Pokémon Retold: Part 1 - The Indigo Adventures

Chapter 20 - Scent-sation Pokémon Battle

   Ash lay in a bed in the Pokémon Center with his cap off to the side. Pikachu cuddled into ash as he and the boy were asleep. Two minutes later, Ash's eyes were twitching before they opened slowly. Sunlight was shining through a window, as Ash picked himself up, noticing his clothes were dirty. Pikachu awoke a few seconds later and climbed onto Ash's shoulder.
   "Pikachu," Ash said groggily. "What happened last night?"
Pikachu gave a face that read: I have no idea. But just then, Brock and Misty entered the room with food and drinks.
   "Hey, looks who's up and about," Brock said jovially.
   "B-Brock, Misty," Ash asked. "Wha-What happened last night?"
   "You don't remember," Misty asked.
   "Nope," Ash answered as he swung his feet over the side of the bed.
   "Well, here's how it went," Brock began to answer.

*

   Brock and Misty were walking the night streets of Celadon City. The lights dazzling as any city at night would be, but they were not stopping to smell the roses. The duo visited the casinos that practically infected the city to find Ash. One after another, Brock and Misty came up empty-handed. Something that made them curious, was the the same name and branding.
   "Hey Brock," Misty said. "Why do you think the same casino is plastered everywhere throughout the city?"
   "I don't know," Brock said in thought. "But I have a bad feeling about this."

   The gym leaders continued their search for their friend. For what felt like three hours, Brock and Misty were about to call it a night, but just then, a massive explosion. Brock and Misty saw it and ran toward the scene of the explosion. Misty saw in the sky a faint white glow, while a figure was sent plummetting to the ground. A forty-five-minute run later, Brock and Misty arrived at a casino where patrons flooded out in fear. The police arrived two minutes later, keeping everyone away from the building.
   "I'm sorry, but you have to step back," said the officer.
   "No, our friend is in there, "Misty proclaimed.
   "Your friend," asked the officer. "LEUTENITE, GET A SQUAD IN THERE NOW!!"
   "Sir yes sir," said another cop.

*

   Ash was enjoying his drink as he began to put the pieces together. He nodded before setting his cup down.
   "The battle must've taken more than I thought," said Ash before he held his head. "Why my head? Ow..."
   "Why don't you take a shower," Brock suggested.
   "Yeah, you look like a mess," teased Misty. "Smell like one too."
   "Sure that's not the perfume," Ash retorted.
   Brock could not control himself as he let out a snicker, while Misty was shocked and seemingly offended.

   It took Ash a few minutes, but he managed to clean himself up. After drying off, Ash made his way to the room with Pikachu climbing on his shoulder.
   "Hey guys," Ash said. "Is there any chance we can get some headache medicine? My head's still killing me."
   "Not a problem," Brock said. "But I hope you don't mind us having a look through the city first."
   "Long as it's no perfume parlor, I'll be great," Ash remarked.
   "First thing's first Ash," Misty interjected. "You have Pokémon to retrieve."
   It took a second for Ash to comprehend, but he realized the Pokémon he had with him were not on his person. Frantically, Ash dashed out of the room, and toward the front desk. When he reached the main lobby, police, and news reporters raced toward Ash as soon as they saw him. They all crowded around Ash, pushing and shoving while taking pictures of him. Ash's heart was beating fast, sweat dripped down his head, and the lights were bothering him.
   "One at a time, ONE AT A TIME," screamed an officer. "GIVE THE KID SOME SPACE!!"
   "Th-Thank you..." Ash said weakly.
   "Excuse me, young man," said a reporter.
   Ash turned to see a young woman with a microphone and a man with a television camera.
   "Y-Yes," Ash asked.
   "We're reporters for the Celadon News," said the reporter. "Would you care to give a statement on the events from last night?"
   "Um...I uh...Don't remember all the details," Ash admitted.
   "Please, just tell us what you can remember," asked the reporter.
   Ash looked down at the floor, unaware of how to proceed next. Brock and Misty rushed down toward Ash, pushing their way past the crowd.
   "It's alright Ash," Misty said. "Remember the stress toy?"
   Ash thought about the toy and remembered it was in his backpack. Pulling it out, Ash began squeezing fast. It was only for a minute and a half, but Ash finally calmed down.
   "Alright...What do you wanna know," Ash asked.