A Whole New Game
Ash Ketchum was sitting in his room in Pallet Town. His trusty Pikachu was napping on the bed, while the rest of his Pokémon were at Professor Oak's lab. Ash was now seventeen, and was not sure what to do with his life anymore. He had won the Unova League a few days ago, and felt like he was done traveling for a while.
"So what should I do now?" Ash wondered out loud.
"Pika?" Pikachu woke up from his nap, and hopped onto Ash's shoulder.
"We could always go to another region," Ash said, "However, I don't really want to travel yet."
"Pika pi," Pikachu cried, "Pika pika."
"Right," Ash nodded, "So we won't go to some region. I can't just hang out at home though."
"Ash?" Delia Ketchum knocked on the door.
"Come in," Ash called. The door opened, and Ash's mother walked in.
"Hey mom," Ash greeted.
"Ash, some of your friends are downstairs," Delia said.
"Alright, come on Pikachu," Ash replied, and raced down into the living room. Sitting on the couch was a red haired girl, and brown haired boy.
"Misty, Brock," Ash cried out in delight, "What are you guys doing here?"
"Ash," the two jumped up and greeted their old friend.
"Congrats on the Unova win," Misty said, "We decided to visit you since I got a week off from running the gym, and Brock is on his vacation time."
"Thanks, this is a great surprise." Ash chuckled, "So Brock, how's becoming a Pokémon doctor working out?"
"Great, I've learned so much," Brock replied.
"So what are you planning to do now?" Misty asked.
"I don't know," Ash admitted, "I would love to take a break from traveling, but I still want to work with my Pokémon."
"Well, I'm sure an opportunity will come along soon," Brock said.
"Yeah, I hope," Ash agreed. The three friends sat down at the table, ready to have some lunch. Delia started making sandwiches while Ash caught up with his friends. Misty had become the full time gym leader, and Brock was at the Poké University. Ash told his friends of his journey through the Unova region.
"So Pikachu, I bet you've gotten really strong," Misty said.
"Pika!" Pikachu smiled as Misty scratched the back of Pikachu's ear. The three friends were able to enjoy each other's company long into the night. Misty ended up staying in the guest room, while Brock slept on the couch.
Over the next week, Ash was able to catch up with his friends, as well as his old rival Gary Oak, who had become a full Pokémon Researcher. Even though Ash had begged, Gary wouldn't battle Ash. All of the Pokémon Ash caught from his previous journeys were ecstatic to see their trainer. Brock and Misty helped Ash as he trained all of his Pokémon, new and old, to top condition.
"Bulbasaur, vine whip," Ash called out.
"Corphish, use harden," Misty commanded. Corphish endured the attack without a problem.
"Bulbasaur, razor leaf," Ash yelled.
"Corphish, counter with bubblebeam," Misty called.
"Corrrr phish," Corphish cried out. Corphish's bubblebeam collided with the razor leaf, causing an explosion. Ash covered his eyes and waited for the smoke to clear out. Misty cracked her eyes open, and tried to see through the smoke. Once the smoke had cleared, Bulbasaur and Corphish were panting heavily, but both were still standing. No one moved, waiting to see who would come out victorious. With a groan, Corphish eventually fell over, knocked out.
"Corphish is unable to battle, Bulbasaur is the winner," Brock called out.
"Great job," Ash yelled, jumping into the air, "Corphish, you were great too, but Bulbasaur did have the type advantage."
"Come on Ash, you of all people should know not to judge by type," Misty scoffed.
"Yeah, I know," Ash said sheepishly, "Still, that was a great battle." Misty nodded, and glanced at her watch.
"Everything ok?" Brock asked.
"I should get going actually," Misty replied, "The week of vacation I get is over tomorrow, and to get back to Cerulean I should leave now."
"Aww Mist," Ash whined, "I need a training partner."
"Sorry Ash," Misty frowned, "League rules."
"In that case, let's get something to eat before setting off."
"You're going to come along?" Misty asked in surprise.
"Of course," Ash grinned, "I'm not letting my best friend go that easily."
"Thanks Ash," Misty smiled, "We better hurry up." The three friends exited the lab, and raced back to Ash's house. While Misty packed what she had brought in a small suitcase, Ash talked with his mother.
"If you're heading out in that direction, you might as well go to Vermilion City," Delia said, "You can board the S.S. Anne, I have a ticket." Delia pulled out the ticket from her bag and handed it to Ash.
"The party's in a few days," Ash said, "I suppose I could go to it. I wouldn't want to pass up this ticket." Delia knew Ash was doubtful, but eventually encouraged him to go.
"Ash, you should take at least 3 Pokémon with you," Brock suggested.
"Yeah, I have my Sceptile and Staraptor with me, and of course, Pikachu," Ash nodded, "You never know who wants to battle."
"I guess we can all get going," Misty said, "I have a new bike, so Ash you better not destroy it."
"Hehe," Ash grinned sheepishly, "I promise I won't do that again."
"Humph," Misty placed the suitcase in the basket and hopped onto her bike.
The three friends set out towards Viridian City. Within a few hours, the trio reached Pewter City. By the time they got to the gym, it was nightfall.
"So guys, you can stay the night, and if you leave in the morning you should be able to reach Cerulean by the afternoon," Brock told them.
"Great," Ash grinned, "Let's get some rest, we've traveled all day." The three headed inside Brock's house, and after talking with Brock's siblings, they headed into bed.
"Ash, wake up," a voice called softly, "Ash. Ash. ASH! Grrrr that does it." Misty grabbed a bucket of water and dumped it on top of Ash's head.
"WHAAA," Ash jumped up and glared at Misty, "What did you do that for?"
"You wouldn't wake up, it's time to go," Misty simply replied.
"What?" Ash asked, "I'm hungry though!"
Misty threw him a piece of toast, "Come on we have to get going." Grumbling, Ash ate his toast and got ready to go.
"Be sure to visit soon," Brock told the two at the door, "You both are welcome anytime."
"Thanks," Ash smiled, "We'll definitely stop by."
"Good," Brock nodded, "See you then." The two trainers waved as they rode their bikes away.
"So Misty, there's a new path around Mt. Moon?" Ash questioned.
"Yeah, they figured it would be faster, but you still can go through the mountain, "Misty replied, "The path isn't that big, but it is about three to five miles long."
"Alright, no biggy, we've walked way more," Ash grinned. The two soon reached the base of Mt. Moon. There was a small restaurant where the two decided to eat a proper meal. The sun was out, and the temperature was just right. Ash and Misty took a table outside and looked at the menu.
"Hello," a tall man said, "I am David, and I will be your waiter."
"Hi," Ash nodded, "I'm going to have the spaghetti with tomato sauce and a pepsi."
Misty shook her head at Ash's forwardness, "Nice to meet you David. I will have the chicken salad with a sprite."
"Please wait a few minutes," David said, taking their menus.
"So Ash, what are you going to do now?" Misty asked.
"I'm still not sure," Ash confessed, "I hope something will pop up ya know, just by luck."
"Keep wishing, maybe something will," Misty said encouragingly, "I know all I would do is lead the gym, which isn't that bad, but sometimes I wish I could have more breaks."
"So has anyone beaten you?" Ash asked.
"Not that many, um, I think three trainers in the past two months," Misty grinned, "I do have a reputation to uphold."
"Wow, three in the last two months," Ash laughed, "Seems like you really have gotten stronger."
"You bet," Misty winked, "I bet even you couldn't beat me now."
"Ash? Misty?" a voice asked. Ash turned around and looked at a boy about 10 years old wearing big glasses.
"Max," Ash cried out, "How's it going?"
"Great. Wow, it's amazing to see you both," Max replied, "Check it out, I have a Treecko now."
"Awesome," Ash smiled, "So is May with you?"
"She's getting some food. Now we're just passing through to Vermillion, where I will get a boat back to Slateport," Max replied.
"You're going to Vermillion too?" Ash asked, "Great, we can travel together. My mom gave me a ticket to go to the S.S. Anne, and I didn't want it to go to waste."
"Here is your food," David said, carrying over a tray.
"Thanks," Misty said, and soon dug in.
"Max, come on, the food's here," another voice called. Ash looked up and waved at his old friend.
"Ash! Wow, you're here," May cried in delight, running over.
"Hey May," Ash said, "It's great seeing you."
"Oh yeah," Max piped up, "Great ending at the Unova League, we all cheered for you."
"Aw, thanks guys," Ash blushed a bit, "So once we're done eating, how about we set off?"
"Definitely," May agreed. The four ate and quickly caught up with each other.
"So Max," Ash started, "How many badges do you have?"
"I already have two," Max said proudly, "The Stone Badge and the Knuckle Badge."
"Yeah," Ash grinned, "How about your Pokémon?"
"Come on out," Max yelled, tossing three Pokéballs into the air. Ash grinned as a Treecko, Ralts, and Zigzagoon.
"Oh, great Pokémon Max," Ash complimented.
"Thanks," Max smiled, "I raised them all by myself, and each one is equally strong."
"May, what kinds of contests are you doing?" Ash asked.
"I've got three ribbons from Kanto now. I've been redoing regions, hoping to win the Grand Festival," May replied, "Max was able to see my last contest in Pewter City, so now I'm going to Celadon while Max goes to get his next badge."
"Since I have nothing much to do, I'll go with you to Celadon," Ash decided, "As long as it's alright with you of course."
"I'd love to have a partner to travel with," May admitted, "It has been lonely all by myself lately."
"Alright," Ash said, "This is going to be fun!" The four finished up their lunch, and headed back to the bikes.
"Ash," Max started, "Can we have a battle right now?"
"Er, is that ok with you guys?" Ash glanced at Misty and May.
"Of course," May smiled, and Misty nodded in agreement.
"Let's do this," Ash grinned, "Three on three?"
"Alright, Zigzagoon, let's do this," Max said, and Zigzagoon raced forward.
"Staraptor come on out," Ash threw a Pokéball in, and the giant bird Pokémon appeared.
"Let the battle begin," Misty declared.
"Zigzagoon, tackle," Max ordered. Zigzagoon lept into the air towards Staraptor.
"Dodge," Ash commanded, and at the last second, Staraptor flew out of the way.
"Staraptor, use quick attack."
"Zigzagoon, dodge it!" Staraptor flew in towards Zigzagoon, but Zigzagoon wasn't quick enough. The tiny Pokémon toppled back.
"Come on, you can do it," Max yelled.
"Zig. Zigzagoon," the Pokémon slowly got back up.
"Your Pokémon sure is a fighter," Ash praised, "But you can't beat me. Staraptor, aerial ace." While Zigzagoon struggled to find its strength, Staraptor flew in with amazing speed to end the battle. Zigzagoon got knocked back a second time, but this round it didn't get up.
"Zigzagoon is unable to battle, Staraptor wins this round," Misty called.
"I'm not done yet," Max growled, "You were great Zigzagoon, return."
"Staraptor, come back," Ash decided, pulling out the Pokéball.
"Well Ash, here comes Ralts," Max shouted.
"Hey, isn't that the Ralts you promised to come back for?" Ash asked, remembering the time Max had to run all the way to the Pokémon Center to heal Ralts.
"You bet, and it's even stronger than before," Max bragged.
"Alright, Pikachu, you're up," Ash ordered.
"Pikachu pika," Pikachu raced onto the battle space.
"Begin," Misty said.
"Ralts, psychic," Max yelled.
"Pika?" Pikachu was lifted into the air by Ralts.
"Throw it." Pikachu was thrown up into the air and left to drop.
"Pikachu, are you alright?" Ash inquired.
"Pi-ka," Pikachu replied, standing up.
"Great buddy, thunderbolt," Ash grinned.
"Pika-chuuuu," Pikachu released a bolt of lightning, hitting right on its target.
"Ralts, you can do it," Max cried out, "Come on, use confusion." Pikachu was lifted back into the air, and attacked by an invisible force. Pikachu fell back to the ground, and was able to get right back up.
"I've got this, "Ash grinned, "Pikachu, jump into the air." Max watched in confusion as Pikachu jumped right above Ralts.
"Ralts, quick, use teleport," Max commanded.
"Not so fast, Pikachu, use iron tail," Ash quickly yelled. Pikachu spun, and rocketed towards the ground. At the last second, Ralts teleported away, appearing a few feet behind.
"Psychic," Max ordered, "Lift Pikachu into the air once more."
"Pikachu, use thunderbolt," Ash called. Another streak of lightning jetted out from the tiny Pokémon, landing right on target. With a cry, Ralts fell to the ground, knocked out.
"Ralts is unable to battle, Pikachu is the winner," Misty declared.
"Alright," Ash cheered, "Ready for a last round?"
"Don't be too sure," Max countered, "Go get 'em Treeko."
"Pikachu, you can continue," Ash said.
"Begin," Misty yelled.
"Treecko, quick attack," Max yelled instantly. Treecko jumped into action, and landed a direct hit onto Pikachu.
"Wow, your Treecko is fast," Ash complimented, "But not enough to beat me."
"All talk and no play Ash," Max taunted, 'Treecko, bullet seed attack."
"Tree-koo," seeds flew from Treecko's open mouth, and landed anotherdirect hit.
"Pikachu, match your speed, quick attack," Ash demanded.
"Pika- Pikachu," Pikachu raced forward.
"Treecko, show them your true speed, quick attack as well, and keep going," Max called. Both Pokémon continuously attacked each other, neither one slowing down or giving in.
"Pikachu, when you collide next, use iron tail," Ash yelled.
"Treecko, when you collide next, beat it with a pound attack," Max yelled.
"Chu-pika!"
"Treecko-tree!" Both Pokémon's tails hit, and both Pokémon were flung back.
"Come on Pikachu, you can do it," Ash urged.
"Treecko, I believe in you, just get up," Max yelled. Slowly, both Pokémon rose to their feet, and stood, breathing heavily. After a few moments, Treecko started to glow.
"What's happening?" Ash wondered.
"No, it can't be," Max started, "It is!" Treecko began to grow and change form.
"Treecko's evolving," May cried out.
"Grovyle," the new Pokémon cried.
"Awesome, Treecko evolved into a Grovyle," Max grinned, "I've been waiting for this to happen!"
"We're not backing down yet," Ash reminded him, "Pikachu, thunder."
"Grovyle, dodge and use leaf blade," Max yelled. Pikachu released the biggest bolt of electricity, but Grovyle evaded the attack, and soon the blades on its arms began to glow. Unseen by Ash or Max, Pikachu's thunder went astray, and hit both trainers bikes. Misty glared at Ash, but didn't say anything just yet.
"Gro-vyle," Grovyle landed a clean hit on Pikachu, thus ending the battle.
"Pikachu is unable to battle, Grovyle wins," Misty giggled.
"Pikachu," Ash cried, "You were great, rest up."
"Haha," Max sang, "I beat one of Ash's Pokémon, and Pikachu no less."
"Only cause Treecko evolved," Ash grumbled, "Besides, lets fight fire with fire. Sceptile, I choose you!"
"Sceptile," Sceptile emerged from the Pokéball, and instantly grabbed a twig to put into it's mouth.
"Grovyle," Grovyle looked over its new adversary.
"Begin," Misty called.
"Sceptile, show them your leaf blade," Ash commanded.
"Grovyle, leaf blade as well," Max yelled.
"Good luck," Ash smirked, "Remember, my Sceptile is a lot stronger, even though Grovyle just evolved." The two grass Pokémon collided with leaf blade, and began to fight it out.
"Hang in there Grovyle, I know you can do this," Max said.
"Show them whose boss Sceptile," Ash grinned. Both Pokémon were getting tired, but Grovyle's tiredness was palpable.
"Grovyle, use everything you've got," Max yelled. Grovyle perked up, and suddenly a green aura surrounded Grovyle.
"Hey, that's overgrow," Ash noticed, "It shouldn't be enough to beat me, Sceptile, leaf storm."
"What?" Max cried, "Grovyle, try to dodge it." Too late, Sceptile conjured up a massive storm of leaves, which hit Grovyle dead on.
"Grovyle is unable to battle, making Ash the winner of this battle," Misty declared.
"Grovyle, you were amazing, get a nice long rest," Max said softly.
"Great job Sceptile, I really enjoyed battling with you," Ash said.
Max walked over to Ash and said, "That was a great battle, even though I only beat one of your Pokémon, I really enjoyed it."
"Me too Max," Ash smiled, "Besides, I've had lots more experience, but we can continue to battle." The two shook hands, looking forward to their new rivalry.
"Well, now that that's over, can we please get to Cerulean?" Misty asked.
"Of course," Ash replied, "It should only be a while."
"ONLY A WHILE," Misty roared, "YOUR PIKACHU COMPLETELY ROASTED MY BIKE, AGAIN!"
"Oh?" Ash jumped, "Really? Sorry."
"Pika pi," Pikachu rubbed its head sheepishly along with Ash.
"You are despicable Ash Ketchum," Misty grumbled.
"Well, walking shouldn't be that bad, right?" May encouraged, "It's good exercise."
"Yeah Mist," Ash quickly agreed, "As a gym leader, you have to stay in shape."
"Don't you test me, Ash, this is the second bike you owe me," Misty reminded.
"Hehe," Ash chuckled, "I will pay you back… one day."
"Can we get going?" Max asked, "We have about a five hour walk, which would get us to Cerulean at around seven."
"So lets go, and no pit stops," Misty decided, and headed down the new path.
"You know," Ash started, "This is good in a way."
"How?" Misty asked.
"May and Max didn't have bikes, so it would have been awkward," Ash replied.
"I suppose, but you're still not off the hook," Misty sniffed. Ash sighed, and continued walking.
"So Max, how hard was it to beat Roxanne and Brawley?" Ash asked.
"Roxanne wasn't hard at all, I beat her during the first battle, mostly because of Grovyle's bullet seed," Max responded, "It took me three tries to beat Brawley though."
"That's still not bad," Ash complimented. The four friends traveled a bit in silence, before Max looked at his sister, and a grin appeared on his face.
"Hey Ash," Max smirked, "Has May told you about how Drew, Solidad and Harley are doing?"
"Um, their doing great," May replied hurriedly, "Nothing much you know."
"Er, ok," Ash said, confused.
"She's lying," Max grinned.
"Max, that's her life, not for you to bud into," Misty scolded.
"Wait, do you know?" Max asked, surprised.
"Of course," Misty smiled, "We didn't just watch you two battle."
"So what's the big secret?" Ash asked, now curious.
May glared at Max before responding, "It's nothing really."
"Liar," Max taunted, "May's got a boyfriend."
"Really?" Ash said, shocked, "Who?"
"No one, you know, it's nothing, really," May cried out, trying desperately to change the subject.
"It's Drew," Max said in a singsong voice.
"No way!" Ash cried.
"What, you think I couldn't get a boyfriend?" May demanded.
"No," Ash quickly retreated, "Just shocked it's Drew."
May agreed, "Me too, he asked me out one day after I beat him in the contest, and I agreed. It turned out to be really nice, and I guess it went from there."
"Well as long as your happy," Ash said, "So Misty, have you got a boyfriend?"
"Actually, as a matter of fact," Misty grinned, "I do."
"Whaaa?" Ash cried, "Since when?"
"Since five months ago," Misty countered, "Anyway, his name is Luke, and he's just adorable."
"Hm, Misty all cross-eyed over a boy, no chance," Ash grumbled.
"You take that back Ash Ketchum," Misty growled, "I have pictures you know."
"I wanna see them," May giggled. Misty pulled out a small set of photos, and showed May. Luke had messy brown hair and warm blue eyes. He wasn't overly tall, but wasn't too short either.
"Wow, not bad," May smiled, "Oh, you actually took a picture of that?"
"Well you know," Misty laughed, "Nosy friends who only know how to ruin a date."
"Wow Misty, you have friends?" Ash teased.
Misty turned to Ash and glared, "I'm still upset about the bikes."
"Mist, I said I was sorry," Ash complained.
"Yeah, but this happened twice Ketchum," Misty retorted.
"Don't worry Misty, he did it to my bike as well, and from what I hear, Dawn's bike," May laughed.
"Wow Ash, great way to gain companions," Misty said.
"Hey, apparently it's effective," Ash grinned cheekily. Misty shook her head.
By the time the four reached Cerulean City, it was dusk, and they headed to the gym. After they had a quick dinner, the four headed into bed, using the spare rooms since Misty's sisters had left the gym.
"Ash," Misty called softly, "Ash, wake up."
"What?" Ash asked groggily.
"It's morning," Misty giggled, "Actually, it's 10, and in order to get to Vermillion in time, you need to leave in an hour."
"Ok," Ash yawned, "Let me get ready." Misty nodded, and left the room. Downstairs, Max and May were eating breakfast. Misty placed pieces of toast in the toaster, and prepared a bowl of cereal. Ash stumbled down the stairs, still half asleep. Pikachu was following. At the smell of toast, Ash perked up and sat down.
"Thanks Misty, this is great," Ash smiled.
Misty replied, "Um, your welcome. It's toast Ash."
"Yeah, but still," Ash shrugged. The four finished eating, and headed outside.
"You know Ash, there's a bike shop just down the road," Misty winked.
"Great," Ash said, "We can all get bikes, making the way to Vermillion faster." Misty groaned, and started walking away.
"I'm kidding you know," Ash said hastily, "I'll buy everyone bikes." Misty smiled, and once they reached the shop, Ash quickly bought four bikes.
"Well Misty," Ash started, "It sure was nice seeing you again."
"Yeah Ash, you better visit more often," Misty replied.
"Don't worry, I plan on doing that," Ash grinned, and pulled Misty into a hug. Misty was caught by surprise, but hugged her friend back.
"Well, I'll see you around," Ash said, and hopped onto his bike.
"See you," May and Max called. The three rode off into the distance while Misty waved them off.
"Hey Misty," a voice said from behind, "Who was that?"
"Luke," Misty grinned, giving him a quick kiss, "That was my best friend, Ash, along with May and her brother Max."
"Ash Ketchum?" Luke asked, "The one who we watched win the Unova League?"
"The very one," Misty replied, "We used to travel you know."
"That's cool," Luke said, "I've got tons of bikes to make."
"See you tonight then?" Misty questioned.
"You bet," Luke winked, and walked back into the shop.
Ash, May and Max were heading down Route 6, when a young man walked onto the road.
"Hey you three," the man called, "You seem like Pokémon trainers, how about a battle?"
"Sure, I'm up for anything," Ash replied, "What's your name?"
"I'm Jonah," the man replied, "How about a triple battle?"
"Triple battle?" Ash asked.
"Yeah," Jonah grinned, "I use three Pokémon, and each of you use one. Whichever team loses all three Pokémon loses."
"Deal," Max replied instantly, "Ralts, come on out."
"Blaziken, let's do this," May called, releasing her fire type.
"Pikachu, we have this," Ash said, and Pikachu raced over.
"Come on out, Staraptor, Krokorok and Metagross," Jonah called, releasing three powerful Pokémon.
"Whenever you're ready," Jonah said.
"I'll go first then," Max decided, "Ralts, use psychic on Staraptor." Jonah's Staraptor was surrounded by blue light and lifted into the air.
"Metagross, use your own psychic to send Staraptor back down," Jonah said. Metagross quickly was able to send Staraptor back to the ground.
"Blaziken, use blaze kick on Metagross," said May.
"Blaziken," Blaziken grunted, flying into the air and aimed a fiery foot at Metagross.
"Iron defense," Jonnah grinned, "Krokorok, use dig on Pikachu, Staraptor, aerial ace on Ralts." All three Pokémon acted instantly. Blaziken landed a direct hit on Metagross, but it looked like no damage was taken.
"Ralts, use confusion to stop Staraptor," Max called. Staraptor was surrounded by a blue light, and its attack was halted.
"Pikachu, use iron tail on the ground," Ash said, knowing how to deal with ground type Pokémon.
"Chu-pika," Pikachu slammed the ground with its tail. With a roar, Krokorok flew out from the ground.
"Now Pikachu," said Ash, "Iron tail."
"Pika pika pika pika pika-chu," Pikachu raced forward, and landed a powerful iron tail on Krokorok.
"Stay strong Krokorok," Jonnah said, "Now, Metagross, take down on Ralts. Staraptor, aerial ace on Blaziken."
"Blaziken, stop it with flamethrower," May yelled.
"Ralts, use psychic to stop it," Max said.
"Pikachu, quick attack on Krokorok," Ash called.
"Metagross, don't let Ralts stop you," Jonnah said, "Take down max power. Staraptor, spin while diving." Staraptor went into a spin aerial ace attack, completely ignoring the fire. Metagross was surrounded by a blue light, but still pushed forward. Ralts was hit with a full force take down.
"Ralts," Max cried, "Are you alright?" Ralts struggled to stand, but fell back down, unable to battle.
"It's ok Ralts, return, you did amazing," Max said, "You two better beat this guy."
"Blaziken, overheat now," May yelled at the last second. Blaziken gathered up energy, and released a powerful overheat, completely overpowering Staraptor. Staraptor fell to the ground, unable to battle.
"Nice job Staraptor, I'm proud of you," Jonnah said, "How about another take down on Blaziken, Metagross. Krokorok, use dig again, but make sure that Pikachu can't hit you." Krokorok burrowed its way deep underground, and Metagross charged towards Blaziken.
"We're not going without a fight," May decided, "Blaziken, charge with sky uppercut." Blaziken and Metagross charged at each other full on, and when they make contact, a huge explosion appeared. After all the smoke cleared, both Pokémon was declared unable to battle.
"You can win this Ash," May called, "Blaziken, return, you were awesome."
"Krokorok, you can come up now," Jonnah commanded. Krokorok jumped up from behind Pikachu, and headed straight for Pikachu.
"Pikachu, thunder," Ash called. Pikachu released a huge bolt, and everything nearby was burnt to a crisp.
"ASH KETCHUM," May yelled, "THAT IS THE SECOND TIME YOU HAVE DESTROYED MY NEW BIKE."
"Sorry," Ash called back, "Quick Pikachu, use iron tail." Krokorok, who was taken down by the thunder, instantly jumped back up and charged towards Pikachu.
"Krokorok, don't let it hit you," Jonnah said, "Use bite." Krokorok landed next to Pikachu, and ducked under the iron tail. Krokorok bit down on Pikachu's tail.
"Pikachu, use thunderbolt to shake it off," Ash said. Pikachu charged electricity from its cheeks, and Krokorok fell off.
"Iron tail while you have the chance," Ash yelled.
"Chuu-pika," Pikachu flipped back, and landed a direct hit onto Krokorok.
"No," Jonnah yelled. Krokorok fell onto the ground, unable to battle.
"Great job, that's what I call a battle," Max cheered, "Of course, Ash won."
"Yes, a splendid job indeed," Jonnah agreed. He shook hands with all three trainers.
"We better get heading to Vermillion now," May said, "Although, it would take a whole lot longer since someone destroyed the new bikes."
"Hey, a battle is a battle," Ash defended. May sniffed, and glared at Ash.
"I have a car back at my camp, I can give you a lift to Vermillion if you like," Jonnah offered.
"Really, that would be great," Ash grinned.
"You did beat me, it was the least I could do," Jonnah shrugged.
Within no time, the three trainers were at Vermillion city. They waved good-bye to Jonnah, and headed to the Pokémon center. After their Pokémon were healed, Ash and Max decided to walk around the city while May shopped for food and any items necessary. As Ash and Max were walking down the street, Ash pulled out the ticket.
"Hey, looks like we made it just in time," Ash grinned, "The party on the ship is tonight, and I get to bring two other people with me."
"You're taking us, right Ash?" Max asked.
"Who else," Ash replied. The two decided to head back to the Pokémon center to freshen up.
By the time 6:00 rolled up, Ash, Max and May were waiting in line to board the cruise. Ash flashed the ticket, and explained May and Max were his plus one… one. They entered the ship, and headed straight to the deck, where food and drinks were.
"Typical Ash," May sighed, "Always after food." The three stuck together, not much for fancy parties. They watched as people in fancy suits talked with each other, mostly about business.
"Ash, don't some of the trainers on this ship battle?" Max asked.
"You're right," Ash grinned, "A good battle is what I need."
"Well, you better go find someone to battle," May said. Ash nodded, and scanned the deck of people.
"Too bad none of these seem like the battling type," Max remarked. Groaning, Ash plopped down.
"Excuse me," a voice said, "I'm getting rather bored of this ship, and I would love a battle." Ash looked up, and a teenager around Ash's age in a long purple dress was standing in front of him. She had purple hair, and looked familiar.
"Wait," Ash started, "Are you… no… Anabel?"
A/N: I hope you liked it. It took me a while, but I had a goal of 5,000 words, and so I stuck to it. This is more of an Ash/Anabel story, filled with action and romance, which in my opinion, is the best. I haven't watched Black and White, or really finished Diamond and Pearl, so sorry for any mistakes, I'm just using the Wikipedia, as well as my guides I have. Review :)