Welcome to chapter two of COD! This chapter will be longer than the first chapter and I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 2 ~ 11 Long Years Later

A shirtless young boy was doing push-ups to strengthen his arm muscles and his leg muscles. Of course, there was no need for him to do this. The 11 year old child's raven black hair was wild and his signature tuft of hair was long; it reached his right eye. He had a well developed 4-pack and when he felt that it was enough push-ups, he finally stopped. His black pants were almost worn out. He stood up to his full height and he felt a presence behind him. He made his eyes glow red and he threw a punch behind him.

Behind him was his father, Darkrai. Darkrai was proud of his son's achievements. He could sense presences even if they tried to hide, he could handle himself in a fight and a battle. However, great power comes with great sacrifices. Ash wasn't the same kind and sweet little boy he was 11 years ago. A small yellow rodent leaped on the boy's shoulder and he nuzzled him. "Hey, Pikachu. Do you like your evolved form?" He asked softly.

"Pika, pi!" Pikachu answered. Pikachu had only evolved three days ago, but now he was easily getting used to his new body. When he at first evolved, he was chubby, but immediate training with Ash had gotten rid of that. Pikachu was now thin and able to run a whole lot quickly because of the training. He smiled at his trainer, who smiled back.

Darkrai was happy at the interaction. He then frowned as he needed to tell his son something serious. "Ash." He said in a serious tone. Ash was immediately serious as he stood at attention. He knew that tone. "Ash, my boy, you have grown into a fine young man. You have completed nearly most of your training. Because of this, I decided that I will let you go on a journey throughout Kanto and Sinnoh."Darkrai tells Ash.

Ash marveled at the word 'journey' even if he didn't show it on the outside. "Through both regions at the same time?" Ash asked.

"Yes, although, we'll go to Sinnoh first, since it's my birthplace." Darkrai. Ash nodded at this.

"Great! Let's go now." Ash says, about to run, but a quickly grab from Darkrai stopped him. "What's wrong, Dad?" Ash questioned.

"Aren't you forgetting about something?" Darkrai asked. At first, Ash was confused, but when he realized it, he wanted to bang his head on a Steelix.

"Mom. I have to go see Mom." Ash answers Darkrai. Darkrai smiled at the boy and he released him. Ash huffed as he cursed at himself for not remembering that he needed to see his mother. He wanted to reassure her that he was going to be okay. He let Pikachu hopped upon his shoulder.

"Great! The last thing I want you to do is run off without seeing your mother. You know she misses you, Ash?" Darkrai asked the young boy. Ash nodded his head.

"I know Mom misses me and I miss her, but I've been thinking about her during training. Can I protect her as much as I want to?" Ash asked Darkrai. Darkrai smiled at his son.

"Ash, my boy, you're a brave young man to make a commitment like that. You really are my son." Darkrai says with a proud smile as he pat Ash on his head. He can be my successor. Darkrai thought. He felt that Ash was ready to journey and to train, but like he promised Delia, he would not train Ash until he was old enough, which was 14. He wanted Ash to experience his first two Pokemon Leagues before he start training.

"Yes, well, I will be on my way to Mom's. Will you come by?" Ash asked to make sure that his father won't leave him.

"Yes, yes, I will be there. I will probably do there after you leave, however. I have things to discuss with your mother." Darkrai tells Ash. Ash understood and he went to go see his mother.

When he got there, his mother was tearfully holding his baby blanket that she had kept. "Mom, what are you doing with that?" Ash asked, not really surprised nor embarrassed. He didn't mind his mother carrying around his baby blanket. He didn't mind her doing anything as long as she was safe.

When Delia saw her only son, she ran towards him to hug him. "Oh, my baby boy!" She cried out. Ash kept a poker face, but on the inside, he was happy that his mother loved him so much. Delia hugged Pikachu as well. Pikachu was fond of Delia and he was rather protective of her as well.

"Pika!" Pikachu cries out in happiness when Delia scratches him on his head. Delia giggled at this and Ash finally let a smile spread across his face when he watched the scene. This was his family and he was going to keep them safe, one way or another. What Ash did know was that Darkrai had the same idea as he did, but he didn't know was that his destiny will be a great one to behold.

End of Chapter 2!