Ugh…

I broke a beaker in chemistry lab. >.<. Not good!

Disclaimer: I don’t own pokemon. I wish I did! I do own this non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfic!
Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokemon talks

Recap: Ash took a position as one of Blaine’s junior trainers

Chapter 6

“So, what are you doing here?”

“Hi Lance!” Ash said cheerfully. He had been staying at Blaine’s gym for about three months now.

He liked it. The pay was decent, and his mom approved.

Why would it be a bad thing?

Still, he wanted to try the League this year. He had… three badges. He needed five. Maybe he should go fight Erika now.

His water pokémon had vastly improved. How could he not? He fought junior trainers daily as part of his job.

Did they try and answer those questions wrong? Oh well.

“I see you took my advice.”

“Worked out real well.” Ash grinned. “How have you been?”

“Oh, same old. Just training and exploring, nothing new...” Lance didn’t mention that he had undergone a ceremony in Blackthorn to be initiated as the newest leader of the Blackthorn Dragon Clan. Some things stayed private.

“Did you catch any new pokemon?”

“Actually, I did. A Charmander! Isn’t it cute?” Lance asked, displaying his newest trained pokemon.

“Kawaii!” Ash gushed. “It’s so cute!”

Charmander sneezed.

Ash hugged the Charmander.

Blaine’s mind began ticking as he watched. So Ash liked cute pokemon… good. He’d find a suitable birthday present.

Ash’s birthday was in two weeks after all.

“So you’ve been well.”

“Hai~!” Ash cheerfully agreed.

“That’s nice. Say, you want to go out for some ice cream together? My treat.”

“Sure.” Talking was fun, but talking with food was even better! Especially if he didn’t have to pay for it!

They got double-scoop cones and sat outside the gym, just in case any more trainers came along and Ash had to work.

Technically he was still on the job right now.

Chocolate and vanilla swirled together melted on the tongue.

“Yummy…”

“Good, isn’t it?” Lance smiled.

“Yep! I love ice cream!”

Lance considered a Baskin Robbins gift certificate for Ash’s birthday. He’d appreciate that, wouldn’t he?

It took considerably less thought than a more complicated gift.

Besides, some presents might be misinterpreted… well, that settled it. Ash would like this present.

Meanwhile, Ash’s pokemon were also scheming.

We need to get master a good present. After all, he’s a good master and it would show our appreciation. Wooper nodded.

Any ideas? Kilissa asked.

What about a gift certificate? Marill inquired. I don’t think he’d like it if we bought him clothing.

No, that’s probably not good. Gyarados showed his teeth. That’s more of a girl’s present.

Marill looked slightly insulted, but she didn’t want to make a fuss. Besides, if she fought Gyarados he’d win hands down.

Kali frowned. Maybe if we found a new teammate, he’d be happy.

But how would we do that?

Well, we’re on an island. Staryu said practically. I’m sure we could find a new teammate that he doesn’t already have.

You think so?

It’s worth a try. Wooper backed Staryu up. Why not?

On this note, I might add that we really have nothing to lose but time. Gyarados yawned. * Why not? * He was fond of Ash, quite fond. After all, Ash had turned him from a worthless, flopping orange fish into a strong, mighty dragon. Quite a transformation…

So why wouldn’t he be grateful?

Aside from Gyarados, Ash’s other pokemon had not yet evolved. He was waiting for the opportune moment, but no one knew quite what it was yet.

Still, it was fun to enjoy being little and cute for the time being.

Ash was settled inside the gym near a quiz machine reading a manga. Rayearth was quite interesting, even if it was girly.

The pictures were really kawaii!

What was the opportune moment though? Maybe he should wait until they were at the League? That was worth consideration… he didn’t want to evolve just to lose!
Life was so complicated.

“Well, I’ll see you around.” Lance waved goodbye as he left. “Email me if something comes up.”

“K, bye Lance!”

“Cya.” The Dragon Master waved before taking off.

“Ash, trainer’s coming.” Blaine called.

Ash nodded, pulling on his gloves. “Got it!”

It was much easier to grip poke balls with gloves on, but he had taken them off earlier so he wouldn’t get ice cream on them.

Shimmery dark blue might not look practical, but they felt nice.

“I choose you, Hoppip!” Vanessa cried, confident she would win this time.

“Hoppip… grass/flying…” Ash considered for a moment. “Marill, Rollout!”

Rock moves were good to flying types after all.

“Hoppip, use Vine Whip!”

Hoppip stared at Vanessa blankly.

“Did you bother to check its attacks first?” Ash inquired sweetly.

“Huh?”

“Hoppip can’t learn Vine Whip.”

“Razor Leaf then!”

“Or that…” Marill’s Rollout had hit three times by now. “Okay, Marill, let’s finish it!”

And that was another day in Ash’s life, for now.

He would leave Cinnabar soon, but it shouldn’t take much time. It was just a quick flight to each gym for each badge, right? He had already been to all the cities, so he could fly there, rent a Pidgeot from Milton’s courier service or something like that, scoop up the badges, maybe stay home for a week or so before the League season officially started. That was a good plan.

Therefore, Ash kept his serene expression as Vanessa stormed out. It seemed she had traded her Diglett for Hoppip, pity, with training the mole might have been a Dugtrio. But it was none of his business.

End Chapter

Completed 10/28/04

Ow… leg is in _pain_!

I don’t like titrations.