Well… Can't say I'm unsurprised. I mean, I only expected to get a Review or two, if that. Not only that, but the number of hits this fic received blew me away as well. Over two hundred hits? Really? Wow. Thanks a lot for the support, everyone! I guess I shouldn't underestimate the Pokeshipping community, but I can't help feeling like a newb. Heh. Sure, I started reading Pokeshipping fics years ago - Pokeshipping fiction was what first introduced me to this site, after all – but the 'movement' is still strong today as it was way back when.
… Anyway. Due to the feedback and pleading, I guess I'll add one more Chapter. And a third later at some point, 'cause this could get waaay long. No harm, no foul. Plus, this'll give me the chance to experiment with the other characters, which is what I wanted from the beginning, anyway. Ash and Misty are great, but there are other characters, too. Like Brock… And Pikachu. I'm surprised no one asked where Pikachu was last Chapter, but there coulda been a reason for his lack of appearance. Admittedly, there was none. At least, I had no reason. So, I'll just leave the mystery for your imaginations. Why was Pikachu not present? The world may never know…
I was vague in some areas. If you really want me to go back and add detail to those areas, just say so. I tried to keep the story moving.
No Disclaimer this time. Tobi is a good boy… Age is irrelevant, but just for the heck of this, eventually, three-shot:
Ash: 18
Misty: 18
Brock: 22
Professor Oak, Delia, and Cynthia: Private
Tracey: Who wants to know?
… Sorry. I've nothing against Tracey. On with Part 2!
As the sun rose on the dawn of a brand new day, Ash Ketchum sat up in bed. His hair was as unkempt and frazzled as ever, but nothing could hide the excitement in his eyes.
Ash yawned and looked out the tiny porthole window that was in his cabin room. Realizing it was morning all too quickly, Ash shook Pikachu, who was curled up on his bedside table.
"Hey, Pikachu! Wake up! Today's the day, buddy!"
Pikachu curled up tighter and batted Ash's hand away with his tail.
"Pika…" Pikachu mumbled and attempted to go back to sleep. Too bad Ash was stubborn, like always.
Ash frowned and crossed his arms for a moment.
"Pikachu… You have my old lazy habit! C'mon! It's morning, and we'll be in Pallet Town soon!"
In response, Pikachu opened his eyes and shot Ash a skeptical look.
"Pika? Pikapika, Pikapi." Pikachu rolled his eyes and lowered his head again.
Ash scowled and shook his head.
"I am NOT the same! Pikachu, when was the last time I woke up around noon?"
Pikachu raised his head again, eyes narrowed like before.
"Chu? Pikapi Pi Chu…" Pikachu rolled his eyes yet again and lowered his head to go back to sleep.
Ash twitched and shook his head vigorously.
"That time doesn't count! I WAS up 'til three, y'know! Hard to turn down fans after you've won the Championship, Pikachu!"
Pikachu's head shot up again.
"Pikapika! Pikachu Pika!" Pikachu scolded.
Ash rolled his eyes and sighed.
"I KNOW it was you and the other Pokemon that won the battle, Pikachu, but I AM your trainer, so I won the battle, too!"
Pikachu shrugged and lowered his head again. He was determined to go back to sleep.
"Pikpika…"
Ash groaned and threw his hands in the air.
"Fine! If you wanna stay in bed all day, that's fine with me! You'll probably end up back in Sinnoh, and I won't see you for a LONG time!
Ash waited for a reply from his favorite Pokemon, but all he got was a snore. Snorting, Ash got out of bed and threw on the clothes he had become accustomed to wearing the past few years.
"See ya, Pikachu!"
Ash saddled his backpack over one shoulder and stepped out of the room.
"Bye, Pikachu!" Ash said one last time before closing the door.
Pikachu felt relieved after his master had left the room. Now he could rest in peace. After all, the boat was still chugging along, and Ash wouldn't abandon him anyway.
Thirty seconds passed, and still not a peep from Ash. A minute. Two minutes. Three. Pikachu dozed off at long last after the third minute of serene silence. Though the night table wasn't soft like a bed, at least it was smooth. And silent.
After about ten minutes of blissful dreams about ketchup… Pikachu was awoken by Ash comically screaming into a megaphone after abruptly opening the door and barging into the room.
"RISE AND SHINE, SLEEPY HEAD!" Ash beamed when his Pokemon jolted out of slumber and leaped almost to the ceiling. It was when he started to laugh that he began to get nervous and realize his mistake. "Hehe… heh… Good one… eh… Pika… chu…?"
Pikachu's cheeks began to spark with electricity, and he gave Ash payback for disrupting the wonderful dreams about ketchup. Lots and lots of payback.
"PIKAAA… CHUUUUUUUUUUU!" Pikachu cried and unleashed the voltage of rage built up inside of his tiny body. Ash didn't know what hit him.
Ash, now charred and smokin', shakily brought up his hand to the door.
"U-Uh… S-S-Sorry… I'll come… back… late… r…" Ash coughed up smoke and closed the door again, but this time more shakily.
Pikachu panted a little after releasing so much electricity on his master. It had been a LONG time since he had 'shocked' Ash. About six years. While training for six years, Ash had actually matured and grown serious. Not once had he pulled something like he did just now. While it was an unwelcome wake-up call, Pikachu had to laugh at finally seeing Ash go back to being that rambunctious, stubborn kid again. Just like old times!
About half an hour after Ash and Pikachu's 'episode', the boat finally moored at Pallet's pier. Ash, Pikachu, and Cynthia disembarked together.
"Thanks again for letting me come along with you, Ash." Cynthia said, smiling sweetly. "It's been a while since I've traveled so far, and even longer since I've set foot in another region. And just a reminder: The League in Sinnoh does expect you back when the next tournament starts. Sadly, until a challenger bests you in a six-on-six battle, after defeating the Elite 4, you won't be able to travel to other regions. You'll be needed in Sinnoh. But at least you'll be able to go wherever you want in Sinnoh, while the League's going on."
Ash placed his hands behind his head and grinned.
"Heh… Still getting used to that title. I mean, I've worked so hard to get to this point… I wonder if I'll ever get used to it, or at least before some challenger pounds me into the ground…"
Cynthia shook her head and smiled.
"You'll get used to it. And I know I already said this, but if you ever need help, you can consult me, Mr. Goodshow, and the Elite 4."
Ash nodded and began to look among the sea of faces at the port. Finally, he spotted his mother, Professor Oak, and Tracey. The three waved, and Ash, Pikachu, and Cynthia made their way over to them.
"Oh, hello, Pikachu!" Mrs. Ketchum squealed as Pikachu hopped up into her arms and rubbed its cheeks into hers.
"CHAAA!" Pikachu squealed.
Tracey held out his hand and said, "Congrats on winning the Sinnoh League, Ash! Great to have you back home!"
Ash grinned and shook Tracey's hand.
"It's good to be home, Trace!" Ash shook Professor Oak's hand as well. "Hey, Professor! So can I see my Pokemon today? It's been too long!"
Professor Oak chuckled and nodded.
"Of course, Ash. Though they could've been given away, I suspected you were still alive out there in Sinnoh. So, I kept taking good care of them, even when you never called. And if I may, I would like to take a look at the Sinnoh team that brought you victory in the Sinnoh League!"
Cynthia had gone unnoticed up until this point. And it was at this point that Tracey noticed that Ash had brought along the former Champion of Sinnoh.
"You're Cynthia, right? Pleased to meet ya!" Tracey held out his hand again, and Cynthia accepted the gesture.
"Yes… Ash invited me. It's been a while since I set foot in another region, and I couldn't pass the chance up. I'm in love with the mythology of Sinnoh, but that doesn't mean I don't want to investigate other regions. I'd be honored if I could be granted access to your research materials, Professor Oak!"
Professor Oak chuckled again and shook Cynthia's extended hand.
"It would be my pleasure, Cynthia." Turning to Mrs. Ketchum, Professor Oak said, " So… Delia, where should our first stop be? My lab, or your house? I'm fine with whichever we go to first."
Pausing in her nuzzling with Pikachu, Mrs. Ketchum looked thoughtful as she pondered this query.
"Well… Brock's at home, preparing a late breakfast, early lunch, and he may be ready for us now, since he started preparing it two hours ago…
Ash looked a little downcast at the thought of having to delay his visit with his old Pokemon. Though he would enjoy Brock's cooking, Ash really wanted to see his old Pokemon again.
"But…" Mrs. Ketchum continued. 'Seeing that Ash is eager to visit his Pokemon, we can visit your lab, if that's okay, Professor.
Professor Oak nodded, affirming that it was okay, Mrs. Ketchum paused again and realized she hadn't greeted Cynthia yet.
"Oh, and welcome to Pallet Town, Cynthia! You can stay with us, if you like!"
Cynthia smiled and respectfully bowed.
"If it's alright with you, I'd be very grateful."
Mrs. Ketchum beamed and handed Pikachu back to Ash.
"Then it's settled!"
Once Cynthia and Ash's bags were loaded into Mrs. Ketchum's van, everyone made their way to Professor Oak's lab. Hours flew by as Ash was reunited with his Pokemon and they played. Cynthia, Professor Oak, and Tracey pored through Professor Oak's research materials, and Mrs. Ketchum visited with her son a little. Before long, it was noon, and high time to go.
When the gang traveled to the Ketchum residence, they were greeted by Mr. Mime. … Brock didn't waste anytime and started to flirt with Cynthia right away.
"Cynthia, my darling! I am sinking in an ocean of our love! Just say the word, and it will be do-" Brock was cut off as Croagunk released itself from its ball and firmly grasped Brock's ear. "G-Gah! C-Croagunk…!"
Brock moaned, and Croagunk dragged him away from Cynthia. Cynthia stood rooted in place and blinking. She was shaken out of her stupor by Ash's laugh.
"Same old Croagunk! Too bad Misty's not here yet, or it'd really be nostalgic!"
Brock grumbled after he was released by Croagunk.
"If Misty WAS here, at least I'd have someone to relate to…" Brock pointed at Ash. "… You. We could be in pain together! Anyway… How've you been Ash? You remember to eat and sleep well? Training on your own is one thing, but I'd hate for ya to die of malnutrition! Same goes for your Pokemon!"
Ash laughed and assured his friend.
"I've eaten the recipes ya left for me, don't worry!" Ash nervously rubbed the back of his head and looked embarrassed. "I-I mean the food that the recipes… not the actual… Aw, you know what I mean!"
Everyone in the room but Ash broke into laughter. Ash just crossed his arms and pouted, feeling like a fool. Once the laughter died down, Brock invited everyone into the kitchen and treated them to lunch. And after lunch, the rest of the day was made up of catching up with Ash and vice versa. Research at the lab was going great, and Brock was on his way to becoming a Pokemon Doctor. Mrs. Ketchum busied herself while Ash was off training, and she did her best to keep her mind off of Ash, because she worried endlessly for him when he never called. Ash of course apologized again and again, and Mrs. Ketchum assured her son that it was alright, because he came home, in the end.
After dinner, which Brock made, Tracey and Professor Oak left to return to the lab, and everyone else continued visiting. Eventually, Mrs. Ketchum, Brock, and Cynthia turned in for the night. There was going to be a party tomorrow, and Mrs. Ketchum informed her son that many, many friends would be coming. Among them would be Professors Elm and Birch, May and her family, Dawn, Barry, Paul, and even Flint and Volkner. Though it would be a day of celebration tomorrow, Ash just didn't feel sleepy as he went out for a nighttime stroll through Pallet Town. Pikachu had turned in as well, and so it was just Ash out and about. He didn't know why, but he was anxious. But anxious for what?
It was about 11PM when Ash found himself at the outskirts of Pallet Town. Ash thought that he should turn back, but he didn't. Instead, he found himself moving beyond Pallet Town and onto the route that he had treaded when he started out. Eventually, he found himself at a small cliff overlooking a small stream of water.
"Why did I come here…?" Ash asked himself as he shook himself out of his stupor. It was night, so he didn't quite recognize the place. Though Ash assumed that he had been there before, otherwise he wouldn't have known the way there. Ash reminisced about his first day of travelling, and realization dawned on him.
"This is… where I first met Misty…" Ash muttered. He distinctly remembered falling into a river with Pikachu and being fished out by Misty. The experience was… not exactly pleasant, but it also wasn't horrible at the same time. Pikachu got injured pretty badly later that day, but Ash got to meet his first friend on his journey through Kanto. True, Pikachu 'accidentally' fried Misty's bike, but Ash eventually became grateful for his first companion. She had been there longer with him than anyone else, and she had been fiercely loyal. Well, she still was, but they had been separated for a while now, and Ash missed her.
"That's it…!" Ash muttered to himself. He realized he was anxious to see Misty. It was great seeing Brock, Professor Oak, and his mother again, but Ash felt he was anxious to see Misty. Though he'd never admit that to anyone, or so he thought.
"Ash…?"
Ash whipped around to whoever addressed him. His eyes bulged at meeting the girl he had just been thinking about face to face. She was on her bike on the dirt path and looking at him, while he stood closer to the cliff's edge.
"M-Misty! I thought you weren't gettin' here 'til tomorrow!" Ash exclaimed.
Misty pouted and crossed her arms.
"What? So you're not happy to see me? I have to be around you at a specific time?"
Ash waved his hands defensively in front of him.
"N-No! It's not that! I just… didn't expect you this late at night."
Misty laughed. She got off her bike and stood it against a tree.
"We used to travel and be up a lot later than this, Ash. I just decided I couldn't wait to see you. I didn't expect to see you out here of all places, either!"
Ash rubbed the back of his head and grinned meekly.
"W-Well… I'm only out here 'cause I couldn't sleep. And as crazy as it sounds, I didn't come of my own accord. I just sorta… spaced out and, well, I found myself here. I never thought I'd meet up with ya again at the place where we first met. … Well, close to the place where we first met. I mean, it's down there."
Ash pointed to the place below him. Misty walked over and nodded in recognition.
"Yep… This is definitely the spot. But why'd you wind up here of all places? You miss me that much?" Misty giggled.
Ash blushed and scratched the side of his head.
"Yeah, I think I did… Don't get me wrong, seein' Professor Oak, Tracey, Brock, and mom has been great so far! But… I think a part of me wanted to see you, too. But I dunno why."
Misty's heart thumped a little faster when Ash admitted he had wanted to see her. He was still oblivious to love, Misty thought. He had wanted to see HER. Yes, that could just be the affection of a best friend, but Misty liked to think of the possibility of it being more. Still, there was no sense in making an abrupt confession here. Misty knew that would be naïve and dense. Ash would just mistake her 'love' for him as best friend love, and nothing more. She wanted nothing more than for his 'love' for her to be more than when one 'loves' a friend. There was no use in fantasizing over that now, though. Ash had returned home, and Misty was happy. Very happy.
"W-Well… Why don't we go back to your place? It's getting late, and I'd like to sleep tonight… We can talk more tomorrow, though!" Misty smiled.
Ash smiled back.
"Great! We can battle, too!" Ash had a thought, though. He frowned. "But… We don't have anymore spare beds. Brock's taken the guest room, and Cynthia's taken the couch…"
Misty blinked and stuttered.
"C-Cynthia…?"
Ash nodded.
"Yeah, the former Champion of Sinnoh. I thought I'd invite her to Kanto, 'cause she's a friend and she's wanted to go to another region for a while now…"
Misty looked relieved as she smiled again.
"O-Oh… That's nice, Ash. A-Anyway… Why don't I just sleep on the floor? I brought a sleeping bag for old time's sake."
Ash shook his head again and smiled back at Misty.
"Nah. You can take my bed. After all, you're a guest!"
Misty shook her head in response.
"But you've been gone for so long! I'll let you sleep in your own bed, Ash!"
Ash shook his head. Again.
"But I insist! You're a guest! I've got a sleeping bag, too!"
A vein appeared on Misty's forehead.
"I'm sleeping on the floor, Ash, and that's final!"
Ash frowned and narrowed his eyes a little.
"No, I am!"
"I am!"
"I am!"
"I am!"
"No, I am!"
"No, I am!"
"I am!"
Misty raised a fist and Ash backed away a little. But then she lowered the fist and smiled a little TOO sweetly.
"Okay, Ash, you can sleep on the floor."
Ash shook his head and sighed while waving his hands defensively again.
"Oh, no! YOU can sleep on the floor, I insist!"
Misty beamed as her trick got a 'positive' result.
"'Kay, Ash! Thanks! You can repay me tomorrow!"
Misty rushed over to her bike and hopped on it. Ash paused and dwelled on their argument. Then he broke into a full fledged sprint to catch up to Misty, as she had pedaled away minutes before Ash had realized he had 'lost' the argument.
"… Mwah! MIIISTY! YOU'RE A GUEST!"
Too bad his scream fell on deaf ears. Or rather, ears that weren't there at all...
… Well, I think I'll end Part 2 here. It's gonna be fun having those two argue. If it's a little weird for Misty to want to sleep on the floor… Eh, just go with it for now. Next Chapter, when I get around to publishing it, will involve a lot more characters, and not just the ones listed. I wonder if I can keep them all in-character… Did I do okay here, by the way? I didn't reveal Ash's Sinnoh team this Chapter. I may very well do that next Chapter, 'cause it could - should? - have a battle or two. Frankly, I wanted to leave the team up to your guys' interpretation, but I DO want to experiment with battling, and it would be mean to go and 'finish' this fic without making known Ash's latest team in this AU. I've got something to think about, yay...
Anyway, Review if you want. The fact I got this written up so soon boggles my mind… But then, I did get ample writing time today… Er… Yesterday. Tonight? Whatever. Hope you all had a Happy Easter! Again, thanks so much for feedback and taking the time to read this! Sorry to say it might be a while before you read another update from me. It might, and it might not. Time will tell…