Pokémon Rewritten Memories: Kanto

"This is truly a trainer's paradise."

Ash and company were standing at the top of the stairway, engrossed in both the lively atmosphere and the sheer size of the venue. Two battlefields and a whole array of exhibits and stands were just a fraction of the space the ballroom provided. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the area, giving the place much-needed light as, behind the windows, grey clouds were gathering. Rain was certain to fall in the next couple of hours.

"So, where do you want to start?" Misty's eyes wandered around, not knowing what to pick.

"Let's hit up the stands." Brock replied after a second of thought.

"I highly doubt they'll have anything near our budget." Ash wasn't too far off with his judgement.

A high-profile event like this wasn't for the faintest of wallets. The sky was truly the limit. Even the word "luxury" couldn't cover the extreme extravagance of some of the merchandise offered. Poké Balls with inlaid gold and diamonds? Those were for the lesser-born. Not worthy of catching the eye of those truly wealthy. They did, however, garner the attention of many women, much to their other halves' dismay.

"Anymore, and they're going to salivate." Ash put down the price tag of a solid platinum PokeFlute. "Does it even work?"

"That's not its purpose, Sonny." The owner of the high-class stand remarked, sizing up Ash and his friends. "These trinkets are just a pastime. Nothing more, nothing less."

"How astute of you, sir." Ash replied, slightly surprised that a businessman would undermine his own sales.

"There's no need to be confused. Luxury is but a foolish man's sport. Quite distasteful, I might add."

"And yet you still engage in this side of commerce. How precious." Annoyance showed on Misty's face.

"Money is still money, young lass. If I had not traded in luxury goods, I would have found another profitable venture instead." The man ended with a pop. "Do not fall into the trap of greed, youngsters."

The older man walked away, followed closely by his steward.

"That... sucks." Brock didn't know what to say.

"Maybe so." Ash watched as the man disappeared behind a closed door. "It's not as if he wasn't right."

"Not like he wasn't in the wrong either." Misty huffed.

"True... let's go check the trainer's corner. They seem to have something more in our alley."

-----

"Remember, we have 30 minutes until Glutteny," Jessie said to James before parting.

The teenager's eyes shone as she ran off, not wasting time to window shop all of the fashion brands located further inside the venue. Because Meowth was still delegated to cooking duty, James absentmindedly passed by stand after stand on his own. Nothing was catching his eye.

"Psst, hey you." Someone's whispering voice woke James up from his thoughts.

"You're talking to me?" James pointed towards himself.

The voice came from a shady-looking middle-aged man. His cartoonish getup and "I'm going to rip you off" smile plastered on his face greeted James, the unsuspecting victim. Seeing the man motion him to come closer, he obliged. The shady man stood next to something covered by a cloth. It looked too big to be a box. Banners were hung above the small stand, promising great returns for those with discerning eyes. The untold secrecy and mystery gained James's attention.

"You seem to be a fellow down on his luck, isn't that right?" the vendor started his pitch.

"How do you know?" The blue-haired teen's shocked expression was all the seller needed to know that he had hooked the young man. Now it was time to sell.

"What I have here is the solution to all of your problems. The light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak." The man rubbed his palms, clearly happy with the changing expressions on the youth's face.

"Really?" James slammed his hands on the counter. "What is it!?"

"Behold!" With a strong pull, the cloth was removed, revealing the red beacon of hope.

"That's...a Magikarp?" James fell from shock, before quickly standing up and shouting. "That's not even a good one. Look at its pathetic mug."

"Carp, carp." The Pokémon seemed to be drowning in the tank. Pathetic indeed.

"Like you're one to talk." The man grumbled.

"What did you say?"

"I said, look! Don't you see!?" James was grabbed by the shoulder and pressed to the glass. "See its never-bending conviction?"

"I only see a CRP in the making if you don't pick it up. And I'm not smooching a fish."

"Fool!" The man slapped the teen's back. "This is a warrior, waiting for its chance to change its destiny. To break out of its shackles and soar towards a new horizon. If anything, it's just like you."

"Me?"

"Yes, you! Filled with passion, waiting for his chance at hitting big. The apex is within reach of your hand, waiting for you to take it for yourself."

"It is?" James's eyes became misty, engrossed by the fervent speech.

"And it's but a small fee away from coming into fruition. What do you say, young Champion? Will you embrace your destiny?"

"Take it!" A small pouch filled with coins landed on the table. "I'll beat the odds and show everyone my greatness!"

"Sure, you will." The man let out a sleazy chuckle. "Hook, line, and sinker!"

-----

"Look, Ash." The boy followed Misty's gaze, set on the Pokémon battle that was currently taking place. "It's that gentleman from lunch."

The man was facing a younger trainer, his Raticate versus his opponent's Pinsir. The normal type was having a tough time bypassing the foe's impeccable defense.

"Use Harden once more, Pinsir!"

The bug Pokémon's exoskeleton shone just before Raticate's Hyper Fang could connect. As it tried to penetrate the reinforced shell, its front tooth chipped. This made Raticate jump away in pain.

"I believe this is enough. Come back, Raticate." Faced with a loss, he tipped his tophat. "So you've won, young man. Congratulations."

The crowd cheered not only for the winner, but also for the sportsmanship shown by both trainers. As it was the final match, a staff member walked up with a small trophy and a box. Supposedly, it contained many necessities that a trainer would find necessary on the road when traveling.

"Hopefully, it's more than a sleeping bag." Ash took a sip from his water bottle.

"It does look unremarkable when compared to the rest." Brock's comment hit the nail on the head. When surrounded by grandeur, even gold may come out as common.

"What a shame the fights can't be too expressive. With us being on a ship at sea and all."

"That's a great challenge in itself, Mist. Sometimes being at a disadvantage is more fun. Overcoming your weaknesses or whatever."

"You would've sounded more mature if you hadn't left the last part in."

"Thankfully, I have two responsible friends who can take the blame for me." Ash winked.

"You wish." Misty blew a raspberry.

"Pika pika." It joined Brock in sighing. "Chu?" Its ears twitched.

"Something the matter, Pikachu?" The older teen asked.

"We should probably brace ourselves for some action." Ash lowered his cap, his expression serious.

As if on cue, the shutters on the windows dropped. Clicks of locked doors echoed in the ballroom, abruptly ending the festive atmosphere. Puzzled by the unexpected occurrences, the passengers started to gather closer. The question of what was going on was quickly answered by a flash of light, followed by a cloud of smoke.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Hey!"

"Make it double...or something..."

"Hey!"

"Shut up, you peanut gallery," Jessie shouted. "And you, stop moping about being ripped off."

"Yeah, we have other fish to fry." Meowth jumped from beneath the cart, pilot in hand. "The mission begins, ouch!"

"I'll take this for now." Ash grabbed the device from Zubat as it sat on his shoulder. "Did you three miss me?" he waved.

"It's the twerp." Meowth said as the trio huddled, brainstorming.

"I told you something would happen."

"Stop sulking. We need to fix this." Jessie searched her pocket, taking out a small button. "I came prepared."

With a push, the lights blacked out for a moment. As they came back on, the passengers found themselves surrounded by men dressed in black, each with a prominent red R on their front. Another confusing thing was the contraptions strapped to their backs. They looked oddly close to a vacuum cleaner.

"We'll be taking your Pokémon. Please cooperate or don't, ahahaha," the Team Rocket grunt laughed as he turned on the suction, tearing Poké Balls from people's belts.

"Supersonic, Zubat!" Ash and Brock shouted.

"Sreee!"

The rockets twisted and screamed as the waves hit their eardrums, giving everyone gathered a chance to realize the situation they were caught in.

"Listen, everyone." It's for times like this that Pikachu's megaphone shines. "We can't allow these miscreants to take our Pokémon without a fight. Who is with me!"

"Damn right they aren't," the champion of today's little tournament exclaimed.

"We can't allow them to do what they want." A young woman prepped her Poké Ball.

"Pokemon go!"

The sounds of roars and the opening of Poké Balls overtook the groans of the criminals. A vast array of different Pokémon stood in front of their trainers, ready for action.

"Let's give them a shocking experience of a lifetime. Pikachu, use Thunderbolt."

Ash's Pikachu was followed by many more from other trainers, gathering and forming a small pyramid of yellow cuteness. Not to be outdone by the mouse squad, other electric Pokémon joined as well, standing at the structure's sides.

"Pi...Ka...Chu!"

Flashes of roaring thunder shocked the still teetering from confusion grunts. As the attack ended, they all fell down, burnt to a crisp.

"Let's show where the washed-up wannabe gangsters' place should be. Off the ship. Squirtle, use Water Gun!"

Misty's Squirtle, joined by its friends from her former squad and a plethora of other water types, focused their streams of water, flushing Team Rocket out of the ship through the window. As the attack ended, only shattered glass remained, scattered in puddles of water.

"And that's what we call a send-off!" Ash high-fived both of his friends in victory.

"Pika pika!"

"Squirtle squirt!"

Although the occasion called for a round of applause and a victory dance, suddenly the floor shook. While they were dealing with Team Rocket, a storm caught up with the cruise. Raging waves hit against the ship's sides, rocking the boat and everything inside.

"This doesn't look good."

"Where's the captain?"

The weather was getting more violent outside. An occasional crack of lightning lit up the sky, adding to the severity of the situation. The crowd slowly poured into the corridors, looking for the staff and some answers. As they walked towards the deck, they saw a rather unseemly scene.

"Ah...I'm just here to check on the life rafts." The so-called captain continued lowering the small boat, disappearing from sight.

"That cheeky bastard."

"Quick, before others outdo us."

Blinded by panic, the crowd started pushing and shoving, fighting to get access to the small number of life rafts. While this was happening, Ash ran further inside the ship.

"What are you doing, Ash? We have to leave." Misty pulled the boy back.

"Zubat found someone on the lower deck. I have to help them." He wrestled his arm from her.

"But?"

"Let's go after him." Brock ran, with his own Zubat following closely behind.

-----

"Judy I'm scared."

"Me too."

Three kids were cuddling in fear, inside a closet. While they were in the midst of playing hide and seek, they tried to find the best hiding spot around. Unfortunately, as the ship was whipped around by the elements, something slammed against the door, locking the trio inside. They tried yelling to get someone's attention. However, nobody responded to their calls.

"Why isn't anyone coming?" Judy was using a small flashlight, a small Voltorb keychain one she got from her grandfather, to illuminate the small space. She had tried earlier to burst the doors open, pushing with everything she had. But it wouldn't budge no matter what.

"I want to see my mommy," sniffled Daria, the other girl. She was holding her friend's right arm, shivering as it got colder.

"I knew we shouldn't have hidden outside the upper deck. Now we're stranded." Shawn propped his glasses, his eyes red from crying earlier.

Crack! A harrowing sharp boom entered their ears, causing all of them to yelp.

"This is the end!" Shawn scampered to the corner. "I still haven't told Daria how I like her."

"This isn't the time for confessions, you inconsiderate little bean," the girl snapped back, blushing.

"I need to find new friends after this." Although Judy chuckled, tears were gathering in the corners of her eyes.

"Please... somebody help us."

"Is this here?" A silent whisper came through the crack under the door.

"We're here, please help us!" the kids shouted and banged against the door.

"Dang, next time I'm catching a Kangaskan." A boy's voice, cursing, could be heard from beyond the closet. "Bulbasaur, Pikachu, and Krabby, it's time for some elbow grease.

The sound of something being dragged on the floor could be heard as the doors to the closet loosened. After the noise had ended, the door was opened by someone the kids found familiar.

"You're that Fearow trainer!" Judy struggled to stand up, with her friends still clinging to her for dear life.

"The name's Ash." He patted her head, causing her pale face to flush. "You'll have time for your 'shining prince' crushes after I take you back to safety." Ash snickered.

"I'm not blushing!" she denied quickly.

"Then stop sending mixed signals by hugging my legs, hahaha."

"Meanie." She loosened her grip, reluctantly one would say.

"Let's get moving. We haven't got much time." Ash grabbed Judy's hand. "Let's all hold hands so nobody gets lost."

"Okay!" Daria grabbed Judy, and Shawn was at the end of the chain of hands.

"Zubat, I'll be counting on you for a little while longer."

"Sqree."

-----

"How did we miss Ash, Brock?"

Brock and Misty were running after Zubat, which for some reason or another had decided to take them right back to the ballroom.

"I don't know. I thought everybody had evacuated from here." Brock narrowed his eyebrows in thought.

"Maybe someone fainted." Misty tried to spot their target.

"Scree, scree."

Zubat flew straight to an oversized table. The duo caught up and were confused. Nobody was in sight.

"Are you saying there's someone under the table?"

The Pokémon pulled up the clothing table, revealing three unconscious figures underneath.

"Team Rocket!?" gasped Misty.

"Can't say if they're lucky or not." Brock quickly checked whether they were breathing. "We'll need to take them to safety. Go, Geodude."

"Dude!" The rock Pokémon grabbed Jessie.

"I'll take the cat." She put Meowth in her hands.

"That leaves you." Brock teared as his Pokémon casually pulled the girl away. When he tried to grab James, the blue teenager woke up.

"What's going on?" he groaned.

"Storm, ship sinking, move it." Misty quickly said.

"Here you go." Brock propped the teen up, helping him move.

"Where's Jessie and Meowth?"

"In front of us. Come on, we have to move."

The group exited the ballroom and were greeted by chaos on the deck. People were shouting and arguing about who was next in line for the life rafts. The crew that remained clearly wasn't able to deal with the situation.

"I wish I had Fearow for this." Misty lowered Meowth next to Jessie, leaning it against the wall. "Should we return for Ash?"

"Zubat said they're coming." Brock returned Geodude into its Poké Ball. "I'll go check with the ranking officer."

Misty was left alone with the members of Team Rocket. The wind and rain were getting worse. To prevent freezing to death, she threw a coat around herself, zipping it up to her chin. While she was warming her hands, someone asked her a question.

"Why did you come for us?" James brought his friends into his embrace, trying to shield them from the weather as much as he could.

"I thought I was going after Ash." She didn't hold back with her honesty.

"Then why didn't you leave us behind?" James's hollow eyes locked with hers. His long, blue, and wet hair stuck to his face. The coldness and shadows marred his face with gloom.

"Because that's my job as a Future Gym Leader. To help those in need when I can," she paused. "And he'd have probably done the same."

"Who is he, Misty?"

"Ash, you're back!" Misty gave him a quick hug before hearing someone cough. "Are you the little girl from earlier?"

"The name's Judy. You ought to remember." The girl's statement took Misty back.

"Did I do something?"

"Jealous, probably. Oh, Team Rocket is here. This time it's sinking, huh?" Ash patted the blue teenager's shoulder. "Where's Brock?"

"Looking for a raft for us. It's quite messy."

"As it always gets during emergencies." Ash looked around. "There are some rafts over there."

Ash noticed a couple of boats at the tail end of the ship. Maybe because of the distance or lack of coordination, nobody was eager to get them.

"Fearow and Pidgeotto, could you grab the life rafts from there?"

"Row!"

"Geot!"

The bird Pokémon cut through the turbulent sky. Seeing Ash's actions, other people, tired of waiting, sent their own Pokémon for a chance to get a boat for themselves.

"You're finally here." Brock came back from speaking with the vice captain. "They were able to get through to the coastal guard from Porta Vista. It's a resort town to the west of us."

"Porta Vista? Wasn't it St. Anne's stop?"

"Not quite the trip we wished for."

"Pika Pi." Pikachu nodded, the sides of its hat dripping from the pouring water.

While they were waiting for Ash's Pokémon to return, someone ran anxiously towards them, someone they had met before.

"Judy!"

"Grandpa!" The little girl jumped into the embrace of the wealthy gentleman with whom they had shared a few words at the ballroom.

"I looked all over for you."

"I'm sorry I made you worry," she looked down.

"What matters is that you're safe. I see your friends were with you as well."

"Hello, Mr. Rockswell." Shawn and Daria approached with their heads down.

"I'm glad you found your family, Judy," smiled Ash, supervising Bulbasaur as he lowered the rafts. "We meet again, Mister."

"A small world indeed." The man straightened his back. "I assume I have you to thank for their safety?"

"We can talk after getting out of this mess. Should we expect you to ride with us?"

"There's no need. I have one prepared." Mr. Rockswell snapped his fingers, calling his steward. "Please take the children, Charles."

"As you wish, sire." The silver-haired man helped the children dress into prepared raincoats. "This way, young mistress."

"Thank you for saving us," Judy waved, her eyes lingering on Ash as she walked away with her friends.

"I'll remember this, Mr. Ash Ketchum." The man politely bowed, removing his hat, before leaving.

"Never an easy day with you. Is it, Ash?" Brock smirked.

"It's tiresome being me, sometimes." Adventures sure liked to pop up wherever he went. "We can all fit, so let's get them on first."

Ash and Brock helped James and his friends get onto the life raft, shortly followed by Misty and themselves. With the help of Bulbasaur and the bird Pokémon, the boat safely landed on the turbulent waves.

"Let's get as far as we can from the ship. We wouldn't want to crash against it." Ash ordered Fearow and Pidgeotto, their claws holding Bulbasaur's vines, to pull them away.

The boat began moving, cutting through the disturbed surface of water. As it got further away, Ash looked back, watching as St. Anne had undoubtedly failed its battle with the violent storm.

"It's sinking," gasped Misty.

The stern of the ship was submerged, pulled straight into the black abyss. The bow of St. Anne was slowly rising up, making it seem as if it was a tower standing in the middle of the ocean.

"Hopefully, everyone escaped..." Brock shielded his eyes from the wind.

"There's a silver lining in everything, I suppose..."

"And why is he suddenly so depressed? I thought he was the happiest one out of the bunch." Ash asked.

"He was like this when we rescued him from the ship. Maybe it has something to do with the gold Poké Ball in his hand."

Just as Misty had said, a golden ball was resting between the teen's palms.

"You got yourself a brand new Pokémon? Nice." Ash gave a thumbs up.

"There's nothing to be happy about."

James pushed the button, releasing his Magikarp in the center of the boat. The Pokémon flailed around, hitting everyone's legs with its tail.

"It's weak even against water." The sigh contained so much sadness that it scared Magikarp right into the lap of its trainer. "Some fighting dreamer you turned out to be."

"Pushing breaking the fourth wall aside, why are you complaining? You are a trainer after all." Ash tickled Magikarp's back fin, making it relax a little.

"And what do you expect me to do with a Magikarp!?" James vented his frustration by yelling.

"Then why did you get it in the first place?" Misty looked at the frightened Pokémon with pity.

"I? I.." he turned the Pokémon around, making it face him with its tearful eyes. James's expression softened. "I saw myself within it. A meek fellow trying its best to keep afloat. Working tirelessly...for approval."

The boat fell silent. The sound of thunder clashed with the shrieks of the wind.

"Are you going to give up?"

"What?"

"I'm asking whether you'll stop. Forgoing any chances at reaching your goals," Ash clarified.

"I'm confused as to why you care," James replied. "We've been on your tail for so long."

"You mean a pain in the ass," huffed Misty.

"Don't be brash, Misty," said Brock.

"She isn't wrong," chuckled Ash. "And I did tell you that you should have just caught a random Pokémon. It's much easier than trying to steal. As much as I love my Pikachu, it's not the rarest Pokémon out there."

"Chu!" It took offense to that.

"It's more powerful than any other Pikachu I've met." James added, making Pikachu puff out its chest.

"And pray tell, why is it strong?" Ash shook his head, disappointed. "I've trained and fought lots of battles to get it to this level. The only thing I see you're trying to do is cash in on my labor."

"That's... uh." The teen blushed, embarrassed by being told off by someone younger than him.

"And I'm saying that to both of you as well."

Jessie and Meow jumped, gulping from being caught in the act. When did he notice?

"Zubat could hear the difference in your breathing. I've known from the start that you were awake for a while."

"Guilty as charged." Jessie pouted and turned away. The embarrassment was creeping into her deep red hair, which was surprisingly firm under these conditions.

"Meowth, that's right."

"My head hurts." Misty took a deep breath.

"Someone is being a drama queen."

"I don't want to hear that from someone who stalks children for a living!"

While Brock was handling Misty and Jessie was held back by Meowth, Ash moved next to James.

"If you truly have seen something similar between you and Magicarp, then you should know one thing."

Ash opened his Pokédex, after clicking some buttons, he showed the screen to James.

"While Magicarps are weak compared to others at this stage, they can bloom into something great with enough attention and care. You can be a part of that process, helping it reach its full potential."

"It can become this.."

"Carp, carp?"

Both humans and Pokémon were laser-focused on the image before them. A mighty sea serpent, its maw as large as its head. The silthering terror that razes cities when running amok in anger. Even the mystical dragon Pokémon have to make way when coming into contact with a group of Gyarados.

"We're almost at shore." The lighthouse of Porta Vista shone brightly, cutting through the darkness.

Everyone cheered, finally, this night's cruise will come to an end. Even the flying Pokémon were excited as they sped up, willing to part with the unreasonable weather as fast as they could.

"I'll think about it."

"What?" Ash blinked.

James grabbed Jessie, Meowth, and Magikarp and jumped into the cold water.

"What's the big idea, James?" Jessie spat out the salty water that had gotten into her mouth.

"We can't be seen by the authorities, not like this." James pointed to their clothes before swimming ahead.

"Are ya done staring?"

Meowth paddled with its paws and tail, not keen on staying behind. Closing her mouth, Jessie begrudgingly swam after her friends.

"Was this the right thing, Ash?"

Although Misty's attitude was harsh, she worried about the minor annoyances.

"They have their pride." Ash smiled. "In time, we'll see whether it was worth it."

"Chu."