Hey welcome back! Sorry for the slight delay. I had school work to take care of as well as making final changes to the chapter with my beta, but I want to thank everyone who took the time to read the first chapter.

Also, before you read this, know that I'm not an expert when it comes to guessing how long it would take to travel in between cities/towns and whatnot. Sorry in advance if some things aren't 100% accurate!

And an important side note before reading:

"Italicized words in quotes" = Pokespeech or Telepathy

'Single quotations' = Thoughts

Anyway! Without further ado, I bring you Chapter 2 of A Hero's Redemption. Hope you enjoy it! Please leave your thoughts in the reviews!


Chapter 2


Over an hour had passed since the previous incident and Ash was growing extremely concerned for the Riolu that laid in his arms. He had appeared very weak and by judging what happened just a little while ago, he barely even had the strength to stand up. Ash was so furious at Riolu's trainer and wished he had the opportunity to teach him a lesson the proper way. After all, what kind of twisted person would treat a Pokemon in such a way, especially one so small and innocent like a Riolu? Ash just couldn't understand why.

On the dirt path, the boy's breathing continued to grow heavier and heavier with each passing second. He was sprinting as fast as he could at this point, desperately trying to reach the help he needed. The extra weight of the two Pokemon on his body didn't even seem to drag him down in the slightest. All he was worried about now was getting Riolu to the Pokemon Center.

Unfortunately for Ash, he was getting so close to reaching Pallet Town after his long journey in Sinnoh. This whole incident put a minor delay on his return home, but for Ash, he would take any opportunity he could to help someone in need. Being on his way to Pallet, Ash had to turn the completely opposite direction over to the closest city, Viridian, where the closest Center would be. Luckily, Ash wasn't too far away from Viridian to begin with, being around halfway on the route leading to both destinations.

As time went on, the sun was setting and the night began to take over the sky, as Ash finally began to approach Viridian. Reaching the entrance, he was stopped by the Officer Jenny who was on patrol for that night.

"Halt! Who goes there!" The officer yelled cautiously.

Ash, ending his sprint, panted heavily, and was forced to speak through heavy gasps of air. "I...need help...!" he managed to mutter.

Jenny appeared to be confused with what the boy was trying to say, but glanced at the Pokemon he was holding, and immediately got the whole picture. "Wait right here. I'm gonna get you to the Pokemon Center as soon as possible."

Ash felt relieved as he heard this. Pikachu clung tightly to his shoulder, trying his best to reassure his trainer, while Riolu remained unconscious in his arms.

Only moments later, Officer Jenny drove a motorcycle from the garage near her post, attached to it was a small sidecar. With a stern expression on her face, Jenny merely said, "Get in."

Ash nodded and quickly jogged over to the sidecar and hopped in. With everyone now being in the vehicle, Officer Jenny put the motorcycle in gear and drove off as fast as she could.


It was only a few minutes before they arrived at the Center. Ash wasted no time and jumped out of his seat and rushed into the building followed by Officer Jenny who ran in behind him.

Nurse Joy was sitting behind her desk, when she noticed the double doors in front of her open and reveal a boy as well as Officer Jenny right behind him.

"Please help!" Ash shouted as he got closer to the front desk.

Nurse Joy stood up, and immediately got to work, being an expert on emergencies like this. She then called for a few Chanseys to come out and bring a stretcher for the badly injured Pokemon. She rapidly began typing on her computer before the Chanseys came back with the hospital stretcher.

"What's going on here?" Nurse Joy asked as she brought the stretcher over to the two.

"This boy came rushing over to me with an injured Pokemon, so I brought him over here as fast as I could," Officer Jenny replied quickly.

Ash nodded. "I found this Riolu in the woods miles away from Viridian City. His trainer was abusing him," He growled, clenching his fists tightly.

Nurse Joy didn't say much more then, only focusing on the task at hand, for now. Her and two of the Chanseys made their way to a room in the back of the Center, the trio being gone as soon as they pushed past the door.

Ash sighed. "I hope he's going to be okay," he remarked sadly, remembering the bad condition Riolu was in.

"I'm sure he'll be just fine," Officer Jenny assured. "At least we brought him in as quickly as we could. It could've be much worse."

Ash just nodded sadly. "Thank you Officer Jenny. For helping us out and driving us here. It saved us a lot of time rather than me having to run the rest of the way myself."

Jenny smiled. "It was my pleasure. Now, it might be awhile before they're done in there, so why don't you get some sleep," she suggested.

Ash agreed with her suggestion. He was tired after all. He had spent all that time in panic and it was actually becoming late at night, the moon now becoming completely illuminated in the pitch black sky.

Just then, Officer Jenny walked out, got on her motorcycle and left the Center, now leaving the ten year old and his Pikachu all by themselves in the main waiting room.

Looking around in the lobby, there was literally nobody else in there; the place completely deserted. Ash suspected it was because it was so late, nobody would need much help during this time. It was only his guess though.

Taking a glance over to his right, he noticed Pikachu, who was still on his shoulder, dozing off a little bit from exhaustion of such a long day.

"Hey, Pikachu..." Ash said.

The boy's companion looked over at his trainer, giving a huge yawn. "Pika?"

"Haha, you tired bud?" He smiled.

Pikachu nodded and shut his eyes again, this time going into a much deeper slumber. Ash took this as his cue to walk over to the nearest chair in the lobby and took a seat. He sighed as he set himself down, and began to relax. He put his hands around Pikachu's waist and carefully lifted him from his shoulder and placed him on his lap, giving him a more comfortable place to sleep in. At this, Pikachu instinctively curled up into a ball, and continued on with resting. His body rose and fell, matching the pace of his steady breathing.

Complete silence overtook the entire room, and every second that went by seemed like an eternity for the patient wait. Ash's eyes began to feel heavy, finding it hard to keep them open. Within a few minutes he eventually gave in and allowed himself to fall asleep.


It was now early morning, the sun beginning to rise above the horizon. The Pokemon Center still remained unpopulated with Pikachu and Ash still resting on the single chair they had taken over last night.

"Um...excuse me?" A voice came.

It was extremely abrupt, only causing Ash to stir a bit, not waking up, and only readjusting his positioning in response to the voice. Nurse Joy sweat dropped at this, but luckily for her, Pikachu began to wake due to the uncomfortable shifting of his trainer.

"Pika...?" Pikachu muttered sleepily, looking at the nurse, whose eyes met his. He then looked up at his trainer and realized he was still fast asleep, almost in a coma state. Pikachu sighed, realizing what he to do... yet again.

With a light thundershock, Pikachu zapped Ash. It was weaker than the last one on the boat, but it still sent an electrical shock throughout his body, which immediately brought him out of his sleep.

"Ah!" Ash nearly yelled out.

He looked around frantically and realized he was just in the Pokemon Center. He looked up to see Nurse Joy standing in front of him. She appeared to be pleased.

"I have good news," She began. "Your Riolu is doing just fine. There were a lot of injuries we had to care for last night, but nothing too serious or life threatening. He'll be recovering in no time," She finished happily.

"That's good to hear Nurse Joy," Ash smiled. He was so glad Riolu was doing fine. It had been such a close call. "Can we go see him?"

She nodded in response. "I thought you'd ask. He's in the second room behind those double doors in the back," She said, gesturing towards the back.

Ash thanked her once again, and he and Pikachu made their way to see Riolu again. The duo pushed their way past the double doors, and Ash found himself looking at a long hall containing a bunch of different rooms, both on the left and right. They all held a single window, and were labeled each with a different room number. This however, only confused the heck out of Ash, as he was unsure of what to do.

"Uh...Which one was it again Pikachu?" Ash curiously asked, scratching the back of his head.

Pikachu nearly fell down anime style at the boy's poor memory, but managed to regain his balance on his trainer's shoulder. "Pika Pi," Pikachu sighed, pointing to the second door on the left. "Oh...right," Ash chuckled sheepishly.

The two quietly entered the room to find Riolu lying still in a bed, appearing to be awake. As soon as they stepped in, Riolu instantaneously noticed the two, and turned his head to looked over at them.

"Ri?"

"Hey Riolu," Ash smiled down at him. He got down on a knee beside the bed so that he was directly eye level to the smaller creature on the bed. "I'm glad to see you're doing better. You're all safe now."

The Pokemon, in return gave the boy an appreciative smile, a small tear forming from the corner of its eye. "Ri, Riolu!"

Ash didn't completely understand what the Pokemon was saying, let alone Pokespeech, but he was usually able to get the gist of what they were trying to say.

"Don't mention it, Riolu. I couldn't stand to see you get hurt like that. I would do it all again if I had to," Ash smiled, giving his trademark thumbs up and a wink. "Pika!" Pikachu added in agreement.

Riolu, in response practically leaped forward, embracing the young boy in a tight hug. Ash was a little taken aback at first, but returned it, wrapping his arms around Riolu, making sure to take it easy on his still recovering body.

Just now, Nurse Joy walked in, noticing them embracing one another and giggled. "I see the two of you have become good friends now!"

Ash turned around, releasing the Pokemon and looked over at Nurse Joy, and chuckled. "Yeah, you bet! Best friends!" He exclaimed. Riolu and Pikachu both laughed in unison at the boy's over enthusiastic behavior.

"That's great!" Nurse Joy laughed. "I think Riolu should be just fine to leave the Pokemon Center early afternoon. We were able to take care of everything last night and he was able to get a lot of recovering done with a good night's sleep."

"Thank you so much Nurse Joy!" Ash smiled, to which Nurse Joy nodded and stepped out of the room.

"Did you hear that Riolu?" Ash grinned. "You'll be good to go by early afternoon!"

"Ri!" The Pokemon exclaimed in response. He was just as happy as Ash that he was well enough to leave. And so quick too! He couldn't thank this boy enough. He was for sure a goner if it wasn't him that had stood up to his former trainer. He could've just left him there helpless to die for all he knew. He shivered inwardly at the thought.

"Oh shoot!" Ash just remembered, placing both hands on his head. "I should probably call mom. I called her last time on the boat, and told her to expect me within two weeks, and it's been over two weeks!" He panicked, knowing his mother's typical reactions to his failed promises and lack of calls. He hurried out the room. "I'll be back in a jiffy guys!"

"Ri?" Riolu asked itself.

"Pika, chu," Pikachu replied, shaking his head.


Ash finally managed to get ahold of the video phone in the lobby, quickly punching in his home number and waiting for the other end to pick up. Almost immediately, the screen lit up to show a close up of Delia Ketchum with an annoyed look on her face.

"Um..hi, mom..." Ash said quietly. "I was-"

Delia cut in before her son was able to explain himself. "Ashton Ketchum! Where are you!" She scolded. "And why haven't you called?!"

"I'm at the Pokemon Center in Viridian City, mom. I found this abused Riolu in the woods, and Pikachu and I had to rush him back over to the city to get him help."

"You found an abused Riolu?" Delia placed a hand over her heart, looking sympathetic now. Ash sweat dropped at the sudden change of his mom's behavior, but nodded in confirmation.

"Oh poor thing! How is it doing now?" She asked worriedly.

"He's doing great now! Nurse Joy actually said he'll be good to go by early afternoon!" Ash replied.

Delia nodded. "That's good to hear. Come back soon honey. I miss you."

"I will. I miss you too mom. See you soon," And with that Ash hung up, feeling surprised at how well that all went. He figured the whole Riolu story took her mind off of it...well, momentarily at least.

Ash walked back to the room containing the two Pokemon, and the trio waited a few hours before afternoon had come around.


A little while later, it was time for them to continue their way home. Ash was becoming rather eager to come back home, and they had left the center as soon as they possibly could.

Ash, Pikachu, and Riolu all walked out of the Center. Pikachu was currently on his usual spot on his shoulder, while Riolu walked closely beside Ash. They all stood in place. Ash wasn't quite sure what to do with Riolu at this point.

"So...Riolu. I guess this is it buddy. You're free to go," Ash smiled sadly at the Pokemon.

Riolu shook his head. "Riolu!" He made no effort to just run off. He still stood there, looking more confident as he spoke to the boy.

"Huh? You wanna come with us?" Ash questioned, to which he received a nod in response. "Well...are you sure Riolu? I hope you don't feel obligated to have to come with us after all that."

The Pokemon shook his head once again, seeming to be sure in his decision to come with the boy. Ash's face remained nonchalant before a huge grin spread across his face. "Of course you can come with us Riolu!" Ash beamed enthusiastically. He was always happy to take along another friend with him. "The more the merrier," Ash laughed, earning a "Pika!" in agreement.

Ash's excitement eventually died down, however, as he realized something. "Wait, I can't catch you. I've realized that you're still technically owned by your previous trainer."

Riolu seemed to think about this, but spoke, waving his hands as he made a whole bunch of gestures. Ash looked carefully, trying to understand what he was trying to say to him.

He finally caught on. "Oh...you can still be owned by me even if I don't have your Pokeball. You can just travel outside without a ball like Pikachu?"

Riolu nodded, glad he was able to get his point across. Ash was still inwardly debating the situation, but gave in. "Alright, let's see how this goes. Hopefully we don't run into that guy again."

Everyone in the group agreed with Ash's statement. With everyone being well rested and well enough to go, the trio eagerly made their way back to Pallet Town.


Currently on the route to Pallet Town, Ash and his group of two Pokemon still continued their way back. During the past day, the trio had made occasional stops and breaks, and rested overnight in a comfortable spot in the forest. Now mid morning, they were just nearly approaching the hill that gave an entire view of the small town.

"Finally!" Ash exclaimed. "We're home guys!"

"Pika Pi!" and "Ri!" the two Pokemon exclaimed back.

"Haha! I'll race you guys the rest of the way!" Ash laughed, as he ran down the hill followed by Pikachu and Riolu dashing after him, eager not to lose this mini competition.

Ash was confident he would be the clear winner of this race, but he noticed Pikachu coming ahead of him with Riolu being behind Pikachu, but still ahead of Ash. "Oh no you don't!"

Ash tried running faster, almost catching up to the two, but it was no use. They were far faster than him, and Ash didn't have the ability to be able to outrun Pokemon as fast as them.

As they were practically nearing the Ketchum residence, Pikachu stopped right in front of the home belonging to his trainer's, and turned to face Ash giving him a smirk.

"Ok!..Ok. Pikachu you win," Ash gasped, his hands on his knees. Pikachu seemed proud at this, Riolu on the other hand, admired Pikachu. He too had underestimated the stunning speed Pikachu had.

As Ash regained his breath, he walked over to the white door to his house, and rang the doorbell.

After a few moments of waiting patiently, the door opened, but nobody was in sight. Looking down, Ash saw it had been a Pokemon who opened the door.

"Mr. Mime!" The Pokemon exclaimed happily.

"Hey Mr. Mime! I'm back!"

Mr. Mime opened the door, this time wider, enabling them to step in. "Mom, I'm home!" Ash called as soon as he entered his house. "Mom?" He asked, receiving no reply. "That's funny...I don't see her anywhere," He trailed off.

"Ash!" The voice suddenly, but clearly called.

The boy grinned. He knew that voice all too well. "Mom, I'm back!" He called out once again. Soon after, coming from the kitchen was Delia Ketchum, who still looked the same after Ash had left home for the Sinnoh Region. She wore her usual attire which consisted of a simple pink top over a yellow shirt and a navy skirt.

"I'm so glad that you're home, Ash!" Delia exclaimed as she enveloped her son in a bone crushing hug. Ash wasn't expecting this and was only able to squeal in his mother's tight embrace.

"Mom..." Ash gasped. "Not so tight...please." Delia eventually realized what she had been doing and showed mercy on the boy. "Sorry Ash. It's been so long! You have no idea how long you've been gone," She said, but her sudden shift in mood startled him. "What took you so long young man!" She demanded, placing her hands on her hips.

Ash laughed nervously at this, not entirely sure what to say. "Just a lot things came up I guess. I lost the Conference at Sinnoh, so I had to come back home," He sighed upon recalling his defeat.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Ash..." She said sadly, noticing her son's gloomy expression. Her attention quickly diverted when she noticed the two Pokemon Ash brought along in the house. "Aww! Pikachu! And this must be Riolu!" She crouched and pet the two Pokemon's head, to which Pikachu and Riolu purred in delight at feeling the soft fingers scratch the top of their furry heads. "They're so cute!" Delia squealed childishly.

Ash chuckled in response when his stomach unexpectedly began to mimic the sound of an earthquake, grumbling rather loudly. The boy shot his hands up and over his stomach in response, causing Delia to look up at her son and laugh at the blush evident on his face.

"Someone's hungry," She stated.

"Hehe...well with Brock not around, I haven't really gotten anything decent to eat for a while," He replied sheepishly.

"No worries!" Delia said, as she stood up. I was just about done making your favorite meal!" She smiled.

Ash perked up immediately, dashing to the kitchen, and sitting himself at the table, a fork and knife in each hand.

Delia giggled and walked over to finish preparing the meal for her son. "Some things just never change." Pikachu and Riolu laughed at the boy and followed his lead in making their way to the kitchen. Their long and tiresome journey had finally come to a peaceful end for now.


Far off on a secluded island, known as the "city of the waters," a girl with a green shirt and a short white skirt stood on a balcony. The city that she lived in was very peaceful, and not much crime occurred, however, it was often boring with not much exciting ever happening. Sure there were water races held annually and beautiful sites to see as well as museums, but it all seemed less impressive the more you saw them. It was still nice though, nonetheless.

The girl sighed to herself, resting her arms on the rail of the balcony to the house, and took in the scenery of the gorgeous city before her.

"...Latias? Are you there?" A voice from behind called her.

The girl turned around upon hearing the voice, and saw her close friend, an identical look alike of herself, who had found her on the balcony.

"Oh! Latias! There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you. What are you doing?" She asked, curiously.

"Nothing Bianca," Latias replied telepathically. "Just had some thinking to do."

Bianca nodded, not really sure how to respond. She knew her friend was still having a bit of a hard time, having to deal with living in this city with the loss of her brother. Latias had a feeling of emptiness welled up inside and she didn't really have anyone who could comfort her aside from Bianca and Lorenzo. The safety of the city was now her responsibility, which only added to the piled stress on her. Even though her brother had now been gone for 2 years, everything still felt like yesterday.

"You still miss him, don't you?" Bianca looked at her friend sadly to which she only received a subtle nod in response.

A really uncomfortable silence had fallen over the two, causing Bianca to uneasily shift the blue bag resting on her shoulder. In an attempt to break it, she finally spoke. "Come on Latias. Let's go."


There ya go! Chapter 2 is now completed! Thank you to all who've followed/favorited during the first chapter! I was surprised with all the attention it got. I hope this chapter was just as good, if not better than the last.

Well, that's all for now! Until next time!