Maybe I’m back into the non-romance writing phase?

Disclaimer: I do not own pokemon. Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfic is mine!

Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokemon talks. Ash = Red, they are the same person!

Chapter 4

After having dealt with the Amber situation, Ash arrived in Fuchsia, ready to search out Koga and challenge him for a badge.

But first, the zoo!

Here were many nice pokemon exhibits, one with different patterned ekans, and then a ring of donphan from Johto demonstrating feats of strength…

Plus, the cotton candy was more than delectable… it was mmm…. He had to work hard to keep the expression of ecstasy from his face. Who knew what people might misinterpret? It didn’t help that it was a girl running the stand.

Still, it was yummy.

After a day at the zoo, Ash returned home to Saffron. His mom greeted him warmly, asking how his day had gone.

“Well, I defeated a few bikers, and then went to the zoo in Fuchsia.”

“Did you have fun?”

“Yes, mom.”

“That’s good. Now could you go call Sabrina for dinner?”

“Okay!”

< Oneesan, it’s time for dinner! >

Sabrina put down her paper dolls. < All right, I’m coming, Red. > She had a whole family of paper dolls, and she made all of their clothes herself.

A few minutes later, the family was seated around the dinner table, enjoying the curry rice that their mom had made.

“Its really good mom!”

“I’m glad you think so, dear.” Cynthia refilled Sabrina’s portion when she saw that her daughter had speedily consumed one serving already. “Do you like it, Sabrina? It’s an old family recipe.”

< Yes. I missed having dinner together after Red left. >

Cynthia winced, it wasn’t a deliberate barb, but Sabrina had no idea how much torment she had suffered through her foolish decisions.

Being turned into a doll wasn’t bad, but she’d had so much time to think about her mistakes. Guilt subsumed her….

Why had she married Evan in the first place? Was it… could it be, because she had been attracted to him?

Possible.

Then, she had been a good, dutiful wife and borne him twins, a boy and a girl, who had inherited his psychic powers. She had none of her own, unfortunately, and she had to confess jealousy when she saw them floating objects around and teleporting.

But power comes with a price. It’s almost never free. Someone must pay…

So it was, that her children had paid, and her husband had paid with his life for his treachery.

It was no use dwelling on that now though… what to do now?

Well, she would be a good mother and take care of her children. That was what really mattered.

Yes…

< Mom, I’m going up to bed. >

“This early, Ash?”

“Well, I’m going to take a bath and read in my room.”

“All right dear.”

Sabrina finished eating as well and bade her mother good night. Cynthia sighed. It seemed that neither of her children were interested in sending more time together.

At least they didn’t hate her…

It was small comfort now, though. Being a doll had been simple compared to this. Still, she must not be discouraged!

With a smile, Cynthia did the dishes and then went upstairs. Maybe some peace and quiet would help… oh, and she had to vacuum the floor again…

< Did you fight Koga? >

“Not yet.”

< Psychic beats poison any day. >

“Hai~!”

Sabrina waved goodnight to Ash as she and Kadabra returned to her room. < Up for some more training? >

< Hai. >

< Good… let’s begin… >

And so the two of them continued what they were doing earlier…

Red yawned as he tumbled into bed, releasing his pokemon so they could sleep as well. The next morning, he woke up around eight, fixed himself instant cinnamon oatmeal and a banana, and then flew off to Fuchsia on Pidgeotto’s back.

Soon, he dismounted in front of the Fuchsia city gym.

‘Excuse me.”

“Yes?” The receptionist asked, wondering just how young this trainer was.

“I would like to challenge Koga for a Soul Badge.”

“I’m terribly sorry, but his schedule today is full…”

< Liar! >

The receptionist jumped. “What?”

< I’m a psychic. You’re lying. You’ve been blocking all of Koga’s challengers, haven’t you, because you want to date him! >

“How dare you!”

< I’m only speaking the truth. >

“Shut up! Pidgey, go!”

Ash laughed as Pikachu jumped down from his shoulders and fried Pidgey with a thundershock attack. * She is so stupid… *

Fighting would not change the truth one iota.

Oh well… Pikachu fried the Pidgey, and the receptionist too, for good measure. With that obstacle removed, Red continued deeper into the gloom of the Fuchsia city gym. It was awfully dark…

“Pikachu, Flash.”

Said pokemon’s cheeks sparkled brightly as she nodded, the aura of gloom fleeting as a shadow in the now brightly lit hallway.

A quick glance showed that there were layers of mirrors all over the place… so a mirrored maze? Interesting, and a good way to keep challengers at bay.

Still…

Red’s eyes glowed blue for a second, and he had teleported into the room where Koga resided. Perfect.

Koga smiled. “Ah… a challenger.”

“Yes!”

“Very well, shall we begin?”

“Ready whenever you are.”

End Chapter

Completed 2/16/05

Yay, Red is psychic!

Lance: …

Pika-chan: No fluff? Aw…