Tryst with Destiny: The Beginning of the End (Main Story)

4 : Outcome of the Battle

(On the day of the exam)

"Well Ash, we have arrived at Viridian City. The exam is taking place on the second floor of the Pokemon centre. Your hall ticket is in your Pokedex. The exam is going to start in 15 minutes. Are you ready?" Oak asks after turning to Ash who's absorbed in thought.

"Yeah ... Well ... I don't know. This is my first time. So kinda nervous," Ash chuckles with anxiety. 

Uncertainty and doubt are crystal clear on his face. On seeing this, Oak places a reassuring hand on Ash's shoulder.

"Do not worry. Gary was in a similar predicament last year. So you will be just fine. Now the duration of the first exam is two hours. Do you remember what I told you regarding marking all the guesses?" Oak asks.

"Yes, I do. Thirty minutes before the paper ends, I will review all my attempted questions. Then with two minutes go before the time runs out I will see how many A, B, C and Ds I have marked. Whichever out the four have been marked the least, I will mark all my unattempted questions with that option," Ash curtly replies while locking eye with Professor Oak.

"Very good. What about the essay round?" Oak asks.

"Simple. Stick to the word limit. Divide essay into 3 paragraphs as we practised. In the first paragraph, I must include the description of the battle along with when and where it was held. In the second para, discuss how did I deal with the type disadvantage and the tactics of my opponent. Finally, in the last paragraph discuss other possible measures which I could have taken," Ash says.

"Yes. Now close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths and whatever doubts etc. that are plaguing your mind. Just cast them out," Oaks says in a firm tone. 

Ash nods before closing his eyes. As he takes in deep inhales and exhales, his mind goes through a mental storm. Contrary to his expectations it's the contents of the letter which finally clears his mind and grants clarity. He clenches his fist, starts breathing normally and opens his eyes. The degree of sheer determination blazing in Ash's eyes catches Oak by surprise.

"I am ready now, professor," Ash declares, resolve resolute in his voice.

"Good. Now go and best of luck. Pikachu and I will wait here," Oak says while taking Pikachu in his hands along with Ash's Pokemon belt.

"OK then, Buddy I guess I will see you in 3 hours," Ash says while giving Pikachu a round of petting.

"Chu," Pikachu replies while responding to his trainer's affection. Then he gives Ash a thumbs up which causes Ash to smile back.

"OK bye," Ash says before turning around and running towards the examination hall.

(3 hours later)

"Well Ash, how did it go?" Oak asks as a fatigued Ash walks out of the building alongside countless other students who are mirroring Ash's state. Clearly, the exam has been strenuous and difficult for the students.

"It went good, I think. I knew sixty-five questions correctly. Ten, I was not so sure about. Remaining, I guessed as per your instructions. The second round went quite well," Ash replies.

"Very well, we shall see how did you perform when your results arrive this evening. Now, let's get going shall we?" Oak asks as Pikachu jumps onto Ash's shoulder.

"I guess so," Ash starts before his tummy gives off an embarrassing rumble. In doing so, Ash nervously laughs while scratching the back of his head.

"I guess, we should have lunch first. Since it is your first paper, so this lunch is on me," Oak says while chuckling.

"Alright!" Ash shouts as he and Pikachu both jump in the air with their fists pointing up into the sky.