Part 18

Next morning in school

Ash was still rather upset about the disappointing things his mother had said about his older brother last night. Still in a bit of a mood he bumped into Gary on his way to Sycamore's classroom.

"Oh, Ash, I actually needed to talk to you for a moment," Gary said.

"What is it?" Ash turned.

"I was wondering about the Junior cup... you did register for it right?" He asked.

Ash looked at him curiously. "Yeah, I did a while ago. I don't suppose you'll be involved,"

"No, no. I need to do my research still. We both no I'm not the battling type anymore," Gary stated. "But just a heads up, it will be starting soon this month in December. First the qualifying matches for the knockout phase. You win two of your three battles you're guaranteed a place in the knockout phase."

"Right, I heard something about this. And the venues?" He inquired.

"Well since it's being hosted in Kalos this time around, I'm sure the venues will be big cities like Lumiose and Santalune," Gary answered.

"Alright, well listen thanks G. We can talk later," Ash said. Gary nodded in agreement as they parted ways for now. They both headed to their respective class.

During Lunch

'Can all participants of the Junior cup please gather around the battle club area. We have vital information about venues and groups'

A load of students began making their way towards the battle club where Don George was usually at. Since Ash was a participant he followed closely. When he got to the battle club he met up with Trip and Paul.

Don George made his appearance quickly. "Alright my battle students listen up. I know we don't have a lot of time so I'll make this quick. Up on the big screen shortly will be the groups which you've been drawn into and the venues of where you will be battling," He explained. "The Tournament will officially begin next week so please be prepared."

Sawyer raised his hand.

"Yes sir?" George Asked.

"So, are we allowed to use any type of Pokémon? As in, Mega evolved, Legendaries, etc."

"Yes, you may use any of those Pokémon you mentioned. As for Mega evolution, only one Mega evolved Pokémon per squad. However, if you have more than one Pokémon which is capable of Mega evolution you can rotate the Key Stone. Just as long as you don't Mega evolve two in one single battle."

Just then the Big screen was revealed. "There you have it guys. You're first battle and venue," George said.

"Looks like my first battle is against Calem. Not going to be easy, but I'll try my best," Trip said. "We're battling in Santalune City."

"I'm also battling in Santalune for my first match, just a little later," Paul added.

"Woah, I'm in the second to last Group. I'm battling here in Lumiose for my first Match," Ash said.

"Too bad Barry's not here. That idiot is going to be confused as to what's going on later," Paul scoffed.

"Yeah, That was kinda dumb. He should have been here," Ash added.

"Alright we're out of here. We got what we came ford," Paul said. The three trainers left the battle club now a little more psyched for the battle action to come. And the ultimate question, who will be crowned as Junior Cup Champions?

Back in the cafeteria

Upon returning Misty was the one to give them a curious look.

"Hey, where were you three just now?" The orange haired gym leader inquired.

"Oh, just some more basic crap that we already knew about the Junior cup," Trip answered smugly.

"Ahh Man, did I miss it?" Barry worried.

"Yeh, you did you idiot. Didn't you hear the intercom earlier?" Paul snapped.

"Guess not. Well, that's a huge blow for me," He Said.

Ash sat down at the edge of the table where Dawn and Serena were chatting. He looked at the Honeh blonde haired girl remembering she was the one with the map.

"Excuse me Serena?" Ash spoke.

"Hm? What's up Ash?" She turned to him.

"I was wondering if you knew where the closest gym was from here."

Serena got her map out and began searching. "Let's see... you already battled at Coumarine right?" She asked.

He nodded.

"Okay, well the closest one from here should be here in Lumiose. Though I don't know if the gym leader is there. Sometimes he's there, sometimes he's not," She responded.

"Well, I'll figure it out. Thank you so much," He gave her a slight smile.

"Oh of course Ash. Anytime!" She replied.

"Look at that. You made the girl's day man," Gary nudged him with his elbow.

"Shut up dude. All I did was ask for directions to the next gym," Ash Said. Gary's smirk remained plastered on his face.

"Sure, sure. No small talk, huh? Just straight to the point." He chuckled.

Barry tapped Ash on the shoulder.

"What's up?"

"About that training session... do you think you could...?

"Ah, you know what? Meet me after school at the battle club. I got something for you," Ash replied. Whatever it was Barry was excited at the chance of being able to learn how to battle like Ash did.

"I am going to transform this kid's battling style," Ash muttered.

To be continued