AN: Hi everyone! I was thinking about writing this story for a while. I honestly have no idea how many chapters this will be. I have been writing this little by little even though I basically had the outline in my mind. I'm still writing it but I wanted to put this out so far.
First and foremost this is going to be a Pokeshipping fic, it is the main pairing. Other ships will be mentioned as you read on but I can't give anything away of course ;)
Before I get to anything else my Alphabet Challenge prt 2 is still being worked on, so be sure to check that out if you haven't already, lol shameless plug :D
A basic summary: Clemont is a Gym Leader and budding Inventor whose inventions sometimes go awry. But sometimes they do work and his catch phrase "The future is now thanks to science" becomes a reality that he and his friends soon learn some interesting facts about their future selves.
Rated T, not sure if it will be totally necessary (I will change it to how I see fit) but it's to be safe !
I hope you all enjoy! :)
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN POKEMON
The Future is now thanks to...What?
Chapter 1: In which Clemont starts inventing
The hot summer sun was setting over the high tree tops creating a mystical background as the dark sky was slowly filtering in covering the bright colors with the now darker tones. The once bright blue cloudless sky was now painted with majestic orange and red hues. It was very beautiful and breathtaking and cued the nocturnal Pokemon to slowly rise from their slumber.
"Ash would you mind going to get some firewood? It's going to get dark rather soon according to the sky so I'm going to to go ahead and start dinner now". Clemont Liscio asked the Kanto native because he knew the teens stomach was going to give him a burst of energy so he would hurry back. The teenage Pokemon Master in training was always hungry therefore his stomach always won.
Looking up from his green and slightly worn backpack he answered, "Yeah sure thing, come on let's go Pikachu!". As he motioned to his petite partner beside him.
"Pikapi pika pikachu!" The yellow starter shouted with glee as he jumped on his trainers shoulder like nothing, it was with practiced ease after all these years.
The youngest member of their small group, Bonnie Liscio ran from the table she was sitting at jumping with a lot of enthusiasm,"Can I go with you Ash!?". She asked with her arms raised in the air.
Laughing to himself at the younger girls' sudden burst of energy which mirrored himself on a good day, "Of course you can! Come on".
Serena Paschall was at their makeshift dinner table busy preparing the vegetables that the stew called for, like Clemont she was very handy when it came to cooking.
"Hey Clemont". She started motioning towards to orange vegetable "Did you want these carrots to be chopped as well? I know Bonnie hates them".
Looking up from the pot of non boiling water,"Oh yes go ahead and please chop those up. Just because my sister has such disdain for them doesn't mean we can't eat them". The budding scientist shook his head. "Besides, she's very good at picking around them anyway". The teenage performer giggled in response to his humor in his tone of voice when he said that.
/
Bonnie looked over at Ash and Pikachu chatting away and she looked down smiled at the two Pokemon she had with her, Dedenne and Squishy.
"Ash?". She called out suddenly.
Hearing the small somewhat hesitant voice he looked down at the little blonde walking beside him he gave a smile while he nodded for her to continue.
"Do you ever miss home? Like I know you make some phone calls whenever we are at Pokemon Center. But, I always wondered if you got home sick from being on the road so much".
Spotting a pile of wood that would be perfect for the fire he replied,"Well." He stopped to give Pikachu a little pat and continued. "Yeah sometimes I do like when I'm not thinking of my next battle or when I'm trying to sleep and I start to think of home. That's a big reason why I make those calls to check in and I send a few e-mails here and there to see what everyone else is up to".
Bonnie looked thoughtful of what Ash said as she grabbed a few chunks of wood, at least enough for her to carry and Ash grabbed a bigger pile.
"Why do you ask. Do you uh miss home, like your dad back in Lumious City?". Ash asked softly in a caring manner and wondered if she should be having this conversation with her older brother instead. Perhaps he would be of more better help. But before the teen could ask Bonnie and voice is question, she asked him another question.
"Do you ever think of the future?"
This here though threw him a for a loop. How did she go from asking about being homesick to the future? Which now thinking of it the younger girl totally avoided his question all together.
Blinking and rubbing the back of his neck with his free arm. "Yeah I do. I wonder how and when or if my dreams of becoming a Pokemon Master will happen". He gave her his trademark smile.
Then Bonnie continued, "Do you think about your future with that cute red head you call any chance you can get?".
Now Bonnie asked this in honestly the most innocent way as possible. Ash on the other hand, his face in the almost moonlight lit up like a Christmas tree and his cheeks turned the color of said girls hair within seconds.
Spluttering and stuttering out a response, "Wha-, ho-, uh well I uh you see..." He trailed off as Pikachu giggled away at his misfortune. The yellow starter knows how his trainer feels for the girl back in Cerulean City and it was amusing to the electric mouse because he only admitted his feelings to him and no one else. What Ash didn't know and what Misty didn't know was that they were both painfully obvious with how they felt about each other, they were too shy to admit it.
Bonnie's eyebrows were raised and watching Ash trying to talk and seeing his confidence plummet was amusing. "What was her name again? It was Misty right? You talk about her a lot and you seem to get pretty excited when you talk about those adventures more than any of your other ones".
Trying to fight a stubborn blush and calm his rapid heart beat making the already warm night, hotter. Much hotter because he was starting to sweat a bit now too. "Misty is my best friend aside from Pikachu. I have a lot of friends but they are mainly on the road and she's usually always at the Gym. Like my mom and the Professor, she's easy to get in contact with by phone". Ash said with ease, not knowing how he was able to. He smiled thinking it should satisfy the younger girl. It didn't.
/
As the minutes began to tick by the honey blonde was starting to feel a bit anxious. "What's taking them so long, don't you think Clemont they should have been back by now?" Serena asked with a furrowed brow.
Clemont smiled a bit sadly knowing that she was probably extra worried because it was Ash. "I'm not worried. Ash can handle most anything thrown at him and would never let anything happen to Bonnie". Giving her a reassuring smile. "Besides Bonnie has Squishy and Dedenne; they are fine I'm sure".
The blue eyed performer wasn't too sold, not that she doubted the duos abilities or anything. But, as not get Clemont worried she smiled and gave a sweet "You're right!" to try to ease her own mind more than anything as she looked beyond the trees.
/
"You seem to know her schedule and I seen you looking at something pink and theres another thing you keep in a pouch that I seen you looking at like a lot and you hide when someone other than Pikachu is near you". Bonnie practically said all of this in a rush of excitement.
Ash's jaw dropped in a comical manner and boy was he sweating now. Pikachu on the other hand was giggling harder than he was a few minutes ago, rolling around and his paws were holding it's stomach for good measure.
"I don't know her schedule... I uh... You know what it really is getting late". Ash put his free hand on his stomach. "Plus I'm starving, let's go!".
He walked off with a smirking Bonnie following directly behind him. Boy did she wish she had that girls number. She would certainly propose to her for Ash since he was obviously to chicken to do it. Besides she knows he skipped out on actually answering her questions not to mention he never really denied anything.
"Silly Ash". Bonnie giggled quietly to her two Pokemon in her yellow bag. She skipped a bit making sure to not drop any wood as she caught up to Ash.
Hearing soft footsteps and the crunch of dirt both Clemont and Serena looked up to see their overdue wood request finally made it to them.
Serena was about to say something to Ash but noticed that his cheeks were red and Bonnie had a faint smile on her face. Blinking, a bit confused but decided not to say anything. Huh it is weird though, maybe something happened?
"Ok guys put that wood over here so we can start cooking dinner already. I'm going to have to figure out how to make this thing work on electricity instead of old fashioned fire power". Clemont announced and that made Bonnie and Serena recoil. As Ash jumped up with excitement, "Go for it, but after dinner". A loud growl came from Ash stomach as he scratched the back of his neck and Pikachu sweat dropped. This made everyone laugh at the trainer.
/
Clemont rubbed his stomach. "Man I'm full". Ash and others agreed after eating the stew and fresh batch of macarons Serena put together for them.
Bonnie had her carrots pushed to one side of her bowl and Serena asked out of curiosity why she didn't like them. "They are so disgusting. Big brother knows I don't like them so I don't know why he even gave them to me". Clemont raised his eyebrows and was about to speak until Ash spoke, well or less mumbled to himself. It was something about Misty not liking carrots either. This caught the groups attention and between Bonnie and Serena, they perked up more than Clemont.
"What do you mean Misty doesn't like them? Are you talking about your friend from Kanto?" Serena asked trying hard not to roll her eyes and to mask the disappointment in her voice. She had nothing personal against the girl, she never met her. She did feel a tinge of jealousy because she was the one girl Ash seem to mention, a lot.
This however made Bonnie smile and Ash cut her off before she could try to continue the conversation from earlier in the woods. "Oh yeah she doesn't like them either". He got up from his seat and grabbed his toothbrush. "So it's not a big deal that Bonnie doesn't like them too much. I guess you can't like everything, right?"
With that Ash walked to the stream with Pikachu in tow and the Kalosian trio shared a quick glance and a shrug with each other. It was late and time for bed, they had a long day ahead of them tomorrow anyway so no one pressed any further.
/
"Thunderbolt Pikachu. Ok now dodge Greninja and use water suriken."
Clemont stirred awake and fumbled for his glasses and saw Ash mumbling commands in his sleep. He chuckled lightly at this so he wouldn't disturb the teen or his sleeping Pikachu. He laughed to himself. Geeze even in his sleep he's still training hard and thinking about battling.
Crawling out of their tent, unable to get back to sleep. "Hmm I could try working on making that 'wake all alarm clock' that I started tinkering with a few weeks ago and figure out how to make it work on electricity so we dont need to worry about batteries. I'm to awake now anyway." The young inventor spoke out loud and to no one in particular. He moved around quietly and away from the two pop up tents so he could get right to work.
Clemont had all his tools spread out in front and began fiddling with nuts and bolts and rearranging and coordinating wires. He work continuously throughout the night and by the time he was finished, the sun was starting to rise over the vast tree tops so the moon could could disappear and the sun could take its place until later that evening.
He wiped his brow and figured he could get breakfast started and what was better than to try out his invention than with the first meal of the day? I could set the alarm so everyone will wake up just in time to eat!
He went to turn on the contraption and nothing happened. Huh, what went wrong? I was sure that it would work.
"Clemont?"
"Huh? Oh good morning Serena"
Looking at the dejected boy she kneeled down to get him to look at her and concern and puzzlement spread onto her face. "What happened? You look like you haven't slept?"
Groaning slightly with a combination of tiredness and disappointment. "I was working on this new project all night. It was to make us be able to get this alarm clock to work with just electricity and no batteries or anything of that sort. I decided to work on it seeing as I couldn't sleep last night".
"Aw Clemont it's ok. Maybe you will try again once you figured it out? You might realize you missed a step or something". Serena smiled at him sweetly making the teen blush and he gave her a smile accepting her praise and kind words. It did the trick to change his mood to a more positive one.
The group packed up their campsite and we're currently on route to their next destination which would be Ash's final gym badge.
"I can't wait to get to the gym guys. I can feel it that badge us as good as-..." Ash was cut off and loud screams of his and his friends pierced the air.
"Ahhhhh!"
They looked around while groaning, having fallen at least ten feet in a hole that was certainly not their a minute a go. Before anyone could say anything or react.
"Ahahaha!"
"Prepare for troub-"
"Ugh! Not you guys again!" Bonnie shouted standing up and brushing off her outfit.
"It's not even lunch yet, don't you have something else better to do?"
"Pika!"
Ash and Pikachu chimed in feigning indifference and this annoyed Team Rocket even even more.
"Hey don't interrupt the motto!" James cried out with his enlarged Pokeball in his hand.
Jessie was stomping her feet," Enough of this. Hand over the Pikachu twerp!"
Ash burst out laughing and the rest of his friends were smirking due to the trios obliviousness.
"Has the boy finally gone mad? I think he's lost it". Meowth chimed in looking a little nervous. He felt a small tap on his shoulder. "Stop it Jimmy".
"I'm over here Meowth".
That made the talking cat turn around and he and his friends paled. Apparently Pikachu climbed it's way out of the hole and that would explain why the main twerp was laughing.
Not less than two seconds later Team Rocket dinged in the sky with a powerful thundershock that lit up the area. Needless to say that worked up an appetite.
/
Later on that night the four friends checked into the towns local Pokemon Center. Each person went their own separate way for much needed downtime.
"Come on buddy let's go make some phone calls". Ash and the freshly healed Pikachu walked to the video phone to make their rounds like did at least once a week whenever they spent the evening at the local Pokemon Center.
The teen responded to the various emails that accumulated over the past week. Paul Robelledo, his former rival turned friend was currently challenging the Unova League and let Ash know he won his final badge the other day. He would also occasionally give him a message from his older brother Reggie from time to time.
Brock Harrison, gave Ash an update on how much he enjoys working as a Pokemon Doctor in Pewter; his brother Forrest appreciates it too so he can ask him Gym Leading advice.
Cilan Griffith and Iris Ajagara emailed him together this time in a joint message. Apparently they ran into each other in Johto. May Maple told Ash that she needed another ribbon to able to compete in the Ribbon Cup in Hoenn. She was rechallenging it and was still traveling around with Drew Hayden. Ash laughed when Max Maple informed him he will be a trainer in a few months and that Ash 'better be ready'. Dawn Berlitz told Ash she was taking a break from Coordinating and is currently in the Orange Islands to train and get inspired. There was no new message from Gary Oak because he is still staying in Pallet for the next month or so.
"Sounds like everyone is doing really good buddy. It's still a little early so lets call the Professor".
"Ash my boy how are you and Pikachu this evening?"
"We're doing good Professor. Just one more badge and I can finally compete in the Kalos League!"
A hearty chuckle escaped the old professor. "Yes that's right. We will all be rooting for you at home Ash".
He was about to ask him something but was cut off by both Tracey Sketchit and Gary flanking the older man.
"Sup Ash!" Tracey exclaimed with a sketch pad in his hand having stepped back from his work to chat.
"How's it going bro?" Gary inquired, the two now really good friends after their rivalry ended years ago.
"Hey guys. I'm doing good. I have one more badge to go and then I'm off to compete. How are things with the both of you?"
Gary explained that not much has changed since last week, he's still helping out at the lab. Tracey went on to explain that they were preparing the regional starters to be given to the new batch of trainers in a month.
"No Pikachu's this time?" Ash asked jokingly. "No that was just reserved for you Ash". Professor Oak pipped up laughing.
"Oh hi honey! How are you sweetie are you still changing your you know what's?"
"MOM! Stop!" Ash's face turned beat red as now everyone laughed at Ash through the phone. The outburst gained the curious attention of Bonnie. She noticed he was on the phone and snuck over to him to see who he was talking to.
"Oh hi Pikachu!"
"Pika Pikachu". The yellow mouse waved happily at his trainers mother.
Meanwhile everyone in the lab was still laughing at Ash's embarrassment.
"Well honey I've got to get going. Mimey will surely be looking for me. Bye, I love you".
"I love you to mom, tell Mimey I said hi!".
With that Delia Ketchum walked away.
The doorbell could be heard in the background. "Oh yay foods here!". Tracey cheered in the back gathering a few dollar bills.
"Alright bro, talk to you next week? Hope to hear all about that gym battle. Be sure to give details".
Scratching the back of his neck,"Sure thing Gary, you bet. I'll have that last badge for sure. Well anyway go eat, talk you guys later, bye".
Bonnie was about to move from her hiding spot thinking that Ash was done on the phone and figured there was nothing left to hear until. "Alright buddy, Mist should be done by now. It's five thirty.
Bonnie perked up at this. Oh he has a cute little nickname for her too. She thought to herself as she had to put her hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle.
/
Clemont walked to a hardware store in the small town to look for possible parts to his latest invention. Maybe I might find something in here that I'm missing?
Chespin could be seen trying lift a heavy box and Bunnelby looking at his grass type friend with a sweat drop. The Pokemon shook his head and walked away, not wanting to be blamed for something it was going to eventually break.
Not two seconds later a loud crash could be heard followed by a running Chespin and his trainer trying to run after him. "Chespin!".
/
Sylveon, Pancham and Braixen were looking at some accessories and baking supplies with Serena. They were currently looking in a discount store that sold everything.
"What do you think? The green hat or the yellow one?". Serena asked her Pokemon to choose so she can put together a new outfit for their next performance and what better way to start than getting some new stuff.
Sylveon saw a bright purple hat with a green flower pendant and directed Her trainers attention to it. "Oh you like this hat instead? It is really pretty, how about you Braixen and Pancham. Do you like this one better?". The Pokemon cheered that they found the fairy types choice much more appealing than the other two choices.
/
His right hand dialed the ten digit number in an automatic fashion. His left leg bounced up and down as the phone rang once, twice and finally a connection was made.
A flash of blonde was seen and the young woman didn't even look at the screen as she spoke but had an upbeat tone nonetheless. "Good evening this is the Cerulean City gym, this is like Daisy speaking. How can I help you?"
"Hey Daisy. Can I talk to Misty?"
Her head snapped up and she smiled, she didn't realize it's been at least a week since he last called. "Oh like hi Ash, hi Pikachu! Misty is just finishing up with a trainer. She like totally beat him!" Daisy Waterflower was very animated as she spoke with her heavy valley girl accent that Ash thanked Arceus Misty didn't have.
A huge smile graced his tanned face and this didn't go unnoticed by his little spy behind him. Daisy on the other hand was too busy calling her sister.
"Misty! Like your boyfriend is on the phone!" Daisy gave Ash a wink and he turned beat red with embarrassment.
"Daisy! He's not my boyfriend". Misty said this as she rolled her eyes at her oldest sister. The two became really close throughout the years,their other two sister Violet and Lily were away a lot so they shared secrets and spent a lot of time together. Daisy and Ash's mom were the only two who knew her feelings for the trainer on the phone.
"Oh and how do you know who I'm talking about?" Daisy said playfully.
Misty looked at Ash whose eyebrows were raised and she realized he could hear her and Misty's face was now the color of her hair. "Um well I uh, don't have an answer for that actually". She said stuttering now feeling awkward. She tried to redeem herself as she took a seat by the phone and said "I'll get you back for that Daisy!"
The blonde left the room giggling.
Ash had a habit of staring at Misty which he did every time he called her, which was at least once a week. Her red hair was down and it had a slight wave to it as it hit her mid back. She was wearing a white and blue track jacket over her gym attire which was a bathing suit. This time it was a black and red bikini and Ash found himself wishing she wasn't wearing a jacket.
He scratched his cheek,"So your sister said you gave that kid a what for just now". You could detect the elation in his voice. He was proud of her, she made an excellent gym leader and was number one in Kanto.
The teens eyes lit up as she answered. "Yeah he was trying for his final badge to challenge the Indigo League in a couple of months and well, he lost. He asked for a rematch tomorrow. So anyway-"
A small buzzing sound by her elbow that was resting in the table cut her off from speaking. Misty looked at the phones screen and read the brief message that appeared on the locked screen. Ash recognized that glint in her aquamarine eyes anywhere.
"Daisy your boyfriend just texted you!"
"He's not my boyfriend Misty. Like how many times do I have to say it!".
"How do you know who I'm talking about?" The tone in the red head voice made Ash laugh a little at Daisy's embarrassment. Yup that's karma for you.
"Whatever baby sister. Like give me my phone so I can atleast answer Tracey back. Oh and what do you want for dinner?"
"Split a large cheese pizza and fries?"
"Fine with me, like I'm going to go ahead and like call it in".
Daisy walked away and Misty sheepishly apologized to Ash for the interruptions and he waved it off. The two spoke about what they were up to since they last spoke until Misty's dinner was finally delivered and both reluctantly got off the phone.
A smiling Bonnie was quick to scurry away before Ash could notice she was there all along. The youngest member of the group thought it was cute that the red haired girl on the phone seemed to blush about certain things like Ash did.
/
Luxury was standing by Clemont patiently watching him fiddle with a screwdriver and wrench. The big Pokemon was asked earlier if he would lend the gym leader its power by producing enough electricity to get the gears working on his invention.
"Aright. Do you think you can do a small spark to see if we can atleast get it to start making a 'tick-tock' sound".
The black and blue electric type was more than happy to help. It was rather late in the evening and everyone else was sound asleep, much like the previous night.
"When we're done, it's off to bed. I'm admittedly still extremely exhausted since last night while trying to get this going. I followed Serena's helpful advice and I'm positive that it will work now". Clemont smiled as he adjust his glasses over his half lidded eyes.
Luxray obliged and gave the intricate looking alarm clock a small jolt and... It worked!
"A success!". Clemont said while he adjusted his glasses. "Come one, lets get some rest. I'll set the clock in the room and have the alarm set for seven in the morning".
It was already an hour past midnight in Kalos according to the analog clock mounted on the wall as he finally crawled into bed. The young inventor was smiling when he finally shut his tired eyes as he couldn't wait to tell the group the clock works.
TO BE CONTINUED...
A/N: So here's chapter one, it was going to be longer but I wanted to end it here. I don't have a set update schedule but I can assure you this will be completed a long with the 2nd Alphabet Challenge that I have posted.
Thanks for reading!