I apologize for taking so long. This should have been done weeks ago, but I've been dealing with a major toothache for about a month now. For those who've had one before you know what I'm going through, and if you haven't then pray you never do. This is the most painful thing I've ver had to suffer through. It's so bad there were times I wanted to kill myself just to stop the pain. It literally took everything I had just to make it through the day sometimes. Thankfully the pain mostly gone, and in about a week I'm going to get the problem tooth pulled.
But enough about my problems. On with the story...
Chapter 10: High-Sea Skirmish
"Well buddy, we're on our way back to Kanto," Ash said to his faithful companion, who just nodded in confirmation. It had been quite some time since they left the port in Nuvema Town. Ash recalled the last time he had taken a ship from Unova to Kanto it was almost two months before he reached what was then his home due to the number of stops they made along the way. Currently he, Misty and Bianca were in one of the rooms they were given discussing the trip.
"Say, did the captain say how long it would be before we arrived in Kanto?" Ash asked.
"Well, he said they didn't have many stops to make so he wagered we'd be docking in Kanto in under a month's time," Bianca said.
"And just where would we be docking?" Misty inquired.
"I believe he said Vermillion City," Bianca recalled.
"That's not too far from Cerulean City. That means we'll be able to stop there for a while before continuing on to the Indigo Plateau," Ash said.
"It will be nice to stop off at home for a while and see Daisy," Misty said.
"Who's that?" Bianca asked.
"My sister. I left her running the Gym while I came to Unova," Misty explained.
"Is she a Gym Leader like you?" Bianca questioned.
"Yeah. There's… just the two of us running the Gym, and so far we've made it work," Misty replied. Ash noticed she didn't mention Lily or Violet, only her and Daisy.
"If what she says about them is true then it's no wonder she didn't mention them to Bianca," he mused.
"So A…" Before continuing on Bianca paused and listened, making sure there wasn't anyone around eavesdropping on them. Once she was sure the coast was clear she continued.
"So Ash, are you heading there just for the tournament, or is there something else?" she wondered.
"The tournament is the main reason, but there is something else I need to do," he answered, his face taking on a serious expression.
"So, does that mean you're finally going to see her?" Bianca inquired.
"If I can get there without anyone recognizing me," he replied.
"I don't see how they would. I mean it's been, what, five years since you left? They've probably forgotten what you look like by now," Bianca said.
"Wait… you know about what happened back then?" Misty asked, to which Bianca just nodded.
"He told me what went down," she said.
"Remember when I said my quest for revenge was changing me? Well it was Bianca who helped me get back to the person I was," Ash explained.
"It wasn't easy, but for a friend I'd do anything," the Unova native stated.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Misty agreed. At that moment they all heard a loud grumble.
"Hey, can we head to the cafeteria for some food? I'm starving," Zorua groaned, holding her stomach.
"Sure. It's just about lunchtime anyway," Ash said. With a cheer from Zorua the five of them left the room and headed for the cafeteria.
"Ah, now that hit the spot!" Much to Zorua's delight the ship's cafeteria was a short walk from their room, and now that their appetites had been satisfied they headed out onto the deck.
"Mmm, feel that ocean breeze," Bianca sighed.
"I know. It feels great, doesn't it," Misty said. "I love the water. That's why I want to be a Water type Pokémon Master."
"Well, based on our battle I'd say you're closer than ever to reaching that goal," Ash stated.
"Was she really that strong?" Bianca asked.
"Oh yeah. Even though I was using Manectric her Gyarados was still a handful," Ash answered.
"I wish I could have seen it. If what he says about you is true then it must have been one exciting battle," Bianca commented.
"It was. It came down to an all-or-nothing attack for both of us. His Manectric was just a bit tougher that time," Misty admitted. "Of course that may not hold true the next time."
"Is that another challenge I hear?" Ash inquired.
"Maybe," Misty replied.
"Looks like you might get to see us battle after all, Bianca," Ash stated.
"Oh, I can't wait! I'm so excited!" Bianca gushed.
"Well if it's excitement you're looking for then I can help you with that." Ash's mood quickly soured as he, Misty and Bianca turned towards the sound of the voice.
"Damn… of all the assholes to run into why did it have to be them?" Standing before them were two guys wearing tattered white t-shirts, black leather jackets and black jeans.
"And just who are you supposed to be?" Misty asked.
"That's Morgan and Jeremy. They're a couple of bikers that hang out on the Tubeline Bridge in north Unova," Ash explained.
"So, you know who we are," Jeremy said.
"Then you know that no one messes with… the Black Snivy!" Morgan declared.
"The… Black Snivy?" Misty responded. While Misty was none too impressed Ash was busy trying to fight back laughter, something Jeremy noticed.
"You find something funny, punk?" he challenged.
"The Black Snivy?! You mean you lost to someone using a Snivy?! Oh brother, and I thought it was bad when you were called the Black Togepi!" Ash laughed.
"The Black Togepi? You mean they changed their name? Why?" Misty wondered.
"Oh, something about it being like a mark of shame for them. You see they have this stupid idea that changing their name to the Black whatever Pokémon kicked their ass will guarantee that they won't lose to that Pokémon ever again," Ash explained. This only served to infuriate the two of them.
"You think that's funny, huh?! You think we're some kind of joke?!" Morgan roared.
"Believe me, I know you guys are a joke. In fact you were a joke when I gave you the beating of your life a few weeks back," Ash said. Right then a look of realization came over them.
"Hey! I remember you! You're Mason Cruz!" Morgan shouted.
"Last time we saw you was when you beat us with that damn Pikachu of yours," Jeremy said.
"And if I recall that was the worst beating of your lives," Ash added.
"Well now it's time to return the favor," Jeremy declared. "And after we beat you your lady friends are coming with us."
"No thanks," Bianca refused.
"We don't associate with losers like you," Misty spat.
"You two must not have heard me right. I wasn't giving you a choice," Jeremy said. "Whether you like it or not you're coming with us." Now it was Ash's turn to anger. If there was one thing he didn't tolerate it was when someone disrespected his friends.
"If you don't watch it I'm going to give you a beating you'll never forget," he warned.
"Is that supposed to be some kind of threat?" Morgan asked.
"What do you think?" Ash responded.
"I think it's time we beat your ass," Jeremy said.
"Try me," Ash challenged. Pikachu and Zorua were also eager to put them in their place and the two of them growled at the bikers.
"Looks like we're doing this," Jeremy assumed.
"When and where?" Ash demanded.
"The battlefield on the main deck in 10 minutes," Jeremy replied.
"Fine," Ash spat. Now that the battle lines had been drawn Jeremy and Morgan left to go prepare themselves.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Bianca questioned.
"Oh yeah. They're going to regret running into me here," Ash replied. Misty recognized that tone in Ash's voice. Just hearing that let Misty know what was about to happen.
"This is not going to be pretty…"
Exactly 10 minutes later Ash found himself standing on one side of the ship's battlefield. On the other side stood Morgan and Jeremy. Misty and Bianca were observing from the sidelines.
"This might get real ugly," Misty commented.
"Why do you say that?" Bianca wondered.
"If there's one thing I know about Ash it's that he is highly protective of those he cares about," Misty explained. "When those guys approached us and said they were taking us whether we liked it or not I could tell that Ash wanted to beat them senseless right then and there."
"Really? You think so?" Bianca questioned.
"Yeah. I think the only reason he didn't was the fact that we were there," Misty said.
"Okay, which one of you wants a beating?" Ash asked. Both Morgan and Jeremy smirked.
"Who said anything about facing one of us?" Morgan stated.
"You're facing both of us," Jeremy declared. He and Morgan then threw out their Poké Balls. From Morgan's came a Bouffalant while Jeremy called on a Krookodile. Ash sighed and looked down at Pikachu and Zorua.
"You mind taking these guys out for me?" he asked. The two Pokémon nodded and ran out onto the battlefield.
"Alright, Krookodile! Use Dragon Claw!" Jeremy shouted.
"Use Head Charge, Bouffalant!" Morgan ordered. Both Pokémon roared loudly as they began their charge. Ash just sighed in annoyance.
"Still as predictable as always," he said. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt and Zorua, use Dark Pulse." Pikachu and Zorua appeared just as annoyed as their trainer as they launched their attacks. Pikachu electrocuted Bouffalant with his Thunderbolt while Krookodile was assaulted by Zorua's Dark Pulse. When the attacks were done neither Pokémon were in any shape to continue.
"This battle's over. Recall your Pokémon, now," Ash demanded.
"You don't tell us what to do!" Jeremy replied. "Get them!" Despite being ordered to continue attacking by their trainers neither Bouffalant nor Krookodile had the strength to do so. Seeing this Ash decided to put the finishing touches on the battle.
"Pikachu, Zorua, end this." Neither of them wanted to cause any unnecessary harm to their opponents, so rather than launch another attack they simply walked over and gently pushed them. Both Bouffalant and Krookodile were so worn out that just that simple touch from Pikachu and Zorua was enough to knock them over.
"No way! How in the Hell can that be it?!" Jeremy yelled. Now that the battle was over Pikachu and Zorua returned to Ash's side, where he praised them for their efforts.
"Well done, you two," he said. Misty and Bianca also walked out to join them.
"You sure made short work of them," Bianca commented.
"I'll say. They never stood a chance," Misty added. While this was going on Morgan and Jeremy, who had since recalled their now defeated Pokémon, were in the middle of what they considered an important decision.
"So what do we call ourselves now?" Morgan asked.
"What do you think?! We take on the name of the Pokémon that defeated us!" Jeremy shouted. "So now we're known as the Black… um… which one of them beat us?"
"I don't know. I think we lost to both of them at the same time," Morgan replied.
"That won't do at all! We need to choose one of them for our new gang name!" Jeremy yelled.
"But if we can't choose one then what are we going to call ourselves?" Morgan asked.
"Hey!" The two bikers ended their conversation and turned their attention to Ash, who was glaring intently at them.
"If you two don't get the Hell out of here right now your stupid group name will be the least of your worries," he warned. One look at Ash let the two of them know this was no idle threat. Without uttering another word the two of them beat a hasty retreat, not wanting to test Ash's patience any further.
"I don't think we'll be seeing them again anytime soon," Misty commented.
"Let's hope not," Ash agreed. With the battle now concluded they were able to enjoy the rest of their day.
It was late one night that Ash found himself unable to sleep. While making sure not to disturb anyone he silently left his cabin and headed out onto the deck. He stood next to the rail and gazed out at the ocean. With the progress they had been making it would only be a few more days until they docked in Vermillion City, and Ash would be back in Kanto for the first time in five years.
"I wonder if anything's changed," he said. As he continued to think his mind went back to the one day that changed the rest of his life forever, causing a frown to appear on his face.
"If only I had been there. Maybe… I could have saved her… saved everyone." He then turned his gaze to the stars above.
"Mom… what do you think?" he asked.
"I think she wouldn't want you beating yourself up about this." Ash turned around and was surprised to see Misty approaching him.
"What are you doing up this late?" he wondered.
"I could ask you the same thing," Misty replied. Ash realized that Misty had a point and let the matter drop. The two friends stood in silence for a bit, enjoying being in each others' company.
"Hey, Misty. Do you think… she approves of the man I've become?" Ash asked.
"I know she does," Misty answered. "I know I would if you were my son."
"Even after everything I've done since then?" Ash asked, to which Misty nodded.
"You're still the same caring individual you've always been. Sure, you've made mistakes. We all do in life. But at the end of the day those mistakes don't define you. How you deal with them does, and that's why I know that despite your mistakes your mom is still proud of you and who you've become," Misty explained. Right then any doubt that was in Ash's mind faded away.
"Thanks, Misty," he said.
"That's what friends are for," Misty replied. The two of the continued to gaze at the stars, though this time there were different thoughts on Ash's mind.
"Friends, huh. I wonder…"
Ash's battle skills were once again (somewhat) displayed as he made short work of two would-be troublemakers. Now, with only a short while to go before reaching Vermillion City what else will happen? And is Ash starting to realize how he feels about Misty? Find out in the next chapter of Regrets & Redemption!
Please review