[7 Months Later]
'It's another beautiful day in the world of Pokemon, the sun is setting and we join our hero as he- '
"Stop Him!"
'Oh wait a second what has he gotten himself into?'
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[First Person POV]
'Dammit! I thought I lost him!' I thought angrily, I sprinted down the empty street and past all of the closed stores and kiosks. I saw an ally up ahead so I forced myself to go faster, pumping my legs as fast as possible!
"Stop him Raticate!" The man on my trail shouted! I turned into the ally and started knocking over garbage cans to try and slow my pursuers. The brick walls were covered with graffiti and trash lay in every corner.
I snapped my head around as I heard footsteps rapidly approaching, "Stop it with Flamethrower!" I shouted to my companion turning my gaze back in front of me! Not looking behind me, I saw the walls glow a dark orange and abruptly come to an end as I heard something hit the ground.
'Come on I got to lose him dammit!' I thought as I took a sharp right and ran into a dead end!
"Dammit!" I shouted angrily, the ally ended with an 8ft brick wall in front of me, I turned to the orange dog at my side.
"We're stuck Growlithe any ideas?" I asked, we needed to get out of there quickly.
"Grow Grow!" Growlithe barked at the wall to the left of me, I turned my head and a sigh of relief came over me, as I saw that a metal ladder ran up the side of the building and to the top of the two story building.
"Thanks buddy, return I'll see you in a minute!" I told him as I returned him to his pokeball.
"There he is get him Houndour!" My pursuer shouted angrily! The black dog beside him sprinted towards me. I turned and quickly began to scramble up the ladder before the Houndour would have the chance.
I felt my feet heat up, but I ignored the pain and kept climbing. On top of the roof, I took off and ran for the ledge that was opposite of the ladder. I got lucky when I saw that the building on the other side was lower than the one I was currently on.
My adrenaline was pounding through me as I ran at the edge. Pushing off with my right foot, I leapt off the roof and onto the building before me. I tried to roll to help break my fall, but ended up rolling, and sliding painfully onto my stomach.
"Shit!" I muttered angrily as I picked myself up off the ground. Ignoring the pain, I ran to the next ledge and jumped to the next roof, it was the same height so I leapt and continued running. I slid to a halt at the end of the next roof and lowered myself down over the edge and grabbed hold of a drainage pipe.
"Shit where'd he go! I couldn't have lost him!" I heard an angry voice shout some distance away. I knew I wasn't safe yet; I slid myself down the pipe and started running down the alley I was in and into the streets.
I pulled the black hood over my head and ran as fast as I could, I took a left so that I was now into a somewhat crowded street. I slowed down so that I was walking at a quick pace, I took a right and entered an ice cream shop. Walking across the store I sat down in the furthest booth away from the window and sat there until I saw my pursuer run by.
I felt my right shoulder and it was a little damp. I could see that my hand was covered with a red liquid, 'Gonna have to fix that before it gets infected…'I thought as I waited. I sat there for an hour unmoving, taking a look at the clock it turned out that it was almost eight and I had to get to where I needed to before it was too late.
I got up from my seat and headed out of the shop. Carefully I looked around and saw that the coast was clear. I began to jog for a couple minutes until I turned a corner and in front of me was a large domed building with a colorful Dewgong sign.
A grin broke out across my face and I slowed out of my jog and into a walk. I walked up the sidewalk and to the large double glass doors. I wrung the door bell and waited as the sun set behind me.
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[Third Person POV]
A minute after the doorbell rang, the doors were opened by a blue haired girl with brown eyes in her early twenties, she wore a green one piece swimsuit that showed off her slim figure. Ash was told by Misty that Serena used to live in Misty's room as her sisters were sad due to Misty's disappearance and Delia had asked her to spend time sometimes with Misty's sisters to make them feel better.
Misty found out that when she visited her sisters after Ash had visited his mother and she found out that someone had been staying in her room. She asked her sisters only to find out that it was Serena who was in her room.
"Umm can I like help you?" she asked curiously.
"Hello Violet, I was wondering if Serena was in right now." The hooded boy asked. Violet stared at him suspiciously. He looked to be around the age of 18; his black hoodie was torn and looked as if he had just gotten into a fight.
"Yeah she's here, does she like know you?" Violet asked carefully. She saw a smile breakout underneath the hood.
"Yeah, it's been a while since I last saw her; I think she'd be pretty happy to see me!" He said happily.
Violet raised an eyebrow at him. "And why might that be?" She asked.
He paused for a second. "I'm her boyfriend." He stated simply. Violet stared at him like he was crazy; her mouth was slightly open as she looked to see if he was telling the truth. She tried to see his eyes, but they were hidden in the shadows of his hood.
Violet grabbed him by the arm and pulled him through the door, "Serena! Get down here right now!" she shouted! Violet tapped her foot impatiently while the boy shrugged his backpack off his back and placed it onto the ground.
Footsteps were heard coming from the top of the stairs, "What are you yelling at Vi?" The honey blonde asked as she came down the stairs. She was wearing light blue pajama pants, and a white long sleeved shirt with her hair in a ponytail.
"Who's this?" Violet asked pointing at the boy. Serena had a confused look come over her face, until she recognized the torn hoodie, and the black back pack. A large grin broke out on her face and she ran up and threw her arms around his neck.
"Shay Your back! I missed you so much! Is everything alright, are you back for good?" She cried into his shoulder. Ash wrapped his arms around Serena and held her tightly.
Violet watched in awe as Serena embraced this so called Shay. She knew that Serena still had feelings for Ash, and over the years she hadn't accepted a single date, so this was more than a little strange.
Ash sighed, "It's great to see you again Serena, but I can't stay for long…" He said softly as he rubbed her back to help try and calm her down.
Serena pulled out of the hug, "Why can't you stay? I thought you wouldn't be coming back until you did what you needed to do!" She asked reaching up to pull down his hood.
Violet cleared her throat loudly to get the twos attention, "Serena aren't you going to introduce me to your boyfriend?" She asked raising an eyebrow at her. Serena looked from Violet to Ash, unsure of what to do.
"Violet do you think you could get Lily and Daisy to come down here, you need to know something." Ash stepped in seeing Serena struggle with an answer.
"Are you sure?" Serena asked quietly, Ash nodded. Violet hesitantly nodded her head not sure at what was going on and went upstairs to fetch the other two sisters.
A few moments later the three girls returned and eyed Ash suspiciously. "Alright Serena now spill, what's going on here. And how did you suddenly get a boyfriend?" Violet asked.
"Do you think we could move to the kitchen?" Ash asked, he needed to tend to his arm and he could inform the others on what happened while he did that.
The sisters nodded and went to the kitchen; Ash picked up his bag and followed quickly. The sisters sat around the table, while Ash went over to the sink.
Ash turned to the sisters. "Before I tell you a thing, you have to promise that what you hear right now you will not repeat to a single person." He stated. The sisters nodded.
"I need to hear you say you won't, my life is on the line and yours could be to if you tell anyone!" Ash stated seriously looking each in the eye. The sisters noted his serious expression and could see he wasn't joking.
"We won't tell anyone!" They said in unison. Ash looked over them; he could see that they were telling them the truth.
"Well four years ago Ash Ketchum disappeared." Ash stated. The sisters looked away from Serena as he said that, it was a sensitive subject for her. But they nodded.
"Well here he is." Ash stated simply.
The sister's head snapped to Ash with disbelief in their eyes. The boy in front of them had badly done bleached hair, blue eyes, and was well muscled. The Ash Ketchum they remembered was short, scrawny, brown eyes, and black hair.
"It's true, it really is Ash!" Serena said softly as she looked up to Ash smiling. The sisters leapt up from their seats and ran at Ash and brought him into a tight hug.
"Ash it's wonderful to see you again! You've had us so worried! Especially Serena she has been so sad since you disappeared!" Daisy cried as she squeezed Ash.
After a few minutes, the girls released their hug on Ash, and sat back down beside Serena smiling, with tears in their eyes.
"So I guess you have some questions?" Ash asked the girls. All four nodded and began to throw questions at Ash.
Overwhelmed by questions Ash decided to speak up. "Before I answer do you happen to have any disinfectant?" He asked. The girls gave him a curious look, but nodded.
"I'll go get it Ash hang on," Serena said as she got up from her chair and ran out of the kitchen. As she did this, Ash undid the zipper on his bag and took out thread, a needle, gauze and a half full bottle of painkillers.
Serena reappeared and handed him the bottle of disinfectant. "Thanks Serena," Ash said as he undid the zipper of his hoodie. Taking off the hoodie, Ash could see that the usually white shirt was dark red at and slightly torn at the right shoulder.
The girl's eyes widened at the blood they saw, "Ash are you alright?" Serena asked worriedly. Ash nodded and took off his shirt. Violet, Lily, and Daisy gasped at what they saw. Not at the cut or scar Ash had, but at his muscles.
Ash looked up from the cut, and at the girls with a questioning look, "You alright?" He asked.
"Damn Ash lookin good!" Lily said impressed at what she saw! Ash blushed and rubbed the back of his head embarrassedly.
"Uh thanks Lily," He mumbled as he turned on the tap, and began to wash the cut. It wasn't very big, but it was deep and had been flowing for some time now.
"How'd you get that Ash?" Serena asked, the upper part of the shirt Ash had been wearing was drenched with blood. Ash didn't answer immediately; he took the disinfectant and sprayed it onto the cut. He winced as it stung.
"Well before I answer that, I should tell the sisters about where I've been right?" Serena pursed her lips, she wanted to know how Ash got hurt, but this would help to keep her sisters from talking about Ash to the others.
"I suppose," She stated. Ash took the thread and expertly put it through the loop of the needle and tied it off. He then took the needle and poked it through the lip of the wound, drawing more blood. The four girls looked away at the sight gagging. After about five minutes, the wound had been stitched up and the girls returned their focus to Ash.
Ash took the gauze and wrapped it around the freshly stitched cut and tied it off. He opened his bag, and took out a black shirt; he put it on and began to retell the events that he had told Serena and the others. After a couple hours it was midnight, and he just finished retelling with the help of Serena about when he had left a few months ago.
"So we all spent the day together, and then that night I took off." Ash finished.
"That's so sad, but so romantic at the same time!" Lily gushed.
"And all that leads to why I am here now," Ash stated seriously. The girls noticed his change in tone and stopped talking so they could listen.
"The main reason I came here is because I need your help Serena, it's nothing big but I need you to give a message to Professor Oak for me next time you're in Pallet Town," Ash said as he looked through his bag and pulled out a pen and paper and began to write something down.
"What do you need him to do Ash?" Serena asked curiously. Ash looked up from the paper and folded it.
"I'm going to need to start training with my Pokemon at the lab, so it's a number he can reach me at, and the address he can send my Pokeballs to." Ash stated as he handed the note to Serena.
"Can he call whenever he wants?" She asked, if she could talk to Ash more often she wouldn't mind.
Ash shook his head, "No, the address is over in the Orre Region, the number is to a house on the outskirts where I stay for maybe a night every other month. I'll have my Pokeballs sent there and then I'll take off and train with them in Coliseums or against other trainers."
"Why do you need your Pokemon tho?" Daisy asked curiously, from everything they had been told about Ash, he was trying to keep a low profile and if some of his Pokemon disappear from the lab that could draw attention.
"Well that all brings us back to the present, the reason I have this cut and when I met up with Misty." Ash looked around to see that he had the girl's attention.
"I won't tell you everything tonight, because it's getting late. But I'll finish in the morning then take off alright?" Ash asked.
The girls nodded, but Ash couldn't help but see that Serena was depressed about him returning then taking off in just a few hours.
"It's alright Serena, if everything goes right I should be back full time in a few months!" Ash said to try and reassure his girlfriend.
Serena smiled, "I know it's just so hard to not know how you're doing, or if you're even alive!"
Ash nodded, "Well right now I think you're a bit curious about what Misty and I planned right?" Ash asked changing the subject.
"Yeah, what exactly happened when you left?" Serena asked, after Ash took off everything had gone back to the way it had before. Except with more wondering what Ash was up to, everyone met up a few times and discussed what he could be doing at that moment.
Ash opened the bottle of painkillers and took out two of the pills. He took a water bottle out of his bag and undid the cap. Putting the pills in his mouth he took a drink and swallowed.
"Well right after I left I headed to Johto…"
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[Flashback 7 months]
"We're almost there Charizard just a bit further!" Ash called out to the tired fire type. Ash and Charizard were soaring over Ilex Forest, they had been travelling hard for three days straight and they were almost at their destination.
Charizard grunted and went into its reserves of strength. Ash scanned the forest below for a small cabin. Ash squinted as he saw a small shape in the distance.
"I see it Charizard, land over in that clearing and I'll walk the rest of the way." Ash stated as he pointed to a small clearing half a kilometer from the cabin.
Charizard began its descent and lowered itself into the clearing. Ash hopped off, and took Charizards Pokeball from his belt.
"Thanks buddy, you get some rest and I'll have food waiting for you once everything's taken care of alright?"
Charizard nodded, and Ash returned him to his Pokeball. Before Ash headed to the cabin, he stretched himself. Riding on Charizard for eight hours straight was not the most comfortable thing, especially when it started to rain.
Ash shook himself out one last time and headed off in direction of the cabin. The forest was thick, and hard to pass through. It seemed like it had gotten harder to pass through since when he, Brock, and Misty had done it all those years ago.
For the next 20 minutes Ash bush whacked until he came to a narrow dirt path. Following the trail, Ash could smell smoke as it was picked up in the wind. Five minutes later the trail ended off into a small clearing where a roughly built wooden cabin stood in the center.
The cabin had shingles missing from the roof, the front door was painted white but the paint was chipped away at the age of the building. The walls were made of round logs that gave it a classic look. To the right of the building, smoke could be seen coming from a short chimney.
"Home sweet home," Ash stated as he walked up to the front door. He knocked three times and waited. After five minutes of no answering he began to get annoyed.
"Oh so funny Misty! Open the door its cold out here!" Ash shouted as he began to kick the door not so lightly. After a minute the door was opened by a grinning redhead. Ash gave her an exasperated smile.
"Well hey there camper what brings you here?" She asked innocently. Ash rubbed his chin faux thoughtfully.
"Oh you know the usual, running from criminals, traveling from region to region to complete insane tasks that could get me killed. So nothing really." Ash shrugged.
Misty grinned and pulled Ash into a hug, "It's great to see you again Ash, I missed you so much!" Misty said as she pulled out of the hug and gave Ash a once over. "Really? You grew again! You eat so little but your so dang tall!" she said in disbelief shaking her head.
"I missed you too Mist, mind if we go inside tho it actually is a little cold out here." Ash chuckled. Misty smiled and stepped back into the cabin with Ash following close behind.
The inside of the cabin looked nothing like the outside. The room they were in had freshly painted light green walls, a wooden table that had papers and folders spread out over it. Around the table was a two seat brown leather couch, and a black leather recliner.
On the opposite side of the table against the wall was a brick fireplace that lit the room. To the left of the fireplace, there was a closed wooden door, and a doorway that led to a kitchen.
"So Ash should we get straight to business or do you want to tell me about your reunion, it must have been something eh?" Misty asked sitting down on the couch. Ash took off his bag and placed it next to the door; and he walked over and joined Misty on the couch.
"Well…It was something that's for sure…"Ash trailed off scratching the back of his head. Misty nudged him with her elbow to get him to continue. "But maybe we should get the important stuff out of the way first…" Ash said getting serious.
Misty nodded, even tho she was quiet curious about how it went, she wanted to get through what she found out as soon as possible.
Misty leaned forward and took two folders off of the table. She handed one to Ash and opened the other for herself. Ash read what was on the documents and looked back up at Misty.
"Who are all these people?" Ash asked curiously. The documents were filled with names, and a picture beside each name.
"These are pretty much all of the Trainers who are going to be entering the Indigo League," Misty stated. Ashs eyes widened. He took another document that was in the folder and read what was on it.
"Is this a list of all their Pokemon?" Ash asked shocked!
"Yeah, Giovanni has been monitoring every Trainer who challenges a gym in Kanto."
Ash shook his head and slumped back into the couch. "So whatever he is planning it has to deal with the Indigo League right?" Ash asked as he scanned the names once again.
Misty nodded and replaced her papers back into her folder and set it back onto the table. "Whatever Giovanni is planning is happening at this year's League, but the League is just the beginning!" Misty stated as she took two papers off the table and handed them to Ash in exchange for the folder.
Ash took the papers and read what was on them. A confused look came over his face. "What exactly is this?" Ash asked raising an eyebrow at her.
"Giovanni is planning to build something, whatever it is beats me. But whatever it is pretty damn expensive!" she said gesturing to look at the other page. Ash turned the page and whistled.
"Were in God's name would he get that much money?" Ash asked incredulously! Whatever Giovanni was going to build cost well over 5 billion dollars!
"Well as you know when you win the League you get prize money-" Ash cut her off right there.
"Yeah about ten thousand dollars!" Ash exclaimed!
"Yeah but what happens when you become Champion?" Misty asked seriously. Ash thought about what she said. Winning a League gave Trainers the chance at entering the regions Elite Four, which would give them a chance at becoming Champion. And since it's very rare that a trainer actually made it to face the Champion, let alone win against one the prize money would be well over a hundred thousand dollars. And then once you win, the interviews, guest appearances, public speeches, greetings, could all tally up to a gross income of around ten million a year!
"But you'd only be able to make a couple million a year; it would take quite some time to get up to a few billion!" Ash said shaking his head, he still couldn't believe this.
"But what about the other regions? What would happen if new Champions were established in Hoenn, Sinnoh, Kanto, and Johto?" Misty asked.
"Well, all the money together would probably end up being around a billion dollars after about two years, but there could be some factors that come into play…" Ash trailed off getting dead serious.
"Like a hostile takeover in disguise?" Misty asked all though she already knew the answer. Ash nodded.
"Having Rockets in control of each region could eventually end up taking over the League entirely. They could send all profit from each League to Team Rocket and rack in a lot of money! I mean tickets, profits from gyms, just being Champion!" Ash said shaking his head. This was a lot to take in!
"Oh and that's not all of it!" Ash suddenly blurted out, "There's also what Team Rocket does anyway! Selling Pokemon on the Black Market, they could rob banks; the world would go to shit!" Ash exclaimed dropping the papers onto the table and running a hand through his hair.
Misty nodded, she couldn't believe it when she first heard of all this either. "And that's what Giovanni wanted you for…" Misty trailed off, she wasn't sure what Ash was going to think.
It took a minute before what she said clicked in Ashs head. "WHAT!" he yelled! "How wou- I'd nev- Whe-" Ash didn't know what to think, he was at a loss for words.
"Ash remember what you told me you wanted to be when you were younger?" She asked him.
Ash thought back to when he started his journey, but drew a blank. He was about to shake his head, when he remember what May had said before he left. 'You better not take very long; you still have to become that Pokemon Master!'
"Oh you can't be serious…" Ash said incredulously. "Are you telling me they wanted to make me the…" He trailed off not wanting to finish because it sounded so ridiculous.
"Imagine Ash, Team Rocket has control of the eight top region Leagues, and who knows maybe Paldea as well, and a Pokemon Master. The income would be too great to even imagine, it would take maybe a max of five years but it would get done!" Misty said seriously, this entire thing sounded unreal but it was all very plausible.
"And what are we going to do about all this? I mean come on I'm drawing blanks here Mist give me something to work with here!" Ash pleaded hopefully. How could he, one man take on the world?
"Honestly Ash I don't know, there's only one thing that keeps coming to my mind when I think of this." She said slumping back into the couch, and putting her feet up onto the table.
Ash turned his head to look at her looking for the plan that would fix everything. "And that is?" He asked hopefully.
"The only thing I can think of is beat them at their own game…" Misty trailed off not believing a word she said.
Ash blinked blankly at her, "Huh?"
"Well, what if you could stop them from becoming Champions… Like… I don't know…" She groaned, throwing up her arms in the air as she realized she sounded ridiculous.
Ash just sat there staring at the orange and red flames of the fireplace. Misty looked over at Ash and saw him deep in thought, she turned to look at the fireplace and they remained in silence.
They sat there for an hour without a single word being spoken; the fire was now just grey ashes and the dull glow of the remaining embers. Misty got up and placed two more logs into the fire and blew on the flames until the logs began to burn. She turned around and saw Ash still deep in thought; she went back around the table and sat down making sure not to disturb him.
"Why me?" Ash mumbled quietly. Misty turned her head to Ash; she didn't quite catch what he said.
"Sorry?" She asked quietly. Ash turned his gaze from the fire to Misty.
"I don't understand why he chose me; I mean I know Team Rocket wants to take over the world and all. But I still don't understand why I fit into all this… And why is he starting in Kanto first instead of each region at the same time?" Ash trailed off shaking his head.
Misty could see he was troubled, after everything he had gone through she wasn't surprised. "I'm sorry Ash I can't answer that first part for you… But my guess is to keep the suspicion level down, start with Kanto because it's close to home, and then move onto another region. And keep going till he controls them all."
Ash sighed and ran a hand through his blond hair. His tilted his head back and stared at the roof, "I think your right…" Ash said quietly.
"What do you mean?" Misty asked curiously, she could see Ash was exhausted after travelling for so long and now being filled in on so much information probably drained him of all his energy.
"I need to beat them at their own game. I'll do what they wanted me to do in the first place, than tell the world the truth about what happened." Ash stated still looking at the roof.
"How do you plan on doing that?"
"Enter the Kanto League, beat the Rocket who's entering, win the League, expose Team Rocket, go home." Ash shrugged.
Misty sighed. "It's not that easy Ash, if you compete in the League they'll come and kill you."
"Dammit Misty I don't have any other ideas!" Ash shouted irritably!
"Sorry Ash…" Misty mumbled looking to the floor. Ash sighed.
"I'm sorry Mist, I didn't mean to yell. It's just so annoying!" Ash said guiltily. Misty looked up to him and gave him a weak smile.
"I know Ash its fine. But I think your right, you need to compete in the League but as soon as you're recognized you're done for. And how did you think you were going to expose Team Rocket?"
"I dunno, I figured I'd show up and defeat the Rocket. Tell my story and what they are planning." Ash shrugged.
Misty put her elbows on her knees and placed her head in her hands. "What if you could compete without them knowing it was you?" She asked.
"I dunno, but if I go incognito people will think I'm just some psychopath pretending to be a dead guy…"
"Well what if you reveal yourself not at the beginning, but at the end of the league? Like the award ceremony?"
Ash thought about it, it was a good idea but…It just seemed like it could go south easily. "What if I reveal myself when I face the Rocket? Like I sign up as Shay, but then come the match I come out as Ash Ketchum. Pikachu and all?" Ash asked as he thought about it.
"It would certainly throw the Rocket off his game and start some commotion. And during the match you could start to talk about Giovanni's plan. Maybe even get him to spill a little bit about it?"
"But say we were going to do that. I'd have to get my Pokemon from Pallet Town and start to train with them. So I'd have to go back to Orre. Actually wait a second!" Ash said as he thought of something.
"What is it?"
"Team Rocket plans on beating the Champions right?" Ash asked. Misty nodded. "Well to do that, they'd need some very powerful Pokemon. And Team Rocket would have plenty of those, so how would I be able to beat them?"
"Well you're a more than capable Pokemon Trainer right? I mean you have three of four badges to enter Mt. Battle and you only have three Pokemon on you. And not to mention you have beaten the Battle Frontier, and competed in four Leagues, and saved the world on numerous occasions! I'm pretty sure you can defeat one Grunt." Misty said encouragingly.
"But what if we can take away some of their Pokemon…" Ash thought out loud.
"What do you mean?" Misty asked carefully not sure where this was going.
"Well what if I give Team Rocket hell by setting their Pokemon loose? Lowering their supply would give them less to choose from!" Ash mumbled as he began to get lost in thought.
"I don't think that's a good idea Ash, even attempting that could get you killed easily!" Misty said quickly before Ash got carried away with this.
"That's true, but in the end what if I have to face off against legendary Pokemon? Then I'm screwed!" Ash stated in a matter-of-factually tone.
"You've done it before remember? I've seen replays of your Sinnoh League victory. Don't doubt yourself Ash I know you can do this!" Misty smiled at him, reassuring him of his strengths!
Ash smiled at her, "Thanks Mist that means a lot, but I think I should risk it so that we can free the Pokemon."
Misty pursed her lips worriedly, "I dunno Ash, I think it's dangerous but I won't stop you from what you think is right…"
"Thanks Mist, how about we go get some sleep and continue this tomorrow. I don't know about you but I'm dead tired!" Ash grinned and got to his feet extending his hand to help her up.
"Alright," Misty smiled as she took the offered hand and stood up. Ash walked over to his bag, and reached up and pulled down his eyelid removing the contacts. He reached into his pocket and took out a small black case and put the contacts in.
He placed the case into his bag and followed Misty to the closed door. Opening the door was a small room with two beds, and a small dresser.
Ash walked over and laid down on the bed furthest from the door, while Misty went to the one beside the dresser and laid down and crawled under the covers.
"Good night Misty," Ash said softly as he closed his eyes.
"Night Ash," Misty replied yawning.
Soon the two drifted off into sleep thinking over the plan they had begun to come up with.
[End Flashback]
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The four girls stared at Ash unsure of what to say. "So…" Serena said unsure.
Ash looked at the time and it was nearing midnight. "So basically since then I've been travelling around Kanto and Johto messing with Team Rocket, hence the cut I have." Ash said as he pointed to his right shoulder. "And now I've got to get ready for the League, that's why I need you to get Professor Oak to send my Pokemon to Orre so I can start training."
"When do you need me to go to Pallet?" Serena asked.
"When do you usually go? I've got something's to still take care of in Kanto before I head off so." Ash said as he fought off the urge to yawn.
"I can go in a few days, but right now I think we should go to bed." Serena said as she saw the time. The group agreed, and Ash picked up his bag and headed for the door.
"Ash where are you going?" Serena asked curiously.
"I'll head outside the city and setup camp there and be back in the morning," Ash replied.
"You know you can stay here right?" Serena stated raising an eyebrow at him.
Ash smiled at her, "Thanks Serena, I just didn't want to feel like I was just barging in here. And it looks like it may start raining…" Ash said as he looked out the door and saw the dark grey clouds starting to fill the sky.
Serena walked up to him and took his hand; she led him up the stairs and down a long hallway. They passed four doors and came to a fifth and Serena opened the door. "Here you can sleep in the guest room." She said happily.
In the room was a queen sized bed, a television, dresser, and a closet. The walls were painted a light blue and a curtained off window lay to the right of the bed.
"Thanks for this Serena," Ash smiled at her. Serena smiled back and brought him into a tight hug, and rested her head on his chest.
"It's great to see you again Ash…" She said softly. Ash wrapped his arms around her waist and held her gently.
"It's great to see you too Serena," Ash pulled out of the hug so he could look her in the eye, "You should get some sleep I'll see you in the morning." Ash said softly.
Serena nodded and turned away to leave when she stopped because she felt Ash grab her hand. She looked into his eyes wondering what she had forgotten. Ash leaned forward and gave her a light kiss on the cheek.
"Good night Serena." Ash smiled. Serena smiled and gave him a kiss on the lips before turning away blushing madly.
"Good night Ash," She said quietly walking to her room quickly. Ash smiled at the retreating red head and walked into his room. Closing the door behind him he put his bag beside the bed and took the TV remote and laid down.
He turned on the TV and changed channels until he ended up on the news. He hadn't had a chance to catch up on the resent news around Kanto for almost a week. He picked up a newspaper here and there, but those were mostly filled with local problems.
Ash lay there for another hour; nothing had really happened in the last week except for some Pokemon Poachers being caught at the Safari Zone who were trying to capture a family of Dratini. He shut off the TV and got up and turned off the light. He returned to his bed and kicked off his shoes and slid under the covers.
He closed his eyes and after half an hour he fell asleep.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Ash awoke to the sound of an alarm clock. Groggily he pushed himself up and yawned, he slid himself out of bed, put on his shoes, and took his bag and left the room. It was five in the morning and he wanted to be out of Cerulean by two.
He walked down the hallway and down the stairs. Walking into the kitchen he placed his bag on the table and undid a zipper and took out a container.
He took off the lid and examined the contents. "I'm going to need some more Pokemon food before I leave Cerulean…I may as well go now while everyone's asleep." Ash thought out loud. Ash placed the container back into his bag and headed for the door. He pushed it open, but stopped as he recalled an event that happened not so long ago.
Quickly he ran back to the kitchen and took a piece of paper and wrote something down.
Gone to store, be back soon-Ash
Ash finished the note and left it on the table, "I'm not getting punched again…"Ash mumbled as he opened the door and left the gym.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Two hours later Ash and the girls were seated around the kitchen table. "So what do you all want to know next?" Ash asked as he took a sip of his hot chocolate.
The four girls sat in silences as they thought of something to ask.
"Could you give us a brief summary of what you plan to do? Like we get your challenging the League but what about after that?" Daisy asked curiously.
"Well I plan on competing in the League, and continuing until I face the Rocket, then hopefully I beat him and then what we've got planned I need to win the League entirely." Ash stated, he cleared his throat and continued.
"What I want to do which would be great is to get a meeting with Lance-" Ash was cut off by Serena.
"Why do you want to see Lance? What could he possibly due to help you?" Serena asked in disbelief.
"Remember what I told about when me, Brock, and Misty were travelling through Johto and we met him at the Lake of Rage?" Ash asked her. Serena nodded and gestured for him to continue.
"What happened while me, Brock, and Misty were there?" He asked her trying to get her to remember.
Serena pursed her lips as she thought back to that moment years ago. "They were at the Lake and there was a Red Gyarados right?" She asked.
"Yes and Lance came in and stopped those Rockets from attacking me, Brock, and Misty right?" Serena nodded, "Then when they ran off he told us something. Do you remember what he said?"
Serena thought as hard as she could but she couldn't remember. She shook her head.
"He told us he was part of a group called the Pokemon G-Men!" Ash stated seriously. Ash could see the light bulb turn on over Serenas head as she remembered.
"And he was there to investigate what Team Rocket was doing to the Gyarados and Magikarp at the Lake right?" Ash nodded.
"So I thought about it and figured that if anyone could help Misty and I end this thing it could be Lance and the members of the Pokemon G-Men!"
"Alright so basically once I win the League, I'm-" Ash was cut off by a ringing coming from his bag.
He got up quickly and went through his bag and pulled out a black device that looked like a black version of his Pokedex, on the sides were painted white half pokeballs painted on it.
"Ash you have a Pokegear?" Serena asked curiously.
Ash nodded, "Yup, I've got to answer this I'll be right back." He said as he quickly left the kitchen.
He flipped open the Pokegear and pressed a button, "Hello Shay here." He answered.
"You alone?" A feminine voice came from the other side.
"Yup, we're good Misty how's everything going?" Ash asked.
"All good, no new news, how'd it go over there?" Misty asked.
"A little beat up, but it's done. I'm over at the Cerulean Gym, I'm going to be heading back to Orre after I go to Ecruteak. I'm getting a message sent brought over to the Lab and I'll have my Pokemon transferred over to me," Ash replied.
"Good, be careful over in Ecruteak tho. Don't get carried away and head back to the Academy." Misty stated firmly and seriously.
Ash sighed, "Yeah I know, but I wouldn't mind searching some files over there…" Ash trailed off as he thought of what he'd be able to find out.
"Yeah I know, but I find the stuff we can use, and you piss them off that's how it works." Misty stated cheerfully.
Ash chuckled, "Yeah your right about that…How's your training going?" Ash asked curiously.
He heard a sigh on the other end. "Well I can hit a moving target from five hundred meters now that should be far enough right?" she asked.
Ash nodded to himself, "Yeah that should do it, but start practicing from higher elevations you're going to be pretty far from the field so practice from different angles high up."
"Alright sounds good. I won't be able to contact you for some time, maybe two months, and then we can meet up at the League alright?" Misty asked.
"Yeah sounds good, I'll talk to you later!" Ash said cheerfully.
"Bye Ash talk to you soon! Give the phone to Daisy." Misty replied. Ash walked back into the kitchen. Walking in all of the girls turned their focus over to Ash.
"Was it Misty?" Serena asked. Ash raised an eyebrow at her, but nodded.
"Yeah it was, how'd ya know?" He asked replacing the Pokegear into his bag and sitting down.
"Who else would it be?" Serena joked.
"True… By the way, Misty wants to talk with Daisy." Ash stated and gave the Pokegear to Daisy.
"Hi Daisy, how are you? I am doing my tasks in Team Rocket while helping Ash."
"I am fine. Yes, good to know you are as fine as possible. Help Ash in whatever ways possible."
"I will help, so I got to know that you treat Serena as your sister?"
"Yes, she shares similar interests to us."
"Alright, bye!" Misty said and heard Daisy say "Bye!" and then Misty cut the call. Daisy then gave the Pokegear to Ash and Ash closed the Pokegear.
Ash looked over to the clock and it was just after noon, "Well I've got to get going soon, so anything else you need to know?" Ash asked the others.
"What else did you talk about when you left us to see Misty?" Serena asked curiously.
"Well we just began to iron out the details, and I told her about what happened when I showed up, and left. Other then that we just caught up on what we've been doing." Ash shrugged.
"What did she think when you told her about us?" Serena asked, she'd be lying to herself if she wasn't curious about how Misty would react to Ash getting a girlfriend.
"What do you mean?" Ash asked raising an eyebrow at her. The girls sweat dropped.
"Ash you will forever be the densest person I know, I mean how did she react when you told her that you and I are together!" Serena said exasperatedly.
"Oh, well I dunno she was surprised that's for sure!" Ash chuckled.
"And?" Serena asked impatiently. Ash eyed her curiously.
"Well I dunno I was tired and didn't really take notice," Ash shrugged.
"Umm Ash could you just retell us what happened!" Daisy said quickly. Ash shrugged, he didn't see why this was important.
"Sure, so it was the next day and we had finished ironing out most of the details…"
[Flashback 7 Months]
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"So when do you need to go to Goldenrod?" Ash yawned. They had been planning for the last ten or so hours, only stopping to eat and feed their Pokemon.
"Well I have to leave tomorrow night, so we should get as much of this done as possible." Misty said as she stood up and stretched, it was around ten that night and they were pretty tired.
Ash looked to his companion, "Wanna take a break before we pass out?" Ash asked getting up to stretch.
"Sure, wanna get something to eat?" She asked making her way to the kitchen.
"Sure," Ash followed her into the kitchen, it was fairly small. The kitchen was a square with a small table and two chairs against the wall away from the door, against the wall where the doorway was, was a sink, oven, fridge, and a row of cabinets that hung overhead.
Ash walked over to a cabinet and opened it and took out two cups and a box of cookies. He set them down on the table, and sat down while Misty went over to the fridge and took out the carton of milk. She sat down across from him, and poured them a glass.
"It's been awhile since we've been able to do this," Ash said as he took a drink of the milk. Misty nodded as she took the box of cookies and took one out.
"Sure has, we don't get much time to relax do we?" She asked as she took a bite of the cookie. Ash shook his head.
"No, no we don't. Hopefully once this is all over that will change…"Ash trailed off as he repositioned himself to make himself comfortable.
"Why don't you tell me about how your reunion with your family went?" Misty asked.
Ash shrugged, "Sure why not," Ash said taking a cookie from the box.
"Well after I passed out, I woke up and on top of me was Pikachu," Ash smiled as he thought of the little yellow Pokemon. "And after we got reacquainted I didn't have my bag with me, and that had all my clothes in it,"
"What were you wearing than…" Misty asked cautiously.
Ash laughed at her reaction. "Clothes Mist, clothes. But I didn't have my hat or anything, so I had Pikachu get my clothes for me while I waited in the bathroom. After a few minutes my mom and my friend Serena came upstairs and tried to get me to talk, or come out. But I knew how important it was for me to get out of there in case they told anyone."
"So I took a shower, which felt pretty damn good if I say so myself, and got changed and went back downstairs. Then basically I asked if they told anyone I was there, I could see they told the truth that they hadn't. So we reacquainted, I told them about Orre, I made an appointment for my hair to get done, than the next day I met up with them at the lab."
"I showed up and a few other people I knew where there. So basically they found out who I was, a bit of tension at first but then it was all good. I went out saw my Pokemon and we all went inside where I told them about everything that happened." Ash finished.
"How'd they take it, Team Rocket and all?" Misty asked, to find out what Ash had gone through would have been rough. But they didn't experience it firsthand.
"Well long story short, they couldn't believe it. And they weren't too happy that I got to know you as you are a Rocket. But I'm pretty sure their opinions changed after I told them about you." Ash said reassuringly.
Misty smiled. "Well that's go-" She stopped as she remembered something. "What exactly did you tell them about me?" She asked seriously. Ash saw how she got defensive and he knew what it was about.
"Don't worry Mist, I didn't mention that. You trusted me with that and I plan not to say a thing, nothing would get me to talk about it." Ash said softly, but reassuringly. Misty sighed as relief came over her.
"Thanks Ash, I just got worried there for a minute." Misty said gratefully, "Did anything else happen?"
Ash pursed his lips, "Well yeah, remember when I called and asked if there were any Rockets in the area…"
"Yeah, what about it." Misty asked curiously.
"Well that's because for a reason in which I'm still processing they decided to throw a party for me, but it wasn't for me it was Christmas party that they said was in disguise…" Ash trailed off as he remembered it.
"And what happened?" Misty asked curiously. She wanted to know how they could have thrown a party in less than 24 hours. It didn't seem humanly possible.
"Well I was against it, but I helped out a little by getting the food. But really what happened, was the night of the party I couldn't find any of my friends, so I went to a clearing where I trained with my Pokemon and fell asleep…" Ash said sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.
Misty stared at Ash dumbfounded with a smile on her face. "You fell asleep when you were supposed to be having a party with your friends?" Ash nodded, and Misty broke out into giggles.
"Hey to be fair I was thinking over what we talked about on the phone. And I was deep in thought and I passed out!" Ash said in a very fake hurt tone.
"Uh huh, please continue," Misty said grinning.
"Well I was asleep and my friends were looking for me for a few hours, but I was in the clearing so they thought I hadn't showed up. But after a while Growlithe showed my one friend Brock, over to where I was sleeping." Ash shook his head at the memory.
"And?"
"And well you know how you're not supposed to grab me if I'm sleeping…" Ash trailed off to let her put it together. Misty's eyes widened.
"So what happened…" She asked unsure of the answer.
"Well I scared him to the point of wetting himself, thankfully he didn't. " Ash chuckled.
"At least he knows now not to wake you up outside…" Misty shook her head smiling.
"Yeah but after that, things were…Odd…"Ash trailed off to see if the word he chose fit the situation. Misty eyed him curiously.
"What do you mean?"
Ash cocked his head sideways. "Well, he took me over to where the party was and my friends were angry at me, and they started looking me over, asking me where I was and all. They tried to take my knife, and I told them that if they did I'd end the party right then and there," Ash said.
"Safety precaution?" Misty asked.
"Yup, anyways I was about to go off on them when… My friend Serena came over to us…" Ash trailed off unsure of how to continue.
"She's the one who has a crush on you right?" Misty asked, she had been told about each of his friends before and knew that one of the girls had a crush on him.
"Yeah that's her, and… well she asked me to dance, and I agreed and well…" Ash repositioned himself as he thought about how to continue.
Misty grew curious, "And well what happened?" She asked raising an eyebrow.
"Well we danced, and uh she…" Ash cleared his throat, "She uh kissed me." Ash stated simply. "I know crazy right!" Ash said in disbelief. Misty went silent, which Ash noticed immediately.
"Are you okay Mist?" Ash asked, Misty was just staring straight ahead.
"What happened next?" She asked devoid of emotion. Ash looked at her worriedly.
"Mist are you okay?" Ash asked again, he could see something was wrong with her but he wasn't sure what.
Misty nodded, "Yeah I'm fine Ash, so what happened next?"
Ash gave her a once over, but continued. "Well, I pulled out of the kiss right away, and I took her to gather everyone who knew I was there and told them I was leaving the next night."
Misty nodded, "Afterwards I went with Serena to talk about what happened, and well I think we're together now." Ash finished.
Misty sat there silent, not moving she just sat there. "I think I'm going to turn in early Ash, we can finish planning in the morning," she said just above a whisper as she got up from her chair.
Ash looked over her worriedly, "Are you okay Misty, are you not feeling well?" Ash asked, Misty was acting strange and it was starting to worry him.
Misty nodded and gave him a weak smile, "Yeah, I'm just tired is all. I'll see you in the morning alright?" She said as she went to leave the kitchen.
"Alright goodnight," Ash said softly.
"Goodnight Ash…" She said softly turning to leave the kitchen. Misty opened the door to the bedroom, and she closed the door quietly behind her. She sat down on her bed and placed her head into her hands.
She looked up and crawled under her sheets and turned so she was facing away from the door. After a few minutes she heard the door slowly open and close, and heard Ash silently enter his bed.
"Night Mist," Ash said quietly.
"Night Ash…" Misty whispered as a tear escaped her eye.
[End Flashback]
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Ash sat there nodding his head, "Yeah that's about it, she wasn't feeling well and she went to bed. I put the food, and dishes away, then I went to bed." Ash stated simply.
Serena pursed her lips, "Alright Ash, thanks I was just wondering." Serena said thoughtfully.
Daisy then said "I did tell Misty that you and Serena were together but she just shrugged and went. It seems she came to us after you told Misty about you and Serena being together."
Ash looked over at the time, it was 2:30 and he had to get going.
"I'm sorry guys, but I got to get going…" Ash said standing up. He took his bag and put onto his back. The four girls got up and followed Ash as he went to the front doors of the gym. Ash opened the door, and they stepped out into the fresh air.
Luckily for Ash, the sun was out and he still had plenty of time before it got dark. Lily, Violet, and Daisy, took Ash into a group hug. "You make it back here safe Ash!" Lily said as she squeezed Ash tighter.
"Don't you keep Serena waiting much longer!" Violet said, concerned for Serena.
"Take care Ash, stay safe and come home soon!" Daisy said softly as they pulled out of the hug.
Ash smiled at them, "No need to worry, I'll be back sooner then you know it. And take care of Serena for me; we don't need her getting into any more trouble!" Ash grinned. The sisters took him into one last hug, and let him go.
Ash turned to Serena, who brought him into a tight hug, "Don't take too long Ash, it's hard to see you leave again but I know you'll come back safe right!" She asked looking him in the eye.
"Of course I will Serena what type of question is that? Once I'm done here I'm coming back for you!" Ash replied softly but seriously. The three sisters awed at Ash which made him blush.
"I know Ash," Serena said leaning forward and pressing her lips to his. Ash pulled her closer and the two deepened their kiss and got lost in each others warmth. Daisy cleared her throat loudly interrupting the couple.
She raised an eyebrow at them, "Shouldn't you get going Ash?" She asked smirking. Ash quickly pulled out of the hug, and smiled at Serena.
"You know what they say right?" Ash asked quietly.
Serena shook her head.
Ash sighed but continued, "Every goodbye…" He trailed off so she could finish.
Serena smiled, "Makes the next hello closer…"
"Right," Ash leaned in and gave her a light kiss on the lips, and a quick hug before he turned away and began to leave the Gym.
"I'll see you guys soon, take care!" Ash called out as he waved good bye to the four girls. The four waved toward the departing boy and watched as he went around the corner and out of sight.
"There he goes." Daisy stated. The four nodded. Daisy looked at Serena, "Why were you so curious about that Misty girl?" Daisy asked.
"I don't know, I thi-" Serena stopped as she saw Ash reappear around the corner and start running toward them. Ash slid to a halt in front of them.
"Ash?" Serena asked curiously.
"I forgot one thing; I need you to get my mom to mail me something." Ash said as he recovered his breath.
"Umm sure…" Serena replied uncertainly.
"She can send it to the same address that I gave you before. I need you to get her to send me one of my old travelling outfits, hat and all." He finished.
Serena nodded, "Sure, I'll do that in a few days," she replied.
"Thanks Serena," Ash said giving her a quick peck on the lips, and turning around he began running off. "I'll see you soon!" Ash called back as he ran around the corner and out of sight once again.
The girls shrugged and went back into the gym. "So returning to my previous question," Daisy began.
Serena sighed, "Well I thi-" she was cut off by the doorbell ringing. "What is he doing?" Serena mumbled. The four walked over to the door and opened it.
"I challenge the Cerulean Gym Leader to a Pokemon battle!" a girl with pink hair, and green eyes stated to the sisters.
'I knew that having no challengers today seemed too good to be true…' Daisy thought. "Alright I except your challenge please follow me to the battlefield!" Daisy said as she and her sisters along with Serena let the young girl enter the Gym.
"Looks like I'll answer your question later." Serena said as the two girls stepped onto the platforms of the water battlefield.
The sisters and Serena sighed and took their seats in the stands, as they watched one of the soon to be many Gym battles that day.