The Journey Begins:

The Journey Begins:

Ash slammed the front door. Sighing, he slumped down with his back to it, supporting his head with his hands.

What had come over him? How could he have been so terrible to Misty? But when he had seen her acting so casual, as if she hadn't ripped his still beating heart out, an uncontrollable rage over took him. He looked up to find Pikachu glaring at him.

"Don't start, Pikachu" he pleaded, resting his aching head against the door.

"Pika! Pikachu!" the small electric pokémon chattered angrily.

"Hey, you can't blame me! She's the one who left!" Ash insisted. "………………….she left me for Gary" he spoke softly, feeling the familiar sting of tears.

Ash took the ring out of his pocket. He hadn't the heart to through it away. He almost laughed at the irony of the inscription. Almost. Enclosing it in his fist, he bent his head down and let the tears, which had been threatening to spill since he first caught sight of her, run free.

Twelve o'clock the next day everyone assembled in the lounge. Gary and Misty occupied the couch, while Brock and Duplica took an armchair each. Ash gazed out the window, searching for something to distract him.

Prof. Oak struggled with the door, his arms full with maps, photographs and strange gadgets. He looked around the room.

"If any of you have decided not to go on the mission, you are free to leave now" he explained.

Duplica smiled at the aged professor while crossing her legs in front of her and resting them on the coffee table. Brock nodded his answer. Gary squeezed Misty's hand and smiled at his grandfather.

"You're on, grandpa!"

Finally the professor's gaze feel to the window. "Ash?" he questioned. Ash nodded his reply. "Great! Down to business. These maps and photographs show the probable location of the cult headquarters. As you can see they are located deep within the Barna rain forest. It's a few days hike from them main road.

Once you reach the structure exercise extreme caution. Don't try to be a hero, ok? The element of surprise is probably your best weapon.

The structure itself is said to be the remains of an ancient temple. It is believed that human sacrifices were made to the demon pokémon at this site, making it the most likely epicentre of the portal.

Deep inside the temple is the sacrificial chamber. That is where we believe they will open the portal."

"How are they going to open the portal?" Brock enquired.

"I'm not exactly sure, but it should be obvious once you get there. A ritual of some sort is involved. You must do everything necessary to prevent the portal being opened. The fate of mankind rests on your shoulders!"

"So no pressure then!" remarked Duplica sarcastically, breaking the silence that had descended upon the room.

"You should leave as soon as possible. I have supplies and provisions in the lab for you" The professor got up and led them into the lab.

Then next hour and a half was spent loading up the cars. It was decided that they would bring only two cars, a large convoy would undoubtedly raise suspicions.

Ash, Brock and Pikachu filled Ash's convertible, while Gary, Misty and Duplica loaded up Gary's jeep.

When they were ready they turned to the professor. "I have an invention here that should help you on your quest. This " he announced holding up a strange calculator-like device" is a locator-communicator. It gives you your exact position. There's also a map in there should you get lost"

"Yeah, cause that not likely to happen" Brock whispered sarcastically, elbowing Ash.

"The communicator is basically a fancy "walkie-talkie". It has quiet a broad range so you'll be able to keep in contact with each other. That's all I can do for you. From now on you're on your own. Good luck!"

The professor shook everyone's hand and gave them extra advice. He also took a crying Togepi from Misty, who felt it was far too young for a dangerous mission like this.

Eventually they got into the cars and begin their fateful journey.

Ash's car:

They had been on the road for many hours now. Brock sat bored in the front seat of the convertible, desperately trying to keep his unruly hair under control. He picked up the locator-communicator and began examining it.

"It's like being on Star Trek!" he announced "I just can't do it, Jim!" he attempted a Scottish accent.

Ash prayed for patience while gripping the steering wheel tight.

Brock glanced over at him, taking in his dreary demeanour. He had hardly spoken two words since they had left Pallet. Brock sighed and looked back at Pikachu, strapped tight in the back seat. It looked at Ash and then Brock.

"Kachu" it sighed, shrugging it's shoulders.

"This is gonna be a long trip" Brock thought to himself.

Abruptly the communicator let out a sharp ring. Brock jumped, fumbling with it.

"Hello?" he held it to his ear.

"Brocko?" Duplica's cheery voice sang down the line.

"Agh, yeah?" Brock quickly moved it form his ear and held the device in front of him as her voice came out louder than he'd expected.

"The car park is the next exit, ok?"

"Fine" Brock answered. "My ass is getting numb from all this sitting down!"

"Is that ok with you, Ashy-boy?" she teased. There was a long pause as she waited for his answer. "………Hello?! Ashy-boy? Did he fall out of the car?"

"Sure. Fine. Whatever" Ash barked down the line.

"Huh, looks like someone got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning!" Duplica sing-songed.

"The problem is he got out of the wrong side of the bed alone!" Gary sneered, just loud enough for them to hear.

Ash blushed furiously and Brock almost felt sorry for the steering wheel as Ash's knuckles turned white under the strain of his grip.

"We'll meet you there" Brock finished turning off the communicator. Again he looked over at Ash.

"Don't take any notice of him, Ash. Gary's an idiot."

"I don't know what you're talking about" Ash replied hastily, turning into the exit.

He pulled the car to a stop and wearily got out. Brock and Pikachu followed, stretching their aching muscles. Pikachu resumed his perch a-top Ash's shoulder.

Gary, Misty and Duplica were already unpacking the jeep. Ash and Brock took their lead and began to unload the trunk. Once all the supplies had been unloaded Brock and Ash, with Pikachu clutching his shoulder, joined the others at Gary's jeep.

"We haven't even started yet and my back's already killing me!" Duplica stretched and rubbed her lower back. "You think we could have brought along some Machoke to carry all this crap?!" she sighed adjusting the straps of her backpack, almost dislodging Ditto snuggled at the top of her bag.

"Ditts!" it squealed in protest.

"Come on, the sooner we start, the sooner we can go home" announced Ash leading them to the edge of the car park.

"Yeah, some of us are just dying to get back to our loner lives!" Gary added sarcastically under his breath.

Ash glared at him before returning his stare at the path before them. The parking lot was located on the top of a steep, rocky hill over looking the rain forest. Wild, bird pokémon flitted from tree to tree, while mankey and other primate pokémon rested in the leafy bows.

Tourists wandered around aimlessly. It was a popular day trip destination, although most were very careful not to stray from the designated walks. Stories of lost tourists and fierce, wild pokémon were deterrent enough for even the most adventurous explorer. They had already decided to avoid the tourist's trails for they would raise suspicion.

Ash looked out over the mountain and into the forest. It looked dark, dangerous, unforgiving. Checking the map he searched for any signs of an abandoned temple. The Prof. estimated it would be a two-day trek from their current position, assuming they didn't get lost.

"Let's move out" he ordered beginning his descent.

"Who made you leader?" Gary questioned contentiously.

Ash stumbled on a loose rock as he turned to Gary. He gestured for him to step forward.

"Be my guest"

Gary confidently strode past him. "Its good to see you've finally accepted that brains always wins over br-AGH!!!" Gary screamed as the loose rock came free and tumbled down the mountain, taking him with it.

"Gary!" Misty flew past Ash and after Gary, delicately running over the loose, treacherous rocks.

Brock and Duplica ran up to Ash .

"You're in trouble" Brock informed Ash.

"Ha! I'm not afraid of Gary!" Ash answered making his way down the mountain.

"Yeah, but you're afraid of Misty" Brock called after him.

Duplica gave Brock a puzzled look.

"Misty has one hell of a temper" he explained, following Ash.

Ash jumped the few feet and looked around for Misty and Gary.

Misty was helping a bruised and bleeding Gary up. She heard the disturbance and turned fixing her glare on Ash.

"What the hell are you doing? You knew the rocks were loose! You idiot, Gary could have been really hurt!" she shouted at him as she helped, a strangely quiet Gary to his feet.

"He's the one who wanted to be leader. I can't be responsible for your idiot boyfriend" he shouted back at her, angry at the care she was showing Gary.

"Fiancée" Gary corrected him.

"What?" Ash asked confused.

"We're engaged, Ash. Misty's my fiancee. Get your facts straight."

Ash looked to Misty for confirmation. She was dusting her combats, avoiding his stare. Ash felt a new seething hatred for Gary stir within him.

Brock and Duplica arrived, panting after their hasty descent. They instantly noticed the stand off between Ash and Gary.

"Come on guys. We might as well give up if you are going to be arguing all the time. Lets put our differences us 'til we finish here, ok?" Brock attempted to calm them.

"Yeah, after this stupid end of the world thingy you fight to your hearts content!" Duplica summarised cheerfully.

Gary took Misty's hand in his and started off in the assumed direction of the temple.

Duplica elbowed Ash playfully in the ribs. "That was so funny" she whispered in his ear" she skipped in front of him. "I'm so fully of myself and stuck up, bla bla bla, AGH!!" she did her best Gary impression and pretended to trip, screeching. Ash gave her a strange look as she lay on the floor giggling like a schoolgirl. He arched an eyebrow at Brock.

"Smile and nod, Ash. Smile and nod!" he laughed, pushing Ash in the direction Gary and Misty took.

The jungle was thick making progress slow. Ash's Bulbasaur and Gary's Exeggutor used razor leaf to cut a path through the maze of intertwined trees and creepers blocking their way.

Flies buzzed around their faces, Ash had given up on scattering them a long time ago. The humidity made them hot and uncomfortable.

Eventually Brock spoke. "I think we should start looking for a place to rest for the night. The sun is going down and I don't fancy wondering around this jungle in the dark"

Gary looked around. "Seems this is as good a place as any" indicating to a clearing to his left. He took off his heavy backpack and wearily began to unpack his sleeping bag and rations. Misty and Duplica followed suit.

Brock looked to Ash. He was sitting on a log closely observing Misty and Gary.

"Hey Ash, wanna help me collect some firewood?"

"Sure" Ash stood and began walking into the jungle. Brock ran after him.

"How are you holding up?" he asked concerned.

"I'm great, you" Ash answered busying himself picking up wood, keeping his back to Brock.

"Ash, if you cant fool me it's gonna be impossible to convince yourself" Brock answered him quietly, picking up a stray branch.

"Weren't you the one who told me to move on. Well I am. We broke up two years ago, ok? Good luck to them!" he ranted a dull ache increasing in his chest.

"Sure" Brock continued collecting firewood. "I think that'll do" he finished, stretching his spine.

They walked back to camp in silence. Ash got to work on the fire while Brock prepared their meal.

After a humble meal of rice and vegetables, they once more went over their plan.

"We should avoid detection at all costs" Gary reminded them, sounding superior.

"They must know some-one will try and stop them" Misty added.

"We should be careful from here on in then" Brock warned.

"Keep you eyes pealed!" Duplica nodded.

"Right now we should rest. Who wants to take first watch? Some-one needs to keep an eye out for wild pokémon" Brock looked around for volunteers.

"I'll go on first watch" Ash stood.

"Great, I'll be second. Everyone get some sleep, we'll have a long day tomorrow." Brock began getting into his sleeping bag.

Ash stirred the fire and prepared for a long night. Pikachu jumped into his lap and snuggled into his chest. Ash sighed, observing the night sky. He was amazed at how many stars he could see. It reminded him of the pokémon journeys of his childhood. He used to stare at the night sky for hours, imagining himself soaring through the night, a Pokémon Master.

He looked to Misty, sleeping in her sleeping bag, next to Gary's. He had spent many nights staring at her too. When he was kid, his feelings for him confused him. Sure, she had got on his nerves, always nagging about her bike or his eating habits, but there had been something else too. He had had a constant need to be near her, he had felt compelled to touch her. Everyday he had had to resist the urge to run his fingers through her radiant, red hair, to feel her creamy skin and, scariest of all, kiss her.

He sighed at the memories; they seemed all too familiar once more. Again his feelings concerning Misty were muddled. When she had left him he had been so worried, so hurt. Those feelings eventually evolved into a dull numbness, throbbing constantly in his chest. Once again his feelings had changed. When he had seen her with Gary the last day, an uncontrollable rage over took him. The way Gary draped himself around her, the way she smiled at Gary……………….the same way she had smiled at him.

How long had they had a relationship? Had Misty been carrying on with Gary all the time behind his back? She had said it herself he hadn't been around much back then. How could she leave him for that arrogant, self-assured, pompous…………..?

He returned his stare to the night sky.

They woke the next morning with the rising sun. Removing all traces of their presence, they set out for the temple.

Their path took them by a river. The trees grew far back from the banks making movement easier. Brock, the tallest of the group, relished the fact he no longer had to crouch and contort his back in unnatural ways to avoid tree branches.

The river consisted of fast flowing, rapids swirling around jagged rocks, casting spray in all directions, occasionally creating spectrums of light across their faces. Along each bank of the river winding furrows and trenches marred the jungle floor.

"Hey, what are those thingys?" Duplica pointed to a series of the depressions running parallel to the river.

"Hum" Gary hunched down to investigate. "They appear to be Diglett burrows. Watch out, Diglett and Dugtrio can dig burrows up to twenty-five meters deep and many kilometres long"

"Ok everyone, watch your step" Brock ordered.

"Maybe we should move away from the river" Duplica suggested, edging away from the bank.

"That'll add another day to our journey. At least!" Gary whined.

"Better safe, than sorry" Ash added, cautiously stepping back.

Everyone turned slowly and began to re-enter the jungle.

Suddenly Misty screamed and disappeared from sight.

"Misty!" Ash and Gary called out simultaneously. They ran to the spot where they had last seen her. Ash pulled back a mass of creepers to reveal a large, black hole.

"Misty!" he cried before plunging down after her.

"Ash!" Brock yelled after him.

Gary attempted to jump after Ash and Misty but Brock stopped him.

"Gary don't! You said yourself these Diglett tunnels can run for kilometres" Brock tried to calm him.

"But what about Misty?" Gary pleaded.

"She'll be fine. Ash is with her" Brock stated reassuringly.

"That's what I'm afraid of" Gary sighed.

Ash stirred. His head ached. He sat up dislodging the dust and stones that had settled on his chest. Coughing, he looked around. It was dark, much darker than he had expected. His eyes searched for any source of light.

"Misty?" Nothing. "Pikachu, use flash!" he croaked. He paused. "Pikachu?"

"Pika pi?" it questioned.

"Use flash, come on!" Ash insisted.

"Pika?" Pikachu replied worriedly.

"Fine. I've got a flashlight in my bag. Keep an eye out for Misty" he rustled around looking for his pack. "Misty?" he called again, still feeling the cave floor for any sighs of his backpack.

"Mmm?" she replied, sleepily.

"Are you ok?" he asked, trying to hide the concern in his voice. "I'm just looking for my torch, ok? Hold on"

"What do you want your torch for?"

"Pikachu won't use flash. It must be injured." He informed her as he finally felt his bag and pulled it into his lap.

Misty looked worriedly at him.

"Ash, Pikachu is using flash"

"What?" he laughed nervously. He rustled through his pack until he found his torch. Pulling it out he switched it on. It didn't make a difference, the cavern remained pitch black.

"Great!" he sighed, leaning back on his knees. "I must have broken it"

"Ash, the flash light is on. Are you feeling ok?" she asked concerned, moving closer to him.

"What are you talking about? It pitch black"

He jumped when he felt her hand touch his cheek. The full realisation of his predicament hit him like a herd of charging tauros. He began breathing rapidly and sweating.

"Misty, I'm blind!"

Da da da!!! ß (dramatic music!)

Ok, weird chapter! (I think so!)

Just a few cultural differences to clear up.

(Speaks in a snooty professor voice) "In order to cater for peoples BOTH sides of the Atlantic, I kinda messed with words. I know most people over here (Europe) know the different words Americans have for stuff (like, Jell-O, cookies, trunks of cars……my, the list is endless!) but I'm not too sure if you guys (Americans) know our words for these things. (I admit, I'm ignorant!) So I put in both, (e.g. Parking lot = car park, torch = flash light) Although I'm not too sure about the flash light one. My American cousin doesn't know what a torch is (?) but it may be just her! (she's a bit ditzy!) I'm not saying you're ditzy if you don't know what a torch is though! Eek, I'm digging myself into a large hole here! NO OFFENCE TO ANYONE!

Oh and Barna Forest (Barna means gap in Gaeilge, interesting, um…..no!) does exist! It's a tiny ickle wood, I walk my dog in. Hardly, scary or unforgiving, but a bird did poop on me in there once so BEWARE!!!

Ok, hands up anyone I've confused with my notes! One…….two………three………ok……everyone! Oh well. I tried! Notes will never again be this long, I swear!

Thanks for reading, please review! Think of me all sad with bird poop in my hair! A review would cheer me up! Yes, it would! Go now!!! Thanks

P.S. I'm not insane! Well, not completely………..