A/N: How about a quick update for a change? Say no more. I got u bruhh
Chapter 16: S.S. Surprise
The morning light crept through the cracks of Ash's bedroom curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over his tidy room. His Pichu, lay curled up at the foot of the bed, breathing softly in the quiet morning. Ash sat at the edge of his bed, carefully lacing up his shoes. He glanced back at the little Pokémon, who stirred slightly but didn't wake. With a faint smile, he whispered, "I'll be back before you know it."
Grabbing his green backpack and the black luggage he had packed the night before, Ash tiptoed out of his room. The wooden stairs creaked faintly under his weight as he descended, the familiar scent of pancakes and coffee wafting up to greet him.
In the kitchen, Delia Ketchum was bustling about with her usual energy, humming softly as she poured coffee into a thermos. Mr. Mime stood to one side, expertly flipping pancakes with a precision that rivaled any chef.
"Good morning, Mom," Ash greeted, setting his bags by the kitchen table.
"Good morning, sweetheart," Delia replied, turning to him with her warm smile. She held out the thermos, already knowing Ash's routine. "Here's some coffee for the trip. I made it just the way you like it."
"Thanks, Mom." Ash took the thermos and unzipped the main compartment of his green backpack. He placed the thermos inside carefully, making sure it was snug before zipping the bag closed and setting it down near the table.
Delia watched him with a mix of pride and motherly concern. "Five days is a long time, Ash. I know you're excited, but please be extra careful, okay? Stay with your group, don't wander off, and make sure you eat enough."
"I'll be fine, Mom. It's just a school trip, and we're all going to stick together," Ash assured her, sliding into a chair at the table. Mr. Mime placed a plate of pancakes in front of him with a polite nod.
Delia sat across from him with her own breakfast. "I know, I know. You're growing up, and you've been through so much already. But a mother can't help but worry, you know?"
Ash grinned, his fork halfway to his mouth. "You'll worry even if I'm just going to the grocery store."
"Exactly," Delia said with a laugh.
They ate together, the moment calm and comforting. When they finished, Ash pushed back his chair and stood. "Well, I guess it's time to go."
Ash reached for his green backpack but paused, noticing the main zipper was slightly open.
"Oops," he muttered. Thinking it had gotten loose because of its fullness, he carefully zipped it closed, ensuring it was secure this time. Slinging the backpack over his shoulder, he grabbed his black luggage and gave them one last wave. "See you in five days."
Delia and Mr. Mime followed him to the door. She hesitated as Ash stepped out, her hand lingering on the frame. "Call me as soon as you get there, okay?" she called out, her voice softer now.
Ash smiled back over his shoulder. "I will, Mom. Don't worry. Bye, Mr. Mime!"
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
The bus ride to Vermilion City Port was uneventful, though Ash found himself getting more excited as the minutes ticked by. The port came into view, bustling with morning activity. The iconic port, with its gleaming ships and endless ocean backdrop, was as lively as ever.
Ash stepped off the bus, his black luggage trailing behind him on its wheels. The salty sea breeze hit him, invigorating and full of promise. He adjusted the straps of his green backpack and headed into the port's main lobby, scanning the crowd for familiar faces.
"Hey, Ash!"
He turned to see Chloe and Dawn waving at him. Chloe had her arms crossed, her usual cool demeanor softened by a smile. Dawn, on the other hand, looked as energetic as ever, her blue hair bouncing as she hurried over.
"You're finally here!" Dawn said, playfully punching his arm. "We were starting to think you got lost on the way."
"Yeah, yeah," Ash replied, grinning. "Like I'd ever miss this trip."
Nearby, Gary stood surrounded by a small group, talking animatedly with Serena, Misty, and Goh. Serena nodded thoughtfully as Gary spoke, her brown eyes focused on him, while Misty and Goh looked slightly more skeptical. The rest of the class was chatting among themselves with the beauty of their destination being the common topic.
Gary glanced over at Ash's arrival. "Finally, Ketchum. Took you long enough."
"Nice to see you too, Gary," Ash murmured sarcastically, earning a chuckle from Dawn.
Gary turned back to the others, his tone shifting to something more authoritative. "Alright, listen up. We've got 29 students here, plus our homeroom teacher, Ms. Chrysa, overseeing everything. Misty, as the female sergeant-at-arms, and Goh, acting male sergeant-at-arms, I need you two to keep a close eye on everyone. Make sure no one wanders off, causes trouble, or does anything that'll embarrass us."
"Got it," Misty said with a firm nod. "I'll keep everyone in line."
Chloe smirked. "You mean you'll keep Goh in line."
"Hey!" Goh protested, but Misty just shrugged.
"If the shoe fits," she teased.
Gary ignored the banter and turned to Serena. "Serena, you'll manage our expenses. Even though most things are already scheduled, there might be some extra costs along the way. Keep track of everything."
"Of course," Serena replied with a smile. "I've got it covered."
Before the announcement could come, a clear voice called out above the chatter of the students. "Alright, everyone, gather up!"
The group turned to see Ms. Chrysa standing near the main entrance of the boarding area, clipboard in hand and a warm smile on her face. She adjusted her glasses and gestured for the students to form a semicircle around her. Her long blue hair shone in the sunlight streaming through the glass ceiling of the port.
"Everyone here? Let's do a quick attendance check before boarding," she said, glancing down at her clipboard. "When I call your name, just raise your hand and say, 'Here.'"
Chrysa went down the list, her voice calm yet firm. One by one, she called out their names.
Chrysa smiled at each student, her purple eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she checked off their names. When she finished the list, she nodded in satisfaction. "Great, everyone's accounted for. You're already making my job easier. Let's keep that up for the next five days, okay?"
The students chuckled, and a few nodded.
She then held up her phone. "Now, before we board, I'll be informing all of your parents that we'll be departing soon. If any of you haven't already said goodbye, now's your chance. Once we're on the ship, there'll be limited opportunities for phone calls during the trip, so make sure you're all set."
Ash, Chloe, and Dawn exchanged quick texts, while Serena walked to the side to make a brief call. Around him, others did the same, chatting softly or snapping last-minute selfies to send to their families.
"Alright," Chrysa said, clapping her hands together once the flurry of goodbyes settled. "The announcement for boarding should be coming any minute now. Everyone, stay close and stick with your sergeant at arms. Remember: as Gary said, no wandering off without permission, no getting lost, and absolutely no shenanigans. Got it?"
"Yes, Ms. Chrysa!" the class chorused, some more enthusiastically than others.
As if on cue, the announcement system crackled to life, and a calm voice echoed through the lobby. "Attention passengers for the Vermilion City to Orange Islands cruise. Boarding will begin shortly. Please proceed to the boarding area."
"That's our cue," Gary adjusted his bag, glancing around at the bustling port. As the class representative, he knew keeping this group of 29 in line wouldn't be easy. But if anyone could handle it, it was him—or so he told himself. "Let's move."
The group made their way through the bustling port toward the boarding area, where the massive cruise ship awaited. It loomed above them, a marvel of engineering with its gleaming white exterior and rows of windows. The gangplank was already crowded with other passengers, their excitement palpable.
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
Standing at the edge of the boarding area, Ash looked up at the ship. It was massive, almost unreal, and it symbolized everything he loved—new places to explore, possibly new Pokemon to meet, and new things to discover. "This is gonna be awesome."
"Yeah," Chloe said, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and caution. "Let's just hope everything goes smoothly."
"You worry too much," Ash chuckled as they boarded.
"Someone has to with you around," Chloe retorted playfully, making them both laugh.
Their group was directed to their assigned area, a spacious deck with a stunning view of the ocean. The chatter of classmates filled the air, everyone buzzing with anticipation for the adventure ahead.
Ash leaned on the railing, staring out at the endless blue expanse. With the salty breeze in his face and the endless ocean before him, Ash felt a thrill he couldn't quite put into words. This wasn't just a school trip—it was the kind of adventure he lived for. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Dawn grinning at him.
"Ready for this, Ash?" she asked.
"More than ready," he replied, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's make this trip one to remember."
And with that, the journey to the Orange Islands began. The horizon stretched endlessly before them, promising adventure, discovery, and the unknown.
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
The soft swish of a broom echoed through the quiet kitchen as Delia worked her way across the tiled floor. Johanna was outside tending to the potted plants, leaving the house unusually still. She paused by the table, brushing a strand of hair from her face as she shifted a chair to sweep underneath it.
That's when she saw it—a familiar green thermos lying on its side beneath the table.
Delia blinked, tilting her head. "Ash's thermos?" she murmured, setting the broom aside to pick it up. She turned it over in her hands, her brow furrowing in confusion. He always packs so carefully. How could he have forgotten this?
Her heart gave a small pang as she stood there, holding the thermos. She could almost hear his cheerful, "Thanks, Mom!" when she handed it to him earlier that morning.
Mr. Mime poked his head in through the open kitchen door, tilting his head inquisitively. "Mime?"
Delia smiled softly at him, shaking her head. "It's nothing, Mimey. Just… Ash forgot his thermos." She let out a small sigh, her fingers tracing the edge of the lid.
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
The cruise ship was nothing short of incredible. Each student in Ash's class had been assigned a single-bed cabin—a compact but comfortable space with just enough room for a bed, a small desk, and a window that looked out onto the endless ocean. It was a luxury Ash hadn't expected, especially since they were also allowed to explore the ship's restaurants, recreation areas, and observation decks at their leisure.
Ash had spent the first half-hour after boarding wandering the halls, checking out the sleek design of the ship, and peeking into the arcade he'd spotted earlier. But now, he was back in his cabin, sitting on the edge of his bed with his green backpack at his feet.
Unzipping the main compartment, Ash reached inside, intending to grab the thermos of coffee his mom had packed for him. But instead of the thermos, his fingers brushed against something soft and warm.
"Huh?"
Before he could react, the soft object stirred, and a small head popped out of the bag.
"Pichu!"
Ash froze, his mouth hanging open as the little Pokémon blinked up at him sleepily. With a happy squeak, Pichu hopped out of the backpack and onto Ash's shoulder, rubbing their cheeks together affectionately.
"Pichu! What are you doing here?" Ash exclaimed, his voice hushed but tinged with disbelief. He reached up to rub Pichu's chin, earning a delighted moan from the Pokémon.
As Pichu snuggled against his neck, Ash rummaged through the bag again, searching for the thermos. It wasn't there. His mind raced. Wait a second… Did Pichu—?
"Pichu," Ash began slowly, holding the little Pokémon in front of him so they were eye-to-eye. "Did you… take the thermos out of the bag in the kitchen? Is that how you snuck in here?"
Pichu tilted his head innocently before cooing and nodding, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.
Ash sighed, slumping back against the wall. "Unbelievable. I can't believe you sneaked in here!"
Pichu chirped happily, clearly unfazed by Ash's mild frustration.
Ash shook his head, scratching the back of his neck. "Great. How am I supposed to explain this to everyone? I'm not supposed to bring Pokémon on this trip, no one in my class can since we don't have a license yet. You're technically Mom's Pokémon, remember? What am I gonna tell the teacher if they find you?"
But Pichu, oblivious to Ash's concerns, had already hopped down from his shoulder and was exploring the tiny cabin. He sniffed at the corners, peered out the window, and even tried to jump onto the desk, his curiosity boundless.
"Hey, get down from there!" Ash hissed, scrambling to catch Pichu before he knocked over a lamp. He managed to grab him just in time, holding the squirming Pokémon close.
Looking into Pichu's wide, innocent eyes, Ash couldn't help but soften. "You're lucky you're so cute," he muttered, rubbing Pichu's head affectionately.
Pichu cooed in approval, nuzzling against Ash's chest.
Ash sighed again, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, buddy. If we're gonna pull this off, you need to stay hidden, okay? No running around where people can see you. Got it?"
Pichu chirped in agreement, though Ash wasn't entirely convinced he understood.
As the little Pokémon wriggled free and started exploring again, Ash leaned against the wall, watching him with a mix of amusement and exasperation. This is gonna be a long five days.
Ash sat on his small cabin bed, absentmindedly flipping through a map of the Orange Islands on his phone. Pichu sat beside him, happily gnawing on a chocolate bar. The little Pokémon's content squeaks filled the otherwise quiet room, and Ash couldn't help but smile.
"You're really enjoying yourself, huh?" Ash said, watching crumbs pile up near Pichu. "But you've got to stay hidden, okay? If anyone finds out—"
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
Ash froze. His heart skipped a beat as the knocks echoed through the room.
"Ash, you in there?" came Dawn's cheerful voice from the other side of the door.
Ash's stomach dropped. He shot a glance at Pichu, who looked back at him curiously, cookie crumbs still stuck to his cheeks.
"Uh—give me a second!" Ash called out, his voice cracking slightly as he scrambled to grab Pichu.
Pichu squealed in protest as Ash tucked him under the blanket on his bed. "Stay here and do not move," Ash whispered urgently. He adjusted the blanket to make sure it didn't move suspiciously, then took a deep breath before opening the door.
"Hey, Dawn," he said, trying his best to act casual. "What's up?"
Dawn raised an eyebrow at his awkward tone but didn't press him. "It's almost lunchtime, and the class is meeting at the cafeteria. Thought I'd come by and see if you wanted to go together."
Ash scratched the back of his neck, a bead of sweat forming. "Oh, yeah, sure. Let me just—"
Before he could finish, a small, high-pitched squeak came from behind him.
Ash's heart sank as Pichu suddenly burst out from under the blanket, leaping onto his shoulder.
"Pichu!" the little Pokémon chirped happily, waving its tiny paw at Dawn.
Dawn gasped, her eyes wide in shock. "Ash! What—how—"
Ash laughed nervously, holding up his hands in an attempt to calm her. "Okay, okay, I can explain!" He quickly stepped aside and motioned for her to come in. "Just—let's not talk about it out here."
Dawn hesitated, still staring at Pichu, but eventually stepped inside. Ash closed the door behind her and let out a long sigh.
"Alright," he said, picking Pichu off his shoulder and setting him gently on the bed. "So… this little guy kind of… sneaked into my backpack this morning. I didn't even know he was there until after we were already on the ship."
Dawn crossed her arms, her expression a mix of amusement and disbelief. "How do you expect to keep him hidden for five days?"
"I know, I know!" Ash said, running a hand through his hair. "I already messed up, okay? But it's not like I can just send him back home now. I didn't even know he was here until I unpacked."
Pichu, oblivious to the tension, waddled up to Dawn and tugged gently on her sleeve, looking up at her with big, innocent eyes.
Dawn sighed, her expression softening. "You're lucky he's adorable," she muttered, crouching down to pat Pichu on the head. "But seriously, Ash, how are you going to keep him hidden?"
Ash slumped onto the bed, his shoulders sagging. "I don't know," he admitted. "It hasn't even been a day, and someone's already found out." He shot her a sheepish grin. "At this rate, I'll be lucky if I last until tomorrow."
Dawn smiled, giving him a playful nudge. "We'll figure it out later. But for now, come on—we've got to get to lunch before Gary starts acting like he's in charge of everything again."
After ensuring Pichu had food and a cozy spot to rest, Ash and Dawn headed to the cafeteria, where their classmates were already gathering. The room buzzed with chatter as they joined Chloe, Serena, Misty, and Goh at a table near the window. The aroma of the preordered meals filled the air as the caterers began serving.
Lunch was lively, filled with laughter and stories. The group discussed their excitement about exploring Shamouti Island, sharing what they'd read about its rich culture and the annual Legend Festival. This festival celebrates the island's centuries-old culture and mythology, featuring traditional dancing and ceremonies led by the community elder.
After the meal, their teacher announced that they could either return to their cabins or explore the ship in groups. Ash decided to grab some snacks from a vending machine before heading back to his cabin, wanting to ensure Pichu had enough to eat.
Back in his cabin, Ash emptied his backpack and placed a hand towel inside to create a comfortable hiding spot for Pichu. He also added an assortment of snacks and drinks, reminding himself to regularly clean out crumbs and wrappers.
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the ocean, the ship finally docked at Shamouti Island after a 12-hour journey. The class disembarked, the salty sea breeze welcoming them. Although it was dark, they could still see the island's beauty, heightening their excitement for the morning to come.
Serena, being the class treasurer, led them to a nearby hotel she had booked. The building was charming, with a rustic design that blended seamlessly with the island's natural beauty.
In the lobby, Gary addressed the group. "We'll be divided into six rooms. Our teacher, Ms. Chrysa, will share a room with five of the girls. The girls' rooms are on the third floor, and the boys' are on the second. So, no reason for the boys to be on the third floor." He sent a look to Ritchie and Morrison, earning a laugh from the class.
Chloe, Serena, Misty, Dawn, another girl, and Ms. Chrysa would share one room, while Ash, Goh, Gary, Ritchie, and Morrison would share another.
As they settled into their rooms, Ash couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. He glanced at his backpack, where Pichu was nestled, and wondered how he would manage to keep his friend hidden during their stay on the island.
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
In the dimly lit hotel room, Ritchie and Morrison were engrossed in their phones, the screens casting a soft glow on their faces. Goh was already fast asleep, exhausted from the day's activities. Gary sat at the desk, meticulously updating his checklist, ensuring every detail of their trip was accounted for.
Ash quietly slung his backpack over his shoulder and headed towards the door. Just as he grasped the handle, Gary looked up.
"Where are you going?" Gary inquired, raising an eyebrow.
Ash hesitated for a moment before replying, "I want some privacy to call my mom and let her know we arrived safely at Shamouti Island."
Gary smirked, "Mama's boy," he teased, then waved him off.
As Ash stepped into the hallway, Gary noticed the backpack. He opened his mouth to question it, but Ash had already closed the door behind him.
Outside, behind the hotel, Ash found a secluded spot. He released Pichu from the backpack, allowing the little Pokémon to stretch and explore. While Pichu scampered behind a bush to do his business, Ash dialed his mother's number.
Delia answered after a couple of rings, "Ash! It's so good to hear from you. Did you arrive safely?"
"Yeah, Mom. We just got to Shamouti Island. The journey was long, but we're all settled in now."
There was a brief pause before Delia spoke again, "Ash, I have some news. Pichu is missing. I can't find him anywhere."
Ash glanced at Pichu, who was now curiously examining a fallen leaf. He smiled, "Don't worry, Mom. Pichu snuck into my backpack. He's here with me, safe and sound."
Delia let out a sigh of relief, "Oh, thank goodness. I was so worried. Thank you for letting me know. Take good care of him, Ash."
"I will, Mom. I'll call you again soon."
After hanging up, Ash watched Pichu play for a moment before gently scooping him up. "Come on, buddy. Let's get back inside before anyone notices we're gone."
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
A/N: I hope this chapter didn't give you secondhand seasickness! Thanks so much for reading—feel free to share your predictions and let me know your thoughts on the story so far. I really appreciate it!
-Areyem Meyera