Pokémon: A New Ash, Starting from Hoenn

On their way to Rustboro City, Ash and his group unknowingly wandered into a protected Pokémon area. There, they met a forest ranger named Katrina, helped drive off the ever-troublesome Team Rocket, and even watched Max form a bond with a Poochyena—who later evolved into a Mightyena right before their eyes.

After parting ways with Katrina, the group arrived at a beautiful, crystal-clear lake.

"Whoa! This place is amazing!" Ash stretched out his arms, taking in the fresh air.

"It's so peaceful and relaxing," Brock added.

"Let's swim!" May said, already tugging at her shoes.

The group splashed into the lake, laughing and enjoying the cool water.

"Pika?" Pikachu suddenly tilted its head, looking toward the center of the lake.

"What's up, Pikachu?" Ash followed its gaze—and then they saw it.

Floating toward them were dozens of lily pad-like shapes. Dozens… no, hundreds.

"W-What is that? There's so many!" May yelped and scrambled ashore.

Ash squinted. "They're Lotad! Water/Grass types. Usually live in ponds or lakes—but this many all at once… wow."

"So this is the famous Lotad Lake!" Max exclaimed, thrilled.

"We should get out," Brock suggested. "If they all come this way, we're gonna get swept off!"

"Yeah, let's go!" May and Max agreed.

The group quickly climbed out, but the Lotad didn't stop—they followed them to shore.

"Ah! They're coming up! What do they want?!" May panicked, hiding behind Ash.

Ash chuckled. "Relax. I can feel their Aura—they're not hostile."

He pointed. "Look, they're smiling."

"Aw, are they here to play with us?" Max asked, excited.

"I think so," Brock nodded, observing the Lotad's cheerful faces.

"Pika~"

Pikachu pointed upward. The Lotad had lined up and were shooting Water Guns into the air. The streams collided midair, creating a sparkling fountain that glittered in the sunlight.

"Wow!" May gasped. She stepped out from behind Ash to watch the show.

"I didn't expect that," Ash said, impressed. "Their coordination's amazing—they'd get high scores in a Pokémon Contest."

"Huh? What's a Pokémon Contest?" May asked.

Ash explained, "It's a kind of competition where beauty and creativity of moves are judged. There are two rounds, and if you pass, you battle in style. Win five ribbon badges, and you qualify for the Grand Festival."

"Ohh… got it!" May nodded, eyes lighting up with interest.

"Look over there—something's off with that one," Brock pointed out a Lotad whose Water Gun barely reached a few feet into the air, unlike the rest.

"Wow, that one's way behind," May commented bluntly. "Looks kinda… slow."

Everyone watched the poor Lotad struggle. It was still trying long after the others had stopped.

"Hey, it's over, buddy," Brock said gently and walked up to it.

Trying to make a grand finish, the Lotad suddenly burst with effort—only to shoot water straight into Brock's face.

"Gah—!" Brock sputtered, soaked.

Everyone burst out laughing."Pffff—hahaha!" (｡＞∀＜｡)

Just then, a freckled girl with red twin tails stomped over, hands on her hips.

"Hey! This is Lotad Lake! You can't just swim in it! All of you—come with me to my house!"

"She's so bossy. Just like Max," May muttered.

"You're the annoying one!" Max glared at her.

"Uh… what do you want us to do at your house?" Brock asked nervously.

"Isn't it obvious? You're going to get lectured!" she snapped, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Whaaat?!" x3

Despite their protests, they had no choice but to follow her.

But instead of them getting scolded—it was her.

"Natalie, you can't treat travelers that way," scolded a calm, blue-haired girl.

"But Noriko, they—" Natalie tried to argue.

"No excuses!"

Ash's group, who had braced for a lecture, found themselves watching Natalie get chewed out instead.

"Sorry about that," Noriko said, bowing slightly. "My little sister can be a bit blunt."

"It's fine," Ash assured her."Pika pi~"

"I'm Noriko. That's Natalie," she continued. "We run a flower shop here together."

The group introduced themselves—though Brock went a little overboard.

"This humble one is Brock. And I must say… such a beautiful flower shop must be tended by a beauty like Miss Noriko." He gazed at her, dreamily.

"Oh… uh, thank you…" (•́ω•̀٥)

"The scent of the flowers is matched only by your presence, Miss Noriko."

"Well, um… the pie I made should be ready. Would you all like to stay and share some?"

Say what you will about Brock, but when it came to sweet-talking, he was a pro. If only he had brighter eyes and fairer skin1, he might've been a real heartbreaker.

"Really? Thank you!" the group said gratefully.

Just then, a short green-haired girl entered the room. "Natalie, the orchard's drainpipe broke. The watering can isn't enough… Oh? Guests?"

Ash didn't miss a beat.Another beauty. Brock's eyes sparkled.

"She's my second sister, Ryoko," Noriko explained.

"Hello, everyone!" Ryoko greeted them cheerfully.

"I—I too would like to water flowers with such grace as you, Miss Ryoko…" Brock began again.

Ash quickly pulled Max aside. "Max. I'm giving you an important mission."

"Huh?! What is it?" Max looked serious.

"From now on, every time Brock goes full flirt-mode, you drag him away."

"Ugh… okay." Õ_Õ

Natalie pointed accusingly at Brock. "You were polite to my sisters but rude to me! That's not fair!"

"Ah—uh—w-well…" Brock stammered, caught off guard.

"Haha, looks like Natalie's got a crush again," Ryoko teased.

"Again?!" the others echoed in disbelief.

But I like mature women, not little girls! Brock sobbed internally.

After pie, Noriko invited them to see their garden out back.

"This is so pretty!" May said, awestruck.

"The air and water here are very clean, which makes for great berries," Noriko said. "We have a wide variety."

They explored the orchard, learning about the effects and uses of different berries.

Just then, Ryoko approached. "Noriko, we'll need to replace the entire pipe system. It'll take a while to fix."

"I see… that's a pain." Noriko sighed.

Just then, the Lotad waddled over, each carrying water on its back. Silently, they poured the water into the flowerbeds.

"Thank you!" Noriko beamed.

"Why are they helping?" May asked curiously.

"Probably to repay us. We often give them berries," Noriko replied.

"Alright!" Ash stepped up. "Let's help out too—as thanks for the pie!"

"Pika pika~!"

Everyone released their Pokémon and helped water the plants. Things went smoothly… except for that one Lotad.

It got stuck, blocking the path for others.

Brock walked over. "What's wrong, little guy? They're waiting behind you."

He knelt down and gently guided it. "No need to rush. Lower your head and pour slowly…"

"Habu~"

The Lotad obeyed, and water spilled neatly from its leaves.

"That's it! Great job!" Brock encouraged.

"Habu~" The Lotad gave a grateful bow.

By dusk, Ash's group escorted the Lotad back to the lake.

"Thanks for your help today," Ryoko said with a warm smile. "You can return now."

The Lotad all nodded and slipped back into the water—except one.

"Huh? Aren't you going too?" Brock asked, kneeling beside the lone Lotad.

"Habu~" The Lotad looked up at him, eyes full of admiration.

"I think it likes you," Ash smiled. "It wants to go with you."

"Really? Lotad!" Brock said, eyes wide with joy.

"Habu~" the Lotad nodded eagerly.

"Then… let's travel together!" Brock took out a Poké Ball—and just like that, Lotad was caught.

Suddenly, a weird ship emerged from the far end of the lake—Team Rocket again!

"Wahaha! We'll be taking the Lotad!"

They launched a trap and captured the Lotad in a cage.

"Not happening! Go, Taillow! Pikachu, hop on!" Ash ordered. "Use Iron Tail after closing in!"

"Pika~""Siba~"

Taillow soared into the sky with Pikachu riding it. With a powerful strike, Pikachu shattered the cage and freed the Lotad.

"Great! Finish it—Thunderbolt!"

BOOM!

"This is a bad feeling!""Wobbuffet~ (˃ʍ˂)!"

The next day, the group resumed their journey toward Rustboro City.

To be continued...