[Check Out My P4treon For +30 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/ThePlotHoleRefuge]
===
Considering that Melissa, the Hearthome Gym Leader, was a slacker who loved Contests, she most likely wouldn't be at the Gym.
His plan was to focus all his attention on the Hearthome Battle Tournament's double battles to raise his Pokémon's level and strength.
After much deliberation, Ash arrived at the Pokémon Transfer Machine early the next morning and called Professor Oak.
In just a moment, a beaming Professor Oak appeared before him with a smile.
"Oh, it's Ash! Thanks to the Mismagius you sent the day before yesterday, I actually had a wonderful (spring) dream! Hahaha!" Professor Oak was surprised at first, then praised Ash profusely.
He was still glowing from the wonderful dream he had the day before.
"???"
Ash, however, was completely bewildered, not understanding what Professor Oak was saying, but he roughly gathered that Mismagius had given Professor Oak a wonderful dream.
After Professor Oak proudly showed off for a few sentences, he then sent Charizard, Sceptile, Suicune, and Pidgeot back.
That's right, Charizard also returned to the backyard, seemingly for the purpose of sparring with Sceptile.
Thinking that these two were evenly matched, he went along with Charizard's wishes and let it go to Viridian Forest with Sceptile.
As for the Pokémon exchanged back, they were naturally Staravia, Grotle, Buizel, and Steelix, who had been in the backyard for a long time.
They were all Pokémon caught in Sinnoh and deserved more opportunities to appear.
Especially Steelix, he should really get a good look at this big guy's mental state.
It was said that under the guidance of Professor Oak and Pokémon like Bulbasaur in the backyard, Steelix had already emerged from its grief.
"Then I'll hang up now, I can't wait to see Suicune and the others!" Professor Oak said, revealing an excited expression, then immediately hung up the phone.
Ash also decisively picked up the four newly exchanged Poké Balls, went to the backyard, and with a gentle toss, four familiar figures appeared in succession.
"Staravia~"
First, the Staravia flapped its wings, circling above his head, then found a suitable spot and landed on Ash's other shoulder.
"Buizel~"
Then came the incredibly arrogant Buizel, who, upon seeing Ash, excitedly hugged his leg, knowing that the chance to become stronger had arrived.
"Grotle~ Grotle~"
Next to appear was Grotle, carrying a small forest on its back, excitedly scurrying to Ash and rubbing its large head against its long-unseen Trainer.
Its massive weight directly knocked Ash to the ground, and it habitually opened its large mouth and bit his head.
"Alright, alright, I can tell you guys are doing well with Professor Oak~"
Just from the appearance of these three, there was no need to guess that they had received meticulous care from Professor Oak.
He pushed Grotle, who was pressing on him, slowly stood up, and then looked at Steelix, whose body was three or four stories high.
"Roar~"
Facing Ash's gaze, Steelix's fierce face subconsciously revealed a kind expression.
"Hello, Steelix~" He first greeted it, then stepped forward and stroked Steelix's body, "I was really sorry before, Steelix!"
Although Steelix had recovered, Ash still apologized for Snorlax's previous mistake.
After all, he was Snorlax's Trainer, and no matter what, a Pokémon's mistake was due to its Trainer.
Steelix magnanimously indicated that it was not entirely Ash and Snorlax's fault; when it rushed out wildly, it also bore some responsibility.
In short, Steelix happily joined the team this time, ready to fight for the upcoming double battles.
For the next period, Ash discussed recent situations with the four Pokémon, strengthening their bond, and did not directly conduct training.
Because there wasn't enough time.
After Brock finished his matters, he came to the backyard to find Ash, preparing to replenish some supplies and visit the Hearthome Gym.
And the two of them did not call Dawn.
Because the Hearthome Battle Tournament was about to begin, they decided not to disturb Dawn, letting her stay at the training grounds to give Piplup and Buneary more thorough training.
So the two people and one Pokémon set off, walked out of the Pokémon Center, and headed to the Hearthome Gym.
Unfortunately, as Ash expected, the Hearthome Gym had a sign on its door that read, "Gym Leader Resting, Temporarily Closed."
"Sigh, what a pity!" Ash could only sigh regretfully, having walked so far only to be unable to challenge the Gym, which was quite frustrating.
"Ash, don't be discouraged!"
"Pika-Pika~"
As good friends, Brock and Pikachu patted Ash's shoulder to comfort him.
"The poster just now said that Hearthome City is about to hold a Double Battle Tournament, which is perfect for you and can also help you relax!" Brock kindly comforted him.
Ash, who had already anticipated this, was not overly disheartened; he first followed Brock to the department store to buy daily necessities, and then went to the Double Battle registration desk to sign up.
Double Battles were very popular in Hearthome City; compared to single battles, Double Battles placed more emphasis on the cooperation between two Trainers and two Pokémon.
The difficulty naturally increased exponentially.
This also attracted a group of powerful Trainers, and many contestants participated.
Indeed, the registration line was already a long queue.
The two queued for a long time before finally registering their participant forms.
However, during registration, he also filled in Dawn's name.
As for the reason, it was naturally self-evident.
After registering, the two returned to the Pokémon Center.
Well, Dawn was having Piplup and Buneary demonstrate their practice results.
The combination performance naturally utilized Piplup's Whirlpool and Buneary's Ice Beam and Dizzy Punch to create a frozen Whirlpool and sparkling, crystal-clear ice shard effects.
"What a beautiful and magnificent performance!" Brock looked at the proud Dawn and gave a fair evaluation.
"Of course, I'm definitely fine!"
"Piplup~"
The Trainer and her Pokémon both appeared quite confident.
"Ash, what do you think!" But Dawn didn't forget to ask Ash, who was standing still, her blue eyes asking expectantly.
"Dawn, honestly, the performance was very magnificent! But I still say, this performance has overshadowed the inherent charm of Piplup and Buneary~"
Although he felt a little reluctant, he still spoke the truth, hoping Dawn could correct herself in time.
"Very magnificent? Then it's fine!" Unfortunately, the girl automatically filtered out half of it, confidently saying her catchphrase.
Ash was speechless, but also couldn't help but worry about tomorrow's Hearthome Battle Tournament.
If nothing unexpected happened, with Dawn's current mindset, she would definitely be eliminated as usual.
He could only comfort her at that time and guide the girl's perspective onto the right path.
===
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 130 on my patreon, go check it out
exclusive 18+ character images, and early chapters, please visit my Patreon. Thanks for your support!
p4treon.com/ThePlotHoleRefuge
if you want more updates == supports with power stones
Every 30 Power Stones == Bonus Chapter
every three 5-star reviews == Bonus Chapter