Chapter 9: The Tao of Mayor William Recap: "Well, since you dont know me....you probably know my associates. They go by the name...Team Thunder...." Mayor William could already feel his rage enlarging as the voice began to becon its evil laugh once more. Who was this person calling him so late? "Look I dont know who you are but dont ever call this number again!!" William furiously went back to his bed and fell back asleep. Morning came and William woke to the thought of last night's phone call in his mind. He knew he had a busy day ahead of him, so quickly he got out of bed, freshened up and went out into the city. Checking outLugia Hall was first on his list so he went straight to it. Misty woke to the sight of Ash emerging from the bathroom, and she smiled at him. She was so glad when he looked down at her and smiled back. "Good morning Misty." "Good morning Ash. I see you're all dressed and ready. Are you going somewhere?" "Well Brock called earlier but you were still asleep. He wanted to know if we wanted to meet him over at Rob's Center. I was gonna wake you when I got out the bathroom but it looks like you did yourself." "Rob's Center...is that the breeding place down the street from Lugia Hall?" "Yea. Do you wanna go?" "Sure. Just let me get ready." "Ok. No rush." Misty got ready and off they went to Rob's Center. When they arrived there, they went out back and saw Brock and Stephanie treating a cast wearing Vulpix. Brock notice Ash and Misty there, then waved them over. "Hey guys. I want you to meet Stephanie. Stephanie this is Misty, and this is-" "Ash and I have already met havnt we?" "Yea we have." "Oh, ok cool." Then Stephanie looked over at Misty. "Hey Misty can I talk to you inside for a sec?'' "Sure." When Stephanie and Misty got inside, they began to talk. "I see you and Brock are getting close." "I could say the same thing for you and Ash." "What makes you say that?" "Well Brock told me some nice things about you and Ash thats all." "Really...... what kind of things?" "Sorry but I promised not to tell." "Oh, well in that case, what did you wanna talk about?" "Well you know how the ball is tomorrow right?" "Yea, why?" "Well have you found an outfit yet?" "OH MY GOSH I HAVNT!" "Its ok, relax. I dont have one yet either. Do you wanna go shopping for one today with me?" "Yea sure. That would be great." "Alright, cool." They both went back inside and told the boys where they were going and the boys noticed they lacked an outfit as well. So they boys went one way as the girls went the another. Misty and Stephanie went inot a small dress shop and saw some really nice dresses. Brock and Ash were... not so lucky. They were in a suit shop but there werent that many that caught their eye. Checking out a all white siut and show it to Ash borck says "what do you think of this one?". "Uh.....maybe for a wedding" "Oh man this is hopless. We are never gonna find someth-" Brock was cutt off by his sight catching a black jacket and pants with a dark navy blue shirt and tie suit. He couldnt help but walk right up to it and show it to ash. "This one looks great. What do you think?" "Its looks cool. Finally a good one we see" "Ok, I'm all set. What about you?" "I dont know, I havnt seen anything worth wearing." Then an old man with a wrinkled face and a beard with perfect circle glasses came up to them and stated "can I help you boys with anything?". Brock answered "well I got what I'm going to get but my friend here is having a little trouble." The old man walked over to Ash and looked him up and down. "You look like a white my boy." "A white?" asked a confused Ash. The old man continued with a "yes. You look like.... something white. I take it you're getting outfits for the Master's Ball?" Brock walked over to them and said "yes. As a matter of fact we are. What do you mean he looks like a white?" "I mean he looks like he should wear something white. You now... your suit comes in white as well. If you'd like, I can show it to you." "Sure. What do you think Ash?" "Uh.. yea ok. Its a nice suit." "Ok then" said the old man, "I'll go get it for ya...". After the old man leaves, Ash looks at Brock. "Brock do I honestly look like a white?......." "Yes you do" said Stephanie to Misty who didnt believe white was her color. They were both at a small dress shop and Misty was holding up a gorgeous strapless white dress that had a slant cut going down that started below the waist and ended right at the knee. It also had a jewel design at the top of it that faded down but not all the way to the bottom. "I dont know" started Misty, "I might look like a bride". "You wont. You'll look really nice" "Yea but do I look like a white like the lady said?" "Yes you do. If you ask me one more time I'll physically make you where it" "Ok, ok." "But do you like it?" "I think its beautiful." "Then we'll take it" said Brock. Ash was eyeying the suit in a confused way. Maybe because he wasnt so used to wearing dressy things for special occassions but for Misty, its worth it. When the boys were done shopping, they headed back to Rob's Center to see Misty and Stephanie were back as well. Thye all shared their stories of how the cleks though Ash and Misty were "whites" and went back to their sepreate ways. Mayor William was at Lugia Hall making sure eveything was in order for tomorrow night was the ball. Men and even some women were helping put up the final touches for decorations. The dj for the night was there as well testing his music and making sure all the electronics were working. Since everything was in order, Mayor William went outside to get some air. He sat on a bench for a while gazing at the beauty of his city until a young man came up to him. "Mr. Mayor, there is some one at you office waiting to see you." "Oh, well who is it?" "He said his name is Falkner." All William neede was to hear that to make him get up and rush over to his office. When he got there he saw Falkner in a dark emrald geen robe sitting in one of the leather chairs that stood in front of Mayor William's desk. "Falkner? What buisness brings you all the way here to Joy City?" "I have come to let you know the deal is off." "What. but- but- you cant! I nee- I mean, the city needs you." "Sphere of Squirtle or not, I am not going to risk my son's saftey for a little dance you want to hold." "DANCE?!! YOU CALL JOY CITY'S MASTER'S BALL A LITTLE DANCE?!! HOW DARE YOU!!" screamed an outraged Mayor. "Listen to me closley. I understand how important that sphere is to you. I was 13 when it happened. Regardless of that fact, you know whats been going on with Team Thunder. You are also aware of the loss we had 23 years ago. Why would you want to risk it again?" "With team grass there what is there to risk?!" "William please. As much as I would like to allow this..... I'm afraid I cant..... I'm sorry. I'll be leaving now." As soon as Falkner left his office, William could feel anger buiding up inside of him rapidly. Rage flowing through his body he went for his office phone and dialed a number..... Ring ring...............ring ring........rin- "Hello?" said the voice that sounded like it came from a young man. "Hello, may I please speak to a young man named Ross?" asked William. "This is Ross speaking, who is this?" "Ah, Ross. This is Mayor William from Joy City." "Oh of course... William. How are you?" "I'm fine young sir. Just fine." "Well then, what can I help you with?" "I just got a visit from your father. He told me that our deal is off." "Where did he get that idea?" "He said that he didnt want to put your safety at risk. I guess he dosnt think you could get the job done." "HE WHAT?! He has no right! I am old enough to make my own desicions." "He told me that regardless of how much the Sphere of Squirtle may mean to me, he wont put you at risk." "He has no right! Alright Mayor William; not only will I be there, but I am on my way now..........." The next day came quickly and quickness came to the city. Probably because of the fact that tonight was The Master's Ball. Ash and Misty were really excited about tonight's occassion as well as Brock and Stephanie. When night began to come that was a signal for everyone to start getting ready. The all showered and got into their outfits and made sure they looked good. Ash wore his suit and tamed his hair as well as make sure his cheeks were clean. Stephanie wore her spegetti strap dress that was the same color as Brock's shirt. Misty wore her white dress and had her hair lose and tamed with a beautiful white flower pin in it. Stephanie wore her hair in a beautiful up do. Brock was clean and cut as well. When the boys got to Lugia Hall, the stood out in front and waited for the girls to arrive. When they did, they were speechless. Ash looked at Misty up and down and was amazed at how beautiful she looked. "Wow Misty..... you look beautiful" said a an almost flabbergasped Ash. "Thank you" answered a blushing Misty. Then went to the front and gave their invitation to the usher and went inside. It was decorated to its fullest and it was packed with people. They saw that the mayor was with a microphone and standing right in front of the dj booth. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 13th annual MASTER'S BALL!!!" All the rainers and masters there started to applaud. Ash looked around and saw that eveything was perfect. This was going one great master's bal....... A/N: Hey guys. Sorry it took so long to update. I was really busy with other things, and on top of that my stupid computer kept acting up. Well hope you liked this chapter and to make it up to all of you, I promise the next update will be worth all the wild of all you AAML supporters out there. Hope you guys review***