Pokémon: The Final Journey

Chapter One

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon or any of its affiliations, unfortunately.

Narrator: Today we join our heroes on their final journey towards reaching their dreams. Ash has sought the companionship of some old friends as he travels back to Kanto to participate in the Master Trials. What will be in store for Ash and his friends as their story continues? Victory? Defeat? Love? Mystery? I guess we will just have to wait and see…

MISTY

I leaned my arms over the railing of the S.S. Anne. The brisk speed of her sailing splashed salty sea water onto my face and I welcomed the embrace. I loved the ocean. The sun was making its final descent above the horizon and the ship was piercing the still ocean. As I gazed out at toward the vast blue, I noticed a family of Seal jumping at the bow of the boat. Using its wake to propel them, they flew gracefully into the air. I suppose they enjoyed watching the sun set as much as I did.

I was in my element near the water. I could almost taste the advantage it gave me as a water Pokémon trainer. But being aboard the S.S. Anne gave me more than just strength, it awakened memories from long ago. The last time I was aboard this ship, I was ten. Here I am, back again, a ninteen-year old woman, and the S.S. Anne was as beautiful as she'd always been.

I was once again the traveling companion of Ash Ketchum and company, but I was happy to be here. Managing the Cerulean Gym was great for my water Pokemon but hard on my freedom. And I was just about through with the plays my sisters kept starring me in. I thought they liked the spotlight, anyways. I supposed they enjoyed torturing me more. Traveling with Ash, Brock, and Tracy had reawakened my spirit.

Ash was closer than ever before at achieving is long awaited title. I mean, here was the team, sailing back to Kanto so Ash could participate in the Master Trials, advantageously held in his home region. I would never express it to Ash, but I was worried about him. He had worked so hard; I wanted him to succeed. I wanted to know more than anything, well not anything, that our companionship would be enough to help him achieve his dream. Ash will never see it, but helping him follow his dreams had allowed Brock, Tracy, and me to achieve our own.

I looked, once more, over the ocean. It was so calm and free. Determined, I stepped onto the railing and outstretched my arm. I gasped at the wonderful sensation of the water spraying my face. There were so many mysteries below the surface, so many things unknown. I felt like the ocean was whispering them to me as the sea foam danced around my body, howling stories against the speed of the S.S. Anne. I was listening.

ASH

As I pealed myself away from Brock and Tracy's conversation in the S.S. Anne's Diner, I was filled with relief. Tracy talked about Pokémon more than he breathed. As for Brock, he could hold his own; but as soon as a young woman- any woman- walked by, he was a goner. As I walked away, Pikachu by my side, I realized just how crowded the Diner was and I couldn't seem to find an exit.

"Pika Pi!" The voice registered over the static of people talking.

"Thanks, Pikachu. Leave it to you to save us from the swarm of tourists trying to find dinner." I praised as I followed the little guy to the door. I really don't know what I would do without him. He had saved me in more times and ways than he would ever know. I wouldn't be the man I was today, if it weren't for all of my Pokémon. In truth, I may have trained them, but they had evolved me into the Ash Ketchum that stands here now. Nine years and countless adventures later, I am closer to reaching my dreams than ever before, and it is all because of my Pokémon and my friends.

My friends…

Misty, Brock, and Tracy. I can't imagine my journey without them. I won't. Over the years I had others, but all paled in comparison to the three of them- the ones who had given the young, ten year old Ash the strength and wisdom and comradery he needed to succeed. I had put my journey on hold just to get them back. Now one year later, as my dreams drew closer, I needed them most of all.

The crisp ocean air broke me from my daydreams and I peered over the edge of second story of the cruise liner. Pickachu balanced on the railing beside me. We scoped out the scene before us. A bunch of people were swimming in the ships pool. Others walked along the sides of the ship chattering with drinks in hand. A boy and a girl played chase with their Ratata, while their mother chased after them yelling for them to stop running.

"Pika!"

I looked in the direction Pikachu was pointing. There, leaning almost too far over the edge of the S.S. Anne's railing, was a young woman. Her arms were holding the railing as she balanced on the very edge. Just watching her worried me, if it weren't for what seemed like a practiced balance, I was sure she would fall overboard. Just when I was about to turn away, I saw her stretch her arm out over the ocean. Holding on with one hand, she let the sea foam spray across her body. She looked so graceful, like she was ready to fly away across the vast blue. I could almost feel her deep love for the ocean.

"Chu…" Pikachu seemed enchanted by her grace.

"I know, buddy. I think she is beautiful, too."

Pikachu frowned at me. "Pika! Pika pi!" He scolded me. His cheeks sparking a little with frustration.

Confused, I looked back at the girl. She was still poised over the railing, soaking in the ocean breeze. Her fiery orange hair blowing in the gusts of sea winds. I examined her figure further. She was wearing these red sneakers with little zigzag stripes on them, and she wore jean shorts that bordered modesty. Her yellow top was revealing her flat stomach as she continued to lean over the railing of the St. Anne. To complete her look, she had these quirky suspenders unnecessarily holding up her jean shorts.

"Suspenders!" I yelled out loud.

"Pika..." My friend tucked his ears back as he witnessed my realization.

My face was beat red. I'd know that outfit anywhere. It was Misty. The girl I had just been oogly-eyed over was Misty. I felt weird inside. My stomach churned and I felt fuzzy deep down. "I can't believe I was just gazing at Misty! Pikachu, why didn't you say something?!"

"...chu," Pikachu frowned. Clearly annoyed with my decision to blame him for my smitten behavior.

Once I had rid myself of the distasteful feeling in my gut, I looked back over the corner of the second floor balcony at Misty. Immediately I was, once again, captivated by her poise. My friend really was a gifted water Pokémon trainer. Her skill and general art would rival my own if she ever decided to train more than one element of Pokémon. Deep down I prayed she wouldn't. I liked the advantage training all kinds of Pokémon gave me in battle. Besides when it came to Pokémon, Misty was a much more gentle soul. I pushed my team to be the best and I wanted to be the best for them. I wanted them to have pride knowing their trainer was as strong and determined as they were willing to be. Misty... She mothered her Pokémon. She was a great trainer but she preferred to raise her Pokémon at a more relaxed pace. I liked that about her though. She may have had a bit of a short fuse when it came to Brock, Tracy, and me, but when it came to her Pokémon, she held nothing back. The way the water captivated her, I had no doubt she belonged more to her water Pokémon than they belonged to her.

I continued to watch her leaning over the railing, as I thought about my travels with my friends.

TRACY

"How long do you think he will stay there gawking at her?" I teased to Brock from inside the Diner. Brock and I had seen the disinterest Ash had with our conversation about the breeding migration Butterfree made each year. So it was no surprise to the two of us when he left to go outside. Ash never could stay in one place for long. His spirit was wild just like his Pokémon. I often tried to sketch the relationship he had with his Pokémon, but no picture would ever encompass the special bond they shared. It amazed me how much they cared for him, not just Pikachu, but all of his Pokémon. I had never seen so many Pokémon willingly choose to follow a trainer. Over the years all sorts of Pokémon had stood by Ash's side. It was like they could sense what a rare and special kind of person he was. They would give their lives for him without a second thought. Even professor Oak and I had agreed that there was something unique in the way Ash trained his Pokémon- something special about his belief that every Pokémon had the potential to be legendary. It baffled us both that Ash could raise any Pokémon to believe it was the greatest of all Pokémon anywhere. For that reason, they sought him out, wanting to fight for him, for him to make them better. Ash would never accept that though, in his dense mind the Pokémon were the ones who made him better.

I often wondered if he could translate that same love and affection for his Pokémon into the relationships he shared with people. But seeing him look longingly after her, unable to recognize what is was he was feeling for her, I was doubtful. A man can only be gifted with so many things, and Ash's gift was his Pokémon training. It was no surprise he fell short in other aspects of life.

"If she stays out there all night so will he." I was caught off guard by Brock's response to my earlier sarcastic remark. The two of us looked out the window next to our table in the S.S. Anne's Diner. Ash was resting against the ledge outside, Pikachu hanging onto the rail beside him. They just stood there looking over at her. Misty was right below them, leaning over the edge of the boat herself, completely oblivious to their creepy stalking. She was probably pretending to be a Magikarp. I can understand the appeal that water Pokémon have, but Misty just took it to a whole new level. And, her hatred for bug Pokémon should cost Misty her trainer's license. I mean, who doesn't love bug Pokémon? What's not to love? All Pokémon are unique.

"I think it's a little creepy."

"What's creepy?" Brock asked. He was still watching Ash watching Misty.

"The way he stares." I answered.

"Well, Ash may be a ballsy Pokémon trainer, but when it comes to people he is so timid and proper. I am surprised he is even staring. I bet he doesn't even realize what he is doing." Brock's mouth tried to mask a smirk as Ash folded his arms over the railing and leaned his head on his hands.

Just then, Misty turned around and spotted the two peepers. She must have finally felt the giant hole Ash's eyes were burning into her back.

"Ash Ketchum, didn't your mom ever tell you it's not polite to stare!" Her face reddened as she yelled at him. Several people stopped and observed the commotion. People staring as they screamed at each other was a normal occurrence these days. As they had grown older, their insults dug deeper and deeper. I don't understand how they managed to travel without stilling the other's throat. I bet it had crossed Misty mind before…

Ash, still waking up from his daze and realizing he had been spotted, stuttered, "...Uh...Uh… I was just… Uh…"

Pathetic.

"You should be ashamed of yourself, Ash Ketchum! Creeping on innocent young girls." Misty continued.

Clearly frustrated about being caught and definitely- but not visibly- embarrassed, Ash retorted, "I wasn't looking at anyone young!"

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!" Misty balled her hands into fists. Now he had done it. "You are such a jerk! I can't believe I agreed to come along and help you. You are beyond help. The first time with you guys was bad enough. Now I am traveling with a wannabe Pokémon master, whose dreams are almost as big as his head!"

Brock picked now to intercede their bickering. "Misty, I am not that bad of a travel companion, am I?" He shouted out of our window, pretending to be hurt by her words. He really was older than his age and I suppose dealing with children was not a new experience for Brock.

I could see Misty begin to unwind. She let her hands fall back to her sides and sighed, "Of course not, Brock. I am sorry I insulted you. You really are the best guy I know."

Ouch, Ash. Misty really knows how to make it sting when she wants too.

Although her perpetual blindness was no better than Ash's, she was more mentally mature than Ash. She had to see it, right? How could she not see how he doted on her?

"It's getting late," Brock said as he looked up at the now starry sky, "we should head back to the bunkroom, guys. We are supposed to dock early tomorrow in Vermilion city. I don't want to get a late start." He stood, encouraging the duo to retire to our bunk for the night. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is another fine save by Brock, the mediator.

MISTY

The night winds chilled my body as I walked around to the other side of the S.S. Anne Brock was right, it had gotten late.

As I turned a corner, I mused. This boat really was a maze. Stairs and doors that never led to the same room created a labyrinth aboard the cruise liner. I could get lost in the winding corridors and spend my entire life trying to get out. Luckily, I was only one level below deck. I think.

I was looking for bunk 122. It wasn't anything fancy. There were two bunk beds inside the small room with enough floor space for our bags. In the corner was a small full bathroom and a compact washer-dryer that we all shared. The only decoration was a circular window that peered into the deep sea. It really was a tight space for the four of us. Although my years serving as a gym leader, Brocks time spent breeding, Tracy discoveries, and Ash's growing stardom could more than afford a nicer room onboard, the guys preferred to keep it simple. It reminded them of home, I figured. I thought it was sweet. I liked that they didn't want anything fancy. It was hard enough to keep their egos from getting too big as it was. Never mind a life of luxury; they would be doomed.

As I entered a set of sliding glass doors, I was blown by the warmth of the indoor air.

"122," I reminded myself.

Immediately after the doors was a set of stairs. I walked down a flight that opened to a long hallway going in both directions. Directly in front of me hanging from the ceiling was a sign saying "Rooms 100-150." Doors adorned the walls. I followed the arrow to the right that pointed in the direction of rooms 100-125. Our bunk was just a few doors down on the left.

I placed my hand on the door handle but stopped. I stood outside for a moment. It was kind of inappropriate if I thought about it. I mean, me, a young girl, sleeping in a room with three guys. I guess to a stranger it would sound crazy but these guys were my friends, my family. Brock and Tracy were like the two older brothers I wished I'd had growing up. And, Ash… Well, Ash was a good guy. He was my best friend and all of us being together was right. We looked out for each other. Plus, the single room with two bunks was cheaper. I groaned at my incessant thoughts and opened the door.

I just stood there, speechless, in the entry way, door ajar. The boys were jumping on the beds like Mankeys. Swinging pillows and sheets at each other in their pajamas.

"Vulpix, Flamethrower!" Brock screeched as he smashed Ash with a pillow knocking him over onto the mattress.

Ash moaned into the sheets from the hit.

"Pika Pi!" Pikachu jumped over to Ash's side, "Pi…"

"What a knockout! Ash Ketchum is unable to battle. Brock wins the match! Who knew that the powerful Pikachu would be such an easy defeat?" Tracy narrated the battle.

"Hey!" Ash protested the insulting defeat. "Pikachu did a great job."

"You just make a horrible Pokémon, Ash," Brock teased, "Pikachu, maybe you should try battling with a stronger Pokémon next time. This one is weak against pretty much everything."

Brock and Tracy burst into laughter.

"Ah hem…" I coughed to announce my presence.

"Oh. Hey, Misty," Brock said rubbing the back of his neck, "we were just… Uh… training for Ash's Master Competition."

"Looks promising," I stifled a laugh.

"We saved you some hot water and a dry towel," Tracy filled the silence, "We will probably be asleep when you're finished in the bathroom so try not the leave the light on too long. Okay?"

"Sure, Tracy. Thank you." I said grabbing my suitcase and walking into the bathroom. As I closed the door, I could hear the trio resume their "training."

"You won't beat me this time, Brock." Ash's voice echoed through the wall.

"Pika!" His yellow buddy affirmed.

"Looks like Ash is back for another ass-kicking. Will Brock go easy on him? I guess we will have to wait and see." Tracy continued his narration.

There was a sound of pillows being tossed. "Onyx, go!" Brock yelled. His chant was followed by what could only be a muffled pillow beating.

I giggled to myself. They were so stupid.

I turned on the shower to its hottest setting, drowning out the remaining sounds from the other room. Steam permeated the bathroom. I stripped myself of my clothes and placed them aside. I reminded myself to throw them in the washer before I went to bed. As the mirror fogged, I undid my ponytail and took one last glance at myself. I had changed so much. When I first set off on my adventures with Ash and Brock, I was this awkward, skinny ten-year old. Now, I was nineteen and definitely better looking. I had filled out my shorts and had cause to wear a bra. I had grown a few inches and curves had found their way onto my slender figure. I still wasn't worthy of the title "The Fourth Cerulean Sister" according to my sisters. I didn't pamper myself the way they did, but I was definitely filling out more, and that boosted my self-esteem sometimes. I watched as the last trace of my face was distorted by the foggy mirror.

"Time for a shower," I thought to myself. As I closed the glass shower door behind me, I was seared by the hot water.

"Damnit!" I forgot to turn it down before I got in. I reached through the lava and turned the cold handle. The water temperature slowly decreased to a survivable standard. I stepped back in, closing the door behind me. The running water felt so good. It was like it was washing away all the events of the day. It soothed my aching feet. Traveling could really take its toll sometimes. As I washed my hair, the scent of shampoo and conditioner fumed in the air. It smelled of coconuts and something else sweet. I stood there for a while letting the warm water cleanse my body and mind.

After I had washed my body, and dried off with a towel, I reached into my suitcase for my pajamas.

Crap.

I didn't grab my pajamas from the dryer at our last lodging. Crap. Crap. Crap. I dug through my suitcase frantically. The only other pj's I unearthed were ones I'd never even noticed before. I looked closely at them. There was a pair of silky dark blue shorts with sandy colored lace trim and a matching tank. I didn't remember ever buying them. I looked again and on one strap of the silky tank was a note that read:

We love you, Little Sis! We hope these remind you of, like, the beach and Daisy's soft hair.

Love,

Violet, Daisy, and Lily

Leave it to my sisters to save the day by buying me a pair of totally inappropriate pajamas.

"Well, the guys should be asleep by now, right?" I rationalized with myself. I wish I had Togepi with me, still. I could just send him to go check for me. Thinking of Togepi made my eyes cloudy. It had been too long since I last though about him. He had brought me so much joy. Just being around him soothed even the worst sadness. I bet he thinks the same, I tried to comfort myself. "Get it together, Misty."

I packed all of my stuff back in my suitcase and picked my clothes up off the ground. I walked over to the bathroom door and cracked it open. Darkness. That was all I could see. As I crept out of the bathroom, I prayed they were all asleep. I walked over to the washer-dryer, threw my clothes in and pressed start. Luckily, it was a quiet cycle.

I reached over and turned off the bathroom light, darkening the room further. I still felt so exposed in my pajamas. I put away my suitcase and tiptoed to my bunk. I was on the bottom. Thank, god. I didn't want to take any chances waking up the guys. I pulled back the sheets and covered my bare skin with the blankets. Now that I was getting situated, I realized how freezing it was in the bunkroom. I laid there cuddled up for a while. Slowly, my eyes adjusted to the dark room. I focused on the light glow from our blue ocean window. In the distance I swear I could see the shadow of a water Pokémon flickering in the sea. I was a peaceful sight. I was starting to drift off when I felt a small weight at the base of the bed. I cracked open my eyes.

"…Pika pi…" Pikachu whispered while faintly nestling into the sheets beside me.

"Hello, Pikachu." I whispered back. I reached out from my warm blanket and scratched below his little red checks.

"…chu," the little guy cooed closing his eyes.

Ash really was lucky to have such a devoted Pokémon. Pikachu and Ash really were one and the same. I don't think he could go on without Pikachu. Ash would lose it. I mean we've had some close calls in the past and then, I could see the terror in his eyes. I could sense the Ash I knew losing his sanity as the time without Pikachu passed. In fact, if Pikachu stayed here with me, Ash probably wouldn't sleep very well tonight. Oh well, Pikachu wanted to sleep with me. It was my turn to be the iconic trainer with Pikachu right by my side. "Sorry, Ash." I thought as Pikachu and I drifted to sleep.

ASH

"Since when did Misty wear pajamas like that?!" I chewed over the brief images I'd gotten of her in her new pajamas from my top bunk. She was definitely showing off way too much skin. I mean, what if some pervert saw her? I know it is just Brock, Tracy, and me in here but still… What if?

I was on the verge of passing out when it happened. A crack of light spread across the bunkroom. Pikachu, who was cuddled beside me as always, twitched an ear. He was definitely awake and listening for what could be danger. I smiled in the dark at the thought of his unnecessary protection. My thoughts were cut short however, when I saw her walk out of the bathroom in those clothes. Seeing her made me inhale sharply. She looked breathtaking but I mean, really, Misty? A Jynx wears more. As I laid there observing her put all of our laundry in the washer-dryer, I thought about how much she had changed over the years. She wasn't a little girl anymore. Mist, had grown a little taller. Not as tall as me, of course, but taller. She didn't have those twiggy legs or skinny arms anymore. Instead, they were toned and strong from the years of traveling and rigorous exercise. Dare I say she looked like a woman now? Misty was definitely a Sensational Sister. My friend and I had grown up. Brock and Tracey, too, were physically aged. Soon enough people would question our sleeping arrangements. It was a surprise they didn't already. I suppose there just wasn't anyone around to question us.

I looked back over as Misty crawled into bed. Ugh. Either those pajamas had to go or my sanity would.

Just as I was mentally raging about the pajamas, Pikachu got up and moved to the edge of my bunk.

"Pikachu, no!" I said almost too loudly as the guy leapt from the bed onto the floor.

I sighed, "Great. Cover blown." I laid their waiting for Misty to explode with anger about something stupid like me watching her. It wasn't even my fault! She turned on the light that woke me up. She was the one wearing those stupid pajamas. Besides, I was not watching her. I waited some more but nothing came. Maybe she hadn't suspected me after all. I peaked over the edge of the bed at her. She was cuddled up with Pikachu, petting him right under his cheeks. I have to admit, I was impressed. Even Brock hasn't mastered petting Pikachu the right way like that, but there she was half asleep perfectly massaging his cheeks and Pikachu was right there with her, happy as could be.

I was about to roll back over when I saw her wrap her arm around Pikachu, just like I do. Pikachu really cared for her. He would never sleep with Brock or Tracy like that. I don't know what he saw but whatever it was it must've been enough. I heard her mumble in her sleep but I couldn't quite hear what she was talking about. I leaned a little closer but all I could discern was "Sorry, Ash." And she was gone, lost in her dreams.

"Sorry for what, Misty?" I mused. I sat there hoping I hadn't hurt her in some way that she hadn't told me; or let her think that she had hurt me. She could never hurt me. Eventually, as sleep took me, I assured her, "Whatever it is, Misty, I forgive you." And then I was out.

Narrator: So It seems as if our heroes our off to a rough start. Their reunion has brought back the struggles of old times but with new adventure. What experiences are in store for Ash, Misty, Brock, and Tracy in Vermilion City? Will they even survive each other long enough to make it there? Find out next time.