I Want To Be A Hero

by tristanscipio1

It has been 6 years since Ash and Misty's wedding. Charlie Oris is struggling between his drive to be a Pokemon Master and growing into liking other passions, such as helping those in need with housing. Skye is now the permanent Gym Leader of Cerulean City pushing herself to be as difficult to beat as her mother. August is increasingly being drawn to Pokemon research.

15. Chapter 15

A/N: Going to be a chapter full of strategizing. Hopefully, they can figure out a plan to find Charlie. Obviously, I do not own Pokemon please leave a review or favorite.

The secret Team Rocket base on one of the Sevii Islands was bustling with activity. Hidden from plain sight, it was a massive underground complex designed to house hundreds of Team Rocket members. The base's walls were a cold, sterile gray, with dim lighting casting eerie shadows throughout the corridors. The hum of various machines and the echoes of distant conversations filled the air, while uniformed agents hurried about, carrying out their nefarious missions.

In one of the base's large training rooms, the possessed Charlie stood tall and imposing, his eyes glowing with a menacing intensity. He was surrounded by a group of Team Rocket agents, all eager to test their skills against him. Giovanni and Pierce observed from a distance, curious to see just how powerful their new pawn truly was. Jaxson stood among the other Team Rocket members, watching intently as the scene unfolded.

Before the battle began, Charlie gave his Charmeleon a dose of R Gas, ensuring its compliance. The fire-type Pokémon's gaze grew glazed and unfocused as the substance took effect, but its movements remained agile and fierce under Charlie's expert command.

A Team Rocket agent stepped forward, releasing a Clauncher from its Poké Ball. The water-type Pokémon glared at its opponent, ready to prove itself against the mighty Charmeleon.

As the battle commenced, Charlie skillfully directed Charmeleon, which moved with a speed and ferocity that left the Team Rocket agent struggling to keep up. The fire-type Pokémon effortlessly dodged attacks and retaliated with powerful moves, leaving Clauncher reeling from the onslaught.

The Team Rocket agent, desperate to gain the upper hand, ordered Clauncher to use a powerful Water Pulse. But despite the type advantage, Charmeleon nimbly evaded the attack and struck back with a devastating Flamethrower, knocking Clauncher out.

Giovanni and Pierce exchanged knowing glances, aware that the King of Pokélantis's power was immense and could prove incredibly useful in their pursuit of world domination. However, they also knew that they had to tread carefully, as they were dealing with an ancient and volatile spirit.

As the training session came to an end, Giovanni approached Charlie, his Persian striding confidently beside him. "Impressive display, Charlie," he said, his voice laced with a hint of satisfaction. "However, I see that we still have much work to do. We must ensure that nothing stands in the way of your ultimate goal: capturing Ho-Oh and conquering the world."

Charlie, still under the influence of the King of Pokélantis, smirked as he looked at Giovanni. "Indeed, we will not rest until our goal is achieved," he replied, his voice heavy with determination.

In a secluded corner of the Team Rocket base, Giovanni and Pierce engaged in a hushed conversation, their faces shadowed by the dim lighting. They discussed their next steps with the possessed Charlie and the potential risks involved in their plan to capture Ho-Oh.

"Giovanni," Pierce began, his tone measured and cautious, "we must consider the consequences of having Charlie capture Ho-Oh. What if he becomes too powerful for us to control?"

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, and he leaned in closer. "That's precisely why I need to know that I can trust you, Pierce. You've proven your loyalty to me time and time again, but we're dealing with an ancient and powerful spirit. I need to be sure that you won't be swayed by his promises of power and conquest."

Pierce bristled at the insinuation, feeling a sting of indignation. "Giovanni, you know what I helped you accomplish in Unova. I have been loyal to you and Team Rocket through thick and thin, and I've never once wavered in my allegiance. I would never betray you for some ancient king with grandiose dreams."

Giovanni studied Pierce's face for a moment, assessing his sincerity. Finally, he nodded, acknowledging Pierce's loyalty. "I know you've been a valuable asset to our organization, and I trust you. We must be diligent in our efforts to control the King of Pokélantis and ensure that he serves our interests, not his own."

Pierce nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We will monitor Charlie closely and take any necessary steps to maintain our control. Once he captures Ho-Oh, we will be in a position to exploit its power for our ends. Team Rocket's reign will be unstoppable."

Jaxson stood on the sidelines, watching Charlie's Charmeleon battle fiercely against the Clauncher. As the battle raged on, he couldn't help but feel a burning sense of envy and frustration. The plan to possess Charlie with the King of Pokélantis had worked, but now Jaxson found himself feeling overshadowed by his rival. He began to hatch a plan to outdo Charlie, capture Ho-Oh himself, and win Skye's affection in the process.

In the depths of his mind, Jaxson's thoughts raced, calculating the possibilities and weighing the risks. "If I could find a way to control Ho-Oh before Charlie does," he mused, "I could not only prove my worth to Giovanni but also show Skye that I am the stronger, more capable trainer."

He continued to ponder the idea, trying to find a way to make it a reality. "But how can I ensure that I'll be the one to capture Ho-Oh? I'll need a Pokémon strong enough to battle and subdue it, and I'll have to find a way to keep Charlie and the King of Pokélantis from interfering."

Jaxson's thoughts drifted to Skye, and he wondered what it would take to win her back. "If I can control Ho-Oh and demonstrate my power, maybe Skye will be impressed enough to return to me," he thought, his eyes sparkling with determination. "I can show her that I am the one who can provide her with the life and excitement she craves."

As Jaxson mulled over his plans, he knew that he was walking a dangerous tightrope. On one side lay his ambitions and desire for power; on the other, his longing for love and redemption. The stakes were high, and the consequences of failure could be dire. But Jaxson was determined to prove himself and win the heart of the woman he loved, no matter the cost.

At Professor Oak's lab, August found himself deep in conversation with Professor Oak and Gary, as they tried to figure out if there was a secret way to break the curse the King of Pokélantis had over Charlie. The lab was filled with the hum of machines and the occasional chirp of Pokémon, but their discussion was focused and intense.

"I've been researching ancient texts and scrolls to see if there is any mention of a way to break the King's hold over a possessed individual," Professor Oak said, his brow furrowed in concentration. "It seems that the King of Pokélantis has always been a malevolent force, but there must be a way to free Charlie from his grasp."

Gary chimed in, flipping through the pages of an old, worn book. "We've looked into the history of the King of Pokélantis, and it seems that his power comes from the ancient Poké Ball that possessed Charlie. If we can somehow separate Charlie from that Poké Ball, we might be able to break the curse."

August listened intently, his heart aching for his friend who had been taken from them. "So, you're saying that if we can get Charlie away from that ancient Poké Ball, there's a chance he could be freed?" he asked, hope rising in his voice.

Professor Oak nodded, his eyes serious. "It's not a guarantee, August, but it's the best lead we have at the moment. We'll have to act quickly, though. The longer Charlie is under the King's control, the harder it will be to save him."

Gary looked up from his book, his gaze meeting August's. "We're not going to give up on Charlie. We'll do whatever it takes to save him and stop the King of Pokélantis from causing any more harm."

August felt a surge of determination, grateful for the support of Professor Oak and Gary. "Thank you both," he said, his voice firm. "We can't let the King of Pokélantis use Charlie for his own twisted goals. I'll do everything I can to help, and I know that Skye and the others will be right there with me."

Kieran found himself sitting on the roof of Delia's house, deep in thought as he stared at the sky. Pikachu, sensing Kieran's distress, had followed him up there and now sat next to him, offering a comforting presence.

"Pikachu, do you think Charlie can be saved?" Kieran asked, his voice quivering with fear for his friend.

Pikachu looked at Kieran with understanding, knowing that Ash and Misty's son was terrified for Charlie's well-being. The electric Pokémon placed a reassuring paw on Kieran's shoulder, trying to convey a sense of hope.

"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu said, nodding his head confidently. He then gestured towards the scar above his left cheek, a reminder of a harrowing experience he and Ash had survived years ago. Giovanni's Persian had inflicted the scar on Pikachu when Ash, Pikachu, and Charizard were captured by Team Rocket before Skye was born.

Pikachu's message was clear: if he and Ash could endure such a difficult situation and come out stronger on the other side, then Charlie could survive this too.

Kieran took a deep breath, finding some solace in Pikachu's words. "You're right, Pikachu. Charlie's strong, and we won't give up on him. We'll do everything we can to save him."

With renewed determination, Kieran and Pikachu sat on the roof, watching the stars above and silently vowing to help their friend, no matter what challenges they would have to face. The bond between them, and their shared desire to save Charlie, only served to strengthen their resolve. Together, they would stand against the King of Pokélantis and fight for their friend's freedom.

As they sat there, Kieran's thoughts wandered to his sister, Skye. He wondered how she was coping with the situation, knowing how close she and Charlie were. "I hope Skye's doing alright," Kieran said, his voice tinged with concern.

Pikachu, sensing Kieran's worry, gave him a reassuring nod. "Pika, Pika," he said as if to tell Kieran that Skye was strong too, and that she would find a way to stay resilient during this difficult time.

Downstairs, Skye was resting on the living room couch, a blanket draped over her legs. She still wasn't feeling well after she attempted to call Mary earlier. Seeing Charlie being taken by Team Rocket had shaken her to her core, and her body seemed to be reacting to the stress, once her adrenaline of trying to save him stopped pumping.

Delia, ever the caring and attentive host, was bustling around the kitchen, preparing a variety of food and teas that were known to help with sickness. The warm scents of ginger, honey, and lemon wafted through the air, creating a soothing atmosphere.

Misty, meanwhile, was pacing back and forth, her anxiety palpable. She wanted to ask Skye about the possible cause of her sudden illness, but she couldn't bring herself to broach the subject. Instead, she tried to focus on the present, offering words of encouragement and support to her daughter.

"Skye, honey, I know you're worried about Charlie, but you need to take care of yourself too," Misty said, her voice gentle but firm. "We're all doing everything we can to bring him back, but you won't be any help if you're not feeling well."

Skye sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. "I know, Mom, but it's just so frustrating. Out of all the times to start feeling sick, why does it have to be now?"

Delia set a steaming cup of tea on the coffee table in front of Skye, the aroma comforting and soothing. "Stress and worry can do strange things to our bodies, dear," she explained. "It's important to give yourself time to rest and recuperate. We'll all be here to support you and help you through this."

Skye picked up the cup, cradling it between her hands, and took a tentative sip. The warmth and flavors of the tea seemed to work their magic, easing some of the tension in her body. "Thanks, Grammy," she murmured, her voice soft.

Misty sat down next to Skye, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "We're a family, Skye. We'll get through this together. Just focus on getting better, and let us handle the rest for now."

Delia and Misty stepped away from Skye, who continued to sip her tea while resting on the couch. The two women exchanged concerned glances, speaking in hushed tones so as not to worry Skye further.

"You know, Misty," Delia began, her voice gentle, "I remember when Ash didn't come back all those years ago. You were in a similar state, worried and stressed."

Misty sighed, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I remember. I was pregnant with Skye back then when Ash was captured by Team Rocket. I didn't know if he'd ever come back, and it was tearing me apart. That's why I'm so worried about Skye right now. What if she's pregnant, too?"

Delia placed a comforting hand on Misty's arm. "I understand your concern, but unless we have some test that says Skye is pregnant, worrying about it will only add to the stress. We need to focus on getting her ready because Skye will push herself to rescue Charlie, even if she's throwing up the whole time."

Misty's eyes filled with worry as she stared at the floor. "But it's just so hard not to think about it. The timing is too similar, and Skye has been so sick. I can't help but be reminded of my own experience."

Delia sighed, understanding her friend's concerns. "I know it's difficult, Misty, but we have to stay focused. Skye needs our support, and we can't let our own fears get in the way of helping her."

Misty bit her lip, clearly struggling with her emotions. "I know, Delia. It's just so hard. I can't shake the feeling that history is repeating itself, and I'm terrified for Skye. But you're right. We need to stay focused on the task at hand and support her, no matter what."

Delia gave Misty a reassuring smile. "Skye is strong, and she has all of us behind her. We'll do everything we can to help her, and together, we'll bring Charlie back. Just like we eventually got Ash back."

Misty nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. With her worry still gnawing at her, she tried to push the thought of Skye's possible pregnancy to the back of her mind. The priority was rescuing Charlie and bringing him back home, and Misty knew she needed to stay focused on that goal, despite her concerns for her daughter's well-being.

Skye sat on the couch, sipping her tea and lost in her thoughts. As much as she tried to focus on the present, her mind kept wandering to the task ahead. Finding Charlie felt like an impossible mission, and the weight of it all pressed down on her, making it difficult to breathe.

How would they even begin to search for him? Team Rocket was notorious for its secret hideouts and deceptive tactics. Skye's stomach churned with anxiety, her heart aching for the boy she loved. The enormity of the situation threatened to overwhelm her, and she couldn't help but think about her mother, who had gone through something similar when Ash had disappeared all those years ago.

The fear and uncertainty bubbled up inside Skye, and she felt the bile rising in her throat. She clutched her stomach, trying to suppress the urge to throw up again. She took slow, deep breaths, attempting to calm herself down, reminding herself that she wasn't alone in this fight. Her family and friends would be there to support her, just like they had been for her mother.

As Skye's thoughts continued to swirl, she realized how much her mother must have suffered when Ash went missing, and she couldn't help but make a weak joke to herself. "Well, at least I'm not pregnant," she mused. But the anxiety of constantly throwing up made her quickly squash that thought. Skye knew they had always been careful, but the lingering fear still nagged at her.

Trying to push her worries aside, Skye focused on the present moment. She had to be strong, not just for herself but for Charlie and everyone else relying on her. She couldn't let fear and anxiety control her, not when so much was at stake.

Just as Skye was beginning to regain some semblance of control over her emotions, the front door of Delia's house opened, and in walked Bonnie, her face filled with concern. Bonnie moved quickly to hug Misty and Delia as they approached her, their faces lighting up with relief at the sight of their friend. Skye, seeing the warm welcome, attempted to stand up and join them, but her stomach had other plans. She barely managed to lean over the nearby trash can in time, throwing up once again.

Bonnie's eyebrows shot up in concern, her gaze darting between Misty and Skye. Without uttering a single word, their expressions conveyed the uncertainty of whether Skye's condition was due to stress or something else entirely. The unspoken question hung heavily in the air, but for now, they chose to set it aside.

With a determined look in her eyes, Bonnie decided to take Skye on a walk around Pallet Town, believing that some fresh air might do her good. She also had something important to share with Skye, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. "Come on, Skye, let's go for a walk," Bonnie suggested, offering a supportive smile.

Misty, however, couldn't help but worry about her daughter. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" she asked hesitantly. Delia placed a comforting arm around Misty, gently reminding her that Skye was a full-grown adult now, capable of taking care of herself. "Besides," Delia added with a reassuring smile, "Bonnie would never take her anywhere dangerous."

Reluctantly, Misty nodded in agreement, trying her best to trust in her daughter's strength and resilience. Skye managed a weak smile, grateful for the vote of confidence from her mother and grandmother. With Bonnie by her side, she slowly stood up, steadying herself on her friend's shoulder as they began their walk through Pallet Town.

The crisp, fresh air felt invigorating as they strolled through the quiet streets. The familiar sights and sounds of the town brought back fond memories of her childhood, offering a small measure of comfort amidst the chaos of their current situation. Back then though she didn't know Delia was her grandmother but she loved going on walks with her when she was frustrated by her mom's secrecy. As Bonnie and Skye continued their walk through Pallet Town, Skye couldn't help but ask about Clement's whereabouts. "So, where's Clement? I thought he'd be with you."

Bonnie smiled, her expression filled with pride. "Clement's actually at Professor Oak's lab right now. He's working with Brandon and Oak to create a device that will help us locate the ancient Pokeball that Charlie must have touched. They're doing everything they can to find a way to help Charlie."

Skye glanced at her friend, admiring Bonnie's calm demeanor despite the gravity of their situation. "How can you be so calm about all of this?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of awe and concern.

Bonnie took a deep breath, the corners of her mouth lifting into a small smile. "I won't lie, Skye. I'm scared too. But deep down, I believe that Charlie will find a way to come out of this mind control. He's strong, and he has all of us supporting him. If we stay focused and do what we can to help, I know we'll get through this."

Skye looked at Bonnie, her eyes searching for the certainty that her friend seemed to possess. "But how can you be so sure?" she asked, her voice wavering slightly.

Bonnie reached out and gently placed a hand on Skye's shoulder, her eyes filled with warmth and determination. "Because I've seen what we're capable of when we come together. We've faced so many challenges and always come out stronger in the end. This time won't be any different. We just need to have faith in ourselves, in Charlie, and our friends. They're all working tirelessly to find a solution, and I trust that they'll succeed."

Skye took a deep breath, allowing Bonnie's words to wash over her. She wanted to believe that everything would work out, that they would save Charlie and bring him back home. It wasn't easy, but with Bonnie's unwavering optimism, Skye felt a small flicker of hope ignite within her.

Bonnie looked thoughtful for a moment, and then a small smile formed on her lips. "You know, there's another reason why I believe we can help Charlie. Do you remember what happened with Zygarde, or as I used to call him, Squishy?"

Skye nodded, recalling the stories she had heard about the events in Lumiose City. But she never had asked her Dad or anyone who had been there about what had happened.

"Well, after Ash and Alain battled in the finals at Lumiose, Squishy was taken by Team Flare and put under their control. It was a terrifying situation, and it seemed impossible that we could reach him. But I didn't give up. I believed with all my heart that I could still connect with Squishy, despite the mind control."

Bonnie's eyes glistened as she continued, her voice filled with passion. "And you know what? It worked. Squishy broke free from Team Flare's control, and together, we stopped their terrible plan. It wasn't easy, and there were moments when I was scared out of my mind, but I never lost hope. I knew that if I just kept believing and tried my hardest, I could save my friend."

Skye listened to Bonnie's story, feeling the hope inside her grow stronger. If Bonnie could help Squishy break free from Team Flare's control, then maybe they could do the same for Charlie.

As they continued walking, Skye's spirits lifted with each step. She knew that they would face many challenges in their quest to save Charlie, but with the support of her friends and family, they would stand a fighting chance.

As they turned a corner, Skye and Bonnie nearly collided with Brock, who was on his way back to Delia's house.

"Whoa, slow down, ladies!" Brock exclaimed, managing to steady himself and avoid a full-on collision.

"Sorry, Brock," Skye apologized, a faint smile on her face.

Brock looked at Skye, concern etched on his features. "How are you feeling, Skye? Is everything okay?"

Skye nodded, her gaze drifting between Brock and Bonnie. "I'm feeling a little better, thanks. Bonnie and I were just talking, and she shared her experience with Squishy. It's given me hope that we can help Charlie."

Brock smiled, relieved to see Skye's spirits lifted. "That's great to hear. We'll all do whatever it takes to save Charlie, I promise."

Skye looked at her two friends, her heart swelling with gratitude. She knew that with people like Bonnie and Brock by her side, they would stand a chance against whatever obstacles lay ahead. And with renewed determination, they continued on their way back to Delia's house, ready to face the challenges that awaited them in their quest to save Charlie.

Brock took a deep breath as if to begin recounting a story. "Skye, did you know that your dad also experienced the King's control back during his time on the Battle Frontier?"

Skye nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, Brock, I know. Dad told me about it when August shared with him that the item was missing after Brandon's Battle Pyramid was broken into. They had hoped the item had been destroyed, not deliberately taken."

Brock looked surprised but quickly recovered. "I see, so you're already aware of it. Well, that was a difficult time for all of us, especially your dad. Ash was such a strong-willed person, and yet the King's control was powerful enough to take over him. We didn't know what to do at first, but we knew we couldn't give up on him."

He paused for a moment, lost in thought. "We eventually managed to break the King's hold on your dad, but it wasn't easy. It took a lot of effort, persistence, and teamwork. And I think that's what's important to remember now, as we try to help Charlie. We've faced this kind of challenge before, and we succeeded. It's going to be tough, but if we all work together, we can do it again."

Skye looked at Brock, her eyes reflecting the determination she felt. "You're right, Brock. We can't give up. If my dad was able to break free from the King's control, then so can Charlie. We just need to stay strong and support each other."

Brock nodded, his expression resolute. "Exactly. We've got a great team of people who care about Charlie and will do everything they can to help him. It's not going to be easy, but I believe we can succeed."

As they continued walking, Skye mulled over Brock's words. She knew that the road ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but she couldn't let that deter her. Charlie was her friend, and she would do whatever it took to help him.

Bonnie, who had been listening to the conversation, chimed in. "You're both right. We've faced tough situations before, and we've always come out stronger. With all of us working together, I know we can save Charlie."

The three friends walked together, each lost in their thoughts as they considered the challenges that lay ahead. As they neared Delia's house, Skye couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. They had a long and difficult journey ahead of them, but with the support of her friends and family, she knew they could overcome any obstacle. As Skye, Bonnie, and Brock walked back into Delia's house, Misty and Delia glanced at them, curious about their conversation. Misty asked, "Where's Ash?"

Brock replied, "He's at Professor Oak's lab with Brandon, Gary, August, and Clement. They're trying to figure out how to contact Silver."

The scene shifted to Professor Oak's lab, where Ash, Brandon, Gary, August, and Professor Oak surrounded Clement as he worked on a program. He was attempting to establish contact with Silver using Ash's phone, his fingers flying across the screen as he typed in lines of code.

Gary and Brandon, both a bit skeptical, couldn't help but voice their concerns. "Are you sure this is going to work, Clement? We can't afford any mistakes right now," Gary said, eyeing the phone warily.

Brandon added, "And is it even safe to use Ash's phone like this? We don't want to risk any security breaches."

Ash jumped to Clement's defense, crossing his arms and shooting a glare at Gary and Brandon. "Clement knows what he's doing, guys. He's an expert when it comes to technology, and we can trust him."

Clement nodded, his focus still on the task at hand. "I appreciate the support, Ash. I'm doing everything I can to ensure this is both safe and effective. I understand the urgency of the situation, and I won't let you down."

As emotions began to rise, Professor Oak stepped in to calm everyone down. Clearing his throat, he began to recite a haiku about Snorlax, this caused everyone except Clement to fall down:

"Snorlax lies at rest,

In slumber, dreams of berries,

Peaceful giant snores."

As Professor Oak finished his haiku, a hush fell over the room. The words served as a gentle reminder of the simple beauty of Pokémon, even in challenging times.

August furrowed his brow and asked, "Who is Silver, anyway?"

Professor Oak explained, "Silver is the person who helped break Ash out of Team Rocket's base on the Sevii Islands when Skye was just five years old. Since Team Rocket doesn't tend to broadcast their plans or locations, contacting Silver is our best chance at finding them before they strike with Charlie or whatever else they have up their sleeve."

Just as the boys were about to continue discussing their next steps, two distinct voices pierced the air at Oak's lab. Misty and Bonnie had arrived, calling out for their respective partners.

"Ketchum!" Misty's voice rang out, determination and concern evident in her tone.

"Wawona!" Bonnie chimed in, echoing Misty's sentiment.

The men in the lab glanced at one another, a mix of amusement and surprise on their faces. Gary couldn't resist teasing Ash, smirking as he said, "Looks like Red has come for you, Ash."

Ash rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed by the comment. "Very funny, Gary," he shot back.

As Misty and Bonnie entered the lab, Ash tried to justify staying just a bit longer. "We're really close to figuring this out, Mist. I promise it won't take much longer."

Misty approached Ash, her viridian eyes ablaze with a fiery determination. "Ash Ketchum, you need to eat and get some rest. You won't be able to help Charlie if you're running on empty."

Ash hesitated, knowing Misty was right but struggling with the urgency he felt to rescue his friend. He glanced around the lab, seeing the other men grinning at his predicament.

Brandon chuckled, his voice warm and teasing. "She's got a point, Ash. We could all use a break. We'll be more effective if we're well-rested."

Gary nodded, adding, "Besides, you know how persistent Misty can be. You don't stand a chance."

Professor Oak couldn't help but join in the teasing, a lighthearted grin on his face. "Wawona, huh? She's got your number, August."

Bonnie walked over to August, her eyes filled with concern. "We need you at your best, August. It's been a long day, and we'll be able to think more clearly after a good night's sleep."

Professor Oak stepped forward, his expression serious but kind. "They're right, everyone. It's been an intense day, and we've made significant progress. We should all take a break, eat, and rest. Tomorrow is a new day, and we'll come back refreshed and ready to tackle this challenge."

Clement, who had been working diligently on the program, finally looked up from the screen. "I suppose you're all right," he admitted. "I can save my work and pick up where I left off in the morning."

Gary, Brandon, and Professor Oak exchanged glances before agreeing. "We'll stay here and keep working. If we make any progress on getting a hold of Silver, we'll let you know right away."

Ash finally relented, realizing that everyone agreed. "Alright, alright. We'll head home, eat, and rest. But first thing tomorrow, we're back at it."

Misty nodded a satisfied smile on her face. "Deal. Now let's go before Delia's cooking gets cold."

With that, Ash, Misty, Bonnie, and August left the lab, while the others remained behind, determined to make a breakthrough in contacting Silver.