Hello, everyone, and welcome back to "A Long Distance Ship". Last time, Ash met May's family and challenged Norman, the Petalburg City Gym Leader, to a battle. And despite being Top 8, he still has a lot to learn and thinks leaving with just Pikachu was a mistake. Luckily, his friends told him he made the correct call. Anyways, as Ash couldn't get to a computer in AG004 or AG005, this episode will have the events of those episodes and the sixth episode of the Advanced Series. Let's get going!

ashketchum497
To: misskwaterflower049
Subject: A new capture and an old friend

Hey there, Misty. It took me a while, but I am finally ready to talk to you. After May, Max, and I left for the Petalburg Woods, I encountered an old friend. Looking back at his emails, I should have expected for Brock to come back and rejoin me, but his return was still a pleasant surprise. Anyways, the same day I ended up catching my first new Pokémon that same day: a Taillow. I caught him after a battle with Pikachu, which was caused when he stole Max's chocolate. I still had that handkerchief you brought me, so I used that to wipe off the mustache he got. Anyways, Taillow has been a valuable member so far, as he has been filling Noctowl's old role of searching really well. He helped locate Max after he ran off (he tried to prevent a trainer from catching a Zigzagoon after said trainer insulted his dad, the Petalburg Gym Leader), and he even helped us hunt down a poacher! You see, earlier today, I saw a part of a net embedded in a tree. We soon learned it was the work of a poacher, whom we found after he had his captures run off "thanks to a bunch of fools" in his words. With all of the bad guys like him and Team Rocket running around, I am glad that I don't have to always be the hero. I mean, I wanna be a hero, but it is sometimes good for others to take out bad for a change. And thanks for reaffirming that I made the right call in only bringing Pikachu, and good luck against trainers for when they come. I will be rooting for you!

Ash.

misskwaterflower049
To: ashketchum497
Subject: A new capture and a new friend

Hey, Ash! I am glad to hear that you officially caught your first Pokémon in the Hoenn region, and that he was very useful for you so far. And it is cool that Brock came back so you have some connection to your original journeys beside Pikachu beside you. I have been continuing to train up my Pokémon for when the challengers start coming in. The badge collecting season should be starting up in about a week or so, and I want to be ready to face any challenger that comes my way. I decided that the Pokémon I use should reflect my skills as a trainer. Do you think that sounds like a good idea, Ash? Please tell me soon!

Misty

PS: Do you think that Team Rocket may have been the fools that the poacher was talking about?

And that is it for this chapter of "A Long Distance Ship!" iancotterill56 made comments praising how I handled 4Kids retconning Brock's mom, Brock and Misty telling Ash that he made the right choice in bringing Pikachu to Hoenn, and how Misty compared herself to May. You are welcome, Ian, those comments are welcome. I would also like to thank Mauro1989, who added this story to their favorites list. Make sure to keep those favorites, follows, and reviews coming, folks. They push more people into reading the story and give me the steam I need to keep writing these chapters for you. Anyways, I will see you on Friday for another new chapter of A Long Distance Ship!