197 Jhoto

They were walking through the forest and came across a Tauros who was charging towards an old man. Lucario moved without thinking and used his aura to calm the wayward Pokemon down. The man was very impressed by the fighting type and complimented Ash on his training. The trainer, that Tauros belonged to came running after him and apologized while trying to catch his breath. Casey told him to take a deep breath and calm down first and explain what had happened. The trainer who introduced himself as Yuuma, explained he was helping his family out at the family fields when his Tauros got spooked and ran off.

Chloe, "How about, I go with you to check out what happened?"

Yuuma, "I would appreciate it. This is the third time this happened."

Melody frowned, "I'll come along as well. That is very strange."

Sorrel, "I'll come as well, just in case someone gets hurt."

The man introduced himself, "Well, why don't the rest of you come to my Dojo. It's not far from here. My name is Kenzo and I'm the Shihan of my Dojo."

Inside the Dojo a Lady was calling out a move and her Hitmontop started to spin like a top getting gasps of delight from the children who was watching. Kenzo gave am exasperated sigh on seeing it and shook his head in disappointment getting raised eyebrows from the group. Misty and Brock looked at each other and half wondered what the family scoop was, they knew a thing or two about family drama after all. The woman was Chigusa and she was telling the kids about the move Hitmontop was using. The children saw Kenzo and bowed to him in respect before going back to the lesson.

Kenzo, "That's my grand daughter. A fine trainer yes, but unfortunately she is too obsessed with fancy moves to focus on the actual battling."

Casey observed the situation, "Welllllll, in her defense Pokemon moves are awesome to watch. They are very impressive and unless you are an Aura Guardian or a Psychic, humans don't have a chance to learn any Pokemon moves. So her fascination is actually understandable."

Kenzo, "Perhaps but this is a battle Dojo."

Ash, "What do you think Lucario?"

Lucario, -Everyone has their own way to do things and Hitmontop looks very happy.-

Ash tilted his head, "Yeah, I noticed that too, perhaps she should get another Pokemon who is interested in battling. Hitmontop looks like a performer more than a battler, if you ask me."

Chigusa, "See grandpa even he gets it. My Hitmontop is fine as he is. As for the suggestion about another Pokemon, we have not met one who clicks with us yet."

Ash nodded, "It'll take time but how about till you meet a Pokemon who is interested in battling you teach Hitmontop serious battling. My Lucario here does both battling and performance."

Chigusa, "Huh? What do you think about that Hitmontop?"

Hitmontop looked a little confused and turned to Lucario and started to converse with him seriously about it. Turns out Hitmontop was more into performance than battling although sometimes he would love to have adrenaline rush that came from battles. Lucario nodded and informed Chigusa about it and the Lady smiled and agreed to help Hitmontop train in battling as long as he was interested. Kenzo while not exactly happy was glad his grand daughter was a bit more interested in battling.

They left the Dojo after the rest of the group returned, turns out someone had left broken glass by the grass that grew on the outskirts of the fields. On it's own it was not dangerous but when light fell on it, it would be reflected back and sometimes it would reflect on Tauros' eyes freaking him out. They had helped clean up the area before rejoin the group and soon went on their way.

Serena, "Is it me or is it getting hotter?"

Max, "Not just you."

Gou, "It's very humid too, my back feels gross."

Misty, "Urk! Tell me about it."

Casey was sweating as well, "Don't worry guys, it's just all the snow are probably melted by now and not to forget it did start raining a few days ago. So the humidity is actually normal, don't worry though once the summer breeze starts blowing, everything will be cool again."

Ash could feel his hair sticking to his neck and back, despite having plated it, it still felt very gross. He wanted to wash it off and soon got his wish as they came across a large lake where they saw a bunch of wild Pokemon swimming around. Brock and Sorrel decided that it would be a good place to camp and cool down. So they set up their camp and had a picnic by the lake after changing into their swim suits.

Serena grumbled, "I wanted to show off my swim suit but I feel so sweaty, I need a wash first."

Casey, "Still trying to get Ash's attention? You know it would be easier if you straight up tell him, right?"

Serena was quiet before answering, "I know but.... I want him to at least have a little bit of romantic feelings for me first. Then I will tell him, otherwise, I have no doubt he would say no as he doesn't feel that way. I don't think I could deal with that."

Misty, "Actually I understand! Ash is completely focused on traveling and career, even though he cares about us as good friends. He is not someone who will pretend to be something he is not. So if he doesn't feel any romantic interest, he won't feel it. And he would not be amused by anyone trying to tell him how to feel. Heck! Lucario would not be amused and.... I don't think I have to explain."

Serena shivered, "Meema's boy, that one. I blame the persistent reporters for that. I think Lucario became that way only after one reporter tried to forcefully keep Ash that one time."

Chloe, "Yup, Lucario was very pissed off and the only thing that kept the reporter from ending up in the hospital was Ash's telling the reporter off. Boy! I don't know what is scarier though, facing pissed off Champion level Pokemon or a pissed off Meema who can make you feel like an unruly child."

Melody's lips twitched, "I would feel bad but they kinda deserved that. You don't piss off an already agitated Pokemon. I think Ash put in a threat of reporting his lack of professionalism and putting everyone in danger somewhere in his lecture."

Casey, "....."

Casey turned to Meganium, "If I go too far hit me okay? I rather not deal with that."

Meganium, "Mega?"

Casey, "Have you seen how Brock gets after getting scolded by Ash? I rather not."

Verity snickered, "Well, I think it's cool and something I want to be able to do myself."

Chloe sweat dropped, 'A female version... Oh Mew!'

They spent the night by the lake side after swimming in the slightly warm water and watching the full moon that reflected in the lake water. It was very peaceful and Melody being the romantic she was tried once again to set Serena and Gou up again. She insisted if they were not going to confess then they should keep trying to show they would be great partners. Gou made a face but took the plate with three slices of pie on it while Serena was given three glasses with juice.

Serena, "Ash, we got drinks."

Gou, "And desert."

Ash, "Awesome, come sit, it's a beautiful night."

Bayleef, "Bay bay."

Absol, "Sol."

Abra, -Sit here.-

Lucario was relaxing with his head on Ash's lap, it was very peaceful and calming. Gou and Serena smiled at the sight of Ash who was surrounded by his Pokemon. It always made their heart flip when they saw how peaceful and calm he looked. The two sat on his opposite sides and shared the desert with the Pokemon. Brock's very own Cheri and Leppa berry pie, that Pokemon could eat without any problems. From time to time a swarm of Ledyba and Ledian flew around the lake waters followed by Volbeat and Illumise giving it a beautiful look.

The next day they packed and cleaned up their camp and headed towards Ecruteak City again and entered one of it's surrounding towns. The town was known for the large Seakings that lived in the lake and held yearly contests all the time to celebrate the large fish Pokemon. There were two competitions, trainers who didn't have a Seaking were allowed to take part in Seaking catching competition while trainers with Seaking in their belt had a battle competition. Misty, and Melody got excited and wanted to enter using their Seakings while Verity and Gou decided to take part in the catching competition.

Gou, "Alright let's go check out the store for lures."

Ash, "We'll help you pick good ones."

Serena, "And the catching competition is before the battling competition, so we can watch both."

Sorrel, "You guys go, Brock and I are joining the Nurse camp and helping the Pokemon who are defeated."

Brock, "Have fun."

Gou and Verity joined the other catchers while the rest of the group went to the stands as they waited for the result. Gou and Verity decided to work together and try to get the biggest Seaking they could find. They could go anywhere around the lake and even to the island in the middle of the lake to try and lure the Seaking. They were however not allowed to use any of their Pokemon to help them catch Seaking only their lure and the competition pokeballs. The two of them had fun going around the lake and searching for Seaking, the largest one in the lake. The lake itself was very beautiful and amazing to hang around and have fun at the same time. Misty and Melody however ran into a jerk who went by Andrea who made fun of their Pokemon.

Ash had frowned at him, "Those are very bold words. Can you back them up though?"

Andrea, "I know you, you are a Champion, aren't you? Why are you with these weaklings?"

Ash lifted his eyebrow, "I find it hilarious that you call them weaklings. After all these two ladies have dealt with poachers and Team Rocket. Misty is a future Gym Leader and Melody is the future leader of her tribe. What about you?"

Andrea blinked backing away from the glare, "I will show you I'm better than them."

Serena scowled at him as he left, "Don't listen to that jerk, Misty, Melody. He doesn't know what he is saying."

Melody growled, "I'm so kicking his sorry ass during the competition."

Misty sighed, "I'm afraid, defeating him might not help. Some people are just way too stubborn for their own good."

Chloe, "The Seaking catching competition is over."

Max, "Yeah, it looks like Gou and Verity caught large ones considering their grins."

The judge checked the height, weight and breath of every Seaking and discussing who the winner would be. After a few minutes, they said the first position was a tie between Verity and Gou's team and another team with three girls. The judges announced the prize would be divided amongst the winners and Nurse Joy started to divide the chocolate and give it to them. There was another gift along with the chocolate and was told to open it later after the contest was over. Verity and Gou pocketed the smaller boxes and joined the others and shared the chocolate with them.

Ash, "Thank you, congratulations on winning."

Verity, "Thanks, it was fun. It's your turn next."

Melody was holding her hand in a fist, "Hell yeah, it's our turn. I'm going to show that jerk."

Gou and Verity were a bit confused by the anger and Serena explained what had happened earlier. To say Verity and Gou were angry was an understatement and cheered Misty and Melody on as the battle competition started. Misty and Melody did really well against their opponents using their Seakings to the best of their ability. Then Misty had to face Andrea and his Seaking as she reached the semi finals while Melody was battling against another opponent.

Referee, "Begin."

Andrea, "Horn attack."

Misty, "Agility, and horn drill. Show him what you have got."

[A. N.: How's the weather out there?

Out here it's really hot and humid. Phew!

Perfect for coconut water.]