Falcon: A/N Some of the bits and pieces of this story belong to Shadow/phantomess, who was nice enough to let me borrow some abilities and a few other things. So, many thanks to Shadow, and I hope everyone likes my fic. Also, thanks to T-chan, who is letting me put this on her site, and to Skysong, who put up with my writers blocks and listened to this story all the way through to help me out! Thanks, all of you, and enjoy!
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Disclaimer: Neither DBZ nor Pokemon belong to SS2 Megami-sama. Toriyama Akira-sensei, the genius that he is owns DBZ and Nintendo and a whole bunch of other people owns Pokemon. No, no suing little yaoi hentai fangirls. All new attacks belong to SS2 Megami-sama as do some new pokemon. Steal them and I will make your life miserable.
Pairings: None.
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Chapter One, Partners
Quiet, one moody, dark-haired child sat on his bed. The boy was completely silent and oblivious to the tears that dripped down his cheeks. The demi-saiyan just wanted to die, to get away from everyone. No one said outright that Goku's death had been Gohan's fault, but he knew that they believed it, just as he did. He could tell just by the pain in their eyes every time they looked at him. Why shouldn't they? Krillin had lost a best friend, Vegeta a sparring partner and rival, and his baby brother that was on the way, a father. He just wanted to die.....
Suddenly, a small voice whispered in his ear. -Do you really want to leave?- it said. Gohan nodded. -You can, you know. You have the ultimate power to do anything. But there is no need for you to die, a person like you is needed in many other places. Are you sure you want to go?- It inquired.
Gohan nodded again.
"Yes," he said in finality.
-Very well, warrior. You will have made a good decision. Prepare yourself.-
Not knowing what was happening, Gohan braced himself for some form of impact; and it was a good thing he did, as a swift rush nearly knocked him straight over. Then, in a second, it quiet. The presence in his head was gone and he found himself standing in a forest. Wide eyed, he scanned the area, when a rustling from behind him caused him to whirl. A small creature burst out of the brush. It was bright yellow, with two brown stripes on it's back, red cheeks, and long ears with black tips. It was bleeding from a long slash on it's back and Gohan was instantly concerned. Getting a feeling he was going to regret this, Gohan bent down and scooped it up.
He was shocked when it shocked him, (Bad pun, Gomen nasai!) The creature struggled but the saiyan didn't let it go for fear of it hurting itself worse. Suddenly, a voice called out,
"Pikachu?! Where are you Pikachu? I need to treat that wound of yours!" The sounded male and middle age but very kind. The creature that was obviously Pikachu growled and shocked Gohan again but seeing as how the boy was already resistant to electricity it didn't do as much damage as it should have.
"Calm down, whatever the hell you are!" Gohan snapped and the man, who was apparently calling for Pikachu came into view. A look of relief crossed over his features and he grabbed Pikachu gently out of Gohan's clutches. Gohan noticed vaguely that he was wearing rubber gloves.
"Thanks for finding Pikachu." The man said and Gohan nodded. "Don't know how you did it though, the little booger doesn't like anyone. I'm Professor Oak by the way. You are?" Gohan lowered his eyes to the ground submissively.
"Son Gohan, but I don't want to be called that."
"Where's your family? Where are you from?" Shrug.
"I don't have any family." Gohan said and touched a hand covered by a black and silver gauntlet (think a mix between Ash's finger less gloves and Kai's arm bands.) to Pikachu's head. Surprisingly, it very nearly purred. Oak raised an eyebrow when Gohan said quietly, "That slash on her back needs to be treated."
"How did you know Pikachu was a female?" Gohan shrugged again. Professor Oak smiled. "I know! How would you like to be my assistant? If Pikachu likes you I know you must be something special." Gohan's jaw dropped.
"I couldn't possibly-" The little one protested, and was promptly ignored.
"Nonsense my boy! You'll be fine. Come with me then." It all happened so fast but Gohan found himself following this strange man back to his lab. "How old are you child?"
"I just turned nine," Gohan replied.
"Ah, my grandson's that age. Shows great talent as a pokemon trainer. Do you want to be a trainer?" Gohan was clueless.
"I, um, don't know sir." Oak smiled again. "Well, you wouldn't be able to get your license until you're ten anyway. But anyway, if you don't like your name, what should I call you?" Gohan shrugged once again. "How about Ashura, it's not that bad and it fits." Gohan nodded and smiled.
"That's fine, Oak-sama." Professor Oak did nothing but raise an eyebrow at the respect in the honorific. Suddenly, Pikachu leapt out of Oak's arms and onto Gohan's head. Gohan scratched her ears and she pika'd at him. "So she's called a Pikachu?" The demi-saiyan asked.
Oak nodded. "Hai, she is. And since she actually likes you, why don't you take her as a partner? You won't legally be allowed to be her trainer until your next birthday but that's no reason why she shouldn't be a companion." Gohan grinned a genuine grin, something he hadn't done since the Cell Games, and it was for once his own, not something he picked up from his Otou-san but his own.
"Arigatou!" Oak walked over to a shelf and took out a large thick book, handing it to the saiyan, who opened it in curiosity. "Alright child, read this. Get back to me when you finish."
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6 months later........
"Ashura, would you please bring back my book on Ponyta that you stole from me?" Oak hollered loudly out from his lab to the barn, where he knew his assistant was. He had to yell loud, after all, his little apprentice was most likely doing something out in the so-called backyard, which could be anywhere within a three mile radius. A shout echoed back,
"I need it Oak-sama, that level thirty Ponyta that was just sent here has a hoof problem, I think she's got an abscess!" Now concerned, Oak went out to the barn to see Ash kneeling next to the rank Ponyta, examining it's right front hoof. Leaning closer, Oak could see that Ash was right, the hoof was too hot to the touch and the Ponyta was favoring the leg, holding it so that it just barely touched the dirt. Ash was holding the hoof in his left hand while skimming the book he held in his right.
"It says to wrap the hoof in bandages after soaking it in salts, and then get it drained by a vet to let the infection out. Oak-sama, should I get started?" Ash asked, and Oak could see the freshly mixed paste and pile of bandages on a black tackbox. He wasn't surprised in the least that Ash could handle a still mostly wild Ponyta, he seemed to have an affinity for pokemon in general, and could always be counted on to tell if they were hurting or scared and even what they said. The boy was a very quick learner and soon forged a friendly but competitive rivalry with Shigeru, who also helped out, though not full time.
Oak nodded and Ash grinned, beginning to wrap the hoof, and though it must have been painful the Ponyta didn't bite or lash out at the saiyan but simply stood quietly and rested her head on Ash's back. Pikachu leapt down from the rafters and sat on the box to watch her partner work. It was one of Oak's more brilliant ideas to give Pikachu to Ash, he was the only one who could calm her down without using brute force, and that idea never worked well.
Ash finished wrapping the leg and stood, asking softly, "Did I do alright, Oak-sama?" Oak bent down and checked the bandages, then he smiled.
"Perfect, not too tight that they'll cut off circulation but they're nice and snug. A good, even wrap. Nice job." Ash positively beamed at the praise and modestly began scratching Pikachu's ears, her favorite spot.
Suddenly, a voice called out, "Oi, 'Shura! I figured I would find you here." Ash turned around to see Shigeru standing in the barn door.
"Hi Shi-kun, what's up?" He asked. Shigeru smirked.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten your birthday's tomorrow!" Ash blushed, he had forgotten.
"Why?" The ebony eyed boy asked in a rather suspicious fashion. Shigeru was already ten but had waited to leave until Ash did so that they could have a battle. At least, a legal battle since the two had fought before, but no one needed to know that.
"Well Ashy boy, check this out!" Grinning, Shigeru held up two pokeballs. Ash gaped. Shigeru had obviously gotten the reaction that he wanted as his grin widened. "Ji-san gave me two starters so that you could get one besides your Pikachu! Cool eh?" Ash nodded. He was kind of sad that he was going to be leaving but this trainer gig sounded fun. A lot of work, but that was nothing new. Smiling, the demi-saiyan handed the book back to Oak while hooking the leadrope onto Ponyta's halter and at the same time putting her back in her stall. He couldn't wait to start his journey, but most of all he just wanted to beat the pants off of Shigeru who did nothing but brag.
All of a sudden, Ash remembered he needed to exercise a rapidash in one of the other barns and zoomed out faster than the two could see, Pikachu holding onto his hair for dear life. When the dust cleared, the boy was nowhere to be seen. Shigeru turned to his grandfather and said,
"Gramps, I saw you set a pokeball aside for Ash. So, what is it?" Oak smiled and shook his head.
"I set aside Stormeon for him." Shigeru gasped.
"Stormeon?!!! But that thing has trashed even Lance the Dragon Master! What on Earth makes you think that Ash can handle her?!" Oak's smile turned into that harmless but really creepy enigmatic smile of his and replied simply, "I have a feeling...." Gary stared at his grandfather as if the old buzzard had gone mad, and to Gary's eyes he had; But said nothing. There was no arguing with crazy old guys.
The next morning Ash was up at 4:00, before anyone else, partly because he couldn't sleep and partly because he wanted to check on that Ponyta he had been treating the day before. She had been kind of mopey and he was worried. It was probably just a bit of mild depression at being caught and that was normal but he couldn't help being concerned. As he passed the lab, a sparkle caught the demi-saiyan's eye and he turned to check it out. Using his Ki to float without making any noise Ash landed.
The curious sparkle had been a pokeball. It was ice blue with a golden ring and Ash wondered what was inside so naturally, quite like a curious little saiyan he opened it. With the usual flash Ash stared as he caught sight of the pokemon that came out. It was ice blue like the ball with golden paws. It's long Umbreon like tail had a long fringe of fur, as did the backs of it's legs. It's face was rather catlike and Ash noticed that the harmless looking paws had retractable claws. It's eyes were a deep blue. Ash thought it must have been the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.
"Stormy?" It asked plaintively, blinking pretty ice blue eyes at him.
"What are you?" Ash asked, and the fur at the nape of the pokemon's neck rose straight up.
"Stormeon!!" Despite it's obvious anger Ash knelt down and patted it's head, kind of surprised that it didn't outright bite him. On the contrary, the second Ash touched her she purred and rubbed against his hand.
"So you're called Stormeon huh? I've never heard of anything like you." Stormeon looked rather offended at this but sat down obediently at Ash's feet. "You're pretty cool though. Kuso, I gotta go! Gomen nasai Stormeon, but I need to go check on Ponyta!" Stormeon appeared sort of sad and Ash patted her head. "Don't worry, I'll be back, I promise." Stormeon shook her head in what the saiyan hoped was a nod, before Ash recalled her into her ball and placing it back where it had been and zooming out to the barn. And promptly felt like a complete moron.
Upon finding nothing wrong, he sweatdropped when he realized that all he had done was wake up the sleeping pokemon. As if on cue, he apologized to them, but didn't leave the barn. He had the strangest feeling that the pokemon were going to need him for..... something.
Ash never knew how he could tell that something was going to happen but when he got a hunch it was usually right. For about an hour he merely stood in the corner of Ponyta's stall, watching her. She seemed unusually tense. Sighing Ash leaned up against the wall then slid down the side into a pile of hay.
All of a sudden, Ash heard soft voices enter the barn. They were unfamiliar and due to his saiyan senses Ash could tell that they were up to no good. The boy stayed hidden but pressed his ear to the wall to listen to the conversation that was taking place.
"Tons of rare pokemon, Butch!"
"Yeah Cassidy, I'm surprised it was so easy! I expected the famous Professor Oak to put up better security" Ash suppressed a growl from deep in his throat and froze when the male voice, obviously Butch said, "Hey, look at this! A Ponyta! It looks awake too, let's grab it before it sounds the alarm!" Ponyta heard this and began backing up until her rump bumped against the back; frantic, she shot a Ash a 'Save Me!' expression. The saiyan nodded and pressed a finger to his lips in hushing gesture. Soundlessly he positioned himself to the side of Ponyta so that he couldn't be seen. The second they came into the stall he was going to jump them.
What he was going to do then he didn't quite have planned out yet. Ash didn't want to hurt anyone but he had kept up his training for a reason, and that was to protect others and that was what he was going to do. The woman, Cassidy, had already agreed and both slid open the door. Four steps away, three steps..... Ash tensed his muscles, ready to attack. Two steps more...... one step.... Now!! With a yell, Ash leapt out from his hiding spot and jumped the two criminals, who were so surprised that they dropped their flashlight. At the fight that was going on, Ponyta instantly freaked. Rearing up, she lashed out and accidentally nailed Ash in the ribs. The boy winced. Ponyta were definitely tougher than horses.....
Ponyta's frantic calls immediately woke up every other pokemon in the barn and they began slamming against the doors that held them, getting more freaked when they couldn't escape. There were sounds of a scuffle but since Ponyta's flames only lit up the stall and the fight was taking part in the aisle no one could tell what was going on. With a few loud crashes it soon became silent.
Then, a slender hand grabbed the fallen flashlight and all the pokemon tensed, that is, until they realized who held it. Ash was standing in the aisle, one hand holding his side where he had been kicked by a hoof harder than diamonds. Butch and Cassidy were tied upside down to the rafter, dangling. They were unconscious and all could see the rough treatment Ash had given them.
Suddenly, Ash sensed a presence behind him. He whirled around and nearly had a heart attack when he faced Oak and Shigeru in their P.Js, looking shocked. Oak was the first to speak.
"Ashura? What's gone on here?!" Ash growled, something Oak had never heard him do and he went around, calming each pokemon one by one. Finally he said,
"You'd better call Officer Jenny Oak-sama. Stinking thieves." There were almost tangible ice shards in his voice and not even Shigeru had the raw nerve to ask him why he had been out in the barn in the first place. In minutes Officer Jenny had come and taken away Butch and Cassidy, who were still unconscious.
Later, Oak and Shigeru had gone back to bed, but Ash was sitting in the lab, reading a book on T.M.s when he suddenly remembered his promise to Stormeon. Quickly, he let her out and instantly she stared in concern at the nicely shaped hoof print that he had hidden from the others. Ash grinned sheepishly.
"I'm okay Stormy-chan, it's just a scratch!" Stormeon didn't believe him for one bit and she stared up at him with a, 'Why Don't I Believe You For One Second?' stare on her face. "I promise, I'll be just fine in the morning, don't worry about it. I've been hit with harder things in my day, namely frying pans." Smiling, Ash petted Pikachu who had also been concerned and was curled up on his stomach. Stormeon was still skeptical but nonetheless sprawled out on Ash's chest, soon causing the both of them to fall asleep.
Ash awoke the next morning to find two pairs of shocked eyes staring at him. Blushing slightly, the demi-saiyan stretched out and patted the sleeping Stormeon, who promptly woke up. Instantly, her fur bristled and she growled angrily at the people who were not her master -at least in her eyes- and the said ten year old scratched her ears, calming her down. Stormeon let out what must have been a snort but quit growling.
Oak suddenly beamed, drawing both boys' attentions to him as he said, "Well Ash, this is unexpected! I didn't figure that you would meet your starter before today!" Ash and Stormeon stared at each other.
"Stormy..... Stormeon's mine?!" He asked, flabbergasted. Oak nodded.
"Hai, she is. I have to say, I'm a bit surprised that you can handle her." Ash blinked, he had no idea that Stormeon was uncontrollable. Pikachu leapt up onto his shoulder.
Gohan, aren't we going to have our battle with Shigeru? Only the pokemon were ever permitted to call him Gohan, and Ash nodded. "Shigeru!" He said, pointing a finger at his rival, "I challenge you to a pokemon battle!"
Shigeru raised an eyebrow.
"Don't you think you ought to get dressed first 'Shura?" Ash blushed a deep red as he realized that he was wearing the same thing he had on that night before, green gi pants and a long green shirt that had a large frog on the front saying 'Ribit!'. Overall, not a very intimidating outfit. Ash nodded, thoroughly embarrassed while Pikachu and Stormeon giggled and snickered at him.
"Um, yeah, that might help."
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Within the next five minutes Ash was back, this time in blue jeans and a tight, light and dark blue shirt that was sleeveless and had a mandarin collar. He also had on ankle high black boots and a blue headband was wrapped around his head. The symbol for honor was on his back. "Okay, now I'm ready!" Shigeru nodded But before either could send out a pokemon Oak stepped between them. Both boys groaned loudly and Oak smiled while handing them each a brand new state of the art pokedex. Then he pointed to the doorway.
"Take it outside!"
Once outside, Ash gestured Stormeon forward. "Feel up for a battle?" He asked. Stormeon nodded.
You bet I am, partner! With that, the ice blue pokemon leapt forward and Shigeru threw a pokeball.
"Go for it, Eevee!" The cute and furry pokemon burst out of it's ball and growled at his competition. Stormeon frowned slightly.
Hair waving in the wind, Ash pointed and yelled, "Stormeon, Hurricane Gale!" Stormeon nodded and prepared her attack while Shigeru ordered,
"Eevee, Light Screen!" The golden wall instantly appeared in front of Eevee and Stormeon loosed her attack. Eevee was strong, very strong, but even then the wall crumpled and shattered like a toothpick in a tornado. It was a direct hit. Immediately, Eevee collapsed in a heap and Shigeru returned her, tossing another pokeball.
Ash returned Stormeon to her ball and Pikachu hopped off his shoulder, sparking at the cheeks. Gary grinned as his pokeball opened and a Rhydon appeared. He was going to win! He thought. Electricity was completely ineffective against ground types and Ash knew it. He was about to bring Pikachu back when she turned around and yelled at him, Don't you dare take me out of this battle Gohan! Rhydon's taunting both of us and you know it, I won't stand for anyone dishonoring me or my trainer!! Ash nodded. Pikachu was right, even if they couldn't win he knew Pikachu could definitely deal out some major damage.
"Alright Pikachu! Use agility!" Pikachu nodded and Rhydon briefly got swirly eyes from attempting to keep up with the yellow blur. Ash grinned. Speed may have been the only advantage Pikachu had over Rhydon but it was the one thing Rhydon lacked and Kami help him if he wasn't going to make the most of it.
"Pikachu! Use Confuse Ray!" (Yes I know Pikachu can't learn confuse ray but this is my story and I'm gonna do what I want. Arigatou!) The violet beam shot out and shimmered around Rhydon, who soon began lumbering around confused. Shigeru merely gaped. Ash's mouse was actually turning the tables on him even when they hadn't had a hint of a chance to win!!
"Rhydon, snap out of it!" Rhydon paid no heed to his trainer's command and did a horn attack. On itself. Don't ask me how, it just did.
Ash said quickly to Pikachu, "Pikachu, Jump over the pond so Rhydon can see you!" Pikachu stared at him as if he were insane then she latched onto the idea. Moving slow enough that Rhydon could follow her movements Pikachu hopped over the pond. Rhydon however didn't have the mobility to make the jump and fell in. Ash and Pikachu smirked as one.
"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!!"
Shigeru was horrified as Rhydon was fried to a crispy crisp, Cajun style and numbly he recalled his battered pokemon. Ash scooped up Pikachu in his arms and hugged her, bouncing on the balls of his feet in excitement.
"We did it Pikachu!" Pikachu nodded happily and waved her paws in the air in celebration. From the side, Oak was clapping and both Ash and Shigeru blushed, both for different reasons when they saw most of Pallet Town standing at the fence. Placing Pikachu on his shoulder Ash ran back inside and grabbed his subspace bag and capsule case that he had never used. Oak smiled when he saw how eager Ash was to get going. By then Shigeru had used the rejuvenator to heal his pokemon and now had his bag, standing next to Ash. Oak handed each of them six pokeballs and the boys took them, grinning.
"Now, both of you be careful and try your best." Ash and Shigeru nodded before turning to each other.
"Well, see you when I do." Ash said, slightly choked up.
Shigeru grinned. "Next time I see you, we're gonna battle and I'm gonna win!" Ash scathingly waved his hand in his rival's face.
"We'll see about that." The two shook hands, each acknowledging the other as a worthy rival and signifying that there were no hard feelings. As they let go, both walked the way together to the end of Pallet, then parted ways, waving to the people cheering for them. It went unnoticed, even by himself, that when he left, tears dripped down the saiyan's cheeks.
-End Chapter-
Falcon: For some odd, inane reason, I like Shigeru. But I don't love him.
Shigeru: You don't love me?! outraged
Falcon: (huggles Ash)
Raven: That's the breaks, honey.
Ash: Yay! I'm the favorite!
Falcon: Yeah, I know it's short, but it's only the first chapter, cut me a little slack!
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