Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any of its related characters.
Summary: Now eighteen years of age, Ash Ketchum returns from the Sinnoh region to his home in Pallet Town. Although, there a few complications - two years of travelling alone has changed Ash, and not necessarily for the better.
He stood there, gazing over the peaceful scene before him. The little town had shut its doors for the night and everything was quiet. The young man smiled as he listened to rowdy children being shushed by their mothers. His eyes panned over the village, coming to rest on the largest building there, the local professor's laboratory. He inhaled deeply, taking in the cool night air before turning to his small companion.
"Well, Pikachu, we're back."
"Pika!" The yellow electric mouse squeaked happily before clambering onto his favourite perch on his trainer's shoulder. As the pair began their descent toward the sleeping town, the young man began to realise how long it had been since he had last visited the place.
'Wow… it's been eight years since I first left. And I haven't been back since the Battle Frontier…'
"We've been on the road together for a long time, haven't we, buddy?" The young man turned to rub his companion's ears. "And here we are, back where we started."
Now eighteen years of age, Ash Ketchum had returned to his hometown, Pallet Town, for a greatly anticipated vacation. He had been on the road for a long time, travelling through the newly discovered Sinnoh region, gathering Pokemon and badges along the way. He was enthusiastic when he left, eagerly looking forward to this adventure, but this did not prepare him for the challenges he would face on his newest journey.
Travelling alone had been difficult for the aspiring Pokemon master. Misty had gone back to run Cerulean City Gym after the Johto League when her sisters decided to go on an extended vacation. May had been interested in the Johto Grand Festival since Drew and Harley left for it when Ash was battling in the Battle Frontier. Max accompanied his sister in Johto, gaining his first Pokemon as he turned ten not long after their arrival on the other continent. Brock had returned to Pewter City to look after his younger brothers and sisters and resume leadership of the Pewter Gym after his father had fallen ill. Which left Ash alone, Pikachu his only companion, to travel around and collect badges from the Sinnoh league. Sure, he met people along his journey, but nothing could replace the company of his closest friends. Despite this, he smiled as he walked through the quiet streets, taking in the familiar sights.
'I wonder how their doing? Especially Misty… I should go visit her and Brock while I'm here in Kanto…'
He hoped this vacation would refresh him and bring back his fighting spirit. The past two years had taken its toll on Ash, leaving him disinterested, depressed and lacking in confidence. The cocky, would-be Pokemon master was now a distant memory. He should have never left Kanto alone.
He soon approached a house, whose garden appeared to be well taken care of. Ash was not surprised. The garden was his mother's pride and joy. He had spent many childhood summers helping her – pulling weeds, planting flowers. But it was worth it, the garden was in perfect condition. He paused for a moment before hesitantly pressing the doorbell.
A rush of steps was followed by the door being swung open. A woman in her forties, wearing pyjamas and looking somewhat dishevelled, stood there for a moment unable to recognise her visitor.
"Can I help you?"
"Hi Mom."
The older woman's eyes widened as she suddenly became aware of the identity of her late-night visitor.
"Ash?"
Pikachu smiled, jumping off his trainer's shoulder as Mrs Ketchum gathered her son into a tight hug. The yellow Pokemon chuckled softly as his trainer gasped, all the air being squeezed out of his lungs due to his mother's overzealous greeting.
"Mom… can't… breathe…"
Mrs Ketchum quickly dropped the hug, clearly embarrassed. "Sorry son. I'm just so excited to see you. Come in!"
The older woman quickly ushered her son and Pikachu inside and closed the door. Ash surveyed his surroundings, smiling as he took in the familiar sights of his childhood home. That is, until his mother blew her top.
"What are you doing getting home so late? I've told you a hundred times that it's unsafe to travel at night. And where are your friends? You know that you shouldn't travel alone. What if you'd been hurt, or worse, killed? And…"
"Mom." Ash grabbed his mother's shoulders as he interrupted her rant. "I'm home and I'm safe. Isn't that all that matters?"
"Oh, Ash." Delia wrapped her arms around him again, her head resting on his shoulder, which was now higher than her own. "I was so worried. You never wrote and you barely called. I never knew where you were, if you were safe, and…"
She broke off, beginning to cry. She had missed her son so much. Sure, he was eighteen now, but all she could see was her little ten-year-old boy, rushing off in his pyjamas to start his Pokemon journey.
Ash held his mother close as the sobs shook her body. "I'm so sorry, Mom."
A/N: What do you think? My first attempt at Pokemon fanfiction... any comments?
Please review. The next chapter will be up soon.