Chapter 11

	Team Rocket awoke in their sub.  They felt that their craft had 
came to rest against a solid object.  Meowth made an idle comment.

	"Maybe, we should have dived when that storm hit, instead of 
using the periscope to keep an eye on the Professor's ship. Then we 
wouldn't have been tossed around."

	Jesse asked, "What are you saying?  That if we had sunk to new 
lows, we wouldn't have risen to new heights?"

	Meowth looked on in horror as the female member of Team Rocket 
approached.

	"Me-ouch!  That doesn't go that way!"
--------------
	Onboard the 'Spitting Shellder', Professor Oak and his passengers 
were looking out the cabin window.  The storm had wedged the prow of 
the ship into a cave that had a small strip of beach in front of it.  
Hyram Oak grabbed up some equipment.

	"Hurry!  We've got to get inside the cave before the eye passes!"

	Daisy asked, "But, like what about your ship?"

	Professor Oak shook his head, "The ship can take the punishment.  
We can't."

	"You can't be serious.  This ship is the only way off this rock, 
and you're telling us to abandon it.  What if it gets destroyed?"  Bill 
asked.

	Snorting a bit, Professor Oak replied, "Doubtful.  My ship was 
made by a group of scientists to study tornadoes.  Originally it 
carried small probes that would be released as the ship was being 
carried up by a waterspout.  After they were done with the 'Shellder', 
I purchased it.  If I remember right, it has been sent into five 
waterspouts."

	The Sensational Sisters looked at each other and shrugged.

	Agatha demanded, "Is that why this thing is so hideous?  So they 
could find it after it was dropped?"

	Professor Oak didn't bother to reply.  He opened the cabin door 
and headed to the front of the boat.  He attached a rope ladder end to 
the rail and threw the other end towards the ground.  Using the ladder, 
Oak climbed down to the cave floor.  He waited until the rest had 
followed him, before heading further into the cave.

	Professor Oak said, "By my calculations, we should be on 
Greystice Island.  That storm cut several minutes off our journey.  
After the rest of the storm passes, we'll go find Ash and the others.  
We're going to have to find Ash to free the ship.  He's the only one 
with Pokémon strong enough to pull the ship out of the cave."

	"Like, what does he have?"  Violet asked.

	Hyram Oak replied, "A Lapras and a Charizard.  Not to mention 
Misty herself."

	Snapping her fingers, Violet commented, "Oh that's right.  I like 
totally forgot that Misty is a genie as well as a Pokémon."

	"Right," Oak said, while nodding.  "All Ash has to do is to wish 
for the 'Shellder' to be free and it will be.  Well as I said before, 
we'll find the others once the storm has passed.  Who wants barbecued 
tofu?"

	"You leave the cooking to me, Hymie," Agatha stated.  "I think we 
could all pass on how many ways you can prepare tofu."

Oak shrugged and fiddled with a book sized computer.
-------------------------
	Ash looked out the door of his gym and saw that the sky was 
clear.  He picked up his coat and headed out.

	"Yo, Brock.  I'm off.  I'll be back later," Ash called.

	Ash quickly headed towards where he saw the caves.  He flushed a 
bit as he recalled telling Pikachu what he was up to and what had 
happened.  Pikachu rolled on the floor laughing after it was all 
explained.  Putting that thought out of his head, Ash picked up the 
pace a bit.  He wanted to get five more Pokémon as fast as possible, so 
he could switch Misty back out.  About halfway there, Ash pulled out 
Misty's Pokéball and threw it.  It opened and bounced back to him, 
leaving a glob of light behind.  The glob shaped itself into a human 
form and faded revealing Misty, in her genie costume.  

	After shaking off the effects of being in a Pokéball, Misty 
looked at Ash.  While doing so, she hugged herself and shivered.

	"Wh-what d-do you want, Ash?"  Misty said with teeth chattering.

	"Er, I was going to ask you something, but I'll wait until 
later."

	Ash held up the Pokéball that he was using to carry Misty.  He 
hesitated and used the ball that Misty was linked to.  Holding the 
ball, he looked down at it.

	*How do I ask her, why she is doing this?*

	Ash sighed and continued on his way.  He had just made it to the 
caves when the eye of the storm left the island.
------------
	Inside the Pokéball, Misty quickly changed her clothes to what 
she normally wore, and threw a long heavy coat over her shoulder.

	*That was dumb.  I should have realized that I would be cold. I'd 
better go check up on Togepi and the others.*

	Misty walked to where she kept her Pokémon and made sure they 
were all healthy and happy.  She picked up Togepi and carried it to her 
room, at the top of the Pokéball.

	"Sorry, Togepi that I haven't been around much.  I hope you 
forgive me."

	Misty smiled as her Egg Pokémon chirped at her.  A frown crossed 
her face as she thought of something.

	"If I'm a Pokémon, why can't I understand other Pokémon?"

	Misty bit her lip and stared at the floor.  Feeling a slight 
tugging sensation, she put on the coat, and set Togepi on the bed.

	"I'll be back later, Togepi.  See in you a bit,"  Misty said, 
before she was converted into smoke and pulled outside her Pokéball.

	After coalescing, she saw that she and Ash were in a cave.  A 
howling caught her attention, and she looked in the direction of the 
sound.  Through the entrance of the cave, she saw that the storm had 
returned in full force.

	"Ash, didn't you realize that we were in the eye of the storm?" 
the genie demeaned.

	"Er.  Eye?"

 	Shaking her head, Misty said, "Never mind.  By the way, what were 
you going to ask me?"

	"Oh, that," Ash replied.  "Why don't you mind acting as my 
Pokémon at times."

	Misty smiled.  "Because I can see what it's like from both sides. 
I can figure out what works, by seeing how you train me and apply it to 
my own Pokémon."

	"Oh."

	*I also have a bit of pride in seeing how strong I am as a 
Pokémon, but I'm not telling you that.*

	Misty's thoughts turned to her earlier musing.  Tapping a button 
on the belt, she had created earlier, she caused a Pokéball to appear 
on it.

	"Ash, I want you to wish for me to understand Pokémon speech.  I 
think I should be able to understand them."

	*Now why didn't I wish for that?* Ash thought and nodded, "Misty, 
I wish you were able to converse with Pokémon."

	Misty blinked and felt a bit different.  Throwing the ball, she 
released Psyduck.

	"Hello, Psyduck," she said.

	"Hello," Psyduck quacked.

	"IT WORKED!" Misty yelled, recalling Psyduck.

	She turned to Ash and said, "This is great.  Now, I can talk to 
my Pokémon."

	Ash just stood there and looked at Misty in confusion.

	"Ash, didn't you hear me?"

	Ash shook his head and said, "Misty, that's not funny."

	"What's not funny?" Misty asked, and heard how her words sounded. 
"No, this can't be happening."

	Ash looked at Misty, *What happened?  Why is she upset?  Why is 
she doing that?*

	Misty spoke to Ash. "Genie-nie-genie-gen-genie-nie-genie."

	Pulling his hat off, Ash scratched his head.  "I wish you could 
tell me what you want."

	Misty sighed in relief as Ash made that wish.  After she blinked, 
she spoke.

	"Okay, that was interesting.  Apparently I can speak human or 
Pokémon, not both," Misty mused aloud.

	Ash replied, "So when I said, 'I wish you could speak to 
Pokémon', you could only communicate with Pokémon."

	"Tha-ie-genie," Misty said, blinking involuntarily.

	Misty glared at Ash, when she realized that he had made that 
wish.  Ash backed up as Misty stalked closer to him.  He pulled out 
Misty's Pokéball and pointed it at her.

	"Misty, return,"  He said as a red beam of light pulled Misty 
back inside.

	Holding the ball in his hand, Ash stared at the ceiling.  "Oops." 
------------------------------
	 Jesse stomped along the snow covered ground with James behind 
her.  Bouncing along behind them was a pale yellow round knotted 
object.  It was hopping along using a curled tail as a pogo stick.

	"You know, I could really go for some pretzels and yogart right 
about now," the ball said.

	"Shut up, Meowth.  I still haven't forgiven you, yet."

	Meowth slipped and fell.  The fall knocked him out of the ball 
shape and back into his normal form.

	"That's better.  At least, I don't have my foot in my ear 
anymore," Meowth said, while looking upward. "Uh, oh."

	"Uh, oh?" James and Jess chorused.

	Whatever Meowth was going to say was cut off as the storm hit 
once more.  Team Rocket was hit by the high winds and started skidding 
across the ground.

	Team Rocket chorused, "It looks like Team Rocket is sledding off 
again."
--------------------
	Ash carefully picked his way through the cave, hunting for 
Pokémon.  He listened as he heard something singing.  The young boy 
dropped to his stomach and crawled to a ledge that overlooked a large 
cavern room.  Pinpointing the source of the noise, he saw a female 
looking Pokémon with long, yellow hair and huge lips.

	*I'll find out what that is later,* Ash thought, as he pulled out 
Misty's ball and started rubbing it.

	The smoke that poured from the ball coalesced near the other 
Pokémon.  It soon formed into Misty, who was looking a bit irate. The 
singing Pokémon gathered blue energy in its hand and prepared to slap 
Misty with it. 

	"Misty, Ember attack!"

	Sighing a bit, Misty fired off her fireball at the opposing 
Pokémon.  She was stunned when there attack sent her opponent against 
the wall.  Not waiting, Ash threw a Pokéball at the Pokémon.  The ball 
opened up and pull its target inside.  The ball rocked a bit and 
finally stopped.  Misty grabbed the ball and threw it up to Ash, who 
caught it.  Seeing no other opponent, Misty flew up to where her 
Trainer was.  She noticed that Ash had pulled out his Pokédex.

	"All right.  I've caught me a Jynx," Ash said, while striking a 
pose.

	Misty rolled her eyes and looked around.  Before she could get a 
good look at things, she was picked up and spun around.

	"That was great, Misty.  One shot and you weakened Jynx enough 
for me to capture it."

	"Genie-genie-genie," Misty demanded.

	Ash put Misty down and looked at her.  "I forgot about that.  Er.  
Now what was that wish again?"

	"Genie-nie-genie-nie-gen-genie-gen," Misty crossly said, with her 
hands on her hips.

Ash shrugged and said, "I'm sorry Misty, but I can't understand you."

	Misty growled a bit and then jabbed at Ash.  Her finger touched 
the ball that she was linked to.  She converted to red light and was 
pulled back inside her ball.

	Ash mumbled to himself, "I think Misty's upset at me."

	He sighed and released Jynx and used a potion on it to heal it 
up.  After recalling the Jynx, Ash continued on his way in search of 
other Pokémon.
----------------- 
	Professor Oak stared outside the cave where his group was 
staying.  He saw that the eye had passed and the storm had returned.

	"I hope Ash and his friends are okay," Oak muttered.

	Bill walked up beside him. "From what I've seen and heard, they 
can easily take care of themselves."

	"You're right, Bill.  But, I just can't help but wonder, now that 
we're here."

	Bill shook his head and returned to where Agatha and the other 
women were.  Agatha was cooking chili over an open fire.  Seeing Bill 
return, Agatha started asking questions about Misty's Pokémon nature, 
which Bill tried to answer.  Since he didn't know too much about 
Misty's type, he couldn't answer all the questions.

	Agatha bit her lower lip and said, "I'd probably have better luck 
talking to Misty, herself.  How much longer do you think the storm will 
last?"

	Joining the group, Oak said, "Probably several days, but the 
storm will pass us by in about two hours.  By the way, it is getting 
worse."

	Daisy asked, "Like what do you mean by that?"

	"I think this storm will hit the northern part of our landmass in 
a few days.  Right now, it's building strength and heading southwards.  
Pallet should be safe, since it's on the southern tip."

	The Sensational Sisters glanced at each other.

	"Like Cerulean City is on the northern coast," Violet slowly 
said. "We like locked up and closed the wall shutters, but...." 

	"So is my sea cottage," Bill replied.  "Let's just hope for the 
best."

	Agatha said, "I'm sure things will turn out for the best.  It 
might have been a good thing that you came here."

	"Er. Like sure," Daisy responded. "I totally hope you're right."

	The six people quietly got their helping of chili and watched as 
the storm unleashed its fury.
---------------------
	A bit scuffed up from his wandering around in the cave network, 
Ash lay down and looked at the roof of the cavern.

	"Jynx, Paras, Ekans, and Machop.  I need one more," Ash said to 
himself.  "I'm probably going to have to use Misty again.  The others 
are too weak.  Maybe I should have called her out, after I caught Jynx.  
But, I think she's still angry at me."

	He stood up and headed towards an opening that had light coming 
from it.  As he passed through the arching rocks, he squinted a bit at 
the bright light.  As his eyes adjusted, his breath was taken away.  
Spread out before him was an underground forest.  Looking up, he saw 
that the light came from circular crystals imbedded in the ceiling. 

	"Misty has to see this," Ash said, as he pulled a Pokéball out.

	As Ash rubbed the ball, smoke came pouring out.  The smoke shaped 
itself into Misty.  The Pokégenie opened her mouth to say something, 
but stopped as she caught sight of the forest.

	"Ge-nie," Misty said in wonder.

	"Come on, Misty.  Let's take a closer look," Ash said, as he 
grabbed his genie's hand.

	Before she knew what was going on, Misty was pulled along behind 
Ash, as he headed towards the forest.

	Misty sighed and shook her head.  "Genie-nie-genie."

	Before they got into the forest, a Pokémon blocked their way.  
Ash released Misty's hand and pulled out his Pokédex.

	Dexter chimed, "Tangela: the vine Pokémon.  This Pokémon is of 
the Grass type.  The vines that grow from its body shroud its real 
form."

	"All right.  A Tangela.  Misty, Nightshade."

	The Pokégenie concentrated and waves of blackness hit the 
Tangela.  The vine Pokémon responded by vine whipping Misty.  Misty 
felt the vines hitting her, but she wasn't really bothered by them.

	*That's right.  I'm a fire Pokémon.  Grass attacks aren't going 
to bother me.*

	Feeling emboldened by her realization, Misty stepped closer to 
the Tangela and fired off another Nightshade.  Misty's cockiness cost 
her.  The Grass Pokémon started shaking, releasing yellow powder into 
the air.  The yellow powder struck Misty, freezing her.

	Dexter said, "Misty has now been paralyzed."

	"I hope it's weak enough," Ash mumbled, as he threw a Pokéball.

	The ball hit and pulled the Tangela inside.  Ash rushed forward 
and held onto the ball until the light went out.

	"All right.  I've caught Tangela.  Great work, Misty."

	He turned to Misty and saw that she was still standing as still 
as a statue.

	*She looks like an action figure,* Ash thought.  "Misty, if you 
can, try to teleport us back to the gym."

	Misty tried her best to get her Teleport to work.  After her 
sixth try, she succeeded and the pair vanished from the cavern.
-----------------
	Professor Oak and his companions gathered up supplies.  They were 
setting off, now that the storm had passed.  As they left the cave, 
they hoped that they would find Ash and his friends safe.

	"How far is it to those other caves, Professor?"  Bill asked.

	"Not more than a three hour hike," Professor Oak replied.

	The three sisters groaned and hoped they could walk that far. 
Looking at them, Agatha smirked.

	*They might have looks, but I have endurance.*

	The small group continued on to the other caves.  As they exited 
a pass, they were blinded by a bright light.  They squinted at the 
light and saw an enormous crystalline structure reflecting the 
sunlight.

	"Like what is that thing?" Lily asked, shielding her eyes.  "It's 
bigger than Pallet Town."

	"I have no idea," Oak replied.

	They were taken aback as they caught the shilloutte of two people 
appearing in front of the massive building.  One of the figures pointed 
at the other.  After the taller figure vanished in a blip of red, the 
smaller one entered the structure, leaving the group to stare in 
disbelief.

	"Like was that Ash and Misty?" Daisy asked.

	Blinking the spots out of his eyes, Bill said, "I think we'd 
better get down there and ask them what is going on.  I'd like to know 
where that building came from."

	The group headed towards Ash's gym curious about the behemoth 
building.  They were able to catch sight of spires and minarets, every 
time a cloud passed in front of the sun.  They soon made it to the 
front door of the gym.  Seeing no doorbell or knocker, Professor Oak 
tried rapping on the door with his fist.  The muted sound that came 
from his action, told him the sound wouldn't carry far enough.

	"I think we'll just have to go in and talk to them," Bill said.

	Bill opened the door and allowed the women to enter first.  The 
two men followed.  As they entered the gym, they saw that all the walls 
were made out of crystal.

	"Like how did they do this?" Daisy wondered aloud.

	Not answering, Oak walked down the hallway.  The remainder of the 
group shrugged and followed him.  Professor Oak cocked his ear at 
something.  Hearing a slight humming sound, he headed off in that 
direction.  The group entered a room where Ash was putting balls into a 
machine.  Seeing that he was not alone, Ash looked up.

	"Professor Oak!  Bill!  What are you doing here?" Ash asked, in 
shock.

	Bill replied, "We could ask you the same thing."

	Brock entered from another room.

	"Ash, I heard your shout.  Why did you yell?"

	Ash pointed at the group that had just arrived.

	Brock rubbed his forehead.  "I think we have some explaining to 
do."
------------------------------------
				Chapter 12

	Looking at his new guest, Ash said, "Well you see, it's like 
this.  We were heading for those caves further inland, but I sort of 
wished for this gym."

	Agatha cocked her eyebrow and asked, "Sort of wished?  How do you 
sort of wish?"

	Ash pulled his cap off and ran his hand through his hair.  He 
tried thinking of a way to explain what happened.

	"Ash was staring at some plans for a gym he did up in his spare 
time.  Misty and I caught him looking at them.  Ash wasn't watching 
what he was saying and made a wish.  I think he forgot that Misty has 
to grant his wishes,"  Brock explained.

	"Like, where's Misty now?"  Daisy asked.

	Ash stammered, "Well she got paralyzed by a Tangela and is being 
healed right now."

	Whatever was going to be said next was cut off as a pink shape 
stormed into the room.

	"Chansey-chansey chansey-sey-chan-chan-sey!!!"  Chansey said as 
it approached Ash.

	Everyone but Ash and Chansey covered their mouths, stifling 
laughter.

	Recovering first, Brock said, "I think Chansey's mad at you for 
taking Misty without taking her.  As well as getting Misty paralyzed."

	"Chansey," the egg Pokémon agreed.

	Rubbing his forhead, Ash explained, "Misty wanted to.  Besides, I 
need you here to look after Sapphire."

	Chansey looked at the machine where the six Pokéballs were, and 
then shooed everyone out of the room.  Deciding that Lily wasn't moving 
fast enough, the pink creature picked her up and carried her outside.  
After doing so, Chansey walked back into the room.  Before closing the 
door, Chansey looked at Ash and nodded.

	"That is one determined Chansey," Professor Oak observed.

	Ash nodded.  "Well while we're waiting for Misty, let's go eat 
and I'll try and explain everything over lunch."

	"That might be a good idea," Bill said.  "It's been a while since 
we all ate.  I hope my sea cottage is all right."

	"Sea cottage?" Brock asked.

	Bill shrugged.  "I can have a summer and winter house.  The 
lighthouse is where I spend most of the year, and the cottage is where 
I go in the winter." 

	Ash led the group to the cafeteria where Brock was making food.  
The rescue party took a look at the huge dining hall and looked at Ash.  
The young Pokémon Trainer from Pallet sighed and sat down.  After 
everyone else was seated, he started telling them of the adventures he 
and his friends had since arriving here.
------------
	Back at the 'Spitting Shellder', a coil of rope started moving.  
Soon, it fell away revealing a small pink Pokémon.  The creature was 
round and had bright blue eyes.  It was also holding a marker in one of 
its flippers.  It bounced out of the boat and started tracking the 
people who left.

	"Jigglypuff-jigglypuff-jiggly-jiggly-jiggly-jigglypuff."    
--------------------
	Trudging through the snow, Team Rocket was hunting for a cave 
where Ash and his Pokémon would be holed up at.  They came to a place 
where the snow was completely removed and bare rock was visible.  The 
hole in the snow was almost perfectly circular, and the rock was 
slightly indented.

	Putting a paw on the rock, Meowth stated, "There was something 
big and heavy here.  It must have moved after the storm or during it."

	James asked, "What can fly in that kind of weather?"

	"Would you two forget about that.  We have to get that kid's  
Pokémon," Jesse stated.

	"You don't have to get worked up about it,"  James said.  "That 
kid is stuck on this rock for a month.  We'll have plenty of 
opportunities to get Pikachu and that genie."

	As Team rocket left the area, two forms started following them.  
One of them was black and gold with purple eyes.  An the other was 
purple with blue eyes.  The two creatures padded after them on all 
fours.

	Unaware of being followed, Jesse said, "That water-brat will make 
sure we never have to be second-best again."

	Meowth replied, "I'm not sure...."

	"Something wrong Meowth?"  James asked.  "Not being as nervous as 
a cat, are you?"

	"It's not that," the feline Pokémon said.  *I'm not telling them, 
that this island disturbs me.*

	The three found Ash's footprints and followed them.  They were 
soon blinded by sun reflecting off a crystal building.

	"I guess we've seen the light," Jesse commented.  "Those kids 
must be in there."

	James remarked, "That's as clear as crystal.  Now, where did that 
building come from?"

	"Never mind that, let's just grab Pikachu and the girl and get 
out of here," Meowth said.
--------------------------
	Misty was released from the ball holding her.  She looked around 
and found that she could move freely again.  After a second, she 
noticed Ash's Chansey nearby.

	*Better be polite,* Misty thought.  "Thanks Chansey.  I guess I 
should go talk to Ash."

	"Where do you think your going?  You had better change into your 
genie clothes.  Ash has guests and there was that ruling," Chansey 
said, while stepping in front of Misty.

	Misty stopped in her tracks at understanding Chansey. *Great.  
Just what I need a Chansey who thinks she's my mother.*

	Misty tried getting around the pink Pokémon, but Chansey blocked 
her.  After a bit, Chansey picked her up and sat her on a table.

	In a stern tone, Chansey said, "Listen, Misty.  I know you want 
to talk to Ash, but you are going to get him and yourself into trouble 
if you don't follow that rule."

	*I've found a downside in talking with Pokémon,* Misty thought.  
"All right, you win.  I'll go into the bathroom to change."

	Chansey nodded and watched as Misty entered the bathroom 
adjoining the healing station.  A minute passed and the human Pokémon 
exited the bathroom wearing her genie garb.  Casting a quick glance 
down at her clothes, Misty rolled her eyes and headed for the 
cafeteria, since she sensed that was where Ash was at.
-----------
	Sitting in the hangar-size lunch room, Ash was explaining what 
had happened since he arrived.  Before he began to tell of his descion 
to train only one Pokémon, he spotted a shadow moving along the wall.

	"What's that?" Ash asked.

	Turning the group saw the shadow.  Brock stood up and backed away 
with a bit of fear on his face.  Seeing his friend's reaction, Ash 
started backing away as well.

	"I hope that isn't what I think it is." Brock said.

	Ash replied, "I'm afraid it is."

	The rest of the group were looking at the pair strangeley when 
what was casting the shadow jumped into the light.

	"Oh! How cute," the Sensational Sisters chorused.

	Professor Oak observed, "A Jigglypuff.  I haven't seen one of 
those in a while."

	Ash said, "Trust me Professor.  This is one Jigglypuff we've seen 
a bit too much of."

	Jigglypuff swelled to twice its size at Ash's comment.  It 
quickly deflated to its original size and started singing.  The group 
started fighting off the effects of sleep.  The pink Pokémon kept 
singing and soon Ash and company were asleep.  Before Jigglypuff was 
able to use her marker, she heard someone talking to her in Pokéspeech.  
Spinning around, the balloon creature saw Misty holding a Pokéball.

	"Well, it seems that my condition made me immune to your song 
Jiggly," Misty said and threw the Pokéball.

	Caught off guard that someone was still up, Jigglypuff was pulled 
inside the Pokéball.

 	"Jigggggggggglyyyyy," Jigglypuff wailed as it was pulled inside.

	The ball didn't even twitch as the light went out.  Picking the 
ball up, Misty stared at it.

	*That's odd.  Even a Caterpie would put up a struggle.  I wonder 
what's up.  Oh well.  I'd better wake up Ash.*

	Misty walked over to Ash and started shaking him.

	"Genie-nie-nie-nie!"  Misty said.  *Oh great.  I forgot about 
that.*

	Ash shook off the effects of Jigglypuff's singing and saw Misty 
kneeling beside him.  He was a bit confused as to why she was in her 
genie costume.

	"Misty, why are you wearing that?"

	The genie ground her teeth and replied, "gen-genie-nie-genie-nie-
genie."

	A snicker interuputted Ash and Misty.  Turning they saw that 
Misty's sisters had woken up.

	"Like totally, Misty.  What happened?" Daisy asked.

	Ash stammered, "Misty wanted to be able to talk to Pokémon, so 
she had me wish for that ability.  It worked, but Misty can only talk 
in Pokéspeech right now.  I was able to undo it once, but I forgot what 
the wish is."

	Misty just growled at that.

	Ash looked around and saw that everyone else had woken up, and 
had heard his explanation.  Pikachu was rolling on the floor laughing, 
and the others were holding back snickers of amusement.  Spying 
Professor Oak's pocket, an idea came to him.  Ash grabbed the tablet of 
paper and pen that Oak kept in his lab coat and handed the two to 
Misty.

	"Here, Misty.  Write down what you want to tell us," Ash said.

	*He's thinking for once," Misty thought, and started writing.

	After she was done she handed the tablet back to Ash.

	Ash read, "I wish that Misty could talk human."

	Misty sighed in relief as she granted that wish.

	"That's better," she said.  "You and your swiss cheese memory, 
Ash..."

	Before she could continue, Daisy said, "Misty, I think you should 
wait until Ash finishes his story.  It promises to be good."

	Wincing a bit, Ash resumed his story where he left off.  He told 
them of how Misty was the only Pokémon with him, when he went out.  Oak 
was surprised that there was an underground forest under the surface of 
the island.

	"At first, I thought the Gym was above the forest, but that can't 
be right," Ash finished up.  "The gym was just put up, and the forest 
looked old."

	Hyram Oak pursed his lips as he thought.

	"I think that Bill and I will have to see this forest ourselves.  
As to the side-effect from that wish, we will just have to figure out a 
wish that will give Misty the ability to understand Pokéspeech without 
hampering her communications."

	"NO!"

	Everyone turned and looked at the source of the outburst.  Misty 
was a bit uncomfortable, being stared at, but she took a deep breath 
and told them what she meant.

	"Listen, I know the idea sounds good.  But, I've been giving the 
idea some thought.  I want to be a doctor of Pokémon someday and the 
best way to learn is to experience what it is like to be a Pokémon, 
with all the disadvantages.  It should also help separate the times I'm 
acting as a human and the times I'm acting as a Pokémon.  Speaking of 
which... Ash, your Chansey wouldn't let me leave the PokéCenter until I 
changed into this costume."
 
	Ash bowed his head and mumbled something.

	Oak asked, "Are you sure about this, Misty?"

	"About the Chansey?  Yes.  But, that isn't what your asking is 
it?"  Misty replied, with a sigh.  "I'm not sure, but I want to do it 
this way until you can find a way to change me back."

	"Well Misty, if your going to do it that way, then you'd better 
have Ash wish you back that way for a while," Daisy said with a 
mischievous glint in her eye.

	*Oh no.  What's she planning?* the Pokégenie thought, but 
couldn't find an argument against the suggestion.  Especially with 
multiple people watching her.

 	"Ash?"

	Her Trainer nodded and made the wish that returned her to 
Pokéspeech.  Ash carefully folded the piece of paper that Misty had 
written on and stuck it into his jacket's inner pocket.  

	"Pardon me, but could you have Misty speak normally for a while?"  
Agatha asked.  "I would like to talk to her."

	Ash and Misty rolled their eyes and complied with Agatha.  After 
Misty was restored to human speech, she went off with Agatha to be 
interviewed. 

	Before leaving, Misty said, "By the way, I caught Jigglypuff 
while you were all asleep."

 	Ash shrugged and went to the Pokémon storage of his gym.  Curious 
about what Pokémon Ash had caught, Bill and Professor Oak followed him.  
The Sensational Sisters decided to go with Agatha to hear what their 
little sister was going to say.  Brock was torn in going with the girls 
or going with Ash.  Deciding it would be safer, he went with Ash.
--------------------
	Outside the structure, Team Rocket was trying to get into the 
crystal building.

	"Arbok, underground and burrow a hole for us," Jesse commanded.

	The purple cobra dove into the ground and formed a tunnel in its 
wake.  A loud thunk was soon heard and Arbok returned to the surface, 
sporting a huge bump.

	James decided to give it a go.  "Wheezing, Sludge attack."

 	The gas ball Pokémon fired its toxic spew at the wall.  As the 
sludge hit the wall, it slid down with no effect.

	James and Jesse covered there ears as a loud screech split the 
air.  Looking to the source, they saw Meowth running his claws down the 
wall.

	"Wow, you guys.  This rock building is as hard as diamond,"  
Meowth commented.

	James leaned against the door of the gym and said, "Well, that's 
just great, Meowth.  How are we supposed to get in?"

 	The door opened up and dropped James flat on his back.

	"Well, that's one way," Meowth commented.

	Jesse said, "Never mind.  Let's just grab the girl and Pikachu 
and get out of here."

	After Team Rocket went into the gym, a purple and black streak 
darted inside before the door had fully closed.
--------------------
	In one of the smaller rooms, Agatha was sitting down looking at 
Misty, who was also sitting.  Standing out of the way were Misty's 
sisters.

	"Misty, I am one of the Elite Four.  I train Ghost Pokémon.  When 
I saw that a new Ghost Pokémon had been 'found', I had to know about 
it.  I do realize that you were once human and that Hyram and Bill are 
working on a way to change you back, but I do want to know about you.  
I found out about your past from your sisters on the trip here."

	Misty shrugged and said, "Beyond that, there isn't much to tell.  
My attacks are Nightshade, Teleport, and Ember.  I can physically 
attack as well as grant wishes.  And, the only reason I know Teleport 
is that a TM accidentally discharged its skill into me."

	"How did you become a Pokémon?"

	Sighing, the genie answered, "I was caught in the middle of a 
bunch of Fire and Thunder stones discharging by a combined electrical 
and fire attack.  They changed me into a Pokémon.  Before I was fully 
aware of what had happened, Ash was on the scene and threw his Pokéball 
at me.  Apparently, I was only an orange mist at the time.  That's how 
Ash caught me and became my Trainer."

	Agatha held Misty's hands and slowly asked, "Misty, have you ever 
considered that what has happened might be irreversible?"

	"Yes," Misty whispered. "I'm scared of it and the chance that I 
may be a Pokémon that can evolve."

	"You said that you wanted to be a doctor of Pokémon.  If it turns 
out that your condition is permanent, I'm quite sure that we can 
arrange for you to become one.  After you have the proper skills, of 
course."

	"Of course," Misty replied with tears standing in her eyes.	

	Agatha stood up and stated, "Well, I'm quite sure we can talk 
later.  I look forward to see how you fare against other Ghosts.  I'll 
speak to your Trainer about having a match."

	Misty nodded and just sat there as Agatha left.  Concerned, Daisy 
put her hand on Misty's shoulder.

	"Misty? Are you all right?"

	"Not really.  But, I guess I'll just have to deal with it.  Now 
what are you three up to?"

	Daisy responded innocently, "Nothing.  Just concerned that Ash 
isn't taking care of our little sister properly."

	"Right.  I guess I'll just have to wait and see."
----------------------------
	Ash pulled out his Pokédex and started checking the Pokémon he 
had caught and stored.  Along the way, Chansey and Pikachu joined up.  
Ash explained where each of the Pokémon had came from and what he was 
planning.

	"A gym dedicated to Mouse Pokémon?  That seems to fall in the 
Shock or Orange league categories.  Or is it Jolt league?  Never mind," 
Professor Oak said.

	Bill pulled out a small device from the inside pocket of his 
jacket.  Holding up, he started punching numbers on it.

	"I didn't know you had a cel phone," Ash said.

	"There are times I need a Pokémon to be brought to a PokéCenter 
as fast as possible.  Or, when I'm out and want a take-out pizza to 
arrive at my home as I get there.  Shhh.  The phone's ringing."

	Ash and the others wondered who Bill was calling.  They soon had 
their answer.

	"Ah.  Mr. President.  This is Bill.  We have reached Ash, but our 
ship is stuck.  No. Don't send a rescue party.  We're all fine.  I'm 
calling for a different reason.  If we stay, will this affect Ash's 
exile any?  No?  Good.  Thank you.  Thank you very much."

	Switching the phone off and flipping another switch, Bill said, 
"Now that that's taken care of, we can really study this island some 
more."

	"Err. Right," Ash replied.

	A crackling voice came from Bill's device. "We have the latest 
news on the hurricane.  Cerulean City has suffered massive damages.  
The Cerulean City gym has been totaled.  Fortunately, no one was in it 
at the time.  And, the Pokémon have been transferred to the nearest 
undamaged PokéCenter until the Gym Leaders can reclaim them.  If any 
one has any information on where they are, please call us or tell them 
what has happened."

	Bill shut the device down.  "Ash, would you mind if Misty and her 
sisters transferred their Pokémon here while their gym is being 
rebuilt?"

	"That's a silly question to ask me.  Of course they can."

	Bill nodded.  "I'll call and set things up.  Professor, could you 
please tell them the news."

	"Of course, Bill.  I know they aren't going to like it."

	Brock and Ash looked at each other.  They nodded and tried to 
figure out which three cabinets would be best for the Sensational 
Sisters to store their Pokémon.  After deciding that, they waited for 
Bill to finish.  Pikachu and Chansey watched as Ash was preparing to 
help their teammate's sisters.  Pikachu jumped up on Ash's shoulder 
while Chansey waited.

	After Bill finished talking, Ash asked, "Um.  Bill, could you 
take a look at a certain Pokémon?  It's been severely injured and 
although I have Chansey look in on it every so often, I'm worried."

	"Well, we have time.  I guess I can take a look, while we're 
waiting for Misty and her sisters to be informed."

	Ash gratefully led the way to where Sapphire was resting.  
Chansey and Pikachu were frowning as the group headed in that 
direction.  Entering the room, ash quickly made his way over to 
Sapphire and checked to see if it was okay.  He was relieved to see the 
bird was still breathing and was asleep.  Before Bill and Brock could 
make it to the baby bird, they were blocked by the head of Charizard.  
The two men looked right into Charizard's eyes and swallowed nervously.

	Turning, Ash saw the confrontation. "Charizard, No!  Bill is here 
to help Sapphire. He's a Pokémon researcher.  He might be able to help 
Sapphire recover."

	Charizard looked at Ash and back at the two it had blocked.  
Snorting a bit of fire, the Fire Pokémon let them pass.  Brock and Bill 
were very aware that Charizard was keeping a very close eye on them.

	"Ash, why didn't you tell me you had Charizard out?  I almost had 
a heart attack,"  Brock said.

	"It didn't seem to be important at the time," Ash replied, while 
shrugging. "I put him in here to watch over Sapphire and to let him 
have some time out of the Pokéball."

 	While examining the small bird, Bill commented, "That explains it 
then.  Your Charizard is thinking of this Pokémon as a little brother 
that needs protecting.  It was a good idea.  Now as to Sapphire, I have 
a tonic that should make him fit enough for battle."

	Bill quickly explained why, after Charizard started roaring.

	"Charizard, the more a Pokémon fights the stronger it will 
become.  It should be powerful enough for low level creatures, such as 
Rattatas and Spearows."

	Charizard grumbled a bit but settled down and waited.  Bill 
pulled a vial out of his pants pocket and opened it up.  Seeing that 
his patient was awake, Bill carefully fed the potion to Sapphire.  
After drinking the contents the blue bird flapped its wings and flew 
around the room.  It landed on top of Charizard's nose, where it laid 
down and went to sleep.  Ash looked at Bill in alarm

	Bill waved at Sapphire in a negligent manner. "Don't worry about 
it, Ash.  Sapphire is still a baby Pokémon and they sleep a lot."

	Sighing in relief, Ash said, "Charizard, I hope you don't mind."

	Charizard carefully lowered its head to the ground, so as not to 
disturb the bird.  After making sure, it didn't rattle the baby out of 
its sleep, Charizard closed his eyes and followed Sapphire's example.

	Ash muttered, "I guess he doesn't.  I guess that Sapphire and 
Charizard will always have to be paired up."

	Rubbing his chest, Brock said, "Maybe.  I think Bill should hear 
how you got that bird.  As matter of fact, I don't think you ever told 
us how you got it.  But please, not here. Tell us when we are somewhere 
away from your Charizard."

	"Okay," Ash replied, as he led the way back to the PokéCenter.  
"I do seem to be a sucker for injured Pokémon, don't I?"

	"Maybe, Ash," Bill replied. "But, I don't think you can change 
that without losing who you are."

	The small group walked on as a purple and a black shape followed 
them.
----------------
	Misty and the others were waiting in the PokéCenter for Bill and 
Ash to return.  The Cerulean sisters had just heard the report on what 
had happened to their gym from Professor Oak.

	Walking into the center, Ash held up his hand, "Sorry, but I 
wanted Bill to take a look at Sapphire and see if anything can be done.  
He had a potion on him that helped Sapphire out."

	Oak chuckled a bit.  "Still carrying a full first-aid kit in your 
clothes, eh?"

	Bill smiled and replied, "Well I always like to be prepared.  
That along with my radio/phone allows me to handle most situations.  
Now then.  Ladies, with your help, I'm going to bring all your Pokémon 
here.  Ash has already said that he is willing to host your Pokémon 
while the Cerulean Gym is being repaired.  If you'll follow me, we'll 
us my phone and your ID's to bring your Pokémon here."

	Holding up her hand, Misty explained, "I'll pass.  I've already 
brought all of mine here."

	Before anyone could do anything, three voices rang out.

	"Prepare for trouble."

	"And, make it double."

	"To protect the world from devastation." 

	"To unite all peoples within our nation."

	"To denounce the evils of Truth and Love."

	"To extend our reach to the stars above."

	"Jesse."

	"James."

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

	"Surrender now or prepare to fight."

	"Meowth, that's right."

	Misty, Ash, Brock, and Pikachu rolled their eyes as they saw that 
Team Rocket had found their way in.  Chansey had bounded out of the 
room when the spiel was going on.  Pikachu seeing that, nodded and 
motioned to Ash.

	"You want us to force them outside?" Ash asked.

	"Pika!"

	"All right, I really didn’t want to fight them today.  Misty, 
Nightshade attack.  Force them back out the front door.

	Misty smiled as she blasted Team Rocket. *It is so much more 
satisfying doing it personally."

	While Team Rocket was recovering from that, Bill released his 
Farfetch'd.

	"Whirlwind attack, Far." Bill cried.

	The bird Pokémon nodded and flapped its wings as it balanced its 
onion on the tip of his nose.  A powerful gust pushed Team Rocket out 
the front door.

 	"Is that your best," Jesse asked.  "You're not going to be able 
to stop us that way.  Nothing is going to stop us"

	"Chansey-chansey-chansey!"

	"Chaaarrrrrrrr!"

	Chnasey and Charizard came from behind Team Rocket.  The egg 
Pokémon was riding on the back of Charizard waving a large hat around.  
Charizard was jumping up and down, switching from fore legs to hind 
legs.  The pair quickly trampled Team Rocket.

	James commented, "Except for a Chansey riding a bucking 
Charizard."

	Before passing out, the trio intoned, "It looks like Team Rocket 
has been stomped flat again."

	Ash scratched his chin.  "Where did Chansey get the cowboy hat?"

	"Never mind that," Misty said. "How did Charizard get out?"

	Ash replied, "Oh, that's easy.  Charizard and Sapphire are in one 
of the rooms that can open to the outside.  Pull a lever and the wall 
opens up.  Speaking of Sapphire...  Chansey, Charizard, how is 
Sapphire?"

 	The two Pokémon stopped having there fun with Team Rocket.  
Chansey slid off of the orange dragon and looked up.  In the pink 
Pokémon's pocket, Sapphire was riding along.  It was clear that it 
enjoyed the ride as much as Ash's other two Pokémon did.

	Patting Sapphire's head, Ash said, "All right.  I see.  Now, the 
two of you head back and keep an eye on Sapphire.  Misty, I wish that  
Team Rocket was in Australia.  I don't want to deal with them for a 
while."

	Misty nodded as she transported the unconscious villains to where 
Ash had directed.  They all watched as the three Pokémon went back 
around the building and entered Charizard and Sapphire's room.

	"Ash, that reminds me.  I need to check up on Togepi."

	Not bothering to answer, Ash held up a Pokéball and pointed it at 
Misty.  It emitted a red beam of light and pulled the genie inside.

	Without turning around, Ash explained, "Misty has transported 
most of her Pokémon inside her Pokéball.  She said it is much larger 
inside than a normal Pokéball."

	Without waiting to hear if anyone had further questions, Ash 
headed back inside his gym. *I need to have Misty create a lock for 
this place.  At least Team Rocket is gone for a little while.*
--------------
					Chapter 13

	As soon as the group re-entered the gym, Ash told how he acquired 
Sapphire.  They all listened with rapt attention as the young Trainer 
from Pallet narrated his story.  After he was done, Bill scratched his 
chin.

	"I don't know what kind of Pokémon Sapphire is, but it must be a 
powerful one, considering the size of the mother."

	Ash shook his head and pulled out a Pokéball.  "I'm going to let 
Misty out."

	Before he could rub the ball, a purple shape darted in and 
snagged the ball in its mouth.

	"What?"  everyone chorused.

	The lavender creature stood on four legs and vaguely resembled a 
Vaporeon, but had two tails.  Its eyes twinkled as it took off down the 
corridor leading outside.

	"Oh no you don't," Ash said, as he chased after the strange 
creature.  "Chansey!  Pikachu!"

	Pikachu took off after the larger Pokémon, as Chansey stepped 
into the room.  Holding a Pokéball aloft, Ash recalled his Chansey.

	"Bill, take care of Sapphire,"  Ash called over his shoulder.

	Any answer that was forthcoming could not be heard, since Ash had 
vanished after the thief.

	Bill watched as Ash chased after the Pokémon.  He sighed and went 
inside the gym.

	*I'd better go tell Daisy and the others what happened.*

	The researcher found the three using a computer to transfer their 
Pokémon to Ash's gym.  While doing so, they were holding a 
conversation.

	"It's like awfully nice of Ash to let us use this place until our 
gym is repaired," Lily said.

	Violet replied, "Like totally.  Maybe we can convince Ash to let 
us use his Lapras and Marril for battles." 

	Daisy added, "Like maybe we could catch some new water Pokémon 
while were here.  We do need the practcie.  Oh, hi Bill.  What's up?"

	Bill took a deep breath and said, "While Ash and I were talking, 
a strange Pokémon grabbed Misty's ball and took off with it.  Ash is in 
pursuit right now."

	""WHAT?!" the three sisters exclaimed.

	"Like we have to go after them," Daisy said.

	The other two nodded and followed the Daisy to the door.

	Bill held up a hand to stop them.  "Ash will bring Misty back.  
He seems to have a knack for rescues.  Besides, most, if not all, of 
your Pokémon can't work outside of water."

	"This is like a total bummer, but your right.  We need to get one 
that can."

	Violet asked, "What can we do?"

	Bill replied, "Hope for the best and have faith in Ash.
--
	*I'd better bring in some help,* Ash thought as he pulled his 
Pokédex on the run. *Jynx, Bulbasaur, Squirtle.  Charizard needs to 
stay back at the gym*

	Ash snapped his deck closed, as four balls appeared on his belt.  
He spotted the purple creature in the distance.  It was joined by a 
black and gold one.  The two dog-like beings threw Misty's ball to each 
other.  Each time, they caught it in their jaws.

	"Pikachu! Agility!"

	The yellow mouse complied and shot forward, leaving a slight 
after-image behind him.  Just before he got to the ball, the purple 
Pokémon's eyes started glowing.  Pikachu was stunned as a flash of blue 
light hit him.

	"What?"  Ash asked, as he pulled Dexter out.

 	Dexter intoned, "Psychic.  A powerful attack used primarily by 
Psychic Pokémon, such as Alakazam."

	*They're Pokémon?" Ash thought as he pointed the red computer at 
the two.

	"Unknown Pokémon.  No data on file."

	"Great.  I have no idea what I'm dealing with."

	Ash slowed a bit on his mad dash, as he scooped up Pikachu.  He 
lost sight of them for a second, but soon spotted them again.  As he 
raced along, he noticed that the two slid a couple of times 
deliberately, leaving a very clear trail for him.

	*Something isn't right here.  I think they want me to follow.  I 
wonder why.*

	Panting, he stopped as he saw that the two strange Pokémon were 
laying on the ground, nudging the Pokéball back and forth with their 
snouts.  Behind the line that the ball was making in the snow, was a 
small cave.

	Looking at the two, Ash asked, "There's something in the cave you 
want me to see, isn't there?"

	The black and gold Pokémon nudged the ball to Ash and nodded.

	Looking in the cave, Ash saw six small brown and white balls of 
fur.  He noticed that the smell of rusty iron was very thick in the 
air.  Reaching down, Ash touched one of the balls.  It whimpered a bit.  
When Ash brought his hand back, he was shocked that it was covered in 
blood.

	"Chansey!" Ash cried, as he threw a Pokéball.  "I need you to 
heal up some injured Pokémon."

	The egg Pokémon appeared and looked at the cave.  Chansey 
approached the entrance softly.  Holding up his hand, Ash showed the 
blood and then pointed at the small balls.

	"Softboiled," he said.

	Chansey nodded and pulled out eggs to heal the injured Pokémon.  
Leaving Chansey to her work, Ash addressed the two strange Pokémon.

	"Those are your children, aren't they?  One of you is the mother 
and the other is the father.  That's why you grabbed Misty.  You wanted 
to bring me here to help your children."

	Both of them nodded. 

	"You don't talk a lot, do you?"

	The two Pokémon shook their heads.

	"Pika?"

	"We'll get you fixed back up back at the gym, Pikachu," Ash said.

	"Chansey," the pink Pokémon said, sounding a bit worried.

	"What's wrong?  They're still alive aren't they?"

	Chansey looked back at the cave and started gesturing.

	Confused, Ash replied, "I don't understand.  I'd better call 
Misty out."

	Ash rubbed the ball, causing smoke to issue forth.  Misty soon 
appeared holding Togepi.  The human Pokémon was still wearing her 
costume.

	"Ash, it's cold out here.  Couldn't you have warned me?"

	"No time.  Chansey is trying to tell me something, but I don't 
understand.  There are several injured Pokémon in that cave.  Chansey 
used Softboiled, but...."

	"I'll take a look.  Pikachu, watch Togepi for me."

	The genie entered the cave and saw the injured Pokémon.  She 
breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that they were all still alive.  
She soon discovered the reason for Chansey's reaction.  Even though 
they were alive and healed of wounds, they were very warm.  Not the 
warmth of a fur coat, but the warmth of a fever.

	"Problems, Ash.  They are very sick and need looking after."

	Ash sighed and asked, "Can you teleport us all back?  That does 
include these two as well."

	Misty looked at the two Pokémon who were the parents of the sick 
cubs.  "I don't know.  I can try though."

	"I'll recall Chansey, so it makes one less you have to deal 
with," Ash said as he called Chansey back.  *I feel like the Red Cross 
of Pokémon."

	Ash moved closer to the sick puppies, with Pikachu riding on his 
shoulder.  Misty stood right next to her Trainer and waited for the 
parent Pokémon to join them.  After they did so, Misty concentrated and 
managed to transport the whole group back to the front door of the gym.

	"That was exhausting," Misty commented, as she picked Togepi up.  
"I'll go get Bill and Professor Oak to help bring them in."

	Ash nodded as he re-released Chansey. 

	Pulling out his Pokédex, Ash mumbled, "You know, I don't know 
what these creatures are."

	Dexter chimed, "Eevee.  The Evolution Pokémon.  It can evolve in 
one of three ways, depending on which kind of stone is used."

	    Ash snapped his Pokédex closed as he heard amused snorts 
coming from the two Pokémon.

	Pointing at the two of them, he asked, "You used to be Eevee?"

	A nod was the only response.

	Before he could ask any more questions, Ash heard Bill's shout.

	"Ash!  Misty told us what was going on and we've found a place to 
keep an eye on the baby Pokémon.  But as to these two..."

	Ash shook his head.  "I don't like what they did, but I 
understand why they did it.  By the way Bill, they claim they used to 
be Eevee.  Their children definitely are, but what are they?"

	Bill's eyes bugged out, as he studied the two Pokémon.  "I have 
no idea.  If they used to be Eevee, then the Pokédex needs to be 
updated."

	Hearing the conversation as she came out, the Pokégenie walked 
over. "We can discuss this later.  Right now I want to get these cubs 
inside."

	"Oh.  Sorry," Bill replied.

	Ash nodded, as he, Chansey, Bill, and Misty carried the baby 
Eevee inside the gym.  After doing so, the humans sat down and watched 
as the parents sniffed their children.

	Trying to break the tension, Ash quipped, "You know Misty, I wish 
you had a white version of your costume for when you are acting as a 
doctor."

	"Ash, I told you to watch what you say," Misty replied.

	She sighed as she had no choice but to grant that wish.  A white 
version of her genie costume appeared as the human Pokémon blinked.

	"Err. Sorry, Misty.  I was just trying to lighten the mood."

	Grabbing the clothes, Misty headed for another room.  "I know, 
Ash.  This wish was kind of silly, though.  Oh well.  Since I have 
them, I might as well use them."

	Holding up Misty's ball, Ash commented, "That little adventure 
sure got the ball dirty.  I'd better go clean it up.  I guess you're on 
your own, until Misty gets back." 

	Bill replied, "Don't worry about me.  I have two new Pokémon to 
study."

	The researcher wathced as Ash left.  Shortly after he did so, the 
others that were at the Gym, save Misty came into the room.

	Daisy took a look at the two adult Pokémon.  "So, like you are 
the two that kidnapped our little sister.  I have some things to say to 
you two."

	The purple Pokémon cocked its head to one side and stared blankly 
at Daisy and pointed its muzzle at its injured cubs.

	Oak watched the charade and examined the Eevee cubs.  He hissed 
in sympathy as he saw how bad a shape the cubs were.

	"My my.  These Pokémon look like they have pneumonia.  If they 
hadn't been brought here, they would have died."

	"What are you?" Agatha asked the black and gold Pokémon.

	The addressed Pokémon locked eyes with Agatha for a moment and 
looked away.  It then started nuzzling its cubs.

	*I think I've just been ignored.*

	The Eevee puppies whined pitifully, drawing the Sensational 
Sisters' attention to them.  They forgot their anger at the two parent 
Pokémon as they saw the sorry shape of their children.

	Placing his left hand on the black Pokémon and his right hand on 
the purple, Bill whispered to the two, "You two are not off the hook, 
yet.  The two of you are going to be registered as Ash's Pokémon and 
when he comes back, you won't resist being pulled into one of his 
Pokéballs.  Do I make myself clear?  Don't worry about your children.  
Ash won't evolve a Pokémon, if it doesn't want to be evolved.  He 
leaves that choice to the Pokémon themselves."

	The two Pokémon nodded and just nuzzled their cubs.

	*At least that is one problem taken care of.  Now all I need to 
do is figure out what those two are.*
-------------------
	Back in Pallet, Gary Oak had just learned of Ash's exile. Biting 
his lower lip, he wandered around town, lost in thought.  A couple of 
voices broke his reverie.  Looking up he saw his fellow Trainers: Jack 
and John.  The two were sitting on the ground with their backs to Gary.  

	"I really don't know how Ash gets into those situations," Jack 
said. "I heard that that storm will hit where Ash is at."

	"I hope the Professor is okay.  After that old woman showed up, 
he went out to rescue Ash."

	*So that's where Gramps is at,* Gary thought with a bit of 
jealousy.  *Off to rescue the great Ash Ketchum.  I wonder who the old 
woman was.*

	As if in answer to Gary's thoughts, John said, "I think that old 
woman was Agatha of the Elite Four."

	*Granma Agatha?  Why would she...  Oh.  Ash's genie.  Always 
hunting for new Ghost Pokémon.  Gramps probably didn't have a choice, 
but still not to have even said hello.*

	Gary clenched his fist and walked away.  *I will prove that I'm 
better than Ash.*

	As he was walking away, Jack glanced over his shoulder and saw 
Gary.  Jack frowned, realizing that Gary had overheard their 
conversation.

	He whispered to John, "Get some of your Pokémon.  We're going to 
have to watch over Gary.  I think he's going to try and reach Ash 
himself."

	John looked back, saw Gary and then groaned.  He then proceeded 
to beat his face in the ground.

	"Jack, this isn't going to be fun.  We'll probably be riding 
Gyrados back all the way."

	"I know."

	A sudden thought came to John and he asked, "By the way, who's 
been taking care of our Pokémon now that Professor Oak and Bill aren't 
here?"

	"Professor Oak's aides," Jack replied with a shrug.  "People the 
Professor has been training to take his role in other towns."

	The two Trainers headed to Oak's lab and each chose six Pokémon 
to accompany them on their self-imposed mission.
-------------------
	Three pairs of eyes opened and stared up at the night sky.  
Sitting up, the trio noticed they were on top of a large flat-topped 
mountain.

	"Where are we?" James of Team Rocket asked.

	Meowth replied, "According to the constellations that I can see, 
we are in the southern hemisphere.  I can't see the North Star."

	The feline Pokémon walked over to the edge of the montain and 
looked down.

	"Judging by the landscape, we are in Australia on top of the peak 
known as Ayer's Rock."

	Jesse exclaimed, "Australia?! There must be a mistake."

	"I have not made an Ayer-or.  We are down under."

	James remarked, "Makes sense.  We are supposed to be the lowest 
of the low."

	"Would you two stop it.  I have the feeling that that water-brat 
is behind this," Jesse replied.

	Meowth said, "While we're trying to figure out how to get back 
and steal Pikachu and the girl, we should see if we can get any rare 
Pokémon from around here."

	"Very well,"  Jesse said.  "We need time to come up with a new 
plan anyway."
-------------------
	Thinking on the recent turn of events, Ash nodded as he went into 
a room where he had stored some rags and wax that he bought a while 
back. *Proper ball maintenance, Dexter said.  Well, I'd better get to 
it.*

	He used a rag to dip out some wax and applied it to the ball.  
After covering the entire surface, he used another rag to wipe the ball 
off.  When he was done the ball sparkled, like it was brand new. 

	"Ash!  What are you doing?!"  Misty yelled as she burst into the 
room.

	"I'm polishing your Pokéball," Ash replied, looking up.

	What Ash saw surprised him.  Misty's skin and hair was very 
shiny, as if she was made out of plastic.  Even her white genie costume 
had the same sheen as her skin.  For some reason, Misty was blushing.

	Misty took a deep breath before explaining.  "Ash, I am linked to 
that Pokéball.  When you were polishing my ball, you polished me." 
------------------
				      Chapter 14

	Ash looked at his human Pokémon and turned away, blushing.

	"Err.  Sorry Misty, I forgot all about that."

	Misty clenched and unclenched her fists and breathed heavily as 
she fought back her anger a bit more. 

	"Ash, sometimes I think you'd forget your head if it wasn't 
attached," Misty ground out.

	"I said I was sorry," Ash replied, still looking away.  "It's 
just that I'm still not used to this."

	Blinking her eyes in confusion, Misty let the anger go and stared 
at Ash.  "What do you mean by that?"

	Sitting down on a table, Ash stared at a wall and said, "Well, 
having you for a Pokémon for one thing.  I have no idea of what to do."

	"That's never stopped you before," Misty countered.  "Now about 
my skin and hair..."

	"Err.  Oh right.  I wish that your body was back to the way it 
was before I started polishing your Pokéball,"  Ash said, still staring 
at the wall and not looking at Misty.

	"That's better," Misty said, ignoring the fact that her costume 
was still shiny.

	Misty sat down behind Ash, facing away from her trainer.  The 
genie and her Trainer said nothing for a few moment, while they sat 
back to back.  Biting his lower lip, Ash looked first down and then 
back at the wall.

	"Misty, I've been meaning to ask you something."

	"Yes."

	"Why don't you mind staying in a Pokéball?"

	The human Pokémon closed her eyes and recalled a scene from near 
the beginning of her journey alongside Ash.  Looking somber, she bowed 
her head.

	"I did it to myself, Ash.  Remember Caterpie?  I once told him 
that if he's a Pokémon he should stay in a ball like all the others."

	"Huh?" Ash asked, looking confused. "I don't get it."

	"I believed that caught Pokémon should stay in their balls and I 
guess I accepted that since I am one now, I should stay in a ball as 
well."

	"That's silly.  You know that I wouldn't keep you in one, if you 
didn't want to."

	"I know that, Ash.  But, that doesn't change anything," Misty 
replied sadly.  Shaking her head, she asked, "Now I have a question for 
you.  Why do act so dumb?"

	"Who says it's an act?"  Ash countered.

	A long silence greeted him and he finally relented.

	Sighing a bit, Ash explained, "If I act so silly, most people 
will underestimate me."

	"I see.  Ash, I will forget about this incident on one 
condition."

	Feeling a bit wary, Ash asked, "And that is?"

	The genie phased her body and leaned backwards through her 
trainer.  Looking up into Ash's face, the human Pokémon smiled.

	"That you have me as one of your primary Pokémon team from now 
on."

	Feeling a bit unnerved that Misty was phased through his body, 
Ash said, "Misty, the reason I haven't been using you that much was 
because I wasn't sure you'd be able to change back if you became too 
much stronger.  But if you want me to, I'll use you."

	Feeling touched by Ash's concern, Misty whispered, "Thank you, 
Ash.  I'm still going to hold you to that, but you did give me 
something to think about.  I'm going to look in on Togepi."

	Misty straightened back up, phasing through Ash once more.  
Getting off the table, the genie headed out the door.

	Ash watched as Misty left and muttered under his breath, "Misty 
sure is cute in that genie costume."
----------------------------------
	In the ball storage room, Daisy was talking with Bill.

	"You know, how are we supposed to handle this until our gym is 
repaired?" Daisy asked.

	Shrugging, Bill replied, "The Pokémon league understands 
disasters like this happen.  It won't be held against you.  I'm 
wondering how Cerulean and this place will be able to communicate."

	"I'm not sure.  I like totally want to be able to keep in contact 
with my little sister, but there is no way for us to visit."

	Entering the room carrying Togepi, Misty commented, "Actually 
there is.  Ash, Brock, and I encountered it a while back."

	Misty said nothing more as she went to the cabinet that held her 
Pokémon and put some balls in place.

	Bill and Daisy looked at each other and then at Misty.

	"Er. What way?" Bill asked.

	The genie idly commented, "The person who built the current 
Pokémon transporter also built something that could transport humans as 
well.  Unfortunately it was destroyed.  He was thinking about making a 
new one."

	Bill bit his lower lip and muttered, "That could be useful.  A 
series of transporters linking here, Professor Oak's lab, my homes, and 
Cerulean Gym would be of great benefit."

	"We have at least another month to go, before we can even think 
about leaving," Misty said.

	Bill shook his head, "Maybe, but it's something to think about 
doing once the exile is over.  Team Rocket shouldn't be bothering you 
for a little while also."

	"True.  They have to figure a way off of that mountain in 
Australia, first."

	Daisy laughed, "You like totally put them on top of Ayer's Rock?  
That's rad Misty."

	"I thought so.  By the way, where is Violet and Lily?"

	Daisy replied, "Oh, they're with Professor Oak.  He's getting 
blood and hair samples from them.  I've already been through it, so I'm 
free to wonder around."

	Bowing her head, Misty mumbled, "Yeah.  That's right.  I'd better 
go see how my cure is coming along."

	Misty shuffled out of the room, leaving a confused Daisy behind.

	"I like wonder what's her problem," Daisy muttered.

	Bill speculated, "She probably doesn't want to be reminded that 
she is a Pokémon or that there might not be a cure for her."

	"Maybe.  But I wonder..." Daisy mused, and then a thought struck 
her.  *Wait a second.  How did Misty get Togepi outside of her 
Pokéball?  Last I saw of it, Ash was going to clean it up.*
--------------------------
	After making sure that Misty's ball was with him, Ash headed off 
to check up on Sapphire.  On his way, he encountered Brock and Agatha.  
A few seconds later, Pikachu rushed in and jumped on top of Ash's 
shoulder.

	"Hi, Brock," Ash called.  "I'm checking up on Sapphire."

	"You know, you never did tell us how you got him," Brock 
commented.

	"The next time we're all together, I'll go into that, if I don't 
forget."

	Brock just mumbled and dropped that subject.  While he was 
thinking of something to say, Agatha spoke up.

	"Ash, I owe you an apology," Agatha said.

	"An apology? For what?" Ash asked confused.

	Sighing, she replied, "I made a mistake a while back and that 
mistake cost you your friendship with my grandson Gary.  I've heard how 
he is always putting you down and trying to sap your self confidence.  
I made a remark that he could learn what he needed to know from you.  
I'm afraid he took it the wrong way."

	Ash closed his eyes and thought back to when Gary first started 
to verbally abuse him.  Opening his eyes he looked straight at Agatha.

	"This is about something other than who the best Pokémon trainer 
is, isn't it?" Ash asked.  "Gary changed almost overnight."

	Nodding, the old Pokémon trainer said, "Yes, it is.  When Gary 
gets here, I'll explain it to both of you."

	Ash absently asked, "Are you going to tell him that Karin is 
going to be your successor to the Elite Four and not him?"

	"How did you know that?"  Agatha asked in a shocked voice.

 	Ash shrugged and replied, "Karin, Gary's sister Brock, babysat me 
when my mom had to be elsewhere.  She told me all about Pokémon and 
once mentioned that she had several badges, but didn't tell Professor 
Oak about it.  She didn't want the pressure of trying to live up to 
impossible expectations.  One of the times she babysat me, I overheard 
her talking to someone on the phone.  She said that she would be glad 
to take over for that person when they were ready to retire.  Because 
by that time, Gary will be drawing all the attention to himself."

	"Who are you and what have you done with Ash?" Brock asked.  
"There is no way Ash could have remembered all that."

	"Jeez, Brock I had a crush on Karin when I was younger.  It's 
just something that stayed with me," Ash replied.  *Had?  I guess I 
finally put that behind me.  I wonder why.*

	Shaking his head, the trainer from Pallet continued on his way to 
where Sapphire and Charizard's quarters.  Once he arrived, he made sure 
that his bird Pokémon was doing all right and gave Charizard a friendly 
pat on the nose.

	"It's great having you back Charizard," Ash commented. "I have no 
idea why you started obeying me again, but I am grateful for it.  
Thanks for saving Misty and Pikachu from Team Rocket.  I'll convey my 
thanks to Chansey the next time I see her."

	Charizard just grumbled a little bit and curled up to go to 
sleep.  Ash saw that and nodded.

	"Right.  See you in the morning, Charizard," he said, and turned 
off the lights as he left.

	Brock walked beside Ash and remarked, "Your caring for Sapphire 
is probably what made Charizard turn around.  Despite it all, you 
refused to give up on saving that Pokémon.  Charizard saw you do that 
and understood that you really do have your Pokémon's best interests at 
heart."

	"Maybe, Brock," Ash replied.  "I don't really care why.  I'm just 
glad that Charizard is listening to me again."

	"That is what I wanted Gary to learn from you, Ash.  The ability 
to care for Pokémon even when they are stubborn and willful."

	Ash paid no attention to Agatha as he went to his room to plan 
tomorrow's expedition. 
-----------------------------------------------
	Somewhere in the waters north of Cerulean City, three boys rode 
Gyrados back northwards.

	Spitting seawater out of his mouth, Jack called out, "How much 
further is it to wherever Ash is at?"

	Biting his lower lip, Gary replied, "I have no idea.  I just know 
it's north."

	"What?!?!" Jack and John called together.

	"Gary, it's going to be almost impossible to find that island," 
John loudly declared.

	"I don't care."

	Jack and John just looked at each other and sighed.
------------------------------------
	Still in genie garb, Misty shuffled towards the lab where 
Professor Oak was studying her DNA.  She closed her eyes and a belt 
appeared around her waist.  The genie set her Togepi on the ground and 
smiled softly down to it.

	"Togepi, I'm going to send you back inside.  Staryu and Rocky 
should be able to take care of you while I'm busy," Misty said.

	Tapping a few buttons on her belt, Misty watched as Togepi 
flashed red and faded away as it was transferred to her Pokémon storage 
area inside her ball.  She pushed another button on the belt and it 
shrank down to a gold cord lining the top of her pantaloons.

 	Sighing heavily, Misty mumbled, "Let's get to this.  I need to 
know."

	The human Pokémon entered the lab and glanced around.  She saw 
Lily and Violet were rubbing the insides of their elbows.  Professor 
Oak was bent over a microscope and was busy switching slides.  He 
glanced up and caught sight of the genie.

	"Ah, Misty.  I'm glad you came.  I've been busy comparing your 
DNA and your sisters' DNA.  I've isolated those things that all three 
of you have in common.  Now, I'm going to try to isolate things that 
you have in common with only one or two of your sisters.  Once that's 
done, I should be able to figure out what was changed when you were 
turned into a Pokémon."

	"Err.  Yeah," Misty muttered.  "Professor Oak, there's something 
I need to ask you in private."

	Taking the hint, Violet and Lily quietly excused themselves from 
the room.  Misty waited until she was sure they were gone before saying 
anything.

	"Professor, can Pokémon tell where their trainers are at?"

	Oak replied, "They can smell, see, or hear their trainers, but 
beyond that they don't have much else.  The Psychics, of course, can 
form mental links with their trainers.  Why do you ask?"

	The genie took a deep breath and explained, "When I'm outside my 
ball, I can tell exactly where Ash is."

	"An internal compass linked to your trainer?  Intriguing.  That 
is probably just a natural ability to pick up.  Anything else?"

	"Yes.  I was used in a combat against Team Rocket and felt myself 
get stronger.  Is that going to have an effect?"

	Professor Oak rubbed his hand through his hair and replied, "I 
don't know."

	Misty thought back to when she drank down those vials of 
vitamins, belonging to Ash.  She winced as she realized that she could 
have fouled up her chances at returning to normal by doing so.  Before 
she could say anything she felt Professor Oak place a gentle hand on 
her shoulder.

	"Misty, if you are having second thoughts about becoming human, 
talk to Ash.  He's the one who'll be the most affected by whatever 
decision you make.  Answer this question to yourself, if no one else: 
Am I happy being a Pokémon?  Answer that, and you'll have your answer 
on what you should do."

	Misty bowed her head and left.  Using her sense, she was easily 
able to find Ash in his room.  The genie knocked on her trainer's door 
and waited.

	"Come in."

	The human Pokémon entered Ash's room and sat down on the bed.

	"Ash,"  Misty began hesitantly. "I'm unsure if I want to go back 
being a human."

	Ash looked at his Pokémon and replied, "Misty, that is your 
decision.  If you choose to become human again, I won't hold it against 
you.  If you choose to remain a Pokémon, I will do my best to be your 
trainer.  I won't make it for you.  Now if you don't mind, I'd like to 
get some sleep.  I want to explore that underground forest tomorrow."

	Misty nodded and said, "Just recall me, and I'll gladly leave you 
alone."

	Ash blushed a bit as he pulled out a Pokéball with a badly 
shaking hand.  

	He pointed the ball at his genie and said, "Misty, return."

	Misty felt herself dissolve under the red beam emitted from the 
Pokéball, as she was pulled inside.  As soon as she reformed inside the 
ball, Togepi came waddling up.  Picking the egg Pokémon up, the genie 
gazed upwards and sighed.

	"Am I happy?  I don't know," Misty mumbled.  "Ash is leaving the 
choice in my hands, but what do I do?"
----------------------
                          Chapter 15

	While sitting at a desk, Bill rubbed the back of his neck and 
went over the data that he and Professor Oak had collected on Misty and 
her sister's DNA.  He picked up the report, put it in a folder, and 
pushed it away.  He sighed and shook his head.  A voice behind him 
almost caused him to jump to his feet.

	"Like are you giving up?"  Daisy asked, as Bill turned his chair 
towards the door.

	Shaking his head, Bill replied, "No.  We've been going at this 
the wrong way.  Misty was evolved using stones.  Professor Oak and I 
should be trying to figure out a way to reverse stone evolution, not 
change a person back."

	"I didn't think that it was possible to undo stone evolutions."

	Bill stared at the ceiling and stated, "It's not and all research 
in that direction was banned years ago.  That type of research is cruel 
to Pokémon and usually lethal."

	"Lethal?"

	Sadly, Bill explained, "The process of trying to de-evolve a 
Pokémon is so stressful it causes that Pokémon to go into seizures and 
die and at no time did any of them de-evolve."

	"So like our little sister is going to remain...", Daisy's voice 
trailed off.

	Bill nodded.  "Misty is a Pokémon and will remain so.  Right now, 
my main concern is the three of you."

	"Us?  Why?"

	"You're related to the only known human Pokémon and people might 
want to see if the three of you can become Pokémon as well."

	Bill turned his chair back around and pulled out a blank sheet of 
paper on it he drew a chart.

		STONE		FAERIE
		Water		Nix/Undine
		Fire		???
		Thunder	Sylph
		Leaf 		Dryad/Green Man
		Moon		Elf
		Sun		???
		Dark		???
		Fr/Thn	Genie

	Tapping his pencil on the paper, Bill shook his head.  Looking 
over his shoulder Daisy saw the chart and her eyes widened in suprise.

	"Like you can't be serious?"  Daisy asked.

	"Very.  It would explain magical humans and their ability to 
breed with humanity.  As they mixed back into the bloodline, humanity 
built up a resistance to the stones.  Misty's resistance failed her 
when she was blasted by the HUNDREDS of stones."

	"Nix?"

	"Male water nymph," Bill explained and bit his lower lip in 
thought.  "This is just idle specultion on my part.  But, I think there 
might be a way to bypass the human resistance and allow only one or 
maybe two stones to do the job.  An injection using Misty's or another 
evolved human's blood as the base could drop the resistance down far 
enough that a person can be forced evolved."

	"Then don't like let any of my sister's blood samples and 
donations go anywhere."

	Bill shook his head.  "I have no intention of doing so.  By the 
way, is Ash going to try to explore that cavern tomorrow?"

	"I like have the feeling Misty will force him," Daisy replied 
with a smirk.

	Bill hummed and went back to work on his theories.
--------
	As soon as Ash woke up, he mentally went over what Pokémon he was 
going to take.  Pikachu and Misty were given.  He walked into the ball 
storage area and spoke to Pikachu, who was perched on his shoulder.

	"Let's see.  Chansey?  No.  I need her here to watch over 
Sapphire and the Eevee.  Lapras?  No place for him to swim.  Jynx?  
There's my third choice, because she knows the area and that makes 
Tangela my next Pokémon.  I want Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charizard to 
stay here and keep an eye on my new Pokémon.  I've got it.  I'll take 
those two new ones.  The new Eevee evolutions."

	Ash went down the shelves and sweatdropped.

	"Err.  I forgot.  I haven't put them in a Pokéball yet."

	Pikachu shook his head.  "Pika-pi."

	Ash headed off to where Chansey was looking after the Eevee.  He 
soon spotted the two Pokémon he was hunting for.  Making sure that the 
Eevee and Sapphire were doing fine, he addressed the newcommers.

	"I'm going to explore an underground forest.  I'd like for the 
two of you to come along.  Chansey can look after your cubs while we're 
away."

	"ChanSEY."

	Kneeling down, Ash held out two Pokéballs.  The two Pokémon 
glanced at their cubs, looked at each other and nodded.  They nuzzled 
the Pokéballs and were drawn inside.

	"I've caught...," Ash started to say and then stopped.  "What 
have I caught?  Those two haven't said anything yet."

	Ash shrugged and walked towards the front door of his gym.  He 
was stopped when he heard a voice.

	"Ash, stop," Professor Oak called.  "I'm glad I got to you before 
you left.  Here."

	Ash took a red rectangular object from Oak.  Glancing down at it, 
he saw that it had a large black circle in the center and opened from 
the center out.

	"I already have a Pokédex, Professor," Ash said.

	"That's true, Ash.  But, this is a new Pokédex that has all the 
information that has recently been gathered on Pokémon," Oak replied 
and handed Ash a watch as well. "The new Pokédex will work in 
conjunction with that watch to allow you to find certain types of 
Pokémon in the wild."

	Ash took the watch as well and said, "Thanks, Professor.  I don't 
know what to say."

	"Don't say anything.  New trainers will be recieving those as 
well.  I finally have had enough time, or should I say peace and quiet, 
to finish them.  Next time I see Gary, I'll give him his upgraded 
equipment as well."

	Biting his lower lip, Ash thought about something.

	"Professor, what does it take to get a gym sanctioned?  And what 
is involved in running a gym?"

	"You're thinking about making a gym out of this place?"  
Professor Oak stated more than asked.  "A theme for the gym is the 
first requirement.  But, there is going to be a major hindarance for 
you.  There is no one here and no reason for anyone to come here."

	"I don't understand."

	"The reason gyms are built in or near cities is because that's 
where people are.  Blaine got away with moving his gym, because he 
scouts for trainers such as yourself and is still very much involved 
with Cinnabar Island civic work."

	"So, I need a city?"  Ash asked.

	"Not exactly.  You need to find something that this place can 
produce that would prove valuable to others that can be exported."

	Ash scratched his head as he left his building.  "Find something 
valuable?  I'll think on it."

	The trainer from Pallet made his way to the cave leading to the 
underground forest.  He soon made his way back to the cavern holding 
the forest.  Ash looked up at the crystals and frowned.  Pikachu, 
riding on Ash's shoulder, was stunned by the place and remained quiet.

	*We're too far away for those to be sections of my gym,* Ash 
thought.  *Although we might be close to it.  Oh well, I have Pokémon 
to catch.*

	Ash carefully made his way to the forest's edge.  Looking into 
the interior of the woods, Ash put his hand in his jacket pocket and 
felt the empty balls he had stored there.

	"I hope forty is enough balls," Ash muttered.

	A sound caught his attention as he spotted a large pink Pokémon.  
Pulling out his new Pokédex, Ash pointed it at the creature.

	"Milktank.  The cow Pokémon.  Milk from this Pokémon is very 
nutritious and helps Pokémon heal faster."

	"Okay, a new Pokémon.  Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack."

	The yellow mouse Pokémon shocked the cow.  Shuddering the 
Milktank fell onto its side a bit stunned.  Ash didn't waste any time 
and threw a Pokéball at the Milktank.  The ball pulled the Pokémon 
inside and flashed a couple of times before comming to a rest.  Ash 
picked up the Pokéball and went into his fammiliar pose.

	"All right, I caught Milktank."

	"Pi-pikachu."

	After the ball flickered away, Ash called out Misty and the trio 
explored the woods.
----
	A couple hours after Ash had left the building, Brock had gone 
outside and was walking around Ash's gym to clear his head.  A small 
group approaching caught his attention.  Ash, Misty, Pikachu and the 
two evolved Eevee were heading his way.  As soon as Ash had reached the 
gym, he started butting his head against the wall.

	Addressing Misty, Brock asked, "What's his problem?"

	Misty suppressed a smile and replied, "Oh, it's just that when he 
was trying to catch a Pokémon with a Pokéball a Milktank got in the 
way.  Ash now has forty Milktanks."

	"Oh.  A Safari Zone redux," Brock commented.  "Milktank?  Hmmm?  
Oh, that's right.  The Milktank is the female version, while the Tauros 
is the male version."

	With his forhead against the wall, Ash turned his head to look at 
Brock.  "Huh?  What was that Brock?"

	"Well, you know how Nidoran has two Pokédex entries, not counting 
their evolutions?  One male, one female.  Tauros and Milktank are the 
same way.  They don't look alike and have different attacks, but they 
are the same species."

	"Great.  I have eighty of one species of Pokémon," Ash said as he 
straightened up.

	Misty teased, "Why don't you start a dairy farm with all your 
Milktank?"

	"A dairy farm?"  Ash replied, and with sudden enthusiasm said,  
"That's it.  A dairy farm and maybe I can do something with the 
Growlithe as well.  I have to talk to Professor Oak."

	Ash headed inside in a hurry, leaving everyone behind wondering 
what was going on.  Misty and Pikachu quickly chased after their 
trainer.  Looking confused, Brock glanced at the two Eevee evolutions.  
They just glanced at him and padded inside.

	"Bill talked to a Professor Elm, was it?  And, he found out those 
two are called Umbreon and Espeon," Brock muttered to himself.  "I have 
the feeling that we wouldn't have found out from that pair what they 
were."

	Brock headed inside and saw that Ash was standing in the healing 
room in shock.  Professor Oak, Agatha, the Sensational Sisters and Bill 
were all standing around listing to Professor Oak's radio.  The radio 
was broadcasting dreadful news.

	"The hurricane that hit Cerulean City has just entered Saffron 
City.  Damages are expected to be in the millions.  It is believed that 
Mt. Moon and the Rock Tunnel saved Pewter City and Lavender Twon 
respectively."

	Bill was busy with his cellular phone calling people.  Clicking 
the phone off, Bill turned to the group.

	"Things are getting pretty bad.  The Indigo Plateau has also been 
wrecked.  No casulaties, but it will be a while before it is fully 
restored.  By the way Ash, the banishment has been lifted.  There's 
more important things to worry about than what you are doing."

	Ash blinked in suprise. "That's odd."

	"Why is it odd?"  Daisy asked.  "I thought you'd be happy to have 
the ban lifted."

	Ash shook his head and replied, "I was wondering how a hurricane 
can get that far inland."

	Bill explained, "Um, Ash.  We live on a very large island, not a 
continent.  And, the storm hit a narrower portion of the island.  The 
Johto regions weren't bothered at all."

	"Oh.  I wonder if we can do anything to help out."

	Professor Oak scratched his head.  "I'm not sure."

	Grabbing Ash's ear, Misty pulled him close to her and said, "Ash, 
I'm a genie.  Or, have you forgotten?  If you word your wishes 
properly, I can get that mess cleaned up in a hurry."

	"Ow! Misty, let go," Ash complained.  After Misty released his 
ear, Ash said, "Maybe your right, Misty.  And, it would be good 
practice for you."

	Misty asked, "So besides myself and Pikachu, which Pokémon are 
you going to take?"

	"You're going to need a flyer, Ash," Oak advised.

	Ash said, "Charizard and probably Sapphire as well.  I think I'll 
leave the last two slots open, just in case."

	"Ash?  Do you remember Porygon?  Maybe we should swing by that 
place and see if that inventor would be willing to set up a network of 
teleport booths.  That way, we can visit Pallet, Cerulean, or here 
without a lot of travel time." Misty said.

	"Hmmm.  I guess we can.  We'll swing over Grandpa Canyon to save 
time."

	Ash recalled Misty and switched his Pokémon around so that he 
would have Charizard and Sapphire.  Chansey bounded up and looked at 
Ash quizzically.

	Shaking his head, Ash spoke, "Sorry, Chansey.  I need you here to 
look after the Eevee.  Don't worry.  Charizard won't let anything 
happen to Sapphire."

	*And I won't let anything happen to Misty,* Ash contiued 
mentally.

	Walking out of the gym, Ash called Charizard.  He mounted the 
Fire Pokémon after it had been released. Hoping that Charizard would 
obey, he gave the command to take flight.  As the orange creature 
passed over the shore line of Greystice Island, Ash spotted something 
in the waves.

	"Hey.  Isn't that Gary?  I guess Agatha was right,"  Ash mumbled. 
"Charizard circle for a bit.  There's something I want to see."

	The firey dragon did as it was told, allowing Ash a better look 
at what was happening below.  What he saw frightend him.  Gary, Jack, 
and John were coughing and losing their grip on their Pokémon and their 
skin had a slightly blusih tint to it.  Ash quickly pressed some 
buttons on his Pokédex and brought another Pokémon to him.

	Throwing the ball straight downward, Ash called, "Go Lapras.  Get 
under those three and get them to shore.  Charizard use your 
flamethrower on the rocks to heat them up."

	Doing as they were bid, the two monsters rescued the other three 
Pallet Trainers from drowning and frostbite.  Biting his lower lip, Ash 
called Misty out and waited until she had formed.  The genie formed in 
mid air and wondered why her Tariner had called her so early.

	Ash yelled, "Gary.  You and the others stay on Lapras.  Misty, I 
wish for heavy blankets to be wrapped around those three."

	Hearing the wish, Misty blinked and winced a bit, since she had 
wrapped the three boys up like mummys with the blankets.  Ash shook his 
head and made no comment.

	"Lapras, head back to the Gym.  It's straight ahead of you.  
After that, you can go play."

	"Prass. Prass," the gentle dinosaur answered, as it quickly 
hurried with its burden.

	Sending Lapras' ball back to storage, Ash said, "I wish that a 
note explaing what is going on would be taped to the inside of the 
front door of my gym."

	Blink-nodding as she granted the wish, Misty commented, "You're 
getting a bit better at making wishes."

	Ash shrugged as he held up a ball.  "Misty, return."

	After the genie was recalled, Ash patted his Fire Pokémon lightly 
on the side of the neck.  "Let's go, Charizard.  We have a long way to 
go to get back to Kanto.  I hope Gary and the others are all right."

	With a roar, Charizard launched himself Southwards.
-----------------------------------
					Chapter 16

	Gary sniffed and coughed as he was given some hot choclate by a 
frowning Agatha.  Shaking her head, she looked at down at her grandson 
and sighed.

	"Sometimes, I wonder if it would have been better for you to have 
been raised by me," Agatha said.

	"Grandma?"

	"Sorry, Gary.  I was thinking of your parents and your 
grandfather.  Much as I love him, he is still absent-minded and focuesd 
on his research.  When was the last time you saw your mom and dad?"

	Gary looked away and mumbled something.

	Agatha nodded, and said, "That's probably why Karin turned out so 
much better.  I spent time with her.  And, a stupid mistake on my part 
cost you your friendship with Ash."

	Gary stared at his grandmother and said nothing.

	"When I told you that you could learn something from Ash to 
become a great Trainer, I didn't mean for you to constantly to put him 
down."

	Gary, in a choked voice, whispered, "But, you said that your 
successor was him."

	The ghost Trainer sighed and replied, "I said that my succesor 
was in the house, and wasn't you.  Yes, Ash was there at the time, but 
so was Karin."

	"Karin?"  Gary asked in shock.  "She's not a Trainer."

	"Not a known one.  She doesn't like fame and I've been keeping 
her Pokémon, not Hyram.  She has all the badges from Kanto, Johto, and 
Orange Islands, plus a few other leagues.  She just never competed in 
the tournaments, thus no fame was attached to her name.  When I step 
down and my position in the Elite Four is opened up, she's going to 
compete and win."

	"She isn't that good, is she?"

	Smiling with pride, Agatha answered, "Using only one Pokémon she 
went through six of mine and six of Loreli Prima's."

	Gary's mouth hung open in shock.

	Sighing, Agatha shook her head and said, "But, we're getting off 
topic.  I didn't like your antics at the Pokémon League.  I know that 
you are jealous of Ash and his relationship with his mother, but that's 
no excuse for trying to get him kicked out of the League."

	Gary hung his head in shame.

	"That's the main reason I came here, not because of a new Ghost 
Pokémon.  Although, she is interesting.  It's time someone paid more 
attention to you."

	"Huh?"

	"Pokémon need love and attention, but I think that people forget 
that their children need it as well.  What was that term?  Latchkey 
kid?"

	Agatha watched as comprehension dawned in Gary's eyes.  "We'll 
talk more later, Gary.  But for now, you need rest."
--------
	Looking down from Charizard's back, Ash winced as he surveyed the 
damgage to Cerulean City.  The rubble of the Cerulean Gym looked like 
nothing more than a pile of rocks.  The Pokémon Center had one whole 
wall gone.  Pikachu shuddered as he watched from Ash's shoulder.  The 
rest of the city was in a simmilar shape.  Ash didn't say a word as he 
released Misty from her ball.  The genie formed in mid-air and looked 
at Ash.

	"Ash, what...?"  Misty began, but stopped as she saw the damage 
to her home town.  Tears welled up in her eyes as she said in a choked 
whisper, "No."

	Ash sighed and took a deep breath.  "Misty, do you think you can 
get the rubble stacked in neat piles?"

	Sobbing softly, Misty asked, "Huh?  What do you mean?"

	"Seperate bricks, boards, and other things into reusable and 
unusable piles."

	"How can I do that?" the genie asked.

	"By me making a wish."

	Looking down, the human Pokémon hesitantly said, "I don't know."	

	"Well, you're always on me to make wishes, so you can practice," 
Ash idly commented.  "I wish for the building materials in the rubble 
to be seperated into neat piles of reusable and usuable piles."

	Misty concentrated and blinked.  The rubble started vanishing bit 
by bit, as mulitple piles of wood, stone, metal, etc. started forming.  
Buildings that were somewhat intact, like the Pokémon Center, were left 
alone.  After about half an hour, Misty finished the wish and shook her 
head.  Ash glanced at his Pokémon's face and quickly recalled her.

	"I don't want to exhaust her," Ash mumbled.

	Charizard just smirked and Pikachu just shook his head.

	"Charizard, head further southwards.  We'll be making a stop 
soon."

	The orange dragon nodded and winged his way towards Saffron City.  
While waiting for Charizard to reach the next destination, Ash cheked 
his pockets and pack.

	"Some Mystery Berries, a few Elixers, some Full Restores, and a 
couple of Max Potions.  Hopefully, this is enough to keep Misty on her 
feet," he said, as he looked ahead.  "Charizard land.  We want to make 
a stop here."

	The fire Pokémon wondered what was going on, but obeyed Ash.  As 
soon as Charizard had touched down, Ash slid off and recalled hit Fire 
Pokémon.  Pikachu leapt onto Ash's shoulder.

	"This place has seen better days," Ash said, as he studied a 
mansion.

	All the glass in the building's windows was gone.  Part of the 
roof had collapsed and a tree was driven though one side of the house.  

	*I hope he's here,* Ash thought, as he approached the structure.

	Flashes of light comming from the undamged portion of the 
mansion, told him that the person he was hunting for was here.  Ash 
walked up to one of the windows and looked in.

	"Hi, Professor Akihabra.  Remember me?"  Ash said, as he surveyed 
the room.

	The lab, other than the window, was virtually untouched by the 
hurricane.  The inch thick layered steel and lead walls had seen to 
that.   Strange electronic devices were scattered about and a giant 
capsule shaped object was sitting in the middle of the floor.  A man 
wearing thick glasses and a labcoat was working on the capsule.

	Looking up, the man saw Ash and replied, "I'm never going to get 
this repaired with all these interuptions.  Now, please be quiet."

	Ash continued, "Actually Professor, that device is what I came to 
see you about.  Professor Oak and Pokémon Researcher Bill want to use 
your device to link certain areas."

	Putting his tools down, the professor looked interested, 
"Professor Oak, himself?  Interesting.  Ash Ketchum, right?  You're the 
one with the human Pokémon."

	Ash winced and nodded, "I'm also the one you sent into cyberspace 
with your Porygon."

	"Ah.  Now I remember you.  I guess I do owe you for getting that 
mess straightened out.  So what's the deal?"

	"I'd rather let Bill or Professor Oak explain.  Do you mind being 
teleported with your equipment?"

	"No."

	The professor watched as Ash summoned Misty forth.  As soon as 
she formed, Misty looked curiously at Ash.

	"What's going on, Ash?"
 
	"I wish that the Professor, his Pokémon, and all of his equipment 
would be teleported to one of the larger empty rooms of my gym."

	Misty blink-nodded and sent the contents of the room far away to 
Greystice Island.  Ash checked his new Pokégear watch and noticed 
something.

	*So soon?*

	Ash shook his head and studied his Pokémon.

	"Misty, here have a Mysteryberry.  It should restore some of your 
strength," Ash said as he handed the genie a large berry.

	Misty made a sour expression as she looked at the proffered food.  
She took it and ate it.  After doing so, a look of surprise crossed her 
face.

	"Something the matter, Misty?"

	"No.  The last time I tired eating a Mysteryberry, it was very 
horrible.  This one tastes great."

	"They still are horrible.  But, Pokémon love them."

	Misty shut up, as she recalled her taste buds had changed along 
with the rest of her.  She sat down on a large rock and sighed sadly.

	"My home gone," the genie muttered.

	Sitting beside his Pokémon, Ash said, "You'll always have a home 
back at my gym, if you want it."

	Shaking her head, Misty replied, "No, Ash.  My home is now a ball 
that you carry around with you.  I'm going to stay one of your 
Pokémon."

	"Why?" Ash asked in shock.

	"I guess I enjoy it," Misty replied sadly.  "Even if I was cured, 
Team Rocket wouldn't stop trying for me.  Besides, being one of your 
Pokémon allows me a lot more freedom than if I was someone elses or 
even a free Pokémon."

	Pikachu offered a paw to Misty and the genie took it with one 
hand.  With a shake of paw and hand, Pikachu welcomed Misty to the 
team.   Ash remained silent, as he stuggled with the idea that Misty 
was now a permanent part of his Pokémon crew.  He examined Misty with 
the new awareness. 

	"I see that you are still wearing that shiny genie costume," Ash 
mumbled.

	Misty blushed furiously as she recalled how she got her shiny 
clothes.

	"Ash, don't bring that up."

	"Er.  Sorry," Ash replied, also blushing.

	Pikachu looked back and forth and wondered what was going on.

	After a few moments of awkard silence, Misty asked, "Where are 
you going now?"

	"I'm going to cut across Grandpa Canyon to get to Saffron City 
and see if Sabrina needs any help with her gym and hopefully use your 
power to help out like we did in Cerulean."

	"Yeah, fine," Misty replied, as she thought, *Is it me or are my 
clothes getting tighter?*

	That was the last thought Misty had, before getting recalled into 
her Pokéball.
--------
	Back on Greystice Island, Professor Akihabra appeared in a large 
room with his equipment.  Unfortunately, he and his stuff appeared 
three feet in the air.  Everything came down with a resounding crash.

	"He's going to have to train her to use her powers better. Ouch," 
the professor said, as he lay on his back.

	A small group of people came charging into the room and saw the 
mess and the stunned inventor on the floor.  The group consited of 
three women, three boys, and two men.  One of the boys was a bit older 
than the other two.  One of the men offered a hand to the professor.

	"Professor Akihabra?  My name is Bill.  This is Professor Oak," 
the curly haired man said.

	Taking the hand, Akihabra managed to get back on to his feet.

	"That Ash kid said you wanted to use my device to link areas.  Is 
this true?" the professor asked, and pulled out a couple of Pokéballs.

	"Yes," Bill replied and pointed to the older boy.  "Brock, here, 
has told us about the adventure he had while at your house."

	Akihabra nodded.  "Fine.  Fine.  I'll get back to work on this.  
I want my invention to benefit mankind, or at least be useful. I'll 
need some peace and quiet to finish it up."

	"You'll have that," Professor Oak assured.

	Looking at the group, Akihabra asked, "Is there anyone else 
here?"

	Brock shrugged, "Ash and Misty aren't here at the moment, and 
this place does belong to Ash.  Agatha of the Elite Four and Gary Oak 
are elsewhere in this....building.  He's sick with a cold and Agatha is 
watching over him."

	Akihabra looked at Brock, curious as to why he hesitated on the 
word 'building'.  He shrugged and went back to work on his transport 
device.  After a few seconds, he released his Pokémon to help him out.

	"Porygon," the two artficial Pokémon chorused.

	All but Brock and Bill, said in unison, "What are those?"

	Looking back over his shoulder, the slightly overweight professor 
said, "Those are Porygon.  I created them to help me out.  Now if you 
wouldn't mind, could you please leave.  I want to get back to work."

	Everyone took a glance at the professor and filed out of the 
room.

	In a whisper, Daisy said to Bill, "Strange man."

	"Dedicated to helping people out with his skills, actually.  He 
wasn't lying when he said he created Porygon.  The first artifical 
Pokémon."

	Daisy sighed and asked softly, "Have you told Misty yet?"

	"Misty left with Ash before I had a chance to tell her that she 
can't be cured," Bill replied, in a low voice.

	"I hope Misty can take it."
---------------------------------------
	Back atop Charizard, Ash was flying over the rocky terrain where 
his Charmeleon evolved into Charizard.  He noticed that there were some 
signs lying on the ground.  Even from the air, Ash could see the 
warning symbols on the signs.

	"I wonder if that has anything to do with what happened here 
earlier," Ash mumbled.

	Looking down, the Pallet boy saw creatures that he didn't think 
he'd see again.  Four of the five fossil Pokémon were in the group: 
Kabuto, Kabutpos, Omanyte, and Omastar.  At first Ash dismissed them 
from his mind, since he had more important things to do.  He quickly 
changed his mind when he saw some smashed up cars and motorcycles.

	"Those things are on a rampage," Ash said, with a sigh.  "Looks 
like I'm going to have to clean up another of Team Rocket's messes."

	Ash released Misty and pointed downwards.

	"We have to take care of those Pokémon," Ash said, as he pulled 
out his Pokédex.

	Misty nodded as she perpared for combat.

	Looking at his Pokédex, Ash said, "Misty, use Shadow Ball.  It's 
one of your other attacks."

	The genie concentrated on forming the attack.  A translucent blue 
ball formed in each of her hands.  Smirking she threw both the spheres 
at the two Kabutops.  They reeled from the attack and almost collapsed.  
Taking advantage of the situation, Ash launched two Pokéballs at them.  
After some blinking form the balls, the Kabutops were captured.

	"Ash, what are my attacks?"  Misty called.

	Her Trainer replied, "The ones you know right now are Ember, 
Shadow Ball, Night Shade, Rolling Kick, Teleport, and Lovely Kiss."

	Looking at the last entry, Ash commented, "That's an odd one."

	Misty smiled, as she started blowing kisses towards the remaining 
Pokémon.  Looking over her shoulder, she got annoyed.  She saw Ash was 
still  studying the Pokédex.

	"Ash!  Hurry up and capture them!"  the genie yelled.

	Snapping his electronic guide shut, Ash looked up, "Oh.  Right."

	Shaking her head, the human Pokémon watched as her Trainer 
captured the rest of the rampaging creatures.

	*That's that,* Misty thought.

	A sudden upheaval of rocks caught her off guard and knocked her 
out.  Seeing his friend was falling, Ash motioned for Charizard to 
intercept Misty.  While the orange dragon sped towards his teammate, 
Ash hunted for the source of the attack.  His throat went dry as he saw 
an Aerodactyl flying towards Misty.

	*Great,* Ash thought with dread.  *This Aerodactyl knows a Rock 
attack.  I'll have to try something.*

	Pulling out another Pokéball, Ash released Sapphire and placed 
him atop of Charizard's head.  With a quick jerk of his head, he 
relayed to Pikachu to support Sapphire.

	"Sapphire, you are an Ice Pokémon, try an Ice Beam and hit that 
Aerodactyl."

	The small, blue bird reared back a bit and shot forth an 
blistering wind of ice and snow at the flying dinosaur.  The shock of 
the Ice attack staggered Aerodactyl.  Ash threw a Pokéball at it, and 
quickly ignored it, as he was concentrating on catching Misty's falling 
form.

	"Misty?  Are you all right?" Ash asked, as he cradled his genie.

	Getting no answer, Ash hurriedly pulled a vial from his pocket 
and poured it down Misty's throat.  Eyes fluttering open, Misty woke up 
as the Revive took effect.  The genie soon realized she was sitting in 
Ash's lap, with one of his arms cradling the back of her neck.   The 
genie and her Trainer locked eyes for a long moment.  Charizard and 
Pikachu grinned.

	Breaking the silence, Misty asked, "What happend?"

	"An Aerodactyl knocked you out with a Rock attack.  You're weak 
against Rock, Water, and Ground attacks."

	"Where is it now?"

	Pikachu pointed towards a ball lying on the ground.

	Seeing it, Ash answered his genie, "Probably in there.  Charizard 
land."

	The firey dragon did so and Ash and Misty slid of his back.

	"Sapphire.  Charizard.  Return."

	After two flashes of red lights, Ash and Misty headed over 
towards the ball.  Ash grabbed up the Pokéball and struck a pose.

	"I've caught an Aerodactyl."

	"Pi-pikachu."

	Misty shook her head.  "You've caught a lot more than that."

	Ash took one glance at the remaining balls and replied, "You take 
some of them."

	Misty and Pikachu stared at Ash in shock.

	"Misty, I'm giving them to you," Ash said.

	The genie bit her lower lip and asked, "Is this because you feel 
guilty that I'm now one of your Pokémon?"

	Ash said, "I've got an Aerodactyl.  You're not going to have much 
time to catch any new Pokémon, since you're going to be one of mine."

	Misty mentally smiled to herself, as she saw through Ash's 
transparent attempt to hide his real reason.  She gathered up about 
half of the Pokéballs and sent them to her storage shelf on Greystice 
Island.  Ash saw that she wasn't taking anymore balls and gathered the 
rest of them up and also sent them on their way.  Pikachu felt proud 
that Ash was starting to grow up.
----------------------
 					Chapter 17

	Temporarily shaking off the trance inducing effect of being 
inside her alternate Pokéball, Misty thought, *Saffron City.  Sabrina.  
The last time I was there, I was turned into a doll.  If it wasn't for 
that Haunter, I'd still be one.*

	Misty felt a sudden jolt of energy, but dismissed it as being 
inside the Pokéball.

	*I guess I should talk to Sabrina about having so much power.  
Even though she isn't a Pokémon, she's the only one on who I could talk 
to about something like this.*

	The genie stopped struggling against the field and let her mind 
go blank, as she waited for her Trainer to call her once more.
-------------------
	From the back of his flying Charizard, Ash saw that the Trainers 
from the Saffron Gym were busy cleaning up the streets with their 
psychic powers.  He nodded and looked towards the Gym.  He spotted 
Sabrina standing outside and looking up at him.

	Addressing Pikachu, Ash said, "Sabrina's spotted us.  I think we 
should at least go say 'hi'.  Besides, I want to greet Haunter while 
we're here."

	"Chu."

	Tapping Charizard on the side of the neck, Ash directed his fiery 
dragon to land near the Gym.  After he and Pikachu slid off, Ash 
recalled Charizard.

	"Hi.  Sabrina," Ash said.  "How's Haunter doing?"

	Sabrina, still a bit unused to it, smiled and replied, "He's 
doing just fine, Ash.  I heard what you and Misty did at Saffron and 
sent my Junior Trainers to help out here."

	Ash shrugged.  "It was the least we could do."

	Sabrina shook her head, "Actually, you didn't have to do 
anything.  After what happened at the tournament, I'm surprised that 
you are still willing to help others out."

	"Gary and I have had our differences.  Damian is a creep.  As far 
as Team Rocket goes, I've had to deal with them for a while."

	"I'm talking about the exile that was recently lifted, because of 
the storm."

	"Oh that," Ash replied, and made a dismissive gesture with his 
hand.  "It was only supposed to be a month.  Besides, I got new Pokémon 
because of it and I do own the island now."

	Sabrina shook her head. "You amaze me.  But anyway, I did hear 
about Misty becoming a Pokémon and wish to see how she does against my 
Pokémon."

	"A battle?"  Ash asked, eagerly.

	Sabrina nodded and motioned for Ash to follow her inside.  The 
boy from Pallet followed the psychic into the building.  They soon made 
it to the Gym's main arena.

	Sabrina addressed Ash,  "You already have a Marsh Badge, so this 
isn't for a badge.  This is just two people practicing."

	Ash nodded.  "That suits me just fine."

	"I have heard some rumors about how strong Misty is," Sabrina 
said, as a Pokéball floated from a stand to hover over her shoulder.  
"I've been looking for something that can challenge my Alakazam."

	Ash threw a Pokéball and said, "Misty, I choose you."

	"Go, Alakazam."
----------------
	Misty looked confused for a second after she came out of her ball 
and looked around.  She noticed an Alakazam forming in front of her and 
prepared for combat."

	*Ash, you're using me in a battle,* Misty thought.  *Finally.*

	"Misty, use a Shadow Ball."

	"Alakazam Psychic."

	Misty felt a sudden stabbing pain in her head,  She shrugged it 
off and formed her sphere of ghostly energies.  She launched the ball 
at her opponent, who staggered a bit from the attack.

	The genie heard Dexter chime, "The attack was super effective." 

	Misty bit her lower lip and thought, *Psychic is one of the 
strongest attacks, and yet I can shrug it off.  While a Rock attack 
just knocks me right out.*

	The Pokégenie shook her head in pain as she felt her Shadow Ball 
rendered inoperable due to Alakazam's Disable attack.  She gritted her 
teeth and concentrated on punching the Psychic creature.  She was a bit 
surprised as her fist was engulfed in flames.  The Alakazam stumbled 
back as it took a flaming hit.

	"Misty has now learned Fire Punch.  Misty has now learned Thunder 
Punch," Dexter said from Ash's pocket.

	"Two attacks?"  Ash wondered aloud.  "Never mind.  Misty, Thunder 
Punch."

	"Alakazam Recover."

 	Misty put on an extra bit of speed and slammed into her opponent 
with a fist surrounded by crackling lightning.  The electrical 
discharge hung around Alakazam, seizing his muscles up.  She sighed in 
relief, as she saw that the opposing Pokémon was paralyzed from her 
attack.

	Just as Misty was about to launch another attack, she heard 
Sabrina say, "Stop.  You win."

	Misty said to Sabrina, "Your Pokémon is very good.  He put up a 
great fight."

	Sabrina looked at the genie.  "My Alakazam is a girl.  Are you 
all right?"

	Misty gritted her teeth and nodded.  "I'll be fine when the 
Disable wears off.  It hurts."

	Ash rushed over to Misty.  "I didn't know.  If I had...."

	"If you had known, you wouldn't have used me.  This is something 
I have to get used to," Misty replied, and sighed as her Shadow Ball 
was made available to her again.

	"She is right," Sabrina said.  "Misty will have to get used to 
having her attacks denied to her at times."

	Ash said uncertainly, "I guess."

	Sabrina examined her two visitors and whispered, "You two have 
grown since I last saw you."

	Ash looked around and asked, "By the way, where's Haunter?  I'd 
like to see how he's doing."

	Sabrina started and replied, "Haunter is in the back.  Are you 
here to pick him up?"

	Ash thought he heard a pleading sound in Sabrina's voice at the 
end.

	Shaking his head, he replied, "Nah.  He chose to stay here with 
you.  I'm just visiting a friend."

  	Sabrina nodded in relief.  "I'm sure he'll be happy to see you 
too."

	Ash put his hand behind his neck and laughed.  "Besides, I never 
really caught him.  He just followed me back from Lavender Town."

	Ash snapped his fingers as a sudden thought occurred to him.

	"Sabrina, why don't you head up to Lavender Town and ask the 
Gastly and Gengar at the tower to move in with you?  They are lonely 
for someone to play with.  And I'm quite sure, those two would like to 
be reunited with their friend."

	Misty asked, "Ash, what are you talking about?  Those three tried 
to scare us."

	Ash shook his head.  "No.  They were just having fun.  They want 
to make people laugh, but everyone is frightened of them, because they 
are Ghost Pokémon.  That's why I never bothered to catch any of them.  
It wouldn't feel right."

	"Thanks for telling me,"  Sabrina said.  "I think I'll meet those 
two soon."

	Ash and Misty followed Sabrina into a back room, where some 
broken psychic testing equipment was being stored.  In the center of 
the room, was what appeared to be a snowman made out of junk.  A purple 
shape faded into view and placed two small screens as eyes for the 
junkman.

	Misty whispered to Sabrina, "What's Haunter doing?"

 	"Haunter will animate that junk and send it running through the 
various Esper study rooms.  The last time it did this, the junkman was 
doing the Russian Step dance all the way through the Gym," Sabrina 
whispered back.

	Ash walked up and said, "Hi, Haunter.  It's good to see you 
again."

	"Haunter-haunter,"  the ghostly creature replied.

	Misty bit her lower lip and stroked her chin.  "Ash, while you 
and Pikachu get reacquainted with Haunter, I'd like to talk to Sabrina 
alone."

	"Sure, Misty," Ash replied, slightly distracted as Haunter 
started making funny faces.
--------------
	Sabrina wondered what Misty wanted to talk about as the two girls 
left Ash and the Pokémon.

	Misty asked, "How do keep from going insane from being so 
different from everyone?"

	Pursing her lips, Sabrina replied, "I did go insane for a bit.  
Remember being turned into a doll?"

	Misty shuddered at the memory.  "What about now?"

	Shaking her head, the psychic gym leader said, "I'm sorry Misty, 
but I can't tell you what it's like to be a human Pokémon.  All I am is 
a powerful psychic."

	Misty sighed. 

	"Misty," Sabrina said, "If you want to talk about being more 
powerful than other humans, I'll be here."

	The genie blinked a bit and nodded.  "Thanks."

	"As Ash said, it is the least I could do."

	The two girls started chatting about power and how they were 
different from others.  They were interrupted when Ash walked in.

	"Sabrina?"  Ash began, "I'd like to leave Misty here for a bit.  
There are some things I want to do, that I don't want her to know 
about."

	Misty narrowed her eyes, while Sabrina stared at Ash and then at 
a wall calendar.

	"Ah.  I see," Sabrina replied.  "I'll have to take care of that 
myself.  Thanks for reminding me."

	Misty glanced from Gym Leader to her Trainer and asked, "Did I 
just miss something here?"

	Sabrina put a hand on Misty's shoulder and smiled.  "Don't worry, 
Misty.  This is something Ash has to take care of without you being 
present.  You'll find out soon enough."

	Ash nodded his agreement.

	"I'll be back soon.  I'll also be leaving Pikachu here with you."

	Misty shook her head in confusion as she tried to figure out what 
Ash was up to.  She noticed that her Trainer pulled a piece of paper 
from his pocket.

	"Misty, I wish you would speak Pokémon."

	Misty mentally groaned as she granted the wish.

	"Nie-genie-genie-gen!"

	"If you're asking why, I think you need to talk with Pikachu for 
a while."

	"Nie?"

	Ash shrugged and replied, "Just call it a hunch."

	"Don't worry about talking with me," Sabrina added.  "I have my 
telepathy to communicate with.  And, I also think that Ash's feelings 
are correct in this matter."

	Ash waved to Pikachu and Misty as he left the Saffron gym.  "I'll 
be back soon."

	Misty turned to Pikachu and asked in Pokespeech, "What do you 
think he's up to?"

	Pikachu replied, "I have no idea."

	"It is still a tad unnerving to hear words from Pokémon," the 
genie whispered to herself.
----------------------------------
	In Viridian City, Giovanni looked at the reports on the new human 
Pokémon.  Leaning back in his leather covered swivel chair, he 
contemplated the possibilities of having such a Pokémon for himself.  
He leaned forward and pressed a button on his desk.

	"Get Butch and Cassidy.  I have a job for them."

	"Yes, sir."
--------------------------------
				   Chapter 18

	Misty wandered around Sabrina's gym, waiting for Ash to come 
back.  As she walked around, she had conversations with the other 
Pokémon.  She did feel a bit odd that she had problems talking with 
humans.

	*Why did Ash want me like this, before he left?"  Misty thought 
to herself.  A sudden thought came to her, causing her to wince.  
*Oops.  I did say I wanted to know how a Pokémon lives.  So, Ash is 
letting me learn to be a Pokémon.  I guess I can't complain.*

	Misty stopped her tracks for a second and concentrated.

	*Let's see.  Ash is there and moving in that direction.  What is 
he up to.  Wait a second, he's now headed this way.*

	Misty quickly made her way to the entry hall of the gym and 
waited for Ash.  After a few seconds, Ash walked into the gym carrying 
some packages.  They were boxes wrapped in red and green paper

	"Nie-genie-genie!",  Misty said, not noticing the packages at 
first.

	As soon as she saw the bag, her eyes darted over to a calendar 
and read the month.  It was December.  Misty rubber her forehead in 
exasperation and pointed to her throat.

	"Oh.  Sorry, Misty.  I wish you could speak human."

	After granting the wish, Misty placed her hands on her hips and 
glared at Ash.  "Why didn't you just say you were going to go Christmas 
shopping?"

	"I didn't want to bump into you at the store."

	Rubbing her eyes, Misty commented, "You're hopeless."

	Sabrina walked into the room and smiled a bit.  "Come on, Misty.  
I'll go with you as we go Christmas shopping."

	Misty shook her head and directed a question at Ash.  "Why did 
you want me to speak like a Pokémon? "

	Ash shook his head.  "You said that she wanted to see what 
Pokémon life was like.  I just gave you the chance."

	"Misty groaned, "Never mind.  I've got to get my shopping done as 
well."

	The Pokégenie left with her fellow Gym Leader, still a little 
upset at the subterfuge.

	Before she left, she switched her clothing for some more normal 
attire.  As she walked, she muttered, "Christmas shopping.  All this 
just for some holiday shopping."

	"Don't feel to angry at Ash.  He was getting your presents while 
doing it," Sabrina said, slightly amused

	"I know that," Misty countered. "It's just that if he told me, I 
would have tried to come up with something to get him and the others."

	Sabrina tapped her lower lip thoughtfully. "Abra."

	"What?"

	"From what I have seen, Ash doesn't have a Psychic Pokémon."

	Misty shook her head, and replied, "Actually he does.  Espeon.  
Long story.  He also has another Pokémon called Umbreon."

	Sabrina winced when she heard the name Umbreon.

	"Sabrina, are you all right?" Misty asked, concerned about the 
expression on her face.

	"One Umbreon tore through six of my strongest Pokémon without 
breaking a sweat.  I'll have to get a Pokémon that can handle Dark 
attacks now."

	"Dark?"

	"Two new types have been discovered.  Dark and Steel.  Dark types 
are completely immune to Psychic attacks and their attacks are strong 
against both Psychics and Ghosts.  I think Steel is resistant to Dark, 
I'm not sure."

	"You're going after a Steel type?"  Misty asked.

	Sabrina nodded.  "A Scizor, the evolved form of Scyther.  Dark is 
weak against Bug attacks."

	Misty asked, "How do you evolve a Scyther."

	"First you need a Metal Coat.  I'll have to talk to Whitney in 
Goldenrod and see if she can't get one for me.  I think she has a 
Porygon that needs evolved.  I can easily get an Up-grade Kit."

	Misty shook her head, and tried to think of something to get Ash.

 	*Pokémon?  No.  Pokéballs?  No.  Wait a sec.  Professor Oak just 
gave Ash a Pokégear.  A map card, and the two radio card upgrades for 
his new toy.  Brock? A date with my sisters.  Right, something else.  
My sisters need some better trained Water Pokémon.*

	Misty mentally checked off what she was going to get each person, 
as she and Sabrina began their shopping.
--------------------------------------------------
	Back at the Psychic Gym, Ash petted his Pikachu's head.  He was 
sitting in a chair facing out a window,

	"I've got some Pokémon for everyone.  I'm going to try and make 
up with Gary.  That's why I didn't want Misty with me.  She'd probably 
throw a fit if she knew what I was going to give him."

	"Pika?"

	"I want my friend back, Pikachu," Ash said.  "The insults and 
rivalry are just too hard for me to deal with now that I know why it 
happened."

	"Chu?"  Pikachu asked, as he pointed at the packages.

	"Sorry," Ash said with a smile.  "You'll find out when Gary 
does."

	"Pikachu," the electric rodent said with a huff.

	Ash just shook his head and kept patting his first Pokémon
----------------------------------------------------------------
	On Greystice Island, Akihabra finished setting up the first 
transport booth.  He stood up and stretched. Looking around, he saw 
Professor Oak nearby.

	"Where do you want me to set the next one up at?"  Akihabra 
asked.

	Oak replied, "My lab in Pallet Town and then Cerulean City Gym."

	"Right.  I'll leave a Porygon here to help maintain the booth," 
the scientist replied.  "The second one should be easier.  I'll use my 
Pidgeot to get to Pallet."

	"Won't you need your equipment?" Oak asked.

	"Don't need it.  There is enough spare parts kept at your ball 
teleporter for me to make another transporter."

	Professor Oak frowned and asked.  "Are you sure?'

	"Yes.  The transporter is just a much larger version of the ball 
transport device.  The wiring is the same, just the power output is 
different."

	"Ah," Oak said, nodding his understanding.

	"Well, I'm off," Akihabra said.

	"Later."

	After he left, Oak looked at the transporter and frowned.

	"I know we're forgetting something, but what?"
------------------------------------------------
	After Misty and Sabrina returned from Christmas shopping, Ash 
brought out Aerodactyl and Charizard.  The newest member of Ash's party 
eyed Ash warily.

	Ash bowed and said, "Welcome to the group, Aerodactyl.  We need 
your help.  Misty and I have a lot of Christmas packages to take back 
home.  I was hoping on your help....."

	"Aero," the fossil Pokémon said, and knelt down to allow the 
packages to be strapped to his back.

	After securing the packages, Ash turned to Sabrina.  "Thanks for 
the match and the help.  I hope we meet again."

	"I hope so to."

	Sabrina waved good-bye as Ash, Misty and the Pokémon disappeared 
into the air.

	"I guess I should call Whitney."

	Sabrina picked up a nearby phone and dialed a number.

	"Whitney?  This is Sabrina.  I recently had a run in with a Dark 
Pokémon.  I have Scyther that I want to evolve into a Scizor, but I 
need a Metal Coat.  I can get an Up-Grade kit to trade.  You will?  
Thanks.  I'll see you tomorrow.  It is getting late.  Bye."

	Sabrina hung up the phone and headed to Silph Co.  Once there, 
she procured an Up-Grade kit and headed home.

	"One Scizor should deal with any Dark Pokémon I encounter.  That 
Umbreon was a nasty surprise."
----------------------------------------------
	Bill stared a dark rock and was getting frustrated.  Daisy, who 
was helping sort things, looked up.

	"What's wrong?"

	"This rock.  It's a Dark Stone.  I was thinking that it might 
evolve a Pokémon, but so far no luck."

	"Dark Stone? I've never heard of it."

	"Well, where I got it from didn't speak the same language as we 
do.  I picked up evolve and stone.  I think the word that described it 
was dark, I'm not sure."

	Professor Oak, frowning, walked in and heard the conversation.  
He picked up the rock and studied it.

	"It's an Everstone.  It prevents evolution.  A Pokémon that holds 
this won't evolve, even if they are exposed to an Evolution stone.  
Dark might have refereed to preventing.  Funny thing about bad 
translations: measurements get distorted, terms are misunderstood, and 
who knows what else."

	Taking the Everstone from the Professor, Daisy looked at it.  "If 
Misty was wearing this, when that blast happened....?"

	Bill shrugged.  "Unknown.  There were a LOT of stones involved.  
That is only one."

	Daisy asked, "Do you mind if I kept this?"

	Bill pulled out a box filled with twenty of the stones.  "Go 
ahead, I've got plenty of them.  Now that I know what they do, I won't 
need as many."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
	Butch and Cassidy were using a pontoon boat they had swiped from 
a junkyard to travel to Greystice Island.

	"Cassidy, we just grab the girl and get out right?"

 	"Not exactly," Cassidy replied.  "The boss wants any research 
findings that Oak and Bill have made.  If there is a way to make more 
Human Pokémon, he wants that information."

	"Why?"

	"Because we can get not only the best Pokémon, but the best 
Trainers as well."

	"I see."

	"Get ready, Jesse.  We're going to be upstaging you soon,"  
Cassidy said and started laughing.
------------------------------------------------------------------
	Aerodactyl and Charizard winged their way to Greystice Island.  
Ash kept checking to make sure the packages weren't going to fall into 
the ocean.  Fortunately, there were no incidents.  The two flying 
Pokémon touched down right outside Ash's building.
	
	After getting the packages off, Ash lifted up two balls.  "Thanks 
guys.  Aerodactyl, Charizard return."

	Two beams of red light shone forth and recalled the two Pokémon

	"Well, Ash what did you get your Mom?"  Misty asked, as she 
gathered her gifts up.

	"If I told you, you'd have an idea on what I got you," Ash 
replied.

	Misty shook her head and followed her Trainer inside.

	"Professor?"  Ash called.  "I'm back."

	Professor Oak walked out of a side room.  "Hi, Ash.  I was just 
walking through this place.  I think the two of you need to do a little 
bit of remodeling."

	Ash and Misty looked at each other

	"Why?" Misty asked.

	"This huge building can hold lots of people and yet it only has 
four bathrooms, and none of them has a bath or shower."

	Ash blushed a deep red.  "Oops."

	Misty was also feeling a bit embarrassed by the situation.

	Professor Oak pulled out Ash's blueprints and led the two into 
another room.  He placed the papers down on a table and pointed out the 
changes.

	"While you were gone, Agatha, Bill, and I went over these plans 
and made the necessary changes that will have to be implemented for 
this place."

	Misty sighed and said, "As soon as we put our Christmas shopping 
away, I'll be ready to do this."

	"Same here, Professor."

	Oak nodded and waited for the two to put up their gifts and 
return.  Ash and his genie returned quickly.

	"Ready?"  Oak asked.

	The two teens nodded.

	Ash took a deep breath and began, "Misty, I wish that the changes 
that were made on the plans would be made to this building."

	Misty's eyes glowed orange for a second, as she picked up the 
plans.

	"I'm going to be on this all night," Misty said.

	"Maybe you can wait until tomorrow," Ash suggested.

	Misty shook her head.  "I said I was ready, and I don't have 
anyone to blame but myself."

	The Pokégenie walked off with the plans and went to work granting 
her Trainer's wish.

	Ash, after Misty had left, asked, "Professor?  I was thinking 
about starting a dairy farm and maybe use that underground forest as a 
new Safari Zone to give a reason why people would come here."

	"Bill and I will have to look over the forest, to see if what you 
are suggesting is feasible.  The dairy farm, you'll need some expert 
advice  I know nothing about setting one up."

	"Suggestions?"

	"There's a Milktank farm near Goldenrod City.  The man who runs 
it is a close relative of the Goldenrod City gym leader.  He has been 
complaining about there being too much demand for his one farm.  He 
might not be able to come, but Whitney should be able to."

	"How will she get here?"

	"Magnet Train to Saffron and then she can get over to Pallet easy 
enough.  Akihabra is setting up a transport booth."

	"I see."

	Professor Oak said, "I'll call her and see what she says.  Have 
you decided on a theme for your Gym yet?"

	Sighing heavily, Ash replied, "Not yet.  I want to get reasons to 
come here in place first, then I'll decide."

	"I see," Professor Oak said.  "I'll see you later.  I have a call 
to make."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
				    Chapter 19

	A girl wearing tight, white shorts and a white T-shirt, with an 
orange triangle over her left breast, picked up two gray coats and 
headed towards train station.

"Well, I guess I can drop Sabrina's off to her before I head to Pallet 
Town."

	Goldenrod City Gym leader Whitney boarded the train to Saffron 
and stared at the coats.  "At least those coats can be used as heavy 
winter coats.  I'm going to need it where I'm going."

	The girl mused as the Magnet Train started up and shot towards 
Goldenrod's twin.  "Uncle has been overworked as of late.  People do 
need to eat.  And, that place sounds like it would be the perfect place 
to set up ice cream production."

	After a while, the train stopped and Whitney disembarked.  She 
quickly made her way to Sabrina's Gym.

	"Sabrina?  Are you here?"  Whitney called.

	The Psychic Gym leader walked into the lobby, looking slightly 
surprised.  "Whitney?  What are you doing here?"

	Whitney shrugged and replied.  "I'm on my way to Pallet Town.  
Since I had to stop in Saffron first, I decided to give you your Metal 
Coat now."

	"Thanks," Sabrina replied, as she took one of the gray coats.  
"Pallet Town?  Why there?"

	"There's supposed to be some sort of transport device there.  I'm 
going to be helping a person by the name of Ash Ketchum set up a dairy 
farm.  He's trying to get a Gym ready to be sanctioned, but he wants 
other things in place first.  Apparently he's got about forty Milktank 
and he needs someone with experience with dairy farming."

	Sabrina giggled a bit.  "He was here yesterday.  Christmas 
shopping.  Oh, here's the Up-grade Kit."

	Whitney nodded as she took the small package from her fellow Gym 
Leader.

	"I guess I'll be heading off to Pallet Town," Whitney said, as 
she walked away.

	"Whitney, wait.  I'd like to come with you.  I'd like to see this 
Gym that Ash is working on."

	"Better hold off on evolving your Scyther.  You're going to need 
that Steel Coat.  Greystice Island is cold.  The coat will keep you 
warm," Whitney said, as she stuffed the Up-grade Kit into a pocket of 
the coat she was carrying.

	"I think they'd at least set up near some warmth," Sabrina said.

	"I'm just being safe.  If so, we can remove the coats after we 
arrive.  No problem."

	The two girls gathered up some supplies and headed off to Pallet 
Town.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
	Ash, with Pikachu, was leading Bill and Professor Oak through the 
caves that led to the underground forest.  He stopped and waved his 
hand grandly.

	"There it is.  The forest I was telling you about."

	Bill and Oak's mouths opened in shock as they stared at the 
woods.  Both looked up and saw the crystal providing light to the plant 
life.  Bill pulled a small telescope key-chain and peered through it.

	"That's a Magikarp up there.  That crystal must be part of the 
reef surrounding the island.  If there are more caves with crystals 
like that, you might have multiple underground forests."

	Professor Oak stroked his chin, as he surveyed the area.  he 
shook his head, and addressed Ash.

	"I have a hunch, Bill might be right.  This network of caves is 
huge.  If there are more forests, centers to study each forest should 
be set up."

	"What are you getting at, Professor?"  Ash asked, slightly 
confused.

	"Gyms, Pokécenters, Labs," Oak said, as he counted with his 
fingers.  "It'll take some time to set up, but I think a new League 
should be set up here."

	"A new League?!" Ash asked, stunned.  "I just wanted to set up a 
Gym, not a whole League."

	Bill shook his head and added his thoughts.  "This place is too 
big for just one Gym to handle.  You own the island and its environs, 
but your building is on the surface.  Not down here."

	"Your building can act as the central location and main contact 
to the mainland, since it is on the surface," Oak said.  "And, with 
that Milktank farm you're setting up, you should be able to provide 
food for the structures that we are suggesting."

	Ash took his cap off and ran a hand through his hair.  
"Professor?  How are you going to build these buildings?  Misty can't 
handle it all.  You can't bring building supplies down here without 
damaging the cave."

	"Er," Oak stammered.  "I'll work on that." 

	Bill shook his head in amusement.  "I'll handle it.  I'll explain 
it to my Pokémon and have them relate what we want built to the wild 
Pokémon here.  The wild Pokémon, if they are cooperative, will help in 
the construction.  My Lighthouse was built by wild Machoke, Diglets, 
and Dugtrio."

	"Why would they want to?" Ash asked.

	Bill answered, "The Pokécenters.  Injured or sick Pokémon can be 
brought back to full health.  The Gyms allow for organized combat that 
usually doesn't get out of hand.  The Labs will keep Pokémon that are 
near extinction around, where if they weren't around those Pokémon 
would die off.  Like Aerodactyl, Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, and 
Kabutops."

	"I see.  By the way, those Pokémon aren't extinct,"  Ash said, as 
he threw a Pokéball.

	"Aero!" came the shrill cry of the dinosaur.

	Ash continued, "As you can see, Aerodactyl is alive and well.  
Misty and I have the others back at the...what are we going to call my 
building?" 

	"Diamondshard," Bill said, as he gazed at Aerodactyl in wonder.  
"And, the others are back there as well?"

	"Yes."

	Oak and Bill glanced at each other and nodded.

	"We'll talk more about this back at...Diamondshard?"  Bill said, 
with a questioning glance at Ash.

	Ash shrugged, "It's as good as name as any.  Aerodactyl return."

	A red beam of light hit the fossil Pokémon and sent it back into 
its ball.

	"You two want to study this one and the others as well," Ash 
stated, more than asked.  "Fine.  I think I need to talk to Whitney 
when I get back anyway."

	Oak nodded, "Yes.  Akihabra should have the teleporter up and 
running in Pallet Town by now.  Whitney will be coming via the 
transporter."

	"Great.  Misty should be finished by the time we get back.  We 
can both talk to Whitney and see what sort of equipment we need."
--------------------------------------------------------------
In Pallet Town, Sabrina and Whitney asked for directions to Oak Labs.  
After they got them, they made their way there.  The two of them 
entered the building and looked around.

	"Is anyone here?"  Whitney called.

	A voice in another room rang out.  "In here.  Professor Oak said 
that someone would be stopping by."

	Whitney and Sabrina made their way to the voice and saw Akihabra 
doing some final adjustments to the newly made transporter.

	"That's it?"  Whitney asked.

	Akihabra replied, "Yep.  I thought there was only supposed to be 
one."

	"I just want to visit Ash, and see his new home," Sabrina 
replied.

	"I see," Akihabra said, and looked at the way Whitney was 
dressed.  "That's not appropriate attire for that island."

	Whitney smiled as she and Sabrina put on their coats.  "We have 
winter coats."

	Akihabra waited until both were in the transporter before 
throwing the switch.  He watched in satisfaction as the two girls 
vanished from Pallet Town to reappear on Greystice Island.

	"Well those are the first two to actually use the teleporter," 
Akihabra muttered to himself.
----------------------------------------------------------------------- 
	Ash sat near the transporter and waited for Whitney's arrival, 
with Pikachu sitting on his shoulder.  Misty had finished granting the 
wish and was in her ball, which was in the recharge unit. The 
transporter hummed to life and two figures started to appear.  Before 
they had fully arrived, a white light emanated from each.

	"What?  That's a Pokémon's evolution light,"  Ash mumbled.  
"Pikachu, get ready."

	"Pi."

	Ash pulled out two Pokéballs and waited for the light to fade.  
He saw two humanoid forms.  Mouth hanging open, he saw Sabrina and a 
girl who he presumed to be Whitney form.  Sabrina was dressed in a 
silver version of the clothes she usually wore(tight pants and a 
jacket) and Whitney was wearing silver shorts, T-shirt, and calf high 
boots.  Both of them had their arms held in an L shaped position.

	"Sabrina?  Whitney?"

	The two girls looked at him and stiffly turned his way.  They 
slowly marched in a stiff gait towards Ash.  Freaking a bit, Ash threw 
a Pokéball at each one.  He was shocked when the balls opened and 
pulled the two inside.  Watching the balls in fascination, Ash's mind 
raced over what he had just seen.

	"Two new human Pokémon?  How?" Ash muttered, and winced as the 
balls made a whooshing sound, as they completed their capture.

	Picking the balls up, Ash released his two newest Pokémon.  The 
two of them shook their heads a bit stiffly and looked around.

	Whitney addressed Ash, "Pokebot-bot-pokebot-poke?"

	"Pokebot?" Ash asked Sabrina.

	"Psybot-psy-psy-psybot."

	The two girls blinked and looked at each other and themselves.  
They frog marched towards the transporter and looked around.  Whitney 
patted her arms, her fingers held stiffly straight.

	Ash sighed and went to get Misty's ball and his Pokédex.  
"Somehow you have become Pokémon.  I don't know how, though."

 	"I hope we can figure it out," Ash said, as he released Misty.

	"Ash, what's going on?"  the genie asked.

	"We have to see Bill and Professor Oak.  We have two new human 
Pokémon to deal with."

	Misty looked at the two girls and saw Sabrina's face.  Wincing a 
bit, Misty nodded.  Ash recalled Sabrina and Whitney back into the 
balls that had captured them.

	"Let's go see Professor Oak," Ash said.
---------------------------------------------
In one of the larger rooms of Diamondshard, Bill and Professor Oak were 
examining a Kabutops.  Daisy was watching the two and shaking her head.

	"Unbelievable," Bill commented.  "The so-called extinct Pokémon 
are still alive."

	"Tops?"

	Professor Oak patted the creature on the head.  "It's a sad thing 
when a species goes extinct, but a joyous occasion when we find out we 
were wrong.  Now, we can prevent you and your companions races from 
going extinct."

	"Kabu."

	"Ash has got another attraction," Bill said, with a chuckle.

	"True."

	As if saying his name conjured him, Ash walked into the room with 
Misty following close behind.

	Oak smiled and said, "Ah, Ash.  Has Whitney arrived yet?"

	Wincing, Ash nodded and replied, "Yes, she arrived.  Sabrina of 
Saffron as well.  But, something happened."

	"What happened?"  Bill asked, with a look of dread on his face. 

	Ash pulled out two Pokéballs and threw them.  In a flash of 
light, the two new human Pokémon appeared.

	"Pokebot"

	"Psybot"

	Daisy, in shock, exclaimed, "How?  I thought you said that it 
wasn't possible, without creating an injection."

	Bill rubbed his forehead frantically and replied, "I don't know.  
Ash, what can you tell us?"

	"Not much.  The arrived via the teleporter and then an evolution 
light shone from both of them."

	"There is something about the teleporter I'm forgetting," Oak 
said.  "If we could understand them, we can find out what happened."

	"I think I can handle that," Misty said.  "I've worked out the 
wish that allows me to understand Pokéspeech, but still talk normally."

	The genie handed Ash a piece of paper .

	Ash read the paper aloud, "Misty, I wish you could do 
translations for Pokémon to humans."

	Misty's eyes glowed orange, as she granted the wish.  She quickly 
conferred with her fellow Human Pokémon to find out what happened.

	Misty shook here head and addressed the waiting people.  "They 
don't know what has happened.  They made it to the teleporter and put 
on some Steel Coats to keep warm and when they arrived, they were like 
this.  Somewhere along the way, they lost their coats.  Whitney is a 
bit upset, since she had an Up-grade Kit in the pocket of hers."

	Bill and Oak groaned in unison.

	Bill muttered, "The trade evolution items.  Humans don't go 
through a link cable or anything close to it.  When they teleported 
wearing Steel Coats, they evolved into Pokémon, like a Scyther would 
evolve into Scizor."

	Daisy eyed the two silver clad girls in sympathy.  "So what type 
are they?"

	Bill took Ash's Pokédex and typed in it a bit.

	"Whitney is a pure Steel type.  A Pokebot.  Sabrina is a 
Steel/Psychic type.  A Psybot."

	"Psybot-psybot-psybot," Sabrina said.

	"Pokebot," Whitney added, while nodding her head.

	Ash asked, "Misty?  What did they say?"

	"They are getting hungry and need something to eat.  They're 
upset, but they do need food in a hurry."

	"Your taste buds were changed when you were, theirs probably were 
to,"  Ash said.  "What do they eat?"

	Silence was his only answer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
				      Chapter 20

	Ash scratched his head, as he looked at his two newest Pokémon.  
He was still in a bit of shock from having two new human Pokémon.  But 
right now, his main concern was what food they could eat.

	"Pikachu, get Chansey," Ash said.

	"Pika," the yellow mouse replied, as it ran off.

	Ash pulled out his Pokédex and brought a Pokéball from storage.

	"Milktank, go," Ash cried.

	The cow Pokémon appeared in a flash of light.  Soon after, 
Pikachu reappeared with Chansey.

	Misty asked, "What are you up to?"

	"I think I know," Bill said. "Even Magnemite and Magneton can 
take Softboiled eggs and Milk Drink.  Ash is probably go have Sabrina 
and Whitney eat and drink that, while we try to figure out what they 
normally eat."

	"Psybot-bot?"  Sabrina asked, as she looked at Ash.

	Ash nodded.

	Whitney gave an answering nod. "Pokebot."

	The two steel humans allowed Milktank and Chansey to look after 
them.

	Daisy asked, "Like, do they have sunburn?  They're moving so 
stiffly."

	"That's because they're Steel type Pokémon," Oak said.  "Their 
bodies are made out of metal ."

	Daisy commented, "Like they are Pokémon robots.  Shouldn't you 
plug them in, instead of feeding them?"

	"Daisy!" Misty said sharply.  "That wasn't nice."

	Bill shook his head.  "No, it wasn't.  But, she might have 
something there."

	The newly made Pokémon looked in Bill's direction, listening to 
what he was saying.

	Bill continued, "Both were wearing Steel Coats, but Whitney had 
an Up-grade kit in the pocket of hers.  An item that was designed 
solely for the evolution of Porygon, an artificial Pokémon.  Steel 
Coats usually have to be found on wild Magnemite, an inorganic Pokémon.  
They might need voltage as their source of food."

	Ash looked at the Psybot and Pokebot dubiously.  "What?  I should 
order Pikachu to Thundershock them to feed them?"

	"No," Bill replied, shaking his head. "But, I think there might 
be a way for Pikachu to feed them."

	Sabrina brought her right hand slowly to right below the base of 
the neck.  With a bit of effort she pointed to an area just below the 
base of the throat.

	"Bot-psybot-psy-psybot-bot-psybot-psy-psybot-bot-psy."

	Misty translated, "She has the feeling that you can feed them 
electricity at where she is pointing."

	"How does she know that?"  Ash asked.

 	Professor Oak answered, "All life forms know instinctively what 
they need to do to survive, Ash.  Those that don't, die.  And, Sabrina 
is a powerful psychic, even before being turned into a Pokémon.  She 
probably sensed it."

	Sabrina and Whitney managed to expose the area of the throat that 
was in question.  Set in each girl's body was a small semi-transparent 
lens made of some dark green crystal.

	Blushing heavily, Ash said, "Pikachu, very carefully throw some 
of your electricity into those crystals."

	Pikachu nodded, and let loose a very controlled and small 
Thundershock at each girl's throat lens.  The two Steel Pokémon 
vibrated as energy poured into them.  Pikachu stopped after a second 
and waited.   After covering their crystals, the two girls nodded their 
thanks to Pikachu.

	"Pokebot-pokebot-pokebot-bot."

	"She thanked Pikachu and that she's full"

	"Psybot," Sabrina added, nodding her head.

	Looking at the two new Pokégirls, Ash mumbled, "Maybe I can make 
a wish and the two of you will be back to normal."

	"I wouldn't even know where to start," Misty objected.  "I have 
no idea on how to change them back.  If I did, wouldn't you think that 
I would have given you the wish to change me back long before now?"

	"Like that idea totally went down," Daisy said.

	"I have another problem," Ash said.  "Pikachu is my only electric 
Pokémon.  If they need electricity to eat, Pikachu is the only one who 
can provide it.  What do we do if Pikachu is to tired to feed them."

	"We'll work on that later,"  Bill said.  "First, I have to call 
Professor Akihabra and tell him to turn off the teleporter and not to 
activate it anymore.  We don't need any more Human Pokémon."

	Professor Oak nodded.  "You do that.  After you do so, please 
join me in the lab.  I think I can come up with something that might 
help these two out.  Misty, I'm going to need your help."

	"Mine?  Why?"

	"Heat and phasing," Oak replied.  "Plus, you wanted to learn 
about Pokémon care."

	"What about me, Professor?"  Ash asked.

	"For right now, not much.  I'll need you later.  You might as 
well give your new Pokémon a tour of the place."

	Ash mumbled under his breath. "And, it might give me time to 
figure out what I'm going to say to their families."

	Ash nodded at Professor Oak and motioned for Psybot and Pokebot 
to follow him.  They marched after him in a toy soldier fashion.

	"Like that must totally be a pain, walking like that."  Daisy 
commented.

	Bill said, "Easier for them to walk like that."

	"Like why?"

	"They are made out of metal,"  Bill reiterated.  "And, that 
limits their flexibility." 

	Daisy nodded, shuddered, hugged herself, and whispered, "Too 
close."
----------------------------------------------------------------
	Ash took the girls to the ball storage room and showed them 
around.  He pointed out the cabinets and offered the girls a cabinet 
each to hold their Pokémon.	The girls nodded their acceptance.

	Ash took off his cap and ran his hand through his hair.  "I'm 
sorry this happened to you.  All I can promise is that I will be the 
best Trainer that I can for you."

	"Psybot."

	"Pokebot."

	Ash took out two balls from his pocket and held them up, with a 
questioning glance at the Steel Pokémon.  The girls nodded.

	"Sabrina, Whitney return."

	Ash recalled the two back into their Pokéballs and pocketed the 
spheres.

	"Well, Pikachu.  It looks like I have four set slots on my team.  
You, Misty, Sabrina, and Whitney.  We're going to have to go to Saffron 
and Goldenrod to explain this mess."

	Ash winced as he realized that he was going to have to face 
Sabrina's father and explain to a Psychic that his daughter was now a 
Pokémon.

	"What a mess."

	"What are you talking about?  What mess?"

	Ash looked up and saw Brock walk in the room with Chansey.

	"There was an accident with the teleporter," Ash began, then he 
shook his head. "Never mind, you'll find out soon enough.  I need your 
advice on a Rock Pokémon."

	"Sure, which one?"

	Ash threw a Pokéball.

	"Aero!"

	"This one."

	Brock looked up at the dinosaur, who smiled wickedly  The Pewter 
City gym leader leaned back and back and fell to the ground in a dead 
faint.

	"Brock?"  Ash asked, as he knelt beside his friend.  "I guess 
seeing an extinct Pokémon was a bit much for him."

	Pikachu shook his head. "Pika."

	"Aero," Aerodactyl said, and laughed a bit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
	Misty looked down at the wand she helped make.  Picking it up, 
she turned it over in her hand and looked at it.  It looked like a 
stage magician's wand, but the white ends were gray and there were 
buttons set near one end..  On the end opposite the buttons, a small 
lens was set in the tip.

	"All right Professor, what did we just make?"

	Professor Oak took the wand from Misty and pointed it at the 
wall.  He pressed a button and a small spark of electricity shot out.

	"This wand will allow Sabrina and Whitney to recharge, so to 
speak, without relying on Pikachu.  I use something similar, but in a 
different shape, to feed Magnemite and Magneton."

	"Clever," Misty commented.

	"Thank you," Oak replied.  He sighed heavily.

	"Misty, what is going on?  Before you were changed, Ash caught 
very few Pokémon.  Now, he's catching Pokémon that veteran trainers 
have spent their lives searching for.  Aerodactyl, Omanyte, Omastar, 
Kabuto, Kabutops, Articuno."

	"Well, he's never really been in the mood to catch Pokémon.  When 
he is, the Pokémon is usually somebody else's or we're on a no catching 
zone.  He once caught a whole forest of Exeggecutor when he was 
hypnotized by Melvin.  He could have used his Pokéballs to reclaim 
them, but he didn't feel right about it."

	"I see."

	Misty curiously asked, "Professor, you said that Ash has 
Articuno.  None of his Pokémon are that big."

	"Sapphire.  It appears to be a baby Articuno.  It throws the 
entire idea of there only being one of each legendary bird onto the 
scrap pile.  I'm just not sure I should tell the world of that 
discovery.  I don't want unscrupulous Trainers trying to catch the trio 
of birds in the Orange Islands."

	Professor Oak laughed a bit.  "Of course with the fossil Pokémon 
he has, Ash is going to be hounded anyway.  Ah well, let's get the wand 
to Ash.  I'll just conveniently forget about Sapphire in my excitement 
over the extinct Pokémon."

	Misty nodded.

 	"You know, Omanyte is my favorite Pokémon.  A fossil of its shell 
started my passion for Pokémon research."

	Professor Oak reminisced about his childhood as they left to hunt 
for Ash.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
	Butch and Cassidy stood at the edge of the plain that held 
Diamondshard.  The two Team Rocket members stared in awe at the huge 
crystalline structure.

	"Big building," Butch said.

 	"Never mind that," Cassidy said.  "What Pokémon do you have?"

	"Raticate, Drowzee, Hitmonlee.  You?"

	"Poliwhirl, Sandslash, Rhydon.  More than enough to knock out 
that genie, since she is a Fire type."

	"And my Pokémon can handle that Brock kid's Pokémon.  Let's go.  
We have some Pokémon to steal."

	The two thieves found the simple door into the place and burst 
in.  They soon found Ash by himself, as he was walking out of another 
room.

	"Not your two!"  Ash exclaimed, and brought out a Pokéball.

	"Prepare for trouble and make it double!"

	"To infect the world with devastation."

	"To blight all peoples in every nation."

	"To destroy the goodness of truth and love."

	"To extend our wrath to the skies above."

	"Cassidy."

	"Butch."

	"We're Team Rocket circling Earth all day and night."

	"Surrender to us now, or you will surely lose the fight."

	"That's right."

	"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"

	Cassidy threw a ball out.  It opened up and a Rhydon appeared, 
right in the way of Pikachu's Thunderbolt."

	"Electric attacks are worthless against Rock types."

	Brock came rushing out of the room.  "Ash?! What's going on?"

	"The annoying Team Rocket is here," Ash replied, as he gripped a 
ball in his hand.

	"We came prepared for both of you.  Surrender Pikachu, your Human 
Pokémon, and any research to us now."

	Ash muttered under his breath, "The ceiling is too low for 
Aerodactyl and the only other Pokémon I have with me are Whitney and 
Sabrina."

	Brock tossed out a Pokéball.  "Zubat, Supersonic."

	The bat Pokémon let out a wail that confused Rhydon.

	Butch cried out, "Drowzee, use Hypnosis on Zubat and Pikachu."

	"Drowzee-drowzee-drowzee."

	Pikachu and Zubat slowed down as they were slowly lulled into a 
trance.  After a moment, the two fell to the ground asleep.

	"I have no choice," Ash said.  "Whitney, go."

	"Pokebot," the former human said, as she appeared in a flash of 
light.

	"What?"  Brock, Cassidy, and Butch said in unison.

	Quickly checking his Pokédex, Ash said "Whitney use Metal Claw on 
Rhydon."

	"Bot," the Pokebot said, as her right hand went into a claw 
formation.

	The steel Pokémon brought her hand against Rhydon's head.  The 
impact was tremendous and sent the rock Pokémon sprawling.  It was 
unconscious before it hit the ground.

	Cassidy recovered and said, "So, there is more than one human 
Pokémon.  Hand over all your human Pokémon."

	"Forget it," Ash said.

	"Drowzee hypnotize the twerps.  We'll take their Pokémon off them 
when they are asleep," Butch ordered.

	After a second, he realized Drowzee wasn't answering him.  
Looking over, he saw that his Pokémon had been attacked by something.

	"Who did that?"  Butch demanded.

	An answering nip on his butt told him that whoever did it was 
behind him.  He jumped away, turned around and looked directly into the 
eyes of Umbreon.

	Rubbing his backside, Butch commented, "We're supposed to be the 
sneaky ones.  Raticate, Hitmonlee take care of that Pokémon"

	The two Team Rocket Pokémon appeared and charged at Umbreon.   It 
jumped back and fired off a Swift attack at both Pokémon.  By the time 
the Swift had faded, Umbreon had vanished.

	"Where did that Pokémon go?"  Cassidy demanded.

	Ash and Brock started laughing, since they saw that Umbreon was 
sitting on top of Cassidy's head.  Umbreon dropped down and used 
Cassidy's face to kick off from as it launched a Faint Attack at 
Raticate.  The rat creature went down under the Moonlight Pokémon's 
attack.

	"Hitmonlee," the kicking fiend said as it launched a Rolling Kick 
at the black creature.

	Umbreon barely dodged the attack.

	Ash called out, "Whitney, Lock-On."

	The Pokebot's eyes glowed for a second and Whitney's eyes tracked 
Hitmonlee.  Her body moving slightly to keep Hitmonlee centered.

	"Tri-attack."

 	Whitney straightened her arms in front of her.  Three spiraling 
beams of light shot forth form the area between her hands.  The attack 
struck Hitmonlee perfectly and knocked him out.

	"Great work you two," Ash said.

	A sudden brown streak knocked Whitney and Umbreon out.  The 
streak stopped and a very large Sandslash stood there.

	"Hah," Cassidy said.  "My Sandslash was able to take out your 
best shots."

	Ash bit his lower lip and tossed a Pokéball.

	"Psybot."

	"Sabrina!?"  Brock asked in shock.

	"Sabrina use Lock-on."

	"Psy."

	Like Whitney, Sabrina's eyes and body tracked Sandslash. 

	"Dig, Sandslash and come up underneath that Pokémon," Cassidy 
called.

	"Slash," the mouse Pokémon said as it dug its way underground.

	"Confusion attack."

	"Psybot."

	A wave of Psychic energy plowed into Sandslash, even though it 
was underneath the floor.  The mouse Pokémon was knocked out.  Before 
Sabrina could right herself and look at Team Rocket, a spray of water 
from a released Poliwhirl knocked her out.

	"Ash, what's going on?  Why are they being knocked out so easy?"  
Brock asked.

	"Sabrina and Whitney were just turned into Pokémon.  They are 
only level five,"  Ash said, reluctantly.

	"They might be, but I'm not," a new voice said.

	All four turned around and saw Misty glowering angrily at Team 
Rocket. 

	"How dare you use a Water Pokémon to steal," Misty said, as she 
launched a punch at Poliwhirl.

	Before it reached Poliwhirl, Misty's fist was surrounded by a 
crackling field of energy.  Poliwhirl took the full force of an enraged 
genie's Thunderpunch and passed out.

	"Ash, after we get rid of them," Misty growled.  "We have to do 
something about that door.  It's too easy for thieves to break in."

	A sudden stamping of feet alerted Team Rocket that they were 
severely outnumbered.  The sight of Agatha of the Elite Four caused 
them to blanch in horror.  Behind her were the other Pallet Trainers.  
The Sensational Sisters, Bill, and Professor Oak came from another 
direction.

 	Cassidy put on a brave front.  "We might have underestimated you 
this time, but its only a matter of time before Team Rocket gets your 
Pokémon, including the human ones."

	Ash sighed.  "I wish that you and your Pokémon were teleported to 
where Jesse and James are."

	Misty's eyes glowed orange as she granted Ash's wish.

	"Done.  They won't be bothering us for a while."

	Ash recalled all his knocked out Pokémon into their balls, save 
Pikachu.  He placed them on the healing machine and activated it.  
Pikachu woke up and glance around.

	"I don't know what to do," Ash said.  "Butch and Cassidy will 
tell their boss, and I will have to deal with more than just them or 
Jesse and James."

	Brock asked, "How did those two girls become Pokémon?"

	The ones who didn't know, listened as Misty told them of the 
events.  All of them shuddered, realizing how close they came to being 
changed.

	Brock walked up to Ash.  "Please, you got to let e date one of 
them."

	Misty grabbed him by the ear and dragged Brock off.  "Ash has 
more important things to worry about than letting you date one of his 
Pokémon."

	Professor Oak handed Ash the wand that he and Misty had prepared.  
Bill handed over two elastic wristbands with a single stone sewn into 
each one.

	"What are these for?"

	Professor Oak quickly explained how the wand worked.  Ash nodded 
as he put it away.  Both looked at Bill, who handed Ash a piece of 
paper.

	"They might not be able to be turned back.  But with that wish 
and these stones, they will be able to talk normally while wearing 
them."

	"That's great," Ash said. "I'll just give them the bands and that 
will solve that problem."

	Bill held up a hand.  "These modified stones can't be taken into 
a Pokéball or worn when using a healing machine.  Plus, I think they 
can only be used for six hours in a twenty-four hour period"

	Ash held the bands and sighed.  He looked up and Professor Oak 
was on the phone talking to someone.  The scientist clicked off the 
cell-phone and looked at his student.

	"Since Team Rocket is aware of the situation and will probably 
send more agents, I took the liberty to explain to the president of the 
Pokémon League on what happened.  I also told him about the League that 
we were thinking about setting up here."

	"And?" Ash asked.

	"He wants you to go on a tour with your Human Pokémon.  By doing 
this, you should be able to squelch a lot of bad rumors that will soon 
appear if you don't.  He wants you to challenge a League and at each 
gym you must use one of your Human Pokémon.  If she is knocked out, you 
can use a regular Pokémon."

	"I see.  Can it wait until the beginning of the year?  I want to 
celebrate Christmas."

	Professor Oak nodded.  "He did suggest that.  The beginning of a 
new year and the beginning of a new Pokémon Journey."
---------------------------------------------------
	After making sure the teleporter was shut down, Oak had Ash bring 
his mom and Professor Akihabra to Diamondshard.  With the two new Human 
Pokémon, Ash had his Milktank farm set up and was ready to go.  In a 
few days, Christmas rolled around and Ash gave out the gifts he had 
bought.  He got upgrade cards for his Pokégear from Misty.  His mom had 
bought him a few packages of clean underwear.

	Misty asked, "So, Ash why did you want us to open the gifts we 
got from  you last?"

	"They are all the same, yet different," Ash replied.

	Humans and Human Pokémon alike opened the small boxes they had 
received from Ash.  All of them contained a single red and white ball.

	"A Pokéball?" Misty asked in disbelief, as she threw it.

	The ball opened up and a Tentacool appeared.

	Ash scratched his head. "Not a Pokéball, a Pokémon.  I know how 
you like Tentacool."

 	Ash looked over to his new human Pokémon.  "I was kind of in a 
rush, when I had to get yours."

	Sabrina robotically threw her Pokéball and an Exeggcute appeared.  
Whitney had received a Tauros.

	"A Machoke?" Mrs. Ketchum asked.

	Ash smiled, "Sure.  With all the work you put in your garden, I 
figured a Machoke would be an excellent choice."

	Misty whispered to her sisters, "She wanted us to pick up a ton 
of fertilizer for her once."

	The Sensational Sisters found that they had all received a 
Poliwag.

	Brock stared at the Steel Pokémon girls and mumbled something.

	"Sorry, Brock.  But, I'm the one responsible for their 
predicament," Ash said, rolling his eyes

	Brock received a Rhydon from Ash.

	Looking at the three scientists, Ash rubbed the back of his neck. 
"You three were really hard to get something for."

	"Don't worry about it, Ash," Oak said.  "Whatever you got us, 
will be fine."

	"Magnemite," the three released Pokémon chorused.

	Agatha smiled as she saw hers.  "Another Zubat."

	"I couldn't find any Ghost Pokémon that I could capture."

	Jack and John had each received a Mankey

	Ash walked over to his old rival.

	"Gary, I have never been after Agatha's position.  I've always 
known it was your sister that would take her place.  I hope that what I 
got you will go some way in restoring our friendship."

	Gary looked up and saw the sincerity in Ash's eyes.  He released 
the Pokémon that was inside the ball and gasped in wonder.  The other 
people in the room gasped as well.

	"A Dratini," Gary whispered.  "I can't accept this."

	"Yes, you can," Ash said.  "I spent a lot of time hunting one 
down, just to give to you."

	Ash nodded at Agatha, who smiled back at him.  The three human 
Pokémon recalled their Pokémon and followed their Trainer out of the 
room.

	"So, that's what you were up to," Misty said. "I can't believe 
you gave him a Dratini."

	"That's why I didn't tell you.  I didn't want an argument about 
it."

	Ash entered the room where his Pokéball were kept and sighed.  He 
ran his fingers over the balls that held the fossil Pokémon.  He gave a 
short laugh as he looked at the number of Pokémon he had caught.

	"My mom's staying here with my Pokémon.  Agatha has stepped down 
from the Elite Four and is going to handle running the Gym while I'm 
away."

	Misty asked, "Which Pokémon are you taking with you, when you 
take us on that tour?  Charizard?"

	"Charizard stays here to protect my mom.  I also want Chansey to 
stay here as well.  She's in charge of keeping all my Pokémon well.  
Pikachu is definitely coming with us.  The Growlithe, Umbreon, and 
Espeon are now doing guard duty around Diamondshard."

	Ash looked over the Pokéballs and pulled two off.

	"Aerodactyl and Bulbasaur.  I think Squirtle is having too much 
fun with the Omanyte, Kabuto, Omastar, and Kabutops for me to take him 
with us."

	Speaking of guard duty, let's get that door taken care of."

	Ash nodded and wished for a more secure door.  Misty's eyes 
glowed as the door to Diamondshard grew, became a double door and had 
not only a lock, but a crystalline crossbar as well.

	"That's that," Misty said

	Ash looked at the new door and gave an amused chuckle.

	"What's so funny?"  Misty demanded."

	"Nothing.  I was just thinking that how I swore I would become 
the world's greatest Pokémon Trainer when I started out."

	"Yeah.  So?"  Misty said.

	"It's just that I didn't think there was another way to read 
that."

	"What are you talking about?"

	"Psybot?"

	"Pokebot?"

	"I'm the Trainer of the world's greatest Pokémon."

	The three human Pokémon blushed a bit.

	"In a week we start our journey," Ash said.  "A new Pokémon 
journey.  Our first stop will be Saffron City.  I've got to explain 
this mess to Sabrina's parents. Same goes for Whitney's family."

	The three Human Pokémon winced as they wondered what their 
journey as Pokémon would be like.  

		           To Be Continued