Chapter 7: Hopeful Lies

On the next day, after the incident at the docks of Goldenrod City, Brock and Richie were able to bring Ash and Misty back at Richie's place. The city streets were declared as a danger zone to all residence since the Pokemons were going wild.

It wasn't long till Ash was regaining a bit of his conscious back. The first thing he was able to do was smell…

There was a smell in the air. A wonderful smell… it was stew… or something close to that at least. The aroma was great and it seems like there was lettuce, pork… and other delicacies I can't even name.

"Do you think he's alright?" Richie asked Brock as he looked at the unconcious Ash on the sofa.

"I wouldn't worry about him. Ash maybe small but he's stronger than he looks"

He lied he was dead super duper worried about Ash. He didn't have that many scratches as Misty but his body was so weakened it almost looked like he could die at any moment. Just then, Arthur came in with some bad and good news

"I spoke with Nurse Joy at the Center. Your Onix and Misty's other Pokemons are all healed and will be waiting for you Brock"

"Thanks sir, I just wish I knew what happened to my Onix. He never acted like that before"

"Yours wasn't the only one that was acting strange" said the old sea dog, "The whole city is in chaos! The police requested that everyone should stay inside until they announce that it's safe to go around again. And I want no excuses what so ever to be going out you hear?!"

Brock and Richie nodded as they have never seen Arthur so nervous and frustrated before in their lives. He was still at a lost after losing his prized Jennifer to those Team Rockets. He never thought that he would ever see his S.S Jennifer at the bottom of the bay. The police were roaming around with several trainers who seemed to have 'lost' their Pokemons during the confusion. They didn't have to tell the people to stay in their houses, they were too afraid to go anywhere at this point.

"Well it looks like we're not going anywhere today"

Brock was in deep though for awhile until his face brightened up with an idea.

"Hey Richie can I use your phone for a minute?"

"Yeah its right next to the living room, it's the only one we have" he said pointing to a Pokemon phone on the wall

Brock began dialing the numbers like crazy that it would so hard to even decipher what was the first number he pressed, "(dialed like crazy) Hello?... hey Tracey its Brock……. really? Well anyway I need to speak with the professor right away ok thanks. (waits for awhile) Professor?"

The screen on the monitor lit up to see an old man in his lab coat.

"Oh hi there Brock I wasn't expecting you to call back so soon"

It was nice to see the professor in good heath but Brock wasn't in the mood for cheesy talk today. He immediately got to the point.

"Professor, have you heard anything about Pokemons going wild or anything?"

"No not at all is someth… "

"Professor! I just got a mail from Varidian city! Take a look at these readings!" that the voice of Tracey just off screen

The professor took the long band paper and read every word with patience. His eyes widened with surprise mixed with fear after a brief look at the note.

"That can't be right! Tracey, look into the database and see what you can find! This reading is way too much even for a psychic Pokemon" Brock gave a puzzled face in return, "Oh I'm sorry Brock but it seems like you're right. I have here reports about Pokemons acting strangely around the Hoenn and Johto regions. Do you know anything about this?"

"Well… you wouldn't believe me if I told you"

"Why's that?…"

Brock and Professor Oak (A.K.A Sammy Oak) spent hours on the phone explaining on what just happened in the city. The story was pretty farfetched and more a fantasy than reality but from the tone of his voice and emotions sticking out of his face he was dead serious.

"I see… this story is hard to believe but I think I'll check up with you when I can. Oh and please don't tell Ash's mother about this, she's worried enough after seeing him fight at the Cerulean gym"

An hour had passed after Brock had hung up. Misty was already awake from her little nap. She had bandages all over her face and arms. The wounds were mostly caused by splinters and small rocks that hit her at an amazing speed.

The orange haired girl slept peacefully for only a short time but Ash seems to have been sleeping forever since he came back from the fight. Misty looked at him with worried eyes. She felt like she needed to say something… anything… but the words were froze in her lungs dropping away back into her brain.

What did she want to say?

"Urrggg..." Ash moaned as he tried to reach for his face. He felt stiff and numb all over like a prune that was squeezed into nothing. "Ohhh what happened?" Brock quickly jump next to his friend began starring at him with a serious glance.

"Hey Ash ya feeling any better?" Brock said with that usual smirk on his face.

"I feel…" a sudden rumble came from his stomach, "heh heh hungry I guess" Brock fell down silly but with some relief to know his friend was alright. After a few minutes of stretching his back, arms and legs Ash finally got up and start doing laps around the house with his Pikachu.

Brock looked at Ash with a stare that clearly says 'What are you doing?' Ash smiled back as he couldn't stop jogging around. Everyone thought he would still need recovering after that little fight, but it looked like he was ready to take on the entire world. It was strange at first but then they remembered that Ash felt tired and hungry last night. He must've recovered from that little exhaustion that day.

After a series of hours running around in circles around the house and field Ash's Pikachu began to show signs of fatigue. The little mouse was going slower and slower, but he was trying to keep up with Ash. After a few more minutes Pikachu collapsed to a nearby flower bushes.

"Oh sorry Pikachu, I didn't know you were tired already" Pikachu rested at the end of the field panting heavily but Ash was barely even breaking a sweat! Something wasn't right at all. It wasn't bad but it certainly wasn't right. Misty was wondering how Ash got so much energy while she was basically famished!

Right after lunch, Ash continued his workout by doing push ups with one finger and sits up without any hand support. Brock and the others wanted to join him for that little exercise but just looking at the young trainer already made them tired.

Brock couldn't help but be proud at Ash as he was now taking his training more seriously.

Richie was actually jealous of Ash and wanted to be more like him. He idolized him and looks up to his friend as a role model in his life.

Arthur didn't want to express himself much but he was jealous of who Ash's parents were. If he could, he would've adopted that boy right on the spot.

Misty herself also couldn't help but notice Ash's unusual behavior.

After a few minutes Misty walked towards the balcony on the second floor. The sight overlooked the city down town area and golf court. It was a great sight but what really attracted her was Ash's little Pikachu who was trying to keep up with his master. "I can't believe he's not even tired yet" she thought. Just then Ash finally showed signs of fatigued. He crouched and held himself by his knees while panting endlessly. He then realizes that he and Pikachu shouldn't be the only ones working out! He called his Pokemons who laughed with glee and began training with their master with pride.

Misty's heart race after looking at Ash. His body was getting sweaty and his eyes completely focused. She stared at him and smiled happily.

(Misty's POV)

"I guess he's finally getting used to his Pokemon training" I said to myself quietly. His hair was not as spiky as before and he was only wearing his black shirt. His soft gentle smile is just so… so… heart warming. I wish I could talk to him… I guess I should praise him at least. He did fight off Team Rocket… but what should I say? 'Come on Misty he's your best friend… it's the least you could do!' My thoughts are ringing out like crazy! Just before I knew it I was already on the same field with Ash.

He was taking a 5 minute break on a bench near the garden. I guess this was my chance. I just needed to say 'thank you and congrats' and I'm done. My heart was beating faster and faster as I approached him. He looked at me with those deep dark eyes. It felt it could take me away… far far away from here. I needed to say something to him… anything.

(Normal POV)

Ash was gazing at Misty for several minutes. His Pokemons were all exhausted from the little work out but now they felt a whole lot stronger than before. Even Totodile was too exhausted to even let out a little laugh. "Hey Misty what's up?" he said breaking the silent moment. She couldn't speak… she just blush in reply.

"Uh… nothing!" she said finally.

"Doesn't look like nothing. Come on you can tell me"

"No, it's nothing really!" her heart was pounding hard on her chest. She could feel the sound of the pump every two seconds. She turned away and walked slowly back into the house but Ash grabbed her arm, stopping her on her tracks. Ash knew her best friend too well. He knew that tone of her voice and he'd know that she was lying.

"Come on Misty you can't hide that face from me"

"Well what do you know!?" she screamed at him at the top of her lungs making the boy back away with sadness in his eyes.

(Misty's POV)

Who the heck does he think he is?! I just want to congratulate him and be on my way but now I just feel like I want to whack him! My mind's going around in circles and I can barely think straight. What's wrong with ME?! First I whack him for just being himself and now I'm yelling at him for no reason! Gosh I need to rest.

(Normal POV)

Misty was generally not in a good mood. She was holding all of her emotions behind her mask but only 'anger' managed to slip through.

Ash took a step back as he was surprised to see how Misty reacted. "What did I do this time?" he wondered. But the girl just left without a word. "I guess it must be a girl thing" Pikachu agreed with Ash with a nod.

Back inside Pikachu decided to follow Misty and see what's gotten into her. He tried to follow the girl, but was cut short when he saw Togepi on top of the stairs. The little egg like Pokemon was about to drop from the top! Pikachu immediately leaped forward before she fell on the first step.

"Pika pika!" (Be careful, you could've hurt yourself!)

"cu preeee" (Mommy's angry, did daddy do something bad?)

"Pi Pikachu ! Pikapi pika pikachu" (Stop calling him daddy! Besides Ash didn't do anything)

"cu tic cu tic" (Then why's mommy angry?)

"Pika…chu" (It must be a girl thing)

(Brock's POV)

I was proud of myself after teacher Arthur on to cook. The man has a lot of spirit, but… I wonder what happened to Richie's mom. I guess that's another thing those two had in common. Except Richie's missing a mom and Ash is missing a dad. Wait what am I thinking?! I shouldn't be thinking like this about those two, their lives are way perfect!

Just as I was preparing desert for tonight's little feast I heard Misty yelling out again. I guess they must've had another fight. I can't get that girl at all! I mean Ash saved her life and now she's acting nothings happened. She should at least thank Ash for that. Maybe when I'm finish I'll tell her that.

I still can't believe Ash is finally taking his Pokemon seriously now. He used to be overconfident and slow but I guess he's all grown up. Arthur came to me a few minutes ago and said that all the boats in the city docks were damaged during the attack done by Team Rocket. I guess our little trip to Valmarian will have to wait. Ash might feel a little depressed. It's not every day you get to see your goal just slipping away from your hands. Who knows maybe Ash might rethink on his journey to Valmarian and have a little vacation instead.

(Normal POV)

Ash finally retired from his workout and was inside with all of his Pokemons. They were panting heavily while their master was just having a breather. His body and stamina were tripled the last time they were around. "Come and get it!" Brock was ringing a triangle to signal his friends that the food was ready.

Ash gave his Pokemons Pokechow he bought from Cerulean city and his Pikachu a bottle of ketchup just the way he liked it. Misty cooled herself off by taking a little shower and put on the new shirt and shorts she bought from the mall a few days ago. They all ate quietly and peacefully just how Brock liked it. It was silent and all the noise you could hear was 'chomp, gulp, gluck, chew' until,

"So Brock, when can we leave for Valmarian city?" Ash broke the peaceful meal. Brock knew he was gonna ask that question sooner or later, "Sorry Ash but ever since the attack, no boats will be leaving for Vaalmarian city or anywhere in awhile" everyone expected Ash to sigh or something, but instead he just gave out his usual smirk.

"Well I guess we could head for Olivine city then" Ash said as he gulps down his food.

Everyone yelled out in confusion "OLIVINE CITY?!" the young boy nodded in reply.

"Yeah, I got some friends visiting the city right now and now they want us to join them on their return trip" Misty let out a sigh… again,

"Ash can we please just have a little rest and relaxation? I mean we did just battled two Team Rocket teams and you barely recovered!" but Ash smiled without worries in his face,

"No way, if we can get there within a week, we might be able to catch a trip to Lilycome city right away and who knows we might even get to see a lot of Pokemons along the way!"

"One week?! We can't get there that fast even with a bus" the young trainer once again smiled with glee as he already planned everything out.

"That's why we're going to leave tonight!" Everyone who just recovered from the state of shock, fell back into their previous position "Let me explain. We'll now be doing things differently from now on. We'll travel at night and sleep by day. If we do that we're guaranteed to make it in Olivine in 4 days" Ash waited for a brief moment waiting for his friend's reaction. "Oh and there won't be any bugs during the night" he added.

Misty raised her hand in agreement "I'm in!"

Before long, the gang packed up their belongings and quickly said their farewells to Arthur. "Why don't you go with them Richie?" said the old sea dog,

"But don't you need help with Jennifer?"

"Jennifer can wait my boy. You need to brush up on your skills or you'll be left behind! Besides, I think mom would be very proud to see you become friends with a Pokemon trainer like Ash" Richie hugged his father tightly and let out a single tear from his eyes. He never felt such happiness ever since he met Ash and he was about to pass up an opportunity like this one!

"Hey guys wait for me!" Richie yelled out as he quickly packs some food and clothes for the trip. He followed Ash group and immediately joined in for the ride.

Arthur smiled as his son and his newly found friends travel through the early night… to Olivine city. "Jennifer… our son seems to have found a role model. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but I guess it's what he wants. I hope you understand…"

(Meanwhile in Valmarian City)

Gary looked at himself at the mirror. His eye lids were barely hanging above his eye. He just fought three trainers in a row and trained all day with his Pokemons. He ate nothing but a ham and egg sandwich and a can of soda for the entire day. He was amazed that he arrived at Valmarian City before Ash.

He felt proud and couldn't wait to rub it on Ash's face. He was already preparing on how he was gonna say it too. "Ha ha! Well well, if it isn't the loser squad! What's the matter did you guys ride on a Slowpoke to get here?" the boy giggled the moment he would see Ash he would repeat that same sentence until he drops. After awhile Gary lay down on his bed room which he rented in a Pokemon center. He flipped through the channels on TV but found nothing of interest. As he scrolled around to the news area his eyes widened.

Ash was on TV… again! "Goldenrod Disaster" was the title of the story. There appeared to have been a great disturbance in Goldenrod city this morning. Gary heightened the volume so he would catch every word clearly. There was an attack attempt by Team Rocket early in the morning. It had damaged many ships along the sea shores and even now several water Pokemons are behaving strangely often attack fishing boats and ferries. Some reports say that this was a ploy Team Rocket was using but no evidence shows. Though there weren't any wounded but the sea traveling agency of Goldenrod city are halting all sea travels until further notice.

Gary barely listened to the early news and wanted to focus more on what was Ash doing there. He muted the TV and as the camera focused on Ash. Gary stood up as he studied Ash's techniques as he commanded an Onix, a Staryu and two Pikachu. It wasn't as complicated as the one he did in Cerulean city, but it was still amazing. Gary stood again… seeing his rival performing such incredible feats leaving him at awe.

(Back in Pallet Town, Professor Oak's Residence)

Delia was now visiting professor Oak's place. She didn't have anything to do but clean up the mess he and Tracy did since this morning. Papers with intelligible writings and numbers and formulas were scattered throughout the place. Instant meals were littered all around making a sickening aroma.

"How can they live like this?" Delia thought, "Hello is anyone here?" there was no reply. The only thing that was making a sound was her lungs and the air-conditioner… the rest of the house was in a complete silence. "I think I'll need Mr. Mime's help on this one" she sighed with a sweat drop hanging from her face.

"NOOOO!!!!"

A loud scream rang through the entire house. Delia covered her ear and decided to take a look at professor Oak's lab. Tracey was on the ground with coffee stain all over his face. He was snoring happily while the professor was busy calculating something, but it appears to be a failure.

"Umm… professor?" Delia poked her head out through the door having a little look inside.

(Sam Oak's thoughts)

"I failed… again! How is this even possible? Even since I got that note from Varidian city I've been decrypting these strange brainwaves from the Johto region I've been working non stop to find out what kind of Pokemon could do such a powerful wave blast. The reason why the Pokemons were acting strangely must also be related to this. If a human could hear such powerful psychic sound it would blow their minds completely. It could be a weapon that Team Rocket developed just like they said, but it's impossible. They'll need a very power generator and at least 500 Alakazams to even get near such frequency. I guess I'll have to figure this one on my own"

(Back in normal POV)

"Hello? Professor?!" Delia practically screamed after having the thought that the professor past away.

"Wha?... Whaaaaaa!!!" the old scientist fell from his chair and slammed his head to the ground. "Ouch…oh Delia, I didn't here you coming" he said finally. He stood up and pat the dust that covered his coat. He looked around and noticed that everything was a mess. "Aheh I guess I forgot that you were coming. I'm sorry about the mess hehehe" Delia smiled and was relieved to see him unharmed. The old man tried gathering the papers that were just about everywhere.

"My my, you and Tracey must've stayed up all night"

"Well technically yes, but in reality we've only been working for six hours ahehehe"

"Well I guess I could start by cleaning up the house"

"Oh no please don't mind the mess! I'll get right on it hehehehe" the professor began shuffling through the papers and folders and placing them on random shelves

"Umm… professor do you mind if I stay here tonight? (Oak's stood in shock) Well you see I've been feeing lonely in my house for awhile and I just can't stand it anymore. My son always contacts you and rarely even calls me anymore"

"Umm… uh well… of course you can stay but I think Tracey has the guest room"

"Oh don't worry about that I can just sleep here in the living room! Thank you professor"

Not long when Delia was about to get her things, Tracey appeared and began shouting something in an cryptic messege, "Professor!!!!!!! Oh hi Mrs. Ketchum. Professor I got a call from Dr. Birch in Hoenn. He says that he might have a lead on those strange readings"

"That's great! I'll call him right away"

"I'll head over to Celadon city and catch the next boat ride to Hoenn. He might need my help!"

"Alright Tracey but don't do anything rash ok? Oh don't forget to come to Valmarian city when you're done!" (Tracey was long gone already. He took the bus and head right off to who knows where) "(sigh) Well I guess I'd better get started on cleaning this mess"

"Oh I think I'll call Mr. Mime to help out. Just let me get home and I'll come back right away. Oh and thank you professor for letting me stay"

"Don't mention it. I've been staying at your house more than I could remember"

The professor never imagined that Delia would be staying at his house. Right after the cheerful lady made a quick dash to get her things, the old man quickly tidied up the place as fast as he could. He stuffed papers into trashcans and vacuumed the place before she would return. He even brushed up some coffee for the two of them. He took a quick bath and changed into a new lab coat. By the time he finished he sat on the sofa and watched TV and waited for Delia's return.