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Chapter Text

Ash was walking happily down the street towards to the Pokémon center. Today he was helping Professor Kukui with the lesson. He was supposed to be picking up one of his Pokémon from the center that Professor Oak was sending over so they could have a lesson on Alola and Kanto variations. He had meant to grab him yesterday, but had forgotten when Mallow had invited them all for an afternoon snack at her family restaurant.

As he got to the transfer machine to wait for the Pokémon to come through, a voice came up from behind him. “Ashy boy, is that you?”

He turned around to be faced with Gary Oak himself.

“Gary, what are you doing here?” He asked surprised.

“I’m here to look into something for Professor Rowan. Was just about to send my data through to him and meet up with Tracey after he did this thing for Gramps.” Gary replied.

“Tracey’s here? You’ll have to take me with you to see him.”

Ash turned back to the transfer machine as it beeped and took the pokeball from it.

“What do you have there, Ashy boy?”

“Oh, it’s Muk,” he says. “Professor Oak sent him over for a class that Professor Kukui is doing.”

“You’re going to school,” Gary said surprised. “Well, I just have to see this. Tracey’s thing isn’t done for a few hours, and I know he’ll love to see you. Can I tag along? I can be of help.” The way he said it made Ash think that maybe Gary wasn’t in this to be helpful, but he didn’t think he could do too much damage.

Ash looked at Rotom for approval and when he shrugged Ash turned back to Gary. “Sure, I don’t think Kukui would mind. Let’s get going, we should get there early to make sure.”

They turned to walk out together and walked to the Pokémon School as they conversed about what they had been up to since they had last seen each other. As they arrived at the school, Pikachu sniffed the air and jumped from his perch on Ash’s shoulder to run towards the doors of the school. Ash and Gary looked at each other before they took off after Pikachu.

They stopped when he jumped onto another person’s back who stumbled at the weight before turning around as Pikachu climbed onto their shoulder.

“Well hello there, little guy. And who are you?” They said to Pikachu as Ash and Gary came to a panting stop in front of them.

“I am so sorry about Pikachu- Tracey?!”

Tracey turned his head to look at Ash at that exclamation.

“Hey Ash,” he said. “I didn’t know that you were in Alola. And Gary!”

“Is this what you had to do for Gramps?” Gary asked. “Come to a Pokémon school?”

“Yeah. I’m helping with a lesson as well as doing some research into Alola variations.” He said excitedly. “Plus, I needed new sketch material.”

“That’s great!” Ash exclaimed. “Whose lesson are you helping with?”

“A Professor Kukui. He stepped out to take a few calls, but he should be right back.”

Ash smiled excitedly. “You’re helping with my class!”

Tracey gave a surprised look and looked at Gary. Gary gave him a look that seemed to say I know right and shrugged.

“You’re going to school?” Tracey asked a skeptically.

“Sure am.” Ash replied with a bright smile. Tracey shrugged and looked back when he heard his name called.

“That’s the Professor, I have to go see what he needs.”

Ash looked down the hall from where the voice came. “I need to give him something and ask if Gary can sit in on the class, so we’ll come with.”

Tracey nodded, and they started to walk down the hall towards the classroom. Ash opened the door and called out to the professor.

“Oh hey, Ash,” the professor replied. “I see you’ve met Tracey, he’ll be helping with class today.”

“Yep, although I already knew Tracey,” he said. “I wanted to ask if my friend Gary could sit in on class today? He wanted to see what the school was like.”

“No, I wanted to see what school could keep Ashy Boy here’s attention,” Gary chimed in.

“Heh, I can see that,” Kukui said. “Of course, he can sit in, I’ll have to grab a few more desks and chairs anyway, what’s one more.”

“Really?” Ash said. Kukui nodded. “Why, are we getting new students?”

“No, your classmates have found some new friends each and they want to show them around the island, some you might know, too. They wanted to show them what school is like here. Oh, and hey, did you pick up your Muk?"

“Yep,” Ash chirped. “Got him right here!” Ash patted his backpack which got him an annoyed chirp out of Rowlet as he flew out and landed on his hat and began to groom himself. Ash laughed at him as he grabbed Muk’s pokeball out of his backpack and showed it to Kukui.

“Wow Ash,” gasped out Tracey as he grabbed his sketchpad and a pencil from the bag hanging around his hip. “That’s a cool Pokémon, what his name?”

Ash puffed his chest out proudly as he grabbed Rowlet off his head and continued to groom him as Rowlet cooed and Ash replied to Tracey. “This is Rowlet! He’s a flying and grass type.”

Tracey’s pencil flew across the page in a flurry of scribbles. Gary looked at Ash as he shook his head and rolled his eyes fondly.

“You’ve got quite the artistic talent there, Tracey,” Kukui said as he admired Tracey’s rough sketch of Rowlet. Tracey hummed in acknowledgment.

“He sure does, doesn’t he,” Gary said. “That’s just how cool my boyfriend is.”

Kukui looked over at him slightly surprised before smiling.

“Only the best for you, right Gary? Although you better be treating Tracey right.” Ash said sternly.

“Of course I am!” Gary replied in a mock hurt voice, dramatically placing a hand on his chest and gasping. “How dare you even assume I’d treat my partner with anything other than the upmost respect, care, and love. I’m honestly appalled at your insinuation that I wouldn’t.”

Ash laughed at Gary’s dramatics and Tracey sighed and rolled his eyes, though he did smile and kiss Gary’s cheek. That effectively shut him up.

Kukui huffed a laugh at the trio. “You certainly are a fun bunch.” The three smiled, some more mischievous than others, before the door was opened and in walked Sophocles, who was trailed by a familiar trio to Ash.

“Guys?!”

“Ash?!”

Chapter Text

“Guys?!”

“Ash?!”

The two parties looked at each other in shock as they pointed. Ash’s mouth was hanging open as he stared at Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena, standing behind Sophocles.

“What are you doing here?” both groups exclaimed. Clemont took the initiative when they saw that no one else was going too.

“We’re here on vacation,” Clemont started. “The League is giving me a week’s time off before the next group of gym goers starts coming. Serena’s in the off season as well, so we decided to come here for some rest and relaxation. We met Sophocles-“

“Yeah,” Sophocles interrupted. “I saw Clemont’s awesome Apom-Arm and just had to ask about it.”

“They invited us to come sit in on their class today,” Serena finished. “So here we are. What are you doing here?”

“I’m going to school here,” Ash answered. “And going through the grand trials.”

“You’re going to school?” Bonnie asked. "Since when?"

Gary nodded his head solemnly, which made Tracey start to laugh. “That was exactly my question.”

Sophocles looked at them confused. Why would it be so weird for Ash to go to school? He was smart, in some ways, especially when it came to battling and Pokémon, and dedicated to his goals. And he knew a lot about Pokémon and other regions. It didn't seem to outlandish to Sophocles that he could be going to school, even if Ash had the tendency to not be able to sit still. It was a problem they had seen in Kiawe and Mallow, and Professor Kukui had always been accommodating. He had classes outside for them, and even gave them items to fidget with. Sophocles had used those often, and they found the items very helpful. They voiced their question, which got them a few odd looks.

“Ash has a level of wanderlust of which I have never encountered before,” Tracey answered. “He can’t stay in one place very long. It’s just surprising to see him doing exactly that.”

Everyone nodded their assent to that answer with fond glances at Ash as he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

Kukui clapped his hands suddenly. “Well, it’s nice to meet you three. We’re waiting on the other students to arrive before we can begin class. It seems Sophocles isn’t the only one who made some new friends today.”

The group conversed, Sophocles and Clemont gushing over the fact that they got to meet the Gary Oak, which made him preen. Ash was telling them off, saying he didn't need an even bigger head, before he had to step out when Litten popped out of his ball and ran off. Kukui and Sophocles laughed and the rest snickered as he stumbled his way out of the room in a rushed haste, half formed apologies spewing from his mouth and Pikachu chasing after him, Rowlet flying ahead. Not even five minutes later Mallow and Lana walked in, followed by three unfamiliar faces. Except to Gary and Tracey.

“Dawn!” Gary said as he stepped forward to greet the girl. Tracey smiled at her before going back to his Dedenne sketch, Bonnie letting him draw hers, as she ranted about the antenna pokémon. Said pokémon was standing in various poses and preening at the attention and compliments.

“Oh, hey Gary,” Dawn replied. “You in Alola for Professor Rowan or Oak?”

“Rowan. What are you doing here?”

“Oh, just off from contest season. Wanted to take a trip. Cynthia recommended Alola. Then I met Lana here.” She pointed to the mentioned girl who waved from her conversation with Mallow. "She has the coolest Popplio and the would do amazing in contests."

“That’s cool. Hey, who are those other guys?” Gary asks, pointing to Mallow and the two unidentified people.

“Oh, that’s Mallow, Lana’s friend, their in this class. And those two are some other people on vacation. Lana said Mallow met them at her family’s restaurant. They’re from Unova, met them there a while back. Their names are Iris and Cilan.”

Gary nodded and the two talked, Lana joining them as everyone started to get aquatinted with everyone else when a blonde girl rushed in, followed by two others.

“Am I late?” she huffed out. Kukui just laughed and replied in the negative. “Good. Also, look who I found guys!” She pointed to the people behind her in a dramatic gesture. Behind her was an out of breath Brock and a slightly more composed Misty.

Exclamations of “Brock!” and “Misty!” were made around the room. The pair looked up, smiled and waved, before Brock’s eyes found Dawns and Gary’s, while Misty’s found Tracey. Before anymore could be said, though, the sound of beating wings came from the open terrace of the classroom as Kiawe’s Charizard landed, but it did not carry its usual one passenger, but three.

Down stepped Kiawe, followed by a girl and another boy, looking to be siblings.

“Hey guys,” Kiawe said, oblivious to the looks on the other twos faces as they were met with people they hadn’t seen in some time. “Sorry I’m a little late. Met some new people, wanted to bring them to class. Put a damper on my delivery time.” He looked up from where he was detaching his bag from Charizards riding saddle. “Oh, hello new people. I’m Kiawe and this is- “

“May? Max?” Came from two points in the room. Dawn and Brock were staring and being stared at in turn by the Hoenn siblings.

Kiawe powered through the interruption. “I met them yesterday. They wanted to see what school was like in Alola after me and May had a battle. It was amazing and as fired up as Wela Volcano!”

“It was a pretty cool battle, Kiawe,” May said. “Is this your class? I didn’t know you went here Brock. Is this where you’re studying to be a Pokémon Doctor?”

“I was going to ask the same thing, May,” Dawn said. Barely heard was Brock’s quiet oh no, there’s two of them as they stared at him expectantly. Fortunately for him, Kukui clapped his hands together and got everyone’s attention.

“Alright everyone, we just have to wait for one more person to get here, and then we can get started. I think some introductions are in order though, so why don’t we- “

The door opened once more as Ash walked back in, softly scolding Litten in his arms, Rowlet letting out a mocking chirp from his perch on Ash’s head and Pikachu chittering on Ash’s shoulder. Litten was pouting before Ash relented and rubbed behind his ears and under his chin, Litten purring in return. Silence echoed throughout the room as Ash, eyes still on Litten, walked to his desk, apologizing for his lateness. Kukui just smiled fondly and turned back to the rest of the room, noticing the surprise on many of the guests faces.

“Alright guys,” he started as Ash finally settled in his seat and looked up, only to be stunned into silence. “We can get started on introductions- “

“Great, I think he should go first!” Iris exclaimed from her perch on Mallow’s desk, even though a chair had been provided for her. Their hand was waving avidly in the air, before pointing at Ash as they continued. “Y’know, since it been such a long time since we’ve seen each other, I think I need a refresher.”

Chapter Text

The quiet was palpable as Ash looked at the gathered people. Then questions resounded from all the occupants in the room, excluding Ash and Iris, ranging from “you know him too?” to “how do you know him?” to “what are you doing here?” and even a “what am I doing here?” (that one was layered with dread only a teacher could manage). Iris just basked in the chaos they had caused as questions were thrown around the room and Ash had sunk in his seat as a way to deflect the questions. Finally, Cilan had the sense to yell for order and everyone calmed a little, looking expectantly at each other for answers.

Kukui took the initiative. “Let’s just go through introductions, I’m sure that will clear most of this up. I’ll start! I’m Professor Kukui, he/him, and this class’s teacher. Now Tracey, why don’t you go next?”

Tracey nodded. “I’m Tracey, he/him, I work as an assistant for Professor Oak and am here to help with today’s lesson. I’m from the Orange Archipelago.” With his statement done, he looked expectantly at Gary, who caught the hint.

“I’m Gary, he/him, and I work as a research assistant for Professor Rowan and sometimes Gramps. I’m only here because my boyfriend and brother are here.” The last comment was said with a smirk. Odd looks were passed around the room as Brock rolled his eyes, obviously annoyed by the superior tone, which he made clear.

“We get it, Gary, you’ve known him forever, blah blah.” Gary’s smirk only grew wider as Ash groaned and Misty scoffed as she crossed her arms across her chest. Brock continued. “Just ignore him. I’m Brock, he/him, I’m the Pewter Gym leader in Kanto and I’m here on vacation.”

Misty continued the explanation that Brock seemed to have dropped in leu of glaring at Gary, who still had a superior lilt to his expression. “ I’m Misty, she/they, I’m the Cerulean Gym leader in Kanto and I’m here with Brock. We met the class when they came on a field trip to Kanto, so we got dragged here by Lillie when she saw us. We're happy to be here.” Brock nodded distractedly as Misty put an arm around his shoulders with a smile. He was still glaring at Gary and Gary seemed to revel in it.

There was a lull of silence before Iris, ever the extrovert, took over. “I’m Iris, she/they, the new Unova Champion" at this she shot a glance at Ash, smirk firmly in place "and I’m here on vacation, which just got a whole lot more interesting.”

Suddenly, Ash was standing, hands propped on his desk, leaning forward. “Since when were you Champion and why didn’t you tell me?” Ash exclaimed.

Iris stuck out her tongue, which Ash returned, before she started to taunt. “Hah, I’m Champion before you Ash, how does it feel?”

Ash was going to respond before Cilan interrupted, a knowing and resigned look on his face. “We’re not getting into this argument; it will go on forever. I’m Cilan, he/him, I’m a Pokémon Connoisseur in Unova and I’m traveling to do research and reviews on cuisine and Pokémon trainers alike in different regions, which is how I met Mallow and why I’m here now.”

“The foods great, right?” Dawn spoke up. “I thought it was exquisite when Lana brought me to Mallow’s restaurant last night. I’m Dawn, she/her, and I’m a Pokémon Coordinator in Sinnoh. It’s the down season, so I’m here for vacation.”

“I’m here for around the same reasons,” May popped in, smiling widely. “I’m May, they/she- “

“And I’m Max! He/him.”

“Yeah, you are. He's my little brother. We’re from the Hoenn region and I do Contests as well. I’m here for vacation, and he” May said with a pointed look, looking baffled “is here for ‘learning’ and ‘research’. Why he would want that, I have no idea.” That was followed by a shrug, and a glare from their brother, one that was obviously layered with fondness.

That comment drew a laugh out of Bonnie, which lead to all eyes being on her. “I’m Bonnie, she/her, I’m from Kalos and I’m here with my sibling and his girlfriend!”

Ash gave an excited yes, finally at that as Clemont and Serena both blushed furiously, eyes avoiding everyone and each other, as Clemont grabbed Bonnie by the shoulders and pulled her closer. “Ignore her, please,” Clemont rushed out. “She doesn’t have a filter. I’m Clemont, they/he, I’m the Lumiose Gym leader in Kalos, and I’m on vacation.”

“And I’m Serena! She/her please. I’m a Pokémon Performer, not to be confused with a Pokémon Coordinator. I’m here on vacation as well.”

With the guest introductions out of the way, the class took its turn.

“I’m Sophocles, they/them. I am an electric type trainer.”

“I’m Lana, she/her, I focus on water types.”

“I’m Mallow, they/she, I main in grass types.”

“I’m Kiawe, he/him, I train fire types that burn with the passion of Wela Volcano!”

“I’m Lillie, she/her, I don’t really major in any type specifically, but this is my partner Snowy.”

Which lead to Ash. Everyone looked at him expectantly.

Ash stood and, with a grin on his face, stated “I’m Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, he/him, and this is my partner Pikachu!”

Silence was once again a companion to the air, before it was broken by Misty, who gave an incredulous laugh.

“You still do that?” she asked. “The whole introduction thing, every time? You haven’t grown out of it?”

“Wait,” Clemont said, raising their hands in a pause motion. “How long has he been doing that?”

“It’s not that weird,” Ash grumbled, arms crossing his chest with a pout. Pikachu patted his shoulder consolingly, which got him a scratch under the chin.

“He’s been doing that since Kanto!” Misty exclaimed, raising their arms and throwing them out, almost nailing Brock in the face.

Suddenly, Lana slammed her hands onto her desk as she stood up. “Okay, how do you know Ash!?” She exclaimed loudly, startling a few people. “I am very, very confused right now.”

Clemont looked at her like she was insane, but answered, nonetheless. “Me, Serena, and Bonnie traveled with him in Kalos.”

She nodded, then looked around the room fiercely. “And the rest of you?” She asked suspiciously, straightening her stance as if trying to be intimidating.

Iris waved their arms widely. “I traveled with him and Cilan through Unova!” She exclaimed. “The little kid had no idea what he was doing.”

“I wasn’t a little kid,” Ash pouted petulantly, arms still crossed as Pikachu patted his arm once again.

“You are definitely a little kid,” Dawn said matter-of-factly, smiling all the while. “But there’s no need to worry. We’re the same age, so we can be little kids together.”

Ash beamed at her and stuck his tongue out at Iris, Dawn doing the same, only for Iris to return the gesture. Cilan shook his head fondly.

“I traveled with him and Brock through Sinnoh,” Dawn finished. Lana nodded at her, then turned her attention towards May and Max.

“Oh, you looking at us?” May asked, pointing a finger at themself and Max. Lana nodded expectantly. “Well, we traveled together through Hoenn with him and Brock. It's how I got into Contests.”

At this point all eyes were drawn to Brock. Mallow voiced their question first. “Just how long did you travel with Ash, Brock?” Mallow said. “Actually,” they turned to Ash. “How many regions have you traveled through?” Ash just shrugged, which Mallow pouted at.

“Too many,” Brock said, tiredly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I traveled with Ash from Kanto to Sinnoh, though I didn’t go with him and Misty through the Orange Islands. I don’t know how they survived without me.”

Misty scowled and crossed her arms at that. “Me and Ash can survive perfectly fine, thank you.”

Tracey gave a disbelieving look at that. “Really,” he said. “Because I believe that I helped you guys survive quite a bit. I mean, you guys almost got yourselves killed by a Gloom.” He stared at them as they looked at each other sheepishly.

“Oops,” they shrugged together.

“So, let me get this straight,” Sophocles said. “You’ve all traveled with Ash.” Nods throughout the room. “And you’re all here, completely by coincidence.” Nods are once again received. “And none of you find this the slightest bit weird?”

“Not really,” Dawn says with a shrug, receiving nods throughout the room. “Things like this just happen with Ash. We don’t question it anymore.”

That seemed to satisfy the class. They didn’t doubt that interesting things would have happened on Ash’s other journeys, he was Ash after all. He was enthusiastic and jumped headfirst into everything. He battled Tapu Koko during his first week in Alola for Arceus sake.

“Now that that’s all settled,” Iris said. “Ash, battle me!”

Ash startled but nodded enthusiastically as he rose out of his seat. Litten, who was still in his arms, perked up, as did Rowlet who had been dosing on Ash's head. Pikachu jumped from his shoulder and jumped up and down. That was as far as he got, though.

“No,” May interrupted. “He’s going to battle me first.”

“Actually,” Cilan said, causing Iris’s glare to move from May to him. “I haven’t had a tasteful battle in quite some time. I think I’d like to battle him first.”

Bickering broke out in the room, fighting to battle Ash first. Kukui looked at Ash, who rubbed his neck sheepishly as he mouthed an apology to the obviously overwhelmed professor.

“Well,” Kukui said, tapping a finger to his chin as he started to think. “I suppose we can arrange something. I was planning this lesson for later in the week, but I feel this opportunity is too good to pass up. Ash, could you come help me set some things up? You have the most experience in this.”

“Sure, Professor Kukui!” Ash nodded excitedly. Living with the professor gave him a lot of insight into lesson plans, and he was pretty sure he knew which one the professor was referring too. He couldn't be more excited.

Kukui turned to address the rest of the room, excited smile on his face now that he had decided. The rest of the room looked at him, silent questions in their eyes that would go unanswered for now. “You all should stay in here and get better aquatinted. I expect you will all behave?” He raised his eyebrow at this, and everyone nodded frantically, to excited at the prospect of a fun lesson to risk being on anything other than their best behavior. “Good, Tracey you’re in charge. I’ll call you all down when we have everything ready.”

With that, he beckoned Ash towards him and walked to the door. Opening it, he walked out, Ash following close behind, with Pikachu now on his shoulder, a muted conversation starting up, as everyone watched them leave, curious eyes following until the door swung shut and closed with a soft click.

Chapter Text

The silence that had settled in the room was shattered by Mallow. “So, all of you have traveled?” they asked. “What’s it like?”

Voices erupted throughout the room, people talking over each other as they all tried to be heard, each detailing all the adventures they had had. The overlapping voices were muddled, and no one could quite understand what anyone was saying, but interesting words and names were being dropped. The class stood there confused and utterly baffled. None of them knew who to focus on or where to look. Tracey and Brock, who now stood together to avoid flying hands, looked at each other in exasperation before Tracey let out a shrill whistle, quieting the room instantly. He looked around the room and observed them all.

“That was a mess and a half,” Tracey said. “You don’t all need to talk over each other, we can do this in an orderly fashion. I don’t think they understood any of that anyway.” A look at the class told the others that they did indeed confuse them greatly. Apologetic looks were exchanged throughout the room.

“Sorry about that, guys,” May said. “I just love talking about traveling. It’s so exciting and you meet so many new people.”

“Yeah, right!” Dawn exclaimed. “I even met my partner on the road! Their a really talented coordinator as well. It really is such a fun experience. I think everyone should get the chance to travel at least one time in their life.”

Nods of agreement were shared around the room, as the class listened in rapt attention.

“Yeah, but how did you know when you should travel?” Lana broke in. She was extremely curious. She had always dreamed of travelling around with Popplio and seeing new people. She had asked Ash about travelling once and his words had made her even more anxious to start her own journey, but no time ever seemed right to leave. She loved her siblings and her parents, she didn't want to leave them for too long a stretch of time, but going to Kanto had been a wonderful experience.

“Well,” Iris started. “I only started travelling because of the elder. She gave me Axew and sent us on our way. We met Ash not long after, and that was that.”

“See, for me, I turned 10 and that’s the expected age for journeys to start,” Dawn said. “It’s the year you can get your starter, and I really wanted to be a coordinator like my mom. Meeting Piplup and then Ash and Brock really solidified me though. I don’t think I could have done it alone.”

Lana nodded along, eating up the words, when Misty spoke up.

“I had never really planned on travelling to be honest,” they said. “I was apart of a gym and all I really wanted to do was fish and catch more water types, so I could become a better gym leader. I only realized a journey would be beneficial when I had to chase down Ash for destroying my bike. Going back to Cerulean with him, I learned more than I had in years.” She laughed and rubbed the back of her neck. “Travelling really helped me grow as a trainer, and I’m grateful I did.”

“That makes sense,” Clemont said. “I had been in an…awkward situation. I had something happen at my gym,  which made me unable to be the leader for a while.” Looks were thrown around the room, which Clemont ignored as Bonnie and Serena snickered beside them. “A journey was really a way for me to grow at the time, plus Bonnie had been begging to go on one forever and I’m not very good at saying no to her. Ash just sped up the process.”

May laughed at this. They ruffled Max’s hair before grinning as they started to talk. “Max wanted to journey more than I did. I turned 10 and if I’m honest, I had no clue why I would even journey, I didn’t want to do the league and I hadn’t known about coordinators yet. Max encouraged me to at least get my starter, which I’m glad I did. I saw my first contest and I knew what I wanted to do instantly after that, but at 10 I did not want to travel.”

Everyone laughed as Max stuck his tongue out at his sibling, before pouting, even as the class turned their words over in their minds. One thing was confusing most of them.

“You said you left at 10,” Lillie started, a contemplating look on her face. “That seems awfully young, especially if your expected to travel alone.”

She received some odd looks, but Brock explained. “10 has always been the starting age, at least in Kanto. Most kids start their journeys then too, although some just receive starters if they don’t want to travel yet.”

Sophocles raised their hand abruptly, which startled Serena beside them. Clemont laughed as Brock nodded at them with a slight smile. “What about school?”

“We don’t have to continue school if we don’t want to,” Gary said. “School is more like a suggestion. If you can read and do basic math, you’re all good.”

The class stared, dumbfounded. To them that seemed outlandish. School had always been a staple piece in their lives, it seemed off to think about not having to go to school.

“Speaking of school,” Iris said. “This one seems like fun. It’s not like any school I’ve ever seen, but then again, I haven’t been to many schools.”

“That is true,” Misty stated, tapping a finger to her chin. The look on her face was thoughtful. “I haven’t been to a school like this either. I visited a few when travelling, and there was this one pompous one that was almost the exact opposite of this. They were very strict in everything and not as open as this. Even more normal schools I’ve seen are much different.”

The class was confused. This is how class had always been. It was open and fun, exciting and interesting. They learned all types of things, rather it be about pokémon or other regions or even the all-times dreaded math. No matter what the were learning, Professor Kukui made it exciting, and he kept their attention, even the all-times jittery Lana, and most of the time he was able to keep up with all of Lillie’s and Sophocles questions. The idea that all schools weren’t like this baffled them. It didn’t make any sense to them.

“This is how school has always been,” Kiawe said, communicating what the class was thinking. “It’s never been very strict, and it’s always fun. Like I hate History class, but Professor Kukui can even make that fun.”

“And he accommodates all of our needs,” Lana adds. “When I’m feeling especially jittery, we can have class outside. It's always nice to sit and the sun, and he can still teach the lesson. He never limits us.”

“When I feel overwhelmed,” Lille starts. “He makes it a quiet day in class. He’s never too strict with us either. I can’t imagine a school as strict as you guys are suggesting. It sounds stressful and not very informative. He helps us learn through hands on stuff. It doesn't sound like those schools would give you that.”

Gary nodded thoughtfully. “If school had been like that when I was younger, I probably would have stayed in school. But I would never regret travelling when I got the chance. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I met a lot of people and found a career I love through it, as well as a boyfriend I adore." He sent a wink towards Tracey, who rolled his eyes, regardless of the slight blush covering his cheeks. Gary turned back to everyone else. "I would definitely recommend travelling if you ever get the chance.”

Everyone nodded at that. Many of them agreed with Gary’s statement, travelling had led to lifelong friendships and memories they would never replace for most of them. At that point Mallow asked about other things they had done while travelling, which set Cilan off on talking about all the cuisine he had tried. Everyone broke off into different conversations for a few minutes before Kukui poked his head in, smiling.

“Hey guys,” he said, walking into the room fully. He put his hands on his hips as he beamed at the group of teens and young adults. “We have the lesson all set up, so come on down. I’m real excited about this!”

With that, he led the group out of the classroom and down into the courtyard, where a battle ground was shaped out, Ash standing in the middle, smile bright on his face.

“Welcome,” Kukui said with a smirk as he spread his arms wide, motioning to the court. “To the league lesson.”

Chapter Text

Ash smiled brightly as everyone came onto the field. He was so hyped! When Kukui had brought him down here to get his help, Ash was immediately tasked with setting his friends up against each other. Kukui’s reasoning? Ash knew most of these people better than he did, and as such knew their battling styles better. So as Kukui prepared the field, Ash took to making out a bracket for the battles. After a few minutes of working, Kukui spoke up.

“Hey Ash.”

“Yeah,” he responded distractedly.

“Should I bring out the Pokémon PC?”

Ash thought that over, before a smile formed on his face as he looked back down at the paper he was using. “Yes, you absolutely should. I wouldn’t mind using it as well, and I don’t think Gary brought many of his battling pokémon with him, y’know.”

“Good call,” Kukui said. “I’ll go get that and then we should be good!”

Kukui ran off to get the PC as Ash finished the starting bracket. He wanted to make sure that everyone could have fun, especially knowing that most of his friends were professional battlers. It made for some unique matchups. Once that was completed and Kukui had returned with the PC in hand, he went to gather everyone as Ash took to organizing his pokémon. Now here they are, a group of teenagers and young adults walking in a group toward the field, chattering excitedly.

Kukui gestured widely as he said, “Welcome to the league lesson.”

The class rolled their eyes at the dramatics, but even they couldn’t keep the excited smiles off their faces, or the burning determination from their eyes. Everyone was in a tizzy of excitement, checking their bags and belts for pokéballs, and Ash laughed brightly at his friends’ antics as he walked towards the group.

Kukui landed a warm hand on Ash’s shoulder while he spoke. “I had Ash here draft up a bracket for us so we can all battle. It will work like a normal league event, starting with one pokémon per person and ending with a finale of three pokémon per person.” He rubbed the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly. “Originally I had planned this for later on in the week, but with so many battlers around us today, I figured this would be better suited for today.”

With that he gestured to the battle ground as he took the paper Ash offered to him. “And it seems that first up is Misty vs. Serena!” The exclamation led to a few groans and grumbles of disappointment from others, but they all obligingly went to the sidelines as Misty and Serena looked at each other with smiles. “Just wanted to mention guys, I do have a PC if any of you need to exchange or grab any pokémon. If not, then let’s get this started.”

With that Misty and Serena walked to opposite sides of the field, a pokéball each in hand. Tension could be felt from each side, but it wasn’t suffocating. Kukui took place at the middle of the line circling the field as he called out the rules. “This is a one-on-one battle, no substitutions. I want a clean fight, okay. Start!”

With that call, a beam of light was released from each pokéball as a Psyduck and Braixen appeared on the field in front of their respective trainers. They stayed like that for a second before Misty called out for Psyduck to use water gun. Psyduck did so, but Braixen dodged at Serena’s command and returned with a flamethrower followed with a scratch as she got closer to Psyduck. The flamethrower hit, though not doing much damage, Ash noticed, and Psyduck just barely managed to dodge the scratch as Misty called for another water gun.

This one hit point blank, pushing Braixen back as both pokémon breathed heavily. Serena called for a hidden power, which Braixen supplied, and Ash watched as Psyduck was hit again. Psyduck stood there for a moment before suddenly wailing as he grabbed his head. Ash saw as a smirk lit up Misty’s face.

“Psyduck, use Confusion,” she called loudly as purple energy was released from Psyduck and hit Braixen dead on. There was a strangled shout from Braixen as she fell over, eyes spiraled, obviously unconscious. Rotomdex flew over to look at her before nodding at Kukui.

“And the match goes to Misty,” he called as the trainers recalled their pokémon after congratulating or comforting them. They walked over to join the rest of the group talking to each other all the while.

“That was a good battle,” Serena said. “I would love to do it again!”

“Heck yeah,” Misty exclaimed.

“That’s the type of sportsmanship I want to see,” Kukui said as he watched the two. “Now next up we have Ash vs. Gary. You guys ready?”

"Just a second," Gary said, as he walked over to the PC. He pressed a few buttons before reaching in and grabbing a pokéball. "I had no clue we'd be battling, so I had to grab different pokémon." He continued to his side of the field as Ash did the same, tossing the ball idly in his hand, as he faced of with Ash.

Ash was considering what pokémon to use. Gary had a look on his face that spelled out smugness with a hint of trouble on the side. Ash smirked as well because he wouldn’t make this easy either. Facing each other, Kukui called the start of the battle, and both released their pokémon. Blastoise stands in front of Gary looking just as smug as his trainer as Rowlet chirps from the air, looking drowsy as ever. Ash looks at Gary, sizing him up. He knows it has been a while since they had battled but he can’t help but be excited. This was his best friend, brother in all but blood, and he’s about to battle once again for the first time in a long time. A wild smile lit up his face, one matched by Gary, as both called their first attack moves.

Rowlet moves with amazing speed as Blastoise let out a hydropump. The dodge is turned straight into a dive as Rowlet barrels towards Blastoise in a tackle, which was only barely avoided. What Blastoise didn’t account for is Rowlet swiveling his head to release a seed bomb as instructed before he pulls out of the dive and climbs higher into the air. Blastoise stumbles forward as the seed hits him in the back, before looking up at the flying type.

“Hydropump again!” Gary called. The order was followed as Blastoise let out another powerful hydropump. Rowlet once again flew out of reach, taunting the water type by staying just out of reach before he let out a leafage at Ash’s order. The attack hit clear; damage being done to Blastoise in great deal, but suddenly Rowlet started to sink in the air, eyes drooping, before popping open again. Gary took this as an opportunity to call for a hydro cannon, which landed, bringing Rowlet down closer.

This certainly seemed to wake the pokémon up though, as he shot off when Ash called for another tackle, putting the water type off-balance, falling onto his back.

“Seed bomb, one more time!” Ash called with a flourish, pointing his hand out towards his pokémon. Rowlet let out one more seed bomb and Blastoise could do nothing to dodge. As the pokémon fell unconscious, Ash and Rowlet let out an excited cry as one as the battle was called to an end by Kukui.

“That was a great battle, you two!” Kukui exclaimed brightly. Ash smile at Gary as they shook hands after they had recalled their respective pokémon. As they walked towards the rest of the group, Ash couldn’t help but think that this was going to be a good day.

Chapter Text

The group was in a flurry of excitement as the battles continued. When Tracey was called up, he reluctantly walked to one side of the field. Ash knew that battles were never much his style, its why he had paired him with Lillie. Tracey palmed his pokéball as Lillie encouraged Snowy to go out onto the field.

“Alright, let’s have another clean battle! And start!” Kukui exclaimed. Tracey threw his pokeball into the air and Scyther popped out, gliding down to the ground from where she had appeared in the air. Snowy looked at the bug type, nervousness swimming in her eyes.

“Alright Snowy let’s do this! Use hail!” Lillie called. Snowy called out as the air grew colder. Ash could see Tracey shiver as hail began to rain from the sky, battering Scyther as it did. They dual type pokémon didn’t let that shake her though as she took off towards the ice type, a double team blurring her as she did. Tracey called from a fury cutter, which was deftly dodged by Snowy.

“Powder snow!” Lillie exclaimed. Snowy let out a powder snow, clipping Scyther. Even so, she returned with a bug bite, hitting Snowy dead on.

“Good job, Scyther, now keep going with aerial ace!” exclaimed Tracey. The speedy bug type went to carry out the command, when a particular piece of hail hit her on the arm, taking her off balance so that the ice type could get away. Lillie called for an aurora beam, which Snowy obliged to, hitting Scyther right on. The flying type stumbled back, giving Snowy enough time to run up with a powerful tackle, knocking her on the ground. Snowy bounced back and looked at her opponent. Scyther had yet to get up, hail still raining down, but slowing as the battle ran on. Rotomdex went to inspect the flying type, the pokémon clearly down.

“That’s the match!” exclaimed Kukui. “Good job both of you!” Ash watched Lillie’s beaming face as she ran up to Mallow, bouncing on the heels of her feet, obviously enthused about her win. Mallow was smiling just as brightly as she listened to the girl. Tracey walked over to where Ash was standing with Gary.
“You did great, Tracey!” Ash said brightly.

“Thanks, Ash. But I think I’ll leave the battling to you and Gary.” Tracey returned. With that, they turned to watch as Iris and Dawn walked onto the field, both beaming with determination.

The battle was just as eventful, Piplup putting up a valiant effort against Emolga. But as the electric pokémon flew through the air, giving one last discharge, Piplup fainted. Dawn took the loss gracefully as she recalled Piplup, Emolga cheering in the sky as she flew over to Iris, who was just the same.

And so, the battles went. May and Mallow met on the battlefield, both fighting with spirit and grace. May won, smiling all the while as Beautifly used one more gust move and took out Tsareena. Brock then went up against Sophocles, the electric user being no match against the might of the rock type trainer they were up against. Sophocles didn’t seem mad, as they admitted that battling wasn’t quite their thing.

Lana battled Cilan, who had nothing but good words to say when all was said and done. Popplio gave a good effort, but Pansage was much too experienced. And then, by far a most riveting battle took place between Kiawe and Clemont. Luxray battled efficiently, as did her trainer, but the force of Turdinator combined with Kiawe’s battle instincts led to a victory for the fire specialist, as close as the battle was.

And that was the first bracket done. Everyone was alight with enthusiasm and adrenaline. The class gets it, battling is enticing, addicting. There was nothing better than feeling that connection with your pokémon. And then the next bracket started.

It started with Ash and Misty stepping out onto the field. Pikachu was raring for a fight as Kukui called the match to a start. Misty was just as excited as she let out Starmie. The battle was intense, competitive, nothing like the class had ever seen. Even compared to the time they had gone to Kanto; this was a battle where no one was messing around. As Pikachu let out one final thunderbolt and Starmie fainted, the class was in awe. This was true battling.

Lillie ended up resigning from battling again, considering Snowy was very tired and her only pokémon. Iris took this with grace, as secretly, she was not looking forward to battling the ice type. With that resolved, May and Brock stepped out onto the field instead. As Onix roared out a challenge, Glaceon returned in kind. And the battle began. And it was magnificent. Glaceon moved with the grace only a contest pokémon could. She darted around Onix, the behemoth not able to keep up. But even so, it landed a few good hits before eventually falling to the ice type. Brock smiled as May celebrated her win with Glaceon.

And here the class started to realize.

“Mallow?” Sophocles piped up quietly as they watched Kiawe and Cilan approach the field. Mallow looks over to them as Kiawe releases Marowak and Cilan releases Stunfisk.

“Yeah, Sophocles?”

“Is this…is this real battling? I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“I know right!” Lana exclaimed, leaning up against Mallow. “And I thought that grand trials and battle royales were intense.”

They all watch as Stunfisk took one more attack on Marowak and he went down. Cilan bowed with a flourish as Kiawe recalled Marowak. They shook hands as they walked off the field, before Kiawe rejoined the rest of the class.

“That was one of the most exciting battles I’ve ever had,” Kiawe stated, before turning back to the field to watch as Ash and Iris both skipped onto the field.

Excadrill popped out of her ball as Litten let out a few flames. They all watched as Ash battled with a new vigor. This is a side they had never seen from him. They knew he was an experience battler, but this was unexpected. Litten was more enthused than usual, and it showed. The fire type raced around the steel type, giving no chance for attack. And that was that, with one more Ember, Excadrill was down. Litten cheered, then jumped into Ash’s arms to receive pets as Iris recalled Excadrill with a put out look on her face.

“Better than I expected from a little kid,” she called out across the field. Ash just poked his tongue out at her again, before returning to Gary.

And the class pondered as May and Cilan took the field. They pondered what they knew about Ash. How Ash acted so…childish sometimes yet could take down an opponent with grace and skill, never hesitating. It didn’t line up with what they knew of him, but at the same time, seemed so entirely Ash that they had no other choice to accept it. As May’s Blaziken took the final blow to Cilan’s Crustle, the class came to one conclusion. Ash was Ash and they wouldn’t have him any other way.

At that, they all settled down to watch the last battle between May and Ash. Cheers started up from the combined trainers, some yelling for Ash others for May. The class joined in, whooping in excitement as Ash let Lycanroc out of his ball. May let out Munchlax and the battle began. And what a battle it was. As much as the ‘mon didn’t look it, Munchlax could battle, and battle she did. But Lycanroc was just as good, better even, as it nimbly dodged attacks left and right. The rock type wouldn’t relent, but neither would the normal type as both went at it, attacks missing and landing in kind. But as well as both battlers were battling, there had to a winner, and that winner was Ash, not nobodies surprise. Lycanroc was panting with strain as Munchlax went down, but his tail was wagging assuredly as Ash let out a whoop and ran up to hug him.

As May and Ash returned to the group, one thought was going through everyone’s mind: that was one hell of a lesson.