Episode Four: The Tape, We'll Be There

Misty and Lily storm into Auramaster24's room, angry.

Misty and Lily: "Auramaster! You have some explaining to do!"

Voice comes over phone..

Auramaster24: " Attention, in order to avoid getting hurt, I have hidden myself away until Misty and Lily cool off. Readers enjoy episode four, The Tape, We'll Be There"

Misty destroys phone with mallet..

Misty's Point of view

I can't believe all that happened in a short time. Joel got Gawain only a few days ago and already it was a Lucario. Not only that, but Rudy from the Orange islands is now part of Team Rocket. After a additional day of rest, we were able to reach the Viridian city Pokemon center before noon. Ash was checking us in, while Lily and I recounted the events to our parents. As we did so, I could not help but notice she would look over in Joel's direction as he was talking to his mother on the video phones..

Joel's Point of View

I told my mom what happened on the way here. I told her everything except for the tape that is. I could tell she was trying to be strong for me. She looked at me with a motherly smile on her face.

" It's okay to be afraid dear. I would be concerned if you weren't. Just remember, the bravest people are not the ones who fear nothing, but the one ones who face what they fear most." I could not help but smile.

"You've been talking with Mrs. Ketchum haven't you?" I half asked. That was something Mr. Ketchum always sold me before that day..

" Of course. She tells me stories from when you little." I notice my mom giggle as she finishes her sentence. She goes on about all she heard about how me and Lily were inseparable..

Ash's Point of View

I had just gotten of the phone with my mom and Professor Oak. I had asked him to send me two of my Pokemon just in case we run into Team Rocket again. Professor Oak had told me that since I saved the world in the Orange islands, Pokemon native from different regions have migrated to other regions. I decided that this will be my last league tournament..

Normal Point of View

As our heroes go up to their rooms, Lily pulls Joel to the side. She wanted, no needed to know what was on the tape. She knew there was one way to get him to spill. She held onto his hand tightly and whispered so no one else could hear..

"What did it say?" She asked concerned. Joel gulped. He could never lie to her.. She could always see right through him. And he knew not to get her angry.. She saw the conflict in his eyes. Torn between not wanting to scare her and not wanting to lie to her. She brought him into their room and sat with him on the bed.

" You know I'm going to find out eventually. At least let me know now so I can maybe help. You know I love you." She told him sweetly as she rubbed his back.

" Alright.. You better get Ash and Misty as well." Lily nodded and left. Joel wondered how Ash would take it..

In Ash and Misty's room, Our favorite couple were having a lovely date. Ash had ordered room service. Ash had ordered Italian from the kitchen and Misty had wanted to watch " Lady and the Tramp" They were at the most romantic part of the movie. ( Lady and Tramp were eating the same noodle of spaghetti and they ended up kissing. I thought it was cute and sweet) As the kiss on the movie unfolded, Misty got an idea. She looked at her boyfriend and said innocently..

"Ash, you have some sauce on you." Ash took his napkin and wiped his mouth.

" Did I get it?" Misty shook her head.

"Still there.." Ash wiped his mouth and cheeks for good measure. Misty giggled. Ash caught this..

"What's so funny Mist?"

"This.." Misty then kissed him hard on the lips. One which Ash gladly returned. As they kissed, They heard a knock on the door.

"Ash, Misty, Joel needs to talk to us." Lily told them. They followed her into her and Joel's room. On the nightstand was the same cassette recorder and tape. The first thing Ash and Misty noticed was the worried look on Joel's face. Lily closed the door and Ash, Misty, and Joel set up a conference call with their parents. After everything was set up, Joel played the tape. Over it came Giovanni's voice..

I'm surprised your alive, "Project Aura" or should I call you Joel Berlitz? I'm even more surprised that someone would actually take you, a worthless abomination, in for a son. One day You and Ketchum shall face me in battle. In a Pokemon battle that will be legendary. You will meet your own brother very soon. He looks almost like you. His name is Shadow. He will constantly be testing you and Ketchum. I tell you this not because I like you. Far from it.. I want you two to be at your best. The clock is now ticking..

The parents looked at the two young couples. The four teens had been through so much already. They heard romantic music and saw colored lights outside. They all got smiles on their faces remembering how romantic the Starlight festival was.

"Why don't you four enjoy the Starlight festival tonight." Crystal asked. Ash's heart nearly stopped. 'The Starlight Festival' he thought. Delia noticed the pale look on her son's face. He had not told anyone the truth..

"It's been a couple years since I've been to that festival. Joel said looking at Lily. She smiled recalling their first date, the Starlight festival was held at Cerulean that year. She and Joel were twelve at the time..

Flash back..

Lily and her sisters and mother. were practicing in the pool for the next water show. Joel could not help but watch Lily. He was in love after all. It had been a year since Mr. Waterflower's disappearance. Only Mrs. Waterflower and Joel knew the truth. He was Giovanni had imprisoned him in convexity. Crystal noticed the lovesick look on her "son's" face. She knew his feelings for Lily. As her daughters practiced, she pulled Joel aside..

"Just ask Lily out. Take her to the Starlight festival."

Following Mrs. Waterflower's advice , Joel approached Lily as she got out of the pool. He was so nervous. Lily smiled that sweet smile at him. She had always had a thing for her best friend. He was so sweet.

" Hi Joel. I didn't know you were here." She said happily. She noticed how nervous he was he had his hands behind his back and he was tapping his point of his shoe on the floor.

" Lily, I was wondering.. The Starlight festival is tonight and .." Lily smiled.

"Joel? Are you asking me out on a date?" Lily asked smiling while trying to hide her happiness. Joel looked down embarrassed..

"Yes.." Lily put lifted his head towards her and looked him in the eyes.

"I would love to. And I love you." She then gave him a kiss on the lips.

End flash back.

"It's been a while for me as well." Lily said blushing. Misty, being a romantic was all for going to the festival, until she took a look at Ash's face. There was sadness in it along with anger. He silently left leaving the room quiet and puzzled. Except for one..

"He must still think about that.." Joel said quietly. On the phone, Delia explained that Ash had an older sister, Karen Ketchum. After Saria went missing, Karen went out to find her and they never heard from her since. She was an expert battler and coordinator. She always watched out for Ash and Joel in trainer school whenever they were picked on. The other students respected her well enough to know you don't harm her brothers or sister. Misty went back to her and Ash's room to find him holding a blue teardrop shaped piece of sea glass. It was made into a necklace.

"Ash?" Ash turned around. He had been crying.

" Ash, Your mom told us about your older sister." She put her arm around him. He had been there for her when she needed comfort. Now she knew he needed comfort..

" I know we can find her too. Your not alone.. " (Bold is Joel, Italic is Misty and Lily, Bold and Italic is all three.)

Think of us and we'll be there,

In your heart forever.

Sometimes when you're unsure,

Sometimes when you're afraid.

At times its hard to live,

With the choices you have made.

Turn around and we'll be there,

Always by your side.

When its time to stand the test, I know you'll shine above the rest.

When you try and find your way, We'll be there...

[ We'll be there... ]

Hold out your hands,

Promise to be true,

Will make us always a part of you...

[ Always a part of you... ]

When its time to stand the test,

I know you'll shine above the rest.

When you try and find your way, We'll be there...

[ We'll be there... ]

Stick together through thick and thin,

That's the meaning of being a friend,

when it's time to stand the test,

Friendship shines above the rest...

They put their hands on top of each other. They looked at each other and nodded to one another. Pikachu put his paw on top smiling. He nodded to Ash letting him know he heard everything.

"From now on, where all in this together. Through thick and thin." Lily told them seriously.

" Things will be dangerous. Believe me I know." Ash advised. Misty looked at Ash with a loving smile.

" With our boyfriends as our Aura Heroes, Giovanni doesn't stand a chance." She smiled.

"Pika pi chu ka" (He's in for a real "shocker"!) Pikachu said sparking electricity. Smiling impishly.

Auramaster24: good, the chapter is done and Lily and Misty haven't found me. For those who are wondering what Lily wants to do, It isn't being in a league tournament. Remember review. And no flames please..

Lily and Misty : oh Auramaster! We have something for you!

Auramaster24: Aura Control! (disappears in a flash of white light)