All but two of the assembled group stood in shock and horror at what they had just heard. The boy for whom they had thought had been dead for four years was apparently standing in front of them with his back turned to them.
Ash waited for the Pokedex to be ejected from the slot it was currently in before turning around. With a click, it slid out of the slot and Ash replaced it into his back pocket. Turning around he did not have the smile that had been etched onto his face before, his face now showed no signs of emotion.
The room was silent; Ash mentally told himself repeatedly he would not be the one to break it. Lucky for Ash, Pikachu broke the silence for him. Pikachu ran across the lab and hopped onto Ashs shoulder with a happy "Pikapi!"
Brock stood like he had seen a ghost, he was unnaturally pale, with his jaw dropped down. Brock wanted this to be true, but it just didn't seem right. Why after all this time would Ash suddenly come back? And he's acting so nonchalantly about this.
Brock very slowly moved his eyes around the room, not moving his head as he did so. Tracey, was stricken still, his eyes were wide with too many emotions to count. Prof. Oak stared in disbelieve his arms hung loosely at his side and his mouth was slightly open. Misty and Delia however, they were slightly perplexed, but other than that they were fine.
And that's what threw Brock off, he knew Misty had feelings for and Ash and he was her best friend. Brock couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't broken down at this sudden revelation. But Delia surprised Brock the most, she had taken it the hardest when Ash had disappeared, and she stood there like she had seen him only yesterday!
Unfortunately for Brock, anger seemed to take a hold of him, the fact that some blond kid walks in here, gives them a possible fake name, then slaps them in the face when his Pokedex says his names Ash Ketchum, just didn't sit well with him.
The silence that followed Pikachu jumping onto his shoulder was broken by Brock, "Just who the hell do you think you are?" He asked incredulously! Ash stood there, his emotionless gaze on Brock, he didn't say anything. That just infuriated Brock even more; Brock clenched his fist and made his way over to Ash.
Ash didn't seem the least bit phased by this. "Brock calm down! It really is Ash!" Misty yelled at the infuriated breeder, Misty had no clue why Brock was so angry, she would have thought that he would have been one of the happiest to find that his best friend was alive.
Ash just held up a hand toward Misty motioning her to not speak, Misty obliged, but couldn't help but feel a little scared for Ash.
Brock walked up to Ash and gripped his shirt with both hands, knocking Pikachu off his shoulder. "Who the hell do you think you are coming in here, telling us that your Ash Ketchum, how on Earth to you expect us to believe that!" he spat angrily.
Ash still hadn't said anything, but finally he spoke to the angry breeder. "You should know your own friend Brock, but if you want proof I've got plenty of it." Ash said this calmly, not at all intimidated by Brock.
"You show me the slightest bit evidence, and I may believe you," He said it bitterly, and filled with sarcasm.
Ash ignored his tone and spoke, "The only proof I need is standing on the ground behind you, try anything and you will regret it," Ash said nonchalantly looking over Brocks shoulder.
Brock spun around not removing his grip from Ashs shirt, looking on the ground he saw Pikachu, sparks shooting sparks from his cheeks, with its fur standing on edge, growling. But beside Pikachu was the Growlithe that had come in with it, standing ready in an attacking stance, baring its fangs and glaring at him menacingly.
Brock looked from Pikachu to Ash, his eyes still burned with anger. But deep down, he knew that this person was Ash. Very slowly he released his grip from Ashs shirt; he looked deeply into Ashs blue eyes, looking for the smidge of evidence that proved he was lying. But there was none.
"Why didn't you comeback, four years you put us through, four years of hell. And now you come back and your acting like you've been gone a day! What the hell is wrong with you?" He furiously whispered this at Ash so the others couldn't here.
"Brock you want the answers? That's why I'm here. It is me, and once you calm down you will understand. Do you hear me?" Ash whispered calmly, he knew Brock was upset. He was taking it like a big brother would if he found out that the little brother who had run away was finally back after years of being apart.
Brock was to overcome by emotions right now, he was happy that Ash was back of course, but the anger was still in him. Ash was here in front of him telling him that he would understand if he calmed down. What Ash said next surprised him.
"If you're angry at me, feel free to take a swing at me to get it out. The sooner you calm down the sooner I get to answer your questions," Ash said this so calmly, it was like he had said it every day of his life.
Brock stared at him incredulously, here was Ash Ketchum his best friend telling him to punch him if it made him feel better. He didn't do that, he did the opposite.
Brock lunged forward and took Ash into a massive bear hug, tears pouring down his face. Ash tried to get his arms free to return the hug, but couldn't free himself from Brock's strong grip. After a minute, Ash began to turn a little blue, "Br-ock! Cho-ing Me-h!" Ash choked out, as the little air left in him was being forced out of his lungs.
Brock finally released him from the crushing hug. Ash took a moment to regain his breath. Finally recomposed, Ash put his hand on Brock's shoulder and gave it firm squeeze. "It's great to see you again Brock," Ash said before taking Brock into a hug of his own, but know where near as suffocating as the one Brock had pulled him into.
Ash pulled him out of the hug, "You gonna be okay?" He asked. Brock nodded, "My offer still stands, you sure you don't want to give me a right hook?"
Brock chuckled, "I'll pass for now, but if you don't give us some good answers for you not being here, I might just take you up on that," Brock chuckled. Ashs smile dimmed as he said that.
Ash gave Brock a pat on the back before making his way over to Prof. Oak. "Professor, it's great to see you agai-" He was cut off as Prof. Oak yanked him into a hug much like Brocks, but not nearly as strong.
"It's more than good to see you too my boy! You've had us worried sick! And don't you worry about your Pokemon; they've been taken care of to the best of my abilities!" Prof. Oak cried out as he held a baffled Ash.
Prof. Oak released him from the hug beaming at Ash. Smiling Ash held out his hand for the ecstatic Professor. Prof. Oak took the hand and shook it enthusiastically. Smiling Ash turned to Tracey.
"Hey there Tracey, it's been a while hasn't it?" Ash said grinning as he took the Pokemon watcher into a hug. Grinning, Tracey gladly reciprocated the hug.
"Boy do I have some questions for you!" Tracey exclaimed!
Ash let out a laugh. "I'm sure you do, but before I answer any questions, there's one thing left I have to do," Ash said his smile fading slightly.
"What's that Ash?" Misty asked.
Ash turned to the Professor. "Professor, I need you to round up my Pokemon, it's about time I say hello to them,"
Prof. Oak nodded seriously, "Don't mention me-" Ash stopped as he realized he forgot something important. "Brock, Tracey, Professor," Ash said seriously. "By no means can you let anyone know I've been here. And I mean no one!" His voice was calm but he was dead serious about this.
"Why Ash?" Brock asked confused, he would have thought that Ash would have wanted to celebrate his return.
"I've already informed Misty and my mom a little about that, I told them that I would tell them today and I plan on it. You will know soon enough, but you can't let word get out that I've been in Pallet,"
"But for now I need to go see my Pokemon. They have to hear about what's happened and why I haven't been around," Ash looked around the group, seeing that they all understood, "Prof. Oak could you please get my Pokemon now?"
"Sure Ash," he said taking off out the door.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
After a couple minutes the Professor had rounded up all of Ashs Pokemon. Misty, Brock, Tracey, Delia, and Prof. Oak stood with them. Ash and Pikachu remained inside until all the Pokemon had assembled.
The Pokemon hadn't been informed on what was going on, and what surprised them was that Pikachu wasn't here with them. They waited in silence, until the door to the laboratory creaked opened and out walked a boy with white hair and Pikachu on his shoulder.
The Pokemon began to chatter amongst themselves as the boy drew closer. Once he was in front of them he knelt down onto one knee and gave them a smile they hadn't seen in years. They stared in disbelieve. "Hey everyone," he said softly. "It's great to see you all again, I-I missed you all so much," as he said it his voice wavered. Ash tried with all his might to not let a tear break through. Unfortunately for him, it didn't happen.
The Pokemon stared in shock, he was back. He was actually back. Despite the difference in appearance, they knew that voice anywhere, they knew that smile anywhere.
It all happened in a flash. Ash had been kneeling in front of his Pokemon, next thing he knew he was on the ground being squashed by the excited Pokemon who tackled him in pure happiness.
The group of people watched the seen in front of them in silence, there were tears of happiness in their eyes as they watched the sweet scene unfold. Ash was rolling on the ground laughing with tears in his eyes as he was hugged, by all the Pokemon on top of him.
Finally after the reunion had almost finished, Ash reached for his belt and brought out a Pokeball. "It wouldn't be a proper reunion without the other guy who disappeared now would it?" Ash asked smiling, tears still in his eyes. The Pokemon looked at him curiously.
"Come on out buddy!" Ash called out as he tossed the Pokeball into the air. The Pokeball burst open into a beam of red light. Once the light from the Pokeball had vanished, in its place stood Charizard.
The Pokemon rushed over to Charizard and greeted it enthusiastically. After all the hellos were said, it was time for Ash to get down to business. Ash brought back on the calm demeanor, but made sure to leave his smile on for the benefit of his Pokemon. "Everyone?" He called out softly. All eyes including the group of people turned to Ash.
"I'm so excited to see you again, but you need to know what happened. And where I've been for the last few years," The Pokemon went quiet, they were so happy Ash was back but they couldn't help but wonder why there friend had disappeared like he did.
Ash turned to the professor. "Professor, is there a room that all of us could fit in, Pokemon too they need to hear this as well."
Misty noticed he had his calm expression back on so she knew this was the time to be serious. "Sure Ash if we all head over to the research room, we should all be able to fit in there,"
"Thanks Prof. Oak," Ash said with a nod.
Once the large group assembled in the research room, Misty, Delia, Brock, Tracey, And the Professor sat on the couch, while Ash sat on a stool. The Pokemon formed a half circle around Ash so they could hear what he had to say. Charizard came up behind Ash and moved slightly to his right before he started retelling the events.
Ash looked up to his old friend and smiled, "Thanks Charizard," Ash said quietly. Charizard looked at him and nodded with a grunt in return. He had already been told of what happened to Ash. Ash had told him the day he had returned to the Charific Valley to get him. And he knew Ash was going to need support through this.
Ash shrugged his back pack off his back and undid one of the zippers. Reaching inside he pulled out a clear plastic water bottle. Undoing the cap he took a quick sip and replaced the cap before setting it on the ground next to him.
The room was quiet as Ash gathered his thoughts together, this was going to be hard for him to talk about, but he knew he had to get it all out.
After a few moments of silence, Ash finally broke the silence by clearing his throat. "I'm not really sure where to start; I could start with what I told mom and Misty yesterday. And then go off into the…More important things I suppose?" Ash said this calmly, but as he said it they could tell he was uncertain.
"Why don't you start at the beginning, after the attack hit?" Brock asked softly. Ash looked up to Brock, after a moment of gathering his thoughts he began to speak.
"Brock, I honestly don't know what happened. When I tackled Goodshow off the podium, I was blown back a few feet. When I finally got up, I noticed Pikachu wasn't on my shoulder; I went to look for him. I went maybe five feet before an explosion hit and sent me flying into something. After that it all goes dark, I was knocked unconscious." Ash said this calmly; this was nowhere near the hardest part of the talk.
"That's it? You get up and then you get hit by another explosion, then you're out cold?" Brock asked in disbelief.
"Well, that was it until I regained consciousness," Ash stated simply.
"What happened when you woke up Ash?" Prof. Oak asked.
"Well…" Ash began.
[Flash Back]
Ash was on the ground leaning unconsciously against a small crate. Slowly he began to stir, moaning once as he winced when a sharp pain coursed through his left arm. Slowly he opened his eyes; his vision was blurry and he couldn't make anything out. "Where am I?" He moaned quietly. He tried to stand up, but stopped when he noticed his hands and feet were bound together with rope. "Hello?" he called out, his voice was wavering. There was no answer.
"Hello?" He called out louder this time; he stopped when a wave of nausea hit him. Ash took several deep breaths as the nausea slowly went away. "Where am I?" He asked himself, as his vision began to clear.
Ash looked up as he heard footsteps approaching him. The man who approached him was dressed in black sweat pants, that were tucked into grey knee high length boots, brown hair, a black hat, and a black shirt with a red letter 'R' on the front of it.
Before Ash could say something, the man turned his head and called out behind him. "Hey boys! The kid's finally awake, get the Boss on the phone then come check em out!" The man exclaimed as he turned back to Ash.
Ash coughed before talking, "Team Rocket? What the hell is going on, where am I?" Ash shouted angrily, but stopped as another wave of nausea hit him. The Rocket laughed as he watched Ash, squirm on the ground as he tried to free himself.
Ash was still squirming as two more Rockets came into the room Ash was in, one was blond and the other had black hair. Both wore the same outfit the first Rocket had on. "Look at this guy! He's a feisty one isn't he?" The brown haired Grunt laughed as he not so gently nudged Ash with his boot.
"Just you wait till I get out of here! You'll wish you had never been born!" Ash shouted as he continued to struggle against the tight ropes.
The blond haired Grunt barked out a laugh at the struggling Ash, "Maybe we should give our VIP guest here a little something to relax, huh?" The Grunts burst into laughter as the black haired Grunt had a dangerous smirk break out onto his face.
The Grunt reached into his pocket and took out a syringe. Ashs eyes shot wide open, and he paled as he saw needle. Ash squirmed as far back as he could away from the needle, that only made the Grunts laugh louder at the frightened Ash.
The black haired Grunt stepped up to Ash, "Hold em down boys, we don't need any accidents happening here do we?" The two Grunts, still chuckling gripped Ash by the arms tightly. Ash let out a cry of pain as his left arm was grabbed. The black haired Grunt came up to Ash, and not so gently stuck the needle into Ashs arm, his left one at that.
Ash gasped in pain as the syringe was forced into his arm. Once whatever he had been injected with was in him the Grunt pulled it out and watched as Ash slowly drifted into unconsciousness once again.
"When do we get to HQ?" The blond asked.
"10 minutes then we got to get sleepy here," he jerked a thumb at Ash, "Off the chopper and into base." The brown haired Grunt answered as they left the room, locking the door behind them.
[End Flash Back]
The room was silent as Ash finished telling the story. Ash looked up from the ground, which he had been staring at when he had told the story. Looking around the room at the assembled group of people, and Pokemon, he could see the shock on their faces.
"H-Honey. Did that actually happen?" Delia asked in disbelief.
"Yes mom," Ash closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he spoke his voice shook a bit, and he stammered a little at what he said next. Opening his eyes he said, "That was just the beginning. What happened next, mom you may not want to here," Delia paled at that, she didn't know what Ash had gone through. But if it was something he knew she wouldn't want to hear she wanted to believe it.
But she had to find out. "I-I'll stay honey." That's all she could get out before losing her voice.
"All right," He said it calmly with a quick nod of his head.
"When I regained consciousness…" He began.
[Flashback]
Ash felt a painful pounding in his head. Ash tried to move his arms to hold it, but his arms were stuck. Slowly opening his eyes, he could see that his hands were tied to the arms of a chair. Ash tried to remember where he was. After a minute, he forgot the pain in his head, as he remembered where he was. He tried to loosen the ropes with all his strength, but he was no match for the rope.
Ash looked around the room he was in. The room was fairly small. He was seated in front of a large wooden desk, which took up most of the space in the room. Behind it was a large black leather chair. On the wall behind the desk there was a large black screen. The rest of the room was empty, except for the two large oak doors that were behind him.
"What's happening?" Ash asked himself despairingly as a tear rolled down his cheek. His head snapped around as he heard the door behind him open. Walking in were three people, two of which Ash recognized as Rocket Grunts. The other was tall and had short brown hair, which was combed back; he had on an orange suit, and walked with a Persian by his side. Ashs jaw dropped as he recognized the figure.
"Giovanni!" Ash whispered in awe. As the Team Rocket boss walked around the desk and sat down in the chair in front of Ash.
"Heard of me have you?" Giovanni asked kindly. Ash was baffled by the Rocket bosses tone. "I'm guessing you want to know where you are and why you're here?" he asked getting straight to the point.
"I-I do, what do you want with me. I know you want my Pikachu bu-"Ash was stammering, but was cut off by Giovanni.
"I never had any intentions of taking that Pikachu of yours. I'm more interested in you!" he said it calmly. This frightened Ash, what would Team rocket want with him? Unless.
"Is this because of Jessie, James and Meowth? Is that why I'm here!" Ash blurted out!
Giovanni scowled. "No you're not here because of those three idiots. You're here because you could be a valuable member to Team Rocket." Ash paled, they wanted HIM to join Team Rocket? No way!
"I'd never join you! I'd rather die before becoming scum like you!" Ash spat bitterly. Giovanni had a dangerous smirk come across his face.
"Well, that can be arranged. But maybe you'd like to hear me out first, before you make your decision?" He asked calmly. His calm demeanor was starting to scare Ash, but he was determined not to back down.
"Let me repeat myself, I would rather die than join you. I know how you treat your Pokemon, you treat them as weapons, as tools to get whatever you want. That's not how it works, you have to believe in them, to be friend them to get their full potential!" Ash shouted angrily!
Giovanni sighed, "We do what we do for the greater good. We-" He was cut off by a sarcastic bark of laughter from Ash. The next thing Ash knew was he felt something grip the back of his head and slam it into the desk in front of him.
"Interrupt me again and you will get much worse than that! Release him," Giovanni stated coolly. The Grunt released the hand from the back of Ashs head.
Ash took a second to recover. "Are you going to listen?" Giovanni asked a little agitated; he was not a patient person. Ash nodded.
"You will join us, whether you like it or not," as he said this he picked up a remote from the desk and clicked a button. The screen behind him lit up with pictures of all Ashs friends and family.
Ash looked at the screen in disbelief. "You will join us or each of the people you see here will be in for a surprise. We have many ideas that will get you to join us. We could simply kill a few of them, or we could capture one and torture them while you watch, it really makes no difference to me,"
Ashs face had horror showing all over it, his voice was shaky. "Y-Y-Your b-b-bluffing! You-You wouldn't dare!" His voice was just above a whisper, he barely managed to choke it out.
Giovanni smiled, he was close to breaking the boy. It was time to reel him in. "I never 'bluff' as you put it, but if you aren't intimidated, we have other ways of getting you to join," There's no other way to put it, Ash saw an evil grin spread over Giovanni's face.
Ashs heart was hammering in his chest, the look on Giovanni's face sent chills down his spine.
"You two!" Giovanni said looking at the Grunts. "Take the boy and you know what to do. But keep him alive!" he said sternly.
The Grunts nodded and went to untie Ash. As soon as the right rope that had been holding him strapped to the chair was loose, he yanked his hand out from under it and threw a wild right hook at the nearest Grunt.
The Grunt narrowly avoided the swing. Ducking, he leapt back up and swung a jab into Ashs jaw. Ash winced in pain. The Grunts grabbed Ashs arms and twisted them behind his back. Forcing him through the door they had entered.
[Pause Flash Back]
Ash was constantly running his hands through his blond hair as he retold the story. He was taking deep breaths to keep himself calm. The room was silent as they watched the troubled boy.
"Where did they take you Ash?" Misty asked her voice was uneasy. She was not sure she wanted to hear it. The thought that they threatened Ash by saying they would kill Ashs friends and family in front of him was a shocking one. Ash had only been 13 when the attack had happened.
Ash looked up as he remembered, what happened to him, he wasn't very calm, but he just managed to keep his voice even.
"They forced me through the doors; on the outside was a long hallway that branched off into different directions. There were a few Grunts around, but other than that the place was empty."
"We went down the hall and took a left and they brought me into a small room. In the room were two tables beside each other and a Golduck," Ash scowled as he said the Pokemons name.
[Flash Back Continued]
"Let go of me!" Shouted Ash at the two Grunts.
"Golduck! On the table now!" yelled one of the Grunts. The Golduck rushed over to the smaller of the two tables and jumped up.
Ash was winded as a Grunt threw a strong punch into his stomach. As Ash was gasping to recover his breath, the two Grunts lifted him onto the table and strapped his arms and legs down.
Ash squirmed as much as he could, but he was constricted to the table. "What are you going to do to me?" He asked panic and fear filling his voice as one of the Grunts pulled out a cloth.
"Here's how it works kid, we stop when you join! Got it?" There was no hint of sympathy or kindness in his voice as he draped the cloth around Ashs nose and mouth. The Grunt held the cloth so that it would be securely in place without the need of tying it.
"Better save you breath kid," He said nonchalantly.
"Golduck, use Water Gun," the other Rocket said.
Golduck opened its mouth and shot a jet of water at Ashs covered mouth and nose. Ash was squirming on the table; the water was restricting the air flow to his lungs. They were drowning him. After 10 seconds the Grunt signaled Golduck to stop the attack, quickly pulling the cloth off, Ash gasped for air. His chest was heaving in an out as he took in as much air as possible.
After four quick deep breaths, the Grunt with the cloth brought it back over Ashs face. The Water Gun began again. They repeated this 5 more times before the Rocket said anything.
Pulling the cloth off Ashs face, he asked "You ready to join yet?"
Ash was still gasping for air, and coughing up water. Between breaths he said, "Go…To...Hell!"
"Fine by me!" With that the Grunt placed the cloth over Ashs face and began the process again.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Giovanni sat in the leather chair behind his desk. It had been two hours since the boy had left. He couldn't help but wonder how long he could keep going for. But his answer came soon enough.
There was a rapid series of sharp knocks on the large doors. "Get in here!" Giovanni shouted.
The Grunt who had left with the boy came through the door with a smirk on his face. "He caved Boss!"
"Good bring him in!"
"Right away!" The Grunt said before hurrying out of the room. As he left, Giovanni had a menacing smirk on his face.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Ash was gasping for air, his heart was racing, and he was barely hanging on. The Grunts took him off the table, and dragged him back to where he had seen Giovanni before. The Grunts walked through the doors to the small room and dropped him onto the chair, not bothering to tie him down.
Giovanni looked at the soaked boy. "You've decide to take up my offer?" He asked. Ash didn't answer; his breaths were still ragged as he took in air. He felt like he was about to pass out.
"I asked if you have taken my offer. And I would answer if I were you!" Giovanni said calmly.
Ash didn't answer but he gave a tired nod. Giovanni was about to say something, but Ash very slowly cut in. "On…One, (Cough) con-condition,"
Giovanni, raised an eyebrow at Ash. "Oh, and what might that be?"
"You-You don't touch…My friends or family," Ash was on his last reserves of strength as he said that.
"I don't touch your friends and family, and in return you join Team Rocket?" He asked, a smirk on his face.
"Either that…Or (Cough) you might as we-ll k-kill me now." Ash said finally before dropping to the ground unconscious.
[End Flashback]
Everyone stared in horror at Ash, he was shaking terribly. His breathing was becoming unsteady. But no one knew what to say. Ash felt something on his shoulder. Ash looked up to see Charizard giving him a reassuring look, and his claw on his shoulder.
Ash went into his reserves of strength to stop himself from shaking. Looking at the group, he turned his gaze to Brock. "Is that a good enough reason for me not being here?" He asked bitterly. Brock didn't say anything. None of them did.
The group just stared, tears in their eyes at what Ash had told them. They couldn't believe what Ash had gone through. He had been tortured so that he would give in and join Team Rocket. Ash finally regained control of his voice.
"That's why you cannot let anyone know I've been here. If they knew, they would take you guys until I came back to them. They would kill some of you for payback if they found me," Ashs voice was shaking, but you couldn't miss the anger that filled every syllable he spoke.
"A-Ash?..." Misty's voice was just above a whisper.
"Yeah Mist?" Ash didn't look at her; he continued to stare at the floor.
"What happened to you while you were there?"
Ash looked up at her. "They trained me to be a Rocket," he stated it simply.
"H-How did they train you?" Tracey asked. He was still putting everything Ash had told them together in his mind.
Ash scowled at the question. "Team Rocket is nothing but scum; they use Pokemon to carry out their tasks. But if they fail, they have no problem restoring to murder!" Ash spat in disgust.
Delia gasped in surprise. "Ash h-honey! Are you telling me you-you..." She didn't want to finish it.
"No mom, I didn't. They tried their hardest to get me to tho. When you start training, they train you in one of two types of combat. Melee, or ranged. Melee is standard fighting, blocking, how to throw punches, and submissions."
"The Grunts who train in melee use knives instead of guns. Those who trained in Range combat use guns, Team Rocket are just awful people. In melee fighting you fight against fighting type Pokemon. But you don't use weapons."
"But Rangers, those who train in range combat. Once they learn to hit a still target," Ash paused as he let a few tears escape him. He didn't care, what Team Rocket did was disgusting. But he continued. "After that, they use the older Pokemon, or the sick Pokemon as live targets," he finished
The room paled at that. The Pokemon just stared at Ash, they had no idea he had gone through so much. Ash looked to the group around him; they could see the anger in his eyes.
"You had it rough, I was missing. You thought I was dead, but there was always hope that I'd be back. But I went through hell. I watched as hundreds of Pokemon were killed in cold blooded murder, I was beaten nearly every day, I would have died, if Giovanni hadn't set up a special watch for me." Ash wanted to continue. He had gotten through most of what happened. But there were still important factors he needed to get through.
"I trained in melee combat; they tried to force me into doing range, by trying to torture me again. But I held out. It had been a few months in when I realized my emotions were making it harder for me to be there,"
"What do you mean Ash?" Brock asked. He was hesitant, but they were getting the full story.
"There's a reason I've been so calm about all this, and don't tell me you haven't noticed." Ash looked at the group around him. They nodded in silence so he could continue.
"The first few months I was in training, I didn't treat the Pokemon I trained with like the other Rockets did. If I got hit by a punch, I'd compliment it. Rockets that get hit blind side attack the Pokemon. That's where it began."
"They didn't take a liking on how I trained with my Pokemon. So they decided to teach me a lesson, well actually many lessons." Ash scowled as he recalled the beatings he had taken. "But that wasn't it, even tho I was in tight security. They found out that I usually cried myself to sleep, from the guards outside my room. So they beat me for that!" Ash said bitterly.
"Then one night, I thought about all of you, I realized that I needed to get out of there as soon as I could. But I didn't know how, but I did know that if I didn't get my emotions in check I wouldn't survive there."
"So I hid everything, all my anger, all sadness, the little happiness I had. Everything. Until I got out of there."
"How did you get out Ash? You said you were in tight security so…" Misty trailed off. Even tho she couldn't believe what Ash had gone through, she couldn't help but want to find out on how he had managed to escape.
Ash reached down and picked his bag off the ground, rummaging through it he took out a pair of blue gloves, with yellow stripes that lead to a light blue circle on the back of hands. Brock gaped at those. "A-Ash! Are those…!" He trailed off in disbelief.
"Yup, these are Sir Aarons gloves, once I escaped I took a trip to the Tree of Beginning," Ash said as he passed the gloves to Brock.
"So you used your Aura to break out!" Brock asked incredulously!
"For well over a year I practiced in secret, when the guards thought I was sleeping, I was actually focusing my Aura. And after a while I was able to control it,"
"Umm is that how you, broke out?" Misty asked, Brock had told her about the events Ash, May, Max and he had gone through before Ash had disappeared. She knew a little about the Aura thing, but not much.
For the first time since Ash had started telling them the events that happened, a sly grin spread across his face. "No it wasn't just the Aura that got me out. After I had managed to hide my emotions, the beatings became less frequent. I kept to myself and away from others. Until one day…"
[Flashback]
Ash waited in the short lineup. He waited it out, so that the crowd could disperse before making his way into the line for the less then appetizing lunch. The cafeteria, if you could call it that, was a large metal room with reinforced iron bar windows. It was more of a prison than anything else. It had rows of black tables with pull out chairs.
Ash grabbed one of the last trays along the wall and went up to the Grunt behind the counter. "Well hello there my Majesty!" He mocked sarcastically as he bowed down to Ash. Ash stared at him with an emotionless expression. Looking up from the bow, the Grunt looked into Ashs eyes. He could read Ashs eyes like a book. That was a bad thing. His eyes were cold and had steel in them. The look in his eyes told him to drop it unless he wanted a fight.
And that was the least he wanted. Ash had supposedly become the top fighter at the Rocket Training Academy. He could easily take down anyone in the building without a sweat. Tearing his gaze away from Ash he took the ladle and scooped what appeared to be a type of chilli onto the tray.
Ash stared at him, but after a second he gave him a slight nod and walked away. He went to the table in the far back corner, it was a dark corner where he would have view over the entire cafeteria. He could spot out the trouble in an instant and be gone before things got out of hand.
Sitting down, he reluctantly took a bite of the chilli. He grimaced at the taste. He'd been there for 5 months and he still hadn't gotten used to the taste of the food they served.
He pushed the chilli away from him and across the table. He loved food, but there was something about the stuff that they served that made him want to throw up.
He leaned back in his chair, and pulled the black cap over his eyes, it was a trick he thought of when saw the Rangers doing their training. They concealed themselves with the shadows, and when they did appear they were half covered by shadows and half illuminated in the light.
The cap shielded his eyes from other people's gazes. Whenever people came around him they could never tell if he was looking at them. It made people tense if they came near him. It worked out for him, they left him alone. And he didn't half to pick a fight. Awin, win scenario he thought. Then with a ghost of a smile, he adjusted his thought 'a win, win scenario for me, they make a wrong move they'll be in the infirmary for a week'.
As much as he loathed himself to admit it, after the beatings he had taken. He had committed himself to getting to the top of the Grunts. All the beatings he had taken had fueled him to perfect offensive and defensive fighting so he could take down those who had brought him so much pain over the last few months.
Ash shifted his gaze around the crowded room, he knew most of the people here, he didn't like any of them, but he knew them. They had all at some point taken a chance to poke at him or to test his nerves since he hadn't retaliated in the last two months.
Ash switched his gaze to the far end of the cafeteria, he noticed something was off. The Grunt, Chris was talking to a girl he had never seen before. Ash knew the Grunts name was Chris, due to the fact he was one of the main Grunts who liked to give him a beating. He had tried to teach himself to read lips, but gave up when he kept getting distracted by the littlest thing.
Ash saw Chris grab her by the shoulder, she shrugged him off. He began to talk to her, putting his left hand low on her back and his right hand went on her arm. Ash stopped leaning and sat up straight as she shrugged him off again, this time more forcibly then before. Ash heard Chris shout something from across the cafeteria, as he pulled the girl out from where she was sitting. She tried to push away but he kept a grip on her.
Over the years of traveling with his friends, Ash had always found himself in the role of the hero. As much as he hated it, he knew he would have to do it again.
Silently getting up from his seat he strolled across the cafeteria. He could feel the eyes pouring into his back; he never got up from where he sat during lunch. Never.
He never spoke, never made any attempt to socialize with others. Not that anyone attempted to socialize with him. But still.
Ash walked over to where Chris was holding the girl forcefully, and stopped a few feet behind him "Let me go! Who do you think you are you freak?" The girl shouted. Ash saw she had long blond hair, blue eyes, a perky nose, slightly taller then him, and was an all-round looker. But he could see what the others couldn't; she had a fight in her.
"Come on beautiful, you ain't gonna miss anything if you come spend some alone time with me!" He said giving her a cocky smirk.
"Let her go Chris." Ash said coldly, calmly and threateningly. The cafeteria silenced and all eyes turned to Ash as he spoke. Chris slowly turned to face Ash, Chris had cinnamon colored hair, brown eyes, freckles and a firm jaw, he had slight muscle on him but other than that he wasn't very impressive.
A smirk crossed his face as he saw Ash. "Well looks like Giovanni's princess has finally arrived!" He proclaimed loudly for the entire room to hear.
"I'll say it again, let her go or else I will make you let her go." His voice was cold; cold and dangerous as he said it. Chris was taken aback by Ash, he had taken the pleasure in beating Ash since he arrived, and not once had Ash stood up for himself.
But now here he is standing up to him, and he wasn't even beating him! But he took this opportunity to humiliate Ash even more. "Oh I'm sorry my Lady, but am I hurting your girlfriend here?"
"Never saw her before in my life, now let her go!" His voice was still as calm as ever as he said this.
"Whadda ya gonna do if I don't? Gonna get big bad ol Giovanni, to knock me down?" He asked laughing, but quickly stopped at what Ash did next.
Ash took a step closer so that he was right in Chris' face, "I don't need him to knock you on your ass! Now let her go!" He growled threateningly.
The room gasped at what Ash said, they knew of Ashs reputation as a fighter, but few have actually seen him fight, including Chris.
Chris shoved the girl to the floor and got into a fighting stance, raising his fists in front of him. Ash snorted as he took a step back, he folded his arms across his chest and raised an eyebrow at Chris. The crowd looked at Ash incredulously, he was so calm right before a fight, and he looked at Chris as if he was joking. That only resulted in Chris getting angrier.
Chris swung a powerful right at Ash, Ash easily side stepped it and Chris was thrown forward by the momentum of the swing. Ash chuckled as Chris lost his balance. The crowds jaw dropped when they heard Ash laughing.
Chris grew infuriated; once he regained his balance he ran at Ash and swung madly at him. Ash dodged them all easily without breaking a sweat. Chris was out of breath as his punches grew slower and weaker. Ash laughed as he continued to dodge the weak attempt at an attack.
Ash took a step back which let Chris regain his breath. Ash laughed again shaking his head. But in an instant the laugh was cut-off. A dangerous smile crept onto Ashs face. "My turn," Ash stated simply.
Ash stepped forward, using the muscles in his back he swung a lightning fast right hand jab into Chris's nose, Ash heard a cracking sound, but didn't stop to examine the damage. He grabbed Chris by the collar with his left hand and let go three hard blows to the jaw, before stepping into him and kneeing him in the gut. Ash forced Chris's head back up and threw a hard left into Chris's already bloody nose.
Ash kneed him again in the gut which lifted him in a few inches off the ground, while in the air for that split second, Ash threw one last punch into Chris' temple knocking him unconscious, Ash didn't stop the limp body from hitting the ground.
The crowd watched in stunned silence. Ash had just taken down Chris with ease; he hadn't even broken a sweat. They watched in silence at what Ash did next.
Ash turned to the blond girl who was still on the ground watching stunned. "You okay?" He asked calmly, he offered his hand to her to help her up. She took it and he helped her off the ground.
"Your wrist does it hurt?" he asked, he was aware that she was holding her left wrist.
"I-It hurts a little bit, but other than that I'm fine." She was stunned much like the rest of the room.
He had just knocked a guy out, and was acting as if nothing even happened. "Come with me, we'll get it checked out," he then took a second to look at his knuckles. There was a small cut, but other than that he knew they were going to bruise.
Motioning for the girl to follow he turned and began the long walk out of the cafeteria. He could feel the looks that everyone was giving him, stopping, he turned around and saw that the girl to was watching him go. "Are you coming? Or are you just going to stand there?" He asked, his tone was neutral. The girl snapped out of her stare and ran up to catch up with Ash.
As they turned out of the cafeteria, Ash couldn't help the smile that broke out on his face when he heard someone shout, "Holy shit! Did you guys see that?" Ash looked to the companion beside him. She couldn't have been older than 15 years old.
"Thanks, for uh standing up for me there," She said looking ahead of her.
"I should be thanking you; I've been waiting months to do that!" Ash said a slight smile coming across his face.
"What's your name?" She asked curiously.
"You're new to the Academy aren't you?"
"Well not entirely, I trained over at the Academy in the Orange Islands before transferring here,"
"Which is?" Ash asked nonchalantly.
"What do you mean which is?"
"Where is this Academy located? I've been here too long to remember the location I'm in. Mind refreshing my mind a little?"
She looked at him curiously, but shrugged it off. "Ecruteak City," Ash kept his cool demeanor, but on the inside he was freaking out. 'I'm in Johto! I've been here before! If I can break out of here there are so many places to go!' Ash thought excitedly.
"Since I answered your question, you answer mine" She said happily.
"If you want to know my name, you'll hear it almost every day. Especially after what just happened. And I'm not doing this to be rude, but I'm doing this for your own good. If you see me again do not acknowledge me,"
Before she could respond they turned a corner and walked into the infirmary. The Nurse who stood inside, was definitely not Nurse Joy. She was in her mid-thirties; she had Brown hair, green eyes, and wore a dark green dress.
"Hello again Sue," Ash said to the Nurse.
"You get beat up again?" Sue asked in disbelief.
"No, this time I wasn't on the receiving end of it," Ash said smirking. "But that's not why I'm here. I need you to check out her wrist," nodding his head at the girl. "Most likely a light sprain but you're the Nurse after all."
"Damn right I'm the Nurse, get over here darling and I'll take a look at it." Sue said motioning for the girl to sit on the bed beside her. "Now what er' you saying about you not being on the receiving end of it?" Sue asked Ash.
"Chris was harassing her so I… Stepped in quietly and settled the conflict like a gentlemen," Ash said giving Sue a knowing look.
"Don't B.S me boy! Bout damn time you gave that cocky fellow a whuppin!" Sue said grinning at Ash.
"You ain't gonna be grinning when you have to tend to him later, he did quite a number on him!" The girl said jerking her head in Ashs direction.
"How's her wrist, is it bad?" Ash asked cutting off the conversation.
"Boy, you need to learn to relax, her wrist will be fine. But in the meantime why don't you fill me in on the details, I'm gonna get the other Nurses tend to the other kid," Sue replied looking at the two of them.
Chuckling at Sue, Ash replied. "Well Sue he's unconscious right now, but she-" Ash nodded at the girl, "Can fill you in on the details. I'm gonna head out. I'll see you two around."
"Alright you stubborn fool, see ya around!" Sue said with a wave.
"And remember what I told you, by no means should you talk to me. That will only draw more attention to you, and me. And we don't want that," Ash said to the girl seriously.
"But…" She trailed off as Ash walked out of the room. "Why's he like that?" The girl asked Sue who was pulling something out of a cabinet.
"You new here or something?" Sue asked sarcastically.
"Actually I am," she replied.
"Oh. Well best you listen to him unless you want your life around here to get rough," she said seriously.
"Why woul-"
"Because Giovanni went to great lengths to get him here. And since he was 'specially' handpicked by the Boss he's been treated harshly by everyone around here. And if you talk to him the people around here are going to go after you!" Sue stated.
Sue slipped a wrist brace over the girls hand and pulled it tightly. "Now listen to me, if you can handle only socializing with him, then by all means go ahead. But expect it to get lonely at times," Sue said looking the blond in the eye. "But right now I need your name, so you can leave."
"My name's Alyssa," she said.
[End Flashback]
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
The large group of Pokemon, and people stared at Ash dumbfounded. 15 minutes ago Ash had been struggling through tears. But now here he was grinning from ear to ear.
"So what does all of that have to do with you breaking out?" Tracey asked. They were all fascinated by Ashs story, but it didn't really explain how he got out.
"That day in the cafeteria, basically told each Rocket in the room that if they wanted to end up like Chris. They better keep away," Ash said. Ash reached down and took the water bottle. Taking another sip he placed it back on the ground.
"Without Alyssa, I would not be here right now. I never would have gotten into that fight, and if I never was in that fight, I would have still been under tight security," Ash stated.
"What do you mean? They took away your security after you fought?" Brock asked.
"The funds for the guards, who constantly watched me while I slept were paid fairly well. But as soon as Giovanni found out that I could do some heavy damage if other Rockets tried to mess with me, he dismissed them. Not entirely but I was able to practice using my Aura more than before" Ash replied.
"So what happened to this Alyssa girl?" Misty asked. She was curious what happened to her after what Ash had told her.
"I had only been at the Academy for 5 months when the fight happened. 3 months in was when I started to practice my Aura, and keeping my emotions locked up. I hadn't seen Alyssa for two days after the fight, unfortunately on the third day she found me as I made my way to the cafeteria after my morning workout. I hadn't been avoiding her. But for some reason she decided to follow me,"
And with a smirk Ash added, "Much like you did Misty when I first started my journey,"
Misty gaped at Ash, "What do you mean just like I did?" Misty asked incredulously.
"Remember how we were first going through Viridian forest? Before I caught Caterpie?" He asked.
"Yeah…" She trailed off not knowing where this was going.
"Well you kept your distance behind me hoping I wouldn't see you. And when I did look back you dove into a bush or behind a tree!" Ash snickered. He was trying to lighten the atmosphere in the room; it had gotten a little too tense for his liking.
Misty stared at him like he had two heads. "I did not! I was right beside you nagging you about fixing my bike!" Misty exclaimed!
Ash looked at Pikachu, "Pikachu, do you remember when we had just gotten into the forest and you pointed Misty out to me?"
Pikachu nodded. "Pi Pikapi!"
"Then do you remember her running behind a tree when I turned around and saw her?" Ash asked the electric mouse.
"Pi," Pikachu answered.
Ash looked around the room quickly; he could see that there were ghosts of a smile on the others in the room, minus Mistys of course. "Admit it Misty, you followed me around like a lost puppy in the beginning! Admit it and I can continue the story,"
"I did not follow you around!" Misty shouted.
"You did too!" Ash said calmly.
"I did not!"
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"DID NOT!" Misty yelled!
Ash toppled off the stool he was on into a fit of giggles. "You-You haven't changed a bit Mist!" Ash coughed out through the laughter. The assembled group sat looking stunned at Ash, but slowly smiles crept onto their faces and they started laughing at the all too familiar fight between Ash and Misty.
Misty didn't know what to make of this, Ash was on the floor giggling at the argument they just had. And the others had just joined in with him. Sure she had gotten the last word like she had before, but what did Ash find so funny?
"Ash what's so funny?" Misty demanded. This only made Ash laugh even harder.
"I-I'm just messin with you Misty! No need to pull your mallet out!" Ash was holding his sides because they had started to hurt.
"Stop laughing or I'll come over there and smack that stupid smile off your face Ketchum!" Misty shouted.
Ash slowly picked himself off the ground chuckling, and put himself back onto the stool. Ash looked at Misty grinning. "I'm sorry Misty, I couldn't help myself, I had to see if you still had that temper of yours," Ash said.
Misty glared at him, "Whatever! Just hurry up with the story before I pull out my mallet!" Misty hissed.
Ashs smile was wiped off his face as she said that. "You actually still have that? I was just joking about it!"
"Don't push it Ash!" Misty said telling him to hurry up.
"Okay, Okay, no need to get violent!" He said smiling, Ash was happy the mood had been lightened by their argument. It would make the rest of the story easier to tell.
"Well I had just finished my morning workout, and left the gym…"
[Flashback]
Ash hated the Team Rocket uniform. It made him feel like garbage. He was wearing the outfit of his enemy. When he had arrived at the Academy 5 months ago, they had taken his old cloths away, and had given him the same outfit all the other Rockets wore. The only good thing about the uniform was that it came with a hat.
Ash opened the door to the shower room and walked out. He had just finished taking a shower after his regular workout, and was going once again to the cafeteria for lunch. The hallways outside the locker room, were crowded. The walls were a dark grey that had a red letter R every so often painted in the center.
As Ash walked down the hallway, he could hear Grunts saying his name as he walked by. The events that went down two days ago had brought a lot of attention to him. But luckily for him, most chose to keep their distance away from him.
Ash was still fairly far from the cafeteria when something caught his eyes. Not stopping as he continued, Ash shifted his gaze to the right where he saw the girl he had helped in the cafeteria. Ash noticed she was looking at him, but he kept walking.
Ash kept going and took a left, when he was halfway down the hall he quickly looked over his shoulder. He saw the girl from yesterday at the other end of the hall behind him. When she saw he was looking at her she quickly hid behind a group of Rockets. Ash turned his gaze back in front of him, sighing he kept walking.
Ash leaned on the wall outside the cafeteria, he waited so that the line could go down and he could get his food and to his table quickly. 10 minutes passed and Ash walked into the cafeteria. Taking a tray that was against the wall he walked up to the Grunt serving the food.
The Grunt noticing Ash looked down at what appeared to be spinach and some sort of meat, and put a helping of it onto Ashs tray without saying a word. Once the food was on his tray, Ash went straight to the back corner and adjusted his hat over his eyes.
Ask poked the meat once and sighed. Ash cut a fairly large piece of the meat, taking a deep breath he shoved the meat into his mouth and chewed as quickly as he could. It tasted like raw beef, and spoiled milk, Ash thought. Once he managed to swallow the meat he pushed the tray aside. The after taste was too much.
Ash once again leaned back in his chair, doing his best to ignore the after taste and began watching the room. There were a few Grunts who glanced in his direction, but he took nothing of it. A few minutes passed and all seemed to be normal.
Ash switched his gaze to the cafeteria entrance as he saw her walk in. Ash didn't take his gaze off her as he saw her go into the lineup and get her lunch. Once she had gotten it she began looking around the room. She stopped looking around when her gaze went to the dark back corner were Ash sat.
'Oh God, don't come back here!' Ash thought as he saw her blue eyes look at him. Luck was not on his side. The blond swerved through the row of tables and made her way over to Ash. Once she got to Ashs table, she pulled out a chair across from him and sat down.
She tried to make eye contact with him, but she couldn't see them due to the shadow of his hat. She decided to say something, "Hi Ash," He didn't say anything, but he stopped leaning and stared at her. "You awake?" She joked, trying to break the ice. It sort of worked.
"You shouldn't be over here, your drawing attention," Ash said calmly.
"I don't care, Sue told me about you," she said, moving cocking her head to the side to try and get a look at his eyes.
"And?" Ash asked.
"And what?" she asked curiously.
"And why are you here? If you talked to Sue you should know what you're getting yourself into," Ash said calmly. She didn't answer immediately; instead she played around with her food.
Ash waited for the answer, he was curious for what it was, but he wasn't sure he was going to like the answer. "Well…You're not like the other Rockets-" Ash cut her off and said coldly, "I'm not a Rocket."
She looked up at him, she was tired of not being able to make eye contact, and she reached forward and yanked the cap off his head.
She could see his eyes now, they were a chocolate brown. There was surprise in them, but that was quickly gone and was switched into a dangerous look.
"Please return my hat," Ash said rather calmly.
"Not until we talk," She replied coolly. She saw for a split second a glimmer of what she thought was approval in his eyes, but it was gone in an instant and was brought back to the dangerous glare he had before.
"You sure you want to do this? There's still a chance for you with the others. Any longer and you're stuck with me," Ash said as he shifted his gaze around the room. There were quite a few people staring in their direction.
She looked into his eyes; the danger that was in them was gone. There was no emotion in them, he stared blankly at her. She was unsure if she wanted this. "I-I don't know," she said softly.
"Give me my hat, get up and find another table. Think it through the rest of the day. You know where I sit, see me at lunch tomorrow if you choose to for whatever reason to stick with me, if you sit somewhere else, I know your decision." Ash said calmly to the girl. She didn't answer, but she handed him back his hat which he quickly pulled over his eyes.
He tilted his head to the side motioning for her to get up and go. She got up from her chair, taking her tray. With one last glance at Ash, she left the table and went over to another group of Rockets. Ash didn't take his gaze off her as she sat down at the other table.
Ash let out a thankful sigh when the Rockets didn't get her to leave table, or that they didn't get up and leave when she sat down. But Ash knew tomorrow would different. Ash knew she had to decide whether she wanted to sit with him, or the entire Academy.
Ash wasn't sure of how he thought about the situation. As much as he would love to actually talk to someone, he wasn't thrilled that he might be getting to know a Rocket. And in the end, it all comes down to that. Rockets were the enemy, and he was going to keep it that way.
But he would find out tomorrow.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Ash had left the gym early; he was making sure that he would be the first into the cafeteria. Walking slowly through the hall, he turned into the cafeteria. Lucky for him the cafeteria was empty. He didn't bother going for the food, it was Tuesday and that was the worst day for lunch. It was a pasty green substance that tasted like vomit. It literally tasted like vomit. The first time Ash had tried it he spat it out right away, and ran to get water.
Making his way to the corner he sat himself down, and pulled his hat halfway down so that his eyes could be slightly visible. Yesterday after she had taken his hat, he had to find away so that he could keep his hat on, but still have his eyes somewhat visible. In case she decide to choose him, unlikely as it was, he had to be ready so she wouldn't take his hat.
Leaning back in his chair, he began to wait. Half an hour passed before the waves of Grunts poured in to the cafeteria to get their lunch. Ash kept his gaze moving, from what he could tell none of them had noticed him. It wasn't for another 15 minutes before the girl walked in.
Ash kept a steady line of sight on her as she grabbed her lunch. She slowly made her way up the line, once she had her lunch, she walked a few feet and stopped and looked in his direction. After a second she turned and began to walk in the opposite direction of him.
Ash couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as he saw her turn away. He had been hoping that she may choose him, just so that he wouldn't be completely alone. When she had taken his hat, he couldn't help but slightly admire her. If it had been anyone else, he would have knocked them out. But she was different; she wasn't like the rest of the Rockets. But oh well.
Ash drifted into thought as he watched her walk away, 'I really shouldn't be surprised, but it would still be nice to talk to someone. And she didn't seem all that bad, bu-Wait? What's she doing?' The girl had stopped walking away from him, and had turned around and began walking toward him. A mischievous grin on spread across her face.
He watched as the blond moved her way once again through the rows of tables and over to where he sat. Walking up to the table she placed her tray on the table and pulled up a chair next to him. "Did I fool you?" she asked smirking. Ash sat stunned, this was the last thing he expected.
He lifted his hat up so that she could clearly see his eyes. "You're sure about this? If you leave I won't be offended," Ash said calmly but he was slightly baffled.
"Geez Sue was right, you need to relax. I'm sitting here aren't I?" She said with a raised eyebrow.
Ash was speechless. But he had to ask what was on his mind. Moving his hat back down so that it half covered his eyes he asked softly, "Why did you choose me? I'm not complaining. I'm just a little confused."
She gaped at his tone. She had only heard him talk calmly and seriously. But now he was showing just a tidbit of emotion to her. From what she heard around, the last few months he hadn't shown any emotion.
"It's like I said yesterday. You're different, when you stood up for me; it showed me that you were different then everyone else here. I happen to know that no one else would have come to help me. So why would I spend time with people who wouldn't stand up for me, when I could spend time with someone who would," she said looking at Ash.
Ash took a long look at her, before answering. He looked into her glimmering blue eyes. He could see nothing but honesty and sincerity in them. He didn't care if any of the Rockets saw what he did next. A smile came across his face.
"You know? You're different to. Most Rockets wouldn't have even said thanks for someone helping them. You said you went to the Orange Island Rocket Academy?" Ash asked. She nodded. "For how long?" he asked curiously.
"Almost two years, why?" She wasn't expecting him to bring this up right away.
"Well the fact that you've been a Rocket for almost two years, and you are not a psychopath, means you have feelings at least. I bet you trained in knives instead of becoming a Ranger," Ash said knowingly. She looked at him curiously.
"Yeah, I did. How did you know?" she asked.
"When I saw Chris harassing you, I could feel you had a sense of confidence in you, a fighting spirit, I'm actually kind of curious what you would have done if I hadn't stepped up," Ash replied.
"Thanks for the compliment; I may have a fighting spirit as you put it. But I'm definitely no great fighter, if I tried anything he could have easily taken me on," She replied a little downheartedly.
"Well, I'm gonna have to help you with that aren't I?" Ash said nodding his head as he thought over what she said.
"What?" She asked puzzled by what he had said.
"Well, remember how I said things get rough? Well you're going to have to be prepared in case the others try anything. I'm not getting you to my level, for safety reasons tho. But I can help you improve so you can defend and fight back," He said giving her a smile.
"That's what friends are for right?" Ash asked extending his hand. "Hi, I'm Ash Ketchum!" Ash said grinning.
She looked at him thinking over what he said. But slowly a grin spread over her face. She took the offered hand and gave it a shake, "Hello Ash, my names Alyssa Cloud," Alyssa said happily.
[End Flashback]