Unlikely Events

Chapter 2 - Forgotten

Paul had checked on Ash multiple times during the past couple of hours. His body was warming up finally, but he still had not shown any signs of waking up. It was late evening and Paul couldn't help but worry about him. He had checked his pokegear, but there were still no signal bars and Ash's was water logged completely. Paul turned off his pokegear again to save the battery.

Resting his eyes, leaning against the wall, Paul was drifting asleep. He could hear the rain and winds howling outside causing all sorts of destruction in its wake. He eventually dozed off whilst catching glimpses over at Ash thinking about how attractive he was now that he was older.

Pathetic how damn attractive he is now. He was annoyingly cute in Sinnoh with that sickening, constant cheeriness. Even then he confused the fuck outta me.

Paul didn't know how long he was asleep for, but he was however, woken up by Pikachu screaming hyperactively and tugging at his top to get his attention. Groggily, Paul opened his eyes and groaned. Looking down at Pikachu with an angry face before looking towards Ash who the electric type had now ran over to. Ash was moving his head slowly to one side and his eyes were tight shut. Paul could just about hear small groans coming from Ash, and very quiet mumbling.

''Pi, pika…chu. No, no.'' Ash mumbled in distress.

''Ash?'' Paul asked, trying to get his attention and see if he was able to get his focus. I'm no good at this shit! Paul thought to himself. The comforting, caring type crap, that's Reggie's job.

Pikachu nuzzled Ash's face and called out to him quietly, but Ash still seemed confused and unconscious, his speech was mostly incoherent and strained.

''No…gotta…going.'' Ash mumbled.

Paul gently shock him. ''Ash! Can you hear me?'' He asked.

Ash's eyes opened a fraction as they fluttered. His eyes had no focus and looked pained. ''G…Gary?'' He asked confused rolling his eyes into the back of his head.

Confused Paul narrowed his eyes, ''Errr…No! It's Paul!'' he told him, wondering who the fuck Gary was.

Ash's eyes danced in his head, his conscious mind seemed to pass in and out of conscious. ''Brock?'' He mumbled.

Paul sighed. He was still worried about Ash's state of mind. ''Ash, It's Paul!'' He tried again. ''Paul! And your safe! Pikachu is here.''

''Pika!'' The electric type confirmed gently holding onto Ash's face.

''Pika-chu?'' Ash managed to force out in a strained voice, his eyes starting to return to the living and his hand lifted weakly for a moment before falling back down. Pikachu rushed over to that hand and started patting it and 'talking' to him gently. Paul stared at the gesture and actions of the electric type for a few seconds frowning, Pikachu was in his opinion, far to affectionate and doting on his trainer.

So, he recognizes the rodent! Paul thought.

Ash continued his incoherent mumbling with confusion and pain written on his face. His eyes flickering barley open and closed. Paul caught the names of people he assumed Ash had met on his journey, including Brock, Misty, May, and Max. Ash also mumbled about his mother, a Mr Mime doing something he didn't like in his bedroom, and something about underwear, going to be late and Ho-Oh. Paul wondered If Ash had traveling companions and, where were they?

After an hour or so passed, Ash groaned and started to cough. ''Where, where am I?'' Ash's voice was hoarse and strained. The raven-haired boy was weak and barley moved at all except the coughing that jolted his body.

''Between Jhoto and Kanto.'' Paul Answered, watching Ash closely. Pikachu still paying close attention.

Ash was trying to say something but the only word that Paul could make out was 'head'. Paul mentally kicked himself. He had dried Ash's hair but he was so caught up in his own thoughts that he never checked his head for injury. Feeling Ash's head reveled a small cut at the back, and a nasty bump which made Paul wince. That must have hurt! He thought to himself. It wasn't bleeding, at least not anymore, so there was nothing he could do expect keep an eye on Ash and hope he improves soon. Right now, Ash didn't seem to be taking in anything that was being said. Paul helped him to take some water from one of the bottles, and laid him back down. Ash really didn't look well, and he was so lethargic and languid that the boy he once knew wasn't home right now.

-OOO-

Paul was once again asleep and like before he was woken up by an annoying Pikachu. Cursing, he looked towards the cave entrance and noticed there was some light breaking through the gaps in the logs. It was morning but the weather ensured it was still quite grey and dark outside. The storm seemed to be at its worst right now, mother nature was well and truly pissed. Paul was confident that the storm could only get better from here, it just had to move on and pass.

Pikachu was being persistent in gaining Paul's attention, so he went to check on Ash. Ash had decided to go from one extreme to the next, and was now starting to burn up, and his coughing was still bad even though he was asleep. Ash was shaking and had sweat running down his face. Paul decided to have Froslass take a bowl outside to collect some of the rain.

Paul really wished Pikachu would get in his god damn poke-ball, especially when he took a piss at the back of the small cave in a deep trench that he had asked his Aggron to dig out yesterday, when he first prepared the cave for the long stay. He had lined it with some leaves and covered it with a log, a make shift toilet of sorts. Pikachu had looked at him like he was some sort of disgusting animal during the whole time he relieved himself. ''Piss off!'' He had told the electric type in anger, who just shook his head.

Once Froslass returned with the bowl of water, he got her to chill it with a weak icy wind attack. He used the near frozen water and a small hand towel to cool Ash's head and neck. Leaving the towel on his forehead, he made sure the sleeping bag was unzipped and only Ash's legs remained covered.

Ash went in and out of conscious, and each time he started to come back to the living, he would mumble incoherently. Paul was able to get Ash to drink some more water during his brief half-conscious phases, and tried to keep his temperature down with the help of Froslass and Pikachu. Pikachu was like a parent caring for its sick Pichu, and to Paul, that was weird. Pikachu was also rather bossy at times, much to Paul's annoyance. The audacity! Paul also checked the leg injury and cleaned it a little more before reapplying the make shift bandage. He then found what was left of his cut up joggers and had Froslass freeze them so he could place it over his leg, hoping it would alleviate the swelling and numb the area.

It wasn't until that afternoon that Paul got worried enough to feel nauseous himself. Ash was mumbling louder than usual, and his temperature had risen. Paul was using a very cold and wet towel on Ash's chest, head and neck when he started convulsing. Pikachu was yelling at Paul to do something, which snapped his fear away and encouraged him to hold Ash still during the episode, to make sure he didn't further damage his head. During the seizure Ash had vomited and Paul turned him onto his side so he didn't choke. When the seizure had stopped, Paul had run to the back of the cave and puked his guts up, leaning forwards against the wall with his hand, and shaking. Paul was pale and the whole ordeal had torn him up. It had been some fucked up shit to witness, knowing he was alone and in charge of Ash's life. Breathing deeply and regaining composure he noticed Pikachu watching him in concern.

''What you looking at? I'm fine, worry about him!'' Paul managed to say with a shaky voice. He didn't know why he was embarrassed that the rodent had seen him like that, it's not like he could talk and tell anyone, it was a pathetic notion.

Cleaning Ash up had revealed another issue, Ash had obviously suffered with urine incontinence during the seizure. This meant that the sleeping bag had to be cleaned and dried. Paul didn't blame Ash at all, but he really wondered what he did to deserve this. He wasn't cut out for being a nurse, for caring for someone else and Ash obviously needed proper medical care.

-OOO-

Ash started to wake up again at some point. He had vague memories of being in a storm, waking up with somebody putting something cold on his head and Pikachu by his side.

''Pikachu?'' He mumbled. Forcing his eyes open to adjust to the low light of the fire inside the cave. That's when he realized he was in a cave. His head throbbed, and his leg felt like it had been stabbed a few times. He felt so weak and he recognized the symptoms of the flu, but it was worse, much worse. He felt sick, dizzy and he couldn't remember what happened.

''Pi! Pika pi!'' Pikachu answered with hope in his wide brown eyes.

''Where is everybody?'' Ash asked with difficulty, trying to remember the last thing he could. He was on his way to conquer the battle frontier with Brock, misty, May and Max. We were on our way to Mt. Moon.

''Ash! Are you with me this time?'' Paul asked kneeling down besides Ash and checking his temperature again and giving him an analyzing look through squinted eyes.

''Who are you?'' Ash asked, Paul's face now coming into view. I feel like I have seen you before, but I just can't remember. Ash thought.

''You don't remember me?'' Paul's voice had slight anger to it, although to Ash, he felt like it harbored hurt.

''Sorry, Should I?'' Ash wheezed. It was obvious this purple haired boy had helped him, and he felt guilty that he should remember him but didn't.

''Never mind!'' Paul stated bluntly. I can't have had the same impact on him, as he had on me, if he can't even remember who I am. Paul though sadly.

Ash heard the slight sadness portrayed in his voice and tried to sit up, but he was pushed back down by the boy. Who was he? He didn't even know his name.

''What's your name, maybe that will help.'' Ash breathed out in a rough whispered voice before coughing. The coughs shock his whole body and hurt. Scrunching his eyes closed he bit his lip and groaned, holding his head in pain with one hand. He was breathing heavily and Paul adjusted the pillow under his head so he wasn't totally flat.

''Where's the pain?'' Paul asked bluntly, ignoring Ash's question.

Ash scoffed, ''Everywhere!''

Paul rolled his eyes and took a deep breath sighing loudly. ''Be more specific! How do you feel exactly, where's the most pain? I can't help you if you act like an idiot!'' His voice was stern and snappy.

Ash blinked. This guy could do with a change of bedside manners, I should be mad, but something tells me he just means well. Besides beggars can't be choosers and I'm am not in any position to argue right now. Ash thought. ''Head, eyes, shoulder and leg. Defiantly the leg and head. I think I have the flu too! I feel dizzy and sick!'' Ash took a while answering, but he just about managed before having another coughing fit.

''Right! I'm Paul!'' He said, before going to collect something. He returned with an empty food container Ash recognized as his own. ''If you need to throw up, call me and use this!'' He instructed.

Paul huh? That name rings a bell but I can't remember. What else am I forgetting. Ash thought. ''Where did we met?''

Paul sighed, like he didn't want to answer, but he did after a while. ''Sinnoh!''

''I don't remember going there!'' Ash admitted. He felt so foggy in his mind, so weak he didn't know how long he would stay awake for but the nausea was increasing.

Paul could see Ash closing his eyes, and started to warm up some soup he had from his own bag, seeing as Ash didn't have suitable in his. ''Try to stay awake, you need food!'' Ash didn't respond, leaving Paul to think. Does he have amnesia? How much has he forgotten? Sinnoh was 3-4 years ago. Paul thought. ''What is the last thing you remember?''

''Battle frontier, I was going to take on the…'' Ash started coughing hard. ''I'm gonna be sick!'' He struggled to announce through the coughs.

Paul rushed over and helped him sit up in time for Ash to vomit into the container. His eyes were laced with tears and he apologized to Paul going limp in his arms. ''Don't worry about it!'' Paul told him helping him to sip some water. Paul had suddenly realized the position he was now in. Paul had his arm behind Ash, who was leaning against him. In a way Paul was glad that Ash couldn't remember who he was, but Pikachu watching him wasn't helping.

Taking the water and vomit away Paul laid Ash back down. ''Ash! How old are you?'' Paul asked, tipping the vomit into the 'cave-man-toilet' he had made, He already knew Ash was 18, he had learnt that during the Sinnoh league when he checked the data before his battle. He had learnt that Ash was the same age as him, but about 4 months younger, as Ash was born in May, whereas Paul was born in January. Why do I remember that? Paul thought. Using the rain water to rinse the container out before getting Froslass to collect more rain water. Paul put the container next to Ash and went back to the soup.

''Erm…I'm 14!'' Ash breathed, confused at such a question. He had a million questions of his own, but he was too exhausted and weak to ask too many. He was in pain, and not something he liked to admit or complain about, but the groans escaped involuntary through the heavy labored breathing and coughing fits. Clenching his fists and gritting his teeth was all he could do to hide the pain, which made Ash wonder why he was in a cave in the first place, and what had happened. He could hear the storm outside in all its fury, so it was obviously part of the reason he was stuck here and not getting medical attention.

Paul was thinking about what Ash had said, before he spoke. ''You are 18. You battled the battle frontier and won. You told me when you were in Sinnoh 3 years ago. It appears you have forgotten the last 4 years.'' As the reality sunk in Paul realized Ash was basically in the mind of a 14 years old child and it wasn't just him he had forgotten about.

Ash started to breath heavier and was shocked and confused. He took a while to process this new information but with some self-encouragement, he decided he would get his memory back! This would just be another battle to win. He told himself. He wasn't ready to take on that battle yet, the illness and injury was wreaking havoc with his mind and body. Which made Ash aware of something else. ''Paul? Why am I naked?'' He asked feeling embarrassed.

Paul was dreading this question, but he closed his eyes and answered so bluntly that it seemed to slap Ash hard. The direct recount of past events was hard to hear, there was no sugar coat to lessen the blow. ''I found you soaked and frozen at deaths door. Your clothes had to come off! You had a fever seizure. You vomited and pissed yourself!''

Torn between being horrified and embarrassed Ash had no words. He had lost all his dignity in the few very short sentences Paul had spoken, a boy he couldn't even remember. Ash didn't even know if they were good friends or acquaintances, but he didn't know if he could even look at him the same way again.

The silence was deafening and only broken by Ash's coughing and heavy breathing. Paul didn't mind the silence and eventually brought over some soup and helped Ash lean up against the cave wall to try and eat some of it. He didn't feel hungry and didn't want to vomit again, but even Pikachu was nagging Ash to eat in his own way. Paul told Ash to eat it slowly, and that he probably had concussion not a stomach bug.

Paul didn't see any more reason to elaborate on what happen during the seizure, but Ash had obviously been affected so he offered his words of reassurance. ''Don't be an idiot! Shit happens! Finish that soup, then get some rest!'' Ash took a while to realise what Paul was referring to, but even when it sunk it he still felt embarrassed.

Once Ash had managed half the soup, and Paul had finished his, he helped Ash get a dry t-shirt and boxers on. Ash had gone weak, languid and drowsy again, but he still felt pain as his body was moved. It had been nearly 24 hours since he had found Ash outside, and he was concerned that he was still showing distressing symptoms. Paul laid Ash down to sleep, laying another wet cloth over his head. Ash's temperature was still high, but Paul could tell it wasn't as bad. Reggie always says ''A fever fights the flu away.'' Paul knew that was true, but if it got too high Ash would be fucked again.

As Ash slept and Pikachu watched over him, Paul continued to think about basic needs like fire, food, water and dry clothes. Ideally, he needed to get to civilization but now he had Ash to think about too. Paul took a packet a cigarettes from his bag and counted 4 left. Pikachu was asleep with Ash, so moving over to cave entrance he sat down and put one between his lips. Lighting it up he took a draw from it and slowly blew out the smoke towards the logs before thinking about what he needed to do.

Ash has Pokemon on him, I wonder if he has a water type that could assist with cleaning his muddy clothes, boxers and my sleeping bag. Smoking his cigarette, he wondered how smart that Pikachu actually was. I suppose the best course of action is to find out. We also need more kindle for the fire, it needs time to dry before it can be used.

Paul blew out more smoke and noticed he was being stared at by a certain Pikachu, making its judgment on Paul's smoking habit. ''Yes, I smoke, deal with it!'' Pikachu shook his head but continued to stare, making Paul uncomfortable. ''A least I don't lick my own balls!'' He told him. Pikachu looked offended and huffed before laying down, leaving Paul in peace to his thoughts and smoke.

When Paul was finished he stamped on the cigarette butt and spoke directly to Pikachu. ''Pikachu? I need to see what pokemon Ash has! A water type might help.''

Pikachu looked at Paul as if he was trying to work out his intentions. ''Pi-kaaa?'' He questioned.

Paul raised an eyebrow at Pikachu and thought to himself, I swear that rodent has a superiority complex. ''His clothes and my sleeping bag need cleaning, we need more wood for the fire. Can they help or not?'' When Pikachu continued to stared at Paul he sighed. ''Maybe your brain is too inferior to understand after all.''

''Pi, Pikachu!'' Pikachu shouted, marching over to Ash's Poke-balls and found the one he wanted. Pressing the button, he released Greninja.

''Gren!'' Greninja said before he turned and grew concerned about the situation before him.

Paul had never seen a Greninja before as he had never been to Kalos, so he was standing there with his mouth open in shock. Especially as he had been showed up by that know-it-all Pikachu, who was now having a conversation with Greninja. Pikachu pointed at Paul and Greninja eyed him like he was trying to decided if he would eat kill him or otherwise. As the conversation between the two Pokemon continued, Greninja knelt down besides Ash and placed his 'hand' on Ash's head. Paul was just watching, wondering what the fuck they were doing. Paul could have sworn there was a blue glow radiating from Greninja.

Greninja looked concerned and stood up with his arms folded. He turned to face Paul, standing there for a moment almost thinking, before offering a 'hand' to Paul. Paul hesitated at first, but then shook the Pokemon's hand. To Paul It was madness that Greninja had essentially formed an opinion of him and decided if he would help or not from his own calculating analyses. Greninja looked and acted completely different from Ash's usual Pokemon. He was calm, focused and serious on his objectives.

Paul noticed Pikachu staring at him looking smug. Gritting his teeth, Paul ignored the electric Pokemon and turned to face Greninja. He couldn't believe he was about to have a conversation with the water type Pokemon.

''So, your Greninja?'' He confirmed. Greninja nodded calmly. ''Water type.'' Greninja nodded but then started his night slash blade. Frowning Paul asked, ''Night slash? So, you're a dark type as well?'' Greninja nodded again and powered off his night slash.

Paul explained to Greninja what needed to be done and why he asked for his help. He also mentioned needed wood for the fire. Before Paul could say anything else, as quick as a flash Greninja had taken the dirty clothes and sleeping bag and shoot out of the cave, leaving him behind speechless. Pikachu started laughing.

''Keep laughing and you can find your own food!'' Paul growled at him as he fixed the logs back into place, hoping Greninja knew what he was doing. Something told him Greninja knew perfectly well what had to be done.

''Pikachu!'' Pikachu warned sparking up!

Paul ignored Pikachu and decided to wait for Greninja to return before thinking about collecting wood. The storm was still in full force outside but he had no choice, hopefully Greninja wouldn't be long.

Paul sat down close to Ash and felt his fore head. Wetting the hand towel again he replaced it back onto Ash's head thinking.

Hang in there Ash, the storm will pass soon and I will get you the help you need.
There's something special about you!
Its only ever been you, and I never forgot you.