Chapter Text
Lance was already ready in the locker room when Ash and Pikachu got there. He grabbed his bag that was in a locker. Ash followed Lance out.
“That was an excellent battle, Ash,” Lance states while checking around a corner before walking out, making sure to keep his hand on Ash’s shoulder.
Startled by the praise, Ash smiled while using a finger to scratch his cheek in embarrassment. “Thanks, Lance. We trained hard to get this far,” Ash responded to what Lance said.
Lance, on impulse, ruffled Ash’s head, but seemed not to find it satisfying doing it over Ash’s hat. Soon, they made their way to an area that didn’t have people wandering around, most importantly, no paparazzi waiting to ambush them.
A voice came threw Lance’s earpiece, “Good.” Lance responded to whatever the other end said. Turning to Ash, Lance relayed what he was told. “Your friends and family are having slight difficulty getting here do to the crowd, but they will be here soon.” Ash nodded in understanding, looking around and taking a seat on a shaded bench not far from them.
Lance, after some hesitation, followed, taking a seat next to him. “Ash,” Lance said, trying to get the others' attention. “I have been meaning to talk to actually, since the Pokeball theft attempt the other day,” Lance told the other. Making Ash turn to face Lance in confused concern.
“I have people all around the league as undercover agents. One of them happened to overhear you talking to your mother. About your plans to get in contact with someone in the International Police Department to help three members of Team Rocket who want out.” Lance shared with Ash, who sat up straighter. Face was becoming weary of where this was going.
“Yes, that is what we plan to do,” Ash admitted, Pikachu nodding with his trainer’s words, his expression being a weary seriousness.
Lance, seeing the others' expressions, quickly continued. “I am willing to help,” Lance states, surprising the duo.
Clearing his throat, Lance, in a calmer tone, explained. “The G-men are responsible for taking down big criminals. Team Rocket falls under that category. We need someone on the inside getting information. But nobody had been willing or able to get into a position that would get that information.” Lance explained to Ash, who was listening intensely.
“I will be able to give them a champion verification; they will be able to pay for their past misdoings by doing this. Would you and your friends be willing to trust me to arrange this?” Lance questioned Ash, who, without a second's later, agreed.
Surprising Lance.
“Shouldn’t you talk to them before deciding?” Lance questioned Ash, who shook his head.
“No, they trust me to make the decisions on this matter, willing to do what I think would be best,” Ash answered with a small smile. “They have been with me, well, following me really, since my first day as a trainer,” Ash stated.
Lance, while hesitant, nodded in understanding. By this time, Ash’s friends and family had made it to where they were. “We’ll talk about this later,” Lance promised before leaving to talk to a few people.
After Lance left, everyone decided that it would be best to go back to their cabins. Ash had a day before his next battle with whoever wins in the battle, either today or the next two days.
They need to get started with food for all of their Pokémon. Ash had the pots and pans bubbling and sizzling away under the watchful eyes of Ash’s Pokémon.
Ash noticed Misty was watching Togetic and him for a while. Her expression seemed to be one of doubt and worry. Giving Togetic a soft, sweet poffin, he carefully made his way towards Misty.
“Something the matter?” Ash questioned his friend. His words made Misty jump, but quickly her expression became almost sad.
“Seeing you battle with Togepi-Togetic now made me wonder. Am I taking good care of Togepi? All those moves you taught Togetic are moves that Togepi could learn himself. But I haven’t trained Togepi at all, I haven’t even used Togepi in a battle.” Misty stated, her voice cracking as tears started to fall from her eyes.
This caused Ash to panic. ‘Misty is crying! What do I do?!’ Ash looked around to see if Brock was nearby. But didn’t see him anywhere. ‘Calm down, Ash, you can handle a crying friend. I hope at least.’
“Misty, you are taking good care of Togepi. No, let me finish.” Ash told Misty when she looked like she was going to protest. “You are taking good care of Togepi. The difference between Togepi and Togetic is that Togepi just hatched not too long ago, while Togetic was made into an adult version of Togepi.” Misty, tilting her head, made Ash realize that she was confused.
“I asked Mewtwo about it, and he said that the machine had the settings to only produce adult Pokémon. He didn’t want a delay in his plan that a clone baby Pokémon would have.” Ash pointed out to his friend, thanking his past self for asking on New Island.
Misty’s expression became one of understanding. “So I’m doing the right thing with waiting until Togepi is older?” Misty asked, doubtful but with a sliver of hope in her voice. Ash smiled in encouragement.
“Come on, Misty, help me make a few treats for Togetic and the others,” Ash told his friend, wanting her to focus on something else.
A smile came to Misty’s face at the idea of making treats. Nodding, she laid Togepi down next to Pikachu. Togepi chirped at Togetic, who started to slowly fly around, Togepi chirping back.