It had been a few weeks since the incident. Professor Oak was able to find Lapras' family and friends. Tracey, on behalf of Ash, let Lapras get back to its herd. He had become Professor Oak's assistant. When Gary had returned, he was surprised to see Ash was home.
Gary mocked, "Well looks like the loser finally did quit!"
Delia perked up and saw Professor Oak's grandson. She was about to get on him but Ash spoke up first.
Ash huffed, "For your information I was doing fine in the Orange Island League but something came up…"
As soon as he said those words, the flash of Misty staying with Rudy squirmed his stomach. Gary didn't know anything about it so he laughed.
Gary pointed out, "What was it? Pikachu was too tired so you sent out your disobedient Charizard to finish the job!"
Ash growled. Gary had no idea that Charizard had started to listen to him. It was the day after Delia brought him home. Ash had finally had a heart to heart with the Fire/Flying type. They weren't a perfect team, not yet. But they had come a long way since losing to Ritchie.
Ash hissed, "You think you are such a wonderful trainer! Well newsflash, you aren't. You will lose to someone else that is way better than you."
Gary just sneered and walked off to his grandfather's lab. Ash watched him go and sighed.
"Pika?" Pikachu said, looking up at its master.
Ash admitted, "I know, I want it to be me."
Delia started to say, "Well if you are feeling up for it, you can challenge…"
Ash interrupted softly, "Thanks Mom but I'm not up for it. Not yet."
Delia noticed her son's change in attitude and backed off. She knew he was right. She placed her hand on his shoulder, reassuringly.
She offered, "Well, since we know Brock is back in Pewter City, should we go see him?"
Flint had called Delia the other day (they had traded numbers a while ago) and said that Brock had returned from the Orange Islands as well. Ash couldn't help but wonder what had happened between Professor Ivy. He knew there was one way of finding out.
Ash answered, "That sounds good Mom!"
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu said.
…
It didn't take long for Delia to drive them to Pewter City. She had left Mr. Mime in charge until they got back. She looked over at her son. She saw that he was looking outside of town, in the direction of Cerulean City. She saw his face but said nothing. It was hard for Ash, she knew that. But she wanted him to focus on seeing Brock.
"Ash? Honey?" Delia called.
"Pika pi!" Pikachu said.
Ash broke out of his trance, "Oh sorry…"
Delia just smiled as she knocked on the door of the house. It took a second but Flint was there.
Flint told them, "Oh hello Delia! Ash! Good to see you!"
Ash regarded, "Nice to see you top, sir."
Delia asked, "Did Brock say the reason why he is back from the Orange Islands?"
Before Flint could answer, Brock came over to the door. The breeder was surprised to see both Delia and Ash there.
Brock did a double take, "Mrs. Ketchum? Ash? Pikachu?"
"Pika!" Pikachu greeted.
Delia added, "Good to see you Brock."
Ash was confused, "But I thought you were going to stay with Professor Ivy…"
At those words, Brock got depressed and curled up into a ball.
He groaned, "That name…"
Ash, Pikachu, and Delia looked at Flint for help. Flint sighed sadly.
He told them, "He's been like this ever since he got home. Every time one of the kids or I mention her, Brock gets like this."
Delia gasped, "Oh dear, I wonder what happened!"
"Pika Pika." Pikachu said, unsure.
Ash walked over to the former Gym Leader. He sat down next to his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. Brock looked at the Pokémon Trainer.
Ash admitted quietly, "You were the only one that lost…"
Brock picked up on that. He was curious as to why Ash wasn't with Misty. But based on what he had told the breeder, Misty had left too. That was surprising to Brock but he didn't mention it. For Ash's sake. Instead the two of them just sat there for awhile and enjoyed each other's company. Flint and Delia both smiled.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said, smiling.
…
Later on that day, Delia had returned them to Pallet. Ash had insisted on stopping by Professor Oak's lab. Delia didn't know what her son was up to but he seemed to be doing better. After being let in by Tracey, Ash had walked down that familiar hall and into the sitting room. His Mom and Pikachu were right behind him.
Oak asked, "Now what did you want to ask?"
Ash finally answered, "I want to go to Johto." Everyone in the room was surprised by Ash's voice. It had sounded exciting - and for the first time in a while. He added, "But before I do, I want to find my old Pokémon that I released. Pidgeot, Butterfree, Primeape, and Haunter. I want them to come with me. All of them I want to rotate with my team in Johto."
He thought but didn't add, 'Maybe winning a few championships will get Misty to notice!'
Oak was rather pleased with what he heard. He stated, "Well whatever you want, Ash my boy. It's yours." He then added, "And since Gary is ahead, I told him to drop off the GS Ball with Kurt in Azalea Town. So you don't have to worry."
Ash nodded in agreement. He then turned to his Mom.
He started to ask, "This is going to sound silly but…"
Delia finished, "You want me to wait for you at home, don't you?"
Ash stated, "I thank you for everything you've done for me. But I do want to travel with Brock for a while. I know it seems like I want to run away but it's the opposite."
Delia replied, "It makes sense to me, sweetie. And if anything happens, Brock can call me right away."
Ash hugged his Mom, gratefully. Delia returned it. She was glad that she was able to get Ash out of his funk. But she wasn't too sure about the whole thing. On the other hand, she trusted her son.
She turned to Pikachu, "Keep an eye on him, okay?"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said, giving the victory sign.
…
After hunting down the Pokémon he wanted to come, and capturing the Fearow in Viridian Woods, Ash felt like he was ready. Brock was with him but it felt so empty without Misty. Ash frowned sadly. He petted Pikachu's head, absent-minded. This was going to be harder than he thought.
…
Wishmaker1028: And done with another chapter! We aren't going to rewrite the whole Johto anime. There is no point to it since I just want Ash to focus on winning a few leagues. Ash thinks that if he wins a few, he might be able to impress Misty and get her back. The realization of his feelings won't come until later. On a separate note, this chapter is being written on the 20th anniversary to Gotta Catch Ya Later! Wow, I can't believe it's been so long. For now, please read and review! And always think outside of the box!
