' Cinderace sighed and then looked at Bea who still had Ash's Rotom phone on her hands. ''Are you seriosly not done yet?''

''No, I already finished, I'm just...thinking about all of this.''

''I guess that not everyday you find out that your traveling companion is one of the strongest trainers in the world.''

''It just...why didn't he tell me?''

''You're not exactly one to talk there.'' Cinderace said.

''What do you mean?'' Pikachu asked.

''Uh...nothing.''

''Those are totally different things, I have my reasons, he just...'' Bea noticed Pikachu was giving her a cold glare, she stopped talking and sighed. ''...I'll be back in a second.'' Bea said leaving the room and both Pokemon alone.

''Alright, what is she talking about?'' Pikachu asked to Cinderace.

''What do you mean?''

''Different things? Her reasons? What is that? What is she hiding?''

''It's nothing, really, just personal girly things, nothing to worry about.'' Cinderace tried to defend her trainer.

''Cinderace, listen up!'' Pikachu shouted. ''If she has secrets that's her problem, I don't care, but if those secrets end up harming Ash in some way then it becomes my problem, you tell me now what's going with that girl!''

''Look I understand you don't fully trust her yet, but it'll be fine, I'm totally sure that Bea would never do anything to harm Ash, Believe me, Bea is not a bad person.'' Cinderace said and then thought. 'She just had bad luck...'

As Bea left the room she heard a chirp, looking down she found a small round blue bird with a black face mask and a yellow belly looking at her.

''A Rookidee?'' She asked, the bird looked her for a few more seconds and then flew away through a window without even making a sound.

Ash's room

The same Rookidee flew to another open window which leaded to the raven-haired boy's room, who was preparing his bed, Rookidee let out a chirp causing Ash to look at him.

''Hmm, who's that Pokemon?'' Ash asked and then felt a small shiver. ''For some reason it felt weird to say that.'' Once the goosebumps ended Ash scanned the bird with its Rotom Phone.

'Rookidee, the tiny bird Pokemon, Jumping nimbly about, this small-bodied Pokémon takes advantage of even the slightest opportunity to disorient larger opponents.'

''Hey, this says you're pure Flying type, that's quite rare.'' Ash said looking at the Pokemon. ''How are you doing, buddy?''

The regional bird flew from the window and it kept flying until it was infront of Ash, the latter raised his palm letting Rookidee rest on it, the bird still looking at him steadily, after a few second Rookide took flight and looked at Ash one last time, the bird then chirped again and started to fly away as the trainer looked out of the window to see it, oddly enough it seemed like Rookidee was following the tracks of the train to Wedgehurst.

After that short encounter Ash heard someone knocking on his door, he went to open it and found Bea with a sad look, she handed Ash his Rotom Phone and then waited a few seconds to say something.

''Ash, can we talk a moment?''

''Sure, Bea, what do you need?''

''Look, I know we're not exactly the closest persons, we met like a week ago, but we have been through an almost ridiculous amount of things since then, so I thought I knew enough considering what we've done together, or at least that's what I thought a few hours ago, but now it seems like I don't know you at all...Why did you never tell me all those things?''

''It's not like I wanted to keep it as a secret...'' Ash started to explain. ''It just...I guess I didn't feel like I needed to bring it up, I don't tend to show off my achievements since I don't want people to feel intimidated or something like that.''

''Intimidated?''

''Would you still have challenged me to battle if you had known I was a champion back then?''

''Well, I certainly would have thought it twice.'' Bea admitted.

''Exactly; and...maybe I was a bit embarrassed too.''

''Embarrassed of what?''

''I've met famous people before and I've seen that it can be quite exhausting, it's nice to know there are people looking up to me like Gloria, but I don't want to be surrounded by paparazzi or some sort of crowd.''

''I see...''

''Still, if you have asked me, I would have told you.''

''Really?''

''Yes, in fact, I was going to tell you about Alola when you asked before Gloria appeared.''

''...You're right, sorry, I have no right to do accusations here.'' The guilt was starting to consume Bea yet again.

''It's fine, even with all tho, we are partners, I guess I should have told you about those things, we shouldn't keep that kind of secrets, right?''

''Right...'' Her voice broke for a moment. ''Well, thanks, I think that now I understand why you didn't tell me, but that brings me another issue, you said it yourself, we're partners now, we're gonna be stuck with each other for a while so I would like to know you a bit more, who is Ash Ketchum really?''

''Well, that's pretty long story.'' Ash said a bit embarrassed sitting on his bed.

''We have time.'' Bea said sitting next to him. ''And most importantly, I want to hear it.''

''If that's the case... Let's start with the begining...'' Ash stood up feeling a wave of inspiration and started to narrate. ''On my tenth birthday I was going to receive my first Pokemon, But I overslept so-''

''You overslept?'' Bea asked with a giggle. ''Why that doesn't surprise me?''

''Haha...Sure, let me continue...''

...

...

...

...

...

Then Mewtwo and Mew started to fight...

...

...

...

...

...

Charizard came from his valley to help us, but Entei was way too strong...

...

...

...

...

...

The city was about to be destroyed by the giant wave, so Latias and Latios had to combine their powers...

...

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...

...

...

Darkrai then stopped Dialga's and Palkia's attacks but then he was destroyed by them soon after...

...

...

...

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..

I was about to froze to death but Victini's ears fired up into a giant V of fire and he destroyed the pillars...

...

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Xerneas appeared and returned everything back to life...

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Tapu Koko turned into this giant golem and was about to punch us, Pikachu jumped in the air and shoot a...it's hard to describe, it was like rainbow of electricity, the two attacks crashed, everything exploded and...we won.

...

Ash stopped a second to look at Bea, he has been so focused on the storytelling that he forgot he was telling those stories to her to begin with, while Ash was still standing up, Bea was still on his bed, she had her legs close to her chest with her arms wrapped around them looking at Ash with expectant eyes, waiting for him to continue his stories, she looked like a little kid and Ash couldn't help but laugh softly, she had listened to everything he said, every single word; and each story was even more impressive than the last, to think she has been traveling to a person that had done so many amazing things, saying she was impressed will be way to little at this point.

''W-What else?'' She asked noticing the long pause.

''Well, that would be all.'' Ash replied.

''What?! Really?!'' Bea asked getting up from bed comically disappointed.

''Yes, after that I left Alola and stayed in Kanto for a little while, then I got an invitation to Galar and I met you, I guess you know the rest.''

''I...'' Bea simply dropped on bed again, relisting on her head all the things Ash told her.

''You okay, Bea?'' He asked sitting next to her.

''You...You...'' Bea was still processing all those things, yes, she read most of the news on Ash's profile, but listening to Ash telling his personal experiences was totally different. ''...Wow...''

''That's a lot to digest, huh?''

''Yes...way too much, I'm honestly surprised by the fact that you're still in one piece.''

''I thought I was in Pokemon.'' Ash said jokingly.

''Pfft, yeah, sure, still even with all you told me, I don't think that was the full story, was it?''

''Not really, but I think I made a pretty good resume.''

''...Geez...'' Bea just didn't know what else to say, to think Ash was a savior, a hero to many people, and she has been traveling with here as if he was just an average trainer on a journey, all that then made her think, what was she in comparison? Ash had a similar question in mind.

''What about you, Bea?'' He asked.

''Me?''

''Why don't you tell me more about yourself?''

Just like it had happened almost every time Bea wasn't capable of giving an honest answer. ''Well...there's not much to say, my life has been pretty boring honestly.''

''Oh, come on, don't be like that, at least tell me how is Postwick.''

''Postwick...is a pretty small and calmed town, it's hard to describe, you'll see when we get there.''

''Hmm...no fair.'' Ash pouted comically. ''I told you lots of things, there should be something you can tell me too.''

''I...'' She didn't want to ruin their moment, she really didn't want to. ''No, sorry, but I just can't think of anything right now.''

''Well, alright then, just one thing, Bea.''

''What thing?''

''Promise me that things won't be any different from now on, I'm not -Ash Ketchum, the Alola champion that had traveled half the world meeting Legendary Pokemon- , I'm -Ash Ketchum, Bea's friend- , is that alright?'' He said with his signature smile.

''Yeah...I think I can do that.'' Bea smiled back.

''By the way, does your family knows you'll be going back to Postwick?''

''W-Well they...-'' Bea was once again saved by the bell, or rather, saved by a knock from the door, she went to open it and found Pikachu who had just ended the talk with Cinderace and jumped to Ash's bed tired of all the explanations. Bea then looked at a clock and noticed it was past midnight.

''My, it's already pretty late, I'll go to my room.'' She said walking to the door.

''Yeah, you're right, I'll see you tomorrow.'' Ash waved goodbye.

''Tomorrow then.'' Bea was about to leave but she looked at Ash before closing the door. ''Hey, Ash...you trust me, right?'' She asked with a broken voice.

''Of course I do...but where did that question come from?'' Ash asked back slightly worried.

''Nothing...sorry, f-forget what I just said, it was just a weird thought. Good night, Ash.'' She said quickly closing the door behind her.

''Good night, Bea...''

''Pika...'' The mouse muttered looking at the door.

''Something wrong, buddy?'' Ash asked.

''...Pika...'' The mouse shook his head and started to sleep, not wanting to worry his trainer. 'Cinderace, you better be right.' The Pokemon thought.

After leaving Ash's room, Bea made her way to her own room thinking, on they way there she looked herself in a mirror of the hall.

''...How long are you gonna keep this up, Bea?'' She asked to herself.

''Yes...How long are you gonna keep this up...Saito?''

Bea heard a voice behind her, the mention of her real name causing her to shiver, she quickly turned around with a strong punch, but there was no one there, all she hit was the metal wall leaving a small dent on it.

''What the...'' Bea looked around, not seeing or sensing anything. ''Great, now I'm hearing voices...I'll go to sleep.'' That's what she said to herself, but her mind started to bring her back some thoughts, those damned thoughts were one of the reasons why she liked being with Ash so much, he relaxed her, he made her feel safe, he helped her pull away those bad thoughts and feelings, despite everything, she started to wonder something.

'What if they find me?'

Ash would find out the true, but if that happened, what would he think of her? Would he let her stay with him? And if he lets her stay with him even after that, what would they do to her? What would they do to Ash?

'Ash...What if they hurt Ash?'

That idea struck a nerve on her, at first she thought she shouldn't worry, considering all the things Ash told her he had done, why would a person that fought gods and kings fear some mere men? Still, she was worried, a lot, what if they think this is all Ash's fault? Could they think he persuaded her to escape or something like that? What if they manage to hurt him somehow?

'What if they try to...'

She quickly shook that thought out of her head. 'No, that's NOT gonna happen...I will protect him.' She though. 'If he ends up hurt because of me, I would never forgive myself... I don't want to keep lying to him...But...if I tell him the true, he's never going to forgive me...'

''I'm such a mess.'' She said finally going to sleep.

''...This girl...'' Someone said watching from afar.

''Troubles again?''

''Yes...She insist in carrying her burden alone; and unlike you with Ash, I honestly can't find a way of helping her.''

''Well, they're on their way here so you'll talk with her directly soon, that could be the best way of helping.''

''I hope you're right.''