Part 24

Next day, Saturday Afternoon.

Ash had agreed to go over to Gary's backyard to hangout and relax after their battles in the Junior Cup.

Barry sighed. "Feels great to sit back and chill after our battles doesn't it boys? Just another day for us..."

"Yeah. You guys sure killed it out there. Couldn't make it to the actual stadium but I saw your guys' battles on TV. You know, gramps was particularly impressed by you Trip," Gary spoke.

"For real? Me?" Trip said.

"Yeah. I mean, the way you battled with that strategy was both risky and impressive the way you pulled it off. I could hardly believe you won the battle in the end. Gramps even said you're a candidate for Junior Cup champion," Gary told.

"Oak is being too Generous then," Paul scoffed, overhearing their conversation.

"Oh please, I don't see you winning your first battle out there," Trip retorted.

Paul put his hand over his face in disbelief. "That's because I haven't been called up yet you idiot!" Paul fired back. The boys all laughed. Sometimes it was just too easy to get on Paul's nerves.

"Hey Relax Paulie. We're just messing with ya. Come on that's what friends are for," Gary assured. Paul shrugged it off.

"Speaking about battles... Ketchum how many badges do you have now?" Paul questioned.

The Raven haired boy thought for a moment realizing it had been a while since he had challenged a gym leader. "I've got four of them now. I've been stuck on four because I don't know where to go next," He answered.

"Hey, the Lumiose City gym is always available. It's not too far from here and I went and challenged it not too long ago," Barry said. "But I got-

"But you got your ass kicked by a robot?" Paul cut him off.

"Ugh, that was so unfair. It had a freaking Heliolisk, Magneton... there was nothing I could do! And on top of that I got kicked out when I lost!" Barry whined. They all chuckled finding Barry's story funny and a bit odd.

"Actually the same thing happened to me," Ash spoke. The boys stopped chuckling and turned to him. "Yeah, I remember it. Except, I didn't even get to battle. I just got kicked out of there."

"Man, I'd really like to know what's up with that gym and whoever is running it. Unfortunately the only Kalos native of the group, Calem, is not here at the moment. He might know something about it," Barry said.

"I'll probably ask him on Monday or something. I'm not going to bother today. I just wanna enjoy the weekend for now," Ash said, sitting back down on his chair.

"Anyways switching topics now... you guys heard of that homecoming event coming up?" Gary asked.

"Oh yeah I did. Apparently it's some sort of school-wide celebration that brings together students and former students. They said anyone could go grades 9-12. You guys thinking about going?" Trip questioned.

"I'm in it for the ladies of course," Gary said smugly. "What about you Ash-boi? You're going too?"

"Yeah right, in your dreams," He scoffed. "Count me out."

"Oh come on, don't be like that. This is why you're such an antisocial outcast," Gary Said."

"What are you talking about?" Ash responded. "I'm more of an independent type of guy. Not an outcast."

"Before you ask, you don't even need to have a date or anything like that," Gary reassured him. "It's not that type of event. You can just go with friends."

"Friends? Yeah, no. When is this crap taking place?" He inquired.

"It is this upcoming Friday. The tickets haven't sold out yet so if you guys want me to get you some let me know before it's too late," Gary offered.

"Oh wow, you'll pay for us?" Barry Asked.

"Yeah... you're paying back though," Gary Said.

Ash checked the time on his phone and decided it was time to get home. "Alright guys it's been great but I'm gonna go now. Gary, I'll think about your little offer," Ash told.

"Alright bud, sounds great. You let me know anytime you know I'll be," Gary responded. After that Ash went home which only took a few minutes walking down the street. Ash got home and was immediately greeted by his mother Delia.

"Oh, Ash you're back. Something came for you in the mail earlier today. Wasn't signed but it said it was urgent for you to open it. Could it be a secret admirer perhaps?" Delia questioned. She handed him the small package and walked upstairs. Ash held the package a bit confused. This was quite unusual for him to be receiving things from unknown people.

He opened the package quickly eager to see what it was. As he tore the package open it revealed to be a Xtransceiver. A powerful communication tool that was used mainly in the Unova region. Ash quickly put two and two together as to who sent him this. He spotted the note attached to the package.

It read: Ash, this is Cilan. Unfortunately I could not meet you in person today but I wanted you to have this. It's an Xtransceiver. The reason I'm giving you this now is because these devices are near impossible to be tracked down by law enforcement and Team Rocket. We're going to start doing some real dirty work here against Team Rocket real soon. For now, enjoy this gift I've shipped to you from Unova.

Your friend, Cilan.

"Well All right! I always wanted one of these things," Ash exploded with joy for once. He put the Xtransceiver around his left wrist all excited as if he were a five year old child again. This Team Rocket stuff Cilan spoke about was starting to sound serious however. Ash feared of what Team Rocket might do next. After all, their primary targets were probably himself and Cilan after all the times they stopped their evil plans.

A/N: I'm going to stop it right here. I know it's a very short chapter and not much but I will update very soon (tomorrow) I'm hoping to start this whole Team Rocket arc very soon as well. Have a great rest of your day/night see you all soon!