"Oh, I've never seen a battle like this one!" The announcer called out. The crowd cheered. "Looks like Charmeleon is gaining the advantage!"

                Akiko Ketchum rolled her sapphire eyes in a bored fashion. "Duh! Its fighting against a Caterpie! Its not much of an opponent!" She sipped her chocolate milk and continued to watch T.V.. When Caterpie fainted, as Akiko had all ready predicted, the trainer choose an Onix. This caught her attention.

                "Looks like Charmeleon has found a worthy opponent!" The annoucer called out again.

                Akiko was on the edge of her seat. At first, the two pokemon were evenly matched. She sure trained her Charmeleon well, Akiko thought in amazement as the pokemon dodged Onix's Rock Throw. A pang of longing and jealously grew in her heart. She gripped the arm of the couch tightly. She was 12 years old. Two years ago she could have gotten her Pokemon License and would have gone on her Pokemon journey if her mother hadn't forbid it. Tears welled up in her eyes. She just doesn't understand...I so badly want to join the Jotto Leauge and battle Pokemon. The thrill of battle is so exhilarating...

                "Oh! Could this be the end of Charmeleon?"

                Akiko snapped to attention. Charmeleon was thrown to the far corner of the battle arena. Onix advanced on the weakened pokemon. She held her breath. You can do it Charmeleon! Get up! Get up! As though the pokemon could read her mind, it forced itself to stand. It started to try Fire Spin and then---

                The T.V. suddenly turned off.

                "Hey!" Akiko exclaimed as she jumped off the couch.

                "What did I tell you about watching those battles?"

                Akiko cringed. She knew that voice. She turned to see Misty. She was tapping the remote into the palm of her hand as one would a bat. She frowned down at her. "Well?"

                "I know I shouldn't have watched it mom," Akiko said quietly. "But Charmeleon---"

                "I don't want to hear another word," Misty said firmly. "Pokemon are dangerous creatures, you know that."

                "But we have Pikachu," Akiko said puzzled.

                "He's an old friend of your Father's," Misty said firmly, suggesting that she didn't approve of that either. "Pokemon are dangerous creatures. You never know what they're capable of doing."

                Akiko was surprised to see her mom's hand shake as she lowered her head, but not before Akiko saw tears in her eyes. An akward silence filled the room. This wasn't the first time Misty had done this. It was times like this that made her want to ask her mom why she did this every time someone mentioned a Poke Battle.

                "Mom I--"

                Ash came into the room. He was a good five inches taller than her and she was 5"7'. His spiky black hair was shorter and more close-cropped. He only had to take one look around the room to know what had happened.

                "I didn't mean---"

                He held up a hand and slowly shook his head. "I think you'd better go to bed."

                Akiko knew she wasn't going to get answers. She nodded and left the room. She could hear Ash comforting her mother and she felt guilty. It was her fault. If she hadn't watched those stupid---But they aren't, she admitted. There's more to Pokemon than strength...

                "I told you mom would catch you," her little brother Satoshi scolded. He was nine years old. He had close-cropped red hair like Misty's and Ash's coal-black eyes. "I don't see why you like watching those stupid battles."

                "They're not stupid," she said.

                "Yeah they are," Satoshi went on. "Pokemon are stupid."

                "Why you little---"

                "Akiko!" Ash called from the living room. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"

                She tried to ignore Satoshi's smirk as she quickly turned on her heel. She slammed her bedroom door. Pikachu who had been sleeping on her bed jumped.

                "Sorry about that Pikachu," she said as she stroked behind his ears. "I didn't know you were in here."

                She should have known, Pikachu spent most of his time sleeping on her bed. She looked in her mirror. She looked more like her father than anything else. She had his spiky black hair, but her mother's blue eyes. She took off her pilot's helmet and flight goggles she usually wore on her dresser and sighed.

                Pikachu placed a tiny hand on her's. "Pika?"

                "I'm all right," she assured him. "Its just that...I so badly want to go on a Pokemon Journey...but mom won't let me. I sometimes wish..."

                "No Ash, she won't."

                Akiko could hear her parents talking outside her door. She crept up to the door and pressed an ear against it.

                "Can't you see it?" Ash asked. "She's a born Pokemon Trainer."

                "No daughter of mine will be a Pokemon Trainer," Misty said firmly.

                "Remember when we were kids?" Ash asked.

                Silence.

                "Those days are over," Misty said evenly, as though denying something. "Things are different now."

                "You can't prevent her forever," Ash said.

                "We'll see."

                 Akiko lowered her head. Tears ran down her cheeks. I'll never be a Pokemon Trainer...She felt Pikachu crawling into her lap. She hugged him close to her. "Mom just doesn't understand. It seems like you're the only one who understands me Pikachu...if only I was someone else..."

                Suddenly an idea popped into her head. "That's it!"

                Pikachu cocked his head. "Pika pi?"

                "I'm going on my Pokemon Journey!" Akiko said with a grin. "But not as Akiko Ketchum."

                Pikachu was confused.

                "I'll be Kiko," she quickly grabbed her backpack out of her closet and started packing clothes in. When she reached for her helmet, Pikachu got in the way.

                "Pika pi!" He said, electricity sparkling on his red cheeks.

                "I've got to," she said pleadingly. "I'll never be a Pokemon Trainer if I don't."

                Pikachu wasn't convinced.

                "Please?" She asked.

                His expression softened and he stepped out of the way. She finished packing and finally took out a shoebox from under her bed. As she took the lid off Pikachu gasped. Inside was about a dozen poke balls, a pokedex, a wrist communicator, and a license. She smiled and polished it then frowned. This license was for Akiko. She took her white-out pen and quickly scribbled out the "A." As for Ketchum? I'll just have to make up some excuse for that, she told herself. She then noticed Pikachu's face. "I got this two years ago...without mom knowing, of course."

                To her surprise, Pikachu looked disappointed and quickly demanded to leave. She opened the door and he ran out in a huff without a second glance.

                Her heart dropped. "I'm sorry Pikachu..." She said softly. "But I have to do this..."

                She went back to packing and quickly put her Pokemon Liscense in her backpack. She paused for a moment and looked out the window. The sky was now pitch-black and the stars glittered like sequins. What am I thinking? She thought in despair as she stared down at her backpack. I've never left Fushia City before. I'm sure to get lost...Suddenly she jumped to her feet with a grin. "That's what a map is for!" She quickly grabbed her map off her bulletin board and shoved it in her back pack. After packing some surivial gear, she put on her flight helmet and goggles. As she opened the window to escape (which would be easy since her bedroom window was on the ground floor) she paused and glanced over her shoulder in the direction of her door. I wish I could say goodbye to Pikachu...he's really been a pal. She quickly threw the idea aside. If she did, someone would be bound to overhear and would wonder where she was going and sooner or later Misty would find out. And I can't have that!

                Akiko dropped her backpack out the window and carefully climbed out and quietly closed the window behind her. The warm  heat was evident even in the midst of summer. She hefted her backpack on one shoulder and took a second glance at her home. For a split second she wanted to forget about leaving, maybe now wasn't her time...but then when was it? No, she thought firmly. If I don't leave now, I'll never be able to. This is my only chance! She turned on her heel and started to walk away.

                "Where do you think you're going?"

                She froze at the familiar voice and turned around to see her Father come out of the shadows with Pikachu perched on his shoulder. I should I known Pikachu would have told him! She thought ruefully. He tells Dad everything!

                Ash didn't look disppointed or angry as she had expected. His expression was neutral. "Well?"

                "I..I'm going on my Pokemon journey," she said uneasily, but held her head high.

                "Without a Pokemon?" Ash asked slightly surprised. "Its dangerous to go on one without a Pokemon. Didn't you know that?"

                She blushed. "No, I didn't know."

                Pikachu started to talk to Ash who was considering whatever his Pokemon was saying. "Are you sure you're up for it? It won't be easy, you know."

                Pikachu gave a firm nod. "Pika!"

                "Very well." Ash held out on hand towards his daughter and Pikachu jumped off his shoulder, to his hand, to Akiko's shoulder. "Take good care of him."

                "What?" Akiko said in surprise. "You mean...you're actually letting me go?"

                He nodded with a small smile. "Yes, I believe you're old enough now. Besides, even if I prevented you from going now you'd find another way to go right?"

                Akiko couldn't help but grin. "Yes, I probably would." She sobered quickly and stared at the ground. "Dad...why does Mom hate Pokemon?"

                She could tell right then and there that Ash wasn't too keen on telling her. "All I will tell you," he said firmly. "Is that she has a very good reason to." He glanced up at the night sky. "Did you bring a compass?"

                She nodded. "Why?"

                "If you set it so the North Star is to the east, you'll find yourself on the coast of Fuchsia City. There you will find a Pokemon Breeder by the name of Brock."

                "But why would I need to see a Pokemon Breeder?"

                Ash wore a rueful smile. "He's an old friend of mine and knows everything there is to know about Pokemon. He should be of great help to you. Tell him Ash Ketchum sent you."

                She nodded. "I will."

                "You'd better get goin'," Ash said, his half smile increasing to a whole one. "The Pokemon aren't going to wait for you!"

                She smiled back and nodded. "Sure thing. Oh dad?"

                "Yes?"

                "Thanks...for understanding just how much this means to me..." Before he could respond, she turned and walked away as she set her compass.

                 As Ash watched her walk away a strange feeling came over him...like...he'd never see her again...

 

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                "Pika! Pika!"

                Akiko groaned and turned over. "Go away mom...its too early..."

                Pikachu groaned. He had tried to wake Akiko up before, but she was nearly impossible to wake up. He heard a twig snap and looked up to see a Spearow. It narrowed its beady eyes at her and started to zoom down in Akiko's direction. She still wasn't aware of the danger. Pikachu jumped into the air. "Pi...ka..CHU!!!"

                Akiko was startled to hear Pikachu's lightening shock that she woke up. She quickly noticed the Spearow who was too stubborn to quit.

                Pikachu assumed a battle stance and glanced back at her. "Pika Pi!"

                "What about you?"

                "PIKA PI!" He screamed.

                She quickly got the message and started to run. Her stomach was growling and she tried her best to gain speed because after all, she hadn't eaten breakfast.

                In the distance, she could hear Pikachu fighting the Spearow. Then reality struck her. Why would a normally peacefully pokemon attack her? She hadn't done anything wrong. She didn't know how much longer she could run since she hadn't eaten anything. Some pokemon trainer I'm turning out to be! She scoffed. I'm letting pokemon battle for me! Determined to help Pikachu, she turned around and froze. Pikachu was now running towards her and a large flock of Spearows were chasing him. Her eyes widened in surprise. Maybe Mom was right about pokemon after all...

                "Pika! Pika pi!" Pikachu ordered as he ran past her.

                Akiko obeyed and ran by his side. "Why are they chasing us?"

                Pikachu explained how some pokemon don't like humans.

                She quickly glanced over her shoulder and noticed how the number doubled in size. She even noticed that there was a small red mark painted on their left leg. She frowned in concentration. I didn't think Spearows had any such mark.

                Because she was so distracted, she tripped on a tree root and fell tumbling head over heels down a hill which lead to the edge of a very steep cliff. Pikachu remembered the promise he made to Ash that he would protect her and quickly ran to her aide. Still, she was moving so fast there was no possible way she could slow down in time. Within seconds, the two of them fell off the cliff. Akiko hugged Pikachu close to her in an effort to protect him and closed her eyes tightly, bracing for the impact of death. She knew her odds of suriving were very slim.

                Suddenly, she landed hard on what appeared to be wood. She could feel bruises coming, but some how she managed not to break any bones. She was too sore to really feel grateful about that.

                "You okay?"

                She looked up to see a boy in his late teens. He had ultra-marine eyes which looked like deep sapphires and strange dark brown hair. One side appeared smooth and the other spiky. She'd never seen anything like it. He wore black sports sneakers, dark blue jeans, and a green tank top. "You okay?" He asked again.

                She nodded and winced. "Owie."

                He rose an eyebrow. "Owie? What kind of word is that? Is that some sort of greeting or thanks your people say?"

                She blushed. "No, I'm just sore all over."

                "I'm not surprised," he remarked. "Falling off a 50ft cliff into a rowboat shouldn't be a pleasant experience. You're lucky to be in one piece!"

                He then noticed Pikachu. "You're a pokemon trainer?"

                Akiko nodded. "Well, actually, I'm trying to be one. This is my first full day."

                "Well congratulations," he held out his hand to shake. "I'm Rikato Hale."

                "I'm A--I mean Kiko," Akiko said quickly. Embarrassed at how quickly she almost spilled the beans. She then noticed he had a poke ball next to him in his seat.

                "You're a pokemon trainer too?"

                He nodded. "I used to be the gym leader at Pallet Town."

                "Oh, you're from there?"

                Rikato nodded.

                "What are you doing way out here?"

                Rikato started to speak, but stopped to hear the cry of a Spearow. He noticed how pale Akiko had become and looked up to see several circling the rowboat overhead as a vulture does to its prey. He frowned as they flew off back into the forest. He eyed Akiko oddly. "Were...they chasing you?"

                She nodded.

                He tapped his chin in thought. "Why?"

                She shrugged. "Beats me."

                He continued to look her over. What would Giovanni want with such a little girl?

                She squirmed under his gaze. "What? Am I really that bad of a pokemon trainer?"

                "Hm?" He asked since she had broken his concentration. "Oh, no, its just that I expected you to have a travel companion. You have one right?"

                "I have Pikachu if that's what you mean."

                He shook his head. "No, its safer if you travel with others. Pokemon can only do so much."

                Pikachu narrowed his eyes at him and growled. He knew he could do as good a job of protecting Akiko as any human.

                "Listen, I'm on my pokemon journey too. Would you mind if I joined your's?"

                "Really?"

                He nodded. "With my knowledge of pokemon I can help you out." And this way I can keep an eye on her until I know what's really going on.

                She smiled in relief. "Thanks, I have a feeling that I'm going to need it."

                "Where are you headed to?"

                "I'm looking for a pokemon breeder."

                "Brock right?"

                She nodded. "Is he far?"

                "Not really, I'll take you to him," Rikato said as he started rowing back to shore. "Why do you want to see him?"

                "My Dad wanted me to," Akiko admitted. "I really don't know why."

                Rikato smiled in amusement. "Looks like we'll have to find out."

                Once they reached the shore, Rikato held out a hand to help her. She went to accept it but she suddenly pulled away with a small yelp. She held her left wrist close to her.

                "What? What is it?" Rikato gently took her left hand.

                "I...I think I sprained it when I fell."

                He looked it over and nodded in agruement. "You're in luck. Brock's daughter Cleo is a nurse."

                Pikachu jumped on Akiko's shoulder once they entered the outskirts of Fushia City. She looked around the bustle of the little town in amazement. Despite the fact that this city was an attachment of her home, Fuchsia City was so large it was possible to never see all of it. She held her left wrist close to her so it didn't hurt too much. A few minutes later, they approached Brock's Gym.

                Akiko paused. "He's a gym leader too?"

                Rikato shook his head. "No, but Cleo is. Come on."

                The first thing Akiko saw once she entered was a man with spiky brown hair dancing...rather...strangly. She rose an eyebrow. Was that...the pokemon breeder?

                Rikato hid a smile and cleared his throat.

                The man noticed them and turned the stereo off. "Sorry about that. I enjoy ballet dancing so much I---"

                He then noticed that Akiko had Pikachu on her shoulder. "P-Pikachu?"

                Pikachu immediately recognized Brock. He jumped off her shoulder and into Brock's arms. "Hey! Long time no see! How have you been?" He looked up at Akiko. "That must mean you're---"

                Pikachu quickly cut in to Akiko's relief and explained to Brock that no one must know her real identity. "Oh, I understand."

                She sighed with relief. Her secret was still safe...for now.

                "How may I help you two?"

                "My Dad wanted me to find you before I started my pokemon journey," Akiko explained. "Said you'd be of great help."

                Brock nodded. "He was right. Come this way."

                She glanced at Rikato.

                "Don't worry," he assured her. "I'll just try out the gym here for practice even though I already have the Soul badge. I'll wait for you."

                She nodded and followed Brock out of the room.

                "I'm guessing he doesn't know?" Brock guessed.

                "Pika," Pikachu said in agreement.

                "What name do you go by?"

                "Kiko," Akiko said. She paused. "How do you know me or my Dad or even Pikachu for that matter?"

                "Turns out that you're Father and I were really good friends and still are," Brock said as he pulled out a box from a pile behind a desk. "And I know you because its all your Father talks about."

                She blushed. "Really?"

                He nodded. "You're just like him when he was just starting out on his pokemon journey."

                "You mean he went on one too?" Akiko exclaimed.

                Brock cocked his head. "You didn't know?"

                She shook her head.

                He frowned slighlty. "Hmm. I wonder why. Seemed that pokemon was his life. But I guess that after the accident---"

                "Accident?" Akiko asked. "What accident?"

                Brock turned around. "Nothing, forget I even mentioned it."

                She frowned in frustration. It seemed like she'd never hear the whole story.

                He put the box on the desk. It was full of special-looking pokeballs and other gear that would come in handy. "These were your Father's and I believe he wanted you to have them."

                "Oh wow!" Akiko said in admiration. She picked up a wrist communicator. It was an older model, but she had never had one before. "These are sooo cool!"

                She reached out with her left hand to pick up a GS pokemon ball. A sharp pain reminded her that it was sprained.

                "What happened?"

                Pikachu explained quickly about their encounter with the Spearow.

                Brock frowned. "Hmm. I've never heard of Spearow being hostile here...but no matter. Cleo will want to take a look at that." He gestured for her to follow him to the gym itself. "Without a doubt she's in the middle of a battle. I'm always telling her she needs to take a day off now and then but does she listen to me? Nooooo."

                Akiko giggled.

                Once they entered the gym she found out that he was right. His daughter Cleo's Vulpix was battling against Rikato's Teddyursa. Cleo had her short brown hair pulled into one ponytail at one side of her head. She had violet eyes and wore a white and marroon striped hooded t-shirt, short blue jeans, and pink laced up boots. Akiko noticed how calm Rikato was. He acted as though he was a general in an army, but also as calm as a midsummer's day.

                "Vulpix!" Cleo ordered. "Flame Thrower!"

                "Teddyursa! Evade it!" Rikato called out.

                As Vulpix charged forward, emitting a surge of flames from its mouth, Teddyursa jumped into the air and somersaulted over Vulpix's head. Rikato easily side-stepped the flames as it harmlessly hit the scourched wall behind him. "Teddyursa! Dynamic Punch!"

                Teddyursa did so and hit Vulpix hard. The fire pokemon landed on the arena some distance away and couldn't stand up. It was defeated. Rikato had won. Teddyursa did a little dance and jumped into his arms. Rikato smiled and hugged his pokemon. "You did it Teddyursa!"

                "Not bad," Cleo admitted. "Over the past week I've had trainers so weak that Vulpix's growl knocked them out! You're quite a pokemon trainer."

                "Thank you."

                "Well done," Brock congratulated as he and Akiko approached them. "Cleo's right. Its been so hard to give away any badges lately."

                Rikato noticed Akiko's wrist communicator. "So it seems that you got some poke gear."

                She nodded. "Yeah, my dad used them when he was on his journey and wanted me to use them."

                "Oh, that reminds me," Brock said. "Cleo, this girl needs some medical attention. Turns out that she sprained her wrist being chased by some wild Spearow."

                Cleo frowned. "They chased her? Why?"

                Akiko shrugged. "I don't know."

                "Let me take a look at it," Cleo said. She led Akiko out of the room.

                "Your daughter's a great gym leader," Rikato remarked as Teddyursa climbed onto his shoulder.

                Brock nodded. "I tried to convince her to go on a pokemon journey, but she insisted on staying here as a gym leader. I guess she got it from me."

                "What makes you say that?"

                "I was a gym leader at Pewter City when I was young."

                "Oh," Rikato glanced in the direction of where Akiko left. "How do you know Kiko?"

                "She's the daughter of a close friend of mine," Brock said carefully. "We go back a ways...her Father and I. I've haven't had a lot of time to see her. Things have been really busy here at the gym."

                "Oh," Rikato said thoughtfully.

                "Are you traveling with her?"

                Rikato nodded. "Yes, I am."

                "Will you...look after her?"Brock asked. "Make sure she's safe?"

                Rikato nodded. "I'm curious to find out why she was attacked. It seems really strange that some one would---"

                "You think some person was behind it?" Brock asked in surprise.

                "Yes, no ordinary pokemon would be so hostile," Rikato said firmly.

                "Let us know if you find anything."

                Rikato nodded. "I will."

                "She's as good as new," Cleo declared once she entered the room with Akiko who had a banadge around her wrist. "She's lucky it didn't break."

                "Pika?" Pikachu asked softly as he jumped onto Akiko's shoulder once again.

                "I'm fine," she assured him.

                "Are you all set?" Rikato asked. "We should probably pick up some food for the journey. I only brought enough for me and my pokemon."

                "That sounds good," Akiko said thoughfully.

                "Why don't you battle me first before you leave?" Cleo suggested. "That way you can start out with the Soul Badge."

                "I don't think so," Akiko admitted. "I've never been in a battle before..."

                Pikachu was determined to fight and started reminding her of all the times she had used Pikachu to fight of a pesky Mankey that would come into their yard and knock over the trash barrels.

                "But I'm sure there's quite a difference between fighting a trouble-making pokemon and a well-trained one. Besides, most Poke battles consist of three pokemon. I only have you."

                "A single battle would be fine," Cleo assured her.

                Pikachu held Akiko's gaze. He seemed to say,  If you trust me, then I will get you that Soul Badge

                She nodded firmly. "All right. I'll give it a shot."

                "That's the spirit," Cleo said with a smile as she stood at the far end of the arena.

                "Are you sure you're up for it Pikachu?" Brock asked carefully. "You're not as young as you used to be."

                Pikachu ignored him as he stood by Akiko's side, waiting to see his opponent.

                "I would go easy on you but its against the rules," Cleo said.

                "There's no need to baby me," Akiko said with a hint of anger in her tone. She didn't like it when people underestimated her capabilities. "I'll be just fine on my own."

                Rikato admired her determination admist her odds of losing. The little tyke doesn't give up too easily...that could prove useful in the future...

                "I choose you!" Cleo called out as she threw a pokeball into the air. "BUTTERFREE!"

                A flash of light emitted from the poke ball and vanished to reveal a butterfly-type pokemon. The poke ball closed and landed into Cleo's out-streached hand.

                Akiko pointed at Butterfree. "Pikachu! Thundershock!"

                "Butterfree evade it!" Cleo called out.

                Pikachu leaped forward and released a hurl of electricity towards his opponent. Butterfree barely made it out of harms way.

                "Butterfree! Whirlwind!"

                Butterfree's tiny wings suddenly created a huge gust of wind. Pikachu was prepared and flattened himself to the ground and kept his head down. Still, the wind current picked him up and he was thrown  in the direction of the wall.

                "Pikachu!" Akiko called out in horror. "Watch out!"

                 Pikachu quickly jumped off the wall and flew towards Butterfree as though he was air borne. He used his Thunder shock once again and this time hit his opponent. Butterfree was dazed for a moment, but recovered in time to avoid a second blast.

                "Butterfree! Sleep powder!"

                Akiko realized that if Butterfree managed to pull off the attack, Pikachu would be so sleepy he'd have no strength to fight and Cleo would win. "Pikachu! Use Agility!"

                Pikachu gained speed as he ran around the arena trying to avoid Butterfree's attack. At first he was doing well...that is...until he tripped. Butterfree took advantage of his opening and loomed over Pikachu. Its waves of slumber landed on Pikachu's back. Already his eyes were growing sleepy.

                Akiko's eyebrows were knit in concealed worry. "You can do it Pikachu! I believe in you!"

                Rikato held his breath. He had a sixth sense which enabled him to feel a connection between a pokemon and its trainer. He could feel the bond of Pikachu and Akiko glowing brightly and strongly. I thought she had caught him. but it seems like they go back quite a ways. His eyes went from Akiko to Pikachu. I have never seen a trainer so deeply concerned on their pokemon. Usually its because they don't want to lose a battle or a badge. Akiko doesn't seem to care about the Soul Badge. She really cares for the well-being of that Pikachu.

                Akiko's words reached Pikachu. To Cleo's surprise as well as Brock's, Pikachu forced himself up to his feet. Fierce sparks of electricity emitted from his body. "Pi...ka..CHU!!!"

                "Pikachu used Thunder Wave..." Brock said slowly. "I can't believe he could pull it off in his weakened condition..."

                Rikato didn't say a word. He gave Akiko a look of admiration. She'll be a great Pokemon Master someday.

                Butterfree couldn't fight the attack and collapsed to mat. Cleo held out her pokeball. "Butterfree! Return!"

                Butterfree became a beam of light and was sucked into the ball. Akiko rushed to Pikachu's side and scooped him in her arms. "Pikachu! Are you all right?"

                "Pika," he said softly. His features relaxed knowing he had won for Akiko's sake. He closed his eyes and leaned against her.

                She hugged him, a small proud smile grew on her face. "You did it Pikachu. You really did it..."

                "You two make a great team," Cleo congratulated as she approached them. "You'll make a great Pokemon  Master Akiko."  

                Akiko jumped at this. "Me? How?"

                "There's more to battling pokemon," Brock said as he too come forward. "The key to being a Master is to train your pokemon and to bond with them."

                "That's right," Rikato said. "Pokemon won't fight for you if you don't take proper care of them."                "You deserve this," Cleo continued as she pressed the Soul Badge into Akiko's hand.

                "Thank you," Akiko said, then to everyone's surprise, she held it in front of Pikachu's face. "See Pikachu? This is what you won."

                Pikachu looked at it, then looked up at her. "Pika Pi."

                She smiled fondly. "You're right. We both won this."

 

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                It took the remainder of the morning and a good portion of the afternoon to purchase more food. Akiko was still in awe, but careful to stay hidden behind Rikato staring down at the ground while trying to make sure she didn't trip. Since Ash had been a pokmon trainer too, she had to be careful. She didn't want anyone else to recognize her.

                "I'd like to make one last stop to the Pokemon Center," Rikato said pointing up ahead. "Do you mind?"

                Akiko shook her head quickly. "No, of course not."

                He eyed her curiously and placed a hand on her forehead. "You feeling all right? You've barely said two words since we left the Gym."

                She blushed. "I'm fine! I'm just a little tired from walking all day."

                He wore a wry smile. "Better get used to it. That's what a pokemon trainer does."

                "I know but I want to get on the road and catch new pokemon!" Akiko burst out eagerly, revealing the true cause of her anxiety.

                Pikachu looked eager too as well as determined. "Pika Pika!"

                Rikato looked amused. "I know, I know. But there's more that's expected from a pokemon trainer than just catching pokemon. You have to take really good care of them. Remember, I've been training pokemon for six years and its been a while since I've been able to take my pokemon to a Pokemon Center. Also I need to trade in some of my pokemon on my account."

                "Trade pokemon?" Akiko looked confused. "Account?"

                Rikato hid a smile. Of course Akiko wouldn't know about those things because she was still a greenie in the pokemon world. "In every Pokemon Center, there's a computer on which I have an account of all my pokemon."

                 "How many pokemon do you have in all?" Akiko asked.

                "Roughly two hundred."

                Akiko's jaw dropped. "TWO HUNDRED!?"

                He nodded. "Every so often I trade in my pokemon so they all get a chance to fight. Also, I like to heal those I have on me before I trade them in so when I pull them out again they're in prefect fighting shape." He hid his smile again to see Akiko's astonishment. "Why don't you come inside and I'll get you registered for your own account?"

                Akiko was a little hesistant. What if someone recognized her?

                Pikachu looked excited. "Pika Pi!"

                "All right," she said slowly. "I guess so..."

                She followed Rikato inside and they were greeted by a young woman wearing a pink dress and nurse apron and hat. She smiled at them. "Welcome to the Fushia Pokemon Center! I am Nurse Joy. How may I help you?"

                "My friend Kiko needs to get an account started," Rikato said, refering to Akiko behind him. "She's just starting her pokemon journey."

                "Oh! How exciting!" Nurse Joy exclaimed. "I can remember when I started mine! Do you like it so far?"

                Akiko didn't know how she could make such a statement quite yet. After all, this was only her first day. "Yeah, I guess..."

                Nurse Joy took her arm and led her away. Akiko glanced over her shoulder. Rikato gave a firm nod, letting her know it was all right. Teddy Uursa cocked his head.

                "Its simple really," Nurse Joy continued as she led her to a computer. Nurse Joy sat down and started to type quickly. Obviously she had had secrety training. After typing for about two minutes, she paused. "What's your name?"

                "Kiko."

                "Your full name."

                Akiko paled. She knew this would eventually come up but she hadn't thought so soon. "Its...uh..." She racked her brain for names. Any names. Where is it that Rikato comes from? "Its Pallet."

                Nurse Joy looked at her as if she hadn't heard correctly. "I beg your pardon?"

                "Its Pallet. Kiko Pallet."

                Nurse Joy shrugged it off and continued typing. She continued to ask for more personal questions, but Kiko was ready for them. When she was asked for her street address, she gave her old one which was Saffron City. This way no one could trace her. As Nurse Joy finished typing, Pikachu winked at Akiko. She winked back. Their secret was still safe.

                "Oh, one more thing." Nurse Joy said. "When's your birthday?"

                "July 27th."

                Nurse Joy gave a start. "Why, that's today!"

                Akiko remembered that it was. How could I forget that? I guess I've been Kiko too long. She cringed. Misty wouldn't forget. Suddenly, the thought of her mom combing Fuchsia City looking for her and dragging her back home didn't sound too pretty. I need to get on the road soon.

                Nurse Joy smiled sweetly. "Today's your lucky day!"

                "Huh? What do you mean?"

                "On a trainer's birthday the pokemon center gives them a free pokemon."

                "Oh, that's...nice," Akiko said in surprise. What luck! 

                "Come this way," Nurse Joy said with a wave of her hand.

                "Where are we going?" Akiko asked.

                "To the central office, we have lots of abandoned pokemon there." To Akiko's surprise, Nurse Joy looked sad. "Some trainers just abandon them...for no reason at all."

                Pikachu's ear's drooped. Akiko patted his head for reassurance.

                Once they stepped inside, Akiko was apalled at the large number of pokemon there. There at to be at least 50. All in their poke balls.

                "Go ahead," Nurse Joy prodded. "Choose one."

                "Any one?"

                She nodded.

                Akiko wandered around the room, examining all the racks of poke balls. Her eyes rested on a Gyarados. She picked it up in excitement. It was rare to get one these days. "What do you think Pikachu?" She glanced at her shoulder where he was perched...or at least...he was. "Pikachu? Where are you?"

                She found him examining a poke ball on his own with great interest. She put Gyarados down and approached him. "What---?"

                She suddenly tripped on something and feel flat on her face. As she sat up, she heard a shrill cry behind her. She turned to see a strange small pokemon crying. It was cream and was still in its egg which had strange red and blue triangles on its shell. She picked it up and started rocking it. "Its okay little one, I didn't mean to scare you, its okay."

                It stopped crying once it saw heard her voice and looked up at her with beady black eyes.

                "That's it," Akiko said soothingly as she wiped its tears away with her shirt.

                The pokemon continued to look at her as though it had never seen anyone like her before, then to her surpise, it started making happy noises.      

                "Well I'll be..."

                Akiko looked up to see Nurse Joy kneeling in front of her. "I never thought I'd live to see the day..."

                Akiko blushed, hoping she hadn't seen her trip on the pokemon. "I didn't mean to---"

                "Do you know who you're holding?"

                Akiko slowly shook her head and held the pokemon away from her as though it was carrying some deadly disease. For all she knew it probably was! "No...who is it?"

                "Togepi." Nurse Joy waited for Akiko to react. "You haven't heard of the legendary pokemon Togepi?" She asked in surprise.

                Akiko blushed again. She hated being so ignorant in the pokemon ways. She was too shamed to speak so she shook her head.

                "Twenty-five years ago, a pokemon trainer, a famous one actually, found this pokemon's egg, which you can see it hasn't lost. There's only one of its kind."

                "Where did they find it?"

                "In Grandfather Canyon," Nurse Joy explained. "He had three companions with him."

                "Who were they?" Akiko asked eagerly.

                "I believe it was...Brock and Misty," Nurse Joy said thinking for a moment. "Ash was the one who found it."

                Akiko gave a start. Mom was a pokemon trainer too? No, must be another Misty, mom hates pokemon.

                "They carried it around and when it hatched it saw Misty and mistook her for its mother. Years went by and one day this poor little guy was found here all alone. We searched for her trainer, but we never did find her. And ever since this pokemon has stayed here. It never left its poke ball ever. I have never seen it smile or giggle for that matter."

                Akiko now held the pokemon close to her, relieved to hear it wasn't dangerous. "Why is it now?"

                "Well, some pokemon professors say that Misty or one of her offspring will come to claim Togepi."

                Akiko blushed. If this Misty was truly her mother, then it was true. But she still wasn't sure. "What makes you think they're right?"

                "Because Togepi will remember her trainer but her facial features, it will surely recognize any offspring of Misty's for they will resemble her. And once they come, they will bring something extrordinary out in Togepi that Misty never had before." 

                Akiko paled as Nurse Joy eyed her suspiously. Pikachu nervously looked from Nurse Joy to Akiko.

                "You two aren't related...are you?"

                Akiko forced a smile. "Who me? Of course not!"

                "Hmmm," Nurse Joy looked at Togepi who was bouncing up and down in Akiko's lap happily. "Maybe those professors are wrong..."

                Akiko wanted to put Togepi back on the rack, but she knew that would break its heart. "Um, would it be all right if I chose Togepi?"

                "I think it wouldn't stand for it if you didn't," Nurse Joy said with a smile. She helped Akiko to her feet. "You've made a wise choice."

                Pikachu jumped onto Akiko's shoulder again as they walked out. Rikato was there waiting for them at the front door. "All set?"

                Nurse Joy nodded.

                Rikato noticed Togepi in Akiko's arms and rose an eyebrow in surprise. He didn't say a word, but looked at Nurse Joy. "We thank you for your assistance, but we really must be going."

                "Oh, it was no trouble at all," Nurse Joy said. "Come again."

                Rikato held the door open for Akiko and followed her out.        

                As they walked for about two hours, there was a strange silence (which was often broken by Togepi's excited noises) grew between the two as they went on the road. The sun was setting and they'd have to stop soon.

                "We'll stop here for the night," Rikato said as he dropped his bag by a tall tree.

                Akiko nodded and gently set Togepi down as she took out her sleeping bag and pillow. Rikato got a fire going and started cooking baked beans over it. Once she was done, she took a seat opposite his. He handed her a plate of beans. "So, how did you get Togepi? I suppose Nurse Joy told you the story behind it and what the professors said about it."

                Akiko nodded, knowing this would come up. "Yes. It was all a mistake."

                Rikato didn't look convinced. "Oh?"

                "Well, I told her that my birthday was today---"

                "Congratulations," he said. "How old are you now?"

                "Thirteen," she said. "Anyway, it turns out that its an old tradition to get a pokemon that's been abandoned."

                "And you chose Togepi?"

                Akiko shook her head. "No, I honestly wanted to pick a Gyarados."

                "A wise choice," Rikato admitted. "A Gyarados is hard to come by."

                "Well, Pikachu was looking at another poke ball and as I went to see what he was looking at, I accidentally tripped over this little guy. I picked it up to comfort it and once it saw me, it quieted down."

                "You mean to tell me that it took to you just like that?" Rikato asked curiously.

                She nodded. "I can't explain it."

                First Team Rocket is after her, and now she tames a lengendary pokemon. He remembered all the boys and girls who came into Fuchsia City's Pokemon Center claiming to be the son/daughter of the Pokemon Master Misty. But no one could stop the pokemon from crying. Soon, the Pokemon Center decided that it was too much for the poor little pokemon to go through and started discouraging any claiming they could tame it. There's definately more to Kiko then meets the eye.

                She figdeted under his gaze and turned to feed Togepi some of the beans.

                "Tomorrow we'll leave for a ferry," Rikato said, changing the subject. "That means we're going to have to wake up early."

                "Where are we going?"

                "To Pallet Town," Rikato said. "I thought we'd pay a visit to Professor Oak."

                She gave a start. She may have been ignorant, but she at least knew who Professor Oak was. "He's still around?"

                Rikato chuckled. "Yes, he's old though. Around 80 I hear now, but he's still as smart as he was 20 years ago."

                "Why are we going to see him?"

                He placed his plate down. "I thought he might want to know about your taming Togepi."

                She sighed. "Must we really?"

                He frowned. "You must understand that this is a big deal. Without a doubt it'll be in newspapers. People have been trying to tame that little pokemon for years!"

                "I know but---" She bit her lip and lowered her head. I don't know about this whole thing, I can't understand why this pokemon likes me. I'm not Misty's offspring. It must be another Misty...or is it? Deep inside, she wasn't sure.

                Rikato noticed her attitude. "You have a big secret don't you?"

                Akiko was startled. "What?"

                "You're hiding something big aren't you?" Rikato asked seriously.

                She didn't have to say a word, her face said it all.              

                "That's good," he said with a small trace of a smile. "Because I have one too."

                "You do?" Akiko asked in surprise. She couldn't understand what was going on. "What is it?"

                He looked amused. "I'll make you a deal. I'll tell you mine if you tell me your's." He paused for a moment. "Well?"

                "I-I can't tell you," she said softly. "If I did, I couldn't be a pokemon trainer."

                "Same here," Rikato echoed just as softly.

                Akiko wondered for a moment if he too had run away from home. No, he's certainly old enough to be away from home. But what else could it be? She looked away to see Pikachu curled up with Togepi fast asleep.

                "We'd better go to be going to sleep," Rikato said as he put the fire out. "Its really getting late."

                Akiko nodded and crawled into her sleeping bag. The second she did, she could feel Togepi and Pikachu snuggling up against her face.

                "Good night Kiko."

                "Good night Rikato," she said. For some reason, she felt safe knowing he was near. She sighed in relief and quickly fell asleep.

 

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                It was slightly chilly once morning came and Akiko pulled a navy blue hooded sweat shirt before they left. The weather didn't seem to effect Rikato at all. Just as the sun had fully risen, they set off for their ferry, The Aurora.

                "How long will it take to get there?" Akiko asked, stoking Togepi on the top spike. It cooed.

                Rikato wore a wry smile. "We've just barely started! Its a bad sign if you're asking now!"

                "I just want to know, that's all," Akiko said with a grudge. She didn't want to appear weak and helpless.

                "At least an hour or two."

                Akiko looked around at the bushes and trees. Who knew what pokemon were lurking behind them? "Could we catch some pokemon along the way?"

                Rikato shrugged. "I guess---"

                At that moment the bushes shook and a Pidgeotto emerged.

                "All right!" Akiko said in excitement. "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time! Pikachu!"

                Pikachu jumped down from her shoulder and assumed a battle position. He was ready for battle.

                "Thundershock!"

                Pikachu did so and Pidgeotto jumped out of the way. It took flight and used Whirlwind to throw Pikachu into a tree.

                "Hey!" Rikato protested. He knew that even wild pokemon were never so violent.

                Pidgeotto turned its attention to Akiko and approached her, meance gleaming in its eyes. She screamed and grabbed Rikato's arm for protection without realizing it. She then noticed a small red "R" on this Pidgeotto's left foot. There's that mark again! What does it mean?

                "Cyndaquil!" Rikato called out as he threw a GS poke ball in Pidgeotto's direction. A small pokemon emerged and as it took a deep breath, flames emerged from it's lower back. "Flame Thrower!"

                "Cyn...da...QUIL!!!" The pokemon called out in a shrill voice as flames erupted from its mouth.

                Pidgeotto was struck and went down.

                "Cyndaquil!" Rikato ordered. "Scattered Fire!"

                 A chain of fireballs about the size of softballs encircled Cyndaquil like a tornado and directed this towards Pidgeotto. This injured the bird pokemon, but it still could fight if it wanted to. To Rikato's surprise, it turned and scurried back into the bushes.

                "You okay?" Rikato asked, turning his attention back to Akiko.

                She finally noticed that she was hanging on his arm like some love-sick girl. She blushed and let go. "Yeah, I'm fine. Are all pokemon like that?"

                He shook his head. "No, I'm guessing the Spearow were behaving in the same manner?"

                She nodded.

                "There's something you must know," Rikato said, taking her hands in his to get her full attention. "Those are pokemon trained by Team Rocket."

                Akiko gasped. She knew that Team Rocket had once been a secret organization that had stolen rare and special pokemon and turned them evil for their own pleasure. "You mean...they're still around?"

                He nodded grimly. "Such a powerful organization cannot be completely destroyed."

                "How do you know?" Akiko asked.

                Rikato looked away for a moment, his ususally keen ultra-marine eyes now held a misty look to them. "Let's just say I know firsthand. You saw a red "R" on them right?"

                "Yes."

                "Then there's no mistake. Team Rocket is after you. My guess is that they want you alive. That  Pidgeotto could have killed you if it had been instructed to do so."

                "But...why do they want me?" Akiko asked slowly. "I'm just a kid."

                "Team Rocket doesn't seem to think so," he said in a half-hearted attempt to make a joke.

                Akiko trembled. Oh this is just great! She thought miserably. First, my parents will be searching for me and now some once dead organization is after me! Why did I even leave home?

                Rikato enveloped her in his arms to comfort her. "It'll be okay," he assured her. "I'll protect you."

                "Thank you," Akiko said softly, grateful for his presence.

                "Ponyta!" A girl's voice called out from a distance. "Stop!"

                As Akiko and Rikato turned to see who had called out, a Ponyta came zooming by. It looked like a white horse with flames for a main and tail. It looked like it had been scared. Not too far behind, a girl about a year older than Akiko was chasing the horse pokemon, an Eevee at her side. The girl had short spiky lavendar hair that was pulled into short ponytails on either side of her head and dark purple eyes. She wore a sleeveless white trench coat, yellow wrist bands, black boots and a red dress that ended at her knees. She stopped at Akiko's side to catch her breath. "Some Pidgeotto scared my Ponyta. I can't catch her."

                "Leave it to me," Rikato said, taking one of his poke balls out. "Aerodactyl! I choose you!"

                A flying dinosaur the size of Akiko's dad emerged. It looked at Rikato for directions. He pointed in the direction of Ponyta. "Supersonic Attack!" Aerodactyl took flight with Rikato on his shoulder. Akiko and the older girl followed on foot.

                Aerodactyl circled Ponyta like a vulture. It paused long enough to complete its attack. Ponyta stopped running and reared up in defense and used Fire Spin. Aerodactyl evaded it as Rikato held on tightly so he wouldn't fall off. What do we do next? I can't hurt that pokemon. This isn't like a battle. I can't harm this Ponyta. He frowned in frustration. But what choice do I have?

                Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Akiko running towards the pokemon. He grew worried. What is she doing? That Ponyta can kill her! Akiko suddenly wrapped her arms around the pokemon's neck. Ponyta was startled by this stranger and started to hammer balls of flames on her back. Akiko gritted her teeth to drive the pain away. She could smell her singned(check)clothing, but still hung on tightly.

                "What does that girl think she's doing?!" The girl asked as Aerodactyl landed and Rikato appeared at her side. "She's not going to last much longer against those flames!"

                "I hope she knows what she's doing," Rikato muttered.

                "Listen to me Ponyta!" Akiko said. "You've got to stop!"

                Ponyta paused for a moment and looked at her.

                Akiko forced herself to look in its eyes. "I know you're scared. I'm scared too. But we've got to be strong." She cautiously stroked Ponyta's head. "There are those who love you. They'll watch out for you and protect you. And you know it...don't you?"

                Ponyta answered by whinning and nuzzling against Akiko.

                The girl hurried forward and took the loose reins. "I can't believe it. How did you---"

                Akiko wore a secretive smile as she patted Ponyta's side. "We just have a lot in common, that all."

                "I can't thank you enough," the girl continued. "My name is Kohaku Kanzaki."

                "I'm Kiko Pallet, and this is my travel companion Rikato Hale." Pikachu jumped onto her shoulder and nuzzled. Akiko giggled and stroked his ears.

                "You two are pokemon trainers?" Kohaku asked.

                Rikato nodded. "We're on our way to the ferry."

                "Oh, are you two going, by any chance, to Pallet Town?"

                "That's right."

                "What a coincidence," Kohaku said with a smile. "Because I'm going on that same ferry! Would you mind if I went too?" She stroked Ponyta. "Besides, I thought it'd be much quicker if we went on horseback. What do you two think?"

                Rikato nodded with a kind smile. "That would be nice." He glanced at Akiko. "You okay?"

                She nodded and wore mischievous grin. "What are we waiting for? We've got a ferry to catch!"

 

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *

                Once they boarded, Rikato left to get room accommadations. On the top deck Akiko rested her arms on the railing and watched in relief as the shore of Fuchsia City was fading from view. She felt as though her mother couldn't reach her anymore. She knew she shouldn't have those feelings, but she really felt as though she could be Kiko Pallet, a pokemon trainer. I'm free...I'm really free...

                "You've never left Fuchsia City before have you?" Kohaku asked as she joined her.

                "How did you know?" Akiko asked.

                Kohaku wore a wry smile. "I can tell."

                "Have you ever left Fuchsia City before?"

                Kohaku nodded. "Loads of times. Papa and I ran a Ponyta and Rapidash Rodeo. We've traveled all over the world."

                "Wow," Akiko murmured in amazement.

                "It was for a while," Kohaku said, running a hand through her hair. "But after I had been traveling for a while, I envied other pokemon trainers. I wanted so badly to be one. Of course when I told Papa, he felt like I didn't want to be in the family business." She looked around wistfully. "He just doesn't understand."

                Akiko was startled at how familiar those words were. She recalled saying that two days ago.

                Kohaku giggled. "Its okay though, after Mama talked to him, he eased up and let me. I'm starting out with Ponyta and Eevee." She stroked Eevee's soft fur.

                Akiko suddenly wondered whether the same was happening back home.

                "So what's your story?" Kohaku asked. "What made you want to be a trainer?"

                "Well, my mom didn't want me to be a trainer," Akiko said, being careful not to give away too much information. She could feel Pikachu tense on her shoulder.

                "What made her change her mind?"

                "She didn't," Akiko admitted. "My dad caught me trying to run away."

                Kohaku looked confused. "And he let you go?"

                She nodded.

                "You mean...that he didn't tell your mom?"

                Akiko nodded numbly. "If he did, she'd never have let me leave...ever."   

                "Why?"

                Akiko lowered her head. "I...I really don't know."

                Kohaku followed her gaze and suddenly her eyes sparkled in wonder. "Oh wow! Look at that cute guy! What a hunk! Don't you think so?"

                Akiko followed her gaze and rose an eyebrow. "I...guess so..."

                "Well," Rikato said as he approached them. "Everything's all set. Kiko? Can I speak to you alone for a moment?"

                She nodded and followed him. "What is it?"

                "I think you better stay in your room for the remainder of this jounrey."

                "Huh?!" She was startled. "What for?"

                "With Team Rocket after you I do not think it wise for you to be out in the open."

                "But there's nothing to do!" She protested. "Can't I spend the day up here?"

                "Well..." Rikato looked hesistant.

                "Once it gets dark, I'll go straight to my room!" She pleaded. "I promise!"

                "Oh all right," Rikato said with a sigh. "Just stay close to Kohaku. Don't go anywhere alone."

                "I promise. But what will you do?"

                "I'm going to try to figure out why Team Rocket wants you."

                "Oh, okay," Akiko said softly as Rikato walked away. She clasped her hands in a prayer-like position. Why is he doing this? Why is he risking so much...just to protect me?

                "Everything all right?" Kohaku asked, interrupting her thoughts. "What did he want?"

                "Just wanted me to know that he'd be busy today," Akiko said. "Its just the two of us."

                Kohaku grinned and took her arm as she led her into a crowd. "That's great! Then we can do what we girls do best!"

                "What's that?" Akiko asked nervously.

                "Boy scouting of course!"

                Akiko frowned. "Girls can't be boy scouts! They can only be girl scouts!"

                Kohaku looked confused for a moment, then laughed, shaking her head in amusement. "Oh little Kiko...you have so much to learn!"

                It didn't take Akiko long to understand what Kohaku meant. She liked her new friend, but wasn't about to pretend she liked every "cute guy" Kohaku laid eyes on. After much insistance, Akiko was able to drag Kohaku away. They spent the remainder of the afternoon talking about home. Kohaku was appalled to hear that Satoshi hated pokemon as much as Misty. "How can anyone hate pokemon?!" Once she saw Togepi, she was in love and showered admiration and love on it. Togepi loved this new-found attention, but still insisted on staying on Akiko's lap. Akiko couldn't help but giggle. For the first time since she left home, she actually forgot about it.

 

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                It took Rikato 2 hours to find out Team Rocket's new hideout. When he had left, it had been Mt. Moon. It made him uneasy to discover it not far from Pallet Town. It was now on Cinnabar Island. But then again, it shouldn't have been a surprise. Rikato recalled how all the pokemon who attacked Akiko had been pokemon that could fly. It wouldn't be a problem for these pokemon to fly over the ocean. He frowned. If I had known that their base was so close to our destination, I would have never scheduled a meeting with Professor Oak. Its too late now, its so hard to schedule an appointment with him. We have no choice but to move forward. He took out his poke wrist communicator and punched in some numbers and waited.

                "Kiko speaking."

                "Its Rikato, listen, are you okay?"

                "He heard her sigh. "You're starting to remind me of my dad! I'm fine. Kohaku and I were just thinking of swimming."

                 He frowned. "There's a swimming pool on this ferry?"

                "Yeah, second floor."

                "Okay, just thought I'd check on you," he said and deactivated his communicator. He paused for a moment. What now? Akiko is safe, for the moment anyway. He took a deep breath. I knew that it would come to this eventually. He glanced around his quarters, wondering if the walls were sound-proof. He quickly punched in more numbers before he lost his courage. He started to sweat. I can't believe I'm doing this.

                "Giovanni speaking," a chilling voice purred as though he had all the time in the world.

                "Its me, sir," Rikato said, feeling himself growing numb.

                "Its a pleasant surprise Rika," Giovanni said, using his nickname he personally gave him because at one time Rikato had been his right-hand man. "To what do we owe this great honor?"

                "Enough with the pleasantries," Rikato said firmly. "I'm not thinking about rejoining Team Rocket."

                There was a pause. "Then what do you want?"

                "I want to warn you."

                "Oh?" Giovanni asked calmly. He never lost his cool.

                "I know you're after Kiko. Back off."

                "Kiko?" Giovanni asked. "You must be mistaken."

                "Don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about!" Rikato snapped.

                "Calm down now boy," Giovanni said. "We're looking for an Akiko."

                Rikato paused. Could it be that I am mistaken? But then why are they attacking Kiko? Unless...

                "I do not know where you are getting your sources from Rika, but I really am busy at the moment," Giovanni said. "Good day to you Rika. I hope you will call back with better news."

                "What makes you think I will?" Rikato asked. "I left six years ago."

                "I practically raised you myself, after your mother abandoned you," Giovanni said. "I know I can trust you...even after all these years."

                "Don't count on it," Rikato said with a snarl and quickly deactivated it. He frowned. I can't believe that she lied to me!

                He heard a knock on the door and rose to answer it. It was Akiko. She looked around his room. "I hope I haven't caught you at a bad time, but Kohaku and I were thinking you'd like to join us for dinner."

                Rikato grabbed her arm and pulled her into his room and shut the door.

                "What's gotten into you?" Akiko asked in surprise.

                "Is your real name Akiko?" He demanded.

                She paled. "What?"

                He grabbed her collar and pulled her close. "You have to tell me the truth. Your safety depends on it. Is Akiko your real name?"

                She lowered her head. "Yes, it is."

                He released her. "Thank you for telling me. I won't tell anyone else, I promise."

                "How did you find out?" Akiko asked.

                He opened the door and paused to look at her. "Let's just say I have my sources."

                She grabbed his arm. "Wait."

                He paused to look at her.

                "What are those sources?"

                He turned back to her and touched her cheek. "I would tell you if I could. Come on, let's go to dinner."

 

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                "Who was that, sir?" A woman with dark pink eyes and pink hair that was pulled back into a ponytail. She wore a Team Rocket uniform.

                "You'll never guess Nakia," Giovanni said with a smile. "Rika."

                Nakia looked surprised. "What did he want?"

                "He knows who we're after and even tried to warn us," Giovanni said in amusement. "Turns out little miss Ketchum goes by Kiko now." He tapped his chin in thought. "I didn't anticipate her meeting up with him. He could ruin this. And you know I don't like my plans ruined."

                "Yes, sir."

                "Why haven't those bird pokemon managed to bring her? I thought you trained those birds to be ruthless."

                "I did sir, but they refuse to harm any friend of Rikato's."

                Giovanni growled. "I should have never allowed that boy to train those pokemon!"

                "May I suggest a team be sent in to capture her?" Nakia asked. "Pokemon can only do so much, sir."

                Giovanni seemed to be considering this. "You have a point. Are you and Tyquion willing to accept this assignment?"

                She nodded, menace gleaming in her eyes. "Yes, sir. We will not fail."

                "I hope so, for your sake. I am in no mood to accept anymore failures."

 

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *

                Rikato was anxious for the ferry to land. He literally spent the next morning pacing on the top deck. When Akiko had asked what troubled him, he didn't answer. He felt bad about not telling Akiko the truth about his past, but he was afraid she wouldn't trust him if he did. No one can trust a Team Rocket member even if they left the service six years ago.

                "Look!" Kohaku called out and pointed straight ahead of them. "Its Pallet Town!"

                Rikato quickly looked and he sighed in relief as the ferry boarded. Taking their things, the three left. Akiko made sure Togepi was in her backpack. She didn't want anyone to see it. Kohaku rode on Ponyta's back as they entered the main city. She looked around in wonder. "Wow! Look at all the cute guys!"

                Akiko groaned. "Not again! What about the guys on the boat?"

                Kohaku waved the matter aside. "They're nothing compared to these!"  

                Akiko rolled her eyes. "Could have fooled me!"

                Kohaku then noticed a large statue in the center of the town square. "What's that?"

                Akiko looked and quickly covered a gasp. It was her parents!

                "Looks like a momument made in honor of the Pokemon Masters Ash and Misty," Rikato said as they made their way towards it.

                 Akiko noticed that Pikachu was on Ash's shoulder and that Misty was holding Togepi in her arms. Togepi looked excited to see Misty, even if she was made out of stone. Akiko gulped and looked down at it. I guess that means that the prophecy will come true. But what could I possibly bring out in Togepi?

                "Hey, there's a plaque here too," Kohaku pointed out and started reading it.

 

This grand momument is erected in honor of the two greatest Pokemon Masters of all time

Ash and Misty

May their legacy live on

 

                "Legacy?" Akiko asked with a frown. "What legacy?"

                Kohaku's jaw dropped. "You mean you don't know?"

                Akiko blushed. "No, I don't."

                Kohaku grabbed her arm and led her away. "You've got to see the museam then!"

                Rikato frowned and looked at his watch. It was 11:00am, their appointment with Professor Oak wasn't until noon. I suppose that we have some time. Its rather odd that she's never heard of Ash and Misty.

                It turned out that Ash's old home had been turned into a museam and his mother and Mr. Mime were giving the tours. Mrs. Ketchum was excited to hear that Akiko had never heard of them.

                "Feel free to ask questions," she said with a smile that reminded Akiko of Nurse Joy. "This way please."

                They followed her down the hall.

                "Ash Ketchum lived here before he left on his pokemon journey, he was only ten at the time." She opened one door to reveal what looked like a normal bedroom. It had a small twin bed on one side, a TV and some sort of video game system in front of it. There was also assorted pokemon posters and toys scattered on the floor. "This is his room and hasn't been touched since he left."

                Akiko looked around curiously. She couldn't remember her dad ever saying what he did as a kid. "What type of video games did he play?"

                "Donkey Madness, but mostly pokemon-related ones," Mrs. Ketchum went on. "Let's continue on."

                Akiko and her friends followed her around the house as Mrs. Ketchum continued the tour, pointing out what Ash liked to eat and what his hobbies and past times were. She explained that since Ash had slept in on his first day, he had entered Professor Oak's lab in his pajamas! Akiko couldn't help but laugh trying to imagine her dad doing that. She learned a lot of great things about her dad. Turned out that since he was late, Pikachu was the only one left. At first the two hadn't gotten along at all. Akiko looked at Pikachu who nodded, letting her know it had been true.

                "How did they get along?" Akiko asked.

                "On the first day, he saved Pikachu's life."

                "How?"

                "They were attacked by Spearows and he jumped into a water fall. His future wife Misty was fishing and caught Ash with her fishing rod. Since the Spearow were still hot on their trail, he used Misty's bike to run away. Once the bike was useless, Ash confronted the Spearow in an effort to stop them since Pikachu at the time had been too weak to move. Just when the Spearow were charging at him, Pikachu threw himself in the middle and used Thundershock to stop them."

                Akiko was breathless. "Wow."

                "And they got along ever since. He never did return Misty's bike, it got destroyed. In return, she joined him on her pokemon journey. They later meet Brock, gym leader of Pewter City."

                "Where was Misty from?" Akiko asked, happy to know that this time, no one would withhold answers from her. She couldn't believe her parents never told her about this!

                "She was one of the four gym leaders in Cerulean City."

                Akiko frowned. "There were four?"

                Mrs. Ketchum nodded. "Yes, she the youngest of four sisters. They all shared the task of being gym leaders."

                Akiko then recalled her four aunts (whom she had never met) Lily, Ivy, and Daisy.

                Mrs. Ketchum went on to explain how later Ash had developed into a great pokemon trainer and even saved the world one or two times. Akiko was still confused. If mom really liked pokemon, then what happened?

                "You'll like this room," Mrs. Ketchum promised her. Inside was portraits of Ash and Misty, leading from their childhood to adulthood. Akiko looked around the room and her eyes rested on one picture from the Jotto Leagues. It looked Ash was in a lot of pain and Misty was crying over him. Her heart dropped. "What happened?"

                Mrs. Ketchum followed her gaze and sighed. "Ash and Misty both entered the Jotto Finals. During his last match, his opponent knew he would lose and told his Gyarados to attack Ash."

                Akiko gasped. "He didn't!"

                Mrs. Ketchum nodded grimly. "Its Hyper Beam nearly killed him. Everyone, including myself, thought he was a goner. It was a long time before he was able to walk on his own. And even today he walks with a slight limp. By then, he was married to Misty and they had a little girl who was a year old. She was deeply effected by his accident that she started to see pokemon in a whole new light. She now saw them as dangerous creatures and vowed to never let it happen again. She, therefore refused to speak of it or even allow pokemon in her home, except for Pikachu because Ash wouldn't allow him to leave."

                "What happened after that?" Kohaku asked.

                "No only really knows, they moved from Pallet Town to---"

                "Fuchsia City," Akiko interrupted, staring down at the floor. "They then had a little boy named Satoshi who shared the same belief of pokemon as his Mother. But their daughter Akiko had her Father's love for pokemon and often watched the battles on TV." Tears were welling in her eyes. "She didn't get along with her Mother. She figured she didn't understand...but that was because she didn't know."

                She couldn't stop the tears now.

                Mrs. Ketchum's jaw dropped. "How do you know all that?"

                "Because," Akiko said, raising her head to look at her. "I'm Akiko."

                Mrs. Ketchum was stunned. She gingerly approached Akiko and looked deeper into her eyes. "I thought you had Misty's eyes." She suddenly wrapped her arms around Akiko and held her tightly, both crying now.

                Rikato took all this in information and nodded. Now I know why Giovanni wants her.

                Kohaku shook her head slowly in disbelief. "So thats why she has Togepi..."

                Mrs. Ketchum pulled away and kissed her forehead. "I haven't seen you since you were a baby! Look at you!"

                Akiko smiled. "Yeah, I know. Things have changed."

                "Does Misty know? About your pokemon journey?" She looked at Pikachu. "This is Ash's Pikachu right?"

                Akiko nodded and looked away. "No, Mom doesn't know. Dad does though."

                Mrs. Ketchum gasped. "She's worried sick about you!"

                Akiko bit her lip.

                "Why didn't you tell us?" Kohaku asked.

                "Because if I did, my mom would find out and bring me home. You can't tell her!" Akiko pleaded, looking at Mrs. Ketchum. "She'll never let me go on my pokemon journey!"   

                "I won't tell her," Mrs. Ketchum said. "But I'll let her know you're safe and looked after. Who are these with you? Your travel companions?"

                Akiko nodded. "This is my dear friend Rikato Hale and my newest one Kohaku Kanzaki."

                Mrs. Ketchum shook their hands. "Its a pleasure to meet you all."

                Rikato nodded in response and looked at his wrist watch. "We'd better be leaving. We have an appointment with Professor Oak."

                "It was a pleasure to see you," Mrs. Ketchum said, then looked down at Akiko. "Don't worry, your secret safe with me."

                "And we won't tell a soul," Kohaku promised.

                Akiko sighed in relief. "Thanks you guys."

 

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                Rikato knocked on the door and Professor Oak quickly answered it. He didn't look old, except for his now gray hair. "Can I help you?"                 

                Before Akiko could answer, Togepi made a noise as it popped its head out of her backpack.

                His mouth dropped open. "Are you Akiko Ketchum?"

                She nodded. "And these are my friends Rikato and Kohaku."

                "Come in! Come in!" Professor said, quickly ushering them inside and closed the door. "I just got a call from your Mother! She's losing her mind! She has no clue where you are and Ash isn't telling her where you are! I just out off the phone with her! I'm getting too old for this!"

                Akiko cringed. "I didn't know I'd be causing problems, professor, honest."

                Professor Oak took a deep breath to calm down and smiled kindly. "Its all right, my dear. Now, what was it you wanted to see me for?"

                "Team Rocket has attacked her twice," Rikato said, revealing his true intention in seeing Professor Oak. "Why do you think that is?"

                "Hmm," the professor looked worried. "Not for a good reason, I would imgaine."              

                "Didn't Mrs. Ketchum say something about Ash defeating Team Rocket?" Kohaku asked.

                "That's it!" Professor Oak exclaimed. "They want to get even with Ash and since no one knows where he is what better way than to capture his own daughter who's run away from home?"

                "But, why would they use me?" Akiko asked nervously.

                "You are merely bait in their plan to lure him to them," Professor Oak said sadly.

                "That's not going to happen," Rikato said firmly. "Because you're staying here until we contact Ash and let him know what's going on."

                "What!?" Akiko asked in horror. "But what about my pokemon journey?"

                "It'll have to be postponed until this matter is settled," Professor Oak said, patting her shoulder in reassurance. "I'll make sure Misty will let you go."

                "Why contact Ash?" Kohaku asked.

                "If he knows, he can confront Team Rocket and then Akiko won't be involved,"Professor Oak said, then snarled. "Its sick that Team Rocket feels the need to involve children in their affairs."

                "I can take care of myself!" Akiko said firmly. "And I'm helping you!"

                "The best way you can help us is to stay in this house," Professor Oak said rather sternly.

                Akiko started to protest, but this time Rikato cut in. "If Team Rocket gets you then there'll be even more trouble. Please just stay here with Professor Oak. We'll be back soon professor. Come Kohaku."

                He quickly left with Kohaku on her heels. Akiko sat down on the sofa, feeling useless. "No one ever wants me around."

                "Giovanni doesn't seem to think so," Professor Oak said with an evil smirk.

                Akiko gave a start. To her surprise, "Professor Oak" took off his mask to reveal a man with short icy blue hair, black eyes and pointed ears. He took off his shirt to reveal the red and white uniform of Team Rocket. Akiko gasped and tried to run for it...but someone held her in place. She looked up to see a young woman with pink hair that was pulled into a ponytail and dark pink eyes.

                "You've escaped us for long enough," the young woman whispered smoothly in Akiko's ear.. "But Team Rocket always get what they're after..."     

               

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                Rikato quickly found a pay phone and called the operator to get Ash's number.

                "Hello?" Ash asked once he picked up the phone.

                "Hello sir, this is Rikato Hale. I'm a travel companion of Akiko's."

                "Is she all right?" Ash asked.

                "Yes," Rikato said. "Professor Oak and I need you to come to Pallet Town immediately."

                "Professor Oak is in Pallet Town now?" Ash asked.

                Rikato frowned. "But surely you knew, you wife just called him, he said so."

                "No she didn't," Ash said. "Professor Oak isn't in Pallet Town anyway. He's in Lavendar Town. Turns out he's discovered a new speices of pokemon. A Sonalia."

                "Are you sure?"

                "Yes," Ash said. "Is something wrong?"

                "I'll have to call you back sir," Rikato said and quickly hung up.

                "What did he say?" Kohaku asked.

                "He said Professor Oak is in Lavender Town."

                "But then why is he here?" Kohaku asked. "Unless---"

                Rikato paled. "He isn't Professor Oak...but Team Rocket."

                Kohaku gasped. "But we left her with him---I mean them!"

                Rikato's heart dropped. He lowered his head, his fists shaking. I should have seen this coming! I can't believe I failed her!

                Kohaku tugged on his tank top."We've got to get there before---"

                Rikato shook his head sadly. "Its too late. I bet the second we left they revealed their true selves and took off with her."

                Kohaku looked worried. "What do we do now?"

                Rikato picked up the pay phone. "I'm calling Mr. Ketchum and you go to the police station and report Akiko missing. Use her real name this time."

                Kohaku nodded and climbed on Ponyta's back and sent it into a gallop.

                Rikato started dialing, holding back tears of shame. I'll find you Akiko, you can count on that!

 

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *

                Giovanni rose an eyebrow when he saw Nakia and Tyquion back in less than 3 hours. Tyquion had a burlap sack slung over his shoulder. "Did you fail?"

                "See for youself," Tyquion said calmly, turning the sack upside down.

                Akiko came tumbling out, her hands tighted behind her back. "Ow! What's the big idea?!" She forced herself to sit up, though it was rather hard considering she didn't have sight and her hands were useless.

                "Untie her, that includes the blind-fold," Giovanni, turning his chair so that he now faced her. "I wish to speak to her alone."

                Tyquion did so and left the room with Nakia. Akiko looked around the room. It was dark, the lights on low power. There were TV screens piled up on top of each other at the front of the room and finally her eyes rested on a man with slick dark hair and matching eyes that held a malicious glare to them. There was silence for a moment as the two just stared at each other. Togepi whimpered, still in her backpack. Temperarily forgetting Giovanni, she took Togepi out and comforted it.

                "You now possess your Mother's Togepi," Giovanni murmured in satisfaction. "Perhaps you even have a chance to be a pokemon trainer."

                "What are you talking about?" Akiko asked, with a frown. "I am a pokemon trainer."

                He wore an amused smile. "This has been the 3rd day of your journey and you haven't even caught a single pokemon. It seems that you only have your parent's old hand-me-downs.

                She looked around for Pikachu...but he wasn't there. "What did you do to Pikachu?"

                He held up a hand to calm her. "Easy now, he's safe back in Pallet Town. I made sure that my team didn't bring him. That Pikachu may be old, but he's still a pest."

                "You take that back!" She snarled, raising a fist.

                He chuckled and shook his head in amusement. "You really do have your Father's temper."

                She blushed and bit her lip to keep from continuing her outburst.

                "Are you aware that your Father and I were old enemies in the past?" Giovanni asked as he arose from his seat. "The past he never told you about?"

                Akiko was startled at how much he knew about her. "He never did tell me about you..."

                "Then that must mean I need to properly introduce myself," he extended a hand. "My name is Giovanni. I am the boss and head manager of Team Rocket."

                Akiko couldn't believe it, she just stared at him.

                "Come now," he prompted gently. "Surely you will shake my hand."

                She did so, but gingerly. Once he had a firm grip on her hand, he helped her to her feet. "Welcome to my secret base."

                She pulled away. "What do you want with me?"

                "For one thing, I have an old quarrel with your Father." Giovanni said, returning to his desk.

                "If you have one, then why don't you just meet up with him?" Akiko asked.

                "The main reason I brought your here is because you can bring something out in that little Togepi that no one else in the world can. Its powers will be invincible and I am determined to control that power..." He pointed a commanding finger at her. "Through you."

                Akiko took a step back, holding Togepi even closer to her. "You can't do that! I won't let you!"

                He smirked. "I don't believe I made myself clear." He pressed a button on the console pad on his desk. "Tyquion, Nakia, report in."

                Akiko turned to see them enter the room. She bit her lip. What are they going to do with me?

                "What is it sir?" Tyquion asked.

                "Bring the Togepi to me."

                "No!" Akiko exclaimed trying to dodge Tyquion. He grabbed her arm roughly and forced Togepi out of her grip. The poor little pokemon was crying. Nakia held her back as Tyquion set Togepi on the desk in front of Giovanni. He gingerly held it in his hands and smiled at Akiko and gave her a look that said, Its mine now. "I believe I will hold on to this until you submit to our will and cooperate."

                "You're not going to get away with this!" She growled. "Rikato will---"

                Giovanni and Nakia laughed harshly. Tyquion looked amused.

                "My dear, why would he hurt his own boss?" Giovanni asked.

                Akiko stopped short. "He...worked...for you?"

                "I practically raised the boy," he continued. "I can assure you, he's not going to attempt anything."

                Hot tears threatned to emerge. "You mean...he betrayed me?"

                Giovanni paused. "You having feelings for him don't you?"

                Akiko bit her lip.

                He wore a devious smile. "I thought so." He snapped his fingers and Nakia led her out of the room.

                Once the door closed behind them, Tyquion turned to Giovanni. "Forgive me, sir, but what are 'feelings?' Being a Kieran lacks the ability to fully understand humankind."

                "Feelings are when a human being loves another," Giovanni explained than smirked. "I have known Rika, he's never appeared to have a weakness. I believe that now we have found Rika's weakness."

 

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                Once the real Professor Oak learned of the current situation, he returned home immediately despite how well his research was doing back in Lavendar Town. After hearing more of Rikato's side of the story, Professor Oak contacted Ash and Misty.

                "Are you sure we should?" Kohaku asked nervously. "We shouldn't worry her mother."

                "She has the right to know," Professor Oak said firmly and continued with the call.

                Rikato felt numb and he sank into the couch. I can't believe I didn't see that coming...He rested his head in his hands. I should never have left her alone...

                "You okay?" Kohaku asked as she took a seat next to him.

                He didn't answer at first. "You know all ready."

                "You love her don't you?" Kohaku asked.

                "I love her like she was my little sister," he explained. "She reminds me of my little sister Molly."

                "You have a little sister?"

                He nodded. "I haven't seen her for the longest time."

                Before Kohaku could reply, there was a knock on the door. Rikato quickly arose to answer it.

                "We're so glad you could make it," Rikato said with relief as he stepped aside to let Ash and Misty Ketchum enter. Ash had his arm around Misty who was crying. Since her hankerchief was soaked, Rikato gave her a fresh one.

                She took it gratefully. "Has there been any news?"

                Professor Oak gravelly shook his head.

                "She'll be fine," Ash said reassuringly.

                She glared at him. "If you hadn't let her run away this never would have happened!!"

                "We're never going to get anywhere if we don't stop pointing fingers," Kohaku interrupted. "We need to work together."

                Misty suddenly eyed her and Rikato as though she hadn't seen them before. "Who are you two?"

                "Rikato Hale and Kohaku Kanzaki," Professor Oak explained. "They are travel companions of your daughter."

                Ash jumped when he heard Rikato's last name. "Isn't Molly Hale your little sister?"

                Rikato paused for a moment, then reluctantly nodded. "Is she well?"

                "Very," Ash answered. "I suppose that you all ready heard about her disappearance?"

                Rikato frowned. "No, how long ago?"

                "About an hour or so."

                An electronic beeping noise split the air and everyone looked at the computer. It was an email. Professor Oak took a seat and opened it. "Its addressed to you Rikato."

                I was afraid so, he thought as he came to his side. It opened into a little screen. He could see Akiko and his little sister who was around the same age as Akiko. They were tied to a chair wearing a gag. Inbetween them stood Giovanni. He causally rested his arm on Akiko's chair. "Hello Rika. Recognize this little girl?" He gestured to Molly.

                Rikato's hands grew into fists.

                Giovanni smirked at him. "I thought you might. I presume the great Pokemon Failure Ash Ketchum is with you. As you can see, the girls are alive and well and they will remain that way unless you two confront me. You have until midnight to comply."

                The screen vanished.

                "You can't go Ash!" Misty pleaded. "He'll kill you for sure!"

                Ash ignored her and pierced Rikato with a suspious glare. "Why does he want you too?"

                Rikato lowered his head. I have to tell them. Its the only way I can save Akiko...and Molly.

                Ash placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "I have to know."

                "Because...I...used to work for him," his cheeks burned with shame.

                Misty glared at him. "I bet you were behind this! He sent you to kidnap Akiko!" She raised a hand to slap him, but Ash held her back. Rikato didn't flinch.

                "He didn't!" Kohaku said hurriedly. "He was with me when it happened. It's not his fault!"

                "It might as well be," he muttered. "I had been tracked by Giovanni ever since I left Team Rocket six years ago. I should have realized the danger I was putting her in." He shook his head in disbelief. "I never realized it."

                Ash knelt down in front of him and placed his hands on his shoulders. "Look at me."

                Rikato did so.

                "I believe you," Ash said. "We're going to work together to get them back."

                "I can't!" Rikato said in horror. "If I return, Giovanni will force me back into service!"

                "You can't run away from your past," Ash said firmly. "I don't want to face him either, but I'm more worried about Akiko than myself right now. Don't you feel the same way for Molly?"

                Rikato nodded. "And for Akiko as well."

                "Then its agreed," Ash said. "We leave tonight."

 

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                In the darkened cell, Akiko glanced at her new companion. She wore a baby blue bow in her light brown hair, a matching small dress with a white bow and sailor backing. She had long knee-socks and dark brown boots. She hugged her knees to her chest and stared at the floor, a misty came over her blue eyes. She really looked too girly. Akiko sat on her small bunk, trying not to stare out the window. It was torture in its own way. Just seeing how calm nature was, she longed to be out there. She closed her eyes and imagined it. She could feel the cool brisk air all around her, and smell the pine trees that loomed overhead. Concentrating on the new world all around her, she forgot where she actually was.

                "So, what are you in for?"

                She was startled and opened her eyes. Her heart dropped to see her dull surroundings around her again. That girl was looking at her.

                "Giovanni wants me to work for him," she said, careful to not mention her dad.

                "You're that girl with the Togepi right?"

                "How did you know?" Akiko asked.

                The girl wore a small smile. "My Papa knows all there is to know about rare and mystic pokemon. He was notifyed by Nurse Joy that Togepi had a new owner. That means you're Misty's daughter."            

                Akiko nodded. "Its not fair," she said with a little pout. "You know so much about me and yet I don't know you at all!"

                The girl giggled. "My name is Molly Hale."

                Akiko gasped. "Are...you related to...Rikato Hale by any chance?"  

                Molly looked surprised. "Yes, he's my older brother. He's still alive?"

                Akiko frowned. "What do you mean?"

                "Oh, nothing," Molly said quickly. "Is he okay?"

                "He's well," Akiko said. "Why haven't you heard from him?"

                "I can't tell you," Molly said softly.

                Akiko recalled her first night with Rikato. It had been right before the ferry trip. It was then that he had suspected her secret. Strangely, he didn't demand to know what it was. She remembered what he had said next. That's good, because I have one too.

                She bit her lip. Could this have been his secret?

                Molly turned her head towards the wall and frowned. "Why is there a painting in here?"

                Akiko looked over her shoulder to see a painting of flowers. She rose an eyebrow. Now why was there such a cherry painting in this dark and wretched place? Molly arose to take a closer look at it. She ran her fingers along the edges and grinned. "I thought so."

                "What? Thought what?" Akiko asked as she joined her side.

                Molly swung the painting. Akiko's jaw dropped. Behind the painting was a tunnel.

                Molly looked pleased at her new discovery. "They must have put this up to cover it. Why else would it be here?"

                Akiko had to admit she had a point. "But if they had known it was here, why didn't they completely cover it up?"

                "Maybe they haven't had any time," Molly suggested as she climbed inside. "You coming or what?"

                "Sure, I guess so," Akiko muttered as she followed. "Anything's better than staying here."

                The tunnel was dirty, and yet Molly didn't complain about it as she crawled on her hands and knees as Akiko had expected. Maybe she's desperate to leave too. She mused. There was hardly any light so they had to stay close together. Soon the tunnel grew lighter and they crawled into the air vents. They started crawling on their stomachs so avoid being seen through the grates. At one point Molly stopped. "Isn't that Giovanni's voice?"

                Akiko paused. She too could hear the voice. It was indeed Giovanni's and he was talking to Tyquion.

                "That little human is rather stubborn," Tyquion complained. "Why won't she cooperate?"

                "She's just a little girl," Giovanni said with a hint of amusement in his tone. "Of course she's stubborn, so was her Father. Speaking of him, he should be here any time now."

                "Why did you request the little Hale girl be brought?"

                "Just in case little Rika didn't show up. He's bound too once he hears of the disappearance of those he cares about."

                "What do you plan on doing once he does arrive?" Tyquion asked. "You are planning on letting those girls go?"

                Giovanni laughed. "Of course not! That Akiko will stay here and train that little Togepi for us. She is still useful to us. Even if we kill Ash."

                "And that Hale girl?"

                "I'll kill her in front of Rika," Giovanni said simply. "He'll either join us or regret his sister's death."

                "How so?"

                "You see, humans are very emotional...at least some of them are. Rika will feel guilty, and say, 'If I hadn't left Team Rocket, Molly would still be alive.' Then he'll join us so no one else will be hurt on his behalf."

                "Pure genius, sir."

                Molly paled. Akiko looked at her. They may be keeping me alive, but they're going to kill her for sure! I've got to get her out of her and fast!

                Tyquion stiffened. "They're in the air vent, sir."

                Molly panicked and bolted for it. Akiko's reaction was slower and a hand grabbed her out of the air vent. She looked up to see Giovanni looming over her. She backed up against the wall.

                "You're too much trouble," he murmured. "You know that right?"

                She slowly nodded.

                Nakia burst into the room. "They're here, sir!"

                Suddenly, the room viberated and one of the walls collasped in a fireball. Akiko covered her head with her hands as the flaming wreakage showered overhead.

                "Good work Charizard!"

                Akiko was startled at how familiar the voice was. It can't be...can it? She opened her eyes to see her Dad standing at ease by his Charizard and Rikato on the other side of the dragon-like pokemon.

                "Ash Ketchum," Giovanni said softly as though he was reciting the name of a deadly disease.

                "I'm happy to see you too," Ash said with a teasing grin. "I just thought I'd stop by, you know I was in the neighborhood and---"

                "You think this is all a game?" Giovanni demanded. He pulled Akiko to her feet and pulled a gun out of his suit and aimed it at her head. "You willing to lose your little pokemon trainer?"

                Ash's grin disappered. "You leave her out of this, it's me you want."

                "You'd like to think that you wouldn't you?"

                Ash stiffened. "What do you mean?"

                "You see, she can bring something out in that little Togepi of her's and I am bond and deteremined to control that power," Giovanni said with a smirk.

                "You can't have her," Ash said determinedly.

                "Its too late now Ketchum," Giovanni said smoothly.

                Akiko figdeted. "Just get out Dad! I'll be fine!"

                Ash looked torn.

                "Please Dad," Akiko pleaded softly. "I can't let you do this. He's going to kill you."

                Ash's expression grew soft and tears appeared in his eyes. "Akiko---"

                "I love you Dad," she interrupted. "I won't let anything happen to you."

                "Well isn't that sweet," Giovanni sneered. "Could any of you lend a hankerchief?" He smirked once again and snapped his fingers.

                At that moment, the floor rummbled and the wall facing Ash collasped in the same fashion. There appeared a Dark Gyrados and a trainer with red hair and cold black eyes. "So, we meet again Ketchum."

                "It was you!" Ash accused, narrowing his eyes. "You were that trainer who made Gyrados attack me during the Jotto League Finals!"

                The guy bowed his head in response. "I thought I might as well finish the job." He pointed at him. "Sic 'em Gyrados! Use your Hyper Beam!"

                "NO!!" Akiko exclaimed in horror. She tried to bolt, but Giovanni held her tightly.

                "What's the hurry?" He asked sarcastically. "Don't you want to watch your Father get beat into a pulp?"

                Ash dove out of the way as Gyrados's hyper beam came in his direction. He glared at him. "Charizard! Flame Thrower!"

                Charizard reared back and attacked with his fire. Gyrados was weakened and collasped.

                "I see you've been training your Charizard over the years," the red-haired man remarked. "He's a lot stronger than he was 13 years ago. But I didn't wait all these years just to lose!" He pulled another pokeball out and threw it in the air. "I choose you! MEW!!"

                A baby pink pokemon that resembled a cat that stood on two legs and a long tail appeared. Ususally a Mew was innocent and curious, but this one had a dark aura surrounding it. It had a red "R" on the tip of its tail.

                Ash stiffened. Akiko gasped. Ash didn't have any pokemon that could possibly defeat Mew!

                Its owner looked proud of himself. "Looks like I'm gonna win this time Ketchum!"

                "Don't think so Sho-n!" Ash said as he pointed at him. "Pikachu!"

                Akiko's heart leaped as she saw the small mouse-like pokemon jump onto Ash's shoulder.

                "Zap Cannon!"

                Pikachu jumped into the air. "Pi...ka...CHUU!!!"

                Mew evaded it.

                "Mew! Use your psychic attack!"

                Mew started glowing as pink energy glowed around it. It threw this at Pikacu who still hadn't landed on the ground. It struck him to the floor. He was badly injured.

                "Pikachu!!" Ash exclaimed in horror as he cuddled his pokemon. "Pikachu! Speak to me!"

                Pikachu only twitched and moaned softly. Ash closed his eyes, but not before Akiko could see the tears welling in his eyes.

                "Again Mew!" Sho-n said as he laughed wickedly.

                This time Ash didn't react and was struck by the psychic attack. He barely managed to remain on his knees.

                "One more ought to finish him off!" Sho-n said with a delighted grin.

                "If you want Ash," Rikato said firmly as he stood in the middle. "You'll have to get through me."                "What do you think you're doing Rika?" Giovanni asked. "He's obviously in a tremendous amount of pain. It would be best if we put him out of his misery."

                "No!" Akiko exclaimed as she struggled still against his grip. "I won't let you do this!"

                "You've done enough damage Giovanni," Rikato said as he narrowed his eyes. "Why don't you just stand back? This foolish attack could get Team Rocket destroyed forever. Why would you risk so much?"

                "Because in order to gain something, you must risk losing another," Giovanni purred. "I will have control over that Togepi."

                "I'll never let you control Togepi!" Akiko snarled.

                "Patience, little one," he said softly as though he was speaking to his own daughter. "I will deal with you later."

                The door burst open and Nakia entered, holding Molly's arms behind her back. "I found her out of her cell, sir."

                "Good work," Giovanni beamed at Rikato. "I'll make a bargain with you Rika."

                Rikato gritted his teeth. "Never."

                Giovanni shrugged. "Sure, have it that way if you want your little sister dead."

                Rikato's eyes widened. "You wouldn't!"

                Giovanni smirked. "Try me."

                A strange silence filled the room. No one said a word. Akiko's arms were grwoing numb because of Giovanni's tight grip. What can I do? I've got to do something! But what? Tears formed in her eyes as she laid eyes on her Father. He was barely moving as it was. Why did I leave home? I should have been satisfied with my life before. Its all my fault! She lowered her head in defeat and whispered. "I'm sorry mom, I should have listened to you..."

                Suddenly, the walls started to glow pearly white and it spread throughout the room.

                "What's going on?" Giovanni demanded. He looked down at Akiko. She too had gone pearly white. She was...glowing...A strange energy left her body and enveloped Ash and Pikachu. Once it left, they were well, every stratch and cut healed.

                "What are you doing?" Giovanni demanded. At that moment, she grew too hot to touch and he had to let her go. She hovered in the center of the room. Another strange object formed beside her. It was a tall pokemon, at least five feet tall. It looked like a dinosaur that stood on two legs. It had to be some type of raptor. It had strange armor on its head, chest, arms and legs. It was white with strange red and blue triangles.

                "Is that...Togepi?" Ash murmured.

                "Are you all right Akiko?" The pokemon asked her and it gently raised her head to look into her eyes.

                She nodded slowly. "Who are you?"

                "I am Hogo, the lengendary form of Togepi," it said with in a deep voice. He enveloped her in his short arms. "Never fear, I will protect you."

                "I knew she had the power!" Giovanni said triumphantly. "Now I will control that power!"

                "You can never control the powers of good because you have no shred of goodness in you!" Hogo said firmly. It pointed at him. "I will not allow you to harm the innocent! Galatic Ocean!"

                A wave of ice snaked around Giovanni, Nakia, Sho-n and Tyquion until they were waist-high in ice.                 Hogo released Akiko. "Get the others out of here!"

                "What about you?" She asked, still clinging to his arm.

                "I'll destory this wicked organization once and for all," Hogo said determinedly. "Team Rocket will never harm you or anyone else ever again. Now go!"

                "He's right," Ash said as he took her hand. "Let's go."

                Akiko followed him out of the room. They ran down the hall with Rikato and Molly at their sides. The floor shook beneath them every so often and once it shook so violently, Molly fell. The other members of Team Rocket were aware of the immediate danger and tried to escape as well. Hogo had sealed all the doors, except for the ones Akiko touched. Once they passed through, it was sealed once again. This prevented Team Rocket from escaping with them. When they were 30 ft away from the secret base, it exploded into pieces.

                "Get down!" Ash commanded as he pushed Akiko to the ground. Rikato and Molly obeyed. Ash covered Akiko's body to prevent the flaming wreakage from touching her. Akiko curled up next to Pikachu, holding him tight. She closed her eyes, praying none of the wreakage would harm them. Soon the danger was over and Ash helped her up. "Are you all right?"

                She nodded. "Yes."

                He hugged her tightly. "I'm so glad you're safe!"

                "I missed you so much!"

                Akiko pulled away to see Molly hugging Rikato.

                He stroked her hair fondly. "I missed you too."

                "Never leave me alone again!" Molly begged. "Promise me you won't!"

                "I have my own path Molly," Rikato said softly. "Now's not the time for me to return home."

                "Where's Hogo?" Akiko asked as she looked around. The dinosaur-like pokemon was no where to be found. She walked around the remains of the base, throwing aside the wreakage. "Hogo! Hogo where are you? Hogo!"

                She was startled to hear a shrill giggle. She turned to her left and pushed aside a door. There, nestled between two boards was Togepi! It looked up at Akiko and giggled again. She picked the little pokemon up and hugged it. "Thank you Togepi. I owe you my life."

                She felt Ash's hand rest on her shoulders. "Its time to go home."

                For the first time, she looked forward to it.

 

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                Professor Oak refused to allow Ash and Misty to take Akiko home yet. He insisted on asking her what had happened. Akiko explained from the very beginning, the strange attacks up to the phony Professor Oak who was really Tyquion in disguise and Togepi's transformation.

                "Are you absolutely sure you've told me everything?" He asked after she had finished. "The slighest detail could be important."

                "Its just as I said," Akiko assured him. "And then Hogo went back to Togepi."

                "How did Togepi pass the evolution of Togetic?" Rikato asked.

                "Hogo is the legendary form of Togepi," Professor Oak explained. "I've only heard of it in stories. I never knew it would be real."

                "If what you say is true, then why did it evolve to Hogo?" Ash asked.           

                Professor Oak rubbed his chin in thought. "It appeared that Togepi couldn't evolve into Hogo until Akiko admitted her love for her parents."

                "Are you suggesting she never did?" Misty asked hotly. Professor Oak didn't answer. She looked at Akiko. "Well?"

                Akiko looked away. "I respected you, but I figured that you didn't understand me at all. I so badly wanted to be a pokemon trainer and when you refused to let me talk about anything else...well...I kind of told myself that no one cared and---"

                "You became a loner," Rikato finished for her softly.

                Akiko nodded. "Exactly."

                "I never knew it meant so much to you," Misty said as she hugged Akiko. "I'm sorry. This is my fault."

                "No mom, it isn't," Akiko assured her. "I'm the one who ran away. I'm the one who should apologize."

                "If it really means that much to you, then you can continue on your pokemon journey."

                "Really?" Akiko asked in delight. She gave her another hug. "Oh thank you!"

                "Its great to have you back!" Kohaku said as she gave Akiko a thumbs-up. "I couldn't imagine going on my own!"

                Akiko looked at Rikato. "May I speak with you in the kitchen?"

                He nodded and followed her out of the room. He leaned against the counter. "What is it?"

                "You know all ready."

                He lowered his head. "I'm sorry I never told you about my being a member of Team Rocket. I really wanted to..." He now looked her in the eye. "But would you trust me if you knew?"

                "No...I probably wouldn't," Akiko murmured.

                "Why didn't you tell me who you really were?"

                "Because if word got out that I was Ketchum's daughter, I'd be dragged home," Akiko said, holding Togepi in her arms. "Why did you work for Team Rocket?"

                "I didn't have a choice," Rikato said. "Before I was born, my mother had made a deal with Giovanni. She couldn't repay him and he was going to kill her...until her found out that she was pregnant...with me. He then told her he would allow her to live...if she gave me to him when I was old enough to be without her."

                "He...raised you?" Akiko asked in surprise. Rikato nodded grimly. "But why did he want you?"

                 "He had no son of his own. He needed an heir to Team Rocket, one whom he trusted would take his place...and lead Team Rocket into glory."

                "How...how long did this happen?"

                Rikato turned away and gripped the counter. "For ten years. Once I realized his evil intentions, I wanted nothing to do with Team Rocket. Believe it or not, he was like a father to me. He named me Rika. He loved me...that's why he didn't kill me back there."

                "What did he do when you wanted to leave?" Akiko asked.

                "He was naturally angry, even locked me in my room at night. But one night I escaped. His base had been on Mt. Moon at the time and I ran and ran until I reached Celadon City. I discovered my real family, but they didn't believe I was their son. My mother had said I was dead." His hands curled into fists. "You wouldn't believe how much it hurt...being rejected by my own family."

                "But Molly remembered you---"

                "That's because she was the only one who believed me," Rikato explained.

                "She didn't seem to know you when I asked if she did."

                "That's because she is protecting me." He said. "I rarely kept in touch with her because if Giovanni got hold of my letters to her, he'd find me. Since my own parents rejected me, I then became a loner and changed my name to Rikato and became a pokemon trainer."

                "Why?"

                "Giovanni wouldn't find me then. I didn't want to be found."

                Akiko came up to his side. "If what you say is true...then why did you help me?"

                "Because you reminded me of the family I could have had," he admitted. "I couldn't tell you the truth...because then I'd loose my last chance to have a family."

                "Thank you...for telling me," Akiko said softly. "Now what are you going to do?"

                "Would you mind if we picked up where we left off?" He asked. "You still need me if you want to catch any pokemon! You're hopeless!"

                She smiled. "Sure. We'll then battle each other in city arenas and I'll win every time."

                He rose an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

                "That's right!"

                "Stop fighting you two!" Kohaku called from the living room. "Don't make me come in there!"

                Akiko and Rikato laughed. Togepi squealed with delight. I finally feel myself again, Akiko thought to herself. I no longer have to hide from anyone...I can be myself. She smiled. And now I'm a pokemon trainer!

 

 

 

To Be Continued...