I was still in a big Pokémon mood after I finished and posted the last chapter, so I began writing this chapter immediately. That explains why there was a fast update. This chapter is going to be a little different compared to the original episode of "A Friend in Deed".
The chapter begins in Ashley's point of view.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Pokémon characters! I only own my OCs!
Chapter 50: The Calm before the Storm
I didn't realize I had fallen asleep after the meltdown I had when I won against Gary. All those feelings I had kept inside me came pouring in one big rush and I couldn't control it. When I woke up, I found myself staring at the ceiling of the cottage where my friends, brother and I were staying in. I sat up and rubbed my eyes, feeling the remnants of the dries tears on my cheeks. My body felt groggy and tired, but I was hungry, so I wanted to eat something first before I could take another nap.
I walked out to the kitchen/living room and found Misty sitting by the table watching the television with Togepi in her arms. She looked up when she heard me step out of the bedroom. "Ashley!" she exclaimed in relief as she stood up and walked around the table to reach me. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired…", I mumbled as I hid a yawn. "What happened…?"
"You had a meltdown after your victory against Gary and you fell unconscious at some point", Misty explained as she gently placed her hands on my shoulders. "It must've taken a big toll on you."
"Yeah…", I nodded before I glanced at the television. "Did Ash have his battle yet?"
"It ended just now, and he won!" Misty smiled widely. "You both made it to the finals."
"Thank Arceus…", I smiled weakly before I stretched my arms. "I want to wash my face and eat something before I sleep again. Can I ask you to take care of my Pokémon? I still feel weak after waking up now…"
"Sure I can", Misty nodded. "I'll bring them to the Pokémon Center later. I'll boil some hot water for tea while you wash up."
"Thank you…"
I numbly went to the bathroom and washed my face until I could no longer feel the dried tears on my face. I looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes were red and I could see how tired I was, but the refreshing water I had splashed onto my face helped me recover a little more.
I dried my face with a towel and left the bathroom to get a big surprise. Ash and Brock had returned from the stadium, but they weren't alone.
"Mom!" I exclaimed in joy at the sight of her.
"Ashley!" Mom smiled before she engulfed me with her warm arms. "I'm so proud of you, my beautiful little girl."
"M-Mom…", I stuttered as I felt my throat vibrate by incoming sobs, but I swallowed them back. I didn't want to start crying again.
"You had a phenomenal battle with Gary, Ashley", Professor Oak's voice spoke up next to me.
I looked up from Mom's bust and saw the Pokémon Professor standing next to us. He didn't look upset or disappointed; in fact, he looked happy. "P-Professor Oak…?" I mumbled in surprise. "Aren't you mad that I won against Gary?"
"Actually I'm not", Professor Oak replied. "I think your victory against him brought him down from his high Rapidash and he'll do some reflection over himself as a Trainer and as a boy."
"Huh…", I mumbled quietly.
Mom let go of me so Ash could give me a hug as well. "Are you feeling better now, sis?" he asked.
"Y-Yeah… But I still feel a little tired…", I nodded against his shoulder.
"Piiika…", Pikachu purred as Ash let go of me before he jumped into my arms so I could cuddle with him.
"I know the cure for a good pick-me-up! A home-cooked meal by yours truly!" Mom giggled happily.
"Um… I hate to say it, but we don't have much ingredients right now, Mrs. Ketchum", Brock informed her.
"Oh please, Brock, just call me Delia", Mom told him. "And don't worry about it! I have a perfect plan!"
Ash and I looked at each other and laughed nervously. Whenever Mom said about having a perfect plan when it came to cooking, it could only mean one thing…
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My brother and I really know our mom the best. She brought us all to one of the best restaurants in the Pokémon League Village and imposed herself into the kitchen to cook the meals for us. The cooks got flabbergasted that a guest cooked in their kitchen, but they shut up after they got to taste Mom's famous croquettes, which was actually Dad's recipe he left behind before he went on his long journey.
Mom set one of the vacant tables and plated the croquettes, curry rice and a refreshing salad for us. She even made two separate plates for Pikachu and Togepi that was full of Pokémon fodder made by Professor Oak.
Ash and I immediately dug into the croquettes. I hummed in joy with my mouth full of goodness that I missed for months. "Mmm!" I made sure to chew and swallow the food before I spoke up. "I love the croquettes, Mom! I missed them so much!"
"Me too!" Ash added as he dug his fork into one of the croquettes and lifted it up to take a big bite of it.
"It's really delicious", Misty complimented.
"No wonder the chef asked for the recipe!" Brock nodded as he scooped some curry rice onto his plate.
"It's a family recipe from my husband's side, so I refuse to share it with unknown people", Mom replied. "I plan to pass it to Ashley and Ash's future wife."
Ash choked when he heard that comment and started patting his chest. I sat next to him, so I rapidly patted his back to help him swallow the food that got stuck on his throat. He managed to swallow the food and then quickly drank his glass of water before he sighed in relief. "Mom! I'm too young to even think about having a girlfriend!" he exclaimed.
"I don't know, sweetheart; you've been traveling for almost a year now", Mom retorted calmly. "Maybe you've met a pretty girl who you might be interested in?"
"Moooom!" Ash whined as his cheeks turned red and it wasn't because of the spicy-sweet curry.
Mom giggled at my brother's reaction before I became the next target. "Ashley, dear, have you met someone you're curious about?" she wondered.
"Curious…?" I mumbled quietly to myself.
"Yes, like, would you like to get closer to them?" Mom explained.
I closed my eyes and thought about all the people I've met during the journey. None of them had really made a big impression on me… "No", I shook my head and continued eating.
"I see…", Mom sighed disappointingly. "It looks like my cute little Ashley isn't mature enough to think about romance. I was looking forward to a mother-daughter conversation."
"I'm sure she'll catch up the older she gets, Delia", Misty spoke up. "It just takes time for her to understand some things."
"Both she and Ash have grown a lot for the last few months and I'm proud of them, even though I'm not their big brother", Brock chuckled.
The rest of that conversation went through my head as I ignored it and focused on the meal. That was until Professor Oak pointed out a very important thing for me and Ash.
"Now then, Ash and Ashley; you both passed the preliminary rounds, but the first match of the finals is coming up", Professor Oak told us. "If you pass, you'll make it to the quarterfinals where you'll be able to use a full party of six Pokémon, but your opponents will be on a much higher level than the ones you've faced so far. You really need to prepare and utilize your Pokémon's strength the best you can to have a chance to win."
"I know, Professor Oak", Ash nodded. "I'm gonna do my very best and work together with my Pokémon to become the winner of this League! Right, Pikachu?"
"Pika-chu!" Pikachu nodded determinedly.
"Priii!" Togepi chirped while she nibbled on her food.
"How about you, Ashley?" Professor Oak asked. "Do you feel ready to take on Trainers who have years of experience?"
"Well… I will do my best and not cry if I lose", I replied. "I know…it will hurt for a moment, but…I'll try seeing this as a learning experience."
"That's the spirit, young lady", Professor Oak nodded. "Defeat hurts, but you should learn from it."
"Wait… Professor, I just realized something", Ash spoke up. "If you're here, that means none of us can call your lab to switch our Pokémon!"
Professor Oak laughed heartedly. "Don't worry, Ash. I'll be only staying for the night before I'll take a flying taxi that'll bring me back to the lab in the nick of time."
Ash and I sighed simultaneously in relief. "Thank Arceus…", we mumbled at the same time.
There was going to be one day of break the next day, but we were going to learn about who our opponents were going to be by the evening when we had to go to the main building to get the information. That way, Ash and I could coordinate our Pokémon and switch them when Professor Oak returns to his lab.
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I felt so full after lunch that I could probably fall asleep like a Snorlax. We walked to the elevator and waited for it to make it up to the top floor. "I almost forgot in the middle of the chaos!" Mom suddenly gasped before she opened her purse. "I got something for you, my little sweeties."
"For us?" Ash and I blinked confusedly.
Mom held out two letters, one each for us. "Ta-da! Your dad sent these letters for you!" she said with a big smile.
"Letters from Dad?!" my brother and I exclaimed in both surprise and joy before we snatched them.
"Yes. They arrived just in time for me to deliver them to you", Mom explained. "I'm sure he sent them so you could get them around the time for the Conference."
The elevator rang as it arrived to the floor and opened the doors. We stepped inside of it while I pocketed the letter. I was going to read it later in a calm place.
"Wait! Hold the elevator! I'm going downstairs too!" a voice called from the corridor.
"Sure!" Professor Oak replied as he peeked out from the threshold.
A boy around my age ran into the elevator before the door shut close. He had slight tanned skin, brown hair that kind of resembled Ash's hair and dark brown eyes. He was dressed like he was on a journey just like me and my brother, and he looked a little familiar…
"Thank you so much, sir", the boy thanked Professor Oak.
"No problem, young man", the elderly man replied.
I blinked my eyes in realization when I finally remembered where I have seen the boy. "Um… Excuse me, but…you wouldn't happen to be a competitor in the League?" I asked, trying not to be so nervous.
"Huh? Yeah, I'm competing in the League", the boy nodded. "My name's Richard, but you can call me Ritchie."
"Hey, that's just like with me!" Ash smiled. "I'm Ashton, but I prefer being called Ash. This is my partner, Pikachu."
"Pikachu!" Pikachu greeted Ritchie with a soft wave from my brother's shoulder.
"I'm Ashley…and I'm competing too", I waved softly.
"I know; I saw both your matches", Ritchie nodded. "I was amazed by the way you handled your Pokémon. And I can tell you've raised Pikachu well, Ash."
"Thanks", Ash grinned. "So did you make it to the finals?"
"Yep; I'm among the current Top 16's as well", Ritchie replied.
"That means we might face each other at some point in the finals", Ash pointed out.
"If so, I'll look forward to it", Ritchie smiled before he gave me a concerned expression. "I, umm… I saw what happened after your battle with that Gary. Are you feeling okay now, Ashley?"
"Huh?" I blinked in surprise, not expecting to hear him being concerned about me. I thought I was going to get ridiculed by another Trainer of the Pokémon League if they saw me, so this caught me off guard. "Y-Yes, I'm better now, but I still feel a little exhausted…"
"Make sure to rest a lot tomorrow", Ritchie smiled softly. "It's difficult battling with a hazy brain."
"I-I will rest…", I nodded, all of the sudden feeling a little nervous just like how I felt when I saw Giselle and Jeanette. Was I getting sick again?
"I assume you've been traveling for a long time, Ritchie", Brock commented.
"Yeah, I began my journey in January, so I've been on foot for quite a while", Ritchie replied.
"Sounds to me you have a little more experience than Ash", Misty commented.
"What are you implying, Misty?" Ash asked a little annoyed.
The elevator rang as it made it to the ground floor. We stepped out of the elevator before any of us could get stuck in it and walked out of the building. Ritchie was about to say something when a van drove past us while two oddly familiar voices echoed from a loudspeaker strapped on the vehicle.
"May I have your attention, please?"
"This is an emergency announcement for all participants in the Pokémon League competition. This is not a test."
"All Trainers must bring their Poké Balls to the Pokémon Pavilion for an official inspection immediately."
"That's weird… I haven't heard about this type of announcement in the League before", Professor Oak spoke up while rubbing his chin.
"Maybe they're doing something different now that the fourth day of the preliminary rounds is over?" Misty wondered.
"Whatever it is, we better go and check it out", Ash said.
"I don't know…", I mumbled hesitantly. "If the League never has done this before, then it could be something bad…"
"You three can go ahead while we head to the Pokémon Center and ask Nurse Joy if this really is an official inspection", Brock suggested. "If it's not, I'll send my Zubat to warn you."
"That sounds good", Ritchie nodded.
"Hummm…", I hummed hesitantly.
Ash, Ritchie and I followed the van to one of the main squares of the Indigo Plateau. A large group of Trainers had already gathered by the now parked van. I spotted a couple of familiar faces, like my and my brother's opponents in the preliminary rounds, but I quickly looked away from them and tried to make myself small. I didn't want other people laugh at me after what happened to me back at the stadium.
Two people stepped out of the van, a man and a woman. The woman held a megaphone in her hand while the man held a large empty sack. That was already very suspicious, and the couple's hair looked awfully familiar too…
"Please, Trainers, deposit all your Poké Balls in the bag my dear colleague is holding", the woman called out through the megaphone.
"Deposit the Poké Balls in the sack?" Ritchie repeated. "Shouldn't they organize the Poké Balls like what they do at the Pokémon Center?"
I gasped loudly as I finally connected the dots together. "Don't give them your Poké Balls!" I yelled out. "That's Team Rocket!" My voice was loud enough to get everyone's attention, including those who were about to drop their Poké Balls in the sack.
"Wait, you're right, Ashley!" Ash yelled. "That big red hair can only belong to Jessie!"
The poorly disguised couple flinched in horror and started sweating waterfalls. "C-Curses! How did they see through our disguise?!" Jessie gasped.
"It's because of your big hair, Jessie!" James retorted. "You should've listened to Meowth and used a wig!"
The Trainers quickly stepped away from the duo and put away their Poké Balls before they could get snatched by Team Rocket. Ash ran through the crowd and stood in front of Team Rocket with Pikachu standing on the ground with sparkling cheeks. "I won't let you disrupt the League again, Team Rocket!" my brother yelled angrily.
"Piiika!" Pikachu growled.
"Well, now that our disguises are revealed, we can just take your Pikachu!" Jessie cackled as she grabbed one of her Poké Balls.
"Umm… Jessie…", James cold sweated nervously. "Look around you…"
The other Trainers gathered around the evil group and their van while holding one Poké Ball each, ready to battle if needed to protect each other. Jessie's face turned pale at the sight. "T-This wasn't part of the plan!" she stuttered.
Meowth threw his head out of the window in the front of the van. "Let's get outta here, you fools!" he yelled. "I hear sirens!"
Only then did I hear the sound of multiple sirens. Half a dozen police cars and motorcycles with side-carts drove toward the square, driven by several Officer Jennys and other policemen and women. A Zubat was flying above them before it came toward me. I held my arm out and let it settle down. It had a paper note tied one of its legs. I didn't need to read it to get it that this was Brock's Zubat.
"Stop in the name of the law!" Officer Jenny's voice called from the speakers on one of the vehicles.
"Blast! The police!" James cursed.
"Let's run!" Jessie panicked before she and James threw themselves into the van just before it took off.
"Come back!" the multiple Officer Jennys yelled simultaneously as they drove after the escaping van.
The tension in the air slowly disappeared when everyone put away their Poké Balls and left the square. Some of them did actually thank me and Ash for warning them, which made me feel a little embarrassed. I had never received so much appreciation from strangers. It felt weird but nice at the same time.
"That was a really close call", Ritchie sighed in relief as Ash and Pikachu joined us. "Thanks for stopping everyone before they got their Pokémon stolen, Ash, Ashley."
"It's all thanks to Ashley; she can be very observant", Ash said. "But, this time, even I saw through Jessie's bad disguise."
"I was hoping Team Rocket wouldn't show up again after what happened at the opening ceremony…", I mumbled as I gently caressed Zubat's head. "Thank you for coming to warn us, Zubat."
"Baaat!" Zubat shrieked happily as I removed the tied paper note from his leg.
"Team Rocket are really stubborn", Ash sighed. "They've been chasing us for a long time now because they want Pikachu."
"Piiika…", Pikachu muttered irritably.
"Really?" Ritchie said in surprise. "Aren't they, like, stalkers? Shouldn't you report them?"
"Even if we do report them to the police, they won't be able to catch them", Ash shrugged. "I just hope they'll give up at some point."
"I have a feeling that won't happen in a long time…", I mumbled tiredly.
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I took a nap as soon as we returned to our cottage. We had reported everything to our friends and we learned the Pokémon League never has a sudden Poké Ball inspection, so that got reported to the police who were still chasing Team Rocket. Ash and I left our Pokémon at the Pokémon Center, including Pikachu, for an overnight rest before we retired to the cottage.
I woke up in time to eat dinner with my family and friends. My brain felt a lot better and refreshed, so after Ash and I were done with dinner and helped with the chores, we walked outside to have some sibling time and read the letters we got from Dad.
We found a big lake in the middle of the village that reflected the light from the stars and the moon in the dark sky. We sat down on a bench next to the lake and pulled the letters out of our jackets.
"Should we read the letters out loud for each other?" I asked.
Ash stared at his letter for a moment before replying. "No. Dad wrote these letters separately for us, so we should read them in our heads", he told me.
"Okay", I shrugged.
Both of us gently ripped the envelopes open and pulled the letters out from them. I unfolded the paper sheet and read the familiar letters written in Dad's style.
Dear Ashley,
I hope my letter makes it to you by the time you're participating in the Indigo Plateau Conference. I wish I could be there witnessing your achievements, but I'm far away on my journey to fulfill my childhood dream.
I never stop thinking about you and your brother, Ashley. You, Ashton and your mother are in my thoughts every single day, and I miss you three so much.
I remember how little you were and always had a smile when you told me about what you learned about Pokémon from Professor Oak, but your smile faded away when the neighbor children started bullying you. I wish I could've been there to protect you as a father should do… I hope you'll accept my full-hearted apology the day I return home.
My sweet little girl, I know you're a lot stronger than what you believe in yourself. I know you reached lots of small goals on your journey with Ashton, and I'm so proud of you.
I have so many questions for you. Have you made friends who accept your autism? How many Pokémon have you caught? Any dragon-related Pokémon? Are you treating them well? Are they giving you a difficult time taming them? I hope I'll hear the answers from you when I return home. We're going to have a large and calm party, so don't worry about me inviting lots of strangers to our house.
No matter how far you'll make it in the League, remember that you're already a winner for even participating. You're so courageous to take the big step into the beginning of adulthood. I wish you and Ashton the very best, and good luck with your journey. I'll always be there in your heart.
Love
/Dad
My eyes got filled with fresh tears for the second time of the day. Reading the words Dad wrote to me touched me so much. Dad's been away for years, but he never forgets about me and our family. He has always written letters to tell us how he was doing and how close he was to reach the goal of his journey.
This letter was the first one he wrote just for me, so it was very special. I tried wiping the tears away from the eyelids, but they ended up running down my cheeks. I held back a sob as I turned to Ash, seeing he was crying too while he stared at his letter. I bit my lower lip while I tucked the letter back to the envelope and then put it away in my jacket. Ash did the same before he looked at me. Without saying a single word, we embraced each other and sobbed against each other's shoulders.
I didn't know when it happened, but at one point I fell asleep against my brother. My body got drained after this whole day of turmoil.
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I learned the next morning that Ash had carried me back to the cottage after I fell asleep. Mom and Brock cooked us breakfast before Professor Oak left the Indigo Plateau with a flying taxi. Mom stayed behind to cheer for me and Ash in the remaining matches, which felt nice and also safe for me. I knew I was going to need Mom's warmth and comfort if I was going to lose.
Ash and I decided to take it easy for the whole day and looked around the entire League to check the stores that sold souvenirs. I ended up buying a keychain that had a mini-figure of Champion Lance. I was going to use it as a decoration on my backpack. Ash bought a Poké Ball keychain for his backpack as well.
We caught up with Brock and Misty, and then we met Ritchie who was also relaxing for the day. We ended up spending the rest of the day together and played in an arcade and bought food from different food stalls. Misty and Brock told us Mom was going to meet up with us by the time we get paired with our next opponents.
The sun was setting by the time we went to the main building of the League to find out who our next opponents were going to be. The League had arranged a small artificial pond where several Magikarps swam around with a letter and a number on them.
So far, around half of the current Trainers, which were a total of sixteen, had received their parts on the tournament template, including Ritchie who was battling in A-3 tomorrow. His opponent hadn't been determined yet.
"What?!" Ash gasped when he scanned the template on the screen above the pond.
"What's wrong, Ash?" Misty asked.
"Look! At the guy in the A-4 match!" Ash said as he pointed at the screen.
I checked the match labeled A-4 and blinked a couple of times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. "N-No way…!" I gasped in shock.
"What's the matter, sweet peas?" Mom asked concernedly. "Is it somebody you know?"
"I-It's him! Damian!" Ash exclaimed.
"What?! He's here?!" Brock exclaimed in surprise.
"Do you know that Trainer?" Ritchie asked.
"We met him a long time ago when he abandoned Charmander who has now evolved into a Charizard and is with Ash", I explained as I held back my danger by digging my nails into my palms. "He… He lied to Charmander while literally dumping him in the woods. If we haven't found Charmander, he would've died!"
"I can't believe a Pokémon abuser like him is here at the League!" Ash growled. "If I'll go against him, I'll show him what a wonderful and powerful Pokémon Charizard has become!"
"Whoa… That's terrible!" Ritchie muttered angrily. "If I face him in the quarterfinals, I'll make sure he gets what he deserves!"
"Thanks, Ritchie!" Ash smiled.
"Next Trainer, Ashley Ketchum, please step up to the pond", the receptionist called.
"Yes!" I waved my hand as I walked to the desk and grabbed a fishing rod.
I dropped the fishing lure into the pond and waited for one of the remaining Magikarps to a bite. It didn't take long before one took the bait, so I pulled it out of the water. It moved around and sprayed water drops around, which tickled my face.
"You caught the B-2 Magikarp, which means your opponent is Corey Clinton in the B-2 match", the receptionist informed me.
My picture was added to the tournament template, completing the pair for the second match in Block B.
"Corey's an experienced Trainer, so he'll be tough", Ritchie pointed out.
"I know…", I nodded, getting the same odd feeling as if I had seen Corey before, just like what I felt when I met Neesha.
"Next Trainer, Ashton Ketchum; please fish up your opponent", the receptionist announced.
Another staff member gently removed the Magikarp from the lure before I passed the fishing rod to Ash. He dropped the lure into the pond and waited a couple of seconds. It took only seconds before he got a bite. He pulled out the Magikarp that had A-3 painted on its body.
"You caught the A-3 Magikarp, so you will be battling Richard Sands in the A-3 match", the receptionist announced.
"What?!" Ash exclaimed in shock before he stared at Ritchie in disbelief.
I felt a cold sweat run down my cheek. My brother and Ritchie had become quite close friends at the short time they spent together today, like they had known each other for years. Ritchie also looked at little surprised by the announcement, but he replaced the surprised look with a smile and held a hand out to Ash. "I look forward to our battle tomorrow, Ash", he said.
Ash dropped his stunned expression and gave Ritchie a slight hesitant smile before taking the offering hand. "Me too, Ritchie", my brother replied.
I glanced at the screen with the tournament template. It was a reminder of how close I was to reach the quarterfinals of my very first Pokémon League. My heart was beating faster as I felt my palms getting sweaty the more nervous I got. I had to do my very best to make it as far as I can…together with my Pokémon.
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Ashley's party:
Luna the Clefairy (female)
Volt the Jolteon (male)
Wanda the Gyarados (female)
Queendra the Seadra (female)
Rina the Nidoqueen (female)
Oliver the Vileplume (male)
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Ashley's Pokémon at the Lab:
Hunter the Aerodactyl (male)
Sunny the Rapidash (female)
Firered the Charizard (male)
Chanchan the Hitmonchan (male)
Aria the Lapras (female)
Kabo the Kabutops (male)
Kobra the Arbok (male)
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Ash's party:
Pikachu (male)
Snorlax (male)
Hitmonlee (male)
Muk (male)
Tauros (male)
Ivysaur (male)
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Ash's Pokémon at the Lab:
Squirtle x4 (males)
Gengar (male)
Mimey the Mr. Mime (male)
Omastar (male)
Rhydon (male)
Charizard (male)
Dragonair (female)
Kingler (male)
Pidgeotto (male)
Exeggutor (male)
Wartortle (male)
Nidoking (male)
Poliwrath (male)
Beedrill (male)
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Misty's party:
Goldeen (female)
Staryu (genderless)
Psyduck (male)
Togepi (female)
Poliwag (male)
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Misty's Pokémon in the Cerulean Gym:
Starmie (genderless)
Horsea (female)
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Brock's party:
Geodude (male)
Onix (male)
Zubat (male)
Vulpix (female)
Rhydon (male)