Three days have passed, since Ash caught Squirtle, and in those three days, he has introduced him to his other Pokémon that were with Ash at the time, and has started his training with other of Ash's Pokémon.
But Squirtle wasn't the only new Pokémon that someone has caught in the last few days. Yesterday, while the group was coming to Vermilion City they decided to have a little training on the beach outside of Vermilion City, and it was during that training, that the group saw, Krabby, and so, Misty decided to catch it, seeing as it is a Water type Pokemon, and she LOVES, water type Pokemon.
Misty used her Wartortle and after she managed to defeat Krabby, she captured it.
The group spent the rest of the day training all of their Pokémon, and Ash was doing final preparations with Amaterasu for her gym battle.
Misty did ask Ash at some point why he was only preparing Amaterasu for his gym battle, and he said that he has heard that few months ago the gym leader of Vermilion gym has started to do only one-on-one battles, after he evolved his Pikachu into Raichu.
At the end of the day, after all of the training for the day was over, Ash switched his Pokemon and sent his two Butterfree's back at Oak's Lab, and Oak sent him Pidgeotto and Goblet.
XXX
Ash and his friends have finally arrived a Vermilion City, where Ash is to have his fourth gym battle. It took a few weeks to get here, but he is here now and is ready to get his fourth gym badge.
Before they go to the gym, Ash and company stopped at Pokémon center to check all their Pokémon, because they were pretty exhausted from all the training they did.
When they got to the Pokémon center, Ash went in front of Nurse Joy's desk. "Hello, Nurse Joy, can you check our Pokémon to make sure they are fine from our trip here and training?" Asked Ash.
"Of course, it's no trouble at all," replied Nurse Joy and took all of their Poke balls, but then some kid run in the Pokémon center, while carrying his, seemingly very injured, Rattata.
"Nurse Joy, can you help my Rattata, please, it's been injured in our gym match," yelled the boy!
"Oh my, this is terrible," yelled Nurse Joy! "Chansey bring the stretcher to put Rattata on, I'll come immediately to heal him."
"I'm sorry about this, but can you wait until I finish with Rattata and then I'll check your Pokémon," Nurse Joy asked Ash.
"Sure Nurse Joy, it's no problem," replied Ash and then Nurse Joy run to heal Rattata.
After Nurse Joy left, Ash looked at the boy that brought Rattata and asked. "Hey, what happened to your Rattata?"
"We had a battle against Lt. Surge, the Vermilion City Gym Leader, and his Raichu beat my Rattata very badly," replied the boy with his head down, looking at the floor.
"I see," mumbled Ash. "I'm sorry about that."
An hour later Nurse Joy came out and said to Rattata's trainer that his Pokémon will be fine and that he doesn't need to worry anymore. She then took Ash's Pokémon, as well as Misty's and Brock's, and went to check them, and since checking all of them will take some time, they decided to take two room's in the Pokémon center and spend the night there. Ash can have his gym battle in the morning.
XXX
The next morning after the three young trainers woke up, they all went to Pokemon Center Cafeteria to get some breakfast, before Ash goes to have his gym battle.
"Hey Ash, can I ask you something?" Asked Brock.
"You just did." Replied Ash, with a smirk on his face, and Misty just laughed at Brock expression, which was hilarious.
After a few more moments of waiting for Misty to stop laughing, Ash said. "I'm sorry Brock, but I just couldn't resist it. Go ahead and ask what you wanted."
"Wouldn't it be better if you use one of your strongest Pokemon for this battle? What are you going to do if you lose," asked Brock, with a serious look on his face?
"I mean, I know you have trained Amaterasu very hard since you started your journey, but she is still very young and inexperienced, and you saw what Lt. Surge's Raichu did to that trainers Rattata yesterday."
"We will not lose, Brock," was Ash's answer. "But even if Amaterasu does lose, I'll just train her more and then we will challenge that Raichu, again. You should know by now that I don't give up that easily. And I already told you before, I'm not going to use Lucario, Pikachu and Alakazam in gym battles since it's not fair to the gym Leaders to use Pokemon who are Elite Four Level, and my other Pokemon can't gain battle experience if I only train them, but then use my strongest Pokemon in battles. If I only use the three of them, then there is no reason to catch new Pokemon and train them since it's a waste of time."
"I see," said Brock, but then he realized what Ash said about Pikachu, Lucario and Alakazam being Elite Four Level Pokemon, and asked. "Wait, are you serious about Pikachu, Lucario and Alakazam being Elite Four Level?"
"Yeah, I'm serious," said Ash, and both Brock and Misty looked at him with mouth dropped on the floor. "Didn't I already told you that before?"
Brock and Misty pulled their jaws back from the floor, and Misty said. "No, you didn't say that before."
"But how is that possible, I mean you are only ten years old, and even with all the training that you put your Pokemon through, it takes years of training and battling for a Pokemon to reach that level?" Asked Brock a little more than surprised by this.
"You do know that Lucario and Alakazam have been with me since they have hatched, and that was over five years ago, and Pikachu has been with me for almost four years." Said Ash.
"I know that, but it's still not enough time for them to become that powerful," said Brock. "I guess I could understand for a Pokemon to reach that level in four or five years, but only with a trainer who has a lot of experience, and you were just five or six years old when you all started training."
"Well, as I have already said before, I have done a lot of training myself to become Grand Master of the Aura Guardians, and Lucario, Alakazam and Pikachu have gone through that training with me. Lucario even did special training with another Lucario, which was Sir Aaron's partner, over a thousand year ago, and since I have both Aura and Psychic powers, it was much easier for us to become more powerful than it would be for most other trainers who can't use Aura of Psychic powers." Ash explained to Brock and Misty, who were listening very carefully what he was saying.
"OK, I guess I understand now," said Brock.
After that, they didn't talk much anymore, and just decided to finish their breakfast. When they were done, Ash picked his Pokemon from Nurse Joy, and went to the Vermilion City gym, to have his fourth gym battle. Brock and Misty were following him, so they can watch his battle.
About fifteen minutes later, Ash opened the door of the Vermilion City gym and walked in, his Lucario next to him and Pikachu on his shoulder. They were followed by Misty and Brock. "My name is Ash Ketchum, and I challenge Lt. Surge to a gym battle," announced Ash.
"So, you are here for a gym battle," stated a women that came in front of them.
"Yes, I am," confirmed Ash.
"Ok then, follow me," said the woman, and went further inside the gym.
"Your friends can sit on the bleachers, while you have your battle," said the woman and pointed to the side where there were several rows of bleachers.
"Good luck in your battle Ash," said Misty and went to sit on the bleachers with Brock, while Ash just nodded his head. "Oh, Misty wait," called Ash and released Ra.
"Ra, I want you to go with Misty and Brock and sit on the bleachers to watch this match," said Ash. "Is that Ok with you?"
"Yes, that's ok, Ash," said Ra, but only Ash understood him.
The woman that was leading him, cast a glance at Ash, curious about the reason he sent his Charmander to watch this battle, but then shrugged it off and said. "Sir, you have a new challenger," said the woman, while looking at a massive man, seating on the chair, on the other side of the field, his Raichu standing next to him.
"Is that so? Well I hope you are better than those before you, because if you are not, I'll be disappointed, because you have the look of a good trainer," said Lt. Surge while looking at Ash.
Ash said nothing and just stood on his side of the field, while the woman went on the side to be the judge of the match.
"This will be a one-on-one battle! The first trainer to lose his Pokémon, losses," announced the judge!
"Raichu, you are up," called Lt. Surge!
"Amaterasu, I chose you," shouted Ash and out came his Charmander pumped up and ready for battle.
"You have two Charmander's," stated Lt. Surge a little surprised.
"Yes I do. But I caught the one on the bleachers not that long ago, and I want him to watch this battle, and try to learn as much as he can," replied Ash, after which Surge nodded his head and motioned to the referee to start the match.
"Begin!"
"Amaterasu, use Flamethrower," Ash called his first move!
"Raichu, counter it with Thunderbolt," said Surge!
Amaterasu took a deep breath and fired a huge Flamethrower, which surprised Raichu and everyone else by how powerful it was, but Raichu quickly surrounded himself in electricity and fired a Thunderbolt straight at Amaterasu's Flamethrower.
Two attacks battled for dominance for a few seconds, before Flamethrower started to overpower Thunderbolt, and headed slowly at Raichu. But when it was close to hit Raichu both attacks exploded, which raised dust from the ground and sent Raichu lying back a little.
"Raichu, get up and use Discharge," shouted Lt. Surge getting angry because his Raichu's Thunderbolt was overpowered by Charmander's Flamethrower!
Raichu got up with a scowl on his face and, lighted up his body with electricity and then released it all around him.
Seeing an attack coming at Amaterasu, and with no way to dodge, Ash said. "Amaterasu use Protect, and then Iron Tail."
Amaterasu created a greenish barrier around herself, then prepared Iron Tail, and waited for the Discharge to end.
Right when Discharge ended, Amaterasu quicklyjumped in front of Raichu, and hit him with Iron Tail, sending him flying back all the way to the other side of the field where he collided with the wall.
"No, Raichu, get up," yelled Surge not believing what is happening!
Raichu somehow managed to stand up, but everyone could tell he was close to passing out. "Amaterasu finish him off with Flamethrower," said Ash, and then his Charmander fired another Flamethrower at Raichu, but this time he couldn't counter it, or dodge it, so he was hit and blasted away.
When the smoke cleared out, everyone saw Raichu lying on the ground, covered in burns and completely passed out.
"Raichu is unable to battle, the winner of the match are Ash Ketchum and his Charmander," called the referee!
"Congratulations on another gym battle win Amaterasu, you were great," congratulated Ash, making his Charmander smile and thank him. After that, Ash's friends came down from the bleachers and all of them congratulated both him and Charmander, with Ra now even more pumped up for training, after seeing how far behind he is.
"Well, Ash, that was a great battle, congratulation's. Here is your badge, you deserve it," said Lt. Surge and handed Ash a Thunder Badge.
"Thank you, Lt. Surge," thanked Ash, and then he and everyone else turned around and walked out of the gym and went back to Pokémon center.
XXX
After Ash got back to his room in the Pokémon center, he decided to call his mother and see how she is doing.
"Hello mom, how are you doing?" Ash asked his mom after she answered on her phone.
"Oh Ashy, it's you!" She said. "I'm doing ok, but how are you doing, how are your battle's going?"
"I'm fine mom, you don't need to worry about me," answered Ash. "As for my battles, its going great, I just got my fourth badge in Vermilion city gym."
"Oh honey that's great, I'm so proud of you," smiled Delia.
"Anyway, how are things back home," asked Ash?
"Everything is going great honey, in fact, your father came back few days ago, and we are planning to go somewhere on vacation," the fact his father is back home, surprised Ash.
"Dad's back, I wasn't expecting him to be back for a while," said Ash surprised. "And where are you going?"
"Well, he said that he got some time free, and he wanted us to go to Porta Vista," replied Delia.
"I see, well then I hope you have great time," said Ash. "Anyway, I have to go now, I'll call again after my next gym battle."
"Wait, Ash, your father want's to tell you something," Delia said quickly before Ash could hang of the phone, and let Red talk with Ash.
"Hey son, how are you doing," asked Red after he got the phone from Delia?
"I'm doing fine dad, I just finished battle in Vermilion City and got my fourth badge. I'll start going toward Saffron City, tomorrow morning," said Ash.
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, why don't you take a few days rest from your journey," Asked Red?
"What do you mean?" Asked Ash, a little surprised.
"St. Anne is currently in Vermilion City, and will be going to Porta Vista tomorrow at noon. I'd like you and your friends to go and get on board, there will be some interesting things happening there, and I'm sure you'll like it," said Red. "We'll also be able to see each other in Porta Vista."
"St. Anne, hah," Ash got a thoughtful expression on his face. "Ok, why not? My Pokémon and I could use a few days' rest, and I'm sure Misty and Brock will love it," replied Ash after a few moments of thinking.
"Great, I'll notify the Captain, so that he can have tickets ready," said Red smiling.
"Why do we need ticket's, isn't St. Anne our ship?" Ash asked confused.
"Yes, it is, but you three will need tickets because there is something special going to happen there," replied Red.
"I'm assuming you won't tell me what it is," said Ash.
"Nope, it's a surprise," Red replied with a smirk.
"Ok then, I'll see you at Porta Vista," said Ash, and waved goodbye to his father.
"Wow, so this is St. Anne," said Misty in awe while standing with Ash and Brock, in front of a large Cruiser.
Yesterday, after Ash finished his conversation with his father, he told Misty and Brock that his father has invited them all to go on board St. Anne, because, apparently, there is something special going on there, and Misty has been existed ever since because it was one of her dreams to travel on board that Cruiser.
"Yes, that is St. Anne," said Ash.
"And you are telling me that this ship belongs to your family," stated Misty.
"Yep," Ash replied shortly. "Come on, let's go."
After that, Ash and his friends went towards the entrance of the ship and told to the guy who works at the entrance, who they are. From there, they were let inside and taken to their room, which was an owner suite. There, Ash and the others were given their tickets, and told why it was important to have them.
Apparently, there will be a ticket drawing going on tonight, and four lucky passengers will be given some sort of gift. There will also be a tournament, were top four trainers will be reworded in some way.
For the next few hours after the ship left Vermilion City, Ash, Brock and Misty spent going around the ship and meting some trainers, who were also onboard.
"Ok everyone, will you all please gather around, it's time for the special surprise," the announcer said, and then everyone gathered around the central stage!
When everyone was in front of the stage, the announcer said. "Pokémon League has decided to give some rewards to four lucky trainers, whose names will be drawn from this ball," she said, and pointed to a ball made out of see-through plastic, which was full with tickets. There was also a part of the ball, where the cap is located, and through which a person can put its arms in and pull the tickets, after they remove the cap.
"Each of this tickets have your names one them, so when your name is called, please come forward to receive your reword," said the announcer and got cheers form everyone there.
"I wonder what the gifts are," said Brock.
"And if you are wondering, what the gifts our four lucky winners will receive, are," started the announcer. "It's these beautiful Pokémon eggs!" She pointed at four Pokémon eggs, which were on the desk next to her, hidden by the sheet. This, of course, got an even bigger cheering from the crowd.
"Let the drawing start," she announced, and the ball started spinning in circle for a few moments, before it stopped, after which, the announcer pulled of the cap, put her right hand inside and drew one ticket.
"The first lucky winner is the trainer named Brock Harrison," yelled the announcer.
"Wow, I won," said Brock with surprise in his voice, before he gathered himself, and went on the stage, where he received a Pokémon egg.
"Congratulation Brock, here is your egg," said the announcer, and handed him one of the eggs. The egg was half red half yellow, with both colors looking like a flames dancing with one another.
"Thank you very much," thanked Brock and went back to Ash and Misty.
"Ok, let's get to the next lucky winner," said announcer and took another ticket from the ball.
"Our second winner is, Cynthia White," said the announcer and the girl who looks about two years older than Ash (Cynthia from the anime, only younger looking. I'm not writhing her description), came on the stage and received her egg, which was white with red and blue markings on it.
"Our third winner is, Misty Williams," said the girl, few moments later after she pulled another ticket from the ball.
"Yes, I won," shouted Misty and run at the stage where she got her egg! Misty's egg was light brown with several darker brown marks.
"What are the chances that the both of us were drawn?" Misty wandered after she got back to Ash and Brock.
"Very small, but I guess we were just lucky," replied Brock, his egg in his hands just like Misty's.
"And our final lucky winner is, Ash Ketchum," yelled the announcer which caused Ash, Brock and Misty to drop their jaws to the floor. I mean seriously, what are the chances for all three of them to be lucky winners?
"Congratulations, Ash, here is your egg," said the announcer after Ash got to the stage, and gave him his egg. Ash's egg was white with red marks on it. He then went back in front of the stage, and stood next to Misty and Brock, with all three of them holding Pokémon eggs.
"That would be it for this surprise, which we had for you, but there is something else that will be going on today. There will be a tournament held on board this ship, and those who are interested, can sign up here with me. The tournament starts in two hours, and it will be one-on-one Pokémon battle with top four trainers receiving some reward's for their performance," explained the announcer, and as she finished, she was swarmed by eager trainers who wanted to participate in the tournament.
XXX
For the next two hours, most of the trainers who were on board St. Anne, signed up for the tournament, which will be held later. Ash, Brock and Misty signed up as well, since this would be a good opportunity to train some of their Pokémon, and if they are lucky again, they might get to the semifinals and receive something else.
Once the tournament started, fights were being held all over St. Anne, since the cruiser was so big, that it had several battle fields, and because of that, the tournament, which would normally last several days, was coming to an end in just a few hours.
Right now, it's about eleven at night, and only the final battle was left, to decide who will be the winner of this little tournament.
Many couldn't believe it, but the four trainers that made it to the semifinal, are the same trainers that have been chosen to receive Pokémon eggs earlier that day.
Ash, Brock, Misty and Cynthia were in the semifinals.
There, Ash battled with Brock and was able to defeat him, with Ash's Squirtle defeating Brock's Onix. In the other semifinal, Cynthia's Gastrodon defeating Misty's Cloyster.
"Ok people, it is time for the final battle of St. Anne tournament. On one side, we have Ash Ketchum who got to the final by defeating all of his opponent's very easily, and on the other side we have, Cynthia White, who has defeated all her opponent's almost as easily as Ash, since she had a little bit of trouble with Misty, in the semifinal match," yelled the announcer!
"Well Ash, I'm glad you are my opponent since I can tell that you are one of the best young trainers that I have encountered since the start of my journey," said Cynthia, and gave a slight smile at Ash.
Ash looked at Cynthia for a few moments, and got a small blush on his face seeing how beautiful she actually is. He didn't really pay attention before, so he didn't notice it by now.
"Umm, thanks' for the praise, and I hope we have a good battle," replied Ash, suddenly getting a little nervous, and didn't know what else to say.
Cynthia noticed Ash's blushing and nervous face, and it brought a small smile on her face.
"Ok trainers, chose your Pokémon," said the referee for this match.
"Gabite, to the battlefield," called Cynthia and released her strongest Pokémon, since she knew that this was going to be difficult match.
Ash saw Cynthia releasing Gabite, and just by looking at her he could tell that it was very powerful Pokémon.
"That Gabite sure is powerful. Great job raising her," praised Ash, while looking at Cynthia.
"Thanks'. This Gabite was actually my first Pokémon, so we have been together for a while," replied Cynthia.
"Is that so," muttered Ash? "In that case I'll chose one of my first Pokémon. Lucario you are up!" Ash sent his Lucario, who nodded his head and entered the field.
"BEGIN!"
"Gabite, start this off with Flamethrower," said Cynthia.
"Lucario, Protect," Ash called his first move.
Gabite took deep breath and fired powerful looking Flamethrower at Lucario, who just stood there and did nothing, until Flamethrower was close to him, and then activated green barrier around himself.
When the attack hit, it caused an explosion, which caused smoke to envelope the field and cover Lucario.
"That was good try, Cynthia, but it won't be enough to defeat my Lucario," said Ash, and right then, the smoke cleared and showed Lucario, standing in the same spot, with green barrier around him.
"Lucario, use Ice Punch," ordered Ash, and caused Cynthia's eyes to widen slightly.
"Gabite, dodge that," yelled Cynthia!
Lucario's right fist gained white-blue color and then he started running toward Gabite, who barely managed to jump away and avoid Lucario's attack, because he was moving extremely fast.
"Lucario, Ice Punch again but this time use Quick Attack, to get in close," said Ash.
"No, Gabite, quickly jump up and use, Giga Impact," screamed Cynthia!
But it was already too late for Gabite, because before she could even blink, she was hit in the face by a Lucario's Ice Punch and sent her back toward Cynthia.
"Gabite no, please get up," yelled Cynthia.
Gabite somehow managed to get up on her feet, but was weakened because Ice Punch was very effective against Dragon type, like Gabite.
"Can you continue to battle, Gabite," asked Cynthia, worry for her Pokémon evident in her voice?
Gabite nodded her head slightly and returned to battle stance.
"Great, then use Dragon Pulse and follow it up with Giga Impact, while Lucario is distracted," said Cynthia.
Gabite opened its mouth and a turquoise ball of energy appeared in front of it, she then fired it straight at Lucario, and then jumped high in the air with her body getting surrounded, by spiraling, orange streaks.
"Lucario, dodge it," said Ash, and just as Lucario jumped in the air to dodge Dragon Pulse, he saw Gabite fly towards him with a purple energy sphere that replaced orange streaks, surrounding her body.
"Lucario, quickly Iron Defense," Ash slightly raised his voice!
Lucario crossed his arms and its body become surrounded in blue. His body then shined white, just before he was hit by Giga Impact, which sent him straight at the ground, and caused small cloud of dust to appear around him.
"Great job, Gabite, I think we have won this," said Cynthia and smiled at her Gabite, who returned her smile.
"I wouldn't celebrate so fast, if I were you," said Ash and then Lucario stood from the floor, like it was nothing, his body still shining white.
"What, how is that possible, he doesn't even have a scratch on him?" Asked Cynthia, while staring wide-eyed at Lucario.
"My Lucario is very powerful," Ash simply shrugged his shoulders in response.
"Lucario, it's time to finish this, Bone Rush now," said Ash.
Lucario created a long stick, shaped like a bone, and in an instant, appeared in front of Gabite and hit her several times, which sent her flying towards Cynthia.
Gabite flew and landed behind Cynthia, already unconscious. "Gabite, NOOOO," Cynthia yelled and run to see if Gabite is ok. After seeing that she is fine and just unconscious, she breathed a sigh of relief.
"Gabite, is unable to battle, the winner of this match is Lucario, and the winner of the tournament, is Ash Ketchum," announced the referee!
"And that's it, people, the first champion of the St. Anne tournament is, Ash Ketchum," yelled the announcer, which caused the crowd to cheer loudly for Ash!
"Good job, Lucario," praised Ash.
"Thank you, father," replied Lucario.
Ash went toward Cynthia, along with his Lucario and Pikachu, who was on his right shoulder all this time. "That was a good battle, Cynthia, you are a great trainer," said Ash, when he got in front of her.
"Thank you, Ash, I just hope our next battle won't be so one-sided like this one. Your Lucario completely overpowered my Gabite," replied Cynthia after she stood up and returned her Gabite inside her Poke ball.
"You just have to train harder, and then, on day, we will have an amazing battle," said Ash, and put his hand forward for a hand shake.
Cynthia accepted his hand shake and replied with a smile. "I will, Ash."
"Alright, it's time for the reward for our top four trainers," said the announcer and everyone went in front of the stage, with Ash, Cynthia, Misty and Brock standing next to each other.
Before the final match Misty defeated Brock in the match for the third place, so she will be receiving third reward and Brock fourth.
"Our fourth place, Brock Harrison gets a set of Potion's", said the announcer and handed Brock a box with several different potions.
"Thank you very much," said Brock, and went off the stage.
"Third place, Misty Williams, gets a set of six Lure Balls and 2 water stones," said the announcer and gave the reward to Misty, who was having hearts in her eyes because of her reward.
"This is great, thank you very much," shouted Misty and shock the announcer's hand, and then went and joined Brock!
"The second place, Cynthia gets 3 Ultra Ball's and 3 Lure ball's as well as 2 water stone's, 2 fire stone's and 2 thunder stone's," Cynthia came and received her reward's, after which, she left the stage.
"And finally, our champion, Ash, wins this box," she pointed at the very big box that was on the table, and kept quiet for a few seconds causing everyone to start wandering if the winner just got a simple box, or there is something special inside of it. After a few more seconds, the announcer smirked and decided to continue.
"In which, there is every evolution stone that exists in the world, as well as every item needed for evolving some Pokémon," she said, which caused all of the people, who were on board the ship, to drop their jaws.
Ash, who was standing next to the announcer, looked between her and the box several times, because he also couldn't believe this.
After a few minutes, he came back to his senses and took the box in his hands. He actually had to put a little strength into holding it because it was quite heavy, which is not surprising considering that there is several dozen evolutionary stones and items, in it. "Congratulation's Ash, you deserve this reward because you proved that you are an amazing trainer," said the announcer with a smile.
"Thank you very much," replied Ash and shook her hand, before he went off the stage and stood with Misty, Brock and Cynthia.
"Whoa Ash, you really are lucky to get that reward, I still can't believe it," Misty said, still little shocked by all the rewards they all got, but especially Ash.
"Yeah, I'm surprised as well, this isn't what I was expecting," replied Ash, while holding the box he got in his hands. As for his egg, he left it in the suite, along with Brock's and Misty's, before the tournament even started.
After that, Ash, Misty and Brock said goodbye to Cynthia, and they all went back to their suit for the night, but decided to spend the next day with Cynthia, so they can get to know each other better.
"So, Ash, what is going on with you and Cynthia?" Asked Brock with a sly smirk on his face, after the two of them and Misty got back in their suite.
"What are you talking about?" Asked Ash, slightly confused by Brock's question, but in the back of his mind, he had a feeling that he knew what Brock meant.
"I've noticed how you were looking at her, and that blush you had when you first saw her didn't escape my eyesight," said Brock, and Ash actually started sweating a little.
After a few moments of silence, in which Ash was trying to calm down and stop sweating, Brock still had a smirk on his face, and Misty had an unreadable expression on her face, though if one was to look closer, they would see a mixture of fear and rage on her face, Ash took a deep breath and finally started speaking.
"Look, I will admit that Cynthia is a very beautiful girl, but there is nothing between us, we barely spoke few words after the match and that's it." Ash said, and Misty let out a breath, which she didn't even realize she was holding. If Ash was telling the truth and he didn't have anything with Cynthia, then she might have a chance to be with him in the future, but if it turns out that Ash likes Cynthia, and she ends up liking him back, then Misty knew she doesn't stand a chance because Cynthia is much more beautiful than her, at least In her own opinion.
"Ok Ash, if you say so," said Brock after Ash finished his reply to Brock's question. "But there is still few days until we get to Porta Vista, and there is still a chance for something to happen, especially since we are going to spend tomorrow with her. Who knows, maybe she ends up liking you."
"Maybe, but I doubt it. I'm only ten, close to eleven years old, and right now I'm not interested in looking for girlfriend, and I'm sure Cynthia is not interested in boys right now, and more in training her Pokemon and making it as far as possible in Pokemon League." Ash said.
"Ok, then, let's go to bed since it's already late, and there is no point in staying awake any longer." Said Brock, and the three of them went to get changed and ready for bed.
XXX
The next two days, Ash and his friends spent their time aboard the St. Ann, going around and meeting different people and Pokemon from different regions. Though most of that time, they spent with Cynthia, who they found out is from Sinnoh Region, and has come to Kanto to participate in Indigo League.
On the night of the second day, a very big storm appeared suddenly and started rocking the Cruiser, threatening to flip it over and sink it.
But with Ash's help, along with his Alakazam and Lucario, the three of them were able to use their Aura and Psychic powers to hold the ship steady and prevent it from flipping over, and from the giant waves that threatened to destroy it.
In the end, after few hours of steering the Cruiser through the storm, they were all finally safe, after the cruiser survived the storm with very little damage, though Ash his Alakazam and Lucario, were more dead than alive because of how much power they used up, and have spent the rest of the night and the big part of the morning passed out.
After they woke up, the ship's captain and everyone who was onboard, thanked them for saving their lives. The rest of the day, Ash spent with Brock, Misty and Cynthia just talking and doing nothing in particular.
Cynthia has also decided to join the group and spend several days with them on Port Vista. She has noticed that there are some feelings that she got for Ash, but is not certain what they are, so by spending few days with him, she thought that she will find out.
But while Cynthia started to notice that she might have feelings for Ash, Misty already likes Ash, and is not going to let Cynthia have him all to herself so easily, but at the same time she doesn't know what to do.
Unknown to the two of them, Ash has also developed some feelings for the two of them. Even though he said to Brock that there is nothing between himself and Cynthia, he wouldn't say that he wasn't hoping for something to happen in the future. As for Misty, she has been traveling with him for some time now, and even though she is not exactly the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, and definitely not as beautiful as Cynthia, he did feel something for her, and like withCynthia, he hoped for something to happen between them in the future.
Of course, Ash knew that he can't be with both of them at the same time, (that is, unless they agree to share him, but he won't get his hopes high), and to be with one first and then the other sometime later is also a problem because he would practically have to choose the one who would be his girlfriend first, and then with the other after he breaks up with the first, and that is something he will not do because it is wrong, (at least to him).
In the end he had two choices, and they are to, either tell them about his feelings for them and see what the two of them will say, or let the things go their own way, and see what happens.
When St. Anne came in Porta Vista, on the morning of the fourth day since she left Vermilion City, she docked at Hutber Port, where Ash and his friends run into a problem with a Giant Tentacruel and a whole bunch of Tentacool, who were trying to destroy the City, because some stupid old woman thought that it would be a good idea to build a five star hotel on the coral reef where Tentacool and Tentacruel lived.
Because of some accident, one of the Tentacruel that was caught in it, got very big and attacked the City and wanted to destroy it like humans tried to destroy his home.
There was a battle that happened and in the end Ash and friends were able to stop Tentacruel with Ash capturing it, and then he sent all the other Tentacool back home after the old woman, whose name is Nastina, was arrested because she tried to do something illegal that would end up harming a lot of Pokémon, and almost caused the Hutber Port to be destroyed. She was taken away by Officer Jenny.
After everything was over, Ash sent Tentacruel to Urahara, so that he can try to revert him back to his normal size.
Misty was also able to catch a Horsea, who tried to help them in the battle. She decided to send Goldeen back at her sisters' gym, and keep Horsea with her for a while and train her, along with Krabby, when she gets a chance. She also sent back Staryu, so when the Pokemon hatches from the egg, she got on St. Ann, she will have a free space to catch it in a Poke ball.
With the problem solved, Ash and his group, along with Cynthia, left Hutber Port and went to Acapulco, where Ash's parents were. Once there, Red and Delia, officially met Misty and Brock, as well as Cynthia, and they all spent several days together.
During those few days, the group helped an old man who head a restaurant and organized a beauty pageant, in which Cynthia won and Misty got second place.
Ash also spent some time with both Cynthia and Misty, and if one doesn't know better they would say that he was actually dating both of them. But that is not true, at least not completely, he still didn't want to push things to happen, and then end up in a situation in which he would have to choose either Misty or Cynthia.
But in the end, he decided to have a talk with both of them, so he ended up confessing that he has feelings for both of them, but he can't choose between the two of them, and has decided to let things go their way, and see what happens.
When Cynthia and Misty heard that Ash likes them both, but can't chose just one, they felt a little down, because they knew that if they want to be with Ash, they would have to share him with other woman. In the end they decided to wait and see how things go from there, and then they will choose if they want that or not.
After a week at Porta Vista, Ash, Brock, Misty and Cynthia decided to get back on their journey, while Red and Delia will stay a few more days.
While Ash, Misty and Brock decided to go to Lavender Town and then to Saffron City, Cynthia decided to go to Cinnabar Island, so after they all said goodbyes to each other, they all went their separate ways, but not before they promised to meet again at Indigo Plateau.
After leaving Porta Vista, Ash and his friends went to Lavender Town. They traveled there by another ship, and it took them two days to get there, two days that were spent just sunbathing on a deck and doing nothing.
Right now, they are in the Pokémon center, having lunch and making plans for the rest of their journey.
"So, how long are we going to stay here, and where are we going next," asked Misty?
"I was thinking we should stay here few days to train our Pokémon. That way we could go to Saffron City and not make stops on the way," replied Ash. "I'll also go to the Pokémon Tower and try to catch some Ghost Pokémon."
"That is actually not a bad idea, we didn't train our Pokémon since before your battle with Lt. Surge in Vermilion City, over a week ago, so they could use some training to get back in shape," said Brock.
"I agree with that," said Misty. "I have Krabby and Horsea that I haven't had the time to train and this will be a perfect opportunity."
"Ok then, after we finish our lunch I'll go to the Tower and catch a Pokémon, and you can start your training while I'm gone," said Ash. "Or, do you want to come with me?"
"No, I'm fine, you can go by yourself," said Misty.
"Yeah, I don't plan to catch any Ghost Pokémon, so I'll stay with Misty and start training," said Brock.
"Ok, if that is what you want," responded Ash, and then after he finished his lunch, he went to the Pokémon Tower, while Misty and Brock started to train their Pokémon.
XXX
"I see you have really started taking this training seriously, for the last few weeks," said Ash, after he appeared behind Misty and Brock, who were training some of their Pokémon.
Misty and Brock quickly turned around and saw Ash standing there with a smirk on his face, Lucario next to him and Pikachu on his shoulder.
"Ash, don't scare us like that!" Misty shouted at Ash, and then blushed when she saw his smirk widen.
"Well, we saw how you are training your Pokémon, so we couldn't just sit and do nothing," replied Brock on Ash question.
"I assume you managed to catch Ghost Pokémon in the Tower," said Misty.
"Yeah I did, though it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be since they like playing pranks on people and scaring them so it was very hard to catch even one of them as they ended up being very well coordinated and were able to escape me for a while," said Ash, and then released his new Pokémon. "Come on out, Haunter!"
Haunter came out of his Poke ball, and started going around and introducing himself to all Pokémon there and was also doing some funny stuff with his face, making some of them laugh.
"I see, so you got Haunter," commented Brock. "Nice catch, but who did you send back home to keep him here?"
"Yeah, I think he has a lot of potential and is funny, he's sure to make things livelier," replied Ash. "And I sent Amaterasu and Ra. Since it looks like they like one another, I've decided to give then some free time, to spend together at Oak's Ranch."
"Ok guys, let's go back to training." Said Brock to his Pokémon, and went to continue training them.
"I'll go and continue training my Pokémon as well." Said Misty, and went to her Pokémon.
"Ok then, let's go and start our training." Ash said to Lucario and Pikachu. He then went on one side of the field and released all of his Pokémon, and after Haunter joined them he started their training.
They have all spent the next four days in Lavender Town, doing nothing but training their Pokémon, and you can already see some big improvements in some of them.
Brock's Pokémon, for example, have improved quite a lot. Geodude, who was already strong and was with Brock for some time now, has evolved into Graveler, on their second day of training and has learned some new moves.
Zubat, has also evolved into Golbat, and just like Graveler, he has learned new moves.
Rhyhorn and Sandslash have also improved a lot, but Rhyhorn hasn't evolved yet, though it won't be long before he does, and Sandslash is already fully evolved so he can only keep improving.
But the one who has grown the most of all of Brock's Pokémon is, Onix. Onix was his first Pokémon and was also his strongest, and after the third day of training all of them could see how powerful he has become, so, Ash gave Brock a Metal Coat, so that he can evolve him into Steelix, which made him more powerful than all of the Pokémon that Ash, Brock and Misty currently have, except Ash's Lucario, Alakazam and Pikachu.
Misty's Pokémon have improved as much as Brock's. Since Lavender Town is close to the sea, she had all of her Pokémon trained in the sea and on the beach.
Her Starmie and Cloyster who were all fully evolved Pokémon have worked on increasing their speed, stamina and strength of their attacks, and that was something they saw from Ash's training with his Pokémon.
Krabby was still very young so he has a lot of work to do until he can evolve, but is progressing steadily after every day of training.
Misty's Wartortle, who was already strong from his time with Damian became even stronger and evolved into Blastoise on the fourth day of training.
Horsea didn't get to train a lot and only did some light exercises to increase her overall powers, but there is still time for training her as well.
Staryu and Goldeen didn't get any training this time since they were back in Cerulean Gym and Misty wanted to focus on the five Pokemon she had with her at the time, but she will switch them back in a few days so they will get to train as well.
But of the three of them, Ash's Pokémon have improved the most, even if none of them have evolved. They have all improved their speed, stamina and strength so much that at this point they can only go further if they were to evolve. While mostly doing physical training, they did learn some new moves as well, which made them even more powerful.
Since Ash can carry up to twelve Pokemon with him at the same time, and has a Pokedex which can be used to switch Pokemon at any time and place, he trained all of his Pokemon except the two Charmander's, who he promised to leave alone for a few days, and they have already trained more than some other Pokemon that Ash has, so it was no problem to leave them out this one time.
Butterfree and Magenta, worked on increasing their arsenal and improving speed and stamina.
Bulbasaur and Squirtle were trained together since they were all similar in power and size, so they had physical training and learned some new moves.
The three evolutions of Eevee worked with Pikachu, who trained them until they dropped on the ground, but because of that, they became faster and more powerful. They also learned some new moves, but they were mostly moves that they should have learned when they were all Eevee, but didn't, since Damian didn't train them right.
Pidgeotto and Golbat worked together with Lucario, and they were both already close to evolving, but will probably wait for some time to become as strong as possible in their current forms.
And finally, Haunter worked with Alakazam and Ash, and was learning some Ghost and Psychic moves.
But one move that Ash taught all of his Pokemon, and will teach all the others he catches, is Protect. In Ash's opinion it is one of the best defensive moves out there, and can save a Pokemon quite often if used right and with enough power put in it.
After four days of hard training, the group decided to leave all of their Pokémon at the Pokémon center, for a day of rest before they start heading toward Saffron City.
On that fifth day, something amazing happened for Ash, Misty and Brock. The Pokémon eggs, which they all had, started glowing.
"Wow, do you guys see this?" Yelled Misty while looking at the egg she was holding.
"Yes Misty, we see," replied Brock. "Our eggs seems to have started hatching."
"I'm actually quite surprised that all three of them are hatching at the same time." Commented Ash, while holding his egg, and Lucario and Pikachu standing next to him.
"I guess it's just coincidence." Said Brock.
"Who cares about that? I can't wait to see which Pokémon is going to hatch from my egg. I hope it's a water Pokémon," said Misty, with stars in her eyes.
"Don't worry about that, because it is water Pokémon," said Ash?
Misty and Brock looked at him confused, and then Brock asked. "And how do you know that?"
"Oh, well I knew which Pokémon are going to hatch from these eggs since we got them," replied Ash.
"And why didn't you tell us that before," Misty yelled right in Ash's face?
"Well, I wanted you to be surprised, if I told you which Pokémon you will get you wouldn't be as excited as you are now," responded Ash, after backing away from Misty a little.
"I'm glad you didn't tell us, because as you say, I probably wouldn't be as excited as I am," said Brock.
"Let's just wait and you'll see," said Ash, while looking at Misty, who set down and stared at her egg.
For the next half an hour all three eggs kept glowing, until they started getting cracks on them and after one brighter glow from all three of them, they finally hatched, and instead of three eggs, Ash, Brock and Misty now held three Pokémon.
"Wow," muttered Misty while looking at her Pokémon who looked back at her. "Which Pokémon is this," she asked?
The Pokémon in Misty's hands is a shabby, old-looking fish-like Pokémon with a light brown body covered in dark, irregular spots. It has large, deep-set eyes and big, pink lips. The tail and pectoral fins are dull blue and tattered in appearance. The dorsal fin is triangular with a hole in the middle.
"Feebas," said Misty's Pokémon and kept looking at her.
"Here take this," said Ash and handed Misty his Pokedex, who looked at it and checked her new Pokémon.
"This Fish Pokémon, called Feebas, is often ignored because of the disheveled appearance of its fins and body," said Pokedex.
"I like it, it's so cute," squalled Misty, and hugged Feebas, who gave a happy cry at being called cute.
"So, what are your Pokémon," asked Misty, and looked at Brock's and Ash's new Pokémon.
"Well, mine is Magby, it's the pre-evolved form of Magmar," said Brock, and started petting his Magby, who looked at Brock and smiled.
"So yours is a fire type," said Misty, and looked at Pokedex.
"Magby, the Live Coal Pokémon. Magby is the pre-evolved form of Magmar. Despite its small size, it is a tough opponent and produces an extremely hot flame," said Pokedex.
"What about you, Ash," Misty asked and looked at Ash's new Pokémon, but once she saw it, she froze.
"I-Is t-that a Bug type," stuttered Misty, her fear of Bug types showing up again?
"Yes, this is Larvesta, it's a duel type Bug\Fire Pokémon," replied Ash.
Misty got a hold of herself and looked at Pokedex to see what it has on Larvesta.
"Larvesta, the Torch Pokémon. A Larvesta shoots fire from its five horns to repel its enemies. They live at the base of volcanoes," said Pokedex.
"Wow, that is very rare Pokémon you got, Ash," commented Brock while patting Magby who was snuggling in Brock's chest.
"Yes it is, but why did it have to be Bug-Type," asked Misty, while holding her Feebas close to her?
Hearing that someone already doesn't like her and she has only just hatched, Larvesta looked at the ground and let a few tears.
"Hey don't worry about her Larvesta, Misty is just afraid of Bug-types, it's nothing personal," said Ash, and hugged his Larvesta after seeing her cry because of what Misty said.
Larvesta looked at Ash, and smiled a little after seeing him smile at her, and because of what he said, it made her feel better.
"Let's go to the Pokémon center and have Nurse Joy check on them, and see if everything is ok," said Ash, and after everyone agreed, they all run to see Nurse Joy.
Once Nurse Joy checked Feebas, Magby and Larvesta, and told the group that they are all in great health, Ash, Brock and Misty spent the rest of the day getting to know their new Pokémon and introduced them to their Pokémon. Since Ash and the others won't be stopping to train until after they leave Saffron City, he decided to send some of his Pokemon at Oak's ranch to rest for a few days since they have trained a lot in the last four days, and that also opened him free spots in his team if he catches some Pokemon on the way.
When the night came, they all went to bed early, because tomorrow morning, they will start heading to Saffron City, and they don't want to be tired when they wake up.
XXX
In the back street, outside of the Pokemon Center, Jessie, James and Meowth are having some diner. They are still following Ash and his friends, and are getting more and more agitated because of that. Especially Jessie.
"What did boss say when you talked to him today, how long do we have to follow those kids?" Jessie asked her partners in crime.
"He didn't say how long, he only said to keep following them until we get new orders." Replied Meowth.
"This is getting ridiculous, we have been following them for over a month now, and we haven't done anything yet," Jessie shouted in frustration. "We could have at least attack them few times to see how good they are."
"I'm guessing that you have lost your memory from that day in Viridian City, and don't remember how that Lucario beat our asses without any trouble at all," said James, who was quiet before now. "That alone is enough to prove how good they are."
"So, you are satisfied with just following them all this time," said Jessie. "Doesn't it bother you?"
James just sighed after he heard Jessie's comment and question, and after few moments of silence, he said. "I'm not satisfied, and it does bother me, but during the time we spent following this kids, I have realized something."
Jessie and Meowth kept quiet waiting for James to say what it is that he has realized.
"I have realized that even if boss does tell us to attack them and steal their Pokemon, we wouldn't be able to do it."
"WHAT?" Screamed Jessie. "Why?"
James looked at her like she is stupid or something, and then said. "Have you seen how they are training their Pokemon? Have you seen how powerful they are? Tell me Jessie, how exactly are we going to defeat them with only two Pokemon that we have? Three if you count Meowth."
Jessie and Meowth looked between each other and James for almost a minute, until Jessie finally said. "Well, we could always lure them into a trap, or trick them somehow. We don't have to actually battle against them."
"Yeah, I agree with Jessie." Said Meowth.
"We could do that." James agreed with Jessie, which surprised her slightly but made her smirk at her suggestion. The smirk disappeared after James finished what he wanted to say. "But somehow I doubt that someone who is a Grand Master of the Aura Guardians would be tricked or fall into some simple trap. You don't become Aura Guardian by being stupid, and that kid is definitely not stupid."
"Then there is his friends as well," James continued to speak after he was quiet for a few seconds, and letting his previous words sink in. "We have to be careful with them as well, because they will watch his back if something was to happen that is not supposed to happen."
After James finished speaking, there was silence between the three Rocket members. The silence was broken by Meowth, after almost five minutes. "So, what do you propose we do? Go and tell the boss that we don't think we can defeat three kids, and that we want to abandon the mission."
"FUCK NO," James suddenly yelled, startling Jessie and Meowth who weren't expecting his to say that! "I'd rather die right now. At least if I kill myself I won't have to suffer the torture, the boss would put me through if we tell him that."
"Yeah, you are right, there is no way we should tell him that we can't defeat those kids if he were to order us to attack them." Agreed Meowth after he heard James's words.
"Then what are we going to do?" Asked Jessie.
James sighed one more time, and after a few moments of silence, he replied. "There is nothing we can do," James said, and after he saw disbelieving looks on Jessie's and Meowth's faces, he continued. "Actually, the only thing we can do, is continue to follow the kids, and hope for some miracle. Though I'm pretty sure we will have to escape in a different region, so the boss wouldn't be able to find us and kill us, because that is exactly what will happen if we fail the mission."
Jessie and Meowth sighed after they heard James. Even though they don't like it, they have to agree that he is right, and escape from Kanto Region might be the best thing they can do.
"And where would we escape," asked Jessie? "I'm sure the boss has agents in every Region and he would be able to find us eventually."
"Actually," James started, and drew the attention of Jessie and Meowth. "Team Rocket only has agents in Kanto and Johto Regions. There are probably some in Orange Archipelago, but that's it, there are no agents in any of the other Regions."
"And how exactly do you know that?" Asked Jessie with narrowed eyes.
"I overheard a conversation, the boss had with some of his high ranking agents, about two years ago. The Boss said that there are no agents in any Region besides Kanto and Johto, and that he will send some in Orange Archipelago sometime in the future, but he doesn't plan to send any agents in other Regions for at least five more years, and even when he does send them, it will be with the closer Regions and then the ones who are farther away." James finished his explanation on how he knows what he knows.
"I see," mumbled Jessie under her chin. "Then what Region would be the best if we decide to run away?" She finally asked.
"Well, the closest Region to Kanto and Johto is Hoenn Region, and then Sinnoh Region," James started his explanation. "The others are quite far away, and I doubt the boss will send someone in those Region any time soon. So the best choice would be Unova, Kalos, or any other region that are far away from us, as well as far away from Hoenn and Sinnoh, since they are probably next on the bosses list to send agents."
"OK. I agree with that proposition, but I think that should only be a backup plan just in case we can't find any other way out of this. Maybe the boss will decide that that kid is not worth it and leaves him alone, which would mean we wouldn't be guilty and he won't torture us before he kills us." Said Meowth, with Jessie and James agreeing with him.
After that conversation, they finished their diner and went to sleep, in a tent they had with them.