Celadon City - Rocket HQ

"He is not pleased Petrel. Not pleased at all," a woman with sharp eyebrows and pointed red hair warned.

"Tell me something I don't know Ariana," angrily retorted Petrel.

Ariana simply scoffed, rather than reply to the jibe.

A man with short blue hair came through double doors, interrupting the two. "He's ready to hear your report Petrel. I hope you have something good to tell him for your sake."

A look of fear showed on Petrel's face for an instant, but it passed as soon as it came. With a deep breath, the man walked through the double doors his fellow Executive had just come from, and came face to face with the Rocket Boss.

The man in question had slick black hair and was comfortably reclined behind an elegant mahogany desk in an opulent black chair. The chair matched the equally black suit he wore. At first, he seemed to give Petrel no notice, opting to stroke the head of his Persian, who purred at the attention.

Petrel stood there, squirming internally, but trying to maintain his composure for the coming ire his boss would likely bring. After what seemed like forever, the Rocket Leader ceased his interaction with his Pokemon, and looked up at the Executive standing before him. Dark black eyes gazed into Petrel, seemingly piercing his very soul with just a look. The boss reached for his drink, never taking his eyes off the other man, and took a slow sip. Putting it down, he finally spoke.

"Tell me Petrel, why are you here without the bounty of Pokemon you promised me?" asked the man in a cold voice with underlying hints of anger.

The Executive nervously swallowed. "The mission was going fine sir, and the Pokemon were secured just as promised.." started the man.

"I'm sensing a but Petrel. Get to the point!" demanded the boss.

"Of c-course boss. The boy three of our grunts reported as the cause for the failure at Mt. Moon was on the ship as well. He is responsible for the mission's failure," admitted the subordinate.

The Rocket Leader's eyes narrowed. "Three of my grunts losing to a mere child was disappointing, though not entirely impossible. However, are you trying to tell me that one of my Executives and an army of grunts were defeated in battle by this boy?"

"No sir! I defeated the boy in battle with ease!" interjected Petrel.

"Yet here you stand, having run back with your tail between your legs, and no Pokemon to speak for your efforts," mockingly replied the boss.

"The battle was a diversion sir... He had two of his Pokemon free the other captured Pokemon and activate the sprinkler system, waking up the passengers," said Petrel with a wince.

"So, you didn't merely lose to a child... YOU LET HIM OUTSMART YOU!" yelled the Rocket Boss as he stood up from his seat, throwing his drink against the wall and smashing it, in a frightening display of malice.

"No sir... I-I-I..."

"SILENCE!" commanded the Rocket Boss with authority. Taking a moment, the man regained his composure. "This child has now interfered in two separate operations, one of which was vital to our goals! We will not let him meddle a third time. What do you know of the boy?" asked the man.

"Besides some of his Pokemon and his general appearance, not much sir," slowly said Petrel. Seeing the anger in his boss' face beginning to show again, he quickly continued. "But the grunts from Mt. Moon did mention a name!"

This sparked interest back into the Rocket's Leader face. "Tell me."

"The grunts said his name is..."

Vermillion City Police HQ

Ash looked upon the man before him in reverence. Lance, the dragon Master, Champion for the last decade of the Indigo League, wanted to speak with him! It was like a dream come true for the young boy, who had grown up watching the man's many battles on television. Lance was a tall man, who had spiky red hair, wore a black cape with a collar, had a blue shirt with orange stripes, and similar colored pants.

After meeting Lance initially at the Vermillion City port, he had asked Ash to come back and speak with him at the Police HQ in the town. Brock and Misty promised to meet him back at The Pokemon Center afterwords. The two were currently in a private room at the HQ with a table and two chairs. Once he was done making sure the room was secure and that they would not be overheard, Lance turned back to Ash and sat opposite the boy.

"I've spoken to the police, witnesses, and a few of the Rockets that were captured from the ship. All of their stories mentioned you, and not in a small way either. Can you tell me what happened from your point of view Ash?" asked the Champion.

Ash was a little nervous at being so close to a legend, but he answered the best he could. He explained the circumstances behind how they received their tickets, the battles he had on board, his absence from dinner, and finally his confrontation with the Rocket Leader.

"I see," muttered Lance. "Did you happen to catch the name of this so called leader?"

"His lackeys all called him Executive Petrel," responded Ash.

Lance's eyes immediately showed recognition at the name. "Ash, Petrel is one of Team Rocket's highest ranking members that we have identified. He alone is responsible for several atrocities that Team Rocket has enacted here in Kanto. You fought a very dangerous man," the Champion warned.

"If that's the case, why hasn't he, or Team Rocket for that matter, been shut down?" wondered Ash

"It's not that easy Ash. Team Rocket has many connections in the Kanto region, allowing them to strike at random, escape with ease, and even bribe their way out of trouble. We don't even know the identity of their leader," frowned Lance. "As for Petrel, he is a master of disguise, and is able to change his appearance and voice on a whim."

Ash simply shrugged.

"Ash, I need you to be serious for a moment. You could have been killed!" exclaimed the man.

"So I was just supposed to sit back and let them steal everybody's Pokemon," bit back Ash with some heat.

Lance sighed. "No. I'm glad you were there to stop them, and we all owe you a good amount of thanks for your actions. Can you at least promise me you won't tumble with them again if you ever run into them?" Lance inquired.

Ash shook his head. "If I see a Pokemon or person in danger, I don't care who is causing it! I will do my best to put a stop to it!"

"I thought you might say something like that," said Lance with a small smile. "In any case, it probably would not have done you any good. You are likely on their radar now Ash, and Team Rocket may come to you instead of the other way around. To that end, I want you to take this," said Lance, as he pulled out a small device with a button on it and handed it to the boy.

"What's this for?" asked Ash, who was puzzled at the small item.

"That is a transmitter Ash. If you or your friends are ever in danger, especially from the likes of Team Rocket, I want you to press that button," said Lance in a stern manner, leaving no room for any argument.

Ash had no problem accepting that request and easily agreed, bringing some relief to the Champion.

"I'm glad to hear you agreed to that at the very least," smiled Lance before changing the topic. "Now, as I hear it, you have three badges. I assume you intend to compete in this year's Indigo League Tournament?"

"I sure do, and I plan to win! After that, I'm coming for your title!" Ash replied with passion, making the older man laugh.

"If that's the case, then you should probably head back to your friends and continue your journey. Best of luck out their Ash," Lance said, standing up and shaking the boy's hand.

Shortly after, Ash departed, leaving Lance alone at the Police HQ. He certainly his his father's passion for battle, though he is far more outspoken, thought Lance. "I wish you could be here to see it Red. Your son is a true wonder to behold," Lance whispered aloud.

On the Road Again

"So where to next guys?" asked Misty, looking at a fork in the road.

"The closest city is Saffron, and it does have a Gym," offered Brock.

"I've thought about it, but i'm not sure that would be for the best right now," said Ash.

"Why not?" asked Misty with interest.

"The Gym leader is a powerful psychic type trainer, who even i've heard of. Her name is Sabrina and there are rumors she can even give commands to her Pokemon telepathically," shared Ash.

"You continue to impress me with your preparation Ash," smiled Brock. "So what's your plan?"

"I was thinking we head to Lavender Town to catch a Ghost Pokemon. After that, I plan on training it up for a few weeks, along with Krabby who hasn't had any chance to train at all," replied Ash.

"Isn't that place kind of creepy?" shuddered Misty.

"That's just superstition Misty. Besides, if we head that way, we will have to head east and cut through Route 12, which has plenty of water areas, with lots of Water Pokemon waiting to be caught," offered Brock.

At that, Misty acquiesced and the group began their journey east. It took a few days to get through the forests east of Vermillion City, during which time Ash went back to his normal training and running routine, introducing his poor Krabby to the process. The crab Pokemon only knew Bubble, Vice Grip, and Harden, which Ash also worked to rectify. He started to train Krabby to use Bubble Beam, Mud Shot, and Metal Claw. Charmeleon was a big help with the last of those attacks. His other Pokemon continued to work hard as well, refining their own moves, and growing stronger. Bulbasaur in particular was showing signs of an impending evolution.

To top off all the progress they were making, Ash and Misty even found a few trainers to battle with along the way.

When the days passed by, the forests finally opened, revealing Route 12. The route consisted of man made wooden walkways over the water. They appeared to go both north and south.

"According to the map, we need to turn left and head north to reach Lavender Town," muttered Brock, whose face was buried in the aforementioned map. "We should arrive in Lavender town in two days if we keep up a good pace."

Encouraged by the good news, the group continued to travel until it began to get dark. Ash, Brock, and Misty set up camp on a relatively large wooden platform. Afterwords, Brock started in on dinner, while the younger members of the group sat down for some fishing. Misty also let out her Pokemon to play in the water.

"I didn't know you had a Margikarp Misty," said Ash as he noticed the red fish flailing about in the water.

"Oh yeah. I kinda got it on the S.S. Anne. Bit of a weird story, but it ended with Magikarp. I know he is not much to look at now, but with enough training, he will evolve into a majestic Gyarados," said Misty with stars in here eyes.

"Aren't Gyarados notoriously difficult to tame?" Ash countered with a raised eyebrow.

"You're not wrong Ash," Misty agreed with a sigh. "However, as a future Water Pokemon master, I cannot let myself fail. Magikarp will evolve, and we will be a great team!" said the girl with great dedication.

"That's pretty cool Misty. With that attitude, i'm sure you will accomplish your goal," smiled Ash.

"Oh... Um thanks," replied a blushing Misty, who quickly looked away.

"Speaking of goals, what does being a Water Pokemon Master look like to you? For me, being a Pokemon Master is hard to measure too, but I have set the goal of becoming a regional champion for now. Do you have any goals in mind for your dream?" asked the curious boy.

Misty turned pensive at this new question. "The truth is, I don't think I've ever thought of it like that," admitted the girl.

"Do you have people you admire, who you would like to maybe emulate?" pressed Ash.

"There is one person I suppose. I've always adored one of the Elite 4 members. Her name is Lorelei and she is the ice-type specialist, but many of her Pokemon hold a dual water-type as well. If I could be like anyone, It would be her," Misty said with longing.

"Maybe you should consider trying to become a member of the Elite 4 then with a focus on water types?" suggested Ash.

That caught Misty off guard. "Me? A member of the Elite 4? Do you really think I could?" Misty asked.

"I know you can, and I will do you better than that. The day I become a Champion is the same day I will invite you to battle me for a chance to be a part of my Elite 4!" said Ash with conviction. "So make sure you train long and hard," the boy added with a wink.

Misty looked at Ash with surprise, and even a little bit of admiration. That boy can be so dense at times... Other times though, he almost makes me feel... Misty's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden tug on her pole.

"I've got a bite!" excitedly exclaimed Misty. Ash and Brock watched on as Misty began to real in the mystery Pokemon. After she got it close, Misty gave a mighty yank and a small blue sea-horse like Pokemon flew out of the water and onto the wooden platform.

"A Horsea," observed Ash.

"I've always wanted one! Misty calls Starmie!" shouted the exuberant Water Pokemon specialist. Her ace Pokemon immediately leaped out of the water and was ready for battle.

Horea got things started with a Water Gun, aimed right at Starmie.

"Let's end this quick Starmie. Use Thunder Wave!" The star Pokemon fired a concentrated wave of electricity directly through the oncoming Water Gun, neutralizing it, and into Horsea.

"Horsea!" cried the poor blue creature in pain as the paralysis took effect.

"Pokeball Go!" called out Misty, as a Pokeball left her hand with great speed. The ball hit its mark and Horsea was helplessly sucked in. Everyone was silent as they watched the ball roll back and forth. Misty's wish came true though and the ball dinged, signifying Horsea's capture.

Misty slowly walked up to her new Horsea's Pokeball and grabbed it. What followed next was... unexpected. "I CAUGHT A HORSEA!" Misty joyously shouted in a pose with her Starmie that looked oddly Ash-like.

Speaking of Ash, "That's my thing," muttered the boy.

"Let her have this one Ash. I'd say she earned it," laughed Brock.

Yet another Pokemon was added to the group's rapidly growing family. If Ash had his way in Lavender Town, the next one would be here soon enough.

END CHAPTER

This one felt like a bit of a filler chapter to me, and the part after Lance was a little forced. Despite that, I am pretty happy with the progress made today. Team Rocket, as Lance indicated, will have their eyes set on Ash now. This will have consequences down the line. On the other hand, Misty catches a new Pokemon for the 2nd chapter in a row. The area the group was traveling in does have wild Horsea in the games, and since I skipped the Port Vista arc, it made sense to me to have Misty catch it here.

Next time - The gang runs into a character that hasn't been seen since almost the beginning of the story and Ash may not like that. Ash will also make an attempt at catching a ghost Pokemon. Finally, a big change will occur ;)

DragonEmperor999 - Thanks for the review! It actually inspired me when writing the scene with the Rocket boss. I don't know about the con man. He was one of my favorite running gags in the anime. Very tempted to bring him back once a region like they did lol.

SonicKing42 - Thanks for the review! Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Togepi will indeed be in this story.

Today I would like to recommend Ashes of the Past by Saphroneth. It has a few too legendary Pokemon being caught for my taste, but it did inspire the idea of Misty aiming for the Elite 4, which I hinted at this chapter. Give it a read if you are interested in some good fun!

Remember to review with your thoughts/critique :)

Smell ya later!