Pokemon Fan Fiction / Pokemon Fan Fiction ❯ Codename:ASHURA ❯ Reminiscence ( Chapter 4 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

WARNING: Due to the violent content of this story parental discretion is advised.

Disclaimer: Pokemon and all their characters are the sole property of Game Freak, the WB, and its creator’s.

ENJOY

For Your Eyes Only

Any information that is disclosed is for your own personal knowledge. If you choose to reveal, said information your termination will be applied. And if you are caught, we at MASTERS have the right to deny any of our prior relationships.



Codename: ASHURA-Reminiscence


“Hello Ashura,” Richie greeted as he leapt down from the desk that he was perched on. He now nonchalantly leaned up against the back of the table, the Glock 17 still within arms reach.

“Hello Richie...You're looking well,” Ash returned in an unconcerned fashion. Ashura was standing right in front of one of the twelve pillars that surrounded the security desk. He was solely waiting on Richie’s move.

Richie smiled. “Yeah, well, I’ve been keeping myself busy and all. With Team
Rocket and...Oh screw it!” Then with lightning fast reflexes he drew for the Glock and started firing at Ash.

Ashura perceiving the attack quickly moved behind the pillar. Using the column for protection, Ash drew both Berettas that he had behind his back and fired simultaneously at Richie.

The items placed on the desk, seemed to spontaneous combust as they were impaled with gunfire. Richie back flipped behind the desk to avoid the incoming lead missiles, bringing out a second Glock, he then rose to his feet both weapons firing, to return Ashura’s assault.

The outcome...Richie only succeeded in chipping away at the marble pillars that protected Ash. Dust and debris burst from the column. Cursing, Richie then crouched down behind the desk again to think of another plan.

Ash peered over the side of the column. He knew he didn’t have a clear shot at Richie. Not only did the Security desk provide adequate room for Richie to maneuver around in, it also gave Richie a very large item to protect himself with.

He then noticed a pillar that stood adjacent to Richie’s location. The spot would give Ash the upper hand. ‘Here goes nothing,’ he said to himself, then took off for the spot.

Richie’s ears twitched at sound of the footsteps. His enemy was on the move. Richie rose up, both barrels blazing, tailing Ashura in a hailstorm of shots and bullets.

Ashura rounded the pillars, clutching the dual berretas in his hands. A pathway of gunfire was his follower. In a few seconds, they would be on him. And he was only at the mid-way point of his trek.

Deciding it wasn’t his day to die. Ashura used his momentum, crouched forward and barrel rolled, to avoid the leaded menace. Almost reaching his distention, Ashura slid behind the marbled column, spun to his feet and discharged his remaining rounds at Richie.

“Holy Shi-!!!!!” Richie exclaimed, as the rain of lead sought him. He then turned and took to the air, leaping over the side of the wooden desk. Then drew back to corner of the desk and leaned against it to reload.

Ashura deciding to advance from his location, raced over to the other side of the desk. Now the two were both back to back, on both sides of the two meters long mahogany desk.

“Your getting slow in your old age, Ash!” Richie shouted out, as the cartridge to his Glock 17 slid out.

“Bite Me!” Ashura spat as he was in the process of reloading also, the sounds of the clicking and locking echoing in the room.

“Oh...HoHo!” Richie jested. “It seems you're not having any fun here. How can I help?” he said as he cocked the Glocks back to load.

“Simple......die.” He returned as he rose to his feet, drawing both weapons. He was only greeted by Richie, mirroring his action.

“I can’t do that; have too many things to do,” Richie stated. The two both held their weapons tight, each looking for the other to make a mistake. “But, I do have a proposition for you...” Richie continued.

'This should be good.’ Ashura thought.

“How about joining Team Rocket...” Ashura just stared at Richie like he was the dumbest man alive. But Richie continued. “Come on its loads of fun. Terrorism, kidnapping, thousands of girls...It’s got all the things a growing guy would want.” Richie grinned. “So...What do you say?” Richie started to circle around the desk, Ashura following his action.

Ashura looked at Richie, all the humor was gone from his face. “...You know you really are crazy.” Richie could tell this wasn’t going to be in his favor. “What in the hell, would make you think I would ever join you!!!” He spit back at Richie as he maneuvered around the security station.

“After all the pain and torment you cause to so many people...” Ash scowled.

Richie thought about it as he continued to move. “Oh that....Forget about that. It’s not important.”

This pissed Ashura even more off. “Forget!!! Forget!!! I could never forget. My mother, my friends...Gary,” Ash’s mind flashed of all of Richie’s victims.
“Right now I will bring justice to them all...Richard Giovanni, I’m going to kill you...”

There was silence between the two as they moved around the desk, both mirroring the other’s action. They circled each other like twin lions, in a duel for supremacy of the pack. Each knowing that there could be only one victor...

****

Ten minutes.

Ten minutes since the confrontation began.

Although she didn’t have a front row screening of the battle, Misty knew that a small war had started. The sounds of streaming bullets and demolished property, could be heard echoing through out the halls. Clutching herself to keep warm, all she could do really was to wait...but how could she wait at a time like this...

‘What do I do now?’ she questioned. ‘I can’t let Ash face Richie alone, can I?’ She was beside herself. ‘I know I’m supposed to wait here and let em’ duke it out, but how can I?’

The sounds of the marbled rock being shattered were resonating up to the elevators where she awaited. She knew her job. She was just supposed to wait and whatever happened she had to deal with it then.

“God I wish I didn’t kiss him before...” Misty groaned. Her mind flashing back to that instant, she thought Ash looked so daring at that moment. Even though she didn’t know it was him at the time. She knew, that she felt something for him. But that was bad. That was really bad...

Since her mind was else where, Misty didn’t even notice the gun-toting Blonde that was creeping up behind her...

******

Step and Move...

Step and Move....

Ash and Richie still continued their stand-off. Both grasping their weapons for dear life as they circled each other, both looking for breaks in each other’s defense, both looking for any mistakes, and both knew it was all up to fate...

But it seems as though fate had dealt its cards with Ashura.

Step and Move...

Step and Move...

Ash’s eyes flashed towards Richie’s pathway. He then glances back to Richie. ‘He doesn’t see it,’ Ashura mused. He grinned.

Richie stepped his right leg crossing his left as he circled Ashura. His twin Glocks still held paralleled to his shoulders. Richie then stepped again, and then his foot landed on an unstable surface. Richie’s foot slid to the side, giving him a moment of being unbalanced.

And a moment was all Ashura needed.

He sent a volley of bullets careening into Richie’s chest. The parade of bullets seemed to danced into the folds of his clothes. The recoil of being hit sent Richie’s body to the floor. The back of his pawns smacked the ground as he fell.
The fall loosened the Glocks from his grip.

And there he lay, seemingly motionless...

Ashura was in a moment of shock. ‘Is he dead? Is it over?’ He asked himself.

Shaking it off, he decided to make sure before jumping to conclusions. He put one of his Berettas behind him and held the remaining one firmly. He slowly moved over to the body. Although the distance between them was nothing but a couple of feet, Ashura swore that it was the longest walk he had ever taken.

Ashura hovered over Richie, the 9mms still present. Kicking the Glocks away, he looked down at his rival. Ashura snickered; he remembered Richie wanted Ash to join him. Looking at Richie state presently, Ash was glad he didn’t join. But it wasn’t the first time Richie made the offer.

“The first time was in Toshiro...” His mind flashed to that moment. It was probably one of the scariest times in his life...and the most regretful.

He was only sixteen then but he was still sharp. Too bad it didn’t keep him from getting captured. Instead of killing him then and there Richie wanted to convince Ashura to join. Ash still remembered the conversation they had.

“Join Team Rocket; trust me it will be the best decision of your life.” Richie said. He perched himself on the table in the room. There was huge screen right behind Richie, counting down from 01:24:005sec. Richie waited for an answer from the guy strapped in the chair in front of him.

‘Trust?’ the word uttered by this man was preposterous. “You have to have honor before you can earn trust.” Richie smirked. “And besides, why should I trust you...” Ashura continued. “You, who murdered your own father in cold blood!”

Richie grinned remembering that sensation. “Pops was weak. He lacked vision.
Plus he was way too timid. Giovanni was an obstruction, so I eliminated it.” He turned to Ashura. “What’s wrong with that?”

Ash’s eyebrows frowned. “What’s wrong with that...?” Ashura was furious at the statement. “We found Giovanni in three separate locations, Richie!!!” He grimaced at the memory.

Richie shrugged his shoulders. “Can you blame a guy for being thorough? Besides I eliminated one of the greatest threats to Indigo. I thought you would be happy.”

“Right and you replaced him with an even greater one.” Richie grinned. He always did like compliments. “Besides, even though Giovanni was a criminal...” Ash continued. “He did have honor, something that you lack.”

Richie frowned. “What place does honor have when you’re in crime?” Richie turned away. “Like I said, the old man was weak. He let too many failures into the organization.”

Ash looked up. “I guess you mean Jessie and James.”

“Yes those two. Even back when I first met them when we were kids, I knew they were nothing but defective trash. I should have wasted them right there on the spot.” He then turned to Ashura. “You know the thing I don’t get...They tracked you down for all those years, trying to steal that damn rodent! But you went to save them...why?”

“Look Jessie and James may have their flaws...but they are still good people.” Ash stated bluntly. “I would do it again if I had too.”

Richie sighed. “And I thought you were different...” Richie was tired of the discussion. “Ash, the world you live in where good always triumphs over evil, is nothing but a fairy tale. This is the real world, the world where the only thing that rules is power. I have power, Team Rocket has power. And all the other sheep are weak.” He faced Ashura, with a 12 gauge shotgun in his hands. “And now my friend, since you want to be a part of the problem. You must be eliminated as well.” He ended, while aiming the rifle right for Ashura’s head.

Ash closed his eyes and a waited for the round to fire. Then his ears heard an explosion. The whole room shook. Sounds of falling debris and rubble could be heard.

“Hey if it isn’t the loser from Pallet,” Ash’s eyes fluttered open. He grinned.
His partner Gary arrived....

Snapping out of his flashback, Ashura looked over the body in front of him. Richie...Finally, Gary has been avenged. He was about to turn away to find Misty, when he had a nagging feeling in the back of his mind. He turned back to Richie’s body, he frowned.

‘There’s no blood...’ He thought...

He drew his berretta, to aim for Richie’s temple. He was about to act when he was startled by a scream....

He whipped his head around. “MISTY!!!” Then Ashura felt his legs being swept from under him. He fell to the ground with a thud, the berretta free from his hand. There standing over him, Richie grinned.

“Heinzian Mail,” he stated while patting his chest. “Crap’s ten times better than Kevlar, but still hurts like a motha...” He was about to say something else, but was cut off from Ashura’s foot thrusting into his gut, an act which sent Richie to the ground.

Ashura drew from behind to gather his remaining pistol. Richie saw Ashura’s discarded Berretta, and grasped the tool. The two simultaneously spun around only to be face to face with his rival and his weapon, Berettas mere inches away from their target.

“Dammit...Another stand-off,” Richie groaned, while Ashura’s Berretta was in point blank range of his head.

“Oh I wouldn’t’ say that...” Ashura grinned. He pulled the hammer down with his thumb.

“Why do you say that?” Richie was puzzled.

“Well...” Ashura mused. “I left the safety on...” Richie’s eyes widen as he focused on the up lever. Before he could act, Ash’s hand flashed forward retrieving his weapon. Now there Richie stood, at gunpoint...

“Well, I must say....it seems the better man won Ash...” Richie rose to his feet. Ashura followed, his eyes never darting from his captive. “Ok let’s go...I always wanted to know what MASTERS looked like.”

Ashura hesitated. “What makes you think you're going there alive...?”

Richie grinned. “Oh, I guess regulations have been thrown out the window.”

“No....I just want to make sure justice has been served.” Ashura tighten his grip.

“I always did like you. We would have made a great team...Oh well.” He drew back, then kissed one of his hands than placed it on his forehead. “COME ON BABY RIGHT HERE!” He pressed his head right up against the barrel.

Ashura looked at him like he was a mystery. “Richie....What the hell happened to you? We used to be friends when we were little...Now you’re…”

This was when Richie cut him off. “Hold up...two things. First, I was never your friend,” Ash narrowed his eyes. Richie ignored him and continued. “Second, the only reason why I was nice to you guys, was because I was trying to get some action from that cute little red head that traveled with you...”

“WHAT?!?!”

Richie grinned. “Hey, between us guys tell me...How was she, huh? Sweet right...”Ashura was doing all he could to restrain himself. “No...Oh maybe she was giving it to that slanted eyed breeder instead...” Richie chuckled.

That was the last straw Ashura cocked the Berretta back and shoved it into Richie’s temple; his finger neared the trigger...

“ASHURA STOP!!!!!”

A female’s voice got his attention. He looked at the source. There was Richie’s savior. A 5 foot 8 blonde with twin ponytails and a tech-9 machine gun aim at the back of Misty’s head...

“Hey babe,” Richie shouted to Cassidy. “You're late...”

“Sorry hun..” Cassidy returned. “We had a little girl talk...” As she spoke, Ash noticed that the gown Misty wore had been torn up in some places. Her hair a total wreck and a slight bruise forming on her forehead.

“Misty...” Ash whispered. The girl was too afraid to meet his glance.

Richie looked at him and grinned. Cassidy spoke. “Ashura I don’t want any trouble. Just give me the Boss and I’ll let this girl go...” Ash narrowed his eyes at her. “I promise.” She added with all the honest she could muster from inside her.

Ash sighed. His ears twitched as his partner waiting outside heard the situation. He finally came to a decision. “Deal…But any tricks and I kill him on the spot. Then you’ll have to deal with me...”

Cassidy breathed a sigh of relief. “Understood.”

Richie turned his head to the side to look at Ashura. ‘I can’t believe he fell for that’ He mentally spoke. ‘Oh well.’

Ash held Richie’s back, ramming the gun into his spine. Cassidy marched Misty in front of her and released her. Ash did the same for Richie. As Richie moved he could feel the piercing eyes of Ashura on his back. But he didn’t care. He saw Misty then an idea came to his mind.

Misty walked slowly away from Cassidy towards Ash. She passed Richie and could have sworn his hand grazed her rear. She turned to face him but he didn’t return her gaze. But she did see a very flustered Cassidy.

Misty was furious and was about to say something when Ash place his hands on her shoulder. She was calm again.

“Ok, now that we got that over with. Cass...Kill em” Richie stated nonchalantly.

“But Richie I said...” she started.

Richie grew tired of this. “I don’t care what you said....Fine,” he snatched the weapon from her hands. “I’ll do it.”

Ash stepped in front of Misty, berretta in his hand. He looked over his shoulder to her and whispered. “Get down....”

“Wha-” She would have stated.

But then there was a light blazing through the glass doors from outside. There was a sound of a car engine revving up. The Ashura grabbed Misty shielding her body.

Richie foresaw what was about to happen and dove to take cover. In the next instant, a large black sports car drove right through the glass doors. The car drove on through the lobby stopping right next to Ashura and Misty. Both headlights beaming, there were shards of glass and concrete scattered all over the room.

Ashura took Misty into his arms and rushed over to the vehicle, Pikachu hoping out of the driver side. Ash then placed Misty in the car and took his place behind the wheel. He spun the car around inside the building and peeled out of the lobby.

Richie fired a few shoots at the fleeing vehicle but it was an attack in vain. They already escaped.

“Damn!” Richie cursed. “So close...”

****


Back in the Black Dodge Viper, Ash drove out of the ‘Highlights’ Parking lot. Now he all he had to do was return to Indigo. He looked at his passenger. She had been quiet for a long time.

‘So many things had happened tonight,’ Ash reasoned. ‘It must be a lot to handle.’ Ash changed lanes and threw the car into forth gear. ‘Oh well, might as well get this over with…’

“Misty, I’m sorry I lied to you...”

“YOU BETTER BE!!!!” she shouted.

“Wha-”

“You heard me. I can’t believe it. After all these years you're still the same dense jerk!!!” she put a lot of emphasis on that last part. “Not only did you nearly get me killed, but look what happened to my dress!!!”

“But that wasn’t my fault!!! I was trying to...”

“You were trying to...You were trying to...” she repeated. “You were trying to get me killed. I swear I thought MASTERS, would have trained their agents better."

“Wait a minute; I have you know that I'm one of the best agents, MASTERS got."

Misty rolled her eyes. “If you're the best, then I'm as good as dead."

Ash bit his lip. “I didn’t have to take this assignment you know...I could have let them get you...”

“Please...” Misty returned in an uncaring fashion. "I bet me dress would have been in better shape if you didn’t."

“How can you say that...I risked my life for you, I could have died. We both could have died. Doesn’t that even matter to you....?” Ash was desperately trying to keep his emotions in check as he drove down the highway.

“Ash just drive...” she answered coldly.

“Misty, I’m sorry...” Ash sighed. Seven years of searching for the one person has heart truly loved and she still hated him. ‘My life can’t get any better than this,’ he thought as he swirled through the lanes.

He looked over at Misty. She was now peacefully sleeping in the passenger side seat. Ash focused his eyes on the road again. The street lights flashing across the windshield as he gazed on the darken street. He looked at her and sighed as memories of the last time he saw her came to surface. He was so young then and so naive. But even in all of his naiveté he still knew his feelings...

*****

It was a couple of minutes before the biggest match of Ash’s life.

On this day, he would be taking on Indigo’s previous Pokemon Master to claim the title. To say he was nervous was an understatement. Even though Ash trained himself and his Pokemon for six straight months for the league, he still only manage to barely made it to the finals and defeated the Elite Four. Despite all the pressure he was experiencing, he still knew he was ready. And that today ‘will’ be the day. At the age of fourteen, today he knew his dream would finally come true.

He was impatiently waiting for them to announce him to the field, pacing back in forth in the waiting room. Misty and Pikachu were watching the poor boy’s nervous act while they were patiently sitting in some of the lounge chairs, both their heads moving from right to left, watching Ash’s trek. Misty then gritted her teeth Ash was unnerving the slim red head.

“Ash can you chill out!!!” Misty shouted ending the silence in the room.
“You're starting to drive me crazy," Misty complained, while placing her hands on her temples.

Ash stopped and was about to respond, then he paused and thought about it. He let out a big breath and sighed. “Yeah, maybe you're right.” He plopped down in the chair besides her. He lowered his red cap over his eyes and stretched out in the chair, suddenly sitting down seemed to ease his nerves a lot.

Misty smiled a little. “See, I’m always right.”

Ash sighed, he hated when she was right. But he didn’t want to comment on it, he had too much on his mind. “Misty, you know where Brock is? He’s supposed to meet us here."

Misty pondered for a minute. “I don’t know.” She thought a little bit more. Then she remembered...“Oh yeah, he said he was going to be late. He wanted to get some things ready for your Victory Party.”

Ash chuckled at the mention ‘Victory’. He knew he was ready, but there still seemed to be something missing. Like there was something nagging inside of him. He looked at the young lady next to him and sighed...He still hadn’t told her.

A new smile crossed his lips as he watched her through the side of his pulled down hat. Playfully teasing the electric Pokemon, she was such an angel in his eyes. But he still had yet to mention any of his feelings.

'What would be the point?' he reasoned. She would never grace him with her love. She could never even imagine at what lengths he would go to please her. All she saw in him was the same scruffy little kid from Pallet, the same kid that in his first Pokemon capture, tried to send a Caterpie out against a Pidgeotto.

‘No,’ he shook his head. She would never love him. To be honest sometimes Ash didn’t even know if she liked him, let alone loved him. Sometimes it was like walking on eggshells with her. Like they would be laughing and joking one minute. Then he would let one thing slip and then the two would be at each other’s throats. But despite all that, he would do all the arguments again if it allowed him to be with her.

Ash sighed again. ‘Sometimes love stinks,’ he moped in the chair again. His mind now depressed about his current love situation.

Misty noticed the change in Ash’s behavior. But she must have reasoned that he was still worried about the match. She sighed. “I don’t know why you're so worried Ash....” Misty stated.

Ash didn’t respond. He then remembered what awaited him in a few minutes. Misty, paused for a minute then continued. “We both know your going to win....” She decided to stop there, but that was all Ash needed to hear. He leaned toward her, and removed his hat, allowing the wild strands of his black hair to be set free.

“What?” He asked more shocked than anything. “I don’t think I heard you correctly. Did Misty Kasumi Waterflower, just give me words of encouragement?”

Misty gritted her teeth. She hated when people took advantage of her kindness. It was ok she knew exactly how to handle it. “YOU KNOW I DIDN’T HAVE TO...” But before she could finish Ash said two words.

“Thank you.” Misty didn’t respond. Ash smiled. “That kinda makes me feel a lot better.”

She smiled also. “No problem Ash.” She slid over and put her arm around him. “What are friends for?”

Ash gripped the red hat that he held in his hand hard. Her face was a mere inches away from his. He couldn’t help but gulp. She never came this close to him before. Only time she did was just to tease him or “teach him a lesson.” He sighed and tried to enjoy the momentary truce. Then her last phrase rang in his head. “Friends...” He had never known her to view him as a friend. A debtor, yes.
A traveling partner, yes. That dumb kid from Pallet, big yes. But she never said he was her friend.

He looked up and met her gaze. He was momentary paralyzed by her crystalline blue eyes. Her crimson orange hair pulled to the side in a pony tail. The couple of strands of hair that always seem to come over her eyes. She was so beautiful and Ash didn’t have the guts to tell her.

She blushed a little when his eyes met hers. Ash was a little puzzled, ‘Could she really feel the same way...’ His mind raced with the possibilities. Normally Ash would have shrugged off the feelings he was having. Always making himself, believe that she could never share his feelings. But today was different; it felt like after today everything would be different. If he won, his journey would be over and she would probably leave him.

“Misty I have to ask you something.” Ash said ending the silence in the room.

Misty was nuzzling on Ash’s shoulder but answered. “What is it?”

“If I win today, where will you go?” Ash dreaded her answer. He knew that she wouldn’t stay with him. He just wanted to know where she would be. So at least he could see her again and so at least he could be some part of her life.

The room was again silent. He hated the silence. Every moment it was silent, was another moment he knew he was losing her.

But she answered. “What are you trying to do Ash, get rid of me?” He thought she meant it as a joke, but the reply had too much emotion to be mere jest.

“No, it’s just...” His heart was screaming at him for to just tell her. “You know, if I become a Pokemon Master, my journey is over...”

“So I guess that means our friendship is over too...” she whispered while returning to her original seat.

“No!” Ash said firmly. “I don’t want us to stop being friends. I like being with you Misty...”

She turned to face him. “You do...”



Ash nodded. “Misty, the last four years of my life have been the most exciting, the most thrilling...” He smiled. “And the most fun I’ve ever had.”

She smiled and leaned forward. “Well, that’s good to know, because I wasn’t leaving anyway. You're stuck with me for life.” She grinned. Probably expecting him to groan or reply with a comeback.

“You know I wouldn’t mind that. I wouldn’t mind that at all.” Misty was speechless. She looked at him quizzically, like he was a total stranger to her.

She spoke. “Do you mean that Ash...Do you really mean that?” Her previous air of superiority that she normally held was gone. She seemed so fragile and lost.

Ash nodded at her question. A new smile formed on Misty’s face. A smile that she hardly ever used, but it always melted Ash’s heart when she did. He was filled with so much confidence, he had to unveil the feelings his heart held on to for so long.

He placed his hand on her’s then spoke. “Misty, I have to tell you something. Something I should have told you, the very first time I met you.”

She gave Ash her full attention. “What is it Ash?” She looked as though she was held on whatever he was going to say.

He took a deep breath, then paused. He didn’t know what to say. How do you express four years of longing, four years of wanting, four years of loving someone…How can you confide all that into mere words. “Misty, you're not scrawny!!!!” Was all he could think of...

She looked at him oddly. “Huh?”

“You're not scrawny or boney. You're not ugly, or a brat or an annoying loudmouth. In fact I think you're one of the most important person in my life!!!” Ash said all in one breath.

She gasped and placed a hand over her heart. “Ash, please don’t tell me this is a joke...”

Ash shook his head to the side. “No.....” This was the moment of truth. “Misty I lo...”

“Mr. Ashura Ketchum!!!” A new voice interrupted the dramatic scene. A young woman, around her early twenties, was present in the room. Her mane of rich brown hair shined in the light, as it partially covered her face. Though most of her features where masked, the side that was visible unveiled an enchanting beauty. Her emerald green eyes shined underneath her veil of brown hair. She wore a fashionable dress suit, violet in color. “Hello Mr. Ketchum. My name is Nanami I represent the Indigo MASTERS board. We’re sorry to have kept you waiting but, we must begin the final match right away.”

Ash was momentary shaken. He looked to the disappointed red-head besides him then remembered. “Ok...But can I have a few minutes?”

“I’m sorry Mr. Ketchum, but we are running behind. We can’t waste any more time,” she added forcible while not even returning his gaze.

Ash looked at Misty. Her eyes were pleading with him not to go and to finish what he was about to say. He wanted to stay, he should have. But he knew that if he didn’t go he would have missed out on his dream.

Ash sighed. “Ok...I’m coming...” he muttered, as he rose to his feet. Even though he was putting off something that he desperately needed to do, he also couldn’t pass up on fulfilling his goal. Besides he would have the chance to tell Misty later. He knew she would always be by his side. Or so he thought.

Till this day, Ash believed that was the biggest mistake of his life.

He exited the room with Nanami, Pikachu following close behind. Ash turned around, he was about to say something to Misty, but found she was still in the waiting room. The expression on her face held so much sadness, that Ash had to stop. He didn’t know him leaving had that much effect on her. ‘Maybe...’ Ash was held with even more hope. He so wanted to just run to her and scream out what he felt. But he looked over his shoulder and saw the desperately impatient member of the MASTERS board frowning at him. He sighed. ‘Why did love have to be so hard?’ he asked himself again.

He ran into the room and stopped in front of Misty. It took a few seconds before she acknowledged him. “What is it Ash?” she asked in a bitter, yet seemingly vulnerable voice.

“Misty aren’t you coming?” He asked his voice filled with worry.

She gazed at the wall, for a while before answering him. “Yeah....I’m just thinking for a little bit. I’ll meet you there...”

Ash frowned. He hated seeing Misty like this. She was always so happy and spirited. Ash was beside himself, he wanted to comfort her at this time. But his time was running short. He had to choice, his dream or his love. Ash thought for a minute then was hit with an idea.

“Here!” Ash said while holding an old beat-up Pokemon League hat in front of her. It was his prize position, something that he treasured a lot. He hoped she could tell how much this meant to him, and how much she meant to him as well.

Her eyes identified the object. She appeared shocked and a little confused.
“Ash...” Her eyes shifting to his and then back to the hat. “Why are you giving me this? This is your lucky hat. You even told me about the thousands of cereal box tops, you sent in just to get this.” He nodded. “So why are you giving me something you treasure so much?”

He spoke frankly. “Cause I found something I treasure even more...” he smiled and placed the hat on her crown. He thought she looked kinda cute with it on.
She smiled and wrapped Ash in the biggest hug of his life. He felt so content in that small moment. He probably would have forgotten all about his match, if the sound of a woman clearing her throat didn’t disturb them.

Ash cranked his neck to the side to look at his emotional gate-crasher. Her green eyes had a hint of impatience. He swore he was on the verge of seriously hurting this lady. Misty and Ash both sighed and released each other.

Ash was so nervous now. Even though, nothing really changed between him and Misty. Everything still seemed so different. “So will you be out there with me too? I really need you with me,” he asked while holding her hand.

Misty blushed and smiled. “Yeah, I will. I just have to get a few things then I will be right with you.” She said while turning Ash’s hat behind. In a fashion she’d seen him do so many times. She snicker a little and the was joined with Ash in laughter.

“Mr. Ketchum!” Nanami said once again.

Ash was a little mad now. He was about to make a very loud and probably inappropriate comment, but Misty stopped him. “It’s ok Ash. I’m not going anywhere...” she added with a smile.

He returned with a smile of his own. Then he slowly moved away from Misty to join Nanami. With Pikachu closely following Ash, the three left the waiting lounge and walked down a long hallway leading to the tournament field. Nanami was rattling on about last minute rules and precautions that Ash heard a dozen times. His mind was still on the beautiful girl that he just left and couldn’t wait till he laid eyes on her again.

Ash was about to enter the field when he heard someone call out his name. He turned around and was greeted with the waving hand of a Pewter City breeder.

“Hey Ash, how are you doing?” Brock asked the young boy. For some reason, Ash always thought something was odd about the way Brock spoke to him that day, like he was nervous or something. Later Ash found out about Brock’s secret and all.
But still it was something else that was bothering him.

“Ok, I guess,” Ash said. He looked at older lady that stood next to him. Before she was very bent on arriving at the tournament, now it seemed she didn’t mind the hold-up. “Brock, I have to go. But I’ll see you on the field.”

The older boy nodded. “Ok, man. Good luck.”

Then Ash continued out into the field. The sky was bright and beauty that day. The crowd went ballistic when he emerged. Thousands of cheering screaming fans surrounded the arena. Instantly Ash was re-energized from the overflow of excitement. He was ready, he was determined. He wouldn’t lose.....

Ash looked at the other side of the field where the current Pokemon Master reigned. It was amazing. It had been so long since Ash seen him. But he hadn’t changed much. His opponent turned to face him. An arrogant smile crossed his face. “All right Ashy-boy, let’s show em’ what we kids from Pallet can do.”

Ash smiled. Gary hadn’t changed a bit.



******

The gladiators circled each other. One would strike the other would counter the blow. The stand-off was incredible. The show was a sight to be seen. To some, it would appear they were both evenly matched.

How wrong they were.

Finally one took to the air. While in mid-flight, it summoned all of its power to one fixed location. The overflow of the raw energy caused the stadium lights to shatter. When the battler figured it channeled enough power. It unleashed the full-force of its attack.

There was a deafen crash as the power discharged. Even the cries of the thousands of spectators were muted, but from out of the all that confusion, one voice was heard...

“Eevee is no longer able to battle. ASH KETCHUM IS THE WINNER!!!!”

The crowds went crazy as one of the greatest Pokemon Battles in history just ended. Ash Ketchum jumped for joy. He couldn’t believe it, his dream finally came true. He cast a glance toward the former Pokemon Master. Ash was surprised to see an approving smile on Gary’s face. Finally their rivalry had ended.

The fans rushed to the field, all congratulating the new Pokemon Master. Suddenly Ash was hoisted into the air and carried on the shoulders of all the screaming fans. Every now and then shaking someone’s hand or sighing an autograph.

The crowd parted as Ash’s mom and Professor Oak, joined to congratulate the young boy. The two were followed by Brock, still holding a "UR #1" banner. Everyone wanted to applaud Ash on his victory. Although he was very grateful of everyone’s praise, but he still had yet to see the face he truly was waiting for. He decided then and there to tell her how he felt, no matter what the results were.

He scanned the whole audience but couldn’t find a trace of her. A little frantic, Ash left the crowd and journeyed inside the building. Maybe she wanted to thank him when he was alone. ‘That had to be the reason.’ Ash decided as he went inside.

He ran throughout the whole stadium, but there was no sign of his red-headed angel. Ash was a little worried. Who knows what could have happened to her. Images of her being kidnapped, hurt or even worst filled his head. He speeded his search even more, leaving no stone unturned. But then he remembered the place where he last saw her.

Ash entered the lounge room. There was no sign of Misty anywhere. He plopped down onto one of the chairs to think. He covered his face with his hands and leaned back in one of the chairs.

To think, this was to be one of Ash’s biggest days. He should have been excited, but how could he have been without someone to share it with. He leaned forward in the chair, ready to try another location, when something caught his eye. In one of the chairs toward the end of the room, there was a bright red object. Ash drew closer to the object, he then finally recognized it.

“My hat?” he questioned looking at the object that he just recently given to Misty hours ago. Even thought it had some price value, the sentimental value was immeasurable. But here it was tossed aside like some trivial item.

Ash reached for the object and picked it up. A small piece of paper fell from it. It turn over in it flight to revealed a small note. The Ash took the piece of paper and read it. And then suddenly, all the joy and happiness he had that day was forgotten. Forgotten and replaced with heartache and confusion. Ash dropped the piece of paper and fell to his knees. He couldn’t help the tears that fell from his face, nor did he care.



In his anger he balled up the note and threw it away. He couldn’t stand the sight of it. But the words still were visible in his mind. The one thing he never would have thought she’d say and the one thing he dreaded hearing from her.

“I wish I never met you.”

******


After Indigo, Ash returned to Pallet. He stayed home most of the time and hardly ever went out. It was a few months later when Brock and Nanami came to him about joining MASTERS. He didn’t know what to think of it. Of course he always wanted to help and do the right thing, but he didn’t know if it was right for him.

But he thought about it. What did he have to lose? Misty wasn’t there. So he couldn’t be with her. And he wasn’t doing himself any good by staying in Pallet and sulking. Maybe MASTERS was a way of rebuilding himself and a way of losing some of himself as well.

In the end he agreed to join. At first the job seemed so exciting and wonderful. There was so many things that Ash had accomplished in his life. He saved so many people and for a long time that’s all he wanted a place where he could feel needed and wanted.

But after a couple years, Ash noticed something. No matter how many bad guys he put away or lives he saved, or impossible missions completed...he still felt empty inside. The only time Ash was truly happy, was the few years he spent with Misty. Although it seems like so long ago, she was the only person that could make Ash feel whole.

*******

The streetlights glazed over the tinted windows of the car. The lights brought Ash out of his reminiscing. Ash took a look at Misty. No matter how much pained he went through in the past, to him she was still the most important person in his life.

Her lips parted slightly as she rested peacefully. Ash smiled. She reminded him of an angel when she was asleep. She hugged her shoulders together and utter a tiny shiver. Ash immediately turned the heat up a few degrees.

Pikachu noticed Ash’s gesture.

“Pika, Pika, Chu. Pika-Pi?” Ashura’s partner asked from the backseat.

Ash hesitated a little then answered. “Yeah, just like old times.” He couldn’t help but get a little choke up. There were two things he hated about old times.
The regret for not being able to relive the good times and the scars left from the bad ones.

“Pika, Kichu, Ka?” Pikachu said. It was more of a statement than a question.

Ash looked at his passenger. A couple of tangerine colored bangs fell over her eyes. Ash smiled and quickly brushed them away. “Yeah...I guess I still do...”

Pikachu sighed. Sometimes Pika-Pi could be so hopeless.

*******

On the outskirts of Indigo a large black car was seen making it way through the streets. The bright lights of the vehicular demon could be seen gleaming in the night air. The driver, twenty-one in age, wheeled the sports vehicle into the tunnel at Route 22.

He banked left at the fork in the tunnel after the fifth turn. His vehicle was automatically identified by the twenty-four hour cameras that are mounted throughout the tunnel. The roadway lights of the Indigo tunnel normally have red lights shining throughout the entire tunnel. But when they recognize one of their own, the red lights were turn-off and replaced with green signally that their presence was recognized and was safe to return.

The roadway lights flickered green giving him the signal to proceed. The driver moved the vehicle throughout the tunnel to the dead end twenty miles into the tunnel. Bringing the Viper to a screeching halt, the driver’s side window slid down. Just as it does, a piece of the presumably concrete wall shifted outward toward the open window, just inches in the reach of the driver. The piece of concrete then tilted at a 90 degree angle to reveal a keyboard console. The hole that the concrete slab once filled was replaced with a computer monitor.

The screen flashed on. In big bold red and black letters the word, “MASTERS” was seen. The driver then typed in a series of numbers and codes, at the request of the monitor, the final one asking for identification. This was the part the driver always hesitated on. There in green letters the word. “Codename” flashed repeatedly. He snickered then typed in a six letter response. “A-S-H-U-R-A”

The keyboard console Ashura was just using then flipped over. Next they had to do a positive ID scan, which matched the fingerprints and the cranial scan of the agent.

The keyboard part of the console was then replaced with a grooved surfaced, that was used to measure a person’s fingerprint. Ashura then placed his hand on the surface the material on the panel then shifted and sculpted the texture of his hand. All the electronic channels on the surface were scanning his fingerprint right down to the microscopic level. Finally a green light flashed telling him that he was finished.

Then the monitor ejected a side panel. The panel slowly approached Ashura. The panel unlocked, reviling a small laser scanner that fanned Ashura’s face twice, once horizontally, going right to left. Then scanning vertically, going down then up. The cranial scan was complete.

The computer monitor then flashed an identification complete screen. And a little electronic voice spoke. “Welcome to MASTERS, Agent Ashura.” Then the panel flipped and slid into its original position inside the concrete wall. Ashura raised his window and sat backward into his chair.

Suddenly the area surrounding the Dodge Viper started to descend into a hidden elevator. In a matter of minutes, all the traces of the Viper were gone. Then the area that was missing was replaced with another segment of road.

The elevator descended further into the ground. The borders of Viper were illuminated by the bright blue lights provided by the conveyor. Inside Ashura patiently waited for the ground floor.

After a few minutes, the elevator stopped with signaling a ding, meaning the arrival of the ground floor. The Viper drove out of the elevator into a small underground parking lot. It was an interesting change, going from the darkness of the elevator to the nearly blinding array of lights in the garage. The vehicle pasted over rows after rows of cars of different types and classes.
Going form sports cars, like the Lamborghini Diablo to older cars like the 1955 Chevrolet Pickup.

Viper continued till it came to a vacant parking place. Wheeling around, the car pulled into the spot. The lights cut off; the thundering of the engine was now calm.

Ashura opened his door and stepped out. “Man, I always hate that trip. Its way too long,” he complained, while stretching his arms and his back. Crouching over, Ashura took a quick look at his passengers. Misty was still asleep, he then looked in the backseat. Ashura had to admit since he was so preoccupied with Misty, he almost forgotten about his partner. Pikachu didn’t seem to mind.
A ketchup stupor could do that to him.

“Hey Pikachu we’re here.” Ashura stated while nudging his electric friend. After a few minutes, one of Pikachu’s ears flopped down, showing that he was awake.
Pikachu stretched a little then slowly got to all-fours. After a few seconds he fell over again. Ash sighed; they would have to talk about Pikachu’s addiction later on.

Ash turned around and leaned against the car, and stared at the thousands of lights above. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Then without warning, all the thousands of lights in the garage shut off. Now in total darkness, Ashura immediately alerted himself. Something must have gone wrong. MASTERS was under attack. He scanned the area, and drew a berretta. The garage was virtually deserted, but Ashura knew his threat had to be close.

Pikachu peered out the car, he too aware of some kinda danger. Then the sounds of diabolical laughter echoed throughout the garage. Ashura sighed. He recognized the voices.

The laughter ended.

“TO PROTECT THE WORLD FROM DEVASTATION”

“UNITE ALL PEOPLE WITHIN OUR NATIONS”

“TO DENOUNCE THE EVILS OF TRUTH AND LOVE”

“TO EXTENT OUR REACH TO THE STARS ABOVE”

Then the area in front of Ash was hit with a spotlight. Smoke bombs exploded covering the whole perimeter with its fumes. The smoke cleared and before
Ashura was the former infamous duo. .

The man had long lavender hair that came down to the midsection of his back. His hair would have flown free if it wasn’t held into a ponytail. He pushed his glasses a bit, so his green eyes could adjust to the light.

The woman beside him, to Ashura hadn’t changed one bit. From her long flock of crimson hair, that curved at the end, her bright blue eyes and her always confident nature. She often reminded him of Misty.

The two were dressed in long white coats that seem to blow in the wind. Ash grinned; they probably placed a fan somewhere around here.

“JESSIE”

“JAMES”

Ashura could hardly contain his laughter. He knew that the two hated to be interrupted, but all the memories he had with these two could always make him smile. Plus the motto was kinda catchy, if they trapped you into the 3 1/2 hour explanation and history behind it.

“TEAM J&J BLAST OFF AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT”

“SURRENDER NOW OR PREPARE TO FIGHT!”

Then from behind the duo, a mighty roar bellowed. The two parted way as a sleek white animal passed through. The very image of a white panther with a golden charm imbedded onto its forehead.

“PURR-THAT’S RIGHT” It said.

Ashura smirked and playfully clapped. “Hey that was nice you guys. But doesn’t that get old after a while?” He knew the answer, he just liked messing with
James.

James crossed his arms and frowned. “No it doesn’t get boring... How can the motto be boring, it is pure poetry,” he narrowed his emerald eyes, through his spectacles. “Do we need to go over the explanation of the Motto again?”

Ash was sweating bullets. He barely survived listening to it the first time. Another session was like pleading for his own demise. “OH NOO! NO! NO!” Ash firmly stated while fanning his hand to add to his disapproval of the idea.

James relaxed. “Oh ok then...” Then he smiled. “So how are you doing Ash? The mission go alrig-” Just as he was about to finish the syllable. Jessie rushed passed him and embraced Ashura very, very tightly.

“Hi Ashy... How are you doing?” Jessie said in a very teasing manner. She was now gently caressing Ash’s hair, letting the dark strands of hair dance inside of her grasp. She didn’t seem to notice the frighten expression on the young man’s face. Nor did she seem to notice the crazed expression from James.

“Uhh…Uhh...Ok I guess,” Ash stuttered out. He was racking his mind of all the different martial arts escapes he knew. He sighed. They would work, but they would also leave Jess in the hospital. And even though she was annoying sometimes, he knew she didn’t mean any harm.

James sighed. He really hated when Jessie did this. “Jessie, would you mind not flirting while in front of your HUSBAND!!!” he complained, while trying to pry Jessie off of Ash.

Jessie whipped around to face James. “Oh, James I’m only messing with the kid.
You know you’re the only one for me.” She ended while kissing his lips softly.
Then she looked over her shoulder to Ash and did the “Call Me” sign.

Ash and James both took another long sigh. “So Ash,” James said, trying to change the subject. “Did everything go ok with the mission?”

Ash scratched the back of his head then answered. “Ummm…yeah, there were some complications, but I managed.” He drew into his pocket and gave Jessie an object that looked like a contact lens case. “Oh yeah, I better give this back to you guys.”

Jessie smiled and received the item. “So were the schematic lenses useful for you Ashy?” The red head asked while slipping the object in her lab coat pocket.

“Yeah, they were great and very useful. You should talk to the board about making them mandatory on all operations.”

James pushed his glasses back again. “Really, they worked that well?”

Ash nodded his head. “Yeah, the telescopic sight, the layout maps... You guys really out done yourselves. Hey they could even revolutionize all of MASTERS.....”

Jessie smiled. “Yeah leave it to us. A couple that started off out as criminals and create something that would be beneficial to a lot of people.” She then held her chin, while in thought. “I wonder why we never had this kinda luck when we were in Team Rocket?”

A small “PIKA, PIKA,” was her answer. Pikachu climbed out of the Viper to stand beside Ash. The youth couple both smiled and greeted their former quarry.

“Hi Pikachu!!!” Jessie said while crouching over to take the small electric mouse into her arms.

Ashura smiled. Before if you’d asked her, Jessie would always state that she hated the little electric demon, but after she found out that it nearly died trying to protect her and James. She opened her heart to the little guy. Now she treated Pikachu better than even Persian sometimes. Then again it should have never surprised Ash. Pikachu always had a way of turning enemies into friends.

‘I wonder if it’s in the ketchup,’ Ash considered.

Ash heard the groaning of the large white cat prowling around. He looked at the Persian it was a while since he evolved. He remembered in his trainer days, the annoying talking Meowth that always joined with the Jessie and James. Lately Persian matured a lot. Unlike with Jessie and James, when he left Team Rocket he felt very regretful. He was even more depressed when he heard of the death of Giovanni.

There was a soft sigh coming from the Viper that drew everyone’s attention.
Persian looked into the vehicle. “Hey who’s da dame?” Persian asked, while nudging the sleeping girl in the car.

Jessie frowned a little bit. “Oh look, Ash brought home a stray,” she stated with a tiny bit of sarcasm.

“Shut up Jessie.” Ash barked “I was assigned to protect her. She’s Mistae
Waters a very prestigious Water Pokemon Doctor. She asked MASTERS for help and I was their answer.”

The image of the young slumbering woman seemed to trigger something in James’ memory. “Hey I know her...” James chimed in.

Jessie squinted her eyes; a young girl, short flamed colored hair. She was cute, Jessie had to admit. Nothing compared to her own beauty, but.... “Yeah I know her too.” She turned to Ashura. “Wasn’t she the one that used to travel with you when you were a kid?” She tried to remember her name. “Tricksey? Minney”

“Misty” Ash said, correcting her. Jessie nodded in agreement with his answer.

James smile a little. “My she’s grown some since then. The last time I saw her she still a small little thing.”

Jessie cut in. “Small nothing. That girl was plan scrawny.”

That struck a cord in Ashura. “SHE WASN’T SCRAWNY!!!” He shouted practically in Jessie’s face. The group was silenced for a few minutes.

Jessie’s lip quivered a little. She didn’t know what she said to hurt Ash so much. Sure she liked to tease him a little. And it was true she liked him, but she was in love with James. Ash was her friend and he had done so much for them. The last thing she ever wanted to do was to cause him any grief. “Ash...I’m sorry.”

Ashura just shook it off. He couldn’t believe how much he overreacted from just a few words. “It’s nothing....Look I have to report in with Brock. Can you two look after her for a while, till I find out what happens next...”

Jessie was still a little quiet from Ashura’s outburst earlier, so James answered. “Yeah sure buddy,” he paused then remembered. “Say Ash, when are you coming to visit us again? The twins always keep asking about their Uncle Ash.”

Ashura chuckled. “If I can ever get a day free, I’ll try to come over,” Ash smiled. He loved spending time with Kidd and Billy. He was going to make a note of getting more time off, so he can see them more often. “Pikachu let’s go.”

Pikachu jump down from Jessie’s embrace and leaped to the waiting shoulder of his partner. Ash was about to leave when...

“Ummm...Ash,” Ashura turned to see Jessie. He realized she was real quiet for the last couple of minutes. “I’m really sorry about what I said earlier.”

Ash inwardly kicked himself. He didn’t realize that he acted so strongly over it. And here was Jess, trying to apologize, something she hardly ever does. “No, I’m sorry Jess, I overreacted...” She smiled a little bit.

Ashura then went past the couple, to make his way to the elevator. “I’ll talk to you guys later and send the twins my love,” he said while walking into the direction of the lift, while Pikachu waved the couple good bye.

Ashura moved in front of the elevator and went inside.

“Main floor,” Ashura stated, as the voice activated elevator sent him to his desired location. His mind was scattered with different thoughts. But he regained his focused when elevator chimed at arriving to his floor. The doors open and the congested sounds of the MASTERS workers and operators seeped through.

His eyes adjust to the brightly florescent lights that flooded the level. His senses absorb all the sights and sounds of the many industrious labors being performed, monitors buzzing and the echoes of thousands of keys being typed, the sights of hundreds of people scurrying around, doing numerous tasks at once.
Asking questions, taking notes, delivering files and documents, some even was taking coffee orders. Even the Joys that were stationed at the receptionist desk were busy working. It always amazed Ashura, that even at this late hour, MASTERS was still in full swing.

Ashura exited the elevator with Pikachu still on his shoulder. He took a quick look at the huge overhead screen that was used to survey all of MASTERS actions in Indigo. He knew pretty soon Richie would strike again soon. He sighed he also realized that he was the only one that could stop him too.

Turning away from the screen, Ashura was then about to proceed to Brock’s office, when he heard his name being shouted. Pikachu nudged him a little then jumped down from his perch.

Ashura turned and came face-to-face with his pursuer. He was a man slightly shorter than Ash was, but a few more years older, dressed in black cargo pants, and a black vest going over his white short sleeve shirt. Ash grinned, seeing the red bandanna du-rag placed on his head.

The man smiled too. Then he threw a quick jab at Ashura’s mid-section. Ash parried the blow and counter with a right hook. The attack had enough power to knock the man out if he didn’t dodge it. Ashura’s attacker then returned with a three punch combination. Ash blocked the first two punches then turned to the side on the last one, allowing it to painlessly graze his elbow. Ashura then thrust his palm and sent his opponent back a few steps.

His attacker was momentarily off balance. Then Ashura shot his foot into the air and held it right in front of his attacker’s face. His attacker was shocked and sighed. “Ok, Ash you won...” he said.

Ashura chuckled. “Hey you’re getting better Tracey.” He complimented, while gracefully placing his foot back on solid ground.

Pikachu scurried and climbed back onto Ash’s shoulder again. Ever since they both became MASTERS, the two always greet each other with a friendly spar. Pikachu didn’t mind it, but it got annoying getting down while the two humans fought. And he didn’t know why Tracey even tried. He’d never won anyway...

Tracey laughed. “Yeah maybe, but it looks like your still the man.” The two greeted each other by bumping elbows. Another custom the two started a couple of years ago, when Tracey proved himself and joined MASTERS. Pikachu jumped and placed his paw in there also. He was Ashura’s partner and hated to be left out.

Ashura shrugged. “I don’t know about being the man. I just do what I do.” Tracey shook his head. Ashura frowned. “What?!?”

“Man Ash, you’ve changed a lot.”

Ashura scowled. “What do you mean?”

Tracey sighed, maybe he hasn’t changed that much. “What I mean is, I remember when I first met you. If I gave you a compliment like that, you would have gone on and on about your skills and talents and blah, blah, blah.”

Ashura shrugged. “Well things change, people change....” Tracey nodded, the statement was true. Especially in Ash’s case, the Ash, Tracey knew as a kid was a totally different person from now. He was quieter now, more cautious and a little bit wiser. Tracey always thought that Misty leaving was one of the main reasons for his friends changed behavior. But when ever he asked him about it, Ashura would either deny it or tried to change the subject.

“So Ash, how did the mission go?” Tracey asked. He was eager to know, because he hadn’t been on a good mission in a long time.

“Well...” Ashura was about to answer when his nose was hit with a pleasant smelling aroma. The scent held, a nice amount of spices and a hint of pasta sauce. Whatever it was it was definitely Italian food.

“PIKAAAA!!!” Pikachu shouted. Even thought Ketchup was his first love. He did have a taste for Italian food. Especially ketchup covered spaghetti.

“Do you smell what the Brock is cooking?” Ashura asked.

Tracey thought a little and sniffed into the air. “Oh yeah Brock did say he was going to make some lasagna.” That reminded the artist, he was kinda hungry. Then he remembered something. “Oh, Ash I have to get going...”

“Hey where are you off to?” Ashura asked.

Tracey grinned and brought out his sketch pad and a few pencils. “Well I want to see if any of the Joys want to pose for me...” He grinned. “Nude...”

Ash and Pikachu looked at each other. Two words came to their minds, BIG MISTAKE. But Ash was never the one to crush anyone’s dream so he didn’t comment.

“Oh well, wish me luck.” Tracy said, while strolling over to the Joy reception area.

Ash and Pikachu sighed. ‘He’ll never learn.’ They both thought.

Shrugging, Ash continued on to Brock office, taking the lift to the next floor.
Ashura could have sworn the last thing her heard before the doors closed, was the sounds of several SMACKS being applied to a thick skull.

He chuckled and looked to Pikachu. “I guess the Joys didn’t go for it...” Then the elevator was filled with laughter from the duo.

******


Brock Harrison’s office was filled with the delectable scent of the Italian dish. The chef was in the process of adding the finishing touches to the works.
A few spices here, some more Parmesan cheese there. Let it bake for a more minutes... And Presto!!!! We have a masterpiece.

Ash walked in on Brock while he was removing the entree from the oven that was installed into his office. The older bronzed skinned man place the pan on his table to let it cool. He noticed Ash’s arrival and went into another part of his office to change.

Ash shook his head. Only Brock would wear a 3 piece suit, with a frilly pink apron over top of it. He sighed; sometime his friend weirdness even bewildered him.

A few minutes later Brock returned. “Hello Ash how did the assignment go...”

Ash’s mind flashed back to all the events of the evening, meeting Misty for the first time in seven years, nearly being killed while trying to escape the “Highlight.” Having a one-on-one stand-off with Richie Giovanni, probably the most dangerous man in all of Indigo Islands, their duel, only ending in a draw, with Ashura fleeing with Misty with the aid of Pikachu. And when they finally get into the clear and Misty is nice and safe. Does she repay his kindness and courage in protecting her? NOOOO.... She starts a fight with him like they were kids again. And what still bothered him was the fact that even though, she treated their reunion like it was Pearl Harbor, he still would gladly give his life for her.

Ash stirred with his thoughts finally answering Brock’s question. “Mission went fine....” He took the seat in front of Brock’s desk. Pikachu wondered off to the side. It decided to seek out Brock’s secret stash of condiments and spices. It’s stole purpose, the pursuit of ketchup.

“I only had one problem.” Pikachu had an ear out for his partners complain. Brock raised an eyebrow.

“Why wasn’t I told that I was supposed to protect her?” The casual nature Ashura had when he first enter the room was now gone. It was replaced with a more stern and serious manner.

“Who are you referring to?” Brock inquired.

Ash narrowed his eyes. “Misty.....” Brock nodded to Ashura’s clarification.

“Basically it’s simple Ash...” Brock wandered back to the seat behind his desk. “It wasn’t your concern...” he responded in a very cold and dry fashion.

“NOT MY CONCERN!!!” Ashura rose to his feet. “I LOVE HER...” Ashura tried to catch himself, but it was too late. Never did he ever really voice his true feelings about Misty to anyone. Granted he knew many suspected anyway, but he always tried to keep his feelings about her to himself. The only person that he ever discussed it with was Pikachu. Ashura sank back to the chair. His body felt old and tired. Probably the seven years of loneliness, finally took its toll on him.

“Look Ash, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, you were going after Misty. But I thought that if I told you wouldn’t accept the mission.” Brock came around the desk to console his friend. “Plus isn’t this what you wanted?” Ashura made no response. “You get to be with her again. And after this mission you’ll probably be released from MASTERS. Hell, who knows maybe you guys can get hooked up again.”

Ash just sat there motionless in the chair. Brock words were seeping in. This was Ash’s second chance to be with her. And to be honest, the only reason why Ash wanted to leave MASTERS was so he could find her. ‘Maybe this was a blessing in disguise.’ Ash could probably even find out why she left him at Indigo.

“What’s next Brock?”

Brock eased a bit. He was glad Ashura was feeling somewhat better. “Well, next we have to bring Misty before the Board. There we’ll decide our next move. Where’s Misty now?”

“She’s with Jessie and James.” Ash answered.

“Ok, go get her and take her to the broad room. By then we should have something worked out.” Ashura nodded and got up from the seat.

*****


Misty stirred a little bit as she awoken in a strange new room. She panned the area side to side. The room was very plain, except a few chairs and a table. A
TV and some lockers where also in the room by the corner and on the wall there was chart labeled, “MASTERS R&D Operations.” It appeared to her, she was in a recreations room, a place where employees took breaks and relaxed. She looked below her and noticed that she was lying on a couch, the only one in the room.

Rising up from the couch, Misty stood up in the middle of the room. A sudden chilled breezed over her, causing her to hug her shoulders. Then she remembered that she only was wearing that expensive dress that she rented for the night.
She took one look at herself and sighed. There were rips and scrapes all over the dress, the once silver shimmering gown that flaunted her slender figure, was now more of a dull metallic color, that barely covered the necessary things.

She cursed her luck. There was no way she could return the gown looking like that. Not only would she have to pay for the late fees, but hell she had to paid for the dress. Then again she remembered Ash’s check.

Going back to the couch, Misty retrieved her purse and found the check. She stared at the amount that was printed on there. She was still amazed. The money on there would be more than enough to pay for the gown. Then she frowned. ‘But knowing Ash, the check is probably worthless.’

Her eyes wandered to another object that was in her purse. Suddenly a wave of guilt rushed through Misty’s body. But she had to submerge it for the time being. Someone she loved dearly life was at state and no matter what the cause she had to continue....

******


It had been a long day for James. He took a long stretch, as he moved through the MASTERS R&D’s hallway. He had sixteen different trial runs on his crews newly invented Thermographix Watch. The device could perform up to eight outstanding tasks, including emitting a small laser that was concealed in the reset button. The Therm-Watch was an excellent invention in James’ eyes. The only problem was that when using the laser for more than 5 seconds, it tends to explode, killing the wearer instantly.

‘It’s got to be the tiny Nuclear Reactor’ He reasoned.

But besides the mishaps from the Watch, the day had been pretty good. Jessie and him were about to enjoy their fifth wedding Anniversary. And despite Jessie’s flirtatious nature towards Ash, they were both deeply in love. Kidd and Billy were about to start school too.

He always smiled when he thought about his children. Here at twenty nine he was a proud father of twins, he never thought in his life that he would ever be someone’s father. Much less have someone call him “Daddy.” But he accomplished both and couldn’t be happier. Now only if he could get them off of that annoying show “Poke-Buddies.”

For the life of him, James couldn’t explain what was so popular about the so-called “Chosen Kids” that were pulled into that alternate world. If you asked him, it was pretty foolish. And the fact all the Pokemon on the show had a Buddy at the end of their name was really annoying too, Gara-Buddy, Ogo-Buddy, Tera-Buddy. Just seemed like non-sense.

Anyway, fatherhood was a dream. He had so many stories he tell Ash whenever he saw him. Ash seemed to always be entertained by the adventures of the young duo.
James and Ash had been friends for long time. Even before they left Team
Rocket to be honest. On the seldom occasions, when he and Jessie weren’t trying to steal Pikachu, Ash proved to be a very good alley, as well as a good friend.

He owed Ash a lot. If it wasn’t for him and Pikachu, he was sure that he and
Jessie would have died the day Team Rocket came looking for them. That was probably the scariest moment in all of James’ young life. He still had nightmares about that day....

James shook his head. He would rather not open-up old wounds. So instead he decided to check on Misty.

“Ok....She’s not in there,” James said, as he emerged from the rec. room. ‘Now where could she be?’ He wondered. He was in a bad situation now. Not only did he lose Ash’s would-be girlfriend. But he lost her in a highly classified maximum security floor. If she gets caught, it would be James who will take the full burden of punishment. Not to mention what Jessie would do to him.

He hurried down the hall, he was about to make the turn down the next hall to the R&D main research lab...When he collided with a small Red-head, with gleaming blue eyes. “Misty!!!” James exclaimed, as he got to his feet and helped her up as well.

Misty squinted her eyes. “Do I know you?” she said. It was weird. The lavender haired gentleman that stood before her, was kinda familiar.

James smiled. “It’s me James, Eh....from Team Rocket.” He added to clarify more.

Misty thought about it and thing started to click. Yeah it was James. His once shoulder length hair was a lot longer now. And he has glasses also, but that sure was him. But that meant...

Misty slowly backed away.

James frowned a little and then thought for a minute. He laughed a little and said. “No...I’m with MASTERS now. I’m no longer in Team Rocket,” he said, while removing his glasses and wiping a tear from his eyes. Misty was still hesitant. James frowned. ‘Yeah she is just as stubborn as Ash.’

“Here I’ll prove it,” he said, while retrieving his MASTERS photo ID badge. That had his name, rank, and the department that he worked for.

Misty seemed to relax a little. “Hello James, it’s been a long time.”

“Yeah tell me about it. How have you been?”

Misty thought about her present state of underdressed and the night she just had. “I can’t complain. I guess.” Misty wasn’t really in the mood for talking.
She had too many pressing issues on her mind.

James picked up on it. “Well that’s good. Ash asked us to keep an eye on you, while he went to check-in with Brock.”

Misty’s eyes widen. “Brock’s here!?!”

James nodded. “Yeah, Brock’s been with MASTERS for a long time.” He started to walk back to his office.

Misty followed behind him; she was silent for a long time. She didn’t expect to see Brock ever again either. She took a long breath and looked at James. Despite the physical differences of his appearance, Misty could also tell that James’ had changed as well. He no longer used that, snobbish accent that he normally would be equipped with. Nor was he as flakish, as he was in his youth.

“So that’s how Jessie and I joined with MASTERS...” He finished while stopping in front of the door to his and Jess’ personal office.

Misty stopped also. She was embarrassed because she didn’t pay attention to any of the words the young man just said. So she just nodded, hopefully that her secret wouldn’t be found.

James smiled. He loved telling people his stories. He took a step forward then slid a small plastic card into the slide above the door. The light turned green and he opened the door for Misty.

“After you Misty...”

She smiled, then nodded and proceeded to enter his office.

Jessie was drinking some coffee and looking some last minute layouts, when James and Misty appeared. She smiled at the approach of her husband, then frowned at the approach of his company.

“Hi Jess, look who I found wondering around?” James playfully jested, while introducing Misty to her.

Jessie’s eyes narrowed. “James, you know this is a highly classified area. You shouldn’t let any old THING you find, follow you in here,” she finished, while glaring at Misty.

Misty frowned and looked to James. “Oh yeah James, speaking of OLD, where’s
Jessie?” Then she looked behind the desk and held a fake shocked expression. “Or is she that HAG, behind the desk,” Misty added, harshly.

Jessie rose up from her seat. Misty took a step toward her. This is when James decided to intervene. He ran in between the two. “Ladies, Please! We are all friends here.” There was no comment between the two, nor did either of the two back off. James suddenly believed that this could get ugly. He searched his mind for any answers or suggestion that could lighten the mood.

Luckily he wouldn’t need too. The door opened behind James and Ash walked in.
“Hi James, Jessie...” Then he looked to the slender red head. There was a sudden lump in his throat. “Umm...Misty....”

Both women, turned to face him. Jessie’s scowl instantly turned into a smile. Misty was just speechless. Then her eyes narrowed at Ash.

“Hi Ashy!” Jessie said, waving to Ashura.

Ash blushed. “Umm...yeah...” He then turned to Misty. “Ummm...Misty, the board would like to see you so we can discuss our next move.” Misty nodded and exited the room. Ash turned to Jessie and James. “Well I’ll talk to you guys later...”
He was about to exit when...

“You have to tell her how you feel Ash!” Jessie shouted, bringing both men into awe from her sudden outburst. She added. “Don’t wait like the last time...”

Ash looked down to the floor. Wordless, he exited the office.

******


“What took you so long?!?” Was Ashura’s greeting when he emerged from Jessie and James’ office. He looked at the heated, red-head that stood before him. Was he a fool to still be in love with her, when it was plainly obvious that she hated him.

“Sorry, James asked me to get something for his kids,” he lied.

Misty was amazed. “James has kids!?!”

Ash nodded. “Yeah, they had twins, a boy and a girl,” he stated while walking to down the hallway to the end elevator. Misty followed right behind him, trying to analyze this Jessie and James situation.

“So you saying him and Jessie are...” Ashura nodded. Misty smiled. “That’s good.
It was plainly obvious that those two had a thing for each other,” she grinned. “That means I won the bet, you know.”

Ash stopped in front of an elevator and pressed the button. He then turned to the red head and asked. “What bet?”

Misty smirked. “Well back when we were kids, we betted on whether-or-not. Jessie and James would get together.” She put out her hand. “So pay-up!”

Ashura frowned and dove into his pocket. He looked at his pants and remembered he still didn’t change out of his tuxedo pants and white dress shirt. Seeking out his wallet, he retrieved a $20 from the wave of bills that the wallet also held.

He placed the bill in her small hand. “Don’t spend it all in one place,” he joked.

“Whatever...” She walked inside the elevator.

Ash followed her into it and pressed the “T” button. “Oh yeah, before we go meet
Brock and the board, I want to check up on Pikachu.”

Misty ears flinched at the mention of the breeder’s name. “Ummm...Ash can you tell me how Brock fits into this also? Like when did he get a chance to join MASTERS?”

Ash leaned against the wall of the elevator. As he did, the elevator started to move. The clear glass wall of the elevator then showed an elevated view of the whole MASTERS facility. Thousands of workers could be seen in the background. They seemed like ants to Misty from the aerial view that she had. She then turned her attention back to Ash, as he spoke. “How old do you think Brock was when he first journeyed with us?”

Misty thought for a minute. “Umm...I don’t know...fourteen maybe fifteen.”

Ash smirked. “When we first met Brock, it was after his eighteenth birthday.”

“What?!?” Misty shouted. She couldn’t believe, true Brock was always the mature one of the group. But an adult, that couldn’t be right.

Ashura nodded. “Yeah, I didn’t believe it either. But to be honest Brock started in MASTERS way before we ever even met him.” Misty looked like she was full of questions, but Ash wasn’t finished. “Brock, when we first met him, was like a recruiter. He used the Pewter Gym as a way to test new trainers. To find out if they had the potential to one day become MASTERS agents.”

Ash smirked. “He told me, that the first time that I battled him and lost he thought I would never have what it takes to become a MASTERS. But when I returned and nearly defeated him again. He became very interested in my abilities. So he left his position at Pewter, to follow me, to study me, to find out if I could become an Agent or possibly something greater.” Misty glared at him and Ash shrugged. “At least that’s what he tells me...”

They arrived to their floor and then Ash remembered something. “Speaking of bets that reminds me of one me and Brock had.”

“So what was the bet?” Misty inquired.

Ash looked forward then spoke. “Well, Brock said when you grew up you would be pretty.”

Misty smiled. “Looks like Brock won that bet...”

Ashura shook his head. “No, I did...” he commented.

Misty blood was about to boil over. Not only was she having the worst night of her life. But here Ash was trying to insult her. “What do you mean by that?!?”

Ash thought about what he said then realized how bad it sounded. “Well Brock said that you would be pretty when you grow up.” The elevator doors opened and
Ash stepped out. He turned to look at Misty and then said. “But I believed that you would be breath taking....” He finished with a little smile, and then he turned around and proceeded to walk down the hall.

Misty was left alone in the elevators. She didn’t know what to feel. She was so sure, that Ash just wanted to hurt her. But he was acting so gentle towards her, so kind. Even after some of the things she said to him. He was still being kind.


‘Maybe I should just forget all of this...’ Then her memory flash. She remembered the hurt she felt on that Indigo day, and how he betrayed her. Even though she still loved him, she just couldn’t forgive him for what he did to her.

The doors of the elevator started to close on Misty. But she took a step forward. She had to see this thing to the very end...

******


Casey exited the AR Room with a big sigh. “Defeated again,” she said as she leaned up against the electric doors that she just exited. Casey then looked down at the resting Chikorita, that was cradled in her other arm. She then smoothed out her violet hair and then placed her Electrabuzz baseball cap on her head.

Spyder was just too much for her and her partner. Casey and Chikorita have both been training hard for the last year. But still Spyder and his Pokemon were too strong.

This was the only remaining part of her Entrance Exam into MASTERS. She couldn’t start any missions until she was able to successfully defeat Spyder and his Pokemon. And until then she would still be known as a ‘Rookie.’

She was so frustrated. ‘All that hard work, for nothing,’ “DAMN IT!!” she shouted, as she hit one of the walls outside the AR Room.

The action caused a stirring in her other arm. She looked down at the plant Pokemon that just awoken. Those big red eyes, showed so much sorrow. It had failed its partner, it had failed its friend, and it had failed itself.
Chikorita couldn’t help but cry. Failing was all it seemed to do.

Casey’s face softened. “It’s ok, Chikorita.” Chikorita buried its face into Casey’s jacket. Casey took Chikorita and held it before her face. “It’s Ok,” she said softly. “Hey you tried your best and I think you did great. I don’t think the Electrabuzz could have tried better. It was just their time at bat. But don’t worry next time your going to hit a grand slam!” The petal on the little green plant Pokemon raised a little.

Casey smiled as her own words started to take effect. ‘Yeah,’ she thought. ‘Next time we’ll beat Spyder on his own home turf.’ She cheered to herself as she walked down the hall.

Casey rounded the corner. And as soon as she did, she felt her heart sank.
‘There he is,’ she thought as her cheeks started to fluster. A thousands thoughts were going through the young eighteen year old’s mind.

She was referring to the tall dark man that was coming her way. She always had the biggest crush on him, ever since the first time she met him. But she was too shy to say anything. But since then, he grew to become more and more of a cutie.

She was about to speak when she noticed a slim red-head that was following him. She frowned. ‘Who is that girl that’s following him?’ She wondered. Casey decided to lay low for a while until they’ve both past her so she could get some time to think of a plan. Well that’s what she was going to do, if Chikorita didn’t cheer at Ash’s arrival. And run off to greet him.

Ash bent down to pet the plant Pokemon. “Hey Chikorita...” Chikorita brushed against his leg. That’s when Casey came over to reclaim her Pokemon. Ash turned to face her. “Hi Casey, how are you doing?” Ash greeted her with a smile.

Casey could feel the blood rush to her cheeks as she blushed. “Ummm....Ok. I guess,” she always had this problem. She never knew what to say around him. Then she remembered. “I...umm...just came from Spyder’s.”

Ash chuckled. “Oh really...To be honest we’re going there too,” he said while motioning to the red-headed woman behind him. “Oh by the way....Casey this is
Misty...umm...You probably don’t remember. But actually you guys met before.”

Casey searched through her memories. She recalled meeting Ash for the first time. Then it dawned on her. He did have a scrawny girl with bright autumn orange hair following him.

Casey frowned a little, but quickly recovered with a smile. “Hi, Yeah I do remember you. You used to follow Ash around when he was younger,” she said while trying to extend her hand to greet the man-stealing wench.

Misty only smiled a little at the young girl and shook her hand... In Misty’s eyes, Casey appeared to have grown up to be a very pretty young girl, only a few inches shorter than herself, coming to 5ft 4, with her beautiful purple hair in a pony tail. To be honest Misty always thought when ever she saw Casey that, she reminded her of Ash’s little sister. When she asked him about it later, he kinda agreed. But now the way the two interacted it looked like there was a different story. It was obvious that she liked Ash. But did he share her feelings...

Ash then spoke. “Hey you came from Spyder’s right? So...How did you do?” He inquired.

Casey momentarily forgot about her and Chikorita’s defeat but Ash’s question reminded her. She looked down to the floor. “Well....we failed,” she said softly. Chikorita noosed against her leg, trying to give her friend some support.

Ash face softened. “Oh I’m sorry. Casey...” Casey looked down again. “I didn’t beat him my first time either,” he admitted.

“Really?!?” Casey was amazed. In the last six years Spyder hasn’t been able to defeat Ash and Pikachu. And fact it was to the point where Ash didn’t need to command Pikachu. He was trained so well that the electric mouse was able to react to the battle as if Ash was ordering the attacks himself.

Ash nodded. “Yeah, but me and Pikachu both worked hard at it,” he smiled. “We came back and kick his tail too....” He chuckled. Casey smiled. “So don’t give up. I know you can beat him...” Ash said with a wink.

Casey cheeks turned red again. But she decided to leave before she made a fool of herself.

“Well, we better get going.” Casey said while scooping up Chikorita. “I got to get Chikorita rejuvenated. And plus there’s an Electrabuzz game on today,” she said while started to make her retreat.

Ash jested. “I don’t know why, you know their going to lose,” he shouted back at her direction.

Casey turned around and playfully stuck her tongue at him. “That’s what you say. The Electrabuzz are great and their going to show everybody...” she shouted while stomping down the hallway.

Ash smirked and turned toward an impatiently waiting Misty. She glared at him. “What?!?” he asked, innocently.

Misty sighed. “Nothing...It’s nothing.” She said sadly. “What are we doing here anyway?” She asked with much annoyance, so she could hide what she was truly feeling.

“Oh...well this is the Pokemon Training floor.” Ash explained. “Umm...Right now we’re going to the AR Room.”

“AR Room?” Misty asked.

“Yeah...An Alternating Reality Room,” Ash clarified. “It’s a room that can change the environment, to simulate different field conditions. Like it can produce changing weather or different types of battling areas.” Ash thought a min. Then spoke again. “It’s kinda like the Danger Room, in X-Mon.”

“Oh...” Misty said, as it started to make more and more sense.

“Anyway...the room is run by a guy named, Spyder.” He stated. “Don’t ask me how he got that name even I don’t know.” Misty shrugged. “Anyway, Spyder is considered one of the best Pokemon Trainers ever. He’s even so good that he has about a hundred of every species of Pokemon and most of them are over level 200.”

Misty’s eye’s got wide. “Really?!?”

Ashura nodded. “Yeah, he’s so good that it was made a requirement to defeat him and his Pokemon in a match or you wouldn’t become a MASTERS’ Agent.” Ash stated, as he continued to walk to the AR Room.

They were right in from of the electric doors when Misty spoke. “So why are we going their now?” she asked. “You are already an agent. Why are you going back?”

Ashura smirked. “Spyder hated losing to Pikachu. He went on and on about how I was never going to defeat him, especially with an unevolved Pikachu,” Ash grin got bigger. “So when the next time, we battled him. Not only did Pikachu wipe the floor with all of his Pokemon. But he hasn’t been beaten since.”

Misty rolled her eyes “Ok...so that doesn’t explain why we are going to see him now.”

“Well I’ll put it to you this way. Spyder is a sore loser. So every now-and-then he challenges us to another match,” Ash said while the electric doors slid open and the two went inside.

The two stepped inside the AR Room. Darkness was all Misty could see when she entered the room. There weren’t any lights or windows in the place. Total blackness engulfed the room as the doors closed behind them.

Misty felt very alone in the shadowed place. She so wanted to reach out for Ash, to wrap her arms around him and hold on to him tightly. Even when they were young he always made so she could feel secure. But pride suppressed her actions now.

She could feel a hand grasp her shoulder from the in the darkness. She gasped. “It’s me” Said the voice. She knew it was Ash, she was kind of glad too.
But she couldn’t show weakness now.

“Just leave me alone. Will you!!!” she shouted to a faceless silhouette. Even though she couldn’t see him, she knew Ash was momentarily taken back. He withdrew his hand. And as soon as he did, Misty missed the warmth that it had.

She heard from the darkness. “HEY SPYDER!!! WILL YOU TURN ON THE LIGHTS ALREADY!!!” Ashura shouted in annoyance.

“Oh sorry, about that Ash give me a second.” An intercomed voice said. Then in a instant, dozens of florescent lights illuminated the room.

Misty panned the AR Room. It didn’t look like anything to special to her, just a plain white room, about the size of a basketball court. There appeared to be no way of leaving or entering the room. Even the doors that they two entered through seemed to have blended with the walls. Then Misty looked overhead.
There appeared to be a glass chamber there.

Ashura noticed Misty’s gaze toward the upper room. “That’s the control center.
That room controls all the different environmental changes in the AR Room,” he explained.

Misty nodded. Then a door slid open from one of the sides. As it opened a cloud of fog and steam leaked from out the seemly compressed area. “And here comes Spyder...” He told her. Misty nodded again.

“Welcome Ashura.” A haunting voice said from out the haze. Then a short little brown haired kid that looked no older than sixteen entered the room. Spyder threw his mess of brown hair away from his face, to allow his visitors full view of his violet eyes, which would have been his best aspect, if he didn’t have to wear thick bifocal glasses.

Ashura walked forward and shook his hand. Spyder frowned. “You’re late.” Ash, motioned to the red-head behind him. Spyder looked over his shoulder and grinned. “Nice....” he commented, while taking a second glance at eloquent autumn hair woman.

Ashura sighed. “She’s a client...” he said, not trying to start any miscommunication.

Spyder shrugged. “Whatever...You’re still late. I was going to think you were going to forfeit,” Spyder added, slightly sneering.

“Hey can we make this fast!” Misty shouted now extremely jaded. She didn’t like the way the teenager was ogling her. And she swore if he touched her, he would be eating the rest of his food through a straw.

Spyder raised his eyebrows. “Feisty isn’t she...” he grinned, while nudging Ashura.

Ash rolled his eyes. “Ehh....I guess.” He uneasily said. Suddenly he regretted coming to see Spyder with Misty. He momentarily forgot about the teenage boy’s perverted imagination. “Anyway, yeah Spyder let’s go...let’s get this over with.”

Spyder smirked. “Oh yes...right this way my friend.” He said while leading Ashura and Misty to the control room; computer screens, monitors, read-out information, status checks. All these devices were laid out in through out the AR Control Room. Misty had never seen so much advance technology confined to one area. From one side, she could look through the glass pane and see the all white AR room, which they were just in. And to the other side, Misty was overrun by the different series of lights, dials, and computers.

She looked into one screen. The image had temperature control and atmospheric pressures. She looked into another. Meteorological regulators and geographical settings. Then she viewed a third screen that had statistics of all the various species of Pokemon. Some of the more up-to-date the statistics, where on Pokemon she believed, were already extinct.

Misty took a step back from all the monitors. She knew very well that, all her many years of accumulated Pokemon knowledge, was paled in comparison to the information that the room held.

Spyder zoomed over to Misty in a rolling chair. “Pretty impressive isn’t it?” Spyder said. His voice held the very idea of arrogance.

“Yeah, I guess.” Misty agreed, trying to sound unimpressed.

Ashura joined the two. “Well, you haven’t seen nothing yet,” he cheered.
“Spyder, let’s get this show on the road. We have to go to the Board soon.”

Spyder nodded. “It’s ok. The Rumble Squad is going to annihilate your Electric Rat in no time!!” Spyder exclaimed while pressing a series of buttons. Misty gave a look to Ashura that said, ‘What’s his problem.’ Ashura shrugged, he didn’t know himself. Spyder ended his session, and then a funnel of white light appeared in the center of the AR room. In a flash, a yellow electric rodent appeared before them.

“THERE! There’s the yellow menace!” Spyder, said, his voice nearly shouting.
Fingers jabbed against the glass, pointing to Pikachu. Ash and Misty both heard him talking, but weren’t sure if he was talking to them or someone else.

Spyder then typed in eight strokes on one of the keyboards. Then from inside the AR Room, another pillar of light was cast in the area surrounding Pikachu. The beam of light died down and then another Pokemon appeared in the room.

Pikachu looked at the new visitor and his future opponent. He looked to its direction and saw a huge rock Pokemon, kinda resembling a rhinoceros, with rows and rows of stone plates lining his back. The Rhyhorn stomped his feet making the whole floor quake. Next to the Rhyhorn, the evolved version appeared, the
Rhydon arced its back and flexed its arms. The appendages were the size of tree trunks.

Pikachu then looked to his left, as two more Pokemon were teleported. Pikachu saw just two boulders. Then arms and legs sprouted from the huge piles of rock. Finally the heads were visible. The two Golems were now butting heads trying to sike themselves up for the upcoming match.

There was screeching cry from behind Pikachu. Then he turned around to see the image of two closed leathery wings. The wings wrapped around the object, in the same fashion a vampire bat would. Then wings expanded to the side, exposing the rock flyer. The prehistoric Pokemon glared its red eyes at Pikachu. Then the reptilian head snapped at the electric Pokemon. Pikachu wasn’t afraid. An Aerodactyl’s bark was worst then their bite.

Beside the Aerodactyl, two more funnels of light emanated. Pikachu then saw two faces, both were forged of bone. The two had reptilian bodies with a sharp angler bone faces. Both armed with a boned weapon that was placed on their backs. The two Marowaks were ready. A good observer could tell that the two were twins. One had a crack in his bone head, right under his right eye. And the other had a crack under his left eye. The twins drew their weapons and looked at Pikachu. They were ready...

Finally there was a huge roar coming in front of Pikachu. Then his eyes were set on the teams, so-called ringer. The tail of the huge rock-snake Pokemon crashed to the floor, the Onix, coiled its body around, then perched its head in anticipation.

Back in the Control Center...

“Hold up!” Misty shouted. “You’re not telling me that you’re sending Pikachu to battle against eight Pokemon all by himself?!?” Misty was furious. She knew Pikachu was special, but no Pokemon could be able to defend himself under those odds.

Ashura smiled. “Pikachu will be fine...” He smiled. “Actually to be honest Spyder may need more to handle Pikachu...”

Spyder gritted his teeth. “I have you know Ashura, all those Pokemon have been trained very intensely for over nine months. Plus there isn’t a Pokemon in the
Rumble Squad that’s level is under five hundred,” he admitted proudly.

Ashura smirked. “Only five hundred...”

Spyder frowned even more. “We’ll see who the victor is Ashura...”

This was the last straw for Misty. “WHAT IS WITH YOU TWO!!?!! Don’t you see Pikachu is clearly outmatched! Plus look, they are all ground and rock Pokemon. Their strong against electrics...” She turned to Ash. “He’s going to get hurt...Don’t you care?”

Ashura turned to Misty. “Pikachu can handle it, I assure you. I wouldn’t allow him to do it if I wasn’t confident about his skill and power. Me and Pikachu have been together for a long time and he’s never let me down. That’s why I know he can do this Misty....” Misty still looked like she wasn’t convinced. “Please trust me Misty...” The girl could see her reflection in his soft brown eyes.

She sighed and then softened. ‘I really hates when he does that...’

“Oh well Ashura...” Spyder said while interrupting the two. “Maybe the lady has a point. There is no way your Pikachu can win.” He typed in some commands into another console. Then outside in the AR Room, the background started to change. The all white plane was instantly replaced with a rocky surrounding.

****


Pikachu looked around at his battleground. From as far as his eyes could see, there were only rocks in the cannon like setting. There was an artificial blue sky and clouds. The landscape was barren. Spyder choose a good location for them to battle in, Pikachu had to admit.

Pikachu then focused his eyes at his opponents; Marowak, Golem, Aerodactyl, Rhydon and Rhyhorn, then finally the ring leader, the rock serpent Onix.

Pikachu was already familiar with all the Pokemon’s strengths and weakness. ‘This battle should be interesting,’ Pikachu believed. A small smirk crossed the mouse’s face. It stood on its hind legs as a surge of electricity coursed through his body.

The skies of the mountain range started to cloud. The bright sun that gleamed in the setting was now hidden. Darkness was present on the battlefield, except at one point...

Pikachu’s whole body glowed with electric energy. The ground around him started to shatter. Bits and debris flooded the air, as bolts of electricity were emitted from the electric Pokemon.

All of his attackers were momentarily awestricken. Never before have they ever seen a Pikachu with the level of strength this one had. His power alone was enough to send a chill through all of their spines.

Pikachu “chuuu-ed” to himself, he was ready...

******


The AR Control room was silent. Misty was wide-eyed and couldn’t believe what her eyes were seeing. And Ashura was just enjoying the fact she was amazed.

Ash leaned against one of the walls and crossed his arms. Then Spyder rolled up to him, in his chair. “OOHHH...NO!!!” He stated. “No electricity!!!”

“What!?!” Ash and Misty both echoed.

Spyder narrowed his eyes. “You heard me. He has a big enough advantage as it is. So if he really is so strong he wouldn’t need to use his element.”

“Now that is just plain crazy!” Misty shouted, turning the teenage boy around in the chair so he could face her. “How is Pikachu supposed to battle..!” She was about to say more. But Ash’s voice echoed in the AR Chamber.

“Pikachu...No Voltage, Ok?” his voice resonating through the Room, he heard a
Pikachu curse for a reply...then it finally agreed.

The burst of electricity that was flowing through Pikachu like a wildfire, started to disperse. The winds started to die down and the dark clouds the blanketed the battlefield began to depart.

All of the challenging Pokemon started to ease a little. ‘Without his electricity, a Pikachu is defenseless.’ They all collectively thought.

As soon as the thunderous aura, that covered his body was extinguished.
Pikachu’s whole body then started to have a slight white gleam to it.

Misty looked in Ash’s direction, she didn’t know what to believe. Did he really have faith that Pikachu could defend himself against so many....She closed her eyes, then walked over to Ash and stood by him. “You really think he can do this, Ash?”

He nodded. “I know he can...”

The red-headed woman sighed. ‘I hope your right.’

Spyder slid his chair to the end Computer Console. “Let’s get this Show on the
Road!” The brown haired teen shouted. He replaced his eye glasses with a dark pair of sun glasses and retrieved a CD. Spyder then popped, Offspring’s “Staring
At the Sun” into the cd player and pressed play. He then grabbed the intercom microphone and shouted. “Let the battle begin!!!!!!!!!”

Pikachu gave all the Pokemon the once over. And they all took to their battle stances. Pikachu turned his back for a single second. That was the opportunity, the Rhyhorn waited for. It charged at the Pikachu with its top speed. The horn on its nose was spinning. The Rhyhorn was letting its “Horn Drill” technique do its work. It rushed toward Pikachu with remarkable speed, despite its large size.

But as soon as the stoned rhino came toward Pikachu, the electric mouse Pokemon seemed to disappear right in front of the Rhyhorn’s eyes, using its “Teleport” technique. The Rhyhorn stomped his front legs into the ground and spun around.
Pikachu was in its original position, now only this time he was looking directly at the Rhyhorn.

The Rhyhorn snorted its nose then charged again. The whole ground shook as he thundered through the terrain. Pikachu swiftly stepped to the side and swept his foot, clipping the Rhyhorn’s front legs. The rock rhinoceros tumbled forward and landed face-first in the stoned gravel.

Angered by the degrading of his evolution brother, the Rhydon raced over to Pikachu. It let the power draw to his fist, as he ready his infamous MegaBomb Punch. The mighty stoned warrior, cocked back its fist and swung...But Pikachu was too fast for the Rhydon.

The electric mouse dodged the blow in the-nick-of-time, kicked out the legs of the Rhydon, leaving it unbalanced. Then Pikachu grabbed it’s extend limb, arched forward, then hurled the colossal Pokemon right into its evolutioned brethren.

Pikachu was about to follow-up his attack, when he noticed the sky above him was shadowed. He looked up and the two Golems where descending in the air. They both out-stretched their arms and summoned a huge barrage of rocks and boulders to be sent Pikachu’s way.

The electric mouse darted and rolled to the side, barely avoiding the hail of stones. Looking up again, Pikachu witnessed the Golems forging a huge slab of rock. The chunk of stone they were creating was big enough to smother a whole house. And with a flick of their wrists, the two Golems tossed it at Pikachu. The ground around the yellow Pokemon, started to darken as the huge mass of marble was approaching the mouse.

Pikachu gritted its teeth and dug its heels into the earth. In a flash it sprang upwards towards, the advancing rock. Pikachu then twisted his body in the air and snapped his leading leg out, resulting in separation of the block of rock into two.

The two pieces landed safely on the ground, as Pikachu descended. The moment, his foot touch the surface; he was a charged by the two Marowaks. Both bone clubs drawn, the twins continued to shower the Yellow Pokemon, with their assaulting bone clubs.

Too bad they hit nothing but air. Pikachu skillfully parried and avoided all their attacks. This only infuriated the Marowaks even more. One pulled its club over his head to try for a finishing blow.

Pikachu just rolled to the side and pounced toward the Marowak landing a huge Mega Punch straight to its jaw. Chips of its bone mask flew, as the strength of the attack sent the Marowak’s body spinning uncontrollably to the ground.

The remaining Marowak angered by his brothers treatment, swung the bone wilding trying to damage the annoying Yellow rodent in anyway possible. Pikachu nonchalantly moved left and then right, avoiding all of the Marowak’s attacks.

The electric Pokemon then flipped backwards to all fours, while dodging a low swinging bone attack by the Marowak, the Pikachu then gripped the turf with its legs and leaped off the ground. The mouse Pokemon propelled himself twenty feet into the air, where he was greeted by the stoned flyer....Aerodactyl.

The rock reptile, grasped Pikachu in its talons sole determined to crush the Pokemon into submission. Pikachu squirmed and thrashed around in the flyers grasp. From the corner of Pikachu’s eye, it could see the Marowak brothers regrouping and both we’re attempting a team Boomerang Attack.

Pikachu then returned his attention to Aerodactyl, it look like it was about to attempt a Supersonic attack. Its eyes turned a greenish color as the sonicwaves started to form. Pikachu knew that at this range and that type of attack the match would be finished, not to mention the oncoming bone assault from the Marowaks, both sets attacks could put Pikachu out of commission. Then an idea came to the thundering rodent, he smiled at his own cleverness.

He looked back at the Marowaks; the two already set their Boned Boomerangs flying towards him. The clubs of bone arched in its flight then redirected themselves to Pikachu’s direction. Pikachu then looked at the Aerodactyl; it should have generated enough energy for the Supersonic Attack. So the electric mouse had to move quickly to put his plan into action. He proceeded to worm his rear legs to push against the Dactyl’s chest. The stone flyer was ready, for its Psychic attack and Pikachu had to move now. Using all of its might Pikachu thrust his feet against the Aerodactyl’s chest, just as it released its Supersonic Attack.

The green waves of psychic energy whizzed past its target as it headed toward the ground below. And as the Supersonic attack went, so came the two boned clubs. Both attacks missed their marks and both attacks hit their own teammates.


The Supersonic attack hit the Marowaks, a like a megaton bomb. Both were scattered to unknown places of the artificial canyon. And the first Boomerang attack automatically sent the Aerodactyl hurtling to the ground. But just before it hit, the second attack decided to make its presence known. As far as anyone known, the Aerodactyl was unconscious before it hit the ground.

Pikachu safely descended to the ground, totally unscathed. Just as he was about to touch the land, the earth around him started shake and move. Two huge eyes emerged from the soil as the rock serpent Onyx burrowed its way from underneath the ground.

Pikachu was tossed to the side as the Onyx’s full body was visible from the earth. It let out a loud roar as it accelerated towards the small yellow Pokemon. The full force of its thirteen hundred and fifty pound frame collided with Pikachu sending his body through a rock chasm, and imbedding himself into the foundation of another rock column.

The mouse Pokemon weakly freed himself from his rock prison and would have gotten to his feet, if a half a dozen of sharp shards of rock wasn’t being thrown his way. Pikachu dove to the right to avoid the stoned darts, but was grasped from underground by the Onix. Now the Pikachu was held tightly in the Onix’s powerful bind attack. All the while his power was slowly draining...

******

Spyder cheers could be heard throughout the whole AR Chamber. “YAA-HOO!!! YEAAHHH!!!” he spun around in his chair then turned to face Ash. “IN YOUR FACE ASHURA!!!” he stood up and jabbed his finger on Ash’s chest. “Ha...your Pikachu got lucky defeating the others, but that Onyx level is close to eight hundred.”


Ashura didn’t pay any attention to the little boy or his thoughts, his eyes were only focused on his partner.

Misty looked at Pikachu and her heart went out for the little guy. “Ash, I think you should give up. Pikachu clearly can’t win....” Misty stated, while the sounds of Pikachu’s torturous cries, filled the background.

But Ash didn’t respond to the beautiful red head. His eyes were only focused on his partner.

Spyder decided to encourage Misty’s statement. “Yeah, Ashura...Pikachu has lost....So it’s time to end this...” Still Ash didn’t respond his eyes never darting away from Pikachu. His silence only infuriated the two more. “Ashura...the rodent has lost. There is no need for it to suffer anymore...”

“Yes, Ash its ok...you can’t win all the time...” The grip that the Onyx had slightly increased even more, causing Pikachu to squeal out in pain, the sounds of his cries, send nothing but grief through Misty’s heart. “PLEASE Ash, Stop this!!” She pleaded while grabbing a hold of his shirt with her hands.

Ash looked down at Misty, her bright blue eyes, gleaming through all the lights. The young woman was nearly into tears. He could understand why, Pikachu was just as much as her friend as he was to Ash.

Ashura smiled at Misty and cupped her chin. She closed her eyes for a mere second after he touched her. Then she opened her eyes, hoping that finally her words sunk in. Ash gracefully moved Misty to the side and reached intercom that transmitted into the battlefield.

Ashura pressed the comlink button and instantly his voice was heard. “Pikachu....” his voice echoed. “Are you really going to let these guys beat you...?” he released the com button.

*******

Pain was all that Pikachu was experiencing. He hated Onyxes....He hated them a lot. Throughout his life he’d never had any good experiences with Onixes. His first Gym battle was against an Onyx....Brock’s Onix. He was in pain then too, but that was nothing compared to suffering that he was now undergoing.

Through all the torment Pikachu was enduring, he was still able to hear the words of his friend. “Pikachu, are you going to let these guys beat you.” And then Pikachu was numb to all the punishment, only Ash’s words echo through his head.

“ARE...YOU...GOING...TO...LET...THESE...GUYS...BEAT...YOU...”

Something about the way he said “BEAT YOU...” triggered something inside of Pikachu. Something that he knew was there but was hardly ever used.

Onyx once again tightened its grip on its captive. It was a little puzzled though, before the Pikachu was crying out in pain now it was silent. Suddenly a moment of guilt, struck through its body. “What if he’s...?” The Onix coiled its body around, it wanted to check on the condition of the Pikachu. Even though he was an opponent, they still were on the same side.

The Pikachu laid motionless in the Onix’s grip, eyes were closed but, it was obvious that it still was alive. The Onix breathed a sigh of relief as it determined that the Pikachu hadn’t die. The Onyx decided to get another closer look at the Pikachu. It approached, and was about to nudge it, when suddenly the
Pikachu’s eyes burst open. Its dark red eyes flared at the Onyx. Then the
Onix was suddenly stumped. “Wasn’t its eyes brown before?”

The artificial skies above the battlefield started to darken. The field started to darken again as storm clouds started flood the skies. The clouds started to circle in the atmosphere, the winds started to increase and the artificial temperature started to rise. Lighting flared in the heaven, the erratic bolts traveled from cloud to cloud, then collect and struck the earth.

Then there was a rumbling that trembled through Onix’s body. And oddly enough, the source seemed to be the Pikachu. Its dark red eyes never leaving its target. Then Pikachu crouched inward and then its whole body blazed with black light. Pikachu thrust its arms and legs outward sending a violent wave of uncharted power through the stone serpent’s body, instantly demolishing the hold the Onix had on it.

Pikachu then levitated down to the ground. It hunched over and cried out.
“CHUUUUU!!!!” as he did, it appeared that all the shadows that were cast all over the field started to combine and draw towards Pikachu. His voice bellowed again as the ground started to quake. The shadows that were drawing towards Pikachu began to take shape and absorb into Pikachu’s fur. Its coat of yellow fur started to darken and turned more into a dark orange. Violet strands of energy formed around the Pikachu’s body as his transformation was at a end.

Onyx was in awe, it didn’t know what in the hell just took place. But now seemingly normal Pikachu was something different, something darker.

“Onyx and the Rumble Squad, the match isn’t over. Don’t let this one Rodent frighten you with its parlor tricks.” Spyder’s voice demanded through the intercom. Onix looked to his side, as the other members of the Rumble Squad started to assemble again and take a gander at their opponent.

The Pikachu still stared at the bunch. It was like its blood red eyes were burning holes in all of them. The dark violet strands of energy coursed all around its body. A sense of calmness was present on the face of the Pikachu.

The Rhyhorn and the Rhydon looked to each other and shrugged. ‘A Pokemon is a Pokemon, doesn’t matter.’ Satisfied with their reasoning the two charged after the Pikachu, both using their agility technique, which enabled no one but Pokemon able to follow their movements.

The two appeared in front of the Pikachu. The Rhyhorn was about to horn drill the rodent, as the Rhydon was going with its patented MegaBomb Punch. The Rhydon swung...but only hit air. The Rhyhorn stopped its attack, while trying to locate their target. Rhydon was about to get up when he noticed a slight weight on his back. He looked over his shoulder and could see black stripes. The Rhyhorn looked, and there Pikachu was. But the funny thing was neither of them saw him move.

Rhydon was about to reach over his back and wring the life out of the Pokemon, but as soon as his hand was close, Pikachu was gone.

The remaining members of the Rumble squad were just as puzzled as the Rhyhorn and the Rhydon must have been. All of them were looking in all directions trying to spot the Pokemon. Onix looked to the side then something seemed to catch his eyes in front of it. Onix looked forward and saw him. Pikachu, still in the serene like state, the only presence of any emotion the Pokemon showed was in his eyes. His dark red eyes had a fury in them that sent a chill through the Onix’s body. Onix blinked and Pikachu was gone again.

Rhyhorn and Rhydon were amazed how the Pikachu was able to past them and land directly in front of the Onyx without anyone being able to trace its movements.
They were about to regroup with the others to think of another plan, when a nagging sensation drew the two to look forward.

The two stone titans looked forward and instantly took a step back. Those red eyes, the dark orange fur, the violet bands of power that coursed all around him, here was the Pikachu again. Rhyhorn and Rhydon remained planted in the ground as the other’s joined them.

The Golems muttered something to the Marowak twins. Then in a flash, the four sent out an all out attack towards the mouse Pokemon, bones swinging, rocks flinging. The air was filled with stone and boned projectiles, hurtling towards Pikachu.

The Pikachu only flinched and then in a second all the weaponry was halted in mid-flight. Every single piece of hurled material was stalled. Then the superior Pikachu, brought its small paw in front of him, and tightly closed its fist. As soon as he did, all the rock and boned missiles, exploded into dust.

Now every member of the Rumble Squad felt fear. There was a voice that chimed into the room. “Rumble Squad, if you combine all of your HyperBeams and concentrate them on him, you should be able to take him out,” Spyder commanded.
“YOU MONSTER HOW CAN YOU THINK OF SOMETHING LIKE THAT!!!” a female voiced also shouted in the background.

All the Rumble Squad members nodded in agreement. This was the only way to victory. True, after the attack the Pikachu didn’t have any chance of continuing and probably a very slim chance of winning. But it brought this upon its self...

The Squad got into its formation. The two Marowaks dashed to the side and cupped their hands. Then Golems stomped besides them, the two mirroring the Marowaks by cupping their hands as well. Then from the four of them, a blind light started to form in their clasped fists. The light grew in intensity as the four continued to draw more and more energy.

Then the Rhyhorn and the Rhydon joined the group. The horn onto of the Rhyhorn started to glow, while the area around the Rhydon’s chest started to illuminate as well. The two Rhyhorn evolutions, luminescence started to enlarge then joined with the power already assembled by the others.

The Aerodactyl flew over head then joined with the rallied Rumble Squad members, its eyes glowing with the power infusion with Hyperbeam energy. Then the stoned serpent Onix joined the crew. It opened its mouth as the as a surge of powerful force, was felt in the bowels of the beast.

There the whole Rumble Squad was gathered, ready to perform their greatest technique. The ground surrounding the Squad started to loosen, then burst from the flow of the generated power. The earth beneath them was starting to become unstable, but firm the Rumble Squad stood, fully determined to win this battle.

They casted a glance at their opponent, its facial features still never changing, still emotionless, still with out feeling. It’s only change, was in the manner of how it was standing. Now it lowered its head and glared at the Rumble Squad. And also it paid no visible attention to their final assault.

‘Just as well...’ The Onix thought. ‘What it doesn’t know won’t hurt it...too much.’ The Onyx then refocused to its task. Their techinque was almost at its climax. The Onix almost felt sorry for the Pikachu. It fought very valiantly. And even was proving to be a worthy opponent. But no one has ever survived a Rumble Squad Team Hyperbeam Attack.

The Onix then shrugged off its feeling for compassion. The time to end this fray was now. It commanded the release of the titanic amount of concentrated energy the eight memeber Pokemon team created.

The winds were now plain violent as the mammoth amount of power was released. The stoned mountain crumbled and blew with the winds. The earth crack and shook as the wave was transmitted. Then there was a deafening explosion that brought a blinding light to the whole region.

*******

All of the monitors and meters inside the AR Room’s Control center were overflowed. Several alerts ran through the room, as the visibility of the AR arena was still disabled; do to the radiating light that was too overwhelming.

Spyder strolled back and forth through the different screens and monitors trying to bring the AR’s control system under control. The sweat poured from his brow as the final series of buttons was pressed and everything was under control.

Even the blinding light casted from the artificial chamber started to die down. Visibility was starting to return. The three looked into the room.

The first thing Spyder noticed that the original white paneled room, of the AR Chamber was present. For some reason, the artificial environment was deactivated. Then he noticed some objects in the ceiling of AR Room. He squinted his eyes then took off his glasses. His eyes widen as the realization of what his eyes were showing him was true. He looked at another part of the AR Room, and was surprised again.

“What the hell?” Misty questioned, as she probably was witnessing the same incredible feat that Spyder was viewing.

Ash didn’t say a word. But he did showcase a small grin.

The three’s attention was draw as the Control Centers door opened. And a small yellow Pikachu walked through the door. The smile on its little cute face was big as day. It scurried over to Ash and climbed on his shoulder.

Ashura petted his friend, and then turned to Spyder. “Well I guess this means Pikachu is the winner.” He said while strolling towards the exit.

Wordless Misty walked right behind him. Her saying anything wasn’t needed. Cause she wasn’t even able to comprehend what act just occurred.

The door closed behind the two as they left. Then Spyder looked through the glass of the Control Room again to look into the AR Room. All members of his
Rumble Squad, laid motionless. Some with broken limbs, some were imbedded into the walls of the AR Room. One’s right arm appeared to be in the same position of his left.

Spyder just hoped they were able to survive. But he ruefully thought, ‘That’s another loss to Ashura and his damn Pikachu...’

Mission to be continued....