Warming Hearts
A/N: Here we are, the first official chapter of Warming Hearts!
When the prologue was first posted, follows and favorites exploded! It certainly was a great surprise to a first start! I'm grateful to everyone who liked this story so far.
Well, let's get on with the story! Roll it!
Chapter 1
A Sunny Vacation
The sun started to rise and show itself to Sunnyshore City. As it started to stream over the beachside, it shone into a hotel window, and onto the sleeping form of Ash Ketchum. His most loyal Pokémon partner, Pikachu, who was sleeping by his side, woke up when the sun hit his soft yellow fur.
The Electric type stretched himself and admired the warmth in his fur for a few moments before turning to his sleeping Trainer. He tried to shake him awake, but the 18-year-old was not budging. With a silly roll of his eyes, Pikachu jumped off of the bed. His eyes glimmered with mischief while his cheeks started sparking.
"Pikachu!" With that cry, he released a Thunderbolt on the guy, and shocked him awake, while Ash yelled in surprise and pain.
Ash then landed back on the bed with a hard thump. Pikachu jumped on and cheerfully greeted his Trainer. "Morning, Pikachu." Ash greeted back drowsily. He rubbed his head and sat up from the bed. He then saw a folded note on the stand beside him. Ash grabbed it and opened it.
Went out for the day. I'll be back for dinner.
Love you!
-Mom
Ash smiled softly. Even though he was 18 now, his mother still would treat him like he was a little kid. But, he still loved her. He put the note back on the stand, and got out of bed.
"Pikachu, can you find that book we finished last night?" Ash asked as he went into the bathroom to get changed and wash up.
Pikachu chirped an affirmative answer, and with some effort, opened the drawer. He then pulled out a red book. Ever since Ash's mother brought them to Sunnyshore City for some needed relaxation, she insisted that Ash find something to do since he was taking a break from training.
So, a few weeks ago, he stumbled on a small library, and one by one, started reading some of the books. Pikachu will admit, it was nice to know that his Trainer was liking books. He didn't really dislike books in the beginning, but just didn't pay them much mind. So, it was a good change that he had started to read them.
Ash then came out of the bathroom. His raven black hair was still pretty wild, but a bit more tame than a bed head. His chocolate brown eyes were shining and wide awake. His tan skin was glowing as he stepped into the sunlight. He was wearing the outfit he wore during his journey in Kalos: a blue and white shirt, dark gray pants, and black and red running shoes. Ash then grabbed a red hat with a white half-circle on it, and placed it on his head.
"Come on, buddy." Ash called out to Pikachu. His best friend and partner jumped on his arm and handed him the book that in his paws. After Ash took the book and placed it in his backpack, Pikachu climbed up to his spot on his Trainer's shoulder. Then, they both left their room and closed the door.
Once they got out of the hotel, Ash took a deep breath. "It's a great day today, isn't it, Pikachu?" He asked.
"Pika!" He confirmed in his own language.
Ash slightly laughed, then started walking towards the library. As he walked, Pikachu couldn't shake the feeling that someone familiar was watching them as they walked through the city. Soon, his suspicions were confirmed.
"Hey, Ash!" A familiar voice said.
Ash resisted the urge to groan. He turned to his side and saw a girl his age with short periwinkle hair, ruby red eyes, and pale skin. She wore a green and light aqua long-sleeved blouse, a short skirt with a a darker shade of aqua, white stockings, and light orange shoes. Beside her was a Slurpuff who was giving Pikachu a predatory grin, making him shiver with discomfort.
"Hey there, Miette." Ash put on a fake smile.
"What are you still doing here in Sunnyshore?" Miette asked with a seemingly sweet smile that made Ash sick to his stomach. But, he gave her an answer.
"I don't know. But, my mom has something to tell me tonight. Maybe I'll find out there."
"I see." said Miette. "So, where are you headed?"
"Just to the library to drop off this book." Ash held up the book for her to see.
"Want me to walk with you there?" She asked. Slurpuff gave Pikachu adoring eyes, making him quake with disgust. Luckily, Ash caught that.
"No, thanks, Miette. I know the way. I'll see you later!" With that, Ash ran off in the direction of the library with Pikachu hanging on tight.
Miette growled as she watched him run off. She will have Ash. Ever since she met him in Kalos, she knew he was amazing. And she had teased her rival, who also had a crush on him then, that if she didn't tell him her feelings for him first, then she will.
At first though, it was just a joke. But soon, he had consumed her with lustful thoughts, and now, she wanted to touch his lean but strong arms wrapped around her, feel his hair between her fingers, and do so many other things.
Also, he was a future Pokémon Master, so far as making it in the finals of the Kalos League. And she was aiming for Kalos Queen. Such big goals, it seemed so nice in her mind. They'd be perfect together. But, what doesn't he see in her what she does in him? She won't give up until she finally has him.
Soon, Ash arrived at the library. He and Pikachu stepped inside, and looked around at all the books piled on the shelves.
"Hey there, Ash!" He turned to where the call came from. It was a man with spiky blond hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. He wore a blue jacket, gray pants, and black shoes.
"Hey, Volkner." Ash greeted the Electric gym leader. Sometimes, he would work a shift in the library, and the two would talk.
"Came by to drop off that book?" Volkner asked.
"Yep." Ash handed him the book, then began looking around the shelves. "Is there anything new?"
"Sadly, no." Volkner replied, putting the book away. Then, he saw the grim look on his friend's face. "Let me guess. You ran into Miette again."
Ash groaned. "I swear, she follows me around like a Pokémon attracted by Sweet Scent!" He then climbed up a ladder, with Pikachu jumping off and onto a nearby table.
"You know she likes you." Volkner pointed out. "She is a pretty talented Performer, though. I've seen some of her performances."
"Yeah, she is. And, boy, does she know it! She rubs it in everyone's faces!" Ash took a deep breath. "Trust me, Volkner. She's not for me."
Pikachu chirped an agreement with disdain. And Miette's lust for Ash is also shown through Slurpuff towards him.
Ash then grabbed a familiar blue book. He slid down and turned to Volkner. "Can I borrow this one?"
Volkner looked at the cover. "Ash, you read that already. Twice, in fact."
Ash shrugged. "Come on! It's my favorite so far. Faraway lands, awesome battles, magic, and royals in disguise. It couldn't be any more cooler."
Volkner looked at the younger man, and pushed the book towards him. "How about you keep it?" He asked.
Ash blinked, while Pikachu gave a confused, "Pika?"
"Volkner, I can't." But, the Electric gym leader smiled.
"It's okay, Ash. We have other copies."
"But, I didn't bring any money with me." Ash said.
"Don't worry. It's on me."
Ash was still a bit reluctant, but after seeing Volkner's smile, he grinned back at him. "Thanks, Volkner." Pikachu then hopped back on his shoulder as they began to leave the library.
"See you, Ash!" Volkner waved to the young man, who waved back, then exited through the door.
It was sunset as Ash and Pikachu were arriving back at the hotel, with his new book tucked under his arm. Mom should be back by now. He thought.
"Hello again, Ash." He quietly groaned when Miette came beside him again. Pikachu sighed with annoyance when Slurpuff winked at him.
"Hey, Miette." Ash replied.
"I was thinking, maybe the two of us could go for a walk on the beach." Miette suggested as she got closer to the wary Trainer. "What do you say?"
"Sorry, Miette. My mom's waiting for me. Maybe another time!" Ash then ran into the hotel, leaving a fuming Miette.
Hopefully not. Ash thought as he started back up to his hotel room.
A/N: I hoped you guys liked this chapter! Next chapter, we will meet Ash's mother and see what will happen next.
See y'all then! Please leave a review about what you guys think!
Also, check out my other Pokémon story, How to Train Your Pokémon, featuring my Pokémon OCs, three of them of which they're the descendants of our hero, but in an alternate universe.
Got to fly! ;)
