Chasing After A Legend

Pallet Town Champions

"Human talking"

'Human thinking'

"Talking in a Flashback/Memory"

"Pokémon talking"

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Pallet Town, Kanto

"Rose?! It's Delia! Please, open the door!" Delia Ketchum called as she repeatedly knocked on the door of the Akai residence. She had rushed over when she realized that Ash was most likely already or on his way there; however, she didn't catch any sight of her son nearby. But her woman's intuition didn't let it get to her – Delia knew her son too well, and it made perfect sense that he'd be raring to challenge Red. Evidently, she forgot to teach him proper manners.

'I wonder how the others are faring,' Delia thought. She had enlisted the help of Brock and Gary, who were more than willing to lend a hand. Delia also made sure to let Professor Oak, his granddaughter and grandson-in-law know about the situation, and they agreed to help before things got disastrous (in other words, if Ash or Red ended up doing something too rash). She knew that Bill and the Professor were headed to the west side of town, where the Ketchum residence was, in case Ash decided to come back home.

As for Daisy...

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"OH MY GOSH!"

Daisy nearly fell over when she heard the enthusiastic shriek behind her. Somewhat fearfully, she turned around and saw a young dark-haired woman with stars in their eyes. "Er... Yes? Is everything okay...?" Daisy hesitantly asked.

"You... Aren't you Daisy, the superstar Coordinator?!" Dawn ran up to her like a rabid Poochyena.

"Oh, her. I mean..." Daisy quickly shook her head before correcting herself, "Yes, I'm Daisy Oak."

"The one who won the Kanto Grand Festival 15 years ago?!" Dawn asked like a crazed Luxio hyped on drugs.

"I..." Daisy began. "Well, I did win the Grand Festival back then, yes, but that was a long time ag-"

"AIEEEE!" The younger Coordinator squealed in excitement and clasped her hands together, getting way too close for Daisy's comfort.

"I'm such a huge fan! I watched all your contests when I was little! Can I have your autograph?! Can you be my teacher?! Is it true you're a researcher now?! Can you recite a poem like your grandfather?!"

The flurry of questions made Daisy nervous, and she tried to back away, only for Dawn to scoot closer with every step she took. "I-I'm flattered... but, um, I'm a little bit busy at the moment..."

"Oh! Then let me help you!" Dawn cheerily offered.

"Help...? Well, I..." Now Daisy was in a pickle. She had already promised not to tell anyone else about Red, but so far, she hadn't had any luck finding him. Maybe she could use some help, so long as she was careful how she asked for it. "Well, you see, I'm looking for a young man. Black hair, wearing a red cap, a few years younger than me and-"

"Ah!" Dawn exclaimed. "I saw him headed someplace else earlier!"

Daisy's eyes widened. "You did?"

"Sure! I managed to catch up to him and chat a little..."

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"Ash?" Dawn spotted her friend and his Pikachu a few feet away, walking in the direction opposite to where she was headed.