AFTERMATH OF THE AFTERLIFE
TRACEY
Well, Chris has finally got off his backside to return to this fic, and it's the one before the big one, Misty's chapter.
However, I'm not going to cut Tracey short. In fact, Tracey is one of my favourite characters in Pokemon. He seemed much more determined towards his goal in his skills as a Pokemon watcher and of course to work for Professor Oak, which he has achieved. Tracey is a great character for people to write about, because there is so much about his character you can develop, and hopefully I'll do Trace justice in this fic.
And also, the final human cameo in this ep as well, enjoy!
Let's see how Tracey discusses his work as a watcher, his relationship with Ash and Misty, Professor Oak and his death, his work on Pinkan Island, and his relationship with Melody. Let's go!
* * * *
Ash Ketchum, saviour to the world. That should be his epitaph, because for him, it's truly meant.
I'll never forget the man who help me establish my dreams, my goals, my life. All because of that one young man and his lovely girl Misty Waterflower.
I didn't shed a tear when my mentor Professor Oak died, no matter how much I miss him.
Here, I will cry…this is my story…
* * * *
Tracey Sketchit, born on the west coast of the Orange Islands, and lived in the islands around 15 years, until I met Ash.
I was the youngest of 4 siblings, all three of my older sisters seemed to outcast me. It's surprising to see that my family life in a way is similar to Misty, but there you go. Whilst she got the firey redhead statistics, I got dubbed a 'loner'.
My family were certainly…old fashioned to say the least. They wanted their daughters to go out and find themselves a husband, preferably rich of course (one has to have standards…). As for me, when I came to 15, they were surprised I hadn't got engaged yet.
When I said standards, what I really meant was pathetic standards.
Now don't get me wrong, they didn't treat me bad…just more like an outcast. I don't think my parents Neil and Kelly Sketchit really knew how to take care of a boy, after taking care of 3 girls. It was a difficult step for them, and one I don't think they could truly adjust.
I didn't have many friends growing up. It was difficult with this loner tag, (I wasn't surprised that it was one of my sisters, Kelly Jr, who spread the rumor) and I felt myself getting more and more isolated from life.
Until I found something worth living for.
One of my teachers had wondered why I was mostly alone, and asked what to do with my life, I said I didn't know. He said…
"Well, I suppose you could always travel the world and find answers, although that probably would do more harm than good…"
That line gave me more purpose than I think he ever realised.
It didn't immediately click with me to start a journey, but I felt something on these lines may turn my loneliness into something more useful. I started to research on travel at the age of 12, and found an intriguing article on 'Pokemon Watchers'
At age 10, I had the option of becoming a Pokemon Trainer, but my parents refused to allow me, reckoning I should be focusing on working to be a proper man, and working as a trainer would certainly not be the road to success. Tell that to Ash Ketchum mom and dad.
The article described the work of Pokemon Watchers. They travelled the world looking for statistics on Pokemon, looking for unusual things, as well as general fitness and such. Expert watchers usually report their results to be discussed at the National Pokemon Health Authorities if pokemon around an area aren't fairing too well. They showed forms of how they got their results, such as the legendary Dr Quackenpoker and his study of Magikarp…and also mentioned the upmost authorities on Pokemon, including Professor Samuel Oak.
This could be a way to get out of my rut, so to speak. I noticed something else on ways of results, and I noticed that one of the lines said this.
'Watching can also be a display of art in it's own form. Some watchers take this literally and draw these pokemon for display…'
I was one of them who took that line to heart.
My favourite and best subject was art. I could focus for hours on one item and work as hard as I could to create a masterpiece. Maybe that's why I was alone, many people were jealous. I was a good student, but my artwork was always acclaimed.
At age 13, I had gotten good enough to complete drawings in less than 5 minutes, yet to the finest quality. I had my timing, the skills, the attitude.
Now to finally begin the first step to my new life.
* * * *
I had a goal to travel the Orange Islands, and make my studies and my sketches. However, an expert watcher needs help. And through my studies, I knew how to help…
"Excuse me, can I buy that Pokemon please?"
I had saved my allowance enough to buy 3 poke-balls and the Pokemon which would have helped a long way through my journey. The shopkeeper was surprised, most people wanted some of their better pokemon, such as the Abra's, Nidorans and for the richer kids, the rare Dratini's.
However, I wanted the cheap Venonat.
Venonat's super radar like eyes would be perfect to see Pokemon and keep myself hidden. I bought it, thanked the shopkeeper, and released Venonat.
"Veno?"
"Hi Venonat, I'm going to be your new trainer. However, if you don't mind, I probably won't use you for battle that much, I'd rather try and get us together as a working team for our long journey."
I talked to Venonat for a while until it perfectly understood what we were up to. And to bond our new friendship, I made my first pokemon sketch of Venonat. The first member of my team, the eyes, was ready.
I thought that was enough….until…
* * * *
I was on the local beach, as dusk was settling. I was in training as well, as a good watcher needs to be able to see in the dark as well. Venonat was travelling with me by my side, like the beach to ourselves…
"Ma---rill…"
Well, almost to ourselves.
I heard it, and from the sea, was a struggling blue mouse pokemon, out of breath, and looking very tired.
"A Marill?" I said as Venonat peered closer.
Marill looked pretty hurt as well, the tide may have crushed it across the rocks, or it might have been attacked by wild Tentacruel. Either way, I wasn't going to let it be hurt anymore…
"Venonat, sleep powder."
Venonat complied and sent the Marill into peaceful slumber. I threw one of my pokeballs and caught it, and headed to the Pokemon Centre, which would be closing soon, I had to get Marill there as soon as possible.
The verdict was bruising from being tossed and turned so much in the ocean, but otherwise fine. Nurse Joy gave me the A-Ok to see it.
"Hey Marill, you O.K?" I said.
"Ma-ril…" a tired cute blue mouse pokemon opened it's eyes to see me smiling. It was reassuring to see it smile as well. It was like a token of thank you.
I didn't realise it at the time, but Marill was actually perfect for my team. I caught it just to save it from the waters, but I totally forgot about it's own skills for my watcher team.
For now, I was happy Marill wanted me on the team…
…however, someone else wasn't as happy…
* * * *
"They saw you, don't deny it!"
My father had apparently wondered where I was, and sent my two other sisters Emily and Joanne to search for me (under complaining of course). They saw me catching the Marill with Venonat, and reported back.
"I'm not training father, I'm…" I held back, not sure how they would take the fact that I was going to leave soon on my own accord.
"Now, as cute as that Marill is, what would a loner like you want with pokemon?" Kelly Jr. sneered.
I was pissed. There, I said it. I realised that they were now holding me back…
"As I said, I'm not training father."
I paused.
"I'm leaving."
And with that, I went upstairs, to pack a few things. My mind made up, I was going to pursue this vision now, with Venonat and Marill by my side.
"Hey, you can't do that!" I heard slightly and I turned, with a smile.
"Watch me." I said, with emphasis on watch. Before they knew it, I had vanished. They quickly followed me, but I locked the door before they good get any chance near. I was waiting…
"O.K Venonat, I'm done…it seems a bit cheap to do this but…" Man and pokemon shrugged in unison as the door was finally broken.
"Now Tracey…" but he never got to say anything else.
"Sleep powder."
Within a minute, I had gone from being in trouble, to escaping my parents, without them knowing where in hell I was.
And you know what…they didn't look smug at all. It felt great.
* * * *
My journey initially was on foot, I had very little money to spend and I realised I may not have thought this as well as I thought.
Fortunately, my skills as an artist hadn't diminished, and I found a way to turn my work into a way of surviving as well.
For young children who wanted a drawing of themselves with their pokemon, I was able to charge around the value of 5 American dollars for a portrait. I did this at every town I went to, and in some cases, it gave me insight to how the pokemon were treated, and I had to admit, in most of the children's case, they were well looked after, some to a point of being spoiled, but sometimes I wished I had that luxury.
Marill was a popular attraction with the children as well, being the cute blue bundle it is, so for me, sketching almost became a mini day care centre.
However, business was business, and whilst it helped me survive, the real work was truly out there. I kept my eye watching a Krabby try to break through a Shelder's tough shell, as I quickly sketched. If I saw a Machoke try to improve it's strength by mountain climbing, I would get the sketch done in as quick as a time and as much detail as I possibly could.
This was perfect, this was something I was enjoying doing.
However, I wondered if there was a purpose to this…I wondered if I had a true goal.
As I wandered through the main path of islands, occasionally taking a rowing boat for hire, I wondered if this was just a petty busking, and I had no purpose in doing what I was doing.
That ended one day…
* * * *
I was walking down a beach way when I saw a pair of youngsters against three guys. It seemed to be one on three…and I noticed a Lapras in the background, looking hurt. I didn't put two and two together immediately, but something was up.
However, it gave me an opportunity to show my watching skills. (Of course, the guys weren't impressed when I dissed their pokemon) The boy's Pikachu however was worthy of being in the sketchbook.
It's thundershock certainly didn't though…ouch…I guess throughout the years Ash had got used to it, but at that point, I certainly hadn't.
After sending the guys blasting off, I had a quick check on the Lapras…and noticed that it was an injured baby. How disgusted of those bastards to even consider being pokemon trainers…
At the Pokemon Centre, I gave myself a brief introduction to this duo (and Joy gave me a much better one about a Pokemon watcher) and I thought I was just going to be there just to see how Lapras was.
My ears may not be as keen as Marill's, but when I heard the boy say the words 'Professor Oak' come out of his mouth…
Professor Oak was my official idol now. I had learnt about his work from many text book, newspapers, reports, internet, etc. He was basically the whos who of Pokemon and any watcher would have died to meet with him.
I hovered in the background as I watched the boy and girl speak…yes, it was him! Professor Oak!
I don't know why I did it, I still don't, but at that point, I would have dug my own grave to see him…and on instinct, I subconsciously joined their group…the girl slightly objected (I didn't know it then, but Misty actually wanted to be alone with Ash to try to get to know him better…I guess knowing them, she would have either killed him or kissed him…)
I finally introduced myself properly, and so did they, as Ash and Misty. And they weren't the only duo I met that day…
Team Rocket, Jessie and James, were about, and trying to steal the Lapras.
But I was more interested in the talking Meowth, hey, a watcher has to report all these unusual findings!
This Meowth was as surprised to see a 'fan' of him ('Well, I don't usually do interviews…) but in the end, TR did the dirty deed, but in the end, a brand of trademark Ash heroics put a stop to that.
At that moment, I knew I was going to enjoy this journey. Ash certainly was a handful, but in a good way. As he rode with Lapras back to the beach, maybe this was the start of a new family for me…
* * * *
The bond within a group is strong, and being with people was a start for me. The chance of a dream, but more importantly, a chance for friendship.
The main thing with Ash and Misty was the fact that they were willing to accept me for who I was. Ash occassionally teased me when my sketches were less pokemon oriented…and more people based. O.K, whilst I wasn't as bad as their former companion, I like to immortalise some of the island beauties that were on here, as Sissy, Joy and Jenny were included in my personal sketchpad (don't worry, Professor Oak didn't see those ones…)
I got to see more Pokemon in their environment that I thought I ever would. Riding around on Lapras' back made me saw the ocean extravagant, some top class battles with gyms, or in Misty's case with a fellow water trainer.
However, meeting with Team Rocket members Butch and Cassidy made me show what a true character Ash is…or I guess, was.
Ash was willing to put his life on the line for his pokemon, especially Pikachu. Despite under a Drowzee's control, he actually used his brain a bit (or maybe Pikachu's electricity shot his mind into action), and managed to destroy their plans…and send them carting off again.
It wasn't the first moment where Ash was…sort of a hero to me. He was someone who could do everything I couldn't. He was confident, brash, but caring, considerate, friendly and strong.
I remember when I caught my Scyther. Ash's side was a bit more 'normal' when he tried to teach me the best way to make a pose. It was kinda funny I guess, my people skills not at their maximum yes.
Scyther was I guess Ash' spirit in me. The spirit needing to protect pokemon, even if in Scyther's case, they didn't want to be. Hurt, battered, I managed to get him into a Pokeball and heal it. Despite it's veteran status, it's pride was the most hurt. Yet, I managed to finally gain it's trust in battle (even if others didn't, e.g. Charizard…)
The crisis at Shamuti of course however is the best example of me being in awe of Ash.
He accepted the role of the 'Chosen One' like it was no mean feat. He said that he was going to be responsible (leading to a Misty moment…or she was probably pissed at Mel-san for 'flirting' with him, more on that in a minute), and his attitude and courage won over the islanders.
This lead to the whole saga with Lugia, where along with Team Rocket, we would become quite an intrigual part of the ceremony.
After his near drowning, (and Misty's subsequent sobbing, of course, she denied everything later), he didn't worry about himself and his health, he needed to protect the pokemon. We helped him struggle up to Slowking, and the final step was complete as Melody played the song and saved the world.
A bit about Melody before the main bulk about her. At the time, I certainly felt something for her. I don't think I was jealous of Ash, but I felt the need to protect someone, maybe like a younger sister. As the youngest of the family, I had no-one to protect, they were looking out for me…although that is in the most sarcastic tone I can mention.
At the time, it was more looking out for her rather than anything else. That would change much later…
* * * *
It was thrilling to watch the Orange Island Tournament, seeing all those people, watching Ash put his skills and luck to the full test against Drake. Even in my neighbourhood, Drake was a near legend into training, and it was no surprise when we saw how good he was.
However, Ash got the better skill and luck on the day, and became the first person to beat Drake. Some say that was the day when Ash Ketchum really began to be noticed. The Johto saga was something else to say the least.
But after the tournament, there was only one thing to do. Coming back to Pallet Town, Ash' home town, and where Professor Oak resides. I had my pack of sketchbooks at the ready and waiting.
I never told Ash or Misty this, but I was nervous every second after Ash said that they were going back, the peak of my nervousness was when Oak was reviewing my drawings. When we said goodbye to Lapras, in the back of my mind, I was wetting myself.
And when the steps came closer…forget it, I was an all out wreck. Even when I was introduced to their friend Brock for the first time, you couldn't help but notice some of the jitters I was displaying.
Of course, I didn't exactly help much with my 'He's really real!' remark when I first met him…or indeed when he was trying to get away from Ash' Muk. I was in awe of everything, his skills as a scientist, a researcher, and as a trainer as well…
Even through his grandson Gary, you could see the skills of the scientist could have been passed through generation to generation.
During the time when Oak finally reviewed my drawings, Oak seemed impressed, and I wanted to ask him the question that all watchers wanted to ask him…
"Professor Oak…c-c-can I please be your assistant…"
It took me 4 cups of coffee and about 5 helpings of Dutch courage to ask him, but I did ask.
And he accepted.
Then I fainted.
* * * *
I felt that I needed to be away from them, and pursue my dream. Seeing Brock with them together made me show that. Their bond was damn near unbreakable.
I felt a bit jealous of Brock, and whilst I certainly was friends with them, I certainly didn't seem to have the bond that Brock did. However, they did call regularly, they certainly didn't forget about me, and for that I was grateful.
However, I was now the envy of many a young pokemon watcher.
Working with Professor Oak meant a lot of things. Helping to feed the pokemon was the basics, studying heart rhythms, statistics between two same types of pokemon, speed checks with the Ponyta and Tauros, taking blood tests, pollen tests in the gras pokemon, making sure the water was clean for the water types…it was a lot more than I bargained for.
But I was up to the task. Yes, even feeding Ash' Snorlax, that was quite tricky at times (and had to make sure it didn't eat me occassionally…).
I certainly had a more enjoyable time working with Professor Oak, than Brock did with Professor Ivy. O.K, she was a lot prettier, but heartbreak and work ethic I guess ruined that chance for Brock…
Mrs. Ketchum visited fairly often and makes a fabulous cup of tea and cheesecake. I guess with her Mr. Mime around, which isn't exactly the best company, she deserved some human companionship (although around her son, she did seem like a bit of a motherly ditz, pardon me.)
The fact of the mater was, I enjoyed the work, and learnt more things than I thought I could, I did things that I didn't think I could handle.
I was in life.
* * * *
When we saw Ash on the television in the area known as Greendale, and Mrs. Ketchum after taking a taxi being kidnapped by Entei, I was thinking that Ash' time as a hero was upon us again.
Ash never thinks for the best, but he always thinks with his heart. He didn't care that he was entering a crystal fortress, he had to save his mother. Despite the fact that Delia Ketchum sometimes saw Pikachu as her son at times, they loved each other very much, and it was the parental bond I would have preferred than the one I got.
Oak went over so I was pretty much on my own, but I was praying for the best, for the Hales, for the Ketchums, for everyone.
I wasn't part of it, but in spirit, I was.
* * * *
Ash came out of it with flying colours, and his mother safe and sound. The little girl, Molly would finally recover and become the happy child of before. The illusions of the Unown finally gone.
However, a few months later, I was about to get my own illusion of hatred…
It started with a phone call, which the Professor answered, whilst I was raking the leaves of a new day. I thought nothing of it, the Professor got many phone calls at all hours, he was a legend after all and a head in the Pokemon committee.
However, when the Professor came outside and said…
"Tracey, we need to talk."
…I knew something was up. The professor and I had a very good informal working relationship and a friendship, he never talks like that to me. I wondered what was up…
…I wished I never wondered.
"No way…"
The Professor shook his head sadly.
"Your parents found out after the Greendale incident that you were working here. They have filed a lawsuit against me about abduction and 'apprehension of property'."
I was pissed. I was now property…and why did they give a damn about me now?
"They also saw you in the whole Lugia mess as well, I guess they want their son back now…I didn't know you ran away…" Oak said.
"I guess there are something in my life I can't get away from…it's just I didn't want to be reminded about them again…" I said.
"They said they are on their way to Pallet Town and unless I let them have you…" he didn't finish, he knew what he was going to say.
"But I came here willingly, they know that! They can't force me back…" I said, near tears.
Oak shook his head. "Let's see what we can do…"
* * * *
"That's the gist of it Ash." I said over to the trio.
"Well, what can you do?" Misty said.
"I'm not going back…I'll think of something…" I said.
"It's a shame you can't just hide from them at somewhere where they don't know about…"
Ash said that. Despite his jokiness, that actually gave me a small idea…
"Ash, you may not realise it, but thank you…"
I put the video phone down and went to Professor Oak.
"Professor? Have you got a connection line to…" I whispered my next plan as Oak looked up.
"That's a bit…daring…" Oak said. "Do you think they'd let you?"
Tracey smiled. "They wouldn't know where I was…but for now, I'm going to confront them. Make sure they know my side of the story before we do anything…"
"Good idea." Oak said. "I guess we'd better prepare for company…"
* * * *
As you might have guessed, the resulting 'meeting' was based on the fact that people knew who my son was, blah blah blah. However, I had a lovely little double bluff on my side.
"Very well mother…father…anything to stop Professor Oak, my idol to be sued even when he doesn't deserve this…I'll go with you."
They smiled in victory, however the real plan was under way.
"However, can I say goodbye to my friends, then I follow you to the Orange Islands."
They were hesistant, but for my moral, they knew it was best to let me speak to everyone I knew once more. They left, expecting me to be half an hour behind them.
I wasn't lying. I first made the phone call to Ash, telling him where I would be from now on and reach me on a new number. Thanks to Professor Oak and a surprising insistence from Officer Jenny (I thought she would have refused, especially where law was in involved, but I guess she like myself, was in awe of the great professor as well)….
After that, I shook hands with Professor Oak.
"Well, Tracey, I don't know what I'll do without you anymore, but I guess this is for the best. I guess thanks is in order." He said.
I shook my head. "I should be thanking you, for letting me have the opportunity to do something that any worthwhile watcher would have dreamt a 100 years to do. This is just my way of saying thank you. Good luck in the future professor."
"The same to you too Tracey Sketchit."
We parted as the rowing boat I was going to take was supposed to go towards the ferry area and I could meet up with my parents.
However, my plan was a little different.
As soon as I was out of eye shot, I decided to make a different turn, a journey that could take me 24 hours at least. My backpack, was just containing one sketchpad, and enough food and water to help me survive.
Because I was taking the long, and risk way to not my old life, but my new life.
Thank you everyone.
I learn't around the 3 hour mark, I was contacted my Ash saying that Professor Oak had been called that their son hadn't arrived yet. Professor Oak told them the truth, that I had left following half an hour behind them, what he did tell a little white lie about was that he didn't know what had happened to me.
And of course, as there was no evidence that I was there, and video footage saw me leaving to sea (until I was out of eyeshot, a keen skill as a watcher), then I made my move.
After a long day of rowing, resting and avoiding a treacherous rapid, I had made it to a place I thought I'd never see again.
A place where on the oath of an officer I said I wouldn't reveal this secret haven.
A place of wonder.
Welcome to Pinkan Island.
* * * *
Officer Jenny waved me in as I called out.
"We were beginning to worry you know!" Jenny said.
"I'm sorry Jenny…are you sure this is O.K?" I said, still unsure of what Jenny thought of the idea. I was amazed that on instinct she hadn't put me under arrest.
However, a comforting smile ended that run of thoughts for me.
"It's O.K, you and your friends are trusted, besides, I've heard enough sad parent stories in my life to know that sometimes you have to make a difference…and Professor Oak is a legend anyway, and trusts you implicitly. So therefore, I trust that you will be as skilled here as you were there…"
I smiled as I left the craft. I saluted the officer. "Yes ma'am!"
She saluted back. "Welcome to the team Tracey Sketchit."
For the next few hours, my mind was in between keeping attention on how to win the Pink Pokemon's trust (my encounters with a Pink Rhydon and Nidoking weren't exactly forthcoming), with worrying what my parents were up to. Professor Oak and I could not call each other, as any form of tracing or clues and I'm sure my parents would pick on it. My guess is Oak sent some other form of communication, maybe by flying pokemon to Ash, and then he'd call me. Whilst my parents knew everything about Oak, they knew zip about Ash, Misty and Brock.
I never did ask him…and now I never can. I'll go to that disheartening chapter later.
"So the Tracey Sketchit saga takes another turn." I said to myself watching over the cliffs of this beautiful but unusual island.
And then a pink Ekans popped out scaring the heck out of me!
I quickly recovered and threw it a bit of meat (before backing out of there). I whipped out my sketch book and sketched the thing. (Fortunately, I kept my private supply, which including this island's Jenny in a secret place…O.K, it was under my bed back in Pallet Town, but hey, it was a secret.)
The blood in my body was more renewed than ever, my original life mixed in with my Oak life was the scent around here…and I was ready.
"Tracey, you ready to start learning?" Jenny called.
"Sure!" I said back, ready to work with Jenny and the other researchers. A lot of the pink Pokemon were shy and attacked people who they didn't know. So the first thing I had to do was to make sure they trusted me.
I looked at my three pokemon. I wondered how they would react about probably being a little off colour for most of their lives….
The next thing I knew was after a hard days of getting a pokemon's 'trust' , I was bruised, tired, battered and didn't I mention bruised?
This stay was going to be a long one for me, I'd better get used to it.
* * * *
"Stop being a baby!"
"Ouch.." was all I could say. I didn't realise there was an Pinkan Island Nurse Joy as well. The good thing was this Joy was an expert in both pokemon and human medicine. Jenny camp was on the East Side of the island, whilst to Joy's West Side Pokemon centre, a quick jeep ride was needed.
"You've only just come here, I guess Jenny trusts you then…then I will as well. But that doesn't mean I'll go easy on the iodine…" she chuckled. Oh great, an evil Nurse Joy…
I avoided looking in her face, because I wouldn't have been surprised if I started blushing. My curse of the pretty girl was coming back, which was scaring me.
I actually thought a lot about Ash and Misty, and how they were getting along. I noticed when we were on the Islands with two kids about Ralph and Emily, that their relationship was almost parallel to theirs, they seemed to hate each others guts, but deep down, they cared for each other. I wondered if they had found each other yet…
Maybe I thought they were like a true brother and sister to me. Despite everything, they kept in touch with me as much as possible, Oak still updating them on the messages. I was officially AWOL now, as my parents had no idea where I was, and they couldn't sue Oak because as video evidence showed, I indeed did leave and didn't come back.
That our professor, a real genius.
But I did think about my life. I wondered if I was going to be here, I wondered if I was going to be lonely. Supplies came from Joy's old centre in a nearby island, and conversations with friends and love ones came from the private video phones in the cabins (Jenny had quickly supplied me with one)…but I wondered if I would be truly lonely.
Ocassionally, people would leave the island by Jenny's private ferry boat, and go to do whatever, but I didn't really have that luxury because of the problems that if any sighting of me was noticed, I don't care how paranoid it sounded, I was in trouble.
My only connection to the outside world was the media. And it was time for the Johto championships…
"Yeah, go Ash!"
Jenny behind me as some of the other researchers were cheering their favourite pokemon sweatdropped.
"You lot are a bunch of couch potatoes!" she said.
"Considering how hard you slave us, we need some sort of relief, we can't shout at you so…OH GO FOR IT NIDOKING!"
"Boys…" Jenny said.
"Smea." Agreed a pokemon.
Oh, let me introduce you to Smeargle. This is a pink pokemon which I made friends with when I was sketching some free waving Magikarp in the ocean. This Smeargle looked at my sketch and tugged at my shoulder. I eventually worked out that it wanted a board as well.
So I began sketching him, whilst it was sketching me. Well, O.K, mine was realistic and his was a lot of graffiti, but we enjoyed it, and Smeargle soon became my unofficial pokemon.
All my pokemon were watching it as well, Marill and Venonat seemingly none the worse for wear after eating too many Pinkan-berries. Scyther seemed a bit disgusted at the time about the pink, good job it wasn't red, otherwise it would have gone berserk.
I watch Ash using some of his new pokemon to beat the young girl in the quarter-finals known as Casey (I didn't know at the time she was one of Ash' many friends) and I cheered for him loudly. It continued when he beat A.J in the semis until…
…well, I think Misty deserves the honour of reporting the rematch of the century between Ash and Gary.
After the tournament, comments about my parents became less and less. They were probably more or less given up about their son, and figured he was dead or lost at sea or both.
Personally, I don't think they really cared that much.
Anyway, with the fundings thanks to Oak and others, we were making this island a mini paradise for the pokemon and fellow islanders. I was enjoying the night entertainment of dancers, both human and pokemon, the late night buffets (Korean barbecue was my favourite) and I was certainly starting to feel like my life was officially back on track.
I had been there now for a year and a half, and I was happy…except for one thing I was missing.
Despite all the friends and family I now had, I was still lonely…
…maybe seeing Ash and Misty wasn't the best thing after all, as they were officially a couple now, whilst for myself, I was alone…
Love in friendship, love in family…but no true love.
I started thinking about my life and where it would come…
* * * *
The years passed slowly, but surely, as I asked that question almost every day, without any answer. I ask 'Why can't I remember?' and the answer remains unanswered.
However, the news had spread about a certain someone being missing for a while, a very important person.
Even on an 'unknown' island like Pinkan, you hear about the news, and one of the stories of cause was an old friend of mine.
Melody Furura, one half of the tag team which saved the world from the wreckage of Lawrence III and the three legendary birds, was now a legend of her own, as a world renowned priestess.
I never saw her in person in her priestess garb, but I had seen pictures, and I had to admit, she was awe inspiring.
Beautiful couldn't describe her, she looked like a diamond in the rough. I knew she was down to earth, yet she never let her responsibilities down, and was a hard worker.
The problem was that she was too hard a worker at times, and her hectic schedule (she was wanted around the world for her purifying ceremonies or her sendings) I felt could be too much for a young lady.
I wondered if she was similar to me, led to a life where your duties become more important than your self.
My duties weren't as important, but it felt that the life and fun had gone when Ash and Misty left. Don't get me wrong, I loved my work with Professor Oak, but at times, I loved the thrill of an active journey.
And then, one day, the blood spills, and all of it comes washing in at you.
And one day, the tide brought in more than the water…
* * * *
The storm was a rough one, storms are always rough, but around the Orange Islands they are especially dangerous.
Around Pinkin, they are even worse, because of the whirlpools. Remember, that was how Ash, Misty and I found this place (as well as Team Rocket) initially. The whirlpools are a problem of course because they ward people away from the island, and without sounding heartless, people being washed on the island can be a problem…
"How's it letting up Tracey?" One of the researchers and friends of mine Koon, was with me as I held out the binoculars, Venonat and Marill using my jacket as safety for the moment.
"Bad…Marill, Venonat, can you see or hear anything in the waters?"
The two pokemon went to their positions. Scyther was helping some of the masses collect firewood, whilst Smeargle took the smart approach and stayed in the cabin with a fire.
Marril then tugged at my shoulder. "Mar-rill!"
"What is it Marril?"
Marril then explained to me that it heard a faint sound. It was hard even for an experienced Marril to hear through a raging storm, but there was a noise. It sounded like…
"Music? Someone playing music out there…"
No-one would play music in a storm…but a Marril's ears never lie. This was too intriguing to not look at.
"I'll go have a wander, Koon, hold the fort!"
"Yohkai!"
I rushed out, hoping that I wasn't too late and people weren't going to be lost at sea. The rain was hard and I thought out of the corner of my eye I saw Jenny trying not to wave him on.
But I was too late. Call it a trait of Ash, I'm as stubborn as a mule (and according to Misty, twice as dumb…heh, I'll miss their lovers spats)
The waters were tough to row against the current, and I was damn well near blind in this storm.
But I had a pokemon that wasn't.
"Venonat, see what you can see!"
"Veno!" My bug buddy glowed with it's impressive radar, scanning the seven (well, one) seas that was surrounded within this storm.
Then suddenly…
"Veno! Veno! Veno!" My pokemon spoke excitedly as it jumped up and down. I couldn't see, but like Marril, I trusted my pokemon's senses 100%.
I rowed a little, didn't want to risk but suddenly, I could see something, a bit further out to sea…
I rowed some more, before tasking the risk and jumped out of the boat and swimming a little. I swam a bit…and nearly hit my head on a rock…
…but it wasn't a rock. It was a boat.
I still couldn't see clearly with the rain, and I had to be careful not to get sucked in with the whirlpools, but I grabbed on as I struggled with the heavy boats (unsure whether if passengers were on, or if they were and not even alive), but fortunately, with the shallow waters near the island, I was able to drag both the boat and it's passengers safely.
I saw the three figures, two men and one young woman. And then…
"No…"
Those robes, that face…the sounds…
Music…it had to be.
"Melody?" I gasped.
I told Venonat and Marril to go and inform Officer Jenny of some help. Luckily, Nurse Joy was somewhere in the area as well so she would be able to understand my pokemon. I was nervous, as I felt the two men's pulses…fortunately they were still alive.
My felt Melody's pulse…and none.
"No…no, not you Melody…"
I panicked. I did. She looked dead to the world, and I was here with a famous figure's body to report.
But I calmed down. I bent down and remembered the CPR classes I'd taken around here, normally reserved for the pokemon…
…but in this case, I had to make an exception.
I didn't think of anything, just I had to save her. I held her body in my own to keep her warm, I needed a sign.
The rain stopped. That was a sign.
I continued to try and resuscitate her, as holding her trying to get some feeling into this body…this was someone I knew…someone I c…
"Tr-ac-ey…"
She was in my arms, her eyes open.
She was alive…I was overjoyed.
And then, she passed out again. I sighed in relief…she was O.K…
By this time, Jenny and her squad had come in. Despite the belief of it being a secret, they weren't evil, they needed to save them here. I mentioned that the girl was actually a friend of mine…but then they recognised who it really was.
"The Priestess of Shamuti?"
"Shamuti No Miko?"
A few gasps went around the researchers as stretchers went for the others, as they crowded around her.
"Hey, give her some room, she's just passed out, she nearly died!" I gasped out. Jenny and Koon managed to back everyone off. I picked up Melody and went to Joy.
"If you don't mind Joy, I'd like to take care of her myself…" I said.
"But she might be hurt, I think I should…" Joy started, but for the first time in my life, I was in control and I was adamant in my decision.
"Please…she's my friend, and under this condition, I think it would be better if she saw me when she woke up, I think she needs something…this is a Priestess, but she is also a human being…and all human beings need some human comfort…"
Joy looked at me, and nodded. She may be a nurse, but she knew when there were times when there were things that others could do instead for her.
And this was one of them.
"Come on Melody, let's get you out of the cold."
Everyone else knew her as the Priestess of Shamuti, or the Shamuti no Miko.
I knew her as Melody Furura, that gave me the authority to take care of her.
* * * *
It had been 4 years since I had been on this island, but I never felt more in power and control, watching over the young priestess known as Melody. I had made sure the upmost care had been in store for her.
Jenny's niece, (Jenny of course) had lent her some clothes, which all the female researchers and nurses and officers had shooed out the men, whilst they took care of her robes. The two people with her, were being treated in a nearby hospital on another island. They were in comas, so wouldn't know what would happen to them.
Melody however stayed here, she was special, an event like this would never happen normally.
And I was in charge of her.
However, I just wanted to see her wake up again.
In 4 years, she had changed into a pretty 18 year old girl…no woman, she was all grown up now, her face still beautiful, it was pretty back then, but now the growing signs of maturity seemed to appear, probably from all her work she had done since the Lugia wars.
I was tempted to just go over there and stroke her hair, seeing her beauty was almost as memorizing as some of Smeargle's 'works' …but in different ways of course.
I simply went through my normal routine as I was 'sketching' around Smeargle's work…
…and then…
I heard a moan from my bed, as Melody started to turn. Joy had been looking after her occassionally throughout the days and making sure she was O.K, but it still took 3 days for her to fully recover.
But she was here…and awake.
"You're awake now?"
Obvious question I know, but I had to make sure her hearing wasn't dead to the world as she was if we hadn't revived her.
Her eyes were scanning and opening, trying to regain her surroundings. It seemed…all so unusual to her.
And then she made eye contact with me. I gulped.
"Tracey…that you?"
No amnesia, no blindness, no hear loss…signs were good. No, they were great.
"Yeah…it's been a long time priestess…" I said on instinct, as Marrill hoped onto my shoulder. However, like it would happen many times in my life, she would set me straight…
"Tracey…please call me Melody. It feels weird you saying that…"
Weird that I said that? I didn't realise it, but she accepted me as a friend long ago…and still accepts me as one now. It felt weird having friends call her that.
Fortunately, I was a lot more comfortable with Melody. Calling her priestess made her sound like an object rather than a person.
"Very well Melody, I accept your request…"
I had to explain about her clothes and everything, but even after my long (and winded explanation), she wasn't happy.
But it wasn't because she was a spoilt princess, it was because…
"I don't know why you're treating me so special Tracey. After all, you were there as well, you were as much as part of Lugia as I was…"
I guess she felt she didn't deserve the treatment she was being given. I had to rectify that.
"Compared to you and Ash, I was a bit player. I saved Ash from drowning yes, but I wasn't the hero. You deserved your life…"
She deserved to live, that was true. However, it looked like her brain had been woken up, as she realised the situation now completely.
"Hang on a second. Where am I?"
I had to smile. Such an obvious yet difficult question, hey, she was in a coma like effect for 3 days, I'll let her off.
"Ah, I was wondering when we were getting to get to that. This is a hidden island known as Pinkin Island. It is an island home to many pokemon, except they have an interesting defect…"
Even I don't know why I did what I did next. However it was the first step to a love that I had no idea what was going to be about…
I held out my hand for Melody to see.
"Want to see?" He said.
She was cautious. She was apprehensive…
…but she accepted it anyway.
* * * *
O.K, so it wasn't the most perfect start for Melody's trip on the island when she nearly fainted after seeing the pink pokemon, and screamed. I saw a certain nervous Rhydon look this way and I covered her mouth before dragging her a few yards away…
"Hey, take it easy, a lot of these pokemon are easily spooked and are afraid of new people…trust me I know…"
I'm not sure she understood everything, because of her extremely religious ideals, whether they were her own, or from what she learned after the sendings of Lugia…
"But…how? This goes up against all theories of…"
However, I had the voice of logic over the voice of religion, so I had to explain.
"Heh. Not everything is how it seems is it? The Pinkin berries here are what all the pokemon feast upon, and it's enzyme is very similar to a pokemon's nucleus enzyme, which allows the two to be compitable, but it's power turns the pokemon pink. You should have seen Ash' Pikachu when it took a couple…"
I think mentioning Ash sparked an old reaction in her. For a moment, I felt a pang of jealously, from loneliness…or something more. Whilst I believed that she only flirted with Ash to see what Misty's reaction was, I still thought she had a small crush on Ash.
I wasn't jealous of Ash…I was angry with myself for feeling this way. I felt when we first met her, I looked out for her as best as I could, and I know Melody did notice, but she never said anything…
But now…
"How did you end up here anyway?"
She seemed at first distracted, but I was happy. She did care…she did want to know how I was, what I had been doing all these years, and I was happy to tell her.
* * * *
"…I worked with the Professor for nearly 2 years before the problems with my parents escalated, that we needed to get me somewhere that no-one knew. And this was the perfect place."
"You've worked for a legend and also to a secret island…you've moved up in the world…"
I was a bit upset about Oak actually, I hadn't heard anything from him in months, and Ash was always hesitant to speak about it when I mentioned it in conversation. For now though, my worries were just on one person.
"Well, like yourself…I met this place 'accidentally' in a storm…but I wasn't as banged up as you were…"
"All right, break it up!"
Nuts. Officer Jenny. As much as we got along, I think with Melody near 100%, she was a bit wary of anyone telling anybody anything about this island, even the Priestess of Shamuti.
"Officer, don't worry. I am an honoured priestess, of all people in the world, a secret is best kept safe in one of my own kind."
Looks like Melody had a few ideas in her pretty little head as well…plus, I think she really wanted the chance to live life like she did before she even encountered Lugia.
After a few minutes, Jenny left, about 75% convinced, as Melody smiled at me. And our conversation resumed.
"Tracey, tell me how your friends are doing. I'd just like to stay here a bit longer…" I said.
Heh, I guess it had to get round to Ash eventually…and just as that happened, the poor deal slipped off and landed hard on her butt.
And I had to snicker at the poor priestess. She pouted at me, but then she smiled…and laughed along.
I can't describe how beautiful a laugh on her looks, and we exchanged friendly banter before emotion took over me, and without thinking, I picked up the young lady before she could react.
"Put me down you big lug!" She was laughing though, and certainly wasn't struggling and I smiled at her.
"Sorry milady, a priestess needs to be taken extra special care, let's get you in for a bit more rest…"
She felt so warm…so soft…so sweet…
…she was so beautiful, so perfect, but…
The poor girl had been through so much, and this was her only chance in how long to resume life, even if it was for a short while.
At that point, I really didn't want her to leave. I finally realised the one thing we really had in common.
True loneliness.
Whilst we had our friends, and in Melody's case, her family, really, we were alone in the world now.
I didn't want that.
I really didn't want that.
* * * *
I saw the heated argument that was the Melody/Jenny saga, as all Melody wanted was to stay here a little longer. Jenny was being a bit over-cautious even with the Miko here.
However, she wasn't a priestess now.
She was Melody.
In the first time that I knew, Jenny was stared out by the young woman. Yes, I was routing for Melody to win of course, so sue me.
Her speech next cracked it.
"You're right, Pinkin Island is a haven, one that you want protecting, and no-one to know about. However, the same could be said about me. For once, I would like to be away from my work, the cameras, the commercialism…I want to be me. I want to be the same girl before Lugia appeared. For me, this isn't entrapment. This is a vacation."
Jenny looked at her surprised, and then at me. I shrugged. I wasn't getting part of this.
"I know looking for me will be dangerous, and yes, my family will be upset if I don't go to them…but for a bit longer…"
When I saw her crying, she was either a very good actress, or she truly meant every word she said. Even the officer had problems not caring after that, and with a sigh
she put her hands on her shoulders.
"A week."
Yes!
"You've got a week here. After that, you must leave. Until then, we won't disclose your whereabouts, but you must leave on your own after that…"
Melody smiled and thanked her traditionally, as Jenny had to smile at her. Finally, I walked up to Mel.
"So I guess I'll be protecting you again."
It certainly felt like it….although I didn't realise that Melody had her own form of protection as well…
"I guess so."
…but she still agreed anyway.
* * * *
"There you go."
"Thank you!"
I saw her actually excited when she bought a lovely handcrafted pink ocarina from one of the traditional Orange Island merchants. However, the reason she was excited was because she was playing the ocarina for herself, not for any sendings, or ceremonies, just for a bit of fun.
Many people came to watch her from the cliffs, as did I. The difference was they were watching Melody, the priestess of Shamuti, they saw her as a sign of purity and protection around the island, and a good sign for things to come.
Myself, I was watching Melody Furura, friendly, chatty, pretty and funny girl that I could honestly call friend.
From the trees, I would silently sketch her from the distance, her persona with her beauty mesmerising me at times, she looked so happy and peaceful there…
…it was a shame it wasn't going to last long.
The wind blowing through her hair made her look…well, like an angel, no, better than that, a goddess.
I loved it when she asked me to take walks around the island, and seeing her go to the Pink Pokemon. It seemed her spirit was like in tune with all pokemon after the Lugia sending, and all the pokemon seemed to be calm around her. Funny, it takes me 2 months, it takes her a week.
A number of times, she clasped my hand, and I had to hold back my blush. She said she found comfort around me, and it was the same vice versa I will admit.
At the end of the week, I had a special surprise for Melody…or Mel as I called her. It was a privelege that she wanted me to call her that, because it was a symbol of trust.
A symbol that she trusted me.
With her time on the island coming to an end, I made a phone call to two certain people…
"Hey Mel?"
That smiling face greeted me, although I knew I wouldn't see it for much longer.
"Yep Trace?"
So, the same thing happened to me. She called me Trace, I called her Mel. Fair enough. However, this was something she needed to see.
"You have a phone call."
At first I saw her panic, and I realised that no-one was supposed to know where she was…figures, another thing she had in common with me, neither of us wanted to be discovered.
However, my smile reassured her that this call was not what she was expecting.
"Don't worry, you can trust these two…"
And with that, I let them take over.
"Melody…that you?"
I think the voice even after all these years still made her smile, and she rushed over just to double-check that she wasn't in a dream or one of my sketches…
"It can't be…"
But it was. Misty Waterflower, her rival, sister, friend…whatever you want to call her, Misty was on the phone talking to Melody.
"Well, aren't you looking fine…" Misty said as I chuckled. So did she, but I saw the tears of happiness coming out…
"Misty, I've never felt better in all my life…I am a normal girl…"
As the male half of the other side, I had to moan my displeasure. "Uh oh, girl chat alert…"
And to Melody's surprise, the other male half agreed with me. No, she wasn't surprised he agreed with me, she was surprised she could hear his voice.
"Trace, you have no idea how bad Mist is…"
"ASH!"
She was happy, that was all I had to say.
"Hey Melody, looking good…"
Of course, I had no reason to be jealous (especially after Misty hit him on the shoulder) but I would be a liar if I didn't feel think there was still something between them.
However, I let it pass. Melody was just so happy.
"Does she do this to every girl that speaking to you?" she said.
"Yep. In fact, I think I'm going to be put in the hospital any time soon…eep, Misty put that chainsaw back…"
O.K, so I was being stupid. Ash and Misty were so in love at that young age it was amazing. I always thought it, but never explored it. I guess they didn't need my help after all, they had found it themselves.
I let her enjoy her conversation (which lasted a good half an hour, and if it wasn't for payment restrictions, I guess she would have stayed on all night) because I knew she wasn't going to get much else with her remaining time here.
After the conversation, I noticed her sadness. It was like her life was ending before it began.
Maybe it did.
Her life as a priestess had ended her life as a girl…
…I just wish I had the power…
…to bring the girl back…
* * * *
"Well Tracey, make sure she gets seen away from here…"
Jenny saluted us as the two of us went out of the canoe, Melody getting the feel of the boat again, she used to be so good at boats, but now she seemed to be hard recognising anything.
"I'll take care of us…and of her, don't worry."
That was a promise I would take to my grave, as Melody put on her cloak, one of her garments that we recovered from her. I made sure to hide her as best as I can, as a roundabout exit (usually via ferry) from the islands I was taken away from.
Melody at first struggled but eventually, she seemed to find her rhythm with the canoe. It was like her life on Pinkan was like her memories of the girl I once knew. And she was getting all her memories back.
Finally, we realised we were far enough. Without even thinking, I took Melody's hand and we walked together towards the nearest island where someone would surely spot her…or she would call her family back to say she was found.
The sadness between us leaving was obvious. I obviously cared for Melody…but her sadness…
"Well, thanks for everything Tracey, you took care of me once again…" she said. I would have done it whatever the cause anyway.
"Thing nothing of it. I was glad to help an old friend."
I think she was amazed that I called her friend. I think it was because she was so used to being around strangers calling her Priestess or Miko, that the idea of friendship was too far-fetched for anyone else.
However, for me, that was no the case. Melody was my friend, always has, and always will be.
"I'm glad I could see you again…all of you again…"
Her tears were heart breaking, I couldn't see her like this. I wiped them off gently, this wasn't the Melody I wanted to see before I went.
I suddenly felt nervous, it was like my touching of her was breaking the boundaries. A humble watcher touching a priestess…
No, a friend. I shook those thoughts out of my head quickly as I stared into those crystal blue eyes.
"I sense you want this to end…but if it does, you know where I am…and I'll always be in your heart."
I bowed down and kissed her hand, again, not sure what was into me, but I felt I had to do that.
What I didn't expected was her jumping into me and kissing me before I could react. But I got my head out from the clouds and kissed her back, holding her as gently as I could.
She was so warm and peaceful, her tears wrecking her body. I wanted to hold her forever…
…but I couldn't.
"Does it have to be like this?" she said.
It took every ounce of control for me to not just take her back with me, to continue holding onto her, to continue to love her, but…
"Shhh….no. It's your decision, your self….your life….take your time and wait, but I'll be there to whisk you away from the Lugias of the world when you want to…"
And then the tears came, this time mine.
The thoughts of friendship, then of protection, now of love. I was as surprised as she was, but I couldn't help it.
I had found it. The missing link.
I had found love.
Was this what Ash and Misty had? Something I could have…
After what seemed like an eternity, I finally let go of her, very reluctantly. I refused to say goodbye to her, as I turned slowly, I said instead…
"Farewell."
She knew we'd meet again. I knew we would meet again.
But not without a farewell gift or two.
The first was a staff made of holy wood, blessed by the waters of the Pinkin Island. The staff was long and on the top was a circle with the sign of Lugia carved expertly into it.
The second was one of my sketches, with these words attached to it.
"You are everything. You are a priestess, a saviour, a musician, a beautiful woman, but above all, you are you.
You are Melody Furura, my angel."
Tracie Sketchit.
* * * *
It turned out just for a few days we would be parted, however for that, my soul was more lonely than I ever had been.
Everything seemed to go wrong after Mel left.
The main thing was…
I wish I had never let go of her, I wish I could keep her to myself…
I shook such thoughts looking towards the ocean, this was selfish.
And yet…
My train of thoughts however, were abruptly and rudely interrupted…
"Tracey!"
Officer Jenny came up to me and I noticed that a lot of the researchers were heading one direction, and that was …unusual to say the least.
"Officer, what's wrong?" I asked.
"Tracey…there's been a saboteur! One of the researchers…they call out…Team Rocket…"
That last part I understood. "Team Rocket? Here, that sh…"
Jenny sadly told me the bad news. "No, this is the real deal! One of the researchers was a spy for Team Rocket, and with the Priestess recently being here, they felt it was a good time for them to attack…"
I know she said that with a little disdain for me, maybe it was my fault because of Melody's presence.
However, I didn't care what Jenny thought. This was a serious situation.
"Let's get into defensive stations…" I held out the pokeball which had Scyther in it. This wasn't going to be pretty, in fact, it was going to be down right messy…
…but at least I had something to believe in.
"Come on, let's go."
* * * *
The Black Tulip, Domino, Giovanni's little stooge, and a Team Rocket Elite, was the head of this operation, and they had brought the mother load of people obviously wanting to take all these rare pink pokemon.
And they outnumber Jenny's forces by many. We were in trouble.
"Guys…" I said, as Scyther, Venonat, Marril and Smeargle, my four pokemon were all out, just as protective of this island as I was. I was a civilian, but that didn't mean I didn't have any use.
I heard about Domino from Ash and Misty, after their incident with a legendary pokemon created by Team Rocket called Mewtwo. She was apparently despite her age, an extremely skilled tactician, and also a martial arts gymnast style. And had a nasty little bitch laugh to boot as I found out.
As she started to round up some pokemon, the laugh broke the straw.
"SCY!"
I didn't expect Scyther to come out and actually attack a human. I guess it got more attached to this place than I thought.
I also didn't expect her to block it with her tulip baton. I was surprised, but years of experience held my nerve, especially when others came to assist Domino.
"Venonat, Smeargle, you know what to do!"
Venonat hit a sleep powder whilst Smeargle's spore attack sent the group down into slumberland. Domino whipped out a mask as quick as a cat…but cats hate water don't they?
"MARRIL!" Marril's water gun sent Domino crashing into the tree.
Sadly, all that seemed to do was piss her off.
"Errr…that's it. No more Miss Nice Girl!" Domino said.
She threw what seemed to be an energy ring catching Scyther and Marril in it's tracks, both pokemon sent down in pain.
I guess she wasn't a joke like Jessie and James were then. I felt stunned, and helpless, for my pokemon, for my work, for the island.
Domino didn't care of course, and her snicker justified that.
"Well, I guess we'll be able to acquire these rare pink pokemon now! I wasn't sure if it was true but I guess that having one of our doctors discovering this location and working into it was a good idea after all!"
"Why you…how could you.." I was really pissed off, these Rocket's had no respect for anything but themselves…
"Team Rocket are everywhere pretty boy, get used to it." She raised her tulip, and the fact that it could block Scyther's twin blades meant that it was pretty hard stuff. I was in real trouble…
But then, I heard something in the distance. I closed my eyes, and heard a tune…
…and then a clang.
I opened my eyes, and beyond the ways of logic, there was some sort of barrier surrounding me, protecting me from Domino's strike.
She was just as surprised as I was, but her face twisted into anger.
"Huh, what the….ARRRGHHH!"
Suddenly, the music became more high-pitched, and I saw Domino clutch her head in pain…but that wasn't all.
All the other Rockets were also down, although none of the researchers or officers were affected. What was going on?
And then…I saw her.
Melody.
She was about 50 paces behind me, playing her ocarina from the island with purpose. She was behind this. But how…
"I think that's quite enough of that…"
She was angry as she changed her tune again. The Rockets were up again moving, like zombies…back towards their choppers. Melody's tune was long and exhausting but…
…it did the trick. As soon as they were gone, Melody stopped playing.
"Will the injured be gathered please?"
Still caring, I thought as I hobbled over along with many others. Seeing her smile filled me with such relief, as she began to play one more time.
The notes flowed through me like a cold healing wind, as I sighed as everything that had hurt my body and soul was quickly becoming a fast memory.
The others also seemed to be feeling better as Melody's tune was healing us. I don't know how, but somehow….
The energy coming out of me however made this difficult. The power was draining from all my playing already…
And then she collapsed.
"Mel!" I screamed as I caught her before she could hurt herself.
The poor girl was asleep, she had exhausted herself. But she had saved us.
"She's truly an angel…" I said, before taking her back to my cabin for a long, deserved rest.
* * * *
I didn't let go of her hand, even when I was drifting in and out of sleep…
"Tr-Tracey…"
Silly girl. But a lovely one, I never felt so much affection to anyone before…and it felt so right.
"You are one of a kind anata baka."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
It seemed so right the two of us together, it was like we couldn't stay away from each other. Two birds of a feather.
When she noticed my hand in hers, she asked this.
"You mean everything don't you…"
She said that everything I said about when she left, I meant. I nodded, she did mean everything to me.
I loved her.
"Thank you for coming back…Ash and Misty have been teasing me almost everyday until…well, recently…"
I explained about the illness of Professor Oak, and like when Team Rocket attacked us, it was like when she left, everything good in my life broke…
…but now, it was time to bring myself back together.
"Tracey…I'll be here for you now…"
So simple, yet so quaint. This wasn't the priestess…this was her. She was herself.
She was she.
However, after Team Rocket, I think it was time to impliment something that Ash had wanted to do for a long time.
It was time to get even.
"Ash has been planning to impliment a way to stop Team Rocket. The ones you turned away may forget, but their boss won't. I suggest we start making preparations to start to end the farce known as Team Rocket."
I don't she believed the proposal, but with her powers (her ability to transfer spirits via her ocarina) were something that could save the world…yet again.
"Melody, your powers are incredible…but you need to harness them. I'll call Ash and tell him we'll help out. Until Team Rocket is stopped, I can't…I can't…"
I can't fall in love with her. I couldn't say it until I was sure…and to end Team Rocket would be the thing to do.
I hugged him as the poor boy was pretty upset. "Tracey…don't worry…"
Giovanni would still know where Pinkan was. We needed to stop him…and she understood as well or better than anyone.
I felt a soft touch on my cheek and turned to see Mel smiling after kissing me. She nodded one and said;
"Let's do this…"
We have lift off.
* * * *
Melody has already told you what happened. Thanks to her help, we stopped the Saffron siege, and then went on to see if Viridian needed any help…
…seeing Ash and Misty's happy faces quickly dispelled that theory.
For Melody, it was great seeing the two of them after so long. I think she was in tears, even after Misty jokingly called her 'great priestess.' Melody explained about her whereabouts…and of course…
"Awwwww….."
"Can you hit them with your sketchpad or something?" she complained.
"Hey, you do have your powers remember?" I smiled evilly. She followed the same smile, as divine revenge was coming to the top of the list of ideas in our minds.
"WE'RE SORRY!"
Heh, nice to see we can shut them up.
She and Ash had a small conversation with Misty, as I felt her hand in mine all the while. Nothing much, just sharing a victory with friends and loves.
And I had never felt so good in my life.
However….
* * * *
I saw Melody running to her cabin after a celebration, upset, and I didn't understand. I ran after her, nearly caught her in the buff, but seeing a sneering Melody was not what I was expecting.
Despite our close bond, she herself felt her life seemed to be worth nothing. She didn't want to be a priestess, yet she didn't want to be a nothing. She was angry, at herself…and I didn't understand why…but I couldn't say anything….
I was nervous…but I couldn't stop there and let her hurt herself…
…so whilst she was in mid-rant, I kissed her. Hard, not letting go. Pushing her onto the bed and making sure she couldn't escape until staring into her eyes long enough had calmed her down.
And went into the most meaningful words I had spoken in my life.
"I don't care about that Mel. Whatever you say or whatever you think is your opinion, and may or may not be right. However, get one thing straight. Don't ever say no-one cares for you."
I kissed her in between lines, until her anger was melting away. And finally…
"Because that is a lie…I love you dammit…"
I saw her cry, but this time, it was different.
"Tracey…" she stammered. "Hold me…tonight…please don't leave…and you can see me…."
"Of course. Nothing more. Nothing less. I'll keep you here my angel."
And for night, I did.
* * * *
I woke up, feeling the best about myself.
And then…nothing. A chill.
"Mel?"
At first I thought she was in the bathroom, but no sound…and a clean side of the bed.
Oh crap, she was gone. I dressed ASAP and headed off to the ferry area….or so I thought.
"Hello?" the videophone went.
And I paled.
One thing lost…and I was crying. But I wasn't going to lose another thing.
Silly girl…don't do this to me…
The early morning ferry was due anytime, and I knew that Mel was going to be there…
…she was literally touching it as I managed to catch up to her.
"You leaving?"
It was all I said. It was all I could say.
"Trace…I'm sorry…."
Sorry isn't the word here Mel.
"I just got a call from Ash. Professor Oak has died."
My mentor has died in his sleep last night, and Ash had to call me in the early hours to work. However, even in my train of thought…
…I couldn't lose my last hope. My last chance…
…my last melody.
"Melody…I have nothing now, except for my friends…and maybe if you want me to, you…is what we shared last night nothing for your own destiny?"
And then, from out of nowhere, I did the only thing I could do to keep her here, to make me stop the hurting…
"I'm…I'm hurting…yet Ash and Misty are preparing his funeral arrangements…I…I have to be there…but…I want you to be with my side forever!!!"
You could hear a weedle buzz.
I got it in the festival last night, I was going to give it as a gift to Melody…but I was using it for a different purpose now.
"Maybe not today…maybe not tomorrow, but one day in the future, I want us to be together forever. So, please let me be with you…PLEASE LET ME MARRY YOU!"
I was crying. I knew it…it was like a final act of desperation…but I could help it. I loved her.
And then I felt it.
Melody had crushed into me, her small frame folding with me as I felt the pure girl as warm as a charmander's flame burning beside me. Her tears matched my own as I stroked her brown hair.
Even in my darkest hour, the light had come and saved me.
I didn't waist any time and put the ring on. A kiss sealed our fates, to be one with each other.
Maybe this is what was meant by the words 'The Power Of One'.
"Let's go then…onto Pallet Town…"
It was my greatest triumph in my worst plight.
Thank you Melody.
Thank you Ash.
* * * *
The funeral of Professor Oak was a final affair to a legendary man.
Past student, fellow professors, officials of the Pokemon League, and just general people who heard of him wanted to pay their final respects to this legendary man.
Professor Elm, Ivy, Gary Oak, and Ash and Misty were all there, amongst others, some I recognised, some I didn't, but all I knew wanted to say goodbye.
Melody, an honoured guest, performed her final sending as a life as a priestess, as her gift to me, the sending of my idol.
I didn't want to experience anything like that again.
But today…I have.
* * * *
The work that Melody and I have come into the recreational arts, her in music and myself in art have become our source of income. Both of us currently are working at schools and are happy with our now simple lives. We have since left Pinkin Island and made our own life back in the Orange Islands.
Our wedding was done at the shrine of Lugia thanks to Melody's family. Ash, Misty, a recovering Brock with his second wife were there, along with a lot of Ash' friends and family. Misty's sisters, Brock's family…most I didn't know, but in one way or another, they were our family now.
The life of the two of us is now simple, yet fantastic.
But today, Ash's life is no more.
I looked at the coffin as everyone else has come and gone, the true friends and family of Ash remaining to the bitter end.
And I am proud to call myself one of them.
"Ash Ketchum…you silly boy. Why did you get yourself killed?" I chuckled, the tears coming down me.
"Now I can't ever tease you and Misty ever again about your relationship…" I couldn't help it, I couldn't stop the tears.
"Ash…why? Why Oak? Why you? Why?" I said as I felt the rage come down inside me.
"To be strong…you taught me that, to be strong for who you cared about…"
I looked at the coffin.
I took one last sketch out…and put it in.
"Think of this as my last vow Ash. Sayonarra old buddy…"
The sketch, was one of him and Misty at their wedding day. I kept it as a special momento.
Now…I felt he needed it more.
The memories…of these days…I live to remember…
I don't need it anymore.
Everything of Ash is in my head. I need it there.
I can't forget him…not now.
Not ever.
* * * *
Overlooking the ceremony, two figures stood. One had dark-brown, almost black, hair and eyeglasses, the other with a lighter brown hair.
"Man... so tragic." remarked the dark-haired one.
"I know. I mean, Sir Ash! Why?!" The light-haired one began crying. "He had it all! An excellent wife and family, a high position, the respect and love of all..."
"I know, Tom. I know." Donald Marco stared out on the fields. And at the grave...
Of the man who saw all and conquered all and guided all with a gentle hand and heart.
Of the man who had saved his world so many times, yet treated all save a few with said gentle hand, especially later in his training, as to be considered for Sainthood were he Catholic.
Of the man who was second only to his wife in the number of Survivors, Moles, and Big Brothers under his belt. Though he was victorious in about the same number as her.
But, most importantly... the man who singlehandedly revived portable gaming. "And he still had a whole life ahead of him..."
Donald looked upon the gathering again, and the last remark made him think of one of his other heros, Rush Limbaugh. (O.K, so I, Donald Marco am from conservative stock…^_^) Rush had revived a medium himself, that of A.M. Radio. And he could draw many similarities between the two. Sure, they probably wouldn't have agreed on political matters, though one would never know, but still there was one glaring similarity...
The passion, ability, and stubborn drive to do the one thing they wanted to do in life, and do it so well there would NEVER be another in their field like them. (Heck, they both foregone higher education, Ash at 10 and Rush at 20, in order to build up to their pinnacles.)
An example in the Radio Host's case was when he was 50, (twice Ash's age,) he had a disease which took from him the ability to hear. But he spotted it in time, and in addition to being fitted with a cochlier implant, also undertook various measures in case it didn't work. But the early treatments had worked, and Rush was back on the air as passionate and entertaining as ever.
Donald did not doubt that, had Ash suffered Polio or a paralizing accident, or some other disablement which would've confined him into a wheelchair, he would've overcome it as well, and have been better than ever.
Their respective fires were so fierce, that only death could extinguish them...
And yet... that is what happened a mere week ago, to Ash.
And another irony occured to Donald... Ash's life had ended at the same age as Donald's had truely begun. 25 years... just a fraction, likely a third, the end of morning or spring for a man, and yet it proved to be Ash's sunset.
Then Donald began to speak.
Ashura, who once was
Sent by the Legends above
To Guard Humanity below
Strong-Willed of the Heroes
What drove you to leave
Those that you loved?
Satoshi, Satoshi, oh Traveler Red,
No more will you wander the forests and fields of this earth
Your journey has ended in darkness
The bonds cut, the spirit borken
The Fires of Ho-oh have left this World
A great light, has gone out.
Tom Greenville smiled even in his tears. "There you go again, mixing universes."
"What can I say?" replied Donald, as he turned to his Pokemon reporter. "The 'Lament for Gandalf' seemed a bit fitting. With a few changes of course. A 'Chosen One,' who departed ere his time. And I mean that. Even though the time of heroism has passed, he still had a life to live as a father, teacher, and ruler."
"I hate to break it to you, Don, but Pokemon Masters don't necessarily govern the lands of Kanto and Johto."
"This one could've."
"Yeah. Like Dubya."
"Watch your tounge! George W. Bush was a true heir to Reagan, who conquered Nuclear Terrorist threat and returned America to prominence." Donald resumed looking at the field. "And Ash, too would've lead this people to a golden age."
"But now, we'll never be able to see whether he would've or not. Plus they have buried his body. Gandalf's wasn't."
"You're right." Donald then looked again in silence. After intoning a few prayers for the dead, he turned and walked down the hill, with Tom following.
* * * *
And thus ends the penultimate chapter of Aftermath of the Afterlife, over a year now this fic has been in production, and whoa, it's been a long ride.
The last segment is the final guest cameo, D Marco and the Quad-R. Everything after Tracey was written by him, and I just pretended to understand everything. ^_^ Remember, this is set 15 years from now…
Now, the biggie.
FINAL CHAPTER
Companion.
Friend.
Adversary.
Rival.
Confidant.
Lover.
Wife.
Mother.
Misty.
Misty Waterflower, the youngest of four sisters from the famous Waterflower based Cerulean Gym, went out on a journey one day to try and catch some water pokemon. Instead, she hooked out a then 10 year old boy and his Pikachu just on the beginning of their journey.
When the young man stole her bike to escape from a flock of Spearow, she initially followed him to wait for him to pay her back. However, a few months turned into a few years as she gradually forgot about it…and started thinking about the real reason she was following him.
At the beginning of the Johto tournament, she knew.
She was in love with him.
The love that Ash and Misty shared was what carried Ash through the Johto tournament to the final match against nemesis Gary Oak.
However, more important things were on his mind…Misty herself. The two soon defied logic to become the most famous couple around the world of Pokemon.
And now, it's her story.
* * * *
And with that, see ya!