Chapter 14:
Ash’s departure and a note to remember

“Send him away.” Plotz finished his comment while looking out the window with a sorrowful look on his face. As he began to make contact with some friends of his Ash was at Minerva’s place - repairing the damage from the storm as he had promised.

“This weather-proof sealant ought to keep.” Ketchum said to his friend after filling in the holes in the young one’s roof. The Trainer then proceeded to put in carpet squares since her old carpet was too badly damaged.

“Thanks for this, Ash.” The mink said to him as she tried not to stare at his exposed upper body. The man put up the last piece of them, and walked over to her with a smile for his accomplishment.

“This should do you, Minerva. See ya.” He said to her as he placed a hand on her shoulder before heading out to his apartment. The fuzzy one smiled at the fleeing human, and was grateful that he had come to their world to change them for the better.

‘Thank you for coming, Ash Ketchum - hero of Pallet Town.’ The seductress thought before going into her home to feel how the new carpet felt in between her toes. As the human just walked back to his home: enjoying the scenery a phone call was being made at his home.

“What’s that sound?” Rita said as she was napping on the couch until a typewriter sound came to her ears. The fuzzy one got off the seat, and walked over to the phone, and saw the add-on that Brainstorm made was active. “He…he can’t mean this?” The former orphan kitty muttered after reading what the man had said on his end. In desperation she tried to hide the evidence…or at least get rid of it.

“Guys, I’m home.” As said once he made it to his apartment. The two shouted their own forms of praise of seeing him home. ‘They’re acting oddly.’ He thought before seeing that in the main area didn’t look to hot. “I knew I should have cleaned up the moment they all left.” He said while sighing in defeat, but he simply got to work of straightening his home.

‘I hope he doesn’t see the note…definitely, definitely, don’t want him to find it.’ Runt thought as he watched his owner clean up from their friend’s visit. The raven haired youth continued to clean until he spotted something…strange.

‘What’s this?’ He thought after spotting something under his bed. Curious the traveler reached under his sheet and pulled out a piece of paper.

‘Oh no.’ Rita thought once she saw that he was holding the item that she tried to hide. The human glanced over it and his eyes widened in alarm.

“This is from Mr. Plotz and he seems to need me.” Ash said after glancing over the note. “Before I go…” He started to speak before returning to cleaning his temporary home. “Now, off to see what he wants from me today.” He said before heading for the door.

‘I hope it isn’t what I think it is.’ Rita thought with fright as she watched him leave. In no time at all he arrived at the necessary spot, and went into the office. The white haired man turned to see the handy man walk in before issuing him to the chair.

“I’m afraid I have some bad news, Ash.” The CEO said to him with a troubled look on his face.

“What seems to be the trouble?” The Trainer questioned calmly since he could clearly see that his short friend seemed to be in some form of trouble. “You know that I’ll help you out when ever I can.” He informed the manager of the grounds.

“That’s what I was counting on, Ash. Because the problem is - you.” Plotz said back to him with a sincere tone. The reason for his trouble confused the human since to the wanderer it made no sense at all.

“Me? What do you mean?” He questioned to him in pure confusion since he did not believe that he did nothing wrong. “Is this about all those things I did with my alien forms?” He questioned in honest tone.

“There’s that, and the fact that you do not understand our logic.” The owner said to him with a sorrowful tone since he did not want this youngster to take his statement the wrong way.

“So…should I go somewhere else, or do you guys have a way to get me home?” Ash questioned back with a great deal of himself not wanting to go home for some reason or another.

“We don’t want you to go, and besides we have yet to find a way to get you home.” Plotz said back to the boy causing both to sigh in relief for a moment. No, the idea is for you to go to a special school that might help you in learning how we do things here.” The head of EB said to the handyman causing him to be a bit on guard.

“School?” Ketchum questioned back and even though he had been to several during his travel, but a school about learning how they did things just didn’t seem to appeal to him.

“Yes, a magnificent school called - Acme Loonaversity. I have already spoken to the principal there, and he would not mind a new mind to teach.” The blue suited business man said to their helper. As he went on about the school the secretary was listening to the whole thing and decided to tell everybody: male and female alike.

“So, that’s his plan, is it?” Minerva muttered to herself after getting the news. “I know he will not say ‘no’, so I better go with a Plan ‘B’.” She added before getting in contact with her fellow female co stars.

‘Shame that he has to leave, but he’s not leaving without a party.’ Yakko thought after getting the news and decided to rally the guys of organizing an Ash themed party. Back in the office the monster tamer was feeling a bit uncomfortable about the whole thing.

“If you think I should go then…I guess I should.” Ash said to Thaddeus with a stall in his voice since he really did not want to leave his friends behind. The boy knew that it was the best plan though since he did not want Rath to smash someone by accident again.

“Of course you should. I’m going to give the others, and you the day off because tomorrow you leave for Acme Looniversity.” The CEO said to him and with a nod of the head the two parted company and Ketchum headed back to his apartment.

“Well, this is shaping out to be a very bad day.” Ash said once he got back and plopped himself right onto his bed. His two closest friends could only watch as he was sulking about the news of leaving.

‘At least it has nothing to do with him going home. Just around that school.’ The gray furred one thought with relief before countering with, ‘Wait a sec. There’s still Penelope, and with her strained relationship with that skunk she may use Ash as a comforter.’ That got her fur to stand up on end out of anger and fear.

“Looks like you guys are on your own for a while.” Ketchum said after rolling from face-down to face-up. “Mr. Plotz wants me to go to a place called the Acme Looniversity.” The hero explained even though he had no idea that they already knew that much. Just as he was about to go to sleep the trainer’s phone rang.

‘Now what?’ The cat thought when she heard that noise beside her. Out of anger she hopped onto the table that the machine was sitting on, and pressed the speaker phone. “What do you want?” She questioned, not even trying to hide her pained tone in her voice.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Rita, take it easy. We know that he’s about to leave for the school. The secretary told us while he was seeing the boss-man.” Yakko said to the feline as a way to try to calm her down.

‘The others know about this?’ Ketchum questioned in his mind as he heard that part of the conversation.

“So, why did you call?” The singer questioned out of aggravation.

“The guys and I are wanting to throw the kid a party before he leaves tomorrow. So, is he there?” The eldest of the three said back to her in a serious tone. The man in question heard that and decided to get to the phone so he could answer that question himself.

“This is Ash, Yakko. I would indeed like to go to the party, so where is it?” Ketchum questioned calmly after picking up the phone, and placing it to his ear. “Okay. I know where that is. See you there.” The trainer answered back, and hung up the phone.

“I guess your going then.” The cat questioned and the human could see that both held sad faces: expressions that showed him that they just wanted him to spend the day with them.

“I’m afraid so, Rita. If they went through all the trouble to create a last minute party then the least I should do is show up.” He said back before picking her up from the phone table. The only thing the singer could do was stare into his eyes when he brought her eye level.

‘Oh, man. I love looking into his eyes.’ She thought in a dreamy tone before listening to what he had to say about the party.

“I promise Rita that I will leave so that the three of us can sit down together and watch a movie.” The hero of aura said to her in a sincere tone. The cat could hear that he meant what he said, so she nodded as an answer. “Cool, I better get going.” He said before putting his friend down and headed for the door.

‘I can’t wait.’ Rita thought as she watched him leave. The two then went back to the couch and decided to wait for him there. Fifteen in the phone rang again causing the cat and dog to look at one another in confusion. “Who could that be?” The singer questioned aloud.

“I’m guessin Ash is already gone to the party?” The youngest of the three questioned the person that had just now answered the phone.

“Yeah. Not to long ago, Dot. Why do you ask?” She asked back and could only think that the child wanted more attention just like before. Her answer was something totally different.

“I wanted to talk to you. Me and the rest of the girls are at Minerva’s place, and we’re trying to come up with an intimidating note for Ash to take with him. A simple statement that would tell the girls that Ash is already spoken for.” Dot answered back, and to the cat that actually sounded like a worthwhile idea.

“Sounds good to me. Runt and I’ll be there.” She said to the young lady before hanging up the phone. “Come on, Runt. We’ve got a friend to see.” She said to the dog.

“Coming Rita, and I’m glad you’re happy.” The lovable lug said back to her as he walked over to the feline. Once close enough she hopped onto his back, and after a little problem with the door the two of them headed for their friend’s house.

‘What to write down so that Penelope knows that Ash only has room for one cat?’ Rita thought as the two were in the elevator on their way down. Ash on the other hand had gotten to the chosen room.

“This must be the place.” Ash said before looking around and saw a television with various consoles and video games, pool tables, and even half of a Basketball court. “Nice work fellas.” The trainer said to his new found friends.

“We do our best, Ash. So, what do you want first?” Huntsman questioned as he continued to sport that big grin as he ever has. The man in question scanned around before making his decision.

“Hmm…how about that one?” Ash offered to the others while pointing to a Mega Man game that stood on top of the PS2. Freakazoid and friends looked at each other in a nervous fashion since they did not know if the Trainer could handle a robot themed game rather well.

“Maybe we should play this game instead?” Pinky said as he tried to carry a disk game that was similar to what he was used to: Digimon World 3. As soon as the Pallet Town protector looked at the container his eyes were focused on the canine of the cover.

‘Strange. It feels as though I should know that dog.’ Ketchum thought before shaking his head. “Thank you, Pinky, but I would really like to play this if that is alright with you.” The human said to them, and since they knew that he would not take no for an answer the group nodded in agreement. “Cool,” Ash said before putting in the Anniversary Collection disk, and sat down on the couch.

‘I sure hope he knows what he’s doing.’ All the guys in the room thought as they watched him play the first of many Mega Man games. As he played his games the girls were together and were trying to figure out what to write on the note.

“How should we start this off?” Helen asked the others since she did not want it to start off too mean. With that the girls started throwing ideas around before actually writing it.

“Okay…so he’s better than we gave him credit for.” Cave Guy said to the others as they watched the Trainer speed through Mega Man 4. None of them expected or even guessed that he was this good at Video Games, but to their surprise - he was.

“Almost got it. Almost got it.” Ash said as he was battling Dr. Wily with Mega Man as he used the Pharaoh Shot. In the end he won, and watched the end credits go by. “This is fun and all, but I don’t want to miss out on any other activity.” The guest of honor said before looking at the arm band and realized one crucial thing. “I can still transform.” The boy muttered before getting to work.

“Ditto.” The black and white alien said once the glow was gone. The multiple creature pulled out one double and headed for a different part of the play area. His friends split into two groups, and decided to continue to play with him.

“So, are you ready for some Basketball, Ash?” Longhorn questioned the small creature before him. Ash knew that the form that he was in was not built for combat, or anything like that so Ketchum was praying that they would allow him another quick change.

“Do you guys mind. I need to pick a different form for this.” He offered to them and after receiving a nod of agreement the short man pressed the logo on his chest to transform into a different fighter.

“Water Hazard!” The water based man shouted before looking at his hands. “I was hoping for a strength factor, but this form should do just as good.” He muttered before going to the court. Before they could start the second Ditto decided to say something as he played Mega Man 7.

“Remember Ditto has the side effect where each clone can feel the others pain. Not sure if it applies since your in a different body, but be careful.” The Splixson said as he started to fight - Junk Man.

“I understand. So, you ready to do this, Longhorn?” The red armored alien questioned before grabbing a ball, and headed to the court. The minotaur followed him and got ready for a little one on one.

‘I hope I can take this guy.’ The semi driver thought since he saw how skilled the human was as a human, but now that he was an alien he was even deadlier. The two began playing, and the both of them were actually having a good time. The girls on the other hand was still having trouble with the note for their…friend to give to the school.

“That’s a little too far there Slappy.” Minerva said as she saw all the swearing, and death threats on the grey squirrel’s letter. The others nodded in agreement as well, so they tossed out her plan, and started from scratch again.

‘What a bunch of softies. The best way for them to know that Ash is taken is with that kind of message.’ The bomb expert thought before saying aloud, “Since you don’t like my ideas then I’m gonna leave it to you. I’m outta here.” Once that was said the aunt left to go to her home.

“You have to admit that some of her ideas aren’t half bad.” Cobra Queen stated to the others and saw the glaring so she added, “Maybe we should try them after watering them down a tad.” After hearing this the girls thought it over and decided to give it a shot.

‘Okay; he’s good. This guy might not be using the water moves of this guy, but I’m still having a hard time to best him in Basketball.’ The bull thought as he was down twenty points. Water Hazard thought this a a learning experience since he was often hit a couple of times, and the Ditto on the couch, who had moved onto the start of the X series, didn’t wince once.

‘That’s something new to know.’ The Basketball player thought as he was now playing against the Huntsman. As the hunter was playing the others were watching as Ash was battling in Mega Man X 6 which to most at the studio is the most…unique game of the series.

“Yes, this should get the point across without scaring the girls half to death.” Katie offered to the rest of them once they had agreed on a note and had also typed it out. “Let’s give this to him in the morning.” She offered, and after some thought they decided to do just that since they all wanted him to have fun before he had to leave.

“Whoa that creature after the final Sigma was tough.” The gamer said as he had bested Lumine a third time with Axl since Wakko and his older brother Yakko wanted to have all three girls as playable characters.

“We really appreciate this, Ash. We really do.” Both of the brothers said as one as they each shook both of his hands. Ketchum knew how those two were and knew that they had their reason for having the girls as playable characters, but as long as their thoughts weren’t about his friends then he was okay with it.

“No problem at all, guys. Happy to help, but I think I should head to bed. After all I have a big day tomorrow.” The humanoid said before gesturing his double to join him, and as soon as the sequel changed into Ditto they merged together before becoming human.

“Good luck on your first day kid. I’d make friends at school, but that’s just me.” Cosgrove said to the hero who nodded in response and headed for home. Once there he saw that the cat and dog were still right where he left them - on the couch. As agreed the three of them watched a movie, and fell asleep in front of the television.

‘That was a wonderful dream.’ Rita thought as she was slowly waking up from a Beauty and the Beast dream with her as Belle, and Rath as Beast. The first thing that the cat heard was that of silverware hitting dishes. ‘Hmm?’ She questioned before poking her head over the back of the sofa to see what was going on.

“Oh, good morning, Rita.” The trainer said to her as he was doing something in the kitchen. Even the curious creature she hopped off of the seat, and over to the area he was in. Runt was also waking up, and saw that she was moving so he followed her.

“What’s he doin, Rita?” The bulky one questioned to her as they watched the human hard at work at something. The two got closer and saw that he was making food, and judging by all of the containers on the counter he had been doing this for a while now.

“Let me guess? You guys are wondering why I’m doing this?” The hero questioned to them as he gestured over to the containers beside him. Once they nodded he decided to tell them the truth. “I’m preparing food for you two while I am away since I’m probably going to remain near the school.” The two heard him, and accepted it…or at least Runt has.

‘I don’t want this.’ The cat creature thought while looking away from the human that took her in. As always the kind hearted one could see that she was still not happy about this decision, so he decided to comfort her.

“Hey, Rita. I don’t want this either. Heck, I would love to be here with you at the studio.” Ketchum explained after kneeling down, and adjusted her head to face him. “I promise I’ll be okay.” He said to her in his usual soothing voice which caused her to calm down a bit.

‘He’s just too good.’ The girl thought with a mental sigh of relief. He then fixed them Breakfast, and ate it with them; as soon as they were done the phone rang.

“I’ll get it.” Their friend said as he rose from his chair, and for the phone. “Hello, Ash Ketchum speaking.” The human said as soon as he picked up the phone. A moment or two later he answered back. “I understand.” With that said he hung up the phone, and turned to them.

“Bad news.” Runt questioned in a simple-minded tone as he could see the sad expression on Ash’s face. His female friend on the other hand knew why he was so down in the dumps.

‘I thought that I would have more time with him.’ The singer thought in despair. Without saying a word the Trainer grabbed his pre-made backpack and headed for the door.

“We better get going.” The monster tamer said to the two, and after hearing that the both of them followed. Nothing was said in the elevator, or on the way to the main entrance where the others were waiting. Each of them shook hands, high five, or hugged him in line from furthest to closest to the entrance.

“Oh, before I forget. Take this with you Ash, and give it to the Principal. Tell him to make a copy for all the teachers there.” Minerva said after giving the warrior a long hug since she did not want it to end. Ash took the paper said one last good-bye and then left on the bus.

‘I hope they will be okay.’ Ketchum thought after taking his seat since this was a part of his journey that he hated: leaving a friend behind. Still with Plotz being of a higher authority the Pokemon Trainer had no other choice then to do as he says. He slept through most of the trip at least until he made it the destination.

“So, you made it, Ash. Good to see you Ash.” A tall gray rabbit said to the trainer as soon as he was out of the bus and facing a rather large building.

“Do, I know you?” Ash questioned in return since the only rabbit, or rabbit-like creature he knows of are the Nidorans. This man on the other hand was completely new to him.

“Can’t say that you do. Name’s Bug’s Bunny.” The adult said with an outstretched hand and a happy smile. Sensing no danger in this the human accepted the handshake. “Come on, I’ll show ya what your in for.” The principal said after they parted hands, and he gestured to the door.

“I would like that, but a friend of mine wanted me to give this note to the principal, and ask him to make a copy for each teacher here.” The out of towner explained as he pulled the note from his pocket, but before he knew it Bugs snatched it out of his hand.

“Kid, I’m the principal of Acme Looniversity.” The clever creature explained to him with a sly smile on his face. With a single whistle, which was made with his index finger and thumb in his mouth, a bird that seemed like a single head version of a Dodrio appeared before them. “Hey, RR, ol buddy - I need you to make me about fifty copies of these and toss them around to all the faculty.” The leader of the school said as he gave the bird the piece of paper.

“Meep Meep.” The bird said before speeding away. The two of them headed inside, and that’s when the rabbit began to sing:

“Our faculty is like no other the Looney Tunes of Warner Brothers. Will now proudly demonstrate tricks that will help you animate. There’s wild takes.” Bugs said as he showed him a pig who screamed with a sign on the end of his tongue.

‘Odd.’ The trainer thought before listening to him continue.

“Exploding cakes.” Bugs said as he gave him a dynamite cake to a man with a thick red mustache. Out of instinct the hero was about to transform until a boom came to his ears and the shape shifter saw that the man was okay. “Anvil dropping.” BB said as he showed a canine use a drink umbrella to stop a simple anvil.

‘I could have stopped that too.’ Ash thought with a sigh.

“Villain Whopping!” The principal said as he opened a door of the same name.

“Bad ol putty tat.” A yellow bird slamming a shovel on the head of a cat who shattered into a million pieces.

“Imitations are a must if your to win a bad guys trust.” The head of the school said as he leaned in close to the hero as he wore an old fashioned hunter’s hat.

‘Too bad that works better with Team Rocket to me then me to them.’ Ash thought as he heard that latest part. “Anything else, Mister Bunny.” The boy questioned as politely as possible.

“No, there’s classes ducks will find appealing like for instance - spotlight stealing.” Bugs said as he tied a fake bill to his mouth and then gestured to the broom closet.

“It’s mine! It’s mine! Whoo-Hoo what luck!” A black duck said as he came through the closet while holding some sort of spotlight in his hands.

“I think I know that guy - Daffy Duck?” Ash questioned which caused the creature in question to get in close and reply with:

“Even though your kind of little I’ll teach you how to spray your spittle.” The mallard said not knowing that the boy changed from human to Ripjaws.

“Thanks for the shower.” The Piscciss Volann said as he was gently sprayed with spit. The fish then found himself get dragged back to the front, and since there was no danger the Pallet Town protector changed back to human form.

“Thank you Mr. Bunny with all my heart.” Ketchum said to the tall rabbit.

“You’ll be okay if you use your smarts.” The wise man said while pointing to his own skull. “So now my song is almost through welcome kid to Acme Loo.” Bugs said before adding, “Come on. Let’s get you properly registered.” The two of them headed back inside, and all through the song Road Runner copied and handed the paper out just as agreed.

“What nonsense is this? An average Joe had earned the affection of Minerva? I think she’s gotten desperate because I thought she had higher standards than that.’ An independent female bunny thought after reading the note not knowing that he would have that affect on other people.

Copy Rights:
Ash Ketchum, and the others, are owned by Gamefreak/NIntendo and Cartoon Network.
Animaniacs, and others, are owned by WB.
Ultimatrix, and all forms, are owned by Man of Action and Cartoon Network.