Disclaimer: The characters of Pokémon do not belong to me. Nor do any of the other known characters that may appear in this fic. The story is mine, and was made for entertainment purpose only.
Another Chance: Arc 2
Tiny pieces of gravel clouded the battle arena, a thick layer of dust swallowing everyone and everything with it.
Gary Oak covered his face, holding his breath at the growing dust cloud.
He could hear his heart thumping loudly... It was almost too quiet.
That was before he heard a loud retching noise break the silence.
"GARGH, KYA!!! GARGH!"
The noise reminded him of the sound a Snorlax made when it rubbed its-!!!
That thought was quickly stomped on and ripped into tiny shreds. Gary's heartbeat began rising again. God damn it! Why couldn't he have a normal Grandpa, who didn't have to teach him crap?
Gary suddenly found the destroyed roof fascinating. It was always best to not think about anything un-cool or possibly mentally scarring.
Wow. Pikachu's Thunder attack had really destroyed the Gym. Nice clouds.
Preoccupied with his possible childhood trauma, Gary almost didn't notice the dust begin to settle.
Lt. Surge, was kneeling on the floor, coughing out some debris that had lodged itself into his throat.
"No, way!" broke Surge's raspy voice.
Gary turned away from the bright blue sky before looking towards the battlefield.
Almost as if planned by destiny, a large gust of wind cascaded through the well ventilated room, blowing away every last spec of dust.
Gary just had to put a hand through his hair, giving a winning pose. "Damn, am I good."
"Pika, Pika," yawned Pikachu, who was now sitting on top of Surge's knocked-out Raichu.
"Raichu is unable to battle!!!" confirmed the referee, while looking nervously at his Boss, "The winner of this match is Gary Oak of Pallet Town!!!"
Gary masked his grin with a short yawn. He casually strolled towards the slack-jawed Electric Gym Leader.
"Hey," spat Gary.
Lieutenant Surge's body went rigid.
"Yeah, you! The Gym Leader that's a big, fat loser," Gary watched as the muscled man's fist shook. "You're a jackass!"
The Gym Leader's anger was obvious. And anyone who knew him, would be surprised that the Lieutenant hadn't already snapped the brat like a twig.
"But you know what," continued Gary. That ever present-smirk on his face. "I don't care."
Gary stuck his hand forward.
"Thanks for the match, Lieutenant."
You could hear a pin drop, as the awkward silence only grew. Several faculty members took a step back, as the defeated Gym Leader rose to his feet. His eyes studying the small brat in front of him.
With no warning, the Gym Leader pounced…
…and pulled him into a bone-crushing hug.
His massive palm repeatedly slamming into the boy's back as he laughed.
"Now you've got balls!!" guffawed Surge, "Any other guy would be pissing his pants. But you, brat, you've got spunk! And that match!!! It was…electrifyin'!"
After several more bad puns, Gary finally escaped the Gym Leader's manly embrace.
Pikachu quickly climbed to his perch, right on his trainer's shoulder.
Looking at Pikachu, Gary and Pokemon gave matching grins.
"Well, what did you expect?" He shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to look as cool as possible. "You were challenged by the Gary Oak. The future Pokemon Maste-YEOWCH!"
Gary glared at his Pikachu, for smacking him on the head. He watched in irritation as the little cute Pokemon pointed towards himself.
"And…of course," reluctantly, admitted Gary. "my perfect, adorable Pokemon, Pikachu,"
Eyes becoming two twinkling orbs, Pikachu gave a bright smile and a "Pika, Pika" in agreement.
Surge gave him a small understanding grin. But before he could say anything else, he was interrupted by the voice of an angel.
"Where's Sabrina?!" shrieked Daisy.
Yup, an angel. The Electric Gym Leader gave a light chuckle, before looking over his shoulder, and noticing that his partner was indeed gone. "Oh, yeah…" He scratched his head in confusion, before understanding showed on his features. "Oh yeah!!"
"Sabrina must'a teleported a while ago," answered Surge, "I remember her tellin' me how she got some important meetin' soon."
Daisy's face heated up as her fury grew. "Don't tell me she's NOT going to give Gary his Marsh Badge also!" accused Daisy, "Gary, technically fought against two Gym Leaders."
That captured Gary's interest. Two badges?
"Hadn't ya heard?" questioned Surge. "Sabrina ain't a Gym Leader no more. She quit around…several weeks ago."
Daisy blinked.
"Sabrina asked me for a favor, and it was ta let her battle ya in a Gym. Like the good ole' days," continued Surge.
"Th-then what was all that talk in the beginning of the match?" pointed out Daisy. "About two Gym Leaders fighting two…"
"That's what she told me ta say. Said something about needin' to set the mood or somethin," mused Lieutenant Surge, "I'd thought she'd told ya all about it…but she hadn't? Ain't that strange!?" The Gym Leader gave a hearty laugh, at Daisy's growing confusion. "Ya sure got some strange friends, Daisy."
"She isn't my friend!!" she yelled. Emerald eyes, glaring at the Lieutenant. "She is a lunatic. And I, for one, am glad that she's finally been kicked out by the Pokemon League."
"So no Marsh Badge?" sighed a tired Gary. They weren't even paying attention to him. Gary trudged towards the corner of the room to sulk (right next to the comatose Brock).
"Oh, she wasn't fired," chuckled Surge. He cracked his knuckles. "She's havin' her sister replace her. Never seen her, but I bet ya she'd be one hot number."
Pikachu lightly patted a depressed Gary. The small, yellow Pokemon sitting on top of Brock's face.
"Oh shut up," groaned Daisy, "The only thing genetic in that crazy woman's family is lack of sanity!" Her palm gently pressed onto her forehead. "Gawd! To live with Sabrina. Her sister must be a complete nutcase!"
"I knew it!!!" squealed Misty. She hugged herself excitedly while hopping up and down.
Ash couldn't have felt more awkward. His hand scratching his head. "Uhh…"
He was yanked forward as Misty pointed to the sky, her uncontrollable laughter unnerving the trainer.
"…are you okay?"
He wasn't prepared for the sparkly puppy dog look that struck him full blast! The sparkles!!! Oh the inhumanity!!!
"Are you sure, that she said she liked you?" sparkled Misty.
Ash gave a timid nod. Hoping he had done the right thing.
He was rewarded with a brilliant smile, just before she latched onto him. Ever so similar to a Pikachu hitching a piggy back ride. Except she was heavy enough to make him lose balance, and topple to the ground.
"Mi-Misty…You-You-re ch-cho-choking me."
The girl just as quickly got off her strangled trainer before wiping her teary eyes. "Of course, I'm just so happy."
"Mist, I know this will sound stupid. But, why?"
She gave him a teasing look before looking away, her eyes trailing the shimmering blue lake. "It's nothing much," sighed Misty, "I'm just so glad she won't try to kill you."
Ash's face paled.
Misty flashed him a bright grin. "Isn't that great!?"
The Next Day
"I'm sorry to bother you, Professor."
"Oh, none at all," waved off Professor Samuel Oak, "Actually, you couldn't have come at a better time Officer."
"I need to speak with you."
Samuel scratched his chin. "But aren't we?"
"In private," she whispered.
Officer Jenny nudged her head towards his private quarters.
He blinked, twice, before a light blush tinted his cheeks.
"Wh-why ma'm," stuttered the Professor.
Officer Jenny slapped him, hard.
"Perverts," she hissed, as the Prof. rubbed his cheek. "Professor, headquarters needs your expertise on something rather confidential."
Recovering from shock, the Prof. pressed on his white lab coat. Adorning a serious expression, he led the well dressed officer to his study.
A light click of the lock was heard, before any one spoke.
"Please take a seat," he offered.
"Do you know an Ash Ketchum?"
Prof. Oak almost fell off his chair. That name was the last thing he would have expected.
"Why yes," he carefully answered, "Do you want me to introduce you to his mother?"
Officer Jenny just stared. "No Professor. She and everyone else will be informed in seven days time."
"And what could that be?" His feet tilting his chair backwards.
"That Ash Ketchum has destroyed Team Rocket," she said, in a matter-of-fact tone.
Jenny looked amused at Oak's theatrics. His impression of a choking Slowpoke was most impressive.
"WHAT!?" screamed the Professor, once he caught his breath.
She couldn't hide her smug grin. "Not only had Mr. Ketchum captured Team Rocket's mob boss, Giovanni. In the process, he had assisted in the capture of over 100 famed Rocket utlaws."
Professor Oak started clenching his chest.
"We had received several crates of files and disks that pinpoint every single major crime and hideout within the organization."
"Nng," further twitched Oak. His left hand squeezing his neck.
"And we have reason to believe that this information was sent by…Mr. Ketchum….himself…." Officer Jenny rubbed her chin. "Are you all right Professor?"
His mouth was somewhat ajar, his eyes glassy.
Jenny suppressed the small chill that traveled through her. The infamous Professor of Pallet Town looked, sort of…dead.
She glanced behind her shoulder, before lightly pressing two fingers to the Professor's neck.
"GARGHHHHHHHHHH!" suddenly gurgled a now squirming Samuel Oak.
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!" screamed Officer Jenny, punching him in the head.
Seconds passed by, before Jenny realized what she did.
She blinked, as she looked at the groaning Professor. "Ah. Um. Sorry 'bout that," blushed Jenny. She kneeled next to the Professor, checking his bruise.
"Ehehe. Where were we, again?"
Putting a cool hand to his forehead, she blushed as she thought upon her actions. "About Ash, Professor."
"Ye-yes," muttered Oak. "He's certainly become…impressive." His mind connecting the dots. "Why come to me?
Officer Jenny slowly got to her knees, as she lightly bit her lip. She offered her hand to the befuddled Professor Oak.
"We've found some type of machine, that night. Can you please, help us?"
He grabbed her hand.
-One Day Later-
"WH-WHAT!!!" whined Gary. His Pikachu imitating his disappointment.
"You heard me right, Oak!" huffed Daisy. Both hands on her hips. "I've volunteered us to help fix Surge's Gym. After the damage YOU caused!"
"Bu-Bu-Bu," cried Gary. Knowing he was fighting a losing argument, he turned toward his ace. "Brock she can't do this!"
And firmly deflated as he saw Brock holding the resident Nurse's hand. "I'll do anything for youuu Nurse Joyyy," the Gym Leader giggled.
"So rest up, Oak." smiled Daisy. She blew a small strand of blond hair from her face. "We're prob'ly going to be here for at least a week."
-Two Days Later-
Professor Oak re-read the letter that was attached to the machine. The letter was addressed from Ash, but…it didn't look anything like his handwriting.
(Somewhere Misty gave a tiny sneeze)
But…whatever. And a few days ago, he'd have sworn Ash could not have taken down a whole criminal organization.
Giving a tired sigh, he turned his head back to the machine. It was definitely wrecked…but he'll have it working in no time.
-Three Days Later-
"But you can't go!" cried the youngest child. His blue eyes tearing up.
"Yeah!" agreed several more of the kids. One of the smaller girls jumped up happily.
"Now, Now Children," admonished their Teacher, "Miss Sabrina will play hopscotch with you some other time."
"Awwwwwweeee," whined several voices.
Sabrina covered her lips, as a small giggle came forth. "I'll be back tomorrow," she winked. "I Promise."
Everyone in the park broke out in cheers.
Sabrina waved, as she walked back home for supper. "Cute Kids," she giggled.
It was a quick walk, before reaching home. "I'm home!" she remarked, as she entered.
A head peaked from the kitchen, his kind smile growing at the sight.
"Welcome back," he chuckled. His dark eyes shining in amusement. "So how were the kids Sabrina."
"Same as ever, Dad," she explained. She was already walking up to the living room, when she noticed the apron he was wearing.
"Dinner ready?"
He brushed his bearded chin, before looking back into the kitchen.
"Almost done," he grumbled. Taking off the apron, he sat next to his child. The unspoken message understood immediately.
"She should be okay," sighed Sabrina.
"I know she will." He lightly hugged his angel. Once upon a time, he'd never thought they'd able to be like this. Become a real family again.
"So anything new on those Rocket bastards?"
Sabrina broke into laughter.
-Four Days Later-
Gary yawned as they watched Jessie, James, and Meowth being flung into the sunset.
-Five Days Later-
Misty could barely breathe. When she saw Ash's Pokemon do…whatever it did… A small tremor of hope shot through her system.
"That-That was."
"I know," he whispered. His pride bursting from inside. He had almost thought Squirtle wouldn't have made it this far in their training.
Hopefully, it'll be just enough.
Walking up to Misty, Ash kissed her on the nose.
Before pushing her backwards, into the lake.
Screw Team Magma or Mewtwo.
"KETCHUM!" she yelled.
He was the damn Hero of this story.
-Six Days Later-
Erika knew she must have looked like a mess. She just couldn't will herself to go through the day like usual. Even her favorite pastime, prepping her garden couldn't get him out of her mind.
She'd never felt so irritated.
A light knock on her door, broke her thoughts.
"Miss Erika!" came the muffled voice, "You've got a package."
"Just leave it," she answered.
If she didn't take a shower soon, she was going to start beating her Gloom in the scent department.
Yeah. A warm bubble bath. Sounded good.
Opening the door, she noticed the package her aid had left for her.
Bending over, she looked at the red glittering wrapping paper. On it, fine black letters spelled. "From a friend," she read.
Opening the box, she held her gasp as she saw a small golden ruby necklace. Almost, mesmerized she reflexively brought it up to her neck, and clipped it on.
In an instant, the necklace started burning her skin.
She scrambled to rip the necklace off, but stumbled as the metal burnt her fingers.
She couldn't stop her voice from screaming, as her head felt as if it was lit on fire.
-Seven Days Later-
Ash Ketchum licked his ice cream cone happily as he strolled down Celadon Square. Pikachu and Squirtle had wandered away some time earlier. And Misty went to go window shopping a couple minutes ago.
So…there he was, happily devouring his treat, as a reward for his hard work. Yup. Squirtle was now pretty awesome.
Letting his troubles just melt away was wonderful.
As he walked by Pokés Electronics store, he stopped to observe the large crowd gathering around several of the TV screens playing in the window.
Curious, he nudged forward, making a small opening in the crowd, so he could look at what they're were staring at.
And once he found out, his ice cream cone fell from his limp hands…
…Which landed on top of a child head. Making her yell, and glare at her assailant. And then her voice went quiet as she recognized him, especially after a quick comparison from the boy on the TV and the boy in front of her making a funny face.
"MOMMY, MOMMY!" she jumped, "IT'S THE BOY ON THE TV!!!"
Ash didn't have to look around, to know that every single person around him was now gaping at him.
He slowly turned around, in order to escape, but was stopped by a girl, around her mid teens. Her blonde pigtails bouncing up and down, as she latched on to him.
"IT'S YOU!!!" Her arms pushing up her ample cleavage, in a very attractive way.
Despite his best efforts his head drifted downward.
"You're, like, my hero," she cooed. As she latched onto him, shoving his face into rather pleasant position. Ah, soft. "My Hitmonchan finally was returned home cuz of you! THANK YOUUU!!!!"
Ash made a half-assed attempt at escaping the bondage.
"Is it him?"
"It's Ash Ketchum!"
"That kid beat Team Rocket? You can't be serious."
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF HIM YOU HUSSY!"
Recognizing her voice, anywhere, Ash broke away from the girl. His life depended on it.
Luckily, escaping in time, as the blonde bombshell was punched in the face, by his darling fiancée. He groaned as she retaliated, by giving Misty a nasty right hook to the head.
This was going to be a long day.
A/N
Yup. I skipped the entire training session, because I was getting impatient. KYA!
But anyways, I'm happy to declare that I've finally gotten a new beta! Please put your hands together for…
…SonicTheHedgehog!!!! My newest beta!!! Hurray! And that means that updates should be coming much, much faster. Let's cross our fingers.
-Gives a super cookie to SonicTheHedgehog -
"It's Shadic. Shadic the Hedgehog. It's a combination of"Shadow" and "Sonic." Thanks for the cookie, though. ^.^"
GAH!!!!! WHERE'D THAT VOICE COM-! …Wait a sec, -squints at computer screen- Ehehehe…Yeah my mistake.
I meant, Shadic the Hedgehog!!!
But anyways…
Please review if you want a cookie too!
Stay Tuned for the Next Chapter!!
Chapter 27: The Erika Dilemma