Pallet Town

The gang, Giovanni, Delia, Red, & Mercede had arrived at Pallet Town

"Ash, before we go home, we should stop by Professor Oak's to learn more about the Pokémon League." Red suggested

"Right." Ash said

When they got to Oak's lab

"Hey Professor, it's me Ash." Ash called out as he & the others entered

"Oh hello, Ash." Oak greeted "It's good to see you."

"Pika/Eevee." Pikachu & Eevee said as they hopped on Oak's shoulder

"Looks like you two missed me." Oak chuckled as he petted them as he looked at Togepi. "Oh, a Togepi."

"Togepi." Togepi said

"Hi Professor." Meowth greeted

"Oh, you must be the talking Meowth, Ash told me about. It's a pleasure to meet you." Oak said "Anyway, you're not the only ones who are here to visit."

Oak led them to the other room & Ash & the others saw Gary, Blue, their sister Daisy, Leaf, & Green.

"Hey Ashy-Boy." Gary greeted

"Hi Ash, welcome back." Leaf greeted

"Hey Gary, Leaf." Ash greeted as he turned Daisy "Hey Daisy."

"Good to see you, Ash." Daisy greeted

"Kuki Kuki." Ash's Krabby greeted as he tugged on the leg of Ash's pants

"Hi Krabby." Ash said as he fist bumped Krabby's claw

"Alright, now that everyone's here, let's get down to business." Oak said as the gang sat "Now, four trainers left Pallet Town on their journeys, but you three have earned the most badges & I'm proud."

"What about the last one?" Ash asked

"I wouldn't worry about it, since he's a no show." Gary said

"Since you three have 8 badges, it's time for you to participate in the Pokémon League." Oak said

"Where's the Pokémon League, Professor?" Leaf asked

"In the Indigo Plateau, the Pokémon League will take place in 3 months from today & there will be more than 200 trainers competing." Oak said "You three should take this opportunity to train your Pokémon & prepare for the tournament."

"You don't have to tell us twice, Gramps." Gary said

"Hey Ash, why don't you show everyone what you can do?" Oak said as he winked at him

Ash held his hand out, his eyes glowed blue, & telekinetically lifted Krabby off the floor. Everyone except Ash's family, Oak, Brock, & Serena were stunned & speechless.

"Ash, you're a psychic!?" Leaf exclaimed

"Yes I am." Ash said as he put Krabby down

"How did that happen?" Gary asked

Ash told them about the powers he inherited from the Maiden from Maiden's Peak & her son.

"I found out the first power was psychic powers, but the second one I discovered in HopHopHop Town, I don't know what it is yet." Ash said

"Wow, that's so cool!" Leaf beamed

"Man, I wish I had powers." Gary said

"I assume he already showed you." Oak asked Ash's family

"He did, it was a lot to take in." Delia said

"Well, who knows, maybe you'll have a bunch of famous ancestors in your bloodline." Oak said

"I have no doubts about that." Delia chuckled

"Anyway, allow me to check you Rotom Phones." Oak said

Ash, Leaf, & Gary gave their Rotom Phones to Oak

"Rotoms, how many Pokémon have Ash, Gary, & Leaf seen & obtained." Oak asked

Ash Ketchum has obtained 68 Pokémon & seen 136 Pokémon

Gary Oak has obtained & seen 60 Pokémon

Leaf has obtained 55 Pokémon & seen 75 Pokémon

"Astounding, I'm impressed." Oak said as he gave them their Rotom Phones back "Why don't we go to the ranch & see the rest of your Pokémon?"

When they went outside, Ash sent out his Venusaur, Blastoise, & Charizard. Gary sent out Blastoise, Electabuzz, Arcanine, Nidoking, Kabutops, & a Kadabra-like Pokémon holding two spoons. Leaf sent out her Venusaur, Beedrill, Nidoqueen, Rapidash, a Seel-like Pokémon, & a Jigglypuff-like Pokémon with rabbit-like ears.

"Hey, your Ivysaur, Seel, & Jigglypuff evolved into Venusaur, Dewgong, & Wigglytuff." Serena said as she & Ash pulled out their Rotom Phones

Wigglytuff, the Balloon Pokémon, a Normal & Fairy Type, & the evolved form of Jigglypuff. When the weather gets warm, Wigglytuff shed their fur, which can be spun into delightfully soft yarn. As these Pokémon breathe in, their bodies expand to hold more air.

Dewgong, the Sea Lion Pokémon, a Water & Ice Type, & the evolved form of Seel. When it's looking for food, Dewgong can cut through the water at a steady pace. After a meal, it pulls itself up onto the beach to rest in the sun to warm up & process food.

"Looks like your Kabuto & Wartortle evolved as well & who's this Pokémon." Ash said as he scanned the Kadabra-like Pokémon

Alakazam, the Psi Pokémon, a Psychic Type, & the evolved form of Kadabra. Alakazam's brain never stops growing, & it's head has to keep expanding to contain its enormous intellect. If it psychic powers overflow, everyone nearby will get a splitting headache

"Why don't you send out your Pokémon as well, Serena?" Oak said

"Sure." Serena said as she sent out her Rhyhorn, Lickitung, Butterfree, & Nidorina.

"Wow, I had no idea you have a pink Butterfree." Leaf beamed

"Why don't we call the Pokémon here?" Oak said

Ash's Venusaur used Solar Beam as a signal & the rest of Ash, Gary, Serena, & Leaf's Pokémon came

"You sure have a lot of Pokémon here, Professor." Brock said

"Pokémon are special & they need our care, they deserve our consideration & respect just like every other creature. If we care for them like we care for our loved ones, we'll be able to live in peace as we learn about them & ourselves. If we want to discover their mysteries, we need to deal with Pokémon like people as individuals. That's why my assistants & I take care of them, they not only become a part of our research, they become a part of ourselves." Oak said

"I guess you really like living here with the Pokémon." Ash said

"Yes, it gives me an opportunity to research & communicate with lots of interesting Pokémon." Oak said

"Do the Pokémon like living here?" Serena asked

"I hope so, the proper way to study Pokémon is in their natural habitat. When Pokémon live in an environment like the one they were born in, it's easier to observe how they're affected by their Trainers. Pokémon take on the characteristics of the humans that capture them, that effect only occurs when the Trainers keep in regular contact with their Pokémon. For example, Ash switches out his Pokémon to train them which gives him the opportunity to bond with them"

"That's true." Brock said

"Hey Professor, I bet you can't wait for us to catch the Pokémon living in the other regions." Ash said

"That's right & Ash, do you still have that Rainbow Wing?" Oak said

"Yes sir." Ash said as he pulled out the Rainbow Wing.

"Ah, it's more magnificent in person." Oak said in awe "Mind if I do some research on it?"

"Sure, I don't mind." Ash said as he gave Oak the Rainbow Wing "Professor, there's something Serena & I need to tell you something."

"Hm? Is there something wrong?" Oak asked

"Well, nothing's wrong, you see, Ash's Pikachu & my Eevee learned these moves we haven't seen before." Serena said

"& what are the names of these moves?" Oak asked

"Pika Papow & Veevee Volley." Ash said

"Pika Papow & Veevee Volley?" Oak repeated "Will you kindly demonstrate them."

When Ash & Serena demonstrated the moves, Oak was awestruck & stunned.

"Incredible." Oak said in awe "When & how did they learn these moves?."

"Well, when we were at the Silph Co, I battled Phantom. Pikachu & I were on the brink of losing, but we were determined not to give up & that's when Pikachu learned Pika Papow." Ash explained

"Same thing happened to me & Eevee when we were at the Princess Festival in O-Hina Town." Serena said.

"I see, I think I'm gonna have to do some research on Pikachu & Eevee for a bit." Oak said as he turned to Delia "Delia, how about we head to the Pallet House to celebrate Ash, Gary, & Leaf's return."

"You've read my mind, Oak." Delia said "How about we go there at 6 o'clock this evening."

"Splendid." Oak said

When the gang & Ash's family went back to Ash's house.

"So this is where you live?" Brock asked

"Yep, this is my house." Ash said

"It's a lovely house." Serena complimented as they enter

"Hey Ash, You have some mail for you." Delia said as he gave Ash 6 letters

"Wow, I didn't know I was gonna get any mail." Ash said "Let's go read these in my room."

The gang went to Ash's room.

"You have a nice room, Ash." Brock said

"Thanks." Ash said

"Who're the letters from?" Serena asked

"Let's see." Ash said as he sat in a chair at his desk & looked at the letters "They're from Joe, Melvin, Yas, Lara, Gastly, & Keith."

"What do they say?" Meowth asked

Ash read the letters

Dear Ash, After you left, I thought about what you said & you were right, so me & the other unhappy students gathered our Pokémon & left Pokémon Tech. Thanks to you, everyone isn't ashamed to go home without a diploma anymore. I told my parents about how I was treated at the school & they were pretty upset about it & were planning on suing Pokémon Tech, but they didn't have since the school was shut down. They understood how I felt, & let me go on my own journey. As for Giselle, I haven't seen her since I left, but I'm sure she's fine. I've been catching a bunch of Pokémon & have been learning new things, so far I have 6 badges. Thank you for defeating Giselle, if it weren't for you, we would've never left that prison nightmare of a school. Guess I'll see you at the Pokémon League. From Joe

Dear Ash, things are going swell for me. I found a group of abandoned Pokémon & adopted them as my own. I've been making good progress on my magic act & been combining my Pokémon's moves like we did with Exeggutor's Seed Bomb & Charmeleon's Swift for example. People are loving the act & me & my Pokémon are getting close to achieving our dream. Thank you for everything. Sincerely Melvin

Dear Ash, after we fixed Dark City, we apologized to the people for damaging their home, Nurse Joy was able to convince them that not all Pokémon Trainers are bad. Kaz & I realized that there's more to being a Gym Leader, so we decided to start over. Kaz decided to move to Vermillion City & I decided to move to Johto. Kaz says hi & I hope I see you again. Sincerely Yas

Dear Ash, Dario & his goons have been kicked out of the ranch because of his cheating. But other than that, my arm is feeling much better & life is good now that I'm an honorary member of the Laramie Clan. Thank you for everything. Love Lara

Dear Ash, I hope you've been making good progress on your powers & have been using them for good. I sent you this Spell Tag, use it to summon me anytime you need my help. Sincerely Gastly

Dear Ash, I've been making great progress on battling & catching Pokémon. Farfetch'd & the others have gotten very strong & so far I've gotten 5 badges, I hope we have a chance to battle at the Pokémon League & tell Golduck, Farfetch'd said Hi. From Keith

"Mew." A voice said

"Huh?" The gang said as they turned & saw Mew "Mew."

"Mew." Mew said

"Are the Mew we met in New Island?" Ash asked

"Mew Mew." Mew nodded

"What are you doing here?" Ash asked

Mew closed her eyes, became surrounded by white aura, then a white ball of light emerged from her & floated towards Ash. Ash caught the ball of light in his hands & when the light faded, it became a red Poké Ball with a wide black band around the middle and red button.

"It's some kind of Poké Ball." Brock said

"Mew Mew Mew." Mew said

"Mew said it's a Cherish Ball, it's a very rare Poké Ball that is crafted in order to commemorate a special cause of some sort." Meowth translated

"Mew Mew Mew." Mew said

"Then she says it's a gift for stopping Mewtwo from destroying the world & stopping the fight between the Pokémon & the Clones." Meowth translated

"Thanks Mew." Ash said

"Mew." Mew said as she teleported away

"It was great seeing Mew again." Serena said

"Yeah, Mew's an amazing Pokémon." Ash said

While they were at the Pallet House.

"Only 3 months until the Pokémon League." Ash said

"You're gonna do great, sweetheart." Mercede said

"Yeah, I can help you with your training if you want." Delia said

"Me too, & I think we need to do some training as well, Serena." Brock suggested

"That's right." Serena said

"Excuse me." A voice said

After they ate, everyone went back home, Mercede went back to Viridian City, & Red left Pallet Town. When the gang & Ash's parents got back to the house, they saw a man with spiky red hair, brown eyes, wearing a medieval-looking navy blue tunic with red-orange trim, a brown belt around his waist, and large black boots with orange two rings around the top of each boot & a flowing cape around his neck which is black on the outside and crimson red on the inside(outfit based on HeartGold & SoulSilver).

"It's Lance of the Elite Four." Brock gasped

"Lance, what brings you here.?" Delia asked

"I've come to see your son & his friends." Lance replied

When they were in the house.

"What did you want to see us about, Lance." Ash asked

"I've been informed that you saved Silph Co from Team Rocket & I must say what you did was very courageous." Lance said

"It was the right thing to do, we couldn't let the Pokémon continue to suffer from experiments." Ash said

"That's understandable, & I was surprised when I was surprised when I heard that you defeated Phantom in a Pokémon battle." Lance said "I know Brock defeated the Admin & you along with him & Serena defeated the Grunts' Pokémon, but I'm not here to praise you about that, I'm here to offer you three a job."

"A job, what kind of job?" Brock asked

"I'm offering you to become members of the Pokémon G-Men." Lance said

"G-Men?" Ash repeated

"The Pokémon G-Men's is a detective unit organization where we travel the regions, investigating and arresting criminal organizations & anyone who improperly treats Pokémon." Lance explained

"So you need our help to take down criminal organizations like Team Rocket?" Serena asked

"Yes, you three can still go on journeys, but I'll call you when I have a mission for you from time to time." Lance said "So what do you say?"

"Hm." Ash said as he turned to the others "What do you guys think?"

"I think we should do it." Brock said

"Yeah, I believe we can do a great job working for the Pokémon G-Men." Serena said

"Mom? Dad?" Ash said

"You should go for it, son." Giovanni smiled

"Yes, if you, your friends, & your Pokémon believe you can defeat Team Rocket, you can defeat any criminal organization that comes your way." Delia encouraged

"Hm." Ash smiled "In that case, we accept the offer."

"Thank you." Lance smiled before putting on a serious expression "But remember, this is a serious job. When you get a mission, be sure to stay focused."

"Yes sir." The gang nodded

"Our Ash is growing up so fast." Delia said softly

"That's our boy." Giovanni smiled proudly

So with the Pokémon League only 3 months away, our heroes will begin their training tomorrow with new mysteries to be discovered & many more.

Chapters until the Indigo League: 4