Author's Note : Hmm has been a long time hasn't it. Time has been divided between a lot of things recently and unfortunately the story had to take a seat in the back for a moment. Things aren't going to be getting better anytime soon but I give my word that I will update as much as possible. So enjoy the latest installment of When One Ends.
Summary: About 5 years have passed since the gang saw Ash, he reappears out of the blue in his hometown of Pallet much to the surprise of everyone. Ash decides it's time for him to settle down and open a gym in Pallet. What new trials and tribulations await our young hero? Rated M for adult situations that will occur later on in the story. AshxMisty,MayxDrew,BrockxSoldat. Takes place after the Sinnoh League
Disclaimer : Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Disney for lyrics to the song , I do however claim all OC's created by myself in this story
Please Read and Review, constructive criticism welcomed
Chapter 21: Twas Weeks Before Christmas
Months had passed since Kazia's birthday. The guests had slowly left Pallet Town and returned to their daily lives. Barry and Dawn decided to head to Cinnabar for some more rest and relaxation. With the house now empty, the residents turned to their daily routines. Ash helped over at the construction site when possible and trained when he got the time. Kai split his time between training himself, training with Ash and helping Melanie as well. As time went by, Pallet Town's color changed from orange and yellow to that of a pure white. Snow soon blanketed the cozy town as the end of the year grew closer and closer. Melanie's Spheal seemed to be enjoying the season because his ice sculptures lasted way longer than normal. Pallet down was now decked out with busts featuring all of its residents. In front of the Verone's, Spheal had built a slide that looped and twisted and with the help of his accomplice Makuhita's Arm Thrust attack it has been polished and smoothed. Much to the delight of Melanie who was enjoying every bit of her winter vacation.
The sun had risen to its highest point but weakly shone through the grey snow clouds that were releasing another layer of snow. With a cup of coffee in hand Ash peered out his window to see that Melanie was at it early. He just smiled as he saw Spheal helping her out in her construction of another snowman. Ash's eyes then went wide as Makuhita rolled a boulder of snow in Melanie's direction. Melanie stood in awe and just thanked her Makuhita, which caused Ash to smile once again.
"Ash honey you haven't gone as yet?"
"No mom, waiting on Kai."
"Oh well hurry up."
"Why do we have to go again?"
"Because it's your first Christmas back and since Veronica and I are handling almost everything. It's up to you two to bring in the MOST, let me say that once again MOST important part of the festivities."
"Ok fair enough, but I don't understand why we have to go to Viridian Forest just for a Christmas Tree. There is a clump of trees right there down the road."
"Our permit says Viridian Forest and those aren't large enough for our use."
"Our use?"
"Yes we are going to put the Christmas tree outside and let everybody decorate it."
"Everybody?"
"Yes everybody. You know Sam, Gary, Daisy, Kai, Kazia, Veronica, their nanny, Melanie, you and anybody who comes in early for the party."
"Why does this sound like something you were plotting beforehand...."
Mrs. Ketchum just gave a bright loving smile that caused Ash to just sigh and shake his head. Ash began walking towards the kitchen to refill his cup when he heard a knock on the door.
'Who could this be?' Opening the door Ash stared at the person who had on a thick jacket, boots, what looked like two layers of pants, a tam and their face wrapped by a scarf. Being at a total lost to who it was. "Can I help you?"
The walking clothes wrack managed to pull down the scarf around his mouth. "You were the one that requested my presence."
"Kai?!" exclaimed Ash shocked. Taking a closer look. "Wow, it is you underneath there. It's not that cold is it?"
"I hate the cold...." he stated blankly.
"The master of nothing can be hated but life is only a perspective from a persons view. Actually admits he hates something. "
"From my perspective the winter is a harsh mistress to my bones."
"The cold almost has you talking normally...almost." said Ash as he reached for his jacket. "You coming Pikachu?" Pikachu lifted his head from his bed in front of the fireplace and with a small cry turned and went back to sleep. "I will take that as a no."
As he left the house Ash called to his Mom to inform her of his departure and with a small bag in hand the duo made their way towards Viridian Forest. Passing by the giant snowman still under construction. After a few minutes of walking....
"Explain to me why we aren't taking your Salamence?"
"Because he hates the cold."
"Wonderful."
"It should be cold all year around. That was the first time I think you didn't asked a question mystically."
"I hate the cold."
"There should be a place in Viridian where we can rent some bikes."
"Will the place be open after 5:00 p.m?"
"Doubt it."
"Wonderful."
"I really think your brain isn't operating normally."
"Normal is nothing but your opinion."
"Whatever you say. Now on to Viridian City!" shouted Ash. Kai on the other hand just threw his hands further into his pockets and continued trekking through the snow.
The sun was starting to set when the city lights of Viridian City came into view...
"Your lucky that this route is now paved. When I was younger I had to trek through the forests taking turns instead of going in a straight line."
"My fortune is noted. Now where is the Pokemon Center?" asked Kai dismissing Ash's anecdote.
Entering the town Ash followed behind Kai who was determined to reach the Pokemon Center. As soon as the globally recognized sign came into view Kai was off. He burst through the doors as if he was running a close race. Ash entered shortly after him shaking his head at Kai's behaviour. Kai had not even bothered to ask Nurse Joy if there was any room available, instead he found the front of the fireplace taking off layer after layer of clothing. Walking up to the counter...
"Nurse Joy, are there any rooms available. My friend and I need a place to stay overnight."
"Luckily for you two, we do and it's the last room. It's small and has a bunk bed but its cozy."
"That would be more than enough."
Calling to Kai, Ash made his way to the room with Kai following shortly behind. Throwing their things in, the duo headed straight to the kitchen. Their mission to create a steaming pot of coffee. Ash handed a cup to Kai and sat down at the table next to him.
"So when we reach Viridian Forest tomorrow. Do we go to a specific area or just swing our swords till satisfied."
"Well according to Mom's instructions. We simply walk in, get tree about this much taller than me." Ash then stretched his arms apart. "Chop it, bring it. Simple right."
"Simple is never easy."
"I thought simple meant easy." Kai just simply took a sip of his coffee. "So what's going on between you and Daisy?"
"Nothing." Kai simply stated.
"Oh come on Kai. I know I'm slow but I pick up on certain things."
"Your imagination is displaying illusions before your eyes."
"So the time I came from Cerulean and you two were sitting in a dark corner of the patio."
"We were talking before the sun set, it just happened to be that location."
"The constant flirting?"
"What man does not flirt?"
"What about the fact that she mumbled Kai come to bed when you picked her up after the party?"
"The words of dreams." deciding to avoid further interrogation. "So the whispers on the wind I'm sure her boyfriend would mind."
"That situation is...complicated."
"That is simple. You love her, she loves you but you both do not love yourselves."
"How do we not love ourselves?"
"You deny what your body yearns. The warmth of someone they adore."
"You're missing that now aren't you?" asked Ash trying to get the frozen Kai off guard.
"One can't miss what was not there." replied Kai avoiding Ash's gaze.
Ash just eyed his travel companion warily then continued to sip on the hot brew. The rest of the night was uneventful. Kai and Ash were later joined by a group of younger trainers. The majority of the conversation was stories of their escapades and trials on their respective journey through life. This entertained the younger generation for the majority of the night until Nurse Joy strongly recommended that they get some sleep. As the sun broke the horizon Ash and Kai stood at the entrance ready to depart on their voyage. Ash stepped outside but Kai stood there staring at what he saw as the frozen wasteland.
"Come on Kai, quicker we get this done. The quicker you can find yourself in the warmth of Daisy's arms."
"Your attempts to gain what is denied to you are once again a failure."
Ash just stared at him with a puzzled expression. "I think you need to come out in the cold. I can barely understand a word your saying."
Kai just sighed heavily as he stepped through the Pokemon Center's door.
The two traveled for about two hours and arrived at the entrance to the Viridian Forest. Thankfully for Kai the thick covering of the larger trees provided a blanket from the snow. The temperature inside all though not warm, did provide Kai with refuge from the chilling winds.
"Got any idea of where to go?" asked Kai.
"Yeah....straight ahead."
Kai just shook his head and walked behind Ash. After a few minutes of walking and a few wrong turns later....
"We're lost aren't we"
"How can you be lost when you have no idea where you were going."
"Wise words, wise words."
"All we need to do is find a tree so big, cut it and just drag it on a straight line this way." said Ash pointing in the direction he believed the exit to be in.
Kai then closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them pointing directly to the left. Ash just looked at him and then to the direction he was pointing.
"You alright Kai?"
"That which we seek is located this way. According to the voices of the forest."
"Voices of the forest huh..." said Ash skeptically.
"They are more reliable than you think."
"Can't be much worse than my plan."
After a few minutes of parting the trees and what seemed like an hour of avoiding a swarm of Beedrills. The two finally appeared at the location Kai had envisioned. Standing in the middle of the clearing was what one could describe as the perfect tree.
"Wow I can't believe that actually worked."
"Do not doubt the ways of the mystic."
"I hear ya. Now shall we get to work." Ash reached into his jacket and brought out a pokeball. "Leafeon I choose you!!" With a cry Leafeon appeared in front of the two licking her paws. Ash just waited patiently as Leafeon decided she needed to be cleaned. "Anytime soon Leafeon." Leafeon returned to her feet and shook her fur awaiting Ash's command. "Now Leafeon. Use Leaf Blade and..."
"Hold it Ash!" screamed Kai.
"Huh what's the problem?"
"Take a good look at the base of the tree."
"I don't see anything."
"Move in closer then."
"Now that you mention it, there's a shivering rock." Ash processed what he just said. "Shivering rock?"
"It looks like a baby pokemon."
"The majority of pokemon in Viridian Forest are green or yellow. None that I know of have a rusty color like a rock." Being curious Ash took out his pokedex and pointed it in the direction of the mysterious pokemon.
"Vulpix. The small fox pokemon. As it develops, its single white tail gains color and splits into six. It is quite warm and cuddly." quoted Dexter.
"Vulpix? Why is one inside Viridian Forest?" asked Ash.
As Kai noticed the flash of the Vulpix's tail. "It's practically a newborn. It only has two tails and only the base of the tail is orange."
"Wow you have excellent eyesight Kai. I can't even make out its head. It still looks like a shivering rock to me."
"I'm going to get it."
"Ok, be careful. I don't think a baby Vulpix would be stranded in Viridian Forest for no reason."
Ignoring Ash's warning Kai rushed towards the base of the tree only to be greeted with a blast of icy wind knocking him back. A shrill filled the air and from the top of the tree emerged the head of a Fearow.
"Told you so." said Ash.
Kai stared into the eyes of the Fearow. "Your aura does not speak of retreat." The Fearow let out another cry. "We can choose another tree, just let us get to the baby underneath." Kai made another attempt and was greeted once again by a Gust Attack.
"Leafeon! Use..."
"No Ash. Let me handle this. This seems to be a destined battle. Slash Gallade!" Gallade appeared on the grass sitting indian style and its hands on its knees. "Gallade this battle must be swift. Now Ash when Gallade begins to battle with Fearow remove the baby Vulpix."
"Alright Kai. You ready Leafeon?" Leafeon let out a growl in response.
Gallade sat there staring into the eyes of the defiant Fearow and scoffed. Closing its eyes, it propped its head on one of his hands. This infuriated the Fearow as it flew out of its roost and lunged towards Gallade using Drill Peck.
"Leap Gallade! Block his attack with Slash!"
Following orders, Gallade intercepted Fearow in the air. With his hand charged with energy he used his forearm as a makeshift shield to block the Fearow's spinning beak from making contact with its inner body. Seeing as this was his opportunity...
"Go and get that Vulpix, Leafeon!" ordered Ash.
Without hesitation Leafeon sped off in the direction of the base. Out of the corner of its eyes the Fearow spotted the dashing Leafeon. It broke off its attack and prepared to make a lunge for Leafeon but a Slash attack connecting with its back deterred that motion. Sprawling to the ground the Fearow recovered and banked left heading into the sky again. This was more than enough time for Leafeon to head underneath the tree and return with a baby Vulpix firmly held by the scruff of its neck. Taking off his jacket Ash cradled the still shivering Vulpix and wrapped it snugly.
"Got it Kai."
"Finish this Gallade. Psycho Cut!"
Gallade growled and his hands turned a dark hue of purple. As the glow increased in size, Fearow was beginning to make another run at Gallade. The highly territorial pokemon increased its speed determined to teach the intruders a lesson. Gallade did not seem phased at all and kept its composure. As soon as Fearow was within range. It quickly slashed its hands in the air. The violent motion sent blades of psychic energy that collided with Fearow one after the other. Fearow began to crash to the ground but snapped to its senses before impact. With its wings now wounded Fearow flew away as quickly as it could.
"Why can't we just do things like normal people? I mean we come in to get a tree and here we find a Vulpix kit in the middle of the Viridian Forest. And to top it off, a territorial Fearow that wouldn't allow anyone to come near the tree to help it."
"Return Gallade. Your effort was noteworthy." Kai walked up to Ash while taking off one of his jackets." Here use this. I have on another one."
"Alright. It wasn't much of a problem really." Ash switched the Vulpix from his jacket to Kai's. "I think you should hold her."
"Why?"
"Because we still have to complete our mission. Leafeon use Leaf Blade and bring that tree down!" ordered Ash. Leafeon with its tail glowing a bright green swung at the base of the tree slicing right through the trunk. Using its speed Leafeon quickly got out of the way of the falling tree. "Leafeon return! Come out King!" With a loud roar that intimidated some of the forest's inhabitants, Ash's Tyranitar appeared. Reaching into his bag he pulled out a coil of rope. Moving to the base of the tree, he began to wrap the rope around the Christmas Tree. When he was done he called King over.
"Think you can manage?" King looked at Ash and scoffed at Ash's assumption that this would pose a problem for him. The reptilian like pokemon used its tail to flip the tree easily into the air. He then quickly turned his back and lodged the tree on his back. "I guess you can." said Ash with a smile. He then looked to Kai who was cradling the Vulpix in his arms. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah. Let's head to the Pokemon Center quickly."
Many were shocked to see a Tyranitar, yet alone a Tyranitar walking through snow with a Christmas Tree as its load walking down the city's streets. The amount of people that stopped and wondered what the two were up to as they made their way to the center grew with each step. Ash greeted every passer by with a sheepish grin. As Ash instructed his Tyranitar on where to put the Christmas Tree for the night, Kai went on ahead into the Pokemon Center to seek Nurse Joy's assistance.
"Nurse Joy will you please take a look at this kit for me."
"Oh my!" Nurse Joy dropped the chart she was looking and took the Vulpix from Kai. After a few minutes Nurse Joy returned with Vulpix cradled in her arms. "Mr. Nirvana your Vulpix seems to be fine. She just needs to be kept warm and fed regularly."
"She's not mine Nurse Joy. Ash and I found her in Viridian Forest and we brought her here to make sure everything was all right. I was wondering if any trainer came in requesting help or mentioning losing a pokemon egg or something. The area we found her was being patrolled by a territorial Fearow so they might have been scared off."
"There hasn't been any reports of missing or stranded Pokemon recently. Definitely not anybody mentioning a baby Vulpix."
Ash who was eavesdropping on the conversation posed the question. "So what will you do with her?"
"She's too young for a pokeball. I will just let her get stronger and give her up for adoption."
"I see. Why don't you take care of her Kai? I'm sure Kazia will help you out."
"Hmmm." Kai thought about it for a moment and during that time the kit opened its eyes and let out a small cry. "Destiny is strong in this one."
"That means he will take care of her."
"Alright then. Well here you go Mr. Nirvana a little early Christmas present." Nurse Joy handed the bundled Vulpix over to Kai. "Just give me a moment and I will bring a special kind of milk for her."
Kai just nodded as he looked at his new partner snuggled securely in his arms.
The group set out early as always with Ash's Tyranitar charged with the duty of carrying the Christmas Tree. As they were about to exit Viridian a small store seemed to catch Kai's attention. He asked Ash to wait from him and he disappeared into the store and returned shortly with a package in hand.
"What's that?"
"A mystery." he stated.
"I think I will just leave it at that."
The walk home didn't seem that long as they returned to Pallet around the same time they departed the days before.
"Commander your agents have returned. The mission was a complete success. We bring..."
Mrs. Ketchum ignored Ash and went straight to Kai to question the bundle in his arms. As Kai revealed Vulpix to Mrs. Ketchum "Oh isn't this just the cutest thing."
As if on command Vulpix let out a yawn and snuggled into the blanket even more causing Mrs. Ketchum to be entranced by its cuteness even more.
Ash just sat on the tree and pouted. "Showoff..."
Author's Note: Before people jump on me, I know its not in the game to have a Vulpix in that area but if Ash can find an abandoned Charmander. I think I can find an abandoned Vulpix. So :P Jokes aside, the chapter was shorter than normal but it was needed. So until next time...oh that's right. This is only the second of three updates. Have fun continuing to read XP