For any who skipped straight to the last chapter. Go back one. Good puppy. JK

Now the second chapter.

Time of the beginning of the story

Ash was working his way through the crowd as he yelled, "Pikachu. Pikachu…Where are you buddy?" Ash sighed as he continued to walk through the crowd yelling for Pikachu.

After another half hour, Ash was about to take a rest, but suddenly he saw Pikachu in a space looking the other way. Ash exclaimed, "Pikachu." Ash ran forward before picking up the surprised Pikachu. Immediately Pikachu let out a painful Thunderbolt from shock. Ash fell back, charred black, and gave a weak cough.

Pikachu was looking in concern at Ash from his stomach. Ash finally looked at the Pikachu, and gave a weak start as he realized. This wasn't his Pikachu. It had small differences. The tail looked to be shorter, and the red spots on its cheeks were a lighter shade. It also was wearing a tiny marble-sized white ball on a string necklace.

Ash sat up, causing the Pikachu to jump backwards. Ash raised his hands to calm the pokemon down, before saying in a soothing voice, "Calm down. I'm sorry for surprising you. I thought you were my Pikachu, but obviously you aren't." The Pikachu nodded and seemed to relax some. Ash slowly stood before looking down at the Pikachu and asking, "So are you lost from your trainer, too?" The pokemon just had time to nod before a voice called out.

"There you are Sparks. I've been looking everywhere for you," the voice called in a relieved voice. The Pikachu, Sparks, let out a happy cry before running towards the voice. Ash watched as the Pikachu jumped to the shoulder of the stranger. The Pikachu rubbed its cheeks against the stranger while giving a happy 'pika.' The trainer then looked at Ash before suggesting, "Might I assume that this Pikachu I found belongs to you?"

Ash looked down to where the trainer was pointing to see Pikachu walk out from behind the trainer. Pikachu gave a happy cry before jumping into Ash's arms. Ash let out laugh before saying, "Pikachu, you shouldn't wander away from me."

The stranger quickly apologized, "Sorry for Sparks shocking you. He gets a little too excited when surprised. I, luckily, didn't get shocked by your Pikachu." He tapped Sparks on the head before saying in a teasing voice, "Maybe you have trained your Pikachu a tad bit better than I've trained Sparks." Sparks rubbed his head in embarrassment, and Pikachu looked proud.

Ash laughed before claiming, "It wasn't a problem. Pikachu has shocked me so much that it doesn't bother me too much."

The stranger laughed a moment before sticking out a hand and announcing, "My name is Tsurugi Kunimitsu. You can call me Tsurugi."

Ash shook his hand as he replied, "My name is Ash Ketchum. Just call me Ash. Nice to meet you, Tsurugi."

Ash now looked at Tsurugi in detail for the first time. Tsurugi was slightly taller than Ash. He had neat brown hair and light green eyes. He was also dressed rather fancy. He had a white collared shirt, a sweater vest over the shirt, and light brown or tan slacks.

Tsurugi smiled before claiming, "Nice to meet you too." He thought for a moment before claiming, "Oh, Ash Ketchum. I saw you in the Sinnoh League. Top four before losing to that trainer with the Darkrai that ended up winning the entire thing. That was a great match. I though you had it won, but it was unfortunate how it ended. Also that battle with Paul was my favorite match of the entire Sinnoh League."

Ash smiled before before saying, "Thank you. That was definitely the hardest league I've ever done. My pokemon did great." He pat Pikachu on the head, getting a cute 'chaaa' in response. Ash then looked at Tsurugi before asking, "So have you competed in any leagues?"

Tsurugi shrugged before admitting, "Yes, but not too often. I mainly focus on the Battle Frontiers. I did best in my first tournament in Kanto, but that year was unusually easy. I prefer the Battle Frontiers. You can go more at your own pace."

Ash nodded before commenting, "I know what you mean. When I did the Kanto Battle Frontier there was not as much of a rush as earning eight badges in time for the league."

Tsurugi nodded before continuing, "I heard that you ended up beating the Kanto Battle Frontier just before I did."

Ash nodded before asking, "So are you also competing in the tournament?"

Tsurugi nodded before explaining, "Yes, but I decided to let the crowd diminish a little bit, but I hit a little problem. I let my pokemon out for a little bit of fresh air, but somehow I got separated from them all. I was looking for them when I heard Sparks shock you after I found your Pikachu."

Ash scratched his head as he explained about his situation, "I was here with some of my friends, but somehow I got all alone." Ash paused for a moment before suggesting, "I can help you find your pokemon."

Tsurugi smiled before saying softly, "Thank you, but I couldn't impose on you like that. We just met."

Ash laughed before saying, "Come on. Who says you have to have known someone for a year before you can do something nice to help them?"

Tsurugi smiled before saying, "Thank you. I appreciate your kindness." The two started walking through the crowd with their respective Pikachu on their shoulders.

Ash asked, "So what pokemon are you missing right now?"

Tsurugi pulled out a poke ball before claiming, "Luckily Fuji wasn't separated. He might have caused a small problem. So that means a Glaceon, Jolteon, and Espeon. I was having a little Eevee-lution party. Also a Togekiss."

Ash raised his eyebrows as he exclaimed, "A Togekiss. That is a very rare pokemon. My friend Dawn actually has a Togekiss."

Tsurugi nodded before explaining, "Yes, I got Luna, my Togekiss' nickname, from someone else. Luna was a tough nut to crack, but Luna was too kind a pokemon to be angry for long."

Ash pointed as he announced, "And I think I just found your 'Luna.'" A white blot was flying in circles a short distance away.

Tsurugi nodded and started jogging towards his pokemon. Ash quickly followed. The two worked their way through the crowd till they were right below the Togekiss. While Tsurugi looked into the air at Luna, Ash looked at everyone near them. It looked like a lot of kids were around. Ash jumped out of the way as a white missile skimmed by him. The kids let out a cheer.

Ash turned to Tsurugi who put his face in his hands as he muttered, "Not again, Luna" Ash looked at Tsurugi in confusion before looking towards where Luna was landing.

Ash instantly knew what the problem was. On the back of Luna, a small child climbed down. All the other children crowded around as each wanted to get their ride on Luna.

Tsurugi walked up to the kids, who were arguing about who's turn it was. Luna looked happy at the appearance of Tsurugi. Tsurugi looked at the kids before announcing, "I'm sorry, but unfortunately Luna has to come with me. We have somewhere to be." The kids let out groans of disappointment, but the parents, who had been watching, came and started dragging their kids away. Tsurugi smiled at Luna before returning her to the pokeball.

Ash now questioned, "So now we need to look for a Jolteon, Glaceon, and Espeon, right?"

Tsurugi nodded before grinning and claiming, "I think they'll be easier to find though."

Ash looked at Tsurugi before questioning, "What do you mean? Won't it be harder to find three pokemon running around?"

Tsurugi nodded before explaining, "Usually it would be, but I know one thing. My pokemon. They always run off when I get them all together, so I've had to develop a way to find them easier. See, my Jolteon, Volt, is basically an electricity fanatic. He'll always go towards large sources of electricity, and if Volt comes, so will my Espeon and Glaceon. It is actually quite lucky that you are helping me."

Ash nodded before asking, "Let me guess, Pikachu and Sparks?"

Tsurugi nodded before continuing, "While in a forest or a normal city, Sparks would have been enough, but I'm not so sure in this crowd. However, two electric types should be enough."

Ash nodded in understanding. He looked around before suggesting, "How about we find a slightly more secluded spot before we have them shoot Thunderbolts into the air."

Tsurugi quickly replied, "I agree."

The two started working their way through the crowd. They were hoping that after long enough, but it didn't look like that was going to happen anytime soon. The crowd was endless.

Ash finally suggested, "Hold on, I got an idea." He pulled out a poke ball. He then released Bayleef from the poke ball. Bayleef started nuzzling him affectionately. Ash laughed before asking, "Bayleef, do you think that you can use Vine Whip to lift Pikachu into the air. Then, Pikachu, you can look for somewhere we can use Thunderbolt safely." Pikachu and Bayleef both nodded in understanding.

As Pikachu was in the air looking around, Tsurugi looked at Ash before claiming, "That was a good idea, Ash. I really appreciate you helping me like this."

Ash laughed before saying, "It's no problem at all. Believe it or not, I don't have much of an idea on what to do right now. I don't even know where my hotel is."

Tsurugi quickly asked, "You are one of the 'Selected Trainers,' right?" When Ash nodded in confirmation, Tsurugi continued, "Then you are most likely at the Milotic Majesty hotel. That's the best hotel in town. I also have a reservation there. I'll tell you what, since you have been helping me, I'll give you a ride to the hotel. My ride is scheduled to arrive at two o'clock so it will be easy to take you there. Your friends are probably at the hotel."

Ash grinned before saying excitedly, "Really, cool. Thanks, Tsurugi." Ash noticed something and pointed up before informing him, "I think Pikachu found a place."

Tsurugi looked up to see Pikachu pointing in a certain direction. Tsurugi quickly announced, "It looks like we just need to walk in that direction."

Ash nodded. When Bayleef lowered Pikachu back onto his shoulder, Sparks jumped from Tsurugi's shoulder onto Ash's to high five Pikachu. Ash laughed and commented, "Looks like Sparks and Pikachu have hit it off too." Ash then turned to Bayleef and claimed, "Sorry, Bayleef, but your size is too difficult in this crowd. I'll let you have some time outside later." Bayleef nodded and nuzzled him again before returning to her poke ball.

Sparks jumped back to Tsurugi before the two started walking towards where Pikachu had been pointing. After only a minute, Ash found where Pikachu had been talking about. It was several empty building. There was an alley between each building. Dark and completely empty. Ash and Tsurugi walked into the alley to finally find themselves without ten people within five feet of them.

Tsurugi commented, "Nice job, Pikachu." Pikachu scratched his head in embarrassment at the compliment.

Ash and Tsurugi exchanged nods before both ordered, "Pikachu/Sparks use Thunderbolt!" Both the Pikachu jumped from their shoulders to launch their attacks straight into the air.

Tsurugi quickly informed Ash, "Volt is probably already running straight towards us with the others right behind him." Ash nodded. The two waited as their respective Pikachu let off occasional Thunderbolts. They ignored the looks some people were giving them as they waited for the pokemon to show up.

After two minutes, they heard a bark. Both turned to look as three streaks headed towards them. As they got nearer, Ash was able to identify what they were. A Jolteon was sprinting towards them, and outpacing an Espeon and Glaceon, who were struggling not to be left behind. Seconds later, the Jolteon was jumping all around Pikachu and Sparks, basking in the electricity they had just given off.

Tsurugi laughed as Glaceon and Espeon started rubbing against his legs. Tsurugi nodded down and pet them as he exclaimed, "You shouldn't run off like that Shiva, Psi. And Volt, I know you like crowds, but it was very worrying for you to run off like that." Volt didn't seem to care as he barked happily while running around Pikachu, who looked nervous.

Ash laughed before looking out the alley. He then commented, "It look like the crowd is finally thinning a little bit, Tsurugi. We should probably hurry before more boats arrive."

Tsurugi looked surprised before nodding, "Okay, guys. Back in your poke balls. You too, Sparks." His pokemon nodded. Tsurugi returned them quickly, except Volt who it took several shots to finally hit. Tsurugi stood and brushed off his clothes before turning to Ash and asking, "Aren't you going to return your Pikachu to its poke ball, Ash?"

Ash looked at him for second before laughing and explaining, "No, Pikachu dislikes being in his poke ball. So I let him just ride on my shoulder. Plus it is nice to always have your best friend around you."

Tsurugi looked surprised before he admitted, "That sounds nice, but I sometimes have some business where my pokemon can't accompany me." Tsurugi looked troubled for a moment before shaking his head and announcing, "You are right. We should probably go register before more people arrive."

Half an hour later

Ash looked through the window as one of the entrance workers scanned his pokedex. The screen on the computer started flashing, and the worker started reading the screen. Finally he started saying in a drawl voice, "Ash Ketchum. Hometown of Pallet Town. Starter pokemon is Pikachu. Top sixteen in the Indigo League, winner of the Orange League Islands challenge, top eight in the Silver Conference and Ever Grande Conference, defeated the Kanto Battle Frontier, and top four in the Suzeran Conference. Correct?"

Ash nodded before saying unnecessarily, "Yep, that's me."

The worker didn't give any sign that he heard, he just continued typing at the computer. After a few moments, a small card popped out another machine. The worker grabbed it before handing it to Ash. Ash looked at it to see his picture, name, and a barcode. The worker explained, "This is your C.C. tournament ID card. Keep this on you at all times. This card is required for you to access the official C.C. tournament battlefields, training area, trainer database, and many other privileges throughout the city. This card also tracks any battles, pokemon captures, and any evolutions. There is more information on the tournament database. Next."

Ash looked at his ID card as he walked past the little booth into the actual city area. It was hard to believe this card could do so much. A voice instantly spoke, "I see that you weren't expecting to have your own ID."

Ash turned to look at Tsurugi. Tsurugi had already tucked his own ID into his pocket. Ash put his in his pocket before laughing and explaining eagerly, "Not that. I just felt like this made it official. I am officially a competitor in the Champions' Crowning tournament."

Tsurugi laughed before motioning with his hand and claiming, "Come on. My ride will be arriving any moment now." Ash nodded and the two prepared to walk away when they were rudely interrupted.

"ASH KETCHUM, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN FOR THE PAST HOUR AND A HALF?"

Ash froze as he recognized the voice. Tsurugi asked tentatively, "What was that?"

Ash said in a frightened voice, "That was a monster even scarier than a herd of rampaging Gyrados.(Even scarier than a pregnant girlfriend to a teenage boy. *Even thinking about it gives me the creeps*) That is Misty." Ash turned around slowly to see his eventual killer.

Misty was stomping till she stood in front of Ash, where she said in a voice that dripped with anger, "Do you realize how long we have been waiting for you? Do you realize how worried we were about you?"

Ash stepped back in fear. (He wasn't sure if Misty still had her mallet.) Finally he gulped before claiming anxiously, "No, but it wasn't my fault." It twiddled his thumbs as he muttered, "I got lost."

Misty started to have steam coming out of her ears as a calmer and more reasonable voice asked, "Didn't we plan on meeting each other at the entrance booths, Ash?"

Ash looked past Misty to see Brock standing behind her with a calm expression on his face. Ash asked quickly, "What do you mean?"

Brock sighed before claiming in a voice growing more impatient, "Before we left the ship I told you that if we got split up, we should simply wait by the entrance booths. Everyone else was here an hour and a half ago. They decided to go to the hotel while Misty and I waited for you to finally show up."

Ash scratched his head as he thought. Finally he mumbled, "Did Brock say that to me before leaving the ship." Everyone waited for several moments before Ash finally announced in a carefree voice, "I have no recollection of such a talk." Brock and Tsurugi fell down in exasperation. Misty prepared to hit Ash over the head with her weird magical hammer, but he got saved by a soft voice speaking.

"I'm sorry, but I think it is my fault that you were waiting for so long. Ash was kind enough to help me with a problem." Misty and Brock finally realized that Tsurugi was there.

Misty asked, a little shocked, "Who are you?"

Tsurugi smiled before saying in a polite voice, "Oh, excuse me for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Tsurugi Kunimitsu. It is a pleasure to meet you." He stuck out a hand.

Brock shook his hand as he replied, "Brock Slate. Nice to meet you, Tsurugi."

Tsurugi nodded at Brock before turning to Misty and saying, "And a pleasure to meet you too, Ms. Waterflower."

Misty flinched before asking, "How did you know my name?"

Tsurugi smiled before explaining, "My family is one of the sponsors for the Cerulean Gym. I recognized you from one of my trips to your gym."

Misty frowned as she claimed, "Sorry, but I don't recognize you."

Tsurugi smiled calmly as he explained, "I'm not surprised. I mainly talked with your sister, Daisy."

Misty shook her head till she remembered, "What do you mean that it is your fault for Ash being late. He always does this to us."

Tsurugi chuckled before explaining, "I ran into Ash. Earlier several of my pokemon had gotten lost, and he insisted on helping me find them. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this caused you."

Brock smiled before saying, "It is fine. Honestly we expect stuff like this from Ash by now."

They ignored Ash's protest. Misty put her mallet away as she said, "I guess it is okay then. Ash will help anyone who needs it. It is something that he'll do no matter how it effects himself."

Tsurugi shrugged before pointing out, "I wouldn't consider helping people a bad thing." He looked away for a second before announcing, "I still feel guilty about making you wait so long. So I'll make it up to you all. I already promised Ash a ride, and it looks like it just arrived.

The group looked over to see a sleek black car driving up. Ash, Brock, and Misty looked at it in awe as it parked next to them. The door opened, and they watched as a sophisticated looking man in a suit stepped out. The man walked around the car till he stood in front of Tsurugi. The man bowed before saying, "Master Tsurugi."

Tsurugi nodded before saying, "Niles. Is the room at the hotel ready?"

The butler, Niles, nodded before claiming, "The room is more than satisfactory." Niles looked at Ash and the group before commenting, "I see that you made some more friends, Master Tsurugi."

Tsurugi nodded before asking, "Do you think we can fit three more in the car?" Niles nodded without a word. Tsurugi turned to Ash as he quickly exclaimed, "I got shotgun." Tsurugi and Niles were in the car within a few seconds.

Ash groaned as he let out a childish, "No fair." Ash ran forward and opened the door before climbing into the back seat. Misty and Brock chuckled before climbing in alongside him.

As soon as the three of them were buckled up, the car started moving. Ash looked out the window at the passing city. Brock looked around the car for a moment before commenting, "Been a while since I've traveled by car." He looked at Tsurugi in the front before asking, "Do you usually travel by car, Tsurugi?"

Tsurugi shrugged before explaining, "Usually. I travel too much to walk everywhere I need to go."

Misty quickly questioned, "And you have a butler? You also have invested in my gym. Are you rich or something?"

Tsurugi once again shrugged before claiming, "My family is very well off. We aren't the largest or most wealthy, but I definitely have responsibilities. Niles is my only full time servant. He helps me with the financial situations and stuff."

Ash looked up before asking, "So you aren't a trainer full time?"

Tsurugi shook his head before answering simply, "Unfortunately, no."

Niles now added in a professional manner, "Master Tsurugi is friends with his pokemon and works to make them happy. He considers training a healthy outlet for both his pokemon and himself. It allows him to release any stress he is building up concerning the family."

Ash, Brock, and Misty sweat dropped at the butlers words. Tsurugi simply looked back at them with a smile before saying simply, "What he said."

Before anything else could be said, the car started slowing down. Niles announced, "We are about to arrive at the Milotic Majesty hotel." The car came to a stop, and everyone exited the car to stand in awe at the sight before them.

The Milotic Majesty hotel was…awesome. It was one of the largest skyscrapers in the entire town. With approximately fifty floors, and over five hundred feet tall, it was an awe-inspiring building. The large and elaborate entranceway was a work of art. The car was parked under the roof covering the doors. Several valets came forward to park the car in the nearby parking lot. Ash, Brock, and Misty were struck dumb and were simply staring at the hotel with their jaws on the floor.

Tsurugi looked at them humorously before walking forward with Niles. He raised a hand and called happily, "The hotel will be here tomorrow to stare at blankly, you know." This snapped the trio out of their shock, allowing them to follow Tsurugi and Niles into the hotel.

Ash and friends were once again struck dumb by the hotel. Granite pillars decorated the lobby, and the walls were a finely carved granite. Misty gasped when she saw the floor. Beautifully carved stones of all colors were designed to create a picture of a Milotic swimming in a pond with a waterfall. It almost looked like a picture.

A voice spoke, "We were amazed too."

Ash looked to see Dawn walking over. He saw that May, Max, Gary, and a girl he didn't know were walking over. Dawn stopped in front of Ash before saying coldly, "I see Ash finally decided to show up."

Ash backed away from the obviously angry Dawn, and Brock spoke as Ash was trying to think of what to say, "Why are you guys down here? Shouldn't you be waiting in the room?"

Dawn narrowed her eyes at Brock angrily before hissing, "It turns out that our rooms were reserved in your name, Brock. They wouldn't give us the keys."

Brock stepped away nervously before saying, "I'm sorry. I'll go get them now." Brock then walked towards the desk quickly.

Ash angrily stared as Brock fled Dawn's fury. He knew what was coming next. He heard an ominous hiss, "Ash." Ash turned around to see Dawn looming over him. She started screaming, "What the hell, Ash. We wait for you at the entrance for like half an hour, and then we are forced to wait in the lobby. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Ash chuckled uneasily as his brain worked. Finally he pushed Tsurugi in front of him before announcing, "I made a new friend."

Dawn looked at Tsurugi who stepped back from the anger she was still radiating. Tsurugi whispered softly to Ash, "Should I be afraid?" Ash nodded quickly without hesitation. Tsurugi replied, "Great." Tsurugi took a deep breath before smiling and saying softly, "Hello. I'm Tsurugi Kunimitsu. I understand that you might be frustrated, but I hope you'll forgive Ash. He was helping me with a problem of mine, and that is why he was late. So if you must blame someone, blame me. It was mainly my fault. I apologize for any inconvenience it caused you. That was not my intention."

Dawn blinked in shock. After several seconds she crossed her arms and turned away as she claimed, "Fine."

Ash peeked around the shoulder of Tsurugi in shock. Finally Ash whispered in awe, "Amazing. You are good, Tsurugi."

Tsurugi chuckled before claiming, "Telling the truth is always the best option available."

Ash paused a moment before saying, "Suuuuurrrrrrrreeeeee. I think you just got a gift." Ash stepped out from behind Tsurugi before pointing at the group and informing him, "This is Dawn…May…Max, May's little brother…Gary, and…" Ash suddenly realized again that he didn't recognize the person.

Ash looked at her. She had black hair that was cut just short of her shoulders, and large green eyes. She was wearing a tight red shirt, and a regular pair of skinny jeans. Her belt was also just hanging around her waist with the side with the poke balls hanging lower. She was very slender and rather attractive.

Misty ran forward till she stood next to the girl. She turned around and looped her arm with the girl before claiming, "This is my friend, Arai."

Arai smiled before saying happily, "Hello, I'm Arai Hikari Cade. Nice to meet you all."

Arai froze when she saw Ash. Everyone looked at Ash to see him with a dumbfounded expression on his face. He shook his head before saying, "Sorry, I just didn't know that Misty had any other friends." Within a nanosecond, a mallet connected with Ash's cranium. Ash crouched down as he cried anime tears.

Misty crossed her arms angrily over the crying Ash before she claimed, "I do too have friends."

Arai giggled before explaining, "I battled Misty a while back at the Cerulean Gym. She beat me easily the first time, and we just hit it off. I trained near Cerulean Gym for a while, and Misty helped me a lot. I barely managed to beat her the second time, but we stayed friends. When we saw each other entering, we just started talking."

Brock chose that moment to return. He announced, "I got the keys to the two rooms. We are on the twenty fourth floor."

Ash turned to Brock before asking, "How will we all fit in two rooms, and why were they in your name Brock?"

Brock shrugged before saying, "I arranged the reservations with all your parents, and they thought, since I was the oldest here, that I should make sure everything goes well probably. As for the rooming, you'll see." Brock looked to Tsurugi and Niles before asking, "What room are you two in?"

Niles claimed calmly, "We are on the forty-eighth floor."

Ash quickly whined, "Awww, why does he got a floor higher up?"

Tsurugi laughed before saying, "I'll explain in a little bit. I'll go see your guys' room, and then you can come look at mine. I think you'll understand then." Ash nodded and the group walked towards the elevator. They started to cram inside.

Ash was smashed against the wall from them all trying to go on the same elevator. Niles stopped outside the elevator and announced, "I believe that this elevator is full. How about I go make sure the room is clean for your friends, Master Tsurugi?"

Tsurugi nodded before replying, "Thanks." The elevator doors closed.

The elevator started rising slowly. Silence filled the cramped elevator. No one felt awkward with five other people in their personal space. You could hear a penny drop, if one did happen to drop.

Gary finally broke the silence by commenting, "The whole butler thing is cool."

Tsurugi nodded before saying, "Thanks."

Gary nodded his head slowly before continuing, "I wish I had a butler." Everyone murmured agreement besides Tsurugi. Awkward.

Tsurugi waited a moment before saying awkwardly, "A butler comes in handy."

Silence once again descended. At that point, the elevator music started playing. The song…What What(In the Butt)… Ash finally exclaimed, "What is up with this music?"

No one gave him an answer. Now they were stuck in a cramped elevator…with the gayest song in the world playing…HELP.

Two minutes later

Everyone stood panting in front of a door. Brock straightened before claiming, "This is one of our rooms." Brock stepped forward and slid the keycard through the card slot. A green light flashed before the door popped open.

People walked through the doors. Everyone gasped and rushed around to look at the room. Only Tsurugi, Brock, and Gary kept their cool. The room was more of a suite than a room. They walked into a sleek room. Part of the family room was on a lower level. On that level there was a large and comfortable leather couch with two matching chairs on either side. On the wall, a flat screen TV was hung on the wall. In the corner, a complete computer set was placed on a desk. One of the walls was also a giant window, allowing them a view of the city.(Bad description. Just imagine a cool suite.)

Also connected to the living room was a small kitchen. A granite counter was also placed to eat on. Ash looked around excitedly at the amazing living space. Ash exclaimed, "This rocks. Are we really gonna be living here, Brock?"

Brock nodded before explaining, "And there are also two rooms. The girls can sleep in the other room. Some will have to sleep on the couch, but I think it is worth it. Our families all pooled together to get a better room."

Ash yelled, "Sweet."

Gary sighed before saying loudly, "It is just a room, Ash." Gary walked towards the computer and pressed several buttons. The computer lit up.

Tsurugi ordered Gary, "Scan your ID card." Gary looked a moment before following. As soon as the ID card was held under the red light, the computer beeped and the window popped up. Tsurugi quickly informed him, "That is the C.C. tournament participation database. You are able to research any person currently registered for the tournament. However, only competitors have access. They have one of these computers in every room to give the competitors access. Although, any computer would work. You'd just have to type in the ID number on your card."

Gary nodded and commented, "This tournament is very detailed." Tsurugi nodded.

Ash quickly asked, "How do you know all that Tsurugi?"

Tsurugi lifted a piece of paper before stating, "I read the pamphlet." Everyone sweat dropped at the simple answer. Tsurugi now smiled before asking, "So you guys want to see my room?"

May asked, "Isn't it the same as this one ?"

Tsurugi smiled and shrugged before saying in an amused voice, "Maybe. Why don't you come and see?" His tone of voice made it irresistible.

After everyone put their luggage away they all headed towards the elevator. Thankfully this ride wasn't quite so uncomfortable. They were now on the forty-eighth floor in front of a door. As Tsurugi prepared to open the door, Ash realized that doors were farther apart on this floor. Before he could think too much about that odd fact, the door opened.

Ash walked through the door to gasp, for the hundredth time that day. Tsurugi's room was similar to theirs…only better. It was bigger, fancier, and just plain better. Ash admitted, "Dang, I wish I was staying in this room."

Tsurugi smiled before saying, "You guys could hang in here if you want to. I would always enjoy company."

Ash said in a grateful voice, "Thanks, but we couldn't do that. That would be taking advantage of you."

Tsurugi shrugged before gesturing at the enormous room before asking, "What would Niles and me do in here alone. This place is easily big enough for more people. Plus, I'm offering it."

Ash thought for a moment before laughing and scratching his head as he exclaimed, "Gee, thanks then." Ash thought for a moment before asking, "Why is this room larger than ours, though?"

Brock cut in to explain, "This hotel is designed like that. The higher the floor, the more high class the room. Since this is the forty-eighth floor, its one of the best they got."

Ash asked in awe, "You mean that there are rooms better than this?"

Tsurugi nodded before adding, "Yes. Most of the best rooms were reserved by the tournament for the top contenders. I barely managed to obtain this room. The tournament basically reserved all these rooms."

Ash commented, "Awesome."

Gary walked towards the door with a smirk. He now called, "Do you guys intend to stay here gawking at our accommodations, or do you think that you should realize a major tournament is about to start? I'm going to go to the battlefields and get some practice in. Smell ya later."

Ash yelled at Gary, "We know that. Sorry for appreciating our rooms." Ash angrily glared at Gary.

Tsurugi motioned with his hands as he said in a calming voice, "Don't worry, Ash."

May now claimed guiltily, "We probably should go down to the battlefields. The tournament opening ceremony is tomorrow."

The group nodded. Ash started to feel pumped as he thought about the tournament starting soon. Ash turned to Tsurugi before saying, "Tsurugi. I challenge you. Let's have a battle." Pikachu shook his hand/paw in the air to emphasize.

Tsurugi smiled before pulling back his coat to reveal the poke balls at his waist. He said confidently, "Sure. I'll battle you." The two looked at each other competitively.

Tsurugi belongs to Tendou Souji…well did. Hehe, I now have control over Tsurugi in this story. I'll make him evil. Nah. Tendou, hope I got Tsurugi right. P.S. I changed Sparky to Sparks in case I include Richy. Plus, Sparks is just cooler.

In reference to the elevator scene, me calling What What(In the Butt) gay is by no means meant to be an insult. It is true. The singer even admits it. That does not mean I insulted any homosexuals reading or anyone who personally likes the song. I just think that the song would be very awkward in an elevator. Please don't chew me out.

Also, Arai Hikari Cade belongs to DarkNinjaAlchemistMayra, however in a situation similar to Tsurugi. PM me if I did it wrong.

Sorry guys, I got a lot of OC's(approximately twenty eight). I'll add more, but not everyone will be included. I also won't post a list of who I will use. Sometimes you start writing something, and you realize it doesn't work. So until I post them, no guarantee for anyone.

I'm sorry there were no battles. I was going to include Ash vs. Tsurugi, but my battles are always long. I wanted to publish now.

Now, you can effect my story. I want to know if I should put Giselle in this story too. Originally in Fighting Alone I thought she would just be…there. A one shot character who was fun to write. However I'm surprised how much people like her, and how much I enjoy writing about her. Vote on my profile or review.

Also review any potential couples. I don't even have an idea on that yet.

Next I'll update Fighting Alone…unless people hate this cliffhanger enough to want me to update this one again first. Most likely Fighting Alone though.