Disclaimer: I don't own pokémon.
Xxx
Meeting Old Friends!
Ash watched eyes wide, breathing accelerated, as his final pokémon, Greninja, reverted back to his normal form and collapsed on the battlefield.
"Greninja is unable to continue! Charizard wins and the victor of this battle and the Kalos League is Alain!" The referee declared. The whole crowd exploded into cheers, chanting out the winner's name while Ash felt his whole world shatter.
He tried so hard, came so close to victory only to lose all the same. Not even having a special pokémon like Greninja helped him win. Ash collapsed on his knees, head ringing.
Greninja, spent from exerting so much energy in the battle, stayed unconscious. The Kantonian could hear someone yelling out his name but he dropped to his side.
He had lost.
His first real chance of coming up big and he lost.
He was a failure. He never won a League.
He-
Xxx
Ash jerked awake in his bed, sweaty as reality hit him. It was just a dream.
He took deep breaths and looked out of the window of his home, seeing the dawn of the sun. These dreams just didn't stop. They began when he first lost the Kalos Finale and had yet to end.
"Hey Ash, you alright?" Ash turned to see Pikachu looking at him with concern. The raven-haired trainer nodded, sighing. After forming his Battle Bond with Greninja, he could fully understand what his pokémon said.
Strange things continuously happened so he had just shrugged it off. "Hey buddy, want to head over to Professor Oak's ranch?" Pikachu nodded. "I'll go get ready for the day. It's not if sleep will come to me." He muttered the last part.
Completing his morning rituals, Ash stepped out of the washroom, fully dressed. Pikachu jumped on his shoulder and the two headed over to Professor Oak's ranch.
"Ash, we gave it our all. We left no regrets." Pikachu tried to console Ash. The Kantonian shook his head.
"I always thought that the Kalos League would be my apex. The whole journey would sum up to be there yet I lost it as well." Ash twisted his trademark cap.
"Why does this always happen to me?" Ash cursed something inaudible. "I freaking hate myself. After everything we've been through, fighting countless legendries, evil organizations, forming many allies and enemies, we never win a League!"
Pikachu jumped at Ash's sudden outburst. He knew Ash was upset at losing the Kalos League but this upset he never knew. "Don't worry! We'll get them next time!" Pikachu consoled.
"We won't." Ash sighed. "I don't want to travel for a while. Take some time off from all that stuff and relax." Pikachu sighed at his shoulder.
"Ash, it's your motto to 'Never Give up till the end' and now you're giving up yourself?" Ash stiffened a bit at that. "If you want, we'll take some time off and train."
The two reached the Oak Corral by that and saw many pokémon already awake. Ash smiled and jumped over the fence, something easy to do due to his impressive height and athlete.
"Gather them up will you?" Ash told Pikachu. The mouse jumped from his shoulder and charged up electricity. Then, he gave a loud challenging cry and unleashed a potent bolt into the air.
Ash's eyes widened a little at the power Pikachu possessed. He did take down two pseudo-legendries in the finals and two pokémon in the semi-finals.
Ash's face grew a little bitter thinking about how much Pikachu contributed to the battle yet they couldn't win. Thinking over it, most of the work was done by Pikachu in the League.
His pokémon all crowded around him, snapping him to the present. From the really affectionate ones like Muk and Bayleef to the closely guarded Sceptile and Buizel, everyone was there.
After getting various types of greetings from his pokémon, Ash finally got the chance to speak. "Okay guys," He took a deep breath. "I know I have failed all of you-"
His pokémon all interrupted, giving various forms of protest. "You cannot argue about the truth guys. We could have easily won the Kanto League if I just had trained you guys a little better. Johto, Hoeen, and Sinnoh are acceptable but Unova and Kalos just aren't. We weren't unexperienced noobs there, we were real experienced veterans!"
"But half my pokémon lost to Cameron's Riolu and Hydreigon. Same case in the Kalos League where Alan's Bisharp kicked the ass of half of my team." Ash took a deep breath. "I have found a way to correct my mistakes."
"I'm taking a break from travelling and will train all of you guys. I personally feel I'm wasting the potential of some of you guys like Kingler, Muk, and Tauros. We will train and become the very best!"
"Are you guys with me?!" Ash yelled. His pokémon all cheered alongside him.
"That's the way to do it!" Infernape cheered.
"You get it finally." Sceptile nodded.
"We will become the very best!" Hawlucha declared.
"I'm always with you ashy!" Bayleef squealed.
"Yay! More time to train!" Totodile danced. Ash smiled proudly. His pokémon were all ready for training. With that much enthusiasm, he might just win the League-
"Can I just sleep?" Snorlax yawned. Everyone sweat dropped comically at his line.
"I have created a training regime for all of you guys." Ash said after regaining his passion. "I thought about it over the last few days."
"We'll start the training from now." Ash cracked his neck. ""To get started I want all of you to work on your stamina." At their confused looks, he continued.
"It won't matter if you all know tons of powerful attacks if you crash out after just one of them. And so if you increase your stamina, you can perform at higher levels for much more amount of time. Take Charizard and Infernape for example. Their ability Blaze will be able to work for a longer amount of time before burning off. So let's get down working guys!" I pumped my fist in the air, mirrored by my pokémon.
Increasing the stamina of a Pokémon was not something many trainers did, choosing to rather teach their Pokémon new attacks. Increasing said stat helped a pokémon to last longer in battles with more experienced Pokémon. It also helped during battles where it all ultimately came down to endurance.
But the main advantage of improving the stamina and endurance of the Pokémon ultimately in terms of moves. Frenzy plant, Hydro Canon and Blast Burn were moves that every fully evolved Pokémon of the respective types could do, but the question remained that for how long would the user continue after such a power depleting move?
For Staraptor, Swellow, Noctowl, Gliscor, Talonflame, Noivern, and Unfezant, I decided to make them walk on the ground, or hop, so that they can actually get tired. They were flying types and so it was no use making them fly for any amount time; well not until it was for a day or two.
Though in the case of Gliscor and Hawlucha, they just glided in the air, so it was especially important for him. I made a mental note to contact or visit Falkner, Winona, or Skyla to get tips on training my flying types.
"And Donphan, no rolling!" I warned the sheepish looking Grey colored Pokémon as he started running. Donphan moved by rolling so it was very important that he could move without rolling when it was required.
The rest of them were made to run on the ground till they got tired enough to stop. Snorlax was annoyed by this, but bribing Snorlax with food worked out.
Krookodile followed soon after with his Sunglasses shining in the morning sun, being a real workhouse. He tried to keep up with Sceptile, the speed demon of his entire pokémon.
Ash chuckled at seeing Infernape and Pignite keeping neck to neck with each other, not intending to give their respective newfound rivals any lead.
His lone Poison Type, Muk, was still behind all of them, struggling to keep up with the faster pokémon of his.
"Don't give up!" Ash shouted in encouragement to the Sludge Pokémon, who looked towards him. "It's not a race, so need to worry if you get behind, all right?" Muk perked up at that and started slugging on the ground with much more vigor, occasionally jumping a small distance.
Quilava, Pikachu, Dewott, Bulbasaur and Totodile were running smoothly without much trouble, with Totodile being the most comfortable given his stamina. Sceptile was leading in the front, closely followed by Pikachu.
Glalie was hovering instead of running seeing he had no legs. Ash noticed Heracross and his wings and came to a brilliant idea. "Heracross seldom used his wings. They are more useful. Hm… I should ask some Flying-Type Specialist for that."
Right now though, he had to get a special pokémon back. A pokémon he had promised to go back to long ago. It was time. "Pikachu, Noivern, and Sceptile, head over!"
The three pokémon raced towards him immediately, breaking from their running session. "Pikachu, on my shoulder. Noivern, we're going to go get an old pal back. Sceptile, you're coming for defense."
The trio nodded immediately.
The reason for bringing Pidgeot back were two-fold. First of all, getting Pidgeot back would massively help Ash's other flying types, seeing as Pidgeot was the senior-most among them. Noivern and Noctowl were heavily lacking in Flying type moves and who better to teach them than a massively experienced one.
The second reason was very simple. I had promised Pidgeot that I will return for her one day. In the 5 years that I had left him, her flock was sure to have grown and some Pidgeotto must have evolved, so getting Pidgeot back should be no problem.
Ash got on Noivern's back and returned Sceptile to his pokéball, taking a deep breath. Though not his first time riding a Flying Type, Noivern wasn't really used to his new form.
"Let's go buddy!" Noivern roared and took off, careful of the human riding on his back. 'I'm coming for you Pidgeot.'
Xxx
"Where are you?" Ash mumbled to himself, hovering over Route One. Pidgeot should've been close by but if she wasn't, then he didn't know where to find her.
"What is it father?" Noivern questioned Ash.
"I don't know where Pidgeot is. She must be somewhere around here." Ash closed his eyes, relying on aura. His senses expanded around, scanning for the avian's aura.
The feedback was two-fold. One, he sensed Pidgeot's aura and she was near. Two, she was rapidly approaching them with hostile intentions. "Dodge!"
Noivern madly swerved to the side, dodging a tan blur. Ash tightened his grip around Noivern's neck lest fall off him to his death. "It's us!" Ash yelled but his voice was lost in the air.
"Boom Burst!" Noivern exclaimed, unleashing large amounts of sound towards the blur. To his surprise, the blur vanished from its original position.
A glowing wing hit Noivern, throwing him off-balance. Ash gasped as his grip slipped but managed to hold on. "Acrobatics!" Noivern regained his balance and zoomed forwards but the blur vanished yet again.
A large gale of winds buffeted Noivern from all sides, making him growl in pain. A Twister formed around him, throwing him off-balance, and tossing him like a rag doll.
Ash, feeling dizzy due to the writhing waves of air, lost his grip on the Sound Wave Pokémon and started to plummet down. He tried to grab Noivern's tail but missed.
"Ah!" Ash yelled out in alarm, clutching Pikachu tightly. Who knew that coming back to a friend could result in his death? He closed his eyes, approaching the trees very fast.
This was it.
"Ash!" A feminine voice shrieked, grabbing him by sharp talons and stopping his descent. Ash's insides nearly jerked out at the sudden stop. "He looked above to see his magnificent second capture in all her glory.
"Pidgeot." Ash whispered. Pikachu gave a coo at her as well. The avian was about to reply when Noivern slammed into Pidgeot's back with an Acrobatics.
The bird, taken by surprise, grunted before speeding up. "I command you to stop!" She yelled in a regal voice. Noivern, to the surprise of Ash and Pikachu, obeyed her even if for a moment.
He then unleashed large amounts of sounds at her to which Pidgeot simply evaded. Ash quickly returned Noivern to his pokéball lest get battered by Pidgeot.
While his bird was mostly calm-headed, there must be limits to her endurance. Pidgeot stopped and settled down on the ground, leaving Ash softly down.
Ash heard various coos and such sounds. Looking around, he found pokémon ranging from Pidgey, Pidgeotto, and a few Pidgeot to Spearow all looking at Pidgeot, bowing their head to her.
"Whoa!" Ash exclaimed at the amount of respect they were giving the avian. Not that they were in a relaxed position, Ash looked at his second capture.
His Pidgeot stood big and tall, her majestic aura shining through her posture. She spread her wings, appearing even more imposing, and shrieked.
The other avian all replied back by making various noises before scattering away. She then nuzzled Ash lovingly, embracing him in a hug with her large wings.
"I missed you too Pidgeot." Ash whispered, feeling the motherly warmth he usually felt with his mom's hugs. "I know I've been a bad trainer and broke my promise, but-"
Ash broke up, tears streaming down his face. Pidgeot cooed and embraced him tighter. Ash relaxed in her warm feathers. Pikachu watched the scene from a few meters, letting Ash have his reunion.
"I promise I'll make up for it, okay girl." Ash promised. Pidgeot gave him a tight squeeze before letting go, unleashing another loud shriek. Ash watched as two Pidgeot flew towards her.
The trio of fully-grown avian chatted animatedly. Ash let them talk in privacy. While Pidgeot was his pokémon, there was no need for him to peak in her flock's matters.
One of the Pidgeot nodded and bowed respectfully to her before taking off, followed by the other. Pidgeot gave a wave towards them before approaching Ash.
"I'm ready to join you." She said. Ash raised a hand, Pidgeot pressing her head on it.
"Glad to see that." Ash clipped Pidgeot's previous pokéball from his belt, tapping it to the bird's head. Pidgeot was sucked in, the pokéball dinging immediately.
"Hey Ash!" Pikachu called out. Ash turned to see him grinning. "How about we get another old friend back?"
"Sure!" Ash thought about it. "It's noon so we have lots of time for that." Ash grabbed Pidgeot's pokéball and threw it, revealing his avian. "Hey girl, want to meet some old friends?"
Pidgeot nodded and spread her wings, offering one to Ash. Ash climbed up on it and reached her back, settling him. Pikachu jumped between him and her, letting out a content chaa.
"Noivern I choose you!" The Sound Wave Pokémon appeared as well, giving a friendly growl at Ash. "Meet Pidgeot. She was my first Flying-Type capture."
Pidgeot stared down Noivern making him shuffle nervously. She then smiled and extended a wing for him to shake. Noivern shook the wing with his claw.
"We're heading over to meet a few old friends." Ash cracked his neck. "I'm planning to build your stamina by flying over there. Are you up to the challenge?"
"Yes!" Noivern growled. He had a fellow flyer to impress. Ash griped Pidgeot's neck tightly.
"Here we go!" Pidgeot took off at impressive speeds, Noivern speeding up to follow her. 'I'm coming, Squirtle.'
Xxx
"Ash?" Pidgeot cooed. Said boy looked at her.
"Yeah?" He asked back. She gestured to the smoke rising from a particular building with her beak. "Is that building burning?" She nodded.
"I can extinguish it if you want." She offered. Ash nodded. Behind them, Noivern struggled to continue. Ash noticed that and returned the Sound Wave Pokémon.
Pidgeot reached the burning building and started to fly into a tight circle around it, whipping up a Twister. Ash coughed at the acrid smell of the smoke and buried his face into Pidgeot's neck feathers.
"Watch out!" Pikachu warned. Pidgeot pulled up, dodging a compressed blast of water. She barrel rolled and steadied herself. Looking down, she saw Officer Jenny with a Blastoise at her side.
"This is a sealed area! You have to come down right now!" She spoke through the loudspeaker. Pidgeot looked at Ash.
"Should I lower myself?" She asked to which he nodded. "As you say." Pidgeot lowered herself at a decent pace, landing gently on the ground. Ash got off her back, Pikachu at his shoulder.
"Ash?" The Officer asked. Besides her, the Blastoise got a delighted look on his face. "Is that you?!"
"Looks like it." Ash smiled back. "Is that the Squirtle I gave you?" Pidgeot let out a delighted shriek at the sight of her old friend. Blastoise unleashed water at high pressure from his cannons in joy.
The two long-time pals hugged each other happily, Pikachu joining in. Ash chuckled at their reactions before addressing Jenny. "What were you saying?"
"This is actually a training session." She informed Ash. "I was actually planning to return Blastoise to you after the rest of the Squirtle Squad became independent."
"Really?" Ash asked in surprise. "Why did he evolve though?" Jenny's happy face turned a bit somber.
"It was a particularly large fire and we needed extra power. So Wartotle evolved into Blastoise to extinguish it. As to why he evolved into Wartotle, the rest of the Squirtle Squad had evolved into a Wartotle and to carry on leadership, he also had to evolve."
"It was his choice and I respect that." Ash nodded. He saw Blastoise approaching him and hugged him. Blastoise hugged him back so tightly he nearly broke his backbone.
"Today was the last session of the training so if Blastoise wants to go with you, he can." Officer Jenny told him. Ash considered the option.
"What do you say Blastoise? Want to join me again?" Blastoise nodded cheerfully and Ash smiled. Officer Jenny handed him the water turtle's pokéball.
"It was a pleasure working with you Blastoise." She thanked him. Blastoise nodded back while adjusting his shades. "I hope you enjoyed your time with me."
"I really did!" Blastoise replied back even though Jenny couldn't understand him. Ash looked between the two with a soft smile. He knew how hard it was to separate with a partner.
Officer Jenny exchanged a quick hug with Blastoise before stepping back. "Take care of him Ash." The trainer in question nodded back.
"I will." He turned to Blastoise. "Return." The white beam hit Blastoise and he was sucked back into the pokéball. The pokéball dinged immediately.
Ash then mounted Pidgeot again, Pikachu jumping between them as before. Giving a final wave to the officer, he gestured Pidgeot to take off.
Officer Jenny watched them go. She absently wiped off a tear from her eyes, sighing.
At least Blastoise was in good hands.
Xxx
"Should we return back or visit another friend?" Pidgeot considered his question.
"I can fly fast and reach Saffron and back to Pallet till night." Pidgeot told him.
"If you say so." Ash shrugged. Pidgeot nodded and gestured Pidgeot to hold on tight. Once he did so, she burst at high speeds. Ash let out an exhilarating yell.
Xxx
"Land near the gym." Ash addressed his bird. Pidgeot nodded and zoomed at the ground, reaching it at high speeds. Then, she flapped her wings open and gave a tight brake.
Ash didn't move till she landed fully on the ground, and then slowly got off her. "Showoff." Ash rolled his eyes amusedly at Pidgeot, returning the avian.
Pikachu shuddered at his shoulder, the aftershocks of the fast flight still at her. Ash smiled at his reaction before looking around the huge skyscrapers of Saffron City.
He entered the gym, cracking his neck. Ash shuddered at the last time he had entered the gym. Things had been so bad yet he earned the Marsh Badge.
"Ash Ketchum!" A feminine voice called out. Ash turned to see the Gym Leader, Sabrina in all her glory, levitating in the air. Her green hair fluttered behind her alongside her red coat.
"Hey Sabrina." Ash replied back casually as if he hadn't been startled by her sudden appearance. Sabrina landed back on her throne, a smile playing on her lips.
"You've come back to get Gengar?" She got to the point. Ash cocked his head before remembering her powers.
"Yup." Ash replied. "That is if you want to give him back." Sabrina laughed at that.
"Give him back?" She questioned. "He was never yours. He just followed you because he was interested in you."
"It's his wish whether he wants to return or stay with you. No force." Ash shrugged. He was never one to force relationships on anyone, whether it be pokémon or human.
Sabrina stayed blank for a moment, considering his demands. An eerie chill filled the room and the hair on the back of Ash's neck rose. Pikachu's cheeks sparked dangerously and the two looked around.
There was a hiss, followed by Ash's shadows dancing. Ash closed his eyes, sensing the pokémon in question's aura. "Come out Gengar." Ash was beaten to the punch by Sabrina.
The Ghost Type materialized with his signature evil grin, giving Ash a wave. Ash wasn't sure whether to feel reassured or frightened at that. He danced through the shadows next to Sabrina, passing a disturbing grin to the Palletian.
Sabrina petted Gengar's head, the Ghost Type letting it be. "Gengar, do you want to go with Ash? He has returned for you." Gengar was surprised at that.
"It's your wish Gengar. Think about it." Ash added. Gengar's evil grin morphed into a frown, considering the options. While he did enjoy staying with Miss Sabrina and her Psychic Pokémon, they were way too used to him and smart to fall for his pranks.
Ash wasn't that smart and he'll enjoy pranking him. An added factor was that he missed the outside world. As much as he could leave the Gym and roam around, nothing beat the feel of the wild.
He told something to Sabrina who nodded. Gengar's pokéball materialized from nowhere and sucked in the Ghost Type. She then levitated the pokéball over to Ash.
"Take care of him Ash." Ash grabbed the pokéball and attached it to his waist. "And I hope we can battle again sometime."
"We will Sabrina," Ash declared. "And it will be a proper battle."
"Farewell then." The space around Ash morphed and he found himself now outside the gym. Ash looked at his new surroundings, seeing the lit skyscrapers of Saffron even when it was getting dark.
"Pidgeot I choose you!" Ash's avian materialized and Ash got up on her. "Let's head back to Pallet now."
"No! First, let's get Primeape!" Pikachu intervened. Ash gave him a questioning look. "He's just on the outskirts of Fuchsia! We're so close to obtaining another friend!"
"What do you say Pidgeot?" Ash asked his ride.
"Let's get Primeape." She said. Ash nodded and lowered himself again.
"Do hurry. We still have to get back." Pidgeot nodded.
"You asked for it." She chirped mischievously. Then, spreading her wings, the avian burst forward at high speeds from the start. Ash only had one thought in his mind.
'Why did I say that?!'
Xxx
Pidgeot neared the area Primeape was at, and dropped sharply down. She let her speed die down a little, and then spread her wings. Braking a little bit slower, she landed softly on the ground.
"Uh…" Ash groaned, getting off her dizzily. "You rock girl." Ash told her. Pidgeot gave him a soft smile.
"Thanks." She replied with a hint of tiredness, something Ash didn't miss.
"What is it?" Ash asked, seeing her frequent breathing. Pidgeot shook her head.
"It's nothing." She cooed. Ash didn't buy it.
"You must be tired from all the flying." Ash reached into his backpack, pulling out a Sitrus Berry. He offered it to Pidgeot who took it in her beak, eating up.
"Thanks." She chirped. Ash brought out her pokéball.
"Take some rest, okay girl." Ash then returned her, looking at the facility. "Do you think I'm hard on Pidgeot? She was really tired from all that flying."
"It was her wish. Don't think much about it." Pikachu assured him. Ash then entered the facility, looking at the inhabitants inside.
"Hey Ash!" Anthony, a tall black-haired brolic called out. Ash smiled back at him.
"It's been a while Anthony." Ash greeted back. "How's it going here?"
"Great." He replied cheerfully. "Primeape is now the reigning champion of the Grand Pix."
"That's good to hear." Ash congratulated. "Can I meet him?"
"He actually wanted to get back to you. His passion of fighting in the Grand Pix still burns brightly but not as brightly as being with you!" He informed.
"Really?" Ash asked in surprise. "I'm sorry about how hasty I'm getting but I have to get back to Pallet. Pidgeot's tired and I don't want to extend my travelling anymore."
"No problem." Anthony handed him Primeape's pokéball. "He's a great friend to have and I hope we'll meet again."
"We will." Ash replied back. He tried to attach Primeape's pokéball to his belt when realizing there was no space left. "Huh?"
"Think about it later. We still have to get back to Pallet." Pikachu urged. Ash nodded.
"Bye!" Ash ran out of the building. "Pidgeot!" The avian materialized again. She still stood proud but the effects of flying so much were definitely showing.
"I'm fine." She insisted.
"If you're not, we can always stay at the Pokémon Center or with Anthony. I'm pretty sure he won't refuse." Pidgeot shook her head and offered a wing for him to climb on.
"Let's head back. I want to catch up with my old friends." Ash climbed on her, nodding.
"Let's move. And don't press forward too much. I still have Noivern and we can finish the rest of the distance by walking." Pidgeot nodded before accelerating at high speeds.
"Do you want to eat something?" Ash asked Pidgeot who considered the fact.
"I do feel hungry." She admitted. "But I'm sure we can eat something after reaching Pallet."
"If you say so. What about you Pikachu?" Ash turned down at the mouse only to see him asleep. "He must be tired from all that travelling."
"You should take a nap as well. I'll wake you up when we reach Pallet." Pidgeot suggested. Ash nodded. Snuggling closer to Pidgeot's warm feathers, he closed his eyes, letting the pleasant darkness of sleep embrace him.
Xxx
Ash opened his eyes, getting up from the comfortable feathers of Pidgeot, and saw the small settlement known as Pallet Town approaching.
"Finally." Ash stretched. He noticed that Pidgeot was flying at a much slower pace, so slow he could move without air resistance. "You must be really tired."
"Yeah." She sighed tiredly. "I never flew that much." Her altitude drooped and she almost fell from the sky.
"Stop. I can travel the rest of the distance by foot." Ash informed the avian. Pidgeot stubbornly flew on.
"I-" Pidgeot's eyes closed and she started to lose altitude again, falling down. Ash quickly returned her to her pokéball, quickly calling out Noivern.
The Sound Wave Pokémon caught them, steadily lowering himself until they were at ground level. Ash touched the green grass, Pikachu now awake, and rubbed Noivern on his head.
"Good boy." Ash then looked over the small hill that overlooked Pallet, smiling to himself. "Return." Noivern was called back as well, leaving the two alone.
"First one to reach Delia's home wins." With that, Pikachu moved forwards, his superior speed helping him. Ash quickly followed suit, giving life to his limp legs.
Pikachu easily won, given his head start and astounding speed. The two reached Ash's home, going in. They gave a flinch realizing how late they had arrived.
"Ash! You're back!" Yup. Only a mother could stay awake till midnight to wait for her child. Ash was enveloped in Delia's motherly, if not a bit crushing, hug. "Why did it take you so long?!"
"My original plan was to get Pidgeot back but I got Blastoise, Gengar, and Primeape back as well." Ash rubbed the back of his head. "We had to travel to the other side of Kanto for them."
"You must've travelled on Pidgeot. She's the only Flying Type except Charizard that can fly those long distances." Delia said.
"Yeah. It was a really big fun riding on her. Her warm feathers made me feel like I was riding my own personal luxury plane." Ash said back.
"I made dinner for you! My poor baby boy hasn't eaten anything!" She walked into the kitchen, leaving Ash with the realization of his empty stomach.
"It's 1:30 in the night!" Ash's eyes widened in alarm. No wonder Pidgeot felt so tired! She literally flew all day! He looked at Pikachu. "Hey bud, do you think you can take them to the lab? They must be hungry."
Pikachu nodded and took his belt in his mouth. Dashing out of the house, he darted off to Professor Oak's lab. Ash smiled. Now he could eat without any burden of guilt on him.
Xxx
Ash jerked awake again, panting heavily as another dream of the Kalos League finals came to mind. He gripped his bedsheet tightly, so tight his knuckles were turning white.
"Damn!" Ash cursed. Pikachu was at the lab, catching up with his friends and Delia was fully asleep. He could wake her up but why interrupt her?
He looked at the clock in his room, checking the time. 3:50. He barely got two hours of sleep for god's sake! Frustrated at the lack of sleep, he fell back into his bed.
He could at least try to fall asleep.
Xxx
Ash felt a searing pain in his right arm and bolted up, looking around for the culprit. He came face to face with him his Primeape. "What is it Primeape?!"
Primeape gestured to the clock, signifying it was 5 in the morning. "It's just five! I barely slept!" Primeape shook his head and pulled him to his feet.
He growled something to which Ash shook his head. "I cannot understand you yet Primeape. We barely spent much time together." Primeape growled.
"You want me to start training at 5?" Primeape nodded his head. "Then I accept your challenge!" The Pig Monkey nodded and jumped out of the window, dashing off to Professor Oak's lab.
Ash got up groggily, finishing his morning tasks with a simple breakfast and left for training. Upon arriving at the lab, he found his pokémon all already up and training.
Leave it to Primeape to rear everyone up for training it seemed.
Ash saw Primeape battling with Infernape, Scraggy, Pignite, Hawlucha, and Heracross in all an out brawl. The six stopped and invited Ash to his surprise. Not one to back down from challenges, Ash joined them.
Pidgeot had the other Flying Types follow her, training them through her vast experience. Even Charizard would have trouble battling against her.
Sceptile was having a spar with Snivy, to the surprise of Ash, who was actually matching him blow to blow. Despite her relatively less experience, she was having Sceptile work.
Blastoise was training the other Water Types on how to use their attacks more efficiently. The Fire Types were having a battle of flames. All in all, Ash's pokémon were training really hard.
Seeing all of them work so determinedly, Ash couldn't help the proud smile on his face. 'Keep it up you guys and we'll be the Pokémon Master in no time!'
Xxx
The next few weeks went just like that. Every day, Ash and his pokémon would train to the point they succumbed to the exhaustion. Ash himself had gained some muscles over the course of battling with Primeape.
Off course, he had set some expedition days in which he captured new pokémon and eased them into the battling sessions. He had captured an Absol, the Tyranitar he had hatched as a Larvitar, Lapras, Houndoom, the Rapidash he had befriended at the Lara Ranch, the Riolu that could use Aura Sphere, the Luxray he befriended as a Luxio in Sinnoh, the Shiny Metagross on the Metagross Mountain, the Florges from the wetland and a Dratini.
He had to make quite the long expeditions for some of them but it was worth it. Charizard and Goodra had returned back to Ash after finishing their duties.
Ash also had received three eggs. They had hatched into an Eevee, Vulpix, and Feebas. The latter had evolved into a Milotic after receiving countless massages from Gary's older sister Daisy Oak.
Eevee and Vulpix were aspiring trainers and Ash usually paired them with the other new arrivals like Absol or Houndoom. The new arrivals all joined the senior pokémon in training.
After seeing many pokémon evolve from all the training, Bulbasaur himself decided to. He had reached the highest limit of power he could as a Bulbasaur and now it was time to evolve into Ivysaur.
So, after a big battle with Ash's newly evolved Meganium, Bulbasaur evolved into Ivysaur and won the match. While Ash was initially surprised, he didn't let it show.
With his runner-up placement in the League and high ranks in the others, Ash had his pokémon limit raised up to twelve. For that, he had to customize his pokémon belt as well as clothes.
The Tauros herd were sold to a guy who had Miltank. Off course, Ash had done that after a lot of thought and with the Tauros's agreement. Now all he had was the memories of the Tauros.
In exchange of the Tauros, he had the privilege to use Full Restores in any Pokémon Center, the three eggs, a huge amount of 900,000 pokédollars and the key to a large mansion he had yet to see.
The ranch he had sold his Tauros to had great connections with the League and were in drastic need for Tauros so their Miltank could breed.
Now, after a complete month of training, Ash looked over his huge arsenal of pokémon. Many were fully evolved but a few were in their first or middle stage.
Now was the final expedition for one last pokémon and he had assembled the ideal pokémon for it. Pikachu, Charizard, Pidgeot, Sceptile, Goodra, Luxray, Tyranitar, Florges, Milotic, Glalie and Metagross.
Many of them had Type Advantages against her. So now, mounting Pidgeot with the eleven pokéballs plus one spare, he prepared to take off.
"You ready?" Pidgeot checked. Ash double checked everything, from bag to pokéballs before nodding. "Here we go!" Pidgeot burst at high speeds though Ash was used to it by now.
"Can you fly faster?" Ash asked her in amusement. Pidgeot's body became outlined in a silver streak.
"You asked for it!" She boosted her speed drastically with Quick Attack/Agility combo making Ash yell out in excitement. The month of training had really done wonders to her speed. Now she could maintain a speed up to 140km/h till a whole hour.
Ash whooped in joy as Pidgeot altered her course ever so slightly, going through the sea. She lowered herself just so her talons were touching the water, and increased her speed in a brief burst.
"We should fly more often!" Ash yelled over the winds. Pidgeot chuckled at his reaction. She thought about increasing her speed even more but it could endanger Ash and his comparatively fragile body.
So she simply maintained her speed at 200km/h, letting the winds caress her wings. She formed a bubble of air around her and Ash, blocking the air from hitting him.
"Ash! You should plan on how to approach her! She's not a Legendary for nothing!" Pidgeot shrieked to Ash who considered it.
"Nah! Knowing her, she'll come over almost immediately! Whether she wants to join or not is her choice!" Ash replied. 'Though I really hope she joins us.'
Xxx
"There it is!" Ash pointed. "The watery city of Altomare!" Pidgeot shed most of her speed so she just wouldn't pass over the city.
"Where do you think she is?" Pidgeot questioned Ash who shrugged.
"I'll find her myself. Land near the abandoned pier." Pidgeot lowered herself, landing down on the desired area. Ash climbed off her, rubbing Pidgeot's head.
"I'll take a good rest if you don't mind." Ash nodded and returned the avian, turning to look at the city.
"So, what now?" Pikachu asked.
"We wait for her to find us." Ash replied back. Pikachu was surprised at that.
"How are you so sure she'll find us?" He questioned. Ash's grin widened.
"Just like my other friends found me." They waited for a few minutes before Ash felt a majestic aura approaching. "There she is." Ash smiled. He didn't have to wait much longer as Latias came flying into him, hugging him tightly.
Her momentum knocked nearly Ash over the edge and would have if he hadn't learnt to react on time. The Eon Dragoness nuzzled him joyfully, overwhelming Ash with the amount of happiness she excluded.
"Hey girl!" Ash greeted. Latias calmed down after a minute of hugging and nuzzling, stepping back. Ash took in her matured form. Before, she was childish, immature, and mischievous but now she was the exact opposite.
She was now imposing, having grown quite a bit since he last saw her, with more adult like features. Her eyes had the exact softness as before but now held a predatory edge in them. Like she was always analyzing stuff.
Pikachu gave his own greeting to Latias who gave coos and growls. Ash looked over the dragoness, noticing the impressive growth she did in such a few time, before sighing.
"Hey Latias." Latias looked at him. "Do you want to come with me?" Latias nodded joyously at that. "Then-"
"Hold on." Pikachu interrupted. "If you're coming with us, then who will guard Altomare?"
Latias replied back to which Pikachu wisely nodded. "So, that is possible." He nodded. Turning to Ash, he continued. "Latias says that she is no longer the guardian of Altomare and that it is being guarded by someone else. She also adds that she cannot tell you anymore due to some strict rules and regulations."
"No problem." Ash brought out the spare pokéball. "Welcome to the family, Latias." Ash then tapped the pokéball on Latias's head, sucking her in.
The pokéball dinged after a single wobble, signifying the capture. Then it promptly opened to reveal the Eon Dragoness in all her glory. "Do you have anything to do here?"
Latias shook her head. Bianca and Lorenzo were on vacation in Kalos so she didn't have anything to tell anyone. "Then get ready to see my hometown."
Ash called out Pidgeot and climbed onto her back. "Think you can keep up with Pidgeot Latias?" The Eon Dragoness took it as a challenge, nodding. "Then let's move!"
Xxx
And done! Please R&R! I'll be replying to reviews so please do so! I accept all types of constructive criticism! Also, my other story Conqueror is discontinued.
Please tell what kind of pokémon you want Ash to have and I'll try to incorporate them into the story! Till then, peace out!