Ash 150: Race Against Time Chapter 2: School Day

(DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN POKÉMON OR BEN 10! POKÉMON BELONGS TO GAMEFREAK/NINTENDO! BEN 10 BELONGS TO MAN OF ACTION STUDIOS/CARTOON NETWORK STUDIOS/WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY).

(The Following Morning, Ash is riding to School on his Bike, with Pikachu on his Shoulder. Parked in his Houses Parking Lot is the Northern Star. While riding away from his House, he comes close to crashing into the Mailman, Mr. Denjirō).

Mr. Denjirō: Oops! Be careful, young man. (Ash continues riding his way to School with Pikachu holding on tight. Ash rides his way through various neighborhoods, past multiple People and Pokémon. He and Pikachu ride past a Fire Truck, standing outside the Truck was its Fire Chief Captain Aidan. He greets them friendly saying).

Captain Aidan: Hey Ketchum? (He passes Captain Aidan, before he tells them). Slow Down. (Ash and Pikachu arrive at a Crossroad and comes to a stop as a car drives by. They see a woman in a crossing guard uniform, fanning herself with a Stop Sign. She eyes them, and Ash feels weird about it, so just he greets her to be friendly).

Ash: Hello. (Then Pikachu greets her waving).

Pikachu: Good Morning. (Then Ash continues biking his way to School with Pikachu).


(A Short time later, at Ash's School, "Pallet Town Middle School", students and their Pokémon were arriving and heading into the school. There is a banner that says, "Talent Show". The Bell rings as Ash arrives at School with Pikachu and Parks his Bike in the School's Bike Rack. He Takes his Bike Helmet and hangs it up, before he hears a pair of girls talking amongst each other).

Girl #1: Oh Yes, it is true, I mean that is what I heard.

Girl #2: No! You are wrong! Because My mom Said it was "Magmortar" that totally fried the town. (Then Ash, liking the attention they are making over one of his alter egos and walks over to them with Pikachu).

Girl #1: Magmortar? The Superhero? In Pallet Town? No way!

Ash: Actually, I heard It was Magmortar too? He is very cool, isn't he? (The girls just give him bored looks and walk away. Ash sighs at this and makes his way to school as Pikachu tells him).

Pikachu: That is the price of Fame Ash, the Public is ever so fickle. (Ash rolls at this. Meanwhile, on the Steps of the School with a Camera is Iris and Axew. She is taking Pictures of Students and whatever else happens to catch their eye. She is about to take another picture when Ash Photobombs and makes a silly face and a silly noise. She does not like, but he does, laughing at his stunt).

Iris: Ash, Come on! These are for the yearbook.

Axew: It was not funny.

Pikachu: Sorry about that Iris, Axew. (But Ash ignores them and asks).

Ash: Which of these will go best on a poster when I am famous? (Ash begins posing like a superhero. Before Iris even bothers to ask).

Iris: Famous? For what Exactly? (Ash then decides to point out to her, Axew, and Pikachu).

Ash: What do you mean? Because I spent the entire summer fighting Pokémon. (But then Iris corrects him saying).

Iris: Correction? We spent the whole summer fighting Pokémon! You, Pikachu, me, Axew, Grandpa, and Zoroark!

Ash: I know. Make room on the Poster. (Iris, Axew, and Pikachu roll their eyes at that. Then Ash asks her). Oh Yeah Cuz, Can I borrow your notes for that Pokérus Quiz in Jacq's Biology Class? (But then Iris dashes Ash's hopes, telling him).

Iris: We are not on a mission Ash! I do not have to take care of you in school. Neither does Team Star. (Ash scoffs at that notion).

Ash: Take care of me! One question. Who saved the entire town from the big bad last night? Answer...

Iris: Magmortar. Sorry Cuz, but back at home. (Then she decides to just tell him point blankly). You are not a Hero, Your only plain old Ash Ketchum. And those Pokémon that you transform into cannot help here. Toodles! Come on Axew. (With that Iris leaves with Axew).

Axew: See ya. (Ash decides to ignore her words and sound confident in himself).

Ash: Yes well, I do not need your stupid notes, I got the school wired. (Then Something Iris finally registers in Ash's head). Whose "Team Star"? Never mind. Come on Pikachu. (With that Pikachu climbs back on Ash's Shoulder and they head to class).


(Later that day, Ash and his Classmates are leaving class. As they leave, the teacher gives them back their tests as she is standing in the doorway. When Ash leaves with Pikachu, he gets his test back, he is less then pleased with what he got).

Ash: A "D"! Oh Man. (With that he moves onto his next Class, while Pikachu looks worried for his partner).


(Which just happens to be Gym Class, and their Playing Basketball. Ash is standing in front of a basketball net with two fellow male students on both sides of him. While Pikachu watches from the bleachers along with the other students Pokémon. Ash says trying to intimidate his opponents).

Ash: Bring it on! You are not getting over Ash Ketchum! (From the bleachers, Pikachu looks on worriedly for Ash).

Pikachu: I can just tell this not going to go well for Ash. (Then the teacher says).

Teacher: Go! (And blows the whistle. The students scatter and Ash ends up shielding himself as a bunch of Basketballs end up hitting him. He hears A Couple of students laugh and says to himself).

Ash: Man! (Then a Stray Basketball hits him in the Face, stunning but not hurting him. Pikachu facepalms himself knowing he was right).

Pikachu: Knew it.


(After the Disaster of Gym Class, Ash left with Pikachu for his Locker. He turns the dial, doing his locker combination then hears the click, letting him know he could open his locker now. Ash grabs the handle and tries to open it but has a bit of resistance. Until he pulls harder, and the door opens and see the reason for the resistance. Someone had put a gooey gum like substance on the wall. Suffice it to say, both he and Pikachu were disgusted by the sight of it).

Ash: Man!

Pikachu: Gross Ash! Gross. (Ash grabs a blank white piece of line paper from his Locker. And then begins trying to clean his locker up. Then he hears a voice and sees that it is his school bully's Trip and Drew, with their partners of Serperior and Roserade).

Trip: You know I bet you are supposed to chew the gum Ketchum, not wear it. (Ash and Pikachu glare at them annoyed. Having a good feeling that they were behind this prank. And were trying not stoop to their level. As Trip continues saying). Just Consider it a little welcome back present loser!

Serperior: We hope you like it.

Roserade: We made it specially for you. (Then Ash hits his near boiling point telling them).

Ash: Clean it up! (Trip says to challenge Ash).

Trip: Make Us! (Drew Laughs at that comeback from Trip as he playfully and gently jabs Trip in stomach).

Drew: Good Trip! What he said! (But Trip is no mood for Drew's comments here and tells him point blankly).

Trip: Can It Drew! (Drew knows that Trip is being serious here and backs down saying).

Drew: Right Cool. (Then Walking down, the set of stairs behind Ash, Trip, and Drew is a man who happens to see the commotion going on among the three students and their Pokémon).

Trip: So, what are you going to do about this Ketchum? (Ash has had enough of them and takes the Line Paper he used to clean his locker and makes it into a ball and throws it at them. But Trip, Drew, Serperior, and Roserade dodge it, and it goes flying and hits the man in the Glasses he was wearing sticking to them. Trip is finding this funny as he knows who the man is). No way! Just... (But he cannot finish the sentence, finding it to be just too funny for words. The Man takes his glasses off and holds them in his hands seeing the Gum Paper Ball stick them still. And says to the student angrily).

Mr. Honcho: Ketchum! (Finally, the Gum Paper Ball falls to the floor. Ash cannot believe his bad luck here. And Neither can Pikachu).

Ash: Oh man!

Pikachu: This is just not your day Ash. (Ash then walks off with Pikachu ready to accept whatever fate he is getting for this incident).


(Later that day, Ash and Pikachu have arrived home and were having a family dinner together. And they were discussing Ash's little "Incident" at School).

Ash: It was an accident! And I was having an unbelievably bad Day. (Pikachu tries to help defend Ash saying).

Pikachu: It really was an accident. (Across the table were Ash's Parents, Delia, and Meyer. Delia said trying to be understanding of Ash's feelings here).

Delia: And we understand that, Ash. No One here wants to bottle your feelings.

Meyer: No, no! Way too many emotional volcanoes in this world already! Not to mention those appear after an Entei is born.

Delia: But you could have Blinded Principal Honcho! (Ash then feels the need to point out the obvious).

Ash: Mom. Dad. It was just gum!

Delia: Okay Ash. It is Delia and Meyer. We are all equals in this house.

Ash: I would rather call you Mom.

Pikachu: Me too. No disrespect.

Meyer: None taken Pikachu. (Then Meyer turns to Ash). What Delia Is trying to say that you need to find a better outlet the Violence. It Choices Ash. (He then takes a bite of his food and tastes something that gets his attention as he asks). Did you Put Sage in this hummus? (She smiles at her husband).

Delia: I found it growing wild in the backyard.

Meyer: Oh Yes. (They laugh amongst each other. Ash looks at his food and feels bored with the nature of the conversation with his parents before Asking).

Ash: Can I go now? Because I want to go to see Grandpa and Zoroark. (This surprises his parents as Meyer cringes at hearing that from him).

Meyer: Oh. (Ash finds this reaction from his dad alarming as he asks).

Ash: What?! (Meyer then says to Ash and Pikachu).

Meyer: Well, we were kinda hoping you would be finding friends your age to play with.

Ash: Kids my own age is boring. Grandpa is fun. (Then Delia says chiming in here).

Delia: Well, sweetie. We let you go on the road trip with Meyer's Father and his Zoroark this summer. It was because it is important to us that you feel independent.

Meyer: Yes, life experiences, they define us. And Ash, I know Grandpa Mohn and Zoroark's stories are extremely exciting, but they are not real life.

Pikachu: Well neither is that Sitcom about six New Yorkers sitting around a Coffee Shop in their twenty's. No offense. (Then Delia asks).

Delia: Why would you Want to hang out in that smelly old trailer of his anyway? (Ash takes offense with his mom calling the RV a, "Smelly Old Trailer").

Ash: It is the "Northern Star", and it is a motorhome.

Pikachu: And it means a whole lot to Grandpa and Zoroark.

Delia: Do you realize the pollution That thing puts out? (Ash puts his food down and leaves the table, having enough of this conversation). Where are you going?

Ash: To see Grandpa. Come on Pikachu. (Pikachu sighs sadly for Ash before following him. As Delia protests saying).

Delia: But... (But Meyer stops her).

Meyer: Shh, he made a choice Delia. We need to respect that. (She sighs sadly as Mr. Mime, her assistant in house cleaning comes and then takes Ash Plate and Pikachu's half-eaten food bowl from the table. She thanks him saying).

Delia: Thanks Mr. Mime.

Meyer: Do not know what we would do without you. (Mr. Mime smiles and walks to the kitchen with the plate and bowl in hand).


(A Couple of minutes later, in the Northern Star, Mohn was working on a device as Zoroark hands him a tool he needs).

Mohn: There we go. A thing of beauty! Thanks, Zoroark. (Zoroark smiles at the Compliment from Mohn. What he was working on was a wrench that opens and functions as a laser, leaving a smoking hole in framed picture hanging on the wall). Oh! This thing needs a little More work. (Then the RV door opens, and Ash walks in with Pikachu on his shoulder. He then Asks Mohn and Zoroark).

Ash: Where are your keys? (Ash takes a seat in the driver's seat. As Pikachu goes and then takes a seat in the Passenger's seat).

Mohn: Ash? Why do you need my keys? (Ash then says making his problems clear to them).

Ash: Because we are leaving, I tried School and it did not work. Time to hunt down a couple of Pokémon. Come on Grandpa! If we go now, we can miss all the traffic. (Mohn ignores Ash's request, choosing instead to ask him something else).

Mohn: Want a little jerky? Calm the nerves.

Zoroark: It does the trick for me.

Ash: I just ate.

Pikachu: Me too, but thanks. (Already knowing what Ash needs to hear he decides to ask).

Mohn: So, you gonna tell me what happened before we leave?

Ash: The kids at school, Mom, Dad, the whole town has no idea who I am. Ever since I found this on the road trip. (He says referring to the Pokétrix).

Mohn: Well, that is good. They are not supposed to.

Zoroark: It is better that way. (But Ash does not Understand what his grandpa and Zoroark mean by this).

Ash: What is the point of having the Pokétrix if I cannot use it? (Mohn then asks hoping to understand Ash's dilemma here).

Mohn: So, you think they would like you better if they knew that you are a Hero? (Ash nods knowing that is it exactly).

Ash: Well, yes! (Mohn humors Ash and his idea here).

Mohn: You might be right? (Ash asks hoping for the answer he wants).

Ash: So, can I tell them? (But then Mohn dashes his hopes saying).

Mohn: No. No, now the Summer over? We are home now. Ash Ketchum needs to be Ash Ketchum again! It is your responsibility as a kid. As a Hero with a secret. So, try in school. Jump in there with both feet, just be a kid again Ash. That is an order.

Zoroark: It would not be the worst thing in the world Ash.

Pikachu: Just try harder in School Ash. (Ash sighs in defeat hearing that leaning back in the Driver's seat).


(Meanwhile, that evening inside the Pallet Town Clocktower. Inside was the Mysterious being that Ash fought as Magmortar, it somehow survived the fight. And it asked one of its multiple masked figures serving it).

Voice: Did you find it? (The Masked Figures bow their heads as if to say, "No"). No, of course you did not! This place is already dying for me. Remembrance. Fading. Still in the way. (The Mysterious Being growls in anger and rage as one of its minions tried to comfort its master). Do not touch me! (The Mysterious Being goes and lashes out and attacked its minion, knocking him down a set of stairs before crashing on the floor, cracking its face mask. Revealing an incredibly old and unappealing face. The Fellow minions go to help their comrade, but their Master stops them saying). Let him die! You are here to serve me! (They back away from their comrade). Not Each other! Or would you rather I put you back your Clawed cages? (The Mysterious Being's minions growl in obedience. Then their Mysterious Leader creates a Purple Orb in its hands as it grows larger and larger before an image appears in the Purple Orb. It showed that in Outer Space was a large looking Spaceship followed by a fleet of other similar looking Spaceships. As the Mysterious Being sees them, it says to itself). Yes, My Journey here is almost complete. At last, my great race will rise from its Dark Sleep! And this time nothing shall fault me! Once Ash Ketchum is Dead! (The Being said vowing to itself as it watches the progress of the Spaceships on the Orb).


(The Next Day, Ash and Pikachu were arriving at School. Ash was thinking about Mohn and Zoroark's words about "Trying Harder in School". Then they notice a group of girls together, and two of them were the same ones talking about his act of Heroism from yesterday. One of the Girls was directing the others together).

Kelly, Erica, and the Girls: No, no, it is like this Girls. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... (Ash then mutters to himself).

Ash: Jump with both feet? Just be a kid. Cannot be any harder than taking down Pokémon, I Hope. (Pikachu then gets an idea and shares it with Ash).

Pikachu: Hey Ash, walk over and talk to those girls. Likely they can give you an idea on how to get more involved in school. (Ash thinks about it for a second and nods, deciding to give Pikachu's words a try. He walks over to the girls and says).

Ash: Hi, I liked taking part in the Talent Show. (One of the girls, Kelly asks him).

Kelly: What is your thing? (Ash does not understand what Kelly is talking about here, until another girl named Erica spells it out for him).

Erica: Hello?! What do you do? (Ash then tries to think up a skill to show besides the one on his wrist).

Ash: Oh Well, I am quite good at... Could you not just give me something?

Pikachu: You will need to forgive him, he is uh... not talentedly inclined. (Pikachu said nervously. As Ash Whispers to him).

Ash: Traitor. (Then the girl Kelly says).

Kelly: This is a Talent show and not a Talent Sale. (Then she and Erica laugh at this and clap their hands together. Ash does not like them making fun of him and decides to show them what can really do).

Ash: All right I will show you what I can do! (Ash unveils the Pokétrix to them, causing Pikachu to Panic at what Ash is going to do here).

Pikachu: Ash no! (Then Erica asks seeing the Watch on Ash's wrist).

Erica: What kind of Boring watch is that? (Ash is about to Activate it, when Iris and Axew, having seen this run over and calmly stop him. While trying to think up a cover story here to avoid suspicions).

Iris: Ash! Put that away! Do you Know that trick is not ready yet? (Ash hides the Pokétrix as Pikachu feels relieved for Iris' incredible timing here. But then Ash realizes the word Iris used just now).

Ash: Trick? (Iris gets an idea here and goes with it, hoping it be believable).

Iris: Sure. For our Magic Act? Do you Know the one performed all over the country this Summer? What would he do without me to remind him? (She and Axew look over at Kelly and Erica nervously).

Axew: With mine and Pikachu to help with uhh... (Then Pikachu chimes in saying).

Pikachu: Special Effects. (Axew nods as that was the word he was looking for. Kelly asks trying to understand what they are saying here).

Kelly: You two are Magicians? (Iris decides to play along here, agreeing with her).

Iris: Oh Yeah! We are famous! When people hear that the (Iris tries to think up a Name for her and Ash to use before thinking of one) amazing "IRISDINY" and her assistant are performing, they are going to pack this place. (Kelly and Erica exchange weird looks between each other. While Ash does not like the implications of his part in all this).

Ash: Assistant? (Then Iris mutters to Ash).

Iris: Work with me.

Erica: Well, we do not have a Magic Act?

Iris: You do now. (She then says to the girls with Kelly and Erica). Better keep practicing. (She leads Ash and Pikachu away as Kelly and Erica turn their attention to the other girls in the group).

Erica: Back to one. (The girls resuming practicing as Ash, Iris, Axew, and Pikachu begin walking away).

Pikachu: Thanks for the Save Iris. (Ash then asks Iris).

Ash: Since when do we have an act?

Iris: Since About 10 seconds ago.

Ash: That is great! I just love being a kid. (And So, Ash's School Day Continues, now having the burden of being in a Magic Act with his cousin).

-To be continued-