Here's chapter two. Still setting up the story, but I hope that you like it so far.
Enjoy!
-StartersoverLegends
Chapter 2:
Ash's eyes suddenly shot open, his vision still blurry from sleep. Realizing that he was still tired, the young man simply rolled over in a half-awake stupor. But something was… different.
"Huh?" Ash asked as he realized that he was no longer in his bed at home. Rather, he was now lying upon what felt to be grass, and could hear several insects and pokemon nearby. With a start he sat up and rubbed his eyes. Looking around, his suspicions were confirmed. He sat in what seemed to be some sort of forest, though everything appeared to be well tended-to. Surrounding him were several trees and flower patches lit up in spots by a bright midday sun.
What am I doing here? Ash thought to himself as he slowly stood and turned to get a good look around. He pondered this for several moments, before deciding that the only way to get answers was to keep moving. Hoping that before long he would find some sort of clue as to what was going on, the teen thought about which way to go.
Aside from the wildlife, he could hear running water nearby. Deciding that to be the best way to go, he walked through the medium-length grass until he reached what appeared to be a stone path. Ash shrugged before stepping onto it, proceeding to follow the walkway while constantly looking around. Most of the area was open, with the trees far enough between for an almost meadow-like floor. Another aspect that caught his attention was the beauty. It was as if this place was perfect.
Finally, he could see where the path that he was on met two others, and converged next to a good sized pond. Along the side of the paths were a line of strange metallic instruments, with what appeared to be an assortment of spinning pieces on them. After observing these devices for a moment, Ash turned back to the pond. Several Pidgey were flying over the water body, while a Yanma suddenly swooped onto the surface to get a drink.
"What is this place?" Ash asked no one in particular as he watched a troop of Wooper swimming in the clear water. "It seems so familiar… Like I've been here before." Still, he couldn't put two and two together as to where he actually was.
Until he saw it.
He was studying the similar area across the pond, when he noticed a swing hanging from an old tree. It wasn't anything special, just a wooden seat held up by two lengths of rope. That was when his eyes widened in realization. Suddenly his memories rushed back at him, playing like a movie. He could remember Latias pushing him on that very swing when she revealed her true form to him. Also, the strange metal instruments rattling when Latios entered the garden to attack him- luckily that situation had been straightened out before any damage was done.
"No way…" Ash said to himself as he took it all in. He was in the Secret Garden of the Lati's, all the way in Alto Mare. "But how?"
Unconsciously he crossed the bridge over the pond and made his way to the swing. Having nothing better to do, he sat down and stared off into the garden. He had not the slightest idea of what he was doing here, his last memory being climbing into bed the night before.
"But here I am…" Ash said aloud, while running his hands along the ropes currently holding him up. Then he got an idea. Standing up, He turned to the path and began to run toward a place where he just might get some answers.
I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner, Ash thought as he excitedly made his way along. Quickly he ascended a flight of stone stairs that would lead him to an entrance of the garden, and also to Lorenzo's workshop. Hopefully there he would find Lorenzo or maybe Bianca to walk him through this.
"What?" Ash nearly shouted when he made it to the top and realized that the doorway was now totally gone, a large stone wall in its place instead. The teen scratched the back of his head in utter confusion as he turned back. Something was definitely different here. Then, light as a breeze he heard something.
Ash paused for a moment as he tried to decide what he had heard. It was quiet, and not like any sound he had heard before… It was as if it came from within his mind.
"I must be going crazy," Ash sighed as he decided that it must have been his own thoughts. But just then he heard it again, almost like a whisper in his ear. Perking up, Ash called out for whatever was that spoke to him.
"Hello?" He asked as he began to walk back down the stairs toward the sound. "Who's there?"
Ash-
There it is again! Ash thought. It was getting louder as he headed that way, so he increased his speed.
"Hello?" He asked again as he began to jog along the path, passing the swing again.
Ash-
Now that he could hear it well, he realized that the voice was familiar. He couldn't put his finger on the owner, but its tone was very kind and… Playful?
He started to run and kept his speed for a while, until he no longer heard the voice. Stopping, he panted lightly as he looked around. There was still no sign of the speaker anywhere…
Then there was a twinge of sorrow in his heart as he realized where he was. He had made his way to a spot of great significance within the garden- the fountain which housed the Soul Dew.
The fountain was made up of a set of stairs that led to a basin filled with water, within which lied the legendary gem and life of Alto Mare. Beneath the basin was a round pool, which fed into a larger rectangular one. Along the floor of the fountain were etchings depicting the Soul Dew's importance and prophesy.
Ash noticed his legs had started shaking as he walked up the stairs to the fountain. Held within that gem was the soul of Latios- who had sacrificed himself to protect Alto Mare just like his father had before him.
With a shudder at the memory Ash began reaching toward the gem, feeling a strong desire to connect to Latios again somehow. Slowly his hand approached the water's edge, and made contact. Instantly a bright light illuminated from the gem, causing Ash to cover his eyes. After several seconds the light finally died down enough to lower his arms. Again, he was amazed as the spot that had housed the fountain moments ago was now totally gone. Now standing in its place was a large exit from the garden.
In disbelief, Ash turned around to give the place one last look. Then he hesitantly walked forward, under the shadow of the entrance's walkway. Darkness now surrounded the teen, though from the other end he could see a spot of light- assumedly an outlet into the city. But as he walked forward, he realized that he was very wrong.
Ash let out a cry of surprise as the light quickly grew larger and larger, before rushing forward and consuming him completely.
Ash jolted up in bed, eyes wide and breathing rapidly. Quickly he looked around and found that he was once more in his old room. Everything inside the room was lit up by the light filtering in through his window, telling him that it was now morning. He let out a relieved sigh as reality returned to him.
"Pika?"
Ash turned his head to see Pikachu looking at him with worry and confusion in his eyes. With a small smile the boy reached over to Pikachu's spot on the bed and pet him reassuringly.
"It was just a dream." He said softly- though he wasn't sure whether he was telling Pikachu or himself. Still, even for a dream it felt so real…
Ash's thoughts were interrupted with the sound of two knocks on his bedroom door.
"Can I come in?" Delia's voice sounded from the other end.
"Sure," Ash answered as he rubbed his eyes, having just woken up. The door slowly opened before Delia took a step in with a cheery smile on her face.
"Wow, I'm surprised you're actually up," She said as she eyeballed her son. "I know how much you love to sleep in. I guess that traveling so much really has conditioned you."
"Yeah, something like that." He responded with a stretch. "What's up?"
"Oh, you have a call from Professor Oak downstairs." Delia continued, her smile returned. "And he's already been waiting for several minutes, so please hurry."
"Ok," Ash said with a smile as his mom turned and exited, shutting the door behind her for him to get ready in private.
Ash sat in bed for another moment, thinking through the dream again before leaving it for later. From there he turned and stood from bed, stretching again then crossed the room to his bag. Since the Professor was waiting he quickly changed into his normal clothes then started for the door. As soon as he opened it, an energetic Pikachu shot out of his room and took off down the stairs ahead of him for breakfast. Ash chuckled at his friend's antics, then followed.
As he descended the stairs an amazing smell met the boy. Quickly he found the source- a cooking Delia. While she and Mr. Mime worked in the kitchen, Pikachu could be seen contently on the table with a plate of pokefood and a bottle of ketchup. Though Ash's stomach roared for him to get something to eat as well, he wouldn't keep Oak waiting anymore.
Reaching the bottom of the steps, Ash turned left toward the living room where a Video Phone waited for him in the corner. The Current Call light was flashing green, signifying someone on the other line. Ash quickly sat in front of the monitor and punched in a key. Instantly the screen lit up, showing an awaiting Professor Oak with a room of his lab as the background.
"Ah, Ash!" The Professor greeted.
"Good morning Professor," Ash responded with a grin.
"And to you too m'boy," He professor smiled back. "I apologize for not coming over to speak in person, but since your mother had invested in this phone I figured we might as well use it. Besides, this will be quite the time-saver."
"Definitely," Ash agreed, "Speaking of Mom, she said that you wanted to talk to me about something?"
"Oh yes, of course. I was wondering if you would be interested in swinging by my lab today, for old times' sake. And to visit your pokemon, of course."
"That sounds great Professor!" Ash replied enthusiastically. "I would love to see everyone again." Oak smiled again at the boy's reaction.
"I thought you might. Very well, just swing by my lab when you get the time. Until then."
"Bye Professor," Ash said before the screen went black.
Now for some breakfast, a starving Ash thought as he stood and took off for the kitchen.
"Now Ash," The professor started with a serious look on his face. "These pokemon are very excited to see you. I recommend being extremely careful as you enter the Ranch."
"I will Professor." Ash agreed as he, Pikachu, and Oak stood in front of a large wooden door. After the video call Ash had quickly scarfed down his breakfast, and said a quick goodbye to Delia before taking off toward the lab with Pikachu at his heels. Even if it was a ten minute run through town, it would be more than worth it to see all of his pokemon again. The two had arrived at the lab full of enthusiasm- though Professor Oak worried that they didn't quite understand the level of the even more enthusiastic pokemon just beyond the door.
"Ok then…" Oak said as he turned and opened up the ranch to them, letting Ash and Pikachu out before himself.
"Wow," Ash said as he took in the beauty of the ranch. For as far as he could see, Pokemon of all sorts peppered the changing landscape. The three stood there for several minutes as they awaited sight of one of Ash's, but nothing had appeared yet. Ash was just about to say something about it when the Professor spoke up.
"Ah, there's one now."
"Huh?" Ash followed his gaze to see a Noctowl flying toward them. But not just any Noctowl- he quickly realized that it was the one that he caught in Johto. With an excited laugh Ash called out to the pokemon to get its attention. But to his shock and disappointment, the flying type turned completely around and took off faster than it had come. Ash hung his head at this.
"Oh… I guess they're upset with me for being away so long, huh?" He asked in a dismal tone. But the Professor merely chuckled.
"I wouldn't say that quite yet."
"Why-"
Suddenly the ground began to shake, softly at first then gaining intensity. With a smile the Professor sidestepped away from Ash.
The younger was just about to ask what was going on when his question was answered for him. Coming over the crest of the hill in front of them was a large group of pokemon going at an impressive speed, leaving a dust cloud in their wake. Right away Ash knew just who they were and, with a huge laugh, ran straight at the mob of pokemon with Pikachu right behind him. The Professor, who had stayed behind, only shook his head.
"Sometimes I feel like that boy's love of pokemon overcomes his sense."
As Ash ran straight into the group, it would immediately seem as though the mass of pokemon from his journeys had trampled him completely. But, just as he knew, they took great care not to crush their beloved trainer as all gathered around him affectionately. The Professor had finally made his way over, and was now watching Ash laugh with happiness as the pokemon all nuzzled and greeted him. Among them was Noctowl- who Ash now knew to be the one that alerted the others of his presence.
Along with Noctowl was every pokemon that Ash had kept from his journeys through Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and even Sinnoh. As soon as he left the region he had sent them to the ranch, wanting the new additions to get acquainted with the others as soon as possible. This meant that Pikachu was the only pokemon currently in his party, and was now also happily greeting his old friends from Ash's side. The Professor laughed as he observed the joyful reunion before him.
Just like one big family, He thought.
Still, even while Ash played with his pokemon and was happy to be back home, something was bothering the young trainer. Maybe it was the dream he had the night before, or maybe it was the picture. He didn't know, but one thing was certain. No matter what he tried, he just couldn't stop thinking about Alto Mare… And one of its inhabitants in particular never seemed far from his thoughts.
