New Life

The week passed away just like that after the two cousins returned from the Oaks. Red and Blue attended middle school while Ash and Gary went to junior school. School was interesting so to speak in Ash's opinion, science revolved around Pokemon, so did history and politics. Maths was maths and English was English although they called it common language here. Ash and Gary became friends with a pair of twins girls called Leaf and Green Locke who were very similar in looks except for the hair. Green had jet black hair while Leaf had light brown, Ash had been curious about them as he remembered a game series with their name on it. Gary didn't mind being friends with the girls as the two could keep up with them quiet well and did not act weirdly around them like the other kids did.

Green had scoffed when she saw how the others acted, "They are being stupid.", and proceeded to pull her twin to sit with them.

When the two girls learned that their new friends were getting lessons on law of all things from Professor Oak, they had taken to asking them all sorts of questions. Gary could respect the fact they were asking instead of coming to conclusions like some of the others did and took note of questions they didn't know the answer to and asked his Gramps later. All in all the week went by fast with making two new friends and setting up a study group after school hours to do their homework together. Unfortunately the twins had to decline Ash's invite to the picnic on the weekend as they were visiting their cousin in Rootcore town near Celadon city.

Gary nudged Ash's shoulder, "Hey don't pout! Our plan is still on right?"

Ash blinked, "I know but it's more fun with more friends you know?"

Green, "I'm sorry Ash, we can't join this week, but we promise we'll get you guys something in return."

Leaf nodded, "Yeah Gary! Our cousins family are really good in sculpting designs out of wood. We'll get you guys something."

Ash shook his head, "Girls, there is no need to do that!"

Gary nodded, "We didn't become friends for that you know?"

Leaf smiled, "We know, which is why we want to get you guys something!"

Green, "My homework is finito!"

Ash, "Mine too! Phew!"

Gary, "Ah! It's finally over!"

Leaf, "Let's get out of here then. Since we won't be able to spend time tomorrow how about we get ice cream together?"

Gary ran out, "Sounds good to me! Race ya!"

Leaf, "Hey that's cheating!"

Green and Ash looked at each other before laughing and running after the two. They caught up to them by the ice cream parlor where they were arguing about who won the race. Ash grabbed Gary while Green grabbed her twin and entered the shop, the only ice cream shop in Pallet town. The shop owner greeted them smiling as she served their orders. The four kids never failed to visit the shop ever since they had become friends and hung out together. Blue had teased them on getting girlfriends already and Gary had teased him back telling him to kiss Red already making Blue splutter and Red blush.

Ash had squealed inside, 'Ship!'

The weekend dawned bright and early in Pallet town and Ash could be seen with his mother preparing the picnic basket. Red and Blue had decided to join their picnic as Leaf and Green had left early morning. As they finished packing the last of the drinks, Red knocked on their door.

Red, "Ash? You ready?"

Ash grinned opening the door, "Yes I got the lunch!"

Red grinned, "Dessert! Let's go bud!"

Ash grabbed his hand and started to walk towards the river bank on the outskirts of the town. They waved at Mrs Brown who was watering her garden and Mr Roberts and his sister who had moved in a week ago after becoming one of the Professor's trusted assistants. Ash smiled as the Pidgeys and Rattatas flew and ran around them, the flying and normal type had become very friendly with the two young boys after they started to leave Pokefood in bird feed and plates outside their house. Red smiled watching them fly and run around playfully.

Gary, "Ash, Red! Over here!"

Blue, "We got drinks!"

Red held up a box and pointed at Ash's basket, "Food!"

They four settled on the picnic blanket that the Oak siblings had spread before hand under the shade of an apple tree. They talked about their school, classes, classmates and friends. Blue gave his brother a sympathetic look when he complained about how weird some of them would act around him. Red laughed softly and assured him, they would get over it soon before moving to lay back on the blanket. Blue huffed as well before laying back himself, it was warm in the late morning almost noon and the breeze was cool and felt good. Gary grabbed Ash and walked towards the bank.

Blue, "Stay where we can see you!"

Gary, "We will."

Ash, "Promise!"

Once they had settled their fishing rods Gary turned to Ash and started to speak softly, "Ash, did you receive a package?"

Ash grinned, "Yup! And a letter saying I tied with another contestant so I'm getting a Cherish ball and a Heal ball as first prize."

Gary's eyes sparkled, "Me too! Holy Mew Ash! We really did it! We have our own pokeballs!"

Ash spoke quietly, "I want to give the Cherish balls to Red."

Gary looked at Ash, "Why Cherish ball? Why not the Heal?"

Ash, "Well the Cherish ball means you care a lot about the Pokemon and increase their affection right? So I want to give it to Red to show how much I care about him."

Gary, "I guess so. Well Blue doesn't need an ego boost by knowing how much I love him but I'm going to give him the heal ball as a gift."

Ash, "How is that any different?"

Gary opened his mouth then closed it, "Okay! Maybe not much, but still, you know, better than blatantly giving him a Cherish ball with a love ribbon on it."

Ash was about to answer but felt a tug on his rod, "I got something! I got something!"

Gary was about to help Ash but felt his own rod move, "I got something too!"

Red and Blue got up hearing Ash and Gary's shout and moved to hold them just in case they get pulled in. The two younger boys pulled on the fishing rods and out came two Pokemon from the water.

Blue, "A Poliwag!"

Red, "Is that a Feebas?"

Ash and Gary blinked at the two Pokemon before pulling them in and taking the hooks out of their mouths. The Poliwag and Feebas looked at the four boys who were looking them over.

Ash grinned, "Not bad for a first try right?"

Gary laughed, "Totally! Are you two hungry? We were about to eat."

The two Pokemon perked up at the mention of food and Ash giggled at how happy they looked when they were presented with some berry slices. The four boys settled down for lunch as well seeing it was already afternoon and once lunch was done played with the two new Pokemon. When evening came they waved goodbye to their new friends and went back home talking about the day.