ALTERNATE REALITY STORY 1 - WHAT LEGENDS ARE MADE OF
SAGA 1: THE LEGEND BEGINS
(c) Copyright 2001 by Flareon
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pokémon. I wish I did, but I do not. I just write these fanfiction.
{These things} - Means thought or psychic communication.
'Apostrophes' - Means Pokémon language deciphered into human language.
[Brackets] - Means author notes.
TheseStrangeThings - Means change of scene.
Narrator: "Last time, Ash faced off against Lieutenant Surge, the Gym Leader of the Vermillion Gym. Ash scored a blackout victory, as he won again and again against all of Surge's Pokémon. With a new Thunder Badge and tickets to a luxury cruiser, they are headed for the docks with sky- high spirits, where the St. Anne will take them to Saffron City."
Meowth's voice: "Episode 15: Team Rocket Take From The Twerp!"
Ash, Misty, and Brock: "Woah..."
It was the biggest ship they had ever seen. If they knew what the Titanic looked like, they would find the St. Anne much the same. They walked onto the loading deck, where two women in bikinis stood waiting.
First lady: "Hello there! May I see your tickets?"
Ash, searching his pocket: "Uh, here they are."
Second lady, in a muffled voice: "Ooh, first class! Right this way."
The two ladies took them through the amazingly big ship. Ash, Misty, and Brock saw swimming pools, video arcades, restaurants, Pokémon arenas, and a Grand Hall. Then they came to their rooms. All three were joined by doors in the cabins. But the rooms themselves were huge and elaborately decorated with fine rugs and ornamental tables, and a huge bed. On one wall of each room, there was a huge TV and every video game system attached.
First lady: "You may call for room service anytime you like. You may order any video game, food, cards, or such. Just call this number and tell them what you want."
The trio was speechless as the lady handed Ash a number. The two left.
Ash, finding his voice: "This is going to be one of the best days I'll ever have..."
Misty, nodding: "You said it."
Brock, eyes glimmering with anticipation: "Let's go do some stuff."
Ash, his own eyes getting that look they get when he's eager to battle: "Yeah! I wanna see if there is anyone worth battling."
Misty, punching Ash in the shoulder playfully: "Can't you ever take your mind off of Pokémon?"
Ash, thinking as he looked at her: {Yes.}
Ash, aloud: "No."
Misty, smirking: "Too bad. We're going to the pool."
Ash: "We? Why do I have to come?"
Misty: "So I can make sure you don't go get into a Pokémon battle. Your Pokémon need rest too."
Ash, defeated: "Yeah, I guess you're right. Let's go."
Brock: "Actually, I'm going to see if there's a Breeding Center. Meet you guys back here?"
Ash: "Okay. In 2 hours."
Brock: "Got it."
Brock left. Misty opens the door to her room.
Misty: "Let's get settled. I'll be out in ten minutes."
Ash: "Okay."
They put their stuff away and Ash got out his swimming trunks...
******
The two ladies were in a room on the St. Anne, talking into a computer.
First lady: "Boss, everyone is onboard."
Computer voice, altered so it isn't recognizable: "Good. I want you two especially to make sure this plan succeeds. I'll forget the mess-ups you've made and I'll give you a raise if this project is successful."
First and second lady, bowing their heads: "Thank you, sir."
Computer voice: "Don't mess this one up. End transmission."
First lady: "Well, we're in charge."
Second lady, giggling: "Don't you think I make just the perfect girl?"
First lady, hitting the second with a fan: "Shut up, James."
Jesse and James pulled off their disguises. Meowth entered.
Meowth, quietly: "What's the word?"
Jesse, quickly: "We're in charge, and if we succeed we get a raise and he forgets about the Pikachu problem we have."
Meowth, rubbing his paws together: "Good."
James: "Hey, Jesse, do you have any idea why the Boss was stroking that Persian? I thought Meowth was the top cat of Team Rocket."
Jesse, trying to hide a smirk: "I guess he isn't anymore."
Meowth: "WHAT?!! A PERSIAN TOOK MY PLACE?!! WE GOTTA SUCCEED, GUYS!!"
Jesse, impatient: "Don't worry, we will. You'll be top cat again."
They started going over the plan and rehearsing it.
******
Ash: "WAAH-HOO!"
Ash was jumping off a really high dive, twisting and turning his body in the air. When he neared the water, he tightened his body into a ball. His cannonball made water splash all over Misty, who was trying to dry off. That, of course, was his aim.
Misty: "ASH!"
Ash, resurfacing: "Oops. Sorry."
Misty sighed and started drying off again. Ash had to tear his eyes from that and start swimming around the pool. The people of the St. Anne had given them their own to use. Ash and Misty had been swimming and playing in the water for an hour. Misty wanted to sunbathe a while, but she kept getting wet. Pikachu was in too, with Ash, but he was training, not playing. He was training himself to be a good swimmer. At first he had been wary because he had been supercharged a few hours ago, but it had worn off with his constant moving around on the ground.
Ash and Misty had left when they were ready. Ash had on his black swim trunks, and Misty had on a slinky red bathing suit with blue bubbles splashed across it, just like the design on her sleeping bag. At first, Ash had blushed and averted his eyes, and he still hadn't gotten used to it. As they passed through the ship, more than a few envious/jealous glances had been passed to both Ash and Misty, and both had blushed, saying nothing.
It had turned out that Ash and Misty were almost equal swimmers, Misty being slightly better. She had grown up swimming, and it came naturally as she watched her sisters and swam in a pool every day, taught by them, expert swimmers. Ash had grown up with lessons hard learned, and he didn't swim every day, but he swam more on the days he did, and got his own expert instruction. Misty was better at diving and had more grace, but it evened out because Ash was faster on regular swimming, such as the Front Crawl, Breaststroke, etc.
Pikachu, psychically and playfully to Ash: {Ash, looking at Misty drying off again?}
Ash swam deep under the pool so no one could see his blush.
Ash, psychically to Pikachu: {Shut up. I'm not trying.}
Pikachu sent a psychic chuckle. He had learned how to do sounds and not words in his communication. Ash went over and watched how Pikachu was doing.
Ash: "That's really good, Pikachu. But you still need work on your Breaststroke. Let me show you."
Ash showed Pikachu a pretty good Breaststroke, and Pikachu got better.
Misty, calling to Ash: "Hey, Ash! Why don't you let out some Pokémon so they can swim or whatever."
Ash: "Good idea!"
Misty had already sent all of hers, and they were in the pool. Luckily, the pool didn't have chlorine [is that possible?]. Misty had been specific about that part. Ash checked his Pokéballs. Charmander was asleep, but everyone else was just resting. He let them loose.
Ash: "Go! Charmander, Butterfree, Wartortle, Krabby, and Seel!"
They appeared and looked at their Trainer expectantly (except for Charmander, who was lying in the sun, asleep).
Ash, smiling: "Go on! Swim, have fun!"
The Water Pokémon looked at each other and then dived into the pool as one. Butterfree went to rest on Charmander's back. Misty walked up.
Misty, cooing: "That's so cute! Go, Charmander!"
Her Charmander appeared. She was asleep too. Misty set her beside Ash's Charmander.
Misty: "I didn't know what to do with Charmander, so I didn't bring her out. She didn't feel well when I checked on her this morning. But fresh air should do her some good, and when she wakes she'll have company."
Ash nodded his assent, saying nothing. The two Charmanders really did go well together. Misty's Charmander instantly felt the heat of Ash's and curled up closer. Ash almost couldn't stand it. Trying to get his mind off the emotions battling each other in his head, he jumped up and ran up the stars to the high dive. Then he jumped off, and landed with moderate splash in the water. Misty did too, only she landed on Gyadados's back. Ash surfaced.
Ash, shaking his head in wonder: "I still can't believe you actually caught that thing and it obeys you."
Misty, hugging her Pokémon: "Gyarados is sweet! Its the most dependable Pokémon there is, once you train it."
Ash, slowly: "That makes me wish I had one. Maybe in place of that Mankey..."
Ash looked away, towards the horizon. Misty and Pikachu could tell something was wrong.
Pikachu, concerned: "Pikachu?" 'Are you okay?'
Misty, also concerned: "Are you sick?"
Ash, laughing weakly: "No, I'm not sick. But I never expected any of my Pokémon to disobey me like Mankey does. Well, I never did when Pikachu was disobedient either."
Pikachu, ears drooping: "Pikachu, pika pi. Pikachu pika." 'I'm sorry about that, Ash. I was young and stupid.'
A voice: "Hey, young man? I was wondering if you knew any Trainers around these parts who might be willing to battle with me."
Ash turned around. A tall man in classical clothing was addressing him.
Ash, scratching his head: "I really don't know anyone on this ship."
Man, gesturing to the pool: "Are these yours then?"
Ash: "Half of them are."
Man: "Why don't you and I battle, then?"
Ash, looking at Misty, battling with his longing to be at peace with Misty and his thirst for battle: "Well, I wanted my Pokémon to have a rest..."
Man, nodding: "Oh, I see. Are you sure none of them would like to battle my undefeated Raticate?"
Butterfree's antennae perked up, and it looked at the man.
Butterfree, looking interested: "Free, free?" 'Undefeated, old chap?'
Ash, a tiny bit surprised: "Butterfree, you want to battle?"
Butterfree, winking at him: "Butterfree, butterfree free." 'Well old bean, I guess it really depends on if what the chap says is true, now doesn't it?'
Ash, turning to the man: "Mister, my Butterfree would like to know if you can prove that Raticate is undefeated."
Man, cheerfully: "Sure! Step this way to the Pokémon Computer Lab."
Ash, turning back to Misty and Pikachu: "Watch over my Pokémon for me, Misty! Here, Butterfree!"
Butterfree fluttered over and perched on Ash's shoulder.
Man: "That's a well-trained Butterfree, young man."
Ash, thinking of when he was training Butterfree in the Viridian Forest extensively with Samurai: "Thank you."
Man: "Come along."
They came to a white room with many computers.
Man, gesturing to one of the machines: "This computer tracks all battles by each Trainer. (Leading Ash over it and pointing to a screen after typing on the keyboard for a second) As you can see, my Raticate is undefeated."
Ash, looking at the screen: "Wow...I wonder if it tracks me too."
Man, looking a bit proud: "Of course it does, son. Enter your name."
Ash entered his name and a whole file on him opened up.
Man, looking down at the words closely: "Now let's see heyah...'Ash Ketchum, 13 year-old Pokémon Trainer. Highest mention from the esteemed Professor Oak. You started your Journey over three months ago, and have caught an average of a different kind of Pokémon every six days. The only Pokémon of yours that has ever been defeated is your Pikachu, when it faced an Onix in the Pewter City Gym by Brock Slate.' Well, that's a mighty fine record. Does your Butterfree consent to a battle now?"
Butterfree, fire in its eyes: "Butterfree free, butter!" 'On with the jolly good battle, I say, wot, wot!'
Ash, turning from Butterfree, and smiling: "Let's battle!"
They went back to the pool, which cleared out. On one side was Ash and Butterfree and on the other was the man and his Raticate.
Man, fingering a Pokéball: "One-on-one match. First Pokémon to faint loses."
Ash: "This is our battle scene. The Pokémon can swim underwater or climb the high dive."
Misty, acting as referee: "And...go!"
Ash: "Butterfree, combination Harden/Tackle attack!"
Man, simultaneously: "Raticate, High Jump Kick attack!"
Butterfree seemed to gain armor as it slammed into Raticate, knocking it into the pool. At the same time, Raticate kicked Butterfree away, but the armor just came off, leaving Butterfree dazed but unharmed.
Man, gasping: "I didn't know you could do that! What the heck is this 'combination' stuff??"
Ash, nodding sympathetically: "Not many people know. Butterfree, Confusion, now!"
Butterfree, deeply into the fight: "Free!" 'Jolly good!'
Butterfree flashed and Raticate was lifted out of the water, very high. Then it flew downwards, faster than it would normally fall, and hit the water, making a large, painful smack. Raticate surfaced and warily climbed out of the pool. Then it collapsed.
Ash, cheering: "Victory for Ketchum!"
Butterfree: "Free, free free!" 'I did it, yes I did, wot wot!"
Man, looking stunned: "Raticate! Return."
Raticate disappeared. The man left without a word. Ash hugged Butterfree tightly.
Butterfree, blinking its large red eyes at Ash, looking a little winded: "Free, free!" 'Steady on, steady on!"
Ash, a bit embarrassed, and let Butterfree go, as Misty giggled. Butterfree quickly flew back over to perch on Charmander, mindful of the tailflame. He stretched and walked over to Misty.
Ash, looking down at her: "Hey."
Misty, smiling up at him: "Hey."
Ash, shivering a little: "I don't want to swim anymore. I'm going back to the lab that guy showed me too. I wanta check out something. Return, everyone!"
Misty, sitting up: "I'm coming too. Return, guys!"
All of the Pokémon were returned to their Pokéballs, and Ash showed Misty to the Pokémon Computer Lab. They went up to a computer.
Ash, looking at the screen: "Looks like this is the registration computer."
They went to another.
Ash: "This one is devoted to Pokédex operation."
They went to the one Ash went to before with the man. He muttered to himself quietly, thinking out loud.
Ash: "Let's see...who should I check? Mayflower? W-"
Misty, quickly, eyes narrowing: "Who's Mayflower?"
Of all the things in the world she did not want to find out, it was that Ash was promised to some old girlfriend back in Pallet Town. Ash looked up at her, seemingly surprised. Did she sound...suspicious? Of what?
Ash, eyes widening innocently: "May? She's just my old girlf-er, my old friend."
He started to sweat as Misty's eyes narrowed even more. Quickly, he turned back to the screen. He typed in two words and gazed at the window that instantly popped up.
Ash, quickly: "'May Oak, 13 year-old Pokémon Trainer. Niece of esteemed Professor Oak. She started her Journey when I did and has caught an average of a Pokémon a day. A different type once every ten days. Half of her Pokémon are undefeated.' That's good."
Misty, looking relieved: "Oh...May...you told me about her before."
Ash was confused. Why would Misty care about May?
Ash, slowly: "Yeah...I did."
He turned once again back to the screen, and typed a different word.
Ash, reading it off: "'Gary Oak, 13 year-old Pokémon Trainer. Nephew of esteemed Professor Oak. He started his journey when I did and has caught an average of two Pokémon a day. A different type every 12 days. All of his Pokémon are undefeated.' Okay...Misty what's your last name?"
Misty: "Waterflower. That's what its registered as, at least. My real last name's Williams, though."
Ash: "Okay...'Misty Waterflower, 14 year-old Pokémon Gym Leader. You started being a Gym Leader at age 12. You have many Water Types and one Fire Type. None of your Pokémon are undefeated, except for the Charmander, thanks to Ash Ke-oh...(blushing) er..."
[If Ash had kept reading, he would've also read 'Gary Oak'. ;' )]
Misty, laughing: "Be proud! You're one of the few that has actually beaten me."
Ash, scratching his head: "I can see that. One more person...'Cypress Ketchum, deceased Pokémon Master. He started his Journey at age 13. Captured every Pokémon normally captured. Does not include any Legendary Types, like Dratini, or extinct types, like Omanyte. Only Charizard undefeated. Beat 3 Pokémon Leagues all at age 16, youngest in history, though last year a young man came close.' "
Misty: "Why did you look up your father?"
Ash: "I want to be like him. And know about him. C'mon, let's get back to our rooms."
They started back towards their rooms, laughing and talking about different things. Two figures watched them leave. One's eyes narrowed, while the other's pair widened. Spike and Flare, as one, turned to the computer the happy couple just left. Flare went over to it, while Spike turned back to the retreating forms of Ash and Misty. Flare sat down in the chair by it, and looked at it closely.
Spike, thinking as Ash disappeared through a doorway: {Hmm...I can't be sure...he seems to have the skills...and the heart...but does he have the soul? Does he fit into the prophecy? 'He of hair the color black, with the sword strapped upon his back, to this one doth the world depend, or all life upon it end. He must be of heart, and true of mind, for the keys he is to find. With mighty beast and hair of gold, with friends of wisdom and love untold. Cousins strong and right of soul, these must help him reach his goal. If he fights, evil will fail. Yet a word of caution to this tale...if he dies, he cannot prevail.' That was what she me. But its so complexing trying to figure out who this person is! The person prophecized has to have black hair, but also golden hair. HE doesn't have golden hair. And he doesn't have a sword...}
[The plot thickens even more...reminds me of split pea soup...]
Flare, at the computer, quickly typed in two words. Instantly, a window popped up.
It said: "Flare Sparcity, missing 14 year-old Pokémon Trainer. Highest mention from the esteemed Professor Oak. Started his Journey at age 11 with Eevee. Has extremely powerful Flareon and Jolteon, that show an unusual amount of care for their master. Last seen in Olivine City in the Johto section of Indigo..."
He then typed in two different words, and the window changed.
It read: "Spike Kayox, missing 14 year-old Pokémon Trainer. Highest mention from the esteemed Professor Elm. Started his Journey at age 10 with Eevee. Has unknown types of Pokémon, that he never allowed scientists to examine. Last seen in Olivine City in the Johto section of Indigo..."
[...]
They got back to their rooms and changed back into their clothes. Misty and Ash held a conference in Ash's room.
Misty: "So what do you want to do?"
Ash: "I dunno. Kick back and enjoy the pleasures of ship life, I guess."
Misty: "Sounds good to me."
Pikachu: "Pika." 'Me too.'
Ash flipped on the TV and looked at the TV Guide.
Ash: "Hmm...the only thing that looks entertaining is some new movie just put out on video here called 'Titanic' but its just a very long movie about two people in love and one who dies at the end. Its on this network here 24 hours a day. Let's do something else."
Misty, shrugging her shoulders: "How about ordering room service and I dunno, talk about stuff."
Ash, trying hard to not just stare at her soft mane of damp red hair hanging down from her head and her glistening skin, beautiful eyes, etc. [god, I'm so tired of writing that stuff]: "Okay. (Dialing number one of the women [Jesse] gave him) Hello? I was wondering if we could order room service. What do we want? How about a pizza. (To Misty) What kind of pizza do you like?"
Misty: "Any."
Ash, rolling his eyes: "Oh, that helps."
Misty giggled.
Ash, quickly making up his mind: "Okay, we'd like a large pepperoni pizza. And bring some Coke too."
Misty, quickly butting in: "Diet Coke."
Ash: "Diet Coke, sorry. Thanks. (Hangs up phone) Why do you want Diet Coke?"
Misty, sniffing: "So I can keep my girlish figure."
Ash, teasing her: "You're as scrawny-(changing his sentence as she menacingly brought out her 'oagam') I mean, as skinny as a twig! (Wrinkling his nose) And Diet Coke tastes awful."
Misty, sniffing as she put her mallet-thing away: "I don't think so."
Ash: "Whatever. What do you want to talk about?"
Misty, looking at him closely: "Well, a long time ago, a little boy told me about his life, so I thought I'd tell him about mine."
Ash, incredulous: " 'Little'?!"
Misty, shrugging: "You know what I mean."
It turned out that Misty had been a top student in her school, that her parents had died when she was 4, and that her first Pokémon was Staryu. When she was younger, she had no friends whatsoever, because kids were always jealous of her station as Gym Leader. They ridiculed her because for some reason they thought she thought she was superior. At first, her sisters were always putting her down, but as she grew taller, older, and slightly prettier, they began to respect her and treat her almost like an equal. Misty's sisters and herself were known as the Waterflowers of Cerulean City because they adopted that as their last name when their parents died, and that each one of her sisters weren't just pretty, they were beautiful. Misty had always felt out of place, because she didn't think she'd ever be half as attractive as her sisters were. Ash silently disagreed with that, of course, that was the way he felt. Nobody could be more attractive than she could.
Misty had left home to see the island when she was 11. She had won Gym Battles against the Gym Leaders in Pewter City, Lofty City, and Cinnabar Island. She had returned on her 13th birthday, and had stayed in the Gym for a year. Her Pokémon were her only friends. She left again on the day after her 14th birthday. When Ash asked why, Misty couldn't say.
Misty: "I just felt like a had to. So I traveled towards Pallet Town. I thought I was making myself catch Pokémon from the ocean, or something. Its really weird."
Ash: "Yeah."
They had finished the pizza. Pikachu was licking pizza sauce from his fingers.
Ash, puzzling over Pikachu: "I thought you would have ordered ketchup."
Pikachu, in a matter-of-fact tone: "Pika pikachu." 'Tomato sauce is like gourmet ketchup.'
Ash, a little out of that league: "Er...sure. So, Misty, when is your birthday, anyway?"
Misty, grimacing: "If I tell you you'd give me something. I'm the one who owes you."
Ash, insistent: "Oh, c'mon. You're one of my three best friends. Friends give friends gifts on their birthdays."
Misty, looking at him straight in the eye: "You have to tell me yours, then."
Ash, grimacing: "Oh, fine. So when's yours?"
Misty: "February 4th. And yours?"
Ash: "March 18th. That means you are exactly..."
Ash and Misty at the same time: "10 months and 17 days older than me/you."
Misty, laughing: "You better respect your elders, sonny."
Ash, laughing: "Oh yes, granny."
Misty got those marks of fury on her head, and she leapt for Ash, breathing fire.
Misty, chasing the terrified younger boy: "*WHAT* DID YOU CALL ME?!?!"
She tackled him and they hit the sofa, and sat down on his back, pinning him down. Then, Ash burst out laughing. It was contagious, and soon Misty was laughing too.
Pikachu, sighing and smiling: "Pi...pika." 'Ah...young love.'
Ash and Misty stopped laughing, needless to say, shocked.
Ash/Misty, growling at Pikachu: "WHAT did you say?!"
Pikachu, quickly covering up his slip: "Pika." 'Nothing.'
Brock came in.
Brock: "Hi, guys! Sorry I'm late."
Ash: "That's okay."
Brock: "There's a big dinner tonight. Wanna come?"
Misty: "But we just ate!"
Ash: "C'mon, let's go. I'm still hungry."
Misty, exasperated: "You just had half a pizza!"
Ash, patting his stomach: "I'm still hungry, though."
Misty, sighing, still exasperated: "I'm tired. I'm just gonna zonk out for a while."
Ash: "Okay, see you when we get back."
Pikachu, Brock, and Ash left. Misty got into her night gown and tried to sleep.
******
James walked along on the ship, admiring the number of Pokémon he saw.
A voice: "Psst!"
James looked at where the voice was coming from. A man who seemed to run a shop was gesturing. James pointed at himself and the man nodded. James walked over. The shop's sign read: 'Magikarp, half off today!'
James: "Yes sir?"
Man: "Hello. (Pointing to the fish displayed in a tank in front) I don't know if I should tell you, but this Pokémon is a gold mine!"
James: "Gold?!"
Man, nodding: "Yes. Meet Magikarp, the king of all carp. This large carp can give you tons of money! Each Magikarp lays exactly 1,000 eggs at a time. That means you get 1,000 Magikarp. You could sell 1 Magikarp for 100 dollars, you'd get 100,000 dollars. Then, if you wait a little, each of those 1,000 makes another 1,000, giving you 10,000,000 bucks! For only 10 dollars each, you get 1,000,000 dollars! Next year, each of those 1,000,000 make another 1,000, giving you a billion Magikarp! If you sell those, you have a hundred billion dollars! Or if you wait, ten trillion dollars! Keep waiting and you get big, bigger, biggest money!" [sound familiar]
James, looking doubtful: "But what if people don't buy them?"
Man, earnestly: "Anyone will! Magikarp make great Pokémon. (Handing one to James) See?"
James, holding the struggling Magikarp: "Wow, it certainly is lively!"
Man: "Tell you what, normally I'd charge 100 hundred dollars for one of these, but for you, I'll also throw in the 'Egg Care Kit', 'How to Feed Your Magikarp' manual, Magikarp food, and a picture frame for your first 1,000 dollars for only 300 dollars!"
James, smiling as he holds Magikarp and sees millions of dollars pouring over his head: "I'll take it!"
Later, he met up with Jesse and Meowth.
Meowth, looking in disbelief: "You actually bought dat ting?!"
James, insistent: "But Magikarp is a gold mine!"
Jesse, looking irritated: "Magikarp is a no-talent Pokémon and all it can do is Splash around. How did anyone get you to buy such a thing?!"
James, sorrowfully: "I was tricked."
Jesse: "How were you able to buy it?"
James: "Well, I couldn't afford it with the advance on my salary. (Brightly) So I used the advance on your salary as well."
Jesse, picking James up by the neck and shaking him: "You WHAT?!?!!!" Meowth: "C'mon, we gotta get ready."
Jesse, setting James down: "I swear, when we are through with this mission..."
******
At the Grand Hall, many guests had already arrived. Ash, Brock, and Pikachu sat down as a waiter took their order.
Ash: "I would like some Shrimp Fried Rice, please."
Waiter: "Excellent. And ze for drink?"
Ash: "A Cherry Temple."
Waiter, to Brock: "End you, sir?"
Brock: "I'll have the Sirloin Beef with a Root Beer Float."
Waiter, to Brock: "End for ze Pikachu?"
Pikachu: "Pi pikachu pi." 'I'll have apples with ketchup."
Ash: "He says he wants apple slices with a side of ketchup."
[I was thinking of putting this in: Pikachu, irritated: "Pi, pikachu, pikachu PIKA pi PIKACHU. Pi KACHU pi PIKACHU CHU. Pikachu, pika pika." 'No, you imbecil, I said I wanted APPLES and KETCHUP. Not APPLE SLICES and A SIDE OF KETCHUP. Say it slowly, you might get it this time.']
Waiter, with a sweatdrop: "Zat is...ah, intaresting. I vill be right back vith your food."
He walked away. Two Trainers a few tables away watched Ash's every move.
The two Trainers were sipping soft drinks as they eyed the object of their attention. One had red hair. He was tall, with the look of a young athlete. He wore his hair in large spikes off his head, the bangs jutting at a 45 degree angle off his brow. He had on a light, blue jacket. On his legs were beige cargo pants, drifting down to short brown boots [like Gary's] He had light green eyes.
The other had blonde hair. He wore his hair in short spikes. He was taller, and appeared to be a little older. He was lightly muscled, with an open black leather jacket reveling a cream-colored T-shirt covering his chest. He had on blue denims and black boots the same type as his fellow Trainer [like Gary's]. He himself had deep blue eyes.
Flare, sipping the rest of his Coke up: "Tell me again, why are we following him?"
Spike turned his gaze from Ash to his comrade.
Spike, dryly: "Flare, you know as well as I do that he's the only one that can help us now. We have to wait until he's strong enough to be able to give any aid to our cause."
Flare, angrily: "I don't see why we have to drag Ash into this! He'll just be a liability to both us and himself!"
Spike, gazing at Flare levelly: "Listen. At his current level, that may very well be so. But I know for a fact that in time he will grow extremely strong, maybe as powerful or even stronger as we ourselves are. The prophecy says so."
Flare, eyebrows raising to his hairline: "Really?"
Spike, nodding: "Yes, and until that time, we cannot do more than wait and pray he doesn't get into more trouble than he's been through already."
Flare nodded, and narrowed his eyes, looking back towards the table of Ash and Brock.
Flare, thinking: {Grow strong, cousin. We're going to need your help. If you're really the chosen one...still, stranger things have happened to me. Man, I wish it was back to the good old days, before all this happened...when we'd go tromping through the woods in Pallet together, us two and Gary as a team. Before I left. I wish we didn't have to hide ourselves from you, but you can't know our plans yet...Spike's always been more mature than me, I've known that since we met up...I just wish you knew what's happened to us...and what's going to happen to YOU...}
Ash and Brock looked around. It seemed all of the people there were Trainers, talking about Pokémon. They were trading, comparing, and just talking. The waiter came back with their food. They dug in. Suddenly, someone stopped in front of the table. Ash and Brock looked up.
Voice: "Well, well. If it isn't the Pokémon Stealers with moi Pikachu and Charmundah."
Brock, disgusted: "Oh. It's..."
Ash, wrinkling his nose: "...You."
Damien, glaring down at them: "Glad to see youse guys recognize me. Now hand ovah moi Pikachu and moi Charmandah."
Ash, simply and shortly: "They aren't yours anymore, Damien."
Damien, indignant: "Those Pokémon were moine! Ay caught 'em, remembah?!"
[God, Damien is an idiot...]
Ash, growling: "Too bad."
Damien, looking furious: "Dab nabbit, Ay'm not gonna lose moi Pokémon to the loiks of you!"
A mocking voice from behind them: "Of course not. You're going to lose them to the likes of us."
Another voice, angry: "Shut up Meowth! Look, you've ruined our cover!"
Ash, Brock, Pikachu, and Damien turned to see the ladies standing by their table with weird packs on their backs.
Ash: "'Meowth'?!"
The ladies went behind a screen, changed, and came back out, revealing Jesse and James. Meowth was under James's wig, and James looked down in the dumps. The packs were the all-too-familiar Portable Team Rocket Poké Snatchers.
Damien, looking confused and disgusted: "Who are you goys?"
Jesse: "Ah, a newbie. Prepare for trouble!"
James, unenthusiastically: "And make it double."
Jesse: "To protect the world from devastation!"
James, quickly: "To unite all people within our nation."
Jesse: "To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
James, depressed-looking: "To extend our reach to the stars above."
Jesse: "Jesse!"
James, shortly: "James."
Jesse: "Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"
James: "Surrender now or prepare to fight."
Meowth, jumping down: "Meowth, that's right."
Damien, taking out a bunch of Pokéballs: "Surrendah?! I'll crush you with every Pokémon I've got!"Ash, smiling: "Heh, heh, heh. He sure is stupid, isn't he, Brock."
Brock, snickering: "Yep. Go Team Rocket."
[I know this is evil, but I really, really hate Damien and couldn't resist. 8-P ]
Damien, his arms with his Pokéballs hanging above his head: "Huh?"
Jesse, smiling with cold satisfaction: "Thanks."
Her pack flipped on and the Pokéballs in Damien's hands zoomed into the pack.
Damien: "No! Hey, give those back! Theyah mine!"
Jesse: "Come out everyone!"
All of the waiters and employees suddenly whipped off their clothes, showing black Team Rocket attire.
Jesse, commanding the others: "Suck up all the Trainers' Pokéballs! Suck 'em up! Suck 'em all up!"
In the midst of the exchange, Jesse grabbed James and Meowth and they escaped down to the lower deck.
Meowth: "Jesse! We're supposed to be in command!"
Jesse: "We've got...let's see...74 Pokémon. A very nice catch. We've gotta get them to the boss, before the twerps try to stop us again! The others can get the rest."
Meowth: "Here's a videophone."
They call the boss.
Jesse: "Boss, we've successfully captured 74 Pokémon for you. We're sending them right now."
Boss, looking as if he saw pigs flying around the room: "You're-...you're kidding!..."
Meowth: "Nope!"
Boss: "Ah-ahem. Um, excellent. I see them now."
Their boss seemed to crumple up and his eyes rolled back into his head, and he fell away from the screen. He had fainted. An aide came and doused him with water.
Boss, shaking his head: "Thank you. Now, you all get raises and your pick of any two Pokémon you have stolen."
Jesse: "Wow, thank you, sir!"
They each checked which Pokémon there were and took the ones they wanted.
Boss: "Good. Now, I've raised each of your salaries to $1,000 a day. I also forgive you for failing to fetch the Pikachu you keep telling us about. I hope you do this good every week. Viridian Gym out."
As soon as the transmission ended, Meowth, Jesse, and James all hugged each other and whooped. They were no longer going to be as poor as they had been.
Jesse: "I forgive you the Magikarp, James! Buy three more, if you like!"
Meowth: "I must be top cat again!"
They partied in the lower cabins for a couple hours until they fell asleep. They didn't notice the view through the portholes...
******
In the Grand Hall, Rockets were stealing Pokémon.
Ash: "Hey, give those back!"
He jumped to the stage on the far wall and grabbed the microphone.
Ash, over the mike: "EVERYONE! IF THEY CAN TRY TO TAKE OUR POKÉMON WE CAN TRY TO KEEP THEM! USE YOUR POKÉMON TO ATTACK THEM!"
The Trainers looked at themselves.
The Trainers: "Hey, that's right!" "Fight back!" "Pokémon, go!"
Suddenly, hundreds of Pokémon popped out of nowhere. Ash lead the counter- attack.
Ash: "Go, Pikachu, Charmander, Butterfree, Wartortle, Krabby, Seel! Attack with the others of your species!"
The Pokémon banded together and soon there were groups of all types of Pokémon. Raichus and Pikachu made a pyramid of Electric Mouse Pokémon.
Ash: "Pikachus, Raichus, combined Thunderbolt!"
Response: "Raichu!" "Kachu!" "Raichu!" (This is Ash's Pikachu) "PIKA!" 'READY!' (Rest) "CHUUU!!" 'THUNDERBOLT!!"
Another pyramid had a few Blastoises on the bottom, Wartortles in the middle, and Squirtle on the top.
Ash: "Squirtles, Wartortles, Blastoises, combined Water Gun!"
Response: "Tortle!" "Squirtle!" "Stoise!" "Squirtle!" "Tortle!" (This is Ash's Wartortle) "WAR!" 'READY!' (Rest) "QUIRTLE/TORTLE/TOISE!!" 'WATER GUN!!"
Yet another had Charizards on the bottom, Charmeleons in the middle, and Charmanders on the top.
Ash: "Charmanders, Charmeleons, Charizards, combined Flamethrower!"
Response: "Char!" "Char!" "Char!" (This is Ash's Charmander, of course) "MANDER!" 'READY!' (Rest) "CHAR!!" 'FLAMETHROWER!!'
And it went on like that. Eventually, the Rockets gave up and the Pokéballs all went back to their rightful owners. Except...
Ash, chuckling: "Hey Brock! Look."
Damien was running around, looking for Jesse and James in panic.
Brock, looking at Damien: "No one deserves it more. Though I kinda feel sorry for him..."
Ash, seriously: "I really don't."
The Trainers all thanked Ash and threw him and Pikachu into the air, along with cheers.
Suddenly, a shudder went throughout the ship. Everyone turned towards the captain, who had the microphone on stage.
Captain: "I want everyone to calm down. We've just went through some rough weather. There's nothing to worry about. Nothing at all."
Another crash hit the ship. Suddenly, the Trainers all saw the captain lowering himself into a lifeboat.
Captain, still with his peaceful smile: "There's nothing to worry about. Nothing at all. I'm just taking the liberty of checking to make sure the lifeboats are in operation."
The Trainers watched him for half a second as he lowered the boat, then ran towards the other boats, panicking. Ash, Pikachu, and Brock were about to join them when they remembered Misty was still sleeping. Just as they turned around, Misty walked up.
Misty: "What's going on?"
Ash: "We're in a storm! The captain abandoned ship!"
Misty, dismayed: "Oh no! I left all my stuff in the room!"
Brock, grimly: "I did too. But we can't go back, we've got to abandon ship or we'll drown!"
Ash: "I'm not leaving Misty's and your Pokémon back in the cabins! I'm going back. Get in a lifeboat. I'll be okay. Pikachu, you go too."
Ash turned and started running towards the cabins. As he did, he heard footsteps behind him. He stopped and looked back. Misty, Brock, and Pikachu passed him.
Misty, not pausing to look back, sounding irritated: "Are you coming or not?!"
Ash ran and easily caught up with them. Misty growled. Up 'til now, Ash had always taken the lead, done the hero thing. She would NOT continue acting like a scared little kitten, hiding behind him all the time.
Ash, gritting his teeth: "But you can't run fast enough!"
Brock, sweatdropping: "That's why we couldn't come?"
Ash, yelling angrily: "That's one reason!"
Misty, looking Ash in the eye heatedly: "What kind of Trainer do you think I am?!"
Ash, glaring right back after he jumped over a small cart: "A sensible one!"
Misty, bellowing in his face: "I WOULDN'T LEAVE MY FRIENDS AND POKÉMON IN A SHIP THAT'S GOING TO SINK!"
Ash, trying to stop her: "You'll kill yourself! I'm the only one fast enough!"
Misty, pushing herself away from his grasp, turning her view back the way she was running: "I don't care! Besides, neither Pikachu or me would let you die alone! I still have a debt to repay you, whether you like it or not!"
Without further argument, they got to the suites and got their stuff. As they were leaving, a shake rocked the ship and Pikachu fell far down the hall.
Ash: "Pikachu!"
Pikachu: "PIKA!" 'HELP!'
Ash ran after Pikachu, and Misty and Brock followed. Pikachu kept sliding, because the ship suddenly capsized. Ash, Brock, and Misty slid down the sloping hall. Ash finally reached Pikachu. Then, another rock threw him against the wall, and he blacked out. Misty and Brock also blacked out when they ran into Ash.
Outside, the captain was counting all the people that got off.
Captain: "Anyone who isn't here, please raise their hand. (As nobody did) Right, that's everyone, then."
Narrator: "Wait, captain! There are still people on board! Our heroes are trapped and unconscious on the St. Anne! So is Team Rocket! What will happen to them now?"
James, popping in, looking disgusted: "Oh shut up, you idiotic sissy!"
Flareon, surprised: "Who, me?"
James, rolling his eyes: "No, that stupid 'narrator' that you put in these fics for some stupid reason."
Flareon, scratching his mighty brow: "Oh."
James, turning to Flareon, growling: "And you!! You said Team Rocket would reign supreme this time! LIAR!"
Flareon, confused: "Huh?"
James, glaring at Flareon: "You wrote down in the end of the last fic that we would steal from the twerp!"
Flareon, smiling: "Yeah?"
James, yelling: "WELL THE GUY WE STOLE FROM WAS NOT THE TWERP! HE WAS SOME GUY WE'VE NEVER MET BEFORE THAT HAS WIMPY POKÉMON!!"
Flareon, innocently: "He's a twerp, in my opinion, and so you stole from a twerp."
James, pouting: "That's not fair..."
Flareon, shrugging his mighty shoulders: "That's life, man. End fic."
Well, some new information about Spike and Flare. You'd never guess where I got those names, by the way. Oh, there's an idea! I'll add a question of the fic, along with a poll!
QOTF (Question Of The Fic) - Do you recognize Spike? Tall, blonde hair, cold attitude? No, Pokémon fans probably wouldn't...if you do though, don't get any weird ideas, because I just took the name.
POTF (Poll Of The Fic) - Would do you think, should Misty kiss Ash in the next fic? I'm not saying its interactive...like, should Misty kiss Ash without him knowing it? The plot to the next episode is soooo cheesy, I might even change it. ;')
Next fic, Ash and friends (and Team R) are underwater, on a sinking ship. What is wrong with Ash, and why isn't he waking up from his impact with the wall? Is there a way Misty can somehow bestow the kiss of life? And about Team Rocket's new Pokémon...will they help Jesse, James, and Meowth find their way out of the St. Anne? Find out in the next..."Pokémon, What Legends Are Made Of!"
{:FLAREON:}
SAGA 1: THE LEGEND BEGINS
(c) Copyright 2001 by Flareon
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pokémon. I wish I did, but I do not. I just write these fanfiction.
{These things} - Means thought or psychic communication.
'Apostrophes' - Means Pokémon language deciphered into human language.
[Brackets] - Means author notes.
TheseStrangeThings - Means change of scene.
Narrator: "Last time, Ash faced off against Lieutenant Surge, the Gym Leader of the Vermillion Gym. Ash scored a blackout victory, as he won again and again against all of Surge's Pokémon. With a new Thunder Badge and tickets to a luxury cruiser, they are headed for the docks with sky- high spirits, where the St. Anne will take them to Saffron City."
Meowth's voice: "Episode 15: Team Rocket Take From The Twerp!"
Ash, Misty, and Brock: "Woah..."
It was the biggest ship they had ever seen. If they knew what the Titanic looked like, they would find the St. Anne much the same. They walked onto the loading deck, where two women in bikinis stood waiting.
First lady: "Hello there! May I see your tickets?"
Ash, searching his pocket: "Uh, here they are."
Second lady, in a muffled voice: "Ooh, first class! Right this way."
The two ladies took them through the amazingly big ship. Ash, Misty, and Brock saw swimming pools, video arcades, restaurants, Pokémon arenas, and a Grand Hall. Then they came to their rooms. All three were joined by doors in the cabins. But the rooms themselves were huge and elaborately decorated with fine rugs and ornamental tables, and a huge bed. On one wall of each room, there was a huge TV and every video game system attached.
First lady: "You may call for room service anytime you like. You may order any video game, food, cards, or such. Just call this number and tell them what you want."
The trio was speechless as the lady handed Ash a number. The two left.
Ash, finding his voice: "This is going to be one of the best days I'll ever have..."
Misty, nodding: "You said it."
Brock, eyes glimmering with anticipation: "Let's go do some stuff."
Ash, his own eyes getting that look they get when he's eager to battle: "Yeah! I wanna see if there is anyone worth battling."
Misty, punching Ash in the shoulder playfully: "Can't you ever take your mind off of Pokémon?"
Ash, thinking as he looked at her: {Yes.}
Ash, aloud: "No."
Misty, smirking: "Too bad. We're going to the pool."
Ash: "We? Why do I have to come?"
Misty: "So I can make sure you don't go get into a Pokémon battle. Your Pokémon need rest too."
Ash, defeated: "Yeah, I guess you're right. Let's go."
Brock: "Actually, I'm going to see if there's a Breeding Center. Meet you guys back here?"
Ash: "Okay. In 2 hours."
Brock: "Got it."
Brock left. Misty opens the door to her room.
Misty: "Let's get settled. I'll be out in ten minutes."
Ash: "Okay."
They put their stuff away and Ash got out his swimming trunks...
******
The two ladies were in a room on the St. Anne, talking into a computer.
First lady: "Boss, everyone is onboard."
Computer voice, altered so it isn't recognizable: "Good. I want you two especially to make sure this plan succeeds. I'll forget the mess-ups you've made and I'll give you a raise if this project is successful."
First and second lady, bowing their heads: "Thank you, sir."
Computer voice: "Don't mess this one up. End transmission."
First lady: "Well, we're in charge."
Second lady, giggling: "Don't you think I make just the perfect girl?"
First lady, hitting the second with a fan: "Shut up, James."
Jesse and James pulled off their disguises. Meowth entered.
Meowth, quietly: "What's the word?"
Jesse, quickly: "We're in charge, and if we succeed we get a raise and he forgets about the Pikachu problem we have."
Meowth, rubbing his paws together: "Good."
James: "Hey, Jesse, do you have any idea why the Boss was stroking that Persian? I thought Meowth was the top cat of Team Rocket."
Jesse, trying to hide a smirk: "I guess he isn't anymore."
Meowth: "WHAT?!! A PERSIAN TOOK MY PLACE?!! WE GOTTA SUCCEED, GUYS!!"
Jesse, impatient: "Don't worry, we will. You'll be top cat again."
They started going over the plan and rehearsing it.
******
Ash: "WAAH-HOO!"
Ash was jumping off a really high dive, twisting and turning his body in the air. When he neared the water, he tightened his body into a ball. His cannonball made water splash all over Misty, who was trying to dry off. That, of course, was his aim.
Misty: "ASH!"
Ash, resurfacing: "Oops. Sorry."
Misty sighed and started drying off again. Ash had to tear his eyes from that and start swimming around the pool. The people of the St. Anne had given them their own to use. Ash and Misty had been swimming and playing in the water for an hour. Misty wanted to sunbathe a while, but she kept getting wet. Pikachu was in too, with Ash, but he was training, not playing. He was training himself to be a good swimmer. At first he had been wary because he had been supercharged a few hours ago, but it had worn off with his constant moving around on the ground.
Ash and Misty had left when they were ready. Ash had on his black swim trunks, and Misty had on a slinky red bathing suit with blue bubbles splashed across it, just like the design on her sleeping bag. At first, Ash had blushed and averted his eyes, and he still hadn't gotten used to it. As they passed through the ship, more than a few envious/jealous glances had been passed to both Ash and Misty, and both had blushed, saying nothing.
It had turned out that Ash and Misty were almost equal swimmers, Misty being slightly better. She had grown up swimming, and it came naturally as she watched her sisters and swam in a pool every day, taught by them, expert swimmers. Ash had grown up with lessons hard learned, and he didn't swim every day, but he swam more on the days he did, and got his own expert instruction. Misty was better at diving and had more grace, but it evened out because Ash was faster on regular swimming, such as the Front Crawl, Breaststroke, etc.
Pikachu, psychically and playfully to Ash: {Ash, looking at Misty drying off again?}
Ash swam deep under the pool so no one could see his blush.
Ash, psychically to Pikachu: {Shut up. I'm not trying.}
Pikachu sent a psychic chuckle. He had learned how to do sounds and not words in his communication. Ash went over and watched how Pikachu was doing.
Ash: "That's really good, Pikachu. But you still need work on your Breaststroke. Let me show you."
Ash showed Pikachu a pretty good Breaststroke, and Pikachu got better.
Misty, calling to Ash: "Hey, Ash! Why don't you let out some Pokémon so they can swim or whatever."
Ash: "Good idea!"
Misty had already sent all of hers, and they were in the pool. Luckily, the pool didn't have chlorine [is that possible?]. Misty had been specific about that part. Ash checked his Pokéballs. Charmander was asleep, but everyone else was just resting. He let them loose.
Ash: "Go! Charmander, Butterfree, Wartortle, Krabby, and Seel!"
They appeared and looked at their Trainer expectantly (except for Charmander, who was lying in the sun, asleep).
Ash, smiling: "Go on! Swim, have fun!"
The Water Pokémon looked at each other and then dived into the pool as one. Butterfree went to rest on Charmander's back. Misty walked up.
Misty, cooing: "That's so cute! Go, Charmander!"
Her Charmander appeared. She was asleep too. Misty set her beside Ash's Charmander.
Misty: "I didn't know what to do with Charmander, so I didn't bring her out. She didn't feel well when I checked on her this morning. But fresh air should do her some good, and when she wakes she'll have company."
Ash nodded his assent, saying nothing. The two Charmanders really did go well together. Misty's Charmander instantly felt the heat of Ash's and curled up closer. Ash almost couldn't stand it. Trying to get his mind off the emotions battling each other in his head, he jumped up and ran up the stars to the high dive. Then he jumped off, and landed with moderate splash in the water. Misty did too, only she landed on Gyadados's back. Ash surfaced.
Ash, shaking his head in wonder: "I still can't believe you actually caught that thing and it obeys you."
Misty, hugging her Pokémon: "Gyarados is sweet! Its the most dependable Pokémon there is, once you train it."
Ash, slowly: "That makes me wish I had one. Maybe in place of that Mankey..."
Ash looked away, towards the horizon. Misty and Pikachu could tell something was wrong.
Pikachu, concerned: "Pikachu?" 'Are you okay?'
Misty, also concerned: "Are you sick?"
Ash, laughing weakly: "No, I'm not sick. But I never expected any of my Pokémon to disobey me like Mankey does. Well, I never did when Pikachu was disobedient either."
Pikachu, ears drooping: "Pikachu, pika pi. Pikachu pika." 'I'm sorry about that, Ash. I was young and stupid.'
A voice: "Hey, young man? I was wondering if you knew any Trainers around these parts who might be willing to battle with me."
Ash turned around. A tall man in classical clothing was addressing him.
Ash, scratching his head: "I really don't know anyone on this ship."
Man, gesturing to the pool: "Are these yours then?"
Ash: "Half of them are."
Man: "Why don't you and I battle, then?"
Ash, looking at Misty, battling with his longing to be at peace with Misty and his thirst for battle: "Well, I wanted my Pokémon to have a rest..."
Man, nodding: "Oh, I see. Are you sure none of them would like to battle my undefeated Raticate?"
Butterfree's antennae perked up, and it looked at the man.
Butterfree, looking interested: "Free, free?" 'Undefeated, old chap?'
Ash, a tiny bit surprised: "Butterfree, you want to battle?"
Butterfree, winking at him: "Butterfree, butterfree free." 'Well old bean, I guess it really depends on if what the chap says is true, now doesn't it?'
Ash, turning to the man: "Mister, my Butterfree would like to know if you can prove that Raticate is undefeated."
Man, cheerfully: "Sure! Step this way to the Pokémon Computer Lab."
Ash, turning back to Misty and Pikachu: "Watch over my Pokémon for me, Misty! Here, Butterfree!"
Butterfree fluttered over and perched on Ash's shoulder.
Man: "That's a well-trained Butterfree, young man."
Ash, thinking of when he was training Butterfree in the Viridian Forest extensively with Samurai: "Thank you."
Man: "Come along."
They came to a white room with many computers.
Man, gesturing to one of the machines: "This computer tracks all battles by each Trainer. (Leading Ash over it and pointing to a screen after typing on the keyboard for a second) As you can see, my Raticate is undefeated."
Ash, looking at the screen: "Wow...I wonder if it tracks me too."
Man, looking a bit proud: "Of course it does, son. Enter your name."
Ash entered his name and a whole file on him opened up.
Man, looking down at the words closely: "Now let's see heyah...'Ash Ketchum, 13 year-old Pokémon Trainer. Highest mention from the esteemed Professor Oak. You started your Journey over three months ago, and have caught an average of a different kind of Pokémon every six days. The only Pokémon of yours that has ever been defeated is your Pikachu, when it faced an Onix in the Pewter City Gym by Brock Slate.' Well, that's a mighty fine record. Does your Butterfree consent to a battle now?"
Butterfree, fire in its eyes: "Butterfree free, butter!" 'On with the jolly good battle, I say, wot, wot!'
Ash, turning from Butterfree, and smiling: "Let's battle!"
They went back to the pool, which cleared out. On one side was Ash and Butterfree and on the other was the man and his Raticate.
Man, fingering a Pokéball: "One-on-one match. First Pokémon to faint loses."
Ash: "This is our battle scene. The Pokémon can swim underwater or climb the high dive."
Misty, acting as referee: "And...go!"
Ash: "Butterfree, combination Harden/Tackle attack!"
Man, simultaneously: "Raticate, High Jump Kick attack!"
Butterfree seemed to gain armor as it slammed into Raticate, knocking it into the pool. At the same time, Raticate kicked Butterfree away, but the armor just came off, leaving Butterfree dazed but unharmed.
Man, gasping: "I didn't know you could do that! What the heck is this 'combination' stuff??"
Ash, nodding sympathetically: "Not many people know. Butterfree, Confusion, now!"
Butterfree, deeply into the fight: "Free!" 'Jolly good!'
Butterfree flashed and Raticate was lifted out of the water, very high. Then it flew downwards, faster than it would normally fall, and hit the water, making a large, painful smack. Raticate surfaced and warily climbed out of the pool. Then it collapsed.
Ash, cheering: "Victory for Ketchum!"
Butterfree: "Free, free free!" 'I did it, yes I did, wot wot!"
Man, looking stunned: "Raticate! Return."
Raticate disappeared. The man left without a word. Ash hugged Butterfree tightly.
Butterfree, blinking its large red eyes at Ash, looking a little winded: "Free, free!" 'Steady on, steady on!"
Ash, a bit embarrassed, and let Butterfree go, as Misty giggled. Butterfree quickly flew back over to perch on Charmander, mindful of the tailflame. He stretched and walked over to Misty.
Ash, looking down at her: "Hey."
Misty, smiling up at him: "Hey."
Ash, shivering a little: "I don't want to swim anymore. I'm going back to the lab that guy showed me too. I wanta check out something. Return, everyone!"
Misty, sitting up: "I'm coming too. Return, guys!"
All of the Pokémon were returned to their Pokéballs, and Ash showed Misty to the Pokémon Computer Lab. They went up to a computer.
Ash, looking at the screen: "Looks like this is the registration computer."
They went to another.
Ash: "This one is devoted to Pokédex operation."
They went to the one Ash went to before with the man. He muttered to himself quietly, thinking out loud.
Ash: "Let's see...who should I check? Mayflower? W-"
Misty, quickly, eyes narrowing: "Who's Mayflower?"
Of all the things in the world she did not want to find out, it was that Ash was promised to some old girlfriend back in Pallet Town. Ash looked up at her, seemingly surprised. Did she sound...suspicious? Of what?
Ash, eyes widening innocently: "May? She's just my old girlf-er, my old friend."
He started to sweat as Misty's eyes narrowed even more. Quickly, he turned back to the screen. He typed in two words and gazed at the window that instantly popped up.
Ash, quickly: "'May Oak, 13 year-old Pokémon Trainer. Niece of esteemed Professor Oak. She started her Journey when I did and has caught an average of a Pokémon a day. A different type once every ten days. Half of her Pokémon are undefeated.' That's good."
Misty, looking relieved: "Oh...May...you told me about her before."
Ash was confused. Why would Misty care about May?
Ash, slowly: "Yeah...I did."
He turned once again back to the screen, and typed a different word.
Ash, reading it off: "'Gary Oak, 13 year-old Pokémon Trainer. Nephew of esteemed Professor Oak. He started his journey when I did and has caught an average of two Pokémon a day. A different type every 12 days. All of his Pokémon are undefeated.' Okay...Misty what's your last name?"
Misty: "Waterflower. That's what its registered as, at least. My real last name's Williams, though."
Ash: "Okay...'Misty Waterflower, 14 year-old Pokémon Gym Leader. You started being a Gym Leader at age 12. You have many Water Types and one Fire Type. None of your Pokémon are undefeated, except for the Charmander, thanks to Ash Ke-oh...(blushing) er..."
[If Ash had kept reading, he would've also read 'Gary Oak'. ;' )]
Misty, laughing: "Be proud! You're one of the few that has actually beaten me."
Ash, scratching his head: "I can see that. One more person...'Cypress Ketchum, deceased Pokémon Master. He started his Journey at age 13. Captured every Pokémon normally captured. Does not include any Legendary Types, like Dratini, or extinct types, like Omanyte. Only Charizard undefeated. Beat 3 Pokémon Leagues all at age 16, youngest in history, though last year a young man came close.' "
Misty: "Why did you look up your father?"
Ash: "I want to be like him. And know about him. C'mon, let's get back to our rooms."
They started back towards their rooms, laughing and talking about different things. Two figures watched them leave. One's eyes narrowed, while the other's pair widened. Spike and Flare, as one, turned to the computer the happy couple just left. Flare went over to it, while Spike turned back to the retreating forms of Ash and Misty. Flare sat down in the chair by it, and looked at it closely.
Spike, thinking as Ash disappeared through a doorway: {Hmm...I can't be sure...he seems to have the skills...and the heart...but does he have the soul? Does he fit into the prophecy? 'He of hair the color black, with the sword strapped upon his back, to this one doth the world depend, or all life upon it end. He must be of heart, and true of mind, for the keys he is to find. With mighty beast and hair of gold, with friends of wisdom and love untold. Cousins strong and right of soul, these must help him reach his goal. If he fights, evil will fail. Yet a word of caution to this tale...if he dies, he cannot prevail.' That was what she me. But its so complexing trying to figure out who this person is! The person prophecized has to have black hair, but also golden hair. HE doesn't have golden hair. And he doesn't have a sword...}
[The plot thickens even more...reminds me of split pea soup...]
Flare, at the computer, quickly typed in two words. Instantly, a window popped up.
It said: "Flare Sparcity, missing 14 year-old Pokémon Trainer. Highest mention from the esteemed Professor Oak. Started his Journey at age 11 with Eevee. Has extremely powerful Flareon and Jolteon, that show an unusual amount of care for their master. Last seen in Olivine City in the Johto section of Indigo..."
He then typed in two different words, and the window changed.
It read: "Spike Kayox, missing 14 year-old Pokémon Trainer. Highest mention from the esteemed Professor Elm. Started his Journey at age 10 with Eevee. Has unknown types of Pokémon, that he never allowed scientists to examine. Last seen in Olivine City in the Johto section of Indigo..."
[...]
They got back to their rooms and changed back into their clothes. Misty and Ash held a conference in Ash's room.
Misty: "So what do you want to do?"
Ash: "I dunno. Kick back and enjoy the pleasures of ship life, I guess."
Misty: "Sounds good to me."
Pikachu: "Pika." 'Me too.'
Ash flipped on the TV and looked at the TV Guide.
Ash: "Hmm...the only thing that looks entertaining is some new movie just put out on video here called 'Titanic' but its just a very long movie about two people in love and one who dies at the end. Its on this network here 24 hours a day. Let's do something else."
Misty, shrugging her shoulders: "How about ordering room service and I dunno, talk about stuff."
Ash, trying hard to not just stare at her soft mane of damp red hair hanging down from her head and her glistening skin, beautiful eyes, etc. [god, I'm so tired of writing that stuff]: "Okay. (Dialing number one of the women [Jesse] gave him) Hello? I was wondering if we could order room service. What do we want? How about a pizza. (To Misty) What kind of pizza do you like?"
Misty: "Any."
Ash, rolling his eyes: "Oh, that helps."
Misty giggled.
Ash, quickly making up his mind: "Okay, we'd like a large pepperoni pizza. And bring some Coke too."
Misty, quickly butting in: "Diet Coke."
Ash: "Diet Coke, sorry. Thanks. (Hangs up phone) Why do you want Diet Coke?"
Misty, sniffing: "So I can keep my girlish figure."
Ash, teasing her: "You're as scrawny-(changing his sentence as she menacingly brought out her 'oagam') I mean, as skinny as a twig! (Wrinkling his nose) And Diet Coke tastes awful."
Misty, sniffing as she put her mallet-thing away: "I don't think so."
Ash: "Whatever. What do you want to talk about?"
Misty, looking at him closely: "Well, a long time ago, a little boy told me about his life, so I thought I'd tell him about mine."
Ash, incredulous: " 'Little'?!"
Misty, shrugging: "You know what I mean."
It turned out that Misty had been a top student in her school, that her parents had died when she was 4, and that her first Pokémon was Staryu. When she was younger, she had no friends whatsoever, because kids were always jealous of her station as Gym Leader. They ridiculed her because for some reason they thought she thought she was superior. At first, her sisters were always putting her down, but as she grew taller, older, and slightly prettier, they began to respect her and treat her almost like an equal. Misty's sisters and herself were known as the Waterflowers of Cerulean City because they adopted that as their last name when their parents died, and that each one of her sisters weren't just pretty, they were beautiful. Misty had always felt out of place, because she didn't think she'd ever be half as attractive as her sisters were. Ash silently disagreed with that, of course, that was the way he felt. Nobody could be more attractive than she could.
Misty had left home to see the island when she was 11. She had won Gym Battles against the Gym Leaders in Pewter City, Lofty City, and Cinnabar Island. She had returned on her 13th birthday, and had stayed in the Gym for a year. Her Pokémon were her only friends. She left again on the day after her 14th birthday. When Ash asked why, Misty couldn't say.
Misty: "I just felt like a had to. So I traveled towards Pallet Town. I thought I was making myself catch Pokémon from the ocean, or something. Its really weird."
Ash: "Yeah."
They had finished the pizza. Pikachu was licking pizza sauce from his fingers.
Ash, puzzling over Pikachu: "I thought you would have ordered ketchup."
Pikachu, in a matter-of-fact tone: "Pika pikachu." 'Tomato sauce is like gourmet ketchup.'
Ash, a little out of that league: "Er...sure. So, Misty, when is your birthday, anyway?"
Misty, grimacing: "If I tell you you'd give me something. I'm the one who owes you."
Ash, insistent: "Oh, c'mon. You're one of my three best friends. Friends give friends gifts on their birthdays."
Misty, looking at him straight in the eye: "You have to tell me yours, then."
Ash, grimacing: "Oh, fine. So when's yours?"
Misty: "February 4th. And yours?"
Ash: "March 18th. That means you are exactly..."
Ash and Misty at the same time: "10 months and 17 days older than me/you."
Misty, laughing: "You better respect your elders, sonny."
Ash, laughing: "Oh yes, granny."
Misty got those marks of fury on her head, and she leapt for Ash, breathing fire.
Misty, chasing the terrified younger boy: "*WHAT* DID YOU CALL ME?!?!"
She tackled him and they hit the sofa, and sat down on his back, pinning him down. Then, Ash burst out laughing. It was contagious, and soon Misty was laughing too.
Pikachu, sighing and smiling: "Pi...pika." 'Ah...young love.'
Ash and Misty stopped laughing, needless to say, shocked.
Ash/Misty, growling at Pikachu: "WHAT did you say?!"
Pikachu, quickly covering up his slip: "Pika." 'Nothing.'
Brock came in.
Brock: "Hi, guys! Sorry I'm late."
Ash: "That's okay."
Brock: "There's a big dinner tonight. Wanna come?"
Misty: "But we just ate!"
Ash: "C'mon, let's go. I'm still hungry."
Misty, exasperated: "You just had half a pizza!"
Ash, patting his stomach: "I'm still hungry, though."
Misty, sighing, still exasperated: "I'm tired. I'm just gonna zonk out for a while."
Ash: "Okay, see you when we get back."
Pikachu, Brock, and Ash left. Misty got into her night gown and tried to sleep.
******
James walked along on the ship, admiring the number of Pokémon he saw.
A voice: "Psst!"
James looked at where the voice was coming from. A man who seemed to run a shop was gesturing. James pointed at himself and the man nodded. James walked over. The shop's sign read: 'Magikarp, half off today!'
James: "Yes sir?"
Man: "Hello. (Pointing to the fish displayed in a tank in front) I don't know if I should tell you, but this Pokémon is a gold mine!"
James: "Gold?!"
Man, nodding: "Yes. Meet Magikarp, the king of all carp. This large carp can give you tons of money! Each Magikarp lays exactly 1,000 eggs at a time. That means you get 1,000 Magikarp. You could sell 1 Magikarp for 100 dollars, you'd get 100,000 dollars. Then, if you wait a little, each of those 1,000 makes another 1,000, giving you 10,000,000 bucks! For only 10 dollars each, you get 1,000,000 dollars! Next year, each of those 1,000,000 make another 1,000, giving you a billion Magikarp! If you sell those, you have a hundred billion dollars! Or if you wait, ten trillion dollars! Keep waiting and you get big, bigger, biggest money!" [sound familiar]
James, looking doubtful: "But what if people don't buy them?"
Man, earnestly: "Anyone will! Magikarp make great Pokémon. (Handing one to James) See?"
James, holding the struggling Magikarp: "Wow, it certainly is lively!"
Man: "Tell you what, normally I'd charge 100 hundred dollars for one of these, but for you, I'll also throw in the 'Egg Care Kit', 'How to Feed Your Magikarp' manual, Magikarp food, and a picture frame for your first 1,000 dollars for only 300 dollars!"
James, smiling as he holds Magikarp and sees millions of dollars pouring over his head: "I'll take it!"
Later, he met up with Jesse and Meowth.
Meowth, looking in disbelief: "You actually bought dat ting?!"
James, insistent: "But Magikarp is a gold mine!"
Jesse, looking irritated: "Magikarp is a no-talent Pokémon and all it can do is Splash around. How did anyone get you to buy such a thing?!"
James, sorrowfully: "I was tricked."
Jesse: "How were you able to buy it?"
James: "Well, I couldn't afford it with the advance on my salary. (Brightly) So I used the advance on your salary as well."
Jesse, picking James up by the neck and shaking him: "You WHAT?!?!!!" Meowth: "C'mon, we gotta get ready."
Jesse, setting James down: "I swear, when we are through with this mission..."
******
At the Grand Hall, many guests had already arrived. Ash, Brock, and Pikachu sat down as a waiter took their order.
Ash: "I would like some Shrimp Fried Rice, please."
Waiter: "Excellent. And ze for drink?"
Ash: "A Cherry Temple."
Waiter, to Brock: "End you, sir?"
Brock: "I'll have the Sirloin Beef with a Root Beer Float."
Waiter, to Brock: "End for ze Pikachu?"
Pikachu: "Pi pikachu pi." 'I'll have apples with ketchup."
Ash: "He says he wants apple slices with a side of ketchup."
[I was thinking of putting this in: Pikachu, irritated: "Pi, pikachu, pikachu PIKA pi PIKACHU. Pi KACHU pi PIKACHU CHU. Pikachu, pika pika." 'No, you imbecil, I said I wanted APPLES and KETCHUP. Not APPLE SLICES and A SIDE OF KETCHUP. Say it slowly, you might get it this time.']
Waiter, with a sweatdrop: "Zat is...ah, intaresting. I vill be right back vith your food."
He walked away. Two Trainers a few tables away watched Ash's every move.
The two Trainers were sipping soft drinks as they eyed the object of their attention. One had red hair. He was tall, with the look of a young athlete. He wore his hair in large spikes off his head, the bangs jutting at a 45 degree angle off his brow. He had on a light, blue jacket. On his legs were beige cargo pants, drifting down to short brown boots [like Gary's] He had light green eyes.
The other had blonde hair. He wore his hair in short spikes. He was taller, and appeared to be a little older. He was lightly muscled, with an open black leather jacket reveling a cream-colored T-shirt covering his chest. He had on blue denims and black boots the same type as his fellow Trainer [like Gary's]. He himself had deep blue eyes.
Flare, sipping the rest of his Coke up: "Tell me again, why are we following him?"
Spike turned his gaze from Ash to his comrade.
Spike, dryly: "Flare, you know as well as I do that he's the only one that can help us now. We have to wait until he's strong enough to be able to give any aid to our cause."
Flare, angrily: "I don't see why we have to drag Ash into this! He'll just be a liability to both us and himself!"
Spike, gazing at Flare levelly: "Listen. At his current level, that may very well be so. But I know for a fact that in time he will grow extremely strong, maybe as powerful or even stronger as we ourselves are. The prophecy says so."
Flare, eyebrows raising to his hairline: "Really?"
Spike, nodding: "Yes, and until that time, we cannot do more than wait and pray he doesn't get into more trouble than he's been through already."
Flare nodded, and narrowed his eyes, looking back towards the table of Ash and Brock.
Flare, thinking: {Grow strong, cousin. We're going to need your help. If you're really the chosen one...still, stranger things have happened to me. Man, I wish it was back to the good old days, before all this happened...when we'd go tromping through the woods in Pallet together, us two and Gary as a team. Before I left. I wish we didn't have to hide ourselves from you, but you can't know our plans yet...Spike's always been more mature than me, I've known that since we met up...I just wish you knew what's happened to us...and what's going to happen to YOU...}
Ash and Brock looked around. It seemed all of the people there were Trainers, talking about Pokémon. They were trading, comparing, and just talking. The waiter came back with their food. They dug in. Suddenly, someone stopped in front of the table. Ash and Brock looked up.
Voice: "Well, well. If it isn't the Pokémon Stealers with moi Pikachu and Charmundah."
Brock, disgusted: "Oh. It's..."
Ash, wrinkling his nose: "...You."
Damien, glaring down at them: "Glad to see youse guys recognize me. Now hand ovah moi Pikachu and moi Charmandah."
Ash, simply and shortly: "They aren't yours anymore, Damien."
Damien, indignant: "Those Pokémon were moine! Ay caught 'em, remembah?!"
[God, Damien is an idiot...]
Ash, growling: "Too bad."
Damien, looking furious: "Dab nabbit, Ay'm not gonna lose moi Pokémon to the loiks of you!"
A mocking voice from behind them: "Of course not. You're going to lose them to the likes of us."
Another voice, angry: "Shut up Meowth! Look, you've ruined our cover!"
Ash, Brock, Pikachu, and Damien turned to see the ladies standing by their table with weird packs on their backs.
Ash: "'Meowth'?!"
The ladies went behind a screen, changed, and came back out, revealing Jesse and James. Meowth was under James's wig, and James looked down in the dumps. The packs were the all-too-familiar Portable Team Rocket Poké Snatchers.
Damien, looking confused and disgusted: "Who are you goys?"
Jesse: "Ah, a newbie. Prepare for trouble!"
James, unenthusiastically: "And make it double."
Jesse: "To protect the world from devastation!"
James, quickly: "To unite all people within our nation."
Jesse: "To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
James, depressed-looking: "To extend our reach to the stars above."
Jesse: "Jesse!"
James, shortly: "James."
Jesse: "Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"
James: "Surrender now or prepare to fight."
Meowth, jumping down: "Meowth, that's right."
Damien, taking out a bunch of Pokéballs: "Surrendah?! I'll crush you with every Pokémon I've got!"Ash, smiling: "Heh, heh, heh. He sure is stupid, isn't he, Brock."
Brock, snickering: "Yep. Go Team Rocket."
[I know this is evil, but I really, really hate Damien and couldn't resist. 8-P ]
Damien, his arms with his Pokéballs hanging above his head: "Huh?"
Jesse, smiling with cold satisfaction: "Thanks."
Her pack flipped on and the Pokéballs in Damien's hands zoomed into the pack.
Damien: "No! Hey, give those back! Theyah mine!"
Jesse: "Come out everyone!"
All of the waiters and employees suddenly whipped off their clothes, showing black Team Rocket attire.
Jesse, commanding the others: "Suck up all the Trainers' Pokéballs! Suck 'em up! Suck 'em all up!"
In the midst of the exchange, Jesse grabbed James and Meowth and they escaped down to the lower deck.
Meowth: "Jesse! We're supposed to be in command!"
Jesse: "We've got...let's see...74 Pokémon. A very nice catch. We've gotta get them to the boss, before the twerps try to stop us again! The others can get the rest."
Meowth: "Here's a videophone."
They call the boss.
Jesse: "Boss, we've successfully captured 74 Pokémon for you. We're sending them right now."
Boss, looking as if he saw pigs flying around the room: "You're-...you're kidding!..."
Meowth: "Nope!"
Boss: "Ah-ahem. Um, excellent. I see them now."
Their boss seemed to crumple up and his eyes rolled back into his head, and he fell away from the screen. He had fainted. An aide came and doused him with water.
Boss, shaking his head: "Thank you. Now, you all get raises and your pick of any two Pokémon you have stolen."
Jesse: "Wow, thank you, sir!"
They each checked which Pokémon there were and took the ones they wanted.
Boss: "Good. Now, I've raised each of your salaries to $1,000 a day. I also forgive you for failing to fetch the Pikachu you keep telling us about. I hope you do this good every week. Viridian Gym out."
As soon as the transmission ended, Meowth, Jesse, and James all hugged each other and whooped. They were no longer going to be as poor as they had been.
Jesse: "I forgive you the Magikarp, James! Buy three more, if you like!"
Meowth: "I must be top cat again!"
They partied in the lower cabins for a couple hours until they fell asleep. They didn't notice the view through the portholes...
******
In the Grand Hall, Rockets were stealing Pokémon.
Ash: "Hey, give those back!"
He jumped to the stage on the far wall and grabbed the microphone.
Ash, over the mike: "EVERYONE! IF THEY CAN TRY TO TAKE OUR POKÉMON WE CAN TRY TO KEEP THEM! USE YOUR POKÉMON TO ATTACK THEM!"
The Trainers looked at themselves.
The Trainers: "Hey, that's right!" "Fight back!" "Pokémon, go!"
Suddenly, hundreds of Pokémon popped out of nowhere. Ash lead the counter- attack.
Ash: "Go, Pikachu, Charmander, Butterfree, Wartortle, Krabby, Seel! Attack with the others of your species!"
The Pokémon banded together and soon there were groups of all types of Pokémon. Raichus and Pikachu made a pyramid of Electric Mouse Pokémon.
Ash: "Pikachus, Raichus, combined Thunderbolt!"
Response: "Raichu!" "Kachu!" "Raichu!" (This is Ash's Pikachu) "PIKA!" 'READY!' (Rest) "CHUUU!!" 'THUNDERBOLT!!"
Another pyramid had a few Blastoises on the bottom, Wartortles in the middle, and Squirtle on the top.
Ash: "Squirtles, Wartortles, Blastoises, combined Water Gun!"
Response: "Tortle!" "Squirtle!" "Stoise!" "Squirtle!" "Tortle!" (This is Ash's Wartortle) "WAR!" 'READY!' (Rest) "QUIRTLE/TORTLE/TOISE!!" 'WATER GUN!!"
Yet another had Charizards on the bottom, Charmeleons in the middle, and Charmanders on the top.
Ash: "Charmanders, Charmeleons, Charizards, combined Flamethrower!"
Response: "Char!" "Char!" "Char!" (This is Ash's Charmander, of course) "MANDER!" 'READY!' (Rest) "CHAR!!" 'FLAMETHROWER!!'
And it went on like that. Eventually, the Rockets gave up and the Pokéballs all went back to their rightful owners. Except...
Ash, chuckling: "Hey Brock! Look."
Damien was running around, looking for Jesse and James in panic.
Brock, looking at Damien: "No one deserves it more. Though I kinda feel sorry for him..."
Ash, seriously: "I really don't."
The Trainers all thanked Ash and threw him and Pikachu into the air, along with cheers.
Suddenly, a shudder went throughout the ship. Everyone turned towards the captain, who had the microphone on stage.
Captain: "I want everyone to calm down. We've just went through some rough weather. There's nothing to worry about. Nothing at all."
Another crash hit the ship. Suddenly, the Trainers all saw the captain lowering himself into a lifeboat.
Captain, still with his peaceful smile: "There's nothing to worry about. Nothing at all. I'm just taking the liberty of checking to make sure the lifeboats are in operation."
The Trainers watched him for half a second as he lowered the boat, then ran towards the other boats, panicking. Ash, Pikachu, and Brock were about to join them when they remembered Misty was still sleeping. Just as they turned around, Misty walked up.
Misty: "What's going on?"
Ash: "We're in a storm! The captain abandoned ship!"
Misty, dismayed: "Oh no! I left all my stuff in the room!"
Brock, grimly: "I did too. But we can't go back, we've got to abandon ship or we'll drown!"
Ash: "I'm not leaving Misty's and your Pokémon back in the cabins! I'm going back. Get in a lifeboat. I'll be okay. Pikachu, you go too."
Ash turned and started running towards the cabins. As he did, he heard footsteps behind him. He stopped and looked back. Misty, Brock, and Pikachu passed him.
Misty, not pausing to look back, sounding irritated: "Are you coming or not?!"
Ash ran and easily caught up with them. Misty growled. Up 'til now, Ash had always taken the lead, done the hero thing. She would NOT continue acting like a scared little kitten, hiding behind him all the time.
Ash, gritting his teeth: "But you can't run fast enough!"
Brock, sweatdropping: "That's why we couldn't come?"
Ash, yelling angrily: "That's one reason!"
Misty, looking Ash in the eye heatedly: "What kind of Trainer do you think I am?!"
Ash, glaring right back after he jumped over a small cart: "A sensible one!"
Misty, bellowing in his face: "I WOULDN'T LEAVE MY FRIENDS AND POKÉMON IN A SHIP THAT'S GOING TO SINK!"
Ash, trying to stop her: "You'll kill yourself! I'm the only one fast enough!"
Misty, pushing herself away from his grasp, turning her view back the way she was running: "I don't care! Besides, neither Pikachu or me would let you die alone! I still have a debt to repay you, whether you like it or not!"
Without further argument, they got to the suites and got their stuff. As they were leaving, a shake rocked the ship and Pikachu fell far down the hall.
Ash: "Pikachu!"
Pikachu: "PIKA!" 'HELP!'
Ash ran after Pikachu, and Misty and Brock followed. Pikachu kept sliding, because the ship suddenly capsized. Ash, Brock, and Misty slid down the sloping hall. Ash finally reached Pikachu. Then, another rock threw him against the wall, and he blacked out. Misty and Brock also blacked out when they ran into Ash.
Outside, the captain was counting all the people that got off.
Captain: "Anyone who isn't here, please raise their hand. (As nobody did) Right, that's everyone, then."
Narrator: "Wait, captain! There are still people on board! Our heroes are trapped and unconscious on the St. Anne! So is Team Rocket! What will happen to them now?"
James, popping in, looking disgusted: "Oh shut up, you idiotic sissy!"
Flareon, surprised: "Who, me?"
James, rolling his eyes: "No, that stupid 'narrator' that you put in these fics for some stupid reason."
Flareon, scratching his mighty brow: "Oh."
James, turning to Flareon, growling: "And you!! You said Team Rocket would reign supreme this time! LIAR!"
Flareon, confused: "Huh?"
James, glaring at Flareon: "You wrote down in the end of the last fic that we would steal from the twerp!"
Flareon, smiling: "Yeah?"
James, yelling: "WELL THE GUY WE STOLE FROM WAS NOT THE TWERP! HE WAS SOME GUY WE'VE NEVER MET BEFORE THAT HAS WIMPY POKÉMON!!"
Flareon, innocently: "He's a twerp, in my opinion, and so you stole from a twerp."
James, pouting: "That's not fair..."
Flareon, shrugging his mighty shoulders: "That's life, man. End fic."
Well, some new information about Spike and Flare. You'd never guess where I got those names, by the way. Oh, there's an idea! I'll add a question of the fic, along with a poll!
QOTF (Question Of The Fic) - Do you recognize Spike? Tall, blonde hair, cold attitude? No, Pokémon fans probably wouldn't...if you do though, don't get any weird ideas, because I just took the name.
POTF (Poll Of The Fic) - Would do you think, should Misty kiss Ash in the next fic? I'm not saying its interactive...like, should Misty kiss Ash without him knowing it? The plot to the next episode is soooo cheesy, I might even change it. ;')
Next fic, Ash and friends (and Team R) are underwater, on a sinking ship. What is wrong with Ash, and why isn't he waking up from his impact with the wall? Is there a way Misty can somehow bestow the kiss of life? And about Team Rocket's new Pokémon...will they help Jesse, James, and Meowth find their way out of the St. Anne? Find out in the next..."Pokémon, What Legends Are Made Of!"
{:FLAREON:}