The sky was still dark when the plane landed. Ash had been planning for it to be later in the morning when they landed, so he was facing a small delema. They sat down in the airport, considering what to do next. Pikachu was dozing off again, having been rudely awakened by the plane landing.

"Pika pika?" Pikachu asked, eyes half closed.

"No, I did not think that it would be three in the morning when we landed," Ash responded. "Do you want to go see what's open?" Pikachu took his sweet time considering that option. Finally, he shrugged his shoulders as an answer.

"Pikachu," he said and climbed into Ash's backpack. Ash grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulders. He re-adjusted his hat and began to walk towards the exit.

They exited the airport to find Cerulean City lit up against the night sky. It had been a long time since Ash was last here, but he remembered it all clearly.

The Cerulean Gym was his second gym battle, and happened to be where the girl he was traveling with, Misty, had left behind to travel. Her sisters were in charge of the gym at that time, and she'd been hoping to not return home until becoming stronger. At least, that's the story Ash knew.

Unfortunately, after their adventures through Johto, Misty ended her journey, and returned to Cerulean City in order to take over the gym. Ash had seen her on her occasional trips to Hoenn.

Suddenly, his phone went off, and Ash was surprised to find that it was from Misty.

Misty- Hey Ash! There's a tournament at the Gym tonight. Ugh. You've...Done stuff like that. Any advice?

Ash- Advice?

Misty- Don't flatter yourself too much. You're the only person I know who's been in eight Pokemon Leagues plus other events.

Ash- Don't lose.

Misty- Thanks.

Ash- Hey, when does this tournament start?

Misty- Ten minutes ago. Something for the young, new trainers who can stay up all night.

Why?

Ash logged off.

"Hey, Pikachu?" Ash asked his friend, who poked his head out of the backpack.

"Pika?"

"How do you feel about a late night battle?"