MONDAY
Back in kanto
After breakfast Bonnie and Clemont accompanied Ash, Pikachu and Goh to the airport- We will keep an eye on your battles Ash, I'm already looking forward to seeing them - Clemont said
- I want to see Greninja-Ash! - Bonnie said excited
- And don't forget the counter shield ... - Goh reminded her
- Yes, that too!
- Haha calm down, it won't be long now - Ash replied - I can also assure you that there will be many battles to see
- Really?
- Of course, although I don't know if they'll all be broadcast on TV - Ash clarified
- Maybe not all, but if the festival is to promote the league, surely the most important ones will be - Clemont said - especially if it is an official event
- Great! - Bonnie said even more excited
At that moment, from the airport speakers was heard the call to the passengers of the flight to Kanto
- Well, that's our signal to go, thank you very much for helping me to find Greninja - Ash said, saying goodbye to his friends
- Goodbye! It was great meeting you - Goh said goodbye
- I say the same, a pleasure to meet you Goh ... - Clemont said - I hope you have a good trip back to Kanto, come back soon!
- Goodbye! Come visit us again! - Bonnie added, saying goodbye as the others walked away on their way to their boarding gate.
The trip to Kanto was not as smooth as everyone expected, there was a lot of turbulence and they also had to wait longer than normal on one of the stopovers, which caused our heroes to arrive a little later than expected in Kanto
It was around 3 p.m. when they saw Prof Cerise's lab appear in front of them
- Finally we arrived! - Ash said
- Yes, finally ... that turbulence was the worst ... - Goh added
When they were entering the laboratory grounds, they noticed that the Professor and the others were gathered together observing the Pokémon (most of them were Goh's), so they decided to go there and notify them of their arrival.
As they got closer, Ash could notice that among those gathered, a well-known orange hair stood out.
- Misty! - Ash said, as he ran to greet his friend ... or at least he tried to run as fast as his ribs and aching body allowed.
- Pikachupi!
- Wait! - Goh said, as he ran after Ash and Pikachu
Misty, hearing his name, turned to see who was calling her. What she saw when she turned around surprised her a lot, of course she already knew that it was Ash who was calling her, what surprised her was the state Ash was.
He had his left arm in a strange sling and his hand was apparently in a splint, he had multiple bruises and some bandages on her arms and legs, not to mention the abnormal way he ran towards her ... definitely something else was beaten under his clothes
Soon Misty's face quickly changed from joy to amazement and finally ended in a strange mix of anger and concern.
- Ash Ketchum! What trouble did you get into this time? - Misty asked angrily
- Oh dear ...- Ash said in a low voice, stopping his run when he noticed Misty's anger. Pikachu decided to follow the example of his trainer and didn't get any closer either
- Hello Misty ... - Ash greeted shyly, in a futile attempt to calm the redhead - sorry for the delay, we had a lot of turbulence and ...
- Don't change the subject Ash! - Misty interrupted - I want to know what happened and I want to know now
- Okay ... although it's not a great story ...
- Oh? It's not a great story huh? ... so it doesn't include you trying to save the world or a fight with a Legendary Pokemon ... or better yet, a fight with a Legendary Pokemon to save the world and you almost! dying trying! - Misty answered very upset
- Misty ... I'm fine ...- Ash said trying to calm her down - it was just a little accident
- A little accident? Look at you! - Misty said, still very upset but no longer so angry, in fact her voice was more full of concern than anger
- Actually it was an accident...- Goh said shyly.
Until then everyone present, including Goh who had easily caught up with Ash and Pikachu, had not dared to interrupt the angry redhead, but noticing the change of mood in her, Goh decided that it was the right time to try to help Ash
- A pack of Gogoat caused a landslide in the rocky hills where we were looking for Greninja ... a huge rock almost hit Bonnie ... Ash saved her but the landslide made them roll down the hill until a tree stopped their fall - Goh tried to explain
- OMG! Bonnie is okay? - Misty asked Goh
- Yes, Ash protected her during the fall ... that's why she did not suffer major injuries ... unlike Ash - Goh replied
- Oh ... I see ... thanks for explaining - Misty said, already much calmed
- Misty ... - Ash tried to say, but was quickly interrupted
- So the last times we talked you were already hurt ... and you thought it wasn't worth telling me, eh? - Misty asked, angry again - I'm glad you saved Bonnie and that she is fine, seriously ... but why didn't you tell me before?
- Because I knew you would react this way! ... whenever I tell you something like this you get angry and start screaming that I am irresponsible and I don't think before I act ... that truing to save others I will end up dead one day and blah blah blah ... - Ash replied a little angry too
- Oh, forgive me for thinking that about someone who always puts himself in danger ... as long as you save others you don't think about the consequences!
- And what do you want me to do, watch them get hurt or worse, die without doing anything? You know I can't do that! - Ash replied, increasingly upset
- And we should see you die without a problem? - Misty said sadly - that's not counting the multiple times that I, one of your friends or Pikachu have seen you "almost die" ...
After Misty's last comment, Ash didn't know what to answer ... Misty was right, but ... what was he supposed to answer?
At this point the atmosphere was so tense that the rest of those present could only look at each other in amazement ... What did Misty mean by "almost dying"? And seeing Ash die ... was something hypothetical, right?
Luckily for everyone, Professor Cerise was the brave one who decided to break the awkward silence
- Ahem ... what do you think if we go inside to eat some sandwiches, I suppose you are hungry ...
- Yeah, thanks ... sounds great - Goh said, trying to sound enthusiastic.
As everyone was walking towards the lab, Ash decided it was time to talk to Miisty alone.
- Misty ... wait ... - Ash said - I'm sorry ...
- I'm sorry too ... I shouldn't have yelled at you like that in front of the others
- it's okay ... I should have told you before on the phone ...- Ash said - I'm sorry that i worried you, but I'm fine
- Really? And is the sling just for fashion sake?
- haha .. no ... well I'll say it again.. I'll be fine in a few days
- How bad is your arm, is it broken?
- No, it's not ... it was a dislocated shoulder that is already in place ... and in my wrist I have a small fracture, but nurse Joy said that in a couple of weeks everything would be fine
- I see ... I assume you hit your ribs too?
- Yes ... how did you know? - Ash asked
- I saw you when you "ran" towards us ... it was obvious that you try not to move to much. Is there a broken one?
- No, none ... just badly bruised
- I see ... - Misty said still a little worried
- I'll be fine ... Nurse Joy said I should take it easy for a few days ... especially if I want to be fine for Alola, and that's what I intend to do ... - Ash replied - these days I'll only be training with my Pokemon, and honestly they are the ones who take the heavy work
- I guess you haven't trained these last few days ...
- Of course not! ... well, Pikachu and the others refused ... but tomorrow we must return to training if we want to be ready
- Well Mr. Pokemon Master, but keep in mind that I will be watching you
- Ok ... we better go inside
As they entered the laboratory, everyone looked at them warily. Pikachu apparently noticed the change of mood in Misty and ran to greet her by jumping into her arms.
- Pikachupi!
- Hello Pikachu, how have you been? - Misty asked, scratching Pikachu behind the ears - sorry about a while ago, I shouldn't have bothered you with my screams- Misty apologized to the others
- Don't worry, we understand that you were only worried about Ash - Prof Cerise replied
- Hello, my name is Goh .. we did not introduce ourselves before
- Hello, nice to meet you ... again thanks for explaining what happened - Misty said
- It was nothing ... but I have a question ... what did you mean when you said that they had seen Ash "almost die"?
- No ... don't ask that ... - Ash said with resignation
- So you haven't seen Ash do anything stupid, risky and/or dangerous yet? - Misty asked, looking at Ash in a mischivious way - if you want I can tell you a few stories ...
- Misty, please ... no ...- Ash begged
- No, I have not seen him do anything like that ... but a few days ago he told us some stories that could fall into that category ... - Goh said
- Oh, I assure you that there are many more like that ... it really surprises me that you have not yet seen a new show of "The Chosen One" - Misty said, more and more entertained with the direction the conversation was taking. Torturing Ash is always funny
- Misty! I thought you wasn't angry anymore - Ash said embarrassed. He was proud of what he had done on Shamutti Island, but Misty calling him "The Chosen One" was embarrassing.
- Maybe I'm still a little bit - Misty answered honestly - besides, I thought you liked being called that - Misty said with a laugh. Yes, tormenting Ash was definitely still entertaining.
- Ha ha, really funny
- "The chosen one"? ... what are you talking about? ... - Goh asked
- Is from one of the stories in which Ash "almost died" - Misty said
- Did I achieve my goal or not? - Ash replied defensively, trying not to give too many details about it. It is true that he had saved the world that day, and many other times ... but it was always difficult for him to share those stories with his newest friends ...
- It's true, you saved the world that day ... but you almost drowned! - Misty reminded him
- Misty, seriously ... stop - Ash asked - I've already apologized several times, what else do you want?
- Okay, I'm sorry ... I won't continue - Misty said when she noticed that Ash was already starting to get angry
- Do not! I want to know what is all that about the chosen one and saving the world - Goh said - please Ash
- Ugh ... okay, Misty can tell you the story but only that one! ... I should call Prof Oak - Ash replied before taking one of the sandwiches and leaving the room to make a phone call
- I said something wrong? He don't will be mad at me, right? - Goh asked -
Don't worry, it'll be fine ... it's just that he doesn't like to talk much about these stories, in particular this one ... it was my fault for having mentioned it - Misty said
- Why don't he like to talk about them? You said he saved the world ... and in the ones he told us the other day he also managed to save everyone ... - Goh asked
- When you hear this story you'll understand better why all the other things happen ..- Misty said, trying to explain what Ash felt about it - it is true, that generally Ash manages to save those who need it ... but "have to do it" is a great responsibility and a very difficult job emotionally speaking, especially for a kid ...
- A kid? - asked Prof Cerise
- This story is from when Ash was barely 11 ... and it wasn't the first story of its kind
- Oh I see
- Well ... it all started when Ash, Tracey and I were traveling through the Orange Islands ... - the story began
While Misty was telling the story she was not interrupted by anyone, everyone was too amazed to do so ... Eventually the questions came after the story was concluded
- But ... that "the chosen one" thing was a prophecy about what happened at that moment, right? ... It doesn't apply to everything that has happened to him after that, does it? - Goh asked
- I really don't know ... if only that had happened, I would think so ... but with all the times that Ash has had to live something similar, I'm not so sure anymore - Misty clarified
- I can't believe that Ash was involved in the events of that day ... Prof Oak gave several lectures about it, explaining what happened ... but he never mentioned Ash - Prof Cerise said
- I'm not surprised ... I suppose it was to protect him ... if some criminal organization like Team Rocket or some other knew about that, they would have tried to use Ash for some evil plan ...
- It's true ... and you say that more things like this have happened several times? - asked the Professor
- Yes, I witnessed a few and the others have been told to me by Ash, Brock or any of Ash's other friends who were with him at that time ... - Misty replied - but as I said, it is a great responsibility to try to save others, and more if it is something recurrent ... it is not always possible to save everyone, and each loss gets harder ... which makes Ash fight even more desperately to "save them all"
- Oh ... I see why he didn't want to tell us about the Lucario he met in Riota ... - Goh said sadly
- Yes, that was a hard blow for him ...
- Pika .. - Pikachu added sadly
- Please do not think differently about him, it is what Ash wants the least - Misty asked
- Of course not ... speaking of Ash, he should have come back from talking to Prof Oak - said Goh
- He must be outside sharing with the Pokemon - Misty assured
Sure enough, when they go outside they found Ash sharing with his Pokemon. Greninja and Farfetch'd were in a battle while Ash (as promised) just watched sitting on a log, closely watched by Lucario.
- Hi Ash, I guess that's the fantastic Greninja I've heard so much about - asked Professor Cerise
- Yup, he's Greninja ... - Ash replied, stopping the battle and calling Greninja - Greninja, he's Prof Cerise, he really wanted to meet you
- Grenin - Greninja greeted, folding bis arma
- Oh, it would be wonderful to see the phenomenon that Prof Sycamore has told me so much about
- Sorry Professor, but we can't show you today ... Nurse Joy said I shouldn't try yet, at least until next week
- Oh, I see ... we'll have to wait then - Professor Cerise replied - when do you plan to go to Pallet Town?
- In fact ... we should go now, mom will be waiting for us with dinner
- Did you tell your mom about your shoulder? - asked Misty
- Ehm .. no ...
- And you thought I was angry, ahaha
- Oh dear ... - Ash said, - she is going to be furious ...
- Don't worry, Goh and I will try to calm her down ... she will surely think that there are only excuses if you tell her
- Why you never believe me?
- We believe you ... but you tend to modify the facts a bit to minimize them and make us worry less ... but thanks to Brock and the others we know how things really happened, and now we know that you are not a reliable source in what to these things refers - Misty explained
- What's wrong with wanting you not to worry so much? - Ash asked
- Nothing ... but if you are injured it is always better to tell the truth than to hide it or pretend that you are fine ... that way we can help you or take care of you if necessary - Misty clarified
- Yes, I think you're right - Ash answered thoughtfully
- Do you have your things ready to go? - Misty asked, trying to change the subject
- No, I still have to collect some things from my room .. and I have to send some Pokemon to Professor Oak so I can take them all
- I also have to prepare my things - Goh added
- In that case, why don't you go pack your backpacks while I send the Pokemon to Professor Oak, does that sound like a good plan? - Misty asked
- Excellent indeed - Ash replied
- I already told the Professor that I would send him some Pokemon, here - Ash said passing her the Talonflame and Swallow Pokeballs - Dragonite, Gengar, Farfetch'd return! - Ash said and then passed two other Pokeballs to Misty - Dragonite will go with us just like Staraptor- Great, go then ... you don't want to increase your mom's anger by being late for dinner - Misty said - Professor, where can I call to Professor Oak's lab?
- Come, I'll show you
This is how a few minutes later the Pokemon had already been sent to Pallet Town. Ash and Goh already had their backpacks with clean clothes and everything necessary for the trip to Alola and they were ready to go
- We will be attentive to your battles Ash, I hope it'll be an excellent festival for everyone - Professor Cerise said before they left
- Thank you, Prfesor!
The trip to Pallet Town was very peaceful and enjoyable. Goh captured a couple of Pokemon that they encountered along the way and Misty took the time to tell Goh some of Ash's most embarrassing stories.
- Do you dress up as a girl to enter the gym? - Goh asked
- It was Team Rocket's idea! - Ash said in his defense
- Why did you listen to them?
- Good question ... - Misty said - Erika wouldn't let me in the gym! What else should I do?
- Apologize for saying her perfume was horrible? - Misty replied laughing when she saw Ash's face of horror and Goh's astonished face
- But it smelled horrible! - Ash said indignantly
At that moment Goh and Pikachu could not hold it anymore and began to laugh just like Misty ... and began a fit of laughter that lasted several minutes and even included some tears from Misty
- Oh dear, I haven't laughed so much in a while - Misty said, wiping away her tears.
- Ha ha very funny - Ash answered dumbfounded, who had not laughed at all
- You have to admit it was very funny Ash..ly - Goh said, he couldn't resist teasing Ash
- Goh! - Ash yelled
After that another fit of laughter began, although this time Ash caught the happy atmosphere and ended up laughing too, something his ribs dosen't like to much
Shortly after that our heroes stopped at the top of a small hill on the way, where you could see Pallet Town in its fullness.
- Brilliant! We're home now ... I'm starving
- I hope Mrs. Ketchum still wants to give you food after seeing you - Misty joked
As they approached the beautiful white house, they could notice a nice smell in the air
- Mom made cake!
- Pika!
And with this both ran to the door
- Mom, we're here!
- Ash! I'm glad you arrived, dinner will be ready in a few minutes - said Mrs. Ketchum as she left the kitchen and went to the living room to receive the new arrivals. Upon seeing Ash, his expression of happiness immediately changed to one of anger and concern (similar to Misty's, but more terrifying)
- Ash Satoshi Ketchum! - Delia shouted - What trouble did you get yourself into this time?!
- Ehm .. I ... - Ash said, looking to his friends for help
- Calm down Mrs. Ketchum, this time it wasn't his fault ... it was an accident - Misty said calmly - besides I already yelled at him a little, didn't I Ash?
- A little? I'm surprised Mom didn't hear you from here ... - Ash said, not sure if Misty was really helping him or not, so he looked at Goh for more support
- It's true, it was an accident ... luckily nothing serious happened and in a few days he will be as good as new - Goh added
Delia looked carefully at Ash, then at Misty and Goh. She knew that Ash was practically an adult and that she no longer had the right to scold him ... but he was still her baby, she would always worry about him, especially since he was always involved in some incredible trouble or adventure.
- Well, why don't you go leave your things and wash your hands, you can tell me what happened during dinner - Delia said, calmer now - Misty, you will sleep in the guest room. Goh you will share a room with Ash
- Thank you Mrs. Kerchum, we will be right back - Misty said kindly, as they went up the stairs - I think it went quite well - she said looking at Ash
- Yes ... thanks for your help guys
During dinner Goh and Ash told everything that had happened in Kalos, and what Nurse Joy had said
- So you won't have a problem going to Alola? - asked Mrs. Ketchum
- I shouldn't ... seriously I already feel much better, and surely at the weekend I'll be even better
- And what did Prof Kukui think about it? Won't he have a problem with you appearing on TV like this? - asked Delia
- The truth is ... I have not spoken with him yet ... - Ash said
- You should call him tomorrow. I don't think it's a problem, but you'd better report it to him - said Delia
- You're right Mrs. Ketchum - Goh added - if I remember correctly in the program Professor sent there was a photo session ...
- It's true, I'll call him tomorrow
- And what other plans do you have for tomorrow? - Mrs. Ketchum asked
- Train!
- Pi Pikachu!
- Typical ... - added Misty
- Will you be in the lab all day?
- Yes, I think so ... Charizard and Squirtle must have arrived by now ... and there are too many things I want to practice
- Aren't you supposed to take it easy? - Misty asked
- They will train, I will only direct!
- I'll believe it when I see it ... - Misty said
- In that case I will prepare some sandwiches for you so you can eat during the day. Misty, Goh trusted you to take care that "someone" doesn't push himself too hard - added Mrs. Ketchum
- Hey! I don't need babysitters
- Don't worry Mrs. Ketchum we will - Misty replied ignoring Ash - also, from what I heard Pikachu and his other Pokemon have refused to train these days, so they will put limits on training
- In that case ... thank you very much Pikachu, I trust you will have Ash under control
- Pika! - Pikachu answered, implying that they could leave everything in his hands, or rather on his paws
Once dinner was finished and the dishes washed, dried and put away (with the help of Misty and Goh, and to a lesser extent Ash), it was time to go to bed.
- Good evening guys, thanks for your help in the kitchen - Mrs Ketchum said before retiring to her bedroom
- Can I take a shower? - Goh asked
- Sure, it's actually a very good idea ... I think I'll also take a shower before going to bed - Ash said, as they climbed the stairs
- Yes, it's not a bad idea - Misty added - and your arm? Can you wet it, the splint I mean?
- No ... but I have been covering my hand with a plastic that Nurse Joy gave me
- Do you need help with that? - Misty asked
- Maybe ... although it is not so complicated ... however the sling is really difficult
- Come on, I'll help you while Goh showers, so you'll be ready when it's your turn and then will be my turn
So, while Goh took a quick shower, Misty helped Ash take off his sling and shirt ...
- You were right, this sling is very complicated
- Imagine putting it on ...
- Haha ... well, now the shirt .. carefully - Misty said as she approached to try to take Ash's shirt and help him pass his arm carefully
- Misty! - Ash said walking away and blushing a little
- What?! what's going on? Did I hurt you? - Misty asked without understanding Ash's reaction
- Nothing ... it's just ... I can do It alone - Ash replied looking at the ground
- Really? With your ribs hurt and a dislocated shoulder ... Don't be ridiculous, come here and let me help
- It is just that..
At that moment Misty noticed Ash's strange way of acting, and when she looked closely she noticed that he was a little flushed
- Come on Ash don't be ridiculous! I've seen you without a shirt since we were 10 years old
- I know ... but you'll have to remove the bandages from my ribs ... and you won't like what's below
Indeed, when Misty removed the bandages, she could see the huge bruise that still covered much of Ash's torso and back.
- OMG! - Misty said alarmed
- It looks worse than it really is ...
- Really?
- Yes ... obviously it hurts if I squeeze my ribs, but if I don't touch it, nothing happens
- You better make sure your mom doesn't see you like that ... or she's going to faint
Just then the door of Ash's room opened, luckily it was only Goh and not Mrs. Ketchum
- The shower is ready ... - Goh said, seeing Ash added - it looks a little better than yesterday, apparently that ointment that Meyer gave you is effective
The night before Goh and Clemont had helped Ash, and Clemont suggested using a secret bruise ointment that Meyer always used.
- Yeah... it seems ... - Ash replied
After Ash finish his shower, it was Misty's turn to shower, and Goh's turn to help Ash put on pajamas, and put bandages and a sling back in place.
Once in pajamas and ready to go to bed, Misty went to Ash's room to say goodbye to the boys
- I hope tomorrow we don't have to use Pikachu to wake you up Ash
- Of course not! I am so looking forward to train that I will probably be the first to wake up
- That has never happened Ash, and it will never happen - Misty assured - good night guys
- Good night Misty - Ash and Goh said
Thank you all for your nice comments.