The day of the Semi-Finals was upon Ash and his friends. The Pride of Pallet's match was scheduled for the afternoon, and Max was out of the tournament, so everybody had a couple of hours to kill before meeting in the Indigo Stadium.

The group had met up briefly before May began insisting on going with Drew to the pharmacy in the village to find him something generic to help with a recent on-and-off sickness; Delia and Brock, naturally concerned and caring, went with her. Max was a little more downtrodden about yesterday's loss than he'd wanted to let on, which Professor Oak had noticed, and he'd offered to accompany him to a nearby Pokémon exhibition to lift his spirits.

That left Ash, Misty, Dawn, and Koda to check out a local specialty sports shop.

"I'm tellin' ya, Dawn, you've gotta get a pair of gloves!" Ash insisted, holding up a pair of pink fingerless gloves. "The more you travel, the more you're going to have to climb things."

"When am I going to have to climb enough to wear those?" Dawn challenged.

"Remember the cliff incident with Garchomp?"

"I try not to." Memories of that exhausting endeavor drained the color from Dawn's face. "Ugh, I guess my fingers have been getting a little calloused, with all the outdoorsing." She stared down at her hands, scrunching her nose. "I don't know… it just doesn't go with my outfit."

"You don't need gloves," Misty spoke up from a few racks over. "I've never had any." She walked over, holding one of the three wetsuits she'd picked out in front of her body. "What do you think? Blue, teal, or purple?"

"Okay I get purple, but those other two look the same," Ash said flatly.

"Hm… The teal looks really good with your eyes, but the purple pops against your hair! The blue seems a little…" Dawn waved her hand back and forth, shrugging a shoulder dismissively.

Koda, who had thus far been quietly watching, raised a brow. "I'm with Ash on this one…"

"Okay, one of you is a Poké Stylist, one of you had to be reminded to use deodorant a few years ago, and the third of you wears a black sweater in the middle of July, so I think I know who I'm going to trust." Misty said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You might as well take that brain of yours and put it on a griddle, wearing that thing. It's simmering."

"Are you sure you're a Water-type Gym Leader?" Koda frowned. "Crasher Wake wouldn't be afraid of a little heat."

"Crasher Wake walks around shirtless in public, so I'm inclined not to believe you," she replied.

Soured by the shot at his favorite Gym Leader, Koda sulked off into the aisles. "Whatever."

"Damn, Mist." Ash whistled.

"You destroyed him." Peeks added, though only Ash could hear him.

"He'll live," Misty shrugged. "So will you, stinky pits."

Dawn giggled, and Ash stuck his tongue out, returning to browsing. He soon came across another pair of gloves.

"Oh, sick! There's metal on the back of these!" Ash quickly tore off his own gloves, trying the new ones on. "Oh man! Peeks, get a load of these!"

"They look heroic!" The mouse chirped, crawling down Ash's arm to pat them.

"They are kind of heroic, huh? Like a ninja's!" Ash agreed.

As Ash took them off to put on his regular gloves, Dawn picked them up and whistled upon looking at the price tag. "Yeah, and you'd need an assassin's salary to pay for them."

Ash pouted, shoulders sagging. "Aw… Well, maybe I can buy them as a gift to myself after the league! Then again, I was hoping to take the team on a vacation off the prize money, once I beat Lance…"

"Did I hear Lance?!"

Bursting onto the scene was a teal-haired girl with twintails, not even five inches from Ash's face. Her eyes were wide and her smile borderline manic. "Where is he!?"

Ash backed up, looking uncomfortable. "Why're you asking me? I'm not his keeper."

"I know I heard his name off your lips, Mister… Um. Oh! I recognize you!"

"You do?" Ash asked. He'd been getting recognized a lot, lately, for reasons he both liked and didn't.

"Yeah! You're that rising star! Ash Ketch-wah!" Before she could finish, the young woman was yanked back by her waist, pulled under the sturdy arm of a dark-haired young man.

"Sheesh, babe. Give the guy some space, would ya? You're supposed to duck the paparazzi, not become them." The other stranger was a young adult in a red and black zip-up sweatshirt, sporting a gold and black backwards cap with a long lock slipping through it to hang over his face. Otherwise, his hair was cut short. "Sorry about that. My girl's a total Lance fanatic."

Additionally, the man had a Pichu sitting atop his shoulder with a notched ear. He snickered at the commotion.

"But like, who isn't?" The woman pouted. Then, her eyes widened as she assessed their company. "Oh my god, Dawn?"

"Marina!" Dawn exclaimed excitedly. "What a surprise! I didn't think you'd be here."

"At an accessory store? Puh-lease." Marina finally wriggled herself free. "It's great to see you!"

Ash would have paid attention to Dawn apparently knowing the freak-o who'd hopped into his space, but he could only stare at the man accompanying her. He was staring right back.

Had they met before?

"She's the girl I told you about!" Marina continued, jostling the other's arm. "She bought charms with me, see, Jimmy? That's Dawn, the rising contest star! The one I almost fought earlier?"

"Oh! You're the girl," Jimmy said with realization.

Ash balked at the woman's remark. "Did you say fought? Dawn, you just got done with having a concussion!"

"She started it!" Dawn defended. "Like, we're totally cool now, but she started."

"I swear, I can't take this girl anywhere…" Ash sighed in exasperation. Peeks muttered his agreement. In the meantime, putting the pieces together, Ash snapped his fingers. "Hey, Jimmy, you're awful familiar. You ever been to Crown City?"

Eyebrows raising, Jimmy slapped his forehead. "Dang, yeah! Sorry, man! We've battled before, haven't we?"

Marina rolled her eyes. "I guess we should all say hello properly. I'm Marina and this is my boyfriend Jimmy. And his pal, Pichu!"

"Pi-chah!" Pichu cooed, leaning over his trainer's shoulder eagerly. His eyes were fixed on Peeks. He hopped onto Ash's opposite shoulder, peering curiously at his evolved peer.

"Pi-ka!" Peeks greeted, playfully walking circles around Ash's shoulder to chase the pre-evolved Pokémon. Ash was forced to span his arms to allow the little circus act.

Jimmy chuckled at the ruckus, and idly waved his hand. "Hey, hold on. Wasn't there a third guy with you?" He gestured to Ash and Dawn with a waving finger.

"That's Brock!" Dawn corrected. "He's off with another friend of ours."

"Oh, so he must be like Vincent is for us," Jimmy figured.

"Would you quit calling the man that?" Marina complained to Jimmy. "He's asked you like twenty times to help him get his stage name out. Jackson, remember?"

"... Wait, wait, wait, is this Jackson guy from Johto? Kinda clumsy, wears a cape?" Ash asked.

"Hey, the cape's a good fashion choice!" Marina whined.

"He only wore it to try and impress you," Jimmy grunted. "But, yeah, that's our guy, Ash."

Marina crossed her arms, sniffing. "A cape's the coolest thing anyone can wear… It's just a fact."

"Is that so?" Ash murmured. He looked at Dawn. "Wallace has got a cape. Do you like 'em? Maybe I should start wearing one!"

Hearing this, Marina squealed. "Dawn, you're so lucky! Ash is so open minded! Jimmy won't wear one even though I've practically begged him!"

Jimmy rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I bet he's just trying to get some sugar."

"Trying to what!?" Ash stammered.

"Jimmy!" Marina scolded. "They're only…" She blinked. "How old are you two?"

"Sixteen," Ash volunteered.

"Fourteen," Dawn replied.

"Fourteen, Jimmy!"

"What? C'mon, I didn't say anything that bad." Jimmy rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Sorry. He's trying to get her to buy him the newest beanie baby. Happy?"

"Okay, we're not that young," Dawn said sourly.

"What did I just walk in on?"

The group looked over to see Misty approaching. The water gym leader tilted her head, glancing quickly around the group before her. "Hold the phone, Marina? Like, the idol?"
"The one and only~!" Marina winked. "And you're the Tomboyish Mermaid!"

"The one and only~!" Misty struck a pose. "I was so sour when I heard that you and May hung out with her without me," Misty shot a look at Dawn.

"Why be sour when you can be sweet?" Marina grinned. "We can hang out, like, right now!"

"Speaking of the here and now," Jimmy interrupted. He sucked through his teeth, then. "Don't know if you've checked your schedule, but we're paired up for the Semi-Finals, Ash."

"Yeah… I saw your face by mine," the trainer agreed.

"Well the girls get along fine, clearly," Jimmy concluded. "What do you say we have some bro time before our battle? Y'know, rather than do introductions when we're trying to rumble. Besides, I think Pichu's gotten fond of you."

Ash chuckled, holding out his arm to let Pichu walk down to his wrist. "I guess you're right. Sure! Count me in. You coming, Buddy?"

"Do you need to ask?" Peeks smirked.

"That's fine with me, but that means we all won't see each other until your match," Marina pointed out. She leaned over, pulling Jimmy in to smooch him on the lips. "Good luck, Tiger!"

"No sweat, babe." Jimmy grinned, pulling back to wave. "We're gonna go get some chow."

"That means us too, Ash!" Dawn beamed, as she held a hand high above her head.

Ash laughed, slapping his hand against hers. "Don't forget to cheer your heart out for me, kay?"
Dawn giggled. "I wouldn't even think of it!"

With that little parting that made Ash's heart flutter settled, he followed Jimmy out of the store. But, he couldn't help but notice Jimmy cracking a smirk at him. "What's with the look?"
"Huh? Oh nothing," Jimmy dismissed. "I just thought you said you weren't that young."

Ash rolled his eyes when he caught the implication that he was too immature or chicken for a kiss. "For your information, that's our signature thing. Been doing it since before we dated!"

"I can vouch," Peeks added, nodding.

"No kidding?" Jimmy chuckled, caught off guard. "I can't front, Ash. That's pretty cool."

As Jimmy turned a corner with Ash, he gestured emphatically. "I'm telling you, it's good. It's not that Pidgey food crap. It's real portions, real food, just served real good."

"I dunno, man," Ash drawled. "We're in a tower."

Peek's tail hung low, equally discouraged. "Bet they don't even have condiments."

"Pi pi-chu," the smaller electric type argued. He sat very confidently upon Jimmy's shoulder, mimicking his peer.

"Will you just trust me?" Jimmy demanded, smacking his chest with his fingers splayed. "Would I lie to you?" A beat. "About food? Would I set myself up to eat garbage? Do I look that stupid to you?"

Ash was very glad Jimmy had quickly tacked on the bit about food, because if he was being honest, Jimmy seemed like a bit of a smooth talker. He got the feeling the guy had schmoozed his way in and out of many a situation. "You've got a point there."

Satisfied, Jimmy nodded so hard his shoulders dipped. Pichu hung on.

"Exactly! So, let's get in here, have a couple of portobello steaks with the real good truffle risotto, and bounce! The Mush-Room is the place to be!"

Ash shrugged. He'd expected something a little more like a hole in the wall with a name like that. Maybe some retro neon lights. This place looked nice. Too nice, quite frankly. Look at the line trailing out! Ash's eyes bulged.

"Did we make reservations?" Peeks asked. "'Cause, this is… I dunno! Ten, twenty tables waiting?"

"Yeah, Jimmy, look I'm sure this place is good, but I—"

Pichu cut the two of them off with a flick of his stubby tail. "Pi-pichaaa."

"Yeah, buddy, you tell 'em," Jimmy said, obviously not catching the exact details of what the little Electric-type had said. His buddy was backing him up and that was enough. "I keep telling you, don't doubt me. Just smile real nice, keep close, and don't say nothin' for a minute. Now, c'mon."

With that, Jimmy was walking past the line. "'Scuze me! Make way! C'mon, c'mon! Don't you know how to single file line?"

The back of Ash's neck heated up as he followed the older teen. Were they supposed to be doing this?! Peeks's ears crossed. This definitely felt like they were making a merry nuisance of themselves! The line cutting ended when Jimmy got to the front.

The hostess barely flicked her eyes that way. "Sir, unless you have a reservation, I will ask you to return to the end of the line."

"That busy tonight, huh?" Jimmy asked, resting his elbow on the host's podium. "Listen, I'll make it brief, they're obviously overworking you. Look at that line. When's the last time you had a break?"

She kept her gaze on him, but said nothing else.

He took his elbow off only to move his hands as he spoke, emphasizing certain words and ideas. Pichu nodded along as he explained himself. Ash watched in quiet horror. Peeks was nearly covering his eyes. This guy was brazen!

"Me and my buddy here? Competin' in the league. Semi-finals, busy all day giving you good folks some great battles." He leaned back here, nodding at the people in line. "Isn't that right? We saw some good battlin' today, didn't we folks?"

To Ash's surprise, some of the waiting customers did nod. A few even cheered, quipping out a quick, "Great work, Jimmy!" or a "Gotta love a Pallet Towner!" to Ash's shock. He was getting used to fame, yes, but this felt so mundane. This sort of ritz wasn't his scene at all. Then again, he knew rich patrons helped make the league run. He rubbed the back of his neck all the same. How was Jimmy so confidently doing this?!

"You said you would be quick, sir," the hostess said, finally taking Jimmy's bait.

"You're right, you're right. I'm just as bad as the others. Alright, so, here's the deal. We've gotta get going again in a few hours, but we wanted some good fuel before we went. Something good for our teams, too. So, what do you say? A table for me, my buddy, our li'l shoulder friends, and some to-go stuff for the rest of the crew?"

She tilted her head, not fully convinced.

He sighed, stepping back and looping an arm around Ash's neck. Peeks made room, but not without a quick "Hey!" to warn the other kid.

"That's a pity, Ash. Horrible, innit? Two hard workin' fellas like you and me can't get a decent bite to eat even after entertainin' folks? Not to mention what we've done to keep this region safe… Other regions, even!" He put a hand to his chest. "Maybe it's a li'l arrogant of me, but maybe… Maybe also the world. What with what kinda threat Team Rocket is!"

One of the people in line gasped. "I knew I thought I recognized that boy!"

"That's him? Really? The reports on the kids involved just kinda dropped off," someone else added.

Here, Ash panicked. "Jimmy," he hissed between his teeth. "Knock it off, man. I'm tryna keep a low profile about all that."

Jimmy shook his head and smiled. "Just wait."

The hostess looked over at the crowd and then to Jimmy. After a moment, she exhaled deeply, smiled, and nodded. "Yeah, alright. I've got a friend who's mom was in a real bad way a while ago with all that nonsense. Gimme a second. I can't promise it'll be a good seat, but we'll get you in."

As she walked off, Jimmy waved at her. "You're an angel! A doll! A real miracle worker!" Then, he jostled Ash's shoulder which was still in his grip. "Didn't I tell you? Didn't I TELL you? Don't doubt me!" It was all grins and good humor.

But, Ash felt like he'd just realized Jimmy's true strength. This guy's charisma was off the charts! Suddenly grateful Jimmy liked him, Ash nodded. "Yeah. My bad. Lesson learned."

Jimmy nodded. "Stick with me, Ash."

"I'm with the Twoip," an upright Meowth in a sharp tux muttered bitterly. "That one with da backwards cap oughta keep his big Meowth shut!"

A redheaded woman with her hair fitted into a bun scowled, slinking away from the nearest table after dropping off drinks. "It's bad enough that he had to be here to begin with. How did he manage to bring an even bigger, more obnoxious twerp along with him!?"

Jessie, James, and Meowth were all suited up as staff at the Mush-Room, after abusing a few connections that Giovanni had pretty much everywhere. A simple scheme to make a few Poké at worst, and snatch a few valuable Pokémon at best. This was by far the most ritzy money sink to eat at during League season, after all; wealthy patrons meant tips, and hundreds of trainers meant strong Pokémon!

Unfortunately, as luck would have it, they weren't without familiar company.

"Can you believe those kids?" A middle-aged patron grumbled from a nearby table, forcing the trio to listen in. "That Ketchum was all over the news, some weeks ago. Silph Co, that hideout that his friend busted him out of, I think?"
"I think that was his little girlfriend," a woman accompanying him corrected. "Goodness, me."

"Imagine that. Not even grown and having to yank your date out of a crime den? Poor kids."

James guiltily rubbed his neck. He was sporting a fine dark blue tux with a rose tucked into his pocket, with glasses to help obscure his usual appearance.

"Wasn't there a third one? Something at a power plant?"
"Those Rockets have been a stain on this region for far too long. The way no Officer Jenny has been able to reel them is beyond me."

"Rumors say they're buried in old money. There's only so much you can do about the powers that be… Arceus bless those kids, though. I wouldn't complain if he got waited on before us."

"I t'ink our clientele is a lil' too aware of us today," Meowth grumbled, hopping up on Jessie's shoulder. "Maybe swipin' Pokémon from here ain't such a great idea."

"Besides," James leaned in. "Even if we did start something, they'd be sure to try to stop us."

"And you heard the Loud Twerp. He has a history with Team Rocket too," Jessie added.

Meowth sighed. "Guess we'll just collect our paycheck at th' end of the week and take our poachin' pursuits elsewhere."

As the hostess returned, she gestured to the waitress who was starstruck at the duo. "She'll guide you to your seats!"

Ash noticed with a touch of pride that the people were still gazing adoringly after him and Jimmy even as they entered the softly lit restaurant.

"Sorry about where you'll be seated," the waitress gushed. "There's not much of a view, but it's the best we could spare on such short notice." She giggled. "You're bringing in quite the crowd!"

"Me?" Jimmy asked as he sat across from Ash. "What about you? I'm sure sales and tips are up on the nights you work."

The girl scoffed. "Oh, stop it! Now, here are your menus… I'll grab some water and then come back for your starters."

A little perplexed by Jimmy's words, Ash tried to brush it off. "Yeah, thank you…"

Jimmy, however, gestured for her to come back. "Actually, quick question. What's the situation on bulk orders? Y'know, big teams, lots to feed. You, uh, you got any kinda deal we could talk about?"

Taken off guard, the waitress's mouth parted as she processed what he was asking. Then, she gently shook her head. "Oh, um, no. No, I'm sorry."

"Really?" he asked. Then, he nodded. "Right, no, yeah, I mean, I'm sure you know, you're a smart young lady, I'm sure they're keeping you in the loop, it's just talkin' with, uh, the customers about it… I get it." Jimmy winked, taking Pichu off his shoulder to play with the little pokemon's soft belly. "I'd just feel a li'l biased havin' the guys who couldn't come eat regular ole chow while THIS little fuzz bucket gets all the good stuff!"

Peeks watched as the other Electric-type shamelessly forced out laughs. Pichu as a species were cute, yes, but this one seemed a little too aware to act so babyish! The Pikachu's mouth parked a little at the open way the other mouse even fawned at the waitress, eyes all wet and shiny!

The waitress clicked her tongue, pouting. "Now, he is a cutie…"

"Takes one to know one," Jimmy said smoothly.

Ash choked on his spit.

The young lady tilted her head to and fro, chewing her lip. "Alright. We've, um, we've got this discount for Pokémon Center staff and rangers… They help Pokémon, and you do, too, I've heard, so lemme see if I can get my manager on board. One second."

"You're a gem!" Jimmy called after. "Thanks a million." With that, he bumped a knuckle against his Pichu's fist. "Nice touch with the Poochyena eyes."

"What was that?" Ash asked, finally getting his breath back.

Peeks couldn't find the words in himself to comment on that display. Yes, in his younger days, he might have acted a little silly over Misty's affections or at the sight of a nice bottle of ketchup, but to do that? For a stranger? In the middle of a restaurant? That was so juvenile! The Pikachu himself would have died of embarrassment!

"Too thick?" Jimmy tilted his head. "My bad. This guy's still adjusting to the local scene, so we're working on our people skills."

Pichu shrugged. "Pi." He could get better with time.

"No, no, not that!" Ash insisted.

"No, that, too," Peeks emphasized . "That was crazy."

"Pi, pi-chu, pi-u!" the other electric type argued.

"Yeah, don't you appreciate a deal?" Jimmy added on.

Ash waved his hands around and kept his voice low. "Nevermind all that! The flirting? What about Marina, dude?!"

"Huh? Oh!" Jimmy laughed, rolling his eyes and waving his hand to dismiss Ash's worries. "I keep forgetting you're, like, a kid-kid. Marina was right, you wouldn't get it." He scrunched his nose at the younger boy. "Naive, aren'tcha?"

"I am not!" Ash argued, very glad his voice did not crack just then. "You're cheating!"

"First of all, I never cheat, even in cards. Counting is a skill, buddy. Second, listen. Marina and I are older than you. We're traveling. We see lots of beautiful people. We are fine with this." The slick-talking air evaporated. A touch of nostalgic sincerity softened Jimmy's voice. "I was serious about before, y'know. About Jackson. He sees her sometimes. It's even-stevens. Couldn't keep a girl like that all to myself. It'd be kinda selfish." And, just as quickly as it'd come, it left. "Besides, this is a lot of stud to expect one gal to manage!" Jimmy lifted his chin.

"... That doesn't sound quite right, somehow," Ash admitted. "Or, maybe I've just never heard of it much…?" He frowned, staring at the table. He tried to picture himself or Dawn with anyone else, but it just felt… painful. Perhaps the tenderness of them getting together and how difficult that had been between his failed… crush? Unlabeled relationship? Whatever with Misty and Dawn's ego serving as her stumbling block made him feel anxious at the idea of doing that ever again with anyone else.

As far as he could see, just Dawn was plenty. He couldn't see himself acting quite like Jimmy, even if it seemed nice how everything went the guy's way socially.

The man shrugged as the waitress walked back with their drinks. "You'll get it one day."

Maybe he would. But, for now, Ash didn't want to think about it much. He sipped his water and just hoped he wouldn't have to play witness to a fight between Jimmy and Marina.

Ultimately, Ash settled on Jimmy's recommendations for his lunch. The portobello steak was presented with decorative garnish in a way that made him feel extremely out of place. But, on the other hand, it smelled delicious. After listening to Jimmy shmooze the waitress in a way that almost made his stomach flip again, he shoved a hearty bite of it into his mouth.

His eyes lit up like the night sky. "Mmph! Shish ish delishish!"

"We're in a stuffy place, Ash," Jimmy reminded him, in between scooping up bites of candied sweet potato. "Not that I'm a cop or nothin' but."

Ash blushed and nodded, swallowing his food before continuing. "Yeah, right. Hey Peeks, you've got to try some of this." He poked his fork into his entree, ripping off a bite to hold the fork up to his partner's mouth.

Peeks sat in a high chair next to their table. It felt slightly undignified, he felt, but it was better than eating out of a bowl on the floor. He stretched his mouth around the sample Ash offered him, and chomped down. Rather than talk with his mouth full like Ash, he gave a thumbs-up.

Ash smiled. "Well, Jimmy. I've got to hand it to you. You played that whole thing like a fiddle." He smiled around a forkful of risotto, and swallowed. "Where the hell did you get that confidence?"

"It's a talent you learn to lean into," Jimmy said casually. "You were never much of a smooth operator, were you?" He saw the look in Ash's eyes, and corrected himself. "I don't mean when it comes to the ladies, by the way. Or dudes, I don't judge. I'm talking everyday life."

Ash bashfully rubbed his neck. "I, uh. No. That was never one of my strong points."

"Wait, are you serious? I was busting your chops." Jimmy blinked, wide-eyed. "I heard that speech you gave to that little nerdy friend of yours, man. That was like, Oscar-worthy! You've gotta have peeps tailing you, left and right."

"Aha!" Ash laughed, fighting an embarrassed streak of red across his face. "Thanks, but uh, no. I didn't always have a knack for that. Back in Pallet Town, I…" He absently poked at his food. "...I wasn't exactly popular. I was a regular target for bullying, actually."

Jimmy tutted disapprovingly. "You need a strong core group of friends to build that kind of confidence. Your broskis. Bro-logna sandwiches. Broufollants. Brokémon… Your Brokédex?"

"Okay, I get it," Ash huffed, "I need friends."

"That's what Marina and Vincent are to me," Jimmy said nostalgically. Either he didn't notice Ash's annoyance, or chose to ignore it. "Once you have your foundation, you just have to project that to the rest of the world!" He waved his fork about. "They'll get the picture, eventually."

Ash smiled. "That's been me and my friends over the years. They weren't always nice, but then, I wasn't either. Then there was Dawn, though." Ash smiled fondly, staring off, unaware that Peeks was gorging himself on his plate. "We had a few fights, but she never missed a chance to puff me up. Let me know she was rooting for me. Hell, she did this whole cheerleader thing…"

"Hold the phone, seriously?" Jimmy stared at Ash. "You're lucky, man."

"I know." Ash puffed his chest out proudly, smiling to himself. "...But, really. I think I could've used someone like you when I was around that age. Someone to tell me what's what."

"Well, now you've got me!" Jimmy retorted. A brief pause. "No homo."

"What's wrong with that?" Ash quirked a brow. "And who said I was?"

"Nothing! I'm just sayin', that's not me," Jimmy replied. "With me? You've got a sensei."

Ash snorted. "Well, Sensei, what was that thing you said about Pichu?" Ash asked, changing topics. "Something about him still working on his people skills? Or was that another fib? 'Cause after that whole stunt, I have a hard time believing it."

"Oh, I meant that one." Jimmy said, nodding seriously. Pichu imitated him. "Densely populated areas can get a little rough for him sometimes. Pichu's not from around here. But when I say not from around here, I really mean it."

"What, like, Hoenn or something?" Ash asked.

Jimmy shook his head. "Try some hundreds of years ago."

Ash nearly choked on his portobello.

"Couple years ago, I was in Ilex Forest on my way home from catching up with Whitney. Johto Gym Leader."

"Yeah, I know her," Ash replied.

He nodded. "I ended up stumbling across this shrine. You wouldn't believe it — I found a Celebi!"

"You've met Celebi!?" Ash exclaimed, before realizing how loud he'd been, slapping his hands over his mouth. Luckily, the Mush-Room seemed too lively and loud to have noticed.

"You too? Figures," Jimmy shrugged. "Yeah, there was this flash of light, and before I knew it, I was in some old town. Like, real old. No indoor plumbing or anything. Wouldn't recommend it." He twirled his fork around some creamy pasta, and took a bite. "I got to see this real weird lookin' Stantler. They were huge, and gray…! I tried to catch it, but no dice. But I did meet this lil' guy in the process! I, uh, accidentally set the big brute off on a rampage, and Pichu almost got trampled."

"Piii-chah!" Pichu pouted, glaring pointedly.

"Look, I said I was sorry!" Jimmy justified. "Point is, being the Broseidon I am, I tackled him to safety. We made friends after that, and tracked down Celebi to send me home. I don't know where the lil' onionhead flew off to, but I made one of my best friends that day." He grinned, ruffling Pichu's head. "We've been tight, ever since!"

"No kidding… Hah, that's an awesome story!" Ash laughed. His eyes shone with wonder. Seeing never before seen versions of Pokémon…! Maybe he'd meet them, one day. But, that wonder got shoved on the backburner for another curiosity. "So, he's been a Pichu since you met? It sounds like that meeting happened a while back… like, in our time. Not his."

Time travel was confusing.

"You got a problem with not evolvin'?" Jimmy challenged. "You're not one to talk with Peeks."

"No, no! Not at all!" Ash waved his hands. "I think it's great! Peeks never wants to evolve."

Peeks nodded, licking his paws from the risotto he'd snatched. Realizing he had eyes on him, he blushed, and hid them behind his back. "It's a matter of principle."

"I was just curious," Ash continued. "A baby form sticking around that long is pretty rare."

"Pichu can't evolve," Jimmy explained. "We went a while without thinking about it, but he just… never did. Professor Elm ended up pointing me towards that bearded stiff, Rowan. He's the evolution guy. Ran some tests, but there's something wrong with his DNA or whatever. His guess was that it's because of his travel through time, somehow."

"Pi-Pichu," Pichu nodded. He thrust a stubby paw in the air. "Pichu!"

"Right!" Jimmy grinned. "We agreed to get strong together, no matter how big or small!"

"I love that!" Ash laughed. "That's an awesome story!"

"You have my seal of approval!" Peeks chirped. Then, his ears twitched. "Hey, Ash. The TV."

"Huh? Oh! It looks like the Semi-Finals are about to start," Ash said, leaning over his chair. There was a television fixed on the wall nearby, displaying league happenings.
On screen, one golden eye stole Ash's attention. It was as stern as ever.

"It's Deidra," Ash said. He swallowed heavily.

"She's a total beast," Jimmy whistled. "I feel bad for whoever her opponent is. Word is, she's breezed through the Gyms and the rounds with just that shiny Metagross of hers. No contest."

"Hm." Ash hummed thoughtfully. That particular feat had gnawed at his confidence for a couple of months, until recently. It also reminded him of an instance he'd long since stopped thinking about.

It reminded him an awful lot of Tobias.

"Y'know, this ain't my first League," Ash said offhandedly.

"Me neither," Jimmy said. He was absently watching a trainer's Magmortar fall to Metagross's Earthquake. Worth noting for Typhlosion, he thought. "I've actually won one before. The Silver Conference."

"For real!?" Ash stared at Jimmy. That was one way to see him in a new light.

"I, uh, wasn't up to snuff for the Elite Four, though. So, you know, once you fail that, you gotta go all the way back through a conference to get another chance." He laughed, shrugging. "Shit happens."

"You're not kidding," Ash chuckled. "There was this thing at Lily of the Valley, last year…"

"What, the guy with the Darkrai?" Jimmy whistled. "Yeah, that was everywhere. Great job knocking him down a peg, by the way. But I wasn't just talking about Pokémon Leagues." Jimmy's expression took on a more serious air, Ash noticed, similar to how it did with Marina.

"I grew up in New Bark Town. We're right by a lab. So, uh, sometimes… Sometimes stuff happens. I wanna be strong, ya know? Strong enough that people think twice about starting crap where I live."

Ash's mind drifted back to what Jimmy had said about Team Rocket, when he was acquiring their table. A few things popped into place, just then. "Yeah… I'm on the same wavelength. The Champion's super strong. He's good at protecting people. I wanna do that, too, you know?"

"Is that so?" Jimmy asked before snickering. "Well, if that's the case, I think I like ya! I can't be bitter no matter who wins if that's why you're gunnin' for victory."

Ash grinned so wide his eyes shut. "Same here! You're a good guy, Jimmy!"

"Deidra's done," Jimmy said with a low whisper. "She sure works fast."

That jolted Ash out of his current train of thought, and he looked up at the screen. "Already!? In a full battle!?"

"You didn't miss much," Peeks said. "It really was just Tobias all over again."

"What a bummer," Ash hummed. "I feel bad for the crowd. And her opponent. Didn't get much of a chance to get a read on her team, either… Whoever it is she has behind that Metagross."

Jimmy shrugged. "Well, it's better like that, ain't it? Mystery's always a fun challenge. It'll make whooping her all the more interesting."

Ash smirked. "Alright. Tell you what, I plan on winning, but I'll forgive you for beating me only if you make Deidra use all her Pokémon."

Jimmy barked out in laughter before holding his hand out to Ash to shake. "Hey, I'll take you up on that deal! I'll give ya a good fist fight if ya whoop me and can't make her break all six out!"

Nodding, the Kanto native shook Jimmy's hand. The deal was sealed.