A Ketchum's Journey Vol. 4

A Masked Warning!

"We visited the Aether Foundation after receiving an invitation from my mother. Everyone came along, so it was much fun!" Lillie wrote in her journal. "I was surprised when a runaway Ditto disguised itself to look exactly like Snowy. I'm so glad we found it. But, even though we had a great time, I know I have to stop my mother from treating me like a child, no matter what! That's how she's been making me feel lately, and I don't like it."

Outside of Kukui's house, Ash and Hayley had two washtubs in front of them to wash their Pokémon. "Pika, Pika." said Pikachu as Ash scrubs him.

"Feeling good there, Pikachu?" asked Ash.

"Lucar, Lucario." said Meeko as Hayley washes her as she had already bathed Harmony.

"Feels great, huh, Meeko?" asked Hayley.

"Cha! Pikachu!" squealed Pikachu as Meeko nodded.

"Lycanroc." said Lycanroc, a little jealous that Pikachu and Meeko were getting baths.

"Lycan." said Emma, feeling skeptical about having a bath.

"Pika! Pika!"

"Cario! Cario!"

"It looks like it feels great!" said Rotom.

"Rub-a-dub-dub..... Rub-a-dub-dub!" said Ash, tickling a soapy Pikachu.

"I'm gonna get you." said Hayley as Meeko flicked some soap water at her. Nebby looked down at both siblings, confused as a small group bubbles floated up and surprised it. "Do you like that? Its poofy just like you are!" said Ash.

"The bubbles won't hurt you." Hayley said gently.

"Cario." said Meeko, smiling.

"Pika, Pika." Pikachu urged Nebby as he held the sponge in his hands. Excited, Nebby then starts to gather all the bubbles around it. "There. All done, buddy. You too, Meeko." said Ash, taking Pikachu out and then places Meeko on a towel. Pikachu and Meeko shake off the water, getting it on Ash and Hayley. "Hey! Man, that's cold." said Ash.

"Not fair, you two." said Hayley as she held out a small towel to help Meeko.

"Lucario!" giggled Meeko as Nebby shakes the bubbles off its body.

"Guess who's next!" said Ash and Hayley, looking at Emma and Litten.

"Lycan..." said Emma, unsure as she looks at the tub.

"Litt." said Litten, running off.

"Litten, wait!" Ash said.

"Pika?" asked Pikachu.

"Lucario?" asked Meeko. Suddenly, Lycanroc appeared next to Ash, rubbing its head against him. "Okay, sure. You can be up next. How does that sound?" Ash asked Lycanroc.

"Roc. Mmm." Lycanroc said, pleased that it was getting a bath.

"I'll be gentle with your fur." said Hayley, grabbing the water hose.

"Roc." said Emma, hesitantly stepping into the basin and feeling the cool water hit her fur. "Lycan!" Ash starts washing Lycanroc up as Hayley washes Emma's arm.

"Okay....how much sand have you been rolling in?" Hayley asked Emma, who then gives her a sheepish look on his face. "Don't tell me....you've been rolling in it every day."

"Roc, roc." said Lycanroc blissfully as Ash kept a steady rhythm with its fur.

"You'll be so clean you'll look even cooler than cool!" said Ash.

"Roc." said Lycanroc as it nuzzled under Ash.

"Come on, Lycanroc, stop it!" said Ash. "You're getting me all wet!"