A New Journey - Ash Ketchum {2}

Chapter 6 - Fit To Be Tide

While the kids were riding Ash's Lapras across the ocean, Lapras was having fun while jumping on the water, amusing the kids, the Pikachu and Togepi. "I think Lapras is having fun," Misty said. "Yeah, and even with us riding it, Lapras has a really good speed," Tracey said.

Lapras jumped again, but this time the male Pikachu's grip on Ash's backpack slipped and he was about to fell to the water, but Ash grabbed him quickly. "That was a close one, wasn't it Pikachu?" he asked. The male Pikachu smiled, "Pika-chu."

Emma smiled as she looked at Lapras, "We not really in a hurry, Lapras, so you don't need to rush," she said with a chuckle. "Yeah, we take the time to enjoy the ride," Ash said, but then he slightly frowned, "Except I would like something to eat..." He looked at Emma with a smile, "Maybe you can make us something, Emma?"

"Pika-chu," the male mouse said. Emma smiled as she raised an eyebrow, "How can I forget? Now I'm the one who's in charge of cooking everyday." Her friends and the Pikachu laughed. Tracey looked at a device on his hand, "We could stop at Mikan Island if you want. Oh and one of the Orange Gyms is there, too."

Ash smiled, "There's an Orange Gym there, huh?" he looked down at his Pikachu, "Did you hear that Pikachu? We can go and challenge the Gym Leader." The male Pikachu nodded with a smile, "Pika." They both looked at Lapras. "All right, full speed ahead to Mikan Island."

"Pika-Pika!"

...................

After getting to Mikan Island, the kids headed to the Pokémon Center for lunch and to treat Lapras. Ash was holding Togepi while Emma was calling home. Alex and Professor Oak appeared on the screen.

"Hi Dad, hi Professor Oak," Emma said as they smiled. "Hi kids," Alex said. "And how are the Pikachu and Togepi doing?" Professor Oak asked. The Pikachu waved, "Pika-chu."

"Togy, Togy."

Tracey stepped over, "Uh, I'm doing fine too," he said. Alex and Professor Oak blinked. "Oh, and you are...?" Alex asked. "Oh! My name is Tracey Sketchit," Tracey said. "Tracey is a Pokémon Watcher," Emma said. "Uh!" Professor Oak said with a smile, "A Pokémon Watcher."

Tracey nodded, "Yes. And I've admired you guys' works for a long time, and I--" Emma's Rhydon appeared on the screen next to Alex, calling out. Emma grinned, "Hey, Rhydon!" Rhydon called out, smiling and Alex petted it. He looked at the kids, "Sorry guys, but we need to go and take care of some things."

"That's okay," Emma said, "We'll talk soon." She hung up and turned to her friends, "All right, let's go eat." Ash grinned, "Yes!" he said. "Pika-chu!" the male mouse agreed and Emma smirked.

...................

After lunch and getting back Lapras's Poké ball, the kids headed out on the path to find the Gym. Soon enough they spotted a small building up ahead on the dirt road. "There Ash, that's the Mikan Gym up ahead," Tracey said.

Ash smiled, "All right!" He started to ran with his Pikachu on his shoulder but then stopped and then to the side where he saw a coconut lying on the grass. "A coconut. Let's open it," he said to his partner as he kneeled down. He took it and suddenly water spilled above the boy and his Pikachu.

Emma, Tracey and Misty ran closer. "Ash," Emma said. A laugh was heard, and they all looked forward. A boy stepped forward between the trees and smirked, "I got ya! I got ya!"

"Got me?" Ash repeated and looked down at the coconut, finally spotting a rope attached to it and he looked up to the tree to see a bucket above it with the rope, "It was a trap." The younger boy walked closer, laughing, "You can't be a really good trainer if you fell for a trick like that."