Alternative titles for the thread include 'I'm late, I'm late for a very important date' and 'I'm a moron who can't read'. Um, this was supposed to be my Bulbagarden New Year exchange fic, but due to my aforementioned lack of reading skills, for some reason I thought it was due in on the tenth, not the first. >_< Hence why this is so late, and also, strictly speaking, not exactly finished. *cough* Er... but it's the thought that counts, right? Major apologies to Roxy_Parkington, who I was meant to be writing this for. And I bet everyone's tired of my excuses now, so on with the fic, I guess.
Note: I decided to try my hand at writing this in the style of an actual Pokémon episode, and thus the lame title is, in fact, deliberate.
(It feels good to be able to say that truthfully for once.) It's set at the beginning of the imaginary season-after-Hoenn; all you really need to know is that Ash and May didn't win their respective competitions, and they're currently visiting Kanto for a short while, before journeying to another region. Oh, and it's Pokéshipping, as per request.
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*The episode opens with an overhead shot of a city, followed by the twerps heading along a street.*
Narrator:
With the Hoenn League behind him, Ash has returned to Kanto, to visit his mother and some old friends. Today, we find our heroes walking through a familiar town.
May:
There it is!
*Brock, Pikachu and Max all perk up as the sight of their destination comes into view at the end of the road. Ash, however, doesn’t look too excited to be there.*
Narrator:
Ash, May, Brock and Max have accepted an invitation to stay for three days at the Cerulean City gym. This will be the first time that they have seen their friend, Misty, in several months.
*The group runs over to the gym. However, just as they reach the front door, the sound of a huge explosion comes from within.*
Water Reunion!
*Ash and the gang hurry inside the gym in search of the noise. They charge into the main battle arena and stop dead at the sight that meets their eyes. A huge chunk of concrete has been ripped out of the side of the pool; almost all of the water is now covering the floor, the walls, the windows and the ceiling of the room. Floating on the scant few inches left at the bottom of the pool are an unconscious Vileplume and a blonde teenage girl. Daisy is standing by the edge, a Poké-ball in one hand, looking shell-shocked and dripping with water from head to toe.*
Brock:
What happened here?
Max:
This place looks like a Wailord fell through the roof!
Voice (from off-screen):
Daisy!
*The group turns to see Misty standing in the other doorway, looking murderous.*
Brock, May and Max:
Misty!
*Misty stalks towards Daisy, fists clenched.*
Misty:
What in the world do you think you’re doing?
*Daisy laughs nervously*
Daisy:
Just… training…
Misty
Since when does training involve blowing up the gym? Is that my Gyrados?
*She points to the Poké-ball in Daisy’s hand*
Daisy:
Uhhhh…
Misty:
For the last time, you can’t just borrow my Pokémon without asking me! Gyrados is way stronger than you’re used to battling with, especially if you’re going to start hurling around Hyper Beam attacks! You could cause an accident!
May:
This looks like a pretty big accident to me…
Max:
I’ll say.
Pikachu:
Ka-chu…
Daisy:
Jeez, little sister, lighten up. I thought you’d be happy I won the match.
Misty:
Match? Against… another trainer?
*She looks around for Daisy’s opponent, sees the girl in the pool and screams.*
Misty:
Daisy! Please don’t tell me you’ve killed a challenger!
*Ash et al. suddenly realise the severity of this situation.*
Pikachu:
Pika-pika!
May:
Oh, no! She could be hurt!
Max:
We have to help her!
Ash:
Right!
*Ash and Brock run to the pool’s edge. As soon as Brock gets a closer look at the girl, he goes into the usual love-struck routine.*
Brock:
Ahhhhhh, she’s like a beautiful lily drifting on a crystalline lake! Never fear, sweet maiden, for your hero has arrived! I’ll save you!
*With that, he prepares to dive into three inches of water. Luckily, Ash has the presence of mind to grab him and stop him cracking his head open.*
Ash:
Brock, get a grip! Rescue first, drool later!
Brock (abashed):
Eheheh… right.
*Ash lowers himself in, picks up the girl and hands her out to Brock. He then gets her Vileplume and climbs back out. The others hurry over. Brock is staring at their rescuee, starry-eyed.*
Brock:
Such a meeting must have been written in the stars! It was fate that I should save her, and that I should be the first person she sees when she awakes –
*Misty spoils this fond daydream by hauling Brock away by the ear.*
Misty:
The only thing the stars have in store for you is a restraining order.
*She kneels by the girl and checks for a pulse*
May (fearfully):
Is she -?
Misty:
She’s alive.
*Everyone breathes a sigh of relief*
Daisy:
See? There was never any problem. I had it all under control.
*Misty looks up, scowling.*
Misty:
As if! You still don’t have a clue what you’re doing! You’ll be lucky if nobody tries to press charges against you!
Daisy:
This is, like, so typical of you, Misty. Always looking for a downside.
Misty:
I don’t have to look for a downside - you’re handing them right to me! You’ve been training up for the last month, and I haven’t seen any improvement at all - and now you’ve destroyed the battlefield! I don’t see how this can get any worse!
Daisy:
Well, maybe if you weren’t always yelling, you would see some improvement!
Misty (groaning):
Oh, I’m going to be stuck in this place forever…
Max:
Uhh, mind if I ask what you’re talking about?
*The sisters seem slightly startled to remember that there are other people in the room.*
Daisy:
Oh, it’s nothing. Misty’s just making me spend, like, all my time practicing pointless battle strategies so that she can impress some inspector guy.
Misty:
That ‘inspector guy’ is from the Pokémon League, and he’s going to show up to assess you any day now! If you don’t pass, then I’ll have to take over the gym for good!
Daisy:
So, like, take it over! Me, Lily and Violet won’t mind. We have more fun with our underwater ballets anyway.
Misty:
But I don’t want to be a gym leader for the rest of my life!
Daisy:
I guess you should have thought of that before you took the job.
Misty:
You made me take the job!
Brock:
Now, now, let’s all just calm down. There’s no point in getting angry at each other -
*He immediately regrets butting in, as Misty and Daisy both round on him and direct their yelling at him instead. Ash, Pikachu, May and Max sweatdrop. Suddenly, the girl they fished out of the pool splutters and opens her eyes.*
Ash:
Hey, she’s woken up!
Pikachu:
Cha!
*Misty and Daisy both stop shouting. Brock dives forward and seizes the girl’s hands.*
Brock:
Hello, my name’s Brock and I’m your dashing rescuer! Tell me, do you believe in long engageme – ow!
*Misty is dragging him away again. Ash gives an embarrassed laugh.*
Ash:
Don’t mind him, he’s always like that. Hi, I’m Ash, from Pallet Town.
Girl (bemused):
I’m Callie. Um – could you tell me what happened? I remember I was battling, and there was this bright light and a big explosion…
May:
You were in an accident. But it’s OK now.
*Misty finishes getting Brock out of the way, and hurries over.*
Misty:
I’m so sorry. It’s my sister – she was dropped on her head when she was a baby – actually, I think all my sisters were – but that’s not important – are you hurt?
Callie:
No, I think I’m fine. Sorry – who are you? And where did all these other people come from?
Misty:
I’m Misty, and these are my friends. (reluctantly) I’m the gym leader here. Kinda.
Callie:
Oh! But – but I was battling with Daisy for a Cascade badge…
Misty:
She’s sorta the gym leader too… it’s complicated… listen, why don’t we get you fixed up, and I’ll explain later, OK?
Callie:
Sure, OK.
*She tries to sit up, wincing. Brock charges forward to help her up; Misty anticipates this and grabs his collar before he can reach her. Callie laughs.*
Callie (to Ash, grinning):
Little help?
*Ash takes her outstretched hand and gently tugs her to her feet; she smiles at him. Misty sees this and looks annoyed. Brock takes advantage of her distraction to break loose and wedge himself in front of Ash; for once, Misty doesn’t seem to mind.*
Brock:
Never fear, miss! I shall be happy to come and save you again at any time you need me, no matter what perils I have to face. I won’t ask for anything in return – except perhaps a thank-you kiss…?
*Ignoring Brock, Callie turns to Ash*
Callie (to Ash):
I’m guessing that you rescued me, right? You’re all wet.
Ash:
Heh… I kinda helped out.
Callie
Well, thanks. It was really brave of you.
*Brock wails and collapses. Ash puts a hand to the back of his head and returns Callie’s smile; Misty scowls.*
May:
Well, I’m glad everything’s worked out OK.
Misty (mutters):
Yeah. Everything’s great.
*Pikachu looks from Misty to Ash and Callie, and sighs to itself.*
Max:
It’s nice to see you again, Misty.
May:
Yeah, it’s been a while!
*Pikachu jumps into Misty’s arms with a friendly squeak. She looks slightly more cheerful.*
Misty:
Hey, Pikachu. Did you miss me?
Pikachu:
Chaaa!
*Brock snaps out of his funk, too.*
Brock:
We’ve all missed you – haven’t we, Ash?
*Ash looks over upon hearing his name. His eyes meet Misty’s, and he stiffens. For a long, tension-filled moment, they stare at each other - then Misty drops her gaze.*
Ash:
…Hi, Misty.
*Misty just looks uncomfortable. There is another awkward pause, finally broken by Brock.*
Brock (heartily):
So! Where should we unpack?
Misty:
I’ve cleared a couple of rooms for you upstairs. Come on, I’ll show you.
*She steps towards the door, and frowns.*
Misty:
And then I’d better see about getting this place fixed up.
*The gaping hole in the side of the pool crumbles slightly, marking her point. Ash, Pikachu, May, Brock and Max begin to follow her.*
Ash:
Um… Mist? Just so you know, it’s really good to see you.
*Misty’s expression softens. She is about to reply, when Callie runs forward.*
Callie:
Hey – Ash, right? Thanks again for saving me. I owe you one.
*This abruptly kills any tenderness Misty may have been about to bestow. Scowling, she stomps ahead, leaving Ash behind.*
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*Some time later, Ash, Brock and Max are unpacking in the room Misty has cleared for them. It obviously belongs to either Lily or Violet, as can be deduced from the décor. Max eyes the vast perfume collection on the dresser and pulls a face.*
Max:
I can’t believe May gets a whole room to herself.
Ash:
I can’t believe Lily and Violet gave permission to lend out their rooms.
Brock (laughing):
Something tells me that Misty might not have bothered asking for permission first. Where did she say her sisters were?
Max:
I think she said Lily and Violet had gone off to some fashion show for the weekend. I’m surprised Daisy’s not with them.
Brock:
I guess she wanted to stay and train.
Max:
Forced by Misty to stay and train, you mean.
*At that moment, May sticks her head around the door. She is beaming from ear to ear.*
May:
My room is amazing! You should see how big the closets are!
Max and Brock (pointing to their room’s own wardrobe):
We’ve seen.
May:
This weekend is going to be so awesome. Just what we need before setting off on a new journey, right, Ash?
Ash:
Huh? Oh… yeah.
May:
And spending time with Misty will be fun, too. (pause) Only… is it just me, or does she seem a little cranky?
Brock (considering):
Hmmm. She was a bit angrier than normal… but maybe that isn’t surprising. Daisy did just make a huge hole in her battlefield, after all.
Max:
She sure didn’t seem to like that Callie girl. (teasingly) Although Callie looked pretty chummy with Ash.
*Brock’s shoulders droop, and he heaves a sigh.*
Ash (not listening):
Huh? Who’s chummy?
May (frowning):
You’ve been awfully distracted lately, Ash. Is anything the matter?
*Ash forces a smile*
Ash:
Nothing at all! I’m just tired.
May:
It’s just that you’ve been acting… well… almost like you don’t want to be here.
Ash:
Of course I want to be here. Misty’s my friend…
*He trails off, looking slightly uncertain.*
Ash:
Anyway, I think I’ll go, uh, look at the Pokémon here. Come on, Pikachu.
*He leaves, with Pikachu trotting at his heels. May still looks puzzled, and now, so do the other two.*
Max:
You know, I think you could be right, May. Something’s up.
Brock:
And whatever it is, I hope he tells us soon.
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<AD BREAK>
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And that's the end of part one. Hope you liked it, Roxy! Especially as it's so late and all... (real sorry about that) ^^;;
Note: I decided to try my hand at writing this in the style of an actual Pokémon episode, and thus the lame title is, in fact, deliberate.
(It feels good to be able to say that truthfully for once.) It's set at the beginning of the imaginary season-after-Hoenn; all you really need to know is that Ash and May didn't win their respective competitions, and they're currently visiting Kanto for a short while, before journeying to another region. Oh, and it's Pokéshipping, as per request.--------------------------------------------------------------------------
*The episode opens with an overhead shot of a city, followed by the twerps heading along a street.*
Narrator:
With the Hoenn League behind him, Ash has returned to Kanto, to visit his mother and some old friends. Today, we find our heroes walking through a familiar town.
May:
There it is!
*Brock, Pikachu and Max all perk up as the sight of their destination comes into view at the end of the road. Ash, however, doesn’t look too excited to be there.*
Narrator:
Ash, May, Brock and Max have accepted an invitation to stay for three days at the Cerulean City gym. This will be the first time that they have seen their friend, Misty, in several months.
*The group runs over to the gym. However, just as they reach the front door, the sound of a huge explosion comes from within.*
Water Reunion!
*Ash and the gang hurry inside the gym in search of the noise. They charge into the main battle arena and stop dead at the sight that meets their eyes. A huge chunk of concrete has been ripped out of the side of the pool; almost all of the water is now covering the floor, the walls, the windows and the ceiling of the room. Floating on the scant few inches left at the bottom of the pool are an unconscious Vileplume and a blonde teenage girl. Daisy is standing by the edge, a Poké-ball in one hand, looking shell-shocked and dripping with water from head to toe.*
Brock:
What happened here?
Max:
This place looks like a Wailord fell through the roof!
Voice (from off-screen):
Daisy!
*The group turns to see Misty standing in the other doorway, looking murderous.*
Brock, May and Max:
Misty!
*Misty stalks towards Daisy, fists clenched.*
Misty:
What in the world do you think you’re doing?
*Daisy laughs nervously*
Daisy:
Just… training…
Misty
Since when does training involve blowing up the gym? Is that my Gyrados?
*She points to the Poké-ball in Daisy’s hand*
Daisy:
Uhhhh…
Misty:
For the last time, you can’t just borrow my Pokémon without asking me! Gyrados is way stronger than you’re used to battling with, especially if you’re going to start hurling around Hyper Beam attacks! You could cause an accident!
May:
This looks like a pretty big accident to me…
Max:
I’ll say.
Pikachu:
Ka-chu…
Daisy:
Jeez, little sister, lighten up. I thought you’d be happy I won the match.
Misty:
Match? Against… another trainer?
*She looks around for Daisy’s opponent, sees the girl in the pool and screams.*
Misty:
Daisy! Please don’t tell me you’ve killed a challenger!
*Ash et al. suddenly realise the severity of this situation.*
Pikachu:
Pika-pika!
May:
Oh, no! She could be hurt!
Max:
We have to help her!
Ash:
Right!
*Ash and Brock run to the pool’s edge. As soon as Brock gets a closer look at the girl, he goes into the usual love-struck routine.*
Brock:
Ahhhhhh, she’s like a beautiful lily drifting on a crystalline lake! Never fear, sweet maiden, for your hero has arrived! I’ll save you!
*With that, he prepares to dive into three inches of water. Luckily, Ash has the presence of mind to grab him and stop him cracking his head open.*
Ash:
Brock, get a grip! Rescue first, drool later!
Brock (abashed):
Eheheh… right.
*Ash lowers himself in, picks up the girl and hands her out to Brock. He then gets her Vileplume and climbs back out. The others hurry over. Brock is staring at their rescuee, starry-eyed.*
Brock:
Such a meeting must have been written in the stars! It was fate that I should save her, and that I should be the first person she sees when she awakes –
*Misty spoils this fond daydream by hauling Brock away by the ear.*
Misty:
The only thing the stars have in store for you is a restraining order.
*She kneels by the girl and checks for a pulse*
May (fearfully):
Is she -?
Misty:
She’s alive.
*Everyone breathes a sigh of relief*
Daisy:
See? There was never any problem. I had it all under control.
*Misty looks up, scowling.*
Misty:
As if! You still don’t have a clue what you’re doing! You’ll be lucky if nobody tries to press charges against you!
Daisy:
This is, like, so typical of you, Misty. Always looking for a downside.
Misty:
I don’t have to look for a downside - you’re handing them right to me! You’ve been training up for the last month, and I haven’t seen any improvement at all - and now you’ve destroyed the battlefield! I don’t see how this can get any worse!
Daisy:
Well, maybe if you weren’t always yelling, you would see some improvement!
Misty (groaning):
Oh, I’m going to be stuck in this place forever…
Max:
Uhh, mind if I ask what you’re talking about?
*The sisters seem slightly startled to remember that there are other people in the room.*
Daisy:
Oh, it’s nothing. Misty’s just making me spend, like, all my time practicing pointless battle strategies so that she can impress some inspector guy.
Misty:
That ‘inspector guy’ is from the Pokémon League, and he’s going to show up to assess you any day now! If you don’t pass, then I’ll have to take over the gym for good!
Daisy:
So, like, take it over! Me, Lily and Violet won’t mind. We have more fun with our underwater ballets anyway.
Misty:
But I don’t want to be a gym leader for the rest of my life!
Daisy:
I guess you should have thought of that before you took the job.
Misty:
You made me take the job!
Brock:
Now, now, let’s all just calm down. There’s no point in getting angry at each other -
*He immediately regrets butting in, as Misty and Daisy both round on him and direct their yelling at him instead. Ash, Pikachu, May and Max sweatdrop. Suddenly, the girl they fished out of the pool splutters and opens her eyes.*
Ash:
Hey, she’s woken up!
Pikachu:
Cha!
*Misty and Daisy both stop shouting. Brock dives forward and seizes the girl’s hands.*
Brock:
Hello, my name’s Brock and I’m your dashing rescuer! Tell me, do you believe in long engageme – ow!
*Misty is dragging him away again. Ash gives an embarrassed laugh.*
Ash:
Don’t mind him, he’s always like that. Hi, I’m Ash, from Pallet Town.
Girl (bemused):
I’m Callie. Um – could you tell me what happened? I remember I was battling, and there was this bright light and a big explosion…
May:
You were in an accident. But it’s OK now.
*Misty finishes getting Brock out of the way, and hurries over.*
Misty:
I’m so sorry. It’s my sister – she was dropped on her head when she was a baby – actually, I think all my sisters were – but that’s not important – are you hurt?
Callie:
No, I think I’m fine. Sorry – who are you? And where did all these other people come from?
Misty:
I’m Misty, and these are my friends. (reluctantly) I’m the gym leader here. Kinda.
Callie:
Oh! But – but I was battling with Daisy for a Cascade badge…
Misty:
She’s sorta the gym leader too… it’s complicated… listen, why don’t we get you fixed up, and I’ll explain later, OK?
Callie:
Sure, OK.
*She tries to sit up, wincing. Brock charges forward to help her up; Misty anticipates this and grabs his collar before he can reach her. Callie laughs.*
Callie (to Ash, grinning):
Little help?
*Ash takes her outstretched hand and gently tugs her to her feet; she smiles at him. Misty sees this and looks annoyed. Brock takes advantage of her distraction to break loose and wedge himself in front of Ash; for once, Misty doesn’t seem to mind.*
Brock:
Never fear, miss! I shall be happy to come and save you again at any time you need me, no matter what perils I have to face. I won’t ask for anything in return – except perhaps a thank-you kiss…?
*Ignoring Brock, Callie turns to Ash*
Callie (to Ash):
I’m guessing that you rescued me, right? You’re all wet.
Ash:
Heh… I kinda helped out.
Callie
Well, thanks. It was really brave of you.
*Brock wails and collapses. Ash puts a hand to the back of his head and returns Callie’s smile; Misty scowls.*
May:
Well, I’m glad everything’s worked out OK.
Misty (mutters):
Yeah. Everything’s great.
*Pikachu looks from Misty to Ash and Callie, and sighs to itself.*
Max:
It’s nice to see you again, Misty.
May:
Yeah, it’s been a while!
*Pikachu jumps into Misty’s arms with a friendly squeak. She looks slightly more cheerful.*
Misty:
Hey, Pikachu. Did you miss me?
Pikachu:
Chaaa!
*Brock snaps out of his funk, too.*
Brock:
We’ve all missed you – haven’t we, Ash?
*Ash looks over upon hearing his name. His eyes meet Misty’s, and he stiffens. For a long, tension-filled moment, they stare at each other - then Misty drops her gaze.*
Ash:
…Hi, Misty.
*Misty just looks uncomfortable. There is another awkward pause, finally broken by Brock.*
Brock (heartily):
So! Where should we unpack?
Misty:
I’ve cleared a couple of rooms for you upstairs. Come on, I’ll show you.
*She steps towards the door, and frowns.*
Misty:
And then I’d better see about getting this place fixed up.
*The gaping hole in the side of the pool crumbles slightly, marking her point. Ash, Pikachu, May, Brock and Max begin to follow her.*
Ash:
Um… Mist? Just so you know, it’s really good to see you.
*Misty’s expression softens. She is about to reply, when Callie runs forward.*
Callie:
Hey – Ash, right? Thanks again for saving me. I owe you one.
*This abruptly kills any tenderness Misty may have been about to bestow. Scowling, she stomps ahead, leaving Ash behind.*
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*Some time later, Ash, Brock and Max are unpacking in the room Misty has cleared for them. It obviously belongs to either Lily or Violet, as can be deduced from the décor. Max eyes the vast perfume collection on the dresser and pulls a face.*
Max:
I can’t believe May gets a whole room to herself.
Ash:
I can’t believe Lily and Violet gave permission to lend out their rooms.
Brock (laughing):
Something tells me that Misty might not have bothered asking for permission first. Where did she say her sisters were?
Max:
I think she said Lily and Violet had gone off to some fashion show for the weekend. I’m surprised Daisy’s not with them.
Brock:
I guess she wanted to stay and train.
Max:
Forced by Misty to stay and train, you mean.
*At that moment, May sticks her head around the door. She is beaming from ear to ear.*
May:
My room is amazing! You should see how big the closets are!
Max and Brock (pointing to their room’s own wardrobe):
We’ve seen.
May:
This weekend is going to be so awesome. Just what we need before setting off on a new journey, right, Ash?
Ash:
Huh? Oh… yeah.
May:
And spending time with Misty will be fun, too. (pause) Only… is it just me, or does she seem a little cranky?
Brock (considering):
Hmmm. She was a bit angrier than normal… but maybe that isn’t surprising. Daisy did just make a huge hole in her battlefield, after all.
Max:
She sure didn’t seem to like that Callie girl. (teasingly) Although Callie looked pretty chummy with Ash.
*Brock’s shoulders droop, and he heaves a sigh.*
Ash (not listening):
Huh? Who’s chummy?
May (frowning):
You’ve been awfully distracted lately, Ash. Is anything the matter?
*Ash forces a smile*
Ash:
Nothing at all! I’m just tired.
May:
It’s just that you’ve been acting… well… almost like you don’t want to be here.
Ash:
Of course I want to be here. Misty’s my friend…
*He trails off, looking slightly uncertain.*
Ash:
Anyway, I think I’ll go, uh, look at the Pokémon here. Come on, Pikachu.
*He leaves, with Pikachu trotting at his heels. May still looks puzzled, and now, so do the other two.*
Max:
You know, I think you could be right, May. Something’s up.
Brock:
And whatever it is, I hope he tells us soon.
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<AD BREAK>
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And that's the end of part one. Hope you liked it, Roxy! Especially as it's so late and all... (real sorry about that) ^^;;
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