Azalea Town

It was a new day; they left Route 33 as quickly as they arrived, making sure to make distance from that annoying guy. After a day of traveling, they finally saw Azalea Town in the distance, 

As they were walking, Ash held the little Cyndaquil in his arms as he checked it with his dex to check it, and he was surprised.

—

[Cyndaquil{M}]

[Nature: Quiet (+SpA, -Spe)]

[Ability: Ability: Blaze, Hidden Ability: Flamingsoul]

(Flamingsoul - Gives +1 priority to Fire moves at full HP)

[Mutation detected: Tera force]

[Condition - Young and untrained: Cyndaquil is recently hatched, so he needs a real teacher to learn to fire up.]

[Solution - analyzing proper path…. downloading {training doc.}, please stand by]

—-

Ash put it away as it downloaded and looked at the little weasel. He was surprised—not only did it have its Radical Red ability, but it was also the first Pokémon he'd caught in Johto with a mutation. In fact, not counting the Crystal Onix, this was the first one he'd caught in quite a while. The last time he'd caught a Pokémon with a mutation was when Dratini hatched.

It made him realize just how stupidly lucky he had been back then. But now, seeing how rare these occurrences were, it really made him wonder: had he used up all his luck in the early game?

Ash shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it. If he had used up all his luck, then so be it—he'd make do. Besides, it wasn't like he was short on strong hitters.

He could figure it all out later, but for now, he realized he had quite a few Pokémon. He hadn't even been trying to do that; it all genuinely happened by accident. He'd have to make it work—but not right now. He'd sort it out once he got into town.

–

A few days later, they eventually arrived in town. Immediately, they saw tons of Slowpoke lying everywhere, just relaxing.

Azalea Town was relatively small compared to larger towns. Its main charm was that it was nestled in the forest and mountains, far from big cities. Walking through the town, they saw Slowpoke after Slowpoke—they were everywhere.

Of course, Misty was loving it. So many Slowpoke! Even though they were derpy, they had that cute derpy vibe compared to Psyduck's derpy, which, in her opinion, was just plain stupid.

She was so excited that as she walked, she almost stepped on a Slowpoke. Ash pulled her back just in time. "Misty, be careful! You were about to step on one."

Misty stumbled slightly but caught herself. "What?" She looked down and saw a little Slowpoke looking up at her.

Although she didn't yet know how crazy the people in this town were about Slowpoke, they were still Water-types. Because of that, she cared about them a lot.

Misty leaned down and looked apologetically at the Slowpoke. "I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going. I'm just happy you're not hurt."

Slowpoke gave a slow blink. "Slooooooooowwww…" Misty took that as acceptance—which it was, as Yellow could confirm.

Once Misty stood up, the group continued through the town, eventually stopping at a park to recuperate. They also wanted to address the elephant in the room, besides the GS Ball, as they all glanced at Brock.

Brock leaned back, unaware of what the others were thinking. "So, Ash, what's the plan? Are you planning to give Mr. Kurt the GS Ball and then challenge the Gym?"

"Well, maybe, but not right now. There's something more important we need to discuss," Ash said as Misty and Yellow exchanged knowing smirks.

Brock sat up, curious. "Hm? What is it, then? Do you need to get some more training done?"

"No, not quite," Misty chimed in.

Yellow added, "Yeah, there's something more important."

Brock looked confused—and somehow a little nervous. "Uh, okay, what are you guys not telling me?"

The three of them exchanged a glance and smiled before pulling out gift boxes. "Happy Birthday, Brock!" they cheered.

"Eh?" Brock blinked, utterly confused. Today was indeed June 14—his birthday. But he'd been so caught up in everything else that it hadn't even crossed his mind. Growing up, he'd always been the one preparing his siblings' birthday celebrations, so he'd never felt the need to focus on his own.

"Y-You guys… actually…" Brock trailed off, too stunned to speak.

At that moment, Bonsly burst out of his Pokéball and tackled Brock square in the chest, snapping him out of his daze. "Oof! Thanks, Bonsly… I needed that," Brock said with a warm smile, cradling the little Pokémon in his arms.

Ash walked up and gave Brock a pat on the back as Abra appeared on his shoulder. "Come on, dude, you're 16 now, and you have your family. I may or may not have told them I was sending you back, so they've got something prepared for you."

Yellow nodded happily. "Yeah, you should go have fun and celebrate."

"We'd go with you, but we figured this is something you'd want to celebrate with your family," Misty added with a smile. "So don't even try to argue—we already told your siblings, and they're expecting you."

Brock didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "You guys really are the best…" he mumbled, taking the gifts they'd gotten him. "Okay, I guess I don't have a choice. Hahaha, alright, I'll go back. See you guys tomorrow, then."

The group nodded, and Ash gave him a salute as Abra teleported Brock away. Once he was gone, Ash stretched his arms behind his head. "So, what do you girls want to do? I was going to train, but I doubt you'd want to come with me."

The girls, still flustered from the incident a few days ago, clearly didn't want to be alone with Ash. Misty quickly spoke up. "Uhh, well, actually, me and Yellow were planning a little girls' trip, so, you know, it's fine."

Yellow looked away slightly, lowering her sunhat to cover her face. "Y-yeah, s-sorry, Ash. We made some plans…" Her voice was shaky, and it was so obviously a lie that Ash didn't even need Aura to tell. Still, he didn't push it.

"Yeah, sure. I'm not your nanny; you can do whatever you want," Ash said with a shrug as he stretched his back. "So, do you want to borrow Abra for your oh-so-gracious girls' trip?" he added sarcastically, though the offer was genuine.

"I mean, if you wouldn't mind…" Misty said cautiously.

Ash shook his head helplessly and sighed. "Yeah, sure. I'll send her to you once she gets back. See you tomorrow as well?"

Misty and Yellow nodded frantically before Misty grabbed Yellow's hand and started speed-walking away. "Yeah, see you tomorrow!"

And just like that, they were gone, leaving Ash alone. He sighed and made his way to the Pokémon Center to sort things out.

He gave a quick call to his mom to check up on her, as per tradition, that he agreed to do after the incident, she was doing well as always, also Mimey was a big help with the chores.

Anyway, after that, he pulled out 2 Pokeballs and threw them out in the lobby, in from them came his Vulpix and Growlithe, it's been a few days, and obviously, he has bonded with them a little and given them some training, but it's time to address something.

Ash knelt down, Pikachu hopping off his shoulder and stepping aside. Vulpix still looked defensive and aggressive, his fiery gaze fixed on Ash, while Growlithe was much more relaxed. She seemed content, especially after being well-fed, and had no complaints.

Looking at both Pokémon, Ash spoke softly. "Alright, I need to ask you both something. I know we've been training together, but… do you actually like fighting?"

Vulpix and Growlithe exchanged glances before turning back to Ash.

Vulpix kept his wary expression, narrowing his eyes. "Vul-vulpix… {Honestly, no. I only fight because I'm strong, and I want to protect my friend.}"

Growlithe hesitated, taking a moment to think before responding. "Grow… {I… well, I don't hate it, but I'm scared to fight. B-but if I could get stronger… yeah, I'd love to keep fighting. But I'm weak…}"

Ash nodded. He expected these answers but not in front of the ones that gave it to him, but that's fine because his plan was to train both of them, then give Brock Vulpix when Suzie asks for her Vulpix back, this actually made things easier.

Ash put his hands down, catching the two and rubbing their heads. Growlithe nuzzled into Ash's hand, and Vulpix, even though he looked angry, he did enjoy getting taken care of, even if he'll never admit it.

"Alright, if that's what you both want, I'll make sure you get what you want," Ash said with a small smile and returned them to their Pokeballs.

Ash put them away then, he went to the PC and sat down, he decided to call Oak to finally do his duties.

After a few rings, Professor Oak answered the call. He was in the middle of eating dango, holding one of the skewers in hand. "Hello, my boy! I was actually planning on calling you soon."

Ash sighed, leaning on the desk as he saw Oak chewing. 'Do you only eat when I call you?' he thought but shook his head and replied, "Oh really? What for?"

Oak finished one of the dango balls and grinned. "Well, you see, the research paper we worked on about Annihilape's evolution was validated and accepted. It's been shared with researchers in other regions. Now, about your share of the funds—where should I send it?"

Ash smiled and shook his head, "For now, give it to my mom, we both know she'll try to just save it for me, but tell her I insist she uses it,"

Oak nodded as he wrote something down on a note, then handed it to one of his assistants, "Ok, so now that I have that, what can I do for you?"

Ash smiled, "Well, let's just say I found something else~"

Oak nearly choked on the stick of the Dango, "*cough* A-are you serious? But so soon, it hasn't even been a year since the last one?"

"Apapapa, remember, right now, I'm not Ash; I'm Professor Fraxinus, and yes, I have found one, and not only that, I have it ready," Ash said with a smirk.

Oak swallowed the Dango in his mouth, "C-can you show me, or at least tell me about it, o-or-"

"Well, if you want to hear it~," Ash said, resting his head on his hand, "I want you to bring in two other people for this: Professor Rowan and Professor Juniper."

"May I ask why?" Oak said, not dismissing the idea since he knew if Ash wanted them to see it, he had a good reason.

Ash's smile grew into a grin. "Remember when you brought them in to do a guest lecture, and they showed you and us the axe hand they found?"

"Yes, they said it wasn't an ancient Pokémon but a new, unknown evolution. They mentioned they were researching it, but they haven't—wait…" Oak said as he realized something.

"Wow, I'm surprised you remembered that much. I half-expected you to forget already," Ash said jokingly. "But yes, I found it."

Oak's eyes widened. "A-Are you serious?" He rubbed his temples and shook his head. "Sorry, forgive me. It's just a little hard to believe. It's not that I don't want to believe you, my boy, but Professors Rowan and Juniper have been unable to find it. I need a little more than your word."

Ash nodded and used his phone to send a picture to Oak. "Yeah, I get it. I just sent all the evidence you need. Check your computer."

Oak did as Ash said, pulling up the message he'd received. When he opened it, he saw Ash with his arm over Kleavor. The very sight of Kleavor sent a shiver of excitement through his body.

"Okay, I believe you. I'll contact them and arrange a time to get on a call. It might take a while; they're still busy with their own research projects. I'll send you a message once we agree on a time."

Ash nodded. "Alright. I have some stuff I need to do. Talk to you later," he said, then hung up.

Pikachu walked back into the room with another bottle of ketchup—likely stolen from the kitchen in the Pokémon Center. He hopped up to sit on Ash's shoulder again and started licking it up.

Ash stretched his arms behind his head. He might as well go train. Cyndaquil wasn't at a level where he could fight the Gym yet, so he should work on that.

As Ash got up and started walking towards the door, he overheard two people wearing archaeology equipment.

"Hey, did you hear Bugsy went to the ruins?"

"Really? What do you think he's doing? I mean, usually, he isn't researching Bug Pokémon. Why would he go there? Do you think there's a new Ground/Bug type?"

"First, obviously, there are already Ground/Bug types. But also, he's not there for research. Apparently, there was a cave-in, and we lost contact with some archaeologists. He went there to see if they're okay."

"Wow, Bugsy sure is the coolest. We really lucked out having someone like him as our Gym Leader!"

"Yeah, Bugsy is super cool! I want to work harder, so maybe he'll notice me and praise me!"

The conversation went on in a cycle of praising Bugsy. Ash's eye twitched as he heard them idolize Bugsy so much. He walked out, shaking his head. "What is this Krispy Kreme glazing? They better zip up his pants when they're done."

Even as he said that he was curious, he pulled out his phone and checked the map. The ruins weren't far from town. He could get there in a few hours. Then he had an idea.

Ash released Stantler. Stantler had been growing rapidly with all the training and food Ash had been giving him and was now slightly taller than Ash. Ash reached up and patted Stantler on the head.

"Hey, Stantler, let's try a new kind of training, okay?" Ash said, and Stantler nodded happily.

Ash climbed up onto Stantler. It took a moment, and Stantler almost stumbled, but he quickly got used to it and stood up straight. "Stantler, you good?"

"Stant! Stantler!" Stantler nodded.

"Okay, let's go. If you feel tired, just tell me, alright? I don't want you collapsing on me," Ash said as Stantler started running into the forest. Their destination: the Ruins of Alph.