Well, here's another chapter…
Apologies for taking so long to update, but university really takes up a lot of my time. So, it takes me a while to get a chapter done.
Anyway, regarding the turn of events in the story. Yes, it was not a creative plotline, but it can be seen as the starting blocks of something bigger.
So, it's simple: If you don't like it, don't read it. I'm not here to win a popularity contest. I'm here to write and express myself.
Thanks for all the reviews.
Enjoy!
I do not own any characters or events related to Pokemon, this story is solely fan made.
Changing Ways: Chapter 23: Old-new beginning:
'Dear Ash Ketchum, pokemon Trainer from Pallet Town:
We hereby wish to inform you that your title as the Champion of the Orange League, located in the Orange archipelago, has been challenged.'
The contents of the letter ringed through everyone's ears after Misty read it out loud, save for Mr. Goodshow, of course.
Misty looked up from the letter and turned to Ash, a frown on her face.
"Well," Professor Oak spoke up. "This sure is an unexpected turn of events, eh, Ash?" he stated as he too turned to Ash, his hand under his chin.
Ash, on the other hand, didn't pay attention to neither Misty nor Professor Oak. He was simply staring at Mr. Goodshow, whom was standing in front of the group, which also included Delia, Tracey and Pikachu.
"M-my title?" Ash repeated as he gave Mr. Goodshow a very confused look.
"Yes, Ash." Mr. Goodshow replied with a nod of his head. "Your title as the Orange League Champion." The little old man with the long beard elaborated. "It has been challenged." He added.
"But," Ash started, his eyes still full of confusion. "Ho-"
"Now Ash, Sweety." Delia interrupted her son as she stepped in between Ash and Mr. Goodshow. "I'm sure that Mr. Goodshow is probably very tired from his journey." She stated. "Isn't that right, Mr. Goodshow?" she asked as she turned to the President and gave him a polite smile.
"Well, I am a bit worn out, now that you mention it…" Mr. Goodshow replied.
"Hey," Delia suddenly exclaimed. "I have an idea!" she stated. "Why don't we all head over to the Pallet House. That way Mr. Goodshow can have a proper meal and rest up." She suggested.
"That's a great idea, miss!" Mr. Goodshow exclaimed. "Ash," he started as he turned to face Ash. "I'm sure that you have a couple of questions you would like to ask me." He stated, to which Ash replied by vigorously nodding.
"Then let's all head on down to the Pallet House, where Mr. Goodshow can relax, and Ash can ask his questions." Delia summarised.
Everyone agreed to Delia's proposal and all of them then exited Professor Oak's lab.
"Mr. Goodshow," Delia started. "I hope you're okay with walking all the way into town?" she inquired, a small worried frown forming on her face.
"Of course not!" Mr. Goodshow enthusiastically answered. "Although there is a complementary limousine waiting at the inn…" he trailed off.
"A LIMOUSINE?" Ash and Misty simultaneously stated out loud.
"Being famous sure has its perks, doesn't it, Charles?" Professor Oak stated with a knowing smirk on his face.
"Yes, of course!" Mr. Goodshow agreed. "But I prefer the normal way of life to be quite honest with you, Samuel." He added before the group started walking, save for Ash…
"Wow…" he exclaimed in awe. "A limousine…it would sure be fun to ride through Pallet Town in one of those…" he trailed off as images of a limousine riding through town with him waving at the masses who have gathered in the streets. "Yeah…" he dazily mumbled as he waved to the masses in his imagination.
"Ash?" he heard a voice call out to him, which brought him back to reality.
"Huh?" he exclaimed as he looked in front of him to find the source of the voice: Misty.
"Ash, are you okay?" Misty asked as she raised her brow sceptically at Ash.
"Yeah, I'm fine!" Ash assured Misty; feeling a bit irritated because of his fantasy being interrupted. "Why?" he added as he frowned at the red-head.
"Well," Misty started. "You kind of fell behind…"she remarked as she stepped out of the way for Ash to see that the rest of the group had continued walking and were quite a bit in front of him.
"I noticed you weren't next to me anymore…" Misty stated as a small blush made its way onto her cheeks. "So, I saw you standing all the way back here, and came to fetch you." She finished the story with a sweet smile.
"Thanks, Misty." Ash said as he gratefully smiled at Misty in front of him.
"Sure thing." Misty replied. "Now come on," she said as she turned around towards the rest of the group. "Let's go get some dinner and find out what's going for what." She stated as she slowly started moving, waiting for Ash to follow.
"Right." Ash replied as he walked after Misty, before the two of them started jogging lightly after the rest of the group…
"Alright, everyone;" Delia started as she put a bowl down on the table. "Dig in!" she exclaimed.
"Thanks a lot!" the occupants of the table; Ash, Misty, Tracey, Professor Oak and Mr. Goodshow, all simultaneously exclaimed in gratitude.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed from his chair in between Ash and Misty, thanking Delia for his bowl of Poke-chow.
The table which the group sat around was decorated with all kinds of delicious food for them to enjoy. Delia had taken the liberty to make the food for the group herself to ensure that everything was perfect.
"Mmmm." Mr. Goodshow exclaimed after he neatly slurped up some noodles. "This food tastes exquisite!" he remarked as he turned to Delia. "A successful restaurant, excellent cooking skills, and a peach of a boy." He said as he turned to Ash. "And all of them belong to you." He stated as he turned back to Delia. "You should be very proud, Mrs. Ketchum." He remarked.
"Why, thank you very much, Mr. Goodshow." Delia replied. "You can just call me Delia." She informed Mr. Goodshow. "And yes, I am very proud of my little Ash!" she added as she turned to her son with her hand clasped together in front of her. "He was done so well on his journey up to date. I couldn't be any prouder!" She said with a tearful expression.
"Mom!" Ash whined out of embarrassment.
"You have every reason to be." Mr. Goodshow replied. "Now Ash," he started again as he turned back towards Ash. "I bet you have a few questions to ask me?" he inquired.
"Yeah! I do, Mr. Goodshow!" Ash over-enthusiastically exclaimed, almost jumping out of his chair in anticipation.
"Whoa, calm down, Ash." Professor Oak exclaimed, trying to keep Ash under control.
Mr. Goodshow merely laughed light-heartedly at Ash's excitement. "You sure are a lively spirit, Ash." He remarked.
"Sorry, Mr. Goodshow." Ash apologized, having relaxed in his chair again. "But it's just a lot of info to absorb. There are some things that don't make sense…" He added.
"Well, that's what I'm here for!" Mr. Goodshow informed Ash. "So, fire away!" he then exclaimed.
"Yes!" Ash cheered with a fist-pump into the air. "Mmmm…" he then exclaimed as he put his hand on his chin. "So," he started after a while. "My 'Title'," he said, emphasizing the 'Title' by the use of air brackets with his hands. "Has been challenged?" he continued inquiring.
"Yes, Ash." Mr. Goodshow replied. "Your Title as the Champion of the Orange League has been challenged." He elaborated once more.
"So, I'm the Champion of the Orange League, then?" Ash inquired with a frown forming on his face, to which Mr. Goodshow replied by nodding affirmatively. "But how is that even possible?" Ash asked.
Mr. Goodshow tilted his head to the side in confusion. "What do you mean by that, Ash?" he asked as he frowned at Ash.
"Well," Ash started, but stopped again to choose his words more precise. "I didn't know I was the Champion, or that the Orange League even had such a thing as a Champion." He confessed.
"That's a good point, Ash." Professor Oak stated.
"Yes, it is." Mr. Goodshow agreed. "It is quite confusing, especially with Drake. You remember Drake, don't you?" he asked as he looked expectantly at Ash.
"Boy, do I…" Ash trailed off.
[FLASHBACK…]
"Venusaur:" Drake started. "Solarbeam, now!" he ordered.
"Venusaur!" Venusaur exclaimed as the flower on the top of its back started glowing white, signalling that it has started gathering energy for the Solarbeam.
"Tauros:" Ash started from the other side of the battlefield. "Take Down attack!" he ordered.
Tauros responded to Ash's command by charging towards Venusaur, whom was still immobilized by the charging of the Solarbeam.
Tauros connected with Venusaur following his stampede, but the Seed Pokemon remained unmoved and stood its ground against the Wild Bull Pokemon's Take Down attack.
Although Venusaur hadn't moved from the spot; Tauros still kept pushing, desperately trying to move the giant Grass type. But it is to no avail as all of the pushing is only burying Tauros's hooves deeper into the soft sand, up to the point where Tauros is now stuck on the spot it is currently standing on.
The flower on Venusaur's back was now completely shining white, signalling that the Solarbeam attack was ready to be fired.
"Solarbeam, now!" Drake yelled out the order at Venusaur.
"Tauros: Send Venusaur soaring, now!" Ash countered Drake's order from the other side of the battlefield.
"Taur!" Tauros exclaimed as he lodged Venusaur straight up into the air with his horns, sending the Seed Pokemon flying…
"Now," Ash started, ready to finish this match after a brief struggle between Tauros and Venusaur's vines. "Use Take Down attack!" he ordered.
"Taur!" Tauros exclaimed before it started charging towards Venusaur with yet another Take Down attack.
"Venusaur!" Venusaur exclaimed as it unleashed multiple vines out towards Tauros, trying to thwart the Wild Bull Pokemon's progress towards it.
Venusaur's Vine Whip attempt proved futile as Tauros jumped into the air and started tearing through the Seed Pokemon's vine defence. Tauros connected with his Take Down attack, sending Venusaur flying backwards in the air and eventually crashing into the ground.
"Venusaur is unable to battle!" the referee declared as he lifted the green flag in his right hand towards Ash…
…
"Finish it off with Dragon Rage!" Ash ordered Charizard from his side of the field.
"Char!" Charizard exclaimed as his tail flame started getting bigger and a sphere of energy started forming in front of his mouth, signalling that he was charging the powerful Dragon Rage attack.
"Fight fire with fire, Dragonite!" Drake countered Ash's order from the opposite side of the field.
Dragonite acknowledged Drake's order and started charging a Dragon Rage attack as well, the sphere of energy forming in front of its mouth.
The two attacks finished charging, and Charizard and Dragonite fired their respective Dragon Rage attacks at each other simultaneously. The two attacks connected in the middle of the battlefield, resulting in a massive explosion and a big cloud of smoke that engulfed the field.
The smoke eventually cleared and it revealed to everyone that both Charizard as well as Dragonite were still standing, staring each other down.
The two part-Flying type pokemon continued staring each other down, both of them having too much pride to back down. They were both breathing heavily, clearly injured and exhausted by this mammoth battle.
They stared at each other for a while longer, before Charizard finally collapsed, his energy drained out.
"Charizard," the referee started. "Is unable to battle!" he declared as he raised the red flag in his left hand towards Drake…
…
"Let's win it, Pikachu!" Ash yelled as he determinedly pointed towards Dragonite, calling on his final active pokemon: Pikachu.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu exclaimed as he jumped from next to Ash onto the battlefield, a determined expression evident on his face.
"Dragonite:" Drake started. "Let's go!" he yelled out.
"Dragooo!" Dragonite exclaimed as it turned straight to Pikachu, resulting in a stare-down between the two pokemon.
"Pikachu:" Ash started. "Use your Agility!" he ordered from his side of the field.
"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed from where he was standing on the field, before darting towards Dragonite in front of him. "Pi Pi Pi Pi…" he exclaimed as he repeatedly vanished and immediately reappeared in different places en route to Dragonite.
"Dragonite: Stop that Pikachu!" Drake countered from his side of the field.
Dragonite responded to its master's command by spinning around and swinging its tail straight towards Pikachu, who was vulnerable in the middle of his Agility attack, sending the yellow mouse flying through the air…
Dragonite desperately shook its head in order to shake Pikachu, who was holding onto the Dragon type's head for dear life, off.
"Pikachu:" Ash started from his side of the field. "Thunder attack!" he ordered.
"Pikaaa…" Pikachu started, still desperately clinging onto Dragonite's head. "CHUUUU!" he exclaimed as he unleashed the mammoth Thunder attack from his body.
The Thunder attack lit up the stadium, along with Dragonite, albeit very painfully. Once the Thunder died down; the battlefield was revealed to the crowd as well as Ash and Drake. Dragonite and Pikachu were both still situated where they were, with Pikachu still clinging onto Dragonite's head.
"Dragooo!" Dragonite suddenly yelled as it viciously shook Pikachu off of its head.
Pikachu landed on all fours in front of Dragonite.
The two pokemon then stared each other down, both breathing heavily as the accumulated battle wounds started taking their toll. They stared at each other for a while longer, before Dragonite collapsed backwards and fell down onto its back…
[…]
"You see, Ash." Mr. Goodshow started again. "Many people mistake Drake as the Champion, but he is actually what we call the Head Leader of the Orange League. So, he is also classified as a Gym Leader, but with a bit more merit." He explained. "Although the Orange Islands' Gym Leaders have unorthodox ways of testing a challenger; the Orange League is just like any other League in the department of having a Champion. So, your title can and has been challenged." He informed Ash.
"But, how come I never had to face the previous Champion after I beat Drake?" Ash inquired.
"Excellent question, Ash." Mr. Goodshow replied. "You see, the previous Champion of the Orange League won the title 56 years ago and has passed on in the meantime. That's why you never had to face anyone after Drake, because the Champion title was vacant." He explained. "Drake became the new Head Leader after the previous Head Leader, who happens to be Drake's grandfather who is now a member of the Elite Four in the Hoenn Region, retired about 12 years ago." He further added. "Since then, Drake has been undefeated, up until you beat him about 2 years ago." He informed Ash.
"I see…" Ash exclaimed, still clearly in thought. "But if it's been 2 years since I beat Drake, why have I only been challenged now?" he asked.
"Well," Mr. Goodshow started. "Ash, you were the only person to defeat Drake in a pokemon battle for a good fourteen years." He informed Ash. "Until about a month ago, that is." He added.
"Here you go!" Delia exclaimed as she put down a bowl of Miltank ice cream covered in chocolate sauce in front of each person on table.
"So," Ash started after everyone thanked Delia for the treat. "What happens now?" he asked Mr. Goodshow.
"What do you mean, Ash?" Mr. Goodshow asked as he frowned at Ash in confusion. "Didn't you finish reading the letter?" he asked.
Ash started digging in his pocket and pulled the said letter out of it. He unfolded it and quickly scanned over it. "Oops." He exclaimed as he looked back up at Mr. Goodshow. "I guess I forgot to read the rest…" he said as he sheepishly scratched the back of his head and giggled nervously.
This led to everyone, save for Ash, to sweat drop and fall out of their chairs onto their faces.
"Sorry, you guys. Lapse of concentration." Ash apologized while sheepishly laughing.
"Well," Misty started as she, along with the rest of the group, got back up to their chairs. "What does it say, Ash?" she impatiently asked.
"Uh, right!" Ash quickly exclaimed before he looked back down at the letter. "It says that I am expected to depart for the Orange Archipelago as soon as possible to prepare for the battle." He interpreted the letter out loud.
"And that's where I come in." Mr. Goodshow stated as he pulled out three pieces of paper. "Here you go, Ash." He said as he held the pieces of paper out to Ash.
"Uh, what're these, Mr. Goodshow?" Ash asked as he took the three papers from Mr. Goodshow and curiously examined them.
"Those are tickets, Ash." Mr. Goodshow replied. "Boat tickets, to be precise." He added.
"Boat tickets?" Ash repeated as he frowned at Mr. Goodshow in confusion.
"Yes, boat tickets for a ship that is sailing to Mandarin Island in the Orange Archipelago." Mr. Goodshow explained. "They are for you and two others of your choice, compliments of the Pokemon League." He added.
"Wow…" Ash exclaimed in awe as he looked at the tickets. "Misty, did you hear that?" he asked as he turned towards Misty. "That means that you can come with me for free!" he stated, excitement evident on his face. But his expression soon faltered though, after he noticed that Misty didn't share his excitement, but that her facial expression looked more distressed. "What's wrong?" he asked the red head.
"Ash," Misty uneasily started. "I don't think I'll be able to go with you…" she sadly informed Ash.
"What?" Ash exclaimed in shock. "But, why not, Misty?" he asked, distress evident in his eyes as he expectantly stared at the red head.
"The Gym, Ash." Misty stated. "I don't want to be too far away from the Gym, just in case something happens." She explained. "The Orange Archipelago is just too far away…" she sullenly finished as she looked down, near tears.
"Don't worry about the Gym, Misty." She heard someone say. She looked up at the person who said it: Tracey.
"I'll stop by the Gym every now-and-then, just to make sure the place is still standing." Tracey jokingly added. "So you don't have to worry about anything." He stated.
"Wow. Thanks a lot, Tracey!" Misty gratefully exclaimed as she breathed a huge sigh of relief along with Ash.
"So," Ash started again. "You're coming with me then, right?" he asked as he stared at Misty in anticipation.
"Yep!" Misty quickly replied. "You bet I am!" she added with a wink.
"Well, anyway." Mr. Goodshow interrupted the two of them. "The tickets aren't for any specific date, but the ship you have to be on leaves in two days from the harbour here in Pallet Town to Mandarin Island. So, don't miss it!" he informed Ash.
The group finished their deserts after that and it was time to go home. Everyone was currently standing outside the Pallet House, where Mr. Goodshow was in the middle of saying his goodbyes.
"Well, Ash." Mr. Goodshow started as he stopped in front of Ash, having already greeted the other members of the group. "Good luck with your training. This is where we say goodbye for now." He stated. "Unfortunately I cannot stay any longer, seeing as there is work to be done, hands to shake, deals to make." He added as he giggled at his own rhyming. "And good luck in your battle. I know you'll put on a show like no one else can." He finished as he held his hand out towards the pokemon Trainer.
"Mr. Goodshow," Ash started as he took Mr. Goodshow's hand. "I'll do my very best!" he said as he shook his hand with a determined look on his face.
From there; everyone went their separate ways for the night. Ash, Misty, Pikachu and Delia went to the Ketchum residence, while Professor Oak and Tracey went back to Professor Oak's lab, and Mr. Goodshow to the hotel where he is staying at for the night…
The next morning, Ash, Misty and Pikachu were sitting in the living room of the Ketchum residence, watching some TV and just talking about their next big, adventurous journey.
"So, Ash." Misty started. "You've got three tickets, where one for yourself, and another one for me, right?" she recapped.
"Right." Ash agreed as he held the three tickets in front of him.
"So, who does the third one belong to, then?" Misty curiously asked.
"Hmmm…" Ash exclaimed as he took one of the tickets and examined it, clearly thinking hard about the subject. "Uh," he finally exclaimed after a while. "Good question. I don't know!" he admitted. "Hey, I'll leave it here for my mom!" he suddenly declared as he got up from the couch. "I bet she'll want to see her son, the Orange League Champion, in action, live!" he stated as he put the remaining ticket on the living room table for Delia.
"Wow, a little bit full of ourselves today, aren't we?" Misty sarcastically responded to Ash's confident attitude.
"You bet I am!" Ash answered as he puffed his chest out to emphasize his dominance. "Anyway," he started again after calming down. "I'm getting kind of bored with just sitting here." He stated. "So, what do you want to do today, Misty?" he asked as he looked at the red head sitting on the couch.
"Hmmm…" Misty exclaimed as she placed her hand to her chin, giving the question some thought. "Well, I don't know?" she honestly answered. "It's your house, and you're hometown." She added.
"Awh man." Ash whined. "Come on, Misty. Think of something. I'm bored!" he continued whining as he slumped down next to Misty on the couch.
"Well, sorry for being such a boring guest then, Ash." Misty irritatedly stated as she glared at Ash next to her before turning away and crossing her arms with a small 'hmph'.
"I'm sorry, Misty. I didn't mean it like that! Honest!" Ash apologized. "It's just that we've got two days to burn and do nothing before we have to leave, so any suggestions would be very nice." He stated with an apologetic smile towards the red head.
Misty opened one eye and took a peek towards Ash. "You know, Ash." She started as she turned towards the pokemon Trainer. "We should really spend the day with your mom." She suggested.
"My Mom?" Ash repeated as his eyes grew wide in shock. "Are you insane!?" he exclaimed into Misty's face. "She's a slave driver!" he informed the red head as he started pacing up and down because of stress. "She'll break me before we even eat dinner tonight!" he added.
"Oh, come on, Ash." Misty exclaimed. "You're mother misses you when we're on our journeys. You never spend any time with her!" she informed Ash. "And besides, how bad can she be?" she added afterwards.
Ash looked at Misty and then turned his attention to the ground. He's got to admit that he doesn't really spend quality time with his Mom when he's taking a break from pokemon Training, something which he feels really bad about all of a sudden. "Well," he started after a short silence. "I guess we can spend the day with her, then." He declared. "But, don't say I didn't warn you!" he quickly added before he started walking to the back door, where his mother was busy outside with her garden.
"Oh, please." Misty exclaimed as she got up off the couch. "It really can't be that bad." She added as she followed Ash outside.
"Hey, Mom!" Ash yelled as he jumped through the doorway and landed on the grass outside in front of his mother, who was busy in her garden.
"Yes?" Delia asked as she looked up from her flowers with a garden scissor in her hands. "What is it, sweety?" she asked as she turned to face Ash.
"Well," Ash started, clearly thinking about the matter. "Since it's our last day here; Misty suggested we help you around the house and spend some time with you." He informed his mother as he turned to Misty. "And Misty really wants to help you with the dishes, laundry and all those difficult stuff…" he added as he smirked at the red head.
"WHAT!?" Misty suddenly yelled, but quickly covered her mouth with her hands. "I mean…" she started again after regaining her composure. "Ash, what're you talking about?" she innocently asked as she faked a giggle.
"Is that true, Misty dear?" Delia asked. "Do you want to help me with the chores?" she asked as her eyes started sparkling in excitement at the prospect of having company while she worked.
"Uh…" Misty exclaimed. "Well…" she trailed off as she looked at Delia. She was stuck now…"Uhm…yeah?" she uncertainly answered.
"Oh, that's so sweet of you, Misty." Delia squealed. "You can start with vacuuming the carpets then." She informed the red head. "Mimey, why don't you go show Misty where the vacuum cleaner is." She said as she turned to Mimey.
"Mime, Mr. Mime!" Mimey exclaimed as it indicated for Misty to follow it as they went into the house.
Misty sighed in defeat before she started following Mimey into the house. Before she went inside, she looked over her shoulder towards Ash, hoping that he had a way out for her. But Ash showed her a 'v' with his fingers while grinning largely instead. Misty glared at him, before Mimey dragged her inside by the arm.
"Well," Ash started as he turned around. "That was fun…" he remarked before he started walking away.
"Ash!" he heard a voice call out behind him. He turned around to find his mother glaring at him with her hands on her hips.
"Uh, yeah, Mom?" he uncertainly asked. "What is it?" he added.
"Where do you think you're going?" Delia demanded, the glare still on her face.
"Uh, I was just going to Professor Oak's for a whi-"Ash started answering.
"Oh, no you're not!" Delia interrupted Ash. "What you ARE going to do, is help Misty clean the house." She informed her son.
"But, Mom!" Ash started his protest. "Misty VOLUNTEERED to clean the house!" he informed his mother.
"Misty is a guest, Ash." Delia informed Ash. "She doesn't have to do anything if she doesn't want to. So," she stopped as she walked to the back door. She returned after a short while with a broom in her hand. "Here." She exclaimed as she pushed the broom into her son's hands. "Get sweeping!" she ordered.
"Awh man!" Ash whined in great dissatisfaction. He looked back to his mother, hoping that his actions would get her to let him off easy. But sadly, it didn't. She was instead pointing towards the back door behind her, signalling that he must get to work, pronto.
Ash sighed in defeat as he slowly and begrudgingly started making his way into the house…
"Oh my goodness…" Misty exclaimed as she pluffed down on the couch, vacuum cleaner in hand. She was still busy with vacuuming the Ketchum living room, although she was wondering if she is going to be able to get back up from this nice, soft couch. She was so tired; she reckoned that even the floor would be suitable for now.
Misty's little oasis-moment was interrupted however, as the all-knowing Mimey stopped in front of the couch she was sitting on, duster in hand.
"Mime!" Mimey scowled as it stood in front of Misty, glaring at the red head.
Misty exasperatedly sighed. "What is it, Mimey?" she asked as she gave Mimey a look-over.
"Mime, Mr. Mime!" Mimey yelled as it pointed to the floor around them. It then pointed to the vacuum cleaner that was currently lying next to Misty against the couch.
"Alright…" Misty sighed as she got up with quite a bit of effort. "I'm going…" she exclaimed as she put the vacuum cleaner on again and started sucking the carpets.
"Mime, Mr. Mime!" Mimey exclaimed, clearly ecstatic that Misty was working again, before it walked off to continue its dusting. The mime really hated a lazy cleaner while it was on duty.
"Oh, brother…" Misty whined as she continued vacuuming. "Who would have thought that such a sweet lady could be such a slave driver!" she cried out. "Whose idea was it to volunteer for this anyway?" she demanded to know.
"Uh, yours?" Ash exclaimed as he suddenly appeared in the doorway with a broom in hand. "You were the one who offered to help my Mom, and then dragged me into this as well!" he elaborated. "So, you see, Misty," he started again. "This is the part where I say, I told you so!" he informed the red head with a triumphant grin on his face.
"And why are you so happy?" Misty asked with a confused look on her face as she watched Ash curiously. "You're stuck doing chores too, you know…" she informed the pokemon Trainer.
"Well, yeah. That's true." Ash agreed as he put his hand to his chin in thought. "But this is actually excellent training for me and Pikachu!" he quickly added with a dramatic fist pump into the air. "Isn't that right, Pikachu?" he asked as he looked down, causing Misty to look down as well.
Down there, close to the floor, was Pikachu. He was hanging onto the broom with Ash, but his tiny little feet didn't even come close to touching the floor beneath them.
"Pika!" Pikachu agreed with his Master.
"So, I'm actually glad you pulled me into this, Misty." Ash informed Misty. "Come on, Pikachu." He started as he turned his attention back to Pikachu and the broom. "Forward sweep!" he declared.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed in agreement, still clinging to the broom.
The two of them then started sweeping again, but it was more like Ash sweeping the floor as he walked, with Pikachu dangling from the broom, his feet also moving as if he was walking on the ground, determined to lend his Master a hand.
It was at that moment, however, that Ash and Pikachu were knocked out of the way, by a rampaging Mimey, whom now also donned a broom.
"Hey!" Ash yelled as he sat up. "What's the big idea, Mimey!?" he angrily yelled at Mimey.
"Mime!" Mimey exclaimed as it raised the broom up into the air with its hand, signalling its supremacy over Ash in the cleaning department.
"Oh yeah!?" Ash exclaimed as he jumped back up onto his feet, igniting a stare-off with Mimey, each with a broom in hand. "Well, we'll just have to see who's the better cleaner around here!" he declared.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu agreed from where he was dangling from the broom.
"Mime, Mr. Mime!" Mimey exclaimed in agreement with this little contest.
What followed after that was a bit of an overblown sweeping contest between the team of Ash and Pikachu, against Mimey. Both parties were sweeping at a rigorous pace, leaving the spot they were sweeping spotless.
"Come on, Pikachu." Ash started, out of breath. "We're gonna show that mime what goes for what around here!" he declared as he started sweeping faster and faster, almost jumping from one spot the other.
"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed in agreement. He then started moving his feet faster and faster as they continued sweeping. But, the problem here was, that Pikachu was still hanging in the air. So the yellow mouse didn't really have a big contribution to the sweeping. He was actually more of a liability to Ash, seeing as he was just some extra weight that had to be carried along with the broom.
The sweeping contest continued for a while after that, until Ash collapsed on the floor…
"Uh, so…tired…" Ash mumbled.
"Mime?" Mimey exclaimed as it stopped in front of Ash and Pikachu. "Mime, Mr. Mime!" it exclaimed as it shoved its fist into the air in victory.
"No," Ash mumbled. "How could I lose to a clown!" he cried out as he took a hold of Pikachu, desperately shaking the yellow mouse for an answer.
It was at that moment that Delia walked into the room. "Oh my!" she cried out as she looked at the living room. "This room. It's…it's…" she started, to which Ash and Pikachu gulped, afraid of her wrath. "It's spotless!" she exclaimed in delight.
Ash and Pikachu both let out huge sighs of relief.
It was true. The little cleaning rivalry between Mimey and Ash had left the living room sparkly clean. There wasn't a fleck of dust anywhere.
"Oh, thank you!" Delia exclaimed as she made her way to Ash and Pikachu.
"Awh, it was nothi-"Ash started replying, until he noticed his mother running right past him.
"Mimey!" Delia finished as she embraced Mimey, who happened to be standing behind Ash and Pikachu.
Ash fell down straight onto his face. "But!" he exclaimed. "I helped too!" he yelled out, but he was ignored by his mother. "I never win!" he cried out in defeat. "You love Mimey more than you love me!" he added, but it went in through his mother's one ear and out the other as she continued praising Mimey…
A while after Ash, Misty and Pikachu assisted Delia and Mimey in house cleaning; the group consisting out of Ash, Misty and Pikachu decided to start packing for their trip to the Orange Archipelago. It was sometime during this activity that Ash decided that he wants to go to Professor Oak immediately, which resulted in Misty wanting to come along or else she would be stuck packing both their bags. So, the two of them, accompanied by Pikachu then set off towards the Lab for whatever reason Ash wanted to go there…
"Well," Misty started as they stood in front of the front door to the Lab. "Here we are." She exclaimed. "What is it you want to do here again?" she asked as she lifted her brow at Ash.
"I just want to talk to all my pokemon about something." Ash informed Misty before he opened the door and invited himself in, like always.
Misty aggravatedly sighed at Ash before following him inside anyway, making sure to close the door behind her.
"Hey, Professor Oak!" Ash yelled as he walked into the living room area of the Lab. "Hello!?" he called out.
"Ash?" Professor Oak asked as he stuck his head out from the library closet in the back of the room. "I thought I heard your voice." He said as he stepped out of the closet, carrying a stack of six books in his arms.
"Hey there, Professor Oak." Ash formally greeted the Professor with a wave of his hand.
"Hey, Professor Oak." Misty also greeted from next to Ash.
"Pika Pika." Pikachu greeted Professor Oak from on top of Ash's shoulder with a wave of his paw, mirroring his Master's actions.
"Hello, Misty, Pikachu." Professor Oak greeted Misty and Pikachu. "So, what can I do for you today?" he asked as he turned back to Ash.
"Well," Ash started. "I've decided that I'm going leave all of my pokemon, except for Pikachu, here with you, Professor." He declared.
"What?" Misty exclaimed from next to Ash. "But, why?" she curiously asked the pokemon Trainer.
"Yes, I agree." Professor Oak exclaimed from in front of them. "This is quite an unusual move, Ash." He added. "Don't you want to train? I'm sure you would like your pokemon to be as strong as possible for your match?" he elaborated.
"Yeah," Ash started. "I do want my pokemon to be as strong as they can for the match." He agreed. "But, to be honest, I don't even know what my team will look like." He admitted. "So, that's why I want all of them to stay here with each other. It'll help them relax and mentally prepare them for the match before I choose my team." He explained.
Misty stared at Ash, her eyes wide in shock. Did he figure that out by himself? Since when does he actually think hard about something before a battle? She had to admit; that is an impressive plan of action…
"Hmmm," Professor Oak exclaimed, giving the situation some thought. "Well Ash, I've got to say that it's actually a very good idea." He exclaimed, mirroring Misty's view on the subject. "So, do you want to go tell all of them the news?" he asked the pokemon Trainer.
"Yep!" Ash exclaimed. "If it's okay with you, Professor Oak?" he quickly added.
"By all means." Professor Oak assured Ash as he started walking towards the back door that led outside, where all the pokemon resided, followed by Ash, Misty and Pikachu…
Once the four of them were outside; Ash got Pidgeot to call all of his pokemon closer and soon they all them stood in a half-circle in front of their Master.
"So," Ash started once all of his pokemon quieted down. "You're all probably wondering why I called all of you here?" he asked as he looked over his trusted companions, to which he received a collection of different cries in approval as his answer. "Well," he started again. "You see guys, the reason I called you all here, is because I want to inform all of you that I've been challenged to a battle by someone who won the Orange League." He informed all of them.
The pokemon all replied by nodding in understanding of the situation.
"So," Ash started again. "I've decided that I'm only taking Pikachu with me to the Orange Archipelago tomorrow. I'm leaving the rest of you here until further notice." He declared. "But, don't think that I'm leaving you here just because I don't want you with me!" he quickly added after seeing some of his pokemon's expressions sadden. "I just want you guys to relax for a while until I sort everything out over there." He explained to them. "Is that okay with you guys?" he asked as he looked at them, waiting for an answer.
The pokemon responded by crying out there names, signalling that it was perfectly fine with them and that they understood.
"Thanks a lot, you guys." Ash said as he smiled at his pokemon in relief. "Oh, and don't think you're all on vacation now." He added. "I'm gonna need a strong team if I want to defeat this challenger. So, you guys better train hard so you'll all be in tip-top shape for the battle!" he informed them with a determined smirk on his face.
All of the pokemon cheered at Ash, determined to get as strong as they can and not let their Master down.
Misty and Professor Oak were standing behind Ash the whole time and after Ash finished informing the pokemon of his plan of action; Misty remembered something…
"Oh no. I almost forgot!" the red head suddenly cried out.
"Uh, what is it, Misty?" Ash asked as he turned around after hearing Misty's outcry.
"I forgot to let my sisters know I'll be going with you to the Orange Archipelago!" Misty informed Ash.
"Uh, so?" Ash exclaimed. "What does that matter?" he asked in confusion.
"They have to know that I won't be close by to rescue the Gym if they mess up." Misty explained to Ash. "They have to be careful not to break anything and remember to do their chores." She added.
"Oh, I get it now!" Ash exclaimed.
"Professor Oak." Misty exclaimed as she turned to face Professor Oak, who was standing next to her. "Is it okay if I use your video phone?" she asked. "I promise it'll only take a second!" she assured the Professor.
"Oh, it's no problem at all, Misty!" Professor Oak exclaimed. "You can take all the time you need!" he added.
"Thanks, Professor Oak!" Misty yelled before she sped off. "I'll be right back, you guys!" she yelled as she disappeared into the building, on her way to the video phone, leaving Ash and Professor Oak behind with all of the pokemon…
Misty quickly ran through the halls en route to the video phone, which was located in the lab-section of the building. She quickly sat down in front of the video phone, making sure not to touch anything in the lab, and then entered the Cerulean Gym's number.
The phone started ringing, signalling that it was processing the call, as Misty impatiently waited for someone to pick up on the other side. After about 33 seconds; the screen finally lit up and revealed Daisy's face.
"Hey, Daisy!" Misty hastily greeted her oldest sister.
"Oh, like, hey there, Misty." Daisy greeted from the other side of the screen. "What's up?" she asked.
"I just wanted to tell you guys that "I'm going with Ash to the Orange Archipelago tomorrow." Misty informed Daisy.
"Awh." Daisy whined. "So, that means you're not coming back, like, any time soon?" she inquired. "I'm not one for complaining, but running this Gym is, like, hard work!" she stated.
"You guys better not be slacking off there!" Misty angrily yelled at Daisy.
"Sjeesh, little sis. Relax." Daisy calmed Misty down from the other side of the screen. "We're doing everything we're, like, supposed to. So, stop worrying." She reassured the red head. "Anyway, I guess it's okay if you go. I mean, we like agreed to look after the Gym so you can go on your journey anyway…" she sighed.
"Thanks, Daisy." Misty thanked her sister with a genuine smile of gratitude. "So, I'm appointing you the official Gym Leader of the Cerulean Gym for the time being, okay?" she informed Daisy.
"Like, what does that mean?" Daisy asked in confusion.
"It just means that if the Pokemon Inspection Agency happen to come by to inspect the Gym, we won't get in trouble for not having the official Gym Leader present." Misty explained.
"Oh, okay." Daisy exclaimed, pleased that she didn't get any extra chores to do.
"And tell Lily and Violet to help out around the Gym!" Misty yelled at Daisy.
"Yeah, yeah…" Daisy nonchalantly replied with a wave of her hand.
"Oh, yeah!" Misty exclaimed. "I also want you to send me Staryu and Gyarados's pokeballs, please." She added. "I want to train a bit with Gyarados and Staryu's been with me from the start." She explained.
"Awh man!" Daisy whined again.
"What's wrong now?" Misty asked as she frowned at her oldest sister.
"Misty, do you have to, like, take Staryu AND Gyarados?" Daisy hopefully asked.
"Uh, why are you asking that?" Misty asked as she gave Daisy a sceptical eye.
"Well, you see." Daisy started with a bit of a sheepish laugh. "I was actually planning to use Gyarados to, like, wipe out the competition!" she stated with a dramatic fist pump.
"WHAT?" Misty asked in shock. "You guys always look for an easy way out of doing work!" she stated, referencing Violet and Lily in their absence from the conversation. "Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I want Gyarados and Staryu with me! And their MY pokemon!" she yelled at the screen.
"Alright, alright!" Daisy exclaimed as she held her hands up in her defense. "You can have them then. Just give me a few minutes to get them in their, like, pokeballs." She stated before she disappeared from the screen, presumably going to fetch Gyarados and Staryu.
A few more minutes of silence and inactivity on the screen went by, before Daisy sat back down in front of the screen again.
"Okay," Daisy started. "I've got them in their pokeballs, like, see?" she stated as she held a pokeball in each of her hands on the screen, showing Misty that her pokemon are ready for transfer.
"Okay, good." Misty stated. "Send them over." She ordered.
"Like, okay…" Daisy exclaimed as she fidgeted with something off-screen. "Here comes Staryu." She said and after a few seconds, a pokeball formed in the little container next to the screen, built for that exact purpose.
"Okay." Misty exclaimed as she picked the pokeball. "Got it!" she informed Daisy as she held the pokeball up to the screen.
"Are you sure you want Gyarados, Misty?" Daisy asked. "We could really use it here at the Gym…" she suggested.
"YES, I'M SURE!" Misty yelled at the screen. "Now, send Gyarados over!" she demanded.
"Okay! Sjeesh." Daisy complained as she fidgeted off-screen again. "Like, chill out, little sister." She mumbled. "There, Gyarados is on its way." She announced.
The pokeball soon formed next to the screen on Misty's side after which the red head picked it up and held it up to the screen. "Got it. Thanks, Daisy." She exclaimed.
"Sure, no problem…" Daisy said, albeit slightly bitter. "Anyway, I've got to, like, go now." She informed Misty. "So, take care of yourself, alright, little sister?" she stated.
"Yeah, I will." Misty sincerely answered.
"Oh, and no rough stuff with Ash now, okay, Misty…" Daisy quickly added with a seductive smirk on her face.
"DAISY! SHUT UP!" Misty angrily yelled as she slammed the phone into its socket, thus ending the transmission. "Stupid Daisy…" she mumbled as she got up, her face now bright red in embarrassment, as she started walking back to Ash and Professor Oak…
"Well, Ash." Professor Oak started. "I guess it's almost time to get on the ship." He informed the pokemon Trainer.
It was the next day and the ship which Ash, Misty and Pikachu had to board, had docked a while ago and was now ready to set off once more.
"By the way, Ash." Professor Oak started again. "Do you have your Pokedex with you?" he inquired.
"Uh, yeah. Right here, Professor Oak!" Ash answered as he pulled out his second version Pokedex, which he received from Professor Oak before he embarked on his journey through the Johto Region.
"Can I see it, please?" Professor Oak asked as he held his hand out to Ash.
"Uh, yeah. Sure." Ash answered as he gave Professor Oak his Pokedex.
"Thank you, Ash." Professor Oak said as he put the Pokedex in his pocket. He then pulled out something else. "Here," he said as he held the object out to Ash. "This is your very first Pokedex, but I've updated its database." He explained. "It now contains data of Pokemon from the Hoenn Region as well." He added as Ash took the Pokedex from him.
"Wow…" Ash exclaimed as he gazed at the Pokedex in his hand. "Thanks a lot, Professor Oak!" he thanked Professor Oak.
"Good luck, Ash." Professor Oak exclaimed. "I know you'll make us all proud!" he added.
"Thanks, Professor. I'll do my best!" Ash replied with a determined smirk on his face.
"Oh, my baby!" Delia suddenly cried out as she launched herself towards Ash and latched her arms tightly around her son. "I'm going to miss you so much!" she exclaimed as her grip on him tightened even more.
"Can't…breathe…" Ash stuttered out as he swung his arms around in the air out of desperation.
"Oh, sorry, hunny." Delia apologised as she let go of Ash. "I'm just going to miss you so much." She tearfully stated.
"I'll miss you too, Mom." Ash replied after getting his breath back.
"Oh, Misty!" Delia then suddenly yelled as she latched herself on Misty. "I'm going to miss you too! It's been so nice having you around!" she cried.
"T-thank…you…" Misty stuttered out, lacking air in her lungs.
"You two have fun on your little trip!" Delia exclaimed as she let go of Misty. "And please be safe! And stay out of trouble, Ash!" she tearfully added.
The goodbyes were interrupted, however, by the sound of the ship's horn blowing, signalling that it was time to go.
"Oh no. Bye, Mom. Bye, Professor Oak!" Ash greeted.
"Goodbye, Mrs. Ketchum, Professor Oak!" Misty also greeted.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu greeted from on top of Ash's shoulder, before the three of them darted off towards the ship's entrance. They luckily made it onto the ship in time. The horn sounded one more time, before the anchor was hoisted and the ship set sail.
Ash, Misty and Pikachu hastily ran to the back of the ship to wave goodbye to Professor Oak and Delia one last time.
"Goodbye!" Ash and Misty simultaneously yelled while waving goodbye as the ship steadily left Pallet Town Harbour.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu added from Ash's shoulder.
"Goodbye!" Delia yelled back as she and Professor Oak waved back. "Oh, Ash! I almost forgot to tell you!" she yelled again. "REMEMBER TO CHANGE YOUR YOU-KNOW-WHATS EVERY DAY!" she reminded her son.
"MOM!" Ash whined as the ship sailed over the horizon, on its way to the Orange Archipelago…
So, not much happening in this chapter. Just a bit of explanation of what I think the Orange League-plot is like.
So, since an obviously huge battle is coming up; I want you guys to PM me a team of six for Ash. And it has to be canon, please! Be realistic when you compose the team. And PM me your choices, DO NOT PUT IT IN YOUR REVIEWS!
The good news regarding this story is that I've gotten everything up until chapter 26 planned out. The bad news: Well, I have to get time somewhere to write it all. But we'll get there.
Cheers.