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<TITLE>Every Shadow has a Light</TITLE>

<P>Every Shadow has a Light<BR>

By PokeMaster13<BR>

Prologue</P>

<BR><BR>

<P>Ash: Age 16

Misty: Age 16

Brock: Age 21

Tracey: Age 18

May: Age 15

Max: Age 10

Delia(a.k.a AshÕs mom): Age 39

Prof. Oak: Age 68

Prof. Elm: Age 54

Prof. Birch: Age 51

TR(Team Rocket)

Butch: 20

Cassidy: 20</P>

<P> Well with Ash winning the Hoenn League, May winning her pokemon contest, and Max having celebrated his last birthday, and Brock, well, being Brock, It seems like our heroes have nothing to do, right? <B>Wrong</B>! Our heroes are currently rushing (AshÕs fault) to take the ferry to Pallet Town. This year, Pallet town will be hosting the Poke-Fest (short for pokemon festival). This is a time when people and pokemon alike come from all over the world to one town (all right some people might have to find place to sleep in viridian city) to celebrate the bonds between people and pokemon and to thank pokemon for that fateful day however many thousand years ago when they shed their poke-tears and revived the planet and all people in it.</P>

<P> There are seven days to Poke-Fest. Day 1 is the Day of  Beginning. This is when everybody goes around spouting out that sentimental junk saying Òoh hi how are youÓ or in the girls case (No offence) ÒHi itÕs like nice to see you and like your dress is like pretty and I like your hair and like blah blah blah.Ó Anyway, day 2 is the Day of Life. Everyone gets the day off from work including gym trainers and the Elite members (who will probably already be there) to you know kickback play some video games, pig out, commune with nature if youÕre that kind of person. Its kind of day when youÕre supposed to count your blessings etc. Then whoever made this holiday decided to kick it up a notch by making day 3 the Day of the Coliseum. This is a day for trainers to show of their skills to the world (and since the whole world is watching you liveÉ). There are prizes of course. During day 4 we decide to wind down a teensy bit for day 5. Day 4 is the Day of  Ribbons. On this day, Pokemon Coordinators one and all can show of their skills in a <I>big</I> pokemon contest. Day 5 is the Day of Solitude. People all across the globe, (except for perhaps team rocket, magma, and aqua) pray in unison. This is to allow safe passage for the dead into the next life and for people to wash away their sins (see what I meant about team rocket and all). Even pokemon, in their own language, join in the prayer. Then on day 6 its party time. Day 6 is the Day of Festival. It has roller-coasters, competitions, Ferris wheels, a circus, food and the poke-ball. <U>NO</U> the poke-ball is not when people give away free pokeballs. The poke-ball is a night dance where humans and pokemon alike can join in. And finally after the dance thereÕs the feast, where youÉ <B><U><I>FEAST</I></U></B>!!!!!!!!!! And finally there is day 7 the Day of Closing. Today is the day when you hand out gifts to everyone and then say your mushy goodbyeÕs. Once again with that sentimental trash. And then the Poke-Fest is over and done.</P>

<P>Anyway its like I said. Ash, Brock, May, Max were all making a last minute dash for the ferry.<BR>

ÒAsh I swear, if we miss this boatÉÓ May began for at least 119th time.<BR>

ÒI told you we arenÕt going to miss it for the world. It only happens every 25 yearsÓ Ash yelled back not taking his eyes of the boat. Then he yelled back at Max and Brock<BR>

ÒCanÕt you two hurry upÓ<BR>

ÒSorry, Ash ÔhuffÕ. Some of us ÔhuffÕ arenÕt as young as we used to beÓ Brock managed to gasp.<BR>

ÒYeah, and some of us arenÕt as old as we want to beÓ Max grumbled as he desperately tried to keep up with his sister. Suddenly Ash halted. He was looking around the area.<BR>

ÒAsh you got us lostÓ May shouted.

ÒDid notÓ

ÒDid, tooÓ

ÒDID NOTÓ

ÒDID, TOOÓ

ÒDID_Ó Ash was cut off by Brock  who was saying<BR>

ÒQuit fighting. Geez May your starting to take MistyÕs jobÓ

At the mention of Misty, Ash blushed slightly. But thankfully no one was paying attention.<BR>

ÒMisty? WhoÕs MistyÓ May said.<BR>

Ò CanÕt talkÓ Ash shouted, ÒIthinkIseetheboatandwereallyneedtohurrytocatchit.Ó Ash said. And with that said (in around .89 seconds) Ash took of. May, Max, and Brock followed closely behind.<BR>

ÒUh, AshÉÓ May said but was unable to finish because she ran out of breath.<BR>

ÒStill want to know who Misty isÓ Max put in.<BR>
Ash sighed. He knew he couldnÕt get out of this one. ÒIÕll tell you on the boat,Ó he assured them.</P>

<P> They caught the boat and settled into their room much to MayÕs dismay, she had to share a bed with her brother.<BR>

ÒWhy canÕt Brock or Ash share his bedÓ May wailed loudly.<BR>

ÒPerfectÓ Ash thought ÒNow everyone will forget what I said about MistyÉÓ<BR>

ÒSo, Ash,Ó Max interrupted MayÕs wailing and AshÕs thinking, Òtell us about that Misty girl Brock was talking about. Even May perked up at this.<BR>

ÒOh greatÓ Ash thought. Then he said out loud, ÒI donÕt know what your talking about.Ó<BR>

ÒAw, cÕmon donÕt play dumb with usÓ Max said. ÒWhy donÕt you want to talk about it.Ó<BR>

Ash thought (A landmark moment for Ash) quickly and said ÒWe have a pretty rough relationshipÓ Ash replied. This wasnÕt entirely true. Of course he and Misty fought but that was mainly because he was trying to hide his true feelings for her. Luckily for Ash they bought the story.</P>

<P>ÒSo what do you want to knowÓ Ash inquired, trying to sound like he was interested in this conversation.<BR>

ÒWell for starters how didja meet, what does she look like, and whatÕs she like.Ó May answered. She didnÕt notice Ash flinching.<BR>

ÒWell I met her the day I met Pikachu. Pikachu had fallen in the river_Ó Ash paused to glare at Pikachu.<BR>

ÒPik PikachuÓ he said rubbing the back of its head.<BR>

Ò_ and then I dove in. Misty was their and fished us out of the river. I took her bike to take pikachu to the pokemon center and well, when me pikachu and I got attacked by these Spearows. Pikachu used thundershock to drive them off but her bike got fried. So she tagged along with meÓ Ash finished.<BR>

ÒDid you pay her back for her bikeÓ May asked<BR>

Ash grinned mischeviously and simply said ÒYou know me.Ó And then he went ahead to answer the other question.<BR>

ÒMistyÕs a tomboy so sheÕs got this small yellow tank top and blue shorts. She has orange hair that goes down a little past her neck and almost always has an orange knapsack with her. SheÕs, I dunno maybe a half inch shorter than me and her eyes are ocean blue. As for her personality,Ó Ash sighed loudly, ÒWell she loves water pokemon  and wants to become the best water pokemon trainer. She can be funny and nice but she has quite a temper.Ó Finally Ash was done with his narrative and laid back on his bed and started day dreaming.</P>

<P>Meanwhile  May and Max decided to leave Ash alone to recount on old times. Ash didnÕt mind and actually enjoyed the silence. Brock remained there too because he too was recounting on old times. Finally Ash got up and searched through his unorganized bag.<BR>

ÒBrock, catch!!Ó Ash said. Brock opened his eyes  just in time to snatch AshÕs flying cell phone.<BR>

ÒCall my mom and ask her to invite Tracey and Misty over to PalletÓ Ash said as he plopped himself on the couch. Brock was dialing the number when he looked up and said

ÒUh, AshÓ Brock said uncertainly.<BR>

ÒYeah BrockÓ Ash said opening one eye.<BR>

ÒDoesnÕt Tracey already live in PalletÓ Brock questioned.<BR>

ÒHuh? Ohhh Yeahhh. Okay then just tell my mom to call Misty overÓ Ash responded. Brock nodded but before he finished dialing he looke up and said ÒWhy donÕt you ask her.Ó

ÒBecauseÉÓ Ash said hurriedly ÒBecause I want to surprise her. Tell her I stayed In Hoenn to train, and that your using MayÕs phone if she asks, and that I promise to do the prayers.<BR>

ÒSuit yourselfÓ Brock said suspiciously. He looked down and hit send.</P>

<P>Delia was at home helping to cook the food for the festival. When the phone rang she went over and picked it up.<BR>

ÒHelloÉOh hi BrockÉ yesÉyesÉ Oh Ash isnÕt comingÉ well thatÕs too ba-É whatÉ well I would call Misty but I have to run a couple of errands right nowÉ well you could call TraceyÉ His number is 729É5828É Okay bye Brock nice to hear from you.(Hangs up)</P>

<P> ÒShe said to call TraceyÓ Brock said dialing the number.<BR>

ÒThen do it.Ó Ash said trying now to sound uninterested.<BR>

ÒYou do itÓ Brock said tossing him the cell phone. Ash sighed and dialed the number.</P

<P>The phone rang through the halls of Prof. OakÕs lab.<BR>

ÒI got itÓ Tracey shouted.<BR>

ÒHelloÉ that you AshÉ Hey manÉ well I donÕt knowÉI guess I could call Misty for old times sakeÉ alright itÕs doneÉIÕll call her tomorrow morningÉsee ya at the festival and say hi to Brock for me.Ó(Hangs up).<BR>

Brock looked at Ash. Ash gave him a thumbs up and threw the phone back in his bag. It was getting late so Ash took of his jacket and changed into his boxers and laid down. Max and May were arguing as usual. Ash just threw a pillow at them and said ÒGrow up guys.Ó Soon everyone was snoring.</P>

<P>Misty woke up and let out a long ragged sigh. She couldnÕt stand another day in the gym. She needed out. She needed to go on another adventure like the ones she had with Ash. She let out another sigh.<BR>

ÒJust thinking about Ash can make me daydreamÓ Misty thought. ÒI better get out before my sisters make meÓ she thought getting out of bed. She walked over to her window. Life was just so boring without Ash. She tried entering a couple of pokemon contests but that soon got boring. She was forced to continuously knock the stuffing out of trainers or get the stuffing knocked out of her. She sighed once more. She could only wish that the festival would bring surprises.</P>

<P>At that exact moment her cell phone began ringing. She ran to it immediately and flipped it open.<BR>

ÒHelloÉ hey TraceyÉwhat?É well I donÕt knowÉ whoÕs gonna be thereÉAsh and BrockÉ well I guessÉ okay you can count on me being thereÉ k bye TraceyÓ Misty conversed over her cell. Misty would have done a jig if her sisters and mom hadnÕt came into her room at that exact moment.<BR>

ÒYo, sis, like, who was thatÓ Daisy asked.<BR>

ÒWell Tracey said that Mrs. Ketchum has invited me over to stay in her houseÓ Misty said. She was throwing things in her knapsack. Her pokeballs, a hair brush, a cell phone, a spare change of clothes.<BR>

ÒBut, like, whoÕs gonna, like, watch over the, like, gymÓ Lily asked.<BR>

ÒAw, cÕmon. NobodyÕs gonna come to the gym during poke-fest. Besides all the other gym leaders are going.Ó Misty said.<BR>

ÒSo when are you gonna leaveÓ Violet said(IÕve decided to make one of MistyÕs sisters not a girly girl).<BR>

ÒIÕm going to go this eveningÓ Misty said throwing in her mallet. She had a feeling she might need it. Her mom nodded and she and all the girls except Misty left. <I>NOW</I> she did her little jig.<BR>

ÒYes, I get to see Ash. This <B>IS</B> a surpriseÓ Misty said enthusiastically.</P>

<P ALIGN=CENTER>MeanwhileÉ</P>

<P>Ash yawned noisily. He looked out over the ocean in time for the sunrise. ÒMisty used to love watching the ocean at moments like thisÓ Ash thought. He ran a han through his black hair. It was, as usual, extremely messy. That was the way he liked it. He could tell it had grown out a couple inches just as his body had done. He pulled his blue jacket out over his black under shirt. He pulled on his blue jeans. He went over to the mirror. He could see that he had tanned a bit and that his excess fat had been replaced by muscle.<BR>

ÒItÕs amazing what a couple years as a trainer does to youÓ Brock said from behind. Ash literally jumped.<BR>

ÒBrockÉ IÉuhÓ Ash said.<BR>

ÒItÕs okayÓ Brock replied. He and Ash finished their necessary cleaning routines. And then they went on deck. From then on itÕs the same old story. Some wannabe trainer challenges Ash. Ash beats the pants off of him. After the battle Team Rocket makes a pathetic attempt to steal Pikachu.<BR>

ÒWhy donÕt you losers get a new theme-song or something. That one is soooo oldÓ Ash yelled as he sent his Swellow. Long story, short: Pikachu escapes. Pikachu blasts them to kingdom come. And then FINALLYÉ<BR>

ÒLand hoÓ Brock said pirate style. Nobody laughed but Ash, May, and Max ran to the front deck and sure enough the Pallet Town shores were right ahead. The ship turned so it was parallel to the shores.<BR>

ÒDue to technical difficulties you must jump off here and swim to shoreÓ the voice of the captain boomed out.

ÒWhatÓ May yelled. ÒBut itÕs salt water and itÕs a long drop andÉ waaaaaaaaahÓ May  shrieked as Max pushed her over board laughing maniacally. He stopped laughing when he noticed Ash wasnÕt anywhere to be seen. Brock was leaning over the railing to see if May was ok. But where wasÉ

ÒWaaaaaaaaahÓ Max yelled as Ash lifted him into the air and then yelled at Brock ÒThink fast!!!Ó Ash threw Max at Brock. Brock caught him but the extra wait sent him flying of the boat. Ash took a running start before he cannon balled into the ocean. May was already on shore but Max and Brock got splashed heavily from AshÕs cannonball. Not waiting  for payback, Ash swam to shore using his Corphish. And he, Max, Brock and, May walked to AshÕs house. Ash knocked on the door and when his mom came she was in total shock(or she had been practicing a shocked look).<BR>

ÒAsh I thought youÉÓ Delia started.<BR>

ÒÉwerenÕt comingÓ Ash completed with a triumphant smile on his face. ÒA false statement. And now here I amÓ Ash  said.<BR>

ÒAnd look who else is hereÓ His mom said allowing room for Ash to go in.<BR>

ÒLong time, no seeÓ that had to be Richie.<BR>

ÒHi, loserÓ Gary said<BR>

ÒGood to see youÓ that was Prof. Birch<BR>

ÒWho are your friendsÓ said Prof. Elm<BR>

ÒGary, act civilÓ that was definitely Prof. Oak<BR>

ÒHey, AshÓ Tracey said without looking up from his sketchbook.<BR>

Ash found himself embracing his mom, shaking hands with the professors, saying hi to Richie and Tracey, taunting Gary, and introducing May and Max.</P>

<P ALIGN=CENTER>MeanwhileÉ</P>

<P> MistyÕs limo pulled up in front of AshÕs house. She had to try very hard not to bolt into the house. She thanked the driver and said bye to her mom and sisters. She walked slowly towards the door and opened it. And right there was the love of her life. NO! Ash was her life almost. She blushed furiously but it subsided just as quickly. Seeing that Ash was completely occupied her hand wormed through her knapsack and then<BR>

WWWHHAAAAAAAMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<BR>

ÒOwowowowowowowowowowowowowÓ Ash cried sharply. ÒWhat, the heck was that forÓ he yelled.

ÒWell, Ash seeing as you couldnÕt say hi or shake hands I thought that this would be an appropriate way to greet youÓ a familiar voice smirked.

ÒGood to see you to MistyÓ Ash said trying to stop his stomach from flip flopping <B>AND</B> and trying not to blush.<BR>

TO BE CONTINUEDÉ</P>