Chapter 17: On Alert

With the qualifying rounds now complete there was a break to allow the tournament organizers a chance to determine the brackets for the next round. For the spectators it gave them an opportunity to unwind from the excitement of the qualifying rounds and prepared for the intensity of what was to come next. For the trainers who were fortunate enough to advance it gave them the chance to come up with new strategies to ensure they moved on to the round of 16. For Ash, it gave him an opportunity to check in on his associates' progress.

"Do you think they found out anything?" Misty inquired.

"I'm positive they did," Ash admitted. "Giovanni won't be able to make a move without them finding out about it."

"Let's just hope it's good news," Misty said. It was a few minutes later before Jessie, James, Meowth and Purrloin appeared, and Ash could tell by the looks on their faces that the news they had was not good.

"Something tells me I'm not going to like what you have to report," Ash assumed.

"It's definitely not good," James commented. He then proceeded to hand Ash a sheet of paper. Ash took one look at the paper and instantly frowned.

"Damn… this is worse than I thought," he said. Curious to know what has him so upset Misty peeked over his shoulder at the sheet of paper. The entire paper was filled with names.

"What's this?" she wondered.

"A list of everyone employed here during the tournament," James told her. "Everyone from the security guards to the caterers is listed there." Misty took another look at the lengthy list. It was then she noticed something strange.

"Why are most of these names in red?" she asked.

"Those represent undercover agents for Team Rocket," Meowth answered.

"All of them work for Team Rocket?!" she gasped. Another look showed just how many of the names were in red. Nearly the entire list, save for a few names here and there, were in red.

"How did he manage to get that many agents here without anyone noticing?" Misty wondered.

"Giovanni has his ways," Jessie said. During this Ash continued to stare at the list, his brow creased in deep thought.

"Something wrong?" Zorua asked.

"No," Ash said. "Well not wrong, but strange."

"What?" she inquired.

"It's the number of agents Giovanni brought in. If this is all of them then there's no way he's going to try and disrupt the tournament," Ash elaborated.

"What makes you say that?" Misty wondered.

"Well, given the number of names on this list, even if Giovanni were to replace every single person here with one of his agents that still wouldn't be enough to overcome the number of trainers here, and that's not even factoring in the number of Gym Leaders, Elite 4 members and league champions in attendance," Ash explained.

"So either he's here for a different reason, or…" Misty started.

"… he's hiding the rest of his forces elsewhere," Ash finished.

"But if he's hiding his troops then where do you think they could be?" Zorua wondered.

"That's a good question. For all we know he could be hiding them anywhere nearby," Ash said.

"If he is then we'll find out about it," Jessie declared. "Just say the word."

"Do it, but be careful. I can't risk you guys getting caught, not now," Ash advised.

"You don't have to worry about us," Purrloin said. "After all, we're merely whispers on the wind." Moments later they disappeared to carry out their appointed task.

"This is going to sound weird, but I hope they'll be okay," Misty said.

"They will be," Ash assured her. "Besides, I'm more concerned about Giovanni's plans."

"Well, if what you said was true then he's still getting everything in place, which means you still have a chance to stop him," Misty stated.

"Yeah, but this is something I won't be able to do on my own," Ash admitted.

"Well, you have me and all of our friends here to help out," Misty said.

"I know, but I'm afraid that won't even be enough. We're going to need as many powerful trainers on our side as we can get," Ash explained.

"Well, what if you alerted Lance and some of the other league champions," Misty suggested. "If you let them know I'm sure they'd be more than willing to help keep an eye out for anything."

"That would be good, but I'd need to find a way to let them know without any one of Giovanni's agents finding out. The last thing I need to do is tip my hand too soon," Ash replied.

"Too bad you can't get in touch with one of the Elite 4 or champions directly without arousing suspicion," Misty commented. Right then something clicked in Ash's mind.

"I can't, but I know someone who can," he said.

"Well this is quite unexpected," Professor Oak admitted. "I'm always eager to discover unique Pokémon, but I never thought I'd get the opportunity to find one here."

'Trust me on this one, you've never seen a Pokémon like this one," Misty assured him. "In fact I've never seen one like it myself." Professor Oak knew there was a chance he would encounter a rare Pokémon or two while attending the tournament, but to have Misty come forth and inform him that there was a trainer that had one he wanted the professor to look at was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

"So, did this trainer say what made his Pokémon so unique? The professor asked.

"No. He told me he'd rather wait until you showed up to show you. He didn't want anyone else finding out about it or else he'd have every trainer trying to trade him for it," Misty explained.

"I see. I suppose I can't fault him for his logic," Professor Oak conceded. By now the two of them were approaching the cabin Misty was sharing with Ash. Ash was standing in front of the cabin, Pikachu on one shoulder and Zorua on the other. The moment they saw each other they smiled.

"I'm glad you could come, professor," Ash said.

"It's my pleasure," the professor replied. "You're Mason Cruz, correct? I witnessed your battle the other day. Most impressive."

"Thank you. I do like to have my Pokémon prepared for whatever situation they may find themselves in," Ash responded. "Anyway, if you'd like to come inside we can get down to business."

"Lead the way," the professor said. The three of them headed inside the cabin. Once the door was shut Ash and Professor Oak shared a hug.

"It's good to see you again, my boy. I've missed you," the professor said.

"I've missed you too," Ash replied. "I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit more often."

"It's okay. I know why you been avoiding Pallet Town for as long as you have," Professor Oak told him. The professor then turned his attention to Pikachu and Zorua, giving them each a scratch behind the ear.

"It's good to see you two again as well," he said. Both Pokémon purred in appreciation at the attention they were receiving.

"So tell me, Ash. What's the real reason you asked to see me?" Ash's face took on a grim expression as he took out the report he received from Jessie, James, Meowth and Purrloin earlier.

"I wish it was for something better than this, but we may have a crisis on our hands here," He spoke. "I have every reason to believe that Giovanni is planning an attack on the tournament."

"That's quite the claim. Do you have any proof to back this up?" the professor asked. Ash handed him the report. One look was all it took for the professor to understand the gravity of the situation.

"This is indeed serious, but I don't see how this will be enough to launch an attack. There are too many skilled trainers here," Professor Oak stated.

"I know, which is why I don't believe this is the entirety of his forces," Ash explained. "I think this is just what he has here. He's hiding the rest of his troops elsewhere."

"But where could that be?" the professor wondered.

"That's a good question. They could be anywhere," Ash answered. "That's why I need your help."

"What can I do?" Professor Oak asked.

"If you can I need you to get in touch with Lance and some of the other Elite 4 members and champions and alert them to a possible attack," Ash requested. "However, try and be discreet about it. The last thing we need to do is let Giovanni know we're onto him."

"Of course," the professor agreed.

"Also, don't let them know it was me who tipped you off. I don't want to blow my cover too soon," Ash said.

"Alright," Professor Oak replied. "What will you do in the meantime?" At that moment Ash flashed him his trademark grin.

"In the meantime I've got a tournament to win," he declared. Professor Oak couldn't help but laugh.

"Same old Ash. Well good luck, my boy. You may need it." With those final words he departed, leaving Ash and Misty alone in the cabin.

"You think he'll be able to convince them?" Misty wondered.

"If anyone can its Professor Oak," Ash answered. "I know he'll succeed."

"I hope you're right," Misty said. "So, I guess it's back to strategizing."

"Yeah, and I think it's time for a certain pair to make their tournament debut." As he said this he glanced over at Pikachu and Zorua.

"It's finally our turn?!" Zorua asked, her voice filled with excitement.

"Sure is," Ash confirmed. "In fact, we should get to work preparing a game plan for you two." As the three of them strategized Misty looked on, a smile on her face. This was the Ash she had grown to know and love.

"Love, huh?" she mused. "Guess those old feelings didn't go away after all."

With Professor Oak on board Ash hopes to be able to have enough eyes and ears on alert for any Team Rocket activity. Will it be enough? And what kind of strategy will he, Pikachu and Zorua come up with? Find out in the next chapter of Regrets & Redemption!

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