Pokemon: Radical Redux

The week after Christmas passed by with a few things happening. Ash and Gary battled a few times, they didn't use their original teams since, well, Ash doesn't have Charizard, and it felt cheap to Gary. So they did some stuff with their Johto teams.

They won, they lost, you know, basic rival things. For now, they were relatively evenly matched… well, except when Green jumped in and beat them. She wasn't training a new team. Well, kinda, she was training some new Pokémon, but she still used her main team.

Also, after that day, Ash let Yellow take Abby back home so she could celebrate with her Uncle Wilton. Oh, and Kiki finally called Delia. She was really happy to see her, like, extremely, as in she immediately asked when Kiki was planning on visiting. And it didn't sound like a question. More like 'You can come here on your own, or I'll find you and drag you with me so we can have tea.'

Other than that, the biggest thing that happened was that the five other Pallet kids, Pink, Brown, Orange, Cyan, and Violet, came to rest for the holidays. And needless to say, Pink spent way too much time trying to get Ash and Gary under the mistletoe with her.

Yeah, surprising, cuz even though Gary is kinda-not-really-but-also-kinda dating someone, and Ash rejected her, she seems to be as motivated as ever. It got so bad, Green made a joke that maybe they should just kiss someone in front of Pink. And for a moment… they considered it.

But in the end, they didn't. Still, they did think about it.

Also, surprisingly, even though most of the five are simps for the trio in some way. Pink likes Ash and Gary, Violet just likes Ash, and the boys like Green, only Pink was the one actually chasing them around with a mistletoe.

Anyway, besides that, that's probably a story for another time, how Ash and Gary managed to escape not just Pink, but most of the other young girls in Pallet. Since yeah, Ash and Gary were still being chased like prime meat. Literally. They're both attractive, both great Trainers, and successful. Etc.

They did talk with the five Pallet kids, and apparently, they're doing… fine? I guess that's the word. The one with the most badges is Pink with six, and Violet has five. Brown and Cyan have four, but Orange is stuck with just three. RIP to them.

But they still have, like, three months, more or less. Well, obviously, Kanto and Johto have different times for their League. It wouldn't make sense if they took place at the same time, so some of them might be able to make it. But, you know… who knows.

Anyway, besides all that, not much happened. They stayed in Pallet until eventually New Year's happened, and they started again in January. Ironically, by this point last year, Ash was done, but he did start later in Johto, since, you know, the League is at a different time. But it's fine. He only needs one badge, and he's done.

So, when the New Year was up, and there was much less snow (most of it was melting away now), Ash went ahead and let Green and Gary go back to where Abby had picked them up from. And Ash pulled out his phone to text the gang.

—

{Kanto Squad Group Chat}

Pokemonenjoyer: hey, you lay bums get up!

Fourthsister: Whaaaaat, I was taking a nap (￣﹃￣)

Rockhard: Happy New Year! I hope you all had a great time with your family.

Amarillo: Oh yeah! Me and Uncle Wilton celebrated, and the party Ash invited me to was super fun too ( ◠‿◠ )

Pokemonenjoyer: Always love to hear it. It's a shame soooommeee people didn't come when I invited them.

Fourthsister: We were busy 🙄

Rockhard: Yeah, I kinda made a deal with my siblings I'd at least come back for the holidays.

Fourthsister: You know how big the Cerulean holiday show is, Ash. My sisters made me do, like, four costume changes. Four.

Pokemonenjoyer: So you're telling me the sisters still run you around like a Cloyster in a pinball machine? I thought you said they stopped making you do things you don't want to do… unless you did want to.

Fourthsister: No comment. 😑

Rockhard: Honestly, I'd have come if I didn't owe my siblings a holiday dinner. But my mom is still salty that they prefer my cooking.

Amarillo: Well… she did leave for a few years, and you were the one who took care of them. They probably got used to your food more.

Rockhard: Yeah, but my mom wasn't having it. We had an entire food war. My dad had to hold her back from shaking me when I won.

Pokemonenjoyer: Classic Brock family moment 😂

Fourthsister: Okay, well, you can tell us all about your holidays, but I guess we should meet up. So where are we going? Gonna head to Olivine so you can challenge Jasmine?

Pokemonenjoyer: Oh yeah, forgot to tell you guys, yeah, no, I battled her at the Christmas party.

Fourthsister: EXCUSE ME?? You WHAT???

Rockhard: At the party?? In front of people??

Amarillo: Yeah, that was fun to watch. We got to do karaoke after.

Pokemonenjoyer: Right Morty got dragged on stage after.

Rockhard: That's even worse 😭

Fourthsister: Okay, let's not change the subject. So you did what now? You battled and won all without us?

Pokemonenjoyer: Hey, it's not my fault. I just got a little silly (っ◕‿◕)っ

Fourthsister: I swear to Arceus, Ash, if you get your last badge without us again, I'm going to personally fly to Pallet and throw you into the ocean. We did not get invested and do all of this to not watch you beat another League!

Pokemonenjoyer: Awww, you guys believe in me ❤️

Rockhard: I mean, she has a point. You helped me and Misty with our dreams it's only fair we're there for yours.

Fourthsister: Yeah, so don't test me. I will drag you out to sea if you leave us behind again.

Pokemonenjoyer: Chill chill chill 😅 I only need one badge, but I'm not in a rush. I was actually gonna ask what you guys wanted to do next. After all, the Blackthorn Gym is kinda closed still, since, you know, dragons and snow, and all that

Pokemonenjoyer: Figured we could meet up somewhere, hang out a bit, maybe train, maybe battle some wild Pokémon… or just head to a town for a festival.

Amarillo: That sounds nice.

Rockhard: I'm down. I've been trying some new cooking methods for field rations anyway.

Fourthsister: Is that your way of saying, "I have a portable stove and I will force-feed you until you can't move"?

Rockhard: Maybe 🫡

Fourthsister: Actually, I have a suggestion. My dad got me a gift, some tickets for a ferry ride back in Cherrygrove City.

Amarillo: Oh, that sounds like fun!

Rockhard: That's surprising. And you have one for all of us?

Fourthsister: Yeah. When I told my parents about you guys… well, I don't know how much I've told you, but my family is kinda rich.

Pokemonenjoyer: How rich? I mean, we know you're well-off, but you're right—I don't think you've ever told us.

Fourthsister: Like, "vacation house in every region" kind of rich. Like, I have personal maids kind of rich.

Rockhard: …Excuse me??

Amarillo: 😳

Pokemonenjoyer: Misty, what do you mean every region???

Fourthsister: Look, okay—my parents are loaded. I didn't want to say anything 'cause I thought you'd treat me different.

Pokemonenjoyer: Misty, we've known each other for over a year. I get it when we started out, but seriously, you'd think after the third time I got us a hotel out of my personal account, you could've said something.

Fourthsister: I thought you said that was covered by your sponsorship from Professor Oak!

Pokemonenjoyer: I obviously lied, otherwise you guys wouldn't let us stay in hotels. My sponsorship covers essentials or things for Pokémon. Four-star hotels are not under "essentials" or "Pokémon supplies."

Fourthsister: ...Wait.

Fourthsister: You're telling me you've been spending your own money this whole time just so we didn't have to fight for rooms in the Pokémon Centers??

Pokemonenjoyer: Yep 😎

Amarillo: I knew those pillows were too fluffy to be "a good deal."

Rockhard: That makes way more sense…

Pokemonenjoyer: Look, I just like seeing my friends comfortable, okay?

Fourthsister: Ash…

Rockhard: Bro…

Amarillo: 💛😭💛

Fourthsister: Okay but why didn't you say anything sooner?? We could've split costs or—

Pokemonenjoyer: No no no, then I'd have to argue with all of you, and I was way too tired for that. Besides, this isn't about how much money I have, even though I did earn quite a bit from the League, the S.S. Anne tournament, and, you know, helping with Team Rocket.

Rockhard: …Fair.

Fourthsister: 😤 You're lucky I like you.

Pokemonenjoyer: You know, in any other situation I'd tease you, but right now, we're not done. You're telling me you've been rich this entire time?

Rockhard: Honestly, I don't know how I never questioned it. Gym Leader families get a lot of funding from the League. Misty's parents both work, and her sisters do too.

Pokemonenjoyer: How much, actually? I don't think I ever asked, how much do Gym Leaders make? I mean, almost every Leader I've met has a side job. Erika was a professor at her college, Blaine owns hotels, etc. Brock, didn't you say you worked a side gig at the museum?

Rockhard: Yeah, but that was mostly for fun. The League really pays us a lot. I don't know about Misty, but I got about a million Pokédollars a year, more or less. That's how I could take care of my siblings no problem.

Pokemonenjoyer: So, let me get this straight. You're secretly rich. Misty's secretly rich. I'm... well, I guess I became kinda rich with all the prize money. Yellow is... well, actually, Yellow, what is your financial situation?

Amarillo: Uh… I mean… I don't really think about money? I just grow berries and help Wilton fish. And Pokémon usually bring me stuff. Like, once a Delibird dropped a nugget in my bag. Does that count?

Rockhard: Honestly, that's kind of amazing. I don't even know what to say to that.

Pokemonenjoyer: Nature has chosen her 😂

Fourthsister: Okay but focus! I've got these ferry tickets, and they're for a really nice cruise line. Like, onboard spa, the whole thing. My dad booked it for me and a few "select guests."

Rockhard: That sounds suspiciously like, "Please go enjoy yourself and stay far away while we remodel the mansion again."

Fourthsister: …I will not confirm or deny that.

Pokemonenjoyer: So where even is the cruise to?

Fourthsister: Oh, it's some place called Alto Mare.

—

Out of the group chat, Ash immediately froze when he saw what Misty sent.

His first instinct was to curse, but he didn't, because Molly was asleep in his lap. Still, if they were going to Alto Mare, that meant the incident. Latios, Latias, the Soul Dew…

Dear Arceus, this was going to be a pain.

Still, maybe this time, he could stop Latios from dying. That would be nice. Just gotta deal with two girls, stop the Soul Dew from being stolen, and prevent a legendary disaster. How hard could that be?

…Okay, work in progress.

He looked back into the group chat.

—

Pokemonenjoyer: Oh, right! I hear they have canals and that giant museum, right?

Rockhard: Yeah, I think I heard about that place. Supposed to be super old, built on water like a maze or something.

Amarillo: Ooh! That sounds like a fairy tale city! I heard there's wild Water Pokémon that swim through the canals with you 💧

Fourthsister: There's also this festival where they light lanterns and float them through the city at night. It's a huge event.

Pokemonenjoyer: That actually sounds kinda awesome, not gonna lie.

Rockhard: And relaxing. We could use something like that, especially after the year we've had.

Fourthsister: Don't even remind me. When I started this journey, I never thought we'd reach the point where fighting a Legendary was on the table.

Pokemonenjoyer: Well, I'm down. When's our ship leaving?

Fourthsister: Uhhhh…

Rockhard: Misty…

Fourthsister: Today.

Pokemonenjoyer: TODAY?! MISTY, WHAT?!

Rockhard: Misty. Misty. M I S T Y. Please tell me you meant "today" in the poetic sense like, "a new journey begins today" kind of thing.

Fourthsister: Nope! I mean in the "ferry boards in three hours and we need to be in Cherrygrove before then" kind of way 😊

Amarillo: (⊙_☉) Misty, that's so soon!?

Pokemonenjoyer: You absolute menace. What do you mean THREE HOURS?! What about—I dunno packing?! We were on vacation for like two weeks!

Fourthsister: In my defense, I was really looking forward to us hanging out again, okay? Besides, what do you even need to pack? You wear the same thing every day!

Pokemonenjoyer: EXCUSE ME, I have variations! There's Winter Ash, Battle Ash, Formal Ash, and PJs that aren't Pikachu-themed! Also, I need to convince a sleeping Molly to let me go and tell my mom I'm leaving again!

Rockhard: I've already packed. I never unpack. Traveling trauma response.

Amarillo: Wait! I need to say goodbye to Wilton! And pick some berries for the road for Dody and Ratty!

Fourthsister: Okay okay, chill! We can make it if we meet up halfway. If everyone starts moving now, we can converge on Cherrygrove and still make it on time. I already messaged the ferry captain—he says he'll wait fifteen minutes past departure if needed. He owes my dad a favor.

Rockhard: …So your family's rich and mafia-adjacent. Got it.

Fourthsister: Please don't say that in public 🙃

Pokemonenjoyer: Alright, I can be ready in a bit. I'll send Abby to teleport to you guys and get you to Cherrygrove City. I'll be there soon, I need to make sure Molly doesn't cry.

Rockhard: I thought she knew you were leaving again?

Pokemonenjoyer: Doesn't mean it doesn't make her sad. You know, maybe if you were a better big brother~

Rockhard: Don't start with me. You don't want to start the Big Brother Wars. I may not be able to beat you in battle, but I will school you in big-brothering.

Fourthsister: Not gonna lie, I'd pay to watch that showdown. Big Brother: Kanto Region Edition.

Amarillo: 🍿

Pokemonenjoyer: Fine, fine. But I'm still winning in style points. Anyway, I'll be there soon. Sending Abby now!

–

Ash put down his phone and sighed, staring up at the ceiling like it might offer him some kind of divine guidance. He looked down at Molly, still curled up in his lap, and gently patted her head.

"Not gonna be pretty," he muttered, as he looked over to the side where his new Egg was, he's gonna have to deal with this too

—-

{About 3 hours later}

Misty, Brock, and Yellow stood just outside the ferry dock, luggage at their sides, the sea breeze rustling Misty's hair as she tapped her foot in irritation.

"For someone with a Pokémon that can teleport," she said, arms crossed, "he sure likes being late…"

Before anyone could reply, a flash of light signaled the arrival of Ash and Abby—teleporting in with all the casual timing of someone arriving exactly five seconds after they said they'd be there.

Ash appeared with Pikachu under one arm and Vee under the other, both half-asleep and grumpy. "Sorry I'm late. Would've been here sooner, but someone insisted we stop to get boba."

Next to him, Abby sipped smugly from a cup, wearing the serene expression of someone who absolutely would make them late again for another round.

"This is fine," Yellow said cheerfully, her voice as light as Chuchu waving from her shoulder. "It's just good to see you again!"

"I hate to break up the reunion," Brock said, already shifting his bag over his shoulder, "but we can hug on the boat."

"Very good point," Misty nodded, holding up the tickets. "Let's go."

They dashed up the gangplank just as the final call rang out over the ferry loudspeakers. The ship itself was massive and gleaming, more like a floating luxury hotel than a simple cruise ship. Polished wood, gold trim, and glass chandeliers greeted them as they entered the main lounge.

"Wow…" Yellow whispered, awestruck. "Misty, how long did you say we were traveling?"

"About three days. Well, technically two and we arrive on the third morning," Misty said with a casual shrug. "But you know, technicalities."

She stretched her arms, already eyeing a sign that pointed toward the onboard spa. "Anyway, that spa is calling my name. Anyone wanna join?"

"I would not say no to a massage," Brock said, cracking his elbow and rolling his shoulder with a content groan.

"Yeah, guess I should let these two goobers get pampered too," Ash said, glancing at Vee and Pikachu, who both perked up slightly at the mention of "spa."

Yellow turned to Chuchu. "Hey, you want one too?"

Chuchu gave a firm nod, her tiny paws already glowing in anticipation.

"Alright, I'm in!" Yellow grinned, following the group toward the elevator.

As they walked, Ash found himself lagging just a step behind, watching Misty and Brock from the corner of his eye. Something was… off. The way they walked a little more quietly than usual, sure they were smiling, but it almost seemed like they were hiding something. Like they'd been meaning to say something, but hadn't yet.

Ash didn't push.

If something had happened when they went back to their families, they'd tell him and Yellow when they were ready.

---

you guys barely got to that 1000 stone mark for this extra chap, it was hit or miss for a sec but you got it congrats