Eight Days on the Golden Lapras

Day one: Reunion Party After wining the pokemon league badge and several hundred thousand. Our hero crawled back to Vermilion city. Tagging along behind him was of course Misty, Togepi, Tracy and Pikachu on his shoulder. “Ash I’m hungry lets stop and get a burger” Ash glanced at Misty he knew she hadn’t eaten in a while But he had something more substantial than burgers in mind. Little did he know that his choice of restaurants would determine his survival, and change our hero forever, but like I said he didn’t know. “Ah come on Misty, stop whining I got a perfect place to eat.” “She’s right Ash I’m hungry too.” Said Tracy Ash smiled and held out a ton of money. “Hey Misty, ever here of the Golden Lapras.” “HAVE I!!! Are you kidding, are we going?” “You bet, three tickets coming up for an eight day cruise!” “YEAH!!! Awright!!.” “Hey Ash can you really afford this?” asked Tracy Ash winked “Of course I ca-” “Hey Ash, over here!” yelled Brock from across the dock “Pikaaaa!!” Squealed Pikachu in delight of seeing their missed friend “Wow! Hey Brock!” “What are you doing in Vermillion?” Brock took out a brown cardboard box and showed them. “Professor Ivy is having me run this package to the pokeclub here in town.” “What’s in it Brock?” asked Misty “Don’t know but what ever it is, it’s important.” Ash gestured to Tracy “Brock, meet Tracy he’s a uh, artist.” “Nice to meet ya Tracy,” “Nice to meet you too Brock.” Ash glanced at Tracy and Misty they nodded “Brock, were going on the Golden Lapras wanna come?” “You mean the famous cruise ship, sure I’ll g-, but what about the package?” “The ship will bring us back here after the cruise.” “I guess it’d be okay, but you can’t afford a cruise Ash.” “You guys are always putting me down.” Misty looked at Ash and frowned “Ash won at the Pokemon league so he’s got some loose change he’s gonna spend” “Did he ever get you the bike he owed you?” Ash winced “Shh! Brock” “Yeah Ash what about my bike?” Tracy looked terribly confused “Bike?” “Which would you rather have Misty, a bike or a cruise?” Ash said ignoring Tracy “Good point; cruise.” “What bike?” repeated Tracy “Let’s go get the tickets.” They all retreated to the ticket booth except Tracy. “Hey, what bike?” “Four tickets for the eight day cruise on the Golden Lapras please!” The booth manager eyed him suspicously “A tuxedo is required to enter” Ash looked confused. “What’s a tuxedo?” Misty pulled him aside and whispered in his ear “Oh!, Well in that case I’ll buy four-“ Misty pulled him aside again and whispered into his ear. “Okay sorry.” “Make that three tuxedos and one dress.” “What do I look like, a clothes store.” Ash was getting impatient. “You gotta help us the ships going to be here any minute!” The manager pointed to a crowd of booths selling expensive clothing. “That’s what their for” Each person went to a different booth picking out clothes. Ash ended up in a blue striped tux, Misty fitted herself in a beautiful green outfit, Brock had an old style black tux, a top hat and a leather coated cane. Tracy also got set up with a black tux, & Pikachu dressed in a nice blue striped tux just like it’s master. Minutes later: By which time Ash and company had their tickets and were ready to board tons of other people were waiting as well. As the ship approached its features became more clear at the head of the ship was a large Golden Lapras other than that it was built in the likeness of the S.T. Anne. Ash’s eyes doubled in size “Wow!, now this is a big ship.” “Sure is!” Misty said in awe. As the ship took anchor the first two people that went in the ship were very suspicious looking, but Ash disregarded them for stares at the massive luxury cruise The inside looked very showy and pretty how much you’d imagine a luxury cruise to look. The inside was filled with blue-blooded trainers and stuffed shirts. A butler took their backpacks and the room ticket attached “This way, sir.” They followed the man down a number of corridors stopping at number 123, 124, 125, & 126. He took the keys and gave them to Ash “Let’s check the rooms out, Ash I’m still hungry.” Ash slowly opened the door to his sweet revealing a four-room dorm dressed in silver and gold. Complete with a big screen, a king size bed, a window giving a beautiful view, with floral wallpaper. Ash sneered “Uh Misty, I think this is your room.” Misty shared Ash’s look. “Yeah sure Ash why don’t you uh, just keep it for me for a while” She opened her room. It had beautiful dark green marble walls and floors with an included hot tub, also a big screen, everything was decorated with deep green and dark blue. Brock’s room was bedecked in black and red. Tracy’s room was deep purple and light blue. Each person was stunned with his or her room….except Ash. “Wow! these are totally cool rooms.” commented Misty Tracy awed at the coincidence “Lovely, they even got my colors right.” Brock shrugged “Mine will do I guess, Hey lets have a party in Ash’s room.” “Why don’t we have it at Brock’s room” said Ash but by the time Ash had said it, Misty was calling room service on the video phone, Brock was on the bed watching TV, Tracy was checking out the rooms. Suddenly there was a knock on the door then it flung open behind it stood a sneering Gary. Brock, Misty, & Tracy all had a worried glance and looked at each other and ran out the room network doors. Gary looked positively arrogant “So Ash I see you tripped over loose cash, Heard you were here somewhere, I’m bored so I thought I’d come over and pick on you.” “I’m not your personal entertainment I won’t take it, GARY I CHALLENGE YOU TO A MATCH!!” “Pikaa!” agreed Pikachu Gary smiled every so slightly. “I’ll be waiting for you on deck.” He left and slammed the door behind him his friends slowly inched back out of the doors. “Ash, can we watch?” asked Tracy “I don’t mind, but prepare to be amazed.” And with that he raced out the door. His friends followed him. ****** It was really a beautiful day, windy but scenic. Ash twitched he had won the Pokemon League, but he knew Gary hadn’t been slacking on a cruise ship for ten days. His friends stood in awe waiting for Ash to win. “Go Lapras!” “Go Alakazam.” “Lapras, sing it to sleep!” Ash just new the attack wouldn’t hit, but he had been proven wrong. Alakazam collapsed in a slumbering heap. “Round one to you Ketchum, but this ones mine!” “Return Alakazam, go Ditto.” Ash almost choked he remembered his too much humiliating defeat with the last Ditto he met. “Return Lapras, go Squirtle.” Gary snickered Ash’s choice was almost shameful. “Transform, Ditto.” Ditto flashed with light as it formed a Squirtle. “Return Squirtle, go Ivysaur.” Gary Shook with anger he allowed himself to be tricked by Pallet’s village idiot. “Ditto, skull bash it.” The imitated Squirtle smashed the Ivysaur back a few feet. “Ivysaur, Solar beam.” The beam’s intensity made Ditto faint. “I see; return Ditto, not bad Ash, you might be ready for the elite four. Have a good one Ash, smell ya later.” “Wait, what’s the elite four?” “Only the goal of every Pokemon trainer.” Gary at leisure with a smile on his face slowly walked down deck. “That was incredible Ash.” said Tracy “I warned ya, I always win.” Misty rolled her eyes “Can we stop marveling at your Ego and get back, there’s four bacon double cheese burgers waiting for us Ash.” “You ordered Cheese burgers!?” “I bring you to a cruise and you order cheese burgers!” Misty smiled proudly “Naturally; Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I couldn’t get caviar every day of the week, it’s that I don’t want it, I like cheese burgers.” Ash gave up and went back to his room. Misty seemed almost proud of Ash. She seemed to stare at him more often than usual. “A toast to the founder of the feast and victor of the day, to Ash” Each of them raised their sodas and toasted “Here! Here!” “Aw shucks Misty, Just wait until I get to the elite four.” “Misty, why does Ash owe you a bike?” “The twerp wrecked it when I let him borrow it.” Ash protested “It’s not my fault the spearows were chasing me!” “Oh really, whose fault is it.” Brock rolled his eyes he’d have to stop this now or it would go on forever. “Okay you two break it up.” The day quickly drew into night and the friends retired to their individual rooms. Day two: New Beginnings Previously: After boarding and defeating Gary, Ash and company held a huge party in Ash’s honor Misty looked at Ash sleeping, he was kinda cute, but sometimes he could be a real pain. She had readied herself all night to ask Ash out on a date, actually it had been really about two years. But today she would have her answer. “Wake up, Ash.” Ash bolted upright. “Huh?, what is it Misty?” “I thought you could be good host and take me to an early breakfast.” Ash was shocked last night she fought with him to the death and now she wanted breakfast. “Misty, are you asking me out on a date?” Misty blushed deep red “I guess, you uh; could say that.” Misty clenched for the heartless answer she knew she would get. “In that case I accept.” She almost swooned. In the brink of tears She said “Let’s go then.” Misty was touched, she didn’t think that kinda feeling existed for Ash. Little did she know that Ash also stayed up last night thinking of Misty. Misty dragged Ash out of bed and brought him to the built in cafeteria. To say little it was elaborate and big, any guest could comfortable set in a comfortable chair watching live shows and listening to live performances, it had large dance floor on which people were dancing slow graceful waltzes. Misty and Ash were seated by a familiar looking waiter, but neither of them could place his face. “What will you have miss?” “I’ll have buttered toast with bacon and a glass of orange juice.” “And you sir?” “The same.” “Yes sir.” The waiter walked back to the entrance and was met by another strange looking character. “Did you see the brats?” “Yeah; boy it really ticks me having to call them sir and miss.” “Never mind that, what are they doing here and did they recognize you.” “It seems they’re playing puppy love, and no they didn’t recognize me.” “That is going to make are jobs easier; and they couldn’t have gotten in here without a lot of money, and you know what that means.” “Prepare for trouble.” “Ash didn’t you ever wonder why I’m always following you?” “Yeah, but I figured you’d either say it was your bike or hit me.” “Your right I would’ve hit ya.” Misty giggled “So what are you going to do today MR. KETCHEM?” “I thought I’d go out and get some sun, battle, and take you to supper, then I’m going to watch the fireworks tonight.” “What about you?” Misty gave a innocent smile “I thought I would get some sun, watch you battle, go to supper with you, and watch the fireworks.” “Great idea!” commented Ash. The waiter returned with their food, smiled and then left. As soon as the waiter was gone Ash said, “Does he look familiar to you?” “Yeah; he does, I wonder who he is.” “I don’t know but if we forgot who he is, he must not be very important.” “Good point, Ash, have you ever been out on a real date before.” “Yeah um, no, never mind not a real one.” “No it’s alright, who was it?” “Suzie; Oak.” Misty almost laughed out loud “Gary’s sister?” “Yeah I think that’s why he hates me so much.” “Probably.” “We were just friends, but I think Gary thought we were serious.” Ash took a sip of his orange juice and nibbled at his toast and Misty did the same. “Ash, What would you say if I kissed you.” Ash almost choked “I would blush and say Misty kissed me.” Ash said nervously. Misty came over beside Ash and kissed him on the lips “Thanks for breakfast.” She then walked away back to the rooms. Like Ash predicted he blushed terribly. “Hey; Misty kissed me.” He said rather egotistically and walked back to his room. He still flinched every time he walked into his room the colors just seemed so awkward. He dressed in his bathing suit to catch some sun and left to enjoy the fine day. When he got to the deck Misty was already waiting for him. Ash looked around confused like. “Where’s Brock, Tracy, & Pikachu?” “Brocks helping out in the kitchen, and Tracy is somewhere up here with Pikachu sight seeing.” Ash and Misty both pulled out a sun chair and sat down Ash doused himself in sunscreen whereas Misty covered herself in tanning lotion. Ash looked over at Misty and smiled. She, like Ash had a pair of sunglasses on. “Misty, look at that cloud it looks like Pikachu!” “Sure does, Hey that one looks like a Meowth!” “I don’t think; that’s a cloud Misty.” Misty giggled “What else could it b-.” “You don’t think that’s-” “Misty that’s Team Rocket’s balloon.” They looked at each other “nah; couldn’t be.” “Are you Ash?” yelled a determined voice Ash leisurely looked at the boy “Yeah that’s me.” “If it wouldn’t upset your day I’d like to beat you at a Pokemon battle.” “No you can not.” Answered Ash. Misty got up and stared at Ash in wonder “You may challenge me but I can guarantee you, you won’t win. Misty rolled her eyes and sat back down. “Either way I want a match.” “Lets go!” Ash sprung up and walked over to the deck. “Go Snorlax!” The boy laughed. “Go likitung” “Snorlax hyper beam it!” Snorlax held out his hand sending a wave of dangerous energy rumbling towards the Likitung flinging it to the ship’s rail. The Likitung got up rather dizzy from the blow. “Likitung wrap attack.” The Likitung grasped the Snorlax in a fierce grip. Just then Pikachu ran to him to offer help. “Pikaa!” “Pikachu?” Ash asked in confusion. “Snorlax return!” “Pikachu Go!” “Pikaaaaaaaachuuuuuu!” Pikachu sent a wave of thunder to likitung permanently putting it in its place. “Shoot, that was the only Pokemon I had.” The boy stomped away. “Wow Ash not bad how about a match.” Ash spun around to see Misty grinning and clutching a pokeball.” “I don’t want to hurt your Psyduck again.” Misty pounded Ash on the head leaving a bump. “JUST SHUT UP AND FIGHT!!” “Okay, Go Ivysaur!” “Go Starime!” “Ivysaur razor leaf attack!” Ivysaur sent a spray of leafs but Starmie spun until the were all chopped up. “Starmie, swift attack now!” The creature chucked energy stars exploding on contact knocking Ivysaur out. Ash flinched as won of the stars smacked him across the cheek, he sighed rubbing his sore cheek. Misty grinned, “How many rounds shall we go?” “Two!, return Ivysaur, Go Charizard.” The horned beast fell strait to the ground and went to sleep. “Charizard get up, if you lose than I’ll lose face Charizard please!!” “Starmie, hydro pump, shut it down.” Starmie’s ten prongs curved each sending a wave of water making Charizard swoon. “So even a champion like you’ll choke when a pretty face goes up to do battle.” “Of all people to lose to, of all the- and the. You little—I can’t believe that-” Misty silenced him with a passionate kiss. Tracy and Brock walked in right as they kissed. She smiled softly. “It’s okay, we all lose some time.” Pikachu, Brock, & Tracy all froze in their tracks, just stunned. Misty spun around She giggled “Hi guys, gotta go.” She walked right past them leaving them all in shock. Brock’s eyes followed Misty out the door and then returned to Ash with a surprised look. “Wow! Ash, Is that the first time that’s ever happened?” Ash cleared his throat, his eyes still wide “No.” “I’d say she likes you.” commented Brock “Yeah;.” Said Tracy amazed “Yeah; lets go” said Ash amazed as well. By the time they got back Misty was out of her bathing suit and into her dress. “Get changed quick Ash you promised to take me out to dinner tonight.” Brock and Tracy both ran into Brock’s room and sat down on the bed. “Brock this is serious if we let this happen Ash will, gulp, fall in love.” “Duh, its a little bit late for that, I’m not surprised, they fell in love I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner.” “We gotta save him.” “Why?” “What you mean why, because he’s are friend that’s why.” Three reasons I’ve always kept, one: never mess with love affairs, two: never mess with Ash and Misty as a whole, and three: never mess with Ash or Misty apart. Besides this could be interesting.” Ash got on his clothes he couldn’t wait to go on his second date. He opened the door and Misty was waiting outside “Let’s go boyfriend.” She grabbed his arm and dragged him to the cafeteria “Boyfriend?!” He cried confused. ****** They sat down at a table staring at each other with happy eyes. “What would you have tonight miss?” Asked a vaguely familiar waitress. Misty glanced at the menu I’ll have the house salad with the Farfetch’d plate and a soda. “Shared” added Ash “with A Sicilian Splash.” “Very good sir.” And with that the waitress left. “Ash what’s a Sicilian Splash?” “Don’t know but it sound’s cool doesn’t it.” “Ash; can you dance.” The question caught him off guard. “A little, yeah.” “Would you dance with me Ash?” “Sure Misty, I’ll dance with you.” Ash & Misty got on the dance floor and began a slow waltz to the song Come Together. They both moved skillfully and gracefully across the dance floor. Ash stared at Misty while he danced, he could tell she studied so like always he thought he would show her up. “Misty how about something more lively?” “Sure, just a second.” She walked over to one of musicians and whispered in his ear. He turned around and shook his head so; she clobbered him and he quickly nodded. The music changed to lively song called Passenger. Ash placed his hand on Misty hip and held her hands, and she did the same. Ash took her hand over he head and spun her around and tilted her backwards to the music. Other dancers began to stare at them. Eventually Ash and Misty were the only ones on the dance floor but they didn’t notice. They were masterfully dancing. They were so graceful that when the music did reach the end everyone in the café applauded the display. Ash & Misty both blushed. Misty curtsied and Ash did a bow and resumed their seats their food was waiting for them. Ash and Misty laughed at the embarrassing episode. “Misty why did you follow me?” Misty frowned “At first it was the bike, then I felt sorry for you, and finally this.” “What do you mean you felt sorry for me.” “I meant you were a pathetic case and I thought I could help.” Misty shot back Ash winced and wished he hadn’t asked. “Did you ever go out on a date?” “No, this morning was my first.” “Ash do you think you’ll ever leave me?, I have this feeling that’s why you took me on a cruise.” Ash looked troubled “It won’t be a long time, just a few days.” “So I was right, where are you going to?” She said almost angry “To the Indigo Plateau.” “But; you just came from there.” “Yeah, I thought I did everything required to be a pokemon trainer until yesterday when Gary told me about the Elite Four.” “Why can’t I go with you?” “Misty, It’ll only be a few days, and when I get back we’ll start your journey to be a Master.” “But Ash, there can be only be one Master.” There was a long uncomfortable pause before Ash broke the ice. “They’ll be starting the firework soon, Misty.” Misty seemed to be lost in deep thought. “Huh, oh right the fireworks, better go!” They both walked by the two suspicious characters. One of the characters sighed. “Looks like their enjoying themselves.” “Jessica lets do it tonight!” “Are you crazy, the Boss said to do it on the seventh day.” “I know, but it’s so hard just waiting and watching them like this.” “Look good things happen to those that wait, if we do it now the boss might not give us that raise.” The man sighed again. “Fine.” Misty and Ash were watching flares shoot up in the air and explode in a bursts of colors. “It’s beautiful Ash!” “I watched fireworks once when I was at home, Prof. Oak bought a bunch of them and set them off during the Pokemon league championship.” “I’ve never seen anything like it!” Back in Brock’s room: “It’s eight, they should be watching the fireworks by now.” “Brock, we have to stop them or we’ll never see Ash again.” “Don’t worry it’s just a phase it won’t last long.” “Yeah sure, well, what are we supposed to do when the love birds are out on dates.” “Nobody said we couldn’t go with them.” “Fine let’s go watch the fireworks.” “You go, there’s something I’ve got to do.” Tracy sighed and left Brock to himself. Brock got a fresh rose out of the vase of flowers on the desk. He smelled it luxuriously, and then stuffed it in his black tux. He opened the side door that led to Ash’s room and glanced at Pikachu, the small mouse Pokemon still had a shocked face from when it’s trainer kissed his bosom enemy. Brock nudged the mouse. “Pikachu?” It looked at him with a confused look “Piiiiikaaaccchhhuuu?” “He’s out with Misty.” Brock replied Pikachu still looked confused “I’m going to go out and eat, you want come Pikachu?” Pikachu nodded quickly “Pika, pika.” “Come on Pikachu.” The two went in the cafeteria and found a seat. Brock was mostly thinking about what Tracy had said. Brock we have to stop them or we’ll never see Ash again. Brock was sure Ash would shake out of it. But if he didn’t he might-. Well it’s not my problem I’m not even following them any more he thought. Besides the old Ash might have wanted it this way. That waiter looks familiar he looks li-. “Hey that’s James!” Brock yelled in surprise James started running the other way. “Come on Pikachu!” “Pikaa.” Pikachu said angrily. They ran after him, after awhile James made a break for the deck. “Your caught James, stop running!” “Hahaha That’s where you’re wrong.” He ran towards the rail, didn’t slow but he did jump. “James” he cried in surprise. He looked down into the water but there was nothing there. “Shoot, Pikachu let’s go tell Ash.” “Piipiichu!” “So this is why they call them Luxury cruises.” Mused Ash “Yep tha-” “Ash!!” “Brock, do you mind.” “Ash will you stop wooing Misty for just a second.” Ash looked infuriated but held it down. “What is it Brock?” Ash said bitterly “Team Rocket’s onboard.” Ash looked even more frustrated “How do you know?” “I chased James around the ship.” “This is ridiculous, can’t we even take a cruise without having those thieves bothering us.” Misty also looked frustrated “What are we going to do?” “There’s nothing we can do, just go to bed, but it’s bad luck you chased him Brock, now they know, that we know, who they are.” “Let’s just go to bed like regular but we gotta keep an eye on Pikachu, Brock would you watch Pikachu?” “Sure Ash.” The friends quietly went to bed. Day Three: Laughing in Fear’s Face Previously: Ash and Misty start experiencing Romantic episodes, Team Rocket was found onboard. Ash was sleeping in a quiet room next to four other quiet rooms. It wasn’t the noise that woke Ash up it was the silence. Immediately he knew something was wrong. “Misty, Brock, Tracy, Pikachu!!” He heard no answer but he did hear glasses chinking and laughter sounding. He opened the network door that lead to Brock’s room. Revealing Brock, Tracy, Misty, and Pikachu playing Monopoly “Hey Ash, wanna play.” “Sure Misty, what are we playing?” “Monopoly.” Ash looked confused as he scratched his head. Misty tried to explain in a way she thought Ash would understand. “It’s like being a Pokemon trainer you’ve got to capture these places and build them up.” A light flicked on in his head “Oh, cool.” “Pick your piece.” “I’ll take this one.” Ash selected the ship icon and set next to Misty. “Misty, what say we have a little fun with Team Rocket?” Misty rolled the dice “What you mean?” “I mean we should stop hiding in here and go tease them a little, it’s nothing they haven’t done to us.” Brock cut in with a worried glance “Ash they would try and steal Pikachu.” Ash looked at Pikachu “Not If they didn’t know where Pikachu was.” Brock set back and nodded. “Point taken, what do you have in mind Ash?” “First lets page them to a table in the cafeteria and us already there, and that’s just the start.” “YOU DID WHAT?!” Screamed Jessie “It’s not my fault he saw me.” James protested “Well at least he didn’t catch you.” Said a hidden voice. A Meowth walked out in front of James. The Meowth shook its head. “You screwed up James, The Boss isn’t going to like this.” Jessie shrugged “The Boss doesn’t have to know?” The intercom began to buzz “WOULD A JAMES AND JESSICA PLEASE PROCEED TO THE CAFÉ.” “Well so much for the Boss not knowing.” Sighed James “He’ll probably take us out and put that friend of yours in our place Jessie.” “She’s not my friend!” “It doesn’t matter, the boss paged us.” reminded Meowth. When they got there a waiter took them to a specific table with Roasted Farfetche’d and a Sicilian Splash for each of the members of Team Rocket. “What’s this.” pondered the cat “Wow the Boss must not know yet.” James looked around for the Boss and saw him; about four tables over. “Uh Jessie, why is the boss over there and we’re over here?” “It must not have been him that paged us.” The curtain on the stage began to rise very slowly revealing Ash and Misty in that order, and Tracy in the background playing the keyboard. James Jessie and Meowth were all three stunned Ash and Misty together: “Can you hear them, talking bout us, tellin lies is that a surprise, Can you see them, see right through them; they have shield, nothing must be revealed. It doesn’t matter what they say, no one listens anyway, our lips are sealed, as it quite comes, that they can use in occupants; silence, well just look at them, look right through them, that’s when they disappear, that’s when we lose the fear. It doesn’t matter what they say, in the jealous games people play, our lips are sealed. It doesn’t matter what they say, no ones listening anyway, our lips are sealed. Still can you hear them, talking bought us, tellin lies well that’s no surprise. Can you see them, see right through them; they had a shield, nothing must be revealed, tend your mind to what they say, it doesn’t matter anyway, our lip are sealed; our lips are sealed; our lips are sealed.” Following the song was a wave of applause. Ash and company all took polite bows and stepped off stage.” Jessie was infuriated “How dare them, playing with us like that.” James was upset as well “And we can’t do a thing about it; yet.” “So how did you like the song?” asked Brock from the table behind them. Jessie rose in fury “It stunk.” Brock nodded “Glad you liked it.” James looked to the boss for help he was sneering at them, James looked at him pitifully but the Boss shook his head. James set back in his seat, as if admitting defeat. “Imagine meeting you here.” He said coldly. Brock leaned forward in his face. “What are you doing here?” he demanded. Jessie was getting impatient “Go away Brock!” Brock did a double take, noticing it was the first time she called him by his name. “No, I don’t think I will.” “Fine we’ll go.” Brock grabbed Jessie by the arm “Stay away from us.” he said warningly She laughed darkly “It’ll be our pleasure.” And with that they left the café and Brock. Ash, Misty and Tracy came up giggling looking at Brock “How’d they take it?” Misty said in the middle of a laugh. “Pretty hard.” “Serves ‘em right.” Ash said Misty sighed “What are we going to do now?” “I’ve heard this ship has a really cool arcade.” Ash suggested Tracy shook his head “I gotta go check on Pikachu.” Brock also shook his head “There’s something I’ve got to do.” Misty gave Ash a sly devilish smile. “Guess it’s just you and me Ashy boy.” Brock and Tracy both rolled their eyes “I was thinking the same thing.” Ash returned the smile Brock didn’t like leaving them alone but he had other plans than babysitting “Keep out of trouble you two.” Misty batted her eyes “Me, trouble, ha!” “See ya!” Tracy said sadly Ash and Misty trotted to the arcade. They entered a dark room filled with people and game screens. Misty picked up a small blue game boy with Pokemon Blue on it and held it out to Ash. “Na, I used to have one of those, that game is boring too.” “How bout this one.” She pointed at a game with two platforms in which there were holes where Diglets would pop up. “You’ll lose” Ash said challengingly “Is that so” Ash popped in some money. A player would get a point for every Diglet he/she hit. When the game ended Misty hit twenty out of twenty-five, Ash hit 0. “That’s not fair.” Ash cried in desperation “Shh, I’ll make it up to you.” She said as she planted a kiss on his cheek. Ash’s eyebrows shot up enthusiastically. The rest of the games were rigged so that Ash always lost, to which he gratefully traded for a kiss. They finally stopped playing Misty won eight and Ash didn’t win at all which was fine with him. They sat down and ordered a pizza, and cola. “Ash; I-I think I Love you.” She stammered Ash nodded “I saw that one coming.” “I’m wondering if you love me too.” Ash pondered this awhile scratching his head “I don’t really know what it means, I’ve always cared for you if that’s what you mean.” ****** Brock straightened his tie; his rose had wilted so he replaced it. Brock smirked “Time to do what one is meant to do on a cruise.” He walked up to the deck Seeing the captain had made his day turn from good to perfect. He approached her twirling his cane in a stylish fashion. “Good morning Brenda, how are you?” “Oh fine Brock.” She said in a tired way. “A girl of your state shouldn’t have to much to feel bad about, what’s wrong?” “Oh, nothing.” “I love you Brenda!” “Don’t say that.” Brock scratched his head. “Don’t say what?” “Don’t say you love me, besides you don’t even know me.” “I’ve got a few minutes.” Disgusted she threw him out the door “Then go boil an egg.” “Oh well.” Brock said in a defeated tone “Guess it’s too late to join Ash and Misty.” Giovanni was cursed with the most incompetent disciples available. “I can’t believe you two fools, you personally insulted me by letting those brats make fun of Team Rocket.” Jessie would she had Ash here she’d tell him a thing or two. “We tried to stop them but-” “No buts, your incompetent that’s fact, it’s partially my fault for selecting such fools.” “You, shouldn’t go so hard on them.” cried a voice “It’s nothing they haven’t done before.” Cassidy’s voice ran slow and sharp. “That’s enough out of you Cassidy.” Shouted the Boss “I don’t like being undermined by my own followers.” “Yes sir.” James looked worried “Are we out?” The Boss sighed “No; not yet but if you fail this time your out of Team Rocket forever.” “Those brats have caused more trouble to Team Rocket than you two. Get rid of them.” Jessie seemed confused this was not like the Boss at all “You mean- kill” “Yes; take the Pikachu if possible.” “Go!” “Do you think that’s wise?” asked Cassidy “Wise or no, it’s an order.” Hours later: “So Ashy boy tell me, are you really this bad at playing games?” “You’d be surprised.” Ash said with a smile “Try a real game?” “Sure.” Misty selected a racing game. Ash chose a Dodrio and Misty chose a Ponyta. Just as they started Misty felt something press against her head. “Don’t move twerp.” Misty looked over to see that Ash had a gun pressed to his head by Jessie. Jessie pressed the pistol harder on Ash’s head. “You really had guts pullin a stunt like that.” James followed up “Lucky for you we’re not the type that minds being made a fool of.” Meowth jumped on top of the video game screen “If ya hadn’t done what ya done we might have let you live.” Meowth smiled “But now we won’t.” Misty sighed in a frustrated manner “Oh shut up.” She turned around and kicked James on the shin. Jessie in a desperate action pulled the trigger on Ash, but it only grazed his arm. Everybody in the arcade screamed and ran out. “Oww!!!” screamed Ash in pain “Drop it hag!” Jessie looked over seeing James laying flat on the floor, Meowth next to him, and Misty pointing a gun at her. “You shoot me and I’ll shoot him.” She pointed the gun at Ash. Ash was beginning to come around. Using the last of his strength he stomped on Jessie’s foot and then blanked out. Day four: Faint Hearts Never Won Fair Ladies Previously: Ash and Misty Pushed Team Rocket over the edge hurting Ash. Their love grows for each other. Ash’s eyes began to settle forming a hazy picture. He was in his bed he was sure of that. He felt something on his back; he turned over seeing Misty in her pajamas. “Ahhhhh!! Misty what are you doing in here??” He cried Misty giggled ecstatically. “You don’t remember do you?” Ash shook his head in denial. “No! I don’t!” Misty cut him off with more giggling. “No, you got shot remember.” She said in the middle of a laugh. Hearing the yell Brock came in. “What’s wro-ng.” “It’s not what you think Brock!” Ash shouted out in embarrassment. Brock ignored the situation. “How you doing Ash?, I hear you took quite a blow.” Ash looked at his bandaged shoulder. “Fine, but what are we going to do?, they tried to kill us.” “Nothing.” Ash couldn’t believe his ears. “Nothing!?” Brock nodded “Nothing; the boat security threw them off the ship.” “But they’ll be back.” Ash said in a question form. “Probably, But not today. We’ve got bigger problems anyhow, James’ and Jessie’s Boss is still on board.” Ash was stunned he didn’t know there was a Boss to Team Rocket. “And he’s on this ship?” “We’ve locked all the doors.” Misty added “We’ll have to stay inside today.” “I’m fixing breakfast, pancakes and eggs.” “Sounds good Brock, Ash do you mind if I take a shower my room doesn’t have one?” “Nah go ahead.” Ash was eager to see Pikachu. “Brock, Where’s the others?” “In, Tracy’s room.” Ash raced into Tracy’s room and a worried Pikachu raced to him. “Pikaa pii, chaa?” “I’m fine Pikachu.” “Glad your ok Ash.” Said Tracy “Ash; why do you like Misty so much?” Just as he said that the phone rang in his room. Ash raced to his room and picked the phone up. “Hello?” Ash looked at the video screen but he couldn’t see anything a dark threatening voice answered. “Don’t hang up, Ash I need to talk to you I’ve been wanting to meet you. Ash you don’t need to know whom this is yet, meet me at the café. The phone hung up. “Brock, Tracy!! Come here.” The two came running to him “What is it Ash? I’m cooking!” “I think the head of Team Rocket just called. He wants me to meet him at the café.” “What should I do?” “You shouldn’t go.” said a voice behind them. Ash, Brock, and Tracy turned around and they saw Cassidy holding a gun at them. “Uh; what are you going to do with that?” asked Tracy “I’m going to kill you, all three of you, but you first.” She pointed the gun at Ash. “I can’t believe you fell for that.” She was about to pull the trigger when a vase came crashing down on her head. Misty stood over Cassidy, still in a towel from her shower “You stay away from him witch!” Cassidy lay as a crumpled heap on the floor. “Wow, thanks Misty,” Ash turned to Tracy “That’s why.” Said Ash in relief Misty nudged her shoulder next to Ash’s “Nobody touches Ash while I’m around.” Brock gave Misty a disturbed look “Right; hey Ash, how do you think she got in?” “Did you lock the network doors?” Tracy asked Brock pointed at him. “That’s how she got in.” He then locked the network doors. Ash looked at her thoughtfully. “What are we going to do with her?” Misty volunteered. “I’ll take her up to the deck.” Ash almost laughed out loud but kept himself from it. “Uh Misty, don’t you think you ought to get some clothes on first?” Misty looked blank for a minute and then began to blush, she ran to get dressed. Ash smelled the air, something was burning. “My pancakes!” cried Brock Ash shrugged this day was already hectic. Cassidy was long over due, apparently she had failed, and he had yet to recover James or Jessie. Butch was his only hope, he didn’t like that. He was considering using Holiday, but he didn’t have the time and didn’t want to blow Holiday’s cover. A man dressed in a black Team Rocket uniform had stepped in Giovanni’s sweet. “Cassidy botched it huh?” he smiled. “Watch closely, and you’ll find where my allegiances lie.” “Make sure no one can tell.” Added Giovanni. “Don’t worry the job’s a pushover.” “Cassidy, Jessie, and James probably thought that too.” warned Giovanni Butch sighed “They’re not me.” Giovanni pointed at him “That’s what I’m counting on.” James opened his eyes but he couldn’t see much just a light blur. As things got clearer he could see he was on a beach. Looking next to him he saw Jessie and Meowth lying in the sand completely unconscious. “Jessie, Meowth wake up!” The two slowly rose from the sand, dizzy at first. “Where are we?” cried the cat in confusion. James scratched his head. “I don’t know, it doesn’t look like Vermillion city to me.” “Meowth, do you remember where we put the balloon?” Jessie asked frustrated The cat nodded “Sure, right next to the docks.” James pointed to a series of planked platforms. “You mean those docks?” The cat nodded. “The balloon should be in that tree stump.” “Misty how about going out for lunch?” She looked at Ash dumbfounded. “Ash you know we can’t.” “Be brave, they can’t be watching the cafeteria all day.” “I am brave, but you don’t have to be.” “Of course I do, besides faint hearts never won fair ladies.” Misty laughed “What?” “Just trust me.” “After I take Cassidy topside I’ll think about it. Speaking of which.” She began to lift Cassidy and almost fell over backwards. “Need some help Misty?” “No—I’m-just-fine-thank-you.” She grunted as she picked up the unconscious Cassidy and took her to the deck. When Misty was gone Ash pulled out one of the complementary dictionary and looked up the word love. He found this under the word. A deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person, such as that arising from kinship, recognition of attractive qualities, or a sense of underlying oneness. Ash smiled he knew that feeling. As soon as Cassidy was placed on the bench she woke up. She tripped Misty and ran back down the staircase. “Wow that was weird.” When Misty got back, she found Ash waiting for her, dressed in his tux. “Ready, let’s go.” “Wait I’v-.” She didn’t get to finish “We’ve got to hurry, wouldn’t want to be caught by Brock.” He dragged her to the cafeteria to their usual booth. “Why are we here Ash?” “Because I came here to tell you something I couldn’t tell you yesterday.” “What’s that Ash?” “I love you Misty.” Misty almost burst into tears She hugged Ash close to her. “I love you too.” She whispered “Well I said what I came for let’s go back before Brock notices.” He dragged her back almost as quickly as he had brought her. When they got back Brock was in the doorway tapping his foot. “Bout time, Cassidy wasn’t that heavy.” Misty wiped her brow “You’d be surprised.” Ash went along with it. “Yeah.” “Well here’s your lunch.” They sat down and ate their sandwiches. James looked below him, he loved riding in the balloon it was so scenic and perfect for a sneak attacks. “There’s the boat!” Cried James. Jessie smacked James cross-eyed “Keep it down James.” Whispered Jessie. “Right James Bond, what good is a surprise if they know it’s coming?” hissed the cat. James brushed his wavy hair with his fingers. “We failed the last time what makes you think we won’t fail this time?” “This.” Jessie held up a blaster ball. “And good old fashion luck.” added Meowth ****** Misty was doing her best to nurture Ash’s injury and clean the wound in her hot tub. Misty tore off Ash’s bandage revealing an open flesh wound “Oww, that hurts Misty!” “Oh stop whining Ash, it‘ll feel better once it’s clean.” Misty took out a brown bottle opened it and poured the clear contents on Ash’s arm. Ash squirmed in pain “Owww!!!! That stings Misty.” “Yeah it’ll hurt for a little while.” “I wish you told me that before you put it on.” Misty crossed her arms. “Will you shut up?” She yelled. Ash gritted his teeth in pain, he was in his bathing suit in Misty’s hot tub. Aside from it being a humiliating situation, it was painful too. “Does that feel better?” she asked in concern Ash looked at Misty she really cared about him, this cruise wasn’t enough to thank her, he decided. He sighed “Yeah it feels fine.” “Mind if I join you?” “No.” Misty already had her bathing suit on, and stepped into the large hot tub. The two looked at each other. Ash was thinking about giving Misty a bike. Without warning the door smashed down and in flew three blaster balls. Each bomb hit a part of the room but not the tub. Misty jumped up and smashed the tub nozzle with a plunger. The busted nozzle spewed gallons of water toward the door, knocking a figure back into the opposite wall. When the smoke cleared it revealed Butch unconscious against the far wall. Misty put her hand on her hips and looked at Ash. “That’s three times Ashy boy.” Ash shrugged. “It’s not my fault.” Brock, Pikachu, and Tracy all ran in the blasted room. Brock shook in anger. “What happened?!” “Yeah!” yelled an equally mad Tracy “Pikaaa, Piiii!!??” Misty pointed at Butch. “This jerk came in and trashed my room!” she yelled Brock shook his head. “This is getting serious.” Ash stared at Brock in wonder. “It was serious when they tried to blow my head off.” “Yeah, but I thought they’d give up after a while, but they haven’t shaken.” “Ash, why are you in the tub with Misty?” Tracy asked somewhat shocked. “None of your business!” shouted Ash “Yeah.” said Brock “Sorry.” said Tracy sadly. “Misty, where are you going to sleep?” Misty winked at Ash. “Don’t you worry about that, I’ll find somewhere to sleep.” Ash returned the wink. “My bed is a king size you can sleep on it.” Tracy sighed and went to sleep as well as Pikachu and Brock. “Well Ash, that leaves you and me.” Said Misty in her pajamas. Ash was already in bed watching TV. He looked up from the screen and smiled at her. Misty literally jumped on the bed giggling. “What’s so funny?” Misty giggled some more. “First time I ever slept with a boy.” Ash blushed a deep purple. “I was just teasing, you don’t have to get upset.” Ash switched the TV off, turned the light off and went under the covers. He felt Misty’s hand on his back and he dozed off to sleep. Day Five: The Trouble with Ash. Previously: Assassination attempts by Team Rocket have all been thwarted by Misty. Jessie and James have snuck on the ship at night. Ash woke; he rolled over to see Misty still asleep on the bed. He thought it was high time he paid her back for all she had done for him. Ash crept out of bed to the videophone and called some breakfast for Misty. He looked at her, to come to think, if it weren’t for her request for a date, he would’ve been blown away, several times. There was a soft knock on the door. Ash opened it revealing a man dressed in a red suit, but not in a ship uniform. The man slowly reached out and grabbed Ash by the collar and took him out the door. “What’re you doing!!? Let me go!!” The man put a piece of tape over Ash’s mouth, dragged him into a private room and shut the door tight. The room was pretty dim and Ash couldn’t see, but Butch and Cassidy held him down while the man in the red suit held out a shimmering gun and pulled the trigger. What would have been a deafening scream of pain was reduced to a muffled whimper by the tape. Ash’s vision blurred as did the sound, but not enough that he couldn’t hear the man laugh coldly. Ash finally fainted. Misty stirred, she got up to see an empty bed, and a tray filled with food next to her. She smiled, Ash had ordered her food. She liked Ash so much, he was the perfect boyfriend for her, and she knew what she was going to tell her sisters now. When she had finished her food she went in Brocks room to thank Ash, But Brock was still asleep and his room was empty aside from him. She ran into Tracy’s room but found only Tracy and Pikachu eating. “Where’s Ash?!” she asked frantically. Tracy was blank. “I thought you were sleeping in his room, wouldn’t you know?” “He’s not there!!” She screamed. She began to cry softly, but Pikachu coaxed her to stop. Tracy ran into Brock’s room and woke him up. “What is it Tracy?” Brock said sort of tired like. “Ash is missing!” “Oh no!!” “Calm down Brock your going to scare Misty. Lets just page him and maybe he’ll come.” Brock ran to Ash’s videophone and paged him. Brock rested his hand on Misty’s shoulder. “He should be here any minute.” “WOULD A ASH KETCHEM PLEASE PROCEED TO ROOM ONE-TWENTY-FOUR.” Giovanni chuckled at the intercom, he looked at what was left of Ash and continued writing. Ash wouldn’t be going anywhere for a while, however he could possibly be worth a Pikachu. The door opened to Giovanni’s room and in walked Jessie and James. They glanced nervously at Ash and then at Giovanni. “Sir, what are we going to do with it.” Jessie motioned at Ash Giovanni sighed. “We’ll throw it overboard later, but not now.” “And the others?” “I’m taking care of them right now.” Meowth jumped on Giovanni’s desk. “Are we going to get the Pikachu?” Giovanni scratched the Meowth’s head. “Yes, like I said I’m taking care of it.” Minutes later in Ash’s room: A knock sounded on the door. Misty raced to the door and flung it open. A ship attendant was there with a piece of a paper in his hand. Misty’s hopeful smile drooped. “Message for the Ketchem party.” Misty took the note, and the man left. “Hey guys, we got a letter.” Brock, Tracy, and Pikachu ran to Misty. Brock impatient to hear if it was news about Ash, he prompted Misty to read it. “What does it say?” Misty ripped the envelope open and read it. “Friends of Ash----” Misty stopped dead in mid sentence and dropped the letter. She almost fainted. The letter was coated in red blood. Brock ran to her. “What is it Misty?” Then he saw it, and he gasped. He quickly brought Misty to the bed. Tracy looked at them confused. “What’s with you two?” Misty buried her head in Brock’s shoulder and cried. “Read the rest of it Tracy.” Brock said quietly. Tracy picked the letter up and began to read. “Friends of Ash Ketchem, I have him in my private room. He may be alive or not, to find out come to room one-thirty-four, bring Pikachu.” “We gotta go!” cried Misty Brock glanced at Pikachu. The creature nodded angrily. “Let’s go then.” Brock said softly. They walked down to the room. Misty was about to open it when Brock stopped her. He stood behind the door and threw it open and jumped out of sight. Several gun shots whizzed out the door but they hit nothing but wall. Soon after James came out and Brock punched him out cold. Jessie followed and Brock also punched her out cold. Meowth soon also came out and Pikachu shocked it into unconsciousness. Brock peered into the room it was deserted. All three of them quickly ran into the room. When they got in, Misty and Pikachu fainted, Tracy gasped, and Brock choked. There sat Ash lifeless, bounded, and gagged in ropes caked in dried blood. Brock started to form tears in his eyes, he picked Ash up and took him to the boat Pokecenter. ****** Minutes later: Misty and Pikachu were still out cold. Tracy was pacing frantically, and Brock, Brock was frozen in thought. The ship nurse joy came through the door laughing with; Ash. Brock was raced in thought he stood up astounded. “Hi, Brock, Tracy.” waved Ash. Tracy fainted. Brock immediately smacked Ash in anger. Ash rubbed his cheek. “What was that for?” Brock pointed at Misty and Pikachu. “You scared those two whiter than sheets, with your stupid little gag.” Ash looked confused. “What, gag?” Miss Joy started to explain. “He was a inch close to death, it’s no joke, and his Pokemon league badge saved him.” “But the blood?” Ash nodded “Yeah, the blood.” He showed Brock his wound. There was an imprint of the Pokemon league badge on his chest, and a hole with dried blood covering it. Brock softened. “Oh, sorry.” “That’s alright, but would you explain it to the others, I’ve got to go lie down.” “Sure Ash.” Giovanni had smiled to himself he was about to go collect his Pikachu. He turned the corner and saw his faithful team members lying on the floor. He turned six shades of red in rage. Giovanni kicked James and Meowth to consciousness. “What happened!!!!” James scratched his head. “I don’t know the door opened and nothing was out there. So I went out and fell on the floor.” Giovanni stormed in his office seeing Ash’s body missing, made him even madder. James woke Jessie and walked in the Bosses room. Meowth stomped his foot. “So what are we going to do?” Smoke almost shot out Giovanni’s ears. “Continue with the heist and ignore Ash and company for the time being.” Jessie rubbed her cheek where Brock punched her. “You mean Ash is alive?” “I wouldn’t put it past them. Remember, the seventh day!” “ASH IS WHAT!!??” Brock tried to calm Misty down, but she wasn’t near as easy as Tracy and Pikachu. “Ash is alive.” Misty was ecstatic, she was sure the first time she saw him today he was dead. “Where? I gotta see him.” Brock tried again. “He is in his room but you’ve got to let him rest.” Ignoring him she burst through the door. “Ash!!” The twelve year old was laying in a heap on his bed. She threw her arms around him in relief. “Oww!, I’m glad to see you too.” He said in pain “I thought you were dead!” Ash smiled. “Well I am to Team Rocket.” Misty smacked Ash. “Don’t you even, your staying in here tonight.” Ash sighed. “I don’t want to but; I guess I will.” “See you tomorrow sport.” Misty kissed Ash gently on the lips. Day Six: Paradise Restored Previously: Ash was missing and his friends searched the ship for him. Finding him in a bloody heap in Room 134. Ash is now recovering under Misty’s supervision. Ash bolted upright and wiped the water off his face. “Misty, what did you do that for?” “To wake you up, you’re a sound sleeper.” “Why couldn’t I sleep just a little bit longer?” Misty ignored Ash’s grumbling like usual. “Brock has something to tell you.” Ash stumbled in to Brock’s room, his eyes adjusting to the bright light. “Misty said you had something to tell me?” he said rubbing his eyes. Brock put an omelet and a glass of juice in front of him. “Butch and Cassidy came by while you were asleep.” Ash sighed terribly, apparently they just wouldn’t give up. He took a sip of his juice. “Again.” Brock sat down across from him. “They apologized.” Ash choked on his juice and he ran to the sink to spit it out. “They did what?” Brock crossed his arms behind his head and sat back. He had gotten the exact reaction out of Ash as he expected “Apologized.” Ash sat down in amazement. “I missed it too.” Brock chuckled at Ash, he had missed quite a show. “They were pretty convincing too.” Misty came in and fixed her a plate of food and drink. “Enough to make you sick isn’t it?” She said gleefully. “Pikaa piii.” Pikachu said it as if he were telling Ash the details. Tracy walked in and fixed him a plate. Tracy looked confused. “Brock; I gotta know, how do you apologize for several attempted murders?” “Well if you do it the way Team Rocket did it, it’s not that different from any other apology.” Ash swallowed a piece of his omelet. “Well at least they’re leaving us alone. Does that mean we can go out of the rooms?” Misty nodded. “We’ve even unlocked the doors.” Brock shook his head. “I don’t like it, they didn’t book this cruise for a vacation.” Tracy looked at Ash in concern. “How’s your wound?” Before Ash could answer Misty cut in. “It’s healing rather well.” Ash looked at Misty in astonishment. “How did you know that?” Misty blushed lightly. “I changed the bandage.” Ash felt embarrassed but didn’t show it. “Oh. So what are we going to do today?” Misty smiled. “I’m going swimming.” “Me too.” “Pikaaa pii.” “Toke toke piiii.” “I’ll tag along for awhile, but then there is some things I have to do.” Explained Brock Ash noticed that Brock had been separating from the group quite often but ignored it. “I guess swimming it is.” agreed Ash Tracy worried, it wasn’t like Team Rocket to stoop to apologies. “Brock do you think this morning’s apology is a trap?” “No, I think they are trying to pull off a caper behind are backs.” Misty ignored the conversation and cut in. “Lets go swimming!” Seeing Misty in a bathing suit most certainly contributed to Ash’s recovery, perhaps more so than medication. “Wow, big pool.” Before Ash, laid a gigantic pool full of beautiful blue dyed water, fake palm trees, and dozens of people. Tracy quickly grabbed a beach chair. Pikachu did the same. Misty let her pokemon out to enjoy the water. Tracy let Marill out. Ash let his pokemon out; except for Charizard of course. Misty and her pokemon jumped in the shallow side of the pool. “Hey Ashy boy, I challenge you and your pokemon to a watervolley match. “Not fair, I can’t use Charizard here.” Misty was determined to beat Ash in just one more game before the cruise was over. “Then I challenge just you against just me.” Ash wasn’t going to give in this time. “I’m not going to just let you win, ya’know.” “It doesn’t matter whether you try or not.” She tossed the ball to him and he blocked it with his fist, sending it back to Misty. While the game was taking place, Brock who had followed them there snuck up behind Tracy. “I was wrong you know.” Tracy looked behind him seeing Brock, then he sat back in his chair. “No kidding.” “That’s no phase.” “It’s a conspiracy.” Tracy said jokingly. Brock didn’t laugh, instead he seemed overly sad. “Do you think he’ll remember us?” Tracy got up and looked at him. “No you were right, his love for Misty won’t disappear, but his ignoring us is a phase, a phase he’ll grow out of.” Brock seemed lightened by the conversation. “Yeah, you’re right; I guess I worry too much. Make quite a pair don’t they. This was meant, at first I didn’t think it was; but now I’m sure.” Tracy turned around to say something but Brock was already gone. Tracy smiled and sat back in his chair, got out his sketchpad and began sketching Ash and Misty. Ash was winning by a few points. His wound had turned into nothing but a mere scar so he could move around just as much as Misty could. Misty deflected the ball with her head. But Ash countered with his palm sending the ball flying out of Misty’s reach. Misty seemed glad Ash won. “First time you beat me at anything on this boat.” Ash smiled softly “Let’s take a quick break.” “How about a drink?” “Sure, hey Tracy wanna drink?” Tracy seemed preoccupied with something else. “Ash, Misty, don’t move.” Ash was looking for something wrong like a wasp or Team Rocket. “What? What is it Tracy?” “I’m sketching.” Ash almost fell over. “Sketching what?” “You and Misty.” Misty was thrilled, she always wanted a picture made of her. Ash was kinda bored but he knew it was Tracy’s habit and he felt like indulging him. Tracy was nervous, drawing Misty was dangerous if he messed it up she’d strike him senseless. “Ok Ash, you hold Misty’s hand.” Ash was looking for some lame excuse to get him out of the picture. “Is it such a good idea to do this in our bathing suits?” “Uh, I’ll draw clothes on you.” The two posed there for quite some time before Tracy said he was done. “Let me see!” Misty ran up there to see the picture. It was a exact replica of Misty with her green dress on, and Ash with his striped tux, holding hands. “Oh cool!” “You really like it?” “Oh it’s; nice.” Ash didn’t really like it, but he supposed it was a good drawing. Tracy got a better reaction out of Misty than expected “Let’s go catch that drink.” Tracy said, proud of himself. When they got there James, Jessica, and Meowth were lounging by the bar. Ash ignored them and placed his, Misty and Tracy’s order. But Misty wouldn’t ignore them for what they did to Ash. She waved to them and said almost sarcastically “Hi Rockets.” James smiled back and glanced at Jessica under his sunglasses. “Speak of the twerps.” Ash again ignored them. But Misty again pushed it further. “Heard you got canned.” Jessie gave a small haughty smile. “Then you heard wrong.” Ash was getting worried and was about to stop Misty but then thought better of it. “Amazing, your boss must be very forgiving.” Jessie was outraged but held it down for her job’s sake. “Look brat, we need to relax like you, so just, go away.” James followed up. “Besides, it’s difficult just looking at your face without having to deal with you.” Jessie thought that was overstating it a little but agreed. Ash heard all he could take. “Look all of you just shut up or set the fight.” Jessie looked at Ash daringly “Are you challenging us?” Ash lost it. “I challenge you to a battle.” James looked distraught. “We’re not here for grudge matches.” Misty caught the remark. “Then what are you here for?” Jessie ignored her. “I’m afraid we cannot accept, we have other issues we must tend to.” Misty persisted in hearing their business on the ship. “Like what?” Jessie was determined to counter Misty. “Like a healthy tan.” Misty finally gave up seeing that Jessie was more determined than she. Ash would rather just ignore them but that wouldn’t do in the future. After ordering the drinks our heroes leave the scene. “That was close Jessie, what if they figure it out?” “They’ve already figured it out.” James was frantic. “What’ll we do??!” Meowth cut in. “We do what we’re paid to do.” James had a guilty face on. “Yeah but what does that entail? Killing the brats?” Jessie shook her head. “You heard the Boss, we can try for the Pikachu tomorrow. But other than that we don’t kill them.” “But they won’t leave us alone you know that, they always botch a good job.” “I didn’t say we couldn’t hurt them I said no killing.” The trio took refuge of a large picnic umbrella over a table. Ash didn’t like that scene, like Misty, he was eager to find out what Team Rocket was here for. Ash’s attention turned outward noticing the many trainers present, He would’ve liked to challenge them all, but he just didn’t feel up to it, he felt drained. “Now what do we do?” “We could do some fishing, I heard the pokemon get pretty exotic out in the ocean.” Ash jumped at the idea of getting new Pokemon. “Sure.” Ash and Misty went to fish but the others stayed back. Brock couldn’t think of anything but the captain, if he tried hard enough he could win her over. Ash never gave up and he wouldn’t either. “Brenda, I’m going to the café to catch dinner wanna come?” She looked at the ship wheel, she didn’t like leaving the wheel, but he did offer free lunch and he wasn’t that bad a guy. “Why not.” She said bravely. Brock finally got the captain to except him; it was a relief to be sure. ****** “Pretty exotic huh?” Ash pitched another Magickarp back into the water. “I never said they were all good ones.” “How many Magikarp can there be in the ocean?” Misty’s fishing rod bent, and the string started out in the blue ocean. Misty tugged but couldn’t land the Pokemon. “Here Misty let me help.” Ash got behind Misty and pulled the rod it started to give but before Ash could land it Misty kicked him out of the way. “No way Ketchem, this ones mine.” She grabbed the rod and pulled as hard as her muscles would allow. The rod flew back and Misty with it. “AAAASSSHH!!!!” When she finally landed a small Shellder landed in her lap. She quickly got out a Pokeball and smashed the Shellder with it. The thing flew into the ball; the ball jiggled a little but then stopped giving the tone that the Pokemon was caught. “Got it!” She said triumphantly. Ash sighed, Misty seemed to be besting him at most things lately. “Congrats.” Ash said His own pole jiggled and he grasped it and reeled it in too easily. When he got it up, it was another Magikarp. Ash threw his rod and reel down in fury. “This is ridiculous!” “Hey stop whining and catch it, a Pokemon is a Pokemon.” Ash threw the ball onto the Magikarp making it disappear into the ball. The poor Pokemon didn’t even put up a fight, and as soon as it was caught, the Pokeball disappeared. Misty giggled. “Congrats yourself.” “Well at least I wont carry it around like your stupid Psyduck.” Misty turned red in anger. “For your information Psyduck is very-” “Yes?” “Well it could probably fish better than you.” Ash shook his head. “That doesn’t count.” Misty took a sip of her drink and was about to say something else when she saw Team Rocket sneaking up from the bar. Misty motioned to the three stowaways. They followed them back to the café, but lost them in the crowd. In searching for them instead they found Brock and the captain, sitting; together. Ash really didn’t want to find them. “Lets get a seat and maybe they’ll show up later.” They seated themselves and ordered dinner. Then a song began to play, a classical piece. Misty sighed. “I know this song.” Ash looked at her in puzzlement, but then the look cleared up. “Let me guess, you want to dance again.” Misty sighed in frustration. “Don’t be overly romantic about it.” She said sarcastically Ash smiled. “Forgive me.” He picked her hand up and kissed it. “May I have this dance?” He said overly romantic. She smiled back and nodded. They stepped up to the dance floor and began dancing slowly to the music. It wasn’t long before Brock noticed them. “Wow, I didn’t know Ash could dance!” Brenda looked at Brock blankly. “You know them?” “Yeah, he’s only my best friend.” “Isn’t he kinda young to be dancing?” “Shh, don’t say that you’ll get them both upset.” Brenda looked at him again. “You know them both?” “Yeah the other ones Misty, those two have known each other for about two years. They used to fight like cats and dogs.” “He’s a pretty good dancer.” Brock looked at Brenda. “You know I can dance too.” Brenda got disgusted again, eating with him was bad enough. “I’m sure you can.” “Hey guys, what’s up?” came a voice behind them. Brock looked over seeing Tracy. “Hey Tracy.” “Have you seen Ash or Misty?” Brock motioned to the dance hall. “Cool, where did Ash learn to dance?” Brenda stared around expectantly. “Are you holding out on me, anyone else you want to introduce me to?” “Sorry Brenda, this is Tracy, he’s a Pokemon artist. Tracy this is Brenda, the captain.” Tracy suddenly got nervous. “Who’s driving the ship!!??” Brock rolled his eyes. “Tracy, the captain doesn’t drive the ship.” “Oh.” Brenda giggled to herself. “The helmsman does that.” The music began to slow down to a stop, and Misty and Ash walked down from the stage to where the others were sitting. Misty didn’t know the girl but she looked familiar. “Brock who’s your friend?” “This is captain Brenda.” Brock said almost proud. “Please, call me Brenda.” Misty bowed politely. “I’m Misty, and this kid over here is Ash.” Tracy scratched his head. “Misty why did you wonder into the café?” “I saw James, Jessie, and Meowth come in here but we lost them.” Brenda crossed here arms across her chest and glared at Brock. “More friends you haven’t told me about?” Brock held down a laugh. “Hardly, they’re Team Rocket members.” Brenda seemed shocked. “I thought we pitched Team Rocket overboard!” “They’re sneaky.” commented Ash Tracy rolled his eyes he had no place in this conversation. “I’m going back, I left Pikachu and Marill alone.” Misty waved after her friend. “Bye Tracy.” “Are you and Ash uh…?” Misty cut her out quickly. “Yeah.” Ash didn’t know what Misty said yeah to but he was sure she was right. “How do you know Team Rocket?” Brenda asked curiously. Brock forgot Brenda didn’t know anything about the small company. “They’ve followed us around for two years chasing Ash’s Pikachu.” Misty didn’t like Brenda something was wrong, a captain shouldn’t act so suspicious. She asked so many questions and it seemed awfully awkward. “We gotta go back to the rooms, Brenda, Brock have a good time.” Misty grabbed Ash’s ear and dragged him back to his and her room. Brenda looked at Brock with sort of a shocked look. “Well we know who’s in charge of that relationship.” Misty dragged Ash in and slammed the door. “She bothers me.” Ash looked at Misty in mystification. “Who?” “That girl Brock was with.” “What’s wrong with Brenda?” “I don’t know, maybe because she asks too many questions, or maybe it the way she asks them I don’t know. But I don’t like it.” “Well it’s getting late we better go to bed.” Ash turned the lights off and got under the covers, Misty did the same on the other side of the bed and the both went to sleep. Day Seven: Mortality’s Edge Previously: Team Rocket gives up. Brock finally persuades the captain out on a date. Misty caught a Shellder. Misty woke up feeling the usual morning’s mist and humidity. She drew open the curtains to see another sunny day. But instead she saw angry cloud looming over the ship. Frowning she went into Ash’s kitchen sink to get a cup of water. Once she had it she pitched on Ash. Ash shot up in bed and wiped the water off his face, not even looking at who threw the water on him. “Morning Misty.” He said tiredly “Another beautiful-” He stopped in mid-sentence noticing that there was no bright glare or sheen off the carpet or in his eyes. He looked out the window seeing it was very depressing looking day. Misty sighed bored-like. “No, not today.” She turned the radio on near the bed set. “Today heavy winds and clouds in the mid-eastern area, no storms foreseen. In other news Butch Jarvis and Cassidy Brown have been apprehended on the Golden Lapras for attempted robbery, other unknown Team Rocket members are believed to be onboard the SS Lapras today.” Misty turned white, they knew about Butch and Cassidy and Jessie and James, she thought that was about it for Team Rocket special members. She flicked the radio off. Ash looked at Misty. “You know, I think saw this new member when he dragged me to room 134.” “Do you remember what he looked like?” Ash shook his head, it had been very early and he didn’t get a good look at him. “No.” Misty thought about the radio broadcast, when she asked Ash if he saw him (implying that the kidnapper was a man,) and Ash said no, that means that whoever took Ash was probably male. “Well I’m going to go take a shower.” The door to Ash’s room flung open and Pikachu raced to Ash. “Pikaaa piii!!!” Ash looked confused, Pikachu looked like something was terribly wrong. “What is it Pikachu?” “Pika pika pi pi kaaaa chuuuuu!!!” Ash’s face contorted in anger. “Misty, forget the shower we gotta go topside!!” Ash ran out the door followed by Pikachu and shortly after Misty. When he got to the deck he hid behind the door, looking out he saw Brock held at gunpoint by Brenda, and Tracy trying to get close enough to snatch the gun. She really had surprised Tracy, how was he supposed to know Brenda was with Team Rocket. “Brenda, just drop the gun.” “Shut up, and just get that Pikachu up here! And stop calling me Brenda!” Tracy was doing his best to distract Brenda. “Then what’s your name?” “My name is Holiday, now get that Pikachu up here now!” The ship had already tried security but all they did was evacuate the deck. Tracy was Brock’s hope right now. Ash jumped out the door with Pikachu, Misty shortly followed. Holiday’s eyes lit up. “Give that Pikachu to me!!” Misty was about to say something but Ash put his hand over her mouth. “Here’s Pikachu.” He handed the mouse Pokemon to Brenda. Ash could tell she was a new comer, apparently she didn’t even now what a Pikachu was. She dropped the gun and made a run for it, but she didn’t get very far. “Pikaaaaa CHUUUUUUU!!!” The small mouse electrocuted the poor woman to unconsciousness. Ash almost felt sorry for her. Brock looked at Holiday lying on the deck, the boat security wasn’t worth a nickel, everybody had a gun. “Well; I guess I was wrong .” Brock said sadly. Misty came up behind him and patted him on the back. “We all make mistakes.” Ash stopped dead in his tracks. “Did you guys hear something?” Everyone stopped but they didn’t hear anything. Ash could‘ve sworn he heard whispers behind him, but when he turned around he saw nothing. He thought it was coming from the cabin. He looked at Holiday she had really surprised them all, in her brilliance; and in her stupidity. “Prepare for trouble.” Cried a voice behind them. “Make that double!” Ash threw his hand over his face they just wouldn’t leave him alone. Jessie jumped out from the ship cabin. “To protect the world from devastation.” James followed. “To unite all peoples within our nations.” “To denounce the evils of truth and love.” “To extend our reach to the stars above.” They both pulled out two long plastic tubes. “Jessie!” James held the tube out so that a blast of stun powder caught Ash and company. “James!” Jessie threw a rubber sheet over Pikachu. “Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!” James held the plastic pole so that it shot a grappling hook onto their balloon, which was flying overhead. “Surrender now or prepare to fight!” Meowth jumped out from the cabin with a bag of valuables that he had lifted off the other passengers. “Meowth, that’s right!” Jessie chuckled to herself. “Like they say the good guys always come out on top.” She shot out a grappling hook out onto the balloon too. James took Pikachu in hand and struggled up the grappling rope. Meowth, and Jessie followed suit after they had deposited the blaster balls. Ash wanted to stop them but he couldn’t even talk, nor could the others. Once Team Rocket reached the balloon, James greeted the Boss with the valuables and stolen pokeballs. “What about the others?” he asked The Boss frowned, “Butch and Cassidy are waiting on the shore, don’t worry about Holiday, either she finds her way out or she doesn’t.” Jessie gave a remote to Giovanni “Honors all yours.” Giovanni took the remote. “Don’t mind if I do.” He pushed the button sending a wave of bomb blasts severing the ship in half. A wave of water poured over Ash and company, washing the stun spore off them. Ash ran to the tilting rail. “Oh no you don’t!!” he cried as he released Charizard from his pokeball. The beast raced after Team Rocket throwing flaming inferno after another. A wave struck Brock and Tracy flinging them off the rail of the ship. Ash ran after them but couldn’t reach them in time because all the other passengers ran to the lifeboats blocking his way. Ash almost stopped to cry but he didn’t have the time. He raced to the opposite rail. “Charizard, Flamethrower!!” The beast sent a wave of flame towards the balloon. But the balloon evaded it. Jessie held out a blaster ball to the inferno and threw at Ash and Misty. Misty jumped in front of Ash taking the hit. The blast tossed her back in to the wall of the cabin. Ash quickly called Charizard back into his pokeball and raced to his fallen friend. She was covered in deep third degree burns. “Misty;!” Ash ducked his head and held her close to him as the ship began to sink. Tears in his eyes he spun around to see Team Rocket, but they were no longer there. He turned back to Misty. “Hold on Misty.” He whispered. The ship began to capsize, so Ash picked Misty up and jumped to the prominent side of the ship. ******* The ship began to calm, Ash was now on the hull of the ship. He put his hand up to Misty and he felt small weak breaths come out of her mouth. She was still alive for now. Ash fell to his knees, and pounded his fists into the hull of the ship. He had lost everything in about fifteen minutes, record-breaking time, he thought. Ash was shedding tears, he glanced out into horizon he saw lifeboats calmly floating away. Brock, Tracy, Pikachu, and now Misty, they were all gone or fading. Ash felt of Misty’s hand, to his surprise it was cold, the wind’s had been whipping the boat and it’s small contents for some time now. Ash removed his tux coat and covered her with it. He didn’t know what to do, he was in the middle of nowhere no sign of land in any direction. Ash looked down on the hull, and saw a brown cardboard box. It was Brock’s box he was delivering. In curiosity and in desperation Ash opened the box inside was a small round smooth stone brightly colored. Ash sighed that didn’t help him any. He rummaged through the rest of the box, finding a small sheet of paper. The paper read: Dear esteemed members of the Pokeclub, This stone washed up on my Pokemon reserve. After days of studying the properties of this magnificent stone, I’ve come up with the following conclusion. This stone is not from this present existence and could prove to be dangerous. Further studying implied that it is a direct link to it’s own origin. Thus if activated properly it could be used as a doorway to this future existence. Other uses have yet to be confirmed. All information gathered on this stone is provided in this package. I pray you can contribute to the knowledge on this find, a severe concussion to the stone should activate it. Yours Truly, Prof. Ivy Ash understood only one phrase on the letter: doorway to the future. Ash didn’t want to go on intergalactic trips he just wanted his friends back. Frustrated and confused he threw the stone behind him and was about to go to sleep when the loudest noise came from behind him, he looked and he saw; the stone had grown into a massive vortex. Day Eight: And now for something completely different. Previously: The latest attack by Team Rocket succeeded. Brock, Tracy, and Pikachu are lost. The ship sunk with only a section of hull left. Ash discovered a mysterious stone in Brock’s package. The vortex formed a large hole in the hull, a tunnel of sorts. Ash looked down and saw what seemed to be a fight in the middle of a barren canyon. If this was the future maybe they could help Misty. He picked Misty up and slid down the tunnel. Ash had no clue whatsoever was going on. To his left he saw six figures battling it out. One had long spikes of golden hair and carried a tremendous sword. Another terribly scary figure was a giant black man with grafted on his arm a crude version of a gun. Another figure was that of resembling a Flareon the creature’s tail had fire spiraling out of it so must be some Pokemon, thought Ash. Another was a tall brunette girl Ash thought she was beautiful. Following her was a feral character wearing a red draped cape Ash couldn’t see his face. The last and by far the most frightening was a man in a black cape with silver shimmering hair and deep blue eyes, he carried a long sword, longer than the blonde man’s. The man with the blonde hair seemed to be fighting the man with black cape; in fact they all seemed to be fighting the man with the black cape. And it seemed that they were losing too. Ash looked at Misty he had to help them so they’d help him. Ash pulled out Ivysaur. “Go Ivysaur.” As soon as he said it the fight seemed to stop, and all attention turned to him. Ash looked at the man with black cape and in Ash’s heart he knew the man was evil. The large group of fighters seemed to step back, letting him spar with the man in the black cape. “Ivysaur, Vine whip.” The attack didn’t touch him; instead the man drew his sword out and chopped the vines up. “Ivysaur stun powder!” a spray of powder overtook the man in black. The man was temporarily paralyzed. “Ivysaur, solar beam!!” The other party of fighters stepped clear as Ash had motioned them. The beam landed on the man’s forehead sending him back into the cliff in such way that no normal person would’ve survived. The man in black wrested free from the powder and touched the tip of his sword to Ash’s nose drawing a drop of blood. Ash squirmed back and began to rub his nose in pain. The man in black also seemed to be in pain. “Meet again?” He whispered. Ash felt himself getting light headed and woozy. Ash fell down and fainted. Hours later: Ash really couldn’t see anything at first, but then gray shapes came into vision. The gray shapes seemed to meld together forming a metal room. “I can’t see anything!” No answer came, his vision suddenly came to. The metal room was cold and empty only a bed, a sink, and bathroom. He heard footsteps coming from outside his room. He pretended to lay unconscious. The door opened but Ash couldn’t see who it was. There was some clanging and a strange smell. A soft voice whispered to him. “Hey, are you awake, wake up.” He rose up from his laying position to see a beautiful brunette the one he saw in the battle. She had laid a plate of steaming food next to him. She smiled widely making her face seem even lovelier “Hey you are awake, what’s your name?” He forced a weak smile in response. “Ash, Ash Ketchem.” She waved at him. “I’m Tifa Lockheart” His face switched from a fake smile to that of dread and deep concern. “Where’s Misty?” Tifa thought for a while, remembering the girl they found next to him. She too made a face of dread and concern. She remembered Cloud saying, “There is nothing we can do if She’s still alive.” She shook the face and looked seriously at Ash. “Your friend is still alive but she’s; She’s in a lot of pain.” Ash jumped up. “I’ve got to see her!” Tifa looked down in sadness, she remembered when Cloud had been hurt. If anything had kept her from being with Cloud when he was hurt she would’ve felt terrible. She looked up at Ash and nodded. “Come with me.” She opened up the door revealing a deck of a ship. Ash choked instead of sailing on a sea like a ship should, this ship was in the middle of air. The scenic view reminded Ash that he didn’t like heights. Trying to keep his mind off the heights he realized that others were on the deck of the ship. A gray headed old man Ash hadn’t seen, the big man with the gun on his hand, and several others in blue uniforms. Tifa lead him up some stairs to another room. She pried the door open and inside laid Misty. Standing over Misty was the blonde man and the man with the red cape. They both turned their heads when the door opened. The blonde man nodded at Ash and then looked at Tifa. “How is he?” he said to Tifa, but glancing at Ash. “He’s fine, how’s the other?” He shook his head in gloominess. “Not well.” The blonde man motioned Ash inside. Misty looked as Ash had last seen her, scarred in burns. The blonde man seated Ash next to the table on which Misty was laying. The man looked at Ash, his eyebrow shot up inquisitively. “You really helped us out back there--” The pause seemed to inquire a name from Ash. “Ash Ketchum.” The blonde man nodded appreciatively. “I’m Cloud, and this is my ship.” “Ash, Your friend is in bad shape, if we knew what happened we might be able to help her.” Ash looked tired and malnourished to Cloud. “It’s a long story.” Ash said Cloud nodded again. “We’ll get you in the conference room so you’ll only have to tell it once.” The man in the red cape stepped forward. “I am Vincent, Ash the fight you threw yourself in this morning,” He shook his head implying that he was displeased. “That was not a good idea. The man you fought holds grudges, he would be a bad enemy to have.” Ash looked surprised. “He seemed easy enough to me, besides once I’m out of here he’ll won’t be a problem.” Vincent sighed impatiently. “We don’t know that, he may find a way to go where you came from and cause trouble.” Ash gulped, Vincent was right he had enough enemies as it was. Ash turned his attention toward Misty. “How is she?” Cloud looked at Misty. “She’s still alive if that’s any comfort.” “Come with me, we have a lot of thing to discuss.” Ash followed Cloud out on the deck of the ship and then into another room. It was very long with several chairs and one at the top of the table. The chairs were filled with people. Cloud led Ash to the head of the table. Ash looked at all the faces in front of him there were eight people. Cloud pointed to the man with the gun on his hand. “That’s Barret Wallace.” Cloud then pointed to the gray haired man. “Cid Highwind.” Cloud then pointed to the tiger creature. “That’s RedXIII” Cloud pointed to a woman with black hair. “That’s Yuffie,” Cloud began to whisper to Ash. “I’d stay away from her if you can.” Ash looked confused but agreed. Then Cloud pointed to a man in a blue suit. “That’s Reed.” Cloud turned to the people of the table. “This is Ash Ketchem.” “Ash what happened to you and your friend?” Ash cleared his throat. “We were on a luxury cruise.” Before he got to finish Barret laughed out loud. “What ever it was it don’t look to luxurious.” Tifa nudged Barret hard with her elbow. “Go on Ash.” Prompted Tifa. “We took an eight day cruise, I had just won a lot of money at a Pokemon tournament.” Cid looked confused. “A what-a-mon?” Ash looked at him in wonder. “You’ve never heard of Pokemon, They’re creature that are trapped and used in battles.” Cid’s look didn’t clear up but he did shut up. Barret raised his hand in a joking manner. “That thing you used in the fight was a Pokemon.” Ash nodded. “There were others with me but, me and Misty were the only ones that survived. The ship sunk.” “A group of thieves called Team Rocket had been trying to kill me the whole cruise.” Ash suddenly looked sad. “Misty saved me from most of them, but on the seventh day she was hit by a bomb.” “The others were washed off the rail of the ship. And my Pikachu was stolen.” Barret laughed out loud he had never in his lifetime heard a name as ridiculous as that. “What’s a Pikachu?” He said in the middle of a laugh. Ash grimaced at him. “It’s a Pokemon,” Ash pounded his fist into his chest “My Pokemon.” “One of my other friends had a package he was to deliver, when he fell off the ship I took his package I needed help, Misty was dying, so I opened the box, and I found this stone.” Reed stood up and pointed at Ash. “Before Meteor, Hojo had a project to send something into corresponding realities so he sent a way for them to come here, that stone was one of the materia he sent.” Ash looked at him in complete befuddlement. “Huh?” Reed sat back down in his chair. “Never you mind, you don’t need to know, but we can take you back, we have several of those materia.” “What happened then?” Ash shrugged “I threw it down, came out here and helped you.” Cloud stood up. “The man you fought was Sephiroth, years ago he was a friend of mine. He changed, and began to raise havoc in this place, months ago he came up with plan to destroy this world, we stopped him what little we could, but he became more powerful, he’s now sort of a demigod, it wouldn’t surprise me if he came looking for you now.” Ash looked desperately at Cloud. “I don’t care about some freak on your side of the world, all that matters to me is to help Misty.” Cloud looked mad now. “You don’t get it do you? This world is falling apart, we are trying to hold a world together and you want us to go on a field trip to help you. The best we can do is help your sister or whatever and send you home!” Ash looked even madder than Cloud. “A day ago my world fell apart too, but I can’t hold it together, I came here for help but I didn’t find any, in fact I had to help you.” “I can see your world is in trouble but can’t you see mine too, it’s no wonder this place is falling apart you treat people like dirt!” Ash stomped out the door. “And She’s not my sister!!” he yelled after Cloud. Barret looked at Cloud. “Shit, you really got him stirred up!” Tifa looked out the door. “Cloud, we’ve got to help him. Someday we might need his help.” Cloud looked sickened. “All he cares about is that girl!” Barret looked at Cloud in disgust. “You’ve got no right to say stuff like that to a kid, you didn’t care about anything when you joined AVALANCH!” “You jes’ a hypocrite!” Cloud’s face didn’t change, he still didn’t like Ash. Ash braved the rail of the ship. The land below was in short barren, Ash could see very few cities. He thought of Misty, how she had saved him countless times, but now when she was in trouble he couldn’t do anything. Ash turned around seeing Yuffie come out of the conference room. She walked up beside him in silence. “You uh, alright?” He turned around to see her, she looked very young. “Yeah I’m fine.” “You have to ignore Cloud from time to time, he can be a real jerk.” “It’s not his fault, It’s mine for bringing Misty here.” “She your girlfriend?” Ash thought about that for a while. “Yeah, she was.” Yuffie put her hand on Ash’s shoulder. “She’ll be alright, Cloud probably didn’t tell you but he has a plan to help her.” Ash turned around in surprise. A flicker of hope shone in his eyes. “That’s all I want.” They stared at the view. “You know a couple of months ago, I couldn’t stand this ship, but I’ve grown to love it.” Ash shook his head “I don’t’ like heights.” Yuffie giggled. “Me either.” A noise sounded behind them. Turning around they saw that the conference was over. Tifa, and Cid walked over to Ash. Ash looked around for Cloud. Cloud stopped and sneered at Ash and went into where Misty was. Cid spoke first. “We haven’t had anything to do but fight Sephiroth in a while.” Tifa followed up. “We’ll help you.” Ash’s face lit up with a glimmer of hope. He raced passed them and into where Misty was. “What are you doing to her?” Cloud looked back at Ash, his sneer had cleared up, but he wasn’t overly nice. Tifa came into the room. “We’re going to kill her.” Tifa punched Cloud hard across the cheek. “I was going to explain!!” He said rubbing his cheek. Tifa looked down at Ash he had terrified face. “Don’t listen to him Ash. We’ve tried healing her with materia treatment.” Ash looked confused but listened. “It didn’t work right, but we have a treatment we know that will heal her, but in order to use it, she has to be dead.” Ash shook his head in horror. “No!” Tifa shook him lightly. “Hey, it’s alright, it’ll work.” “Will it hurt her?” Tifa shook her head. “She’ll be alright. All we’re going to do is stop treating her.” Ash nodded slightly. Off in the background someone yelled. “THEY’RE HERE CLOUD!!!” Cloud stopped fooling with Misty’s controls and dashed to the deck. Tifa tried to stop Ash but he followed. On the deck were several men in black suits with guns. One of them stepped forward holding his gun out at Cloud. “Cloud, Die.” He pulled the trigger, but Cloud blocked it with his sword. “Shinra’s over with, go away.” Cloud said The man shook his head. “No good, We still haven’t finished are jobs.” They all began firing but Cloud blocked all the bullets. Ash had had enough. “Go Charizard!!” The man in the black suit shrugged. “What’s this?” The creature emerged from his pokeball. The men seemed to freeze, Cloud froze too. The man brought out a bigger gun. “Holy hell!!” “Fire spin, Charizard!” The beast actually had been following orders lately. It sent a spiraling tower of flame toward the men. They tried firing their guns but the bullets seemed to just bounce off the creature’s hide. The head of the group of men jumped off the side of the ship. His underlings followed after. So the tower of fire just dissipated. Cloud raced to the edge to see if they were killed in the fall. But a copter caught them from the fall and sailed off. Cloud looked once again frustrated. “Dammit Ash, You could’ve been killed!” “I could’ve been killed ridding in a car, what’s your point.” Cloud was about to say something more, but then thought better of it. “What’s that word you just said anyway asked Ash?” Cloud scratched his head confused. Barret came up and nudged him. Cloud just realized what he said and blushed. “Nothing!” Ash scratched his head. “Do you know them?” “Yes, but don’t worry they won’t be bothering us.” he said looking out after the copter. Ash raced back to where Misty was. He looked at Tifa and she nodded. “Are you sure it’ll work.” Tifa seemed sure enough. “Of course.” The heart monitor dropped into uninterrupted straight line indicating that Misty was at that time dead. Tifa picked up a stone like the one Ash had used to get there, and placed it onto Misty. A bright light blinded the room, but when the light dimmed Ash saw that Misty was sitting up on the table. She rubbed her eyes in confusion. Ash threw his arms around her. “Misty!” She recognized Ash and hugged him back. “Hi Ash.” She said weakly. Tifa snuck out the door and closed it. Misty looked around still confused. “Where are we?” Ash took a deep breath and began to explain. ****** “She’s up!” Tifa said cheerfully Cloud frowned. “I hope she was worth it.” Tifa looked at Cloud in astonishment. “Worth what?!” “The time.” Tifa couldn’t believe Cloud was acting like this. “You are the most self-centered person on this ship!!” “We could’ve killed Sephiroth and started all over by now!” “You know very well we couldn’t have!” Cloud rolled his eyes. “We’re not finished helping them yet!” “We still have to bring them back!” Tifa tapped her foot impatiently. “And?” Cloud sighed. “And help them find their friends.” Tifa nodded. “Then you can go back hunting the white whale.” Cloud looked betrayed. “This isn’t about vengeance!” “Bullshit, Sephiroth hasn’t started a fight with us in years it’s always been us chasing him!” Cloud stepped up to Tifa and pointed at her. “If we hadn’t have held him back all these years what do you think would’ve happened?” Stepped up closer to Cloud. “I don’t know but he won’t take over the universe in a few hours!” Cloud stepped down, part out of fear of Tifa’s fists and part because what she said made sense. “Fine we’ll go.” “I know we will.” The door to where Ash and Misty opened and Misty and Ash walked out. Misty waved shyly to the content of the ship. Tifa came over and shook Misty’s hand. “Hi I’m Tifa.” “And your Misty, right?” She nodded shyly. Cloud stepped forward. “You should thank your friend he really cares about you.” Misty eyed Cloud, he was cute, but she likes her Ash better than anyone she had ever seen. Everyone on the ship came up to shake Misty’s hand and introduce themselves. Misty still looked confused. “Where are Brock and the other’s?” Ash tapped Misty’s shoulder. “Uh, Brenda held Brock at gu-” She knocked him on the head hard. Cloud chuckled to himself and looked at Tifa, this relationship looked familiar. “I know about that but what happened to him?” “Well I was trying to explain bu-” She hit him on the head again. Cloud couldn’t help himself he liked Misty, she was most certainly worth it. “He fell of the side of the ship with Tracy.” Ash said quickly. Misty looked sad. “And Pikachu?” “Team Rocket.” Barret stepped forward. “Speakin of which we gotta get you two home.” Reed came up and gave Ash the material and the package in which it came. “You are coming with us aren’t you?” Ash asked Tifa glared at Cloud. “Yes, for short while.” Ash threw the stone down at the deck of the ship opening a hole in the deck of the ship. He looked through and saw Vermillion city. He slid through the vortex after him came Misty, Cloud, Tifa, Barret, and Yuffie. As soon as they landed on the streets people stared at them. Cloud turned angrily to Ash. “Now what?” “To Team Rocket’s base.” Cloud put his hands on his hips and glared at Ash. “And that would be where?” Ash pointed to a building on his left, it was a large gray building with no windows. Once they were in Yuffie used sleep materia on the receptionist. They took the elevator to the top floor. The door opened into a Pokemon arena. And on that Arena stood James and Jessie waiting patiently. James opened his mouth to say something but his mouth froze where it was. There in front of him stood Ash and Misty both with a devious smile on their faces and behind them was a battalion of war seasoned figures. Jessie hadn’t even looked yet and was about to do arrogant laugh but stopped. They both started running for the door on the opposite wall. Cloud looked at Ash. “Is that them?” Ash slowly nodded. Not saying a word the group of fighters charged James and Jessie. Eventually catching them. Barret grabbed James and threw him up against the wall. Yuffie pinned Jessie to the wall with her boomerang. Ash stepped up to James and picked his hand up. “This is for trying to kill me.” He smacked James hand softly. This is for hurting Misty. Ash threw his fist back and let fly across Jessie and James faces. “Where’s Pikachu?” James weakly pointed to the door they had been running to. Ash turned around to see Giovanni holding Pikachu in a rubber bag. The group started to charge him, but Ash held them back. Giovanni had threatened to smash the bag against the floor. Ash pointed at Giovanni. “You!!” He clicked his tongue and waved his finger. He threw eight pokeballs letting out Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, Nidoking, Rydon, Cubone, Marowak, Scyther, and Kabutops. The group of Pokemon charged the group. Cloud took on the Scyther and the Kabutops. Tifa took on Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan. Barret fought with Nidoking and Rydon. Yuffie battled it out with Cubone and Marowak. Cloud spun his sword knocking Scyther & Kabutop’s mock swords to the left. Leaving them open, then Cloud took the butt of his sword and knocked them both out cold. Barret grabbed Nidoking’s arm and flung him to the floor. He then turned around and shot at Rydon making him charge Barret. Barret moved out of the way just as Rydon came up to him, so that Rydon hit Nidoking knocking them both out. Tifa kicked Hitmonchan dizzy. Hitmonlee threw a kick and Tifa caught it and pitched Hitmonlee into Hitmonchan, making them faint. Yuffie dodged two bones that the small Pokemon threw. She then threw her boomerang it missed them both but on it’s way back it scored one hit per Pokemon. The victors cleared away leaving eight fainted Pokemon. If Giovanni was upset he didn’t show it. He pointed to Ash “Up for a match little one?” Ash turned his hat around. “Don’t call me little!” Giovanni threw a pokeball out releasing a strange new Pokemon. Ash opened his Pokedex. “Dragonite, a water-faring Pokemon thought for years to be the stuff of myth.” He closed the Pokedex. He withdrew Lapras. “Blizzard, Lapras!” The Dragonite was bombarded with icy blades, cutting and slicing it’s hide. Giovanni called Dragonite back and threw Hypno into the battle. “Hypno, Hypnosis!” Hypnosis waves came out it’s eyes leaving Lapras sleeping. “Lapras return, go Snorlax!” “Body Slam!” The obese creature came rumbling toward the Hypno but Hypno teleported out of the way and sent breathtaking Psywave attack making the Snorlax swoon. “To shay, Ash!” Ash didn’t waver he had to get Pikachu back. “Return Snorlax, go Pidgeot!” “Pidgeot, Fly attack!” The creature sailed high into the building rafters and came swooping down on Hypno. Hypno deflected the shot with a barrier attack. “Pidgeot time for Razor Wind attack!” The creature flew up and seemed to glow, it sent a harsh wind cracking Hypno’s barrier and sending him flying to the far wall. Giovanni was about to call out another Pokemon but hesitated instead he threw a capsule down at the floor. A gust of smoke ran out the capsule covering the room. When Pidgeot had blown the gust away Team Rocket was gone, the building was empty. Ash raced into the other room. He found the rubber sack Giovanni was holding, and a note was attached. It read: Take what you came for, and all the more, we’ll not bother you You not bother us That should settle the score. Team Rocket Attached was the title deed of the building. He threw it aside and opened the sack to find Pikachu. “Pikaaa!! Chu?” Ash looked lovingly at it. “It’s a long story.” He picked it up and held it out to Cloud. Cloud didn’t know what to do with it he let climb on his hand but Pikachu didn’t like him. “Pikaaaaa!!!” The mouse shocked him senseless. Barret held his hand out to the mouse and it climbed on it shoulder. He laughed heartily. “Pretty cute!” The mouse nodded. “Pikapipipipi.” Barret laughed again “Cute.” Cloud still dazed by the shock. “We should go!” Barret nodded. “Better get back to our place.” Cloud looked at Ash. “I owe you a lot Ash, but do me this one favor. Never ever come back to our world.” Cloud held a stone to the floor a vortex opened up and they each waved bye and jumped down the portal. Ash sighed he walked outside and leaned against the wall of the building. “Hey Ash!!” Ash knew that voice. Anticlimax Previously: Ash came back with his new found friends and crushed Team Rocket’s presence in Vermillion city. Ash looked up and saw Brock and Tracy. He ran to them as well as Misty. Brock pointed to Ash. “Boy, have I got a story for you!” Misty and Ash burst out laughing. Ash smiled widely. “I bet you do.” “But I’ve got a better one but you go first.” Ash smiled again. “Oh wait I forgot, let’s go in my building and talk.” Tracy and Brock looked stunned. “You better have a good one!” nodded Brock Ash took him in and told him all about what happened. Brock took it pretty well so did Tracy. Brock told Ash how they fell into the captain’s lifeboat. Ash looked at Brock. “Brock would you uh, do me a favor?” Brock looked at Ash. “What is it Ash?” “Look over Misty for just three days.” Brock thought about his place at Prof. Ivy’s lab. He thought about it a lot, and then nodded. “Yeah Ash, sure me and Tracy. Ash secretly handed Brock a letter under the table. Ash looked at Misty. “Gotta go Misty!” She looked at him angrily. “You better get back in three days or I’ll come out after you.” Ash hugged her “Got enough money for the boat there and back again.” Ash left out the door. Brock looked at the note Ash had left him. It read: Misty, there’s something for you at 4415 Sunrise St. Brock gave the note to Misty. Misty automatically ran out the door, they were on Sunrise St. She looked to the left and she saw 4415 Sunrise St. It was a bike shop. THE END