Chapter 7
"Nurse Joy?" Ash once he arrived at the Blackthorn City Pokémon Center. "I'm here to register for the Silver Conference!"
A woman with pink, curly hair came out of the back room. "I'm sorry, young man, but you can only register in Newbark Town. It's this year's registration town."
Ash groaned. "Guess we still have more walking to do."
"I hate to disappoint you, but there's no way you can get there in time."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Ash turned back to Nurse Joy.
Nurse Joy handed Ash a piece of paper. "Here's the updated information for the Silver Conference this year. I'm afraid the conference starts in two days, so I doubt you'll get there on foot."
Brock's jaw dropped. "What?! The conference was supposed to be in a month!"
"It was," Nurse Joy sighed. "However, a group of criminals called Team Void have appeared recently. They are dangerous people who steal other people's Pokémon. It's said they change their Pokémon artificially, making them much more powerful. Because of this, we moved the cup forward before things became more chaotic."
"I understand," Ash sighed. "Guess I won't be getting to the Silver Conference this year,"
"Ash?"
Ash blinked. "What is it, Latias?"
She giggled. "Did you forget you're a Lati able to fly hundreds of miles per hour?"
"Oh,"
~~~
"Remind me not to ride on you right after I eat," Pikachu groaned, jumping off Ash's back.
"What? You didn't fall off this time," Ash huffed.
"No, but I almost wanted to," Pikachu collapsed on the grass.
"No offense, Ash, but I agree with Pikachu," Latios chuckled. "Trust me, I was watching."
"You could be the coolest roller coaster ride!" Latias nudged him playfully, letting Misty get off her back.
"Alright, point taken," Ash blew on the Eon Flute, changing back into his human form.
"I don't know what you guys are saying," said Brock, "but let's check into the Pokémon Center before it gets too late. You could probably register right now, Ash!"
"Right!" Ash rushed into the Pokémon Center. "Nurse Joy, I'm here to register for the Silver Conference!"
"Very well," Nurse Joy pressed a few buttons. "May I see your badges and Pokedex?"
Ash skipped down the hallway as he and his friends went to their room at the Pokémon Center a few minutes later. "This time, I'm going to win!" He pumped a fist in the air. "Gary won't know what hit him!"
Brock chuckled. "Gary's not the only person you'll have to beat, and I doubt he'll be the strongest one there,"
"I know," said Ash, "that's why we're going to train extra hard! Right, guys?"
"Yep!" said Pikachu, "Now you can actually train with us."
"Oh yeah, that's right!" Ash's eyes widened. "Misty, Brock, I'll see you guys later, we have some training to do!"
Brock shook his head. "Same old Ash," He turned to Latios. "Make sure he's back so we can go to bed before ten, alright?"
Latios nodded, smirking. "He'll be there if I have to drag him."
~~~
"Alright! Time to train!" Ash tossed out his Pokeballs. Bulbasaur and Cyndaquill came out, giving Ash an eager look.
Ash surveyed his team. He didn't want to use Latias or Latios in the first rounds of the conference, and that left him with only Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and Cyndaquill to use. His last slot, of course, was taken by himself.
"You could just swap some of us out between rounds," Latios suggested.
"Huh? How did you- oh right," Ash sometimes forgot Latios and Latias could read minds. Maybe he would be able to do that someday. He cleared his throat. "Bulbasaur, I want you to practice your accuracy with Razor Leaf. Cyndaquill, you train with Pikachu. Try to hit him with your Flamethrower and Ember while he dodges. Latios and Latias um…." Ash paused.
"We could train with you," said Latias.
"Oh yeah, good idea!" Ash pulled out the flute and blew it, switching back to his Lati form. "I might need some help using my attacks."
~~~
Latias woke up later that night to a low mumbling and the sound of footsteps on the balcony. Curious, she levitated off her bed, being sure not to wake her brother, and flew towards the sound. She smiled slightly to see her trainer pacing back and forth, his eyes fixed on the gigantic colosseum below.
"Can't sleep?" she asked.
Ash looked over at her. "Yeah, sorry if I woke you up."
"Oh, it's fine," Latias replied, "What's up?"
Ash sighed. "I just can't believe how far I've come… How far all of us have come,"
"Nervous about the conference?" Latias noticed the look on Ash's face. It was the same one he had before their last gym battle. But he hadn't lost sleep over the gym battle.
Ash smirked. "How did you know?"
"I have my ways," She giggled. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do great. You've got us after all,"
"Thanks, Latias. It's been nice having you around." Ash reached out to rub her head.
Latias closed her eyes and felt part of her nervousness go away. Ash had done so much for her and her brother. She was going to do the best she could to repay him, and she was sure Latios would do the same. "You're welcome,"
~~~
Thank you for reading!
If you've enjoyed this story so far, consider leaving a review and joining my Discord server! You can stay updated on my stories, chat with me and other fanfiction writers, or just hang out! (discord.gg/eX4k3bV2au) (link on my profile page if it doesn't work)
P.S. If you are reading this version of my story on any platform other than webnovel.com, you are at risk of a malware attack, or this story has been stolen, or both. If you wish to read this story in its original, safe, form, please go to https://m.webnovel.com/book/true-eons_33457776008937305. Thank you.