Author's Note -Hey everyone, hope you're all doing well. I know I haven't put up any author notes or guest replies so far with these new edited chapters yet. I was mostly just focusing on putting up the new edited chapters as quickly as possible. I had plans to do so in the future but a conversation with one of my...*ahem*...readers...kind of forced my hand. I wanted to keep this between us, but because of the way they started reacting and what they posted up for their second review and taking things public, I'm forced to reply back publicly as well. I'm gonna repeat some of the stuff I send him/her in private, which I tried to keep as respectful as possible during it and will still try to do so now. Even with their childish and rude review. I normally wouldn't share my responses from private messages or react in such a way to a reviewer's thoughts but this particular person did something that one shouldn't; being very rude, disrespectful and insulted not only me and my story, but to my readers as well. So I'm going to respond back to him publicly to both his last sent private messages and his newest review. SPOILERS AHEAD FROM OLD VERSION OF STORY IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE OLD VERSION FROM BEFORE SO CONTINUE AT YOUR OWN RISK
XxCaseyXx - I'm only going to say this once; you don't like the story, then move on.
Nobody is forcing you to stay and read it. I tried explaining things to you even while taking your points into account so you can maybe see things differently in private messages, but you still stuck to what you originally thought and didn't even try to understand my reasonings at all. And you know what, that would've been fine too. But after trying to explain things to you in a civil and respectful manner, you behaved and responded back rudely and disrespectfully. And you even brought up stuff from the old version of the story and many of your stuff mentioned was out of order and missing details/context.
To you, you think everything is black and white and you just cut out bad things from your life so you can move on and you don't have to worry about history when you do that. You might be one of the few people who are able to do that and more power to you if you can.
But most people can't or maybe don't want to because, hate to break to you buddy, there are reasons behind it and that means the world isn't black and white but shades of grey. And just because you 'get rid' of the problem, it doesn't mean it always stays 'gotten ridden of' and sometimes problems just come right back. And just because someone is powerful or OP, doesn't mean that they won't have problems or issues to deal with and having issues/problems doesn't make them mentally weak or unstable. Even if they do have mental breakdowns. And yet you keep mentioning how Ash shouldn't be like that and not mentally breakdown because he's OP/powerful. That doesn't fuckin matter at all yet you keep bringing that up as some sort of valid point when it's not. Let me ask you this; how many fuckin powerful/OP characters have issues or been unstable at some points or had mental breakdowns? Spider-Man? Wolverine? Aang from Avatar? Vegeta from DBZ? Deku from MHA? Aquaman? Flash? Even fuckin Superman has had issues!
And you were saying that Ash should focus on saving the world instead of trying to pursue love, or worrying about satisfying the girls or make them happy? That he forgave criminals who raped someone but didn't forgive his 'old' friend? That the girls are SIMPS for Ash and only believe him? Ah, first off, Ash didn't know who those criminals were and they violated Natasha AFTERWARDS and he found out about it later. And of course the girls would believe and side with Ash because they know him and love him while barely knowing Leaf. Who in their right mind wouldn't do that? Oh, and Clair was fantasizing about Ash dominating herself when she was pleasuring herself, not another woman. Stop mixing up the plot to suit your views better.
And all of this is happening at the tournament which is part of the damn plan while still having 2 years before the war starts! So how the hell is he not preparing for it? How the hell is he supposed to save the world right now, when the war hasn't even started? And what, he can't figure out his love life while also preparing for the war? You even mentioned how Ash should have just cut ties with Leaf completely because they had a 'toxic' relationship and he's not man enough to tell her to fuck off and that he already has several girls with him? It's a fuckin harem story and there are reasons behind it all. As I told you before in private, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Did you forget that Ash and Leaf knew each other as kids, they had a bumpy friendship and then they didn't see each other for about 10 years before crossing paths at the tournament so there was no real closure for them? Did you forget about how Ash had thoughts about how Leaf might've changed? That Ash, in canon, has always been someone who forgives & forgets with many people/pokemon? Apparently you have but oh well, that's your problem for forgetting/not knowing. And there was a lot more character development as the story went on but you didn't know about it because you told me you stopped reading when Ash snapped at Leaf until I told you what happened later on in the private messages. So don't blame me that you only got part of what happened. Not everything is toxic and even if it's close to it or is, sometimes people do change for the better.
You even said how Ash is having a mental breakdown every other chapter...what? He only had 3 and those times was because of something serious and that was it. The fight with Leaf was one, the public turning on him when finding out what he did to the Skull Brothers was another and a third was when his memories were brought out and shit happened due to Ragnarok messing with his mind. How would someone not breakdown because of shit like that? You think OP/powerful characters are supposed to just be rock solid 24/7 and not feel anything at all? All three of those times was severe shit and almost no one would've been able to just shrug those things off.
ANYWAY, I told you in the private messages that I was going to fix how Ash and Leaf's altercation goes down so it made sense and be better done because it's necessary for the two to move on. Because sometimes, people can't move on until they deal with whatever is bothering them. And you said in the messages, that since they're adults, they should be able to handle it like adults. But news flash buddy, even people in their damn forties, fifties, sixties and older still act childishly and blow things out of proportion. And they're barely 20 years old. How many fucking 20 year old people do you know who have their shit together? I mentioned all of that before along with even more stuff in the private messages but even then, you weren't happy.
Look, if you don't like that stuff, then oh well. I'm sorry that complicated situations and actual story telling with fully fledged characters with actual realistic interactions, different personalities, thoughts and emotions is not your thing and that you're the type of person who just burns bridges and cuts off people and only views things as black and white. That's fine and you go do you buddy as I told you before in private messages.
But don't you dare fuckin insult me, my stories or my readers and don't say bullshit that isn't even true. You think you're a big person for calling my stories garbage and cringey? No, you're not. If you had given actual constructive criticism instead of just being gung-ho about your feelings as to how Ash and the story should go while refusing to acknowledge, understand and see the reasons behind why the story's going the way it's going, then maybe I would respect your thoughts. But because of your childish responses, I'm not going to even consider anything you say.
Oh, and by the way, you called me a no talent hack freeloader who's just trying to rob people of their money? That's rich coming from you who's got nothing of his own posted up at the time of this response (11-01-2022) who's been a member of fanfiction since January 18, 2005 and who's doing nothing but try to scream for attention and rob people from reading a story that they may like by putting up bullshit reviews. Oh and I mentioned before about not replying back yet to your private messages because I was busy so thanks for not even waiting for me to reply back to your last two private messages and just posting up that second review too with all of them being about you just bitching about how a fake character isn't up to your standards. I apologize for not being able to respond back to you in time because of the full time job I recently got a month ago (End of September 2022) after having to leave my last job of four years that consisted of 12 hour work days 6 days a week back because I moved back in May of this year (2022) while taking care of my sick and elderly parents. And while doing all that, I still somehow managed to work on my stories and I'm doing my best to continue doing so but I guess that doesn't matter.
One last thing is that I'm not forcing anyone to become a pat reon member. Those who do become one, show their support and I'm very appreciative of it and I show my appreciation of it with the extra stuff I have for them on it. They're finding value in it so that's all that matters to me, not your shallow words.
I have a lot more things I'd like to say to you, but I guess that's enough since you already got your few minutes of fame and I have better things to do than to continue wasting time on this pointless discussion because of your inability to see things differently or to at least acknowledge that not everything is easy or the simple fact that you're just not understanding things or better yet, not everything is gonna go the way you want it to go.
Like I said before in the private messages, you do you buddy. Now leave me, my stories and my readers alone. So move on, stop insulting just because I'm not catering to your whims, grow up, live your life and take care.
Ending notes - Excuse me for my rant above everyone but I've had enough and tired of bullshit like this. You don't like something, no one's forcing you to deal with it. If someone doesn't think or view things the same as you, just agree to disagree and don't be so gung-ho about it. Just let it go and move on to something else and let others who are liking it, to enjoy it in peace.
Anyways, here's the next edited chapter for this story. I hope you all enjoy it and I wish to hear your thoughts on it (in a respectful manner please, not as bullshit/flames).
THE BLUE SPIRIT
CHAPTER 012 – UNEXPECTED
Ash was the first one to awaken from amongst the inhabitants of the suite. Even though he didn't set an alarm, he was used to it because of his heavy training in the past few years. Getting up and changing his clothes, he looked out the window in the room. The sun was barely rising with its light shining over the nearby forest. Deciding it would be a good time to get some light training in, Ash went to his pokemon and woke up Lucario and Gardevoir who were up for it. He allowed Pikachu to keep snoozing away on the bed since the yellow mouse refused to get up, repeating his words from when they were back on the island that he was allowed to treat this like a vacation and was going to do so.
Shaking their heads in amusement, Ash, Lucario and Gardevoir left the room, which Ash locked right after so no one can get in and see Pikachu. Making a small breakfast meal for the three, they quickly ate in silence before they headed down stairs for some training. They didn't see Joy at the counter, instead seeing the same male official from last night. Giving each other a curt greeting, Ash bade the man a good morning who returned it but said no more. Leaving the hotel, they went a good distance into the forest to have less of a chance to get caught by others as they trained.
"Master, are you doing alright?" asked Lucario as they walked through the forest.
Glancing at the aura canine, Ash rubbed the back of his head. "That obvious huh?"
Lucario nodded and Gardevoir took the opportunity to speak as well. "We know when something's troubling you," stated the white and green fairy.
Ash looked at her before facing forward towards the greenery in front of them. "I know and thanks. I'm just lost in thought about everything. I realized I made some mistakes and I'm trying to figure out how to fix them without completely messing things up." He let out a long sigh while his pokemon kept their gaze locked onto him. "I hope I can come up with something. But I can't think straight right now, so I figured doing some training might help me in seeing things clearer."
"Understood Master and we'll help you in any way we can."
"We'll always be here for you, just like you've always been here for us," remarked Gardevoir.
Ash smiled at his pokemon and couldn't help but have watery eyes. Hurriedly wiping them clean, he nodded in return and gave a slight smile. "Thanks guys. C'mon, let's get started."
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"You've always been the one for me," said a man with dark hair while holding a girl's hands in his own.
"You're not lying to me, are you?" asked the girl as she looked into his eyes.
"Never. I've traveled around the world and no one else gets me like you do. No one else is as beautiful as you. You're the only one for me. Now and forever," he told her. Noticing how his words made her cheeks redden, he decided now was the moment. Leaning in closer to her, he saw her doing the same. His heart started beating like mad but he kept going. "I love you," he told her in a whisper.
He saw her face turn from red to deep crimson but didn't stop leaning in towards him. "I love you too," she said, reciprocating the words to him. He felt so happy and the two of them got even closer so they can seal their declaration of love with a kiss…
*SMACK*
Something struck him against the forehead and Brock sat up in bed at once. Along with the stinging pain he was feeling, he was confused as to what just happened. Taking in his surroundings, it took a moment for understanding to take over. He looked down at his lap and let out a sigh. I was dreaming. And it was getting good too until… A snore caught his attention and he looked to his side. Of course…even while asleep, he still manages to annoy someone…
The person who was sound asleep next to him with no clue of what he just did was none other than Gary Oak. The pokemon researcher had flung his hand to one side while still in dreamland and had struck him, snapping the pokemon doctor awake.
Brock shook his head and let out a slight scoff. He wasn't mad at his friend for he knew he had no control over his movements while asleep. But he still couldn't help but feel a little upset over being woken up early from his wonderful dream. A dream about a girl who he was seeing for real and missed dearly. I should probably call her. It's been a while…
Glancing at the clock on the wall in the living room, he decided to get started on the day since it was mid morning already. Brock got off the couch bed, went to the bathroom, took a shower, got dressed and began making breakfast. While preparing it, he tried calling the girl he was seeing but she didn't pick up. Probably at work, he thought and was about to continue when he got a notification sound. Reading the message he was sent, he smiled and responded back before going back to making breakfast.
As he prepared the meal, the aroma of freshly made breakfast traveled throughout the suite and caused the others to get up one by one. Sounds of people getting up from bed and closing of doors allowed the squinty eyed cook to know that his friends had gotten up. That's how Brock woke the group up every time he was the first to awaken; by making the irresistible smell of delicious food. After they all washed up and changed, they gradually gathered around the dining table.
Brock finished making breakfast and turned towards the table with several dishes in his hands. "Alright everyone, breakfast is served," he told them as he placed the plates onto the table.
"Thanks Brock, but didn't I mention I'll make the next meal?" reminded Cilan.
"I know but I woke up early so no worries," he responded back.
Max looked around and noticed someone wasn't there. "Is Solid still asleep?" he asked.
"I think he woke up early and left already," remarked Richie while putting some scrambled eggs onto his plate.
"How do you know?" asked Gary while grabbing some bacon.
"I went to wake him up to join us but there was no answer and the door is locked."
They wondered for a moment if he had left to train or do something else before moving on. Eating their breakfast while exchanging a few words here and there, the group of friends enjoyed the morning meal. After finishing up with breakfast, they helped clear the table and Cilan took it upon himself to clean the dishes while refusing help from anyone. Deciding to let him be, the rest brainstormed together on what they should today before the tournament started tomorrow. Agreeing to go out and explore for a bit, they all returned to their rooms to get ready and to meet back up in the living room.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Misty and Serena were the first ones to get ready and were back in the living room waiting for the others. Glancing at her Poketch, the redhead figured she should get in touch with her sisters and see how they're holding up back at the gym. "Hey, I'll meet you guys downstairs. I'm gonna go call my sisters with the videophone and see how they're doing," informed Misty.
Before Serena could answer back, another person spoke up. "I'll join you if you don't mind since I gotta call Gramps," said Gary as he entered the living room after leaving the bathroom.
"Sure." The two left the suite, traveled down to the lobby via the elevator while deciding who would go first on the videophone and greeted the pink haired girl at the counter as they walked up to it.
"Good morning. How may I help you?"
"Can we use your video phone?" asked the red head.
"Sure. Its right over there," replied the nurse, pointing towards the corner of the lobby where a partition wall was set up to provide privacy for video calls.
"Thanks." Misty went first since they had decided her call was going to be quicker than Gary's while in the elevator. Inputting her gym's number, Misty waited for her sisters to pick up. After a few rings, her oldest sister Daisy was the one who picked up, as usual but was soon quickly joined by Lily and Violet. They chatted for a bit until Misty asked her question. "So, how's everything going with the gym?"
"Eh, it's alright. Just super slow," answered Violet.
"Yeah, just one challenger this past week who lost," explained Lily further.
"Probably because the tournament's about to start," reasoned Misty.
"More than likely. No doubt everyone's on their way to the Indigo Plateau or getting ready to watch from home or something," said Daisy and her sisters agreed.
After talking for a little while longer, they bade each other good bye and Misty disconnected the call. Walking back to the counter, she saw Gary and Nurse Joy talking. "Hey, you can go make your call," she said after getting closer to the two. After Gary left, Misty turned to the nurse. "I hope he wasn't bothering you. He tends to talk a lot," said Misty.
Nurse Joy shook her head with a slight smile. "No, he wasn't. He just wanted to know if registration was done and if there were any interesting trainers that had registered."
"I see. So…are there any?" asked Misty with a hint of hope in her tone of voice.
Nurse Joy caught that. She knew the reason why she was asking and though she couldn't exactly say anything just yet, she wanted to say something. "There's a good amount actually. Some of them I know have been out of the tournament scene for the longest time," replied Joy.
Misty felt her hope growing at hearing that. She was about to ask if any of the trainers looked like a certain raven haired trainer when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around as she spoke. "Yea…oh!" She was surprised as to who was in front of her.
It was a young man a handful of years older than her wearing red shorts, a green shirt and had a red bandanna tied around his head and hair. "Hey Misty," said the man as he hugged her.
Misty didn't return the hug, prompting Joy to keep an even closer eye on the situation once she noticed that. "What are you doing here Tracey?" she asked as she pulled away from him, not wanting to interact with him at all.
"I came to be with you babe," he answered as he reached out to touch her cheek but she smacked his hand away. "Oh, you know I like that fiery side of you," remarked Tracey with a chuckle.
"Stop it," snapped Misty with anger. "I've told you before I'm not interested. You know I don't see you that way. I thought we were past this. And how did you know I was here?"
"Who're you trying to kid?" joked Tracey as he grabbed both of her shoulders, making the red head momentarily freeze in shock over his sudden aggressive action. "All those times I visited you and helped you out while that idiot was away, I've seen the way you've looked at me. Just admit it. And I heard from your sisters that you left with your friends to go somewhere. Where else would you go besides the Spirit Tournament?"
Misty grew angry over his words. "Let me go!" she yelled as she pushed him off of her but he barely took a couple steps back. "Whatever you think you saw, you're only imagining it! I don't like you that way! I've told you many times! And what about Daisy?!" shot the redhead angrily.
Tracey however just scoffed before replying back. "Daisy? Forget about her. She's nothing. You know that I'm a pokémon watcher and there are other things I watch besides pokémon," finished Tracey, looking her up and down with a lecherous look, stopping for a few seconds at her chest and lower body.
Misty felt disgusted over his roaming eyes and she could feel her fear growing. Even so, she wouldn't let him or anyone else for that matter talk to her or treat her like this. Whipping her mallet out of nowhere, she swung it with all her might to punish Tracey for his behavior.
But what happened next she wasn't expecting. Instead of landing the hit, Tracey had caught the mallet with ease. He shook his finger at her with his free hand mockingly. A cold shiver went down Misty's spine over him catching her strike so easily and mocking her for it.
Joy decided to get involved at that moment. "Excuse me sir but what is going on here?"
"Oh, hello Nurse Joy. No worries, I'll be out of here soon since I found what I need," said Tracey, tossing the mallet aside before he leaned in to kiss Misty.
The red head brought up her hands to his face and pushed him back. "NO! STOP! Leave me alone! Why are you acting like this?!" yelled Misty but her words fell on deaf ears.
"I like it when you play hard to get," growled Tracey with lust in his voice. "It's time for you to forget that loser who left such a beautiful girl and be with me."
Misty froze, lost as to what to do. She was never afraid to fight back but for some reason she was filling up with fear as he never acted this badly before. She knew he had a crush on her in the past but when he confessed to her a while ago, she told him it wasn't mutual. She told him that she liked Ash. She told him that she never saw him that way and never will. She thought he got over it when he started dating Gary's sister Daisy but it looks like she was wrong.
Joy stood up from her seat behind the counter with anger etched into her face. "You're causing my guest to be uncomfortable. You should stop right now and leave!" ordered Joy suddenly as soon as she realized that Misty wasn't able to handle this on her own anymore.
"But I'm a guest too. So I guess we're at a stalemate aren't we?" replied Tracey with a sneer.
"You should listen to Nurse Joy and leave now." Gary had suddenly appeared behind the man. He didn't know who he was, not seeing his face but the pokemon researcher had an angry look of his own. Nobody messed with his friends. Only he was allowed to do that. The man slowly turned around and glared at Gary. "Tracey?!" blurted out Gary, dumbfounded to see that it was him causing issues. "What are you doing here? And what are you doing?"
"I'm here to get my trophy," answered Tracey calmly, pointing at Misty behind him with his thumb.
"What?! You're dating my sister you douche bag!"
"Was. I decided she wasn't worth it and came to get what really belongs to me. I guess I should tell her that I'm done with her, shouldn't I?" said Tracey without any tone of remorse.
"You're gonna pay for that you piece of shit!" roared Gary as he launched himself at Tracey.
A bright light flashed suddenly from a poke ball and a large green praying mantis like pokémon, with sharp scythes for arms appeared and pushed Gary back towards the wall. Scyther then pinned the pokemon researcher against the wall with the dull side of his scythe, preventing him from moving. Misty shivered even more in her spot. She hated bug pokémon as they still scared her beyond all else except for one other thing.
"Thank you Gary for letting us be. My love and I have more important things to do," stated Tracy as he turned to look at the red head again and advanced closer to Misty who backed away from him. "Time for us to go now," he said with a lecherous grin on his face…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"So, that's the plan?" asked May.
"Well, unless you have a better idea, a walk around the Indigo Plateau should be fun," replied Serena.
"Hmm…what about…"
As the group of friends waited for the elevator to reach the ground floor, they exchanged ideas of what they do after leaving the hotel. The elevator dinged, signaling it reached their destination and the doors opened. Walking out into the lobby, the group of friends was met with a scene that made them stop in their tracks.
Misty was leaning against the reception desk's counter with her back while sporting a frightened expression on her face. Nurse Joy was standing up behind the counter while looking furious. And Gary was pinned up against the wall by a Scyther.
"What's going on here?" questioned Brock while stepping forward, obvious concern on his and everyone else's face.
"Tracey's gone mad Brock," whimpered Misty, shaking in her spot. "He won't leave me alone and he attacked Gary with his Scyther!"
Hearing her explanation made everyone becoming shocked and also angry. Brock even had his brotherly instincts kick in. "Tracey, stop this at once, leave Misty alone and release Gary!" ordered Brock while moving closer to him.
"Shut up Brock. I don't take orders from you," Tracey replied without care as he turned to Misty raising his hand to grab her again. "Now come with me before someone else gets hurt."
Everyone there grew even more angered and several of them took out a poke ball as Brock attempted to stop Tracey. But they barely moved an inch when Scyther shot towards Brock with blinding speed and tackled him, pushing him down to the ground with a yelp of pain. Brandishing his scythes while letting out a screech of fury, the rest in the group stopped moving and froze in their spots as the bug pokemon hovered near their downed friend.
Seeing them frozen, Gary stood up after catching his breath and was about to bring forth one of his pokemon when he was suddenly thrown to the ground by Scyther. "You're still acting up?" asked Tracey before looking at the group who took a step forward. "I wouldn't do that if I were you unless you want Oak's blood on your hands," threatened Tracey as Scyther moved so quickly that none of them were able to see him until Gary was pinned against the wall again with a scythe up against his throat.
Angry growls were let out from several within the group. The red head couldn't believe what she was seeing and how things had turned out so awfully. "What's happened to you? Why are you so evil?" questioned Misty as she dropped to her knees, unable to keep herself up anymore because fear had completely weakened her as it spread throughout her body.
Tracey turned back around towards her when she spoke but didn't hear her words. A nasty smile spread on his face at the sight of her on the floor, helpless against him. "Hmm, I like it when a girl goes on her knees," commented Tracey with a lecherous tone.
"You fuckin pig!"
"You're gonna pay for this!"
"Get away from her!"
His statement made many in the group start shouting with rage but no one dared to move for fear of Gary getting hurt. Even Joy was stuck in her position, unable to move or react to what was going on even though she was boiling with anger over what was happening in front of her. Tracey ignored all of them, not caring what they were saying. He raised his hand and extended it out to the red head. Misty could only watch with fear filled eyes from the ground of the hand becoming larger as it came closer to her face…
When he was inches away from grabbing her, a pink circular glow materialized in the room right in front of Misty all of a sudden before it started to grow. Tracey was forced to take some steps back while everyone else went silent at the sight of it. A second later Gardevoir appeared from within the pink glow, an angry look on her face with her eyes glowing blue. Floating about a foot in the air in front of Misty, the psychic fairy blocked him from reaching her.
Before anyone could say or do anything else, a powerful voice was heard that seemed to fill the lobby with its words coated with rage. "Don't you dare touch her!"
"NOW WHAT?!" screamed Tracey as he spun around towards the once who spoke. He saw a young man with a beard standing in front of the door way along with a Lucario standing beside him. His expression was twisted in anger with cold fury in his eyes and the pokemon standing beside him was baring his sharp teeth at him. "Who the hell do you think you are? This is none of your business! Stay out of it!" spat Tracey finally, raging that he was prevented again from fulfilling his desire of lust.
When they locked eyes, Ash did not change his expression even as a couple thoughts went through his head as they stood in silence for a moment, sizing up one another. Tracey? Damn, you've gone off the deep end. I've always had a feeling something was off about you but not this. Definitely not this. But it doesn't matter. You hurt Misty. You're not my friend anymore. "Doesn't matter who I am and it is my business when I see rotten people try to take advantage of others. You're unwelcome here. Leave before I make you leave," threatened Ash with a tone that promised retribution if he didn't comply.
His words carried such contempt that all the girls gasped while the guys stared at Ash in shock. Misty looked up when she heard his voice, able to sense his anger. Everyone there could feel the power radiating off of him, standing with no fear and letting out an air of absolute confidence that he can carry out his words without issue.
Ash glanced at the red head for a split second, seeing the fear in her cerulean colored eyes, a mixture of green and slight blue, that made his anger flare up even more inside him. Locking his gaze back onto Tracey, Ash was ready to put him in his place for being the cause of her fear and sorrow. I'm here Misty. I won't let anything happen to you.
Tracey grit his teeth while shaking slightly in his spot from anger with his hands clenching into fists. "The only person who's leaving is you but in pieces! Scyther, Slash attack!"
"NO!" screamed several people but it went unheeded.
With blinding speed, Scyther shot towards his target with his scythes raised and slashed at him when he got within range. But instead of cutting the man, his attack bounced off a blue shield. Lucario had put up an Aura Shield at the last second. Scyther took a few steps back in bewilderment, trying to understand what just occurred. Nobody was able to stop his Slash before.
Ash began walking forward towards Tracey and Scyther with Lucario moving beside him. Both trainer and pokemon had their eyes narrowed in anger and Lucario was itching to attack but he was waiting for the word. "So, this is the kind of man you are. Unable to deal with not getting what you want, so you throw a tantrum and attack others, not caring what happens to them. People like you make me sick." Ash spoke with such venom in his words that Tracey took a couple of steps back subconsciously. "You have one chance to leave with your dignity. Apologize and leave now and never bother us again. Or you will face the consequences," finished Ash as he continued walking.
Tracey didn't comment back for a second before bursting with laugher. "Hahahaha! You think I'm scared of you? You must be one dense moron. Scyther, cut him down a size!" ordered Tracy. Scyther launched at his target once more.
Nobody could move or say anything but they all heard the new arrival say just one word; "Counter."
Lucario vanished from his spot and Scyther was pushed back from his attack. Reappearing in front of his trainer, the canine pokemon gave a snarl at the bug pokemon. Scyther grew angry and increased its speed to that of a blur to reach his target. But each time he was pushed back. The two pokemon became a blur of green and blue as they continued their fighting around Ash while he calmly made his way to Tracey. Everyone there was staring in awe at what was happening.
When Ash was within arms' reach of Tracey, Scyther appeared at his side suddenly and swung his scythe in a lethal downwards arc towards his neck. Screams of fright were let out by several but it was unneeded. For Lucario showed up at the last second and caught the strike with his paw covered in a metallic gleam, causing many to drop their jaws in astonishment since Ash didn't even look startled.
"Finish it," remarked Ash in a calm voice with his eyes still locked onto Tracey, never once moving them away.
Lucario obeyed and vanished from his spot. Immediately afterwards, Scyther was bombarded with strikes from all angles. They couldn't see the canine pokemon at all but they could see the praying mantis pokemon react to the hits and could do nothing to defend itself. A final strike landed against its head that made the bug pokemon drop to the ground unconscious. The entire thing barley lasted a second or two. Lucario reappeared beside his downed opponent and it looked like he didn't even break a sweat even with using a combination of Extreme Speed and Close Combat to finish the fight in a matter of seconds.
"Holy shit!" exclaimed Gary, the only one able to say something while the others remained silent, unable to make a sound at what just happened.
"DAMN YOU!" shouted Tracey as he charged at Ash like a maddened bull.
Ash swiftly ducked under the right hook that came for his head with ease. A knee came flying up to hit his face but that was blocked with his right hand. A left jab came straight towards his head when he straightened out that he pushed to the side effortlessly. Another punch came from the side that he easily deflected away. After dodging and blocking several more attacks, Ash saw an opening and took it. He launched a straight punch directly into his target's stomach.
Tracey lurched forward with all air knocked out of him while his eyes bulged out. Clutching his stomach with both hands, he shakily raised his gaze towards the man with the beard. Tracy mumbled out some incoherent words but everyone could tell they weren't anything nice.
Shooting his right hand forward, Ash grabbed Tracey's neck. Then with a surprising display of strength, Ash lifted Tracey up off his feet and held him dangling in the air. Everyone besides his pokémon was impressed over his feat. Ash began speaking with his anger coating each word. "If you ever bother my friends again, if you even come near them, or do anything to harm them or mess up their lives, directly or indirectly, I will find you no matter where you run to. Understand?"
"And consider yourself fired from the lab and dumped by Daisy!" added a furious Gary.
Ash glanced at Gary, who nodded, signaling he was done with Tracey who was still struggling against his grip. Until a moment later he stopped and just hung there limply but was able to nod in agreement. Turning around with Tracey still held up in his hand, Ash threw him towards the building door, yelling at him to get out. Landing hard on the ground, Tracey clumsily got back onto his feet in a hurry, returned his Scyther and fled the hotel.
Ash gave a signal to Lucario who understood it at once and the pokémon went outside to make sure Tracey had left. Gary tapped his Poketch to send a voice message to his Gramps and Daisy, telling them that Tracey was done and for his grandpa to put Blastoise on guard duty while sending Umbreon to help cheer up his sister.
Ash turned around and moved towards the red head while everyone else there just remained frozen in their spots with astonished gazes over what they just witnessed him do. Gardevoir moved to the side as Ash drew near. "Good job Gardevoir," commented Ash to his fairy pokémon, who nodded at his praise.
Turning to face the red head on the floor, he saw that she was staring straight ahead of her but could tell that she wasn't really seeing anything and figured she was still in shock. Lowering his hands to hers, he gently grasped them and gently picked Misty up off the floor. Standing on her feet, her head was still hung. "Hey. You okay Misty? It's alright, it's over. You don't need to worry about him anymore."
So soft and soothing were his words that Misty couldn't help it and raised her head to look at him, fear still in her eyes. Looking at the expression of concern on his face, her mind pictured a certain trainer's face in place of Solid's and she burst into tears. Leaning against him with her face buried in his chest, Misty started bawling loudly. Ash wrapped his arms around her back, giving her a hug, hoping it would comfort her. Their friends had sullen expressions as they moved towards the two.
A few seconds later however, she started pounding on his chest with her hands in fists, crying louder and louder until they heard her speak between her sobs. "I-I don't know…h-how much longer…I c-can take this! How m-many…assholes d-do I have to deal with b-before things get better?" She took a couple stuttering breaths in between her sobs.
"…" Ash remained quiet, not knowing what to say as he frowned with his heart beating like crazy.
"Where the fuck is Ash?!" screamed Misty suddenly.
Everyone had crestfallen expressions form on their faces. Joy, Gardevoir and a returning Lucario glanced at Ash, wondering how he was taking this. After Misty's sudden shouting, Lucario came back in and went to stand by his fairy comrade. He had sensed emotions run high from outside and wanted to see why.
A moment of silence passed. "Where is he when we need him?!" cried out Misty shrilly. "When I need him?" she asked in a whisper while sniffling.
Multiple different feelings filled Ash and his heart rate continued to increase. "I can't really say but I know he wants to be with you all. I know for a fact that he wants to be here." Oh Mew, I don't know if I can take this. I want to tell you so badly Mist that it's me!
"Really? Yea right!" snapped Misty as she looked up at him with rage. She pushed him away from her and started shouting again. "And how would you know, huh? You can't know! He hasn't called or even sent a text message for three years to any of us! Maybe he's not here because he just doesn't give a damn!" said Misty, finishing what she wanted to say and started breathing heavily with silent tears running down her cheeks.
Ash was shocked over her outburst for a few seconds and so were the others but they all understood why she said such things. He turned away and walked towards the nearby wall and leaned against it, raising his hands above his head. Gardevoir and Lucario glanced at each other, then at Joy. All three of them had worried looks on their faces. Ash hung his head even lower as he banged his right fist against the wall, startling everyone. "I can't do this. I can't," choked out Ash.
Lucario made to move towards his trainer when he said that but Gardevoir held him back, shaking her head when he turned his gaze to her. Joy watched everything unfold in front of her and she clasped her hands together, holding them to her chest with hope in her eyes. Is he going to do it? Will he confess and face them head on?
"Huh? Why would you say that? Tell me!" demanded Misty. May, Dawn and Serena moved forward until they stopped beside Misty, a sign of support for her and that they wanted to know as well. Their friends kept silent in their spots, waiting to see what he said.
"I said I can't do this," repeated Ash as he hit the wall again with the side of his fist. "And Ash does give a damn!" he said with conviction as he turned around and moved closer to them. He made eye contact with each of the four girls for a few seconds, looking directly into their eyes before moving on to the next. First was May, then Serena, next was Dawn and finally ended with Misty. "Every night, before he went to sleep, he would pull out the group picture he has of his friends and stare at it for a long time while thinking about everyone. He suffered every day, battling his emotions, trying to stay strong as he missed you all so much as he trained. There were a couple times he wanted to just drop everything and run back to you as fast as he could but he knew he couldn't do that. But still, he cares for you more than you can ever imagine!" said Ash with his tone filled with emotion.
Silence in the hotel lobby for a short while as everyone processed what he just said. "How do you know?" questioned Misty in a whisper.
A little hope fired up in her, Dawn, Serena and May as their hearts started beating madly within their chests but each of them fought to control it. None of them wanted to be blinded by hope and didn't want to get swept up in something only to get hurt again and disappointed like what happened to them a few times in the past. Their friends too felt something after hearing all that.
Ash looked down at his feet and took in a deep breath, working up the courage to tell them. After a few seconds of him staying quiet, May closed the distance between them, grabbed his shoulders and shook him. "She asked you how do you know?!" yelled May with anger.
Ash slowly looked up at the brunette. "Because he's here."
Everyone besides Joy and the pokémon were startled at that bit of information. Gasping in shock at the news, the four girls put their hands against their mouths. A moment later, they lowered their hands and moved in closer until they stopped right in front of him beside the brunette. "Where?" asked Dawn in a whisper.
Ash looked into the blunette's eyes before he answered her. "Right in front of you."
After Ash said that, his face began to change while Misty, Dawn, Serena and May still kept eye contact. Gardevoir's eyes had glowed blue, which only Joy and Lucario noticed. The girls and the others as well, watched as Solid's black eyes turned brown, 'z' shaped birthmarks appeared on his cheeks and the beard faded away. Everyone gasped in shock except for the two pokémon and Joy.
The girls' eyes widened at what they just witnessed. Solid's face was gone and now they were staring into Ash's. His chocolate brown eyes alternated between each of their eyes. "A-Ash? Is that r-really you?" asked Serena in a whisper.
Ash shifted his gaze to hers, gave a small smile and nodded in response to the honey blonde haired girl. Yet, nobody moved as they all seemed to be trying to understand what just happened and the lobby was enveloped in silence once more. Many different emotions spiraled around inside of everyone with some feeling certain emotions far more strongly. Especially for the four girls, it was far more intense as they experienced everything ranging from maddening rage to blissful joy that prevented them from reacting yet they were lost in their thoughts.
It can't be him, can it?
Someone must be playing a trick on us…
Could we be dreaming?
What if this is just another disguise?
Each of the four girls had doubtful thoughts go past their minds, thinking this was a prank or a dream or something. That is until each of the four looked at him right in his eyes and looked for any hint of deceit or betrayal within them. They didn't see that at all. Instead, they saw something else and each of them somehow thought the same thing at the same time; his eyes…they're burning with passion…just like…Ash…it is him!
"ASH!" All of sudden, Misty, Dawn, Serena and May lunged at Ash while shouting his name as each of them tried to hug him. As a result of them basically tackling him, he fell down on the floor backwards as the girls toppled after him and landed on top and around him; Dawn to the left, Serena and Misty in the middle, and May to the right. They started crying and stayed in that position while grabbing onto Ash tightly as if he was their lifeline and was afraid that he would disappear if let go. Ash did his best to hug them all at once with tears falling down his face as well as he apologized over and over.
The group around them finally started showing signs of life after seeing the emotional moment. Cilan and Iris glanced at each other and hugged, turning back to the beautiful sight before them. Brock, Joy, Gardevoir and Lucario had smiles form on their faces while Gary, Richie and Max grinned.
Thankfully, the crying died down soon enough and the girls stared at Ash as he alternated looking at each girl's face. After a few more seconds, they got off of him, stood up and then helped him stand back up as well. What followed quickly after were four of the fastest slaps the group had ever seen delivered by the girls, one from each, to Ash's right cheek, which in turn caused him to turn his head hard and move his body to the side a bit. When he straightened up again, they delivered four more speedy slaps to the same cheek again. His cheek hurt pretty badly as it was slapped eight times in a row quite rapidly, causing a red hand print to show on his face. The rest of the group winced at the sight.
"Should've seen that coming," muttered Gary, causing the ones near him to roll their eyes.
"Mew that stings!" yelped Ash, massaging his cheek as he straightened back up after the last slap. "I guess I deserved that huh?"
They stood in front of him with piercing glares and their hands on their hips. "You think?!" shouted the four together.
"Wow, what a bunch of kids," commented Iris, yet still smiling at the scene and secretly glad they did that.
The others laughed and the five remembered they had an audience and went red. The rest of the group gathered around Ash, hugging him or shaking his hand, while stating how glad they were that he was back. He did get smacked upside the head by Brock for his stunt of hiding in plain sight while punched in his stomach and chest a couple times in addition from the rest, which he felt he did deserve somewhat.
After that, Ash looked at everybody. "I'm sorry guys for lying to you and for being gone for so long." Ash hung his head, looking at the floor. "Will you forgive me or are you too angry at me?"
"Of course we're angry!" shot Misty. "But we're also happy to have you here with us again," finished the red head softly while embracing him tightly.
"Is that true guys?" asked Ash as he returned it and raised his gaze to look at each person in the group. They nodded and Ash's eyes began to water. "I'm so sorry for everything."
"Hey, it's fine, it's in the past. No need to worry," replied Dawn softly as she hugged him again.
"Just make sure you never do something like that to us again," added May while wrapping her arms around him.
"Otherwise you'll get more than just slaps to the face," threatened Serena as she joined them as well.
Everybody except Joy and the two pokémon joined in on the hug, with Ash in the middle apologizing and having a few tears run down his cheeks, trying to pull himself back together. It took a moment but Ash stopped and the group broke apart from the hug. "Thanks guys." Ash wiped his eyes with his hands. "I'll find some way to make it up to all of you, I promise."
"And we'll hold you to that promise, Ashy-boy," smirked Gary.
"I'll get started on it right now," said Ash with a smile. "Hey, I actually have an idea for that!" he said excitedly after a couple seconds.
"And he's back!" cheered Max, causing the group to chuckle.
Nobody had noticed new trainers come inside and walked forward a bit just then. "Ah, can we sign up for the tournament?" asked one of the new trainers.
"Oh, sorry about that. Welcome to the Indigo Plateau Hotel. You can register for the Spirit Tournament here," responded Joy. The new trainers walked up to Joy and registered for the tournament and got their room keys.
Ash glanced at the trainers signing up, wondering if any were strong before facing his friends again. "So, here's my idea that'll hopefully help us leave this stuff behind. How about we go to the nearby arcade and have some fun and then have some lunch? My treat." The group agreed, mentioning how they had planned on getting out of the hotel today anyway and Ash smiled. "Cool. Let me just go take a quick shower and get dressed. Give me about thirty minutes." He turned towards the nurse. "Hey Joy, would you like to come with us too?" asked Ash.
Everyone snapped their attention at Joy, who just finished up registering the last trainer. She looked up stunned, but then brought a finger up to her cheek and tapped it while thinking. "Well, I do have a lunch break coming up. If you guys can wait that long, I'll be happy to join as I don't get to do much around here," she finished quietly, her cheeks flashing pink.
"No worries Nurse Joy. We can wait for you," said Richie.
"We're waiting for Ashy-boy anyways," added Gary with a shrug.
"Okay thanks," replied Joy happily.
Ash dashed upstairs to get ready while Lucario and Gardevoir staying behind with the group of friends but kept to themselves mostly while relaxing and communicating mentally. They waited for both Ash to come back down and Joy to get off her shift. It wasn't long until he returned with Pikachu on his shoulder and his favorite original hat on his head. Pikachu immediately jumped into Misty's arms and cooed as she scratched him behind his ear. A little while later, Joy was able to go on lunch with another pokemon league official taking over for her. She decided to go while in her nurse uniform since she didn't want to make them wait any longer and she was fine with how she looked. Lucario and Gardevoir followed behind the group, still communicating mentally as they all headed towards the arcade.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
As they made their way to the arcade, Ash talked with everyone in the group, able to relax a bit and enjoy speaking without too much worry since he had revealed himself. Misty, May, Dawn and Serena were also feeling extremely happy with having Ash back with them and they could barely contain it. They did share a look with one another that they knew what it meant; they had to have another talk again soon for many reasons. But for now, they decided to enjoy the outing and try to find out as much as they could about what their crush had done in the past three years.
Walking along the path, the group of close friends talked and joked with one another. "Hey have you guys kept in touch with Clemont and Bonnie? What are they up to and how come they're not here?" asked Ash.
"They're doing pretty good. They wanted to come but their parents had to go on a business trip for a couple weeks so they couldn't leave the gym without anyone to watch over it," answered Serena.
Ash nodded and sighed, commenting how he missed them. They continued talking with one another and Ash tried to position Richie near Joy so they would have to talk at some point. It worked a little, but they didn't converse much and he wondered if it was because of their initial meet and that they might be embarrassed from it. Ash hoped that some games and food would change that.
They reached the arcade, which was simply named 'Indigo Plateau Arcade'. They went inside and Ash paid for everyone's ticket and a handful of coins to play the games, true to his word. Gardevoir and Lucario sat at a huge booth, reserving it for them since they didn't want to play any of the games. Pikachu however stayed with Misty, standing on her shoulder and joined in on the games, happy to be back in the group and interact with them all again as he had missed them all too.
Deciding to first play some games together as a big group, they shot some basketballs to see who could score the most in thirty seconds. Ash was about to win when his closest competitor, Misty, caught up and beat him. She laughed at him and he pouted, making her giggle and slap his arm playfully who just chuckled over it all.
After that, they played darts and pool together, taking up several dart boards and pool tables at once as they played. Ash played a game of pool with May who soundly beat him with no problem. He was shocked at how well she played until she revealed that she would play with her dad whenever they went on family outings.
Not caring much over his recent losses, he competed against Dawn in darts and this time he won but the blunette didn't take it too well. Dawn huffed at Ash and pretended to throw a dart at him who dropped to the floor promptly with a yelp to dodge the dart. But when he looked up at her and saw her grinning smugly at him, he found out he was played and he shook his head as everyone else laughed.
Deciding to take a break from those games, Ash ended up playing a cooperative shooting game with Serena. The two of them tried to beat the game but was unsuccessful since they were overwhelmed after the fifth level. Promising that they'd one day win against the game, the two agreed to practice together on it whenever they got a chance.
Joy, slowly but surely, integrated into the group as they all interacted with one another while playing games, talking and joking around with the rest of them. Ash noticed that Richie was starting to talk to her more and with more confidence. He smiled, sensing that their auras were beginning to respond to each other. After a while they split off into smaller groups. Cilan, Iris, Richie and Joy went off together. Brock went with Max while Gary split off alone. And finally the four girls went together after Ash told them he was going to go check on his pokémon at the booth.
"So, how are you guys doing?" asked Ash as he reached Lucario and Gardevoir.
"We're fine Master, but must we stay here?"
"Well, you could go off and explore but why leave? Why don't you have some fun?"
"I'd rather be training right now," complained Lucario and crossed his arms.
"Oh, why is that Lucario? You don't want to have some fun? Not even with me?" asked Gardevoir in a mock hurt voice, moving her body a little closer to him. Ash raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"I…ah…merely…I…"
For the first time ever, Ash witnessed Lucario being speechless. "Hahahaha! Oh my Arceus! Hahaha! Whoa! Lucario, speechless?! Damn, Gardevoir, I didn't know you had moves like that! You're one impressive little pokémon aren't you?" teased Ash, making the fairy pokemon blush. "Where'd you learn how to do something like that?" Gardevoir shook her head, not letting out her secrets. Lucario scowled at the two and turned his face away from them, his nose in the air. "Ah don't be such a baby Lucario. Alright fine, stay here and sulk while I go get us some food." Ash left the two, still chuckling over what he saw. I've got to know where she picked that up from. Probably from the girls. But how and when?
Gardevoir gently put a hand on Lucario's arm and he turned to face her. "Are you mad?"
Lucario sighed. "No. I just didn't want to give him the satisfaction. That was pretty good though. You really had me fooled. I guess being around those girls a little bit gave you some confidence huh?"
Gardevoir gave a sheepish smile. "Yes, they did. They may be fragile in some areas, especially when it comes to Ash, but they are stronger than they realize. I've learned a lot from them by reading some of their thoughts."
"Ah, you little sneak!" teased Lucario and Gardevoir blushed again. "Just promise me you won't do that to me again okay?" asked Lucario.
Gardevoir smiled a little too sweetly after a couple seconds. "But it's so much fun!" She laughed and Lucario frowned before her contagious laugh affected him, making him laugh as well.
Ash went to the host and ordered a good amount of food. He paid for it and asked them to set up the food when ready at the table where his Gardevoir and Lucario were at. The host nodded in agreement and he went back into the arcade to join the others and play some more games with them.
After about half an hour or so, the group slowly formed again as they came back together at the large booth held for them. Lucario and Gardevoir got up so the rest could slide down to the end of the booth and then sat down at the edges. Pikachu jumped down from Misty's shoulder after Ash decided to give him a bowl of ketchup since they were all having fun. Conveniently enough, the food he ordered swiftly came as soon as they all sat down.
"Dig in everyone!" called out Ash happily.
For the next couple of minutes, all that was heard was the sounds of hungry people devouring their meal. May challenged Ash to see who could eat the most chicken wings in one minute and he accepted. Iris kept count for May while Max kept count for Ash. After the minute was up, Ash's count was nine, while May's was eight.
"Ha! Looks like I win again May. So what's my prize?" asked Ash with a smirk.
May's cheeks went pink as she pouted. "How about I don't punch you?" Ash gulped before agreeing, making their friends chuckle.
After demolishing the food in front of them, with hardly any leftovers, they relaxed while several conversations occurred with each other while letting the food settle in their stomachs. Ash noticed that Richie and Joy were sitting next to each other and interacting. He smiled, thinking he had made good choices in picking Richie and inviting Joy to join them.
"Hey Ash…"
"Yea, what's up Serena?"
"What were you doing these past three years?"
Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Ash. I can't tell them about the darkness. But I can tell them about my training and travels a bit. And they do know about my aura… He took a moment to think before answering him. "I did a lot Serena. But to give you a gist of it, I traveled around the six regions again while disguised, revisited the Kingdom of Rota to get some information and training on aura, caught a bunch of new pokémon and then spent the rest of the time with nonstop training."
"Aura?" asked Joy in confusion. Looking around, she saw that his friends weren't too shocked hearing about that.
"Oh right, you don't know. I can use aura," explained Ash and Joy let out a surprised gasp. "My friends knew about it because of some things that happened years ago. Just keep it between us please. I'm not ready for the whole world to know yet," he requested and she agreed to his request.
"Wow Ash, you sure were busy. And in a disguise huh? That's why there was no word about you. And you did some aura training? Is that how you were able to take care of Tracey so easily?" May was impressed that Ash was able to stay hidden for so long and had grown to be quite the fighter. Ash nodded at her question, pink in the face.
"Why'd you go alone though?" This time it was Dawn who asked.
Ash looked at her before answering. "I didn't want to. Really. But I had no other choice. I was helping out a friend who has an important mission. Truthfully, I'm still helping him with it. I can't tell you the exact details but in the future I should be able to when the time is right."
"Right and this tournament is part of the mission," remarked Misty sarcastically while she rolled her eyes and looked away, a little hurt thinking that he was trying to lie again.
"Actually, it is Mist." Lucario was surprised that Ash mentioned that while Misty snapped her gaze back onto Ash's, her face a little red from him using his nickname for her.
But before she or anyone else could say anything, another spoke up. "Hold up Ash. Are you telling me that you knew that this tournament was going to happen, way before everyone else?" asked Gary with narrowed eyes.
Everyone was silent, waiting for Ash to answer who let out a sigh before answering. "Yes, I did." To say his friends were shocked would be an understatement. They started asking more questions that were related about the mission.
But then Lucario intervened all of a sudden. "Master! You cannot tell them anymore!" His outburst stunned them all into silence, not hearing him speak and they remained quiet as he continued to speak through Aura. "I'm sorry, but Master has sworn to secrecy and he cannot break his word. There will come a time where we will be able to tell you everything, but not yet. What we can tell you is that it is extremely important and we have been training hard for it. This tournament is to see whether we are ready or not for what's next in our mission. We would greatly appreciate your respect and understanding." Lucario gave a short bow as he finished.
They stared at Ash and Lucario for a moment before Misty broke the silence. "If it's something that important to make you leave without contacting us for so long after your call and to make Lucario act like that, then I understand. I'll wait to hear what this mission is all about when its time. I'm here for you and always will be. And…I'm sorry Ash," said Misty, hanging her head in shame for doubting him.
Ash looked at her for a second before raising his hand and since she was sitting next to him, placed it under her chin to lift her head to face him. He then used his other hand to take off his favorite hat and placed it on her head, a sign that everything is good between them. "You don't need to apologize to me Mist. I'm just glad that you understand and standing by my side once again."
Misty smiled as she reddened slightly with her cerulean eyes twinkling. She reached up and grabbed the hat he placed gently on her head. She made it hug her head tighter as she pushed it down. "Mine now Ash," teased Misty, making their friends laugh.
Ash chuckled, shaking his head before calling out to the guys. "Alright fellas, we have something to do. Ladies, if you would be kind enough to wait here please," requested Ash as he got up, Pikachu jumping onto his shoulder. He motioned for the guys to follow as he walked away from the booth.
The six girls left at the booth glanced at each other, each thinking the same thing: what do they have planned?
"What's up Ash?" asked Richie as they got into a huddle away from the girls.
"Alright, how many tickets did you guys win?" They each pulled out their won tickets and pulled it together. They had a total of about one thousand tickets. "Okay, I think that would do. Before I make my suggestion, do any of you have something you want to get for yourselves?"
The guys glanced at each other and they all answered the same thing; "Not really".
"Are you sure? Because I don't want to feel like an ass once I make my suggestion."
"Yea we're sure, so spill it," hissed Gary.
"Alright. You guys see those colored flower hair clip things on the prize wall? I was thinking we can get one for each of the girls as a gift. What do you think?"
"I like it. I'm in," agreed Richie without hesitation, thinking about giving one to Nurse Joy.
"As am I. This will bring out a wonderful flavor," added Cilan and the others nodded.
"Alright cool. Let's do this. We're short about two hundred. Let's get those too and get those prizes."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Back at the booth, the girls were talking excitedly and being impatient. After staying there with the girls for a bit, Lucario got up and went to find Ash while letting Gardevoir know through their aura bond. The psychic fairy didn't stop him and continued listening to the girls and observed their interactions, learning much from them.
"So, Nurse Joy, looks like you were having fun with Richie."
Joy's cheeks turned the same color as her hair as she turned to look at the blunette who made the statement. "I did, yes and you can all just call me Joy," responded Joy, deciding not to play games and viewing them as her friends now.
"So, what do you think?" asked Serena. Joy turned to her with her pink cheeks getting darker.
"Ooh, she likes him!" squealed May as she clasped her hands together.
"Hey, don't bother her about it," warned Misty.
"What, they're just talking Misty." Iris shrugged as she commented, making them look at her. "But if you want the spotlight off of her, alright then, let's change who the attention is on. What are you going to do?" Misty, May, Dawn and Serena gave looks of confusion at the question. Iris sighed. "About Ash. He's back. And the four of you have feelings for him. So, what are you going to do?" Iris's question made the four look at each other and Joy to raise her eyebrows.
Before they could say anything else, a very unwelcomed guest arrived at their booth. And he wasn't alone. With him were several others that none of the girls were pleased to see at all. It was Tracey and the others who were with him were Drew, Kenny, Rudy, Calem and Paul.
"Well hello there again, beautiful," said Tracey.
"Ugh, please leave me alone! Didn't Ash kick your ass already?!" cried out an annoyed Misty, able to control her fear now because of her friends around her and a certain someone coming back to her…
"Ash?! That wasn't Ash!" screamed Tracey, trying to save face in front of the others.
"Wow Tracey, you really are a wimp. You're not worthy of this fiery red head if that scrawny kid kicked your ass," spoke Rudy, remembering how Ash looked like way back when.
"That was Ash. He was only in disguise!" said Serena.
Tracey scowled. That man was Ash? No way!
"And he's not scrawny anymore~" said Dawn and May together in a sing song voice as they and three out of the four other girls imagined Ash without his shirt in their mind, making them blush heavily. Joy raised her eyebrows in surprise over their reaction and her own cheeks went red as she thought of what they could be picturing in their minds.
The unwelcomed group grumbled at her words before Tracey spoke again. "It doesn't matter if that was Ash or not! You four belong with us!" said Tracey and Misty nearly gagged at the horrible thought.
"Dee-Dee. We grew up together since we were kids. I know you better than that idiot. Why don't you come with me instead of wasting time with him and these losers?" questioned Kenny.
Dawn glared at him and crossed her arms, an obvious showing of 'no' but it wasn't noticed. "Read my lips; forget it!" shot Dawn while putting emphasis on the last two words she spoke.
"Drew what are you doing with these idiots? You're better than that!" criticized May. She didn't have any feelings for him but he was one of her rivals and they did travel together a bit.
"I only came with them so I can find you. I want you to be with me," he said as he pulled out a rose from nowhere and held it out for May. "You should be with me. He is unworthy of you and your beauty. Let's leave together."
"I've told you a dozen times already. The answer is no! Now please all of you leave," pleaded May.
"Why are you here Calem?" asked Serena with narrowed eyes.
"You know why Serena. We've known each other for a long time and we were neighbors. You should be with me. C'mon, let's go and leave this horrible place," he told her as he raised his hand towards her.
Serena however glared back at him. "I've told you many times. I'm not interested and I never will be. And that's final. Now leave me alone!"
Joy stood up in her seat and spoke. "As the head nurse of the Indigo Plateau Hotel, I must ask that you leave now and not to bother us again."
"Aw look, they have some security with them. Well, so do we," said Tracey as he pointed at Paul.
"What are you doing here Paul?" asked Dawn. She knew Paul was an ass but what business did he have with them?
"None of your business. This dumbass here said if I come with them I could battle a powerful trainer before the tournament," he said with a scowl, but it deepened when Joy started laughed, causing everyone to look at her. "What's so funny bitch?"
The girls growled at Paul over his insult but Joy didn't care as she laughed. Finally she stopped and looked at him. "You signed up for the tournament right?" she asked him, remembering him as the jerk and he barely nodded. "Then you can't battle with any other contenders until you're matched up together and only at the stadium at your designated time. Anything else and its instant disqualification. And I am one of the representatives who has the power to disqualify violators. So, do you really want to battle that strong trainer right now, who is also registered in the tournament and is by the way Ash?" Paul narrowed his eyes before leaving quickly. Tracey's shouts and pleas fell on deaf ears on the retreating trainer. "Well that takes care of one of them," sighed Joy and the girls smiled a little.
Misty turned to face the still standing group of boys still there and sighed. "Aren't you leaving?"
"Not without you four coming with us," repeated Tracey, his voice laced with lust.
All of the girls sensed that and shivered in their spots because of it. Gardevoir had enough and decided it was time to put these disrespectful jerks in their place. Standing up, the white and green pokemon had her eyes glow blue and she rose into the air. She was trying to intimidate them and scare them off.
That didn't go according to plan though. "Oh, we've got a fighter. Okay, how about this, a pokémon battle. If we win, you come with us. If you win, we'll leave you alone for good." They moved outside without waiting for an answer. They stood in front of the arcade, waiting for Gardevoir and the girls.
Gardevoir made to follow them but Misty grabbed her arm, making the pokemon glance back at her. "No, don't go Gardevoir. I know for a fact that they won't fight fair. This isn't your fight!"
"It's alright Misty." Gardevoir's soft and angelic voice, even though spoken through telepathy, shocked them at hearing it. "Nobody bothers my friends. And don't worry, I can handle them." Gardevoir slipped her arm out from Misty's grip and went outside to face them while sending a mental message to Ash and Lucario as she did so. The girls in the booth glanced at one another before they too followed after the psychic fairy.