WHAT YOU REALLY MEAN TO ME

by Chipolata

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or Dragonball Z. This is NOT a crossover fic, okay? Dragonball Z is merely mentioned.

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It had been a long, hard day of Pokemon Training for Ash. He had finally received a Rainbow badge from the Celadon City Gym and it's leader, Erika. It'd taken a lot of effort, but Ash had managed to help save the Gym from a fire and rescue Erika's Gloom from the blaze. Pikachu hadn't gotten to fight, but had assisted Misty and the other Gym trainers in getting other grass Pokemon out. Everyone agreed that they all deserved a rest.

"How about a movie?" Misty suggested over a strawberry sundae.

"What a great idea, Misty!" Ash agreed.

"That sounds like a good idea. The Celadon Times advertised a new movie which started yesterday called 'The Tree of Might'. It's supposed to be a must-see for all Dragonball Z fans." Brock told them.

"Really? I love that show. What about you, Misty? What do you think?" Ash asked.

"I only saw a little bit, but I don't mind." Misty said.

"Pi-pika!" Pikachu added.

"My little brothers all used to watch that show." Brock said. "The movie's on later tonight at 7:30. You want to go then?"

"Yeah!" Ash and Misty cheered.

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Later, at the Celadon City Cinemas....

"I can't wait!" Ash was standing in line, bouncing and trying to see the front of the queue.

"Pika!" Pikachu commented from on top of Ash's hat.

The line was enormous. Celadon City seemed to be home of Dragonball fans. Everyone was talking excitedly and swapping tidbits of information about the movie and the series. Some had even brought along their trading cards to... well, trade.

(AN: This sounds like the line for a Pokemon movie, ne?)

Finally, Ash, Misty, Pikachu and Brock got to the front of the queue.

"What can I do yer for?" The lady at the tickets desk asked.

"One adult, two children for 'The Tree of Might'." Brock told her.

She printed out the tickets.

"That will be $27 thankyou." She said, looking up and spotting Pikachu. "Oh, and we don't allow Pokemon inside the cinema."

"What'dya mean, you don't allow Pokemon?" Ash demanded. "Pikachu isn't going to do anything. He's very well behaved, and on top of that, he's my best friend! Why wont you let him in?"

"Sorry kid, that's just the rules." She told him.

"What?" Ash yelled.

"C'mon Ash, just put Pikachu in his ball and we'll go watch the movie." Misty said.

"Sorry, no Pokeballs of any kind either." The lady said.

"Why not?" Misty asked.

"Not sure, I don't make the rules. Might be 'cause trainers like to take the balls in and release their Pokemon inside."

"Can't you just let Pikachu in? We promise he won't do anything." Brock promised.

"Nope. You want me to loose my job?"

"Fine!" Ash yelled. "You wont let Pikachu in? I don't want to see the stupid movie anyway!" Ash stormed away from the complex.

Brock and Misty caught up to him.

"Ash, you really wanted to see that movie!" Misty said.

"Pikachu and I are best friends. It wouldn't be right to see the movie without him." Ash said.

Pikachu couldn't help staring, awed by his friend's behaviour.

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After Ash had stormed a couple of blocks towards the Pokemon Center, Brock and Misty had managed to calm him down enough to suggest shopping at a nearby center which had a large 'PokeTrainer' store, full of supplies of all kinds for Pokemon fanatics, breeders and trainers. With a little splurging Ash began to feel better, and found some great ways to spend his prize money.

After a quick meal, as the mall was closing, the three trainers (plus one Pokemon) made their way back to the Pokemon Center where they were staying. Ash insisted on trying out his new Pokemon brush on Pikachu's fur, before deciding to hit the sack. Misty and Brock joined him not long after.

From the end of Ash's bed, Pikachu got a clear view of the stars through the window. Pikachu watched the lights twinkle against the ink black sky.

There, suddenly! One fell, shooting across the sky, leaving a long white trail.

'Make a wish.' Pikachu reminded himself.

"Pi pika, chu pika pi pika chu pi." Pikachu wished. 'I wish Ash could know what he means to me."

The shooting star's light fell beyond the horizon. Pikachu lay down and soon went to sleep.