A/N - Silent here and I would like to say that I am pretty proud of this chapter.
-I DO NOT OWN POKEMON-
THE BLUE SPIRIT
CHAPTER 12 – UNEXPECTED
Solid was the first to wake up early in the morning, as he usually did now. He dismissed his alarm then he changed into his training clothes and woke up Lucario and Gardevoir. Pikachu was still snoozing on the bed. Solid and the two left the room, which he locked right after and made a small breakfast meal for the three before they headed down stairs for some training. They said good morning to Joy as they passed her, which she replied back with one of her own. They went a good distance into the forest to have less of a chance to get caught by others as they trained.
An hour later, Brock woke up, took a shower, got dressed and decided to get breakfast made. The smell of the food caused the others to get up one by one. That's how Brock got them to get up; not with yelling, or splashing water on their faces, but by making the irresistible smell of delicious food. They all washed up, got changed and gathered at the dining table. Serena headed towards Solid's room to tell him to get up but Brock called out after her.
"He's not there Serena. I saw him get up early and he made a small breakfast for himself before going downstairs."
"Oh alright. I just thought he wasn't up yet and that he could have some breakfast," replied the honey haired girl as she took her seat.
Gary was about to say something but Misty caught his attention, by twirling her mallet in her hand. He gulped and stayed quiet for the moment. After breakfast they all decided to relax for a while and then go out and explore for a little bit. Misty decided to go call her sisters and see how the gym was holding up and Gary said he'll join since he wanted to call his Gramps for something. The rest decided they'll meet up with the two downstairs soon. Misty and Gary made their way to the ground floor and asked Nurse Joy if they could use the video phone, which she happily let them use.
Misty went first and called her sisters. Her oldest sister Daisy picked up, as usual but was soon quickly joined by Lily and Violet. They told her that everything was fine, that they only had one challenger in the past week who had lost his gym battle. They agreed that it was probably because of the Spirit Tournament, that everyone was on their way to come there. After talking a bit more they said good bye and Misty disconnected the call and hung up the phone. She walked back to where Gary was sitting and told him he could go. She then went towards Nurse Joy to ask her something, when someone tapped her on the shoulder when she drew near the counter. She turned around as she spoke.
"Yea….oh!" She was surprised as to who was in front of her. It was a young man, with black hair and a red bandanna around his head, a green shirt and red shorts.
"Hey Misty," said the man as he hugged her. Misty didn't return the hug. She really didn't want to interact with him at all. Joy was eyeing the man from the corner of eye carefully.
"What are you doing here Tracey?" she asked as she pulled away from him.
"I came to be with you babe," he answered as he reached out to touch her cheek but she smacked his hand away. "Oh, you know I like that fiery side of you." He chuckled.
"Stop it. You know I don't see you that way. And how did you know I was here?"
"Who are you trying to kid?" joked Tracey as he grabbed both of her shoulders. "All those times I had visited you and I helped you out while that idiot was away, I've seen the way you've looked at me. Just admit it. And I heard from your sisters that you left with your friends to go somewhere. Where else would you go besides the Spirit Tournament?"
"Please let me go! Whatever you think you saw, you're only imagining it! I don't like you that way. I've told you many times. And what about Daisy?!" cried out Misty, getting a little scared but also angry as she struggled against his grip on her.
"Daisy? Forget about her. She was nothing. You know that I'm a pokémon watcher and there are other things I watch besides pokémon," finished Tracey, as he looked her up and down, stopping for a few seconds at her chest and rear.
Misty felt disgusted but also angry. She whipped out her mallet out of nowhere and was about to hit Tracey but he caught it. He shook his finger at her with his free hand mockingly. Misty shivered a little in fear since he caught her strike. Joy decided to intervene.
"Hello sir. Anything I can help you with?"
"No, no. I'm good Nurse Joy. I found what I need," said Tracey as he leaned in to kiss Misty. The red head brought up her hands to his face and pushed him back.
"NO! STOP! Leave me alone! Why are you acting this way?!" yelled Misty but her words fell on deaf ears.
"I like it when you play hard to get and it's time for you to forget that loser who left such a beautiful girl and be with me," growled Tracey.
Misty froze, lost as to what to do. She was never afraid to fight back but for some reason she was filling up with fear as he never acted this badly before. She knew he had a crush on her but when he confessed to her, she told him it wasn't mutual and that she liked Ash. She thought he got over it when he started dating Gary's sister Daisy when she told him that she never saw him that way and never will.
"You are causing my guest to be uncomfortable. You should stop right now and leave!" yelled Joy suddenly as soon as she realized that Misty was scared and that they weren't playing a game.
"But I'm a guest too. So I guess we're at a stalemate aren't we?" replied Tracey with a sneer.
"You should listen to Nurse Joy and leave now."
Gary suddenly appeared behind the man and Misty. He didn't know who the man was, not seeing his face yet but had an angry look on his own. Nobody messed with his friends. Only he was allowed to do that. Tracey slowly turned around and glared at Gary.
"Tracey? What are you doing here? And what are you doing?" asked Gary, dumbfounded.
"I'm here to get my trophy," answered Tracey, pointing at Misty behind him with his thumb.
"What?! You're dating my sister you douche bag!"
"Was. I decided she wasn't worth it and came to get what really belongs to me. I guess I should tell her that I'm done with her, shouldn't I?" Tracey said without any tone of remorse.
"You're going to pay for that you piece of shit!" roared Gary as he launched himself at Tracey.
A bright light suddenly erupted from a poke ball and a huge green praying mantis like pokémon, with sharp scythes for arms appeared and pushed Gary back towards the wall. Scyther then pinned him to the wall with the dull side of his scythe, preventing him from moving. Misty shivered even more. She hated bug pokémon as they scared her beyond all else except for one other thing.
"Thank you Gary for letting us be. My love and I have more important things to do," laughed Tracy as he turned to look at the red head again and moved closer to her. "Time for us to go now."
The elevator doors dinged and opened, letting out the group of friends who walked forward a bit as Misty backed up into reception desk's counter and leaned against it for some support. The group stopped suddenly in their tracks at the sight of Misty cowering against the counter, Nurse Joy looking furious and with Gary pinned against the wall by a Scyther.
"What's going on here?" questioned Brock while stepping forward, getting angry.
"Tracey's gone mad Brock," whimpered Misty. "He won't leave me alone and he attacked Gary with his Scyther!" The group's eyes widened as they heard the explanation.
"Tracey, stop this at once and release Gary!" ordered Brock, moving closer.
"Shut up Brock. I don't take orders from you," Tracey replied coolly as he turned to Misty raising his hand to grab her again. "Now come with me before someone else gets hurt."
Brock attempted to stop Tracey but he barely took a step when Scyther shot towards him and tackled him, pushing him down. Scyther moved towards the others, scaring them with his scythes and making them back away. The group of friends glared at Tracey and Scyther but they didn't say anything. Max and Richie moved their hands to their belts.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, unless you want Oak's blood on your hands," threatened Tracey as Scyther moved and pinned Gary against the wall again, one of his scythes up against his throat.
"What's happened to you? Why are you so evil?" questioned Misty as she dropped to her knees, unable to keep herself up anymore because fear had spread throughout her body, weakening her. Tracey turned back around towards her when she spoke but didn't hear her words. A nasty smile spread on his face.
"Hmm, I like it when a girl goes on her knees," cackled Tracey. His statement made many in the group growl but no one dared to move for fear of Gary getting hurt. Tracey raised his hand and extended it to the red head.
Suddenly, a blue glow materialized in the room and the next second, Gardevoir appeared with an angry look on her face with her eyes glowing blue. She stood in front of Misty, blocking Tracey from reaching her and then everyone heard someone speak with a powerful voice.
"Don't you dare touch her!"
"NOW WHAT?!" screamed Tracey as he spun around.
He saw a young man with a beard standing in front of the door way, a Lucario standing beside him. The bearded man's face was twisted in anger, cold fury in his eyes. When they locked eyes, the bearded man did not change his expression as a couple thoughts went through his head as they stood in silence for a moment, sizing up one another.
Tracey? Damn, you've gone off the deep end. I've always had a feeling something was off about you but not this, definitely not this. But it doesn't matter. You hurt Misty. You're not my friend anymore.
"Who the hell do you think you are? This is none of your business!" spat Tracey finally, raging that he was prevented again from fulfilling his desire of lust.
"Doesn't matter who I am and it is my business when I see rotten people try to take advantage of others. You're unwelcome here. Leave before you anger me further."
The words carried such contempt that May, Dawn and Serena gasped while the others stared at Solid. Misty looked up when she heard Solid's voice, feeling the power of the words. Solid glanced at her for a split second, seeing the fear in her eyes before locking his gaze on Tracey again, the cause of her fear and sorrow.
I'm here Misty. I won't let anything happen to you.
Tracey grit his teeth, boiling up inside before he shouted out; "The only person who's leaving now is you! Scyther, Slash attack!"
"NOOOO!" pleaded the girls but it was ignored.
With blinding speed, Scyther shot at Solid, his scythes raised and then slashed at him when he was within range. But instead of cutting the man, his attack bounced off of a pale blue shield. Lucario had put up an Aura Shield at the last second. Scyther stepped back, trying to understand what just occurred. Nobody was able to stop his Slash before. Solid walked forward towards Tracey and Scyther, his Lucario moving beside him, his red eyes narrowed in anger. He was waiting for the word.
"So, this is the kind of man you are. Unable to deal with not getting what you want, so you throw a tantrum and attack others, not caring what happens to them. People like you make me sick." Solid spoke with such venom in his words that Tracey took a couple of steps back subconsciously. Solid's group was in awe at the power radiating off of him. "You have one chance to leave with your dignity. Apologize and leave now and never bother us again. Or you will face the consequences," finished Solid as he stopped about ten feet away from the crazed man. Tracey froze for a second before bursting with laugher.
"You think I'm scared of you? Ha ha ha ha ha! You must be one dense idiot. Scyther cut him down a size!"
Scyther again launched himself at Solid but before anyone could do anything, Solid spoke a single word that they all heard.
"Counter."
Lucario vanished from his spot one second and the next; he towered over the unconscious form of the large bug pokémon on the floor. He had used Extreme Speed and Close Combat to knock out Scyther in less than a second.
"Holy shit!" exclaimed Gary, his eyes wide at what he just witnessed. The others stayed silent, unable to speak at what just happened.
"DAMN YOU!" shouted Tracey as he charged at Solid.
Solid swiftly evaded the strikes with ease that was thrown at him. After dodging the attacks for a few seconds, he saw an opening and quickly delivered a full powered punch to his stomach. Tracey clutched his stomach, taking a step back. Solid grabbed his neck with one hand and lifted him up off his feet, holding him in the air. Everyone besides his pokémon was in awe at his show of strength. Solid began speaking, his anger coating each word.
"If you ever bother my friends again, if you even come near them, or do anything to harm them or mess up their lives, directly or indirectly, I will find you no matter where you run to. Understood?" after a moment of struggling against Solid, Tracey went limp and nodded.
"And consider yourself fired from the lab and dumped by Daisy!" roared a furious Gary.
Solid faced Gary, who nodded, signaling he was done with Tracey. Solid turned with Tracey still held up in his hand and then threw him towards the building door, yelling at him to get out. Tracey returned his Scyther as he fled. Solid looked at Lucario with a nod who understood his master; the pokémon went outside to make sure he left. Gary tapped his Poketch to send a voice message to his Gramps and Daisy, saying that Tracey was done, and for his grandpa to put Blastoise on guard duty while sending Umbreon to help cheer up his sister. Solid turned around and moved towards the red head as the others just stared at him in awe over what they just witnessed him do. She was staring straight ahead of her, not actually seeing anything, still in shock. Gardevoir stepped to the side as Solid drew near and gently picked up Misty off the floor and had her stand on her feet.
"Good job Gardevoir," praised Solid to his fairy pokémon, who smiled, before he faced the red head.
"Hey. You okay Misty? It's alright, it's over. You don't need to worry about him anymore."
So soft and soothing were his words that Misty raised her head to look at him, fear still in her eyes. Her eyes filled up with tears and started to cry and she hid her face into his chest, bawling loudly. Solid wrapped his arms around her back, giving her a hug, hoping it would comfort her. The others moved towards the two when she started pounding on his chest with her hands in fists, crying louder and louder until they heard her speak between her sobs.
"I don't know how much longer I can take this! How many assholes do I have to deal with before things get better?" She took a couple stuttering breathes in between her sobs.
"…" Solid stayed quiet, not knowing what to say as he frowned.
"Where the fuck is Ash?!" Misty screamed suddenly.
The group formed sad expressions on their faces. Joy and Gardevoir glanced at Solid, thinking how he would take this. Lucario came back in and went to stand by his fairy comrade. He had felt emotions run high from outside and wanted to see why.
"Where is he when we need him?!" cried out Misty shrilly. "When I need him?" she finished quietly.
"I can't really say but I know he wants to be with you all. I know for a fact that he wants to be here."
Oh Mew, I don't know if I can take this. I want to tell you so badly Mist that its me!
"Really? Yea right! And how would you know? Maybe he's not here because he just doesn't give a damn!" snapped Misty, as she pushed away from Solid, glaring at him through her crying.
Solid was stunned for a second before he turned away and walked towards the wall and leaned against it, raising his hands above his head. Everyone stared at him, silent, though Misty was breathing heavily with silent tears running down her cheeks. Gardevoir and Lucario glanced at each other, then at Joy. All three of them had worried looks on their faces. Solid hung his head as he banged his right fist against the wall, startling everyone.
"I can't do this. I can't." Solid choked out.
Lucario made to move towards Solid but Gardevoir held him back, shaking her head when he turned his head at her. Joy clasped her hands together, holding them to her chest, hope in her eyes.
Is he going to do it? Will he come clean?
"Huh? Why would you say that? Tell me!" demanded Misty.
May, Dawn and Serena moved forward a bit, stopping behind Misty, a sign of support for her. The others kept silent in their spots. They wanted to hear what Solid had to say as well.
"I said I can't do this. And Ash does give a damn."
Solid turned around as he spoke the words. He looked at Serena, then Dawn, then May, making eye contact with each one for a few seconds, before finally looking at Misty, fixing his eyes with hers.
"Every night, before he went to sleep, he would pull out the group picture he has of his friends and stare at it for a long time, thinking about everyone. He suffered every day, battling his emotions, trying to stay strong as he missed you all so much as he trained. There were a couple times he wanted to just drop everything and run back to you as fast as he could but he knew he couldn't. He cares for you more than you can ever imagine!"
"How do you know?" whispered Misty after a moment.
A little hope fired up in her, her heart beating madly but she fought to control it. She didn't want to get swept up in something only to get hurt again and disappointed. Dawn, May and Serena also felt a little hope spark inside of them but they didn't let it overwhelm them, having dealt with past experiences. Solid looked down at his feet and took in a deep breath. After a few seconds, Misty closed the distance between her and Solid, grabbed his shoulders and shook him.
"I said how do you know?!" yelled Misty.
Solid looked up at her again.
"Because he's here."
Everyone besides Joy and the pokémon were startled at the news. Misty and the three girls gasped, putting their hands against their mouths.
"Where?" whispered Misty after she lowered her hands.
Solid looked into her eyes as he answered her.
"Right in front of you."
As Solid said that, his face began to change while Misty still kept eye contact. Gardevoir's eyes had glowed blue, which only Joy and Lucario noticed. Misty watched as Solid's black eyes turned brown, "z" birthmarks appeared on his cheeks, and the beard faded away. Everyone took in sharp breathes except for the two pokémon and Joy. Misty's eyes widened in shock at what she just witnessed. Solid's face was gone and now she was staring into Ash's. His chocolate brown eyes feasted on her cerulean blue ones.
"Ash?" whispered Misty.
Ash gave a small smile and nodded. Misty was frozen in shock. Many different emotions spiraled inside her, from rage to bliss, preventing her from reacting to what she just noticed. Silence followed for a moment as everyone tired to process what just happened.
It can't be him. Someone must be playing a trick on me…but wait…his eyes….it's burning with passion…just like…..Ash…..it is him!
All of sudden, Misty lunged at Ash as she flung her arms around him and gave him a tight hug which he returned. Shortly after, three blurs flew at the hugging couple, attempting to hug Ash as well, but instead caused him to fall down on the floor backwards as the four girls toppled after him. The four girls were on top of Ash; Dawn to the left, Serena and Misty in the middle, and May to the right. They started crying and stayed in that position for a few minutes, Ash trying to hug the four at once and tears falling down his face as well as he apologized over and over.
The group around the five finally started showing signs of life after seeing the emotional moment. Cilan and Iris glanced at each other and hugged, turning back to the beautiful sight before them. Brock, Joy, Gardevoir and Lucario had smiles form on their faces while Gary, Richie and Max grinned.
Soon, the crying died down and the four girls stared at Ash as he alternated looking at each girl's face. About a minute later, the girls got off of him, stood up and then helped him stand back up as well. What followed quickly after were four of the fastest slaps the group had ever seen, delivered by the girls, one from each, to Ash's right cheek, causing him to turn his head hard and move his body to the side a bit. When he straightened up again, they delivered four more speedy slaps to the same cheek again. His cheek hurt so badly as it was slapped eight times in a row quite rapidly, causing a red hand print to show on his face. The rest of the group winced at the sight.
"Should've seen that coming," muttered Gary, causing the ones near him to roll their eyes.
"Mew that stings!" yelped Ash, massaging his cheek as he straightened back up after the last slap. "I guess I deserved that huh?" The four girls stood in front of him, glaring at him, with their hands on their hips.
"You think?!" shouted the four together.
"Wow, what a bunch of kids," commented Iris, shrugging.
The others laughed and the five remembered they had an audience and went red. The rest of the group gathered around Ash, hugging him or shaking his hand, while stating how glad they were that he was back. He did get punched in his stomach and chest a couple times in addition, which he felt he did deserve somewhat. After that, Ash looked at everybody.
"I'm sorry guys for lying to you and for being gone for so long." Ash hung his head, looking at the floor. "Will you forgive me or are you too angry at me?"
"Of course we're angry!" shot Misty. "But we're also happy to have you here with us again," finished the red head softly.
"Is that true guys?" asked Ash as he looked up. As he looked at each person in the group, they nodded. Ash's eyes began to water. "I'm so sorry for everything."
"Hey, it's fine, it's in the past. No need to worry," replied Dawn softly as she hugged him again.
"Just make sure you never do something like that to us again." added May as she hugged him too.
"Otherwise you'll get more than just slaps to the face," threatened Serena as she joined them as well.
Everybody except Joy and the two pokémon joined in on the hug, with Ash in the middle apologizing and having a few tears run down his cheeks, trying to pull himself back together. It took a moment but Ash stopped and the group broke apart from the hug.
"Thanks guys." Ash wiped his eyes with his hands. "I'll find some way to make it up to all of you, I promise."
"And we'll hold you to that promise, Ashy-boy," smirked Gary.
Ash smiled and nodded.
"Hey, I know!" Ash beamed at everyone.
"And he's back!" cheered Max, causing the group to chuckle.
Nobody had noticed new trainers come inside and walked forward a bit just then.
"Ah, can we sign up for the tournament?" One of the new trainers spoke up.
"Oh over here! Sorry about that. Welcome to the Indigo Plateau Hotel. You can register for the Spirit Tournament here," responded Joy. The new trainers walked up to Joy and registered for the tournament and got their room keys. It was about 11am in the morning.
"I got an idea that will help us leave this stuff behind. How about we go to the nearby arcade and have some fun and then have some lunch? My treat." The group agreed and Ash smiled. "Let me just go take a quick shower and get dressed. Give me about thirty minutes. Hey Joy, would you like to come with us too?" asked Ash suddenly.
Everyone snapped their head at Joy, who just finished up registering the last trainer. She looked up stunned, but then brought a finger up to her lips thinking.
"Well, I do get off in an hour and my next shift isn't until tomorrow. If you guys can wait that long, I'll be happy to join as I don't get to do much around here," she finished quietly, her cheeks flashing pink.
"No worries Nurse Joy. We can wait for you. We're waiting for Ashy-boy anyways," said Gary.
"Okay thanks. And please, just call me Joy," replied Joy.
Ash dashed upstairs to get ready, Lucario and Gardevoir staying behind with the group of friends, relaxing and communicating mentally.
"Brock, I'm surprised at you," said Dawn suddenly.
"Huh? Why?"
"You haven't flirted with Joy or any other cute girl for that matter in a long time. Do you have a girlfriend?"
"That's none of your business!" Brock's face turned red.
"Yup, he has a girlfriend. We're going to find out who one way or another Brocko!" smirked Gary.
Brock face palmed and the others laughed, including Joy, who had heard stories from her sisters about a very flirtatious guy with narrow eyes.
It has to be him, thought Joy, smiling to herself.
They waited for both Ash to come back down and Joy to get off her shift. Ash came back with Pikachu on his shoulder and his favorite original hat on his head. Pikachu immediately jumped into Misty's arms and cooed as she scratched him behind his ear. Joy came in her nurse uniform since she didn't want to make them wait any longer and she was fine with how she looked. Lucario and Gardevoir followed behind the group, still communicating mentally. Ash talked with them all, able to relax a bit and enjoy speaking without too much worry since he had revealed himself.
"Hey have you guys kept in touch with Clemont and Bonnie? What are they up to and how come they're not here?" Ash asked his group of friends.
"They're doing pretty good. They wanted to come but their parents had to go on a business trip for a couple weeks so they couldn't leave the gym without anyone to watch over it," answered Serena.
Ash nodded his head and sighed as he missed them both. They continued talking with one another and Ash tried to position Richie near Joy so they would have to talk at some point. It worked a little, but they didn't talk much. Ash knew some games and food would change that. They reached the arcade, which was simply named "Indigo Plateau Arcade". They went inside and Ash paid for everyone's ticket and a handful of coins to play the games, true to his word. Gardevoir and Lucario sat at a huge booth, reserving it for them and relaxing, since they didn't' want to play any of the games, while Pikachu stayed with Misty, standing on her shoulder, happy to be back in the group again as he had missed the red head.
The group decided to first play some games together that a big group can do. They decided on shooting some basketballs to see who could score the most in thirty seconds. Ash was about to win when his closest competitor, Misty, soon caught up and beat him. She laughed at him and he pouted, making her giggle and slap his arm playfully. They then played darts and pool together, taking up several dart boards and pool tables at once as they played. Ash lost against Gary in pool but won against Dawn in darts didn't take it too well. She huffed at him and pretended to throw a dart at Ash who dropped to the floor instantly to dodge the dart, but when he saw she was only faking he shook his head as everyone else laughed. Joy, slowly but surely, integrated into the group, talking, laughing and joking around with the rest of them and Ash noticed that Richie was starting to talk to her more and more. He smiled, sensing that their auras were beginning to respond to each other. After a while they split off into smaller groups. Cilan, Iris, Richie and Joy went off together, Brock went off with Max, Gary split off alone and the four girls went together after Ash told them he was going to go check on his pokémon.
"So how are you guys doing?" asked Ash as he reached Lucario and Gardevoir.
"We're fine Master, but must we stay here?"
"I told you to stop calling me Master for three years. Also, why not? Why don't you have some fun?"
"You know why. I can't stand places like this. I'd rather be training right now. And I won't stop saying Master so you should stop telling me to stop," complained Lucario and crossed his arms.
"Oh, why is that Lucario? You don't want to have some fun? Not even with me?" asked Gardevoir in a mock hurt voice, moving her body a little closer to him. Ash raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"I…ah…merely…I"
For the first time ever, Ash witnessed Lucario being speechless.
"Ha ha ha ha ha! Oh my Arceus! ha ha ha ha ha! Whoa! Lucario, speechless? Damn, Gardevoir, I didn't know you had moves like that! You're one impressive little pokémon aren't you?" teased Ash. "Where'd you learn how to do something like that?"
Gardevoir blushed but then laughed and shook her head, not letting out her secrets. Lucario scowled at the two and turned his face away from them, his nose in the air.
"Ah don't be such a baby Lucario. Alright fine, stay here and sulk while I go get us some food." Ash left the two, still chuckling over what he saw.
I've got to know where she picked that up from. Probably from one of the girls. But how and when?
Gardevoir gently put a hand on Lucario's arm and he turned to face her.
"Are you mad?"
Lucario sighed. "No. I just didn't want to give him the satisfaction. That was pretty good though. You really had me fooled. I guess being around those girls a little bit gave you some confidence huh?"
"Yes, they did. They may be fragile in some areas, especially when it comes to Ash, but they are stronger than they realize. I've learned a lot from them by reading some of their thoughts."
"Ah, you little sneak!" Gardevoir blushed. "Just promise me you won't do that to me again okay?" asked Lucario. Gardevoir smiled a little too sweetly after a couple seconds.
"But it's so much fun!" She laughed and Lucario frowned before her contagious laugh affected him, making him laugh as well.
Ash went to the host and asked for two large pepperoni pizzas, two large combo pizzas, a large basket of chicken wings and a large bowl of salad, along with four, two litters of soda. He paid for the food and told them to set up the food when ready at the table where his Gardevoir and Lucario were at. The host nodded in agreement and he went back into the arcade to play some games himself while looking for the others. After about half an hour or so, the group slowly formed again as they came back together at the large booth held for them. Lucario and Gardevoir got up so the rest could slide down to the end of the booth and then sat down at the edges. Pikachu jumped down from Misty's shoulder after Ash decided to give him a bowl of ketchup since they were all having fun. The food swiftly came as soon as they all sat down.
"Dig in everyone!" called out Ash.
They went quiet and all they heard were the sounds of hungry people devouring their meal. May challenged Ash to see who could eat the most chicken wings in one minute and he accepted. Serena kept count for May while Max kept count for Ash. After the minute was up, Ash's count was nine, while May's was eight.
"Ha ha! Looks like I win again May. So what's my prize?" Ash smirked at May as her face heated up because she lost.
"How about I don't punch you?" Ash gulped and then agreed. The group laughed.
After demolishing the food in front of them, with hardly any leftovers, the group relaxed, talking and joking with each other, letting the food settle in their stomachs. Ash noticed that Richie and Joy were sitting next to each other and couldn't stop talking and joking around. He smiled, thinking he had made good choices in picking Richie and inviting Joy to join them.
"Hey Ash."
"Yea Serena?"
"What were you doing these past three years?"
Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Ash. He took a moment to think before answering him.
"I did a lot Serena. But to give you a gist of it, I traveled around the six regions again while disguised, revisited the Kingdom of Rota to get some Aura training related information, caught a bunch of new pokémon, and then spent the rest of the time with nonstop training."
"Aura training?" asked Joy, confused.
"Oh right, you don't know. I'm an Aura Guardian," explained Ash. Joy gasped as Ash chuckled. "Just keep it between us please. I'm not ready for the whole world to know yet." Joy nodded with a smile.
"Wow Ash, you sure were busy. And in a disguise huh? That's why there was no word about you. And aura training? Is that how you were able to take care of Tracey so easily?" May was impressed that Ash was able to stay hidden for so long and had grown to be quite the fighter. Ash nodded at her question, pink in the face.
"Why'd you go alone though?" This time it was Dawn who asked. Ash looked at her before answering.
"I didn't want to. Really. But I had no other choice. I was on a mission. Truthfully, I still am. I will tell you all the reason why in the future when the time is right."
"Right and this tournament is part of your mission." Misty rolled her eyes as she looked away, a little hurt thinking that he was trying to lie.
"Actually, it is Mist." Misty snapped her gaze back onto Ash's, her face a little red from him using his nickname for her.
"Hold up Ash. Are you telling me that you knew that this tournament was going to happen, way before everyone else?" Gary's eyes were narrowed. Everyone was silent, waiting for Ash to answer.
"Yes, I did." The group gasped and started asking more questions that were related about the mission, but then Lucario intervened.
"Master! You cannot tell them anymore!" He then glanced around the group as he continued speaking through Aura. They were stunned into silence at his outburst. "I'm sorry, but he has sworn to secrecy and he cannot break his word. There will come a time where we will be able to tell you everything, but not yet. What we can tell you is that it is extremely important and we have been training hard for it. This tournament is to see whether we are ready or not for what's next in our mission. We would greatly appreciate your respect and understanding." Lucario gave a short bow as he finished.
The group stared at Ash and Lucario for a moment. Then Misty broke the silence.
"If it's something that important to make you leave without contacting us for so long after your call and to make Lucario act like that, then I understand. I'll wait to hear what this mission is all about when its time. I'm here for you and always will be. And…I'm sorry Ash for doubting you."
Misty hung her head. Ash looked at her for a second before raising his hand and since she was sitting next to him, placed it under her chin to lift her head to face him. He then used his other hand to take off his favorite hat and placed it on her head, a sign that everything is good between them.
"You don't need to apologize to me Mist. I'm just glad that you understand and standing by my side once again."
Misty smiled as she reddened slightly though her blue eyes sparkled. She reached up and grabbed the hat he placed gently on her head. She made it hug her head tighter as she pushed it down.
"Mine now Ash," teased Misty, making their friends laugh.
Ash chuckled as he slightly shook his head before calling out to the guys.
"Alright fellas, we have something to do. Ladies, if you would be kind enough to wait here please," said Ash as he got up, Pikachu jumping onto his shoulder. He motioned for the guys to follow. The six girls grinned as they glanced at each other, each thinking the same thing: what do they have planned?
"Ash, what's up?" asked Richie as they got into a huddle away from the girls.
"Alright, how many tickets did you guys win?"
They each pulled out their won tickets and pulled it together. They had a total of about one thousand tickets.
"Okay, I think that would do. Before I make my suggestion, do any of you have something you want to get for yourselves?"
The guys glanced at each other and they all answered the same thing; "Not really".
"Are you sure? Because I don't want to feel like an ass once I make my suggestion."
"Yea we're sure, so spill it," hissed Gary.
"Alright then. You guys see those colored flower hair clip things on the prize wall? I was thinking we can get one for each of the girls as a gift. What do you think?"
"I like it. I'm in," agreed Richie without hesitation.
"As am I. This will bring out a wonderful flavor," added Cilan. The others nodded, even Max.
"Alright cool. Let's do this. We're short about two hundred. Let's get those too and get those prizes."
Back at the table, the girls were talking excitedly and being inpatient. Lucario got up and spoke with Gardevoir mentally that he was going to go look for the guys and Gardevoir nodded.
"So, Joy, looks like you were having fun with Richie." Joy's cheeks turned the same color as her hair.
She quickly looked at the blunette who made the statement.
"I did yes." She decided better to be forward than try to play games.
"So, what do you think?" asked Serena. Joy glanced at the blonde, her pink cheeks getting darker.
"Ooh, she likes him!" squealed May as she clasped her hands together.
"May, Dawn, Serena, leave her alone!" warned Misty.
"What, they're just talking Misty." Iris shrugged. "But if you want the spotlight off of her, alright then let's change who the attention is on. What are you four going to do?"
Misty, May, Dawn and Serena gave looks of confusion at the question. Iris sighed.
"About Ash. He's back. And the four of you love him. Anyway, what are you going to do?" Iris's question made the four glance at each other and Joy to raise her eyebrows.
Before they could say anything else, a very unwelcomed guest arrived at their table and joining him were several others that none of the girls were pleased to see at all. It was Tracey, and the others who joined him were Drew, Kenny, Rudy and Paul.
"Well hello there again, beautiful," said Tracey.
"Ugh, please leave me alone! Didn't Ash kick your ass already?!" cried out an annoyed Misty.
"Ash?! That wasn't Ash!" screamed Tracey, trying to save face in front of the others.
"Wow Tracey, you really are a wimp. You're not worthy of this fiery red head if that scrawny kid kicked your ass," spoke Rudy, remembering how Ash looked like way back when.
"That was Ash. He was only in disguise!" said Serena. Tracey scowled.
That man was Ash? No way!
"And he's not scrawny anymore…" said Dawn and May together in a sing song voice as they imagined Ash without his shirt in their mind. Each of the girls blushed. The unwelcomed group grumbled at her words before Tracey spoke again.
"It doesn't matter if that was Ash or not! You three belong with us!" said Tracey. Misty nearly gagged at the horrible thought.
"Dee-Dee. We grew up together since we were kids. I know you better than that idiot. Why don't you come with me instead of wasting time with him and these losers?" questioned Kenny. Dawn glared at him and crossed her arms, an obvious showing of "no" but it wasn't noticed.
"Drew what are you doing with these idiots? You're better than that!" criticized May. She didn't have any feelings for him but he was one of her rivals and they did travel together a bit.
"I only came with them so I can find you. I want you to be with me," he said as he pulled out a rose from nowhere and held it out for May. "You should be with me. He is unworthy of you and your beauty. Let's leave together."
"I've told you a dozen times already. The answer is no! Now please all of you leave," pleaded May.
Joy stood up a bit and spoke. "As the Head Nurse of the Indigo Plateau Hotel, I must ask that you leave now and not to bother us again."
"Aw look, they have some security with them. Well, so do we," said Tracey as he pointed at Paul.
"What are you doing here Paul?" asked Dawn. She knew Paul was an ass but what business did he have with them?
"None of your business idiot girl. This dumbass here said if I come with them I could battle a powerful trainer before the tournament."Joy laughed, causing everyone to look at her. "What's so funny bitch?"
The girls growled at Paul but Joy didn't care as she laughed. Finally she stopped and looked at him.
"If you signed up for the tournament, then you can't battle with any other contenders until you're matched up together and only at the stadium at your designated time. Anything else and its instant disqualification. And I am one of the representatives who have the power to disqualify violators. So, do you really want to battle that strong trainer right now who is also registered in the tournament who by the way is Ash?"
Paul narrowed his eyes before leaving quickly. Tracey's shouts and pleas fell on deaf ears.
"Well that takes care of one of them," sighed Joy. The girls smiled a little. Misty then turned to face the still standing group of boys. She sighed.
"Aren't you leaving?"
"Not without you three coming with us," repeated Tracey, his voice laced with lust. Gardevoir stood up and floated towards the relentless group, her eyes glowing blue. She had had enough. She was trying to scare them away.
"Oh, we've got a fighter guys. Okay, how about this, a pokémon battle. If we win, you come with us. If you win, we'll leave you alone for good."
The annoying group moved outside not waiting for an answer. They stood in front of the arcade, waiting for Gardevoir and the girls. Gardevoir made to follow them but Misty grabbed her arm.
"No, don't go Gardevoir. I know for a fact that they won't fight fair and we don't have any pokémon with us. This isn't your fight!"
"It's alright Misty."
Gardevoir's soft and angelic voice shocked them at first but they quickly snapped out of it, hearing Lucario and other pokémon talk before, with telepathy or aura.
"Nobody bothers my friends. And don't worry, I can handle them."
Gardevoir slipped her arm out from Misty's grip and went outside to face them sending a mental message to Ash and Lucario as she did so. Misty glanced at the others before they all hurried after her, hoping the guys will come back soon.
A/N - Cliffhanger! Sorry, but I had too. As always, please leave a review for anything you want to say or ask and please follow/favorite if you enjoy the story as it will help me stay motivated to continue the story. Thanks for reading and take care! :)
EDIT - Added a small conversation about Clemont and Bonnie's whereabouts. They will be in the story but later. I don't want to juggle to many characters at once as I want to give them proper justice. :)