Alright, AlphaAura is ba- *smack!*
Ouch...okay, maybe I deserved that. But having a week full of finals, getting ready for a university interview, and suffering a writer's block kinda destroyed my thinking ability. So as a result, my other fanfic, Controller of Chaos, is put on hold. Sorry.
In the meantime, a new idea for a story decided to pop into my head! And I personally believe that this has much more potential. I don't know what inspired me to get this down but all I know is that some ideas I thought of just smashed together into one.
Without further ado, I give you 'Bound to Fate'!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon.
Summary: After having competed in the Kalos League in which he placed first but beaten by the first of the Elite Four when given the chance to battle them, Ash returns home in Pallet Town for a break for him and his pokemon. But when Professor Oak tells him of a recent discovery, things start to change. And when a legendary disaster that could end the world is predicted to happen soon, will Ash be able to survive it all or is he, and the rest of the world, fated to perish?
Chapter 1: A Shocking Dicscovery at Home
Ash Ketchum, winner, but not champion, of the Kalos League, was traveling by plane to his home, Pallet Town. Resting in his lap was his best friend and starter pokemon, Pikachu. He was sleeping peacefully, having nothing else to do on an airplane.
To his right was Serena, a childhood friend back when he was younger. He had met her during Professor Oak's Summer Camp. She had hurt her leg when she was startled by a Poliwag and Ash came and helped her by using his hankerchief to bandage her wound and leading her out of the forest.
It was the same day Serena started to have feelings for him. Now, her feelings are much stronger because of her confession before the start of the Kalos League.
Flashback:
Ash was getting ready to battle in the preliminary rounds of the Kalos League. It was time he won a pokemon league and he couldn't have felt happier that he was facing the Kalos League which was known for being more difficult than the other leagues. He was trying to choose his Kalos pokemon team for the matches when Serena walked over to him.
"H-Hey Ash," she said nervously. She needed to know one thing before she let loose her confession.
"Hey Serena!" Ash greeted happily. "What brings you here? I thought you were showing Bonnie around."
"I asked Clemont if he could do that," Serena replied. "I came to ask you something."
"I'm all ears! What did you want to ask me?" Serena shuffled her feet nervously.
"When you finish this league, where will you go?" She wondered if he'll go home to Pallet Town without her. Her crush on him did not allow that possibility. Ash was in thought.
"I'll probably go back to Pallet Town." Serena felt depressed when she heard him say that. "But I think I'll stop by your home for a while."
Serena's eyes widened. He was going to stay with her for a while before going home?! She had wished ghis ever since they started traveling together and now it was being granted!
"R-Really?!" she exclaimed. Her eyes welled up with tears. Impulsively, she hugged Ash, feeling tears of joy run down her face. "I'm glad...I'm so glad."
Ash was in complete shock. "S-Serena?" Her hug sent warm feelings in his chest. Because he was dense, he couldn't describe the feeling. But he did seem to like them.
"I was worried you'd leave me," Serena said, still hugging Ash. "I was so sad when I left you when we were little. I didn't want the same to happen again when you leave me."
The feelings in Ash's chest raced up to his head. Suddenly, he felt like a part of his brain had been unlocked. He started seeing flashbacks one after another, starting from his first encounter with Serena as kids, then the goodbyes they exchanged when she left, then the reunion after his defeat by Viola, and many more, all of them involving him and Serena. He then remembered what Miette, a pokepuff baker, had said to him once.
"Hey Ash, do you have someone to take care of you?" she had said. He didn't understand what she was talking about. But now, he understood. When he started his journey, he didn't pay attention to love because he had a clear goal, to become a Pokemon Master, in mind and he thought love would hold him back. However, he now realized that love could help or hinder depending on the significant other. All Serena had done for him was help him reach his goal.
Even though he hadn't experienced anything of being in a relationship, he somehow knew what to do. Ash returned the hug.
"I won't leave you, Serena." It was then and there that he decided to be with her. Serena was shocked when he said, "And I never will." She slowly broke the hug and looked directly into Ash's eyes. She could see the gentleness behind them. When she heard him say that last part, she knew it was time to confess. She wiped her tears.
"A-Ash, ever since we met when we were little, you were special to me." As she confessed, Ash didn't look away. He listened to every word and not once did he dare interrupt her. "When I left for Kalos with my mom, I couldn't stay happy. I was missing a piecethat formed my happiness and that piece was you. When you arrived in Kalos and I saw you on television during the Garchomp incident, I felt complete. Even though I didn't have a goal in mind, I set off so I could see you again. You had a dream since you were little so I believed you could help me find mine. I also wished that we could be better, as more than just friends. You helped me when nobody did during our first meeting and I grew feelings for you, a crush. But while you traveled with me through Kalos, those fellings became stronger." Serena took a deep breath. Her confession gave her the confidence and courage to say what she had been wanting to say for a long time. "Ash Ketchum, I love you."
She waited for his response. She got none. Instead, she got something better. A kiss. On the lips. By Ash himself. Serena was so happy that she thought she was standing on cloud nine. She probably was. They held the kiss for about half a minute and then broke off. Both Ash and Serena were blushing but were smiling at each other.
"With all of my determination, heart, and strength," he spoke, "I will win the Kalos League for you Serena. Every match I have will be dedicated to you. Because I love you too."
They embraced each other once more, unable to be apart from each other anymore.
-Flashback End-
The memory made Serena smile. Ash kept his promise, defeating every challenger he faced during the Kalos League. He was so determined that he lost only two of his pokemon during the finals. And when he was given the chance to battle the Elite Four, he accepted and was actually able to defeat three of the first Elite Four's pokemon before he lost. And best of all, he dedicated all his battles to her and his pokemon. She couldn't have asked for anything better.
Ash was happy to go back home. After visiting Serena's house and getting the green light for their relationship and Serena's wish to go with him from Grace, Serena's mother, they left for Lumiose Airport. Clemont and Bonnie had to stay behind. Their home was there in Lumiose City and Clemont wanted to become the gym leader of the Lumiose Gym again. They both thanked Ash and Serena for a wonderful journey and Ash and Serena promised to visit someday.
The plane arrived in Saffron City. Serena was worried about the long distance from Pallet Town. Ash told her to wait while he called for an old friend. He smiled at hwr to reassure her that all will be okay. Five minites later, he came back with a pokeball in his hands.
"Serena, this will be our transportation," he said. "Charizard, come on out!" In a bright flash of white, a very powerful looking Charizard stood, expanding his wings to full length. He turned to Ash and immediately sent a flamethrower to his face. Serena gasped and was very concerned. Ash just coughed out smoke. His face was burnt and covered in soot. "Old habits die hard eh, Charizard?" He roared in agreement. "Can you fly us to Pallet?"
Charizard snorted as if saying: Please, that's too easy. You owe me a challenge when we get there.
After a few hours of flying, Ash and Serena finally arrived in Pallet Town. It was a small, peaceful town with scenery to boot. It was home to Ash, winner of the Kalos League, Gary Oak, pokemon researcher, Professor Oak, famous Pokemon professor, and Delia Ketchum, Ash's mother and probably the nicest human being in the world. (That is, unless you get on her bad side, which is extremely rare) Ash was considered the 'Pride of Pallet Town' for his achievements and it attracted a lot of visitors from all over the Kanto region.
As Ash and Serena walked through the town, people from all around congratulated Ash on winning the Kalos League. Serena could hear the whispers of 'strong' and 'handsome' directed at Ash and 'girlfriend?' and 'beautiful' at her. Ash was too busy greeting and thanking people while Serena blushed at the whispers.
They arrived at Ash's house. Ash was so nostalgic that he just ran up and opened the door and yelled, "Mom, I'm home!" There were rushed footsteps coming from the stairs and very soon, Delia Ketchum was looking at her son and noticed Serena behind him. Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulder and into Delia's arms.
"Pika!" he said, feeling the warm love sent from the mere contact of skin. Delia smiled and scratched Pikachu's ears, earning a coo of delight.
Ash frowned. "Aw, Pikachu. I was the one to hug mom first!" Serena giggled. Pikachu hopped off and Ash and his him embraced each other. To Serena, it was one of the most heartwarming scenes she has ever seen. "Mom, I'm home," Ash said in a hushed voice.
Delia fought back tears. "I know, dear. My baby boy has finally come back home." Ash blushed in embarassment but shook it off. Delia broke the hug and looked at Serena. "Ash, who's this?"
Ash smiled. "Mom, this is Serena. We met when we were little. Do you remember her?"
"Hello, Mrs. Ketchum," Serena greeted. She remembered her when she was little and was very happy to see her again.
"Pleased to see you, Serena. And please, call me Delia," Delia replied. "You're the girl that Ash helped in the forest years ago, right?"
"Right! You do remember me!" Serena said in delight.
"Of course I do, sweetie. A friend of Ash's is family to me."
"Great! Ash didn't remember me at all when we met each other in the Kalos region." Ash sweatdropped. Delia held back a giggle.
"That's my baby all right. Reckless and forgetful, yet gentle and caring."
"I know!" Serena agreed. Ash realized that they could talk about him all day and he wanted to see Professor Oak and his pokemon again.
"Hey Serena, do you want to see Professor Oak again?" Ash asked. "And my entire pokemon team?"
"Sure Ash!" Serena beamed. "I'll see you soon, Delia!"
Delia smiled. "Come back soon. Dinner's almost ready."
"We will, mom!" Ash replied. "I can't wait to try your cooking again!"
"Ash, Professor Oak and your pokemon first, remember?" Serena chided. Ash sweatdropped.
"Oh, uh, right! See you later, mom!"
Delia smiled as she watched Serena and Ash make their way towards the lab. "My baby boy has grown up."
Ash and Serena arrived at the lab and met Professor Oak. He congratulated Ash on his win in the Kalos League and, like Delia, he remembered Serena. While they talked about their lives, Ash and Pikachu went outside to the ranch. As soon as they did, Pikachu ran into the distance. Ash looked confused. He heard a distant 'Pika!'
Then there was rumbling. Ash could see a cloud of dust behind all the pokemon that were running towards him. He was happy to see them again but his happiness turned into fear when they got nearer. He was not looking forward to being trampled by a horde of his own pokemon. He tried to make a run for it but Charizard popped out of his pokeball and held him in place.
Charizard smiled as if saying, Oh no you don't. Face them you coward. Before all the pokemon ran into them, Charizard flew up, leaving Ash as the sole designated target.
A painful reunion...
About half an hour later, all the pokemon were now talking with Ash's Kalos pokemon. Ash himself looked like he needed a trip to the pokemon center. He shook out of his daze and went back inside to the lab. He wanted a nice conversation with Professor Oak and Serena, but the professor had something else in mind to talk about.
"Ash, my boy, you have already seen how Mega Evolution works, right?"
"Right! It's so cool!" Ash replied. Serena nodded in agreement.
"What if I told you that a new discovery had been made?"
"What?! Really?" Ash exclaimed, his eyes wide. He knew discoveries were rare and most of them are usually region specific.
"What's the discovery?" Serena asked. She, too, was intrigued.
"Many professors research the bonds between pokemon and humans," Professor Oak started, "but a recent discovery found that a special bond exists."
"Special bond?" Ash asked.
"Right. However, this 'special bond' only exists between certain pokemon and certain humans."
"So it's specific?" Serena asked.
"Correct. More reseaech is underway but we have found one 'special bond' so far."
"Who has the bond, Professor Oak?"
"And which pokemon does he or she share the bond with?" Ash asked.
"Do not be too surprised," Professor Oak warned. "It was a discovery we professors couldn't shake off for a long time." Ash and Serena leaned in closer, eager to hear the discovery. Professor Oak took a deep breath. He looked at Ash.
"The person who has this 'special bond' is your father, Red, and he shares the bond with the Legendary Pokemon, Mew."
Pure silence. Professor Oak's warning had no effect whatsoever. While Serena was surprised about the bond with Mew, Ash was surprised by the mention of his father. Serena was the first to break the silence.
"Is the 'special bond' similar to the bonds we share with our pokemon?" she asked. Professor Oak shook his head.
"No, my dear, it is completely different. The bonds you share with your pokemon are nothing but love and friendship. However, these 'special bonds' join the souls of the human and pokemon together into one. If one were to perish, the other will follow unless they bond again within a limited time period." Ash finally broke out of his silent trance.
"So they can bond with anyone?" he asked. Hearing his father having a 'special bond' made him wonder if he had one as well.
"No," Professor Oak replied. "There are special requirements but research hasn't gone that far yet." Ash was disappointed but he had one last question and he desperately needed the answer to it.
"How do you know my father has the bond?" he asked, his voice small. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Professor Oak was silent for a while before answering.
"After many years of absence, he appeared during a meeting with all the regions' professors. He said that he had a discovery to share and a warning to tell. He gave us the details of the 'special bond' but the warning he told us was terrifying."
"What warning?" Serena asked. Professor Oak sighed before continuing.
"He told us that a disaster like never before will cause chaos to the world. This disaster will test the 'special bonds' but the worst part of his warning..." Professor Oak stopped, obviously not wanting to finish the sentence.
"What professor? What's the worst part?" Ash asked. A part of him didn't want to hear it but curiosity won. Professor Oak continued, albeit pale.
"Survival is not guaranteed. The disaster will cause death."
Meanwhile...
A tall man with a red overcoat walked along a hidden path in an unknown forest. On his shoulder was his faithful Pikachu and floating beside him was the Origin Pokemon Mew. The man, whose name is Red, looked up to the sky above. The sun was setting and the stars were starting to appear.
"I have warned them of what is to come," he spoke. "Will they stand up to the challenge or will they perish by giving up?"
A gentle breeze made the hair sticking out of his red cap sway. This was the calm before the storm. And the storm was deadly. Survival is not guaranteed, even for him.
"Ash, my son, you are destined with a bond like no other. However, you are a part of the disaster that is coming. I cannot guarantee your survival. Your survival depends on the choices you make. Choose them wisely, my son."
And with that, he, his Pikachu, and Mew vanished. There was no trace of them at all, as if they were never there.
The storm, a deadly disaster like no other, is approaching. Will they survive or are they fated to perish?
There, much better if I do say so myself. Just a few things to clear out:
If you're wondering where Tracey was when Ash and Serena entered the lab, in this fic, he's back in the Orange Islands on a journey as a Pokemon watcher to gain more information on pokemon (habitats, behavior, etc.)
I personally favor Amourshipping. The other ships are okay but with Serena's canon crush and her and Ash's history together (childhood), Amourshipping takes the cake for me. Hopefully I did good enough for you guys with the flashback moment! :)
There, all cleared out. Thanks for reading. Hopefully this story's better. (Update times will be further apart and random. My school life is beyond comprehension, so bear with me!)
Next Chapter: The Bond of Balance
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That's it for now. AlphaAura is signing out!