River Ransom
Jessie and James were in their balloon flying over a river that flowed out of the mountains. Having failed at their attempt to capture the Piloswine, they were on their way back to town to get supplies for their next scheme.
"I can't believe that the twerps defeat us every time," Jessie complained.
"I know, I mean with our flawless strategy we should be at the top by now," said James.
"Guys! What's that down there in the river?" asked Meowth
James and Jessie rushed over to see what Meowth was looking at. There was a small person-like form floating in the river.
"Ooh, looks like our lucky day," said James.
"Meowth take us down," commanded Jessie.
As the balloon lowered down towards the ground the figure in the river became more visible. It was a young boy wearing a black shirt with a blue vest overtop.
"It's the twerp," gasped Jessie.
"Now we can finally capture Pikachu," said James excitedly.
They landed the balloon along the river bank. James and Jessie hopped out and ran over to the river and dragged Ash out of the water.
There were deep gashes across the boy's arms and face, many of them still bleeding. Many of the gashes were filled with dirt and rock fragments. His clothing had been torn to shreds.
James winced in disgust at the site of the badly injured trainer. He felt a bit of pity for the young boy.
Meowth began checking his pockets and coat for anything they could take.
"Um guys, he's clean. There's not a single pokéball on him, and I don't see any pokémon around," said Meowth
"Wobuffet!" said Wobuffet in wonderment.
"He's in pretty bad shape," stated James.
James walked over to Ash and shook him.
"Pikachu!" said Ash weakly.
"He's freezing," said Meowth.
"Just forget about the twerp," said Jessie.
Wobuffet walked over to Ash and nudged the boy rolling him onto his back. There were many dark red stains upon his coat and pants. The white sleeves of his jacket had been stained crimson.
Pikachu stood peering off in disbelief at the spot where Ash had disappeared. Misty ran over and grabbed Pikachu. The mouse pokémon squirmed in protest wanting to get out and look for its' lost friend and trainer.
"I'm sorry Pikachu but we have to get out of here to where it's safe. It's what Ash would want."
These last words cut Pikachu to the heart. The little pokémon realized that his friend had knowingly risked his life to save him. Pikachu grasped Misty in a tight embrace as tears rolled down the little pokémon's rosy cheeks.
"Come on you guys we have to keep moving," shouted Brock from up ahead.
The rumbling white river continued to pour down the mountain side as large chunks of snow and ice cracked away from the mountain top. The gang continued their trek down the mountainside. Their destination, the cave where they had made camp the night before.
"If we get to the cave we'll be alright," said Brock.
Once the gang reached the cave they set up camp.
"We should wait here until it's safe to go out," said Brock.