Hey guys, sorry this update has taken a long time, but thank you for being patient as well. This chapter is based on the episode "Rivalry Revival" with a huge unexpecting twist of my own! Enjoy y'all, (lol)!

Chapter 9: Situation Rival-ized

On a beautiful summer day in Pallet Town, Angelina rides her shiny blue bike towards a small white house with a fence and garden. "Let's see if Brock's here," she climbs off her bike and picks up her Pichu, then walks up to the front door and steps inside. "Mother?"

"Hello sweetheart," Mrs. Ketchum greeted, she was polishing a gold object that Angelina recognized as a trophy. "Your brother and his friends came home; they just left with Brock to see Professor Oak."

"Ash won the Orange League? That's great! Well, maybe I'll stop up Professor Oak's. I'd like to see what's so important 'bout the G.S. Ball." Angelina said, she waved goodbye and walked outside, then placed Pichu back inside the basket and hopped onto her bike, now pedaling down the dirt path to Professor Oak's.

"Hello, Professor Oak?" Angelina called through the mansion and out into the backyard; a battle had just ended assumably between Ash and Gary. 'Hmm, guess he lost.' She frowned in thought, watching Ash hold his injured Pikachu.

"Hey Gary, next time is going to be different!" Ash yelled, his rival just waves off while departing from the lab.

Angelina sighed, "Well, I lucked out."

"You guys, Angel's here!" Tracey said.

"It's great to see everyone." Angelina said as she gave hugs to Tracey and Misty. "So will Ash be okay? I kinda guessed the battle didn't go so well."

"The boy has a lot to learn." Professor Oak interrupted before anyone else opinionated. "Gary is off for the Johto League to gain more experience with his Pokemon."

"Doesn't sound like a bad idea." Angelina replied. "Johto influences lots of trainers with the new Pokemon and gym challenges, not to mention myself."

"Wasn't your first journey in Johto?" Tracey asked.

"Yeah, same place where I met Jeremy." Angelina nodded with a smile. "Maybe Ash should try his luck in the Johto League."

Professor Oak walked inside the mansion, mentioned about starting research on the G.S. Ball. Tracey followed, and then Brock joins with a quick glance to the girls. "You coming?"

"In a bit, we'll find Ash first." Misty waved, then sits on the ground with Angelina. Brock took the hint and departs into the laboratory without another word. "Painful memories, huh?" the red head asked her best friend's sister.

"Not many, actually." Angelina sighed, though content to be admitting her life's story. "I met Jeremy in Ecruteak City, collected my first set of badges and Pokemon, but I never got to compete in Johto's Silver Conference."

"I've heard your step-mother died, Tracey told me awhile back, and I'm really sorry." Misty sympathized.

"Christmas that long ago wasn't my merriest," Angelina bit her lip and held back tears. "I lost a step-mother whom I treated very much like a real mother, though I gained a step-sister in return."

"Angel, it's okay." Misty embraced her friend. "You found your birth mother, and you have a brother, too."

"I know but I can't even tell Ash I'm his sister!" Angelina cried into the redhead's arms. "Everyone knows except for him!"

"I'm sure the right day will come, and don't even think he'll be upset because he'll be proud to has someone like you to look up to." Misty said, smiling as both girls exchanged another hug and then stood up. They ventured through Professor Oak's backyard; finding Ash and Pikachu laying on a rock.

Misty leans forward and blocks Ash's view from the sky, "Wanna know where Gary is?"

"Why should I care?" Ash snaps, sitting up.

"He's on a new journey already." Misty chuckled.

"He is, to where?" Ash demanded.

Angelina laughed softly, "C'mon Ash," she helped up her brother. "Professor Oak should know."

The three young trainers made their way into the mansion and upstairs to the lab; Professor Oak at a computer while Brock and Tracey observe.

"Aren't your scanners coming up with anything about the G.S. Ball, Professor?" Tracey asked.

"I'm afraid not, and I have to admit that I didn't expect it to be quite so difficult." Professor Oak replied.

"Professor Oak?" Ash called.

"Ash, what is it?"

"Misty says that Gary's on a new journey."

"That's right," Professor Oak nodded. "That's the reason he's been training so hard lately."

"Have you been able to figure out anything about the G.S. Ball yet?" Misty asked, climbing up the stairs with Angelina.

"Nothing so far." Tracey answered.

"That's a shame." Angelina frowned.

"I'm totally stumped." Professor Oak said, staring at the computer screen that showed a few tan boxes with different colored question marks.

"Wow, if you can't solve the mystery, and Professor Ivy couldn't solve it, then-" Misty paused when she felt a light tapping on her shoulder, it was Tracey and he motioned behind her. "Ahhh!" she sweatdrops. "Oops!"

"That name!" Brock moaned, crouching in the corner sulking. Angelina watched him with worried eyes as he loosely tugs at a power cord and moans sadly.

"Misty, I'm just a Pokemon Watcher, and my advise is watch what you say around Brock, especially about you-know-who." Tracey warned, his arms folded over his chest.

Misty sighed, "Right," then turned to Angelina. "She dumped him, that's what I think happened, but maybe he's told you differently."

"I suppose he has," Angelina said, though she ready couldn't get a word from him edge-wise about what's happened to him either.

"I just can't figure out who made this G.S. Ball or why." Professor Oak pondered.

"Where'd Gary go?" Ash jumped in front of the professor impatiently.

"Oh Ash, I thought you knew all about that." Professor Oak said. "It seems my grandson decided to head out west to enter the Johto League."

"Johto? What's that?" Ash asked.

"Oh, it's a very talented league. Trainers have to compete and win badges and battles at a number of gyms in the western territory to qualify for the championship. Gary's planning to battle as many other trainers as he can. He hopes with all the experience he gets, he'll become an even stronger trainer." Professor Oak explained.

"I gotta do that too if I'm going to become a Pokemon Master, then I have to battle with the best so I'm going to try for this Johto League." Ash informed his friends, they were once again in Professor Oak's backyard.

"Pika!" Pikachu hops onto his trainer's shoulder.

"I know we can do it, Pikachu." Ash said, grinning with encouragement. "And I will become Pokemon Master, I just have to train as hard as I can."

"That's right, Ash." Misty agreed. "Ever since the Orange League, you've been getting a little lazy."

"Whaa. I have not been getting lazy!" Ash yelled.

"Well, if you haven't been lazy, then how come you lost your battle with Gary?" Misty reminds him, smirking.

"Hey!" Ash growled.

"C'mon, c'mon you guys." Tracey said. "Let's not fight."

"I knew you two wouldn't get along without me." Brock notes amusedly.

"What are you talking about, Brock?" Ash and Misty demanded.

Angelina giggles softly, Brock grins with his arms folded, "With me around you'll start training right, eating right and fighting right! Just like you used to!"

"Uhhh," Ash mutters. "You mean?"

"YES!" Brock cries, slamming his arm around Ash's shoulder. "BROCK'S BACK!" then he points dramatically outwards. "We're heading for new adventures, new challenges, new achievements! My friends, we're heading west!"

"That's fine, Brock, but west is that way," Misty informed, facing and pointing the other direction from the guys.

Brock slams Ash and Misty together with either arm, "But whatever direction we take, we're headed for action!"

"HA!" Ash and Brock punch their fists forward in the air, their other friends watched confusedly while Pikachu punches the air also.

"I'll bring my own map." Misty offers, and then throws her fist in the air, "Yeah!"

"I'm giving this back to you, Ash." Professor Oak said, he placed the G.S. Ball in Ash's hand. "I need to find out more about it."

"Huh?" Ash looked confused. Everyone walks back inside the mansion, now seated in the living room. "What do you want me to do, Professor?" he watches the professor type up something on the computer; an old man appears on the screen. "Who's that?"

"That is Kurt, a famous Pokeball expert. If anyone can figure out the G.S. Ball, it's Kurt." Professor Oak informed. "Ash, I'd like you to go to Azalea Town and give the ball to him."

"But Professor, if we go to see Kurt, Ash will miss the Johto League." Misty said worriedly.

"No, no, no, no. It won't take you out of your way, and I'm sure Ash would enjoy meeting him." Professor Oak assures.

"I sure would." Ash beamed happily. "Kurt is like a big celebrity."

"This will work out perfectly." Professor Oak said pleasantly. "Take the G.S. Ball and head straight to New Bark Town, where great things await you. That's why they call it "Town Where Winds of New Beginnings Blow"."

Suddenly, the windows open and a harsh wind blows in everyone's faces while Professor Oak throws his arms high and enjoys the cool air.

"What do you mean "New Beginnings"?" Ash asked.

"New beginnings in the Johto League, of course." Professor Oak clarified. "As luck would have it, New Bark Town is where all trainers have to sign up to participate and compete in the Johto League."

"Great, we'll go there first and then take the G.S. Ball to Azalea Town." Ash said.

"Don't forget," Professor Oak reminded. "I'm counting on you."

"Just leave it to me." Ash grins.

"And don't worry, Professor. I'll be sure to keep an eye on Ash the whole time." Brock added.

"You mean you'll keep your eye on us the whole time there is not a pretty girl in sight." Misty replied.

"Haha." Brock laughs, sweat-drop forming on the side of his head. "Well, maybe I am just a little bit more interested in girls than in geography."

"Hmm, maybe just a little." Misty agrees, laughing.

Everyone laughs, except for Angelina whom sat in silence thinking and then stood up confidently. "Professor, you asked me awhile back if I'd take the G.S. Ball to Kurt."

"Yes that I did, but I don't see why the both of you can't take it."

"That's a great idea, so then I won't be the only girl!" Misty said excitedly, which Angelina quickly noticed Brock's hopeful expression towards her.

"W-well actually, I'd rather let Ash venture out the errand." Angelina said as her face turns a bit red, she then gave her brother an assuring but also gentle smile. "Trust me, you'll have fun in Johto. I know I did."

"Okay I will, thanks." Ash smiled back, "C'mon guys, let's go to my house!"

Angelina rode her bike while her brother and their friends walked down the dirt path talking excitedly of their new journey. She was thinking yet again it wouldn't be so bad re-tracing old steps through Johto. "Hmm, maybe."

"Chu, pichu, pi?" Chocolate looked up curiously. (So we might go along?)

"Who knows," Angelina shrugged undecidedly. She got off her bike and puts up the kickstand. Then taking Chocolate into her arms and followed her friends into Ash's house.

"Well, I heard everything went well." Mrs. Ketchum replied happily, placing stuff inside Ash's backpack.

"What're you doing with my backpack?" Ash asked.

"I'm putting in some fresh 'you-know-what'. I was just on the phone with Professor Oak. So I'm packing things up for you." Mrs. Ketchum explained, then hands her son the backpack. "Here."

"Uhhh, so you know I'm leaving?"

"It'll be great!" Misty gushed excitedly. "In the Johto League, there'll be new trainers, and new Pokemon, and new everything!"

"But don't worry," Brock said as he jumps in front of Mrs. Ketchum and takes her hands into his. "I know you'll be disappointed that I'm leaving, but Mr. Mime will be able to fill in for me."

"Huh?" Mrs. Ketchum blinked confusedly, then smiles. "Well, I better get to work and cook up a big Bon Voyage dinner in honor of this joyous occasion."

"You don't need to be this happy." Ash muttered.

"Oh c'mon, Ash!" Angelina scolds.

"Yeah, I think a big 'going-away-dinner' sounds like fun." Misty admonishes.

"And of course, I'll invite Professor Oak." Mrs. Ketchum adds in. "Brock, would you mind running to the market to get a few things?"

"Mrs. Ketchum, your wish is my command." Brock was now wearing a pink apron and holding a basket. "Just say the word and I'm at your service." he runs to the front door and argues with Mr. Mime. "I'll do it! After tomorrow, she's all yours!" they charge outside and run down the road.

Misty and Tracey sweatdrop, while Angelina looks shocked. 'Hits on my mother, so what am I to him?'

"That was scary." Ash said disturbedly.

"Worst thing is, they forgot my shopping list." Mrs. Ketchum sighs, and then holds out the paper to her son. "Hurry back."

"Ahhh!" Ash gasped.

Angelina sighed. "Will you just do it without complaining?"

"Okay, fine." Ash grumbled as he took the paper. He walks out the front door with Pikachu right behind him.

About half an hour later, Ash returns carrying bags of groceries with Brock and Mr. Mime.

"Didja have fun?" Angelina asked, giggling as she followed the two boys into the kitchen.

"Yeah, tons," Ash muttered, he sets down the bag on the table and then walks out.

"Angel, you sure you can't come with us to Johto?" Brock asked.

"I'm positive." Angelina replied, turning to her friend. "It's Ash's journey, he wants you and Misty to experience the fun of exploring the region with him. I honestly don't have a reason to go and I don't want to be a burden, right?"

"No you wouldn't be, I thought maybe we could spend more time together," Brock said hopefully, taking the girl's hands in his and his face turning red again. "Like we used to?"

Angelina blushed, as much as she wanted to, she just couldn't where there was something else tugging at her mind. "I... I'm sorry, Brock. I can't." she released her hands from his and left the kitchen without another word.

Misty and Tracey ceased their talking when Angelina entered the living room, they noticed her saddened expression.

"You okay?" Misty asked.

"Yeah its nothing, I'm fine." Angelina waved dismissively.

Tracey knew that wasn't true. The only other time he's seen Angelina upset was when her Pichu was stolen by Team Rocket. "You sure about that?"

"Uh-huh," Angelina nodded. "Not important." she looked up and blushed when Tracey raised his eyebrow at her doubtfully. "What? You think I'm lying?"

"Honestly? Yes, but I can't bear to see you hurt," Tracey admitted, blushing.

"Since when?" Misty asked, looking between her two friends curiously. "We know already something's not right, and eventually she'll tell us-" she paused in thought and turned to Angelina with a more serious look. "It's about Brock, right?"

"It's just too difficult to explain." Angelina said, biting her lip and her cheeks reddened in shame.

"Angel, I'm here for you," Tracey said, he embraced the girl in comfort.

"Thanks," Angelina smiled.

"What're you kids hushing over this time?" Mrs. Ketchum asked. She stepped inside the house holding a little brunette baby with blue eyes wearing a mint green dress and sucking her thumb.

"Lina!" Christina squealed happily, holding out her arms to her sister.

"Tina, what're you doing here?" Angelina laughed in surprise, mostly toward her mother.

"Your relatives were invited to a party in New Bark Town, so they hoped you'd baby-sit Christina." Mrs. Ketchum explained, smiling. "Luckily they knew where you were at."

"Your sister?" Tracey grinned with a gentle elbow-nudge.

Angelina blushed and held her sister with loving arms. "Yes, I forgot you've never met her before, Tracey."

"Aww, she's so adorable." Misty cooed at the little baby, who stared back with confused dark blue eyes.

"Tina, these are my friends, Tracey and Misty." Angelina said carefully. "They know Ash, too."

"Ohhhh, hi!" Christina smiled shyly.

"What's going on?" Ash called from upstairs, he ascended with Pikachu on his shoulder and saw Christina. "Uhh…. who's that?"

"This is my step-sister, Christina." Angelina said, then added in thought, 'Your sister, as well.'

"Step?" Ash raised his eyebrow, confusion etched across his face.

"Same father, different mother."

"Oh, I see." Ash said, nodding.

"Brock, could you go upstairs and bring down an extra chair and the baby high-chair?" Mrs. Ketchum called.

"Sure, but who's-" Brock stepped out of the kitchen and grinned at the sight of Angelina holding Christina. "Oh so its for this cutie here."

"Bwock!" Christina exclaimed and launched herself into the older boy's arms. Angelina just couldn't help but smile as he hugged the little girl naturally as if she was one of his own. 'He's going to make an amazing father.'

"Hello, anyone home?" a voice interrupted, everyone saw Professor Oak walk inside.

"Right on time, now we can eat!" Ash said while his friends and family laughed.

After Brock sets up the high-chair, everyone takes their seat in the kitchen for dinner. Angelina sits to the right of Professor Oak but to Tracey's left and across from Brock. Christina was in her high chair to the left of Mrs. Ketchum and to the right of Ash and across from Misty.

"Here's to you, honey!" Mrs. Ketchum gave a toast to her son. Everyone followed and raised their glasses of orange drink.

"Bet I won't get a good dinner like this till I get back from the Johto League." Ash said after he downed his glass.

"Well dig in everyone." Mrs. Ketchum announced.

Angelina started into some of the food, but she just picked at a tossed salad.

"I wish I can take all the credit, but Brock made dinner." Mrs. Ketchum sadly informed.

"Why am I not surprised." Angelina muttered sarcastically. She abruptly stabs her salad as Misty had once again mentioned Professor Ivy. "Oh when will this end?" she cried, everyone watched Brock sulk and moan on the floor.

"Hey Brock, what's the matter?" Ash asked.

"I don't wanna talk about it."

"Talk about what?"

"Ahh— your dinner's getting cold." Misty embarrassingly ushers Ash away from Brock and back to the table.

Angelina helped up Brock. "C'mon, you too."

"So Ash m'boy." Professor Oak said. "You'll be running into lots of Pokemon you've never seen before out west."

"And I bet you'll even get the chance to catch some of them." Tracey adds.

"It'll be great!" Ash agreed. "I can't wait to get started."

"Ash, I have a little something for you." Professor Oak said timidly and brings out a red-colored square device. "I think this will really come in handy."

"All right, a brand new Pokedex!" Ash exclaimed.

"This new model is loaded with anything and everything you'll need to know about the abilities, temperaments, and habitats of new Pokemon you encounter." Professor Oak explained.

"Thanks." Ash takes the red device and opens it.

"This unit belongs to Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town." Pokedex replied.

"It'll be so great to see all the new Pokemon you sent back here to the Professor and me." Tracey says excitedly.

"What do you mean 'back to the professor and me'?" Ash asked.

"Well, the professor's gonna let me be his assistant here at the lab." Tracey explained.

"That's great!" Misty gasped happily. "I mean, I wish you were coming with us, but I had a feeling you might wind up staying here."

"Yes," Professor Oak says. "As soon as I met Tracey, I knew he wanted to be my assistant, but it took him a while to get up the nerve to ask." then he laughs.

"Ash taught me to always go for what you really want." Tracey continued, his hand slipped over Angelina's and squeezed gently.

"No matter what the circumstance." Angelina adds with a small blush.

"That's right!" Ash cheered. "And the next thing I really want is seconds!"

"Here's to all your new beginnings!" Mrs. Ketchum and Mr. Mime happily let off streamers.

"Scary!" Christina said, points toward two familiar people in the kitchen. Everyone notices the woman in red with brown poofy hair, and the man beside her in a blue suit with blue hair holding a black camcorder.

"Hello!" the woman greets.

"We're here to cover this very special occasion live!" the man camera-man informed.

"Gotta be kidding me." Angelina groaned as she carefully got her sister out of the high-chair. She recognized James, so it was very obvious the woman was Jessie; Team Rocket as usual.

"Here's our little star," Jessie coos.

"Excuse me?" Ash asked confusedly.

"Let's get a close up of the food!" Jessie said as James runs the camera over the food and can't help herself to nibble, "Oooh, would you just look at the selection of incredible edibles! And what a young, attractive, vibrant group…. Mostly." she gasped when everyone was staring at her and spots the professor who growls. "And who's this innocent angel?" she noticed Christina and reached out to pinch her cheek. "So adorable!"

"Leave her alone!" Angelina shouted. Her maternal instinct along with her mother's kicked in at the same time as Christina cried. She shh'd her and rocked her gently in her arms, brushing her dark chocolate hair away from her face. "Sweetheart, everything will be okay, the ugly lady scares me too." she cooed and shot a nasty look at Jessie before walking out of the kitchen. She sat on the couch in the living room with Christina in her arms.

"Oooh!" Jessie gasped from the kitchen. "With such a fine group of friends behind him, its no wonder this twer- I mean terrific young man is just-"

"Who are you people?" Mrs. Ketchum demanded.

"Take a guess, it's so obvious." Angelina muttered.

"Chu, pichu?" Chocolate hopped onto the couch, very concerned. (You okay?)

"Yes, I'll be fine. It's just Team Rocket again." Angelina sighed. "They don't know when to give up."

"Bad people?" Christina wanted to know.

"Tell me about it." Angelina nodded, she sets her sister beside Pichu. "Stay here, I'll be right back." she gets up and walks toward the kitchen, standing in the entrance and watches everyone, mostly Jessie and James eating the food.

"You look familiar." Brock growls to Jessie.

"How could she not?" Angelina laughed annoyedly.

"I want to remind you viewers that we're coming to you live, that's L-I-V-E, live." Jessie said as Brock moaned in fear.

"Oh c'mon!" Angelina yelled. "Guess you can't leave things be, huh?"

"So why do you care for the older twer- I mean boy?" James stepped toward her still holding his camera. "Is there something you're not telling our viewers, hmm?" he grins suggestively.

"No, but my fists would be glad to if you don't GET THAT OUTTA MY FACE!" Angelina screamed as James backs away and everyone sweatdrops.

"Ahh, now we'll capture this charming Pokemon for our camera." Jessie announced, she pushed Ash out of his seat and away from Pikachu. "Camera-man, move in close for a shot and grab it."

"Something's very wrong here." Angelina said as she helped up her brother.

"Huh, why?" Ash asked, they watched James press a button as a gloved hand reaches out and pulls Pikachu inside the camera. "Hey, you two!"

"They're not reporters!" Misty yelled.

"No duh, it's Team Rocket!" Angelina said as the window shattered when Jessie and James revealed their uniforms and escaped. Ash and Mr. Mime followed right behind them.

"Mimie, don't let them trample my garden!" Mrs. Ketchum cried, everyone ran from the kitchen to help Ash outside.

"Scyther, let's go!" Tracey threw out a Pokeball and a green mantis-like Pokemon appeared with razor-edged wings.

"Scyther!" the mantis-Pokemon flew beside Ash at quick speeds.

"Scyther really moves!" Ash awed.

"Scyther, use your Slash Attack!" Tracey commanded.

Scyther jumps high into the air and slashes the camera in two; the broken object falls to the ground and frees Pikachu. Jessie and James scream in panic.

"Pikachu, show'em your Thunderbolt attack!" Ash ordered.

"No, not that!" Team Rocket yelled, running away.

Pikachu follows right behind, static sparks formed from his red cheek sacs. "Piiii-kaaaa-CHUUUUUU!" a bolt of electricity hits Team Rocket.

"Marill, go!" Tracey called, he threw out another Pokeball and a blue Pokemon appeared; a plump blue mouse with big ears and a round ball bobbed on the end of its long tail.

"Use Water Gun!"

"Mariiiiiii!" the aqua-mouse blasts out water and sends Team Rocket flying.

"This concludes our live coverage!" Jessie cries.

"Tune in next time!" James moaned.

"Aaaahhh!" Meowth screeched.

"TEAM ROCKET'S SIGNING OFF AGAIN!"

"Wow, it's great to see them go away again." Brock chuckles.

"About time, they really bother me." Angelina smiled; she spots Scyther panting in exhaustion and Marill jumping happily.

"Thanks a lot, Tracey." Ash said.

"Don't thank me, Ash. Thank the Pokemon, they deserve the credit."

"Scyther, you beat'em!" Ash praised.

"Scy!" the mantis-Pokemon nodded.

"And don't forget Marill's Water Gun, Ash." Misty reminded.

"Thanks to you too, Marill." Ash replied.

"And let's not forget who protected my garden from that awful Team Rocket." Mrs. Ketchum adds, petting her Mr. Mime.

"Mime! Mr. Mime!" Mimie blushed.

"Mr. Mime did a great job gar-den it for ya." Professor Oak quips. "Gar-den, get it?" everyone laughs at the joke, then walk back inside the house after Tracey returns his Pokemon.

"Uh-oh, where's Christina?" Angelina looks around the living room and saw no signs of her baby sister.

"I hope you didn't leave her alone in here." Mrs. Ketchum said in slight worry.

"Ah, I didn't think we'd be outside that long?" Angelina offered, slightly embarrassed.

"She's right, Mrs. Ketchum." Tracey agreed. "We all didn't expect Team Rocket and their actions."

"Yeah, and I told my Pichu to keep an eye on Christina, too." Angelina added.

Mrs. Ketchum sighed, "All right, but there will be a house search. I'll look in the kitchen with Mimie and Professor Oak."

"Okay, then we'll look through the bedrooms upstairs." Angelina said.

Going separate directions, the adults and Mr. Mime went to the kitchen while the young teenagers and Pokemon (Pikachu and Togepi) climbed upstairs.

"I'll check my room." Ash said, he turned and disappeared to the left.

"And we'll check the guest bedrooms, right Brock?" Misty nudged the boy out of his thoughts.

"Yeah." Brock said, walking off to the right.

"So that leaves us to your mother's room." Tracey concluded, holding out his hand to his childhood best friend.

"The only one, let's go." Angelina nodded. The two walked the hallway hand-in-hand and upon entering Mrs. Ketchum's bedroom, they sighed in relief as Christina was safely fast asleep on the bed and Chocolate was curled up beside her.

"Ya know, it's good she's up here than in the kitchen near that broken glass." Angelina whispered, smiling in relief as she walked out into the hallway.

"Yeah." Tracey said, he closed the door behind him but left it open just a bit. "Hey Angel, are you going with Ash on his journey to Johto?"

"I might, but maybe it'd be nice to stay here and spend time with the family." Angelina replied. "Why would I want to travel old grounds again anyways?"

"Who knows, Johto's about new beginnings, so why miss out?" Tracey asked. "Though if you left, then I guess we couldn't spend time together." he blushed.

"Aww, Tracey." Angelina smiled and hugged him. "I'd like that, but I'll think about it."

"Find her yet?" Ash interrupted the older teens as they jumped apart embarrassingly. He looked confused, Misty giggled and Brock's expression was undescribable.

"Yes, she's in your mother's room sleeping with my Pichu." Angelina answered. "I'm glad she wasn't in the kitchen."

"Oh right, because Team Rocket broke the window." Ash said. "So if we're done, I'm going to my room." he leaves with Pikachu.

"C'mon Angel, let's go downstairs." Tracey nudged her gently. "I'll tell you how I captured Marill."

"I've always wondered about that," Angelina said curiously.

Later that night, a bell tolled somewhere inside the Ketchum home, it was 10 o'clock. A dark blue mini-van pulled up to the house and a pretty raven-haired woman steps out. She wore a purple short-sleeved dress that visibly showed her pregnant stomach. "I'll be right back."

"Can I come with you, mommy?" Marina asked from inside.

"No honey, stay here." Mrs. Crystal assures. "I won't be more than a few minutes." she closed the car door and walks up to the front door of the house, then knocks lightly and was greeted by Mrs. Ketchum.

"Victoria dear, how was the party?"

"It was very nice, Delia. Marina had a good time and got to see her friends, and she's excited about her first journey in Johto."

"Same here with my little Ash." Mrs. Ketchum agreed. "Come on in, Angelina's upstairs with her friends." she stepped away so Mrs. Crystal could walk inside.

"Hello professor."

"Evening Vicky." Professor Oak nodded. "My grandson Gary left for the Johto League earlier today. Now we're excited for Ash's departure."

"So I've heard." Mrs. Crystal smiled.

"Angel sweetheart, your Aunt Vicky is here." Mrs. Ketchum called upstairs. "Could you get Christina, too?"

"Okay, coming." Angelina answered back, she descends the stairs minutes later with Pichu perched on her shoulder and holding her sleeping sister. "Hi, had to say my rounds of goodbyes. I'm gonna miss them when they leave tomorrow, except for Tracey."

"Sketchit? That little boy you knew from Crystal Island?" Mrs. Crystal asked.

"Well, he's not little anymore." Angelina blushed. "He wants to be a Pokemon Watcher AND he's assisting Professor Oak at the lab."

"Oh my, Clarissa would've been proud." Mrs. Crystal smiled in amazement. "I shouldn't keep Anthony waiting, much that I'd like to jibber-jabber, but he's got work at Silph Company in the morning."

"Yes indeed, it is getting late." Professor Oak agreed, he called up the stairs. "Tracey, time to go!"

"Okay professor." the boy ascended with a yawn. "I'm ready." then he turned to Angelina. "So I'll see you tomorrow?"

"In the morning, I'll be around."

The very next day, Angelina pedaled her bike through Pallet Town and screeched to a halt luckily in time seeing Ash and friends depart their pathway.

"I'll bring ya another trophy!" Ash waved.

"You just bring yourself back, Ash! That's the only prize I want!" Mrs. Ketchum cried.

"It must be hard to see him go." Professor Oak said sympathetically.

Mrs. Ketchum sighed, "But he'll be back again."

Angelina smiled, watching her friends leave Pallet Town once again. This time they're heading west, and it seems certain the road before them leads to new adventures, new friends, new rivals, and new Pokemon.

§To Be Continued§

Okay readers, took me three weeks to finish this chapter. I have the episode on tape, so you probably recognized the quotes and I snuck in my own quotes as well. There were hints of flirting; may be new shippings later, but who knows. Hope you like! All comments and suggestions are welcomed! Chapter 8 will be up soon, thanks.