The news was spread. The contest hall was destroyed. Some people moped around the gym. Other people kept busy. Misty had challengers to take care of. Ash had to go to Pallet Town to see his old rival, and now his new friend about some money. And May wanted to come up with a plan to get Ash and Misty together! So she asked the mopey Brendan, Wally, Brock and Max to meet in her room in an hour.

Finally it was time. " Okay you guys, we need to get Ash and Misty together.

" Oh," Max said, obviously not liking the idea.

" Why must I be the only one without love?" Brock moaned. Everyone sweat dropped.

" What about you guys? Do you wan to help?" May asked.

"Um..." said Brendan.

" Well… said Wally.

" Come on guys, help me out here. I know you all want to see this happen. If the contest isn't going, there's nothing else we can do. So why not?' May pleaded.

" Yeah, why not," Max gave in, trying to hide his disappointment.

" Do you think Drew will want to help?" May asked. Everyone looked at her as if she was crazy. "What? It was just a suggestion," May said. " Anyway, I've got the perfect plan. Listen up." Everyone gathered around as she told them her plan.

Meanwhile, Ash had just arrived in Pallet Town. He went to Prof. Oak's lab. There he saw Gary. " Hey Gary!" he called. Gary looked around. He saw Ash.

" Hi Ash! What are you here for?" Gary asked, smiling.

" I just wanted to thank you for the money you gave me. So, thank you."

" It was no trouble Ash. I always wanted to see this happen. So how did the date go?" Gary asked grinning.

" It was great," said Ash blushing crimson.

" Have you admitted anything yet?' Gary asked.

" Sort of. Anyway, do you want to research one of my pokemon? You know, as thanks?" Ash replied.

" Well that would be great Ash. Any of your pokemon would do. Don't worry, I won't hurt them, but can you give me Pikachu for a while? I want to figure out why it doesn't want to evolve," Gary said excitedly.

" Well…" Ash said. He didn't know what to think about parting with his best buddy so Gary could examine him, even if it was only for a day. " I don't know," Ash said at last.

" Like I said, any pokemon would do. I don't need Pikachu," Gary said.

" How about my um my… Hey, Pikachu, would you mind staying with Gary?" Ash asked.

" Pika Pikachu pika!" Pikachu answered cheerfully (no not at all, as long as he's good to me).

" Don't worry, he will be," Ash said. " Here Gary. Take good care of it"

" I will Ash, come back for Pikachu the day after tomorrow," Gary answered.

At the gym, when Ash arrived, he was told Misty was already sleeping. It was dark. " Hi Ash!' May said. " Where's Pikachu?"

" It's a secret," Ash said.

" Oh well everyone's eaten already ,( Ash's tummy rumbled), Drew is asleep, and we're all going out ( by we she meant she and Brock, Brendan, Wally, and Max).

" All of, you now?" Ash asked puzzled. " Why?"

" Why not?" May answered a little flustered hoping Ash didn't suspect anything.

" I don't know. Is Rudy asleep too?"

" Yes!' May called over her shoulder. "And so is Misty."

Ash, puzzled, ate dinner, trained a little bit, and then slept when May and the rest came home.

-------------------------------------------The Next Day-----------------------------------------------

Misty woke up to a knock on the door. " Who could that be?" she wondered aloud and went to open the door. There she found Team Rocket.

A/N: I always liked the fact that Ash and Gary became friends. I need to know the names of the two male judges before the next chapter can be updated. You'll know why when I write it. Keep reviewing! I love to read reviews!