AFTERMATH OF THE AFTERLIFE
Thank you so much for the reviews so far. The Brock chapter is probably going to be one of the longest, the rest (apart from the Misty one) will be much shorter, but not short enough for you
not to be disinterested.
O.K, Chapter 2 is kawaii Casey, the electabuzz fanatic. Casey is perhaps the stand-out minor character from Johto so far (so much that she is in two episodes), and the young rookie is developing into a Poke-master sooner than expected. Her life, her family, her fandom, life seemed perfect on the way to Johto.
Perhaps not. After Ash' death, Casey discusses her relationship with Ash, how she and Richie met, life on the early stages of the road, her role in the Electabuzz team and her shocking bow into the world of the Elite.
Not as sad as the Brock chapter, but still emotional as you'll see.
* * * *
I can't believe it, my mentor, my friend, and my brother, Ash, dead.
It couldn't be. I refused to believe it, but feeling my husband's arm around my shoulders, tearing creeping around his face, I knew it was real.
Did I have to believe it? No, but it's there, and I have to live with it.
But I don't want to.
Ash Ketchum, such a nice boy when I first met him, and thanks to a Team Rocket trick, I actually thought he was a cheater. Shows how much of a rookie I was then. Misty jokes that Ash was just as bad when he started out, I don't believe it, but practically everyone else does.
I guess that was what made Ash so special to me. He didn't seem to bother what everyone else thought, and just continued on his way. Although using a Charizard against me was a bit extreme…
I joke about this now, but my life wasn't no joking matter, even after Ash and company made his appearance. No, my life wasn't that good.
(flashback)
My family, especially my father and grandfather were so proud of me leaving to become a pokemon trainer. A family of Electabuzz fans we were, and I was the first thing they were cheering other than the good old E in a long time.
If only they knew what life brought out.
My family was very supportive, but they knew squat about Pokemon training. All my information came from Professor Elm and Nurse Joy when I got my Chikorita. It was still limited though as I got my Pokeballs, so my early catches of Pidgey and Rattata weren't seen as spectacular, but it was a start.
After I met with Ash (my first real battle despite training hard, especially with Chikorita), I continued on, not ready for the worlds ahead.
"OW!"
I fell down as some biker kid shoved me as Chikorita tried in vain to protect me as it had already lost to that kid's Koffing and Growlithe. Two others were behind him.
"You lost kid, now either pay up or shut up!" this swinebag looked evil, and I didn't know what he was going to do with me.
I didn't want to battle him, I had very little money as it was, and with just 3 pokemon, I wasn't strong enough for experienced battlers yet, Ash had taught me that. I was on my way to a dark cave to try and get some more pokemon but these bikers had cornered me.
"Lay off me, I just want to go and catch some more pokemon, I didn't want to battle you!" I screamed.
"Hey, she's a tough little cutie isn't she?" another of the slimes said. "Maybe we should lay off her…"
"Nah. She should respect her elders…" the third one said, his Pinsir by his side, laughing away.
Bastards. No, that was too kind, that gives real bastards a bad name.
I feared the worst as they came up to me, but a shining light, literally came to me in Officer Jenny.
"What's going on here?" Jenny said, before she put two and two together and saw what was going on.
"Nothing officer, this girl we just beat in a Pokemon battle and we're trying to claim our winnings, but she isn't budging." The head slime said.
"Is this true miss?" Jenny said.
My tears were a true giveaway of the fear I showed, and I hoped Jenny would understand.
"I didn't want to, they forced me into it, their pokemon are much stronger than mine, I've only just started in training, we need to get to a Pokemon centre quickly!" I said.
"She's lying, she was cocky and challenged us…" he said.
"Well, even if that is true, the fact that she is dirty, a bruise is on her cheek and there are three against one shows that some unfair ruling has definitely happened here." Jenny said.
"What?" they all said in unison.
"That's right, you three ought to be ashamed of yourselves!" said another female voice, this time of Nurse Joy.
I was seen as a tough kid, and my happy-go-lucky attitude is probably what made me a known force in the Elite. However, my toughness quickly went away in this situation and if it wasn't for these two authority figures, I don't know what would have happened.
"Are you O.K dearie?" Joy said, picking me up.
"I'm fine, thank you, but my Chikorita is in bad shape." I said.
As Officer Jenny began to lay down the law to those three jerks, Nurse Joy took me to the pokemon centre.
"Chikorita is fine, it's a tough customer Casey, but we've run the tests and Chikorita's going to be O.K!"
"Thank you Nurse Joy!" I said, as Chikorita leapt into my arms, still with it's headband on.
"Where was you heading anyway?" Joy asked.
"To the dark cave, I was hoping to catch a Geodude or a Zubat there, I need stronger pokemon to be able to have a chance in the gyms up ahead." I said.
"Oh, so you know about the two gyms?" Joy asked.
It may be surprising, but I had studied about the pokemon gyms during my journey. I knew Chikorita was going to be weak against the first two gyms, hence why a rock pokemon would come in handy.
"Yeah, I need to get stronger, I didn't have a chance back there, those bullies…" I said as Chikorita patted me on the knee, didn't like to see me sad.
I remembered what Ash said about to being prepared. I took his words to heart (O.K, so they were baseball orientated but I got the jist of it.) and I knew that I needed a more varied team of Pokemon. The dark cave would provide me that at least an opportunity to catch some new members, I needed everything I could get.
"Well, don't worry, all beginning trainers have it hard, just give it some time. Even the best start out like this…" Joy said.
The best eh? My family were counting on me to become the best, and the only way to become the best was to never give up. The Electabuzz never do and never do I. I just hope my record
doesn't become as dismal as theirs…
It was with shock I heard that they were in play-off position this year…but if I go into that, this tribute won't be for Ash.
* * * *
After a good night rest at the Pokemon Centre (and Officer Jenny telling me that the three goonshad been given a ticking off, that didn't exactly calm my nerves) I headed to the dark cave.
I was so nervous. Not too many people know my secrets, but one of my big fears was darkness. I loved the light which reminded me of the Electabuzz, but the darkness seemed to drown everything happy in my life away. This was a test of courage for me no doubt, and one I hoped to conquer.
"Well Chikorita, I guess it's time to warm up." I said to my little friend. I wished I had flash on me, but I guessed it was my pokemon's senses which would hopefully save the day.
Chikorita nodded, and I released Pidgey and Rattata as well. A Rattata has a keen sense of smell and I hoped it could detect trouble.
I nervously stepped in to say the least. The first step was the worst as I realised that total blackness enveloped me. My Chikorita nuzzling my leg was the only sign of comfort as I heard
Pidgey's wings float about…
…and slam straight into a flying Zubat. I didn't see it, but I knew how to react.
"Pidgey, quick attack!"
The basic bird pokemon slammed into Zubat, sending it smack into the wall. Rattata called to me where it was, and I threw my Poke-ball praying for the catch.
It did. I got my fourth pokemon, and a new friend I hoped.
Then I heard Pidgey crow in pain.
I turned and a big Geodude was there, who had just knocked out my poor Pidgey. I returned it, and sent Chikorita out, via coaxing from Rattata.
However, Chikorita couldn't hit it's razor leaf well enough as it couldn't see Geodude. It felt it's movements but the rock was surprisingly quick.
I heard Chikorita squeal as it flew back, but stubbornly (a trait I guess it got from me) got back up.
"Chikorita, please don't get hurt…" I pleaded.
I saw Geodude as my eyes narrowed looking at Chikorita. Chiko was probably starting to see it as well, but it was too hurt to react to it's next attack.
Then…
"Larvitar!"
A strange looking pokemon came out and smashed the Geodude across the wall with huge velocity. I also saw…someone…it's trainer perhaps?
"Quick miss, catch it!" he said.
The voice sounded friendly and sweet, like Ash. I quickly threw a pokeball and caught the Geodude. Chikorita was surprised to not see any opponent any more…
"Larvi!" smiled the pokemon as the trainer kneed down and petted it.
"Good work Larvitar. Hey miss, are you allright?" he said.
I couldn't see his face, but I felt his presence around me. "Yes, thank you sir." I said.
"No problem, just be careful O.K?" with that, he turned around and with his Larvitar, headed back in the other direction.
I saw Chikorita nuzzle my leg as I wondered who that young man was. I would find out though sooner than later….
* * * *
My squad coming into Falkner's gym was Pidgey, Geodude, Rattata, Zubat and Chikorita. To say that match was tough was an understatement, but by league rookie rules (i.e, unlike Ash, I hadn't participated in the Indigo or Orange tournaments), Falkner couldn't use his strongest pokemon against me, his Dodrio and Pidgeot were his most noticeable examples. It was a three on three battle, his Pidgey, Hoot-Hoot and Pidgeotto against my Chikorita, Geodude and my own Pidgey.
His Pidgey defeated mine in a close battle, but Chikorita sent it down quickly with a razor leaf. Chikorita was my most experienced pokemon and against Hoot-Hoot managed to distract it with sweet-scent for a few well placed tackles. However, Hoot-Hoot did recover and smash it with Peck. Geodude took over and a powerful tackle sent it back to the showers. Pidgeotto was extremely tough. It's Mud Slap confused my Geodude a lot and quick attacks aplenty. However, a lucky tackle smashed Pidgeotto enough critically to put it out of the ball game.
When I went up against Bugsy, the fact that he was allowed to use Scyther nerved me a bit to say the least. By then however, I added a sixth pokemon to the group, my Mareep. I returned my Rattata and Zubat back to base (i.e. my home) so my team was Pidgey, Chikorita, Geodude and Mareep. Pidgey defeated Kakuna and evolved into Pidgeotto. However, in a huge upset for me, Metapod defeated Pidgeotto. Mareep defeated Pidgeotto but fell to Scyther. It was once again up to Geodude. However, a powerful rock throw caught it in mid swords-dances and it's 2-0 to Team Casey in the badge stakes.
Around this time, I was starting to get more confident in my battles. I caught a Drowsee, and traded it for a Machop, and then caught ANOTHER Drowsee. Ash has told me that balance and variety are important for any pokemon master. My team of Pidgeotto, Geodude, Mareep,
Machop, Drowsee and Chikorita began the start of my winning streak.
It also began the start of my revenge, the start of my winning streak and the second meeting of my mysterious trainer friend….
* * * *
"Hey, look who it is!!!"
Oh crud.
"It's that trainer that cost us in trouble, well, I think it's time for a little payback."
I wish I could say it was Team Rocket, but I wouldn't get than pleasure again until the bug tournament.
Yep, it was the three biker creeps, and no Pokemon centre in sight. Damn.
"Listen, kid, you got a break when that cop saved your behind, well, this time, we're here to collect, so pay up or…you'll be shut up…"
What kind of creeps attacks kids for money, and for that matter, makes them in matches that they know they can't win. (I don't include Ash in that one though, he wasn't a bully…cocky maybe, but…)
"WHY DON'T YOU GUYS LEAVE ME ALONE?" I screamed, and they seemed taken aback and rather interested in my rebellion. As I said, I see myself as a tough kid, and I guess this was the toughness being shown.
"Well, well, looks like our friend has some bite in her after all…" he said. "I tell you what, battle us each, two on two, and if you win, we'll leave you alone…" he said, the guys all smirking, obviously thinking I don't have a chance.
"And if you win…" I hesitated to ask.
"Then you will give us your money whenever we see you, otherwise…" All three snickered.
I sighed. I knew they weren't going to leave me alone until I went with their game. But despite all my training, was I still strong enough for these guys now?
"Chiko!"
I saw my little friend looking up at me with a grim sense of determination. I smiled at it, it knew it was ready, and I was ready.
"Very well. Two on two, in a full six on six match…" she said.
"Fine, I'll go first…" the smallest of the guys came up and released his Pokeball. "Beedril, go!"
A yellow and striped bug pokemon came out, and whilst I was still a fan of them, I realised that this wasn't the time for fandom.
"Pidgeotto, go!" I said, realising my bird type.
The gang members were surprised to see the evolved Pidgey, but obviously felt they were stronger.
They were (and admittingly so was I) in for a surprise.
"Beedril, twin needle…"
"Quick attack!"
I called out Pidgeotto's main attack, and it slammed into the bug in the tree, buzzing pathetically.
"Huh? Beedril, what's going on? Crush that…"
"Pidgeotto, wing attack!"
A wing slapped the bug silly and it collapsed to the floor, defeated and deflated.
"Pinsir, crush her bird!" he said, recalling Beedril and sending out another bug.
Idiot. I realised now that they were intimidating, but not exactly smart. They could win before because I was a rookie with only 3 pokemon. Now, I was stronger, smarter and knew mostly what I was doing.
Pinsir fell back to a wing attack and gust, sending it out of the battle, Pinsir's attempt to guillotine Pidgeotto rather pathetic.
Now, dork number two will you please come round. I recalled Pidgeotto and smiled at him.
"Grr…let's see how you deal with this one…Graveller, go!"
The evolved Geodude came out, showing that they did have some experience. However, so did
it.
"Machop, go!"
My fighter came out, ready for battle.
"That pathetic blue bound muscle-creep will be black and blue after this match! Tackle attack!"
The big rock headed towards my fighter but was way too slow.
"Focus energy!"
My creature got pumped up and took the tackle well, as the creep ordered again.
"Again, another tackle!"
"Machop, karate chop!"
As the rock came, the powered Machop smashed it's fist into the rolling rock, and smashed shards of it as it rolled back to it's trainer, unconscious via the critical blow.
"Yay! Good one Machop!" I said as Machop gave me the thumbs up.
The next battle was his Hoot-Hoot. I recalled Machop and sent out Mareep. The battle was over quickly with a combined Thunder Wave/Thunder Shock/Headbutt combo. The guy was disgusted.
Now, the leader.
"Koffing, go gas her out!"
The gas pokemon came out with that smile on it's face, matching it's trainers. Time to wipe it out.
"Chikorita go!"
"HA! HA! HA! Chikorita is no match for my poison based Koffing! Koffing, smog!"
"Chikorita, sweet smell…"
The spores of sweet smell were quicker than Koffing and it's own toxic fumes were countered by my Chikorita's sweet scent. A tackle later sent it into the tree.
"Koffing, smokescreen…"
"Chikorita, use your leaf like a windmall, like you did against Pikachu!"
Like when Chikorita's leaves span to deflect Pikachu's electric attacks, it worked in sending smokescreen away and confusing the heck out of the three goons. A Razor Leaf later seemed to make Koffing lose a bit of gas. A final tackle and my disadvantages pokemon had won, with little a scratch.
Unsurprisingly, he was pissed.
"Grr, now you WILL PAY! GROWLITHE, I CHOOSE YOU!"
His fire type obviously meant that Chikorita had a huge disadvantage. However, it wanted to face this Growlithe.
"Chikorita, I'll return you if you want, I'll send in Geodude…"
"Chiko."
It shook it's head.
"I don't want to see you get hurt, please…!"
Chikorita shot a small vine and I shook it, it was a sign of friendship, but one of trust.
And I trusted Chikorita, that it WANTED to battle.
"O.K, give 'em hell Chikorita!"
"Growlithe, burn it with ember!"
A small fireball shot and Chikorita avoided it. I was prepared for the worst. However, all he seemed to do was shoot Ember and Chikorita could avoid it. I guess he hadn't trained his Growlithe as well as he thought.
"Chikorita, vine whip!"
"Ha, that won't do anything against…HUH?"
Chiko's Vine Whip has tripped up Growlithe, it's second one hit it smack between the eyes. I called Chikorita to tackle Growlithe and it smashed it right in the middle of it's forehead. It fell down dazed.
We won.
"Yay, Chikorita! We won! We won!" Chikorita jumped and we hugged. I guess at this point was why I became a bit more work-a-holic like, especially in the Bug Tournament, because at that point, I thought Chikorita was invincible.
"Come on Chikorita, let's get out of here!" I said, starting to turn.
"Oh no you don't!" the leader said.
"You're not going anywhere!" the second said.
"You humiliated us, and now you will pay!" the third screamed.
I was generally scared for a bit, as I didn't know what I was going to do. Or indeed what they were going to do. However…
"Sparky, thunder wave!"
A shout of "CHUUUUU!" came. The next thing I knew was that the three guys in front of me, couldn't move.
"What…."
"….just…."
"…happened?"
"That'll do until I call Officer Jenny, I hate anyone who picks on girls half their size…especially pretty ones…" I distinctly heard that voice, and on instinct, I blushed.
I didn't know who that guy was, but I was sure I heard his voice before….
* * * *
The times were troubling for me, but I had got through it. After the bug-tournament experience, I
realised that confidence was one thing, but over confidence was another. Because of that, I
overworked Chikorita, and almost cost me my most valued friendship of my Pokemon. However,
Misty snapped me out of it, and eventually, not only did Chikorita evolve, but sweetie-pie Ash Ketchum gave me his Beedril he won at the tournament.
That act of kindness showed me that he was different from most of the pokemon trainers that I knew. And it wasn't something I would see against until I had won my 6th badge.
After winning the Mineral badge, thanks to my Growlithe, a new pokemon of mine, oh, my squad up to this point was Bayleef, Beedril, Pidgeotto, Growlithe…
Yes! I got my Electabuzz! I traded my Flaffy for an Elekid, I know it seems cruel but I really wanted an Electabuzz, and it didn't damage my team too much. It evolved in my mineral badge match, and it's ice punch sent shock waves through her Magneton. My sixth pokemon…was Dragonair.
Bet you didn't see that one coming! But I traded my Graveller with a Rhydon, which of course, was because of it evolution to Golem. I battled a trainer near Blackthorn, and she used a Dragonair. Rhydon managed to defeat it, and asked if I wanted to trade. I thought that it was rare, why would you want to trade, she said, she waited for a Pokemon strong enough to defeat her pokemon. I was shocked, I was the first to beat her Dragonair? With that, my trade was done and my squad of Bayleef, Beedril, Pidgeotto, Growlithe, Electabuzz and Dragonair.
The encounter which would change my life would happen on the mountainside…
* * * *
"Are you O.K Bayleef?" I called as my Bayleef pulled me up by the vines. Hey, I'm athletic but when it came to climbing, forget it.
"Bay!" it nodded, as the Pokemon helped me up. We were getting near the top and it was getting
dark so I felt that we needed to get a rest.
I realised all my pokemon, gave them all a hug (except for Beedril, who settled with a pat on the head, I dunno why Beedril got bad reps, mine was a sweetheart, maybe clinging onto Ash' sweet personality), and began preparing dinner. Hey, I lived in a very extended family, you get to pick
up a few things.
However, that was changed as I overheard a conversation.
"O.K, Electabuzz how do you like…" I started but then…
"O.K, that kid is somewhere. He's the one that has that Pupitar."
"He put Butch and Cassidy away with the help of that Ketchum kid."
Ketchum? Ash was around here….no time for those thoughts girl…
"Boy, he's starting to become a real pain in the ass."
"Never mind him, we can get the other one whilst we're here. He's busy training in the mountains isn't he?"
"Yeah, we can get revenge for Team Rocket, and get his rare Pupitar as well as any other pokemon he's got."
Uh, oh. Team Rocket, and they don't sound like the dunderheads that Jessie and James are, or should I say were…
"Very well Lady Unfor. Let's find him and flush this rat out."
"You got it, Sir Given. The Noble Blood of Team Rocket will remove a link of Team Rocket's problems."
The Noble Blood of Team Rocket? I clutched my Pidgeotto close to me like one of my stuffed Electabuzz dolls at home, and hoped that they didn't notice me in the small cave.
However, fate has various things to do to laugh in your face, and making me sneeze at that moment was one of them.
"Hey, what was that?"
"Someone sneezing…near by. Do you think…"
"Definitely someone here. Let's check it out."
Oh crap. Not what I needed.
"Guys, this is Team Rocket, better return…" I quietly recalled all my pokemon…but Bayleef refused to.
"Bayleef, these guys are rough and evil. I don't want you to get hurt…"
Just like the time it fought a Growlithe, Bayleef stubbornly refused me. This was a sense of protection this time, to protect it's trainer, master and friend. I hugged Bayleef and looked out to the cave and saw the two Rockets in view.
The girl, Lady Unfor, had red hair in a twist, and looked to have a sabre with her, uh oh, a weapon. The guy didn't have a weapon but his blond hair and his eyes closed sensed a deep sense of evil within him.
"Lady, I think we've found our little mouse…"
I went out of the cave and climbed a few rocks quickly so that they wouldn't corner me in the cave. "Yeah, that's right, and I heard what you said! You won't take any pokemon or hurt anyone around here!"
Both Rockets took one look at me and laughed. "Little girl, you are brave, and somewhat amusing, but I'm afraid we don't have any time to deal with pests, so I'll guess we'll deal with you and your pokemon, before we take them."
Bayleef moved up stubbornly and growled at them. The guy smiled.
"Well, that looks like a strong Bayleef…" He raised a pokeball. "..it will be a great find for the
boss' collection." He threw it.
Out of it was a Quilava. Bayleef stood it's ground, no hint of fear in its eyes. However, it did beat a Growlithe once, that was from an idiot trainer. This guy looked like he knew what he was doing.
"Ha, I'll let my friend deal with your plant, and then you'll all be ours to play with…" she said.
I didn't like the sound of that. "Bayleef, that Quilava is too strong for you, don't fight!"
"BAYYYY…" it screamed and shot out the most powerful razor leaf it could muster.
"Flame wheel." Mr Given said coldly.
The circle of fire destroyed my razor leaf without too much trouble, and Bayleef had a sense of worry to say the least.
"Bayleef, trip it up! Vine whip!" I said.
"Quilava, trap it with your fire spin attack." He replied.
The Quilava was quicker and as the whips came out, it was blocked by the cyclone and Bayleef screamed in pain.
"This is too easy. Girl, I suggest you give up before your Bayleef becomes plant food…"
"BAYLEAF RETURN!" I called, but Bayleef couldn't returned. The fire was too close for comfort and I felt the tears flowing again.
"Well, it seems that my partner has crushed your pokemon, and I'll just remove your Poke-belt to claim your other pokemon. You shouldn't have come in our way, now you will be a victim…"
I startled back, she removed her sabre and I felt helpless…again…
"TENTACRUEL, HYDRO PUMP!"
A huge geyser of water came out of somewhere, crashing into both Bayleef and Quilava. However, for Bayleef, it put out it trapping predicament. For Quilava, it was an early bath for it.
"Quilava? What the…" the rocket was confused as was the lady friend as Bayleef hit it's vine whip, knocking first her sabre out of her hand and tripping her up, knocking her down.
"Hey, whoever did that…" she screamed.
"I'm the one you're looking for aren't you?" said a sweet male voice.
I looked up and saw him. I felt his presence before twice during my journey, and although he may not know who I was, I knew who he was.
"You harm this girl, who had nothing of your evil, and you want me for what I did to your colleagues, well this is the pokemon you want, here, HAVE IT! PUPITAR, ROCK SLIDE!"
The rare pokemon emerged and a torrid rage of rocks slammed through the two rockets, sending them flying off the rocks onto the floor.
They were both still conscious as the guy jumped and landed by me. He held out a hand again for me.
"Are you O.K miss?" he said.
I nodded and accepted the hand as he lifted me up. My Bayleef and his Tentacruel side by side, as his Pupitar stood in the middle of them.
The two Rockets smiled. "Well, this wasn't how I expected how to flush you out, but I guess we'll crush you now!"
The girl released her Bellosom, whilst the guy retaliated with his Scyther.
"Tentacruel, blizzard! Flow them through!"
"Bayleef, use reflect, protect us!"
Bayleef used protect as Tentacruel's powerful ice attack flooded both pokemon slamming them back into the trainers.
"THIS CAN'T BE?"
At this point, I noticed the guys face, handsome with scruffy brown hair, and…a Pikachu on his shoulder? Damn, this guy could be Ash' close!
"You don't like ice? Then should I warm you up, Zippo, go!"
A Charmeleon came out and a quick blast of flame thrower warmed them too much, as it defeated Bellosom and Scyther, as my Bayleef looked on.
Suddenly, it glowed.
"Huh?" I said, as did the singed rockets. The guy however was smiling.
My Bayleef began to grow a longer neck and it's size increased dramatically.
It had evolved.
"Mega!" It said happily.
"Meganium!" I said and hugged it's neck.
The two Rockets saw the fully evolved Chikorita, a red hot Charmeleon, a cool Tentacruel and
the Pupitar.
"Meganium, I guess it's time to crush the creeps!" I said.
"My thoughts exactly!" Richie said.
The two Rockets obviously realised they didn't have a chance any more, but Richie's Charmeleon's fire spin caught them all in it's web. As the flames thinned, they looked extra crispy for Meganium's vinr whip, snagging up a couple of creeps.
"Yay! We won!" I said as I hugged Meganium. The other kid smiled.
"Good work…er…" the kid blushed as we realised that we didn't know each others names yet.
"Oh sorry…the names Casey." I said, and held out my hand.
He smiled. "Richie. Nice to meet you…"
"Although it isn't the first time we've met each other is it?" I said as I shook his hand. He looked puzzled, but he knew it as well.
* * * *
After we called the police, a cup of green tea around the fire (thanks to Growlithe and his Charmeleon, which he named Zippo) as I explained.
"You're the one that saved me in the cave, and against those bike goons about 6 months ago…don't deny it, I recognise that sweet voice…"
I didn't realise how red he was, I thought it was heat, but…blushing?
"I…I remember…I was training in the caves and mountains around…I just…I just can't stand seeing anyone in trouble…"
I put my hand on his shoulder as his Pokemon, including a large Rhydon and his Butterfree
began to feed on something he cooked. It looked pretty good and the pokemon began to enjoy it.
"You're sweet Richie…" I drank my cup as he smiled.
"Thank you." The two of us began to talk in the night, as we talked about everything, including the fact that we both knew Ash…that explained what those Rockets were about, so Richie and Ash stopped Team Rocket before.
As we got in our sleeping bags, I felt like Ash, this is someone I could have a very special friendship with.
* * * *
"Do you have to go?" I asked as Richie packed up, his Pikachu waving to us.
"Yeah, I'm training for the Johto League, and I know you're going to be as well, so I hope that we meet there…I never want to know what pokemon you have now, so we'll meet there…" He
smiled at me and winked. I blushed slightly as he stopped.
"Hang on. I've got something here which may help you…hold out your hand." He said. I did, not sure what he was up to.
He put something in my hand, something warm. I looked at it. A fire stone.
"Your Growlithe is as strong as my Charmeleon, that will help…but only use it if you want too."
He said. "I have no need for it."
Like with Ash, I felt tears down my cheeks, someone was helping me out in my journey. "Thank you so much!" I wanted to hug Ash when he gave me my Beedril, but in front of Misty, I felt that wasn't such a good idea.
No option here though as I hugged Richie. He was so warm! Richie tentatively put his arms around me and gave me a hug back.
"I'll hope I'll see you again Richie." I said as I released him. Richie nodded, red again, but no matter. He and Pikachu waved as I waved back, ready to take on my final 2 opponents, Pyrce and Clair.
The hug that Richie gave me seemed to be a pass to me, a pass of success and greatness.
It was time for me to melt the ice….
* * * *
"Are you sure?"
Growlithe nodded as I headed into the gym. I held the fire stone out. I had spent quite a bit of money in giving it the fire blast attack, but it was my best chance to win.
The touch of the fire stone as I hugged my Growlithe. It grew larger, warmer, but no loss of my friendship and affection with my big dog pokemon.
It was time.
My squad, and the one I'd use for the tournament. My newly evolved Pidgeot, Meganium, Arcanine, Electabuzz, Beedril and Dragonair.
The battle with Pryce:
His Delibird was no match for my Electabuzz and it's thunder punch attack. However, his Jynx froze Electabuzz with it's blizzard. However, my newly evolved Arcanine scared Jynx into submission with it's flamethrower attacks. His final pokemon was Dewgong however, and despite my arcanine's fire, Dewgong's water managed to overpower it. My final pokemon was
Meganium. Aurora beam met solar beam.
Solar beam won. I got my 7th badge.
Now, it was time for my final battle. After a lot of walking, training and duels, I managed to get a battle with Clair. Two on two battle. This was it. To decide if I was Johto League material.
"I'm afraid child that you won't have a chance against me. 3 people have faced me already and you won't defeat me." She said in a cold voice.
"We'll see about that lady!" I said.
"
Very well but this will be quick. Kingdra, go." She said.
The powerful evolved form of Seadra came out as I chose my pokemon. "Electabuzz, I chose you!"
My baseball teams pokemon emerged, as Clair smiled. "Your Electabuzz doesn't have a chance. Kingdra, smokescreen…"
"Quick attack!"
My Electabuzz burst through the smoke before it came to pass. Kingdra felt the blow as it slammed back.
"Electabuzz, thunder wave it!"
I decided to play my strategy and shock it to say the least. The paralysis came into affect as Kingdra was much slower.
"That was almost good child. Kingdra, double edge will end it in one blow." She said.
Despite the wave attack, a small glow around Kingdra spoke volumes, before it slammed into my electric pokemon.
"Darn! Electabuzz, use rain dance!"
The blue glow of my pokemon surprise Clair. "Well, why that? Especially as my Kindra uses water attacks! SURF!"
However, it forgot one thing. "Huh, Surf…"
The paralysis. Yes!
"Electabuzz…THUNDER!"
Even Kingdra who had very few weaknesses, couldn't hold on Electabuzz' strongest attack. It fainted.
"Kingdra is defeated! Electabuzz wins!"
Clair almost smiled. "Well, I'm surprised. However, you are now up against Dragonair. Go."
A Dagonair? Well, I couldn't be too surprised.
'Should I paralyse it, or attack with it's ice punch…I'll see if I can end it in one blow…' I learnt about Dragon weaknesses using my own dragon, realising how much it hated going up the snowy mountains.
"Electabuzz, ice punch it!"
Clair smiled.
My Electabuzz rushed in, it's fist glowing blue…
"Barrier."
My attack bounced off as Electabuzz was sent back, I was shocked. Pun intended.
"Dragonair, thunder wave then dragon rage…" she said.
"Electabuzz, try dynamic punch QUICKLY!"
However, this time luck wasn't on my side, as Dragonair paralysed my own electric beast. And my attack was too slow to avoid dragon rage. Electabuzz flew back, hurt, but not out.
"Finish it. Slam attack."
Dragonair moved with inhuman speed, and crashed into my pokemon. Electabuzz fell flat and spirals moved into it's eyes.
"Electabuzz has been defeated! Dragonair wins!" the refs said.
"Of course." Clair said lifelessly.
"Not so fast Clair, try this on for size!" I said, throwing my pokeball.
Was she surprised that now she was fighting a Dragonair? If she was, she didn't show it…
"Well, child, you seem to be stronger than I thought if you managed to acquire a wonderous dragon pokemon. Well, that won't matter, yours is no match for mine. Dragonair, use ice beam…"
Oh no you don't.
"Dragonelec, use your agility!"
Dragonelec, yeah, a naff nick name, but hey, it sped up and avoided the attack, as Clair actually half-smiled.
"Impressive. Now try this, thunder wave will stop your agility!"
"HYPER BEAM QUICKLY!"
Now Clair was surprised.
As I called the attack, Dragonair spiked on it's tail. And I think I was shocked at this moment…
It glowed.
Oh…my…god.
Clair's mouth was wide open, as Dragonair began to grow…
…a humanoid like body, arms, legs…O.K, the tail ruined it…
The ultimate dragon, Dragonite. Me, little Casey, with a Dragonite….
"Rwoaarr…" it yelled as I went up to it as it looked at me…and smiled.
"Dragonite!" I said and hugged it's side.
Clair quickly recovered and said "There's still a battle going on. Dragonair…"
It never came as my Dragonite shot a hyper beam of white energy crashing into the smaller Dragonair, and sent it flying back into Clair' arms.
Clair looked at me, realising I was the victor…and smiled.
"Well done child, this day, you are the victor. Dragonair return." She returned her dragon pokemon, and went up to me. "You are a child with much power and potential if you managed to get a Dragonite. I commend you with this Rising Badge."
She handed me the badge as I smiled and bowed. My new Dragonite bowed as well, as we left.
As I exited…I burst into tears.
"I did it!" I released all my pokemon, including my tired Electabuzz and hugged them (again, except for Beedril), giving a especially big one for my new Dragonite.
I couldn't believe it. 8 badges. A full squad. And ready to enter Johto.
Time for the journey to take that extra step…
* * * *
The Johto league worked in weird steps. Trainers like Ash and Richie who had a proven track record were admitted straight into the first round.
However, 'rookies' like me who were starting had to enter the preliminary ranks. The trainers who won their preliminaries got into the first round.
A 3 on 3 match against a trainer from Blackthorn City, my opponent named Fran.
The first battle was his Seadra vs. my Beedril. Beedril's Toxic went into play quickly and it's Agility managed to avoid it's ice beam attack. Seadra missed a double-edge as the lack of water made it weaker. Beedril won with it's newly learned hyper beam.
His Golbat was next, and tired from the hyper beam got nailed by wing attack. I got back using Fury Attack after Fury Attack but a second wing attack practically finished it so returned.
I sent in Electabuzz, who won with one thunderbolt. Down to his final pokemon and he was nervous. However, he had sent his strongest one, Piloswine against me. Electabuzz couldn't do too much damage to it, however, it's dynamic punch nailed it, confusing it, although he did an earthquake which beat me.
I sent out Meganium, my final pokemon, who in one critical razor leaf won the battle for me. I was in!
Now, what was next for me…
* * * *
I stepped out of the arena with a huge smile on my face…and it grew as I saw someone watch me.
"Richie!" I said, and I went to him and hugged him. "I did it! I'm in!"
Richie was probably close to passing out, but smiled at me. "That's great Casey! That means we may have to battle in the tournament."
"Yeah!" I said and winked at him. "I won't go easy on you because you're a friend!" I said.
"I hope you don't either if you face me as well…" said another familiar voice.
I turned, and there they were. Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu and Togepi. "Ash! You're here too!"
He gave me a thumbs up. "So, you and Richie are that close huh?"
I was confused, but remembered I just hugged him and Richie's back was turned to me. I swore he was blushing…
I started to blush as well. "Well…er…ah…Ash, stop teasing me!" We all giggled as together we went to the pokemon centre.
We talked for a while as we went to the Johto Pokemon Village, where me and Richie would be roomates whilst Ash and his group were about three buildings away! The bunk bed wasn't a problem, and Richie let me have the top when I asked. Heh, a gentleman.
"The schedules come tomorrow?" I asked.
"Yeah, this is a straight knockout tournament, each on a different field suited to specific pokemon. There are 256 people in this tournament, the matches take place over a period of days and times, tomorrow we'll find out what day, who we are up against, and what field. Don't worry, you'll do fine…I know you will…"
I smiled. "Thanks Richie, I couldn't have done it without you, you know. You've helped me out so much I dunno how to thank you."
Richie blushed. "Er…well…er…eh…"
"Does he still think I'm pretty?" I said to myself, thinking about the battle against tbose goons and I'm sure he said…
"Huh?" he said. I realised I said it too loud perhaps and quickly shut up.
"Nothing! Nothing! Just tell me what's being going on in your life, we've got a lot to catch up on old times!"
We talked long into the night, and both of us began to learn more about each other, our family lives, but not our pokemon…in case, remembering our promise.
* * * *
I was in an opening match today, on the ice field. I had a few backup pokemon as believe it or not, I had been training with our pokemon, so Machoke and Raticate, along with my Murkrow and Aipom could be called for back up. However, I had a feeling that my main team would be used mostly.
Before the battle, I joined Ash and Richie as well as Brock and Misty in the opening ceremony. I enjoyed it because the fireworks and ribbons reminded me of opening day at the Electabuzz stadium. Of course, mostly that was the most exciting thing about an Electabuzz season (at least that was what Ash said, until I smacked him over the head), but with my streak, they also peaked into the play-offs, and hopefully into the Series.
I learnt that a few of Ash' friends were here, including one of the participants in the opening ceremony. I wondered if I'd battle any of them in the tournament.
After the ceremony, the fields in the main and mini stadiums were ready, and I was ready. Neither Ash or Richie had a match on the first day, so they all went with me to cheer me on. O.K, not the cheerleading squad I envisioned, but hey, it was a start.
My first opponent was a veteran trainer named Mortar. A fighting trainer by the looks of things.
"Well, little girl, it's time for you to be the first person to fall on my way to victory!" he said cockily.
"If you are in this tournament, judging by your age you must have lost a lot of times! And I'm going to add to that!" I said raising my pokeball.
"Grr…pay for that…go Graveller!"
He sent his rock pokemon first. I goaded him into making the first move and the match was under way.
I did my baseball pitch, and threw it. Meganium came out.
I distinctly heard Ash said 'Wow, I didn't know her Bayleef evolved. She's stronger than I expected!' Thank you sweetie.
Meganium's heavy four feet held onto the ice well, however Graveller wasn't having as much luck. Time to end this quickly.
"Vine whip!"
A multitude of whips slammed into the rock pokemon knocking it out instantly, shocking the crowd and indeed Mortar.
"What…just…happened?" he gasped.
"Graveller is out of the battle! Meganium wins the first round!"
He returned Graveller, obviously pissed. "O.K, girl, try this, I choose Kadabra!"
His psychic pokemon came out ready to battle.
"Psychic attack!"
"Toxic attack!"
Kadabra's powerful psychic attack slammed into Meganium but my giant buddy had it's Toxic attack, and slamming into Kadabra, it's black poisonous toxics infected the Kadabra.
"Kadabra, psybeam!"
"Meganium, giga drain!"
Again, the psychic attack did a bit of damage to Meganium, but the toxic was starting to wear it down. On top of that, my giga drain was sapping the energy of the psychic pokemon, and Meganium was ready to attack again.
"This is getting bothersome girl! Kadabra, psychic!"
"Meganium, keep using giga drain!"
Despite Kadabra attacking first each time, my energy sapping trick was working like a dream and as the round continued, a crash hit my mat. I smiled as his Kadabra had fainted via the combo of poisoning and draining thanks to my wonderful Meganium.
"This can't be!" he screamed. The judge disagreed.
"Kadabra is unable to battle! Meganium wins the second round!"
He returned Kadabra, pissed off that's for sure, and released his final pokemon, Machoke, without bothering to call it out. He was enraged.
"Machoke, karate chop attack!"
I countered with razor leaf. His Machoke attacks weren't bothering Meganium that much so I decided to end with style.
"SOLAR BEAM!"
The crowd gasped as Machoke had been sent flying back with a vine whip as the bracelet of petals around Meganium's neck glowed white. It's strongest attack.
The guy's jaw dropped. Machoke was confused. Meganium was smiling.
It fired.
* * * *
"THE WINNER OF THE FIRST ROUND, CASEY!"
I screamed in happiness, I won my first round, without switching pokemon. I hugged Meganium round the neck as it's nuzzled me. I waved a V-sign to the camera and turned to the audience.
All were cheering me on, this was great! I specifically saw Ash, Misty and Brock clapping, and cute little Pikachu waving Electabuzz flags, ah, the darling!
And Richie, he was giving me the biggest smile I had ever seen.
"Well, this is Poke-news here with the winner of this one-sided first battle, Casey Bata. Casey, you just won your first match VERY convincingly. Could you be a dark horse to win this thing?"
I smiled at the camera, I hoped my folks were watching. "Of course. I've always been a dark horse, like my favourite baseball team, the Electabuzz. However, I'm going to go all the way in this tournament, and by the end, you'll be watching the new champion of Johto!"
I waved home, and headed back, first to the Pokemon Centre, and then to Johto Village…for a celebrate of ice cream and green tea. And hoping that my friends did so well.
* * * *
"Electabuzz wins! Casey advances!"
"Muk is unable to battle! Rhydon and Richie win!"
"Cloyster is down! The winner is Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu!"
The tournament dwindled down quicker than I expected. I was flying high, as I got to the last 16. Richie was helping me out as possible, such a nice guy, and we had been steadily closer, no thanks to Misty 'accidently' ordering just one milkshake during lunch a couple of days, and
insisted that we had to share it.
I managed to get past my next opponent, someone who Ash already knew about in the Indigo tournament in Jeanette Fisher. I was warned not to take her Bellsprout as an easy win. The advice paid off after Electabuzz had defeated her Kindgra. Her Bellsprout knew fighting techniques that I hadn't seen in any Bellsprout. It defeated my Electabuzz yes, but I sent out Meganium. Despite everything, Meganium took it and managed to beat it using it's superior weight and strength. Finally, she sent out Scizor. Scizor was very tough and it defeated Meganium, so my final pokemon wasn't Arcanine, I hadn't selected it, it was Pidgeot. Despite the steel powers of the mighty bug, it's bug element still made it vulnerable to Pidgeot. In a close battle, which I thought I had lost when it's metal claw nailed Pidgeot, a critical sky attack beat the mighty Scizor, and I was in the quarter-finals! I couldn't believe it!
Unfortunately my luck ended at the draw.
"I've…got…Ash?" I said as the final 8 was drawn. Indeed, Ash was my next opponent.
"Casey…I…" Ash said, he was just as surprised as everyone. I smiled at him.
"Ash, don't worry, I'm more than a rookie now, so don't go easy on me O.K?" I said, and held out my hand. "Play to win!"
Ash smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way." We shook and the battle tomorrow would be interesting.
* * * *
"And now, in this 6 on 6 battle, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town takes on Casey Bata from the suburbs of Cherrygrove City!"
I saw Misty, Brock and Richie, just as nervous as I was. Richie himself had a match against…shall we say, a certain member of Team Rocket…or former Team Rocket I should say…
A 6 on 6 battle was very long, so after I shook Ash' hand, I was so nervous, but prepared. My choice 6 was ready, and no-one had seen me use Dragonite yet. However, I had a feeling I'd need it today.
The first battle was Ash' Croconaw vs. my Pidgeot. Croconaw couldn't reach Pidgeot with it's slash and bites, but it's water attacks were annoying Pidgeot. Pidgeot almost wiped it out with a double edge, but in a shock for me, Ash countered with an ice beam, that was a surprise. Pidgeot was defeated.
The temptation was Meganium or Electabuzz. Instead I sent out Beedril, knowing that Croconaw was weakened. Indeed, a powerful take down attack made Croconow faint instantly. Ash commented that the Beedril he gave me had grown extremely strong. I bowed as he sent in his next pokemon, Quilava.
Oh dear. That wasn't good. Quilava quickly defeated Beedril with one flamethrower and I was panicing. Ash was more steady to say the least and I had to counter. I sent out Arcanine.
Fire vs. fire attacks as I slammed into Meganium with a take down as he countered with tackle. Quilava went underground and slammed into me, but a bite attack sent it back. I called for fire blast, slamming Quilava to the edge of the ring. Ash called for double-edge, but I countered with my own dig attack. Defeating Quilava.
Ash smiled, commenting that I was full of surprises…but so was he. With that, he released…Snorlax? Whoa.
Needless to say, I was surprised, and a bit intimidated. Arcanine hit a fire blast straight out of the batting box, but it hardly fazed Snorlax. I tried Dig but he countered with Earthquake! Taking out Arcanine out of the match.
I sent out Meganium next, but even Meganium couldn't scratch it with it's razor leaf. Ash used Body Slam and Double-Edge to damage Meganium way to much. I desperately aimed for Solar Beam, and that floored Snorlax…but he got up and hit a huge Mega Punch knocking out Meganium.
This was bad. Electabuzz finally took out Snorlax with a lucky thunder attack. He still had three pokemon, and he sent out of all things next, a Bayleef.
Despite my ice punch attack, he too using a drain method, mega drain in this case, and combined it by tripping up electabuzz with vine whip. It's take down took out Electabuzz, and I was down to one pokemon, against 3 of his. One of them was Pikachu.
Time for the secret weapon.
"I choose you…DRAGONITE!" I screamed and threw my pokeball.
Ash's eyes widened. The audience gasped in shock. But yes, I wasn't bluffing.
My Dragonite was out, ready for battle.
"Oh my god, how did you get one of those…" Ash said. I winked at him. "Trade secret. Now, let's see if you can handle Dragonite…"
"Bayleef, power up solar beam!"
"Dragonite, flame thrower!"
Dragonite hit it's flame but it seemed to power up the solar beam as well. Bayleef was hurt, but not hurt enough for it not to fire off solar beam. It slammed into Dragonite, but didn't do as much damage as Ash I guess hoped it would.
"Dragonite, ice beam!"
Dragonite's blue ray of coldness struck the grass pokemon…who smashed out of it's prison like nothing!
And then promptly fainted.
"Bayleef is out! The winner is Dragonite!"
He returned Bayleef with a 'well done' to it, before smiling at me. "I didn't expect that, well Pikachu, you've beaten one Dragonite, let's see you do it again!"
I was surprised to hear that, but he had another pokeball. Did that contain another pokemon I didn't have a clue about…
"Dragonite, slam attack!"
"Pikachu, agility!"
Pikachu moved so quickly that Dragonite hadn't got time to try and crash it with slam.
"Dragonite, slow that Pikachu down! Use dragon rage!"
Pikachu was caught in the cyclone of fire and water, smashing Pikachu out of it's agility fest. Ash was obviously wanting to end this.
"Pikachu, thunderbolt!"
His trademark attack slammed into my Dragonite, smoking slightly but not too damaged. "Use reflect!"
Dragonite created a barrier as I heard Ash called out "THUNDER!"
Pikachu jumped into the air and used his ultimate lightning attack, slamming into my mighty
Dragonite. However, the reflect had managed to hold out Dragonite…just.
"Dragonite, hyper beam!"
Pikachu landed after the draining Thunder, amazed that I wasn't beat.
And it saw it's hyper fate.
"Pikachu is defeated! Dragonite wins!"
Ash grabbed his Pikachu and hugged it, letting it have a deserved rest. However Dragonite was also wary and tired.
And then Ash released his final pokemon. I gasped again as he called out his first command.
"Psychic."
One attack. Dragonite was down…and not getting up.
"Espeon." It replied. As everyone around gasped either at Ash with his pokemon or my defeat, the judge called my fate.
"Dragonite has been defeated! The winner is Ash Ketchum and Espeon!"
Ash celebrated as Espeon ran to it's trainer and leapt into his arms, Ash hugged it as Espeon licked it's cheek. A tired Pikachu cheered as well as the crowd got into it. I returned Dragonite, quietly thanking it, but I knew I was crying.
I had lost. I don't believe it, I honestly thought I could win this…
"Casey."
I saw Ash come up to me and put a hand on my shoulder. "That was without a doubt…the most surprising bout I had…and definitely one of my hardest. I got lucky at times, and you deserved to win that."
I looked up at him, no bragging, no confidence, just that sweet smile and that gorgeous look in his eyes.
"Ash…" Ash held his hand out as I shook it, my tearful eyes obviously showing my disappointment, but I wiped my eyes and smiled. "I guess I can't be too mad losing to you."
We shared a small hug, as the audience cheered what had been a spectacular match. However, I was still disappointed…
* * * *
I didn't even go to the stadium to watch Richie's match, I was lying on my bed, I didn't want to be seen as a loser. Although a lot of pokemon experts had said that I looked ready to be an Elite in the future, it didn't calm me down.
I heard voices outside.
"I'm O.K Ash, thanks for the advice…and I'll see you in the final…" I heard laughter. Richie and Ash.
"As long as we both get that far…see ya Richie!." Ash said.
"See ya Ash!"
Richie opened the door and looked at me, sighing. My cap was probably sodden from my tears, feeling sorry for myself. However, my knight was about to snap me out of it…in more ways than one.
"Casey…" he said quietly.
"You won…" I said. "Congratulations…" But it was obvious my heart wasn't in it.
He sighed, obviously annoyed. "Case, you're not going to get anywhere with feeling sorry for yourself. I've lost before many times, but I've not once collapsed in despair. This happened to me and Ash before in Indigo, so I'm not going to let you get yourself down as well. You did brilliant, the furthest a first year has ever got before, the furthest of all the beginners here if you didn't know!"
I looked at him. My eyes were glistened with my tears but Richie paused before continuing.
"Don't let one loss get you down. What happened to the strong girl I help during the mountains, the one that showed up against those goons…the crybaby doesn't exist in you anymore Casey. What happened to the girl I fell in love with during this tournament?"
Richie then realised what he said and covered his mouth. I looked at him and gasped. My tears reappeared, but for a different reason this time.
"Richie…did you say…"
Richie turned, ready to run. "I'm sorry Casey, I didn't mean to say that, I'd better go…"
"YOU MOVE ONE STEP AND I'LL SWEAR I'LL KILL YOU!"
Richie paused as I wiped my tears (again) and turned him around. I looked at his chestnut hair, his handsome frame, those kind eyes, the same kind eyes of Ash. I saw nothing wrong with this guy, this young man.
"Why did you say that? Did you…mean it…" I said. I wanted an answer.
Richie blushed. "Yes. I love you. I love you Casey Bata, your strength, your determination, your….well, you are a beautiful girl as well…you're like no-one I've ever know before, but if you're offended…"
He stopped that line for one small reason. I had kissed him on the lips, quickly.
Richie looked at me, smiling for the first time. I nodded to him, before he retaliated…by kissing
me full romantic force.
I wrapped my hands around his neck and I felt his arms encircling his waist. The kiss was my first, and it was so special that I didn't want it to end.
"Hey, Richie, is Casey alr….eep!" Ash had decided now was the time to interrupt. Misty and Brock was there as well, and Misty was smiling, whilst the boys were red as a Jynx' lips.
Richie and I both opened our eyes, and let go.
"DO YOU MIND?!" we said in unison.
"Yeah right. Come on guys, let's leave this two alone.." Misty said, dragging both boys away, with Brock mumbling how the younger guys have got girlfriends and he hasn't.
I sighed but Richie grabbed me and looked deep into my eyes. I felt like I was going to melt.
He stroked my cheek with that gorgeous smile of his. "Now, where were we?"
We kissed again, this time LOCKING the door.
About half an hour later, we left for the Pokemon Centre, to retrieve our pokemon, holding hands. The first time I left my room after losing to Ash…and I never felt better.
* * * *
Well, that was my main story. Me and Richie for nearly 7 years had kept together, through thick and thin, and many times in secret as well…hey, it's not what you think!
Anyway, my performance in Johto (I won't spoil the rest of the finals) had got me noticed as did Richie. Both of us were soon picked to be trained as future elite. Will and Karen had been to new Elite in recent years via this training program. Ash would also be in this system, as well as Gary Oak. Also there was another friend of Ash in A.J.
It didn't matter to me as two of my dreams came true, no sorry, three when I was 19.
The first one was I was accepted as a member of Elite member. It took me quite a long time because of my other commitments, including my second dream, joining the Electabuzz team as the first female member of the team, as a coach. I was also the youngest coach ever too, and people obviously weren't too happy. However, my knowledge of the game and my fandom of the team meant I knew practically everything about the team. My parents were more proud of me for that fact rather han me becoming a Pokemon Master.
The third, well…was that 21 year old Richie Spetide had proposed to me, in front of my family, rather than his. Everyone was shocked. It was unbelivable that we get a close relationship for 8 years. I said yes without hesitation, and leapt into his arms. Despite our decent wealth, we kept a small reception with only close family and friends, yes Ash was Richie's best man, whilst although Misty was married, she was he bridesmaid, and along with a few of my new friends and also people from the Electabuzz, small and steady was better than big and beautiful…although when I went to Ash & Misty's wedding, it certainly looked beautiful.
The new Elite was myself, A.J, Richie and Ash. Gary was currently the Viridian Gym leader. However…7 years later…
* * * *
I couldn't believe I was at the coffin of Ash Ketchum. Richie was crying as much as I was, and Misty had an arm around me, I was almost as distraught as she was, she was suffering the most, but the tears kept coming.
I held out my possession I was going to give to Ash.
"Ash Ketchum…you were my sweetie-pie, my brother, my friend…everything. I can't believe that you are gone, all I can say that you are in a better place now, and deservingly so my friend.
Please…"
I held out my item, a baseball held in my hand and put it down. I turned and ran away, not wanting anyone to see my face.
The baseball wasn't priceless as someone autographed ones may be, it had a single autograph from one particular member of the Electabuzz team, and this member was crushed more than anyone there by Ash' death. And I hope Ash realises the simple yet heartfelt emotion in it.
The baseball was autographed like this;
'Ash, you left us too soon. Please don't forget me..
Casey Bata.'
My name was all that was need. That's how special Ash was to me.
O.K, I lied. This was just as long, I guess all the battle scenes was what made that. Not as sad as Brock chapter, but I think heart was definitely there.
Next up,
Chapter 3: Gary
The eternal rival of Ash Ketchum, how does he feel now that he's gone. Is it really a rival…or a friend that has gone from him?
I've got to do Poke-mole and my Survivor fic next, so next chapter will probably be after Xmas now. Hold out for it, as Gary Oak takes the stage.
Thanks for reading as always, and thanks for the reviews!