Pokemon: I Fall Apart

Ch 18 Sycamore Lab

Professor Sycamore was just making himself busy when he heard the doors opening and began mentally preparing himself for greeting a new trainer. "Welcome to my lab! I'm sure you already know but for formality's sake, my name is-Ash?! What on earth happened to you?!"

The so-called new trainer was actually none other than the Pallet town native himself. Although the reason for the shock is because of the raven haired youth's unusual sickly complexion. "No offense young man but you look horrible! I hope your flight wasn't that bad!"

Resisting the urge to puke on the older man's floor, Ash just settled for a weak thumbs up in response. Behind him, Pikachu's head was poking out of the raven haired youth's backpack. The small rodent was unfortunately passed out. "Urp. The flight was fine actually. I can't say the same for some of my fans at the airport though..."

Nodding in understanding, the much older male sent the young trainer before him a sympathetic look to his current plight. "Ah yes, fame indeed is a heavy burden Ash. I know how you feel. Even now that I have Sophie with me, some fans just don't know when to give up."

Coughing a bit, the raven haired youth just wanted to get some things over with. "No offense professor Sycamore, I just want to get down to business. This day has been crazy enough."

Letting out at a jovial laugh, said researcher couldn't help but wipe a single tear away from his eye. Seeing Ash's disheveled state sure brought back memories. Only now he understood how funny it was when he's not the victim for once. "None taken Ash. I can only imagine what you've went through. Anyway, I'd be more than glad to update your Pokedex!"

Ash then sent a small smile of gratitude to the professor as he handed over the Sinnohdex. "Thanks professor, I appreciate this."

-(scene change)-

A few keystrokes later by said researcher, the complicated looking machine in Sycamore's lab was finally done with its duties and presented the new and improved piece of machinery to the raven haired youth. "Aaand done! One Kalos Pokedex to go! Here you go Ash!"

Seemingly recovered for now, Ash beamed in excitement as he started inspecting the latest upgrade to his electronic encyclopedia. "Sweet! Now all that's left for me to do is register for the Kalos league and challenge the nearest gym leader here! I can't wait!"

The much older male then scratched his chin in a pondering manner before suddenly raising one finger up into the air. "Then how about the Santalune gym for starters? I'm afraid the Lumiose gym has a strict four gym badges and above rule. Champion or not, it'd be pretty hard to convince him otherwise."

Raising a single eyebrow, the raven haired youth couldn't help but scratch his head in confusion and slight disappointment. "Well it's not like I don't understand. Every gym has their own rules but what's his reason?"

Smiling a bit, professor Sycamore was more than glad to elaborate. "Clemont made this rule since he's usually so busy inventing for the city. A lot of people rely on his technical know-how so it makes sense he's also the head of the technological innovations department. With a position like that, he can't unfortunately answer gym battles that often hence the rule he made."

Ash couldn't help but gasp in awe as he switched his gaze to an open window that showed the Lumiose tower in the distance. "Woah...So he's like Volkner from Sinnoh then? But not as lazy!"

The male researcher laughed a bit from the young man's somewhat accurate comparison. "Ahaha. Yes I suppose so. Although he's not as old as Volkner, Clemont is just as passionate about battling and inventing as well."

Hearing this, the raven haired youth can't help but pump his fist in excitement at the prospect of a challenging opponent in the near future. "Wow, he sounds pretty cool! I can't wait to fight him in the future!"

The pride of Pallet town then shouldered his green backpack as he sent another grin to the older male before making his exit. Right behind him was a recovered Pikachu, eager to start as well. "Well thanks for everything professor Sycamore! I promise to keep in touch, after all, there's more stuff I wanna ask about mega evolution in the future!"

The much older man was more than glad to return the same gesture as he bade goodbye as well. "No problem Ash! It was my pleasure! Good luck out there!"

Unbeknownst to the two males, Ash was actually being watched and later followed by something with large yellow eyes as he exited the lab.

"Fro-Froakie..."