Author's Note:
Here it is, the group has made it too Lavender Town. Expect two captures, one for Ash, and one for Misty. It is actually my personal favourite of Misty's cannon pokemon, I hope by the title, you can tell which it is. Also there will be a type of confession, although probably not as you expect it... With that, Let's begin...
Chapter 26: A Spiritual Headache
It has been nearly two weeks since Ash and Serena caught, Primeape and Farfetch'd respectively. Every time they reached a new pokemon centre, both ten year olds have rotated their teams, and been training their teams to the max.
Ash, has also been rather distance from everyone, except his pokemon. Ever since Brock gave him the chat, about Serena, he has been throwing himself into his training. Serena has been doing the same, trying to keep the negative thoughts about Ash's feelings at bay. Although she realised training Farfetch'd will be harder then she thought.
The group is currently standing outside Lavender Town's pokemon centre. Ash and Serena just rotated their teams again. Serena has left her Beedrill at Professor Oak's lab, while Ash has left his Squirtle and Muk. Ash was planning on going to the Pokemon Tower, ever since he heard it is home to Ghost types, he's been excited about catching one. While Brock has been set on visiting Mr. Pokemon's Orphanage. The girl's and Brock also devised a little plan, to help the 'love Pidgeys'.
"Okay guys, we will meet back here at three." Brock repeated, and the other three nodded in agreement.
"What about you two?" Ash asked referring to the two girls.
"Oh... I was going to Pokemon Tower as well..." Serena replied shyly. "If that's okay with you.".
"Of course." Ash replied with his signature thumbs up and toothy grin. Although his chest felt tight again when Serena returned with a friendly smile. He tried to ignore it and turned to Misty. "What about you, Mist?".
"I'm going to the Orphanage, I bet there's some awesome water types there." Misty replied.
Ash gulped, although no-one, but Pikachu, heard it. Sure, he's happy to spend time with Serena, but since Brock's talk, his head has been all over the place, with Serena at the centre of it. He would prefer it, if one of their other friends went along... Arg, what is happening to him...
"Well, then... We should get going." Brock spoke, seeing a hint of panic in Ash's eyes. "See you two later.".
"Yeah... Bye you two." Misty added and the two oldest travelling companions walked off, south of the Pokemon Centre.
Ash was nervous, it was him and Serena... Alone. It hasn't been like that since Route One, prior to the Spearow Incident. But now it isn't just two friends with their starters, they were experienced trainers, both with full teams... And Serena... She is possible his... Crush...
"Hey Ash." Serena spoke, snapping him out of his thought process. "What you thinking about?".
"Oh, nothing..." Ash replied hastily, with a sweat drop.
"Right..." Serena replied, with a hint of disbelieving. "Anyway, should we get going?".
"Sure, let's go." Ash replied with a friendly smile. With that the two ten year olds walked side by side.
Ash was nervous, he was walking quiet close to Serena. His mind kept saying run, run, run, but he simply couldn't pull himself away. He looked her way, as he saw the light bounce of her skin, he felt his chest tighten again... WHAT IS HAPPENING!
Serena was on cloud nine. If it wasn't for the fact they were going to a pokemon cemetery, it would almost be a date. Just her and Ash, alone. Walking side by side. All it takes is a couple inchs and they will be holding hands... She took a quick glance to try and work out if it would be worth the risk...
When Ash saw her sapphire blue eyes glance in his direction. Like a motor reflex, his head turned int the opposite direction... He wanted to stare into he big beautiful blue eyes, all day long. But his head is so messed up thanks to Brock's talk. The pokemon breeder himself said he couldn't be a one hundred percent sure and how is Ash suppose to work out his own feelings if he can't be sure of Serena's feelings...
Serena pouted. What has gotten into him. Ever since Brock spoke with Ash, he's been acting different, and not different like how she acts around him. He's been distressed, distracted, confined. Does this mean he doesn't share her feelings.
"Hey Ash..." Serena spoke softly, as she looked with concern. Hearing her sweet voice turned Ash's head. He flashed her his signature toothy grin.
"Yeah Serena..." Ash replied.
"What wrong?" Serena asked.
"N-nothing... Nothings wrong." Ash stuttered. "Why?".
"Really Ash?" Serena asked, looking him directly in the eyes. Ash gulped, he can't be honest, what if Brock sent him on a wild goose chase?
"Really Serena." Ash lied as he looked her in the eyes. "I've... Just got a lot on my mind.". Serena frownd, why is Ash lying to her.
"Okay Ash..." Serena accepted what he said with a sad sigh. "I Just worry about you.".
"You don't need to worry about me Serena." Ash reassured, with his signature thumbs up and toothy grin. Seeing that made Serena return the smile.
"Alright Ash, just let me know if I can help." Serena replied. Ash nodded in agreement.
"Okay Serena. I will." Ash replied. Then he noticed a tall tower in the distance. "Come on Serena, we're almost their.". Serena giggled as Ash ran off, and then took off after him. In a bush, watching the two ten year olds a purple, shadowy figure was watching. Looks like she has some new friends to play with...
Knock, knock, knock. Brock just knocked on the door, now himself and Misty were waiting for someone to let them in. They were stood outside of Mr Fuji's Pokemon Orphanage.
"So Brock, how do you think Ash and Serena are getting on?" Misty asked.
"I'm sure their fine." Brock replied.
"I just hope Ash smartens up soon." Misty replied. "I know Serena would wait for him, but it isn't exactly fair.".
"I don't think it'll be too long." Brock replied in a knowing tone. "I just think he has to work out his own feelings.".
"Well, how long does it take?" Misty asked with a hint of annoyance.
"Well, all of this is new to him." Brock replied. "I'm sure once he gets his head straight, he will return her feelings.".
"I just hope your right." Misty replied. Both of their attentions were drawn when the door opened and a girl stood in front of them.
"Hello..." The girl spoke. "I'm Reina.".
"Reina... Hello, I'm... YEEOOWW!" Brock was cut off by a tug on the ear.
"Not this time Romeo." Misty pulled Brock away by the ear before he makes a fool of himself and her.
"Come on Misty. Not the ear." Brock grunt in pain. "I haven't done anything.".
"Yeah, and your not going to." Misty retorted. Reina sweat dropped, this... Was definitely the most unique meeting she's had.
"Um, hello... Why did you two come here." Reina asked, a little awkward. Misty had a sweat drop.
"Why hello their." Misty replied. "I'm Misty Waterflower and my friend here is Brock. We came here to see all the pokemon you keep her. Brock is a breeder and was hoping to learn a trick or two from Mr Fuji, while I want to be a water pokemon Master and was hoping to see any water pokemon you might have here.".
"Well, you can certainly come in." Reina replied with a happy smile. "Mr Fuji is just checking over one of our resident pokemon.". By this time, Brock had recovered from the ear pulling and both trainers thanked Reina and were let inside.
"Wow." Brock spoke with awe as he looked around. "Oddish, Venonate, Sandshrew, and more. In the wild those pokemon live in separate areas but they are all playing together like one big family.".
"Yeah, Mr Fuji always says every pokemon is a part of my family." Reina replied.
"He sounds very kind." Brock commented.
"He is." Reina replied. "I too was abandond when I was a baby, and he's raised me along with the pokemon... He's like my grandfather.".
"Wow, he sounds really nice." Misty added.
"Yeah, he is." Reina replied. "You said you wanted to see some water pokemon.".
"Yeah. I'm from the Cerulean Gym, and plan to take it over when I'm older." Misty explained.
"Well, we do have one water type here." Reina explained.
"Really?" Misty questioned.
"Yeah. It's a Psyduck." Reina announced.
"A Psyduck..." Misty repeated. "Wow, I've always wanted a Golduck.". Reina sweat dropped, seeing Misty so excited. Misty's attention was drawn by a poke in the back of her leg. It wasn't painful, more like a child getting their parents attention. Misty turned around to see a yellow duck pokemon. It was Psyduck. The water type looked up up at the aspiring water type master.
"Psy aye aye." Psyduck held his head as he stared at Misty, with confusion.
"Such a cutie." Misty said with glee as she kneeled down to Psyduck's level.
"Duck." Psyduck replied, with a monotone expression. Psyduck then leaned forward and pressed his bill against Misty's lips, like a kiss.
"Gross!" Misty exclaimed as she whipped her mouth. "That duck just kissed me.". Brock and Reina couldn't help but laugh at the turn of events.
"Ya know Misty." Brock spoke, as his laughter died down. "I think Psyduck likes you.".
"Maybe..." Misty humphed.
"Hey Reina... Why is Psyduck holding his head?" Brock asked.
"I don't know." Reina shrugged her shoulders. "We know Psyduck's suffer from headaches. He showed up a about two weeks ago and has been here ever since.".
"Interesting..." Brock rubbed his chin whilst thinking, as breeder, he is always wanting to help as many pokemon as possible. "I wounder whats happening inside his head.". Brock picked the water type up and looked deep into Psyduck's eyes.
Psyduck tilted his head in confusion while staring blankly back at the aspiring pokemon breeder.
"Psyduck..." The water type muttered. He then unleashed a water gun in Brock's face, although it wasn't too powerful. That made Reina and Misty laugh.
"Oh Reina... You didn't mention we had guests." An old man spoke as he walked into the room, with an injured Meowth in his arms.
"Mr Fuji." Reina replied, in a hasty tone. "This is Brock and Misty. They came here to see what they can learn. Brock is a breeder and Misty is a water type trainer.".
"Good to meet you, sir." Brock offered his hand to the old man, quiet formally.
"Hahaha, please son. Call me Fuji." Mr Fuji laughed as he set Meowth down. "So you two came to learn something.". Both Brock and Misty nodded in agreement.
"That is, if thats okay with you." Brock corrected themselves.
"Of course it is son." Mr Fuji replied happily. "Reina would you put the kettle on, please.".
"Of course Mr Fuji." Reina replied happily then skipped towards the kitchen.
"Would you like to follow me?" Mr Fuji requested. The two trainers nodded and they followed Mr Fuji towards a dinning table. They started talking about all different topics from old style breeding techniques to story's about the pokemon their. Soon Reina returned with cups of tea and joined in the discussion...
"Here we are." Ash announced as the two trainers stood outside of the Pokemon Tower. "You guys ready to enter?".
"Do you really need to ask?" Pikachu replied confidently. Serena was hesitant, which Ash noticed.
"You alright Serena?" Ash asked, full of concern.
"... Yeah Ash." Serena replied although her tone didn't inspire confidence. "But are you sure it's safe?".
"Come on Serena, if it wasn't then it wouldn't be open to the public." Ash reasoned. Serena understood the logic then saw Ash offer his hand, it was his way of saying, trust me. "We will keep you save, right Pikachu?".
"Sure, I will keep your girlfriend under the Pika Protection Program." Pikachu smirked confidently, putting emphasis on the word, girlfriend. Ash turned bright red.
"SHUT UP PIKACHU!" Ash exclaimed in shock and hint of fear, completely forgetting he is the only one who can understand what Pikachu said.
"Umm Ash... Are you okay?" Serena asked a little concerned.
"I'm fine." Ash replied a little to quick. Serena had a sweat drop.
"Ooo-kay." Serena stretched her reply out. She then noticed Ash still had his hand out.
"We should get going." Ash replied wanting to change the subject, although Pikachu's snickering didn't help. Serena smiled happily and grabbed Ash's hand. She noticed he had a sweaty palm, but she didn't mind and they walked into the Pokemon Cemetery... The pokemon from the bush reappeared as the trainers entered the building... Play time...
They were on the second floor, a misty fog surrounded them and tombstones were creating a maze for them to move through. Serena was scared, she was practically latched on to Ash's arm, and had her head buried into his shoulder, completely scared.
"Serena... It's alright, everyone is safe." Ash reassured as he rubbed her arm. He then got a bright idea. He grabbed a pokeball. "Charmeleon, I chose you.".
"What's up?" Charmeleon asked as he appeared.
"Ash... Why did you bring Charmeleon out?" Serena asked as she pulled her head out of Ash's shoulder.
"His flame tail will help light the way." Ash explained. "Just thought if we could see better then you wouldn't be so scared.". Serena held her hand over her heart, Ash was so sweet, and she was just being a giant coward, it just made her have a massive rush of affection. She decided she could help out too.
"Do you mind, Charmeleon?" Ash asked his fire lizard.
"Course not." Charmeleon replied with a thumbs up and then he lifted his tail up and enlarged the flame on his tail. It light the room up quite a bit.
"I can help too." Serena added as she grabbed a pokeball. "Come on out, Braixen.". Serena's starter also appeared.
"Hey, I just realised, Charmeleon never knew Fennekin evolved." Ash pointed out. "Muk as well.".
"Your right, with the teams rotating so often, it's like the old days when we were all together." Serena replied.
Between the two fire types, something weird was happening. This was the first time Charmeleon saw Braixen since she evolved. He was looking over the fire type, with a blush on his face. He actually thought she looked beautiful. Braixen saw this and covered her mouth letting out a small giggle, looks like she noticed Charmeleon's reaction. Braixen slow moved to Charmeleon's side.
"Braixen, can you help Charmeleon light this place up some more?" Serena requested. "Use flash.". Braixen nodded in response and pulled her stick out of her tail. It was instantly a light as it exited the tail, then Braixen lifted it up and the flame light up the room some more. Braixen also used her other hand and grabbed Charmeleon's claw. Charmeleon's blush intensified, but he didn't let go.
"Awe... You two are so cute." Serena squealed, happy her starter has broke through to her crush. Serena then realised that she is still holding onto Ash's hand. Normally, she would've let go, but due to how things have changed between them over the course of the journey, she wanted to wait for Ash to retreat. If he would...
Above the two trainers and pokemon, the purple ghost pokemon from out side was watching them. She didn't mind the light, but she was bored and needs some entertainment.
"Humph, BORING!" The pokemon moaned. She then noticed a chandelier above the two trainers and grew an mischievous smirk.
"Opsie..." The pokemon spoke like it was a mistake, as she made a sledge hammer appear out of no-where. She then grabbed it in her detached hands and swung it around. It snapped the only connection, which was holding the chandelier up. The chandelier fell towards the trainers.
"LOOK OUT. BELOW!" The pokemon shouted, as the sledge hammer disappeared...
Ash heard the voice from above and looked up. All he could see was this giant Chandelier falling directly above both himself and Serena. He quickly looked at Serena and the only thought that occurred to him was saving her.
"SERENA LOOK OUT!" Ash shouted in a panic as he pushed Serena over to the two fire types. Serena was shocked with the sudden movement. Never before did Ash push her in any way.
"Ash?" Serena questioned as she picked herself up. As she turned to her friend she saw the Chandelier fall on top of Ash.
"ASH!" Serena and the pokemon all exclaimed at once. She rushed to his side but the chandelier was blocking.
"Braixen, use Psybeam and move this thing." Serena demanded in a panicked voice. Braixen was surprised at the tone, considering Serena has always so polite, but she can understand the sense of urgency. Braixen ended the flash and shot a Psybeam at the chandelier, which covered Ash. Using the Psychic energy, Braixen was able to lift it. Although it was heavy and there for slow. As soon as it was off Ash's body, Serena rushed underneath it and kneeled by Ash's body. Braixen continued and moved the ceiling ornament far away.
"Ash! Ash! Wake up Ash!" Serena pleaded as she tried to shake him awake, but to no-avail. Both Ash and Pikachu were down for the count. Despite her fruitless efforts, Serena continued to plead with Ash to wake up. Eventually she just broke down and began sobbing into his chest.
The two fire types came up beside her. Braixen placed a paw on her trainers back trying to console honey-blonde girl, while Charmeleon was focused on his trainer and team mate...
Ash and Pikachu were lay out. Both unconscious and surrounded by darkness. Where were they? How did they get their? Where did Serena and the pokemon go? Was anyone else here? Neither Ash or Pikachu were showing signs of waking up.
Suddenly the same purple ghost pokemon popped into existence. She smiled seeing the pokemon and trainer. Well, two new play mates is better then nothing. She floated over to the two bodies. With her two detached hands she stood one each into the respective heads of Ash and Pikachu.
Making movements and facial expressions like she was searching for loose change in her pocket, after about twenty seconds she stopped. Slowly, she pulled her two hands out of the heads, pulling what looked like silhouettes of Ash and Pikachu, respectively. Although, they were absent of colour, just a light pale shade of blue.
"Urg, what happened." Ash moaned in pain as she stretched, waiting for his vision to return.
"Did someone get the license plate of that Rhyhorn?" Pikachu asked, copying his trainer's actions. Both were floating in the air.
"Glad to see you could make it." The ghost greeted them in a friendly tone. Both Ash and Pikachu looked towards the new pokemon.
"Who's the purple guy?" Pikachu asked.
"Cool, a haunter." Ash exclaimed as he went to grab his pokedex, but failed. "Hey what's going...". Ash stopped when he saw his and Pikachu's bodies on lying on the floor.
"Whoa, were getting Paranormal Activity up in here." Pikachu commented as he looked at the two bodies.
"Come on, forget about that guys." Haunter came up and drew their attention back.
"Forget about it... But we're we're..." Ash stuttered.
"Remember kids read this fic." Haunter pointed out.
"What are you on about?" Ash asked. "What is a fic?".
"Like I said, forget it." Haunter replied literally pulling Ash and Pikachu to face her.
"But... Where are we?" Pikachu asked. Haunter clicked her fingers and a one page contract appeared.
"Just sign on the dotted line and you will go to the most magical place ever." Haunter explained. Both Ash and Pikachu stared at the ghost type in disbelief, are they dreaming? "Alternatively I could take to a magical place in the white van, but that isn't as enjoyable... For you, that is...". Both pokemon and trainer cringed at what Haunter implied.
Reluctantly, Ash grabbed the paper and started to read it. 'Reading this is binding in a sort of legal sense, thanks X."
"Wait what?" Ash questioned.
"To late." Haunter replied hastily, then she clicked her fingers. Suddenly the paper popped into thin air. Then the darkness disappeared and what looked like a slide show of locations appeared. One by one, Haunter picked them up and cheeked them over...
"Too girly. Too X - Rated. For six Year olds. Too copy written to be used." These were some of the comments Haunter used until she came to a play room filled with all different toys, including: A slide, a swing, ball, train set and more. "Perfect.". Haunter clicked her fingers again, and the three of them arrived in a room that looked exactly like that slide.
"How did you?" Ash asked but was cut off when Haunter appeared with a top hat and a bow-tie on.
"Welcome boys and Pika-men to the hilarious Haunter fun house." Haunter announced. Both Ash and Pikachu had massive sweat drops. "Now go ahead and enjoy yourself.". Again, both Pokemon and trainer had massive sweat drops. Haunter frownd then pulled the two of them onto the swings and then pushed them. They party has started...
"I see your Diglett is still quiet young." Mr Fuji comment as he saw the shy ground type hide behind Brock's leg.
"Yeah... I caught him a couple of months ago, but other then my other ground pokemon. He is still quiet shy." Brock replied. "He seems to get along with them, best.".
"Makes sense, pokemon can find it easier to bond with those of the same type." Mr Fuji reasoned. "Especially when they are still young.".
"So... Making sure my ground and rock pokemon and in strong soil filled with nutrition is a good way to help their growth?" Brock clarified.
"Exactly, the soil a ground type is exposed too is like the air we breath." Mr Fuji explained. "If it's dirty and polluted it can cause the pokemon some serious problems.".
"Thank you Mr Fuji, all of this is very useful." Brock thanked as he wrote it down in a notepad. There were four others filled with notes on the coffee table.
"Hey Brock, I think it's time we were going." Misty walked up to them. Brock looked at the time.
"Your right Misty." Brock replied he then turned back to Mr Fuji. "Thank you for passing on your knowledge, and sparing your time.".
"Not at all, son. I love passing on my experiance to the next generation. It means pokemon will get proper care for years to come." Mr Fuji explained.
"I completely agree." Brock replied.
"Then I ask, only one favour." Mr Fuji replied.
"Anything." Brock replied. "What is it?".
"All I ask, is that you, too share this knowledge with other." Mr Fuji replied.
"Of course I will." Brock replied.
"Very good." Mr Fuji smiled. "So for now. I bid you farewell, feel free to visit anytime.".
"We will. Bye for now." Brock replied as he moved towards the door.
"Yeah, see you two later." Misty added as she joined Brock's side.
"Bye you two. See you again." Reina smiled as she waved bye. Brock and Misty returned the gesture and left.
Walking back to the pokemon centre, Misty got the strange feeling that she was being followed. She stopped and turned around to find her stalker. It was Psyduck, who was still holding his head.
"What are you doing here, Psyduck?" Misty asked.
"Psy aye aye." Psyduck tilted his head in confusion. Misty had a massive sweat drop.
"Ya know Misty. I think Psyduck wants to join you." Brock commented. Misty sighed.
"Great..." Misty muttered. "Hey Psyduck, what are you doing.
"... Duck." Psyduck replied, blankly.
"Well... I'll see you later Psyduck. I think you should be getting back." Misty suggested. With that, she stood up and walked back to Brock. Although her foot was caught on a rock and she was tripped over. A spare pokeball fell and rolled backwards towards Psyduck. The water type stared blankly at the pokeball.
"Psyduck..." Psyduck spoke as he stared blankly at the pokeball. He then went on and pecked his bill against it. The ball wiggled back and forth a few times before it stopped and dinged. Misty caught a Psyduck.
"Congrates Misty... You've just caught a Psyduck." Brock joked, using Ash's and Serena's victory line.
"Great." Misty muttered rolling her eyes. She loves all water types, but Psyduck seems... Different. Surely, Mr Fuji is better equipped to help him.
"Don't be like that Misty." Brock laughed as he approached her. "A true water type master would jump at the chance to train with Psyduck.".
"I guess your right." Misty replied, thinking things threw as she looked at the pokeball. "I guess Psyduck is now part of the team.".
"Now we should get going." Brock replied.
"Your right." Misty agreed as she grabbed her pokeball and equipped it to her belt. "Let's go.". With that the two of them set off towards the pokemon centre again...
Ash, Pikachu and Haunter were now playing catch with the Voltorb shaped bouncy ball. Ash caught the ball and was about to toss it at Pikachu, but he heard the sound of crying. With all of the enjoyment he's been having, he forgot about the build up.
The crying was coming from below the floor. Ash started making his way to the source and passed straight through the floor, with no problems. Pikachu followed. Haunter frownd that her new friends were leaving. Everyone leaves...
As they reappeared, Ash noticed he was exiting the ceiling of the room he and Serena were left in. He continued floating down when he saw Serena sobbing into the chest of Ash's body. He suddenly had a rush of guilt, for leaving her like that. He noticed Serena had returned both Braixen and Charmeleon. Ash could hear some speech from his friend.
"Come on Ash, you have to wake up. Please wake up." Serena begged as she looked at his face. "I-I...".
"... Serena." Ghostly Ash spoke, curious about what she was going to say.
"Great... Your not even conscious and I still can't say it." Serena scolded herself.
"Say what?" Ghostly Ash asked.
"Ash..." Serena spoke softly as she brushed her hand down the side of his face. "I-I... I. Love... You.".
Ash was completely caught off guard, even more so when he saw Serena plant a small peck on his cheek. He couldn't help but hold his cheek in the same place as he felt a tingle feeling. His chest was growing even tighter. He no-longer has any doubts about Serena's feeling, although that only made his own feeling harder to figure out. Does he have a crush? At the minute it seems like it, but is that just because he knows Serena has one, and he wants to make her happy? ARG! Things were easier when he was dense...
"Ah, young love." Haunter spoke as she appeared next to Ash.
"Haunter... Why are you here?" Ash asked.
"To send you back." Haunter laughed. She clicked her fingers and sledge hammer appeared. Before either Ash or Pikachu could speak, Haunter swung the hammer around and wacked both pokemon and trainer in the head. Both blacked out.
"Please Ash... Please wake up." Ash heard Serena's pleading voice echo in her ears. He tensed up as he tried to force his eyes open. The blinding lights hit his eyes and his vision was blurred. He had to blink to help his vision return to normal.
"Urg... What happened?" Ash moaned as he sat up. His body was burning in pain. It didn't help when Serena...
"ASH!" Serena exclaimed as she tackled him into a hug. As painful as it was, Ash's pain was numbed by Serena's actions, although his face did heat up.
"Are you okay, Serena?" Ash asked as he comforted her. Serena couldn't stop herself from snuggling into him.
"Am I okay? AM I OKAY? You've just been knocked out and nearly died and you want to know if I'M OKAY!" Serena scolded. "Worry about yourself for a change.".
"I take that as a yes." Ash laughed. Seeing Serena's glare, he realised he should shut up.
"Come on... We need to get out of here." Serena ordered, and the two of them stood up. Serena wouldn't let go of Ash, stayed in the tight embrace. Pikachu jumped onto Ash's shoulder, although stayed quiet. The three of them started walking away.
"Hey Ash." Pikachu whispered. "What are you going to do about... You know.".
"I don't know buddy, I really don't." Ash replied.
"What you talking about, Ash?" Serena asked as she leaned her head against his shoulder, still hugging him tightly.
"N-nothing." Ash stuttered nervously. "Let's get going.". Ash picked up the speed and continued to avoid the subject.
After leaving the Pokemon Tower, Serena decided to drop the subject, and they were walking in a comfortable silence. Until Serena felt a tap on the shoulder, she stopped and turned around. Do to the tight hug, Ash was also forced to stop.
"What is it Serena?" Ash asked.
"I felt a tap on my..." Serena was cut off when Haunter appeared in front of their faces, pulling her own funny face.
"Haunter?" Ash questioned. "What are you doing here?".
"I wanna join ya team." Haunter replied.
"Okay, but why?" Ash asked, pulling out a spare pokeball.
"A while ago, some people invaded the pokemon tower and took all my friends, I was the only one left." Haunter explained. "I was the only one left and I've been pretty lonely. You were good fun and their's nothing else for me here.".
"Okay then, if your sure then go right ahead." Ash encouraged and Haunter fist bumped the pokeball. She was sucked inside it instantly dinged. "Alright, I just caught a Haunter.". Ash pulled out his pokedex and scanned his new capture as the pokeball was teleported away:
Haunter, The Gas Pokemon. The evolved form of Gastly. By licking, it saps the victim's life. It causes shaking that won't stop until the victim's demise. By licking, it saps the victim's life. It causes shaking that won't stop until the victim's demise.
Type: Ghost / Poison
Ability: Levitate
Hidden Ability: (Note: There is no Hidden Ability for this species)
Sex: Female
Nature: Quirky (Note: The nature could change, when this pokemon evolves)
Move(s): Shadow Punch, Lick, Hypnosis, Dream Eater, Mean Look, Spite, Night Shade, Confuse Ray, Sucker Punch, Shadow Ball
"Hey Ash, what's up with Haunter?" Serena asked as he put the pokedex in his pocket.
"Oh that..." Ash scratched the back of his head, he went on to describe what happened, although he left out the bit about Serena's confession.
"Okay then." Serena replied a little freaked out by the story.
"Honestly, I thought it was a dream until Haunter showed up." Ash replied. With that they continued walking back, but after hearing Ash's story, Serena tightened her hug on Ash, if he became a ghost then she was a lot closer to losing him then she thought. She needs to confess before it's too late...
"Hey guys." Ash called out as they approached Brock and Misty who were waiting outside the pokemon centre.
"Hiya." Misty replied. "You two seem pretty close.". Both ten year olds blushed, although Serena refuse to let go. They went on to describe their day.
"You know Ash, your not the only one with a new capture." Brock spoke.
"Really?" Ash questioned. "Who caught what?".
"I did." Misty butted in. Taking out a pokeball. "Misty calls... Psyduck.". Misty's new pokemon appeared and tilted his head in confusion, holding his head.
"Psy aye aye... Duck." Psyduck spoke in a monotone voice. Ash looked with confusion.
"What is it Ash?" Serena questioned.
"Weirdest thing. I understand what any pokemon says." Ash explained as he seemed deep in thought.
"So what did Psyduck say?" Brock asked.
"He said... Psy aye aye... Duck." Ash translated.
"But that's..." Serena went to point out the obvious.
"I know..." Ash replied. All four trainers were looking at Psyduck with intrigue. Either Psyduck is so intelligent that he can over come Ash's natural ability or... He literally is only saying his name... Which is it? Ash and Serena pulled out their pokedexes:
Psyduck, The Duck Pokemon. Appears unaware and totally vacant. However, if its chronic headache worsens, it starts exhibiting peculiar powers. While lulling its enemies with its vacant look, this wily Pokémon will use psychokinetic powers.
With that done, the group went and got some tea at the pokemon centre. They all agreed to stay there the night. As they were eating, the TV came on with breaking news.
"We can confirm that four high ranking members of the terrorist organisation who were being held in Kanto's high Security Prison, has been broken out." The news reporter spoke. "We believe this was engineered by the unidentified leader of the criminal syndicate.". Four mug shots showing: Jessie, James, Cassidy and Butcher appeared on screen. "We ask that if you see any of these people, then contact your local police and do not approach as each one is known to be extremely dangerous.".
"Their out." Ash spat, angrily, he hates Team Rocket and everything they stand for.
"Calm down Ash, the police will find them." Serena reassured him, in a comforting manor.
"I know, it's just..." Ash went to reply but stopped when Serena tightened her embrace. He couldn't help but feel warm and fuzzy in Serena's arms... ARG! Feelings are so confusing.
Brock and Misty smiled at the turn of events. Sure the news report was bad, but with how Ash and Serena currently are, they can't help but think that it's only a matter of time before Serena breaks through his denseness...
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect to big of spoilers. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...