Hey, so I said to myself that if I write to a certain point ahead of this chapter before Saturday, I would upload this. Which I have, so…
Enjoy!
Chapter 2 – Diverging Paths
Adjusting his white mask, the Masked Man waded perilously through the crumbling halls of the ancient temple, stopping every now and then to make sure his next footing wouldn't be his last. Beside him stood his blue, bipedal, canine-like companion, using his aura to light the darkened halls.
They weren't far from their destination, and by the look of the markings that covered the wall, they were in the right place. The temple itself was incredibly old, nearly as old as the oldest structure ever found. Having stood for thousands of years, the ancient temple showed its age, but also showed images of history long since forgotten.
They passed carvings of the universe before time, before Arceus rose and created the world. They saw carvings of the Legendary Pokémon; Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina as the descended from the heavens.
They saw Mew, and the ever-changing form as the one image turned into thousands of different Pokémon. But finally, they arrived at the place they sought, finding two individuals they had not expected.
Pausing, the Masked Man silently ordered his Pokémon to remain quiet as he leaned around the corner and peered inside the main chamber. Gazing over the far side of the main chamber, standing in front of a large carved mural, that covered the entire wall, was one, grey and purple, feline-like Pokémon and his aura counterpart.
"So, this was the earliest stages of the world?" Mewtwo's questioned was answered as Sai raised his aura formed hand towards the mural, pointing at one of the tree main formation. The mural told a story, however you couldn't read it linearly. It showed three large environments that each encased a different looking bird-like Pokémon.
"When the world was first created, it was chaotic, nearly uninhabitable, but somehow, from Mew, life found a way to survive." Sai continued to tell his story, but the Masked Man wasn't interested, he already knew it all.
For when Arceus indeed created the world, he hadn't planned on the chaotic weather patterns that would eventuate. On three parts of the world, three very different environments formed; one framed by ice, one with continuous electrical storms, and one with never end volcano eruptions.
Indeed, the mural explained this, showing the image of volcanos on one third of the wall. Another showed the storms, and the last third held large glaciers over the entire surface. The three environments, however, converged in the centre of the mural where lush tropical islands formed from the combination of the weather patterns.
But that wasn't where the story ended, however. The mural also told the story of three bird-like Pokémon that, over time, evolved to mimic the weather patterns of their respective environments. So there, as the three environments converged, were the forms of Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres all flying towards the centre.
"As these three powerful birds formed, they fought to claim more land," Sai continued. "They converged in a massive battle over the only stable environment of the planet. Here they fought, neither of them willing to surrender. The islands, which were lush with life, fell into chaos. One Pokémon, the strongest flying-type on the islands, rose to fight them. It tried to protect its home, but failed because the elemental types of Fire, Ice and Electric were too powerful for it, and it plunged into the sea."
"Then how did the fighting stop?"
Sai pointed towards the middle of the mural, where the form of Lugia was shown rising from the ocean. "Arceus felt sorry for the Pokémon that tried to protect its home, but also respect. So, he decided to help the Pokémon, transforming it into the form you see here. With its new powers, Lugia rose from the sea to challenge the three waring Pokémon again. This Lugia was strong enough to stop the three Pokémon, and send them to slumber on one of the islands nearby with a powerful song. Since then, the three elemental birds have slumbered for hundreds of thousands of years."
"But how did the environment change?"
"This was unforeseen," Sai explained. "When the three birds slept on their individual islands, they stabilised the climate, and the three environments receded into the world we know now. But, if these three Pokémon were to ever awaken, chaos would return, and the world would be plunged into hell again."
"That's a very interesting story, Sai," Mewtwo said, gazing over the large mural. "I would have never known the chaos this world had, you're showing me something I don't completely understand."
Sai smiled. "This is only the beginning, Mewtwo, there is much of this world you still need to learn." Sai looked around for a moment, nearly noticing the Masked Man, who had to lean back behind the entrance to not be noticed. Realising he had explained all he could here, he turned back to Mewtwo."Shall we head to the next location, Mewtwo?"
"Yes." Mewtwo nodded, but he didn't teleport them away. "But before we go, I would like to know where and how you got the name Sai."
Sai smiled again, pointing towards Mewtwo's head. "Search my memories, you'll find them."
Mewtwo became confused, looking at his aura counterpart sceptically. "Sai-" Mewtwo didn't have time to continue as his eyes suddenly glowed blue, and a memory flashed before his eyes.
Many years ago.
"AGH!" the girl groaned, looking at the device in her hands. "Why won't this thing work?" She tried shaking it, hitting it, but it didn't make a sound. "Stupid thing," she barked, throwing the device away.
But before the device hit the ground it was surrounded by purplish-pink energy. Suddenly, the device flew back towards the girl, who screeched in shock. "Hey! What was that for?" she yelled, turning towards the figure behind her.
"You mustn't act so brash," the figure replied, flexing its three-pronged hand as the device lowered into the girl's grasp. "We can get it fixed once we reach Pallet Town. I'm sure Professor Oak wouldn't be happy if he knew how carelessly you treated one of his devices."
"I don't need your opinion, Mewtwo," the girl replied, adjusting her sunhat over her blonde hair. "I've done just fine before I became your trainer."
"I know you have." Mewtwo agreed. "I wouldn't have let you become my trainer otherwise. Now, come on, Misty's waiting for us."
The young girl sighed in response, casting her gaze towards the ground. "I know," she reluctantly muttered, kicking a stone on the ground. Mewtwo gazed at the young girl, smiling knowingly. Like everyone else that met her, Mewtwo thought she was a boy when he first encountered the young, blonde haired, girl.
"Come on, now, don't be like that." Mewtwo leant down next to the girl. "I'm sure she'll be happy to see you." Mewtwo looked at the girl's face."Besides, I think Red's with her." Her face morphed into one of instance happiness.
"Yeah!" She nodded eagerly. "I haven't seen him since the incident on Cerise Island, where I rescued you… Mewtwo." Her happiness suddenly faded as she eyed the psychic-type legendary Pokémon sceptically. "You're eager to find Red, is it because…"
"No!" Mewtwo frantically replied, sensing her thoughts. "You're my trainer now, not him. He may have captured me, but you were the one that risked yourself to save me. I am in debt to you, I'll be with you always."
"Thanks, Mewtwo." She smiled, tracing her eyes over the Pokémon's feline features. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"Do you have a name? I mean, everyone calls you Mewtwo, but to me that seems more of a description than a name. Sure, you're a clone of Mew, but that shouldn't define you."
"I've never really thought about it," Mewtwo admitted. "Everyone's always called me that. Why? Have you got a better name for me?"
"No." she shook her head. "I just thought that you may like to be called something else other than a name which identifies you as a clone, because you are so much more than that."
"I'll think about it," Mewtwo mused. "But for now, we should get moving, Cerulean City awaits."
"Fine." She sighed, grabbing Mewtwo's Master Ball.
"Hmm?"
"What?" She quizzed, confused.
"I seem to make you sigh a lot," Mewtwo replied, shrugging his shoulders.
"That's it!" she exclaimed.
"What?"
"Sai, I'll call you Sai."
Mewtwo looked at the young girl, a smile forming on his face as he played the name over and over in his head. "Yes. Sai. I'd like that, Yellow." He disappeared in a beam of red energy.
"What was that?" Mewtwo squeezed his eyes shut in confusion before opening them to look at Sai questioningly.
"That was my memory," Sai explained. "I gave you my memories before you killed me to help you understand how beautiful this world is. They'll come to you sporadically, sometimes when you least suspect it, but each will teach you something."
"You could have warned me!" Mewtwo growled as they teleported away.
The Masked Man, sighing, entered the room with Lucario once it was clear. "Why didn't we capture him?" the Pokémon asked. "I thought you had a deal with Giovanni?"
"I do," the Masked Man agreed, approaching the mural. "But until he gives me what I want, he won't be getting anything from me."
He paused in front of the mural, allowing his right, gloved, hand to rise towards Lugia's form in the centre. Suddenly, he created a powerful glow of blue energy in his hand. Without even admiring his power, he shoved the aura into the mural.
A wave of aura washed over the mural, causing the carvings to light up in an afterglow. Slowly, the light spread out through the carvings, until the entire wall was illuminated. As the aura reflected off the carvings, the Masked Man began to speak in an ancient language that loosely translated to; "Rise from the shadows, creator of dreams."
He continued to chant the same say over and over until he was pushed back as a portal formed from the wall. The swirling purple, blue, and black grew larger until suddenly five small forms appeared from it.
As quickly as the portal appeared, it disappeared, leaving the five forms floating around Lucario and the Masked Man. Confused, Lucario looked at the strange looking creatures. They reminded him of an ancient language he'd seen in other temples, only they were all black, and had one eye.
The Masked Man didn't explain to his Pokémon what these creatures were, only turning and leaving. The five creatures followed their new master, after all, he had freed them. "Come along now, Lucario," the Masked Man ordered, leaving the chamber. "We have business with the Unknown."
The sun beat down on the small island resort. It had been a month since the end of the Pokémon League, with Ash and his friends enjoying the beautiful weather the tropical islands had to offer. Currently, they were enjoying a nice relaxing day on the beach, relishing in the suns natural glow.
Laying on one of the many chaises the resort provided, Ash watched his friend, Brock, feverishly try to flirt with another girl. Glancing over, he noted that the girl was at least a similar age to Brock, happy that he wouldn't be having any more conversations with the resort personal about hounding older woman, who found flirting with the young boy rather creepy.
Relaxing back into his chaise, he decided to let this one roll over, knowing that the girl would eventually ignore him and move one. Unfortunately, fate had a different idea. "Hey! What are you doing with my daughter?"
Ash quickly glanced back, realising that the worst possible outcome had occurred. Studying the scene before him, he found Brock stammering to reply to a really pissed off older man, who was clutching his young daughter protectively.
"Do you want to help him?" Misty asked from the chaise next to him. She was laying just as comfortably as he was, soaking in the sun.
"I did last time," Ash replied, remembering the hour-long lecture with security and the threat of eviction from the resort. "It's your turn now."
"Fine!" Misty begrudgingly rose from her chaise and waded over to the still stammering fool. It was the first time that day that Ash had gotten a good look at her. She was wearing a simple, blue, two-piece bikini, and while he had felt flustered the first time he'd seen her in it, and several other variations, he'd grown accustomed to seeing the young girl in very revealing clothing over the last few weeks. "We're very sorry, sir," he heard Misty say. "My, umm… Brother! He, umm, doesn't know what he's doing sometimes. If you let this slide, we'll walk away, and I'll make sure he doesn't bother you in the future."
"You better," Ash heard the man threaten. "Tell him to never come near my daughter again!"
"Will do." Misty nodded and began pulling her older friend towards the chaises they were laying on. "Seriously, Brock, do you want to get us kicked out?" she scolded as they returned to Ash.
"But, Misty! She was actually flirting back!" Brock retorted. He, like Ash, was only wearing board shorts. "She started touching me, not the other way around!"
"Ok, firstly, too much information!" She gaged. "And secondly, you've been warned about interrupting other people's vacations several times!"
"I really had a chance with this one," Brock groaned, slumping down into the chaise on the other side of Ash.
"Yeah, well, I think your chances have run out, Brock," Ash explained. "We're only here for two more days before we move on."
"You mean, I won't be able to see bikini clad babes as far as the eye can see any more!" Brock moaned.
"Ew! You ogling woman is not why we're here!" Misty stuck out her tongue in disgust, laying back down in her own chaise. "We're here to have a break from training, and there's some tournaments coming up soon that I'll want to enter."
"Excuse me," one of the resort staff interrupted, approaching the three trainers. Their thoughts aligned, believing he was there to tell them off, and when he stopped in front of Brock, they thought they were right. Surprisingly, they weren't. "I have a letter here for Brock Slate."
Sitting up, Brock took hold of the letter and thanked the staff member. "What is it?"
"I do not know." The man bowed. "Only that it was a priority message that we received this morning. Good day." He quickly walked away.
"What is it, Brock?" Ash asked as Brock read the letter.
"It's an invitation," Brock explained. "I've been invited to a tour of Reeve's Breeding Company Headquarters' as part of my prizes for winning the Scissor Street Breeding Contest."
"Did you know that was one of the prises?" Misty asked.
"No," Brock replied. "But the tour is in two days, and the Headquarters' is located on one of the islands nearby, so I guess we'll head there after we leave here."
"Sure," Ash and Misty agreed.
"So, are we in agreement?" Charles Goodshow studied the expressions of the members of the Pokémon League Board, gaging their reaction.
"Yes." Lance nodded, turning his attention towards the others. "But if anyone has any concerns I suggest they speak now."
"I still don't get why we're doing this," Cynthia quipped, crossing her arms over her chest. "Kanto was the region attacked, not Sinnoh. I don't like how this is affecting my league."
"I support that argument," Steven Stone added. "But I also know we have to do something."
Lance looked from Diantha to Adler, realising they weren't going to add anything, before turning his attention to the Pokémon Master. "What about you, Red?"
"You know my position on this," Red replied. "I don't like doing something that's going to affect my own child…" He paused, mulling over everything he'd heard. "But… Perhaps, in the long run, it will save a few lives."
Charles was about to put it to a vote, when Red cut in. "My only concern is that Mr. Contesta isn't here. He represents all Coordinators after all."
"I agree with that too," Professor Oak added. "I still haven't heard how this will affect young researchers in the field. Sometimes they need to be able to do work on their own, the Pokémon Scientists Association can't be babysitting them all the time."
"Mr. Contesta couldn't be here," Charles explained. "But he's already given me his vote in writing, so we can vote now. Shall we start?" They all nodded. "Lance?"
"Yes, for both Kanto and Johto."
"Steven?"
"Yes."
"That's three votes, yes. Cynthia?"
"No."
"Adler?"
"No."
"Diantha?"
"Yes."
"That's four votes, yes. Two votes, no. Mr. Contesta voted no. Professor Oak?"
"No."
"That's four votes a piece. looks like it comes down to you, Red."
Red looked at his fellow board members. He looked each Champion in the eye before glancing at the Professor next to him. Finally, he focused on Charles Goodshow. "Before I give my answer, I would like to say one thing. Sixteen years ago, Mr. Hartfield stood before this board as Pokémon Master and proposed we make changes to the League Charter regarding the age of Pokémon Trainers. I remember, I was the Champion of Kanto at the time. But what I remember most was you, Charles, and how you rallied as much support as possible to reject the proposal, and now, sixteen years later, here you are, proposing a bill very similar to his."
"I know, I'm hypocritical, but times have changed, Red."
"I know." Red sighed, casting his eyes downwards. "Which is why I vote; Yes."
"That's five votes to four in favour," the Vice President muttered. "The motion carries. The new law will be written into the League Charter."
"I hope you're happy." Cynthia roughly pushed her chair away before angrily stomping out of the room. "If you'll excuse me, I have to go inform my own League of the changes."
Red remained seated as the other board members slowly parted at the end of the meeting, casting his eyes over the bill that would now be written into law. "Don't take it to heart, Red," Lance said, standing behind him. "Cynthia is young, and the newest Champion, she still has a lot to learn."
"It's not that," Red explained, pushing his seat back and standing up. "I voted no, sixteen years ago. And here I am, as the Pokémon Master, representative of all Pokémon Trainer's on the board, and I can't help but feel like I've betrayed them."
"But you haven't," Lance reassured. "These changes are nothing like what Hartfield wanted."
"You know, his proposal was the reason I pushed so hard to defeat him twelve years ago," Red explained. "I didn't want him trying to push his agenda again, so I thought it was best to remove him from the board by taking his place."
"And now, twelve years later, you're doing something similar to what he did," Lance realised. "We can't change the past, but we can determine our own future."
"Sometimes I wish I could change the past, Lance," Red muttered, leaving the room. "Sometimes I really do."
Ash, Misty, and Brock couldn't believe the size of building in front of them. Scratch that, it wasn't just a building, it was a massive complex that nearly encompassed the entire island they were on. Right in front of them, atop the main entrance, hung a massive sign that read 'Reeves Breeding Company,' telling them they were at the right place.
Making their way through the glass panel doors, they found themselves in a large foyer that put some battlefields shame in its mere size. Wandering past several businessmen, who looked at the three kids rather strangely; some even pointing to the Pokémon on Ash's shoulder and in Misty's arms.
Brock grabbed his invitation and held it out to receptionist at the front desk. "Excuse me, mam," Brock muttered, quickly regaining his composure when he felt a warning jab in his ribs from Misty. "I have this invitation for an exclusive tour."
The woman took the invitation, reading it before looking the information up in her computer. "You must be Brock Slate," she muttered, reading the information. "If you wait here, someone will be here shortly to guide you through security. However, it doesn't say that you're allowed to bring guests."
"Oh," Brock muttered. "Are you sure?"
"Very," the woman replied. "They can wait here in the foyer while you tour our headquarters'."
"It's alright, Brock," Misty reassured. "We can wait here."
"Nonsense!" Everyone turned to see Julien Reeves approach them. His purple hair was the same as Ash remembered it; extravagant and elegant. "Mademoiselle, I'm sure you can put it in the computer that I am allowing these two to accompany us during the tour."
"Why, yes, Mr. Reeves!" the woman blushed. "I'll just need to issue them security passes."
"No need." Julien waved the issue off. "I'll guide them through security."
"But that's against protocol, sir," the woman replied.
"Who do you think wrote the protocol?" Julien replied, ushering the kids to follow. "Now if you'll follow me, we'll meet up with the other contest winner and start the tour."
"Other contestant winner?" Misty whispered to Ash.
"I don't know," Ash replied in a similar hushed tone.
"Woah!" Brock gasped as they entered a large indoor oasis. There were grassy fields as far as the eye could see, with a massive lake on one side, an artificial glacier on another. Near them were massive sand dunes that back onto an artificial volcano. The room was designed to house every environment imaginable, with forests laced sporadically.
"This is our largest sanctuary," Julien explained, waving his arm exaggeratedly as he pointed to the glass ceiling where light from the sun was bearing in. "The island has a dozen such rooms, similar to this one, where we keep variations of different Pokémon. This room, however, is used to house the high priority Pokémon."
"High priority Pokémon?" Ash questioned. "What do you mean by that? Aren't all Pokémon important?"
"Why, yes," Julien agreed. "But this is where we house the rarest Pokémon we have."
"Like Legendary Pokémon?" Misty asked.
"No." Julien shook his head. "We do not breed Legendary Pokémon as it is incredibly hard, and against League Rules. We keep Pokémon that are rarely found in the wild here, plus Pokémon of high profile clients."
"High profile clients?"
Julien sighed, realising he was going to have to explain everything. "Some of the Pokémon in this room belong to some of the regional Champions, like that one." He pointed to a strong looking, blue, four-legged steel Pokémon. "That is Steven Stone's prized Pokémon; Metagross. It's on loan to us to breed a Pokémon for someone in his family. Other's belong to some of the Master's."
Julien suddenly waved a person over, and when they approached, Brock realised them immediately. "Zoey? What are you doing here?"
"Hi, Brock," Zoey greeted. Her blonde hair cascaded well passed her shoulders now. "Hi, Ash. Hi, Misty. I'm here for the same reason you are; we were joint winners of the contest."
"Oh, yeah?" Brock blushed; embarrassed he'd forgotten about that.
As the two caught up, Misty leaned close to Ash's ear. "Hey, Ash, wasn't that the girl that your mother wasn't happy to find out had stayed at your place for a night?"
"Yeah," Ash agreed. "I don't exactly understand what happened. I only over heard part of their conversation when we got back. Something about teenagers, hormones, and 'not in my house.'"
"Did Brock ever explain what happened?"
"Not really," Ash explained. "But Professor Oak said that she was visiting him, an incident occurred, and she was stranded. Brock then invited her to stay the night as she had no where to go. Pallet Town doesn't have a Pokémon Centre, or any large hotels for that matter."
"Excuse me, Sir." Everyone was interrupted from their own conversations when a security officer approached. "We've had a major computer glitch, and you're needed in the head office immediately."
"I'll be there right away," Julien said, before turning to the four kids. "You four remain here and I'll be back shortly to continue our tour."
"Alright." They nodded.
"Feel free to explore the environment while I'm gone."
Ash and Misty found themselves by the massive lake, while Brock and Zoey went off and did their own thing. "So, Ash, have you thought about training your Pokémon yet?"
"Not really," he replied. "I've been enjoying my break."
"But what about your Pokémon? Surely they want to battle?"
"They do," Ash agreed, scratching Pikachu absentmindedly. "This little guy's been hounding me for the last week, haven't you, Pikachu."
"Pikachu!" he smugly confirmed.
"So why haven't you at least tried?" Misty asked.
"I'm not ready," Ash explained. "And my Pokémon understand that. I'll return to training eventually, but only when I feel confident enough."
"You can always talk to me about it," Misty consoled. "You know that, right?"
"Yeah-" Ash was cut off mid-sentence as the sanctuary was rocked by a massive explosion. Ash and Misty shielded themselves as glass rained around them, falling to the ground. Alarms blared as a large, blue, dragon-like Pokémon, with red wings flew over them.
Following the Pokémon, Ash and Misty noticed that a woman was riding atop it. Quickly jumping to their feet, Ash went to grab one of his Poké Balls before stopping. Hesitation brought the time the intruder needed, and before long, the Salamence was flying back over them. Ash's Pokémon, however, decided to react for him, as Charizard burst forth from his Poké Ball and ascended into the air.
Caught off guard as her Pokémon was assaulted, the woman accidently dropped the Pokémon egg she had gathered. Ash noticed the egg fall towards the ground, and immediately ran to catch it. With it continuing its free-fall quickly, he lunged, catching it and turning his body as he come to a hard thud on the ground.
Distracted, Ash hadn't noticed the continuing battle between Charizard and Salamence. While his Charizard was strong, the Dragon-type's advantage overpowered his strength.
Misty sensed this, and immediately called out her Vaporeon. "Ice Beam! Hit that Pokémon." A beam of ice shot forth from Vaporeon's mouth, colliding the one of the Pokémon's red wings.
Realising she was at a disadvantage, the woman ordered her Pokémon to retreat, but not before casting her gaze towards the two trainers below. "You haven't heard the last from me!" She warned, disappearing through the same hole she made.
"Everyone! Hands up!" Security surrounded them quickly, pointing weapons and summoning Pokémon. "Present your security passes."
Zoey immediately pulled hers out, while Ash, Misty, and Brock looked confused, realising what the receptionist meant.
"We don't have security passes," Ash explained, returning Charizard in a show of appeasement. He realised what it looked like; him holding an egg, like he was about to steal it. Slowly, he lowered it to the ground and left it there. "We were brought here by Julien Reeves."
"They don't have passes," one guard said. "Arrest them immediately!" Within seconds they were swamped, with their hands placed in handcuffs behind their back.
"Stop!" Julien declared, appearing with other security. "They are my guests, let them go immediately."
"Yes, sir." One security officer nodded, releasing the three trainers from their confines.
"I'll take that egg, if you don't mind," Julien stated, grabbing the Pokémon egg from one of the officers who had confiscated it. "You four follow me, my chief of security would like to debrief you."
"And that's what happened," Ash explained, recalling the events to the Chief of Security.
"Was there anything else you remember?" the Chief asked. "Anything identifiable about the woman who tried to steal the egg?"
"Oh!" Ash perked up. "Not much, but she wore these strange glasses."
The Chief glanced toward Julien. "Has a Salamence, wears strange glasses, sound familiar?"
"Yes." Julien nodded. "It looks like the low-key, Pokémon Hunter J is trying to move up in the world."
"I'll contact the G-Men," the Chief explained. "You'll have to continue the tour another day."
"I know."
Ash, Misty, Brock and Zoey sat on one of the lounges in the main foyer. The businessmen were gone, replaced with dozens of security guards. They were waiting to Julien, as he'd instructed. When the man appeared, they rose to their feet and approached him.
"I'm sorry for what happened," Ash apologised.
"Nonsense," Julien rebuffed. "If it wasn't for you, Hunter J may have stolen one of the Pokémon Eggs. It's me who should be thanking you…" He paused as two security officers approached, each carrying an egg. "Which is why I've decided to give you, and Misty, a gift." He grabbed the Pokémon Egg off the first officer and presented it to Ash. "This is the Pokémon you saved, and for my thanks, I want you to have it."
"Really?" Ash questioned. "But I thought this egg was really special."
"Oh, it is," Julien agreed, placing the egg in Ash's arms. "It's an egg from Steven Stone's Metagross."
"Wasn't that meant for someone in his family?" Ash asked. He was grateful, he just didn't understand why he was receiving an egg meant for someone else.
"Yes, but Metagross had three eggs," Julien explained, grabbing the other Pokémon Egg the second security guard. "Steven only wants one. He said I could do with the other two as I pleased. And this." He turned to Misty. "Is for you. I know you're a Water-type Pokémon trainer, and I think this will greatly help you."
"Thank you." Misty smiled, accepting the egg.
"Now, I think you have something to explain," Julien stated, turning to Brock.
"What's he talking about, Brock?" Ash asked.
"I only found this out recently, Ash," Brock explained. "I would have told you sooner if I'd known. But part of the prize for winning the breeding contest was an internship under Julien. And after talking while you two were being debriefed, I've decided to accept."
"So, you're staying here?" Ash realised. Brock nodded.
"I guess this is goodbye then?" Misty placed the egg down, approaching the young breeder. Brock immediately put his hand up to shake, but Misty simple batted it away. "Friends don't shake," she explained, enveloping him in a hug.
"I'm going to miss you," Brock said as they separated. "You've been like a sister to me."
"And you've been like the brother I never had."
"I'll miss you to, Brock!" Ash said, enveloping his friend in a hug before he knew what was happening. "I don't know what we're going to do without you!"
"I'm sure you'll manage," Brock reassured. "But I think it's time we went our separate ways. At least for a little while."
"We'll see you again, Brock." Misty said as they headed for the exit.
Brock didn't turn away as his two friends disappeared aboard the ferry that brought them here. He knew he would see them again, but it didn't mean it hurt any less to say goodbye.
"They'll be alright, Brock," Zoey reassured. "They can handle themselves."
"I know." Brock sighed. "I wonder if this is what it would have felt like to watch one of my brothers or sisters depart on their Pokémon Journey when they turned ten."
"That feeling means you really do care about them. Plus, look on the bright side, you get to spend a lot of time with me while we intern together!"
Brock smiled; Sure, he could live with that.
Julien watched the sombre goodbye from afar when his Chief of Security approached. "Excuse me, sir?"
"Yes, Thomas?"
"It appears we had another break in at the same time Hunter J attacked."
"What? Where?" Julien turned, concerned.
"I've just been informed that it occurred on Level 0."
"Oh, merde!" Julien placed his hand over his mouth in shock. "Yellow's Vault!"
What are the changes to the Pokémon League? What was inside the Vault? And what adventures will Ash and Misty get up to? Find Out Next Time!
Next Chapter will be up in 2 weeks.
I've already written the next chapter, but I need to know some minor details. While I thought Lapras is male, I don't know if its supposed to be male or female. Could people let me know what they think is correct.
Also, I would like to know if it's alright to describe the Pokémon less and just state their names more. It's hard to describe their appearances before a battle. I will describe them during a battle, however, but would like to focus on describing them less when they're just out of their Poké Balls.
Lastly, I have to rewrite some of the history of Red and such because an OC I added long ago to the first Arc has messed up with the timeline. Right now, as it stands, Delia had her dead daughter when she was 13, which is way too young. So, I have to move that birth to when she is 16, pushing things out of whack. Consequently, the deceased daughter would now be 13 if she was alive, not sixteen, and Red now became Master when he was 21. I wished I picked up on this mistake before I added the character, and it is the reason I no longer accept OCs that are related to Ash in any way.
Any questions, Pokémon suggestions, ideas for the story, or OC's you have that you would like to see in the story, just PM me or send it in a review! All are welcome!
Ash's Pokémon:
On Hand:
Pikachu (Electric) (Male)
Pidgeotto (Normal/Flying) (Male)
Ivysaur (Grass/Poison) (Male)
Charizard (Fire/Flying) (Male)
Wartortle (Water) (Male)
Rhydon (Ground/Rock) (Female)
Riolu (Fighting) (Male)
Dragonair (Dragon) (Female)
Ralts (Psychic/Fairy) (Male) (Shiny)
Grubbin (Bug) (Female) (Shiny)
Egg
At Oak's Ranch:
Arcanine (Fire) (Male)
Nidorino (Poison) (Male) (Shiny)
Umbreon (Dark) (Male) (Shiny)
Raticate (Normal) (Female)
Butterfree (Bug/Flying) (Male)
Kingler (Water) (Female)
Absol (Dark) (Male)
Gengar (Ghost/Poison) (Male)
Primeape (Fighting) (Female)
Muk (Poison) (Male)
Tauros (Normal) (Male) (x23)
Sandslash (Ground) (Male)
Gyarados (Water/Flying) (Male)
Departed:
Mew
Misty's Pokémon:
On Hand:
Starmie (Water/Psychic)
Seel (Water) (Male)
Feebas (Water) (Female)
Vaporeon (Water) (Female)
Psyduck (Water) (Male)
Togepi (Fairy) (Male)
Egg
At Oak's Ranch:
Kabutops (Rock/Water) (Male) (Shiny)
Seaking (Water) (Female)
Staryu
Tentacruel (Water/Poison) (Male)
Pelipper (Water/Flying) (Female)
Seadra (Water) (Female)
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Until Next Time, AshleyH30 Out!
