Jhoto

To say they were not happy with what Meowth had to inform them was a big understatement of the century. Team Rocket or rather to be more specific Gonzalez and his men were going around the region trying to capture the Legendary Pokemon. Have they finally lost their marbles? The Legendary Pokemon were more then just mere legends, they helped in making sure the many seasons in the region occurred without going out of control. If Articuno went missing the blizzards would become harsher the same way if Suicune went missing pollution would increase Ren fold.

Meowth, "I knw da feling kits. I knw da feling."

Ash, "They are going to get us all killed."

Casey bit out, "Or starve to death."

Brock, "Please tell me something is being done."

Meowth, "Dere is a plan in action but... "

Gou, "What's wrong Meowth?"

Max, "Tell us, we can take it."

Meowth looked at Ash, "Gonzalez has put a bounty on yor head kit. He wnts you alive fr his plans."

Pikachu bristled, "Pika pika pikachu pi Pikapi."

Abra growled, -No one is taking my Meema away from us.-

Eevee hissed, "Vui."

Absol was seething with fury, "Ab."

Lucario, -Like they said no one is touching Meema. Meema is ours.-

Gou, "I bet he only wants Ash because he thinks he can use Ash for his own selfish purposes. Didn't he think you were Giovanni's son?"

Ash nodded, "I was hoping he figured out I'm not his son though fact still remains I'm his nephew."

Casey, "Family! Can't live with them, can't leave them be."

Brock sighed, "We all have that one person who causes problems in our family."

Max, "Well, what plan do we have?"

Ash, "For now, we get stronger and as much as I was hoping not to do this till our fourth year of traveling, we spread our Pokemon around the two regions."

Brock, "Are you sure about that?"

Casey, "That would cost a lot."

Gou, "But I can see why it is needed though, they are really pushing it. So might I suggest we pick the strongest Pokemon and give them that responsibility."

Casey, "Also won't this effect your Silver conference line up?"

Ash, "It will but I was originally planning on using the Pokemon who are ready to start more on one training under my older Pokemon like Tyrantrum, Gengar, Lapras, Bayleef, etc."

Brock, "Ah! Yes, they have started to branch out haven't they?"

Ash nodded, "Just like their Kanto Pokemon counterparts Bayleef, Quilava and Croconaw are planning on running Jhoto."

Casey blinked, "Those are some heavy duty shoes to fill. Being a healer, fire fighter and leader is no joke."

Ash, "Of course, they will travel through Hoenn as well because I believe they should travel to other regions. But yes, my Pokemon have decided what they want to focus on."

Meowth looked at Ash, "I heard you all wer taking part in shadow gym challenges? Dat is a gud strt ta becoming stronger."

Casey beamed, "My Pokemon have become stronger. I will become an Elite member and then protect this region. You guys won't have to worry too much then."

Ash smiled, "We know you will protect this region Casey."

A lady wearing a Priestess clothing entered the room they were in, "Hello I brought some tea and light snacks."

Max, "Oh thank you miss."

The lady smiled kindly, "Madeline, just call me Sister Madeline. I am no ones miss."

Ash, "Sister we were planning on challenging the shadow gym here."

Gou, "But we noticed there were some requirements."

Madeline beamed, "Yes, our shadow gym challenges are a little different. Both humans and Pokemon go through different stages battling and taking part in physical challenges together."

The nodded understanding and started to look around Lucario and the others already taking part in the challenges. Ash following them and enjoying the workout he was getting from the running and climbing through the obstacles in the rocky area. Casey went to the battle area and was taking part in the battles planning on tackling the obstacles from the water area. Gou though joined the meditation group and was sitting in the open area with other trainers who had their Pokemon outside with them. Brock was sitting at the healing chambers attending class on how Rock type Pokemon could help Grass type Pokemon to grow the best herbs.

Meowth on the other hand was relaxing and telling Lokoko about all the shenanigans the kits got onto back in Kanto and the Orange Archipelago. Lokoko was gaping at Meowth when he told her about the Legendary Pokemon and turned to Ash then back to the cat Pokemon. She told Meowth to tell her everything, all the small details that happened to the kits. She knew they got into a lot of trouble and Team Rocket was dangerous but she didn't realize it was that bad. Lokoko had sat behind Max and Ash when Meowth had told them about Team Rocket's plans but she didn't realize they had dealt with them before.

Lokoko got up, -I am going to join them in the training. I cannot let them face this Team Rocket under good conscience.-

Meowth, "I understand, my lady."

Lokoko, -Say I was wondering, at the moment I'm using psychic to announce what I want to say. Would you consider teaching us how to speak in human language?-

Meowth, "I can do dat, nyarth. Hope you dn't mind da verbal tick."

Lokoko, -No, I do not. If anything I believe other Pokemon would be interested too.-

Meowth nodded as Lokoko left, "I only hope da kits will come out of dis unhurt. Jessie, James and I couldn't."

Madeline, "Master Meowth, are you alright?"

Meowth, "M fine Madeline. Jus some old memories I dun want ta remember."

Madeline, "I see. You know, I think their Pokemon might be open to learning human language. They are already using their special powers to talk."

Meowth, "Yeah, you are rite bout dat."

Meowth decided to stick around and when Ash heard it he visibly brightened up making the feline smile. His kit was very adorable, he could see why Jessie and James worked so hard to keep the kits safe, they were worth the effort. Lucario, Gengar, Abra, Kirlia and Lokoko were interested in learning the human speech and Meowth became the impromptu tutor for the Pokemon. Brock and Gou were very fascinated by the prospect and requested to record the whole process. When they shared their new findings with Professor Sakuragi, Elm and Oak, they were all curious too.

Samuel, "The Professor Club is having a get together in Jhoto to exchange poetry. It is a relaxation and socialization for the regional Professors around the world."

Cerise nodded, "True, we had a group meet in Kanto last year when you all were at the Orange Islands."

Ash, "Gary had told me about it last night when we were sharing our adventures. He is taking to Ranger work like a Goldeen to water."

Gou, "We could meet up with Drew too. He mentioned last time he enjoys poetry as well."

Elm, "This will be an interesting meet up I say."

Meowth, "No kidding."

Samuel, "It will take time to get used to you talking as a human though."

They talked some more before Ash decided to call his mom next who was having dinner with his aunt. He was just happy his mom was not alone and had an older sister to go home to after her missions were done. Ash did not realized how much relief went through him on seeing his mother safe and doing well. It seems rejoining her old partners out on the field had been a good choice, she looked more alive and active in a way being a home maker didn't. Figures, she was an adrenaline junkie herself, well as long as she was safe and happy it was fine.

Ash later called Red but he was outside on a job so he left a voicemail on his phone asking him if he would be joining the meet up. Right after he finished sending the voicemail his phone rang with Silver's name, on the front was a photo of his starter Feraligator. Ash answered the call only to frown when it was the voice of a woman and not his cousin who was talking. Ash became pale on hearing his cousin was hurt only for a disgruntled Silver to snatch the phone and assure him he was alright. But Silver was not the only stubborn one in the family and demanded to visit him for the night.

Silver, "Fine I will send my Gardevoir over to pick you up."

Ash, "Good, does Gold know?"

Silver, "He knows, he just left to check on the others."

Ash, "Gardevoir is here. I will talk to you face to face soon."

Lucario, -I'm coming with you.-

Ash nodded, "Let's go tell the others."

To say the others were worried when they heard what happened was an understatement but agreed Ash should go first. Silver was a man of pride and would not be happy to see them when he was hurt. Not to forget Gardevoir herself was only willing to take Ashley to her trainer because he was Silver's younger brother. Otherwise she would not have even bothered to pick him up, instead, she would be focusing on helping her trainer.

Silver looked up as Gardevoir appeared, "Ash, Gardevoir thank you."

Gardevoir nodded, -My pleasure.-

Ash rushed to him, "You told me you were on a mission before. Does it have to do with Team Rocket's sudden interest in capturing Legendaries no matter the consequences?"

Silver stared at him in shock, "How did you find out? You are not snooping around them, are you?"

Ash, "No, but I do have someone inside to keep me updated just in case."

Silver took a deep breath, "I don't know how you managed to do that but please be careful and promise me you will not go after them."

Ash gave a wry smile, "I was warned about their interest in me and the plans Gonzalez has for me."

Silver clutched his hand, "I see."

Ash grabbed his fist, "Please do not blame yourself Silver. I know you and the others have been working to the bone to deal with Team Rocket. Do not shut me out either, it will not help, not with their interest in me and my relation to Giovanni even though it's not direct."

Silver growled out, "I should have killed him."

Ash, "Next time, we can deal with him next time. Till then, get better. You are hurt. I will call Venasaur to help you recover to hundred percent. He has been very popular as a healer."

Silver chuckled hissing when his chest hurt, "Yeah I could use the help."

Ash, "By the way, the Professors are doing their annual meet in Jhoto, at a town called Okani."

Silver, "I heard about it."

Ash looked outside the window, "Who called me on your phone though? She sounded really pissed and worried. It certainly was not Liza though I know you two team up a lot to the point there is a rumour about the red haired twins."

Silver scowled, "That was my tutor actually..."

Ash chuckled, "I see, well I'm glad they called I would have been worried sick otherwise."

Silver looked away, he knew aura users could instinctively tell if someone was hiding something even if no one lied. Ash stayed the night helping Silver recover from the internal wounds as much as he could alongside Venasaur who joined them. Silver's Pokemon a large Bellossom was watching the other grass type Pokemon intently as Venasaur used his special moves to help Silver. It fascinated him and Venasaur encouraged him to learn the special moves as it could help when others were hurt.

Bellossom took the advice to heart and agreed to learn those moves one way or another. He didn't want to feel helpless when his teammates were hurt. Morning found Ash sleeping with Venasaur and Lucario while Silver's Pokemon were around him. Silver's tutor Reinne joined them carrying breakfast for all of them. The older brunette thanked Ash for agreeing to care for Silver as he was being very stubborn and rejecting everyone's help earlier. Ash laughed and told her to call him anytime, even if he was in another region, he would find a way.

[A. N.: To be continued.

Hope you all are doing well.

Take care of yourselves.]