Return of the defeated (on hold)

/Part 14/

He remembered feeling something that seemed almost familiar but out of place during the battle. He hadn't told May but he'd felt this, feeling for a lack of a better word a few times since they'd left Pallet Town. He always docked it up to nerves or excitement of a battle, so he'd just write it off as nothing. Ash had asked Lucario if he'd felt anything odd during the battle, he said he hadn't as he was watching the battle intently.

Ash pushed the thoughts aside, he decided he'd keep an eye out and focus the next time he felt it again. Once he was changed he stepped back into the room and seen May was dressed waiting for him by the door.

She smiled at him, "Ready to go?"

"With you, I'll go anywhere." He said with a grin, causing a small blush to form on her cheeks. The couple held hands as they head to the training area, once the got outside they let their pokemon out. they gave them training instructions before the pair began exercising together.

Unbeknownst to them a lone figure stood on a small hill a ways off watching them, he wore an unreadable expression. He watched them for a moment before stepping away out of sight from anyone before reaching into his pocket. When his hand emerged he had an old rough looking pokegear in his hand. The stranger flipped it open and scrolled through the very short list of numbers, his lips curved into small grin when he found the number he wanted. Pressing on it he listened to the ringing waiting for an answer on the other end.

Away in Vermillion City a huge bulky man with spiky yellow hair sat behind his desk going through some papers enjoy his morning coffee. He was taken slightly off guard at the phone ringing so early in the morning. Reaching over he picked it up and answered.

"Vermillion City gym, this Lieutenant Surge speaking how may I help you?"

The stranger smiled at hearing an old familiar voice, "Its been awhile since I last heard you speak old friend. I'm glad I was able to get ahold of you."

"Sorry but who is this?" The electric gym leader asked.

"I'm an old friend, I'm not surprised you don't recognize my voice, but for now my name isn't super important."

"Well then, friend what can I do you for you?" The Lieutenant asked, racking his brain trying to place the voice. He was a little leery of the man on the other end of the call, he didn't like not knowing who was talking to.

"I understand if you're a bit apprehensive talking to me, seeing how you're at a slight disadvantage. I have a favor to ask of you, it involves a trainer whom you've dealt with in the past and you'll be seeing again shortly." The man said.

Surge thought for a moment, "You mean Ash Ketchum. What does he have anything to do with you?"

"Let's say I'm interested in his future and I will eventually have the pleasure of battling with him before the league." Was the man's answer.

A metaphorical light went off in Surge's mind, "You're the new Viridian Gym leader, that's why I know your voice. Granted we only spoke on a conference call before the season began."

The man gave a small chuckle, "I see time hasn't dulled your mind at all. Now back to the favor, I'm sure you're well aware of how young Mr. Ketchum vanished for five years to train. His hope was to become stronger than ever and win the leagues, but there is a small problem. I've witnessed his last two gym battles and they seemed a bit lacking." The man paused letting the info sink in for the electric gym leader, "I'm not sure if its because they're his friends or if he's holding back for some other reason. He has definitely shown improvement, but not what you'd expect from all those years of constant training."