The Hat-trick Hero (Amourshipping)

From Ashes to Thunder

Man, how long I haven't updated this book? I think I'm starting to miss it

But anyway, here's the next chapter for y'all. Enjoy.

Ash drove his car to Pallet United FC's training center. He parked it and walked inside. The atmosphere was different, extraordinary. Everyone was much more cheerful, not the stressful atmosphere he used to feel when he first came to this club. He started to remember the day he signed the contract

*flashback*

"We've been searching for many talents and youngsters for our team, and also the future of soccer. We have the long list of talents awaiting to step foot in the field. However, finally, we've found these two." Pallet United's manager, Zane Shunji, said and presented the talents he'd found, Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak. They both sat down and talked to the press

(Fun fact: "Zane" is one of my cousins' name)

"We are very grateful to sign for one of the professional club of Japan. They have great history and legends. We can't wait to play for their first match" Ash said, then both of them signed the contract. Both of them were 18 at this point, so signing a professional contract at this age were of course a big pleasure for them.

However, Pallet United wasn't have their best time back then. They hadn't won any championships or trophies since the last time Red, Ash's father, played here. Sometimes they also had to fight to avoid relegation (or avoid being dropped down to lower division or league). Not to mention Red's violent behaviors on the soccer field. This had a big influence on the team's reputation.

Yes, many fans in Japan and also around the world knew this, and they called this club "The club of dirty players" just because of one individual. Red felt insulted. This was why he had to retire although his strength could allow him to play until he was 40.

Ash could feel the stressful atmosphere in the club. All the players looked like robots. They just kept training, training and training. It felt like they didn't even know how to smile. This club had changed the managers for many years, but there weren't any significant changes or differences happen.

"Hey Ash, do you think we can change the fate of this club?" Gary, Ash's best friend, asked him. Ash looked a bit hesitated, but he soon spoke out

"Sure we will, Gary.... sure we will..."

*end of flashback*

As soon as he stopped thinking, he went in the changing room. He looked around and saw all the familiar number and names hanging on each closets of the players. He also saw his closet next to Gary's. Then he put his bag in the closet, but something fell out. Ash picked it up, revealing a picture of him, Gary and the whole team. But it didn't show the grumpy or tired faces. It showed everyone celebrating with bottles of champagne. They were celebrating for the championship, their first one since Red left. Ash smiled at it and started having more nostalgia

*flashback*

And the whistle is blown. Pallet United has won the game. But they are not bringing the trophy home unless Xervetal FC loses their match

The whole time started to clasp their hands and pray for the miracle to happen. Ash, Gary, the players that wouldn't do anything to the storyline, the manager,... They all hoped for the best

And the result is... Xervetal 0, Viridian FC 1. Congratulations to Pallet United! They've done it

After that sentence the whole stadium had a huge pop. The fans were cheering crazily, chanting the team's name. All of the players started celebrating, with Ash and Gary gave each other a tight bro hug

"WE DID IT, ASHY-BOY! OUR FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP!" Gary shouted, and his eyes started shedding tears of joy

" YEAH, I KNOW!" Ash said back and tried to hold his tears. All of them went to the changing room and celebrated. It was special feeling for them and their fans. The championship was the reward for their hard work, and also for the fans to be proud and keep trusting their soccer players.

But with Ash, there was something even more special. With 21 goals he scored, he had won the Golden Cannon award, the award for any players score the most goals in that season. He'd overpassed his rival, Calem Xavier to win it. He also broke the record for the youngest player winning the award, at the age of 19.

While the whole team was celebrating, Ash had to answer the press about the championship. He talked about his emotions, his happiness. Then this question came

"Ash Ketchum, if you could nickname yourself, what would it be?"

Ash was feeling a bit confused. They he looked at his hair. His raven black hair always made other teammates tease him and call him crow. But Ash wasn't angry about that.

"Now that's an interesting question. Just call me Thunder Crow. I always take the opponents' precious opportunity, and wait for a chance to score. Thunder Crow sounds great to me, right?" Ash answered. And from that day, not only he had the first championship, but also his first ever nickname. But most importantly, he had somehow got out of his father's shadow, although it was just a little

*end of flashback*

Ash put the picture back in his bag, then he looked at the changing room, but with a sad expression

Because he would have the last match with Pallet United, before he left this club.

The truth was there were some European clubs having some interest on Ash and Gary. Once their contract expired, they would talk about moving to the new club

Ash knew this was an opportunity to move further in his career, but leaving his teammates behind was something very hard for him. They were like a big family, more than just a soccer club. But soon, the namager had talked to them and they had decided to play the last match with their team and waited until their contracts expired, then they would talk about moving

Ash let out a sigh, then he smiled once again and walked to the training ground

"Ash Ketchum, you're late, again" The manager said

"Sorry, coach." Ash laughed nervously and scratched his neck

"It's okay. Go train with the others" The manager, Zane, said. But before Ash left, he grabbed his hand and stopped him

"Ash, I'm proud to manage a great soccer players, a great talent like you" Zane said, then Ash embraced him and gave him a hug, or more like a goodbye hug.

"Even when I leave this team, I'll never forget it. I promise" Ash said and broke the hug, then he walked to Gary

"Hey slow turtle, late again?" Gary asked

"Just shut up, Gary" Ash said with a smile. "What team will we face for our last match?" Ash asked.

"You don't even have time to read the fixture, huh? Of course it's Xervetal FC, Calem's club" Gary said. Ash then looked up the sky and smiled again

"What a way to end our season, right?" He asked and Gary nodded, then they started training, preparing for their last match with Pallet United