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Chapter Text

Seven years Emma POV

"Emma, wake up honey." I turned to my side on the bed and opened my eyes slightly to see Mom. "Five more minutes," I mumbled, closing my eyes. "Come on, sweetie, you can't sleep until noon. Let's go." I sighed and opened my eyes, setting up.

I stretched my arms and looked around my room. "I'll go make breakfast, get up," Mom said as she started walking out my room. "I'm up. I'm up," I mumbled. I dropped my head to my pillow again and closed my eyes.

My name is Emma Pierce. I'm seven years old now and living with my parents and two big brothers in a place called Pallet Town. My Dad, Alex was a Legendary top trainer but he stopped and decided to become a researcher. He had a laboratory of his own with researchers along side with his Pokémon.

My Mom, Alice was a Pokémon Breeder, I helped her a lot and she taught me a lot about Pokémon. My older brother, Ryan and my big brother, Danny are both Legendary top trainers.

I didn't have friends, well maybe, only one, I used to have a lot, but I stopped been friends with them 'cause they were friends with me only because of my family. There was only one best friend that was with me not because my family. It was Gary Oak. His grandfather, Professor Oak was a very close friend with my family. The professor was my Dad's teacher so Gary and I meet each other when the professor came to visit with Gary at our house.

I had three uncles, the one that was the closest to me was my Mom's younger brother, Uncle John. He was a researcher and he was sometimes working with my Dad.

Suddenly, my eyes opened and I sat up, smiling. I remembered Danny promised to play with me today! I pulled the covers off and jumped out of my bed. Ever since I can remember, my family was always busy so they never had the time to play with me.

I ran out of my room and went downstairs. I walked into the kitchen to see Mom and our cook, Hanna. "Good morning, Hanna," I said to the nice lady. "Good morning, Em," She said.

"Honey, go tell your brothers that breakfast almost ready," Mom said. "Got it," I said before running out of the kitchen. I rushed back upstairs and went to Ryan's room first. I opened the door slightly, without knocking and saw only his arm outside the blanket.

I smiled and looked at the edge of the bed to see his Pikachu sleeping as well. I rushed into the room and jumped on the bed, "Ryan! Ryan, wake up!" I called, jumping on the bed. Pikachu was the first to wake up, "Pika?" the male mouse Pokémon asked, looking around before spotting me jumping on the bed. He smiled, "Pikachu!"

Ryan slowly pulled down the blanket and opened his eyes slightly. "What?" He mumbled. I stopped jumping and sat on the bed. Pikachu jumped on my lap and I hugged him. "Morning, Pikachu," I said. "Pikachu," He said, smiling.

I looked back at Ryan, "Mom asked me to wake you and Danny up," I replied. He sighed, "I'm up," He said. "Wake up," I said before getting off the bed. Pikachu jumped into the bed and I ran out of the room as Ryan sat up.

I rushed to Danny's room and turned around to see Pikachu rushing out of Ryan's room and he followed me. I nodded to the yellow mouse Pokémon before opening Danny's door. I saw he was still sleeping and I rushed into the room. I jumped on the bed, "Danny! Danny! Danny!" I called, making him sit up straight, wide awake.

Pikachu came into the room, "Pika!" He said, jumping on the bed with me. "What is it?" Danny asked, dropping his head into the pillow as he grabbed the blanket and pulled it to cover his face.

Pikachu and I stopped jumping. "Mom asked to wake you up," I said. He sighed, "Alright, alright, I’m awake," He said and I jumped off the bed. Pikachu hopped on my shoulder and I ran out of the room, "Get up!" I called.

I rushed downstairs and went over to the dinner table, where Mom and Hanna were placing breakfast on the table. I looked around as Pikachu jumped from my shoulder to the floor. "Morning, Pikachu," Mom said. "Pikachu," He said.

"Mom, where's Dad?" I asked. "Oh, he won't be eating with us now, he already ate because he had to go somewhere," She replied. I sighed and nodded slightly. Soon Ryan and Danny came down and we started to eat.

"Are you two going somewhere?" Mom asked as I was helping her with the plates after breakfast. "Yeah," Ryan said and I looked at Danny, "But you promised to play with me today," I pointed out. "I did?" Danny asked, running his hand behind his neck, which he does when he doesn’t remember.

"Yesterday you said that you will play with me today," I said. He stared at me for a moment before his eyes grew softer, "Oh... I did," He said. He kneeled in front of me, "Can we play later? I really need to go with Ryan somewhere. When I'll come back I'll play with you okay?"

I sighed but gave up, nodding, "Okay," I mumbled. He ruffled my hair before getting up. "We'll be back soon," Ryan said before he and Danny walked out of the room. I sighed and glanced down on the plate that was in my hand.

"You okay, sweetie?" Mom asked, placing a hand on my shoulder. I forced a small smile and nodded, looking up at her, "Yeah. Can I go?" I asked. She nodded as she took the plate from my hand, "Yes, go. I'll take care of it."

I nodded before running off. I went outside to see Danny and Ryan talking in front of Ryan's car. Ryan's Pikachu jumped from the roof to the opened window of the backseat and then my brothers got into the car.

I sighed and walked away, wandering into our big garden. I looked around, there were a few of my family's Pokémon yet they all looked busy too. I sighed sadly, I'm a kid! I wanted to play, what a boring life!

I suddenly had an idea! I rushed to the end of the big fences that separated between my house and the forest and looked around. No one was here. I looked up at the fences and started to climbed on it. I got to the end and jumped to the other side. I landed on the ground and looked back to see if one of the Pokémon went over but no one was there.

I looked ahead and rushed into the forest.

Chapter Text

"I think I'm lost," I mumbled, looking around the forest. I was walking for an hour or so - I think. I sighed and continued to walk around. I soon stopped walking when I heard noises. I looked at some bushes, where the noises came from and slowly walked closer to it.

I swallowed, staring at the bushes, "H--Hello?" I asked and the bushes stopped moving. I looked closer and all of a sudden, a small yellow Pokémon jumped up from the bushes, "Pichu."

We stared at each other for a moment before screaming, jumping a few steps away from each other. But the Pokémon fell down into the bushes, and I rushed back over to it. I looked inside and the yellow Pokémon was on the ground, shaking its head before looking back up to meet me.

It's a small, ground-dwelling rodent Pokémon with pale yellow fur. Its ear-tips, collar, and tail are black and angular. It has pink cheeks, and its tiny nose looks like a dot.

"You're a Pichu," I stated, smiling a little at the cute Pokémon. "Pichu," It said, standing up. It jumped off the bushes and moved away from me. "Wait," I called, making it to turn back to me.

"Can you please help me get back home?" I asked, walking over to it. It pointed at itself as if asking if I was talking to it. "Yes, I was talking to you. Can you please help me?" I asked, kneeling down.

It put its paw under its chin, thinking for a moment and it looked at me. It gave a small smile and nodded, "Pichu." I smiled, "Really? Thank you!" I said. It nodded and I stood up, looking around. "My house is really big, I can’t climb the trees to see it."

"Pichu," It said before running to a tree and climbing on it. It disappeared up and I looked at the tree, blinking a few times. After a moment, Pichu climbed down the tree. "Pichu!" It said, pointing behind it with a smile. "You know where my house is?" I asked and it nodded.

"Great, can you lead the way?" I asked with a smile. "Pichu," It said, smiling with a nod. The yellow Pokémon started leading the way for me to go back home and I followed it.

After a few minutes, I heard a small cute noises and stopped as Pichu did as well. It looked down at its tummy, covering it with its paws. "I guess you're hungry, right?" I said. It blushed a little as it looked up at me with a shyly smile, "Pichu," It agreed, rubbing a paw behind its head.

I smiled and looked around. My eyes stopped at the apple tree and I rushed towards it. I pulled out a red apple and turned to Pichu as it followed behind me. I kneeled down to it, holding the apple, "There you go," I said.

"Pichu!" It said with a big smile before taking the apple from my hand. I smiled, watching it eating. That Pichu is so cute!

"Hey, Pichu," I started as it soon finished eating. It looked up at me as I continued, "You seem like a female Pichu, you a girl, am I right?" It smiled and nodded, "Pichu!" I smiled, "I knew it! Well, are you still hungry?" I asked. She shook her head and turned to her side, pointing to the direction where we were heading before, "Pichu!"

"Okay, let's go," I said, standing up. We continued to walk towards my house, "I wonder if anyone noticed I was missing," I mumbled to myself. "I guess maybe not." I looked at the ground and met Pichu's gaze, staring back at me. "Pichu?" She asked and I noticed in the female Pokémon's eyes concern.

I smiled down at her a little and shook my head, "We should be close right?" I said and she nodded before looking back ahead. But then, she stopped and looked around, "Pichu?"

"What's wrong, Pichu?" I asked as the mouse Pokémon continued to look around. She suddenly turned serious as she quickly walked behind me and looked at the direction we came from, "Pichu!"

Then, noises came from the distance. "What is that?" I asked. "Pichu," Pichu said, angry. Suddenly, a group of Beedrill came from the trees. "Beedrill!" I called, taking a step backwards. "Pichu!" Pichu called angrily.

The Beedrill came closer, "Run!" I called to Pichu before running but then stopped when I saw Pichu still standing there, ready to attack. I think maybe they know each other - And this wasn't good.

"Pichu!" I called but the yellow Pokémon didn't listen and then, they started to attack each other. A group of Beedrill against one Pichu wasn't right. "Stop it! Leave her alone!" I called to the Beedrill, making one of them to look at me.

I stared at it and then, it went to my direction. I gasped and suddenly, Pichu rushed back to my side and used Tackle on the Bee Pokémon. It crashed to the ground and the other Beedrill came up to it before looking at us.

"Now let's run," I said, pulling Pichu into my arms before taking off. I looked behind me to see the Beedrill were following us. "Pichu..." Pichu said, angrily looking at them before getting itself out of my arms.

"Pichu, no!" I said as I stopped to see her running back to the group. "Pichu!" She yelled. Suddenly, one of the Beedrill rushed ahead of the others and pointed its sting at Pichu as it rushed to the small female Pokémon.

"Pichu, look out!" I yelled as I rushed to the mouse Pokémon. I quickly grabbed the yellow Pokémon to my arms and turned around. Suddenly, I felt something painful on my back and I fell forwards to the ground, holding Pichu tightly into my arms.

"Pichu!"

I hold back a cry of pain and looked down, smiling slightly at the small Pokémon, glad that the female was looking okay. "Pichu... are you alright?" I asked and she stared at me with her mouth slightly opened. "Pichu, Pi..." She said, getting out of my arms only to place her tiny paws on my arm.

I slowly sat up, trying to ignore the pain on my back. "Pichu," Pichu said, her voice sounded concerned. "I'm... fine," I lied giving her a small smile. the yellow Pokémon stared at me for a moment before looking back over my shoulder. I looked behind my shoulder to see the Beedrill flying down towards us.

I quickly pulled Pichu back to my arms and slowly got up but then I fell to my knees, crying in pain a little through my teeth. My back was hurt. "Pichu!" Pichu called to me, looking at me with worry eyes. I looked back at the Beedrill as they came closer and then I looked back at Pichu before holding the female tightly into my arms, protecting her from the Beedrill.

Suddenly, Pichu pulled herself from my arms and jumped behind me. "Pichu," I started but then saw that she looked up at the Beedrill with angry eyes, "Pi..." She started, yellow sparks showing through her pink cheeks. "Chu!" She suddenly used a Thunder Shock on all the Beedrill, making me to cover my eyes with my hand.

Soon after that, I heard crashing and uncovered my eyes to see the Beedrill on the ground. I looked down at Pichu and she was breathing heavily. "Pichu, are you okay?" I asked, trying to get up but my back didn't let me and I winced in pain. Pichu looked at me and rushed back to my side, "Pichu."

I suddenly looked up at the sky, a shimmering golden Pokémon was flying between the clouds. "What is that?" I asked. "Pichu..." Pichu said, gazing at the golden Pokémon as well before it disappeared.

We looked back at the Beedrill and saw they were getting back up. "Not again," I mumbled. Pichu stood in front of me, "Pichu!" She said, angrily.

"Emma!" We all froze when we heard Danny's voice.

Suddenly, a Charizard came flying from above and it stood between me, Pichu and the Beedrill. The Beedrill took a few steps back as they looked at the Charizard. It glanced over its shoulder down at me and I smiled, "Hookfang!" I called to Danny's first Pokémon, calling him by his nickname.

"Emma!" I looked over my shoulder to see Danny running through the bushes with his shiny Raticate. He rushed to my side and kneeled down, "What happened? Are you okay?" He asked. I nodded, "I'll be fine."

He then looked at the Beedrill and they looked scared. "What the?" He asked, getting up. "Did you attack my baby sister?" The Beedrill all looked down and I frowned. "Danny, how--"

"Do you remember the group of Weedle that I used to have? Well, they all evolved," He replied, cutting me off. "Oh," That was all I could say. He then looked back at the Beedrill, "You guys, this is Emma. How could you forget the kid that you helped take care of?"

The Beedrill all looked down again, feeling ashamed. "It's okay," I said, "I didn't know they evolved. We all guilty. We okay." The Beedrill all looked relieved by that and I smiled.

Pichu turned back to me, "Pichu, Pichu, Pi," She called, placing her paw on my arm. "Who's this Pichu?" Danny asked and I smiled. "This is a wild Pichu. I saved her and she saved me. We saved each other, right?" I said. The female Pokémon smiled and nodded, "Pichu."

"Well, we need to go," Danny said and sighed. "Mom is worried." I was about to stand up but I forgot about my back and I fell back, crying slightly. "Emma, what happened?" He asked as all the Pokémon gathered around us. "My back... It's hurt," I said.

"Poison sting?" He asked and I nodded. He picked me up, "Let's go home. We’re lucky you haven't fainted yet," He said but then my eyes grew heavy. "I take it back. Let's go guys. Thank you, Pichu."

I felt we were moving and I looked over Danny's shoulder to see Pichu standing still, looking back at me. I had my hand around Danny's neck and moved it slightly to Pichu's direction before letting my eyes to drop.

Chapter Text

I felt something on my cheek, making me slowly open my eyes. The first thing I saw was the ceiling, I looked down and saw I was covered in my blankets. I was at my bed, but...

"Pichu!"

My eyes got wide opened when I heard that small, cute voice. I looked to my side and saw Pichu standing right in front of my face, smiling. "Pi--Pichu?" I asked and she nodded.

I slowly sat up, with Pichu placing her paws on my arm. I winced in pain slightly but my back hurt less than before. I looked down at myself again but this time pulled the covers slightly down and pulled up my shirt to see I had bandage wrapped around me.

"How long...?" I mumbled before looking back at Pichu to see she was sniffing the bandage and then she looked back at me. "How did you get here?" I asked. Then my door opened and the first one that came in was Mom's Espeon, "Espeon," It said before jumping to my bed.

Mom came inside and smiled, "Emma," She said as Espeon licked my face, making me giggle and Pichu smiled. Mom walked closer, "How are you feeling, sweetie?" She asked.

"I feel a little bit better," I replied before petting both Espeon and Pichu on their heads. "How long was I asleep?"

"Two days. The poison sting hit you hard," Mom replied. "Pichu, Pi," Pichu said, looking at me with worried eyes. "It's fine. I'm okay. But what about you?" I asked the yellow mouse.

She nodded, "Pichu." I smiled at her before turning back to Mom, "Where are everyone else?" I asked. "What about the Beedrill? You guys not mad at them right? They didn't know who I was."

"Don't worry, we know," Mom said, making me sigh in relief. "Everyone is downstairs, do you want to get up?" I nodded before Mom helped me to get up. We went out of my room, following Pichu and Espeon as they run downstairs.

"Look who's up," Mom called as we went into the living room. Ryan, Danny, Dad and Pikachu were there and when they heard Mom's voice they looked at us with a smile. "Pikachu-Pi!" Ryan's Pikachu called with a smile as he got off Ryan's lap and ran toward me. He jumped into my arms and I hugged him.

"It's good to see you too, Pikachu," I said with a smile. "It's good to see you back on your feet, sis," Ryan said. "How are you feeling, honey?" Dad asked as he walked over to me and placed his hand on my shoulder.

"I feel better, Dad. Don't worry," I replied as I let Pikachu jump to the floor and he stood between Espeon and Pichu. "But what about Pichu? How did she get in?" I asked, smiling down at the younger yellow mouse.

"Well, after I got you here," Danny started, "Hookfang and I found Pichu waiting at the gates. She had followed us all the way, looking worried for you. I brought her here, and she hasn’t left your side since."

"You stayed with me for two days?" I asked, looking at Pichu. She nodded and smiled, "Pichu!"

"I think someone got attached to you Emma," Dad said with a smile, crossing his arms.

"Yeah, me too," I agreed. "Hey, I thought about something," Danny said, looking at Ryan. Ryan nodded with a smile before they both turned to us. "Let's just say, what if Pichu will be staying here? With Emma?" Danny asked.

My eyes grew wide, "Really?" I asked. "Pichu?" Pichu asked, looking at my brothers. "Yeah," Ryan agreed. "Well, Pichu did take really good care of Emma," Mom said before looking with a smile at Dad. He nodded back before looking at me, "What do you think about letting Pichu stay here?"

My jaw dropped. Was this really happening? Then a huge smile spread across my face, "Yes! I want that," I agreed before looking down at Pichu, "What do you think? Would you like to stay with me?" She smiled and nodded as she jumped up and down with excitement, "Pichu! Pichu!"

She jumped into my arms and snuggle, making me laugh. "This is great. Now you have a friend that can keep you company," Mom said with a smile. "And not just that," Danny said. "Yeah, I think you two going to stay together for a long time," Ryan said, making all of us laugh.

~~~~~~~~~ One Year Later ~~~~~~~~~

"Hey, wake up." I groaned as I turned around to the other side of my bed. "Pichu?" I heard Pichu's voice. "I said get up." A pillow thrown on me and I opened my eyes before looking over my shoulder at the annoying person. I raised my eyebrows, "Gary?"

He smirked, "Good morning, sleepy beauty," He joked and Pichu jumped to his shoulder before hopping into my bed. I rolled my eyes at the boy but I couldn’t help but smile, "Morning," I said. "But what are you doing here? Is Professor Oak here with you?"

"Gramps at your Dad's lab so I thought I'll come here and wake you up. Now come on, get up and let's go play," He said. I smiled, "Yeah!" I said before looking at Pichu, "Let's go, Pichu." She smiled and nodded, "Pichu!" She jumped to the floor and I got up the bed. "Let's go!" I said and Gary, Pichu and I ran out of the room.

Chapter Text

"Okay, we here," Dad said as he parked the car by the river, where we were all going to have a picnic. "Alright!" I said with a smile before getting out of the back seat before Danny could. "Pichu!" Pichu called with a smile as she followed me.

She jumped on my shoulder as Pikachu jumped out of the back seat with Ryan getting out after him and Danny got out as well. Mom got out of the passenger seat and Dad from the driver seat.

"Can I go look around?" I asked. "Sure, but be careful," Mom said with a smile. "Okay," I said before turning back to my female yellow friend, "Come on, Pichu, let's go look around," I said.

"Pichu!" She agreed, holding up her paw as a 'let's go' sign before we both ran off. "Stay close!" Ryan called. "Okay!" I called back. We went to the other side of the river, looking around before I stopped. I stretched my arms and sighed happily as I gazed at the sparkling river, "Look at that, Pichu. Isn't it beautiful?" I asked.

"Pichu," she agreed as we both sat down. I breathed out before looking up at the blue sky. "This is great," I mumbled with a smile. Suddenly, Pichu's smile faded away as her ears moved slightly, "Pichu?"

I stared at her as she got up, looking at the river, "Pichu." She pointed at the middle of the river and I looked at the middle to see bubbles appearing. I got up, "Huh? What is that?" I asked. Then, something came out of the water and quickly fell straight behind me. Pichu and I ran to it and kneeled down before turning it around. It was a Pokémon. A Poliwag. "It's a Poliwag," I said.

Poliwag is a Pokémon resembling a blue, spherical tadpole. It has feet but no arms. It has large eyes and pink lips. There is also a black and white swirl on its abdomen. It has a long, thin tail surrounded by a light-blue, semitransparent fin.

Suddenly, the blue Pokémon opened its eyes wide open and sat up straight. "Hey there," I said as Pichu smiled at it. It looked at me and then at Pichu before looking behind us, fear in its eyes. "What's wrong?" I asked before looking behind me to see another Pokémon coming out of the water.

A Poliwrath.

Poliwrath is a blue, bipedal Pokémon with a round body and muscular arms. It has bulbous eyes that protrude from the top of its head and its belly is covered by a white and black swirl. There appear to be white gloves on its hands, and it has rounded, digit-less feet.

"A Poliwrath?" I asked as I stood up. Suddenly Poliwrath looked at Poliwag and the small blue Pokémon quickly hid behind me between my feet. "Poliwag!" It said, its voice sounded scared.

"Nothing to worry," I said to myself, staring at the older blue Pokémon. It pointed at Poliwag and told it to come over. "What's going on?" I asked. "Pichu!" Pichu said, stepping in front of me and Poliwag.

Poliwrath looked at Pichu and then it used water gun on her. I caught Pichu before she could fall to the ground, "Pichu, are you okay?" I asked and she nodded. Poliwag came from behind and stepped in front of us.

"You can do that, Poliwag," I said. "Pichu! Pi!" Pichu called. All of a sudden, Poliwrath used Water Gun and Poliwag did that as well but the younger Pokémon was a little weak and Poliwrath's water gun was getting closer to Poliwag.

"What to do?" I mumbled. Suddenly, Pichu looked up at me, "Pichu!" she said, pointing at Poliwag. What was Pichu trying to say? "What are you--" I looked back at the fight as suddenly Poliwrath stopped and rushed towards Poliwag.

"Oh, Poliwag, look out!" I called. "Pichu!" Pichu called. Poliwrath used Double Slap, attacking Poliwag and weakening it more. "Oh no," I said. "Pichu-Pi!" Pichu said, looking at me. Was she trying to tell me to help Poliwag? But how? I'm not its trainer and I -

I looked back at Poliwag, Poliwrath stopped and stepped back as Poliwag fell to the ground. It tried slowly to get up back to its feet and it looked like Poliwrath wasn't finished.

It used Water Gun again and Poliwag didn't know. "Poliwag, dodge it!" I called and surprisingly, it listened as it moved away from the attack. "It listen?" I asked. "Pichu!" Pichu said with a big smile before looking up at me.

"Okay," I said before looking back at Poliwag, "Poliwag, use Double Slap!" With that Poliwag did as it was told, hitting Poliwrath straight. "Alright now Water Gun!" And it did but suddenly, Poliwrath used Water Gun as well, clashing both attacks together.

"Not again," I mumbled. "Pichu," Pichu said, worried. "Wait a second! Poliwag quick use Hydro Pump!" I called and it did, hitting Poliwrath straight again, this time harder and it crashed to the ground, unconscious.

"Poliwag you did it!" I called with a smile as Pichu hopped from my arms to the ground. "Pichu!" Pichu called with a smile as her paws out at the air. Poliwag turned to us and jumped in joy, "Poliwag, poliwag!"

It quickly came towards us as I kneeled down and before I knew it Poliwag jumped into my arms, hugging me. I giggled, "You were amazing," I said. "Pichu! Pichu, Pi!" Pichu said, nodding her head in agreement.

"Emma? Emma?" I heard my Mom calling for me. "I'm coming, Mom," I called over my shoulder before placing Poliwag down gently on the ground and standing up. "It was fun meeting you Poliwag," I said. "I hope we meet again soon."

"Pichu," Pichu said before we both started to run back to where my family was. "Hey, where have you been?" Ryan asked as I looked around to see they all let out their Pokémon. "Pichu and I met a Poliwag!" I said with a big smile. "Pichu, Pi!" Pichu said with a smile.

"A Poliwag? That's cool," Danny said with a smile. "We helped it fight against a big Poliwrath and it defeated it! It was amazing!" I said. "Wow, slow down there," Dad said and chuckled a little.

We soon all started to eat; me and my family were at the table while the Pokémon were all around eating on the soft grass. Suddenly, Hookfang looked around and soon everyone as well.

"What's wrong?" Danny asked and all the Pokémon looked at one spot at the bushes. It started to make noises and move slightly. "What's that?" I asked. And then, a Pokémon popped out its head with a smile, "Poliwag."

"Hey, it's the same Poliwag I was talking about!" I said with a big smile as all the Pokémon relaxed. "Pichu!" Pichu called with a smile. Poliwag jumped out of the bushes as I got up and it ran towards me. It jumped into my arms and I giggled.

"Poliwag seems to like you," Mom said with a smile. "Poliwag, Poliwag," Poliwag said with a smile. Pichu hopped on my shoulder, "Pichu, Pi!" She said with a smile. Poliwag nodded with a smile, "Poliwag!"

"What is it?" I asked. "I think that... well, Poliwag wants to stay with you," Ryan said. "It does?" I asked. "Pichu," Pichu said with a smile as she nodded. "Poliiiwag," Poliwag said as it nodded.

"But, I'm still too young," I pointed out, looking at my family. "Well, if Poliwag really wants you to be its trainer, it could wait for you to be 10 just like Pichu," Mom said. "It could stay," Dad agreed.

I smiled before looking down at Poliwag, "Do you want that, Poliwag?" I asked. It smiled and nodded in joy, "Poliiiwag, Poliwag!"

Chapter Text

I went outside to our family's battle field to see both my brothers were battling each other. Danny was using his Hitmonchan and Ryan was using his Pidgeot. "Wow," I whispered. "Pichu," Pichu agreed, sitting on my shoulder as we watched the battle.

Suddenly, a hand was placed on my shoulder making me jump and turned around to see none other than my Uncle John, "Hey, kid," He said. "Uncle John!" I called with a smile. "Pichu!" My Pichu called as well.

He picked me up and we hugged. "How you doing kid?" He asked before placing me back on the ground. "I'm fine. What are you doing here? When did you come?" I asked.

"Just now," He replied before looking at my brothers and we noticed they stopped the battle to look at us. "Uncle John?" they both called. "Hey, boys!" He called before they walked over to us with their Pokémon.

"Who won?" I asked. "Who do you think?" Danny asked with a smirk, crossing his arms. "Hitmonchan," His Hitmonchan said with a smirk. "Then I'll take it that Ryan did," I teased and petted Ryan's Pidgeot. Ryan laughed and Danny gave me a playfully glare.

Then, my Poliwag came over, followed by Ryan's girlfriend Jane, "Hey," She said, wrapping her arm around my shoulder as she stood by Ryan's side. "Uncle John, you here to work with Dad again?" Danny asked. "Sure did but hey, I came to the field first to see you kids," Uncle John said.

"It's good to see you again after so long," Ryan said. "Yeah," I agreed. "It's good to see you too kids," Uncle John said before looking down at me, "So, Emma, if your brothers are practicing, why don’t you?"

"Huh, me?" I asked, pointing at myself. He let out a chuckle, "If you're planning to go on your own journey soon, why not practice?" He said. I glanced down at Pichu and Poliwag before back at my Uncle, "Well, I guess..."

He placed his hands on his hips, "Why don't battle against me?" He suggested. Mine and my brothers' jaw dropped, "Huh?"

"Wow, Uncle John," Ryan started. "Um, don't you think it's a bit soon?"

"Why is that?" Uncle John asked, frowning. "Well, John, Emma doesn't have much experience in battling," Jane reminded softly. "Yeah, and battling against you, it's, well..." Danny said, brushing his hand at his hair.

"Don't worry, nothing bad could happen," Uncle John reassured and looked down at me with a small smile, "What are you saying? It could help you a lot."

"I--I don't know," I muttered before glancing back down at my Pokémon. Pichu looked back up at me for a moment before nodding, "Pichu!" she hopped to my shoulder and looked at my Uncle with her paw raised, "Pichu! Pi!"

"Poliwag!" My Poliwag agreed as well, jumping up and down. Uncle John smiled, "Well, looks like your friends want to," He noted. I smiled, "Yeah. Okay, we'll do it and we'll win!" I said and everyone smiled.

"That's the spirit," Ryan said. "Good luck," Jane said to me. Uncle John and I walked to the battle field, walking to our stands. I took a deep breath and looked down at Pichu and Poliwag, "You guys sure want to do this?"

They nodded and I smiled, "Okay," I said before looking back at Uncle John. "Ready, Uncle John?" I called. "I'm always ready," He said, placing a hand on his hip before throwing a Poké Ball with his other hand, "Come on out, Machoke!"

"Machoke!"

It was a bipedal, humanoid Pokémon covered in gray skin and it had a vaguely reptilian face with a short snout, narrow red eyes.

"That a big one," I muttered. "Emma!" I looked over to the side at Danny, "Don't let the size scare you or your Pokémon. Size isn't important!" He called. I nodded, "Right," I said and looked down at my Pokémon, "Size isn't something that should scare us."

They nodded in agreement before we looked back at the field. "Okay. Machoke is a fighting Pokémon. You both could fight against it but only one can do that now," I said to my Pokémon. "Pichu, go for it."

"Pichu!" My Pichu said before running to the field, standing in front of Machoke. "Would you like so start first?" Uncle John asked. "You go," I called back. "Alright then," He said. "Machoke, Low Sweep!"

"Pichu, Thunder Shock!"

Both Pokémon attacked at the same time, suddenly we couldn't see anything because smoke was created by the attacks. I started coughing and heard a Pokémon coughing as well. The smoke slowly started to faded away and I could see Pichu.

"Machoke, Leer!"

My eyes grew wide, "Pichu, dodge!" Just when Pichu was about to dodge, the attack hit it, sending Pichu backwards a little.

"Pichu!" I called, worried. Pichu slowly got up and shook her head, trying to stay focused. "Pichu!" she called. "Pichu, Thunder Wave!" I called and she used.

"Machoke, dodge it!"

Machoke dodged the attack, "Use Cross Chop!" And it did, sending Pichu flying backwards again. She hit the ground and tried to get up. "Pichu!" I called. "Poliwag!" My Poliwag called.

"Emma, tell Pichu to get back!" Ryan called. "Pikachu! Pi!" His Pikachu called as well. "She can't fight anymore!" Danny called. He was right. I had to tell Pichu to come back or else she could get more hurt then she was. "Pichu, return!"

Pichu slowly got up but she didn't moved to get back to my side. "Pichu!" she called before suddenly a bright light surrounded her. "Pichu?" I asked. "She's evolving!" Jane called.

My eyes grew wide as I watched Pichu getting slightly bigger before the bright light disappeared, revealing a short, chubby rodent Pokémon. She was covered in yellow fur with two horizontal brown stripes on her back. She had a small mouth, long, pointed ears with black tips, brown eyes, and two red circles on her cheeks. There was a V-shaped notch at the end of her tail, which looked like the top of a heart.

"Pikachu?"

I gasped, "Pichu, you evolved!"

She turned to me with a smile, "Pikachu!" She turned back around to face Machoke, "Alright Pikachu, use Spark!" I called and she did, making Machoke stumble backwards.

"Machoke, use Dynamic Punch!"

Machoke ran towards Pikachu, "Pikachu, dodge it!" Pikachu started moving backwards, dodging the punches. "Use Thunder Shock!"

She jumped on Machoke's arm and hopped up, using Thunder Shock. She hit Machoke, making it fly backwards, hitting at the ground. "That was great, guys!" Ryan called. "You're doing good!" Danny called. "Not bad!" Uncle John called. "Machoke, you alright?"

"Machoke," It replied, slowly getting up. "Pikachu, Quick Attack!" I called and she did, hitting quickly Machoke on its stomach. "Machoke!" Uncle John called and it fell to the ground, this time not getting up.

"Machoke can't fight. Pikachu is the winner!" Jane called. I stared with my mouth slightly opened. "We won?" I asked myself. "Poliwag!" My Poliwag said, jumping up and down with a smile.

I slowly started to grin, "We won!" I called with my hands up in the air. Pikachu turned to me and ran towards me. I kneeled down as she did and she jumped into my arms. "Pika!"

I hugged Pikachu tightly and she did as well to me. "You did amazing job," I complimented. "Pikachu!" she said with a smile. Suddenly, there were clapping from the side and we all looked over to see Dad standing there with his Arbok. "That was very good battle," He complimented.

"Dad!" Me and my brothers called. "Look who showed up. What's up, Alex?" Uncle John asked as he helped Machoke to its feet. "I was waiting for you, John. But now I see what took you so long," Dad said, letting out a laugh.

"Yeah, yeah," Uncle John said, rolling his eyes before looking at Machoke, "You okay, buddy?" It nodded, "Machoke."

I rushed over to Dad with Pikachu in my arms and Poliwag at my side. "Dad, Pichu evolved!" I said. He smiled, "I see that," He said. "You both did a good job." I smiled at Pikachu and she smiled at me.

Today was a good day; having my first real battle against one of my family members and I won with Pichu evolving to Pikachu.

Chapter Text

I felt something wet on my cheek and I let out a small moan before opening my eyes slowly to meet none other than Pikachu's own eyes. "Pikachu," she said cutely. I smiled, "Morning, Pikachu," I muttered before slowly sitting on my bed. I stretched my arms up and let out a small yawn.

"Man, we shouldn't stay up so late, huh?" I said and Pikachu smiled, "Pikachu." I got up and changed my clothing before heading downstairs with my yellow Pokémon. We headed to the kitchen to see Hanna placing the breakfast at the dining table with her back facing us.

"Morning, Hanna."

The woman jumped slightly and turned around quickly, holding her hand on her chest. "Miss Emma," She breathed out. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to scare you," I said. "Oh no, sweetheart," She said. "I'm fine. I just thought you were Marina."

My eyes grew wide while Pikachu froze. "Pika?!" she asked, quickly looking around. "Uncle John's wife?" I asked, looking around as well. "Where is she? Is she and the kids are here?"

"Well yes," She informed. "Why didn't I know this?" I asked, looking back up at the woman. "I don't know, Miss. I'm sorry," She said. I let out a sigh and shook my head, "It's okay," I said.

I heard footsteps approaching the room and I turned around to see Mom, Dad, Aunt Marina and her daughters; Annette and Lena. "Emma!" Lena called happily and rushed to me as Pikachu quickly hid behind me.

The girl hugged me tightly and I let out a breath as I wrapped my arms around her. Don't get me wrong, I love her and her sister, they're family, but they’re very spoiled - well Lena is more spoiled than Annette.

"Good morning, baby," Mom greeted with a smile. "Morning," I said as Lena finally released me. She spotted my Pikachu hiding behind me and she grinned, "Pikachu!" The yellow Pokémon's eyes grew wide as she made eye contact with my cousin. Before Pikachu had the chance to ran away, Lena grabbed her and pulled her to her arms, hugging my Pokémon tightly. "I've missed you, did you miss me?"

"Pika!" Pikachu cried, trying to pull herself from Lena's arms. "Lena, I think it's enough hugging," Dad said. Lena looked at my Dad and suddenly, Pikachu managed to get out of her arms and she jumped to mine. She let out a sigh in relief as I send her a soft smile before looking at the others, "Pikachu and I gonna head off to Gary."

"How about later? We haven't seeing you for two weeks," Aunt Marina pointed out. I glanced down at Pikachu before back up, "I kind'a promised Gary I'll come over and I didn't know you guys gonna come. Sorry, I'll be back later."

With that I rushed out of the room. "Miss Emma, what about breakfast?" Hanna called. "I'll eat at Gary's," I called back before walking out of the house. Pikachu and I sighed in relief and then I looked down at her, "Let's go."

"Pikachu," she nodded with a smile before jumping out of the arms and we headed off to Gary's place.

It didn't take us long to reach the Oak residence and when we did, I knocked on the door and waited. A few seconds after, the door opened, revealing Gary. He smiled at me, "Hey, Em, what you doing here?"

I smiled shyly, "Hey, I um, I told my family I promised to come over to your house." He frowned, "Why's that?" He asked. "Aunt and cousins are at the house," I replied simply. "Oh," He said. "I see... Aunt Marina and the girls came to visit."

"Yep," I said before he took a step aside and Pikachu and I walked in. "Did you and Pikachu eat something?" Gary asked. "No. Kind'a wanted to get away," I replied. "Pikachu," Pikachu said, nodding her head.

"Well, I didn't eat breakfast yet so let's eat together. I think Gramps have some Pokémon food, so I'll go check for that," He informed before heading to the kitchen.

I dropped myself to the couch and sighed. "Don't make yourself comfortable," Gary called. "Very funny," I called back and got a laugh as a response. "Pikachu," My Pikachu said with a smile and hopped to the couch, sitting beside me.

I groaned as I sat up before the front door opened and Professor Oak walked in. He spotted me and gave a smile, "Emma, good morning. What are you doing here at this hour?"

"Morning, Professor Oak," I greeted the nice old man. "Just wanted to come by early."

Gary walked back in and looked at his grandfather, "Hey, Gramps. Do you still have some Pokémon food?"

"Of course," Professor Oak replied with a smile. "I'll make you kids something to eat as well." With that he walked to the kitchen and Gary walked over to me and sat down on the couch.

"So, what about Uncle John?" He suddenly asked. "Was he at your house?"

I shook my head, "Uncle John told me he was too busy so I guess that's why only Aunt Marina and their daughters came alone." I then let out a sigh as I petted Pikachu's head. "Has it really been four weeks since we saw him?"

"What about your other Uncles?" He asked. "Did David and Norman come to visit?"

I shook my head again, "They live at different places, you know. It's not easy."

"Yeah," He muttered. "Your family is really busy."

"You telling me?" I muttered, letting out a sigh.

After eating with Gary and Professor Oak and hanging out with Gary, I decided I should go back home. "I'm home," I called as Pikachu and I walked inside.

"Great, you back."

I looked up the stairs to see Dad, "Can we talk at my office?" He asked. I glanced down at Pikachu before back at my Dad, "Sure..." I followed him upstairs to his office with Pikachu.

We walked into the room and Dad closed the door. He turned back to me and sighed, "Emma, what you did this morning wasn't very nice," He stated. I crossed my arms across my chest, "What did I do now? I didn't know they were coming."

"If you had been at dinner yesterday, you would have known," He said. "Yesterday," I repeated. "It's a short time for this."

He sighed, placing a hand on my shoulder, "I know you don't like your Aunt Marina and the girls but can you--"

"Then why are you making me be nice to them?" I cut him off. "It's not my fault Uncle John married her."

"Oh, I know," He said, making a small smile escape from my lips. "But hey, if I have to be nice so do you."

I rolled my eyes, "I'm trying," I muttered. "Try harder," He commented, smirking. "Now go."

"I'm going, I'm going," I said and he let me out of the room with Pikachu. We headed to my room and I closed the door after. "I can't wait for us to go to our journey, Pikachu," I said as I walked to my wall that had all the pictures from over the world that Uncle John gave me every time he came to visit.

"I can't wait for us to travel in all those places," I said. "Pikachu," Pikachu agreed, hopping on my shoulder. "We could meet new people and Pokémon. How great is that?" I asked my yellow best friend. "Just imagine all the things we can see."

"Pika!" she said, smiling. I giggled and smiled at her before looking back at pictures, "Just one more year."

Chapter Text

"Please, please, let me come," I begged Ryan. He let out a sigh, "Emma, I'm just gonna go get Uncle Norman from the airport. We'll be back in just a few hours," He informed. "See you later."

With that he walked out of the house and I let out a sigh. "Pika!" I looked up the stairs to see my Pikachu running down with Poliwag, laughing and having some fun. I smiled at them before walking outside. "Pikachu, Pi!" I stopped and turned around to see Pikachu running after me. She hopped to my shoulder with a smile, "Pikachu?"

"I'm going to the woods, coming?" I asked with a smile as Poliwag came to my side. They both nodded and Pikachu jumped off my shoulder before we started walking off. "Hold it!"

We froze and turned toward my Mom. She walked towards us with her arms crossed and I saw Lena following her. "Where you three going?" Mom asked. "Um... The woods," I informed. "I'll be safe, I have Pikachu and Poliwag with me."

"Alright, but be back before dinner time," She said and I nodded, "Okay."

"Can I come with you?" Lena asked me with a big smile. My eyes grew wide and Pikachu froze, "Pika?!"

"I--I don't know," I said. "I don't think it's a good idea."

"Why not?" She asked with a sad voice. I rubbed the back of my head, "Well, it's just..." I didn't really knew what to say to her without hurting her feelings so I looked up at my Mom for some help.

She sighed before turning to Lena, "Honey, it's not safe for a girl at your age. Emma is much older than you so she can go," She said. "But Emma isn't that older," Lena said. "Okay, can I go now?" I asked Mom and she nodded.

"Great, see you later," I said before walking away with Pikachu and Poliwag. "That was a close one," I muttered and they nodded.

I let out a sigh, dropping myself to the grass near the small lake while Poliwag swim around with Pikachu. I smiled, closing my eyes, "Now this is relaxing," I said. "Pika!" Pikachu agreed.

Suddenly, there was bushes moving and I opened my eyes before quickly sitting up and turned slightly. I got up as Pikachu and Poliwag quickly came to my sides. I walked to the bushes with my Pokémon following behind me and I stepped passed the bushes to see a big green Pokémon with two pairs of cream-colored wings extend from its back. It was breathing heavily and looked like it was wounded.

"Hey, there," I said softly, making it look at me, "Scyther?" It got up and stared at me with its narrowed eyes, showing off its large, white scythes. "Wow, I won't hurt you," I promised but it didn't seem to believe me.

"Pika," Pikachu said, stepping in front of me with Poliwag as they stared at Scyther. "Scyther," The bug Pokémon said, glaring back at my Pokémon.

"No, we don't fight," I disagreed, stepping in front of the three Pokémon and I looked at Scyther, "You already look wounded, let us help you." I reached my hand to it but all of a sudden it hold one of its scythes, ready to hit me with it but suddenly, water was splashed at Scyther as I moved away.

"Pika! Pikachu, Pi!" My Pikachu said to Scyther as Poliwag stopped using water gun. Scyther breathed heavily again, falling to the ground on its knees. I reached back towards it, placing my hand on its forearm before it quickly pushed my hand off, "Scyther."

"I know you don't trust me because I'm a human, but believe me I only want to help you," I explained. My Pokémon nodded their heads, confirming my statement. Scyther looked at them for a moment before at me as I slowly reached my hand back to its forearm. It tensed but didn't move again, which made me let out a small sigh in relief, knowing Scyther giving me a chance.

"Come on, let's go to my house and my Mom can get you all better," I said, slowly helping the bug Pokémon to its feet. Pikachu and Poliwag followed us back to my house.

"Mom!" I called and then saw Danny and Hookfang walking over to us. "What the..." Danny started. "Where's Mom?" I asked as Hookfang went to Scyther's other side and helped carrying it. "Thanks, Hookfang."

"I'll go get her," Danny said before rushing back into the house. I looked back at the bug Pokémon with a smile, "Don't worry, you'll be good as new in no time," I reassured and it stared down at me, "Scyther..."

I looked back just in time to see Danny walking back towards us with Mom and our butler, Jeffery. "What is it?" Mom asked. "Mom, this Scyther is hurt," I informed and she gazed at the bug Pokémon, "And he let you bring him home?" She asked and I nodded. "You can help him, right?" I asked.

"Of course," She said with a soft smile. "Let's bring him inside." Hookfang helped me take Scyther into the house and took him to her room that she was using to help take care of Pokémon.

I was sitting beside Scyther with my Pikachu and Poliwag as we watched Mom and Jeffery taking care of the bug Pokémon. "Does it still hurts a lot?" Mom asked Scyther and he shook his head which made Mom smile.

"How is he?" I asked. "He'll be good as new in no time," Jeffery replied with a kind smile. I smiled and looked back at Scyther, "See? I told you." He nodded and showed me a small smile, "Scyther..."

"He's gonna have to stay with us for a few days but after that he can go," Mom told me. "Did you see what happened to him?"

I shook my head, "We found him like that," I informed and she nodded. "Well, I take it by the wounds that he had fight with another Pokémon. Probably with his pack," She said and she gave Scyther a soft smile, "You'll be just fine."

I looked down at my Pokémon, "Well, we going to make sure of that, right?" They smiled and nodded with excitement and then I looked back at Scyther with a smile, "You got us to take care of you."

Scyther stared at me for a moment before glancing down at Pikachu and Poliwag and then back at me, "Scyther..."

~~~~~~~~~ A few days later ~~~~~~~~~

Ever since I brought Scyther home, I needed to make sure the bug Pokémon was resting so he could heal from his wounds. We were quickly bonding with each other as me and my Pokémon helped him.

"Scyther looks better. He looks like he already healed," Mom informed me as we watched Scyther and my Pokémon sitting together. I looked up at Mom, "Does that mean..."

"Scyther can go," She finished with a nod. "Oh... Okay," I muttered before looking back at the Pokémon. "What is it, honey?" She asked. "I thought you would be happy."

"I am happy Scyther feel much better, it's just that... Well... I didn't thought about him leaving so soon," I admitted. "I did say a few days," She reminded. "Yeah," I muttered.

"Is there anything you want to tell me?" Mom asked. "Well... I guess I'm not ready to say goodbye," I admitted. "Oh honey," She said, placing a hand on my shoulder. I forced a small smile as I looked at her, "It's okay, Mom. Scyther isn't my Pokémon, so I'll be okay."

With that I walked towards them with Mom following behind. I took a deep breath, "You can do it, Emma," I whispered to myself. I stopped when I reached them, "Hey, guys," I said, trying to sound happy as I could.

"Pikachu!" My Pikachu said happily. "Poliwag," Poliwag said, jumping up and down. "Scyther," Scyther said. I cleared my throat and looked at the bug Pokémon, "Scyther, how are you feeling?" I asked.

"Scyther," he said, sounding completely fine. "That's great," I said with a real smile before it turned to a small sad one. "So I guess it's time." I looked at my Mom, "Right?"

She gave me a sad small smile and nodded. I turned back to Scyther with a sad sigh, "Scyther, you can go now." The Pokémon looked all shocked. "Well, you alright now... So, you can go wherever you want. Maybe I'll see you again one day."

"Scyther..." It said before slightly shaking his head. I frowned slightly, "Huh? What is it?" I asked. "Pika?" Pikachu asked Scyther and they continued to talk before Pikachu smiled, "Pika!"

"Poliwag!" Poliwag said, nodding with a smile. "What's going on?" I asked. "Scyther, would you like to stay with Emma?" My Mom suddenly asked. "Huh?" I asked before looking back at the bug Pokémon to see he was nodding his head.

"You do?" I asked in shock. He nodded again, "Scyther." I blinked before looking up at Mom again. She smiled and nodded to me, "Congratulations. You have a Scyther." I looked back at the three Pokémon - MY THREE Pokémon - and grinned.

"Alright, I have a Scyther!"

Chapter Text

"Emma, wake up." I groaned, rolling to the other side, "Five more minutes," I muttered. "And miss your first journey?" I opened my eyes and quickly sat up, looking at my older brother. He smirked, both our Pikachu on his shoulders, "Come on, sleepy head. It's time for you to go."

I grinned and looked at my Pikachu, who smiled at me, "Pikachu!" she hopped off Ryan's shoulder and into my arms. "Pikachu, it's time for us to go on our own journey," I said and she smiled, nodding.

I quickly got changed and went downstairs, "Morning!" I called with a smile. "Hey, look who it is," Danny said, smirking. "Ready for your first day to go?" I grinned and nodded, "I am!"

Mom and Dad smiled, "It will be so hard not seeing you everyday, but it's your decision and we respect that," Mom said. "Just promise to call every time you can," Dad said and I nodded, "Okay."

Scyther and Poliwhirl (who evolved from Poliwag. It evolved two weeks after Scyther joined us.) came over and Pikachu jumped off my shoulder and settled between the two Pokémon. "Are you guys ready?" I asked and they nodded as they cheered.

Hanna came over to us with my bag, "There you go, Miss Emma," She said with a smile. I took my bag and she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "Hanna, why are you crying?" I asked.

"Oh, nothing," She said. Mom placed a hand on the woman's shoulder, "She just sad like all of us that you have to go on your journey," She replied. "Oh..." I muttered before sending Hanna a smile. "Don't worry. I promise I will call, and I will come back."

She nodded as Jeffery walked in, "Professor Oak and Mister Gary are here," He announced. "Great," Dad said. "Thank you Jeffery."

"What's up?" I asked them. "Well, since you going to start your journey you need to have some stuff," Danny said before we all walked to the living room. Gary smirked as he saw us, "Well, you ready for your journey?" He asked me. "You bet," I said, smirking.

Professor Oak smiled at me, "Your father asked me to give you a few things that would be necessary for your journey," He informed before holding out to me a small device, "This is a Pokédex, there you have your ID and the information on any Pokémon you want, only I know you don't really need it." I smiled as he gave a small laugh before I took it and hold it in front of Pikachu.

Pikachu, the mouse Pokémon and the evolved form of Pichu. Pikachu occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state.

"Cool," I said. "Pika, Pikachu!" Pikachu said and hopped on my shoulder. I looked back at Professor Oak as he pulled out a small box, "This is your set of Poké Balls," He explained as he opened it and showed me a few Poké Balls. "When you have more than six Pokémon, the Pokémon you'll catch will be transmitted to me. I'll make sure to hand it to your father."

"Okay," I said as I took the box. "Now remember, if you need anything just call," He said. "I will," I said. "Good luck, sis," Danny said, patting my back. "Thanks, I'll call when I get to a town," I promised.

"You better be," Ryan said, placing his hands on his hips. "Pikachu!" Ryan's Pikachu said, jumping on me. I hugged him as I giggled. "We'll miss you, too," I said. "Pikachu!" My Pikachu agreed.

They both jumped to the floor and put their tails on each other, shaking them as a goodbye. "You watch over her, okay?" Dad said to my Pikachu and she nodded, "Pikachu!"

Dad petted her on the head gently. "Are you ready for it?" Gary asked me. I smirked, "You bet!" My Pikachu jumped on my shoulder and hold out her paw, "Pikachu!"

I took one last look at my family, my home... and smiled. This was it. My journey had finally begun.

It been four days since I said goodbye to everyone, I've met a few trainers and had battles with them and won every time with Pikachu, Scyther and Poliwhirl.

Right now I was on my way to Viridian City, "Viridian City!" I said with a smile as I arrived. "Pikachu!" Pikachu said happily. "Well, let's go find the nearest Pokémon center and have Nurse Joy heal you and the others," I said and she nodded, "Pi."

The sun was now going down and the sky was a orange haze. I walked with my hands behind my head and Pikachu sitting on my head. I stopped walking when an odd sign caught my attention.

WANTED

There were two suspicious-looking thieves; On one side, there was a boy, a bit older than me, with short lilac colored hair and a white uniform with black undergarments with an R. On the other side was a girl with long magenta colored hair and the same uniform except slightly altered.

"Who are they?" I asked. "Pika," Pikachu said as she tilted her head. "You might want to be careful. Don't let Team Rocket steal your Pokémon," a young woman's voice snapped my gaze away from the poster. I looked up to see a woman with blue-green hair, dressed in a police officer uniform.

"Who's Team Rocket?" I asked. "A gang of Pokémon thieves. They run around stealing others Pokémon. Viridian City is on high alert, so keep your Pikachu close," She said, referring to my yellow best friend on my head. I nodded, "Okay, thank you--um, your name wouldn't happen to be Jenny, would it?" I asked.

"Yes, yes I am!" She said. I smiled, I figured, there's Jenny's and Nurse Joy's everywhere I thought. "Okay, thanks again," I said and began once again walking to the Pokémon center.

It was dark outside by the time I made it to the Pokémon center. I stepped through the automatic doors as they slid open and walked in. Oddly enough though, Nurse Joy wasn't at the front desk. I tilted my head, "Um, hello? Nurse Joy?" I called, looking behind the counter.

No answer.

Pikachu jumped to the desk and tilted her head, "Pika." We looked at each other and I shrugged. I looked at the back wall at the operation doors to see the light, indicating it was in use, was on. I frowned before looking down at Pikachu, who was pointing at a direction, "Pika, Pikachu."

I followed her gaze to a boy sitting next to the doors with his head hung. His hair was short and pitch black. He was wearing a red ball cap and a blue and white sleeveless jacket with a black undershirt. He looked depressed.

Pikachu jumped to my shoulder and then I cautiously walked over to him. "Um, hello?" I asked. He lifted his head and I met his eyes. "Is Nurse Joy around?" I asked. His eyes looked over the doors, and I looked away to the door, "Oh."

I looked back at him and saw he was still looking at the door, his eyes were sad. I really wanted to ask what was bothering him, "If you don't mind me asking, but you look a bit down, what happened?"

He looked back at me and then looked at Pikachu, who was sitting on my shoulder before back at me, "My Pikachu isn't doing so good. He got attacked by a bunch of Spearow, and well, we ended up here."

"And how did that happen?" I asked sadly. "I just started my journey as a trainer. Pikachu didn't listen to a word I said. I guess I was careless," He explained. Pikachu and I exchanged glances, then I looked back at the boy. Pikachu jumped off my shoulder and onto the boy's lap. He seemed a bit surprised at first. She nudged up against him. He hesitantly petted the top of her head, which Pikachu seemed pleased by this.

"She likes you," I said with a soft smile. It made him smile a little and he smiled up at me. Pikachu hopped back on my shoulder as I glanced around the room. I looked over at a large picture that covered up almost the entire wall by the front desk. There seemed to be carvings of Pokémon on them.

I walked behind the front desk. There was the same carvings like in my father's study room. He told me about those Pokémon.

I looked back at the boy and saw him sitting in front of one of the phone booths over by the wall. He was talking to a lady and once he finished that, he walked back to the door and waited in anticipation.

I walked over to him. "Don't worry. Pikachu will be fine," I assured him. "Pikachu!" My Pikachu agreed, nodding her head. He looked over at me and gave me a small smile.

"Now I've got you!" A female voice called. Me and the boy looked over to see a girl, holding a burnt and destroyed bike. She looked pretty pissed off and she was breathing heavily. She had orange hair and she was wearing a blue shorts with suspenders and a yellow shirt. She looked at the boy with anger in her eyes, "I knew I'd find you here."

"Hey, what happened to your bike?" the boy asked. "What happened to my bike?" She repeated. "You happened to my bike, you little loser! This is what's left after you stole it to save your Pokémon! Now I can see why your Pokémon is--" She was cut off by the weight of the burnt bike caused her to fall back.

Me and the boy ran over to help her, "Let us help you," the boy said, extending his hand to her, but she slapped it away. "I don't need your help! And you're gonna pay for what you did to my bike!"

"I'll make up for it. I promise I will, really. But I can't do anything about your bike until--"

"I don't want any of your excuses, kid!" She cut him off as she stood up. "I just want a new bike right now!"

"Stop it!" I shouted, stepping between them. "The bike isn't imported right now, his Pikachu is more important. He isn't doing well."

"Pika!" My Pikachu said. The boy looked over at the operation doors as the girl's face softened. "Is it very serious?" She asked with concern in her voice. "I think so. And there's nothing I can do to help now," the boy said.

Suddenly, the light for the operation room flicked off and the doors slid open, reveling Nurse Joy, Chancey and a male Pikachu on a gurney. The three of us rushed over to Pikachu's side. "Pikachu, are you alright?" the boy asked but the Pikachu appeared to be resting.

"Your Pikachu is resting. It's a good thing you got here so fast. He will be fine," Nurse Joy said and I smiled. "Thanks to the Pokémon center," the girl said with a smile. "Yeah, thank you very much," the boy agreed.

"Your Pikachu needs rest in the recovery room. You should stay with it, Ash," Nurse Joy said to the boy, Ash. "Thanks," He said, giving a small nod and then turned to the girl, "Listen, I'm sorry about your bike, but I'm going to need some time to make things right."

"No way! I fell for that last time!" She said. "Well you should take care of Pikachu now and we'll settle this later." I smiled as I looked at my Pikachu and she smiled at me. "Um... Okay," Ash said.

Suddenly, an alarm went off, and Officer Jenny's voice came on to a speaker. She warned of a gang of Pokémon thieves in an aircraft close by. I held Pikachu close in my arms.

Suddenly, two Poké Balls dropped down from the window ceiling, revealing to be Koffing and Ekans. Koffing attacked with smoke screen, a thick black smoke, spreading around the room.

"Who are they?" Ash asked. Two shadows were seen through the smoke as it started to clear. "Don't be frightened, little boy," A woman's voice was heard. "Allow us to introduce ourselves," A man's voice was heard as the smoke started to clear as it revealed two people.

"To protect the world from devastation," The woman said. "To unite all people's within our nation," The man said. "To denounce the evils of truth and love," The woman said. "To extend our reach to the stars above," The man said. "Jessie," The woman introduced. "James," The man introduced. "Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light," Jessie said. "Surrender now or prepare to fight!" James said. Suddenly a Meowth hopped down in front of them, "Meowth! That's right!"

"What are you talking about?" Ash asked. "He just doesn't get it, does he?" Jessie said. "How can I? You don't make any sense," Ash said. "We're here for the Pokémon," James said. "You are not getting Pikachu," Ash said, moving closer to his Pokémon.

"Pikachu? We're not interested in your precious electric rat," Jessie scoffed. "We seek only rare and valuable Pokémon," James said. "You're wasting your time. This is a Center for weak and injured Pokémon," Nurse Joy informed.

"Well, that maybe so, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if we find some little Pokémon gems among all the junk," Jessie said. "You're starting to get on my nerves!" I said. "Isn't that cute? She's annoyed," James said. "Koffing, attack!"

"Ekans, go!" Koffing used smoke screen as Ekans was running over to us. We ran off into a room with Poké Balls. Suddenly, the power flickered off. "Hey, the lights," The red haired girl said. "They must've cut the power," Nurse Joy said but then smiled a little, "But we've got our own Pika-power sores."

Inside the room, there was a generator machine with Pikachu inside, running and powering up the center. "Oh look at all the Pikachu!" The red haired girl said with a big smile. "Pikachu, Pi!" My Pikachu said, holding up her paw.

A computer turned on. "We must save those Poké Balls," Nurse Joy said. The Poké Balls were grabbed one by one to a machine as Nurse Joy talked to someone on the computer, transferring all the Poké Balls to another Pokémon center.

Suddenly smoke broke through the doors and Koffing smashed through the doors, smashing into the Poké-Ball shelves, causing the Poké Balls to fall on the floor. "Get those Poké Balls," Nurse Joy said.

"Right," Ash said and grabbed a Poké Ball. "This is war! Don't just hold em'! Throw em'!" The red haired girl said. "Alright, Poké Ball, go!" Ash threw a Poké Ball to reveal a Pidgy. Pidgy isn't the strongest, especially a rare Pokémon like Ekans. Ash threw another one to reveal an empty ball. He threw another one to reveal Rattata, but it backed down.

"We'll never win this way," I admitted. "It's time I took over!" I dug into my belt and took out Poliwhirl's Poké Ball. "Go, Poliwhirl!" Poliwhirl came out, "Poliwhirl!"

"Poliwhirl, Hydro Pump!" I called. Poliwhirl attacked Ekans and Koffing, sending them to the ground. The red haired girl took over, "You two grab Pikachu and get out of here, I'll take care of these three clowns," She said, holding a Poké Ball.

I returned Poliwhirl to it's Poké Ball before exchanging glances with Ash and then we ran out of the room with Pikachu on the gurney as Ekans and Koffing followed after us. The gurney bumped into the girl's bike, and caused Pikachu to wake up, but he was still weak.

I looked at Team Rocket, "That's it. Pikachu, Thunder!" I called to my Pikachu, pointing at Team Rocket. Pikachu hopped off from my shoulder and then arm as I pointed and attacked them, zapping them.

After that, she hopped to the gurney as Ash's Pikachu sat up. She grabbed his red cheeks and then re-boost Ash's Pikachu's electric energy.

"Pikachu!" Ash's Pikachu said. "Pikachu!" Ash said happily. "Do I have to do everything myself?" Meowth asked as he hopped in front of Jessie and James. "That mouse is cat food. Meow! Just wait, Pikachu, you mine."

"Pika, Pika, Pika, Pika," Ash's Pikachu said. "Pika? Pika?" Ash asked. "Pika!" My Pikachu said, like she agreed with Ash's Pikachu. "Pika, Pika power?" I asked with a smile. "Pika!" Ash's Pikachu and mine agreed, nodding. "Then, that it!"

I looked at Meowth and his Team, "Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" I called. Ash's Pikachu and mine grabbed their paws, looking at Team Rocket. "Oh oh," Jessie and James said at the same time. Then both Pikachu attacked them, using Thunder Shock and sending Team Rocket away.

It was morning after the mess from Team Rocket was sorted out, I got Nurse Joy to check and heal my Pokémon. I called home and waited for someone to pick up. "Hello?" It was Mom. I smiled, "Hey, Mom."

"Emma! What took you so long to call, young lady?" She scolded and I smiled shyly, "Um, sorry. I'm really am. I had something to do."

"Well. You finally called which is a good thing," She said and gave me a smile. "So, tell me where are you?"

"Viridian City," I replied. She leaned forwards, frowning, "What's that behind you?" She asked. I frowned and turned slightly but nothing was there. "Above," Mom said and I glanced up and my eyes grow wide when I realized she saw the hole that Team Rocket caused.

I quickly turned back to Mom and smiled shyly, "Nothing. It's nothing. Nothing at all. Listen, Mom, I'll call some other time, okay? Bye," I said and then hang up before she could say anything. I let out a sigh, "So bad."

"Emma?" I turned back around to see Nurse Joy at the counter with my Poké Balls and Pikachu. Pikachu smiled at me as I walked over and she jumped into my arms. Nurse Joy smiled at me, "Your Pokémon are in very good condition, you taking very good care of them," She said with a smile, handing me my Poké Balls.

"Thanks Nurse Joy," I said as Pikachu hopped from my arms and on my shoulder and then I placed my Pokémon back in my holder. "Bye," I said. "Goodbye," She said and I headed to the doors.

I stepped out but stopped when I heard someone calling, "Hey, wait!" I turned around to see the same trainer, Ash, running toward me. "Hey," I said and smiled at his Pikachu. "I see your Pikachu is doing much better."

"Pikachu, Pi!" His Pikachu said with a smile as I kneeled down. I petted his head and he seemed to like it. My Pikachu jumped off my shoulder and they both talked. They seemed to go off well.

"I don't think you told me your name?" Ash said as I stood up. "Oh right, yeah, sorry about that. I'm Emma Pierce," I introduced myself. "And you are?"

"O--oh, right! I--I'm Ash Ketchum," He said. I smiled, "Well, it was nice to meet you," I said. "So I better get going."

"Uh, wait, Emma," Ash started. "Yeah?" I asked, tilting my head slightly. "Would you like... Um... Would you like to travel with me?" He asked. "Both our Pikachu get along well, I--I mean."

"Pikachu," His Pikachu said, nodding and then he and my Pikachu looked between me and Ash, smiling. I looked back at Ash and smiled, "I'd love to." He looked relief and he smiled.

"Pikachu!" Both Ash's Pikachu and mine cheered. "Hold it!" Suddenly a familiar female voice cut off our conversation. I looked behind Ash to see the girl from earlier. "Oh, hi, um..."

She smiled kindly at me, "I'm Misty, I'm a water Pokémon trainer," She said and then she turned angrily at Ash, "And I'm not done with you! Have you already forgotten about my bike?"

"Can't you just let go of it?" Ash asked, waving his hand in front of him. "No way! You promised you'd pay me back!" She said. "Did I really promise you that?" He asked. "I won't stop until you get me a new bike!" She said.

Suddenly, Ash grabbed my hand and we ran with both of our Pikachu. "Ash, what are you doing?" I asked. "Come on, let's try and lose her," He said, grinning. "Hey! I'm not done with you! Get back here!" I heard Misty yelling as she ran after us.

Chapter Text

Deep in the Viridian forest, cool and exciting Pokémon were waiting in the bushes and in the tree's. The forest was silent, or so it would be, if a certain red haired could keep her cool and not freak out around bug type Pokémon every time she saw one. To be honest, I found bug Pokémon to be cute. However, I was a bit distracted from Misty's random out bursts as Ash and I had started quite conversation. We actually found out a bit about each other, and found out we had a lot in common.

"Wait, so you from Pallet Town?" I asked. "Yeah," He confirmed. "And that's where I got Pikachu! From Professor--"

"Professor Oak?" I asked. He seemed a bit stunned, "Uh, yeah. But how did you knew?" He asked. "My family know Professor Oak, he's a family friend. Actually, I live in Pallet Town too."

"Wow, we sure have a lot in common, Emma," He said with a smile. Suddenly, Misty screamed and hid behind me. "What is it now?" Ash asked her. "Look over there," She said with her eyes close and holding me in a tightly hug from behind. Ash and I looked down to see a small green worm-like Pokémon.

"Oh it's a Cateripe!" I said with a smile and kneeled down to its level, "It's so cute." It made a noise as it closed its eyes, seemed to thanking me for my comment.

"Bugs are not cute! They're disgusting!" Misty said. Caterpie appeared to be hurt by Misty's words. "Misty, that's not very nice," I said with a frown and then petted its head. "That's not true, Caterpie, don't worry about her." My Pikachu walked over and petted Caterpie on its back, "Pika, Pika."

"Caterpie, huh?" Ash asked as he smiled, "Cool."

"Yeah, it's a cute bug Pokémon," I said with a smile. "Do something," Misty said. "Alright, I'm gonna catch Caterpie!" Ash said as he took out an empty Poké Ball.

I stepped aside with my Pikachu. "You're mine, Caterpie!" Ash said, throwing the empty Poké Ball at the bug. Caterpie was a weak Pokémon, so catching them is easy. Within a matter of seconds, Caterpie was inside the Poké Ball and was a successful catch.

Ash's poker-face soon turned to a grin as he cheered, "Yes! I did it!" He picked up the Poké Ball. "I did it! I caught Caterpie!" I giggled as he continued to cheer. He suddenly locked arms with Misty and ran around in circles while dragging her with him. Ash's Pikachu fall to the ground and I giggled at that.

Misty jerked her arm away, "Ash you acting like a--" She was cut off by Ash shoving the Poké Ball right to her face. "Look, inside this ball is the first Pokémon I've ever caught my all life," Ash said.

"Great, just kept it away from me, will ya," Misty said. "Misty, come on, don't be like that," I said, standing beside Ash. "Yeah. You not afraid of a little Caterpie in a Poké Ball, are you?" Ash teased.

"Bugs scares me all bug out! Even if they in a Poké Ball. Just keep it away from me!" She said and turned around. Ash and I exchanged glances and I shrugged. He smiled and went over to his Pikachu, who was still on the ground with my Pikachu poking him and I giggled.

"Pikachu!" Ash called both mine and his. His Pikachu woke up and he sat up. "We got a new friend," Ash said, holding out the Poké Ball. Both our Pikachu sniffed the Poké Ball and they both cheered. "I'm glad both of you like it," Ash said before he stood up, "From now on we'll catch more Pokémon."

"That's great," I said with a smile and he smiled before looking down at his Poké Ball, "Caterpie, you sticking with us." Misty tensed and turned around slowly, "W--What does that mean?" She asked.

"Caterpie, come on out!" Ash called, letting Caterpie out of his Poké Ball. Misty screamed as she ran away, hiding behind a far tree. Caterpie tilted its head a little and Ash kneeled down to its level, "Come on, Caterpie, climb up my shoulder."

Caterpie nodded and was about to until it looked at me and rushed over to me. "Huh?" I asked. Caterpie nudged up against my leg and Ash chuckled, "Hey, Emma, Caterpie really likes you," He stated.

I smiled as I kneeled down to its level and petted its head, "Oh, aren't you cute," I giggled. Ash walked over as Misty started yelling, "Get that bug back to its Poké Ball!" Ash frowned, "No way." He kneeled down beside me, "Come on, Caterpie, climb up my shoulder."

Ceterpie climbed on Ash's shoulder and we stood up, "You not going to scare Misty anymore," Ash said. "What do you mean?" Misty asked. "We'll go on without her. Come on, Emma," Ash said, grabbing my hand and he dragged me along with him with Caterpie on his shoulder and both our Pikachu following behind us.

I didn't hate Misty, and leaving her felt not right. A few minutes into walking, and I felt like we were being followed. I looked over my shoulder to see Misty at the other end, following us.

"Pika, Pikachu," Ash's Pikachu suddenly said. Ash looked at our Pikachu, "What is it?" He asked as we stopped. Both our Pikachu pointed behind, "Pika, Pika, Pikachu." We looked back at Misty, "Why are you following us for?" Ash asked.

"My bike! I'm holding you responsible for my bike!" She said. I sighed before I picked up Ash's Pikachu into my arms as my Pikachu hopped on my shoulder and then I began walking as Ash and Misty started to argue.

"Hey, Emma, where are you going?" Ash asked from behind me. I turned around to him, putting one hand on my hip as the other was holding his Pikachu, "Well, we're not going to get out of here if you two keep fighting."

Ash and Misty looked back at each other as I turned around. I heard then both 'hmph', they were both pretty stubborn.

Putting Ash's and Misty's stubbornness aside, I actually enjoyed the walk through the forest. I was actually really enjoying Ash's company though. He's a lot like me in some ways and we both have a ton in common. Misty, Ash and I decided, since it was getting dark, it would be best to sleep the night. Although Misty protested, there wasn't a lot I could do about it.

I set up my sleeping bag beside Ash as the fire pit still burned brightly. Misty fell asleep while Caterpie and both Pikachu were still up with me and Ash. "Goodnight guys," I said. "Night," Ash said. "Pikachu!" His Pikachu said as he, my Pikachu and Caterpie stood on a tree trunk.

As morning fully approached, we all packed our things but stopped when something swopped down just above our heads and into the filed of grass. We looked up to see a beige looking Pokémon with wings and a slicked back red hair. A Pidgeotto.

"Wow, a Pidgeotto!" Ash said, digging out his Pokédex.

Pidgeotto, an evolved form of the Pidgey. It is armed with sharp claws and dives from the sky to capture its prey. Unlike the more gentle Pidgey, Pidgeotto can be dangerous. Approach with extreme caution.

Ash dig through his pocket to grab an empty Poké Ball, "I'll show you whose the dangerous one around here."

"Ash, wait!" I called but he threw the Ball before I could stop him. Pidgeotto simply slapped the Poké Ball away. I walked up to Ash, "Ash, you can't just throw a Poké Ball and catch it. You have to weaken it first," I explained. "The only reason you caught Caterpie because it was already a weak Pokémon," Misty added.

"I know what I'm doing! I'll show you! Go Caterpie!" Ash threw Caterpie's Poké Ball. "Huh?!" Misty and I said at the same time. "Ash! Call Caterpie back, now!" I shouted. "Huh? Did I did something wrong?" He asked, looking at me.

A scream made us all look back to see Pidgeotto attacking the worm Pokémon with ease. "Caterpie!" Ash called. "That's why!" I said, pointing. I looked at my Pikachu, "Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"

My Pikachu rushed over and rammed into the bird Pokémon to protect Caterpie. "Now, Ash, call Caterpie back!" I said while Pidgeotto was distracted. "Caterpie, return," Ash called, holding Caterpie's Poké Ball and Caterpie went back as Pidgeotto got back up on its feet.

Ash looked at his Pikachu, "Pikachu, go!" Pikachu rushed in and Pidgeotto started to fly. "Pikachu, Thunder Shock, now!" Ash called and Pikachu attacked. The Thunder Shock hit Pidgeotto and Ash threw an empty Poké Ball, catching Pidgeotto.

"Yes, we caught Pidgeotto!" Ash said. "Pikachu!" His Pikachu agreed. I sighed in relief, that was so close. "I am the greatest!" Ash bragged to Misty.

Suddenly, she slapped him across the face. "You're the worse! You don't know what you doing. It'll be a long time till you be a Pokémon master, like in a million years!" She said.

"I'm trying to--"

"You should try to learn something about Pokémon first!" She cut him off, "With Pokémon you got to use strategy! Pidgeotto is a bird! Caterpie is a worm! Birds eat worms, Mr. Pokémon master!"

Misty was being a bit hard on Ash. He looked over at me in sadness. "She's right, Ash," I said softly. "Well, if you try hard enough, things will work out, won't it?" He asked.

"No it won't! You should try learning from an expert!" Misty said. I frowned as she suddenly she looked over at me. "Mmm, what?" I asked.

"Let Emma teach you a thing or two," She started, looking back at Ash, "She knows what she's doing." Then looked at me and winked. "W--wait, I don't-- "

I was cut off by Ash grabbing both of my hands in his, "Please, Emma! It would mean the world to me!" He was giving me those puppy dog eyes that Gary would always give me every time he asked me to do something for him.

I sighed as I looked away. "Well... I guess it wouldn't hurt," I said. Ash's innocent puppy dog eyes suddenly disappeared and turned into a big goofy grin as he suddenly spun me around. "Alright!" He cheered and he suddenly brought me into a bone crushing hug. "You're the greatest, Emma!"

"Thanks, Ash, but--you can let go of me now," I said, trying to gasp for air. I felt his embrace leave but his hands still on my shoulders. "Well, first thing first-- "

A sudden familiar laugh cut me off. We both looked around, "So we meet again."

"That voice," Ash said and there were three figures standing in front of us.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"You guys again?" I asked, sighing in annoyance.

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!"

I sighed as they finished their speech. "Uh, we're kind of busy right now, so--"

Jessie cut Ash off, "Quiet, little boy, we're not here to listen to you." She and James suddenly pointed at me, "We're here for you and your Pokémon."

"Huh? What are you talking about? Leave Emma alone and go find your own Pokémon," Ash said. "The only thing we want is your friend," Jessie said. "We're only want rare Pokémon, and your friend here seems like a top trainer," James said. "She has rare Pokémon and could be a valuable asset to Team Rocket," Jessie said.

Meowth suddenly slapped them both. "Is Emma really a top trainer?" Ash asked. Meowth turned back to us, "Your friend's skill level and Pokémon is very impressive. I really got a charge out of her Pikachu and yours. She's like no other trainer we've come across--"

Now Jessie and James slapped it and then looked at us, "Make it easy and give us the girl," Jessie said. Both mine and Ash's Pikachu stepped in front of me with Ash, "Forget it!" He said. "Then you leave us no choice," James said and then he and Jessie threw out their Pokémon, revealing once again Ekans and Koffing.

"Hey! That's cheating! You can't use two Pokémon!" Ash said. "Of course we can, we're the bad guys," Jessie said. "Well, if they're gonna use two Pokémon, then I don't see why we can't," Misty said.

"But the Pokémon league book says only one Pokémon," Ash said. "Do you want them to take Emma?!" Misty asked. "Koffing, Sludge Attack," James said calmly. Koffing sent a slimy dirty substance and aimed it toward my eyes, cutting off my sight.

I heard Ash and Misty gasping. "Pikachu-Pi," One of the Pikachu said. "Emma are you alright?" Ash asked as I rubbed at the sludge. "I--I can't see," I said.

"If you think you can win by using dirty tricks, you're wrong," I heard Ash yelling. I could only hear the Pokémon battle and Pidgeotto's cries. After rubbing at the dirty sludge, I was able to see a little bit. I could see Ash charging in an attempt to fight them but James only flicked him and Ash fell backwards.

"Ash, are you alright?" I asked as I heard a thud. "Guess you have no choice, let Emma in and watch Team Rocket win," Jessie said. I had enough, reaching for my Poké Balls, but a hand caught my wrist before I could grab anything, "No, Emma, you can't battle Team Rocket in this condition, let Ash handle this," I heard Misty say.

"Pikachu," I heard one of the Pikachu said and then felt both Pikachu on my shoulder and top of my head. "Ash, what are--" Misty started. "I know you still weak but your my only hope, Caterpie, go give it your best!" I heard Ash say and he released his worm Pokémon.

As Misty helped me clean the dirt from my eyes, I couldn't tell what was happening until I heard Ash yelling, "Caterpie, String Shot!" And after that, I knew we had won. I heard Team Rocket leave and by that time, my sight was back. "Come back anything, we'll be glad to beat you," Misty called as Team Rocket left.

"We did it," Ash said and he grinned, "We did it! We won our first Pokémon battle! Yeah!" He moved to Caterpie, who looked a bit exciting and he picked it up, "Caterpie, I'm very proud of you. You really did your best and we won because of you."

"You did very well, good job," I said, smiling at the Pokémon while both of the Pikachu still on my shoulder and top of my head. "You're stronger then you look," Misty comment. "Pika, Pikachu," My Pikachu said from the top of my head. "Pika," Ash's Pikachu agreed, nodding from his spot on my shoulder.

Caterpie looked pleased with it. "Well, Misty, I guess you feel differently about Caterpie now," Ash said, shoving Caterpie towards Misty. "Well, I..." Misty stuttered. "Why don't you both make up," I said, "Just pet Caterpie on the head and say 'You did a very good job.'."

"Well, it's only fair," Misty agreed. She slowly and hesitantly reached her hand out to Caterpie, but was interrupted by a sudden String Shot that started to cover its body and she let out a scream. "Caterpie?" Ash asked as he put it down on the ground.

"It's evolving!" I said. "Caterpie, this is so great!" Ash said as Caterpie's body suddenly changed into a green hard-shell. "Metapod!" I said with a smile as Ash pulled out his Pokédex.

Metapod, Caterpie's next stage. It has encased its body in a hard shell. This specimen reached this stage faster than any previously discovered Pokémon of this variety.

Ash grinned, "Hey, maybe that means it can keep changing and go to the next stage right away," He said. He kneeled down to its level and hold it up as both Pikachu jumped down. "Nice to meet you, Metapod. Not in a mode to talk?" Ash joked.

I smiled at the sweet scene but then suddenly Misty screamed and hug me from behind when a Beedrill went flying by us. "Please, please, let's just get out of this forest!" Misty begged.

I looked back at Ash and we grinned at each other. "No way!" Ash said as he returned Metapod back into the Poké Ball. "There's plenty more Pokémon in this forest!" He grabbed my wrist and dragged me down the path through the forest with both of our Pikachu following us with Misty.

Chapter Text

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

I sighed, closing my eyes when Misty screamed. Again. "Pika..." My Pikachu muttered and let out a sigh as well. "What's wrong now?" Ash asked beside me, looking over his shoulder at Misty, who was on a tree. She pointed behind her, "I think I see another bug!" She said, "Gross!"

Ash and I shared a bored look and then turned back to her, "Misty, look around you, we inside a forest," I pointed out, "Of course there will bugs everywhere." Ash placed his hands on his hips, "Yeah, are you going to keep whining about every bug Pokémon you see?"

"Yes!" Misty said, climbing off the tree and quickly hid behind me before pointing to the direction, "Over there." Ash and I followed her gaze to see there was a worm Pokémon, by the name of Weedle, was crawling on the ground. "A Weedle!" Ash said and then took out his Pokédex.

Weedle. The stinger on this Pokémon's head guarantees that any attacker will get the point right where it hurts.

"A stinger, huh? Now there is a challenge," Ash said. "Why are you so excited about a bug with a stinger? Make it go away!" Misty said from her hiding place behind my back.

"You gonna be kidding, you can't expect that a great Pokémon trainer like me to let a Weedle to escape. I'm gonna catch it," Ash said. He was about to grab a Poké ball from his belt but stopped and looked at me, "Should I weaken it first?"

"No, I think its weak, try to catch it," I said. He gave a small nod and then I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked over my shoulder at Misty, "What is it, Misty?" I asked. She just pointed behind us and the three of us saw a guy walking over, dressing as a samurai.

"Huh?" I asked. "Greetings. Are one of you from the town of Pallet?" The samurai asked. Ash and I exchanged glances before looking back at the guy. "Um, both of us are," I said, pointing at myself and then at Ash.

"I see. There have been a lot of trainers coming through here from Pallet Town," He said, "I'm assuming you--" He pointed at me, "Are Emma, correct?" I hesitantly nodded, "Um, yeah."

"I've heard many about you," He said. Suddenly, he pulled his sword from his sheath and pointed it just an inches from my face. "Pika?" My Pikachu asked. "H--hey what's the big deal?" I stuttered.

"I challenge you to a battle," He said, "The last trainer that came through here spoke a good amount about you. He told me if you passed through here, that you'll be crossing each other's paths soon. If you're so great like he said you are, battle me."

Ash suddenly stepped in front of me, "Hey, leave her alone! If you want a battle, then battle me!" He said, pointing at himself.  

The samurai boy chuckled, "I don't think so," He said. "I want to battle a real Pokémon trainer, not some kid." Ash's jaw clenched tightly, "I'm not some kid!" He snapped, "I'm a Pokémon trainer too." He hold up a Poké Ball, "I'll show you."

I suddenly remembered something, "Um, Ash, what about Weedle?" I asked. Ash glanced at me and then his eye grew wide, "Ah, Weedle!" He looked behind me and I followed his gaze to see that the worm Pokémon was gone. "No!" Ash said and turned to the samurai boy angrily, "This is your fault!"

"My fault?" the samurai boy repeated. "Yeah!" Ash said. "Ha, don't blame someone else for your mistakes, kid," the samurai boy said, "That mistake only show you not ready to be a Pokémon trainer."

Ash's face slightly fell but he quickly pulled it off, "I'll show you! Let's have a battle right now." Misty and I exchanged a look. She shrugged and I sighed, rolling my eyes. Both Ash's and my Pikachu sighed as well, shaking their heads.

"Very well, I'll start with the easy one," the samurai said before pointing a finger at me, "But then you and I will have to battle as well." He pulled out a Poké Ball, looking at Ash, "Let's do it."

"Great!" Ash said. The samurai boy and Ash went to stand across each other, making distances to create a battlefield. "This isn't going to end well," I said. "Tell me about it," Misty agreed. 

Ash threw a Poké Ball, "Pidgeotto, I choose you." The bird Pokémon was released, and the samurai threw the Poké Ball in his hand, "Pinsir, come to battle!"

A bipedal Pokémon with a wide, dull brown body and a large pair of gray, spiky pincers on top of its head appeared. In it's mouth are many long, flat teeth arranged horizontally. Its legs are short and thick while its arms are long and thin, and each limb ends with three grey claws.

"Oh wow, Pinsir isn't a joke," I muttered. "B--Bug," Misty stuttered, shakily. I sighed, shaking my head at her before turning back to watch Ash and the samurai boy, and saw Ash looking at his Pokédex.

Pinsir. This fearsome Pokémon uses its powerful claws to put the squeeze on its opponents.

"Good luck, Ash!" I told him. "He's gonna need all the luck in the world all the way," Misty said. I looked at her, raising an eyebrow, "That's not really helping." She shrugged and we looked back.

"That Pinsir looks pretty tough, but Pidgeotto can beat it," Ash told us. Misty leaned toward me, "Can he?" I tilted my head, "If Ash can put Pidgeotto in the right direction, then yeah."

"He is gonna lose," Misty said. I sighed, shrugging, "Maybe he'll surprise us."

"Pidgeotto, Sand Attack!" Ash ordered. "I spoke to soon," I muttered, sighing. "Mmm?" Misty asked me. The bird Pokémon used Sand Attack but as I thought so, the attack didn't do anything to the stag beetle Pokémon.

"That's child's play!" The samurai said. "Pinsir, Tackle!" The Pokémon brushed through the sand attack, and hit Pidgeotto directly. The bird Pokémon fall back, and Misty and I gasped. "Oh, no. Pidgeotto!" I said.

"Pika!" My Pikachu called. The samurai laughed, "Your Pokémon is weak."

"Ash, call Pidgeotto back!" I told him. "Pidgeotto, return!" Ash said, holding Pidgeotto's Poké Ball toward the bird Pokémon, returning it inside the Poké Ball. "Now, novice, ready to surrender?" the samurai asked.

"No way! I'm just warming up," Ash told him before grabbing another Poké Ball and throwing it. "Metapod, I choose you now!"

The cocoon Pokémon was released. "What is he doing?" Misty asked. I tilted my head, blinking and shrugged. "Watch as my Pinsir will crush your Metapod in half," the samurai said. My eyes grew wide before thinking quickly. "This battle is already over. Pinsir attack!"

Pinsir ran toward Metapod, ready his pincers. "Metapod use Harden! Now!" Pinsir raised the cocoon Pokémon in his pincers and tried to cut it off but the pincers broke. "It worked!" Misty said happily. "Pikachu!" Ash's Pikachu said.

"How's that? Huh?" Ash asked, grinning. "Pinisr, return," The samurai said, returning Pinsir back to it's Poké Ball. "Clever. Very clever." He threw another Poké Ball, releasing a cocoon Pokémon. "Metapod?" Misty, Ash and I asked together.

"Metapod, Harden!" The samurai ordered. I sighed, shaking my head, "Idiots."

"Pikachu," Both Pikachu agreed. "Now what?" Misty asked. "It's gonna take a while," I said, crossing my arms across my chest. "Are you gonna do something about it?" She asked and I shrugged.

After a few minutes, I got tired from watching both Metapod just using harden, so I finally stepped forward. "Will you two stop?" I asked and both of the boys looked at me. "This battle is over. It's a tie."

"No way," Ash said. "It's not over," the samurai said. I glared at them, "Yes, it is! Now, can we go already?"

"Thank god!" Misty said. "What about our battle?" the samurai asked me. "I'm not gonna battle you now," I said, turning to walk back to Misty. "Maybe some other time."

Ash returned his Metapod into his Poké Ball, as the samurai did the same with his. A sudden buzzing noise rang in my ears making me stop. "Pika?" My Pikachu said, looking around with Ash's Pikachu. Misty looked around as well, "Emma, did you--"

"Yeah," I cut her off. "I hear that too." Suddenly, out of the bushes, a swarm of Beedrill popped out with stingers ready to attack. "Ash!" I called as Misty and I backed away slightly as Ash took out his Pokédex.

Beedrill . This Pokémon is an evolved form of  Weedle , following its  Kakuna  stage. Its sting is highly poisonous.

"Run!" Ash yelled. All of us ran down the trail as fast as we could. Suddenly, a swarm in front of us was approaching, which caused me, Ash and both of our Pikachu to split off from Misty and the samurai.

"What do we do now?" I yelled. Then two Beedrill came in front of us and Ash's Pikachu and mine attacked them, zapping them and they flew away.

We ran until a cabin came insight in front of us. "There!" Ash said. I opened the door and shut it before the Beedrill could get in. Both Ash and I stood far away from the door with the Beedrill's stingers going through the door. When they finally backed off, I gave a heavy sigh.

"That was close," Ash said, laughing nervously. I slid down the wall and my Pikachu jumped into my arms. "This brings back memories, doesn't it?" I told my Pikachu with a small smile. "Pikachu," My Pikachu agreed with a big smile.

Ash slid down beside me and his Pikachu sat on his lap. "Memories?" Ash asked me. "Pikachu?" His Pikachu asked. "This is how me and Pikachu became best friends," I started. "Pikachu!" My Pikachu agreed.

"When I was seven, I got lost in the woods. I was trying to get back home but didn't knew how to. That's when I met Pikachu, she was a Pichu back then. She helped me go back home but then when we were close, we got attach by group of Beedrill. They were my big brother's Beedrill but when I met them they were only Weedle. Anyway, we both saved each other's lives and she wanted to stay with me," I explained.

"Sounds a lot like the day I left Pallet town," Ash said, looking down at his Pikachu. "But that day, there was something else I saw..." I said. "What did you see?" He asked, looking back at me.

"Well... It's a bit hard to explain," I said and looked at him, "It was a giant red Pokémon that flew overhead. But my family and Professor Oak told me not to think about it."

"Pikachu and I saw something like that too! It flew right over the rainbow!" Ash said. "My Dad called it... 'Ho-oh'. I've never heard of it," I said and looked down at my Pikachu, "What are we gonna do about Misty and that samurai? We can't leave them out there." Ash nodded before he peeked through the hole of the door, "Let's wait for a little long. Just until they will go away." 

After a few minutes of silence from outside, I twisted the knob of the cabin door quietly and opened the door slightly. I peeked through the crack to see of any Beedrill were around, trying not to cause anymore disturbance. Once the coast was clear, I turned back toward Ash, and signaled him to keep quiet. He nodded and followed my movements. We both and our Pikachu kept low, trying to keep as quiet as we could.

"We should be fine now," Ash whispered. I nodded and then suddenly, something jumped and stood on my head. "Meooowth." I knew that voice anywhere. "Get off me!" I snapped and shook him off.

"Guess who." Ash, me and our Pikachu looked up at the big rock in front of us to see Jessie and James. Not now!

"Prepare for trouble."

"Make it double."

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce--"

"No!" I cut Jessie off, "Stop, not again. Not now." 

She glared at me, "Never interrupt the Team Rocket motto!"

"But the Beedrill--" 

She cut Ash off by clearing her throat, "To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Stop!" I whispered. 

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!"

Suddenly, out of the bushes from afar, a swarm of Beedrill threatened to attack. "You can make this easier on you if you just come with us, little girl," Jessie said. "Pika!" Both mine and Ash's Pikachu stood in front of me, ready to attack Team Rocket. "No way! You can forget it!" I snapped.

"I'd never let you take her!" Ash said and took my wrist before running with me and our Pikachu. Team Rocket chased after us as the Beedrill were closing in on us.

"If we can make it past the Beedrill, maybe they'll go for Team Rocket!" Ash said to me before we both ducked and rolled just as we missed the Beedrill, and they went for Team Rocket, making them ran away with the Beedrill chasing them.

"Ash! Emma!" A familiar voice called out to both of us. "That sounded like Misty," I said. Out of the bushes came Misty and the samurai boy. "Are you guys alright?" She asked worriedly. "Yeah, we fine," Ash said. 

"Now, can we move on?" I asked. The samurai boy nodded, "Come, I'll show you the way out of the forest." He pointed at me, "But next time, I will have my battle with you." I smiled, "Okay." He led the three of us to the exit of the Viridian forest.

Chapter Text

We were walking for a little while after saying goodbye to the samurai boy, after he showed us the right way out and toward Pewter City. Ash smiled and rushed forward, gasping forward at the city.

"Pewter City," I said with a smile and stretched my arms. Ash sighed in relief, "For a while there, I thought we'll never get out of that forest."

"Chu," His Pikachu said, sitting down. "Pikachu, Pi," My Pikachu said, sitting down beside Ash's Pikachu. "Pewter City is famous for stones. It's all around here," I told them.

"Were you here before?" Misty asked. "Yeah, with my family," I answered. "It's been a while but still, it doesn't look like it changed." I looked at both of mine and Ash's Pikachu, "We should go to the Pokémon Center. Those two look worn out."

Ash stood up, "Alright! Let's go!" He started to walk but Misty grabbed his backpack, pulling him slightly back. "Ash, do you know where the Pokémon Center is?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "Uh," Ash said, and looked at me, laughing nervously as he rubbed the back of his head.

I chuckled and shook my head, "Follow me." I started to walk and the others followed. After a few minutes of walking through the city, we arrived at the Pokémon Center. Ash and I handed Nurse Joy our Pokémon before she nodded her head to the side, "Have you seen that poster?" She asked before walking away with our Pokémon.

Ash, Misty and I turned around and faced a poster on the wall; Pokémon League Championship

"Alright," Ash said with determination. "Hold it, Ash," I said. "Don't go getting too excited too soon." Ash frowned, "Why not?"

"Before you can even enter the Pokémon league, you need to battle different gym leaders and earn badges as proof," I explained. Misty smiled, "You know a lot about it it's seem. How come?"

I hesitated, "Um... you know, just--there a lot of people know this stuff. I'm just so happen to know too."

Luckily for me Misty and Ash seem to believe it. I sighed quietly under my breath after they turned back to the poster. I couldn't tell them that my family is full of Legendary top trainers, Pokémon Breeders and famous Researchers. I still don't know that much about Misty and Ash, so it's better leave my fully famous family out of conversations for now.

"Can you do that, Ash?" Misty asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Of course I can," Ash said. "Then I guess you're gonna go up against Brock," I spoke my thoughts loudly.

"Who's Brock?" Ash asked. "He's the gym leader here in Pewter City," I answered and frowned, "Are you sure about this?"

"Of course I'm sure. Once Pikachu and my other Pokémon are healed, I'll go there and I'll beat him," Ash said. "Okay..." I trailed off, sharing a look with Misty.

While our Pokémon was busy healing, Ash, Misty and I decided to grab something to eat while waiting. "Ash, are you sure for 100% you wanna go through with this?" I asked.

"Of course I am," Ash said. I tilted my head, "Then, how about Misty and I will help you--"

"I can do this on my own," He cut me off with a mouth full of food. "I don't need anyone's help." I raised an eyebrow, slightly hurt by his words but I tried not to show it.

"Ash," Misty scolded angrily. "Mm?" Ash hummed, stopping eating. I cleared my throat and sighed as I got up, "Tell you want, you two go to the gym and after that tell me if you won." Before Ash or Misty could say anything, I turned around and walked away.

I headed back to Nurse Joy at the counter, "Nurse Joy, are my Pokémon ready?" She smiled at me, "I'll go check up on them right now." I smiled and she walked away. After a minute or two she came back with my two Poké balls and Pikachu.

"There you go," She said. "Thank you," I told her. "Pika!" My Pikachu said, hopping over onto my shoulder. I shoved my Poké balls back onto my belt as Nurse Joy looked around. "Say, weren't you with two other trainers before?" She asked.

"Oh, I was, but something happened so I kinda... left," I said. "Pi?" Pikachu asked, tilting her head. "Oh, that a shame," Nurse Joy said. I shrugged, "Yeah, well... Goodbye."

"Bye," She said and I walked away. I looked at Pikachu, "Let's walk around the town for a little bit, what do you say?" Pikachu smiled and nodded, "Pikachu."

We walked outside and walked around the town. "Pikachu, Pi," Pikachu said, tapping on my head. "Mm?" I hummed and Pikachu pointed forward in the distance. I followed her gaze and saw the Pewter Gym. "Should I..." I trailed off.

I blinked and tilted my head, sighing. "Why should I go check the battle?" I asked. "Pi," Pikachu said, sighing, shaking her head. She hopped down my shoulder and looked at me, nodding her head toward the gym, "Pikachu, pi."

I placed my hands on my hips as I looked down at my yellow best friend. "I'm not going there," I said stubbornly. "Chu..." Pikachu said, crossing her arms, "Pi, Pikachu, Pi."

"I'm not been stubborn," I said, crossing my arms across my chest. "Pikachu, Pi, Pikachu, Pika-Pi," Pikachu said. "I don't want to go see if Ash and Pikachu are okay," I said. Pikachu tilted her head and nodded to the gym, "Pi."

I groaned, "You the one who's stubborn." Pikachu smiled as I started to walk toward the gym and she rushed to walk by my side. 

Pikachu hopped on my shoulder as we reached to the gym. I stopped when I saw Ash walking out with his Pikachu in his arms. I rushed closer to them and saw Ash was looking sad and his Pikachu was injured. He looked at me and then back down at Pikachu, "We kinda... lost."

I sighed and looked down at his Pikachu, "Come on, let go to the Pokémon Center." Ash nodded and I turned around to lead the way back to the Pokémon center.

It was evening as, Ash, my Pikachu and I were waiting for Ash's Pikachu at the waiting room. My Pikachu was on my lap and I was sitting beside Ash. "Everyone loses sometimes," I told him, "Don't let it get to you."

"Pika," My Pikachu agreed. "I know," Ash said, sighing sadly. I sighed and looked down at my Pikachu before back at him, "What will you do?" Ash sighed, "I don't know." I tilted my head, "Now do you want help?" He looked at me and gave a small nod.

The next day, Ash and I went to the gym and I looked at Ash, "Remember what I said." He nodded and I walked inside to sit above the battle field on the seats as Ash walked in, looking at Brock, "I'm back!"

"Haven't you learned your lesson yet?" Brock asked. "We ready for you this time," Ash said. "Pika!" His Pikachu said angrily. Brock scoffed, "Ha. We'll see."

The lights turned and Brock and Ash stood on both sides of the playing field. "Two Poké balls," Broke said. "Got it," Ash said. Brock pulled out a Poké ball, "I start with, Geodude!" He threw the Poké ball, revealing a rock Pokémon with only arms.

"Pidgeotto, I choose you!" Ash called as he threw his Poké ball. "Huh?" I asked. "Pi?" My Pikachu asked. "Go, Pidgeotto, Gust Attack!" Ash called. The bird Pokémon circled around the rock type, creating a storm of sand and wind, but it failed.

"Ash! Remember what I said!" I called. He seemed to remember what I told him about flying types are weak against rock types, and he looked back forward as his bird Pokémon got hit by Geodude. "Pidgeotto, return!" He called back his injured Pokémon.

"Are you giving up again, Ash?" Brock asked. "No way! Pikachu, I choose you," Ash said. "Chu," Pikachu said, walking forward. "The Pikachu again, huh?" Brock asked, "I feel sorry for it, being raised by a weak Pokémon trainer."

"Pikachu, now it's time to show him how weak we are," Ash said and I smirked. Pikachu thunder bolted Geodude into submission. "Alright!" I said with a smile. "Pikachu! Pi!" My Pikachu called, smiling.

Broke appeared to have a shocked expression before he returned Geodude to its Poké ball. "It's look like you trained it better," Brock told Ash. "But still." He pulled out another Poké ball, "It's no match for Onix! Go" He threw the Poké ball, and Onix was released.

Ash's Pikachu seemed quite nervous, and all of a sudden began freely electrifying the battle field, almost hitting me. The male mouse uncontrollably started to electrocute the battle field, and the buildings pipes on the roof.

"Hey, Pikachu, watch where you aiming!" Ash called and Pikachu stopped. Onix wrapped its stone tail around Pikachu and used bone crushing binding. Pikachu gave it a strong and powerful thunder shock and I watched as the battle field lit up like fireworks.

Pikachu started to worn out and stopped his thunder shocks. "Oh no," I muttered as I watched Pikachu being crushed. "Pikachu," My Pikachu said worriedly.

"Onix, stop!" Brock called. "Huh?" I asked as Onix let go of Pikachu. "No, Brock. I want to play this match to the end," Ash said. "There is no point, on going on," Brock told him, "I really don't want to hurt you Pokémon."

"At least he cares for the well being of them," I told my Pikachu. "Pika," My yellow Pokémon agreed. Suddenly, the fire that was caused from the electricity sent the sprinklers to go off and Onix started to get weak by that.

"Ash!" I called and he looked up at me, "Rock types are weak against water, attack while it's weakened!"

Ash looked back forward, "Pikachu!" Pikachu, knowing what he needed to do, got up and used an incredible final thunder blot, weakening Onix even more. Onix fell over while still having the sprinklers rain over the stadium. "Onix!" Brock called.

I looked at Ash and saw that he didn't look like he finished, but I thought that Onix had enough. "Pikachu, let's go," I said quickly to my friend before taking off quickly to down the stairs.

"Pikachu! Finish it off wi--" I cut Ash off by grabbing his wrist. He looked at me, "Emma, what are you doing? I'm in the middle of finishing this battle." I let go of his wrist as I smiled a little, "I think you've already won."

"Huh?" Ash asked before looking away thoughtfully. "This is an official match and we gonna finish it no matter what," Brock said. "Pikachu, return!" Ash commanded and his Pikachu turned around, rushing back over to us.

"What do you think you doing? This match isn't over yet, Ash," Brock said. "Those sprinklers going off was just an accident, wining a match like that wouldn't prove anything," Ash said, "Next time we meet, I'll beat you in my way, fair and square."

With that said, he and his Pikachu turned around toward the doors, and my Pikachu and I followed.

Ash and I were heading to the exit of the city with both of our Pikachu by our sides. "Sorry if I was hard on you, Pikachu," Ash told his Pokémon friend, "But you really did a good job."

"Pika," His Pikachu said. "You both did a good job," I said. Ash smiled, "Thanks for the help, Emma." I shrugged, "What's friends are for?"

"Pika!" My Pikachu said with a smile. "Hey, hey, wait up you guys!" We heard a voice from behind us. We stopped and turned around to see the gym leader, Brock. He was running after us and stood when he got closer to us. He held out something, "Ash, you forgot this."

"It's a gym badge," I said with a smile. "A badge?" Ash repeated, "For defeating a gym trainer? I can't accept that. I didn't really win."

"No. I lost to you," Brock said, "You beat me in battle, and the both of you beat me in being kind for all Pokémon. To tell you the truth, I get more pleasure in raising Pokémon than making them battle. I don't care about being a great Pokémon trainer, I want to become the world best Pokémon breeder, but I can't leave here, because I have brothers and sisters to look after, after my parents had left us. So, please, Ash. Take this badge for me."

Ash seemed hesitant but finally took it, "I... thank you." He looked at it and suddenly smiled. "Brock," We heard a voice and the three of us looked over to see a man with a beard and a red hat looking at us. "You go and follow your dream," He said.

"My father," Brock said. "Huh?" Ash and I asked at the same time. "You're Brock's Dad?" I asked. "Yes," Brock's father said and looked back at Brock, "I want you to go on and make your dream come true. Don't worry about your brothers and sisters, leave them to me."

"First, there are things I have to tell you," Brock said. "After all those years I understand what you must feel about me, so I want you to take it out of your chest," Brock's father said.

Broke handed him something, "Here." It was a thread and needle, ally to get me, Ash and Brock's father to be confused. Brock started to tell his father what to do with every sibling, which was really hard for us to keep up, but most of all for his father.

It was evening when Ash, Brock and I finally left the city. "Are you guys sure that I can come with both of you on your journey?" Brock asked.

"Oh course," I said with a smile to our new friend. "The more the merrier," Ash said, "And it's good to have a second person to talk with."

I smiled before remembering something. Or more like someone. "Well, what about that girl that keeps following you two?" Brock asked us and the three of us looked behind us to see Misty trailing far behind.

"Don't forget about my bike, Ash Ketchum! I'm gonna follow you until you pay me back!" Misty yelled, which made me giggle.

"I know! I know!" Ash yelled before grabbing my hand, "Let's try to lose her." He pulled me to a ran with both of our Pikachu on our shoulders. "Hey guys, wait up!" Brock called as he and Misty rushing after us.

Chapter Text

Forest.

Once again.

I have to admit, I was already used to be in a forest, so it didn't bothered me. It didn't seem it bothered Ash or Brock as well. Misty, well... a different story.

"AAAHHHH!"

I sighed and looked down. Ash groaned, "Not again." Brock tilted his head, "This is getting out of hand."

"No kidding," I muttered. Brock, Ash and I turned around to see Misty hiding behind a tree. "Misty, come on. We need to keep going."

"Should we just leave her here?" Ash asked. "Not funny," I said as I rolled my eyes. "Pika," Ash's Pikachu said, tilting his head.

I walked toward Misty and grabbed her arm, dragging her with me back to the boys. "Let's go." We continued to walk forward before we heard something crushing behind us, making us stop. "Pi?" My Pikachu asked.

We all turned around but didn't see anything. "What was that?" Brock asked. "Could be a bug," Misty said. Ash shrugged. "Come on, let's keep going." He started to lead the way, and we all followed.

After a little while, we finally decided to take a break and rest. "Hey, Emma," Ash said. "Mm?" I hummed. "What do you say about a battle?" He asked. "Pi?" Both of mine and Ash's Pikachu said at the same time.

"You want to have a battle?" I asked, blinking in confusion. "Yeah," Ash confirmed. "Since people say you a great Pokémon trainer, and you know a lot about Pokémon, so what do you say?"

"Ash, are you sure?" Misty asked, raising an eyebrow. "Sure, I'm sure," Ash said. "I think it will be cool to see you two battling," Brock said with a smile. "Well, okay then," I agreed. "It could help Metapod evolve."

"All right!" Ash said, grinning. "Pika!" Ash's Pikachu said, raising his paws up in the air. 

Ash and I were standing in front of each other, making a distance for the battle. Misty and my Pikachu were sitting at a big rock with our bags. Brock was standing at the side in the middle. "Okay, you guys ready?"

"I am," I said. "Me, too," Ash said. "Begin!" Brock told us. Ash pulled out a Poké ball and threw it, "Metapod, I choose you."

Metapod stood in the front. I pulled out my Poké ball and threw it, "Scyther, let's go!" Scyther stood in front of Metapod, "Scyther!"

Misty's eyes grew wide, "Bug! Since when do you have a bug Pokémon?" I placed my hands on my hips, "I still don't get what's the problem with bug Pokémon," I said as Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Scyther, the Mantis Pokémon. Its claws are sharp as swords, and it is a powerful flyer. This Pokémon is rarely seen by humans and almost never captured.

"Whoa," Ash said and looked at me, "How did you catch it?"

I smiled, "Tell you later." I looked at Scyther, "Scyther, we helping Metapod involve, so remember, be gentle as much as you can."

Scyther looked at me, nodding, "Scyther." Metapod glared at Scyther, "Metapod."

"Metapod doesn't seem to like Scyther much," Misty said. Scyther tilted his head, not looking bothered by that, "Scyther."

"Oh well," I said, shrugging, "Scyther, use Fury Cutter!" Scyther ran toward Metapod, ready to use the attack. "Metapod, Harden!" Ash said.

Metapod use Harden but Scyther still hit it with Fury Cutter, sending the Cocoon Pokémon backward hard to the ground. "Metapod!" Ash called. I tilted my head as I looked at Scyther and crossed my arms over my chest, "This is the gentle as you can?"

Scyther looked amused, shrugging, "Scyther." I raised an eyebrow, shaking my head with a small smile. Metapod stood once again, glaring at Scyther, "Metapod. Metapod."

Scyther looked away, "Scyther." Metapod kept glaring at him, "Metapod!" Scyther ignored the Cocoon Pokémon and walked toward me. "Pika," My Pikachu said, sighing.

Scyther looked back at Metapod, "Scyther." Metapod glared, "Metapod!" Suddenly the Cocoon Pokémon's shell opened as it glowed white and we all gasped. "Metapod?" Ash asked.

A beautiful Butterfree came out of the shell and I smiled. "It worked! Metapod involved into Butterfree!" I said. "Scyther!" Scyther said, nodding. Butterfree flew around Ash as the boy smiled.

"Looks like Scyther was helping it after all," Brock said with a smile. "Yeah," Misty agreed with a smile. "Hey, Ash, still want to go on?" I asked. Ash smiled, "You bet! Ready Butterfree?"

Butterfree nodded, flying to the front. "Scyther," Scyther said which Butterfree nodded. "Butterfree, use Sleep Powder!" Ash called. Butterfree started to fly toward Scyther, using Sleep Powder. "Scyther, fly up!" I called.

Scyther used his wings, flying up behind Butterfree, dodging the attack. "Use Wing Attack!" I called. Scyther let it's wings turn white, looking at Butterfree and attacked it. Butterfree fell down from the sky, but before it hit the ground, Scyther caught it.

Scyther landed on the ground with Butterfree and looked at me. I smiled softly, nodding. "Scyther," Scyther said. Butterfree opened it's eyes as Ash walked closer, "Butterfree, you okay?"

Butterfree looked at Ash and nodded as Brock and Misty walked closer with my Pikachu and Ash's. Ash's Pikachu smiled, "Pika, pika."

"I think it's enough for today," I said. "But..." Ash trailed off. "I agreed to do that battle to help Butterfree evolve, remember?" I stated with a smile. "So, who won?" Ash asked and I chuckled. "No one," I said. My Pikachu hopped on my shoulder with a smile, "Pika, pika."

Butterfree looked at Scyther and my Pokémon smiled, "Scyther." Misty stood behind me as she placed her hands on my shoulders, "Now, I don't want to ruin this moment, but can we go now?"

"You just ruined it," Ash told her. I chuckled and looked at my Pikachu and Scyther with a smile.

Chapter Text

Ash, Misty, Brock and I were resting before heading off again. I was looking at the map to see we were close to a mountain called 'Mt. Moon'. "Huh," I hummed. "What is it, Emma?" Misty asked.

"Well, in the map it says we sitting close by a mountain called 'Mt. Moon'. Where have I heard about it?" I asked, looking at my Pikachu. "Pika," My yellow friend said. "I've heard about it too," Ash said. "Mt. Moon. It sounds so romantic," Misty said.

Brock chuckled, "Now I remember where I heard about it too. People say that a huge meteor crashed into the mountain back in prehistoric times."

"A meteor?" Ash asked. "Is it really true?" Misty asked. "The meteor is call the Moon Stone," Brock said.

"Now that's romantic," Misty said. I smiled and shook my head. "Can we go there?" She asked. "W--no way, we have to go to the next town," Ash said. "Aw, come on Ash. The Gym isn't gonna go anywhere, it will be there when we get there. Why not go and see this?" I asked.

Misty wrapped her arm around my shoulder, "Exactly. Now, let's go!" She pulled me up with her. "Oh, come on," Ash whined.

We all hiking towards Mt. Moon. "Whoa, look at it," Misty said, pointing at the mountain. We all stopping walking when we heard a scream. "Look, over there," Ash said before we all ran toward the base of Mt. Moon to see a man being attacked by a group of Zubat.

"Zubat," I said. "They attacking that guy," Misty said as Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Zubat, blind Pokémon with supersonic powers. Zubat live in caves and hate to fly outside in daylight.

Ash looked at the Zubat, "Not those Zubat," he said. "No time for jokes," I pointed out. "Pikachu, Thunder Shock." My Pikachu jumped off my head, attacking the group of Zubat with Thunder Shock. The Zubat all flew inside the cave and we all ran toward the guy. "Are you okay?" Ash asked.

The guy stood up, smiling, "Wow, you guys are the greatest!" He placed his hands on my shoulders, "I'm talking super-fantabulistic! I mean two thumbs up, way up, the best rescue I've ever had!"

"Uh, you're welcome," I said. "I'm so moooved, such friendship I thought I'd never see... when the Zubat began attacking me!" the guy said, "I thought I was done for when who should arrive? Two heroes thanks to whom I'm alive!"

"He certainly doesn't look like the poetic type," Misty noted. "Did I mention how grateful I am?" the guy asked me, clutching my wrists in his hands. "Uh..." I trailed off. Thankfully, Ash cut in, "Why were the Zubat attacking you, mister?"

"Huhhh," the guy gasped and looked at Ash angrily, "Never call me mister! My name's Seymour... Seymour the Scientist! Knowledge, research, I'm Seymour the Scientist!"

Me and my friends looked at Seymour in surprise and confusion, exchanging a look.

Seymour lead us inside the cave to show us there were number of lights hooked up deep into the cave, lighting it all up. Apparently this wasn't a good thing, as all the lights set up in the normally pitch-black cave is throwing off all the Pokémon's natural senses, timing and rhythm.

"Look here, these Paras planting their mushrooms everywhere," Seymour said. "And the hot lights are drying up these Sandshrew."

Paras were pulling the mushrooms off of their backs and planting them in the ground far too early and the Sandshrew was splayed out on the floor

"Pika," Ash's Pikachu said sadly. My Pikachu nodded, "Pikachu."

"This is why I'm here," Seymour said, "I'm patrolled to protect Mt. Moon from troublemakers attacking against this cave."

"Troublemakers? Why attack a cave?" Misty asked. "I'm afraid it's because of the Moon Stone," Seymour answered. "The Moon Stone?" Ash repeated.

"Exactly," Seymour said, then rhyme horribly with hand clutched to his chest, "The Moon Stone is an awesome boulder, a million years old or even older! Deep in these caves the meteor hides! Though no explorer has found the place, of the legendary rock from space." He hold up a piece of rock, examining it, "We've studied it's fragments for many an hour, and discovered it increases a Pokémon's power. And that is why the attackers are here, they've come to take the Moonstone, or so I fear!"

"The Moon Stone?" Ash repeated. "Ever since I was a little boy, I've believe Pokémon came to Earth from Outer Space," Seymour said. "From Outer Space?" Me and my friends repeated. Seymour nodded, "Yes. And where, you asking, is the spacecraft that brought them to Earth? In this cave. It's the Moon Stone."

Misty gave a small chuckle, "It's sure is an original theory." I sighed, "Very original."

"But don't you see?" Seymour asked excitedly, "It's means the Moon Stone belongs to the Pokémon. We, humans must not take it from them." Suddenly he fixed his horrific gaze on me, which made me back away. Seymour leaped up to me and grabbed me by the hands, bending low, "You agree with me, don't you?"

I nodded nervously, "Yeah." Luckily for me, a rotund, pink Pokémon bounced happily past us, holding a small piece of shiny rock in its chubby little paws. "Clefairy! Clefairy!" it sang happily as it almost seems to float through the air.

"That looks like... a Clefairy," Brock said. Misty smiled, "It's so cute," She said and Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Clefairy, this impish Pokémon, is friendly and peaceful, it is believed to live inside, Mount Moon, although very few have ever been seen, by humans.

Ash pulled out his Poké ball in excitement, "I gotta catch it." Seymour grabbed Ash's arm, "You can't." Clefairy happily bounced away out of sight. Ash looked to where it was sadly before looking at Seymour. "Sorry, but it's best if you just let it stay here. I hope you understand."

Ash looked at him for a moment before glancing over at me. I nodded and he looked back at Seymour with a small smile and nodded, "Sure, Seymour. I understand."

"Clefairy," We all heard Clefairy's cry and quickly rushed to where the Clefairy had headed. "Don't be scared of Meowth," We heard a voice. We ran closer to see Clefairy and Meowth from Team Rocket.

"Meowth?" I asked. Meowth looked at me and my friends, "What are you doing here?" Ash looked at him angrily, "Looking for troublemakers like you."

Both mine and Ash's Pikachu ran to Clefairy and calmed it down. "So, Team Rocket was causing all the trouble around here," Ash said before adding sarcastically, "What a surprise."

"We've got to stop them before they start any more trouble," Brock said.

"Trouble?"

"Make that double."

We saw Jessie and James walking to stand at either side of Meowth. "Oh come on," I muttered.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all peoples within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight."

"Meowth, that's right!"

"They sure are show-offs," Seymour said. "Don't you guys ever get tired of saying the same things over and over?" Ash asked. "You're just jealous, boy," Jessie said. "Because we won't let you join us," James added. "I would never join up with you!" Ash yelled. "You put the lights in this cave," Brock realized. "It's your fault the Pokémon who live here are so confused!"

"What a shame," Jessie said, clearly not care less. "How are we ever going to forgive ourselves," James said, not caring either. "We want to get our hands on a Moon Stone, so we can power up our Pokémon with it," Meowth said. "With the Moon Stone in our hands, nothing will stop us," Jessie said.

"Sorry to pull your out of you dream land, but we won't let you get away with it," I said. "You want a rock? Take one of these, then get lost," Brock told them. "Get lost?" Jessie repeated, "How rude."

"Let's teach him manners," James said. Ash and Brock pulled out their Poké balls before Ash looked at me and Misty, "You two keep on eye on Seymour and Clefairy. Get out when you get the chance."

"Got it," I said. Jessie and James pulled out their Poké balls and threw them, "Ready or not."

"Butterfree, I choose you," Ash said, throwing his Poké ball. "Here we go!" Bock said as he threw his Poké ball. Ekans and Koffing against Butterfree and surprisingly, a Zubat.

"A Zubat?" Ash asked. "I captured it just before we entered the cave," Brock explained. "Awww, I should have caught one," Ash said, sighing. "Koffing, Smog Attack," James called.

Koffing swooped across, trailing smog behind it, proclaiming happily, "Koffing!"

"Butterfree, Whirlwind now!" Ash called. "Zubat, Whirlwind too, now!" Brock called. Both of the flying Pokémon used Whirlwind to push the smog back into Jessie and James' faces. Ash and Brock smiled. "Not bad," Ash grinned.

Misty and I exchanged a look, nodding. Misty pushed Seymour toward the exit, "Quick." I quickly followed with my Pikachu and Clefairy, "Let's go."

Clefairy and Pikachu were head of me, Misty and Seymour as we ran toward the exit. "Pikachu, pi!" My Pikachu called as Clefairy bounced out of Mount Moon and was happily making it's way out into the daylight.

"Oh no, Clefairy is running away!" Misty called as the three of us pulled ourselves out of the same hole. Clefairy bounced over a hill, clutching a piece of the Moon Stone in its paws. "Pikachu, after it," I called.

"Pika!" My Pikachu said and quickly ran after it up in the hill. Misty, Seymour and I struggled up the rock-face after Clefairy, but then a scared Clefairy jumped down, hitting right into Misty's face, knocking the three of us off of the rock-face and down into the river. I shook my head as I sighed. Pikachu landed on my head, "Pika?"

"All right, give me the Moon Stone," Meowth said, standing at a nearby rock, showing off his claws. "Now, Meowth, I'm sure we can be reasonable about this," Seymour said, desperately. Meowth leaped high with the claws out, "No, we can't!"

"Pikachu!" I said. My Pikachu jumped off from the top of my head and hit Meowth with her tail, sending the cat Pokémon into the water. I stood up, "How stupid are you?"

"Pika!" My Pikachu agreed, standing at the same rock Meowth stood a few moment ago. "My turn," Misty said, throwing a Poké ball into the water before a Staryu emerged, floating in the air. I threw my Poké ball, "Poliwhirl!"

Poliwhirl came out of the Poké ball, "Poliwhirl!" Misty and I nodded to each other, looking at our water Pokémon, pointing at Meowth.

"Poliwhirl!"

"Staryu!"

"Water Gun!!"

Both Poliwhirl and Staryu used together Water Gun, making Meowth's body swell up with water until he looked like some kind of giant Meowth Balloon, and then was sent flying backwards when the water burst back out of his mouth.

"Bye Meowth, have a nice trip," Misty called as she waved. I looked at Poliwhirl and Staryu as Pikachu hopped on my shoulder, "Good job you guys."

Misty and I sent our water Pokémon back into their Poké balls, and then high five each other. 

Ash, his Pikachu and Brock ran toward us. "Hey, you guys okay?" Ash asked. "Of course, we are," I said with a smirk. "Emma and I took care of everything," Misty said proudly as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Later that day, as the sun begins to set, Seymour, me and my friends have set up a little camp beside the river and feed our Pokémon. I noticed Brock was feeding a different Pokémon food to Zubat, "Hey, Brock, I just noticed something."

"What is it?" Brock asked. "That Pokémon food you giving Zubat is a different one," I pointed out. Brock smiled, "Yeah, it is. This one is mead from my own recipe." I smiled, "Do you put in some fruits?"

"I sure do. Do you know how to make Pokémon food?" Brock asked. I nodded, "Yep, my Mom taught me everything about it. I make some for my Pokémon. Can my Pikachu try one of yours?"

"Sure, why not," Brock said as he handed me a few of his Pokémon Pellet. I handed one for my Pikachu, "Here, Pikachu." Pikachu smiled as she took it, "Pika." She started to eat it as Ash's Butterfree landed on the top of my head. Ash chuckled, "Looks like Butterfree wants to try some too."

I hold a Pokémon Pellet up toward Butterfree and it took it. "I will try some," Seymour said, taking one Pokémon Pellet. "Wait," I said but he eat it. "Mmm. Not bad," He said. "Really?" Ash asked. "Let me taste."

He took a Pokémon Pellet and I stared in shock. "Ash, wait, don't--" I was cut off when he eat it and right after that he went into stroke-like convulsions. Brock chuckled, "Well you don't like it, but the Pokémon sure do."

"You should listen to me before doing something," I told Ash, sighing as I shook my head. "Pika," My Pikachu said. I handed a bottle of water to Ash and he quickly drank it as I looked at Brock, "Hey, Brock, can you teach me your Pokémon food recipe?"

"Sure," Brock said as he handed a Pokémon Pellet to my Pikachu. "Pikachu," Pikachu said with a smile as she took it. 

My Pikachu looked up and we all followed her gaze to see Ash's Pikachu and Clefairy were having a conversation. "Pikachu makes friends so easily, I wonder what they talking about," Ash said with a smile. His Pikachu looked at him, "Pika-Pi."

Clefairy jumped up and bounced off. "What's up, Pikachu?" Ash asked. His Pikachu quickly followed Clefairy and my Pikachu quickly followed. "Pikachu, Pi," She called us.

The sun had already set and it was dark. Seymour, Ash, Brock, Misty and I were following both mine and Ash's Pikachu as they followed Clefairy, which is still gripping the Moon Stone Fragment in its paws. We traveled up a little used path, through shrubbery and bushes until we come to yet another cave. "It's another cave," I pointed out.

We all walked inside and found ourselves in a circular cave with no roof, letting the moon shine down on a large glittering rock surrounded by an almost unbroken ring of Moon Stone Fragments.

"It's the core of the Moon Stone," Seymour said. "This feels like a dream," Misty said. "So the Moon Stone legend is true," Brock said. "Look, Clefairy doing something," Ash said. We watched as Clefairy took the Moon Stone Fragment up to the large rock and fit it into place in the one remaining gap.

Almost instantly the fragments begin to glow, then the whole rock itself as more and more Clefairy enter the cave. "There so many of them," Misty pointed out. A Clefairy looked at us and stepped closer, "Clefairy, fairy, Clefairy."

Ash chuckled, "I think it's saying 'Hello'." Brock smiled, "Yeah." Misty smiled, "Look at them." All of the Clefairy begin to dance and lightly bounced around the rock.

"Amazing, this Clefairy formed their own society. This is incredible sight," Seymour said. I looked at both mine and Ash's Pikachu were talking with the same Clefairy so I walked toward them. I kneeled in front of them, "Hey, what are you three on about huh?"

My Pikachu and Ash's smiled up at me. "Pika," My Pikachu said as the others walked closer. "Pika, Pikachu, Pi."

"You understand her?" Seymour asked me in shock. "Sometimes," I said and smirked at my yellow best friend, "When she talks slower."

"Pika?" My Pikachu asked before putting her paw behind her head with a small smile, "Pika."

"Pikachu," Ash's Pikachu told me. "Pika, Pi, Pikachu, Pika." He hold up his paws. "Pikachu," My Pikachu said, "Pika, Pi, Pika."

"Well, they say the Clefairy come to this cave every night to pray to the Moon Stone," I explained. My Pikachu and Ash's smiled, "Pika!"

"Is it because the Moon Stone fell from the heavens?" Seymour asked as I got up. "Maybe the legends are true," Misty said. "Maybe the Moon Stone did came from Space," I said. "Yeah," Ash said. "Oooooof course!" Seymour said, "It all makes sense now."

"What does?" Ash asked. "Outer space!" Seymour said, "Pokémon, and the Human Race! We'll ride the Moon Stone into space, first to the Moon, then to Mars, then together, to the stars!"

"Stars?" an annoying familiar voice asked. "That's our cue!" We all looked behind us to see Team Rocket at the entrance to the cave. "You guys just don't know when to quit, huh," I said as Misty stuck out her tongue toward them.

Seymour stepped in front of us, glaring at Team Rocket, "You keep away from the Moon Stone or else!"

"Or else?" James asked. "I think we've been threatened," Jessie said. Seymour's shaking knees kind of indicate how seriously this threat should be taken though, "The Moon Stone belongs to the Clefiary, not to you troublemakers, l--leave this cave at once."

"What's that unusual sound?" James asked. "His knees are shaking," Jessie teased. "Sounds like a wimp," Meowth said. Seymour ran toward them, "I'll show you!"

"Seymour, wait!" I said. Seymour ran toward Team Rocket but fell when Meowth stepped aside and tripping Seymour up. "Ha! Did you have a nice trip?" Meowth asked. I looked at them angrily while Seymour sat up on the ground without his glasses, "My glasses. I can't see a thing."

"Oh, Seymour," Misty said. Ash looked at Team Rocket angrily, "That wasn't fair!"

Jessie held out her Poké ball, "All's fair in a Pokémon match, boy." James held up his Poké ball, "Enough talk."

"I agree, let's go Pikachu," Ash said. His Pikachu ran forward, "Pika!" Brock threw his Poké ball, "Onix, let's go!"

Pikachu stood on Onix's head as they both looked down at Ekans and Koffing. "Let's show them size doesn't matter!" Jessie said, "Ekans, underground!"

"Koffing, Smoke-Screen!" James said. Ekans did as Jessie told it as Koffing joyfully spit out a Smoke-Screen to cover its partners movements. I coughed, "I can't see a thing."

Ash was standing beside me with my Pikachu on the top of his head, throwing a Poké ball, "Pidgeotto, I choose you!" Pidgeotto came out. "Pidgeotto, Whirlwind the smock!"

Pidgeotto started to use its wings, clearing quickly the smock away, but when the smock was gone, the Moon Stone was gone! Team Rocket stole it! "Team Rocket!" I said angrily.

"All right, Onix follow them underground," Brock said. Onix dug quickly another hole and disappeared in it. Both mine and Ash's Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Ash, Misty, Brock and I quickly ran out. "There is still a chance to catch them," Ash said.

We quickly found Team Rocket as Onix bursting out of the ground in front of Team Rocket and sending them tumbling over, crashing over the Moon Stone and the ground. "Got them!" Ash said.

"Nice work, Onix, grab them now," Brock said. Just when Onix was going to do so, James called to his Pokémon, "Koffing, Counter Attack." Koffing happily flew up into the air, "Koffing!"

Koffing smashed into Onix's face, promptly slamming back down into the ground and gets buried halfway down. Onix smashed into the ground as well. "Onix," Brock said. "Hey, look," Ash said and we saw Seymour emerged out of Onix's hole.

"It's Seymour," Misty said. Surprisingly, all the Clefairy were with him. They leaped out of the hole and swarm up in front of Team Rocket, lifting their little paws up and rocking them back and forth in a rhythmic, hypnotic beat that soon had all of our attention fixed. "I'm... Getting... Dizzy," Misty said.

"This an attack that Clefairy use call the Metronome," Seymour said. "I never seen a Clefairy use the Metronome before who knows what happen." Right them, the Clefairy stopped, "Clefairy." Then, a bright white glow appeared and then a huge explosion of lava teared up out of the ground below Team Rocket.

We saw Team Rocket flying high into the air and they disappeared into the distance. The smoke cleared and we all stared at the massive crater where the Moon Stone used to be. Small shards of the Moon Stone drifted down like snow, settling on a few of the Clefairy, causing them to glow brightly and then grow and change appearance.

I smiled, "They evolved into Clefable," I said as Ash pulled out his Dexter.

 Clefable, an advanced form of Clefairy, these unique creatures are among, the rarest Pokémon, in the world.

Seymour looked amazed, "The power of the Moon Stone did this." We all were back inside the cave with the Clefairy and the Clefable. Seymour looked at me and my friends, "I've decided to live here with the Clefairy."

"Huh?" We all were shocked by that. "It's been my life's dream to find the Moon Stone," Seymour said, "Someday I will travel to the stars with the Clefairy."

"Wow," Misty breathed out. "When you do visit Outer Space, I hope you'll remember to send us a postcard," Brock said. "Pikachu," Ash's Pikachu said. "Pika," My Pikachu said.

It was early in the morning when me and my friends finally left Seymour and the Clefairy and the Clefable. "Bye," I said. "So long, Seymour," Ash said. "Goodbye, guys, thank you," Seymour told us.

We slowly started to walk away. Ash looked at me, "Do you really think that the Clefairy came to Earth from Outer Space?" I shrugged with a smile, "Maybe. It's fun to imagine it."

After been walking for a few hours, we came to a road. I stretched out my arms and sighed. We saw a sign on one side, "This road leads to Cerulean City," Brock read. "Well, I guess we're heading the right way. And there is something else is written here."

"Well, they say some kids like to write some silly notes on this signs," Ash said. "What's it say?" I asked. Ash looked at the smaller writing, "Gary was here, Ash is a loser!" My Pikachu and I exchanged a confused look.

"Oh that Gary!" Ash growled. "I'll show you!" The boy ran down the road with his arms stretched wide like an airplane. "Wait, Ash!" I called but he kept running. His Pikachu hopped on my left shoulder while my Pikachu was sitting on my right shoulder.

"What's the hurry?" Misty asked. "He'll never learn," Brock mattered. I shook my head, "Nope." My Pikachu shook her head. "Cha," Ash's Pikachu said, sighing.

Chapter Text

"I'll show him," Ash muttered. "Didn't I just say not to think about it?" I asked before glancing at my Pikachu. "By the way, who is Gary?"

"He's a jerk who thinks he's better than me," He answered, looking ahead of him angrily. I raised an eyebrow, "Okay?"

"Pika," My Pikachu said, tilting her head. "Hey, wait a minute!" A familiar voice called behind us. We all stopped to see Misty catching up to us. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Oh, I know where we going, we're going to Cerulean City," Ash said. Misty looked a bit off, "Cerulean City? Why would you go there for?"

"It's for Ash's next badge," I pointed out, raising an eyebrow. "You guys don't want a Pokémon from there," Misty said. "Why not?" Ash asked. "Because they're all..." Misty trailed off. "All what?" Ash pressured.

"Very scary ghost Pokémon," Misty said. I raised an eyebrow, exchanging a confused look with my Pikachu. I looked at my red-headed friend, "Huh, then how come I didn't see any ghost Pokémon when I was there last year?"

"Pika," My Pikachu said, nodding. "Come on, let's go," Ash said. Ash, Brock and me started to walk with mine and Ash's Pikachu. "Hey, hey," Misty said as she stood in front of us, "What about Vermilion City? It's right on the water and there are lots of neat Pokémon and you can watch all the giant yachts pull into the harrrbouuur!" She started to get a bit carried away by her own speech as she was cupping her arms beneath her chin and sighing happily with her eyes closed.

I looked at Ash and Brock in confusion, but the two boys just shrugged their shoulders. "And there's a liiitle park waaaaay up on the hill where you can sit and watch the sunset that's soooo romantic," Misty said. "And it's much nicer than that old Cerulean City."

"Misty, are you okay?" I asked. "Yep, so let's get going," She said. "Okay, let's go," Ash said. "Really?" Misty asked hopefully. He grinned, "To Cerulean City."

We started to walk past the disappointed Misty and continued on. "I've got to get more Trainer's Badges, and since there's a Gym in Cerulean City..." Ash trailed off. "Yeah, makes sense," Brock agreed. "You know, it's going to be dark soon," I pointed out, "We should camp here for the night."

"But--" Ash started. "We'll get to Cerulean City in the morning, Ash," I said. "If we'll wake up early in the morning, we'll get there in an hour or more."

"She's right," Brock said. Ash sighed, "She always does." I smiled, "Yep, which is why best to listen to me." Both mine and Ash's Pikachu nodded their heads, "Pika." 

I looked behind us toward Misty, "Come on, Misty, we're gonna camp here for the night." Misty sighed as she finally catch up to us.

Surprisingly, Ash was the one to wake us all up earlier in the morning to continue head to Cerulean City. Brock, Ash and I, along with our Pikachu, walked into the city. "Hey, nothing changed here," I said with a smile. "So this is Cerulean City, huh?" Ash asked. "Yep," I answered. "Pretty nice place, isn't it?" Brock asked. "Yeah, pretty cool," Ash agreed.

I looked behind me to see that Misty wasn't following us anymore. "Hey, Misty's not following us anymore," I pointed out sadly. "Chu," Ash's Pikachu said, tilting his head. "She really didn't want to come to Cerulean City, did she," Brock noted. "I wonder why she hates this place so much?" I wondered.

Ash shrugged, "Come on, let's go." We walked around the city to find the Pokémon Gym. But as we did so, we saw a big scene was developing outside of a machine shop in Central Cerulean City, police cars were sitting on the road, a large crowd gathered around the store. "I wonder what happened?" Ash asked.

He, Brock and I exchanged a look, and wondered up to the crowd to see what was happening. I looked at a man standing beside me, "Excuse me, do you know what happened?"

"Some burglars broke into that store last night," the man answered. "Burglars, huh?" Ash muttered. "What do you know about burglars?" a woman's voice asked, and me and my two friends looked over to see Officer Jenny. "You three look very suspicious to me."

"Hey!" Ash said, pointing at her like a rude boy, "You're that motorcycle officer from Viridian!" I pushed his hand down, "Don't point."

"Huh?" Officer Jenny asked, "Ahhhh! You must have met my sister-in-law!" Sister-in-law?! "If you know my sister-in-law, that means you probably had some dealings with the police in Viridian!"

"Uhhh, I..." Ash stuttered. "Now, maybe you just stopped to ask her for directions," Officer Jenny said, crossing her arms over her chest, "Or maybe you found a wallet on the street and turned it in to her... or maybe you're burglars who broke out of jail!" She leaped backwards and twirl about a set of handcuffs angrily before leaping forward to arrest us.

"I've never been to jail!" Ash said in shock. "Me neither," I said. "Neither have I Ma'am," Brock said. "That's what they all say," Officer Jenny said. "We just got into town and saw the crowd," Brock explained, grinning, "So we came over to see what was going on." A smile crossed Officer Jenny's face, "The criminal always returns to the scene of the crime."

"We're not..." Brock tried to explain again. I pulled out my Pokédex and offering it to Officer Jenny, "What about looking at this?"

"I'm Dexter, a Pokédex programmed, by Professor Oak, for Pokémon Trainer, Emma Pierce."

Ash pulled his own Pokédex. "I'm Dexter, a Pokédex programmed, by Professor Oak, for Pokémon Trainer, Ash Ketchum."

"Yeah," Brock agreed, holding up a Boulder Badge, "And I was the leader of the Pewter City Gym."

"Well, that's evidence enough for me," Officer Jenny said, "I'm sorry I was suspicious. Now I'm suspicious of my sister-in-law, she sure has weird taste in friends."

"Uhhh Miss, I was wondering, since I'm new in town maybe we could get together tonight and you could show me around?" Brock asked. I raised an eyebrow and looked at Officer Jenny, who grinned. "Well, I'm not off-duty till after your bedtime, and I may have to work around the clock to catch these burglars," She said.

Ash grinned cheekily and I giggled behind my hand while Brock's face fell. "Well, what exactly did they steal?" Ash asked. "That's the strange thing about it," Officer Jenny started, "They didn't take any money. Just a giant pump and a huge hose."

"Why would anyone want that for?" Ash asked. I shook my head with a sign. "I'm sure I don't know, young man, but I do know I don't have time to play guessing games with you 'cause I have a job to do, and this time for you three to move along." She moved us back from the crowd and we walked away.

Ash, Brock and I settled down on a park bench. "It's a good thing Emma and I had our Pokédex and you had your badge, Brock," Ash said. "Yeah," Brock said. Ash looked at Brock, "Hey Brock, you got any inside info on the Gym Trainer there?"

"Ehh?" Brock asked. "I just want to find out as much as I can about him before we have our match," Ash explained, "Know yourself, know your adversary, and you hold the key to victory." I raised an eyebrow with a smirk, "Mmm, and where did you learn about that?" Ash chuckled, "From Dexter."

"Well, I never actually met the Trainer here, but I know his Pokémon Special Move," Brock said. "Yeah? What is it?" Ash asked. "I'm sorry, Ash, but I can't give you that information," Brock said. "Why not?" Ash asked.

"I'm a Gym Leader too, after all, I can't tell you out of respect, you understand," Brock said. "That's cool," Ash said with a sigh. I stood up, "Come on, let's go to the Gym then."

"All right!" Ash said as he quickly got up. We started to walk until Brock stopped us, "Well, I have some stuff I have to go check out." Ash and I looked at him in confusion. "What kind of stuff?" I asked. "Just... stuff, I'll see you guys later," Brock said before heading off to a different direction, leaving me and Ash alone with both of our Pikachu.

I looked at Ash and shrugged. Ash shrugged one shoulder, "So which way do we go?" I tilted my head with a chuckle, "What would you do without me?" Ash smiled a little, "Probably still in Viridian forest."

I nodded, "Yep. You would." I started to walk ahead of him before he could say anything. "Pika," Ash's Pikachu said before he and my Pikachu quickly followed me. "H--Hey, wait up," Ash called and quickly followed us.

Ash walked beside me as I looked around for the Gym. "So you know where it is?" He asked. "The Gym? Well, I remember I saw it somewhere, we'll find it," I said as I walked around a corner. "Pikachu!" My Pikachu said, pointing ahead. We followed her gaze to see a familiar circus tent with a giant Dewgong placed on top, with the written 'Cerulean Gym' under it.

"There it is," I said with a smile, "Come on." I grabbed Ash's arm and dragged him inside the building with both our Pokémon following us quickly.

We found the hallway was empty and looked around. "Hello?" Ash called but no answer. He looked at me and I shrugged. We walked further inside and opened double doors only to see a crowd was sitting in the stadium gym.

"What?" I asked as both me and Ash were standing at the side with both of our Pikachu on our shoulders. We saw three women standing on a top the diving board, waving to the crowds. From the looks of it they were triplets. The three girls dive into the water as one and proceed to put on a display of synchronised swimming. 

Ash looked at me, "I thought it was Pokémon Gym." I nodded slowly, "It is. I mean, that was. Let's go look around."

Ash and I walked around the place with our Pokémon. "I don't get it," Ash said in confusion. We walked down the stairs to see Aquarium with a number of fish swimming about inside.

I smiled as I took Ash's Pikachu in my arms while mine was on my shoulder, "Look at this!" I walked closer and looked closer at the fishes. "Pika!" Ash's Pikachu said with a smile. "Pikachu!" My Pikachu said with a smile. Ash walked closer, "How can that be a Pokémon Gym?"

"There is nothing wrong with an Aquarium with normal fishes," I said. "Pikachu," My Pikachu agreed.

"The crowd was, like, totally awesome," a voice spoke. We looked over to see the three girls walking. "I know, that was so great," another said. "Daisy, that dive you did was super," one of them said. "The practice really paid off," one of them, Daisy, said. "Totally," the other agreed before the three of them giggled.

I looked at Ash, "Ask them," I whispered. "Oh, right," He said before walking closer to the girls, "Uh, excuse me."

"Sorry, but if you want an interview, you'll have to, like, call our manager," one of the girls, the pink one said. "No, it's not that," Ash said. "We don't do autographs," She said. "I don't want one," Ash said, "I really just wanted to know if this is a Pokémon Gym?"

"It sure is," the pink one confirmed. "We're looking for the Gym leader," I said. "You're looking at them," the one with the blue hair said. "Huh?" Ash asked.

"The three of us are the Gym leaders," Daisy said. "We're the Sensational Sisters," the pink one said. "We're world famous," the blue one said. "But what's with all that swimming?" I asked, tilting my head.

"It's, like, our hobby, and our fans love to watch us perform," the pink one answered. "We pool our talents to make a big splash," the blue one said and the three of them giggled.

We all moved back to the Gym and Ash turned to the sisters. "Come on. I challenge the three of you," He said. "Pika," His Pikachu agreed. The sisters suddenly looked uncomfortable and we looked at them in confusion.

"What's wrong?" I asked. "We don't feel much like battling any more," Daisy answered. "What do you mean?" Ash asked. "We just got beaten, like, three times in a row, by kids from this place called Pallet Town," the blue one, Violet said.

"Not again," Ash sighed. "It was just one defeat after another, my eyes were spinning from all the losses," Violet said. "We had to, like, practically rush all of our Pokémon to the Pokémon Center," Daisy said. The pink one, Lily pulled out a Poké ball, "This is the only one left."

The Pokémon that came out was a Goldeen. "Goldeen, Goldeen, Goldeen, Goldeen, Goldeen."

"You mean all you have is a Goldeen?" Ash asked as Lily send the Pokémon back into the Poké ball. "If it would evolve into Seaking we could use it," Violet said, "But all it can do now is it's Horn Attack."

"So, like, there's no point in battling," Daisy said. "Now instead of having matches, we have time to make ourselves look more beautiful than ever!" Lily said with a smile. I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms while Ash pouted.

Daisy smiled softly, "I know what you want." She clapped her hands, "Seel!" The Pokémon, Seel, jumped out of the pool and sticks out it's tongue, a small blue badge was in it's mouth. Daisy took it and held it to Ash, "A Cascade Badge, this is what you want, right? You can have it."

"Thanks, but I'd rather earn my badges," Ash said which made me slightly smile and exchanged a look with my Pikachu. "Take it. A badge is a badge," Daisy said. Ash looked at me and I shrugged. He sighed as he walked closer to the sisters. "Here," Daisy said with a soft smile and he was just about to take it.

"Hold it right there!" A familiar voice yelled out. We looked to the side and saw our redhead friend standing in the aisle between the empty rows of seats. I smiled happily, "Misty!"

Misty hopped off the rows and approached to stand beside me, looking at Daisy, "All right Daisy, if you don't want to battle him, I will!"

"What do you mean?" Ash asked. "I'm a Cerulean City Trainer, too," Misty explained. "What?" Ash and I asked at the same time. "I'm the fourth Sensational Sister," Misty said.

"There are only three Sensational Sisters, and one runt," Lily said, which made Misty growled. "So little sister, it's a surprise to see you back so soon," Daisy told her. "That little girl with the big mouth who said she wouldn't come back until she was a great Pokémon Trainer, wasn't that you?" Violet asked.

"Huh? I guess, I did say something like that when I left," Misty admitted. Ash looked at me, "So that's why Misty was so deadset against coming here."

"Yeah," I muttered. "Misty, you left here pretending you wanted to become a Pokémon Trainer, because you couldn't compare with us, because we're obviously much more talented and beautiful than you are," Lily said. I raised an eyebrow and glanced at Ash, "They sure are full of themselves." Misty glared at Lily, "That wasn't the reason!"

"Well, then I guess like, you came back because you couldn't make it as a Pokémon Trainer," Daisy suggested. "It wasn't my idea to come back here, the only reason I'm here is because they wanted to come," Misty said, pointing at me and Ash.

Daisy looked between me and Ash, and then looked back at Misty, "Been the third wheel for the couple, huh? That must be hard." Ash and I both gasped and blushed. "We're not a couple!" We said at the same time.

Misty ignored us as she looked at her three sisters, "If I battle Ash it will prove I'm not a quitter and I'm just as good as a Trainer as you three!"

"Well, you are the only one of us with Pokémon that can actually battle," Daisy admitted. Misty got up in Ash's face, "All right Ash, are you ready to battle me or what!?"

Ash looked at her in confusion but agreed in the end. Both of them stood on both sides of the pool, which will serve as their Battle-Arena. Three floating islands floated inside the pool, and on either end of the pool a blue and red island floats, with Ash and Pikachu standing on one and Misty on the other. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to cheer for Ash, or cheer for Misty, since both of them were my friends.

"I wasn't planning to challenge you until you pay me back for my back, but this is a good time as any!" Misty said. "If you want the Cascade Badge, you gonna have to beat me!"

"It will be my pleasure!" Ash said. I looked down at my Pikachu, "This won't end good." Pikachu sighed as she shook her head, "Chu."

"So, how many Pokémon?" Ash asked. "Two against two works for me," Misty replied. "You got it!" Ash agreed before holding Pikachu in his arms, "All right, Pikachu, I choose you!"

Not surprisingly, his Pikachu hold onto his arm and refused to go, since he didn't want to fight a friend. "Ash, Pikachu doesn't want to fight against a friend!" I called. His Pikachu nodded before hopping off away from the pool and hopped to my shoulder, "Pika, pi."

"Thanks a lot, Pikachu," Ash said sarcastically while Misty smiled. Ash pulled out a Poké ball and threw it, "Butterfree, I choose you!" 

Butterfree came out from his Poké ball. Misty pulled out a Poké ball, "Well, in that case, Misty calls Staryu!" Her Staryu came out from the Poké ball and Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Staryu. The core of this Water Pokémon shines in a rainbow of seven colors, a core that is valued by some as a type of jewelry.

"Oh, wow, leave it to a girl to show off her jewellery," Ash muttered. "Hey!" I said. "Sorry," He told me. "Quit stalling and let's get this show on the road!" Misty called. Her sisters were standing next to me. "Do you think Misty could really win?" Violet asked.

"Like, in her dreams, maybe," Lily said. I raised an eyebrow at her and looked at both mine and Ash's Pikachu, "Wow, Misty's sisters sure know how to cheer for her," I muttered sarcastically. "Pika," Ash's Pikachu muttered.

"Butterfree, you can blow that thing away with one blast, tackle it!" Ash called. Butterfree flew toward Staryu and slammed it down before flying away. "Staryu, Counter Attack!" Misty called. Staryu got up quickly and spin up in the air toward Butterfree.

"Butterfree, dodge!" Ash called, and he did. Staryu overextended, bouncing along on the island it landed on before being tackled once again by Butterfree. Ash laughed, "I'm gonna win this!"

"Not bad," I muttered with a smile. "Pika!" My Pikachu cheered. "Staryu, Water Gun!" Misty called. Staryu jumped into the water, blasting Butterfree with water, then it leaped back out onto the island and shoot water, which Butterfree dodged easily.

"In that case, Stun Spore, now!" Ash called. Butterfree coated the pool with Stun Spore as Staryu obligingly stopped shooting its Water Gun and allowed the Spore to fall over its body. "You doing great, Butterfree!" I called. "Pikachu, Pi!" Ash's Pikachu cheered. "Pikachu!" My Pikachu cheered.

"Seel, Seel, Seel!" Seel said, clapping its hands. "Like, which side are you clapping for?" Violet asked. "Team Ash," I suggested. Ash's and my Pikachu held their paws up, "Pika-Pi!" Seel nodded, "Seel, Seel."

"Staryu, wash it off!" Misty called, and Staryu dropped into the water before a moment after it jumped out and posed bravely, flexing the limbs that approximate its arms. "Yay!" Misty cheered before looking at Ash, "Too bad you didn't know that Stun Spore doesn't work if you wash it off with water."

"Butterfree, Sleep Powder!" Ash called. I tilted my head as I watched Butterfree using the attack, but Staryu leaped into the water. "Tackle it under water!" Misty called. Staryu jumped out of the pool and knocked Butterfree for a loop and only barely avoided the next tackle, and with Staryu bouncing in and out of the water, Butterfree can't counter-attack in any way.

"Oh boy," I muttered. "Pika," My Pikachu said. Misty laughed, "Nothing beats Water Pokémon in the water!"

"Misty's totally awesome," Daisy said with a smile. "Well, we three got the good looks in the family, so I guess she had to get some talent," Lily said. Staryu bursted out of the water and connected hard with Butterfree, knocking him into the water. "Butterfree, return!" Ash called as he hold out Butterfree's Poké ball, which sent Butterfree back. He pulled out another Poké ball, "Pidgeotto, I choose you!"

Pidgeotto came out of its Poké ball, flying up. "Oh yeah?" Misty asked as she held out Staryu's Poké ball, "Staryu, return!" She sent it back inside and pulled out another Poké ball, "Misty calls Starmie!" She threw the Poké ball and sent out Starmie.

"Pidgeotto, Whirlwind it away!" Ash called and Pidgeotto started to blow Starmie away. "Dive under and up!" Misty called. Starmie leaped under the water and then quickly bursted out and tackled Pidgeotto back. "Strike back with Wing Attack," Ash called. Starmie came around for another tackle, spinning dangerously, but Pidgeotto knocked it down with the Wing Attack.

Unfortunately, Starmie got knocked right into the water, which refreshed it and it come spinning back out and slamming hard into Pidgeotto, and once again Starmie came around for another tackle. "Give it a Gust to blow it away!" Ash called. Pidgeotto used Gust Attack that knocked Starmie pasted the pool and hard into the side wall. "Starmie!" Misty called.

Starmie collapsed to the ground, it's core blinking to indicate its energy was low. I smiled, "Ash, you're one attack away from getting that badge!"

"Got it!" Ash said, "Pidgeotto--" He was cut off by a rumbling that started to shake the Gym. Suddenly, a massive vehicle with a metallic wedge on the front smashed through the wall. Misty and Ash ran out of the pool and stood next to me and Misty's sisters.

"Check out that hair," Violet said. "Like, who invited the party crashers?" Daisy asked. "Sorry to burst in on you ladies," a familiar voice said and we saw Jessie and James rising up on a platform from behind the wedge. "Allow us to introduce ourselves," James said.

"Prepare for trouble."

"And make it double."

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all peoples within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight."

"Meowth, that's right!"

"The Water Pokémon have the advantage," James said. "But if steal that water away," Jessie said. "Then the Pokémon are ours for the taking," James finished. "And Meowth knows just how to do it!" Meowth said.

"What are they trying to prove?" the blue one asked before a giant hose bursted out of the machine and dropped into the water, beginning to suck up all of the water inside of the pool. "You three were the ones that broke into that store," I said. "Our swimming pool!" Daisy called.

"That's our water!" Lily said. "Right, I can give it back," Meowth offered and pulled a lever, which made the water came back and washed all of us up.

"All right, now it's time to suck 'em up!" Meowth said and the hose started to drag Seel inside the trap. "Pikachu!" Ash called as his Pikachu was dragged in the water. Ash hold into my Pikachu as a hard wave of water suddenly hit me and dragged me into the water.

"Oh, no! Emma!" Misty called. "Emma! Pikachu!" Ash called. "Ash! Misty!" I shouted. "Pika!" I heard a Pikachu called and turned to see Ash's Pikachu as he bumped in front of me. I grabbed Pikachu as we saw Seel, and I grabbed into it.

I looked to the side and saw Ash and Misty with my Pikachu. "Emma!" Misty called. "Pikachu, use Thunder shock!" Ash told my Pikachu. Pikachu looked at me for a few seconds before using Thunder shock toward the water.

Team Rocket screamed in agony as the electricity courses through their bodies as I let the electric attack hit me with Seel and Ash's Pikachu.

The electric shook stopped and I breathed heavily. "Pikachu-Pi," Ash's Pikachu said as he looked at me. "It's times like these that make me want to go straight," I heard James said before he, Jessie and Meowth fell into the water and got sucked into the hose.

Unfortunately, the electric didn't stop the machine, and it keep dragging me, Ash's Pikachu and Seel toward it. "Ash!" I called. "Pika-Pi!" Ash's Pikachu called.

"Hold on!" Ash called as he ran toward the machine. Pikachu, Seel and I got pulled into the hose, cutting off my breathing and Pikachu's. Suddenly, the water pulled us back, and the three of us were released from the hose. Misty and her sisters all caught us before we hit the floor.

"Emma, are you okay?" Misty asked worriedly. "Pikachu-Pi!" My Pikachu called. "Yeah, I'm okay," I answered, letting out a sigh of relief. "Seel!" Seel said, nodding. "Pikachu," Ash's Pikachu said as he jumped off my arms. Ash ran closer, "Pikachu, Emma, you okay?"

"Pika pi," His Pikachu said, nodding. My Pikachu jumped into my arms, "Pika!" I smiled softly, "I'm okay." Misty and Ash both helped me stand up and we all looked at the pool. "What now? You two didn't finish the much," I pointed out. "Yeah," Ash muttered. "And I was just about to win it too."

"What?" Misty asked. "You could say your match had to be postponed like, due to drain," the blue one said. "At least nobody lost," Lily pointed out. "I wanted to win," Misty said. "I guess I'm not going to get that Cascade Badge," Ash said sadly.

"Wrong, we're giving this badge to you," Daisy said with a smile as she hold out the badge. "Huh?" Ash asked while I smiled. "How come he gets the badge?" Misty whined, "He didn't win!"

"Emma's Pikachu was the one that like, totally saved us all, and since Emma doesn't do battles for badges, I'm sure she wants Ash to have that instead, right?" Daisy asked. I nodded, "Yep."

"Oh man," Misty said. "Take the badge Ash, you deserve it," I said and Daisy handed it to him. "Wow, thanks," Ash said as he took the badge, "I'll take it." His Pikachu smiled, "Cha!" My Pikachu put her paws up, "Pika, Pika!"

All of us went outside to say goodbye to Misty's sisters. "Misty, you just go right on trying to be Pokémon trainer," Lily said, "You may as well be good at something 'cause you'll never be stars like us."

"You keep that up, you'll be seen stars!" Misty growled. "Chill out," Violet said with a soft smile this time. Daisy smiled, "Misty, just be careful. You know we love you." Misty smiled a little, nodding, "Yeah."

"Emma!" We heard a familiar voice behind us and we turned to see Brock running toward us. "Ash! Hey!"

"Yo, Brocko!" Ash said with a smile. "How'd it go?" Brock asked as he stopped beside us. "See for yourself," Ash said as he hold up his Cascade Badge. "Cool, let's go," Brock said. Ash and I started to follow him. "Yep," I said.

"You're not leaving without me!" Misty said as she quickly followed. "Of course we not!" I said as I linked my arm with hers, which caused my close friend to smile.

Chapter Text

"Guys, we're lost," I said as me and my friends walked along the thick tall grass. It has been two weeks since we left Cerulean City and headed to Vermilion City for Ash's next gym battle.

Ash looked at me over his shoulder while his Pikachu was resting on his backpack like mine was. "Don't worry, I'm positive that this lead us back to the path."

"Pika?" His Pikachu asked. "Positive, huh?" Brock asked sarcastically. "That what you said an hour ago, I'm tired," Misty said. "Me too," I agreed. "Can we stop for a moment?"

"Okay," Ash agreed as we all finally stopped walking. Misty sighed and gave Ash a look, "You just had to take a short cut."

"I took a short cut? It was you who said to go this way!" Ash said. "Ha! If I was leading, we wouldn't be lost like this!" Misty said while Brock and I exchanged an annoyed look. "Who said we lost?!" Ash asked.

"Stop!" I shouted, which caused Ash and Misty to stop bickering and look at me. I placed my hands on my hips, "Instead of fighting like little kids, we should find a way out."

"Emma's right, we won't get anywhere if you two keep fighting," Brock said. "Fine," Misty muttered. I started to lead the way out of the tall grass and found a few big rocks to sit on. "Let's rest for a little bit," I said.

"The best news I've heard for a while now," Misty said. I smiled and shook my head as we all sat down. Ash sat next to me and both our Pikachu. A moment later, we heard something behind us and looked over our shoulders to see an Oddish drinking from a small pond.

"Hey, it's an Oddish," I said with a smile as Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Oddish. This Pokémon is typically found roaming the forest, scattering pollen as it walks around.

Ash smiled as he pulled out a poke ball, "I'll catch it." I stepped in front of him, "Hold on, I'm gonna catch it."

"What? Why should I let you catch it?" Ash asked. "Because, I'm asking you very nicely to back off," I said, which caused Misty to giggle. "You go, girl!" She cheered before we saw that Oddish was starting to ran away.

"Oddish, Oddish," the tiny Pokémon said. "Pikachu, get it!" I called before my Pikachu ran quickly toward the blue Pokémon and stopped in front of it to block it's path. "Pika!" She said.

"Pikachu, Tackle!" I called. Pikachu rammed into Oddish, sending it to the ground before it quickly tried to get up. "Oddish! Oddish!" It called. "Pika!" My Pikachu said. "Tackle it again, Pikachu!" I called.

Pikachu rammed into Oddish again, sending it once again to the ground. I quickly pulled out a Poké ball, "Go, Poké ball!" I threw it toward the weakened Pokémon, but suddenly it was slapped back and I caught it. "What the--?"

There was a tiny grass Pokémon standing firmly, growling as it stood protectively in front of Oddish. It was a Bulbasaur.

"Wow! I can't believe it! A Bulbasaur!" Ash said with a big smile before he pulled out his Dexter.

Bulbasaur. It bears the seed of a plant on its back from birth. The seed slowly develops. Researchers are unsure whether to classify Bulbasaur as a plant or animal. Bulbasaur are extremely calm and very difficult to capture in the wild."

Bulbasaur suddenly charged forward toward my Pikachu. "Pika!" Pikachu said as she moved away before Bulbasaur could hit her. "Hey! Leave her alone!" I said. Pikachu ran back toward me and jumped into my arms.

Ash stood in front of me and hold a Poké ball, "Now it's my turn. Bulbasaur is mine." He threw the Poké ball, "Butterfree, I choose you!"

The Butterfly Pokémon came out. "Butterfree, Sleep Powder!" Ash called. Butterfree flew up high and tried to use the Sleep Powder to knock Bulbasaur out, but the Seed Pokémon simply sucked in air and blowed it back out. This caused the powder to wash over Butterfree instead, however, and send the Butterfly Pokémon down to the ground.

"Come on, hung in there, Butterfree!" Ash called. Butterfree attempted to shake off the effects of it's own Attack, but Bulbasaur tackled it, smashing Butterfree backwards before it followed Oddish into the bushes.

"Bulbasaur. It's not fair! I want it!" Ash shouted. "Pika," His Pikachu said. I placed a hand on Ash's shoulder, "Come on, Ash, it's not the end, there's always a next time."

Ash sighed, "Yeah, okay." He suddenly turned quickly to me and grabbed my wrists with a big smile, "Maybe we can find it! Come on." He dragged me along with him, Misty and Brock quickly followed us with our Pikachu.

We all came to a stop by a rigid rope bridge, with a river underneath it. I looked down at it nervously, "Um, do we have to go on that bridge?" My Pikachu sat on my shoulder while Ash's Pikachu sat on Ash's backpack. "Yep, come on," Ash said and leaded the way.

Me, Misty and Brock followed him. "I bet there are tons of Bulbasaur around this place," Ash said. "Well, this gives me an unwelcoming feeling," I said behind Ash.

"I can't find this bridge in the map," I heard Brock saying. A sudden gush of wind rocked the rigid bridge, swaying it back and forth. I grabbed into Ash's arm as all of us started to panic.

As the wind pushed the bridge and we saw the rope snapping and the bridge disappeared from underneath our feet. We all screamed as the bridge tilted on one side. Before I could fell into the river, a hand grabbed onto mine tightly and I looked up to see it was Ash who grabbed me while holding tightly into the side of the bridge with his other hand.

His Pikachu was holding into Ash's backpack while my Pikachu was holding tightly on my shoulder. Brock was holding tightly on the other side next to me and Ash on the bridge with Misty holding tightly into his feet.

"Hold on, everyone!" Ash shouted. My hand started to slip from his grasp but he tried to hold my hand tightly to keep me from falling. "I'm slipping!" I shouted. "Pika!" My Pikachu called before I pulled her toward Ash's backpack where his Pikachu was holding. Right then, my wrist slipped from Ash's grasp and I fall toward the river as I screamed.

"Emma, no!" Ash shouted. "Pikachu-Pi!" His Pikachu called. "Pika!" My Pikachu called. "Emma!" Misty and Brock shouted. I fall into the river and the water pulled me forward underwater. I could hear a splash, but I couldn't turn around.

I pulled out Poliwhirl's Poké ball and sent him out. "Poliwhirl," He said before noticing that we were underwater. My Pokémon and my family's knew I wasn't that much of a swimmer. Poliwhirl quickly swim toward me and I grabbed him before I felt someone behind me. Poliwhirl quickly pulled me up to get some air as the water pulled us forward. I gasped, taking in some air.

"Pika!"

I looked to my shoulder and saw my Pikachu on it. "Pikachu?" I asked in shock. Pikachu looked at me and smiled. 

After a few moments of swimming, Poliwhirl lead me and Pikachu into shore. Poliwhirl, Pikachu and me sat for a few minutes as I took more air and sighed in relief. "Pikachu-Pi," Pikachu said as she placed her paws on my arm.

"Poliwhirl," Poliwhirl said, looking at me worriedly. I smiled at my two Pokémon, "I'm okay, guys. Thanks." I looked at Pikachu, "Pikachu, how did you get into the river? Did the others slipped in too?" She shook her head. "Did--did you jump in after me?" She smiled and nodded, "Pi."

I smiled at my yellow best friend, "Thank you." Pikachu smiled as she held up her paw, "Pikachu."

"Hey, are you okay?"

We looked forward and saw a girl running toward us. "Uh, yeah," I answered as I stood up. "Thanks to my Pokémon."

The girl sighed in relief, "Thank goodness." She held out a towel, "Here, dry yourself." I took it, "Thank you. My name is Emma."

"My name is Melanie," She said with a smile as I used the towel to dry my hair. "It's nice to meet you," I said before handing the towel back to her, "Thanks again."

"Sure," Melanie said. "I need to go find my friends, now," I said with a sigh. "You got separated from them, huh?" She asked. "Yes," I answered before nothing an Oddish behind her. "Hey! You that Oddish."

"Oddish," It said before hiding behind Melanie. "Oh, is it yours?" I asked. "No, not really, I'm just taking care of it and other Pokémon who have been abandoned," She answered before she pointed at a few more Pokémon near by. "Oh," I said, "That's sad."

"Pika," My Pikachu said. I looked down at Oddish, "I'm sorry, Oddish, I didn't know," I said. "Oddish," It said. "Your friends must be looking for you, just be carful 'cause there are traps around," Melanie informed me, "In case you will get trapped in a net, I could give you a knife."

"Oh, no need, I have a Pokémon who can set me free if that will happen," I said as I pulled out Scyther's Poké ball, "Scyther, come on out." Scyther came out of the Poké ball, "Scyther."

"That's good, well if you like, you can bring your friends here, but please make sure they won't try to catch any of the Pokémon here," Melanie said. "Of course," I said, "I'll be back soon with them, thank you."

"See you soon," Melanie said before I looked at my three Pokémon, "Okay, guys, let's go find Ash, Brock and Misty." With that said, we headed off to find my friends.

After a few minutes of walking, me and my Pokémon spotted three figures trapped inside a net. I tilted my head as we walked closer and saw it was Brock, Ash and Misty. "Hey, guys!" I called, making them look down at me and they smiled. "Emma!"

"You okay!" Ash said with a smile. I smiled as I placed my hands on my hips, "How did you three get up there, huh?" I looked at Scyther, "Scyther, cut them down, will ya?"

"Scyther!" Scyther said with a nod and used his large, white scythes to cut the rope of the net, making my friends hit the ground hard. "You guys okay?" I asked. "Next time, maybe more gentle," Misty said. "Sorry," I said as they got up. Ash stood in front of me, "Did you get hurt?"

"Uh, no, I'm fine," I said. "We've been looking all over for you," Misty said. "What happened after you hit the water?" Brock asked. "My Poliwhirl got me to the shore and we met a girl named Melanie," I explained as Ash looked down at Poliwhirl and he pulled out his Dexter.

Poliwhirl, the Tadpole Pokémon. Its highly developed muscles allow Poliwhirl to move efficiently on land, but it is even more agile in water.

"Cool," Ash said. "Poliwhirl," Poliwhirl said as I petted him. "We were worried about you," Misty said, "When your Pikachu jumped after you to the water, Ash was gonna do the same if Brock and I didn't stop him."

"Sorry I got you worried," I said, "Come on, let's go see Melanie." My Pokémon and I leaded my friends back to Melanie's Hidden Village, finding Melanie giving a few Pokémon food. "Hey, Melanie," I said.

Melanie turned to face us and smiled, "Emma, you're back." I smiled, "Meet my friends. This is Ash, Brock and Misty." Brock looked at Melanie in awe, "H--hello."

"So you're Emma's friends, I'm so glad she found you," Melanie said with a smile. "It's nice to meet you," Misty said before looking at the Pokémon, "Wow, look at that. Are all those Pokémon belong to you?"

"Oh, no. This is a place where Pokémon can rest and relax," Melanie answered. "Like summer camp?" Ash suggested. I smiled, "Kinda."

"You see, when Pokémon get abandoned or injured, they can come here, I'm taking care of them until they feel better, and they leave," Melanie explained. "So this is a Pokémon Centre, and Melanie is a Pokémon Doctor," Misty said.

"Oh no, I'm not qualified to be a Pokémon Doctor," Melanie said, "This is more like a Pokémon Health Spa. Here the Pokémon don't battle one and other. They relax, and try to enjoy themselves until they recover."

"Cool," Misty said. "Amazing," Brock said as he kept gazing at Melanie. "Hey, Brock, she and you have a few things in common," I said. "You both love to take care of Pokémon. Just like I do."

"Pikachu," My Pikachu agreed. Misty smirked, "Looks to me that there's something else Brock loves," She said teasingly, which caused Brock's face to get red. He put his hand on Misty's mouth, "Be quiet, she may hear you!"

Ash looked at me and I shrugged. Melanie stood up and turned to us. "I wonder who put that net in the tree?" Ash wondered. "Probably the same person who dug that hole I fell into," Misty said.

"I'm sorry, I was the one who set those traps," Melanie said, "I wanted to catch Pokémon trainers before they reach the village. Since you've got caught, I guess they really work."

"But why?" Misty asked. "There so many injured Pokémon here, I have to protect them," Melanie explained. "So the bridge..." I trailed off.

"Was a trap, yes," Melanie answered, "I'm sorry." I smiled, "That's all right, we're okay." I looked at my friends, "Come on, guys, let's go look around."

Ash, Misty, Brock and I went to the side as I looked at them, "I promised Melanie we won't try to catch any of those Pokémon." Ash shrugged, "That's okay."

"Yeah, we promise," Brock said. "Only bad guys try capture sick Pokémon," Misty said. "But are those traps though enough to keep robbers away from this place?" Ash asked, "I mean, you have to be pretty stupid to fall for one of those holes." Misty glared at him, "Hey!"

Me and my friends decided to help around Melanie for a while. Misty and I were sitting down with Oddish. "How are you feeling, Oddish?" Misty asked as I gave it it's food. "I really hope you okay after what happened with my Pikachu," I said. My yellow best friend walked closer, "Pikachu."

"Oddish, Oddish," It said with a smile. "BULB-AH-SAUR!" a familiar voice called and we saw the same Bulbasaur running over, then tackling Misty and she fell. I stood up, "Misty." I looked at Bulbasaur as Ash and Brock ran closer, "Hey, what was that for?"

My Pikachu stood in front of me and Misty, glaring at Bulbasaur, "Pika!" Bulbasaur just kept glaring at us. "I know, you just mad because I was gonna bat you, but you chicken out and ran off," Ash said.

"That must be it," Misty agreed as she stood up. "Then let's see how though you really are," Ash said. Melanie ran over, "Please wait, please. Bulbasaur was only trying to protect Oddish. Bulbasaur volunteered to guard our all Village. It protects all the injured Pokémon whenever enemies try to attack them. Bulbasaur is the most bravest, most loyal of Pokémon."

"So that's why Bulbasaur attacked me," Misty said, "It must have thought I was taking Oddish from the Village." We looked down to see Bulbasaur trying to push Ash backward. "Now what?" I asked.

"Bulbasaur doesn't like Pokémon trainers, it wants you to leave the Village now," Melanie said. "But we're not here to capture Pokémon," Misty said, "We want to help you."

"It's true, Bulbasaur, this are our friends," Melanie said but Bulbasaur kept trying to push Ash backward. "Bulbasaur..." I trailed off. "Bulbasaur was worried about the other Pokémon, so it decided to be the Village bodyguard, now that's what I call bravery, it will be great to have a Pokémon like that," Ash said.

Suddenly, a large shadow had appeared over us, and we all looked up to the sky to see a floating stadium before it landed near the village. We saw two familiar people along with a talking Pokémon came into sight.

"Team Rocket," I said with a sigh. "Here we go again," Ash said. "It's only Jessie's stadium, the Team Rocket Pokémon challenge," Jessie said. "The flying stadium was my idea," James said before a giant hose came out of the stadium and started to windy force in.

"All Pokémon are invited to the stadium," Jessie said. "Step right up," James said. The wind from the hose blow my hair as I grabbed held off both mine and Ash's Pikachu. A Staryu in front of me was slowly going backward toward the host, trying to get away from it. "Staryu!" I called before Ash grabbed it.

"They never run out of ideas, do they?" He asked. "Hurry! Everybody get in the cabin!" I heard Brock calling.

"Wait!" I head Misty and turned to see Misty trying to grab Oddish but it flew away, toward the host. "No! Oddish!" Misty yelled. Suddenly a vine whip catch Oddish before it could get inside the host thanks to Bulbasaur.

"All right, Bulbasaur!" I called with a smile. "Bulbasaur!" Misty called with a smile. Ash handed Staryu to Misty, "Take Staryu!"

He ran toward Bulbasaur and started to help it and Oddish toward the cabin. "Misty, come on," I said before running with her to the cabin.

We waited until Ash, Bulbasaur and Oddish came inside before closing the door. "It won't be safe for much longer," I said, "Not thanks for that host they have."

"What are we gonna do?" Misty asked. "Emma?" I looked around, thinking about a plan and looked up. "Bulbasaur," I said and looked down at the Seed Pokémon, "Can you go up to the roof? Use vine whip attack on the host, get it away from the cabin." Bulbasaur nodded, "Bulbasaur." I looked at Ash, "Ash, we'll need your Pidgeotto, I'll get Scyther."

"Okay," Ash agreed. We felt the cabin shaking and I turned back to Bulbasaur, "Bulbasaur, now." The Seed Pokémon ran up to the stairs and I turned to Brock, "Brock, look out the window, tell me and Ash when we can come out to get Pidgeotto and Scyther out."

"Right," Brock said as he quickly walked to the window. The shaking stopped and Brock turned to us, "Now." Ash and I run outside to see Bulbasaur's vine whip was hitting the host away from the cabin's roof, and we pulled out our Poké Balls.

"Scyther, come on out!"

"Pidgeotto, I choose you!"

Scyther and Pidgeotto stood together in front of us. "Wait for attacking, Ash. Scyther, Swords Dance, now!" Scyther crossed his claws across his chest and spine rapidly, air blowing around him. "Now, Ash."

"Pidgeotto, Gust Attack!" Ash ordered. Pidgeotto moved behind Scyther, helping him with it's wings at a high speed to create a miniature tornado with Scyther inside. "Come on, Scyther," I said. Scyther moved inside the tornado with Pidgeotto's help toward Team Rock, pulling the three of them, along with the stadium inside.

"Scyther, Focus Energy!" I called. A blue light appeared inside the tornado before suddenly, Team Rock flew up into the sky with the stadium. "Looks like Team Rockets blasting off again!" We heard them calling before disappearing into the sky.

The tornado disappeared, letting me show Scyther was completely fine. "Scyther," He said, walking toward me. "Amazing team work, guys," Ash complimented Pidgeotto and Scyther.

"Good job," I said as everyone walked out. "Is everyone all right?" Melanie asked. "Yeah," Ash answered as Bulbasaur walked closer, and he looked at it. "You did great too, Bulbasaur."

"Yes, well done," I said. "Bulbasaur," the Seed Pokémon said with a nod. I held Scyther's Poké Ball, "Once again, Scyther, good job, return."

"Scyther," Scyther said before he disappeared into his Poké Ball. Ash held Pidgeotto's Poké Ball, "Good job, Pidgeotto." With that, the bird Pokémon returned inside the Poké Ball. Ash looked at Bulbasaur with a smile, "This Village is very protected with Bulbasaur here."

"Yep," I agreed with a smile. Melanie looked at Ash with a smile, "Ash, don't you agree that Bulbasaur will be an excellent edition to your team?"

"Oh yeah," Ash agreed. "I think Bulbasaur should go with you," Melanie said before picking Bulbasaur up while we all looked at her in shock.

Melanie smiled, "Bulbasaur stayed to protect the weaker Pokémon. But this Village to small, the bulb on it's back can't grow. It needs to go out to the world now, and I know you will take good care for it. Please, do me this favor, take Bulbasaur with you on your journey. He will be a good companion."

"But, what about the other Pokémon?" I asked. "Yeah, what will happen with the Village without Bulbasaur?" Misty asked. "Who's going to protect you?" Brock asked.

"It's true that Bulbasaur has done a great job, maybe too great a job," Melanie said with a soft smile, "See, those Pokémon shouldn't remind in this Village forever and ever. After they recover, the Pokémon are suppose to leave, but it's too safe here, so none of them wants to go away. They don't want to return to the outside world. But, I think it's important that all of them return to the wild, that's where Pokémon belong, and hopefully, someday, they will find a good trainers like you. Of course, taking care of sick Pokémon always be my mission, but I know my job isn't finish until they will return where they came from, so it's the day Pokémon leave is the most rewarding to me."

"Melanie..." I trailed off, smiling a small soft smile. Melanie smiled at me before looking back at Ash, "So, you see, it's time for Bulbasaur to leave here, please take him with you, he won't be a problem, I promise." Ash looked at Bulbasaur as she continued, "Bulbasaur still has a lot of growing to do. I want it to be in a place were I'm sure it can grow strong and happy. I'm sure that place is with you, Ash."

Ash smiled softly, "Well, if you really want me to..." Bulbasaur looked at Melanie, "Bulbasaur." Melanie chuckled softly and Ash looked confused, "What did it say?"

"Bulbasaur will join you, on one condition, it wants to battle you in a Pokémon match, right Bulbasaur?" Melanie asked with a smile, which the Seed Pokémon nodded in agreement. Ash grinned, "If you want a match, you get it!"

"Oh, please let me battle Bulbasaur, please, pretty please," Misty begged. "No way," Ash said. "Emma, please, tell Ash to let me," Misty begged. I chuckled, "Sorry, Misty, but I can't do that this time." I looked at Ash, "Looks like you gonna battle with Pikachu."

"You bet," Ash agreed before looking at the male most Pokémon, "Pikachu, ready?" His Pikachu held up his paw, "Pika!"

Ash and Pikachu ran to stand near the end of the cabin. Bulbasaur jumped from Melanie's arms and went to the other side. "Looks like Bulbasaur is ready to go," I said with a smile before walking with my Pikachu toward Ash and his Pikachu.

Misty went with me while Melanie and Brock stood behind Bulbasaur. "Let's start!" I called. "Pikachu, go!" Ash called.

Pikachu ran toward Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur used his vine wipe, trying to wipe Pikachu with them, but Pikachu kept avoiding them. Bulbasaur ran toward Pikachu, head-butting him, making Pikachu fell backward. "Pikachu," Ash called before Bulbasaur ran toward the mouse Pokémon again. "Pikachu, look out," Ash called.

"Ash, tell Pikachu to dodge it!" I whispered to him. Ash looked like he snapped out from something, "Pikachu, dodge it!" Pikachu dodged Bulbasaur before the Seed Pokémon can head-butt him again. The most Pokémon head-butt Bulbasaur, making him fall backward. Bulbasaur growled at Pikachu, using vine wipe to wrap them around Pikachu and started to threw him up and down to the ground.

"Pika-chu!" My Pikachu called. "Emma, do something," Misty whispered. "Me?" I asked. "You're the mentor, tell Ash what to do," Misty said. "Huh?" I asked before turning to Ash, "Ash, wake up, give Pikachu a command! Now!"

"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Ash called. Pikachu used the attack, easily weakening Bulbasaur, making him let go of Pikachu. Ash threw a Poké Ball toward Bulbasaur, "Poké ball, go!" The Poké caught him inside and we waited. The Poké ball stopped moving, meaning Bulbasaur was now Ash's.

Ash grinned, "We did it!" I smiled and looked at Misty, "Need to be hard sometimes." Misty smiled at me and held thumbs up, "That was perfect, boss!" I chuckled and looked at Ash as he held up Bulbasaur's Poké ball.

We were all about to head off, but before we did, Ash got Bulbasaur out to say goodbye to Melanie and all the Pokémon. "Have a safe trip," Melanie told us. "I promise to take good care of Bulbasaur," Ash said. Melanie kneeled down and patted Bulbasaur, "Bulbasaur... thank you for watching over us."

Brock stepped toward Melanie as she stood up. "Uh, Melanie, I've been thinking now," He started. "Yes?" She asked. "Well, since Bulbasaur leaving, I wouldn't mind staying and helping you out," Brock said.

"It's very kind of you, but we'll be okay, I wouldn't want to keep you from all of your wonderful adventures," Melanie said with a smile. "Oh..." Brock trailed off, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

I chuckled before Melanie looked at me. "Oh, Emma, before I will forget," She said before handing me a small map, "I marked down all the traps I put out there so you and your friends won't get catch by them."

"Thank you," I said and looked at the map. "Sorry again for this," She said. "Don't be, they are there for a very good reason," Misty said. "Bye, Melanie," I said before we started to walk away. "Goodbye, Melanie," Ash said. "Goodbye, good luck," Melanie said.

Bulbasaur looked behind us, "Bulbasaur." Ash smiled down at him, "Don't worry, Bulbasaur, you'll see your friends again. As soon as the Pokémon feel better, they'll leave this Village too."

I looked over at Brock, who was looking a little bit sad. "What's up with you?" Misty smirked, "I think someone liked Melanie." Brock's face grew red and he quickly cover Misty's mouth with his hand, "Shut up. Okay, she's cute and all--"

I giggled as I watched my two friends. "What's going on? Am I missing something?" Ash asked in confusion and I just chuckled at him as well. "What?" Ash asked. "What is it? Tell me. Come on, Emma." I smiled and shook my head.

Chapter Text

It's been almost two weeks since we said goodbye to Melanie and the Pokémon from the Village and avoid the traps she marked on a small map she gave me.

But we were still in the woods, lost again. I was lying my head on my backpack while lying on the grass, while Brock was looking at his map, Ash was watching around for Pokémon with pair of binoculars, and Misty was sitting on the ground, pouting.

"There's nothing but Spearow here," Ash said. "Well that's the last of our worried, isn't it?" Misty asked, glaring over at him. "Just because we're a little lost, doesn't mean I can stop catching all the Pokémon I can, does it?" Ash replied.

"Chu," His Pikachu agreed with a nod, sitting next to my Pikachu. "Of course not, enjoy yourself," Misty snapped and let out a sigh in annoyance, "I just can't take another step forward. We've been looking for Vermilion City for ten days!"

Brock looked down at her feet in confusion, "Uh... there's a bug right on your--" Misty screamed and quickly stood up before hiding behind Ash, "Get it away!"

Brock picked up a piece of grass, "Oh, it was just a piece of grass," He said. Misty glared at him but he laughed before she slapped him in the face hard, making the map in his hand fell from his hand and flew toward me. I grabbed the map and studied it as I sat up.

"I'm going crazy! Where are we?!" Misty shouted and I raised an eyebrow do to her outbreak. I cleared my throat as I looked back at the map, "According to the map we're standing in the middle of nowhere, but looks like route 24 can lead us right to Vermilion City."

Misty kneeled in front of me with a big happy smile, "Does this trail take us to route 24?" I smiled, "Yeah. We just need to keep going forward."

Misty grinned as she stood up and grabbed her backpack, "All right! From now on, Emma is holding the map." She started to walk forward in the trail and I chuckled before standing up. I grabbed my backpack and turned to the two boys, "Come on boys. Pikachu."

"Pi," My Pikachu said before she and Ash's Pikachu started to follow me. "Hey, guys!" Misty called and we all quickly walked toward her to see something was sitting on a big rock.

"What's that?" Ash asked before we walked closer. "It's..." I trailed off and saw it was a tiny Pokémon name Charmander. "It's a Charmander," I said. "Ch..." Charmander said quietly as Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Charmander. A flame burns on the tip of its tail from birth. It is said that a Charmander dies if its flame ever goes out.

"When I went to get my first Pokémon from Professor Oak, I was disappointed 'cause I couldn't get a Charmander, now I can catch my own," Ash said with a smile. I looked at Charmander sadly, noticing it was breathing heavily and looked weak.

"I don't know... it look like it's in bad shape," Misty noted. "Yeah, catch it and we'll take it to the Pokémon Center for help," Brock told Ash.

Ash pulled out a Poké ball and threw it toward Charmander, "Poké ball, go!" But the Lizard Pokémon used it's tail to hit the Poké ball back toward Ash. Ash looked at me and Brock, "Looks pretty healthy to me. You think I should have Pikachu battle it first to weaking it, to make it easier to catch?"

Misty smiled, "Why don't you let me catch it? My water Pokémon will be stronger against Charmander." Ash raised an eyebrow, "No way."

I looked toward Charmander, "Hold on a minute," I said to my friends, "Look at the flame on it's tail." The three of them followed my gaze to Charmander's tail. "It's small..." Brock trailed off. "Yeah, there is no way Charmander can still have the strength to battle," I said before looking at Ash, "Try the Poké ball one more time."

"Okay, Poké ball, go!" Ash said before quickly throwing the Poké ball again at the Lizard Pokémon, this time trapping it inside. Ash grinned, "All right!" The Poké ball moved around before Charmander came out, and the Poké ball flew back to Ash, this time hitting him in the head.

"It sure has a lot of spunk," I muttered. "A little too much," Ash said. I looked down at both mine and Ash's Pikachu, "Hey you two, do you mind putting some talking?"

My Pikachu smiled, "Pika." My Pikachu and Ash's walked over and jumped on top of the rock before they stated to talk with Charmander before the two most Pokémon ran back toward me and my friends.

"What's the story, guys?" I asked. "Pi, Pikachu, Pikachu," Ash's Pikachu said. "Pi," My Pikachu said, "Pikachu, Pika, Pika, Pikachu, Pika, Chu, Pikachu!"

"Really?" I asked. "Pi," Mine and Ash's Pikachu said with a nod. "Okay," I said before looking at Brock, Ash and Misty, "They say that Charmander is waiting on that rock for someone to come and get it."

"You mean it belong to someone?" Misty asked. "Yeah," I answered. "Well, if it's waiting for someone, I think we better leave it," Brock said, "It's probably best it's own trainer takes care of it."

"I hope it's trainer comes back soon," Ash said before we started to walk away. We walked for a few minutes, as the sky turned slightly grey. Misty walked slightly ahead of me, Ash and Brock, "Hey, guys, look over there." There was a Pokémon center on the side of the trail, "It's the Pokémon center."

"It's looks just like on the map, route 24 isn't far away," I pointed out. A minute or so after, it started to rain, so we all started to ran toward the Pokémon center. "Hurry," Ash said.

After we settled down in the Pokémon center, we were having some dinner. I was watching the heavy rain from the window of my seat, thinking about Charmander, I hoped it wasn't still out there on the rock, waiting for it's trainer.

"Emma, what's wrong?" I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Misty's voice, and looked over to see Ash, Misty, Brock and both mine and Ash's Pikachu looking at me in concern. "Oh... Uh, nothing, just you know, Charmander," I said, "I can't stop thinking maybe it still waiting on that rock."

"I'm sure it's not waiting anymore," Brock said before placing a bowl of soup in front of me, "Now eat up while it's hot, it can make you feel better."

"Thanks, Brock," I said with a smile. "Hey, what if I'll ask Pidgeotto to go check if Charmander is still there, will that make you feel better?" Ash asked, holding up Pidgeotto's Poké Ball. I smiled, "It kinda does. Thanks, Ash."

We heard laughing not far from us and looked over to see a group of boys sitting together, looking at a group of Poké balls on the table.

"You the man, Damien."

"Yo, I thought you had a Charmander, too."

"Yeah, I had one, but that puny thing was so weak, it couldn't beat the weakness opponents," the boy, Damien said.

"I don't like his attitude," Misty said. "Charmander maybe weak against water Pokémon, but if it's trainer works hard enough, it can become stronger," Brock said.

"So what did you do with Charmander?" a boy asked. "I left it on some rock in the woods," Damien answered, and my friends and I exchanged a look. "That thing is so stupid, no matter what I do to it, it keeps on following me, I finally go rid of it by promising I'd come back for it. It fell for it. It's probably still there waiting for me," Damien said and his gang laugh.

"He's the one who abandoned that Charmander," Ash said. "Yeah, and it still waiting for him on that rock," Misty said. I glared at that boy Damien and slammed my palms against the table as I stood up.

"Emma?" Brock asked but I ignored him and walked toward Damien and his gang. I jumped over the couch and grabbed Damien by the shirt, startling him.

"Go and get it!" I demanded. "What?" Damien asked. "That Charmander is still waiting for you," I snapped, "Go and get it, now!"

"And, why should I, sweet face?" Damien asked as he pulled himself away from my grip. "You lied to your Pokémon, said you'd be back, now it's waiting out there in the rain for you," I snapped as my friends ran closer, "And if its tail's flame goes out, it will die."

"What I do is none of your business," Damien said. "Do what she said," Brock said. "What did you said?" Damien asked. "You heard what I said," Brock snapped. "And you want to be a Pokémon trainer," Ash said. "You disgusting," Misty said.

Both mine and Ash's Pikachu glared at Damien. Damien grabbed a Poké Ball, "You want a fight with me?"

"You better no mess with Damien," a boy said. I glared at them, "No. You better not mess with me. I can beat you in a battle with one Pokémon."

"Oh really?" Damien asked. "Let's see that, sweet face." Nurse Joy suddenly stepped over, "Let's break it up. You know the rules. Pokémon never to be use for personal fights. It's disrespectful to the Pokémon and their trainers."

"Yeah? Well, tell them they were the ones who started it," Damien said as he walked away with his gang following. Nurse Joy stood next to me and turned to face me and my friends, "I think you'd be better off not to get mixed up with them. They have a very bad reputation."

"Thanks," I muttered. She smiled and walked away. "She sure is pretty, I've never seen anyone as pretty as her," Brock said in a daze. I rolled my eyes and turned around to head for the coats.

"Emma, where you going?" Ash asked. "I'm gonna go get Charmander," I answered as I put on a coat, "If that idiot who calls himself a Pokémon trainer isn't gonna do it, then I will."

"Not without us," Ash said. "Yeah, let's go," Brock said. I smiled at my friends as they put on coats and we ran out with both mine and Ash's Pikachu.

We ran up the hill to the trail were we saw Charmander on the rock. We reached closer to see a few wild Spearow attacking Charmander. Ash threw a rock toward them, "Knock it off!"

"We can't use any of our Pikachu, not when we all damped in water," I said before pulling out Scyther's Poké ball, "Scyther, come on out!"

Scyther came out from his Poké ball and looked at the Spearow. "Scyther, get those Spearow away from Charmander, use Razor Wind!" I called. "Scyther!" Scyther called, which caused the Spearow to look over.

Scyther crossed his scythes and they started to glow white. He held them forward and multiple white crescent shaped energy beam came out and hit the Spearow as Scyther moved his scythes. The Spearow flew away as Scyther jumped to stand protectively in front of the very weak Charmander.

"Good work, Scyther," I said as we ran closer and I held Scyther's Poké ball, letting Scyther go back inside. Ash and I stood at the rock as I pulled off my coat. "Oh no, the flame on it's tail is almost out," Ash said as I put the coat around Charmander.

"Let's get it to the Pokémon Center," Brock said. "I'll make sure the flame on its tail will stay lit," Ash said. Ash and I ran toward the Pokémon center, holding Charmander, while Brock and Misty followed.

"You can make it, Charmander," I said as we kept running. We quickly got back to the Pokémon Center and panted as we reached inside. "Nurse Joy," Ash panted. Nurse Joy ran closer to us, "What is it?"

I showed her Charmander, "This Charmander is in bad shape."

"The flame on its tail..." Ash trailed off. Nurse Joy gasped, "There's not much time."

Brock, Misty, Ash and I stood by the bed that Charmander was on while Nurse Joy standing beside it, checking it. "Will it survive?" Brock asked.

"Charmander is very weak," Nurse Joy stated, "How can you let it get into this condition?"

"It's not our fault," Ash said. "Yeah, Damien was the one that abandoned it," I said. "What?" Nurse Joy asked in horror. I looked at Charmander sadly as I explained to Nurse Joy, "Damien promised to Charmander that he will come back for it. Charmander is loyal to Damien, so it believed him."

"Poor Charmander," Nurse Joy said, "And Damien just left with the rest of them." I looked at her, "Nurse Joy, I'm begging you, please save it. Charmander have to get better."

"Pika-chu," My Pikachu agreed sadly. Nurse Joy nodded, "I will do whatever I can. Wait outside."

My friends and I walked to the waiting room and watched as the red light above the doors lighting up. "Pika..." My Pikachu said as we exchanged a look before looking back at the red light.

I didn't knew how long I kept standing in front of the doors and looking up at the red light. Brock, Ash, Misty and both mine and Ash's Pikachu were moving around behind me but I didn't turned to watch what they were doing.

'Charmander... Please, hold on.'

I felt a tap on my shoulder and looked over to see Misty holding a plate. She smiled, "Unlike Brock, Ash and I, you didn't eat at all earlier. So here." She held it to me and I took it, "You have to eat something."

I smiled softly, "Thanks, Misty." Right after that, the red light disappeared and we all watched as Nurse Joy walked out. She smiled and we all grinned, knowing she saved Charmander.

We all looked inside to see Charmander was sleeping. "Charmander is recovering," Nurse Joy said, "It should be fine by morning."

I smiled. 'That's the spirit, Charmander.'

We all spent the night sleeping at the couches after knowing Charmander was going to be okay. I woke up before my friends and decided to give my Pokémon some food before I was gonna see how Charmander was feeling.

I walked toward Scyther, Pikachu and Poliwhirl with Pokémon food and placed them on the floor in front of them, "There you go, guys, dig in. I'll be right back, just want to see how a friend is doing."

They nodded and I walked away as they started to eat. I walked toward Charmander's room as Nurse Joy walked over. "Morning, Nurse Joy," I said. "Good morning, Emma," Nurse Joy said with a smile, "I see you going to see Charmander."

"Just want to see how is it," I said. "Well, come with me, then," Nurse Joy said with a smile and we both walked toward the room.

We walked inside to see that no one was there. Charmander was gone! "Oh my," Nurse Joy said. I quickly walked out and ran toward the couches, "Wake up everyone!"

Ash, Misty, Brock and Ash's Pikachu woke up, looking over at me. Scyther, my Pikachu and Poliwhirl walked closer in confusion. "What's going on?" Brock asked.

"Charmander disappeared!" I said. All of us quickly ran to the room where Nurse Joy was still waiting. "I bet it went back to that rock to wait for Damion," Ash said. "We got to go back," I said.

"But that no use, we can't force Charmander to come with us if it wants to wait for Damion, even if he is a lying creep," Misty said. "She's right," Nurse Joy said, "There's nothing you can do until Charmander realizes the truth."

I looked down sadly and sighed. Misty placed her hand on my shoulder, "Come on, Emma. Cheer up, at least we saved it and helped it get back to health, that's what matters too, isn't that right?"

"Yeah... I guess you're right," I muttered. "I'm sure Charmander will know the truth very soon," Brock said, "So let's eat breakfast and hit the road, okay?"

"Okay..." I said and let Misty lead me out of the room.

After eating breakfast, we went back to the road, heading off. I walked behind everyone, sadly looking around, hoping maybe Charmander will come out so I could see that it was really okay.

"Are you still worried?" I looked over when I heard Ash's voice and saw my friends looking at me. "Kinda..." I said. Misty smiled, "That's really sweet, you know? The way you care of it still."

"That's what makes you a good Pokémon trainer," Brock said with a nod. "Hey, the three of you are good Pokémon trainers too," I said and tilted my head, "I just thought that Charmander knew we care about it."

"Emma, Charmander knew we care, but it couldn't forget about Damion, it still loyal to him, that's why it went back," Ash said. Misty linked her arm with mine with a smile, "Now, come on! Route 24 is just up ahead." She pulled me forward with her, "Once we'll get to Vermilion City there will be a lot of Pokémon."

"I can always count on you to cheer me up, huh, Misty?" I asked with a chuckle. "Of course," Misty answered with a chuckle, "Keep up, boys!"

I was holding the map in front of me as I leaded my friends. Both mine and Ash's Pikachu were walking beside me on each side.

I suddenly stopped when I heard Brock, Misty and Ash yelling from behind me and turned around to see they were gone. "Guys?"

"Down. Here."

I looked down to see a big hole and looked over with both Pikachu to see my friends down the hole. "Are you guys okay?" I asked worriedly, noticing they looked pretty hurt. "Pika-chu?" Ash's Pikachu asked.

"Pika, Pika?" My Pikachu asked. We heard something behind us and turned to see Team Rocket with blue suits. "I can't believe they fall for it," Meowth said. "Our invention worked," Jessie said, "We're geniuses."

"Team Rocket?" I asked as I raised an eyebrow. "Come with us, Emma," James said, "You belong to Team Rocket now."

"No way," I said, "Pikachu, both of you use Thunder Shock." Both mine and Ash's Pikachu used Thunder Shock attack on Team Rocket, but it didn't hurt the trio.

"Rubber won't conduct electricity," James said as Jessie and Meowth laughed. "Just another example for our incredible genius of work," Jessie said as both mine and Ash's Pikachu stopped.

"What?" I muttered. "You'll have to be a rocket scientist to outsmart us," James said, "The Team Rocket scientist, which you could be if you would like, when you'll join us."

"Not happening," I snapped, "And what are you wearing?"

"We call those our 'Unti-Pikachu' suits, since we knew you'll use your Pikachu," Jessie said, "We made them ourselves. I must admit I don't think this is really my color--"

"Enough talk! Let's just grab them and get outta here!" Meowth said. "Emma, run!" I heard Ash yelling from the hole. Both mine and Ash's Pikachu stood in front of me protectively, "Pika!"

What surprised me the most when all of a suddenly a Lizard Pokémon came over and stood between both of the Pikachu, standing protectively in front of me.

"Charmander?" I asked in shock. "What's this?" Jessie asked. "Ch, Ch, Charmander," Charmander said. "Huh, it says we better leave this girl alone right now," Meowth said.

"It's got to be kidding," Jessie said. "Now, step a side you little fire bug," James said. This seemed to got Charmander mad and it used a huge Flamethrower on the trio.

Team Rocket stared at it for a few seconds before turning around and running away. Misty, Ash and Brock climbed out of the hole as I smiled at Charmander. "You did it, Charmander!"

"Pika!" My Pikachu said with a smile. "Thank you," I said. "You see, Emma?" Misty asked with a smile, "Charmander knew we care, that's why it's here."

"Yeah," I said with a smile. "Charmander, how'd you like to join up with us?" Ash asked, "I'm afraid your trainer isn't going to come back."

"Hey, Charmander."

We all looked over to see Damion. "Been looking all over for ya," He said. "Damion?" I asked. "What do you want?" Brock asked. "I came back for Charmander," Damion said, "Just like I promised."

We all looked at him in shock, no way he would ever come back for Charmander.

"So, let's go," Damion told the Lizard Pokémon. Charmander looked over at me and my friends in hesitation. "Careful, this trainer already abandoned you once before," Brock warned it.

"Charmander is mine, I'm the one who catch it, remember?" Damion asked. "Damion, you were the one who bragged how you abandoned it!" Ash snapped.

"Good thing I did, that toughened it up. Besides what's wrong with dumping up a weak Pokémon?" Damion asked, to what I saw from Charmander, that shocked it. "I wasn't going to come back for it, but now that I see what it can do, I'm real glad I ran into you guys. The best thing was I didn't have to raise it myself."

"That's terrible!" Misty snapped. "Raising a Pokémon is the best part of being a trainer!" I snapped. "You wish, sweet face, it's the most boring part of the job," Damion said.

"How dare you call yourself a Pokémon trainer," Brock snapped. "People like you make me sick!" I said before looking down at Charmander and kneeling next to it as I spoke gently, "You see, Charmander? He doesn't care about you, he just wants to use you to win matches."

Damion held up a Poké ball, "Charmander, return." He threw the Poké ball toward Charmander but what shocked us all, was that Charmander hit the Poké ball with it's tail, hitting the Poké ball right back into Damion's face.

"That does it!" Damion snapped as he pulled out a few Poké balls, "I'll crush you with every Pokémon I've got!" Charmander used Flamethrower on Damion with both mine and Ash's Pikachu stood by its side and used Thunder Shock on him.

They stopped and Damion turned around, running away. "Way to go, Charmander!" I said. "Yeah, good work!" Ash said. Both of our Pikachu walked back to our side as Charmander turned to face me and my friends.

I smiled and looked at Ash, "Go ahead, Ash, you get Charmander." Ash looked at me in shock, "But, Emma, you took care of it more then any of us."

"Yeah, but you kept the flame on its tail on," I pointed out, "Besides Charmander will be a great Pokémon for your team. I know you'll raise it well." Ash smiled, "Thanks, Em." He looked at Charmander as he pulled out a Poké ball, "Come on, Charmander, welcome to the group."

The Lizard Pokémon jumped up and down in joy, jumping toward the Poké ball, letting itself be catch by Ash. The Poké ball fell in Ash's hands and we all smiled. "You got a new Pokémon, and a new friend," Misty said. Ash grinned, "Yeah."

Chapter Text

Me and my friends continued on the route, while Ash was happily skipping ahead of me, Brock and Misty. "How long do you think it will take him to clam down?" I asked with a smirk.

"He's Ash, so I don't know," Misty said, smirking back. Ash suddenly stopped and looked down at his feet. Brock, Misty and I stood next to him, looking down to see his feet disappeared under the ground. Suddenly, we all fell inside a hole hard and groaned in pain.

"No, not another hole," Misty complained as I rubbed my sore arm. "Ow," Brock groaned in pain. "What now?" I muttered as we all got up. "It must be a prank," Brock said. "Someone has a bad sense of humor," Misty said. "Who would do such a rotten trick?" Ash asked.

Right then, five heads appeared on the top of the hole as they laugh, "Squirtle." We glared at them as they laugh. "Squirtle," I said. "What's so funny?" Misty snapped, "We could have been hurt."

"More hurt then we are now," I said, glaring at those Water Pokémon. They kept laughing and moved away. Me and my friends climbed up to the top of the hole and got out.

"Dangerous practical jokes are nothing to laugh about," Ash snapped. "Pikachu!" His Pikachu agreed. The Squirtle laughed again as we stood in front of them. Ash took out his Dexter and pointed it toward them.

Squirtle. This Tiny Turtle Pokémon draws its long neck into its shell to launch incredible water attacks with amazing range and accuracy. The blasts can be quite powerful.

Ash smirked as he put the Pokédex back into his pocket, "With my vary own Squirtle, Gary will never beat me. Go, Pikachu!" I raised an eyebrow and watched as his Pikachu run forward, sending a Thunderbolt toward the Squirtle with the pointy sunglasses, however, one of the Squirtle with the round sunglasses stepped in the way, letting itself get hit by the attack, and fall to the ground.

"Squirtle, Squirtle?" the Squirtle with the pointy sunglasses asked as he looked down at the Squirtle who got hit for him. He then looked at Pikachu and the two glared at each other as they stood facing each other.

"Pika..." My Pikachu trailed off as we all stared at Ash's Pikachu and the pointy sunglasses Squirtle glaring at each other. Suddenly, we all looked to the other direction when we heard sirens going off. The pointy sunglasses Squirtle looked back to his gang, "Squirtle, Squirtle." The Squirtle all picked up the injured Squirtle and they all ran away.

"Pikachu," Ash's Pikachu said as he tilted his head. "That was sure weird," Ash said. We all turned as Officer Jenny pulled her motorcycle near us. "Are you guys alright?" She asked, "Has anyone been hurt here?"

"Officer Jenny," Ash said with a smile. Officer Jenny looked at us in confusion, "Huh? Have we met before? You're face doesn't look familiar."

"We met back in Viridian City, remember?" Ash asked. I sighed and shook my head. Officer Jenny smiled, "Oh, you mean one of the other Jennys. My cousin."

"Cousin?" Ash repeated. "Forgot we already met two others?" I whispered to him. "Oh..." He trailed off. "My cousins are all police officers. All of us look identical, plus, we all name Jenny." She pulled out something from her pocket and showed us a picture of many Officer Jennys, the only different was the sign on the hats.

"Talk about family resemblance," Ash commented. Misty looked at us, "At least they all remember their names."

After introducing ourselves, Officer Jenny took us to the police station. "That Pokémon gang calls itselvs 'the Squirtle Squad'," She told us. "Squirtle Squad?" Ash asked. "I've never heard of Pokémon gang," Misty said. "You'd be surprised," I said.

"They all Squirtles who deserted by their Pokémon trainers," Officer Jenny informed us sadly. "Deserted?" Ash asked sadly. "They don't have a trainer, so they just run wild and play tricks on the all town," Officer Jenny said, "It's really kinda sad, because if they had somebody to care about them, they wouldn't turn out to be bad as they are. It's a real shame."

After talking with Officer Jenny, she leaded us out and we said goodbye to her before heading off. We walked around the town a bit before Misty smiled as she pointed toward a clothing store, "Look." She linked her arm with mine and dragged me closer to the window with the boys following us.

There were pretty dresses in the window stand and Misty gasped. "Look at that red dress, isn't it pretty?!" She asked as she pointed to a red dress. "Pika!" My Pikachu said, clearly she agreed with Misty. "Yeah," I said. "Oh come on," Ash muttered from behind us, "I'm hungry. Can we go now?"

"Go on," Misty said, not taking her eyes off from the dress. "There's a restaurant near by," Brock said. "Well, let's get going then," I said with a smile. Ash, Brock and I started to walk away.

"Pikachu!" I heard my Pikachu calling behind us. We turned around, looking down at her. She and Ash's Pikachu pointed behind them. We followed their gaze to Misty, who was still staring at the dress.

"Come on, Misty," I said as I walked back to her and dragged her by the arm. "Wait! The dress!" Misty complained. "Some other time," I said, chuckling as I kept dragging her.

After eating and exploring the small town, we stopped at a river to relax. Ash, Brock and I were lying down on the grass while Misty was sitting near by me, fishing.

"I caught something," I heard Misty said. Me and the boys sat up and looked over at the water. A Squirtle with a round sunglasses popped out, attacking us with Water Gun and laughed.

"I'm soaked," Misty cried. "Me too," Ash said. Ash's Pikachu stood in front of us and glared at the Squirtle before using Thunderbolt attack, which caused me and my friends to get electrocuted as we screamed.

"Pikachu!"

Ash's Pikachu stopped and looked at us. My Pikachu stepped between me and Ash, "Pika!"

"Wet clothing conduct electricity," Brock said painfully. We sat back up as the Squirtle laughed again before getting out of the water. We stood up and glared at it.

"I've had enough of your pranks, Squirtle!" Ash said, "Pikachu, it's out of the water now." His Pikachu ran toward Squirtle, but the Tiny Turtle Pokémon ducked inside its shell and used Skull Bash at Pikachu, hitting him hard to the side, into the water.

"Pikachu!" Ash called. Right then, we saw a Goldeen swimming closer. "It's a Goldeen!" I said. "Watch out for its horn!" Misty called. Goldeen disappeared under the water as Pikachu looked around for it. "Pika! Pika!" My Pikachu called for the male Pikachu worriedly.

"Swim to shore, Pikachu, hurry up!" Ash called. His Pikachu tried to swim as fast as he can back to us. "Pika-chu!" My Pikachu called. "Faster! Faster!" Ash called worriedly. Just as Pikachu was getting closer to shore, he was thrown up into the air. We gasped as we watched Goldeen using its Horn Attack.

Pikachu was thrown into the shore, his face was on the grass and seem to be unconscious. "Pikachu!" Ash called and ran toward him. Suddenly ropes were thrown at us, tying us up. "What the..." I trailed off.

I looked at my Pikachu as she turned to face who tied me and my friends up. She glared, "Pika!" Before I knew it, a glass cage fall down above her, locking her inside. My friends and I looked over to see the Squirtle Squad were holding the ropes. The leader laughed and looked to the side. Meowth from Team Rocket appeared next to him, laughing. He looked at us, "You not gonna Squirtle out of this one."

"It's Meowth," Misty said. Ash glared, "Meowth!?" My Pikachu glared at the Cat Pokémon and used Thunder Shock but the cage didn't broke, "Pika?!"

My friends and I were taken into a cave. We were all tied up together around a large rock while both mine and Ash's Pikachu were near us in there cages.

"I'm the Pokémon in charge here, ha, just wait for my human pets get back," Meowth told us before he flicked his tail in Ash's face, "Na, na, nanana."

Ash bite on Meowth's tail hard, which made him scream and pull away. Ash and I smirked and we, Brock and Misty looked at the Squirtle.

"Don't believe him, Squirtle, Meowth is a big liar, those humans not Meowth's pets. Team Rock is just trying to trick you all to do their dirty work," Ash said.

"Squirtle?" the leader asked as it tilted its head. "Quiet, human!" Meowth called before looking at the Squirtle, "Who are you gonna believe? This human or a fellow Pokémon." The Squirtle nodded, clearly believing this liar Cat.

"Ash, Pikachu is in bad shape!" Brock said, making me, Ash and Misty look over. Ash's Pikachu was lying in his cage, breathing heavily and seemed to be in pain. "Pika-chu!" My Pikachu said, worriedly as she looked at the male mouse.

"We got to do something," Misty said. "We need to heal Pikachu with Super Potion before it's too late," I said. Ash looked at me, "But we don't have any Super Potion, what can we do?"

"A shop in town sells it," Brock said. "In town?" Ash repeated before quickly looking at the Squirtle, "Squirtle Squad, please, you gotta let me go into town. If I won't get the medicine, Pikachu is in a lot of troubles."

"Squirtle, Squirtle, Squirtle," the leader said as it shook its head. "They know you humans are just trying to get away," Meowth told us. "Trust me, I won't run away," Ash said, "As soon as I buy the medicine, I'll come back, I promise."

"Squirtle," the leader said. "Squirtle says promises are cheep," Meowth said. "I'm begging you," Ash said as tears started to appear in his eyes, letting them fell, "Please, just trust me."

The leader looked from Ash to his Pikachu for a moment. "Squirtle, Squirtle, Squirtle," the leader said. One of the Squirtle untied Ash and he stepped away.

"Squirtle, Squirtle, Squirtle, Squirtle," the leader said as it pointed at me. "Really?" Meowth asked and the leader nodded. The cat looked at Ash, "Squirtle said that you have until tomorrow noon to come back or else I get to take the brown girl back with me to Jessie and James."

"What?" Me and my friends asked at the same time. "That's not fair!" Misty shouted. "That what the Squirtle said," Meowth said smugly as he crossed his arms.

"It's not going to happen, I'll be back real soon," Ash snapped before running out of the cave. "Good luck," I muttered.

It's been hours since Ash left to get the medicine for his Pikachu, and he still didn't came back. I looked from the male mouse to Misty and Brock worriedly, "What if something happened to Ash? Shouldn't he be back by now?"

"I don't know," Misty muttered sadly. "He's on his way, I'm sure of it," Brock said before looking at the male Pikachu. "Pika, Pika," My Pikachu said sadly.

I watched from the inside the cave as the sun was rising outside. Ash still didn't returned and I was getting more and more worried. For him and his Pikachu. The Squirtle leader suddenly walked closer as it tilted his head, "Squirtle."

His gang walked closer and they untied me and my two friends. "Huh?" Meowth asked, "What you doing that for?"

"Squirtle, Squirtle, Squirtle, Squirtle," the leader said. One of the Squirtle unlocked my Pikachu's cage and she jumped out, "Pika!" The Squirtle unlocked Ash's Pikachu's cage and I walked closer as my Pikachu glared at Meowth.

"Pikachu..." I trailed off as I looked at the male Pikachu before gently taking him in my arms. "He looks worse," Misty said sadly. I looked from Ash's Pikachu to mine to see she was still glaring at the cat Pokémon.

"Hey, calm down, will ya?" Meowth said as he held his hands in front of him. "Pikachu, what's more imported to you?" I asked as I tilted my head, "Ash's Pikachu or kicking Meowth's butt?"

My Pikachu looked toward me, "Pika, Pika." I smirked slightly and raised an eyebrow. Misty gasped, "Oh." She leaned closer to me and whispered into my ear, "Is she in love with Ash's Pikachu?"

"Maybe," I whispered, "Kinda seem like it." My Pikachu looked at Meowth and glared before shooting a small electricity toward the Cat Pokémon, making him yelp and move away.

I gasped softly, having an idea, "Pikachu, come here." I kneeled down as my Pikachu turned to me in confusion before running closer. Brock and Misty kneeled next to us. "It won't be much but it will be something," I started, "Pikachu, use the same electricity you just used, on Pikachu."

"Pika," My female Pikachu said before grabbing her own cheeks, rubbing them gently, letting out a few sparks, before she grabbed Ash's Pikachu's cheeks, sending over a few sparks of electricity.

"Come on, please," I whispered as the Squirtle gathered around us. My Pikachu let go of the male Pikachu, and a moment after, he slowly started to move his head and slowly open his eyes. "Pika!" My Pikachu called happily as my friends and I smiled.

"Pikachu. Hold on, little guy, Ash will be back soon with the medicine," I said. "Pi... ka," the male Pikachu said before closing his eyes again, this time breathing slightly better. "We need to go outside," I said as I stood up, "Get some sun on Pikachu." I looked down at the Squirtle leader, "Please?"

The leader looked from me to the gang before back at me again, nodding. "Squirtle." We all walked outside and I handed Ash's Pikachu to Brock, as my Pikachu jumped up and over on my shoulder.

"Emma!" We heard Ash's voice shouting from inside the cave and we all looked toward it. Ash run outside as he glared at the Squirtle Squad, not noticing Meowth, me, Brock and Misty at the side.

"What have you done?" He snapped, "I told you I'll be back by noon, and I am! What did you do to my friends?" Misty raised an eyebrow as she put a hand on her hip, "We right here." Ash looked over and then back at the Squirtle Squad as we walked closer.

"Did you get the Potion?" I asked. Ash quickly dug into his pocket and pulled out the Super Potion. He handed it to me, "Here." I turned to Ash's Pikachu in Brock's arms and sprayed it on the male mouse. "Pika, Pika," My Pikachu said as she jumped over from my shoulder to Brock's.

"He will be better in no time," I said with a smile before finishing spraying on the injuries. "That's a relief," Ash said with a sigh.

Suddenly there was an explosion near us and we jumped. "What the--" I started. Ash glared up, "That blast, it's Team Rocket!" We all looked up to see Team Rocket's Hot Air Balloon.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love. To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Squirtle Squad, it's payback time for insulting Team Rocket," Jessie said.

They threw two bombs, "Bombs away."

This caused two more explosions happen closer to us. Suddenly a net fell at me and swiped me up, making me yelp. "Emma!" My friends called as Meowth laughed as he grabbed a hold on the net.

"Pika-chu-Pi!" My Pikachu called. "Emma!" Ash shouted. There were more explosions closer to them and I tried to tear the net but it was no use. I watched my friends running back to the cave with Squirtle Squad. "Let me go!" I shouted as Meowth climbed up to stand with Jessie and James.

"Now, now, Emma, there is no use trying to tear that net up," James said. "Save your strength, sweetie," Jessie said happily. "We finally got her," Meowth said and they laughed.

I watched as a bomb fell down toward the leader, who was on the ground, stuck. "No," I said worriedly and in horror, watching as Ash ran closer and threw himself above the leader as the bomb exploded.

"Ash!" I shouted. The dust slowly cleared and I saw Ash was lying next to the leader. Two more bombs fell down and I watched worriedly, "Ash, look out!"

"Here comes two more!" Misty shouted. Right then, the leader grabbed a hold of Ash and run toward the cave as it carried him. I watched as they all fell into the cave as the bombs exploded.

I looked around to see that the bombs started to cause a fire in the woods. "Oh no," I whispered. "Not so fast!" I heard Ash calling and smiled as I saw him standing above the cave with the leader, "Ash!"

"Squirtle, water gun attack, now!" Ash ordered. The leader used water gun attack on the Balloon, causing a hole to appear in the middle. The net's rope above got ripped and I fell down. "Come back here!" I heard James calling.

I screamed as I fell toward the hard ground, but before I could, Ash ran forward and caught me in his arms. "Gotcha," He said with a smile as I smiled in relief. "Thanks," I said.

We looked over to see the Balloon flying quickly away. "Looks like Team Rockets blasting off again!" We heard Team Rocket calling before disappearing into the sky.

Ash gently placed me on the ground and we ran back to the others. "Emma!" Misty called happily. "Pikachu-Pi!" My Pikachu called as she run toward me and jumped into my arms. "I'm okay," I said. We all looked around as the fire started spreading.

"Team Rocket's bombs caused this fire," I m

uttered as Officer Jenny appeared on her motorcycle, "If it keeps boring the whole town can go up on smock," She said.

"Don't worry, Jenny, I've got an idea," Ash said before looking down at the Squirtle Squad, "Listen, if you Squirtle work together, you can combine your water gun to put out the fire." The Squirtle Squad nodded their heads in agreement before moving around the woods and started to use Water Gun attack, slowly stopping the fire.

All the town people, and me and my friends, gathered around outside the Police station to watch Officer Jenny rewarding the Squirtle Squad, "And so, we're gratefully reward this certificate to the Squirtle Squad, thank you for saving our town from the fire, because of your skill and bravery, we proudly appoint you the town firefighters."

We all cheered for that, as Officer Jenny handed the certificate to the leader.

After saying goodbye, we all headed out to the road. Ash's Pikachu was feeling a lot better and was walking ahead of me, Ash, Brock and Misty, with my Pikachu, both of them seemed to be very happy talking.

"Pika," my Pikachu said, "Pika, Pikachu." Ash's Pikachu nodded, "Pika." Brock chuckled, "Those two seem to be in a deep conversation."

"They look so cute together," Misty said with a grin. I chuckled as I shook my head at my friend. Misty looked over her shoulder as her grin dropped, "Hey guys, that Squirtle is following us."

"Mmm?" I hummed as we all stopped. "Squirtle, Squirtle," We heard from behind us. We turned around and saw it was the Squirtle leader. Ash smiled, "Would you like to come along with us, Squirtle?"

"Squirtle," it said with a nod before taking off its sunglasses. Ash kneeled down as Squirtle run toward him and opened up his arms.

Squirtle jumped into Ash's arms and he laughed. "Welcome to the team, Squirtle," Ash said with a chuckle as Misty, Brock and I smiled. "Squirtle," the Tiny Turtle Pokémon said in delight.

"Guess I caught a new Pokémon," Ash said with a smile. "Pi-Pika-Chu," His Pikachu agreed with a smile. Misty's smile faded away and she gave him a look, "Caught?! What do you meant caught?!"

My Pikachu, Brock and I laughed. "Oh, what's the difference?" Ash asked with a smile, "It's on our side now." I looked at Brock and shrugged as I chuckled.

Chapter Text

Me and my friends were still heading to Vermilion City, but on the way, we got lost again. "The road got to be here somewhere," Ash said as I looked up at the orange sky.

"Everything somewhere," Brock said. "It's getting dark and now we're lost," I pointed out, "We need to find somewhere to spend the night." Misty looked sad, "We're going to stay the night outside again, are we?"

"Yep," I answered. Misty sighed, "Thanks a lot, Ash," she muttered sarcastically. "Hey, I didn't do anything on purpose," Ash said. Misty opened her mouth but I stepped in, "Okay, okay, let's all, calm down."

"Pikachu-Pi!" We heard my Pikachu calling and we looked to the side to see her and Ash's Pikachu pointing behind them. We looked over to see an empty beach. "Hey, why not spend the night there?" I suggested with a smile. Brock smiled, "That's a great idea."

After settling in, Ash was sitting next to me on the sand, grinning down at his two gym badges, "Pretty impressive, huh?"

Misty looked over and raised an eyebrow, "You didn't earn those badges." I petted Ash's Pikachu as I looked over. "You got them just 'cause Brock and my sisters felt sorry for you," She said.

Ash glared at her as he stood up, "I did to!" Brock and I got up and stood between them. "Knock it off, guys!" I said. Brock looked at Ash, "Either way, you have two badges and six Pokémon, which will allow you to compete in the Pokémon league."

Misty crossed her arms over her chest, "Which all your Pokémon followed you, so you didn't really caught them."

Ash glared at her and I tilted my head. "Well, to be honest, there is nothing wrong with that," I said and shrugged, "I caught my three Pokémon since they wanted to come with me." Ash looked at Misty smugly, "See? At least there is someone here who is on my side."

Misty raised an eyebrow at him before letting a smirk slip, "I wonder how many Pokémon Gary has?" Ash glared at her, "Will you cut it out?!"

"Hey, about this Gary..." I trailed off. "Gary Oak," Ash told me. "Wait, Gary Oak?!" I asked. "Pika?" My Pikachu asked. "You know Professor Oak's grandson?" Ash asked, sounding a bit disappointed.

"Well, yes, but... how you talk about him doesn't sound like my Gary," I said as I tilted my head. "Pika-chu," My Pikachu agreed with a nod. "Your Gary?" Ash asked.

"Ooh, your Gary, huh?" Misty teased, nudging me on the arm. I slightly blushed, "Not like you think." Misty smirked, humming sarcastically. I shook my head, "Really, don't. He's my best friend since we were little."

"So you guys are close then," Brock stated. "Yeah," I answered, looking over at Ash with a frown when I saw he looked away from me. "How is he around you?" Misty asked. I looked at her with a smile, "Well, we always played together, he's kinda a softy one, but if we see him, don't tell him that."

Misty and I laughed before we stopped as we saw Ash starting to walk away. "Hey, Ash, were you going?" Brock asked. "To catch a Pokémon!" Ash called, "By myself, I need to be alone for a while."

We watched him go in confusion and I felt a tag on my jeans. I looked down to see Ash's Pikachu looking up at me. "Pika-chu," the male mouse said. I tilted my head in confusion, "Did I say something wrong?" I looked at Misty and Brock to see my redhead friend shaking her head.

"That was weird," Brock said as he crossed his arms across his chest. "Looks like it starting," Misty said with a smirk as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"What starting?" I asked. "You'll know one day," She answered with a wink. I looked at Brock questioningly but he just shrugged, not knowing what our redhead friend was talking about, either.

"Come on, we should follow him," I said, walking toward were Ash ran off earlier, with both mine and Ash's Pikachu, while Misty and Brock followed us.

We soon found Ash holding a Poké Ball with a smile, before the Poké Ball disappeared from his hand and he started to look around for it. "Where did my new Krabby go?" He looked around in panic as we walked closer. "I don't see it anywhere! Where did it go?"

"Don't you know that a trainer can only keep six Pokémon?" Misty asked. "Huh?" Ash asked. I tilted my head slightly as I explained, "Trainers can only keep six Pokémon, and the rest get transported. But if you want one of your Pokémon that got transported, you can switch one of them with the ones you have with you now."

"But I don't want to switch my Pokémon," Ash said. "Then quite whining," Misty said. "I wasn't whining," Ash snapped, "I just want to know where my Krabby went."

"Krabby is fine," Brock said and I nodded. "Yeah, Krabby got transported to where you got your Pokédex from," I explained. "Then that's mean Krabby is with Professor Oak," Ash said. "That's right," Brock said, "Krabby just got transported automatically to Professor Oak's Pokémon laboratory, so don't worry about it."

"So, Krabby is with Professor Oak, huh?" Ash muttered before looking down, "Now I'm doubly worried." I tilted my head and crossed my arms over my chest. Ash looked at me, "Isn't there any way I could make sure it's okay?"

"We can call Professor Oak to check on it," I suggested. "But, we haven't pass a phone all day, and this beach is pretty far out of the way," Brock said. "There's got to be a phone around here someplace, I got to check on Krabby," Ash said and I smiled a small sad smile.

"I'm more worried having to camp out again tonight, I'm sick of sleeping in sleeping bags," Misty said. "I'm just worried about finding a way to find out if poor little Krabby is okay," Ash said sadly, clearly ignoring our redhead friend's complaining.

"Pika!" Ash's Pikachu called near us, both him and my Pikachu pointing in front of them. We looked to where they were pointing to see a lighthouse on the cliff just above the beach, just in the distance.

"A lighthouse," I said with a smile. Ash grinned, "Every lighthouse has to have a keeper, and he'll have a phone!" Misty smiled excitedly, "And there'll probably be some excrete beds, a sleeping bags are no way for me to get my beauty sleep."

I chuckled and Brock nodded, "Yeah, and there will be someone there to tell us where we are." Ash grinned, "Let's go!" Me and my friends, along with both mine and Ash's Pikachu, ran toward the lighthouse.

It was dark by the time we reached the lighthouse, and stood in front of the door. "This lighthouse looks weird," Brock noted. "Pretty creepy," I said as I looked at the doors, where there were many carvings of Pokémon.

"Guess we better ring the bell," Misty said. "I got it," Ash said before walking forward to a red button on the intercom. We all jumped as we heard bells ringing all around.

"Who's there?" a man's voice spoke from the intercom. "Uh... excuse us, sir, but we're travelers, and we're lost," Brock answered. "We've got a small emergency here, we need to you your phone, please sir," Ash said.

Misty pushed Ash aside with a smile, speaking to the intercom, "We've been camping out for quite a while, and we'd sure appreciate a nice comfy bed."

"And I wonder if we can use your kitchen to make some food for our group," I said. Brock smiled, "We both will be more then happy to make something for you too, if you like."

"That's sounds great, I've been eating nothing but tofu since my cook went on a vacation, come on in," the man said, and then the doors opened up.

We looked inside the huge house, to see there was no one there, and the place looked empty and felt cold. We walked inside and the door behind us closed. I shivered, "Pretty cold here," I pointed out as I rubbed my arms. "Yeah," Misty agreed.

"Would you mind if I borrow your phone?" Ash called. "There's a phone right near you," the man spoke again, but we couldn't see him anywhere. We looked to the side and saw videophone with a Weepinbell style receiver on a table.

"Hey, that's a videophone, now that's cool," Misty said. Ash ran closer to the table and I walked closer, while Misty and Brock stood still. "I'm sure Krabby is in good shape," Brock said. Ash dial Professor Oak's number, "The Professor won't mind if I'll call."

The Professor appeared on the screen, cooking dinner for himself. He looked at us in surprise and Ash froze. "Well, hey, Ash!" the good Professor said before looking at me, "Hello, Emma. It's great to see you again, dear."

"Hey, Professor," I said. "I see you two been traveling together, that's good. You caught me making dinner," He said, "My cook is on vacation." I raised an eyebrow, "Ooh."

"Wait a minute, Professor, you not eating my Krabby, are you?!" Ash asked. The Professor chuckled, "Don't worry, I'm taking good care of your Krabby." He moved to the side, showing Ash's Krabby inside a bowl, "It's right here."

Ash relaxed immediately and the Professor looked at us. "Anyway, that Krabby of yours is too small to make a very hardly meal, on the other hand, the Krabby that Gary caught will make an excellent dinner, much better then tofu," the Professor said.

"What?" Ash asked, "You mean Gary caught a Krabby too?" I blinked as the Professor nodded slightly. "Yes," He answered, "It's quite a caught. Take a look for yourselves." He moved the camera to the side, showing a very huge Krabby inside a very huge bowl, next to Ash's Krabby.

I blinked in shock, "No way! Cool." Ash growled in annoyance while Brock and Misty walked closer. Professor Oak popped up to the screen, "I want you to know, that my grandson Gary has already caught 45 Pokémon."

"45 Pokémon?!" Ash said in horror. I raised an eyebrow and shook my head. "Oh Professor," I muttered. "By the way, just where you calling me from anyway?" the Professor asked. "We're at an old lighthouse, why on top of a cliff," I answered.

"Oh, that must be Bill's lighthouse," the Professor said with a smile, "He's a young Pokémon researcher, who knows even more then me. See what you can learn from him, he could teach you just about everything about Pokémon."

"This is Bill, Professor Oak," the man, Bill, spoke, "Good to hear from you."

"Hello, Bill, please give my friends to stay for the night and a lesson about Pokémon," Professor Oak said, "Tofu is done."

He hung up and the screen turned black. "Well, there is no way I can ignore a request from the great Professor Oak," Bill said and the lights turned on.

"I am Bill," Bill said and we all turned to the stairs to see a human size Kabuto. "Of the lighthouse."

We all gasped in shock by the Pokémon. "It can't be!" Brock said. "A Kabuto!" I said, "But it... it is extinct Pokémon!"

"I wonder what it's doing here," Brock said. The Kabuto moved it's small arms as Bill's voice rang around, "No, no, I'm not a Kabuto. I'm Bill, the Pokémon researcher."

"What?" I asked as I raised an eyebrow. "This is a costume," Bill said, "I'm stuck inside it."

"Do you need any help getting out?" Ash asked. "Yes, step up here," Bill said. Ash ran up the stairs, "Tell me what to do." He stopped right in front of him.

"Push that button," Bill said. Ash kneeled down, pointing to the side, "This one right here?"

"Yes," Bill answered, "Those arms are too short, I tried to get out but I couldn't reach the button." Ash clicked on the button and stood up to step aside. A young man with green hair stepped out of the custom, he looked kinda cute. Misty thought the same as she leaned toward me and whispered, "He's kinda cute."

I smirked and we turned our attention back to him. "Thanks for helping me get out," Bill said, "I've been stuck in that costume for hours."

Brock, Misty and I walked up the stairs with both mine and Ash's Pikachu. "Did you just came from a costume party?" Misty asked. "No, it's not for a party," Bill explained, "This is a special costume that I use for my research. Getting inside it's skin helps me getting inside it's head."

"What'd you mean?" Ask asked in confusion. Bill looked up to the wall and we followed his gaze to see carvings of Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, Kabutops and Aerodactyl, all were extinct Pokémon, on the wall.

"There are many kind of extinct Pokémon," Bill said, "And I want to understand how they lived, putting on a costume, is one way to try to figure out what they were like."

"You can understand what a Pokémon was like from wearing a costume?" Ash asked.

Bill looked down at us with a smile, "Yes, indeed. Or I'm beginning to. This planet was created 4.6 billion years ago. During that time, all kind's of Pokémon existed, they had many ways of living."

"All kind's of Pokémon... How many?" Ash asked. "On this planet, there are more then 150 known species of Pokémon," Bill explained. "Over a 150?" Ash asked.

"You are lucky to be Pokémon trainers," Bill said, "Your goal is to catch all this different kind's of Pokémon, that's a great task."

Ash looked disappointed, "Yeah, but so far I only got 7." I smiled a soft smile and placed my hands on my hips, "So what? I still only have three and I'm not complaining."

"She got a point, mister," Misty said. "Yeah," Ash said. I chuckled before looking over at Bill, "150 huh? That's a lot."

"Well, of course this are just the Pokémon we know of," Bill said, "There are still many Pokémon that never been discover, so we need to keep searching."

"How many could there be?" Ash muttered. "No one knows exactly," Bill answered, "The search goes on. There's always something new to look for in our lives, including in ourselves."

"Something to look for?" Ash asked. "Yes, there's a lot for us to look for," Bill said, "Inside and outside ourselves." He walked down the stairs, "There's meaning for every creature. A meaning for all the Pokémon, and a meaning for all us human too."

"A meaning for all..." Ash muttered next to me before we all followed Bill around the house. "Keep looking for new Pokémon to catch," Bill said, "Something is very important for Pokémon research, it is valuet to me as it is to you. Right now, though, there is one Pokémon I am searching for."

"Really? What kind of Pokémon?" I asked. "Come with me," He said before leading up up the stairs. We all walked outside on the top of the lighthouse. The night was cold and the air was very foggy up on the top.

"It's probably the biggest Pokémon ever, bigger then all of the rest," Bill said, "And no one ever seen it. It's been wondering the world for years and years, looking for friends."

"But, doesn't that Pokémon have any friends or family?" Misty asked. "The Pokémon wonders because it's alone," Bill explained, "It's the only Pokémon of its species. One of a kind. One night, I've heard this very strange sound coming across the ocean."

He pulled out a device and pressed a button. A noise came out of it, it was like a wail. "'I want... I want to meet you', that what it said to me," Bill said. "Pika," Ash's Pikachu said sadly, standing next to my Pikachu.

"Sometime ago, I recorded a similar sound, and played it from the lighthouse towards the ocean," Bill said. "'Let's be friends, I want to meet you'. One day, I heard the same voice calling back to me from over the ocean. 'I want to meet you too. I want to be friends'. It was answering me back. Some foggy night, that Pokémon might come here to meet a friend that been seeking for a very long time." He smiled a soft smile, "I will be so happy to meet that Pokémon."

"But will you try to capture that Pokémon?" Ash asked. "Why do I need to capture it?" Bill asked, "Meeting it will be enough for me, just a chance to study it, will make my long wait wroth while."

Suddenly we all heard a wail from the ocean and we all looked over. Behind the thick fog, a silhouette appeared in the distance. "It's here," Bill said in amazement and shock, "The signal."

He held up his device and pressed the button, making the same wail heard again and the lights on the top turned with many colours.

The wail became more beautiful. It was like a song. "It sounds like it's singing," Misty breathed out. I nodded in agreement, "Yeah. It's beautiful."

Brock looked at Misty, "Would you care to dance?" Misty looked at him for a second before smiling, "Why, thank you."

I chuckled as I watched those two starting to dance and looked at my Pikachu and Ash's to see they were swaying with the tone. The male Pikachu looked at my yellow best friend with a smile, "Pika! Pika, pika?"

"Pikachu!" My Pikachu said with a smile before they grabbed each other paws and started to dance like Brock and Misty. I smiled and looked back to the ocean with Bill and Ash as the Pokémon walked closer.

Suddenly, there was a loud explosion on the giant Pokémon, making it stop the happy wail. We all gasped and it smashed the light on the top. Ash grabbed me and Bill and pushed us to the side, away from the rocks.

"Run!" He called and we all ran quickly down the staircase. We all ran outside as we breathed out heavily and looked over at the Pokémon as it was about to walk away.

"Please, don't go, Pokémon," Bill begged, "Please, stay with us, I waited so long for a chance to see you here." The Pokémon shook its head as it wail in fear. "Pokémon, wait," Bill begged.

There was another expulsion hitting on the Pokémon and it hit its tail to the side and we saw three figures playing to the sky. I looked up to the direction in confusion before back to the giant Pokémon.

"Pokémon!" Bill called but the giant Pokémon turned around and walked away. We watched as its form disappeared and then, it was gone.

We all stood in the morning outside the light house, looking to where the giant Pokémon was last night. "What kind of Pokémon was that anyway?" Ash asked.

"Who knows?" Bill asked, "Pokémon live in more ways and places than humans may ever learn."

I smiled as I looked at my friends, "We should get going." They nodded and we looked at Bill. "What are you going to do now, Bill?" Brock asked.

"I'll stand watch for the giant Pokémon to appear at my lighthouse again," He answered. "Bill, do you think we'll ever find all the Pokémon there are?" Ash asked.

"No, Ash, there are probably many then we can imagine, maybe many, many more," Bill said with a smile, "Maybe there's no limits to the Pokémon we can actually find on this planet."

After that, we all said goodbye to our new friend and thanked him for having us over for the night, and headed off.

Chapter Text

I stared up at a sign holding the map of Kanto region with shaky hands. Ash, Misty, Brock and I all stared in relief and delight.

After two weeks of being lost, walking and sleeping out in the woods, we finally made it to Vermilion City!

"I can't wait to take a bubble bath!" Misty said. "Finally I can have a good rest on a real bed," I said with a chuckle. Misty grinned with excitement, "That too!"

"I'm going to find the Vermilion City Gym right now!" Ash said before trying to ran inside the City. Brock grabbed Ash's shirt from behind before I could, "Hold it!"

Ash looked at the three of us in confusion and Brock pointed down at both mine and Ash's Pikachu, who both looked very exhausted. "What's the matter?" Ash asked as he looked down at his Pokémon.

We both kneeled down and took our Pokémon into our arms before standing up. "Pikachu," Ash said. "They both must be hungry," Misty pointed out softly.

I handed my Pikachu to Misty gently before digging into my backpack. "We haven't eaten since last night, I don't have any food left," Brock said, "Emma?"

I shook my head with a sigh, "No. We should get some food and Pokémon food as well." Misty handed my Pikachu to me as Ash looked between mine and his Pikachu, "You guys hungry?"

Suddenly, his stomach made a growling noise and Brock, Misty and I raised an eyebrow at him. Ash looked at us nervously and chuckled, "I guess we all are hungry."

My friends and I found the Pokémon Center, and stood in front of Nurse Joy's desk. Ash and I handed her both our Pikachu and our Poké balls. "They pretty hungry," I said about our Pikachu.

"We'll fix them right up," She said with a smile. I nodded and turned to my friends to see they were looking at her in confusion. "Yeah, another Nurse Joy," I said with a chuckle, "Just like there are many more Officer Jenny."

"Hurry!" We all looked to the front doors to see a boy running with a Chansey, who was pushing a a stretcher, with a badly beaten-up Rattata on it. "You'll be okay Rattata."

They ran past us as we watched. "That Rattata is in bad shape," Brock said. "What happened?" I asked. Nurse Joy stood up as she placed her hands on her hips, "Oh, it's the fifteen one that was brought this month."

"What?" Ash asked in shock. "Come with me," Nurse Joy said and leaded the way. We followed her into a room full of Pokémon that were hurt badly, lying on the beds, with their trainers sitting next to them.

"This is terrible," Brock said. "They've all lost to Lt. Surge, the Vermilion Gym Leader," Nurse Joy explained and I looked at her in shock. "Lt. Surge?" I asked. She nodded sadly, "Yes."

I sighed quietly, Oh great. One of Ryan's friends just happen to be the Gym Leader of this place.

We walked out of the room and headed back to the front desk. "He must be a great trainer," Ash muttered. "Well..." I trailed off, "He is pretty tough."

"Wait, you know him?" Ash asked as me and my friends stopped. "Well, he's my brother's friend," I admitted, "I just didn't knew he was a Gym Leader of this place."

"Think you can ask him to be gentle with Ash?" Misty asked with a smirk. "Hey!" Ash snapped at her. "Ash, Emma, your Pokémon are ready," Nurse Joy said and pointed the side.

We walked over to both mine and Ash's Pikachu, and all our Poké Balls. Our Pikachu were just finishing eating apples when we reached them. "Hey, Pikachu," I said.

Ash looked at his male Pikachu, "I hope you full 'cause we got to win big at that Gym today." Pikachu nodded, "Pi."

"Come on, let go win a badge," Ash said with a smile. "Please hurry!" A voice called and we all looked to see another trainer running with a Chansey, who was pushing a stretcher, with a badly beaten-up Pidgey on it. "Just hold on, Pidgey!" the boy called.

We watched as they ran past us. "I guess they came from that Gym," Misty said. "Pi!?" Ash's Pikachu started to panic. The mouse male Pikachu looked at Ash and shook his head quickly, "Pika-chu, Pika-chu."

Ash looked annoyed, "What? Don't be a coward." My Pikachu tilted her head as Ash's Pikachu continued to freak out, "Pika, Pika, Pika-chu."

"Huh?" Ash asked, "'Don't I even care if you'll end up like that Pidgey in there?' Is that it?" His Pikachu nodded, "Pika, Pika."

"You can't blame him for not wanting to, Ash," I said. "There are other Gyms we could go, too. Lt. Surge isn't someone who would be gentle to his opponents."

Ash sighed, "Yeah, I guess you're right." Ash's Pikachu sighed in relief before Ash grabbed his paw with a grin, "No problem, you won't end up like those other Pokémon 'cause you'll win." He tried to pull Pikachu away but the mouse Pokémon grabbed the arm of the bench and held into it. "Don't be a scary cat, Pikachu."

My Pikachu jumped to sit on my shoulder as we and my friends watched. Ash's Pikachu shook his head, "Pika, Pikachu." He send a Thunder Shock toward Ash, making him finally let go of him.

Ash finally managed to drag his Pikachu to the Vermilion Gym. We all stood in front of the building. "So this is the Vermilion City Gym," Ash said. Misty smirked, "It's not too late to back out."

Ash glared at her, "Why should I back out when I'm gonna win? Just stick around and watch me." I raised an eyebrow with a small smile. Misty grinned, "I'll stick around to see your face when you'll get creamed."

"If you think--" Ash started. I cut him off as I stood between those two, "All right, knock it off, you two." Brock crossed his arms over his chest, "Are we ever going to go inside?"

"Let's move it," I said before walking past them to the doors with my friends following me. The doors opened and we stepped in. A man and a woman walked closer, standing in front of us with a smirk. "Hello, I've come for a Pokémon battle to earn a Thunder Badge," Ash told them as his Pikachu hid behind his leg.

The man looked over his shoulder with a smirk, "Hey, boss, another victim for the emergency room." Lt. Surge stepped out from the shadows behind the man and the woman, "Which one?"

Lt. Surge walked past them to stand in front of us. I rubbed my neck, "Hey, Surge." Lt. Surge laughed, "Look who it is!" He smirked and placed a hand on my hair, ruffling it, "It's little Emma, you've grown!"

I fixed my hair with a small smile, "Yeah, that's the point." Lt. Surge placed his hands on his hips as he chuckle, "If I'm going to battle you, then there will be only a small chance I'll win."

"I'm not the one who will battle you," I said. Ash stepped forward, "I am." Lt. Surge tilted his head, "Oh, you." He smirked as he ruffled his hair with the hat, "Okay, baby."

Ash glared and pushed his hand away, "I'm no baby! My name's Ash Ketchum!" Lt. Surge chuckled, "I call everybody who losses to me 'Baby'." He noticed Ash's Pikachu hiding behind Ash's leg. "Another Pikachu. This one smaller." He looked over his shoulder at the man and woman, "Hey, look at this, Baby brought along a baby Pokémon."

The three of them laughed. "Quiet it," Ash told them, "Why are you making fun of my Pikachu?" His Pikachu let go of his leg, glaring, "Pika, Pika."

Lt. Surge smirked, pulling out his Poké Ball, "Oh, I'll show you why. Go, Poké Ball!" He threw the Poké Ball, releasing his Raichu. Raichu smirked, "Rai~"

"Raichu," I said. "Pika, Pi," my Pikachu said. Ash pulled out his Dexter, pointing it at Raichu.

Raichu, a Mouse Pokémon of the Electric element. Raichu is the evolved form of Pikachu. It can shock with more than 100,000 volts, enough to render a Dragonite unconscious.

Ash's Pikachu glared at Raichu, while the bigger mouse Pokémon just smirked at him. Lt. Surge smirked as he placed his hands on his hips, "Okay, baby, if you want to quit, now it your chance."

"Raichu," His Raichu agreed. "There's no way we're going to quit now," Ash snapped. Lt. Surge scoffed, "Ha, what good a baby like that do?" He kneeled down next to Raichu, "If you want to become a Pokémon master." He patted his Pokémon on the head, "You should make your Pokémon evolve as soon as you catch it."

I raised an eyebrow at that while my Pikachu frowned while looking annoyed, "Pika..." Ash kneeled next to his Pikachu, "There's more in raising a Pokémon than forcing it to evolve." He placed his hand on Pikachu's head, "And I like this Pikachu just the way he is."

The man and woman laughed as if it was a funny joke. Lt. Surge and Ash stood up. Lt. Surge smirked, "Wrong, baby. Electricity Pokémon are only useful once they learn all their different electricity attacks. You keep a someone like that, it's no more than a pet."

"Hey," I said. Both mine and Ash's Pikachu glared at them. "Can Pikachu beat Raichu?" Misty asked me and Brock. "I seriously doubt that," Brock said, "Especially is Raichu knows all electric attacks."

"My brother has a Pikachu and he beat Surge before," I told them, "Ash can do that, too. I'm sure of this."

"Okay, baby," Lt. Surge told Ash, "Did you came to show us your little pet?" Ash glared, "We came here to earn a Thunder Badge." His Pikachu stepped forward, "Pika, Pika!" Ash looked at him, "Pikachu?"

His Pikachu let a few sparks out from his cheeks, glaring at Raichu. "That's unusual," Brock said, "Pikachu really wants to go into battle."

"I'm not surprised," Misty said. "You can do it, Pikachu," I said. "Pika!" My Pikachu said. "Pikachu... I'm... counting on you," Ash said. His Pikachu looked at him and nodded, "Pikachu." He looked at Raichu with a glare.

Raichu shrugged with a sigh as Lt. Surge shrugged as well, "Oh well. I get you lined up to play with the big boys, can be a shocking experience."

Misty, Brock and I stood behind Ash as we watched him and Lt. Surge standing in the battle ground, both Pikachu and Raichu standing next to their trainers.

"The Pokémon battle will now begin," the man said, "Only one Pokémon can be used. The Gym leader, Lt. Surge, has chose Raichu. The challenger, Ash, has chose Pikachu. No time limits, let the battle begin."

The bell rang, meaning the battle will start now. "Go, Raichu!" Lt. Surge called and Raichu ran to the field. "Go, Pikachu!" Ash called and Pikachu ran to the field. "Pikachu, Thunder Shock!"

Pikachu used the attack but the attack didn't do anything to Raichu, much to Pikachu and Ash's shock. "What's that?" Ash asked. "Raichu, show them a real Thunder Shock!" Lt. Surge called. Raichu used the attack, and this was stronger, hitting Pikachu hard and making him fell backward into the ground. Pikachu slowly started to stand up, panting before falling to the ground, "Chu."

"Pikachu!" Ash called as we all watched in shock. "Raichu, one more time!" Lt. Surge called. "Wait!" I called as Raichu jumped up into the air, about to hit another Thunder Shock at Pikachu.

"Pikachu!" Ash called. My Pikachu jumped off of my shoulder, to my surprise, and she ran to the field, hitting Raichu with her tail, making the bigger mouse back away in shock, "Rai?"

My Pikachu stood in front of Ash's Pikachu, glaring at Raichu, "Pika..." Ash ran closer, kneeling down to pick his Pikachu up, "Pikachu."

"It's over, baby," Lt. Surge said, "You didn't really think your Pikachu could beat my Raichu, did ya?" His Pikachu got off of Ash, looking weak but determinant, "Pika..."

"Pikachu?" Ash asked. "Pika, Pikachu," His Pikachu said as he looked at mine. "Pika?" My Pikachu asked before shaking her head, "Pika, Pikachu!"

"Pi," Ash's Pikachu said. "Pikachu still wants to battle," I said. "Pikachu, no," Ash said. "Pi," His Pikachu said with a nod and stepped forward. I looked at my Pikachu, "Pikachu, return!"

My Pikachu looked at me in hesitation, "Pika..." I nodded and she ran back to my side, and jumped up to my shoulder. I glanced at her and whispered, "No matter what, we can't jump in." She looked at me sadly, "Pika-chu..."

Ash's Pikachu glared at Raichu while he smirked. Lt. Surge chuckled, "He's pretty gutsy for a toy." Pikachu ran toward Raichu angrily. "Pikachu!" Ash called. "I enjoy playing with toys, but playtimes over," Lt. Surge said, "Raichu, Mega Punch!" Raichu threw Mega Punch to Pikachu's face. "Now, Mega Kick!"

Raichu hit Pikachu with his leg, throwing him backward into the ground. "Pikachu!" Ash called. "Pika-chu!" My Pikachu called. "Now, give us the big finale, Raichu!" Lt. Surge said.

"Pika, Pi!" My Pikachu said as she looked at me, hoping I will let her stop this. I hesitated before quickly nodding. My Pikachu jumped down from my shoulder, running toward Ash's Pikachu as Raichu send Thunderbolt toward the male mouse. "Pikachu!" Ash called.

Just when the Thunderbolt about to hit Ash's Pikachu, my Pikachu quickly took the hit, letting the electricity absorb into her. She shook her head slightly, sparks were coming out from her cheeks before she glared at Raichu. The bigger mouse glared back at her, not happy she interrupted.

"That's enough!" I called as Ash ran toward his Pikachu, who was now unconscious.

After we took Ash's Pikachu to the Pokémon Center, I went to the phone to talk with my brother, Ryan while Ash, Misty and Borck were with Ash's Pikachu in the room.

"Lt. Surge, huh?" Ryan asked while his Pikachu looked annoyed just by hearing his name, after I said what happened with Ash's Pikachu with Lt. Surge's Raichu. "Why am I not surprised?" Ryan asked.

"His attitude didn't change," I said. "How come you didn't tell me he's the Vermilion City Gym leader?" Ryan rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, I didn't thought you will come to that City."

"Is that even matter?" I asked. "Pika," My Pikachu said. Ryan crossed his arms over his chest, "So your friend's Pikachu, how bad is he?"

"Well he's resting now, so hopefully he'll wake up soon," I said sadly. "How did you beat Surge with Pikachu, again?"

"With a lot of work, and a lot of support," Ryan answered, "Just be there for your friend and his Pokémon and show you supporting them 100%."

I frowned, "I'm doing that." Pikachu nodded, "Pika-chu." Ryan smiled, "Good then. Tell your friend that even if he lost once, doesn't mean it's over. Encourage him to continue and only then will he succeed."

"Thanks, bro, I'll talk to you soon," I said with a smile. "Good luck, I hope your friend will win the second try," Ryan said. "Pika, Pi," My Pikachu said as she waved her paw. Ryan's Pikachu waved back, "Pika-chu."

The screen turned black and I looked at my Pikachu, "Let's go see the others." She nodded and we walked away toward Ash's Pikachu's room. We walked inside to see Ash's Pikachu was now awake in bed, looking upset.

"Pikachu got hurt pretty badly," Brock said. Ash looked annoyed, "I can see that."

"No, no, I mean his spirit," Brock said. "Looks like it," I agreed as my Pikachu jumped to the bed. "Pikachu was totally overpowered by that Raichu," Brock said. "We'll try harder," Ash said, "We'll win next time if Pikachu try harder."

I sighed, "That's not it, Ash, Pikachu did do his best." Ash looked down, "Mmm." Nurse Joy walked in, "There is one way you can win." We looked at her. "I'm sorry, I overheard your conversation, and I just thought--"

"How can we win?" Ash asked. Nurse Joy held out a red small box, "A while ago, I just happen to come across this." She opened the box, showing a Thunder Stone inside. "Wow, it a Thunder Stone," Brock said.

"A Thunder Stone?" Ash asked. "A Thunder Stone can be used to evolve Pikachu into Raichu," I explained, "Evolve Pikachu into Raichu?" Ash asked as he stared at the Thunder Stone. He took it, "Then Pikachu might be strong enough to win."

"You have to think hard before using the Thunder Stone," Nurse Joy said. "Huh?" Ash asked. "Ash, if Pikachu will evolve into Raichu, you can't change him back," I said, "Pikachu will never be the same."

Ash looked from me to the Thunder Stone in his hand as he thought, "If Pikachu becomes a Raichu, I may be able to win that Badge." I opened my mouth but stopped when he spoke again, "But, on the other hand, to make him evolve just to fight... I will be just like Surge." He turned to his Pikachu, "Pikachu..." He held the Stone near him, "What do you want to do?" His Pikachu looked from the Stone to Ash, "Pika..."

"I really want to beat that Surge, but I also don't want to force you to evolve if you'd be happier staying the way you are now," Ash said. His Pikachu stared at the Stone for a long moment. "Pika, Pi..." My Pikachu said. Ash's Pikachu slowly got out from the sheets. "Pikachu," Ash said.

"Save your strength," Misty said. Ash's Pikachu continued to stare at the Stone before slapping it away from Ash's hand with his tail. "Pikachu..." Ash trailed off. His Pikachu looked at him, "Pika, Pika, Pikachu, Pika, Pi, Pi, Pikachu, Chu! Pika, Pikachu!"

"What's he saying?" Misty asked. I smiled a small smile, "Pikachu doesn't want to change, if he is going to beat Raichu, he will do it just as he is now."

Ash's Pikachu nodded, "Pika! Pikachu!" Ash nodded and took his Pokémon's paw in his hand, "Pikachu, together, you and I, will beat Lt. Surge and his Raichu." Pikachu nodded, "Pika, Pika."

"You both crazy," Misty said. "You should change your strategy, Ash," Brock said, "Maybe use your other Pokémon."

"It's hard, but it's not impossible," I told them as I crossed my arms over my chest. "That's right," Ash agreed, "We can find a way to win."

"Pika, Pika, Pikachu, Pika," His Pikachu said. "What now?" Misty asked. "Pikachu says he can prove he can beat Raichu," I explained, "He's going to defend both his honor and Ash's."

Ash looked at his Pikachu, "All right, are we all charged up?" Pikachu held his paws up, "Pi." He suddenly fell backward into the pillow, sleeping. I smiled a small smile, "Yeah... not for now."

Nurse Joy nodded, "He hasn't fully recovered yet, you should let him rest just for a little while longer." Ash nodded slightly, "Yeah, okay."

Ash, Brock, Misty and I were in the waiting room. Ash and I were sitting on the chairs. My Pikachu was sitting on my laps. Brock was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. Misty was getting a drink from the machine and then turning to all of us, "Oh, this all thing got me so nervous."

"Really? Since when do you decide to worry about me?" Ash asked. "Not you, I'm more concern about Pikachu, I hope he will be okay," Misty said. "Hey, Ash," Brock said. "Yeah?" Ash asked. "During the fight, Surge said that he made his Raichu evolve as soon as he got it, didn't he?" Brock asked. "Yeah," Ash answered. Brock smiled, "Then perhaps there is a way."

After two days of recovering, Ash's Pikachu was fully charged up and ready to battle Lt. Surge's Raichu once again. Ash and his Pikachu walked out from the Pokémon Center first. "Pikachu, our lucky star is shinning today," Ash said as he pointed to the sky.

His Pikachu didn't understand and tilted his head, "Pika?" I walked closer, placing my hand on his arm, teasingly looking around, "Where? I don't see a star anywhere." My Pikachu smiled, "Pika."

Ash rolled his eyes, but I noticed a small smile escaped on his lips, "Very funny." I smiled and let go of his arm. Ash looked at his Pikachu, "Let's go, Pikachu."

Ash and Pikachu started to walk forward and Misty, Brock and I started to follow. "Seems like they are ready to win, doesn't it?" Brock asked with a smile.

We reached back to the Gym and stood at the battle ground as we faced Lt. Surge and his Raichu again. "Hey, baby, you're ready to take another beaten?" Lt. Surge asked Ash, "You didn't even make your Pikachu evolve, you haven't learn anything yet."

"Don't be so sure, Surge," Ash said. "Okay, well, let's see," Lt. Surge said.

"The challenger, Ash, uses Pikachu," the man said, "The Gym leader, Lt. Surge uses a Raichu. The Pokémon will battle one on one, but no time limit, let the battle begin."

The bell rang.

"Use the strategy we planned, Pikachu! You can do it!" Ash called. Pikachu ran up to the battle field, "Pika!"

"A strategy, so they planned a new way to lose, go Raichu!" Lt. Surge called. Raichu ran to the field, throwing his tail forward, hitting Pikachu on the cheek, making him fell backward. Pikachu started to stand up but Raichu hit him with his tail repeatedly. "Pikachu," Ash and I said. "Hung in there," Misty said. "Break to the side and get away," Brock said. Pikachu couldn't move as Raichu hit him with his tail.

"Do it, Raichu, give him the Body Slam!" Lt. Surge said. Raichu turned to use the attack, landing on Pikachu. "Finish it up, Raichu, another Body Slam!"

Raichu jumped up and down, about to use the same attack once again. "Pikachu!" We all called. "Watch out!" Ash called. Pikachu quickly took it as a order, standing up, dodging, making Raichu slam into the ground where Pikachu was a moment ago.

"Hey, what?" Lt. Surge asked. Ash smiled, "Do it, Pikachu, Agility, now!" Pikachu ran quickly toward Raichu. "Raichu, use your Body Slam!" Lt. Surge called. Raichu stood up, jumping to hit Pikachu, but Pikachu dodged the attack. Raichu threw his tail but Pikachu dodged the tail too. Raichu quickly stood up, jumping to hit Pikachu with Body Slam but Pikachu dodged him again and another time.

"Raichu?" Lt. Surge asked in confusion. "It's working," Misty said as we all smiled. "Raichu evolved too fast and it never learned the speed attacks he can only learn in a Pikachu stage," I said.

"Okay, use all the Agility you got!" Ash called. Pikachu ran around Raichu, making him quickly become dizzy. "Your Raichu's way too slow, Surge," Ash said with a smirk, "That's his weakness."

Lt. Surge looked annoyed, "All right, Raichu, give him a Thunderbolt. Shot him down!" Raichu shot a huge Thunderbolt, hitting everywhere, the arena floor and even blowing out all the windows around the arena.

There were smoke all around and we couldn't see anything. "The end of the match," Lt. Surge said before we all saw Pikachu was standing unhurt, on his tail. "What?!" Lt. Surge asked. "Pikachu!" Ash called as we all smiled. "All right!" I called. "Amazing!" Brock said, "He used his tail as a ground and dodged the electric shock, just like Emma's Pikachu showed him."

"Pika!" My Pikachu called happily. Raichu was panting as Ash's Pikachu stood on all four. "Raichu, give him another Thunderbolt!" Lt. Surge called. Raichu tried to let Thunderbolt attack out but he couldn't. "Do something."

"It's over, Raichu's run out of electricity," Brock said. "All right, Quick Attack!" Ash called. Pikachu ran toward Raichu. "Raichu, Take Down, now!" Lt. Surge called. Raichu jumped up and down, but Pikachu quickly hit him on the stomach. Pikachu then hit him with his tail, making him fell backward into the floor, unconscious.

"Unbelievable," Lt. Surge called in shock. "We did it, Pikachu!" Ash said. "Way the go!" Brock said. "That was a amazing!" I called. "Pikachu!" My Pikachu called. "Fantastic!" Misty called. Ash's Pikachu smiled, "Pikachu."

After Raichu was a wake and recovered, Lt. Surge and Ash shook hands. "Congratulations," Lt. Surge said, "Nice job, Ash, Pikachu." He pulled out a Thunder Badge from his pocket, "As prove for your victory; a Thunder Badge."

Ash took it, "Thank you." He looked at the Badge with a smile, "Would you look at that, it's really a Thunder Badge."

"You should be really proud, you and your Pikachu really fought good today together," Lt. Surge said with a smile. "Thanks," Ash said, "I finally got my third badge." His Pikachu smiled, "Pi, Pikachu."

We all clapped for him and Pikachu. "Nice victory, Ash, you're no baby," Lt. Surge said. "Good job, Ash, Pikachu," I said. "Pikachu!" My Pikachu said. "Congratulations, Ash, Pikachu," Brock said. "You finally got your own Badge," Misty said.

"Rai, Rai!" Riachu said with a smile. Ash's Pikachu smiled at him, "Pika." Ash took Pikachu into his arms, "Thank you, Pikachu." He hugged him, "This is your victory."

Pikachu smiled and happily electrified Ash, which didn't seemed to bother him anymore, as we all laughed.

Chapter Text

After leaving Vermilion City and staying out for at least two days, me and my friends were walking down to a city toward a huge bridge above the blue sparkling water. Both mine and Ash's Pikachu were sitting on top of our heads as we were crossing the bridge. I hold up Ash's new Thunder Badge with a smile, "Very impressive."

I handed the badge to Ash, who grinned at it. Finally reaching to the end of the bridge, we saw beautiful cruise ships on the ocean, having passengers board the ships.

"Wow," Ash said. "Amazing," I said. "Beautiful," Misty said. "Man, I'd love to cross the ocean on a ship like this," Ash said. "Yeah, just think of all the Pokémon we'll be able to see along the way," Brock said and I grinned, "I would love that."

"Now for sure," Misty said, "Just imagine, sunbathing on the deck all day. Just imagine, nice long, relaxing cross." I grinned before Brock stepped closer, "We can never afford a cross like that."

We all looked at the ships in disappointment before starting to walk away. "Reality can really bang you out," Ash said. Two tanned high school girls suddenly jumped over to stand in front of us, making us jump slightly backward as they smiled, "Congratulations!" They both said together, "You guys are waaay lucky! You can go on a deluxe sea cruise!"

"A sea cruise?" Me and my friends asked at the same time. The girl with the long hair got right into my face, which made me really uncomfortable and step back as she spoke, "Well, it's like you know, we have these incredible super cool tickets for you."

"Cooool," the girl with the short hair squealed. The long hair girl held up four tickets, "Cool, huh?" We looked closer to see four tickets with the name St. Anne. "What?" Misty asked.

"Those are tickets for the biggest party aboard on St. Anne set cruise liner," the long hair girl said. St. Anne? The ship my grandparents created after I did a model of it? I thought. "The famous St. Anne?" Ash asked. "Coool," the short hair girl squealed.

"The coolest ship on the sea. Everyone's going to be together and, like, have the coolest party," the long hair girl said. "Coool," the short hair girl squealed. "And the party is just for Pokémon trainers only," the long hair girl said. "Coool," the short hair girl squealed.

They both pointed to the other way. "Step this way! It will be a radical party. All of the most radical Pokémon trainers will be there," the long hair girl said. Ash moved closer to me and asked quietly, "Do you know anybody who says 'radical' anymore?"

"Nope," I answered as I shook my head. "Okay, dudes, here's your tickets," the long hair girl said as she held the four tickets to me. Brock, Misty and Ash hesitated just like I did and the three of them looked at me as if waiting for me to say something. "We'd love to go on the Pokémon trainer cruise, but we really don't have the money to pay for it," I said.

"Oh, whoa, like, you don't understand," the long hair girl said. "Coool," the short hair girl squealed. "They are totally free," the long hair girl said. "Huh?" Ash asked. "Totally free. Tot.ally. free," the long hair girl said. Ash grinned, "For free?" I raised an eyebrow, "Why are you giving them away?"

"Like, we have to go out with our boyfriends, but we want to give the tickets to Pokémon fans," the long hair girl said. "Coool," the short hair girl squealed. "We saw you, and thought you look really cool," the long hair girl said, "and your both your Pikachu are looking super cuties. Just take this and have a really cool time." I took the tickets, "Thanks."

"No problem," the long hair girl said. "Coool," the short hair girl squealed. "Have a nice day for sure," the long hair girls said before she and the short hair girl ran away skipping.

I looked at the tickets as my friends looked closer to it as well. "All right, this really is cool, isn't it?" Ash asked. "It was a bit weird, but, sure why not," I said, shrugging, "Let's go find the ship. Which way they pointed?"

Misty turned to the side and pointed, "Over there." We started to walk off and looked around for the St. Anne ship. "Which one is it?" Ash asked. "I think that it," Misty said as we stopped and followed her gaze to a very huge ship. "Whoa!" We all said.

"That's incredible," Brock said. "It's huge," Misty said. "What are we waiting for then?" I asked and started to walk toward the ship with my friends followed.

We all walked up the stairs, boarding the ship. "I'd like to travel the all world in this," Misty said. There was a ticket holder on the top of the stairs and I held the tickets to show him. "Welcome aboard to St. Anne," he said before holding his hand out toward the doors, "This way."

Me and my friends walked to the doors and walked in. "Wow! Look at this," Ash said as we looked around the huge room, full of trainers and Pokémon. We started to walk around to look at the area.

"Beautiful," I said. We stopped to see two trainers bragging about their Charmander. "Look at the smooth skin on my Charmander, that's shows how healthy it is," one said. "Look at the flam on my Charmander," another one said. Another kid walked closer with a Squirtle, "Look at the shell on my Squirtle. Tough, huh?"

Ash smirked, "My Squirtle and my Charmander are much better then theirs are." I smiled and shook my head. Then, we all heard a voice from the other side, "All right, bring them all."

We looked toward the noises and came across a huge crowd of people gathered in a circle. Ash quickly ran toward the crowd and disappeared inside. "And there he goes," I said before Brock, Misty and I followed.

We pushed ourselves in the crowd, reaching to the front to see a young boy and an older man having a battle, both using Starmie and a Raticate, respectively.

"All right, they having a battle," Ash said with a grin as he stood next to me. "Pika-chu," His Pikachu said with a smile. "Raticate, Super Fang attack!" the man called. Raticate ran toward Starmie, biting it hard on it's jewel core, breaking it.

Starmie's trainer gasped softly as his Pokémon fell down to the floor. The screen above the man turned on, showing a WIN on the screen. The boy held Starmie, "Are you okay, Starmie?"

"Don't feel to bad, young man," the man told him, "It was only a practice match, anyhow, and I just happen to be lucky." A beautiful woman walked over, placing her hand on the man's shoulder with a smile, "My, how gracious."

"Not at all," the man told her with a smile before looking at the young trainer, "Keep working on building your Starmie's strength." He looked around, "Well, now, is anyone else brave enough to challenge my Raticate?"

I smirked and stepped forward, "I want a go. How about battling my Pikachu?" My Pikachu was sitting on my shoulder, smiling and she nodded, "Pikachu."

"As you wish, young lady," the man said. I glanced at Pikachu, "Let's go." Pikachu jumped off of my shoulder, standing on all four, ready for the battle.

"Raticate, Bite!" the man called. Raticate ran toward Pikachu, ready to bite her. "Pikachu, dodge!" I called. Pikachu jumped over Raticate and landed behind it, making it miss her. "Now, Tackle!"

Pikachu ran toward Raticate, hitting it hard on the side, making it fly back and hit the floor. Raticate slowly stood up, looking already pretty beat up. Before I could give Pikachu another command, the man stood next to Raticate and took it in his arms. He looked at me and smiled, "That's enough. I believe you have won."

"Huh..." I trailed off in confusion and he turned around and walked away. Pikachu jumped on my shoulder, looking confused as well, "Pika?"

After a little while of exploring the ship, me and my friends went to grab something eat. As we were chatting and eating on a table, the man who I battled and his female friend walked toward our table.

"Are you and your friends having a good time?" the man asked me. "Yes, sir," I answered, "How is your Raticate doing?"

"It's doing much better," the man answered, "You know that Pikachu of your is quite extraordinary." The woman smiled, "She's incredible." My Pikachu blushed as she smiled and placed her paw behind her head, "Pikachu."

Brock blushed as he stared at the woman and whispered, "She's beautiful." Misty smirked and waved her hand over his face, "Hello in there." I looked at the man and woman with a smile, "Thank you. I'm raising her for a few years now."

"What are you thinking of my Raticate?" the man asked. "It was great. Glad it's better now," I said. "Well, then, I would like to have a deal with you," the man said, "Would you like to trade?"

"Trade?" I repeated. "Pika?" my Pikachu asked. "My Raticate for your Pikachu," the man said. "Huh?" I asked. "Pika?!" Both mine and Ash's Pikachu spoke at the same time.

"Oh, um, I'm sorry, but I can't trade Pikachu," I said and smiled softly, "Pikachu is my best friend, I'll never trade her for anything in the world." My Pikachu smiled and held up her paw, "Pikachu!"

I looked from her to the man, "You see, the Pokémon I have, mean a lot to me and they part of the family. I hope you understand." The man smiled, "I understand, I also had a feeling you would say no to that, seeing how close you and that Pikachu are." I smiled and looked at my Pikachu before petting her on the head.

My Pikachu and I were outside. I was leaning against the railing, admiring the ocean, "Remember been on a ship few weeks before heading to our journey, Pikachu?" Pikachu smiled and nodded, "Pikachu."

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes as I let the wind hit my face, blowing my hair back. I opened my eyes, smiling as I continued to look at the sparkling water.

"Pikachu, Pi." I looked over to see Ash's Pikachu running closer. Ash followed, blushing, and I tilted my head in confusion. "What's wrong?" I asked. "Mmm?" Ash asked. I placed my hand on his cheek, making his eyes grew wide, "You're face is red and you're warm. Are you getting sick?"

"N--No!" Ash said, moving away slightly and I dropped my hand. He rubbed the back of his neck, "Uh... It's--It's nothing."

"Are you sure?" I asked and he quickly nodded as he leaned against the railing. I tilted my head, "Okay..." I leaned back against the railing, "So, where are Misty and Brock?"

"Exploring the ship," Ash answered, shrugging. "Pikachu and I thought to come and look for you." I smiled teasingly, "Aw, you missed me already?"

"You're so funny," Ash said sarcastically as he rolled his eyes but smiled. "I know I am," I said and chuckled before tagging on his arm, "Come on, let's go find Brock and Misty."

We walked back inside and started to look around for our two friends. "Hey, guys!" We looked over to see Misty waving over to us with Brock next to her.

Ash and I walked toward them and as we reached them, the curtains on all the windows closed off. "Huh?" I asked. "What's going on?" Ash asked. The staff tore off their uniforms, revealing different uniforms; black clothing, and the letter R on the outfits, and they all were holding a suction tanks on their backs.

Two familiar looking people stood on one of the tables. "Team Rocket," I muttered in annoyance. James looked gloomy while Jesse was standing confident.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

Meowth jumped over, "Meowth! That's right!"

"Team Rocket will now take possession of your Pokémon," Jesse said. People all around us started to talk all together before Team Rocket members started to surrender us, and activated their suction tanks, starting to steal the Poké balls from everyone. Me and my friends held into our Poké balls as Ash and I held into our Pikachu.

Two members walked toward us. "Hand over your Poké balls!" One of them said. "No way!" Misty snapped. Ash and I exchanged a look, nodding before looking at the two members, "Pikachu, Thunder Shock!"

Both our Pikachu electrocuted the two members, making them fell to the floor in pain. "If they're going to try and take our Pokémon, let's make it a battle!" Ash said. Everyone started to agree and take out their Poké balls and releasing their Pokémon.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" both me and Ash said at the same time. Both our Pikachu ran forward, using Thunderbolt on a few of the members, electrocuting them. Ash threw a Poké ball up, "Charmander, I choose you!" Charmander was released from the Poké ball. "Charmander, use Flamethrower!"

Charmander, along with a few other Charmander, all used Flamethrower together, hitting half of the members, making them fell back into the water to stop the fire as they screamed.

"Geodude, go!" Brock called as he threw his Poké ball, releasing Geodude. His Geodude, along with other few Geodude, attacked a few members. Ash had released his Bulbasaur to attack as well, along with other Bulbasaur. He then let out his Butterfree and Pidgeotto to attack with other Butterfree and Pidgeotto.

The members one by one disappeared, a few ran out from the room, while the half were thrown out by the Pokémon. Everyone started to cheer at their victory but right after that, the ship started to rock back and forth, vigorously.

A few people, including Misty and I, looked outside the window, the sky were grey and the waves started to pick up. "Oh, no, it's a big storm," Misty said.

"This ship isn't going to make it across the sea in those waves. It's going to sink," I said. "What?" Misty asked in panic. Brock ran closer, "Where's Ash?"

We all looked around but didn't see Ash or his Pikachu anywhere. "We got to find him and get out of here," I said before taking off. Brock and Misty quickly followed.

We looked everywhere for Ash, and when we reached around the corner, I bumped into someone, causing me and the person hit on the floor. I groaned, "Ow." I looked over to see I bumped into Ash. "Ash!" Me, Misty and Brock said at the same time.

Ash and I stood up. "We got to get out of here," Ash said, "Come on." But before we could take a step, the ship suddenly pushed to the side, causing me and my friends to fell forward to a door and inside a room, hitting the wall hard and making us all fall unconscious.

Chapter Text

"Emma, wake up. Em? Come on."

I slowly opened my eyes as I let out a small moan. I placed my hand on top of my head and blinked before my eyes focused on Misty and Brock, and both mine and Ash's Pikachu looking down at me in concern.

"What happened?" I muttered as I sat up slowly. "We're inside the ship," Misty said, "We sunk." I blinked, "What?" I let her words sink in and looked at her shocked as I repeated my question louder, "What?" I frowned, "Wait, where's Ash?"

Brock pointed to the side, and Ash was unconscious upside down on a couch. "Um..." I trailed off, noticing his shirt was stuck on the couch, which is why he didn't fell from it.

Misty helped me stand up and we all turned back to Ash. "Hey, Ash, answer me," Brock said. "Wake up, Ash," Misty said. "Ash," I said. "Pika-Pi," Both mine and Ash's Pikachu called.

Ash finally opened his eyes, muttering, "What?" He focused on us and looked very confused. "Hey, are you feeling okay, Ash?" Brock asked. "Pikachu?" Ash's Pikachu asked. "What?" Ash asked, "Oh, brother--what are you talking about am I feeling okay? You guys are the ones who are upside down."

I tilted my head, "You're the one who is upside down, pal." Ash looked confused, "Huh?" He looked down at himself (or up for me, Misty and Brock's POV) and realized I was right and he suddenly started to fell. "Look out," Misty said.

Ash fell down to the floor with a groan, "Can someone tell me what in the world happened?" Misty placed her hands on her hips, "Just take a look out the window."

Ash quickly looked up to the window as he stood up. We all saw we were underwater and fish were swimming around. "Fish swimming?" Ash asked, "This can't be... then that's mean... that this ship has sunk!" He looked at us, "What are we gonna do now?!"

"First, calm down," I said as I crossed my arms over my chest, "Then, we find a way to get out. Let's go." I leaded the way out of the room and we saw that the up floors (that were leading down now that the ship sunk) was full of water.

"What are we gonna do?" Ash asked, "The ship is leaking everywhere." I sighed, "We got to keep calm. As long as we have air here, it will take time to fill up with water." I looked around, "Mmm..."

"Where do we need to go?" Misty asked. "We have two options. Up or down," I said, "The ship's deck is below us now, and the bottom is above us." Ash smiled, "Then we have to dive down to the deck."

"But if we dive down to the deck and come a cross a dead end, then we're done for it," Brock pointed out. I nodded as I crossed my arms over my chest. "So... how are we supposed to know?" Ash asked.

I looked at Misty, "We need to see if there is a way out under there." Misty smiled as she pulled out a Poke ball, "I got it." She threw the Poké ball, "Go, Goldeen!" Goldeen fell into the water and looked over at us. "Goldeen, dive down to the deck, if you find a way out of the ship, bring something back from outside," Misty said and then Goldeen dived into the water.

We all waited for Goldeen to come back for a few minutes now. "What's taking Goldeen so long?" Ash asked. "I guess it can't find a way out," Misty said. "Then we'll have to go up," I said before we watched as a few bubbles started to rise from the water and then a weird shadow began to rise. Then, three familiar looking bodies popped up out of the water and we all shrieked as we walked backward.

Goldeen pushed them onto the floor and we looked at Team Rocket, seeing that they looked lifeless, maybe even dead.

"Team Rocket?" Ash asked. "They look terrible," Brock said. Suddenly, the three of them spit up water. "P--Prepare--Prepare for trouble," Jesse muttered. "Yes, make it double," James muttered. The three of them looked at us, and suddenly weren't groggy anymore as they quickly stood up, "You!"

Jesse and James pulled out their Poké balls. "We got you brats cornered!" Jesse said. Ash and Brock held their Poké balls. "So, you followed us all the way to the bottom of the sea," Brock said. Jesse and James threw their Poké balls. "Ekans!" Jesse called.

"Koffing!" James called. Ekans and Koffing were released out of the Poké balls. Ash and Brock threw out their Poké balls, "Here we go!"

Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Geodude stood together, facing Ekans and Koffing. I looked at Misty, "A battle now?" Misty sighed, "Not good."

The ship suddenly moved to the left, making us all fell to the side and slid backward into the wall. "This ship will roll if we don't do something quick!" Misty called. "Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Geodude, Koffing, Ekans, to the other side of the ship!" Ash ordered.

Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Geodude, Koffing and Ekans quickly ran to the other side but the ship rolled to their side, making me, my friends and Team Rocket slide toward them. "The other side! The other side!" Ash called.

Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Koffing and Ekans ran to the other side with Geodude following. "Geodude, come back to this side!" Brock called. Geodude bounced to our side, but the ship was rolling back and forth. Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Geodude, Koffing and Ekans all stood together at one side.

I looked at Ash, Brock, Jesse and James, "That's it, call back your Pokémon," I said. "But Team Rocket will beat us if we'll call our Pokémon back," Ash said. "He's right," Brock said.

"We can't worried about that right now!" I said. "She's right, we've got worse troubles," Misty said. Ash and Brock held out their Poké balls, "Yeah."

They called back their Pokémon and I looked at Jesse and James, "Call your Pokémon back, too. What's more important? A Pokémon battle or your lives?" Jesse and James held their Poké balls. "She's right, good point," Jesse said as they called Koffing and Ekans back into the Poké balls.

The ship stopped moving and we all sighed in relief. We all stood up and I looked at Misty as I spoke to her and everyone, "Okay. We're all agree there will be no battles for now. Let's all work together."

Misty nodded, "I agree." We both looked at Ash, Brock and Team Rocket when we didn't hear an agreement, and to our annoyance, they were all glaring at each other. "Come on now!" Misty yelled, "Shake hands!"

They all glanced at us before doing as Misty ordered. Jesse and Ash shook hands while Brock and James shook hands tightly, as if showing each other who was stronger. Meowth and Ash's Pikachu shook hands but then Pikachu hit Meowth with electricity. "Pika-chu!" My Pikachu scolded the male mouse, who quickly stopped.

Team Rocket, Ash and Brock looked at me and Misty. "It's agree, we'll work together," Jesse said. "Now we've got to think of somewhere to escape," Ash said. I hesitated, "Well..." They all looked at me and I rubbed the back of my head, "There is a few things you guys don't know about me... I was the one who design the St. Anne."

"What?!" They all asked in shock. "Well..." I trailed off, "My grandparents from my mother side loved the designs so they made it, just like in my papers and... model that I made years ago."

"No way!" Ash said. "That's mean this is your ship!" Brock said. I rubbed the back of my head, "So are a few others. Just never got on them, you know?"

"Few others?" Misty repeated. "Hold on, you never said who are your family are," Brock pointed out. I smiled nervously, "Story for another time. Okay, so, if I remember, since the deck is blocked, we'll have to climb up to the bottom of the ship, we can cut a hole, that's how we'll escape."

"At least it's a plan," Ash said. Brock pointed to a staircase above, "Over there." He threw a Poké ball, "Onix! Make a staircase!" Onix was released, quickly reaching over to the staircase, reaching to the top. Brock, Ash and Misty ran up on Onix and I turned to Team Rocket, "Move it or lose it!"

"Yes, ma'am!" They said together before running after me up on Onix and we reached to the neck floor. "Thanks, Onix," Brock said before holding the Poké ball, letting Onix go back inside. "Let's go," I said before walking forward and everyone followed.

We quickly reached to a dark hallway and it started to get hard to see anything. "The lights are out, I can't see anything," Brock said. "Let me handle it," Ash said before letting Charmander out, "Charmander, I choose you." Charmander's tail was lighting the way. "Lead the way," Ash said and we all followed the Lizard Pokémon. Ash looked at me, "So, where does this hall lead to?"

"This corridor lead straight to the engine room," I explained, "That's where the walls are the thinnest. With a little luck, we should be able to cut our way through." Misty opened the door to a room to lead us to the engine room and we all walked inside, gasping at what we saw.

The stairs that were leading to the engine room, was cut to half in the middle and at the bottom everywhere was on fire. "This is no good," Ash said, "It's impossible to cross to the engine room."

Jesse and James held each other's hands. "Jessica," James said. "Yes, James?" Jesse asked. "Whoever said, 'Beauty doesn't last,' must have be thinking of us," James said. "I will always remember how a wonderful dresser you were," Jesse said. "So am I," James agreed.

"Will you two knock it off?" Misty asked, "There's got to be some way to get off this ship!" Ash kneeled down and held his hand to his Pikachu, "Pikachu, give my brain a jump start."

His Pikachu grabbed his hand, sending a small electricity to Ash. Ash shook his head, smiling, "Thanks! That's just what I needed!" He held up a Poké ball, "Bulbasaur, I choose you!"

Bulbasaur appeared on the other side. "All right Bulbasaur, Vine Whip! Extend your whip to us," Ash said. Bulbasaur held up his Vine Whip, throwing them to our side, tying them up so we could cross. "Good job!" Ash said. "Good idea, Ash," I said and he smirked. "Let's go."

Ash started to walk carefully on the whips, I followed and Misty and Brock followed after. We reached to the other side and saw Team Rocket were still standing at the door, not noticing as Bulbasaur pulled his Vine Whip away. "Hey, Team Rocket!" I called and they finally looked at us and they gasped and cried for us to bring back the vines.

After Bulbasaur held out his Vine Whip back to Team Rocket, they quickly and carefully reach to the other side. Ash let Bulbasaur back into his Poké ball as Team Rocket panted as they were lying on the floor. "Hey, no time to take a break," Ash said. We heard the ship's walls began to creak from the water pressure.

"We got to get out of here," I said before looking at Ash, "We need Charmander." He held up the Poké ball, "Got it. Charmander, I choose you." Charmander appeared and looked at us. "Charmander, we need you to weld through the metal a hole on the ship with your flame."

Charmander agreed and I pointed to where the hole should be, "There." Charmander followed where I was pointing and used Flamethrower on the ceiling. I dug into my backpack as I spoke to my friends, "All right, listen up." I pulled out ropes and started to hand one to everyone, "Everyone grab a water Pokémon, and swim to the surface."

"Got it," Misty said. "Hey! Don't forget about us." I looked over my shoulder at Team Rocket. "What are we suppose to do?" Jesse asked. I handed three ropes to her, "Just grab a water Pokémon." Their eyes grew wide. "Water Pokémon?!" Meowth asked.

"It's almost burn through," Ash said and we looked up to see Charmander finishing making a door on the ceiling. The made door brushed open, letting water in. Ash let Charmander back into his Poké ball and he let out his Squirtle. I let out my Poliwhirl while Misty let out her Goldeen and Starmie.

I tied my rope around my waist as Poliwhirl tied the edge of the rope around him and Pikachu did the same. Misty tied her rope around Goldeen and around her waist while Brock tied his rope around Starmie and then around his waist, and Ash did the same with Squirtle and his Pikachu.

"Let's go!" I called before me, Poliwhirl and my Pikachu went into the water first and the others followed.

Ash, Brock, Misty and I, along with both mine and Ash's Pikachu were sitting on top of a large floating platform in the middle of the seat, with pieces and items that were once from the ship surrounding us.

"I wonder why Team Rocket still didn't surface," Ash said. "Do you think they're still trapped inside?" I asked. To be honest, I was slightly worried. Even if they were annoying and trying to kidnap me a few times.

"There's nothing we can do, except trying to find a dry land," Brock said. Ash looked around, "Let's see... nothing but ocean in every direction, and no way to tell which direction tp go."

"Hey, how about you'll use Pidgeotto to search for land?" I asked. "Yeah! I remember the story of Noah, when he had to find a dry land, send a bird to find it, and returned with a branch," Brock said. Ash pulled out Pidgeotto's Poké ball, "Pidgeotto, I choose you!"

Pidgeotto came out from the Poké ball, flying above us. "Pidgeotto, bring us back whatever you find!" Ash called. The bird Pokémon turned around and flew off.

We all sat down as we waited for Pidgeotto to come back. We waited for minutes, until we saw the bird Pokémon flying back. But he was holding something; a rope, and it was attached to a fish Pokémon; Magikarp. It had three familiar looking, unconscious thieves attached to it.

Me and my friends hoisted the trio and Magikarp onto the platform. Ash let Pidgeotto back into the Poké ball before we all stared at Team Rocket.

"They weren't able to make it," Misty said sadly. "Not even Team Rocket deserved this," Ash said. "Yeah," I said sadly. "I guess the decent thing to do is to give them a tradition burial sea," Brock said. "That's right," Ash said, "Even if they were our enemies." We started to shove Team Rocket's bodies toward the water but suddenly Jesse and James sat up, and Meowth (who was on their backs) fell to the water.

We all screamed as we stepped back, "Zombies!" Jesse and James glared at us, looking offended. "Who are you calling Zombies?" James asked. "We are not Zombies!" Jesse said. "Somebody help me!" Meowth cried before he got back up on the platform. "Oh great," Ash muttered in annoyance and I shrugged.

The sun had already set, and we were all lying on the platform. Team Rocket was already sleeping on one side, while me, Ash, Brock and Misty were lying on the other side. Ash, Misty, Brock and both mine and Ash's Pikachu were sleeping while I was looking at the night sky full of stars.

I wonder... do my family know what happened?

It was very early in the morning, when we all woke up. Magikarp was still on the platform in the middle. I sighed softly, feeling hungry like everyone else. "I'm so hungry," Ash said.

"Seems like forever since we last eat," Brock said. Misty glared up at the sky, "If I've known I was going to be stranded, I would have stuffed my face full when I was on the St. Anne!"

"I want some food," James said. "Stop it!" Jessie said. "Yeah, that whining will only make hungrier," Meowth said. I looked over at Ash and Brock, noticing they were staring forward while drooling. I raised an eyebrow and followed their hungry gazes to Magikarp. I looked back at Ash and Brock before looking at Team Rocket to see they were drooling as they looked at Magikarp.

"Oh, no," I muttered. "That's it!" Meowth said before jumping toward the Pokémon fish. I gasped, "Wait!" I grabbed Meowth and held him up, "Magikarp is just scale and bones. The only thing you'll get from it, is a broken teeth."

"Thanks for the warning," Meowth said sadly and I let him go before sitting back down next to Ash. James glared at the Fish Pokémon, "Not only that this fish can't swim, it's not even good for eating!" Jessie glared at him, "See? I told you buying it, was stupid."

James stood up, "You're good for nothing fish! I don't want to be your master!" He kicked it away, into the water. Magikarp reappeared, splashing about, not even phased by it. I frowned sadly as I watched the Fish Pokémon.

"Good riddance, Magikarp," James said. "I feel sorry for it," Misty said sadly. "Yeah," I agreed. We watched as it splashed before it started to glow bright. "What?" I asked worriedly.

Magikarp became larger before the light disappeared as it roar to reveal-- "Gyarados!" I called worriedly as the others shrieked. We all stood up as we stared up in fear at the Atrocious Pokémon. "Gyarados?" James asked. "Gyarados is the evolve form of Magikarp," I explained. "I miss Magikarp," Jessie said. Ash pulled out his Dexter and pointed it at Gyarados.

Gyarados. This Pokémon has a vicious temperament, so use extreme caution. Its fangs can crush stones and its scales are harder than steel.

James smirked as he looked at Gyarados, "I'm James, your master. Obey me." Gyarados only roared at him angrily, making him yelp. "Dim-wit!" Jessie said, "If you're the master, don't act like you're scared of it!"

"I am scared!" James admitted. Misty grabbed my arm and leaned closer to whisper, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" I nodded, "I think so."

We pulled out our Poké balls and threw them. "Poliwhirl!" I called. "Goldeen! Starmie! Staryu!" Misty called. Our water Pokémon came out of their Poké balls, into the water.

"How will you battle it?" Brock asked Misty and me. "Our strategy is..." Misty trailed off. "Run for it!" We both shouted together. We tied the ropes around our water Pokémon and they started to drag the platform away as we helped pushing against the water while Gyarados started to chase us.

It roared a few times before stopping chasing us. We all stopped, and so did our water Pokémon. Gyarados looked up to the sky, roaring louder. "What's it doing?" Ash asked. "It just evolved, maybe it's tired out," Brock said. Misty and I stared at it suspiciously.

"We made it!" Jessie and James said behind me. "Unless, the stories are true..." Misty trailed off and looked at me. I stared at Gyarados, "They are..."

"What are you guys talking about?" Ash asked. The sky grew darker and the water began to ripple, creating huge waves as Gyarados continued to roar loudly.

"I've seen this before, when I was with my big brother..." I trailed off, "This is the same thing. Dragon Rage."

"Dragon Rage?" Team Rock, Ash and Brock repeated. Gyarados roared again, and right then, four more Gyarados emerged from the water. We all shrieked and stared in fear.

"Help! We're Gyarados' bait!" James cried. All five Gyarados started to form a rotating circle in the water, forming a giant tornado like whirlpool and it was heading toward us. "Here it comes!" The others yelled.

"Let's go!" Brock called. "No one ever gotten away from Dragon rage," Misty said. The tornado appeared closer to us and we screamed. The tornado brock the platform, forcing all of us inside it as me my friends held into each other's wrists.

I was holding into Ash's hand and my Pikachu's as we all were spinning out of control inside the tornado.

"Whatever happens, don't let go!" Ash yelled. We all held each other tightly but my hands started to slip from Ash and my Pikachu, and we all slipped from each other and shrieked as we got separated.

Chapter Text

I felt something wet hit my face and slowly opened my eyes. I blinked and slowly sat up, brushing away sand from the left side of my face. "What happened?" I muttered as I closed my eyes.

"Poliwhirl!"

I opened my eyes again and saw my Poliwhirl in front of me. "Poliwhirl?" I asked before remembering about the tornado and Gyarados. I smiled at my Pokémon in relief to see he was okay, "You okay!"

Poliwhirl jumped into my arms and I hugged him with a chuckle. I heard voices to my side and looked over to see Misty's Pokémon; Goldeen, Starmie and Staryu.

"Goldeen, Starmie, Staryu, are you guys okay?" I asked and they nodded. Poliwhirl moved back and I looked around but didn't see my Pikachu or Ash, Brock, Misty and Ash's Pikachu anywhere. "Where are the others?"

Poliwhirl shook his head, not knowing, "Poliwhirl." I looked back at Misty's Pokémon, "Don't worry, we'll find them and get you back to Misty." I held my arms out for Goldeen to jump on, and it did. I stood up, "Come on, let's go find them." We all started to walk away from the beach.

We were searching for a while now. It was dark and still didn't find the others. "Wonder where they could be," I muttered.

"Emma!"

I blinked and looked around.

"Pikachu!"

"Emma! Pikachu!"

"Bulbasaur! Charmander! Squirtle!"

"Poliwhirl! Goldeen! Starmie! Staryu!"

We started to walk to where we heard the voices.

"Emma!! Pikachu!"

We walked closer around the trees to see Ash, Misty and Brock yelling out the names.

"Guys!" I said and they turned around. They smiled, "Emma!" Misty gasped happily, "Goldeen, Staryu, Starmie!"

We walked closer and I handed Misty her Goldeen, "The three of them are all right." Misty held Goldeen in her arms as she kneeled down to look at Staryu and Starmie, "Thank goodness."

I looked around, not seeing my Pikachu or Ash's, "Hey, where's the Pikachu?" Ash shook his head in sadness, "We got separated like we did with you. "Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle are gone, too."

"Oh no," I said worriedly. I hope my Pikachu with Ash's and the other Pokémon, knowing how she didn't like been alone, not since we both became friends.

"We'll find them," Brock said as Misty got her Pokémon back into their Poké balls. I nodded and looked at Poliwhirl, "Okay, bud, you take a rest, okay? You deserve it." Poliwhirl looked worried, "Poliwhirl."

I smiled and patted him on the head softly, "Don't worry, we'll find them. Take a rest, okay?" I held his Poké ball and let him go back inside. Right after that, we heard a loud yell and looked up to see a giant Zapdos heading toward us. "What?" I asked in shock, "It can't be!"

"Run!" Ash yelled and we all took off. The giant Zapdos flew above us, letting out a huge electricity lighting, making us all fell to the ground for cover. It flew past us and away.

We watched it go in shock. "I've never seeing a flying Pokémon like that before," Misty said. "Me either," Brock said, "It's one of the most incredible Pokémon I've ever seen."

"It was a Zapdos," I said. "A Zapdos?" They repeated. "It's one of the three Legendary Bird Pokémon," I explained, "Along with Articuno and Moltres. I've read about them in one of the books that my Dad keeps. But... how did it get here?"

"This place is really dangerous," Brock said. "You have no idea how right you are," I said and stood up, "We need to find a safe spot for the night."

Ash nodded and they all stood up. I looked to where Zapdos flew off with worried.

We found a cave and decided to stay there for the night. After we settled in, Ash, Brock and Misty have already fell a sleep but I stayed awake, looking in my Dexter.

Zapdos, the Electric Pokémon. Zapdos has both Electric and Flying elements and the flappage of its wings can create lightning.

Articuno, the Freeze Pokémon. This Legendary Pokémon, with wings like thin sheets of ice, is believed to possess the ability to freeze water vapor and create snow.

Moltres, a Legendary Pokémon. Its virtues symbolize the Pokémon League competitions.

I sighed quietly and placed my Dexter down to my side.

It was early in the morning when we woke up and quickly started to get ready. "Let's go," Ash said as he put on his hat, "We got to find Pikachu and the others."

We all grabbed our backpacks and started to head off as we started to call for the Pokémon. I looked around worriedly, "Where could they all have gone?"

We heard a roar and looked up in shock to see a giant Charizard looking down at us. "Let's get out of here!" We yelled. Charizard roared again and then shot a Flamethrower toward us. I grabbed Ash's arm and we all jumped to hid behind a giant rock, making Charizard miss us.

"It looks like a Charizard," Misty said. "An evolved Charmander?" Ash asked. "But much bigger," Brock said. "What is going on here?" I asked, "There can't be huge Pokémon like those."

"What do we do?" Misty asked. "Run for it," I answered and we all took off. We reached to a bridge and we run up on it before stopping in shock as we looked to our side. A giant Pikachu walked next to us and looked toward us, "Pikachu."

Ash took a step back in shock, standing between me and Brock. "Pikachu?!" Misty said. "Jumbo size!" Brock said. We all heard crushing and looked over Pikachu to see below us a rail cart moving toward our direction with a giant Kabutops behind it.

"A Kabutops?" I asked in shock and confusion. The rock bridge suddenly collapsed, making me and my friend yell in surprise as we fell down, landing right into the cart.

Me and my friends sat on one side and looked to the other side to see Jessie and James. Misty, Ash, Jessie and James yelled in surprise before stopping. Jessie and James looked at me and smirked. "Now, we got you just where we wanted," Jessie said. I raised an eyebrow, Yeah, right.

"Now, Emma, if you would come with u--" James started before he and Jessie looked over their shoulders to see the giant Pikachu been following right behind the cart. They hugged each other in surprise, "It's back!"

"Guys, look!" Misty said as she pointed to the side. We gasped when we saw my Pikachu, along with Ash's Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, along with Meowth and James' and Jessie's Pokémon; Koffing and Ekans. They were all running, chased by Charizard and another giant Pokémon; Blastoise and Venusaur.

"Pikachu!" I called. "Pika, Pi!" Ash's Pikachu called. "Pikachu-Pi!" My Pikachu called. "Pikachu!" Ash yelled, "Squirtle! Charmander! Bulbasaur!"

Misty glared at Jessie and James, "They will all be trouble if you won't do something!" Ash looked at them, "Stop the cart, right now!"

"We can't do that," Jessie said. "We can't stop," James said as he held up the brake of the cart, "The brakes broken."

"Give me a break," Ash grumbled. "We got to help them!" I said as the Pokémon were running near us. "Come on, jump in!" Ash yelled. The Pokémon jumped toward the cart. Misty catch Squirtle, Brock catch Bulbasaur and Charmander, Jessie catch her Ekans, James catch his Koffing, I catch my Pikachu while Ash catch his Pikachu.

"Is everyone okay?" I asked with a smile. "Pikachu!" My Pikachu said happily. Ash smiled, "Is everybody here?" Meowth, who was holding into the end of the cart, jumped in to sit between Jessie and James.

We all looked toward the giant Pokémon to see they were all following us. "They're after us!" Misty said. "Maybe we'll have run of luck!" Ash said. "Well, based of our recent run of luck, I would say the cable should snap," James said.

"That should happen about... now," Jessie said and the cable snapped. "Next, we'll be hurled into the air," James said. The cart hit to the edge, flying up, making me and my friends yelp.

"Then we'll probably crash into something," Meowth said. We all looked up to see Zapdos flying right above us, making us all shriek. We hit into it, but surprisingly, it wasn't a real Zapdos, but a robot.

"A robot?" I asked in confusion. The Zapdos fell down, crushing right into the giant Pokémon below, making them explode. "And then finally..." Jessie trailed off. "We hit the water," James finished.

The cart fell down toward the water as we all screamed. "After a very, very long drive!" Meowth yelled and we all fell into the water.

After getting dry and making sure Charmander was okay after the fell into the water, me and my friends were back on the road. We all stopped in surprise and smiled as we looked at a beach, with city near it. "All right!" Ash yelled before taking off, with me, Brock and Misty following.

Chapter Text

In the Porta Vista's Pokémon Center, I was calling to my family. Hanna appeared on the screen, "Hello?"

I smiled, "Hey, Hanna." My Pikachu sat on my shoulder and smiled, "Pika, Pika!" Hanna gasped happily, "Miss Emma! You're alright!" I blinked, "Uh... yeah, why?"

Hanna quickly looked to the side, "It's Miss Emma!" Right after she said that, my parents and brothers, along with Jeffery, ran closer and appeared on the screen.

"Emma!" Mom and Dad said. "Are you okay?" Danny asked. "Yeah, but what's going on?" I asked in confusion, "What happened?"

"You tell us, young lady," Mom scolded. "We were told about St. Anne," Dad said, "They said you and your friends were there when it sunk." I blinked and chuckled nervously, "Yeah... I--I was, but me and my friends are all right."

"Young lady, when you get back home, we gonna have a serious talk," Mom scolded, "And once we'll meet your friends, I'll have a serious talk with them, too! Do you have any idea how worried we were?!"

"I'm sorry," I said. "Pikachu," Pikachu said. "This won't help you this time," Mom said. "Mom, calm down," Ryan said. "Don't tell me to 'calm down'," Mom scolded, making him and Danny step back, "Your sister and her friends gets stuck in one of your grandparents' ships in the bottom of the middle of the ocean, gets out and doesn't even bother to send a message to tell us they are all right!"

"Honey, they are all safe and sound," Dad said. Mom placed her hands on her hips, "I'll be having a talk with my mother." She looked at me, "No more ships!" I blinked, "But--"

"No 'buts'," Mom said before they all looked over me in confusion. "Who's that behind you?" Danny asked. "Mmm?" I hummed and Pikachu and I looked over and froze when we saw Misty looking over my shoulder at the screen in shock.

"Misty?!" I asked. "Pika?!" Pikachu asked. "No way! Are those..." Misty trailed off. I looked from her to the screen and sighed, "Oh well..." I looked at Misty, "Misty, that's my family." She gasped, "The Pierce family?!"

"Yeah, those are my parents, my brothers, Hanna, the cook and Jeffery, the butler," I answered and looked at my family, "Uh, this is Misty, she's one of my best friends." My family smiled at her. "Hello, Misty, it's nice to meet you," Dad said.

"It's an honor to meet you all," Misty said with a smile as she clapped her hands together. "So glad to finally meet one of my daughter's friends she's traveling with," Mom said. "Please take a good care of her, Miss," Jeffery said. Misty chuckled, "I think she is taking care of us more."

Mom placed her hands on her hips as she let her smile fad away, "Now, I have to go talk with my mother, so..." She looked at Misty with a smile, "Misty, it was great to meet you, hope to meet you again." She looked at me and scolded, "And, you, young lady, when you reach to the next city, you call and let us know you are safe, do you understand?" I blinked, "Yeah..."

"Good," She said as she smiled softly, "Bye, honey." With that, she walked away from the screen. Dad sighed while Danny and Ryan exchanged a look. "I just had a flashback," Danny said and Ryan scoffed.

Dad looked at me and Misty, "Okay, girls, have fun but make sure to let us know you okay when you get to the next town." I smiled, "Got it, Dad, see you guys later." Misty waved, "It was great to meet you all, have a great day."

"You too," Ryan said. "Pika, Pika!" My Pikachu said as she waved. "Bye," Dad, Ryan, Danny, Jeffery and Hanna said together before the screen turned black.

I sighed and looked at Misty, "So... now you know who are my family are." Misty tilted her head in confusion, "Why didn't you say that they are you family?"

"Well... I was been really... careful, when it's about them," I said and we started to walk away, "I was kind of a loner before meeting my Pikachu. I had some friends, not just Gary, but... they all where friends with me because of my family. So, I just stopped been friends with them. I only had Gary since."

"That's sad," Misty said sadly. I shrugged, "I got over it." I looked at Misty, "Can you please not tell Ash and Brock about my family? Knowing them already, I have a feeling those two would drool over them." Misty chuckled, "Don't worry." She winked, "Your secret is safe with me."

She linked her arm with mine, "But, if I like you way before finding out about your family, then so will Ash and Brock." I shrugged, "Maybe. I'll tell them one day."

"I know what will cheer you up," Misty said, "Ash and Brock went to the beach for a swim, let's join them!" I hesitated, "I, uh, don't have a swimsuit." She smiled, "Me neither! Let's go shopping!"

"Wait, but, I'm not much of a swimmer," I admitted. "That will change," Misty said, "Let's go." She looked at my Pikachu, "Isn't that right, Pikachu?" My female mouse nodded, "Pika!" Misty started to drag me out of the Pokémon Center.

After a little while of shopping, Misty and I were walking on the beach, wearing our new swimsuits. Pikachu was sitting on my shoulder as we looked around for Ash and Brock. "Can those two have already left?" I asked. Misty shook her head, "No way. Brock said he and Ash would wait for us here."

"Pikachu, Pi!" We looked to the other side and saw Ash's Pikachu running toward us. My Pikachu hopped off of my shoulder, into the sand, "Pika." Brock and Ash walked closer, and Misty and I noticed they looked really weird as they looked at us.

"What's wrong?" Misty asked. "Yeah, why are you looking at us like that?" I asked as I frowned. "Nothing, just... weird to see you two like this," Ash said, making Misty and I exchange an annoyed look. I looked at Ash, "Of all the things you can say, that's the one?" Misty placed her hands on her hips, "Yeah, can't you say something nice for once?"

Ash looked confused while he slightly blushed, "What? What did I said?" Misty and I walked past the boys, with both mine and Ash's Pikachu followed. "What?" Ash asked behind us.

Not long after, Ash had dragged me to a big boat that Brock, Misty and both our Pikachu were on already. Ash was driving the boat while me and our friends were standing next to him.

"Isn't this great, Emma?" Ash asked. "This boat is beautiful, who's this belong to?" I asked. "I don't know," Ash answered, "Brock and Misty are the ones who borrowed it."

"Hang on, we didn't borrowed it," Misty said. "What do you mean?" I asked and looked at Ash in confusion, "You were the one who dragged me up here."

"Only after I saw Brock and Misty get on," Ash explained. "H--Hey, wait a second, we were only following the Pikachu," Brock said. Both mine and Ash's Pikachu looked over at us, "Pika..."

"I think we're in trouble," Ash said with a small nervous smile. "Pikachu!" Ash's Pikachu called and we looked forward to see something in the water was heading toward us. But before we could do anything, the thing hit the boat on the side and we yelled as the boat went out of control.

"Something broke, I can't stop!" Ash said as we were driving right toward the dock. "Look out!" Brock said and we screamed as we hit it. The hit made the boat stop but the dock was half broken.

We groaned slightly and looked over the damage. "Is everyone okay?" I asked. "I think so," Misty said. "Yeah," Brock answered. "I'm okay," Ash said and both our Pikachu nodded.

We slid off of the boat and stepped away from the edge of the dock. We heard footsteps behind us and looked over to see an old man walked over to us angrily with a walking stick. "What do you little kids think you're doing?!" He asked, and pointed his walking stick at Ash's face, "First you stole my boat, and then you destroying my dock, you'll pay for this!"

Ash quickly moved backward and hid behind me, "This is all a big mistake." The old man looked from me to Misty in confusion, "You two are remanding me of my granddaughters."

"We don't have the money, but we'll be happy to work to pay for the damage," Misty said. "We all would," I agreed.

After we introduce ourselves to the old man, Moe, he took us to his restaurant 'Beach House Moe', which was empty, and we started to work. Misty and I wore t-shirts and shorts while cleaning the tables while Ash and Brock were outside, trying to get people to eat in the restaurant.

Misty and I walked out to join the boys. "What's she doing here?" Ash asked and we looked to the side to see Jessie wearing a waitress outfit, standing in front of a restaurant near us.

"A top quality restaurant attracts top quality people," Jesse teased. James was on the balcony, wearing a waiter outfit, and holding a tray on one hand, smirking at us, "And a no quality dive attracts the bottom fever." Meowth was standing next to him, "Yeah, you losers!"

Me and my friends glared at them before I turned to them as I held up Scyther's and Poliwhirl's Poké balls, "Let's show them who the real losers."

Ash took out four of his Poké balls, "Yeah. I choose everybody!" He threw them up, releasing Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle. I threw my Poké balls up, releasing Scyther and Poliwhirl, "Scyther! Poliwhirl! Come on out!"

We all had a plan; Squirtle, Poliwhirl both mine and Ash's Pikachu were handing out fliers of the restaurant, Pidgeotto and Charmander were helping to keep the grill going in the kitchen, while Scyther was cutting up the food, and Bulbasaur was going to help me and Misty do our waitress duties.

The plan was working, and a lot of people were coming to the restaurant. Inside was started to be full, so Ash and Brock were placing tables outside and umbrellas in the middle of the tables.

I handed a ice cream to customer outside at a table, "There you go, enjoy." He smiled, "Thank you." I walked away but stopped when I looked at Team Rocket, seeing them looking annoyed. Ash walked closer and followed my gaze. I smirked and looked at him, "Now who's the losers?" We chuckled and walked into the restaurant.

While I was waitressing, I heard a crash behind me and turned around to see Bulbasaur on the floor. Misty walked toward him with two trays and slipped over, making the food hit on top of two people. They looked at her angrily.

"Watch where you going!" the man said. "I hate this place!" the woman said. I looked down at Misty in confusion and looked around as people started to leave. "Oh, no," I muttered.

Not long after, no one was here and the place was empty. Me, Moe and my friends were sitting down at the tables and my Pokémon and Ash's were sitting down on the floor.

"Moe, we really sorry for messing things up for ya," Ash said. "You all did the best you could. At least things went good for a while until those accidents started to happen," Moe said. "I guess so," Ash said. I shook my head, "Something's weird is going on here."

"Yeah, there's no way those were just accidents," Misty said. "Well, well," a voice said and we all looked to the door to see an old small woman walking in, with Team Rocket next to her. "Brutella," Moe said.

"And Team Rocket," Ash said. The woman, Brutella looked around, "Don't need a reservation again in here anymore. If things keep up like this, you might gonna be out of business, Moe."

We glared at her as we stood up. "Why do you care?" Ash snapped. "I could've care of less if this dump goes under," Brutella said smugly, "But you better think of somewhere to pay me back the loan you owe me, and fast."

"You'll get your money," Moe said in annoyance. "Yeah? I want it tomorrow! And if you don't pay me back every penny, I'll just take that boat of yours instead," Brutella said before starting to walk to the door. "No wait, please, take anything you want, but not that boat," Moe said, but Brutella didn't care and just walked out as she called, "See ya tomorrow."

She walked out but Team Rocket stayed. "The clock's ticking," James said with a smirk. "Hope you don't get the money," Jessie said with a smirk. "'Cause that boat of yours is our honey," Meowth said before they poked their tongues out and pulling an eye-lid down. They laughed and walked out as we glared.

"Those guys," Ash grumbled. Moe sighed in sadness as he sat back down, "Tomorrow... there's no way I can earn that money in less than a day. I guess I'll have to hand over the boat to Brutella."

"That's so sad," Misty said. "But, Moe, that boat is seem to be really important to you," I said. "For years I've dream about taking it to a cruise around the world," Moe explained, "I've wanted to see the world before it's too late... but I guess it wasn't meant to be."

"Don't say that, Moe, you can't give up on your dream," Ash said, "You have to follow your dream no matter what. It's always been my dream to become the greatest Pokémon trainer, and even though it's not easy I'm going to do everything I can to make it come true. So you can't give up on your own dream, not even it's so close to come true."

"Ash is right, Moe," Brock said. "Yeah, you can't let that lady take your boat away," I said. "We can get the money somehow," Ash said. "We'll work together," Misty said and all the Pokémon agreed. "You think it's possible?" Moe asked. "Anything is possible, Moe," Ash said with a smile, "We'll make it happen."

Moe smiled gratefully but let it fell, "But, how in one day?" Me and my friends exchanged a look, not knowing the answer. "Mind if I'll make a suggestion?" a familiar voice asked, and we all looked to the door to see Professor Oak. He smiled, "I think it's a good one."

"Professor Oak?" I asked. "What are you doing here?" Ash asked before a woman in a swimsuit walked in and Ash looked at her in shock. The woman smiled at him, "Hey, Ash. Surprised to see me, too?"

"Mom?" Ash asked in shock, "How come you two are here?" Professor Oak walked closer, "We'll explain that later." He held out a paper, "Look at this." I took the paper and my friends looked over at it. "The Porta Vista's Beach Beauty and Pokémon Costume Contest," He said.

"It's happening today," Misty said. "A beach beauty contest sounds excellent," Brock said. "But, how's that gonna help us, Professor?" Ash asked. "The contest attracts thousands of people each year, and most of the people get hungry," The Professor said, "They'll all be looking for a place to eat, so why not advertise this place? You'll clean up and you'll have the money you need by the end of tomorrow." We all smiled and nodded.

"I'll like to enter the contest," Misty said. "You should, Misty," Professor Oak said, "So should Emma." I frowned, "Me? Why?"

"Why not?" Professor Oak replied, "There are cash prizes for both the Beauty and the Costume Contest." Ash looked at me, "Maybe you should do it." I placed my hands on my hips, "Thanks for sticking up for me," I said sarcastically and he chuckled nervously.

Ash's mother gasped in delight and smiled, "Could my little boy have a girlfriend?" Ash and I looked at her in shock, blushing, "Girlfriend?!"

"Mom! We're friends!" Ash said. "I was only teasing," his Mom said teasingly as she waved her hand once. Misty smirked as she placed her hand over her mouth teasingly whispering, but making sure we all heard her, "Just give them some time."

"Misty!" I said and she smiled innocently, "What?"

The contest was near the restaurant, slowly started to get full. Pidgeotto and Scyther were flying around, dropping fliers all around the beach and town. Me and my friends watched around as people were reading the fliers and walking toward the restaurant.

"It's working," Ash said with a grin. I opened my mouth to speak but someone bumped me on the shoulder and I looked over. "So--" the guy started but stopped. It was--

"Gary?" I asked, making my friends look over. "Emma?" Gary asked. Ash stepped closer in annoyance, "Gary? What are you doing here?" Gary looked at him and smirked, "Well, well, if it isn't Ashy."

Ash glared at him and I looked over his shoulder to see a few girls were with him. I raised an eyebrow, "Uh..." I looked at Gary, "What are you doing here?"

"Heard about the contest, thought to drop by," Gary answered and crossed his arms over his chest, "So, what are you doing?" I frowned, "Mmm?"

"Gramps said you been traveling with this loser," Gary said and nodded toward Ash when he said 'loser'. Ash took a step toward him, "I'm not a loser!" I stepped between them and looked at Ash, "Calm down, Ash."

I looked at Brock and Misty for help, which they quickly got it and stepped closer. "Hey, Ash, let's go," Brock said before he and Misty started to drag him away. I let out a breath and looked at Gary, "What was that for?"

"Just saying the truth," He said with a shrug, "So, how come you traveling with him? Thought you have a better taste." I raised an eyebrow, "What? What's got into you?" I glanced to the girls behind him, "And who are those?" Gary smirked, "My cheerleaders." I frowned, "Your cheerleaders? Since when?"

"Since I started my journey," He answered. "Oh, wow, that's... that's creepy, kinda," I said. "For me, at least." He tilted his head, "So?" I frowned, "So?"

"When are you gonna leave Ash and come join me?" Gary asked. I looked at him in shock, "Huh? What are you talking about?" He placed his hands on his hips, "Don't you remember? Before you started your journey first, you said when we'll meet on the way, we'll travel together. I've been looking for you." I froze as I remembered, "Oh... I--I did say that..."

"So?" Gary asked. I hesitated and looked over my shoulder at my friends as Brock and misty tried to calm Ash down not far away from us. I looked at Gary, "I... I can't just leave them, Gary. I'm sorry."

Gary looked disappointed but didn't say anything and just nodded. "Hey, Emma, need some help over here!" Brock called behind me and I sighed. "I have to go... I'll... I'll see you soon," I said before walking away from him.

After getting Ash calm down, he and I sat with both our Pikachu, Brock, Moe, Professor Oak and Ash's mother, Delia, waiting to the contest to start. "It's sad you didn't enter," Ash told me. I raised an eyebrow, "It's not my style." I looked at Delia, "So, Mrs. Ketchum... what are you and Professor Oak doing here?"

Delia smiled, "Oh, please, call me Delia. We here with our tour group, the Pallet Town Volunteer patrol." Ash smiled, "That's great, Mom. I'm sure glad you showed up."

"Your mother's been worried about you, Ash," Professor Oak told him, "She said she still thinks of you as her little pumpkin." Ash blushed from embarrassment and I giggled while Brock smirked in amusement. "Oh well, parents," Brock said, shrugging.

"That just make me sound like a baby," Ash muttered. "You'll always be my baby," Delia said with a smile. "Little Pumpkin, huh?" I teased and Ash sighed in embarrassment.

"I hope you're not eating a lot of junk food, and getting in any trouble," Delia said. Ash, Brock and I froze and exchanged a nervous glance as we thought about Moe's boat and dock, before looking at Ash's Mom. "Well..." I trailed off.

"I am the one who got into trouble, Mrs. Ketchum," Moe said, "Ash and his friends helped me out with my restaurant when I really needed help. And more importantly, your son has been a great inspiration to me." Delia smiled, "That's wonderful, what a relief."

"Thanks, Moe," Ash said with a smile and the old man nodded. "Hello, everybody, and welcome," the host called through the speakers, "The Porta Vista Beach Beauty and Pokémon Costume Contest is about to begin. Now, here's our first contestant."

The curtains opened and Misty walked out, wearing her swimsuit. She waved as she walked to the front while everyone cheered for her. "This is Misty, the lovely and talented water Pokémon trainer," the host called through the speakers. "Now, let's take a look of the costume she and her Pokémon have created."

Misty's Starmie was flying down from above Misty, with Ash's Squirtle above it, wearing a cute helmet. "Squirtle looks so cute," I said. "Pikachu!" My Pikachu agreed. "It sure is," Delia agreed.

"Well, this is a very imaginative costume, it's Starmie and Squirtle," the host called. Squirtle squirted a tiny fountain of water up in the air, causing beads of water to fall down around Misty as everyone cheered.

"Yay, Misty!" I called. "Pika, Pika!" My Pikachu called happily. Suddenly Misty got pushed to the side by Jessie, who was wearing a blue bikini. "Jessie?" Brock, Ash and I asked together. "What is she doing up there?" Brock asked in annoyance. "Trying to ruin things as always," I muttered.

"A woman has suddenly burst onto the stage!" The host called. No one seem to care as they cheered for her. Jessie looked at Misty smugly while Ash, Brock and I glared at her. "And next we have, her Pokémon in disguise as a legendary Pokémon," the host called.

"Oh brother," I said with a sigh. "Who is this Jessie?" Delia asked. "She's from Team Rocket," Ash said angrily. "Team Rocket?" Professor Oak and Delia asked together. James' Koffing was wearing a beard and Jessie's Ekans was wrapped around it's head like a turban.

"Uh... this is a very interesting costume, I believe it supposed to be Omastar, and the Pokémon are Ekans and Koffing," the host said. Gary walked up the stage with his cheerleaders, and kicked the Pokémon off of the stage.

"Gary?" I asked and nervously glanced toward Ash to see he was looking very annoyed at seeing him again. "And now, we have a surprise visit by Gary Oak, the up and coming Pokémon trainer, in company by his adoring fans," the host said.

Everyone cheered for him and his cheerleaders. "That Gary," Ash growled. "I've forgot to say Gary was going to be here," Professor Oak said. "Too late for that," Brock said and I nodded sadly as I sighed.

Gary reached for one of the host's mic and stood up, "Hey, Ash, I know you out there." He smirked, "I didn't came here to make you jealous, and show I'm better than you, just came here to enjoy the beach and city, and the Contest, and now, with my best friend, Emma, is here, I guess I will stay here just for a bit longer."

Ash growled and stood up as his Pikachu jumped to sit on my lap next to my Pikachu before he could fall, "I'll show him." I reached to grab his arm to stop him but he took off. "Oh, boy," I said. "Chu..." Ash's Pikachu said, sighing.

Ash jumped up the stage, "Okay, Gary, I'm not going to let you stand here in front of all those people and insult me like that. I challenge to a battle right now!" I handed both mine and Ash's Pikachu to Brock before standing up as Gary smirked, "And waste my time battling against an amateur trainer?"

I ran up to the stage before Ash could take a step toward Gary in anger. I grabbed his arm, "Take it easy, Ash. You can't let everything he says to get you."

"But, Emma, you heard--" Ash started. Gary scoffed, "I don't know how you'll ever control your Pokémon, if you can't ever control yourself." Ash growled, "Why I'm--"

I stood between Ash and Gary, "Stop it." Right then, in front of us, a Gyarados submarine appeared from the water, rolling up the beach, making everyone scream and ran.

"It's a Gyarados!" someone yelled. Ash grabbed the mic from Gary, "Just stay calm, everybody! That thing is not a real Gyarados, it's a fake! It's a fake Gyarados." Everyone calm down as they looked at the submarine. "Those are Team Rocket," Ash said, "They're trying to ruin the contest, and scare everybody away. We're not gonna let them."

I smiled and raised an eyebrow, impressed by him. Suddenly, a missile shot out from the submarine's mouth, heading toward us. "So, what now you gonna do, Ash?" Gary asked teasingly, "Freak out?"

"Just watch me," Ash snapped and threw two Poké balls, "Charmander! Pidgeotto!" They were released, and Pidgeotto catch Charmander in its claws, flying toward the missile's path. "Okay, Charmander, use Flamethrower!" The Lizard Pokémon used the attack, hitting the missile, making it change direction straight back to the submarine.

The submarine took off as the missile flew right after it, crushing into Brutella's restaurant, and then exploded by the missile. We looked up to Team Rocket were send up into the sky once again.

"Yes!" Misty cheered as she ran to stand next to us. "Oh, right," I said and placed a hand on Ash's shoulder with a smile, "Good job, Ash!" Charmander and Pidgeotto landed in front of us and I kneeled down to pat them on the heads, "You guys did a great job, too."

"Great work," Ash complimented his Pokémon. I stood up and looked toward Gary as he started to walk away, "Huh? Hey, Gary." Gary stopped and turned to me. "Where you going?"

"I'm gonna head off," Gary said as he stood in front of me again. He smirked and ruffled my hair, "See you soon." He then turned around and started to walk away as he called over his shoulder, "See ya, Ashy!"

Ash glared after him, "Why--" I stood right in front of his face, making him stop and take a step back. "Nope," I said, "Don't start with him." Ash frowned, "But he started." I raised an eyebrow as I smiled.

The day after the contest, which surprisingly Ash had won 'cause he had saved the day as people said, Ash had got the money and a trophy, which he given the money to Moe so he can pay back to Brutella, while keeping the other half to himself.

Ash, Brock, Misty and I were saying goodbye to Moe as he was finally going to see the world on his boat. "Goodbye!" Moe called as he waved while driving away. We waved back to him, "Goodbye, Moe!"

"Thank you for everything! Good luck on your Pokémon journey," Moe called. "Thanks, Moe, and good luck to you, too," Ash called. "Bye!" We all called as we watched him sailing away. We turned to Delia and Professor Oak as they walked closer to see Delia was holding Ash's trophy.

"We got to get going too, Mom," Ash said. "I know," Delia said with a nod. "I'm gonna make you proud of me," Ash told her. Delia smiled as she had tears in her eyes. Ash smiled and we all turned around and started to leave.

Chapter Text

Thanks to Ash, we missed our ship and had to stay in Porta Vista for three more hours. We were all sitting at the dock as we watched ships sailing off. "I wish that ship could take us off this island," Ash said before lying down.

I sighed before glancing down at both mine and Ash's Pikachu as they looked at me and pointed to the water, "Pika, Pikachu."

I looked at the water and saw a small water Pokémon name Horsea, "Hey, look, it's a Horsea." My friends looked at the water and saw it. "Aw, how cute!" Misty said. Ash pulled out his Dexter, pointing it at Horsea.

Horsea, a Dragon Pokémon. In this unique Pokémon species, thousands of Eggs hatch every spring, and then the male raises them himself.

"It looks like it's injured," Brock said as Misty stood up. "And there isn't a Pokémon Center close here," Misty said sadly before pulling out a Poké ball, "I know what."

Horsea then splashed ink around, painting something before calling out for us. "It's saying something," Ash said as I stood up. I tried to take a better look at the paintings but since the water was moving, I couldn't make it out. "We have to try to take care of its wounds, first," Misty said.

We suddenly heard a loud bang and looked up ahead to see a ship had exploded. "Oh, no!" Brock called as he and Ash stood up. "We have to do something," I said before pulling out Poliwhirl's Poké ball, "Poliwhirl, let's help them out!"

Misty threw out her water Pokémon's Poké ball, "Staryu! Starmie! Goldeen!" Our Water Pokémon all swam toward the people that jumped off of the ship. I looked at Ash and Brock, "Get a boat to help them."

Ash and Brock took off as Misty and I watched our Pokémon helping out a few of the people before we followed the boys. We jumped on a boat and Brock drove us toward them.

"This way, carry them to the boat," Misty called and they swam toward us. Me and my friends helped the men up before Misty and I called our Pokémon back to their Poké balls.

The men were shaking as Brock drove us back to the dock. "It was terrible... terrible," one of them said. "What happened out there?" Brock asked. "The boss... I got to tell the boss," he said. We all exchanged a look before looking back at the men.

"Pikachu!" My Pikachu called and we looked to the water to see Horsea swimming toward us. "Horsea!" Misty called. I reached down and took the small Pokémon into my arms before turning to my friends, "We should take care of its wounds."

Misty held up a Poké ball before reaching over and catching Horsea inside. "That's... one way to do it," I said and shrugged as we watched the Poké ball stop moving, meaning Horsea was Misty's now.

When we took the men back to their boss, let's say we were all shook to find out the boss looked a LOT like Brutella. "I'm the boss! Now, stand straight!" She said as her male maids were around her. We all jumped and stood straight. "I understand you had saved the men on my ship, thank you very much."

Ash hesitated, "You're very welcome. Uh, I was wondering if you could give us a ride to the mainland." Brutella 2 gave him a look, "You don't think you get away that fast, do ya?" We looked at her nervously. "Not until you'll see my new resort." We all looked at her in confusion. "Resort?" I asked.

Brutella 2 looked to her side, where there was a table with a model on it, "It's not finished, but it will be spectacular, the world's biggest luxury resort."

We all looked to the window to see a construction site in the middle of the ocean which we saw earlier when we were waiting for our ship. "Is that the one in the ocean?" Misty asked. "Yes, that's it," Brutella 2 said, "That's 'Nastina's Paradise'. A super-luxury hotel, the hotel to end the all Hotels. It will have hundreds of luxuries suites, surrounded by the most beautiful coral reef." She then became very annoyed, "But only if those Tentacool stop interfering with the construction!"

"The Tentacool?" Misty and I asked together. "I get it, the Tentacool paralyzed your sailors," Brock said. I raised an eyebrow as I watched the woman, who now I know as Nastina, Tentacool usually don't get into troubles with human or other Pokémon unless--

"Because of those Tentacool, all of the tourists are staying away from here," Nastina said, "I don't know why such of despicable creatures even exists." Misty and I looked at her angrily. "Did you say despicable?!" Misty asked.

"They disgusting, you can't even eat them, and they're hurting my prophet!" Nastina said, "I was hoping the four of you mind be able to help take care of my little problem, do you have the skill to handle a Tentacool extermination project?" We all looked at her in shock and she smirked, "Of course, I'll pay you well." She held her gold stick to the side and her maids opened the door to show lots of food on a table.

Brock and Ash grinned at the food, "Whoa!" Misty and I exchanged an annoyed look. "If you'll succeed, you'll get world's class all you can eat luxury diners for one year, one million dollars in case, and vouchers for free stays in the hotels," Nastina said. Ash grinned, "Yeah!"

"First, you'll have to exterminate the Tentacool, every last one, then I'll pay you the rewards," Nastina said. Misty and I glared at her. "That's disgusting!" Misty yelled, making Nastina jump backward in surprise. "How can you say something like that?" I asked as I placed my hands on my hips, "There is no deal! Come on."

I turned around and walked out with my friends following me quickly. "Hey, wait up," Ash said as we walked out of the mansion. "Can you believe that?" I asked Misty. "She's horrible," She agreed.

"Why you so angry about?" Brock asked as he and Ash ran to walk beside us. "Doesn't that old woman make you sick?" Misty asked as we all stopped. "Well, she's not my type, but--" Ash started. "She wants to exterminate the Tentacool," I pointed out, "As in, killing them."

Misty clapped her hands together, "And they all so cute." I froze and looked at her, "Um..." Ash pulled out his Dexter, "They're cute?"

Tentacool, a Jellyfish Pokémon. 99% of its body is made up of water.

Brock and Ash looked at the picture of the Tentacool. "Ugly," Ash said. "I guess ugly is in the eye of the beholder," Brock said. "Yeah... but still," I said and shrugged, "Back to the problem, if Tentacool is attacking humans, then there's a reason for it. Tentacool usually are very calm Pokémon, so we got to find out what's going on."

"Pikachu-Pi!" We all to the side where the fountain was, where both mine and Ash's Pikachu were swimming with Horsea. We walked closer and noticed Horsea was looking much better. "Horsea, looks better thanks to the Super Potion," I pointed out.

Horsea nodded in delight and Misty took it into her arms. "Thank goodness," She said. Suddenly, the Dragon Pokémon cried out worriedly and we looked at it. "What is it?" Misty asked, "What are you trying to say?"

"Hold on, the picture it drew earlier..." I trailed off. "To me it looked like a Tentacool," Ash said. "Maybe it was telling us about the Tentacool, and why that ship was sunk," Brock said. Misty looked at Horsea, "Is that right, Horsea?" It nodded before we heard a noise near us.

"Tentacool." We looked to the other side near the sea and saw a single Tentacool watching us and we gasped. "Is that..." Ash trailed off before we looked back to Horsea, who seem to be very excited to see that Tentacool.

We all walked to the Tentacool cautiously, before suddenly Horsea jumped out of Misty's arms to stand in front of the Tentacool. "Horsea, Horsea!" It said. "Tentacool, Tentacool!" the Tentacool said, placing one of it's tentacles on Horsea's head, patting it.

"Hey, those two seem to be friends," Brock said. "Yeah," Ash said before we all heard the speakers around us turning on. "Citizens of Porta Vista! Listen up!" Nastina's voice came throught. "Nastina," Ash growled. "I am recruiting volunteers to exterminate the Tentacool that terrorizing our town," Nastina's voice said.

"Exterminate?!" Misty and I asked together. Misty held Horsea into her arms as we all listened, "I will reward a million dollars to anyone who gets exterminate the Tentacool. Isn't Nastina's generous?"

"She will do anything to destroy them," Brock said as I took the Tentacool into my arms. "Everyone who wants money, and want's to help the elements of our town, come to the Hutber immediately," Nastina's voice said. Misty scoffed, "She expect people to destroy the Tentacool for money? How ridicules."

We then saw the town people all running toward us. "It's not ridicules to them," Ash said. "Tentacool!" the Tentacool said and we all run to the side before the people could run us over. A few of them stopped when they saw us and pointed to Tentacool who was in my arms. "There's one!" one of them said and we all froze.

"W--wait! That Tentacool is mine!" I lied and my friends agreed. I pulled out an empty Poké ball, "I'll get it back inside." The guys believed my lie and followed the others. We all sighed in relief and I put the Poké ball back. "That was close," Brock said. Horsea and Tentacool suddenly jumped off of Misty and my arms and jumped into the water together.

"Horsea!" Misty called as we ran after them but couldn't see them anywhere. I looked to where the people were running, "Come on, we have to do something!" I looked at Misty, "We'll have to find Horsea later, Misty."

We all took off after the town people and got to the beach where a tank was pulling over as people were shouting. Nastina came out from the tank and held a mic, "All right! Which one of you is going to win the one million dollar reward?"

A rose suddenly shot toward the tank and stuck on it. We all looked to where it came from to see a ship driving toward us and slowed to a stop. "Who is that?" Nastina asked. Me and my friends saw on the ship a very familiar and annoying two people and a talking Pokémon.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

Meowth jumped over, "Meowth! That's right!"

Me and my friends looked at them in boredom and annoyance. Nastina smirked, "Hey, they got a lot of spunk!"

"That's a new definition of spunk," Ash muttered. "Pika-chu," his Pikachu said. "Look at that hair," Jessie said as they stared at Nastina. "Disaster," James agreed before Nastina tried to hit them with a missile but they ducked down.

"I don't need your beauty tact, I need to get rid of the Tentacool," Nastina snapped. "It's a very distinct style, just don't shot," Jessie said and Meowth whispered something to her. Jessie and James stood up. "We are terribly sorry," Jessie said. "Yes, very sorry," James agreed, "Please, leave your Tentacool extermination project to Team Rocket."

"This team may just could pull it off," Nastina said with a smirk. "We sure will, Nastina," Jessie said. "Sounds good!" Nastina said, "If you'll exterminate the Tentacool completely, the million bucks is yours. Isn't Nastina's generous?"

"Yes, we've heard you at the first time," Jessie said before they drove away. "Pikachu," my Pikachu said. "They disrespecting the ocean," Misty said sadly, and me, Brock and Ash looked at Misty as she watched Team Rocket leave.

"Emma, how do we stop them?" Ash asked. "We can't," I answered sadly and placed a hand on Misty's shoulder. We frowned when we watched the ship stopped and the water around it was growling red. The people around us were speaking all together. "Tentacool!" I said, "And lots of them."

"All of those are Tentacool?!" Ash asked in shock. The ship exploded and right then, there was a bright light in the water, and when it disappeared, a giant Tentacruel appeared, which it was holding Team Rocket in one of it's tentacles.

"Oh no!" I said. We all watched as the Tentacruel wrapped it's tentacles around the construction site, starting to destroy it as the people around us started to ran away.

"This is impossible! Even in it's greatest high, Tentacruel shouldn't be more the 7 feet tall," Brock said before Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Tentacruel, a Jellyfish Pokémon. An evolved form of the Tentacool. Its numerous tentacles serve as a powerful weapon. It is known as 'The Gangster of the Sea.'

"That must be the gang leader," Ash said. "Oh, no, Tentacruel is in trouble," Misty said as she pointed to the side and we followed her gaze to Nastina to see her in her tank with her maids with guns. "How dare that thing crush my hotel?!" Nastina asked, "Fire!"

The boys fired their guns as Nastina fired a missile but it didn't seem to have any affect on Tentacruel, do to it's huge size. What it only did, was get it's attention. "Leave my hotel alone!" Nastina screamed.

Right then, all the Tentacool were swimming up to the beach, crawling up the sand while some crawled up on the tank as the Tentacruel was swimming toward the beach. "Let's get out of here," Brock said before grabbing Misty's arm and dragging her away. "Come on!" Ash said as he grabbed my wrist. "Wait, but--" I started. "There's going to be a tidal wave!" Ash said and dragged me away.

We all ran toward the highest building with others. Me and my friends got inside right in time before a tsunami hit us. We panted and ran up the stairs to the windows to see the city had became floated in water with Tentacool and the giant Tentacruel. "I don't understand," Misty said, "Why would they do anything like this? Not everyone is against them."

I watched the not very destroyed construction site in thoughts. Could that site build on their territory? "I wonder..." I trailed off. "Look up there!" Brock said and we looked up at the Tentacruel, to see it was holding something in its tentacle. It was Meowth!

A Tentacool slid up on its tentacle, and placed both its tentacles on Meowth's temples, making his eyes glow red. "We are Tentacool and Tentacruel, here and now, humans have destroyed our ocean and now we'll have our revenge," It spoke through Meowth, "Now, we'll began to destroy the world. Your home, as you tried to destroyed ours."

"Their home... the construction site destroyed their home!" I said. "The coral reef," Brock said. Misty gasped, "That's what Horsea was trying to tell us!" One of the Tentacruel's tentacles swiped toward us and we all ran away before I looked over to see Misty was looking down in sadness, not noting the tentacle heading toward her.

"Misty!" I shouted as I grabbed her arm, pulling her away as the tentacle smashed into the window. "Are you two okay?" Ash asked me and Misty and we nodded. "It's too late, Horsea. Tentacool," we heard from outside. We walked closer to the windows to see Horsea and the Tentacool we met were in the water, trying to talk Tentacruel out from destroying the town. "No matter what you think, we can not turn away," It said, "We must teach the humans the pain of having homes destroy."

Horsea shook its head while Tentacool spoke to Tentacruel. "A spineless attitude like yours, will only allowed humans to be more cruel and not considering in the future," It said through Meowth before listening to Horsea's response. "Are you saying we're the spineless ones? For that you must be punished!"

The Tentacruel hit one of its tentacles into the water right next to Horsea and Tentacool, making them threw out of the water and into the air. "Oh, no! Horsea! Tenatcool!" I called.

Ash threw a Poké ball, "Grab them, Pidgeotto!" Pidgeotto was released and flew straight toward Horsea and Tentacool, grabbing them with his claws before flying back toward us. I took Tentacool into my arms as it glared down at Tentacruel while Misty took her Horsea into her arms as it was shaking.

"Tentacool, Tentacool, Tentacool!" Tentacool said as it continued to glare at Tenatcruel. "Looks like this Tentacool isn't a fan of this Tenatcruel like the other Tentacool," Ash said. Suddenly his Pikachu jumped on top of his hat, "Pika, Pika, Pika!"

"You want to try your luck?" Ash asked with a smile. "Chu!" his Pikachu agreed as he crossed his arms. "All right!" Ash said before throwing out three of his Poké balls, releasing Butterfree, Bulbasaur and Squirtle. Misty threw out her Poké balls; Goldeen, Staryu and Starmie. I threw out my Poké balls; Scyther and Poliwhirl. Brock threw out one of his Poké balls; Zubat.

Pidgeotto was carrying Ash's Pikachu, while Scyther was carrying Bulbasaur, Zubat was carrying Squirtle, and Butterfree was carrying my Pikachu. My Poliwhirl and Misty's water Pokémon jumped right into the water.

"Guys, make sure to get them away from here!" I called, "Send them back to the ocean!" All our Pokémon attacked them, slowly getting the Tentacool off of the city, back to the sea. 

I looked down at Tentacool in my arms, "I got to try something." I turned around and started to run away but Misty grabbed my arm, "Emma, where you going?"

"I have to try something," I said before taking off with Tentacool. I ran up the stairs to the roof of the building. "You are all Pokémon, why are you battling to save the destruction of humans?" It asked through Meowth and I looked at Tentacruel to see it was facing away from the building. I looked to the left at the building near me and sighed.

"I have to get to that building," I said before looking down at Tentacool and kneeled down as I dropped my backpack. I unzipped it and looked back at Tentacool, "I need you to get inside, so I could jump to the other side."

"Tentacool," it said before letting me put it inside my backpack. I zipped it only a little and put it on back around my shoulders and took a deep breath. "I can do this," I muttered before taking a few steps back and then ran forward fast. I jumped off of the edge and grabbed into the edge of the other side.

I pulled myself up and to the floor. I let out a sigh of relief, "For a second there, I thought I won't do it." Tentacool jumped off of my backpack and into the floor, "Tentacool. Tentacool."

I stood up and looked at the Tentacruel to see it was facing away from me again. "I can't jump again," I said angrily before seeing the both mine and Ash's Pikachu were talking to Tentacruel, which it spoke without Meowth, before it held one of it's tentacles to hit them. "Stop it, Tentacruel!" I shouted, which it finally looked at me.

"Please, just take them all back to the ocean!" I said. "Just listen to me, Tentacruel, this is enough. We, humans, understand that we hurt you." Tentacruel looked down around at the scared people as they were taking cover from the water around. "We won't destroy your homes anymore," I said as it looked back at me. "We are all very sorry, so please, let's end this now."

The Tentacruel stared at me for a moment before lifting Meowth up, "If this happens again, we will not stop, remember this well." It then threw Meowth away before leading the Tentacool back to the ocean.

But before the giant Pokémon could leave peacefully, a missile hit it, but it didn't do anything to the Pokémon, and just make it look angrily down to where it was send from. I followed its gaze to see Nastina shooting at it.

I growled, "Scyther, get me off of here!" Scyther flew up toward me and grabbed me and Tentacool as we flew toward Nastina. "Tentacool, use Water Pulse!" I ordered, which it did, causing Nastina to hit the water in front of her.

Scyther landed at her earlier spot and I crossed my arms over my chest. Nastina appeared in the surface, looking over at me in anger. "Stop it!" I snapped, "What you're doing is just hurting people and Pokémon!"

"You're little brat!" She said as she stood up. A giant shadow appeared and we all looked up at Tentacruel as it glared at Nastina. "Tentacruel?" I asked in confusion. Tentacruel swiped Nastina up into the sky with its tentacle, making her scream as she disappeared up in the sky. I smiled as I watched before watching Tentacruel turning around and leaving back into the ocean.

"Thanks, Tentacruel," I said quietly. Scyther flew me back to the meet my friends and our Pokémon and we landed near them. "You okay?" Ash asked and I nodded as I took Tentacool into my arms.

"What about your new little friend?" Misty asked as she looked at Tentacool. "I guess we could help it go back to the others," I said and shrugged before looking at it with a smile, "Or... maybe ask it to join my team."

"Huh?" my friends asked. "Pika, Pikachu!" My Pikachu said happily. "What do you think, Tentacool? Do you want to join me?" Tentacool stared at me for a moment before looking over at Horsea, who nodded, "Horsea! Horsea!"

Tentacool looked back at me and nodded, "Tentacool." I smiled and pulled out an empty Poké ball, "Welcome to the team!" I pressed the Poké ball on Tentacool, which it got inside. We all watched as the Poké ball moved in my hand for a few seconds before it stopped.

I've caught myself a Tentacool!!

"All right!" I called happily. "Congratulations, Em!" Brock said. "That's one way to do it," Misty said with a chuckle, using my words from earlier when she caught Horsea.

As the sun was setting, we were finally sailing away from Porta Vista on our ship. Me and my friends were leaning on the railings. "Wait until I'll tell my Mom I'm back on a ship," I whispered to Misty, which she chuckled.

"It's kinda weird, but Tentacool turned out to be all right," Brock said. "You're right," Ash said. I smiled and held Tentacool's Poké ball, "You know, Tentacool is the first Pokémon I caught since I've started my journey."

"Well, we're happy for you," Ash said as they smiled. "Yeah, and hey, you and I both caught a Water Pokémon on the same day, how fun is that?" Misty asked as she held up Horsea's Poké ball, "Let's get them out."

"I agree," I said before we threw them up. "Come on out Tentacool!" I called. "Come on, Horsea!" Misty called and we both released our new Pokémon and caught them in our arms.

"I've wanted to try this one for a while," Misty said, and then held a V sign and winked, "Horsea, you're my new Pokémon." Ash looked annoyed, "Hey! Wait a minute, that's supposed to be my pose."

"I know," Misty said smugly. "Hey, I should try it too," I said teasingly. "Oh no, come on!" Ash said. "That's a good idea, next time I'll try it myself," Brock said with a smirk. "Why don't you guys think of your own poses, okay?!" Ash snapped.

"You should be flattered that people want to try your pose," Brock said with a chuckle as Misty and I let Horsea and Tentacool go so they could go be with mine and Ash's Pikachu.

"That's right, don't be so greedy," Misty said. "It's not a bad pose," I said with a chuckle. "What?!" Ash asked and Brock, Misty and I laughed.

Chapter Text

"Hey, look over there!" Misty called in the morning as we continued to sail off. We all looked to where she was staring to see a small island. "Great, that must be the Maiden's Peak," Ash said, "We'll be landing soon."

"It would matter to me if I wouldn't see a land again," Brock said, looking very down, "I just wasted another summer." Ash frowned, "But, we had a whole summer of adventure."

"For kids, summer means playing on the beach, splashing around, having fun, but for me... Summer means, bathing suits, and girls that wear them!" Brock said before kneeling down in sadness, "Now, bikinis season's over and I have to wait another year to meet a girl."

Ash looked at him in confusion while Misty looked annoyed and I raised an eyebrow in confusion. I looked at my two friends and shrugged, "He was fine yesterday." We looked back to the sea and I looked at the Island as we were approaching it. I noticed stands around and I smiled, "Hey, what's going on there?"

"Looks like there's a Festival going on," Misty said with a smile. "Can we check it out?" I asked. "Sure, why not?" Ash asked and we started to walk back to our room before stopping when we noticed Brock was still on the floor.

Misty looked angry, "Come on, Brock! Let's get our bags!" She grabbed him by the shirt and started to drag him away as Ash, me and our Pikachu followed.

When the ship finally stopped at the dock, me and my friends got out and looked around. "Cool," Ash said. "I'll ride the Ferris wheel all alone," Brock said in sadness before looking to the side. "Oh brother," I said with a sigh. Brock looked shock, "Whoa, what a knock out!"

People from the ship were walking between him, walking to the Festival. Brock looked to where he was staring in confusion, standing next to mine and Ash's Pikachu, "Hey, she's gone."

Ash, Misty and I stood next to him. "Come on, Brock," I said. "Cheer up, we're at a Festival," Ash said. "Yeah, let's go have some fun," Misty said before she started to drag him off with us following.

As we were getting close to the Ferris wheel, I grabbed Ash's arm, "Let's go up to the Ferris wheel!" I dragged him with me as he chuckled. We reached to it and looked back at Misty and Brock to see they weren't following. "Hey, where did they go?" Ash asked and I shrugged.

We walked inside a booth and waited until it will start again. Both our Pikachu looked out the window as they were talking to each other. The Ferris wheel started to move and I looked out the window with a smile. "I've never been on a Ferris wheel before," I said. "Pikachu!" my Pikachu agreed.

"Huh? Never? How come?" Ash asked as he stood next to me. "Oh, uh, I never got the chance before," I admitted. "The thing is... well..."

"What's up?" Ash asked. I hesitated, "Nothing. I'll tell you one day." I looked down at my Pikachu and she tilted her head, as if she was hoping I would tell already about my family, "Pika-chu."

After the Ferris wheel, we finally found Misty and Brock. Misty was looking very annoyed by Brock, "Would you stop?" Brock was looking down, "She was the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."

Ash, Misty and I looked at him in confusion. "Hey, you there," a voice spoke behind Brock, and he quickly turned around in excitement. "Are you the--" He stopped when we looked down to see an old woman looking up at him. Brock stepped back, "You're not that beautiful girl."

"Who's not beautiful?" the old woman asked, looking offended, "Beware, not of an old beauty like me, but a beautiful young woman, or you'll meet a cruel fate."

"That girl on the rock, I have to meet her," Brock said. Misty placed her hands on her face smugly with a blush, "Now, I'm must be the beautiful girl she's talking about, but I'll never hurt Brock."

I raised an eyebrow with a small smirk while Ash looked at her in confusion. The old woman looked at Misty in boredom, "I was talking about an elegant young woman, not some scrawny little blabbermouth like you."

Misty looked at her offended, "Scrawny?!" Ash chuckled, "Real Scrawny." Misty turned to him with a glare, clearly about to hit him. Ash quickly hid behind me, making Misty growl in annoyance, "Emma won't be there to save you every time! That's it, I don't have to stay around here and be insulted! Let's get out of here!"

Misty grabbed Brock by the back of his shirt before grabbing my wrist before starting to drag us away, as I grabbed Ash's arm, dragging him with us.

We continued to walk a bit until we saw people were gathering around the shrine. We walked closer and pushed ourselves to the front row to see an old man with a painting that was hung underneath a cover.

"Welcome!" the man said, "To celebrate the Summer Festival, we will now represent the shrine of the Maiden's greatest treasure! For 2,000 years, this painting has been hung in the shrine of the Maiden. Once, in each year, it is removed from the shrine, and displayed for the public during this Festival." He grabbed the sheet and pulled it away, showing a painting of a young pretty woman, who had her hands together and looking sad.

We all looked at in in amazement. "It's her... but it can't be," Brock said before he took a step forward, staring at the painting with... James?!

I pointed at James in confusion as Misty and Ash looked at him in confusion. "She's so incredibly beautiful," Brock said while gazing at the painting. "She's the girl of my dreams, don't wake me up," James said while gazing at the painting before he and Brock started to walk up to the stairs.

The old man held his hands up to their faces, "Stay back. The woman in this painting has perished 2,000 years ago," He said. "2,000..." Brock trailed off. "She was in love with a brave and handsome young man, but he left her and sail away to fight in a war," the man said, "She waited for him, in a very long time, hoping to see his ship on the horizon, but her true love never returned to that place again. Still, she waited, and waited, never moving from that spot, until finally, her body turned into stone. Just like the cliff upon, she stood. To this day, she waits for her love to returned."

"Just tell me, where's this rock?" Brock asked. "Maiden's rock is not far from this shrine," the man answered. With that said, Brock took off, and Misty, Ash and I exchanged a quick look before following him quickly. "Brock, wait up!" Ash called.

As we reached to the cliff, the sun was starting to set. Brock was leaning on the railing as we looked at the stone of a woman at the other side of he railing. "So, that's Maiden's rock," Brock said while gazing at the rock, "It's the most beautiful rock I've ever seen. If she was my girlfriend, I'd made sure she would never be out of my sight."

Misty grabbed his shirt from behind, "Come on, Brock, let's go." Brock pulled away from her grip, "No! I have to stay here. She will come, I know it." Misty, Ash and I exchanged a worried look before looking back at Brock.

It was night now, and we were still at the cliff, waiting for that girl to appear. Brock was sitting on the grass while facing the back of the rock. Misty, Ash and I were starting to fall a sleep so we decided to head to the Pokémon Center to sleep there.

"No matter how long you'll wit here, a rock is a rock, Brock," Ash said. "Yeah, I'm tired," I said. "Me, too," Misty said. "Why don't you three go get some sleep?" Brock asked, "I'll join in soon."

"You know where we're staying, right?" Ash asked. "At the Pokémon Center," Brock answered, "I'll be there soon. I'll be fine." We hesitated and looked at him. "Okay..." I trailed off before we walked away.

It was getting really late and Brock still hasn't came to the Pokémon Center. Ash, Misty and I were on the beds in our room. "I'm really worried," Misty said, "Brock isn't back yet."

"I think we should get him," Ash said. "We can't leave. Now, it's curfew time, we are not allowed to go anywhere. In a Pokémon Center, when it's curfew time, Nurse Joy is around to make sure that kids in our age are not wondering around outside the rooms," I explained. "Oh, come on," Ash said as Misty sighed and I laid down.

In the morning, Misty, Ash and I were looking on the cliff and around a small house that was near it, for Brock, who wasn't in the spot we left him last night. "Brock!" We all shouted. "Brock! Where are you?" Misty called.

"James! James! If you're not here at least come out and tell us!" We heard a familiar voice near us and we all looked over to see Jessie and Meowth, who both then looked at us.

"You again!" Ash said. "Yuck!" Jessie snapped. "Double Yuck!" Ash said. "I've finally found you," Jessie said as she pointed at me, which caused Ash and Misty stand in front of me protectively with both mine and Ash's Pikachu. Jessie looked away in annoyance as if she remembered something, "Oh, wait a minute, you're not the one I was looking for, for now."

"Hey, are you looking for someone, too?" Ash asked. Jessie cleared her throat, "Prepare for trouble!" She tried to imitate James' voice, which I just noticed wasn't here. "Make it double!" She sighed, "Doing it by myself is a real drag. To protect the world from devastation. To unite all people's within our nation. To denounce the evils of truth and love."

Suddenly, we heard a muffling voice of James from somewhere, "To extended our reaches to the stars above." We all looked around in confusion and Jessie hesitated before quickly continued, "Jessie?"

"James."

We looked around but couldn't see James anywhere.

"Uh, Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

We looked to the small house near us and then, James thrown out as he called, "Surrender now or prepare to fight!" James landed between me and my friend and Team Rocket.

"He looks awful," Jessie said. "Worse than usual," Meowth said before Brock fell out of the house, landing next to James. "Brock!" I said. Ash kneeled next to him, setting him up, "Pull yourself together." Jessie shook James angrily, "What do you think you're doing?!"

"So, everything turned out just as I predicted," a familiar voice spoke and we all looked over to see the old woman from yesterday. "It's the old woman," Ash said. "Obviously, this two have both seen the ghost of the Maiden," the old woman said. "Ghost of the Maiden?" we all repeated together before we looked down at Brock and James as they mumbled together before they pulled away from us and hugged each other.

"They're possessed!" Ash said, "Pikachu!" His Pikachu used Thunder Shock, hitting James and Brock together and it stopped, making them fall to the ground. Brock sat up, groaning, "Who am I? I'm Brock."

Misty, Ash and I smiled. "Brock's back!" I said. James sat up, "I'm James, from Team Rocket." He stood up as Ash and I helped Brock stand. The old woman walked closer and looked up at Ash as she raised an eyebrow, "You! Why didn't you fell into the spell of the ghost? Do you have one special girl who has put you into her own spell?" Ash froze, "Huh?!"

"Is it the blabbermouth?" She asked as she pointed her walking stick at Misty's face, much to her annoyance. "Or is it the Tomboy?" She pointed the stick at my face, which I raised my eyebrows. "W--What?" Ash asked as he blushed.

The old woman ignored him and walked past us, "Come with me." She walked into the house, and we quickly followed inside. Me, my friends and Team Rocket sat in front of the woman as she explained to us what was happening.

"All men who passes this way, fell under her spell," she said, "It's always the same story, over and over. We find them here, acting like Zombies, with the life suck out of them, mumbling like idiots. It's the work of that Maiden's ghost! Still waiting for her young soldier to return. It's just as I warned you."

"So what? Who cares, as long as I can be with her," Brock said in a gaze. Misty, Ash and I looked at him in shock and Ash quickly waved his hand in front of his face, but Brock didn't react. "He isn't cured!" Ash said.

"I'm scared! You've got to do something!" James said. At least one is cured from it. "There's only one thing we can do about it," the woman said and we all looked at her. She grinned and held up stickers, "We have stickers." She walked closer, sticking two stickers on James' and Brock's foreheads. "These are anti-ghost stickers. However..."

"What's the catch?" Ash asked as he raised an eyebrow. The woman smiled innocently, "I can't just give these stickers for free." We all exchanged a look.

We bought the anti-ghost stickers and stocked them around the house and on James and Brock. We waited at night for the ghost inside the house, and to our surprise the doors opened up. "She's here!" we heard the old woman saying.

Wind blowed fast around us, pulling the stickers away from the walls, and from Brock and James. To our shock, we saw the ghost of the woman on the opened doors. Brock stood up as he gazed at her, "It's you."

"I've been waiting for you," the ghost said, her voice was echoing. "Yes, and I've been waiting, too," Brock said. James was shaking, "I'm scared, really, really scared."

"I've wanted to meet you," the ghost said. "And I, you," Brock said. Suddenly he and James were lifted in the air. Brock was floating after the ghost as she floated away. "Brock!" Ash called before he, Misty and I followed him with mine and Ash's Pikachu.

"I don't want to go! I don't want to go!" We heard James behind us as we grabbed Brock's legs before he could reach to the ghost over her rock. "Brock!" Misty called. Brock looked down at us, "Hey, let me go."

We ignored him and pushed him down to the ground. "I don't want to go," James cried and I looked up to see him floating toward the ghost. We saw a missile hitting the ghost, but it went straight her, making the ghost let go of James, and he grabbed the railing before he could fall to the water.

Me and my friends looked at Jessie in surprise, seeing she was the one to fire, "Hey, girl! You can't take him, you haven't go a ghost of a chance!" James looked at her in relief, "You really do care!"

"It's not 'cause of you," Jessie said, "Girls like her disgust me. Always waiting around for her man as if she were his faithful pet. She can't stand of the thought of losing him. She cries. But I say, 'see ya, later'. There are plenty more fish in the sea." Meowth crossed his arms, "I could go with some fish."

"I've been waiting, you can not interfere," the ghost said before sending wind around us. Right after it stopped, several skull-like ghostly appeared, laughing. Jessie and Meowth quickly ran to stand behind James, me and my friends. "What is that?!" Misty asked in fear. "Not any Pokémon I know," Ash said as he pulled out his Dexter.

No Pokémon have been found.

"They're not Pokémon?!" Ash asked. The skull-like ghostly were still laughing before floating around us, making us all scream. Misty hid behind Brock as I grabbed into Ash's arm. Suddenly his Dexter spoke again.

Still searching.

We both looked at it in confusion before moving it around until Ash stopped it in front of the ghost Maiden.

Pokémon entry found! Gastly, a Ghost Pokémon. It is usually invisible. Its specialty is Hypnosis.

"Gastly?! You're really a Pokémon?" Ash asked. "So, you finally figured it out," the ghost said, "Sometimes I'm the ghost of a 2,000-year-old Maiden." It changed to the old woman, "And sometimes I'm the mysterious old woman, but no matter what the disguise, I'll always be..." It started to change, making the skull-like ghostly disappeared, and it changed into Gastly. "Only Gastly."

"Gastly! What do you think you're doing?!" I snapped, shocked that this Gastly could spoke. "It's time for a battle! Pikachu!" Ash said. "My Hypnotic powers can work on other Pokémon, too, including a little rodents," the Gastly spoke as Ash's Pikachu ran forward.

Suddenly, Gastly turned into a rather large mouse trap, heading straight toward Pikachu, making the male mouse ran back toward Ash, "Pika-Pi!" Pikachu hid right behind Ash's leg as Ash looked at Gastly angrily as it turned back to it's form. Meowth ran forward, "Mouse trap won't hurt Meowth!"

"So, Meowth, you want to play games with me?" Gastly asked, "Here's a cat toy I think you'll enjoy." A ball suddenly appeared, making Meowth stop running toward the Ghost Pokémon and quickly turned to the ball to play with. Jessie threw her Poké ball, "Go, Ekans!"

Ekans was released and went straight toward Gastly. The moment, Ekans wrapped itself around the Ghost Pokémon, Gastly turned to a mongoose. It smirked, "Dinner time!"

Ekans quickly ran away from it and hid right behind me and Jessie. Jessie looked annoyed, looking at James, "Your turn." James blinked before letting Koffing out, "Uh, Koffing, Poison Gas attack."

Koffing did as was told, but then the mongoose stomped Koffing down. "My turn now!" Ash said before throwing a Poké ball as Gastly turned back to its form, "Charmander, I choose you!"

The cute Lizard Pokémon was released and Gastly smirked. "Well now, here's something for you," It said before turning to a fire extinguisher, and before it could hit Charmander, it run back toward Ash as it held its tail. Gastly turned back to its form with a grin, "Now, who should I defeat?"

Misty stepped forward as she held something behind her before lifting it up forward, "Defeat this!" I frowned, a cross? "What's that?" Gastly asked. "It's a cross," Misty answered and she smiled, "I've also got garlic, a stake, and a hammer!"

Ash, Brock and I looked at her in confusion. Gastly looked a bit offended, "What do I look like? A vampire or something?" Suddenly, a church bells were ringing, echoing around us, which caused Gastly to react. "What's happening?" I asked in confusion.

"I may not be a vampire, but I hate sunlight," it said, "It's time for me to go until the next festival!" With that said, it disappeared as the sun started to rise. "That was Gastly," Misty mattered.

Another day, and another final night here at this island before we'll leave the next day, tonight was also the last day for the festival. Me and my friends were with a lot of people at the river, sending lanterns down the water for lost souls, before we decided to join in for the celebrations for the end of the festival.

I was dressed in a very cute yukata and made sure it was put on correctly before heading to meet my friends and both mine and Ash's Pikachu, who both must be with Ash. I was looking for them while seeing drummers were drumming and people were dancing. Lanterns were hung up by the trees and bushes. What catch my eye was Misty and Brock dancing together along with everyone else and I grinned.

I looked around again until I found Ash, wearing his own yukata, looking at his Dexter with both mine and his Pikachu.

I smiled and walked closer to him with the fan in my hand, "Hey you." Ash's Pikachu and mine looked at me with a smile, "Pika!"

Ash looked up from his Dexter toward me, and his eyes grew wide as he stared at me. I blinked, "What? Is it... bad?"

"What?" Ash asked and blinked before shaking his head as he blushed, "N--No! You look great!" I smiled, feeling a bit shy after he said that and put the fan up slightly as I felt my cheeks heating up. I cleared my throat, "Thanks. You look great, too." I put the fan down and grabbed his hand, "I've been looking for you, let's dance."

"S--Sure," Ash stuttered and I giggled lightly before looking at both the Pikachu, "Come on, guys, you too." I dragged Ash with me as the Pokémon followed to dance.

Chapter Text

On the way to Saffron City for Ash's next Gym battle, me and my friends were taking a break with all our Pokémon. Some were playing in the water, while some were just laying around while resting.

Brock was looking at the map as we all were sitting down on the soft grass. He stood up and looked behind him before looking back at the map, "The map says that this rode leads right to Saffron City."

Ash grinned, "And to our next challenge in the Saffron Gym!" He stood up in excitement, "Yeah!" He suddenly looked confused, "What are those?" We followed his gaze up to the cliff to see sparks in the sky. "They look like Butterfree," I said as Misty and I stood up.

"The Butterfree celebrating their season of love," Brock said. "Love?" Ash and Misty asked. "Yeah," Brock said. "The season of love is when the Butterfree lay their eggs," I explained, "The Butterfree finds a mate, and then they lay their eggs a cross the sea."

"A cross the sea?" Ash asked. "Yeah," I answered. "How cute!" Misty said. Ash looked from me to Brock, "You mean, my Butterfree goes, too?"

"If you won't let him cross the sea, he will never have babies," Brock said. Ash was taken back, and so did all of his Pokémon, except Butterfree, "Babies?!"

Me, my friends and all the Pokémon looked at Butterfree, who was sitting on top of Scyther's head. "Oh, come on, Brock, why would you say something like that?" I asked before looking at Ash, "It's just... if you won't let Butterfree go, he's going to have to wait for next year."

Ash looked worried and he started to panic, "We can't wait for a whole year for this! We have to act fast!" He grabbed my shoulders, "What do we do? What do we do?" Brock suddenly had an idea, "I got it!"

After getting all of our Pokémon back to their Poké balls, Brock had leaded us off to rent a air balloon. We were all standing inside as Misty looked at Brock, "I'm surprised there's a hot air balloon for rent out here."

"We'll probably see a lot of other air balloon, once we'll get up into the air," Brock said. "What are we waiting for?" I asked in excitement, "Let's hit it!" Brock chuckled, "Hold on tight."

Brock turned on the fire, making the balloon lift up. As we got higher and higher into the air, I smiled in amazement as I watched the sparking water and the green forest. Ash chuckled, "What a view!"

"So cool!" I said. "Pika-chu!" Mine and Ash's Pikachu called and we followed their gazes to see the Butterfree flying around. "Look, there they are!" Misty said. "Let's go," Brock said before he lowered the air balloon behind the Butterfree so we won't interrupt any of them as they were finding a mate.

"Look at that," I said with a smile. "Okay, Ash," Brock said. "Right," Ash said as he pulled out Butterfree's Poké ball and threw it, "Butterfree, go!" Butterfree was released and after seeing all the other Butterfree, he turned to us. "Go out there and find your mate," Ash said with a smile. "Good luck, Butterfree," Misty said. "You can do it!" I said.

Butterfree nodded before flying off into the herd, looking around to a mate. But each time, Butterfree appeared next to one, they just turn they heads away, and Butterfree continued on. "Huh?" Ash asked. "Maybe none of those Butterfree are his type," Brock said.

"What do you mean by his type, Brock? The Butterfree are all look exactly the same to me," Misty said. "Some must fly better than other, or maybe they have a slightly different patterns, I guess," Brock said.

We suddenly all heard Poké balls from behind us and looked over to see more hot air balloons were flying behind us. "Look at all the balloons," Misty said as trainers released their own Butterfree. "They all Butterfree trainers," Brock said, "They come this time, every year to release their Butterfree."

We saw a pretty girl not far from us, holding a Poké ball and then she released her Butterfree. Brock stared at her as he blushed. "Oh no, not this again," Misty said. "Oh, brother," I muttered with a chuckle. Ash and I looked over as his Butterfree flew back toward us.

"Butterfree?" Ash asked. "You didn't find someone for you?" I asked sadly and he shook his head. Brock pushed himself between me and Ash, making us both jump, "Listen up, Butterfree, see that Butterfree the girl just released?" He pointed to the Butterfree the pretty girl released, "That one right over there! Pick that one!" Ash's Butterfree looked at the same Butterfree before looking at Brock as he tilted his head.

"Don't you get it?" Brock asked, "If two Butterfree fall in love, their trainers will meet, and they will fall in love, too!" I raised an eyebrow and before I knew it, Misty hit him hard in the head, making him groan in pain as he held his head. "Don't meddle in Pokémon's love affairs!" She snapped.

"But, if Butterfree won't find a mate, he won't have babies," Ash said. I smiled softly at Butterfree, "The perfect mate is got to be out there somewhere, you'll find her. Go ahead."

Butterfree flew away as we watched him go in determination. Butterfree looked around and as soon as he did, he suddenly caught eyes with a pink Butterfree, and he made googly eyes toward her, and charged onward, flying around the pretty Butterfree.

"Looks like Butterfree found the one!" Misty said as we all smiled. "Love at first sight," Brock said. Butterfree started to flap his wings in a polite manner. Ash frowned, "Butterfree's acting kind of weird."

"That's Butterfree's corechip dance," Brock answered. "Corechip dance?" Ash repeated. "It's Butterfree's way of saying 'I want to be your Butterfree'," I said. "Aw, that's so romantic," Misty said.

"If it's successful, the other Butterfree will dance, too," Brock said. The pink Butterfree just turned her head away from Ash's Butterfree. "She's... doing something," I said. The pink Butterfree flew up and Ash's Butterfree looked confused and sad before following her.

"What's going on?" Ash asked as we watched the two Butterfree fly above the herd. Ash's Butterfree continued to dance but then the pink Butterfree slapped him in the face with her wing.

Me and my friends all gasped at that and the pink Butterfree just flew away. "Butterfree, oh no," I said sadly. "Butterfree got shut down," Brock said. "What?!" Misty asked, "That's so mean! That's not fair!"

Ash's Butterfree had tears in his eyes and he flew down, away from us and the herd. "Butterfree! Where you going?" Ash asked but his Pokémon didn't stop and continued to fly down into the forest. "Butterfree!" Ash called. "Shot down in his prime," Brock said sadly.

Brock landed the air balloon on the ground and we all walked out to look for Butterfree as we all called out for him. After a few minutes of searching, I spotted something behind one of the trees, "Hey, look."

We all ran closer to see Ash's Butterfree sitting down in sadness, leaning against the tree. "Butterfree," Ash said, "Hey, there, Butterfree. Are you okay?" The Butterfly Pokémon looked down. Ash kneeled down, "Hey, how come you look so sad, buddy?"

Brock crossed his arms over his chest, "He was rejected by someone he loves. That's terrible shook. Believe me, it's a terrible feeling." He placed his hands on his hips, "I could write a book on the secrets of love and heartache." Misty smirked, "I guess that book would be your autobiography." Brock looked down while both mine and Ash's Pikachu were talking to Butterfree, trying to cheer him up.

Ash pulled out his Dexter, "Do you think maybe Dexter may tell us how Butterfree can get the other Butterfree to be his mate?" I raised an eyebrow, "Dexter never been in love. It doesn't work that way."

"I just don't understand it, my Butterfree is great, why would any of the other Butterfree reject him?" Ash asked as he put his Dexter back into his pocket. I crossed my arms over my chest, "Love is just too tough."

"Butterfree, maybe you just have to show up your strength, and let the other see how great you are," Ash said and I frowned. "Show how powerful your Tackle is, or how you can use Stun Spore."

"Wait, I--" I started but to my surprise, Misty agreed to Ash's plan, "That's right, Butterfree. You've got to be assertive! Love is all about attacking your opponent first. Get in a quick punch, to surprise them, and while they still weak, take the lead and you'll beat them hands down, trust me, I know, that's the best way to win."

"You mean it?" Brock asked in shock. "Sure do, that's love," Misty said smugly. "Uhh, I wish I knew that sooner!" Brock said. I frowned, "Hold on, I don't think this will work..."

They looked at me in confusion. "Why not?" Misty asked. "This is just showing-off your strength," I said, "That pink Butterfree will just attack him back or slap him again. So, I don't think it's a good idea to do that." Butterfree looked down and I kneeled in front of him, "Do you want to know what I think?" Butterfree looked at me and nodded. "I think you should be yourself, show the pink one how brave you are and show your lovely personality."

"But been himself got him rejected," Ash said in confusion. "Maybe..." I said with a smile, "But we'll keep trying. If they're meant for each other, then it'll happen." Ash looked taken back and I petted Butterfree's head.

"Hey, where did you hear that from?" Misty asked with a smile. "My brother's girlfriend told me that once," I answered with a smile and looked back at Butterfree, "So, what do you say? Do you want to try my idea?" He nodded quickly. "But first..." I trailed off as I unzipped my backpack and digged inside to find my red charming ribbon and took it out, "There it is." I tied the ribbon around Butterfree's neck and pulled the ribbon together as a bow.

"Done," I said with a smile as we all smiled at Butterfree. "That looks great!" Misty said and by the look on Butterfree's face, he was very thankful.

After that, we all got back on the air balloon and started to search for the pink Butterfree as we got closer to the herd. I looked over at Ash, to see he was looking through the binoculars. "We got to find her," he said, "Where did that pink Butterfree go?"

I smiled and chuckled, "Hey, looks like it's important to you." Ash moved the binoculars away from his eyes to look at me. I smirked, "You remind me of myself." Misty smiled as she pointed, "Over there!"

We all looked to where she was pointing to see the pink Butterfree flying off in the herd. I looked at Ash's Butterfree, who was flying close to our air balloon, "All right, Butterfree, be confident, you can do it, you have a great personality, so just be yourself." He nodded and I pointed to the pink Butterfree, "Go."

Butterfree flew off toward the pink Butterfree, and purred, making eye contact, and surprisingly, the pink Butterfree looked at him before turning away. Ash's Butterfree flew to the other side and made eye contact, which the pink Butterfree noticed again.

"Is it working?" Ash asked. We heard a loud noise and looked behind us to see a Team Rocket helicopter flying close by, and through the speakers of the helicopter, we heard the same familiar and annoying voices.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

The bottom of the helicopter opened and a bigger size Poké ball lowered down.

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

Meowth appeared above the Poké ball, "Meowth! That's right!"

Jessie laughed, "Look at all the Butterfree," She said. "All ours for the taking," James said and the Poké ball disappeared, revealing a huge net instead. "Let's do some net working," Meowth said with a laugh and the Butterfree started to get trapped inside the net as the helicopter flew in the herd.

"They stealing all the Butterfree!" Misty said. "Hey! Knock it off!" Ash yelled. "Stop it!" I shouted. "Stop or you'll disrupt their all egg lay season!" Brock yelled. "Can't you see those Butterfree are in love?!" Misty yelled.

Jesse laughed, "We're in love, too, little girl. With all the pretty little Pokémon," She said. "Those Butterfree are free no more," James said. Ash growled, "We got to stop them."

We started to shout at them as they continued to trap more Butterfree inside their net. Brock started to turn the pilot the air balloon again, flying us after Team Rocket. "Can't we speed up and catch them?" Ash asked. "I'm trying, but their chopper is a lot faster," Brock pointed out.

We watched as Ash's Butterfree flew toward the helicopter as the net caught the pink Butterfree along with the others. Ash's Butterfree tried to hit the helicopter with his tackle attack but it was no use. "That's it, Butterfree! Use your Tackle attack!" Ash said.

But Butterfree was starting to get tired and before he could hit the helicopter again, it flew up with the net. "Hey! Come back!" Ash yelled and his Butterfree flew after the helicopter. "Butterfree!" Ash yelled before looking at Brock, "After him."

Brock piloted the air balloon as fast as it can go and looked around for Ash's Butterfree. "I don't see Butterfree or Team Rocket," Misty said. "Butterfree, where are you?" Ash called. "Pika!" his Pikachu called. "Butterfree!" Ash called.

"Butterfree!" I called. Suddenly, we saw Ash's Butterfree flying toward us and we smiled in relief. "Butterfree!" Ash called happily. We noticed the male Butterfly Pokémon looked beat up as he flew closer. "What happened?" Ash asked. Butterfree looked to where he came from before looking back at us. "Is the pink Butterfree over there?" Misty asked and he nodded.

"Don't worry, show us the way, Butterfree," Ash said. Butterfree nodded before starting to fly away with us following close behind. We soon, found a warehouse and Brock landed the air balloon not far from it. We ran out and quietly walked to a window. I saw Team Rocket inside, with all the Butterfree they captured in an iron net.

"There they are," I whispered as my friends looked over in the window. "What do we do?" Misty asked. I smirked, having an idea, "I have a plan."

We broke the window and ran inside, to Team Rocket's surprise. "Who's there?" Jessie asked and we smirked. "Prepare for trouble!" Ash said. "And make it Double, Double!" Brock said. "To protect the world from devastation!" Misty said. "To unite all people within our nation!" I said.

Team Rocket looked insulted, "This was just..." Jessie trailed off. "Too good..." James trailed off. "To last," Meowth said, and we ignored them as we continued to have our fun.

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!" Ash said. "To extend our reach to the stars above!" I said. "Ash!" Ash said. "Emma!" I said. "Brock!" Brock said. "And, Misty, that's right!" Misty said. "The good guys blast off at the speed of light!" Brock said. "Surrender now, or prepare to fight all of us!" Misty said. Both mine and Ash's Pikachu jumped over, "Pika, Pika!"

"That's insulting!" James said. "Yeah, yeah," I said. "Let's do it," Brock said. "We gotta stop that!" Meowth shouted. "Today it the one day..." Jessie trailed off, holding a Poké ball. James held a Poké ball, "You won't win."

"Butterfree, go!" Ash called and his Butterfree flew inside and tackled Team Rocket to the floor, flying to the net. I held up my three Poké balls, "Go, everyone!" I released Poliwhirl, Scyther and Tentacool. Team Rocket stared at them before taking off. "After them!" I shouted with a smirk, which my three Pokémon did as I told.

Ash's Butterfree had managed to get the Butterfree out from the iron net with his Tackle and me and my friends ran closer while Brock opened the doors. "Hurry up!" He said and the Butterfree flew out. I turned to my Pokémon to see Jessie and James had let out their Ekans and Koffing. "Tentacool, Poison Sting! Poliwhirl, Water Gun!" They both attacked together, hitting Ekans and Koffing, making them hit straight into Jessie and James.

"Are you all right, Butterfree?" Ash asked and I turned around to see Ash kneeling next to his Butterfree, who was panting. The pink Butterfree suddenly flew down as she looked at Ash's Butterfree in concern. James suddenly appeared behind the pink Butterfree with a net, "I'll get you!"

Ash's Butterfree flew toward him, tackling him hard to the floor. "All right," I said and noticed the pink Butterfree blushing. I smirked, "Someone likes it, huh?" The pink Butterfree glanced at me before quickly looking away as she continued to blush.

"Scyther," Scyther called and we looked over to see James running outside. We all followed and saw Team Rocket starting to fly up in the helicopter.

I got my Pokémon back to their Poké balls before me and my friends ran to the air balloon. Brock piloted it as the pink Butterfree landed on the railing, flying with us. "Hurry, faster!" Misty called for Brock. "There they are!" I called as I pointed to far from us at the helicopter. They had another huge net attached to the helicopter, trying to capture the Butterfree again.

"They doing it again!" Ash said. "Pika!" my Pikachu shouted. "Pika-chu!" Ash's Pikachu said as he looked at Ash's Butterfree, and he flew closer, letting Pikachu jump on his back. "Pikachu, what are you two gonna do?" Ash asked. "Pika!" the male mouse said as he pointed forward, and Butterfree flew toward the helicopter.

Pikachu jumped off of Butterfree, holding into the window in the front of the helicopter before unleashing a Thunder Shock attack, destroying the helicopter. Team Rocket flew down into a dark hole as Ash's Butterfree caught Pikachu on his back once again, and flew back to our air balloon.

"We did it!" Ash said. "All right!" I said. "That's will teach them not to play around with the Pokémon romance," Misty said smugly. Ash's Pikachu jumped on the railing, "Pika!"

"You did it, Pikachu," Ash said. "Pika-chu!" My Pikachu said, "Pika!" Ash's Pikachu held up a V sign, "Pi, Pika-chu!"

The pink Butterfree flew next to Ash's Butterfree before starting to do her own corechip dance, to all of our surprise. "Ha, now the Pink Butterfree doing the corechip dance to your Butterfree, Ash," Brock said. "All right, good for you, Butterfree!" Ash said and his Butterfree joined the dance. "They're so cute," I said. "Pika," my Pikachu said happily.

We were all at the cliff as the sun was setting. Ash's Butterfree and the pink Butterfree were staring at me and my friends. We all knew what was going to happen...

"I guess, you have to leave us now, don't you?" Ash asked sadly and Butterfree nodded. "They have to cross the ocean, to start their new family," Brock said. "I'll miss you, Butterfree," Misty said. Ash looked down and I noticed he had tears in his eyes but was trying to keep them from falling. "It's time, Ash," I said softly.

Ash nodded and kneeled down in front of the two Butterfree. He forced a smile and looked at the pink one, "This is a great Butterfree, so take care of him for me." The pink Butterfree nodded, and I smiled a small smile, "Your babies are going to be beautiful."

"I guess, you're better get going," Brock said with a small smile. The pink Butterfree flew up but Ash's Butterfree was hesitating to leave as he stared at Ash. "Don't worry," Ash said with a smile, "Me and the others are going to be okay. One day, we'll see you again."

Butterfree had tears in his eyes as he stared at Ash. The pink Butterfree called out and Ash stood up. He closed his eyes, "Goodbye, Butterfree."

Butterfree flew up toward the pink Butterfree while still looking at us. "Bye, bye, Butterfree!" Misty called as she waved. "Good luck to both of you," Brock said. "We'll miss you!" I said. The two Butterfree turned around, flying toward the sunset.

I watched with a soft sad smile before looking over at Ash to see he was looking down. I stood next to him and looked forward at the two Butterfree as they were starting to disappear. "Ash, Butterfree almost out of sight," I said softly.

Ash looked up and I noticed he let a few tears fell down before he ran forward and waved, "Take care, Butterfree! Good luck, buddy! Good bye, Butterfree, I'll always remember you! Thank you for everything! Good bye, Butterfree!" We saw Butterfree was looking over at us while flying off with the pink Butterfree. "Have a good trip, Butterfree," Ash called.

We watched as Butterfree disappeared with the pink Butterfree and the herd. Ash stopped waving and I stepped forward. I placed a hand on his shoulder, making him look over at me. I noticed he still had tears in his eyes and smiled softly.

"You raised him well," I complimented and he smiled, "Thanks, Em." We all watched the Butterfree all flying into the sunset. 

Chapter Text

It was only been a day after Ash released Butterfree to be with the pink Butterfree. And while we all were trying to get to Saffron City, we found ourselves lost...

Again!

It was night time and it was a bit hard to see but Ash wanted to keep going and find the city instead of camping out again. I stopped walking with both mine and Ash's Pikachu and turned to find Ash and Misty arguing and blaming each other for getting lost again. To my annoyance Brock, who tried to stop the fight, got pulled into the fighting too.

"Guys," I said but they didn't hear me and continued to blame each other. I was getting really annoyed by those arguments, "Hey! Guys!" They continued shouting and I raised an eyebrow as I placed my hands on my hips. "Pika-chu," my Pikachu said and sighed.

"Knock it off!" I shouted. They jumped in surprise and looked at me as I crossed my arms over my chest, "Now, that I got your attention, fighting like five years old isn't going to get us out of here."

A giggle of a child was echoing through the forest and we all looked to the side and saw a little girl standing between the trees, holding a ball. "Uh, hello," Ash said, "Do you live around here?" The girl didn't answer and continued to giggle while bouncing the ball.

I raised an eyebrow at the very creepy girl. I felt like I was in a horror movie. The girl grabbed her ball, giggling as she turned around and ran away.

"Hey! Please don't run away!" Ash called before following her. I looked after him in shock, "Ash!" He ran after the girl and I sighed, "Oh, you're not supposed to run after creepy little girls." I glanced at Misty and Brock before running after Ash, "Come on."

"Wait up!" Misty called behind me but I didn't stop. I ran deep into the dark forest and out just to see Ash falling in a big drop off at the end of the forest. "Ash!" I yelled. "Pika-Pi!" my Pikachu yelled. "Bulbasaur!" I heard Ash shouting as I ran closer and saw a Poké ball thrown up. Bulbasaur was released at the edge of the cliff and used Vine Whip to catch Ash.

I looked down at Ash to see Bulbasaur had caught him. "Ash! Are you okay?" I asked. "Yeah," Ash answered as Bulbasaur lifted him up to stand next to me. Ah sighed, "That was close." His Pikachu came closer as I glared at Ash and grabbed his ear, making him cry out. "That's for scaring me!" I said.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Ash said and I let go of his ear. He winced as he held into his ear. Misty and Brock ran closer. "You okay?" Brock asked. "Not anymore," Ash said while holding his ear.

"Hey, what about that weird little girl?" Misty asked, "Where did she ran off to?" I shrugged, "I don't know." Ash grinned as he pointed to the edge of the cliff, "Take a look over there!"

We looked over below the cliff to see a city with lights on all around. "Saffron City!" I said. "Sabrina is the Gym leader of the Saffron City Gym," Brock said as he looked at Ash, "You defeat her, you'll win a Marsh Badge."

Ash grinned as he looked back at the city, "Yes! Look out, Sabrina, here I come!" He held up Bulbasaur's Poké ball, "Bulbasaur, return." The Seed Pokémon got back into his Poké ball. "Come on!" Ash took off and I sighed. "That boy," I said with a small smile. "Hey! Wait for us!" Misty shouted and we ran after him.

As we walked closer to Saffron City, I noticed no one was around. "Hey, where is everyone?" I asked, "This place is too quiet, don't you think?"

"Maybe they--" Ash started but the second we got into the city, the sounds of fire crackers were set off down by our feet, causing us all to yelp in surprise and step back. "What was that?!" I asked as the crackling stopped.

Then, out of no where, two very tanned ladies ran closer. They placed a flower necklace around Ash's neck and then pecked his cheeks before giggling. "Congratulations, winners!" they said together.

"Winners? There's something real fishy about this," Ash said. I raised an eyebrow, "Yeah... why should we win something, just by walking into town?" The girl with brown hair giggled, "There's a simple explanation." I frowned at her weird voice but then looked at the redhead girl when she talked, "That just so happens that you four are one-millionth visitors to Saffron City."

They started to do the Hawaiian dance and I raised an eyebrow. I glanced down at my Pikachu to see she was looking at the two girls in suspiciously. "Pika?" she asked.

I looked at my friends to see they were smiling. I looked back at the girls, "I didn't knew they do that..." The redhead girl giggled, "Oh, sweetie, everyone do that."

I raised an eyebrow but shrugged it off. "Looks like our luck is starting to turn good," Ash said. "Yeah..." I trailed off. "Follow us," the girls said together before walking away. Brock and Ash, along with Ash's Pikachu started to follow. I exchanged a look with my Pikachu and Misty looked at me when she started to follow. "Is something wrong?" She asked.

I shrugged, "Nah, just a feeling." We started to follow the boys and the two girls. We soon stood in front of a building and the doors opened. The girls looked at me and my friends. "Right this way to the grand prize room," the redhead girl said.

We started to walk inside the building. I looked around at the empty building and frowned. "Um, this place is sure is quiet," I muttered. I gasped in surprise when a rope was wrapped around me, pulling me backward into the floor. My friends turned around and gasped. "Hey!" Brock said.

"Thank you for your friend," I heard James' voice and looked behind me at the two girls holding the rope. "Let her go!" Ash said. Ekans and Koffing appeared, tackling my friends, my Pikachu and Ash's, to the floor. The spot they fell on light up, making them drop in as they shouted.

"Guys!" I shouted as the floor where they were closed. I glared as I looked at Jessie and James as they took off the wigs. "I knew something was wrong!" I said. Jessie put a duct tape on my mouth as I glared at her. "That was easy," James said with a smirk as Jessie chuckled.

They both grabbed me and dragged me to a room. I looked around to see it was a control room and saw Meowth there. "There she is!" He said. Jessie and James put me down on the floor and looked at Meowth. "Watch over her," Jessie said before they walked away. I tried to speak but couldn't because of the duct tape.

"What's that? I can't hear you," Meowth said before laughing. James and Jessie walked back in with their Team Rocket outfits, breathing heavily. "What took you so long?" Meowth joked. "Funny," James said sarcastically as Jessie turned on the screen.

I saw my friends in a room before Team Rocket blocked my view. "There is no way to escape," Jessie said. "Team Rocket!" they shouted. "Where's Emma?" Misty asked. "Not now!" Jessie snapped before clearing her throat.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

Meowth jumped over, "Meowth! That's right!"

"Very nice, now where's Emma?!" Ash asked. Team Rocket stepped back and I saw the screen. "Emma!" my friends shouted. "Pikachu, Pi!" my Pikachu called.

"Give her back, right now!" Ash said and then the screen suddenly blacked out. Jessie and James exchanged a confused look and I frowned. "Wasn't me," James said before they tried to get the screen back on.

"Something's wrong," Jessie said. "Turn it on," Meowth said. "We can't, nothing's working," James said. Meowth looked away, "That's what happens when you work with amateurs." He looked behind me in confusion, "Hey, you guys!"

"Can't you see we're a little bit busy?" Jessie snapped. Meowth pointed behind me, "Yeah, but who's the kid?" James and Jessie looked behind me and I looked over my shoulder to see not far away was the same creepy little girl me and my friends met at the forest.

"How did you get into this room, little girl? You don't belong in here," Jessie said. "You can't just come barging in here," James said before he and Jessie walked past me to walk toward her. The girl smiled a small smile and then James and Jessie suddenly stopped walking, looking like they were froze.

"I can't move! I'm f--f--freezing!" James said. "S--S--So am I," Jessie said. Meowth ran closer worriedly, "Do you want me to turn down the air conditioner?" I stared at the little girl in shock as she walked closer to me, and saw she was in a size of a doll. Not the very small ones, but the bigger ones.

The girl took off the duct tape from my mouth and got the ropes off of me before placing her hand on my shoulder. I blinked and looked around. I wasn't with Team Rocket, I was--

"Team Rocket, let Emma go!"

I smiled as I stood up, "Guys!" My friends turned to me and smiled, "Emma!" My Pikachu jumped off of Brock's shoulder and ran to jump into my arms, "Pikachu, Pi!"

I want closer to them as I chuckled, "I'm okay." We all looked at the little girl, who was in the same spot. "Were you the one who got Emma out?" Misty asked and the girl nodded. "Thanks for the save," I said.

The girl giggled and started to glow blue, which caused us to step back in surprise and shock. "What the..." I started. The girl pointed at us and we suddenly appeared outside on the street while the sun was raising.

"How did we got here?" Misty asked. "That girl must have got us out," I said. Ash looked to the side and we looked over to see we were near a building. "What's that?" Ash asked. We heard panting behind us and turned around to see a man jogging near us and looked at us. "You come to Saffron City, and you don't even know Sabrina's Gym?" He asked.

Ash smiled, "So, that's Sabrina's Gym," he said. "If you're trying to enter the Pokémon League, young man, this is one Gym I suggest you stay away from," the man said before starting to ran off. "But why?" Ash asked, still staring at the Gym. "He's gone," I said and Ash looked over.

Me and my friends exchanged a look and Ash looked at the Gym. "What do you think?" I asked. "I got to compete here," Ash said, "Without the Marsh Badge, I can't get to the Pokémon League."

"Okay, so let's go in," Brock said and we started to walk to the building. "Pikachu, Pi," my Pikachu suddenly said and we all looked down at her. She was looking at me, "Pika, Pikachu, Pika, Pika, Pikachu, Pi."

I gasped, realizing that I had to call my family before I forget again. "You're right. How can I forget?!" I asked. "Chu," my Pikachu said. I looked at my friends, "I have to make a phone call to my family, so you guys go in, and I'll come see the battle right after."

"Wait, but Team Rocket--" Ash started. "I'll be fine, don't worry, you go win the Badge, I'll be there real quick," I said before running away with my Pikachu to find a Pokémon Center.

It didn't take me long to find one, and quickly went inside to call home. I looked at Pikachu as she jumped up to my shoulder and looked over at the screen as Mom appeared, "Hello?"

"Hey, Mom," I said with a smile. "Pika, Pika," Pikachu said. Mom smiled, "Hey, honey, good morning, I'm surprised you call so early." I hesitated, "Yeah, sorry. How's things back home?"

Mom hesitated, "Well... your father is doing good." I frowned, "Why shouldn't he be?" Mom sighed, "Your grandfather called two days ago." I looked at her in shock, "Grandfather?!"

"Pika?!" Pikachu asked. Mom placed her hands on her hips, "He and your father spoke, and from the looks of it, your Dad wasn't in a good mood after it."

I looked away angry, while Pikachu looked at me worriedly. "Pika-chu," she said. I crossed my arms over my chest, "Dad shouldn't be talking to him. This man isn't my grandfather. Not since he left us."

"Honey, I know you still hurt that he left, we all are, but--" Mom started. "There is no 'buts' when it comes to him, Mom," I said and rolled my eyes, "The great Drayden Pierce."

"Your grandfather can be tough sometimes, but he does care for his family," Mom said, "He just had to leave to check how's his school doing. He has responsibility to the students there, remember?"

"So, is he back yet?" I asked. Mom sighed, "No. He isn't coming back for a while." I nodded, "Figured."

"Emma--" Mom started. "I don't want to talk about Drayden anymore, Mom," I said and she looked slightly shocked that I called my grandfather by his name, "I'm done with that. How's Danny and Ryan?"

"They're okay," Mom answered and then Hanna's Persian popped up to the screen happily. "Oh, my!" Mom said and chuckled. I smiled, "Persian!"

"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu called as she waved. Persian licked the screen and Mom pulled it back as she chuckled. "Persian really misses you," She said. "We miss it, too," I said. Mom patted Persian on the head as it purred. "Oh, and..." I trailed off as I pulled out Tentacool's Poké ball, "I got a new Pokémon!" Mom gasped with a smile, "You did? What is it?" I chuckled, "A Tentacool."

"A Tentacool, huh? And where did you get that?" Mom asked as she placed a hand on her hip. I blinked, "Um... the beach. I bonded with it." She nodded, "Mmm. And? Is there anything else you want to say to me?"

I looked at a very confused and nervous Pikachu before back at the screen, "Um... no?" Mom raised an eyebrow, "Really?" She switch the camera and I saw a video of me on top of the building, talking to Tentacruel in Porta Vista.

I stepped back nervously and looked at Pikachu before back at the screen as it turned back to Mom. "So, are you sure there's nothing to talk about?" She asked sarcastically as Persian jumped away from the screen.

Pikachu and I chuckled nervously. "What can I say, huh?" I asked before I sighed, "I'm sorry, Mom, I didn't mean to get you worry." She sighed, "I'm always worried." She smiled a small smile, "Just please, be careful." I nodded, "I will."

"Pika-chu," Pikachu said with a nod. "Where's your friends?" Mom asked. "Oh, um, one of my friends, Ash, has a Gym battle so, he, Misty and Brock, are at the Gym. Pikachu told me we should call you so you will know we're fine," I answered. Mom smiled, "Good girl, Pikachu."

"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said with a smile, and I smiled at her. "Well, I hope your friend will win, I wish that boy, Ash, a good luck," Mom said. "Thanks Mom," I said, "Bye. Tell everyone I say 'Hey'."

"I will, sweetie, call me when you get to the next city," She said. "I will," I said, "Pikachu will remind me." I looked at her, "Right?" She nodded, "Pi."

"Bye," Mom said. "Bye, Mom," I said. "Pika, Pika!" Pikachu said as she waved. Mom waved at us before the screen turned black. "Pika?" Pikachu asked as she looked behind us. "What's wrong?" I asked and followed her gaze to see the man from earlier was watching us.

"Huh?" I asked and exchanged a look with Pikachu before walking toward him. "Your friends... are they at the Gym?" the man asked. "Uh, yeah," I answered, "Why?"

The man looked away before at me, "Come with me." I frowned, "I don't think so. Who are you?" The man started to walk away, "Someone who can save your friends."

I watched him go in shock and confusion, "Save?" I ran after him outside, "Wait!" He stopped and looked at me. "Why do they need saving? What's going on?" I asked. "Pika, Pika!" Pikachu said. The man placed a hand on my shoulder and I looked at him before around in shock when I saw we weren't near the Pokémon Center anymore.

"What?" I asked. "Wait here," the man said before he disappeared right in front of me. "Pika?!" Pikachu asked in shock. "Where did he go?" I asked in shock. He reappeared beside me, making me jump in surprise before I saw my friends appearing.

"Now, where are we?" Misty asked. "This is the real place, we made it," Brock said. "Are you guys okay?" I asked in confusion. "Emma! You'll never believe what just happen!" Ash said. "Pika-chu," His Pikachu said. "It's was horrible!" Misty said.

We looked at the man near us. "Thanks for the help," Ash said. "But, why did you decide to rescue us?" Misty asked. "Sabrina is a dangerous Pokémon trainer," the man said, "I got the chance to help you this time, but next time you won't be so lucky, you all be trapped inside her toy box forever."

"Toy box?!" I repeated. "We'll explain later," Brock said. The man looked at Ash, "Give up your crazy idea of challenging Sabrina. Leave Saffron City and never come back here."

"I can't do that! I have to win Sabrina's Marsh Badge so I'll be able to compete at the Pokémon League," Ash said. "You'll never be able to defeat Sabrina and her Psychic Pokémon," the man said. "Yes, I will!" Ash said, "We just need to make a quicker attack before she could kick in with her Psychic powers."

The man stared at him and then Ash's jeans fell down, making Misty and I gasp as we covered our eyes while I felt my cheeks heating up. "Ash, what do you think you're doing?" I heard Brock asking.

"It's not me! My body is moving by itself!" Ash said. The man scoffed, "If you can't beat me, you don't have a chance against Sabrina."

"What do you mean?!" Ash asked and I lowered my hands lightly to see Ash pulling up his jeans. "Can you use telekinesis, too?" He ran closer t stand in front of the man, "Please, teach me how to use Psychic powers."

The man pointed at him and Ash suddenly was thrown backward, stopping between me and our Pikachu. "Wow," Brock, Misty and I said together. "You usually have to be born with telekinetic powers," the man explained before turning around, "You can't just learn them."

The man started to walk away but stopped when he heard Ash. "Please wait." Ash stood up and we looked at him worriedly. "Just forget about it, Ash," Brock said. "You haven't got a chance against telekinetic," Misty said. "We can go to another Gym," I said.

"No," Ash said as he started to walk toward the man, "I may not have telekinetic, but I still got the guts to take on Sabrina, again." Ash suddenly got thrown backward again, landing on his stomach. "Ash," I said.

"Wise up, kid," the man said, "Not even I have the powers to defeat Sabrina. Guts don't count in this contest. I'm telling you this for your own good." Ash didn't gave up as he stood up slowly. I watched him worriedly, "Ash, don't."

Ash slowly started to walk toward the man again. He suddenly looked in pain, kneeling down. He looked at the man and walked on four toward him. The man looked surprised while me and my friends looked at Ash in concern. "Ash, give it up!" Brock said.

"Please, I need... your help. I've got to defeat Sabrina for the Marsh Badge. I have to," Ash said as he continued to walk closer to the man. "You got to help me beat her. Please, show me how." Ash fell down, grabbing the man's shoe.

"Well, that's one determinate kid," the man said, "There maybe just one way you can defeat her." Ash panted and looked up at him. "There's one other type of Pokémon can battle the Psychic type. If you catch a Ghost Pokémon from Lavender Town, you may have a chance."

"A Ghost Pokémon, from Lavender Town, thank you," Ash said. The man nodded before disappearing. Me and my friends ran closer to Ash. "Ash! Are you okay?" I asked as Brock and I helped him to sit up. Ash smiled, "Let's go! On to Lavender Town!"

Chapter Text

As me and my friends were heading off to Lavender Town for Ash to catch a Ghost Pokémon so he could defeat Sabrina, I was at the back with Misty, talking quietly with her.

"So, how's everyone back home?" She asked. "They okay," I answered, "Apparently, there's a video of me when I was talking to the giant Tentacruel in Porta Vista."

"Oh, no, they must have been really worried," Misty said. "Yeah," I said, "But, that's okay. As long as I'll stay out of trouble." Misty smirked, "We're with Ash, so that's gonna be tough," She said and we both chuckled on that. "True," I joked and we continued to chuckle.

"Hey, what's so funny?" Ash asked. Misty and I looked over to see Ash and Brock looking at us in confusion. "Oh, nothing," I said and Misty chuckled. "It's a girls' thing, carry on," She said. Ash and Brock exchanged a confused look before they continued to lead the way. Misty and I exchanged a smirk and a chuckle before quickly following them.

The sun was setting, and we were still on the way to Lavender Town. My Pikachu was on top of my head while Ash had his Pikachu on his shoulder.

"How far is this town? We've been walking for a while," Misty pointed out. "We should be there soon, it's not far from here, now," I answered as fog started to appear, as we were walking.

"The fog is coming in," Ash said. "Maybe we should forget about catching a Ghost Pokémon," Misty said. I smirked, "Are you scared of Ghost Pokémon, too?"

"Nope, just Bugs," She answered and I smiled as I rolled my eyes. "We've came too far," Brock told our redhead friend, "Everybody, let's hold hands so we won't get separated in the fog."

"Good idea," Ash said before holding out his hand for me. I grabbed it as I grabbed Misty's hand too. "Hold on," Brock said before accidentally grabbed Ash's Pikachu's tail, which caused the male mouse to electrocute him as Misty yelled in fear.

Brock fall to the ground in pain as Pikachu landed on his stomach, giving Brock an apology look, "Pika, Pika." Misty and I looked at Brock. "You okay, buddy?" I asked. "Brock, you shouldn't do that, you scared me," Misty said.

"Well, Misty, you sure scared me," Ash said and we looked at him in confusion at his voice as he laughed creepily. Misty and I backed away to stand next to Brock as he stood up. "Say what?" Misty asked in fear.

"Ash?" I asked. "I feel like a Ghost myself," Ash said before he turned around creepily. Brock, Misty, me and both mine and Ash's Pikachu screamed in fear. Ash's face was carved like a skull, and he was making the most terrifying expression.

He suddenly laughed and pulled off the mask. "Sorry, guys," He said, "I was just testing you. If we're going to try to catch a Ghost Pokémon, we got to learn to deal with fear. That's the only way we can become a great Pokémon trainers."

I grabbed him by the collar, "Are you insane?!" Misty and Brock stood at both my sides as they glared at Ash. "You must be crazy!" Misty shouted. "Don't ever do that!" Brock shouted. "Pika!" mine and Ash's Pikachu shouted. Ash looked at us all nervously, "I'll, uh, I'll just save the mask to Halloween."

"Or never!" I said and let go of his collar before grabbing the mask from his hand. My Pikachu suddenly tapped on top of my head and I looked at her, "What is it?" She pointed forward, "Pika!" We all followed her gaze and saw not far from us a town. I smiled, "Hey, that's must be Lavender Town!" Ash grinned, "All right!"

After we all got past the town to a tower, it was night by then. "This is the Pokémon tower, where Ghost Pokémon hung out," Brock said. "I, uh, like what they did with the place," Ash muttered. "Okay, Ash, it's time for you to show us what a great trainer you are," Misty said, "Show us that you're not scared."

"I'm not scared!" Ash said. "Okay, so you can go in there," I said. "What?" Ash asked as he looked at me in shock. "Yeah, we'll let you handle this one alone," Brock said. "H--Hey, wait a minute!" Ash said, "You guys promised me you'll help me catch a Ghost Pokémon when we got to Lavender Town!"

Brock, Misty, me and my Pikachu stepped back. "Don't remember saying that," I said. "Yeah, me too, I don't remember promising that," Misty agreed. "You know how to deal with fear, Ash," Brock said.

Ash looked away angrily, "Run away if you want to, I'm not scared, and I'm not gonna let some stupid Ghost Pokémon prevent me from becoming a great Pokémon Master." He looked at his Pikachu, who was lying on the ground to sleep, "Right, Pikachu?" Ash noticed and looked annoyed, "Pikachu..."

I glanced at Misty and Brock and shrugged, "The Ghost Pokémon aren't the ones that bothering me. It's the tower. It's creeps me out," I said. "Me, too," Misty agreed. "Don't wake me up too early, night guys," we heard Ash saying and looked over to see he had pulled his sleeping bag and was inside it with his Pikachu.

I walked closer and grabbed his ear, making him cry in pain. "Ow! Not again!" He cried. "Time to wake up!" I said. I let go of his ear and he grabbed it. "Maybe I'll be braver tomorrow morning," Ash said as his Pikachu sat on his legs. I sighed, "Pack your sleeping bag." Ash looked disappointed but did as I said. As soon as he finished, we heard screaming from inside the tower and we all looked at it.

"Horrible. It's sounds horrible in there," Misty said. "You're right, they must have a torture chamber in there," Brock said. "Torture chamber?" Ash asked. "This tower is Tower of Terror, that's for sure," I said before we heard more screams. "Oh, those screams again," Misty said as she hid behind me.

"Who's in there?" I asked. "Why don't we go inside and find out who they are?" Brock asked. Misty looked at Ash, "You go in first." Brock, Misty and I pushed Ash forward before following.

We walked behind Ash to the doors and he opened them. We walked inside the dark tower and I held into Ash's arm while Misty did the same with Brock. "Hello there!" Ash called, "Anybody home?"

"It's kinda dark in here," Misty said. The doors behind us closed, making us jump in the darkness. "I can't see anything," I said. "Hold on," Ash said and he pulled out a Poké ball, "Charmander, I choose you."

Charmander got out from his Poké ball, letting us see a little through his flam on his tail. "Hey, look, found a candle," Brock said as he held up a handle with a candle on top. "Charmander, light the candle for us," Ash said and the Lizard Pokémon used Flamethrower to light the candle, almost burning Brock in the process. Charmander stopped and Brock looked at him.

"Light the candle, not me!" Brock said and the Lizard Pokémon rubbed the back of his head, "Cha." Both mine and Ash's Pikachu laughed. "Come on," I said and Brock started to lead the way as we followed.

"Watch where you walk, there's a hole on the floor," Misty warned and I looked in front of us at the hole on the wooden floor. We stopped when we heard creepy laughing echoing around us. "Where are those voices coming from?" Misty asked as she held into Brock's arm again.

The laughing continued and I held into Ash's arm again as we all looked around. "Are those the Ghost Pokémon?" Ash asked. "I--I don't know," I answered, "Maybe..."

"Come on, let's keep going," Ash said and we continued deeper inside the tower. We didn't see any Ghost Pokémon around, and I was surprised by that, the only three Ghost Pokémon that I knew of were Gastly and its evolution; Haunter and Gengar.

We walked down a dusty hallway, there were windows on the walls so we could see the moon light through them as we walked. At the end of the hall, there was a single closed door. "Let's check this room first," Brock said.

"Maybe we should just get out of here," Misty said. "Nah, there's no way we can turn back now," Ash said. "Where are the Ghost Pokémon?" I asked, "We didn't see anyone."

We walked inside a dark room, and tried to look around but it was very dark. "Hello?" I called. My voice was echoing in the room and me and my friends exchanged a look before looking back forward. The room suddenly lighted up, making us all jump in surprise.

The room was huge, and it had a long table in the middle with food on it and plates and glasses. "What's going on?" I asked. "Maybe it's a party," Misty suggested. "Hey, what's that string?" Ash asked and we followed his gaze to the side where a string was hanging up with a ball thing on top, and a note that said 'Pull this' on the string.

"'Pull this'?" I repeated. I let go of Ash's arm as he started to walk toward it. "Well, why not?" He asked as he grabbed it. "Wait!" I said but he pulled the string down. The ball opened to half with confetti dropping out, and a long paper rolled down from the ball that said 'Welcome'.

"Are we been welcomed?" Ash asked as he stepped back. I watched the table and noticed it started to shake. "Uh... guys..." I trailed off and pointed to the table. The chairs and the everything on the table started to float. Ash stood next to me, Brock and Misty as we all watched. We all screamed, including mine and Ash's Pikachu and Charmander. Two of the chairs rushed over and swiped Brock and Misty, before three plates swiped the Pokémon.

We all screamed as the chairs and the plates started to spin around in circle. "Run for it!" I shouted before Ash and I ran away, and our friends and Pokémon followed. We didn't stop running until we got outside.

We all panted, trying to catch our breath. "Is everyone all right?" I asked. "Yeah," Brock answered. "There is no way I'm going back in that tower," Misty said, "It's just too scary in there."

"Me either," Brock said. "I felt like I was in a horror movie," I muttered. "Come on, guys," Ash said, "There's no way we can catch a Ghost Pokémon if we don't go back in there." He turned to his Pikachu and Charmander, "Right, Pikachu? Charmander?"

His Pikachu quickly shook his head and Charmander used Flamethrower, almost burning Ash but he quickly got out of the way before it could happen. Charmander stopped and Ash gave both of his Pokémon a look, "Hold on! Are you two really cowards?! How do you expect to beat Sabrina's psychic Pokémon if you won't go back in? Do you want to lose again?"

This caught his Pikachu's attention and he looked down, "Chu..." Ash kneeled down, "Listen, if you ever going to beat a Psychic Pokémon, you got to learn to overcome your fear, understand?" His Pikachu and Charmander looked at each other before back at Ash and they nodded.

Ash stood up, "I say, it's time to give it another try. Pikachu, Charmander, are you with me?" They nodded again with more determination. "Great, let's do it." The three of them started to walk back to the door before stopping when they noticed, me, Misty and Brock, and my Pikachu weren't following.

"Come on, guys, what about you?" Ash asked. Brock sat down on the ground, "We'll be waiting for you here." Misty waved, "Have a nice time." Ash and his Pokémon looked shocked before looking at me. "Emma? Don't tell me you not coming, too?!" Ash said.

"I'm 100% supporting you, but this time, I'll support you right here," I said as I pointed down to the spot I'm standing. "Pika-chu," my Pikachu said. Ash and his Pokémon looked disappointed but turned around and walked back into the tower.

It felt like hours, but it has been only a few minutes since Ash went back in the tower. I was pacing back and forth until I stopped and sighed in defeat. "I give up," I muttered before looking at Misty and Brock, "I'm going in."

"Huh?" they asked together. "It's been only a few minutes," Misty said. "I'll go in, and even if Ash didn't find a Ghost Pokémon yet, I'll just drag him out," I said before looking down at my yellow best friend, "Pikachu, let's go."

Pikachu froze before shaking her head, "Pika, Pika!" I placed my hands on my hips, "You going to let me go there alone?" She looked down, "Chu..." I smiled, knowing she wouldn't let me go inside by myself, before I frowned when she went behind Misty, trying to push my redhead friend forward.

"Hey! I'm not going in there!" Misty said. "Pikachu!" I said. "Pi," Pikachu said as she looked up at me and then down in defeat, "Chu." She walked over and jumped up on my shoulder.

"Don't worry, you and I are together, we'll be fine," I said as I petted her head. "Pika, Pikachu," she said, hoping I was right. "I'm right, you'll see, let's go," I said before looking at Brock and Misty, "I'll be back with Ash in a few."

"Be careful," Brock said and I walked toward the door. I walked in with Pikachu, and looked around at the dark room. It wasn't dark as before though, but still. "Ash!" I called as I closed the door behind me. "Pika-Pi!" Pikachu called, "Pika-chu!"

I walked toward the hole carefully, "Ash!" I looked around, "Ash! Where are you?" Suddenly we heard voices behind us and Pikachu and I froze before I slowly turned around but no one was there. I blinked before glancing at Pikachu, to see she was confused.

I walked around the hole and continued on. "Ash!" I called. We heard the voices again and this time I quickly turned around, only to come face to face with a--

"Gastly!"

I blinked at the Ghost Pokémon, "Gastly?" I asked. "Pika?" Pikachu asked, blinking. Suddenly we saw something coming from the floor, and I jumped in surprise as I moved backward.

Gengar, the last evolved form of Gastly, appeared from the floor, grinning as usually, standing next to Gastly. "Gengar!" it said. "Gengar?" I asked and looked around carefully for Haunter, "And where is Haunter?"

Pikachu looked around carefully as well, "Pika, Pika..." I looked at her, "And so are Ash and his Pikachu..." I looked back at Gastly and Gengar, noticing that the two Ghost Pokémon looked offended. "What's with that long faces?" I asked. Pikachu looked at me, "Pika, Pika, Pi, Pikachu."

"Oh, they think we're ignoring them?" I asked and she nodded. I looked at Gastly and Gengar, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to be like that. You guys look very cool." That had seem to cheer them up by their smiles. "But, now, I have to find my friend," I said. They started talking and I looked at Pikachu but she only blinked. "Maybe, we'll try something different... like with Dad's Gengar," I said.

She smiled and nodded, "Pi." I looked at the Ghost Pokémon as I spoke to Pikachu, "Okay, Pikachu, time for our special move!" She jumped to the floor, looking at the two Ghost Pokémon seriously. The two Pokémon looked at her seriously for a moment before they exchanged a look and then looked back at her.

Pikachu stood on two and pulled on a face, startling the two Ghost Pokémon before they quickly started to laugh. I smiled, "Ha, just like with Dad's Gengar, works every time." Pikachu let go of her cheeks with a smile, "Pika." The two Ghost Pokémon stopped laughing before pulling on their own faces, making Pikachu laugh and me to chuckle.

"Okay, okay," I said, "Now, Pikachu tell them the problem." Pikachu smiled and held up her paws, "Pika." Gastly and Gengar stopped and looked at her. "Pika, Pika, Pikachu, Pi, Pikachu, Pika."

Gastly and Gengar exchanged look. "Gengar," Gengar said. "Gastly," Gastly said before they looked at Pikachu. "Gastly, Gastly, Gastly?" Pikachu nodded, "Pi. Pika, Pikachu. Pika-Pi." Gastly and Gengar exchanged a nervous look this time and I frowned. "What's the matter?" I asked.

"Emma!" I heard Ash's voice from behind me and I turned around but couldn't see him. "Ash?" I asked. "Pika?" I heard my Pikachu asked and I turned back around to see her looking at me in confusion. "You didn't heard Ash?" I asked. "Pika-Pi?" She asked and shook her head, "Chu."

I looked at Gastly and Gengar, to see they were looking above me. I looked up but didn't see anything and then looked back at the two Ghost Pokémon, "Guys, I'm really worried, I don't have time for jokes at the moment. Do you know where my friend, Ash, and his Pikachu are?"

Gastly and Gengar looked at each other before back at me and nodded. "Great! Where are they?" I asked with a smile. Gengar pointed up to the ceiling. "Thank you," I said before Pikachu and I started to ran past them but stopped when Haunter appeared right in front of me.

It smiled and laughed. Pikachu pulled on a face and it laughed harder before clapping. I smiled, "Haunter. There you are." Gengar started to speak to Haunter, making its smile fad away. "Pika, Pikachu?" Pikachu asked, and the three Ghost Pokémon looked at us before at each other.

"I, uh, we'll just go get Ash and his Pikachu," I said before Pikachu and I ran around the corner to pair of stairs and ran up to the second floor. "Ash! Pikachu!" I called and reached to the top. I gasped in shock when I saw Ash and his Pikachu on the floor with chandelier on top of them.

"Ash! Pikachu!" I called as my Pikachu and I ran toward them. I kneeled next to Ash and tried to push the chandelier off of him and his Pikachu. I pulled out Scyther's Poké ball and released him, "Scyther!"

"Scyther?" He asked. "Scyther, get the chandelier off of Ash and Pikachu," I said as I stood up. Scyther walked closer quickly, lifting the chandelier and pushing it away. I kneeled down next to Ash and turned him around to lay on the back, "Ash? Answer me."

My Pikachu turned Ash's Pikachu around, "Pika!" I shook Ash but he wouldn't wake up, "Ash!" Haunter, Gastly and Gengar appeared and they looked between Haunter and Gastly before back at us. I looked back down at Ash and saw him slowly opening his eyes.

"Ash!" I said and looked to his side to see his Pikachu waking up too. "Pikachu!" My Pikachu called happily. "Hey, Emma," Ash said with a smile before he and his Pikachu sat up. I blinked before realizing I had tears in my eyes and I wiped away the tears that slipped.

I glared at him and grabbed his ear. "'Hey, Emma'?" I repeated as he cried out. "After I thought the worse, 'hey Emma'?!" He grabbed my wrist, trying to pull his ear from my grip but couldn't. "I need my ear! I didn't mean to scare you like that!" He said.

Haunter, Gastly and Gengar were close to us now, blinking before they started laughing. "You owe me an apology!" I shouted at Ash, "I thought I lost you for a second there! You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Ash said and I finally let go of his ear while Haunter, Gastly and Gengar laughed harder. Gengar and Haunter started to clap as if it was the best show they had all day. I looked back at Ash and then looked away when he gave me a nervous smile.

"Emma! Ash!" We heard Misty's voice from downstairs. "We're here!" I called, "We'll be right down."

It was morning by the time me and my friends were heading off back to Saffron City, without a Ghost Pokémon. We were walking away from the tower as Misty spoke, "But, Ash, what about the Ghost Pokémon?"

"It's impossible to catch them," Ash said. "What? Then how are you gonna beat the psychic Pokémon?" Brock asked. "Mmm, maybe I'll just have to use my sense of humor," Ash said. "Then you're doomed," I said with a sigh.

"I said I was sorry," Ahs muttered. "Do better," I said. "What happened back there?" Brock asked in confusion. "Ask mister 'Sense of humor'," I said sarcastically. "Come on, Em, I didn't mean to get you worried," Ash said. Ash's Pikachu suddenly pointed behind Misty and Brock with a smile, "Pika!"

We all stopped and turned to see Haunter, who pulled on its face to amuse us. However, Misty and Brock didn't find it amusing, and screamed as they ran past me and Ash, running away as they yelled. Ash, me and our Pikachu laughed, along with Haunter as it started to pull its face a few times, as we continued to laugh.

Chapter Text

It was midnight by the time we were back to Saffron City with Haunter coming along with us. Ash and his Pikachu stood at the edge of the cliff as they looked down at the city. "We made it, Pikachu," Ash said as Haunter floated around me and my Pikachu as I smiled at it. "And this time, I know we're going to win," Ash said.

I looked at Misty and Brock, and noticed only Misty was the closes near me, while Brock was standing far away, looking nervous. "What's wrong, Brock?" I asked. "Uh... nothing," He said and I noticed he was staring at Haunter.

"What's the matter?" Ash asked. "Well... I think I maybe allergic to Ghosts," Brock said, "Kinda feel sort of dizzy."

"You're not scared, are ya?" Ash asked. "Ghost Pokémon are cute," I said and looked at Misty with a smirk, "So are bug Pokémon." She shook her head as she crossed her arms over her chest, "Nope." I petted Haunter on its head, to its delight, "That's okay, Haunter. Brock will get use to you."

"Haunter, in Saffron City, there's a trainer named Sabrina who uses psychic Pokémon," Ash said, "Ghost Pokémon are strong against psychic Pokémon, right? Will you help me defeat her?" Haunter nodded in delight, and Ash grinned, "Yes!" He looked toward the city, "That's Marsh Badge is as good as mine! Let's go."

It was early in the morning, when we reached to the Gym. We looked at the building for a moment. "So... how bad is it?" I whispered to Misty and Brock. "Very bad," Brock whispered as Misty nodded.

"This time the joke's on her," Ash said as Brock, Misty, me and both mine and Ash's Pikachu stepped back. Ash suddenly turned to us in confusion, "Hey, what are you guys doing?"

"Go give it your best shot, Ash," Misty said. "We'll be here waiting," I said. "Yeah, let us know how it turned out," Brock said. "Pika," my Pikachu said. "Pika, Pika, Pi," Ash's Pikachu said.

"Stop goofing around!" Ash said, "Aren't you even coming in with me?" He looked at me, "You weren't in there before, why are you taking their side?!"

"Since what they told me, Sabrina sounds like someone I wouldn't want to deal with," I said. "Last time, she wanted to play with us, and pretended we were her bowling pins, remember?" Misty asked. "And she almost bowl a strike," Brock said.

"Now that I've got Haunter that won't happen again," Ash said as Haunter floated behind him. "I wouldn't be too sure about this Ash," Brock said, "What if Haunter is the one who controlling you?"

Ash blinked before chuckling. "Me and Haunter are pals," He said. The Ghost Pokémon nodded as it laughed. "Haunter isn't worried at all," Misty said. "It's pretty confident," Brock said. "You got nothing to worried about, with Haunter on my side, I'm guaranteed to win," Ash said as Haunter was disappearing and reappearing a few times. "Now, wish me luck."

"Good luck," Brock, Misty and I said together. Ash pulled out three of his Poké balls, releasing them out, "Charmander! Squirtle! Bulbasaur!" The three Pokémon stood near Ash as he pointed to the building, "Are you all ready to face Sabrina?"

The three of the Pokémon, including Haunter, agreed and they all walked toward the door. I exchanged a look with Misty and Brock before we all followed them inside.

We walked into a room and saw a young woman sitting at the end of the room on a arm chair. With the same girl that saved me from Team Rocket on the woman's lap, holding a Poké ball.

"Hey, that's that little girl," I said as Ash's Pokémon all stood with me, Misty and Brock. "That girl is a doll," Misty explained. "What?" I asked in shock. Ash stepped forward, "Sabrina, I've came back here to your Gym to demand a rematch."

"Another battle? Even after my Kadabra beat up your Pikachu, during the last match?" the little girl was the one who was speaking, "You don't have a chance." Ash smirked, "This time you won't have it so easy."

Sabrina suddenly floated from the chair as the girl spoke, "If you lose, you have to play with me again." Sabrina landed at the end of the battlefield, "Go, Kadabra."

The girl lifted her hands up, letting the Poké ball float away from them to the field, releasing Kadabra. "Then I choose my Pokémon, Haunter! Go, Haunter!" Ash said. "So, you captured a Ghost Pokémon, did you?" Sabrina asked, "Where is it?"

We all looked around but Haunter wasn't here. "Haunter?" Ash asked in confusion, "Hey, Haunter! Where did you go?" Me, Brock and Misty exchanged a worried look. "Oh boy," I said. "Looks like the Ghost Pokémon got spooked," Brock said. "Haunter isn't the most depended Pokémon in the world," Misty said.

"Haunter," Ash called but there was no sign of Haunter. "Enough. Send out your Pokémon at once," Sabrina said, "Or you all go back to the toy box, and so will your new friend." We all froze and then looked at Ash. "Ash, forget Haunter, send someone else," I said.

Ash turned to his Pikachu, "Pikachu, you--" His Pikachu backed away quickly to the wall, not wanting to battle. "Pikachu," Ash said before looking at his other three Pokémon, "Charmander! Bulbasaur! Squirtle!" The three of them backed away to the wall as well. Ash looked sad, "You won't help me?"

"Well?" Sabrina asked, her voice turned from calm to calm and angry together, and it was scaring us all more. "Are you ready yet?" She asked.

Ash turned to her nervously, "Y--Yeah, just a sec," He said. "The battle will begin now," Sabrina said. Ash hesitated before speaking, "I quit!" He ran to the doors while Sabrina looked confused, "Quit?"

"Run for it!" Ash yelled as his Pokémon all followed him. I followed with my Pikachu, and Misty and Brock followed behind. The door closed, cutting our way out. "We're trapped!" Brock said and we all looked behind us to see the doll girl was floating toward us. She giggled and suddenly Misty and Brock yelled, becoming smaller and smaller until they became small dolls.

"Brock! Misty!" I yelled as the dolls fell to the floor. "They're dolls!" Ash said. The doll girl giggled as she looked at me, Ash and our Pokémon, "Now, I will turn all of you into dolls."

Me and the Pokémon all hid behind Ash. "Please, wait!" Ash said. Suddenly, the man that had helped before appeared in front of us before teleporting us out from the building, to a park.

The man, Ash and I were sitting on a bench while the Pokémon were relaxing and playing around. Ash sighed, "Sabrina is the means trainer I've ever met."

"Yeah, she's the first one for me too," I said. "She wasn't always such a mischievous girl," the man said sadly. "You mean you've known Sabrina before she changed?" Ash asked.

The man looked at us, "Huh? Well... I've heard stories." I raised an eyebrow but listen. "Though she was very young, Sabrina became completely obsessed with her psychic training. She didn't want to make friends. All she wanted was to be left alone to develop her powers. Her parents tried to help, but Sabrina used her psychic powers to drive them away." He pulled out from his pocket a picture and handed it to me, "The conflict caused Sabrina to split into two girls." The picture was of a man and a woman laughing with Sabrina, who was looking exactly the same as the doll girl. "The strong Pokémon trainer who was always causing trouble, and the lonely little girl who desperately desired to make friends. That doll with Sabrina always holds, represents her true self, before her training, before she rejected her own part."

"Sabrina had this picture of her family in her room," Ash said and looked at the man, "If you have the same picture, then that must mean you..." The man froze and I frowned as I looked from the picture to the man. The man looked away with a small smile. "Then that must mean you're a photographer," Ash said and the man looked shocked and annoyed.

"You're her father, aren't you?" I asked and the man looked startled before he smiled a small smile and nodded. "What?!" Ash asked in shock. I sighed and ignored him as I looked Sabrina's Dad, "Sabrina turned Brock and Misty into dolls." He sighed, "There's nothing we can do about that."

Ash and I looked at him in shock. Sabrina's Dad looked at us, "The only way to rescue your friends, is to defeat Sabrina." He looked at Ash, "Isn't that way you traveled to Lavender Town? To get a Ghost Pokémon?"

"But, Haunter disappeared someplace," Ash said. "Then, you must find Haunter first," Sabrina's Dad said, "Without it, you'll never be able to defeat Sabrina and her psychic Pokémon." Ash looked down, "I guess not..." Ash and I sighed. I handed the picture back to Sabrina's Dad before standing up. "Okay," I said before looking at my Pikachu and Ash's Pokémon, "Guys."

They suddenly stopped playing around and quickly walked over to the bench. I smiled as I placed my hands on my hips, "We're going to find Haunter, defeat Sabrina and get Misty and Brock back, so who's with me and Ash to search for Haunter?"

All the Pokémon raised their hands up while Bulbasaur nodded. "Good," I said before looking at Ash when I saw he was still sitting on the bench, "What are you waiting for, Mister? Let's move it." Ash quickly stood up, "Right," He said. "Good luck," Sabrina's Dad said and we all walked away.

We went to town to search for Haunter, walking down the streets. "Where can Haunter be?" Ash asked. "I don't know," I admitted, "Just keep looking, I guess, until we'll find it. Or it will find us."

I glanced to the side on the ground to see a huge hole and a warning sign next to it. When I was about to walk around it with Ash, a Vine whip wrapped around my wrist, pulling me back. I looked over to see it was Bulbasaur before hearing a crush near me and looked over into the hole with Ash and the Pokémon.

Team Rocket were inside the hole, looking in pain. "Team Rocket?" Ash asked. I looked at Bulbasaur, realizing he was using the Vine whip cause he saw Team Rocket crushing down and since I was very close to the hole, I would have fall in with them. "Thanks for the save, Bulbasaur," I said and he nodded, "Bulbasaur."

Haunter suddenly appeared, laughing as it looked down at Team Rocket. "Haunter. Did you do it?" I asked and it nodded. "You stopped them from kidnapping Emma," Ash said with a smile. "Thank you," I said. "Way the go," Ash said, "Now, let's get back to Sabrina's Gym."

Haunter suddenly stopped smiling, scratching its head. "But, you promised you'll battle Sabrina," Ash said, "I can't beat her psychic Pokémon without you. Please."

"Please, Haunter, you're the only one who can save Misty and Brock," I said. Haunter seem to be thinking for a moment before it smiled and nodded. Ash and I smiled. "Thank you, Haunter," Ash said.

After Ash put Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur back to their Poké balls, we went back to the Gym and Ash called out for Sabrina. She walked into the room with Misty and Brock dolls in her hand. She placed them on the arm chair before turning to us.

"Have you return for more humiliation? Haven't you realized you'll never defeat me?" Sabrina asked. "Brock and Misty are our friends and we're not leaving them behind," Ash said, "Not even if you'll turn us into dolls."

"If you two want to be dolls, too, I'll be glad to play with you," the doll girl said, "It will be one on one battle, Sabrina's Pokémon will be..." She lifted her hands, letting the Poké ball float and Kadabra was released once again. "And for my Pokémon, I choose Haunter!" Ash called.

"Haunter?" Sabrina asked. "Well? Where is your Pokémon?" the doll girl asked and we all looked around for it. Haunter disappeared again! "Not again!" Ash said.

"Why don't you forfeit?" Sabrina asked. "That way I'll have two more dolls to play with," the doll girl said. I froze while Ash quickly called out for Haunter, "Haunter! You promised!"

"This time, you won't escape," Sabrina said. I hid behind Ash before we looked down at Ash's Pikachu as he jumped to the field. "Pikachu!" Ash said, "You don't stand a chance against Kadabra, you'll get beat up again! Come back!" His Pikachu looked over at us and shook his head, "Pi, Pika!"

"You don't want Sabrina to turn me and Emma to dolls?" Ash asked and Pikachu nodded, "Pikachu." He turned around, ready to battle. "You want to fight for us?" Ash asked and Pikachu nodded, "Pika!"

"Thank you, Pikachu, you're a real pal," Ash said with tears in his eyes. I smiled, "Good luck, Pikachu!"

"Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" Ash called and Pikachu used the attack, sending electricity toward Kadabra. "Kadabra, Teleports," Sabrina said and it did, disappearing before the electricity could hit it. "Kadabra, Psybeam," Sabrina said. Kadabra reappeared in front of Pikachu, using Psybeam on him as its eyes glow red, and Pikachu fell backward.

"Try to hung on, Pikachu, get back on Kadabra with Thunderbolt," Ash said. Pikachu quickly stood up and send Thunderbolt attack at Kadabra, hitting it. "That's it!" Ash said. "Recover," Sabrina said and Kadabra did as she said, looking healed up.

"Oh, no," I said. "It's impossible to win," Sabrina said. Haunter suddenly appeared in front of Sabrina and we all looked at it in shock. "Haunter?" I asked. Haunter looked at Sabrina, floating around her before stopping and laughing.

"Two against one is not fair," the doll girl said. Sabrina's Dad appeared next to me and Ash, "It's just playing around on its own. Haunter is not battling against you, so it isn't against the rules."

Haunter was making faces to Sabrina, who was just staring at it. It reached into its mouth, pulling out a bomb, which was about to explode, to our surprise. It blowed up, but only around Sabrina, Haunter and the doll girl, and caused smoke around.

Sabrina was all right and only had dirt on her, while Haunter laughed. Sabrina stared at the Ghost Pokémon for a moment before she started to smile.

"She smiled," her Dad said in shock. Sabrina started to laugh, and Haunter joined in. "She's laughing?!" Ash asked while I smiled. Sabrina's Dad had tears in his eyes, "Ever since she started her telekinesis training as a little girl, I've never seen Sabrina laugh like this. I've never seeing her so happy in her entire life." He looked at Ash, "I'm glad you came back. That Haunter has helped Sabrina rediscover the human part of her heart."

I smiled and opened my mouth. "What do you mean?!" Ash asked, making me jump slightly, "Haunter was supposed to beat the Psychic Pokémon, and instead its making friends with Sabrina. Emma and I are going to be dolls!"

Sabrina's Dad chuckled and pointed to Kadabra, "Look over there." Ash and I looked at Kadabra, who was laughing on the floor. "I don't get it," Ash said, "It looks like Kadabra is in pain."

"No, it isn't," I said with a chuckle, "It's laughing." Sabrina's Dad nodded, "That's right. Kadabra and Sabrina are joined telepathically. Kadabra is rolling with laughter, just like Sabrina." I smiled while Ash looked completely in shock. I glanced at him and then looked at Sabrina's Dad as I chuckled, "I think we've lost Ash at this moment."

We both chuckled, with my Pikachu. We watched as the doll girl disappeared, and right after that, Misty and Brock turned back to human. "Misty! Brock!" I called happily. "You guys are okay!" Ash said. "Since Kadabra is no longer able to battle, I officially declare Pikachu as the winner," Sabrina's Dad said.

I smiled and looked at Ash as he grinned. "All right!" He said and his Pikachu walked closer. Ash kneeled down and took Pikachu into his arms as he smiled at his Pokémon.

After finding out the Sabrina's mother was a doll, Sabrina had turned her back to her human self and handed a Marsh Badge to Ash. "Congratulations, Ash," She said. Ash was surprised as he took it, "Thank you. But, I don't know if I deserve it."

"Of course you do," Sabrina's father said. Haunter floated around Sabrina, laughing. Sabrina giggled and me and my friends smiled. "I think Haunter staying here will be a good idea," I said, "It makes Sabrina laugh and smile."

"I agree," Brock said. "Yeah, maybe we should let it stay here," Misty said. Ash smiled and nodded, "Yeah, I think so, too." He looked at Haunter, "What do you think, Haunter? Would you like to stay with Sabrina?" The Ghost Pokémon nodded and laughed.

The sun was setting down, so we decided to head off. We waved goodbye to Haunter, Sabrina and her parents as we were walking away from the Gym. "Thank you for everything!" Sabrina's father said.

"Have a good journey!" Sabrina's mother said. "Take care of yourselves," Ash said. "Bye!" I said. We walked off as Ash looked back at the new badge, "I finally got a Marsh Badge."

"And that Marsh Badge put you one step forward along the road to the Pokémon League," Brock said. "That was a great victory," I said. "Pika, Pika!" my Pikachu agreed.

As we walked down town to leave the city, I was getting the feeling as if we forgot something. "Mmm," I hummed. "What is it?" Misty asked. "I don't know," I said as I placed a finger under my chin, "I feel like we forgot something. I don't know what, or why I have this feeling."

"Maybe it's not important," Ash suggested. I shrugged, "Maybe. I guess not. It feels like life and death situation..." We continued on walking, walking past a cement truck. I tilted my head, "Oh, well. Never mind."

Chapter Text

As me and my friends were heading to Celadon City, we had camped for a night and decided after eating breakfast we'll head out. Ash had decided to make a call to Professor Oak after we found a telephone booth, while Misty, Brock, me and both our Pikachu were eating doughnuts.

As I was eating, Ash walked back over, and I noticed he looked upset. "What's wrong, Ash?" I asked. "I just heard Gary has five Badges," Ash said. I sighed, "Professor sure knows what to say sometimes, doesn't he?"

"Pika, Pika," my Pikachu agreed. "He's upset because he's falling behind," Misty said. "The next town we go to is Celadon City, isn't there supposed to be a Gym in there?" Ash asked as he looked from me to Brock. "There sure is," Brock answered and pointed to our right, "All we got to do is follow this road. Celadon City is only a day of walk from here. Even less if we keep up a fast pace."

Ash stared at the road before becoming determinant, "There's no way those guys going to win." I tilted my head and looked at Misty as she spoke to me with a smirk, "You didn't say what you think of Gary getting five Badges, Em. You must be proud of your boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?!" I repeated, feeling my cheeks heating up. Misty smirked and nodded, "Mmm." Ash looked at us in annoyance, "Stop talking about Gary!" Misty smirked at him, "You know, I don't know what makes you jealous anymore."

"Huh?" I asked before leaning back when Ash reached up the rock to get Misty, which she pulled herself up and away from his grip as she chuckled. "I see now," Brock said and I looked at him to see him nodding with a small smile.

"See what?" I asked with a frown. "Nothing!" Ash said, "Ignore them." I raised an eyebrow before we all looked to the bushes when we heard noises coming from it.

A small Fighting-type Pokémon named Mankey popped its head out from the bushes. "Oh, Mankey," I said with a smile and Ash pulled out his Dexter, pointing it at Mankey.

Mankey, a Pig Monkey Pokémon of the Fighting-type. Known for its superior footwork, it packs a powerful punch.

Mankey walked closer to Brock, who was holding the doughnuts. "Hey, maybe it wants a doughnut?" Brock asked before holding one of the doughnuts to Mankey. Mankey sniffed it as my Pikachu walked closer to it. Mankey looked at her, and she continued to eat her doughnut, showing it that it was good. Mankey sniffed the doughnut again before taking it and running to a rock not far from us, jumping up and starting to eat the doughnut.

"I think it likes it," Ash said before taking out a Poké ball, making me freeze. "A Fighting Pokémon, that will really help me in battle." I got up, "Wait, don't tell me you gonna catch it now."

"Of course I will," Ash said. "No! Wait!" I said but it was too late and he threw the Poké ball toward Mankey, "Mankey, you're mine!" Mankey sensed it and threw the doughnut at the Poké ball, putting it inside.

The Poké ball fall backward into Ash's hands, opening it to show the doughnut inside. "Ash! You shouldn't have done it!" I said and he looked at me nervously, "W--Why?"

I looked at Mankey as it jumped from the rock, standing in a fight mood, looking angry at us. I pointed at it, "That's why!" My friends looked at Mankey and stepped back. "Now what?" Ash asked. "Even if Mankey is usually calm, it can sometimes have a bad temper!" I said, "This is Mankey's Thrash."

"H--How do we stop it?" Misty asked. "You can't, run for it!" I shouted as I grabbed my backpack and took off with my Pikachu, and my friends quickly followed as they screamed.

"You should have let it finish that doughnut, Ash! Didn't your mother teach you manners?!" Misty yelled. "She never mention Mankey," Ash said. "I shouldn't have made them taste so good!" Brock said. "Brock, throw a doughnut at it!" I said, "Maybe it will stop it!"

"Worth a try," Brock agreed as he held up one of the doughnuts, "Poké ball!" Ash, Misty and I almost fell down when he said that. He quickly corrected himself, "Oh sorry! Doughnut, go!" He threw the doughnut at Mankey, but it only slapped it away and continued to ran toward us. "That didn't work!" Ash said.

"I wasted a doughnut!" Brock said. "Keep running!" I said and we started to ran again but stopped when Misty fell. "Misty!" I said. Misty sat up and we all saw Mankey running closer to her. Misty screamed as she covered her face. But Mankey jumped over her head and ran toward me, Ash and Brock. It jumped on Ash, making him fell backward to the floor and we watched as Mankey started to attack him.

"Ash!" Brock said. We watched as Mankey jumped away from Ash and walked up to a tree. Ash groaned in pain, "I... surrender..." Mankey looked calm and happy now, holding up Ash's hat and putting it up on top of its head as it jumped up and down in delight.

Misty, Brock and I kneeled next to Ash as he sat up slowly. "That Mankey sure beat you up big time," Brock said. "Are you okay?" I asked. "Pika," Ash's Pikachu said. Ash placed his hand on his hair, looking confused, "Where did my hat go?" Misty pointed up to Mankey and we all looked at it.

Ash quickly got up in shock and ran to the tree. "You're little thief, give me back my hat!" He shouted. Mankey just laughed and jumped up and down. Ash growled angrily and I raised an eyebrow. He walked to the tree and started to climb on it.

"Hold it, you'll just get beat up again," Misty said. "It's mine!" Ash shouted. "All for a hat?" I asked. "I can't replace that hat, Em," Ash said, "I won it in the official Pokémon League Expo, don't you guys know how tough it is to get one of those hats?"

"An official Expo hat?" Brock asked and I realized it was one of the contests Ryan was hosting a while ago. "Oh..." I said. "You mean, the one that Ryan Pierce hosted two years ago?" Misty asked. "That's right!" Ash said, "He personally gave me that hat. So I can't lose it!"

"Poor Ash, losing a hat like that, is like losing your idol," Brock said. "Wait, Ryan's your idol?" I asked as Ash started to climb up on the tree. "Yeah," Ash answered and turned to Mankey as he climbed to the top.

Suddenly, Mankey punched Ash, making him fell to the floor. "Well, hello there," we heard a familiar female voice and looked over to see Team Rocket. "Team Rocket?" I asked. "What are you doing here?" Brock asked.

"Aren't you happy to see us?" Meowth asked. Mankey jumped down the tree, sniffing around Team Rocket. "Buzz off," James said and kicked Mankey away. Brock, Misty and I froze in horror. "I wish he hadn't done that," Brock said.

"Still trying to kidnap Emma, huh?" Misty asked. "We just want someone like her to help out Team Rocket," Jessie said. "Well, find someone like me who wants to join in," I said, "I like where I am."

"Nonsense, you'll love it," Jessie said. "Let's go, shall we?" James asked. Misty and Brock stood in front of me as they glared at them. "You want her, you'll have to go through us," Brock said. "Don't be stupid. Hand Emma over or else," James said. "Or else what?!" Misty snapped.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

Meowth jumped up, "Meowth! That's right!"

"Give me a break," I said as Ash finally sat up. "If you guys don't get out of here fast, you'll get beat up like Ash did," Brock said. "By who?" Meowth asked. "By Mankey," Brock answered. Jessie and James looked at each other in confusion.

"What's a Mankey?" Jessie asked. "I guess that thing I kicked out of the way," James said and we all looked to where he kicked it. Mankey was looking at Team Rocket angrily, before it started to glow.

"Oh, please, don't tell me," I said and Mankey became bigger. The light disappeared, showing Mankey had evolved. "It--It--It evolved," Jessie and James said together in fear.

"Primeape!" I said and Ash pulled out his Dexter, pointing it at Primeape.

Primeape. If you make eye contact with this evolved form of Mankey, it will chase you forever.

Jessie scoffed, "Ha, this fur ball? That's ridiculous. Now, let's get Emma." Team Rocket turned to us as Jessie and James threw their Poké balls. "Go, Ekans!" Jessie called. "And go, Koffing!" James said.

Ekans and Koffing were released, standing in front of us. Primeape ran to Jessie, punching her from behind, throwing her past the Pokémon and us to the ground.

Jessie stood up angrily, "How dare you damage my perfection?! Now you'll pay! Ekans! Koffing! Never mind Emma, get that Primeape!" Ekans and Koffing turned to Primeape and went quickly toward it. "But we came for Emma," Meowth said.

"Team Rocket always put Beauty before duties," James said and grabbed Meowth before running toward Primeape. Team Rocket and their Pokémon all jumped at Primeape.

"Now's our chance," I said before Brock and I grabbed Ash and lifted him up, before taking off with our Pikachu and Misty. "My hat!" Ash called. His Pikachu ran back to get the hat that was near the rocks. We all stopped and waited for him.

Primeape, un surprisingly, won fighting Team Rocket and ran to get the hat, standing in Ash's Pikachu's way. "Don't look at it in the eye, Pikachu!" Misty called. Pikachu tried not to, but slowly it looked up at Primeape. Primeape just looked at Pikachu and the male mouse backed away. Primeape took the hat, looking happy once again.

"It got my hat! Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" Ash said. Pikachu send Thunder Shock at Primeape and when he stopped, the Pig Monkey Pokémon looked more angry then it was before.

"Now what do we do?" Misty asked. "Wait a minute, I got a theory," Brock said, "Primeape's not trying to steal your hat." Ash, Misty and I looked at him in confusion, "Huh?"

"It's scared of us," Brock said and I frowned. Brock looked at Ash, "When it was a Mankey, you tried to capture it, then James kicked it. I think it took your hat so it can get a little attention, because it's lonely all by itself."

Brock walked toward Primeape and we watched. "Brock... I don't think you should go near it," I said. "Be careful, Brock," Misty said. Brock reached closer and smiled, "Now, everything is going to be fine. Give me a smile, buddy."

Primeape looked startled before punching Brock, making him groan in pain as he kneeled down, and then Primeape punched him in the back. "Hey, stop, stop!" Brock said and Primeape did and looked at him. Brock looked at it and then Primeape punched him in the face, making him fell backward to the ground.

"Brock!" Misty said. "Nice theory," I muttered, "My brother has a Primeape so what do I know? Oh, yeah. That!" I pointed at Primeape as it started to ran toward us again. "Run!" Ash shouted and the three of us took off with the Pikachu, right past Team Rocket.

We ran up the road, with Primeape chasing us. "If we'll split up, maybe we can lose it!" Ash said. "Okay," Misty and I said. I went to right with my Pikachu, while Misty went left and Ash ran forward with his Pikachu.

My Pikachu and I stopped to see Primeape chasing Ash and his Pikachu. Misty and I stood together. "Primeape isn't easy to lose, doesn't it?" Misty asked and I shook my head. Brock was running toward us, panting as he stopped.

"I just hope Ash won't look at Primeape in the eye," He said. "Now what?" Misty asked. "Let's go after them," I said before running forward with them following behind.

We continued to ran until we found Ash standing in front of a hold with Pikachu, holding a Poké ball in front of Primeape. "Ash?" I asked. "Professor Oak's right, no more games. I'm going to capture you Primeape!" He said in determination.

"Why do you have to be so stubborn? Primeape is to dangerous to capture, Ash," Misty said. "Just forget about the hat," Brock said. "It's not that," Ash said, "It's because I want to be a great Pokémon Master, a real Master wouldn't let any Pokémon get away." He threw the Poké ball, "Squirtle, I choose you! Use Water Gun!"

Squirtle was released and he quickly Water Gun at Primeape, but it only got it angrier. Ash got Squirtle back into the Poké ball, "Squirtle, return." He threw another Poké ball, "Bulbasaur, I choose you!" Bulbasaur was released, standing in front of Primeape. "Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf, now!" Ash said. Bulbasaur did as was told, but Primeape's punches destroyed the leaves.

Ash held Bulbasaur's Poké ball, "Bulbasaur, return." He threw another Poké ball, "Charmander, go!" Charmander was released, and he quickly attacked Primeape with Flamethrower as it ran toward him. Primeape dodged the attacks, jumping up and hitting Charmander with several punches.

"Charmander!" Ash called worriedly. Charmander's flame on the trail started to grow larger, and we watched in confusion. "The flame..." I said and Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Charmander's special attack, Rage. It gains more power the more it is attacked. It will continue to fight until its opponent falls.

"All right! I didn't knew he had that kind of power!" Ash said with a grin. "Charmander, go!" Charmander moved away from Primeape before biting it's fist. Primeape was startled before it tossed Charmander aside.

Charmander turned to it quickly, using another Flamethrower. Primeape dodged and Charmander was about to use another Flamethrower. "Burn now, Charmander! Flamethrower attack!" Ash said as his Pikachu left his side and ran toward Primeape. Ash noticed Pikachu running, "Hey, Pikachu!"

Charmander used Flamethrower, about to hit Primeape. Pikachu jumped over as he grabbed Ash's hat and ran back toward Ash before it could get hit. The Flamethrower hit Primeape, and when Charmander stopped, Primeape fall down.

Charmander looked proud of himself, and so did Ash. "Good work, Charmander!" He complimented, "I'll take over for now." He threw a Poké ball at Primeape, sending it inside the Poké ball. The Poké ball moved slightly around as the red light was on the button, before it stopped. "Yes," Ash said before we watched in confusion as the Poké ball moved again for a moment before stopping again.

Ash walked closer and grabbed the Poké ball. He chuckled, "All right! Primeape is mine!" Brock, Misty and I walked closer. "Good job!" I said. "You did it!" Brock said. "Congratulations," Misty said. Ash's Pikachu held up Ash's hat, "Chu."

Ash took the hat, "Thanks a lot, Pikachu." I looked at Charmander, "Good work, Charmander, you sure showed Primeape." Charmander smiled and nodded, "Cha!"

"Don't forget us!" we heard a familiar female voice and looked over at the hole at Team Rocket with Ekans and Koffing holding into the edge of the hole.

"So, it's the hole gang," Ash said with a smirk. "It's your fault we ended up in here," Jessie said before looking around in confusion, "Where's Primeape?"

Ash held up Primeape's Poké ball, "Well, why don't you just see for yourselves?" He smirked as he threw the Poké ball into the hole, releasing Primeape. It jumped up as the Poké ball went back to Ash. Team Rocket screamed as Primeape pulled them all down into the hole to beat them up again, before it punched them high to the air.

"Looks like Team Rockets blasting off again!" We heard Team Rocket calling before disappearing into the sky. Primeape stood near the hole, jumping up and down, as if ready to fight more. "Primeape sure did give them a Thrashing," Misty said. "Well, at least Primeape is doing the Thrashing on our side," Ash said before petting Primeape, "Welcome to the team, Primeape."

Primeape punched Ash in the stomach, making him groan and fell to the ground. I smirked, "Maybe it's Primeape’s way to say 'Thank you'." Primeape jumped up and down while my Pikachu smiled, "Pika."

Ash held up Primeape's and Charmander's Poké balls, "Primeape, Charmander, return." The Pokémon went back into the Poké balls and Ash sat up. I held out my hand and Ash took it, standing up. "Pika!" We looked over at my Pikachu to see she and Ash's Pikachu at the edge of the cliff. We walked closer and saw a city not far from us.

"There's Celadon City!" I said. "You know, if Primeape hasn't chase us, we wouldn't got here as fast as we did," Misty said. I chuckled, "We should thank Primeape after all."

Ash put his hat on with a smile, "Way the go, Primeape. Now that I caught a new Pokémon, it's time to win a Badge." We all ran away from the edge, heading straight toward Celadon City.

Chapter Text

"How can we get lost this time? Celadon City was so close!" I said. "I think we went the wrong way," Brock said. "Thanks a lot Ash," Misty said sarcastically, "We shouldn't have run after you."

"That wasn't my fault!" Ash said. "Let's just go back and go on the second path," I said as I looked around the river, "This place looks familiar."

"Pika!" My Pikachu said with a smile as her ears moved. She sniffed around and ran away. "Hey, Pikachu! Where you going?" I asked before running after her. "Wait up, Em," Misty called as they followed me.

"Pika-chu!" my Pikachu called as she ran toward a couple. I stopped in shock while my Pikachu jumped into the woman's arms happily. "Hey, Pikachu! It's so nice to see you!" She said. "M--Mom?!" I asked, "Dad?!"

Mom and Dad looked at me and smiled. "Hey, kiddo," Dad said. I heard gasping from behind me and I looked over my shoulder at my friends. Ash and Brock were staring in shock at my parents while Misty, who had already seen them, just blinked in shock.

"Are those your friends?" Mom asked and I looked back at my parents. I nodded and sighed. "So much for keeping this as a secret," I muttered. "Um, hey, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce," Misty said. "Hey, Misty, it's good to see you again," Dad said. "Hold on!" Ash said after he recovered from his shock, before looking at me, "You said 'Mom and Dad'!"

"Yeah... they're my parents," I answered in hesitation. "What?!" Ash and Brock asked. "Alex and Alice Pierce?" Brock asked before they looked at my Mom and Dad.

Dad chuckled, "Yes. It's nice to meet you guys." He held out his hand for Ash to shake, "You must be Ash, right?" Ash quickly shook his hand, "Y--Yes, sir!" His Pikachu jumped to his shoulder and smiled, "Pika, Pika!"

"I'm--I'm Brock, it's an honor to meet you," Brock said as he and Mom shook hands. "Hello, Brock," Mom said. "Um... Mom? Dad? What are you guys doing here?" I asked. "We thought of going out for a picnic, just me and your mother," Dad answered, "It's been a while since we did that. We thought to come to do it where you befriended with Poliwhirl when he was a Poliwag."

"Oh, that's... great," I said as I glanced as I saw Ash and Brock staring at my parents with admiration. "So, what are you four doing here?" Mom asked. "Well, we're heading to Celadon City," Misty answered. Mom chuckled, "You on the wrong way, then."

"Tell us about that," Misty said as she chuckled. "How come you not excited?" Ash asked as he finally looked away from my parents. "I've already met them," Misty replied and frowned, "Will you stop drooling? No wonder Emma didn't say anything."

"Say, it's been a while, so why don't you and your friends join in, Emma?" Dad asked. "Stay for a picnic?" I asked as my friends smiled. "Of course," Mom said, "We can get to know your friends." Dad looked at Ash, "I've heard you were challenging Gym Leaders so you can compete in the Pokémon League Championship, is that right, Ash?"

"Yes, sir," Ash answered. "How many Badges how you earned?" Dad asked. Ash rubbed the back of his head with a nervous chuckle, "Um... well, four."

"That's good, you going to challenge the Celadon City Gym leader, right?" Dad asked. "Yes, and I'm going to win," Ash said with a grin. Dad chuckled, "That's the spirit."

"Looks like we'll need four more plates," Mom said with a chuckle. "I can help if you want," Brock said. "Thank you, Brock," Mom said. I watched them all and sighed. "There it goes... again," I muttered. Misty stood next to me and whispered, "You okay?" I shrugged and she gave the boys a look.

My Pikachu jumped over to my shoulder, "Pika." Dad looked at me again, "So, your mother said you have a new Pokémon." I nodded and pulled out Tentacool's Poké ball, "I caught a Tentacool."

"That's great, let's see it and the others," Dad said. I pulled out Poliwhirl's and Scyther's Poké balls and threw all three Poké balls up, "Come out, everyone!"

Poliwhirl, Scyther and Tentacool were released and Dad greeted them, "Hey, guys." Poliwhirl and Scyther looked excited to see my parents again, and I took Tentacool in my arms before turning back to my parents. Mom studied it and nodded with a smile, "It looks healthy. You've been taking good care of it."

"Thanks, Mom," I said with a small smile. Dad turned to Ash, Misty and Brock, "What about you three? Can we see your Pokémon?" They smiled, "Of course!"

They all released their Pokémon and Mom studied them. "They all look in a good shape," She said as she patted Ash's Charmander, "And so is this Charmander. He's very healthy. Who he's belong to?"

"Me, ma'am," Ash answered. "You're taking care of him very well," Mom complimented as she stood up. "Thank you," Ash said. "Well then," Dad said as he pulled out his Poké balls and threw them, "Come on out."

My Dad's Venusaur, Arbok and shiny Gengar were released. Mom smiled and threw up her Poké balls, releasing her Espeon, Marowak and Bellossom. "Hey, guys!" I said with a smile. "So cool!" Ash said before pulling out his Dexter.

Venusaur, the final form of the Bulbasaur evolution. This Seed Pokémon soaks up the sun's rays as a source of energy.

Arbok, the final form of Ekans. The pattern on its belly is for intimidation. It constricts foes while they are frozen in fear. Approach with extreme caution.

"That's the evolved form of Ekans?" Ash asked before pointing the Dexter at Gengar, "Maybe now it will tell me something about Gengar."

Gengar. No information available.

"Not again," Ash said before pointing at Dexter to Mom's Pokémon.

Espeon. No information available.

Marowak, a Bone Keeper Pokémon. Despite its small size, its offensive and defensive strength is impressive.

Bellossom, the Flower Pokémon. When these Pokémon move, their delicate petals rub together, creating a pleasant sound. They are also known for their unique acrobatic dancing abilities.

"How come Dexter doesn't tell me about Espeon and Gengar?" Ash asked as I patted Espeon on the head. "Your Dexter need to be upgrading," Dad answered, "Ones it's done, you can have more information."

"Professor Oak should work on it," I said. "Professor Oak? Are you from Pallet Town?" Mom asked. "Yes, ma'am," Ash answered. "So you that Ash," Dad said, "Professor Oak was talking a lot about you. So has his grandson, Gary." Ash looked annoyed by hearing his name and I looked at my parents, "Um... better not say his name around Ash."

"Yeah, he's becoming a Charizard when that happens," Misty said and chuckled. "Very funny," Ash said sarcastically. Dad placed his hand on Ash's shoulder, "Nah, whatever bad things he says just ignore them. You've gone far since you've started your journey, and you should be proud of yourself for the things you've achieved."

Ash smiled, "Thanks, I am." Dad nodded, "That's what matters. Now, who's hungry?"

We all were sitting at a table while all our Pokémon were eating together on the grass. "So, after Celadon City, where you guys will be heading?" Mom asked. "We didn't decided yet," I answered, "We'll see once Ash wins a Badge at the Celadon City."

"Scyther!" we heard Scyther's calls and looked over to see Ash's Primeape and Scyther glaring at each other. "Primeape?" Ash asked before we saw Primeape throwing a punch at Scyther, but Scyther dodged, making Primeape fall over.

We all stood up. "Hey! What's going on?" I asked and Dad's Venusaur used Vine Whip to grab Primeape and lift him up. "Oh, come on, Primeape," Ash said before holding his Poké ball, "Return."

Primeape went back into his Poké ball and Ash looked at Scyther. "Sorry, Scyther," He said. "Scyther," Scyther said. "Primeape sure seem to be ready to have a fight," Dad said. "He's new. I just caught him today," Ash said.

"I see, well with a bit of team work, I'm sure Primeape will get use to the situation," Dad said, "Danny has a Primeape, they sure were a lot like you two. Danny had a hard time controlling him, but after a while, working together, they grew to become a team and great friends. Danny never goes anywhere without his Charizard and Primeape."

"He sure has a strong relationship with his Pokémon," Brock said. "Everyone has one with their Pokémon," Mom answered, "You give them your time and show them you care for them and love them." She looked at me and chuckle, "Emma has been in love with Pokémon since she was a baby. Always studying them, playing and helping around."

I patted Arobk as he slid closer to me. "She has Pikachu, Scyther and Poliwhirl since she was 7," Dad said. "Wow, that's amazing!" Brock said. "Well... it was their choice to stay with me," I said, "I had to wait until I was ten to make them officially mine." I looked at my Pikachu, where she was sitting with Ash's Pikachu and Mom's Bellossom. "I've met Pikachu when she was only a Pichu, when I ran off into the woods to find a place to play. I got lost, and that's when I've met her."

"Pikachu," my Pikachu said with a smile. "How come you didn't say anything about who your family are?" Ash asked. Misty hit him in the head, making him grab his head in pain. "You're really dense," She whispered. "What? What did I say?" Ash asked.

"Hey, wait a minute," Misty said with a smile as she stood up. "Since we finishing eating, Brock, Ash and I can wash the dishes while you three can go and enjoy the rest of the day together."

"Why?" Ash asked and Misty glared at him, making him raise his hands up in defense. "Are you sure?" Mom asked. "Of course," Misty said and looked at me, "Don't you think so, Em?"

"I think it's a great idea," Brock said and Misty smiled. "We can take care of everything while you three spend some family time," Brock said. Misty looked at Ash and raised an eyebrow, "What do you say, Ash? Don't you think Emma should spend some time with her parents?"

"Yeah, sure," Ash said with a smile and looked at me, "We can take care of the Pokémon while you guys are gone." I hesitated and looked at my Pikachu to see was nodding, "Pika!" I tilted my head, "Um, okay."

After finishing lunch, Mom, Dad and I walked together away from the picnic area. "So, tell us, how is the journey been so far?" Dad asked. I smiled, "It's great. I'm meeting new people and Pokémon! I've been having so much fun."

"And so getting into trouble," Mom said. I rubbed the back of my head, "Well... it's not like it's my fault. Or my friends'. There's this group--" Before I could continue to talk, a Magikarp jumped up from the river side, tackling me to the grass, making me yelp.

"Emma!" Mom and Dad said. "Are you okay?" Dad asked. I sat up and rubbed the back on my head, "Yeah..." I looked down at the Magikarp, who was jumping on my lap, looking troubled. "Magikarp?" I asked. "I've never seen a Magikarp looking like this," Mom said. I held Magikarp up, "What is it?"

Magikarp suddenly jumped from my hands into the water, looking over at me and my parents. I blinked in shock when Magikarp didn't just splashed around like any Magikarp would do, this one seem to be in a hurry or even very worried.

I stood up and looked at my parents, "What's going on?" Dad glanced at me before looking back at Magikarp, "It wants us to go after it." I looked from Magikarp to my parents, "Hold on, I'll go with it in the water."

"Careful," Mom said as I ran toward the river. I walked into the water, not caring that my shoes and jeans getting wet. I looked at Magikarp, "What's wrong, Magikarp?" Magikarp started to swim to the other side of the rocks and I followed it in confusion.

"Magikarp," it said as it stopped, looking around the rocks. I looked around the rocks and gasped, seeing a machine and a pipe in the water. There were a few Magikarp inside the machine full of water and a few other water Pokémon.

"The boss would love it," a familiar annoying female voice spoke and I saw Team Rocket walking around the machine. "Team Rocket," I whispered angrily. "Magikarp," Magikarp said as it stared at the water Pokémon.

I looked at Magikarp, "I need to get my friends and Pokémon so we can stop them. Let's go, Magikarp." It nodded, agree to follow me.

After tell my friends and parents about what I've seen, we all went to the spot. Team Rocket didn't noticed us as they were too busy looking at the water Pokémon inside the machine. "There's a lot of Magikarp here," James pointed out. "This is the Magikarp river, so there's lots more of them," Meowth said.

"Team Rocket!" Ash, Misty, Brock and I called, making them turn to us. "You!" They said together. "You know them?" Mom asked me and my friends. "They bad guys that steal Pokémon, and they have been trying to kidnap Emma a few times," Ash said. "What?" my parents asked. "Ash! Don't say that, they won't let me continue to travel!" I said. Ash froze, "I didn't thought about that..."

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

Meowth jumped over, "Meowth! That's right!"

My Mom and Dad looked very bored by the motto. Mom placed a hand on her cheek, "Oh my, I almost fell a sleep." I smirked as Team Rocket looked offended. "You three! Release those Pokémon!" Dad said. They exchanged a look before looking at us, "Nope."

"And who are you?" Jessie asked my Mom and Dad. "They look familiar," James said. "Those are my parents, and if you won't do as they say, you guys are in big trouble," I said. "Parents?" James asked. "You have a lovely daughter," Jessie said. "Yeah, and we're taking her," Meowth said as he held up a remote. He pressed a button, and a hand appeared from the machine, reaching over toward me.

"Arbok, Acid!" Dad called as he threw Arbok's Poké ball. Arbok appeared, using Acid on the hand, making it drop to the grass. Arbok stood in front of me and glared at Team Rocket.

"Arbok?" Jessie asked. "It's the evolved form of Ekans," James said. I glanced over to see Magikarp using Tackle attack on the glass of the machine, trying to break it. I threw out Tentacool and Poliwhirl's Poké balls, "Tentacool! Poliwhirl! Help us out!" They were released in the water, and turned to me. "Help Magikarp break the glass!" I ordered before turning to Team Rocket, "Pikachu, let's take care of them."

"Pikachu!" My Pikachu agreed as she jumped off of my shoulder to stand next to Arbok. "How dare you?" Jessie asked and threw her Poké ball, "Ekans, go!" James threw out his Poké ball, "Koffing, go!"

They were released, as Mom held out her Poké ball with a smile, "Time to shine, my dear." She threw it, "Go, Espeon!" Espeon was released, standing next to my Pikachu.

"Espeon, dear, use Quick Attack!" Mom called. Espeon ran toward Koffing, tackling it to the ground. "Ekans, Acid!" Jessie called. Just when Ekans about to attack, Arbok glared at it, making it froze. "Arbok, use Ice Fang!" Dad called. Arbok's mouth got filled with freezing air, and he then bite down on Ekans, causing ice to form over it. "Now, Tackle!" Dad said, and Arbok tackled Ekans, throwing it back at Team Rocket.

"Tentacool!" I looked over to the water to see the glass on the machine broke. "All right!" I said as the water Pokémon all jumped out from the machine into the river. "They getting away!" Meowth shouted. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" I shouted.

Pikachu send a huge electricity toward Team Rocket, making them scream and there was an explosion. We saw Team Rocket were thrown up into the sky, "Looks like Team Rockets blasting off again!" We heard Team Rocket calling before disappearing into the sky.

"All right!"

"That was awesome!"

"So long Team Rocket!"

I looked over my shoulder at my friends and smiled. I turned to Tentacool, Poliwhirl and Magikarp, and chuckled.

After setting the water Pokémon free and took care of Team Rocket, it was time for me and my friends to leave. Dad looked at me, "I could tell you to come back home with us, after what we heard about Team Rocket..." I looked at my friends sadly and saw they looked sad too. "But," Dad started and we looked at him. He smiled, "I think you're in good hands." We all smiled and Dad looked at my friends, "You guys keep taking care of her."

"Of course," Misty said. "You can count on us!" Brock said with a nod. "We're not going to let anything happen to Emma," Ash said. "Pika, Pika!" his Pikachu agreed with a nod. I looked at my parents, "Looks like we didn't get to spend much time together."

"We'll get to one day," Mom said as she smiled. "Ash, make sure to call us after you win that Badge in Celadon City," Dad said. Ash smiled, "I will, sir."

"Call us Alex and Alice," Mom said with a chuckle, "Be careful at the road, good luck." Before I could say anything, a Magikarp jumped out of the river, tackling me into the grass. "Emma," Ash said, "You okay?"

"Ow," I said as I sat up to see the same Magikarp from earlier was jumping on my lap again. "Hey, you the same Magikarp," I said as I held it up, "What now?"

"Magikarp, Magikarp, Magikarp," it said. "What?" I asked. "Pika, Pika, Pikachu?" my Pikachu asked and looked at me, "Pika, Pika, Pi." I looked at Magikarp, "Hey, Magikarp, would you like to come along with me?"

"Huh?" my friends asked. "But it's a Magikarp," Ash said. I stood up and smiled, "So what? With some work, it will evolve to a Gyarados. It will be on our side." I looked at the Fish Pokémon, "So, Magikarp, would you like to come along?"

"Magikarp," it said. I held an empty Poké ball and pressed it on Magikarp, letting it get inside. We all watched the button red before it stopped.

I've caught myself a Magikarp!

"All right!" I said with a smile. "Congratulations, Emma," Brock said. "Yeah," Misty agreed. "Good job," Ash said. I looked at my parents to see they were smiling. "You've grown," Mom said and Dad nodded. "Mom, Dad, tell everyone I say 'hey' and that I miss them," I said. "We will," Dad said, "Be careful, all of you." We nodded, "We will."

We started to walk away and waved to my parents as they waved back to us. I sighed, "I'm glad the secret is out now," I admitted. Misty chuckled, "See? Everything turned out to be great."

"I can't believe it, then that's mean, Ryan and Danny are your brothers, that's awesome!" Ash said. "Your parents are really cool," Brock said, "I can see the resemblance."

I chuckled softly and held up Magikarp's Poké ball. "You know, Magikarp may not be the strongest Pokémon ever, but this one is pretty strong. It has a one strong Tackle move," I said, and we all laughed, going back on the right path to Celadon City.

Chapter Text

"Wow, look at this place," I said as soon as we walked into Celadon City. The city had very tall buildings, busy streets, and shops around everywhere.

My Pikachu suddenly sniffed the air around and smiled excitedly, "Pika!" Brock, Misty, me and Ash's Pikachu sniffed the air, smelling a very nice smell, that was very familiar to me. "That smells really good," Misty said. "What smell?" Ash asked.

"It smells familiar," I said and Brock started to follow where the smell came from. "Wait, Brock! Where you going?" Ash asked before he followed quickly. "Let's go," I said with a smile to Misty and we followed.

We all followed Brock, seeing him leaning his face against a window of a store. Ash went to talk to him while Misty, me and both mine and Ash's Pikachu went inside to the Perfume Shop.

"It smells amazing," Misty said and three workers that were talking to each other, turned to us and smiled. "Welcome," one of them with the green hair said. "Hello," I said, "I recognize a shop like this." I looked at Misty, "My brother's girlfriend buys perfumes from those shops all the time. She even got me a few, Pikachu is obsessed with this."

"Pika," my Pikachu said with a smile. "Would you like to try a perfume?" one of them with the blonde hair asked. "Yes, please," both Misty and I answered before we sat down together with both the Pikachu. The workers walked closer, and the green hair woman held a perfume, "This is one of our most popular, here try." I held my wrist up and she sprayed on it. I sniffed before holding my wrist to Misty to smell, "It's smells amazing."

She sniffed and grinned, "It's smells just like a garden." I held my wrist to both the Pikachu to smell, which they did. "Pika!" My Pikachu said with a smile. The green hair woman sprayed on my Pikachu's hands, to her delight. "Pika, Pika!" She said. I chuckled, "She says thank you."

"You are most welcome," the green hair woman said as she sprayed on Misty's wrist. "We're having a sale," the blonde hair woman said. "How much this one?" I asked.

Before anyone could answer, Ash ran in, "Don't buy it, Emma!" We all looked at him as he walked closer, "Perfume is just a waste of money, and it stinks." I gave him a look, "Ash."

"Go away," Misty grumbled. "I resent that remark," A female voice spoke and we all looked over to see another woman, with short hair walking over, looking at Ash. "The manager," the woman with the purple hair said.

"Young man, are you accusing me of overcharging my customers for inferior perfume?" the manager asked. "No, ma'am, I mean all perfume are a rip off, 'cuase all they do is turning guys into zombies," Ash said before dragging Brock closer, "Like this."

Looking at Brock's face, it was clearly he was in daze from the woman, and not the perfume. "Hey, what's your name?" He asked. I glanced at Misty and she sighed as she shook her head. The manager smiled softly at him before glaring back at Ash.

"Okay, Ash, time to apologize," I said. "Why should I? I'm just saying what I think is true," Ash said. "That's not true!" Misty said. "Not all perfumes are bad," I said, "I happen to like the perfumes in this shop."

"Pika, Pikachu," my Pikachu said. "Oh come on, Em, this isn't like you," Ash said. I raised an eyebrow, "Not like me? What do you mean?" He crossed his arms over his chest, "You acting like a girl right now."

"Hey!" Misty said. "What? I am a girl," I said, "I may not like perfumes so much, but I do like the ones that are here, so back off." My Pikachu jumped up my head and then jumped up to Ash's face before using Thunder Shock at him. I stood in shock, "Pikachu!"

Ash fell to the floor after that, and Pikachu moved from his face, "Pi." She turned her head to the side before walking to stand by my side. "That's it, young man, you need to leave," the manager said and two of the workers grabbed Ash by his arms and threw him out of the shop.

"Think he'll go to the Gym without us?" I asked my friends before raising an eyebrow when I saw Misty glaring at Brock, who was drooling at the workers. "Uh..." I trailed off. "Excuse me, young lady," I heard the manager behind me and I turned to her. "Yes?" I asked.

"Did you ask about this rude young man going to the Gym?" she asked as my Pikachu and Ash's jumped to my shoulders. "Uh, yeah," I answered, "You see, he battling in Gyms, so that's why we came to the city. He wants to go to challenge the Gym leader here, in Celadon City."

The manager chuckled, "That would be hard for him to walk into the Gym after what just happened." I looked at her in confusion, "How come?" She smiled, "Because I'm the Gym leader, and I'm not going to let him inside my Gym."

I looked at her in shock, "You're the Gym leader?!" My friends spoke behind me, "What?!" I blinked and looked over to see them were looking at the manager. I looked back at her, "Now, that's a shocker," I muttered. "Pika-chu," Ash's Pikachu said.

"My name is Erika, and I'm the Celadon City Gym leader," She introduced herself. "My name is Emma, this is my partner Pikachu, and this is Ash's Pikachu, that kid you kicked out," I said. "Pika, Pika," my Pikachu said as she waved. "Pika-chu," Ash's Pikachu said.

"I'm Misty," Misty said. Brock ran closer, pushing me slightly to stand in front of Erika, as he blushed, "I--I'm Brock, nice to met you." Erika chuckled, "Hey." She stepped a side to looked at me, "So, Emma, would you and your friends would like a tour to where we make the perfumes?"

"Really?" Misty and I asked together. "Of course," Erika said. "Well, sure, we would love to," I said with a smile. Misty held up a finger, "But first... we need to buy that perfume we smelled before Ash ruined the moment." I tilted my head and chuckled.

After Misty and I bought the perfume, Erika had took us to her Gym, where she and her workers were making the perfumes. We were greeted by a few workers, much to Brock's joy. "Miss Erika, we took care of that boy you told us about," one of them said. "Great," Erika said. I looked at Ash's Pikachu who was still sitting on my shoulder, and noticed he looked kind of down, maybe it was because Ash wasn't here.

Erika leaded us around the Gym, showing us many Grass-type Pokémon. As my friends were enjoying, I was sad that Ash, even if he was rude and out of the line, wasn't here. Maybe I'm just too worried about him, like his Pikachu. I sighed and shook my head. Ash did this to himself, I shouldn't be concern, I have no reason for it.

"Is something bothering you?" I looked up and saw Erika looking down at me. "Um..." I trailed off before sighing, "I know Ash sometimes talks before he can think what he says, but if I could get him to come here and apologize, would you please battle him? Getting that Badge is really important to him."

Erika smiled softly, "Mmm. I'll tell you what, if you can get him to come and apologize, I will consider to battle him." I smiled, "You will?" She nodded, "I'll consider." I nodded, "Okay. I'll get him to, promise." I looked over at Misty and Brock, "Hey, guys, I'll be back soon, just stay here."

"Where you going?" Brock asked. "I'm getting Ash," I said before running away with mine and Ash's Pikachu.

I was looking around with mine and Ash's Pikachu, for Ash, on the streets. "Where can he be?" I asked. "Pika-chu," my Pikachu said as she pointed to the side. I looked over to see Ash sitting under a tree on the grass, looking very annoyance, but also very down.

"Pika, Pi!" Ash's Pikachu called as he jumped down from my shoulder, running toward him with me following. Ash looked up at us and I smiled, "Hey! There you are. We've been looking all over for you."

"Why?" Ash asked as he looked away. "What do you mean 'why'? Let's go to the Gym," I said and he looked at me. "I can't get inside. I'm not allowed, all because I said what I think about those stupid perfumes," He said. "Well, Erika told me she will consider battling you if you will apologize," I said.

"I'm not apologizing," Ash said suborning. "Oh, come on, Ash, I asked her to give you a chance, don't blow it," I said. "I don't need your help," Ash said. "Pika, Pi! Pikachu, Pika, Pika!" Ash's Pikachu said. "I don't need help," Ash said as he looked away.

I placed my hands on my hips, "Don't be stubborn, just say thank you, and go apologize. That's all you got to do, to have a battle," I said. Ash seem to be thinking but then looked away again. "Nope," He said as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Why are you so stubborn?" I asked in annoyance. "I'm giving one last chance to come back to the Gym with me. I'm gonna wait for you at the square, you got ten minutes." With that said, I turned around and walked away with my Pikachu.

As soon as I reached to the square, I paced as my Pikachu stood on the ground, watching me. "Why he's so stubborn?" I asked. "Pika," Pikachu said, "Pika, Pikachu." I stopped and looked at her as she looked behind me, "Pika!"

I turned and saw Ash with his Pikachu walking toward me. I smiled and placed my hands on my hips as my Pikachu jumped up to my shoulder. "So?" I asked. Ash hesitated before looking away, "Okay. Fine, you win."

"Don't you want to get the Badge?" I asked before grabbing his hand, "Come on." I dragged him to the Gym and once we got there, the workers welcomed me. "Hey," one of them said before looking Ash with a glare, "And what is he doing here?"

"He's here to apologize," I said with a smile and leaded him toward Erika, who was talking to Misty and Brock, who were near a Pokémon name Gloom. "Erika, hey," I said. "Hey, Emma," Erika said before looking at Ash, "Ash."

I glanced at him, "Well?" Ash sighed and looked down, "I'm sorry for saying what I think about the perfume." I opened my mouth but Erika cut in with a nod, "That's good for me."

"Excuse me, Erika, I was wondering how can we all sit with Gloom? I had always thought that because of it's terrible smell, it's almost impossible to get anywhere near Gloom, so how come this Gloom doesn't smell bad?" Misty asked.

"That's a very smart question, Misty," Erika said before she walked closer to them. I grabbed Ash's hand and dragged him with me to them. Erika kneeled down next to Gloom as she patted it, "Gloom doesn't have a bad smell all the time. Whenever Gloom is in danger, is let's out the bad smell, it's a natural defense mechanism, but as long as Gloom doesn't feel threatened, it smells just fine. Just make sure Gloom feels safe, and show you want to be it's friend."

"How do you know that, Erika?" I asked. Erika smiled, "I met Gloom a long time ago. When I was a little girl, I got lost one day, and run into a Grimer. I've never been so scared, I couldn't even move. That was when I've met a Gloom, when it was walking by. Somehow that Gloom seem to understand how scared I felt, and decided to come to my rescue." She looked at Gloom, "This is the same Gloom that rescued me from the Grimer that day. We've been friends ever since."

"It's all because of her friendship with Gloom, that Erika decided to become a grass Pokémon trainer," the green hair woman that we met at the shop said. "Wow, it's sounds a bit like me and my Pikachu," I said with a smile. "Pikachu," my Pikachu said with a smile.

"How long have to and your Pikachu been friends for?" Erika asked. "We've been together since I was 7," I answered, "I got lost in the woods when I met her."

"You two have a great friendship, I can see that," Erika complimented. "Pika, Pikachu," my Pikachu said. Erika stood up and looked at Ash, "Okay, Ash, I was told from Emma you wanted to battle."

"Yeah," Ash answered as he nodded. "Then I accept your challenge," Erika said before leading us all to the battlefield. Ash and Erika faced each other at the battlefield while me, my friends and the workers were sitting at the benches.

"We each use three Pokémon," Erika said. "Right, I'll use my own grass Pokémon against yours," Ash said before throwing out a Poké ball, "Bulbasaur, I choose you." Bulbasaur was released, ready to battle. Erika held up a Poké ball, "This one will be easy." She threw it up, "Tangela, I choose you."

Tangela was released and this was the first time I saw a Pokémon that I didn't knew about. I saw Ash pulling out his Dexter and I pulled my own, pointing it at Tangela, since I won't be able to hear Ash's Dexter.

Tangela, a Vine Pokémon. Its body is wrapped in vines. The rest of its form is hidden beneath these vines.

"Not much useful information," I muttered. "Pika," my Pikachu agreed. "All right, we'll attack from the distance," Ash spoke and I looked up from my Dexter. "Bulbasaur, Vine Whip!" Ash ordered, and Bulbasaur send out his Vine Whip.

"Tangela, Constrict," Erika called as Bulbasaur's Vine Whip about to be wrap around it. "Resist it by pulling him in!" Erika said as Tangela spinned around, slowly pulling Bulbasaur toward it by using the Vine Whip around it. "Tangela, now is the time to hit him with your Stun Spore!" Erika said. Tangela stopped when Bulbasaur was near it, and used Stun Spore, shaking its body and waved of red powder came out of it, paralyzing Bulbasaur.

Ash held out Bulbasaur's Poké ball, "Return, Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur went back into his Poké ball. "Poor Bulbasaur, let him out so I can give some Parlyz Heal to your Pokémon feel better," Erika said. "Thanks, but no thanks, I don't need your help," Ash said before pulling out another Poké ball, "I choose Primeape!" He hesitated as if he remembering what Primeape can do and it isn't much of a listener. Ash put the Poké ball back, "Maybe I better not." He pulled out another Poké ball, "Charmander, go!"

Charmander was released, ready for a battle. Erika got her Tangela back to the Poké ball, "This will be easy," She said and send out another Poké ball, "Weepinbell, go!" Weepinbell was released. "Weepinbell, Razor Leaf, now!"

Weepinbell spinned around in a circle, and multiple razor-sharp leaves came out and flew toward Charmander. "Charmander, Flamethrower, full blast!" Ash ordered and Charmander used the attack, burning the leaves. The leaves fell down on Weepinbell, making it jump around so it won't get hit the burning leaves.

"Yes, way the go! Now, let's finish it up! Skull Bash, now!" Ash ordered and Charmander ran toward Weepinbell, using his head to hit it, knocking it out. "Weepinbell, return!" Erika said as she held out the Poké ball, letting her Pokémon get back inside.

"Ash is doing well," Brock complimented. "He may actually win," one of the workers said. "He's pretty good," Misty said and I smiled as I watched the battle. "Your battle skills are impressive, Ash, but there's one thing you don't have; empathy for your Pokémon," Erika said, "Without it, you'll never become a great Pokémon trainer like me." She held up another Poké ball, "Now, I'm going to give you a lesson in empathy. Gloom, go!" She threw the Poké ball, letting Gloom out.

Gloom released it's stench, making Charmander held his nose before he fainted. Ash held up the Poké ball, "Charmander, return," he said, letting Charmander go back inside.

Erika chuckled, "Poor Ash, your Pokémon could use some more training." Ash looked annoyed and looked at the Poké ball in thoughts. Ash's Pikachu jumped from my side and ran to stand in front of Ash, "Chu."

Ash looked at him, "Pikachu?" He asked. "Pika," his Pikachu said. Ash kneeled in front of him, "You say you want to battle?" Pikachu nodded, "Pikachu."

"You know, you probably gonna lose, but you still willing to battle Gloom to help me out?" Ash asked. Pikachu walked closer to him slapping Ash's cheek gently, "Pika, Pika." He turned around confidently and Ash tilted his head, "What? You say you sure you'll win?" Pikachu nodded, "Pikachu, Pika." Ash pulled him to a hug with a chuckle, "Pikachu!"

"Heartwarming, but what's that smell?" a familiar annoying female voice spoke and we all looked to where it was coming from. Team Rocket were standing on top of the building, looking down at all of us. "Your Pokémon skills is stinking up this Gym even more then Gloom," Jessie said.

"It's Team Rocket!" Misty said.

Jessie jumped to the floor, "To protect the world from devastation."

James jumped to the floor, "To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

Meowth jumped over, holding a box, "And last and not least, to blast this dump to the sky high."

Meowth pressed a button.

"Jessie."

"James."

Suddenly an explosion happened under them, making them blast up to the sky, just in time to see Jessie was holding a bottle before they all disappeared into the sky.

We watched as the explosion created a fire around. "Quick, girls! We got to rescue all the Pokémon," one of the workers said as everyone were running around to get the Pokémon.

"Let's go," Ash said. Me and my friends ran outside and turned to the Gym to see the fire started to spread around. Everyone were pouring water on the building and I turned to Misty and Ash, "Misty! Ash! Get your water Pokémon."

"Got it," Misty said as I pulled out Poliwhirl's Poké ball, "Poliwhirl! Water Gun!" I threw the Poké ball and let Poliwhirl out, who quickly used Water Gun on the building, helping to put the fire out. Misty threw her Poké balls, "Staryu, Starmie, help us out!"

Ash threw his Poké ball, "Squirtle, Wather Gun!" All four Water Pokémon stood together, all using Water Gun on the building. Brock threw a Poké ball, "Geodude, threw as much dirt as you can on the flames."

Geodude was released, quickly went to do as was told. I looked at Squirtle, Poliwhirl Staryu and Starmie, "You guys doing great," I said. "Keep it up guys," Misty said. "We almost got it!" Ash said and we saw Erika running around, looking worried. "Erika?" I asked as she reached closer.

"I've looked everywhere, but I can't find Gloom," Erika said. "Did Gloom get out?" Ash asked. "What if Gloom... what if Gloom is still inside?!" Erika asked as she looked at the burning building. She ran toward it but Misty and I grabbed her. "Erika, no!" I said. "You can't go in there!" Misty agreed.

"But Gloom maybe trapped inside," She said. Ash ran toward the building before I could stop him, "I'll go in and find Gloom!" He called. "Ash!" I shouted worriedly but he ran in.

We waited but Ash still didn't came out with Gloom. Come on, Ash! We waited for another moment before we saw him running out with Gloom in his arms. We smiled and ran closer. "Ash!" I said. "Thank you, Ash!" Erika said as she took Gloom into her arms, "Oh, Gloom, I was so worried, are you okay?" Gloom nodded as it smiled.

It took some time, but we all got control on the fire and managed to put it out. It was morning when we all stood near the building. "We sorry about your Gym, Erika," I said. "As long as everyone is safe, that doesn't matter, we can build it again," Erika said before she turned to Ash with a smile as she held out a Rainbow Badge to him, "With deep gratitude, I present you the Rainbow Badge."

"What's that for?" Ash asked confused. "I think you earned it, don't you, Gloom?" Erika asked. Gloom nodded happily, and Ash smiled, "Thanks a lot." He took the Badge and showed it to both mine and his Pikachu, "Take a look, Pikachu, a Rainbow Badge."

Both the mouse Pokémon smiled. "Pi, Pika-chu!" his Pikachu said before he and my Pikachu shared a smile with Gloom. "Congratulations, Ash," I complimented, "Wait until my Dad will hear about this, he sure will be proud."

"Thanks," Ash said with a smile before frowning as he looked at Erika, "But what about Team Rocket? They got away with your secret perfume formula." Erika chuckled, "No they didn't. The bottle they stole, has only one of our perfume secret ingredient; scents of Gloom."

After saying goodbye to Erika and her workers, and Gloom, we all headed to the Pokémon Center to call home. "I hope my parents are back home," I said as we waited. Dad appeared on the screen, "Hello?"

"Dad!" I said as we all smiled. Dad smiled, "Emma, Ash, Brock, Misty and Pikachu, how are you?"

"We doing great," I answered and glanced at Ash as I whispered, "Show him." Ash held up the Rainbow Badge, "Look what I got." Dad smiled, "You've got the Badge. That's great, Ash. Another step farther to the Pokémon League."

"Yep!" Ash said. "We'll be heading out now, we just wanted to tell you this," Misty said. "All right, guys, you all take care," Dad said. "We'll talk to you soon, Dad, promise," I said. "Take care," Brock said. "Bye, kids," Dad said, "And, Ash, wishing you good luck on your next Gym battle."

"Thank you," Ash said. "Bye," We all said together. "Bye, kids," Dad said before the screen turned black. We all looked at each other and smiled before Ash looked at the Rainbow Badge with a smile.

Chapter Text

As we were walking in a new city, we were looking around at the huge buildings around. "Geez, it's sort of feels like the buildings closing in on us," Ash said. "Yeah, they are all so tall, and you can hardly see the sky," Misty agreed. "Where are we, Brock?" I asked our friend, who was holding the map.

"Uh... HopHopHop Town," Brock answered. "HopHopHop? Is that really a name?" I asked. "Arnold!" a female voice called and we all looked forward to see a woman running toward us. "Arnold," she said with a smile and hugged a very surprised Ash. "Where have you been?" She asked, "Mother has been so worried."

Ash tried to pull away from her embrace, "Excuse me, but my name is Ash." The woman looked at him in confusion as Misty stepped in with a smile, "And my name is Misty, Ma'am." Brock handed me the map before grabbing Misty by her shoulders, "She wasn't talking to you."

"I guess not," Misty muttered. Brock pulled her to his side as the woman let go of Ash. "Oh! I'm so sorry," She said, "But you look so much like my Arnold."

"What happened to him, Ma'am?" I asked. "You don't know?" the woman asked. "We just got here," I answered, "We're traveling."

The woman had leaded us to the side of a mall, and we all sat down together as she explained. "I'm so upset, because my son, Arnold, just disappeared. He's been gone for three days," She said, "I can't find him anywhere."

"And you haven't heard from him?" Brock asked. "Not a word," the woman answered sadly. "Could he have gone to become a Pokémon trainer?" Ash suggested. "He did like Pokémon, of course, but he never mentioned anything about becoming a trainer," the woman said. "Don't you think he'll probably just come home soon?" Misty asked. The woman shook her head sadly, "My son isn't the only child that disappeared recently."

Me and my friends looked at her in shock. "He's not?" I asked. The woman looked to the side and we followed her gaze to a wall, where many posters of missing children were on. "See those posters?" the woman asked, "Those are pictures of all the children that disappeared."

"That many?" Misty asked. "This must be a pretty dangers town," Ash muttered next to me. Misty smiled as she placed her hands on her cheeks, "My pictures will be on posters, when I'll be a big famous star."

Ash, Brock and I looked at her in confusion, and Misty gave us a look. "Excuse me?!" She snapped. Ash smirked as he petted his Pikachu on the head, "Maybe in horror movies."

"Pika-chu," his Pikachu agreed. We heard a motorcycle by and looked over to see Officer Jenny stopping her motorcycle near the wall. She had a few posters on the motorcycle. She got off of her motorcycle and walked to the wall to put another poster on it. Ash stood up and ran toward her.

Misty and Brock followed. I looked at the woman, "We'll see if we can help with anything to find your son and the others." The woman smiled a small smile, "Thank you." I nodded and ran after my friends.

Brock pushed Ash away and stood in front of Officer Jenny, "It must be terrible to search for all those lost children." He took her hand, "I will be very happy to help you search."

"What?" Officer Jenny asked in confusion. "We can both work together hand in hand," Brock said. Officer Jenny gave him a look as she pulled her hand from his grip. I placed my hand on Brock's face before pushing him away.

I turned to Officer Jenny with a small smile, "Excuse my friend, Officer Jenny. My friends and I would like to help in the search for the kids," I said. "Well... just don't get in the way," Officer Jenny said. "You got it," I agreed.

Me, my friends and Officer Jenny were walking down town. "All of the missing children disappeared exactly three days ago," Officer Jenny explained. "Three days ago?" Ash asked. "Besides that, did the missing children had anything else in common?" Brock asked.

"That's a good question," I muttered. "They don't have a thing in common," Officer Jenny answered sadly, "But I think other kids may know something about it." She looked to the side as we stopped and we followed her gaze to the Pokémon Center.

"I see. So we'll ask the kids in the Pokémon Center if they know anything," Brock said. Ash suddenly stepped forward as he raised his arm to the air, "That's it, Brock! Brilliant deduction!" I pushed him forward in boredom, "Let's move it."

We all walked inside and Officer Jenny turned to me and my friends. She handed me a poster with all the missing children, "You go ask Nurse Joy about the kids." She handed three more posters like those to Brock, Misty and Ash.

"Okay," I said before starting to walk toward the counter with my Pikachu. Ash quickly followed, "Wait up." We both, along with our Pikachu, walked toward Nurse Joy. "Excuse me, Nurse Joy, can we ask you something?" I asked. "Of course," She answered with a smile. I held up the poster, "We're here about the missing children."

Her smile faded away, "Oh, those kids that disappeared all of a sudden. I saw it on the news," She said. "Please, is there's anything you can tell us about these children?" Ash asked. "I'd like to help you, but right now, I'm afraid my hands are full with our own mystery," Nurse Joy said.

"What do you mean? What's the matter?" I asked. "All of the Pokémon here at the Center are behaving very strangely," She said and we looked at her in confusion.

Nurse Joy had took me, my friends and Officer Jenny to a room, and showed us a few Pokémon that were there. A Cubone and an Oddish were lying on the table, both of them were out of their energy. "Just look at Cubone. And Oddish," Nurse Joy said and put a very tired Magikarp on the table, "Even Magikarp was affected. And it usually full of life."

"The Magic disappeared," Misty said. "I've never seen a Magikarp like that," I said and tilted my head, "Then again I've never seeing a Magikarp like mine." Nurse Joy looked over her shoulder at a tired Charmander, "The flame on this Charmander could go out any minute." She took a Psyduck into her arms, "And this one been in just terrible shape."

"Psyduck?" I asked. Ash pulled out his Dexter and held it in front of Psyduck, "Psyduck?"

Psyduck, a Water Pokémon. Uses mysterious powers to perform various attacks.

"Mysterious powers?" Ash asked as he lowered his Dexter. "That's hard to believe," Misty said. "So what's causing all of this?" Brock asked. Nurse Joy shook her head, "I have no idea."

"How long are they acting like this?" I asked. "Since three days ago," She answered. "Three days?" Brock repeated and we looked at Officer Jenny. "And that exactly when all those children disappeared," Brock said.

"I wonder if maybe there's something in connected between the children disappearing and the Pokémon lack of energy," Officer Jenny said with her arms crossed over her chest. "Mmm. One mystery leads to another," Ash said as he and Brock crossed their arms over their chests, "One more puzzle for the mind of Ash Ketchum, Master detective. Mmm."

I raised an eyebrow before looking at Officer Jenny, "Where should we look now, Officer Jenny?" She opened her mouth to reply before we all heard a noise coming from her pocket. "Is that your radio?" Misty asked. Officer Jenny pulled out her radio, "It's picking up something."

"I bet I know what that is," Brock said as he leaned closer to her. Misty glared and I pushed Brock away before turning to Officer Jenny, "What is it?"

"This is a Sleep Wave detector," Officer Jenny answered. "A Sleep Wave detector?" Brock repeated. "Lately, I've been picking up some Sleep Waves," Officer Jenny said.

"But I'm sure there's no Pokémon that can make waves like that in this Center," Nurse Joy said. "They from outside," Officer Jenny said. Right after she said that, both mine and Ash's Pikachu fell on the table. "Pikachu?!" I asked. "Oh, no, even the Pikachu losing their energy," Ash said.

"I wonder if those Sleep Waves, and the Pokémon's condition are..." Brock trailed off. "Yeah," Officer Jenny said with a nod, "They maybe connected." I took my Pikachu into my arms while Ash did the same with his. Officer Jenny looked at the radio, "We should go find the source of those Sleep Waves."

My friends and I nodded and we walked away with Officer Jenny. We walked outside and followed the signal from the radio. We stopped at a very huge building after a few minutes. "It's coming from this building," Officer Jenny said.

"Wow, it's so tall," Ash said. "It seems to be coming from the roof," Officer Jenny said. "Let's go," Brock said and we ran inside. We went to an elevator and headed up to the roof, as the signal was getting stronger.

We reached up to the very top and walked out of the elevator to be greeted by a door that leads to the roof. We walked closer and opened it. The roof had a garden and at the end there was a mansion. "What the..." I trailed off, "A mansion?" Officer Jenny pointed the radio toward the mansion, "It's coming from inside there."

"All right," Ash said and ran toward the mansion. "Wait, Ash!" Misty called but he took off. We watched as he reached to the door and kneeled down before signaling for us to come. We ran over and reached toward him. "What now?" Brock asked.

"Someone's inside, I'm going in," Ash said before he and Brock stood up. They both pushed the door open and ran in. Officer Jenny, Misty and I followed in only to stop in shock.

There were many people that were well dressed, and a Drowzee and a Hypno resting on a round table. "What is this place?" Brock asked. "What's going on here?" Ash asked. A man with glasses and brown hair walked toward us, "Are you new members?"

"Members?" Ash asked. "We've been monitoring some Sleep Waves, coming from up here," Officer Jenny said. "Sleep Waves?" the man asked before he smiled, "Oh, I know!" He looked at Hypno, "This Hypno must be emitting them." Ash pulled out his Dexter, "Hypno?"

Hypno, a Hypnosis Pokémon. It carries a pendulum-like device and performs hypnotic attacks.

"And what's that next to it?" Misty asked. "That's Drowzee," I said. Ash pointed his Dexter at it, "Drowzee?"

Drowzee. Said to be a descendant of the dream-eating tapir. It was the first Pokémon to use a combination attack like Hypnosis and Dream Eater.

"Hypno is the evolved form of Drowzee," I said. "That's right," the man said, "Our Drowzee finally evolved into Hypno, three days ago." We looked at him in shock. "Three days ago?" Brock asked. "I knew it, that's just when those children vanished, and the Pokémon started to lose all their energy," Officer Jenny said.

"We've been using the Pokémon instead using sleeping medicine," an older man with grey hair spoke. "What do you mean 'We'?" Misty asked. "The members of 'Pokémon Lover's Club'," the man with the glasses said. "The Pokémon Lover's Club?" Misty asked.

"Precisely. You see all of our members absolutely adore Pokémon, and, Drowzee and Hypno have became our favorite Pokémon," the man said, "Everyone's hard work payed off when Drowzee finally evolved. Living our lives in the city is very stressful, and all of our members suffered from insomniacs, so we come to rely on Hypno's powers to get us to sleep in nights."

We watched as a man with grey hair sat in front of Hypno, who then held its pendulum in front of the man, swinging it back and forth until the man fell asleep.

"Hypno's sleep wave must have affected all those Pokémon by zapping their energy!" Ash snapped at the man with glasses. He looked at us in shock as me and Ash held up both our Pikachu. "Yeah, take a look at our Pikachu," I said. "The same thing happen to all of the Pokémon in the Pokémon Center," Misty said.

"It must be a..." the man trailed off. "A side affect," Brock said. "Side affect?" Ash asked. Brock nodded, "Hypno's hypnotic powers are used usually only on other Pokémon. Since the wave changed to affect humans, it's creating a side affect for the Pokémon." The man looked over at Hypno as he spoke, "Some how we accidently caused a terrible situation."

"You know what? I bet that new wave can even affect some kids that were sensitive to it, too," Brock said. "I think so," I agreed as Misty walked toward the table. "Misty?" I asked. She looked at Hypno, "Let's see."

Hypno held its pendulum in front of Misty, swinging it back and forth. We all walked closer and watched as Misty suddenly sat on the floor and clapping her hands. "Seel, Seel, Seel, Seel!" She said.

"Misty?!" I asked worriedly. "What's the matter?!" Ash asked. "Misty's been control by the Sleep Wave!" Brock said. "We got to do something!" Ash said. Misty suddenly stood up, and ran past us outside. "Misty! Come back!" I said and me, Ash, Brock, Officer Jenny and the head of the club ran after her.

Misty ran to the door and we ran after he only to see she was running down the stairs. "Misty!" I called but she didn't respond. "Come on," Officer Jenny said and we took the elevator.

Once we reached to the lobby we saw Misty running outside, and quickly followed her. "How did she get down the stairs so fast?!" Brock asked. "Faster!" I said as we ran after her into a park.

"How can she ran this fast?" I panted. We suddenly stopped, breathing heavily as we found Misty by the lake, but what shocked us all was that all the missing kids were there, acting like Pokémon as well.

"This are all the missing children," Officer Jenny said. "What's happening? Why are they acting like that?" Ash asked. "Pokémon-itis," Brock said. "Pokémon-itis?" Ash and I asked together.

"With that new Wave, the children who were exposed to Hypno's Sleep Wave think they are Pokémon now," Brock said. "And it got Misty, too," I said. "Yeah," Brock agreed. "How on earth can a thing like that happen?" the head of the club asked.

We all looked at the children as they all mimicked Pokémon. "All right, wake up, everyone," Officer Jenny said as she clapped her hands and walked toward the kids, "It's time to go home. Come on, stop this. Wake up now, kids. Your parents are all worried sick!" None of the kids responded to her, and they continued on.

"It's just no use," she said. "What can we do?" Ash asked. "Say, I know!" the head of the club said and we looked at him. "What if we use Drowzee to cure the children?"

"Drowzee?" Ash asked. The man nodded, "Sleep induce dream wavelengths, which in this case may interact Hypno's wavelengths." Brock nodded, "Yeah, it may just work."

"Let's give it a try," I said, "Quick let's grab Misty." Ash and Brock ran toward Misty and grabbed her by the arms. We all dragged her back to the mansion to Drowzee and Hypno. We sat Misty on the chair as she continued to clap her hands together and saying 'Seel' repeatedly.

"Drowzee, use your dream wave and focus them on this girl," the head of the club said. Drowzee did as was told, focusing them on Misty, making her finally stop as she closed her eyes.

"Misty," I said. "She must be in a pretty deep trance," Brock said. We watched for a moment, until Drowzee clapped its hands together. Misty opened her eyes, "Huh? Hey, where am I?" She asked as we all smiled at her.

"Geez, Misty, you looking kind of beat," Ash said. Misty stood up as she glared at him, "When I want your opinion, I'll ask for it!" Ash smiled, "She's back to normal."

"Yep," I agreed while Misty looked at us in confusion. "Now, we just need to use Drowzee's Sleep Waves on all those kids at the park," Officer Jenny said. To my shock, I watched Ash picking up Drowzee to his shoulders, "Okay. Now we've got to put those kids back to normal."

"Are you sure you can carry Drowzee?" I asked. "Yeah, let's go," Ash said before starting to ran away. Officer Jenny, Misty, Brock and I followed and ran outside as Hypno and a woman watched us leave.

We ran to the door but stopped when we looked up at the sky to see something flying down toward us. "What's that?" Brock asked. "Whatever it is, it's coming this way," Misty said. "Please don't tell me," I said as we saw three figures on hang gliders. "Oh no! Not them!" Ash said.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!"

Team Rocket flew down, making us all bend down so we won't get hit. They landed behind us and we stood up to face them. "Team Rocket is here to take possession of Drowzee and Hypno," Jessie said. Ash put Drowzee down to its feet, "You're dreaming!"

"Well, we'll just have to see who's dreaming after this," Jessie said as she held up a mirror, "If Hypno can put anything to sleep, try this!" She held the mirror in front of Hypno.

"Now wait!" I snapped. "If you have any pride as a Hypnosis Pokémon, you'll do it," Jessie said as she ignored me. "This is known as the Team Rocket 'Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who's the sleepiest of them all?'" Meowth said. James held the mirror in front of Hypno, "Just don't hypnotize me, okay, do it."

Hypno swung its pendulum in front of the mirror back and forth. I threw Scyther's Poké ball, "Scyther, break that mirror!" Scyther was released, flying quickly toward Hypno and the mirror, breaking the mirror into pieces, snapping Hypno back to itself.

"And we thought so hard to come with that strategy!" Jessie said before she threw a whip, wrapping it around Drowzee, as James threw a whip toward Hypno. Scyther held his scythe in front of Hypno, letting the whip grabbed his scythe instead. "Wrong Pokémon! Wrong Pokémon!" Meowth shouted at James.

I saw Scyther smirk before he cut the whip. "Scyther, cut Jessie's whip too!" I said and Scyther jumped up before flying down, cutting the whip to half, making Jessie fall backward into James and Meowth. "Now, Scyther, get them out of here, use Swords Dance!" I ordered.

Scyther crossed his claws across his chest and spine rapidly, air blowing around him. He spined faster, creating a small tornado, heading toward Team Rocket. The air blowed them inside, making them scream as they spin around before flying up into the sky.

"Looks like Team Rockets blasting off again!" We heard Team Rocket calling before disappearing into the sky. The tornado disappeared as Scyther stopped. "Scyther," he said. "Good work, Scyther," I said as I held his Poké ball, "Return!" Scyther went back into his Poké ball. "Come on guys, let's go," Brock said.

As soon as we reached to the park where the kids were, Drowzee used its Sleep Waves on all the kids, including both my Pikachu and Ash's. We watched as they all were sleeping.

"They all dreaming," Brock said. "My Pikachu is too," I said as I looked down at her in my arms. Ash's Pikachu was on his shoulder as Ash looked at him, "So is mine."

After a moment, Drowzee clapped its hands together, which caused the kids to wake up. We watched as they all stood up and talking before running off back to their homes. "All right," I said before looking down to see my Pikachu woke up.

"Pika?" she asked. "Pikachu!" I said with a smile and looked over at Ash's Pikachu to see he was awake too. "Pika, Pika," Ash's Pikachu said.

"We need to cure the Pokémon in the Pokémon Center, too," Brock said and agreed before going there. Drowzee sat on the table where Cubone, Oddish and Magikarp were still lying on.

"Okay, Drowzee, do it again," I said and Drowzee nodded before it used Sleep Waves once again at all the tired Pokémon around. After a moment, it clapped its hands again, waking them all up. I looked over at the Charmander on the other side and smiled as it stood up with a smile and its flame on its tail was back higher.

I walked closer to it and petted it on the head as I looked around at the Pokémon, as they looking happy and jumping around. "The Pokémon are all back to normal!" Nurse Joy said happily. "Sometimes, I wonder what the Pokémon dream about," I said with a smile as I walked back to my friends. "I wonder that, too," Ash agreed.

"They must be dreaming of getting stronger and evolving," Brock said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I dream about that sometimes, too," Misty said. Ash placed his hands on his hips smugly, "Well, that's just one more case solved by Ash Ketchum, master detective."

I grabbed his ear, making him cry out in pain. "I'm sorry, did you say something like you solved the case?" He grabbed my wrist, "Ah! No! We all did!" He said and I smirked before letting go of his ear. He held his ear, "Why do you keep doing this?" He muttered as Misty and Brock chuckled.

"You doing this to yourself," I said with a smile and crossed my arms over my chest. We looked over at Nurse Joy as she sighed and looked to the side at the same Psyduck. Brock walked closer to her, "What's the matter? A beautiful woman like yourself shouldn't have to much to be sad about."

"All of the Pokémon are better, but this one still holding its head," Nurse Joy pointed out as we all looked at Psyduck. "Leave it to me," Brock said, "Caring for Pokémon it the sole purpose of my life. The reason I exist."

"Then maybe you can help it," Nurse Joy said and we all looked at Psyduck. "Uh... sure," Brock said. "Oh, great," Misty muttered.

After we said goodbye to Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy, we were heading out of town with Psyduck following us. "Well, you were the one who said 'Leave it to me', Brock," Ash said. "Thanks Brock," I muttered sarcastically.

"But Psyduck is a Water type Pokémon, you better take it, Misty," Brock said. Misty was walking beside me, only walking backwards as she stared at the Duck Pokémon.

"Why would I want such a boring Pokémon?" Misty asked before Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Psyduck constantly suffers from a headache.

We all stopped as we heard Misty screaming, "You mean this thing always have a headache?!" Ash, Brock and I turned to Misty as she fell down. "My Poké ball!" She said as one of her Poké balls fell off of her belt and rolled down near Psyduck. Psyduck tapped it with its bill out of curiosity and got inside the Poké ball, becoming Misty's new Pokémon.

"Oh, no! Now, it's in my Poké ball?!" Misty asked in horror. "Um, good work, Misty, you caught Psyduck," I said. Misty held her head in her hands, "Uhh, now I got a headache!"

I patted Misty on the back softly as she lowered her hands to the ground, looking very annoyed and sad by having Psyduck in her team.

Chapter Text

Me and my friends were walking in a city, which Brock had leaded me, Ash and Misty into. "Scissor Street?" Ash asked as he read the huge sign on top of a building the minute we walked in. "Why did we came here?" Ash asked.

"You'll see," Brock said as he looked around while we walked in the busy streets. "There sure are a lot of Pokémon beauty parlors," Misty comment. "Yeah," I agreed. "Mmm," Brock hummed as he continued to look left to right. "Is there's any place special you want to visit, Brock?" Ash asked.

"Mmm," Brock continued to hum. "I take that as a 'Yep'," I said with a smirk. "Wait a minute, I just remembered that Scissor Street is also called Breeder's Lane," Misty said with a smile. "Where is it?" Brock muttered.

"Wonder if my Mom will appear here," I joked, and Misty chuckled. "So that's why we're here, Brock always got to see the latest Breeder's gear," Ash said.

"Some of the best Breeders have shops here, there's a lot of terrific makeup places, and fashion salons, too, just for Pokémon," Brock said. Misty suddenly ran forward, "Hey." She stopped near a poster and Brock, Ash and I followed. The poster had an Ekans and Koffing dressed up with a number of gaudy accessories and a makeup on.

"Look! This must be the newest fashion. How cute!" Misty said with a smile. "Um..." I trailed off and glanced at Ash who shrugged. "Come on, we got to go in," Misty said as she linked her arm with mine and then dragged me away, with Ash and Brock following behind.

Misty dragged me for a few minutes with her before we came a stop near the shop with the same poster. Ash and Brock stood with us as we heard in the speakers a man's voice, that sounded pretty familiar to me, "You won't believe how beautiful a Pokémon can be. Step in and see for yourself, let us dazzle you with the latest fashion, by the experts arts of Salon Roquet."

"Did he just say 'Salon Roquet'?" Ash asked. "Why is that name sounds so familiar?" Misty asked. "Why is that voice sounds so familiar?" I asked as I tilted my head. "Pika, Pika, Pikachu," my Pikachu said from the top of my head. "You're right, maybe it's nothing," I agreed. Brock looked at the poster, "Is that supposed to be a Pokémon, or a Christmas tree?"

I chuckled and when I turned to the window to look inside, the doors slid open and a woman walked out happily, with a Raichu and a Dodrio that were coloured and had their fur a lot of makeup. Ash, me and both our Pikachu looked at them in shock as they walked past. Ash and I exchanged a look.

"I think I'll get in line," Misty said with a smile. Ash and I looked at her in shock, "Huh?!" Brock jumped forward with a smile as he pointed to the side, "It's there!"

We followed his finger to a shop, and he quickly ran toward it. "I found it!" Brock said as he stood in front of the door. "I've been looking all over for this place!" He said as we walked closer. "This is the store you've been looking for?" Misty asked.

Brock didn't answer as he slowly reached for the handle but froze. "What's up?" I asked and walked past him. I opened the handle and stepped in with Ash and Misty. A beautiful young woman was standing there, gently massaging a Chansey. She glanced at us and turned back to the Pokémon, "Hey, can I help you?"

Brock ran in and bumped into me, making me give him a look before looking back at the woman. "Just relax, release all of your tension," the woman said to Chansey. After a moment, she stood up straight, "Now, you'll have more energy."

Chansey jumped off of the table, looking in the mirror in delight. "Beautiful," I said with a smile. "Pika," my Pikachu agreed. A man walked in, "Chansey, I came for you, my darling." The woman and Chansey walked closer. "Don't you look precious?!" the man asked in delight.

"Thank you for bringing Chansey to my Salon," the woman said. The man looked at her with a smile, "See you soon, Suzie." With that said he and Chansey turned around and left.

The woman, Suzie looked at us, "May I help the next customers?" She asked. "Pika?" Ash's Pikachu asked. "Pika!" my Pikachu said in delight. "Nice try," I told her with a smirk and she pouted. "We're just sort of looking around," Ash said. "N--No!" Brock said as his cheeks got red.

Misty pushed past Brock with a smile, "Look! Isn't that Vulpix's the cutest thing?!" We looked forward at a Vulpix, sleeping on a chair. Misty, Ash and I walked closer to it. "Aw, don't you just want to hug it?" She asked. "What is it?" Ash asked as he pulled out his Dexter.

Vulpix, a Fox Pokémon. Its six tails are extremely beautiful. As it evolves, it grows even more tails.

"I love its hair, wish I had a hair like that," Misty said. "A hair like Vulpix?" I asked in confusion. "Its so shiny and soft," Misty said before reaching forward and holding Vulpix up, which woke it up. "Don't touch it!" Suzie warned. Misty smiled at the Fox Pokémon, "You're just about the cutest little Pokémon I've ever se--"

I pushed Misty's head to the side before Vulpix can burn her face with Flamethrower, making the attack miss. Vulpix stopped and jumped off of Misty's arms back to the chair to sleep. "Vulpix can be very annoyed when someone disturbing their sleep," I warned and put down a small fire on Misty's ponytail.

"Thanks for the save," Misty muttered, staring in shock at the Fox Pokémon. Suzie walked closer, "That's one of the reasons. My Vulpix don't like to be picked up or hugged by strangers."

"Uh... S--Suzie?" Brock asked from behind us. "Yes?" Suzie asked. "Uh, my name is Brock, nice to meet you, Suzie," Brock said quickly and me, Ash and Misty looked at him. "I--uh--I want to Breed like you, I mean I want to be a Breeder like you!" He said.

"It's very nice to meet you, Brock, I'm flattered you want to make me your model," Suzie said. "Yes, I want to model you, I mean, I'm flattered that you're flattered, I mean, your Vulpix is nice," Brock rambled on. I exchanged a look with Ash and Misty. Ash shrugged in confusion while Misty looked kind of annoyed by his rambling.

"What I'm really trying to say is, Suzie, I'm begging you to accept me as your pupil," Brock said. Ash, Misty and I looked at him in shock, while Suzie just stared at him. "Pika?!" both the Pikachu said together. Ash ran to stand next to Brock, "You can't be serious, Brock."

"Mind your own business, Ash, I know what I'm doing. Please say 'yes', Suzie," Brock said. "I don't have pupils, Brock, Breeding takes out all my time," Suzie said. "What makes her such a great Breeder anyway?" Ash asked. Brock glared at him, "How dare you?! The sensational Suzie of Scissor Street have been award of the trophy for excellent at the World Pokémon Breeder's Contest for three years! And! The readers of Pokémon Friends magazine named her the most popular Breeder for four years running, and a hugely popular website, record over 10,000 hits for day!"

"Now that's what I call a great Breeder," Misty breathed out. "Yeah," I agreed. Brock was still glaring at Ash, "She and Alice are two of the most amazing Breeders that I got to meet, and you ask what so great about Suzie?!" Ash backed away slightly, "O--Okay, Brock, I get it."

After Ash, Misty and I introduced ourselves to Suzie, we all sat at a table to drink tea and eat biscuits, while both mine and Ash's Pikachu eat their Pokémon food that Brock made near us. I was sitting between Misty and Ash, while Suzie and Brock sat across from us. "So, all four of you are traveling on a Pokémon journey together," Suzie said before looking at my Pikachu and Ash's, "Both of your Pikachu have a beautiful shiny fur." She looked at Brock, "Are you the one who make the Pikachu's food, Brock?"

Brock blushed, "Yes! I mean, sometimes. Emma makes food for them, too. And for us. Sometimes we do it together," He said. "Really?" Suzie asked and smiled at me, "Wow, I've never thought a ten year can cook. That's amazing!"

"Thank you," I said, "But now, credits goes to Brock for Pikachu's food." She looked from Brock to me, "Do you want to become a Breeder, too?" I blinked, "Uh... well, to be honest, I don't know. I have so may dreams, and now, I'm just traveling to see the world without the family. Meet new people and Pokémon. One day, I will decide what I want to be."

"I get it," she said with a nod. Vulpix suddenly jumped to join the Pikachu and we watched as it looked at the food. My Pikachu offered one to it and the Fox Pokémon took it into its mouth. It eat and swallowed before calling out in delight.

We all smiled as the Fox Pokémon continued to eat with the Pikachu. "I can't believe Vulpix is eating a food I made," Brock said. "Brock, this is really impressive. Vulpix never eat food that I didn't make myself," Suzie said before looking at me, "Hey, Emma, can I ask you something?"

"Sure," I said. "Do you have some of the Pokémon food you made? I would like to see if Vulpix will like it as much as it like Brock's," Suzie said. "Yeah, okay," I answered and dug into my backpack. "Pika, Pika!" I looked over at my Pikachu to see her talking to me with a smile, waving, "Pika, Pika-chu!"

"Pika!" Ash's Pikachu agreed. "You guys want some?" I asked and they nodded. I pulled out the box and opened it as the Pikachu jumped on the table. "Hey," I said with a smile as they took some of the Pokémon food. "Oh my, they seem to love it a lot," Suzie said with a chuckle, and my friends chuckled, too.

Vulpix jumped over to the table, walking closer to sniff the food before taking one. We watched as it eat and swallowed before calling out in delight again. "All right! Vulpix likes Emma's food too!" Ash said as we all smiled. "Amazing!" Suzie said as the three Pokémon continued to eat.

"Oh, uh, Suzie? We saw some super fancy looking Pokémon when we were walking down the street. It that really the latest trends?" Misty asked. Suzie looked sad, "By any chance, did you past a very large Salon on the way?"

"You mean that really tacky looking place," Ash said. "Every since it opened, some Trainers are trying to make their Pokémon as flashy as possible," Suzie explained. "So that Salon started the trend," Brock said. "A good Breeder is always trying to bring out a Pokémon's inner strength and personality, but there's no fits about standing out, not what's inside," Suzie said.

"I don't like it either, it's pretty stupid to waste your time showing off," Ash said and I smiled. "But sometimes even Pokémon like to dressed up and show off a little just like the rest of us," Misty said and looked at my Pikachu, "Emma's Pikachu likes that, right, Pikachu?" My Pikachu tilted her head, "Pika?"

"I can see it now," Misty said with a smile. "I, uh... my Pikachu likes a lot of things, but clothing... that's a different story," I said. "I think both of our Pikachu are great the way they are," Ash said, "They don't need any goofy fashion. It's what's going on the inside that really counts."

Misty stood up as she glared at him, "I never said the inside isn't important, but the outside counts, too." Ash glared at her as he stood up, "The inside is what matters!"

"Outside, too!"

"Inside!"

"Outside, too!"

I stood up, "Knock it off!" I said. "What's more important, Emma?" They both asked me together. I blinked, "Well... I think the inside is what's matter the most."

"Ha!" Ash said smugly while Misty looked shocked. "You know, if you think fashion is so great, how about take your Psyduck to that Salon?" He asked. Misty suddenly smiled, "Hey, what a great idea!" She pulled out Psyduck's Poké ball from her belt and turned around, "Let's go, Psyduck!"

Psyduck was released, holding its head as it tilted it. Ash laughed while Misty looked annoyed. She shook her head before placing her hands on her hips, "Anyway! Psyduck and I are so cute, we'll look good on any fashion we'll wear."

"I'm sure Psyduck will," Ash muttered. Misty heard him and glared at him, "What do you know about fashion?!" She turned to Psyduck with a smile, "Right, Psyduck?" Psyduck only tilted its head to the other side. Misty sighed, "This is more of a challenge than I thought it will be."

"Better get going," Ash said with a smirk. "Ha! You and Emma will be jealous when we'll get back from the Salon, and Psyduck will turned out to be even cuter then the Pikachu," Misty said, "Come on, Psyduck." She started to leave, and Psyduck quickly followed her.

"I wonder if it's outside, or what's inside that really counts in the end. Ever since that new Salon opened, I've been wondering about my methods," Suzie said. Brock stood up, "Don't say things like that!" Suzie looked at him and he continued, "Suzie, you've got to keep following the path you believe in."

"I agree," I said. "Yeah! We have to stuck up with what's inside together," Ash said and looked at the Pokémon, "Right, guys?" Both mine and Ash's Pikachu nodded with a smile, "Pika-chu!"

"That's very kind, but, how can we?" Suzie asked. "Well, if they want to put style over substance, we'll give the customers substance with style," I said with a smile.

As I was hoping, people were coming to the shop when Suzie was giving a lecture about Pokémon. Ash's Pikachu was lying on the table while Suzie was massaging him. "Each Pokémon needs your special care and attention," Suzie explained, "Whenever a Pokémon has been injured in a battle, it should be given a therapeutic massage."

My Pikachu looked at me, "Pika, Pika-chu." I chuckled softly, "I'll give one after she's done." Right after that, Suzie turned to me and nodded for me to come closer. I walked over and stood next to Ash on the other table near him. My Pikachu jumped to the table as Suzie turned to the crowd, "These two volunteers and both of their Pikachu, will now demonstrate the technique we learned today's lecture," She explained, "As you already know, Pikachu's electrical sacks are located in it's cheeks, and they become very tensed after a difficult battle." She looked at me and Ash, "Ash, Emma, would you two massage the Pikachu as I showed?"

"Uh, sure," Ash said. "Of course," I said as both the Pikachu laid down on their tables. I reached over, gently massaging my Pikachu, much to her delight as Ash did the same with his, which the male mouse seem to be enjoying it. "See? You got what you were waiting for," I teased my female mouse. "Pika, Pika," she said with a smile.

"How's that feel, Pikachu?" Ash asked his Pikachu. "Pika..." his Pikachu said in delight. "Good communication between Pokémon and their Trainers is the key. This technique build in trust and bring out a Pokémon's personality," Suzie said.

"I think Suzie will agree with me that any technique is only as good as the Trainer or Breeder who uses it," Brock said. Suddenly, we saw Misty's Psyduck pushing itself in the crowd and running to stand in front of me and my friends, calling out quickly. "Pika?" My Pikachu asked as she and Ash's Pikachu jumped to stand in front of it. Psyduck spoke very quickly worriedly before holding its head. "Pika?!" Both the Pikachu asked before looking at me and Ash.

"Pika! Pika!" Ash's Pikachu called. "What's the matter?" Ash asked. "Something happened to Misty?" I asked and they nodded, "Pika! Pika!" They turned around and started to ran with Psyduck, and me, Ash and Brock followed, with Suzie behind us with her Vulpix.

We followed the Pokémon to Salon Roquet and ran inside. "Misty!" I called and we saw Misty tied up on the chair, with Team Rocket next to her, and they looked at us. "It's Team Rocket again!" Brock, Ash and I said together, annoyed.

"What took you guys so long?" Misty asked with a smile, and I stared at her in shock. Her face was covered in ridiculous makeup, looking kind of like a clown. "What happened to her face?" Brock, Ash and I asked together, before Ash and Brock covered their mouths to try not to laugh.

"Not the time," I said with a sigh and they stopped. "Let Misty go right now!" I snapped. "Sorry, you'll have to wait for your turn, we won't be finished with her makeover until she'll look like this," Jessie said, and tilted her head as she rolled her eyes to the side and left her mouth hanging open while her arms lay at her sides.

"We're conducting on some important beauty research," James said with a smirk. "Beauty research?" Suzie asked, "Can't you understand, it's the beauty inside that counts? Every Pokémon is beautiful, we just have to help the Pokémon discover it."

"What she's talking about?" Jessie asked as she raised an eyebrow. "What does she know about Breeding Pokémon?" James asked, "Who cares about the inside? It's the outside which is important." Meowth hit them in the face, "What are you two numbskulls know about Pokémon Breeding?! This all Salon Roquet idea is supposed to be a scam, remember?!" He turned to us, "It was a brilliant plan. Part one; Make up some stupid Pokémon fashion and take piles of money from the Trainers."

I glanced behind me and saw the Trainers were outside, listening, and I looked back at Meowth, as he continued, "And part two; whenever a Trainer brings in a rare Pokémon, you get the Trainer distracted, and steal the Pokémon on the spot."

"What?!" Ash asked. Jessie chuckled as she leaned on the head of the chair Misty was sitting, "And on top of it, we got one of the top Pokémon Trainer's best friends in our hands, so..." She smirked, "Emma, here's the deal, you come with us and we'll let your bestie go unharmed."

I glared and opened my mouth to say no, but Ash and Brock stepped forward as they glared too. "No way! If you want Emma, we'll have a battle!" Ash said. "Count me in, too!" Brock said as he held a Poké ball. "With pleasure!" Jessie said before clearing her throat and then smirked.

"To protect the world from boring fashion!"

"To dress all people with flash and passion!"

"To give all Pokémon pretty faces!"

"To extend our art to outer spaces!"

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Salon Roquet! When it comes to chic, we know what's right!"

"Surrender your taste or prepare to fight!"

"Oh, please," I said in annoyance. "Dazzle them, Ekans!" Jessie said. "Knock them dead, Koffing!" James said. Ekans and Koffing came into the room, dressed like in the poster.

"We don't need costumes, both the Pikachu are super energized from that massage," Ash told me with a smirk and I nodded, smirking back. "Go, Pikachu!" We both called and they ran toward Ekans and Koffing. Brock threw the Poké ball, "Geodude, go!" Geodude was released. "Geodude, give them the Seismic Toss!"

Geodude quickly went toward Ekans, lifting it up to the ceiling before throwing it down to the floor. But Ekans grabbed its tail, rolling itself to a ball, rolling toward my Pikachu. Ash's Pikachu pushed my Pikachu to the side, getting hit by Ekans.

"Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" I called as my Pikachu looked over at Ash's. She looked at Ekans and Koffing, using Thunder Shock, sending the electricity at them as they spinned around in place. They stopped spinning, showing they were completely fine. "Pika?" my Pikachu asked in shook as Ash's Pikachu and Geodude stood at her sides.

"What?" I asked in shock. "Koffing, cutey, Sludge makeover!" James said. Koffing spinned before quickly throwing Sludge, hitting my Pikachu, Ash's Pikachu and Geodude in the face, cutting their sight.

"Pikachu!" Ash and I called. "Geodude!" Brock called. "Now, the finale, go!" Jessie called. Ekans and Koffing went toward the Pokémon, but they suddenly tripped over when Ekans' dress got ripped slightly and it hit into Koffing. "Oh, no! It's a fashion disaster!" James said in horror.

Meowth jumped forward, "Get up, you guys! We still have a battle to finish, let's go!" Koffing and Ekans got up and ran toward mine and Ash's Pikachu and Geodude with Meowth. "Look out!" I called before seeing Vulpix running forward, standing in front of our Pokémon, making Meowth, Koffing and Ekans stop.

Suzie stood between me and Brock and we, and Ash looked at her. "Suzie?" I asked. "Vulpix and I will take care of them," Suzie said. "We'll give your Vulpix a makeover when we'll get rid of its tails," Jessie said with a smirk. "Time to give you a lesson in Breeding!" Suzie said, "If all you're worried about is your Pokémon outer beauty, its inner strength will be lost!"

"A Pokémon is like a fashion model, all that counts is a pretty face," Jessie said with a smirk. "Like mine!" Meowth said and he, Koffing and Ekans ran toward the Fox Pokémon. "Vulpix, wrap them up with Fire Spin!" Suzie said.

Light red energy flickered off Vulpix and its eyes glow light blue. Its eyes then glow red and a flame was released, hitting Meowth, Koffing and Ekans. When the flame hit the ground, it turned into a fiery tornado and spinned toward Jessie and James as they hugged each other before the tornado pulled them in as they screamed.

"Hey, don't Fire Spin me! Help! Help! Help!" Misty called as the tornado was heading toward her before it disappeared. We looked up at the hole in the ceiling to see Team Rocket had been thrown up to the sky, "We're blasting off again!"

They disappeared into the sky and we looked at Vulpix. "Now, that's an attack," Ash complimented. "That was amazing," I complimented as Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Vulpix's greatest attack: Fire Spin. Using powerful flames to block its opponent from moving, it then inflicts great damage.

We all looked at the Trainers outside, all were still there and had watched everything. "Did you see that?" Brock asked, "A cute exterior hides inner strength, that's the Pokémon's true personality."

The crowd, taking the words to heart, started to remove all the flashy items from their Pokémon and wipe off the applied makeup. "Psyduck!" I heard Misty behind me and turned around to see Psyduck walking toward Misty, as she glared down at it, "Just when I needed you, you ducked out on me! Untie me! Untie me now!"

"Oh boy," I said as I looked at them in amusement, as Psyduck tilted its head as it held it with its hands. "Pika." I looked down at my Pikachu to see her talking to Ash's. "Pika, Pika, Pika-chu." I could see a faint blush on Ash's Pikachu's cheeks that weren't covered from Koffing's Sludge, and he rubbed the back of his head, "Pika."

After Brock untied Misty, me, my friends and Suzie went back to Suzie's Salon, to get ready to head back on the road. Suzie was petting Vulpix, "Nice work, Vulpix." She stood up as she looked me and my friends, "Thanks to all of you, I believe in what I'm doing again. You helped me regain confidence in my beliefs."

"It's not hard when the person is great as you are," Ash said with a chuckle. "And Brock?" Suzie asked. "Yes?" Brock asked nervously. Suzie placed her hands on her hips, "I was very impressed by the way you were handling your Pokémon in a crisis like that. I have a lot more to learn about Breeding Pokémon, even if I do have a championship, I'm still a student, not a teacher. Looks like both you and I have a journey a head of us."

"You're leaving? What about the Salon?" I asked. "There's things I can learn if I'll leave here," She said and looked at Brock, "I want you to continue your journey, Brock. From now on, we're rivals." She held her hand for him to shake, and he quickly did. "Sure," he said. Vulpix walked closer, and rubbed itself against my legs before moving to do the same to Brock.

"Emma, Brock, I'll be grateful if one of you will take care of Vulpix for me," Suzie said. "Huh?" Brock and I asked together. "The two of you are the first people that Vulpix been friendly with, other than me," Suzie said, "I know right now that the two of you can raise Vulpix better than I could."

I kneeled down and Vulpix walked closer. I petted it with a smile and looked up at Brock, "I think you should take Vulpix, Brock." I took Vulpix into my arms, which it didn't seem to mind, unlike when it did when Misty first held it. "Vulpix will be great member to your team," I said with a smile, "Beside, that doesn't mean I won't get to pet and held it."

Brock smiled and nodded, "You got it. Thank you, Emma." He looked at Suzie, "Thank you, Suzie." Suzie smiled and nodded before she pulled out a Poké ball, which was Vulpix's, and handed it to Brock. Brock looked at Vulpix in my arms, "You don't have to worry, Vulpix. I promise I'll take good care of you." He held out the Poké ball, letting Vulpix get inside, this time as Brock's Pokémon.

"All right, I got Vulpix!" Brock said with a smile. "Congratulations, Brock!" Misty said as we all smiled. Ash and I looked toward Misty, who was still wearing that make up Team Rocket put. Ash looked away from her, laughing as Misty glared at him.

I chuckled as she put her hands on her hips, "Hey, what are you laughing for? This make up is very fashionable," she said, but Ash continued to laugh.

After Ash calmed down and said goodbye to Suzie, we left the Salon. She waved for us and we waved back as we stopped. "Bye," She called. "Goodbye, Suzie!" I called. "Bye!" me and my friends called.

I heard footsteps running and looked to Brock's side to see Team Rocket running away as they screamed, with many angry Trainers running after them. "Uh..." I trailed off before shrugging. My Pikachu and I exchanged a look before we both chuckled.

Chapter Text

As we continued on our journey, walking down the road, we stopped when we saw an Hitmonchan in the middle of the road, punching the air. "Oh, wow, an Hitmonchan!" I said with a smile. "A wild one," Ash said. "So, that's one of the Fighting Pokémon I've heard about," Misty said. "That's one a real fighter," Brock said as Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Hitmonchan, a skilled Fighting Pokémon that packs an incredibly fast punch.

"Danny has one," I said as Ash put his Dexter back to his pocket. "All right, let's capture it," He said as he looked down at his Pikachu, "Ready, Pikachu?" The male mouse looked hesitated, "Pika? Chu."

"If you will defeat Hitmonchan, you'll become the world champion Pokémon," Ash said. His Pikachu stared at him, as if thinking about it, but suddenly he hid behind my leg, "Pika."

"You don't have to be afraid, I'll teach you my secret punch, and no one will be able to beat you," Ash assured. "Pika-chu?" his Pikachu asked, tilting his head. "You got to learn the basics first," Ash said as his Pikachu slowly walked closer to him. Ash kneeled down and held his hands up to fists, which Pikachu copied. "Keep your left up, and struck with your right."

"Uh... that's not normal," I said. "Since when did Ash become a Boxing expert?" Brock asked. "Beats me," Misty said as the three of us continued to watch Ash teaching his Pikachu. I sighed, "He doesn't know that it won't work. Pikachu doesn't have a chance against Hitmonchan."

Ash unzipped his backpack and pulled out small red boxing gloves, "I got those for you a few weeks ago." His Pikachu smiled, "Pika!" Ash put the boxing gloves on Pikachu's small hands, "All right. Are you ready?" Pikachu nodded, "Pi."

Ash stood up and both he and his Pikachu walked closer to Hitmonchan, who then noticed them. "Okay, Hitmonchan, ready for a match?" Ash asked. Hitmonchan looked down at Pikachu before waving his red boxing glove over, not interesting to fight the male mouse Pokémon.

"Hitmonchan, Pikachu is going to teach you a lesson. Pikachu, attack!" Ash said. His Pikachu ran closer, copping what Ash taught him, but Hitmonchan blocked him by placed his glove on his head.

"Make Pikachu stop, Ash, this isn't even a fight," Misty said. Ash ignored her, "Pikachu, give it the special Punch I taught you!" His Pikachu moved away from Hitmonchan in anger, "Pika! Pika!" Hitmonchan looked slightly startled by the glare. "Give it the Rocket Punch!" Ash said. Pikachu jumped toward Hitmonchan, hitting him in the face.

"Huh?" I asked. "Pika?" my Pikachu asked. "We did it!" Ash said. "They did?" Brock asked. "No way!" Misty said in shock, before we all saw that Hitmonchan rubbed his cheek as he looked down at the male mouse. He then placed his hands on his hips, "Chan!" he scolded as Ash's Pikachu looked startled, "Chu..."

"So much for the great Rocket Punch," Brock said. "How many times do I have to tell you?" a male voice asked and we saw a man walking closer behind Hitmonchan, looking at him, "Don't drop your guard. Keep your gloves up, Hitmonchan, 'cause fighting smart lest than fighting stupid." Hitmonchan nodded, "Chan."

"Now, go knock that pipsqueak out!" the man said and Hitmonchan nodded before looking at Pikachu. He used Agility and when he reach to Pikachu, he hit him with Mega Punch, knocking the male mouse Pokémon out. "Pikachu!" Ash called as he kneeled down and picked him up, "Are you okay?"

"Pika... Pika," his Pikachu said. "I declare Hitmonchan the winner!" the man said, "Congratulations! One, two, three, hooray!" He and Hitmonchan raised their fist up. Misty, Brock and I walked closer to Ash as we all looked at him. "I wonder who this guy is," Ash said. "Guess this Hitmonchan isn't wild," I stated.

"Daddy!" a young female voice called and we saw a young woman running closer, standing in front of me and my friends as she looked at the man, "Daddy, please come home."

"Rebecca?" the man asked. "Daddy, please quit Pokémon training, and come home with me," the girl, Rebecca begged. "I won't come home until I become a champion in the P1 Grand Prix," the man said. "Daddy!" Rebecca said. The man looked at us, "I'll be in the Gym, taking on challengers." He pointed behind us, "The Gym's that way. I'll be waiting for ya."

With that said, he and Hitmonchan ran past us, and we watched them leave. "Oh, well..." Rebecca said quietly. Brock suddenly stepped forward toward her, "Can I be of help to you, young lady?" 

"I'm really sorry my father bothered you," Rebecca said. "No problem," Brock said. "Can I ask a favor of you, Pokémon Trainers?" Rebecca asked, "A really, really big favor?"

"Please be free to ask, we'll be glad to help in any way possible," Brock said, gazing at her. "Thank you! Please, I want you to defeat my father's Hitmonchan," Rebecca said. "Huh?" me and my friends asked in shock and confusion. Brock suddenly grabbed Rebecca's hands, "We'll do it for you." Misty sighed in annoyance while Ash and I exchanged a look.

After Brock, Ash, Misty and I introduced ourselves to Rebecca, she showed us her father's Gym, which wasn't a Pokémon Gym that we see, but it was more like the gym room my brothers had in home that they work up in.

"'The Fighting Spirit Gym'?" Misty asked as we looked at the sign inside. "This sure doesn't look like an ordinary Pokémon Gym," Ash said. Brock looked at a poster and turned to Rebecca, "What's the P1 Grand Prix?"

"P1 is short for Pokémon Number One Grand Prix. It a tournament for Fighting Pokémon," Rebecca explained, "Because my father wants to win the P1, he's training all the time and ignoring his family."

"So, we defeat your father's Hitmonchan, he will come back home?" I asked. "Right," Rebecca said with a nod. Brock smiled, "Don't worry, just leave it to us."

"Huh?" Misty asked. "Leave it..." Ash trailed off. "To us?" I finished. "We'll take care of it," Brock told Rebecca before turning to Ash, "Ash, don't you have a Fighting Pokémon we can use?"

"What are you talking about?" Ash asked. "You don't mean Primeape, do you?" Misty asked. Ash smiled, "Yeah! Primeape should be able to do the job." Brock pulled out a Poké ball, "And I got Geodude, we both enter the tournament and defeat that Hitmonchan."

The next day, we went to the tournament, Ash and Brock went to get ready while Rebecca, Misty and I went to the seats, with mine and Ash's Pikachu. I sat between Misty and Rebecca, and both the Pikachu sat on my laps as we watched people getting inside the building.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," the host spoke through the speakers, "Our fighting Pokémon festival of P1 Grand Prix is about to begin."

The building became full, and the crowd around us were starting to cheer. "The contestants of P1 Grand Prix are about to be on the ring," the host said. Hitmonchan and Rebecca's father walked toward the ring. "Introducing the number 1 contester, the Fighting machine, Hitmonchan and it's trainer, Anthony," the host said as the crowd cheered. A tall man in a brown large coat walked to the ring with a Hitmonlee.

"And now, the challenger, the Kicking Fiend, Hitmonlee, along with it's trainer, Giant!" the host said. Ash and Brock walked in, waving as the people cheered. "There's Ash and Brock!" I said before the Pikachu, me, Misty and Rebecca cheered as well. "Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, two new Pokémon trainers competing here in the P1! Please welcome, Ash and Brock!" the host said.

After more challengers were introduced, the first battle was about to begin. A Machop was standing in one side of the ring while its trainer was standing outside the ring, and Ash and Brock were standing together at the other side, outside the ring.

"And now, for our first match, Machop is ready to battle! What Pokémon will Ash use to challenge it?" the host asked. Ash threw Primeape's Poké ball, "I choose you, Primeape!"

Primeape was released in the ring, looking slightly confused. Machop stepped forward and Primeape looked at it. The bell rang, and the battle started. Machop ran toward Primeape, punching him a few times, before throwing him to the end of the ring. Ash and Brock seem to be talking to Primeape.

"And it looks like Machop has the advantage in the battle of Primeape!" the host said as the crowd cheered. Primeape got up and started to take a step forward. "Machop maybe small, but it sure packed with plenty of power!" the host said. Primeape jumped up and threw his leg toward Machop, but it caught Primeape's feet. "This looks bad," Misty said.

Machop held Primeape's leg, and started spinning quickly in its spot. "Machop's mega muscles power stopped Primeape's Mega Kick! Looks like Machop is getting ready for its special attack!" the host said. I pulled out my Dexter, "Mmm."

Machop. Its body is pure muscle. Its special attack is the Seismic Toss.

"Oh, man," I said before looking to the ring. Machop finally stopped spinning and tossed Primeape out of the ring. Ash ran to catch him and fell down, letting Primeape hit his back before rolling to the side. Misty, Rebecca and I gasped. "Ash," I said worriedly.

I watched as Primeape got up and looked at Ash in concern. "Look at Primeape," I muttered, "Never thought I will see this face." Ash looked at Primeape and spoke to him. Primeape's concern look shook off and he nodded before Ash stood up. He must have said something because Primeape nodded, seem very determined before he went back to the ring.

"Primeape listens? I can't believe it," I said. "That's amazing," Misty said. "What's wrong?" Rebecca asked. "Primeape doesn't like to listen to anyone, but now he listens to Ash," I said before we watched the ring. "Primeape, Scratch attack!" Ash shouted and Primeape did as was told. "Jump, Primeape!" Primeape jumped up, making Machop block its eyes from the light over Primeape. "Mega Kick, right now!"

Primeape jumped down, throwing his leg, this time hitting Machop, making it fell on the floor of the ring. "And this match is over!" the host said as the crowd cheered. Ash ran to the ring and waved with Primeape at the crowd. "Machop is down and out! Ash's Primeape wins the battle!" the host said. "All right!" I said. "Pika!" my Pikachu agreed.

Not long after Ash's match, Brock's Geodude was next against Giant's Hitmonlee. "Our next match is between Hitmonlee and Geodude!" the host said, "Geodude is hard as a rock! Will Hitmonlee be able to crack Geodude?" The bell rang and the battle started, but Brock, been Brock, turned to Rebecca, Misty and I, and waved for Rebecca as the crowd cheered, "Rebecca, don't worry! Everything is under control!"

"This won't end good," I muttered as I glanced at my very annoyed redhead friend. "Brock, watch out behind you!" Rebecca called. Brock looked confused and Ash, who was standing next to him, dodged as Geodude was thrown at Brock.

Brock rubbed his head in pain and spoke to Geodude, which then it went back to the ring. "Don't show any mercy! Kick, kick, kick!" Giant shouted, which Hitmonlee did as was told, kicking Geodude mercilessly as it defended itself.

"Geodude doesn't stand a chance against Hitmonlee's kicking," I said and watched as Anthony walking closer to Brock and Ash. He held out his red towel to Brock, and after a moment, Brock threw the towel up, calling the match off. The bell rang, and Brock ran into the ring. He took Geodude to his arms as Ash walked closer.

After a few battles, Primeape, Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee were the last ones to battle. Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee were next to battle, and one of them will be the one to battle Primeape at the last battle. "Now, Ash's Primeape will advance to the final match, while the fighting spirit gym's very own Hitmonchan, the number one contender in this tournament, takes on the legendary Kicking Fiend, Hitmonlee, for a chance of championship!" the host said, and after a moment, the bell rang.

Hitmonchan used Agility and Hitmonlee threw his leg up. Hitmonchan stopped the kick with his glove, before Hitmonlee jumped back and then he started to threw Mega Kicks, but Hitmonchan dodged the attacks. Hitmonchan was doing good until his feet got stuck by something on the floor, which gave Hitmonlee the chance to hit him with Mega Kicks.

"Hitmonchan is in trouble!" the host said as Rebecca stood up. "Rebecca?" I asked but she didn't say anything and ran past us. Misty, me and the Pikachu quickly followed. "Hitmonlee's Mega Kicks is getting the best of Hitmonchan!" the host said. "Rebecca, where you going?" Misty asked but the girl still didn't answer.

"Finish it, Hitmonlee!" Giant shouted as Rebecca ran toward the ring. Hitmonlee threw his leg to give Hitmonchan another Mega Kick. Rebecca ran into the ring and stood protectively in front of Hitmonchan, to his shook and all of us. "Stop! Don't hurt my father's Pokémon!" She shouted.

"Rebecca!" we shouted. Anthony ran into the ring, letting himself get hit by Hitmonlee's Mega Kick, making him get thrown to the back of the ring. Me and my friends ran to check him. "Are you okay?" I asked. "I'm find," He answered as Rebecca walked closer. "Daddy..." she trailed off. Anthony stood up, "Are you hurt, Rebecca?"

"No, I'm fine," she answered. "I'm glad," Anthony said before throwing the red towel, "I give up!" The bell rang, calling off the match. "Anthony throws in the towel! Hitmonlee is the winner!" the host said. Rebecca walked to stand next to us as Anthony leaded Hitmonchan down the stairs toward us.

"Good work, Hitmonchan. Are you okay?" he asked in concern. "Monchan," Hitmonchan said and both of them looked at Rebecca. "I'm sorry I worried you and your mother so much," Anthony said. Rebecca wrapped her arms around him, "Dad."

Me and my friends smiled at them. "Isn't that great?" Ash asked me, Misty and Brock. "The family is back together," Brock said. "That means we up against Hitmonlee," Ash said. "Your battling brought them back together," Misty said, "And now, all that Ash needs to do it win one more time to be champion."

"You better win, mister," I told Ash with a smirk. "You got it!" Ash said with a smirk. "Don't bet on it," a voice spoke and we looked over to see Giant, but turned out it was Jessie.

"I can't wait for the chance to show the four of you how losers you are. You don't stand a chance against us, we're going to win that championship belt!" Jessie said. James was under her in the huge coat, "And after we do, you can find us in all you can eat buffet table."

"Will you be quiet?!" Jessie snapped as she hit him in the head. "Team Rocket?" I asked in boredom before glaring, "Hold on! So where is Hitmonlee's trainer? 'Cause there's no way Hitmonlee is yours." Jessie and James ignored my words as Jessie threw the coat and hat away, revealing she was sitting on James' shoulders. And from James' look, he was having a hard time to keep her on his shoulders.

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all peoples within our nation!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the sta... ugh... I can't take it!"

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!"

James started to slip to the floor, "Surrender now... surrender now... or prepare to... prepare to..."

Me and my friends exchanged a look before looking down at them. Jessie looked quiet embarrassed before quickly looking at us, "We're not finished..."

They both stood at their feet and looked back at us again. "As I was saying, we're going to be the winners around here," Jessie said. "And you can bet your buffet on that," James said before they walked to the other side.

I looked at my Pikachu on my left shoulder, "We got to get Hitmonlee's Poké ball," I whispered. She nodded, "Pika," she said. "Can you handle it?" I asked. She nodded again, "Pi."

She jumped off of my shoulder and ran to the other side where Team Rocket went. I turned to where my friends went and walked closer as Ash released Primeape.

The bell rang, and Primeape jumped to the middle of the ring. "And now, for the final performance! Primeape will battle this final round against Hitmonlee, the Kicking Fiend!" the host said, as Hitmonlee started to use his Mega Kicks again while Primeape protected himself. "Get ready fans, for a match you'll never forget!" the host said.

"You can't just defend yourself, Primeape! Attack!" Ash said. "If you can't get inside Hitmonlee's kicks, you'll never win the battle," Anthony said. "Primeape, get in there and show Hitmonlee you're not afraid!" Ash said. Primeape dodged Hitmonlee's kicks and started punching him. "You did it!" Brock said as we smiled. "All right!" Ash said.

"You can do it, Primeape!" I shouted. "What are you doing?!" Jessie called. "Kick it! Kick it!" James shouted. "Pika, Pika, Pi, Pikachu, Pi," Ash's Pikachu said as I looked down at him, seeing him tugging on my jeans and Ash's. "What is it, Pikachu?" Ash asked as he looked at him.

"Pika, Pikachu, Pika, Pi," his Pikachu said. "Look, I don't have time for this now, Okay?" Ash asked and looked back at the ring, "Hang in there, Primeape!" I looked down at his Pikachu and kneeled down, "What is it?"

"Pika, Pika, Pikachu, Pikachu, Pika, Pi," his Pikachu told me. "Meowth put something under the stage?" I asked and he nodded, "Pi," he said. I glanced at my friends before looking back at the male mouse, "Pull out whatever it was, okay? Can you do that?"

"Pika," he said as he nodded, and then he walked closer to the stage and slid inside under the covers. I stood up and looked at the ring to see Hitmonlee jumping up and jumped down. Primeape jumped toward him and grabbed. "All right, use the Seismic Toss now, Primeape!" Ash called.

Primeape did as was told, throwing Hitmonlee down to the middle of the ring, landing near him. "We did it!" Ash said before the bell rang. "And it's all over!" the host said as the crowd cheered. "Primeape defeats Hitmonlee with a Seismic Toss! Ash's Primeape wins by a knock out! Primeape is the new P1 Pokémon Grand Prix champion!"

A man walked up to the stage as Ash and Brock ran up. The man wrapped the champion belt around Primeape as I walked up the stage toward Hitmonlee. I held out my hand to him and Hitmonlee looked from my hand up to me. "That's okay, I'm sure there will be more battles like those in the future," I said.

Hitmonlee looked at my hand and took it, letting me help him up to his feet. I looked at Team Rocket and saw them arguing with each other. I raised an eyebrow, "So," I called out for them and they looked at me. "What did you do to Hitmonlee's real trainer?"

Hitmonlee looked at Team Rocket for the first time, looking at them angrily. "That Hitmonlee belongs to us," Jessie said with a smirk. "Huh? Hey, thank you," Meowth said and I saw it was Ash's Pikachu he was talking to. Pikachu waved to him and walked away. I saw Meowth was holding a device and then suddenly he got electrocuted.

James and Jessie exchanged a bored look before looking at me. "And now, if you'll excuse us," James said. Jessie held a Poké ball, "Hitmonlee, r--" She looked at the Poké ball in confusion, "What? That's Ekans'."

"Where's Hitmonlee's Poké ball?!" James asked. "Pika, Pika," my Pikachu called teasingly as she jumped to the stage. She was throwing a Poké ball up and down with her tail. "Hey! You give it back!" Jessie shouted. "Pi," my Pikachu said with a nod and then threw the Poké ball toward me using her tail.

I caught the Poké ball and smirked at Team Rocket, "Never mind then, I'll find the trainer myself." Hitmonlee stepped toward Team Rocket and they took a step back, "Lee!"

Team Rocket took off running as my Pikachu jumped up to my shoulder. "Pika," she said and I petted her head. "Good job, Pikachu," I complimented. "Chu," she said with a smile.

My friends walked closer as I turned to them. I smiled at Primeape, "Good work, Primeape, you deserved it," I said and Primeape jumped up and down. "What do we do with Hitmonlee?" Misty asked. "I'll go find his trainer," I said, "They must be here somewhere. Since Team Rocket got them, I'm sure they in trouble."

"Let's go, then," Brock said. "I can do it," I said, "You guys should celebrate Primeape's victory. I'll join in as soon as I can." My Pikachu raised a hand, "Pika!"

"Are you sure?" Ash asked. "Yeah," I said with a nod, "I'll be fine." I looked at Hitmonlee, "Come on, Hitmonlee, let's go find your trainer." Hitmonlee nodded, "Hitmonlee!"

We got off of the stage and walked out of the area and down the hallway before stopping. I held Hitmonlee's Poké ball as I kneeled down, "Okay, Pikachu." my Pikachu jumped off of my shoulder and turned to the Poké ball, "Can you find the trainer's scent?"

Pikachu sniffed the Poké ball for a moment, trying to find the right scent. She smiled, "Pika!" She started sniffing the floor, walking away as I stood up. Hitmonlee and I followed her around the corner and soon we stopped in front of a closet. "Pika!" she said as she pointed to the closet door.

I quickly opened it and froze when I saw a man tied up on a chair, with a duct tape on his mouth. "Hitmonlee!" Hitmonlee said and I quickly pulled off the duct tape from the man's mouth, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he answered and sighed, "Hitmonlee! You all right!" Pikachu nibbled the rope and soon after, the man was released. He stood up as Pikachu jumped to my shoulder. The man placed his hand on Hitmonlee's shoulder, "Did those two mean people hurt you?"

Hitmonlee shook his head and I held out Hitmonlee's Poké ball, "There's Hitmonlee's Poké ball, sir." The man took it, "Thank you very much." I smiled, "No problem." I looked at my Pikachu with a smile and she smiled back at me, "Pika, Pika!"

After finding Hitmonlee's trainer, I met up with my friends and found out that Ash will leave Primeape with Anthony for training. So, when we decided to get back to the road, we were saying goodbye to Primeape, Anthony and Rebecca.

Primeape and Ash shook hands. Ash then looked at Anthony, "Please take care of Primeape. I'm counting on you," he said. "There is no need to worry," Anthony said with a smile, "You can count on me."

"And I'll make sure my father will spend a lot of time with his family," Rebecca said. Ash looked at Primeape with a smile, "You keep on training and winning, Primeape, and I'll always be grateful and proud that I know a real P1 champion." Primeape had tears in his eyes and we smiled at him before slowly starting to walk away. We waved to Primeape, Anthony and Rebecca and they waved back as we thanked them for everything.

"You know, Primeape may have been with us for a very short time, but he will be missed," I said. "Yeah," Ash agreed, "But I know Primeape will be happy with this. And if he's happy, then I'm happy." I smiled, "Look who's growing up," I teased. "Pika," my Pikachu said with a smile. "Hey," Ash said and we chuckled as we continued on.

Chapter Text

By nightfall, me and my friends were crossing through a town, which to our surprise, we didn't find people anywhere. We walked near the dock, where I saw the water wasn't clean and I frowned. "This is a weird city," Ash said, "Lost of Factories, but no people." I looked at the map, finding out where we were, "This place is called... Gringey City."

"Gringey? Never heard of it," Ash said. "It used to be a lively and busy place, with all this Factories here," Misty explained. "Yeah, they kind of went overboard with Factories," Brock said, "Pollution ruined the air, and the water here."

"That's sad," I said. "Pika," my Pikachu said, standing next to Ash's Pikachu. "I guess we won't find any Pokémon here," Ash said and sighed in disappointment.

"Pika, Pika," Ash's Pikachu agreed and we started to continued to walk. "Pi?" I heard my Pikachu and looked down as I stopped when I saw her looking around. She tilted her head, "Pika?"

"What's wrong, Pikachu?" I asked. "Pika," she said in confusion before shaking her head as if nothing was wrong. "Let's go find the Pokémon Center," Misty said and we walked away.

It didn't took us long to find the Pokémon Center, as we were reaching closer to the building, I noticed my Pikachu was looking around uncomfortably. I frowned, slightly concern by her behaver, "Pikachu, what's wrong?"

"Pika..." she trailed off. "Pika, Pika, Pikachu?" Ash's Pikachu asked. "Pika, Pikachu, Pika, Pi," my Pikachu said. "What are they talking about?" Misty asked. "Pikachu asking her why she looks uncomfortable, and she says she feels like she's been watched," Ash answered. We all looked around but we didn't find anything or anyone outside.

"Pika," my Pikachu said in confusion as she tilted her head. "No one is here," Brock pointed out, "I think Pikachu will feel much better once we'll get inside the Pokémon Center."

"Yeah, let's go in," Misty said and we walked into the building. The place was empty, but could be just because of how late it was right now. Ash rang the bell on the counter and we waited for Nurse Joy. Brock looked at my Pikachu, "How you feeling now, Pikachu?"

My Pikachu smiled, "Pika." Me and my friends smiled at her and then looked up when Nurse Joy walked in, looking very tired. "Hey, Nurse Joy, sorry to wake you up," I said. "Do you kids know what time it is?" Nurse Joy scolded. "Sorry," Ash apologized. "We just got here," Misty said.

Suddenly the lights all turned off and we looked around in confusion. "What's going on?" Brock asked. "I have no idea," Nurse Joy said, "Oh no!" She quickly ran to the other room and we quickly followed her, getting inside a room where many Pokémon were in beds with glass on top of them, sleeping.

"What happened to those Pokémon?" Ash asked. "They're intensive care. If we won't get the power back soon... well, I just don't want to think about what will happen," Nurse Joy said. "Nurse Joy do something!" I said. Nurse Joy shook her head in sadness, "I don't know what to do."

"There's nothing she can do," Brock said. "Let's go!" Ash said and we ran out. We found Officer Jenny not far from the Pokémon Center, "Officer Jenny!" We ran closer to her as she was on the phone. "What is it?" she asked. "The power is out, including at the Pokémon Center, we need it back on!" I said.

"I'm trying to find out what's going on, but there's no answer at the power plant," Officer Jenny said. "We don't have much time," Ash said. "What is the power plant looks like?" Misty asked. "You can miss it," Officer Jenny said and pointed to the right, "It's the big building with the smoke stacks there."

"All right, let's go," Ash said and we took off running toward the power plant. "How much time do you think we have?" Misty asked. "Not long," I said, "Faster."

We ran faster toward the building and slowed down as we breathed heavily. "There it is," Brock said. "Let's go inside," Misty said as we walked closer to the gate. Brock and Ash tried to open the gate but it wouldn't move. I grabbed into the gate and started climbing up as my Pikachu jumped up to my shoulder. I reached to the top of the gate and jumped down to the other side. I looked at my friends to see they were still on the other side, "What are you waiting for?"

They quickly climbed up as Ash's Pikachu jumped up on Ash's shoulder. I stepped back and my friends jumped to the other side. "Let's go," Ash said and we ran to the doors. Ash opened the door and we walked in. The place was empty, and dark.

"Hello! Is anybody in here?" Ash called but no one answered. "Come on," I said and leaded the way down the hall. "Something is really weird," Brock said as we looked over to the map of the building. "Why isn't anybody working in here?" Brock asked. Misty pointed down the hall, "It looks like the control room is down this way."

"Let's go then," I said and we started to walk down the hall. After a few minutes of walking, Misty suddenly grabbed my arm as we all stopped walking. "Something is following us," Misty said in fear. She looked behind her and we looked over her shoulder but no one was there. "This place is deserted, no one is here," Ash said.

"I know I heard something back there," Misty said. "I don't see anything," I said as I looked around. "Pika..." my Pikachu said as she and Ash's Pikachu stood together on the floor, looking around. "You know, it's like when Emma's Pikachu felt something--" Brock started before he froze as he looked behind Ash. Misty and I looked behind Ash as well, freezing when we saw a shadowy figure, with a glowing blue eye behind him.

"What? What is it?" Ash asked. "Ash... there's... there's something behind you," I said and the figure flew backward, disappearing. Ash hesitated before quickly turning around. "All right!" He called, "If anybody's there you can come on out!" I looked at him startled and felt my cheeks heating up. "And if you're a ghost or a monster, you can stay where you are, and we won't bother you," he said.

I looked at him in annoyance, "So much for bravery!" I snapped. "Well..." he trailed off nervously. "Pika! Pika!" my Pikachu suddenly shouted. "Pikachu..." I trailed off as we looked to where the figure was earlier. "Pika! Pikachu, Pi!" she called and we finally looked at her.

"What is it?" Ash asked and we gasped as we saw the figure behind my Pikachu. Ash's Pikachu stepped behind her, "Pika!" he called angrily. The figure flew closer, showing itself to be a Magnemite, "Magnemite."

"Magnemite? Is that a... Pokémon?" Ash asked and held out his Dexter as Magnemite was staring at my Pikachu.

Magnemite, a Magnet Pokémon. Its means of floating through the air are not understood. This very mysterious Pokémon is of the Electric type.

"What's a Pokémon like that doing here?" Ash asked. "It caused the blackout," Misty said, "Magnemite shut down the power plant." Brock and I frowned. "This one by itself?" Brock asked skeptically. "No way," I agreed.

"Well... Dexter said it's mysterious," Misty pointed out. Ash held out a Poké ball with a smirk, "Great, I'll capture it! And then we can check it out." I frowned as Magnemite was floating around my Pikachu, "Uh..."

"That Magnemite doesn't look like it wants to battle," Misty pointed out. My Pikachu looked very uncomfortable as Magnemite continued to float around her. "Hey, what's with this thing?" Ash asked, "Why is it circling Emma's Pikachu?"

"It seems to like her," Brock said. "Pika," Ash's Pikachu said angrily and my Pikachu hid behind him as Magnemite floated closer to her. Magnemite suddenly glared at the male mouse, as he did as well. "Pika, Pi," my Pikachu said, and Magnemite floated over Ash's Pikachu's head and closer to my Pikachu, which caused her to back away as it blushed. "It looks like it's blushing," Misty pointed out, "Like it's in love or something."

"That's not right," I muttered. "Hey, Magnemite, cut it out, she doesn't like it," Ash said, and Magnemite suddenly backed away as my Pikachu ran to hid behind Ash's Pikachu again. "Guess it gave up," Ash said. Before I opened my mouth, I could smell a very nasty stench.

"Do you smell that?" Brock asked, smelling what I was smelling, so did Ash and Misty. "I do," Misty said. "So do I," Ash said. "Yeah," I said. We heard a metal felling down and we looked behind us to see a grating had fell to the floor. A few Grimer fell down to the floor, looking at us.

"It those things," Brock said as we all covered our noses. "The smell!" I complained. "They stink," Misty said. "What are they?!" Ash asked and held his Dexter.

Grimer, a Sludge Pokémon. Born from sludge, these Pokémon specialize in Sludge attacks.

"Magnemite must have disappeared because of these things," Brock said. "Is this what sludge smells like?" Ash asked. "It really stinks," I said, which caused the Grimer to call out angrily.

I took a step back as I grabbed into Ash's arm. "Don't say anything that may insult their Pokémon pride, or make them mad," Brock said. "I'm sorry," I apologized. "Yeah, you have such a unique scent, we should have known it's the aroma of sludge," Ash lied.

"You call it whatever you want, but it's still stinks!" Misty yelled. I covered her mouth as me, Ash and Brock yelled together, "Shut up, Misty!" A Muk appeared behind the Grimer, which we all looked at it in shock. "It's huge!" Ash said. "Grimer's Grandpa?!" Misty asked. "A Muk!" I said as Ash held his Dexter.

Muk, Grimer's evolved form. Use extreme caution, as its slimy form contains poison.

"That's not good news," Brock said. "The smell is getting worse," Misty stated. "Pika," Ash's Pikachu said as I looked down at the Pikachu, seen they both were covering their noises too. Muk pointed at us and the Grimer started walking toward us, so we all took off running down the hall.

"Why did you have to open your mouth, and make the Grimer mad, Misty?!" Ash asked. "I had to open my mouth, I couldn't use my nose!" Misty said before we ran around the corner, which then Ash bumped into something and both of them fell down. It was a man and another man was standing behind him, both of them had a flashlight. "What are you doing here?" the man standing asked.

"I'm Brock, this is Misty, and this is Emma, and Ash, and we here to--" Brock started. "Look, can we cut the introduction?!" Misty snapped, "We got to get out of here!"

The Grimer appeared around the corner as I helped Ash up to his feet and we all took off as we followed the men. "The Grimer here, too!" one of them yelled. We ran into the control room and Brock leaned against the door, keeping it shut. "Tell us what's going on," Ash said to the men, "This blackout is a disaster for the city! Lost of Pokémon are gonna die in the Pokémon Center if the power won't come back soon! They need that power!"

"But, we can't. There's so many Grimer, that they are blocking the sea watering tack," the man with the dark hair said. "We got to bring the water to a boil, so it will turn the turbine, but the generator won't work at all," the man with the brown hair said.

"Do something," I said. "I'm afraid that's easy to say. We've been trying to--" the man with the dark hair started. "Ash!" Brock cut him off and we all looked over to see the Grimer were trying to get in, hitting the door as Brock was trying to keep it closed.

"The Grimer are... ramming the door! I can't hold it!" Brock said. Misty, Ash and I ran closer and tired to help him keep the door closed, but the door opened and we all backed away to stand with the men as the Grimer walked inside. The man with black hair looked at me and my friends, "You four are Pokémon trainers, right? You got to use your Pokémon to help us out."

"That's right, if you can get rid of the Grimer, the generator will work," the man with the brown hair said. The Grimer started to walk closer and both the Pikachu stepped forward before using Thunder Shock together, hitting a few Grimer, but not everyone. "Pika," my Pikachu said as Muk walked behind the Grimer.

Suddenly the ceiling grate fell down and we looked up to see Magnemite flying down with several Magnemite and Magneton. "What are they?" Ash asked. "Magnemite, and their evolved form Magneton, they're friends with our stalker Magnemite," Brock said.

The Magnemite and the Magneton all used Thunder Shock together, sending a huge electricity on the Grimer, which caused them all to ran away as the Magnemite and the Magneton started to follow them, chasing them away. A moment after, the lights turned on, which meant that the Grimer that were blocking the water were probably chased away.

"The lights are on!" Ash said as we all smiled, and the men went to the computers. "The turbine is moving again," the man with the brown hair said. "The Grimer had cleared away!" the man with the black hair said. "Yes!" Ash said as we high fived each other. "Hold it!" Misty said as she looked at the door and we followed her gaze to see Muk was still there.

"Muk!" Ash said and looked at both the Pikachu, "Pikachu, both of you use Thunder Shock!" Both mine and Ash's Pikachu used the attack, and suddenly the stalker Magnemite flew closer, using also a Thunder Shock, knocking Muk unconscious. They stopped and Ash pulled out a Poké ball. "All right, Poké ball, go!" he threw the Poké ball at Muk, which it went inside.

We watched as the Poké ball moved slightly for a moment and the red light on the button stopped, which meant Muk was Ash's Pokémon now.

Ash took the Poké ball and grinned, "I did it! I captured a Muk!" We could still smell the horrible smell and covered our noses. Apparently Ash didn't smell anything yet as he looked at us in confusion, "What's wrong?"

We didn't answer and watched as he sniffed the Poké ball and pulled it away as he covered his nose, "The smell is coming through the Poké ball!" We all laughed at his face before we looked over at the stalker Magnemite floating closer to my Pikachu. My Pikachu smiled at it, "Pika, Pikachu," she said, thanking it for the help.

Magnemite flew closer, blushing, which caused my Pikachu to step back nervously. "Pi... Pika," Ash's Pikachu said as he stood between them. "Uh... I don't think my Pikachu likes the attention she get from Magnemite," I said. "Pika, Pika, Pikachu," my Pikachu said and Magnemite looked sad. "Pika..." my Pikachu said.

"Sorry, Magnemite," I said. "Pi," Ash's Pikachu said. "Magnemite," it said before floating away and out of the room. "That's sad," Misty said. "It's weird that Magnemite will have any feeling for someone," Brock said, "How can an inorganic Pokémon like Magnemite could fell in love?"

"Maybe Emma's Pikachu is just too irresistible?" Misty teased. My Pikachu blushed and rubbed the back of her head, "Pika..." I chuckled, "Maybe," I teased my yellow best friend. "Pika, chu," she said, blushing. I looked at Ash, "Come on, let's go to the Pokémon Center so you could send Muk to Professor Oak."

After we reached to the Pokémon Center, it was already early in the morning, and we found out all the Pokémon were feeling much better since the power was back on. Ash had send Muk's Poke ball to Professor Oak and to be honest I was hoping to see his face once he will smell Muk, it sure would be funny.

Me and my friends were about to head off and we were saying goodbye to Nurse Joy, the Pokémon and Officer Jenny outside the Pokémon Center.

"All those Grimer here just proved that the ocean is totally polluted, you guys got to clean up the sea around here," Misty said. "We know you can do it," I said. "You right," Officer Jenny said, "We'll do everything we can to make sure the ocean is really clean again."

"If you clean up the air and the water, you may just bring this place back to life," Brock said. Nurse Joy stepped forward, "Thanks Ash. You and you friends worked so hard to make sure all those Pokémon will survive. You inspired me to become a better nurse."

Officer Jenny saluted for us, "We salute for your fine work." Me and my friends smiled nervously. "Oh, please, ladies, this is very nice of you," Ash said, "Anyway, try to make your city cleaned."

"We will, and please come back to visit us," Nurse Joy said. "We will," I said, "Bye now." Me and my friends waved for them goodbye as Nurse Joy did the same, as we started to walk away.

Chapter Text

As we were walking in the road through the forest to Ash's next Gym battle, I looked around in confusion, "So... where is Fuchsia Gym?" I asked. "Over the mountain," Brock answered as we stopped.

"Over which mountain?" Misty asked. Brock pulled out the map, "The map says the Fuchsia Gym is on the other side of one of these mountains right over there. Is it this way? Or that way? Or maybe it's that way. Oh, great, we're surrounded by mountains on every side!"

I sighed and placed my hands on my hips. "Uh, don't tell me we lost again," Misty said. "Okay... I won't tell you," Brock said as I took the map. "Give me that," I said and looked at the map closely, "Wait, it looks like there's a road in here."

"Well, let's hit it," Ash said. "This stays with me," I said as I waved the map before we started to walk down the road. Suddenly, there was a noise of large explosion, which caused us all to shout and duck down.

Once the noise stopped, we looked up to where we thought it was coming from. "I wonder what was that about," Misty said as we stood up. We heard another explosion and looked to where it was coming from. "It's over there," Ash said and we ran up the mountain, and stopped at the edge of a small cliff when we saw trucks driving past us on a road, toward a construction site and saw a rock fell from the edge of a cliff. Holes appeared from the ground, making the trucks stop and some flipped over.

"What a wreck," Misty said. "This is terrible!" Brock said before we ran down the cliff and ran toward the trucks. A man walked out of one of the trucks and kneeled down, hitting the ground, "I just can't take it anymore!"

"Are you all right?" Ash asked. "It's the Diglett! They destroying everything!" the man said. "The Diglett?" I asked and he pointed to the side in anger, "See? They are right over there!"

We looked to where he was opening, and found a few Diglett in the ground, popping up and down in the holes. "Aw, Diglett, they are cute," I said with a smile. I felt a presence behind me and glanced over nervously at the man, "You think they cute, do you?" he yelled and I quickly moved away. "Thanks to them, we can't finish building that dam!" He glared toward the Diglett, "I hate Diglett! I hate Diglett! I hate them!"

"Wow, he got some anger in him," I whispered to my friends. "Sure does," Misty agreed. Ash pulled out his Dexter, "Diglett..."

Diglett. The movement of these Ground Pokémon can be easily detected by their tracks of upturned earth.

"I don't see any upturned earth," I pointed out as I looked at the road. The man suddenly stepped closer to me, which made me yelp and step back, "That's because the ground here is covered by concrete but if you would look closely."

"They're underneath," Ash said. "It looks like a mini earthquake," Misty said. "And it looks like we'll never be able to accomplish our dream of building the great Gaiva Dam here in these mountains," the man said. "Gaiva Dam?" Ash repeated. The man pointed to the construction site, "Over there."

We looked over to the construction site, seeing workers there, and another rock felling down. "That explosion is part of building a dam?" Brock asked. "Yes! The blasting is part of building a dam!" the man shouted and turned to me again as he shouted, "But, we can't bring the supply! All because of the Diglett!"

"Why are you yelling in my face?!" I shouted back which caused him to step back. "Mmmhmm... that is a problem," Brock said as I crossed my arms over my chest. "We came out with special division for developing strategies to fight off the Diglett," the man said, "We're calling for any Pokémon trainer who's traveling through the area, someone with real Pokémon know how to get rid of these Diglett. The reward is a 6 nights and 7 days stay at the Giva hot springs resort."

"Well... the four of us are Pokémon trainers..." I trailed off. The man smiled, "Oh! You are?" Ash rubbed the back of his head, "Yea--" We saw a car with four buses behind it, stopping in front of us. "Huh?" I asked. Gary popped up from the car, "The first Pokémon trainer has arrived! The rest are in those buses!"

"Gary?" Ash and I asked at the same time. Gary noticed us, "Emma! And well, little Ash," he said as he smirked and got out of the car. "So, Em, what are you doing here? Were you called?"

"Called?" I asked. "Only the best Pokémon trainers were called to come," he said, "Guess I should change it to you the first and I'm the second best." He smirked, "For now."

I raised an eyebrow and he looked Ash. "So, Ashy, what are you doing here? Only the best of the best are here." Ash glared at him and I stepped in before things will get bad. "Well, then it's a good thing Ash is here with me, too." I looked at Ash with a smile, "He is one of the best."

Ash smiled and I looked back at Gary to see he was looking at Ash in annoyance. "Whatever," he said before looking back at me, smirking, "So, Em, did you catch any new Pokémon?"

"Well, I captured two new Pokémon since we last saw you," I answered, "And, Ash captured on--" Gary nodded, "That's cool for you, and nice for him." Ash glared at him again while I blinked. I tilted my head as I looked between the boys, feeling suddenly awkward.

The man suddenly stepped in, "Can we please go back to the business attend?!" he shouted as my Pikachu jumped to my shoulder, "Somebody got to get rid of these Diglett! Don't forget, a resort vacation."

"Don't give it another thought, sir. These Diglett are good as gone now that Emma Pierce and Gary Oak are here," Gary said and smirked at me, "Right, Em?"

"Oh, uh..." I trailed off and glanced at Ash before at Gary as he grabbed my hand. "Let's go," he said before dragging me to the car. "W--wait, Gary," I said but he got me inside the car before getting in after me. He looked at my friends with a smirk, "See ya, losers!"

He laughed as we drove away. I gave him a look, "Why did you do that for?" I asked angrily. "Oh, come on, Em, this is class is the losers' class," he said, "You need to be in the top class."

"This isn't like you," I said and looked at my Pikachu as I muttered, "Ash was right." She looked sad, "Pika..." I looked at Gary, "Tell your girls to stop the car."

"Sure. Once we'll reach to the construction site," he said. "What happened to you?" I asked as I frowned. Gary didn't answer and looked out the window. I turned on my seat and looked at the window, hoping my friends wouldn't think I was abandoning them, because I would never do that.

As soon as we reached to the construction site, I opened the door before one of his girls could stop completely. "Emma," Gary said but I got out and slammed the door shut. Gary got out and I pointed at him, "Don't ever do that."

"So, why did you choose to travel with the loser?" Gary asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. "He asked me to join, and I agreed," I said. "Why?" He asked. "Because he's fun," I answered, "He's nice, and we have a few things in common, and he isn't looking down at people. Unlike you!"

"Pika, Pika!" my Pikachu agreed. "Emma--" Gary started but I moved away and walked away from him angrily. I saw trainers walking out of the buses and looked around. "Ash, Misty and Brock are getting here, right?" I asked my yellow best friend. "Pika," she answered with a nod and a smile. "Okay. Good," I said and walked away, "What's wrong with Gary? He wasn't like that before."

"Pika, Pika, Pi, Pikachu, Pika," she said. "Really? You think the journey it what changed him for the worse?" I asked and she nodded, "Pika." I looked away sadly, "But... I didn't change. I'm the same... right?" I asked. She nodded with a smile, "Pika!"

We watched as the trainers were gathering to the man that talked to us not long ago. "We're grateful appreciate all of you talented Pokémon trainers interrupting your training to come here, and help us get rid of the Diglett," the man said through the mic before looking forward in annoyance, "You with the Pikachu on your head, listen with your ears not with your mouth!"

"Got him," I said with a smile, knowing he was talking to Ash. "Pika," my Pikachu said with a smile and I quickly walked past the trainers, pushing myself in and quickly found my friends. "My name is Ash Ketchum, the loser from Pallet," Ash said sadly before kneeling down.

I walked closer and placed my hands on my hips, "What are you talking about?" I asked and my friends looked at me in relief. Misty and Brock smiled. "Emma," Misty said. "You're back," Brock said. "Of course I'm back," I said and looked at a shocked Ash, "And you, didn't my Dad say to ignore the bad words Gary tells you? Stand up." I held my hand out to him and winked, "Seem like you need me more than you think."

Ash grinned and took my hand as he got up. "Yeah, seems like it," he said. "Pika," Ash's Pikachu said with a smile. "What about Gary?" Ash asked as his smile faded away. "Well, I got angry with him, and I realized I like traveling with you, so you're stuck with me," I said. Ash grinned and his Pikachu smiled. "Pika!" the male mouse said.

Misty suddenly stepped in, smirking, "You two do know you're not traveling alone, right?" I felt my cheeks heating up and glanced back at Ash to see he was blushing. "Of course we know," we both answered together and glanced down at our hands to see they were still together, before quickly pulled our hands apart.

We all heard a noise behind us and me, my friends and all of the trainers around looked over near the buses. "It's the Diglett! It's the Diglett!" the man called through the mic. Right then, there were track appearing in the ground and it moved toward the buses, causing one of the wheels to fell in a hole.

A few Diglett appeared from their holes, calling out their names. I saw Gary stepping forward, "I'll take care of this!" His cheerleaders stood behind him, cheering for him. Gary threw a Poké ball and it fell on the ground. It opened and a Pokémon was starting to appear before quickly getting back inside its Poké ball. "Hey, what?!" Gary asked as we all stared in confusion and shock.

"It won't come out. What's wrong?" Ash asked. "Pika-chu," his Pikachu said. "I have no idea," I said as I raised an eyebrow in confusion. A track appeared under Gary's Poké ball and it took the Poké ball toward Gary, stopping close to him before a Diglett popped up from the hole, holding the Poké ball on its head.

Gary took the Poké ball, "Oh, thanks. Wait! This can't happen!" He said. He pulled out another Poké ball and threw it, but nothing happened again. "What's going on here?!" He asked.

"Please, somebody stop them!" the man shouted, "Stop the Diglett!" everyone threw their Poké balls but the Pokémon didn't came out. Tracks appeared under the Poké balls and they all took them back to the trainers. "At least they polite," Misty said. "Yeah, and unstoppable," Brock said.

"All right, it's my turn, as long as they underground, I'm gonna use Squirtle," Ash said as he pulled out Squirtle's Poké ball. "I choose you!" He threw the Poké ball as his Pikachu held out his hands, "Pika!"

The Poké ball fell to the ground, and it opened but closed quickly. "They won't come out." I jumped in surprise and looked over at Gary to see he walking closer to me and my friends. "For some reason the Pokémon won't battle the Diglett," he said as a track appeared under Squirtle's Poké ball and took it closer to Ash, which he took.

"I wonder... why wouldn't they battle," I muttered. "I just can't figure it out," Gary said. Ash looked over at both the Pikachu, "Is that right, Pikachu?" Both of them nodded, "Pika-chu."

"You won't get away from this!" we heard the man yelling and looked over to see him trying to hit the Diglett with a mallet. "That won't work," Gary told me and Ash. "They too fast."

"You must been studying," Ash said. "Yeah, I've been studying, unlike you," Gary told him. I gave him a look, "Cut it out!" Gary glanced toward me before looking away. "Well, that's it, I'm gone," Gary said and looked at me and my friends, "Look, since no one's Pokémon will come out and battle, there's no reason for any trainers to be here."

He turned around and walked to his car, with his girls quickly following him. I glared after him before frowning as he turned to me. He smirked slightly, "See you, Emma."

After that, he and his cheerleaders got into the car and drove away as I looked back at my friends. "I don't like him," Ash muttered in annoyance.

It was night, and me and my friends decided to stay for the night here and go back on the road in the morning. We decided to eat dinner and let all of our Pokémon out to eat with us.

"What's up, Misty?" I asked my redhead friend as we were all eating, noticing she wasn't eating much. "Something doesn't feel right," Misty said. "About the Diglett?" I asked as I raised an eyebrow.

"I can't understand why the Pokémon wouldn't come out of their Poké balls," she said. "Yeah... It was really weird," I admitted, "It never happened before. Not that I seen." Ash looked at both mine and his Pikachu, "What was that, Pikachu?"

Both the Pikachu and all the other Pokémon looked to the side on the rocks. "Chu," my Pikachu said and we followed their gaze to the rocks. Three Diglett popped up, "Diglett."

Me and my friends stood up. "Diglett," Ash said. The Diglett disappeared behind the rocks and both the Pikachu ran off. "Pikachu," I said and me, my friends and all of the Pokémon followed.

There were a lot of Diglett, carrying leaves and small branches on their heads as we followed them to mountainside, were to our surprise, we saw they were planting the branches in the ground with help from their evolved form; Dugtrio.

"Hey, those are Dugtrio," I said as we all stared at the place. Ash pulled out his Dexter and held it out.

Dugtrio, the evolved form of Diglett. No specific information available.

"Oh, now I get it, this must be Diglett and Dugtrio's home," Broke said. "Their home?" Ash asked. "Yeah, they work and live here together," Brock said, "Dugtrio plowing the ground, and Diglett planting the trees. And not just here, this whole mountain range is their backyard."

"All of this mountain?" Ash asked. "Yeah, maybe," Brock said. I smiled, "Maybe all the forest's in the entire world," I said. "Beautiful gardens made by these little guys," Misty said.

"And if we'll complete the Dam..." we looked over to see the foreman standing near us as he stared at the place. "This whole mountain forest will be completely covered in water... nothing could live here."

"All of our Pokémon realized that before we did," Brock said. "That's why none of them leaved their Poké balls, even when their trainers asked them to," Misty said. "I guess we, humans, still have a lot to learn about the ways of the Pokémon," I said with a smile as I petted Poliwhirl.

"This project is canceled, I won't build the Dam," the foreman said. "Well, I think I learned my lesson, guys," Ash said as he looked down at his Pokémon. "Your lesson is just beginning!" a familiar female voice called behind us and we all turned around to see Team Rocket.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

Meowth jumped over and crossed his arms over his chest, "They know the rest."

Jessie and James looked disappointed. "Team Rocket, I forgot about them," Ash told me, Misty and Brock as we all looked at them in boredom. "Sorry guys, but we are not in the mood for you right now, okay?" Ash told them.

"But we in a good enough mood for everyone," Jessie said with a small smirk. "Yes, and we never even had lunch!" James said, "But now, we have a special treat for all of you."

"Oh please," I said in boredom. "Our Ekans has evolved into... Arbok!" Jessie called as she held up her Poké ball, releasing Arbok. "And Koffing is now... Weezing!" James said as he held up his Poké ball, releasing Weezing.

"Go, Arbok!" Jessie called and Arbok went forward toward us. "We can take care of that," Ash said as his Pokémon stepped forward. "Arbok, dive under ground!" Jessie called. Arbok used dig, disappearing under the ground with Weezing right behind him.

Right after that, we heard Diglett and Dugtrio's voices under the ground and not long after Arbok and Weezing were thrown up to the ground, unconscious.

"What happened?!" Meowth asked. "I know what's coming," James said. "Me too," Jessie said. Diglett and Dugtrio popped up from the ground, all of them looked at Team Rocket. They all group together and formed a tall mud wave, taking Team Rocket away.

"That was... fast," I said. "Those guys never seem to catch a break, do they?" Ash asked. "And they never learn their lesson," Misty said. "Not like me... I definitely learned my lesson," the foreman said and we smiled. "So our stay wasn't a waste after all," Ash said. "That's right," Brock agreed, "And we're in luck. Fuchsia Gym is just over those mountains."

After saying goodbye to the foreman and the Diglett and Dugtrio in the morning, me and my friends continued on toward Fuchsia City.

Chapter Text

"Alright, where is this famous Fuchsia Gym we're looking for anyway?" Ash asked as we stopped in the middle of the forest. "I can't believe there's a Gym in the middle of nowhere like this," Misty said as I studied the map.

"Hey, Emma, what's the map says?" Brock asked. I raised an eyebrow as I gave them a look, "It says we're completely lost. Again." I sighed as I folded the map, "Let's take a break."

"But we need to find the Gym so I can win the badge!" Ash said. Before I could scold him, we all heard a growling noise and looked down at Ash's stomach. The boy chuckled nervously, "On second thought, maybe we should take a break and eat," He said. "Uh-huh," I said sarcastically.

We had found a spot to rest and started preparing for lunch. We had let out all of our Pokémon so they could relax outside their Poké balls.

I was making lunch while others were doing other stuff. "Smells great!" Brock complimented as he walked closer. "Thanks," I said, "Almost done."

"Hey, Emma, what's wrong with Scyther?" Misty asked as she stood next to me. I followed her gaze to my Scyther to see he was looking around at the trees. "I, uh, I don't know," I answered and looked at Brock, "Brock, can you watch over?"

"Sure," Brock said and I walked closer to Scyther. "Hey, Scyther, what's up?" I asked. "Scyther," my Mantis Pokémon said as he continued to look around for a moment before turning to me and shook his head, "Scyther..." I frowned and looked up at the trees in confusion. "Lunch time," Brock called.

After we finished eating lunch, we started preparing to continue search for the Gym. "Let's head off," Ash said after getting all of our Pokémon back into their Poké balls, except Ash's and mine Pikachu of course, and Psyduck and Scyther. "Wait a minute, let's wait for Psyduck," Misty said as we looked over at her Psyduck, who was drinking water from the lake.

I looked over at Scyther as I held his Poké ball, but frowned in confusion as I saw he was looking at the trees ones again. "Psyduck, cold water can make headache even worse," Misty said and I looked over to see Psyduck was now standing near us. It looked at Misty with a blank stare and held its head.

"Sometimes I just look at that Psyduck's face and I get a headache," Misty said before looking quickly at me, "Hey, Emma, how about a trade?" I tilted my head, "Sorry Misty, but no."

Misty pouted and looked toward Psyduck in annoyance. "Come on guys, we better get going," Ash said. I held out Scyther's Poké ball, "Come on, Scyther."

"Scyther," Scyther said and we all looked at him in confusion. Scyther shook his head as if not wanting to be inside his Poké ball for the moment. "You want to be outside for now?" I asked and he nodded, "Scyther."

"Scyther looks a bit off, isn't he?" Misty asked. "He's been looking at the trees here for a while," I pointed out as I pulled on my backpack, "I don't know why."

"Come on," Ash said and started to walk away. Me, Brock and Misty exchanged a look before Misty returned Psyduck back to its Poké ball and we started to follow Ash. I stopped as I glanced behind me to see Scyther glaring at a spot on a tree. "Scyther? Let's go," I said.

Scyther glanced at me before quickly looking back at the spot, "Scyther..." He turned around and walked toward me and my friends, and we continued on.

After a bit of walking through the forest, we came across a bridge. Ash looked down the river under the bridge in confusion, "Are you sure the Gym is on the other side?"

"Nope," I answered. "Scyther," Scyther said as he tilted his head. "Pika!" My Pikachu suddenly called as she pointed to the other side and we followed her gaze to the side; there was a huge old-fashioned mansion not far away.

"A mansion in the middle of no where?" Misty asked. "Didn't knew there's mansions like those that are still existing," Brock said. I unfolded the map in confusion, "I didn't even seen a mansion in the map..."

"Let's ask for direction," Ash said and we walked over the bridge toward the mansion. Ash opened the door, "Hello, is anybody here?" he called but no answer.

"Seems like it deserted," I pointed out before we stepped inside. Scyther looked to the side, "Scyther." We followed his gaze and a small purple Pokémon jumped over, "Venonat." We looked at it in confusion. "Venonat?" I asked.

Venonat is an instectoid Pokémon with a spherical body covered in purple fur. A pink pincer-like mouth with two teeth, stubby forepaws, and a pair of two-toed feet are visible through its fur. Its limbs are light tan. There is also a pair of white antennae sprouting from the top of its head and have large, red compound eyes.

"What's that?" Ash asked as he pulled out his Dexter.

Venonat, the Insect Pokémon. Its eyes function as radar, allowing it to see in the dark.

"Cute," I said before noticing that Misty looked horrified at the Pokémon, and knowing her, she froze 'cause Venonat was a Bug-type Pokémon.

Venonat started to walk away from us and we watched it go. "Hey, wait up," Ash said, "Where's the owner of this place?" Venonat hopped near a corner before turning to us, "Venonat."

"Say what?" Ash asked in confusion. "I think it wants us to follow it," I said. Venonat turned around and walking away so we all quickly followed it around the corner.

Ash suddenly got electrocuted and fell down. "Ash!" I said. "Pikachu, why did you do that to me?" Ash asked. Both the Pikachu looked at each other quickly before shaking their heads, as if it wasn't any of them.

Scyther looked down, "Scyther." We all looked to where Ash was a moment ago when he got electrocuted and to our surprise, we saw a hole and inside there was a Voltorb.

Voltorb is a spherical Pokémon that resembles a Poké Ball with eyes and minus the button. The top half is red, while the bottom half is white.

"That's a Voltorb," I said. "Doesn't look friendly," Ash said and held out his Dexter.

Voltorb. The identity of this creature is unknown. It has an extreme personality, uses Electric attacks, and at times self-destructs.

Voltorb stared at us angrily. "O--Okay, let's just... go around carefully," I said as I helped Ash stand. We all walked around Voltorb as it turned to follow us with its eyes and we walked away quickly.

"Where did Venonat go?" Ash asked. "Look, over there," Misty said as she pointed down the hallway. At the end of the hall, Venonat was standing there, looking at us before running away when we looked at it.

Ash ran after it, "Hey, wait up!" He suddenly got stopped and fell down. Me, Misty, Brock, the Pikachu and Scyther ran closer. "Ash, are you okay?" I asked as I kneeled next to him. Brock held his hand forward, "It's invisible wall."

Misty held her hands forward and I followed, feeling my hand against a wall. I moved my hand away and moved my hands under Ash's arms, helping him up. "Okay, no more, we need to go," I said. "Yeah," Misty agreed.

"Let's get out of here while we have the chance," Brock said. I wrapped Ash's arm around my shoulder and helped him to walk, "Come on, Ash, let's go."

Me and my friends stopped as we saw Scyther was holding his scythe in front of him. "Scyther," he said as he shook his head. Brock pressed his hand on another invisible wall, "Another invisible wall! It's a trap!"

Ash rubbed his face with his hand as I looked around for a way out. A wall opened up and Venonat hopped out. "Venonat, it's you," Ash said as he looked at it angrily before moving away as I let him go slowly, "I'll teach you a lesson!"

"Ash, wait, don't!" I warned but he ran toward Venonat but the Insect Pokémon ran back behind the wall, making Ash fell inside the room behind it. We all followed him inside just when several throwing stars were thrown toward Ash. "Ash, look out!" I called and Scyther ran closer, hitting the stars away before they could hit Ash.

"You okay?" I asked and Ash nodded. "Thanks, Scyther," he said as he stood up. Suddenly, there was a female laugh echoing around the room. A young woman with green long hair and bright pink and red clothing jumped in the middle of the room.

"Born in darkness, living in darkness, such as a fate of a ninja, I am Aya, ninja warrior," she said proudly. "But don't you think that color is a little bit to bright for a ninja?" Misty asked. "I don't need your fashion report," Aya said.

"What you need is a lesson in treating people," I snapped before pointing at Ash, "You could have hurt him!" Aya smirked, "Please, I know how to aim. He would have been fine."

"You can't throw stars around! It's dangerous!" Ash said. "That's right! Tell her Brock," Misty said and we looked over to Brock, but to our annoyance and not very surprise, Brock was staring at Aya with red cheeks. I slapped him in the back of the head, "Snap out of it!" I looked at Aya, "What's your problem, lady?"

"This is a training camp, it's your fault you let your guard down," Aya said. "Guard down?!" I asked. "I won't let you leave this mansion without having a Pokémon battle with me first," she said as she pointed at Scyther, "Against this Scyther."

"This Scyther belongs to me," I said. "Then great, let's have that battle," Aya said. The same Venonat walked over, standing next to Aya. "That thing!" Ash snapped. I looked over at Scyther and he looked at me with a nod, "Scyther."

Scyther and I looked back at Aya. "I accept your challenge," I said. "One Pokémon for each of us," Aya said as my friends stepped aside. "Fine with me," I said and couldn't help but let out a small smirk, "Let's finish it quick, Scyther."

"Scyther," Scyther agreed as he held up his scythes. "Venonat, Stun Spore!" Aya called. Venonat shook its fur and an orange mist was released from its body. "Scyther, up!" I called and he flew up, making holes in the ceiling with his scythes, dodging the Stun Spore attack. "Now, Wing Attack!" I called.

Scyther's wings glowed bright and he flew down, hitting Venonat before it could even dodge, sending it fly across the room and hit a wall. "Venonat!" Aya called. Venonat stood up, shaking its fur before running over.

"Venonat, Psybeam!" Aya called. Venonat released a multicolored beam from its eyes and about to hit Scyther but he flew up to dodge it. "Scyther, Razor Wind!" I called.

Scyther crossed his scythes and they glowed white. He then brought them forward and multiple white crescent shaped energy beams came out and hit Venonat, making it step back at every hit before it finally fell down.

"Venonat!" Aya called, but this time, Venonat didn't stood up. I crossed my arms over my chest as my friends smiled, "I won. Now, we can go." Aya growled and returned Venonat back to its Poké ball.

A Voltorb rolled over and stopped in the middle of the room. "It's the same Voltorb!" Misty said. Voltorb used Self-Destruct, filling the room with smoke. A shadow appeared behind Aya, "You still got a lot to learn, Aya," a male voice said.

The smoke disappeared and showed a man standing behind her. "Brother, I have failed," Aya said in disappointment. Brock stepped forward, "Are you Aya's older brother? My name is Brock, you sure have a very nice sister, it's a pleaser to meet--"

Misty slapped him behind the head angrily, "This is no time for kiss-up, Brock!" She snapped. "None of you are to leave this mansion, unless you'll have a battle with me," the man said. "Hey, your sister already said a battle against her, and we can leave," I said, "I won. Who are you anyway?"

"I am Koga, the Pokémon master of the Fuchsia Gym," he explained. "So this is the Fuchsia Gym," Misty said. "That's correct, miss," Koga said. "At least we're in the right place," Ash said. "Ash, the battle," I said.

"Oh!" Ash said and looked at Koga, "I want to have the battle against you, I was looking for Fuchsia Gym, and now I'll win one of your badges." Koga unfolded a map and showed a badge on it, "This Soul Badge is yours, if you can defeat me, of course."

"All right, let's battle," Ash said. I held out Scyther's Poké ball, "Good job, Scyther, return," I said and Scyther went back into his Poké ball. "We shall have a two-on-two Pokémon battle, young man," Koga said. "That's fine with me," Ash said as he took my spot from a moment ago and I stood next to Brock and Misty.

Ash threw a Poké ball, "Pidgeotto!" Koga held a Poké ball, "Then I shall start with Venonat!" He threw the Poké ball, releasing his own Venonat. "Another Venonat?" I asked.

"This one has much more experience," Koga said with a smirk. Venonat suddenly glow bright, turning much bigger as it was lifted up to the air. The bright light disappeared, showing Venonat had evolved into Venomoth.

Venomoth is an insectoid Pokémon whose body is varying shades of purple. Its head and thorax are light purple, and it has bulbous, round light blue eyes, a small mandible, and a three-point crest on its head. Tucked close to its thorax are three pairs of tiny, whitish legs. Its abdomen is paler with several black, zigzagging stripes encircling it. It has two pairs of pale purple moth-like wings with thin black venation.

"It evolved," I said and Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Venomoth, an evolved form of Venonat. Tiny scales on its wings disperse various spores when they are flapped.

"Venomoth, Stun Spore," Koga called. Venomoth flapped its wings and an orange powder came out of them. "Pidgeotto, Whirlwind!" Ash called. Pidgeotto flapped its wings, sending a strong gust toward Venomoth, but it didn't help, and the Stun Spore got trapped in the mist, paralyzed. "Pidgeotto!" Ash called.

"Venomoth, release your Sleep Powder!" Koga called. Venomoth flapped its wings again and a light-tan powder came out, putting Pidgeotto to sleep as it fell to the floor.

Ash held Pidgeotto's Poké ball, "Pidgeotto, return," he called and the Bird Pokémon went back inside. Ash pulled out another Poké ball and threw it, "Charmander, go!"

The Lizard Pokémon was released, looking up at Venomoth. "Venomoth, Stun Spore!" Koga called. Venomoth flapped its wings again and the orange powder came out of them. "Charmander, Flamethrower!" Ash called.

Charmander used the attack, stopping the Stun Spore from hitting him. "Great job, Charmander!" Ash complimented and before he could order an attack, half of the ceiling collapsed, luckily not above us and only in front of us. "What is that?!" Ash asked.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

Meowth jumped over, "Meowth! That's right!"

I looked at Team Rocket in annoyance, "You three again?" I asked. "How many times do we have to say it?! You can't get Emma!" Misty snapped. Jessie and James held their Poké balls. "Of course we can," James said before they threw the Poké balls, sending out Arbok and Weezing.

"What is the meaning of this?" Koga asked. "Those three are bad guys that trying to kidnap Emma," Brock said. "They just don't give up," I muttered. "We'll have to join forces to get them out," Koga said. "Right, Charmander, go!" Ash said. "Go, Venomoth!" Koga said. "Go, Venonat!" Aya called as she threw her Poké ball, sending out her Venonat.

"Step right up!" James said with a smirk and threw a net at the Pokémon, capturing them inside it. "Pikachu!" I called and my mouse Pokémon ran forward, letting a few sparks appear on her red cheeks. "You too, Pikachu," Ash said and his male mouse ran to stand with my Pikachu. Jessie smirked as she threw a net as well, capturing them.

"Pika?!" my Pikachu called as they tried to get out of the net. "Pikachu!" I called. Misty held a Poké ball, "We need you now, Starmie!" But before she could throw the ball, a light appeared outside of Misty's backpack, and Psyduck was out.

"Psyduck."

"Psyduck! You're not Starmie!" Misty shouted. "Psyduck," Psyduck said as it held its head and tilted it. Misty growled before holding out another Poké ball, "This time I'll choose Staryu!" Psyduck stepped in front of Misty, holding its head, much to her annoyance.

"You're Psyduck, not Staryu, don't you understand?!" Misty snapped. "I think Psyduck wants to have a go," I whispered to her. Misty crossed her arms over her chest, "Fine, go if you want to." Psyduck turned to her again, walking closer, standing behind her.

"Or maybe not," I said while Misty looked at the edge of killing the poor Duck. "You're driving me crazy!" She shouted as Psyduck backed away from her while Ash held her back from behind her.

"Calm down, deep breath," I said to my redhead friend. Misty growled as she glared down at Psyduck, "What attacks Psyduck can do?" I held my Dexter quickly and searched, "Let's see."

Psyduck's attacks are: One: Tail Whip.

Misty quickly calmed down and looked at Team Rocket, "Psyduck, Tail Whip attack, now!" Psyduck wagged its tail back and forth but it was not effected whatsoever. I placed my hand on my face as I muttered, "Oh boy."

"How can you call that lame tail wag an attack?!" Misty shouted in embarrassment. "It must have other attacks," Ash told her and I held my Dexter up.

Psyduck's attacks; Number two: Scratch.

"All right, Psyduck, Scratch attack, now!" Misty called. Psyduck held its hand up, running toward Arbok and before it could attack, the Cobra Pokémon bit it and held its head in its mouth. Psyduck started to scream and Arbok let it go. Psyduck ran back and forth as it held its head.

Misty held her head, "What a totally pathetic Pokémon, now it's giving me a headache," She said. Koga walked to a wall, pulling on a rope, opening up several ceiling panels and unleashing a large amount of Voltorb right in front of Team Rocket.

"What are they?" Meowth asked. "I don't know what they are, but they are in the way!" Jessie said before she threw another net, pulling the Voltorb closer. "Pretty dumb move," I whispered to Ash and he nodded.

"This is a nice little catch," Jessie said with a smirk. "I don't know what those things are, but I can use them to practice my bowling game," Meowth said. James gasped in horror, "Those are Voltorb!"

"Voltorb?" Meowth asked in confusion. All the Voltorb turned to Team Rocket angrily as they sparked before they exploded. "Quickly," Koga told us and we followed him to a room with our Pokémon.

I looked at the room in confusion while holding my Pikachu in my arms. "This room feels really weird," I said. "Yeah," Misty agreed. "The walls, the ceiling... they all on a slant," Brock said. "This is a slanted room, to confuse our enemies," Koga said.

Ash and I tried to pull the net off of our Pokémon but they were all stuck. "It's sticky," I said. "No good, we can't get it off," Ash said. I looked at the Pikachu, "Can you two use your electricity?" They tried but couldn't.

"Not even that," I said. Suddenly there was an explosion on the wall in front of us and we looked forward to see Team Rocket, with the Voltorb all in a bag, carried by James.

"There you are," Meowth said before they looked around the room in confusion. "For some reason, I'm feeling a bit off," James said. "Hey! Give those Voltorb back!" I said. "Sure, there you go," Meowth said and rolled a Voltorb toward us, and it exploded.

After a moment, the smoke faded away and we saw Psyduck running back and forth in front of us. "What's with this loser Pokémon?" Meowth asked. "Psyduck, you just going to get hurt out there!" Misty said and held Psyduck's Poké ball, trying to bring it back inside but it kept running.

"Oh man," I said as Misty looked annoyed. Meowth looked annoyed as well and he kicked Psyduck toward us, "Out of the way!" Psyduck landed in front of us and it quickly got up to its feet and ran back and forth again.

"It even got rejected by Team Rocket," Misty said sadly but running toward Psyduck. "Looks like its headache is getting worse," I pointed out. Misty kneeled down and grabbed Psyduck, making it stop running but it didn't stop calling out its name repeatedly.

"Calm down, Psyduck," Misty said. Suddenly, Psyduck stopped as it closed its eyes and we watched it in confusion. Psyduck opened its eyes and surprisingly released blue rings from its body toward Team Rocket.

"W--What's happening?" Jessie asked as they froze. "I'm frozen! I can't move!" James said. "This must be one of Psyduck's attacks," Brock said. "Is that a Disable?" I asked in confusion and held my Dexter up.

Psyduck's attacks; Number three: Disable.

Team Rocket suddenly were lifted up, along with Arbok and Weezing. The bag was dropped to the floor, releasing the Voltorb.

Psyduck's attacks; Number four: Confusion.

Team Rocket were thrown out through the ceiling and into the sky. We looked at Psyduck, seeing it was concentrating before we saw the sticky nets were melting from the Pokémon's bodies. We smiled and looked at Psyduck as it relaxed.

"Good job, Psyduck," I complimented. "You had that kind of power all along?" Misty asked and I held my Dexter.

When Psyduck's headache becomes severe, it uses amazing power.

Psyduck held its head and I chuckled. "That kind of talent is a real pain," Brock said. "Oh yeah," Misty agreed with a sigh. Koga and Aya turned to Psyduck with a smile. "Magnificent, that was a quite an impressive display," Koga said.

"I was very impressed by your performance," Aya said and they kneeled in front of Misty and Psyduck. "Young lady, would you consider trading your Psyduck for my Venomoth?" Koga asked. "I'll gladly trade my Venonat," Aya said.

Misty looked at Psyduck with a smile and hugged it, "Well, I wouldn't trade Psyduck for any Pokémon in the world." I looked at her in surprise but was very relief by that, I knew ever since Psyduck became part of her team, Misty cared and loved the Duck Pokémon, even if she would never admit it.

"Misty, you couldn't wait to get rid of Psyduck," Ash said with a smirk. "She can keep saying that, but in the end she would never do it," I said with a chuckle. I suddenly remembered the battle and looked at Ash, "Hold it, the battle."

Ash quickly looked at Koga, "That's right! We still haven't finished our match." Koga stood up, "Indeed."

All of us were outside for the battle. Koga and Ash were facing each other. Charmander was still outside his Poké ball, standing with Ash. "The Pokémon I choose for this battle is Charmander," Ash said. Koga held a Poké ball, "Then I will choose..." He threw it up, "Golbat!"

Golbat is a large, blue bat-like Pokémon with purple wing membranes. It has small, slit-pupiled eyes, tiny triangular ears with purple insides, and a massive mouth with two fangs in each jaw. It has short legs with long feet.

"What's that?" Ash asked as he held his Dexter.

Golbat. Attacking with its sharp fangs, this Pokémon can drain three hundred cubic centimeters of blood per bite.

Golbat was flying back and forth in front of Charmander. "Be careful, Charmander," Ash said. "Golbat, Wing Attack," Koga said. Golbat repeatedly swiped down and tried to strike Charmander with its wings but the Lizard Pokémon kept dodging.

"Charmander, Ember attack!" Ash said. Charmander held his tail up, spinning around, letting sparks fly from his tail to keep Golbat away. "Good job, Charmander," Ash said. "Golbat, use your Screech attack," Koga said. Golbat opened its mouth wider and released thin yellow circles from its mouth, causing a loud, piercing noise, making Charmander and all of us cover our ears.

"Charmander, Flamethower!" Ash called. The noise stopped as Charmander used the attack, making Golbat stop and dodge the attacks as Charmander kept trying to hit it with his Flamethower, which he finally did when Golbat's wing got hit by the flames. "Okay, finish it off with Fire Spin!" Ash said.

Charmander opened his mouth and a spiraling flame was released, trapping and burning Golbat in a fiery tornado. "Golbat!" Koga called before the tornado disappeared and Golbat fell to the ground, unconscious.

Ash walked closer to Charmander and kneeled next to him with a smile, "We did it!" Charmander smiled and me, Brock and Misty walked closer. Koga returned Golbat into it's Poké ball and walked closer with a smile, "You have beaten me. Psyduck saved my Voltorb from been stolen by those thieves." He unfolded the map to shove the Soul Badge, "This Soul Badge rightfully belongs to you."

Ash stood up and took the badge with a smile. "Thank you," he said and looked at his new badge, "A Soul Badge, all right." Koga looked at his sister, "We both have a lot to learn about battle. We will now train even harder, Aya."

"Yes, brother," Aya agreed with a smile and looked at me, "And I hope when we'll meet again, we'll have another battle." I smiled, "Sounds good for me." Brock suddenly grabbed Aya's hand, "I am more then happy to stay and help you train."

Misty grabbed his collar from behind in annoyance and dragged him away, "Cool off, will you?" Ash and I exchanged an amused look and chuckled.

After that, we all said goodbye to Koga, Aya and their Pokémon before heading out. "Another Badge, you getting better," I teased and Ash chuckled. "Next stop, is the Safari Zone," I said with a smile. "I can't wait to reach it. There we can catch all sort of Pokémon." Ash grinned, "All right! I can't wait!"

Chapter Text

"We're here!" Ash shouted as we walked reached to the Safari Zone. "I can't wait to see what Pokémon are around," I said with a smile. "Pika!" my Pikachu agreed, sitting on my shoulder. "I can't wait to catch some Pokémon," Misty said. "What are we waiting for?!" Ash asked with a grin, "Let's go."

"Quiet!" a male voice shouted and we froze before quickly looking to a nearby building to see an older man there, looking at us in annoyance. "Hey, what's going on?" Ash asked. The man didn't answer and instead held a gun, "You want to be shot?"

We froze and backed away. "We're sorry," Misty said, "We apologize, so don't shoot." The man lowered his gun, "I'll forgive just one time. My name is Erick, the Safari Zone warden." I cleared my throat, "My name is Emma. This is Ash, Brock and Misty."

"Let me guess, you came to capture Pokémon," Erick said. "Yes, sir," Ash said. "Very well, come inside," Erick said and walked back into the building. My friends and I exchanged a quick look before walking into the building.

The room looked like a small lobby, with a couch near the window, where we put our bags on while we waited for Erick as he was looking into a locker behind the counter.

Erick turned to face us and put down a basket of Safari Balls and four fishing rods. "I'll say this right at the beginning," Erick started, "These Safari Balls and these fishing rods are all you can use in the Safari Zone. If you disobey the rules, my 'Thunderbolt' will fire."

"Thunderbolt?" Ash asked. Erick held his gun up and we froze. "Got it," Ash said. Misty gasped behind me and the boys and we looked over at her in confusion. She was staring at a picture on the wall near the couch, "Isn't this a Dratini?"

She pulled the picture from the wall and we walked closer. "Let me see," I said and she handed it to me. There was indeed a Dratini in the picture, along with a young man kneeling next to it as they posed for the picture.

Dratini is a serpentine Pokémon with a blue body and a white underside. It has white, three-pronged fins on the sides of its head and a white bump on its forehead. Above its round, white snout are oval, purple eyes.

"It's so cute," I said. "Isn't it Erick?" Ash asked. "He looks so young," Misty said. "I've heard rumors that there are Dratini here in the Safari Zone," Brock said, "I guess they were true, then." The picture suddenly was snatched from my hands and we looked over at Erick to see him holding the picture tightly in his arms, "No! There aren't any Dratini!"

"Hey, but it's in the picture," Ash said in confusion. Erick gave him a look, reaching for his gun. "We get it!" Ash said as we stepped back, "I understand completely." Erick gave us all one last look before turning around and walking into a room, closing the door behind him.

"Why does he get so defensive?" Misty asked. "He seems to have his reasons," Brock said. "Guess so," I agreed. "Let's call Professor Oak, maybe he knows something," Ash said and we walked closer to the phone. Ash dial the number and we waited for the professor to answer. A moment after, he shoved up on the screen, "Hello?"

"Hey, professor," I said. "Oh! Hello! How are you kids been? You haven't called me in a while, I was starting to get worried," he said. "Nah, we all okay," Ash said, "And guess what? I won another badge."

"That's terrific!" the professor said, "Well done, Ash. I was told you, Misty and Brock have meet Emma's parents, make sure to let Alex know about this, he will be happy to hear you won another."

"Will do, professor," Ash said. "Hey, Professor, we wanted to ask you something," I said. "Of course," he said. "We just got to the Safari Zone, and we met the warden, Erick... do you know him by any chance?" I asked.

"Oh yes, I know Erick very well, so have your grandfather," he answered. "My grandfather?" I asked, blinking. The Professor hesitated, "The one I am told not to say his name around you." I frowned in annoyance, Drayden, of course. "Oh, him," I said. "Pika..." my Pikachu trailed off, sighing.

"Should we know which grandfather?" Brock asked. "You're not gonna meet the man, so no need," I said as I crossed my arms over my chest and looked back at the professor, "Anyway, we saw a picture of his younger self with a Dratini, but he got angry and took the picture, claiming there isn't a Dratini around."

"Why would he say that?" Ash asked. "The one who discovered the legendary Dratini 30 years ago was Erick himself," the professor explained, "But afterwards, trainers who had heard rumors about it suddenly started intruding and got every Pokémon they could find. As a result, the Safari Zone ended up completely wrecked. After that, the Safari Zone's rule to use only Safari Balls was established."

"So that's what happened," Misty said sadly. "So, what happened to the Dratini?" Ash asked. "In the end, it couldn't be found," the professor answered, "The only thing that was left, what the picture you saw. Even I don't know where it really is. After all, it's a legendary Pokémon. Now, Emma, Ash, you two better start sending me Pokémon."

"We get it," I said as Ash nodded. "We'll send some very soon," he said. Professor Oak smiled, "I am looking forward to it. Have fun." The Professor hung up and the screen turned black. "The legendary Pokémon Dratini," I said. "I want to see it," Ash said and we all agreed.

Erick leaded me and my friends to a gate and he opened the doors. "Once you've used all the Safari Balls, return here immediately," he said. "Okay," we all said together.

"Hold it right there!" we heard an annoying familiar female voice and looked over to see Team Rocket. "Team Rocket," I said in annoyance as me and my friends put down the baskets. "Who are you?!" Erick asked. "We are so glad you've asked," James said.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

Meowth jumped up, "Meowth! That's right!"

"I don't understand who those clowns are," Erick said much to Team Rocket annoyance. "Haven't you been listening?!" Jessie asked. "Not really," Erick said and I chuckled quietly. Jessie placed one hand on her hip, "Anyway." She pointed at me, "Emma, this time we're going to challenge you and your little friends to a fair and open fight."

"'Fair', you say?" Brock asked. "You're probably lying," Misty said. "Nothing's fair with you three," I said as I crossed my arms over my chest. "Not true," Jessie said. "Which one of us will be able to get the most Pokémon here in the Safari Zone? Compete with us!" James said.

"If you guys win, we promise not to try and kidnap Emma ever again or even get in your way," Meowth said. "Really?" Ash asked. I raised an eyebrow, "You? Really?"

"You can call us anything but liars," Jessie said. "It seems more and more like you are lying," Misty said as she put her hands on her hips. "Think about it, if we do catch more Pokémon than them, they will leave Emma and us alone," Ash whispered to us before turning to Team Rocket, "We accept your challenge!"

"It settles then," Jessie said. "If you guys happen to lose, we'll be taking Emma, and all the Pokémon you're carrying," James said. "Deal," Ash said. "What?!" Brock, Misty and I asked together. I grabbed Ash's collar, "You're selling me up?! What kind of a friend are you?!"

"Calm down," Ash said as he gently pulled my hands away, "You're gonna stay with us and so will all of our Pokémon. I know we can win them." He looked at Team Rocket, "We're gonna win so this hopefully will be the last time we'll see you three." I sighed and looked at Team Rocket. "Better start catching," Jessie said, and we grabbed our baskets and walked away quickly.

While my friends went to catch Pokémon, I went on with my Pikachu to catch as well. Pikachu and I hid behind the trees and looked around for any Pokémon. "Pika," Pikachu whispered and pointed forward to a Rhydon eating an apple. "A Rhydon," I whispered and held my Dexter.

Rhydon, the evolved form of Rhyhorn. It is known as the Drill Pokémon. Its large horn gives it formidable attack power.

"Sweet," I whispered and stepped out of hiding as I pulled out a Safari Ball. "Hey, Rhydon!" I called, catching its attention. I quickly threw the ball, getting the Drill Pokémon inside. Pikachu and I watched as the ball moved for a moment before it stopped.

I grinned, "All right!" I said. "Pika!" my Pikachu cheered. I walked closer to the ball and the apple Rhydon was eating and picked them both up. "Come on out, Rhydon," I said as I threw the ball up, releasing the Drill Pokémon outside.

I held out the apple with a smile, "Here you go, finish it up." Rhydon took the apple back and continued to eat it while I patted its head, which it didn't seem to mind at all.

"Pika, Pikachu," Pikachu said on top of my head. Rhydon looked at her and I smiled as those two started to talk with each other. "Let's catch more, Pikachu," I said. "Pika," she agreed with a nod. I held the Safari ball in front of Rhydon after it finished eating the apple, "Return, Rhydon."

Rhydon went back inside the ball and we continued on toward a lake. There I saw a small hard of Ponyta drinking water from the lake. "Ponyta," I said and held my Dexter.

Ponyta, a Fire Horse Pokémon. Its mane is made of intense flames.

"They're so cute," I said. "Pikachu," my Pikachu agreed as I held another Safari Ball. "I'll catch one," I said before taking a few steps toward them and stopped. I threw the ball on one and it want inside the ball. The herd saw what was happening and quickly ran away. I looked back at the ball and saw it stopped moving. I smiled, "Yes!"

I ran closer and grabbed the ball. "I got another one," I said. "Pika, Pika!" my Pikachu called and we heard a noises from the water. We looked over and saw a Pokémon that looked like a Seel landing on a rock outside the lake.

It was a pinniped Pokémon with a snowy white, furry body. Its fur renders it virtually invisible in snowy conditions. Its face has two black eyes, a black nose, and two tusks extending from its upper jaw. It has a streamlined body with two front flippers and a long flowing tail.

"It looks like a Seel but on the other hand it looks bigger," I said and held my Dexter.

Dewgong, the Sea Lion Pokémon. The evolved form of Seel. This Water/Ice Pokémon can easily resist extreme cold.

"A Dewgong, cool," I said and held a Safari Ball, "I'll catch it too." I threw the ball toward Dewgong and captured it inside. I watched as the ball moved for a moment before it stopped. "All right!" I said and Pikachu walked to the other side to the rock. She used her tail to slap the ball toward me, which I caught. "Thanks, Pikachu," I said. "Pika," she said as she ran back toward me.

We heard a laughing noises behind us and turned around in confusion. Erick was walking closer, laughing hysterically while been tickled by a machine. "Erick?!" I asked. "Get this off me," he said as he continued to laugh.

"Uh!" I said and held Rhydon's Safari Ball, "Rhydon, help!" Rhydon was released outside and looked toward Erick. "Quick, Rhydon, Smack Down!" I said. Rhydon held its fist and jumped up before down on the machine, destroying it.

Erick got out from the machine's grip and panted as he fall to the grass. "Are you okay?" I asked before I noticed my friends running toward us. "What's going on?" Brock asked as he kneeled down next to the old man.

"Team Rocket..." Erick trailed off, "Team Rocket is trying to capture Dratini." Brock helped him up, "I thought there weren't any Dratini."

"No, there are. In the Dragon Valley," Erick answered. "The Dragon Valley?" Misty, Ash and I asked together. "Let's go there then," I said, "We got to save Dratini from Team Rocket!" I looked at Erick, "Show us the way."

The Dragon Valley was in the end of the Safari, covered in water and ice. My friends, me and Erick ran into an ice cave with in the middle of it was a lake, and to our annoyance in front of us on the other side was Team Rocket.

Meowth was holding a bomb in his hands, "In that case, we'll use the Team Rocket's special underwater electric bomb. That way, we'll get all the Pokémon in the lake in one shot." Jessie smirked, "All of them?" James smirked, "In one shot?"

"Team Rocket!" I called, which they looked over at us. "You?!" they asked together. "We know what you're up to! You're not getting Dratini!" I said. "Who asked you?!" Jessie asked before throwing the bomb into the water.

We gasped as we saw it sinking inside. "No!" Erick shouted and jumped into the water before any of us could stop him. "Erick!" Ash said before stepping forward. "Ash! Wait!" I shouted as I grabbed into his arm and pulled him back.

"What's the matter?" Ash asked me. "You can't jump in! It's too dangerous!" I said. "Erick and all the Pokémon inside are in danger too, I can do it," He said, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Trust me."

"Come on," I muttered as I let him go. He smiled before running to the water, jumping inside. I pulled out Poliwhirl's Poké ball and threw it, "Poliwhirl, help Ash and Erick."

Poliwhirl was released and went straight into the water. Me and my friends watched the lake, waiting for them to come back. "Pika-Pi," Ash's Pikachu said sadly. Suddenly, Poliwhirl popped out from the water with Erick. "Erick, where's Ash?" I asked. Erick panted, "He went to grab the bomb on his own." We gasped, "What?!"

Brock helped Erick get out of the water as I looked at Poliwhirl, "Quick, Poliwhirl, go back and get Ash!" Poliwhirl nodded but before he could dive back down, there was a rumbling above us and we all looked up at the sky, seeing it was getting darker.

Rain started to pour and lightning were appearing. "What's going on?!" Misty asked as Poliwhirl got out from the water. "The lake!" Brock said and we followed his gaze to the water to see a giant whirlpool appeared in the lake.

A bright blue light beam through the whirlpool, and a shadow flew up inside it, up to the sky. "That's..." Erick trailed off in amazement. The light disappeared and the sky quickly cleared to show a Pokémon.

It was a long, serpentine Pokémon with sky blue scales and a white underside. It has a rounded snout, oval purple eyes, and a small, white horn on its forehead. On each side of its head is a small, stylized wing, which is white and curves into a swirl at the base. Three blue, crystal orbs adorn its body: one on its neck and two on its tail.

I noticed it was carrying something on its back. Or someone. I smiled, "Look, it's Ash!" I said. "Pika-Pi!" the male Pikachu called. "And the legendary Pokémon, Dragonair," Erick said. "Dragonair..." I muttered as I held my Dexter.

Dragonair, the Dragon Pokémon. A Legendary Pokémon that can freely make it rain or snow. It's said to be able to fly, even though it doesn't have wings.

"So pretty," Misty said. "Hey, Team Rocket! You can have this back!" Ash called and threw the bomb toward them, which landed on Jessie's hands. A few seconds then, the bomb exploded as it electrified them before sending them off into the sky.

"Looks like Team Rockets blasting off again!"

Dragonair flew toward us and close to the ground so Ash could get off, before it went to sit in the water as it stared at Erick. "Could you be..." Erick trailed off, "I knew it, you're the one from back then."

Dragonair moved closer and placed its head on Erick's shoulder as a greeting and a hug. Erick quickly hugged the Pokémon, "You've grown up." A small Dratini popped out from the water and move closer to Dragonair as we all looked at it in amazement.

"A Dratini," Erick said before looking up at Dragonair, "Could it be... it's your child?" We all smiled as Dragonair nodded. "I see," Erick said before kneeling down to pet Dratini.

Me and my friends were back at the warden's office to talk to Professor Oak about what happened. "We promise not to tell anyone about Dratini and Dragonair," Ash said. "Sometimes it's better to keep things to yourself," I said, "It would be bad if the Safari Zone got wrecked again like it did in the past."

"You've all grown up pretty well yourselves," the professor said, "Oh, Ash, Emma, have you two send me any Pokémon?"

"I sent three that I caught," I answered while Ash looked nervous. "Oh, uh, I sent them over, so I think they should be there by now," He said. The professor smiled, "I wonder what you sent me."

"Well... things happened, you see," Ash said, nervously. I raised an eyebrow, "What did you catch?" I asked. He chuckled nervously, "Well..."

We heard rumbling from the screen and looked over to see the professor looking to the side before running away as he screamed. A herd of Tauros trampled over the Professor in a stampede. "Tauros?" I asked and looked at Ash, "Don't tell me..." He chuckled nervously, "30 Tauros."

By sunset, me and my friends were heading out as we said goodbye to Erick. "Bye!" We called. "Take care!" Erick waved back to us, "Thank you for your help! Good luck on the journey!" We gave him one last wave before turning back on the path and leaving to Safari Zone.

Chapter Text

"Are we there yet?" Ash asked for the sixth time. "Or are we even close to the next town?" He asked as I studied the map. "Stop asking her every two minutes and let her figure it out," Misty defended me as she sat next to me on the rock. "Hey, you complaining more then me," Ash said.

"Am not!"

"Yes you are!"

"Am not!"

"Yes!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

I looked up from the map in annoyance, "Quiet!" I snapped, making them look at me, "One more word and it's Time Out!" They exchanged a nervous look as I looked back at the map, ignoring Brock's amused look.

"Okay... I think if we'll go through this path..." I said and pointed behind Ash on a path, which my friends followed my finger, "We should get to the next town in a few hours."

"A few hours?" Misty asked sadly. "Works for me," Ash said. "Let's go then," Brock said as I stood up. "Come on," I said as I walked past my friends to lead. My Pikachu quickly followed and jumped up to my shoulder. "Emma, isn't there a shortcut?" Misty asked. "Nope," I said as I looked back at the map.

"Pi?" my Pikachu asked and I glanced over to her on my shoulder to see she was looking forward in confusion. We all stopped walking as we looked forward to see a Pokémon sitting in the middle of the path with its legs crossed.

It was a humanoid Pokémon with a predominantly pale purple body and brown hips and feet that resemble short pants and shoes. It has three blunt protrusions on top of its head, and circular sections on each side of its head that resemble protective padding. There are white bands resembling bandages on its torso and wrists. It has thin limbs, and its hands have three fingers each. It had a ripped blue neckerchief around its neck.

"What's that?" Misty asked. "Is that a Tyrogue?" I asked. Ash pulled out his Dexter, "Tyrogue?"

Tyrogue. No information available.

"No information?" Ash asked. "He can evolve to either Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan," I said as Ash put his Dexter into his pocket. "By the looks of it, I think he's hungry," Brock said, "See him holding his stomach?"

"Let's see then," I said as I opened my backpack and pulled out Pokémon food. I walked closer to Tyrogue, and kneeled down as I held some food, "Hey there." Tyrogue opened his eyes and looked at me, "There you go, have some food."

Tyrogue didn't took the food and looked away. "Doesn't seem hungry then," Ash said behind me. "Pika," his Pikachu said. "Do you have anything else, Emma?" Misty asked. "I think so, let me see," I said as I placed my backpack down and opened it again.

Before I could reach inside, Tyrogue grabbed the food inside my backpack and ran away. "Hey!" We said. "You can't steal someone else's food!" Ash said as Tyrogue stopped to face us.

"Tyrogue!" he called as he looked up to the trees, and lots chestnuts were thrown on me and my friends from the trees. I saw that Tyrogue was running away, "Hey! Wait!" I tried to follow but suddenly a Mankey and Primeape fell down the trees and I stopped.

"A Primeape and a Mankey," Misty said as they ran away. "They must be Tyrogue's friends," Brock said. We saw Tyrouge handing the food to Primeape and all three of them climbed up the cliff. "Stop! Get back here!" I called but they ran away.

"Is everything okay?" a familiar female voice asked and we all looked to the side to see Nurse Joy with her Chansey. "Nurse Joy?" we asked.

Nurse Joy had leaded us to her Pokémon Center. It was a small place near the lake. We told her what happened and after that she sighed, "Oh, those trio are quite of troublemakers."

"You know them?" Misty asked. "Yes, unfortunately do to all the troubles they cause in our small village," Nurse Joy said, "You see a few months ago, one of my Chansey found Tyrogue near the lake, and brought him here in the Pokémon Center, and when I helped him heal, he was angry and acted cold. I believe he was abandoned by his Trainer."

"That's sad," Misty said sadly. Nurse Joy nodded, "And a month after that, Tyrogue appeared and caused trouble to the people in the village, along with Primeape and Mankey. The people in the village want to hunt them down so they won't cause any more trouble, but I keep insisting that we need to settle the situation in a different way."

"That's right," I said. Brock suddenly stepped forward and grabbed Nurse Joy's hand, "I will be more than happy to stay and help with this." Misty slapped Brock on the back of his head, making him groan and held his head. "Hey, wait a minute," I said with a smile, "Brock is right."

"Huh?" my friends asked together but I ignored them and looked at Nurse Joy, "Nurse Joy, why don't let us take care of it?" Nurse Joy smiled, "You will?"

"We will?!" Misty asked. "Yes," I said. Just then, a Chansey ran inside, "Chansey! Chansey!" She called. "What is it, Chansey?" Nurse Joy asked. Right then, we heard people yelling outside. "What's going on out there?" she asked and we all ran outside.

We looked toward a group of people standing far away and we ran toward them. "What's going on?" Ash asked. "That Tyrogue again," one of the men next to us answered, "He and his gang smashed the farm house windows."

We pushed ourselves between the crowd and got to the front to see a small farm and near it a house with all the windows were broken. "Oh my," Nurse Joy said. "We need to take care of those three once and for all!" a man shouted.

"Yeah!"

Nurse Joy turned to the people, "Please, everyone, just calm down. Hunting them down isn't the right solution," She said. "It's the only way to stop this vandalism!" one of the people called. "Hunt them down!" another called.

"Please, everyone just listen, those four kids are Pokémon trainers, they agreed to help us," Nurse Joy said as she pointed at me and my friends in the crowd, making everyone looked at us. "So please, give them a chance."

Me and my friends walked to stand next to Nurse Joy. "We let trainers a chance, they couldn't do it, so why give those kids one?" one asked and there were shouts of agreement. Nurse Joy turned to us worriedly as the crowd continued to shout.

I sighed and step forward, "Okay, listen up!" I shouted which got everyone's attention, "I understand the frustration, but please, I'm sure that we can get Tyrogue and his friends to stop all of this. Give us some time. Please." The crowd started to talk to each other for a moment. "One day," a woman in the front said to us, "We give one day."

"What now?" Ash asked as Nurse Joy, me and my friends were sitting on the couches of the Pokémon Center. "We can't waste time," I said as I got up, "We need to get going and find Tyrogue and his gang."

"How are we going to get them to stop?" Brock asked. I tilted my head, "I'll think of something on the way," I said. "Huh?" my friends asked. I rolled my eyes and grabbed Ash's arm to pull him up, "Come on." I looked at Nurse Joy, "We'll be back soon, Nurse Joy," I said. "Good luck," Nurse Joy said as me and my friends ran outside.

We were all looking around in the mountain for Tyrogue and his gang. "Where are they?" Misty asked. "Tyrogue!" I called, "Come on out!" Ash looked at me, "So how are we doing it?"

"I'll challenge him to a battle," I said. "Huh?" my friends asked. "Pika-chu!" my Pikachu called. "Come on out, Tyrogue!" I called, "Let's have a battle! You and me!"

"Tyro."

We turned around and saw Tyrogue between Mankey and Primeape looking at us. "Tyrogue," Brock said. "Okay, Tyrogue, I'm challenging you to a battle," I said, "What do you say?" Mankey and Primeape stepped forward but Tyrogue held his arms out, stopping them before walking forward. He stopped as he stared at me for a moment before nodding, "Tyro."

"Great," I said with a smile. "Good luck, Em," Misty said as she and the boys moved away to stand at the side. I glanced at my Pikachu, "Let's do it, Pikachu."

"Pika," she agreed and jumped off of my shoulder to stand in front of me. "Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" I called. "Pika-chu!" Pikachu's cheeks glowed yellow, then she released multiple lightning bolts from her body toward Tyrogue, which he dodged a few times until she stopped.

Tyrogue ran toward Pikachu. "Dodge!" I called. Pikachu moved away before Tyrogue could hit her. "Pikachu, use--" I was cut off when a rope wrapped around Tyrogue from above and swip him off the ground. "Tyrogue!" I called before we heard a familiar annoying laughter with a Meowth air balloon.

"Prepare for trouble as Tyrogue sails away!"

"And make it double, 'cause we really can't stay!"

"Pow! To protect the world with a mean right hook!"

"Wam! To unite all peoples with my kickboxer look!"

"To denounce the evils of honest fights!"

"To extend our arms and punch out your lights!"

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"And Team Rocket's the winner at the speed of light!"

"So surrender at once, 'cause we've just won this fight!"

"That's right!"

"Team Rocket!" We called. "You just don't know when to quit!" Ash said. "We got Tyrogue all tied up to our new Team Rocket recruitment agreement," Jessie said. "What's that supposed to mean?" Ash asked. "It means Tyrogue here has become the newly imported member," James said.

"Now this is a blast!" Team Rocket said as their air balloon started to fly away. "Tyrogue!" I shouted and we all started to ran after the balloon, along with Mankey and Primeape. I held Scyther's Poké ball and threw it, "Scyther, blow this air balloon!"

Scyther was released and flew straight toward Team Rocket's air balloon, cutting the balloon to half. I ran faster as Scyther cut the rope which made Tyrogue fell down toward the ground. I jumped forward and caught Tyrogue as I fell to the ground on my back.

"Emma!"

I groaned in pain as I sat up, "Ow," I muttered before looking down at a surprised Tyrogue with a small smile, "Are you okay, Tyrogue?" Before he could answer we saw a few small of rocks felling down close to us and we looked up the cliff to see Team Rocket's air balloon was sitting on a huge rock before it fell with them as they yelled.

I pulled Tyrogue into my arms as we saw the rock rolling straight toward us. Before anything could happened, Brock's Onix appeared and pushed the rock away from us. I smiled in relief as I looked up at Onix, "Thanks Onix."

"Emma, are you okay?" Ash asked as my friends reached over along with Scyther. "Yeah, I'm fine," I said with a smile and looked at Tyrogue, "What about you?" Tyrogue nodded slightly, "Tyro." I pulled the rope off of him and threw it to the side.

"Excuse me!" Jessie shouted and we looked to the other side at Team Rocket. "If you think we're done, then you are wrong!" Meowth said. Jessie and James threw their Poké balls, releasing Arbok and Weezing.

I sat Tyrogue down and stood up, "Okay." I looked at Scyther and my Pikachu, "Let's do it, then! Scyther, Pikachu, Quick Attack!" Both my Pokémon used the attacks together, tackling both Arbok and Weezing backward.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" I called. Pikachu released a powerful bolt of yellow electricity from her body and straight toward Team Rocket, electrifying them as they screamed before she stopped. "Onix, tackle!" Brock called and Onix slid toward them quickly, hitting them up into the air.

"Looks like Team Rockets blasting off again!"

"That's better," I said as I crossed my arms over my chest and looked down at Tyrogue, as he looked up at me.

"Nurse Joy!"

Nurse Joy smiled as she turned to face us when we got back and found her at the lake. "You're back," She said in delight before looking a bit shocked to see we had Tyrogue, Mankey and Primeape with us. "Oh!"

"We had a talk with Tyrogue, Mankey and Primeape, and the three of them agreed to live in peace with the village people and not to cause any more trouble for them," Ash said. "How did you convinced them?" Nurse Joy asked.

I kneeled next to Tyrough, "We showed them, not all humans are bad," I said and smiled as I noticed that the village people were gathering around. "I don't know about Mankey and Primeape, but as you said, Nurse Joy, Tyrogue has been abandoned, he was with the wrong kind of trainer." I placed my hands on both Mankey and Tyrogue's heads, "But I think we showed him that not all Pokémon trainers are bad people, we showed him and his friends that there are trainers that will do anything to protect and care for Pokémon, wild or not. Pokémon have feelings, just like us, humans."

I stood up and looked at Nurse Joy as Misty spoke to her, "We really hope that from now on everyone can accept them as friends and not enemies." Nurse Joy smiled, "I hope so too."

Me and my friends were getting ready to leave the Pokémon Center, but before we were leaving we waited for Nurse Joy to finish checking on Tyrogue, Mankey and Primeape.

"They all okay," Nurse Joy said as she walked toward us, along with the trio following behind her. "That's great to hear," Brock said as we all smiled at the Pokémon. I looked at Nurse Joy, "So, what's going to happen now?"

"Well, I was thinking of letting Tyrogue, Mankey and Primeape stay with me," Nurse Joy said. "That's great!" Misty said and we looked down at the Pokémon. "What do you guys think?" Ash asked. Mankey and Primeape nodded, liking the idea but Tyrogue didn't answer at all and instead stepped forward and pointed at my Pikachu, "Tyro."

"Huh?" I asked. "Pika?" my Pikachu asked. "Oh! Our battle, you want to continue it?" I asked and Tyrogue nodded. I smiled, "Okay!" I looked down at my Pikachu, "Ready, Pikachu?" She nodded, "Pika!"

We all walked outside and stopped near the lake. "Are you ready, Tyrogue?" I asked and he nodded as he stood in a fighting stand, "Tyro." I looked at my Pikachu, "Okay, Pikachu, Quick Attack!"

Pikachu ran at a fast speed toward Tyrogue, but Tyrogue suddenly used Double Team, which caused Pikachu to stop. "Pika?" she asked. "That's Double Team!" Brock said. "Concentrate, Pikachu," I said, "Find the real Tyrogue, you can do it!"

Pikachu stood on four again, closing her eyes as she moved her ears up. She seemed to find the real one and opened her eyes. "Tail Whip!" I called and she jumped up and flipped over, hitting her tail on one of the Tyrogue. All the Tyrogue disappeared and revealed that Pikachu hit the real one, which caused him to move backward a little because of the hit.

"Nice shot," I said. "Pika," my Pikachu said as she stood on four, swinging her tail back and forth. "I didn't know Pikachu can do that," Ash said. Tyrogue jumped up and toward Pikachu as he held one of his feet, ready to use Jump Kick. "Tail Whip!" I called. Pikachu jumped up to meet Tyrogue, hitting him with her tail, this time, the hit threw him into the lake.

"What a hit!" Brock said. "Pika-chu!" Ash's Pikachu called. Tyrogue stood up in the lake and looked at my Pikachu before collapsed onto his knees in defeat. "Pika," my Pikachu said. I walked closer and into the lake before walking toward Tyrogue as I saw that the blue neckerchief had somehow slipped from his neck and was floating away slowly.

I took Tyrouge into my arms and moved back to land. "You okay?" I asked as I gently placed Tyrogue on the grass. "Tyro..." he said. I grabbed my backpack and opened it. I pulled out one of my ribbons, which was a red one and tied it around Tyrogue's neck, turning it as a new neckerchief for him. "Your old one is floating away in the water, so I thought you'll like a new one," I said.

"That's so cool," Misty said. "That was an awesome battle, you fought really great, Tyrogue," Ash said. "Well done, both you and Pikachu, Tyrogue," Nurse Joy said. My Pikachu held her paw to Tyrogue, "Pikachu." Tyrogue let a small smile appear on his face and shook her paw, "Tyro."

"You know... I would like to ask you something, Tyrogue," I said. "Tyro?" he asked. I pulled out a Poké ball, "I would like to catch you. I would love for someone like you to be part of the family. We'll get stronger together. What do you say?" I held the Poké ball forward and waited for his answer.

Tyrogue glanced over at Mankey and Primeape, which the pair nodded. Tyrogue looked back at me quickly and nodded with a smile, "Tyro!" He pressed the button of the Poké ball, which it opened and red light appeared around Tyrogue, and into the Poké ball.

We all watched the Poké ball moving in my hand for a moment before stopping, making Tyrogue my new Pokémon. I stood up with a smile, "All right, I caught Tyrogue!"

"Pi-Pika-Chu!" My Pikachu called with a smile. "All right!" Misty said as they all smiled. "Congratulations," Ash said. "Pika-chu!" his Pikachu said. "Good job," Brock said. "Well done," Nurse Joy said, "Take good care of him." I nodded, "I will," I said and looked at Mankey and Primeape, "I promise."

We all waved goodbye to Mankey, Primeape and Nurse Joy, along with Tyrogue. "Goodbye, take care of yourselves," Nurse Joy said. "Bye," we said. "Take care." I looked down at Tyrogue and smiled.

Chapter Text

My friends and I were walking on the path, when suddenly both mine and Ash's Pikachu stopped in front of us. "What's the matter?" I asked but they didn't answer and ran to the side into the bushes. "Hey, wait up!" Ash called and we ran after them.

They suddenly stopped, "Pikachu!" They pointed forward and we followed their gazes to see an Eevee tied to a post inside a tree hollow with a bowl of food and water beside it, crying out.

Eevee is a mammalian, quadruped Pokémon with primarily brown fur. The tip of its bushy tail and its large furry collar are cream-colored. It has short, slender legs with three small toes and a pink paw pad on each foot. Eevee has brown eyes, long pointed ears with dark brown interiors, and a small black nose.

"An Eevee," I said as we walked closer. "Why is it tied up like that?" Misty asked sadly as I kneeled down and took it into my arms. "It's been abandoned," Brock said. "I don't know about that," I said, "It has food and water here." Ash held his Dexter up toward Eevee.

Eevee, the Evolution Pokémon. It has the potential to evolve into any one of three different Pokémon.

"Wow, then I want one," Ash said. "First of all, it's weird, cause my Mom's Espeon, she's also one of the evolved form of Eevee, and second, you can't do that, Ash, cause this one has a name-tag," I said as I pointed at the small name-tag around Eevee's neck.

Stone 3-14 Town

"Stone town?" Ash asked. "Stone town? That's the evolution mountain," Brock said. I pulled the rope off of Eevee and stood up with it. "We should take it back," I said.

My friends and I reached to the town, and we started to look for the same address that was on Eevee's tag. I was still holding Eevee in my arms as I noticed Ash looking into his Dexter.

Eevee evolves into one of three Pokémon, depending on what stone is used on it:

Using a Fire Stone will yield Flareon, the Flame Pokémon.

A Water Stone yields Vaporeon, the Bubble Jet Pokémon.

A Thunder Stone yields Jolteon, the Lightning Pokémon.

"Hey, Em, how come it doesn't say Espeon?" Ash asked. "I don't know," I said as I shook my head. Misty sighed in delight, "I would love a Vaporeon." I looked over at her as I raised an eyebrow, as Ash and I smirked.

"Big surprise, Misty. All you can think of is Water Pokémon. It sounds to me like you want to keep that Eevee all to yourself," Ash teased. I chuckled, "Good thing I'm the one who's holding it."

"Hey, Emma, if you had an Eevee, what would you evolve it to?" Misty asked. "Well... I would have let it choose," I admitted, "I think that choosing to evolve is something that the Pokémon need to choose, not us. But, it's just me. If I did had an Eevee, I wouldn't mind what it will become, I think all the evolution of Eevee, and Eevee itself are great."

I looked down at Eevee and smiled as I petted it softly. "Here we are!" Brock called and I looked forward as we all stopped. In front of us there was a mansion of a size of my own house.

"Wow!" Ash said. "Let's go," I said and walked around Brock to continue toward the mansion, and I heard my friends following me. "You don't seem impressed," Misty told me.

"It's not the first mansion we've seen," I pointed out. We walked toward the garden and stopped when we saw a crowd there. There was tables with food and drinks on and a calm music.

"Wonder what's party is it," I muttered. "Hey, look there," Misty said and I followed her finger toward a boy in my age holding a water stone on a Poliwhirl.

It glowed bright and got bigger before the light disappeared to show Poliwhirl evolved into Poliwrath. "A Poliwrath, that's cool!" I said with a smile. "Pika!" my Pikachu agreed.

A few people around the boy, Poliwrath and its trainer clapped. Poliwrath jumped into a fountain to join in with a Vileplume, a Cloyster, Starmie and a Victreebel.

I looked around the garden, all the Pokémon in the area were evolved by a stone. "Every Pokémon here is... an evolved Pokémon," I muttered. "Eevee!" I heard three voices calling and looked over to see the same boy and two others running toward me.

"Where did you run off to? We were worried about you, Eevee," the boy told the Eevee in my arms. The second boy that had a blue hair took Eevee from my arms, "Yeah." He looked at me, "Thank you for finding Eevee for us."

"Uh, no problem," I said. The boy with red hair looked at the two boys, "This is great, we've got our star, now we can go on with the show." I exchanged a surprised look with my friends. "Eevee is a star?" Misty asked.

"Then why was it tied up?" Ash asked as the three boys turned around. "Mikey, hey, Mikey!" the boy with the orange hair called, "Eevee's came back!"

A little boy with brown hair walked into view, looking disappointed a bit. "Oh..." I raised an eyebrow and watched as Eevee jumped out from the boy with the blue hair's arms and ran toward the little boy, Mikey, and jumped into his arms.

"How could you lose him? You've got to be careful," the boy with the red hair said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Did Eevee really escaped?" Misty asked. "He can't be," I pointed out, "He was tied up."

Mikey looked at me and my friends, "Why did you bring him back?" I crossed my arms over my chest as I stared down at the boy, ignoring my friends' confused look from Mikey's question.

Mikey looked down at Eevee as he called up his name. Right then, Eevee's three evolution, Flareon, Vaporeon and Jolteon walked closer. "Listen, Mikey, one day you'll be a Pokémon trainer just like us," the orange boy said.

"Do you really think you can win your first battle with an unevolved Eevee?" the blue boy asked. "All of us won our first battles because we evolved our Eevee, there's no other way to win," the red boy said, "The first victory is evolution."

"But, I don't care about battles," Mikey told them. "Don't care?!" the three brothers repeated together, which caused me and my friends step back. "They scary," Ash said.

"Everyone is waiting to see what you make Eevee evolve into, Mikey," the blue boy said. "You've got three choices, which do you think is the strongest of all the evolved Eevee," the orange boy said. "We want to know what you think of our Pokémon," the red boy said, "Mikey, which Pokémon do you want Eevee to become?"

"A Thunder Stone will make him a Jolteon, when a Jolteon gets mad, the hairs on its body turns into needles, and then it fire on its opponent," the orange boy said, petting his Jolteon. "A Water Stone will make him a Vaporeon, it can melt into water and make itself disappear," the blue boy said.

"A Fire Stone will make him a Flareon, with a blazing flam attack release from its body, Flareon is the strongest evolution choice of all," the red boy said. I raised an eyebrow as I watched the orange boy looked at the red boy in annoyance, "What are you crazy? My Jolteon is the strongest of all."

"Too bad you're the only one who thinks so," the red boy said as he smirked. I sighed and placed a hand on my hip. "Mikey, I'm sure you will make the right choice and make it a Vaporeon," the blue boy said. Mikey hesitated and looked down at his Eevee.

"This family sure is competitive, that's a lot of pressure to put on a little guy," Brock said. Ash step forward, "Hey, give the kid a break, will ya?" The four brothers looked at him as he continued, "Isn't he a little young to battle?"

"We're throwing this party just for him and his Eevee," the orange boy said. "You should know you have to start your training earlier if you want to become a master," the blue boy said. "Yeah, one day you and that girl will turn these Pikachu into Raichu, won't you?" the red boy asked. "Huh?" Ash and I asked together.

"I'm not going to take that choice from my Pikachu," I said as I placed my hands on my hips. "Chu." I glanced down to see my Pikachu sighing in relief. "Well... I..." Ash trailed off as he looked down at his male Pikachu, who was standing next to mine. His Pikachu looked up at Ash nervously, "Pika-Pika?"

"Do you need a stone?" the orange boy asked. "Come with us," the blue boy said before he and his brothers started to walk away. Me and my friends followed them toward a table with boxes on top of it.

I looked at the table in surprise when I saw that inside the boxes there were stones, and not just water, fire and thunder. There were all kind of stones there.

"Wow," Ash said. "Fire, water, thunder, leaf and moon stones," I said. "You really have collected a lot of them," Brock said as I felt something brushing against my leg. "That's what our town known for," the blue boy said as I looked down to see the blue boy's Vaporeon next to me.

I kneeled down and petted it with a smile. "You're a friendly one, huh?" I said. Right then, Jolteon and Flareon walked closer too. "They look great," I said as I petted Jolteon and Flareon's heads.

"They like you," the red boy said to me and I stood up. "Pika, Pika!" my Pikachu said as she jumped up to my shoulder before she pointed to the side. I looked to where she was pointing and saw a table with food. I chuckled, "Okay, go on."

My Pikachu jumped off of my shoulder and ran toward the food, with Jolteon, Vaporeon and Flareon following her. After that, Misty and I walked away from the boys toward the fountain. I sat down on the edge as Misty pulled out a Poké ball.

"Come on out Horsea," She said as she held out the Poké ball. Horsea came out straight into the water. The Dragon Pokémon blinked before calling out in excitement. "It's been a while, hasn't it?" I asked with a chuckle and Horsea nodded before swimming around.

I looked around the area before my eyes fell on Mikey, who was sitting on a bench with his Eevee in his arms while he was drinking a juice. "Mmm," I hummed before standing up. I walked toward one of the food tables and grabbed a plate. I filled it up with some food before walking toward the little boy.

I held the plate closer to him, making him look at me. "Huh?" I smiled, "Hungry?" A paw reached over and took a sandwich from the plate. We looked over to see it was Misty's Psyduck who took the sandwich. Misty ran closer in annoyance before hitting Psyduck on the head, "Stop that!"

I smiled a small smile as Misty dragged Psyduck away. I chuckled and looked back at Mikey, "Want some?" He smiled and nodded. I placed the plate in the middle as I sat down. Eevee jumped out from Mikey's arms and took a bite. Mikey took a sandwich and started to eat.

"Is it good?" I asked and he nodded. "Mikey, tell me the true," I started, "Do you want to evolve Eevee?" Mikey looked down, "Well... It doesn't matter what I want. My brothers don't care about anything but battling Pokémon."

"And what about you?" I asked. "I was trying to hid Eevee from them, just for today," He said and then smiled as he looked up at me, "Then no one could force me to make him evolve at the party." My Pikachu and Ash's jumped up to the bench.

"But, Eevee looked very, very lonely out there," I said. "Chu," Ash's Pikachu said as he nodded. "I was going to get him later," Mikey said and smiled down at Eevee as he rubbed himself against his arm, "I don't care if Eevee evolves or not. I just want him to be my best friend."

I smiled, "Now you sound just like me. I don't like to force a Pokémon to evolve. The Pokémon I have, I let them have this choice," I said. "You are?" Mikey asked. "Yep," I said with a nod, "But you made one mistake."

"What's that?" He asked. "You shouldn't have hide Eevee, this is just running away from your problem," I said, "If you don't want to evolve Eevee, tell your brothers how you feel. That's your responsibility as a trainer."

"Hey, Mikey!" We looked over to see the brothers, Misty, Ash and Brock together. "Have you decided on Eevee's evolution yet?" the orange boy asked. Mikey hesitated and looked at me. "You can do it, Mikey," I encouraged.

"Pika," both the Pikachu said. "Well, I, uh..." Mikey trailed off as he looked back at his brothers before down at his Eevee. Eevee tilted his head toward the brothers and Mikey smiled as he gave a nod. He stood up, "You guys, I--"

He was cut off by people shouting at the sounds of fire crackers that were set off down their feet. I stood up in confusion, "Hey, what's that?!"

"It showtime, everybody!"

I looked up to see a familiar Meowth air balloon lowering down. "Those three," I muttered in annoyance. "Who invited you?!" the orange boy asked. Jessie and James jumped out from the air balloon to the grass.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

They suddenly turned to the food table along with Meowth and just started to eat as they continued with their annoying motto.

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's delicious!"

"They're so weird," I said as my friends and the brothers stood with me. "Pika," my Pikachu said. James pulled out a Poké ball, "Weezing!" His Pokémon came out. "Smokescreen."

Weezing let out smoke from it's holes around it's body and we all started to cough. I opened my eyes as I felt something wrapped around me and pulling me away.

I groaned as I slowly opened my eyes. I blinked and frowned when I saw that I was moving. I looked around and realized I was in a back of a truck, tied up, with all the Pokémon in two cages behind my back. "Hey, look who is awake!"

I looked to the front and saw James was driving and Jessie and Meowth looking at me. "Rise and shine!" Jessie said with a smirk. I looked at them angrily and tried to pull at the rope around me, "Team Rocket!"

"Now, now, save your strength, dear," Jessie said as Meowth laughed. "Time for lunch break!" he said. I looked away in annoyance and noticed that Misty's Horsea was leaving a trail of ink on the path.

After a few moments, James stopped the truck next to a lake. I watched in annoyance as they got out with the food they stole. I felt something on my tied wrist and glanced over my shoulder to see Vaporeon starting to nibble on the rope.

I smiled before turning back around so it won't look suspicious. Meowth hummed as he grabbed Eevee's cage and walked away. I tagged slightly on the rope, and it ripped off. I looked over at Team Rocket to see they were starting to eat. I slid out from the back quietly and walked to the front seats. I opened the driver seat quietly and looked inside for the keys to the cages.

I stepped away when I didn't find anything. I ran quietly to the cages, "Come on, Emma, think, think," I said quietly to myself as I grabbed the bars. I heard Team Rocket talking and glanced over the other side to find James holding a key smugly while talking with Jessie and Meowth. "I got to get that key," I muttered. I ran toward them and tackled James into the grass.

"Hey!"

"What?!"

I grabbed the key from James' hand as I stood up, and I turned to Team Rocket smugly. "Hold on!" Jessie said as they all stood up, "How did you--"

"Thanks for the key," I said before running past them toward the cages. "Stop her!" Meowth shouted. "Come back here!" James yelled. Vaporeon and Poliwrath used Water Gun and I ducked as I continued to ran, hearing Team Rocket yelling behind me.

I ran to the other side and unlocked the cages. "Let's go!" I called and all the Pokémon ran out. I turned back to team Rocket to see them getting up, their clothes were wet from the Water Gun. I looked over at Eevee's cage and stepped toward it but Jessie beat me to it and grabbed the cage.

"Emma!"

I looked over my shoulder to see my friends and the four brothers running toward us. "How did they find us?!" James asked. "Well, Horsea left a trail for us," Misty said smugly as she took Horsea into her arms.

"Eevee!" Mikey said. "I guess we'll have to settle with only little Eevee for now," Jessie said. "Forget it, you're old hag, we won't let you do that!" Misty said. Jessie glared at her angrily, "Wh... What did you just call me?!" She looked at James and Meowth and they stepped away nervously, "Ready for battle?!"

"Okay," they said nervously. James pulled out his Poké ball and let out Weezing, "Weezing!" Jessie pulled out her Poké ball and let out Arbok, "Arbok!" She looked at her Pokémon, "Attack Arbok! Show that little brat who's boss!" I looked at Ash, "Let's do it, Ash." He nodded, "Right."

"Wait!" we looked over at the three brothers. "That's our brother's Eevee," the orange boy said, "It's our job to save him. Let's go, Rainer, Pyro."

They looked at Team Rocket, "Yeah." Mikey smiled, "Brothers!" Vaporeon, Jolteon and Flareon all stood in front of their trainers, glaring at Team Rocket. "Watch the power of an evolved Pokémon!" the orange boy said, "Jolteon, attack!"

"Vaporeon, attack!"

"Flareon, attack!"

All three of the Pokémon ran forward. "Arbok, Poison Sting!" Jessie called. Arbok opened its mouth, letting out multiple white darts from its mouth. Jolteon dodged, jumping up. "Jolteon, Pin Missile! Fire!" the orange boy called.

Jolteon landed down on the grass on four legs, its fur became spiky and it fired multiple yellow needles from it toward Arbok, hitting it and making it move backward. Weezing turned to Vaporeon. "Weezing hit it with Sludge attack!" James called. "Vaporeon, use your Acid Armor and fight back!" Rainer called.

Vaporeon jumped into the lake and disappeared. Weezing looked around in confusion and used Sludge on the water, trying to find the Bubble Jet Pokémon. Suddenly Vaporeon jumped from the water, below Weezing, hitting it hard and away, straight to James, who fall to the grass with his Pokémon.

"Flareon, get Eevee!" Pyro called and Flareon ran toward Jessie, who froze in place. Flareon used Take Down, hitting Jessie with its body right on her stomach, making her yell as she fell down. The cage slipped from her grip and it fell to the grass with Eevee still inside.

Flareon turned to the small cage and grabbed the handle with its teeth before running toward all of us. "Good job, Flareon!" I said as Flareon placed the cage on the grass in front of Mikey. Mikey kneeled down and started to unlock the cage, "Thank you, Flareon."

Eevee got out of the cage and jumped straight into Mikey's arms, making him chuckle. "Eevee, you're okay," he said. We heard cries and looked forward to see Vaporeon and Jolteon landing in front of us. They stood up and shook their furs.

"Jolteon!"

"Vaporeon, are you okay?"

Mikey suddenly stood up as Eevee jumped down to the grass. "All right, Eevee, get ready! It's time for our first real battle!" he said, both of them looking determined. "Go get them, Mikey!" Ash said. "Pika-chu!" his Pikachu said.

"Eevee, Take Down attack!" Mikey called. Eevee charged toward Team Rocket. "What's this?" Jessie asked, "A stuffed animal?"

"Rage Take Attack!" Mikey called, and Eevee ran faster in a very high speed and slammed into them, making them fly away as they screamed.

"Yeah!" Mikey yelled as he jumped up and down. Eevee turned to him and ran toward him, jumping up into his arms. "Wow, you're the greatest, Eevee!" he said and laughed as Eevee started to lick his face. "I can't believe it," the orange boy said as he, Rainer and Pyro smiled.

Me and my friends smiled. "You did it, Mikey!" Misty said. "That was amazing!" I said. "Mikey, winning your first battle by yourself, that's incredible," the orange boy said. "And you won without making Eevee evolved, I was wrong," Rainer said. "You've always said you didn't want to battle, but you did great," Pyro said.

"I just wanted to help," Mikey said before looking over at me. I nodded for him to tell his brothers what he really wanted. He looked back at his brothers, "You guys, I decided to become an Eevee trainer."

They looked a bit surprised. "An Eevee trainer?" the orange boy asked. Mikey nodded, and they smiled. "Well Mikey, if that's what you want to do then do it," the orange boy said. "If you felt that way about it, you should have told us sooner," Rainer said. "Now we really are the four Eevee brothers," Pyro said.

Mikey smiled as Vaporeon, Jolteon and Flareon called out happily. "My brothers are the best," Mikey said. I smiled, "Reminds me of my brothers," I said with a chuckle and looked back at Mikey, "Congratulations, Mikey." Mikey turned to me, "Thanks." The orange boy placed a hand on Mikey's shoulder and looked at the other brothers, "Let's make this party celebration of Eevee's first victory."

After we brought back all the stolen Pokémon to their trainers, me and my friends clicked our drinks with Mikey's. "Congratulations!" We called together. "You did it, Mikey," Ash said. "Yeah," Mikey said happily before he looked up at me, "Uh, Miss Emma?"

"What's up?" I asked as I bend down slightly. "I wanted to thank you for helping me," he said and held up a flower, "This is for you." I took it with a smile, "Aw, thank you, Mikey, it's beautiful." I stood straight, "I know you will be a great Eevee trainer."

"Thank you," he said. "Mikey!" we looked over at his brothers and Mikey then looked at me and my friends with a smile. "Go on," Brock said with a smile. Mikey nodded before he ran to his brothers.

"It must be nice having big brothers," Misty said as we watched Mikey been lifted up in the air by his brothers. "It does," I admitted, "It makes me miss mine, that's for sure." I felt something on my shoulder and looked over at my Pikachu. "Pika-chu," she said with a smile and I smiled as I petted her on the head.

Chapter Text

My friends and I were taking a break in the middle of the forest. Ash and I decided to train. I was using Tyrogue for the first time while Ash was using Bulbasaur.

"Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!" Ash called and two vines came out of the sides of Bulbasaur's bulb. "Tyrogue, Double Team!" I called and Tyrogue's body glowed white and created multiple copies of himself, which made Bulbasaur hit a copy. "Mega Punch!" I called. All of Tyrogue's copies disappeared, revealing the real one behind Bulbasaur. He jumped as he held his fist up, making it glow bright.

"Bulbasaur, look out!" Ash called. Bulbasaur dodged as Tyrogue landed on the spot, crushing his hand on the ground. "Tackle!" Ash called and Bulbasaur ran toward Tyrogue. "Dodge!" I called and Tyrogue moved away before he could get hurt. "Tackle!" I called and he quickly hit Bulbasaur, making the Seed Pokémon move backward from the hit.

"Good job, Tyrogue!" I called. "You okay, Bulbasaur?" Ash called and he nodded. "Okay, Tyrogue," I said and looked toward him but frowned in confusion when I saw he was looking to the side. "What's wrong?" I asked and followed his gaze to the bushes.

"What that?" Ash asked as my friends looked at the bushes too. A Rattata popped out from the bushes, running and it only stopped when it stood in front of Tyrogue and Bulbasaur. "Tyro, Tyro?" Tyrogue asked as both mine and Ash's Pikachu ran closer.

Rattata was talking to them all quickly and from what it looked like, that Pokémon was very worried. All four Pokémon looked at each other before quickly nodding when they looked at Rattata. Rattata turned around and ran away, with our Pokémon following. "Hey, where you guys going?" Ash called and we all quickly grabbed our bags before we ran after them.

They only stopped when they reach to a cliff. We panted and slowed to a stop. All the Pokémon looked at the end of the cliff. "Rattata!" Rattata called. My friends and I walked closer. "Rattata, you came back!" we heard a small voice and frowned as we walked closer quicker.

We looked over and gasped. A little girl maybe around six or seven, was hanging on a branch tightly. "Ah! Bulbasaur, use your vine to pull her up," Ash ordered and a vine came out of one side of Bulbasaur's bulb and reached toward the little girl. The vine wrapped around the girl's waist and pulled her up as she let go of the branch.

Bulbasaur placed the girl on the ground and pulled his vine away. "Thank you," the girl said. "Are you okay?" Misty asked, "Did you get hurt?" The girl shook her head, "No." She kneeled down and Rattata jumped into her arms, "Thank you for getting help, Rattata."

"How did you get down there?" Brock asked. "I got chased by mean kids," the girl said, "And when I got to the cliff I couldn't stop in time, and I fell." Ash looked angry, "And where are the kids?"

"They ran away," the girl answered as she stood up. "That's terrible!" Misty said. The girl shrugged and looked at Rattata, "I'm used to it." I frowned as I looked at her sadly, "How come they are picking on you?"

"I don't really know. I guess maybe because I live with only my grandparents," She said. "That's no excuse," Ash said before I could speak. "Where do they live?" He asked, "They need to learn a lesson."

"Pika-Pika!" his Pikachu agreed. "Okay, let's cool off," I said and looked down at the girl, "Do you live close by?" She nodded, "Yeah..." I placed my hands on my hips, "Let's take you home then, I'm sure your grandparents are worried. My name's Emma, those are my friends, Ash, Brock and Misty."

"I'm Lisa, and this is my best friend," Lisa said and held up Rattata. "Nice to meet you," Misty said as we smiled softly at the girl. "Come on, let's go," Brock said as Ash and I looked at Tyrogue and Bulbasaur and send them back into their Poké balls before walking off with Lisa.

It didn't took us very long to reach Lisa's home in a small town. Her house was a bit small but very nice. Lisa leaded us inside, "Grandma, grandpa, I'm home!"

An old couple walked out from the kitchen. "Mm? Lisa, what took you so long? We were getting worried," the man said. "Oh, I..." Lisa trailed off and looked up at me and my friends. "Hello," Brock said as we smiled.

"Hello, who are you?" the woman said. "Hey, my name is Ash, and this is my partner, Pikachu," Ash said and pointed at his male mouse on his shoulder. His Pikachu waved, "Pika."

"My name is Emma and this is my partner and best friend," I said and petted my Pikachu on my shoulder. "Pika-chu!" she said. "I'm Misty," Misty said. "I'm Brock," Brock said, "We met Lisa on the way. She was, well, in a bit of trouble so we helped her."

"Well, it's very nice to meet you all. My name is Erin, and this is my husband, Hank," the woman said. "We very appreciate your help," Hank said as Lisa walked closer to them. He looked at her, "Lisa, what trouble did you get into?"

"Oh, it's nothing, grandpa, really," Lisa said. I heard a noise that was by now familiar to me and looked at Ash next to me. He blushed and rubbed his stomach as he chuckled nervously. "Seems like you hungry," Hank said with a chuckle, "Why don't you kids stay for lunch?" I raised an eyebrow as I looked at Ash in amusement, "Nice timing." He rubbed the back of his head, "Well..."

Rattata and both mine and Ash's Pikachu were eating together while me, my friends, Lisa and her grandparents were sitting around the table. "So, I see you four are Pokémon trainers, are you on a journey?" Hank asked as we were eating.

"Yes, sir," Ash said. "Our son was on a Pokémon journey as well," Erin said, "He met his wife when they were 10." I smiled, "Oh wow," I said. "Did they travel together?" Misty asked. "Oh yes," Erin said as she chuckled softly, "Those two have became quickly friends. They traveled for a while."

Lisa looked at her plate before looking at her grandparents, "Grandma, grandpa, can I go? I'm not hungry so much." I frowned in confusion and Hank looked at her in confusion as well. "Are you sure?" he asked and she nodded. "Very well, you can go."

Lisa got off of her chair and walked out of the kitchen as my friends and I watched her go in confusion before we exchanged a look. We saw Rattata running after her. "We are very sorry, it's just still hard on her," Erin said and we looked at the couple. "You see, Lisa's parents had passed away a year ago."

"Oh... what happened?" I asked. "There has been an accident, since then, Lisa had a very hard time to adjust. With friends and school," Hank said, "She doesn't talk to us very much since that tragic day."

"We understand," Misty said sadly. "We really sorry," I said. "Thank you. The only one she seems to be closed to is her father's Rattata," Erin said. "So, that Rattata belonged to her father, huh?" Ash asked. "Yes," Hank said, "Ever since that day, Rattata and Lisa are inseparable. Rattata is Lisa's best friend." He looked at me and Ash, "I'm sure you two can relate to that."

"Yeah," I said as Ash and I looked over at the Pikachu. I looked back as Misty spoke, "What about kids in school? How is it there for her?" Erin sighed, "We don't really know, she says it's all right but her eyes tells us something else."

I looked over in confusion when Ash stood up as the others were talking. Ash walked out of the room and I frowned as I watched his Pikachu following him. I glanced at everyone at the table before standing up and followed Ash.

I walked out from the room and felt a something running up and on my shoulder, I didn't need to look to know it was my Pikachu. I looked around but didn't see Ash or Lisa so I walked outside.

I heard Poké balls from behind the house and walked over. I saw Ash sitting next to Lisa on the grass with both Rattata and all of Ash's Pokémon. "You know, when I was in school I didn't like it either," Ash told the little girl, "It was pretty hard for me there. I finally got the chance to leave after I turned 10." Lisa looked from all of the Pokémon to Ash, "Every time that I go to school, I feel like the odd one. I'm not like everyone else."

"So what if you're not like everyone else?" Ash asked, "That's just makes you special in your own way." Lisa frowned, "It does?" Ash nodded, "Sure. And if those kids come at you again, you get up to their faces and you tell them that just because you're not in their group doesn't mean they can bully you, you tell them that you are not afraid, and you'll see that they won't bully you ever again." He looked at his Pokémon, "Right, guys?"

They all nodded in agreement and so did Rattata. Ash looked back at Lisa, "And soon, when you'll turn 10, you could go on a journey, and when you do, you will do amazing things. You can do them even now, here in your home, you just got to believe in yourself. I had that problem before, but I have my friends and Pokémon with me to help me get better. And you will have that too."

I was very surprised by Ash's speech, Lisa stared at him for a moment before she let a smile appear on her face. She nodded, "Okay!" I smiled as I watched those two and moved away. I looked at my Pikachu as we walked away. "Well, that was something," I said. She nodded with a smile, clearly surprised too, "Pika."

"I guess it's time for us to head off," Brock said as we all gathered around the living room. "But it's getting dark outside," Lisa said and looked up at Ash, "Can you guys stay until tomorrow?"

"We do have a room for you four," Hank said, "Why don't you kids stay for tonight and eat breakfast before heading out?" Me and my friends looked at each other before looking at the couple. "Are you sure it's okay?"

"Of course," Erin said. "Well... okay, but at least let me help me dinner," Brock said. "I could help too," I said. "Yeah, both Emma and Brock are great cooks," Misty said. Erin chuckled, "Well all right."

I leaned closer to Ash as everyone spoke. "I heard what you said to Lisa," I whispered. He looked nervous, "W--What?" I smiled, "That speech you gave her was actually really good. That was nice of you."

He quickly relaxed which made me think he spoke more with her after I left. "Oh, y--yeah," he said as he rubbed the back of his head, "Thanks." Lisa quickly grabbed Ash's hand and tagged on it a bit as I looked at her. Ash looked down at her, "What's up?"

"Ash, can you, Emma, Brock and Misty take me tomorrow to school?" Lisa asked. "Please." Ash hesitated and looked at me. I nodded, "Of course we can." Lisa smiled in relief, "Thanks." She looked at Rattata, "Okay, Rattata, we are doing this tomorrow!" Rattata nodded and Ash and I exchanged a slightly confused look.

"I can't do this," Lisa said as she hid behind Ash's legs as we all stood in front of her school. "What do you mean?" Misty asked, "You looked so confident earlier, what happened?"

Lisa hesitated to answer. Ash turned around and kneeled in front of her, "What's the matter?" Lisa played with her fingers, "I can't go there and face Tom and his group."

"Sure you can," Ash said, "You stand up to his face and you tell him you are not afraid of him. We are right behind you." Ash's Pikachu nodded, "Pika!"

Lisa hesitated and looked at Rattata who nodded. Lisa took a deep breath and looked back at Ash with a nod. "That's it," Ash said with a smile and stood up, "Let's go."

Lisa hesitated when she stared at the building for a moment before stepping forward. My friends and I followed her. We walked into the backyard and found a group of kids there. Lisa looked up at us in hesitation. "We'll be right here," I said. "You can do it," Misty told her. Lisa nodded slightly and turned around. She walked up to the kids and one of the kids tapped on another boy's shoulder. They all turned to Lisa as Rattata ran close to her side.

We couldn't hear what they were saying since we were pretty far from them. I saw Lisa's hands turned to fists as the kid in front of her laughed. "No!" Lisa called and he suddenly stopped. She stepped closer to his face angrily, "You are just a bully, I'm not scared of you anymore! And I'm telling everyone that because of you and your 'friends', I almost died yesterday!"

I looked at Ash with a smile and he grinned as he watched her. "You can't!" the boy, who must be Tom, shouted. "Yes, I can!" Lisa said, "And I will!" With that, she turned around and walked toward us. "Good job!" Brock said as she stood in front of us.

Lisa let out a breath and Ash kneeled in front of her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, "You did it! How you feeling?" He asked. "I feel..." she trailed off and smiled, "Great!"

Ash, Misty, Brock and I chuckled. Before I knew it, a net fell on me and swiped me up from the ground, making me yelp.

"Emma!"

I heard a familiar annoying laugh from above me.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!"

"Team Rocket!" my friends called. "Release Emma right now!" Ash yelled. "We can," Jessie said. "But we won't," James said and they laughed as the air balloon started to fly away from the school. "Bye-bye!" Meowth called.

"Get back here!" Misty yelled. I wiggled the net back and forth, and gave a small angry yell. Those three don't give up! I heard a call and looked forward to see Pidgeotto flying toward me.

Pidgeotto quickly cut the rope and I fell down as I screamed. I got caught and I quickly looked to who caught, smiling when I saw it was Ash. "Thanks," I said and he smiled.

"Hey!" we looked up and saw Team Rocket looking down at us from the air balloon. "Not fair!" Jessie said. "Yeah, give us a break!" Meowth said. "Pidgeotto, cut that air balloon!" Ash called and Pidgeotto did what was told, making a hole on the balloon, which made Team Rock scream as they were flying away in a fast speed.

"Looks like Team Rockets blasting off already!"

Ash placed me down on my feet and I looked at my friends. "You okay?" Lisa asked. "Yeah," I answered as I placed my hand on top of her head.

Me and my friends were about to head off. We were standing in front of Lisa's school with her and her grandparents.

"You kids take care of yourselves, okay?" Hank asked. Erin held a bag for us, "Here." Brock took it, "What is it?" He asked. "I've made for you lunch, I hope you will like it," Erin said and we smiled. "You didn't had to," Misty said. "Yeah, but thank you," Ash said.

I looked at Lisa, "You take care of yourself, okay, Lisa?" She nodded with a smile, "I will." She looked at Ash, "And thank you, Ash. You, Emma, Misty and Brock helped me face my bully!" Ash chuckled, "Nah, we didn't do anything, it was all you."

"When I'll get to go on a journey with Rattata, I want to be just like you!" Lisa said. Ash rubbed the back of his head and chuckled, "Oh, come on, stop it." Brock, Misty and I chuckled. "Friends?" Lisa asked as she held her pinky. Ash smiled and held his pinky on hers, "Friends."

With that, me and my friends turned around and started to walk away. "Bye!" Lisa called and we all turned to her and her grandparents, and waved for them. "Bye! Take care!"

Chapter Text

As we were reaching to a small looking town, we noticing the people were gathering around. "What's going on?" I asked. "Let's go look," Ash said and we walked closer. As we got closer, we could hear music, and we pushed ourselves between the crowd.

"A carnival!" Misty said in delight as we watched a group of people dressed up and dancing. "Wow," Brock said as he gazed on a couple of women that were dressed up, "Look at all those beautiful girls."

"Check on the rids and shows," I said and looked at Misty, "We should go and take a look!" She nodded, "Yeah!" We both looked at Ash when he spoke, as he looked at Brock, "Let's go party!" Brock nodded, "Yeah!"

They both took off as Ash's Pikachu quickly jumped on my left shoulder while mine was on my right shoulder. "Uh..." I trailed off and looked at Misty, "Guess it's just us two, and the Pikachu." She shrugged and chuckled, "Yep." We walked away and headed toward the carousel ride.

After a while of having fun on the rids, Misty, the Pikachu and I were looking for Ash and Brock as we were eating ice creams. "Should we get on one more ride?" Misty asked as she chuckled. "I had it! I quit!" we heard an angry woman's voice and looked to the side of a tent.

A man was kneeling down, begging, while a woman was next to him looking annoyed with her arms crossed over her chest, and a Pokémon by the name Exeggcute was on a box watching them.

Exeggcute is a Pokémon resembling six light pink eggs. Each head had a slightly different facial expression, but each face had triangular eyes with tiny black pupils and a small mouth. Each shell had some cracks, and one member of the bundle had its yellow insides exposed.

"Please don't leave, I promise to pay you as soon as I can," the man told her. "Then pay me right now," the woman said. "I can't just now, but I promise as soon as I get paying customers, I'll pay you," the man said and Exeggcute nodded.

"And just who do you think is going to come and watch your lousy show?" the woman asked as she placed her hands on her hips. "She's pretty mean," I muttered and Misty nodded. The man grabbed her leg, "Don't leave! I promise," he said.

The woman pushed him away, "I've heard your promises before." With that said she turned around and walked away. "Let's go," Misty said and walked toward the man. "Uh..." I trailed off but didn't follow. "Pika, Pika?" my Pikachu asked from my left shoulder. I crossed my arms over my chest, "I have a bad feeling."

Misty reached closer, "Excuse me, are you all right, sir?" she asked. The man sat up, "You're a kind young girl, aren't you?" he asked. Misty frowned, "Well, no, not especially." I smirked at that comment, knowing that if Ash was here right now he would agree on that, and she would have tried to beat him up.

"Will you help me out? I need your help so badly, and you'll be perfect," the man said before falling down. Misty kneeled next to him, "Pull yourself together." The man looked at her, "You are the only one who can help me now." I frowned and Misty moved away as the man sat up, "Please."

I walked closer with a sigh. I grabbed Misty's wrist and pulled her up to her feet. "I think we should go now," I said. The man stood up, "Please, wait, just listen." I raised an eyebrow and the man looked at Misty, "I would like you to become my assistant in my act."

"Huh?" Misty and I spoke together. Exeggcute all jumped up and down in excitement, and the man grabbed his hat from the grass and put it on. "I'm a magician, Melvin is the name," he said. "Hey," Misty said in hesitation. He held his fists out in front of us, "For you two." Two flowers appeared inside the fist and we took them. "Um, thanks," I said as Misty smiled.

"I'm not very famous yet but I'm working really hard on my magic act," Melvin said, "My dream is to have my own Las Vegas show run, and perform my magic act in front of a thousand of cheering fans. Won't you help me make my dream come true?"

"Uh..." I trailed off and looked at Misty. She smiled as she looked at the flower in her hand before back at Melvin, "I'll help you, but just for today." Melvin smiled, "Thank you so much!" He looked at me, "Would you help as well?"

"Oh, uh, I don't perform, sorry," I said and looked at Misty, "Are you sure about that, Misty?" She nodded, "Yeah." I sighed and looked from my Pikachu to Ash's.

I went to find Ash and Brock without Misty, since she was going to get ready for the show. "Where could they have gone to?" I asked the Pikachu.

"Hey, Emma!"

I looked to the side and saw Ash and Brock walking toward me with popcorn. "Hey, had fun?" I asked as I placed my hand on my hip. "Yeah, where's Misty?" Ash asked as he and Brock looked around. I took some popcorn from Ash and smirked, "In a magic show."

"A magic show?" Brock asked. "So why are you not there?" Ash asked. "I went to look for you, come on, let's go check," I said and turned around to lead them to the tent.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming!" we heard Melvin's voice as soon as we walked inside. I looked around the seats and spotted at least four people there, looking bored already. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Melvin the magician!" Me, the Pikachu and the boys walked closer to the stage, seeing Misty was wearing a leotard adorned with Goldeen fins, standing next to Melvin.

"Misty?" Ash asked and she looked at us in horror. Ash chuckled, "What are you doing up there? Are you part of the show?" I tilted my head as I looked at her outfit, "So that's why you kicked me out, huh?"

"What are you guys doing here?!" Misty asked. Ash chuckled again, "That's a really cute outfit," He teased. "Come on, hurry up!" one man said and I tapped on Ash's shoulder before pointing at the seats so we could sit. Me and the boys sat on the seats and my Pikachu sat on my lap while Ash's jumped from my shoulder to sit on Ash's lap.

"Yes, yes, of course, thank you for your patience," Melvin said, "Please allow me to present my magical Pokémon, Exeggcute." The Exeggcute jumped up on a round table, "Exeggcute!"

Ash pulled out his Dexter, "Exeggcute..."

Exeggcute, an Egg Pokémon. Although it resembles an egg, it is known to be more closely related to the seed of a plant.

Melvin took Exeggcute into his arms before throwing them up, juggling, "Now it's time for some Exeggcute juggling." I looked at him in boredom. "This is magic?" Ash asked in boredom. "Wouldn't call that magic," I said.

"We don't want juggling!" A man called. "Boring," Brock said. Melvin put Exeggcute on the table and looked at all of us nervously. "We want to see some real magic!" a man called. "Yeah! Do a trick!" another man said. "Hold on, the best part is coming up, my Pokémon and I would do some great magic trick now, which will surprise you," Melvin said.

"I doubt it," I muttered. Melvin held his wand up, "Raging Fire!" He aimed it forward and a tiny flame came out and quickly disappeared.

"That was pathetic!"

"You're the worse!"

"Just one more try!" Melvin said and aimed his wand forward. This time a huge jet of flame came out. He pointed the wand everywhere and fire came out, which made us all duck for cover. Suddenly the fire sprinklers set off, 'causing us all to get wet. It soon stopped and we looked at the stage.

"I want my money back!"

"You're the worse!"

The men behind me and the boys started to threw food and bottles on Melvin, who got hit by a bottle before he fell down. Exeggcute went to his side as the men walked out.

"Uh... hey, Misty, let's go," I said. Misty hesitated before jumping off of the stage and we walked out. We walked behind the building and waited for Melvin, who soon came out with his Exeggcute and an older man.

"You're fired!" the man said. "Give me another chance," Melvin said. "Are you kidding?! No one comes to see you and you almost burned my carnival to the ground, get out of here!" the man said before walking into the tent. Melvin kneeled down and his Pokémon contorted him.

"Oh man," I said. "I feel sorry for the guy," Ash said. "He just doesn't know what he's doing," Misty said as she looked at Ash, "Like you when Emma is not around." She walked around him as he blinked. "Huh?! Hey, that's not true," He said and I chuckled.

Misty ignored him and walked toward Melvin. She kneeled next to him and Exeggcute, "Don't worry, Melvin. Cheer up," She said. "I'm fired again," Melvin said sadly, "I'll never make it to Las Vegas." He pulled Exeggcute into his arms as me and the boys walked closer, "I guess we'll have to give up on all our dreams."

"Give up?" Ash asked and Melvin looked at him. "You're not going to give up that easy are you?" he asked. "But--" Melvin started. "If your show is no good then learn some new tricks and make it good," Ash said. "Not bad," I said as I smirked. "That's not a bad idea," Brock said. "Ash does says something right sometimes," Misty said. Ash glared at her, "Say what?"

Exeggcute all got out of Melvin's arms and jumped up and down as they smiled. Melvin had tears in his eyes as he looked at me and my friends, "New ticks?"

"Well, we could help you out," I said. "You can do it, what do you say?" Ash asked. "Don't quit now, come on, Melvin," Misty said. Melvin stood up, "Okay! I'll give it a try!"

Me and my friends were now sitting on boxes while Melvin and Exeggcute were standing on a box as a stage. "Okay, well here I go," Melvin said and twirled his wand, "Abracadabra!" He stopped and aimed his wand forward, "Ta-da!" The wand turned to a set of roses and we all clapped in surprise.

"That was great!" Misty said. "Thanks," Melvin said before the roses fell off of the wand. "The flowers are dead," Brock said. "So is his act," I said as I looked at my friends. "Pika-Pika," Ash's Pikachu agreed. Melvin kneeled down, "All of my life I've been dreaming of becoming a magician. Entertain people, seeing their faces light up. But now that dream is all over."

Exeggcute jumped up and down, looking sad. "Now they depressed," Misty said. Ash suddenly stood up with a grin, "Hey, I'll show you how to put on a real magic show!"

"Huh?" Brock asked. "Pika?" both the Pikachu asked. "You?" I asked. "What kinda of magic show?" Misty asked. "I'll do a Pokémon magic show," Ash said.

Now, Ash was standing in front of us with a green box next to him with three holes in front of him, "Welcome! I can make water, fire and anything appear out of this box!" He said. Melvin was sitting between me and Brock, and clapped, "Yay."

"What would you like to see first?" Ash asked. "Fire," Melvin answered. Ash held a flashlight as a wand and pointed forward in front of the middle hole, "Okay, fire appear!"

Fire suddenly was shot from the middle hole, making us bend down. Melvin clapped, "Wow, that was great!" Ash grinned and held the flashlight in front of the left hole, "Now, water appear!"

Water suddenly shot from the hole, hitting Melvin in the face. "How does he do it?" Misty asked as I raised an eyebrow. "Water vanish!" Ash said and the water stopped. "Okay... not bad," I said as Melvin clapped.

A moment later, the box started to shake. Ash grabbed it, "Hey!" We saw a pair of vines appearing from the right hole. "Stop that!" Ash said before the box opened and Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur were thrown out. Charmander stopped in front of us, accidentally using Flamethrower, making us all bend down before we could get hit.

Ash stood up, "I guess I need a bigger box," he said. Charmander rubbed the back of his head as he looked at Ash, "Cha..." I stood up and placed my hands on my hips as I looked down at the three Pokémon, "So..." They turned to me and I kneeled down. "The box just so happened to have three adorable Pokémon lying around inside, hmmm?"

Ash rubbed the back of his head as he chuckled nervously, "Well..." Exeggcute jumped over as Misty, Brock and Melvin stood up. Ash sighed and held out three Poké balls, "All right, guys, thanks for the help, return." Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur went back into their Poké balls as I stood up.

Misty, Brock and I stood together with the Pikachu. "Now what?" I asked as I crossed my arms over my chest. "I don't know," Misty admitted with a sigh. "I hate to say it... but--" Brock started. "Don't say 'he should give up' part," Misty said.

We looked over to see Ash was kneeling in front of Exeggcute, staring at them as they were swingling back and forth. "All right, Ash, stop staring, it won't help," I said. "I would like you all to stop now," Melvin said. Ash moved back slightly, speaking a bit odd, "Okay, master."

Exeggcute stopped and we all looked at Ash in confusion. "Turn around three times and act like a Bulbasaur," Melvin told Ash. Ash turned three times, "Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur."

"Pika-Pi?" Ash's Pikachu asked worriedly. "What's with Ash? He's acting kinda... weird," Brock said. I frowned and walked closer. I bend down in front of Ash, and waved my hand in front of his face, "Ash?" He didn't react, staring forward.

I stood up and looked at Melvin, "Hey, what did you do?" He shook his head, "I didn't do that." I raised an eyebrow and placed my hands on my hips, "So what made him like that?" He shrugged, "I don't know."

"I think you do," I said as I stood in front of him angrily and pointed at him, making him step back nervously, "Bring him back to normal." Misty and Brock pulled me away. "Calm down," Brock said. "I am calm!" I snapped before sighing in annoyance and moved away. I pulled Ash up to his feet and pulled him with me, Misty and Brock to the side. I pulled Ash to sit down on a box and turned to Misty and Brock.

"How did that happen?" Misty asked. "The Exeggcute must have used Hypnosis," Brock said. "Has to be," I said and pointed toward Ash, "I mean look at him."

"Ah!" Misty said and I looked over to where Ash was a few seconds ago and saw that he was gone. We looked to where Melvin was but he was gone too. So was his Exeggcute. "Are you kidding me?!" I asked. "Pika-Pi!" Ash's Pikachu called. "Ash!" Brock called. "Pika-Pi!" My Pikachu called.

After a while of searching for Ash, we finally decided to use Brock's Zubat to help us with the search on the path outside of town. "Ash!" I called. "Ash!" Misty called. "Pika-Pi!" Ash's Pikachu called before we saw Zubat flying toward us.

"Zubat, did you find anything?" I asked and the Bat Pokémon nodded before flying off. "Come on," Brock said and we ran after it. After a few minutes, we stopped with Zubat, seeing tracks on the ground. "Pika-Pi!" Ash's Pikachu said after he and my Pikachu sniffed the tracks.

"They smell Ash's scent," I said. "Good work, Zubat," Brock said and held the Poké ball, "Return." The Bat Pokémon went back into the Poké ball and we started to follow the tracks.

After a few minutes of running down the path between the woods, we slowed to a stop when we felt the ground shaking. "What's going on?" I asked. "Look!" Misty said as she pointed forward. We saw a herd of Exeggutor running toward us.

Exeggutor is a tall, bipedal Pokémon that resembles a palm tree. Its body and legs are light brown with thin black rings and its legs are thick with two-toed feet. There light yellow paw pad on each foot's underside. It has thin, green leaves sprouting from the top of its body. Exeggutor has three to six round, light yellow heads that resemble coconuts, each with differing facial expressions.

"Exeggutor herd, run to the side!" I shouted and we all ran off of the path and into the woods. The Exeggutor herd were running down the path, not looking at us. I pulled out my Dexter and held it forward.

Exeggutor, a Coconut Pokémon. Also known as 'The Walking Tropical Rain Forest'. Each coconut has a distinct face and its own character. Its special attack is Hypnosis.

"Hey, look, it's Team Rocket,"Misty said and I looked over to see them running along side with Exeggutor, looking odd. "Come on," I said and started to ran toward there the herd came from, with the Pikachu and my friends following.

We slowed down when we saw Ash and Melvin lying on the ground, unconscious. "Ash!" I called. "Pika-Pi!" Ash's Pikachu called as we ran toward him. I kneeled down next to him with Misty and Brock kneeled next to Melvin.

"Ash, wake up!" I said but he didn't. I looked at the Pikachu, "One of you need to use Thunder Shock." Ash's Pikachu used the attack, making Ash wake up and sit up quickly. "Pika-Pi!" his Pikachu said with a smile. "What's going on?" Ash asked.

"Are you okay?" I asked with a smile. "Yeah... but, I don't remember what happened," he said. "You were under a deep Hypnosis," Misty said. "Hypnosis?" Ash asked before looking over at me in anger, "Oh, yeah, where's Melvin?"

"A--Ash?" Melvin asked and we looked over to see Brock next to us with Melvin, his arm around Brock's shoulder for support. "What's going on here? What have you done, Melvin?" Ash asked. "The Exeggutor used Hypnosis o each other and got all confused," Melvin said.

"The Exeggutor are all heading into town!" Brock said. "We got to stop them!" Ash said. "Now they are beyond of my control," Melvin said and we glared at him. "Come on," I said as I helped Ash stand up, "We got to get there."

We reached back to the town, but it was too late. The carnival was almost destroyed, no one was around. "Looks bad," Ash said. "They already came," I said before noticing the same man that fired Melvin running closer. "Hey, you're better get out of here," he said as Melvin hid behind Brock, but the man seem to ignore him. "These Exeggutor are coming back this way. I've planted a time bomb in this clearing. It will blow up just as they will make it to this field."

"You can't do that!" I said, "These Exeggutor are under Hypnosis, they don't realize what they are doing, it's not their fault!" The man shook his head, "Who cares?" I glared at him and he continued, "We can't let them cause anymore damage to the town, now get out of here fast!" He ran past us and left.

"Hey, get back here!" I shouted but he didn't. "People like him make me sick!" I said. "What do we do now?" Melvin asked. "We have to stop them!" I said and Ash nodded. "Yeah, let's go," he said and started to ran off. I looked at Melvin and he froze when he looked at me. I grabbed his arm, "You coming too!" I dragged him away and Misty and Brock followed.

We all ran to the middle of the town and saw the Exeggutor herd running closer. Ash threw out three Poké balls, "Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Charmander, attack!" The three Pokémon came out from the Poké balls, standing in front of us.

"Squirtle, Water Gun!" Ash ordered. Squirtle released a spiral of water from his mouth, hitting one of Exeggutor, but it didn't wake it up. "Looks like they liking the water!" Brock said. I gasped, "Wait! They are weak against fire type!"

Ash held out two Poké balls, "Squirtle, Bulbasaur, return!" He then looked at Charmander, "Charmander, use Flamethrower!" Charmander used the attack on a few Exeggutor, which woke them up as they looked around in confusion. "It worked!" Misty said. "Stop Exeggutor!" I called and the ones that are awake listened.

"Again Charmander, Flamethrower!" Ash called. Charmander used the same attack again, and again, and again, until he stopped, falling down from exhaustion. Ash and his Pikachu ran to his side. "Charmander!" Ash said. "Not everyone's awake," Misty said.

I looked over at Melvin who was hiding behind me and Brock. "Melvin, you can help!" He looked at me in shock, "Huh? N--No I can't." I nodded, "Yes, you can! You did that fire trick with your wand, you can do it again! If you won't do that, then these Exeggutor who are still under, are going to get hurt or even worse when they reach to the carnival."

"But, I..." he trailed off. He shook his head, "All I do is make a mess," he said. "When you make a mistake, you do anything you can to fix it," I said, "If Ash's Charmander worked that hard, you need to try that too! You can do it! We know you can, you got to believe in yourself!" Melvin stared at Lizard Pokémon for a few seconds before moving away and stepping forward. "Then I'll give it my best shot!" He said.

We smiled at his sudden confident. "All right!" Brock said. "Melvin, Charmander, it's up to you!" Ash said. Melvin and Charmander nodded. "Raging Fire," Melvin said as he pointed his wand forward. Fire shot out from the wand as Charmander used Flamethrower, both the fire attacks hit the Exeggutor that were still under Hypnosis. The fire disappeared and we watched as the Exeggutor stopped, all looking around in confusion.

They quickly started to walk back to the woods, leaving the town. I sighed in relief, "Thank God." We looked at Melvin and Charmander, who both stood together. Melvin watched the Exeggutor leave in shock, "I did it..." He smiled, "I did it." He turned to me and my friends, "I really did it!"

"Yeah, great job, Melvin!" Ash said and we saw a single Exeggutor walking closer. Melvin looked at it with a smile, "Exeggutor!" He dropped his wand as he ran toward it and hugged it. "So Exeggcute evolved, huh?" I asked, smiling a small smile. "Looks like it," Ash said with a small chuckle.

Suddenly we all heard an explosion and turned around to the carnival area and saw smoke coming up from there. "That was a close call," Misty said. "You're right, thank goodness no one got hurt," Melvin said. I kneeled down next to Charmander and petted him on the head to his delight, "You did a great job, Charmander, we all proud of you too."

"Cha!" Charmander said in delight before looking confused. His all body glowed bright and I moved my hand away. My friends looked at Charmander in confusion. "Charmander?" Ash asked. "He's evolving!" I said with a smile as Charmander's body got a bit bigger, and the light disappeared, revealing he evolved into Charmeleon.

"Cha!"

Charmeleon is a bipedal, reptilian Pokémon. It has dark red scales and a cream underside from the chest down. It has narrow, blue eyes and a long snout with a slightly hooked tip. On the back of its head is a single horn-like protrusion. It has relatively long arms with three sharp claws. Its short legs have plantigrade feet with three claws and cream-colored soles. The tip of its long, powerful tail has a flame burning on it.

"Charmeleon," I said with a smile. "Wow," Ash said with a smile as I pulled my Dexter and held it in front.

Charmeleon, the Flame Pokémon. It has razor-sharp claws and its tail is exceptionally strong.

"Congratulations, Charmander, I mean Charmeleon," Ash said and hugged him. Charmeleon shot fire near Ash's ear, making him move away. "Hey, watch where you're breathing," he said and we all laughed.

By sunset, me and my friends were about to head off, so we were saying goodbye to Melvin and his Exeggutor. "Goodbye!" I called as we all waved. "Never forget your dream!" Misty called. "Practice makes perfect!" Ash called.

"See you at Las Vegas!" Brock called. "Thank you! All of you!" Melvin called. Me and my friends gave one last wave before turning around and heading off.

Chapter Text

As we were walking in the woods, we came across a very small village. "It so cute," Misty said. I looked at the map, "It's called... Mossgreen Village."

"It's no use in stopping here if they don't have a Pokémon Gym," Ash said. "We don't have any choice," Brock spoke and held up our bag of Potions and Antidotes, "We have a big problem."

"Yeah, the bag is empty so we have to stop here and get some Potions and Antidotes," I said. "May as well grab something to eat too," Misty said. Ash grinned, "I'm dying for some cheeseburger." Misty glared at him, "No way, I want to eat in a nice restaurant."

"Cheeseburger are nice!"

"Are not!"

"Are to!"

I stood between them, "Will you cut it out?!" I snapped. Brock sighed, "Come on, let's go," He said. "Fine with me," Misty said and they both started to walk away. Ash growled and looked away in annoyance. I sighed and started to follow Misty and Brock, "Come on, Ash. Let's go, Pikachu." Ash and the Pikachu followed.

"So, where can we get some medicine?" Misty asked. "There's a herbal shop in the end of the village," I answered as I looked back at the map. The village really was small, there weren't a lot of people around.

We got to the shop in a few minutes, which was looking like a small house than a shop. "Hello?" Ash called as we walked in. The place was dark and seemed to be empty, but we spotted an old woman sitting in the end of the shop, grinding herbs.

"Excuse me," Ash said. "We'd like to buy some Potions and Antidotes," Misty said. The woman stopped and chuckled before looking at us, "Got some snake root that will cure insomnia and grow hair on your nose and tongue."

"'Grow hair on your nose and tongue'?!" Misty asked as we all took a step back. "Uh, does it come with a no hair formula?" Brock asked. "Grandma!" we looked over to the other side of Misty to see a girl that looked to be in Brock's age, looking at the old woman. "I've asked you before not to frighten the customers."

"I didn't mean to scare anyone," the old woman said. "I know, but we're here to help trainers with our miracle Potions, not scare them away," the girl said. Brock suddenly pushed me, Ash and Misty away, "My name is Brock, are you the owner of this Pokémon pharmacy?"

"Yes, with my grandma," the girl said. Me, Ash and Misty exchanged a look before looking at Brock in annoyance. "I'm interested in Pokémon Potions, if you're not doing anything tonight, maybe we could have dinner together and talk about them," Brock said.

The girl looked at all of us and smiled, "Are all four of you Pokémon trainers?" she asked. "Uh, well--" Brock started. "Instead of dinner, how about a Pokémon battle?" the girl asked. Ash suddenly pushed Brock out of the way with a grin, "Okay! You can battle with me," He said. "That's great, we can battle out in the back," the girl said, "My name is Cassandra. This is my grandma, Lacy."

"My name is Ash, this is my Pikachu," Ash said and pointed at his Pikachu on his shoulder. "I'm Misty," Misty said. "Hey, I'm Emma, and this is my partner, Pikachu," I said and pointed at my Pikachu on my shoulder. I looked over at a sad Brock, "You've met Brock."

"Let's go, shall we?" Cassandra asked. "Yeah," Ash agreed, and we followed her out. "Come on, Brock," I heard Misty saying behind me and I looked over to see her grabbing Brock by the shirt and dragging him after us.

We walked to the backyard and Cassandra pulled out a Poké ball. The Poké ball opened and a Paras was released. "This Paras will be your opponent," Cassandra said. "Uh, a Paras?" Ash asked and pulled out his Dexter.

Paras, the Mushroom Pokémon. Rare mushrooms grow on its back.

My Pikachu jumped off of my shoulder and walked closer to Paras. "Pika-chu," she said and held her paw out, but Paras quickly backed away in fear and hid behind Cassandra.

Ash's Pikachu stood with mine as Cassandra kneeled down to pet Paras. "Paras, you can't give up already," she said. "Seems like your Pokémon doesn't want to battle," Ash pointed out. "You're right, I would love for Paras to evolve into a Parasect very soon, but it's too cowardly to battle," Cassandra explained.

"The best way for Pokémon to evolve is by winning battles, the more battles they win, the quicker they evolve," Brock said. "But, why do you want Paras to evolve so fast for?" Misty asked. "Because I have to have Parasect's mushrooms," Cassandra said. "Why for?" I asked.

Cassandra petted Paras, "You see, after Paras evolves, I'll use it's mushrooms to make a new Potion especially for Pokémon, and I'll use the new Potion to help Pokémon all over the world."

"Sounds amazing," I said with a smile. Ash kneeled next to his Pikachu, "Just this one's, since it's for a good cause, we'll let Paras win, okay?" Pikachu nodded, "Pika."

He walked to the middle of the 'battlefield'. "Good luck, Paras, all the Pokémon on earth are counting on you," Cassandra said and Paras walked closer to Pikachu, and they stared at each other.

"Pikachu, Thund--" Ash started but stopped himself, "Uh, I mean..." I frowned and placed my hands on my hips. "What's the matter, Ash?" Misty asked. "Thunder Shock may be overdoing it," Ash said. "Yeah..." I agreed. "Look, Paras making the first move!" Brock said.

Paras shook it's mushrooms and an orange powder came out of them. Pikachu jumped up to dodge it. "Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" Ash called before quickly correcting himself, "Uh, maybe a tiny static bolt."

His Pikachu rubbed the back of his head, "Chu..." He used a very small electricity, but when it hit Paras, it rolled to the side, knocked out. "Uh, oh no," Ash muttered. Cassandra kneeled next to Paras, "How will Paras ever get any experience?"

"Pika," Ash's Pikachu said. "Uh, this is a tough one. What am I supposed to do now?" Ash asked. I pulled out my Dexter and searched for Paras' info, "Hold on..."

Paras has qualities of both Bug and Grass Pokémon.

I looked at Ash, "Grass Pokémon has a big advantage against Water type. Try Squirtle." Ash nodded, "Right." He pulled out Squirtle's Poké ball and threw it, "Squirtle, I choose you."

Squirtle was out, "Squirtle." Cassandra smiled, "Hey, that Squirtle is a water type." She looked at Paras, "Maybe you can win, Paras." Paras stood hesitantly, "Paras..."

Ash kneeled next to Squirtle,"Squirtle, use your Water Gun, but just enough to sprinkle the mushrooms a little." Squirtle looked at Ash in confusion but did as was told and used a tiny water gun, landing it on the mushrooms, which made Paras roll again, knocked out.

Cassandra kneeled next to it and picked it up into her arms, "Paras, are you hurt?" She placed it down on the grass, "Please give it one more try." Squirtle rubbed the back of his head and Ash held his Poké ball, "Squirtle, return." Squirtle went back inside and Ash pulled out another Poké ball, "I'm not going to give up until Paras evolves into a Parasect." He threw the Poké ball, "I choose you, Charmeleon!"

The Flame Pokémon was released. "Your turn, Charmeleon, go easy on it," Ash said. Charmeleon glanced at Ash, not seemed to be interested to do that. "Huh?" I asked in confusion. "Charmeleon?" Ash asked. "Charmeleon doesn't look like a loser," Brock said. Charmeleon looked down at Paras, which made it take a step back in fear.

"It's okay, hang in there," Cassandra said. Charmeleon had flame in his mouth, about to attack. "No! Stop, Charmeleon!" Ash called, but Charmeleon didn't stop and used Flamethrower on Paras and then he smacked it with his tail.

Me and my friends gasped as Paras fall on the grass. It got up and quickly ran away. "Paras, wait!" Cassandra called and ran after it. Ash walked closer to Charmeleon, "What are you doing, Charmeleon?" Charmeleon didn't say anything and just used Flamethrower toward Ash, which made him duck.

"That's not nice," Ash said. Charmeleon looked over at Misty, Brock and I with a glare. "Charmeleon?" Misty asked. "He's way out of control," I said. My Pikachu suddenly used Thunderbolt, which hit Charmeleon and made him fell to the grass.

Ash pulled out Charmeleon's Poké ball and got him back inside, "Thanks, Pikachu." Cassandra walked back over, but she didn't have Paras with her. "Oh, dear, Paras ran away," She said. "I didn't want to beat it," Ash said. Cassandra shook her head, "It's my fault for challenging you to a Pokémon battle."

Ash held Charmeleon's Poké ball, "I was so happy when Charmander evolved, but now I'm not so sure I was ready for it," he said. "But Charmander was ready," I said, "But we'll worry about Charmeleon later, right now we got to find Paras." He nodded, "Yeah, you're right, let's get going."

We all splitted up to look for Paras, but after a while of search, we all met up back at the backyard of the shop. "Did you find Paras?" Cassandra asked. "No, we didn't," Misty answered. "There's no sign of it anywhere," Brock said. Ash looked at Cassandra, "I'm really sorry, this is my fault."

"No, Ash. It's not you, poor Paras doesn't have any confident in it's own ability," Cassandra said. I tilted my head, "But that new Potion, what is it supposed to do?" Cassandra smiled and kneeled down to pet both the Pikachu, "I'm trying to come up with a miracle Potion. One that not only restore Pokémon's defense power, but it's attacks power and concentration, and determination as well, and make it smarter too."

"You're trying to make a smart Potion?!" Ash asked. "When it's done, you should give Ash a taste," Misty said with a smirk, which caused him to glare at her. Cassandra stood up, "I want all Pokémon to grow and stay healthy. That's why I need Paras to realize how important it is, and to believe in itself." I nodded, "I understand. So let's keep on looking."

"Paras!"

"Paras, where are you?"

"Paras!"

We all were searching together in the woods for the Mushroom Pokémon for a while now, and there was still no sign on it. "Paras!" I called Cassandra suddenly stood in front of us in looked up on the trees. We followed her gaze to see Paras on top of one of the trees.

"It's Paras!" Cassandra said with a smile. "There you are," Ash said as Paras jumped down to the grass. "We were worried about you," I said and noticed that Paras seemed a bit different than it was earlier.

"It's acting strange, I've never seen it act like this before," Cassandra said. "I wonder what happened," Brock said. Paras looked at Ash's Pikachu in determination. "Pika-chu?" the male mouse asked.

"I think it's want to battle," Ash said. "Oh Paras! You finally understand my dream," Cassandra said with a smile. "That's excellent!" Ash said with a smile and kneeled down next to his Pikachu, "Pikachu, it's time to help Paras evolve into Parasect." His Pikachu nodded, "Pika-chu."

We went back to the backyard of the shop. Misty, Brock and I stood behind Ash as he and Cassandra stood far from each other with their Pokémon. "Get him, Paras!" Cassandra said and Paras nodded.

"Remember, Pikachu, go easy on it," Ash said, and his Pikachu looked over at him and nodded. As he did so, Paras walked closer and prod him in the tail, which made Pikachu cry in pain before turning to Paras. "Pika!" he started and sparks came from his cheeks. "Pikachu," Ash said.

His Pikachu looked over before back at Paras, "Pika..." He fell backward, "Pi, chu..." Paras started to jump up and down and so did Cassandra. "That's great!" She said, "Paras wins!"

Me and my friends smiled. "Paras sure looks proud with itself," Misty said. "If you keep battling like this, then Paras will sure to get enough experience to evolve into Parasect," Brock said. "Yes," Ash said and held out a Poké ball, "Charmeleon, one more time!" he threw the Poké ball, and send out the Flame Pokémon again.

"I don't know about this..." I said. "Charmeleon, I'm counting on you this time," Ash said. Charmeleon looked at him before away. "Hey, what's the matter?" Ash asked sadly, "Charmander was always totally obedient."

We heard someone scoffing and looked over at Lacy as she walked closer. "His trainer needs experience," she said, "If the trainer is poor then the Pokémon won't respect him and won't obey orders." Ash looked very disappointed by this and I sighed.

"Call him back! We're quit, Charmeleon is too strong," Cassandra said. Ash pulled out Charmeleon's Poké ball, "Charmeleon, return." Charmeleon quickly breathed fire on him, which made him duck again so it wouldn't hit him.

"See?" Lace asked. "Charmeleon won't obey Ash," Misty said. Charmeleon turned to Paras and used Flamethrower, which Paras dodged. "Knock it off Charmeleon!" Ash called. "Please, stop!" Cassandra shouted.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Team Rocket stepped in, looking at Paras. "You can beat him," Meowth said and Paras looked at them. "What are you all doing here?" Cassandra asked. "Team Rocket?" I asked in confusion. "We're here to cheer on our hero," Meowth said. "Go, Paras!" James and Jessie called before they kneeled next to it.

"Paras, don't forget all the training we gave you, you punch for victory!" Jessie said. "There's no way you can lose," James said. "You're a winner!" Meowth said. "Team Rocket helping out?" I asked as I crossed my arms over my chest, "It's been a while."

Charmeleon suddenly stepped forward and breathed fire toward Team Rocket, hitting them which made them run around as they screamed. "Should we help them?" Misty asked. "Might as well. They did surprisingly helped Paras," I said as I pulled out Poliwhirl's Poké ball and threw it, "Poliwhirl, let's go!"

My Tadpole Pokémon was released. "Poliwhirl, use Water Gun on Team Rocket!" I called and he did as told, using Water Gun to turn off the fire on Team Rocket. "Thank. You," James said before they fall on the grass as they sign in relief.

"Good work," I said before noticing Charmeleon walking toward Paras, but Paras quickly ran away. "Poliwhirl," Poliwhirl said and took a step forward to protect Paras. "Hold on, Poliwhirl," I said and he looked at me, "It's not our fight."

"Pika, Pika," my Pikachu said worriedly on my shoulder. We watched as Paras hit a tree before turning to look at Charmeleon in fear. Charmeleon stared down at Paras, opening his mouth to breath out fire. "Don't do it, Charmeleon!" Ash called.

"Fight Paras, you can do it!" I called. Paras closed it's eyes and threw out it's pincer, which strike Charmeleon in the stomach, causing him to collapse on the grass. "Pika?" my Pikachu asked.

Suddenly Paras' body turned bright and grew bigger before the light disappeared to show an orange, insectoid Pokémon that had been completely overtaken by the parasitic mushroom on it's back. Paras evolved into a Parasect!

It had a small head with pure white eyes and a segmented body that was mostly hidden by the mushroom. It had three pairs of legs with the foremost pair forming large pincers. The fungus growing on it's back had a large red cap with yellow spots throughout.

"Parasect," I said. "Wow!" Misty said as we smiled. "It really evolved!" Brock said and Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Parasect, the Mushroom Pokémon. It battles using poison spheres that spread from the mushroom canopy on its back.

"We're all proud of you Parasect," Ash said. Cassandra walked closer and kneeled down to hug Parasect, "I never doubt you, great job Parasect!" Team Rocket suddenly stood up and cheered. Charmeleon got up and glared at Team Rocket before hitting them with his tail, making them all fly away.

"Team Rockets blasting off again!"

Charmeleon turned to Parasect and Cassandra. Cassandra moved in front of Parasect, "Parasect, stay back." But the Mushroom Pokémon walked around Cassandra and used Spore attack, releasing a yellow powder from the hole under it's mushroom at Charmeleon, putting him to sleep as he fall down to the grass. "That was Spore," I said.

"That's amazing, one spray," Ash said as we watched Charmeleon sleeping. "If Parasect's Spore attack is that affective, it will definitely make a powerful Potion," Brock said. Ash pulled out Charmeleon's Poké ball, "Charmeleon, return now." Charmeleon went back into the Poké ball.

"Thanks for helping me Parasect, I knew I would be able to count on you," Cassandra said as she petted her Pokémon. She hugged it, "Now it's my turn to help, I'm going to make my miracle Potion, and help all the Pokémon in the world."

After getting some Potions and Antidotes, my friends and I were ready to head on. Cassandra, her grandmother and Parasect were outside with us.

"I'm sorry we caused so much trouble for you all," Cassandra said. "Well, losing on purpose was the toughest thing we ever done, isn't Pikachu?" Ash asked. "Pika-chu," his Pikachu agreed.

"You'll keep on losing if you don't improve your skill level," Lacy said. "You promised to be nice grandma," Cassandra said as I patted a disappointed Ash on the back with an amuse smile. Lacy didn't say anything and just chuckled. "Let us know when you finish your Potion, Cassandra," Misty said.

"I'll be your first customer," Brock said. "I'll be second," I said with a chuckle. "Will do," Cassandra said. "See you later," Ash said before we started to walk away.

Cassandra waved for us, "Thanks again! Good luck on your journey everyone!" She called and we waved back to her. "Bye!" Ash called. "Good luck with the Potion!" I called before we turned around and continued on.

Chapter Text

As we were walking through the forest, we slowed to a stop in the clearing to take a break. "I'm so hungry," Ash said as he dropped his bag on the grass. "What's new?" Misty muttered next to me and I chuckled softly.

"Pikachu-Pi," my Pikachu said on my shoulder and pointed forward. I followed her gaze to a Pokémon jumping up on a log. I smiled, "Hey, look over there."

It was a pink Pokémon with a spherical body. It has pointed ears with black insides and large, blue eyes. It has small, stubby arms and slightly longer feet. On top of its head is a curled tuft of fur on the top of its head.

"What's that?" Misty asked. "Isn't it a Jigglypuff?" Brock asked. "It is," I said with a smile, "I'm gonna catch it." I looked at my Pikachu, "Let's go, Pikachu."

"Pika!" she said and jumped off of my shoulder. "Use Quick Attack!" I called and she ran toward Jigglypuff, hitting her body into it, sending it backward to hit a tree. Jigglypuff slid down and stared at us for a second before it's face changed from confusion to sadness, and it started to cry.

"Pika?" my Pikachu asked as we looked at it in confusion. "Uh, I don't think it's used to this," Misty said. My Pikachu run toward Jigglypuff and tried to calm it down, "Pika, Pika. Pikachu." Jigglypuff slowly stopped crying and sniffed. "What's the problem?" Ash asked as he pulled out his Dexter.

Jigglypuff, a Balloon Pokémon. It has large friendly eyes and it sings a pleasant song.

"It's so cute," Misty said as my Pikachu and Jigglypuff walked closer. Jigglypuff jumped up on the log and I crossed my arms over my chest. "But, why didn't it attack back?" I asked. "Can you sing something for us?" Misty asked. The Balloon Pokémon turned away and looked down. "What's wrong?" I asked, "Can you sing for us?" Jigglypuff looked up at me and shook it's head, "Jiggly."

"I think it saying it can't sing," Brock said and Jigglypuff nodded. "I see..." Ash said. "I'm sorry for bothering you, little Jigglypuff," I said. Jigglypuff's face turned from sadness to happiness and suddenly jumped up into my arms, and I chuckled.

"I still think it's cute but who wants a Jigglypuff that can't sing?" Misty asked out loud. Jigglypuff looked over at her and looked away, hurt. "Misty," I scolded as she looked at it. "Oh! I'm so sorry," she said.

I looked from Jigglypuff to my friends, "Hey, why won't we help it sing?" I asked and Jigglypuff looked at me. "Good idea, we can't just leave it here alone," Ash said and Jigglypuff smiled. "Jiggly-puff!" It said.

"Okay, then," I said and placed Jigglypuff back on the log. "Does anyone want to go first?" I asked. "Oh! I will," Misty said and she cleared her throat. Jigglypuff suddenly turned away as it looked down. "What's wrong?" I asked as I picked it up.

"Maybe it's shy?" Misty suggested. "Or maybe it doesn't want you to sing 'cause it knows you will be bad," Ash said with a smirk. Misty glared at him, "I didn't even started! I'm a better singer than you that's for sure!"

"You're not!"

"Am to!"

Brock and I exchanged an annoyed look as they continued on with their argue. I looked down at Jigglypuff as I spoke to Brock, "Maybe we can try something else?"

"Hey, I got it," Brock said and grabbed his backpack, "Come on, let's go." Misty and Ash stopped and looked at Brock before we quickly followed.

"What are we looking for?" I asked as Brock looked around on the trees. "Hmm... there it is!" He said and ran forward toward a tree with fruits. He grabbed one and turned to us. "What is it?" Misty asked.

"The juice in this fruit has a very special properties, it has the power to heal your throat if it sore or tired," Brock explained. "Wow," Ash said. "If Jigglypuff eats it, it may start singing," Brock said as he held the fruit toward the Balloon Pokémon, "Will you like to try some?"

"Give it a try, Jigglypuff," I said. "Pika, Pika," my Pikachu said. Jigglypuff smiled, "Jiggly." It took a bite from the fruit and swallowed. We waited for a moment before Jigglypuff opened it's mouth and started to sing for a few seconds as it looked up to the sky.

"Hooray!" Misty cheered. "You did it!" I said. "Jiggly! Jiggly!" it cheered. "Now sing your song for us Jigglypuff," Misty said. "Jiggly," it said. "Let's go back," I said and turned around to start leading the way back to the clearing.

As soon as we reached to the spot, I placed Jigglypuff on the log. "Please sing for us, Jigglypuff," Misty asked. Jigglypuff nodded with a smile, "Jiggly." I sat down and my Pikachu jumped into my arms. Ash sat next to me and his Pikachu sat next to him.

Brock and Misty sat down as well and we looked at Jigglypuff. It took a deep breath before starting to sing beautifully. As I was listening to the song, I felt my eyes dropping. I closed my eyes with a smile as I listen to the song, not realizing I leaned on Ash's shoulder.

I yawned as I moved away from Ash's side and stretched up. "What a nice nap," Misty said as my friends yawned as well. I looked at my friends and gasped, they had markings all over their faces, so do the Pikachu. Brock gasped as he pointed at me, Ash and Misty, "What happened to your faces?!"

I rubbed my cheek and saw a mark on my arm. We all quickly rubbed the marks off of our faces. I looked at the log to see Jigglypuff looked away from us, angry. "What is it, Jigglypuff?" I asked. "Jiggly," it said. "What's it mad at?" Ash asked.

"I don't know," Brock said. "Maybe it's mad 'cause we fall asleep while it was singing," Misty suggested. "Oh, yeah," I agreed and rubbed the back of my head, "We're sorry, Jigglypuff."

"Hey, maybe there's some Pokémon that wouldn't fall asleep," Brock said. "Okay," I said as we all stood up. "Let's give it a try," Ash said and pulled out his Poké balls. Misty, Brock and I followed and we all threw our Poké balls up, "Come on out."

Ash let out his Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur and Squirtle, Misty let out her Staryu and Psyduck, Brock let out Onix, and I let out Tentacool, Scyther and Tyrogue.

After me, my friends and the Pikachu left the Pokémon with Jigglypuff for a while, we decided to go back to check up on them, and to our surprise, our Pokémon had all fall asleep, except for Psyduck. But, Jigglypuff was no where to be found.

"Hey, where's Jigglypuff?" Brock asked. "Jigglypuff!" Misty called. "They all fell asleep," Ash said as we stared at the Pokémon. I pointed toward Psyduck, "Except for Psyduck."

"Good old Psyduck!" Misty said as my friends smiled, "Do you know where Jigglypuff?" she asked. Psyduck didn't answer and continued to stare ahead. "Psyduck?" I asked.

Misty walked closer and she held a finger, and touched Psyduck's head, only for him to fell on Tyrogue's side. He was sleeping too but with his eyes opened. "You're stupid Pokémon! You just sleeping with your eyes opened!" Misty screamed at Psyduck, waking up all of our Pokémon.

I sighed and placed my hands on my hips, "Oh great. Where did Jigglypuff go to?" I asked and looked around. Brock sighed, "Guess it got annoyed that our Pokémon fell asleep too."

"Guess so," Ash muttered. "Should we go look for it?" Misty asked. "I don't know if we'll find it," I said with a shrug, "I guess we should just continue on."

"Yeah," Ash said as we grabbed our backpacks. We all held out the Poké balls, "Return." We got our Pokémon back inside their Poké balls and started to walk out of the clearing toward the path. "Wonder where Jigglypuff went off to," Ash said. "I hope we'll see it again," Misty said and I shrugged, "Maybe."

Chapter Text

As we were walking on the path through an area called 'Grampa Canyon', we slowed to a stop when we spotted a large group of people walking with picks and shovels. "Hey, what's going on down there?" Ash asked.

"They carrying pickaxes and shovels," I pointed out. "Well, looky here," a familiar voice said behind us and we turned around to see Gary. "Gary?" I asked and noticed he was holding a pickaxe. He smirked, "Emma, first time been late."

"Late for what?" I asked. "Why are you dressed like that?" Ash asked, pointing at Gary's outfit. Gary scoffed, "Ha, don't tell me you never heard of the Pokémon discovery, even a nerd like you should of heard about the great Fossil Rush."

"The great Fossil Rush?" my friends asked together. "Oh..." I trailed off as I rubbed the back of my head. "I gotta go, I got to find the Fossils quick," Gary said and looked at me, "Hey, Emma, want to join?"

"Uh, I guess we all could," I said and looked at my friends. "I'll see you later then," Gary said and looked at Ash with a smirk, "See you, loser." He looked back at me, "Later, Em." He walked past me and my friends and started to follow the group.

"Uh, bye," I said. I looked at my friends and saw Ash was glaring after Gary. "That--" Ash started to shout as he stepped forward. Brock and Misty grabbed him and pulled him back. "Ash!" Misty said before they let him go.

I looked back to the group with a sigh, "It will be cool to find a Fossil." Ash suddenly stepped closer to my face, making me step back, "I'm going to find a Pokémon Fossil before Gary will even starts digging!"

"Um... okay?" I asked in confusion. Brock crossed his arms over his chest, "I don't feel right about digging up old Pokémon Fossils, especially after they been resting in the earth for such a long time."

"Yeah, I guess so," I muttered. "I'm still going to beat Gary, I have to," Ash said. I frowned in confusion and noticed Misty was smirking as she crossed her arms over her chest. Ash turned around and started to follow the group. "Hey, wait for us," Brock said and we followed.

We walked to the other side of the area, and found a large area of the canyon where many people were digging. "Wow, look at all the people digging," Ash said as I looked around for Gary. "Pika," his Pikachu said. "Where's Gary?" I asked. Ash looked at me with an annoyed expression, "Why are you looking for him?"

"Why not? he's a friend," I said. "Pika," my Pikachu agreed. "He changed a bit, but still," I said. Misty pointed to the side below, "There he is." I followed her gaze and saw Gary digging, "I wonder if he found something already."

"No way," Ash said in annoyance. "We better start digging before all the Fossils are dug up," Misty said. "All those people digging, but no one found any Fossils yet," Brock said, "I'm starting to wonder if this great Fossil Rush is really for real."

"Sure it is," Ash said as I tilted my head. "I don't know about this either," I agreed with Brock. "What's taking those two so long?" a familiar voice asked and we looked to our side, not far from us on the next cliff was Meowth from Team Rocket.

He had his arms crossed over his chest, "Humans, the only thing you can depend on is that they are always undependable." Jessie and James popped up from a rock, "Ta-da!"

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Yes, and make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare--"

Meowth scratched them in annoyance, "Cut that out, I bet you two clowns didn't plant the dynamites like you were supposed to!" James and Jessie looked at him in anger as my friends and I exchanged a shocked look. Dynamites?!

"Wrong again, fur ball!" Jessie said as she threw Meowth away. "Of course we planted the dynamites," she said as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Once we blast the Grampa Canyon up, we'll be able to scoop up all those Poké Fossils," James said.

"Did you hear that?" Misty asked. "They gonna blow up this all Canyon," I said as I looked at Team Rocket in anger. "All those people digging down there are going to be catch in the blast," Brock said. Ash looked at me and my friends, "My Pikachu and I will stop 'em, you guys spread the word and run for it, there's no time to lose." Ash and his Pikachu ran toward Team Rocket, and me, my Pikachu, Misty and Brock ran to get off the cliff. 

The second we reached to the bottom of the cliff, the ground shook below us, making us stop running. We looked to the side and saw an explosion not far from us. Everyone stopped digging and looked to the side. "Oh, no," Misty said as the ground stopped shaking. I ran toward the smoke with my Pikachu. "Emma!" Brock called but I didn't stop.

As I ran closer to where the explosion happened, I saw rocks lying down on a huge hole, blocking it. Ash's Squirtle popped up the rocks as I reached closer. "Pika-chu!" my Pikachu said.

"Squirtle," I said and helped him out. I placed him on the ground and stood up. I heard panting behind me and looked over to see Misty and Brock running closer. "Ash and Pikachu must be in there!" I said.

"What a disaster," Brock said. "We got to get them out," Misty said. "Let's do it," I said and stepped on the rocks. My friends did the same, so did Pikachu and Squirtle, and we all started to pull the rocks away.

"Are you all alright?!" We looked over and saw Officer Jenny running closer. "Officer Jenny," I said and saw Gary running closer. "Team Rocket blow the Canyon with dynamites," Misty said. "Ash must be trapped down there," Brock said.

"You can't get through those boulders on your own," Gary said. 'I'll go get some help," Officer Jenny said before running away. "Let's keep digging," I said as I looked at Misty, Brock, Pikachu and Squirtle, and they nodded.

Brock pulled out a Poké ball, "Go, Geodude!" the Rock Pokémon was released and I pulled out Tyrogue and Poliwhirl's Poké balls, "Tyrogue! Poliwhirl, come on out!" Tyrogue and Poliwhirl were released. "Come on everyone, let's move those rocks," I said and the three Pokémon nodded before turning to the rocks in the middle.

Gary jumped over and we all continued to pull the rocks away. "Ash is better not die on me," I muttered. Pikachu looked behind me and Gary, "Pikachu-Pi." We turned around and saw Officer Jenny running closer with a group of people.

"Hurry!" Officer Jenny said and the group walked over and started to pull the rocks away too. "Ash!" Misty called. "Hey, Ash!" Brock called. "Ash!" I called. "Get us out of here, and hurry up!" we heard Ash yelling from below. "Quick," I said as we pulled more rocks away. The rocks below us started to shake and we all ran away. We all stood around the rocks as they fell down.

Suddenly, a Pokémon flew up from the hole, Ash's Pikachu and Charmeleon were holding on it's tail but they let go and fell in front of us on the ground. "Charmeleon, Pikachu," I said.

"Where's Ash?" Brock asked. "Pika!" Ash's Pikachu said as he pointed up. We all looked up on a cliff, seeing the Pokémon landing there, with Ash in it's claws. "Oh no!" I said as the Pokémon screech.

It was a reptilian, bipedal Pokémon with large, membranous wings. It has small, sharply pointed ears, narrow eyes, a ridged snout with a gaping mouth, and strong lower jaw full of serrated fangs. It's body is covered in light purplish gray skin with violet wing membranes. It's wings consist of a membrane running from the side of the body to the tip of an elongated finger. There is a hump-like ridge with a single spike on it's back and it has a strong tail with an arrow-shaped tip. Its talon-like feet have two toes in front and one in the back.

"Where have I seen this Pokémon before?" I muttered as I held my Dexter. "It can't be..." Gary trailed off.

Aerodactyl, an extinct Flying Pokémon. Its hard fangs suggest that it was a carnivore. Its sharp claws were probably used to capture prey.

Me and my friends gasped. "It is!" Gary said. "That's Aerodactyl?" I asked as I looked up worriedly.

"Jigglypuff! Jigglypuff! Jiggly, Jiggly, Jigglypuff!"

We looked to the side and noticed a Jigglypuff running. "Hey, there's a Jigglypuff," Brock said. "Is that..." I trailed off, "The same one we helped before?" I had an idea all of a sudden to use Jigglypuff's sing to get the Aerodactyl fell asleep so it won't hurt Ash.

"I got it!" I said and run toward Jigglypuff. "Got what?" Gary asked. I stood next to Jigglypuff and looked at Gary, Misty and Brock, "This one is the same one! It wants to sing. I'll get it to sing to Aerodactyl."

"Great idea," Brock said with a smile. I turned to Jigglypuff, "Jigglypuff, if you'll help us out now, later we'll listen to your song as much as you want." Jigglypuff's pouty face turned into a happy one and it nodded, "Jigglypuff."

"Somebody get me down!" Ash yelled and I looked up to the cliff. I looked down at Charmeleon, seeing it was glaring up at the Flying-type Pokémon and pointing at his forehead before calling out and then a bright light appeared on Charmeleon.

"Charmeleon?" I asked as Charmeleon grew larger and the light disappeared to show Charmeleon had evolved into a Charizard.

Charizard is a draconic, bipedal Pokémon. It is primarily orange with a cream underside from the chest to the tip of its tail. It has a long neck, small blue eyes, slightly raised nostrils, and two horn-like structures protruding from the back of its rectangular head. Two large wings with blue-green undersides sprout from its back, and a horn-like appendage juts out from the third joint of each wing. A single wing-finger is visible through the center of each wing membrane. Charizard's arms are short and skinny compared to its robust belly, and each limb has three white claws. It has stocky legs with cream-colored soles on each of its plantigrade feet. The tip of its long, tapering tail burns with a sizable flame.

Charizard opened his mouth and roared, letting out a flame from his mouth. "Charizard," I said as I held my Dexter.

Charizard, the Flame Pokémon. Charizard's powerful flame can melt absolutely anything.

Charizard flew up toward the cliff as Aerodactyl looked down at Ash. Charizard roared to get Aerodactyl's attention, which he got and it flew away with Ash when Charizard got closer, but Charizard flew after them.

"Pika-Pi," Ash's Pikachu said. I turned back to Jigglypuff, "Okay, Jigglypuff, sing us your song." Jigglypuff nodded with a smile, "Jiggly." It held it's mic up and started to sing beautifully again. As I was listening to the song, I felt my eyes dropping as I yawned. "It's happening again," Misty said tiredly and I closed my eyes.

After we all woke up to find Aerodactyl nowhere to be seen, and Jigglypuff as well, we all stood in front of Officer Jenny after rubbing off the marks Jigglypuff had left on all of us after we fell asleep during it's song.

"Some of you are claiming that you saw a prehistoric Pokémon here in the Canyon, that is ridiculous," Office Jenny said. Brock, Misty, Ash and I exchanged a knowing look as she continued, "Let me assure you that it was only a dream caused by Jigglypuff's song. I'm must also announce that due to the danger of further cave collapses, no more digging will be permitted."

"Hmm... that Aerodactyl sure didn't seem like a dream," Gary muttered next to me. I smiled and shrugged as I exchanged a look with Ash.

After saying goodbye to Gary, me and my friends were heading on the path. "Hey! I almost forgot," Ash said as we stopped. He took off his backpack and kneeled down as he unzipped his bag. He pulled out an Egg, "I found this when I woke up."

"A Pokémon Egg?!" I asked with a smile. "Are you sure it's alright for you to just take that?" Brock asked. Ash stood up, "What do you mean? Do you think I should have left it with Nurse Joy?"

"Well, no, not really," I said. Ash took his backpack back holding the egg to me, "Here." I blinked, "Huh?" I took it as he rubbed the back of his head, "I didn't get you a Fossil but I hope a Pokémon Egg will do it."

"So, you took that Egg for Emma, huh?" Misty asked with a smirk. "Hey, that Egg was next to me when I woke up, remember?" Ash asked as he looked at Misty in annoyance. "It won't be the first time I'll take care of a Pokémon Egg," I said, "Until it will hatch I won't mind taking care of it."

"It settles then," Brock said and I smiled at Ash. "Thanks, Ash," I said. "No problem," He said and I looked at the egg in my arms.

Chapter Text

I was holding the egg I got from Ash in my arms as we all continued on, on a path. "Hey look, a poster," Ash suddenly said and we all stopped and looked to the side of the road, seeing a sign with a poster of a child with the title 'Missing'.

"Missing," I read. "Is that..." Misty trailed off as we all stared at the missing child. It looked like... "It can't be..." Brock trailed off. I looked closer at the picture for another moment. "James?!" me and my friends spoke together.

"It sure looks like him," Ash said. "It does," I agreed before turning to look down the road when we heard a car approaching. A limo stopped next to us and an older man with grey hair got out. "Hello, have you seen that boy from the photo?" he asked.

"We have, if it's James from Team Rocket," Ash said. The man gasped in delight, "You have?! Quick, to the estate." The man pushed us all to the limo and got in after us.

"Hey," I complained but he ignored me and closed the door before turning to the front seat, "Driver, quick, back to the estate." The limo drove off and he turned to us, "Would you children like some tea?" he asked. "Uh..." I trailed off as I stared at the man in confusion.

I didn't know how long we were driving to this so-called estate, my friends and I were drinking some tea while both mine and Ash's Pikachu were eating biscuits. I looked at the egg that was inside my backpack before zipping the bag.

"So, how much farther until we get there?" Ash asked. "We're almost there," the man answered. "It feels like hours," Misty muttered. "Wow," Ash said as he looked out the window. I looked outside to see a huge mansion coming to view.

"Look at that," Ash said. "It's huge," Misty said. We drove closer to the mansion and the limo stopped in front of the front doors. We all got out and looked around. "This is the biggest mansion I've ever seen," Ash said.

"This is not the mansion," the man said and we looked at him in confusion. "This one is a dog house, for Growlithe, it's the Pokémon of Master James," he said before pointing to his left, "This one is the master's mansion."

We looked to his left and to our very surprise there was a huge mansion I've ever seen. "Wow!" We all said in shock. "Please follow me," the man said and started to walk toward the mansion. My friends and I exchanged a look before following him.

We walked up the stairs and I looked at my Pikachu, who was sitting on my shoulder, "This is way bigger then our house," I muttered. "Pika," she agreed. We walked toward the front doors and walked inside as we looked around.

We stopped when we spotted two coffins at the end of the room with flowers all around them. A picture of young James holding a small Growlithe, and a man and a woman with him, was between the coffins.

"Coffins? Was there a funeral here?" Misty asked. "My master and mistress had only one child," the man said, "A boy named James." He looked at us, "This morning, his parents had passed away, and this estate is now his."

"Huh?!" We asked as we all stared at the man in shock. "You mean that this all estate is gonna belong to James?!" Ash asked before taking off his hat. The man nodded before turning sadly to the coffins, "After master James run away, his parents no longer had the strength to go on," he said as he pulled out a tissue and wiped his eyes from his tears, "Their hearts were broken."

"That's so sad," Misty said as we all looked at the coffins in sadness. "And now they..." Ash trailed off, "I hope we can find James and tell him real soon." The man turned to us, "Real soon won't due. His parents' Will clearly stated that master James must marry his fiancée without 24 hours of their passing away, if not, this entire estate will no longer belong to him but donated to charity, I must find him at once."

My friends and I were sitting outside on the stairs. "We should go look for James," Ash said. "What?" Misty asked, "Why should we help him, after all the trouble he caused us?"

"He may want to come to his parents' funeral," Brock said. "Yeah, it's his last chance to say goodbye to them," I said. Misty looked away, "I didn't think about that... but we'll never find him in just one day."

"No! Never!" we heard a familiar male voice shouting.

"Careful James!"

We heard yelling and looked above us and saw Team Rocket falling down from the roof and into the fountain. My friends and I stood and Team Rocket stood from the fountain. "Well... we found James," I said as I looked at my redhead friend and shrugged.

"Never!" James shouted as Jessie and Meowth dragged him out of the fountain as the three of them shouted. "Stop that! James' parents just passed away!" Brock said. "He's got to come to their funeral," Ash said as they stopped.

"Never!" James shouted before glancing at Jessie and Meowth as they looked at him in annoyance. "Look James, we becoming very annoyed with you," Jessie said. "Don't you want to become the richest guy in the world?" Meowth asked.

"I don't know," James said before grabbing his head and shouted, "I feel like my head is splitting! I can't remember anything that happened!" We all looked at him in confusion. "What's wrong?" Misty asked. "Maybe James has amnesia," Brock said.

"It's all a blur to me," James said, "I only remember... it was dark and stormy night... a boy was wondering far from home, with his loyal little Growlithe, Growlie. They were both freezing and they hadn't eaten in days. The boy couldn't keep moving anymore... he fell on the cold street and told Growlie to keep on and save itself, but Growlie wouldn't leave his side... it stayed by his side until the end. Then the boy departed from this world, leaving his little Growlie howl all night. The boy was found frozen solid."

I looked at him in confusion from making up that story and to my annoyance Jessie, Meowth, Brock and Ash had tears in their eyes from this story. "That such a sad ending," Jessie said. "That poor kid," Meowth said. "I can't believe James is gone," Brock said as Misty and I exchanged an annoyed look. "I miss him," Ash said.

"James is standing right here!" Misty shouted in annoyance as she glared at James. "Oh! That's right," James said with a smile before looking at Jessie and Meowth as they looked at him in annoyance. "I'm all mixed up!" he said as he grabbed his head again.

"Who cares? It doesn't matter what you remember, just take the cash," Jessie said. "But James can't get his inheritance unless he marry some girl in the next 24 hours," Ash said. "We'll fake a wedding and scram with the money," Jessie said.

"That's ridiculous," James said. "Ridiculous?!" Jessie repeated and scoffed, "This entire estate will be yours!" Meowth jumped up and down in delight, "Yeah! Yeah!" James stood up and ran away, "I won't do it!"

Jessie and Meowth exchanged a look. "He's weakening," Jessie said as she pulled out a Poké ball. "He'll see it our way," Meowth said. "Arbok, grab James!" Jessie said as she threw the Poké ball. The Cobra Pokémon was released, quickly wrapping his tail around James' body, stopping him from running.

"Let me go! Arbok!" James said. "You can't make him get married," I said. "He should be free to decide who he does or doesn't want to marry," Brock said. "Pull a sack in it," Jessie said as she and Meowth looked at us. "Keep your dumb opinions to yourselves," Meowth said. My friends and I exchanged a sad look. "Pikachu..." the Pikachu trailed off.

My friends and I were hiding behind the wall as we watched Meowth and Jessie (both dressed in black, calling them 'invisible costumes'), dragging poor James to the front doors, dressed in a blue suit and had his mouth covered. Jessie knocked on the door from behind James.

"Yes, coming!" we heard the butler from inside. "They won't fool that butler," Ash said. The butler opened the door and looked at James, "May I help you, sir?"

"It's me James, I've come back," Jessie spoke for James. The butler smiled in delight, "Welcome home, sir!" My friends and I looked at him in shock. "Pika?" the Pikachu spoke together.

"Your parents shall be most pleased to see that you've returned," the butler said. I frowned and he opened the door wider, "Please come in." Jessie and Meowth pushed James inside as Jessie spoke, "Thank you."

"They wouldn't fool me," Ash muttered. "Mmm..." I hummed before stepping away, "Let's go inside." My friends and I walked toward the door. I opened the door quietly and we looked inside to see the butler leading Team Rocket to the coffins.

My friends and I walked quietly to hid behind a wall and looked over. "Everything is fine now masters," the butler said, "Your little boy James has finally returned home just as you wished."

"Oh Mommy, Daddy, it's true, I'm back home at long last to get my money," Jessie spoke for James. The butler looked at James in confusion and Jessie grabbed James' head and shock it, "I mean..."

Jessie and Meowth pushed James to his knees. "I'm going to get married just as it says in your will, and I want a cash not a check," Jessie spoke for James. "What's that?" the butler asked as he leaned closer. "I mean, I'm only joking, of course," Jessie spoke for James, "Oh Mom and Dad, I wish I could have come back sooner."

Suddenly we heard laughing echoing around the room. A moment later, one coffin burst opened and a man stood up, "Prepare for trouble!" The second coffin burst opened and a woman stood up, "Yes dear, and make it double!"

We stared at them in shock. "They're--" Jessie started. "They ghosts!" Meowth shouted. Jessie, James and Meowth fell back on the floor. "Oh James dear, we're so happy you've came back home," James' mother said. "And you're wearing a suit," James' father stated.

"What just happened?" I asked in disbelief as I blinked. James looked at Jessie and Meowth in annoyance as if they had spoken but my friends and I couldn't hear them. "They not ghosts, you imbeciles!" He snapped, "It's just like them to pull a stunt like this to get me to come back home!"

"Does that mean..." Meowth trailed off. "You really don't have amnesia?" Jessie asked. James looked like he got busted before quickly grabbing his head, "Ah! Who am I?! Where I am?!"

"Why you're James, and you're about to be married," James' father said. "Hopkins, begin the preparations," James' mother said to the butler. Hopkins grabbed Team Rocket with a smile, "Yes."

He dragged them up to the stair case, and James' parents followed. We stepped out of hiding and looked up to the stair case. "So this all thing was a trap so James will get married," Brock said. "Oh man," Ash said. "Are they really his parents?" I muttered as I crossed my arms over my chest, "Who does that?"

"Should we go after them?" Misty asked. "Let's," I said before running up the stairs and my friends followed. We walked down the hallway, looking for Team Rocket. "Pika," my Pikachu whispered before jumping off of my shoulder and running toward one of the rooms at the end of the hall. We followed and slowed to a stop next to her, peering into the room.

"I don't know what you talking about," James' father said. James was sitting on a chair, struggling to get away from Jessie and Meowth as James' parents and Hopkins were standing in front of them, looking at James. "We're only want what's best for us--I mean, what's best for you," James' mother said.

I frowned, some parents they are. "You'll be a real gentleman ones you'll marry the right girl," James' mother said and looked behind James, "And there she is." Hopkins turned the chair around and we looked over to see a young woman sitting on a chair at the end of the room, she was holding a fan that was hiding her face.

"As James' wife it will be your duty to change him from a worthless do nothing into a respectable gentleman, my dear Jessebelle," James' mother said. "As you wish, mother," the woman, Jessebelle answered. "Now that's what I call a lady, not mean and nasty like Jessie," Meowth said. Jessie glared at him and gave him a smack on the head, "I'll show you mean and nasty."

"My name is Jessebelle, my only wish is to be your devoted and loving wife and companion, and also..." Jessebelle trailed off and slowly moved the fan away, "To educate you and your duty as a gentleman of the property."

To our absolute shock Jessebelle looked a lot like Jessie. "She looks like Jessie!" Meowth said. "What..." I trailed off as I blinked. "Amazing, she looks like Jessie," Meowth said much more calmer. "How dare you compere me to her?" Jessie snapped. "Are you kidding me? You both have the same face," Meowth said. "We do not!" Jessie said.

"Will you stop arguing? We got to get out of here right now!" James said. "Don't be ridiculous, how can we get your inheritance if you don't get married?" Jessie asked, "You've got to get through with it."

"If you won't do it for yourself, do it for the team, we're counting on you to make us all filthy stinking rich," Meowth said. "Forget the team! I'm not doing it!" James snapped. "Is something wrong?" Jessebelle asked, "Why do you keep talking to yourself like that James?"

"Talking to himself?" Ash repeated. "There's no way those clothes make Jessie and Meowth invisible," I said, "They just playing along, they're up to something too. I'm sure of it."

Jessebelle clapped her hands together and stood up, "Say here's an idea, let's go down to the vault and count all the money you'll inherit." Jessie was covering James' mouth and giggled evilly with Meowth. "Those two are pretty stupid," I muttered as I shook my head.

My friends and I quickly hid in the room next to us. Ash closed the door and listen. We all waited for a few moments before he turned to us, "Let's go." Ash opened the door and we all looked down the hallway to see the adults all walking away, and we followed behind.

We watched as they all walked past a door and we followed. We walked down staircase as we listen to Jessebelle speaking to James, "After you disappeared your mother and father were so worried about you as I was of course, but I knew one day you'd come back to me."

I raised an eyebrow as Jessie spoke for James, "I'm sorry for running away, but everything is going to be just fine now, now that I'm back here with my money."

"What?"

"I--I mean, back here with you."

My friends and I exchanged a look before we continued to follow. "Here we are," we heard Jessebelle saying as my friends and I reached to the bottom and hid behind a wall, peering over to see her standing next to a set of metal doors, with Team Rocket standing in front of it. "The vault," she said and looked at Team Rocket, "Let's go inside, your inheritance is in here." She pressed a button and the doors opened.

Jessie and Meowth pushed James inside and Jessebelle smirked. I frowned as she walked in after them. "I knew it," I whispered before my friends and I followed inside quietly. "What's all this junk?" Meowth asked. "What kind of inheritance is this?" Jessie asked.

My friends and I looked around in shock, seeing there was gym equipment all around the room. "Looks like gym equipment," Meowth said. James pulled away from Jessie and Meowth, turning to glare at them, "Don't you fools get it?! Jessebelle tricked you two into coming down here."

"How did she spot us?" Meowth asked. "Imbeciles!" James shouted, making Jessie and Meowth step back. We heard a drum and looked to the side to see James' father looking at James, "Your mother and I are tired of waiting for you to grow up!" James's mother stepped forward, "James, it's time to face the music."

We all jumped when we saw Jessebelle holding a whip and she whipped it on the floor. "You can't just do what ever you feel like anymore," she said and smirked, "Now you'll obey Jessebelle! Let the entertainment begin!"

My friends and I looked at her in shock and horror from behind a box. "She's scary," Ash muttered next to me. "Tell me about it," I agreed. "I'm starting to like you more then her, Jess," Meowth said as he was sitting on top of Jessie's head. "Thanks for the compliment," Jessie said in annoyance before she tried to pull him away from her head.

James' parents turned to them and they froze. "They see us," Meowth said. "Everything was fine until you opened that big mouth of yours!" Jessie said. "Do you take us for fools?!" James' father asked. "You've just ignored you until you brought James down here to the dungeon," James' mother said.

"I knew they saw them, and just played along," I whispered. "Now you see us..." Meowth started. "And now you don't," Jessie finished and threw something to the floor, making smock appear everywhere, making me and my friends cough.

"Jessie! Meowth! Don't leave me!"

The smock started to disappear as I saw that James was standing alone in the middle, Jessebelle walked closer. "At least we're together, I'm so happy!" she said. James looked at her in horror before he turned to ran away. Jessebelle smirked, "You won't escape from me again, James." She threw her whip, trying to grab him with it, but James kept dodging.

"Should we try to help him?" Ash asked. "I, uh, I don't like getting involve in this little family squabble," Brock said. Jessebelle finally managed to get the whip wrap around James' foot, making him fell to the floor, right in front of me and my friends.

"Oh James I knew one day you'll fall for me," Jessebelle said as she held a Poké ball and threw it, "I choose you, Vileplume!" She called and let her Pokémon out.

Vileplume is a blue, bipedal Pokémon with rudimentary hands and feet. It has beady red eyes and a small mouth. On its head is massive red flower with an orange-brown center. The rounded petals of the flower are red and covered with white spots.

"Hey what's that?" Ash asked as he pulled out his Dexter. I froze when I met Jessebelle's eyes. "Uh... hey," I said with an awkward smile as my friends froze too before we heard Ash's Dexter speaking.

Vileplume, the Flower Pokémon. Using the largest flower petals in the world, it spreads large clouds of pollen that cause allergic reactions.

Jessebelle ignored me and my friends and looked at her Pokémon, as James stood up, "Now, Vileplume use your Stun Spore! Slow James down and keep him from escaping."

"Vileplume," Vileplume said and spinned around in the spot. A tornado of topaz mist came out of the hole on it's head, paralyzing James. "This is just like... This is just like... last time," James said before falling to the floor again. The mist hit me and my friends, paralyzing us all too. "Oh. No," I managed to say before falling down.

I woke up right after hitting the ground. I groaned and sat up, looking around to see me, my friends, Jessie and Meowth were thrown out of the mansion. "Well, like they say..." Brock trailed off with a groan as he sat up, "Even a rose has it's thorns."

Misty sat up, "She's more like a cactus." I gasped softly and quickly looked into my bag, sighing in relief when I saw that the Egg was looking alright. "Is the Egg okay?" Ash asked and I nodded. "Yeah," I said as I zipped up the bag.

"If he marries her, James gets his inheritance," Jessie said as we all looked back at the mansion. "If he survives been married to her," Meowth said as we heard noises from inside.

We heard growling from the side and looked at the smaller mansion. The growling continued and I remembered that James' Growlithe was living there. We heard banging on the door and we all stood up. "Pika!" my Pikachu said and turned to me as she pointed at the door, "Pika, Pika, Pi, Pi, Pikachu!"

"It wants us to open the doors?" I asked and she nodded. I looked at my friends, "Well then." I run toward the doors and placed my bag on the floor before I grabbed the handles, trying to open the doors but it won't open. "Give me a hand," I said as my friends, Jessie and Meowth run closer. Ash wrapped his arms around me and the others did from behind him.

I turned to the doors and pulled on the handles as the others pulled on from behind. The doors were pushed open and we all fell backward, and watched as Growlie run away, opening with force the doors of James' mansion.

"What's that?" Ash muttered. I glanced at him and blushed when I realized I was sitting on his lap and his arms were still around me, and I quickly got up. "Sorry," I muttered and he blinked before standing up too. Misty, Brock, Jessie and Meowth stood up as they continued to look at the mansion.

We waited for a moment before we heard glasses breaking and we saw Growlie running around the mansion with James lying on it's back. It barked as it run closer to us. "Growlie says to go inside," Meowth said and we run in and closed the doors after Growlie run in with James.

James moved from Growlie and sat on a couch, sighing in relief. He looked down at Growlie with a smile, "You saved me Growlie, thank you." Growlie barked happily and jumped on the couch to lick his face, making him chuckle.

"That tickles, Growlie," he said as my friends and I sat on the other couch. Meowth sat on another couch and Jessie leaned against it as she crossed her arms over her chest in annoyance, "Well James, that fiancée of yours is truly despicable," she said.

"Told you she's just like Jessie," Meowth comment. Jessie glared at him and grabbed him, "I'll make your mouth even bigger!" James, my friends and I ignored those two as James sighed. "She's the reason I ran away from this estate," he said as he looked down at Growlie, "What a rotten day."

"What did happen?" I asked. "As soon as my engagement to Jessebelle has been announced, she begun following me everywhere, trying to change me, nothing I did was define enough for her," James explained, "Even since I was a kid, I hated how upper class society have rules on absolutely everything. Jessebelle is so rich, and marrying her will be the worse mistake of my life." He looked down at Growlie and smiled as he petted it, "Growlie is my only real friend on this stuffy estate."

"I see," I said. "Guess not everyone who's rich is happy, huh?" Ash asked. Suddenly the wall behind Jessie and Meowth broke down, and we all stood up. Jessebelle and her Vileplume were standing there. Jessebelle placed her hands on her hips and smirked, "My sweet James, you can't escape me."

"Leave me alone!" James said and Growlie stood in front of him protectively, growling angrily at the woman. "Vileplume, put him to sleep just like before!" she called and Vileplume used Stun Spore but before it could hit any of us, Growlie used Flamethrower to make the Stun Sport disappear.

"Pikachu, both of you use Thunder Shock," Ash said and both mine and his Pikachu used Thunder Shock, hitting Vileplume. Growlie used another Flamethrower, hitting the Flower Pokémon as well, before it started to ran back to Jessebelle.

She screamed in fear and turned to ran away, with Vilepulme right after her. We all breathed in relief and looked at Growlieas it howled once before turning to James. James smiled, "You're the best, thank you." Growlie barked, smiling up at him.

My friends and I were back on the road, when Misty turned to me, "How's the egg?" She asked. "It's fine," I said with a smile, "Should be more careful with it, though."

"Pika," my Pikachu agreed as I took off my bag and unzipped it to show the egg inside. I pulled it out and put back my bag on my shoulders. Misty zipped my bag for me as I held the egg in my arms again.

I pulled out a napkin from my pocket and started to clean the egg with a smile, "I wonder what kind of Pokémon will hatch from it."

Chapter Text

My friends and I were inside a Pokémon Center in a small town. We were in one of the phone booths, calling my family, I glanced over at the egg, which Ash was now holding for me, before back at the screen when my father answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Dad," I said. "Pika-chu!" my Pikachu called happily. Dad smiled, "Hey kids, how's it been?" he asked. "Great, we wanted to show you something," I said before stepping away slightly. Ash held the egg closer, "Look at this."

"Wow, a Pokémon egg, where did you get this one?" Dad asked. "I found it not long ago, and Emma's been taking care of it," Ash said. "I see," Dad said with a nod. "Do you know what kind of Pokémon inside?" Brock asked.

Dad looked at the egg again for a moment before shaking his head, "No, I haven't seen this kind of colour before, sorry." He smiled, "But it's one of the things that are exciting about a Pokémon egg, you don't know what will come out of."

"I wonder when it will hatch," Misty said before she gasped in delight, "Do you think it could be a Tentacool?!" Dad smiled a small smile, "I'm sorry Misty, but I've seen an egg that a Tentacool was hatched from, and it's not that colour."

Misty pouted sadly and I chuckled as I looked back at my Dad, "Oh well," I said, "Is everything okay back home?" Dad nodded, "Yes, by the way, have you and Ash talked to Professor Oak?"

"Uh, no, not today, why?" I asked. "Well, he would like you two to call him, he wanted to talk to you two," Dad said. "All right, we'll call him right away," Ash said. "Say 'hey' to everyone for us," I said and Dad nodded. "Will do, have fun," he said. "Bye Dad," I said. "Bye!" my friends said together before I hung up and the screen turned off.

I dialed the Professor's number and we all waited for him to answer. After a moment, he answered. "Hey, Professor," Ash said. "Hello, kids!" the professor greeted, "How are you?"

"We're okay," I said. The professor suddenly was pushed down by Ash's Muk, "Will you behave?!" he asked. Ash chuckled, "I see my Muk is been taken care of." Muk was looking at us in delight as the professor tried to pull it away from him.

"Um, my Dad said you wanted to talk to us," I said. "Oh yes!" the professor said and looked at us from above Muk, "Have you heard about the new Pokédex upgrade?"

"Uh, no," I answered as Ash shook his head. "Well, now you can get details on all the latest Pokémon discoveries," the professor said. "Wow, how can we get it?!" Ash asked with a smile. The professor pointed down, "Just put your Pokédex into that slot, and I'll do it for you."

I pulled out my Dexter and placed it inside before looking over at Ash and pulled out his Dexter for him. "Okay, Emma yours is done," the professor said as my Dexter was sliding out and I took it. "Got it," I said and placed Ash's Dexter inside too. "Say what are you holding there, Ash?" the professor asked.

"It's a Pokémon egg, do you know what Pokémon is it?" Ash asked. "Um... we'll have to see after it will hatch," the professor said as Ash's Dexter slid out from the slot and I took it. "All right, professor, Ash's Dexter is out," I said.

"Okay, you two get a move on, and catch more Pokémon," the professor said as Muk was waving for us. "Don't worry Professor," Ash said, "We'll talk again soon." The professor nodded, "Good luck," he said before hanging up.

My friends and I were sitting at a table outside in a small park, with all of our Pokémon out. Our map was lying on the table to see which way we should head off. I was cleaning the egg before looking over at Ash as he spoke, "Hey, Emma, when do you think that Egg will hatch?"

"I don't really know," I admitted. "I can't wait for it to hatch," Misty said with a smile, "Are you going to keep it?" I blinked, "Uh, yeah, I think I will... why?" Misty smiled, "If it's a water type, please let me have it," she said. "No way," Ash said before I could speak, "It's her egg, she should keep the Pokémon."

"It does sounds fair, Misty," Brock agreed with Ash. "Psyduck." I looked to my side and stared down at Misty's Psyduck, who was by my side, staring up at me with it's hands on it's head. "What is it, Psyduck?" I asked and I saw it's eyes sliding to the egg. "Psyduck," it said, tilting it's head.

"Um... are you curious about the egg too?" I asked as Tyrogue walked closer. "Psyduck," the Duck Pokémon said. "What is it now?" Misty asked in annoyance. Tyrogue looked at Psyduck, "Tyrogue, Tyro?" Psyduck looked at Tyrogue, "Psy... Psyduck."

"What are they on about?" Misty asked. Tyrogue looked at me, "Tyro." He held his arms out for the egg and I smiled, "You want to take care of the egg for now?" He nodded, "Tyro." I handed the egg to him, "Okay, be careful with it, okay?" Tyrogue nodded, "Tyrogue." He looked at Psyduck, "Tyro."

The two of them walked toward the other Pokémon. "Wow, Tyrogue sure has a lot of patience to be with Psyduck," Misty said. I chuckled, "He sure does. Those two getting along very well from what I've seen."

"It seems they just want to give you also a break from taking care of the egg all the time," Brock told me. I nodded as I watched a few other of our Pokémon gathering around the egg.

I turned back to the map, "Okay, so, where to now?" I asked as my friends turned to the map too. "We're could get to Cinnabar Island to Cinnabar Gym," Misty suggested. "Cinnabar Gym... How far is it?" Ash asked. "Mmm, it looks pretty far," Brock said.

"Tyrogue!"

We all looked back at the Pokémon, standing up when we spotted two people standing there with them. "Uh?" we asked. "Hello!" one of them said to me and my friends and we walked closer. I noticed Tyrogue was holding the egg protectively in his arms. "We just said that this egg looks very taken care of," the woman said in a soft voice.

"Uh... thanks?" I asked as I looked at them in confusion. "Who are you?" Brock asked in confusion as Tyrogue held the egg back to me, and I took it.

They held out baskets with Pokémon eggs inside them. "Would you like to buy some Pokémon eggs?" they asked together. "But we already have one," Ash said in confusion, "We don't need another."

"Speak for yourself," Misty said, "Emma has an egg, I would like one too." She turned to the two sellers and took one egg, "What kind of egg is that?"

"You'll find out when it will hatch," the woman said. "Uh, I don't know about this, Misty," I said. "Nonsense, dear," the woman said, "Every Pokémon egg here is different from the other. Would you mind if we'll take a look of your egg again?"

She reached for the egg in my arms and I took a step back. "Uh, yeah, I kinda do," I said. My Scyther stepped forward and held his scythe forward to make sure the woman will back away, "Scyther."

"How much is it?" Misty asked, holding the egg she took earlier. "Oh it's free," the woman answered. I raised an eyebrow as she took a step closer to me again. "Mmm..." she hummed as she studied the egg in my arms.

Before I knew it, she snatched the egg from me. "Hey!" I said as she quickly moved away to stand next to the second woman. They pulled off their costumes to show it was Jessie and James. "Team Rocket!" my friends called. "Give me back the egg!" I shouted angrily.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

Suddenly Poliwhirl used Water Gun from their side, making them yell as they were thrown to the other side, making Jessie drop the egg. Arbok, Meowth and Weezing jumped from the bushes and Meowth caught the egg with a laugh.

"Meowth!" I shouted. "Thanks for the egg," he said as Jessie and James stood up. Then Ash's Pidgeotto flew closer quickly and snatched the egg with his claws, flying back over. "Hey! Stealing is our thing!" Meowth said as Pidgeotto held the egg toward me. I took it, "Thanks, Pidgeotto."

"Get that Egg, Weezing!" James said. "You too, Arobk," Jessie said. Weezing used Smokescreen, which made me cover my mouth with one hand as I held the egg tightly. "Pidgeotto, use--" Ash started but I saw Arbok charging forward, hitting him with it's body, making him fall backward.

"Ash!" I said before something hit me in the back, making me let go of the egg. I gasped as I saw Jessie grabbing the egg and she laugh before she yelp when Tentacool tackled her from the side, making her drop the egg.

Misty grabbed the egg, "Emma, I got it!" she called before she was tackled backward by Meowth. "It's my egg now!" he said as he grabbed the egg and ran away. "Pidgeotto, use Gust!" Ash said. "Zubat, Double Team!" Brock called.

Both the Bird Pokémon and the Bat Pokémon used Gust together, pushing the smock away, and we saw Team Rocket running away with the egg. "The egg!" I shouted.

To our surprise, Ash's Charizard landed in front of Team Rocket, making them stop. "Charizard?" Ash asked. Charizard threw his tail forward, hitting Meowth hard, making him let go of the egg, and it flew backward toward us. Tentacool caught it with it's tentacle, "Tentacool."

"Good catch, Tentacool," Brock said and I walked closer. Tentacool held the egg toward me and I took it. "My egg!" Meowth said and Tentacool looked at it. Suddenly it's body turned bright and we stared down at it. "Tentacool?" I asked.

Tentacool grow larger and the light disappeared, showing it evolved into a Tentacruel. I smiled, "Tentacruel!" Tentacruel looked at Team Rocket, and they froze. Charizard moved away, turning back to lay down on the grass.

"Tentacruel, use Poison Sting!" I said. The middle orb on Tentacruel's forehead glow purple and it fired multiple purple darts from it at Team Rocket, making them yell.

I felt the egg suddenly becoming warmer and I blinked, "Huh?" My friends and all the Pokémon walked closer. "What's wrong?" Brock asked.

"The egg... it's... it's getting warmer, which means..." I trailed off. "Is it hatching?" Misty asked with a smile. "Yes," I answered as I looked closer when a crack appeared on top of the egg, the egg glow as we stared at it in awe.

The light disappeared after a moment, and more cracks appeared, before it broke and a small, light yellow Pokémon popped out from the crack, still encased in its eggshell. It has stubby hands and round feet with two toes each. It has black eyes and five spikes on its head that seem to form a crown.

"Aw!" we all said together. "Hey, there," I said as the small cute Pokémon blinked as it stared at me for a moment. It gave a cute smile, "Togy!"

"How cute!" Misty said. "Hey, there," Ash said as the Pokémon stared at him too, "Togy," it said. "My. Egg!" Meowth shouted. Brock's Onix suddenly charged forward, hitting Team Rock with it's body, making them yell as they flew away into the sky.

Ash and I were sitting on the bench and Misty and Brock where leaning over from behind us, with all of our Pokémon gathered around (except Charizard, who was lying on the grass) to look at the cute new Pokémon.

The new Pokémon was on my lap, jumping from my lap to Ash's in delight. "It's so cute," Misty said. "But what is it?" Brock asked. "Let me see..." Ash trailed off as he pulled out his Dexter, "Mmm."

Togepi, an Egg Pokémon. Specific information about this Pokémon is still unavailable.

"Togepi, huh?" I asked as Togepi looked at Ash's Dexter curiously. "It's name is cute too," Misty said. I petted Togepi on the head and it smiled before jumping up and down happily, "Togy, Togy!"

"It sure is a happy Pokémon," Ash said before turning back to the Dexter. "Can I keep this one, Emma?" Misty asked. Ash looked up in annoyance, "Lay off, Misty, Emma should keep it since she took care of it all this time." Misty ignored him as she looked at me, "Please?"

"Problem is Misty, that Togepi seem to enjoy Emma's company more," Brock said, "So does Ash's." We looked down at Togepi to see it was looking between me and Ash with a cute smile, "Togy."

"Pika," Ash's Pikachu said as he jumped on Ash's lap. Ash turned his Dexter again on Togepi.

Togepi is imprinted with the image of the first thing it sees after it hatches, thinking this is its parents.

"Now I see," Brock said. "See what?" Misty asked. "The first thing Togepi saw, was Ash and Emma," Brock said, "Which means, it thinks they are it's Mom and Dad."

"What?!" Ash and I asked together as we looked at each other. "Oh, is that it?" Misty teased and took Togepi up, "Is that true? Do you think Emma and Ash are your Mommy and Daddy?"

Togepi called happily, which seemed to confirmed it. "Uh..." I trailed off as I felt my cheeks heating up and looked at Ash again to see his cheeks pink too. "Well then, nothing else to say but congratulations," Misty teased as she placed Togepi back on my lap.

"Great..." Ash trailed off. Misty looked at all the Pokémon, "What do you guys think of it?" She smirked as she looked between me and Ash, "I'm sure your guys' Pokémon are very happy having a baby sibling."

"Knock it off," we said together before exchanging a quick look. Brock laughed while Misty smirked. "Okay, okay, we'll stop," Brock said with a smile and looked between me and Ash, "So which one of you will catch it?"

"Emma should have it," Ash said and looked at me, "Go on, Emma, you take Togepi." Misty smirked again, "Mmmm." I looked at Togepi as I ignored Misty, "What do you think, Togepi?"

Togepi jumped up and down in delight. I smiled and took Togepi into my arms, "Well then, welcome to the family." Togepi smiled, "Togy!" It looked between me and Ash before closing it's eyes, smiling.

Chapter Text

After getting Togepi into the team, I have send Tentacruel to Professor Oak so he could give it to my family, before we left the town. Right now, my friends and I were walking through the woods, while Togepi was sleeping in my arms. "Pikachu," my Pikachu said while sitting on my shoulder, looking down at the Egg Pokémon.

"Looks like someone is really excited about Togepi been part of the family, huh?" I asked. "Pika," my female mouse agreed. Then, Togepi popped up from the shell, and yawned cutely. "Hello Togepi, slept good?" I asked. "Togy," it said with a smile.

"Excuse me!"

We all stopped and looked to the side to see a man walking closer. "Hey, kids, are you four Pokémon trainers?" he asked. "Uh, yes, we are," Brock answered. "Would any of you like to have a battle against me?" the man asked, "Not long ago I've caught a Pokémon and I would like to give it a shot to battle."

"I'll go for it," Ash said. "Thank you," the man said. "Well, we're in the middle of the clearing, so it's a great place to do the battle," I pointed out. The man pulled out a Poké ball as he and Ash moved away to make a battlefield.

The man threw the Poké ball, "Rhyhorn, I choose you!" Ash threw a Poké ball, "Bulbasaur, I choose you!" Both the Spikes Pokémon and the Seed Pokémon came out, facing each other.

Rhyhorn is a rhinoceros-like Pokémon with a body covered in gray, rocky plates. Its underside and rear are smooth, and it has four short legs with two claws on each foot. It has a triangular head with narrow, red eyes, two fangs protruding from its upper jaw, small, triangular openings on the upper sides, and a short horn on the tip of its snout.

"Cool, my Rhydon is the evolved form of Rhyhorn," I said as I pulled out my Dexter. "Togy," Togepi said and I held up my Dexter.

Rhyhorn, the Spikes Pokémon. It's covered in a tough armor, giving its Tackle attack an extraordinarily destructive power.

"Rhyhorn, Take Down!" the man called. Rhyhorn charged toward Bulbasaur with a very high speed, making the ground under us shake. "Bulbasaur, go, Leech Seed!" Ash ordered, but before Bulbasaur could attack, Rhyhorn, slammed into the Seed Pokémon. "Bulbasaur!" Ash called.

"Oh no!" Brock and I said together. Bulbasaur slowly stood up, and I noticed he had a mark on his forehead from the hit. Ash pulled out a Poké ball and held it forward, "Bulbasaur, return!" Bulbasaur jumped away from the red light, refusing to go back into his Poké ball. "What are you doing Bulbasaur? Return!" Ash said.

"He doesn't want to, he wants to stay to win," I said. "Rhyhorn, Take Down again!" the man called and Rhyhorn charged toward Bulbasaur. "Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf!" Ash called. Razor-sharp leaves came out from under Bulbasaur's bulb and flew straight to the Spikes Pokémon, hitting it.

"Now, use Vine Whip!" Ash said. Two vines came out of the sides of Bulbasaur's bulb and hit Rhyhorn hard, making it fell backward. The man ran quickly over to kneel next to his Pokémon, "Rhyhorn!"

Ash grinned, "Alright!" he looked at Togepi in my arms, "What do you think about that, Togepi?" Togepi smiled, "Togy! Togy!" The man held his Poké ball, letting Rhyhorn return before he stood up and smiled at Ash, "You sure chop me down in sides, kid. Your Bulbasaur is sure is great!"

"Thanks, your Rhyhorn the same," Ash said. "Bulbasaur can never settle been second best, can he, Ash?" Brock asked. Ash looked behind the man with a smile, "That's the way to win, Bulbasaur." His smile faded away quickly and I looked over to see Bulbasaur was breathing heavily as he laid on the grass.

Ash ran closer with his Pikachu. "What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?" He asked worriedly. "Pikachu?" his Pikachu asked. Bulbasaur's bulb started to glow and we all walked closer. "Bulbasaur!" Ash said and took him into his arms. "There's a Pokémon Center near by," the man said and pointed to the direction, "Just head straight, you'll spot it."

"Thanks," Ash said as he stood up and ran off, with me, Brock, Misty and the Pikachu following.

The sun had already set down when we got inside the Pokémon Center, my friends and I were facing Nurse Joy as Ash placed Bulbasaur on the counter, the bulb was still glowing. "Nurse Joy, something is really wrong with my Bulbasaur," Ash said, "I think he's sick."

Nurse Joy looked at the glowing bulb, "Mmm... I wonder if this Bulbasaur is..." Ash looked at Nurse Joy, "Please you got to help him." Nurse Joy smiled, "I have to examine him first," she said as she took Bulbasaur and placed him on the stretcher, letting a Chansey take him away, "But I'll do whatever I can."

Nurse Joy turned around and followed Chansey. "He's got to be okay," Ash muttered. We watched as they walked into the room before I looked down at Togepi in my arms as it started to call in excitement. 

"What is it, Togepi?" I asked and followed it's gaze to a vase next to the door where Nurse Joy and her Chansey went, and saw roses blooming in the vase. "Wow..." I whispered in amazement. "Pika," my Pikachu whispered.

My friends and I were watching as Bulbasaur was lying on a table. Nurse Joy walked out and smiled at Ash, "You don't have to worry about your Bulbasaur, Ash. He isn't sick at all, he's just getting ready to evolve."

"Evolve?" Ash asked with a smile, "I can't believe it, Bulbasaur is going to evolve." Brock, Misty and I smiled. "You shouldn't be surprised, that mountain man did said that Bulbasaur was strong," Brock said. "That's because you've done a great job in training him," I said and Ash chuckled.

"Togy!" Togepi said in delight. "When Bulbasaur evolves, he will turn into Ivysaur, right?" Misty asked. "Right," Ash said and turned to Nurse Joy, "So, how long will it be until the big evolution?"

"Let me see," Nurse Joy said before walking past us toward the window. We all followed and looked at the blooming flowers. "Wow, just like last time," I said. "Last time?" Misty repeated. "I saw a vase full of flowers blooming earlier," I explained.

"Wow, look at them," Ash said in amazement. "They say that at a certain time of the year, the Bulbasaur gather together from all over the world for the festival where they evolve," Nurse Joy said, "No one knows why they choose that time, it's different every year, but it seems it has something to do with the alignment of the planet, and the faces of the moon."

"It sure is beautiful," Misty said. "It looks like we got here just in time for the festival," I said. "Where do the Bulbasaur go to evolve?" Misty asked. "Have you ever heard of the Mysterious Garden?" Nurse Joy asked. "The Mysterious Garden?" Brock asked, "That's a cool name."

"Yes," Nurse Joy agreed, "But since no one ever seen the Garden clearly, most people think it's nothing but illusion." We spotted a few sparkles on the flowers appearing. "Togy!" Togepi said in delight. "Look at the flowers spark," Misty said, "That's not illusion, the Mysterious Garden must be someplace up there."

"The Mysterious Garden, I want to see that," Ash said before looking at his male mouse, "How about you, Pikachu? Want to see it?" He nodded, "Pika-Pika!"

"Pikachu-Pi!"

"Pika-Pi!"

I opened my eyes and sat up on the bed, looking at the Pikachu who both were standing in the middle of the room. I spotted my friends were sitting up on their beds too. "What's the matter, Pikachu?" Ash asked.

"Pika, Pika!" the male mouse said. Ash jumped from his bed, "You mean something happened to Bulbasaur?!" he asked, and the Pikachu nodded, "Pika!"

Ash took off running from the room and the Pikachu followed. "Let's go," I said as I got up. I took Togepi into my arms and run out of the room, soon followed by Misty and Brock. I saw Ash stopping in front of Bulbasaur's room, "Hey, Bulbasaur isn't in the room!" he said and I stood next to him, looking through the window to see that the table that Bulbasaur was lying earlier, before Nurse Joy gave us a key for a room for us to sleep in, was empty.

Ash turned to both the Pikachu, "Pikachu, what happened? Did you see where he went?" Both the Pikachu nodded, "Pika-chu."

After dressing up quickly, the Pikachu both leaded me and my friends out, into the woods. After a few minutes of running, we all stopped in the middle of the woods. "Which way?" I asked. My Pikachu sniffed the grass for a few seconds before standing straight, and pointed to the right, "Pika!"

Both the Pikachu ran to the right and we followed. "Hurry!" Brock said. We ran up a hill and spotted a trail of pollen flying forward. "Let's follow this trail of pollen," Brock said as we ran after it. "It could lead us to Bulbasaur," I said, "Maybe we're getting closer!"

Suddenly, the roots of a group of trees started thrashing around us and then started to tangle together to form a barrier. "The vines trying to block our way!" Brock said. "There's no way a bunch of stupid vines are going to stop me from rescuing Bulbasaur!" Ash said, "Dive through!"

We all dived through the vines before the barrier completed, closing us on the other side. "That was close," I muttered as I sat up. "Togy," Togepi said in my arms. "We made it," Misty muttered next to me as the boys got up.

"Now I understand why nobody seen the Mysterious Garden before," Brock said as me and Misty stood up. "There's only one way to go to now," I said. "Into the Garden," Misty agreed.

"Pika!"

We turned around and saw the Pikachu standing at the top of a hill, and we ran toward them. "What is it, Pikachu?" Ash asked and we stopped next to them. We looked down and gasped in amazement when we saw a large group of Bulbasaur standing around, chanting happily.

"Wow, this must be the Mysterious Garden," Ash said. We watched as the grass all around them started to bloom with flowers. "That's so cool," I said. "It's so pretty," Misty said. The ground suddenly started to shake a bit as footsteps were heard. "What's that banging sound?" Ash asked.

"That sounds like big footsteps," I said. I watched the central tree and saw that the tree's hollow glowing. Then a male Venusaur emerged from inside and climbed on a tree stump, and he roared. "It's a Venusaur," I said. "I don't see my Bulbasaur anywhere," Ash said. "Hey, Ash, your Bulbasaur still has that bandage on his head," Misty said and pointed to the middle.

In the middle of the group, a Bulbasaur was looking around, unlike the others, he didn't look very happy been there."Hey, there he is," Ash said and waved as he called out, "Over here, Bulbasaur!"

I quickly covered his mouth with my hand, "Ash, humans aren't supposed to be here," I said and moved my hand away. "Oh, yeah," He muttered. I sighed as I shook my head. "Let's watch the festival," Misty said.

We watched as Venusaur roared and the Bulbasaur followed suit a few times. Then one by one, the Bulbasaur started to glow. "They evolving," I said before the light disappeared to show that the Bulbasaur all evolved into Ivysaur.

Ivysaur is a quadruped Pokémon that has blue-green skin with darker patches. On top of its head are pointed ears with black insides and it has narrow red eyes. It has a short, rounded snout with a wide mouth and two pointed teeth in its upper jaw. Each of its feet has three claws on them. The bulb on its back has bloomed into a large pink bud. A short brown trunk surrounded by leafy green fronds supports the bud.

"Ivysaur," I said. "All right," Ash said with a smile and pulled out his Dexter.

The Seed Pokémon, Ivysaur, Bulbasaur's evolved form. The bulb on its back absorbs nourishment and blooms into a large flower.

Venusaur roared again and the Ivysaur followed suit. "This must be their Evolution Festival," Ash said as I noticed that Ash's Bulbasaur didn't evolved but he was still glowing, he looked like he was resisting to evolve. "Hey, Bulbasaur didn't evolved," I pointed out.

"Huh?! Why not?" Ash asked as my friends watched Bulbasaur. "I don't think he wants to evolve," I said. "But..." Ash trailed off. I watched as Venusaur and all the Ivysaur turning to Bulbasaur, noticing that he was resisting to evolve. The glow disappeared from Bulbasaur, and he looked at Venusaur.

"Venusaur!"

"Bulba..."

"Venusaur!"

"Bulba, Bulbasaur."

We continued to watched them talking, seeing Bulbasaur shaking his head, not wanting to evolve. "See?" I asked, "Bulbasaur made his own choice. He wants to stay the way he is."

Venusaur and the Ivysaur didn't seem to like Bulbasaur's decision. "The others are getting angry on Bulbasaur," Misty pointed out. "They can't make Bulbasaur evolve if he doesn't want to," I said. "Yeah," Ash muttered and I looked at him to see he was staring at all the Pokémon.

Suddenly, Venusaur's Vines appeared, about to hit Bulbasaur with Vine Whip attack. "Hey, leave him alone!" Ash shouted as he ran down the hill with his Pikachu. Ash ran to stand in front of Bulbasaur, letting the Vines hit his shoulders. "Ash!" I called.

"Togy!"

"Pika-Pi!"

"Bulbasaur!"

Misty, Brock and I ran down the hill and slowed to as top behind Bulbasaur and the Pikachu. Ash looked down at Bulbasaur and gave a small smirk. "Ash, you okay?" I asked. "Yeah," he answered, but I knew that the Vine Whip hit him hard on the shoulders.

"Ve..."

"Ivysaur."

We looked at Venusaur and the Ivysaur as they stared at us. "Are they mad at us too?" Misty asked. "I don't think they too thrilled," Brock said.

"Venusaur!" Venusaur called angrily. "Sorry we broke into your festival," Ash said, "But the Bulbasaur you're angry at is my friend. The reason you're so mad is because he doesn't want to evolve, right?" All the Ivysaur nodded, "Ivysaur."

"You probably feel like he ruined your festival, and I'm very sorry about that," Ash said and took a step forward, "But if Bulbasaur doesn't want to evolve yet, then I don't think you should have the right to force him to!"

Venusaur roared up to the center of the tree, sending pollen to the tree, which burst out in red flowers. "They manipulating nature," Brock said. "If Bulbasaur evolves, he could do that too," Misty said before looking down at Bulbasaur, "Don't you want to have that kind of power, Bulbasaur?"

Bulbasaur looked away from her, still not wanting to evolve, but looked at Ash, as the boy kneeled in front of him, "I'm sorry I got so excited for you evolving without even thinking if you want to do it or not."

Bulbasaur smiled, clearly forgiving him, "Bulbasaur." I smiled, "We're all with you on your decision, Bulbasaur." Ash stood up and turned to Venusaur and the Ivysaur. "Now look, you can't just force Bulbasaur to do what you want," Ash said, "Bulbasaur has the right to decide when he's ready to evolve."

Venusaur seemed to finally came to accept it. "The pest is right," an annoying familiar male voice called from above. We all looked up to see the familiar Meowth air balloon flying above us.

"You've got to choose your own path!"

"And when our path to the Mysterious Garden was blocked..."

"We decided to rise above it all!"

"And we provide our own hot air!"

"Now we have to prepare for trouble," Ash muttered in boredom, and I sighed. "Here we go again," I muttered. "Togy," Togepi said.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Stop wasting time! Start the machine up!"

Ash and I exchanged a look before looking back up at Team Rocket. A machine appeared from under the basket with a bag attached to it. The machine turned on, starting to suck up the Ivysaur one by one into the bag. I quickly took my Pikachu into my arms, holding her and Togepi tightly, while Ash's Pikachu held into Ash's leg.

"The Ivysaur!" I shouted. Venusaur used his vines to grab some of the Ivysaur. "Pikachu, use your Thunder to bring down their balloon," Ash told his male mouse. "Pika!" Pikachu said as he moved away from Ash's leg.

"No wait!" I said and Ash's Pikachu looked at me. "A Thunder attack could hurt the Ivysaur that Team Rocket captured." Ash looked at me, "We got to do something."

Suddenly his Pikachu started to fly up, "Pika!" Ash tried to reach to him, "Pikachu!" Bulbasaur used his vine to catch Pikachu and pulled him down toward Ash, who held him in his arms. "Pikachu," Ash said. "Pika-Pi!" Pikachu said. "Thanks, Bulbasaur, try to let out the air from their balloon with your Razor Leaf attack," Ash said.

Razor-sharp leaves came out from under Bulbasaur's bulb and flew up toward the air balloon but because of the machine, the leaves flew to the other side. I saw James looking over and speaking, and a moment after we heard Jessie and Meowth laughing.

"Who needs a Bulbasaur?" Jessie laughed. "What a wimp," Meowth laughed, and James laughed as well, and we all glared up at them. "Stop making fun of my Bulbasaur!" Ash shouted.

"Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur shouted in anger, as we saw the sun raising up from the horizon. Sparkes were gathering inside Bulbasaur's bulb. "What's that?" Ash asked as he pulled out his Dexter.

Solar Beam, Bulbasaur's strongest attack. Light is collected and formed into a powerful beam with intensive force.

Ash smiled, "Like a super strong sunbeam! I didn't know you could do that." Bulbasaur looked up at Ash and nodded, "Bulba." Ash pointed up at Team Rocket's balloon, "Okay, Bulbasaur, get ready to use your Solar Beam!" His Pikachu pointed up too, "Pika!"

"Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur said and light appeared on his bulb. "Fire the Solar Beam!" Ash said. Bulbasaur fired a blue/white beam from his bulb toward the balloon, cutting the bag from the basket, and hitting the balloon itself.

My friends and I looked up in amazement. "Smoking," Ash muttered. Bulbasaur used Razor Leaf to cut the bag open, releasing the Ivysaur. The basket fell on the grass, landing in the middle. Team Rocket slowly peered up from inside.

Venusaur, Bulbasaur and all the Ivysaur used Vine Whip, hitting the basket with Team Rocket inside up into the air.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

My friends and I gathered around Bulbasaur. "Great job Bulbasaur!" Ash said. "That was so cool!" I said. "Togy!" Togepi said. "Pika-Pika!" my Pikachu said. "That was amazing!" Misty said. "You're the greatest!" Brock said.

Venusaur stepped down from the tree stump and we all looked at him. We all stared at him for a moment before Venusaur used one of his vine and held it forward toward Bulbasaur. He nodded with a smile, "Venusaur."

We all smiled as Bulbasaur held out his vine and shock Venusaur's bigger vine. "I guess Venusaur finally understand," Misty said. "Yeah, seems like it," I agreed.

My friends and I were now standing in front of the barrier, which now started to disappear. "Bulbasaur," Bulbasaur said and we all turned to see Venusaur and all the Ivysaur were far from us, watching.

My friends and I waved to them. "Bye!" we called as they all turned around and started to walk away, slowly disappearing through the fog.

Chapter Text

My friends and I were taking a break in a park. We all let our Pokémon out so they can join in for lunch. "Guess what Brock and I made," I said as Brock pulled out a paper bag from his bag. "Rice balls," he said as he pulled out a rice ball from the paper bag. "All right!" Misty and Ash said happily.

"Dig in, we made plenty," Brock said. Magikarp, Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen and Horsea jumped into a fountain while the others started to eat with me and my friends. I dropped some Pokémon food in the water so the Water Pokémon in the fountain will eat. Horsea eat some before turning to look around, and then turned to me, "Horsea, Horsea?"

"Oh, you looking for Tentacruel," I said and it nodded. "I'm sorry Horsea, I should have told you earlier, Tentacruel is at my home with my family. I'm sure you'll see it again soon." Horsea nodded, "Horsea."

I walked toward the others and sat down as Ash gave Togepi water from his bottle. "Okay, Togepi, eat up," I said as Togepi turned to me. I took a small piece from my rice ball and hold it to it, "Open wide." Togepi opened it's mouth and eat the small piece.

"Make sure to eat good so you can grow and be strong like all the other Pokémon," Misty said. Togepi jumped up and down happily. "Those rice balls are really good," Ash said as he eat. "Cha," his Pikachu agreed.

I chuckled and shook my head before turning back to feed Togepi, "Is it yummy, Togepi?" It nodded as it jumped up and down, "Togy! Togy!" I chuckled, "Slow down, you shouldn't be jumping around while eating."

"Scyther!"

We all looked toward Scyther, seeing him standing up as he stared at the bushes. "Scyther?" I asked as all the Pokémon looked at the bushes too. "What's wrong?" Ash asked. Scyther flew toward the bushes as he held forward his scythes, and vanished inside.

Not a second later, there was a scream from inside the bushes. We all ran toward the bushes and looked inside to see Scyther standing in front of a boy, probably in my, Ash and Misty's age, holding a camera.

"Scyther!" Scyther called angrily. "What's going on?" I asked. "Who are you?" Ash asked. "Can someone move this Scyther away from me first?" the boy asked. "Scyther," I said and the Mantis Pokémon glared at the boy before moving closer to me and the others.

The boy breathed in relief as he looked at the camera. "Are you spying on us?" Ash asked angrily. "I wasn't spying," the boy answered as he stood up, "I was just trying to take pictures of the Pokémon."

"Scyther must have thought you were trying to hurt him and all of us, that's why he attacked you," Brock said. "Scyther," the Mantis Pokémon agreed. "Sorry," the boy said, "You see, when you find many Pokémon all sitting together, you can't miss the opportunity to take a picture of this."

"Are you... a photographer?" Misty asked. "Yes, a Pokémon photographer," the boy said, "The name is Todd. Todd Snap." I frowned, "But you know, you could have asked to take picture of the Pokémon, then Scyther wouldn't have attack you."

"I wanted them to look natural," Todd explained. "I didn't want them to look uncomfortable or make a pose." My friends and I exchanged a look and I shrugged.

After getting our Pokémon into their Poké balls, Todd had took us to his cabin that he said he was staying for a while. He handed a cup of tea to each of us as he spoke, "You may not recognize my name, but I'm sure you've heard of the photographer who took the only known photo of the legendary Pokémon Aerodactyl."

My friends and I exchanged a confused look. "Have you?" Misty asked Brock, and he shook his head and Todd looked shocked and disappointed. "How is that possible?!" He asked before running to a desk. He ran back over and held up a book. "Here, look at this issue of Pokémon Time." He placed it on the table and pointed, "That's my picture of Aerodactyl."

"There's his name," Misty said. "Yeah, I guess you are famous," Brock said. I stared at the picture and frowned, "Hey, Ash isn't this--" Ash gasped as he pointed at himself in the picture been hold by Aerodactyl, "That is me!"

"What are you talking about?" Todd asked. "See here?" Ash asked as he pointed at the picture again, "This is me, carried away by Aerodactyl. Look closely." Todd took the book and stared at it more closely.

"Well what do you know?" he asked as he moved it away, "It's incredible how two people can be brought together by a single photograph. It's funny if you think about it, you're in the picture but no one knows who you are, and I take your picture and I'm world famous." Ash gave him annoyed look, "Yeah, that's a real hysterical," he said sarcastically.

"Sorry," Todd said with a chuckle, "How about I'll make you guys lunch? And for the Pokémon, since I ruined lunch break for all of you." We exchanged a look before looking back at Todd. "Well, sure, why not?" Brock said.

We all let out our Pokémon again, and settled outside the cabin for lunch. We watched as Todd was taking a picture of the Pokémon, and when he turned to Scyther, the Mantis Pokémon just turned away from him and turned back to his food. But Todd didn't have none of that and moved the other side and tried to take a picture of him.

I watched worriedly as Scyther gave the boy a look. "Just ignore me Scyther," Todd said, "Pretend I'm not here." Scyther turned away from him, making sure his back was facing the boy, and turned to his food once again.

Todd turned to Scyther's side and aimed the camera on him. "Scyther..." the Mantis Pokémon trailed off, clearly annoyed as he turned to the boy. "Uh!" I said as I quickly run closer. I placed my hands on Todd's shoulders and pulled him away, "Tell you what, Todd, why don't let Scyther eat quietly and then maybe he will be happy to let you take a picture of him."

"Mmm..." Todd hummed and looked at his camera. I sat on my chair and sighed softly. I turned back to Togepi to feed it before a camera pointed at it. I gave Todd a look as I cleared my throat. Todd glanced at me and I raised an eyebrow, so he moved the camera away.

After convincing Scyther to let Todd take his picture, Todd wanted to take a picture of Togepi and both of mine and Ash's Pikachu, but the three Pokémon were camera shy so they kept hiding away from the camera. My friends and I decided to head off, and when we did, we noticed Todd was following us.

Togepi hid inside my backpack, while Ash's Pikachu was hiding inside Ash's, and my Pikachu was hiding inside Brock's. "I didn't knew both the Pikachu are shy in front of camera," Misty said. "Well, my Pikachu is, if it's a stranger," I said and shrugged.

"I didn't know mine was shy," Ash said. "Maybe it's depends, like with mine," I said, "Plus, I don't think Togepi is that shy, I guess maybe it's copying the Pikachu." I glanced at my backpack before at Ash's and Brock's with a smile, "Hey, do you guys want me to take your picture? I got a camera."

My Pikachu popped up from Brock's backpack, while Ash's Pikachu did the same. Right then, Togepi popped up from my backpack with a smile, holding my camera, "Togy!"

I took the camera from it and found some cute pictures it took from inside my backpack. "Togepi," I said with a chuckle. "Aw, how cute," Misty said as my friends looked at the pictures. Ash took Togepi out of my backpack as the Pikachu jumped to the ground.

"Okay then," I said and pointed the camera at them. Ash placed Togepi on the ground and it walked closer to stand between the Pikachu. "Smile to the camera," I said, and they did. "Pika," the Pikachu said. "Togy!" Togepi said.

I clicked on the button and took a picture. "Don't move!" a familiar voice called behind me and we all jumped to see it was Todd, aiming the camera at the Pokémon. The Pikachu quickly hid behind me and Ash and I looked over in time to see Togepi starting to cry.

I quickly took Togepi into my arms and tried to calm it down. "It's okay Togepi, don't cry, I'm right here," I said softly as Ash petted Togepi on the head. It stopped and sniffed, "Togy..." My Pikachu jumped on my shoulder as she looked at the Egg Pokémon, "Pika."

Ash's Pikachu jumped up on Ash's shoulder as he looked at Togepi too, "Pi-Pi-Pi!" Togepi looked at him, and the male mouse pulled on his face, making a funny face. Togepi smiled, looking cheerful once again as it laughed.

"Good job bud," Ash said. "Thanks Pikachu," I said. The male mouse smiled, "Pikachu." My friends and I looked back at Todd. "What was that for?" Ash asked in annoyance. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare your Togepi, I just wanted to take their pictures," he said.

"Tell me something, is been a photographer means you take a picture of Pokemon without caring or understanding their feelings?" Ash snapped. "Uh? But I--" Todd started as I stepped back. I yelped when I fell in a hole and groaned in pain.

"Emma!"

"Are you alright?" Todd asked. "Yeah," I said and looked up at my friends. "Where did this hole came from?" he asked. "I have a feeling I know who made it," Brock said. Ash reached his arm toward me, "Can you reach for my hand?"

"Hold on," I said as I stood up and opened my backpack, "Get in for now, Togepi." It jumped into the backpack and I zipped it before standing up. I reached for Ash's hand but couldn't reach it. "I can't reach," I said.

"Hold on, I think I got a rope," Todd said as he moved away from the hole. Brock kneeled down next to Ash and reached his hand out, "Try grab my hand." I reached up to Brock's hand and Ash's but still couldn't, "It's too far."

Todd walked over again and held a rope, "Found it!" He looked under me and gasped, "Uh, Emma, quick, grab the rope." He throw one side of the rope to me and I reached to grab it when suddenly I fell, and my Pikachu and I screamed before hitting by water.

I gasped as I got to the surface, realizing I was in underground cavern. My Pikachu held into me tightly as I tried to grab into something.

"Pikachu-Pi! Pika-chu!"

"Emma! Pikachu!"

I looked over to the other side to see Ash, his Pikachu and Todd running along the water's edge. "Hold on, I'm coming!" Ash called. "Pika-Pi!" my Pikachu called. "Emma, you got to grab onto something!" Todd said, "There's not much time!"

My Pikachu and I looked forward to see a waterfall up ahead. "Oh no," I said. "Pika!" my Pikachu said. "There's nothing to hold on!" I shouted. "Emma, grab a hold of this!" Todd shouted and threw a strap and I grabbed it before me and Pikachu fell.

I looked at the strap before up to see it was camera strap, attached to a tripod. Todd and Ash pulled on the tripod together and started to pull me up. "We got you," Ash said.

"Not for long!"

We looked to the side of the riverside to see three familiar figures standing there with a machine. "Oh come on," I muttered.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!"

"That Meowth can talk?!" Todd asked in disbelief. "Team Rocket, why can't you give me a break?!" I called in annoyance. "Pika-chu!" my Pikachu shouted at them. "We gave you a break," Jessie said. "Now, back to our original plan," James said and Meowth pressed a button on a remote.

A hand popped out from the machine and reached toward me. Ash's Pikachu used Thunder Shock which stopped the hand. Ash and Todd pulled me to the edge. "Why can't you stick into your own business?!" Jessie asked. "This is my business!" Ash said. "Pika-chu!" His Pikachu said.

Ash pulled out a Poké ball and threw it, "Bulbasaur, go!" The Seed Pokémon was released. "Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf now!" Ash called and Bulbasaur let Razor-sharp leaves come out from under his bulb and flew toward Team Rocket, making them duck as they scream.

"Bulbasaur, give them your Vine Whip!" Ash said. "Bulbasaur!" the Seed Pokémon said as he let two vines come out of the sides of his bulb and chased Team Rocket away as he hit them. Team Rocket jumped into the water and they screamed as they fall into the different waterfall.

"Nice work Ash," Todd said. "Yeah, good work," I said. "Thanks," Ash said and held up Bulbasaur Poké ball, "Bulbasaur, return." The Seed Pokémon went back inside his Poké ball, as Togepi peered out from my backpack, "Togy."

After meeting up with Misty and Brock, and getting to know better Todd, who will be joining us for a bit, we all let out our Pokémon (even Ash's Charizard), to get a picture for Todd, but surprisingly, he said he wanted me, Brock, Misty and Ash to be in there along with him at the picture, which the Pokémon all agreed to take a part in.

Todd settled his camera on the tripod as me and my friends stood with our Pokémon, "Normally, I don't photograph humans, but this time I'll make an exception. I want to remember my new friends forever."

"Get my good side," Misty said. "Okay, get ready, I'll make sure to have four more for you," Todd said before he ran over. He slipped and tripped on me and Ash, making all three of us fall as we laughed along with Brock and Misty.

Chapter Text

My friends and I were sitting by the river. The water Pokémon (except from Misty's Psyduck) were all in the water, playing and having fun while Todd was taking their pictures. "Those are some great shots!" he said.

Togepi jumped up and down on the grass. "You want to go in, Togepi?" I asked and it nodded, "Togy." My Pikachu jumped into the water as Poliwhirl swam toward the Egg Pokémon. He took it into his arms before gently placing it on the water as Pikachu held her tail toward it. Togepi grabbed Pikachu's tail, letting her lead it away as Poliwhirl swam after them to keep on eye on Togepi as well.

"Seems like Togepi's having fun," Misty said as we watched the three of them. "Yeah," Ash agreed as Todd took a few pictures. Ash's Pikachu jumped into the water and took a hold of Misty's Goldeen, letting it take him away.

"Horsea!"

"Squirtle!"

We looked to the side of the water and saw Misty's Horsea and Ash's Squirtle next to my Magikarp, who looked like it was sick. "Magikarp?" I asked as I stood up. I ran closer with my friends and the Pokémon. "What's wrong?" I asked as I took it into my arms. "Are you feeling sick?" Ash asked.

"Magi... karp," it said tiredly. "Should we take it to the Pokémon Center?" Todd asked. "Is there is one around here?" Misty asked as Brock checked Magikarp. "I don't see the problem..." he trailed off before walking to his backpack, "Put Magikarp on the towel." I followed him and kneeled down to placed Magikarp on the blue towel that was lying on the grass.

"Pikachu?"

"Scyther."

"Togepry."

"Poliwhirl."

"Tyrogue."

I looked at my Pokémon to see they had followed and standing around me and Magikarp. I smiled at them, "Don't worry, guys. Let's see what Brock will say, I'm sure Magikarp will feel better in no time."

They nodded but I could see that they were still worried. Brock kneeled next to Magikarp and held out a fruit, "I don't think it's sick. I think maybe it's the symptoms for evolving."

"Evolving?" me and the others asked. "Some Pokémon have symptoms that show they about to evolve," Brock explained, "Some show tiredness. I guess it's means that Magikarp is going to evolve very soon." He hold the fruit closer to Magikarp's mouth, "Here Magikarp, eat this."

Magikarp eat the fruit as I looked at Ash when he spoke up, "Wow, that's so cool!" he said. His Pikachu smiled, "Pika-chu!" I looked at Brock, "So other than tiredness, Magikarp is okay, right?" He nodded, "Yeah."

I sighed in relief and looked at my Pokémon with a smile, "See? Magikarp will be all right." They smiled and nodded. Poliwhirl petted Magikarp, "Poliwhirl, Poliwhirl."

"Magi... karp," the Fish Pokémon said and it closed it's eyes. "It sure is tired," Ash said with a smile. "Pika-chu," his Pikachu agreed. Misty sighed, "I'm not ready for this."

"Mmm?" I hummed in confusion. "What do you mean? It will evolve into a Gyarados," Ash said. "I'm not a fan of Gyarados to be honest," Misty said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"But it's a Water Pokémon," I pointed out. "Yeah, but Gyarados are huge and scary," she said, "I don't like this one, Bug type--" she looked at Scyther, "No offense Scyther." She looked at me and the others, "And I also don't like carrots and peppers."

I blinked in confusion and looked back at Magikarp. "What will you do after it will evolve?" Misty asked. "What do you mean?" I asked as I looked at her. "Are you going to keep it?" she asked, "I mean Gyarados are really hard to train, you know. I don't want to go through what we went with James' Gyarados."

"Nah, with Emma been it's trainer, we'll be fine," Ash said. "I hope so," Misty said as I looked at Magikarp nervously. I could do it... right? I mean Gyarados have a bad temper, but since Magikarp was with me for a while now, I'm sure the bond we made with each other will help me train it much better when it evolve.

"Togy."

I looked to my side at Togepi, who was looking up at me. It smiled when I looked at it and jumped up and down, "Togy, Togy." I smiled and petted it. I took the Fish Pokémon into my arms and stood up. I walked into the water and placed Magikarp inside as it opened it's eyes. It started to swim a little in circle around me.

"It won't be long until it evolve," Brock said as he, Misty, Ash and Todd stood near us. "Yeah..." I said and sighed softly. "What's wrong? I thought you were excited, I know I am," Todd said.

"It's just that... well, Misty is right about Gyarados," I said, "They are hard to train, and they have a bad temper." I looked from Misty to Ash and Brock, "You guys remember James' Gyarados. It left him after evolving and throwing all of us to that island, what if--"

"You got nothing to worry about," Ash said, "You much better trainer then James, unlike him, you have a great bond with Magikarp. It really cares about you just as much as you care about it." I feel a soft nudge on my leg and looked down to see Magikarp looking up at me. "Magikarp," it said.

I smiled softly and took it into my arms. "Ash is right," Brock said, "Even when Magikarp evolves, it won't forget how you took care of it. As a Gyarados, it will remember everything, and sure will keep it calm."

The sun was starting to set, we decided to camp out near the river. I walked closer to the river, seeing Magikarp sleeping next to Misty's Goldeen. I smiled and leaned over to pet Magikarp before standing up.

Suddenly I heard a noise above and a metal hand grabbed me, pulling me up as I gasped. "What the!" Ash asked and I heard from above me laughing as I saw the Pokémon all woke up.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!"

"Team Rocket!" my friends called. I placed my hands on the metal hand and tried to get out of it. "Let Emma go!" Misty shouted. "Sorry no can do," Jessie said.

James' Weezing floated down and used Smokescreen, covering the area with black smoke. "Guys!" I shouted as I heard everyone coughing. "Let. Me. Go!" I shouted as I tried to get out of the metal hand. I saw Ash's Pidgeotto and Brock's Zubat using their wings to blow the smoke away, before noticing Magikarp swimming after the air balloon.

"It's that Magikarp," Meowth said. "Weezing, use Sludge!" James called and Weezing floated down toward Magikarp. "Magikarp, dodge!" I shouted and it did as it dove under water before the sludge could hit it.

I saw Scyther, Brock's Zubat and Ash's Pidgeotto flying toward us, but then, a bright light appeared in the water. "What's this?" Jessie asked. "Could it..." I trailed off as I watched in amazement. The light disappeared and a Gyarados emerge from the water, roaring angrily as it flew up to the air balloon. It grabbed the basket with it's teeth, breaking the attaching metal hand along the way.

I screamed as I was dropped toward the water but before I hit the water Scyther catch me and flew up, next to Pidgeotto and Zubat. I watched as Team Rocket screamed as they were dragged into the water by Gyarados , taking Weezing along with them.

A moment later, the air balloon was thrown out of the water into the sky as Team Rocket were still screaming.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

Gyarados emerged from the water and grabbed the air balloon again.

"Or not?!"

They screamed as Gyarados threw them to the side of the river, and fell to the water. The air balloon crushed on the grass as Gyarados swam toward them, roaring. "I hate to say it, but we got to stop it," I said, "Take me down there."

"Scyther..." Scyther trailed off in hesitation but flew closer. He set me down on the grass and I ran toward Gyarados and Team Rocket. I saw the three of them holding into each other as Gyarados continued to roar before charging at them. I ran to stand in front of him, "Stop!"

Gyarados stopped and roared again in anger. "I said stop!" I ordered and it stared at me. I stared into it's angry eyes for a moment before taking a step toward it.

"Emma don't!" Misty shouted but I ignored her and took another step. Gyarados roared again but I took another step. And another. And another. Until I stood close to it's face. I held my breath and held out my hand to touch it.

Gyarados frowned in anger but I didn't back down and just held my hand forward. "It's me, Emma," I said and it stared at me, "I'm your friend. It's okay, Gyarados. It's okay. You okay." Gyarados stared at me for a moment longer before it's face slightly relaxed and leaned forward to my palm, touching it.

I smiled in relief and hugged it. "All right!" I heard Ash saying. I pulled away slightly as I continued to smile and looked at Gyarados happily. I looked toward Team Rocket to see they were trying to leave quietly. "Not so fast Team Rocket!" I called and they froze.

I looked at Gyarados, "All right Gyarados, ready to test your powers?" It roared and looked at Team Rocket. I smirked as I looked at them and pointed at them, "Use Hyper Beam!"

Gyarados raised up and roared again, shooting out a yellow-orange beam from it's mouth toward Team Rocket as they held into each other, as they screamed. The hit blew them away, up into the sky.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off for real again!"

We saw them disappearing into the sky and I smiled, "That was awesome!" I looked at Gyarados before at the others as they ran closer. "That was cool!" Ash said. Todd held his camera, "I've got it on camera." He aimed the camera at Gyarados, "All right Gyarados, give me your mighty roar."

Gyarados roared loudly for his and Togepi's delight. I giggled and shook my head. "Team Rocket may had blast off but you sure did save them from been Gyarados' first meal after evolving," Brock said with a chuckle.

"They may be Team Rocket, but they shouldn't get eaten," I said. "Not by my Gyarados anyway." I turned to Gyarados and petted with a smile, "I wouldn't want it to have a stomach ache." I hugged it as I chuckled, and the others laughed.

Chapter Text

My friends and I were having a nice day on the field, not far from a small town, relaxing with our Pokémon. I laid my head on my backpack and sighed, "It's so nice today."

"It sure is," Brock agreed as he folded the map. I saw Ash looking to the side, "Hey, Togepi don't wonder off too far," he said. "Togy!" I heard Togepi calling and I looked to where it was going to see it was wondering toward the flowers.

"Shouldn't we ask for one of the Pokémon to go there with it?" Ash asked as I sat up. We watched Tyrogue and Psyduck walking toward Togepi. "That's covered up," Misty said. "Yep," I said with a smile.

Third Person POV

Togepi was picking up two flowers while Tyrogue and Psyduck were watching over it (or more like Tyrogue was watching over both Togepi and Psyduck).

Togepi turned to the two Pokemon, "Togy!" it said in delight as it held out the flowers. Tyrogue and Psyduck took them. "Tyro!" Tyrogue thanked the Egg Pokémon, which caused it to smile.

"Psyduck," the Duck Pokémon said. Tyrogue looked at it while Togepi turned around and walked to a different flowers. Psyduck stared at the flower in it's hand with a blank look, "Psy..." Tyrogue blinked before looking toward Togepi.

Togepi looked around at the flowers and jumped up and down in delight, "Togy! Togepry!" It stopped jumping when it spotted a couple of roses not far from it. It smiled, thinking maybe it's 'mother' would like the flowers and walked toward them in delight, "Togy."

Tyrogue had now been watching Psyduck staring at the flower in it's hand. "Tyro?" Tyrogue asked in confusion, wanting to know what's wrong with the flower since the Duck Pokémon kept staring at it.

"Psy... Psyduck," Psyduck said and Tyrogue sighed before looking to where he saw Togepi standing. To his surprise and horror, Togepi wasn't there and he looked around worriedly, "Tyro? Tyrogue!" Psyduck finally looked up from the flower as Tyrogue spotted the Egg Pokémon next to the roses, which caused him to sigh in relief.

Togepi pulled one of the roses and tagged it out, rolling backward one time. Tyrogue quickly walked toward it and held it up to it's feet, "Tyro, Tyrogue."

Togepi smiled as it waved the rose, "Togepry." Tyrogue smiled at the baby Pokémon and shook his head lightly, "Tyro..." His smile faded away when he heard a cry not far from them and looked to the side to see a Pokémon with three heads running straight toward him and Togepi.

It was a large, wingless, three-headed avian Pokémon. Each head has a long, sharp beak and a black V-shaped, feather crest. It has bristly brown feathers covering its heads and upper body, while its lower half has a smooth layer of black feathers. Its tail consists of three pale red feathers with lighter tips. Its wingless body rests on two long and slender legs with feet that have three clawed toes in front and one in back.

Tyrogue grabbed Togepi and pulled it out of the way before the Pokémon could have hurt the baby Pokémon. Emma and her friends had run closer with all the other Pokémon. "Togepi! Tyrogue, are you two okay?" Emma asked.

"Tyro," Tyrogue answered with a nod and held out Togepi to his trainer. Emma took the Egg Pokémon as it looked down at the roses, sad at seeing them, including the one it picked up for Emma, have been crushed by the three headed Pokémon. "Togy..." it said in a sad tone.

"Watch it!"

Everyone looked over when a male voice spoke up. It was a young boy, looking about Emma, Ash and Misty's age, sitting on the back of the three headed Pokémon. He was glaring at Emma and her friends, "You should keep your Pokémon by your side!"

They glared at him. "Hey, you the one who should watch it!" Ash said. "Yeah, Togepi didn't do anything wrong! It was just picking up flowers!" Misty said. "Tyro!" Tyrogue said angrily as he glared at the boy.

"It's practice field, get it?" the boy asked, "I go wherever I want." Emma glared at him, "Apologize to Togepi, right now!" She said. "Why should I?" the boy asked, "I got no time for this, I got a race to win."

With that said, the boy ran off with his Pokémon. "That little--" Emma started as she took a step as if she was going to go after him but she didn't. "What a jerk," Misty said and Brock gave a small nod. Ash pulled out his Dexter, "What was that Pokémon?" he asked.

Dodrio, a three-headed Bird Pokémon that can run faster than it can fly. Its three heads represent joy, sorrow, and anger.

"A Dodrio huh?" Ash muttered before he noticed Togepi was still sad, "Hey, what's wrong Togepi?" Emma and the others looked at Togepi and it pointed to the crushed roses, "Togy..."

They looked at the roses. "I see, you sad because the roses were crushed," Brock said. "Togy," it confirmed. "I'm sorry Togepi," Emma said as she petted the Egg Pokémon before she glared to the direction the boy went to.

Emma, Ash, Todd, Brock and Misty were inside the Pokémon Center. Emma's Pikachu, who was sitting on her trainer's shoulder, spotted a poster on the wall, "Pika?" She jumped from Emma's shoulder and ran to the wall. Emma stopped walking as she saw her female Pikachu running, "Hey, Pikachu, where you going?"

Her friends stopped walking and turned to Emma as she walked toward her Pikachu. Ash's Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulder and followed, before Ash and the others followed. Emma's Pikachu looked at the poster and pointed on it as she looked back at her trainer, "Pikachu-Pi."

Emma stood in front of the poster, "The Big P Pokémon Race?" she read. Her friends stood next to her and looked at the poster. "Could it be the same race that boy said?" Todd asked. "I think it is," Brock said as Emma smirked, having an idea.

"I know what to do," Emma said and her friends looked at her. "Do what?" Ash asked. "I'm going to compete in that race," Emma said. "Huh?" her friends asked together. Emma ignored them and ran toward Nurse Joy's desk.

"Nurse Joy," Emma said. "Hello," Nurse Joy said with a smile, "How can I help you today?" Emma pointed toward the poster, "Where can I sign for the race?" her Pikachu hopped on her shoulder as Nurse Joy pulled out a clipboard and laid it down on the counter.

"Here you go," she said, "Write your name on the paper and the name of your Pokémon that you'll be using." Emma nodded and placed Togepi on the counter, and wrote her name down as her friends walked closer. "But, Emma, what Pokémon you got to ride on?" Todd asked.

"I caught a Ponyta when we were at the Safari Zone," Emma answered as she wrote down Ponyta's name next to her name. "There you go Nurse Joy," she said. Nurse Joy took the clipboard with a smile, "You got here just in time." She handed her a paper, "In two days the race will begin, better start practicing."

"Thanks," Emma said as she looked at the paper in her hand before taking Togepi back into her arms. "So who you gonna send home?" Misty asked as they started to walk to the phone booth. "I guess Poliwhirl," Emma answered, "Just until the race will be over."

Emma dialed her home number as Todd turned to take a few pictures of Pokémon with their trainers. The family butler, Jeffrey had answered the phone as the screen turned on, "Hello, this is the Pierce residence."

"Hey Jeffrey," Emma said with a smile. "Pikachu-Pika!" her Pikachu said excitedly with a smile. "Miss Emma! Pikachu! How wonderful to see you, you looking well," Jeffrey said. "Thanks, it's great to see you too," Emma said. Jeffrey looked at Misty, "Hello, Miss Misty, it's nice to see you again."

"You too," Misty said with a smile. Jeffrey spotted Ash and Brock next to Emma, "And those two young men, from what I've heard, are Ash and Brock." Ash and Brock smiled. "Hey, I'm Ash," Ash said. His Pikachu hopped on his shoulder, "Pika-Pikachu!"

"Hey, I'm Brock," Brock said. "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you," Jeffrey said. Emma frowned at her friends, "Hey, where's Todd?" They looked behind them to see their new friend too busy taking pictures of the Pokémon around. "Never mind," Emma said with a chuckle before turning to Jeffrey.

"Jeffrey, I'll like you to meet Togepi," Emma said and looked down at Togepi in her arms, "Togepi meet Jeffrey, the family's best butler ever. He's been part of the family for years." Togepi waved it's hands around in delight, "Togy, Togepry!"

Jeffrey chuckled, "Hello there Togepi." Emma looked at Jeffrey, "Jeffrey, I wanted to ask for one of my Pokémon to come," she said. "Of course, Miss, which one would you like me to send you?" Jeffrey asked. "I want Ponyta," Emma answered, "I will send you Poliwhirl."

Jeffrey nodded, "Right away, Miss, let me get it prepare," he said. "Thank you," Emma said as he walked away from the screen. After a long moment, he walked back over with Poké ball, "Ponyta is very excited to meet you properly."

"Same," Emma said. She pulled out her Poliwhirl's Poké ball as she stepped toward the transfer machine. She placed the Poké ball inside and it disappeared, before another Poké ball appeared on the spot.

Emma took it and went back to the phone booth. "I got it," she said as Jeffrey held Poliwhirl's Poké ball, "Poliwhirl is right here," he said. "Thanks Jeffrey, I'll talk to you soon," Emma said. "Not a problem, Miss," Jeffrey said, "And don't worry, I've been taking care of Ponyta since it came, I made sure it knows who's it's real trainer is."

"Thanks," Emma said, "Say 'hey' to everyone for me." Jeffrey nodded, "Will do, Miss. Ash, Brock, Misty, it was nice to see you." Emma's friends waved, "You too, bye."

Emma hung up as the screen turned back. She turned around and threw the Poké ball, "Come on out!" Ponyta was released from the Poké ball, shaking it's mane. "Hey Ponyta," Emma said as she stepped closer. Ponyta looked at her in recognition and the girl petted it's mane, not feeling any heat from it.

"It doesn't hurt?" Ash asked. "No," Emma answered, "How you been Ponyta?" Her Pikachu waved, "Pika-chu." Togepi reached to touch Ponyta, "Togy."

"I guess because it knows Emma is it's trainer since Jeffrey did say he made sure it knows she was it's main trainer," Brock said as Todd walked closer. He took a picture, "It looks like it been trained well," he said as Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Ponyta, a Fire Horse Pokémon. Its mane is made of intense flames.

Ash walked closer, "Nice to meet you, Ponyta," he said and reached to pet it, but he felt the heat of it's mane so he backed away. "Looks like only Emma can touch it," Misty said with a chuckle. Emma looked at Ponyta, "Ponyta, there's a race I want to participate in, and I really need you for it, will you help?" Ponyta nodded and Emma smiled.

In the morning, Emma and her friends were at the field. Brock was setting up Ponyta for Emma, after the girl managed to convince Ponyta that Todd, Brock, Misty and Ash are friends. "Okay, all done," Brock said and looked at Ponyta, "Not to tight, right?"

Ponyta neighed and Emma stepped closer. "It was nice of Nurse Joy to let us borrow her riding gear," Misty said, "I didn't knew she even had something like that."

"Yeah," Emma agreed and looked at Ponyta, "Are we ready to practice Ponyta?" Ponyta nodded, neighing, so Emma got up on it's back. "All right Ponyta, let's see how fast you really are," the brunette girl said. Ponyta neighed and started to take off running with it's trainer on it's back.

"Wow! That's fast," Todd said in amazement. Togepi smiled and started to run (or walk) after them. Ash grabbed the Egg Pokémon and took it into his arms, "Sorry Togepi, but this time you're staying here." Togepi looked slightly disappointed, while Misty looked at Ash with a teasing smirk, "Fatherhood does wonders to you."

Ash glared at her, while his cheeks turned pink. "Knock it off," he hissed. Misty turned to watch Emma riding on Ponyta while still smirking. Emma and Ponyta had started to run back toward the group, Ponyta slowed down when they reached to them.

"Amazing speed, you sure going to win this race," Brock said. "Thanks," Emma said and looked down at Ponyta, "Ponyta, I'm counting on you, let's win this," she said and Ponyta neighed.

"What are you doing here still?"

They all looked over to see the same boy riding his Dodrio, slowing down next to them. The boy looked at Emma, "What are you doing?" he asked. Emma raised an eyebrow, "What does it look like?"

"You in the race?!" the boy asked. "Yep," Emma answered, "I thought it will be fun for me and my Ponyta." The boy glared at her, "You don't stand a chance to beat me."

"Oh yeah?!" Emma asked as she glared back at him. "It's my practice area, so go find somewhere else to practice," the boy said. "Hey, it's not your place, you can't tell her what to do," Misty said as she and the others glared at him. "Just ignore him," Emma said and looked back at the rude boy, using his words from earlier against him, "I got no time for this, I got a race to win."

The boy scoffed, "We'll see. Remember this, Dario is the name, that name you'll hear wins the race." With that said he ran off with Dodrio as Emma and her friends glared after him.

"That kid sure has a lot of confidence," Todd said. "Too much if you ask me," Ash said. "Well, I got confidence too, and I believe in Ponyta," Emma said, "I know we can win this."

"Pika-Pikachu!" her Pikachu said as she raised her paw up. "Thanks Pikachu," Emma said. "We'll be cheering for you Emma," Misty said. "Yeah, you can win this," Ash said. Emma smiled at her friends, "Thanks guys."

Today was the race, there were many people sitting at their seats in the open stadium, including Ash, Misty, Brock and Todd. Both Ash's and Emma Pikachu and Togepi were holding a red flags with a Ponyta's face on them, waving them around.

"The Pikachu and Togepi are ready to cheer for Emma and Ponyta," Todd noticed with a chuckle. "Yep," Misty agreed with a chuckle. "Pika-Pika!" Emma's Pikachu said as she waved her flag.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to this year's race!" the host spoke as everyone cheered. "This year, our course takes our challenges over rocky path to test their speed and ability. Whoever clears all the paths and get first to the finish line, is our winner! Will the Pokémon and trainers please come to the starting line, now!"

The competitors were walking to the line, riding on their Pokémon. The group saw Emma and her Ponyta not far from them. "Good luck, Emma!" Misty called and Emma looked over at them, and smiled. "Good luck to you too Ponyta!" Todd called. "You got this!" Brock called. "Yeah, you can win this!" Ash called. The three Pokémon with the flags cheered.

Emma chuckled while Ponyta neighed. She looked to the other side and saw Dario there sitting on the back of his Dodrio. They made eye contact and glared at each other before looking away.

"Let's win this Ponyta," Emma said quietly and Ponyta neighed. The red light turned on. "Ready?" the host asked, "Go!" The lights turned green and the competitors took off running. "And they off!" the host said.

The competitors ran out of the stadium, into the road. "Now the contestants had left the stadium and at the first part of the course!" the host said. Dario along with his Dodrio ran past everyone and got in the first line. "And Dario riding Dodrio has pulled up to the top!" the host called, "If he keeps up with the pace, he will be unstoppable."

Back at the stadium the crowd was watching from the screen. Emma's friends weren't happy to see Dario leading. Togepi and both the Pikachu were waving their red flags. "Pikachu-Pi!" both the Pikachu called. "Emma can beat him," Ash said.

On the road, something hit a Tauros, "And something happened to the Tauros, he's acting like he's in the rodeo!" the host said. Tauros lost control, making him accidentally hitting a Nidorina, which caused both of them to start fighting while ignoring their trainers. "Wow, and now Nidorina's fighting back after getting hit by Tauros," the host said, "They ignoring their trainers and starting to battle! Those Pokémon could use more training!"

The other contestants reached to the uphill climb. "The next path is the forty five degree uphill climb!" the host said, "And Dario still holds the lead!"

"Come on Ponyta," Emma said as Ponyta ran past a few contestants. They all got to the other side and ran down, but suddenly a trainer on Electrode rolled down on the hill faster than everyone. "Looks like somebody else takes the lead!" the host said before Electrode and it's trainer fell into a hole.

"Another accident!" the host said as Dario with his Dodrio took the lead again, "Electrode has fallen into a hole and Dodrio once again takes over the lead!" Ponyta ran past the hole as Electrode started to glow and it suddenly exploded, which caused a few of the Pokémon back from the explosion.

The others had reached to the pond with set of rocks in it, "Now to the most difficult section of the course!" the host said, "The Pokémon have to jump from one stone to the other to cross the river!"

"Go, go Dodrio!" Dario called with a smirk and Dodrio ran on the rocks. A Rhyhorn with it's trainer on top stopped, and then jumped on a rock before falling down. "To bad folks, Rock Pokémon can't deal with water!" the host said. Ponyta ran past Rhyhorn and jumped on the rocks.

"That's it Ponyta!" Emma said with a smile as Ponyta ran faster on the rocks, reaching to the other side. "Emma riding her Ponyta has reached to the second place it seems!" the host said, "Looks like she and Dario are going in head to head!"

Back at the stadium, the crowd were cheering. Emma's friends smiled when they saw Emma and Ponyta on the screen. "Yay, she's going to win this!" Misty cheered as did the three Pokémon.

Dario slid down on a hill with his Dodrio, where there was a few Pokémon food plates on rocks. "Now to boost their energy, each Pokémon can resume it, all it can eat bowl of food!" the host said, "The Pokémon can decide which one to eat." One head of Dodrio reach for the one in front of it, but then the three heads started to fight.

"Quit fighting! You all gonna get your fair share!" Dario snapped. Emma slid down the hill with Ponyta, and let her Pokémon eat from the bowl, "Eat up, Ponyta."

Dario looked from Emma to his fighting Dodrio in annoyance before looking up at the side of the hill, "All right Team Rocket! Time to go to work!" he shouted. Emma looked at him, "Team Rocket?" A smoke suddenly appeared around them.

Back at the stadium, the crowd was watching the screen as the smoke cut off the view. "Oh no," Ash said. "We got a major problem here, folks!" the host said, "Black smoke going all over the course! I hope the camera's picture will be back soon and show us if there was another accident."

Emma looked around, "Hey! What's going on?!" She looked up at the hill when she heard a female voice speaking, and saw two familiar and annoying figures.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

Meowth jumped over, "Meowth! That's right!"

Emma looked at them in annoyance, "Yeah, that's nice. Don't you have different mottos? This one is pretty lame and annoying."

"That's not nice," James said. "I don't have time for you three stooges to try and kidnap me or steal Pokémon," Emma said. Jessie looked insulted, "How dare you com--" She quickly calmed down and cleared her throat, "I--I mean come on up, I want to have a word with you."

"Yes, bring up your Ponyta with you," James said. Emma frowned angrily, "That was you three that caused those accidents, weren't you?!"

"Maybe," Meowth said and chuckled. "This break is over! Arbok!" Jessie called and her Arbok appeared from behind her, jumping toward Emma and Ponyta. Ponyta turned around, kicking the Cobra Pokémon back toward Team Rocket with it's hooves. They ducked as Arbok fell behind them, and they stood up.

"Dario, now's your chance, go!" Jessie said. Dario smirked, "Thanks, Jessie." His Dodrio ran down the rocks, running away. Emma glared after them, "Team Rocket working for him. We can't let him win."

"Arbok, stop her with your Poison Sting!" Jessie called and Arbok jumped back down toward them. Emma looked up at Arbok and gasped. Ponyta neighed, fire surrounded it's body and Emma, shocking Arbok and Team Rocket.

Weezing appeared in front of Arbok, looking down at Ponyta. "Wait, Weezing don't use gas!" James said, but his Pokémon used Smog. The Smog touched the fire, which burned up toward Weezing and Arbok, exploding.

The smoke started to disappear and Emma and Ponyta looked up to where Team Rocket were, but they were gone and flying up into the sky with their Pokémon.

"Looks like Team Rockets blasting off again!"

Back at the stadium, the screen turned back on and it showed that Dario on Dodrio running. "Now we got our picture back and Dodrio is still in the lead!" the host said. "Where's Emma?" Ash asked. "Oh no, did she get hurt?" Misty asked, "Or Ponyta?"

The screen switch to the hills but other then smoke nothing was there. "Now let's see what happened to Emma and Ponyta, but I can't see..." A fire was moving from a far, "Hold on, what this?! A giant burning flame!" the host said.

The screen switched closer to show it was Ponyta speeding up, along with Emma riding on it, but the fire didn't seem to hurt the girl at all. "Faster Ponyta, we're way behind," Emma said and Ponyta speed up more. "It's Ponyta!" the host said, "I don't know what happened, but this looks personal! Nothing left but the flag to the finish line!"

"Come on Emma," Brock said. "You can do it," Misty whispered. "And Dodrio entered the stadium and still in the lead!" the host said as Dario on his Dodrio ran in with a smirk. Emma on Ponyta ran into the stadium and her friends, the three Pokémon and the entire crowd cheered loudly.

Dario looked over his shoulder in confusion and looked shocked to see Emma and her Pokémon. "How did she--" he started. "Now Ponyta is closing in on Dodrio!" the host said as Ponyta ran next to Dodrio.

"Yeah!" Misty cheered as the boys cheered too while the three Pokémon waved their flags happily. "Okay Ponyta let's beat him," Emma said. Ponyta started to take the lead but Dodrio quickly took the lead again. "Now those two powerful Pokémon are taking the lead!" the host said.

"Do it Dodrio!" Dario said and one of the three headed Dodrio hit Ponyta on the side of it's face, making it slow to the back. "What happened? Ponyta is felling behind!" the host said. "Hey, that's cheating!" Emma shouted.

"I do what I have to to win!" Dario said and laughed as Dodrio speeded up. "Dodrio is closing in to the finish line!" the host said. "Oh no," Emma whispered. Ponyta neighed as the flames around it and Emma, and got bigger.

Emma looked down at Ponyta in confusion before she gasped as it glowed bright. Ponyta grew bigger and the light disappeared, startling everyone. Ponyta had evolved into Rapidash!

Rapidash is an equine Pokémon with cream-colored fur and a pointed horn on its forehead. It has small, red eyes and triangular ears with reddish interiors. Yellow and reddish-orange flames stream from the back of its head to form a long, flowing mane. A short version of the mane trails down its back to its equally fiery tail. Flames are also present on its fetlocks. It has slender legs, each with a single black hoof.

"I--I can't believe it," Emma whispered. "All right, it evolved!" Ash said. "That is incredible!" the host said as Rapidash speeded up to catch up with Dodrio, "Ponyta had evolved into Rapidash! The fastest of all Pokémon!"

Dario looked over his shoulder to see Emma catching up to him. "I can't believe it," he said in annoyance. "Here comes Rapidash!" the host said, "With the top speed of 100 miles for hour!" Rapidash reached to Dodrio's side as the crowd cheered. "And Rapidash has catch up! They're neck and neck, heading to the finish line!" the host said.

"Come on Dodrio!" Dario said. "You can do it, Rapidash!" Emma said. Just when Dodrio reached to the line, Rapidash managed to get there first, past the finish line. Emma's friends and the crowd cheered at the picture of Rapidash reaching first.

"And incredible event!" the host said as Rapidash slowed to a stop. "Rapidash has made an amazing comeback to win this race!" the host said. Emma smiled, "We did it!" She got off of her Pokémon, "We did it! Rapidash you were amazing!" Rapidash neighed, happy as it's trainer petted it.

Dario walked behind them still on Dodrio, glaring at Emma, "You're cheater!" Emma and Rapidash looked at him in annoyance. "You cheated by letting your Ponyta evolve!" he said. "You're the real cheater!" Emma said.

"I'll show you! Get her, Dodrio!" Dario snapped and his Pokémon reached toward Emma, but Rapidash quickly hit Dario and Dodrio with it's powerful hooves, the hit was so strong that it caused them to fly to the sky.

Emma looked at Rapidash with a smile, "Thanks Rapidash," she said as she petted it. Her friends ran toward her. "Emma! You did it!" Misty cheered as she hugged her brunette friend. Emma chuckled, "All thanks to Rapidash."

"You were great Rapidash," Ash said. "Togy! Togepry!" Togepi said as it waved it's flag. Rapidash neighed happily. A woman and a man walked toward them, the man was holding a golden trophy with a golden Rapidash on top of it. "Congratulations," the man said and held the trophy to Emma.

Emma took it, "Thank you," she said with a smile and looked at the trophy. The woman wrapped a red flag around Rapidash and clipped it together around it's neck. "Let's hear it for Emma Pierce and her Rapidash!" the host said as the crowd cheered loudly. "Pi-Pikachu!" both of the Pikachu said together.

Emma chuckled before she yelped in surprise as Brock picked her up on his shoulders. Togepi jumped from Ash's arms to Rapidash's back, not feeling any heat from it's mane. Misty and Ash cheered for their friend and clapped. Emma chuckled and held the trophy up as the crowd cheered. Todd took that opportunity and took a picture of all of them.

After the celebration, Emma and her friends had went back to the Pokémon center. Todd had pulled a few pictures that he took from the day and handed them to Emma, "Here you go, your victory picture."

Emma took them with a smile, "Wow, thanks Todd," she said. "No problem," he said. "So Emma, now that you beat Dario you feeling better?" Misty asked teasingly. "You bet I am," Emma said and looked at Togepi in her arms, "Don't worry Togepi, we won't see Dario ever again."

"Togy," the Egg Pokémon said with a smile. "Well, time to move on then, let's get Rapidash home and get on the road," Emma said. "Yeah!" Ash agreed. "But it's getting dark, I say let's sleep here tonight," Misty said. "Oh... yeah," Ash muttered and Emma giggled.

Chapter Text

After Emma and her friends reached to a city, they decided to take a break, so they stopped at a street. Misty, the Pikachu and Emma were sitting together with Togepi on the latter's lap. It turned away as Todd held his camera. Emma chuckled, "Come on, turn around Togepi."

"Togepry," Togepi said with a smile as it jumped up and down. "Don't be shy, turn and say 'Togepi'," Emma said with a smile. Togepi jumped as it turned around to face Todd and his camera, "Togepry." Todd took a picture, "Great. That was a cool shot. I'll make sure to make two copies for you and Ash, Emma."

Emma chuckled, "Thanks," she said. "And now a Pokémon Weather Update," a woman spoke and they all looked to the side on a screen, "Our area will remain clear and sunny today."

"Sounds like good weather," Ash said. "Pika-chu," his Pikachu said. "It should be great for taking pictures," Todd said. The weather update was done and the screen switch to a different show.

A blond woman appeared on the screen, "Pokémon love power! Find in the five stars breeding center. Wherever a Pokémon treating like a loved one." An image of a Charmander appeared next to her, "This guest evolved into a Charmeleon." An image of a Charmeleon appeared instead, "And then to a Charizard--" An image of a Charizard appeared instead, "In just a few short days. Let our experts provide your Pokémon with our loving care."

"A Pokémon breeding center?" Emma asked as she took Togepi into her arms and stood up. "What's that?" Ash asked. "Looks like somebody just opened up a new breeding center," Brock said. "Yeah, but what is it?" Ash asked. "Breeding center is to raise Pokémon for others who can't do themselves. It's like Pokémon spa," Todd said. "It could even help your Pokémon evolve," Emma added, "It is if it's a really good center."

"Wow, let's check it out," Ash said. "Fine with me," Emma said as she shrugged. "Togy," Togepi said. They grabbed their backpacks and started to head to where the breeding center was.

It didn't take them long to find the place, when they did, there was a large crowd in front of the building. The same blond woman from the TV was in front of the doors, "There's no need to push, there's plenty of room in our loving luxury suite. We guarantee your Pokémon will soon be like new and some will even evolve."

"She seems really nice," Misty said. "Yeah," Emma agreed before Brock took a few steps forward, looking as if he was about to drool over the woman... like he always does. "Here he goes again," Emma said with a chuckle.

"She sure knows how to attract customers," Todd said. "Yeah..." Misty trailed off in annoyance as she looked away from Brock. "Let's get in line," she said. "What?" Ash and Emma asked together. "But it's a huge line!" Ash said. Misty ignored him and walked to get in line. Emma sighed, "This will take a while."

"Our next guest," the woman said and finally it was the group's turn. Misty stepped forward, "I have a Pokémon too!" she said as she got into the woman's face. The woman stepped back, startled, "Well... you're in the right place."

"So what do I have to do to check my Pokémon in here?" Misty asked. "Misty, you really going to leave one here?" Ash asked. Misty turned to her friends, "Yep, I'll give it a try."

"But which Pokémon? Not your Staryu," Todd said. "Is it Horsea?" Emma asked as she raised an eyebrow, "Or Goldeen?" Misty shook her head, "Nope." She held a Poké ball and Psyduck came out. She took it and placed it on the counter, "My Psyduck." She looked at the woman, "I want to leave my Psyduck here with you."

The woman smiled, "It's so cute! Don't you just adore those eyes? They so bright and bouncy like ping pong ball." Misty looked annoyed, "Yeah, and I wish I had a paddle." A man walked closer behind the counter, standing next to the woman as she spoke, "So is there anything special you like us to do?"

"For starts you might try to knock some common sense into it's big empty head. There's a lot of empty space in here," Misty said. "Mmm," the woman hummed, "That's strange, it looks intelligent to me." Todd, Brock, Ash and Emma nearly fell over from that compliment. Misty pulled on Psyduck's face, "And you have to change this clueless looking face."

"That will take a miracle," Ash said. "Funny you should say that," the woman said, "The motto here in our breeding center is 'a little Pokémon love power works miracle'." She looked at Misty, "We'll do our best." She placed a ribbon with a number '12' on it around Psyduck before the man took it, and placed it on a conveyor belt.

"Have fun Psyduck," Ash said. "We'll see you later, Psyduck," Emma said. "Bye, Psyduck, good luck," Misty said and looked at the woman, "Thank you. Bye."

"Bye. Our next guest," the woman said and the group walked out of the building. "I hope Psyduck will be okay there," Emma said. "We'll see how good they are," Misty said as they walked down the street, "Psyduck will prove if that place is any good."

"I bet you're just going to leave Psyduck there and never go back," Ash said. Misty turned to face him while continued to walk, "No way. I'll never abandon Psyduck like that."

"Well, I think Psyduck has some good points, want me to take it off your hand?" Ash asked. Misty turned to face forward, "I caught Psyduck, and I plan to keep it, even if it still annoying when I get it back."

Todd slowed to a stop behind them when he spotted a restaurant. "That looks testy," he said. Emma, Ash, Misty and Brock stopped and turned around to walk back toward him. "Hey, it's a restaurant," Brock said. "Come to think of it, I'm kind of hungry," Emma said.

"Yeah, I'm really starving," Misty said. "Hey, look at this," Ash said as they looked at a poster. "All you can eat... for free?!" Misty read and grinned, "All right! I'm heading straight for the dessert bar!"

"It can't really be free, can it?" Ash asked. "Yeah, there's got to be a catch to it," Emma said. "Yeah, like you got to order ten dinners to get one free," Todd said. Misty frowned, "Well, I'll eat ten dinners if it came with ten dessert."

Ash and Emma looked at her in shock. They heard laughing behind them and turned to see the chef opening the door while laughing. "No need to eat that much, unless you all want to," he said, "The buffet is free on one condition."

"What's the condition?" the kids asked together. "Well, just show me my favorite Pokémon, and I'll treat you with all the food you can eat, plus all the dessert you can eat too," the chef said and Emma and her friends smiled. "Yeah!" Ash said. "All right!" Emma said. "I'm sure one of us has your favorite," Misty said.

Ash pulled out three Poké balls and threw them, releasing Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur and Squirtle. The group watched as the chef looked at the three Pokémon before shaking his head, "None of these." They looked at him in disappointment before Ash grabbed Emma's Pikachu from her shoulder and held her and his Pikachu in his arms, "What about them? A female and a male Pikachu."

"Pika-chu," they said together cutely. "I'm afraid not," the chef said. Emma placed Togepi between the Pikachu in Ash's arms and threw her Poké balls out, releasing Scyther, Poliwhirl, Tyrogue and Gyarados, "What about them? Scyther, Poliwhirl, Tyrogue, Gyarados," she said before taking Togepi back into her arms, "Or even Togepi."

"Togy!" the Egg Pokémon said in delight. The chef looked at Emma's Pokémon before shaking his head, "No. Not them too." Brock pulled out his Poké balls and threw them, releasing his Pokémon. "Maybe your favorite is Onix," he said, "Or Geodude. Or Zubat. Or maybe..." he took Vulpix into his arms, "It's Vulpix."

The chef shook his head, so Misty threw her Poké balls too, releasing her Pokémon. "How about Goldeen?" she asked, "Or Staryu. Starmie. And Horsea." The chef shook his head, "None of them is my favorite."

Emma and her friends looked at each other. "But that's all of our Pokémon," Misty said. "Maybe it's a Pokémon we haven't caught yet," Ash said. Emma looked at Misty, "Hold on, you didn't say Psyduck, Misty," she pointed out. Misty froze, "Oh! I forgot."

"Did you say Psyduck?" the chef asked and they looked at him. "Uh, yeah, I have a Psyduck," Misty said. The chef smiled, "That's my favorite!" They stared at him in shock, "Wait, what?!"

The chef pulled out a picture and held it in front of us to show it was a picture of a Psyduck lying on it's side. "Psyduck?!" the kids asked together. "You're a Psyduck fan?" Brock asked. "Hey, that looks like a picture I took," Todd said.

"I think Psyduck is the greatest thing since the invention of the microwave, I'm such a big fan, that whenever a customer brings in a Psyduck, I let them eat for free," the chef said. Misty stepped closer to the man, "Sir, if we'll come back in a couple of minutes will you be here?"

"Sure," the chef answered. "All right!" Misty said with a grin before holding her Poké balls toward her Pokémon, "Return!" After she returned her Pokémon back into their Poké balls, she turned to Emma, Brock, Todd and Ash, "Let's go!"

Misty took off before any of them could stop her. "H--hey, wait up!" Ash said as he held his Poké balls, "Return!" Brock and Emma held theirs, "Return!" After getting their Pokémon inside their Poké balls, them and Todd run after Misty.

"Wait up, Misty," Emma said. "That's typical, it figures Psyduck isn't around the one time I really need it," Misty said. "You the one who left it at that center," Ash pointed out. "Togy," Togepi said.

They reached to the breeding center and to their surprise, the doors were closed and there was a closed sign on them. "It's already closed!" Misty said in horror. "Guess we'll have to come back tomorrow," Brock said which Misty gave her friends a glare. "We won't get that free buffet today," Todd said.

"No way!" Misty shouted, which made Emma jump in surprise. "I'm getting to that dessert bar now! Let's go see if there's a back way." She stormed away angrily as Emma and the boys exchanged a look, before they followed her.

They found a back door and Misty knocked on it. "Hello, anybody there?" the redhead girl asked, "I need to get the Pokémon I left here. Please come open the door so I can get back to the dessert buffet!" She turned on the handle which made the door open.

"Huh?" Misty asked before looking over at her friends in confusion, "It--It's open." She opened the door wider, looking inside, "Hello? Is there anybody who can get my Pokémon?" She stepped in, "Is there anyone who can help me?"

Her friends walked in into the dark room. Misty opened another door and stepped in. It was a hallway with bright lights. Emma, Ash, Brock and Todd walked out to the hallway, following Misty.

"There's nobody here," Ash said. Misty opened another door and they all looked inside the dark room. "Is there anybody here who can help us?" She called. Emma tried to see something in the dark room, "It's so dark, I can't see a thing."

Brock dig into his backpack, "Hold on..." He pulled out a flashlight, "Got it." He shined the flashlight around to show cages lying on top of each other all around the room. They gasped when they saw Pokémon inside the cages.

They ran farther inside the room. "It's the Pokémon," Brock said. Ash glared at the cages, "This doesn't look like a luxury hotel to me!" Emma looked at an Oddish inside a cage, "This is cruel." Todd kneeled to look at a Sandshrew in a cage in sadness, "These Pokémon don't look like they want to smile for the camera."

Emma kneeled in front of Psyduck's cage, "Hey, Misty, found your Psyduck," she said. Misty walked closer and kneeled next to her as she looked at Psyduck's lifted eyes, "I have to say, it looks a little smarter when I drop it off."

Emma frowned, "Take a closer look." Misty blinked as she leaned closer to see two tapes on top of it's eyes. "They just pulled it's eyes up with duct tape," Emma said. "That's terrible!" Misty said as she pulled off the duct tape.

Right then, the kids heard something behind them and they turned to see a cage lifted by a metal arm, and moved to be placed on a conveyor belt. The group walked closer to watch the cage moving away. "What's that?" Ash asked.

They walked closer to where the cage disappeared and heard two voices from the other side. "We got a lot of Pokémon in this dump," a male voice spoke.

"Yeah," the female voice spoke and Emma realized it was the same woman they talked to at the counter. "It just proof that a lot of Pokémon trainers are suckers. Now all we have to do is pick up the choice Pokémon and ship them out to the boss."

"We'll be his absolute favorites!"

"And we'll be in for a big bonus!"

"This breeding center was a great idea."

"We believe in love power, that's because we love power," the both spoke together and laughed. Emma and her friends exchanged an angry look. "So it was all a big fake," Ash whispered.

"We got to do something to stop them," Emma whispered. "Yeah," Misty agreed as she looked around. "We can't let them treat Pokémon like this," Brock whispered. Todd suddenly smiled as an idea hit on him, "Hey, I think I got an idea," he said as he lifted his camera, "I'll take a picture of this place so everyone can see what's happening."

Emma, Ash, Misty and Brock smiled and nodded. "Yeah, that's a great idea," Misty whispered. Todd turned around, starting to take pictures of a room and the Pokémon in the cages.

"Snap take a picture of this," Emma said as she pointed to the conveyor belt. "Okay," Todd said and took a picture of it. But the flash from the camera was seen from the other side, which the man spotted, "Huh?"

"What Butch? Something's wrong?" the woman asked as the group froze. "I thought I saw something back there," the man, Butch said, "It looks like a flash. I better go check it out."

The kids heard a door opening and closing before footsteps were heard approaching. The group looked around nervously, trying to come up with a plan and fast. Emma's Pikachu jumped from her trainer's shoulder and ran to an empty cage. Emma, knowing what she was about to do, turned to her friends, "Hid," she whispered as she pulled them all behind the cages.

Butch opened the door and looked around before spotting flashing from farther inside the room. He walked closer to see Emma's Pikachu in a cage, using small electric attack. "Chu!" the female mouse pretended to use all her strength.

Butch blinked and smirked slightly, "That was only from this Pikachu." He turned around and started to walk toward the door. He closed the door as he left. Emma and her friends sighed in relief and stepped out of hiding.

Emma's Pikachu opened the cage she was in and jumped out. "That was a close call," Misty whispered. Emma smiled down at her female mouse, "Great thinking Pikachu," she whispered. Pikachu smiled, "Pika."

Misty turned to Psyduck's cage and kneeled down as she pulled on the bars. Todd held his camera, "I think I got all the shots I'm gonna need," he whispered. Brock nodded, "Good," he whispered, "We better get out of here quick."

Misty turned to them with a worried expression on her face, "Wait, we can't. Psyduck," she whispered. "What's wrong?" Ash whispered as Misty turned to the cage and tagged on the bars. "The cage is locked," she whispered, "I can't just leave Psyduck trapped in this awful place."

"Psyduck," the duck Pokémon said. Suddenly they heard noises behind the windows. "What now?" Emma whispered before she pulled Misty up to her feet. As the windows began to open, the kids quickly went back to hid behind the cages.

"Be quiet as a mouse."

"Did you say 'Meowth'?"

"This way."

"This is so... exciting!"

Emma and her friends peered up from the cages to see Team Rocket had sneak inside.

"Keep it quiet James Bond," Meowth hissed. Ash and Emma exchanged a look before looking back at Team Rocket. "Breaking into this breeding center was a genius," Jessie said with a smirk, "It's a burglar's dream."

"I told you this place was gonna be packed with Pokémon," Meowth said smugly. "And we're going to steal every least one," Jessie said. "That will put us back on the boss' good side," Meowth said. "But we've never been on his good side before," James said.

"Just shut up and unlock the cages," Jessie hissed in annoyance. James sighed but stepped closer to one of the cages. He kneeled down and started to unlock the cage with a paper pin. Jessie and Meowth were on both his sides, not noticing the kids stepping out from hiding.

"Almost got it," James said. "Hey," Ash said as he raised an eyebrow. Team Rocket jumped in surprise, turning to face the group from the floor. "What are you doing here?" Todd asked. Meowth jumped to stand, "I put that same question to you!"

"Keep it down, you'll get us all in trouble," Ash hissed in a whisper. "How did you get in here anyway?" Jessie asked quietly. Meowth smirked, "Don't tell me you goody goodies finally decided to become baddy baddies."

"You better not try to take over our territory," Jessie said. "I knew all along we couldn't trust you!" James said loudly. Ash glared, "Will you shut up?!" He sighed and crossed his arms. "This time it's way over your heads," Misty whispered.

"She's right, we better get these Pokémon out of here fast or we all in danger," Brock said. Jessie looked away as she closed her eyes, "I know what you doing. You're trying to trick us into helping you steal all these Pokémon for yourselves."

"Whatever, believe what you want," Emma said quietly and Jessie opened her eyes to look at the group. The lights turned on and they all looked up.

"I knew there was something rotten back here." They all looked over to see Butch and the woman inside the room, looking at them as they smirked. "And I was right, looks like rats had snuck in," the woman said.

"What should we do?" Butch asked. "We'll exterminate them," the woman said. Ash glared at them, "We're not afraid from creeps like you!" Meowth glared at them too, "Let's mix it up!"

"You don't know who you're dealing with," the woman said.

"But we'll be glad to show you," Butch said.

"Prepare for trouble and make it double!" they both said together and took off their coats to show Team Rocket outfits only theirs were black.

"To infect the world with devastation!"

"To blight all people in every nation!"

"To denounce the goodness of truth and love!"

"To extend our wrath to the stars above!"

"Cassidy!"

"Butch!"

"We're Team Rocket, circling Earth all day and night!"

"Surrender to us now or you will surely lose the fight!"

"That's right!"

A Raticate appeared right after. Meowth glared at them as Cassidy held a Poké ball, and Raticate returned inside, "Copycats!" Jessie looked away in annoyance while James looked at the two in confusion, "Does this mean you belong to Team Rocket too?"

Cassidy looked at Jessie smugly, "Jessie, it's been a while." James looked at Jessie in confusion, "Do you know that girl?" he asked. "She used to hung around with me," Jessie answered in annoyance, "She was jealous because I'm so beautiful."

"You're haven't changed a bit unfortunately for you," Cassidy said. "And you still a selfish little brat!" Jessie snapped, "How dare you use that motto?!"

Ash tapped on Emma's shoulder, and when she looked at him, he nodded to the door. The group started to walk to the door quietly and slowly while the two group of Team Rocket were talking.

"It's an outrage! It took us months to find a motto we could swipe!" Meowth said. "Steal your own slogan," James said. Cassidy closed her eyes as she moved her head to the side, "Save your arguments for the boss when he finds out you're stealing his Pokémon."

Jessie, James and Meowth looked at each other in horror and fear. "We're in trouble!" Meowth said. Cassidy looked at them with a smirk while Butch looked at them angrily. "The boss is really ticked off since he hasn't heard from you!" he said, "He thinks it's insulting!"

"But we can't call him now until we do something wrong right," James said. "He might throw us all off the team," Meowth said. Jessie held her head with her hand and sighed.

"We got this mission because the boss can't trust you," Cassidy said smugly, "When he finds out that you managed to tangle in anyway, well I hate to think what might happen to you, but I suppose getting thrown out the team is the best you can hope for after this." She looked at Jessie smugly, "Isn't that right, Jess?"

Jessie glared at her but before she could insult her, Meowth pushed her down with James. "We'll be very grateful if you can forget this ever happened," the cat Pokémon said. Butch and Cassidy smirked. "What's it worth to you?" Cassidy asked.

Ash opened the door quietly, but the group froze when they heard Cassidy speaking to them, "Not so fast children!" she said, "Now that you know of our little secret I'm afraid we can't let you leave."

The group took off running from the room. "We don't know anything about any secret!" Ash called. "We were just trying to eat all you can eat buffet!" Brock called. They ran down the hallway, spotting a door not far away. "There's the exit!" Ash said.

Before they can reach farther, a cage was dropped from the ceiling, trapping Ash, Brock and Todd inside. Emma, Misty and the Pikachu turned to them.

Ash grabbed into the bars in anger, "We're trapped!" Emma looked around, "What do we do?" Brock glanced over his shoulder, "They're coming."

"Emma you gotta hid," Ash said. Emma looked at Misty and the Pikachu, "Come on." The girls and both the Pikachu ran to hid around the corner.

Butch and Cassidy walked closer to the cages. "Our rat trap worked," Cassidy said and they looked at the boys. "Let us out of here!" Ash snapped. "What's that?" Butch asked as he grabbed Todd's camera. "It's mine!" Todd said. Butch smirked, "You won't be needing this." The boys glared at them.

Emma, Misty, the Pikachu and Togepi were hiding in an alley, the girls were watching as their friends and Team Rocket were thrown into police cars after Cassidy and Butch called Officer Jenny and claimed they were thieves.

"I can't believe this," Emma said as they watched the cars driving away. "What do we do?" Misty asked as she looked at her friend. "We got to convince Jenny that Ash, Todd and Brock are innocent," Emma said and backed away, "Think Emma..." She turned back to Misty with a smile, "Got it! We just need to get back inside and get Snap's camera to show Jenny the evidence he took." Misty smiled, "Right."

In the morning, Misty had gone into the shop to get her Psyduck, wearing a hat and a jacket so Cassidy or Butch wouldn't recognize her while Emma was behind the shop with Togepi and the Pikachu, sneaking in from the back door.

"Okay guys, look for Snap's camera," Emma said as she looked at the Pikachu, which they nodded and splitted up to check each door. Emma took Togepi into her arms and looked around to see if Cassidy or Butch coming.

After a few minutes, she felt a tag on her jeans and look down to see both the Pikachu. Ash's Pikachu was holding Todd's camera, "Pika." Emma took it as she smiled, "Great work, let's go."

They ran out from the back door and walked to the front of the shop. Emma peered to look into the window and saw Misty alone there. Emma knocked on the window softly and the redhead girl looked over.

Emma smirked and held up the camera, which Misty smiled in relief. Emma moved away from the window when she saw Cassidy walking out from the door with Psyduck. "Now, let's get the pictures to Jenny," the brunette girl said as she looked down at the Pokémon.

The girls and the Pokémon reached to the police station and went straight to the cells. Emma opened the door and looked at Officer Jenny who was standing in front of her friends and Team Rocket's cell, "You're making a mistake, Officer Jenny!"

"Emma! Misty!" Ash said as the boys smiled in relief. Emma, Misty and the Pokémon walked closer. "These guys been telling the truth, Officer Jenny," Misty said. "Yeah, look at these," Emma said as she held the pictures Todd took from the 'center'.

Officer Jenny gasped in horror as she looked at them. "Oh no! That's terrible!" She said. "That place isn't a really breeding center. They just steal the best Pokémon that are brought in," Misty said. "Those two told me the center was like a Pokémon spa," Officer Jenny said.

"That was a lie. If it was true, they would let you see the place," Emma said. "They cramped the Pokémon into cages," Todd said. "That's why they told you that we're the bad guys, because we found out about their plans!" Ash said.

"They tricked me?" Officer Jenny asked with a hint of anger. "When we heard what those two were up to, we went to stop them too," Meowth lied and Emma gave Team Rocket a look. "It's true honest," Jessie lied. "Yeah we're good guys," James said, his face was hidden in a Victreebel's mouth.

Victreebel is a plant Pokémon with a bell-shaped body. It has a gaping mouth with pink lips and two sharp teeth. Its semicircular eyes appear directly under its mouth and it has several dark green spots on its body. On either side of its body is a large green leaf. Covering Victreebel's mouth is a leaf with a long, brown, yellow-tipped vine growing out of it.

Misty crossed her arms over her chest in annoyance, "Please they broke into the breeding center just to steal Pokémon." Team Rocket fell to the floor with a groan. "Not to mention they're kidnappers too," Ash said as he glared at them. "Kidnappers, you say?" Officer Jenny repeated and looked at Team Rocket with a raising eyebrow.

The kids alone with the police had came back to the breeding center and went from the back door. They reached to the room with all the locked Pokémon. Officer Jenny opened the door in anger, looking at the startled Butch and Cassidy, "So! You thought you can frame these kids when it was all you who were stealing Pokémon. You're under arrest!"

"But we're not--" Cassidy started to lie but Officer Jenny stepped forward. "We're already know everything, there's no use in resisting!" she said. Cassidy held out a Poké ball and threw it in annoyance, "Raticate go!"

Raticate came out from the Poké ball and Emma looked at her Pikachu, "Pikachu, go!" The female mouse ran forward, "Pika!" she used Thunderbolt, easily defeating it with one attack. Butch and Cassidy looked surprised.

"Raticate got fried," Cassidy said. "Tough break," Butch said as Cassidy returned Raticate back to it's Poké ball. "Let's go," Cassidy said and they started to ran away. Ash threw a Poké ball, "Bulbasaur, I choose you!" The male Seed Pokémon was released. "Bulbasaur, it's Vine Whip time! Grab them!"

Bulbasaur used his vine, wrapping them around Butch and Cassidy, and pulling them backward, making them hit the floor. "Good job," Ash said as four police officers walked closer.

They used ropes to tie them up and took them away to the cars. The kids stood outside now to see Butch and Cassidy been thrown to the car. "We did it," Emma said. "Togy!" Togepi said with a smile.

"Good thing Snap takes great pictures," Brock said and Todd chuckled. Ash let Bulbasaur get back into the Poké ball as Officer Jenny walked closer. "You all did a great job, now we'll return all the Pokémon to their rightful owners," she said. "That's great Jenny," Ash said. "Anybody hungry?" Jenny asked.

The kids were sitting at a table in the buffet restaurant. Misty was eating ice cream for the fourth time, while Emma, the boys and the three Pokémon were eating a different dessert. "More ice cream!" Misty said in delight.

"Take it easy," Ash said. "Misty it's your fourth plate, don't you think it's enough?" Emma asked. "Nope," Misty said with a smile. "You should leave some for the other customers," Brock said.

Officer Jenny and the chef were sitting at the counter with Misty's Psyduck. Officer Jenny looked at the kids with a smile, "Don't worry, there's plenty of ice cream left."

The chef hugged the Duck Pokémon with a smile, "And it's all for free since you brought that cute little Psyduck to visit my restaurant," he said. "You have good taste," Misty said. Emma looked down at Togepi and chuckled softly. "Togy," the Egg Pokémon said with a smile.

After finishing eating at the restaurant, the kids said goodbye to Officer Jenny and the chef before heading back on the road. They got out of the town and slowed to a stop in front of two paths. Todd looked at Emma, Ash, Misty and Brock, "I guess you guys are heading to Cinnabar Island, right?"

"That's right," Ash said. "Well, I think I'll be heading up to the mountains, so I can take some new shots of wild Pokémon," Todd said and the others smiled. "That's great," Brock said. "We'll all miss you," Ash said. "Have fun," Emma said. "Bye, I hope we'll meet again real soon," Misty said.

Todd nodded, "Me too. Oh, and before I'll forget." He dig into his backpack and pulled out a few pictures and handed each for Emma and the others. "I took some more pictures for you guys," he said. "Thanks Snap," Ash said. "Bye guys," Todd said and he waved for them. They waved back as they walked to the path on the right.

Chapter Text

Emma and her friends were taking a ship to head to Cinnabar Island. By morning, they were getting closer to the Island, the kids were on the deck, looking over the ocean and the approaching Island.

"We almost there," Emma said. "It's supposed to be beautiful," Misty said. "It's got an awesome volcano, best of all, it got Pokémon research laboratory's one best in the world," Brock said, "Trainers come all over to learn the latest Pokémon technique."

"I'm heading straight to the Cinnabar Gym, and to my next badge," Ash said with confidence. "Pika," his Pikachu said with a nod. "Okay, come on, let's grab our bags," Emma said before walking past her friends. She walked toward the stairs but then bumped into someone. His hands grabbed her arms to prevent her from falling backward.

"Well, I see you finally decided to fall into my arms huh?"

"Gary?!" Emma and Ash asked together in shock and Gary smirked. "What are you doing here?" Ash asked in annoyance as he glared at Gary's hands still holding on Emma's arms. The brunette girl stepped back but she didn't noticed the look the boy was giving to Gary.

"Heading to Cinnabar Island," Gary said with a smirk, "It's a tourist resort after all." Ash looked shocked, "Resort?!" he asked. Gary ignored him and looked at Togepi in Emma's arms, "So Emma, I see you've caught yourself a Togepi." He petted the Egg Pokémon on the head, much to it's delight. "Togy!" it said.

"Yeah, I got it when it was still an Egg," Emma said as she looked at Togepi with a smile, "In fact, Ash found it first, and he gave me it." Gary's smirk fall slightly, "Really now..."

Ash crossed his arms over his chest and smirked. "So, what are you been up to?" Emma asked. "Well, winning in Gyms and catching more Pokémon of course," Gary said with a smile. His smile turn to a smirk as he looked at Ash, "What about you Ashy?" Ash glared at him as he placed his hands on his hips, "I earned so many badges already so I'm taking a break to work on my tan."

"A real trainer never takes a break," Ash said as he stepped forward, "So while you tanning, I will be at the Gym, winning a badge!" Gary just continued to smirk, "Cinnabar Island doesn't even have Pokémon Gym."

Ash's annoyed expression turned to sadness, "What do you mean? It got to have a Gym." Gary scoffed, "Well, you can believe what you want to, but you'll see for yourself. You're wasting your time." He looked at Emma, "So, Emma, want to hung out on the Island?"

"Huh?" Emma asked. Misty looked back at Ash in amusement as she watched his sad expression turned back to annoyance and anger. "Jealousy isn't pretty on him, but it sure is funny to watch," she whispered to herself.

"Oh, I, uh, well..." Emma trailed off before Ash grabbed her wrist. "Come on, we need to get our bags," he reminded them and dragged the brunette girl with him down the stairs. Brock quickly followed and their amused redhead friend followed after.

"Whoa, where did that came from?" Emma asked in confusion as she looked at Ash. "I'm sure one day you'll find out why he's like this," Misty said in amusement. "Don't tell me you were worried I would say 'yes' to hanging out with Gary," Emma said as Ash let go of her wrist. He scoffed, "I'm not."

Emma tilted her head teasingly, "Without me around, you wouldn't survive, huh?" she teased as she nudged him on the arm. Ash looked away, "Not true."

"Pika!" his Pikachu said with a smile, as he moved to his trainer's right shoulder to be closer to Emma, "Pika-Pi, Pika, Pikachu." Emma chuckled and looked at Ash, "Your Pikachu doesn't agree with you."

Ash's cheeks turned slightly red but he quickly started to walk down the hallway before any of his friends could see it, "Come on." Emma, Misty and Brock followed him to their room to grab their backpacks.

After the ship finally stopped at the dock, Emma and her friends had got off the ship and looked around. There was a lot of people around but they weren't trainers. They were tourists, much to Ash's disappointment.

"I guess Gary was right," Emma said. "This place is a tourist attraction," Misty said. "Oh well, we already here, so let's look around," Brock said. Emma looked back at the ship, "Where is Gary anyway? Did he got off the ship already?"

Ash huffed and crossed his arms over his chest, "What's so special about him?" he muttered. His Pikachu tilted his head as he looked at his trainer in slight amusement, "Pi?"

"Come on, let's just go," Ash said and started to walk away. "Wait up," Emma said as she looked at him in confusion and quickly followed along with Brock and Misty.

"No sign for a Pokémon Gym but there sure are a lot of tourists around here, there so many nice Islands, I wonder why this one became so popular," Brock said as they looked around the people.

They slowed to a stop when a man with long hair, sunglasses and a mustache stood in front of them. "The answer is in the riddle; what's the tourists think is hot and cool?" he asked. The kids blinked at him before Emma tilted her head as she thought about it.

"Hot spring are really hot and..." Misty trailed off and smiled as she looked at the man, "And tourists think they cool." The man nodded, "That's right. See kids, because of the volcano, there's a lot of hot springs here on Cinnabar Island, and every year more and more tourists come visit 'em. Now they even taken over Cinnabar Island, trainers don't even come anymore. Tourists! They've ruined the Island!"

"Is a Pokémon Gym still here? I have to earn a Volcano Badge," Ash said. "I heard the Gym Leader is a guy name Blaine," Misty said. "His Gym is right where you put your glasses on," the man said. "Glasses..." Ash trailed off. "In front of your eyes," Emma said.

The man nodded, "That's right. Blaine's Gym is in front of your eyes." He pointed to the side, which a small looking house that looked destroyed and abandoned. "Huh?!" the kids asked. "Pika?!" both the Pikachu asked.

The man walked toward the house and the kids followed. They all stood in front of it. "That's it?" Brock asked. "Blaine got tired of battling tourists who care more about post cards and t-shirts than about Pokémon, that's why he abandoned the Gym," the man explained.

Ash looked at the man, "But I'm not some stupid tourist! I'm a real trainer! I came all the way out to this Island just so I could battle for my Volcano Badge!" he said. "I'm afraid you came to the wrong place, my friend," the man said and Ash looked at him in disappointment. "Here's my card," the man said as he pulled out a card and handed it to Ash, "If you need anything."

Emma, Misty and Brock gathered around Ash as he read from the card, "The Big Riddle Inn." Misty frowned, "An Inn? How can you ran a hotel and then blame tourists for ruining the Island? That doesn't make any sense to me."

Brock looked over their shoulder, "He's gone." The kids looked around but the man was no where to be found. "Where did he go?" Emma asked and Misty shrugged. "He sure was weird," Ash muttered.

The kids were heading off to the Pokémon research laboratory Brock spoke about. "Well, even if it's full of tourists, we should still check out that lab," Ash said. "It can't be that bad," Brock said. "Oh yeah?" Misty asked as she stared forward and they all stopped to see the lab was nothing but stands with souvenirs.

"It's just a bunch of souvenirs stands," Ash said. "It's just a tourist attraction," Emma said. They all looked down at Ash's stomach when it made a noise. Ash rubbed the back of his neck with a nervous chuckle, "Oops, guess all this disappointment made me hungry."

"We should call it a day," Emma said in amusement. "Why don't we check out the Pokémon center?" Misty asked. "Good idea," Brock said and they turned around, and started to look for the Pokémon center.

It didn't took them long to find a Pokémon center but when they walked inside, the place was packed with people. They walked to the main counter to find Nurse Joy and asked for a room. "I'm very sorry," she apologized, "We got so many visitors, they even sleeping in the lobby. It's the busy season. We simply don't have any room."

"That's okay, thanks," Emma muttered but they walked out of the building. "I think we were the only ones in the all center who actually have Pokémon," Brock said. "Well, guess we could camp out," Emma said and Misty sighed in disappointment. "Hey look," Ash said and they followed his gaze to a building with a hotel sign, "I bet we'll get a room there."

Turned out that luck wasn't on the kids' side tonight. Unfortunately there was no available room in any hotel they came across. The kids were walking away from the last hotel they came across when Ash's stomach rumbled again. "I'm so hungry, I can eat a Horsea," he said.

"I'm too tired to eat, I just want a nice soft bed," Misty said as Emma let Togepi rest inside her backpack. They heard music from one of the rooms inside the hotel and turned to it. "I've had it, let's just find a nice spot to camp out," Brock said. "Yeah," Emma agreed as Ash sniffed the air.

"Hey, that's smells good," Ash said as he slowly walked toward the hotel as his friends watched him in confusion. "Ash, wait," Emma said. "Where you going?" Brock asked as they followed him. "Pika-Pi," Ash's Pikachu called. "We already tried this hotel, it's full," Misty said.

Emma grabbed Ash's arm and stopped him before he would get into trouble. "Come on, Ash," she said. "It's not fair, they having a banquet in there," the boy complained and right then his stomach rumbled again.

A shadow appeared on the door and it opened to reveal Gary. "Gary?" Emma and Ash asked together. Gary looked around in confusion, "I thought I heard something out here." He spotted Emma and her group, but mainly ignored them and looked at the brunette girl, "Emma?"

"Uh, hey," Emma said as she blinked at him. "What you doing out here late in night? Are you staying here?" Gary asked. "Uh... well..." Emma trailed off. Ash looked at him angrily, "We're camping out."

"We're looking for a place to stay for the night, but the hotels are all full," Emma said. "All of them?" Gary asked and Emma, Brock and Misty nodded while Ash crossed his arms over his chest. "Well, there's a room for you here," Gary told the brunette girl.

"Uh, just for me?" Emma asked and glanced at her friends before looking back at Gary, "Isn't there a room for three more?" Togepi popped up from Emma's backpack, "Togy." The Egg Pokémon jumped out from the backpack and walked toward Gary.

"Hey, Togepi, where you going?" Ash asked. Both the Pikachu ran after it, "Pi-Pi-Pi!" The three Pokémon stood next to Gary and looked inside. Gary opened the door wider to show the cheerleaders inside with two Pokémon and lots of food on the table.

"Look at all the food," Misty said as they stared at it. "I'll tell you what Em, your friends can join in for the food but there's only one person who can stay the night so," Gary said. Misty opened her mouth but Ash cut in, snapping, "Forget it! We don't need your food!"

Right then, his stomach decided to rumble again. "Looks like your stomach doesn't agree with you," Gary said with a smirk. Ash glared at him and grabbed Emma's wrist, dragging her with him, "Let's go. Pikachu come on!"

Just then Gary grabbed Emma's left wrist, "If you don't want to stay and eat then fine, but Emma can decide for herself if she wants to stay," he said. The two boys glared at each other as Emma looked back and forth between them.

Misty grabbed Emma's shoulders as she glared at both boys, "Excuse me! Would you two mind fighting over her later? After we eat?!" she asked. The front door opened in the room and they all turned to see the same Jigglypuff that been following Emma and her friends stepping in, "Jiggly!"

Emma, Ash, Misty and Brock stared at it in horror, "Jigglypuff?!" The female and male Pikachu grabbed Togepi and they started to ran away as Ash pulled Emma away with Misty and Brock. "Run for it!" Brock called.

The kids were now at a small park, panting from running so much. The Pikachu had their backs against each other, panting as well, while Togepi was standing next to them, smiling as always.

"That was a close one. Jigglypuff almost got us," Ash said. "Yeah," Misty said. "Where to now?" Emma asked. Brock looked at Ash, "Ash, what about that card that old guy gave you?"

Ash diged into his pocket and pulled the card out, "Must be directions to his hotel," he said. Brock looked over Ash's shoulder at the card, "Mmm. 'If you look near the swing, you'll see my hand, or at least my face'."

Misty sighed and Ash groaned, "Not another riddle!" he complained. Misty pointed to the swings, "There's the swings." Brock frowned, "Yeah, but I don't see anybody's hand or face."

Emma blinked, "'You'll see my hand, or at least my face'..." she smiled and stood up from the bench, "I know what it means! It's a clock!" She looked above the swings up to the top of a hill to see a building with a clock on it. She pointed at the building, "Look up there!"

Misty and the boys looked up at the building. "Is that..." Misty trailed off. "That must be the Big Riddle Inn," Emma said and took Togepi into her arms, "Let's go."

They started to ran toward the hill, and soon enough they reached to the building to see the sign of 'The Big Riddle Inn'. Emma chuckled and looked at her friends, "Not bad, huh?"

"Nice one," Misty said with a smile. "Yeah, let's go inside," Brock said and they stepped in. "Hello?" they called. The same man from before walked around the corner, "Well look at that." He looked between Misty and Emma, "Which one of you two solved the riddle?"

"That will be me," Emma said with a chuckle. "Well done. As a prize I'll give you free rooms at the hotel," the man said. Ash smiled, "Your riddles maybe dumb but your prizes are terrific."

Emma gave him a look and cleared her throat. Ash froze, knowing it was pretty rude, "I--I meant..." The man sighed, "I guess I'll take that as a compliment."

Ash chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his head as Emma sighed. Suddenly, Ash's stomach rumbled again, and they all looked at him. His cheeks turned pink and he chuckled nervously again. "Well, guess you want dinner too," the man said. "Right," Ash said awkwardly.

The man had served the kids and the three Pokémon food on the table, before a phone rang and he went to answer it. Emma looked at Togepi, "Make sure not to eat too fast, Togepi."

"Togy."

Togepi looked toward Ash and Brock, seeing that the boys were eating the food in a fast speed. Emma noticed and leaned closer to Ash as she raised an eyebrow, "You do know that Togepi learns from you and Brock too, right?"

Ash froze and glanced at the Egg Pokémon before quickly putting his hand in front of Brock, stopping him from eating. "On second thought, we shouldn't eat too fast, or else we'll get a stomach ache," Ash said as he looked at the Egg Pokémon.

Emma smirked, "Right." she looked at Togepi, "So make sure to eat slow, okay?" Togepi smiled, "Togy." Misty smirked as she watched Ash and Emma with the baby Pokémon. "Why am I pulled into this?" Brock asked as he raised an eyebrow. "Shh," Misty said in amusement, "Don't interrupt a family moment." Which caused Ash and Emma to blush.

"What?" they all looked toward the man, who was speaking on the phone. "Is something wrong?" Emma asked. The man turned to them, "The Pokémon lab is been attack by a balloon." The kids looked at him in shock, "Huh?"

The kids followed the man out of the hotel, and straight back to the Pokémon lab. They saw Team Rocket's air balloon on top of the building, with the trio holding a net with a couple of Pokémon inside there.

"They're flying away," the man said. "I'm about to burst their bubble," Ash said as he pulled out a Poké ball. He threw it, "Pidgeotto, go!" The Bird Pokémon was released and Ash looked at his Pikachu, "Pikachu, you and Pidgeotto go bring back all those Pokémon."

"Pika," the male mouse said as he jumped on Pidgeotto's back and they flew up toward the balloon. Team Rocket didn't noticed until it was too late. The male Pikachu smirked and jumped up to the balloon, "Pika-chu!" he used Thunderbolt, which made Team Rocket scream as they let go of the net.

The Pokémon all fell on the roof, safe, as Pikachu jumped back on Pidgeotto's back. They watched as Team Rocket's air balloon flew off.

"Looks like Team Rockets blasting off again!"

The kids and the man looked at the Pokémon on the roof as they got out of the net, cheering. The man looked at Ash, "Thanks for saving the Pokémon, Ash. You deserve a big reward, so I'll let you in on a little secret. Blaine built a Gym that tourists never see."

The kids smiled at that. "He did?" Ash asked. The man nodded, "It's in a place where firefighters could never win." Ash looked disappointed, "Not another riddle! What kind of reward is that?"

The kids were relaxing behind the motel in the hot springs. Misty and Emma were on one side with Emma's Pikachu and Togepi, while Ash and Brock were on the other side with Ash's Pikachu.

"Where can a firefighter can never win?" Emma asked, both of the girls were thinking about the riddle the man gave them earlier. "Maybe it's someplace that doesn't have enough water," Misty said.

Pikachu noticed Togepi leaving the water and looking up at a Gyarados tap fixture. "Pi-Pi-Pi," the yellow mouse said. Misty and Emma looked from Pikachu to Togepi. "Togepi?" Misty asked.

Togepi smiled and walked closer to the fixture. Emma stood from the water, holding her towel as she walked toward it, "Togepi, stay away from it. The water is boiling."

Togepi jumped up on top of the Gyarados tap. "Pi-Pi-Pi!" Pikachu said as she jumped from the water. Togepi jumped up and down on the statue. "Togepi, it's not our Gyarados," Emma said, "This one's a statue."

The fixture suddenly lowered down and the boulder moved, exposing a cave and knocking down the hot springs' gender separation screen. Ash and Brock looked at the girls in confusion, while the girls blinked at them before they screamed.

The kids had quickly put on their clothes and went to investigate the cave. As they were walking down the stone stairs, they felt heat around them. Misty frowned, "Is it just me, or is it seems to be getting hot down here?"

"Oh it's getting hot alright," Brock confirmed. They reached to the bottom stairs and looked at a double doors in front of them. "It's a door," Ash said as he raised an eyebrow. "It is locked?" Emma asked.

Ash stepped closer and placed his hands on the handles but the second he did that, he backed away as he gave a small shout of pain. "What's wrong?" Emma asked.

"It's burning hot," Ash said. The doors opened up and the kids looked inside to see a battlefield was in the middle of the cave, on top of a lava. The kids walked inside in amazement and looked at it. "Blaine's Gym," Ash said.

"No firefighter can win this place," Brock said. "Guess that's the answer," Emma said, "Firefighters can't win a volcano." The lights turned on suddenly and the kids looked up at them.

"I guess you solved my riddle." They looked forward and found the man on the other side of the battlefield. "Hey, what are you doing here?" Ash asked. "It's not a hat, but it keeps your head dry. If you wear it, it's only because you've already lost it," the man said, giving them another riddle.

"Uh... an umbrella?" Ash asked. "An umbrella keeps your head dry, but you don't wear it if you lost it," Brock pointed out. Ash rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah..."

Emma and Misty looked at each other, thinking the same thing before smiling as they spoke together, "It's a wig!" The boys looked at them in surprise. "A wig isn't a hat..." Misty trailed off and looked at Emma for her to finish it off. "But it keeps your head dry from the rain," Emma said and tilted her head, "And the only reason you wear a wig, is if you already lost your hair."

"And the girls had done it again," the man said before the kids watched in surprise as he took off the wig, sunglasses and mustache. "Wig is correct."

"It's a wig!" the kids spoke together. "You get it?" the man asked, "I wear a wig 'cause I'm really Blaine, the Gym Leader. Now who's gonna battle me, three-on-three?"

"I will," Ash said as he stepped forward. "Careful Ash, he must have raised some tough Pokémon in this volcano," Emma pointed out. "Got it," Ash said. "Ready to begin?" Blaine asked with a smirk. "Ready when you are!" Ash said.

Blaine pulled out a Poké ball, "Fine. I have already selected my first Pokémon." He threw it, "Ninetales, go!"

Ninetales is a fox-like, quadruped Pokémon covered in thick, luxurious golden-white fur. It has a small mane of thicker fur around its neck and a long, fluffy crest atop its head. It has slender legs with three-toed paws and nine, long tails with pale orange tips. It has red eyes, pointed ears, and a triangular black nose.

Ash pulled out Dexter and held it in front.

Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon, is the evolved form of the Fire Pokémon Vulpix.

Ash pulled it away with a smirk, "I knew he would choose a Fire type. Big mistake." He threw a Poké ball out, "Go Squirtle!" The Tiny Turtle Pokémon was released and stood to face Ninetales. Blaine smirked, "A Water type, how predictable. Go Ninetales, Fire Spin now!"

"Fire Spin is Ninetales' most powerful attack," Brock said. "Squirtle, Water Gun now!" Ash called. Both Pokémon used their attacks, but Ninetales' Fire Spin managed to take down the Water Gun attack, and about to hit Squirtle. Squirtle quickly hid inside it's shell and the Fire Spin hit it.

"Pika-Pika!" Ash's Pikachu called. Ash worriedly ran toward it, "Squirtle!" He picked it up, "Squirtle, are you okay?" Squirtle popped out from it's shell, and fell unconscious.

Ash looked from it to Blaine. Blaine crossed his arms over his chest, "Choosing a Pokémon is more than selecting the right type. It takes wisdom to win a Gym battle."

Ash returned Squirtle to it's Poké ball and stood up, "Then I'll fight fire with fire." He pulled out another Poké ball and looked at it, "I'm counting on you, so give it your best shot." He moved backward and threw it, "Charizard, I choose you!"

Charizard roared and landed down on the floor. "So you chosen a Charizard," Blaine said and held out Ninetales' Poké ball, "Return Ninetales." The Fox Pokémon returned to it's Poké ball, and threw another one, "Go Rhydon!"

Rhydon was released and it roared as Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Rhydon, the evolved form of Rhyhorn. It is known as the Drill Pokémon. Its large horn gives it formidable attack power.

Charizard looked at Rhydon for a moment before moving his head away in boredom, much to Blaine's confusion. "Come on Charizard, you gotta battle now," Ash said as Charizard yawed.

"Let's get this over with. Rhydon, Horn Drill!" Blaine called. Rhydon ran toward Charizard, but before it could use the attack, Charizard flew up and landed on the other side, lying down to take a nap. "Give me a break Charizard!" Ash said.

"Charizard has left the ring, Rhydon is the winner," Blaine said. "Ash should know better then use Charizard," Emma muttered. "Pika," her Pikachu agreed. "Togy," Togepi said.

Ash kneeled next to his Pikachu, "It's all up to you now Pikachu." The male mouse nodded and stepped forward in determination. "Your little Pikachu doesn't stand a chance against my Rhydon," Blaine said.

"Forget his size!" Ash said as he got his Charizard back into his Poké ball, "Go Pikachu." The male mouse ran forward. "Rhydon, Fury Attack!" Blaine said. Rhydon ran toward Pikachu, repeatedly thrusted the horn on it's nose at him, but Pikachu dodged the attacks. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt now!" Ash said.

Pikachu did as was told but the Thunderbolt didn't hurt Rhydon at all. Blaine scoffed, "Electric attacks won't work on it." Pikachu looked annoyed by that. "Pikachu, the horn!" Ash said and the male mouse looked at Rhydon's horn. He smiled, "Pika!" He jumped up, "Pika-chu!" He released another Thunderbolt attack, but this time on the horn, which harmed the Drill Pokémon this time.

"Oh no!" Blaine said and they all watched Rhydon fell to the ground. "It worked!" Ash said. "Good thinking," Emma said. "Rhydon, return," Blaine said and held it's Poké ball, which the Drill Pokémon went back in.

Blaine looked at Ash with a smirk, impressed, "I'll have to choose a different Pokémon." Pikachu panted, clearly used a lot of his electric powers just to knock Rhydon down by hitting it's horn. "Pikachu can handle anything!" Ash said.

Blaine smirked, "This Pokémon is too hot to handle. And it has a power that should interest you, because it turns all it's opponents into ash."

"It's too hot to solve riddles!" Ash said in annoyance. "I choose Magmar!" Blaine said. The lava under the battlefield rumbled and exploded. "Magmar?" Emma asked as the Pokémon appeared.

Magmar is a bipedal Pokémon that has a red body with yellow flame designs along the bottom half. It has a puckered, yellow beak, small eyes, and two lumps on its forehead with a yellow flame on top of each one. Rigid, red scale covers its arms and it has five, clawed fingers on each hand. Its shoulders and thighs are yellow, and its red feet have two, clawed toes each. It has black, metal shackles around its neck and ankles. Down its back is a row of red spikes, and there is a flame at the tip of its tapering, yellow tail.

"Look at that," Misty said as Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Magmar, the Spitfire Pokémon. Its body is like a furnace, making Magmar a living inferno. It has been discovered only near active volcanoes.

Magmar and the male Pikachu glared at each other for a moment. "Magmar, Fire Punch now!" Blaine said. One of Magmar's fists become surrounded in orange-yellow fire, and tried to hit Pikachu, but Pikachu dodged the hits. "You're too quick for it Pikachu!" Ash said with a smile. But then, Magmar managed to hit Pikachu's cheek, and he backed away.

"You can do it Pikachu!" Ash said. "Pika, Pika!" Emma's Pikachu called. Ash's Pikachu looked at Magmar, "Pika-chu!" He released a Thunderbolt attack, but it didn't hurt Magmar at all as it held it's arm out with flames around it's body. Pikachu stopped, "Pika..."

"Magmar using Air Lens," Brock said. "What's an Air Lens?" Ash asked. "Magmar heats the air around it to a super high temperature, and that making electrical attacks ineffective," Brock explained.

"Oh no!" Ash said as they looked back at the battlefield to see Magmar using Fire Punch again. Both of Magmar's fists surrounded in pale red fire and it repeatedly punched toward the male Pikachu with both of them, but Pikachu kept dodging them, until he was corner to the side with the lava under.

"Pika-chu!" Emma's Pikachu said. "Togy!" Togepi said. "Oh no!" Emma said. "Pikachu," Brock said. "This looks bad!" Misty said. "Magmar, Fire Blast," Blaine said.

Magmar took in a deep breath and released a powerful blast of orange fire. Pikachu stood still as the blast headed straight toward him. "Pikachu!" Ash called as they watched in horror.

Chapter Text

The kids watched in horror as Magmar released a powerful blast of orange fire, and Pikachu stood still as the blast headed straight toward him. "Pikachu, duck for cover!" Ash called.

The male Pikachu fell down on the ground, and the blast hit his back. "Pika-chu!" Emma's Pikachu called. The male mouse stood up, panting as sparks pulled from his cheeks.

"Your little Pikachu doesn't know when to give up," Blaine said. Ash glared at him but then ran closer to his Pokémon, "Forget it, Pikachu. It's--it's not worth it." Pikachu looked up at him, "Pika?" Ash took Pikachu into his arms and looked at Blaine, "I quit. No badge is worth losing Pikachu."

Blaine gave a small nod, "I congratulate you for making a wise decision, Ash. Just in time." He put on his wig, "If you would have been foolish enough to continue to match, you'd definitely would have been disqualified as a Pokémon trainer." He turned to leave but glanced at him, "Your Pikachu needs rest, the hot springs will help him recover from his injuries."

He started to walk away. "Hey where you going, Blaine? Hold on, you gotta give me another chance," Ash said. "We may battle again," Blaine said, "Some day." With that said he walked out and his Magmar jumped into the lava.

Ash looked at his Pikachu, "I'm sorry Pikachu. It's all my fault we've lost." The male mouse looked down sadly, "Pika..." Ash looked toward the door in determination, "But I'm not leaving Cinnabar Island until I'll beat Blaine and his Magmar, and get that badge."

In the morning, the kids were back at the hot springs. Ash was cleaning his Pikachu up, much to the male mouse's delight. "You'll feel 100% soon, Pikachu," Ash said, "And even better, when we'll win."

"Are you sure about this, Ash?" Emma asked, "I mean, there are other Gyms you can go to, others that don't have volcano pits." Ash shook his head, "If Charizard will battle, I know I'll win. But he still won't listen to me." He sighed, "There's got to be a way."

Emma placed Togepi on the floor and it walked toward Ash and the Pikachu, as Ash finished cleaning the male mouse, "All done. How you feeling pal?" Pikachu jumped to stand up, smiling, "Pika-chu."

"Togy," Togepi said as it jumped to sit on the small chair in front of Ash. Emma chuckled as Ash looked down at Togepi. "Looks like someone wants to be cleaned up by it's father," Misty teased.

Ash ignored the redhead girl as he started to clean Togepi up with soap and water. "Feels good Togepi?" Emma asked. "Togepry," Togepi said in delight. "Pika-Pi, Pika, Pika-chu," Emma's Pikachu said. Ash chuckled, "Okay, you'll be next, Pikachu," he said. The female Pikachu smiled, "Pika!"

"Nice and relaxing isn't it Togepi?" Ash asked. "Togy, Togy," the Egg Pokémon said in delight. Emma crossed her arms over her chest as she watched with a small smile. "There you go," Ash said as he was drying Togepi with a towel. As he was finishing up, the ground started to shake.

The kids looked around in confusion and turned to the cave. "What's going on?" Emma asked as Ash took Togepi into his arms, and stood up. They looked to the door to see Blaine running in.

"Something's up with the volcano!" he said as he ran past the kids, toward the cave. "I think we should follow," Brock said. Ash handed Togepi to Emma, and the kids ran to follow Blaine.

Blaine pushed the doors opened and gasped. The kids ran in after him and were hit with a cold air. "Look who it is," Brock said in annoyance. Emma looked forward to see Team Rocket on the other side, Jessie and James were throwing freezing missiles all around.

"What's going to happen to this Gym if it will be filled with ice?" Blaine asked as he stared at the frozen walls. "Freezing all this hot rocks will send a giant chain reaction deep inside the volcano!"

The kids all gasped as they looked around. The ground suddenly shook, and the walls started to crack. "I was afraid of this," Blaine said, "The ice is cooling off the rocks. It's cracking apart."

"Isn't the ice gonna melt?" Ash asked. "It's happening too fast. The rocks are already shuddering," Blaine said, "Lava will blow through cracks, and the rocks. This will 'cause a huge eruption!"

They watched as the ground and walls cracked, and a few rocks had fell on the ground. The chains that were holding the battlefield broke from the walls and fell into the lava. Magmar, who was standing on the battlefield, jumped off of there and landed near the kids and it's trainer.

"My Gym is destroyed!" Blaine said. The ground under Team Rocket broke, and send them up flying into the sky. The ground under Blaine and the kids moved, making them all scream as they were moved. Lava started to appear in the cracks, and it poured out.

"Oh no, it's only a matter of minutes until the volcano blows," Blaine said. "What can we do?!" Brock asked. Blaine looked toward Magmar, "Magmar, if you'll pile up rocks in the crater, it may be enough to block the lava flow."

Magmar nodded and went to do as told. The Pikachu decided to help the Spitfire Pokémon and grabbed small rocks, heading toward the lava. "Wait!" Blaine said when he noticed them, "Only a fire type Pokémon can stand the heat from that lava."

"A fire type Pokémon?" Ash repeated. They watched as Magmar threw rocks at the crater, working quickly to block the lava. Ash pulled out a Poké ball and threw it, "Charizard, I choose you!" The Flame Pokémon was released. "Charizard, help Magmar block the crater and stop the lava flow," Ash said but Charizard walked around him and laid down.

"Charizard, now is not the time!" Ash said but Charizard didn't listen to him. The ground shook again and they all turned to watch Magmar working hard to block the lava. "It's too much for just Magmar to handle it," Emma said and turned to Charizard to see he had one eye open and was watching now.

"Come on Charizard, please help it," Emma said, and the Flame Pokémon now looked at her. "Everyone in this island is in danger, so are we." Charizard looked back at Magmar, watching as it threw more rocks.

"It's not working, let's run for it," Misty said. "When the volcano blows, there won't be any place to ran," Blaine said, "If Magmar can't stop it, this island would be destroyed."

Emma turned to Charizard in surprise when he suddenly stood up. "We got to do something!" Brock said. "Magmar, please you got--" Ash started but stopped when Charizard walked past them. He grabbed a rock and walked closer to Magmar.

Magmar looked at Charizard in surprise, before they both shared a small smirk, and started to throw the rocks together on the lava. "Charizard is helping Magmar!" Ash said in surprise, smiling.

Blaine smiled, "Great, two Pokémon are much more powerful then one," he said. Brock pulled out two Poké balls, "Right, okay Onix and Geodude, Rock type Pokémon can take heat." He threw them, "Go!"

Emma pulled out a Poké ball, "Gyarados can help too, go!" She threw it and released her Pokémon. Gyarados, Onix and Geodude grabbed as many rocks they could and went to join in with Magmar and Charizard.

Misty pulled out a Poké ball, "And Staryu, you can help all of them to keep cool while they're working, go!" She threw it, releasing the Star Shape Pokémon." Ash threw a Poké ball, "You too, Squirtle!"

The kids and Blaine watched as all the Pokémon were working together, including the Pikachu. "Look at them all," Emma said as the kids smiled. "Keep on the great work," Brock said.

Emma froze when she saw Togepi holding a small rock, trying to help the other Pokémon block the lava, but it seemed that the very small rock was too heavy for the Egg Pokémon and it heading to the side, where a crack was with lava. "Togepi!" Emma called as she ran to grab it. Togepi smiled as it looked up at Emma. Emma stood up and sighed in relief that the Egg Pokémon was okay, "You too little to help out, but that was nice of you."

Emma went back to stand with her friends, holding Togepi in her arms. The Egg Pokémon cheered for the Pokémon as they all continued blocking the lava with the rocks. Soon enough the lava was completely blocked. Magmar and Charizard placed two last rocks on top, and looked at each other, smirking.

"You were awesome, Charizard!" Ash said and looked at the rest of the Pokémon, "So were all of you!" Blaine looked at the kids, "I don't know how to thank you all."

Ash smiled, "How about a rematch?" he asked. Blaine crossed his arms over his chest and nodded with a small smirk, "All right then." None of them noticed Magmar and Charizard looking at each other, working together to block the lava had put them both in a battle mode.

Blaine and the kids were at the summit of the volcano, along with Magmar and Charizard. "Since my Gym has been destroyed, would you object if we'll hold our match here, right here at the volcano?" Blaine asked, "It's over the lava pit where I first discovered Magmar."

"Sure, it's okay with me," Ash said. "Let's make this one-on-one, you probably guess my Pokémon will be Magmar," Blaine said, and Magmar took a step forward.

"And the Pokémon I'll choose will be..." Ash trailed off. His Pikachu stepped forward in determination, "Pika." To the kids and their Pokémon's surprise, Charizard stopped Pikachu and stepped forward. "Charizard?" Ash asked.

Charizard looked toward Magmar, wanting to battle it. "He wants to battle?" Emma asked. "No way, Charizard doesn't want to do anything but sleep," Misty said. "Maybe Charizard saw how strong Magmar is, he wants to test it's strength against him," Brock said.

Ash smiled, "This will be a great Pokémon match!" He looked down at his Pikachu, "It's okay if I'll go with Charizard, right Pikachu?" The male mouse nodded, "Pika."

Ash looked at Charizard, "Okay, Charizard, I choose you!" Charizard roared and flew to one of the stands, as Magmar jumped on one. Both fire Pokémon faced each other. "Look at that," Misty muttered. "I'll fight fire with fire," Ash said, "Charizard, Flamethrower!"

Both Magmar and Charizard used Flamethrower, hitting the attacks together, making an explosion. "It's a tie," Ash said. "Okay Magmar, Fire Blast now!" Blaine said. Magmar sent the attack, which Charizard dig in and managed to deflect.

"Magmar, Skull Bash!" Blaine called. Magmar jumped from one stand to another, heading right into Charizard and hitting him in the stomach, and sending him to hit a rock. He started to fall toward the lava. "No, Charizard!" Ash called, and Charizard flew up, into the sky.

Magmar couldn't see him because of the sun, and Charizard flew down, straight into Magmar, making an explosion. "Magmar!" Blaine called. The smoke cleared, and they saw Magmar and Charizard glaring at each other as their fists are against each other.

Magmar smirked then, and jumped up, which 'caused Charizard take a few steps forward but he stopped, not noticing Magmar landing behind him. "Charizard, behind you!" Ash called.

Magmar grabbed a hold into Charizard from behind. "Fly away, now!" Ash called, not noticing he was standing now closer to the edge, and both the Pikachu were trying to pull him back by his leg so he won't fell to the lava.

Magmar pushed itself and Charizard forward, straight toward the lava. "Charizard!" Ash called. Magmar and Charizard hit into the lava, and Ash looked at Blaine in anger, "It's against the rules for Magmar to pull Charizard into the volcano!"

"Magmar didn't cheat, you agreed to using the volcano for our Pokémon battle, didn't you?" Blaine asked, "Under the volcano was part of the volcano too." Ash didn't say anything about it, and looked down at the lava, "Charizard..." Ash trailed off quietly.

Suddenly bubbles appeared on the spot the two Pokémon fell to, and Charizard flew up, roaring, Magmar still on his back. Charizard flew up into the sky, much to Blaine's surprise. Ash smirked, "Charizard, let's show Magmar your aerial Submission attack!"

Charizard spin around in circles, making Magmar feel dizzy. "Hey Blaine, fair is fair right?" Ash asked, making Blaine look at him. "If they can battle under the volcano they can battle over it." Ash looked up at the sky, "Charizard, Seismic Toss!"

Charizard stopped spinning, flying up more. He then spin around, before grabbing Magmar, pulling it off from his back, and tossed it down toward the lava.

Magmar fell into the lava, and Charizard flew down, landing on one of the stands, watching the lava. Magmar then emerged from the lava, and jumped into one of the stands, standing in front of Charizard. The kids looked shocked while Blaine smirked.

The two Pokémon stared at each other. Magmar gave a small smile before it fell to the ground, unconscious. Charizard roared in victory, and Ash smiled, "We did it!" he said. "Pika-chu!" his Pikachu cheered as well. "Togepry!" Togepi cheered as well.

Blaine brought Magmar into it's Poké ball, smiling a small smile. "My congratulations, Ash," he said. "Yes!" Ash cheered and held out Charizard's Poké ball, "Charizard, return--" He ducked when Charizard released Flamethrower toward him.

Blaine and the kids were outside the inn, the man was facing them. "And now, I have one last riddle for you, Ash," Blaine said. "Huh?" Ash asked. "What is it that is always red but has no words?" Blaine asked and held up a badge that looked like fire, "That answer is the Volcano Badge." He handed it to him with a smile, "And you have earned this one."

"Thanks a lot, Blaine," Ash said with a smile and looked down at the badge. The kids soon after said their goodbyes to the man before leaving.

"I couldn't have done it without Charizard," Ash said. Togepi held it's arms around with a smile and looked at the badge in Ash's hand, "Togy, Togy."

"For a second there I though Charizard had learned to be obedient," Misty said. "Guess we can't expect Charizard will ever change," Brock said. "Nah, I'm sure Charizard will start to listen to Ash completely one day," Emma said as Ash let Togepi hold the badge.

"Yeah," Ash agreed, "Charizard will learn to obey some day. All I got to worry about is where to get my next Badge." Brock tilted his head, "Well we can go to the Gym in Viridian City." Ash blinked, "I never knew about that." He looked at Emma and Misty, "Did you?"

"Uh, yeah," Emma said. Misty nodded, "Everyone knows about that Gym." Ash frowned, "How come you two didn't told me about it?"

Emma raised an eyebrow, "Well, you didn't thought about competing in Gyms back then." Misty nodded as Ash took the Badge from Togepi when the Egg Pokémon held it up toward him, "Yeah, and besides you and I were arguing back then." Misty tilted her head, "What was it again? I don't remember..."

Ash froze when he remembered about Misty's bike, and Emma remembered it too. Emma looked at Misty in amusement, "Don't you remember, Misty?" The redhead girl looked at her friend as she continued, "You were arguing 'cause Ash dest--"

Ash stopped her when he put his hand on her mouth. "That's ancient history!" he said with a nervous smile, "Let's hit the road to Viridian City!" He moved his hand from Emma's mouth and placed his hands on her shoulders, pulling her forward, down to the road.

Misty glared, "I remembered now!" Emma chuckled as two of her friends started to follow along, while the redhead girl continued, "You going to pay me back for that bike!"

Chapter Text

The kids were running to catch the last ferry off Cinnabar Island. "No! Wait!" Emma shouted. "Wait! Don't leave without us!" Misty shouted. "Stop the boat!" Ash shouted as they run down the stairs.

"Hold on!" Emma shouted. "Hold on, we're coming!" Ash shouted. Before they knew it, a Pokémon ran on the shore, and it and Ash crushed into each other. "Are you two okay?" Emma asked both Ash and the Pokémon. "Oh, wow, a Wartortle."

Wartortle is a bipedal, indigo Pokémon similar to a turtle. It has brown eyes, a dark blue streak on each cheek, and two sharp teeth protruding from its upper jaw. It has three clawed fingers and pointed toes. On each side of its head are feather-like ears covered in pale blue fur. A brown shell with a pale yellow underside encases its body. A thick, white rim separates the upper and lower halves of the shell.

Ash quickly recovered, "A what?" he pulled out his Dexter as Wartortle rubbed it's head.

Wartortle, the Turtle Pokémon. The evolved form of Squirtle. Its long furry tail is a symbol of its age and wisdom.

Wartortle started to speak quickly to the Pikachu, but they couldn't understand much. "What's it saying?" Ash asked. His Pikachu turned to the kids and jumped on Ash's belt, pressing a button on a Poké ball.

Squirtle was released and it looked at Wartortle. It started to speak to Squirtle and it looked startle. They exchanged a few words before Squirtle nodded and pulled out from it's shell it's sunglasses from it's days before meeting the group.

"The sunglasses?" Emma asked in shock. "We haven't seen those in a while," Brock said. Squirtle put on the sunglasses and exchanged a nod with Wartortle before they jumped into the water.

"Squirtle, where you going?" Ash asked. "Guess there's trouble," Emma said as she pulled out a Poké ball, "Gyarados, give us a hand here." The Atrocious Pokémon was released, and the kids climbed on his back. "Follow Squirtle, Gyarados!" Emma called and Gyarados swam after Squirtle and Wartortle.

"They sure in a hurry," Ash said. Emma spotted an island coming to their view, "Hey, what's the island?" she asked. "It's so small," Ash said. Brock looked at his map, "This island not even on the map."

Ash smiled, "Hey, it looks just like a Squirtle's shell," he said and pointed at it, "Full speed ahead, Gyarados!" Gyarados roared, swimming after Squirtle and Wartortle toward the island.

Once they reached the island, Squirtle and Wartortle took off running. Emma returned Gyarados into his Poké ball, and the kids quickly followed. "Wait up!" Ash said. They slowed to a stop when they saw shells lying around on the sand.

"What's going on?" Ash asked. "They're all Squirtle and Wartortle," Brock said. "I hope everyone's all right," Misty said. "We should check them," Emma said and Brock leaned on shell, hearing snoring coming from the shells.

"It's okay, they just sleeping," he said. "I don't get it," Ash said. Wartortle looked at the kids and spoke quickly before pointing at a bigger shell that was farther away from the rest. "That's a Blastoise," Emma said, and Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Blastoise, the Shellfish Pokémon. The evolved form of Wartortle. Blastoise's strength lies in its power, rather than its speed. Its shell is like armor and attacks from the hydro cannons on its back are virtually unstoppable.

The kids smiled. "This is our lucky day! I got to get up close to it," Ash said. "Be careful, Ash," Emma said as Ash ran toward it. Brock placed one hand on his hip, "It's either asleep or it practicing it's withdrawal attack."

Emma raised an eyebrow and sighed. Ash hugged the shell, "I've been waiting for such a long time to met you Blastoise!" He smiled but then his eyes slowly closed, and he fell down.

The others ran closer. "Ash!" Emma said. "Togy!" Togepi said. Squirtle quickly leaned closer to Blastoise, but it too fell down, sleeping. "The same thing happened to Squirtle too!" Misty said.

Emma exchanged a confused look with Brock and Misty before Brock dragged Ash away from Blastoise, and Misty pulled Squirtle away too. Misty, Brock and Emma kneeled next to Ash. Emma placed Togepi down on the sand and turned to Ash. "Ash, Ash can you hear me?" Brock asked as he tried to wake him up.

"No use," Emma muttered, "You guys should step back." Misty frowned, "What are you going to do?" She smirked teasingly and leaned to whisper to Emma, "Maybe a kiss could wake him up."

Emma blushed and gave her a look but didn't say anything as she stood up, as she pulled Togepi up into her arms. "Step back," she said and her friends stood up and stepped away. She stepped back too as she looked down at her Pikachu, "Pikachu, special wake up call."

The female Pikachu smirked, "Pika." She turned to the sleeping boy and Pokémon as her cheeks sparked. "Pika... Chu!" She used Thunder Shock, waking up Ash, and all the Squirtle and Wartortle.

"Pika," the male mouse said as he clapped. Emma's Pikachu stopped and smiled as she rubbed the back of her head, "Pika-chu." Misty blinked, "That's special wake up call..."

"It's Pikachu's way to wake up people who don't get up when they've been asked nicely," Emma said as she smirked. Ash glared at the Pikachu, "What was that for?!" His Squirtle agreed as it glared at them too.

"You fell asleep and didn't wake up," Emma said simply as she gave a small shrug. Ash rubbed the back of his head, "Guess I did doze off." Brock crossed his arms over his chest, "And Squirtle fell asleep right after you did, Ash."

"The same thing must have happened to Squirtle as to me, I heard this sound coming from Blastoise, and fell asleep," Ash said and looked at his Squirtle, "Right?" It nodded, "Squirtle."

"What kind of a sound?" Misty asked. Ash frowned, "Some kind of a weird music that sounded kinda familiar," he said. "Familiar... music?" Emma repeated nervously as she exchanged a knowing look with Brock and Misty.

Ash looked at the Pokémon, "You all heard the weird sound too right?" they all nodded. "Well I guess we should get going," Misty said. Ash stood up, "We're not going anywhere until we wake up that Blastoise."

"I was afraid of that," Misty muttered. Ash kneeled down to look at the same Wartortle they met earlier, "But I won't be able to do it alone, so can I count on you to help?" Wartortle nodded, and Ash's Squirtle smiled, "Squirtle, Squirtle." Ash stood up with a smile, "All right then, let operation 'Wake Up' begin!" The kids and the Pokémon nodded.

They all stood next to Blastoise, as Brock was checking on it. "Be careful, Brock," Misty said. Brock frowned, "I can't hear a thing." They saw Blastoise's shell started to move and they heard a noise. "What was that?" Ash asked.

Emma yelped when a head appeared under her, and she got lifted up. "The Blastoise's waking up," Misty said. Blastoise yawed as it set up, not noticing the girl sitting now behind it's head. "Togy!" Tgoepi said from it's spot next to the Pikachu.

The Squirtle and Wartortle looked very happy and relief to see their friend awake. "Looks like the Blastoise was sleep too," Ash said as Emma jumped off of Blastoise and stood between Ash and Misty.

Blastoise and Ash's Squirtle exchanged a couple of words before Blastoise tried to use it's water cannons but couldn't. "What's wrong with your cannons, Blastoise?" Emma asked.

Blastoise tried to reach to one of the cannons but couldn't, then something round slid up, but got stuck in there. "What is that thing?" Brock asked. "Maybe that's the problem," Misty said.

Ash's Squirtle jumped up on Blastoise's back and tapped on the unknown thing. A ear popped out from the cannons, and the four kids froze in realization. "Is that..." Ash trailed off.

"Please don't tell me it is," Emma said. The Pokémon inside the cannon started to sing, slowly putting everyone to sleep. "Jigglypuff," Misty said before she fell asleep.

Unknown to them, Team Rocket was watching everything from above their submarine, planning on kidnapping Emma and stealing Blastoise.

Ash yawed as he sat up, the first thing he noticed was missing was Blastoise, "Hey, where did Blastoise go?" He looked to where Emma was earlier but found out she wasn't there anymore. He looked around in panic, "Where did Emma go?!"

The two kids and all the Pokémon woke up. "Ash, do you mind keeping it down?" Misty asked tiredly. Ash stood up, "Emma's gone! So is Blastoise." Misty and Brock stood up, "Huh?!"

"Pikachu-Pi!" Emma's Pikachu called as she and Togepi looked around. The Squirtle and Wartortle started to panic since Blastoise had been taken away, but Ash's Squirtle used Water Gun to calm them down.

"Emma, where are you?" Misty called. "Pika-Pi!" Ash's Pikachu called for him, and the boy turned to look at the male mouse, who was pointing at a trail that leaded to the water.

"Someone must have kidnapped Emma and Blastoise," Brock pointed out. Ash glared at the water, "There's only two people and a Pokémon that I know that are interested in kidnapping Emma."

"Team Rocket," Misty said in annoyance. "We got to get her and Blastoise back," Ash said. "Pika-chu," Emma's Pikachu said. Ash's Squirtle looked at the Squirtle and Wartortle, "Squirtle!" The Pokémon all nodded and they all headed into the water.

Emma woke up in unfamiliar place, but heard three familiar voices, which made her look toward them. She glared, "Team Rocket?!" She looked down at herself in confusion, and saw a rope around her.

"Hey, she woke up," Meowth said as they looked at the girl. "Does this mean her friends woke up too?" Jessie crossed her arms over her chest, "Who cares?"

"Yes, we got her and Blastoise, that was the plan," James said. "Let me go," Emma said as she tried to pull out from the rope but it was too tight, before she blinked and frowned, "Wait. Did you say Blastoise?"

Team Rocket trio turned to each other. "Anyway, where were we?" James asked. Jessie smirked, "We were just agreeing that the credit goes all to me," she said. "Not true!" James said. "Yeah, I put my nine lives for this!" Meowth said, "I was the one to drag Emma!"

"Well, I was the one who pressed the button to pull Blastoise! Plus the idea to take Emma was my idea," Jessie snapped. "That was mine!" James said. "No, it was mine!" Jessie said, "I was the one who catch them both!"

Emma watched them in boredom, looking back and forth between them. "Oh yeah?! And what about me?!" James asked. Meowth laughed, "You couldn't even catch a cold."

Jessie and James pushed the Cat Pokémon down in annoyance. "You stay out of this Meowth!" Jessie said. "That I agree," James said before throwing Meowth out of the way, making him hit the wall next to Emma.

"Hey, watch it," the girl said and froze when water started to slip inside, and a familiar signing voice started. "Oh no!" she said as Jessie and James looked around in confusion.

"What's that?" Jessie asked. "Whatever it is, it's very..." James trailed off as his eyes started to drop. "No, no," Emma said as she tried to block the voice, but her eyes started to drop, "Jigglypuff..."

Meowth yawed, "It's very relaxing," he said before felling asleep next to Emma, as the girl fell asleep too. Jessie and James soon enough fell asleep too, as the water continued to pour inside the submarine. Unknowing to any of them, Ash's Squirtle swam toward the sinking submarine, along with the Squirtle and Wartortle.

Above the water, on the shore, Ash was pacing back and forth and looked at the water every few seconds. Brock was looking at the water, while Misty looked from the water to the worried boy. "Don't worry Ash, Emma will be fine."

"I know that," Ash said but didn't stop pacing. Misty raised an eyebrow, smiling a small smile, "Then why are you so worried?" she asked. "Aren't you?" Ash asked in annoyance. "Togy," Togepi said as it stood between the Pikachu.

"Of course I am, she is one of my best friends," Misty said as she placed her hands on her hips. "Well, she's my best friend too," Ash said as he finally stopped pacing. Misty smirked and leaned to whisper to him, "I have a feeling you don't exactly see her as just a best friend."

Ash froze and he started to blush as he pulled away, "T--That's not true!" Misty tilted her head, "Mmm. Whatever you say." Brock finally looked from the water toward his two friends, "Are you talking about Ash's crush on Emma?"

"I said that's not true!" Ash said. Misty opened her mouth to tease him again but then they saw Team Rocket's submarine emerged from the water, and the water Pokémon were around it.

"Emma!" Ash said as he ran toward the submarine, with both his friends and his Pikachu. They reached inside and they gasped when they found Team Rocket and Emma unconscious inside the water. Ash quickly pulled Emma up, "Emma!" He quickly checked to see if she was breathing and sighed in relief.

Emma was now awake, much to everyone's relief, but Team Rocket on the other hand, they weren't awake yet. So Brock, Misty and Ash's Pikachu were trying to wake them up.

They soon opened their eyes but stood up and away when they realized that they were surrounded by Emma's friends. "What kind of trick are you playing?" Jessie asked as Ash wrapped Emma with a blanket around her shoulders, and the two of them looked over.

"Don't you give us an attitude, we just saved your slimy lives!" Misty said as she glared at the trio. Jessie crossed her arms over her chest, "I don't remember asking you to save our lives," she said, but James and Meowth didn't seem to agree with her.

"Well, I'm grateful," James said. "Same," Meowth said. Jessie hit them both in the head in annoyance, "Emma's friends are our mortal enemies! How dare you be grateful they saved your lives?!"

Emma raised an eyebrow, "My friends your 'mortal enemies' just because they protecting me from you three?" Ash frowned, "I kinda feel sorry for those two," he said as he nodded toward James and Meowth.

"Who asked you?!" Jessie asked the boy, before she finally spotted the Squirtle and Wartortle, all standing in front of the sleeping Blastoise protectively. "They about to attack," Jessie said. "Let's head for the ship," James said before they ran to the submarine. "Good! And don't come back!" Brock called as they got inside.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but we're not finished," James said. "In fact we're just getting started," Jessie said. "Hold on to your shells," Meowth said. "What?" Emma muttered before the Gyarados sub transformed into a land vehicle armed with two claws.

"This doesn't look good," Ash muttered as Emma quickly took Togepi into her arms, dropping the blanket down to the sand. "Now, let's grab Emma and then that Blastoise!" Jessie said and the sub took off heading toward the kids.

They screamed and splitted up. Emma glanced behind her to see the sub was heading toward her. "Emma!" her friends called. "Squirtle!" Ash's Squirtle called before using Water Gun to try and get Team Rocket's attention, but it didn't help. The Squirtle and Wartortle decided to help and used Water Gun as well.

"Pika-Pika!" Ash's Pikachu called as he looked at Ash's Squirtle. They looked at Blastoise and then at each other before nodding, and they turned to Blastoise. Squirtle used Water Gun and the male Pikachu used Thunder Shock, both Pokémon were trying to wake up the Shellfish Pokémon.

Emma pulled out a Poké ball and threw it, "Gyarados, help!" The Atrocious Pokémon was released and he roared at the sub as his trainer hid behind him. Before Team Rocket could stop the sub, Gyarados hit the sub hard, making Team Rocket scream inside as they were thrown back.

Emma sighed in relief, "Thanks Gyarados," she said. "Togy!" Togepi said with a smile. "Why can't we win just once?!" Jessie snapped, and the sub drove back toward Emma's Gyarados. "Emma, get away!" Ash called.

Before anything can happen, the sub was pulled back. Emma watched in confusion before looking behind the sub to find Blastoise awake, holding back the sub.

Team Rocket screamed as Blastoise spined around, taking them with it, and then it stopped as it threw the sub up into the air. Gyarados used Hyper Beam to make sure that Team Rocket will be thrown far away.

"All right!" Emma said with a smile. "Togy, Togepry!" Togepi said with a smile as it waved it's little hands around. Ash, Misty, Brock and the Pokémon ran closer. Emma noticed that Jigglypuff wasn't stuck inside one of Blastoise's cannons, "Hey, where's Jigglypuff?"

Right then, Jigglypuff jumped in front of her, "Jiggly!" They all looked down at it and it held it's mic closer to it. "No wait!" Ash said but Jigglypuff started to sing, quickly putting everyone back to sleep, much to it's annoyance.

The kids and all the Pokémon woke up some time later to find out that Jigglypuff scribbled on everyone's faces and the Turtle Pokémon's shells. "Not again," Emma said with a sigh.

"Hey, Jigglypuff is a real Picasso," Brock said. "That's not funny!" Misty said as Emma started to rub the marks off from her face. The Turtle Pokémon all started to laugh and Ash chuckled.

Togepi jumped up and down with a smile, "Togy, Togy." Emma's Pikachu sighed, "Pika-chu." Emma used a napkin to rub the marks from Togepi's face, "It is kinda funny, even I'm admitting."

After everyone got the marks off of them, the kids decided it was time to leave. Gyarados started to swim away with the kids on his back. The kids were waving goodbye to the Squirtle, Wartortle and Blastoise as the Turtle Pokémon waved to them as well.

Emma looked at Ash, "Well, it's time work on getting your eight badge." Ash grinned, "Oh yeah!" Misty smirked, "He should also work on something else."

"Huh?" Emma asked as she raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you know, Ash has a cr--" Misty started but was cut off when Ash quickly placed a hand on her mouth. He looked at Emma and laughed nervously.

Emma blinked and looked at her friends in confusion for a moment before looking ahead, not noticing Ash glaring at Misty, but the redhead girl just gave him an amused look.

Chapter Text

Emma and her friends stopped for a break in a small town before continuing on to Viridian City. Emma was at a phone booth while her friends were near by sitting next to a fountain, and the Pikachu were playing with Togepi.

Ryan appeared on the screen, "Hello?" he asked. "Hey, big brother," Emma said with a smile. He smiled, "Hey, was wondering when I'll get to talk to you."

"Sorry I wasn't calling every now and then, got pretty distracted with stuff," Emma said, "I did talked to Jeffery, though." Ryan's Pikachu jumped into the screen with a smile, "Pikachu-Pi!"

"Hey, Pikachu," Emma said, chuckling. "Come on, buddy, I can't see," Ryan said and his Pikachu jumped to his shoulder. Jane walked closer and smiled, "Hey stranger."

"Hey Jane," Emma said. Jane looked at Ryan, "Did you tell her?" He shook his head, "No, not yet." Emma blinked, "Tell me what?" she asked. Ryan and Jane looked at the girl. "Well..." Ryan trailed off. Jane held up her hand, showing a ring on her finger, "Ta-da. We're getting married."

Emma smiled, "You are?! That's so great! When did that happened?" she asked. "Two days ago," Ryan answered. "That's the best news I've got all day," Emma said, "I'm really happy for you two."

"Thank you, and make sure to tell your friends that they're invited to the wedding," Jane said and gave a wink. "No problem," Emma said, "By the way, when is the wedding?"

"Since you traveling at the moment, guess we could do when you finally reach home," Ryan said and gave a small shrug. "Really?" Emma asked, "Well... we're heading back to Viridian City for Ash's final gym badge. We could come back right after."

Ryan froze while his Pikachu and Jane smiled. "W--Wait, it's a bit early," Ryan said. Emma smirked and waved as she ignored her brother, "We'll see you soon, bye!"

"Wait, Em--" Ryan started but Emma hung up. She giggled and shook her head before running back to her friends. Misty had let out her Horsea to swim in the fountain. "Hey, guys," the brunette girl said, making the Pokémon and her friends look over, "My brother, Ryan is getting married!"

Misty gasped as she stood up, "Really?!" she asked with a smile. "Yep," Emma said as the boys stood up and they smiled. "Wow, that's great news," Brock said. "Pika-chu, Pika!" Emma's Pikachu said as she jumped up and down in excitement.

"And you guys are invited," Emma said. "I can't wait to meet Ryan and Danny, and see your parents again," Ash said, "Wait until I'll show your father and brothers all my eight badges!"

"Togy!" Togepi said with a smile. "I can't wait to get back home to see everyone," Emma said, "And the wedding should be happening after we'll get there."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Ash asked as Misty looked at her Horsea, "Let's get to Viridian City and get the badge, then right after we'll go back to Pallet Town."

"Hold on," Misty said and her friends looked at her. "What's the matter?" Emma asked. "Horsea doesn't look so good," Misty said worriedly. Emma, Ash and Brock looked over at Horsea, noticing it was looking sad and ill. "What's wrong?" Brock asked.

"Seems kinda sad," Ash said. "Maybe it needs more exercise?" Emma suggested. Brock nodded, "Once in a while you should make sure it will get to swim around in something bigger than a tiny fountain."

"But we're not near the ocean or any lakes," Ash pointed out as Togepi tugged on his jeans for his attention. Ash looked down at the Egg Pokémon before picking it up.

"And I can't exactly carry a big fish tank in my backpack," Misty said. "If there was only an Aquarium around here," Brock said. Emma suddenly looked at Misty, "Hey, hold on, what about Cerulean City? There's a huge pool back at your place."

Misty smiled, "Yeah! The pool!" she said. "Good idea, Cerulean City isn't far from here," Brock said. "I say let's head there first," Emma said. "Sounds good to me," Ash said. "I'll give my sisters a call, then," Misty said before returning Horsea back into it's Poke ball, and then she ran to the phone booth.

"Togy, Togy," Togepi said as it waved it's hands around while sitting on Ash's lap. Ash looked from the clock to the Egg Pokémon, "It's nap time, Togepi." Right then, the Egg Pokémon yawed cutely as the Pikachu both jumped to sit on Emma's shoulders.

"Togy," Togepi said before closing itself into it's eggshell. "It's getting more and more easy," Emma said as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Togepi sure likes to sleep," Brock said with a chuckle.

"Just like it's father," Emma said teasingly as she pulled on Ash's hat. Ash blushed and looked at her, "Oh come on, you too?" Emma shrugged, "I got used to it."

Meanwhile, Misty was talking on the phone with her sisters. "Are you still travelling with your three friends?" Daisy asked. "Yeah," Misty answered, "So all of us are coming over."

"That's great!" the trio answered. Misty blinked and raised an eyebrow, "Why are you so happy? What are you three up to?" she asked. "Are Emma and Ash still together?" Violet asked. "Uh, they not together yet," Misty said, "Why?"

"Yet?" Violet repeated. "I thought, like, they were together, they soooo cute together," Lily said. Misty sighed, "I'm trying to get Ash to confess, but so far nothing."

Her sisters exchanged a look and a smile before looking at Misty. "Don't worry, Misty," Lily said. "Yeah, we have, like, a plan," Violet said. Misty blinked, "A plan?" She raised an eyebrow, "Like what?"

The kids had reached to Cerulean City quicker than they expected. Emma noticed her redhead friend seemed really excited to be back, than the last time they were here. Emma was more confused when Misty asked her to bring her Tentacruel and Dewgong from her family care, so Emma gave her Tyrogue and Scyther to her family for now.

"Pika-Pika," Ash's Pikachu said as he pointed to a poster. "What's that?" Ash asked as they all stopped next to the Gym, looking at the poster; there was a young girl that look a bit like Emma but her eyes couldn't be show, dressed as a mermaid and her hair was brown and long. And a boy dressed as a prince in the background, with many water Pokémon around them.

"Wow, they really are making a show!" Misty said, "It's finally happening!" Emma looked at her in confusion, "Huh?" Misty froze before shaking her head, "Oh nothing!"

"That girl looks beautiful," Brock said, almost drooling. "If that girl had her hair a little bit shorter, I would say she looks like you Emma," Ash said. Emma blushed and rubbed the back of her neck, "Uh, thanks?"

Misty smirked, "So Ash you think she's beautiful, huh?" she teased. Ash blushed and waved his hands around, "W--wait, I meant--" Misty wrapped her arms around Ash and Emma's shoulders, "Never mind, let's go in!"

"Misty," Emma said as the redhead girl dragged her and Ash forward, and Brock quickly followed. "Everyone! We're here!" Misty called. Her sisters ran closer and quickly took Ash and Emma's hands. "Oh thank you, you guys!" Lily said.

Ash and Emma looked at them in confusion. "Thanks for what?" Ash asked. "For, like, agreeing to help with the show," Violet said. "Help with the show?" Emma asked, blinking, "Hold on what's going on?"

"Misty said that you two agreed to participating in the show," Lily said. "Yeah, Emma as the mermaid, and Ash as the Prince," Daisy said. Ash and Emma stared at them for a moment, letting the information sink in, before they stared at them in horror, "What?!"

After Misty placed Horsea in the pool, Emma and her friends were sitting at a table with Misty's sisters. "Ash and I didn't agree to that," Emma said, "Plus I'm not much of a swimmer!"

"We already talked to Misty with that, the Pokémon would help you out, it will look like you just swimming with them," Lily said. Ash glared at the redhead girl, "Misty, why would you agree for us?!"

Misty shrugged, "I thought I've talked to you two about this. Oops." Emma and Ash looked back at her sisters, and Misty smirked, which Brock noticed. "Please you guys," Daisy said, "Like, we've been doing those Aqua shows for so long, we don't pull in big crowd like we used to."

"The stadium's been, like, empty, hardly anyone comes to see us anymore," Lily said. "So we decided to try something new, but it won't be just a romantic show so don't worry," Violet said. Ash and Emma froze. "R--Romantic show?" Emma repeated.

"Yeah," Violet said. "We can't help with that!" Ash said. "Why not?" Misty and Violet asked together. Emma gave her redhead friend a look before turning to the sisters. "Like, you two can totally pull it off," Lily said, making Ash and Emma blush.

Violet clapped her hands together, "Image this; Emma as the young and beautiful Princess mermaid, swimming peacefully with all her water Pokémon friends, meets a handsome young human prince, both of them falling in love with each other. They fell in love in first glance." Emma and Ash glanced at each other before quickly looking away, blushing.

"Love at first sight," Misty said with a smirk as she looked at Ash, "I'm sure someone could relate to it." Ash glared at the redhead girl in annoyance while Emma didn't noticed. Daisy took Emma's hands, "Please Emma, you and Ash have to agree to it. Just help us one time. We won't ask anything from you both ever again. Please?"

Emma hesitated for a moment before sighing, "Okay. One time." The sisters smiled while Ash blushed as he stared at her, "Wait, what?" Emma looked at the boy, "Let's just do it."

Everyone were now at the pool. Emma let out her water Pokémon except Gyarados, "Come on guys." Poliwhirl, Dewgong and Tentacruel came out and landed into the pool. Horsea was very happy to see it's friend Tentacruel again and the two started to talk.

Togepi immediately ran to greet Dewgong for the first time while Emma and the others walked to the other side, "Togy!" Dewgong smiled as it tilted it's head, "Dewgong."

"Togy! Togepry," the Egg Pokémon said before it leaned closer to the water and about to fell. "Pi-Pi-Pi!" the female Pikachu called worriedly as she ran closer. Togepi fell but Dewgong quickly caught the Egg Pokémon and let it sit on it's head, before swimming toward their trainer.

The female Pikachu fell into the water and sighed before she was lifted up by Tentacruel. Ash's Pikachu jumped up to sit on top of Tentacruel's head, next to Emma's Pikachu, and the Jellyfish Pokémon swam toward their trainer.

Emma and Ash stood together and looked at the sisters. "Okay, let's start with the rehearsals," Violet said as she grabbed a plastic sword, "This is a really awesome story. It's not just about romance of a mermaid and human felling in love with each other. There's also pirates that were looking for hidden treasure."

Suddenly Lily pulled Emma forward, and she and her two sisters held their plastic swords toward her. "So they captured the mermaid Princess in hopes that she will lead them to it," Daisy said and Emma sighed. "And when she refuses to cooperate, the pirates will get more aggressive," Lily said.

"Great," Emma muttered sarcastically as she crossed her arms over her chest. Violet handed Ash a plastic sword, "And that's when Ash, the Prince is coming. He sees what's happening from his own ship and comes to fight the bad pirates."

"Wait, I am?" Ash asked. Suddenly Lily swing her sword toward Ash, and Ash clicked his sword against hers. "Wow you, like, have good reflexes," she said. Violet then swing her sword toward Ash, but Ash clicked his sword against her too.

"Swing yours too, Ash," Misty said. Ash raised an eyebrow before swinging his sword toward Lily, which made her step away, and then swing his sword toward Violet, making her step back too. "After you'll defeat two of the pirates, you'll have to defeat the captain, which will be me," Daisy said and pointed her sword forward.

Ash sighed and they both clicked their swords together, before Ash pushed his sword forward, making Daisy step back. "After defeating all the bad guys, the mermaid and the Prince fell totally in love with each other," Violet said while reading from her script. Daisy and Lily pushed Emma and Ash closer to each other. "And they lived happily ever after with each other. The end."

Emma and Ash moved away from each other, blushing, as the Pokémon, and Brock and Misty clapped. "Hooray!" Misty said. "I liked it," Brock said. "Is there a kiss scene?" Misty asked. "Kiss scene?!" Ash and Emma asked together in shock.

"Oh right, I forgot you asked for that," Violet said as she pulled out a pen. "Hold on!" Emma said and looked at Misty, "You asked for a kiss scene?!"

Misty shook her head quickly, "No," she said. Brock leaned to her ear, "Liar," he whispered and she shrugged, "What?" she whispered as Ash and Emma turned to her sisters as the trio spoke to them. "I'm just giving them a small push," she whispered.

"Don't you think you pushing it too far?" Brock whispered. "Oh come on, you and I, both know that they like each other," Misty said in a whisper. Brock frowned, "Wait, Emma like Ash?"

Misty sighed, "How can you not see it?" she whispered, "Even all of our Pokémon seen they both like each other." Brock rubbed the back of his head, "I didn't know that."

Misty crossed her arms over her chest, "And since Ash isn't the only one who likes Emma, it's my job to get those two together before the other guy comes and charm her."

"There's another guy who likes Emma?" Brock asked in confusion. Misty gave him a look, "Didn't you noticed that too? Hello, it's Gary." Brock frowned, "Gary is her childhood friend."

"He looks at her different now," Misty said, "The only reason I was teasing her about him, is for Ash to realize that he has feelings for her." She placed her hands on her hips, "And now that I know for sure that those two like each other..." She looked toward Ash and Emma with a smile, "I won't stop until they end up together for real."

"So you going to help Ash get a girl, but not me?" Brock complained. Misty blushed before quickly giving him a look.

The show was in the next day. There were a lot of people sitting around in the stadium. Misty and Brock were sitting in the crowd with the Pikachu and Togepi, eating popcorn. "I can't wait to see Ash and Emma already," Misty said. "Pika-Pika," Emma's Pikachu said.

At the backstage, Ash was dressed as a Prince, looking out into the crowd with Emma's Dewgong, "Boy, there sure are a lot of people out there," he said. "Dewgong," the Sea Lion Pokémon said.

"Are there a lot?" Emma asked, and Ash turned to her. His eyes grew wide when he saw her wearing a pink shell bra, a pale pink mermaid tail with a few star shells attached around it, her hair was longer and wavy, with a beautiful crown on top of her head.

Emma blinked as she looked at the boy in confusion. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked. Ash blinked, before shaking his head slightly, "Uh... nothing. You look... really great."

Emma looked uncomfortable with her looks but slightly blushed, "Thanks," she said. "Are you sure you want to do it?" Ash asked. Emma sighed, "Well, it's too late to back down. Besides I'll have the Pokémon with me in the water so I'll be fine." She looked down at Dewgong with a small smile, "Won't I?"

Dewgong nodded, "Dewgong," it said. "You'll be great, I know it. You can do it," Ash said. "Thanks. Good luck at your part," Emma said with a soft chuckle. "Thanks," Ash said as Violet and Lily walked closer, both dressed as pirates. "Emma, are you ready?" Lily asked.

"Yeah," the girl answered. Violet noticed she was a bit nervous so she placed her hands on her shoulders, "Don't worry, it's your first performance, so it's okay if you're a bit nervous, that's what happens when you do it for the first time, but I know you'll be great."

"Yeah, you'll be totally awesome," Lily said. "Thanks," Emma said. "Good luck," Ash said and Emma nodded.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Daisy's voice spoke in the mic as the lights dimed, "Thank you for your patience! Our underwater Princess, the magical mermaid, performed by our talented and amazing surrogate Sensational sister is about to begin!"

The Gym's pool raised close to the ceiling, much to everyone's amazement. The sisters' water Pokémon, along with Misty's, Ash's and Emma's water Pokémon were inside the water, as the lights turned to them.

"Once upon a time, in a beautiful peaceful lagoon, there were happy Water Pokémon who spent many playful hours with their lovely friend," Daisy's voice said, and the crowd cheered when they saw Emma standing on the diving board, "The magical princess mermaid!"

"She looks beautiful!" Misty complimented as she and Brock watched their friend waving to the crowd with a smile before diving into the water. The Water Pokémon gathered around the brunette girl, and Dewgong held out it's front flippers, so Emma took them and the two spined around for a bit.

"She's doing great," Brock said as Misty's Goldeen, followed by other Goldeen, swam around Emma and Dewgong. Emma then swam beside her Poliwhirl toward a cave, with the Goldeen following. Inside the cave was a hole above so Emma swam up and took a breath.

She then moved back underwater, and swam out of the cave with Poliwhirl and the Goldeen. "I knew she can do it," Misty said as the crowd cheered.

At the backstage, Ash, Lily and Violet were watching. "She's, like, totally doing great job," Lily said. Violet looked at Ash, "Okay Ash, it's almost time for me, Lily and Daisy to show up, after my lines, you appear, okay?" she asked. "Right," Ash said with a nod before walking away.

Back in the pool, Emma was now inside a huge shell, and all the water Pokémon around her were lying down on the send, pretending to be sleeping now. "Everyone in the lagoon, after day after day, after songs and dancing, and playing, were drifting off into peaceful sleep," Daisy's voice spoke as Emma laid down.

The shell closed on her, and the girl quickly took a underwater breathing device as she listen from inside. "The Princess and her Pokémon all have lived their lives in peace. Until one day, three terrible villains appeared."

Outside, the lights turned on on the diving board to show Team Rocket instead of Misty's sisters. Misty and Brock looked shocked to see them. "Huh?!" Misty asked. Ash looked from the backstage at Team Rocket in confusion and annoyance, "Team Rocket?" He looked worried all of a sudden, "Oh no, Emma."

"They going to ruin the show," Brock said to the redhead. "Let's go," Misty said and they stood up, and ran to the backstage. Inside the pool, the water Pokémon saw Jessie and James diving in with underwater breathing devices.

"Poliwhirl!" Poliwhirl said, looking at them in annoyance, along with Tentacruel. "The evil villains sneaked into the Princess's and the water Pokémon's territory," Daisy's voice said.

Misty's Horsea quickly turned to Emma's shell and called out, before it was opened and Emma looked at the Dragon Pokémon. She looked at it in confusion as it was speaking quickly, and then it looked toward Jessie and James.

Emma followed it's gaze and looked startled to see the two. She opened her mouth but then quickly put on her underwater breathing device. "What are you two doing here?!" she asked.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

Meowth was sitting on the diving board with a device, "Meowth! That's wet!"

The crowd cheered, not knowing that Team Rocket really were villains. Emma and her Pokémon, along with Ash's Squirtle and Misty's Pokémon looked at them before back at Jessie and James as they waved.

"Aw, they love us! We're killing them!" Jessie said. "I always knew I was meant for greatness, a Starmie is born!" James said. "Yeah right," Emma muttered.

Everyone watched as the ceiling exploded and made a hole. The Team Rocket's air balloon appeared in the hole, and Meowth jumped in. "And now it's time for the great finale," the cat Pokémon said and looked down at Jessie and James, "Get the girl and let's get out of here!"

"Right," Jessie said and she and James threw a net toward Emma, catching her inside. They dragged her toward a hook that Meowth threw into the water. "Let me go!" Emma said before Poliwhirl, Tentacruel and Squirtle grabbed into the net from the other side, pulling on it.

"But just when it looks that all is lost, a charming and brave Prince arrived to save the day!" Daisy's voice spoke, as Ash threw his hat and the cape and jumped into the water quickly, with a underwater breathing device.

"Team Rocket!" Ash said. "Poliwhirl!" the Tadpole Pokémon called as Jessie and James turned to look at the boy in annoyance. "It's the boyfriend," James said. Jessie pulled out Arbok's Poké ball as Misty and Brock jumped into the water, "Go, Arbok!"

The Cobra Pokémon was released and it jumped toward Emma's friends, but they moved away before they could get hurt. "Go, Squirtle!" Emma called to Ash's Squirtle, and it swam toward Arbok. "Squirtle, use Tackle!"

Squirtle withdraw it's head into it's shell and tackled Arbok backward. "Starmie, use Tackle too!" Emma called and Misty's Starmie spined around and tackled Arbok too.

"Arbok, get them!" Jessie called in annoyance. The Cobra Pokémon glared at Starmie and Squirtle, but before anything could happen, Dewgong and Tentacruel appear in front of the two Pokémon protectively. "Dewgong, use Headbutt!" Emma called.

Dewgong swam closer to Arbok, repeatedly slamming it's head into it. Jessie and James quickly continued to drag the brunette girl toward the hook but then, Ash, Misty and Brock swam closer and pulled on the net. "Let go!" Misty said.

"No! You let go!" Jessie said. "Poliwhirl, use Double Slap!" Ash called. Emma's Poliwhirl jumped from behind the kids, startling Jessie and James before he slapped James with two hands, making him let go of the net. Jessie looked startled as the kids managed to pull the net closer to their side but then she tried to push it back to her.

Poliwhirl turned then to Jessie and he slapped her too with both hands, making her let go of the net. The kids quickly opened the net and Emma moved out. The crowd cheered, thinking it was all part of the show.

"Dewgong, Ice Beam!" Emma called. A light blue ball formed in front of Dewgong's mouth, and then it fired toward Arbok, Jessie and James, freezing them. "All right!" Ash said.

Meowth was watching from his spot in the balloon, "Looks like this show is over for Team Rocket," he said. "Now, everyone, use tackle!" Emma called, and all the Water Pokémon swam toward the frozen trio, tackling them, and throwing them out of the water, making them hit the balloon.

The balloon exploded, sending Team Rocket off into the sky, "We're blasting off again!"

"Yay!" Misty said and the crowd cheered again. "We did it," Ash said as he and Emma exchanged a look, and smiled.

Later on, after the crowd had left, Emma and Ash dressed in their normal clothes, and were about to head off with Misty and Brock. Brock convinced Misty to leave her Horsea at the Gym since it still a little sick, but unfortunately for the redhead, she was asked to leave her Starmie too.

"Well take care!" Lily said as the kids started to walk away, and they waved. "And thanks for the help Ash and Emma," Daisy said. "Hurry up and become a Pokémon Master, Ash!"

"Visit us again soon," Violet said. "Bye," Emma said before they turned and started to leave the city. "And you thought you couldn't do it," Misty told Emma, "You were great."

"Thanks," Emma said with a chuckle, "Never thought I will take a part of becoming a mermaid." Togepi waved it's hands around with a smile, "Togy!"

Misty sighed in disappointment, "But I'm sad we didn't get to see the kissing scene." Ash and Emma froze before giving her a look, "Misty!" Brock laughed while Misty smiled. "What? I was just kidding," she teased.

Chapter Text

Emma and her friends were in a town, sitting outside an Ice cream shop. The kids and the Pokémon were eating ice cream together. "I'm so glad we stopped for ice cream," Misty said.

Togepi looked at Ash's ice cream and tried to reach to it, suddenly wanting the strawberry chocolate he was eating instead of Emma's vanilla ice cream, "Togy, Togy, Togy." Ash looked at the Egg Pokémon and hold out his ice cream, "Want to try some of mine?"

"Togy," Togepi answered with a smile and licked the ice cream. "Do you like it?" Ash asked. "Togy," the Egg Pokémon said. Emma smiled before spotting a Clefairy bouncing over. It looked at them with a smile, "Clefairy."

"Clefairy?" Emma asked, blinking. Brock stood up with a smile, "I can't believe a Clefairy would just walk right up to us like this," he said. "How cute!" Misty said, "Hey, maybe I can capture it with this ice cream as bait."

"Fairy?" it asked before bouncing away. Misty stood up as she grabbed one of her Poké balls, "Huh? Wait Clefairy. I can't let this one get away!" She ran after it as Emma and Ash stood up. "Misty, hold on!" Emma called as Ash moved his ice cream away, forgetting that Togepi was licking the ice cream.

"Togy, Togy," the Egg Pokémon said as it tried to get to the ice cream again. "Come on guys," Ash said. Emma took Togepi into her arms, and she, along with the Pikachu and the boys ran after Misty, none of them knew that their backpacks and ice cream were about to be taken.

The kids were walking back toward their table after finding Misty. "I don't know how that Clefairy got away from me," the redhead girl said. "They maybe small but they tricky," Brock said.

"I'm sure there will be another chance for you to catch a Clefairy," Emma said. Ash shrugged, "Maybe it likes chocolate ice cream." Misty sighed, "Very funny."

Brock looked at their table and gasped. "What's the matter, Brock?" Ash asked. "I left my backpack here and it's gone," Brock said. The three younger kids looked to where their backpacks were. "Hey, mine's gone too!" Emma said. "So is mine!" Ash said.

"Yeah, mine too," Misty said. "Hey, the ice cream disappeared too," Ash said. "Togy," the Egg Pokémon said. "We should report it to Officer Jenny," Brock said.

The kids ran to the police station but to their surprise, there was a huge crowd of people there, reporting that some of their things were stolen too. "Guess we're not the only ones who got robbed," Ash said.

"Who could have done it?" Emma asked as she frowned. "Aliens," a man spoke and the kids turned to see a man with a lab coat looking at them. "Who are you?" Ash asked.

"Someone who uncovers the truth," he said, "Because the powers that don't want you to know of Earth visitors from outer space, but if you'll look to the sky and to me, Oswald!"

The kids stared at him. "How do those guys find us?" Ash muttered. "Pika," his Pikachu said. Officer Jenny stepped toward them, "Did you four lose something too?"

"Yes, Officer Jenny," Brock answered. "Listen to me!" the man Oswald said, and everyone turned to him, "All those strange robberies point directly to visitors from another planet."

"You mean 'Aliens'?" Ash asked. "That's right," Oswald said. "That's silly," Misty said, "Everyone knows that UFO doesn't exist."

"But I have a positive evidence," Oswald said and pulled out a book. He opened it, "Here, take a look at this." Ash took it and looked at a page. "You see?" Oswald asked, "That book is full of photos and eyewitnesses interviews and other proofs."

A chef stepped closer and looked at a picture before pointing at it, "Hey, I have seen this thing someplace," he said. Oswald looked at him, "Where?! Out with it, man! when did you seen this spacecraft? And what speed was it moving?"

"Well, I, uh..." the chef trailed off. Oswald grabbed his shoulders, shaking him, "Tell me!" he demanded. "Three nights ago. Just outside the town. Near the forest." the chef said. Ash quickly stepped up and tried to get Oswald to let go, "Mr. Oswald, take it easy!"

"Pika-Chu," his Pikachu said. Oswald let go, panting, "Sorry. I got carried away." Ash and his Pikachu sighed. "Come to think of it, the reports of stolen object started three nights ago," Officer Jenny said and the kids looked at her in shock. "You mean the 'space Aliens' maybe for real?!" Ash asked.

The kids were now walking with Oswald, who was leading as he was holding a device to locate Aliens. "I don't understand why we have to be part of this stupid space man's search party," Misty said in annoyance.

"It's better than waiting around in the Police station and doing nothing," Emma said as she shrugged. "Yeah, and beside we need to find our backpacks," Brock said. Ash raised an eyebrow with a smirk, "And, we might get to meet some real live Aliens."

"You don't really believe in that right?" Emma asked. Ash rubbed the back of his head, "Well... you won't know if it's true until you see one right?" Emma sighed while Togepi waved it's hands away, "Togy."

Oswald's device started beeping and they all stopped. "Bingo! They close," Oswald said and the kids looked around. "But I don't see any Aliens or flying saucers anywhere," Ash said. They all looked up and surprisingly they saw a ball of light slowly landing in front of them.

The light disappeared to show a UFO. The door slid open and stairs appeared. Two silvered Aliens stood at the door and they walked out. "That can't be," Emma muttered as she stared at them in shock.

"Those are real Aliens!" Ash said. The two Aliens walked closer and placed their hands on Emma's shoulders, leading her, Togepi and her Pikachu toward their ship, leaving her friends and Oswald shocked, but also confused.

"Hey, wait a second, where you taking Emma?" Ash asked as he raised an eyebrow. The two Aliens didn't answer and walked into the spaceship, letting the stairs disappear and the door closed. "Hey, hold on," Misty said.

Inside the spaceship, Emma and Togepi immediately got locked inside a cage with her Pikachu was put inside a glass container. "Hey!" Emma said as she looked at the two Aliens, annoyed when she saw they pulling off their masks to show Jessie and James.

"That was easy," James said. "Pika," the female mouse said as she glared, using Thunderbolt but it didn't break the glass. "Don't bother," Jessie said.

Outside, the others saw a crane lifting the 'spaceship'. "Hey, that's a crane," Ash said. "And it's pulling on the spaceship," Brock said. "That flying saucer is a fake!" Misty said. Ash pulled out a Poké ball quickly and threw it, "Pidgeotto, cut the crane's cable!"

The Bird Pokémon was released and it immediately flew up and cut the cable with it's claws, making the 'spaceship' fell down, and break to half. The cage with Emma and Togepi were now broke.

"Team Rocket," Ash said in annoyance. Emma sat up on the floor, rubbing her shoulder, "Ow," she muttered. "You mean they are not Aliens?" Oswald asked. Jessie and James took off their silver outfits to show their normal uniforms as Misty helped Emma up.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the hyper speed of light."

"Surrender now Earthlings or prepare to fight!"

A Clefairy jumped over, "Clefairy."

Everyone looked at it in shock. "Clefairy," Misty said and Oswald's device started beeping. "This is amazing! According to my scanner, Clefairy is an Alien!" Oswald said and the kids gasped.

The same Jigglypuff that was following Emma and her friends jumped over, glaring at the Clefairy. "Jigglypuff?" the kids asked. Oswald's device continued beeping and he turned it to Jigglypuff, "Could it be?"

Jigglypuff tilted it's head, "Jigglypuff?" it asked. "Amazing, this Jigglypuff is also an Alien," Oswald said. Misty walked closer in annoyance, "That scanner is spacier than you are!" Oswald's device continued beeping and he point it on Misty, "It's says that you an Alien too," he said. Misty threw it out of his hand, "If anyone's an Alien is you!"

The device broke, much to Oswald's horror, "You broke my scanner. It took me so long to get this," he said. Jessie and James looked annoyed that they were ignoring them but then Meowth jumped over, "Don't just stand there! While he's whining, we can grab Emma."

"Right," Jessie and James said. Then, Clefairy started to bounce away with Emma's Pikachu inside the shockproof container. "Pikachu!" Emma called and ran after Clefairy. "Hey, get back here!" Jessie said and the trio ran after the girl.

"Hey!" Ash said and he, Misty, Brock, Oswald and Jigglypuff followed. Pidgeotto flew toward Team Rocket and tackled them out of the way. "Good job Pidgeotto!" Ash said and held the Poké ball, "Return!" After returning his Pokémon to the Poké ball, they continued to ran Clefairy.

They ran around the corner and stopped to see Clefairy wasn't there. "Pika-Chu!" Ash's Pikachu called as he looked around. "This is a dead end," Misty said. "Where they could have gone?" Brock asked.

Jigglypuff walked forward, and the male mouse jumped from Ash's shoulder and followed. "Pikachu!" Emma called worriedly, "Pikachu , answer me!"

"Jiggly!"

"Pika-Pi! Pikachu-Pi!"

Everyone looked to Ash's Pikachu and Jigglypuff to see they were pointing at a manhole cover. They walked closer and opened it to see it was completely dark inside. "It so dark," Ash said.

"I don't care, my Pikachu is down there," Emma said. "But we can't go down there," Misty said as she frowned slightly. "You guys stay here if you want to, but I'm going in," Emma said before she let Togepi be on her shoulder and slid into the hole.

"Jigglypuff."

Emma looked over at Jigglypuff in confusion, "Jigglypuff? You coming with me?" Jigglypuff nodded, "Jiggly," it said. "I'm coming too," Ash said. "Pika-Chu," the male mouse said as he nodded. Brock and Misty exchanged a quick look but then nodded.

Oswald, Jigglypuff and the kids were walking down the tunnel and found themselves in a huge cave. "Look at this," Brock breathed out as they saw a huge spaceship that looked like in the picture from Oswald's book, but this one was attached to a rocket.

"That's the spaceship. The Clefairy must have build it themselves, and they'll be blasting off very soon," Oswald said. "Blasting off?" the kids asked together. "Pika-Pika?!" the male mouse asked. "Togy," the Egg Pokémon said.

They all watched as the Clefairy were working on the spaceship, some were holding different objects. "Hey look, those Clefairy must have been the ones who stole everyone's stuff to use the parts for their rocket," Brock said.

"Emma look over there," Ash said as he pointed to the stairs. The same Clefairy who stole Emma's Pikachu was walking up the stairs, holding up the sleeping female mouse in the glass container. "Pikachu," Emma whispered.

"Togepry," Togepi said. "Why did they take Pikachu?" Misty asked. "The Clefairy must be planning to use her electric attack energy to launch their spacecraft," Oswald said. Emma glared at the Clefairy, "Yeah, well they not taking my Pikachu into space."

Then a timer showed on a small screen. "What's that?" Ash asked. "That's the signal to begin the countdown to blast off," Oswald said. Emma watched worriedly as the Clefairy with her Pikachu walked into the spaceship.

"I can't let them take my Pikachu," Emma said and ran toward the spaceship with Togepi, and Jigglypuff quickly followed. "I can't let her go by herself," Ash said before he and his Pikachu followed.

Misty and Oswald followed while Brock went to tell Officer Jenny. They snuck into the spaceship and walked down the hallway, and soon enough reached to a room where Emma's Pikachu was sitting in a different glass container in the middle of the room, still sleeping.

"Pikachu!" Emma said with a relief smile and ran closer only to be stopped by the Clefairy. "Clefairy," Emma said as she gave them a look, "Give me back my Pikachu."

One of the Clefairy shook it's head. "Hey, that Pikachu isn't just a Pokémon, she's my best friend, I'm not getting off this spaceship without her!" Emma said. Jigglypuff stepped forward as it glared at the same Clefairy, "Jigglypuff."

"Fairy?" it asked as if it saw Jigglypuff earlier. The two of them faced each other before Jigglypuff slapped Clefairy, surprising Oswald and the kids. "Jigglypuff!" Ash said.

"That was Pound attack," Emma said. Clefairy quickly recovered and slapped Jigglypuff this time, making it roll back toward the kids and Oswald. "Clefairy was using a Pound attack too," Ash said.

The Balloon Pokémon quickly recovered and stood up angrily. It quickly used Double Slap, slapping Clefairy a couple of times, before it stopped and Clefairy fell to the floor. The other Clefairy looked at Jigglypuff and were ready to attack it, but Jigglypuff defeated them all too by using Double Slap.

The kids and Oswald watched as Jigglypuff walked out of the room. "Wait for me Jigglypuff," Oswald said as he ran after it. The kids blinked before Emma turned to her Pikachu, "Pikachu." She ran to the glass and banged on it, "Pikachu. Pikachu, wake up!"

"We got to get out of here fast," Misty said. "Pikachu," Ash said as he banged on the glass too. "Pika-Chu!" the male mouse called. "Pikachu, can you try and break the glass?" Ash asked and his Pikachu nodded.

His Pikachu jumped off of his shoulder and turned to the glass, letting sparks appear on his cheeks. Before he could use an attack, Jigglypuff's song was heard from the speakers.

"Pika?" the male mouse asked. "Oh no! That's..." Emma trailed off as her eyes started to close. The three kids, the male mouse and Togepi fell asleep quickly.

Outside the timer finished, and a small plastic hummer appeared from above Emma's Pikachu and hit her in the face, waking her up in a startle. "Pika-Chu!" she said as she used electric attack, powering up the spaceship, and shuttering the glass.

The noise woke the kids, Togepi and the male mouse up. Emma quickly stood up when she saw her Pikachu was free. "Pikachu," the girl said. "Pikachu-Pi," the female mouse said and jumped up to her trainer's shoulder.

"Are you okay?" Emma asked as she petted her Pikachu. "Pika-Chu," Pikachu said with a nod as Ash and Misty stood up. "That's great," Ash said as his Pikachu jumped up to his shoulder.

"Hey, guys, here's our backpacks," Misty said when she spotted their backpacks at the side. "Great, let's grab them and get out," Emma said. They grabbed their backpacks and Ash grabbed Brock's before they ran to the exit.

The door opened but they weren't in the cave anymore. They were on top of the city, flying. "What do we do now?" Misty asked as they looked down at the city.

"Hey, look!" Emma said as she pointed on a skyscraper on top of a building. Ash pulled out a Poké ball. "Bulbasaur, I choose you!" Bulbasaur was released, standing between Ash and Emma. "Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip to grab onto this skyscraper," Ash said as he pointed at the building. "Bulbasaur!" The Seed Pokémon said and did as was told, grabbing the skyscraper.

"Hold on," Ash said as they grabbed the Pokémon, and then jumped. They landed on the top of the building. Then they turned to watch the spaceship flying away and smiled. "There they go," Ash said. "I wonder where they are heading for," Emma said.

"Guess for a great big adventure," Misty said. Emma looked at Togepi, "Guess so, huh?" Togepi smiled, "Togy!"

The kids had gone back to Brock at the Police station and gave him his backpack back. After explaining what happened and getting some of the things back to the people, the four kids headed out on the road.

As they got out of town, Emma looked at Ash, "Viridian City, here we come." Ash grinned, "Oh yeah!" Unknown to the group, Jigglypuff was watching them from behind. It smiled and started to follow them again, "Jigglypuff!"

Chapter Text

The kids were finally back to Viridian City. "I can't believe that it's been almost a year since we were last here," Ash said. Emma looked toward the Pokémon center where she first met Ash and Misty, "Hey, the Pokémon center is up and running again," she said as they walked past it. "That's great!" Ash said.

Soon enough they found the Gym building. "Look Ash, the Viridian Gym, and inside there's an Earth Badge with your name on it," Brock said. "Oh yeah," Ash said with a smile.

They slowed to a stop in front of the building, seeing two guards in front of the doors. "I already have seven badges, I just need one more to get in the Pokémon League," Ash said, "I've got to win it here."

"Pika," his Pikachu said with a nod. "So, what are we waiting for?" Emma asked with a smile. Ash opened his mouth to speak but another voice cut in.

"For me of course."

They turned around in surprise to see Gary and his cheerleaders standing next to their car. "Gary?" Emma and Ash asked. Gary smirked and looked at Emma, "Your Dad told me Ryan and Jane are getting married soon. I bet you're excited for it."

"Yeah," Emma said with a smile, "Are you going to be there?" Gary nodded, "Yeah, I wouldn't miss it in the world." He looked at Ash with a smirk as he spoke to the brunette girl, "So what are you and the loser doing here?"

Ash glared at him, "I'm not a loser! I'm here to win my eight and final badge!" he said. Gary chuckled, "You have some catching up to do," he said as he pulled out his badge case and opened it, showing ten badges.

"Wow, ten badges," Emma said. "That's right," Gary said and looked at Ash with a smirk, "Still thinks you got what it takes to become a Pokémon Master?" He looked at Emma, "Honestly Em, I don't get why you're friends with this loser."

Ash and his Pikachu glared at him while Emma frowned sadly. "If you already have more than eight badges, then why are you here?" she asked. "One of the reasons is your Dad said you'll be here," Gary said before glancing at Ash, "But also I wanted to stop by on my way to Pallet Town to see if the leader of this Gym wants to battle a real Pokémon trainer."

Ash glared at him while Emma looked between them. Gary looked toward the guards, "I'm Gary Oak from Pallet, and I'm hereby request for a battle with the leader of this Gym," he said. The doors slid open and Gary looked at Emma as he took her hand, "Come on, then."

"Huh?" Emma asked as she blushed slightly. Ash glared angrily at Gary's hand and watched as Gary pulled Emma toward the building, followed by the cheerleaders. Ash glared, "That Gary. Let's go Pikachu."

"Pika," his Pikachu agreed, and they ran after them. The guards held Ash back, "Only one trainer at a time kid," one of them said. "But I got to get inside," Ash said. "Gym's Rules," they both said as Emma turned to them.

"Togy, Togy," Togepi said as it waved its hands around as if wanting Ash to come with them too. But as Gary was pulling Emma inside, and Ash was getting far away, Togepi started to cry, which 'caused Gary and Emma to stop walking.

Emma looked at Gary, "I think I should stay outside. I don't Togepi likes the inside of this building," she said as she slowly let go of Gary's hand. Gary gave a small nod, "Yeah, guess so."

"Good luck," Emma said, giving him a small smile. "Thanks," Gary said and she stepped outside. Togepi didn't stop crying until it heard Ash's voice, "What's wrong Togepi?"

"Togy," it said as Ash petted its head. "I think we could have a problem when it will be your turn to challenge the Gym Leader in this place," Emma said, "I don't think Togepi likes the inside as much as the outside."

"Or it was crying because it didn't want to be away from Ash like it doesn't want to be away from you," Misty said as she smiled and shrugged, "Maybe Togepi was getting nervous when it's getting separated from both of its parents."

"Togy," Togepi said as it waved its hands around, smiling again. "See?" Misty asked. Ash smiled as he took Togepi into his arms, "Nah, don't worry Togepi, it wasn't like I was gonna leave you and Emma, you stuck with us."

"Togy, Togepry!" the Egg Pokémon said with a smile, waving its hands around and its feet back and forth. Brock smiled as he crossed his arms over his chest, "Well, Ash is back on a good mood," he muttered.

The kids were sitting outside a restaurant to eat lunch. "I wonder if Gary finished with his battle," Emma said. Ash frowned, "Why? You want to see him before he leaves?" he asked. Emma blinked and raised an eyebrow, "I was wondering if he was done, so you could go and have your Gym battle."

Misty smirked and leaned over to whisper to Ash, "Careful Ash, your jealousy is showing up again," she teased. Ash froze and blushed slightly before glaring at his redhead friend, but Emma and Brock didn't notice as they were talking to each other.

"He may have ten badges, but not all of them are from the Gyms Ash was," Brock said. "Yeah, I didn't see the Thunder Badge, so he wasn't at Lt. Surge's Gym," Emma said. "And besides, you only need eight badges, not ten."

"He won the two others probably 'cause he was bored or something," Brock said. Emma frowned, "Yeah..." she muttered. "Gary sure have a soft spot for you, doesn't he Emma?" Misty asked suddenly as she smirked at her friend.

Emma blinked, "Uhh... well, we've been best friends since we were younger," she said as Ash looked annoyed. Misty looked from Ash and then quickly away as she smirked, "Nooo," she teased, "I don't know, he looks at you a bit different."

Emma tilted her head, frowning, "What do you mean?" she asked. "Oh, you know, Gary is most likely wants you to be his... how to call it? His--" Misty started on teasing, but Ash suddenly stood up, slamming his hands on the table, startling the girls slightly. "All right! Let's go back to the Gym!" he said.

He grabbed his backpack and walked away quickly. Emma stood up, "Hey Ash! We haven't finished lunch yet!" she called but he didn't stop or say anything.

Brock quickly paid for the food, and the three kids and Pokémon quickly ran to follow Ash. "Why he's so angry?" Emma muttered. Misty smiled, "You know, you really smart, but there are some things you don't understand when it's happening around you," she said.

Emma blinked and frowned, "Huh? Like what?" she asked. "You'll know what I've meant when you'll grow older a bit," Misty said with a chuckle. Emma raised an eyebrow and looked from her to Brock, "Did I miss something here?"

"Oh yeah, but don't worry, I didn't realize it either until Misty pointed it out for me," Brock whispered. "Realized what?" Emma muttered as she looked at her Pikachu. The female mouse tilted her head, "Pika-Chu."

The kids got back to the Gym, the guards weren't around, so Ash ran closer and banged on the door, "Hey! I came for a Gym battle! Let me in." The kids opened the doors and looked inside in surprise to see Gary and his cheerleaders were on the floor, unconscious.

"Gary!" Emma and Ash called and the kids ran inside. Emma and Ash ran toward Gary while Brock turned to the girls. Emma placed Togepi on the floor and she and Ash held up Gary. "Gary!" Emma said and Gary opened his eyes.

"It's here," he said. "What happened? What's here?" Ash asked. "A Pokémon that we've never seen, did this," Gary said, "There's something different about this one. This Pokémon not just powerful, it's evil."

"Evil?" Ash and Emma repeated. "There can't be an evil Pokémon," Ash muttered. "I can't believe Gary lost," one of the girls said and then the cheerleaders started crying. Emma gave them a look, "Hey! Cut it out, would ya?"

The girls stopped crying and looked at her. "One things for sure, no one can ever beat that Pokémon," Gary said. Right then, there was a laugh as Ash and Emma helped Gary up to his feet. The lights turned on from the other side of the battlefield.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

Team Rocket appeared from the other side on a red platform.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"It's them," Ash said in annoyance as Emma took Togepi into her arms. "Again," Brock said. Jessie and James looked insulted. "Why are you always interrupting us before we get to finish?" Jessie asked.

"Because we know what you going to say," Emma said. "Yeah, it's never any different," Misty agreed. Jessie smirked, "But today it's very different," she said. "Something happened that it's going to make you very jealous," James said.

Meowth appeared, "Let's celebrate. We just got a big promotion! Now we're gonna get the respect we deserve," he said. "That's right Meowth, 'cause the new Gym Leaders of this Gym are..." James trailed off. "The three of us," Jessie finished.

"Huh?" Misty, Emma, Ash and Brock asked together in shock, while Gary and the cheerleaders looked at Team Rocket in confusion. "You guys are Gym leaders?!" Ash asked. "Pika?" the Pikachu asked. Jessie smirked, "That's right, just moments ago we were put in charge on this Gym." She held out the Earth Badge, "And the Earth Badge."

"Hey, that's the Earth Badge," Emma said. "The Earth Badge," Ash muttered. "You mean this Gym is controlled by Team Rocket?" Misty asked. "Why would they want a Gym?" Brock asked. Jessie laughed, "Oh you little children wouldn't understand the plans for an organization like Team Rocket."

"Yeah? Try us," Ash said. "That's for us to know, and for you to figure it out," James said before he frowned and whispered to Jessie. Jessie's smug look faded away before reappearing, "Those plans are classified information," she said. Meowth shrugged, "She doesn't know them either."

Jessie kicked Meowth away before turning to the kids. "But if you want that Earth Badge, you'll have to defeat us," James said. "That's just what I'm gonna do!" Ash said. "Well, step right into the ring we properad just for you," Jessie said as a green platform appeared from behind Emma and her friends.

James stepped out from the red platform and stood next to Meowth. Jessie laughed, "Now, get into the trainer's box, little boy," she said. "Don't do it Ash, it could be a trap," Emma whispered. "If you'll run away now, you won't get that Earth Badge," James taunted.

Ash glared, "I'm not running anywhere!" he said. Emma watched worriedly as the boy stepped into the green platform, while Gary was looking at her with a frowned, not liking what he was seeing at all.

When Professor Oak first told Gary that Emma was traveling with Ash, he felt--for the first time--jealousy. She was supposed to be traveling with him, not with Ash. He didn't hate the guy, but he sure didn't like him, especially when he was taking Emma away from him.

"We'll use three Pokémon each, no time limits," Jessie said, pulling Gary from his thoughts. "Fine, let's battle!" Ash said. Jessie threw three Poké balls, "All three Pokémon, go!" A Machamp, a Rhydon and another Pokémon that looked like Krabby were released.

It was a crustacean Pokémon resembling a crab. Its strong shell covers the outside of its body, featuring a red upper half and a light tan lower half. Its upper half is topped with six tall, thin spikes that resemble a crown. Its light tan arms are also connected to its upper body. Its lower half doubles as its jaw with six fangs overlapping its upper body. Its two outer fangs are much larger than the inner four and are roughly half as tall as its entire body. Its hips visibly protrude from its lower body and connect to its four long, thin legs. Each leg has a single, claw-like foot. Its main feature is its red pincers. Its left claw is roughly twice as large as the other and hard as steel.

Emma pulled out her Dexter, "It looks like a Krabby."

Kingler, the Pincer Pokémon. The evolved form of Krabby. Its crushing claws make it a powerful opponent.

"Not helping so much," Emma muttered as she put her Dexter back into her pocket. Ash threw a Poké ball, "Squirtle, I choose you!" The Tiny Turtle Pokémon was released, "Squirtle!"

"Squirtle? Is that the best you can do?" Jessie taunted, "Go Machamp, Karate Chop!" Machamp ran forward, striking Squirtle many times. When that happened, Ash was given a shock, making him yell in pain. "Ash!" Emma, Misty and Brock called. "Pika-Pi!" the male mouse called.

James smirked, "On the platform, every trainer feels what the Pokémon feels," he said. "That's not how a battle should go!" Emma said, "Stop it right now!"

"Sorry, but we can't," Meowth said and laughed. "He can't win, Machamp is too powerful," Gary said as the shock stopped. Ash breathed heavily and pulled out another Poké ball, "Bulbasaur... go." The Seed Pokémon was released, "Bulbasaur!"

"Then I choose Kingler!" Jessie said and the Pincer Pokémon forward. "Bulbasaur, Vine Whip!" Ash ordered. Bulbasaur let his vines appear from his bulb and headed toward Kingler. "Kingler, Harden!" Jessie said. Kingler did as was told, and Bulbasaur's Vine Whip attack didn't work.

"Kingler, Bubble attack!" Jessie called. Kingler released multiple clear bubbles from its mouth, which hit Bulbasaur. Another wave of shock hit Ash, making him yell in pain again. "Ash!" Emma called.

"Ash, you can't win! Their Pokémon is too strong!" Gary called. "I won't give up... I've come too far to just quit now," Ash said and the shock stopped. He panted, "I trust my Pokémon." He looked forward, "We can do it!"

Gary looked at him in surprise, "Maybe... he can," he said. Emma glanced at Gary, smiling a small smile before looking back at Ash. The boy pulled out another Poke ball and threw it, "Go Pidgeotto!" The Bird Pokémon was released. "Pidgeotto, Quick Attack!"

Pidgeotto slammed into Rhydon, inflicting damage. "Come on Ash! You can do it!" Brock called. "Go Ash!" Emma called. "Pidgeotto, Double-Edge!" Ash ordered. The Bird Pokémon slammed into Rhydon again, causing more damage to it, and suddenly a wave of shock hit Jessie.

"James! Why did you made it shock on both sides?! Turn it off! Turn it off!" Jessie called. "I didn't thought it will do that," James said. Meowth held up a device, "Lucky, I made this little remote control in case we would lose, all I do is hit the button and it's 'goodbye competition'."

Emma pulled out a Poke ball when she saw the Cat Pokémon was about to press the button, "Oh no, you don't!" She threw the Poke ball, "Poliwhirl, use Double Slap on Meowth!"

The Tadpole Pokémon was released and immediately slapped Meowth with both his hands, making him drop the remote. "All Pokémon, attack at once!" Jessie said and threw two more Poke balls, "Go Arbok and Weezing!"

"You can't use new Pokémon now! It's against the rules!" Misty said as Togepi jumped from Emma's arms. Jessie smirked, "I make the rules for this Gym!" Ash glared, "Well, if those are the rules." He looked toward his Pikachu, "Let's go Pikachu."

"Pika!" the male mouse said with a nod, and run to jump on Arbok. He used Thunderbolt to attack all of the opposing Pokémon at once, including Rhydon when its horn got hit by the attack. Another wave of shock hit Jessie, and it soon after stopped. Machamp, Rhydon and Kingler ran away, and Weezing and Arbok crashed into Jessie.

Ash's Pokémon all cheered, and Ash stepped off from the green platform, "We did it! We won the match!" he said, and he kneeled next to his Pokémon. He hugged his Pikachu and petted Pidgeotto on the head, "You were all just great!"

"He's our winner, he's our Ash! Let's all have a victory bash! He's our winner, he's our man! No one wins like Ketchum can!"

Emma looked toward the cheerleaders in surprise as they cheered for him. She smiled with her friends as she looked back at Ash. Gary smiled a small smile, "Ha," he muttered, "I hate to admit it but he's pretty good trainer."

Emma leaned closer as she smiled, "What was that?" she asked, clearly heard what he said. Gary glanced at her and then away, scoffing as he smiled, "Nothing." He then frowned as his smile faded away, "But still... nobody will be able to defeat the Pokémon that I saw."

Emma blinked as her smile faded away. She then turned to Ash when he called out to Team Rocket, "Hey! Jessie! I won the match fair and square, so now I want the Earth Badge I earned."

"Well, you not getting it!" Jessie said. "Hey! That's cheating!" Ash said as they all glared at her. "Well I'm a cheater," Jessie said as Meowth spotted Togepi standing next to the remote control.

Meowth gasped, "Togepi! Get away from there!" he said. Togepi didn't listen and pressed on both red and green buttons, making an explosion on both platforms. Team Rocket were thrown up to a hole on the ceiling, and into the sky as Jessie accidentally dropped the Earth Badge.

"We're blasting off again!"

The Earth Badge was dropped into Ash's hand as he smiled. "I finally got my Earth Badge!" he said. "Pi-Pika-Chu!" his Pikachu cheered. The building suddenly shook, and Poliwhirl grabbed Togepi and ran toward their trainer.

Emma took Togepi into her arms aseveryone looked around. "The building's collapsing, let's run forit!" Gary said as he grabbed Emma's hand. He pulled her outside aseveryone quickly followed. They all watched the building fell down.

After saying goodbye to Gary for now, Emma and her friends were walking on a different path to head back to Pallet Town. "I wonder if we'll ever get to see the Pokémon Gary was talking about," Brock said, "I would like to take a look at that."

"Same," Emma agreed. "Right now, all I want to look at, are my eight badges," Ash said with a grin and looked at his friends, "'Cause now I can finally get into the Pokémon League. I'm on my way to become a Pokémon Master."

"Pika-Chu," the male mouse agreed on Ash's shoulder. "Pika," Emma's Pikachu said. "First things first, we're on our way to my brother's wedding!" Emma said with a smile. "Togy!" the Egg Pokémon said with a smile. "Pika-Chu," Emma's Pikachu said with a smile.

Ash chuckled, "That's right. First stop is back home to Ryan's wedding, and then to the Pokémon League," he said. Misty frowned, "But where is the Pokémon League?" Ash blinked, "Uhhh..."

"Ash, don't you know?" Misty asked. "We could ask Professor Oak when we'll get back to Pallet," Emma said. "Yeah," Brock said with a nod. "Well, let's go then," Ash said.

Emma smiled and looked at her Pikachu on her shoulder, "Let's go home," she said. "Pika-Chu!" the female mouse said excitedly. Emma chuckled as she and her friends continued on the path.

Chapter Text

"Hey look, there's Pallet Town!" Emma said with a smile when she stopped at the hill. Her friends walked closer and stopped next to her. "Finally back home," Ash said. "Pika," his Pikachu said.

"Let's go to my house," Emma said and ran down the hill. "Wait for us!" Misty called with a smile as she ran after her, with the boys following. Emma slowed to a stop when she spotted a familiar figure close by near a lake. She smiled at her, "Hey, J--"

Brock cut her off when he rushed to grab Jane's hands, "Hi there," he flirted. Jane blinked at him, "Huh?" she asked in confusion as her Vaporeon jumped from the water. It blinked and looked up at Brock in confusion as well, as he flirted with Jane, "The name's Brock, what's yours?"

Just when Jane was about to answer, Emma quickly walked over and grabbed Brock by his ear, making him let go of Jane's hands as he groaned in pain. "Back off, hotshot," she warned, "This woman is spoken for!"

Brock looked at Jane in confusion but then he fell down when Emma pushed him away. She then smiled as she looked up at Jane, "Hey, Jane."

"Hey hon," Jane said as she placed her hands on the girl's shoulders with a smile, "Look at you, you've grown!" Emma chuckled, "It's great to see you."

"Jane? Is that the one your brother is getting married to?" Misty asked as she and Ash walked closer. "Yep," Emma said. Brock quickly stood up and rubbed the back of his head, blushing slightly, "Oh... sorry."

Emma petted Jane's Vaporeon on the head with a smile, "Hey Vaporeon," she said. "Vaporeon," it said with a smile. Emma's Pikachu jumped on Jane's shoulder, "Pika!" Jane chuckled as she petted her, "Hello, Pikachu." Emma looked at Jane, "Jane, I would like you to meet Misty, Ash and Brock, those are the friends I've been traveling with."

"Hey, it's great to finally meet you all," Jane said. "Same," Ash said. "And meet Togepi," Emma said as she held up the Egg Pokémon. "Togy, Togy!" it said with a smile. Jane took it into her arms, "What a cutie!"

"But, Jane, what are you doing here?" Emma asked in confusion. "Oh, I was helping my friend Stella, do you remember her?" Jane asked. Emma frowned, "Uh... I don't think so..."

"It's been years since you've seen her so I'm not surprised. Anyway, I was helping her find a Mr. Mime," Jane said. "Mr. Mime?" Ash asked. "Vaporeon!" Vaporeon said as it was looking to the other side of the lake. Everyone followed it's gaze to see a Pokémon was climbing up on something in the air. "A Mr. Mine," Jane said.

Mr. Mime is a bipedal, humanoid Pokémon. Blue growths resembling clown hair extend from the sides of its pale pink head, and there is a magenta circle on each cheek. Its jaw is curved inward, resembling the mouth of a wooden dummy. It has a round, white body with a magenta spot in the middle, light pink arms and legs that connect to its body via magenta spheres, and small white coverings over its knees. Its white hands resemble gloves with magenta pads on the tips of its white fingers and its dark blue feet curl upward at the tips.

"Come on," Jane said as she handed Togepi to Emma, and ran with Vaporeon. Emma and her friends followed quickly and reached to the other side. "What is it?" Ash muttered as he pulled out his Dexter.

Mr. Mime, the Barrier Pokémon. It uses pantomime to make actual walls appear. Because it is rarely discovered, information about this Pokémon is extremely limited.

"Vaporeon, use Water Gun!" Jane said. The Bubble Jet Pokémon did as told but the attack didn't hit Mr. Mime. "Hey, how come it didn't get hit?" Emma asked in confusion. "That was Barrier," Jane said in annoyance.

"We can help catch it Jane," Misty said. Mr. Mime jumped down and started to ran away, "Mr. Mime!" Ash looked at his Pikachu, "Quick Pikachu, after it!"

"Pika!" the male mouse said and ran toward Mr. Mime. "Pikachu, use Thunder Shock!" Ash called. His Pikachu used the attack but Mr. Mime blocked it again. "It's no use," Emma muttered.

"Mr. Mime!" Mr. Mime said as it ran away. "Wait!" Jane said. "I'll get it!" Ash called as he, his Pikachu and Vaporeon ran after it. Suddenly, Ash got hit in the face by an invisible wall and he fell down with a groan. "Pika-Pi!" the male mouse said as he and Vaporeon stood next to him.

Emma, her friends and Jane ran closer. "Ash, are you okay?" Emma asked. "Pika-chu?" her Pikachu asked. Ash sat up as he rubbed his forehead, "Not again," he muttered.

Jane, the kids and the Pokémon noticed the Mr. Mime was gone now. "Oh man," Jane muttered. "It's gone," Brock said. Ash stood up and looked at Jane, "Sorry Jane," he apologized, "I let it get away." Jane looked at him with a soft smile, "That's okay, thank you for trying."

"Jane!"

They all turned to see a woman at Jane's age running toward them. "Stella," Jane said, "Did you find a Mr. Mime?" Stella shook her head, "No. Have you?" she asked. "Yeah, but it got away, I'm sorry," Jane said.

Stella sighed sadly, "Oh no, now what will I do?" she asked. Brock stepped closer, "I am very sorry about it," he said and she looked at him, "I will help you solve it." Emma sighed, "Oh great," she said sarcastically.

"And you are...?" Stella asked. "The name is Brock," Brock flirted. Jane cleared her throat and looked at Stella, "Stella, you remember Emma right? Ryan's little sister." Stella looked at Emma and smiled, "Oh yes. It's been a few years, I almost didn't recognize you. You've grown!"

"Hey. Those are my friends; Brock, Ash and Misty," Emma introduced. "It's nice to meet you," Stella said to Emma's friends. "It's very nice to meet you too," Brock said as he took her hands, "Now tell me, why would you like to have a Mr. Mime? I would help in any way I can."

Stella and Jane leaded the kids to Stella's circus. They all stood next to a van as the kids looked around. "A Pokémon Circus," Ash said. "This looks like fun," Misty said. "Stella is the ringmaster of this circus," Jane explained.

"Stella." They all looked over to see three young girls walking closer. "How did it go? Did you find a new Mr. Mime for the circus?" one of them asked. "No, Jane did, but it got away though," Stella answered sadly, and the girls looked sad.

"What do we do? Our Mr. Mime won't go on," one of the girls said. "Wait, so you already have a Mr. Mime?" Emma asked. Stella nodded, "Yes, but... well, take a look." She leaded the kids and Jane toward another van. The kids peered inside and saw a Mr. Mime lying on a couch, eating a snack.

"Seems kinda lazy," Brock said. "I'm afraid it's my fault," Stella said with a sigh, and the kids turned to her, "I wanted it to be perfect, so I trained it hard, day and night. Yesterday, it quit right in the middle of a show, and now, it won't listen to me at all."

"I told you not to be hard on it, now look what happened," Jane said as she placed her hands on her hips and sighed. "You were too tough, so it just gave up," Ash said. "Yeah," Stella muttered, "But now I have a way to get Mr. Mime to perform again. I'll just get another one to be it's competition."

"I see, that will get your Mr. Mime jealous and it will start to performing again," Emma said. "Right," Stella said. "That may work," Misty said with a smile, "Because Ash is trying harder 'cause he's jealous of Gary."

Ash glared at her, "What you talking about?! I'm ten times better then Gary!" Emma blinked at him while Misty smirked, "See what I mean?" she teased. Togepi smiled in Emma's arms, "Togy!"

"Stella, I'm going to get you a new Mr. Mime today," Brock said. "Do you think you really can, Brock?" Stella asked. "I guarantee it," Brock said. "Can I count on you?" Stella asked. "They don't call me 'Brock the Rock' for nothing," Brock said.

"What's he talking about?" Emma muttered. "I don't know anymore," Ash muttered. "They must be talking about the rocks in his head," Misty muttered. "Is he always like this?" Jane asked in confusion. "Sometimes," Misty answered.

"Brock, it's gonna be hard to catch that Mr. Mime, you know," Ash pointed out. Brock chuckled creepily, "I don't have to catch a Mr. Mime..." he looked at his friends, "If I can make one."

Ash looked at him in confusion, "What? How are you gonna make a Mr. Mime?" Brock stepped closer to Ash, making him back away. "I'm very glad you asked me that, Ash. Because I think there's a way you can help me," he said. Ash looked at him nervously, "Uhhh... what kind of help do you have in mind?"

"Well Brock I got to admit, this is very convincing," Emma complimented with an amused smile as she crossed her arms over her chest. She, Jane, Stella, Brock, Misty, the Pikachu and Togepi were inside the circus, standing in front of Ash who was dressed as a Mr. Mime.

"I think this maybe the best Pokémon I've ever raised," Brock said. "What do you mean 'the best Pokémon you've ever raised'?!" Ash asked and took off the mask, "Why do I have to be the one who's stuck wearing this costume?!"

Before Emma could say anything, she was tackled to the floor by a Persian. "Emma, are you okay?" Misty asked. "Ow," Emma muttered as she sat up and looked at the Persian. It smiled at her and she grinned, "Persian!"

Persian rubbed its cheek against hers, making her chuckle. "I've missed you too," she said. "Who's that Pokémon?" Ash asked. "That's Hanna's Persian, the family's cook," Jane said as Emma pulled out her Dexter and showed it to her friends.

Persian, the Classy Cat Pokémon and the evolved form of Meowth. Persian can walk silently thanks to its nimble muscles. It pounces on its prey at lightning speed.

"That's the evolved form of Meowth?" Ash asked. "Yep," Emma answered with a smile and petted Persian. Her Pikachu walked closer with a smile, "Pika-Pika-chu!" Persian rubbed its cheek against the female mouse, making her laugh.

"Persian, there you are."

They all looked over to see Hanna walking closer. She smiled, "Miss Emma! You back!" Emma stood up, "Hey, Hanna," she said with a smile. "Now I see why Persian took off running," the older woman said.

"Hanna, I want you to meet my friends; Brock, Ash and Misty," Emma said. "Hey," Ash said as they smiled. "Hey, it's great to finally meet you," Misty said. "Yeah, Emma talked about you a lot," Brock said. "I've heard about you all too, it's great to meet you all," Hanna said as Togepi waved its hands around while looking at Persian. Hanna looked at Ash's costume in confusion, "Why are you dressed as Mr. Mime?"

"He's helping my friend Stella with her show today," Jane answered. "But I--" Ash started. "Come on Ash, just give it a try," Emma said as Persian laid down, letting Togepi get on its back. "Stella will be gentle, isn't it right?" Brock asked as he looked at the woman.

"Of course," Stella answered with a smile. "It's really imported Ash, so come on," Emma said. Ash sighed and put on the mask again. Stella pulled out her whip, "All right, show me what you can do!" She whipped the whip, making Ash jump in surprise.

"Hey, watch it with that whip!"

Jane didn't look surprised, while Misty, Emma and Hanna were, and Brock just looked at Stella in amazement. "It will whip you into shape, Ash!" Brock said. Emma looked at Jane, "That's her been 'gentle'?" she asked as Persian stood up, with Togepi on its back.

"Yep," Jane said as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Oh my," Hanna said. "Stella isn't sweet as she looks, does she?" Misty muttered. "Pika," Emma's Pikachu muttered. "Okay, let's see some Pantomime!" Stella said.

"Pantomime?" Ash repeated. "That's right, now stop talking and start Miming!" Stella said and whipped her whip again, startling Ash. The boy started to do as she said, but Stella wasn't impressed what so ever, and continued to whipping her whip, startling Ash again.

Hours later, Hanna, Jane, Emma, Misty and Brock were sitting in the crowd with the Pikachu and Togepi, waiting for the show to start. "This should be fun," Misty said as the lights turned off. The lights in the middle of the ring turned on, showing Stella.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, and children of all ages, here are the stars of the Pokémon Circus!"

The crowd clapped and cheered as some Pokémon walked in, including Ash dressed as Mr. Mime. "Hey look, here's our new Mr. Mime," Brock said. "I can't wait to see it," Misty said as Emma chuckled.

The lights suddenly turned off, and everyone looked around in confusion. "Is that part of the show?" Emma asked in confusion. "No," Jane answered. The lights turned on to show Jessie and James.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, prepare for trouble!"

"Children of all ages, make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

Meowth jumped over, "Meowth! That's right!"

A hole appeared on top of the tent and Team Rocket's air balloon slowly appeared. James threw a net on Ash, lifting him up as he, Jessie and Meowth grabbed onto a rope that was holding into the air balloon's basket.

Emma and her group ran to the ring as Team Rocket disappeared. "Oh no, Ash," Emma said. "Pika-Pi!" the male mouse called. "We got to find him," Brock said.

"Emma."

Emma looked over and looked in shock at her mother and Delia as they ran closer. "Mom? Delia?" she asked. "That wasn't Mr. Mime, it was Ash isn't it?" Delia asked. Emma looked at her friends and then back at Delia, nodding, "Yeah..." Delia looked at Alice, "I knew it," she said as Alice placed her hand on her shoulder.

After the crowd had disappeared, Emma and Jane had explained everything to Alice and Delia of what happened. Delia smiled, "Well then, there's nothing to worry about," she said. Emma frowned, "But Delia, Team Rocket just kidnapped your son."

"Don't worry about that Emma. Team Rocket thought they were getting a Mr. Mime, once they'll realize that they took Ash instead I'm sure they'll let him go," Delia said. "I hope you right," Emma said, "One time they took Misty just to get to me."

"That's true," Misty muttered. "Well, I would like to see the look on their faces when they find out they got Ash instead of Mr. Mime," Brock said with a smirk. "Why don't we all go home and have something to eat?" Alice asked with a smile, "Hanna and I will cook you something."

"Is it really okay that we come to your place?" Misty asked as she and Brock smiled. "Of course, you two and Ash are Emma's friends, you always welcome to our home," Alice said and looked at Delia, "Delia, would you like to come as well?"

"I think maybe I'll go home, I'll wait for Ash to get there, we'll come over right after," Delia said with a smile. "Do you want me to wait with you?" Emma asked. "Oh no, that's okay sweetie, you go home, I'm sure you want to see everyone," Delia said.

Alice looked at Togepi in her daughter's arms, "Now, this must be Togepi that I was told about from Jeffery," she said. The Egg Pokémon smiled, "Togy!" Alice took it into her arms, "Aw, you so cute."

Misty smirked, "Ash and Emma are Togepi's parents," she said. Emma rubbed the back of her head as she blushed, "Well... uh..." The redhead girl didn't stop and continued as she looked at Delia, "And you would be surprised how he grown since becoming family with Emma and Togepi," she said as she smirked.

"Misty!" Emma said as Delia gasped. She smiled, "Is that so?" She looked at Alice, "I don't know, Alice. You, Alex and I are pretty young to be grandparents, don't you think?" Emma looked horrified as her mother spoke too, "Yes, but how can we say 'no' when it comes to true love?"

"What are you talking about?!" Emma asked in horror as Misty smirked. "What true love? We're ten!" Misty wrapped an arm around the brunette girl's shoulder, "Almost 11." Emma gave her a look and looked at her mother when she spoke again, "When I was ten, I met your father."

"Yeah but you dated Dad when you were 13, and he was 14," Emma pointed out as she crossed her arms over her chest. She frowned, "Are we really gonna talk about this?!" The female and male mouse were watching them, and they exchanged a look and a smile, "Pika-Chu."

After saying goodbye to Delia, the group got to the Pierce mansion. Brock and Misty looked around the garden in amazement. "Wow!" Brock said. "It's so beautiful!" Misty said. "Thanks, Mom and Jeffery are working hard to keep this place like this," Emma said before hearing voices.

She looked to the side and saw a couple of her parents' Pokémon running over. "Hi everyone!" she said with a smile, and hugged her father's Gengar with a chuckle, "How has everyone been?"

"Miss Emma," Jeffery said as he walked closer, "Welcome back. Mister Brock, Miss Misty, lovely to see you both again." Emma, Brock and Misty smiled. "Hi, Jeffery," Emma said. "It's great to see you too," Misty said. "How you been?" Brock asked.

"I am doing great, I'm glad you have made it here safely," the older man said and looked around in confusion before looking at Emma, "Miss Emma, where is Mister Ash?" The girl rubbed the back of her head, "He'll be here soon with his Mom, Delia. How are Rapidash, Tentacruel, Dewgong and Rhydon doing?"

"Wonderful, however Rapidash and Rhydon aren't here at the moment, they're with your brothers, and Tentacruel and Dewgong are resting in the pool inside the Pokémon's play room," Jeffery said. "That's okay then. I'll see them later," Emma said and looked at Brock and Misty, "Want to go inside?"

After having lunch at the dining room, Emma was showing Misty and Brock the house. Misty spotted a picture of a little boy with an Eevee in a frame sitting on a table with other pictures, "Hey Emma, who's that little boy?"

Emma walked closer with Brock, while Togepi was playing with Persian and the Pikachu. "Oh. That's my older brother," Emma explained, "His name was Hunter, he disappeared when Danny was a couple of months old. He was never found."

Misty frowned sadly, "I didn't knew they had a child before Ryan," she said. "We sorry," Brock said, "We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." Emma smiled sadly and shook her head, "No it's okay. I usually talk about Hunter with Hanna, Jeffery, Jane and my two brothers. From what Ryan told me and Danny, Mom and Dad are still hurt about Hunter's disappearing, they blame themselves for not looking after him better."

"I'm sure it's not really their fault, they must have look for him for a very long time," Misty said. Emma nodded, "Yeah, Hanna said that the entire family helped searching. So did the town people, but... nothing." She pointed at the Eevee at the picture with Hunter, "That Eevee was found by him. Jeffery said that when Hunter found it, it was sick and really weak, so Hunter took care of it. He feed it and slept beside it everyday until it got stronger."

"So did Eevee disappeared with Hunter?" Brock asked. "Yeah," Emma answered with a nod, "Jeffery said that Hunter and Eevee were really close. Hunter didn't go anywhere without it."

Emma and her friends were now outside the mansion. Emma frowned as she looked around, "Shouldn't Ash be here with Delia by now?" she asked as Persian walked closer. "Togy," Togepi said in Emma's arms. "I'm sure they'll be here soon," Brock said.

Jane and Stella walked out. "Hey, guys, I'm heading with Stella back to the circus, want to join in?" Jane asked. "Yeah," Misty and Brock answered together. "Uh... you guys head without me, I'll get there later," Emma said.

"You sure?" Misty asked. "Yeah, go on," Emma said with a nod. "Okay," Brock said. Emma watched Jane, Stella and her friends leaving before she turned to Hanna as she walked closer to her and the Pokémon. "Hi Hanna, do you know where's Delia's house?" she asked.

"Persian can show you where it is," the woman answered with a smile, "He was there a few times with me and Alice." Emma nodded, "Thanks." She looked at Persian, "Okay, Persian, lead the way." The Cat Pokémon nodded and started to walk past her, so Emma and the Pikachu followed.

It didn't took long to get to the Ketchum house, and when Emma and the Pokémon reached to the house, they saw Team Rocket's air balloon in front of it. "Hey, that's Team Rocket's air balloon," the girl said and ran toward the door with the Pokémon.

"Delia," Emma said as she ran inside, stopping when she saw Delia with Ash and a Mr. Mime. Delia looked over and smiled, "Oh Emma, hello," she said. Emma looked at the real Mr. Mime in confusion, "Uh..."

The male mouse smiled, "Pika-Pi!" He ran toward Ash and jumped into his arms. "Hey, Pikachu," Ash said with a smile. Emma frowned and walked closer, "What's going on here?"

"I'll explain later, right now, we got to go back to the circus, Mr. Mime has agreed to help us," Ash said. "It did?" Emma asked as she looked back at Mr. Mime. "Yep, let's go," Ash said.

Emma, Ash, Delia and the Pokémon had used Team Rocket's air balloon to get back to the circus, and when they reached there, they saw Team Rocket using a tank, and throwing nets all around to catch Pokémon.

Ash jumped down from the air balloon when Team Rocket was about to threw a net to catch Stella and her Mr. Mime. "Hold it!" he said. Emma landed the air balloon on the grass as her two friends and Jane ran closer. "Ash!" Brock said as the male mouse ran closer to Ash's side.

"Get out of the way or else!"

"Move it kid!"

"Or we'll make you and your Pikachu a pancake!"

"Oh yeah? We'll see about that! Pikachu, use Thunderbolt attack!" Ash called. His Pikachu did as told but the Thunderbolt didn't affect on the tank at all. "Huh?" Emma asked. "What's wrong?" Ash asked. "Pika?" the male mouse asked in confusion before they heard Jessie's laugh from inside.

"Your Electric attacks won't work! This tank is made of rubber."

The tank started to drive toward Ash and his Pikachu, so they started to ran away. "Ash!" Delia called and looked at the Mr. Mime she bonded with, "Mr. Mime, Ash and his friends need our help right now." Mr. Mime nodded, "Mr. Mime."

It ran toward Ash, Pikachu and the tank, and stopped behind Ash and his Pikachu, causing them to stop and turn to it. "Mr. Mime?" the boy asked. The tank stopped and show a net toward Mr. Mime, but it used Barrier move, blocking the net.

"All right!" Emma said with a smile. "Great job, Mr. Mime!" Delia cheered. Mr. Mime used more Barrier move, making a couple of walls. The tank drove closer, and tried to break the walls, but it didn't happen.

"It didn't move an inch," Misty said. "Nice job Mr. Mime!" Brock said. "Mr. Mime hasn't finished yet," Stella said as her Mr. Mime was staring. The tank suddenly drove backward, straight toward Emma and her friends.

"They heading this way," Emma said and Stella's Mr. Mime ran forward. "Mr. Mime!" Stella said as she took a step to follow. "Stella wait!" Jane said as she grabbed her friend's arm, stopping her. Stella's Mr. Mime used Barrier move, blocking Team Rocket as well.

"That's my Mr. Mime!" Stella said proudly. The two Mr. Mimes looked at each other and gave a nod to each other before they surround Team Rocket with a tower of walls.

Delia, Ash and his Pikachu ran to the Mr. Mime Delia bonded with. "You did it," Ash said with a smile. "Pika," the male mouse said. "That's my little Mimey," Delia said proudly. Mr. Mime nicknamed Mimey, hugged Delia happily, "Mime!"

Ash looked at his mother in confusion, "Your Mimey?" he asked. "That's its nickname, isn't it cute?" Delia asked. Ash and his Pikachu didn't answer, "Uhhh..."

Emma chuckled and turned to Stella when she talked to her Mr. Mime, "See Mr. Mime? You can do so much if you try," she said. Mr. Mime smiled, "Mr. Mime!" it said. Stella kneeled down in front of Mr. Mime and placed her hands on its shoulders, "I know I was wrong to be so hard on you, and I'm sorry, won't you please perform in the circus again?"

Mr. Mime nodded, "Mime." Stella hugged it, "Oh thank you, Mr. Mime!" she said. Jane smiled and nodded, "Back together once again." Suddenly there was an explosion coming from inside the wall tower the two Mr. Mimes made, and Team Rocket blasted off.

"Team Rocket blasting off again!"

Emma sighed, "They never learn," she muttered. "Pika," her Pikachu muttered as Persian tilted his head. Togepi waved its hands around with a smile, "Togy, Togy."

As the sun was sinking, Delia, Alice and Hanna had decided to make the kids dinner at the Pierce Mansion, and Delia's Mimey was more than happy to help. Ash was looking at Hunter's picture after hearing about the story, "Wow, I didn't know about it."

"It's better not to talk about it with Alice and Alex," Brock told him, and he nodded, "Got it," he said as he placed the frame picture on the table. "Children, dinner is almost ready," Delia said as she walked out of the kitchen.

"Great, I'm starving," Ash said as he sat on the couch next to Persian, who was lying down on it. "How's Mr. Mime doing there?" Brock asked. "Oh, it doing great," Delia said with a smile, "Mr. Mime loves to cook."

"So, Mr. Mime becoming a member of the family," Emma said with a smile. Misty smirked and looked at Ash, "Only this member of the family has manners and helps out in the kitchen, unlike someone we know." Emma chuckled and Ash frowned, "So do I."

Chapter Text

A new day started with Emma and her Pikachu and Togepi visiting the girl's Pokémon in the Pokémon's play room, which was a huge room with a small garden and a huge pool for the water Pokémon to live inside. "Good morning!" Emma called with a smile.

Scyther, Tyrogue, Rapidash and Rhydon looked toward the door when they heard their trainer's voice. Poliwhirl, Tentacruel and Dewgong appeared in the pool, calling out. Gyarados appeared from behind them, roaring.

Togepi smiled as it jumped up and down before starting to walk toward all the Pokémon. "Don't get too close to the pool, Togepi," Emma said as the female Pikachu followed the Egg Pokémon.

"Well, well, what do we have here?"

Emma looked behind her to see her brothers, Ryan and Danny walking in. "Hey!" she said with a smile. Ryan's Pikachu jumped from his trainer's shoulder and ran to the girl's arms, "Pikachu-Pi!"

"Hey, Pikachu," Emma said with a chuckle. Ryan ruffled her hair, "How was the journey?" he asked. "It was great," Emma answered as the male mouse jumped down from her arms to greet the young female Pikachu.

"Heard your friends are staying over," Danny said. "Yep, I haven't seen Dad yet, is he back?" Emma asked. "Yeah, he's in the living room," Ryan answered. "Okay," Emma answered.

The female mouse looked to where Togepi was when she greeted Ryan's Pikachu but looked around quickly when she didn't see it, "Pika?" Ryan's Pikachu looked to the pool to see the baby Pokémon walking toward it, "Pika-chu."

Emma's Pikachu looked toward the pool and ran toward Togepi, "Pi-Pi-Pi!" Togepi waved its hands around with a smile as it greeted Emma's Water Pokémon, "Togy." The female Pikachu pulled Togepi back and sighed, "Chu..." Emma finally looked toward them with Ryan and Danny. "Okay, time for breakfast guys," she said.

"So, what's you kids plan to do today?" Alex asked Emma and her friends in the dining room. "Well, we were planning on going to Professor Oak's lab today," Emma said, "It's about the Pokémon League."

"I think it supposed to start in two months," Ryan said. "Two months?" Ash repeated. "Then you got plenty of time for training, so you better start today," Misty said. Ash frowned, "I know that." Persian stopped eating his food and turned to the window before running away as the others watched in confusion.

"What's up with Persian?" Emma asked. "Must have sensed something was off so he went to check it out," Hanna said. Emma looked at Alex as she remembered something, "Oh Dad, is Gary back in town?"

"Yeah, I saw him with Professor Oak earlier," Alex answered, "He's been asking about you." Misty smirked, "Was he asking about us or only Emma?" she asked as Ash glared at her. "Well... he did mention you three," Alex said.

There was an explosion outside which startled everyone. "What was that?" Alice asked as they all stood up. They ran out of the house to the backyard to see Persian surrounded by smoke that was clearing away and he was looking up to the sky.

"Persian, what happened?" Hanna asked. The Cat Pokémon turned to them and walked closer. "Did someone snuck in?" Jeffery asked and Persian nodded. Emma looked at the sky in confusion, "Guess Persian took care of them. Wonder who that could have been..."

After the kids finished eating breakfast, they headed to Professor Oak's. "Professor Oak, we're here," Ash said as they walked into the house. Professor Oak walked closer, "Oh! Hello there, it's great to see--" he turned his gaze to Togepi in Emma's arms and stepped closed, "A Togepi!"

The kids looked startled but then smiled slightly. "Glad you like it," Ash said. "Uh, is Gary still here?" Emma asked. Professor Oak cleared his throat as he stood straight and then he leaded them to the living room, "Yes, he is."

Gary was sitting on a couch, drinking some tea. He looked toward them and smirked as Ash looked at him in annoyance. "Hey, Gary," Emma said with a smile. "Hey, Em," Gary said. Ash's Krabby walked closer with a tray of drinks.

"Hey Ash, isn't this your Krabby?" Emma asked. "It is! How you doing Krabby? Long time no see," Ash said with a smile and his Pokémon nodded as it answered. "Ash, four Pokémon trainers left Pallet Town on their Pokémon journey, but you and Gary have earned the most badges, and I'm very proud," Professor Oak said.

"Uh, what happened to the other two?" Ash asked in confusion as they sat down on the couches. "They both got to an excellent start, but they just didn't have the skill," Professor Oak said. "That's too bad," Ash said. Gary shrugged, "They just wimped out."

"But Gary has ten badges, and you earned eight badges, Ash, that's really quite remarkable," Professor Oak said. "Well thank you," Ash said. "Don't forget that the Pokémon deserve a lot of credits too," Emma said.

The male mouse smiled, "Pika." Ash quickly looked at his Pikachu as he agreed, "You right, you and the others worked really hard too, buddy," he said as he petted the male mouse. "Pika-Chu," the male Pikachu said.

"In any case, I'm glad you're here, it's time for you and Gary to participate in the Pokémon League," Professor Oak said. Ash grinned as he stood up, "All right, I'm on my way to become a Pokémon Master." He looked at his Pikachu, "Let's go, Pikachu!" The male mouse nodded, "Pika!"

"Hold it," Emma said as she pulled Ash back to his seat next to her. "What?" he asked. "Do you know where the Pokémon League will be?" Emma asked as she raised an eyebrow. "Uh..." Ash trailed off as he rubbed the back of his head. "That's why we here remember?" Emma asked and looked at Professor Oak, "Professor Oak, Ryan said that the Pokémon League will be in two months, is it true?"

The Professor nodded, "Yes. At the top of Indigo Plateau exactly two months from today," he said, "And there will be more than 200 Trainers competing." Ash smiled, "200? We're gonna beat them, right Pikachu?" The male mouse nodded, "Pika!"

"You and Gary should take the time to work hard and trainer your Pokémon, and get ready for the tournament," Professor Oak told him. Gary smirked, "He can try, but even if Ash had a year to train, I'll still beat with both hands tied behind my back."

Ash glared at him as he stood up, "You wish," he said. Gary stood up, still smirking, "I'm not saying you a bad trainer, Ash, it's just that you don't have what it takes to beat me. At anything if to tell the true."

"We'll just see about that!" Ash said. Emma looked between them and then let out a sigh, "Every time when those two together, their fights are getting worse," she muttered. "Pika," her female Pikachu muttered.

"Oh, Ash, I guess you happy with how your Krabby is doing here," Gary said. "My Krabby is fine," Ash snapped. Gary chuckled and pulled out a Poké ball, "Check out mine." He let out his bigger Krabby, who now stood next to Ash's.

"Hey, it really is huge," Emma said. "It looks bigger then before," Brock said. "I keep rotating my Pokémon so they all get to battle and get bigger and stronger," Gary said and looked at Ash smugly, "Good trainers has to be smart enough to help all their Pokémon grow and be the best they can be."

Ash looked at him in annoyance as Emma frowned slightly. "He's right about that, Ash," Brock said. "When you said you haven't seen your Krabby in a long time, I figured that you haven't been using it to battle, I bet you using the same Pokémon over and over, don't ya?" Gary asked.

"You win that bet," Misty said. "Didn't Emma told you that you should rotate from time to time your Pokémon?" Gary asked, smirking. Ash looked at him angrily as Emma looked back and forth between them. "What a loser," Gary said with a chuckle. "I'm not a loser! I earned eight badges!" Ash snapped.

"Maybe so, but how maybe Pokémon did you capture, Ash? Or are you too embarrassed to tell me?" Gary said smugly. "I, uh, of course I'm not embarrassed!" Ash said. Emma stood up and stepped between them, "Knock it off, you two. Why can't you two just get along?"

Suddenly Professor Oak got pushed down to the floor by Ash's Muk. "Muk! How many times do I have to tell you not to do that?" he asked. "Hey Muk!" Ash said with a smile and his Pokémon greeted him.

Emma, her friends and Professor Oak had went out into the field to meet up with Alex, Ryan and Danny. "Ryan, Danny, good morning," Professor Oak said. "Morning Professor," Danny said as his shiny Raticate ran closer to it's trainer side.

"What's up?" Emma asked as she noticed her brothers' Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan were far away, battling. "Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan are having a battle to see which is the stronger one between them," Ryan said with a smirk.

"Wow," Ash said with a smile. Emma pulled out a Poké ball and she released her Tyrogue, "Cheek it out Tyrogue, your two evolved forms," she said as Tyrogue stared at them battling. "Tyro..." he said as he studied them.

"Which one of those you gonna get Tyrogue to evolve, Em?" Gary asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. Emma looked at him with a frown, "Well, I'm not going to make Tyrogue evolve if he doesn't want to," she said, and Tyrogue looked up at her, "And if he wants to evolve, then he should choose what he wants to become."

"That's right, you did say it a few times that you're let your Pokémon have the choice of if they want to evolve or not," Misty pointed out with a smile. Tyrogue looked back at Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan, "Tyro..."

"Venusaur."

They all looked over to see Alex's Venusaur and Arbok coming closer. Venusaur held out one of his vines toward Alex and showed he was holding a remote control. "Is that a remote control?" Alex asked in confusion. "Looks pretty broken up," Ryan said.

Alex frowned, "Have you found it around here?" he asked and Venusaur nodded. "Looks like it belongs to a machine," Professor Oak said. There was another explosion not that far away from the group. "Another explosion?" Misty asked. "Let's go!" Ryan said and they all started to ran to the direction of the smoke. They saw one of Alex's Pokémon there, glaring toward the smoke.

"Arcanine!"

Arcanine is a quadrupedal, canine Pokémon with an orange pelt marked by jagged black stripes. It has diamond-shaped ears with beige insides, black eyes, a round, black nose, and two pointed teeth protruding from its upper jaw. Its head, muzzle, and chest are covered in shaggy, beige fur, except for two oval sections around each eye and ear. Long tufts of fur grow behind its elbows and around its ankles. Its underside is black, and it has a billowing, beige tail that is bent in the middle. Each paw has three toes and a round, pink pad.

"What happened?" Alex asked his Pokémon. Arcanine looked from it's trainer to the hole that appeared from the blast and growled as Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Arcanine, a Legendary Pokémon. The evolved form of Growlithe. Arcanine is known for its bravery and fierce loyalty. Growlithe evolves into Arcanine through its use of a Fire Stone.

Ash looked at Arcanine in shock, "Legendary?" he asked as Misty and Brock looked at it in shock too. They all frowned when they heard a moan of pain coming from the hole and three familiar voices came from there.

"Ow, my tail."

"Whose idea was it to be here?"

"If you would have kept your voice down, no one would have know we're here."

They all watched as Team Rocket climbed out of the hole. "Team Rocket?" Emma asked in annoyance. "Team Rocket?" Ryan asked as he raised an eyebrow. "What are you three up to this time?" Ash asked in annoyance.

Team Rocket smirked. "Take a guess," Jessie said. "We followed you here so we could get Emma," James said, making Emma's brothers to frown. "So make it easy and give her to us," Meowth said, startling Danny, Ryan and Professor Oak. "Talking Meowth?" Danny asked. "Hold on, who do you think you are?" Ryan asked in annoyance. Meowth crossed his arms, "Glad you asked."

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!" the cat Pokémon then pointed at the group, "Now hand over Emma and all the Pokémon!"

"You not taking anyone or anything!" Ash said. "If you want Emma or the Pokémon so badly, try and get them," Gary said and held a Poké ball, "Let's battle!"

"No need," Alex said and they all looked at him. Alex looked at Arcanine, "This area isn't for battling, so Arcanine, get rid of them." His Pokémon nodded and turned to the trio, making them freeze. Arcanine used Hyper Beam, making another explosion. They all watched as Team Rocket blasted off into the sky.

"We're blasting off again!"

"Have a nice flight!" Misty called with a smirk as she waved. Togepi waved its hands around in Emma's arms, "Togy, Togy!" Emma looked at her Dad, "I wonder if Team Rocket were the ones who were behind our house earlier, maybe Persian saw them and then blasted them off when he sensed they were up to no good."

Alex shrugged, "Most likely." Ryan looked at Emma, "Want to tell me and Danny what going on with those weird trio?" he asked. Emma rubbed the back of her head, "Well..."

Chapter Text

Today Emma was with her father and Professor Oak in Alex's lab, along with Persian, her Pikachu and Togepi, while Misty and Brock went with Delia, Alice and a couple of Pallet Town's locals were heading off to Seafoam Island for a beachside holiday.

Persian was lying down on a couch, wiggling his tail as Togepi tried to grab it. The Egg Pokémon seemed to be having fun, "Togy! Togepry!" Emma and her Pikachu were looking at the screen at a Slowpoke and a Shellder on it.

Professor Oak looked pretty annoyed which made Emma frown. "I think you taking it too hard Professor," Alex stated, and the older man sighed. "Wow," the girl heard Ash's voice and walked to the stairs to see Ash and his Pikachu looking around. "Hey Ash," she said.

"Hey Em, your Mom said you'd be here," Ash said as he walked up the stairs. "I see you didn't went with the others," Emma said. "I wanted to, but then my Mom reminded me I have some training to do," Ash said. "So, why are you here and not training with your Pokémon for the League?" Emma asked.

Before Ash could answer, the kids heard Professor Oak groaning again, so they turned to him and Alex. "What's wrong Professor?" Ash asked, "Do you have a headache?"

"No," the older man answered with a sigh. "He and Dad trying to figure something out about Slowpoke's evolution," Emma told the boy. "Slowpoke's evolution?" Ash repeated. "Come and see," Alex said and the kids walked closer.

"This is a Slowpoke, and this is a Shellder," Alex said as the pictures appeared on the screen, "When a Shellder clamps on a Slowpoke's tail, it becomes a Slowbro."

Slowbro is a bipedal, pink Pokémon with a tan, striped belly and a rounded, tan muzzle. It has large, vacant eyes, curled ears, and two small pointed teeth protruding from its upper jaw. It has three clawed fingers on its hands and two clawed toes on its feet. There is a Shellder attached to its tail. This Shellder has a gray, spiral shell with darker gray spots and small, triangular eyes near the base.

"So, that's how a Slowpoke evolves," Ash said. "Yes, but we can't figure it out why it happens," Professor Oak said, "I've got to solve this mystery!"

"Why don't you just use the Pokédex to look it up?" Ash suggested. "The Pokédex doesn't have the answers either," Professor Oak said. Alex frowned and looked at him, "What about Professor Westwood?" he asked. "Yes, you right!" Professor Oak said, "If anyone knows the answer, Westwood does."

"He's one of the Pokéologist, who programmed the Pokédex," Alex answered as Professor Oak typed on the keyboard. A picture of an older man showed and a location. "Professor Westwood lives at Seafoam Island," Professor Oak said. Ash smiled as he looked at Emma, "Isn't it where everyone else went to?"

"Yeah," Emma said as she raised an eyebrow. Ash looked at his male Pikachu, "I think visiting him will really help with our training don't you?" The male Pikachu nodded, "Pika-Chu." Emma sighed and placed her hands on her hips.

"Why don't I'll go by myself to the Professor?" Emma asked as she stood in the living room in Ash's house, waiting for him, "You need to train." Ash walked out of the kitchen and grabbed his backpack, "I have time for that."

Emma sighed and looked at her Pikachu and Togepi, who both were standing on the floor together, "Why do I even bother?" she asked quietly. "Pika," the female mouse Pokémon muttered with a sigh as the male mouse walked closer.

"Come on," Ash said as he ran past the girl. Emma sighed as she took Togepi into her arms and ran after the boy with the Pikachu. "It's beach time, Mime!" Ash called as they ran past Mimey, who then waved to them goodbye.

Emma and Ash finally reached to the Island, and started to search for Misty and Brock. "There sure are a lot of people," Emma said. Ash smiled as he pointed to the water, "Hey, there they are." He waved, "Hey Misty! Brock!"

After explaining why they were on the island, the four friends were on the path to Professor Westwood's house. "We meeting Professor Westwood, awesome!" Brock said. Misty frowned, "What so great about him?"

"Professor Westwood was the one who programmed the Pokédex," Emma explained. "See? I told you I was coming here for training," Ash said. "Pika," his Pikachu agreed. Emma raised an eyebrow, "That's not really 'training'," she said. "Pika," her Pikachu agreed as Ash rubbed the back of his head. They soon reached to the house and rang the bell. The Professor opened the door and looked at the kids, "Huh, what we have here," he said.

After introducing themselves, the Professor leaded them into the lab. "Wow, is this where you work on the Pokédex, Professor Westwood?" Brock asked. The Professor chuckled, "Ha. 'Professor' is much too formal, my friends and colleagues all call me 'Westwood V'."

"The fifth?" Ash repeated. "Pika?" his Pikachu asked. The Professor leaded them to a couple of pictures that were hanging, "Yes, the fifth. Here you see my great great-grandfather, Westwood the first. And his son, my great grandfather, Westwood the second. And that's his son, my grandfather, Westwood the third. And there's my father, Westwood the fourth. And there's me, the one and only, Westwood the fifth."

Emma raised an eyebrow, "All the pictures look a like," she stated. Ash frowned as he stared at the last one on the left, "Except the last one looks a little abstract." The Professor cleared his throat, "Well, as you can see, I come from a long line of Pokémon researchers." He turned to face the kids and looked at Togepi in Emma's arms, "Now that's an interesting Pokémon."

"You mean Togepi?" Emma asked. "I've never seen a Pokémon like that one," the Professor said. "It sure is cute, doesn't it?" Emma asked as she smiled down at the Egg Pokémon. "Togy," it said with a smile. The Professor pulled out a small textbook and started to write, "Yes, I'm updating all my research on the rarest and legendary Pokémon."

"I'm into legendary Pokémon, Westwood V, you must have a lot of information about them," Brock said with a smile. The Professor stopped writing, "Only ones I created myself because I'm not convinced most of them exist. Right now, I'm working on a fictional account on the subject."

"You mean you making stuff up?" Misty asked. The Professor froze before rubbing the back of his head, "Well, I guess you can say I'm making stuff up I suppose..." He cleared his throat and turned to the glass doors, "At the moment I am solving a real-life mystery. Surely, but slowly."

The kids walked closer to stand next to him and found outside a Slowpoke standing on the rocks. "Look, a Slowpoke," Ash said, grinning. "I want to discover why Shellder attaching to Slowpoke, I just don't understand why they evolve into Slowbro," Westwood said.

"My Dad and Professor Oak couldn't figure it out either," Emma said. "I need to study Slowpoke and Shellder until I can come up with a theory to present to the Suppositum," Westwood said. "The what?" Brock asked. "The Pokémon Suppositum, the world's most respected group of Pokéologists," Westwood answered.

After that, the Professor leaded them outside to the Slowpoke and to the kids' surprise, Westwood just sat down on the rock and started to fish. The kids exchanged a confused look before placing their backpacks aside and walked closer. "Hey, Westwood V, why are you sitting here fishing?" Ash asked, "Shouldn't you be studying Slowpoke?"

"I am. Fishing is part of my research into Slowpoke's life cycle," Westwood answered. They all looked toward Slowpoke and saw that Slowpoke had its tail in the water. "You see Slowpoke is one of the few Pokémon that fishes," Westwood told them.

"I didn't knew that," Emma muttered. "Togy," the Egg Pokémon said. "Wow, Slowpoke must be smarter than it looks if it catches fish," Misty said. Ash pulled out his Dexter, "I'm gonna see what Dexter has to say about Slowpoke."

Slowpoke, the Dopey Pokémon. No one can tell what a Slowpoke is thinking, if it ever does think. Its specialty is fishing with its tail.

"It's not very nice to call Slowpoke 'Dopey'," Misty said before she looked at Westwood, "Is that how you called it, Westwood V?" Westwood looked over, "Maybe one of my assistants wrote that, but 'Dopey' does sounds like accurate description of Slowpoke's mental capacity."

"I have to admit, it doesn't look too smart," Ash admitted as they stared at Slowpoke. "Aren't you going to defend yourself, Slowpoke?" Misty asked. "Slow..." Slowpoke said and the female and male Pikachu ran to greet it. Misty frowned, "I know I've seen this expression before..."

Suddenly, Misty's Psyduck came out of its Poké ball, and Misty smiled, "Hey! It's the same clueless expression that Psyduck has!" She then looked at it in annoyance, "Why can't you stay in your Poké ball?" Psyduck walked closer to the Pikachu and Slowpoke, "Psy."

Slowpoke turned its head to look at the Duck Pokémon, "Poke."

"Duck..."

"I bet this isn't the most intelligent conversation in Pokémon history," Ash said. Misty looked at her Pokémon in annoyance, "Psyduck, can't you tell Slowpoke to stop acting as dumb as you do?"

Slowpoke and Psyduck just kept staring and talking. "Now what?" Emma asked. Ash rubbed the back of his head, "I think they just saying 'hello', but we can be here all day before they'll think of anything else to say," he said. "Oh yeah," Brock said with a sigh while the Professor wrote some notes down in his textbook.

As the two Pokémon continued to talk, a Krabby came out of the water. The kids watched as Krabby grabbed into Slowpoke's tail, and then it went to grab Psyduck's tail. The two stared at each other as Krabby jumped back into the water, and right then, they felt the pain.

"Well, I guess it takes quite a while for that big of pain to bite that small of brain," Misty muttered. Slowpoke moved it's tail from the water, showing a Magikarp was holding it's tail. "Look, it got a bite," Ash said. Misty smiled, "Well, at least it good at something, unlike Psyduck."

With that said, Psyduck stopped crying from the pain, holding its head. "She didn't mean it, Psyduck," Emma said to the Duck Pokémon. "Togy," Togepi said. Westwood smiled, "All this fishing make me hungry, why don't we all go and have some lunch?"

As the kids and Westwood were eating lunch, along with Slowpoke, the Pikachu and Togepi, the Professor was talking to the kids, "So a Slowpoke can only evolve into a Slowbro if a Shellder clamps onto its tail." Misty frowned, "So then, what's the big mystery you trying to solve, Westwood the fifth?"

Westwood hold out a laptop, "Take a look." He turned it on, showing on the screen a Slowpoke and a Shellder appeared, about to bite into Slowpoke's tail, "See here?" The Shellder bite the tail, and the screen switched to Slowbro. "Shellder now has a spiral shell."

"Interesting," Brook said. "It's one of the most complecting mysterious in the Pokémon world, if I could solve the Shellder puzzle, I'll go down as the most renown researcher in the history of the Pokémon Suppositum!" Westwood said, "They'll replace the Westwood family portrait with a statue of me!"

Emma raised an eyebrow and glanced at Ash, "Isn't all the portraits look like him?" she whispered. "Yeah, he's a little weird," he whispered. They all turned to the beach when they heard an engines running, and saw a boat driving in the water with a parasail attached to it.

Emma, Ash and Misty ran to the railing as they smiled. "Look it's a parasail!" Emma said. "That so cool," Misty said. "I want to try it," Ash said. The boat released the parasail, and it flew straight toward the kids, making them frown in confusion. "It's heading this way," Ash said.

They heard screaming and finally saw Team Rocket sitting there. Misty moved out of the way as Ash pulled Emma with him to the side as well, before Team Rocket could hit any of them. The trio fell to the floor as Westwood looked at them in confusion, "Hey, what in the world is going on?"

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!"

Jessie looked at the Professor, "Are you the Professor who programmed the Pokédex?" she asked. "Yes, I am," Westwood confirmed and Team Rocket smirked. "Well, now you gonna program the Team Rocket dex," James said. Jessie held out a paper, "Here is all the statistic you'll need."

Westwood took it as he pulled out his glasses. He cleared his throat and started to read, "Jessie, the beautiful female member of the Team, her brilliant mind is a past by only her style and personality. James has the looks of a movie star, the agility of an athletic and a head too small for his brain? And Meowth, the master mind whose diabolical plans never fail, the only thing sharper than his mind are his claws."

"Yes, it does," Meowth said with a nod. Westwood took off his glasses as he stared at Meowth in shook. Misty walked closer and took the paper, "It's all lies," she said as Westwood pulled out his textbook and wrote down on it. "A Meowth that can speak," he said as Misty ripped the paper in half. "What do you expect me to do? Bark?" Meowth asked.

"What are you troublemakers doing here?" Ash asked in annoyance. "Oh no! They here to kidnap me and make me their slave!" Westwood called and ran into his lab as he continued to yell. Team Rocket ran in and the kids exchanged a look. "He really is weird," Emma said as Slowpoke walked inside.

A minute after, Westwood ran out, carrying Slowpoke in his arms. "Kids, help me," he said as he ran past them. Team Rocket ran after him, and the kids ran after them, on the beach. They stopped when Westwood slipped and fell on the sand, sending Slowpoke away from him.

Jessie held a Poké ball with a smirk and threw it, "Shellder, go!" she said, and her new Pokémon was released. "Since when Jessie has a Shellder?" Emma muttered as she let Togepi stand on the sand between the Pikachu. They all watched as Slowpoke started to run in circle as Shellder chased it.

"I thought you were a Slowpoke, without Shellder's bite, you'll never evolve!" Jessie snapped. Ash pulled out a Poké ball, "Hey, leave Slowpoke alone!" he said. Misty pulled out a Poké ball, "Hold it, Ash! We're at the ocean and water Pokémon are my specialty!"

"Does it really matter?" Emma asked. "Staryu, I choose--" Misty started but another Poké ball opened and her Psyduck was released instead, standing in front of Shellder, making it hit it in the stomach. "Psyduck?" Emma asked. "Psyduck, not you!" Misty said.

They watched as Psyduck turned to Slowpoke, and the two stared at each other. Misty sighed, "This is a case of no mind leading no mind," she said as Westwood pulled out his textbook, writing down as he ran to stand next to the two Pokémon, "Fascinating, I could present this to the Suppositum."

They watched as Shellder bite Psyduck's tail instead. "That got to hurt," Emma said. "Shellder, you got the wrong Pokémon!" Jessie snapped, "Get off of Psyduck and take a bite of of Slowpoke!" Then, Psyduck finally felt the bite, and started running around in pain before throwing Shellder off of its tail.

"Wow, Psyduck used Tail Whip attack," Misty said with a smile. James threw a Poké ball, "Weezing, make sure that Psyduck is permanently cracked up!" he ordered as his Pokémon was released. Weezing flew above Psyduck's head and hit it a couple of times. "Psyduck ran away!" Misty ordered.

Psyduck was about to do as told but then it fell on the sand. Misty placed her hand on her face. Jessie grabbed Shellder, "Shellder, clamp on Slowpoke's tail, now!" She threw it straight toward the Dopey Pokémon, but then it bend down, making Shellder bite Psyduck's head as the Duck Pokémon stood up.

Jessie sighed, "Now that's what I call dumb luck," she said. Psyduck called out as Shellder bite its head, then the Duck Pokémon started to get a headache and it tried to pull Shellder off of it. Misty smiled, "Psyduck!" Emma blinked, "It getting a headache."

Then Psyduck opened its eyes, showing the colour became blue. Team Rocket froze in place when Psyduck used Disable, "I can't movie! My all body is stuck!" James said and Weezing fell to the sand. Misty jumped up and dawn happily as she clapped her hands together, "That's it Psyduck! Nice Disable attack!"

Shellder was lifted up from Psyduck's head and up to the air, so did Weezing and Team Rocket. "All right, it's Confusion attack works!" Misty said. Westwood wrote it down on the textbook as he smiled, "I've heard about those attacks, but this is the first time I've seen them."

Psyduck suddenly lost concentration, and Team Rocket fell down on the sand away from them. Shellder hit Psyduck's head and fell on the sand next to him. "You did great Psyduck!" Ash said. "You awesome!" Emma said. "Duck," the Duck Pokémon said, holding its head with its hands.

Westwood looked at Slowpoke, "Psyduck just saved you from those kidnappers, Slowpoke. Why don't you give it a big thank you?" he asked. As Slowpoke walked towards Psyduck to thank it, it tripped to the sand and Shellder clamped onto its tail, to Team Rocket's happiness.

"Poor Psyduck, tried so hard to stop them," Misty said. They all watched as Slowpoke glowed. "Oh, Slowpoke is beginning to evolve," Westwood said as he held his textbook, and they watched as Slowpoke evolved into Slowbro.

Westwood wrote it down on the textbook, "I am the first researcher to witness this. Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro, and Shellder changes into a spiral shell." The kids smiled as they looked at the new evolved Pokémon. "That is so cool," Brock said. "I'm sure glad we were here to see it happen," Ash said.

They all looked over to see Team Rocket running toward them. Westwood pointed at them as he looked at Slowbro, "Slowbro, attack these kidnappers!" Emma frowned, "What kind of attack your Slowbro has?" she asked. "A very powerful one. It's call the 'Mage Punch'," Westwood answered.

"Sounds powerful to me," Ash said. Slowbro turned fully around and Westwood looked at it, "Slowbro, Mage Punch attack," he said. "Slowbro," it said. "What's the matter?" Misty asked. "It's seems that Slowbro forgot how to use it," Westwood answered.

"What?!" the kids asked together. "Slowbro," it said. "Oh, now you remember Mage Punch," Westwood said with a smile, and the kids looked at it. They then watched as Team Rocket ran closer, but they got knock away by Slowbro's punch, sending them flying into the sky.

"Looks like Team Rocket got knocked out again!"

They watched as Westwood was writing down on the textbook, "I figured it out!" he said. "So, what's the deal? Why does a Shellder clamps on Slowpoke's tail?" Emma asked as she took Togepi into her arms. "Because it's mutually minifacial," Westwood said. "What does that mean?" Misty asked Brock. "It means it helps them both," he said.

"Shellder clamps into Slowbro's tail, which helps Slowbro's balance when it stands on to feet," Westwood explained, "This way, Slowbro's front legs are free, so it could use attacks like a Mage Punch'. And because it's clamps on Slowbro's tail, Shellder now may travel on land." He wrote down on the textbook, "I must make sure I got all this down."

After saying goodbye to Westwood and wishing him good luck, the kids started to head back to Pallet Town as the sun started to set down. "That was really amazing," Ash said. "Yeah, but you didn't do any training today," Emma pointed out. "Well, learning about Pokémon is part of my training too," Ash pointed out.

"Especially if you at the beach," Misty said with a smirk. Psyduck was trailing behind the kids, looking behind them sadly, which they noticed. "What's wrong Psyduck?" Emma asked as they stopped. Psyduck didn't noticed they stopped, and got hit by Misty's leg, which it finally noticed the kids were now standing.

"Psyduck."

Ash looked at his friends, "Psyduck probably wants to say goodbye to Slowbro before we leave here," he said and looked down at the Duck Pokémon with a smile, "Don't you Psyduck?" The Duck Pokémon looked at the four of them, "Psy."

The kids agreed to go back so Psyduck can say goodbye to its new friend, but the two Pokémon were taking a long time to say goodbye, as they were talking next to the water.

The Pikachu and Togepi were tired and now were sleeping on a rock together, while Emma and Ash were sitting together on one rock, Brock was standing on the top of a rock and Misty was standing on the sand, the four of them were watching the two Pokémon.

"I've heard of not knowing how to say goodbye, but this is ridiculous," Misty said as she placed her hands on her hips. Emma and Ash exchanged a look as they smiled. "This is gonna take longer than I thought it will be," Ash said and Emma chuckled as they looked back at Slowbro and Psyduck.

Chapter Text

Emma and Misty were in Emma's room on the bed, with the female Pikachu and Togepi. Emma showed her redhead friend a picture, "I just got a picture from my Uncle John. It's from one of his trips."

"Wow, it's so pretty," Misty said, "Your Uncle must be traveling a lot." Emma nodded, "Yeah, he does. He loves it," she said and then raised an eyebrow, "I'm surprised he still married to that witch that calls his wife." Misty blinked, "Sounds like you don't like her much."

"Oh yeah, my grandma doesn't like her either, if you ask me, Uncle John needed to divorce her long ago," Emma said as she crossed her arms. "Are they gonna be in the wedding?" Misty asked. "My Uncle and his younger daughter Lena are coming," Emma said. Pikachu sighed, "Pika..."

Emma smiled, "Grandma Mary is coming, so it will be fun," she said, "Oh, and my two other Uncles, Dad's brothers are coming too. Don't know who else is coming though." Pikachu jumped to grab a picture of Emma with an older woman, "Pika-chu!"

Misty took the picture, "Is this your grandma?" she asked. "Yep, Grandma Mary. Wait until you meet her, she's really cool," Emma said. Brock and Ash walked in, dressed in sport outfits. "Hey," Emma said. "You guys missed our run," Ash said, "We went without you."

"That's fine," Misty said. Brock looked at Emma, "We just heard your Mom talking on the phone with your Dad, she said he picked up your Uncle Norman from the airport." Emma smiled, "That's great," she said. "Who's Uncle Norman?" Ash asked. "He's my Dad's big brother," Emma answered, "And he's pretty hot-headed, just giving you a warning."

"Hey, what about that grandfather we heard of before?" Brock asked. "Huh?" Emma asked. "Is he going to be at the wedding?" Brock asked. Emma frowned and shrugged, "I doubt it." Ash frowned, "What's up with you two? Your Dad said you were really close with your grandfather." Emma sighed, "I don't want to talk about it. At least not for now."

Emma and her friends were outside with Jeffery, Alice and Jane just when one of the cars pulled over. Emma saw John stepping out and ran closer to hug him, "Hey, Uncle John!" John laughed as he hugged his niece tightly, "Hey, kid!"

Lena got out from the back seat as Danny got out of the driver side. Emma's Pikachu quickly hid behind Ash's legs when she saw her trainer's younger cousin. "How you been?" John asked as Emma pulled away. "Been good, I have a lot to tell you," Emma said as Danny helped Mary get out of the back seat.

"I'm looking forward to hear how was your journey," John said. "Hey Grandma!" Emma said as she and Mary hugged. "Hello sweetheart, oh I have missed you!" Mary said. Emma smiled as they pulled away. "I missed you too," Emma said as her Pikachu quickly ran closer. "Pika-Chu!" she said as she hopped up on Emma's shoulder.

"Hello, Pikachu," Mary said as she petted the female mouse, to her delight, "I'm very happy to see you, have you been watching over Emma on the road?" she asked as she took her cane. Pikachu nodded, "Pika."

They walked to the others as Lena hugged Alice, "Hi, aunt Alice," she said. "Hi, honey," Alice said as they pulled away. Alice and John hugged. "Hey, sis," John said as they pulled away. "Hey Mom," Alice said as she hugged Mary. "Hello, sweetheart," Mary said as they pulled away.

Emma looked at her friends, "Guys, this is Uncle John, my Grandma Mary, and John's younger daughter, my cousin Lena," she introduced. "Hey, my name's Ash," Ash said. "My name is Brock, it's nice to meet you," Brock said. "And I'm Misty, I heard a lot about you," Misty said. "It's wonderful to finally meet you three," Mary said, "Alice told me all about you."

Emma's family and friends were now in the living room. Alex was sitting with Norman and David on a couch, and David looked at Ash, "So, Ash, Alex said you going to be at the Indigo League." Ash nodded, "That's right. I was going to train after the wedding tomorrow."

Norman smirked, "So you haven't been training at all then," he said. Ash looked taken back, "Well... I did different kind of training," he said as Emma sat next to him. "Like what?" Norman asked. "Uncle Norman," Emma warned.

"What?" Norman asked, "If the kid wants to win the League, he should be training hard like that friend of yours, Gary." Ash looked annoyed as he continued, "Wanting to become a Pokémon Master, you need to earn it by training hard." Alex sighed, "Norman, don't start."

"He is right about that," Brock muttered, and Ash heard it. "I've been training," Ash said, "I'm just taking a break for the wedding." He stood up as he looked at Norman, "Why don't we have a battle?" Norman smirked while Emma looked at him in surprise, "Wait, what?"

"Let's have a battle, Norman," Ash said. "Pika!" the male Pikachu said as he nodded. "Fine then," Norman said with a smirk. "Hold on," Alex said as he gave his brother a look, "You promised you won't make a scene."

"I'm not making a scene, kid's wants to challenge me, then how can I refuse?" Norman asked. Emma looked at Ash, "Ash, I don't think it's a good idea," she whispered. "Nah, it will be fine," Ash said. Emma sighed and shook her head. Her Pikachu suddenly tapped on her lap, "Pikachu-Pi."

"Mmm?" the girl hummed as she looked at her Pikachu. The female mouse was looking around but couldn't find Lena anywhere, so she looked up at Emma, "Pika, Pika-Pika?" Emma looked around, "Hey, where's Lena?"

"She wanted to see the Pokémon in their playroom," Grandma Mary said. Emma stood up as she took Togepi into her arms, and her Pikachu hopped up on her shoulder, "I'll go check up on her." She looked at her friends, "You guys okay staying alone with them?"

"Sure, don't worry," Misty said with a smile. "Thanks," Emma said and she went to the Pokémon's playroom and soon enough found Lena in there, looking around at the Pokémon before looking at Gyarados in the pool. "Hey," Emma said to the younger girl. Lena finally looked toward her, "Hi."

Emma looked at her in confusion, "Grandma said you were here, what's wrong? You've been very quiet since you've came," she said. Lena shook her head, "Nothing." She looked at Gyarados, "Is this Gyarados yours?" Emma nodded, "Yeah, he's mine."

"I've never seen one up close before," Lena said. "Well, now is your chance," Emma said with a small smile, "Want to pet him?" Lena hesitated but quickly nodded. Emma looked up at Gyarados, "Hey, Gyarados, is it okay for my cousin to pet you?"

Gyarados roared and swam closer as he lowered his body. Emma placed her hand on Gyarados's head and looked at Lena as she did the same. Pikachu hopped down to the floor and Emma placed Togepi down, letting the Egg Pokémon ran toward Tyrogue.

Lena hesitated before looking up at Emma, "Hey, Emma?" The girl looked at her, "Yeah?" she asked as they let Gyarados swim back below the water. "How come you don't like me?" Lena asked. Emma looked taken back by the question, "What you mean?"

"I remember how you always had plants when me, my Mom and sister coming over, so I thought maybe you don't like me," Lena said, "I even heard my Mom and Dad talking one time, and Mom said you don't like been around me." Emma looked annoyed, "That woman," she muttered. "Is she right?" Lena asked.

"Of course not," Emma said. Lena looked down, "Just so you know, the reason I always wanted to hang out with you is because I wanted to be like you. Be perfect like you." Emma frowned, "Perfect? I'm not perfect, Lena."

"Yeah, you are," Lena said as she looked back up at her, "Everyone loves you. My Dad loves you a lot too, he always send you something from one of his trips, and he always talks about you." Emma blinked, "Well, your Dad knows that I love traveling... and, he just gets me pictures to show me where I should go. That doesn't mean your Dad loves me more then you."

"You don't get it," Lena said, "You have everything." Emma frowned, "What are you talking about?" she asked. "Pokémon love you, you have great friends, a boyfriend, everything," Lena said. Emma froze, "Wait, I don't have a boyfriend, and Pokémon love you too."

Lena looked slightly annoyed, "I see the way Ash looks at you. It's the same look Gary has when he looks at you. And your Pokémon don't like me much, Pikachu always ran away from me when I give her a hug," Lena said. Emma rubbed the back of her head, "Lena--" Lena ran past her, out of the room and Emma sighed.

It was evening and Emma was now in the attic, searching through boxes. She pulled out a photo album and opened it to see a couple of pictures of her younger self with her two brothers. She smiled a small smile as she looked at a picture of a younger Ryan holding baby Emma in his arms while she was sleeping.

Ash walked up the ladder and looked around until he spotted her, "Hey." Emma looked over and smiled, "Hey," she said. "Your Mom told me about your hiding place," Ash said as he walked closer, and sat next to her. Emma chuckled softly as she looked back at the pictures, "Well it's not exactly a hiding place."

"Whatcha lookin at?" Ash asked. "Found a couple of photo albums in the boxes, so I took a peek at one," Emma answered and handed the album to him. Ash looked at the pictures and chuckled when he saw a picture of a very young Emma in a Charmander costume, sitting on Hookfang's back, "Now that's cute."

"Yeah, yeah," Emma said with a chuckle as she rolled her eyes. Ash flipped a page and saw a few pictures of younger Danny holding a baby Emma with his Pokémon looking down at her. And in one of the pictures there was one with Ryan's Pikachu behind baby Emma, letting her hold his paw.

"Funny how time fly" Emma said as their Pikachu ran up the ladder, and they ran toward their trainers. Ash flipped another page and saw an older man holding a very young Emma while young Danny and Ryan were sitting with them. "Who's that guy?" he asked. Emma sighed, "Well, that's my grandpa. He's name is Drayden."

"So, he's the one you don't like to talk about, huh?" Ash asked and she nodded. "He had to leave and go back to his city in a different region, he's in charge of a school," Emma explained. Ash looked at the few pictures with the man, "Looks like you were really close with him. He seems tough." Emma chuckled softly, "Yeah."

"Guess you're his favorite," Ash said with a smile. Emma then frowned as she thought about Lena. Ash noticed, "What's wrong?" he asked. "Pi?" the female mouse asked as she tilted her head. "Nothing, just..." Emma trailed off and sighed, "Lena says everyone loves me. That I'm perfect. But I'm not."

Ash rubbed the back of his head, blushing slightly, "Well, um... you perfect in your parents and brothers' eyes, and... well..." Emma looked at him in confusion while their Pikachu were watching them with small smiles, and they exchanged a look. Ash opened his mouth to finish but then Alice climbed up on the ladder, "Children?"

Ash and Emma looked over. "Dinner is ready," Alice said. "We'll be right there, Mom," Emma said with a small smile. "Have you seen Lena?" Alice asked. "Uh, no," Emma answered as Ash shook his head. Alice frowned but climbed down the ladder. Emma looked at Ash, "Well, let's go then." They got up as their Pikachu exchanged a look. The female mouse sighed and snapped her fingers in slight annoyance, "Ch."

Meanwhile, Lena was walking out the forest and toward her aunt and uncle's mansion when suddenly two strangers stood in front of her with a Meowth. "Say why so down, little girl?" the woman asked. Lena blinked at them, "Huh?"

"A girl at your age coming out of the forest all by herself could be very dangerous," the man said. Lena pouted, "I'm not scared. My cousin Emma used to go to the woods all the time when she was at my age. She went one time in the dark too."

"Sounds like a brave young lady," the woman said as she and the man exchanged a smirk and a look. Lena looked down, "Yeah. She is. And she's pretty cool. Guess that's why everyone like her."

"And you don't like her?" the man asked. Lena looked up quickly, "No! I do. She's my family. And... she's my role model too, but I guess she just doesn't like spending time with me. And she never really paid me any attention before," she said. "Well then, maybe we could help each other out," the woman said.

"How so?" Lena asked. "You can help us talk with Emma without her friends, and we can help you get closer to her," the woman said. Lena frowned in confusion, "Why do you need to talk to my cousin?" she asked curiously.

"You see, we're from a company that would like to hire Emma in, but when we want to kidn--I mean, talk to her, her friends are in the way," the woman said. "Ooh, I see..." Lena said, "But how can it help me and Emma be close to each other?"

"You could join for a bit, this way you both get to spend some family time together," the woman said. "Oh yes, would you bring her over so we could introduce ourselves?" the man asked. "Oh, well, you see there's a wedding tomorrow for one of her brothers, so everyone is a bit busy," Lena said, "Is it okay that I'll tell her tomorrow before the wedding?"

"Oh, why of course!" the woman said. "Okay," Lena said with a smile, "Then Emma and I will come to this spot tomorrow morning. I'm Lena by the way."

"What a pleaser meeting you Lena, it's so nice of you to help us talk to your cousin," the woman said. "Okay then, I'll see you again tomorrow, bye," Lena said before petting Meowth, "Bye-bye Meowth."

"Meowth!"

Lena ran past them with a smile and ran toward the gates. The two strangers and Meowth exchanged an evil grin and a chuckle.

In the morning, Emma and her friends were getting ready for the wedding. Emma and Misty were getting dressed up in a room while Ash and Brock were getting ready in the boys' guest room. Alex helped Ash with his tie while the boy looked annoyed by it, "Do I really need to wear a tie?" he asked. "Yep," Danny answered as he fixed his own tie. "I think it suits us," Brock said as he fixed his tie that Danny helped him put on. Alex patted Ash on the back, "There we go."

Outside, Emma was already ready when Lena walked toward her. "Hey," Emma said. "Hi. Can you and I go for a walk?" Lena asked shyly. The female Pikachu and Togepi walked toward them. "Uh, sure," Emma said as she took Togepi into her arms.

The two started to walk out of the house and outside toward the forest with Pikachu. "So, what did you want to talk about?" Emma asked, "If it's about yesterday--"

Lena shook her head and smiled, "No, I wanted to introduce you to a couple that I met last night," she said. "A couple?" Emma repeated in confusion, "Hold on, you were outside last night?! In the woods?"

"Well, I met them outside the woods..." Lena trailed off, "But, they are really nice, and they really wanted to talk to you." Emma frowned, "What's their names?" she asked. Lena hesitated, "Well..."

"You don't know their names?" Emma asked and Lena shook her head lightly. "No," the younger girl answered and then smiled, "But they had a Meowth with them."

"A Meowth?!"

"Pika!?"

They heard a laugh and looked forward as they stopped. Team Rocket stood in front of them, smirking. "Team Rocket!" Emma said in annoyance as Pikachu stood in front of her trainer and her cousin protectively. Lena didn't notice and pointed at them with a smile, "That's them!"

"Well done Lena, I knew we could count on you," Jessie said. Emma looked down at Lena, "Lena? Why were you talking to Team Rocket?" Lena looked at her in confusion, "They said they wanted to talk to you," she answered. "They don't want to talk to me, they trying to kidnap me," Emma explained, "Team Rocket are a group of bad people."

"What?" Lena asked as she looked back at Team Rocket in shock. Emma glared at them, "What other lies did you tell my cousin?!" she snapped. "Oh, don't worry, we're not gonna hurt her, we want you after all," Jessie said.

"And we got you right where we wanted," Meowth said as he held a remote. Lena looked at him in shock and watched as he pressed a button. A hand appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Emma and her Togepi.

"Emma!"

"Pikachu-Pi!"

A huge machine rolled out from between the trees, making the ground shake as it did. The hand moved back to the machine and placed Emma and Togepi inside a glass, and it closed. "What are you doing?!" Lena asked but Team Rocket ignored her as they got into the machine. "Thanks for your help Lena," James said and they laughed as the machine started to roll away.

"Somebody help! Daddy! Stop!" Lena shouted and started to ran after them with Pikachu. A group of Danny's Beedrill started to appear, confused by the shouting. The female Pikachu turned to them quickly, "Pika! Pika-chu! Pikachu-Pi! Pi! Pika-Pi!"

One of the Beedrill flew off to get Danny while the others flew after Team Rocket. They reached quickly in front of the machine, stopping it.

"A pack of Beedrill."

"Get out of the way!"

"Move it!"

Team Rocket moved the machine's hands, trying to get the Beedrill out of their path, but they kept moving back. "Let go of my cousin!" Lena shouted as she reached to the leg and started to bang it with her fist. "Lena! It's dangerous! Move away!" Emma shouted.

"Buzz off!" Jessie said as the leg lifted and was about to step on the young girl, but one of the Beedrill flew over and pulled her away before she could get hurt.

Danny, Ryan and Emma's friends were outside the house. "Where's Emma?" Ash asked as he looked around. The Beedrill flew closer and spoke to Danny. He looked at it in surprise, "What?" he asked. "What's going on?" Brock asked.

"She says Emma's in trouble," Danny asked, "Beedrill show us where." He looked toward his Charizard, "Hookfang, go!" Charizard roared and flew off, following Beedrill. Emma's brothers and friends followed after them.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Beedrill were still getting into Team Rocket's way. Lena looked down at the female Pikachu, "This is my fault. I'm so stupid," she muttered. "Pika," Pikachu said sadly. "Can't you use Thunder Shock?" Lena asked.

Pikachu shook her head and pointed at Emma. They heard a roar coming and turned to see Danny's Charizard flying toward Team Rocket's machine. He flew straight into the machine making a hole from the back to the front. He broke into the glass and pulled Emma out.

"Emma! Lena!" Ryan called as he, Danny and Emma's friends ran closer. Charizard landed on the ground and placed Emma down. "Thanks Hookfang," she said and they watched the machine crushed down to the ground and exploded.

"We're blasting off again!"

The group watched as Team Rocket flew up into the sky and disappearing once again. "Are you okay?" Ryan asked his sister. "Yeah," Emma answered with a nod and looked down at Lena, "Lena, are you okay?"

Lena looked surprised but nodded before she stopped and looked down, "I'm... I'm sorry. It was my fault," she said. "What do you mean?" Danny asked. "Team Rocket told me they wanted to talk to Emma without her friends, and I thought I was doing a good thing," Lena explained, "I believed them cause I'm stupid."

"That's not true," Misty said softly. Emma handed Togepi to Ash before turning to Lena and placed her hands on her shoulders, "It's not your fault Lena." Lena looked up at her and she continued, "Team Rocket are liars, that doesn't mean you need to call yourself stupid because they tricked you. You really smart, and fun to be around with."

"I--I am?" Lena asked. "Of course," Emma said, "I was the one who pushed you away, and I didn't know or even thought that it made you think I didn't want you around, and I'm really sorry about that. You're my family, and no matter what, I will always love you, even if I didn't show it before. I will do better from now on, I promise."

Lena smiled and quickly hugged her tightly. Emma smiled a small smile and hugged her back. Danny and Ryan exchanged a small smile as Misty, Ash and Brock smiled at the cousins. Emma's Pikachu smiled, "Pika-chu."

Everyone were now at the wedding. Emma watched as her older brother and his new wife kiss, and everyone cheered. Emma's Pikachu was sitting on top of Lena's head, cheering with the other Pokémon.

Emma stood between Lena and Ash and clapped with everyone as Ryan and Jane pulled away. Emma saw Gary and walked toward him, "Hey." Gary smirked, "Wow, you look great," he said. Emma smiled, "Thanks, not bad yourself."

"Looks like your Pikachu doesn't mind Lena's company anymore," Gary noted. "Yeah, we're opening a new page," Emma said with a small chuckle. "Good for you," Gary said with a smile. He let it fade away, "So, are you going to continue traveling with Ash?"

Emma blinked, "Well... I, uh, I guess so..." she said. "Do you think maybe to go with me?" Gary asked. "I..." Emma trailed off, suddenly feeling a bit uncomfortable. "Emma!" Lena called and they looked over at her, "Jane is going to throw the flowers!"

"Here I go!" Jane said and threw her bouquet of flowers, which landed on Emma's Pikachu. Ash and Emma stood together behind their Pikachu. "Pika?" the female mouse asked as she tilted her head, looking at the flowers in her paws. "Aw, Pikachu, does that mean you getting married?" Misty teased.

"Pika?!"

"I'm sure Ash's Pikachu would be okay with getting married," Emma teased and chuckled. "Pika?!" the male mouse asked as the female mouse smiled and winked at him, "Pika-chu."

The kids laughed as the male mouse blushed. "Pika..." he said as he rubbed the back of his head. "They just messing with you Pikachu," Brock told the male Pikachu with a smirk.

"I think they both would look really cute in a bride and groom outfits," Misty said teasingly. "I can see it now," Emma said as she smirked. The four friends grinned down at the Pikachu, while the female was showing off the bouquet and Togepi was jumping up and down as it smiled, "Togy!"

Chapter Text

Emma and her friends were eating breakfast together when Alice and Delia walked in. "Good morning kids," Delia said. "Hey, Mom," Ash said. "Hey Delia, hey Mom," Emma said. "What are your plans for today?" Alice asked. "We don't really know yet," Emma answered, "Have you spoken to Ryan and Jane?"

"No not today," Alice answered. "Oh Ash, since you taking a break from training, why don't you come home with me and help me in the garden?" Delia asked. Ash froze before quickly answering, "I--I am training! I got a lot of training to do today," he said. "Oh is that so?" Delia asked teasingly, "Where you training today?"

"Uh... well... today we'll be climbing up on the mountains for some really tough training," Ash said. "What?! You never mention mountains to us!" Misty said in annoyance. Ash gave her a look and leaned closer in annoyance as he whispered, "Just play along okay? And I'll explain when we'll get outside."

He looked at Delia and chuckled nervously as he stood up, "Sorry Mom, I'll see you later." He took Togepi into his arms and pulled Emma up from her seat, and dragged her toward the doorway, "Bye Alice, we'll see you later. Thanks for the breakfast Hanna!" The Pikachu, Misty and Brock quickly followed them, and Alice watched them go in amusement while Delia just blinked but then she smiled as she shook her head lightly.

The kids were walking down a path that leaded them to the woods, there there was a greenhouse that Emma remembered been there a couple of times when she was younger. "What's that?" Misty asked, "It's huge."

"It's Xanadu Nursery," Ash answered, he as well was there when he was younger, only he was there more then a few, "My Mom and I used to come here all the time." Emma smiled, "So did I. I remember been here a few times with my brothers."

"I won't be surprise if we've met here when we were younger then," Ash said with a grin before looking at the place, "I'm surprise it's still in business, the man who owned it moved away a long time ago." Emma tilted her head, "I wonder who runs the place now."

"It sure full with a lot of beautiful things," Brock said as he looked through the glass, "Trees and veins, flowers and plants and..." he stopped talking when he noticed a very pretty young woman standing inside at the clearing, and ran closer to the glass, "That girl is more beautiful than any flower I've ever see!"

Ash looked at him in confusion, "What are you talking about Brock?" he asked, "I don't see any beautiful girl." Misty wrapped her arm around Emma's shoulder with a smirk, "Just turn around, you have one who's your girlfriend." Emma blushed, "Huh?!"

Ash turned to them and looked at Misty in annoyance, "Will you cut it off?!" he asked. "I saw her right there. Right there in that clearing," Brock said. Ash turned back around and looked to where he pointed only to find instead of a pretty girl, he found a Gloom. "That's a Gloom," Ash told him in boredom.

Misty and Emma walked closer and looked inside. "I don't see anyone inside besides Gloom," Emma said. "Brock I think you having a hallucination again," Misty said, slightly in annoyance. "No, I saw her, she was right there," Brock said.

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

The four kids turned around to see a young man staring at them, holding a hose. They looked startled, thinking the hose was a flamethrower.

"Watch out."

"Is that a--"

"He's got a... flamethrower?!"

"Don't shot! We weren't doing anything!"

The man looked at them in confusion before moving the host to the buses and started to water it. The kids and the Pikachu relaxed. "That's just a garden hose," Emma said, embarrassed. "Feel better now?" the man asked with a small smile.

After the kids introduced themselves, the man leaded them inside. He watered the flowers as he spoke, "So you training for the Pokémon League. I always wanted to be a trainer. My name's Potter and I work here at the Nursery. A lot of trainers visit, their Grass Pokémon love it."

"Hey, that's a good idea," Ash said with a smile, and pulled out a Poké ball and threw it, "Bulbasaur, I choose you!" The Seed Pokémon was released and he looked around before up to his trainer. "Come on Bulbasaur, want to look at all the flowers and stuff?" the boy asked and Bulbasaur nodded, "Bulbasaur."

Bulbasaur and the male Pikachu ran off together and the boy followed with a chuckle, "Hey wait for me." Emma, her Pikachu and Misty followed behind. Brock took a step to follow but then turn to Potter, "Um, when we first got here, I saw a girl inside the greenhouse," he said. Potter smiled, "Oh, you must be talking about Florinda." Brock blushed, "Florinda..."

Ash, Emma, the Pikachu, Togepi and Misty looked around the flowers. "Pretty," Misty said with a smile. "They sure are, there so many different kinds of flowers," Emma said. "Togy, Togy," the Egg Pokémon said. Ash looked around, "Where's Bulbasaur?"

"Pika," the male mouse said as he spotted Bulbasaur sniffing around at different leaves and flowers. He sniffed another one and suddenly looked very different, and walked back to the three children, who looked at him in confusion. Bulbasaur stood next to Ash and rubbed his cheek against his trainer's leg. "Bulbasaur, what's the matter?" Ash asked as he kneeled down.

Emma looked at the sign next to the flowers that Bulbasaur just sniffed and read it out loud, "Pokénip. It says the smell affects Pokémon, like catnip affects cats." Bulbasaur then walked to the different bush and Ash stood up, "Take it easy Bulbasaur." The Seed Pokémon started to sniff the leaves and Emma frowned, "Be careful, Bulbasaur."

Right then, Bulbasaur stopped sniffing and fell over. Ash kneeled next to him, "Bulbasaur!" Togepi and the Pikachu jumped off their trainers and stood next to Bulbasaur. "Are you okay, Bulbasaur?" Emma asked. Ash looked at the bush his Pokémon just sniffed, "What is this?"

"Stop! Don't smell that plant!"

They looked above them to see a young woman looking at them. "That's Stun Stem," she said, "If Pokémon or human smell that plant, they become totally paralyze." The kids looked startled and looked down at Bulbasaur. "What do we do?! Bulbasaur smelled it!" Ash said.

The woman looked down, "Gloom, quick, bring Bulbasaur into the house," she said. The same Gloom walked toward the kids and tried to pick Bulbasaur up. Ash then helped her by taking Bulbasaur into his arms, "I'll take him."

Everyone were in the living room of a house, standing around a table. The Pokémon were standing on the table, around Bulbasaur. Gloom let a drop of a milky white substance into Bulbasaur's mouth, and he quickly recovered. Everyone smiled as Bulbasaur stood up.

"Bulbasaur, you okay!" Ash said as the Seed Pokémon stepped toward him, and they both hugged. "It's a good thing Gloom's been attending the Stun Stem at the Nursery for so long, it build up a strong resistance to it, and developed that antidote," the woman Florinda said, "Your Bulbasaur should be fine now."

"Lucky for us, thanks Florinda," Ash said. Bulbasaur walked closer to Gloom and the two started to chat and have fun as Bulbasaur used his vines. "Aw, those two seem already to be friends," Emma said. Ash smiled and crossed his arms over his chest, "It's nice to see two Grass Pokémon with so much in common getting together."

Emma noticed now that Brock and Florinda weren't in the room and turned to see them outside, "Uh..." she trailed off and Misty and Ash turned to see them talking. "Looks like Bulbasaur and Gloom aren't the only ones getting together," Emma said.

The kids and Potter walked closer to listen. "But I'm sure you taught Gloom some attacks," Brock said. "A few," Florinda answered, "But my Gloom deserves a better trainer, and my family deserves a better daughter." The kids exchanged a sad look before looking at Potter.

"She's trying," Potter told them before looking toward a Leaf Stone sitting on top of a fireplace, "Florinda even got a Leaf Stone and used it on her Gloom so it could evolve into a Vileplume, but it just didn't work."

"That can't be," Emma said with a frown, "A Leaf Stone should be working on Gloom." She walked closer and took it, "Is this even a real one?" Her three friends, Florinda and Potter walked closer. "What do you mean?" Brock asked.

"Well, there's a way to tell if Evolution stone is fake or not," Emma said and turned the stone around, "My Mom told me how." She frowned, "And this one is a fake." She looked at Florinda, "Where did you find this?"

"I bought it," Florinda answered. "Who gave it to you?" Brock asked. "Two of them were wearing an outfit with the letter 'R' on their shirts," Florinda answered, "It was a woman with long hair, a man, and they had a Meowth that can talk." The four kids exchanged an annoyed look, "Team Rocket!"

After the kids explained Florinda and Potter who were Team Rocket, Florinda was more sad than before, feeling like a fool that she believed the trio. "I can't believe I let Team Rocket trick me into buying a fake Leaf Stone," she said, "But maybe it's just right that they did. It proves that I'm not smart enough to run this Nursery by myself. I'm just so useless."

"Don't worry, I'll get you a real Leaf Stone," Brock said. Ash cleared his throat, making Brock look at him. "I wouldn't promise that if I were you," Ash said, "You don't have any idea how to find a Leaf Stone, do you Brock?"

Brock quickly looked at Florinda, "But first I'll track down Team Rocket and get you your money back," he said. "You don't know how to track them down either," Ash said. "Don't worry about that part, they usually find us," Emma reminded them as Togepi closed itself, felling asleep on Emma's arms.

An alarm on a computer started going off, and everyone looked at it. "Oh no! Someone at the greenhouse is stealing plants," Potter said and ran to the computer. He turned on the camera to show Team Rocket there. Emma put Togepi on the couch so it could rest, and Florinda gasped and pointed at the screen, "They are the once who sold me that Stone."

Emma walked closer, "Told you so," she said, and they all ran out, back into the greenhouse. They saw Team Rocket from above and they stopped. "Okay freeze!" Brock called and Team Rocket stopped and looked up at them.

"Well would you look at that," Jessie said as they kids glared at them. "Let's throw them out of here," Brock said and they ran down the stairs while Florinda stayed. She gasped, "Stop it! Those plants are like children to me!"

"Well, look at this," James said. Jessie scoffed, "Another unsatisfied customer," she said. "How low can you three go?!" Brock asked. "You three sold her a fake Leaf Stone!" Emma said. "We feel bad so we decided to change our ways, so the three of us decided to turn on a new leaf," Jessie said. James smirked, "But the leaf was fake."

They laughed and the kids, Potter and the Pokémon glared at them. "That's not funny," Brock said. "Bulbasaur!" the Seed Pokémon growled. "We're in a greenhouse right? So we need a Grass Pokémon like Bulbasaur," Brock said. Ash smirked, "Bulbasaur is the number one seed! Bulbasaur, go to it! Tie them up with Vine Whip!"

Bulbasaur jumped forward and used Vine Whip, tying Jessie and James up, making them drop their bags and fell to the ground. Gloom and Florinda clapped. "Good work," Ash said but they looked at Jessie and James in confusion when they chuckled.

"Just because we tied up with those vines, doesn't mean we whipped," Jessie said. "Any second now, we'll be saved by our secret weapon," James said. Emma raised an eyebrow, "And that will be...?"

There was a long moment of silence, with nothing happening.

"Meowth! What are you waiting for?!"

Meowth was behind Jessie and James, facing away from everyone. "Meowth, what is taking so long? Hurry up," James said. Ash and Emma exchanged a confused look before looking back at them. Meowth turned to them with a ball and threw it toward the kids and Potter, "Play ball!"

It hit the ground and exploded into an orange smoke, making the kids, Potter and the Pokémon cough. "Don't breath any of that powder!" Florinda said, "It's a very powerful Stun Stem!"

The smoke disappeared and the kids, the Pokémon and Potter were on the ground. "I feel weak," Emma muttered. "I breathed in," Ash said. "I can't move," Misty said. Jessie and James got out of Bulbasaur's vines. Jessie released Arbok from its Poké ball, "Arbok, go fetch."

Arbok slid toward the kids and grabbed Emma with its tail, lifting her up. "Pikachu-Pi," the female Pikachu said. Team Rocket laughed as Arbok slid to their side with Emma wrapped around its tail. "Emma," Ash said.

Florinda watched, not knowing how she could help. "Florinda!" Brock called and she looked at him, "Hurry. Use your Gloom to battle Team Rocket!" Florinda frowned sadly, "Oh I couldn't. I haven't trained my Gloom well enough for it to be able to battle. I just know my Gloom doesn't stand a chance of winning a battle against their Pokémon."

They watched as Team Rocket started to leave with Emma. "Stop! Team Rocket!" Misty shouted. "Florinda, you got to stop them!" Ash called. "Florinda don't ran away," Brock said, "Your Gloom is our only hope. You can do it."

Emma tried to move her fingers to one of her Poké balls on her belt. "Gloom go!" Florinda called after a moment, and Gloom jumped to stand in front of Team Rocket, stopping them. Emma looked surprised, "Gloom?"

James scoffed, "It's not a match for Team Rocket," he said. "But we can't let a challenger go without a battle," Jessie said with a smirk. James pulled out Weezing's Poké ball and released it. "Arbok, Toxic attack," Jessie said. "Weezing, Smog attack," James said.

Both Pokémon used the attacks, unleashing a black cloud on Gloom. "Gloom!" Florinda called as she ran closer and stood next to the kids and Potter. She spoke to Brock, "See? Gloom can't battle and it's all my fault."

"No Florinda, don't give up!" Brock called, "Now think! You must have taught Gloom to be good at some kind of attack. Please don't give up, just try!" Florinda looked back at Gloom as the cloud disappeared, and thought of something, "Oh! Gloom, maybe you can give your Double Team attack a try."

Gloom did as told, releasing many copies of itself all around Team Rocket, surprising them. Trying to find the real Gloom, Arbok and Weezing got hit by each other, which made the Cobra Pokémon accidentally release its hold on Emma, letting her fell on the ground.

"What are you doing?! Pick her up!" Jessie snapped. Bulbasaur managed to move one of his vines a little and wrapped it around Emma's feet, dragging her to their side as Gloom's copies disappeared. "It's working! Now it's time to use a more powerful attack!" Brock said.

"Do you think Solar Beam attack will work?" Florinda asked. Brock and Emma looked surprised. "You taught Gloom Solar Beam?!" Emma asked. "Well... yes," Florinda answered, "You think I shouldn't had?"

"Oh no! Go for it!" Emma called. "Give it your best shot Florinda," Brock said. "Get Emma back!" Jessie called in annoyance to her Pokémon. Arbok started to slid back toward Emma but Florinda ran to stand in front of the kids and Potter, surprising them and Arbok.

"All right Gloom, let's try your Solar Beam attack!" Florinda called. Gloom gathered sunlight in the middle of the flower on its head, then it glowed white when its finished. Finally, a ball of light appeared, and Gloom fired a white beam from the ball, hitting Team Rocket. They flew out from the window and into the sky.

"We're blasting off again!"

Florinda smiled a little as she looked at the others. "That was awesome!" Misty said as she and Emma smiled. "Impressive," Emma said. "You were great," Potter said. Bulbasaur licked Gloom's cheek, making it blush and smile, "Gloom."

After everyone took the antidote, the kids were ready to go back to Emma's mansion. Brock went to talk to Florinda, who was outside with Bulbasaur and Gloom. "That was a close call back there," Emma told Ash.

"Nah, I wouldn't have let them get away with you far enough," Ash said as the Pikachu jumped on the table. Emma took Togepi into her arms and looked at Ash with a teasing smirk, "Right, 'cause if I'm gone, you would get lost more than usual."

"Hey," Ash said with a smirk. Emma giggled and walked toward the door. Ash smiled and shook his head slightly before following her. The Pikachu exchanged a smile and quickly followed their trainers out the house to see Brock facing away from Misty while blushing.

"Yes! I will share my life with you!" Brock said as he turned around only to face Misty. She looked at him in confusion, "How about you take me to dinner first?" she asked sarcastically. Brock looked startled and looked around before spotting Florinda speaking to Potter.

Ash and Emma stood next to Misty and Brock and watched. Florinda looked down shyly, "I was wondering..." She looked at him, "Well, I would like it very much if we could run my family's Nursery together." Potter blushed, "Tog--you mean..."

Florinda smiled, "Yes, that means that I love you," she confessed. Potter stared at her and smiled, "Florinda, I love you too," he said and took her hands, "I loved you since the day we've met." Ash glanced at Emma, who smiled as she looked at the new couple. "But I was too afraid to tell you," Potter said.

"I smell wedding in their future," Misty whispered to Emma before noticing Ash was still looking at her friend. She smirked, "Something you want to say Ash?" Emma looked at Misty in confusion before at Ash as he blushed and rubbed the back of his head, and looked back at the new couple, "N--Nope."

Brock, ignoring his friends, stared in shock and sadness at Florinda and Potter, and fell on his knees. "Rejected by the only woman I loved, I would never find one like her ever again," he muttered. Ash petted his friend's back with a smile, "Don't worry Brock, you'll find plenty of other girls to reject you." Emma and Misty giggled at that.

Chapter Text

Today, the kids were outside of Pallet Town, and this time Persian had join in with them for the day. Ash finally decided to train for the Pokémon League, so they all decided to head out to practice together.

"Look at this place!" Misty said as she admired the field and the river before noticing that not far away there were a couple of tents. "It's the perfect place for training," Emma said. "I think there are people here," Misty said as she pointed at the tents. "I'm sure they won't mind us using this field," Ash said, "Besides we not that close to them."

"Let's get some training," Brock said and they headed to the other side of the river. "All right!" Ash said and looked at Emma, "Let's battle Emma." The girl smirked, "You sure you want to battle against me?"

"Sure I'm sure!" Ash said, "Let's go!" He ran forward and made a room for a battlefield. Emma handed Togepi to Misty and her two friends walked to the side. "Fine," she said, "Which Pokémon?"

"I'll use Pikachu at this round," Ash said and his male Pikachu jumped off of his shoulder. "Pika-chu!" he said as he stood up, ready to battle. "Then I choose..." Emma said and smirked, "Persian." Ash, his Pikachu, Misty and Brock looked surprised while Persian jumped forward and stood in front of Emma, smirking.

"Wait, you can use Persian for a battle?" Misty asked. Emma nodded as she crossed her arms over her chest, "You may not know this, but Persian is mainly my Pokémon. He's mine since I was little, but he's staying with Hanna."

"I didn't know that," Ash said. "So, let's get this battle started," Emma said. Ash smirked, "Let's," he agreed, "Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"

"Double Team!"

Pikachu stopped in the middle as copies of Persian appeared. "Use Fury Swipes!" Emma called. The copies disappeared and the real Persian appeared behind the male mouse, and he scratched Pikachu with one of his front paws, making him fell forward.

Persian jumped above him, standing in front of Emma as Pikachu stood up. "You okay Pikachu?" Ash called. "Pika," the male mouse said with a nod. "Use Thunder Shock!" Ash called. "Dodge!" Emma called.

Persian jumped away before the thunder shock could hit him. "Use Skull Bash!" Emma called. Persian ran toward the male Pikachu, and slammed his head with Pikachu's body, making him fly to the other side and hit the ground.

"Persian, one mo--" Emma started but cut herself off when a net fall on top of her. She yelped when she got pulled up in the air. "Hey!" Misty called and her, the boys and the Pokémon looked up to see Team Rocket as they laughed.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!"

"Team Rocket!" Misty, Ash and Brock called in annoyance. "Why can't you give us a day off from you?!" Misty called. "Well then you about to have it for the rest of your lives," James said. "Bye now," Meowth said as their air balloon started to fly away with Emma.

"Stop!" Ash called and they all ran after them. Persian jumped up and used Scratch to cut the net, releasing Emma immediately. Ash caught Emma before she fell to the ground and Meowth glared at his evolved form, "Hey!"

"That's the same Persian that blasted us off before," Jessie said. The air balloon landed on the ground and Team Rocket jumped out of it as Ash placed Emma on her feet. Meowth pointed at Persian angrily, "I got some unfinished business with this cat!" Persian smirked and tilted his head, calling out. "Oh yeah?!" Meowth asked angrily.

"Cut!"

Everyone looked to where they heard a voice and saw a crew on the side. A man ran closer and pushed Jessie and James aside to get closer to the kids, staring right at Ash and Emma, "That is perfect! You both are perfect! You hired!"

Ash and Emma blinked at him. They exchanged a confused look before looking up at the man. "Uh... hired for what?" Ash asked. "I was looking everywhere for you two," the man said. "You were?" Emma asked in confusion. "My star couple for the next movie," the man said.

"Excuse me! But you in the way!" Jessie said in annoyance. The man ignored Team Rocket and looked at his crew, "We found the main stars! We can start filming!" he called.

"Yes, sir!"

Ash and Emma looked at each other in a startle before back at the man. "Wait, what movie?" Emma asked in confusion. "A romantic movie," the man answered. "Wait, what?" Ash asked. Misty pushed to stand between Emma and Ash, grinning up at the man, "It is?! Please tell us what's the story?"

"This is a story of a young girl, a princess, lives in a palace," the man started, "One night, she ran away with a few of her Pokémon friends and met a poor boy with his Pikachu in the street, and the two of them became friends quickly. But at the end of the day, the two fell in love with each other. Before they can confess their feelings for each other, the guards of the princess found her, and took her away!"

"That's sounds like a movie I've heard about before," Emma muttered. "What happened next?" Brock asked. The man crossed his arms over his chest, "The boy heard that the princess will be forced to marry a prince, so he, with help of his Pokémon friends and the princess's, gets into the palace and confess to the princess about his feelings."

"Aww," Misty said. "But! The prince challenge the boy to a battle," the man said, "The boy wins, and the parents agreed for the princess to be with him after she admits that she has feelings for him as well." The Pikachu and Togepi cheered. The man looked at Emma and Ash, "You two are together yes?"

Emma and Ash blushed, "No!" The man blinked and frowned, "Mmm... that's weird, I never wrong." Misty wrapped her arms around Emma and Ash's shoulders, "Aw, come on! If he thinks you two are perfect, why not help with the movie?"

Emma hesitated, "It's sounds great and all but I think I'll past," she said. "Why?" Misty asked. "I want to stay away from the spotlights, I did it all my life," Emma said. Brock suddenly gasped and pointed at the man, "Now I know where I've seen you! You're Cleavon Smith!"

"Who?" Misty asked. "Cleavon Smith is a famous director, he won a few awards, including the Golden Growlithe Award at the Flea Collar Film Festival!" Brock said. Cleavon nodded, "That is me."

Brock pushed past Emma and Ash, "If it's okay, I would like to help," he said. "Huh?" Ash and Emma asked. Jessie and James grabbed Cleavon's hands. "We'll like to be in the movie as well," Jessie said. "Yes, we'll be one of your biggest stares," James said. Meowth sighed, "Oh great."

"Wait, we didn't agree," Ash said. Brock turned to them, "You have to! This is a one time opportunity." Ash frowned, "But Emma just said she wants to stay away from the spotlight. Don't you think you should respect that?" Brock hesitated and rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah..."

"I was told we got the main stars, are we ready to film?"

Team Rocket, the kids and Cleavon looked over. A pretty young woman walked closer and Brock stared at her, blushing. "We having a bit of a problem here," Cleavon told her. Brock quickly grabbed the woman's hands, "Hey there, the name's Brock, what's yours?" The woman looked startled, "Oh, uh... my name's Hayley."

"Hayley, what a beautiful name for a beautiful lady," Brock flirted as Misty glared at him, annoyed. Emma sighed and looked back at Cleavon, "Excuse me, sir, but I can't help you with the movie," she said. "That's a shame, I thought for sure I had the right stars," Cleavon said. Misty stood in front of Emma, surprising her, "Oh come on Em, just this once." She quickly turned to Cleavon with a smile, "Sir, if Emma and Ash will be in the movie, would you please let me and Brock be in too?"

"Well, I think I can find you and your friend a role," Cleavon said. Misty turned to Emma and Ash, "Please?" Ash and Emma exchanged a look. Ash shrugged slightly but Emma still hesitated. She looked at Brock in surprise when he looked at her too, and she sighed as she looked between him and Misty, "Fine... I'm in."

After the security kicked Team Rocket out of the site, Emma and her friends had let their Pokémon (except for Ash's Charizard) out to help. Misty and Brock were both dressed up for their parts; Misty had a part to be the princess's best friend and Brock got the part as the princess's adviser.

"I never got to dressed up in a fancy dress," the redhead said as she spinned around to show her green dress, "What do you guys think?" All the Pokémon called out as if complimenting her. Brock fixed up his jacket, "Do you think they will let me keep the jacket?" Misty chuckled, "I hope so, it looks good on you."

"Thanks," Brock said as Ash walked closer, he had a bit dirt on his left cheek and forehead, and he was wearing a nude dirty sweat pants and a pale purple shirt with a few cuts around it. "Look dirty enough?" he asked, slightly amused. Misty chuckled, "Oh yeah." Ash's Pikachu stood next to his trainer, having a bit dirt on his fur, smiling, "Pika-chu."

"Aw Pikachu, you maybe dirty but you still as cute as ever," Misty complimented. The male mouse smiled at her, "Pika-chu!" he said as he raised his paw. "Where's Emma?" Ash asked. "She's still getting ready," Misty said with a smile.

"Not anymore."

When they heard Emma's hesitated voice, her friends and all the Pokémon looked over and looked at her in amazement. She had a longer wavy hair, light makeup on her face and a beautiful blue dress with a small crown on top of her head. Emma sighed, looking slightly embarrassed, "It's too much if you ask me."

"Are you kidding? You look beautiful!" Misty said and all the Pokémon agreed. "Yeah, that look suits you," Brock complimented. Emma slightly blushed, "Thanks. But I still can't believe I signed up for that," she said, "Is it too late to back down?"

"Yep," Misty said and smirked when she looked at Ash, who didn't take his eyes off of Emma, "Ash... you didn't say something nice to Emma about her appearance." Ash blinked and rubbed the back of his head, blushing lightly, "Oh! Uh, you look... really nice."

"Thanks," Emma muttered. Misty stepped closer and linked her arm with hers, "Aw, come on Emma, cheer up, been a part of a movie sounds really fun. Let's have fun together with it," she said. "Yeah, I guess," Emma said.

Cleavon walked over and looked at them all, "You all look wonderful! Hayley did an amazing job, I always knew I can count on her. Are you ready for the first take?" he asked. "Which will be?" Emma asked. "The first step will be with Ash and his Pikachu, then after that it will be you, Misty and Brock," Cleavon told Emma and looked at Ash as he handed him a scrip, "Remember your lines?" Ash gave a small nod, "Uh, yeah," he answered. "Good, let's do this then," Cleavon said. 

After a while of shooting, everyone were taking a break. Emma was now changed her outfit from a dress to a blue sweat pants and a crop top for the next scene, and for now she and Ash were both wearing jackets. "Admit it guys, it's fun," Misty said with a smile and took a drink from her bottle of water. "Well... it's not that bad," Emma admitted.

Misty smiled, "See?" she teased and Emma smiled a small smile. "So the next take is Emma escaping the palace along with her Pikachu, with Misty's help," Brock said as he looked at the script. They all felt the ground shaking and looked around in confusion.

Cleavon looked up, "What the--?" They all looked up to see a huge machine coming straight toward them, and it started to destroy the site. Emma, her friends and their Pokémon all stood in front of everyone. "Hey! What's going on?!" Ash called and they heard laughing. "Don't tell me," Emma muttered in annoyance.

The machine stopped and they saw Team Rocket appearing from inside. Before they could say their annoying motto, Emma and her friends spoke up in annoyance, "Team Rocket!" they called. "Get lost!" Misty called. "Oh I'm sorry did we ruin something?" Jessie asked sarcastically, smirking. Cleavon gasped in horror, "No! The shots!" The kids followed his gaze to see in horror that all the equipment were crushed by the machine.

"All our hard work is ruined!" Cleavon said. Emma, her friends and the Pokémon glared up at Team Rocket. "We worked really hard and so did our Pokémon!" Misty shouted. "You'll pay for this!" Ash shouted, "Pikachu, use Thunder Shock!" His Pikachu did as told but the attack didn't affect on the machine. 

"Onix, Tackle attack!" Brock called. "Gyarados, you too! Tackle attack!" Emma called. Gyarados and Onix did as told, managing to move the machine back. Team Rocket screamed when the machine fell backward. "Onix, Bind!" Brock called. Onix wrapped its tail around the machine and started crushing it.

"Onix, stop!" Brock called and Onix moved away. "Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" Ash and Emma called. The Pikachu did as told, this time hitting Team Rocket inside the ruined machine. The machine exploded and Team Rocket flew up into the sky.

"We're blasting off again!"

The kids were back at Emma's house and told the others about the day they had during dinner. "So you guys filmed everything again?" Alice asked. "No, all the equipment was gone," Emma said, "Cleavon needs new equipment and a new location."

"And new cast, 'cause we can't come with him," Misty said. "Yeah," Ash said. "Sounds like you guys had a very busy day," Alex said. "Yeah, but we didn't do much training," Ash said, slightly disappointed. "I'm sure you can do it tomorrow," Alex said. "I'm more disappointed that Team Rocket ruined our day, there was supposed to be a kiss scene between Emma and Ash at the end but now there isn't," Misty said, making Ash and Emma blush.

"Misty!"

After dinner, Emma went to put Togepi on her bed so it could sleep next to her Pikachu and then went outside. She found Ash sitting on the backyard's grass, looking down at his badges. Emma walked closer, "Hey." She sat down next to him and spotted a case next to him. "Your Dad gave me a case for the badges," Ash said as he placed the badges inside the case.

"That's cool," Emma said with a small smile. "So... how did you feel about making the film before Team Rocket ruined everything?" Ash asked. Emma rubbed the back of her head, "Well... I did have some fun with it, I admit," she said and let a small blush appear on her cheeks, "Oh, and about what Misty said... about the kissing scene..."

Ash sighed, "She was just teasing, Brock said there wasn't one. Well, a--a kiss on the cheek but that's all," he said as he rubbed the back of his head. Emma giggled softly, "Yeah, okay. That's good. I wouldn't want my first kiss to be in a movie..." Ash nodded slightly and muttered, "Yeah, me too." They looked up at the sky to see the full moon.

Emma hesitated, "But you know..." She blushed as he looked at her, "I wouldn't have mind my first kiss to be with you..." she admitted. Ash blinked in surprise and she continued, "I mean we still would have been best friends after that... right?" Ash blushed and gave a quick nod, "R--Right!" He looked up, "And I, well... I wouldn't have mind that my first kiss would have been with you either so..."

"So..." Emma trailed off as Ash looked back at her. The two of them quickly looked back up to the sky, blushing and feeling a little bit awkward by what they admitted. Ash cleared his throat, "So... uh, good night?" They stood up as Emma nodded, "Uh, yeah.. good night."

Ash nodded, still blushing, and rubbed the back of his head, "I'll see you in the morning," he said. Emma nodded, blushing, "Yep." Ash nodded again awkwardly and started to leave. Emma sighed softly and grabbed his arm to stop him before she could think. Ash blinked as he looked at her hand before looking at her.

Emma blushed, "Um... I--I actually do want to try something, if that's okay with you," she said. Ash blinked, "Uh... like what?" he asked. Emma smiled a small smile and raised an eyebrow. Ash seemed like he knew what she meant and blushed, "Oh! I--I mean sure!" Emma tilted her head as he rubbed the back of his head, realizing he said it too quickly, "I mean--"

Emma smiled when she saw his cheeks were heating up more and decided to just go for it. She leaned closer before he could continue to speak and pressed her lips against his. Ash's eyes grew wide but then closed them, kissing her back softly for a moment. Emma pulled away, blushing brightly as did Ash, and smiled at him. "So, I'll, uh, I'll see you in the morning, goodnight," she said quickly before running into the house.

Ash stared at the spot she was standing on, blinking as he continued to blush, slowly starting to smile. Emma ran into her room and looked surprised when she saw Misty still up. "Where you been?" the redhead girl asked. Emma blushed, "Oh! Uh... just--just with Ash, you know?" She started to walk past her to her bathroom, "Goodnight!" She walked into the room, leaving Misty confused, blinking.

Ash walked into his guest room he was sharing with his Pikachu and Brock, still smiling. Brock and the male Pikachu were there and looked at him. "Hey, why are you smiling for?" the older boy asked. Ash sat on his bed, "Just thinking," he said, "That this day turned out to be one of the best days of my life."

The male Pikachu tilted his head, "Pika?" he asked as Ash laid down. Brock smiled slightly and raised an eyebrow but shrugged it off and laid on his bed. Pikachu jumped to lay on Ash's bed as he smiled, "Pika-chu." Ash smiled at his Pokémon and petted his head, "Goodnight guys."

In the morning, the kids, Togepi and the Pikachu were having breakfast by themselves. Misty looked between Ash and Emma in suspicious, as if knowing something did happened between them. "So, are you two okay?" she asked, making Ash and Emma look at her. The redhead girl smirked slightly, "You two acting a bit different around each other."

Ash and Emma looked at each other; they both immediately thought about the kiss, and blushed lightly as they smiled slightly before looking at Misty. "Yeah, we're fine," Emma said. "Yep," Ash agreed. Their Pikachu were both sitting with Togepi on the floor, looking toward the kids, tilting their heads with small smiles as they looked at their trainers, knowing just like Misty, that Ash and Emma's relationship now definitely changing.

Chapter Text

With three weeks left until the Pokémon League competition, Emma to her annoyance found Ash in her house watching TV with Brock and the Pikachu instead of training. The girl walked closer and cleared her throat, "Ash, what are you doing inside?" Ash looked over to her and she continued, "You need to be outside training remember?"

"We watching one of the Elite Four battling," Ash said. "One of the Elite Four?" Emma asked. "Yeah, Bruno," Ash said as he looked back at the screen. Emma frowned as she looked at the TV, seeing the man throwing a Poké ball and a Hitmonchan appeared.

"Hitmonchan, Thunder Punch!"

The TV turned off and everyone looked confused before noticing Misty was holding the remote. The redhead girl looked slightly annoyed, "Couch potatoes." Ash looked at her in annoyance and stood up, "Hey! Turn it back on!"

"Ash, this isn't the time to watch TV," Emma said. "Yeah, aren't you going to do some real training?" Misty asked. "I was training," Ash said and Misty looked confused. "That was a video of Bruno, who happens to be one of the Elite Four Pokémon trainers, and the reason we were watching him so we could try to learn," Brock said.

"See?" Ash asked smugly. Emma raised an eyebrow in slight amusement, "And what did you learn from him?" she asked. Ash hesitated and rubbed the back of his head, "Well... we were just getting starting."

Danny walked down the staircase with a backpack, "Morning guys," he said as he started to walk toward the front doors. "Hey, where you heading off to this time?" Emma asked, noticing the backpack. Danny stopped and turned to face his sister and her friends, "Well, I'm heading to the Mt. Hideaway. I'll be back tomorrow."

"Mt. Hideaway?" Misty repeated. "Why there?" Emma asked. "Well, it's the place you can find giant Onix," Danny answered. "There's giant Onix?" Brock asked. Danny nodded, "Yeah, fertile soil makes them grow larger."

Misty frowned, "They must be scary," she said. "From what I heard, they not so scary," Danny told them with a shrug, "Since the weather is nice, the Onix should be up and around, I decided I'll go and see if I can catch one."

"Wow, that's cool," Ash said with a grin as he jumped to stand up. "Can we come with you?" Emma asked her brother. He shrugged, "I guess so, why not?" Ash grinned, "All right!"

On their way to the mountain, Ash and Brock were already exhausted by the walking, so they were sitting on the ground. Danny was walking up ahead with his Primeape while Misty and Emma were behind with the boys. The girls looked at Brock and Ash with annoyance. "Come on, we didn't walk that long," Misty said.

"Yeah, let's keep up with Danny," Emma said. Ash glanced at the girls, "Maybe you two are tired, we can stop to rest if you want to," he said. "I wouldn't mind that," Brock agreed. Danny finally stopped and turned to face them, "You guys coming?"

"Yeah!" Emma called and she and Misty walked up the hill. Ash and Brock exchanged a tired look before getting up and following. "I'm tired and hungry," Ash muttered. "I'm exhausted and starving," Brock muttered as Misty and Emma exchanged a look and a smirk.

Both Emma and Ash's Pikachu ran up the hill together to walk with Danny and Primeape. Danny looked around before up to the sky when he heard his Fearow calling out as it flew closer. "Fearow, anything?" he asked and it called out before flying back to the direction it came from.

They all followed it and soon found a track that was maid by something big. "Look at that," Brock said in amazement. Danny stepped down on the track and kneeled to place his hand on the ground, "One of the giant Onix was here, it's not far from us since the track was made a few minutes ago."

"How can you tell?" Misty asked, sounding amazed. "The ground feels warm," Danny answered as he stood up and looked up at Fearow before pointing forward. The Beak Pokémon called out, immediately understanding it as a sign to find the Onix and fly forward and it did.

"Come on," Danny said and started to walk down the track, with the kids following. They soon came to a stop when they saw two other tracks connecting with the one they found. "Which way?" Brock asked. "How about we split up?" Emma asked as she looked at her brother.

Danny nodded, "Yeah." He pulled out a Poké ball and his Charizard was released. He then looked at Emma, "I'll go forward with Hookfang and Primeape." Misty looked from Brock to Danny, Emma and Ash, "Brock and I can take the left one."

Danny nodded, "Take my Fearow with you then," he said. "Then Emma and I will take the right one, and have Pidgeotto with us," Ash said. "When either of us find an Onix, we'll use our flying Pokémon as a way of telling the other that it was found," Danny said, "You guys make sure to be careful, there aren't only giant Onix around this area."

Ash and Emma were following the track, along with the Pikachu, Togepi and Pidgeotto, with the Egg Pokémon walking between the female and male Pikachu. Emma glanced toward Ash before away, "So..." Ash looked at her and she continued, "Three weeks until the Pokémon League competition, and you didn't really been training... are you sure you going to be okay?"

The girl didn't really know why she said that but since the kiss she shared with Ash, she felt a little awkward been around him, especially when they are alone. She said they would still be best friends after that, but she felt more weird and confused about their relationship now.

Ash looked disappointed about her words, "Why? You think I'll lose right away?" he asked. "No, I just... you know, asking," Emma said as she rubbed the back of her head, "I want for you to win that's for sure, and if you want the same thing, you got to be more serious about your training. You're falling behind with it. And I know you'll hate to hear this but... you need to focus on the training like Gary does."

Ash frowned in annoyance when he heard Gary's name and looked away. Emma looked like she was regretting for adding Gary in, "Ash--" she started but was cut off when they heard something from the track and they looked over to see a Sandshrew jumping up from a hole it made on the ground.

"Oh wow, it's a Sandshrew," Emma said as the Pokémon looked around, "Sandshrew," it said before looking toward the kids and their Pokémon.

Sandshrew is a bipedal mammalian Pokémon. Its body is a brick-patterned yellow with a cream-colored belly and muzzle. It has blue, almond-shaped eyes, a pointed snout, and triangular ears with white insides. Its tail is thick and conical. It has two long claws on each foot and three sharp claws on its forepaws.

Ash pulled out his Dexter and held it forward.

Sandshrew, the Mouse Pokémon. Sandshrew hates moisture and lives in holes it digs in dry places. It protects itself by curling into a ball.

"Sandshrew," it said. The male Pikachu jumped to the track and the two started to talk to each other, before Pikachu shook his head with a sad look. Emma took Togepi into her arms and looked back. "Is it looking for something?" Ash asked as he, Emma and her Pikachu jumped down the track.

Ash and Emma kneeled down as Sandshrew looked at them nervously. "Don't worry, we friendly people," Emma said with a soft smile. It looked from her and Ash to the male Pikachu, who nodded, "Pika-chu."

Ash opened his backpack and pulled out a bottle of water, "Maybe it's thirsty. Hey little buddy, want some water?" Sandshrew hesitated for a second before walking closer so Ash opened the bottle and gave it to it. They watched it drinking the water, leaving only half left before giving the bottle back to Ash.

"Sandshrew," it said before the ground started to shook, startling everyone. "What's going on?" Emma asked before they saw something down the track heading toward them. A huge Onix was heading toward them, roaring. That Onix had had a small, thin, dark scar over its left eye. "An Onix," Ash said. "And a huge one," Emma said before they all started to ran back to where they came from.

"Pidgeotto, get the others!" Ash called and the Bird Pokémon flew away. Ash spotted huge rocks near the track and grabbed Emma's hand to pull her toward them, "This way!"

They and their Pikachu hid behind the rocks and the Onix roared as it continued down the path. Emma and Ash watched it leaving and sighed in relief. "That was a close one," the girl muttered, and they exchanged a look before realizing Ash was still holding her hand. They let go of each other's hand as they blushed.

The Pikachu noticed that and exchanged an amused look. "Sorry," Ash said, not knowing really why he had to apologized. "Uh, it's okay," Emma said, rubbing the back of her head and cleared her throat.

They moved away from the rocks and looked to where the Onix went. "Well, we found a giant Onix for your brother," Ash said as he rubbed the back of his head. Emma nodded before noticing that the Sandshrew they've befriended wasn't with them anymore. "Guess Sandshrew digged into ground and disappeared," she muttered.

"Where is it?" Misty asked when the group all meet up. "It's gone now," Emma pointed out, "Plus, it wasn't looking very friendly." Danny looked up to see his Fearow and Charizard flying toward them. Charizard roared which Danny took it as a sign they found something.

"What you got Hookfang?" he asked and they flew back to where they came from, so everyone followed. They ran up another path and slowed to a stop behind a rock to see the same giant Onix was in front of a cave, tackling the walls so rocks will fell down in the cave as they heard screams.

"That's the same one," Ash pointed out. "There are people inside that cave and they in trouble," Danny said before running with his Pokémon closer. Emma and her friends quickly followed, only to stop in annoyance when they saw Team Rocket were inside there.

"Team Rocket?" Misty asked as Danny and his Pokémon stopped as well. "What did you do this time?!" Ash asked. "We didn't do anything!" James called. "Yeah, we were just minding our own business when this big guy showed up," Meowth said.

"Yeah, right," Brock said sarcastically. "Don't just stand there! Do something!" Jessie shouted and Onix roared angrily. A hole appeared next to the Pikachu and the same Sandshrew appeared, "Sandshrew!"

"Pika?"

Emma sighed and pulled out a Poké ball before she threw it, "Gyarados, you up!" she called and the Atrocious Pokémon appeared, roaring. "Gyarados, Water Gun!" Gyarados did as told, making the male giant Onix finally tear his attention from the cave to the others, roaring at Gyarados.

Danny studied Onix's behavior for a moment, watching as the two Pokémon roared. Onix threw his tail, hitting Gyarados hard, making him roar. "Gyarados, Hyper Beam!" Emma called. Just when Gyarados was about to do as told, Sandshrew quickly called out worriedly, "Sandshrew! Sandshrew!"

Sandshrew pointed at Onix as it called hurriedly. Danny looked from it to Onix and stepped up. "Danny?" Emma asked her brother. "Hold on," Danny said as the kids watched him taking another step closer to the giant Onix. He roared at the young man and Emma grew worried that her big brother could get hurt, "Wait Danny!"

Danny's Pokémon stood next to him as he held his hands up, "It's alright. Onix, let me help you," he said. Onix roared louder when he shook his tail. Danny ignored the roar and walked closer to Onix's side.

He then placed his hands on the rocks covered Onix, which surprised the Rock Snake Pokémon, and they all watched the young man starting to feel around Onix's body. "What's he looking for?" Ash asked. Emma looked from Sandshrew to her brother, speaking up, "Maybe... the same thing Sandshrew was looking for?"

Eventually Danny spotted something between Onix's rocks, "I know it!" He looked up at Onix, "Onix, just bear with the pain for another minute." He reached between the rocks and started to pull something out as Onix closed his eyes in pain. Danny moved back and to the kids' surprise, he was holding a Sandslash.

"Sandslash!"

Sandslash is a bipedal, ground-dwelling pholidote Pokémon. Most of its underside is light yellow with a white underbelly. It has a narrow muzzle, almond-shaped blue eyes, and a thick tail. Its back is mostly covered in sharp, brown quills formed from its tough, dry hide. It has two large claws on its paws and feet.

Danny smirked, "Well, so you the little troublemaker," he said and placed Sandslash down on the ground. Sandshrew smiled happily and ran closer, "Sandshrew!" The two Pokémon embraced happily and Emma smiled. "What's that Pokémon?" Ash asked as he pulled out his Dexter.

Sandslash, the Mouse Pokémon. The evolved form of Sandshrew. It attacks opponents with the quills on its back.

"So Sandshrew was looking for its friend who got stuck between Onix's rocks," Emma said. "Yep," Danny said and they looked up to see Onix looking finally relaxed and relief that he wasn't feeling in pain anymore. "Feel better now Onix?" Danny asked and he nodded, roaring this time happily.

Misty smiled but her smile faded away when she spotted Team Rocket trying to leave quietly, "What do we do about them?" she asked and everyone looked at the trio, making them stop. They turned to them quickly with a nervous smiles.

"Don't mind us."

"Yes, we'll just be on our way."

"Carry on."

Onix glared at the trio before throwing his tail forward, throwing Team Rocket up into the air, making them scream.

"We're blasting off again!"

"Nice shot," Brock said. Danny looked up at Onix, "Onix, would you like to come along with me?" he asked. Onix looked at him for a moment before nodding. Danny pulled out an empty Poké ball and threw it, "Go Poké ball!"

The Poké ball opened and Onix was inside. Danny caught the Poké ball and it moved in his hand for a second before stopping. Emma and her friends walked closer as they smiled. "You caught him!" Emma said, and Danny smiled at her with a nod.

Danny then looked at his Pokémon, "We got a new friend," he said and Charizard roared, rising his head up and shot Flamethrower up to the sky.

Chapter Text

Today was the day the kids were heading back on the road, this time straight to the Indigo Plateau to the Pokémon League. Professor Oak, Delia and Emma's parents were outside the mansion when the kids walked out with their backpacks.

"Are you kids ready?" Alex asked. "Yeah," Emma answered. Delia looked at her son, "Good luck Ash, we'll meet you at the stadium, okay?" she said. Ash nodded, "Okay," he said. "While you on the way, keep on training, always do your best," Professor Oak said.

"You got it," Ash said before he, Misty and Brock looked at Alex and Alice. "Thank you for letting us stay over," Misty told them. "Of course, you all welcome any time," Alice told them with a smile. "Be carful on the road," Alex said.

"We will, thanks for everything," Brock said. "See you in a few days," Ash said and the kids started to walk away as they waved goodbye. "Good luck!" Delia called.

A little while after leaving town, Brock was leading Emma, Misty and Ash through a long grass field with the map, "Mmm, this looks like a shortcut to the Indigo Plateau."

"Are you sure?" Emma asked as she leaned closer to look. They stopped when they heard movements around them, but they couldn't see much because of the tall grass. "What was that?" Ash asked.

Before anyone could say anything, a guy jumped over, startling them. "Who's he?" Ash asked as Emma and Misty looked at the guy over, he seemed to be in Brock's age. The redhead girl leaned closer to her friend to whisper only for Ash to hear too, "He's cute."

"Well..." Emma trailed off when she noticed Ash looking over at them. "Why did you jump on us like that?" Brock asked in slight annoyance. "forgive me, I was simply testing you," the guy said. "Huh?" Ash asked.

"You appear to be traveling to the Pokémon League competition, am I correct?" the guys asked. "Well, what if we are?" Ash asked. The guy smirked slightly, "Well then, I, Otoshi, challenge you." Ash looked at him in confusion, "Huh?" His Pikachu slid from his head to his shoulder, "Pika?"

"I've trained all this time alone in the mountains, but I seek one last battle to test my strength before the Pokémon League, do you accept my challenge?" Otoshi asked. Ash grinned and stepped forward, "Sure, I'll battle you."

"And whoever loses this battle must turn over all his Pokémon Badges to the one who wins," Otoshi said. Ash looked shocked, "All my badges?!" He then looked at him angrily, "You must be crazy! I need those badges!"

"That's right, Ash needs those badges to compete in the Pokémon League," Emma said angrily. "Come on guys, we got to go," Ash said and started to walk past him. "If that is your attitude, you need not to hurry to compete the Pokémon League," Otoshi said calmly. Ash stopped, "What did you just say?"

"If you so afraid losing to me in a private match, then what chance you got in wining in a Pokémon League match?" Otoshi asked, "Losing your badges now, or lose them later." Ash turned to him angrily, "I'm not a loser! I accept your challenge!"

Otoshi smirked while Brock, Misty and Emma looked surprised and concern. "What?!" Emma asked. "Don't do it, Ash!" Misty said. "What if you'll lose your badges?" Brock asked. Ash and his Pikachu smirked. "Don't worry, I'm gonna win," Ash said confidently.

The group stood outside the tall grass field. Ash and Otoshi faced each other. Otoshi threw a Poké ball, "Go, Marowak!" His Marowak appeared and Ash turned to the male Pikachu, "Pikachu, go." The male mouse nodded and ran forward, "Pika."

"Marowak, use Bone Club!" Otoshi ordered. "Pikachu, dodge!" Ash called. Pikachu started dodging when Marowak tried to hit him with its bone. "Okay, Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" Ash called. Pikachu used the attack, hitting Marowak, which then made it faint quickly.

"Marowak!"

"All right!" Ash said with a grin. Emma looked surprised, "Wow, with just one attack?" she muttered. "Pika-chu!" the female Pikachu cheered. "Pi-Pika-Chu!" the male Pikachu said as he held up a V sign. "Togepry!" Togepi cheered.

"I won, looks like I get the badges," Ash said. "I can't believe it," Otoshi said as he fell on his knees, "You defeated Marowak. But... but I don't have any badges to give to you."

"Huh?" Ash asked as they looked at him in confusion. "You mean, you didn't have any to start with?" Misty asked. "No, I had, but you see--" Otoshi started but Ash cut in, "You acted like you have badges when you never did, but your little scam to get back my badges backfired, didn't it?"

"That's not so, please let me explain," Otoshi said, "My eight badges have been taken from me. I battle my way from one gym to the next with Marowak by my side. It was a difficult journey. We struggled and battled, and never lost hope. We finally won eight badges. We were on our way to the Pokémon League."

"So, where are they now?" Ash asked in confusion. "Marowak and I just won our eight badge, and coming out of the mountains towards the Indigo Plateau when it happened," Otoshi said, "In the road just ahead there was the most delicious looking fruits. We were so hungry from all our battles, we rushed to test it, but a hole appeared under us and we fell in. A couple with a talking Meowth took the badges and took off."

Emma and her friends exchanged an annoyed look, Team Rocket! "All our hard work was for nothing, and we were so close to been in the Pokémon League," Otoshi said sadly. "Marowak," Marowak said sadly.

"Team Rocket," Emma muttered in annoyance. "Without those badges, I'll never get into the Pokémon League," Otoshi said. Ash smiled, "Don't worry, Otoshi. We'll get those badges back for ya," he said. Otoshi looked at him in surprise while Emma, Misty and Brock looked at their friend.

"We can't Ash, we gonna miss the start of the competition," Misty said. "We got to get going," Brock agreed. Ash turned to his friends, "No, we got to get those badges back." Ash pulled out the case Alex gave him and opened it to show all his eight badges inside, "I worked hard to earn all my badges too." He closed the case and looked at his friends, "I know how I would feel if someone would have stolen my gym badges."

"You right," Emma said with a nod. Ash looked at his Pikachu, "Stealing from one trainer is like stealing from them all." The male Pikachu nodded, "Pika-chu!" Ash smiled as he looked at Otoshi, holding out his hand, "Let's get your badges back." Otoshi smiled as he took his hand and stood up, "I'll never forget your kindness."

James and Meowth were on Team Rocket's air balloon, searching for Jessie, who stole the stolen badges to compete in the Pokémon League. The Cat Pokémon looked annoyed as they reached to a river, "We got to find those badges!"

James was looking at the water below them and spotted something weird, "Mmm... what this?" Meowth looked down as well, "Huh?" Emma's Gyarados emerged from the water, roaring, startling the two as they screamed. He grabbed the basket with his mouth and threw them on the side.

"Good work, Gyarados!"

James and Meowth crawled out of the basket to see Otoshi, Emma and her friends standing in front of them, glaring down at them. "Return the badges you stole from me!" Otoshi said. "We can't do that," James said. "You ain't the only victim around here, pal," Meowth said.

"Victim? You two?!" Emma asked in annoyance, "Spill it out, where are the badges?!" Gyarados roared at James and Meowth angrily, making them grab a held into each other in fear. "We were robbed too! We don't have the badges," James confessed. "He's been honest for once," Meowth said.

Emma and her friends exchanged a confused look before Misty stepped forward with a smirk. "Well, we'll just see if that's true," she said. James and Meowth blinked at the redhead, "What are you gonna do?"

After Misty threatened to turn James and Meowth into a Gyarados' snack, the two had no choice but to show them their stuff to proof the badges aren't with them.

"Are you sure it's all you got?" Emma asked as they looked at all their stuff. James and Meowth nodded, "Yeah." Ash frowned as he studied the items, "There's no badges here."

"Yeah, nothing but junk," Brock said. "Jessie took all of the badges," Meowth said. "Jessie?!" Ash asked. They all turned to Marowak as it started throwing a tantrum. Otoshi frowned, "What's wrong, Marowak?"

Meowth stepped closer and nodded slightly before speaking, "I got some bad news for you, kid. The little bonehead here says it doesn't want to be your Pokémon no more." Otoshi looked shocked, "What?!" He looked at Marowak, "Is it true, Marowak?"

Marowak continued to speak, throwing around its bone. Meowth nodded, "Huh... Skull-boy says is was willing to put up with all the hard training..." He nodded, "And tough battles... 'cause it was dreaming at getting into the Pokémon League competition. Now, just a couple of days before the competition, this happens, and all that hard work and suffering was for nothing." He looked up at the boy with a look, "Marowak says that it's best if you two just say goodbye."

Marowak finished and turned to the side. Otoshi placed his hand on its shoulder, "Don't go, Marowak." They watched in surprise when it pushed his hand away. It turned around and started to leave. "Wait!" Otoshi called but Marowak didn't stop or looked back.

Otoshi couldn't do anything to stop it, only watching as it disappeared. His eyes started to fill with tears, "We were so close... we could have compete together in the Pokémon League." Meowth looked up at him, "You still maybe buy a ticket."

Otoshi's sad tears turned to anger as he grabbed the Cat Pokémon by his fur and pulled him up, shaking him, "This is all because of you!"

"Marowak is only going to come back if we'll find Jessie and get those badges," Ash said. "Let's go look for her," Emma said and looked at James and Meowth with a look, "And you two are going to help us search." Gyarados lowered himself down, glaring down at James and Meowth as the two of them held into each other again. "Got it?" Emma asked.

"Yes, ma'am!"

Otoshi, Emma and her friends were on the air balloon with James and Meowth, searching for Jessie from above with the help of Scyther and Pidgeotto.

"Scyther!" the Mantis Pokémon called as he spotted the redhead woman talking to the boy and flew down to stop her from stealing from him. He landed between them, startling them both.

"Hold it, Jessie!" Emma called as the air balloon landed down. The boy ran away and Jessie looked annoyed. She looked at James and Meowth, "You on their side?!"

"Hey, it was either give them a ride or get eaten by Gyarados," Meowth said as the kids jumped out. "You gonna give those badges back to Otoshi!" Misty said. Scyther flew to stand by his trainer as Jessie smirked and scoffed, "If you want them back, you gonna have to challenge me to a Pokémon battle."

"Fine, I'll take you on!" Ash said. "No, Ash," Otoshi said as he stepped forward, "Thank you for stepping in, but it's my badges, I'll do it. I accept your challenge!"

Jessie held a Poké ball and threw it, "All right Arbok, go!" She called and her Pokémon was released. Otoshi threw a Poké ball, "Doduo, go!" Ash, Emma, Misty and Brock looked sceptic. "I don't know about this..." Ash muttered.

Doduo is a two-headed, bipedal avian Pokémon. Each head has a long sharp beak and two beady black eyes. It has a bristly, down-like covering of brown feathers on its body and both heads. It has black flexible necks and have brown legs. Each foot has four digits ending in a sharp claw.

Doduo ran forward but Arbok threw its tail forward, knocking Doduo back. "Tackle Arbok!" Jessie called with a smirk as James and Meowth landed their balloon behind her, and stood next to her. Arbok tackled Doduo, and the two heads started to fight each other.

"On no! It confused and both heads starting to fight each other," Otoshi said. "What?" Ash asked as he pulled out his Dexter.

Doduo, a Twin Bird Pokémon. Once its heads begin to fight each other, Doduo becomes incapacitated.

Arbok wrapped himself around Doduo, making it stop fighting. Jessie laughed, "Looks like I win again! I'll just take your Doduo too." A bone flew toward the Pokémon, knocking into Arbok and making it let go of Doduo.

The bone went back and Marowak grabbed it. Otoshi laughed in relief, "Marowak!" he called. It glanced over at him and gave a small nod. "You came back," Otoshi said happily. He hold out Doduo's Poké ball, "All right! Return Doduo!"

"All right Arbok! Go ahead and beat that little skellintwerp!" Jessie called. "Marowak, Focus Energy!" Otoshi called as Arbok slid closer, and Marowak started to glow blue. "Arbok, Double-Edge attack!" Jessie called.

"Marowak, Bone Club!"

Marowak hit Arbok with its bone, making it move back. "All right Marowak, time for you Bonemerang attack!" Marowak threw the bone and it hit Arbok, sending it backward. James threw a Poke ball, "Weezing, go!"

"Pikachu, go!" Ash called and the male mouse ran forward and used Thunder Shock, hitting both Weezing and Arbok. James and Jessie recalled their Pokémon and Team Rocket quickly jumped on the air balloon, flying up.

"The badges!"

Marowak threw his bone up, hitting the balloon. It exploded and the box fell down. Misty caught, "I got them!" They watched Team Rocket flying up into the sky before disappearing.

Emma and her friends then looked back at Otoshi and Marowak, watching as they reconnecting. "Marowak, thank you for returning and getting our badges back."

"Marowak."

"Will you battle by my side in the Pokémon League?" Otoshi asked. Marowak nodded with a smile, "Marowak." Emma and her friends walked closer as they smiled. "I'm glad you two are back together," Ash said. "Good for you," Emma said.

"It's all thanks to you," Otoshi said. Misty opened the box to see all the badges are inside, and she held out the box, "Here's the badges, safe and sound." Otoshi took it, "I'll be forever in your debt. Now our dream in competing in the Pokémon League will come true. Isn't that right, Marowak?"

"Marowak."

Ash smiled and Emma looked at him, "I'm glad we helped him get his badges back," she said. "Yeah," he agreed. Brock placed his hand on his shoulder, "You know something Ash? Even if we are late for the start of the Pokémon League competition, you did the right thing by stopping and helping somebody who really needed help."

"Thanks Brock," Ash said and looked at his Pikachu who was sitting on his shoulder, "I hope we'll do the right thing in League too." The male mouse nodded with a smile, "Pika-chu."

After saying goodbye to Otoshi and Marowak, Emma and her friends were on the path for the Indigo Plateau.

By sunset, the four friends reached to the end of a forest and saw down the path the Indigo Plateau. "Hey look, it's the Indigo Plateau!" Brock called, "We almost there!"

They grinned. "Yeah!" Ash said and jumped in excitement before running down the path with the Pikachu. Emma, Misty and Brock shared a smile before running after Ash.

Chapter Text

Earlier in the morning, the kids reached to Indigo Plateau. Ash grinned, "I can't wait," he said. They saw a big crowd on the side of the street, waiting. "What's going on?" he asked.

"There he is!"

They looked over to see a Torch Bearer running down the street with a Hitmonchan by his side and Officer Jenny driving not far from behind him.

Brock smiled, "It's the Torch," he said. "The Torch?" Ash repeated. "They use it to light the flam that burns during the all Pokémon League competition," Misty explained. "The flam supposed to inspire all trainers and Pokémon who compete in the Pokémon League," Brock added, "Been one of the Torch Bearer is a huge honor."

"Hey I remember Danny told me that there's a legend that the flams come from ancient time, from the flames of Moltres," Emma said. "What's a Moltres?" Ash asked as he pulled out his Dexter.

Moltres, a Legendary Pokémon. Its virtues symbolize the Pokémon League competitions.

Ash looked toward the torch and smiled, "If that flam is really the flams of Moltres, then it's more than just a legend. Moltres has to be real," he said. Emma raised an eyebrow, "And you want to catch one, huh?"

"Yeah, I'll catch one and train it, just like--" Ash started. "Just like you trained Charizard?" Misty asked. Ash looked annoyed and looked at her. "What?" the redhead girl asked, "Just pointing out."

Ash looked at the Torch, "First I'm gonna ask to carry that Torch." He started to run forward as his Pikachu jumped to sit on Emma's left shoulder and the girl sighed, "Oh boy," she muttered before walking closer with her friends.

They reached in time when Ash stopped the runner and asked him if he could carry the Torch too. Officer Jenny stepped in, "Only approved competitors are allowed to carry that flam."

"Oh, but I am a competitor," Ash said and pulled out his case to show his badges. "The rules is, you have to be approved," Officer Jenny said.

"Well, I say we'll bend the rule and give the lad a chance."

They looked at the van to see an old man on top of it. "President Goodshow?" Officer Jenny asked in surprise. "Who's he?" Ash asked. "The President of the Pokémon League Torch Committee," Emma whispered. "Oh," he muttered.

"This kid has some spirit, and this is all what it's about," Goodshow said and climbed down. He placed his hand on Ash's shoulder, "We could use a spiritual young man like yourself to help deliver this noble flame to the Indigo Stadium. What do you say?" Ash smiled, "It will be an honor."

Emma stood with Misty and Brock at the side of the street, watching as the previous Torch Bearer transfers the flame onto Ash's unlit torch. Ash smiled and glanced over at his Pikachu who was sitting on his shoulder. "Pika," the male mouse said.

"Good luck," Emma called. "Off you go then," Goodshow said. Ash nodded, "Okay." The crowd started to cheer as Ash and Pikachu started to ran down the street.

Emma and her two friends climbed on Goodshow's van and they drove after Ash with Officer Jenny. As they drove on a path in a woods, Togepi jumped up and down as it cheered for Ash, and Emma chuckled, "You pretty proud, huh Togepi?" she asked. "Togy," the Egg Pokémon said with a smile and continued to cheer.

Then, it stopped when they all felt a rumbling under them. Ash looked confused but didn't stop running and glanced down at his partner, "Hey, Pikachu, did you feel that?"

The male mouse looked confused as well, "Pika?" Togepi moved back closer to Emma's side in fear, "Togy?" The girl took it and her Pikachu into her arms and looked at her friends, "What's that?"

Suddenly the ground opened and the van and Officer Jenny all fell down as they screamed. Ash stopped and quickly ran back with his Pikachu, "Emma!" They both looked into the big hole to see the driver of the van, Goodshow and his friends getting off of the van, and Officer Jenny sliding away from her motorcycle.

"Is everyone okay?" Ash asked. "Yeah, I think so," Brock said. "Help us out," Misty said. "How did this happened?" Ash muttered. The male Pikachu looked up at the sky in annoyance, "Pika-Pi!" Ash looked up in confusion before in annoyance when he saw a familiar air balloon.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's--"

There was a roar below them and the trio finally looked down again only to see a Hyper Beam was released toward them. The balloon exploded, and Team Rocket were thrown into the sky, screaming.

"We didn't even get the chance to steal the flame!"

The smoke disappeared to show Emma's Gyarados inside the hole with his trainer and friends. "Your Hyper Beam keeps impressing me," Emma said with a smile as she petted Gyarados on the side.

"Togy!"

"Pika-chu."

Gyarados let Emma and the other climb on top of him and slid over to leave the hole. Everyone got off of the Atrocious Pokémon and Emma turned to him as she held out his Poké ball, "Thanks Gyarados, return." The Atrocious Pokémon returned back to the Poké ball as Officer Jenny spoke in her Walkie Talkie to get someone to lift their van and motorcycle.

After getting the van and motorcycle out, Goodshow decided to let Emma, Misty and Brock a chance to be Torch Bearers as well, so each one took a turn to carry the flame. After Ash, it was Emma with her Pikachu and Togepi, then Misty and her Staryu, then the last one was Brock with Vulpix, all the way into the stadium.

As the crowd cheered, Brock handed the torch to Goodshow. "I present you with the flame of Moltres," he said. "Thank you, I trust you all be in the opening ceremony tomorrow," Goodshow said. "Yes," the kids answered together and the crowd cheered again.

When the sun started to set, Emma and her friends wondered around near the lake, where there were cabins there for Trainers to stay for the Pokémon League. They had already found an empty cabin to stay in and had their stuff left there before heading to look around.

"Hey Emma, when's my Mom and your family coming?" Ash asked. "They should be here tomorrow," Emma answered. Ash grinned before hearing a familiar annoying voice, "Late as always."

Ash, Emma, Misty and Brock looked over to see Gary with his cheerleaders. "Gary?" Ash and Emma asked. Gary smirked at Ash, "I thought you won't make it here." Ash glared at him as he continued, "I hope tomorrow is your lucky day, 'cause luck is all you gotta need. Just make sure to wake up in time."

Ash took a step toward him in anger, but Emma placed her hand on his arm, stopping him. "Just ignore him," Brock said. Gary then looked at Emma, "I'll see you tomorrow Em, hope to see you cheering on for me." With that, he and his cheerleaders walked away. Emma frowned and looked over at Ash, who was watching him leaving.

It was nighttime, and Emma, Togepi, the Pikachu, Misty and Brock were sleeping, while Ash was lying on his bed awake. He couldn't sleep, so he decided to get up quietly and go take a walk to clear his head.

He walked out as his Pikachu woke up. He stood up to see the door closing and decided to wake Emma up in hopes she could cheer him up. He jumped on the girl's bed and shook her arm as he called quietly, "Pikachu-Pi."

Emma and her Pikachu woke up to look at the male mouse. He pointed at Ash's bed, "Pika-Pi," he said quietly. Emma sat up and looked at the empty bed before looking at the door. "He got to him again," she muttered before she got up quietly.

She and the Pikachu walked out of the room and went to search for Ash outside, which they quickly found walking into the stadium. They followed and watched him standing there, looking down at the battlefield. He stared at it for a moment with determination, "Yeah..." he muttered with a nod, "I'll win. As long as I do the very best I can."

His Pikachu smiled and decided to join him, "Pika-Pi." Ash looked over his shoulder in surprise and the male mouse jumped up to sit on his shoulder. "Pikachu, hey, were you following me?"

"Pika-chu," the male mouse said with a nod. Emma walked closer with her Pikachu, "So did we." Ash turned to her in surprise, and she placed her hands on her hips, "What are you doing here?"

Ash rubbed the back of his head, "Just wanted to clear my head," he said. "Mmm," Emma hummed before she smiled as she had an idea. She took his hand in hers and tugged forward, "Come on." Ash looked at their joined hands in surprise and blushed slightly, "Huh?"

"Let's go," Emma said and dragged him out. They headed to the cabins, but Emma took Ash to the lake to sit with her on one of the rocks. Their Pikachu jumped to the water to play not far from their trainers.

"It's a big day tomorrow, are you ready for it?" Emma asked as they looked up at the full moon. "Yeah," Ash said with a small nod, "I'm not going to let Gary get to me anymore." Emma looked at him, "That's good then, you should focus on positive thoughts, and nothing else."

Emma looked back at the moon as Ash rubbed the back of his head. "So... are you gonna cheer up for Gary?" he asked. Emma looked back at him in confusion, "Why? He has his cheerleaders to do that. I'll be busy cheering up for you," she said. Ash looked at her in surprise, "You will?"

"Obviously," Emma said as she hit his arm softly. "I just..." Ash trailed off. "Just what?" she asked and he shrugged. "I don't know... just feeling confused," he muttered. "About what?" Emma asked. Ash rubbed the back of his head, "I guess... about this. Us."

Emma blinked before she blushed as she looked back at the moon, "Oh... do you mean about the kiss?" she asked. "Yeah," Ash muttered as he looked at the moon too, "We're still best friends, it's just..." he frowned, "Well, I feel... weird in a way."

Emma frowned, "Um... in a good way or bad way?" she asked. "I think in a good way, I just never felt something like that," he admitted. Emma tilted her head, "Mmm..." she hummed as they continued to look up in silence for a moment, "I guess we should head back to beds, can't have you been tired on the big day," she teased lightly.

Ash chuckled, "Nah, I won't be, but I guess we should head back," he said. "Good luck tomorrow," Emma said. "Thanks," he said and looked at her, "But since you by my side, I guess I have all the luck I need."

Emma blushed but quickly chuckled and winked, "Guess I'm your lucky charm, then." Ash chuckled, "I guess so." The Pikachu looked back at their trainers, watching as they chuckled softly.

The two mouses exchanged a smile and the female Pikachu leaned closer to whisper something. The male Pikachu nodded before running off and the female mouse run back to her trainer, and jumped up to her shoulder.

"Pika-Pi," the male mouse whispered by Ash's side and the boy looked at him to see he was holding a flower. "Huh?" he asked as he took it and his Pikachu jumped to his shoulder before calling for Emma, "Pikachu-Pi."

Emma looked over as Ash sat straight, holding the flower. Emma smiled teasingly, "For me?" she asked and Ash rubbed the back of his head, blushing. Emma chuckled as she took it. The Pikachu exchanged a smile before looking at the moon with their trainers.

In the morning, Emma and her friends were having breakfast. Emma noticed Ash wasn't eating much and he looked a bit nervous. "Nervous?" Emma asked while Brock and Misty were talking with each other. "No," Ash lied. Emma smiled lightly as she raised an eyebrow, "Don't worry, you and your Pokémon will do great," she said.

"You know I was nervous at my first time at the Pokémon League."

Emma and her friends all looked behind Ash to see Ryan with his Pikachu on his shoulder. "But in the end everything turned out to be fine. And it was lots of fun too," he said. "Big brother!" Emma said with a smile, "You really did made it."

"Well, I couldn't miss cheering up for Ash in person," Ryan said, "We are all here for you." Danny, Jane, Delia, Alice and Alex walked closer. Ash smiled, "Thank you."

"We'll be sitting in the VIP section, how amazing is that?" Delia asked excitedly. Emma, Misty and Brock smiled in amusement while Ash gave a small chuckle, "You'll definitely enjoy it, Mom," he said.

After they all finished eating, they were ready to head to the stadium. As they did so, Ash was still nervous, which started to affect his Pikachu as well, so Emma leaned closer to whisper to the boy while they both walked behind everyone, "Ash, if you nervous, your Pokémon will sense it and they will get nervous too."

Ash looked surprised and glanced at his Pikachu who was sitting on his shoulder and staring at the coming closer stadium, for the first time, nervously. Ash stopped, which caused the male mouse to look at him, so Emma stopped too while the others continued. Ash then looked at his mouse partner with determination, "Pikachu, let's give it our best, yeah?"

Pikachu's nervous look turned to determination like his trainer and he nodded as he held his paw, "Pika-chu!" Emma and her Pikachu smiled while Togepi cheered, "Togy!"

The opening ceremony of the League started, Emma, her family, Delia, Misty and Brock were sitting now at the VIP section. Togepi, Emma's Pikachu and Ryan's were standing together at the large window to watch more closer, while Alice's Espeon was released and was lying on Emma's lap while she was petting it.

The fireworks appeared and the crowd cheered. "And the opening ceremony of the Pokémon League competition are officially on the way," the host spoke, "This is when the top Pokémon trainers and their Pokémon come to prove their skill, strength and their spirit! These hopeful competitors will battle one another as they strike all the way to excellent and victory! The victory they will need to enter the ranks of the Pokémon Master!"

Emma watched as the group of the trainers who will compete in the League walked out from the side and the crowd cheered again. "And here they came!" the host said, "The competitors are proudly entered the stadium! Each of them have been proving their worthiness by earing a minimum of eight Gym Badges!"

"Wow, this is so exciting!" Misty said with a smile. "Where's Ash?" Emma asked. The redhead girl pointed, "There he is, he just walked in," she said and Emma saw him walking with his Pikachu on his shoulder, both looked a bit nervous, but not so much like earlier. "They still look a bit nervous," she muttered and Brock heard. "Gary sure doesn't," he pointed out as they watched Gary walking confidently.

There was a knock on the door behind them and they all glanced over to see a young man in a worker outfit, sunglasses and a hat looking inside, "Excuse me, is there a Miss Emma Pierce here?" he asked. "Uh... that's me," Emma said. "There's someone waiting for you downstairs," he said. Emma blinked in confusion, "Me? Did they say their names?"

"No, miss, they did say it's urgent," he said. Espeon moved away so Emma can stand up. She did while still looking confused, "Well, uh, okay, then," she said, "I'll go see them, I guess."

Her brothers frowned. "Want me to come with you?" Danny asked. "Nah, I'll be fine," Emma said and stepped toward the man and the door before she saw her Pikachu and Togepi took a step to follow her, "Pikachu, you and Togepi can stay here and watch the ceremony."

Her Pikachu was hesitated to let her leave alone but agreed to stay with Togepi. They watched Emma leaving with the man as her family, Delia, Misty and Brock turned back to watch the ceremony. Espeon looked at the female Pikachu, letting her know it could go and look after Emma while she and Togepi will stay here, "Espeon." It jumped from the chair as Danny looked over and watched as his mother's Pokémon walked out.

Emma and the man walked down the hallway and Emma frowned, still confused, "Uh, excuse me?" she asked. "Mm?" the man hummed. "You look a bit familiar, do I know you?" she asked, looking up at his blue hair. The man froze for a second before he rubbed the back of his head, "Oh, I don't think so."

Emma frowned again and they turned a corner. Suddenly a bag dropped on Emma, making her yelp, "Hey!" she called as she was grabbed and was straggling to get out. "That was easy," she heard a familiar female voice. Jessie!

"Are you kidding me?!" Emma snapped as she straggled to get out of the bag, but she was lifted up. James dropped his sunglasses and hat, smirking as he lifted Emma in the bag over his shoulder. "Let's get out of here," Jessie said.

"What about the flame?" James asked. "Forget about that, we go grab the flame now with Emma, her boyfriend and friends will know and stop us," Meowth said, "We got the girl, so let's just go." James frowned, "Don't forget her family is here too, I suddenly think we should have waited until they wouldn't be around."

"Too late for that, come on," Jessie said. Espeon walked around the corner and saw Team Rocket starting to walk away with James carrying the bag. It saw the bag moving and heard Emma's voice, "Let me out!" Espeon glared, "Espeon!"

Team Rocket stopped and looked over, "Huh?" Meowth gasped and pointed, "That's her Mom's Espeon!" he warned. Danny walked around the corner as Team Rocket froze. He looked from Espeon to Team Rocket, looking at them in annoyance, "You three again!" Emma's Pikachu ran closer and glared at the trio, "Pika-chu!"

They saw the bag moving again and heard Emma's voice, "Get me out!" Danny glared at the trio, "So, you after my sister, huh? Bad move," he said, "Espeon, Confusion." Espeon let its eyes glow blue for a split second, then Team Rocket froze, unable to move.

James let go of the bag and Danny walked closer and opened it, letting Emma out. "Thanks," she said as she stood up. Danny walked to the balcony and opened the doors before looking at Espeon, "Espeon, show them the way out."

"Espeon," it said before using its attack to throw Team Rocket out, straight into their air balloon, which then flew off with them when Team Rocket made a hole in the balloon. Danny looked at Emma, "Do me a favor, never go by yourself."

Emma scoffed before smiling brightly when her Pikachu jumped to her shoulder. "Pika-chu," she said with a nod, agreeing with Danny. "Come on, let's go back," Danny said as he ruffled her hair, which made her scoff, "Hey!" she said as she pushed his hand away while he smirked.

Chapter Text

After the opening ceremony of the League, Emma, Misty and Brock met up with Ash, and headed with him to the Pokémon Village Center so he could register. They stood in front one of the desk with a female worker. "Welcome to the Pokémon Village," she greeted with a warm smile.

"Hey, I'm here to sign up," Ash said. "I need your identification so I could check you in, please," the young woman said. Before Ash could pull out his Dexter, Brock moved in front of him to flirt with the young woman, "Ash can check in while I check out your beautiful smile, I can check that out all day."

The woman was startled and slightly uncomfortable, "Uh..." Luckily for her, Misty stepped in and pushed him away, "It's check out time for you Brock." She glanced at Emma, "We'll be outside." Emma nodded and she and Ash watched in amusement as the redhead girl dragged Brock out.

"Togy," the Egg Pokémon said with a smile. Emma, Ash and their Pikachu looked back at the woman. "Sorry about him," Emma apologized. "That's all right," she said as Ash handed her his Dexter. She opened it, "Mmm. Is this your first time at the Pokémon League?"

The female Pikachu saw a few books near by and grabbed one with she then showed Emma. "Yes," Ash answered as the girl placed Togepi on the counter and opened the book. The woman placed the Dexter in a machine and started typing on a keyboard. She then pulled out Ash's Dexter out and handed it back to the boy, "Well, that's it, you all checked in."

"Thank you. Uh, miss, who am I battling in the Indigo Stadium?" Ash asked. "Hold on, Ash, you don't start battling in the Indigo Stadium," Emma said as she looked up from the book. "What do you mean?" Ash asked. "In the Indigo Plateau Conference Pokémon League, they use four different battlefields; Grass, Water, Ice, and Rock," Emma explained and looked back at the book, "You have to win matches on all four battlefields before you can battle in the Indigo Stadium." She looked back at the woman, "Right, ma'am?"

The woman nodded with a smile, "Exactly," she confirmed, "You can keep the book if you want to." Emma nodded, "Thanks." Ash looked at the woman, "What field do I have to battle on first?" he asked. "All you have to do is press this button," the woman explained, and she pressed the red button in front of them. The screen on top of them turned on and four items appeared. Each started glowing quickly as the woman continued, "Whenever the light stops, this is what your first match is."

Ash looked up at the screen and then pressed the button, the light settled on a blue screen with a drop in the middle, which was water. "That's the water field," Emma said. "All right," Ash said with a grin. The woman turned to them, "The water field it is," she said and typed on the keyboard, "Now the system will select your opponent." On one side of the screen Ash's picture was and on the other side appeared a young man. Ash smirked, "I guess that's the guy I'm gonna beat."

"His name is Mandi, you the third match," the woman explained, "Be there by one. Good luck." Ash nodded, "Thanks." With that, Emma took Togepi into her arms again, and they all walked out to inform their friends.

"Hey Ash, I could give you my Poliwhirl and Gyarados for the water field," Emma said as the four kids walked down the street. "Why for? I got Squirtle," Ash said. "Squirtle is great, but you need more then just one," Misty pointed out. "Nah, Squirtle and I can handle it ourselves," Ash said confidently.

"Heya Ash!"

They looked over to see Gary and his cheerleaders sitting at a table. Gary was looking at Ash smugly, "So, you on the water field first," he said. "Yeah," Ash said, "How about you?"

"I'm battling on the ice field first. Well, I really hope you win your first battle Ashy boy, I will feel just terrible if you'll lose," Gary said. Ash frowned in annoyance, "Yeah? And why is that?" he asked. "'Cause I want the pleaser of beating you myself," Gary answered with a smirk, "Then you'll see what a real Pokémon Master looks like."

Ash glared at him and took a step but Emma placed a hand on his arm and leaned closer, "You said you won't let Gary get to you remember?" she whispered. Ash took a deep breath to calm himself, "You right," he muttered.

"It's getting late, I got to get to my first victory," Gary said as he got up, "Looks like I got to run, Ashy boy." He looked at Emma, "Hey Emma, gonna come to see me battle?" Emma hesitated, "Um, I--I guess so."

Gary smirked, "See you then," he said before walking away with his cheerleaders. Ash looked slightly disappointed and annoyed, and he glanced toward Emma before away when a hand drop on his shoulder.

"Hey," Danny said, making the kid turn to him. "Hey Danny, what's up?" Emma asked. "Professor Oak wants to talk to Ash," he said, "Come on, let's go." He leaded the kids back to the Center where Alex was talking at the phone booth with Professor Oak.

"There he is," he said. Ash looked over, "Hey Professor Oak, is everything okay?" he asked. "Of course," the Professor said, "I was just thinking maybe you would like to swap out one of your Pokémon."

"What for?" Ash asked. "So you could use different Pokémon," the Professor said, "In fact, Gary just trade two of his Pokémon to get ready for his first battle." Right then, Ash's Krabby appeared on the screen, and Ash grinned, "Hey! Krabby will be perfect for a water battle."

The Professor smiled, "Krabby doesn't look too shabby," he said. Misty and Emma exchanged a slight worried look, since Krabby never been used in a Pokémon battle before. "Professor, can you send Krabby right away?" Ash asked. "Of course Ash," the Professor said, "This should really cheer you up, Krabby."

The Professor stepped away and a few minutes after, Krabby was send in. Ash took the Poké ball and looked at the screen, "Professor, the Poké ball is here." The Professor nodded, "Good luck."

After agreeing to meet up with Emma's family and Delia later for the water field battle, the kids walked out. Ash looked down at the Poké ball, "With Krabby and Squirtle on my side, this battle should be easy," he said.

They heard a soft chuckle and looked over to see the same guy that Ash will battle in the water field was standing there. Mandi looked at Ash in amusement, "You mean easy for me. I'm the Astounding Mandi. I'm your opponent."

Ash held out his hand with a smile, "I'm Ash, it's very nice to meet you," he said. Mandi looked at his hand and held out his before moving it away with a soft scoff, making Ash frown. Mandi opened his hand and a Poké ball appeared on it, "I'm sorry, my hands are for Poke balls, not for people."

Emma, Misty and Brock weren't impressed with the magic trick, and looked annoyed with Mandi for his rudeness. Emma gave him a look, "It wouldn't hurt to shake hands before your Pokémon match," she said. "Togepry," Togepi said. "That's an unfortunate word," Mandi said, "I'm afraid your little friend here, will be no match for me." He turned around and started walking away, "Lovely meeting you."

Emma and her friends glared after him. "Well he's charming," Misty said sarcastically. "Jerk," Emma muttered. "He doesn't know what he's talking about, Ash," Brock said. Emma was surprised when Ash spoke, "Nah, I can do this," he said with confident, "He just got himself the toughest match he would ever have." His male mouse agreed, "Pika."

The kids, Delia and Emma's family were sitting outside a restaurant eating lunch before Ash's first battle will start. "Ash, are you sure you want to use Krabby?" Misty asked. "Yeah, why?" Ash asked. "Well, you know... Krabby never been in a battle before," Emma pointed out, "Maybe you should really think about taking my Poliwhirl and Gyarados to be on your side for this match."

"Maybe you should take them just in case," Brock said. "Ash, remember," Alex started, "In the match, you only get to use three Pokémon, and you have to pick the right ones. A lot of matches are decided before they even start, when trainers are picking the right or wrong Pokémon to battle with."

Ash looked down at his plate, thoughtfully. "It's your decision, but you have to think carefully who you choose to battle," Alex said. "Making decisions like those aren't always easy," Danny said. Misty looked at the TV screen in front of their table to see Gary there, "Uh... hey Emma? Weren't you supposed to be watching Gary's battle?"

Emma froze, "Huh! I forgot!" They all looked to the TV as the interviewer was speaking, "We are here live on the ice field, where Gary Oak has just scored into victory." Emma looked at Misty, "Do you think he noticed I wasn't there?" Misty slightly smirked, "Mmm, maybe. But I'm sure once he sees you, he'll forgive you."

Ash looked annoyed while Emma blinked before they both turned to watch the TV. "Gary, how do you feel about your first win?" the interviewer asked. Gary smirked, "Well, naturally, winning your first battle is always important. Of course, in every Pokémon match there has to be a winner and there has to be a loser. And there are only a few that I know that are really loses." Ash glared and Emma looked at him worriedly before she sighed. "Why does he always picking on him?" she muttered.

It was almost time for Ash's battle, Emma decided to be with Misty and Brock on the bench right in the battlefield, behind Ash. The four of them were right outside the door to the entrance of the battlefield, waiting for the last battle to end.

"We're up next," Ash muttered nervously, his fist was shaking, which his Pikachu and friends noticed. Misty raised an eyebrow, "Ash, you shaking," she said. "That's not me, that's the Stadium shaking," he lied. "Speaking of shaking," Brock started as he frowned, "I could go for a chocolate shake."

Misty sighed, "Then go." While those two talked, Emma turned to Ash, "You can do it," she said. "Pika-chu," the female mouse agreed as the doors opened, hearing the crowd cheering. Emma looked at Ash, "Good luck." She glanced behind her at Misty and Brock, seeing they weren't looking, so she leaned closer to Ash and kissed his cheek, making him blush.

"Pika!" the male mouse said with a grin while the female Pikachu stared in shock, smiling. "Okay, go," Emma said and gently pushed him forward. Ash took a deep breath and then looked down at his Pikachu, "Well, ready Pikachu?"

"Pika," the male mouse said with a nod. The two of them started walking forward and Emma smiled softly. Misty suddenly leaned over with a smirk and slight narrowed eyes, startling Emma when she spoke in a sing, "I saw that."

"Saw what?" Emma asked in surprise. "You know what," her redhead friend said teasingly. Emma looked at her nervously before quickly following Ash. Misty let her smirk turn to a soft smile and she shook her head slightly in amusement. Brock frowned in confusion as the two followed their friends, "What did I miss?" he asked but Misty just chuckled.

The trio sat on the bench behind Ash as the host spoke up, "And now the start of the third battle on the water field!" The crowd cheered again. "On the green side is Ash Ketchum! And on the red side is the Astounding Mandi! Each trainer is allowed only three Pokémon, now let the battle begin!"

The bell rang and Mandi smirked, "It's show time, now Ash, let me show you some of my magic," he said. Ash held out a Poké ball, "I got some tricks of my own," he muttered, "I'm not some twerp."

"Hey twerp!"

The kids froze when they heard Jessie's voice through the mics and looked up at the studio above to see Team Rocket. "Listen up kid! We're on your side this time so you better dump that skunk!" Jessie said. "Use some spunk and leave him sunk!" James said.

Emma, Misty and Brock stared in shock. "Team Rocket?" Misty asked. "They cheering for Ash," Brock said. "Where did that come from?" Emma asked before they saw the trio been dragged away by security.

"Never thought I'll see the day Team Rocket rooting for Ash," Misty muttered in amusement. The host cleared his throat, "Please excuse the interruption, now let the battle begin!"

"Go Exeggutor!" Mandi called as he threw the Poké ball, and his Pokémon was released. A threw his Poké ball, "Go Krabby!" Krabby was released as the crowd cheered.

"Mandi starts with Exeggutor while Ash starts with Krabby!"

"Don't use Krabby, it's never battled," Misty said and glanced at Emma, "He's making a big mistake." Emma sighed and just shook her head lightly, "Maybe, but he got to fight the battles in his way."

"Exeggutor, Psywave now!" Mandi said. Exeggutor's eyes glow green and it bends down, firing a white ring toward Krabby from the middle of its leaves. "Krabby, dive in quick!" Ash called, and Krabby dived into the water. Exeggutor used Psychic to create a whirlpool, revealing Krabby's hiding space. "Krabby!" Ash called worriedly as Krabby was inside the whirlpool.

"Krabby looks like a rubber duck in a whirlpool, things don't look good for the newcomer from Pallet!"

Misty, Emma and Brock watched worriedly. "I knew this was going to happen," Misty said. "It's Psychic attack!" Emma said. "Quick Ash, switch to Pikachu!" Brock said. "Exeggutor, Egg Bomb attack!" Mandi said. Exeggutor fired multiple egg-shaped balls of light from the top of its heads up to the air and headed toward the whirlpool.

"Wow, Exeggutor putting a quite of a show!"

The egg-shaped energy exploded on the pool. Ash held his Poké ball, "Krabby return!" He tried to call it back but he couldn't.

"It looks like Exeggutor's attack make it impossible to retrieve Krabby!"

"Come on," Ash muttered. They noticed that Exeggutor getting splashed from the water but it doesn't seem bother by it.

"Exeggutor is getting drench down there but it's not even flinching!"

Mandi looked smug but then he looked confused and surprised when Krabby popped up from the whirlpool. Ash smiled, "All right Krabby! Now use your Vise Grip!"

Krabby jumped out and pinched Exeggutor with one of its claws on its leaves, stopping its attack. "Exeggutor, Hypnosis!" Mandi called. Exeggutor couldn't make the attack because Krabby was hanging on its leaves tightly.

"Now Krabby is in control! While holding onto Exeggutor, it's stopping it from launching any attack!"

"Leer attack!" Ash called. Krabby jumped off of Exeggutor, glaring up at him as its eyes glow light blue, startling the Coconut Pokémon. "Now, Stomp!" Krabby jumped and kicked Exeggutor, knocking it down, unconscious.

The referee hold the green flag, "Victory for the green!" Ash grinned, "Krabby we did it!" he called. "Pika-chu!" the male mouse called. Emma, Misty and Brock stared in shock. "I don't believe it," Misty said as Emma smiled. "Wow, Krabby is tougher than it looks," she said. "Pika," the female Pikachu said. "Togy," Togepi said. "Ash did it," Brock said as Krabby stood on Exeggutor. "Krabby did a great job."

Krabby suddenly glow and grow bigger before the light disappeared, surprising everyone. "Oh no," Mandi muttered. "Krabby evolved into Kingler!" Emma said with a smile.

"It looks like the intensity of the battle has caused Krabby to evolve into Kingler!"

Ash pulled out his Dexter and hold it in front.

Kingler, the Pincer Pokémon. The evolved form of Krabby. Its crushing claws make it a powerful opponent.

Ash smiled, "Well, I'm sticking with Kingler all the way," he said and his Pikachu nodded, "Pika-chu." Mandi returned Exeggutor back to its Poké ball.

"Now the Astounding Mandi must decide which of his two remaining Pokémon he will choose to battle Ash's Kingler!"

Mandi scoffed smugly and held a Poké ball, "The kid has some beginners luck. But his luck ran out," he said and threw the Poké ball, "Go, Seadra!"

Seadra is a light blue, seahorse-like Pokémon with a cream-colored belly covered in rough scales. It has a long, tubular mouth, narrow, black eyes, a fin-like ridge above each eye, and spiny pectoral fins. It also has a large, coiled tail. It has a pair of dorsal fins with sharp, cream-colored tips.

Ash looked at his Dexter as Emma did the same with hers.

Seadra, a Dragon Pokémon. The evolved form of Horsea. Seadra has a violent temperament, and the quills that cover its body can render its victim unconscious.

Mandi smirked, "His Kingler may be strong, but it no match for my speedy Seadra. Seadra, use your Agility!" Seadra swerves back and forth through the water at great speed. "Kingler, Water Gun now!" Ash called. Kingler used the attack, but Seadra dodged them quickly. and swam closer to Kingler. "Kingler look out! Use Bubble!"

Kingler sprayed a foam of bubbles from its mouth toward Seadra but it dodged again. "Kingler is too slow to hit my Seadra while using its Agility," Mandi said smugly. But then Kingler tried hitting Seadra with Bubbles again, and this time when Seadra moved to dodge, it slipped because of the Bubbles. "Oh no!" Mandi said.

"How about that! Kingler's Bubbles slowed Seadra down!"

"Now Kingler! Crabhammer!" Ash called. Kingler slammed its pincer onto Seadra, making it hit into the bubbles as Emma, Misty and Brock stared in shock.

"Mandi's speedy Seadra is just no match for Kingler's crushing Crabhammer!"

Mandi started to look annoyed and even more so when Seadra appeared above the bubbles, unconscious. "Seadra has been defeated!" the referee called as the crowd cheered, "The victory goes to Kingler!"

Ash grinned, "We did it! We did it!" He turned to his Pikachu and leaned down as the two grabbed hands and cheered. "One more to go Pikachu!"

"Pika-chu!"

Misty sighed in relief, "Ash isn't nervous anymore." Emma smiled and chuckled in amusement, "Yep. Glad that's not the problem anymore," she said. "Togy, Togepry," the Egg Pokémon said. "The crowd seem to be on his side," Brock said as the crowd were cheering loudly.

"Now the Astounding Mandi is just one Pokémon away from defeat, can he stage a magical comeback?"

"The answer is he can, and he will. Let's see if your Kingler can handle this," Mandi said as he held out a Poké ball and threw it, "Golbat go!"

"Now Golbat has taken the water battle to sky high! There's no telling what will happen now!"

Golbat flew down and past Kingler. "This is the worst that can happen to Ash now," Brock said to the two girls, "Kingler is really weak against Flying attacks."

"You right," Emma muttered. "Quick Ash, switch Pokémon, use Pikachu!" Misty called. Ash ignored her, "Kingler, dive under water," he called and Kingler dived into the pool. Misty sighed, "Why doesn't he listen to me?"

"Guess 'cause you not Emma?" Brock asked and Emma gave him annoyed look. He held out his hands, "I meant it as a compliment...?" They looked back as Mandi called for Golbat, "All right Golbat, we got them now, Take Down attack!"

Golbat flew down and Ash called, "Kingler, Vice Grip attack now!" Kingler jumped up from the water and grabbed into Golbat but then the Bat Pokémon disappeared and reappeared behind it, surprising it, Ash and his friends.

"Golbat has dodged Kingler's Vice Grip with a behind Double Team attack!"

"Golbat, Razor Wind now!" Mandi called. Golbat flapped its wings and a wind was created with sharp white energy inside it, hitting Kingler hard.

"A stunning turn around! This could be the end for Kingler!"

"Hang on, Kingler!" Ash called. "Pika!" his Pikachu called in agreement. Mandi smirked, "And now, we'll win with a Mega Drain!" Golbat's eyes glow yellow as it flew closer to bite Kingler. "Look out!" Emma shouted as they stared worriedly.

"Hyper Beam now!" Ash called. Kingler opened its eyes with a glare, its eyes glow light blue, and it fired a charged beam of orange light from its left claw, hitting Golbat. The Bat Pokémon fell down, unconscious. "I can't believe it!" Mandi said in shock.

"Golbat is unable to battle, victory goes to the team of Ash and Kingler!" the referee called as he held the green flag, and the crowd cheered.

"It's all over! The newcomer Ash Ketchum has made it to victory in his first match without even changing one Pokémon!"

Ash stared in shock for a moment before smiling. "I did it! I won my first battle!" he said. "Pi-Pika-Chu!" the male Pikachu cheered. While Mandi looked disappointed, Emma, Brock and Misty walked closer to their friend to congratulate him on the victory.

"You did it, Ash!" Brock said. "Congratulations!" Misty said. Emma winked as she nudged his shoulder, "See? Told you you can do it," she said. "Pika-chu!" the female mouse said with a smile. "Togepry," Togepi said. Ash chuckled, "Thanks you guys."

He then turned to Kingler and ran closer to hug it. "We actually did it Kingler!" The Pincer Pokémon called out happily. "You were unbelievable," Ash complimented. Emma chuckled as she watched the two.

As one of her best friends, Misty decided to tease her and leaned closer, "Maybe you should kiss him more often." Emma's smile faded away and her cheeks turned red before she quickly looked at her, "Misty!"

"Told you I saw that."

"Knock it off!"

"I can't, you look adorable when you embarrassed."

Chapter Text

Today was the second match for Ash, and this time it was on the rock field. Unfortunately, Delia and Emma's family couldn't stay to watch the battle this time, but promised to watch on TV with Professor Oak.

So, now, Emma, Misty and Brock were sitting on the bench behind Ash, watching as he was battling. Both he and the trainer he was battling were down with only one Pokémon now.

"Each of the trainers has just one Pokémon left! The up come of this match could be decided of which Pokémon these two young trainers select, who will make the winning decision!"

The trainer threw a Poké ball, "Go!" His Pokémon was revealed to be a male Nidorino.

Nidorino is a light-purple, quadrupedal Pokémon. It has several darker purple patches across its body. It has large, spiny ears with teal insides, narrow black eyes, and a long snout with two pointed teeth protruding from the upper jaw. Nidorino has a ridge of toxic spines on its back and a long, pointed horn on its forehead. Its short legs have three claws on each foot.

Emma looked at her Dexter.

Nidorino, the Poison Pin Pokémon. The evolved form of the male Nidoran. Its highly developed horn is extremely powerful.

"And Cory chooses a Nidorino! Now let's see which Pokémon Ash will choose."

Ash's Pikachu was ready to battle but to his disappointment, Ash threw a Poké ball, "I choose you, Squirtle!" The Tiny Turtle Pokémon was released.

"The young trainer from Pallet Town chooses Squirtle! Ketchum must be hoping that Nidorino's mighty horn is no match for Squirtle's super hard shell!"

"I'm counting on you, give it everything you got, Squirtle!" Ash said. The Tiny Turtle Pokémon with determination, "Squirtle, Squirtle!"

The bell rang. "Nidorino, Tackle attack!" Cory called. Nidorino ran toward Squirtle. "Get ready," Ash said.

"Nidorino is leaning forward with a Tackle attack!"

"All right Squirtle, Withdraw and roll!" Ash called. Squirtle pulled himself into his shell for protection. Nidorino hit into the rock Squirtle was on, and broke in as he rolled away in his shell. Nidorino followed him in a ran, and Ash smirked, "Good Squirtle, keep rolling."

Squirtle rolled straight into a hill and flew up, making Nidorino stop. "Now Squirtle, Water Gun!" Ash called. Squirtle pulled out from his shell, using Water Gun on Nidorino, hitting him into a rock. "Squirtle, Skull Bash attack, now!" Ash called.

Squirtle jumped into the air, surrounding by a silver aura, and slammed his head into Nidorino. Nidorino fell on the ground, unconscious.

"Squirtle's Skull Bash was right on target, and Nidorino is shaken!"

"Nidorino is unable to battle, victory goes to Ash Ketchum!" the referee called as he held the green flag, and the crowd cheered. Emma, Misty and Brock smiled as they stood up, "Yay!"

Ash grinned as Pikachu and Squirtle jumped up and down as they waved. Emma ran closer to Ash with Misty and Brock following. Togepi jumped to the floor and cheer next to Squirtle. Both Emma and Brock grabbed Ash's wrists and held his hands up into the air as the crowd continued to cheer loudly.

Unknown to them, Gary was watching the group from the exit with his cheerleaders. He didn't like the crowd cheering for Ash, and he definitely didn't like seen Emma holding his hand. He scoffed, "Just look at him. He wins two easy matches and he already acts like he won the all competition." He glared as he watched Ash and Emma exchanging a smile, "And her." He turned around and walked out with his cheerleader following.

The sun was setting, and Emma was making food for Ash's Pokémon in her and her friends' cabin. "Ta-da, dinner is ready," she called and she placed the bowls on the floor. The male Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Kingler ran closer and thanked her before digging in.

Emma glanced at Charizard, who was laying on the floor outside to take a rest. She grabbed a bowl with Pokémon food and walked closer to him, "Hey Charizard, eat up." Charizard glanced at her before closing his eyes. Emma smiled softly, "Come on, I'm not Ash, you can't say 'no' to me."

Charizard didn't do anything for a moment and Emma thought he wasn't hungry for a second but then he sat up and took the bowl. Emma tilted her head with a smile as she watched him eating and she walked back inside.

Ash walked out of the bathroom and looked around, "Hey, where's Misty and Brock?" he asked. "They went out," Emma answered as she petted Pidgeotto. Togepi was getting hungry itself so it walked closer to Squirtle, who agreed to share his food with, to the Egg Pokémon's delight. "After they'll finish eating, you should take them to the Pokémon Center," Emma said as she stood up.

"Okay," Ash said before they heard his stomach. Emma looked at him and he blushed as he rubbed the back of his head. She chuckled before nodding to the kitchen, "The food is on the table." Ash grinned and quickly walked toward the kitchen as he called, "You the best!"

Emma watched him go in amusement before looking down at her Pikachu as she and the male Pikachu shared a bowl. She smiled and then walked to the kitchen to eat with Ash.

He was sitting at the table and started eating. Emma sat in front of him, "So tomorrow's battlefield is ice field," she pointed out. "Yeah, I guess my opponent will use an Ice type Pokémon, so I guess I will use Squirtle and Kingler," Ash said.

After Ash and his Pokémon finished eating, he took them to the Pokémon Center to get treated. Emma joined him on the walk there, "Since your Mom and my parents didn't had the chance to buy some souvenirs, want to come with me after that to buy something?"

"Well, I guess I don't have a choose on that," Ash said. Emma chuckled, "It's fun," she said, "I could find something for your Mom, if you don't like looking for something for her."

They slowed to a stop in front of the Pokémon Center when the doors opened to show Gary walking out. "Gary?" Emma asked as he looked at them. Gary smiled a small smile as he looked at her, "Hey Em." He smirked when he looked at Ash, "Ashy boy."

Ash glared at him as Emma spoke, "Where you heading off to?" she asked. "Heading to have dinner, want to join?" Gary asked. "Oh, we already eat," Emma said and looked at Ash, "Um, you should get in, I'll be right there."

Ash gave a small nod, "Okay." He walked past Gary and inside. Emma looked at Gary, "Um... I didn't get the chance to apologize..." she trailed off. "About not been at my battles?" Gary asked and she nodded slightly, "Nah, it's fine, your family was here, so you were with them, I get it." He raised an eyebrow, "I was a bit surprised when I saw you there for Ash instead with them."

Emma rubbed the back of her head, "Well... um..." She blinked then, "Wait, were you there for Ash's battles?" she asked. "I just stopped by to see if he already lost," Gary said as he smirked, "I was surprised to see he won, but then again, both of his matches were too easy. I won't be surprised if he'll lose tomorrow or the day after."

Emma frowned, "Do you have to say that? Why can't you be a little more nicer to him?" she asked. "Why should I?" Gary asked suddenly, which made Emma blink. "Well... you two were friends before... right?" she asked. "That was then, now it's different," Gary said.

"What, because you competing for the Pokémon League?" Emma asked with a frown, "If you ask me, it's not fair to throw your friendship away just because of that." Gary stared at her as he spoke, "It's not just the Pokémon League we competing for."

Emma blinked but before she could say anything Gary started walking past her, "I'll see you hopefully tomorrow." She watched him leave, "What he meant by that?" she muttered in confusion, but it seemed like her female Pikachu understood.

"Pika..." the female mouse said as she watched him leave and sighed as she looked at her trainer as Emma turned around and walked into the Pokémon Center.

It was the day of the third battle, and Ash was now in the middle of the second round with Kingler against a trainer named Pete Pebbleman from Pewter City with his Cloyster. Emma, Misty and Brock were sitting behind Ash on the bench.

"Now we waiting for this third round match between Pallet Town Ash Ketchum and Pewter City Pete Pebbleman to continue! Both trainers have already won one battle each, and even though we are on the Ice field, this match is really heating up!"

"Kingler, Crabhammer attack!"

"Cloyster, use Withdraw now!"

Cloyster closed its shell, helping it defend itself from Kingler's barrage of Crabhammers.

"And it looks like Kingler's Crabhammers attack is completely unaffected against Cloyster's rock-hard shell!"

"Oh no, if Kingler gets worn out, I'll have to switch Pokémon," Ash said. Misty stood up, "Wait Ash!" Ash looked over at her and she continued, "Cloyster should be losing hit point too!"

"That's right," Brock said. "Hang in there like Kingler!" Emma said. "All right," Ash said as he turned back, "Just keep hammering there Kingler!" Kingler was getting exhausted but with its trainer's encouragement, it kept hitting Cloyster with its Crabhammer until Cloyster's shell finally cracked, knocking it out.

"Oh no!" Pete said as the crowd cheered. "Cloyster is unable to battle, victory to Kingler!" the referee called as he held the green flag. Pete looked annoyed and he held a Poké ball, "Cloyster, return!"

"Ketchum's Kingler's crushing Crabhammer cracked up Cloyster! Now with just one Pokémon left, will Pebbleman choose an Ice type or a Water Type?"

Pete held a Poké ball and threw it, "Go, Arcanine!" His Arcanine was released.

"And a big surprise! Pebbleman chose Arcanine, a Fire Type Pokémon!"

Ash smirked, "All right, Kingler is a Water Pokémon, this should be easy. Kingler, Bubble!" he called. Kingler sprayed a foam of bubbles from its mouth toward Arcanine, but it dodged the attack.

"Arcanine, good job, now show them your Dragon Rage attack!" Pete called. Arcanine throwed back its head and howled to launch a swirling twister of energy, the water from under the ice broke free and created a whirlpool, heading straight toward Kingler. It was thrown inside as Ash and his friends watched in shock, and then it was thrown out, lying on the icy floor.

"Are you okay, Kingler? Try to get up!" Ash called. Kingler stood up but it seemed to be already beaten up. "Oh no, poor Kingler doesn't seem like it can battle anymore," Emma said. "Dragon Rage, I never expected that," Brock said. "Do something quick Ash, call Kingler back and use another Pokémon," Misty said.

Ash held Kingler's Poke ball, "Okay, Kingler, return!" Kingler went back into its Poke ball, and Ash looked down at his yellow partner, "Pikachu, it's all up to you now." Pikachu nodded, "Pika-chu." He jumped up Ash's shoulder and down into the icy floor.

"Let's confuse Arcanine with your Agility!" Ash called. Pikachu started to run forward on all fours, leaping from side to side, and started running around Arcanine, confusing it.

"Pikachu on ice preforming some very cool move!"

"Arcanine, Fire Blast!" Pete said. Arcanine did as told, shooting fire on an ice rock, which Pikachu avoided. Ash smirked, "We too fast for it." Pete now smirked, "Maybe so, but it's too bad your only chance of winning just melted away." That took Ash by surprise, and they watched as Arcanine kept blasting fire, which now melted the ice field.

"I don't get it, what's Arcanine doing?" Misty asked. "It's trying to stop Pikachu by using Fire Blast to melt the all ice field," Brock said. Pikachu stopped on a small ice block, facing Arcanine who was on a bigger ice block.

"This is unbelievable! The all field is melted down to two little ice blocks!"

"Oh no," Ash said. "Pika-Pi..." the male Pikachu trailed off worriedly, not knowing what to do now.

"With no where to go, Pikachu is trapped! It can't use its Agility!"

"Arcanine, just one more Fire Blast!" Pete called with a smirk. "Quick Ash, tell Pikachu to take a dive under water!" Emma called as Arcanine was getting ready to fire. "Pikachu, dive in!" Ash called. Arcanine shot fire blast but Pikachu was quick to listen and jumped into the water and a moment after appeared in front of Arcanine.

"All right," Brock said as they smiled. "Now, Pikachu can shock Arcanine," Emma said. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack, now!" Ash called. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, shocking Arcanine, which then it fell into the water.

"Arcanine!" Pete called worriedly and they saw it floating, unconscious. "Arcanine is unable to battle, the victory goes to Ash Ketchum!" the referee called as he held the green flag, as the crowd cheered loudly.

"We did it! We won our third-round match!" Ash said with a grin. "All right!" Misty called as they smiled. The male Pikachu jumped out of the water and ran to his trainer. Ash laughed as he held out his arms, and Pikachu jumped on.

Emma looked at Misty, "Maybe I should have competed in the League," she said. "Yeah, you should have, but you can the next time," Misty said. Emma chuckled as she looked at Ash and his Pikachu as Togepi and her Pikachu joined, "Nah, I think I'll stick with counseling," she joked and she, Misty and Brock laughed.

Chapter Text

Today was the fourth battle, and Emma decided that since there's a lot more time for Ash's grass field battle, she will finally go to see Gary's rock field battle which will start really soon.

Later in the morning, she walked into the cabin to greet her friends and told them about Gary's battle. "So you want to go and see him?" Misty asked. "Well, he wanted me to come and watch him battle, but I didn't go before. I thought since it's his fourth battle, I should go and see," Emma said, "Thought maybe you guys will join me."

"Sure, I'm in," Brock said. "Yeah," Misty said but Ash didn't say anything yet and just sat on the couch. "Ash? You coming?" Emma asked. "I guess so," he muttered. Emma looked at Misty and Brock, and the redhead guessed she wanted to talk to him alone so she grabbed Brock's arm, "Let's go, we'll see you and Ash there then, Em," she said as she dragged Brock out.

Emma looked back at Ash, "You know, Gary was there at your matches," she said. Ash looked at her in surprise, "He was?" he asked. "Yeah," she said with a nod, "So, we should go to his last battlefield to watch him battle, don't you think?"

Ash frowned, "He must have came 'cause he thought I was gonna lose," he said. Emma froze but quickly shook it off, "Uh, no! He came 'cause, uh, he wanted to support you." Ash stared at her, clearly not believing that.

Emma tilted her head with a small smile, "Come on, I don't want to go without you, I was there for you on all three matches, and I'll be there for the fourth, let's go together to see Gary's last match." Emma reached over and took his hand, tugging it so he could stand up. "Please?"

Ash let out a sigh and stood up, "Okay," he said as the Pikachu watched them with a smile. The two mouses ran to the door and their trainers followed slower, still holding hands.

Ash, Emma, Misty and Brock were sitting together in the crowd, watching Gary battling against a trainer named Melissa, both trainers were down with only one Pokémon each; Gary with his Nidoking, and Melissa with Golem.

Nidoking is a large, bipedal, purple Pokémon with distinct reptilian features. It has narrow eyes, large, spiny ears, fur-like tufts on its cheeks, and a short snout filled with pointed teeth. There is a long, venomous horn on its forehead and a ridge of spines down its back. Gray plates cover its chest and belly, and there is a gray, rounded spine on each elbow. Each hand has three claws, while each foot has only a single hoof-like nail. It has a long, powerful tail.

Golem is a bipedal tortoise-like Pokémon with a spherical body covered by a shell of plated, green rocks. Its head protrudes from the center of the shell. The head has a flat snout with two pointed teeth in the lower jaw and red eyes. It has short arms that have three claws and two legs with feet that have four claws in front and one in back. The head and limbs are light brown in color.

"Now Gary and Melissa are down with just one Pokémon each, whoever wins this battle wins the match!"

"Will Gary win?" Misty muttered. "I hope so," Emma said. "Togy," Togepi said. "Pika," the female mouse muttered, sitting on Misty's lap. "That Melissa is pretty tough," Brock pointed out as Ash stared down at the field.

"Nidoking, Horn Attack!" Gary called. Nidoking ran forward, aiming his horn straight to Golem, but it caught his horn in its hand and held him up. "Golem, Seismic Toss!" Melissa called.

Golem jumped into the air while still holding Nidoking by his horn. It pointed Nidoking to the ground as they fell, having Nidoking hit the ground first. They stared in shock as the sand cleared to reveal Nidoking unconscious. "Victory goes to Melissa!" the referee called as he held the green flag, as the crowd cheered besides Gary's cheerleaders (who were crying for Gary's lost), Emma and her friends.

"She done it! Melissa has won the match!"

"I can't believe it," Ash said. "Gary lost," Emma said sadly. Soon she found Gary leaving the battlefield and decided to follow him. His cheerleaders followed, still sad and upset by Gary's defeat.

Emma saw Gary walking toward the red car and his cheerleaders walked closer. Emma ran over, "Gary?" she asked and he turned to her. He looked sad but quickly smiled slightly, "Hey, glad you made it to my battle," he said, "All though my three other battles were much better."

The female Pikachu jumped to sit on Emma's shoulder as the girl frowned, "Are you okay?" she asked. "Now that I see you, then yeah, I'm good," he said and she blinked. She rubbed the back of her head and then put a soft small smile, "I'm sorry that you lost the battle, but you and your Pokémon battled really hard."

"Thanks," Gary said and then gave a soft scoff, "That trainer was lucky that I was distracted by you." Emma blinked again, surprised by that and blushed slightly before she quickly shook it off. She cleared her throat, "So, what are you gonna do now?"

"Head back home, and then we'll see," Gary answered, "Later Em." He got into the car and the woman that was in the driver seat drove off. Emma blinked, "He says weird stuff and then just takes off," she muttered. Togepi was looking to the side, smiling, "Togy."

Emma and Pikachu followed its gaze to see Ash kneeling down in front of his Pikachu so she walked closer. "Think we should quit while we ahead?" he asked. The male Pikachu held up his paws, "Pika-chu."

"No way," Emma said as her Pikachu jumped to stand next to the male mouse. Ash stood up, "Emma," he said. Emma smiled, "Listen up Ash, you are a great trainer, and as long as I'm around, you not even gonna think about quitting, got it?" Ash smiled and gave a small nod, "Got it."

"Good, 'cause I believe in you, so are Togepi and our Pikachu, right guys?" Emma asked as she looked down at the Pokémon, which they nodded in agreement. Ash smiled and Emma took his hand in hers, "Now come on, your fourth and last battle in gonna happen soon, we should get there." She tugged on his hand, pulling him away with the Pikachu following.

Ash's battle was about to start, and Misty, Emma and Brock were with him outside. Ash suddenly stopped and turned to his friends, "This time I want to go out there alone with Pikachu," he said. Emma, Misty and Brock were surprised by that. "Are you sure?" Emma asked and he nodded, "Yep."

"Not even with Emma?" Misty asked teasingly as she raised an eyebrow. Ash gave her a look and opened his mouth but Emma cut in, "Okay. Well, we'll be in the crowd, cheering on for you."

"Yeah, good luck Ash, we believe in you," Brock said. "Thanks you guys," Ash said with a smile. Misty and Brock started to walk away while Emma stayed behind. She looked at him with a smile, "Last chance to take it back; you sure you want me to be at the crowd instead with you? I am your lucky charm and one of your coaches."

Ash chuckled, "Yeah, I'm sure." The doors opened and they heard the crowd cheering. "Okay, good luck out there, you got this," Emma said and leaned closer, kissing his cheek. Ash blushed again as she pulled away. She chuckled and winked, "Since it's your last battle, I figured a good luck kiss was needed like I did in your first battle." With that said, she turned around and ran away. Ash blinked and smiled, he then turned to the doors and walked out in determination with Pikachu.

Emma caught up with Misty and Brock and the trio went to sit together in the crowd. The crowd around them cheered as the host spoke through the mics.

"Our next trainers are coming up to the grass field for the fourth round!" They watched as Ash stepped up to the green side. "The green trainer's Pallet Town, Ash Ketchum!"

The crowd cheered loudly for him, and Ash's friends smiled. "Look at everyone cheering for him," Emma said proudly. "Yeah," Misty agreed. Togepi cheered on Emma's lap, "Togy! Togy!"

"Togepi is Ash's main cheerleader," Misty said with smile. "Ash can't lose with Togepi by his side cheering for him," Brock said with a chuckle. "You know, I was kinda hoping he will let us coach him from the side-line like we did before, or at least Emma," Misty said. "He wants to prove he can do it by himself," Emma said.

"If I was Ash, I would choose Bulbasaur to battle on a grass field like this," Misty said. "Me too," Brock agreed. "Same," Emma said. Misty frowned, "Who's he battling against?" she asked. "Someone named Jeanette Fisher," Emma answered.

Brock frowned, "She must be pretty tough to make it this far." Emma frowned at him, "Well, Ash tough too. He'll win, I'm sure of it." Her Pikachu who was sitting on Misty's lap, nodded, "Pika-chu."

"And now, the red trainer coming out to the field!" A red carpet was thrown out, and a pretty young woman walked out. "Jeanette Fisher from Crimson City!"

"Huh?" Misty and Emma asked together. Brock blushed, "She sure knows how to make an entrance." They noticed a few cheerleaders not far from them, cheering for Jeanette. "Oh great, another cheerleaders squad," Emma said sarcastically.

"Jeanette has a lot more cheerleaders that cheering for her, while Ash only has the three of us here cheering for him," Misty muttered. "Yeah, she should win," Brock said suddenly, still gazing at the young woman.

Misty, Emma and her Pikachu glared at him. "Which side you on?!" Misty snapped. "Pika-chu!" the female Pikachu said. "You supposed to be cheering for Ash, traitor!" Emma snapped as Brock looked at them nervously.

"And it looks like our opponents are ready to face off!"

The bell rang and Ash threw a Poké ball, "I choose you, Bulbasaur!" The Seed Pokémon was released and Jeanette held her Poké ball, "My Pokémon should create quite a buzz. Go, Beedrill!" She threw her Poké ball and released her Beedrill.

"She doesn't look so tough, does she?" Misty asked. "You'll never know," Brock said. "Tough or not, Ash will win," Emma muttered. "Togy," the Egg Pokémon said.

"Beedrill, Tackle attack!" Jeanette called. Beedrill flew toward Bulbasaur, but before it could hit him, the Seed Pokémon dodged. "Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf!" Ash called. "Beedrill, counter attack Bulbasaur with Twineedle now!" Jeanette called.

Bulbasaur used the attack, but Beedrill dodged as it flew closer, and it tired to hit him with the large stingers on its arms, but Bulbasaur kept dodging. "Poison Sting!" Jeanette called. Beedrill aimed its body stinger toward Bulbasaur and tried to hit him but he kept dodging.

"I hope Jeanette doesn't have another Pokémon like that Beedrill," Misty said. Brock blushed, "I just hope she doesn't have a boyfriend," he said. Emma looked up with a sigh while Misty glared at him. "Well, there's no way that boyfriend is gonna be you, Mister!" Misty snapped and Emma blinked at her.

"Bulbasaur, Leech Seed!" Ash called. Bulbasaur jumped backward and a seed sprouted from his bulb, which shooted out to Beedrill's sting. It got wrapped in thin vines and leaves that restrained it. The vines and leaves then glow red and suck Beedrill's energy. Jeanette gasped, "No!"

"Yes!" Emma said as she and Misty smiled. "Look, the Leech Seed sucking out Beedrill's energy," Misty said. Brock looked slightly disappointed, "Yeah, I see," he said as Togepi was staring at him with, for the first time, a frown, "Togy, Togy," it said, clearly not happy that he wasn't cheering for Ash.

Misty, Emma and her Pikachu looked at Brock in annoyance. "You supposed to be cheering for Ash! Not Jeanette!" Misty snapped, making Brock lean away in surprise.

"Bulbasaur, Tackle attack!" Ash called. Bulbasaur tackled Beedrill, making it fell backward into the grass, unconscious. "Beedrill is out of the match!" the referee called as he held the green flag, as the crowd cheered loudly.

"Yes," Ash said with a smirk while Jeanette looked annoyed. "Way the go, Ash!" Emma called as she, Togepi, the female Pikachu and Misty cheered, while Brock smiled. Jeanette's cheerleaders were cheering for her, which made Emma annoyed. Misty was also annoyed as she comment, "They acting like Jeanette's the one who is in the lead."

"Cheering won't help if she'll keep picking the wrong Pokémon," Emma said as Togepi jumped down to open Emma's backpack and looked inside. Pikachu looked down at it, "Pi?" she asked as she tilted her head. "Ash will be ready no matter what she pick," Brock said.

Togepi pulled out of Emma's backpack, holding a green flag with a smile, "Togy." Pikachu smiled as the Egg Pokémon waved the flag. Emma looked down at Togepi and smiled as she picked it back up and set it down on her lap. "You keep cheering Ash on, Togepi," she said. Togepi smiled as it jumped up and down, waving the green flag, "Togy, Togy! Togepry!"

The male Pikachu glanced up to the crowd and smiled when he spotted the rest of the group, "Pika." Ash glanced up to them and smiled slightly when he saw Togepi waving the green flag, and then looked back to the field as Jeanette returned her Beedrill into its Poké ball.

Jeanette held out another Poké ball, "This one won't be so easy!" She threw the Poké ball, "Go, Scyther!" she called, releasing her Scyther. "Wow, do you think Ash is ready for Scyther?" Misty asked. "Maybe," Brock said. "My Scyther looks bigger," Emma muttered, "And looks stronger than hers." The female Pikachu smirked and nodded, "Pika."

"Let the battle begin!" the referee called as he held both flags. "Scyther, use Slash now!" Jeanette called. Scyther flew closer to Bulbasaur, repeatedly trying to strike its scythes on him, but he dodged. "Now Scyther, Swift!"

Scyther repeatedly slashed the air and it fired green crescent energy rays from its blades at Bulbasaur, but he kept dodging, but he got hit twice. "Bulbasaur, Vine Whip!" Ash called and he did as told, but Scyther kept using Swift, so the vines didn't get to it. "Good job, Scyther, now Double Team!" Jeanette said.

Scyther landed on the grass, and two copies of itself appeared around. "Oh no," Misty muttered. Jeanette smirked while her annoying cheerleaders were cheering for her. Ash thought for a moment, "Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!"

Bulbasaur threw his vines forward to the middle, but it turned out that that Scyther was a copy. "Try the left one!" Ash called and Bulbasaur threw his vines to the left side, but it was a copy too and the real Scyther was in the right side. It flew forward and hit Bulbasaur backward, but he stood on his feet quickly.

"Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf now!" Ash called. Bulbasaur did as told but Scyther dodged. Bulbasaur used Vine Whip, but Scyther dodged again and used Double Team to come on all sides. "Oh no, Bulbasaur, look out!" Ash called but before the Seed Pokémon could do anything, the copies and Scyther itself knocked him up into the air.

"Bulbasaur! Use your Vine Whip against all three!" Ash called. Bulbasaur used his Vine Whip, hitting the two copies and making them disappear before hitting the real Scyther hard, making it fell backward and down into the grass, knocking it out.

"Scyther has been defeated!" the referee called as he held the green flag as a victory, and the crowd cheered. "Yay," Emma said as Togepi jumped up and down, waving the green flag happily.

"Ash figured out that Scyther's Double Team attack left it twice weak on defense," Brock said. "And he did it on his own," Misty said. "I guess Ash can handle a match without our help," Brock said. "That means he grew up since he started," Emma said. Misty smirked as she nudged her friend's arm, "And he's becoming attractive for you for a while, huh?"

Emma blushed brightly and Misty chuckled. Emma cleared her throat as she shook her head, "Anyway, now Jeanette has only one Pokémon left, so when Ash wins the next battle, he'll win the match," she said. Togepi smiled and held up the green flag, "Togy! Togy!" Pikachu held up her paw, "Pika-chu!"

"Go Ash," Brock said with a nod. Jeanette returned Scyther into its Poké ball with a thoughtful look. Ash grinned and he looked down at his Pikachu, "Two down, one to go." The male mouse nodded with a smile, "Pika!"

"Jeanette is down with her last Pokémon!"

"Come on Ash, only one Pokémon and you win the match," Emma said. "She must have saved her strongest Pokémon for last," Misty pointed out. "Whatever it is, he can beat her," Emma said. Misty smirked, "You have a lot of confident in your man." Emma gave her a look and the redhead girl just smiled innocently.

"Togy, Togy!" the Egg Pokémon said with a smile. "Ash definitely shows he has confidence he can beat any Pokémon Jeanette picks," Brock said.

Ash smirked, "It's victory time," he said to his yellow partner as he jumped to sit on his shoulder. "Pika," Pikachu said with a nod, smirking as well. Jeanette threw the last Poké ball, "Go, Bellsprout!" She called. "Bellsprout?!" Emma asked as she and her friends looked confused. "Huh?" Misty asked. "Wow," Brock said.

Bellsprout is a plant-based Pokémon with a stem-like brown body. There is a single green leaf on each side of its body. It has a yellow bell-shaped head with what appear to be pink lips at the end and beady black eyes. Its roots resemble feet.

"Why would she save a Bellsprout to battle last?" Ash asked in confusion before letting out a chuckle, "Unless she ran out of strong Pokémon, and doesn't have anything left but little Bellsprout."

"This looks like a desperation move by young Fisher."

Jeanette let out a smirk, "Bellsprout, get ready," she said. "Bulbasaur, get set," Ash called with a smirk. "Go!" the referee called as he held up the two flags. "Bulbasaur, Tackle attack!" Ash called. Bulbasaur ran toward Bellsprout, but the Flower Pokémon simply bend backward, making Bulbasaur hit the grass.

Ash and his Pikachu looked surprised. Emma, Misty and Brock looked surprised as well. "W--What happened?" Misty asked as Jeanette's cheerleaders were cheering for Bellsprout.

Bulbasaur looked at Bellsprout in annoyance and ran toward it to Tackle it, but it grabbed him and spined around before throwing him to the grass. "Bulbasaur!" Ash called before muttering, "I can't believe what's happening."

"It looked like the match was over, but Bellsprout rushed into action!"

"That Bellsprout absorbed Bulbasaur's attacks and send them back against him," Brock explained. "Oh," Misty muttered. They watched as Bellsprout walked closer to Bulbasaur, and it grabbed his leg and threw him back and forth on the grass before throwing him toward Ash's side, making him hit into the green stand wall, and slid to the grass.

"Bulbasaur is out of the match!" the referee called as he held up the red flag. The crowd cheered besides Emma, Togepi, the female Pikachu, Misty and Brock. Ash looked down at Bulbasaur worriedly, "Oh no," he muttered before returning Bulbasaur to his Poké ball, "Thanks Bulbasaur, you get a good rest." He looked at his Pikachu, "Pikachu, let's go."

Pikachu nodded with determination, "Pika-chu." He jumped down on the grass. "Yes, Pikachu should win without a doubt," Misty said with a grin while Brock and Emma looked worried. "No problem," Brock said. "Yeah..." Emma said, I hope so.

"Let the battle begin!" the referee called as he held up both the flags. "Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" Ash called. Pikachu did as told but Bellsprout dodged them easily. Jeanette smiled smugly, "Razor Leaf now."

Bellsprout launched two razor sharp leaves from the two large leaves on its stem and Pikachu managed to dodge, making them hit two large rocks from behind Pikachu, cutting them to half.

"Pikachu, fire Thunderbolt attack!" Ash called. Pikachu did so, releasing a powerful bolt of yellow electricity from his body at Bellsprout, hitting it. "That's it, it's all over," Ash said with a smirk. Pikachu stopped but Bellsprout didn't look harmed at all.

Jeanette chuckled before she explained, "Bellsprout's legs are like a pair of tiny tiny lighting rods. Those Electric attacks won't work on it, Ash," she said smugly. "What? No way," Ash said. Emma and her friends looked worried. "If Pikachu's Thunderbolt attack is no good, Ash is in big trouble," Misty said.

"Ash better think fast," Brock said. "Hang in there, Pikachu," Ash called. Pikachu's confused expression disappeared, and he held out his arms, remembering when Ash taught him how to fight with his paws before. Then he jumped all on four and ran closer to Bellsprout, before jumping up and down to hit it with his tail, but the Flower Pokémon dodged.

The male mouse tried to punch and box-kick Bellsprout but it kept dodging, until it finally slam him in the head hard, which made Pikachu fell on the grass. "Pikachu is out of the match!" the referee called as he held up the red flag, and the crowd cheered. Ash didn't care about that and jumped ran over to pull Pikachu into his arms.

"And it's official! Bellsprout took down both Bulbasaur and Pikachu! Now it's a tie!"

"What Pokémon Ash will use now?" Emma muttered as Misty and Brock talked with each other before someone spoke to the trio, "Sorry we so late." They looked over to see Delia and Professor Oak walking closer to sit next to them. "Delia, Professor Oak," Emma said.

"I wanted to come back as soon as I could to cheer for Ash, and Professor Oak wanted to join in," Delia said as she and Professor Oak sat next to Emma. "Uh, did you know that your grandson lost?" Brock asked. "Yes, I know," Professor Oak said with a nod, "It will do Gary good to see every road has a few bumps along the way."

Delia smiled as she called out, "Win this one for your mother, honey!" she said. "Now that Gary is out of the competition, everyone in Pallet Town is counting on you!" Professor Oak called. Misty and Emma exchanged a look. "They supposed to be cheering Ash on, not put more pressure on him," Misty said. "Tell me about it," Emma agreed.

"Bellsprout, just one more win!" Jeanette called with a smile and the Flower Pokémon nodded. The male Pikachu was looking down while sitting on the green stand with his trainer while the boy was holding another Poké ball, closing his eyes.

"Now we'll see if Ketchum has the Pokémon he needs to defeat Jeanette's unbelievable Bellsprout!"

Ash opened his eyes with determination and threw the Poké ball, "I choose you!" His Pokémon was released and to Emma and her friends surprise, it was Muk. "He got Muk into his team?" Emma asked. "I didn't knew that," Misty said.

"Ash thought he might need Muk during his match, so he called me yesterday and asked me to transport it here," Professor Oak explained, "He knew Muk has an advantage over Grass Type Pokémon."

Emma smiled, "Wow, he actually thought this through," she said and looked at Togepi, "Well, Togepi, Ash is definitely gonna win." The Egg Pokémon jumped up and down with a smile as it waved the green flag, "Togy! Togepry!"

"Okay, ready Muk?" Ash called. "Muk!" the Sludge Pokémon said. "Begin!" the referee called as he held both flags up. "All right Bellsprout, Slam!" Jeanette called. Bellsprout ran closer to slam its feet on Muk, but it didn't do anything to it and the Flower Pokémon just got stuck in Muk's body.

"The tables has been turn on Jeanette's Bellsprout! Now Muk is absorbing Bellsprout's attacks!"

Bellsprout pushed itself out of Muk and used Slam on Muk but the Sludge Pokémon didn't seem to get harm by it. The Flower Pokémon then grabbed it and threw it on the grass, but Muk still wasn't hurt. "Keep it up, Muk!" Ash called, "You doing great!"

Bellsprout then used Razor Leaf, and it hit Muk's body but the Sludge Pokémon simply pushed the leaves out. "Okay, Muk, time for a Body Slam attack!" Ash called. Muk slid over to Bellsprout and then covered its body with its own before the Flower Pokémon could ran away.

"Bellsprout!" Jeanette called. Bellsprout tried to get out of Muk by kicking it but then it stopped. Everyone watched and waited for a moment. Muk then moved away, revealing Bellsprout unconscious. "Bellsprout is out of the match, the fourth round victory goes to green trainer Ash Ketchum!" the referee called as he held the green flag.

The crowd cheered loudly, and Ash grinned as he held up his fist, "Yeah!" he called. "Pika-chu!" the male Pikachu called happily. "Togy! Togepry!" Togepi called happily as it waved the green flag. Delia, Emma, Misty, Professor Oak and Brock clapped. "I'm so proud of him," Delia said. "All right!" Emma called.

"I can't believe Ash won all fourth fields," Misty said with a smile. "That was his best match," Brock said. Ash ran toward Muk, "We did it, Muk!" he said. The Sludge Pokémon turned to him and smiled as it embraced him, covering his body with its own, making him laugh as he fell on the grass.

"Now I understand how that Bellsprout felt," he said as his Pikachu ran closer and laughed, "Pika!" Professor Oak laughed, "That Muk can sure smuggle you with affection!"

"That was a great battle, well done Ash," Alex said with a smile. Ash was talking on the phone booth with him, along side with Emma while the others were waiting outside. "Thanks," Ash said with a grin.

"And now you up in the Indigo Stadium, we'll do our best to come and cheer you on," Alex said. "Thanks, I hope you guys could make it," Ash said. "Say 'hi' to everyone from us, Dad," Emma said. "Will do, we'll keep in touch," Alex said before they hung up.

The two walked out and Misty smiled, "Well, you didn't do too bad out there Ash," she said. "Thanks," Ash said. "But if it wasn't for Muk, you would be out of luck," Misty said. Muk smiled and wrapped itself around the redhead, making her yelp and try to get away as her friends, the Pokémon, Delia and Professor Oak laughed.

Chapter Text

A little later after Ash's victory and getting the Pokémon Ash used treated in the Pokémon Center, Emma and her friends were now in their cabin, in their shared room. "You know, I'm kinda hungry," Misty said. "Me too," Emma agreed. "We should go out and have a big meal to celebrate Ash's big victory," Brock said.

"I'm in!" Ash said with a grin. "Togy, Togy!" the Egg Pokémon said, jumping up and down. The four friends grabbed their backpack and walked out to head downstairs. At the front door, they met up with Delia and Professor Oak. "Mom, Professor Oak," Ash said.

"We were just about to go out to eat," Emma said. "Wonderful, I wanted to make Ash's favorite meal," Delia said. "Really?" Ash asked with a smile but then frowned, "But where?" Delia smiled, "Leave that to me."

She took the kids and Professor Oak to a restaurant, which she then went into the kitchen herself and started to make the meal herself instead of the restaurant cooks, who merely looked at her in confusion.

Emma, her friends and Professor Oak just stared at her. "This is... unusual," Emma said. "Our customers don't come here to cook," the chef said. Delia smiled, "Well, maybe they should try it. Ash, lunch almost ready."

"Can't wait," Ash muttered, slightly embarrassed. "This should be very good or very bad," Misty muttered with a sigh. After a few minutes, the group were sitting on a table, with delicious looking food. "Wow!" Emma said.

"Well, how does it look?" Delia asked with a smile. "It looks great!" Emma and her friends answered together, which the Pikachu and Togepi agreed, and they all started to dig in. "You know Ash, if you win the next battle, you then be allowed to use up to six Pokémon for match," Professor Oak explained, "Have you decided which Pokémon you choose?"

"Mmm. I thought I'll wait to see who I'm up against first, then I'll decide," Ash said. "Tomorrow it will be decided who everybody battles," Brock said. Professor Oak nodded and looked back at Ash, "Don't forget to let me know if you need anymore Pokémon. Just call me and I'll transport them to you right away." Ash smiled, "Thanks Professor."

After lunch, the group was heading out to the hallway. Just when Ash stepped around the corner first, a little girl that was running bumped into him and she fell back on the floor. "Oh! Are you okay?" Ash asked and helped her up into her feet. "Pika-chu?" the male Pikachu asked her if she was okay too.

"Yeah, I'm sorry, I wasn't looking," the little girl said. "Lisa!" a boy that around Emma, Ash and Misty's age ran closer, "Are you okay?" He looked at Ash, "Sorry about my sister." Lisa looked up at the female and male Pikachu with excitement as Ash and his friends smiled at the boy. "No worries," Ash said.

"Ritchie, look! They have Pikachu!" Lisa said with a big smile as she pointed up at the two mouses, "Can I please pet them?" Ash and Emma smiled at her. "Sure," Emma said. "Yeah, go on," Ash said as the Pikachu jumped to the floor as they smiled. Lisa kneeled down and petted them on the heads.

Ash looked at Ritchie, "The name's Ash, and those are my friends, Emma, Misty and Brock, my Mom, Delia, and this is Professor Oak," he said. "I'm Ritchie, and this is my little sister, Lisa," Ritchie said. Lisa stood up as she looked up at them, "Are you all going to have lunch?"

"We just finished eating," Misty said with a smile. "Oh, that's too bad, then I could have played with the Pikachu a little," Lisa said, pouting sadly. Ash chuckled, "Maybe we'll see you two around, and then you'll have the chance to do that," he said. Lisa smiled, "Yayy."

Ritchie chuckled, "Come on, Lis, let's grab something to eat," he said before looking at them, "Hope we get to see you guys again, bye." Ash nodded, "See ya." Ritchie took his sister's hand and leaded her past them as the little girl waved, "Bye-bye." The group started to walk away as Misty comment, "Aw, she's so cute."

Emma, Ash and Brock were outside shops, waiting for Misty and Delia on the benches. "This is taking forever," Brock said as Togepi finally fell asleep in Ash's arms. "We should have gone with Professor Oak to the Pokémon Center," Ash said. "We could go, you know," Emma said.

"When are you gonna compete?"

The trio looked over in surprise to see Lisa and Ritchie walking close by as they talked with each other. "Tomorrow is my fifth round, so remember, while I'm out there, you gonna be waiting at the doors with one of my Pokémon, okay?" Ritchie asked. "Okay," Lisa said with a smile.

Ash handed Togepi to Emma and stood up, "Hey, Ritchie!" The siblings looked over and smiled. "Hey, guys!" Ritchie said. "Pikachu!" Lisa called, and both the male and female Pikachu jumped down and ran closer to the girl so she can pet them again. Ash, Emma and Brock walked closer.

"Are you in the Indigo League like me?" Ash asked. Ritchie nodded, "Yep, I won on my ice field this morning," he said. "That's great," Emma said as they smiled. "Thanks, all though to be honest, at the first round, I was a bit nervous, I didn't even think I could win," Ritchie admitted.

Brock chuckled, "Don't worry, Ash was nervous at his first round too," he said. Lisa took the Pikachu into her arms as she stood up and looked up at Ash, "Can I play with the Pikachu now?"

"Yeah," Ash said with a nod. "Yay!" Lisa said with a grin and ran to the park with the Pikachu, and the others slowly followed. "She sure has a lot of energy," Emma said with a chuckle. Brock chuckled, "Yeah, she reminds me of my siblings."

Emma stopped when they got inside the park, "Wait. I should go and tell Misty and Delia that we at the park," she said and stepped back, "I'll be back in a minute." She walked back to the shops before Ash could stop her.

Ritchie watched Emma leaving before turning to Ash as he tilted his head, "Your girlfriend, right?" he asked. Ash looked surprised, "What?" He blushed, "Uh... No." He rubbed the back of his head while Brock raised an eyebrow in amusement.

Emma reached to the clothes shop when a female voice spoke up behind her, "Excuse me?" She turned around to see a woman in a dress and glasses with a long blonde hair. "Uh, can I help you ma'am?" she asked with a frown.

"I was hoping so, have you seen my little Meowth?" the woman asked. Emma blinked, "Uh... no, sorry," she said. "Oh dear, I've been looking everywhere and it just gone, what if something happened to it?" the woman asked as Togepi suddenly woke up. "Togy?" it asked, blinking as it looked up at the woman.

Emma rubbed the back of her head as she glanced at the shop before at the sad woman, "Well... uh, where did you last saw it?" she asked. "I was with it right around that corner," the woman said as she pointed at around the gift shop next to the clothing shop.

Emma looked over it and then up at the woman. "Will you please help me look for it?" she asked. Emma hesitated for a second before she nodded, "Okay, um, just give me a second." She opened the door and peered inside to find Misty and Delia holding clothes and enjoying their time there, "Uh, Misty?" The redhead friend looked over and smiled, "Hey! Come in, I found something that you may like."

"It will have to wait, um, I got to go and help someone, Ash and Brock are at the park with Ritchie and his sister," Emma said. "Okay," Misty said, and Emma stepped out. She then turned to the woman, "Okay, let's look for your Pokémon."

"Thank you, I'm sure my little Meowth will be very thankful for your help," the woman said and Emma started to walk with her as Ash looked over with a frown, "Who's that?"

He ran out of the park and Ritchie decided to follow to see if everything was okay, so he turned to Brock, "Brock, can you watch over Lisa for a moment?" Brock nodded, "Sure."

Ritchie nodded, "Thanks," he said and followed Ash. "Hey, Emma!" Ash called and Emma stopped to look at him as he and Ritchie stopped next to her and the frozen woman. "Where you going?" Ash asked. "Oh, um, this woman lost her Pokémon, so I'm gonna help her find it quicker," Emma answered as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Well, I could help with that," Ash said. "So am I, the more to join in the faster we'll find the Pokémon," Ritchie said. "What kind of Pokémon we looking for?" Ash asked. Emma was about to answer but the woman turned to them and smiled a somewhat a nervous smile, "Oh, there's no need for two more kids to help. One is enough."

Ash, Emma and Ritchie frowned and exchanged a confused look before looking back at the woman. "Uh, if my friends will help, it will be much faster," Emma said as she raised an eyebrow. "Oh, no, no, no need," the woman said as she placed a hand on her shoulder, "Shall we go and look?"

"Hold it," Ash said with a frown as he stepped between them and looked at them woman in suspicions, "If you have a Pokémon that is missing, and more people volunteer to help you look, then you should be accepting it, not turn it down and let only one person to help." Ritchie frowned, "Yeah, unless you hiding something and looking for trouble."

The woman froze for a moment and took a deep breath, "Oh, what the hell?" she muttered and the trio looked confused when her sweet voice changed. "Plan B!"

A Weezing floated from around the corner and used Smokescreen everywhere, which surprised Ash, Emma, Ritchie and a few people that were walking on the street, making them all cough.

The Pikachu stopped playing with Lisa as they saw what was happening and ran out of the park to find their trainers. "Hey, what's going on?" Lisa asked Brock before the two followed.

"What's going on?!" Ritchie asked as the smoke slowly disappeared. Misty and Delia ran out of the shop to see what was happening. "Oh my, where did this came from?" Delia asked and they heard laughing.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!"

"Team Rocket!" Emma, Ash, Brock and Misty called in annoyance. "Team Rocket?" Ritchie asked, "What are they?" Ash glanced at him, "A group of bad people that steal Pokémon, and these three been trying to kidnap Emma for a while."

"Yeah, they fail every time 'cause they can't get through us," Misty taunted. "Not this time, little girl," Jessie told her as the Pikachu stood in front of the kids. "This time we are the winners," James said, "Now!"

Weezing used Smokescreen again as Arbok slid behind Jessie, Meowth and James. Everyone cough as Emma spoke, "I can't see anything!" she said. "Ash, do something!" Misty called, coughing.

Ash threw a Poké ball, "I choose you, Pidgeotto!" The Bird Pokémon was released and imminently used Gust without waiting for Ash to tell it himself. The Smoke started to disappear, but Team Rocket was no where to be found. And so was Emma, Togepi and the Pikachu.

"Oh no! They took them!" Ash said and glared at the spot Emma stood a moment before. "Look!" Misty called as a van started to speed up down the road, and Meowth peered out the window, laughing, "See ya!"

"Let's go, Pidgeotto!" Ash called and he ran after the van on foot, with Pidgeotto following. "Ash!" Misty and Brock called. "Ash! Wait!" Delia called worriedly. Ash ignored them and continued to ran while Pidgeotto flew up on top of the buildings.

"Ash, wait up!" Ash glanced behind him to see Ritchie running after him. The two ran down the road and Pidgeotto suddenly appeared in front of the van's window, surprising Team Rocket and making James turn the van to the right corner, into an alley.

Ash and Ritchie followed but they lost a sight on the van. Ash looked up at Pidgeotto, panting, "Pidgeotto, find that van!" he called and the Bird Pokémon flew forward. Ritchie panted too and looked at Ash in surprise when he ran forward. "Ash, wait!" he said and followed. "I got to find her!" Ash called back to Ritchie.

It was evening when the van was parked in the middle of the woods. Emma was tied with a rope and Togepi and the Pikachu were inside a cage together. "Now what?" she muttered in annoyance.

Outside, Pidgeotto flew up on the sky, watching Team Rocket enjoying dinner for a few seconds before flying off to tell Ash where they were.

Elsewhere, Ash and Ritchie were sitting in front of their made fire. Ash was frowning, looking thoughtful until Ritchie held out a can, "You should eat something while we waiting," he said. Ash took it, "Thanks," he said.

"I'm sure Emma is fine," Ritchie said. "I know," Ash said. "Yeah, but you still worried about her," Ritchie said. "Uh, well, she's my best friend," Ash said, "And I'm also worried about Togepi, my Pikachu and hers." Ritchie smiled, "Yeah, but you've been worried for her since before."

Ash rubbed the back of his head, "Well, uh... I just--I guess, when I see she's by herself, Team Rocket could just appear and try to get to her, you know?" Ritchie gave a small chuckle, "Yeah, I guess it's a good excuse to hid your feelings." Ash blushed, "Huh?!"

"You like her, it's pretty obvious," Ritchie said. "It is?" Ash asked as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well, the look on your face shows it," Ritchie said with a small chuckle, "You two been through a lot, huh?" Ash smiled a little, "Yeah, with Misty and Brock too. I had the three of them by my side since I started my journey, I was pretty clueless what to do then, but I've learned a lot. I still have a lot more to learn."

Ritchie nodded, "Same with me. I've been traveling with just my sister. It's just been the two of us since our parents passed away." Ash's smile faded, "Oh, sorry," he apologized, "I've lost my Dad when I was much younger, so I don't really remember him."

"Yeah, but you still got your Mom," Ritchie pointed out with a smile. "True," Ash said. "And you also got great friends that have your back," Ritchie said. Ash smiled, "You too. We friends, aren't we?" Ritchie smiled and nodded with a soft chuckle, "Yeah, I guess we are," he agreed and they both chuckled.

They then heard a cry from above, and looked up to see Pidgeotto. "Pidgeotto, did you find them?" Ash asked as the boys stood up. Pidgeotto nodded before flying off, which the boys then followed quickly.

Meanwhile, Emma was trying to get out of the rope but then decided to try and reach to one of her Poké balls, "Come on, come on, come on," she muttered. She reached to a Poké ball and let a Pokémon out, which turned out to be Poliwhirl.

"Poliwhirl?" he asked as he looked around in confusion. "Poliwhirl, help me," Emma said and the Tadpole Pokémon turned to her and walked closer to untie her. Emma smiled as she stood up, "Thanks." She turned to the cage and just when she was about to grab Scyther's Poké ball, the doors opened to show Team Rocket.

"Huh?!"

Emma glared at them while they stared at her. "Poliwhirl, Water Gun!" she said and Poliwhirl used the attack, sending the trio backward into the grass. Emma grabbed the cage and jumped out the van with Poliwhirl.

She grabbed Scyther's Poké ball and threw it, "Go, Scyther!"

"Go, Arbok!"

"Get in there too, Weezing!"

"Arbok, Poison Sting!"

"Weezing, Sludge!"

"Scyther, use Slash on Arbok! Poliwhirl, use Water Gun on Weezing!" Emma ordered and her Pokémon did as told, which made Arbok and Weezing hit their trainers, making them fell back, no one besides Poliwhirl noticed a Water Stone that James stole fell from the man's pocket and to the middle of the field.

Ash and Ritchie ran in with Pidgeotto. "Emma!" Ash said with a relief smile. Emma looked over and smiled, "What took you so long?" she asked teasingly. "Pika-Pi," the male mouse said with a smile. "Are you okay?" Ash asked. "Yeah," Emma said with a nod.

"Poliwhirl." They all looked over to see Poliwhirl picking up the Water Stone. Emma and the boys gasped. "Is that a Water Stone?!" Emma asked. "And Poliwhirl is holding it!" Ash said and Poliwhirl started glowing as Team Rocket looked over.

James gasped, "My Water Stone!" he complained. "The robber got robbed," Meowth said as Poliwhirl grow and the light disappeared to reveal Emma's Poliwhirl had evolved into a Poliwrath. "Poliwrath!" the newly evolved Tadpole Pokémon said and Ash pulled out his Dexter.

Poliwrath, the Tadpole Pokémon. Poliwrath is an excellent swimmer and its powerful muscles make its attacks extremely effective.

"Poliwrath is also a Fighting Type," Ritchie pointed out. Emma and Ash grinned, "All right!" they said together. "Poliwrath, Water Gun again!" Emma called. Poliwrath did as told, his Water Gun was stronger than it was before, and it threw Team Rocket into a tree. "Scyther, Focus Energy!" Scyther did as told, causing an explosion and making Team Rocket fly up into the sky.

"We're blasting off again!"

Later that night, Ash, Emma and Ritchie came back to town, to the relief of Professor Oak, Delia, Misty and Brock, who were also surprised by finding out that Poliwhirl had evolved into Poliwrath. Poliwrath was been admired by the redhead girl, "He looks so strong!"

Emma and Ash on the other hand were surprised to see Lisa playing with another Pikachu which turned out to be Ritchie's, and he went by the nickname Sparky, and it seemed like Emma's and Ash's Pikachu were quickly befriending him.

In the morning, after everyone got a good rest after the events of last night, Emma and her friends meet up with Ritchie and Lisa at the Pokémon Village Center to see who Ash will battle on the fifth round.

"Morning guys!" Ritchie said. "Hey Ritchie, Lisa," Ash said. "Do you know who you gonna battle?" Misty asked. Ritchie shook his head, "No, not yet, but my name and picture is already the screen. You have to fish for a Magikarp to find out your next opponent."

"The next trainer will be Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town," the attendant called. Ash grinned, "That's me!" he called and ran forward. "We got here just in time," Emma said as they followed. Ash grabbed a fishing rod, "Let's see." He fished out a Magikarp with A-3 written on it.

"A-3," the attendant said. Ritchie looked surprised, "A-3?" he repeated. Lisa looked confused, "Hey, wait isn't that..."

"That means your next opponent will be..."

Ash's picture was on screen and then next to it appeared Ritchie. The group looked up in surprise, and Ash and Ritchie exchanged a surprised look.

Chapter Text

At that day in the evening, Emma and her friends were at their cabin. Emma was sitting on the couch with her Pikachu and Togepi, placing Pokémon food on the living room table for them to eat. Misty and Brock were on the computer, searching on Ritchie to gain some insight into his battling style, and Ash was leaning on the window, looking depressed, "Why is my next match has to be against Ritchie?"

"Pika..." the male Pikachu trailed off next to him, not knowing how to cheer him up. "Hey, Emma, Ash, check this out," Misty called. Emma looked over and stood up while the boy just looked at the redhead in confusion, "What are you doing?"

"I clicked down on the Pokémon League database, and it has a lot of information on all the trainers, including Ritchie's," Misty explained. Ash finally walked closer and stood between Emma and Brock, "Ritchie?"

"He won all four rounds without losing any of his Pokémon," Brock said. Emma smiled lightly, "Wow, he's amazing," she said. Ash frowned in slight annoyance, "Well, I won four rounds too, you know!" Emma glanced at him and then at Misty when the redhead spoke, "Yeah, you were lucky, but Ritchie really knows what he's doing."

Ash looked taken back by it and looked annoyed as Misty continued, "And Ritchie only use three Pokémon; Butterfree, Charmander and Pikachu." Emma raised an eyebrow, "Let's hope for Ritchie that his Charmander won't evolve with the same attitude like Ash's Charizard," she muttered. Ash raised an eyebrow at her, "I heard that."

Emma smiled innocently while Brock looked at the screen, "An Electric type, Fire type and a Flying type," he said and looked at Ash with a smile, "They almost the same kinda Pokémon you use, Ash."

"It's all depends on which one is the better trainer," Emma said. Misty looked at Ash, "You're in trouble," she said. Ash looked at her, "I'm just as good trainer as Ritchie is." Misty looked away with a shrug, "Its must be nice to dream when you wide awake."

Ash looked annoyed while Emma frowned. "You'll cry from been jealous when I'll win!" he said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't know, Ash," Brock said. "Yeah, battling against a friend isn't always easy," Emma said. "Ritchie maybe a friend, but he's a competitor too," Ash said and looked at her, "And nothing is gonna stop me from winning that match tomorrow."

In the morning, Ash was already ready to head to the Pokémon Center to get his Pokémon. Emma looked at Misty and Brock from the doorway of their room, "You guys coming?" she asked. Brock was about to reply when Misty cut him off, "Uh, why don't you and Ash go ahead? We'll meet you two for breakfast."

Emma raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything and just sighed as she walked out with Togepi and her Pikachu. Ash was waiting downstairs in the living room and spotted her. "Come on," Emma said. "What about Misty and Brock?" Ash asked. "They'll meet us for breakfast with your Mom and Professor Oak," Emma said.

The two of them headed to the Pokémon Center, there they saw Ritchie and Lisa. Ritchie put his Poke balls on his belt as Lisa saw Ash and Emma, "Hey, Ash! Hey, Emma! Hey, Pikachu and Togepi."

"Heya Lisa," Ash said with a smile. "Hey guys. Are you ready for your match with Ash today, Ritchie?" Emma asked. Ritchie nodded lightly, "Yeah." He looked at Ash with a smile, "Listen Ash, because we friends, we should promise each other that we'll make this the best battle we ever had."

Ash smiled and nodded, "Okay! That's a promise Ritchie." Lisa grinned while Emma smiled as the two boys fist-bumped each other. "I'll see you later at the stadium," Ritchie said. "Okay," Ash said before the siblings ran off with a quick goodbye.

Ash watched them leaving and Emma turned to him with a soft smile, "You know, it's not always easy to battle a friend, but it's a good thing," she said. "Huh? What you mean?" Ash asked. "Because if you won't win, you can still be happy that your friend won," Emma said, "I know that if Ritchie won't win, he will be happy for you, 'cause you his friend."

Ash smiled slightly and nodded, "Yeah." Emma nudged his arm teasingly, "I'm also saying it so you won't be disappointed. I'll be cheering for you out there." Togepi smiled, "Togy! Togy!" Emma chuckled, "Yeah, and Togepi will too. This one is the main cheerleader." Ash chuckled, "Thanks Togepi."

"Togy. Togepry."

Emma and her friends were back at their cabin when the phone rang. "I'll get it," Emma said and walked closer to answer, "Hello?"

"Hey kid," Alex spoke from the other line. "Dad?" Emma asked with a smile. "I just got back, I'm at the Pokémon Center but heading out to get something, want to come?" he asked. "Sure," Emma said. "How's your friends doing?" he asked. "They okay," Emma answered as Ash ran closer with a grin, so Emma smirked, "Ash is excited that you made it."

"Hey, I'm not excited, but I am glad he could make it," Ash said and Emma chuckled as Togepi and the Pikachu smiled. "How about you come by yourself?" Alex said, "I want Ash to have some rest before the big battle, plus we haven't had some family time between you and me since you started the journey."

"True," Emma said. "Great, uh, let's meet up near the park, sounds good?" Alex asked. "Okay, see you in a few," Emma said before they said goodbye and hung up. "You heading to meet your Dad?" Ash asked. "Yeah, he says that he wants you to rest up for the battle," Emma said, "Plus, my Dad and I really hadn't have any bonding time since I left for my journey. Well, bonding time with him and Mom for a moment until getting hit by a Magikarp isn't count."

Misty and Brock were sitting on the couch. "That's sounds really nice that you two gonna spend some time," Misty said. "It's really nice of Alex to make the time to come to cheer for Ash too," Brock said with a nod.

"Yeah, so I'll see you guys later," Emma said. "The battle is in two hours, so don't be late to cheer for Ash," Misty said as Emma walked toward the front door. "I'll be there," Emma said as she walked out with her Pikachu and Togepi.

Emma walked to the park and stood to look around. "Do you two see my Dad anywhere?" she asked Togepi and Pikachu, which the female mouse shook her head, "Pika." Togepi saw a tail appearing from the bushes and smiled as it waved its hands, "Togy, Togy."

Emma glanced at it before to where it's looking to see the tail pulled back into the bushes. "Huh?" she muttered. A hand was placed on her shoulder as she heard Alex's voice, "Hey, kid." Emma turned as she spoke, "Hey, Da--" She and Pikachu looked up in surprise to see a smirking Jessie with a device.

Jessie stepped back and a net fell on Emma, Togepi and Pikachu. "Hey!" Emma called as she fell on the grass and glared up at Jessie as she laughed, and James walked over, smirking.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!"

"This is getting old!" Emma said as she tried to pull the net off. "Well Jessie, your plan actually worked," James said. "Of course it worked, my plans always work," Jessie said with a smirk. James and Meowth looked at each other before shrugging.

"Let's go before those annoying little friends of hers realize something's wrong," Jessie said. Emma glared at them, "Wait until I'll get out, you'll be less worried about facing my friends!"

"Pika-Pika!"

Jessie and James ignored her and grabbed her. They dragged her to a truck and threw her into the back before quickly locking the doors. Emma managed to push the net off of her, Togepi and Pikachu as she felt the truck starting to move.

Emma tried to open the doors but she couldn't 'cause they were locked. "Open the doors! Let me out!" she shouted. She reached for a Poké ball but looked down to her horror to see that there wasn't any Poké ball on her belt. "Oh no! I forgot I was cleaning the Poké balls, and left them on the table!"

"Pika-chu," Pikachu said before hitting the doors but nothing. "I should have told my friends to come with me," Emma muttered with a frown, "Now where they taking us?" Emma placed Togepi down next to Pikachu and then hit the door with her side. "Let us out!" she shouted. She turned to the side of the truck and hit it.

"Hey, stop that!" she heard Jessie shouting. Emma ignored her and hit the side again for a couple of times until Pikachu joined in. They felt the truck slowing down and Team Rocket shouting before there was a loud noise of crushing. Emma fell down because of that and frowned before she grabbed Togepi and her Pikachu as she got up.

She heard the doors starting to open and she rushed to the side. James opened the doors before his eyes grew wide, "What?! Where did she go?!" Jessie and Meowth looked closer, "What?!" Emma stepped up, surprising the trio when she pushed past them and run down the road, realizing they reached outside of town.

"Arbok, get her!" Jessie called as she threw Arbok's Poké ball, and it appeared in front of the girl, stopping her from entering. She ran aside to the woods, and Arbok and Team Rocket followed.

Ash, Misty and Brock were outside the stadium, waiting. Ash frowned and Misty noticed, "What's wrong, Ash? You look troubled for a while now," she said. "I don't know," Ash said with a shrug, "I feel like something's wrong."

"Don't worry Emma will be here soon with Alex," Misty said as Delia and Professor Oak walked over. Professor Oak blinked, "Did you say Alex is here?" he asked in confusion. "Yeah," Brock said. "But that can't be," the Professor said with a frown, "Alex is still at Pallet Town."

"Huh?" the trio asked together. "He couldn't make it here, he says that he wishes you good luck at the battle today," Professor Oak said. "Really?" Ash asked. "Yes, I saw him too," Delia said. "But... if Alex isn't here then..." Misty trailed off. "Who Emma talked to on the phone?" Brock asked as he, Ash and Misty exchanged a concern look.

"Did she said where she was going to?" Professor Oak asked. "No, but we should have asked," Ash said. Misty suddenly looked annoyed with a thought, "Well, let's look. Who will try to lure Emma to come, without having the three of us there with her? Who always keeps trying to get to her?"

Ash and Brock realized where she was getting at and looked annoyed as well, "Team Rocket!" they said together. "Oh my," Delia said. "Emma wouldn't go if she knew it was them, they must have used some sort of device to trick her into thinking she was talking to her father," Brock said. "And we all fell for it," Ash said in annoyance, "We got to find her quick!"

Ash turned as he reached to his Poké balls but Misty looked at him, "Wait Ash, but your match against Ritchie, it's almost time," she reminded him. "Yeah, let me and Misty look for Emma, you go inside," Brock said. Ash hesitated and looked down at his Pikachu for help. "Pika-Pi," the male mouse said as he stared up at his trainer, after a moment, he nodded, "Pika-chu."

Ash understood what he mean and nodded back before looking at his friends, Professor Oak and his mother, "Forget the battle," he said, which surprised them, "Emma is more important than that. Ritchie will understand why I couldn't battle. Let's go and find her." Misty and Brock smiled and gave a nod, "Right."

Emma managed to lose Team Rocket, but the problem was that she was lost in the woods now. "Which way is back to the town?" she asked her Pikachu. "Pika," the female mouse said with a shook of her head. Emma looked up at the sky with a worried frown, "I hope I'm not missing Ash's battle."

They heard noises and turned to see Team Rocket again. "Found you!" the trio spoke together. "You can't get away," Jessie said. Emma frowned in annoyance, "Come on, why can't you leave me alone?" she snapped, "I'm gonna miss Ash's battle because of you three!"

"We don't care about your boyfriend's battle," Jessie said with a scoff. Emma rolled her eyes, "He's not my boyfriend, and leave me alone already!" she said. Jessie ignored her and pointed, "Arbok, Poison Sting!"

Arbok slid forward but before it could attack, Pikachu used Thunder Shock to paralyze it and Team Rocket. "Good job, Pikachu, let's go!" Emma said and they ran off.

"Maybe if we'll go this way..." she trailed off as they reached to a dead end. "Oh, come on." They turned around to see Team Rocket running closer. "Wow, they recovered fast," she muttered. "Pika," the female mouse agreed, blinking. "Your little friends aren't here to help you," James said as Pikachu stepped forward, sparks were showing on her cheeks.

"Guess again!"

Team Rocket, Pikachu and Emma looked to the side in surprise when they heard Ash's voice. He, Misty and Brock were there with the male Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Pidgeotto, Squirtle, Zubat and Staryu. "The twerps?!" Team Rocket asked.

"You guys!" Emma said with a smile. Jessie looked down at Meowth in annoyance, "Meowth! You said they would be at the stadium!" she said. Meowth rubbed the back of his head nervously, "They should have been. It's the time of the boyfriend's battle."

Emma ran closer to her friends with Pikachu, "I'm glad to see you," she said. "When we found out that Alex wasn't even here, it didn't took long to find out it was Team Rocket, so we quickly went to search for you," Misty said. "Thanks," Emma said with a smile. "What friends are for, right?" Brock asked with a smile.

"Fine, we'll just fight them and grab Emma!" Jessie said. Meowth looked slightly nervous and sighed, "Yeah... but every time we battle her and her friends, we get beat up..." James and Jessie looked down at him and spoke quietly, "Don't let them hear that." Before the trio knew it, Emma and her friends called on their Pokémon to attack.

"Zubat, Whirlwind!"

"Staryu, Swift!"

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"

"Squirtle, Water Gun! Pikachu, Thunder Shock! Bulbasaur, Solar Beam! Pidgeotto, Whirlwind!"

All the Pokémon attacked, sending Team Rocket screaming and flying into the sky with an explosion.

"Looks like Team Rocket blasting off again!"

The Pokémon cheered as Emma and her friends smiled. Emma then looked at Ash with a frown, "Hey Ash..." He looked at her, "Yeah?" he asked. "Isn't your battle with Ritchie is now?" she asked. Ash rubbed the back of his head, "Well..." Misty tilted her head with a smile, "He gave up on the match to go and save you."

Emma looked surprised, "What?!" she asked. "Yeah, I did told him that Misty and I could go and look for you, but he didn't care about the battle at that moment," Brock said. Emma looked at Ash in surprise that he gave up the match in the Indigo Plateau battlefield, but she was also touched that he did it for her.

"Come on, let's go back," Misty said and she, Ash and Brock recalled their Pokémon back to their Poké balls, before Misty and Brock started to head back. Ash turned to follow but Emma grabbed his arm gently, "Hey Ash?"

"Yeah?" Ash asked. Emma smiled, "Thank you," she said. Ash smiled, "No problem," he said. "No seriously," Emma said, "Thanks for coming for me." She leaned closer and kissed his cheek, making him blush. The Pikachu exchanged a smile, the female mouse winked, "Pika-chu." The male Pikachu suddenly blushed and rubbed the back of his head with a shy smile, "Pika..."

Soon, the group got back to the Indigo Plateau and found Delia, Professor Oak, Lisa and Ritchie waiting outside. Ash looked surprised to see Ritchie and Lisa there, "Ritchie, Lisa."

Delia, Professor Oak, Lisa and Ritchie smiled at them. "Emma, thank goodness you all right," Delia said. "Hey guys," Emma said. "Ritchie, what are you and Lisa doing outside?" Ash asked. "Your Mom and Professor Oak told me what happened, so I went to ask for our match to be one of the last," Ritchie said and they smiled.

"You did?" Ash asked with a grin. "Yep," Ritchie said with a nod. "I didn't knew you can ask for this," Brock said. "You can't, but I said it was emergency," Ritchie said. "Thanks, Ritchie," Ash said and the two boys fist-bumped each other.

In the stadium, Emma was sitting with Misty, Brock, Lisa, Delia and Professor Oak in the crowd, watching Ritchie and Ash facing each other at the battlefield. "I don't like my big brother and Ash battling," Lisa said, sitting between Emma and Misty with the female Pikachu on her lap, and she looked at Emma, "'Cause I want to cheer for both of them."

"That's okay to do that," Emma said with a smile. Ritchie threw a Poké ball, "Go, Happy!" A Butterfree was released and Ash threw a Poké ball, "I choose you, Squirtle!" Squirtle was released, both Pokémon were ready to battle.

"And it's Ritchie's Butterfree, Happy and Ash's Squirtle going head to head!"

The two Pokémon Tackled each other and then Squirtle used Water Gun, which made Butterfree back away. "Happy, Sleep Powder attack!" Ritchie called. Butterfree used the Sleep Powder, which quickly worked on Squirtle. "Squirtle!" Ash said as Squirtle fell asleep.

"It's looks like Butterfree gave Squirtle a one-way ticket to slumber land!"

"Come on, Squirtle, try to shake it off and wake up!" Ash called. "Pika!" the male mouse called to the Tiny Turtle Pokémon, but nothing. "Squirtle!" Ash called. "Squirtle is unable to battle, Butterfree is the winner!" the referee called as he held the red flag, and the crowd cheered loudly, besides Professor Oak, Delia, Emma, Misty and Brock.

"Ritchie's Butterfree is emerging victories! And now just two Pokémon left, Ketchum has to decide which one can pick on Butterfree!"

Ash returned Squirtle back to its Poké ball, and closed his eyes, thinking which Pokémon he could use until he opened them when he heard Pikachu. "Pika-chu!" He looked surprised when his partner stood on four legs with a smile. "Pikachu?" he asked in surprise and the mouse Pokémon ran forward. Ritchie looked surprised and the male Pikachu jumped up and used Tackle on Butterfree.

"Ash's Pikachu jumps in and hits Butterfree with a hard Tackle attack!"

Butterfree fell on the floor with Pikachu on top of it, but then he jumped back, ready for another round, "Pika-chu!" Butterfree flew up and Pikachu jumped again, grabbing its leg, and he used Thunderbolt.

"And there it is! Pikachu's shocking Thunderbolt!"

"Happy!" Ritchie called. Pikachu stopped and let go, landing on the floor on four legs while Butterfree fell on the floor, unconscious. "Butterfree is unable to battle, Pikachu is the winner!" the referee called as he held the green flag, and the crowd cheered loudly. Ash grinned, "Way the go, Pikachu!"

"Pikachu's power source 'caused a Butterfree melt down! And now both trainers have two Pokémon left battle with!"

"Just two Pokémon left, okay," Ritchie muttered and held out a Poké ball, "Now, it looks like I have to fight fire with fire." He threw it, "Zippo, go!" A Charmander appeared, "Charmander." It opened its mouth, showing it was about to use Flamethrower. "Pikachu, watch out!" Ash called. Pikachu jumped out of the way as Charmander used Flamethrower.

"So far Pikachu is beating the hit from Charmander's Flamethrower! But just how long Pikachu can keep his cool?"

But while Pikachu kept dodging Charmander's Flamethrower, he was getting tired. He fell on the floor after dodging one last attack. Emma looked worried as Pikachu kept dodging, "It's not good, Pikachu can't keep this up," she said. Pikachu turned to Charmander and it finally stopped and used Tackle, making Pikachu fell backward.

"And Ritchie's Charmander finish it up with a devastating Tackle attack!"

Ash rushed to his partner, "Pikachu!" The male mouse tried to stay up to his feet but he fell down. "Pikachu..." Ash trailed off sadly. "Pikachu is unable to battle, Charmander is the winner!" the referee called as he held the red flag, and the crowd cheered loudly, besides Professor Oak, Delia, Emma, Misty and Brock.

Ash held Pikachu in his arms and looked to the screen to see he only had one Pokémon left. I can't use Bulbasaur against a Fire Pokémon, but I could use... he thought.

Charizard!

"Pika..." the male mouse said in his arms, looking up at him with a look which told him that he knew who he was thinking about using. "I know it's risky, but he's the only hope we got now," Ash said and held Charizard's Poké ball, throwing it, "So, I choose you, Charizard!"

Charizard appeared, looking down the Lizard Pokémon. "What?!" Emma asked in surprise. Misty and Brock were also surprised. "Charizard?" Brock asked. "Oh no," Misty muttered.

"All right Charizard, it's all up to you now!" Ash called. "Don't give up, Zippo! Just keep battling," Ritchie said. Charmander used Flamethrower, but Charizard only moved his head slightly and dodged it. He then send back his own Flamethrower, and Charmander quickly ran off as he flew after it.

"And it appear that Ash's Charizard is simply too hot to Ritchie's Charmander to handle!"

Ritchie held out Charmander's Poké ball, "Zippo, return!" He recalled his Pokémon and Charizard landed on his spot as the crowd cheered loudly. "We did it, Charizard!" Ash called with a smile. Ritchie frowned, "Maybe it's risky, but it may be my only chance to win." He threw another Poké ball, "It's your turn, Sparky!" His Pikachu appeared.

"Ritchie is sending his Pikachu to face Ash's Charizard! This could turn into a Pikachu barbecue!"

"Sparky?" Ash asked and he called out for Charizard, "Be careful, Charizard!" Charizard looked over at him. "Ritchie's Pikachu won't be as easy as he looks." Ritchie's Pikachu let a few sparks appear on his cheeks as Charizard looked back at him.

Charizard simply stomped on the ground one time, making Pikachu fell but quickly stand up. Charizard did it again, and Pikachu fell down but quickly stood up. Then Charizard used his wings to create a strong wind that pushed Pikachu back.

"Hang in there, Sparky! You can do it!" Ritchie said and Pikachu stood up on four legs before running forward toward Charizard. He then looked surprised as he stopped right in front of Charizard, who laid down on the floor, resting, "Pika?"

"It looks like--it looks like Charizard taking a nap!"

Ash looked annoyed, "Charizard! You can't just quit in the middle of the match!" he said but Charizard ignored him. "Come on, Charizard!" Emma sighed, "Charizard is like a rebellious kid," she muttered. "Yeah, he still won't listen to Ash," Brock agreed.

"Charizard!" Ash called in annoyance. "Charizard refuses to battle, Pikachu is the winner!" the referee called as he held up the red flag, "The winner of the match is the red trainer! Ritchie!" The crowd cheered loudly, Lisa was very happy for her brother but was sad for Ash for losing too.

Ash looked disappointed and angry as he fell on his knees, but he closed his eyes and held Charizard's Poké ball, "Charizard, return!" Charizard was send back into his Poké ball, and Ash sighed with disappointment.

His Pikachu looked at him worriedly, "Pika-Pi?" he asked and looked over when Ritchie and his Pikachu ran closer. "Ash?" Ritchie asked. Ash took a deep breath and stood up. He remembered Emma's words from earlier at the Pokémon Center and gave Ritchie a smile when he looked at him, "Looks like you won."

"Guess so," Ritchie said softly. Ash held out his hand, "Congratulations, Ritchie!" he said. Ritchie looked at his hand before he gave him a smile and shook it, "Thanks, Ash," he said and the crowd cheered loudly for the two friends.

Both male Pikachu smiled, "Pika-chu." The two of them exchanged a smile and a shake as well. "Just make sure to win the next round for me, Ritchie," Ash said. Ritchie nodded, "Right, I will do my best."

Emma, her friends, Lisa, Delia and Professor Oak watched them with a smile. "Looks like Ash is taking it pretty well," Misty said in surprise. Delia had tears in her eyes, "My little boy grown up so much. I don't care that he didn't win the battle, I'm still proud of him."

"I have a feeling that Ash is sad that he lost, but he is happy for Ritchie," Emma pointed out. "I guess one of them had to lose out there," Misty said. "From here, they both look like winners to me," Brock said. "And me!" Lisa said with a smile. The female mouse smiled with a nod, "Pika-chu."

Chapter Text

It was morning, the day after Ash's battle against Ritchie. Emma and Misty were at the Pokémon Center with the female Pikachu and Togepi, talking at the phone booth with Jane. "It's not the end of the world for Ash," the young woman said with a soft smile, "There's always other opportunities."

"We know, but it was his first time," Misty said. "Yeah, he takes it hard, even though he tries not to show that it affected him," Emma said. Jane sighed as she crossed her arms over her chest, "Well, if his Charizard would have listen, Ash could have won."

Emma frowned, "Yeah," she muttered. "Tell Ash to cheer up, at least he made all the way to the fifth round," Jane said, "I got to go, but we all will see you guys in a few days when you get back to Pallet Town."

"See you soon," Emma said. Misty waved, "Bye." The screen turned off and Emma sighed. The girls went back to their cabin where Delia, Professor Oak and Brock were sitting on the couch, talking. "Hey," Emma greeted, "Where's Ash?"

Brock nodded upstairs, "In the bedroom. He hasn't come out." Emma frowned in concern and decided to go and check up on him. She handed Togepi to Misty and then went upstairs with her Pikachu, and went into the shared bedroom.

Ash was lying on his bed, depressed, his hat hiding his eyes. His Pikachu was sitting on the table, frowning in concern as he stared at his trainer. He looked over the opening door and saw Emma walking in, "Pikachu-Pi," he said.

Emma petted his head and looked at Ash, "Hey Ash?" The boy suddenly looked over when he heard her voice, "How about you and I go have something to eat together?" she asked. "No thanks," he muttered, "I'm not really hungry."

"How about a walk?" she asked. "No thanks," Ash muttered. Emma raised an eyebrow, "Come on Ash, it's not the end of the world. So you lost this time, there's always going to be another opportunities to win. You just got to train harder. And to train Charizard better if we on the subject of training."

"Yeah? So why don't you train him? Since he clearly listens to you more than he listens to me," Ash suddenly snapped. Emma blinked at him in surprise, while the Pikachu looked surprised and concerned. Emma frowned, "Hey, you the real trainer, if you want Charizard to listen to you, then you got to prove to him you worth it!"

"I know that!" Ash snapped as he stood up. "Why you getting angry with me? I'm only trying to help you, you know! That's what I'm always doing," Emma said in annoyance. "I don't need your help anymore!" Ash shouted as the Pikachu looked between them worriedly, they did not expect that to happen.

Downstairs, the others could hear them. Misty and Brock frowned. "Are they arguing?" Misty asked. "No way, they never do that," Brock said and they all quickly ran up the stairs.

Emma frowned, "Fine then, you on your own in this!" The others ran in. "Hey, hey, what's going on?" Brock asked. "What's going on is that Ash is acting like his old self!" Emma snapped. "Stop acting like you right all the time!" Ash said. Delia looked at her son with a frown, "Don't be angry with Emma, dear, she's only trying to help you."

Misty raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, with the way you are training, you lucky you even made it through the first round. Plus, you should be thankful that Emma is always around to give you a hand every time you need it, and not act like a little kid and snap at her just 'cause you lost the fifth round!"

Ash looked taken back and looked away. "I think Emma and Misty are right," Professor Oak said and they all looked at him, "Maybe you could have gone much farther if you weren't so sure of yourself, and you would have trained your Charizard properly."

"But I--" Ash started and Emma cut him off, "You need to let Charizard out more, and have the time to bond with him, 'cause if you don't start getting to know him better, he'll never give you the respect he gave you when he was a Charmander," she said as she frowned angrily, "That's the last advice I'm giving to you." She took Togepi from Misty and started to walk past Delia and Professor Oak, "Come on, Pikachu."

The female Pikachu hesitated for a few seconds before following. "Emma, where you going?" Misty asked with a sad frown. "I'm going to the stadium, Ritchie's turn will be soon," Emma answered and left the room. Misty looked at Ash in annoyance, "Nice going Ash," she said sarcastically and he looked down.

Emma walked out of the cabin and to the path that leads to the stadium. "I get it that Ash is sad because of losing, but he shouldn't have taken it out on me," she said with annoyance. "Pika," Pikachu said sadly and jumped to sit on her shoulder. "I thought he grew up," she muttered. Her annoyance turned to sadness, and she sighed softly, "And now because of him I'm upset."

"Pika, Pika-chu, Pika?" Pikachu asked, wanting to know why she let his words hit her. Emma clearly understood what Pikachu was asking, "Because I like him." Pikachu smiled softly and Emma sighed, "Maybe we should go on by ourselves, what do you think?" she asked. "Pi?" the female mouse asked.

"Think about it, Team Rocket won't bother Ash, Misty and Brock anymore 'cause I'm not around them, those three only want me," Emma said. "Pika-chu!" Pikachu said as she shook her head, she didn't like the idea.

"What do you mean 'No'? Why not?"

"Pika! Pika-chu, Pi."

Emma frowned, "We would be fine. The Poké balls are with me this time, and I won't leave them again."

Pikachu shook her head, "Pika-chu. Pika. Pika, Pika-Pi?"

"Ash will be fine without me around." Pikachu gave her a look as if to say, yeah right. Emma frowned and looked back to the road as she muttered, "Shut up."

"Togy, Togy."

Soon enough, Emma reached to the Indigo stadium and went to the resting area where she found Ritchie and Lisa. "Hey guys," she said. Ritchie looked surprised while Lisa grinned, "Emma! Pikachu! Togepi!"

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Ritchie asked. "I came to say good luck, I'm going to watch your battle," Emma said. "You are?" Ritchie asked. "Yep," Emma said with a nod. Ritchie looked behind her before back, "Where's Misty, Ash and Brock?"

Emma rubbed the back of her head, "Um... they'll be here soon, I think... I had a small argue with Ash, so I came just with my Pikachu and Togepi," she admitted. Ritchie frowned in concern, "What kind of an argue?"

"It's not important, just make sure to focus on winning," Emma said with a smile. "Pika-chu," Pikachu agreed. Ritchie smiled softly and nodded, "Yeah, okay. Thanks for coming."

After that, Emma and Lisa went together to sit in the crowd and waited for Ritchie's turn. Lisa looked at Emma as her Pikachu jumped to sit on the little girl's lap, "Are you mad at Ash?"

Emma looked at her and gave a small shook of her head, "No," she said. "Really?" Lisa asked. "Yeah," Emma said with a small smile. Lisa looked over her with a smile, "Ash! Misty! Brock!" Emma looked over in surprise when she saw them walking closer.

Misty smiled, "Hey, Lisa. Ritchie told us where you two are sitting at." She gave Ash a look as she moved over and pulled him to sit next to Emma. Ash and Emma exchanged a quick look before looking to the field with small sad frowns.

Togepi on the other hand, smiled as it jumped from Emma's lap to sit on Ash's lap. The male Pikachu smiled and jumped to sit on Emma's lap, "Pika-chu." Emma smiled as she petted the male Pikachu, to his delight.

The battle between Ritchie and his opponent, Assunta, was now down with only one Pokémon each.

"This match has been a real roller coaster ride! Now they both are down with one Pokémon each, so whoever wins this battle wins the match!"

"You can do it!" Ash called for Ritchie as the Pikachu and Togepi were cheering on the floor. "Go big brother!" Lisa called. "Go, Ritchie!" Emma, Misty and Brock called. Assunta threw a Poké ball and a Ivysaur appeared.

"Assunta has chosen Ivysaur as her final Pokémon!"

Ritchie held out a Poké ball, "It's all up to you." He threw it, "Go, Sparky!" His Pikachu was released but before he knew it, Ivysaur ran forward to Tackle him, but he moved aside. "Ivysaur, Vine Whip!" Assunta called and it did as told, using its Vine to trip Pikachu down then it ran forward.

"Sparky, watch out!" Ritchie called and Pikachu dodged. "Thunder Shock, now!" Pikachu did as told, but Ivysaur dodged the attacks, which surprised him. Ritchie was surprised too, "Thunder Shock isn't working." Ivysaur used its Vine Whip to jump into the air and it unleashed a Solar Beam.

"And here comes Solar Beam!"

The Solar Bean hit Pikachu, hurling him to the ground. "Sparky!" Lisa called as they watched worriedly. Pikachu stood up and was hit by Ivysaur's Tackle attack. Pikachu was thrown backward and he tried to get up. "Sparky!" Ritchie called, "You can do it!" Pikachu tried to stand still but then he fell on the ground. "Sparky!" Ritchie called.

"Pikachu is unable to battle, the match is over! Assunta is the winner!" the referee called as he held the red flag, and the crowd cheered loudly, besides Lisa, Emma, Ash, Misty and Brock.

"A spectacular finish to a spectacular match! Ivysaur's Solar Beam overpowered Pikachu, and Assunta is victories!"

Ritchie ran closer to Pikachu, "Sparky." He picked him up, "Are you okay, Spark?" Pikachu opened his eyes, "Pika?" Ritchie smiled in relief, "Hey pal," he said. "My big brother lost," Lisa said sadly. "No... I can't believe he lost too," Ash said.

After the battle, Ash, Emma and Lisa went to search for Ritchie, and they found him at the lake with his Pikachu still in his arms. "You feeling better, aren't ya?" he asked with a soft smile. Pikachu nodded with a smile, "Pika."

"Big brother!" Lisa called as she ran closer. Ritchie turned to her, "Hey Lis," he said. Lisa looked at her brother's Pikachu, "Are you okay Sparky?" she asked. Pikachu nodded with a smile, "Pika-chu." She held her arms up and Pikachu jumped into her arms.

Ash and Emma walked closer and their Pikachu ran to Lisa and her brother's Pikachu. "Hey Ritchie, are you okay?" Emma asked softly. Ritchie nodded, "Yeah. Thanks you guys for coming to cheer for me."

"Ritchie, I'm so..." Ash trailed off. Ritchie smiled, "Well Ash, now you and I have one more thing in common," he said. "Common?" Ash repeated before he understood what he meant and smiled softly, "Oh, yeah."

Emma looked at Lisa with a soft smile, "Hey Lisa? Why don't we go to the side to play with Togepi and the Pikachu?" Lisa smiled, "Yeah!" Lisa took her hand and leaded her away, "Come on, Pikachu!"

Ash's and Emma's Pikachu smiled as they followed. Ash and Ritchie watched them go farther away. "We can learn a lot from losing," Ritchie suddenly said. Ash looked back at him but then smiled. The two sat down on the grass, looking at the water.

"I was so sure I could win," Ritchie said, "Too sure, I guess. If I knew how tough the Pokémon League was gonna be, I would have trained twice as hard as I did." He then smiled, "But hey, losing isn't really so bad." Ash looked at him, "Huh?"

"Now, I know what mistakes not to make next time, and I'm a better trainer because of that," Ritchie said. Ash frowned, Ritchie doesn't feel sorry for himself 'cause he lost, he just wants to be better, Ash thought and looked over to where Emma was with Lisa, Togepi and the three Pikachu, Emma was right. I've been acting like my old self. I've been acting like a big baby.

"Hey Ash," Ritchie started, and Ash looked back at him as he stood up. He looked at him with a smile, "Let's make a promise, to become Pokémon Masters no matter what." Ash smiled as he stood up, "Okay. Promise. Pokémon Masters no matter what."

The Pikachu ran toward them with a laughing Lisa following them holding Togepi. Emma followed slowly behind before she was catch in a trap and a bag was thrown on her, and she was pulled into a tree. They looked over with Ash and Ritchie. "Emma!" Ash called and they ran toward her, but a hole was hidden in the ground, and they all fell into it.

"Is everyone okay?" Ritchie asked as he rubbed his arm in pain. "Ow," Lisa muttered. "Where did this hole come from?" Ash muttered and they heard laughing from above. The kids and the Pokémon looked up to see Jessie and James.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extended our reaches to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!"

"Not them again!" Ash and Ritchie said together. "Well look who fell to the hole," Meowth said. "Now, let's grab Emma and get out of here," Jessie said. James walked closer and took the bag. Emma struggled to get out of the bag as he threw her over his shoulder. Jessie smiled as James's Weezing floated closer, "Let's go!"

"Yes, ma'am!" James and Meowth spoke together, grinning. The trio took a step to leave but stopped when Ash called from the hole, "Company, hold!"

They turned and watched in surprise as Pidgeotto flew up with Ash and his and Emma's Pikachu; Butterfree flew up with Ritchie and his Pikachu, and Ritchie's Spearow flew up with Lisa and Togepi. The three kids let go of the flying Pokémon when they reached to the ground.

Ash threw a Poké ball quickly, "Bulbasaur, I choose you!" Bulbasaur was released. "Bulbasaur, Emma is in there, grab that bag with your Vine Whip!" Bulbasaur let his vines appear and he reached to James, grabbing into the bag. James pulled on it, "Back off!"

"Weezing, Smog attack!" Jessie called, and Weezing opened its mouth on its larger body and released a stream of thick black smoke from it. Ash jumped to lower Bulbasaur down with him, "Pidgeotto, Gust attack!"

Pidgeotto did as told, sending the gas back at Team Rocket. Ash stood up and looked at Ritchie, "Better use Zippo," he said. "Right," Ritchie said and threw the Poké ball, "Okay Zippo, we need you!" Charmander was released. "Bulbasaur, get Emma!" Ash called. Bulbasaur reached over with his vines and this time managed to get Emma away.

Ash opened the bag and Emma stood up from it. "Thanks," she said as she got out. "Now Zippo, Flamethrower!" Ritchie called. Charmander ignited Weezing's gas with a Flamethrower, and Team Rocket ran around in pain before jumping into the water. Team Rocket resurfaced with a sigh of relief and moved out.

"Now you free to go," Ash said and the trio looked at them. Ash, Emma and Ritchie exchanged a smirk and a nod before looking back at Team Rocket.

"Pikachu."

"Sparky."

"Thunderbolt!"

The three Pikachu did as told, sending a huge Thunderbolt toward them. Team Rocket screamed and then there was an explosion. They all watched as Team Rocket flew up into the sky.

"They don't learn," Emma said and took Togepi into her arms. "Togy, Togy," the Egg Pokémon said with a smile. "But I did," Ash said suddenly and looked at Emma, "I'm sorry for how I acted this morning, and for what I said. I didn't mean it." Emma smiled softly, "Me too." Ritchie and Lisa exchanged a smile. The female Pikachu smiled up at her trainer and Ash, "Pika-chu."

The sun had settled down, and everyone were back at the stadium for the closing ceremonies. Emma was sitting at the crowd with Brock, Misty, Lisa, Professor Oak and Delia, watching Ash, Ritchie and their Pikachu walking with the other competitors with their main Pokémon into the stadium, waving to the eager crowd.

Emma smiled as she and the rest of her group clapped. "It's nice to see Ash is back to his better self," Misty said to the brunette girl, "You two okay now right?" Emma nodded, "Yep."

They watched the competitors stopping in front of the stage, and Mr. Goodshow walked up there with two people. Each trainer walked up to the stage with their Pokémon to get a special Pokémon League Badge for competing in the league. The top three Trainers, two males (one of them was the winner) and one female, waved from the stage amid the cheers of the crowd.

"Now as this Pokémon League close to an end, please direct your attention to our very special celebration in the sky!"

The lights around the stadium turned off and everyone looked up at the dark sky, and the closing ceremony fireworks display started. "Togy! Togy!" the Egg Pokémon said with a smile, waving its hands up.

In the next morning, Ash and Ritchie were sitting at the empty stadium, watching Emma and Lisa playing with Togepi and the three Pikachu on the ground. "Well, maybe we didn't win, but we sure had fun, didn't we?" Ritchie asked with a smile. Ash smiled and nodded, "Yeah, we sure did."

Ritchie stood up, "Hey Lisa! Sparky! We gotta go!" he called. He looked back at Ash as Lisa and Emma stood up, "Train hard." Ash smiled as he nodded, "Yeah. You too. We'll see you again one day."

Ritchie nodded, "Yeah." Lisa and Emma walked closer with the Pikachu. Ritchie's Pikachu jumped on Lisa's shoulder, "Pika." Ash's and Emma Pikachu jumped to stand on the seats as Emma set Togepi next to them. "We'll see you around Ritchie," Emma said as Ash stood up.

"Look after this guy," Ritchie said as he nodded to Ash. Emma chuckled as Ash rubbed the back of his head. "Take care Ritchie," Ash said and looked down at Lisa, "You too Lisa, we'll see you around."

Lisa smiled as she nodded, "Okay! Bye-bye." Ash gave her a small wave and they watched the siblings walking away. "Hey Ritchie!" Ash suddenly called and Ritchie and Lisa turned to him. Ash smiled, "Don't forget, we promised." Ritchie chuckled and nodded before walking away with Lisa.

"I really hope we'll get to see them again," Emma said. "Yeah, me too," Ash agreed. Emma looked at him and smirked, "You know, I didn't give you a present yet."

Ash looked at her in confusion, "Uh... a present? For what?" he asked. "For competing. You lost in the fifth round, but that doesn't matter, 'cause I still wanted to give you the present," Emma said, "Winning or losing, you still a winner to me so..." Ash blushed as he rubbed the back of his head, "Thanks."

"But after how you acted yesterday morning, I didn't knew if I'll even give it to you," Emma said as she smiled, placing her hands on her hips. "And now?" Ash asked. "Well, you did apologized, so I think I can give it to you now," Emma said. Ash blinked, "What is it? I don't see you carrying anything."

Emma tilted her head with a soft chuckle, "Okay, so this is my present for you." She stepped closer and placed her hands on his shoulders before pressing her lips on his. Ash stood there in surprise for a moment before he closed his eyes, this time he kissed her back longer than the first time they shared their first kiss.

Emma pulled away, smiling shyly, stepping away, "Okay! Now let's head back to the cabin 'cause everyone's waiting for us." She took Togepi into her arms, ignoring the red face smiling male Pikachu and the grinning female Pikachu, and started to ran to the exit, "Come on!"

The female Pikachu ran after her, still smiling, "Pika-chu!" The male Pikachu looked up at Ash, smiling, "Pika!" Ash blinked and shook his head, slowly starting to smile, "Yeah..." He looked down at his partner, "Let's go." Pikachu nodded, "Pika-chu!"

Ash and the male Pikachu ran after Emma and the female Pikachu. "Wait up!" Ash called and Emma chuckled, "Hurry up, Slowpoke!" she called jokingly, and Ash chuckled.