Pokémon and anything related to Pokémon don't belong to me. I own a handful of attacks and monsters, even some characters, but anything familiar belongs to their respective owners. The things that belong to me are marked with a (W) after the description.

New Beginnings

--Cerulean City--

Ash and Misty were dropped off by Noctowl right in front of her home. She was visibly thrilled to go on an adventure with Ash again, and that made him happy. Especially considering the events of the night before. He watched as she went inside and up the stairs with a sorrowful expression. "Quit chasing her, Ash. You can't have her," he thought, reaching into his pocket. Then he remembered the letter he wrote the night before. He pulled it out slowly and looked around for a mailbox. "If Misty were to see this, she'd ask a lot of questions." Thoughts went through his head as to what questions she'd ask.

Who's Crystal? What is she to you? When did you meet her? Why are you writing to her? Where did you meet her? How did you meet her? For a reason even Ash didn't know, he didn't want Misty to find out. It wasn't really her business that Crystal is a childhood friend. She does have a bad tendency to get into someone's personal affairs. He shook his head and continued his search for a nearby mailbox. Luck shined on him when he finally found one. "Thank you," he thought and looked up.

Misty rummaged through her clothes for outfits that'll impress Ash. She was thinking about low cut tops, tight jeans and lots of skirts. She wanted to look nice for him, possibly for him to get the picture about how she really feels about him. While she searched for her short red skirt she came across a rather revealing night dress. She held it in front of her body and cocked her head as she looked at her reflection. Her breathing became a little harder. "This… is for the night I tell him," she told herself and sighed. The dress was the first thing she packed, followed by the rest of her stuff. With her bag packed for a long adventure, she bid her sisters goodbye and stepped out with Ash awaiting her.

--Vermillion City--

Noctowl dropped them off in front of the dock and was recalled into the ball in Ash's hands. "Alright Mist. Let's get this adventure started," he declared to her with a cocky smirk. She smiled back and nodded at him with an expression of assurance. As they walked down the docks, a familiar laugh approached them, with large footsteps on the boardwalk. "Is that who I think it is," he asked the redhead beside him.

The Pokémon master's assumption was correct. The laugh belonged to none other than Lt. Surge. "Well, if it isn't Ash Ketchum, the Pokémon Master of the world," the jovial army lieutenant greeted with a hearty backslap. "And Misty, if I remember correctly." They both turned to face the dark skinned gym leader with wide smiles. He took one look at Misty and whistled, "Whoa, talk about baby to babe!"

Worenx Note(WN): If memory serves, Surge called Ash and Misty "Baby" a lot. If I'm wrong, someone correct me.

Misty smiled and blushed at Surge's comment. "How've you been Lt.," Ash asked, happy to see his old friend.

Surge cracked a smile and pat the shoulder of a little guy next to him. "Great. My nephew here has decided to become a Pokémon trainer like his father and uncle," he explained and muzzed the boy's blonde hair. "He heard of this competition and got all excited, so I'm gonna accompany him and give him some pointers."

Ash inspected the boy and smiled at him. "Hey there, little dude. What's your name?"

"My name is Jim. But people call me Sparky," he answered, saying Sparky proudly.

"Hey Surge, he looks a little young. How old is he," Ash asked and put his hands in his pockets.

With a bright smile able to light all of Saffron, Surge crossed his arms and looked to the sky proudly. "He's going on eight. He's a real hotshot too! Just like his uncle." Ash looked confused. "Because his uncle is a gym leader, he has special privileges and can become a trainer as early as six, as long as they can devise a strategy of some kind."

"That's true, Ash. Because my mom was a leader, I became a trainer at seven," Misty added in. Ash nodded in understanding as the redhead knelt in front of Sparky. "What strategy do you use?"

"I attack hard and quickly with Electric-based moves," he announced with a jolt of energy. This kid was a Surge, alright. Misty giggled at his spunk and vigor. "What game plan do you use, Miss," Sparky asked politely.

Misty shook her head and her smile diminished a bit, "I used to use an all-out Water type offensive, but I'm all washed up. I don't fight anymore."

The avuncular Lieutenant's face became distorted with shock at Misty's revelation. "What was that again? You don't battle anymore?" The shock dissolved off his face and became sadness. "Last I checked, you were a gym leader."

Ash looked away with shame. He felt it was his fault Misty stopped battling. If he didn't bring May back with him, she wouldn't have challenged Misty to that fight, which was her last. Or it may have been because Ash wasn't at her side to kick her back into shape after such a setback. "Her prized Kingdra lost to a Blaziken. That should be enough to break someone's fighting spirit," he thought, shifted his cap's visor a little over his eyes and stuffed his hands into his pocket.

Misty nodded and rubbed her arm nervously. "I just seemed to have lost my luster," she admitted. "Not just that, but I haven't had the heart for it."

The Surges both looked a little upset about her giving up, but they quickly bounced back and put on the traditional smile that can light up an entire city. "Well, that's too bad. But you must have more personal reasons you don't wanna share," Lt. Uncle said and pat Sparky's back in a manly fashion, nearly knocking him down. "This little guy could've learned a thing or two from ya."

Misty blushed and looked to Ash, "Sparky can still learn from the Pokémon Master; he doesn't need a washed-up gym leader like me." Surge laughed heartily again and walked to Ash.

"You're entering this competition too, eh? Well, you're gonna need the best of luck," he told Ash and put on a stern face. "The first rounds are said to separate the men from the boys, women from the girls, and the weak from the strong. Everything from then on will be much harder." The leader warned the trainers with a very, un-Surge-like, expression. Ash knew for a fact that this challenge was not going to be easy, but coming from a great battler like Surge, this competition must be very tough.

Ash nodded and looked up to Surge's gaze. "Thanks, Lieutenant," he said with a salute, "Good to know someone knows what to expect over there."

When Ash, Misty, Surge and Sparky made it to the boat, they flashed their tickets to the guard and were admitted into the S.S. Aqua. "I have a good idea, Uncle," Sparky said excitedly, attracting attention. "Why not room with Ash and Misty? Maybe the three of you can give me some pointers! Then I'll be in better shape for the competition!"

"That'd be a great idea, Sparky!" Surge looked to the two trainers and gestured to his nephew, "That is if it's alright with them."

Ash looked to Misty and shrugged. The redhead shrugged as well. "It's fine with us. Between a leader, a master and a former leader, you're bound to get some great suggestions to build an unstoppable team," Ash said and turned his hat around, striking a pose.

--S.S. Aqua (room)--

Hours after boarding the ship, the four trailed to their room, chatting all the way about basic Pokémon knowledge, battle strategies, well rounded teams, and training advice. With the utmost interest, Sparky listened intently the words the two leaders and the master had to say. His blue eyes were wide with excitement, and shiny as recently cleaned marble. This went on for a good three hours after entering the room. Eventually, Sparky was sound asleep on his bed, dreaming about the competition and all the advice he was just given.

"I can't thank you two enough for helping out my nephew," Surge said in a whisper to Ash and Misty.

"Ah, don't worry about it, Surge," Ash said, also in a whisper. "He'll be a great trainer in no time."

"Just like his uncle," Misty added in and winked.

Surge smiled at them and climbed onto the lower bunk, under Sparky. "Now," with a yawn, "if you don't mind, I'm gonna hit the hey. I'll see you two in the morning, bright and early." With that, he yawned again and fell to the pillow, instantly falling asleep…

Almost 20 minutes later, Misty fell asleep on the top bunk and Ash was left up by himself. He laid on his back and thought about the only girl to make his heart ache and how he could no longer have her. With a sigh, he got up and put his shoes on, hoping a walk may be able to calm his mind. Just as Ash was about to leave, he heard Misty mumble something. He got a little closer to her bunk to hear a little better. "…Ash," she said softly and turned on her side. Ash began listening to her dream about him. He got a little closer, with his growing curiosity. "…You… You idiot…" His eyes narrowed at that. With another sigh, he headed for the door and stepped out into the hall. As the door shut, blush crept on her face and a small giggle escaped her. "You are an idiot… That's why I love you…"

--S.S. Aqua (deck)--

He laid on the deck looking up at the starry, midnight sky, thinking about the competition that will put his Pokémon handling skills to the test. What types of monsters would he encounter? Which of those types would he have to capture? What dangers await him? These thoughts buzzed around his head like a bunch of angry Beedrill. His hair blew back with the wind as the island appeared off in the distance. "Sleight Island," he said to himself. Ash turned his attention to an interesting-looking white haired guy. On his cheek was a white marking, and with his eyes closed, he couldn't tell the color eyes. He wore some kind of blue coat and on his arm was an odd-looking contraption. "Is he a trainer or something," Ash asked himself and stood up.

"Wess? Where'd you go, Wess," a voice called, getting this guys attention. He opened his eyes, revealing two yellow eyes, and turned to face the origin of the voice. A young-looking redhead walked out onto the deck and into this guy's arms. "What are you doing up so late? You should be asleep," she said as she nuzzled up to his chest.

Wess smirked a bit and looked into her large blue eyes. "Me? You're the one in the competition. You, if anything, should be sleeping." She looked up and smiled at him. "This should be good training for you, Rui."

The girl, apparently Rui, pulled out of Wess's embrace and looked to Ash, who had been watching them. "Hello," she called happily to him, but blushing like mad. Ash waved a little.

"What can we do for you, pal," Wess asked and put his hands in his coat pocket.

Ash stood up and walked towards them. "I was just wondering if you're a Pokémon trainer," he said and put his hands in his pockets. Wess nodded and smirked a bit. With a smirk of his own, Ash shot the white-haired youth a competitive glare. "Feel up to a battle?" Without another word, Wess pulled out a Pokéball and showed it to Ash.

"Alright! Three on three battle! Best two out of three," Rui announced to anyone willing to watch a battle, "Ash VS Wess! Ready…… GO!"

Wess started by calling out his trusty Espeon, Ash called on Donphan. The monsters burst out of their spherical homes and took their positions before their masters. Each giving the other a piercing glare. Same goes for the trainers. They both seemed one with their Pokémon.

"Alright, Donphan! Rollout," Ash commanded and pointed a finger at the opposing Espeon. With an elephant-like cry, the tusked monster rolled into a ball and propelled itself at the lavender creature.

Calm as calm can be, Wess smirked at the oncoming target and looked to Espeon, who looked back with pure tranquility in her eyes. "Counter Force." The gem on her head flickered bright red. The instant Donphan made contact, he was hurled back and slammed harshly onto the ground. "A very interesting attack that deflects any attack, but at a certain price," Wess explained to the obviously dumbfounded Ash.

--Counter Force Psychic ATK:70 ACC:85 A defensive move that deflects any attack(except Dark and Bug), negating any effects the attack might have. Inflicts some normal damage on the target. The user loses a substantial amount of Special Defense.(W)

Donphan recovered from the pushback and shook his head about. "That Counter Force is gonna be one tough defense to break," Ash thought aloud. "Okay, let's try something else, Donphan."

"A little word of advice, before you get too far into your thinking," the white-haired guy interrupted, "Discuss things in private."

Ash blushed a bit out of embarrassment and chuckled nervously. "Whoops…"

--S.S. Aqua (room)--

Misty's eyes slowly fluttered open to see Sparky and Surge sprawled out on the bed, snoring away. Sitting up and rubbing her eyes, she felt thirsty, so she got up to stretch and headed towards the door. As she stepped into the hall, a small group of trainers sped by with great haste. "C'mon, Gene! We're gonna miss the battle at this rate," the small kid of the group called back to his friend in the way back.

"Shut up, Jim! I'm on my way!" he yelled back, tossing his jacket on and hopping as he tried to tie his boot. "Seen one battle, seen em' all! What's the point?" the redhead called to Jim as he rushed by Misty.

WN: XD If you don't recognize those names, there is something wrong with you. XP Just kidding. Gene and Jim from Outlaw Star don't belong to me.

She watched on in confusion and blinked a few times. "Battle?" Then she thought about Ash, "Ash would love to see this," and rushed back into the room, turning the light on, waking Surge and Sparky. "There's a battle going on the deck! C'mon guys!"

Surge yawned loudly and cracked his back. "A battle?"

"A battle? Let's go, Uncle Surge," his nephew chimed with sparkly eyes. Surge grinned the grin of grins and mussed his hair. "Yay!"

Misty climbed the step ladder to wake Ash, only to find Ash wasn't there. "Where'd Ash go?" She figured he was probably on deck, watching the fight. "Wait a minute. If there's a battle going on, knowing Ash he's probably the one battling!" She leapt off the ladder and stepped out into the hall, leaving them behind. "This might actually be fun to watch," she commented as she recalled the last battle she saw with that Worenx character.

--S.S. Aqua (deck)--

Donphan went down with a loud crash. Ash quickly recalled the pachyderm-esc monster and thought for a second as he eyes his opponent's Espeon and the attacks he had been using. "Counter Force lowers it's resistance to special attacks, but Psych Force boosts it up again. Then there's Psychic and Return to worry about…" The only way he could see winning is using a Dark type. But unfortunately for him, the only monster he had with a Dark attack was Feraligatr. It was his only shot. "Go! Feraligatr! Attack with Crunch!" As the ball opened and the giant blue gator dove at the defending Espeon, mouth wide open and showing it's massive jaws, glowing with a sort of demonic aura.

--Psych Force Psychic ACC:100 Attack that inflicts no damage, but may lower the target's Special Attack and increase the user's Special Defense by an equal amount.(W)

Wess's eyes widened as the azure monster flew through the air. "Espeon! Psych Force!" Espeon flashed blue as Feraligatr flashed red. The attack connected and inflicted enough damage to knock her out of the battle. As he recalled her into the ball, he shot Ash a grin. "Now that's more like it." He picked out another Pokéball from his belt and tossed it into the field. "Umbreon, go!"

Just then, Misty, Sparky and Surge stepped out on the deck and saw the two trainers engaged in combat. Right away, she knew Ash was one of them just by the back of his head. From where they were standing, they had almost a perfect view of Ash's opponent; white hair, yellow eyes and a long blue trench coat-like jacket. "Uncle! The battle's already started," Sparky whined and tugged at Surge's fatigues. Misty was too distracted to hear; she blushed furiously when she realized where she was looking…

"Spiral Jab," Ash commanded and pointed to Umbreon. The gator Pokémon growled and reared back it's mighty fist as bluish energy flowed into it…

--Spiral Jab Fighting ATK:140 ACC:85 Powerful Fighting type attack that takes two turns to attack.(W)

"Don't let him attack you, Umbreon," Wess's eyes gleamed with a plan, "Stop him with Push Back!" The Dark Pokémon's eyes flashed a brighter red than they already were as he sprinted towards his opponent. As Feraligatr was about to swing powerfully, Umbreon dove forward and hammered him with a powerful head butt. Almost the instant he landed, Umbreon back flipped and kicked in the water monster's jaw, knocking him backward.

--Push Back Normal ATK: 30 ACC: 100 Attacks twice; each attack has a 50 chance of inflicting a critical hit. If either of the attacks is a critical attack, any attack the opponent is preparing(Skull Bash, Sky Attack, ect.) is canceled.(W)

As his monster's fist stopped glowing, Ash immediately knew what that attack was capable of.. He cursed to himself and shook his head. "Hydro Pump!" Feraligatr reared back and shot out a blast of water straight for the Dark monster before him. "Unless this Umbreon has the same abilities as that Espeon, I'm in trouble…"

"Umbreon, show em' your Dark Force!" The rings on the Umbreon's body began to glow brightly as his black fur darkened. The blast of water began to whiz at him at a high speed. Just before it hit, a black energy shield formed around him, and an instant later it shattered into several black shards. Hydro Pump connected, and Umbreon stood back up, with powerful glaring eyes. He opened his mouth as if to roar, and a large black beam shot out and plowed into the gator and knocked him out. After, Umbreon fell to his knees, unable to continue the fight…

--Dark Force Dark ACC: 100 The user inflicts damage to the target equal to 3 times the damage dealt from a Special attack or 2 times the damage dealt from a physical attack.

Both trainers were down to their last monster, and Ash was wondering who he should choose. And what this Wess guy was planning. Just as Ash reached for his belt, not wanting to wait and see what Wess is going to call out, "Go for it, Eeveeon!" The ball flew out and opened up in the air and a larger version of Eevee appeared from a bright flash. It looked like a combination of Eevee and Umbreon.

Ash blinked as he looked to this Eeveeon. "What in the world is that," he asked with obvious admiration and awe. This creature was beautiful! He wanted to know how he could get a hold of one. He reached into his pocket to retrieve the handy Poké-Dex. Eeveeon: The Evolution Pokémon. Another alternate evolutionary stage of Eevee. Present an Eevee with a Terra Stone and it will evolve into Eeveeon. In this form, the Pokémon will feel closer and more attached to its trainer and will bond much faster. There is still one more stage after this. "Note to self: Get an Eeveeon."

­--Eeveeon: Picture Eevee, only a matured version.(W)

--Terra Stone: One of the rarest stones of all. Only a half million of them are created every eon or so. Contains the powers of the earth.(W)

"Yeah, very handy to have around," Wess commented and gave Ash a cocky grin.

Ash reached for his third Pokéball when he heard someone pushing through the heavily accumulated crowd. "When did the crowd get this big," he wondered as he saw a spike of red hair, followed by some blonde hair and partially a forehead. He knew automatically that it was Misty and Surge, and behind Surge is most likely Sparky. "Okay! I choose you, Heracross!" The ball opened and out came the Herculean beetle Pokémon with a happy cry. He opened his wings and let them flutter before tucking them back in. "Fighting VS Normal! This could be easy," Ash spouted and struck an arrogant pose.

"Are you mouthing off, Ash Ketchum," came a cold female voice…

Ash looked around to find where the voice came from. It sounded awfully familiar. "Ash, don't get too cocky," came a familiar voice; the voice of Misty. He smiled dopily and scratched his head.

Wess smirked a bit and crossed his arms. "Listen to your girlfriend, Ash." Both Ash and Misty's face turned a bright shade of red and looked away from each other. The white haired guy chuckled loudly and quickly shook it off. "I guess I'm mistaken," he finished. He gestured to Rui and she came running to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Reminds me of when Rui and I first met." Once again, the faces of Ash and Misty brightened, making Wess laugh again. "Well on with the battle. Eeveeon! Evolutionary Attack!"

--Evolutionary Attack ? ATK: 100 ACC: 100 An attack that's Type varies. It will take on the attribute; Water, Fire, Thunder, Dark or Psychic; the target is weak against. If the opponent isn't weak against any of those Types, it takes on Normal attribute. Double Type weaknesses apply. Recoil Damage: 50 of the damage inflicted.(W)

Ash blinked as Eeveeon's appearance began to change. It now looked like a combination of all 5 of the other evolutions. Red, blue, yellow, black and purplish energy began to converge to the monster's open mouth. Both he and Heracross knew it wasn't a good thing. "I'm just gonna guess… It attacks with all five types… Wonderful…" Ash sighed and shook his head. "Sorry Heracross, looks like this fight was over before it began." The monster's eyes saddened and he sounded like he sighed as well.

"Alright," Wess said and struck a pose, "This fight is over," he shouted, pointing at Heracross. Eeveeon let out a cry as fire surrounded her and dove at Heracross. The moment after the fire burst all over Heracross, she coiled into a ball and electricity erupted from every orifice. While still mid-air, she shot out forward in a spiraling motion, water surrounding her. Hitting Heracross, she rebounded away from the beetle, but still in the air. While in the air, her eyes flashed purple and fired a large glowing beam at her target. Finally the moment she landed, she let out an intense wave of black energy hurdling towards him. Eeveeon then dropped to the floor, breathing heavily. Wess walked to her and pet her softly, making sure she was alright.

With that series of powerful attacks, Heracross fell to his now wobbly knees and bit the dust with a loud thud. Sighing, Ash recalled the Hercules beetle into his spherical home. "Good job, buddy," he said with a smile. He looked to the other trainer with a warm smile. Wess, white hair blowing in the wind, returned the smile. "Great battle," he said as he walked to Wess and extended his hand to him.

Wess nodded and took Ash's hand and shook it heartily. "That was an awesome battle. The best I've ever had in a long time." He knelt down and pet Eeveeon again, this time giving her a Full Restore. "I can tell you deeply love and care for your Pokémon. You're gonna do great in this competition," he said, wholeheartedly.

"I'm sure we'll face each other in the finals," Ash assured.

"Oh, you won't be facing me; you'll be facing Rui here." He took Rui by the waist and pulled her closer, making the redhead blush a bit and wave shyly. "She's a novice, but with some proper training, she'll be a real hot-shot!" She blushed even more, becoming a human beet.

She cuddled closer to him and kissed his cheek. "I'm tired Wess, so I'm going back to bed, okay," she whispered. As she ran back to the hall, she waved shyly and called "G'night" and went back to their room.

With that, Wess smiled slightly and turned towards her retreating form. "Hey, I'm suddenly feeling tired so I'll be taking my leave early," he said with a glint in his eyes.

"Uncle Surge? What's with that look?" Wess cleared his throat and blushed a bit, laughing a little. Ash, Misty and Surge joined in, but really laughing hard.

As Surge tried to explain to Sparky and Misty putting it bluntly, Ash walked off, still red in the face from laughing. He leaned against the railing and looked into the night sky. The moonlight revealed Sleight Island off the horizon and he smiled competitively. "Yes. Almost there!"

"Yeah, almost time for you to meet your maker, Ash," the cold female voice from before said. She was much closer this time, and her voice was painfully familiar to Ash.

He turned to look to her and his eyes grew wide with terror. "N-no way… It can't be you…" He stammered and blinked a few times. "What are y-you doing here?"

End of Chapter III

Journey; Part II

Worenx's Corner

Worenx: Who is that?

Chachi; barges in: YOU CHANGED THE STORY, YOU BASTARD!

Shade: It's for the best Chachi. Adds to the new emotion of things.

Chachi: What? More sex?

Shade+Worenx: …

Shade: You're just jealous that you can't write any better.

Chachi: … SHUT UP! (flutters back to his post)

Worenx: …Who is that?

Shade: … Mr. Monkey Man…

Worenx: … I knew it…

Catra: …Idiot…