Welcome to filler episode number the second. Like the birthday episode, this one is fine to skip, but I would rather you not. There are still going to be character moments and even bringing in a new character that I debated for a while but realized would be interesting to add her in after thinking it through. Also... please don't skip my story. It would be nice.
There may or may not be a scene with Ash and Misty where they get closer.
The Very Best:
Chapter 13:
The Beach Day
Opening (If you want to): chAngE (From Bleach, composed by Miwa)
Four days had passed since the group had encountered Team Rocket.
Everyone had gotten back into the swing of things as things had calmed down, and their journey had resumed. The group did their best to simply sweep the whole thing away and act like everything was the same, even if silence seemed a lot more common than usual. May did have a big nightmare the night before but was able to deal with it without anyone knowing about it. She had to thank Charmander for the help.
Ash was in his tent as he was relaxing during the night. Training had become much more severe since Team Rocket, the boy often waking up at six in the morning to train with his Pokémon. Everyone did raise their hours of training, but none were as dedicated as Ash or Ryan. Ash saw Wartortle sleeping on his pillow as he looked at his Pokémon Egg.
Ash gently touched the glass as he looked at the egg. The egg had not moved, but Brock said it would probably be a while before something like that could happen. "I can't wait to meet you. I've always wanted to meet a Dratini." He thought to himself as caring eyes laid on the egg.
A sudden knock at his tent made him look up. "Ash," Red called from outside the tent. "You might want to step out."
"Pika!" Pikachu called as well. Ash quickly got up, and he opened up the tent, seeing the taller boy with his partner. Red was wearing a loose yellow shirt with the symbol of a water Pokémon and black shorts that went below his knees.
"What does she want?" Ash inquired.
"She didn't say. Just a warning for you; she seems to be annoyed right now." Ash gave out a sigh, wondering what this could be about. "I can stand by in case you need some moral support."
Ash shook his head. "It's fine." He quickly stretched himself as he came out. "Thanks for telling me. Good night."
"Good night," Red said as the two went their ways. Ash came out as he looked around, seeing Brock seemingly asleep already if his darkened tent was any indication. May seemed in the same boat as the teenager, but Ryan was still up. The boy was actually outside right now as he was currently reading a book of some kind.
Ryan was calmly reading the book as a pencil and paper was next to him, the boy occasionally writing stuff down on it as he found something interesting in the book. "Hey!" Ryan was startled but quickly calmed down. Ryan gave a defeated sigh.
"I was jumpy again, wasn't I?"
Ash shook his head. "You weren't jumpy, though you seemed too scared when I called you," Ash replied as he sat beside his friend.
"I'm working on that. After all, the danger is genuine, but your fear of it is only imaginary." Ryan quoted from the book he was reading. "That sums my situation pretty well."
Ash was curious as to what his friend was reading. "What kind of book is it?"
Ryan showed off the front cover of it, golden text written on black. "Do it, scared," Ryan said the title as he looked at the big pages. "I've had this book since Viridian Forest; I just wasn't interested to read it. All this time in this area has changed my mind."
Ash offered a fist bump. "Would you look at that? You're becoming the Trainer you wanted to be!" He complimented, Ryan taking the fist bump. The eleven-year-old then thought about it. "I'm not one to judge, but are you sure a book will help you?"
Ryan shyly scratched his hair. "Well, pure experience hasn't been able to help me out. I want to help out in any way I can." Ryan heard himself as he looked down. "Am I trying too hard? I think I'm trying too hard."
Ash just laughed as he placed a comfortable hand on Ryan's shoulder. "You aren't trying too hard. Although, you're probably rushing this whole thing." Ash remarked. Even though he was also guilty about rushing things, Ash had learned to think before he started the battle after what Team Rocket did.
Ryan couldn't help but agree with that idea. "Well, this book gives some Pokémon tips as well?" He flipped back a few pages as he found the sentence he was looking for. "Did you know that Pokémon tend to give people time to leave their territory before going on the offensive?"
"Yes, I did know that. Professor Oak told me facts like that."
Ryan gave a sweat drop after telling him something he already knew. "Well, just take what I said as a reminder. This book is giving me a lot of good advice, advice that I probably wouldn't have figured out on my own." Ryan admitted though a bit of sadness entered his voice near the end.
Ash looked at his friend as he gave him his usual cheerful smile. "Just know that we're here to support you no matter what. Always remember to go at your own pace and that we're not telling you to improve overnight."
Ryan gave a soft smile after hearing that. "Thank you. You somehow know what to always say to cheer me up."
"That's what my mom would always say," Ash said as he looked up at the sky. "I'm not the guy to go with emotions, but I know-"
"ASH!"
Ash almost fell over in shock as he turned to see a very annoyed Misty out of her tent, her foot repeatedly tapping the floor. Ryan seemed worried as he saw Misty giving Ash a hard stare. "Looks like the queen Combee has summoned you."
"I think I'd be better off with an annoyed Combee than an annoyed Misty." Ash thought as he was forced to get up. "Sorry, but I have to go."
"You don't need to explain yourself." Ryan stood up as he quickly whispered in Ash's ear. "If you need some help, just shout for me."
"What are you two saying?"
"Nothing. Just saying good night." Ryan quickly answered as he looked away. Misty looked skeptical at Ryan before dropping it, seeing Ash approach her.
Ash tried to give a smile to the girl. "I'm here!" He presented himself as beast as he could to the irritated Misty.
Misty saw Ash still trying his best to be happy and make her smile, even after she had yelled at him. She gave a massive sigh that contained a content sigh. "I'm sorry I yelled at you." She apologized to her best friend as she rubbed her eyes. "That four hours of sleep is still getting to me."
"It's fine. I'd be tired too." Ash replied.
"That's what you say, but I know it's not fine. Trying to be more patient is harder than I thought." She took a deep breath in. Misty knew she had anger issues and was trying her best to get past them. "One step at a time. One step at a time."
Ash smiled at how hard his best friend tried to change for the better. He encouraged this as the two promised to improve after what happened. "You did call me here."
"Yes, I did. I just wanted to know what our plan looks like tomorrow because I have a plan if you don't have one."
Ash began thinking about what he would do tomorrow, not before this moment. "I don't know. I guess some more training in the morning, and maybe go hiking with Red."
"More training? You've been doing that none stop lately." Misty said, now seeing this as the perfect time to tell her idea. "Would you like to do something more fun, exciting, and doesn't tire you out?"
Ash was intrigued by this. "What did you have in mind?"
Misty smirked as she revealed her grand plan. "Beach day!" She announced as Ash was surprised at the suggestion. "May found a beach about thirty minutes away; I want to go there badly."
"Beach day?" Ash began to think it through. Of course, Ash loved the beach, but he didn't feel like now was the best time for something like this. "I'm not sure."
"You act like you have something better to do tomorrow."
Ash was caught as he began to consider this tempting option, but he still had some doubts. "I've just been having such a streak lately with me and my Pokémon's training. Bulbasaur is so close to becoming level 25."
"Come on. What's one day on the beach?" Misty asked as she got closer. Her voice became very gentle as she said her following sentence. "After all, it's been a while since we've had time for ourselves. Don't you want to feel the sand and cool water upon you?" The way Misty said it made it sound so much more tempting than it was, and it was the last push that Ash needed to give in.
Ash gave the biggest groan as he finally caved in. "...Fine. You win."
Misty gave a big smile at her victory. "Wow! It looks like we have tomorrow planned after all." She remarked with a grin. "Me and May will have everything planned. We'll probably leave around late morning."
"Alright. I guess we're going to the beach tomorrow." Ash reflected as a question popped up in his mind. "Be honest. Was this yours or May's idea?"
Misty just gave a simple shrug. "I would say this was a collaborative effort between us girls. By the way, even Wartortle was in favor of this idea."
"Why does that not surprise me?" Ash said as he heard his partner supporting this behind his back. Misty just laughed after hearing that question, knowing exactly how they were.
"Last one to the beach is a rotten Exeggcute!"
"War war!" Ash and Wartortle quickly dashed off, with stuff in their hands, down to the shore as the group had finally arrived at the beach that May mentioned.
"No fair!" May complained, her hands full as she tried to catch up with them. "You're not the one with your hands full!"
The sun was very bright today as it was the perfect day for the beach. Not too hot, not a cloud in the sky, or windy. Everyone was in their bathing suits as Red changed out his pants and jacket for a simple black shirt and red shorts. The quiet boy had no intention of going in the water as he carried a little red flag, his trusty Pikachu wearing sunglasses that were too big for the Electric-type.
"Pika!" Pikachu said out excitingly as he went along as well.
Ash haphazardly placed his towel on the beach as he and Wartortle went straight for the water, feeling the cool liquid cover their feet as they stepped in. Pikachu was close behind them. Misty gave a daring smile as she placed down the second towel to lay down on. "Like I'm letting you three have all the fun!" She began to run straight for the water.
Brock sighed as he saw the four already inside the water. "They couldn't at least wait until we set up everything?" He asked himself as he saw May about to drop some stuff. "Let me help."
Everything was set up. May sighed as she laid on her pink towel, placing sunscreen all over her body. The girl was lying on her chest as she wanted a tan, not wanting to be in the water. It's not like she disliked water, but she could never look at it the same way again after something had happened when she was younger. She would permanently shutter at the unpleasant memory.
"Come on, May!" Ash called as May opened her eyes. "The water is nice right-AHHH!" Ryan quickly took this chance to dunk him in the water, running away as Ash playfully chased after him.
May shrugged her shoulders as she placed her head down. "Not interested. The sun is calling me today." May answered as she looked at Red sitting beside her, trying to make shade for herself. "Am I right, Red?"
Red was momentarily surprised as he wasn't paying attention until he had been called on. "Hmm. Uh, I agree with whatever you just said." May frowned, seeing herself as the only one excited to be out of water.
Misty quickly took a step out as she went to her bag. "I'm going to bring out my Pokémon for this." She declared as she took a Poke Ball out. "They deserve to be part of this too."
Ryan and Ash stopped their rough playing after hearing that good idea. "Why didn't I think of that?" Ryan asked himself as the two boys quickly stepped, Wartortle excitingly wanting to see who would join him and Pikachu.
Misty took out all of her Water-type Pokémon, including Magikarp himself. Misty decided that Jigglypuff should come out a bit later. Ash also had an easy time as he took out Nidoran and Bulbasaur, knowing that Pidgey in water probably wouldn't be the best idea. Besides, the female Pokémon wanted to be rather lazy today. Meanwhile, Ryan had the most difficulty picking who to send out.
"Pinsir hates the cold, and he's a big fan of water. Butterfree can't exactly swim with his wings." Ryan muttered to himself as he tried to think of what to do. "Jangmo-o would be fine, and maybe Oddish. Would the Grass-type be able to swim?"
"They don't have to swim, you know." Misty reminded him as she got all her Pokémon in the water. "Just bring them out and see who wants to stay out."
"Easy for you to say. Your Pokémon live in water." Ryan remarked on the excellent advice. The boy finally decided as he brought out Pinsir, Oddish, and Jangmo-o. He told them what was happening as he finished with: "Do your own thing!"
Pinsir had made a comfortable burrow in the sand, liking the hot sand all over him. Poor Oddish was a bit nervous at the cold water, only dipping his toes in as he tried his best. Jangmo-o was practically off training, finding the environment well-suited for him. All the Water-type Pokémon were testing to see who would go as far as possible, Azumarill having a significant lead with Magikarp right behind him.
"War," Oddish looked up to see Wartortle come over, pointing to his back as he gave the Grass-type a reassuring smile. "War tort le le." He encouraged. the Grass-type jumping on the shell after a big gulp. Oddish was given a nice ride as Wartortle swam across the surface with Oddish sitting on him, the Grass-type taking a tremendous breath.
"Wow! Look at that, Ryan." Misty pointed out as the boy saw his and Ash's Pokémon having a good time. Misty gently picked up her Horsea as she floated in the water. "I'm so glad Oddish has become more open lately."
"You can say that again. My own Pokémon is better at that than me." Ryan remarked as he gave a sad sigh. He then heard some commotion as he turned, seeing Starmie and Bulbasaur cheering on the race from the water. Azumarill could easily win as Magikarp sadly came by a few seconds later. "Look like Magikarp lost the race. It's sad, but it was predictable."
Misty felt pity for her Pokémon as the Water-type looked down in shame. "Don't worry, Magikarp! You'll always have another race to win!" Magikarp lightly smiled after hearing that, feeling comfort as Azumarill approached him.
Ryan smiled as he saw the nice scene between fellow Pokémon. "You still have that Rare Candy, right? Why don't you give it to Magikarp if he wants to evolve?"
Misty sighed as she held Hrosea close, the female Pokémon snuggling up to her Trainer. "I know that's what he wants, but it's too early. I know we can get there without needing candy. It has taken a long time, but I'm proud of how far he has come."
"I see. I was just wondering." Ryan remarked, seeing the closeness of Misty's Pokémon firsthand.
"Star mie, ie!"
"Magi," Magikarp responded as he promised to improve, but Azumarill wouldn't allow this.
"Marill! Azu mar." He spoke up. Magikarp was glad that his friend was willing to stick up for him.
"Wartort!"
Everyone turned as they saw Wartortle rescuing Oddish from the water as a laughing Squirtle was nearby. Wartortle angry words were only responded with more laughter. "Oh man," Ash quickly came over as he went to deal with this. "What seems to be the problem?" He asked his partner.
"War tort le! Tortle wa!" He accused Squirtle of pushing him from underneath, causing him to lose balance and have Oddish in the water. Squirtle merely scoffed at the fact.
"Squir Squirtle le irt. Squirtle ir qui squ." She was calling them babies, saying that it was just a joke. She didn't even try to apologize or show regret.
Ash looked between the two as a father would with his children. "Squirtle, we don't play like that. You knew that Oddish didn't like the water and that he was on there." Ash was calm as he told the Water-type. "Could you try to play a bit nicer?"
"Squirtle!" She turned away at such an idea.
The boy sighed as he thought of something else. "Why don't you play with someone else? Maybe someone else could do better with your playfulness." Squirtle grumbled to herself as she stepped out of the water, mumbling about favoritism coming from Ash. Ash sighed as he couldn't get through to her.
"War," Wartortle sent a grateful look to Ash, the boy smiling as his partner and Oddish began to swim off. Misty went over to her best friend.
"Don't feel bad. Even I'm struggling to get through to her," She admitted as she brought him away. "And you handled that situation pretty well."
"Thanks," Ash said as he saw Oddish being brought to the shore, Ryan coming to his Pokémon worriedly. A bright idea came to mind as he wanted to have as much fun as possible. "Why don't we do a race for us to all watch? You vs one of us?"
"That sounds nice, but I don't want to beat you guys too badly," Misty admitted as she gave a wink. "I didn't get those trophies in my room for nothing."
"Why don't you take on Brock? He should probably be a good enough challenge."
Misty thought about it as she saw Brock and Red doing their own thing, sprinting to the flag in the sand as Red got their first. "Looks like he's in his own race." She then looked down at May. "Hey, May?"
"Hmm?" The girl raised her head as she almost fell into a comfortable nap.
"I'm looking for someone to race with me. Seeing how you have lived so close to the ocean, would you mind joining?"
May smiled as she placed her head down. "Nope! I'm perfectly okay with not being in the water." She expressed, glad at not being in there with all the Pokémon roaming around.
"Come on. We don't have anyone else, and you have a bad tan mark on your back." May quickly sat up as she looked, seeing Misty lying about it. "Made you look!"
"Ha ha," She said dryly as she laid back down. "Sorry, but I don't feel like it. I don't want to beat you too hard."
"Misty said the same thing." Ash began to change a sentence to make May get up. "May get up! May get up!" Ryan and Misty joined in as May saw that these three were serious, knowing that she couldn't sleep her way out of this.
Brock gave a quick whistle as he walked over to the grounded girl. "You got quite a crowd, May." He remarked as he looked down. "You want to give into the demands of the people? Nothing wrong with declining it except disappointment." Brock was encouraging her in a unique way.
May looked at Red, who merely shrugged. "What do you want me to say? I'm not the one being called out."
The cheers kept going as even the Pokémon joined in. Jangmo-o and Nidoran were nudging the girl's feet, forcing the girl to stand up. May saw no choice as she looked at the group. "Fine! I'm coming!" She said in a rather annoyed way.
Everyone cheered as the girl entered the water, the ten-year-old unbothered by the cool liquid as she stepped in. You got this May! I believe in you!" Ryan told his friend.
May, though happy with the inspiration, just took a deep breath in as she swam over. "Let's get this over with."
A few minutes went by as the little race they wanted was set. All it was a somewhat straight line that two Pokémon marked. Starmie marked where they started, and Azumarill for when they ended. Everyone was out on the sand or stuck close to the shore, as the Pokémon were particularly interested in this. May didn't want any other Pokémon in the water for this, and she refused to give an honest answer when questioned about it.
"It's so simple, ladies," Brock told them as he was in charge, standing just a foot away from the water. "Just get from the Starmie point to the Azumarill point. Only one rule, no interference." Brock was mainly looking at Squirtle, who gave a massive eye roll as she sat on the sand. "All clear."
"Crystal," The two accidentally said at the same time, the girls sharing a chuckle at that coincidence.
"You got this, Misty!" Ash already knew who he would cheer on, but Ryan struggled between the girls.
"Should I cheer on May? Would Misty chase me for doing that?" He became paranoid as he worried about how this simple decision would affect everything. Brock and Red were fine being neutral, while the Pokémon were split down the middle.
"Pika chu Pikachu!" Pikachu said for May's side.
"Nido nido!" Nidoran said as he spoke on behalf of the Misty side.
"On your marks! Get set!" Both girls got into position and took a deep breath in, May crossing her fingers as she tried to call upon luck. "GO!"
Both girls took as they went as fast as they could. It was all about time, not really about distance. May kept her breathing in control as she used her energy responsibly. Misty knew how to properly breathe as she maintained a good lead for the first fourth of it. To Misty's surprise, May was able to keep up pretty well.
"May's doing well," Ash remarked as he saw the girl going fast. "I knew getting her to go against Misty was a great idea."
Misty kept up good speed as she looked at May close behind her. "Your pretty good," She complimented her opponent. "But I have no intention of handing you the win."
"Good. I want to ensure my opponent takes this as seriously as I am." May replied as she had a quick burst of speed to get past Misty. Misty gained a big smile and felt proud, going fast as well.
The two were neck and neck as the finish line was so close. "The suspense is killing me," Red said in the most neutral tone imaginable.
Ryan finally decided who to cheer on. "GO, MAY! YOU CAN DO THIS!" He screamed out for the girl.
May was slowly running out of breath as she suddenly lost her form, causing her to readjust. Misty used this brief moment of weakness to use all her energy into the last few strokes needed to secure the victory. Misty passed first with a smile as May came a second too late, trying to catch her breath.
"Misty is the winner!" Brock declared as everyone cheered for the girl.
Misty and Ash did a high-five as the girl came out of the water. "WOH!" Misty loudly said. "Been a while since I've had to try at one of those things."
"You were pretty good out there." Red complimented the girl calmly, and Misty gladly took the compliment. May came out of the water, a slight frown at losing. "May. You did great, alright?"
"Pikachu!"
May smiled at hearing them cheer her up as Brock came over with a towel. "You were pretty fast. Do you do a lot of competitive swimming?"
"When I was younger. I have a few medals back at home." She revealed as she dried off her body. "Although, I think I lost my touch a bit."
"Are you sure? You can keep up with Misty pretty well, and that's saying something."
"You don't have to compliment me. I'm just glad that we could race at all." May gave an exhausted sigh as she rubbed her eyes. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a towel to lie on."
"Oh," Ryan said disappointedly, May looking at him as she how he was slightly disturbed.
"What's wrong?"
"Uh... I was going to tell you something, but I forgot." Ryan lied. May looked at him briefly before shrugging, deciding not to press him. Ryan sighed as he was about to turn around, but that was foiled as Brock was in the way. "Can I help you?"
"I was going to say that to you," Brock said as he placed a comforting hand on the boy's head. "Something's on your mind. What's up?"
"Oh. I was going to ask May if we could... go on a walk." Ryan seemed a bit nervous as he answered. "It sounds stupid, I know."
Brock's mouth grew into a knowing smile as he looked at the boy. "I see. You should go and ask her. All she could say is 'no,' right?"
Ryan rubbed his shoulder as he looked at May getting comfortable in her towel. "I have a hard time asking for stuff, especially if that means someone else will be using up their time."
Brock gently grabbed his chin as he made Ryan look at him. "Here's my advice. Please keep it simple, don't try to be too weird or complicated about it. Make sure to be kind and to be respectful. Give her a reason as to why she wants to do this." Brock listed off as he reached his last point. "And if all else fails, don't use force or threats. That's one of the worst mistakes you could ever make."
"I'm not sure if that will work, but I guess I have no other options."
"That's the spirit!" Brock was still giving him a knowing smile. The smile was starting to worry the younger boy as Brock continued. "Trust me. It's worse to try and fail than simply skipping out altogether."
Ryan gave a raised eyebrow at the teenager. "What are you thinking? What are you plotting?" He asked.
Brock couldn't contain it anymore. "Oh, nothing. It just sounds to me that you want to have her alone because you like, like her."
"Eww!" Ryan seemed rather annoyed after hearing that. "I'm not interested in a relationship! We're just friends, and I don't even know how to make one in the first place."
Brock just chuckled as he saw how angry Ryan became. "If you say so. Just take my advice and see how it works out." He instructed as he went to enter the water with everyone else. Ryan was left alone as he thought back to what advice his best friend had given him.
"Keep it simple," He repeated as he made his way to May. He steadied himself as he came over with a smile. "Hey!"
"If it's another race, count me out." May quickly said, as she had no interest in getting up for a while.
"It's not that." May looked up after hearing that, wondering what else it could be. "Would you mind doing something with me? It may or may not require standing and using your legs."
May sat up. "Let me guess. You want to do a run?"
"Close. I prefer walking." Ryan said as he had finally made his move.
"A walk?" May sighed as she sat down. "After a swimming race that made me out of breath? I'll pass."
"Come on. You act like a walk will take away all your energy for the day." Ryan said, now deciding to use the advice that Brock had given him. He was giving her a reason to take part. "Just imagine how beautiful it will be to walk on the calm shore. The sand on your feet as the sun slowly comes down. A-and we can search and see what cool things we may find." Ryan quickly saved it at the end as he listed the reasons. "Do you want to pass all that up?"
"...Yup. I feel pretty confident in this choice." May answered after a second. Ryan placed his arms down as he sighed, knowing it was time to activate his last trick.
"Don't you trust me?" Ryan said softly as he used those eyes, trying to look innocent for the girl.
"Oh no!" May quickly looked away as she tried not to fall for it. "How did you know my weakness?"
May was a horrible sucker for cute things, and the face that Ryan pulled off was so sweet. Ryan still kept going as his eyes became bigger. May covered her eyes as she tried not to fall for the trap, but it was simply too hard for the girl to try and keep a straight face. The struggle was too much, as she knew that resistance was futile.
"...Alright. You've convinced me." May finally gave in as she stood up, smiling at Ryan. "Let's go take that walk."
"YES!" Ryan excitingly thought as he offered his hand to the girl, walking off as they went to explore the beach. Ryan silently turned around as he gave a thumbs up to Brock, the teenager giving his own as he saw that his advice did work out.
"Don't stray too far!" Red warned as he sat in the shade, ready for a nice nap after doing nothing.
The two walked through the sand as one side had the forest and the other had the ocean's calm waters going up and down. May happily sighed as she walked through, seeing the sun slowly coming down from its highest point. "Looks like you were right about this whole walk thing. I'll give you props there."
"See? Is this not more exciting than laying outside as the sun cooks you?" Ryan asked, not understanding the whole appeal of a tan. "That has to be one of the most boring things ever made."
"Easy for you to say. You're the kind of shade of skin I want." May grabbed his arm as she gently pinched a piece of skin, closely examining it.
Ryan calmly put the arm away as May knew to let go. "I don't know what to say. I was born like this." He remarked as he looked at the ocean, a question coming to mind. "How often do you visit the beach?"
"Not as much as I probably should," May admitted, knowing she had a luxury some could only dream of having. "It's nice to know that we don't have to waste money or time getting a pool. Although, I don't wish to come into the water unless I have to."
"Whys that?"
"...Uhhhhhhhhhh..." May tried to draw it out to get out of answering hopefully, but it looked like she had to use another trick as Ryan was patiently waiting for her to say something. "LOOK! A distraction!"
"Where?" Ryan looked at what May pointed, seeing nothing and realizing he had fallen for one of the most obvious tricks imaginable.
May couldn't help but contain her laugh, not believe that actually worked. "HA HA HA! Why did that work?" Ryan slowly turned around, and he gave a massive frown.
"If you didn't want to tell me, you could've just said so."
May was still laughing for a minute before she had to stop. "Sorry, but I was desperate. Just don't feel like answering that right now." May admitted in slight shame.
Ryan gave a comforting smile. "If it's hard to remember, or it's too painful to say, then don't say it." He kindly told the girl, May surprised by how understating he was. "Not like me knowing about that will change our friendship, will it?"
"No. It's nothing terrible." May quickly said as he thought about it, realizing her real reason. "Although, it seems pretty silly the more I think about it. It's just something that happened a long time ago."
"Well, let's talk about something else." Ryan decided to bring up something he knew would cheer the girl up. "How's your family been?"
"Oh, boy. I don't think I can answer that in a simple sentence." May chuckled as she tried to find the right words. "Well, everything seems to be going well for them."
"Do they miss you?"
"Of course. I think my mom misses me a bit too much, though." May said, understanding that her mother was looking out for her. "I wish I could call her daily as promised, but there's almost no service out here. I hope she won't be too upset."
"You're mother's name was... Coraline?" Ryan asked.
"Caroline." May corrected. "I don't get how everyone keeps getting it wrong. Anyway, she is an amazing cook, and I got my looks from her. Brock's food is amazing, but my mom's is so important to me. Call it bias, if you will."
"Oh, I definitely will." Ryan playfully joked.
"Now for my dad, he's the Gym Leader of Petalberg, but you already knew that." She realized mid-sentence as she tried to give out new information. "Well, he's very kind and playful with us. His job takes up most of his time, though, and he always seems so tired." May remarked as she felt bad for her hard-working father.
Ryan gave a slight frown. "Sounds rough,"
"I know he just wants what's best for us, so I'm not mad about it," May answered as she went to the final member. "Max... where do I begin with him? He's brilliant for his age and is always looking for something to do," She tried to be positive before her gripes showed themselves. "But he's sometimes annoying and so sarcastic for no reason."
"He sounds fun," Ryan joked as he saw the annoyed look May gave him. "When can I meet him?"
"Ha ha ha." She said in a very monotone way. "Anyway, he's a bit of know it all at times, and he always comes to me for stuff. Despite it all, I know he loves me. And I love him more. He's my little brother, after all." She gained a soft smile as she turned to Ryan. "I'll let you decide if that's a good thing or not."
"Thank you for this very crucial decision. I'll take my time with this one." May chuckled after hearing that.
"That's probably the answer Max would give me." May decided to ask Ryan about his family, curious as to who his parents were. "What's your family like?"
Ryan completely stopped in his tracks. May also stopped as he saw her friend stand completely still, looking into the ground after hearing such a simple question. The boy had his eyes wide as his mouth felt somewhat dry, trying to be calm for the girl. "My... my family?" May was surprised she was able to hear this.
"Yes," May quickly came over. "If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to. I-I'm sorry that I-"
Ryan quickly stopped her as he tried his best to offer a smile. "It's fine. You couldn't have known." He tried his best to smile for the girl because he knew that was what she would want. He looked away as he saw the fantastic sunset that had come, the soft light reflecting off the clear water. "I... just don't want to say it."
May worryingly looked at her friend, seeing how he still tried to smile. She knew it was fake as she went to comfort him, feeling bad for the boy. The boy felt soft arms wrap around him as he returned the favor, but his head did not turn. He looked at the water as thoughts and memories ran through his mind. The boy was so grateful that May was there to comfort him.
A soft tear slowly came out of the eye that May didn't see; Ryan breathed out as he felt it slowly drip down.
"Ryan," May said in a soft voice as she made her look at him, a sad smile as she saw the tear mark on his face. "If it's hard to remember, or it's too painful to say, then don't say it."
Ryan released a slight chuckle. "Thanks for the advice." He became calm again as his smile became genuine, ready for a walk. "Why don't we resume our little walk."
"I was thinking the same thing." May and Ryan started walking again, though much slower than before. A solid two minutes passed as Ryan was still not talking, May wanting her friend to be alright. "Ryan. Will you be okay?"
Ryan said nothing for a few seconds as he turned around, giving off his best smile. "As long as my friend is with me, I'm more than ok." May gave him a smile after hearing that reassuring answer.
May tried to think of something else to discuss, getting a funny idea as she looked at the ground. "Why don't we talk about the sand?"
"The sand? It feels rather rocky," Ryan jokingly said, knowing that the girl was doing her best to help him. "May,"
"What's up?"
"When we reach Vermillion, you speak to your family through the Pokémon Center computer," Ryan suggested, May agreeing with that idea.
"I can't believe I didn't think of that first. Thank you for the idea," She said, criticizing herself for not thinking too far ahead. A bright idea came to mind. "Would you like to meet them? I bet you and my mom would get along well."
"Me? Meet them?" Ryan was a bit surprised at the idea. "It's your call. I don't want to disturb you by being there."
"You won't, and you aren't a disturbance," May said kindly, the two looking at one another as they felt how strong their trust was. Ryan gave a big smile as he pointed to himself.
"I think I would like-"
"Just hold still. I'm almost done."
The two heard a female voice that was somewhat distant. The two looked at each other in confusion as they followed the voice. They went further as they saw a few rocks resting on the sand. A girl appeared to be drawing the Pokémon sitting on the rock next to her. The Pokémon was pink and looked like a cross between a salamander and a hippopotamus. He had vacant eyes that stared off into nothing, curled ears, and a rounded, tan muzzle. He had four legs, each ending in a single white claw. His long, tapering tail has a white tip.
"Poke?" The Psychic-type moaned lazily.
"Almost done, Slowpoke. Just need to add some more shading to the face." The girl told Slowpoke. She was eleven years old with green eyes and platinum blond hair, her hair in a ponytail tied with a braid. Her outfit was a white sailor-like shirt with a blue ribbon and a short white miniskirt with a light blue line. She also wears a pink backpack with a white ribbon and white penny loafers with white ankle socks. "You're going to like this."
May quietly stepped out as she decided to introduce herself. "Hello."
"Ahhh!" The poor girl was startled as she looked at the two newcomers, calming down after she saw who it was. "Sorry for screaming like that. I was so focused that I didn't even hear you."
"Oh, it's perfectly fine," May said as she stepped over. "I just wanted to see what you were doing. We haven't seen anyone else on the beach for... I don't know how long we've been walking." May realized as she looked down.
The older girl curiously looked at them as she looked down at her sketchbook. "Well, I've been drawing this Slowpoke for the last two hours. He's perfect since he hasn't moved in a while." She remarked as she added the final touches to the drawing. "Alright, Slowpoke, see yourself as a drawing!"
The girl revealed her drawing to Slowpoke and the two, all three amazed at what they saw. The drawing was incredibly realistic and detailed, with her adding shading and depth to the whole thing. Slowpoke happily closed his eyes. "Slow poke! Owpo!" He mumbled out gratefully.
"You drew that?" Ryan asked the girl. "That looks amazing! You're such a talented artist."
"Thank you, but this is just a sketch." She said as she looked at her drawing, giving it a weird look as she turned it to the side. "It just doesn't look right to me. It looks... incomplete."
"If that is only a sketch, I can only imagine what your real drawings must look like." The blond-haired girl smiled at hearing May say that.
"I can show you a drawing of a Stantler that I did last week and one I spent much more time on." The girl then realized that she didn't even know these people. She was about to give her drawings to strangers. "I'm sorry, but I didn't get your names."
"May,"
"Ryan," The two said with a smile to the girl.
"Slowpoke," The Pokémon decided to join as well.
"May, Ryan," She repeated as she registered her names in her mind. "And I already knew your name, Slowpoke, but thank you. My name is Lillie." She kindly said.
"Well, hello, Lillie. I think that's a beautiful name," Lillie smiled briefly after hearing that from Ryan. "It would be nice to see your art. If you want to, of course."
Lillie smiled as she was about to flip through her book. Out of nowhere, her stomach rumbled extremely loudly as everyone became silent after hearing that. Lillie turned red as a tomato as she covered her stomach with her legs and arms. "Um. Please ignore that."
"You haven't eaten?"
"No," Lillie confessed as she looked down. "I became too focused that I accidentally skipped my meal. My brother always calls me out on that."
The two felt bad for the girl as a bright idea came to Ryan. "You know, we have someone that could make you some delicious food. If you want to, you could share some dinner with us."
Lillie was interested in the offer, mainly because she didn't want to cook after sitting down for so long. The girl was still weary of this deal. "It's alright. I'll figure something out."
Ryan shook his head. "Please. It wouldn't be a bother." He assured her. "Besides, you'll be glad once you've tried this food."
"Trust me. That food is something you'll never get out of your head." May added, licking her lips at the thought of some of Brock's food.
Lillie looked at the two. They seemed pleasant to her, but she knew not to trust everyone. She looked at the Slowpoke she had become friends. "Should I trust these two people that suddenly came to me?"
Slowpoke was silent for a moment before giving off the shortest nod possible. "Slo," He told the girl, Lillie shrugging as she couldn't argue with that logic.
"I guess I'm doing this now." She remarked as she stood up, wobbling as her legs still tried to wake up. "I'm interested in this food, so I'll come along. But just for the meal, okay?"
Ryan nodded as she began to lead the way, but not before he petted Slowpoke as he sat on the rock. "Well, it was nice to meet you, Slowpoke. Enjoy your rock."
As he was about to step away, Slowpoke used his tail to grab his arm. "Poke," He shook his head as he slowly descended from his precious rock. Going forward as he turned around. "Pok ow." He told them as he continued to walk.
May was surprised as she saw the slow Pokémon make his way forward. "Well, it looks like Slowpoke knows the way back better than us." She remarked as she looked at two. "Looks like we're following the Ice-type."
"Um. Slowpoke isn't an Ice-type in any of their forms." Lillie corrected, making May look like an absolute fool to the girl.
"I-I meant Water-type. What about this Ice-type?" May tried to deflect, but no one was buying it. May quickly cleared her throat as she moved ahead. "Let's go!"
Lillie and Ryan quickly followed the girl and the Slowpoke as they returned the way they came. Slowpoke was surprisingly able to keep up with them, despite the group having to go slightly slower so the Psychic-type didn't get left behind. "Well, May seems to be nice," Lillie said to Ryan, despite being slightly weirded out by her.
"Don't worry. She's a lot better than this." Ryan told the girl as he looked through the sketchbook. "She's all about making a good first impression."
"I'll take your word for it."
Ryan looked through the pages, not believing the kinds of drawings he saw. "You're such a good artist. You probably get a lot of requests from people."
"Somewhat. I got this far just through practice and time." Lillie said humbly. "If you want, I could take a drawing request from you."
Ryan shook his head. "No thanks. I have no real interest in art." He said as he looked through the pages. "But if you're into sports, I'd gladly discuss it and show you some tips."
Lillie liked the idea but shook her head. "Sorry, but not really much for physical activity." She responded. "But I now know who to ask if I need help."
May went to the back as she decided to join. "Do you like music, Lillie."
"Oh, yes." She answered rather excitedly. "I'm a big fan of classical music. It's just so calming to listen to."
May wasn't sure what to say, as she had no attachment to music that was over a hundred years old. "That's good to know. You don't look like you're from here," May said as she closely looked at Lillie. "Are you from this part of the world?"
"No. I'm all the way from Alola."
"Alola?" May's eyes gained stars after hearing that. "I've always wanted to go there! Can you tell me about it, and please don't spare any detail?"
"Umm." Lillie was a bit stunned at hearing a request, not sure how to give an answer that would satisfy the girl.
"Psst. Just a quick warning, we have a girl named Misty that would be even more excited than May if you told her you were from Alola." Ryan whispered to the girl as she saw how nervous she was. "My advice, don't tell her about it." Lillie nodded, getting a feeling she might need to use that advice.
"Poke!" Slowpoke yelled in an exhausted tone, not wanting the people near him to make so much noise as he walked forward.
"You know," Misty exclaimed in wonder as she sat beside Ash on the beach, a towel wrapped around the two as they gazed into the sky. "It's been a while since I've seen a beautiful sunset."
"Have to agree with you on that one." He remarked as he gazed up into the sky, despite not really one to care for something like that. "It's pretty epic."
Misty shifted a bit as she tied to become more comfortable. "And to think you we're just going to train all day." She reminded him.
"Don't worry; I didn't forget about that. I love to swim." Ash then looked to see Wartortle and Squirtle sitting as far away from each other as possible yet close by to monitor one another. "Those two made me move all over the place, so I guess it was a workout in a way."
"You're not the only one that missed the water. All of the Water-types we had seemed to crave for a day like this." Misty directed her eyes to her Water-types, who were all resting after having the most fun in such a long time. "I wish I could've stayed longer, but Brock would've just yelled at me again."
"That might be because you were trying to go all the way out in the water."
"I know how to make it back," Misty quickly defended herself. "And don't think I didn't see you trying to follow me out there. Seeing you get hit with a massive wave really completed this day."
Ash became slightly embarrassed as Misty chuckled at that memory. "Oh yeah? What about that time when you accidentally sat on some Poison Ivy?"
"Oh! You had to bring that up." Ash began to chuckle as Misty looked at him but laughed as she looked back at on it. "It was so painful to walk!" She said through her laughter: they shared a good laugh as it died down, the two looking at the water.
"Hey, Mist?"
"Yes, Ashie?" The two shared their nicknames as they looked at each other.
"I was thinking we could start going for Vermillion City again," Ash suggested as he had gotten a clearer head from this day. "We haven't been traveling that much, and I know that's not fair for you guys. I want to go to Vermillion City just as much as you do."
"Hmm. I enjoyed this training, despite how tedious it was." Misty said as she placed her head into her hands. "I wish I had your dedication. You do so much training and still try to do more."
Ash shrugged. "You can still be that way, you know? I guess I was just born with mine."
"I'll try and strive for it. Giving effort is much harder than most people make it out to be," She quickly stretched herself. "Or maybe that's my lazy side talking. Either way, I will be as dedicated as you, Ashie."
"We shall see, and I don't think you're lazy," Ash told his friend as he smiled. "You do things for us that no one else wants to do, and you try to make us productive and responsible. Just wish you were a bit more fair when you do that."
Misty smiled back. "I don't think your lazy too... at least, most of the time."
"Of course. I can't get a single compliment from the great Misty." Ash joked as he thought that he would get a true compliment.
Misty took that as a challenge. "How about this? Your eyes are pretty."
"Hmm, I guess I'll take it." Ash shrugged as he looked at Misty, trying to think of anything to compliment her. "Your hair looks good."
Misty just gave a small laugh. "Thank you, but I can tell you just came up with that on the spot," Misty said to the boy as she touched her hair, no longer tied up and flowing naturally.
However, Ash wasn't just saying it just for a compliment. "I'm being serious. I think your hair right actually looks good."
Misty was surprised by this, seeing that Ash was telling the truth. "You think so? I tried to be different from my sisters by styling differently," Misty looked down. "And also, because no one likes my natural hairstyle."
Ash placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Well, I don't think that way. But then again, I know almost nothing about hair."
Misty laughed after hearing that, seeing how Ash was still the same after all this time. The two shared a good few laughs as they talked about nothing in particular. The two returned to looking at the water as Misty touched her hair, recalling when Ash had complimented its natural appearance.
"Ash?"
Ash was surprised, mostly because he knew his real name from Misty usually meant business. "Yeah?"
"Just be honest with me." Misty began. "Do you see me as a friend?"
Ash chucked at hearing that question that came out of nowhere. "Well, duh. What else would I see you as?" He answered in a casual voice.
Misty looked down, smiling after hearing that. "I just wanted to make sure. Can't have the boy I'm stuck with think of anything else besides that."
Ash quickly stretched as he stood up, popping his neck. "Well, this boy is done just sitting here. Let's go check on Brock." Misty just shrugged, also getting a bit bored with just sitting around. She stood up and was ready to hang out with the others.
Reflected light suddenly came to her left eye.
Misty quickly closed it as she looked around, wondering where that reflected light came from. She looked at the shore as something completely caught her attention. Something silvery was gently moving back and forth with the waves, Misty knowing how beautiful it must be from here.
"You alright, Mist?"
Misty made Ash turn to see the water, making him see what she was looking at. "Do you see that right there? It looks like it's silver."
Ash gasped lightly at seeing it. "Woo,"
Suddenly, Misty pushed out of the way and ran for the item. "I call it first!" Ash quickly chased after her, but it was too late as Misty retrieved the strange object from the sand.
Ash grumbled at being tricked. "What was the point of pushing me?" He asked in mild anger.
"Just had to make sure I get to keep what I found." Ash playfully rolled his eyes at hearing that, Misty gently swiping the sand away from the item. "Wow!"
"What is it?"
"It looks like... a feather?" Misty was indeed correct. In her hands was a small feather that gleamed with a beautiful silvery color. It was long as it split down the middle, having three black lines on each side. "I've never seen anything like this before."
"What would a feather like that be doing in the ocean?" Ash questioned it, a bit suspicious about it.
"Why are you asking me?" Misty asked back, still holding the feather in her hands. "Well, I guess this is the property of Misty now. I guess this is a beautiful item to remember the day by."
"Can I hold it?"
"I don't know, can you?" Ash gave a massive groan as Misty just smiled.
"May I hold it?" Misty kindly gave it to him after Ash was polite. The boy held the feather and was shocked to feel how soft it was, closely looking at it as he put it next to his eyes. "What kind of Pokémon did you come from? I'm assuming Flying-type because of the feather."
Misty took back her feather as she held it in her hands. "Either way, it's mine now. I'll probably never use this for anything, but it will be a nice thing to have." She remarked as she kept it hidden. "Should I tell them about this now?"
"I think you should," Ash answered, wanting his friends to always be honest. "I think that Brock would be interested in it. Maybe we should tell Professor Oak about this."
Misty just chucked at seeing how much thought Ash was putting into this. "Let's not go that far. For all we know, this could be a feather from an average Pokémon." The girl looked around, and she noticed that two people were still missing. "Speaking of others, where is Ryan and May?"
Ash looked around, seeing that his friends were indeed not there. Ash quickly approached Red and Pikachu, who were cleaning up the group's mess. "Red. Have you seen Ryan and May?"
"Nope. Not at all," Red said in his usual calm tone. "They left about three hours ago that way, and that's all I can tell you."
"Three hours?" Ash asked in shock as he looked at the direction that Red briefly pointed. "We have to go check on them. Something bad could've happened."
"Patience, Ash. Sometimes people need more time than you think, even if that means waiting an extra hour." Red reminded, just like how he always did when it came to being more patient. That is when they saw a group turn and approach them. "Ah! It looks like my advice worked again."
Ash breathed a sigh of relief as he recognized Ryan and May but was surprised to see a new girl and a Pokémon nearby. Nonetheless, he ran over to his friends. "There you guys are. Making Red all worried."
"I wasn't, but whatever," Red said from a distance, not even looking as he had Pikachu cuttle up to him.
"Sorry that took so long." May apologized. "But, me and Ryan had a good chat, and we kind of brought some new friends." She opened her arms to present both Lillie and Slowpoke.
"I could tell," Ash smiled as he shook the new girl's hand. "Hello, my name is Ash."
"Hi. I'm Lillie." The girl kindly said as the two broke the handshake. "I heard about you, Ash. You have a Wartortle and a Bulbasaur, right?"
"Wow. You seem to know a lot about us already." Ash remarked in an impressed tone. "How much do you know about us."
"Um. We only talked about the names, our Pokémon, and what we like to do." Ryan answered for Lillie as he tried to remember. "...I think we told her just about everything, at least before Cerulean."
May looked at Slowpoke in mild anger. "With us having to go slow for him, we had plenty of time to talk." She complained as Slowpoke didn't seem to listen or care.
"Well, hello, good sir." Ash kindly greeted as he bent down to Slowpoke's level, scratching his head as Slowpoke relaxedly sighed. "Is he yours, Lillie?"
Lillie shook her head. "He doesn't belong to me, but he made a good model for my drawing." Slowpoke suddenly wrapped his tail around Ryan's leg, the boy looking oddly at what the Water-type was doing.
"He keeps doing this for some reason, and not even Lillie can explain why." Ryan expressed as Slowpoke smiled, his tail becoming tighter around Ryan's leg.
"Hey, guys. Who is the new girl?" Misty asked as she came around, curious about who these two were. "And who is this cute little Slowpoke?" Misty said to the Water-type in a cute tone.
"Slow," Slowpoke gained a bit of blush as he heard such a compliment from Misty.
"This is Lillie, Misty. Lillie, this is Misty." Ash quickly introduced the two as Misty looked at the beautiful girl.
"Hello. I must say, your outfit is so cute. White suits you so well." Misty said as he thought about her name. "And I love the name, Lillie."
"Oh. Thank you so much. I think your name is perfect too, Misty."
"Wow. That is the first time that someone has ever complimented my name." Misty remarked as she kindly took the girl's hand. "If you want to see everyone else, you might want to hold on to me."
Lillie decided to go along with it as Misty kindly brought her to the rest of the group. "Um, I'll try not to stay too long. I just came here for the food that May and Ryan mentioned." Lillie became shy after revealing that. "It's okay if you can't spare me a plate."
"Nonsense. You're a guest, so we'll treat you like one of us." Misty said as she led Lillie to the rest of the group. "Everyone, please introduce yourself to Lillie."
All the Pokémon began to come to the girl as Lillie smiled down at them, petting a few as they instantly liked the girl's sweet personality. "Hello, Lillie," Brock kindly spoke to the girl as he shook her hand. "I must say, we're honored to have someone as pretty as you."
"Oh, you don't have to flatter me." Lillie kindly said after hearing the wholesome compliment. She looked at the pot that Brock was preparing. "I see you're about to cook. I can help if you wish-"
"No! No!" Misty quickly interrupted the girl as she led her away. "You're a guest, meaning that we should be the ones to cook you food. Please make yourself comfortable."
Misty guided her to a seat as Lillie had to sit down, Misty giving her one last friendly smile as she walked away. "I appreciate the offer," Brock told the girl as he waved at her. "If you want to help, don't hesitate to step in."
Lillie smiled after hearing that. "Oddi," Oddish approached the girl, tapping his foot on a spot near her. The girl nodded as she allowed the Grass-type to sit there. Oddish happily sat by the girl as Lillie looked around, seeing someone she hadn't met yet.
Red stared at the girl as a thumb gently tapped on his cheek in thought. "Um, hello?" Lillie looked at the boy as she tried to be friendly.
Red was a bit surprised as he came over to Lillie. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare at you like that."
"It's fine," Lillie said dismissively, getting a proper look at the boy. "My name is Lillie, and what's yours?"
"Red," Red simply answered.
"Red?" Lillie asked, wondering if this boy was named after a color. "It's nice to meet you, Red."
"It is," Red remarked as he looked at the girl, raising his eyebrow in slight suspicion. "You remind me of someone. I can't explain why."
"Oh! I-I probably have one of those faces." Lillie laughed calmly, not expecting the boy to say something like that.
"Maybe," Red said, deciding it was a coincidence. He brought his hand out. "And maybe we could be friends. Or perhaps, not strangers."
"I wouldn't mind either of those," Lillie responded as she shook the boy's hand.
"You're very easy to speak with," Red observed. "That's good, I guess." Lillie looked at the boy with a weird look. Despite Red being rather peculiar to the girl, Lillie could tell that Red was indeed a kind boy when it came down to it. It reminded her of someone she had back at home.
Lillie was kindly tended to by the group as she felt comfortable with them, and the same could be said for Slowpoke. Slowpoke was still sticking with Ryan as Slowpoke wouldn't even let him stand up, the boy grumbling as everyone chuckled at seeing how much the Psychic-type got attached to him. Red sat by Lillie, never speaking but always sparing her a glance.
"Lillie," Brock called out to the girl. "Are you still offering that help?"
Lillie gasped lightly as she happily began to run over. Misty grumbled as she saw this. "I can't believe you two allowed this." She pointed to both Ash and May.
"Well, you said that we should respect our guest's decisions, and she chose to offer help." May countered, Misty making an angry sound as they had discovered the perfect loophole.
Lillie quickly came over as Brock smiled at her. "What do you need me to do, sir? I know all the ways to use a knife."
"I appreciate the help. Also, none of this 'sir' business." Brock gratefully told the girl. "Ever cooked before?"
"Yes, I have, though I wouldn't call myself great."
"That's okay. Your version of great may be different from mine." Brock told her as he saw how Lillie seemed nervous at admitting that fact. "Either way, two heads will always be better than one."
"Marill!" Azumarill suddenly came over with a big smile. Lillie was surprised.
"Hello. Do you... want to help?" She asked in a slow voice. Azumarill eagerly nodded as Brock looked at the cute Water-type.
"If you'd like to help, make sure to wash those hands." Azumarill nodded as he used Bubble Beam to clean up his hands, smiling as he saw how clean he was.
Lillie smiled as she saw how pumped Azumarill was for this. "If two heads are good, what would that make three?" She asked the teenager as she decided to add some humor.
"Well, three heads are even greater than great!" Brock exclaimed, happily welcoming the help Azumarill would give him.
"Azu!"
Dinner was made for everyone as they all sat down on logs that Ash and Red had set up, a bonfire in the middle that the Pokémon were kind enough to make for them. The three had made a spicy curry that everyone dug into. Despite the burning sensation, it was their tastiest meal on this trip. Misty and Red were the ones that loved it the most, and even those who didn't like spicy food still went for another bite to have the taste in their mouth.
"I didn't think Brock's food could taste better," May said as she looked at Lillie and Azumarill. "I don't know what you did, but you must tell us your secrets."
"It's nothing that special. Just a simple spice I brought from home," Lillie said as she held the little bottle, an orange powder inside as it was called 'Personal Spice'. "It always adds flavor to whatever I put it in."
"I wish I could recreate it, but Lillie that there are some ingredients that we can't get from Kanto," Brock said as he felt bad, having nothing but respect for Lillie's help. "You guys better enjoy the taste now because we may not have it for a long time."
"I can offer you the rest of my bottle."
"You would do that?" May asked in a way too excited tone.
"Thank you, but no. It would not be right to steal what is yours." Brock quickly cut, May giving a pained moan at losing that opportunity. "Thank you so much for helping me cook, you too. And you said that you weren't a great cook." That sentence was directed at Lillie.
Lillie smiled at hearing that from the better cook. "Thank you. One day, I hope to be as good as you." Brock smiled at hearing that.
"Marill!" Azumarill felt proud of himself, seeing that his additional help did some good, even if he was the one that ultimately did the least of the three.
Misty sighed as she went for another bite. "I still can't believe I let Lillie cook for us." She thought, knowing that Lillie was supposed to be the guest in this scenario. "Thank you, but I wish someone else could've helped Brock."
"It's alright. I don't mind helping."
"And besides, how were we supposed to help Brock cook?" Ash asked Misty, knowing that the only other one who had some knowledge was Red. "I don't know how to cook."
"Well, maybe it's time we change that." Misty suddenly stood up as she pointed. "Brock! I would like you to teach me how to cook!"
Instead of agreeing, like Misty thought Brock would, the boy gave her a weird look. "Uhhh? Why the sudden interest?" He asked in a confused tone.
"Well, I feel like I need to learn a new skill. Since no one feels like helping our amazing cook, allow the amazing Misty to be your helper!" She explained in a bold tone. "I bet I'm the best person for the job!"
Ryan suddenly began to fake cough. "Liar!" He said in between coughs. Misty gave a cold stare as Ryan quickly turned away, whistling to himself like he didn't say anything. Misty gave one last skeptical look as she returned to look at Brock.
Brock thought of it for a few moments before shrugging. "Sure, I can teach you the ropes. Just remember that cooking can be dangerous and not exactly something you can pick up in one day."
"I'm okay with all that. It should be simple." Misty remarked. "Get the ingredients, do the steps, and then eat the food."
"If you say it like that, it is simple." Brock deadpanned, causing Misty to sweatdrop at her oversimplification. "How about I teach you after Vermillion? You'd be better off with a book than my words." Misty smiled at hearing that.
"I'm excited about this opportunity, Brockster."
"...Never call me that again."
"Okay," Misty quickly accepted, sitting back in her seat.
Ryan sighed happily as he finished half of his plate. He placed the other half as Slowpoke was still by his side as the lazy Pokémon began to chew on the rest of the food. "I'm just excited to return to the road after all this. Brock," The older raised his head to look at him. "How far are we exactly from Vermillion."
"According to the map, Vermillion should only be a week away," Brock said from memory. "I was worried it would take longer."
"Oh, goodie. More walking." May thought as she had to prepare herself for the multiple-mile walks she would have to partake in.
Lillie calmly stood up as she had to make an announcement. "Thank you so much for this great night, everyone. I'm so glad that Ryan and May can convince me to come here." Ryan and May sent a quick thumbs-up to each other after hearing that. "But sadly, I have to go on my own. It was nice to meet you all."
Ash groaned as he heard that but knew that this girl had her journey to go through. "It was meeting you, Lillie." He gave the girl a pat on the back as she smiled. "I know you'll be a great Pokémon Trainer."
"Thank you, and good luck with becoming Champion." Lillie kindly said back. "That sounds like a pretty daunting task." Ash just shrugged, having no intention of giving up.
Misty quickly wrote something on a piece of paper. "It was nice to meet you. If you ever want to chat with a fellow girl," She finished writing down as she handed the paper to Lillie, the girl surprised to be Misty's number. "I'm only a call away."
Lillie tried her best to smile as she pocketed the paper, deciding to accept the strange gift. "I'll... keep you updated." Misty smiled after hearing that.
Lillie saw Ryan trying to come over, but the boy still wrapped Slowpoke around him. "Could you please let go for two seconds?" Slowpoke just moaned as his grip became tighter. Ryan just sighed as he looked at Lillie. "I would high-five you, but I don't think Slowpoke wants that."
"Poke,"
"That's okay." Lillie came over to offer her high five, which the boy gladly took. "I hope to see you again. I appreciate all the compliments you gave on my art book."
"I kind of had to with how great those drawings were."
Lillie smiled as she went down to Slowpoke. "Thanks for being my little model." She gently petted him. "Don't you want to return to your precious rock or anywhere that isn't Ryan's leg?"
Slowpoke slowly shook his head. "Slo wpo." He said, as he had no intention of leaving Ryan's side.
"Oh my." Lillie looked at Ryan as she lightly chuckled. "I think our little friend Slowpoke wants to stick with Ryan."
Everyone smiled for Ryan after hearing that. "Looks like you just got yourself a new Pokémon, Ryan." Brock asserted as he was happy for his friend.
"What the?" Ryan was confused as he looked at the Psychic-type. "Do you think attaching yourself to me will make me take you in?" Slowpoke instantly nodded. "Well... you aren't completely wrong."
"He's cute," Ash spoke on behalf of the slow Water-type. "And besides, it's his choice to be with you, and I think you would be great for him."
Ryan looked down as he saw how Slowpoke was potentially going to be the newest member of his team. "Brock?" He asked his close friend.
Brock shook his head. "I'm just a bystander." He told the kid. "I mean, it's not common that a wild Pokémon comes over and wants to be taken in by someone."
Ryan knew he was right and that a chance like this may never come again. "Alright. I'll take you in." Ryan said as he tried to kneel, petting the Slowpoke. "I don't know why you picked me, but I promise to do my best for you."
"Poke,"
"You should consider yourself lucky," Red said as he stood up. "Slowpokes don't take that much to raise and get attached very quickly."
"I wouldn't call it luck, just being in the right place at the right time," Ryan said, his book recently teaching him not to believe in luck.
"I'm glad you have Slowpoke, and I assume that smile means you feel the same way." Ryan smiled, actually excited about this.
Ash went by and patted him on the back. "Great job, Ryan! If you ever need some Water-type advice, I'm your guy." Misty suddenly coughed loudly as the two looked at her, seeing a slight frown after hearing what Ash just said. "Oh. I guess Misty's available too."
"Ryan! Come to me for advice!" Misty told the boy as he nodded, knowing she would be the better option. Misty stood up, and she suddenly began to clean up everything. "If everyone's done, we must clean up all this."
"She's right, guys." Brock suddenly caught as he clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Beach fun's over, but now cleaning fun can begin."
"I never thought I would hear the words 'fun' and 'clean' in the same sentence."
"To clean is not to have fun." May laughed as Ash made up that sentence on the spot, Brock laughing as well. Red lightly chuckled as he heard that, getting his bag all ready. "Red? Are you staying for another night?"
"Sorry, but I think it's time I leave now."
Everyone lightly gasped at hearing that Red was planning to leave. Ash gained a sad look, even though he knew this was coming. "Oh, man. I was hoping you could stay for at least another day." He said solemnly as he gently petted Pikachu, the Electric-type having made a close friendship with the boy.
Red gently hugged his shorter friend. "I am very sad about this. It's hard to hold the tears in." He said with the calm face and voice possible.
May kindly waved goodbye, as did everyone else, as the quiet boy gave them a small smile. He would miss them, even if he did not bother to show it. "Looks like we're leaving at the same, huh?" Lillie stated as she saw the boy ready to go as well. "What a strange coincidence."
"Yes. Strange." Red zipped up his jacket as he looked at Lillie. "Know where you're going?"
"I'm trying to head for Vermillion City," Lillie said as she suddenly gained a sweat drop. "Although I don't know how to get there."
"Do you have trouble reading maps?"
"It's not that. I'm having difficulty adjusting to Kanto since I don't know where everything is." Lillie confessed, Red seeing how the girl started worrying that she would struggle to find her way to the town. Red was silent as his desire to help overtook him.
"I'm going to the same location. If you wish to follow me there, I won't stop you."
Lillie was surprised by this, thinking that she had possibly heard wrong. "Are you... being serious?"
"Is the sky blue?"
"Well, not right this second," Lillie answered truthfully as she shook herself. "But I just want to know if you would do this for me."
Red shrugged. "Sure thing. It's just a request, so you're more than welcome to decline."
Lillie gave a big smile as this opportunity presented itself. "I accept!" She said quickly as she went to the boy. "Thank you! Thank you so much for letting me do this!"
Red remained neutral at the girl's excitement. Ash smiled as he patted Red's back. "Good on you for helping out Lillie." He complimented, glad that his friend was willing to support this girl he just met. "I know you'll be able to take care of her." Red nodded at this reassurance.
Misty quickly went to May. "Red may seem unfriendly and stoic, but he's very nice and glad to help." Lillie nodded as she could tell that he was friendly underneath the calmness. "Don't worry about him getting mad at you."
Red got everything ready as he waited for Lillie to come. "Get your stuff ready. I want to get out as soon as possible." He said to the girl; Lillie quickly tried to pack everything up.
"It was nice meeting you," Brock said as the girl packed her bag.
"I hope to see you again," May said as well as Lillie hurryingly got up.
"Nice to meet you too, and I hope so too." She quickly said to the two as she put her bag on and took her place by Red. "Ready!"
Red looked at Lillie for a moment before nodding, the two leaving together as they waved at the group one last time. Everyone from the group excitingly waved goodbye as the two disappeared into the deep forest, no longer being able to be seen after a minute. Everyone was left to themselves as Misty gave a rather sad sigh.
"I miss those two already," Misty whispered to herself, actually happy to meet those two.
Ash took a deep breath in as he turned to the group. "Come on. We got some fire and logs to clean up." He reminded them.
"Since when we're you the one to care about cleaning?" Brock asked in confusion since it was usually his or Misty's job to make everyone do their part. Ash just shrugged, not telling them that he just wanted to clean to take his mind off of his two leaving friends. Everyone began to clean up as they put everything away, the Pokémon calmly returning to their Poke Balls. But there was an exception.
"Can I please move now?" Ryan asked in desperation as he tried to make Slowpoke go, but the Pokémon wouldn't budge.
"Poke,"
Ryan grumbled a bit before an idea came to mind. He stretched his arms for his open bag and took out an empty Poke Ball. "Since you wish to be my Pokémon, you will stay in your Poke Ball." He explained as he threw the ball. "HA HA!"
Instead of being sucked in, Slowpoke quickly shot out a Water Gun to make the ball miss. The Poke Ball landed far away as Ryan looked down at the Psychic-type, seeing him chuckling. Ryan put his hands on his hips.
"Oh! I see. You only want to be captured when you feel like it." Ryan deduced as he looked at the sassy Pokémon. "And that's going to apply to anything with you, won't it?"
"Ok," Slowpoke showed no shame as he calmly nodded.
Ryan groaned as he sat on the ground, his knees up to his chest. "Is this going to be my life now?" He accidentally asked out loud.
Everyone just laughed as they saw Ryan sit on the ground in defeat at his new partner. Red and Lillie were on their own as they finally made their way. Lillie had a flashlight as they joined on a path, Red saying that it was indeed the path they would use for Vermillion. Lillie seemed relaxed as she gazed at the cloudless skies, seeing the stars in their full glory.
"Thank you again for this. I'm glad that you would let me do this." Lillie gratefully told the boy, and he just nodded at what she said. Lillie suddenly yawned loudly as she rubbed her eyes.
"Getting sleepy?" Red asked the girl. "We can rest at this moment if you wish."
"No. I can keep going for a little bit." Lillie said decidedly as she forced himself to keep on moving. She then saw Pikachu sleeping in Red's bag as the boy left the zipper open for him to breathe, his head resting out of it as he made adorable snores. "He's cute when he sleeps."
"You're right, but this is the only time he's calm. Always so active whenever we're on the road."
Lillie chuckled at Red's complaint. "It's natural for a young Pokémon like him. I can tell he's strong, and you can handle him just fine."
"I appreciate the compliment," Red said as he got his question, which he had forgotten to ask during the dinner. "What kind of Pokémon do you have with you?"
Lillie didn't seem to be very proud to answer it. "I have a Clafable and Snowy, my Vulpix. Neither of them is above level 20." Lillie sighed as she had to admit reality. "I'm not much of a fighter."
Red was confused by why she seemed saddened by that fact. "It's fine not being much of a fighter, especially since research and knowledge seem to be your calling." An idea dawned on Red. "Would you like me to help you get better at fighting? Not now, of course, but while we're together."
"Oh, you don't have to."
"It would be my pleasure." Red stretched out his arms. "Besides, I've been wishing for something exciting to happen."
Lillie smiled as she saw that Red would do this for her. "Thank you so much." She gratefully bowed to the boy. "I do want to become my own Pokémon Trainer, and I'm so glad that you'd be willing to help."
Red just shrugged. "It's just in my nature to help." Though he didn't show, he gave a small smile to Lillie.
Lillie continued to smile as she looked at the boy. "Remember what you said earlier? About us being not strangers?" Red raised an eyebrow as Lillie continued. "Would you still be interested in that idea?"
"...I suppose so." He answered after some time. "Perhaps not this night, tomorrow, or even the day after. However, we can grow a friendship before we part ways." He said, not minding the idea of being friends with Lillie.
"We don't have to rush it. After all, we have a whole week to get to Vermillion City." Lillie mentioned, glad to see that she and Red were becoming closer. Lillie looked at Red as the boy kept reminding her of someone. "I know this sounds weird, but you remind me of my older brother."
"Really?" Red wasn't expecting a comment like that. "Is it my appearance that reminds you of him?"
"Oh, definitely not." Lillie quickly answered, neither of the boys having any physical similarities whatsoever. "It's just how you speak, and you're always so levelheaded like him."
"Each of us has something in common," Red remarked after hearing that. "Even if two people look and act completely different, there may be one thing they have the same view upon."
Lillie was surprised by how accurate that statement was. "You're not wrong. You could say the same thing about my friends back home." Lillie gasped lightly as she looked at Red. "I bet they would love to meet you. I think you would easily get along well with Lana and Mallow!"
Red looked at the ground after hearing that notion, a bit stunned at the idea that there would be another group he could get along with besides Ash. "Perhaps," He said in a quiet tone.
END OF CHAPTER 14
I hope you guys enjoyed this simple chapter and the introduction of Lillie! Giving Ryan and May that scene is something that will deepen their friendship. Don't worry. We'll finally be in Vermillion City by the next chapter, where I will do something with the Surge fight. I plan to give the Gym Leaders and Elite Four members more personality, but you probably already know that. Red and Lillie seemed like a unique duo to me, as Red is the kinder version of Gladion, at least in some way.
Ash's Team: Wartortle (M), Pidgey (F), Nidoran (M), Bulbasaur (M), Dratini Egg (N/G)
Misty's Team: Starmie (N/G), Azumarill (M), Horsea (F), Magikarp (M), Jigglypuff (F), Squirtle (F)
Misty's Other Members: Seaking (F)
Ryan's Team: Pinsir (M), Butterfree (M), Jangmo-o (M), Oddish (M), Slowpoke (M)
Brock's Team: Geodude (M), Onix (M), Zubat (M)
May's Team: Beldum (Shiny, N/G), Charmander (M)