Thanks for the reviews guys I really appreciate you taking the time to write one.

Here's chapter 13 I hope you enjoy.

In conversations:

'- Translation of Poké Speech – No human unless otherwise stated can understand it.

"- Human speech

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

The ship departed not long after Ash and Salem boarded. About an hour into the cruise Ash and Salem were ambushed by one of the waiters. The man was carrying a box which he opened showing Ash and Salem several collars.

"Excuse me sir, madam. We are handing out these collars for your Pokémon. We are giving them away for free as a bonus for taking this cruise." the waiter said.

Ash was automatically suspicious of the man. Something about what was happening just didn't seem right. The waiter also seemed a little suspicious. Ash had no intention of accepting any of these collars however he would try to find out more about them. Ash sunk back into his dumb oblivious side that he had shown in the past hoping it would get the waiter to slip up.

"So what do these collars do?" Ash asked.

The man was taken aback by the question. The boy had asked about the collars whereas all the other trainers had taken them with open arms.

"Well um. They uh help strengthen your bond with your Pokémon. Yeah that's it. Oh and they also give them a power boost." the waiter replied.

It obvious that the man was lying. If his rather lame response didn't give it away then the look in the man's eyes would. As the waiter looked into Ash's eyes a bead of sweat trickled down his face. Ash smirked seeing that he had exposed the waiter. Ash grabbed Salem and quickly led her away.

"No thanks. We aren't interested." Ash said to the waiter.

Salem had been just as suspicious as Ash. She looked at Ash who appeared to be deep in thought.

"There's something bad going on here isn't there Ash?" Salem said pulling him out of his thoughts.

"Yeah I think so. Unfortunately we're now on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. So whatever happens we'll have to fight it off ourselves."

Ash and Salem took their room keys and checked out their cabins. The cabins were basic but had what you need a bed, a table and a bathroom. As they were about to go and see if anyone was on the battle deck they heard the captain on the loudspeaker telling them to go to the dining hall. Not wanting to go against the captain's wishes Ash and Salem headed to the dining hall.

Ash and Salem walked into the dining hall and sat at one of the tables. All the trainers in the room seemed to have their Pokémon out. Ash internally cursed as he saw that most of the Kempton were wearing those damn collars. Ash made sure that Snorlax, Bayleaf, Zangoose, Treecko and Wartortle's poke balls were all close to hand. Raichu and Meowth were also on alert ready for anything that could and probably will happen.

Ash scanned the room hoping he could see something that would tell him what is going on. The only suspicious thing in the dining hall was a hooded man who was stood on the stage. But he didn't appear to be doing much right now. Ash continued glancing around the room when he saw several of the staff knowingly nod their heads,. He knew something must be up and he was right as moments later most of the waiting staff ran on to the stage joining the hooded man. They all revealed their Team Firestorm uniforms and sent out several Pokémon. The hooded man who Ash guessed was the leader walked to the microphone.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight's performance is brought to you by random acts of violence!" the hooded man said.

Suddenly the Manetric next to him shot a Hyper Beam at Ash's table turning it into a pile of broken wood. Luckily Ash had seen the attack coming and gotten himself and Salem away from the table. Ash, Salem, Raichu, Meowth and Luxray got up and glared at the Team Firestorm members stood on the stage. Ash saw that there didn't appear to be many of them in comparison to all of the trainers in the room. So he didn't really think this would be much of a challenge.

"Hey assholes. You don't scare me. There are more than enough of us here to stop you." Ash yelled.

Ash was hoping to intimidate the Team Firestorm members and inspire the other trainers to help him fight them. Ash looked at each and every grunt on the stage. His gaze finally set on the leader. He glared at the hooded man. The intensity of the glare made the hooded man falter for a minute.

"So who the hell are you? Show yourself you coward." Salem yelled.

The leaded started laughing maniacally. The crazed laugh scared several of the trainers who stepped back in fear. The hooded man then took his hood down and Ash and Ralts' eyes widened upon seeing who it was.

"Echye? Hardly surprising to see you with Team Firestorm. Scum like you belong together." Ash said as he glared at Echye.

Echye smirked evilly at Ash and Ralts.

"I'd watch what I say if I were you." Echye said threateningly.

Ash wasn't fazed by what he perceived as empty threats. He looked around the room gesturing to all of the trainers.

"My point still stands Echye. Look at all the trainers here. Even if they are beginners we still heavily outnumber you and your grunts." Ash stated.

"Yes you're right. At the current time you do outnumber us." Echye the took a remote out of his pocket. "However if I press this button then that changes everything."

Echye held up the remote in his hand and pressed the power button. Suddenly most of the Pokémon in the room stood up and walked in front of the Team Firestorm grunts. All of the Pokémon were wearing the collars that had been handed out for free earlier. When their trainers approached their Pokémon The Pokémon lashed out at them. Several of the trainers had tears in their eyes as they watched their beloved partners glare and growl at them. Ash was glad that he had been smart enough to not allow them to put any of those collars on his Pokémon. Ash looked around the room and saw that only Salem and a few other trainers were still in control of their own Pokémon. Even though they all appeared to be much more experienced than the other trainers. Ash knew that weight of numbers would soon overwhelm them. Ash needed to think of a plan and quick.

Knowing what was about to happen Ash returned Eevee and Ralts and Salem returned Pichu to keep them safe. Ash started thinking about how they could beat Team Firestorm and the controlled Pokémon But before he had a chance to formulate any kind of plan the controlled Pokémon started charging towards them. Ash and Salem took some of their Pokéballs off of their belts. The only exceptions being Eevee, Ralts, Pichu, Chinchou and Crobat's Pokéballs

"Looks like we're just gonna have to fight. Wartortle, Bayleaf, Treecko, Snorlax and Zangoose to the battlefield."

"Jolteon, Galvantula, Zebstrika help us out."

The Pokémon all appeared and got into fighting stances. Raichu, Meowth and Luxray all joined them.

"Okay Snorlax I want you to hold the left. Bayleaf and Wartortle hold the right everyone else down the middle." Ash ordered.

Both Ash and Salem's Pokémon nodded and did as he asked. The mind controlled Pokémon smashed into them. However the disciplined line they had formed as well as their superior strength meant they were easily able to repel the first wave. After that it became a brutal mêlée where tactics and strategy went out of the window. Ash and Salem's Pokémon were holding strong but the same could not be said for the other trainers whose Pokémon were quickly falling to the seemingly endless horde.

Ash and Salem continued to instruct their Pokémon as much as possible. But their Pokémon had to rely on instinct more than commands. Iron Tails clashed, punches were exchanged and attacks were dodged. Eventually weight of numbers started taking its toll. Treecko was the first to fall. He had taken down quite a few but didn't have the stamina to keep it up. Bayleaf and Zebstrika were the next to fall as both Pokémon were not great at close range fighting. They had been taking a battering from the start and it had eventually been too much for them to handle.

Ash and Salem watched their still battling Pokémon and could see that they were fighting a losing battle. Most of them had sweat pouring off them and were breathing heavily. Ash and Salem shared a glance both knowing that it wouldn't be long now until the rest of them fell.

As the battle still raged on Ash looked over at the other trainers and saw only a few Pokémon still fighting. He knew that once they had fallen the mind controlled Pokémon would join the assault here. He looked at his and Salem's Pokémon and could see that when that happened they would be unable to stop them. The only chance they had was to get rid of the collars. Ash saw Echye up on stage still laughing maniacally. Although he still had the remote in a death grip. This gave Ash an idea on how to stop the mind controlled Pokémon Maybe they didn't have to take off the collars. Maybe they just had take out what controlled them. He nudged Salem who turned and looked at Ash.

"Salem I have an idea. It is a long shot but it might work." Ash said.

"Well I am open to suggestions." she replied.

"Ok so we know that the collars are controlled by that remote in Echye's hand. My plan is to have Noctowl carry Chinchou over Echye. When they are just above him Noctowl releases Chinchou and he launches the most powerful Thunderbolt he can at Echye. Hopefully the Thunderbolt will fry the circuits in the remote which in turn should shut the collars down."

"Well it's better than any plan I have. So let's try it. Chinchou I need your help."

"Noctowl to the battlefield."

Both Pokémon came out and upon seeing what was happening went to join the fray. Luckily Ash and Salem stopped them before they could. Ash relayed the plan to them and they nodded showing they understood. Noctowl landed and allowed Chinchou to get on her back. She then took off dodging attacks sent their way. Although each time she did feel a bit of pain as her wounds had not fully healed. But she pressed on through the pain. When they were just above Echye Chinchou leapt off of Noctowl's back and put all of his power into a Thunderbolt. The bolt of electricity shot at Echye who yelled out in pain and collapsed to his knees. The device in his hand exploded the overload of power being to much for it to handle.

When the device exploded all the collars shut down and all the Pokémon stopped fighting. They quickly ripped the collars off and went to their trainers who wrapped their arms around their Pokémon happy that they were back to normal. Echye looked up and saw that all the Pokémon had returned to their trainers and were now glaring at him and the other members of Team Firestorm. Echye was sweating now. His plan was in tatters. He looked at the grunts who were in a similar condition. He knew there was one way he'd escape from this.

"Attack them you fools." Echye yelled in the most intimidating voice he could muster.

The grunts reluctantly did as told and their Pokémon started their attack although they were being crushed by the sheer number of Pokémon attacking them. As he saw the grunts being overwhelmed Echye turned and ran out the back door abandoning the grunts who were quickly finished off. Ash ran outside and could only see a helicopter flying off in the distance.

"Damn it he got away." Ash yelled.

Salem walked out and placed a hand on Ash's shoulder.

"Forget about him Ash. He'll be caught sooner or later." Salem said.

"Yeah. I guess you're right." Ash replied.

"Come on. Let's go and see if there is any food that hasn't been destroyed."

"Sounds good Salem."

Salem smiled and went back inside. Ash took one last look at where the helicopter.

"Next time Echye you won't get away." Ash whispered.

Ash went back inside and saw people tying up the last of the Team Firestorm grunts. Most of them had all been knocked out although some were still struggling against their bonds. A nearby Bellsprout stopped their struggles by hitting them with a wave of Sleep Powder. Ash's stomach growled and although he was hungry he had to make sure his Pokémon were okay before he found something to eat. He looked around and saw a first aid room in the corner of the room. He looked inside and found several medical supplies for both humans and Pokémon. Ash handed out the supplies to the other passengers making sure to keep a good amount back for his and Salem's Pokémon. When everyone had gotten what they needed Ash went to his Pokémon and saw that Salem was making sure that they were comfortable.

Ash went to her and thanked her for looking after all their Pokémon. He gave her some supplies to use on her Pokémon and they got to work healing their wounds. Their Pokémon winced as the Super Potions took effect. But quickly relaxed once the pain had subsided and were back on their feet moments later looking almost as good as new.

Ash's stomach grumbled again as did Salem's and their Pokémon. Ash turned his sight to the kitchen.

"I'll take a look in the kitchen. Maybe there will be something in there for us." Ash said.

Raichu and Meowth climbed on to Ash's shoulders and they went into the kitchen. They were disheartened to see that the counters were empty. Salem followed Ash and was equally disappointed to see that there was not a scrap of food to be had. They desperately looked through the cupboards and found plenty of food but none of it was cooked.

"Ah crap nothings been cooked. Aren't any of the chefs still here?" Ash asked.

"Sorry Ash but it seems that almost all of the crew were members of Team Firestorm. The Captain and a few of the engineers are the only ones we have left." Salem replied.

"So what do we do now? We have no chefs and no prepared meals." Ash said.

"I don't know boss. I think dat we're screwed. We'll just have to wait until we get to Dewford." Meowth said as he kicked an empty can.

Ash sighed and then looked at Salem who was looking at him with a devious smile on her face. Ash caught the look and at first didn't know why she was grinning like that. But after a moments thought he realised what she wanted him to do.

"No." he said.

"Come on Ash. The chefs are gone and everyone needs food. Please cook for us." Salem begged,.

"There is plenty of cereal and other boxed food we can eat until we get to Dewford. I am not cooking for all those people. Sod that." Ash said leaving no room for argument.

Ash had no intention of cooking for all the people on the cruise. He had just help save the ship from Team Firestorm. If anything they should be cooking something for him. Salem then did one of the few things that always weakened his resolve. The dreaded puppy dog eyes. Ash tried to resist but in the end he couldn't. He let out an irritated sigh.

"Fine I'll do it. Send Bayleaf, Wartortle, Treecko and Zangoose in here. I'm gonna need their help. But take Eevee and Ralts with you."

Salem's face lit up and she gave Ash a massive hug.

"Thank you Ash."

When she released him Ash took two Pokéballs off his belt and sent out Eevee and Ralts. Both young Pokémon leapt into his arms and nuzzled him happily. Ash gave them a tight hug and then handed them to Salem. She left the kitchen and moments later Ash's Pokémon walked in with Salem.

"So how many am I having to feed?" Ash asked.

Salem looked out the door and did a quick head count.

"Uh about three hundred." she said.

"Three fucking hundred!" Ash yelled.

Ash took a moment to calm himself before he said something he would regret..

"Make them sit in tables of six. I'll do one table at a time and if I hear one person ask what's taking so long I'll stop cooking. Then I'll have Raichu Thunderbolt them and then I'll throw the person overboard."

Salem nodded and quickly exited the kitchen leaving Ash with his Pokémon. Ash sighed again and looked through the cupboards looking for something quick and easy to make. Ash pulled a few things out of the cupboards and laid them out on the counter.

"Okay guys I think we can offer a few things. We have eggs, rice and by the looks of it the ingredients for ramen. There is also a large stash of Pokémon food in case any of the Pokémon are hungry."

"Hey boss while I was with Jesse and James I cooked omelets." Meowth said.

"Great can you do that please Meowth? Bayleaf and Wartortle can you guys cook the rice after I show you how? Raichu, Zangoose and Treecko you're in charge of the Pokémon food. I'll be doing the ramen."

Everyone nodded. Ash quickly showed Wartortle and Bayleaf how to cook the rice and then everyone got started. The kitchen door then opened and Ash saw Salem's Pokémon walk in. They had agreed to help take the food to the people. Ash appreciated their help as it was one less job for him and his Pokémon. As they cooked Ash reminisced about his journey since he left Pallet Town three years ago.

"Hey guys do you mind if I get something off my chest?" Ash asked.

'Sure Ash rant away.' Raichu replied.

"Well you know how most trainers journey's go. They catch a few Pokémon, battle the gyms and then battle in the regional league. But do I get that? No such luck. My journey consists of stopping evil organizations. Saving the world several times. Legendary Pokémon trying to kill me and on one occasion succeeding. This stupid GS Ball that doesn't even open. Having gym battles when I get the time and now to top it all off I'm a fucking chef."

"Feel better now boss?"Meowth said.

"Yes. Much better thanks. I'm sorry to moan guys but I'd just like a week where something crazy isn't happening to us."

"To be honest boss we'd all like to have a week like that."

As they cooked Ash lost track of time. He really had no idea how long he had been in the kitchen but to him and his Pokémon it had felt like an eternity. Eventually the last meal was made and Ash and his Pokémon were exhausted. They chucked all the dishes, cutlery and everything they had used to cook in the sink. For all the care someone else can clean them up. They'd done their part and then some. Ash returned his Pokémon and Meowth and Raichu climbed on to his shoulders. He left the kitchen and retrieved Eevee and Ralts from Salem. Now his only desire now was to head to his room and get some sleep. As he walked through the dinning hall several people all thanked him for what he did. Ash gave the occasional grunt as a response.

He walked out of the dining hall and felt the chilling wind cut through him. He quickly wrapped his arms tightly around Eevee and Ralts to keep them warm. He sped to his room and once inside he collapsed on to his bed. Eevee and Ralts landed safely in his arms. Meowth and Raichu on the other hand flew off his shoulders and crashed down on the bed. They far too tired to complain and they quickly fell to sleep. Ash stayed awake long enough to get under the quilt. He pulled Meowth and Raichu in with him and then wrapped his arms around his daughters again. He finally gave in to his exhaustion and closed his eyes. His last thought before he fell asleep was 'I fucking hate cruise ships'.

The next morning Ash woke up to the sound of someone banging on his door. He looked at the clock on the table and saw that it was eight am. That qualified as a very late start now. But after yesterday he thought he had earned the extra sleep. He turned over to go back to sleep when the door was banged on again.

"Go away." he growled.

The person outside banged on the door harder.

"I said go away!" he yelled.

"Ash I have news and I'm not going to leave until you open the door." Salem said.

Ash let out an annoyed sigh. As much as he wanted to stay in bed and get some more sleep he knew that Salem was just as stubborn as he was. So she would keep banging on the door until he got up and opened the door.

"Fine just give me a couple of minutes." Ash said.

A few minutes later after getting ready Ash opened the door and saw a smiling Salem. He wanted to glare at her for waking him up and being so happy but he didn't have the energy to do it.

"This better be good Salem. If it's not well I shan't be held responsible for Raichu's actions."

Salem wasn't phased by Ash's statement and just kept smiling.

"Well after you went to bed last night I spoke with the Captain and the engineering crew. They said that to repay you for everything you did yesterday they will make sure that the boat gets to Dewford this afternoon."

Ash's eyes suddenly lit up as he realised he wouldn't have to cook again. He felt a rush of energy and pulled Salem into a hug.

"They did say that the stop in Dewford may be a bit longer. They need to get a new crew together and they don't know how many crewmen there might be on Dewford."

"Well that's not necessarily a bad thing. It will give us a bit more time to prepare for our battles against Brawly."

Ash then let out a yawn.

"Well it's been nice talking to you Salem. But I think I'm gonna get some more sleep." he said wearily.

Ash turned around but then Salem grabbed a hold of Ash's arm.

"Sorry but you're coming with me Ash. There are quite a few people who want to thank you again for what you did yesterday."

"Can't that wait till later?" Ash said.

"Sorry but it can't. After that it's breakfast and then we'll go and watch and maybe participate in some battles."

Ash felt her grip tighten and Salem was now dragging him out of the room. He looked to Eevee, Ralts, Raichu and Meowth who were still on the bed watching what was happening.

"Guys a little help please." Ash pleaded

Eevee and Ralts jumped off the bed and tugged on Ash's jeans. Ash bent down and picked up the young Pokémon He looked at Raichu and Meowth who had lied back down and fallen asleep completely ignoring Ash. Before Salem could drag him too far Ash sent out Wartortle who shot a Water Gun at Raichu and Meowth. If Ash couldn't get some sleep then neither could Meowth and Raichu. Both Pokémon stood up and glared at Ash. He returned Wartortle and then let Meowth and Raichu take their usually places on his shoulders. Both Pokémon did look incredibly grumpy as they stood on Ash's shoulders. However Eevee and Ralts were sat happily in Ash's arms.

After being forced to meet several other passengers who all wanted to thank him for yesterday. Ash was relieved to see the dining hall come into view. In his sleepy state he forgot that there was no chef to make any meal. So as he was about to choose something Salem reminded him about the chef situation making Ash groan. However Ash was happy to find out that he wouldn't have to cook. Not that he would have done even if asked but it was nice to know that nobody was expecting him too. He was told that the breakfast choices were cereal or nothing.

Once he finished his breakfast Ash was led by Salem to the battle deck. He saw some pool chairs presumably for spectators and sat in one. Raichu and Meowth jumped off his shoulders and lied down on the ones either side of him. As he sat there Ash spent the whole time focusing on Eevee and Ralts. Both young Pokémon relished the attention from their dad and sighed in content. Suddenly a shadow loomed over the trio.

"Hey you're the guy who saved the ship right."

Ash looked up and saw a child. He guesses that the boy had probably only just become a Pokémon trainer.

"Well I was one of the people who saved it. There were other's like my friend Salem who also contributed to defeating Team Firestorm. Why do you ask?"

"Well um I was wondering if you'd have a battle with me. So I can learn a thing or two from an experienced trainer." the boy said shyly.

Ash looked at the boy and saw a lot of himself in him.

"Sure." Ash said.

Ash stood on the opposite side of the deck and waited for the boy to choose a Pokémon The boy sent out a Zigzagoon and both trainer and Pokémon looked raring to go. Ash smiled the prospect of a battle. Battling was one of the few things that could make Ash feel awake and alert. He took Treecko's Pokéball off his belt.

"We'll be arriving in Dewford in a couple of minutes." the Captains voice boomed through the tannoy system.

In mere seconds the deck was cleared as people went back to their cabins. Ash stood cursing his luck as he had been looking forward to the battle. He placed Treecko's Pokéball on his belt and stomped unhappily back to his own cabin. He packed all of his things into his backpack and swung it on ready to disembark.

The ship docked a few minutes later. Ash and Salem walked off the ship and left the port. Both of them were amazed that Dewford which in the past had been known as a small island village was actually much bigger than their home towns.

"Wow Dewford is a lot bigger than I thought it would be. I wonder what caused this." Ash said.

"I can answer that laddie." a voice said to their right.

Ash and Salem looked to where the voice came from and saw an old sailor.

"Ya see the mining equipment has been improved of late. Because of that people have been able to delve deeper into Dewford cave. People are bringing more and more gems out with them. Other people heard about this so they moved here to get in on the fortune."

"Thanks for info. The cruise ship that just arrived needs some crew maybe you should check it out." Ash suggested

"Maybe I will laddie. Maybe I will."

Ash and Salem bid the sailor farewell and headed towards the Pokémon centre of Dewford Town.

Notes

Please give a review telling me what you liked/didn't like.

If you have any questions I am more than happy to answer them.

Next chapter Ash catches a new Pokémon. A Pokémon evolves and Salem is put in danger.

Ash:

Kanto – Raichu, Meowth, Ivysaur, Wartortle, Charizard, Pidgeot, Kingler, Muk, Tauros(x29), Snorlax & Eevee (Shiny)

Johto – Totodile, Bayleaf, Cyndaquil, Heracross, Noctowl (Shiny), Phanpy, Crobat & Sneasel

Hoenn – Marshtomp, Nincada, Treecko, Zangoose & Ralts

Pokémon on hand – Raichu, Meowth, Snorlax, Bayleaf, Wartortle, Treecko, Zangoose, Noctowl, Crobat, Ralts & Eevee