I finished my story as I looked up. Catching Silver's tear-filled eye, he stood up and ran over, giving me a hug. I hugged him back, a small smile on my face. Flame's growl at the entrance sent everyone into a panic as they surrounded me protectively. I heard low growls and then the thumping steps of Flame and another, though slightly smaller, dragon. The dragon was primarily yellow with a yellow-ish/tan underbelly, she had a small horn atop her head, and blue eyes that reminded me of Serena's. She also had a messenger bag hanging off one shoulder, which must have very important packages inside, for the messenger was a Dragonite.

She grunted and handed me a crisp letter. I gave her a grin, which she nodded to in return, before walking out the door, spreading her wings, and taking flight. I turned the letter over to find the official Pokémon league stamp sealing the envelope shut. I gave my Pokémon an exasperated look and they grunted in return. I sliced open the seal, and a letter fell out.

I flipped open the letter, the silence hanging in the air like a feather in the wind.

I contemplated my options, I chuckled. "Guess I should tell the gang huh?" Storm nodded. I grabbed our signature symbol, a Pikachu tail themed stamp and sunk it onto the paper. I tapped a ornament on my bracelet and returned almost all my Pokémon and resealed the letter back into the envelope.  Red offered to fly me, but I shook my head and looked up. Getting the message, she picked up something that was hiding in the corner and flew into the sky. I stepped out of the door, the frost again nipping my nose, and hiked down the mountain to an inn hidden in the shadow of the mountain.

Throwing open a door, I stepped into a cozy cabin-like lobby. Bursts of sound and explosions came from the left, and I followed the sounds, opening the door to a battle between Supporter, Ritchie, and a brunette, I stalked over to where Rocker, Jimmy, was currently hiding. The door clicked shut as I reached the seat across from him. A waiter scrambled over with the usual: orange, apple, and cinnamon tea. Before I could even take a sip, the door of the battlefield and bar slammed open, revealing a flushed group of five.

I recognized each immediately. A girl with white blonde hair clutched a white bag, slightly crusted with dirt, to her chest tightly, and a pudgy orange haired boy with round black eyes lay on the ground panting. A black man with red streaks in his coal black hair crossed his arms and surveyed the room while a girl with a short green pixie cut leant on his shoulder, chest heaving. A girl with long blue hair flowing down her back in a high ponytail pet a small blue Pokémon with white and pink frills around its waist. A sheen of sweat gleamed on her forhead.

(The group[in order by description]:)

When the dark haired boy noticed the battle ending he announced, "Is there anyone here who can help us?"

Ritchie stared at him, seemingly contemplating speaking up, but the bartender interrupted. "With what, boy?" The group's eyes found his. "Don't bother the Nintendo Inn for simplistic needs."

"They're NOT simplistic!" He raged, his voice shaking the room.

"Then what do you need?" My own voice was quiet, but everyone heard me. He startled, his arms loosening a bit before clenching tighter. 

"We're trying to recruit people to fight in Ash Ketchum's honor. We're fighting at the Island Convention for him." He voice was stern, no hint of hesitation or stammering.

"Ash Ketchum?" 

"That b@st@rd?" 

"He's the one who cheated the Kalos league with a drugged Greninja right?" 

"Oh yeah, I heard he mistreated his role as a trainer and abused his Pokémon to such lengths that it almost killed them."

My grip on my teacup tightened. My hands quivered and body shook. "I will support Ash Ketchum."

My gaze flicked upwards to find Jimmy's. He winked. "I mean, Ash Ketchum can't be that bad." A flicker of warmth heated up in my chest. Ritchie stood.

"I've always supported him, but I won't without Leader's consent." Jimmy nodded. The group stared at each other in confusion, but everyone in the inn watched me.

I took a sip of my tea, my eyes fluttering closed. "What's in it for my gang?"

"G-gang?" The white blonde stammered. "Y-you guys a-aren't criminals... Right?"

Jimmy scoffed, "Sure, just 'cause he's wearing black, doesn't mean he's evil. In fact, some villains wear particularly bright clothing." She shut up at that. "He's Leader, and we listen to him because he's earned our respect."

I glance around. "Where's Trainer and Rosarade?" They sigh. "What?"

"3..." They stare at me. "2..." I raise an eyebrow, unsure of where this is going. "1..." They turn to the door as it bursts open.

"Sorry I'm late Leader!" A small brunette girl, around the age of 12 enters the room. "Trainer was taking his precious time waiting for Gold!" At that moment, a boy, about 14 years old, sprints in at abnormal speed.

"That's not true!" He shouted, "You were smelling the flowers at the Cliff!" He brushed red hair with black highlights out of his eyes. "Gold has nothing to do with this."

"That's enough." They both turn bashfully. "We have guests." 

Rosarade blushed profusely and bowed in apology. "Gomensai!"

Trainer just scratched his neck and yawned. "Yo, name's Trainer, this is Gold." He gestured to his shoulder.

"Pika-pi-chu!" A Pikachu with bumps on its tail appeared on his shoulder.

"I'm Rosarade and this is Pikapi!" [Get the reference?] The girl announced cheerfully.  A miniscule Pikachu popped out of the bag slung over her shoulder.

"Pika!" She chirped.

(Rosarade:)

(Pikapi:)

(Trainer:)

(Gold:)

"What do you think of Ash Ketchum?" I asked them. "Don't bother anyone else, you can whisper in my ear if you're uncomfortable."

Rosarade shouted, "Embarrassed?!" She shook her head. "Never! I look up to him like a big brother, I would always try to be by his side!"

"She knows him?"

"A girl in a gang like that knows a criminal like him?"

"Personally, he was a little over the top when we met, but I understood him. I stand by his honor too."

The coal haired boy looked at me, "Your friends agree, what about you?"

I shrug. "Ash isn't anyone special. So what? He saved the world couple of times, no big deal. Anyone could have done it. He just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

The gang saw my look and played along. "I guess you're right..." They chorused.

"Nonsense! My name is Kiawe and Ash Ketchum gave me the best battle I, a fire trial captain, have ever had!" He bursts.

"My name Mallow and Ash taught me to stay strong and never give up!" She shouts from Kiawe's arm.

My name is Lana, and I am the water trail captain. I support Ash." She pumps her fist.

"My name is Lillie and I am the secretary of Soph Tech! Ash helped me get along with Pokémon! I can never repay him for that!" Lillie states.

"My name is Sophocles and I am the owner and founder of Soph Tech..." He moans from the floor. "Just fncking support him people. D@mn your inn is far."

"Should we support him?" Rosarade quiet question hung in the air, as if suspended on a string.

"He seems kind of like any other trainer that wants something."

For the third time that day, the doors burst open. "Is this the Nintendo Inn?!"

The bartender growled. "We ain't got anytime for your antics boy! We have enough trouble as it is."

"Sorry, but..." He revealed a badge on the interlinings of his jacket. "I'm from the International Pokémon Police Department, Officer Kaden Bisscoff. "

"That guy looks serious...."

"Isn't he the guy who helped arrest Ash Ketchum's associates 3 years ago?"

I stiffened. That means that...

At that moment I watched them walk in...