Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the next chapter of "A Long Distance Ship." May's first contest ended in a defeat in the first battling round last chapter, and this chapter has Ash and co. spend one more day in Slateport City before heading to Mauville for Ash's thrid Hoenn League badge. But I don't want to talk about that... yet... You see, if you are reading this chapter on the day that it goes live (March 24th, 2023), then you know today marks the end of an era. Ash's last episode as the Pokemon anime's protagonist aired in Japan today, and come April 14th, two new faces will be taking the helm. Ash Ketchum was a part of our lives for over a quarter of a century, growing ever closer to his dreams alongside us during that time. I would like to thank all of the amazing people who have brought the adventures of Ash Ketchum and all of his friends to life. Kana, Daiki, Fukimo, Kaito, Hitomi, Riena, Kei, Mayuki, Mariya, Mika, Yuki, Mamoru, Aoi, Megumi, Fushigi, Kaori, Tomokazu, Yuji, Mayumi, Ikue, and especially Rika: Thank you for bringing Ash and his friends to life and bringing so many memories to viewers across Japan and the world! And now, on with our featured presentation!

ashketchum497
To: misskwaterflower049
Subject: The Oceanic Museum

Hey Misty. Today is our last day in Slateport City before we start heading to my third gym battle in Mauville City. While May and Brock decided to stop by the street market in order to get some supplies for the road, Max and I decided to check out the Oceanic Museum like you suggested. It was closed when we got there, but the man who ran the museum, Mr. Stern, let us in anyways. Apparently he closed the museum today because he wanted to study a rare rock that he found under the sea. It contained traces of heat despite being underwater for so long, most likely because of a rare Pokémon. However, Mr. Stern wasn't the only person interested in the stone, as Team Magma decided to attack the Oceanic Museum in order to use the stone for their own purposes… do you think the stone has some ties to the Pokémon they are after, Mist? I helped Captain Stern try to defend the stone and get it back inside while Max went to go get May, Brock, and Officer Jenny for more help, but I tripped and Team Magma got away with the stone. Even though Mr. Stern has enough of the stone left to work on discovering the mysteries behind it, I cannot help but blame myself for what happened. Team Magma has advanced with their plots to do… whatever… and I was why they were able to… Mr. Stern told me not to feel bad, but I don't know what they are up to… Anyways, we leave Slateport tomorrow, and I will talk to you once I reach the next Pokémon Center.

Ash

misskwaterflower049
To: ashketchum497
Subject: The Oceanic Museum

Hey Ash, I am glad you decided to check out the Oceanic Museum before heading out tomorrow. That stone Mr. Stern had sounds like it was really important, and the Pokémon that is tied to it sounds like a really powerful and important Pokémon, like Lugia and Ho-oh back in Johto. And don't feel too bad about what you did, Ash. Mr. Stern had what he needed from the stone, and I am sure that Team Magma are still a long way from where they want to go with the stone… whatever they want to do with it… I am still as puzzled as to what their motivations are, and I bet you are just as confused, Ash. I hope you find out more as you go through the Hoenn Region, Ash.

Misty

And that just about does it for this chapter of "A Long Distance Ship", everyone! And remember: while Ash's journey after 25 years ended today, I plan on continuing this story until at least the end of the Battle Frontier arc, and the Sinnoh arc if the story is popular enough. Anyways, thanks again to Ian for leaving a review. Every review shows that you care about the story, and so does every favorite and follow. So remember to leave a favorite and a follow if you wish to support Ash's talks with Misty! Anyways, I will see you next time, and thanks for all of the memories, Ash!