Squad Collab Book

Blake: Sinnoh.

Max and Gary stood at the front as they approached the cold region. Ash stretched as the other two joined them.

~

Upon docking, the group went looking for the professor. Upon arriving, Ash grabbed the Fire type as it tried to escape.

"Chimchar!" The Fire type whined as the group of four went over. "Thank you. Such bad habits."

~

Ash took Chimchar alongside his Togetic (who had joined them to travel north) and Pikachu. They headed off before hearing chuckling.

"Oh look at that weakly." Ash halted his movements as the others went to investigate. They went over as a group pushed a purple haired kid down. "Just go back to Velstone. Or the hospital. Both seem to work for you." The kid practically fought his way to his feet. Instead of crossing the group, they ran off, stumbling as they did. "Loser." The trio gulped as Gary looked back, watching the rage fill Ash's face. Oh, someone was pissed.

~

They sadly weren't able to find the kid right away, so they made it their goal to find him later. In the meantime, they made their way through the league.

Roark wasn't too bad. Ash had to cheat a little to get the upper hand, but when looking at Gary, he was just glad there wasn't any frustration.

Gardenia barely had a fight with either of them. Chimchar enjoyed having a chance to beat something while Gary promised he didn't use Arcanine. (He didn't. He used Umbreon instead.)

~

Upon arriving in Velstone, they finally found the kid. Maylene, the gym leader, was with them at the center. A small Turtwig rested beside its trainer as they took shallow breaths. She spoke to them outside the room since the kid needed the rest.

"I feel bad for him. He fights so hard to just have a dream that he ends up like this." The kid, who they learned was called Paul, eventually stirred as his pokemon adjusted. She sighed. "Those kids are everywhere too. I've had to let him sleep at my place because he doesn't trust his place." Ash twitched at that. One shouldn't feel unsafe at their home.

They were able to talk to him after he recovered. He silently thanked James for the offered food as he smiled.

"I'm alright... I just have to stay on my feet." Gary frowned as Ash slipped away.

"We watched what happened outside of Jubilife City. Are you sure?" Paul nodded as he finished the food.

"Just tired... I need to stop collapsing." Max hummed.

"I think he meant the kids." Paul's head dipped.

"Oh... those guys... If that's what you mean, then I actually don't know. I thought I could handle them... but over the years, it's been getting harder." He laid back down and trembled. "I'll figure it out... I'll figure it out..." Gary frowned.

"We could help-" He paused as Paul turned over, still shaking as he continued to murmur the same sentence. The other two glanced at him as he sighed.

Meanwhile, Ash watched the group as they arrived at Velstone. Not this time.

~

While Gary fought Maylene, Ash intercepted the group after Paul was released from the Clinic.

"Oh lookie here!" Paul tried to ignore the blue haired girl before she shoved him down. "Don't ignore us, weakling!" Pikachu got in between them as Ash called out.

"Leave him alone." The group turned as Pikachu stood guard over the trembling boy.

"Oh? And what are you going to do?" Hearing Gary call out signaled he had finished his fight. Ash stayed quiet for a moment before speaking.