Disclaimer: I do not own Ash Ketchum from Pokemon nor do I own characters from Square Enix, Disney, Biohazard, or any other company.

Fandom: Pokemon/Kingdom Hearts

Title: Where They Wait For Him! The Trial of Awakening: The Final Test!

Character (s): Ash (18) and Aqua (16 - physical, 28 - reality)

Genre (s): Fantasy/Supernatural/Drama/Hurt & Comfort/Slight Romance

Rated: T

Word Count: 4,616

Pairing (s): Ash/Aqua, Ash/Cynthia, One-sided Ash/Harem, and One-sided Other Pairings

Summary: Ash's world has fallen to the darkness due to the Heartless and now fate has taken him onto an adventure where he must save many worlds from the forces of evil. But at some point, fate will lead Ash to the one he first loved, Aqua. He will encounter new friends, new foes, and new worlds! Can Ash handle it? We will have to wait and see if he is capable of doing so!

Where They Wait For Him! The Trial of Awakening: The Final Test!

目覚めの試み:最終テスト!

Lying underneath a tall Oak tree on a grassy hill of their little town were Ash and his former rival, Gary. The two youngsters were spending a day together. What better way to do so by relaxing underneath their favorite tree. Lying side to side with their arms behind their heads, the two childhood friends were staring up high at the clear blue sky. It was pretty much a normal and peaceful day like any ordinal day. Nowadays, except for battle challenges, there was nothing much else to do in Pallet Town. What a boring life. But who is complaining? Not Ash, that is for sure. He actually enjoys this day since it was one of those time in months where he actually takes a break from everything, including his duties as Pokemon Champion and leader of the Master's Stadium. Today was one of those days.

As the young teens continued to rest underneath the cooling shade and look up at the peaceful sky, one certain thought came to Gary. "Hey, Ashy-boy?"

"Hmm?"

"How long have you been dating Cynthia?"

"I don't know…maybe like…um…four?…or maybe five months, perhaps? Why?" Ash told his former rival in an uncertain tone.

"No reason." Gary shrugged his shoulders, without looking at his childhood rival. Clearly, Ash can tell that his childhood rival was lying to him. "I was just bit curious on when you two will get serious, that's all."

"What?" Confused, Ash slowly shifted his head, so he can stare at his spiky-haired companion. "What do you mean by when will Cynthia and I get serious? Serious about what?"

Upon hearing this, the Pokemon Researcher-in-training could not help, but rolled his eyes at the seemingly dense Pokemon Champion. After all these years, Gary could not believe Ash was still dense and clueless as ever about relationships. When will he learn? Probably never, I guess.

"Jeez, Ashy-boy, I thought you would have figured it out by now, but I guess I was wrong. You're still as dumb and clueless as ever I see."

"HEY!" Ash frowned at his former rival's remarks with a cute pout. "What's that supposed to mean, Gary?"

Once again, the spiky-haired researcher had the urge to roll his eyes at his former rival. But Gary decided to give his clueless friend the solid answer he has been asking for. "Well, Ash…since you asked nicely…" A hint of sarcasm filled within his tone. "I'm just a little disappointed that you haven't proposed to Cynthia yet. You know…asked her to marry you and all."

"W-W-W-WHAT?" On cue, Ash started to blush madly when he heard this, coming from his former rival. "W-Why did you wanted to know that?" Gary shrugged.

"Just in case when the time comes. You know when you decided to get serious and all. Oh! And you better pick me as your best man in your wedding, Ashy-boy." A grin spread across the young researcher's face.

"S-Stop it, Gary. That won't happen for a long time." Ash told his spiky-haired friend before he gets too far ahead of himself. By now, Gary gave his former rival a funny look. "I mean…Cynthia and I…it's just too soon for that right now. And besides, I'm still young…"

"And don't forget stupid, Ashy-boy." Gary interrupted Ash with a teasing smirk on his face.

"GARY!"

"Just kidding, Ashy-boy, Go on." The teasing researcher ushered Ash to continue with a chuckle. The young champion rolled his eyes. Nonetheless, Ash continued with his explanation.

"As I was saying…Cynthia and I aren't ready for a marriage yet." Somewhat, Gary nodded in understanding. If his friend was not ready for a full commitment just yet, then there is no need to rush him into one at this point. He still has time to make his decision when the time comes. Therefore, Gary should just leave it as that.

"All right, man, but if you need any advice once so ever, you know where to find me."

"Thanks, Gary. I'll keep that thought in mind." The young champion assured his annoying friend.

"You better." Gary laughed. "And better not turn to Brock. You know how he is when it comes to relationships. He might ruin yours if you ask him for any advice."

"Maybe." Both teens laughed.

As soon as their laughter dies out, the two teens resumed back to their relaxation. While they continued to lay there and relax a bit, a nagging topic came to Gary's mind. He wonders if he should share this nagging topic with Ash. What will be Ash's expression if he brought up a certain topic, involving a certain blue-haired girl? There is only one way to find out and that was to bring it up. Let's hope Ash will forgive Gary for bringing up a painful memory.

"Hey, Ash?" Slowly, the young researcher reached out his childhood friend by calling on his name.

Slowly, the former prince turns his head to Gary. "Yeah, Gary?" What was on his former rival's mind this time? Gary bites down on his lower lip. He was going to regret this. It is now or never.

"Do you still remember about that weird girl who came by here that one time when we were six? You know that girl by the name…"

"Ash…"

"What? Uh…can you repeat that again, Gary? I couldn't hear you."

"Huh?" Gary blinked confusedly. "Oh, uh…sure…" The young researcher did not understand why Ash wanted him to repeat his question again. He did believe he was made himself clear the first time, but it seems Ash didn't quite catch his full question because a ghostly voice, only Ash can hear, blocked the last part. Gary decided to fulfill his former rival's request. "As I said a second ago, do you still remember that girl, Aq…"

"Ash…"

"What?"

"Are you deaf?" Gary asked with a frown. "I said do you still…"

"Ash! Ash! ASH! It's time to wake up!"

"W-What?"

Suddenly, a bright light blinded Ash. It seems reality was calling for him. Soon everything became a blur and before long, his dream ended.

(~ Scene change: Back into reality…well…sort of… ~)

Grunting softly, Ash started to regain consciousness. Slowly, the former prince of Radiant Garden opens his eyes. Once he was up, he slowly picked himself up. Before he could move into a sitting position, Ash quickly took notice that he was on a new stained-glass pillar, but this time, its artwork was in a form of a young woman with waist-length, blonde hair. She was in a black overcoat. Wait! Long blonde hair? Black overcoat? There's no mistaken of it. Ash quickly knew who this woman was. It was…It was…

"C-C-Cynthia…" The new Keyblader-in-training whispered. This was no big surprise. Of course, Cynthia was part of his heart. Along with his family and friends, she too was very important to him. There is no question about it.

"Finally, you're up, you lazy bum." Ash was completely startled when he suddenly heard Aqua's voice. "You are pretty lucky that you did. I was about to walk over and hit you over your head with my Keyblaade." The air was echoed by her teasing giggle. Yup! It was definitely Aqua, all right.

As soon as the former prince heard his first love's sweet voice, Ash quickly shot up into a standing position. And before long, happy tears were starting to form within his golden-brownish eyes.

From a few yards, stood a young woman with short, blue hair. Her blue eyes were just as beautiful as ever. The same goes with her lovely cleavage. Aqua was still wearing the same attire from before. Ash might not admit this out loud, but Aqua definitely looks hot and sexy in it. Before any strange thoughts came to him, Ash quickly refocused his attention right back onto Aqua.

It was strange. Even though this was not actually Aqua in her real physical form, it was really weird to see her exactly the same. She has not age a year bit. What was her secret? The Fountain of Youth? Ash will never know. However, that was not important right now. He can figure it out some other time. Right now, he be should cherishing this little moment with any chance he has left before his final trial kicks in.

Time stood still for a brief moment. Ash and Aqua locked eyes with each other. It was really nice for them to see each other again. It was a lovely reunion. "Ak…wa…I mean….Aqua!" Ash quickly corrected before blushing like a steaming hot tomato. Aqua giggled at his silliness.

"Same old Ash. Silly as ever, I see." The young beauty teased, causing the former prince to blush even further in embarrassment. "Even so, it's really nice seeing you again, Ash. I really miss you." Aqua gives her soon-to-be successor a warm smile with affection.

"You have no idea how much I miss you, Aqua." Ash told his first love. The fallen Keyblade Master giggled.

"Boy, you must have been really lonely without me, huh?" Aqua teased the former prince with a giggle. Ash's face skyrocketed to a scarlet color.

"Uh…well…um…" Ash stuttered nervously. "…I wasn't…that….um…lonely without you…." Aqua did not buy that for one second. She can tell by the expression on his face that he was definitely lying. What a bad liar. Unfortunately, this was not the time to poke fun at her cute successor. This was the time to get down to some serious business. Teasing can wait for another time.

"Ash…"

Quickly, the former prince ended his little stuttering. Once he did, he slowly turns his attention to the blue-haired woman who was staring at him in a serious manner. "A-Aqua?"

"Don't Aqua me, Ash." The fallen Master of the Keyblade said to her favorite boy in a cold tone. "This isn't the time to act like a lost little puppy. I know it's great seeing each other and all, but this isn't the time for sappy reunions." Aqua continues to act coldly towards her successor.

"Aqua…" Ash looks so confused. And at the same time, looks slightly hurt by her sudden change of tone. Why was she acting this way? It did not make any sense at all. "What's wrong?"

Completely ignoring his question, the blue-haired key bearer quickly placed her right hand straightforward. As soon as she did, a dark grayish-looking Keyblade with an "E"-shaped tip suddenly appeared within her grasp. With her former master's weapon within her grasp, Aqua quickly takes this opportunity to launch out her first surprising attack. "FIRE!"

As quickly as it happens, the tip of her Keyblade suddenly shoots out a homing ball of fire. Ash's eyes widen in shock as the blazing ball inferno rocketed towards his direction.

At that last second, the former prince quickly sidestepped the flaming attack as it quickly flew right pass him. As soon as he was able to dodge Aqua's first attempt, the young teen quickly turns his attention right back to the glaring woman. "What are you doing, AQUA?" He shouted angrily at her.

"The time for talk is over, Ash." Aqua simply puts it before charging in.

Quickly, Aqua moves in dishes out a barrage of strikes. However, Ash was able to use his past training skills to dodge most of her strikes, except for a couple. One of the strikes left him with a nasty cut on his right cheek.

In order to put a good distance between them, Ash quickly jumps backwards after avoiding another strike from Aqua. Once he was at a safe distance, Ash once again returns his gaze right back onto his first love. "Why are you attacking me?"

"I told you before, Ash. The time for talk is over. Fight me." Aqua ordered. "Show me what you got. And don't hold back either."

"I have no reason to fight you, Aqua." Ash argued with a hurt expression on his face.

"Oh, yes, you do, Ash." The fallen Master of the Keyblade said to him. Ash gave her a look. What did she mean by that? "To make things simply, this is your final test."

"M-My final test?" Aqua nodded. That put a good relief on Ash's shoulders. So, that is why she was attacking him for no apparent reason. Aqua was his final obstacle in his Trial of Awakening. It finally makes sense now. So, in order for him to pass his final trial, he needed to fight Aqua. It was simply enough. "Oh…I see now."

"Good. Now that you finally understand that I am your final opponent. Show me your strength." Aqua instructed before moving into a stance.

"Fine! I will!" Ash told her. Finally, he was in the mood to be serious for once.

As quickly as it happens, Ash's eyes suddenly changed into a pair of light blue eyes. His Aura Scar reappeared on his face. And before long, his newly key-looking weapon, Two Become One, appeared with his grasp. "I'm ready whenever you are, Aqua." A small smile appeared on the young woman's face.

The final test was now on its way.

~ Boss Battle ~

Aqua

With no time to waste, Ash quickly moves in as he charges forward at Aqua. The fallen Keyblade Master quickly shoots out several Blizzard spells at her charging foe. Lucky enough, Ash was able to dodge each of her ice attacks before vanishing and reappearing right behind her. The young key bearer was about to strike. But thanks to her fast reaction, Aqua was able to twirl around quick enough to block her apprentice's attack. The two warriors locked in a deadlock before leaning in to see who would overpower who. To Ash's misfortune, Aqua was able to overpower him.

The female key bearer quickly shoves the former prince back with force, causing Ash to fly backwards a few good yards. However, the new key bearer was able to recover before landing on his feet. Not wanting to give her apprentice any time to catch a breath, Aqua quickly charges in. She was preparing to strike Ash down with her blade.

*CLANG*

Unfortunately, for her, Ash was able to intercept her blow. Like before, the two warriors clashed into another deadlock. However, it did not last for too long.

Quickly, Aqua pushed herself back a few feet before charging in once again. The young woman begins dishing out rapid strikes towards her opponent.

Surprisingly, the former prince of Radiant Garden was able to match her from blow to blow. Striking or defending, it did not matter. Ash was able to keep up with Aqua. This development lasted for a few moments before exhaustion took hold.

*CLANG*

Once again, Ash and Aqua clashed into another deadlock. Light blue eyes met deep blue eyes. Both warriors were completely exhausted. Small trails of sweat dripped down their faces. Surely enough, both of them were completely tired. They needed to end this battle as soon as possible. Ash's Aura Scar was starting to act up.

Quickly, Ash pushed Aqua back, causing her to stumble backwards. As soon as he had enough room, the former prince quickly launched an aura sphere straight towards at Aqua.

As soon as the aura sphere was heading her way, Aqua quickly pointed her Keyblade and cast a fire spell at it. "FIRE!"

The homing ball of inferno quickly blasted from the blade's tip and quickly rocketed towards the incoming aura sphere.

BOOM!

The two spheres collided, causing a big explosion. A thick cloud of smoke covered the area. Aqua could not see Ash. The smoke was too thick to see through it. Who can?

Just then, Ash burst out from the thick smoke, which of course, startled Aqua. Soon the young key bearer charges forward at her with incredible speed. Before Aqua could do anything about this, her apprentice quickly knocked her Keyblade out of her hand with his Keyblade. And before long, the female Keyblade Master was staring down at Ash's Aura blade, which was a few inches from her throat. Ash must have summoned it with his other hand. However, that was not important right now.

Aqua could not believe it. She lost. But she did not let her defeat drag her down completely. To everyone's surprise, she actually looks happy that Ash defeated her. That means Ash has far more potential than she realizes. It was a nice feeling.

Slowly, Aqua relaxed before admitting her lost with a warm smile. "I give up. You win, Ash."

~ Victory! ~

Once Aqua admitted her defeat, Ash sighed softly before lowering his Aura blade down from her throat. And before long, both of his weapons suddenly vanished. The same goes with Aqua's Keyblade. Soon afterwards, the exhausted teen quickly dropped to the ground on his bottom. "That's good."

Aqua giggled before joining him. She quickly sits down right in front of him. "Well, Ash, you finally passed your final test. Congratulation! You are now a full-fledged Keyblade Master."

"Thanks, but I think I just got lucky at the end, Aqua." The former prince was being modest and truthful. "Clearly, you could have blocked my attack I didn't t-…"

"Either way, it didn't matter. You still beat me, Ash." Aqua cut him off. "So congratulation." The young woman said to him with a smile.

"Thanks, Aqua." Ash smiles warmly at his first love. But soon, realization came to him. Now that he is a Keyblade Master, what does he have to do next? "Oh…uh…Aqua!"

"Yes, Ash?" The blue-haired woman gives her full attention to her apprentice.

"Now that I'm a Keyblade Master and an Aura Master, what happens now?"

"Now…you get answers. After all, I did promise to you, didn't I?" Ash nodded. "Well, you better sit back and relax. It's going to be a long story."

Indeed, it was. Aqua spent every ounce of time explaining everything to Ash. At first, it was very, VERY difficult for Ash to understand. But after a long, long explanation about the Heartless, his journey, his missions, and of course behind everything else that is connected to all of this, Ash finally understand what he must do. In order to save his world and of course everything else, like restoring the universal balance, helping his fellow key bearers, meeting his lost sister, and lastly saving his first love and her friends, Ash has no choice, but to accept this mission.

After thinking about this long and hard, Ash finally came to a decision. "Aqua…" His mentor quickly turns her head to him when he called her name. "After everything you have told me, I have finally made a decision….I'll do it."

"Are you sure about this, Ash?" Aqua questioned. Ash nodded.

"I'm sure." The former prince assured her with a smile. "After all, it's the right thing to do. Plus, I want to meet my sister. She does deserve to know that I'm her brother. And also…" Ash quickly locked eyes with Aqua. "I want to save you and your friends, but most importantly…you….Aqua because I-I…um…you're important to me."

"Ash…" Wet tears started to form with Aqua's blue eyes. "Oh, Ash!" Suddenly, the young woman quickly embraced Ash. The former prince quickly blushed. "I'm so glad to hear that. Thank you so much, Ash."

"I-It's n-no problem at all, Aqua." Ash said to her in a shy tone. "It's the least I could do for you."

Quickly, the blue-haired woman pulled away from her apprentice before punching him playfully on his right arm. "You're just saying that because you're happy that I didn't forget about you all these years." She teased.

"WHAT?"

"Just kidding." Aqua giggled. Ash frowned.

"You're mean."

"So." The young woman poked her tongue playfully at her apprentice who rolled his eyes at her. But soon, the two key bearers broke out into a fit of laughter. And once their laughter died out, Aqua decided to tell Ash one more thing. "OH!" Suddenly, Ash's eyes were on her. "Before I forget, you probably want to look at yourself." She told her apprentice with a giggle. Ash blinked.

"Huh?" Aqua quickly instructed the young teen to look down, which he did.

The young apprentice was now in a set of new clothes. He was wearing a sleeveless, white hoodie with a giant white cross logo on the front. His sweat pants were the same color as his hoodie with black lines on each side. His sneakers were white and black with a small, white star on the right one while there was a black one on the left. Ash was also wearing a pair of black gloves with white star logos on them. Around his waist was a long, black belt with two rows of silver studs lining its sides. Attached to his belt was the familiar star-shaped charm that Aqua made for him. Around his neck was the familiar necklace. Pierced on his right ear was the familiar earring. On his right shoulder was a white and black piece of armor, similar to the ones Aqua and the others wear. Apart from his clothes, none of his features changed, which was good.

"What the?" Aqua giggled at Ash's expression.

"Relax. There's nothing to worry about." She assured her panicking apprentice. "I just wanted to give you a new outfit before your journey begins."

"Oh…" Ash started to calm down.

"Yeah and see that…" The blue-haired woman pointed her finger at his armor plate on his right shoulder. Ash looks at it and slowly nodded.

Aqua took this moment to explain to her apprentice about his armor. She tells him whenever he touches his shoulder plate, he will get a cool-looking body suit, which will protect him from the darkness as he travels between the worlds. It also allows him to breathe into space as well. Not only that, the battle armor also comes with other nifty things, which he will have to figure out on his own. Once the explanation was over, Ash couldn't wait to start his new journey.

"Now I am more ready than ever!" Ash chirped with enthusiasm. Aqua giggled.

"That's the spirit, Ash. Well, good luck and don't worry, you're not going to be alone on this journey, Ash." Ash nodded.

"I know and thanks for everything, Aqua." The former prince smiles at his first love.

"No problem." Aqua smiles back. And before long, the blue-haired key bearer gave her apprentice a quick kiss to his soft lips before pulling away. Ash quickly blushed.

Before either of them can say anything about the sudden kiss, everything around them suddenly flashed in a bright light. And before long, Ash was brought back into reality and soon his journey will begin.

After all, they are waiting for him.

A/N: So sorry for the long delay, I could not stay focus on this chapter when I was typing it. It was somewhat hard to come up with good ideas for it. Other than that, I am glad it is done and ready for you to comment on it. If you have not notice yet, I did added a small flashback about Ash's pass incident. There will be more of those in later chapters. For now, let's worry about Ash and his upcoming journey. I hope you guys like the small moment between Ash and Aqua, especially the small kiss they had. There will be more. Just be patient, okay? For now, I hope you like this chapter. Please R & R! Thank you! Until next time! Peace out! ^_^

P.S. - Thank you for all who supported me. I really appreciate it. You guys are the best when I was being criticized about my grammar and ideas. Most of you backed me up while a couple were against me, which I will not name. But other than that, I am happy that most of you guys have my back. Once again, I really appreciate it! ^_^

Johan07!