The Virtus was the smallest peninsular in the world. Surrounded by cliffs and stones, towering from the ocean depths, it was for little, other than the small town of Pallet. Pallet Town was a quiet town. Life in the town was simple. The children spent the day playing, and the adults spent their day watching them play. As they say, simple people, simple pleasures; after all, the town's population was mainly composed of families seeking to retire from the busy city life. Oh, and Professor Oak's assistants.

As such, the occasions, when Pallet Town was filled by an air of excitement, were rare. (Not that the townspeople minded; they found excitement almost intoxicating.) Sometimes, it was youngster Joey catching something other than a Rattata, sometimes it was a new family moving in, and sometimes it was the annual Pallet Harmony Festival. The Harmony Festival was quite similar to Thanksgiving Day. Except when the latter celebrated the peace between the Kalosian and Traditan colonists, and the Native Unovans, the Harmony Festival celebrated the union between man and 'mon.

As a matter of fact, today was the Harmony Festival. Well, the day before the festival to be precise. Lanterns hung above the alleyways (if one could call them such), Pidgey feeders being filled, children running around playing tag, despite their parents telling them not to…

Well, albeit the children were a bit too excited this particular year. Ben, a young trainer who'd left Pallet a year ago came back, postponing his last Gym Battle to come back for the festival. And, unsurprisingly, the children of Pallet flocked over to him, pestering him with questions. Well, except for Gary.

"… and when my Gyarados was hit with a Moon Blast, I was afraid that the super-effective move would knock out my Pokémon. But she pulled it through! Rising majestically after taking a hit, she blasted the Clefable with an almighty Dragon Rage!" Ben pumped his fist, smiling as he remembered the battle. The children were, of course, looking at him with starry eyes, and begged him to tell more. Ben actually relished in the attention; before starting his journey, he was a nobody. However, being a trainer gave him that extra bit of power, it made him feel like he'd accomplished something.

"Hmph, shows how much you know." Ben's exaggerated tale was interrupted by a snide voice. Ben's blood turned cold. Gary, the town's favourite boy. Being the grandson of the great Professor Oak, the boy was hailed as a future champion; Gary would do this and Gary would do that. Hell, it wasn't just the grouchy old men and scary old women; the children adored Gary, looked up to him for his knowledge of Pokémon and his 'coolness'. The boy was akin to a deity among the children. The boy had made his childhood miserable.

"What do you know, Gary?" Ben was sweating heavily. He had lost that particular battle because of Dragon Rage. However, there was no way he would let the kid mock him so easily again! Perhaps he could try to bluff his way out of this…

"Oh, I know a lot." Gary vainly flicked his hair, looking up at it, before turning his gaze to Ben, the corners of his lips angled in a smirk. "First of all, Gyarados, known as the atrocious Pokémon, is a Water and Flying type. Thus, a Fairy-type Moon Blast wouldn't do be super effective." Gary paused dramatically, wanting to make Ben's humiliation last as long as possible. He could already hear some children booing in the background.

"And secondly, Dragon Rage is an attack that uses dragonfire, making it useless against Fairy types, such as Clefable. So let me guess. You widdle Gwarados lost to a puny little Clefable, didn't it?" This prompted a laugh from the crowd of children, who started chanting "Loser" and "Shame". Ben ran away, tears forming in his eyes. That just caused the children to laugh more.

Meanwhile, the grown-ups were busy decorating the trees. Delia Ketchum and 'George' Green were no different. The two neighbours were best friends, despite being a sharp contrast to each other.

'George', or, if you prefer, Georgia was an energetic boisterous young woman. She grew up in a farm near Fuschia, and she quickly picked up the local traditions. So, despite the fact that she'd lived in Saffron City for much longer, studying and working there, she still acted like a stereotypical 'ranch girl', much to her daughter, Leaf's annoyance.

Delia Ketchum on the other hand… She was born in Viridian City, spending her youth like a typical valley girl before leaving on a journey. Confronted with the harshness of the world, she would have broken completely had it not been for one particular man. They first met near a river. She smiled, as she remembered how she was taking a bath, before seeing a man. She then quickly beat him up for being a pervert. But when a feral attacked Arbok attacked, he stepped in to defend her. The Arbok was powerful, but the battle ended when the man's Arcanine slammed the snake into a birch tree. Since then, they travelled together for a few more years, before he proposed to her. That was the happiest day of her life. Sure, their Wedding Day didn't go QUITE as planned, but they were happy together. Until one day, her husband vanished after leaving on a League mission, leaving her and their precious baby boy alone. Four years have passed since then, but she still desperately clung on to the hope, that one day, her beloved would return. Until then, she would just have to put down the men flirting with her. Woah! Distracted by her thoughts, she had accidently let a balloon float away. Eh, she had plenty anyways. And it's not like they were out of time either; they still had until tomorrow. Until then, they would be decorating their modest little town, and the children would play with each other.

Speaking of which, their two children seemed to be having fun… In their own twisted way. The children were playing a 'word chain'. There was only one rule; the rule said, quote, 'whoever loses admits that the other is clearly superior, and has to bow down. Oh, and take a flick to the forehead.'

Ash was frowning in concentration. Leaf had picked a good move, entering 'serenity'. This was the 5th word she'd entered that ended with 'y'. He had to think fast. That's it!

"Yellow!"

"Work" Leaf didn't even break a sweat.

"King."

"Gruesome."

"Egg."

"Geyser." Leaf almost seemed bored.

"Rabid." Ash was sweating nervously. He saw her smirk, that meant that she thought she would win with the next word.

"Deity." Hearing that word, Ash's jaws dropped anime-style. Of, the agony of a thousand boys! To think he'd lose to a girl!

Delia couldn't help but smile at the two. The two were just so competitive! And adorable! She couldn't wait for her grandchildren… However, the sight of another balloon floating away snapped her out of her fantasies. Can't blame her though; after all, people no matter what happens, people just can't part with pieces of their identity. In Delia's case, it was her love of cheesy romance movies.

However, the two children were close. Both were isolated from the rest of the children, banished from Gary's kingdom. Ash, for 'daring' to dream big in the presence of the Great Gary Oak, and Leaf, because she refused to give in to Gary's flirting. Oh, and the fact that she was a bookworm didn't help either. Thus, Leaf and Ash found a soul mate in each other. The two of them were like twins! Albeit ones with radically different personalities, but twins in all but blood nonetheless. And knowledge, and views on life, and interests…

"Hey, Delia!" Old Wendy practically shouted at Delia. The Harmony festival has officially started. Well, at least it should have; however, there was one big problem. "Call that old Oak man! We can't start the festival without his 'mons!"

Indeed, the Ranch Pokemon played an important role in the Festival. After all, like old Rubbert would have said, where there's one 'mon, there's another 'mon; but when there were a few dozen 'mons, there would be dozens more.

"Can't you see I'm busy here?" Delia answered, annoyed. She, due to owning a Restaurant, was tasked with supplying the food for the festival. At least part of it, anyways. And right now, she was busy setting dishes on the table.

"Then at least get your son to do it! The 'lil brat's full of energy!" Georgia, wait, 'George' shot back with an equally annoyed voice. She was getting thoroughly tired of the boy running around.

"You know what, that's a good idea." Delia paused for a minute, contemplating the idea. "Ashy dear!" She beckoned her 7 years old boy.

"Yes, Mom?" Ash rolled his eyes, sarcastically answering her and accenting the word 'Mom'. Delia Ketchum could barely stifle a laugh. She knew that her son hated that nickname, especially when it was used in public. But she thought that his ways of reacting to the nickname was adorable.

"Ash, could you please come to the Professor and tell him to hurry up with the Pokémon?" Ash was slightly surprised at the task. He was mostly embarrassed over his Mom using his nickname in front of Gary. The idiot wouldn't let him live this one down for sure!

"But why not ask Gary, Mom?" Upon hearing that, Delia's eyes gained a mischievous glint.

"Why dear, aren't you flattered that you were chosen for this important task? Chosen over Gary?" Delia whispered to her son. Delia always liked to tease her son. And she knew what made her little boy tick. And, just as she'd expected, Ash nodded vigorously and ran to the lab. While a part of her questioned her actions, her practical side won. The lab was only a short distance away, so what could possibly go wrong?

"Hell yeah, take that, Gary!" Ash thought to himself, pleased with being entrusted with this important task instead of Gary. Whistling a happy tune, he marched on, before tripping. Ouch. Standing up, Ash looked around and saw a little yellow mouse turn around. Ash gulped. Now, he certainly wasn't the most knowledgeable person about hands, but he did remember his Mom telling him about the three Golden Rules Of Life. The first- treat others how you want them to treat you. The second Rule was that he wasn't allowed to eat with the manners of a Snorlax that'd just gone out of hibernation. And lastly, DON'T EVER step on a Pikachu's tail. The tail was the only thing sacred to the 'Chu family aside from ketchup. And that was what he'd just done. Uh oh.

From a different dimension, a tall quadruped creature could only face palm with its 1000 arms. Well, if they can be called arms, but- Whoa there big fellow. I'm not saying anything- hey stop that, don't you use Judgement on me- AAHHHHHHHHHHHH!

"Now that that's been dealt with, what shall I do about that? Oh, right."

"Take that, and that and that, you little psychopathic idiot! Take your punishment! For The Mew blessed tail!" The little mouse shouted. Perhaps it had gotten a bit too battle frenzied. But that mattered naught; the boy had stepped on his tail. Sacrilege! Pikachu prepared one last Thundershock for a good measure, when suddenly, a pale blue shield appeared. The Pikachu could now only stare wide eyed, and the last thing it heard before fainting was "Hadoken!".

"Where am I?" Wait, what? His voice echoed around? Cool! Oh, so he could also float? What if- "Welcome young one."- came a voice that carried thousands of years' worth of wisdom. Seeing the little boy jump back in surprise, Arceus chuckled- hey, don't you use Judgement on me!

And finally, Ash looked up and saw a big white llama Pokémon (?) descend from a pillar of light. "Young one, we've been awaiting you."

"Wow, you speak!" Our little hero shouted with excitement. Perhaps a bit too much excitement to not notice the "we", but hey, blame a small kid, will you?

"I am Arceus."- came a response, as if Ash hadn't said anything prior, unless a chuckle is considered a response- hey, hey, I've stopped, 'kay? Don't blast me with Judgement, please?

"Dear Arceus, how much aura did you give the poor kid? Spare the parent will you? " Came another voice. Little Ash looked around, before seeing a figure dressed in really awesome outfit will awesome gloves and an awesome cape and an- "Is awesome the only thing in your head?" Arceus chuckled good-naturedly, Wait, chuckled? . . . AAARRGGHHH!

"What was that sound?" Asked little Ash, looking around, as, for the first time, he looked around with fear, instead of awe.

"I mean, come on, Arceus. We both know what an absurd amount of aura can do to an adept. Especially if he's a kid. The boy probably can't stand still. I'm sorry for his Mom." The figure said, snapping their finger, and a tree appeared next to him. Along with sunglasses and a glass of lemonade.

"Sacrifices must be made, Sir Aaron." Arceus replied sagely. "Or you could have followed my advice and gave him Mew as his starter." Said the figure, now known as Sir Aaron. "I told you, he's not ready yet…"

"What was that sound?" Ash at this point screamed, tearing up in fear. Normally, when he was scared, his Mom would be there to comfort him. But there was no one here.

"Oh, that was the narrator's lament. Anyways, we've been waiting for young one. Tell me, what is your dream?" Answered Arceus kindly, secretly hoping that the boy wouldn't cry- it would be such a hassle then.

"Huh? My dream is to become the World's greatest Pokémon Master!"- said Ash, at this point having all but forgotten about his rather short-lived sorrow.

"But then, tell me, why do you desire to become a Pokémon Master?" Chuckled Arceus.

Upon hearing that, Sir Aaron could only face palm with his 1000- err, 2 hands.

"Why, that's simple. Because I want to be the best", like no one ever was, "and because that'll finally show Gary that I'm better than him!"- answered Ash nonchalantly, ignoring the narrator's scream.

"… Told you. He's not ready for that. Face it Arceus, he's a small kid. For someone who's supposed to be Omni knowledgeable, you should know better than to try and discuss philosophy with a kid. And before you try, you should also know that your Judgement doesn't work on me."- said Sir Aaron, with smirk.

"Damn it. Ah well, you'll get your mansion later. Anyways, young Ash, while your motives are questionable, you goal commendable. As you are now, you're not ready."

"What?!" Ash was, at this point bristling with anger. How could someone say that to him?!

"You currently possess neither skill nor knowledge to deal with most problems. For instance, what if you and your Pokémon are injured and you can't get to a Pokémon Centre? Or how to cook for yourself and your Pokémon, how to care for them...Oh why am I bothering? It's simpler to show you what will happen if you leave unprepared".

And then, right in front of the little boy countless images flashed. It was almost like watching a movie! Wait, is that how he eats? Yuck! Wait, how? What the? Umm… Wait a damn second.

"But how do I know it's true?" Said Ash skeptically, not quite believing what he saw.

"Technically I created the universe, so I can do whatever I want, including seeing the future" Arceus replied with another chuckle. Wait, chuckle? …

"You need to prepare, young one. While skill comes with experience, you knowledge should be gained as soon as possible. I'm sure that old man"- "Professor Oak"- "yes, professor Oak would be glad to help you. As for the rudimentary skills, you could appeal to your mother for help."

"But what does app-"

"It means that that you should ask her for help."- answered Sir Aaron, who was on the verge of bursting of laughter.

"Oh"- said Ash looking down.

"Oh, and expand your vocabulary while you're at it."

"Wha"-

"Basically he told you to learn more words."

"Oh. Right. So, can I go back now, Mr. Arceus and Mr. Sir Aaron?"- said Ash, this time with determination.

"It's Sir Aaron, not Mr."-

"Yeah, yeah. *cough*, start training, Chosen One. You have a bright future ahead of you. Contact us when you're ready."

"…"-

"You'll know when the time comes. See you later. Oh, and don't tell anyone about this, got it?" Then, before Ash could protest, Arceus clicked his fingers and Ash vanished. Wait, clicked his fingers? …

"Ashy, get up. Come on…", "Wake up now, you idiot", as well as a few more phrases that his brain couldn't really register, were the first things he heard. He got up, holding a hand to his head, saying something about Goku, Hokaydos, hats and Judgements before collapsing again, head ringing and world spinning. A shout of "Wake up mister!" from his Mom, who had gone from worried sick to mad with rage –did I mention the Giratina-like eyes-, was all it took for Ash to comically sit straight with a military discipline. Unfortunately, he also hit his head on a shelf and, you guessed it, returned to the domain of unconsciousness.

"Ace."- "Damn, you win again."

"Hey, where am I?" –said Ash, his head still ringing.

"Oh, it's you. Back you go. Now, what about a game of chess?"

"You're up! Honey, you have no idea how worried I've been! And you'd better explain how you got yourself so burned and injured on the path to the lab." Delia said, relieved. She was both surprised and worried when she heard that they'd found Ash like that. He's missed the festival, but hey!

Ash, blinking away his drowsiness, sat up. He started looking around. There was his desk, his books, his Snorlax doll, his Pikachu doll that was behind his Mom- hey, wait a second. He didn't have a Pikachu doll.

"Pika!" The little rodent coed, causing Delia to scratch its cheek, making it coo even more.

"Aww, it's so cute."- said Ash, before looking into its eyes. It's crazy, pissed-off, battle-frenzied eyes. "ARRRRGGGGHHHHHH!"- screamed the boy and the mouse in unison.

"ARRRRGGGGHHHHHH!"- squeaked the Pikachu, running away, with round puppy eyes. Meanwhile, Ash grabbed a pillow and, with a fierce battle cry, jumped out of bed, and, despite his injuries, ran at the mouse, and got shocked off his feet. Delia winced, seeing her boy collapse.

Then he got up and charged again. Delia raised an eyebrow- this wasn't normal. And she would fight anyone who said otherwise. The again, who would say that a little injured boy attack a Pikachu with a pillow is normal? However, one of Pikachu's stray Thundershocks hit Delia, making her hair stand up. Noticing that, both combatants stopped and exchanged a look that said "Nice knowing you".

Two hours later, with Delia acting as a mediator (and her Giratina-like eyes a reminder of how they should NOT break their truce), the two sides made up. And it only took two hours, one pillow, a whole bottle of ketchup for Pikachu, and few bruises for Ash (that's why NEVER go fight a Pokémon yourself, no matter how harmless-looking). Right now, the Pikachu is sitting on a shelf, happily guzzling up ketchup, and snickering at our poor hero, who learned that his pride was not the only thing utterly broken/zapped to pieces. However, he didn't mind, as long as he could eat his Mom's delicious breakfast. Mmhh, apple pie, his favourite! But, then there was what Mr. Arceus said.

"Ash, why are you looking at me like that?" Delia was genuinely surprised. Normally, he gobbled down his food like a Snorlax after hibernation. But now, he just sat, picking at his food!

- Nothing, Mom.

- You know you can't lie to me, Ash. Tell me, what's the problem?

Well, it's all or nothing, right? "Mom, I realized that I'm not quite prepared for my journey. I don't know how, to look after Pokémon, how to treat their wounds; I don't even know how to treat my own wounds!" Said Ash, all in one breath. It wasn't hard to admit that in front of Mr. Arceus and Mr. Sir Aaron, but somehow, it took a world of effort to admit that to someone. Even to his own mother.

Delia could only sit, tearing up, thinking about how her baby boy grew up.

"See, I told you it would work." Said Arceus, looking triumphant. "Who knows, perhaps he'll be a better Chosen One than you!"

-Yeah right!

-See, even you agree!

Sir Aaron was not amused. "Queen to E4. Checkmate." Sir Aaron finished with a smirk.

"… How did I lose again?"

"So, you want me to teach you more about Pokémon." Said the Professor, his face emotionless. However, he was surprised. From what he knew, Ash was cocky (which was not unheard of for his age), somewhat self-centered and overly proud. It must have taken something big for him to realize that he's unprepared. If only Gary was the same. Ah well.

"Yes, sir." Replied Ash. He too tried to look serious, but his (not so good) façade hid his nervousness. After all, professor Oak was considered the world's most brilliant mind, having become champion at the age of 21- a record only recently broken by a young teenager in Sinnoh named Cynthia-, as well as having become a regional professor at the age of 25; a record that has yet to be broken. Why would THE professor Oak teach him?

"Please, just call me Samuel. You think you're not ready to head out with your current knowledge. I'm impressed; few people have the maturity to admit that. But you do understand that you'll have to give it your all? The lessons won't be easy." Said Oak. He, of course expected it. But he was too nervous to say anything. Taking a deep breath, Ash gave his answer.

"Yes, professor." Came the reply, short and clear, just the way the professor liked.

"Then I accept you as my sidekick- err, apprentice." Replied Oak. Ash's heart was racing. Yes, he had been accepted! - "Under two conditions." His heart sank. "The first condition is that you do your best."

-"Yes, professor. And what is the second condition?"

"The second condition is that you help me with the ranch. It'll do you good." Said Oak. "And lighten my work load." Thought the professor with a smile.

"Yes, profe-"

- "Great! Now listen up, Ash. Pokémon are mysterious creatures; no one knows everything about them. They are an enigma really, just like the structure of the atom. There is still much we don't know about them. So, do you want to step into the unknown, to discover the mysteries of the world?" A fire burned in the professor's eyes. Not just any fire; it was a fire of the curiosity, the passion and the need to know. One could feel the drive behind it, invigorating them to seek, to learn…

"Professor. What is an "atomic structure", and why are your eyes on fire?" The only thing the professor could do was comically collapse to his side in a very anime-style.

The first few months of studying under Oak were difficult. His favourite weeks were the third and fourth ones, when he learned to heal Pokémon with herbs and berries. It was fun mashing berries. (And flinging them at a certain fat mouse).

Sure, Ash had to learn the typing table, but that wasn't what bothered him. He had to do maths! Why would he need maths anyways? And worst yet, the professor told him that they wouldn't continue on until he improved at it. Damn equations! Almost like an insult to injury, Mom would often come to the lab while he was studying. Unfortunately, the Pikachu came as well. It was difficult enough, but having a giggling rat next to him just made it harder! He was currently outside, at Oak's Ranch having a small break.

Frustrated, he tossed a rock… and somehow hit a Beedrill. And he knew like no one else what pissing off a Pokémon could do to one's health. Thus, he did the only sensible thing; he ran. Run Ash, run Ash! Meanwhile, the Beedrill sweat dropped; it's not like he would have hurt the boy anyways. A little Twinneedle to teach him humility, that's all.

Ash stopped, looking back. Well, at least he'd lost the Beedrill. Unfortunately, he's also gotten lost in process. So, he did what every sensible person would do; he ran further into the forest. He'd find the exit eventually, right? However, barely twenty meters into the forest, he heard a rustle in the bush. Wait, a rustle? That's weird; this part of the forest has been uninhabited ever since this section had burned down during a fire. Of course, birches have grown back on the barren field. However, the Pokémon avoided this part of the forest like a Plague. Yes, it must have been his restless imagination. It couldn't be a Pokémon, could it?

And then before he knew it, he walked into a small clearing. Despite it being empty, Ash couldn't shake off the feeling of unease creeping up on him. Deciding that it was just the paranoia he'd developed after living with a slightly psychopathic mouse for several months, Ash decided to move on. However, he soon realized that the clearing had indeed not been empty. Behind the rocks that laid on the sand, there was clearly someone breathing very shallowly. And- good grief, was that blood? Sickened by the stench of blood, Ash turned around and ran out of the clearing.

But, some why, having taken a few steps backward, he couldn't help but look back. The shallow breathing continued to come from behind the rocks. Come on, go! It's dangerous! Why should you risk your life for something you don't even know? His conscience argued. But, somehow, he couldn't find it in him leave. Come on, it's dangerous! But what if its hurt. What if I was hurt and no one came to help. It might be dangerous, but since it was granted life, it probably deserved it. And so what, you have nothing to do with it. You're scared, you know you are. Quit playing the hero and turn back! What if someone hurt Mom, professor Oak?

Ice and fire, stone and water, brain and heart, conscience and feelings. His internal struggle was fierce.

But, some why, having taken a few steps backward, he couldn't help but look back. The sound continued to come off from the clearing. Come on, go! It's dangerous! Why should you risk your life for something you don't even know? His conscience argued. But, somehow, he couldn't find it in him leave. Come on, it's dangerous! But what if its hurt. What if I was hurt and no one came to help. It might be dangerous, but since it was granted life, it probably deserved it. And so what, you have nothing to do with it. You're scared, you know you are. Quit playing the hero and turn back! What if someone hurt Mom, professor Oak, or even Pikachu? Ice and fire, stone and water, brain and heart, conscience and feelings. His internal struggle was fierce.

He took a deep breath. While it seems that this stereotypical morale choice is easy, in reality, it wasn't simple. It wasn't a situation where he could blindly charge in without consequences. It's dangerous! It's hurt! Why should you care about some Pokemon that you don't know? He took another breath. But suddenly it dawned on him: could he walk away, knowing that he left a Pokémon to die? The answer is no. He had to know, he had to make it through.

So, taking another deep breath to calm his nerves, Ash went back. Slowly creeping, back against the boulders, he moved further and further. It was an Absol, lying on the ground! But what would an Absol be doing here all of the sudden? Noticing him, the feline flung a RazorWind straight at Ash.

Diving to the side, the attack was just a narrow miss. That was close. Ash looked at the Absol. The attack seemed to have sapped its remaining strength; he could see the Dark Pulse she was charging dissipate in the wind. "Hey, I'm not here to hurt you. I just want to help, okay?" The Absol didn't reply, its flanks heaving, its breath becoming more and more sporadic. Its pelt was covered in cuts- dear Arceus, what could've made those slash marks? Good grief, it is dying!

It looked at Ash with mistrust and fear; in its current condition, even a Psychic-type could slay it. But there was something in those eyes. He couldn't quite figure it out, but that didn't matter; he needed treat the Absol, fast! Good news is, it couldn't attack him even if it wanted to. It, no, she, there was something about that piercing gaze that almost... characterized her. Brave, strong, proud, unyielding…

Considering the gravity of her injuries, he knew he couldn't heal her. But if she got a few Sitrus berries, maybe she would be able to make it through the night. But, Sitrus berries were out of season! Ash frowned not knowing what to do. He couldn't just let her die! Wait, he'd passed a few bushes earlier. Slowly, his frown turned into a smirk, and then into a grin. He knew just what to do.

There! All done. Five Cherri berries and about 30 Oran berries. He also picked some Clairantine stalks on the way, hoping that their pleasant smell would calm her. Clairantine stalks were notorious for their smell, capable of leaving even the most ferocious Gyarados calm, and at times almost docile! While he didn't know if the herb would sooth her, since the absol was likely from Johto, but it was worth a shot.

Now, to run back to the Absol. He turned to the clearing and sprinted back.

What was I thinking, attacking the Humans In Black by myself? I should have known I wouldn't stand a chance. It's a miracle that I've survived anyways. Luckily, I'd made it to the shrine of Mew. The other Pokémon won't hurt me here at least. Well, fellow 'mons, not humans.

Humans. Vile, disgusting, clumsy egotistical creatures that think they're the masters of the world. They don't realize how weak they are anyways. But the human that came here earlier was weaker. I could smell his hesitation, taste his fear. But yet, he came back after leaving. I cannot understand his actions. Elder said that humans are selfish creatures, seeking nothing but their own benefit. But the human came back. Sure, he fled afterwards, but… Ah well. Ylvetal will claim me by nightfall. I could try to amuse myself with something until then. I could try to sing. I've got time, and nothing to lose.

Ash, panting, stopped to gulp in air. He was almost there anyways. Might as well walk. However, at the distance of about 40 meters from the clearing. He stopped. There was a soft melodious sound flowing from the clearing! Ash ran back to the clearing and stood, mouth agape as he saw Absol sing, despite occasional bouts of coughing.

This song carried not the message of hopeless despair that one might expect from a dying creature. It was a melody that sung of the gentle spring breeze that caresses the blades of grass, the faraway lands, waiting to be explored. It told of the vast expansive skies, the joy of freedom, the beauty of nature! It told of stars, littering the night sky; it told of leaves that adorned the tree crowns. It was a song about the joy of life, both its exciting a peaceful aspects. Ash stood in a stupor, stunned by the simple, yet profound message of the song. There is but one life. Everything should be cherished, even what you seem to hate.

Like the Pikachu. He didn't like it, but, then again, he now couldn't imagine life without it. Ash stopped, thinking about it. Indeed, the mouse has become akin to a little brother to him. Their daily fights have become a sacred ritual. No, not it. Him.

Having stopped singing, the Absol turned her eyes to him. The look showed a lot; mistrust surprise… Snapped out of his trance, Ash set to work, mashing Oran and Cherri berries together on a nearby rock.

Klonk. Klonk. Klonk. She was, of course, surprised when the human came back. It just stood there, dumbfounded looking at her. Somehow, it reminded her of home. After all, that was what many males in her tribe did. But that didn't matter. The biggest surprise was that the human came back with berries! More precisely, Oran and Cherri Berries. And the human child was making a mixture that she'd seen her mother do countless times. Perhaps she was wrong about humans. Perhaps there was some good in them after all.

The sky has already darkened by the time Ash finished treating the Absol. She stood up again, looking proud and strong, ready to face down all challenges. Sure, the boy could see that the feline was trying to hide a pained wince, but her being able to walk was only a good sign. However…

"Shoot! I forgot! I'm lost! "Ash slapped himself in the face. How could he be so stupid as to forget that? Of course, he regretted nothing. He was able to save Absol, and seeing her in all of her magnificence was the most gratifying reward.

The Absol stood, cocking her head to the side, almost as if she were contemplating something. And soon, her frown turned into a smirk, which in turn became a grin.

Funny how things work out, don't they?

Ash was now standing in front of professor Oak, looking down. Absol had dropped him at the Ranch, where the professor found him.

"Ash! Where have you been? We've been looking for you all over the place! Your mother has been worried sick and…" Was all the professor could stutter before being interrupted.

"I know. And I'm sorry." Replied Ash, now finally looking into his mentor's eyes.

Later that evening, his Mom gave him an earful for his abrupt disappearance. He didn't mind. He saved a life and he learnt an important life lesson. She did send him to bed early, but it was natural that she was worried. Ash, also naturally, considering his young age, pouted, but his protest fell upon dead ears. He wanted to talk to Pikachu, but he supposed that it could wait until the next day.

"Hey Pikachu. Come here." Said Ash. He couldn't sleep the night before; his brain was busy cycling through countless scenarios of their 'Peace Treaty'. The said mouse however, did not respond. Ash signed; he, of course expected the mouse to be difficult, but not quite to this extent.

"I know you think you don't need to speak to me. You probably think I don't deserve it after what happened, don't you?"

And for the first time since starting this conversation, the mouse showed him attention. Only a slight glance, but a glance nonetheless.

"I just want to tell you something. I want to apologize to you. Not for simply stepping on your tail, not for hitting you several times with a pillow. " It was difficult for him to say. After all, he is a proud kid; but he truly hoped the mouse would forgive him. After the fiasco with Absol, he realized how precious life is. He realized that the mouse, after living with him for a few months, has become akin to a little brother. An annoying, pesky little brother, but also one he wouldn't trade for the world itself. Thus, he forced the following phrases out.

"I apologize instead for being childish and immature; I knew I was wrong, yet my pride forced me into fighting you time and time again." By now his eyes were getting damp. "You've become a little brother to me; an annoying little brother that loves ruining my life"- the Pikachu's cheeks were sparkling, and Ash chuckled despite himself- "but one that I love nonetheless."

The little mouse was at that point was sitting dumbfounded. What has that woman said to her son? Granted, she was kind and cooked well- really well, but her UNHOLY eyes when she was angry… They gave him shivers just by thinking about them. The boy was looking down; his eyes were covered by his cap. Why do humans wear that weird head piece, he could never understand. But mainly, he couldn't see the boy's eyes. Curious, Pikachu walked closer.

"Pika?" Pikachu cocked his head, with a puzzled look in its eyes. Ash looked down. Dear Mew, the brat had tears in his eyes! At that moment, Pikachu realized that the two had simply misunderstood each other. By focusing too much on their worst (and ironically most noticeable) traits, they forgot to look deep inside each other.

"So, Pikachu, can we'be friends now, right?" Said, no, rasped Ash; dear Mew, he really was crying! Pikachu, somewhat taken aback at the question, took a moment to pause. He knew that the boy was not particularly loved by the other kids who would often call him names. And they were his friends. Is that want Ash wanted? However, looking into the boy's eyes, he saw nothing but unconditional love and trust.

"Pika!"

"Really? Great!" Oh, Pikachu?" Said Ash, his tears drying up and his eyes gained a glint. Pikachu failed to notice it and moved closer.

"Tag. You're it!" Shouted Ash, running away, for the first time in months feeling happy; after his "apprenticeship" under professor Oak began, the other children started avoiding him like a plague. However, now he found a new friend. It almost seemed like a curtain has been lifted over his soul; and he ran, grinning, looking back and seeing the Pikachu quickly catching up, looking dignified, but happy.

And then they ran into the sunset and lived happily ever after. Just kidding. Or not. Queue sinister evil laugh. Any ways, this is the second chapter. I'm not sure if the chapter was overall rushed or not. So please review and tell me, what you like about the story, and what you hate about it.

Big thanks to XelYel and St Elmo's Fire for reviewing.

Oh, and in case you guys didn't know, the birch tree represents renewal in the Celtic mythology, due to the fact that everytime that a forest would burn down, birches were generally the first trees to grow back up. And as for the snake (Arbok), then it's also the symbol of renewal; albeit because of its ability to shed its skin.