The 'Outcast' - First Year

Part 8

First off I would like to start off by giving a huge thanks to everyone who has been reading and supporting so far! I appreciate it and love you all! I honestly did not expect this to get as many reads at it has gotten. It may not be much but this is my first time making a story and I appreciate you all! 

The next day at school Calem and friends were still making a fuss about the whole gym leader situation at Santalune City. During lunchtime they sat at their usual spot with the entire group.

Dawn kept glancing at Ash curiously wondering why on earth he was still sitting alone despite knowing Gary and a few other members of their group. A sly grin spread across the young coordinator's face as she got a devilish idea.

"Hey Serena," She said, nudging her blonde haired friend. Serena turned to Dawn to see what she wanted.

"It looks like angry dude is all alone over there... maybe you should go keep him company, hm?" Dawn teased. 

Serena raised a brow. "Why on earth would I do that? He looks like he wants to be alone to be honest," Serena replied. She also deep down didn't have the guts to go approach him. Not after seeing what he did to Jack.

"Oh come on. Maybe he wouldn't mind a little company from a beautiful girl," Dawn urged. Serena thought it over. She knew she was amongst the most attractive girls in the entire school but she was well aware how composed Ash was when it came to that stuff. Ultimately she decided to stay seated giving Ash a glance of longing.

"Oh boys... the registration for the Junior cup is today!" Calem said excitingly. All the guys perked their heads up in interest.

"When do the qualifying matches start?" Paul inquired.

Calem quickly skimmed through the news of the Pokémon world tournament Junior cup in his holo caster.

"The qualifying matches begin in November next month... and the Knockout rounds start in February," Calem responds. Paul nodded his head in approval.

"Let's all go register together after school?" Trip suggested. They all agreed to his plan and eagerly waited for the day to end.

After school

Ash was making his way towards the exit of the school when he noticed a huge line of students waiting for something. At the front of the line was a muscular looking man named Don George handing out registration forms.

As he glanced over curiously a familiar looking blonde haired woman wearing a black coat. It was Cynthia, the Sinnoh region Champion. Identifying it was indeed Cynthia his eyes lit up slightly.

"Cynthia?" Ash spoke. The blonde beauty turned around curiously as to who called her name out. Upon seeing the familiar face of Ash Ketchum a warm smile spread across her face.

"Hello Ash. It's been a while since I've seen you... Unova I think it was..." She smiled.

"Unova? Yeah, long time ago. What are you doing in Kalos Cynthia?" He asked.

"Well, I'm here to help out Professor Sycamore on his Pokémon evolution research. Apparently he stumbled on something big. But I am also here because I'm going to attend a few matches in the Junior cup tournament later this year." She explained.

"Oh, so is that what this line is for? Registration for the Junior cup?" He inquired.

"Yes Ash," She nodded. "They decided to host the Junior cup in Kalos this year with many different Venues. Exciting isn't it?" She said.

"Guess so," He shrugged disinterestedly. She looked at him curiously now.

"You are going to sign up right?" Cynthia Asked.

"Hmm... maybe. But this line is too long," He said, folding his arms.

Cynthia smiled at the boys impatience. "I can get you registered if you want Ash," She smiled.

"Really? You can do that?" He raised a brow.

"Of course! Leave it to me Ash. I will see you later!" She said.

As he was about to leave she quickly turned around.

"Oh, and Ash? Promise me next time we meet we'll have a battle." She said, giving him a challenging grin.

Ash actually smiled, a genuine one at her comment. "It's a deal, Cynthia." He said, giving her a wave before leaving. Now that he was guaranteed to be in the upcoming Junior cup he left school not having anything else to do. Of course as he was on his way home he had to run into his old pal Gary Oak.

"Hiya Ashy-boy!" He greeted in his usual smug tone.

"What do you need Gary?" Ash responded not bothering to turn around.

"I'm throwing a huge Halloween party this weekend and I was wondering if you wanted to come?" Gary Proposed. Ash silently scoffed at the mention of Halloween.

"What are you six years old? I'm not going to that crap!" He said in a snarky tone.

"Come on dude. It's been forever since we last hung out. There won't even be that many people. Just a few of the guys and gals from my group," Gary continued to convince him.

"Fine," Ash sighed in defeat. "But if there's any of that dramatic "girl" bullshit I'm out."

Gary nodded. "Alright then. It's next Friday at seven PM, so a little after school. I hope you make it bud," He patted Ash on the back and left.

Ash knew he would regret this later but decided to give it a chance.