"Why won't you come along, old man?" Ash asked glumly as he zipped his packed camping gear. The atmosphere was bleak. Ash had been feeling down the whole morning, his legs trembling at every task he did. "You don't want to stay like this forever, do you?"
Three years have passed and it was time for Ash to leave the island. But before he took off, Ash gave a final attempt to persuade his teacher to give up his solitude and re-blend with humanity. He's been trying for last two days, but his master wouldn't budge.
"This is my home, son. I wish to breathe my final breath here on this island, amidst this nature and Pokémon," Gold said. "You have nothing to be concerned about. I'm incredibly satisfied with my way of life."
Ash sighed. His master was more adamant than those rugged trees in the woodlands. No matter how fierce the wind, they'd stay stiff and rooted to their spot. "If that's what you wish. I can only tell you how I feel about you staying here alone." When Ash had arrived on the island, Gold was a person Ash knew to be his dad's master—though he didn't appreciate a veteran trainer living on nothing, he didn't have any standing to comment on his lifestyle at that time. But now that Gold turned not only his master, but also another father figure in Ash's life, if he didn't express his thoughts, their three years together would lose its meaning.
"I can understand, but my solace lies here."
Ash shrugged "I just had to try." He flung his backpack over his shoulders and fastened it in place. He looked around to make sure he packed everything and before he knew, it was time for his final words with the man who gave him everything. He walked up to him and stood nervously.
"This is it then, huh?" Ash said with a forced smile. He gripped the flaps of his backpack tightly to stop his fingers from shivering. Whether it was the nostalgia of moments with his master that he foresaw, or the melancholy of not seeing him again, only negative emotions circulated through him.
"It is," Gold smiled weakly as he fiddled with the scepter in his hand.
The impatience and restlessness in Ash since last night slowly subsided. A strange dullness developed in his chest and belly. Ever since Ash had lost his dad at a young age, the absence of a father figure created a certain void in his life. For a long time, his uncle Lance and Professor Oak tried to fill in that void. But whether it was the Champion's duties, or a professor's workload, or Ash's own travels for that matter, neither of the two were able to do justice to that role. It didn't bother Ash much either since he had his head sunk deep into his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master that he never consciously yearned for such a figure. But, these three years under Gold gave him something he thought he never wanted. Besides training him Gold also filled that empty role in Ash's life. He shared his trainer days' stories, taught Ash important life lessons, cared for him every time he injured himself during training, and many more—things Ash would have wanted to do with his dad. So, now when it's time for goodbye, his throat resigned from speaking. Every tissue in his body yelled at him, not to leave the old man behind. "I-I, don't want to say goodbye," Ash lowered his head.
Gold's placed warm hand on Ash's head. He had an understanding smile. It was one of those rare smiles Ash came across two or three times in his life. It engulfed or seemed to engulf all his quandaries and then cast upon him an overwhelming shadow of warmth. It understood him just as far as he wanted to be understood, believed in him as he would like to believe in himself, and assured him that it had precisely the impression of Ash that, at his best, he hoped to convey.
Gently, Gold patted Ash's cheek. "I know," he said with a smile. Those were just two lone words stitched together to form a sentence, but to Ash, it meant more than that. Every waking memory he spent with his master came back to him. The fun times and the tough times. The emotional times and the prideful times. All flooded his brain like a pleasant assault of falling leaves in autumn. His eyes prickled in tears, just an emotion away from shedding them.
"Please, come along, old man. You can join me on my journey. It'll be like every day. You can teach me more things and I can even cook you my special stew."
"Ha-ha-ha, your offer is quite tempting, should I say, but you already know my answer. I'm sorry."
"Hmm," Ash said solemnly.
"Ha, before I forget—I have something for you." Gold tinkered with his scepter's crown. He gently tugged out a small ivory orb embedded in it and placed it in Ash's palm. "I want you to have this."
Ash started at the souvenir he received. It was Gold's very own keystone. "I-I cannot accept. This is yours. It represents your bond with your Pokémon; besides, I already have one." He returned it back. Ash understood the emotion behind his master's gift, but knowing the value of a keystone, he was never going to detach one from its real owner.
"I know you already own one, Ash. I also know what a keystone represents, but I don't think I'll have much use with this," Gold glanced at the keystone. "At least with you, it can find a new home. If you don't want to use it, then don't. Give it to someone deserving. Someone you'd trust your own life with." He forcefully placed the keystone back in Ash's palms and closed his fingers. "I want you to have a token of remembrance from me and besides this keystone, I have nothing else to offer."
In the three years, Ash trained with Gold, not once had he seen his teacher use the keystone. In fact, he never knew Gold owned one till now, since he said he released his Pokémon in the wild long ago, and Ash thought he gave up all things related to that. In a way, what his master said, made sense to a certain extent. He smiled. "I'll keep this in your honor until I find the right person to deserve it."
Ash dropped to his knees and bowed. "Thank you." His mind convinced him that his gesture was to respect to the veteran trainer, but his heart knew his true intention—he didn't want Gold to witness his rolling tears while he said his next words. "All my life I've been chasing after a non-existent dream. I did not know how to achieve it or what I should do to achieve it. I was under the feeling that my journeys will give teach me everything I need. I moved forward with nothing but will power and trust in my Pokémon. That was all that was required, I thought. Then you entered my life and offered to train me. The lessons you taught gave me a new understanding of what strength was. You taught me what bonds are. How a Pokémon battle is supposed to be fought. I learned things I never thought I'd learn. You gave me everything: knowledge, power, courage. You were there every time me or my Pokémon needed you. How can I ever repay you?"
After a short pause, Gold said, "get up."
Ash discreetly used his sleeves to wipe his welled-up eyes and stood.
Gold placed his hand on Ash's shoulder and looked into his eyes. "There may be plenty of evil in this world, but I believe it's a very fine place, son. It's worth fighting for. If you want to repay me, just fulfill your responsibility as the Chosen One and protect this beautiful land. I ask no more."
Ash cleared his throat. "I promise. As long as I'm still breathing, I'll fight. I won't let any evil ruin this world."
"I know you will. That's what I expect form my beloved protégé."
Ash smiled. This was the first time Gold acknowledged him by that name. He was finally in his dad's position. He flung his thoughts aside and trotted towards his master, enveloping him in a hug and let his emotions loose. "Thanks again," he muttered as his lips tasted his salty tears.
A second or two of surprise later, Gold reciprocated Ash's gesture. "No, thank you for everything. I know you'll do me proud."
As Ash separated from his master, Pikachu entered the scene. He was with Bulbasaur and the others having their farewell with Venusaur. "It's time, Ash. Pidgeot told me that if we delay more, it'll be night by the time we reach Pallet."
"Yeah, buddy. Return everybody in their Pokéballs. I'll join you'll in a minute."
Pikachu left to do as instructed.
"I'll definitely miss you, old man."
"So will I. Your true strength lies in your character, son. You've been the same for three years. Remain the same. Never change, no matter what."
"I promise," Ash said. Pidgeot and Pikachu came to him with his Pokéballs. He pocketed them and got on his flying-type's back. Pikachu perched himself in his usual flying position in front of Ash. "Goodbye, old man!" he yelled as Pidgeot took off.
"Goodbye! Now go and conquer the world like your destined to."
Ash grinned at his master's words as he sailed into the horizon on his Pidgeot.
Gold stared at the diminishing image of Ash and Pidgeot. It was like looking at a baby bird's first successful flight. "He's ready," he said.
Mew appeared beside him. She hovered and sat on Gold's shoulder. "Not yet, unfortunately. He has a lot to learn," she said telepathically.
"What do you mean?"
"Let's just say, Ash is probably the most unfortunate Chosen One. I really hope this work out as planned."
The sun's angelic rays cascaded through the kitchen glass and lit Delia's aged-young face. She had a twinkling beam on it as she swiftly chopped vegetables into bite-sized chunks. Her over the top delight was the consequence of a surprise phone call she received this morning from Cinnabar Island. It bore the news her heart pressingly ached for. After three years of intensive training on that godforsaken island, Ash was finally returning home. Delia couldn't have heard something better, it's been so long she has seen her son. The only contact she had with him during that time were just six phone calls (two a year). Given the secluded location of the island, the Kanto Region's telephone network barely covered that area. Those phone calls also were only possible because Ash made them from Orange Archipelago when he went there to stock up supplies. She tried to find other alternatives to contact Ash, such as using her brother's influence as a champion to expand the region's telecom bandwidth and cover Assumption Island, but even the brand name of a Champion wasn't enough to sway the higher ups running the region in her favor.
It wasn't the disconnection with Ash that bothered her. Arceus knows, how often her son gave her a ring while he was on road. No, what troubled her was the fact that she didn't have the liberty of contacting him whenever she wanted. Paradoxically, had there been healthy telephone reception at that Island, she probably wouldn't have even talked to Ash those six times. Such was her son's character when it came to training.
The only comfort Delia had was that her little boy wasn't alone on that island. In one of his calls, he mentioned that he was training under some veteran trainer who resided there. Though Ash's evasive description regarding the trainer's identity slightly fret her, she was still glad Ash had someone to look after him. She cordially welcomed any help her son could get, from whoever so it might be.
However, all her worries were to end today, her little boy was finally returning home this afternoon. That one phone call from him amped her dead energy. She tasked herself on cooking the best meal her dexterous hand would permit. She wanted to provide Ash a lavish welcome when he arrived and knowing her son, there was only one way to please him—delicious food.
"Mimey dear, please pass me the salt, will you?" she said to her partner, Mr. Mime, the Psychic Pokémon.
"Mime Mr Mime," Mr. Mime said with a smile, an expression he carried even in the gravest situations. He grabbed the salt container, and unlike his usual mimicking, this time he actually passed it to her.
Knock! knock!
"That must be Ash," Delia exclaimed at the sound of a knock at the door. She bolted out of the kitchen and burst open the wooden shield of a door. Her instincts were precisely right. Ash stood in front of her with Pikachu perched on his shoulder.
Not wasting another moment, Delia quickly clothed her son in a tight hug filled with her sacred longing of her son's touch, an emotion fathomable only to a maternal heart. It's been three years since she embraced him and every second of that glum disconnection only surge her motherly affection to the brim. "I missed you so much, honey," she said with tears dripping down her cheeks.
"I missed you too, mom," Ash said as he returned her warm embrace. Surprising thing Delia noticed was that this was the first time Ash didn't squirm for breath. His body certainly grew stronger.
Pikachu joined in the emotionally ballooned reunion by jumping on Delia's shoulder. He nuzzled his furry cheek against hers.
Delia withdrew from her grasp around Ash and acknowledged the yellow mouse's affection with a loving pet. "How you've been, Pikachu?"
"Pika Pika, Pikachu." He raised his paw and flashed a peace sign.
Delia giggled softly, she adored Pikachu and his silly antics. "I see you are doing well."
"Pi," Pikachu nodded.
Delia focused her attention back on Ash. She scrutinized his altered appearance after such a long gap. The apple of her eyes did not look like the little boy she remembered, but he resembled more of a grown man with crude stubble all over his face. His body had an athletic build and his arms developed brawny muscles, tearing his sleeves apart. His jawline was refined into a profound structure like a skilled sculptor chiseled it with an utmost care for the nuances. To top it off, his body emanated a sweaty masculine odor. Delia could say Ash was just as handsome as her late husband, and it wouldn't be too long before her son stirred some female hearts. However, for all his attractiveness, his height stagnated at about five feet six inches at best.
As Delia admired her son's transformed form, his peculiar conduct piqued her interest. All the while, Ash had been trying to hide his face from her. He kept his head low and ducked under his cap's visor.
She snapped off Ash's baseball cap. She gasped in horror at what she saw. "Who the hell did this to you, Ash," she asked as she pulled her son closer and ran her thumb over a faded scar across his face. His left eye mediated the cicatrix running from his forehead to the bridge of his nose. She wouldn't leave the person who did this to her son. That one speck tarnished his overall elegance.
"The-the-it. I-I—" Ash struggled to find the right words. He turned to his partner who now stood beside him and made complex expressions with his face.
Pikachu lift his paws up in defeat. Ash was on his own here.
"I'm still waiting for your answer." Delia's lips were pressed into a thin line. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot to show her impatience.
Ash scratched the back of his head and grinned foolishly. "It-it's nothing much, mom. Just a small injury during training," he said. "You don't worry, it already healed."
Delia's hard expression hardened. She held her hips and her eyes blazed. A furious rage marinated her previous jovial demeanor. It wasn't entirely Ash's scar which infuriated her, but more so with him referring it as a small injury. "HEALED? YOU CALL THAT HEALED?"
Ash reflexively stepped back a few paces. "The-there was nothing much that I could do, mom. It just happened. I couldn't do anything."
"There was a lot you could have done, mister. How about: not getting into trouble, huh? You could have lost your eye, Ash."
"Mom, Pikachu and I were attacked by a wild Scyther cloud. We honestly tried to escape, but there were too many of them. This scar was the best we managed. Isn't that right buddy?" said Ash in defense, directing the latter to his partner.
"Pika Pi," Pikachu concurred from a few feet away. He distanced himself from the heated confrontation.
Delia sighed defeatedly. Ash was probably right, there was nothing one could do when ambushed by wild Pokémon. She learned it the hard way years ago. Maybe she could cut Ash some slack, he did come back in one piece after all. Besides, it wasn't like Red was flawless either, he too had his own share of scars and wounds. So, Ash truly did go after his dad, huh?
"Alright, Ash. I will let this slide this time." She glared and pointed a finger at her son. "But the next time you come home with something like this, you will see my other side. And that is something you wouldn't wish even on your worst enemy, you got that, young man?"
Ash gulped and swiftly nodded. "Now can I come in? I'm starving."
"You can but you're not getting anything to eat before you shower. You stink worse than a filthy Garbodor."
"Garbodor? What kind of a Pokémon is that?"
"You won't forget once you see it. Now hurry up, Samuel should visit us in a while," Delia said as she gave way for her son to enter the house.
"Professor Oak? Why is he coming? Ash asked as he walked through the doorway.
"Don't ask me. I was only told to inform him when you arrived. He seemed like he had something to discuss with you, so I called him this morning after your call."
"Alright then, I'll be down in a minute," Ash said and bolted upstairs with Pikachu.
"By the way, Ash," Delia called.
Ash froze in his tracks and leaned on the staircase's wooden banister. "Yes, mom."
"Serena called." Delia resisted her urge to smirk, instead she veiled it with a smile.
"She did?"
"Mm-hmm. Not once, but almost every week. I already told you to call her once, but I don't think you did. Do it at least now. That girl is worried sick about you."
Ash chuckled softly. "I will," he said and ran to his room leaving Delia to her culinary chores.
"You wanted to meet me, Professor?" Ash asked from his usual spot on the couch in the living room. His mom had just served tea to the visiting professor. Pikachu was back in the kitchen with Mr. Mime. The Barrier Pokémon wanted to celebrate Pikachu's return with a special ketchup flavored dish he invented.
"Yes, I have a few important things to discuss, but before we get to that I want to know how your training went? Did you manage to get stronger like you desired?"
"Of course, Professor! My Pokémon and I are in the best of shape now. Squirtle and Bayleef evolved while the rest got even stronger. We'll be winning the league this time."
"That's what I like to hear. I can't wait to see the Pallet Town's pride in action."
Ash sheepishly smiled. "Your embarrassing me, Professor. But, yeah, we are in it to win it."
"Well said, my boy. Now, lets talk business, shall we?"
"Business?"
"Ahem, ahem," the professor cleared his throat. "You remember your Battle Frontier victory, don't you?"
"How can I forget. That is my best victory after all. But that was three years ago, why ask of it now?"
"Well, that accomplishment of yours created quite a ruckus among this region's higher-ups. It isn't everyday that a silver class trainer conquers the Battle Frontier. It made quite a bold statement to the repeatedly failing Gold Class trainers."
"I didn't know Battle Frontier was so tough, I guess I got lucky. But I don't understand where you're going with this."
"Well, after your victory, there was a long debate whether to promote your class."
"So, what happened?" Ash asked with thirsty eyes. Even his mom leaned forward with interest. This was music to his ears. This was a promotion every trainer of his age dreamed of.
Professor Oak smiled. "Congratulations, Ash. As of now, you are the holder of a Gold Class Trainer License."
"What!" Ash's mom exclaimed.
"Alright!" Ash jumped from his chair. "Perfect timing. Right when I'm at my best. I can give it my all now."
"I didn't expect this answer from you, but I'm not surprised either. Keep it up, my boy," the professor said. "And, Delia, why are you surprised? Don't you think your son deserves it?" he stroked his chin.
"Why, of course he deserves it. I'm just amazed that he received it at such a young age. Red was twenty-one when he was promoted and even that was groundbreaking then," Delia said. She quickly threw her arms around Ash and hugged him in joy. "Congrats, Ash. I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks, mom," Ash said as his mom let go of her hold around him. "But it's my Pokémon who deserve the real credit. They did all the hard work and made this possible."
"Don't sell yourself short, Ash. No matter how strong a Pokémon is, without a competent trainer they can never reach such heights," Professor Oak said. "This promotion of yours is a true testament to the combined efforts of both you and your Pokémon."
"I guess you're right, Professor. But when did all this happen?" Ash asked. Based on Professor Oak's explanation, his Battle Frontier victory was the prime reason for his promotion, but that was three years ago and since then he hadn't participated in any competitive arena. This abrupt promotion raised quite a few red flags in his mind. He should have either been promoted soon after his victory, which was years ago, or shouldn't be at all. Even his status as a Pokémon trainer has been inactive all this while. Surely the higher-ups couldn't have been deliberating on his promotion for three years. The equation didn't sit right.
"Ha-ha, you catch on quick, don't you," Professor Oak said. "Well, it isn't much of a secret anyway and you probably will hear it from Lance, so I might as well tell you. Ash, you've been a Gold Class Trainer for the last two and half years. Your promotion came into action about six months after your victory. Since you were away all this while, Lance and I decided to keep it a surprise for when you returned. I hope you didn't mind."
"No, of course not. It's not like it would've made any difference while my license was deactivated."
"Yes, that was the impression I was under," the Professor said. "By the way, Ash, you should better thank Mr. Charles Goodshow if you ever meet him."
"Mr. Goodshow? Why?"
"This is inside information so you never heard it, yes?"
Ash made a gesture of zipping his mouth.
"Mr. Goodshow was the one who stressed on your promotion despite the severe opposition. The higher-up thought it was too early to promote you, but Goodshow threatened to shut down their private funds if they didn't promote you."
"Woah! Mr. Goodshow did that for me? Now I should definitely thank him."
"He is quite fond of you."
"Professor, are there any Gold Class trainers younger than Ash?" Delia asked.
"If you're asking me regarding Kanto Region, then yes, there are quite a few of Ash's age, but their promotion was very recent. Ash is by far the youngest Kanto trainer to receive the Gold plaque."
"What about in other regions?" Delia asked.
"There should be many. Not all regions are as strict as Kanto with respect to promotions. In a way, a Kanto trainer has it relatively hard when it comes to climbing up the ranks," Professor Oak said. "Why do you ask, Delia?"
"Oh, nothing. I just had a thought that my boy is the youngest Gold Class Trainer, but it doesn't seem like it," Delia said with a slightly sad face.
"Oh-ho, don't you worry. Ash may not have been the youngest Gold Class trainer, but I'm confident he'll be the youngest to attain Diamond Class."
Delia smiled, clasping her hands. "I feel the same."
"That's enough, mom. You too, Professor," Ash said while avoiding eye contact. There was a limit to the amount of praise he could handle, and his mom and Professor's words have bypassed it a long time ago. All he ever wanted was a decent battle—nothing more, nothing less. "I don't know about Diamond Class, but I do want to reach Platinum Class as soon as possible. I can then enter in Premier Tournaments, compete in Champions League, and battle against the best trainers."
Pokémon Trainer Class was a hierarchy system developed by the Pokémon League at its inception. It classified trainers under five different ranks and allotted them with appropriate licenses. It was mainly devised to distinguish the superior trainers from the inferior one. Depending upon the rank allotted, various perks and facilities were provided to the trainers. The higher the rank, the better the facilities.
Trainers begin with a Bronze Class License when they receive their starter. As they participate in various tournaments and leagues, and their experience increased—they are promoted to the next class, the Silver Class. It did not matter if the trainer wasn't an exceptional performer or never won any competitions. The promotion was basic and solely based on experience and not accomplishments. It usually took a trainer about two-three years before the first promotion. As a result, the Bronze and Silver Classes comprised the largest chunk of trainers.
The third class, the Gold Class was where things got interesting. It was not only hard, but a dream for many trainers. Promotion to this level demanded an overall impressive record. League and tournament victories aside, the authorities should have well recognized the trainer as well. The individual discretion of the regional legislators was what made this class a monumental achievement. Sometimes, trainers were promoted to this class wholly based on off-record achievements the public was unaware of. Ash was probably a special case like that. His involvement in saving the world like in Shamouti and others certainly must have played a critical role in his promotion.
Platinum Class—the designation every trainer set their aim at before they begin, but only a handful succeed in achieving. This was a tag given only to the elite level trainers who boasted an outstanding records and tons of experience. The ones in this class and above are the only ones permitted to participate in Premier Tournaments—the Kanto Premier A (KPA) being one of the many such tournaments. Reaching to this position not only gave the trainers immense prestige, but also enormous wealth through various sponsorships in Premier Tournaments. They were also the only ones allowed to compete in the Regional Champions Trophy, held once in five years in every region. The winner of this trophy is the one given the opportunity to challenge the Regional Champion for his/her spot. Decades ago, the Regional League winners were the ones allowed the same. However, that tradition had been long abolished due to Platinum Class trainers flooding the Regional League and eliminating the weak mercilessly for the sole reason of getting a shot at the Champion title. To protect the aspirational interests of the lower-classes, the Platinum trainers were banned from Regional Leagues. Even a handful of their involvement pulverized the dreams of rookie trainers, since matching up to their level was practically impossible for the newcomers. This new method however, rerouted the elite trainers' attention to higher level tournaments, leaving the Regional League to the lower-classes. This even led to the strengthening of the Regional Champion's term duration, since one you win—you're stable for the next five years.
The final class, the Diamond Class, was more or less an honorary tag. It was almost unheard of among the common public since such titled trainer never officially exposed their plaque. One could count the number of Diamond Class trainers in the world practically on their mere fingers. These trainers are usually old and have retired from any kind of Pokémon competitions, and the ones still in race are said to have Pokémon capable of going against Super-Legendries like Rayquaza. Gold was one such example of the meager lot.
Today, the only way of climbing up the rank ladder was to compete in as many leagues and tournaments possible. After attaining Silver Class, the next series of promotions were completely up to the discretion of the Regional Government, so better the performance in their eyes, the sooner the promotion.
"Aren't you going to tell him about his finances, Professor?" Delia asked.
"Why, yes of course. That is the other reason for my visit after all."
"Finances? What finances?" Ash asked with a tilt of his head.
"You see, my boy, now that you've turned eighteen, you're now responsible for your own money. Your mom will no longer oversee it. Your guardian and withdrawal limit clauses have ceased."
"Does that mean I can now spend my money as I want?" Ash's eyes lit up. Over the years, Ash had collected a handsome sum of wealth through his gym battles, league performances, and others, but there was always a monthly limit to his total withdrawals due to his status as a minor. Though he wasn't a spendthrift nor did he have intentions on a lavish lifestyle, he did recollect a certain incident where he desperately needed money. Due to him crossing the stipulated limit then, the bank froze his account and Ash was forced to borrow money from Brock. He tried to never repeat such a situation, but there were times when he was left with no other choice.
"Yes, you can."
"Awesome!" Ash jumped out of his seat. Now that there aren't any limitations on his account, he'd never have to seek for any financial assistance again. Though his friends never minded, Ash himself felt quite embarrassed to borrow money.
Professor Oak searched his coat pocket and pulled out a card. "Here, Ash. This is your updated Trainer License Card. You can use as your identity as well as to make purchases like your old one," he handed the updated card to Ash. "You have quite a fortune for an eighteen-year-old I must say."
Ash accepted his new license and admired it. Unlike his previous one, this one had a golden finish and looked much more professional. "This looks amazing. How much money do I have, Professor?"
"It's in seven figures, Ash. Your Orange League and Battle Frontier victories loaded you with money," the professor said. "You will know the exact amount when you use it. Trust me, you won't be disappointed."
"Alright professor, I will check later," Ash said.
"If you wouldn't mind me suggesting, I think you should invest your money efficiently."
"I'm with you on this, Professor," Ash's mom said. "You shouldn't leave your money to waste. Invest at least half of it in something."
"Alright, I will," Ash said. "But how do I do that? I don't know the ABC of investment."
"I can help you with that. We can talk about it in a few days, I'll give you a call about it," the Professor said.
"Thanks a lot, Professor."
"It's okay my boy, it is my duty anyways." Professor Oak smiled and got up from his seat. "I better leave now. I have a few research papers to inspect. Feel free to visit me anytime to get your Pokédex updated, unless I do that, you cannot avail your Gold Class facilities."
"Sure Professor, I will come tomorrow."
The professor nodded and left the Ketchums' residence. Ash lovingly stared at his new trainer's license. There would be many changes from now on. The opponents would be tougher and the lifestyle would be grander. He couldn't wait till he got back on road.
Later that night, Ash was on his bed after a strenuous phone call to Serena, filled with supreme ecstasy on hearing from him, a bitter lecture on his ignorance towards his injury, and a sincere promise from him to visit Kalos next week, an endeavor to which his mom held no objections to. He gloomily stared at the full moon glistening through his diaphanous window. Silent platter of the slim drizzle outside tried to derail his thoughts, but only succeeded in undulated muffles as those tiny trickles struck his window pane. His vision smudged and paved way for profound ruminations to take over. The warnings made by Mew oscillated in his clamored brain.
"You are the last hope of this world."
"Should you fail, the life around you will fail with you."
"The future of this planet is in your hands, Chosen One."
The numerous battles he thrived all his life to win meant nothing to him anymore. His fanatical dream of becoming a Pokémon Master ebbed deep down his soul like a forgotten artifact which lost its relevance to a greater cause. The enthusiastic cheers and applause of the avid battle fans sounded like grieving laments to save their loved ones. The vibrant smiles and the bite-sized celebrations seemed like ghastly storms blaming his incompetency. All his blissful memories flipped into poignant flashes which skillfully tormented his inner conscious. Why was he the Chosen One? Why did Arceus had to choose him? He was just an eighteen-year-old trying to find his calling, so how was he supposed to save the world? Such were the queries which plagued him.
Initially, when Mew told him of his destiny three years ago, a thin wave of pride seeped into him. He was elated that among the millions of individuals, he was the one selected for such a glorious job. He felt honored. His naïve ego buffed and retrieving the Keystone of Infinity was the last straw to his inflated confidence. Over the years the lessons taught by his master and the training he went through gave him the courage he needed. But now, for the last time before he entered the battlefield of death, his heart doubted whether he was indeed suitable for such an eminent role. And going back to Mew's words only magnified his self-doubt. He languished in despair and felt like a lost piece of a mosaic, unable to find a reason for its existence. His plethora of conundrums crucified him in every direction he advanced. Every solution he found made way for a new branch of doubts. Every answer he received, mounted a new hoard of questions. He plummeted to a point of no return where uncertainty was the only air he breathed.
He was frightened.
This how a Chosen One feels, huh? He sighed and blinked—clearing the burning water, swollen in his eyes.
"Ash?" A soft voice shattered his ongoing thoughts.
"Yes, buddy?" Ash asked as he shifted his body towards his partner.
"What are you thinking?" Pikachu asked. He took a leap from the floor and perched himself on Ash's bed.
"Nothing serious. Just about what Mew said." Ash faced the false ceiling.
"Thinking if you can save the world or not?"
"Hmm-mm," Ash nodded. "I am…scared, you know. Mew clearly said that I am the only hope, but what if I cannot save the world? What if I screw up everything? What if, me being the Chosen One was a big mistake?"
Pikachu gave an annoyed look. He stepped closer towards his trainer, and sat near his face. He caught Ash's face and wiggled it. "Listen to me, my human. I don't know if Mew is right or wrong. I also don't know anything about this destiny crap or your role as Chosen One. But I do know one thing, if the fate of this world was to be placed in anybody's hands, it can only be you and nobody else."
"How can you say that Pikachu?" Ash got up and sat upright. "There are so many people better than me. People stronger and more qualified."
"Maybe there are, but I don't think anyone can be trusted with something as important as this."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, when push comes to shove, there is no one as selfless as you are. Anyone would first try to save themselves and then think of the others, but you are different. You are someone who always keeps others interest before yours, that should be more than enough to qualify you as the Chosen One. You also did prove yourself many times before. Remember how you saved Lugia? What about Celebi? Latios? The list goes on and on, and you did all that without them asking for help, Ash. Strength and experience aside, what a Chosen One needs is a true heart. If you ask me, yours is the purest there is."
"But what if I fail, buddy? The world will have to pay the price for my fault, right?"
"You and fail?" Pikachu said with a chuckle. He smirked slightly. "What happened to, never give up till it's over?"
"Huh?"
"You didn't save all those Pokémon because you were strong, or you were the chosen one, Ash. You saved them simply because you loved them, and couldn't stand injustice. And you did all that by you never giving up. Trust me, even if you aren't the Chosen One, you would be the first person to stand up against any evil. That's just who you are. That is why you are the Chosen One and not someone else. You need to forget all these useless thoughts and let the fate play its way and when something wrong happens and you begin to doubt yourself, you can be sure to have me and the others by your side. We won't give up, Ash, even if it means giving up our very last breath. We would do anything for you."
Ash widened his eyes. Pikachu's words struck him like an awakening slap across his face. His partner was right, he never tried saving those Pokémon to gain any glory nor because of his chosen one status; he did so only to help them, to aid the ones in need. Many of those adventures nearly consumed his life, but none were able to snag him from doing what he felt was right. Sure, Pikachu went a little overboard with his compliments, but that did not mean his partner was wrong. Even if someone else was the Chosen One, he wouldn't sit back and relax while the world burns. He would want to fight in the front lines and that was what was being asked of him—to fight in the front lines. Maybe in some weird way, he indeed was born for this job. He loved Pokémon and people alike and would sacrifice his own life to protect them if necessary. Pikachu was also right in pointing out that he wasn't alone in his menacing ventures. He had his Pokémon to support him when in need.
The talk with Pikachu ushered a new perception within him, something he truly neglected all this while. He wasn't the chosen one all by himself, but his whole team together made him that—they, together were the Chosen Ones. His lingering self-scrutiny gradually evaporated, like a huge load lifted off his feathery soul. Serenity eventually dawned within him. There was no use wailing over events which have never even occurred yet, but when they do, his team and he would be standing right in the front lines, defending the order of the world with their last drop of blood. He was certain of that.
He smiled and lifted Pikachu with a gentle hold. He brought him closer to his chest and tenderly hugged him. "I truly needed that, buddy. Thank you," he whispered.
"You can count on me anytime Ash. Just tell me the next time you doubt yourself. I'll be sure to invite Big Red and the others to knock some sense into you."
"He-he, sure."
It was a bright morning in Pallet town. Ash and Pikachu strolled through Professor Oak's ranch as they scouted for the elderly man in lab coat. Ash had two main agendas to discuss with him today. One was concerned with his Pokédex update, while the other was regarding his travel to Kalos. Though he had received all the necessary information during his plan three years ago, he wanted to confirm if there were any changes to that. He visited the lab a few minutes ago and found Daisy who directed him to a nearby pond.
As he paced towards the said location, Ash spotted the professor and Gary from a distance. By the look of it, the grandfather and grandson were involved in a heated debate.
"Forget it, gramps, but I am not working under that maniac."
"Mind your words, Gary. Professor Sycamore is not a maniac. He is probably the most talented researcher there is. You should address him with a little more respect."
"The same respect he gets from everyone? Do you realize he spent the last four years doing nothing? He even gave up on his mega evolution research, and that was one hell of a bomb. If not a maniac, then what is he?"
"He did that because he believed in something bigger, son. Something more important."
"Yeah, the same thing which made him a laughing stock. The other professors mock him, gramps, I don't want to be treated the same."
"It's only the young and inexperienced fools who do that. Name one distinguished professor or researcher who belittles him."
"Hello, Professor. Hey, Gary," Ash said with a reluctant wave of his hand.
Both Oaks paused their conversation and turned towards Ash.
"Hey, Ash-boy," Gary said. From the likes of his voice, Ash could discern the suppressed annoyance in him.
"Ash, my boy," the professor said. "I am glad you came. It's about your Pokédex I am assuming."
"Yes, Professor. You were busy yesterday evening. I didn't want to disturb you then, so could you do it today?" Ash asked. "I also wanted to know if you could book me a ticket to Kalos for next week. I hope the circuit registrations are still open."
"Yes, of course. I'll book yours along with Gary's," the professor said. "Don't you worry, there is plenty of time to register for this year's league."
"Gary is coming too?" Ash exclaimed. Maybe the debate was regarding that. "Alright! That's awesome." He punched the air in excitement.
"No, I am not," Gary said with a sharp tone. "You can go alone." He crossed his arms.
"We already talked about this, Gary. You are going and that's final." The professor glared. He was a little too angry for his usual calm attitude.
"Hump," Gary gritted his teeth and balled his fist "Alright, gramps. I'll give it one week, but if I don't find it useful, I'll be back the next minute, deal?"
"That's all I ask of," the professor said with a nod. "I am glad that you are willing to give it a try. Now, please excuse me while I go and make the necessary arrangements." He turned towards Ash. "I will need your Pokédex." He extended his hand towards the raven trainer.
"Thanks, Professor," Ash said. He took his Pokédex out and handed it to him.
"You can collect it back in the evening, Ash." The professor left, leaving the two friends to catch up.
"I wonder when I'll be able to refuse to gramps." Gary exhaled in defeat.
"He wants the best for you, you know."
"Yeah maybe. Anyways forget about me," Gary said. "So, back to your Kalos plan, ey? You didn't tell me about this yesterday when we met. Hiding something, are we?" He smirked, raising an eyebrow.
"U-uh, yeah. It slipped my mind" Ash said, a little uncomfortable at Gary's sudden change in voice. He never understood what's with everyone smirking whenever Kalos or Serena's topic came into light. Well, he did have a vague notion of what those simpers meant. He was no longer a kid and his experiences with Brock taught him a thing or two. He partially knew what they all insinuated, but wished it wasn't what he thought it was. "Is there something wrong with that?"
"Nope, just wondering if you'll finally tell her. If you know what I mean," Gary winked.
"Tell her what, Gary?" Ash grimaced.
Gary facepalmed. "I don't know if your really dense or you just pretend to be one," he said. He shrugged and continued, "anyways Ashy-boy, I'll catch you later, got some last-minute tasks to finish before I leave." He waved and walked off, leaving Ash by himself.
"Do you know what Gary meant buddy?" Ash asked his partner.
"I do and so do you. Don't act." Pikachu smirked, "I'm waiting for when we'll land in Kalos and then—"
"Then what?" His suspicions only strengthened on Pikachu's inclination towards Gary's words.
"Nothing. Now come on let's go, we need to tell the others of our plan."
Pikachu bolted in the direction where Ash's Pokémon usually rested. Ash followed behind.
In a secret hidden base, somewhere in the northeastern part of Kanto region, three individuals walked through an underground tunnel. It was dark and gloomy, but they followed the dull lights fixed to the roof at regular intervals, lit in straight pattern. Their footsteps reverberated in the cold vacuum like atmosphere as they headed towards their destination.
"Huuufff, it's freezing in here, Jess," shivered the middle-aged man. He hugged himself to give himself some warmth. He was dressed in a white uniform with a bold red 'R' on his chest.
"Oh, shut up, James. We've been through worse while we chased that twerp for five years. You should be able to handle at least this much of cold now," the middle-aged woman grumbled. She was dressed in the same colors as her partner.
"Doin't remoind me oif 'im again," the Scratch Cat Pokémon, Meowth, said with a depressed face. He held his spiraled tail and caressed it lovingly. "Because of 'im, moy taoil has goin tru soi much pain."
"Who cares of your stupid tail, you whining bitch. His Pikachu was worth every penny," Jessie said. He balled her fist. "We will catch it someday and gift it to boss."
"Forget it," James said with drooped shoulders. "We haven't seen him for three years. I don't think we will again."
"Dats because boss banned us foim abroiad missions, Jimmy. That twoip must be travelling oither regions," Meowth said as he crossed his arms.
"No. I don't think so," Jessie stroked her needle like chin. "If he was travelling in some region, there is no way we are not there creating a pain in his ass. We are somehow destined to be arch rivals. He is somewhere else that's why we're stuck with these worthless missions."
"But the boss seems really impressed with us. He gave us two rises in three years and now he called us to give a secret mission," James said.
"Don't say you believe that, James. Boss's every mission is a secret mission. This will be no different," Jessie said.
"Maybe e'll give us a raise again." Meowth licked his lips and rubbed his paws together. "I'll get a delicious moiel."
"Sure, you can have what's left after my shopping," Jessie flicked her straightened hair. "Ha-ha-ha!" she laughed maniacally. "My beauty will pour life into my new outfits."
"Shhh, James," Meowth called James and whispered in his ear. "We gotta side soime share foim our next payi check. If this keeps on goin', we'll have nothin' left foi us."
"Mm-mm, you're right, but what if she finds out?" James whispered back.
"She is dumb. All she knoiws is to spend. We can say da items she poichased woi expensive. Nhe-nhe-nhe," Meowth giggled covering his mouth. "She'll neva noe."
Jessie gritted her teeth as a nerve popped in her head. She pressed her face close to her partners, clenched her fist with an evil face. "Say that again, M-E-O-W-T-H!"
James and Meowth trembled like two people stuck in a graveyard at midnight saw a levitating head. They hug each other tightly. A dark gloomy aura loomed over them as they stared into the nefarious eyes of death.
"W-w-w-we a-a-are s-s-s-sorr-sorry, J-J-J-J-Jess," they both shivered.
"Ahem, ahem. The boss is waiting for you both," the boss's secretary, Matori interrupted them and thereby saving the duo's lives.
Jessie swallowed her rage and put an elegant face. She clapped her hands and placed it beside her cheek. "Of course, we are coming," she smiled. She then rolled her eyes towards her partners. "James, Meowth."
James and Meowth jumped to their feet and saluted. "Yes, Ma'am!"
Matori escorted the trio to the end of the tunnel and stopped before a black door. "The boss is waiting," she said.
Jessie, James, and Meowth—all three fell mum for a second as they realized they stood before the door, behind which lay their criminal boss. A certain scary pulse ran through their body. They looked at each other and gulped.
Jessie rotated the doorknob and unlocked the door. A frightening cold wind swept across her face. She peeped into the dark opening. "Boss-ss, Jessie, James, and Meowth at your service. May we come in?"
James and Meowth popped their heads through the small gap.
"Mm-mm," a sore voice said.
The trio plodded into the room. It was like entering darkness through darkness. There were visibly no windows on the walls. The lights were off and the one table lamp on boss's desk was only lighting the few files on his desk.
The three nervously approached their boss's desk. There were no chairs for visitors which highlighted the power of their boss. Nobody dared to sit before him.
"Jessie, James, and Meowth, reporting, sir!" the trio thumped their foots and saluted.
The desk lamp's light intensified. The items on the desk became visible. There were about three folders with 'Top Secret' initials, a few paper weights, a bottle of expensive scotch, a closed laptop, a pen stand with four golden pens, and a name plate with the words—GIOVANNI (Chairman) on it. The lamp's light lit a part of their boss who sat in a throne-like chesterfield chair. He was dressed in a complete black suit and his loyal Persian sat in his lap. He had a glass of that expensive scotch in his hand and an evil grin on his face. A menacing silence cloaked around him as the three waited for him to say something.
"You three—" Giovanni said. His voice was as menacing as the atmosphere around him.
"Yes, boss!"
"You've done well these past few years," he stroked his Persian's fur. "You weren't the used dildos like before."
"Thank you, boss," the trio blushed.
"I have a new mission for you three. It's my biggest plan yet and I want no jerking off, you fuckers!"
"You mean, we are a part of it, boss?" Jessie asked with hungry eyes.
"Yes, I've decided to appoint you three dustbins as my head agents in Kalos."
"Bo-oo-sss! we are soi hoinored," Meowth said teary eyed. "I thoiught you'd ban us from abroiad missions foiever. Now youi including us in youi moist impoirtant mission. Meowth will sacrifice 'is loife in youi name, boss."
"So, will we," Jessie and James said. They were in similar state as their feline partner.
"Shut your nonsense!" Giovani pounded the glass of scotch on the table. The drink spilled a little and the Persian in his lap jumped down and crawled under the desk.
The trio stood to attention and wiped their tears in a heartbeat. "Boss!"
"Matori will give the details of your," Giovani pulled out a paper which looked like a bank cheque from his jacket and slapped it on the table. "For the expenses."
The trio quickly seized the cheque and gasped at the sum written on it. It was half a million dollars laundered to an off-shore account. It was the largest sum any of the three could ever dream of owning.
"Bo…Bo…Boss. I can't thank you enough for this," Jessie cried in happiness, streams of tears rolling down her cheeks again.
"Yes, Boss… Thank you, Boss," James and Meowth concurred with the same elation.
"You sure are." Giovanni steepled his fingers and rested his arms on the table. "But you make one mistake and I won't fire you—"
"Rawrrrr!" Persian pounced on the three, leaving scratch marks on their bodes.
The trio flinched and stood on guard, shuddering. Persian walked around them with the starving look of a predator watching his prey.
The trio's hearts raced. They trembled and sweat dripped over their faces.
"I hope you get the point," Giovani grinned evilly.
"Y-y-yes, boss," the trio said with dry voices.
"Now fuck off!"
The trio sprinted out of the room like their tails were on fire.
Kalos region—the perpetual abode to dreams, love, and felicity. Continental climate, towering structures, cheerful Pokémon, and amicable people—all endemic to this region on splendor. The cities were chaotically blissful and the forests were blissfully chaotic. But the most distinct feature of this region was romance which covered it like a blanket of air giving life to the life. Beauty and Love ran in the blood of this region.
This region's another unique delicacy were its suburbs which are decorated in remote tranquility fenced by chunky forests. They had perennially pleasant weather and was forever void from any urban mayhem. Towns, forests, and villages made up most of the suburbs in Kalos. In on such town located in the south was Vaniville town in which lived a sub-nuclear family of a mother and a daughter, the Yvonnes.
"Serena! You better come down soon. Shauna is here to see you," yelled a middle-aged woman, Grace Yvonne, from downstairs.
"Tell her I need five more minutes, mom!" the eighteen-year-old, Serena Yvonne yelled back as she admired her new outfit in the four-feet mirror in her room. Today was the day she was going to meet her oldest and best friend, Ash, after nearly eight long years. Though she was able to keep in touch with him sometimes the first five years, they were completely cut-off for the next three. While they were initially supposed to meet three years ago, Ash somehow convinced her to lay off their meeting for some time and never in her wildest dream did she think it'd be this long. Despite her suppressed anger, the cherry flush on her bulged cheeks reflected the euphoria in her. She held her hip with one hand, posed as a proficient model, turned sideways, and asked her Fox Pokémon, "How do I look, Fennekin?"
She wore a sleeveless black top, a red skirt, and black stockings. A pink fedora complemented her outfit, nothing too fancy yet not too simple, but it was her natural features which were responsible for her overall charm. Fluffy olive skin, piercing blue eyes, and pointed sloppy nose—all result of her hereditary genes. Her bouncy honey-blonde hair whispered loosely over her shoulders and her immaculately voluptuous anatomy bragged in brilliance putting any hourglass to shame. She had the face of a princess and the figure of a model, she was simply—beautiful.
Her quadrupled fire type gaped at her trainer like she was envious of her glamour. "Fenne Fennekin," she barked.
"Aw, thank you, Fennekin," Serena said as she lifted her partner in her arms. "Now come on, we need to go. Shauna is down already."
"Fenne," the fire type nodded.
Serena returned her Pokémon back in her contraption, grabbed her backpack, and exited the room.
"Hey, Serena," a pigtailed brunette waved as Serena ambled downstairs. She sat on the couch along with Serena's mother, Grace who was reading a newspaper.
"Hey, Shauna," Serena waved back at her friend.
Shauna was Serena's classmate at Kalos Academy. Owing to their similar age and mutual love for fashion and Pokémon Performances alike, they both instantly blended as friends. And after their graduation, three years ago, the two girls fostered a healthy rivalry between them, both aiming for the same pinnacle, the Kalos Queen crown, but none were successful as of yet.
"This dress looks amazing on you. Great choice," Shauna flashed a thumps-up.
"Thanks. Shall we leave now?" Serena said.
A few days back, both the girls received an invitation to address the newcomers at Kalos Academy for this year. While Shauna accepted since she was free, Serena didn't have to think twice before accepting. Ash was visiting Kalos the same day which only made things more convenient since the academy was in Lumiose City which was where the airport was at. Additionally, the initiation day was where the former graduates got to socialize with the newly joined kids, and she adored kids. Not that she needed an excuse for either since Kalos Academy was where she usually hung out with friends.
"The Initiation day wouldn't start anytime soon. I don't know why you're insistent on going so early. Normally you're so lazy," Shauna grumbled.
"Didn't she tell you?" Grace popped her head up from the newspaper with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It's because she's—"
Serena hastened to her mom and slapped her hand on her mouth. "Mom! No!"
"Huuffu-uuufffuuuf-fffhhhuuu-uuufffffhhhhh-uuuffffhhhhuuuffff."
"You promise not to open your mouth?"
Grace nodded. Serena removed her hand.
"You didn't need to get so violent," Grace frowned.
"You didn't need to open your mouth," Serena countered with crossed arms.
"This is my house. I can say what I want."
"So? This is my house too. I can do what I want."
Grace sighed and held her palms out. "Fine! you win this time. I don't want to send you off with a fight." She got up and hugged her daughter and said softly in her ear, "take care of yourself. This is your first time on a journey. Have your Pokémon with you at all times."
Serena smiled, returning the gesture. "I will. You don't need to worry. Ash is quite experienced and I have Fennekin and Pancham with me."
"Mmm, about that," Grace softened her voice, "be a little careful and try to resist, if not at least take precautions. I'm too young to be a granny."
If someone once said, as red as a tomato, then they certainly haven't seen Serena's face when her mom said those words. Her flush could paint the whole town red. She pushed her laughing mom away and screamed. "Aaaahhhhhh!"
Shauna rushed to Serena and caught her by the arm. "What happened? Why is your mom laughing?" she asked pointing to Grace, holding her belly unable to control her laughter.
"Nothing!" Serena said sharply. "Shall we leave?" she asked with eyes ready to kill.
"Y-yes," Shauna said.
"Bye, Serena," a laughing Grace said.
Serena didn't reply and continued to walk out with Shauna.
The two girls walked out of the house ten minutes ago and for those ten minutes, Serena carried a pinched expression. She didn't speak a word. Shauna too, not wanting to annoy her friend, kept quiet, but now her anxiety was kicking in, she was a hyperactive by birth and the bus stop was still a twenty-minute walk away.
To pass time, Shauna kicked a rock with her feet alternatively and dribbled it.
Left.
Right.
Left.
Right.
Left.
Right.
Left.
Right.
An idea popped in Shauna's head. She kicked the rock away and slyly rolled her eyes towards Serena. She coyly stepped in her way.
Serena nearly tripped and fell. She turned around and narrowed her brow at Shauna. "What was that?"
"What? what was that?"
"You almost tripped me!"
"So?"
"What, so?"
"Here, I'll trip you again," Shauna lightly pushed Serena with her shoulder.
"Hey!" Serena pushed Shauna back. "Why'd you do that?"
"To make you talk."
"If that's what you wanted, you could have said that out, Shauna. I wouldn't eat you."
Shauna raised an eyebrow. "By that look on your face earlier, you seemed you would actually eat me if I talked, am I wrong?"
Serena scratched her cheek sheepishly. "I-I'm sorry. I was angry at mom."
"Yeah. I noticed. You know, Serena, there was a time when you used to trust me with everything," Shauna said as she cinematically looked into the sky. She put a depressing face and fidgeted with her fingers. "I believe we are not best friends anymore."
"Aye! Save your drama for someone else. You know you'll always remain my by best friend, but I just have two best friends."
"Yeah, that Ash guy, right?" Shauna held her hips "I want to see him someday. I only heard about him. You like him, don't you?" she wiggled her eyebrows. "Is that what your mom teased you with before?"
Serena got flustered. Her face flushed again like it was when she screamed in her house. "I-It's n-not what you think it is."
"Maybe not, but today, you're telling me everything."
"About what?"
Shauna deadpanned. "About what your mom was teasing you with."
"Can we just walk?"
"And talk?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"Nope!"
"Promise, you won't tease later?"
"You wanna cross pinkies too?"
"No, just your word."
"You know I won't stand on it."
"At least not in front of anyone?"
"Deal!"
"Let's go, then." Serena slapped her forehead in defeat.
The girls continued with their walk.
"So, was I right? Did your mom tease you with his name?"
Serena exhaled defeatedly. "Yes, you are right."
"I knew it! You like him, don't you? That's why you've never had a boyfriend before. I remember the night on your eighteenth birthday, you got drunk on wine and said something like that. Even I was drunk, I can't remember anything properly."
"Eh, don't assume stuff," Serena said, her face still flushed. "It's more complicated than I like him."
"Un-complicate it for me, please. I'm all ears."
"See, he is the first friend I ever made. He appeared in my life at a time when I was most vulnerable, so I have that certain bond with him. If I ever had to have a boyfriend, I told myself that he'll be the first person to get that chance."
"That's called a crush, my dear. And it simply means that you like him."
"Maybe I do have a crush then." Serena winked. "A tiny one though."
"I don't get it." Shauna scratched her ear. "Didn't he go away somewhere like a hermit or something?"
"Hey! He didn't go off as a hermit. He went to train and now he's back." Serena flushed. "He's coming today and I'm starting my journey with him."
"What!" Shauna slapped her cheeks. "So, last week when you said you were ready to start your journey, you meant you were—"
"—Going to travel with Ash. I've been waiting for so long for this." Serena spread her arms out.
"You hid this from me for a week?"
"I wanted it to be a surprise."
"But we are friends, Serena. I'm hurt!"
"Sorry, Shauna. This is one thing I had for myself. You are still the first person to know about it, so cheer up."
"Fine, but tell me: you both are meeting each other after so long. What if you don't like the way he is. I mean don't get me wrong, I wish the best for you, but he went to some place where even phone lines weren't connected, don't you think he might have changed? And if I must speak for everyone, Calem and Tierno were both planning to invite you to join them on their journey today."
"He may have changed a bit, but I trust it's only for the better and he's still the same person within. Look, if it doesn't work out then it doesn't work out. I can move on to someone else, but not before I give him that first chance."
"You are crazy, but if you really have such trust in him then I'm happy for you. What you plan to tell Calem and Tierno?"
"I've made my choice. Calem and Tierno and go with each other if they want. I've waited long enough to deserve this journey with Ash. There is no way I'm turning my back on him this time."
Shauna raised her eyebrows. "I foresee something very interesting."
It was early morning and the sun brilliantly shone through the window as the clouds were like white dabs on a blue canvas. Gary looked across the sole dividing table in their cabin and sighed at the sight of a snoring Ash. They were travelling in the first-class section of an airplane, thanks to Ash's generosity, and were about half an hour away from landing in Lumiouse City, Kalos. The cabin they were allotted had two parts—Ash and Gary took one each. Pikachu was safely in the Pokémon section the airplane provided which was the sole reason why Ash choose this airplane services over the other.
Gary took a sip of the orange cocktail in his hand. If not for the internship under Professor Sycamore, he could live in Kalos at least for its lenient liquor laws. Unlike regions like Kanto and Johto, where the legal drinking age was twenty-one, one needed to be only eighteen to drink in Kalos. Gary adjusted his dark Wayfarer sunglasses. The time was right, he may not get this chance again.
He rose from his comfortable seat and walked up to Ash's side of the cabin. His friend snored like a Snorlax. Gary took a seat with his precious drink still in his hand.
"Yo, Ashy-boy," he nudged the sleeping trainer.
Ash stirred slightly. He sleepily wiped his drooling mouth and continued on with his slumber.
"Wake up, dumbass," Gary nudged Ash again.
"Huh," Ash woke up in reflex. "Who's that?" he took a fighting stance, ready to strike.
"Woah! chill, my man," Gary held his arms in defense. He carefully made sure not to spill any of that drink in his hand. "We're about to reach Kalos in thirty minutes."
"Oh, wake me up when we're five minutes away. Goodnight." Ash went back into his sleeping position.
"Hey, get up. There is something I need to talk to you about."
Ash rubbed his eyes from his rested position. "Yeah, tell me." He had the face of a student who woke up late in the morning, hurriedly attended school, and sat in for a science test thinking it was a regular class. He had no idea what he was in for.
Gary took a sip of his drink. "Wanna try?" he offered Ash.
"What is it?"
"The Mimosa," Gary said with the best fake accent he could muster.
"What's in it?"
"Orange juice and champagne. A local Kalos drink. Champagne for breakfast? Sign me up," Gary raised the glass and took another sip.
"Yuk! I'm never trying alcohol," Ash cringed. "It's not good for body."
"Who said that? Scientists have evidence that limited quantities is good for health and don't try to warn me, I've been drinking for two years."
"Firstly, no matter what scientists say, rotten food juice can never be good for health, and secondly, who gave you permission to drink when you were sixteen? Weren't you breaking the law?"
"Ever heard of fake ids, brother? Look, Ash, I didn't wake you up to argue about my drinking problem. I know my limits and I only drink occasionally. I woke you up to have an important man-to-man conversation, is that a good enough reason for you to switch topics?"
"Okay, what do you want to talk?" Ash sat upright attentively.
"I'll come clean, Ash." Gary put his drink aside on tray table. He was about to reveal something confidential and it required some seriousness in the atmosphere. "Remember the time when you left all your Pokémon, even Pikachu, and went somewhere?"
"Yeah, it was just two days ago. Why? Something happened then?"
"Your mom called us all for lunch at the ranch. Even gramps and Daisy were invited."
"She must have made some delicious food," Ash licked his lips. "Damn! I missed it."
"The food was amazing as usual, but she didn't call us just for that."
"What else did she call you'll for?" Ash tilted his head dubiously. He licked his lips again like his throat was dry. "Wait a minute, Gary." He searched around all him and finally found what he was looking for—the water bottle. He took the bottle from the holder and opened its cap.
"Ash, stop!" Gary stopped him from drinking it. "Drink it after I say what your mother said, or else you'll repent."
Ash raised his eyebrows. He put the bottle aside. "Alright, what did mom say?"
"She wanted all of us, as in all your Pokémon, gramps, Daisy, and me to help you find a girlfriend," Gary hid his face expecting a volcanic eruption of a reaction, but it didn't come. He peeped towards a silent Ash.
"I thought something like this would happen," Ash said softly. He gulped down some water. "She was acting quite weird since I came back. She was talking a lot about Serena. They became good friends over three years of repeated phone calls. She was all excited on seeing me go to Kalos and meet her."
"Exactly! She preferred if the girl was Serena. In fact, she insisted."
"Destiny should allow for anything like that to happen," Ash smiled half-heartedly. The Ash Ketchum smile was a unique one. It was like a beacon of courage and determination, but this smile of his said something else. Like there was some dark mystery behind it.
"Since when did you start believing in destiny? Anyway, fuck destiny. It's two brothers talking. Tell me, what do you think of her?"
"Who? Serena?"
Gary nodded like he was answering the dumbest question in the history of questions.
"She's nice. I like her a lot as a friend."
"That's all?" Gary clenched his jaw. One side, he had to fulfill the promise he made to Ash's mom; other side, Ash's dense act was testing the strength of his nerves. "You know what I asked you, answer that."
"Gary, things like girls and relationships are the last thing on my mind right now. Can we drop the topic, please?"
Ash, at last brushed the Snorlax in the room. Now Gary could spin his web and trap the dense-head. He stroked his chin. "This was what your mom was afraid of and had to call all of us. You never feel that way for a girl, Ash. Misty tried, she failed. May tried, she failed. I don't know about the dozen other who tried and failed during your journeys. Then, you went away from everybody for three years. Your mom is seriously scared. She told me to ask you if you were gay."
"What?" That volcanic eruption of a reaction came now. Ash gaped at Gary like he was seeing a blue moon during a summer noon.
"She said she wouldn't mind if you are, she just wants you to find a partner."
"You can't be serious!"
"I am serious, and suspicious." Gary raised an eyebrow. "Are you?"
"No! I'm not," Ash slapped Gary's face with a cushion beside him.
"Then what's your problem? You can tell me, I'm the closest male human friend you have, we practically grew up together, man. You're supposed to tell me if you have any such problems." Gary shook Ash's arm. "Tell me, brother. I'll help you with anything. Anything!"
"Alright! Alright! Stop shaking me," Ash swatted Gary's hand away. "I'll tell you if you promise to leave me alone after that."
"Done! Now tell me."
"You know how important being a Pokémon Master is to me, right?"
"Yeah, that was all you could speak of."
"Well, I found something more important than that."
"Wait, what?" Gary exclaimed. What can Ash Ketchum have something more important than a Pokémon Master? Ash lived and breathed only for that goal. It was that insane obsession for that unknown end that made Ash abnormally strong and now he found something more important? It was either the most valuable thing in the world, or knowing Ash, was an insanely irrelevant thing. "What did you find?"
"I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you."
Gary deadpanned. "Fucker, just tell me already. Don't leave me hanging like that."
Ash laughed. "Seriously, Gary: if I tell you, I'll be betraying somebody else's trust in me. I'm sorry."
"Alright, but will I ever know what it is?"
"Someday, for sure."
"I can live with that, but you haven't told me its link to why you're not interested in girls. As I guy, I can vouch that they are best thing the world has to offer."
"It's not that I'm not interested," Ash avoided eye contact. "I'm just too invested towards my goals. The one I'm after right now is the most important of all. I can't waste my time in other things."
"Let's go by your way then. What if a girl is in love with you and wants a relationship with you? You didn't need to invest any time or energy on her. She fell for you on her own, what would you do?"
"I-I don't know. That can't happen."
"Happened with Misty and May. You rejected them, Ashy-boy."
"They never said anything out to me. They understood on their own. And I was too young for a relationship then."
"So, you are open to one now?"
"I didn't say that. I just said I was young and naïve then."
Gary smirked. Ash was nearly in his trap. "Alright. Fair enough. But what if the girl to ask you out is Serena?" he wiggled his brows. "What'll your answer be Ashy-boy?"
"I-I-I—"
Gary pressed his face close to Ash. "Come on, come on, admit it already."
Ash pushed Gary away. "Admit what?"
Gary shut his eyes and flared his nostrils. "Ash Ketchum, the next time you act dense in front of me—I'll shove my foot so far up your ass that the water on my knee will quench your thirst." He opened his eyes. "You got that, Ashy-boy?"
"I dare you to try." Ash rolled his shoulder.
"Ash, quit dodging."
"Alright," Ash sighed. "I honestly don't know what my answer would be, but—" he looked away, "—there is this feeling which tells me that, I'd want to know what my answer would be."
"Wait? What?" Gary blinked his eyes with a giant grin. He finished his entire drink in one gulp, all while his face had that grin tattooed to it. He whole heartedly enjoyed it. It was the moment Ash, the great fucking Ketchum finally admitted it, though implicitly, he at least did. Gary grabbed Ash's face and kissed his cheek. "Took you so long, asshole."
"Ey, get off me!" Ash shooed Gary away. "It's not like how you think it is. My answer is still the same. I don't have time for things like this, but if an impossible situation like how you said would happen, which I know won't, I'd like to know what answer I'd give. That's all."
"You rejected them all, you bugger!" Gary slapped the air like he was drunk, which he certainly was. That one last bottoms-up hit was like a nuclear explosion to his brain cells. "You waited just for her."
"Woah, calm down, Gary, we are on an airplane." Ash straightened up Gary. "Pull yourself together."
"I don't care if you admit or not. I already know what's in your heart."
"Yeah, whatever you say," Ash said. He took the water bottle beside him and offered it to Gary. "Here, drink this."
Gary finished the half empty bottle. He burped and took his sunglasses off.
"You feeling okay now?"
"Yeah," Gary said while he massaged his eyes. "It's only my second drink. I'm not high, but that last bottoms-up hit me like a slap."
"We still have some time left I guess, so you can rest."
"Yeah. Hey, you didn't tell me why where you left for those two days?"
"To make an investment," Ash smirked.
Gary waved his hand dismissively. "I made a better investment for you." He rummaged his backpack, pulled out a red colored book, and threw it in Ash's lap. "Read it whenever you get time. Maybe it'll change your mind."
Ash lifted the book in his lap. It was titled–Noob's Guide to Romance & Sex. An erotically dressed woman was on its cover and if not for the censured blurs concealing her privates, they would have been easily visible through the see-through negligee she wore.
Ash instantly flung the book on Gary's face. "I don't need this!"
Gary took the book, unzipped Ash's bag, and slid it inside. "I said, read when you have time. I didn't ask if you want it."
"I'll throw it in Kalos," Ash muttered. He zipped his backpack shut, crossed his arms, and sat with a serious expression.
"Did Serena tell you where to meet her?"
"She asked me to come straight to Professor Sycamore's lab in Lumiouse City. She said something about an initiation day."
Gary shrugged his shoulders. "Isn't that convenient. That's where I'm headed off once we land."
The flight captain announced: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Thank you."
"It's time." Ash fastened his seat belt.
"Yes, it is." Gary too fastened his seat belt and smirked slightly. Ash didn't know what his Pokémon had in store for him. Pikachu took Delia's request a little too seriously and has planned something big to unite this fool with his childhood sweetheart. Gary would sit and enjoy the show as Ash finally attended the school of romance.
Probable questions you may have: -
Q1. Ash has two keystones? But why? Just why?
A1. Come on guys, you all know who is getting that keystone.
Q2. Lance is a damn Champion and could not convince a simple telecom department?
A2. The system of government I'm following in my story is more inclined towards oligarchy and bureaucracy, not any forms of dictatorship.
Yes, I thought of that too. You'd be surprised to know the amount of research which went behind this story. You'll soon see economics, geography (all branches), cosmology, physics (classical to quantum) etc. damn it, even nuclear science has its place in further chapters. I tried to be as theoretically accurate as possible. Your welcome!
Q3. Why? Why would you ruin Ash's face? Just tell me why?
A4. Imagine this. Handsome hunk and gorgeous dame—fall in love. That's done in everywhere. I felt a small flaw would make things interesting.
Q4. What about these trainer classes?
A4. How do you differentiate a trainer? By their age? If so then Ash would never win against any older trainers, am I right?
Q5. So, if Ash wins a league, he can't challenge Elite four and become champion? I hate you author!
A5. Every damn Pokémon story has the same format, try to embrace change for once. Quit whining!
Any review is much appreciated. Thank you and have a nice day ahead.
"Gotta Bond 'em all"