Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon.

The lights flickered on to illuminate the field, the referee's voice echoing in the metallic, high ceiling room.

"The pokèmon battle will now begin. Only one pokèmon may be used. The gym leader, Lt. Surge, has chosen Raichu. The challenger, Ash, has chosen Pikachu. No time limit. Let the battle begin." With that, the bell dinged and Ash turned her hat, immediately on the offensive.

"Go Raichu!" Lt. Surge shouted.

"Quick attack, Pikachu!" Ash called.

"Give it a mega punch, Raichu!" Surge smirked, only to frown when Ash did the same.

"Agility then tackle!" Pikachu easily dodged the punch with a smirk, attacking at Raichu's now vulnerable back.

"What the-" Surge stammered in shock.

"The problem with evolving a pokèmon too early...is losing basic support moves that enhance things like speed," Ash informed, still smirking.

"Grr, it don't matter! Raichu, body slam!" Surge growled.

"Double team around him, Pikachu." Ash said calmly, crossing her arms. The Raichu hit the dirt, dispelling one illusion, only to get dizzy whipping his head to see all the pikachus surrounding him.

"Argh, that's it! Raichu, give 'em a thunderbolt! Shut it down!" Surge shouted. Raichu angrily complied, frustrated at the moving target, going full power and breaking the glass windows and ground beneath him. "The end of da match!" He boasted.

Ash only raised a hand to shield her eyes, blinking once and grinning victoriously at seeing Pikachu balance flawlessly on his tail.

"Huh...what," Surge deadpanned.

"Alright, way to go! He used his tail as a ground and dodged the electric attack!" Brock helpfully informed.

"That tail strengthening training they did really paid off, huh?" Misty smirked.

"Raichu, give it another thunderbolt!" Surge directed, now nervous. Raichu attempted to comply, once then again, only to come up with nothing but some weak static from his cheeks, confusing both pokèmon and trainer. "Do somethin'!" He urged in shock.

"It's over," Brock smiled. "Raichu ran out of electricity."

"Alright! Go for it, Ash!" Misty cheered.

"Quick attack, Pikachu!"

"Raichu, take down, now!" Surge ordered hastily, still too slow as Pikachu landed a solid hit straight to Raichu's middle followed by an electric charged tail whip to the face that guaranteed a knock out. Surge gripped his head, shocked. "Unbelievable!"

"You did it, Pikachu!" Ash enthused.

"Way to go!" Brock congratulated.

"Good job, Pikachu!" Misty jumped up in joy.

"Pika-chu!" Pikachu smiled and held up a peace sign with one paw, the other on his waist; a victory pose.

"Congratulations," Surge amiably shook her hand. "Nice job Ash, Pikachu! As proof of your victory, a thunder badge!" He presented her a yellow and orange sunflower badge, placing it in her open palm.

"Thank you very much!" Ash beamed, grinning widely at the glittering pin.

"You should be proud! You and your Pikachu really fight good together!" Surge complimented.

"Awesome, Pikachu! We've got a thunder badge!" Ash pumped her fist in the air, Pikachu jumping to her shoulder and joining her celebration, another peace sign on his paw.

"Pi-pikachu!" He cheered, the gym members all clapping in congrats and smiling sincerely.

"Nice victory, Ash! You're no baby!" Surge declared.

"Congratulations, Ash!" Brock clapped.

"Already three badges! Way to go, Ash!" Misty enthused.

"Rai-rai-rai~!" Even Raichu clapped sincerely for his opponent, making Pikachu bashfully scratch the back of his head.

"Pika~!"

"It's all thanks to you, Pikachu! You're the best!" Ash gushed, nuzzling her cheek with Pikachu's, cuddling him in her arms.

"Chaa~!" Pikachu cooed approvingly, nuzzling back happily.

"Those two really are quite a team," Misty sighed with a dreamy smile.

"Yes, indeed," Brock agreed easily, arms crossed and nodding.

"Wow," Ash blinked slowly at the large cruise ship in front of them.

"Beautiful," Misty breathed.

"I'd love to cross the ocean on a ship like this," Ash confessed.

"Yeah, just imagine all the pokèmon we'd be able to see along the way," Brock smiled.

"Aw, for sure!" Misty clasped her hands together, going to lala land. "Just imagine, sunbathing on deck all day...just a nice, long relaxing cruise."

"We could never afford a cruise like that," Brock leaned over, bursting Misty's fantasy.

"Ough..." Misty groaned despondently.

"Sometimes reality can really bum you out," Ash sighed, hands behind her head and Pikachu sighing too as their two friends followed dejectedly. Suddenly the three were showered in confetti from poppers.

"Congratulations!" Their vision was assaulted by two familiar figures wearing school uniforms and way, way too much make up. "You guys are way lucky! You can go on a super deluxe sea cruise~!" They chorused.

"A sea cruise?" The three repeated, Ash taking a step back when the orange haired one came closer.

"Well, it's like, you know, we have these incredible super cool tickets for you!" The Orange head pulled tickets from her pocket.

"Co~ol!" The blond behind her sang.

"Cool, huh?" Orange head grinned.

"What?" Misty blinked.

"These are tickets for the biggest party ever aboard the St. Anne cruise liner!" The Orange head displayed the ticket.

"The famous St. Anne?" Ash questioned, blinking up at the girl.

"Co~ol!" Blondy repeated.

"The coolest ship on the sea!" Orange assured.

"Oh~," Brock murmured.

"Everyone's going be together and, like, have the coolest party!"

"Co~ol!"

"And the party's for pokèmon trainers only!"

"Co~ol!" Ash was getting a little sick of hearing that word.

"Step this way!" Orange invited, Blondie giggling. "It'll be a radical party! All of the most radical pokèmon trainers will be there!"

"Do you know anyone who says 'radical' anymore?" Ash whispered to Misty, who shook her head in response.

"Okay, dudes, here are your tickets!" She offered them up.

"We'd love to go on the pokèmon trainer cruise, but we really don't have the money to pay for it," Brock replied politely.

"Oh, whoa, like, you don't understand!"

"Co~ol!"

"They're totally free!" Orange informed them.

"Free?" Ash repeated, blinking.

"Totally free! To-ta-lly free!"

"For free, huh... so why are you giving them away?" Ash asked skeptically.

"Well, like, we had to go out with our boyfriends, but we wanted to give our tickets to cool pokèmon fans!"

"Co~ol!"

"We saw you and thought you looked really cool. Just take these and have a really cool time!"

"Thank you very much," Ash smiled politely, taking the offered tickets.

"No sweat!"

"Co~ol!"

"Have a nice day, for sure!" And with that, the two took off running, disappearing quickly. Ash knew it was suspicious considering who gave them to her, but free tickets were free tickets and she was sure she could handle any scheme they threw at her anyway.

"Well, looks like it's our lucky day, huh guys?" Ash smirked.

"Yeah!" Misty grinned, Brock smiling.

"I'll say!"

"The St. Anne, wow!" Brock said as a ship horn blew.

"And that cool pokèmon party..." Ash murmured. "I wonder which one of these ships is the St. Anne."

"I think that's it," Misty called, bringing to attention a large cruise ship.

"Hm?"

"Wow, that's incredible!" Brock breathed.

"It's huge!" Misty smiled.

"Pika~!"

"What an amazing ship," Ash muttered as they climbed the steps to board.

"I'd like to travel the whole world in this," Misty dreamed.

"Welcome aboard the St. Anne," a man in costume bowed after glancing at the ticket in Ash's hand. "This way." He outstretched his hand to direct them to an open room on the deck.

"Wow, look at this," Ash breathed taking in the ridiculously large ballroom with glimmering red orange floors, light studded high ceilings and white dressed tables scattered between crowds of what looked to be everyday people. Unusual, since ritzy cruise ships like this were more geared towards the higher classes. There were stands setup all around like a local fair.

"How cute," Misty cooed when she spotted an accessory stand.

"It's like a giant pokèmon convention," Ash breathed, unable to help her smile at all the pokèmon among the people.

"Everyone's a pokèmon trainer ," Misty smiled too.

"Take a look at the smooth skin on my charmander that shows how healthy to is," one said, bringing to attention two boys holding smiling charizards.

"Look at the flame on my charmander. There's orange mixed with red! Cool, huh? Check it out!" Another boy slid into their talk with a Squirtle in his arms.

"Haha, lame, look how hard the shell is on my squirtle! Tough, huh?"

"Ha," Ash couldn't help flipping her hair back after examining their pokèmon closely. "My squirtle and charmander are much better than theirs." Ash may not be vain per se, but she was confident in not only her appearance and self but in her pokèmon and how hard she worked to keep them happy and in peak condition.

"Alright, bring them on!" The shout brought to attention a pokèmon battle between a boy and an older, dapper gentleman.

"Raticate, a jump kick," the older man directed with his cane.

"Alright starmie, spinning tackle!" The boy countered, the two attacks clashing and the two pokèmon landing just as Ash squeezed through to the front of the crowd.

"Now this is what I'm talking about," Ash grinned.

"Pika!" Pikachu a agreed enthusiastically from his perch on her head.

"Raticate, super fang attack!" The Raticate clamped on to the poor starmie's

gem and take a small chunk, cracking it before it jumped back and fainted a few moments later. A win sign blinked red above the tux wearing, mustached man.

"Are you okay, starmie," the dejected boy hugged his pokemon.

"Aw, don't feel too badly, young man. It was only a practice match anyhow and I just happen to be lucky." With the sunglasses the man was wearing, his top hat, large red bow, and strange Texan accent, Ash wasn't sure if he was being sincere or patronizing. A snazzy dressed woman in a red gown and updo dropped herself gracefully over him

"My, how gracious," the woman complimented with a matching accent.

"Hum! Not at all, miss." He turned back to the boy who had picked up his pokèmon. "Keep workin' on your starmie's strength there." He spread his arm out then. "Well now, is there anyone brave enough to challenge my raticate?!"

Misty looked on knowingly as Ash practically quivered with excitement.

"How about a battle with my butterfree?" She declared, walking calmly to stand across from him.

"As you wish," the man accepted. Ash smirked and turned her hat, taking out butterfree's pokeball.

"Come on out, Butterfree!" Butterfree trilled, a bit of glittery pollen emitting from its wings when it flapped in the air.

"Begin!" Someone shouted.

"Raticate, a jump kick," the man repeated.

"Tackle!" Was all Ash ordered. The two pokèmon exchanged blows in the air.

"Finish it, raticate, hyper fang attack!"

"Dodge and use stun spore!" Butterfree easily dodged the attack in the air. "Finish it with a whirlwind!" Butterfree trilled, ready to comply unilateral he man stepped in to pick up his raticate.

"That's enough. Why don't we call it a draw." Both Ash and Pikachu deflated, their thrill from the battle popped by the man's casual dismissal. Butterfree drooped as he returned to Ash.

"Don't worry, you did great Butterfree. He's just one of those trainers,"Ash cheered up before returning her pokèmon to its ball.

Ash snickered as she ate, the enthusiasm that her friends and pokèmon had for gorging on the buffet dissipating her earlier battle letdown.

"So, are you having yourself a good time?" The man she battled before asked as he approached with the same woman from earlier.

"Yes, sir," Ash smiles politely, seeing no reason to be rude. "We're having a great time."

"You know, that butterfree of yours is quite extraordinary." Now Ash was getting a bit of a bad feeling.

"It's incredible," his soft spoken partner smiled gently, seeming to glow and sparkle with beauty and grace. Predictably, Brock had a dopey smile and glowed bright red, dropping the sandwich in his hand.

"She's beautiful," he breathed.

"Hello~ in there," Misty sang, waving a hand in front of an unresponsive Brock's face.

"Beautiful," Brock repeated like a zombie. Misty only shrugged and sighed.

"Here we go again..."

"Well, I put a lot of effort into raisin him," Ash finally replied to the man from where she sat.

"What did you think of my raticate?" He asked. Yep, now Ash definitely knew where this was going.

"It looked great!" Ash said casually. "It really put up a good fight," she finished wearily.

"In that vase, I'll be direct. Why don't we trade?" He asked outright. Yeah, she figured. Ash sighed, but saw no reason to be upset by the offer.

"As flattered as I am," Ash started delicately, "I'm afraid I'm too attached to all my current pokèmon to think of trading them. I hope you understand," she smiled charmingly.

"Oh, of course, little lady! I completely understand!" The man laughed good naturedly. "Tradin' pokèmon isn't the only way to make friends! You must be very close with your pokèmon and a very dedicated trainer!"

"What a charming young girl," his female companion cooed. Ash flushed slightly at the praise, but was mostly just relieved they weren't upset or offended.

"Here we go..." muttered Ash when all the possible exits closed in the ball room, people in uniform and the occasional passenger ripping off disguises to reveal team rocket grunts in black uniform with pokeball vacuums on their backs.

Ash knew how serious this was supposed to be, but seeing a depressed James performing their usual routine with Jesse after the lights turned out and shone the spotlight on them, made it hard not to be amused. She was sure she had vague memories of James being swindled into buying a magikarp or something.

"Team Rocket will now take possession of your pokèmon!" Jesse shouted.

Okay. Not funny anymore.

"Give me your pokèmon," a husky grunt thrust his hand towards Misty. Misty only scowled and crossed her arms.

"No way!"

"Don't make me take 'em!" A grunt came up behind and threaten Ash.

Ash only sighed and put a hand on her hip, calling casually to her partner. "Pikachu."

That was all the word Pikachu needed to gleefully electrocute the grunt.

"If they're going to try to rob our pokèmon," Ash roused the other passengers, shifting her hat back, " we might as well make it a battle!"

"Yeah, we can't just surrender!" One guy said.

"Let's fight back!" That was all the crowd needed to get pumped, releasing their pokèmon before a rocket could suck them up.

"We've got to fight them together!" Brock called.

"Lead the pack, Pikachu!" Ash cried, pointing to the opposition, having spotted a few other pikachus around. They quickly formed a pyramid, her Pikachu at the top and let out a super powerful thundershock.

"You next Charmander!" Ash tossed her pokeball, her golden charmander forming it's own pyramid and shooting an overpowered flamethrower.

"Geodude, go!" Brock released his own pokèmon, who joined in a circle with more of his own kind and started spinning quickly, knocking grunts away like dolls. More pyramids and groups followed; Bulbasaurs using vine whip, butterfree's raining stun spores, etcetera.

"Hand over your pokèmon!" A grunt still dared to challenge.

"Group gust, Pidgeotto!" Ash released him, grunts being sucked into the tornado they formed. "Pikachu, all together, thunderbolt!"

The previous gust had blown a hole in the roof and the grunts were blasted out with the pikachus' attack resulting in a cheering group of trainers.

"We did it!"

"Awesome job, guys!" Ash cheered. "We should all be super proud of our pokèmon. And we all taught Team Rocket a lesson they'll never forget!" The crowd cheered again and surprised her by picking her up, two men hoisting her between their shoulders. "Whoa!"

Okay, pretty sure this didn't happen in the show.

"Three cheers for Aislinn!" Misty cried, ever the opportunist.

"Hip hip, hooray! Hip hip, hooray! Hip hip-" unfortunately their cheers were cut off when the ship violently rocked. Ash was honestly grateful when the two guys managed to not drop her and put her safely on the unsteady ground.

Misty, Brock, and some others ran to the windows, eying the dark, roiling clouds in worry.

"Oh no, it's a big storm!" Misty shouted.

"It'll be tough to get back with waves like this!" Brock delivered the bad news.

"What?!" Misty cried. Before the trio knew it, most of the passengers were panicking and jumped ship to the lifeboats, Ash, ever unable to stop her 'saving-people-thing' was making sure the ship was properly evacuated of both humans and pokèmon with Misty and Brock's help.

"Time to go, Ash, we can't stay any longer!" Misty urged.

"Alright, let's go!" Ash nodded.

Unfortunately, the trio never made it off the ship, shouting in shock as the ship rocked and knocked them all through a set of doors, the tumble rendering them all blissfully unconscious as the ship capsized and sank further and further into the sea...

AN: Ash's party thus far-(In Progress=IP)

Pikachu(male), known moves: thundershock, thunderbolt, tackle, quick attack, double team, agility, growl, tail whip, swift, slam, discharge(IP)

Pidgey-}Pidgeotto(male), known moves: tackle, sand-attack, gust, quick attack, whirlwind, wing attack, twister(IP)

Caterpie-}Metapod-}Butterfree(male), known moves: string shot, harden, confusion, poison powder, stun spore, sleep powder, whirlwind, gust, psychic, supersonic, tackle, psybeam(IP)

Bulbasaur(male), known moves: tackle, growl, vine whip, razor leaf, leech seed, poison powder, sleep powder, sweet scent(IP), take down, seed bomb(IP)

Charmander(shiny, male), known moves: scratch, growl, ember, smoke screen, slash, flamethrower, fire fang(IP), dragon rage(IP)

Squirtle(male), known moves: tackle, tail whip, bubble, withdraw, water gun, bite, skull bash, protect, rapid spin, water pulse(IP), aqua tail(IP)

Pokemon with Professor Oak(Pokemon caught between chapters or off screen)-

Clefairy-}Clefable(female), known moves: pound, growl, sing, double slap, metronome, defense curl, minimize(IP), wake-up slap, light screen, moonlight(IP)

Weedle-}Kakuna-}Beedrill(female), known moves: poison sting, string shot, harden, fury attack, twineedle, pin missile, poison jab

Rattata(male), known moves: tackle, tail whip, quick attack, bite, crunch

Spearow(female), known moves: peck, growl, leer, fury attack, drill peck

Paras(male), known moves: scratch, stun spore, poison powder, leech life, aroma therapy(IP)

Poliwag(male), known moves: bubble, hypnosis, water gun, double slap, bubble beam

Magikarp(male), known moves: splash, tackle

Goldeen(female), known moves: peck, tail whip, supersonic, horn attack, flail, fury attack, horn drill

Krabby(male), known moves: bubble, vice grip, leer, harden, bubble beam, mud shot(IP), flail

Just wanted to say I'm sorry for the cliffie, but I honestly couldn't help but follow where Ep. 15 ended! Too much temptation to resist! To answer some questions that might have been asked, the reason hat Ash sometimes doesn't seem to remember the show is because Pokèmon was something she watched a lot of as a kid but couldn't find time for anymore as an adult or didn't feel the need to religiously follow as more seasons kept coming, only watching if she happened to see it on TV. Some episodes and movies she remembers well because she liked them so much and others she doesn't really remember until she lives through it and it jogs her memory.

This doesn't change the fact that she has a distinct advantage with her advanced knowledge on pokèmon thanks to her memories of the show, games, and manga that she does remember, but also keep in mind if you think she's overpowered or shouldn't know something that she also trained and studied everything about pokèmon since she was probably around four with Professor Oak, both academically and practically.

Yes, I will be doing the movies, if I haven't answered that already (I honestly don't know if I have). Yes, all Ash's pokèmon will be doting and protective of her (seriously, you guys shocked me when you asked because you totally read my mind-don't get ahead of me!)

So, hope you aren't too disappointed, it has been a while so I hope my writing isn't to dry or rusty and this chapter falls short my 5k standard by about 2k, but I have already started the next chapter so... cross fingers? As always, reads and reviews are very much welcome and appreciated. They inspire me to write more, so be my guest!,(=w=)/~