I've been going over my notes from before I started this story and all the plans I had for each chapter. I've changed so much of what I planned to do its unreal. I've been thinking of posting it as a filler chapter but I'm undecided on that yet.
Cheers for the reviews. I'm astounded people are reading my drivel to be honest. The majority of chapters have literally been just me writing as I think it up and hope it makes sense.
Chapter 20- The arrogance of some people
The next day Ash and Pikachu went through their usual routine. Lt Surge had finally replied and given them several pointers. Hopefully they would help. Around lunchtime Ash and Pi walked to the gym and chatted about the upcoming battle.
Entering the gym Ash handed his Pokedex over to the receptionist. Unsure of the looks he was getting from the various assistants Ash sat down and waited for his name to be called. Picking up a magazine after half an hour he read it twice. After an hour he was starting to lose patience. Walking up to the receptionist he asked
"Erika does know I'm here, right?"
"Yes, she does. She's very busy at the minute though" the receptionist said before turning around and carrying on with her conversation with the girl next to her. Sitting back down Ash waited for another twenty minutes before he finally had enough and walked back up to the receptionist and said "what is going on? I've been here an hour and a half now."
"As I said Erika is very busy." The receptionist said snottily "maybe stop bitching and wait your turn."
It was the comment that made everything click for Ash "Ah I see what's going on" he said laughing taking out his pokegear and ringing Professor Oak.
"Hi Sam" he said putting him on speakerphone "we seem to have another issue with me challenging a gym. This time though it's not the leader that's refusing a battle, it's the receptionist."
"What do you mean Ash?" he asked.
"Well, I gave the receptionist my Pokedex an hour and a half ago" Ash said "No one has left so there's not been a battle before me, and no one has come in after me. I've asked a few times what's going on and been told to wait. This time though the receptionist used a particular word. She used the word 'Bitch'. A word I happened to use last night to a woman who kicked me out of her shop after she was rude to me. So, I sense that this particular receptionist is a friend of hers and is taking the piss."
Sighing Sam said "I'll ring Erika, and I'll get back to you" before he hung up.
Smiling at the horrified women he said, "this should be enlightening shouldn't it." Before sitting back down and watched as the receptionist frantically typed away on her computer. After a few minutes the phone rang, and the receptionist tentatively picked it up and answered it in a quiet tone. After hanging up she looked at Ash and said, "you can go in now, Erika is ready for you."
"You know what, I think I'll wait here and let Erika see what it's like to have the piss taken out of her." Ash said smiling.
"Please Mr Ketchum" she said through gritted teeth "Erika is waiting."
"You're lucky I have things to do today" Ash said standing up and walking through to the arena.
"Mr Ketchum" Erika said standing on her side "welcome to Celadon Gym."
"Can we get on with this?" Ash asked "your receptionist has just made me waste an hour and a half over something that didn't involve her. I had plans for this afternoon after our battle."
"Yes" Erika said frowning and looking into the stands "I heard from Amelia what you said to her. Your comments were entirely unnecessary."
"What was unnecessary was her behaviour" Ash retorted "I am allergic to some variants of incense and had a sneezing fit as soon as I entered that shop due to what was being burned at the time. I could barely see what I was picking up due to the allergic reaction I was having. Then she comes and asks me whether I can afford to buy anything from the shop in the first place because I was struggling to read the descriptions. I was in there to buy my mother a gift, not to be sneered at by an assistant who needs training on her customer service. Now, as I said I've had half my afternoon wasted already. Shall we have the battle?"
Sighing Erika looked over to where Amelia was sitting, her face hidden but clearly bright red "I shall deal with the situation later. Referee if you would?" Ash and Erika walked up to their platforms.
"This will be a three-on-three battle, substitutions are allowed from both sides." The referee said "the first one to lose all of their sides Pokémon loses. Leader Erika, you will release your Pokémon first.
"Come on out Tangela" Erika said releasing a short green Pokémon, whose vines covered its entire body.
Pointing Dexter at it, it beeped.
"Tangela, Pokedex Number 114, The Vine Pokémon. This Pokémon is female. Its identity is obscured by masses of thick, blue vines. The vines are said to never stop growing."
"Very strange" Ash muttered as he threw a pokeball "let's go Wartortle."
"You're using a water type in a grass gym?" Erika asked confused.
"Yup" Ash said "Wartortle get in close. Use your Water Gun to propel you forwards."
Hiding his feet in his shell Wartortle did just that and shot forwards at an alarming speed.
"Tangela, that's Aqua Jet, use Stun Spore all around you" shaking its vines the Tangela released a yellow spore up into the air that settled around it in ten-foot dome.
"And here I was thinking I was being original." Ash muttered before shouting "Wartortle apparently that's called Aqua Jet. Power through, we've trained against Ivysaur doing just this. When you reach it use Ice Punch."
Quicker than the Tangela could react it was thrown backwards from Wartortle's attack and landed twenty feet away, the yellow dome exploded and dissipated. Wartortle however came out of its shell and went down onto one knee as a yellow plume came out of its mouth as it breathed.
"Damn" Ash said "Paralysis. Wartortle we likely only have a couple more shots before you become incapacitated. Aqua Jet and Ice Punch."
Centering himself Wartortle did just that and launched himself forwards to a Tangela who had just righted itself and shook its vines of the frost that had accumulated.
"Tangela" Delia cried "It's paralysed so it will be slower. Grab it with your vines and use Slam."
Sadly, Erika was right, and it had just enough time to send out four thick vines that wrapped around a helpless Wartortle before being smashed into the ground repeatedly. After the fourth time it threw Wartortle away where he landed and struggled to get to his feet. "Slam one last time Tangela" Erika shouted.
"Wartortle retreat into your shell and use Blizzard" Ash shouted desperately. Immediately Wartortle reacted and out of the five holes came a massive amount of frost that hit everything it touched. Unfortunately for Tangela the vines that were wrapped around Wartortle were the first to get hit before the attack smashed into it causing it to retract the vines as it fainted. Wartortle came out of its shell clearly exhausted, gave Ash a thumbs up before he too fainted.
"Both Pokémon have been knocked out. This time the challenger will release his Pokémon first" the referee said as Ash released Ivysaur.
"Victreebel come on out" Erika said as a huge green flycatcher came out of the ball causing the spectators to mutter. Wondering what was going on Ash asked.
"You see Ash, once you reached four badges you're no longer classed as a Rookie trainer. You're now advanced until you reach the eighth badge where you're then classed as Intermediate. And as such in a gym battle the leader can choose to use one Pokémon that is better than a rookie but not as strong as their Elites. Victreebel is just that. He evolved about a month ago and needs battle experience as a Victreebel. He's already pretty well seasoned so don't underestimate him."
Pointing Dexter at it he bleeped.
"Victreebel, Pokedex Number 71, The Flycatcher Pokémon, and the evolved form of Weepingbell. This Pokémon is male. Said to live in huge colonies deep in jungles, although no one has ever returned from there."
"Hmmm, so a very good challenge for us then Ivysaur. Don't underestimate them, Wartortle just drew with her Tangela. Let's get in close. Use Body Slam" Ivysaur ran towards the stationery Victreebel.
"Razor Leaf Victreebel" Erika cried as it released eight sharp leaves and launched them at Ivysaur. Ivysaur was hit several times, scoring lines on his body before he reached the Victreebel and smashed into him sending it flying backwards where it used its Vines to stabilise itself. Panting Ivysaur charged again but Victreebel kept pirouetting out of the way, frustrating the smaller plant.
"Ivysaur stop charging. It's tiring you out and you won't win doing that. Use Vine Whip and throw it across the battlefield."
"Use Vine Whip too Victreebel" Erika cried as they both used the same attack, trying to move each other causing a stalemate as they both pulled against each other. After thirty seconds of this Ash had an idea.
"Ivysaur, quickly slacken your vines and run forwards" before Victreebel could react Ivysaur did just that causing the bigger plant to fall on its back as the grip slackened. Just as it righted itself it was smashed into by a charging Ivysaur causing it to be thrown back as its vines retracted. "don't let up Ivysaur, use Vine Whip and slam it into the ground." Ivysaur released four thick vines and wrapped them around Victreebel and repeatedly smashed it into the ground before throwing it across the floor where it struggled to right itself. Just as it did it was smashed into again and went flying into the wall knocked out.
"Well done, Ivysaur" Ash said "that's what I'm talking about. We wait for the opponent to make a mistake and capitalise. One more Pokémon to face now." Crying its name Ivysaur walked back to Ash side before turning around and facing Erika who was recalling Victreebel.
"Congratulations Ash" Erika said smiling "you have proved you know how to battle. But you don't have the empathy my final Pokémon and I have with your Pokémon. We have a much deeper bond than you can ever hope to have. Come on out Gloom."
"Did she say what I think she just said?" Ash asked Pikachu who looked equally as offended as he pointed Dexter at it
"Gloom, The Weed Pokemon the Pokedex Number 44 and the evolved form of Oddish. This Pokémon is female. What appears to be drool is actually sweet honey. It is very sticky and clings stubbornly if touched."
"I was going to try and go easier on you for the last match-up" Ash said looking at Erika as he recalled Ivysaur "but you've pissed me off now. Let's go Pikachu."
"Oh?" Erika asked smirking "it's simply the truth."
"Pi, give me your light ball." Pikachu did just that before running onto the field "Charge Pikachu."
"Gloom, let's win this, use Acid" Erika cried.
"Dodge and keep charging Pikachu" Ash said, "I'll tell you when to attack."
For the next minute Pikachu kept dodging and charging until he was soon too bright to look at.
"You can't dodge forever Ash" Erika said "Gloom, use Stun Spore."
"Pikachu come back here and face it." Pikachu did that and turned and faced Gloom, electricity arcing off it in every direction so much that the Stun Spore dissipated on contact.
"Volt Tackle" Ash simply said as he turned around and began walking down the steps onto the field. The crowd was very puzzled that Ash did that. It was highly disrespectful to just assume you'd won. That changed though as a lightning bolt streaked across the field, faster than anything they'd ever seen before and seemingly went through the stationary weed Pokémon. There seemed to be a delayed reaction as the electricity caught up with Gloom and it was thrown in a straight line through the air and embedded into the wall.
"Gloom is unable to battle. Ash and Pikachu wins" seemed academic to say from the referee.
The crowd were stunned into silence. Many of them had seen a lot of battles over the years, a lot of them were Erika's friends and had watched her for years. None had ever seen such a devastating attack used, with such nonchalance and arrogance. Everyone heard Ash's next words as Pikachu jumped onto Ash's shoulder.
"You told me in the park that you'd read about me in the paper which means you know what happened a month ago. Pikachu and I face certain death at Porta Vista. Both of us knew the chances of us surviving was very slim but we still faced that Tentacruel knowing that defeat was not an option. Do not, ever accuse us of having no bond. Now, I've wasted my afternoon here and been insulted twice. Just give me my badge and I'll leave."
Erika was on autopilot as she threw down the badge, still looking at her Gloom who was being helped out of the wall by her assistants. Taking it and not saying a word Ash walked out and headed to the Pokémon Centre to get his Pokémon healed. Handing over Ivysaur and Wartortle Ash was still full of pent-up frustration and headed to the gym to work off some frustration. After he had calmed down somewhat, he recovered his Pokémon from Joy and went for an evening stroll.
"You're still thinking about what Erika said aren't you?" Pikachu asked as they all sat down on a bench in the park.
"Yes" Ash said looking around "we all nearly died Pikachu saving Porta Vista from their own stupidity. By rights we shouldn't even be here yet, we should be still in the hospital. I think Mew healed us, why I don't know but it doesn't take away the fact we shouldn't be alive. I know the rest of you feel the same way too."
"I didn't hear what she actually said" Charmeleon said "what was so bad about it?"
"She said we don't have the empathy and bond together that she does with her Gloom" Ivysaur said "I'm just sorry I never had the chance to make the statement Pikachu did."
"And for that I apologise" Ash said looking at him "I wasn't thinking clearly, we had our time wasted by her receptionist, then she tried to have a go at us because of her assistants' actions last night and then to cap it all of she said that. I just wanted to leave before I said something I would end up regretting. But you deserved the opportunity to make that statement yourself and I stopped that with my actions, so you have my apologies."
"Thank you for saying that Ash" Ivysaur said nodding "I get why you did it, even if I'm not happy with it. All that matters is that the point was made by a member of our family."
After a few minutes of silence Ash remembered something. "Damn, I forgot to get Eevee off mum while we were here. Remind me when we get back to get her off mum."
"We're still here for a few more days yet, right?" Wartortle asked "you could get her for a few days. I like Eevee, she's nice."
"Something I should know?" Ash teased getting an angry look in return "only joking."
"No" Wartortle said "but I need to talk to her, and I know I can count on her to tell me straight about things. I still remember the conversation I had with her before we got to Vermillion about holding on to my anger. She's always been straight with me, and I appreciate it."
"She certainly is straightforward" Charmeleon said laughing "I can't tell you the number of times she nagged me on the SS Anne about my attitude. But she was right every time. It was her I talked to after our disagreement after Power Plant."
"She's become a great little sister" Pikachu chimed in.
"She has" Ivysaur said standing up "so let's go retrieve her. She'll love this place."
Standing up Ash recalled everyone and headed back to the centre. Reaching the entrance of the park Ash became aware that he was being followed. Muttering "six o'clock Pi, were being followed. Let me know if you see anyone."
"Can't see anyone yet Ash" Pikachu muttered as he looked around from Ash shoulder "there, but it was just a glimpse of something."
"It's two people Pikachu" Ash said as they walked along the road "they've disappeared off my radar now because there's too many people around. But we're being followed by someone."
"Rocket?" Pikachu asked.
"Could very well be." Ash said "We know there's something happening tomorrow, and we suspect we've been set up to hear that conversation. On the other hand, this could be unrelated, and we have fans so it could be them stalking us."
"It's lucky we're getting Eevee then isn't it." Pikachu said, "her nose is better than mine at associating scents."
Nodding Ash carried onto the Pokémon centre where he talked to his mum about the day's events. She agreed to send Eevee over for the next few days as she would be at the League building anyway due to the wedding plans. "I'll send her back the day after tomorrow mum." Ash said before he hung up. Ash decided they all deserved a treat, so he walked back out to a restaurant he had found the day before. Catching up with Eevee was really fun. Walking back from the restaurant Ash felt the presence again. "They're back Pi. Eevee, can you get the scent of the two people that are following us?"
Dropping to the ground Ash pretended to be tying his shoelace while Eevee picked up their scent. When she jumped back onto his shoulder Ash made his way back to the centre and into his room before releasing everyone.
"Pi and I felt someone following us earlier on when we were coming back from the park before their auras were lost in the sea of people milling about the city. Tonight, we felt them again and I asked Eevee to pick up their scent. Tomorrow, we go hunting for them. I want to know why were still being stalked by someone. So, we're all going to rest up tonight, tomorrow we get our answers."
Receiving nods of agreement Eevee described what she could to the rest before they settled in for the evening. Eevee and Wartortle went off to a corner to talk while the rest just chilled out. Wartortle seemed to get the answer he was looking for as he looked a lot happier as he came back over.
"How are you doing Eevee?" Ash asked flicking through the tv channels. "how's mum been?"
"The second question is the hardest answer, so I'll start with that." Eevee said after a few moments of thinking "Your mum is fine. She's still very worried about you, she nearly lost you Ash. I don't think she'd have been around much longer should you have died."
"What?" Ash asked turning to face her as the room grew quiet. "What do you mean?"
"Ash, you're her only child" Eevee said patiently "and while I adore her, I know that she would sacrifice everybody in the world, including all of us if it meant you survived. I don't think you understand just what you put her through in Porta Vista."
"Of course, I do!" Ash said looking at Eevee bewildered "that's why I agreed to her demands after the incident. I know what happened hurt her."
"Then you should understand why I'm right" Eevee said "your mum nearly lost everything that day Ash. Everything. And doing what you did, while heroic wouldn't have changed the fact she'd have had no one left in this world if you'd died. I'm not going to go on about it, as Delia has told you how she felt. Its only because you asked me that I told you. But your mum isn't doing great."
"I think I need to speak to her" Ash said standing up and heading to the phone and calling his mum.
"Hi Ash" Delia said looking confused. After all she'd only spoken to him earlier that day. "what's wrong?"
"I think we need to talk" Ash said as he picked up the receiver. Clearly what needed to be said was private, so the rest of the gang began talking amongst themselves. An hour later a teary Ash made his way back to the bed and observed them all chatting away. When there was a lull in the conversation Ash said "thank you Eevee. It means a lot to me that you look out for her, for us even."
"It's ok" Eevee said smiling "sometimes we all need a little help."
"Given what we've just been discussing it sounds like you need help" Charmeleon said "so, talk."
Laughing Eevee shook her head and said "I've been thinking about evolving. I just don't know what into."
"Oh wow" Ash said, "what's brought this on?"
"I've been feeling strange since we left each other in Vermillion. Every time I train I can feel a build-up of energy inside me wanting to be released but the everstone kicks in and stops it. It is getting really frustrating not being able to complete the process. It also leaves me feeling tired."
"Oh ok" Ash said heading over to the computer. Switching it on he looked up Eevee and the evolutions of her. Printing off seven different pictures with information on them he carried them back over to the bed and placed them all there. "Which ones shall we eliminate?"
"Well first of all there's eight Ash" Pikachu said sternly "don't deny Eevee a choice because you don't like psychics."
"Oh damn" Ash said "I'm so sorry Eevee. Whenever I see a psychic type I go on autopilot and my mind blanks them out." Walking back over he printed off the last choice and placed them there. "Now I have most stones available to help you in my pack. All but a Thunderstone but I can buy one from the department store here should you need it. So, let's eliminate the ones you don't want, however we want reasons why. Don't dismiss them off hand because of things you've heard."
Over the next half an hour Eevee eliminated Jolteon, Flareon, Vaporeon and Leafeon.
"That leaves Espeon, Umbreon, Glaceon and Sylveon" Ash said "now, I have no idea how you evolve into Sylveon but I can ask Professor Oak if he has any contacts in Kalos with information on them. The information we can read here just says high friendship and a fairy type move but you already know them. Glaceon I can buy an Ice Rock for you. Espeon and Umbreon are based on training in the day or night respectively with high friendship. I'm going to go out on a limb and say we have the friendship part covered." He finished laughing.
"We sure do" Eevee said looking at the four. "Glaceon doesn't feel right. I can't explain why though. Something about the friendship evolutions is drawing me in."
"Then it's one of them" Wartortle said "don't fight what you know your feelings are telling you to be true. Personally I already have an idea what you're going to evolve into. I'm pretty sure the rest of us do too but it's your decision."
"Really?" Eevee said looking at them all. "What do you mean you already know?"
"When you think about it, it's obvious" Ivysaur said as he walked away "I suggest you take some time to think it over though. I don't want to influence your thoughts."
"Ivysaur is correct" Ash said packing up the pieces of paper but moving the three choices to the table "we all know what your choice will be, but it's your decision to make. And should we be wrong then we'll happily go along with your choice."
"Even if its Espeon?" Eevee asked looking up worried.
Sighing Ash took a moment before he answered "I'm not going to lie to you and say I would prefer your choice to be one of the other two. We all know my feelings on psychics. However, I have nothing against psychic Pokémon, they were born to be who they are. And should you choose Espeon I will back you 100% Eevee. I promise you that. You will always be family to us all no matter what. Now, it's time for bed. I'll just email Sam about Sylveons and we'll go from there. Your everstone still works so we have plenty of time to work things out. I need to ring Sam, and mum tomorrow anyway about a project I have in mind. I'll tell you all more about that once I have more information. Now, sleep time."
The next day Ash called his mum and Sam up around 10:30 to talk with them both about his house project.
"The issue is Ash Pallet Town is considered a place of outstanding beauty, so the government is going to be very reluctant to let anyone build here. The ranch I live in isn't owned by me, it's owned by the league and as such they maintain the grounds and the surrounding countryside. The forest land here houses thousands, possibly millions of different species of wildlife, not counting the wild Pokémon that roam around.
Then there's the tourism that will be brought in should you become champion. That's going to have a significant impact on the area too which will have to be taken into account. Some of the paths will have to be restructured to be able to accommodate the traffic, the roads will need to be resurfaced. It's a massive undertaking Ash. And all this is even before you find a piece of land to build on."
"Which is why I'm glad I asked you" Ash said sitting back after taking all of that in "I want to make Pallet my home permanently. I have no desire to live at the league. And Pallet Town has always been quiet and peaceful."
"Which will change when you become champion" Sam said seriously "your sponsorship with Silph will put you on the map, becoming champion will triple your notoriety."
"I found a place when I was young that has always stuck in my mind." Ash said "it's not in Pallet Town, but it is on the outskirts of town. Do you remember where I first saw Riley professor?"
"Ah yes I do" Sam said thinking "that might work as it's in an open area but still not easily accessible. And it won't mean digging up any areas in Pallet Town. Of course, that all depends on how big a house you want."
"I've sent mum the house I'd like. Its not massive by any means, but the requirements could make it big." Ash said "could you take mum there in the next few weeks to let her look it over? That way she can get the lawyers on the case too to get the legalities sorted."
"Certainly Ash" Sam said smiling "Oh, and I'm sending you the information you asked for last night. Professor Juniper came through for you on this one."
"Oh?" Delia asked "what's this?"
"Oh" Ash said "I thought Eevee would have talked with you about it already. She wants to evolve but didn't know into what, so we went through them all last night and narrowed it down to three. We all think we know what she'll choose but she needs information on Sylveon before choosing between that Espeon and Umbreon."
"Ah yes" Delia said smiling "I knew something was wrong. And out of those three I know myself what she'll choose but I'm glad you're letting her have all the information before she chooses."
"It is pretty obvious really knowing what she's like" Ash said, "oh by the way did Blue tell you about tonight's event professor?"
"He did" Sam said "and I want you to promise me you'll stay away. You did well informing the authorities but let them handle it."
Holding his hands up Ash said "I have no plans on interfering. I plan to take my Pokémon out to a restaurant and come back here to find everything over with."
"Good" Delia said giving him a look "make sure you do. I need to go, I'm being picked up soon by Melanie."
After hanging up Ash decided to go for a walk after dinner and spent the rest of the day just exploring the city. It was something he found he quite enjoyed doing, getting lost always lets you find new places you've never heard of. Walking back towards the Pokémon centre Ash spotted a restaurant directly next to the Game Corner. "I think we found our restaurant for tonight Pi" Ash said smirking.
"Funny that isn't it" Pikachu said dryly "you plan on watching tonight's events up close and personal then?"
"Yes" Ash said smiling "whilst also keeping my promise to my mother and Sam."
"I'm saying nothing" Eevee said from his other shoulder "you know your mum will find out though."
"I know" Ash said, "but I'm not getting involved."
That evening Ash made sure to carry his smaller bag full of potions and medicines with him when he left the centre. Getting to the restaurant at 7:00pm Ash ordered his Pokémon food and happily ate their meal. Around 7:30pm Ash noticed that a steady stream of people was entering the Game Corner that were behaving very shifty, but he pretended to ignore them and kept up a steady stream of conversation with Pikachu and Eevee. At 7:45pm the stream of people had stopped, and it was now the waiting game. It was as the last few entered that Eevee piped up.
"Ash, the last two are the ones who have been following us."
"Oh right" Ash said getting a good look at them. It was a man and a woman, possibly early twenties. The woman was fairly tall with blonde hair, wearing a long blue coat over a dark blue dress. The man had green hair and was wearing a black jumper and faded jeans. "Hmm, I've seen them before somewhere, but I don't know where."
"They've been around the city over the last few days" Pikachu said, "it's definitely them Eevee?"
"Yup" she replied while eating an apple slice.
"Ash Ketchum. It's been a while, what are you doing here?" a voice said making Ash look up. It was, to his surprise Brock.
"Brock man!" Ash said standing up shaking his hand and pulling a chair out "how've you been pal, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, I'm on a tour of the cities." He said happily taking a seat and ordering a drink "There's a breeding convention in a few weeks at Scissor Street so I'm just passing through. How about you?"
"Before I answer that" Ash said releasing Ivysaur "Ivysaur, Pikachu, if anyone rushes out of the building use Sleep Powder and Thunder Wave on them. We wouldn't want them to get away now, would we? Anyway Brock, I'm still doing the gym challenge. I beat Erika yesterday for my fifth badge. I would have been here earlier, but I took a month off to spend time with my mum on the SS Anne."
Confused at the orders Brock warily went with the conversation "Oh yeah, I heard about that. How are you holding up?"
"I've been better" Ash said admitting for the first time that he wasn't ok "It's been tough to be honest, but Eevee set me straight last night and I finally talked about it all properly with my mum and it's helped a lot. Nearly dying does something to you Brock, it changes your outlook and has a way of putting things into perspective. But it can also blind you to other people's feelings on the matter. Hopefully we can all move forward now."
"I'm glad" Brock said happily "if you ever need to chat to someone just message me, you have my number."
"Thanks Brock" Ash said, "it's much appreciated."
"So" Brock said looking around "what's going on?"
Before he could answer though a voice from behind him said "why am I not surprised to find you here Ash?" Brock and Ash turned to see Blue Oak giving Ash a pointed glare.
"Well," Ash said smiling "I've promised my mum that I would stay out of what's been planned here tonight. And I am doing. I just happened to find a café close by to observe."
"That better be all you do Ash" Blue said warningly "I have no desire to face your mum's wrath again so soon. Hi Brock, what brings you here pal?"
"Well, I'm on my way to a convention" Brock said confused at seeing the champion "how about you?"
"Well as Ash was about to tell you, there's a raid planned here in the next twenty minutes. We have reason to believe a certain group of criminals are holed up inside" Blue said, "Ash on the other hand is to keep his nose out of this and let the professionals handle it."
"As I said Blue" Ash said glaring at him "I gave my mum and your dad my word that I wouldn't interfere. And I'm not. But should any of them manage to escape Ivysaur and Pikachu will be ready to do their civic duty, as am I."
"That remains to be seen" Blue said looking at his watch.
"Who's guarding the Safari Zone?" Ash asked.
"Lance and the other Elite Four" Blue said looking at his watch again. Standing up he whistled. In under thirty seconds there was twenty people on him. "We are a go people. Hold nothing back. I want their bosses head on a platter" Blue said before looking at Ash "this one's personal."
At that Blue and his team entered the Game Corner from which shouts and screams could be heard and Ash and Brock stood up as they watched customers flee. Facing the game corner Ash and Brock waited. Releasing a Golem, Onix and a Graveler Brock gave them instructions to engage anyone that looked suspicious. The next hour or so was very tense as people started to exit the game corner covered in dust and debris wearing Team Rocket outfits. They obviously never expected to be hit in the face with Sand or Sleep powders. Soon enough Ash had a few people moved to a barrier Golem and Onix had set up. An hour later the G-Men started to lead people out of the building in hand cuffs, defeat evident on their faces. From seemingly nowhere reporters had also arrived on the scene. News spread fast it seemed.
During the operation several Jenny's had turned up with vans waiting to arrest the people caught. So Ash and Brock helped load the stunned or asleep people that had tried to escape into the vans. Soon there was around thirty-five people loaded into the vans as Blue came out looking angry. Looking at Ash helping Jenny he didn't say anything as he instructed his team to head back to the league for a de-briefing. Once they had all cleared the way Blue approached Ash and Brock who were putting the last guy in the van. Speaking to Jenny first he said
"The leader wasn't there and the admins in charge teleported out with three others as soon as we gate-crashed their party. Thirty-five isn't a bad haul and I've left a few men behind raiding their cabinets and drawers for any information. As of this minute Game Corner is shut until further notice by order of the League. We will let you know when it can re-open. Thank you for your assistance Jenny and be sure to tell your team that too. Some of my people will be arriving later on tonight and early tomorrow to take them to the league for interrogation. Brock, Ash come with me."
Walking across the street so they wouldn't be overheard Blue rounded on Ash "I thought I made it perfectly clear that you were not to interfere in this operation."
"And I didn't" Ash retorted "I simply gave Jenny a hand putting the people into the van as did Brock. We didn't enter the building, we stayed outside. We didn't battle anyone, we stayed outside. We didn't cause a scene; we stayed outside and assisted the Jennys."
"Then why are there people covered in sand, paralysed and asleep?" Blue asked looking at them both.
"We made sure that the Jennys had no resistance." Brock said confused and getting a bit angry "None of them were hurt because of what we did. Every single one we caught were loaded safely onto the vans and not one officer complained. You are literally the only one complaining about offering them assistance. If we were random members of the public who gave them aid would you be talking to us like this? No, I think not. So why are you being an arse with us?"
"Because of me" Ash said simply earning a look from Brock "Blue can't stand to see anyone take away something he believes are his achievements. He and my father were rivals and my father beat him the day after he became champion to take his place. My father then mysteriously disappeared eleven years ago, and Blue took his place back extraordinarily quickly."
"As I told your mum, I had nothing to do with Reds disappearance Ash" Blue said looking furious "he was my best friend!"
"And he disappeared because you didn't obey an order from Lance" Ash retorted "and then less than two weeks later you're champion again. My mother may have believed your story, but until I get confirmation either way of your role in it, I will not trust you. Now, we did nothing wrong here today. We helped the officers do their job. Do not be blaming us because you let the leader go."
"He's right" a voice said behind them, turning around they saw it was Chief Jenny "he didn't interfere with a police or League raid, he simply helped place the suspects in the vehicle and restrained them in the most painless way possible. Which will be reflected in my report. You're free to go Mr Ketchum and Mr Slate. Mr Oak, follow me, it seems we need to talk about your behaviour."
"I don't answer to you Laura" Blue said facing Jenny "you have no authority over me."
"Actually Blue, in this case I do" Jenny said smiling "Lance rang me to place me in command of this operation. Now, shall we?"
Walking away Ash and Brock decided to go to the Pokémon centre to heal their Pokémon and chatted aimlessly for a few hours. Ash told brock that he may end up seeing him at Scissor Street as it was on his route but if he didn't to have a good time. Ash then trotted up to his room where he rang his mum and told her what had happened. Initially she frowned when hearing that he had deliberately gone against his word but when he told her Jenny welcomed his aid in loading the criminals into the vans, she was somewhat mollified.
"That's all I did mum, I swear. Jenny's report will say the same thing, you can also check with Brock as he helped." Ash said seeing her face "we didn't set foot inside the Game Corner, and we also never got into any battles outside."
"I'll let you off this time Ash" Delia said "and I'll be having words with Sam about Blue. He does not have the authority to chastise you when you're helping the police. Now, changing the subject how's Eevee doing?"
"She's good" Ash said looking over at her sleeping "she's not given any indication about her decision yet though. I don't expect her too for a few weeks either. It's a huge decision, one you can't reverse."
"It is" Delia said smiling "so where are you headed next?"
"Well, there's a few towns on the way to Fuchsia that I'll be passing through." Ash replied "I'll also probably meet Brock again in Scissor Street in a few weeks, it was nice having a chat with him today. Here's a question, if dad was still around do you think you'd have had more kids?"
"That is a question Ash" Delia said leaning back "the quick answer is yes; the longer answer will have to wait for when we meet up again as it's slightly complicated. Why do you ask?"
"Talking to Brock had me thinking about what I would have been like as an older brother" Ash said, "I know I wasn't an easy child to raise so I just wondered if you'd bother trying for another child given the difficulties you had raising me."
"Those issues would have been halved Ash" Delia said "your dad would have been able to help you out with a lot of them so I wouldn't have struggled as much. As I said it's a story for another time Ash."
"Yeah, it likely is" Ash said "well, I just thought id keep you up to date on what's happening with me. I'll send Eevee back tomorrow morning mum. Good night, tell Melanie I hope her wedding goes perfectly."
"Night Ash" she replied, "love you lots and lots like jelly tots."
2 hours earlier
Butch and Cassidy made their way into Celadon Game Corner excited to be doing something other than babysitting. They both noticed Ash sitting at the café next door but put it down to coincidence. Entering the underground lair, they made their way to the platform where they spoke to the new admin Thomas that had replaced Arnold who had disappeared in Mt Moon. As they watched many recruits enter the room, they saw the big screen come up on the stage. As 8:00 hit the face of their boss came on heavily covered up with the shadows in his room and the room was silenced.
"In less than ten minutes you will all be teleported to the Safari Zone back entrance. From there you will capture everything you see. This is not going to be a contest; you will not be part of a competition. We are there to get in, capture and then get out. You will have forty-five minutes to capture as much as you can, the extraction teams will be leaving at 9:15 on the dot. If you're left behind, then it's your own fault and you will not be bailed out. Your admins will now place you in separate teams under their command, do not disobey them. They have the Alakazams that will take you to and from the Safari Zone. You will be brought back here where you will hand over everything you've captured."
At that the feed cut off and people started heading to the admins in place. That was until all hell broke loose and they were attacked from behind as trainers started to pour into the place releasing Pokémon. Pitched battles broke out as people frantically began to try and escape using any means they could. Butch and Cassidy decided fleeing would be the best thing to do so they grabbed on to Thomas as the admins teleported themselves out leaving the recruits behind.
Arriving back at HQ Butch saw Domino phone someone, obviously having a frantic conversation about what had happened. Hanging up she dialled another number and had another heated conversation. The boss wouldn't have heard what happened yet, if Celadon was an ambush, then it stood to reason that the Safari Zone would be one too.
The Boss of Team Rocket sat back in his luxury helicopter as it sped towards the Safari Zone, this would be the perfect opportunity to recoup some of his losses from Pokémon Land. He had several buyers already waiting for pickup from his HQ to ship the various Pokémon all across the world. They were a few minutes outside of Fuchsia when he noticed that the helicopter began to veer away from the city in the distance and back out across the sea. Frowning he picked up his private telephone and questioned the pilot.
"What is going on?"
"Sir, we've just had word from Domino. Immediately after you hung up the base at Celadon was raided by Blue Oak and the G-Men. Some of your admins have managed to escape, but the majority of the recruits have likely been captured. She rang a spy in Fuchsia who is keeping an eye on the Safari Zone. She was told Lance and the rest of the Elite Four were spotted less than an hour ago in Fuchsia. It's an ambush Sir. So, I'm getting you as far away as I can from the area."
Putting the phone down the boss leaned back and closed his eyes. Pokémon Land, Celadon Game Corner. Both gone. The only place left was his private boat company in the Orange Islands. Celadon and Pokémon Land were the two biggest earners he had. Now he had virtually nothing. For the first time in ten years fear gripped him. All the plans he had were gone. The only thing left was the biggest plan he had. The M2 project must still go ahead. Picking up the phone again he simply said "take me to the lab on New Island" before angrily placing the phone back down.
Elsewhere
A man was sat in a room flicking through the channels when an emergency broadcast interrupted it. Watching for around ten minutes he turned the TV off and made his way downstairs and into the lab he owned underneath his house.
"Celadon Game Corner has been raided." He said to the other person in the room.
"Interesting" it said, "that's the two biggest businesses he had that have gone now."
"Yes" the man said shrewdly "you wouldn't happen to have a hand in either of them, would you?"
"Not Pokémon Land, no" the other man replied "that was very fortuitous. With Celadon though I may have leaked information to the right people."
"The right people?" the man asked turning to the person. "How?"
"Yes" it said "our task is nearly done now, we're nearly free. We have both suffered because of Team Rocket. Things are about to come to a head very soon. And would you believe me if I said aura?"
"Yes, it is and no I don't" the man said looking at a picture of a woman holding a baby on the wall "hopefully my family forgives me for what I've put them through."
"You know they will" it said.
"You've obviously never met my wife then" the man said walking back upstairs.
"No Red, and I don't think I ever will" it said quietly watching him walk away.