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Part 6
The smoke is insufferable, causing severe, heaving coughs from the young boy sprawled on the floor next to a large blue mouse Pokemon.
The fire dances along the wood flooring in the room and leaps up the drywall. The flames lick the ceiling. Phoenix feels the heat of the flames and the oxygen being eaten up around him.
He forces his scorched eyelids to open slowly. His cerulean eyes face a strange sight. Before him, within the flickering flames, glows two green orbs. The green auras surrounding the orbs dance with the red flames of the fire.
"Phoenix?" a sweet voice of concern rattles him from the nightmare.
He sits up in the sleeping bag, sweat forming on his brow and dripping from his auburn locks.
"Are you alright?" Ferra asks, scooting her sleeping bag closer to his, so she can see him more clearly in the moonlight.
He doesn't respond immediately as he wipes his face with the sleeves of his pajamas.
"It sounded like you were having a nightmare," she whispers gently, "you were restless and whimpering."
He feels the need to clear his throat after the dream smoke had racked his lungs.
"I-uh," he coughs as he tries to catch a steady breath, "yeah."
"Was it about the fire?" she asks bravely in a soft voice.
He looks down at his lap and finally breathes normally, "yeah."
"Do you have a lot of nightmares about it?" she whispers her question.
"Not much anymore," he shrugs his shoulders, "but there was something different this time."
"What do you mean?" she asks curiously.
He pauses to recount the dream, "Usually, I dream about the fire starting, Charvo hatching, and Raichu helping us escape. It all happened so fast. This dream started the same, except, within the fire there were two glowing green orbs. I don't remember ever seeing anything like them, but there was something strangely familiar about it."
Ferra stays quiet, simply listening to her best friend.
"Maybe I should have just gone to counseling and grief support like gran suggested," Phoenix groans quietly to himself, resting his head in the palms of his hands.
"And miss this?" she asks, motioning to their current surroundings.
Phoenix pauses his sulking to look and listen. In the distance, he hears a hooting of a Noctowl passing through and the buzzing of the bug Pokemon high in the trees. He watches as the light breeze moves the branches of the trees like puppets. Then his eyes drift up to the sky where there are no clouds to mask the intense light of the waxing moon in its gibbous phase and a glorious speckling of stars.
His gaze shifts back to her to find her beautiful purple irises glimmering in the moonlight.
A soft smile tugs at his lips, "never."
"Are we almost there yet?" Austin asks, lagging behind his friends who seem to never tire.
"I thought you said you've been to Cerulean before," Phoenix teases from ten feet in front of him, "don't you know where we are?"
"Oh stop it," Ferra giggles, "he's just a kid."
"I am not just a kid!" Austin shouts at them, "I don't think I like what's happening here!"
"What do you mean, kid?" Phoenix chuckles heartily in his sleeve.
"Phoenix!" Austin groans, slouching considerably as he drags his feet, "my brother calls me that all the time and it's annoying!"
"Relax, we're just a half a mile or so out of town," Phoenix shakes his head. Austin could be a fun guy to hang around, but admittedly he more often acts like a little, annoying brother. So he wants to see the becoming of a new Pokemon Master? So be it.
From behind them, Phoenix and Ferra hear him grunt and then quietly settle into the rest of their hike.
"Do you really want this kid following us on the whole journey?" Ferra asks quietly enough so that Austin can't hear. The question is more curious than rude.
"Ahh, I don't know," Phoenix shrugs, "he's not so bad. There's something about him that I like. A spark maybe. Or maybe I just like how he looks up to me. You know I never had a brother, and I never had much of a chance to be a big brother to River. And there's no way I could ever imagine you as a sister ever again."
He finishes his statement with a smirk and her cheeks tinge pink.
"Fine with me," Ferra smiles bashfully.
They fall into a quick, yet easy, stride once again.
Before long, the trio finds themselves on a hilltop to the west of Cerulean, looking down at the bustling city below.
"It looks a lot busier than the last time I was here," Phoenix observes softly, "it's been ages since I visited the gym. My aunts and their families always spend holidays in Pallet with gran and I."
"The art culture that has formed here has really taken off," Ferra informs them, "some say it has to do with your aunts' underwater ballets."
"What's that?" Austin points towards an unusual sight.
A crowd of panicked people rush down the main street of the city.
"Why are they all running?" Ferra asks, observing the mad rush.
"Is that?" Phoenix asks, trying to look closer around a street corner.
"What?" Austin questions, trying to see what Phoenix sees.
"Oh no!" Phoenix yells as he bolts off towards the city, his two friends hot on his trail.
"What is it, Phoen?" Ferra asks while trying to keep up. However, he doesn't need to answer when they round the corner on the fourth block.
Before them thrashes an enormous blue serpent. White spines run across its back. Two ten foot whiskers fall from each side of its excessively massive jaw and threatening teeth.
It roars madly as it swings its entire body back and forth, slamming heavily into buildings; damaging their glass exterior.
"Gyarados!" Phoenix shouts up at the beast, but it doesn't respond.
"Phoenix!" a new female voice calls from behind them.
A blonde haired woman stands off to the side nervously. Her green eyes look upon him with concern.
"Auntie, what's happening?" Phoenix yells back to her, not removing his eyes from Gyarados.
"We were attacked at the gym!" Phoenix's aunt, Daisy, replies, "Team Rocket tried to kidnap our Pokemon. Gyarados became enraged and began thrashing which caused this confusion. Team Rocket blew a hole in the wall and Gyarados chased after them! They escaped, but Gyarados won't listen to me!"
By the end of her explanation, the blonde woman is crying profusely, "what kind of gym leader am I? I can't even control my own Pokemon!"
Phoenix turns back to Gyarados who roars threateningly at a group of unaware people exiting the theater. Without another thought, Phoenix bursts into a sprint and runs towards Gyarados.
"Phoen!" Ferra yells, worriedly, from behind him.
Phoenix places himself in Gyarados' path and raises his arms in an attempt to block the group from Gyarados' rage.
"Gyarados, it's time to calm down!" Phoenix shouts at it.
However, Gyarados is unphased by Phoenix's attempts and lunges towards him. Phoenix leaps out of its path causing Gyarados to hit the ground hard and become angrier.
"Alright then," Phoenix mumbles to himself, dragging himself back to his feet, "we'll do this the hard way."
Phoenix pulls the gold luxury ball out from his jacket and enlarges it, "help us out, Raichu!"
Raichu's form materializes quickly and he appears, ready to battle.
"Raichu! Gyarados is confused, we need to knock him out to get him proper care," Phoenix explains quickly, "try a thunderbolt!"
"Raichu!" he responds, turning towards the large water serpent. Sparks form across his cheeks as he builds up enough energy to take on the massive beast.
He releases the built up energy and discharges it towards Gyarados. The electricity runs through Gyarados' body causing its muscles to seize briefly. Raichu's electric shocks light up the city in a new way. Subsequently, Gyarados' body relaxes causing it to faint and plummet to the ground.
"Gyarados!" Daisy yells as she runs towards its motionless body.
"Get it to the Pokemon Center, auntie," Phoenix insists quickly.
Daisy pulls out a Pokeball and returns the fainted Pokemon.
"Thanks, Phoenix," Daisy moves to hug the teen boy, who happens to have grown to be slightly taller than her already. When she pulls away, she looks towards Raichu, "like, we couldn't have done it without your help, Raichu."
Raichu gives her a quick smile and a peace sign.
"Are these your friends?" Daisy asks, peering behind him to spot Ferra and Austin.
"Auntie, this is Austin," Phoenix points at the blonde haired boy who waves sheepishly at her, "he said he's battled the gym a few times and lost."
"Hey!" Austin shouts, "we're not all sons of Pokemon Masters."
Phoenix snickers and continues, "and you remember Ferra, right?"
Daisy smiles at the teen, "I couldn't forget your girlfriend, Phoenix."
Phoenix blushes, but doesn't deny the accusation. Ferra watches him carefully for his reaction, pleased that he didn't deny it.
"Anyways, I suppose you didn't just come for a visit, little nephew," Daisy smiles at him.
"No, but it's a plus side," Phoenix shrugs his shoulders sheepishly.
"Come along with me," Daisy gestures, "we'll leave Gyarados with Nurse Joy and head back to the gym."
"Hold on there," a police woman wearing a blue uniform and sitting on a motorbike stops them, "before you go anywhere, I need a full report on what happened here."
"Officer Jenny," Daisy starts, "you know it's totally Team Rockets' fault."
"I'm sure it is," Officer Jenny nods authoritatively, "but I still need a full report."
After explaining the entire situation to Officer Jenny from start to finish, the group finally set out towards the gym, stopping quickly to have Gyarados checked out by Nurse Joy, and for Phoenix to switch his party.
"It's getting late," Daisy concludes as dusk settles around them. The gym has just entered their view.
"I'm going to have a lot of work to do to get that hole fixed," Daisy sighs, "hopefully your uncle can handle that."
"Won't the league pay for it?" Ferra asks.
"Yes, but there's a lot of paperwork to fill out and, honestly, it's not my specialty," Daisy shrugs.
"My mom handled all of the paperwork before she became an elite member," Phoenix explains to his friends, "my uncle Tracey takes care of that stuff now."
"Misty, like, handled everything," Daisy's smile turns soft and sad, "Water Pokemon were her life - of course, after Ash and her children."
"Rai," Raichu comments sadly, his usually perky ears droop down.
"Hey," Daisy's demeanor rises up again, "let's not dwell in the past though. You guys can stay the night and tomorrow we'll have a match."
"Is Donny home?" Phoenix asks, referring to his younger cousin.
"No, he left a few months ago," Daisy sighs softly, "he's trying his hand at contests in Hoenn. You all grew up so fast."
"Yeah yeah," Phoenix waves her off playfully, "that's what gran says."
Daisy just smiles as they reach the entrance of the gym. Phoenix looks up at the gym's front side where a large Dewgong statue rests, a monument to a family of prestige water trainers.
Phoenix traces the walls of the hallway with his fingertips. He is awake early which is not unusual, often being unable to sleep through the night.
To his right he finds pictures of Daisy, Tracey, and their eleven year old son, Donny. There are also pictures of Lily with her husband Tom and their two young children Macie and Margo as well as Violet with her husband Blake and their daughter, Kendra.
At the end of the hallway, Phoenix finds a large framed professional photo of his parents at their wedding. Ash gazes down at Misty from behind holding onto her waist. She looks up at him, her vibrant orange hair falling across her bare shoulders and onto her white gown. It is a gorgeous memorial. Next to it is the same picture of Christmas day that is stuffed into Phoenix's backpack. It was made into a holiday card that was sent out to their family members to celebrate the New Year.
"I wonder," Phoenix mumbles to himself as he reaches out to the picture.
It lifts off the nail easily, so he turns it around and maneuvers the locks. He carefully lifts out the tag board to reveal the back of the photo.
As he expected, on the back of the photo is a handwritten note. His heart skips a beat as he reads the curvy font.
Happy New year!
This year has been the most fun yet!
River turned five in the summer and began kindergarten in the fall. She can already write a full sentence and count to one hundred! Her best friend is Quinn who is seven years old already. The age difference doesn't bother them, and Phoenix plays with them sometimes too -when it's a Pokemon game. River also loves everything Pokemon! She wants to be a Pokemon Master just like her parents! She is so smart and spunky. She is the princess of the household!
Phoenix just turned nine and is already preparing for his Pokemon Training Journey. Ash and I have to tell him to slow down and have patience every day. He is planning to travel with his best friend, Ferra, after his tenth birthday. Phoenix is quick to learn like his mom and he is a natural Pokemon charmer like his dad. Ash is already terrified that Phoenix will steal his title in a few years time. He has so much talent already. We are amazed by him everyday. We really couldn't be more proud of him.
Ash and I are well. We're working hard to defend our titles and raise our family. It is always a challenge, but Ash and I manage alright.
We hope all is well in the Sketchit household! Donny looks so big already!
Love,
Misty, Ash, Phoenix, River, and all of our Pokemon
A small droplet of liquid drips onto the back of the photo. Phoenix quickly raises his sleeve to catch the next dozen forming in his tear ducts.
"What is it Phoen?" Ferra's soft voice surprises him from his left.
His eyes jerk to reach her gaze.
"It's just that," he pauses, looking back at the writing on the back of the photo, "everything that we had burned with our house. I have very few pictures and even less written notes from my parents. So this little holiday letter is a nice surprise."
Ferra peers over his arm to read the note while he stares blankly at it.
"You parents loved you so much, Phoen," Ferra says gently as she reaches her hand out to graze his arm.
"I know," Phoenix smiles sadly, thinking back to how encouraging and loving they always were, "I can still feel it."
Ferra wraps her arm around his side and squeezes him tightly. Phoenix sighs, leaning into her embrace. She is warm and smells like vanilla and spice.
"What do you say we head down to the pools?" Ferra asks. "I'm sure you're excited to battle Daisy and see your mom's Pokemon again."
"Yeah," Phoenix whispers in agreement.
He slips the tag board back onto the frame and locks it in. Then he carefully hangs it back on the nail he pulled it from earlier.
The two scurry back down the stairs towards the public gym area.
As they enter the main water arena, they immediately spot Daisy talking to Austin.
"Hey!" Phoenix waves from the other side of the room.
"Hey, little nephew," Daisy smiles brightly. She holds up a Pokeball and says, "guess who's feeling better!"
"Does this mean we're gonna battle?" Phoenix grins in response.
"Of course, little nephew," Daisy confirms with a nod.
"Let's do this!" Phoenix shouts with excitement. He runs to the challenger's side of the arena.
"Alright," Daisy agrees and gracefully makes her way over to the gym leader's side, "don't expect me to go easy on you!"
"I wouldn't dream of it!" Phoenix chuckles while pulling his hate tighter.
He then lets Raichu and Charvo out of their balls to watch the battle and reconnect. The two head over to the bleachers to sit next to Ferra and Austin.
"This will be a two on two match. The challenger wins if he can knock out both of leader Daisy's chosen Pokemon."
"I'll start out," Daisy says, "go, Dewgong!"
"Water/Ice type," Phoenix observes quietly to himself, "I guess I have to go electric."
Phoenix pulls out a ball and holds it tightly, "alright, go Luxio!"
A blue and black lion with yellow accent features appears on the battlefield and roars.
"What?" Austin screams from the bleachers, "when did Shinx evolve?"
Phoenix smirks at the younger boy, "just yesterday. You know I sneak away to train at night right? Long after you fall asleep."
Austin shakes his head in amazement at the teen while Ferra smiles affectionately in Phoenix's direction.
"Ready to go?" Daisy asks.
"Born ready, auntie." Phoenix grins confidently.
The two, aunt and nephew, stare at each other momentarily, waiting to see who would take the first move.
"Luxio, charge!" Phoenix orders suddenly. Luxio glows yellow as it stores up electrical power.
"Dewgong, knock it off the platform, use aqua jet!" Daisy commands, hoping to throw it off guard.
"Hold steady!" Phoenix shouts out, waiting as the water jet reaches Luxio, "now use thunderbolt!"
Luxio releases its stored electricity with a growl. The jetstream of water is a conductor and transports the electricity quickly to Dewgong who sees stars as it is shocked at a high voltage.
"Wow," Daisy says under her breath, "that was totally something Ash would have done."
Dewgong jumps into the large pool where it feels secure.
"Dewgong, come back up for an ice beam!" Daisy commands.
Dewgong's head appears out of the water and an icy beam emits from the small horn on its head.
"Light screen!" Phoenix orders quickly.
A purple transparent shield forms in front of Luxio. The ice beam passes through the shield, but weakens as it approaches and hits luxio head on.
"Luxio," it grunts and shakes off the ice residue left on its body.
"Quick, Dewgong, get in close," Daisy orders, "horn drill!"
The large dugong Pokemon leaps up onto the platform where Luxio stands and immediately tries to stab it with its horn.
"That's a one hit KO move!" Ferra shouts from the bleachers.
"Luxio, swagger!" Phoenix commands quickly.
Luxio breathes a deep breath and then flares its mane. The act causes Dewgong's attack power to rise, but in return causes it to become confused.
As a result, the water Pokemon stops attempting its horn drill and stops. It stares blankly, not knowing what to do next.
"Dewgong!" Daisy screeches, "move away! Retreat until the confusion is over!"
However, Dewgong is too confused to comply.
"Charge up again!" Phoenix orders.
"You gotta move!" Daisy cries out.
"Dew?" it questions, looking back towards Daisy. Unfortunately, it is too late for Dewgong to escape.
"Thunderbolt!" Phoenix shouts triumphantly.
Luxio's powered up thunderbolt causes Dewgong to collapse this time.
"Dewgong is unable to battle," the referee announces, "the gym leader is down to one remaining Pokemon!"
"Good job, Dewgong!" Daisy praises her Pokemon as she returns it, "you deserve a rest!"
"You're the best Luxio!" Phoenix cheers.
"It's a shame that your type advantage won't win this next round," Daisy smirks as she enlarges a new Pokeball.
"Go, Gyarados!" she swings her arm gracefully and releases the ball into the arena.
The same blue and white, monstrous serpent from the day prior appears in front of Phoenix and Luxio.
"Hey Gyarados!" Phoenix waves from his spot, "I am so glad you are feeling better! Ready to battle me?"
The enormous sea monster smiles and then roars.
The much smaller blue lion shudders at the sight of the beast. Luxio wonders how it's expected to win this round.
"Luxio," Phoenix shouts encouragingly, "just do your best!"
The lion takes its fighting stance and prepares.
"Charge and then start with your strongest thunderbolt!" Phoenix orders.
Luxio begins to charge its electricity throughout its body.
"Gyarados, splash!" Daisy commands.
"Oh no!" Austin says to his companions on the bleachers, "this is how she wins!"
Gyarados' large body raises into the air and then slams into the water. The force of its body causes a wave to rise and knock Luxio off of the platform and into the water.
"Luxio!" Phoenix yells, voice full of worry.
Luxio raises his head out of the water and begins to swim back towards the platform.
"Whirlpool!" Daisy yells out to Gyarados.
The water begins to churn and swirl, causing Luxio to be pulled further away from the platform. It is quickly swept into a whirlpool, moving towards the center.
Phoenix grits his teeth at the sight. Luxio wouldn't be able to stand this for long.
"Release your most powerful thunderbolt!" Phoenix orders from his spot.
Luxio obeys without question and releases a massive thunderbolt. The electricity is enough to cause Gyarados to cry out in pain and take on a lot of damage.
However, with the ongoing whirlpool, Phoenix calls out to the referee, "I surrender this round!"
"Luxio is unable to battle," the referee calls, "the gym leader and the challenger are down to one Pokemon each."
Gyarados stops the whirlpool attack and Luxio is able to pull itself back onto the platform.
"Thanks Luxio!" Phoenix smiles in gratitude, "You really weakened him!"
"Lux!" It shakes its body and sprays water everywhere.
"Return!" Phoenix calls Luxio back to its ball.
"What?" Austin asks with surprise, "What's he doing?"
"I'm sure he has a plan!" Ferra assures him, although nervous herself.
"Raichu," Raichu nods in agreement.
"Char, char!" Charvo jumps up and down, wishing he could battle.
"Sorry, Charvo," Ferra pats his head, "this isn't the battle for you."
"I bet he's going to go with Pichu," Austin says, "it's the only Pokemon he has that's good against Gyarados."
"We'll see," Ferra shrugs, she already knows that Ketchums can be surprising.
"Ready for more?" Daisy asks from across the arena.
"You bet!" Phoenix grins as he pulls out a new Pokeball, "now for your debut!"
Phoenix takes the ball and throws it out to the platform. On top of the platform forms a two foot long brown shelled Pokemon. Four yellow pincers stick out from underneath.
"What is that?" Daisy asks, squinting to try to determine what Pokemon it is.
"No way!" Austin says in awe.
"It's a Kabuto," Phoenix informs them, "I transferred it from the professor yesterday and thought it would be perfect for this."
"Water/rock," Ferra states quietly, impressed by his choice.
"No matter," Daisy shakes her head, "let's go, Gyarados, splash!"
The large beast once again rises into the air and then slams into the water. The force of the waves are enough to knock Kabuto into the water.
However, to Daisy's surprise, the Pokemon does not immediately come up for air.
"Gyarados, increase your power," Daisy shouts out, "use rain dance!"
The beast rears up and roars loudly. Clouds form across the dome of the roof. It is designed to handle the move.
"Kabuto, get in quickly with slash!" Phoenix orders.
The horseshoe crab Pokemon speeds through the water like a bullet and slashes its pincers across Gyarados's body causing it to roar in pain.
"It's so fast!" Daisy says in awe.
"You activated its special ability, swift swim, by using rain dance," Phoenix smirks. He is no novice trainer.
Daisy's fists tighten, "We're just going to have to fight harder than!"
"Bite!" Daisy calls immediately.
"Harden!" Phoenix counters.
The large serpent bites into the shell of Kabuto, but releases it and retreats when it realizes how hard its exterior is.
"What?" Daisy asks in awe.
"Kabuto, rock throw!" Phoenix orders.
Kabuto's eyes glow red as its mysterious powers pulls rock up from the base of the aquarium. The rocks move swiftly through the water and slam into Gyarados. The beast is knocked back into the water.
Daisy growls lightly to herself. How could she be outmaneuvered by her own nephew just weeks into his journey. Then she stops herself from becoming frustrated and smiles knowingly.
"You're just like your parents, Phoenix," she compliments sincerely, "they would be so proud of you right now."
Phoenix looks back across the pool at his aunt and smiles, "I know, auntie"
"But I'm not giving in that easily!" a determined look reappears on her face, "your mom might have been better at this than me, but that doesn't mean I'm a pushover."
Gyarados reemerges, ready to continue. Kabuto jumps back up onto the platform.
"Thrash!" Daisy orders with confidence.
Gyarados starts to throw its body across the pool wildly. It slams into Kabuto, knocking it off the platform again.
"Rock throw, again!" Phoenix calls, starting to worry about the battle's outcome.
Kabuto pulls rocks up from the depths and slams them again into Gyarados.
"That's it! Keep doing that!" Phoenix cries.
Kabuto attempts to pull more rocks up, but Gyarados slams into it again. The splashing from Gyarados' thrashing causes water to pour over the sides of the pool.
"Try again!" Phoenix calls once more.
Kabuto, from inside the water, slams more rocks into Gyarados who cries out in pain at the contact.
"Keep it up!" Daisy encourages Gyarados, "one more hit should do it!"
As Gyarados is about to thrash into Kabuto again, Phoenix calls, "endure!"
Kabuto glows red momentarily as Gyarados thrashes into it as hard as it can.
"Ka," Kabuto cries weakly.
Suddenly, Gyarados' eyes narrow. It roars out and thrashes about uncontrollably.
"Oh no!" Daisy cries, "it's confused again!"
Gyarados slams into the side of the pool and causes damage to itself.
"Kabuto," Phoenix calls finally, "finish this with one more rock throw!"
Kabuto drags rocks up from the depths again and slams them into Gyarados. The giant serpent roars madly and thrashes even harder, this time hitting its head on a rock. The massive beast floats to the top, unconscious.
"Gyarados is unable to battle," the referee calls, "the challenger, Phoenix Ketchum, is the winner!"
"I can't believe it," Daisy says as she returns Gyarados to its ball for rest.
"Way to go Kabuto!" Phoenix cheers as he leaps onto the platform where Kabuto sits.
"Ka!" it cheers tiredly, "Kabu!"
"That was amazing!" Ferra compliments him from the side of the arena where she and Austin stand with Raichu and Charvo.
"Incredible!" Austin cheers, clearly impressed.
"I knew you were the right choice!" Phoenix rubs Kabutos shell, smiling widely.
"Two gym battles, two badges," Ferra shakes her head, smiling widely, "you're unbelievable!"
Phoenix's hand snaps up and begins to rub the back of his neck. His face burns lightly with a blush.
"Well, Phoenix," Daisy approaches the challenger's side, "looks like you've earned this."
Daisy holds up a new Cascade badge that glints in the light coming through the hold in the wall from the day before.
"Awesome!" Phoenix returns Kabuto to rest and jumps back over to the challenger's area.
"It's been a long time since I've had such an awesome battle with a younger trainer. Congratulations."
Daisy hands the badge to Phoenix who grins at it with pride.
"Thanks, auntie," Phoenix holds it tightly and smiles at the blonde woman.
"I'm so glad you're doing this, little nephew," she reaches out and give him the best motherly hug she can muster.
"Me too," he chuckles and leans into the hug.
"Hey, Daisy," a man with long dark hair tied back in a ponytail enters the gym area, "did I miss something?"
"Uncle Tracey!" Phoenix laughs and waves at the middle aged man.
"When did you get here, Phoenix?" Tracey asks, moving towards them.
"Just late last night," Phoenix shares, "I thought you were doing research with Professor Oak this week."
"I was," Tracey nodded along, "but Daisy called and asked if I could come home early to see you."
"I was hoping you could stay another say and we could have dinner tonight!" Daisy smiles, asking them to stay a bit longer.
"That would be awesome!" Phoenix says as his stomach agrees audibly.
"Sounds like lunch first, though!" Tracey laughs heartily.
"Yes, please!" Phoenix says at the same time as Austin.
They both look at each other and laugh.
"Excuse me," a new voice calls from the entrance of the gym.
"Yes," Daisy walks towards the front, "how may I help you?"
"My name is Grant Roque," the man in the suit from a few days prior makes his appearance. He smiles brightly as he sees Phoenix and his friends.
"You mean the Grant Roque running for a representative seat?" Daisy asks in disbelief.
"The one and only," he opens his arms to gesture that he's really there.
"What can we do for you?" Tracey asks, rubbing Daisy's back lightly.
"I would like to talk to Phoenix for a moment if possible," he informs them, his eyes moving to the auburn haired teen.
"Me?" Phoenix asks, confused.
"Yes," Grant nods and moves towards Phoenix, "I was thinking about our encounter the other day, and then I heard about your battle with a rampant Gyarados yesterday. I was hoping I could have your assistance."
"Assistance with what?" Phoenix asks, unsure about the man's request.
"I have a feeling that you're the type of man who gets roped into wild situations," Grant begins, "I was hoping I could have your cooperation. You see, I am trying to learn more about Team Rocket's operations. One of my promises if elected is to eradicate Team Rocket's crime in Kanto. My request is that you keep me updated on anything you find out about Team Rocket."
"I don't know how I could be of any help," Phoenix shrugs his shoulders, "but I could give you a call if I see anything unusual."
"That's all I ask, son," Grant smiles and nods towards Phoenix, "don't go looking for any trouble though. I don't need people thinking that I sent a teen to fight Team Rocket."
"We won't," Phoenix laughs lightly.
"Here's my business card," Grant hands him a small rectangular card, "I'd appreciate if you keep the information to yourself."
"Of course," Phoenix agrees.
"I wish you the best of luck on your journey, Phoenix Ketchum," Grant nods again and walks back toward the entrance where his security personnel wait.
"That was odd," Austin says, staring after the man in the suit.
"Yeah," Phoenix shrugs," he probably thinks I'm going to have adventures like my parents."
"I'm hoping so!" Austin says happily.
"Alright," Phoenix says rubbing his stomach, "now I'm starving!"
After a hearty laugh, the entire group heads back to the private quarters for lunch, giggling together on their way.
"Please, Master Ketchum," a young man begs from the floor on his knees, "please battle with me."
Staring down at the young man is the beautiful, talented Misty Ketchum, Water Pokemon Master.
"I cannot accept your battle today," Misty sighs, rejecting the man, "I'm just here with my son to visit my sisters."
"Just one on one?" he asks hopefully.
Misty bites her lip and looks over to her nine year old son who stares up at her with pleading eyes.
"Please, mom!" Phoenix begs, pulling on her yellow shirt, "I want to watch you battle!"
"For your son?" the man requests.
Misty squeezes her eyelids together tightly and sighs, "one on one. Only because my son wants to watch me kick your butt!"
"Oh thank you!" the man cries in gratitude, "I've always hoped to face you!"
"Come with me," she says, motioning for him to follow them into the area.
"Like, we're not accepting anymore challenges today," Daisy says when she sees the man following behind Misty.
"Not challenging you," Misty says, annoyance finally fading from her tone, "he wants to battle me."
"Don't make a mess," Daisy says with a shrug and goes to sit on the bleachers with Phoenix.
"This should be quick," Misty mutters to herself as she reaches the gym leader's stand, "it's been a while since I last stood here."
"This is an unofficial battle between Misty Ketchum, the Elite Water Master of Kanto and Mark Terry of Johto. It will be a one on one battle. The first to faint will lose the challenge." The referee announces.
"Alright," Misty says, a spark igniting in her cerulean eyes, "Misty calls Golduck!"
The blue duck Pokemon appears, but just stands there looking confused.
"Golduck, huh?" the challenger looks at his Pokedex for information. He pulls out a Pokeball and enlarges it, "Then I will go with Jolteon!"
A yellow prickly fox Pokemon appears. It barks and flares its spines.
"Go ahead," Misty tells him.
"Start with agility!" the man orders. The electric fox jumps from the platform and across rocks sticking out of the water to speed itself up, "and wild charge!"
"Disable," Misty orders calmly.
Golducks eyes glow blue and an aura appears around him. Jolteon halts in its tracks and, as a result, falls into the water. It scurries back to the nearest rock and pulls itself out of the water.
"Jolteon!" its trainer yells in surprise, "are you alright?"
"Golduck," Misty orders, "rain dance."
Golduck's eyes glow again. This time a cloud condenses above them and droplets pour from it.
"Quick attack!" the man orders.
Jolteon starts running and jumping from rock to rock again. However, Golduck leaps out of the way of the attack.
"Hydro pump!" Misty orders.
From close range, Golduck blasts Jolteon across the arena.
"Try your thunderbolt!" he orders again.
Jolteon starts to spark, but Misty is quick on her feet.
"Golduck, Psychic!" she orders.
Golduck's eyes glow again. He uses his psychic power to freeze Jolteon in its tracks. Then he lifts Jolteon into the air and slams it down on the platform.
When Jolteon doesn't move to stand, the referee calls it, "Jolteon is unable to battle. Misty Ketchum is the winner."
Phoenix cheers from the bleachers, "go mom! You're awesome!"
Misty jumps off the leader's box and moves to the side of the midpoint of the arena to speak to the challenger. Golduck jumps out of the arena to follow.
"It was an honor to lose to you, Master Ketchum," he bows his head in gratitude.
"Jolteon is very well trained, good work." she congratulates him.
"Thank you," he nods, "your Golduck is amazing."
Misty turns to look at the blue duck. He stands there with his arms hanging at his side, just watching the conversation. Training him from such a dopey Psyduck to a champion is one of her greatest accomplishments.
"He's worked really hard to come this far," she smiles and pats the duck on his back.
"Duck!" he cocks his head to the side as he often would as a Psyduck.
"Although his personality will always be the same!" Misty laughs to herself. Her challenger, not having known Psyduck, chuckles along unknowing.
"How did you train him to be so quick? Quick attack is a hard move to escape!" the challenger asks curiously.
"My Golduck has the Swift Swim ability," Misty informs him, "when it's raining, his speed increases drastically."
"That's a neat ability!" the challenge commends.
"Definitely!" Misty agrees, "it took a long time to figure it out, because he couldn't swim as a Psyduck!"
Misty giggles at the memories of the little yellow duck flailing around in the water.
"Anyways," Misty recovers and continues, "take care and train hard. Maybe you can face me in an official elite battle someday."
"I hope so," he nods, "maybe I could face your husband too!"
"You wouldn't stand a chance!" Phoenix chimes from his seat.
The man laughs at the young boy, "probably not, but a man can try!"
"Phoenix, be polite," Misty urges him.
"Sorry, mom," he rubs the back of his neck after being scolded.
The man bids them farewell and leaves the gym.
"Phoenix, come here," Misty calls to him.
"Yes, mom?" he asks approaching her.
"I want you to remember this battle," she tells him softly, "the challenger was a fine trainer. However, he came to a water gym hoping to win solely based on type advantage. Sometimes that works, but sometimes it takes more strategy than that."
"Like how you used Golduck's ability?" Phoenix asks.
"Exactly," Misty traces her thumb across his forehead and ruffles his hair, "you're amazing, Phoen."
"I know," he laughs.
"Where's my favorite wife?" a deep voice asks from the entrance of the gym, "and my favorite son?"
"Where's my favorite mom?" a much higher pitched voice repeats, "and my favorite brother?"
Ash appears with River giggling atop his shoulders.
"Right here," Misty smiles, her arm moving behind Phoenix's back. She squeezes his arm lightly and smiles at him, "waiting for our favorite people."
Ash leans over and River holds her arms out. Misty grabs her and pulls her off of Ash's shoulders.
"Momma!" River cooes into her mother's neck.
"What've you been up to, Phoen?" Ash asks, ruffling his hair just as Misty had a few minutes prior.
"Just watched mom kick some challenger's butt!" Phoenix exclaims.
"Of course she did," Ash grins at Misty who returns her own grin.
Ash leans forward and kisses Misty on the lips. It is brief, however, Phoenix still makes gagging sounds as a joke.
"Remember that talk we had, son," Ash chuckles heartily, "you'll want to kiss girls before you know it."
"Ash!" Misty smacks his arm, "let him be a kid as long as possible."
"Hey!" he laughs, "I'm just messing with him."
Phoenix groans at his parents bickering. The whole romance is still disgusting to him, and his parents are no exception.
"Come on, Phoen," Ash chuckles and puts his arm around his shoulder, "how about we all go out for dinner? We'll bring Daisy, Tracey, and Donny too."
"Okay," Phoenix caves quickly. He had inherited his father's ability to consume all food in sight.
"Thanks for battling today," Phoenix turns to his mom.
"You know I'd do anything for you, honey," she tells him honestly, "I love you, Phoenix."
"Love you too, mom," he replies sincerely.
Phoenix: Charmeleon, Fletchinder, Luxio, Mankey, Pichu, Sandshrew, Kabuto, Oddish, Rattata, Nidoran (male)
Ferra: Alolan Vulpix, Cubone, Clefairy.
Austin: Charmeleon, Bellsprout, unknown
I hope you enjoyed!
I love writing. I wish I had ideas that weren't Pokemon related, so I could be a writer.
Small things are developing! I hope you're paying attention!
Let me know what you think! Tell me your theories!
Thank you to those who took the time to review! 6,000 word chapters take a while to write and you guys keep me going! (Special thanks to TigerCat111! You da real MVP!)
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