The Pallet Town Tourney
Part 6
Narrator: Well, they finally made it. Ash is finally back in his hometown of Pallet. Now that he's home, what's next?
They stand over a small cliff, taking in the view.
Ash: I can't believe it, I'm actually home. It's just like I remember it.
Brock: Well, we weren't gone for that long so I guess it really hasn't had time to change.
Misty: You must be really excited, huh Ash?...Ash?
They look around and see that he's already running down the hill.
Brock: Well, come on. We'd better go catch him before he goes out of control.
Misty: (rolling her eyes) Easier said than done.
They start to chase after him.
Ash: (walking) It's so peaceful here, huh Pikachu?
Pikachu: (nodding) Pikachu. (Yeah.)
Ash: I can't wait to get home. Mom's gonna be so surprised.
Misty: Hey Ash!
Ash: Huh?
He turns around to see his friends running to catch up with him.
Ash: Oh, hey guys.
Misty: (sarcastically) Thanks for waiting for us.
Ash: Oh, sorry. It's just that I'm really eager to get home.
Brock: It's ok we understand. I'd be happy too if I were returning home from a long journey.
They start walking and end up on Ash's porch. He takes a deep breath.
Ash: Well, we're here.
They walk in.
Ash: Hello? Mom?
Mrs. K: Ash, is that you?
Ash: Yeah.
She runs out of the kitchen with tears in her eyes. She runs up to him and hugs him.
Mrs. K: Oh Ash, I'm so glad your home. I missed you so much.
Ash: (choking) Me...too...mom...but...your...kinda...choking me.
Mrs. K: Huh? Oh sorry.
She releases him and he falls to the floor.
Mrs. K: Why hello there Pikachu, Togepi.
Pikachu: Pikachu! (Hi!)
Togepi: Choki priii! (Hi there!)
Mrs. K: You two are just so adorable. Misty, Brock, how are you two doing?
Brock: I'm good.
Misty: We're just fine Mrs. Ketchum.
Ash is still recovering from his mother's attack.
Mrs. K: Oh Ash, did you here the news? Pallet Town is starting its own little tournament.
Ash: Really!?
Mrs. K: Yes, it's being held at the old warehouse down the street.
Ash: (clenching his fists together) I can't wait! Where do I sign up?
Mrs. K: Professor Oak has the sign up sheet. I think you should pay him a visit.
Ash: That's a great idea.
Mrs. K: Be back soon. I cooked a special dinner. Invite the professor and Tracey too.
Ash: Ok mom.
Ash suddenly remembers what he has eagerly wanted to tell his mother.
Ash: Oh...uh, mom?
Mrs. K: Yes honey?
Ash: I need to tell you something very important.
Mrs. K: What is it?
Ash: Um...well...
Misty: We'll leave you two alone. Come on Brock.
Misty, Brock, Togepi, and Pikachu walk into the kitchen.
Ash: (thinking) Thanks Misty. I owe ya one. (aloud) Well, mom...
Mrs. K: Is everything all right dear?
Ash: Yeah, everything's great.
Mrs. K: (worried) Is everything ok between you and Misty?
Ash: Yeah, we're fine.
Mrs. K: Well, then what is it?
Ash: Um, well...after I got out of the hospital we headed to Crescent City so I could earn my Nichigo badge.
Mrs. K: And did you?
Ash: Yeah...
Mrs. K: Oh Ash, I'm so proud of you! I heard that the gym leader there is really tough.
Ash: Yeah, she is.
Mrs. K: It was a girl?
Ash just nods.
Ash: That girl invited us to spend the night at her gym because she wasn't feeling up to battling me.
Mrs. K: Oh, well that was nice of her. Did you at least get her name?
Ash: Yeah, her name was Kris.
Mrs. Ketchum just nods.
Ash: It wasn't until the next day I found out that Kris was short for something.
Mrs. Ketchum looks at Ash, rather confused.
Ash: Mom...Kris had pictures in her room...and they were of you and me...
Mrs. Ketchum gasps, realizing who her son is talking about. She sits down.
Ash: Mom, are you ok?
Mrs. K: C-Crystal...
Ash: (quietly) Yeah.
Mrs. K: But, I thought she was-
Ash: No, she;s still alive. She explained to me why she never came back. She said that she could never have never made it as a pokemon master. So she didn't come back because she thought she was a total failure.
Mrs. K: But that doesn't sound like her at all. (smiling) Ya know, everytime I look at you, I see a part of her inside of you. The same spirit...the same determination...and the same stubbornness. You two are so much alike. (tears up) I miss her so much.
Ash hugs her.
Ash: Don't worry mom. She'll come back when she feels she's ready. Ya know, pride's a very important thing in our family. She probably thought we'd be disappointed in her, she probably felt like a loser. I know how that feels.
Mrs. K: No matter what...you're both winners to me.
In the next room, Misty, Brock, Togepi, and Pikachu are straining to hear their conversation.
Misty: Can you hear anything?
Brock: Nope. How about you Pikachu?
Pikachu: (shaking its head) Pika. (No.)
Togepi: Choki choki priii. (Me neither.)
Just then, the door opens and they all fall over in a heap.
Misty: Ouch!
She looks up to see Ash and Mrs. Ketchum looking at them. Ash raises an eyebrow, while trying to hide his laughter.
Misty: Oh, uh hi. We were just...um, Brock?
Brock: Uh...we were just uh...seeing how well the door works. Yeah! (pushing the door) Seems to be working just fine.
Misty: (mumbling) Oh brother.
Ash: Uh-huh.
Mrs. K: Well, you three better start off to Professor Oak's place.
Misty: Yeah, good idea! Let's go!
She runs out followed by Brock.
Misty: (to Brock) So, you were just seeing if the door works, huh?
Brock: Hey, I didn't see you coming up with anything.
Ash: Well, let's go.
Brock and Misty quickly turn around, startled.
Misty: Oh, uh right.
Brock: Come on Pikachu. I'll race ya there.
Pikachu: Pika pi! (Your on!)
Brock: You too Togepi.
He takes Togepi from Misty and takes off after Pikachu.
Misty: (thinking) Gee thanks Brock. (aloud) Well?
Ash: Well what?
Misty: How did it go?
Ash: (sighs) Okay, I guess. Well, come on. Let's catch up to Brock.
Misty: Uh, yeah sure.
The start to walk, both of them being very silent.
Misty: (thinking) Well, at least I know that he's not mad at me for eavesdropping.
She sighs. Ash turns around and eyes her suspiciously.
Misty: What?
Ash: (smirking) Nothing.
Misty: (thinking) Well, at least I hope he's not mad at me.
As if almost reading her mind, Ash turns around.
Ash: Do you think that I'm mad at you?
Misty: (quietly) No.
Ash: Then what's with he silent treatment? Are you mad at me?
Misty: No. (thinking) Okay, so he's not mad at me.
Without warning, Ash comes up and hugs her.
Ash: I'm sorry if I've been acting different lately, its just that I've been through a lot of stress with TR showing up practically everyday and me telling my mom about Kris. I feel like I'm gonna explode. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without you. Thanks.
Misty looks up at him and smiles.
Misty: No problem. I guess we need to work on the communication part of our relationship, huh?
Ash: Yeah, I guess so. But I know that there's always one thing I can always tell you.
Misty: And what might that be?
Ash: That I love you.
Misty: What a coincidence. I don't have a problem saying that to you either.
She kisses him.
Misty: I love you too.
Ash: Now that that problem is settled, let's get to the professor's lab.
Misty: Right.
They head off to Professor Oak's lab.
Meanwhile...
Jessie, James, and Meowth are following Ash and Misty.
Jessie: Well, there they are.
James: I wonder why they're going to the old man's lab.
Meowth: Its probably because of this.
He holds up a flyer.
Jessie: Hmm..."Come and participate in Pallet Town's first pokemon tournament. July 21, 2002. (author's note* the date is the day I started to write this fic, only it was last year.) Sign up sheets are at Professor Oak's lab."
James: When's the 21st?
Meowth: (taking out a calendar) Dat's in 2 days!
Jessie: This tournament could mean a raise for us.
Meowth: And how do you expect us to capture all those pokemon?
Jessie: Listen to my plan...
Later, at Professor Oak's lab...
Brock: (panting) Finally...what...took...you guys...so long?
Ash: We decided to take our time.
Brock: Man, I'm so tired.
Misty: Well, you were the one who challenged Pikachu to a running race. Hello there Togepi.
Togepi: Choki priii! (Mommy!)
Ash: Did you win buddy?
Pikachu: Pikachu! (You bet!)
Oak: Why hello there.
They all turn around to see the professor.
Ash: Oh, hello professor.
Oak: Ash, its good to see you again. Hi Pikachu, hi Togepi.
Pikachu: Pikachu! (Hi!)
Togepi: Choki choki! (Hi again!)
Ash: Professor, I heard that a tournament was going to be held here.
Oak: Oh yes. The first one in Pallet Town in years. Almost every trainer in or around the area have signed up, including Gary.
Ash: Gary? I'll show him once and for all. Oh...uh, anyway, I'd like to sign up fir the tournament if ya don't mind.
Oak: Are you sure Ash? Its in 2 days. You won't have much time to train.
Ash: Don't worry Professor, I'll start training right away.
Misty: (mumbling) Yeah, like you did in the Indigo League.
Ash: (slanting his eyes) Care to repeat that?
Misty: (crossing her arms) Well, actually-
Brock separates them, trying to prevent an argument.
Brock: So,uh...you said it was in 2 days.
Oak: That's right.
Oak gets his notepad and adds Ash's name to the list.
Oak: There. Your all signed up.
Ash: Thanks Professor.
Tracey: Well, I didn't expect to see you guys back so soon.
They all turn to see Tracey.
Ash: Hey Tracey.
Tracey: Hey guys.
Misty: Tracey, how are you?
Tracey: I'm great. Hey Brock.
Brock: Hi Tracey.
Pikachu: Pikachu! (Hi!)
Togepi: Choki! (Hi!)
Tracey: Hey guys. So, what are you guys doing back here?
Oak: Ash just signed up for the tournament.
Tracey: Oh, good luck Ash.
Ash: Thanks. Oh, by the way, you two are both invited to dinner at my place.
Oak: That sounds great.
Tracey: Thanks.
Ash: Well, come on guys, we better get back home.
They leave and arrive at Ash's house shortly.
Ash: Mom, we're home.
Mrs. K: Oh there you are. I need you to pick up some groceries for tonight. Brock, could I have some help in the kitchen?
Brock: Sure.
Ash: What do you want me to get?
Mrs. Ketchum walks out of the kitchen with a huge list.
Ash: Uh...
Mrs. K: Here you go, Be back soon.
Ash: Uh...yeah sure. (to Misty) You coming?
Misty: I guess.
Ash and Misty leave to go to the market, while Brock and Mrs. Ketchum work in the kitchen.
Misty: You think your gonna be ready for this tournament?
Ash: Maybe. I'm just going to look at it as practice.
Misty: Well, ok.
Ash: (smirking) You have no faith in me, do you?
Misty: Of course I do.
Togepi: Choki choki prii!
Ash takes Togepi from Misty.
Ash: You think I can do it, don't ya Togepi?
Togepi: Priii!
Ash: See.
Misty: Whatever.
Ash: Besides, I have Pikachu with me, right buddy?
Pikachu: Pika!
Misty: Pikachu will burn the competition.
Togepi: (waving its arms) Choki prii!
Ash: Togepi really likes me, huh?
Misty: Well, of course it does. You're its daddy, after all.
Ash: Oh yeah. I forgot. (putting his arm around Misty) We're just one big, happy family!
Misty: (laughing) Yeah, sure. There's only one problem with that. You're 15 and I'm 16.
Ash: (laughing) But I'm taller than you!
Misty: Oh shut up! Your a guy, that's why your taller.
Ash: Oh yeah. When I first met you, you were taller. (sarcastically) What happened?
Misty: (sarcastically) Oh, your so funny. Come on let's go.
Ash: (salutes) Yes ma'am.
Upon reaching the market, they hear a familiar voice.
Gary: Well, well, well. What do we have here?
Ash: (turning) Huh? Gary...
Misty: (thinking) Oh no.
Pikachu: (growling) Pika...
Gary: Hey there loser. So I heard you signed up for the tournament.
Ash: Yeah, so? What's it to you?
Gary; Why don't you just quit now Ash and save yourself the humiliation. We both know you can't cut it as a trainer.
Ash just scowls at him, while Gary gives an approving look.
Misty: Leave him alone Gary. You have no compassion as a trainer, how dare you say those things to him.
Gary: Oh, and what's this? What's the matter Ash? Now you need your girlfriend to fight your battles for you. You might as well sign her up in your place, if you can't even win a verbal fight, then how are you supposed to win a pokemon battle?
Ash looks down angrily.
Gary: Well, I'd love to stay and chat some more, but I have some training to do. See ya losers.
Ash is about to lunge at him, but Misty stops him.
Misty: Ash, don't. He's not worth it.
Ash turns around to face her.
Ash: Why did you do that?
Misty: Excuse me?
Ash: I can fight my own battles, thank you very much.
Misty: (with an attitude) Well, excuse me. I was just trying to help you.
Pikachu: Pikachu pika. (Stop it you two.)
They ignore Pikachu.
Ash: Well, now Gary thinks that I need you to constantly rely on when I'm in trouble. I can take care of myself!
Misty: Fine! You wanna take care of things yourself, go ahead! I'm outta here.
She starts to walk away, but is grabbed by Ash.
Ash: Wait.
Misty: (still angry) What do you want?
Ash: Don't go. I was...I was really angry and I took it out on you, I'm sorry.
Misty: (holding his face/sighs) Listen, you can beat Gary. Don't let him get to you, that's exactly what he wants.
Ash: (taking hold of Misty's hands) So then, do you forgive me?
Misty: (smiling) I would never forgive myself if I didn't.
They hug.
Ash: Thanks for backing me up back there. I really did need your help.
Misty: It's always hard to ask for help...I should know. I've always relied on myself and I never really trusted anyone because of the relationship I had with my sisters.
Ash: Thanks for understanding, but you do realize that I might not even get to battle Gary, right? I mean, there are going to be thousands of trainers there, what are the chances of me and Gary battling in a one on one full pokemon battle? That's like a thousand to one.
Misty: There's still that one.
Ash: Your right and I only have to beat him once to win.
Misty: How do they set up the matches?
Ash: From your status in all the leagues and gyms. There are about a dozen divisions and once you beat the first person, depending on where you stand, you win the cup.
Misty: It's gonna be a tough match...
Ash: Yeah, I know.
Misty: But you can beat him, just trust your instincts, as well as your pokemon. (smirking) This is coming from an experienced pokemon trainer and gym leader.
Ash: (smiling) Oh really? Who?
Misty: (sarcastically) Real funny.
Ash: Come on, let's get those groceries.
Pikachu: (sighs) Pika...
Togepi: Choki priii!
They walk inside the store.
Meanwhile...
TR are standing in front of the old warehouse.
Meowth: So, this is the dump they're gonna hold that competition in.
James: Its pretty big.
Jessie: And soon hundreds of trainers will be here.
Meowth: Along with their pokemon.
James: I can't wait. The boss will have to give us a raise.
Jessie: Well, you two better get to work.
Meowth and James exchange looks then sigh. They figure there's no use in talking to Jessie. They start to dig.
Later...
Ash and Misty are just arriving home.
Ash: Mom! We're back!
Mrs. K: Oh good.
Brock and Mrs. Ketchum take all the groceries. Mrs. Ketchum takes them back to the kitchen.
Brock: What took you guys so long?
Misty: We had an encounter with Gary.
Brock: Oh, I see. Well, you shouldn't listen to him Ash, don't get all stressed out because of him.
Ash: Thanks Brock.
Brock nods then walks back to the kitchen. Ash sees Pikachu and Togepi watching TV and decides to sit down. Misty sits next to him.
Misty: (yawning) Do ya think we have time for a little nap before dinner?
Ash looks at the clock, then nods.
Ash: I could use a nap myself.
Ash starts to lay down on the couch, as he does this, he pulls Misty on top of him. He wraps his arms around her and she does the same. Misty rests her head on Ash's chest, while Ash rests his chin on her head. The sound of Ash's steady heartbeat quickly puts Misty to sleep, however, Ash remains awake. He tightens his grip on her, suddenly remembering his dream.
Ash: (whispering in her ear) I won't let anything happen to you Misty.
Misty: (whispering sleepily) I know.
He smiles as he starts to stroke her soft hair. He kisses her on the cheek and soon, they are both asleep. Seeing that Ash and Misty have fallen asleep, Pikachu and Togepi bound upstairs. Brock then enters the room.
Brock: Ash! Mis-
He notices them sleeping.
Brock: (whispering) Oh sorry.
Mrs. K: What's wrong Brock?
He points to Ash and Misty.
Mrs. K: Those two are just so cute.
Brock: Mrs. Ketchum, may I ask you a question?
Mrs. K: Sure Brock. Go ahead.
Brock: Well, did Ash ever get to tell you about-
Mrs. K: (interrupting) Crystal.
Brock: Uh, I guess that answers my question. I'm sorry.
Mrs. K: What for? I'm thankful just knowing that she's alive and well. I just wish I could see her.
Brock: She's a beautiful, young lady. She definitely has the same spirit as Ash.
Mrs. K: Yes, I know. I love them both very much. I remember once, when they were little, they would pretend to be pokemon masters. They wanted so much to please me and my husband. He'd be very proud of them.
Brock notices that its the first time that anyone has ever mentioned Ash's father, but he doesn't decide to go into it.
Mrs. K: I look forward to the day I see her again. (sighs) Well, come on Brock. We still have to finish making dinner.
Brock: Right.
Ash: (whispering) I look forward to that day too mom.
Ash, once again, falls asleep. About an hour later, Misty wakes up. She sits up and stretches.
Brock: Did you have a good nap?
She turns to see Brock.
Misty: Yeah, I did. Looks like Ash is still out though. I'll let him sleep, he had a tough day. What time is it?
Brock: 6:30. Dinner's in an hour.
Misty: Okay.
She walks into the bathroom to wash her face and freshen up. Ash starts to wake up.
Brock: Hey Ash.
Ash: (yawning) Oh, hey Brock. Where's Misty?
Brock: In the bathroom.
When Misty comes out, she feels two warm hands around her.
Misty: Huh?
She turns and sees Ash.
Misty: Its about time you woke up.
Ash: Well, I was tired.
His stomach growls. Misty rolls her eyes.
Ash: And now I'm hungry. When's dinner?
Misty: In an hour, so you'll just have to survive until then.
Ash: Aww man, a whole hour. What are we gonna do til then?
Mrs. K: Well, you could help set the table.
Ash: Huh? Oh, hi mom.
Mrs. K: Did you have a nice nap honey?
Ash: Yeah.
Mrs. K: That's good. We could use your help in the kitchen.
Ash: Okay.
Misty: What can I do to help Mrs. Ketchum?
Mrs. K: Oh nothing dear. You're our guest. Ash can manage by himself.
Ash just stands there with his mouth hanging open. Misty smirks.
Mrs. K: Hurry up Ash. They'll be here any second.
Ash: Okay okay.
Mrs. Ketchum leaves.
Ash glares at Misty.
Misty: What? I thought you didn't need my help anymore, remember?
Ash looks down sadly.
Misty: (rolling her eyes) Oh Ash, I'm just kidding. Come on, I'll help you.
Ash pops his head back up, obviously faking it before.
Ash: Okay, if you insist.
Misty just shakes her head. They both walk into the dining room to set the table.
About an hour later, Tracey and the professor show up.
Oak: Hi, I hope we're not too early.
Mrs. K: No, your right on time. Please, won't you come in.
Tracey: Thanks.
Oak: Yes, thank you.
They get seated and begin to eat.
Ash: Mmm...this is great mom.
Mrs. K: Thank you dear.
Ash: Are you enjoying your meal Pikachu?
Pikachu: Pika! (Yeah!)
After about 5 minutes of stuffing his face, Ash is full.
Ash: That was so good.
He sees Misty feeding Togepi.
Ash: (taking Togepi) Here, I'll feed it. You go ahead and eat.
Misty: Uh, are you sure?
Ash: Yeah, I'm done anyway.
Misty: Thanks Ash.
Ash: Here ya go Togepi.
Togepi: Choki! (Oh boy!)
It takes the rice and happily eats it.
Ash: Was it good Togepi?
Togepi: Prii!
Tracey: So Ash, are you ready for the big tournament?
Ash: I guess. I'm just going to try my hardest no matter what. It doesn't matter if I win or lose. (thinking) Unless its to Gary. (aloud) If I win, that's great. If I lose, that's fine too because at least I'll learn from my mistakes. (looking all smart) I've learned that winning is a lot easier than losing.
Ash smiles at himself.
Tracey: That's a very mature way of looking at it.
Misty and Brock can see right through Ash's little speech.
Brock: (thinking) Sure Ash.
Misty: (thinking) He's just repeating what Richie used to tell him.
Mrs. K: Oh, my Ash is growing up so fast!
Misty flashes Ash a look.
Ash: Uh...right.
Togepi: (laughing) Choki prii!
Misty: Are you sure you don't want me to take Togepi?
Ash: We're doing just fine, thank you very much.
Misty: Okay.
Ash: Mom, may I be excused? I need to do some bonding with Togepi.
Mrs. K: Yes, of course.
Brock: Bonding?
Ash walks into the living room and sits down on the couch.
Ash: Well, Togepi...uh...
Togepi: Choki?
Ash: I guess I'm not very good at this, huh? I'll never be as good as Misty. Are you sure you want me as your daddy?
Togepi: (hugging Ash) Priii!
Misty: Of course it does.
Ash: (turning around) Oh, hey.
Misty sits next to him.
Misty: You know why Togepi wants you as its daddy?
Ash: No, why?
Misty: Because it loves you and I love you.
Ash: You sure Brock wouldn't be a better choice?
Misty: Positive. Besides, Brock isn't my boyfriend is he?
Ash: I guess not.
Oak: Well, we better be on our way. Thanks for dinner.
Tracey: Yeah, thank you. It was delicious.
Mrs. K: Oh, your welcome. It was my pleasure.
Tracey: Hey Ash, we'll see you in 2 days.
Ash: Okay, see ya.
Misty: Bye Tracey.
Brock: Bye.
Tracey: See you guys later.
They leave.
Ash: Well, I think I'm ready to crash for the night.
Misty: Yeah, me too. Besides, its past your bedtime Togepi.
Togepi: (sadly) Choki.
Ash: You can sleep in my room.
Misty: Okay.
Mrs. K: Brock, you can have the guest room.
Brock: Okay, thanks.
Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, and Togepi head upstairs.
In Ash's room...
Pikachu: Pika pi pikachu? (Where do I sleep?)
Ash: Your gonna sleep down here with me.
Misty: Can you watch Togepi for me while I change?
Ash: Uh-huh.
She walks into the bathroom to change, while Ash changes in his room. He has a spaced out look on his face.
Pikachu: Pi pikachu pika? (What's up with you?)
Ash: Well, I was just thinking how lucky I am to have Misty here with me. Not many guys are as lucky as I am.
Togepi: Choki? (Huh?)
Ash: Ya know Togepi, your mommy means a lot to me. I don't know what I'd do without her.
Misty: You mean a lot to me too.
Ash just smiles.
Misty: Well, Togepi its time for bed.
Misty climbs the ladder to the top bunk. Ash climbs up half way and tucks her in.
Ash: Night Misty. I love you.
Misty: Goodnight Ash. I love you too.
They kiss for a few seconds, then break away. Ash gives her a warm smile then descends down the ladder.
Ash: Goodnight Pikachu.
Pikachu: Pikachu. (Night.)
Ash turns off the light and goes to bed.
Narrator: Well, it seems like Ash's first day home went well, with an exception of Gary. But what does TR have in store for our heroes? And who will Ash end up battling in the Pallet Town Tournament? All these answers and more will be revealed next time.
To Be Continued...
*Author's Note* Sorry this one was kind of boring. It was mostly talking and explaining. But I promise that the battle fic will be good. As always, questions and comments are always welcome.