time and place If you're keeping up with the current episodes you will know that Ash is in the Hoenn region. This story takes place sometime after Ash catches Corphish and before May's Wurmple evolves into a Silcoon. The story also has several viewpoints including those of the Pokemon themselves. When it is from a Pokemon's point of view the reader will understand what they are saying. The tone may sound a little odd at first but then it picks up. Wurmple was enjoying the food that May had set out for her when someone spoke up. So what's the next town after Dewford Island Max asked. Wurmple and the others looked up. She was curious too. Brock took out his pokemon trainer's book. Sunbeam City It has a Pokemon Center, an official gym, Shopping places, everything you need for traveling. A Pokemon center That's great we might need to use it! Ash exclaimed. What! Pikachu asked questioningly. Wurmple was wondering why Ash thought he would need the Pokemon center. Was he planning on hurting his Pokemon on purpose Ash looked down to see Treecko with his hands on his hips, giving Ash a dirty look, Taillow glaring at him, Pikachu, half amazed and half worried and Corphish was a little puzzled. Uh, guys, I didn't say we would need it, I said we might have to use it. Pikachu and Treecko looked at each other and both threw a piece of Pokemon food at Ash. Ash ducked his head. Cut it out! What I meant was that it is the only private place with phone. You know, so I can call my mom or Professor Oak And no more food fights. Pikachu smiled. That would be great! Treecko looked at Pikachu. Does he mean it that way Pikachu thought something over and replied. Yes. he does.. They went back to eating. Wurmple noticed that Ash wasn't eating his breakfast. Aren't you hungry Ash May asked worriedly. Yeah, you're not getting sick are you Brock asked. No. I was just thinking of something. Besides, I think it would be better if one of us were sick, than if you were sick again. Remember last time I do! A reply came from Pikachu. Brock raised an eyebrow. Oh, I remember. Why! What happened! Max cried. Brock was so sick that he couldn't do anything. It was up to Misty and I to do all of the chores. Polish the rock Pokemon, make breakfast, do laundry, do dishes, feed the Pokemon, find water. Everything. Misty tried to make breakfast by following the ingredients It was horrible! Pikachu didn't even like it! Brock dug in his bag for something and pulled out a picture. Oh A-Ash. He announced in a sing-song voice. Do ya remember this He handed Ash a square paper called a picture. Ash laughed. Yeah, I remember. Can I see Max asked. Ash gave him the picture. Why is that Pikachu wearing a hat May asked. Whose Pikachu is it anyway Max wondered. That hat is my old hat. Ash explained. He glanced at Pikachu, who had stopped eating. May I Pikachu asked as he jumped onto the table. Brock, Misty, Pikachu and I ran into a Pokemon sorceress and she mixed up a potion which I volunteered to drink but it turned me into a Pikachu. At that moment there was a cacophony from Wurmple and everyone else who were talking at once. Ash turned into a Pikachu Taillow wondered. How Wurmple asked aloud Can we see the picture Pikachu Torchic asked. Pikachu turned to them, listened and then turned back to Max and held out his paws. Max gave Pikachu the picture and Pikachu jumped down and showed it to Wurmple and the other Pokemon. It was of a Pikachu with a red-white hat standing next to another Pikachu. Both Pikachu were smiling. Ash turned to the others. Maybe we should give them their- Here Ash. Ash reached down and received the picture from Pikachu. Surprise now. He finished as he gave the picture back to Brock. Max looked confused. Ash How did you know Pikachu was talking to you Pikachu has always called me that. You can usually tell when your Pokemon is talking to you when it talks louder and slower than it does when it talks to other Pokemon. Why is that So it can also use gestures and get it's point across. For example Pikachu how would you tell Ash that his hair is on fire and Treecko is missing Pikachu went through a short pantomime accompanied by, what would sound like to them, a series of 'pikas', 'pi's , 'chu's, 'pikachus; and 'kachu's. Actually, guys, I think you should give them their surprises now. Max said. May looked up. But I'm not ready for mine yet. I haven't decided either. Brock announced. Ash took a breath. Well, I guess I'll go. He turned to his Pokemon. Pikachu, Taillow, Treecko and Corphish were looking at him expectantly. Pikachu, do you remember how Richie named his pokemon Sparky, Happy and Zippo Pikachu nodded. Yes. I thought about it for a while and decided to name you guys. At that announcement. Pikachu was smiling, Treecko waiting expectantly, Taillow was surprised and Corphish was staring. Forretress and Lotad turned to Brock. How could you not decide Forretress asked. Name me! Name me! Lotad shouted. Wurmple and Torchic turned to May Call me a flower! Torchic called. Me too! Me too! But I picked five names and I have no idea who to name what. He held up five folded strips of paper. I have an idea that might work. You each will draw a name from my hat. He said as he shuffled the papers. The name you draw will be your name. Now why didn't I think of that Brock asked May. Pikachu You are first. Pikachu got up, walked over, picked up a slip of paper, looked at it and handed it to Ash. Ash looked to see what it was and handed it to Brock. Brock, will you look at it and hand it to May And May, you look at it and hand it to Max. Pikachu looked surprised. ASH! When Ash received the paper he took a breath and winked at Brock, May and Max. By the power invested in me by being your trainer, I, Ash,- Hey Brock. Max whispered What is Ash doin' He's letting the suspense build until the right moment. Brock replied. I already know Pikachu's name and the suspense is still killing me. May whispered. Ash continued. - A human, Give you Pikachu, a Pikachu this name. He stopped and looked at Pikachu. He then let his gaze go over his other pokemon. Even Treecko seemed to be excited. He then looked at Wurmple and the other Pokemon. They too were staring at him with wide eyes. He then looked over at his friends. They were on the edge of their seats even though they already knew what it was. The name of............Scotty. At the end of the impromptu ceremony all his Pokemon were named. Treecko had chosen Tommy, Taillow had chosen Sky and Corphish had chosen Cody. Wurmple paused. There was something else. Something not quite right. Brock stood up. The next announcement is that we thought you all deserved a vacation from gym battles and cooped up spaces. So this week we are giving you a treat. May said. Yeah! It's really great!' Max shouted. We are naming this week Pokeball Free Week. Which means- Brock interrupted. It means that for one week you are not going to go inside your Pokeball at all. Suddenly there came a rustling in the bushes as Team Rocket leaped into view. Prepare for trouble, we caught you red-handed. Make it double or this motto will be expanded. To capture trained Pokemon in this forest. To give them to the boss and get a raise will be glorious. To denounce the evils of you keeping Pikachu. To extend our reach to the others around us.. Jessie glared at James. THAT DOESN'T RHYME!. Perhaps you should learn to keep in time. Jessie. James. Team Rocket grabs Pokemon at the speed of light. Surrender now or prepare to fly a kite. What would they need a kite For! Meowth, Dats Right. Hand over that Pikachu! James crowed. NO! Ash yelled as he deliberately kicked over a stick. At that moment the ground gave away from beneath the Rockets and they fell in. When they climbed out the twerps and their pokemon were gone. Two hours into their walk Torchic was exhausted from walking all that way and then noticed that Brock was reading more about that city they were approaching. What was it again Oh yeah, it was Sunbeam City. Brock suddenly stopped and yelled. May, Ash and Max ran into each other. Why did you stop for Ash asked. There is a rule in the guidebook that affects us. Brock replied. What is it May asked worriedly. It says 'Trainers must keep their Pokemon inside their Pokeballs at all times. Except when the Pokemon they are receiving treatment at the Pokemon Center or in a Gym battle. If you must let your pokemon out of their pokeballs do so only outside the city limits. Otherwise they will be confiscated' But what about Pokeball Free Week Max asked. Yeah! Ash agreed. And Pikachu doesn't.. He slapped his head. And Scotty doesn't even like his pokeball. Brock glanced down at Torchic and the other Pokemon who were giving each other shocked looks and talking among themselves. Why do they have that rule Forretress asked. They probably have a good reason for it. Pikachu surmised. I don't like that rule. Treecko grumbled. I'll think of something before then. We won't reach Sunbeam City for another three hours or so. Three hours! Treecko yelled How! Corphish asked. How far Lotad wondered Carry me May! Torchic cried Yeah, May! Wurmple agreed. They all looked at their trainers with imploring eyes. What's wrong with them May asked. I'm guessing they're tired of walking already. They aren't used to walking for two hours in a row. Forretress isn't complaining. Max observed. That's because Forretress floats. Brock stooped down. 'Forretress has room for three small Pokemon on top. So it guess Lotad, Torchic and Wurmple would fit, Treecko...Ah, Tommy might have to ride on someone's shoulder. Treecko looked up at Ash. Ash Ash looked down, picked Treecko up and put him on his left shoulder because Pika...Scotty was on his right shoulder. And Skye landed on his head. He smiled. The Ketchum Express is ready to go. So is the U.S.S Forretress. Hey guys!! Corphish announced. But what about Corphish....I mean Cody Max asked. Easy. We'll make a hammock. And we've better hurry. It looks like it might rain soon. Brock replied taking out a sheet. Three hours later they came to a sign that said. Welcome to Sunbeam City. Hey Brock. Where's that amazing plan of yours Max asked.