Ch. 1 The Call

"Morning Ash." Misty said as Ash opened his eyes. The fussy images of Misty and Brock soon cleared and he was fully awake. He got up and yawned. "How are you?"

"I'm felling alright." Ash grinned.

"I'm surprised you got up so early after watching so much tv so late." Brock said as he made breakfast.

"Pikachu." Pikachu jumped onto Ash.

"Morning to you to." Ash hugged him. Yup, it was starting out as a normal day for Ash and his band of friends. But today wasn't going to be a normal day at all. After they ate breakfast and cleaned up the campsite, Ash decided it would be nice to call home.

"Hello, Ketchum residence?" A familiar voice answered.

"Hi mom." Ash pushed the image button and her face appeared.

"Oh hi honey, how are you doing?" She beamed.

"Ok, how are you?" Ash grinned.

"Good, it's kinda lonely but I have Mimey and visit friends sometimes." She said.

"Well, I just called to say I won all my Johto badges and am on my way up." Ash replied and opened his vest to show her the eight shiny badges.

"You seem to be doing so well Ash, I'm very proud." His mom grinned.

"Well, I'll be coming home soon." Ash closed.

"Ok then, by." His mom waved and they hung up.

"Well, come on guys. Where to next?" Ash asked. Misty gave Brock the map.

"Well, there's a small village about 5 miles ahead." Brock said reading the map.

"Well then, let's go." Misty replied as she picked up Togapi. He cheered.

Back in Pallet.

"Where was he calling do you know?" Prof. Oak asked on the other end of Mrs. Ketchum's phone.

"It said he was around route 27 or so." She replied. "Why?"

"That's headed to that small town where all those mysterious battles have been happening." Prof. Oak answered.

"Oh dear, but I don't think Ash would get caught up with a bad element, do you?" Mrs. Ketchum was worried now.

"I'm not sure, but I've been called out there, so you can come to." He said.

"Ok, I'll meet you later." Mrs. Ketchum sighed and they hung up. "Please be ok."