I am so happy to share this with you today... it got a little long, but who's complaining? lol
Part 4
"So do you know what Pokemon you're going to use in your gym battle?" Austin asks as him and Phoenix approach a large building with a title hung on the side that says 'Pewter City Gym'. Little Pichu sits on Phoenix's shoulder, just enjoying the views. He never would have dared to be out in the open in a human city before, so he takes it in.
Phoenix stares up at the sign deep in concentration. He had many opportunities to watch Forrest battle when he had visited Pewter City in the past. His parents had left him with his Uncle Brock on many occasions and all Phoenix ever wanted to do was visit the gym and watch Brock's brother battle many different trainers. Phoenix is sure that he knows what it will take to bring Forrest down.
"I suppose it depends on what Pokemon Forrest uses." Phoenix says quietly, still trying to nail down his strategies.
"He used a Rhyhorn and a Geodude in my battle. I lost the first challenge. Then I caught Bellsprout and I nearly lost again!" Austin laughed, slightly embarrassed.
"Those are the Pokemon Forrest usually uses against trainers with no badges." Phoenix states knowingly. Then he scratches the side of his face and sighs, "I have a feeling he won't go so easy on me."
Austin looks over at his friend who is lost in contemplation. Pichu ruffles Phoenix's hair that sticks out from under his hat.
"Well, hey, we won't know until we go in!" Austin smiles and jabs Phoenix in the arm.
"Yeah! Let's go!" Phoenix's demeanor shifts back to his normal confident state, and he races forward into the gym.
As he enters through the automatic doors, Phoenix immediately rams into something that causes him to crash to the ground. Pichu nearly falls from his post on Phoenix's shoulder.
"Ouch," Phoenix squeaks as he registers what happened.
Before him, in an identical situation on the ground, is a slightly tanned blue-haired girl rubbing her back. She wears a pair of blue jeans and a light blue and white shirt. Her blue hair falls over her shoulders, a few strands fall over her face. Phoenix's eyes widen at the sight of her.
"What's the big hurry?" She grumbles softly and looks up to meet his gaze. Her jaw loosens and her lips part slightly when she sees the auburn haired teen. Their eyes lock on to each other.
Faster than he's ever moved, Phoenix is back on his feet and holding a hand out to her. His cerulean eyes don't leave her. She stares momentarily at his outstretched hand with her dark purple irises. Then, a small smile raises the corners of her lips and she accepts it gracefully. When they are both on their feet, their eyes connect once again and both struggle to find the right words.
"Hey," Phoenix breathes out softly. His gaze wanders curiously across her entire figure.
"Hi Phoen," she responds with a soft smile and a light blush as she watches his eyes unable to keep her stare.
"Uhh," Austin, who had been a bystander, interrupts, "Did I miss something?"
"Oh," Phoenix snaps out of his trance and smiles sheepishly, a blush forming on his own face.
"My name is Ferra Harrison," the girl holds her hand out to Austin who accepts it.
"Austin Hansen," Austin introduces himself exuding pure friendliness.
"And who is this little sweetie?" Ferra asks, looking up to greet Pichu.
"Pi Pichu!" Pichu waves at her sweetly.
"I just caught Pichu in the Viridian Forest." Phoenix tells her, his eyes shining brightly.
Ferra looks back to meet Phoenix's eyes, and she raises a hand to touch his arm.
She says to him softly, "it's been way too long."
"I know," Phoenix nods in agreement, a smile as wide as the horizon forms across his face.
"Do you know each other?" Austin asks, still confused.
"Just a little," Ferra responds, winking in Phoenix's way. He sends back a crooked smile.
"Well," Phoenix begins to explain, "our parents were best friends. We grew up together."
"Oh neat!" Austin says with a wide smile.
"I think we were thirteen the last time we saw each other," Ferra hums thoughtfully, her index finger grazing her lip. Phoenix's eyes follow the action.
"Yeah," Phoenix agrees, thinking back, "it was at your dad's fortieth birthday party."
"What a bore that party was!" Ferra laughs, "until we snuck out to the fossil museum."
Phoenix simply laughs along with Ferra. Austin stands off to the side scratching his head, just watching the scene unfold. I think I'm missing something. He thinks.
When Ferra's giggles fade she looks back at Phoenix, "I can only guess why you're here."
"Yeah," Phoenix grins and nods, "I started my journey a week ago. I'm here to face Forrest."
"I'll have you know, he already destroyed two beginner trainers this morning," Ferra warns him cheekily.
"Then he should be tired," Phoenix jokes lightly.
"Good point," Ferra agrees.
"So Phoenix, should we go find the gym leader?" Austin asks, trying to regain his friend's attention. The teen seems to be entranced by the newcomer.
"Yeah yeah," Phoenix agrees, but his eyes don't move from Ferra.
"Come on!" Ferra says, grabbing his hand and pulling him further into the gym.
Phoenix hurries along with her, his face bright red from the feeling of his hand in hers.
"Oh brother," Austin shakes his head, his green eyes rolling at his friend. He follows, nonetheless.
They enter the arena area where the lights are dimmed low.
"Uncle Forrest!" Ferra shouts, "I'm back! Well, I never really left. I have a challenger for you!"
The bright ceiling lights flicker on to reveal the rocky battlefield.
"Who's that?" a voice asks from the left side of the room.
A tan man with spiky brown hair appears on the battlefield. His eyes are so narrow that his dark pupils are barely visible. He is wearing only pants, showing off his large pectorals and biceps.
A grin forms on his face as he realizes who has arrived.
"Phoenix," he greets with a curt nod, "I've been expecting you."
"You have?" Phoenix asks, wondering how the news of his journey spread to Pewter so quickly.
"Professor Gary Oak called my brother and he let me know," Forrest informs them.
"You all knew Phoenix was coming?" Ferra shouts furiously, "and no one told me?"
Forrest looks at her questioning, but smiles when he sees her frustration, "we didn't realize it was that big of a deal to you."
"Well, it is!" She exclaims unabashedly, "Phoenix has been my best friend my whole life."
"I am?" Phoenix asks, pointing at himself.
She rolls her eyes at him, "duh, Phoen."
Phoenix laughs sheepishly, his hand nervously scratching his neck.
"I thought maybe you were mad at me for not keeping in touch better the last three years." Phoenix states his fears gently.
"Of course not," Ferra looks at him seriously, "I know that you had it hard. And I knew that eventually we'd reconnect."
"I always hoped so," Phoenix gently gazes at her hand in his, hardly believing they were still linked.
"Oh sorry," she mumbles when she catches him staring. She pulls her hand from the embrace of his.
"Well," Forrest says, interrupting them, "are you ready for your first gym battle?"
"You bet!" Phoenix finally snaps from his trance at the thought of a Pokemon battle.
"Go over to the challenger's box there." Forrest points to the lines on the floor.
"Got it!" Phoenix nods obediently. Before he jogs over to the box, he hands Pichu to Ferra and asks her to hold onto him.
Ferra and Austin move off the field and sit on the sidelines.
"I heard that you already beat two challengers today!" Phoenix shouts across the field. "Your Pokemon must be tired!"
"It's true. I guess I'll just have to use my other Pokemon." Forrest shrugs his shoulders.
"I thought that might be the case," Phoenix growls lightly to himself. He's in for a tougher battle than most beginners.
The referee takes his place in the ref box and holds up two flags.
"The battle will be two on two. Only the challenger may substitute their Pokemon. The first to have no remaining Pokemon loses!" he states. Then he holds up the flags and shouts, "begin!"
"Steelix, go!" Forrest shouts out and throws a ball forward.
On the gym leader's side, a large steel snake forms. Its jaws are half the size of the rest of its body.
Phoenix grits his teeth at the sight of the familiar beast.
"You know I won't go easy on you, right?" Forrest smirks at the teen. "I watched your father battle many times. If you're at all like him, then you'll manage."
"Alright, then," Phoenix grabs the first Pokeball off his belt and enlarges it, "go, Charvo!"
Charvo forms from a bright light. It shouts its name towards the sky and then takes a fighting stance.
"Charvo! Looking great!" Ferra compliments from her seat.
Charvo turns to look at where the familiar voice came from. At the sight of her, Charvo waves and cheers, "Char Char Charmeleon!"
"Good to see you too, Charvo!" Ferra waves back with a bright smile.
Charvo faces back towards Steelix and takes up his stance again.
"Alright, Charvo," Phoenix shouts to him, "we can do this! Start with a flamethrower!"
As Charvo's flames are about to reach Steelix, Forrest commands, "dig!"
Steelix disappears under the ground.
"Char?" Charvo questions, looking around for Steelix.
Phoenix growls as he tries to think of what to do. Dig would be a super effective hit.
"Dig!" Forrest shouts.
As Steelix is about to emerge, Phoenix has an idea, "Charvo, flamethrower at the ground!"
When Steelix makes contact with air, it is immediately hit with a close range flamethrower. Charvo clings to Steelix's head as it rises into the air.
"Fire spin!" Phoenix shouts.
Steelix's body is completely covered in a vortex of flames. It roars in agitation and pain. A burn begins to affect it.
"Slam!" Forrest commands, hoping to finish the battle quickly.
Steelix tries to slam Charvo into the ground.
"Run across it!" Phoenix orders Charvo.
Before Steelix slams into the ground, Charvo jumps up on its head and begins to run across its steely spine. Steelix hits the ground at full force, but Charvo jumps off from the back, unharmed.
"Iron tail!" Forrest shouts.
Charvo isn't fast enough this time and is rammed into a rock protruding from the battlefield.
"Char!" his breath is knocked out of him.
"Charvo! Are you alright?" Phoenix asks, worried about his friend.
"Char," Charvo slowly gets up and retakes his fighting stance.
"Alright," Phoenix moves his hat backwards to show how serious he is, "give it your best flamethrower!"
Charvo takes a deep breath and releases flames from its belly that move rapidly towards steelix.
"Dig!" Forrest orders again.
Steelix dives into the ground to avoid it.
"Flamethrower into the hole!" Phoenix commands.
Charvo runs to where Steelix left a huge hole and blasts his strongest flamethrower into it.
Seconds later, the ground opens up as Steelix, covered in flames, emerges and crashes to the battlefield.
"Steel," it mutters as it faints.
"No way!" Forrest shouts in disbelief.
"Yes!" Phoenix cheers with Charvo who jumps up in celebration.
"Go, Phoenix!" Ferra and Austin shout, "Go, Charvo!"
"Pichu Pichu!" Pichu cheers with them.
"Char, Charmeleon," Charvo grunts, feeling the toll of its injuries. But he doesn't back down.
"Alright," Forrest returns Steelix and grabs a new Pokeball, "come out, Graveller!"
It grunts its name and stands firmly.
"Charvo," Phoenix takes the first move, "flamethrower!"
Graveller doesn't move, it takes the flamethrower without flinching.
"Those flames won't do much against a rock/ground type!" Austin shouts from the sidelines.
However, Charmeleon already found his way close to Graveller and Phoenix shouts, "metal claw!"
Charvo's metal claw is a critical hit. Graveller reels back.
"It was a distraction!" Ferra says excitedly.
"Graveller," Forrest commands, "rock throw!"
Graveller stomps on the ground and the rocks from the battlefield rise from the ground and fly up towards Charvo.
When the rocks clear, Charvo is left passed out on the ground.
"Charvo!" Phoenix yells in surprise. It is the first battle that his fire lizard has lost.
"Charmeleon is unable to battle," the referee shouts, "both trainers are left with only one Pokemon each."
"You did a great job! I'm so proud!" Phoenix cheers, "return."
Phoenix holds Charvo's ball up to return him. Then he pauses to consider which Pokemon to use. Mankey or Oddish?
"Hmm," Phoenix fingers the Pokeballs, "alright, I choose Mankey!"
The little pig monkey appears on the battlefield waving her arms around and snorting.
"Not a bad choice," Forrest compliments, "but it doesn't always come down to super effective hits."
"I know that," Phoenix argues, "Mankey has a fighting spirit!"
"Mankey!" she screeches from the battlefield.
"I just hope that metal claw weakened it enough," Phoenix mutters to himself, not showing his lack of confidence. Charvo was his most trustworthy Pokemon and now he would have to place that trust in Mankey.
"Mankey," Phoenix shouts out, "quickly, use screech!"
Mankey obeys immediately and lets out an ear piercing screech that causes all people and Pokemon to cover their ears and shiver at the sound.
"Graveller," Forrest shouts after recovering, "rock throw!"
Rocks begin to raise from the ground again and fly towards Mankey.
"Mankey, jump from rock to rock to get closer!" Phoenix orders.
Mankey leaps up and dodges between the rocks soaring towards her. Her long legs help propel her from rock to rock.
"Now, karate chop!" Phoenix shouts.
"Graveller, bide!" Forrest orders quickly as Mankey closes in.
Graveller begins to glow in a reddish aura.
Phoenix grits his teeth at the sight. If Graveller's bide hits after a super effective karate chop, it will be over.
"Switch to a fury swipes attack, quickly!" Phoenix shouts the command, almost a little panicked.
Mankey is confused momentarily, but obeys nonetheless and scratches Graveller multiple times. It is not very effective because of the type disadvantage. Graveller's bide builds and it smacks Mankey away with its arm.
"Get back in and use low kick!" Phoenix orders quickly.
Mankey dashes back and lands a super-effective low kick on Graveller. Due to its sheer size, the damage done is immense and the large boulder Pokemon roars out in pain.
Forrest growls to himself, knowing that Phoenix caught on to his trick.
"Mankey one more karate chop!" Phoenix exclaims.
"Graveller, smack down!" Graveller's rocky arm swings up to knock Mankey out of the air.
Mankey hits the ground and bounces away.
"Graveller, rollout!" Forrest orders quickly.
"Get up, Mankey!" Phoenix orders, hopefully.
Mankey slow raises to her feet.
"Focus energy!" Phoenix calls out as the Graveller approaches.
Mankey takes a deep breath and does her best to focus as the beast rolls closer.
"Now, jump up and use karate chop!" Phoenix orders.
Mankey jumps up as Graveller approaches. She slams her flattened hand against Graveller perfectly; however, Graveller's momentum sends Mankey flying across the field. She drags across the ground and lays motionless.
Graveller slows down and its arms and legs loosen to reveal its face. It had been knocked out by Mankey's karate chop.
The referee watches the two Pokemon carefully. When neither make a move he raises his flags and says, "Neither Pokemon are able to continue the battle. The match is officially a tie."
Phoenix stares out at the battlefield where the two Pokemon remain after a double knockout.
Ferra, Austin, and Pichu watch quietly, surprised by the outcome.
"Graveller, return." Forrest says as he raises his Pokeball and returns it.
"Mankey?" Phoenix asks quietly as he runs to the pig monkey, "are you alright?"
Phoenix kneels next to Mankey and pulls her into his arms, "you were really brave."
She opens her eyes slowly and looks up at Phoenix, "Mankey?"
"I'm not mad at all. I am so proud!" Phoenix praises her efforts.
Mankey lets out a soft shrill of excitement.
"Have a good rest," Phoenix smiles at her and returns her to her Pokeball.
"Phoenix," Forrest approaches with a look of surprise, "that was an awesome battle."
"Thank you," Phoenix nods at the older man, "it was an honor to face such high level Pokemon."
"There was no way you should have been able to tie against Steelix and Graveller after a week of travelling." Forrest states, showing how impressed he is. "I guess your parents had a hand in that, eh?"
"I was born to be a master, sir," Phoenix states seriously, "it's in my blood."
"It certainly is," Forrest grins and nods at the teen, "and you've certainly earned this."
Forrest digs in his pocket and produces a shiny little badge, "the boulder badge."
"But we tied," Phoenix stares at the little item, unsure if he should take it or not.
"If I had used the Pokemon I use against new trainers then you would have won," Forrest explains, "and if you were a little more experienced you would have won against my stronger Pokemon."
"I don't know," Phoenix bites his lip in contemplation.
"Ultimately, it is up to a gym leader's discretion to give out their badges," Forrest tells him, "and I believe you earned it."
Phoenix hesitantly lifts his hand and takes the badge. He stares down at it in his hand and smiles widely at it.
"I won the boulder badge!" Phoenix shouts out in excitement. He grabs Charvo's Pokeball and release him. The fire lizard is still tired, but becomes excited at the sight of the badge.
Phoenix drops to his knees and embraces Charvo, "You are the best!"
"Pichu!" Pichu runs from the sidelines and climbs onto Phoenix's shoulders. He plays with Phoenix's hair in excitement.
"That was the coolest battle I've ever seen!" Austin exclaims running up to them, "I knew travelling with you would be the greatest adventure ever!"
Ferra who approaches as well says, "I haven't seen an underdog pulls through like that since I watched those clips of your dad participating in league battles as a teenager."
"She's right," Forrest smiles softly at the teen, "your father managed to pull through all the time when the odds were stacked against him. Looks like you have his creativity when it comes to battling."
"You really think so?" Phoenix asks, something warm heating up in his chest.
There was a part of him that was doubtful. A part of him that believed that he couldn't do it without his father cheering him on; without his mother hugging him in congratulation. However, it is at this moment, this important victory, that Phoenix realizes that the very building blocks that made Ash and Misty Ketchum created him as well. His blood is their blood. He would make them proud.
"I have no doubt," Forrest grins down at the teen.
"That means a lot," Phoenix smiles humbly.
"Hey," Ferra rubs his arm, "there's someone back home who's been waiting to see you for a long time."
Phoenix's ears perk up at the thought and he suddenly feels nervous.
"Do you think he'll forgive me for not coming sooner?" Phoenix asks quietly.
"Phoen, no one is mad at you." Ferra insists, "I just know he misses you."
Phoenix doesn't say anything and just nods in response.
"Come on," Ferra grabs his arm and begins to pull him to the exit of the gym. Austin follows behind, unsure about what's happening, but content to be a part of it.
"Come back around sometime, Phoenix," Forrest waves at the group that is quickly disappearing. He hears a faint chorus of 'bye!' and chuckles to himself.
After stopping at the Pewter City Pokemon Center to drop off Charvo and Mankey, the group continues further until they reach a neighborhood on the edge of town. The neighborhood is fairly new, having been built around the time the older two were born.
"It's been so long," Phoenix says quietly looking around at the neighborhood, "remember when we used to play together at that park?"
"Of course," Ferra laughs, "our parents always brought us there when you came into town."
"This is it, right?" Phoenix asks, looking up at one of the houses. It is white with blue shutters and doesn't look much different than the rest of the houses on the block.
"Yep," she confirms, "come on, guys."
Phoenix and Austin follow her up the steps to the front door. She unlocks it with her key and invites them in.
"Mom is working the shop today, but dad should be home." She says while looking around.
They enter into a living area, but the kitchen is visible across the room.
"Dad!" Ferra shouts through the house.
"No need to shout," a tan, spiky haired man appears in the kitchen. He looks almost identical to Forrest except this man wears a shirt and sports a short beard.
"Uncle Brock," Phoenix says with a smile and a wave.
Brock stops what he's doing in the kitchen to look up at Ferra's guests. He grins at the sight of the familiar teen.
"Phoenix," he smiles warmly, "We've been waiting for you to come around."
"I know," Phoenix frowns slightly, "I'm sorry."
"What?" Brocks says while he comes closer to Phoenix, "no need to be sorry. We're just happy to see you!"
"I'm really happy to see you too," Phoenix tells him sincerely.
"Oh," Ferra stops, "I forgot. This is Austin. He's travelling with Phoenix."
"Welcome, Austin," Brock greets him, "I'm-"
"Brock Harrison," Austin finishes for him, "Pokemon Breeder, Doctor extraordinaire. Also, former gym leader and Ash Ketchum's former travelling companion."
"Alright," Brock laughs, "I see no introductions needed."
"Sorry," Austin chirps quietly, "I am a huge Ash Ketchum fan and I know about everyone who he was ever friends with."
"I see," Brock shakes his head with a smile, "will you two be staying for dinner?"
"Yes," Ferra answers for them and assures them, "dad is an amazing cook."
"I remember!" Phoenix exclaims in excitement, "it's been a week since I've had a home cooked meal."
"Before dinner," Brock begins again, "there is someone who wants to see you."
Brock pulls a necklace out from under his shirt, a gold luxury ball hangs on it.
"He spends way too much time in his Luxury Ball these days," Brock sighs as he enlarges the ball and hands it to Phoenix.
Phoenix looks at the ball and can't help but grin, "come out, Raichu."
Before them, a deep orange, black, and white mouse appears. His chubby yellow cheeks twitch as he stretches them.
"Chaaa," he yawns and looks up at the guests.
When he notices a man wearing the Official Pokemon League hat his eyes open wide. The smell is so similar that he has to ask, "Raichurai?"
"Raichu," Pheonix kneels down in front of him, "It's me. Phoenix."
"Rairaichu?" Raichu asks with a grin.
"It's so good to see you, buddy," Phoenix reaches out and embraces the large orange mouse.
"Who's this fellow?" Austin asks, being the only one left in the dark once again.
"This is my father's Raichu," Phoenix explains, looking the mouse over. He's a bit more out of shape than he's seen him in the past.
"No way," Austin says, confused, "your father's Raichu was blue though, after that whole bond phenomenon/mega evolution thing that happened."
"After Ash passed away," Brock explains, saddened by the topic, "the bond phenomenon broke. He's a normal Raichu now. Albeit, still a champion."
"Raichu," Raichu's entire demeanor shift to grief at the mention of his late master.
"Sorry," Brock says, "I know you're still sensitive about it, Raichu."
"Pichu!" the smaller mouse squeals from Ferra's shoulder.
Raichu looks up at him and smiles at the young pre-evolved Pokemon.
"Rai Rai!" He greets.
Pichu scurries down and stands in front of Raichu. The tip of his ears reach only to Raichu's chin. Raichu moves his wiry tail around his body and sticks it out forward to greet Pichu. Pichu turns his body slightly to reach his own tail forward to meet Raichu's.
"That's so sweet," Ferra coos at the sight of the new friendship.
"I caught him because he reminded me of you, Raichu," Phoenix states with a smile.
"Rai chu chu rai!" Raichu smiles down at the small mouse.
"Why does Raichu live here?" Austin asks suddenly, "why doesn't he live with the rest of Ash's Pokemon?"
Brock shifts uncomfortably and Phoenix frowns.
"I'm sorry," Austin says, noticing the staleness in the air, "you don't have to answer that."
"No, it's alright," Brock assures him, "Raichu blames himself for what happened."
"What do you mean?" Austin asks.
"He thinks he could have saved them." Phoenix says with an air of sadness, "but he could only save me."
"And since then, he hasn't wanted to be around the other Pokemon or Ash's mother," Brock finishes, "but I tell him all the time that no one blames him."
"He's right, Raichu," Phoenix tries to reassure him, "everyone back home misses you. Especially gran."
Raichu doesn't respond, he just moves to sit on the couch nearby and sighs.
"I hope someday you come home, buddy," Phoenix sighs and sits next to him.
"Alright, I'm going to get dinner ready," Brock changes the subject while he walks back to the kitchen, "you guys just relax and catch up."
"Raichu, I have to tell you about my battle against Forrest today!" Phoenix exclaims in excitement.
"Rai rai!" he encourages him.
"I need to go upstairs for a bit," Ferra says suddenly, "will you be alright here, guys?"
"Definitely," Phoenix assures her while Austin just nods.
"Great!" Ferra says as she bounds up the stairs.
An hour later, the house smells of the delicious roast cooking in the oven. Brock prepares the table with his wife Suzy who had arrived home a few minutes earlier. Phoenix and Austin sit in the living room watching the tenth round of the Sinnoh Pokemon League that is happening across the ocean.
"Dinner's nearly ready," Brock announces as he fills the glasses with water, "Phoenix, could you go get Ferra?"
"What?" Phoenix asks absentmindedly. It processes slowly, but he responds, "oh, yeah, of course."
"Do you remember which is her bedroom?" Suzy asks.
"Yep," Phoenix nods, "third on the right."
Still watching the television, Phoenix begins to walk up the stairs. It's difficult to turn away from the battles occurring across the world until the last second. When he reaches the end of the hallway, he comes to a door that is decorated in a light blue color. Her name is written in a curvy gold script.
He knocks softly and says, "your dad says dinner is ready."
"Come in," he hears muffled from the other side.
Phoenix slowly opens the blue door and peers inside. The room looks entirely different than it had the last time he had been inside. Before, nearly five years ago, the walls had been pink and purple. There had been a bunk bed covered in Pokemon toys, a toy chest, and a huge play castle. Now the walls are a light blue. There is a full size bed sitting in the corner with a gray rug covering the laminate wood flooring. There is a desk where a laptop sits and dressers that overflow with feminine clothing. He blushes when he spots a frilly pair of purple unmentionables hanging on the knob.
"I need help getting something from my closet," Ferra interrupts his guilty thoughts.
"Oh sure," his eyes snap back to her and away from the distracting piece of fabric. What is my problem? He questions himself. However, Phoenix is not quite as dense nor as unintelligent when it comes to matters of the heart as his father was when he was a teen. It was a side of himself that he inherited from his mother who always had a habit of romanticizing things.
"Up at the top there," Ferra points up to the corner of her closet, "that box."
"No problem," Phoenix says as he stretches as high as he can reach and pulls the box off the top shelf, "it's pretty light. What is it?"
"My sleeping bag," she says simply, taking a seat on her bed.
"Are you going camping?" He asks curiously, setting the box on the floor.
"Yes," she states slowly, eyeing him, "with you."
"What?" He asks, confused by her short response.
Ferra motions for him to sit by her. He complies and gently sits on the cushy bed facing her. His teenage hormones scream at the fact.
"We always talked about going on our Pokemon journey together." She speaks quietly as she stares down at her hands, "when I turned ten I couldn't leave home. We promised we would go on the adventure of a lifetime together, and it didn't feel right going on that adventure without you. So I've been waiting for you."
Phoenix watches her in awe. He had let her down on his end of their promise, but she was here still upholding it. His eyes flicker down to her hands that nervously rub against each other. Then he feels bold and reaches a hand to cover hers. His cheeks flush lightly and he smiles at her.
"I couldn't have asked for a better best friend." Phoenix tells her sweetly.
"Me neither," she responds, reflecting his blush with a light one of her own.
As she stares at him, she can't help but notice how close he sits to her. His chest is twisted to face her fully. His left hand rests on her bed a few inches from her backside while his right hand extends over his body to hold onto her hands which rest on her lap.
"Phoen," she whispers, trying to catch his eyes, "I really did miss you."
"I really missed you too, Ferra," Phoenix says softly, meeting her gaze, "I think we're in for a grand adventure most definitely."
"Hey guys, your dad told me to-" Austin interrupts, but stops when he spots the two of them facing each other on the bed. "Ah come on, Phoenix, we have Pokemon to train!"
"Shut up Austin," Phoenix growls as he stands up straight.
"I'll be ready to go by morning. I just have a few things to pack still." Ferra grins at Pheonix as he walks to her door. His bright smile radiates back.
"Go where?" Austin asks skeptically, having a feeling he knows where it's going and he doesn't like it.
"Austin, she's-" Phoenix begins to explain, but Austin cuts him.
"Coming with us," Austin finishes with a sigh, "I saw that coming."
"It'll be fun," Phoenix assures him, "Ferra is the best."
"You two better keep it PG though," Austin mutters as he leaves the room.
Phoenix just blushes and rubs his neck at Austin's accusation, and then says softly, "I'll see you downstairs for dinner, Ferra."
"Okay," she whispers as he goes.
Phoenix trots down the stairs and jumps off the last step. He has always held a special place in his heart for the blue haired girl, but he never expected his feelings to barrel over him quite so intensely. As a thirteen-year-old he thought she was cute. It was a mere crush, like a dimly lit torch. However, now he could feel the fire burning. Her gaze upon him makes him feel as if a wave crashed across his chest. He knows that it's love. Having lost so much, Phoenix had years to dwell on love and family. He knew what it felt like when love was taken away; therefore he was bold to believe that he knew when it was present. And it was present alright.
"Hey Phoenix," Brock interrupts his thoughts.
Phoenix blushes, realizing that the intense feelings of love were directed towards the man's daughter.
"Yes, Uncle Brock?" Phoenix asks, as innocently as he can muster.
"I have two favors to ask of you," Brock begins with a fatherly smile warming his features.
"Anything," Phoenix assures him.
"First off, take care of Ferra," Brock pats Phoenix on the shoulder and gives him a knowing look, "she's been waiting for this for a long time. Even when her little brothers turned ten and left to become trainers, she stayed behind. I know she is planning to go with you."
"Of course, Uncle Brock," Phoenix nods seriously, "I'd protect her with my life."
"I know, Phoenix," Brock grins, "you're a good man… Like your father."
Phoenix smiles brightly in response and continues, "and the second favor?"
"Oh right," Brock nods. He reaches up to his neckline and pulls the luxury ball necklace over his head. He says, "take Raichu with you."
"What?" Phoenix asks, staring at the gold ball. Carved in the fancy script is a phrase that simply states 'Ash's Raichu'.
"Please," Brock holds it out to Phoenix, "Raichu has been cooped up here too long. He barely gets of the house let alone this damn ball. I can't give him the life he deserves. Plus I truly believe that your father would have wanted you two to be together anyway."
Phoenix extends his hand to grasp the ball. He looks over it thoughtfully. The words etched into it speak to him. This Pokemon could never really fully be his. Raichu's master is gone. Phoenix's father is gone. Ash Ketchum is gone. But maybe they could find Ash in each other.
This really would be an adventure of a lifetime.
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
The question is one that nine-year-old Ferra never really put much thought into.
"I don't know," Ferra shrugs her shoulders against the ground.
"How do you not know?" Her friend asks laying next to her on the damp long grass asks.
"Phoenix, you never even had a chance to think about what you wanted to be. Your parents are both elite trainers." Ferra rolls her eyes at how dense he could be.
"What do you mean?" He asks, rolling over onto his side to look at her.
"I mean that you want to be a Pokemon master because your parents are masters." She states as if it should be obvious.
"I guess," Phoenix shrugs carelessly.
"I don't know what I want to be," she begins to explain, "because my dad is a doctor and my mom is a breeder. My dad used to be a gym leader and that still runs in my family."
"But isn't there something that you just feel like you were born to be?" Phoenix asks, feeling a little confused by her.
Ferra turns her body towards him. She grins a lopsided, toothy grin. She is currently missing her left incisor.
"What?" Phoenix asks, cracking a smile at her kooky face.
"I was born to be your friend, Phoenix Ketchum," she giggles, but keeps his gaze, "and everything else will fall into place."
"Is that so?" Phoenix giggles boyishly across from her.
"Most definitely!" She catches her breath and the two relish in the beautiful silence that exists between them. Nothing more need be said. They were a team. Friends for life.
"Well we'll figure it out for you together, Ferra. We'll travel the world next year and discover your true calling!" Phoenix exclaims, thinking forward to his upcoming journey.
"You mean it? Ferra asks, eyes sparkling with joy, "we can go together?"
"I guess I always just though we would!" Phoenix laughs jovially.
"Promise?" Ferra asks, holding out a pinky finger.
Phoenix extends his hand and locks his pinky with hers, "promise!"
"Phoenix! Ferra! Come in!" They could hear Phoenix's dad calling them.
The pair scramble to pick themselves off the ground and then race back to the house, gigglish as children do.
When they arrive back at the house, Ash looks at the two suspiciously. Then he says, "Phoenix can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Yeah, dad?" He asks while watching Ferra enter the house without him
Ash motions for him to join on the bench.
"Son, I've noticed that you and Ferra spend a lot of time together." He says softly, trying not to freak his son out.
"Of course, dad," Phoenix says, rolling his eyes.
"I don't want to make assumptions, but sometimes fathers need to tell these things to their sons. It's something my father never got around to tell me." Ash goes on to explain, "someday, you're going to like a girl."
"I already like a girl. I like Ferra." Phoenix states, showing his sweet, boyish naivety.
"I know you like Ferra, Phoenix. But I mean, more like, you're going to love a girl." Ash struggles to find the right words.
"What?" Phoenix asks, bewildered by the thought.
"Maybe not now. Maybe not even by the time you're twenty. But someday, you're going to love a girl." Ash assures him, somewhat bashfully.
"Where is this going, dad? Because I already know how babies are made. and that was gross enough." Phoenix mutters, gritting his teeth.
"Nope! Not going there tonight, bud." Ash chuckles awkwardly. "Look, when I was a kid I didn't know what to do when I had a crush, so I picked on her. Now, you know that your mom is one person you do not cross, but I used to do it all the time. Like it was a hobby to me."
"So I'm supposed to pick on girls that I like?" Phoenix asks, highly confused.
Ash face palms because his point is obviously getting lost.
"No, my point is that when you like a girl you should do the opposite of what I did and show her. Do nice things for her. Tell her she's beautiful. Open doors, pull out chairs, pay for dinner. Just do anything you can do that clearly says that you like her. Tell her! No mixed signals. Be clear. Trust me, you both will appreciate in the long run." Ash breathes, finally nailing his point.
"I see." Phoenix nods slowly.
"I'm not saying you should love any girls that way now, but I wanted you to understand that in case you meet a girl someday on your journeys that you really like." Ash puts an arm around his son's shoulder and pats it.
"I don't think I'll have to worry about that for a long long time!" Phoenix grins up at his father.
"I hope not, buddy." Ash chuckles lightly.
"Can I go play with Ferra now?" Phoenix asks, looking back to the door where his friend entered just minutes before.
"Of course," Ash tells him. They both stand up together
Phoenix races in shouting, "Ferra! Let's start planning our journey!"
Ash follows slowly. He finds Misty in the kitchen cleaning up dinner. Then he grabs her waist from behind and kisses the back of her neck.
"How was your little talk with Phoenix?" She asks through a shiver.
"Brock's gonna be so pissed the day he tells Ferra he loves her. Easiest $50 I'll ever make."
I am a sucker for romance. Like I was totally going to wait a while before Phoenix and Ferra started to have feelings for each other, but I think their feelings will add to the story rather than take. Plus I like to make Austin squirm uncomfortably! hehe
Just so you know, there will be longer and more meaningful Ash and Misty parts in the future. Right now we're setting up the main story with Phoenix which involves him reflecting on his late parents
I hope you enjoyed!
Love, Alert, Review!