Endings and New Beginnings
Chapter
2: Wedding Guests
Ash scratched his neck and shrugged uneasily then looked back at Pikachu on his shoulder, “Maybe she’s taking a break,” he didn’t sound convinced.
He entered the gym and looked around, no one was there. “Well, Pikachu, think they’re at the show tank?”
“Pika chu.”
“May as well give it a try.”
Ash walked through the main gym into the back (or more accurately the other front, the gym had two entrances) approaching the show tank from the backstage area.
“Hey, girls!” He called. “Maybe they aren’t here, they weren’t expecting us for another week.” Somehow he doubted it, something didn’t feel right. He raised his voice to call out again, “Girls!”
“Like, hi Ash!” Violet popped out suddenly. Ash jerked upright in the middle of the doorway, hitting his head.
“Ouch.” He rubbed his head. “don’t do that!”
Violet giggled, “Like, sorry.”
“Who is it?” Daisy called.
“It’s Ash!” Violet led him around to where Daisy and Lily were sitting by the pool. They greeted him warmly.
“Hey girls, um.., where’s Misty? Isn’t this the time of day she usually trains her Pokemon outside. I checked out front, she’s not there.”
Violet looked uneasily at Daisy.
“She um, doesn’t do that anymore Ash.” Daisy said nervously.
Ash was puzzled, “Why not.”
“Like, some creep- umph.” Lily was stopped when Violet elbowed her.
Daisy quickly interrupted, “Like, why don’t you let her tell you why. She’s, like, training in the downstairs tank."
The three sisters led him down the stairs then quickly disappeared. They did not want to be a part of this conversation. Ash could see Misty, but she hadn’t noticed him yet. “Hey Misty!” he forced a cheerful tone even though he was concerned. What was she doing down here? What creep? She hadn’t looked up. <She must not have heard me> he thought. He’d wait till he got closer before calling again.
“Hey Misty,” Misty heard a low voice right behind her; it sent a tingle down her spine. She turned so quickly that she fell – right into strong arms.
“S-sorry,” she managed to get out as the man helped her right herself. She took a step back and looked up into his face <Ash> Her breath caught. She had forgotten how handsome he was – and how tall. Somehow in her mind he’d reverted back to that scrawny kid she’d traveled with for so long. She blushed.
“Misty?” she was acting weird, Ash was mystified. (hee hee)
“Uh, hey Ash.”
Ash studied her for a second, “Misty, when did you start training in here?”
<Uh oh> Misty thought, how was she going to explain this without…
“Well, um, Ash. You know that guy,” she averted her eyes, “the one I’ve been writing you about?”
“The one messing with Professor Oak’s lab, and the League?” Ash’s brows knit together remembering.
“Yeah, well he sorta, um, I mean…”
Suddenly what Lily had been about to say came to his mind. “That CREEP has been messing with you!?!” He shouted angrily.
“Now Ash, come on, it wasn’t exactly-“
“YOU NEVER SAID ANYTHING!!!” He accused, “I would’ve come back and-”
“AND that’s exactly why I didn’t tell you. Besides, no one’s done anything to me specifically.” Her voice softened, “It’s your mom and Brock. Someone’s been sending them threatening letters.”
Ash was at a loss, “Why?”
“Well, some of the things he said- I’m beginning to think this isn’t about Pokemon or the League at all." this wasn't easy to tell him, "See, he's only targeting things you were involved with.”
Ash thought through it aloud, trying to piece it all together. “You mean, someone’s got it in for me personally and he’s taking it out on everything and everyone I hold dear.”
Misty nodded, “May and Tracey have escaped so far, but if they’d been in Indigo he probably would have messed with them too.
Ash was truly puzzled, who could possibly hate him so much? What had he done? He knew he’d never purposely done anything to hurt another person… So then it must have something to do with Pokemon battles. But what? Who would let a Pokemon battle get so personal? Whoever it was he had a seriously warped perspective of life.
“I’m sorry Ash.” Misty was very close to him, “I know that had to be hard to hear. You’ve always been the hero, to be the cause – no matter how unwittingly.” She took a deep breath and looked him in the eyes, the pain she saw there made tears fill her eyes. She pushed them back and went on firmly, “I want you to know that none of us holds you responsible. We know you couldn’t have done anything to deserve this.”
Ash smiled slightly in appreciation, then, remembering the would be tears, he pushed his fear and confusion aside. “Well, are you ready to go? I know I’m early, but I’m sure mom would be thrilled to have us.”
Misty smiled and swiped at her eyes, “Yeah Ash, lets go.”
“Uhhhggg! ASH KETCHUM!!! You SAID we WOULDN’T get LOST!!!”
Ash looked at the map then at the surrounding area in confusion. “I don’t get it.” He murmured. He turned the map different directions, no, he had been holding it the right way.
“ASH!!!” Misty came to stand before him, hands on her hips.
“Well, I don’t know!” he threw up his hands defensively causing the map to go flying. It landed on Misty’s head, covering her face. She paused.
<Uh, oh> thought Ash, this wasn’t good.
Dangerously calm, Misty reached up and pulled the map off her head. Ash glanced nervously toward the bushes, looking for a place to hide. He was pondering how quickly he could dive into one and how badly the thorns would hurt him versus how badly Misty would hurt him when he heard a warm laugh. He looked at Misty in surprise.
“Some things never change huh?” She was giggling almost uncontrollably now. Seeing the genuine amusement in her sparkling eyes Ash relaxed. Slowly a wide grin spread over his face, then he too started laughing. It really was pretty funny. Even after all these years, and traveling through this forest three times, he still got lost. Soon they were leaning against one another, trying not to fall down.
“I’m sorry Misty.” He gasped between fits of laughter.
“No,” she pulled the map away and studied it seriously for a moment, “this map is truly incomprehensible. Perhaps if we just throw it out…” she folded it and stuffed it in a pocket. Standing and drawing in calming breaths, she struggled to regain control. “C’mon Ash, let’s see if we can’t remember how to get you home.”
Ash smiled as he followed her, remembering the warmth of her touch as they’d leaned against one another. She’d laughed! Imagine that, he thought she would be furious, but… she wasn’t. Some things did change, and this change was definitely for the better.
They were exhausted when they arrived in Pallet. They might have pushed a little too hard, but at least they hadn’t gotten lost again after they had ditched that lousy map.
“Well, we made it.” Misty huffed as she came up beside Ash, who had paused on the hilltop overlooking Pallet to wait for her. He wasn’t breathing hard, or sweating, she noted. But then he always had been faster, and had more stamina, than anyone she knew - except when he was hungry of course.
“Yep. No thanks to that stupid map.” He laughed and Misty joined him. He loved the fact that they could joke over something that once would have caused a huge argument between them.
She leaned on him, resting a hand on his shoulder and hanging her head. “Where’d you get that thing anyway? It was nonsense.” She grinned.
“You’re tellin’
Misty gave a firm nod, “You should. Of course, he’s probably halfway to Hoenn by now.”
Ash pretended to ponder this for a moment, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “That would put him somewhere in Johto – I’ve still got friends there, maybe I should call in a favor or two.”
“Ash!” Misty punched his arm playfully, “You wouldn’t.”
“Why not?” She quirked an eyebrow and he laughed and shook his head, “Nah, waste of time. It’s not like it cost me much anyway.” He glanced at her sideways, “Besides, have you ever known a map of this forest to be accurate?”
She laughed, “Never. And I’ve seen more than my share.”
“Exactly.” He shrugged, “We made it didn’t we? No harm, no foul.”
“Pika. Pikachu.” Pikachu ran up in excitement. it had been running ahead and it had taken the rodent a moment to realize Ash had stopped.
“You said it Pikachu.” Ash grinned down at the yellow rodent, “it’s good to be home.”
“Speaking of which,” Misty gently prodded his side, “we should get started again. Isn’t your mom expecting us?”
“Hey, you’re the one who stopped,” he teased, she looked at him and his grin faded. He was suddenly acutely aware of the fact that she had been leaning against him this whole time. The contact was unnerving to say the least.
She threw him a mock glare, “Watch it Ash Ketchum. I may not be bigger than you anymore, but I’m still meaner.”
“Ain’t that the truth.” Ash ducked away as she swung at him, though he knew if she had really been trying to she would have hit him anyway. She wouldn’t have hit him hard, but he was grateful for the excuse to get away from her touch. He was afraid she could feel his blood pumping, hear his heart race.
He nodded toward his home, “Let’s get going.”
“Mom.” Ash looked around, he didn’t see her. He couldn’t see or hear Mimie either. “Mom!”
“Mrs. Ketchum!” Misty joined in. Ash tried the door, it was locked.
“That’s funny,” he muttered, “she knew we were coming. I called her in Viridian.” Misty shrugged. Ash decided to try one more time. “MOM!!!”
“She not here Ashy boy.” Ash whirled at the familiar voice. “But she sent me to come and get you.”
“Hey, Gary.” Ash actually smiled at his once bitter rival.
“Pikachu!”
The two men shook hands firmly. “So where is she?” Ash asked.
“She’s
at grandpa’s.”
“Yeah well, you’ve got to remember your family all had kids sooner than mine. They’re only about twelve years apart.”
“I know. Still, you can’t tell me you don’t find it strange.”
“Honestly,
I try not to think about it.” Ash laughed and
“When did you two get so chummy?” Misty asked lightly, gently reminding them of her presence, but also genuinely curious. The last time she had seen them together they had learned to respect each other, even liked each other on some level, but they had been far from friends.
“We’ve
been writing each other since Johto.” Ash threw
Ash blushed but smiled, it was a well known fact that he wasn’t too observant when it came to human relationships.
“I
guess you two will be seeing a lot of each other now, especially since
you’ve completed your Pokemon journeys.” Misty smiled then took Ash’s
arm.
Mrs. Ketchum ran out to meet them
as they approached, “Oh
“Honey?” Ash turned to
She turned her attention to the others, “Hello!” she called cheerily her arms outstretched.
“Mom!” Ash grinned, but he didn’t open his arms.
“It’s good to see you,” she dropped to one knee, “Pikachu.” She picked the creature up, hugging it.
“Hello dear.” Delia turned to Ash smiling, Pikachu still in her arms, “How is my Pokemon Master?”
“Great mom.”
She looked at him with pride, “So I hear. The world’s greatest.”
“Mom!” he blushed.
“Come on,” she reached an arm out to him and guided him toward the house, the others followed. “The guys are waiting inside.”
As they entered Brock, Tracey, and Richie stood from their seats on the couch.
“Hi Ash.” The three men smiled as they spoke at once. Delia waited until Ash had greeted each of his friends before motioning him toward a chair.
“Samuel is checking the pond, but he’ll be in soon.” She smiled fondly, “Jenny and Joy are coming for dinner later, but they have real jobs.” She eyed the three men on the couch.
“We work very hard Mrs. Ketchum.” Richie said solemnly.
“Yes dear, I know.” Delia smiled sweetly at him, “Sam works poor Tracey to the bone, and poor Brock with his gym in Pewter city and the breeding center here. And you and Gary, Pokemon Masters now.” Her eyes misted, “everyone’s so grown up now.”
“It’s okay mom.” Ash hugged her and Pikachu patted her shoulder with a small yellow paw. She wiped her eyes, “I’m sorry. So,” she put on a brave smile, “what are you going to do now my Pokemon masters?” She looked around the room to encompass Richie and Gary as well as her son, “All of you.”
“Why the only respectable thing a Pokemon master can do – open a gym and accept challenges.” Ash grinned, “Richie, Gary, and I have been discussing it through our letters.”
Mrs. Ketchum looked up, startled, “but dear, would the league sanction it? I’ve never heard of a master opening a gym, let alone one who has defeated the Elite Five. Isn’t that a little unfair to challengers? How will they ever reach the league?”
“Well, this wouldn’t be a normal gym, mom. We wouldn’t award badges. It would be more of a training ground. A place to prepare for the league after having earned the eight necessary badges, and maybe even to brush up some skills before heading out to the next league or to challenge the Elite Five.” Ash was excited. It was such a great idea, and it would keep him in Pokemon training. He hated the thought of giving all that up, only battling once a year to defend his title.
“That’s wonderful dear.” Delia’s eyes were brimming with pride. Her son was just so amazing.
“Speaking of which,” Misty interrupted turning to Gary and Richie, “are either of you going to challenge the Elite Five?”
“I don’t think so,” Richie said, “not yet anyway.”
“No way,”
“Yeah,” Richie agreed, “And there’s really no point – Ash always creams us now.”
“So that’s why you were so
late.” She smiled knowingly and
“You challenged him?” Tracey asked in disbelief, “today?” Gary
“Uh, oh!” Brock exclaimed.
“Yep,”
“And I missed it!” Tracey looked so upset Ash almost laughed.
“Hey!” Richie jumped up, “not fair! I want a match!”
Misty eyed him, astonishment mixed with mild disgust, “After you just said there was no point?” she shook her head, “Boys!”
Delia laughed, “And men. They never do grow up.” All the young men blushed and returned to their seats.
“Sorry mom,” Ash muttered, “this is your moment.”
Delia looked surprised, “whatever do you mean dear? You didn’t do anything.”
“If I hadn’t given Gary
“And if I hadn’t asked about your plans we wouldn’t be discussing it. But it doesn’t matter, it’s alright.” Ash smiled gratefully.
Just then Professor Oak entered
the room, turning their minds to other matters.
“Well, hello!” Professor Oak smiled and moved to stand behind
Delia, squeezing her shoulder lightly.
“Hi, Professor!” Ash grinned, “You’d better be taking good care of my mom.”
“Of course,” Professor Oak smiled, “Like she was my own, which she very nearly is – err, wife that is, not mother.” He added when he saw the others exchange amused glances. “Well, how are you?”
“Good.” Ash assured him. Though it had been an open question the others remained silent. They knew it was really aimed at Ash. The professor had seen all the others recently, even Misty though it had been a few months. He hadn’t seen Ash in nearly a year.
“Brock, what is up with you!?” Ash had been watching Brock fidget and roam nervously for the last hour.
“Joy is coming.” Brock said, as if that explained it all, and perhaps it did.
Misty rolled her eyes, but smiled from her spot on the sofa. Gary
“If I ever have a girlfriend,” he stated firmly, “I am not going to be that weird.”
“So Brock’s new girlfriend was a Joy.” Ash smiled then frowned a moment before breaking into an even wider grin, “Well, I suppose she still is a Joy, now isn’t she.”
“She certainly is,” Brock piped up, a dreamy look in his eyes. He clasped his hands, “the Joy of my life.”
“Yuck!” Gary screwed up his face, “That was a terrible pun.”
Misty elbowed him, “Just be glad he’s focused his attentions on one woman.”
“Amen!” Ash exclaimed heartily.
Brock ignored them, his attention was focused on the woman who had just entered the house.
To be completely accurate, two women had just entered and now stood in the entryway: a sweet looking woman with pinkish hair, and a spunky woman with spiky blue hair. Joy and Jenny. There was a time when having these two women in the same room would have sent Brock’s head spinning. Now he only had eyes for Joy.
“Jenny!” Tracey bolted in from another part of the house, taking her coat and giving her a light kiss. Ash wondered how Tracey had known she had arrived, Ash had been in the same room and he had almost missed the women’s entrance- Tracey had been in the study, at the other end of the large house. Maybe Venonat had taught him to use supersonic. Ash smiled at the thought. A Pokemon training it’s master, now that was funny. He looked at Tracey. But it actually made sense in Tracey’s case.
“Hello.” Jenny smiled, returning his kiss. “Hey Brock.” She said nonchalantly. He waved absently.
“Hello dear.” Joy patted his shoulder. As if it were some sort of signal Brock suddenly became normal – well, normal for him anyway.
He took her coat, “Hello Joy, I’ve missed you.” He smiled and offered her his arm.
“I missed you too.” She took his arm and allowed him to lead her toward the kitchen, “Why didn’t you stop by the breeding center?”
“I’ve been busy what with Ash’s arrival and all.”
“Oh!” Joy turned around abruptly, “I’m sorry Ash, I didn’t mean to ignore you. How rude of me.” Her face flushed.
“It’s alright.” Ash smiled reassuringly at her. “I’m used to it.”
“Ash?” Jenny’s eyes widened. “I didn’t even recognize you. You’re so… big.”
Ash laughed, a deep, low rumble that sent a chill through Misty (and if the truth were told, through the other two women as well.) “I’ve been getting a lot of that.” He smiled, “though not for a while now. I was here a year ago you know.”
“Oh yes,” Joy nodded. Jenny looked at her in question, “We were both away at the time.” Joy reminded her.
“Ah.” Jenny nodded, remembering hearing something about that now.
Their conversation was cut off as Delia entered the room. “Oh good,” she smiled, “everyone’s here. Let’s go eat!”
The dinner was great, his mother’s cooking always was, but Ash’s mind wasn’t focused on the food (for once.) Every nerve in his body was acutely aware of the fact that Misty was sitting across from him. He could barely eat. And he was certain the entirety of the dinner conversation would have been lost to him had Professor Oak not said something that grabbed him.
“Well,
of course
“Whatever.”
“Hey man,” Tracey smiled at him, “Be grateful - I’m dreading it, especially the ring bearing duties.”
Ash nearly dropped his fork, “Assistant? Ring – bearing – duties?” He said slowly.
Delia nodded, “Yes, Tracey is going to be Samuel’s best man, so that means he has to hold the rings.” She looked at her son for a moment, then her face drew in concern, “Oh dear, I forgot to tell you didn’t I.”
“Guess so.” Ash forced a smile, “Here I thought I was the best man.”
“Oh my, oh my.” Professor Oak said, picking up on what had happened. He looked at Ash apologetically, “I had wanted you to be my best man Ash, but then we realized someone had to walk your mother down the aisle.” He smiled affectionately at Delia.
“I’m so sorry dear, in all the excitement I forgot to tell you about the change in plans.” She smiled brightly at him, “Don’t worry though, you’ll still be giving the speech at the reception.”
Ash gulped, “Speech.”
“Of course dear, the day wouldn’t be the same without you having your say.” Delia’s smile widened.
“You can say that again.” Ash muttered. He was going to make a fool of himself!
A week had passed since the start of the TMW, as Ash had so aptly named it. Though, since Ash had been so early (almost a week), the official TMW hadn’t started until yesterday. Ash couldn’t believe how much was involved in planning a wedding.
Now they were all sitting in Prof. Oak’s living room with glasses of lemonade for a well deserved rest.
“Ash”
Mrs. Ketchum walked into the room holding a piece of paper. “I just got a
letter from your cousin Chris. She
can’t make it to the wedding, it appears she’s right in the middle of the
“That’s too bad.” Ash said with a hint of sadness, “we had fun when I saw her in Shanti.”
“You
have a cousin?”
“Hey, I wonder if she ran into May?” Brock piped up. Ash looked disgusted at the thought, Delia noticed and her brow wrinkled in concern.
“The
“She will.” Ash said confidently.
“Drake?” Richie broke in, “didn’t you hear? He’s on sabbatical.”
“What!?!” the others exclaimed, except Gary, who was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that Ash had a cousin.
Richie nodded, “Yeah, it seems,” he glanced slyly at Ash, “it seems that in the eight years he was there only one trainer managed to defeat him. So,” he went on casually, ignoring Ash’s blush, “the league thought the hall of fame was looking a little empty and when Drake asked for a few years off they gladly gave it to him.” He looked up, eyes wide with assumed innocence, “how do you think Gary and I beat the Orange League?”
“You
have a cousin!?”
Everyone laughed at his expense. Fortunately he didn’t notice.
Ash was nursing a headache. This wedding stuff was hard work – and they were still in the planning stages. There was so much they had to do now, and so much they couldn’t do until a few days before the wedding. He didn’t see how he was going to survive. His wedding had better not be so complicated.
He caught himself. His wedding? Who was he kidding? The only girl he’d ever had any interest in thought he was a jerk.
“Pikapi!” Pikachu ran up, a little out of breath. It wasn’t a young thing anymore. “Pi?” it stopped short when it saw Ash’s hand on his head.
“Hey Pikachu,” Ash patted its head, reassuring it, “This wedding stuff’s hard work huh?” Pikachu agreed. Its ears pricked up.
“You hear someone coming Pikachu?”
“Pi.” Its ears twitched.
Ash sat up and smiled as he too finally heard the others coming (Pikachu certainly wasn’t losing its hearing.)
His mother and the guys came in.
Ash ran a hand through his hair, “Hey guys! Where’s Misty?” His mother smiled at him, but let Richie field the question.
“She and Professor Oak are out at the lake. Seems the water pokemon are a little skittish today.”
“Oh, maybe I should go see,” Ash started to stand.
“PI PIKA!”
“Pikachu’s right dear.” Ash’s mom told him, placing a hand on his shoulder and gently pushing him back into his seat. “You’ve worked yourself to the bone, sit a while. Samuel and Misty can handle it themselves.”
“I guess,” Ash looked a little crestfallen and more than a little embarrassed. The truth was he hadn’t seen Misty since breakfast. He missed her. Wedding activities tended to keep men and women separate, pokemon was something they could do together. Oh well. He’d live, he’d been separated from her for far longer periods of time.
“Ash.” A familiar voice called.
"Oh good! She's here!" Delia smiled.
Ash groaned, “Oh no.”
“What’s wrong dear?” Delia was truly concerned by the look on her son’s face, “would you rather I had not invited her?”
“No mom, it’s alright,” he plastered a smile on his face, which, to his credit, didn’t look too forced, and turned to face the approaching figure.
He took a deep breath, “Hiya May! I didn’t expect to see you here.” Maybe it would be all right, after all, it wasn’t until last year she’d started being weird, maybe it was a phase.
Richie snickered and Ash threw him a murderous look.
May didn’t notice, “Your mom invited me.” She glanced at him slyly, “It would have been rude to say no.” Ash sincerely doubted that reason had entered into her thought process and from the look Richie was giving him he doubted it too. “And to be honest, I missed you.” She looked at Ash through lowered lashes and grabbed his arm then looked around, “All of you.”
“Pika, pik chu.” [Yeah right kid] Pikachu did not like where this was going.
As it turned out, Misty had been even less thrilled than Ash with May’s appearance. She’d tried to be friendly, after all she hadn’t had a problem with the girl the last time they’d met, but it didn’t seem to be working. May seemed to enjoy bothering Misty. And the way she treated Ash was infuriating. Anywhere Ash was you were sure to find May. She always had an excuse to be with him rather than where she was supposed to be. Her Torchic missed him, she needed his advice, she needed him to reach something (she was awfully short). It got so bad that even Professor Oak had commented on it – and he hated to interfere with the kids’ lives.
As they gathered in the Oak dinning room for lunch Tracey deftly maneuvered Misty between May and Ash. If this didn’t stop he was going to have to do something, and soon.
After the meal they all agreed a longer break was in order. Invitations and chairs could wait. Mrs. Ketchum began talking about her late husband’s family (after some none too subtle prodding from Gary).
“So
you see, Ash’s father was from Shanti.
I met him near the end of his Pokemon journey.
He had come to study under the great Professor Oak.” Delia stated
matter of factly, “So all of his family is still in Shanti, including
Ash’s cousin Chris. She’s a
little younger than you all.” It
had been almost a week since the letter from Ash’s cousin and
“She started her journey a little late. Her family didn’t want to lose her.”
“It’s no wonder, I mean, Ash’s dad never came back to them.” Misty said in understanding. She wondered if that was how her own sisters had felt when she had left.
“Yes, well, she certainly has made up for lost time.” Delia smiled, about to elaborate. But before she could continue the room filled with smoke and two figures were lowered through it.
“Prepare for trouble.”
“And make it double – Jesse, why are we doing this again?” A cultured voice asked wearily.
“For effect you dolt, but now that you’ve ruined that.”
“Sorry.” James truly was sorry, he hated to spoil things for her, there was still so little that made her truly happy. So what if the dumb motto grated on his very last nerve.
“Team Rocket!” Ash, Misty, Brock, and Tracey exclaimed at once. Falling into old habit.
“Aw man!”
Delia stood, “Jesse, James,” she trilled in delight, moving quickly to hug them. “I’m glad you could make it – and so early, from your last call I was afraid you wouldn’t be able to get the time off at all.”
“We pretty much set our own schedules now.” James smiled warmly.
“Yes,” Jesse chimed in, returning Delia’s hug with genuine warmth, “we left the fashion conference a little early.”
Ash looked at Misty in something akin to shock and mouthed, “Fashion conference?” Misty shrugged, she was just as lost as he was.
“Oh, you didn’t have to.” Mrs. Ketchum sounded worried.
“Nonsense, we wanted to come.” James assured her.
“Besides, the people at that conference were complete morons – we were definitely done.” Jesse stated peevishly. James patted her shoulder and she smiled.
Ash gave Misty another puzzled look. “Did I miss something?” he asked incredulously, “Mom, why did you invite Team Rocket to your wedding?”
“Oh, we’re not Team Rocket anymore." James smiled, “We quit two years ago. We’re fashion designers now, we also do quite a bit of consulting.”
“Didn’t you notice we weren’t following you anymore?” Jesse asked.
“They’re my friends dear,” Mrs. Ketchum was puzzled by her son’s reaction. “I wanted all my friends to be here.”
“Friends?” Ash’s voice rose, just slightly, “Since when are you friends with them?”
“Why, Ash, since just after you left to challenge the Elite Five. Don’t you remember?”
Ash just stared at her.
“Oh dear,” Mrs. Ketchum bit her lip, “I forgot to tell you, didn’t I?” she clasped her hands, “Jesse and James were in Pallet town just after you left. It seems they had left Team Rocket some time before and were trying to get married, but they were in a bit of trouble.”
“Yeah,” James chimed in, “You don’t just quit Team Rocket. They weren’t very happy with us – they were chasing us!” his eyes widened and his voice went up an octave on the last part.
“Though I really don’t see why,” Jesse grumbled, “they tried to fire us often enough.”
“Any way,” Mrs. Ketchum continued, “I figured our house would be the last place Team Rocket would look for them considering your history together, so I let them stay here until things calmed down. They were wonderful guests, and I won’t tell you exactly what happened, but they really got me out of a jam. Then they got jobs and left, they’ve been traveling a lot lately, but they still call.” She smiled at them.
Ash and Misty stared uneasily at the former Team Rocket members for an endless moment, and they stared back.
“Truce,” James offered his hand, smiling uncertainly.
Ash eyed his hand, then slowly offered his own.
“Oh wonderful!” Mrs. Ketchum smiled happily.
“Fashion designers, huh?” Misty asked, still unsure.
“Oh yes, we work for PK Gear!” James gushed.
Tracey perked up, “Really I-”
Ash interrupted him, “I don’t know how I’m going to explain this to Pikachu.”
They heard footsteps and laughter at the door.
“Better think fast,” Misty told him, “because that’s probably them now.”
“Oh, it’s Richie!” Mrs. Ketchum said brightly, oblivious to her son’s look of concern.
Jesse looked blankly at James.
“Twerp’s pal, the one with the other Pikachu.” He supplied.
“Ah,” Jesse nodded with a smile, “I like him!”
“Well, that’s a first.” Misty muttered. Jesse just smiled, though it appeared to take some effort on her part.
Richie entered the room, a pikachu on each shoulder. Richie was laughing as the two Pokemon chattered happily. All three froze when they saw Jesse and James standing there.
“Team Rocket!” Richie exclaimed in anger.
Both pikachu were poised to jump – no doubt ready to shock the daylights out of the former Team Rocket members. Ash noticed.
“No!” he dived into their path. Pikachu managed to stop itself just in time, but Sparky let loose one bolt before ceasing.
“Pi, pika, pi.” It said apologetically.
“It’s okay Sparky,” Ash smiled, “After all these years around Pikachu a little jolt doesn’t bother me.” The rodent’s ears perked up and its eyes brightened in relief.
Richie was just staring at Jesse and James, then his eyes darted from person to person in confusion. <Why are they all just standing there?>
“It’s not nice to attack wedding guests.” Jesse groused.
“Wedding guests.” Richie repeated dumbly.
“Yes.” Jesse gave a pronounced nod.
“I invited them,” Delia said. Richie’s gaze jerked to her in shock.
“They’re not with Team Rocket anymore Richie.” Misty explained quietly.
“Since when?” he asked in disbelief, finally able to gather his scattered thoughts. He felt like a vase smashed against a brick wall.
“For about two years, from what I gather.” Ash said.
“Um, guys.” Tracey spoke up.
“Two years!” Richie was so loud he made the two pikachu jump. Sparky looked at him reproachfully, but Richie didn’t notice.
“Guys.” Tracey said, a little louder.
“That still doesn’t explain what they’re doing here.”
“Long story short, my mom helped them, they helped her, they’ve gone legit, they’re friends now.”
Tracey was starting to look a little upset. He was tapping a foot violently and sighed in bursts. The others still ignored him, so he tried again. “Guys, could we-”
“Oh,” Richie suddenly broke into a smile, extending his hand warmly, “Welcome guys. It’s good to have you here.”
James shook his hand, then Jesse did. Ash looked at Misty in disbelief, “Well that was quick.” He said.
Jesse smiled, “I knew I liked him.”
“Guys!” Tracey was nearly frantic now.
“So what have you two been up to the past two years?” Richie inquired, genuinely curious.
“As we were explaining just before you came in, we’re fashion designers with PK Gear.” Jesse told him.
“FINALLY!!!” Tracey exclaimed, jumping out of his seat, “I love PK Gear.” He was thrilled to finally get out the sentence he had been in the middle of before Richie’s entrance interrupted them. Everyone looked at him in shock.
“Gee Tracey, you don’t have to get all excited about it.” Ash said.
Tracey rolled his eyes and heaved a huge sigh of exasperation before plopping back into his seat. Why was it that he always got ignored in large groups?
“That’s a great gig.” Richie said.
“We like it.” James smiled.
“So do you get free clothes and stuff?” May asked, entering the conversation for the first time that day. She seemed just a little uncomfortable around all of Ash’s friends. Misty thought it served her right.
“Oh, no. We don’t ever wear our own designs.” Jesse told her.
“Why not?” Brock asked.
“Wearing one’s own clothing is so gouache, so passé, it simply isn’t done.” James told him sagely.
“Uh,” Brock looked at him blankly.
“Besides, can you imagine me in jeans!” Jesse huffed, her face screwed up in disgust. Everyone laughed (very slightly, they would hate to upset Jesse), they certainly couldn’t.
“Oh!” Brock nodded, he got it alright.
“Anyway,” James drew their attention away from his wife. “Delia was there for us when we got married. We wanted to be here for her wedding.”
“You’re married!” Richie exclaimed
Everyone laughed, again.
Ash looked chagrinned, “Guess I kinda left that out of my summary. Sorry, Rich.”
Richie just stared at them.
Seeing Mrs. Ketchum reading, he seized the opportunity to learn more about Ash’s cousin. Mrs. Ketchum listened to his questions, but she didn’t answer them this time. Instead, she questioned him.
“Why are you so interested in my niece, Gary?” Mrs. Ketchum eyed him in amusement.
“I don’t know.” He flopped down on the couch, “I guess…”
“You guess because it keeps you from having to think about the fact that your grandfather and I are getting married?” It wasn’t quite a question.
He sighed, “Yeah, I guess.”
“Don’t like the thought of having Ash as an uncle, hmm?” she smiled.
Delia chuckled, “Oh Gary. It’s okay, I understand.”
“Do you,” he looked at her, then relaxed - she really did. He sat up again, hunching forward and spreading his hands, “Don’t get me wrong Mrs. Ketchum, I like you. You’re great, but…”
“But he’s your grandfather.” She patted his hand.
“Yeah. That sounds weird I know, but yeah.”
“Hey
Delia smiled sweetly, “I have a lot of friends dear.”
Ash shot his mom an amused look, “Funny, and here that’s what I thought I was doing.”
“Oh quit grinning and let’s
go!”
***
They were still heaving tables two hours later.
“Hey Ash,”
“Yeah,
“You know when you said there were a lot of tables?”
“Yes
“Well, you lied.” Ash’s surprised gaze flitted to his, “This is definitely more than a lot!”
“No offense man, but did your mom invite everyone in Indigo?” Richie asked, coming up beside them.
“I think Professor Oak invited every Professor in the known world.” Tracey added, “I saw the guest list, it was frightening.” He gave a shudder.
Brock collapsed on the ground, “oh Joy, come save me. I think I need CPR.”
Ash swatted at him, “don’t you wish.” Then he grinned, “besides, I think you’re so far gone not even Joy could save you.”
Brock jumped to his feet, ready to defend his love’s skill, but stopped when he heard snickers, “Aw man, now you’ve got me up.” The other men broke into fits of laughter, Richie leaned over, hands on his knees, gasping for breath.
“Can’t – breath.” Tracey panted. His face was turning red
“Oh, man.
That was great.”
Brock glared at them, “Laugh it up boys, you’ll get yours.”
“What are you doing?” A haughty feminine voice, laced with disgust, sounded behind them. “Ugh, you smell.” They could hear that she had pinched her nose.
Ash turned around to face the newcomer, “that happens when you haul tables for two hours in the middle of a hot summer afternoon.” He wiped a hand on his jeans and extended it to her, “And you are?”
“Aw man! May!”
“Just now.” Her eyes flicked over the group before returning to Ash. She looked him over and grinned. He was staring at her wide eyed. “I see my reputation precedes me.” Richie rolled his eyes, if her nose was any higher in the air it’d be mistaken for a cloud, or maybe a really ugly bird… May turned the full force of her smile on Ash, “I’m May Oak, and you are?”
Ash swallowed, “Ash Ketchum,” he grinned, “you used to be my babysitter.”
She stared at him in shock. “Ash!” she breathed.
He grinned, “The one and only.”
“My, you’re, huge!”
“So I’ve been told.” He said dryly.
“Ash dear!” His mother was approaching from the house, “how are those tables, oh my.” She stopped short when she saw May, “May.” She seemed uncertain. May smiled.
“The one and only.” She smiled at Ash, as if they shared an inside joke. He looked away. What had he ever seen in this girl? Oh well, he had been young, very young.
Delia summoned up a smile of her own, “I’m so glad you could come. We’re all so excited!”
“Yipee.” Gary
“I’m confused.” Tracey said, “who is this?”
May, Delia, and Ash looked
expectantly at
Ash shifted uncomfortably,
feeling sorry for
She pretended to consider, “Um, well, you know,” she smiled brightly, an almost wicked gleam in her eyes, “I’ve been thinking about asking Giovanni if he would like to join us…”
