To register for the Hoenn League, Ash and May were now en route to Oldale Town.
Knowing that May was a brand-new Trainer—and not exactly the most athletic girl—Ash kept a more relaxed pace. Not everyone had a Pallet Town-style superhuman body, after all!
He decided it was the perfect time to let Eevee and Phanpy out to walk with them, helping to build their stamina.
"Come on out, Eevee! Phanpy!"
"Eevee~!""Bui~!"
Eevee stepped out with its head held high, proudly hopping onto Ash's other shoulder. Meanwhile, Phanpy ran in joyful circles around him.
"Waaah! These are your Pokémon too?! They're so cute!" ✧(｡☬０☬｡)✧ May sparkled with delight. She pulled out her Pokédex and scanned them:
Eevee…Phanpy…
"Yup! They're my partners too. Eevee, Phanpy, we're walking a long way today—think of it as stamina training." Ash smiled, taking out two Power Weights from his backpack and gently attaching them.
"Oh! If it's training time, then I'll join in too! Come out, Torchic!"
"Cham~!" Torchic popped out and immediately looked around—eyes scanning the area for enemies. (՞•Ꙫ•՞)ﾉ!?
"Alright, Torchic, let's walk together too. This'll be training for you as well!"
Torchic
Gender: Male
Ability: Blaze
Strength: Basic Stage
Type: Fire
Moves: Ember, Peck, Growl
And so, the two Trainers and their four Pokémon continued through the forest trail, heading toward Oldale Town.
Along the way, May eagerly asked Ash about his past travels. He smiled and told her story after story—about his companions, the Gyms he challenged, the regions he explored.
"Wow! Your former companions were all Gym Leaders? That's so cool! And so much happened to you—this journey thing is awesome!!" May sparkled with excitement. ✧∇✧
—One Hour Later—
Just then, a wild Azurill hopped out onto the path in front of them.
"Ahhh! It's adorable! I need to catch it!" May squealed. "Torchic, go! Use Peck!"
As Torchic dashed forward, May quickly pulled out her Pokédex:
Azurill
Strength: Normal – Mid Tier
Good thing Ash had shared some essential catching tips earlier. Otherwise, she might've just chucked a Poké Ball like in the anime.
BAM!"Az~!" The little Azurill was knocked back and responded with an angry Water Gun!
"Dodge it, Torchic!"
Too late—Torchic took the hit directly.
"You okay?!" May called out.
"Cham~!" Torchic shook it off, standing tall.
But Azurill had already leapt into the bushes.
"Wait! Don't run away!" May shouted, rushing forward. "Torchic, follow it and use Peck again!"
"Cham~!"
Suddenly—splash! Three Water Guns burst out from the grass, nailing Torchic all at once. The poor fire chick dropped to the ground, knocked out cold.
Out jumped the entire Azumarill family—Azurill, Marill, and a very angry Azumarill!
"Ahh! Torchic!" May cried.
Ash quickly pulled out a Potion and handed it to her. "May, here—use this on Torchic, then return him to his Poké Ball!"
"Got it—thank you!" May fumbled with the spray and gently treated Torchic before recalling him.
Ash turned to face the angry trio. "Eevee, Shadow Ball! Phanpy, Rollout—let's go!"
"Eevee~!""Bui!"
After a fast-paced battle, the Azumarill family backed off and retreated into the nearby river.
"It's all my fault, Torchic..." (っ╥╯﹏╰╥c) May was still clutching the Poké Ball, eyes full of guilt.
"Hey, don't beat yourself up," Ash said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You did great for a new Trainer! You're doing way better than I did at the start. You gave him medicine, and that's what matters. Now let's get Torchic checked at the Pokémon Center!"
"Pika pi~!" Pikachu added with a soft chirp of encouragement.
"Right! You're right!" May wiped her eyes and smiled. "Torchic will be okay!"
She took off running. "Let's go!!"
"Wha—hey! Wait for me, May!" Ash quickly recalled Phanpy while Eevee jumped onto his other shoulder, and the chase was on.
-----------------------------------
—Dusk—
As the sun dipped low, the two Trainers came across a strange stone structure surrounded by tall rock formations.
"Whoa! This place looks ancient!"
"It must be a ruin!"
Just then, a man in an archaeologist's outfit stepped out of the building.
"You're right—this is an ancient ruin. Hello there! I'm Professor Alden, and I'm currently conducting research here."
"Ah! Nice to meet you, I'm May!"
"And I'm Ash, from Pallet Town. This is Pikachu."
"Pika~!"
"Heading somewhere in such a hurry?" Professor Alden asked.
"We're looking for the Pokémon Center. Torchic got hurt," Ash explained.
"Ah, I see. You're almost there—look!" Professor Alden pointed down the hill.
Sure enough, the Pokémon Center was just below.
"Thanks for the Helping Hand!" Ash said cheerfully.
"Pika~!"
Once they arrived, May rushed in and handed Torchic's Poké Ball to Nurse Joy.
Ash, noticing they'd been walking with Power Weights on this whole time, finally unstrapped them from Eevee and Phanpy so they could rest too.
"Nurse Joy, please take care of my Torchic," May said worriedly.
"Of course! Leave everything to me."
"How's his condition?"
"Let me take a look."
Nurse Joy placed the Poké Ball in the machine. After a moment, the screen blinked green.
"He'll be fine! He just needs a good night's rest."
"Thank goodness…" May sighed in relief. ＾▽＾
"You see? He'll be okay." Ash smiled and handed his own Poké Balls to Nurse Joy for a check-up.
"Thank you so much, Ash… I really didn't know what I was doing out there," May admitted.
"It's fine! We're partners now, right?"
Ash then turned to Nurse Joy. "Oh, and I'd like to register for the Hoenn League!"
"Of course!" She took Ash's Pokédex and inserted it into the registration console.
Data loaded. Registration complete.
"Done! You're all set to challenge the Hoenn Gyms!"
"Thank you, Nurse Joy!"
"And your Pokémon are all healthy," she added, returning the Poké Balls to Ash along with a happily chirping Pikachu.
"Pika~!"
"Alright, May—it's getting late. Let's call home so no one worries, and then get something to eat!" Ash said.
"Ah! This is my first time at a Pokémon Center—you lead the way!" May smiled.
Ash guided her to the public phone area, and the two split up to make their calls.
Ash dialed his mom first. Then, he called Professor Oak's lab.
"Good evening, Professor Oak! I've arrived safely in Oldale Town."
"Wonderful! You look well—and Pikachu too!"
"Pika~!"
"I've also completed my League registration, so I can start challenging Gyms!"
"Excellent! Your new adventure begins now!"
Just then, May walked by and caught a glimpse of the screen.
"Eeeeeh?! That's Professor Oak!!" ԅ(✧_✧ԅ)
She practically shoved Ash aside. "H-Hello, Professor Oak! I'm May!!"
"Uh… hello?" Professor Oak blinked, confused.
"I've watched your lecture broadcasts with my little brother since we were kids! If he knew I got to talk to you, he'd freak out!"
"R-Really? That's… very kind of you."
"I just started my Pokémon journey, so please teach me lots!"
Sweat beaded down the Professor's face. (•́ω•̀ ٥)
"Yes, well… It looks like Ash has made another lively new friend. I wish you both the best on your journey! Now, if you'll excuse me—goodbye!"
Click! The call ended.
Ash sighed and shook his head. "Okay. Let's eat."
"Yay, food!" May beamed.
Meanwhile…
In a cramped, stuffy phone booth not too far away, three figures huddled together.
"Next time… we're getting revenge," Jessie muttered.
"To be continued…**