Hey hey everybody! I got this written much faster than I anticipated, but I was just so excited to start on it :)
Part 2 of "The End of the Journey" has officially begun, and I hope everyone enjoys it.
It picks up 7 months after Ash and Misty left the Sea Foam Islands. Ash still has a thousand questions about what is going to happen, and he may not like some of the answers.
The sun was setting over Pallet Town, deep dark shades of red, orange, and purple filled the sky. The air was cold from the coming winter, the leaves gone from the trees. Ash walked down a narrow road alone, his hands in the pockets of his jean jacket to keep the cold off them. He sniffed as the wind burst past him, ruffling his hair back as he walked. His ears stung from the cold air, but his jacket didn't have a hood, so he ignored it. His mind was wandering on it's own, going over no particular thought. His current thought was pondering over the events of 7 months ago. There had never been a sign of Giovanni after that ship sank, and rumors were circulating that Team Rocket had disbanded. Ash doubted this, even if Giovanni was gone, someone somewhere would take his place.
This made him think of Mewtwo and the baby Mew. What had happened to them? Last time Ash had seen Gary, he asked how the search had been going. Gary had been distant on the subject, and Ash didn't push it. He knew his friend was exhausted, and Ash had no way to help, so he didn't have any right to an answer. Then he thought of the Dominion...so far everything seemed normal, but Ash's instincts were acting up, telling him something was off. He didn't like this waiting around, he almost wished something would happen already so it could get over with. Ash shook his head. No, that would end badly. Better to keep preparing for it...whatever they were preparing for. Ash stopped walking, arriving at his destination. A tombstone, with the markings "Tracy Sketchit - Lived a Good Soul, Died a Hero". Ash bent down slowly on his knees, keeping his hands in his pockets.
"Hey buddy" Ash said, "I know, I know...I've been out here a lot lately huh? I just don't like staying cooped up in that house you know? I can't say things are getting better, but I can say they're not getting worse. That has to mean something right? Hell...nothing's been the same since..."
Ash trailed off, letting his thought train fade away.
"I guess that doesn't matter anymore" Ash said after a moment of silence, "I'm just going to sit here for a while, cool with you? Thought so".
Ash hung his head and sighed, his breath billowing out of his mouth into the air. The sun had set, and the temperature was dropping lower when Ash decided it was time to head back home. He slowly stood up.
"Miss you buddy" Ash said, "I'll be back soon, but I guess you knew that already".
Ash smiled to himself, and slowly turned his back to the grave. He walked through the tombstones in the cemetery, feeling the night air radiate off the stones. Ash walked slowly, not in any hurry to make it back to his house. A few months back his mother had finally found him a house to himself. He had been thrilled at the time, but now, it was like a silent place for his thoughts to murder him. He didn't like being alone in there. Sure he had Pikachu with him, but his Pokemon didn't say much. Picking up on Ash's worries, Pikachu had been pretty silent during the last couple months, letting Ash work through his thoughts. Ash didn't just feel alone in the house though, everywhere in Pallet he went he felt that way. All his friends were scattered everywhere, doing what they do, and he didn't want to phone any of them and be bothersome. He didn't want to talk about his concerns with his mother either, quite a few of them were extremely personal.
Professor Oak was wrapped up in research on the Dominion, so that was a no go as well. About the only place Ash could go to not feel alone was Tracy's grave, but Ash knew he couldn't sit in front of a grave all day. He sighed, watching his breath blow away in the wind. He knew his friends would go out of their way to talk with him, but he didn't figure any of them would fully understand his situations anyway. On his belt, his PokeGear buzzed against his leg. Ash unclipped it and checked it. It was a message, an answer to a question he had asked earlier that day. He smiled reading it, and his loneliness let up some. Maybe this would help cheer him up. Ash had started to reply when headlights shone bright on him. He looked up, squinting his eyes at the oncoming vehicle. It was a truck, pulling up next to him. It squeaked to a stop, and the window rolled down.
"There you are" Brock said, "where the hell have you been"?
"Brock" Ash said perplexed, "what are you doing here"?
"Giving you a ride" Brock answered, "get in, you're crazy walking in this cold at night".
Ash coughed, his breath blowing in the wind once again. He stepped around the truck, and climbed in. The heater felt amazing! Ash hadn't been aware just how cold he had been.
"So what were you doing" Brock asked as he drove forward.
"Visiting Tracy's grave" Ash said, "are you going to tell me why you're here"?
"Just came to visit for a few days. I got here this afternoon" Brock answered, "your mother had no idea where you were, nor did Professor Oak. I've been trying to find you for hours".
"Sorry" Ash said, "just needed some alone time".
Ash looked at the fog building on his window.
"According to your mother, you're always needing alone time lately" Brock stated.
"Yea...".
"Something wrong" Brock asked.
"Just kind of everything" Ash said vaguely.
"You know I'll just keep driving until you tell me right"?
Ash sighed again, "I've been wondering about Team Rocket, the Dominion, Misty, Pikachu, Mewtwo, You, Gary...everything. I wan't to do something! I can't take this waiting around, even though that's what I'm supposed to do right now".
"I see" Brock said.
Brock looked down at Ash's PokeGear in his hand, the message still pulled up.
"Are you going to reply to that" Brock asked.
"What? Oh, yea"!
Ash lifted the PokeGear up and typed his message. He re-read through it a few times and then sent it. Ash couldn't help but form a little smile as it went.
"Whatever that is, it made you smile" Brock noticed, "anything important"?
"Depends" Ash said, "I've got a date tomorrow night".
"Oh?! She's going to come down and see you"?
"Yep! I'm actually a little nervous".
"How long has it been"?
"A little while now".
"When will she get here"?
"Tomorrow around dinner" Ash said, "we'll go out and eat somewhere. So don't worry about making dinner tomorrow if you're really staying a few nights".
"If you insist" Brock said.
Brock's truck rumbled up Ash's driveway. Ash's house wasn't anything fancy, but it was nice. Painted white, with a small wooden fence. It was a two story, but most the houses in Pallet were two story anyway. Brock shut his truck off, and Ash opened his door. The cold air swept into the cab, crushing the heat away. Ash and Brock walked up to the front door, the gravel crunching beneath their feet. Ash unzipped his jean jacket as they stepped inside.
"Pikachu"!
Pikachu hopped up on the back of the couch, his ears straight up.
"Hey buddy" Ash said, "don't worry, I'm back for the night".
"Pika".
Pikachu nodded, and then rubbed his stomach. Ash chuckled.
"Wan't Brock to make you some of his food"?
"Pikachu"!
"Oh I see, you guys keep me around for the food" Brock joked, "come on Pikachu, to the kitchen"!
"Chu"!
Pikachu ran after Brock, leaving Ash alone in the living room. Ash threw his jacket onto a coat hangar, and rubbed his hands together. He looked over pictures he had hung on the wall. There were pictures of him and Misty, Brock, Tracy, May, Max, Professor Oak, his mother, Dawn, Cilan, Iris, and Serena. He smiled to himself looking over the photos.
'Cheer up' he told himself, 'you're not as alone as you feel. They're all here for you, even if they're not physically here'.
Ash's vision lingered over his and Misty's photo they had taken when they returned from the Sea Foam Islands. She had been wearing the light blue shirt with the white skirt, and he had been in the white shirt with the flannel overshirt. He had his arm around her, and she was leaned into him, her hand resting on his chest. Big, happy smiles spread over both their faces. Brock's voice echoed out of the kitchen.
"Hey Ash, are you hungry"?
"No...not really".
"Are you sure" Brocks voice came, confused and worried.
"Yea, I'm not hungry".
"Ok, more for me and you Pikachu"!
Ash looked over his photos once again. He needed to update them. In the one of him and Iris, they were still kids, and in the one of him and May, they were teenagers. Heck, Max had to be almost an adult by now.
'Maybe that's what I should be doing' Ash thought, 'visiting all of them...maybe I'll do that'.
"Alright Ash" Brock called out, "no more playing around. Get in here and eat right now"!
Ash closed his eyes, and looked over his photos one more time. He turned his back to them, and headed to the kitchen.
"NO"!
An explosion went off over Pallet Town, raining fiery debris over the buildings. People screamed, and tried to run as the flames crashed around them. Ash looked up to the stormy night sky, his hair and clothes whipping fiercely from the strong wind billowing past him. The Dominion flew higher into the air, it's three arms spread wide. It cackled with that eerie metallic voice, ringing down through Ash's ears. Ash could see it's yellow eyes glowing brightly in the sky.
"I told you" it's voice echoed down, piercing Ash's eardrums, "all would be lost, and you would be first"!
It pointed straight above it with the hand on it's back. Ash looked past the Dominion. A black hole was developing above the Dominion, swirling through the clouds. Thunder roared across the sky, vibrating the ground under Ash. Hundreds, no thousands, of yellow lights lit up inside the black hole. Ash's heart dropped to his stomach. Were those eyes to individual Dominions?! The Dominion in the air cackled with laughter again, and thunder shook the ground once more. Yellow lightning blasted from the black hole, straight down to Pallet. Ash watched it fly towards him, unable to run, feeling heat draw close. Suddenly his vision went black and felt himself slam against a hard surface. His eyes flew open, and he saw the dust under his bed. He had flipped off the mattress, and was now lying on the floor. Ash wiped the cold sweat from his brow, and sat up. He punched the floor in anger. This was the hundredth time he'd had that dream, and it was growing more and more tiresome. He steadied his breathing, trying to slow the beating of his heart.
"Pika"?
Ash looked up on the bed. Pikachu was propped on the edge, looking at his trainer.
"Pikachu"?
"I'm ok buddy" Ash said from the floor, "just had that dream again".
"Pikapi"?
Pikachu didn't look convinced. Ash closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.
"Maybe I'm not ok, but I'm trying to be" Ash told his Pokemon, "I'll get there".
"Chuuu".
Pikachu nodded, agreeing simply because he knew that's the best answer he would get.
"Let's see if Brock's up" Ash said, getting to his feet.
Ash extended his hand to Pikachu, and Pikachu bounded up his arm. They headed downstairs, and sure enough, the smell of food floated through the house. In the kitchen, Brock had laid out a buffet of breakfast food. Bacon, eggs, waffles, toast, everything Ash could think of to eat in the morning.
"Where did you get all this food" Ash asked in shock.
"I did a bit of shopping before I found you last night" Brock replied, "now sit and eat. I can tell you havent been".
This was true, Ash hadn't been eating like he used too. His stomach growled loudly at him, this was the hungriest he had been in days.
"I can't argue against your cooking Brock" Ash said taking a seat.
As they ate, Brock noticed that Ash looked pale. Ash tried to convince him it was nothing, but Brock wouldn't have any of it. Finally, Ash told him about his dream, and how it kept recurring. Brock tapped his fingers on the table.
"Maybe it's just that, a dream" Brock said.
"I'm not so sure..." Ash said quietly.
He then proceeded to fill in Brock about Misty's recurring dreams of the fire, and how they assumed Mark's Unown had been causing them.
"But you have no proof of that" Brock mused.
"No, I guess not" Ash said.
"Well, here's to hoping it's just a dream...and not a vision of some sort" Brock said, crossing his fingers.
"The last thing I want is for that thing to attack Pallet" Ash said, "I'll leave if I need to".
"That won't do any good" Brock said, "that thing would attack Pallet just to bring you back home. You're better off being here to defend it".
"Yea...I guess so" Ash said quietly.
He tapped his fingers on the table, staring down at his now empty plate. Pikachu watched his trainer intently, nibbling on the Pokemon food Brock had made him. Ash's brow furrowed, and he closed his fist.
"Let's go see Professor Oak" Ash said, "maybe he's found something out by now".
"Alright, let's go" Brock said, standing up, "but first, it's time to clean".
Ash looked down at all the plates of food, then groaned. He nodded and stood up. Pikachu began to hand plates for Ash to clean.
"Aren't you so helpful" Ash joked.
"Pikachu"!
Cleaning up went surprisingly fast, and they were on their way to Professor Oaks lab. The air was warmer today, but the cold breeze was still floating by as Ash climbed out of the truck. He felt his ears sting from the wind as he knocked on the lab door. Pikachu shivered on Ash's shoulder.
"Going to be a cold winter" Brock commented.
"Yep".
The door opened, and Ash's jaw dropped.
"Everett"?!
"Well hello there Ash" Everett said, "it's good to finally see you again".
Everett extended his hand, Ash shook it in shock.
"What are you doing here" Ash asked.
"Helping Professor Oak follow up on a lead" Everett said, "come in, come in".
"Hello, I'm Brock" Brock said, shaking Everett's hand as he stepped inside.
"Always a pleasure to meet a friend of Ash's" Everett said, closing the door behind them.
"How long have you been here Everett" Ash asked as they walked through the lab.
"Only a few days" Everett replied, "Professor Oak said he may have found a clue towards the Dominion".
"Indeed I believe so" Professor Oak's voice came from behind them.
They turned, and saw Professor Oak walking up to them.
"Good to see you Ash" Oak said, "you're mother has called quite often wondering if you're here".
Ash lowered his head, "I know".
"Are you doing ok" Oak asked.
"I'm doing better today" Ash answered vaguely.
"Don't let yourself get caught up alone in your thoughts" Oak said, "take it from me, it can drive you mad".
"I'll work on it...so what's this lead you may have on the Dominions" Ash asked.
"Ah, it's very small, but it may just be something. Come with me".
Oak led the way to a back room of the lab. It was a small library, filled with very old books. Professor Oak examined through them, and picked one out.
"Here we are" Professor Oak said, setting it on the table.
Professor Oak opened the book, turning the pages to a short story.
"You're lead is a story in a book" Ash asked uncertainly.
"I did say it was a small one" Oak said, "but, you said the Domion called itself part of the Darkness, correct"?
"Yea".
Professor Oak held up his finger, "that is our clue. And the baby Mew".
"I don't understand" Ash said.
"It's in this story" Oak said, "it tells the tale of Darkness before existence. Before people and Pokemon, before stars and planets, Darkness reigned supreme. Until, Arceus the supposed God of Pokemon, came to be. He began to create life, strand together DNA from multiple realms. He continued his work, until life and light filled the universe, and the Darkness was pushed aside".
"How does that tie into the Dominion? And Mew"?
"I believe that the Dominion existed during the time of Darkness, and it is an accepted fact by the Pokemon community that Mew holds the DNA of all Pokemon to ever exist, or will ever exist. My theory is, that Mew was the first life form created by Arceus, using the strands of DNA it pulled from the other realms. So not only does it hold the DNA of Pokemon, but all life everywhere. It is my fear, that the Dominion wants the baby Mew for this reason. Imagine what a being of Darkness could do with knowledge like that".
The room was silent, Professor Oak's theory sinking in. Ash's heart dropped as he pondered over Professor Oak's theory. Why did that have to make so much sense?! That was worse than any theory Ash had thought of. Pikachu shifted on Ash's shoulder. Ash could feel the tension from his Pokemon.
"This thing, with the knowledge of DNA Arceus once had, could manipulate life as it sees fit" Professor Oak added.
"How many of the other Professors have you told" Ash asked.
"None at the moment" Oak said, "I asked Everett to help me find more concrete proof before I assume my theory is correct".
"So far, we haven't had much luck" Everett said.
Ash took a long deep breath, and exhaled slowly.
"Ok, if there is anything I can do to help, let me know. I may not be able to help Gary find the baby Mew, but I can do something here" Ash said.
Professor Oak looked at Everett, and Everett winked.
"You truly are something Ash" Oak said, "you'll be the first informed if we find anything".
Ash nodded, and Pikachu perked up on his shoulder.
"PikaPikachu"!
"I think she's running a bit late" Brock said, checking his watch.
Ash stood in front of his mirror, trying to tame his hair, but was having no luck. How did Misty's sisters pull it off?! Ash ruffled his hair up in frustration, then laughed at himself. Brock turned as the sound of laughter, and laughed himself.
"That looks like an awkward fro" Brock chuckled.
"I can't do anything else with it" Ash laughed back.
He flattened it down a bit, and turned to Pikachu.
"How do I look" he asked.
"Pika"!
Pikachu gave a thumbs up. Ash hadn't put on anything too special, just a nice blue button up shirt, and his dark jeans. The sun had set, and dinner time was slowly passing by. Ash's stomach growled in anger.
"Wonder if she ran into any trouble" Ash worried.
"She's fine" Brock said, "she's traveled quite a bit, her bus is probably running a bit late".
Ash tapped his foot nervously. Brock watched him.
"How long exactly has it been since you've seen her again"?
"Too long" Ash answered, beginning to pace.
"You need to relax" Brock chuckled.
"Trying too" Ash said, continuing his pacing.
Brock shook his head, then checked his watch again.
"Well, me and Pikachu need to go. The movie is going to start soon".
"Pika"!
Pikachu hopped onto Brock's shoulders.
"Think you'll be ok waiting by yourself"?
"I'll be fine" Ash answered.
Brock nodded, "alright, tell her I said hello".
He put on his coat and left Ash's room, headed to the front door. Brock opened it, and stopped. A girl was standing outside the door, her hand raised in the air as if she were about to knock. The girl was wearing light blue jeans, and a zipped up red hoodie. She had long brown hair, and blue eyes.
"Brock" she exclaimed in a confused tone.
"Hello May" Brock chuckled.
"I was expecting Ash" she said, still confused and lowering her hand.
"He's here" Brock said with a smile, "he's in his room. Me and Pikachu were just heading out for the night".
Brock stepped outside, and proceeded down the driveway to his truck.
"We'll get out of your two's hair, see ya later May" Brock called.
"PikaPi"!
May waved to them, and slowly stepped inside the house.
"Ash" she called.
He appeared down the hall, and halted.
"You're here" he exclaimed shocked, "I didn't here you knock".
"Brock answered the door" she giggled at his nervous expression, "it's good to see you. You look good".
"You too" Ash said, "both I ment...I mean...it's good to see you too, and you look good as well"!
May giggled again, "shall we go then"?
"Yea, yea, let me get my coat".
Ash grabbed his jean jacket, and they proceeded out the door into the cold night.
Update: I have received quite a few P.M.'s about this, and I would like to reassure everyone that this is still ultimately an Ash and Misty story. In later chapters I will fill in the gaps of what happened during the seven months between Part 1 and Part 2. I hate spoilers, but rest assured Ash and Misty will be together...