The Alternate Saga - Book: 1 Ch. 4

Thoughts

Ash Ketchum went through his Pokémon back at the lab and prepared on which Pokémon he would take with him. Pikachu was his first obvious choice, but who would the other five be?

“Let’s see...!” Ash thought to himself, “Knowing Team Rocket, they could pull out any type of Pokémon, so I’d best prepare myself with multiple types as well.” He then smiled. “I know just what to do.”

Professor Oak and Misty were back inside the lab waiting for Ash to return. “He sure is taking a while.” Misty said. “Yes, Ash is really focused on what to do next.” Professor Oak stated with a smile, “Heh! That is the sign of a true friend. Ashley should be very lucky.”

Ash returned just at that moment with Pikachu following behind. “So Ash, have you decided on who you’ll bring?” “Yep!” Ash nodded as he explained his plan to the two.

“Now that sounds like a great idea to me, Ash!” the Pokémon professor nodded, “It just might work.” Ash continued, “I’ve decided to have the upper hand in electric, fire, water, grass, flying, and ice types. So, here are the six Pokémon that I have chosen.” The Pokémon trainer then listed out the team he would use.

“Pikachu will be my first choice. We've been best buddies forever, I couldn't think of leaving him out. He’s a strong partner and has given Team Rocket a run for their money in the past. I’m sure he’ll help do that again!” Pikachu let out a determined cry as static electricity appeared from its cheeks.

“I've decided to pick Charizard as my fire-type choice. He’s one of the strongest Pokémon I have and I could really use his help. Besides, if I ever need to battle in the air, he’d be the perfect candidate for it.”

“Totodile will be my water-type pick. He may be small, but he has some pretty good attacks. I’m sure he’ll be able to knock enemies back into next week with his Water Gun attack!”

“I’ll choose Torterra for my grass-type and Staraptor for my flying-type. They helped me a lot throughout the Sinnoh region, and I’m sure that they’ll both help me out again now.”

“And I’ll finally choose Glalie for my ice-type. He helped me out in both the Hoenn and Sinnoh leagues and can hold his own pretty well.”

With that Ash concluded, “With a team like that, there is no way that Team Rocket will stop me! I’ll be able to help Ashley for sure!” Misty smiled, “That’s the spirit, Ash!” Professor Oak then stepped up, “Ash, there is something I need to tell you.”

Ash, Misty, and Pikachu turned their attention back to the Pokémon professor. “Indeed that sounds like a great idea and all, and I don’t doubt for one second that it won’t work. But, you see, Ashley told me to tell you that she doesn't want to see you. At least not yet.” Ash was shocked, “She actually said that?! Oh, man! I hope she’s not mad at me.”

“No, no!” Professor Oak cut in, “I’m sure she’s not mad at you at all. Things are just kind of complicated for her right now. I’m sure she’ll want to see you again at some point.”

Ash then stood up, “Whatever the case, I still need to go out and help her!” Misty nodded, “I’ll lend a hand too!” “Thanks, Misty!” Ash smiled at the red-head. Professor Oak smiled, “I’ll get your team set up.”

************************************************************************

Richie and Sparky awoke to the sound of someone’s beautiful voice. It was someone singing, and it sounded heavenly and wonderful.

“I wonder who that could be.” Richie said to his Pikachu as the two slipped out of their bed and tip-toed down the hall. The soon realized that the source of the singing was coming from outside the Pokémon Center.

Upon exiting the building, Richie and Sparky ducked behind a nearby tree once they saw who was singing.

It was Ashley. She was outside with her three Pokémon and singing to them. Her Noctowl swooped around calmly in the air while Azumarill slowly danced to the song’s smooth rhythm. Arcanine rested on the ground as Ashley stroked its fur carefully with a brush.

Ashley finally finished brushing Arcanine’s fur and finished her song. “There, all done.” she smiled. “That was amazing, Ashley.” Richie said from behind. Ashley turned around with a start and was quite shocked to see the young Pokémon trainer and his Pikachu standing there. Her face turned bright red as she stuttered, “You...you...heard...all...that...?!”

“You bet I did.” Richie smiled, “You have an amazing voice.” Sparky happily agreed as it jumped up and down. Ashley blushed, “Oh, thank you. I’m sorry, did my singing wake you up?”

“Not at all!” Richie stated, “In fact it’s so relaxing, it could have put me back to sleep if I was awake.” Ashley chuckled, “Is that so?”

Noctowl eventually stopped flying around and rested on the ground next to Azumarill. Ashley looked up into the night sky. The stars were out and the moon was high up in the sky. Everything looked so calm and peaceful.

“When I used to travel around every region, before joining Team Rocket, I used to sing to my Pokémon all the time.” Ashley stated still looking up at the stars. Richie turned to her, “You did?” “Yeah. It was my way of thanking them for battling so hard and it also showed how much I loved and cared for them.” she went on, “But, I couldn't do it when I was working for Team Rocket.”

Richie sat next to Ashley and stared up at the stars with her. Sparky rested in his lap and did the same. “Ashley, were your Pokémon upset when they found out you worked for an evil organization?” he finally asked.

“They were.” Ashley nodded, “But, they still battled for me because they knew I had my reasons for choosing what I wanted to do in life. They knew that I was still a good person on the inside, even if my outside didn't show it.”

Richie smiled, “They must really trust you.” “They’re all my best friends, every last one of them.” Ashley went on, “I've been able to get every Pokémon I've captured to trust me, even the strong scary looking ones. It was tough at times, especially with Lugia and Kyogre. Those are the only two legendary Pokémon I managed to capture and they didn't take a liking to me for quite some time.”

“Did they trust you in the end?” Richie asked. “Yeah, and I know why. The only reason they didn't trust me was because they both knew I was never meant to be a member of something evil.” Ashley stated while turning to face Richie, “Not trusting me was their way of telling me to quit and go back to what I really was. A kind-hearted trainer.”

Richie smiled as he petted Sparky on the head, “I think I can understand why you got Ash’s attention. Not a lot of people who work for Team Rocket would act the way you do.” Ashley chuckled, “You've got that right, kid.”

The two laughed as they continued to stare at the moon and the stars.

************************************************************************

“Let me get this straight.” Brett grunted as he talked to Cassidy and Butch over a wristwatch-like device, “You two failed to defeat that old man and to make matters worse, lost to Ash Ketchum?!”

“That about sums it up, sir.” Cassidy sighed over the other end, “Me and Fooch promise to do better next time!”

“My name is Butch!” Brett heard the other man cry out. “Enough!” Brett stated sternly, “You two are to report back to me at once! Understood?”

“Understood, sir!” Cassidy and Butch both said in unison as Brett hung up. Brett then turned back to his grunt units. “Men, prepare yourselves for tomorrow.” he replied, “Because one traitor is about to pay dearly.”