Pokémon Rewritten Memories: Kanto

The heavy scent of salt entered Ash's nose as he marveled at the sight of St. Anne's glory. The luxurious cruise ship, covered in speckless white, shined brigthly in the low morning sun. The trio of friends, visibly energized by a good night's sleep, were standing at the end of a queue.

"When do you think they've got here, Misty?" yawned Ash, still feeling groggy after yesterday's eventful match.

Although they had a celebration planned out for yesterday, it wouldn't have been the same without Pikachu or Charmeleon which were in Nurse Joy's steady care up until this very morning. The frown on the woman's face spoke for itself, evidently not happy with Ash.

"It's still early." Misty finished brushing her hair and tied it up with a flower pattern scrunchie.

"You look festive today... it suits you. Brings out the cuteness." The long stare coupled with a supportive nod from Ash, made the young lass blush. Redness carried on up to the root of her ginger hair.

"If this is your idea of a joke, then stop." She mumbled, hiding her face and waiting for the punchline.

"Nah, I really think you look nice. Isn't that right, Pikachu?"

"Pika!" Pikachu wholeheartly agreed from underneath its striped bowl hat and unbuttoned Hoenn shirt.

"Maybe I should leave you two alone." Brock's clothes screamed holiday dad vibe with his yellow shirt and red magnolia unbuttoned vest. His bermuda blue shorts and orange flip-flops shoes embraced the 'I can't wait to hit the lounging pool area' style.

"And maybe we should contact Melanie, before we hop on board?" Misty could always rely on Brock, being her outlet for venting, especially when Ash was involved.

"Come on Mist." Ash grabbed the girl by her waist. "He's just jealous of our connection."

"Hands off you pervy child!" The high pitched squeak alerted everyone that was close by. Seeing the unwanted attention they were getting, most of it was curiousity and snickering coupled with knowing looks, Misty crouched down and hid her face behind her knees.

"Sorry for the disturbance." Brock bowed, appologizing for his friends' behaviour.

"That's one way to announce our presence." Ash readjusted his loosened fingerless glove.

"Pika Chu." It could only shake its head in response, not wanting to become a part of their daily dose of squabbles.

The line was steadily becoming longer behind the group as they simultaneously got closer to the ticket gateway. After a couple of minutes it was finally their turn to face inspection. Right next to the post a trained guard with an orange - red furred pokemon with stripes had finished checking the luggage of an elderly couple.

"Please give your tickets to the right and your bags to your left." The female guard said with a trained smile.

"A Growlithe?" Ash placed his lone backpack into the arms of the woman. "Is it from the Canine Police Academy? I thought only Jenny's could partner with them."

"The Coastal Guard has its own schools. We do have some retired Jenny's on payroll though." She replied.

"If only you were a water type, I'd catch one for myself." Having forgotten previous grievences with Ash, at least for now, Misty rubbed the well behaved pokemon's head, much to its growling delight.

"Please leave the officer alone." The lady sighed, slightly exasperated by the pup's blissful display of affection towards the younger girl. "I've told you Winnie many times to not shirk your duties. And here you are getting comfy with a total stranger."

"Ruff Ruff." It sat down wagging its greyish white tail, totally oblivious to how much its trainer was fretting over it.

"Depressing isn't it? To have your friends ignore you, while you're trying your best." Brock captured the woman's hands between his, an all-knowing smile plastered on his face. "How about you and I talk about our feelings, while sailing on the horizon, trapped between two shades of bluee-!"

"That's enough, loverboy." Misty twisted Tropical Romeo's ear, followed by placing a bag of her own on the table. "I'll get this trouble off your hands as payment for playing with Growlithe."

"Right..." The coast guard nervously chuckled.

"Never a quiet day." Ash threw up his hands and surrendered. Old dogs can't unlearn bad habits.

With the foolishness out of the way, tickets checked and bags right where they belong the trio walked up the gangway leading to the ship's deck. As they made their first step on board they were given keys and a small pamphlet, containing the layout of the ship and a couple of brief descriptions of major attractions.

"We have the suite treatment thanks to Bill." Ash found the room number seven on the map. "Hopefully the insides are at least half as good as in the mansion."

"Hot take, but I'll be happy if there isn't someone in costume waiting there for us." Misty giggled, the shape of an overgrown Kabuto fresh in her mind.

"Why wait? There are three clowns right up ahead."

Brock and Misty turned to where Ash was facing, while they were waiting for the lift to come down. Three familiar silhouettes were working in the distance, each pulling a cart of their own. The two humans were wearing waiter outfits, their eyes hidden by a pair of stylish sunglasses. The short third figure had a tail sticking out from beneath what seemed to be a cook's outfit.

"I thought we lost them for good." Misty sighed, prepping up the strap of her shirt that came down from shock and disbelief.

"I almost want to applaud them for their resilience. They're really dedicated." Brock kept the door from closing as his friends entered the lift.

"They're dedicated alright. Not sure whether everything upstairs is organized." Ash and Pikachu snickered as the disguised Jessie kicked James for almost missing the turn. They could see the teen cry out, holding something shiny in his hand as if it was the biggest treasure of all time.

"Should we do something about them?" Misty looked at the both of her friends, clearly not wanting to have anything to do with them. Not today nor during the cruise.

"Let's just leave them be for now." Ash replied as the lift took off. "However, we should keep our eyes and ears ready."

"Pika?" Pikachu tilted its head to the side in question.

"Don't you... Yeah, you were too exhausted to have paid attention." Ash forgot how tired Pikachu actually was. "Yesterday, the guy from the docks said some unsightly fellows were wandering around."

"But those were cargo ships. Not cruise liners, Ash. It doesn't have anything to do with St. Anne, right?"

"And that's where you are wrong Misty."

The lift stopped, annoucing they've reached their floor with a beep. The door slided to the side, revealing a luxuriously decorated corridor, filled to the brim with golden tinted ornaments and royal red carpetting. Artworks where placed along the whole hallway, portraying many different pokémon and landscapes.

"What do you mean by that, Ash?" Brock inserted the key.

"To some," the door clicked open as the older teen turned the key, "People and their belongings are the cargo."

-----

"Look, Mommy; the ship is leaving." A young girl cheered as the confetti was shot into the air by the crew of the St. Anne, spiralling downwards into the hands of her's and other eager children gathered at the dock.

Although Vermillion City had sent many ships off, be it on their maiden voyages or their subsequent ones, they always had gathered a crowd of exited onlookers. St. Anne was especially beloved by the community as it belong to the city. Every year a raffle would take place, giving many a chance at obtaining a yearlong family cruise pass.

Standing by the window at the top most residential floor was Ash Ketchum, watching the ever so slightly shrinking people being left behind at the docks. A sense of accomplishment settled in his heart as he thought back to the start of his journey. What was once just a small step out of his house, changed to adventuring the boundless sea. As the urban landscape became nothing but a memory of the not so distant past he turned around, taking in the view of the room. A queen sized bed with indigo blue bedding and stacked up velvet white pillows enticed him into its embrace.

"This is the life." He plopped on the bed and laid down, ever so sinking into a realm of bliss. "Ten years and already living like a king."

"Excuse me, your royal Highness." That cough came with a serving of rolling eyes from one person named Misty.

"Apparently, there's no rest for the wicked, uff-!" Ash's voice got muffled by a pillow falling on his face.

"We're heading down for early lunch. Are you going?" Misty tossed another pillow on top taking pleasure in the deed.

"I'll seek vengence...somehow, ble-! Pidgy fluff." Ash spat out a tiny soft feather.

"Yes you will, Zubatman. We'll be waiting by the lift." With a pep in her steps she left the sneezing Ash alone in the room.

The sound of closing the door brought up the boy from bed. Sighing he took his set of clothing from the bedside table. After changing into a pair of red shorts and horizontal blue striped shirt he suddenly stopped at the door with Pikachu on his shoulder.

"There is a Zubatman?"

"Pika pika." Pikachu scrunched its brows and exposed its upper fangs. its ears shot straight to the ceiling. "Pika pika pika pika, pi kaa!"

"Surely someone is getting sued for that copyrighted music." Ash playfully squeezed his partner's red cheek, ruining the gloomy expression on its face.

"Pika?"

"Its nothing." The lock clicked as he closed the door. "I think Crobat fits more the vigilanty vibe then a Zubat."

"Sqree!"

"No offense Zubat... is this going to be a one off? I don't remember you ever popping out of the pokeball." Ash's Zubat was more of a quiet yet stalwart, standing in the corner type of pokemon, at least when compared to Brock's more cheerful and friendlier Zubat. Which wasn't saying much as Zubats aren't well know for their facial expressions.

The flying poison type pokemon climbed under Pikachu's hat, clearly not wanting to return back to its ball for some reason or another.

"As long as the lights and festivities don't bother you." Ash shrugged.

-----

The buffet was slowly being accosted by hungry passengers. What could only be called mouthwatering goodness was waiting for them at five different stations filled to the brim with dishes. Starting from the entrance, the closest table served a varied assortment of fresh baked bread and mutitude options of beverages. If you wanted a hot and steamy sip of chocolate delight, they've you covered with a plethra of tantalizing options. Nougat, marshmellow, spicy and everything in between. And if all of this was still not to your liking, rest assured. The waiting staff would be certain to please even the most picky of customers with a whole array of secret options.

Equipped with their plates, Ash, Misty and Brock flocked around the meat section, piling on the juicy cuts of steak and fatty chunks. Pikachu wasn't too far behind, swiping a hefty amount of mesmerizing and colorful packets of different kinds of sauces offered at the venue.

"I can see that, Pikachu. Take something more filling for a change-! What are you doing Misty?"

The girl sprinkled Ash's plate with a healthy dose of greens. Just as he wanted to complain Brock added a hill of beans and carrots as well.

"You need your vitamins, Ash Ketchum." Misty mimiced Delia Ketchum's voice.

"What she said, Ash. We don't want you missing on vital micronutrients."

"That sounds rather rich coming from the both of you." Ash pointed at the mountains of sweets and fatness overload, taking over the majority of their plates.

"What do you know, short stuff? " Misty smiled wryly. "And we need to replenish our 'Ash energy'."

"Ash energy?" he repeated back.

"Yeah, we need to stock up plenty before we leave. Otherwise how will we function when dealing with your shenanigans." Brock casually picked another T- bone steak.

"Your foolishness shall become your undoing, hmph." Ash scoffed and continued, whispering under his nose."I'll just give it all to Bulbasuar after this."

Finding a good table was also a necessary skill to pick up during social events like this. You wouldn't want to be too far from food after all. The trio settled down at a more vacant corner, right next to the fish section. After getting an okay from the nearby staff the group released some of their pokemon, so they also could join in on the fun.

"Here's you favorite Cheri juice, Oddish.

"Oddish." The blue ball of happiness didn't have to be asked. It quickly clamped down on the straw and started enjoying the bliss of freshly squeezed beverage.

Ash decided it was too early to release Charmeleon. The messenger of destruction wanted to bring the PokeCenter down just before they left for the cruise. Thankfully Butterfree's Confusion and Sleep Powder don't care about your type advantage. Speaking of which, Butterfree was currently enjoying a fruit bowl with Bulbasaur and the two Zubats. The three Squirtles had also joined the mix by taking pleasure in heaps of unlimited ice-cream.

"Fearow has quite the sweet.. beak?" Misty's comment made Ash and Brock's head turn.

"It does like Razz berries." Brock said as a matter of fact.

"Doesn't fit the tough banshee image but who am I to judge?" Ash used this moment to pass on some vegetables under the table.

"Bulba." The disappointment and disapproval was immeasurable.

The ferocious scourge of the sky was chirping away, its eyes closed as it pecked the three layered pink cake before it. It certainly didn't fit the image it had ingrained within the hearts of friends and foes. It caught the eyes of a couple of curious children, awestrucked by the rough towering bird. One of the more courageous girls walked up to the avian.

"Do you want some?" The girl dressed in a light green summer dress raised her hand, revealing a tart.

Was it the blatent naivety and pureness of the child or the delectable offering that made the pokemon stop its endulgence? The group didn't have to wait long for the answer as Fearow took the treat gently from the girl's hand before completely ignoring the surroundings once again.

"I did it!" The girl ran back to her friends, her face radiant.

"That was scary, Judy." A shy boy said, almost crying.

"You were awesome!" Another girl grasped Judy's hands as they jumped around in jubilee.

While that was beyond any shadow of doubt a foolish dare, Ash couldn't help but smile.

"Socializing isn't that bad after all." He grinned as he knew the bird was listening to him. It was sending a not too hard to miss glare towards him after all.

"These are some impressive pokemon you have here, young gentlemen."

Ash turned to his left and saw a distinguished man heading towards them. A spark of an idea lit up in Ash's head as to whom this tail-coat, top hat wearing man was.

"Thank you for the praise. I try bringing the best parts of my pokémon. Giving them a chance to shine with their full potential is but a dream of mind." Ash slighty bowed his head in respect.

"Such dedication at this age is praiseworthy indeed." The man took out a note and offered it to Ash. "There will be a set of mock battles later at the ballroom. Should you be available for a little challenge just present this to the staff."

"If we find time, certainly." Ash thanked for the offer.

The man smiled before reaching out to other customers he deemed worthy of posing a challenge.

"Will you take part in the battles, Ash?"

"I think... I'll pass." That wasn't the answer his friends expected.

"Why not, Ash? You never have backed down from a spar." Brock voiced his surprise.

"I'd rather take my time and explore the venue." He shrugged. "And I'd rather be ready for the unexpected."

Meanwhile in a dark closet beneath the deck a finger pressed the recieve button on a videocall.

"Its team triple two-five-five, ready for report."

On the screen a vague figure hidden by a large shadow was sitting in a chair. Judging by the stature and demeanor it was a man in his probably late forties. Next to him was a visible mass of elegent white muscle, it sent shivers down Team Rocket trio's spines. A shine of light reflected off of a red jewel adorning the feline pokemon, Persian. Its gaze promissed demise if taken lightly.

"Is the plan going smoothly?" That came out more as a threat then a question.

"Everything is in place, Boss." Meowth replied, its ears and facing downward as their squad was walking on thin ice for a while now.

"The stage is being set as we're speaking." Jessie bit her lip.

"The agents have received their orders and are awaiting further instructions, Giovanni sir." James quickly reported.

"Good." The man took up a chalice from his desk. "I don't expect any failures."

"Yes, sir!"

"That is all." Giovanni brushed the Persian's head with his fingers.

"Prrr." The pokemon purred in delight as the feed cut short.

The snowing screen was reflected in the eyes of Team Rocket. An atmosphere of dread still lingered for a moment after the call.

"We can't mess this up." Meowth broke the silence first. It wasn't happy at all, not when it had to bow its head before that disgusting piece of furball. "I'll take my rightful place by Giovanii's side."

"I'll have my birthright riches, never bending for a morsel ever again." Flames of conviction brewed in Jessie's eyes.

"And I have to take out the lasagna before it burns. Can we get out of this closet? It stinks of Rattatas, ouch!" James covered a rising bump on his head.

"What's the big idea?"

"That's right, James. This was our time to shine. Redemption in the eyes of the world." Jessie shook the man by his collar.

"I know, but I have a feeling we'll mess up anyway." He tapped his index fingers against each other, clearly not swayed by his partners' enthusiasm. "I've got a gut feeling and it isn't yesterday's poor man's casserole."

"Do you have a problem with my cooking?" Jessie asked, her clenched fist promising hurt.

"Other than the blandness of tree bark overshadowed the tastelessness of that expired tuna then, Me-owth!"

"My skills are wasted on your brutish tastebuds." Jessie clapped her hands, having dizzy punched the feline into a state of confusion.

"I should've taken that sick leave..." James muttered.