The Legend of Ash Ketchum

by XXLXXL-009

[No updates until the completion of the first arc. Profile for details] Following his Battle Frontier victory, Ash Ketchum was on his way to becoming the greatest Pokémon Master the world has ever seen. But what if fate decides to impede his goals? Can the Chosen One fulfil his Destiny, Dreams, and Desires? Or would he surrender to the vagaries of the Spirits? [AU, AT, Aura]

6. On Road

"Hope you all got some sleep." Professor Sycamore winded his head back, glancing at his wrecked lab. Team Rocket's ambush yesterday demolished most of its glass exterior, creating a large crater in the domed architecture. "Even though it's a mess in there."

"Yeah, I slept like a Snorlax," Ash stretched his arms, exemplifying the peaceful slumber he got. He stood on the porch outside the lab with Pikachu and Serena, ready to begin with their journey on the bright early morning as they've planned the previous day.

"So, did I," the yellow rodent flashed a quick peace sign.

"I had a good sleep too," Serena voiced in.

"But, Professor, how are you going to carry your research with all the equipment broken?" Ash asked. Last night when he strolled around the lab, there wasn't a single machine left undamaged, and he was certain that the Professor might be out of work for a while, at least until he got them fixed (which seem impractical with the degree of wreckage), or got newer machinery.

"Ha-ha, don't you worry Ash. I've made the necessary phone calls. Why do you think I was busy yesterday? The lab will be as good as new in no time." The professor stroked his chin. "In fact, I plan on remodeling it this time."

"That's awesome! I can't wait to see it."

"So, you've finally decided, huh, Professor?" Serena said.

"Yes, Serena. I finally did," the Professor smiled. "Oh, and by the way Ash, have you received a Kalos Region PokéDex yet?"

"Nope! Haven't gotten around it. I was hoping you could help me with that."

"Very well, then, here you go," Professor Sycamore handed him a black glass slab like device. It had no buttons, no flip function, no pulsating lights, no antenna, no nothing. It was unlike any Pokédex he had owned before. "This is a recent invention called a smartphone."

"Smartphone?"

"Yes, it's an all in one device. Not only does it function as an inter-regional Pokédex, but is also a mobile telephone with tons of other features," the Professor said. "It's so convenient that all you need to do is enter your trainer ID when you turn it on and viola, all your data is synced and you're ready to go."

"Uh-huh, I have one too," Serena said and dug into her backpack. "Ta-dah!" she flashed her device in a pink case with red hearts all over.

"This is awesome!" Ash exclaimed, checking out his new smartphone, but in reality, he was searching for the power button which he failed to find. Maybe he needed a little guidance before he could begin to use it. "Thanks a lot, Professor. Now all that's left is for me to register in the Kalos League."

"That shouldn't be much trouble. All Pokémon Centres provide the trainers with registration facilities. You can do it anywhere."

"You leaving, Ashy-boy?" Gary walked in, still dressed in his pajamas. "Hraaaaarrhh," he yawned, covering his drowsy mouth.

"Yes, you were asleep when we woke up, didn't want to disturb you."

Gary replied with a lethargic nod. He stepped forward and held his hand out. "Good luck on your journey then."

"Thanks, Gary," Ash shook his friend's hand. Gary, capitalizing on the grip, pulled Ash closer and leaned into his ear.

"Don't you screw up your chance with Serena. You understand?"

Ash flinched. "W-What do you mean?"

"You should try in movies sometime. Huh, see you 'round, Ash," Gary smirked. "You too, Serena."

"Heeeeeeyyyy!" a shrill cry broke in, gathering all five sets of eyes to it.

"It's Bonnie," Ash recognized the immature voice of the girl. She was sprinting towards them, her sling bag unrestrainedly dangling around her shoulder. Her poor Dedenne held for his life in it.

Bonnie lurched to the porch and stopped before Ash. She held her knees and caught her breath. "I'm… I'm… so glad… to have found… you," she said between gasps.

"Slow down, Bonnie. What's the matter?" Ash asked.

Bonnie slackened her breathing. "Ash," she exhaled and straightened her bent posture. "Ash, do you think Clemont and I could tag along with you?"

"You want to join in on our journey?"

"Mmm-hm," Bonnie nodded. "Only for a little time, Ash. You see, Clemont and I always wanted to go on a journey, but we never got the chance. Can you allow us? Please," she clasped hands. She had that innocuous face of a four-year-old when she made that request. There was no way, someone with a sound conscience could deny her.

"Sure, Bonnie, why not? The more, the merrier," Ash said. "Are you okay with that?"

Serena smiled. "Why not? It'd be great to have them join us."

"Yippee!" Bonnie sprang up on her feet, throwing her arms out. "I'm so happy that you both agreed. Bonnie is happy, Bonnie is happy," she cheered. "Aren't you happy too, Dedenne?" she asked her Antenna Pokémon.

"Ne-ne-ne." Ash found it amusing that Dedenne, despite being able to talk, only conversed in Pokémon speech. He was either too smart to say words and have people not understand him, or too lazy to come up with the right words. Either way, this was the first time he came across such a quirky Pokémon, well not the first time, his Pikachu was way past any quirky threshold.

"Where is Clemont though?" Serena skimmed her eyes around for the onesie scientist. "I don't see him with you."

"I… I… am here," a bushed voice croaked from behind the brick wall. Curious, everyone stepped off the lawn to investigate.

Clemont plodded on the sidewalk, using the wall as a support to advance his steps. He perspired profusely like he was on his last triathlon lap. A series of successive gasps escaped his mouth as he dragged himself towards the group.

"Speak of the devil," Bonnie slapped her forehead and sighed in disdain.

Clemont dropped with a fizzle at Bonnie's feet.

"Are you all right, Clemont?" Ash asked, concern evident in his voice. He helped the blond scientist to his feet.

"Yes… I'm fine… Ash," Clemont huffed, standing with Ash's support. He continued to latch on the scar-faced trainer's shoulder as he gained his breath. "Thanks for asking," he huffed again.

"He'll be fine. My brother is a riffraff when it comes to physical work."

"Err, okay," Ash sweatdropped.

"Hey, brother, Ash allowed us to travel with him. You better keep up with us if you don't want to be left behind."

"I-I promise to try my best."

Ash turned towards the lab. "Good luck with your research, Professor and Gary."

"Thank you, Ash. Good luck with your journey," the professor said.

Gary crossed his arms and nodded.

"All right then, let's go!" Ash thrust his fist in the air.

"So soon?" Clemont's hand flew to his chest. "I just arrived here. Can we start after a while?"

"Nope! We're leaving now," Bonnie said, pushing Clemont away from the lab. "We can't slow Ash down."

"Uh?" Ash uneasily looked at Serena. "We can wait for a while, can't we?"

Serena shrugged. "We can take a break later too, can't we?"

"Yeah, that's an option. All right then, let's go!"

---

Gary stared at the diminishing image of Ash and his newly formed travel group, a certain urge of following behind them on their journey taunted him. It's been years since he's been on one, and Ash's enthusiasm only drove his urge further. However, no matter how inclined he was, he had a duty towards his own calling.

"What do you say we talk of your internship now?" Professor Sycamore said.

Gary scoffed surreptitiously. This was it—his misfortune begins now. Around the world, there were over a hundred reputed professors and researchers he could have worked for. Given his acclaimed achievements in the research industry, most of them would have readily accepted him as their assistant too, but to his dismay, here he was, stuck and compelled to work under a maniac like Sycamore. Did his grandfather put any thought before recommending his name? Didn't seem like it; If he had, the brunet wouldn't be standing here, doomed. Besides, what internship was this professor even talking about? The skirmish against Team Rocket destroyed most of the lab and the equipment inside. Aside from janitor chores and building repairs, there was nothing much to work on. Well, he might as well play the ball, since he was here anyway. Perhaps he could use this time to find a convincing argument to give his gramps when he returned to Kanto next week. His plan was set in stone: he would hear the professor out, act like he was working for a few days, tell him this research wasn't his cup of tea, and board the next flight to Kanto. He mustered a fake smile. "All right, Professor. Tell me about the internship."

"Ha-ha-ha," Professor Sycamore laughed. "I know what's in your mind, I honestly don't blame you for that."

"There is nothing going on in my mind, Professor. I'm actually looking forward to working with you."

"You can drop that charade now; your friends are long gone." Sycamore swatted the air dismissively. "I know the standard of my reputation among you young folk. What do you'll call me? A maniac, right?" he scratched his chin, "or did you'll promote me to a lunatic?"

Gary flinched with a gulp. Sycamore knew all about that? Well, to be fair, in retrospect, Gary should've been surprised if he didn't know about it. It wasn't like the journals and blabbering mouths remained low-key with their taunts. But if the professor was indeed aware of all that, then why did he choose to put up with it? All he had to do was revert to his expertise—Mega Evolution Research and his entire tarnished reputation would end in a snap. Gary vividly remembered that a few years ago, the professor was neither mocked nor called any names, in fact, he was highly respected, revered one could say, for his research on Mega Stones and their origin, but the moment he abandoned his booming project, the tables flipped over. The scientific societies scoffed at him, the junior researchers had lost their respect and ridiculed him, stamping him as a maniac (which made no sane sense), and more importantly, as far as Gary's sources went, even his loyal sponsors withdrew from their support. That must have been hard pill to swallow. Gary, personally, would've never showed his face to the world, was he in Sycamore's shoes, but Professor Sycamore—he took all that criticism with grace, a quality in him Gary applauded even till this day.

"No, Professor, that's not how I think." Gary shook his head.

Sycamore raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that?"

"Yes, of course." Gary stood his ground. He may dislike the once reputed professor, but the least he could do was offer him a little respect. He was superior to Gary in all aspects relating research, and that's one thing nobody can take away from the man.

"Marvelous!" Sycamore clapped his hands, but he didn't seem to believe in Gary. "Now, come along. There is a lot to show you." He motioned Gary to follow.

What could be there to see? Apart from the ravaged equipment, half-burnt paper scraps, and devastated rooms. Well, it shouldn't be too long before he finds out.

Gary trudged behind Sycamore who led him to the end of the lab, marked by a large white wall. Attached to the unsoiled barrier, in the corner, was a computerized contraption, complicated enough for Gary to be unfamiliar with. This was the only machine undamaged as if an invisible shield had protected it. "What are we doing here? Didn't you say you had something to show me?"

"That's why we are here," Professor Sycamore said. "Now, Gary, what you're about to see has been seen only by a handful of people in the world. And honestly, I'd prefer it that way, but Professor Oak requested me to take you in on this project, and I respect him too much to decline."

"You mean, you didn't want me to work under you?"

"Not really," the professor said with a shake of his head. "I am sorry to say this, but you are here only because of your grandfather's recommendation."

That statement pinched Gary's expression as if the Professor hung a placard with the words, 'a worthless piece of shit' around his neck. If his surname brought him here and not his achievements then what's the point? Sure, he planned to leave the next day, but the professor's outright announcement his displeasure didn't please him too much. Though Gary was proud of his heritage, he never wanted that Oak tag to shadow him all his life. Walking in his grandfather's size-twenty shoes was one thing, but if his efforts for trying to fit in them went unrecognized the why bother? He aspired to leave a distinct mark through his own name and going by the way Sycamore put it, he hadn't even walked an inch in them. "Then why don't you send me back? I am clearly of no use to you."

"I never said that," Sycamore chuckled, breaking the developed ice between the two. "I just wanted this research to remain hidden, and the first step towards that is to limit the number of people working on it. In fact, I am more than happy to have someone like you working for me."

"Huh?" A flash of realization lightened Gary's eyes. "So, you don't think I'm useless?"

"Ha-ha-ha," Sycamore laughed. He placed a hand on Gary's shoulder. "You are the youngest and one of the most brilliant researchers of your generation. How could I ever think of you as useless? I didn't mean to offend you by saying that, but I want to be completely honest with you. I hope you understand."

Gary smiled in satisfaction. He could perhaps learn a little patience from time to time. "I understand," he said and slowly began to consider his options working under Sycamore. Even though he was here due to his grandfather, the way Sycamore called him a brilliant researcher gratified his ego, striking his weak spot. Additionally, the professor's mysterious research piqued his curiosity. "So, what is it you wanted to show?"

"Wait and watch." Professor Sycamore placed his palm on the screen of the sophisticated computer.

"Finger prints scan complete. level one access granted. Please proceed to level two." A cybernated female voice spoke.

The professor leaned in and pushed his face towards the device.

"Iris scans complete. Level two access granted. Please proceed to level three."

Sycamore typed in a few commands and the device emitted a green light scanning his torso.

"Heart weight and lung volume scan complete. All levels cleared. Welcome, Professor Augustine Sycamore."

The solid wall before Gary slid across the floor and revealed a large bluish pill-shaped pod. The azureous glass of the enclosed chamber retracted to its sides—it was an elevator.

"What the…?" Gary gasped, baffled at the strict security behind an elevator. He gawked at the professor. What're you researching, my man?

Professor Sycamore smiled at Gary's puzzled face. He gestured his hand towards the elevator. "After you."

Gary, dumbfounded at the unforeseen sight, adhered to the professor's direction, and entered the modernized elevator. It didn't have any buttons like a normal elevator but a palm-sized black screen in the corner.

Professor Sycamore joined him after, and placed his thumb on the screen. A beep noise followed, and the doors of the elevator converged, enclosing the duo inside the pod. The motors of the elevator graunched and they propelled downward, possibly to an underground research facility.

"Where are we going?" Gary asked, carrying the same confused look from before. He had an inkling he was either about to witness something magnificent or something lame, and the further he dwelled, the more he was convinced it was be the former.

"Why don't you wait until we reach? It shouldn't be too long."

Gary nodded. He could wait a little while longer to find out what exactly was going on in this place.

Seconds later, the elevator came to halt and the doors slid out. A glistening narrow path revealed. Clean walls, bleached ceilings, and marbled flooring—whiteness filled Gary's sight. The walls reflected the light shone by the LEDs on the ceiling and made the pathway appear even brighter, if it wasn't bright enough already. The only erroneous object around was a silvery door knob at the far end of the hall to the side.

"Where are we, Professor?" Gary swiveled his head around, scrutinizing his surroundings, but all he discovered was apt cleanliness and a pungent odor of cleaning alcohol.

"About six hundred meters below the ground," Sycamore said. "In my secret laboratory." He walked ahead and signaled Gary to follow behind.

"What is it that you do here that you can't in your official lab?" Gary asked, following the professor. The level of security and the degree of secrecy slightly daunted him. If Sycamore was as genuine as his grandfather claimed, then this man was up to something big. Perhaps his gramps actually meant it when he said that Sycamore was pursuing a path towards the greater good. Whatever it was, Gary couldn't wait to find out.

"Patience, Gary. You sure lack that," Sycamore said, unlocking the door to his underground facility. "Welcome to my laboratory."

Gary's eyes expanded and his hand instinctively covered his mouth. Contrary to the size of the lab above, this facility was over three times larger. He could probably fit all his scores of Pokémon in it, and still be left with enormous room to work with. He blinked in amazement as he followed the professor inside.

Organized in all four corners were various scientific machines and computers. The walls had numerous OLED screens, all running complex computations and code. To one of his side was a large see-through glass, behind which there were more specialized equipment. To the other side were a few closed doors, one of which had a red label of 'STRICTLY CONFEDENTIAL' on it. However, the most noticeable feature around was the giant rectangular table in the centre of the lab. If it were a dining table, it could probably hold a group of at least thirty individuals. Various three-dimensional holographic objects, models, and calculations hovered over it. Gary's first thought at this outlandish spectacle was that, Sycamore was not at all maniac, period.

"How do you like it? Marvelous, aye?" Professor Sycamore asked. "Perhaps I should get a few posters up on the walls to add some grandeur, don't you think?" A cocky smile twisted his lips.

"F-fuckin' awesome," Gary blurted out. What else could he say otherwise, his entire bucket list of research equipment and the many others he had never even knew existed or heard lay right in front of eyes. This was a researcher's paradise in which one could conduct any type of research.

"Ha-ha. I did expect—"

"Professor, glad you could—" a young woman entered from behind a closed door. She dropped the bundle of files in her hands as she realized the presence of Gary. Her cheeks marginally flushed. "Wha-what's h-he doing here?"

"What're you doing here?" Gary sucked in a quick breath. If the hidden lab failed to knock him off his feet, then the sight of the woman whom he had saved yesterday surely did. The tender sensation of her soft lips still lingered on his cheek. He wanted to ask her name and details then, but somehow, amidst the rumpus, it didn't seem like a good idea. But, little did he know he would meet her again, that too in a place such as this.

"It seems you two are already acquainted."

"Yes, Professor. He's the guy who saved my life yesterday," the woman said. Her scarlet face screamed to Gary that she remembered the moment after. "Thank you again," she bowed.

"Oh, is that so?" Sycamore held Gary's shoulder and shook his hand. "I appreciate you saving her."

"Ah, it was no big deal," Gary dismissed with a chuckle, although his mind led him to believe, he had the whole world under his foot at that moment.

"Anyway, let me officially introduce you two. Gary, this is my assistant, Sophie. She has been working under me for about two years now. And, Sophie, this is Gary, my new intern and assistant who would soon work along with you," he eyeballed Gary, "should he choose to accept."

Was Sycamore kidding? Of course, he would accept. Whatever research it maybe, Gary was ready to swoop at it. The confidentiality of the project and the underground laboratory, filled with his dream equipment, were more than enough reasons to convince him. In addition to that, the cute girl he met yesterday was going to be his peer? Arceus must be crazy, what more could he ask for? Maybe Sophie was a little older than him, probably by three or five years at best, but age was just a number for Gary, and a mere number never stopped him from a pursuit before. He always had a certain inclination towards older women like her, he thought that maturity dawned a certain sensual flair in the female gender—they were more experienced, more adventurous, more passionate, and the best of all: a lot lesser pain in the ass than those emotionally wrecked teenage damsels. And given that he already passed the first hurdle and made a good lasting first impression on her, the alley just opened its gates to him. Gramps, you are the absolute best. Amazing lab to work in and a hot chick to work with. Could this get any better? He saw a glimpse of his grandfather's smirking vision. He instantly dismissed his plan of returning to Kanto. "I'm in, Professor," he said, rather nonchalantly, but mentally, he danced like a maniac on his victory lap.

"That's aweso—" Sophie slapped her mouth, breaking her fueled excitement. "Ahem, ahem. That sounds wonderful. I look forward to working with you, mister Gary."

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it too. And please, call me Gary." He turned towards the professor. "Could you brief me on your research? I'd like to get started right away."

"Marvelous! That's what I'd like to hear," Sycamore spread his arms wide. "Sophie, would you?"

"Yes, Professor," Sophie stepped towards the large centre table and typed in some commands on the attached miniaturized computer. A new set of holograms replaced the ones before. Ancient stone-like relics, etched with cryptic symbols and various hieroglyphics floated up.

"Gary, what you are seeing here is the crux of my entire research." Sycamore pointed to the hologram. "I like to call it, The Mystical Stone of Marvelousness."

"You're not really good with names, are you, Prof?" Gary rolled his eyes.

"Ha-ha, I am a part scientist after all," Sycamore laughed. "Anyway, that's beside the point. You see these inscriptions on this stone?" He made a few hand gestures and zoomed in on the symbols.

"Yes, but I'm not familiar with this script." Gary peered closer and stroked his nonexistent beard. "I don't think I ever saw something like this."

"This is a script lost in time, it's obvious that you haven't seen it before. Deciphering it itself consumed well over four years."

"Wow!" Gary muttered, bewitched by this new relic and its ancient script. Despite his distinguished performance in fields like evolution and species variation, his real passion always lied in the relics department, but unfortunately most of the discovered artifacts were analyzed from top to bottom without leaving a single leaf unturned. That left the newer generations with nothing left to work on. To add salt to the injury, finding new remnants and artifacts was next to impossible for younger researchers given the dominance of veterans in this field who blatantly discouraged newer talents giving a lame reason of inexperience. It made Gary wonder, if rookies are never allowed to step foot in that field then how the fuck could someone gain the required experience? It's not something which came mysteriously one morning. The excuse was as flimsy as blaming onions for crying while watching a rom-com. But if Sycamore's research revolved anything around this relic, he hit the jackpot.

"What's mentioned in this script, Professor?" He fingered the glowing text.

"These inscriptions, they talk about the Spirits of Karma."

Gary shut his eyes and threw his head back, dwelling into his mind-palace, but never during his voluminous studies had he come across that term. "Nope! Never heard before."

"I'm not surprised, our current civilization is about eight or nine thousand years old and only about three-four thousand years ago did we enter into modernization."

"That's the abstract of every anthropology article ever written. What about the spirits?"

"I'm coming to that," the Professor said. "The spirits are strong energy signatures buried deep within earth. They are known to awaken once in every ten-thousand years. Tell me, Gary, have you heard of the Great Extinction before?"

"The point in history where almost the entire life on earth was wiped out? Yeah, sure, I have an idea about that. Is that what you are researching here?"

"It is and it is not. You see, from various fossils and other evidences gathered, we can conclude that several extinctions took place on our planet in the past and the Great Extinction, about a billion years ago, was the first of them all. During my research, I found a strong correlation between the Spirits of Karma and the Great Extinction and the extinctions that followed."

"What correlation?"

"I strongly believe that these spirits were responsible for most, if not all of them."

"Wait, what? These energies are so powerful?" Gary squinted. Up to his knowledge, the environmental extremities and natural calamities were the cause for all those extinctions, not some absurdly named energy signatures. Spirits of Karma? sounds like someone lacked creativity and simply used a thesaurus to replace the term 'forces of destiny.' Whoever it was, should have stuck to the original form, forces of destiny had a nice oomph to it. Meh, noob. "How can you be so sure, Professor? There can be other reasons too, right?"

"Yes, there can be," Sycamore said. "But my theory comes from various evidences I found during my years of research, and on hindsight, I don't think I'm wrong. I'm two-hundred percent positive of my findings."

The confidence behind Sycamore's voice and the unwavering eye contact he maintained were enough to convince Gary, but for further confirmation, he turned to Sophie. "Is he?" he mouthed.

Sophie nodded. Even she looked to believe in Professor's theory. Of course, she would. She spent the last two years working on this after all.

Damn! Mystical powers and world extinctions? Never in his wildest fantasies did Gary think such forces could exist, and if what the professor said was indeed true, then was there an extinction soon? That thought itself rose goosebumps on his arms. This conversation began to scare him. Shit just got real, didn't it? He swallowed his rising jitters and cleared his throat. He was Gary Oak, the great not a dickhead. "H-how is the world still alive then? You said, the s-spirits emerge every ten-thousand years, so was there an extinction every time?"

"Ha-ha-ha," Sycamore laughed. "I see your apprehension, but don't worry, the spirits aren't always corrosive. It actually depends on the how the wielder chooses to use them."

"Wielder?"

"Hmm-mm," Sycamore nodded. "Sophie?"

"Yes, sir." Sophie walked into that door with the initials 'STRICTLY CONFEDENTIAL' and returned with a journal. She handed it to the professor.

"Take this." the professor gave the journal to Gary. "It contains the gist of my entire research. Take your time to read, I'll be right back."

Gary quickly flipped through the pages. It wasn't too long, so he decided to read to right away. Professor Sycamore left Sophie with him to help with any discrepancies he might face; it elated Gary. He could finish reading the journal in a few minutes and flirt till the professor returned, however his elation didn't last long. The moment he finished with the first page, a plethora of emotions swirled in him. He was anxious, frightened, amazed, fascinated, and relieved—all at the same time.

He shut the last page of the journal and looked questioningly at Sophie. "Is this all true?"

"Seems like it. That's where all the evidences point at."

"So, the next awakening of the spirits is soon, huh?"

"Professor estimates that it has already began, didn't you read page twelve? He mentioned it clearly there."

"I did, I just—"

The sound of a door opening caught their attention. "Am I intruding?" Professor Sycamore said with an impish smirk.

"Uh, no. Not at all," Gary said. "I've just finished reading."

"So, what do you think?" Sycamore approached the Kanto trainer-researcher.

"I'm baffled, Prof. I don't know whether I should believe in this or not."

"Trust me, I've been there."

"You talked about the Archean Prophecy, the role of the Chosen One, the Wandering and the Juggernaut Spirits, and so on."

"That's the gist I mentioned."

"But Professor, if you believe in your research so strongly, why would you want it hidden? If your evidences and theories are right, why not come out in public? It could clear your ruined name in no time."

"Hmm," Sycamore paused and brushed his forehead. "Tell me something, Gary: what was your initial reaction when I told you what the spirits are capable of?"

"Uh, I was a little… err, scared, to be frank." Gary's chin dipped.

"Exactly. Nobody would think of the marvelous things the spirits can do when in right hands. It's the darker side which will steal limelight. If this research comes out, it would be difficult to even imagine the public's reaction and consequences which might follow."

"Guess you are right there. So, that's why all this high security, huh?"

Sycamore blinked with a nod.

"I'm sorry, but there are still a few things I don't follow. You haven't even talked about them in your journal."

"They are?"

"If there is a Chosen One to stop these spirits from causing mayhem, then how did those extinctions happen in the first place? Did the previous Chosen Ones fail? Or was there some other reason? How is the Chosen One this time? And how did these spirits even originate? There are many missing links like that."

"I'm aware, Gary, and that's exactly what we are trying to find out here."

---

"I'm really tired, Ash. Please, can we stop and take a break?" Serena held her hips in fatigue. They trudged for six hours through Route-4, with occasional water breaks which lasted no more than a few minutes.

"Uh? What are you saying, Serena?" Ash hoisted his head and ran the back of his hand over his brow, wiping the sweat from his eyes and squinting at the noonday sun. "The day's still young. We can take a break at the first Pokémon Center we find, all right?"

With Bonnie's unbroken chain of questions about his ability to communicate with Pokémon (already known by Serena), which Ash answered patiently adjourning his aura secret for another day, and Clemont's crawling pace, they only managed to cover less than half the distance. A break now can only erode Ash's glimmering hope of a gym battle today and he wasn't going to let that happen.

"Yeah, come on, Serena. You can do this," Bonnie skipped forward and overtook the honey-blonde in two casual hops. "See, it's that easy."

"Nope! No more!" Serena dropped to the ground recklessly. The Serena Ash knew of would think a hundred times before committing to that impulsive act which was bound to ruin her dress. "Humph," she puffed her cheeks. "I need a break and I mean now! Right now!"

"Serena—"

"G-g-g-g-guysssss," Clemont groaned, crawling through the dirt with whatever stamina left in him. His blue jumpsuit had sweat patches all over it, despite its waterproof capabilities (as gloated by Clemont).

"Clemont!" Bonnie ran to attend her brother.

"Get it now, Mr. Ketchum?" Serena cocked her head.

"Let's take a break, Ash," Pikachu said from atop Ash's head.

Ash sagged his posture. With his companions in their current state, going onward with his journey seemed bleak. "I guess we could all use a break." He sat down with a sigh and leaned against a tree trunk beside Serena.

"You do realize that this is our first journey, don't you, Ash?" Serena dabbed the sweat off her face with a handkerchief, her face unconventionally red, like her blood vessels overpowered her Caucasian skin.

"Err." Ash scratched his cheek and with a mortified chuckle. His experience with travelling around four regions (Kanto, Orange Islands, Johto, and Hoenn) and the vigorous training he received at Assumption Island had strengthened his endurance to a point where walking long distance seemed like an evening stroll in the park. It insulated him from every brunt a of a journey, but he failed to recognize his companion's physical limitations. "Sorry, I was too excited for my gym battle so I never thought about that."

"I can understand, but you should remember that it's difficult for us to keep up with your energy. You always had a little more than everyone around you."

"Your excitement is the cause of all troubles," Pikachu said. "Do you realize how tired I can get with all this travel?" He stretched his arms and comfortably nestled in his trainer's lap.

"You've been riding on me the whole time, Pikachu," Ash deadpanned.

"Yeah, but holding onto you takes energy," Pikachu yawned. "I have very little of that to spare."

"You're always welcome to go back into your Pokéball," Ash smirked. He unclipped the old Pokéball he always carried from his belt. Despite its age, it looked glossy and brand new, not a single scratch. Why wouldn't it? As far as Ash's memory jogged, his devious mouse never went into it. "You can rest all you want. I swear, I won't disturb you."

Pikachu jumped out of Ash's lap, crouched on his fours, and scowled. "Give it a try, I dare you. I double dare you."

Ash made his own intimidatory glare. "Yeah, what will you do?" Serena's muted giggle chimed in his ears.

"Ash?" Bonnie approached with a guilty look.

"Yes, Bonnie?"

"Is it all right if we continue our journey tomorrow? Big brother is in no condition to travel anymore."

"Don't worry, Bonnie. I think this is a good place to set camp for today."

"I'm sorry, Ash, if not for me, you'd have reached Santalune City by nightfall," Clemont said from behind Bonnie. He too took a resting spot against a tree, but in state far exhausted and grief-stricken than the rest.

"No, Clemont. I should be sorry. It slipped my mind that this is your first journey. We can take it easy for a while until you get used to it," Ash said. his eyes kindled an animated glint. "Hey, I know!" He sprung on his feet. "We should call out our Pokémon and let them introduce each other. We have plenty of time to kill."

"Yay! Yay! Yay!" Bonnie jumped on her toes. "Pokémon! Pokémon! Pokémon!"

"You're right," Serena got up. "It's funny how we haven't done that yet."

"All right, then, come on out," he hurled his three Pokéballs in air. Serena and Clemont followed suit and called their Pokémon out.

A small horde of Pokémon materialized before them and greeted each other. All except Serena's Eevee, who hid behind her trainer's legs.

"Whoa! what Pokémon are those?" Ash pulled out his new smartphone, which was finally running, thanks to Serena's help. He scanned all the foreign Pokémon, starting with Clemont's.

Chespin, the Spiny Nut Poké type, male.

Chespin can flex the soft spikes on its head, making them so stiff and sharp that it can even pierce through stone.

Bunnelby, the Digging Pokémon. Normal type, male.

Bunnelby has ears like shovels which they use to dig burrows. Digging holes strengthens its ears so much that they can sever thick roots effortlessly.

Luxray, the Gleam Eyes Pokémon. Electric type, male.

Its eyes can see through anything. It can even spot its prey hiding in the shadows.

He scanned Bonnie's single Pokémon.

Dedenne, the Antenna Poké -fairy type, male.

Dedenne communicates long distance with other Dedenne by sending radio waves through its antenna-like whiskers.

He scanned Serena's Pokémon.

Fennekin, the Fox Pokémon. Fire type, female.

Fennekin expels hot air that can reach nearly 400 degrees. It likes to snack on twigs.

Pancham, the Playful Pokémon. Fighting type, male.

Though it tries to look tough, Pancham has trouble being taken seriously by opponents.

He scanned his Froakie, whom he hadn't registered yet.

Froakie, the Bubble Frog Pokémon.

From its chest and back, Froakie creates bubbles called frubbles, which act as a cushion and soften the blow of an opponent's attack.

Type: Water

Gender: Male

Ability: *Unidentified* (locked)

Moves: Water pulse, Bubble, Pound.

Serena used her smartphone to scan Ash's Pokémon.

Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. Electric type, male.

This Pokémon has electricity-storing pouches on its cheeks. These appear to become electrically charged during the night while Pikachu sleeps. It occasionally discharges electricity when it is dozy after waking up.

Pidgeot, the Bird Pokémon. Normal-flying type, female.

It flies at Mach 2 speed, seeking prey. Its large talons are feared as wicked weapons. By flapping its wings with all its might, Pidgeot can make a gust of wind, capable of bending tall trees.

Wartortle, the Turtle Pokémon. Water type, male.

It cleverly controls its furry ears and tail to maintain its balance while swimming. The scratches on its shell are evidence of this Pokémon's toughness in battle.

"Wow, Ash, your Pokémon seem really strong," Serena said.

"And cute too," Bonnie squealed.

At the praise from the two girls, Ash's Pokémon grew a confident smirk. Especially Wartortle, who slammed his dark glasses on and plugged a cocky posture.

"Ash, can I take care of your Pokémon sometimes?" Bonnie asked in her innocent voice, but received no response. The amber-eyed trainer was senselessly staring down his smartphone. "Ash!"

"Huh?" Ash twitched. "You said something, Bonnie?"

"Yes, but you were too busy to hear me," Bonnie pouted and flicked her gaze away.

"Is everything fine?" Serena asked in concern. "You suddenly dazed off."

"Yeah, everything's cool," Ash said. "I was just wondering about Froakie's 'dex entry."

"You can use mine if yours isn't working." Serena offered her device.

"No, mine's working fine. It's the ability of Froakie that I find strange."

"Uh?" Froakie, who stood before Ash, tilted his head.

"It's either Torrent or Protean. What's so strange in that?"

"The device is unable to recognize his ability. It never happened with any of my Pokémon before."

"What?" Serena asked with a blank face. "Are you sure? Even I've never heard of such a thing before."

"See for yourself," Ash showed Froakie' data to Serena.

"It's locked too."

"Uh-huh."

"Perhaps you should check it with Professor Sycamore. I'm sure he'll either fix it or have a logical explanation."

"Then I'll do just that," Ash said. He turned towards his Pokémon. "Guys, we are setting camp here. Do what you want, but just don't go too far, all right?"

"Same goes for you'll too," Serena said. "Try not to leave this area."

All Pokémon cheered and dispersed from the spot. Pidgeot flew into the sky. Wartortle moved to a secluded spot and began his nap. Pikachu and Froakie joined Serena's Pokémon to converse with them. Clemont's Pokémon (Bunnelby and Luxray) however, stayed by their trainer's side like protective servants. Serena's Eevee, like a misfit, jumped into the honey-blonde's arms and snuggled hiding her face from the world.

"Chespin, it's my turn to catch you. Come on, let's go!" Bonnie sprinted after the Spiny Nut Pokémon with Dedenne perched in her bag.

"Bonnie, don't go too far," Clemont yelled, but his voice fell on deaf ears. Bonnie and Chespin were already way past the threshold his voice could cover. "When will you learn to listen to me," he muttered.

"Don't worry, Clemont, she will be fine," Ash placed a reassuring hand on the spectacled trainer's shoulder. "She has Dedenne and Chespin to keep her safe."

"Yeah, you are right, I might be worrying for no reason," Clemont sighed. "Anyway, how about I make today's lunch? I'll make a good meal before Bonnie returns."

"Are you sure? You were in no condition to move a few minutes ago. I think you should leave the cooking to me and Serena."

"Yes, you should rest. Ash and I will take care of everything," Serena said. "You can cook tomorrow if you'd like."

"Don't worry, you guys, I can do this." Clemont flexed his nonexistent biceps. "I'll have Luxray and Bunnelby to assist me."

"Why don't we all help you then? That way, you'll have less work and can finish fast," Ash said. "What say, Serena?"

"I'd be glad to help."

"Thanks for the offer, guys, but I'd prefer if I did it myself." Clemont adjusted his glasses. "I'm comfortable that way."

"You sure?"

Clemont nodded.

"All right then, Clemont. You got it," Ash gave a thumbs-up.

---

Pikachu was involved in a general ice breaking conversation with Froakie, Fennekin, and Pancham. While he had known the blue Pokémon from yesterday's debacle, this was his first interaction with Serena's team. He needed them to have a good impression on him before he could plot his Kalos mission. A few days back when Ash had gone on a business trip before they boarded their plane to Kalos, Delia had a brief talk with him and his comrades (Along with Gary), after which, he was absolutely convinced he was the right 'mon for the farfetched mission Delia put him to, but for his 'Operation de-dense Ash' to strive, he desperately needed the support of Serena's Pokémon.

"How long have you been with Ash, Pikachu?" Froakie asked.

"Over eight years," Pikachu said, his chest thrust out. For all the mindless arguments he had with Ash, he couldn't deny how proud he was to have a trainer like him. He could've never asked for anyone better, nor did he think there was anyone better. "We journeyed four regions till now: Kanto twice, Orange Islands, Johto and Hoenn. Kalos is our fifth."

"You've been to four other regions before?" Fennekin hopped on her hind legs. "That's amazing!"

"Of course, Ash and I love to travel and challenge the leagues in every region."

"Even I want to travel to other regions, it has been my dream ever since I saw those foreign movies in Sycamore's lab, but—" Fennekin panned her head towards her trainer, who was sitting beside Ash. "Serena is too lazy to even get up on time, let alone travel. Participating in showcases aside, we don't get out of the house much, maybe to meet her friends occasionally, that's all."

"I heard of her laziness from Bonnie, but don't worry, I am sure this journey will teach her a lot and hopefully, you can travel to other regions soon. A journey can change you in ways you don't anticipate."

"I thought you liked your trainer, Fennekin," Froakie said.

"Of course, I love her, she takes the best care of us and loves us dearly, but I just wish she was a little more active." Fennekin said. "Hopefully she will learn something from your trainer. Even if she gets one-tenth of his energy, I'd be happy beyond words."

"Yeah, my trainer rocks!" Froakie thrust his arm up.

"Your trainer maybe cool to you, pal," Pancham sneered. He rolled his eyes towards Ash and Serena. "But warn him—" he glared at Froakie and Pikachu, "to stay away from Serena, or else—," he rolled his clenched fist, "he'll have me to deal with."

"Pancham!" Fennekin grunted. "Apologize—Now!"

"You better," Froakie bared his teeth and took a wide stance, ready to start a brawl. He didn't look too pleased at the fighting type's threat against Ash.

Pikachu studied the greyscale Pokémon and his threat, interested on how he judged Ash before he even knew him. This was one gritty fellow.

"Why?" Pancham puffed his cheeks out and crossed his arms against his chest. "I won't apologize, do what you want." He snapped his head away.

"P-a-n-c-h-a-m!" Fennekin bit her words out with her strong white fangs. For her size and the affable personality she radiated, she had quite the short temper. Getting on her bad side was not something Pikachu would suggest trying.

"I'm sorry on Pancham's behalf, Pikachu and Froakie" Fennekin bowed her head. "He doesn't mean any harm. He is just a little overprotective of Serena, that's all."

"That's all right," Pikachu said. He had come across many stubborn characters like this during his journeys, and honestly, he didn't expect he'd receive an apology from leaf eating Pokémon. His pride was as pronounced as the light in a lighthouse.

Pancham gnawed on the leaf in his mouth as he met Pikachu's eyes with a sassy shine. Pikachu knew of the curses that hardened stare carried. So, this stud would create a hinderance in his mission, huh? Meh, that's cute. All the best, punk.

"So, Froakie, why have you decided to join Ash?" Fennekin asked.

Froakie went on explaining how Ash inspired him and all, things which Pikachu was already aware of. He abstained from that conversational tangent and whirled his head towards Ash, engaged in a cheerful talk with Serena. He had been covertly observing their interaction for a while now and what caught his attention was, Serena's sly attempt at scooting closer to Ash. It may have been imperceivable for any distant viewer, but it was next to impossible to deceive Pikachu's razor eyes. He mentally smirked at the sight. Delia, our plan might succeed sooner than expected.

As he continued to watch the interaction between his trainer and his trainer's potential mate, his stealthy gaze landed on the dozing Pokémon in Serena's lap. He had introduced himself to everyone here, except Eevee. "I'll be right back, guys," he said and marched towards Ash.

"Yo, twisted tail," Pikachu heard Pancham call him. He hates being given weird names like that, the only exceptions to that rule being Ash and Big Red (Charizard). Had this been anyone else, he would have let loose his thunderbolt and electrocuted him a thousand times, but this arrogant fool was Serena's Pokémon and the last thing that he wanted was for Serena to hate him, and on the flip side this was no time for a dispute. He could take care of him at the right time at the right moment. He swallowed his pride and turned towards the Playful Pokémon. "What do you want?" he asked.

Pancham smirked. He pointed his tridented paw at his eyes and flicked them towards Pikachu, insinuating the overused gesture: I've got my eyes on you, pal.

Pikachu shook his head in displeasure. Great! Despite not wanting to, he seemed to have made already an enemy. But why was Pancham so hostile towards him? It wasn't like he said or did something wrong, nor did he know Ash or him personally. Did the fighting-type discern his hidden agenda? Nope, not likely. Perhaps he liked to establish dominance—now that was likely. Whatever the case, ignoring him would be the right course of action for now. He disregarded the taunt and moved towards his trainer.

---

Is this really happening? Serena freaked out as her shoulder grazed against Ash's, his rugged triceps depressing into her arm. The confined breadth of the tree trunk they rested against compelled their bodies to press against each other. That inconsequential body contact, accompanied by the tranquil ambience of the forest, and no one to disturb them stirred a poetry of quivers within her.

Despite coming to terms with her feelings for Ash, she lacked the much-needed courage to initiate a conversation with him. She ruined her chance of talking to him the previous day by accepting Shauna's offer to go window-shopping in Lumiose after Ash came back with Froakie. Though she enjoyed the girl-talk about her brave act on regional television, she did end up facing Shauna's tease like she was the shortest member of a basketball team, but it was tease she rejoiced. However, it came at a cost. By the time she was back, Ash was asleep.

And now that they were alone and awake, she had all the opportunity in the world to talk to Ash, but her voice gave out. It was so easy when they spoke on phone. She'd yap and yap and yap, but talking face-to-face seemed much complex than that. Some kind of an unknown force glued her mouth from breaking silence, persuading her that either her voice would sound like new chalk on a blackboard or every word she would utter will only make Ash resent her. It made no sane sense since her voice was considered sweet by most standards and they practically knew each other for almost a lifetime, yet she was persuaded nevertheless.

The mind was such a bitch when you need it to function.

There was a clinking of utensils from Clemont's cooking. Soft murmurs from the Pokémon talking. Sighing whistles from the wind blowing. Yet, a silence seemed to boil between them, like an overinflated balloon waiting to be pierced by a needle of whisper.

Serena snooped at Ash, stealthily rolling her eyeballs at him: He was observing the Pokémon interact and a satisfied smile adorned his face. She smiled at his smile—it was pure and bright like the sun glowing over their heads.

Why doesn't he say something! Sure, she's unable to, for some unknown reason. Fine. But he could talk, couldn't he? He could simply start by saying: 'Hey, Serena, how are things going? How's your mom doing? Are you still struggling with Rhyhorns?' See. Was it so hard? Unless… he doesn't want to talk. Unless… he was angry with her for slapping him. Could that really be the reason? He seemed fine this morning, and throughout their brief journey today. But the more she thought about it, the more it started to scare her. What if he was angry and was hiding it? What if he only let her tag along because he was too nice to say fuck off. What if everything they shared for years crumbled into dust from that stupid act of hers?

She truly prayed that was not the case. She wasn't sure if she could take it. Crush aside, he was her best friend after all. Losing him—for a silly impulsive mistake like that—would really, really break her.

"Serena?"

Yelp! She hiccupped with a quick inhale. Was this the point where he says she should leave once they get to Santalune City? She crossed her fingers behind her back. "Ye-yes, Ash?"

"How is your performer career going on?"

Yay! He's not angry. How could he be? He's Ash after all. "It's going good. Very good."

"That's your dream, right?"

"Yes, it is my dream. To perform on the grand stage of the masterclass." Yes, this is great. Keep the conversation going, Serena. "Hey, you know what?" She rummaged through her backpack. "Where is it?" She plucked a few items out. "Where did I keep it?" She dug deeper. "Oh, here it is!" She found what she was looking for. "Ta-dah!" She proudly held a Princess Key in her hand. "I won this last month in this year's showcase circuit," she grinned.

"That's awesome!"

"Thanks, Ash." Serena flushed.

"I'm sure you'll win the rest of the Princess Keys too."

Serena giggled. "It's not so easy, Ash. I've been trying for the last three years, and this is only my sixth key in total. I'm still a rookie, you see."

"Yeah, but that does not mean you should think like one. If you're not confident that you'll achieve what you want to, how will your Pokemon be?"

"Huh?" Serena cocked her head, dazed. Given the context, they were probably the most inspirational words she has ever heard.

"How many keys do you need?"

"Four keys for every circuit. That will qualify me for the Master Class."

"So, you need only three more. I know you'll win them all this time. Then you'll also win the Master Class and become, err—" Ash scratched his head, "what is it, again?"

"He-he." She told him about this over a thousand times, yet here he was, forgetting it every time. "Kalos Queen, Ash. The winner of the Master Class is crowned as the Kalos Queen."

"Yeah, right. You'll be the best Kalos Queen like no one ever was." Ash balled his fists and flashed a confident grin. "I just know it."

Serena giggled again. Everything seemed so easy for Ash, like he has no trouble overcoming any problem—always charging forward with utmost determination. He was still the same person she knew from childhood, the one who showed her the beauty of having a dream, the one who held her hand and helped her overcome her fears, the one whom she genuinely admired with all her heart—he hasn't changed one bit, nope, not at all.

"Thanks, Ash. I'll be sure to try my best." She tucked a falling hair strand behind her ear. "What about you? Still perusing to become a Pokémon Master, I'm guessing?"

Ash fell silent. Solemnly staring at the ground, he picked a broken twig lying beside him. "Yes," he muttered, his voice lacking the usual conviction Serena was familiar with. "That's my dream, after all." He roughened the twig with his bare nails, clipping the leaf scars on it, shaping it into a straight, bark-less stalk. "But I currently have something more important on my mind."

"Say what?" Serena's eyes bulged. Something more important than becoming a Pokémon Master? For Ash? That wasn't possible, was it? Ever since she knew him, his dream had been to become the best Pokémon Master. At first, Serena thought it be cute, later, as she grew up, she found it childish. The title was nothing but a drive, a drive to push trainers beyond their limits, guiding them towards an endless destination of fortitude. However, with time, she somehow believed that if anyone could achieve it, it was Ash, after all, he spoke and worked towards it as much as he breathed air, like he was born only to achieve that nonexistent title but... that was three years ago. "Don't tell me you gave up on your dream."

"No. I'd never do that," Ash shook his head, snapping the twig into smaller pieces. "It's just…" he paused.

"What is it? You can tell me," Serena said softly. She could tell something bothered him; and Ash, unlike his usual self, is bottling it up.

"Some other time… I promise," he said, and smiled weakly. Weakly? No, it was much more than weakly. If the entire misery of the world could be compressed into one single expression, it would be that very smile. A rare smile with a quality of eternal deception, eclipsing a multitude of burdens, cautious from any admission. It promised assurance, but carried ambivalence. The last smile of a lost man, squashed between two sides of a vile coin—fear and failure.

"Fine, Ash. I'll wait," Serena said. She wanted to hold his collar and shake him until he vomited out the truth, but given the way he spoke, he seemed to want to avoid the topic as much as possible, so she decided, against her better judgement, to wait for him to tell on his own. "But not forever."

"Of course." He broke the last piece of the twig. He dusted his hands and fostered a grin. "Anyway, you tell me, when's your next performance?"

"Oh, that? The dates will be announced in a few days."

"I'll be sure to cheer you on with all I got."

"Thanks, Ash. That means a lot." Serena clasped her hands close to her heart.

"No problem, what are friends there for?"

A pang jolted through Serena's chest at that word. She wasn't impractical; they were meeting for the first time as grownups and expecting something more than that from someone like Ash was nothing short of sheer stupidity. Additionally, there wasn't much she had done to improve on that status either, rather she couldn't, given that this was their first meeting in years. Even then, hearing him say it outright made her feel like a lonely pebble in the bottom of a still ocean. She was well aware that there was no better word to describe their relationship, and in a way, she should be glad that he still considered her that, but yet the word—friend from Ash's mouth rained on her like a pounding gavel, heaving her a dozen levels below the rank that he designated her with.

"Friends?" she mouthed. It won't stay that way forever.

"Hey, I've been meaning to ask you, what's up with your Eevee?"

Serena flipped her thoughts and glanced at her Evolution Pokémon, blissfully sleeping in her lap. She smiled sadly, recollecting the bitter memory of their first encounter. "She is my newest Pokémon, Ash. She joined my team very recently." She gently caressed Eevee's neck fur. Eevee purred in response.

"Okay, but why is she avoiding the others? She seemed to avoid even your Pokémon. Is she shy or something?" Just then, Ash's Pikachu approached him and leaped into his lap. "You want something, buddy?" He stroked behind the mouse's ear, earning a delightful coo.

"Pi," Pikachu said. He nestled himself in Ash's lap. "Pika pika, pikachu."

"That's what even I'm asking her about."

"He wants to know about Eevee too?"

"Yeah."

Serena nodded, unsurprised. "You see, I found Eevee one day near my house. She was in a very bad shape then, with several cuts and bruises on her body. I couldn't just leave her there, so I brought her in and nursed her to health. After she recovered, she decided to stay with me and join my team. Other than that, I don't know anything else."

"That still didn't answer my question. Why does she keep herself away from everyone?"

"Oh that, to be honest, even I don't have clue. After I tended to her injuries and she was able to move, I tried to get her to talk to my Pokémon, but she just wouldn't open up. She either stayed with me or my mom, nobody else."

"That's odd," Ash frowned. "Pokémon act like that only if they had a traumatic experience in their past. Since you said you found her injured, maybe something happened to her before that."

"Maybe," Serena stared at her normal type, snoring in silence. "I wish I knew what it is. I don't want her to stay like this forever."

"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll get through her someday. Give her time."

"I will."

"Guys, have you seen where Bonnie went?" Clemont said, walking towards them, holding a spatula dripping aromatic stew. "She is nowhere around."

"I'll go look for her, she should be nearby," Ash got up. "Come on, buddy."

"Thanks Ash," Clemont said and went back to resume with his cooking.

---

"I'm not losing to you today, Chespin," Bonnie yelled, chasing her brother's grass type through the dirt path, her feet chomping the frayed bark and dead leaves as she swished past the long band of sky-brushing redwood trees.

Chespin, despite his obese frame and lazy personality, managed to outrun her every time they played this game. But today would be different. Today would be the day Bonnie finally got her record straight and beat him at his own game and shut him up once and for all. She's had enough of the glutton's taunting remarks each time she lost; she couldn't give him that satisfaction to belittle her pride anymore. She was winning this time.

"Ches, chespin chespin, ches," the Spiny Nut Pokémon, who was several feet away from his pursuer, paused and slapped his butt, provoking the blonde.

Bonnie's insides enraged. She clenched her jaw and quickened her momentum, her sling bag with Dedenne in, danced in waves, ready to get flung by one wrong shake.

Chespin, startled by Bonnie's sudden jump in speed, panicked and galloped forward, plowing his sickle-like toes through the earth.

Bonnie puffed her lungs and increased her stride, her breath as laborious as a mountain climber at the summit. "Y-Youuu… aaarreee… noottt… winning," she grunted between gasps.

She closed in on him, wind whooshing past her, her hands barely under three feet from grazing one of those green spikes of Chespin. Come on.

Her adrenalin surged, giving her that last boost of speed that she desired, diminishing the gap between the two. She clawed her hand. She missed, an inch away from contact. Almost there. She clawed again, "got—arghhh!" she tripped over a vine, and fell—face down.

"Chespin!" the grass type, forgetting their game, rushed to Bonnie's help.

"Gotcha!" Bonnie touched Chespin.

"Chespin! Pin ches, chespin!" the Spiny Nut Pokémon exclaimed, agitated.

"He-he-he!" Bonnie got on her knees and dusted the dirt off her clothes. "Don't worry, Chespin, I'm all right," she said. "But for the record, I got you."

"Che pin che," Chespin pouted and snapped his head away.

"I got you," she stressed on her words. She examined herself for any potential injuries. Her elbows had a few minor scratches, that's all, nothing she hasn't gotten before. She spat on those scratches and rubbed saliva them. "There, good as new."

"Che pin pin pin," Chespin said, still annoyed

"Hey, where Dedenne?" Bonnie asked, noticing the lightness in her bag.

"Ne-ne-ne," Dedenne ran towards Bonnie. He was flown in tangent when Bonnie slipped her step.

"There you are," Bonnie picked the Antenna Pokémon and placed him back in his spot. "Here you go. All good, Dedenne?"

"Ne-ne." He didn't look the least bit concerned about Bonnie's fall. Why would he? He has seen Bonnie take much greater hits during their sneaky adventures around Lumiose. She was a tough girl, too tough for her age one might argue.

Bonnie rose her feet and inspected her whereabouts. An orchestra of tall trees soaring out of the earth and ubiquitously sprinkled shrubs and bushes surrounded her. The nascent rays of the sun pierced through the tiny gaps between the leaves creating flickering shadows on the ground. Omnipresent vines coiled the trunks of the giants leaving no spot unvegetated. An earthy smell of decomposing leaves and rotten wood made way into her nostrils—all harmonized into an exquisite verdure.

"This is scary, let's get out of here, quick," she said, spooked by the uncanny stillness of milieu. There were only two shades of colors around—green and brown and that made her uncomfortable.

"Che-pin," the grass type nodded.

"Ne-ne."

Bonnie pivoted her head with a finger between her teeth, searching for the route they followed, but the dead leaves on the ground made it impossible to backtrack her steps. All paths looked the same—none had any signs of variation.

"That way," she pointed a direction she assumed to be her way out. She marched forward vigilantly, holding her sling bag with Dedenne close to her.

Pow! A violent attack landed at her feet, heaving her.

Bonnie landed on her butt, her second fall in two minutes.

"Who is that?" she yelled into the formed dust cloud before her.

"Chespin ches," the Spiny Nut Pokémon growled in anger. Even Dedenne leaped out of his cozy pouch, gnarling at the assailant. Both stood as Bonnie's vanguards.

A dark bipedal figure walked through the dust. Due to its murkiness, Bonnie was unable to discern the its outline, but the figure was large, almost of her size and had red glowing eyes, as if all the blood in its body rushed there.

As the dust slowly settled, the figure's appearance became known.

"Grrrraahhh!"

"That's Shiftry," Bonnie paled having read of the Pokémon before. They usually attack any strangers who trespass into the domain they claimed to be theirs. They were infamous for being wicked and merciless. "Why did you attack us? We were leaving anyway."

Unwilling to listen to Bonnie, Shiftry charged a green mass of orb in his leaved palms. He was perturbed and apt on obliterating anyone who defied his rules.

"Chespin, get ready," Bonnie sprang to her feet. She wasn't going down without a fight and Chespin was trained by her brother, who was next in line to take over the Lumiose Gym; though Chespin was his least battle experienced Pokémon, he still had a solid fight in him. She could take this Shiftry down with his help if she played her cards right.

"Che Chespin!" the Spiny Nut Pokémon took his battle stance.

Shiftry rotated on his foot, and with added momentum, he slung an Energy Ball at Bonnie.

"Pin Missile!"

Chespin leaped into the air and launched multiple greenish missiles from the spikes on his head. The bug energized projectiles successfully crashed into the incoming orb and frittered it.

"Now use, Tackle!" Chespin charged forward, flexing his quills. He rammed his woody head into Shiftry, hurling him about ten feet away.

"Awesome, Chespin!" Bonnie cheered. This was her first battle ever so landing an accurate hit exhilarated her.

Chespin turned back with an elated grin. "Chespin ches!"

"Watch out!" Bonnie shrieked as Shiftry rocketed towards Chespin.

Distracted by Bonnie's applause, Chespin let his guard down and by the time he regained his focus, it was too late.

Shiftry lunged at him with a strong X-Scissor. He crossed his scythe-like leaves and lashed at his foe.

"Chespiiiiiiin!" the Spiny Nut Pokémon propelled back at the direct hit.

"Chespin! You all right?"

"Che-che-cheeesss," Chespin groaned, trembling, and pushing himself on his feet. Bug-type attacks were super effective on him, and to make matters worse, he was a first-sage 'mon going up against a third-stage. The difference in their stats was astronomical.

Grinding his evil teeth, Shiftry launched an Energy Ball at Chespin.

"Noooo!" Bonnie paled and tossed her head aside, unable to watch the agonizing outcome.

"Chespiiiiiinn!" the grass type crashed into a tree with force so high that it created a hollow dent in its trunk. He slipped to the ground like a raindrop on a window glass. If only his ability, bulletproof was unlocked, Bonnie wished.

Chespin tried to get back on his feet again, his toes wobbling and body shivering—scrapes and gashes all over, but before he could—Bonnie rushed to him and put an end to his labored efforts.

"No, Chespin, don't. Please don't," Bonnie said, tears welling in her eyes. She embraced him, shielding him with her own body. What was she even thinking? trying to take on a wild Pokémon all by herself. That was stupid and foolish, and anybody could have told her that. She should have fled the moment she saw Shiftry, but her stubbornness stood between, and now Chespin was paying the price. "I'm… I'm… sorry, Chespin, this is all because of me."

"Ne-ne-ne-ne-ne." Bonnie heard her Dedenne's cry, she snapped her gaze at the Antenna Pokémon.

"No, Dedenne!"

Dedenne dashed towards the Wicked Pokémon, rubbing his cheek pouches, charging it with static. Te grass-dark type swatted him with an effortless slap, sending him flying towards Bonnie. He landed right next to her.

"Dedenne! Dedenne! talk to me," Bonnie rubbed the electric-fairy-type's tummy, taking him in her arms. "Dedenneeee!" she shook him. "Somebody Heeeellllpppp!"

"Ne… ne," the Antenna Pokémon's weak voice muttered.

"Ah, thank, Arceus, you are fine." Bonnie hugged him with her clammy hands.

Bonnie bared her teeth, her fists clenched and eyes cold. How could she let this happen under her watch? She swore to protect Dedenne with her life when Clemont entrusted him with her. And Chespin? He didn't seem he could move a muscle. Both Pokémon suffered, all because of her foolishness and headstrong attitude. Shiftry wanted her, and these Pokémon suffered trying to defend her. Never was she put in a position like this, but if that's what it takes, then so be it. She made her choice.

She wiped her tears and forced a gentle smile, a smile confined only to a mother, willing to go to the ends of the earth to protect her brood. "Dedenne, Chespin, I'll fix everything, I promise," she said in a soft comforting voice.

She brought the Pokémon together and hugged them like it was her last time. She placed them against the tree. She cleared her clogged nose and looked back at the evilly grinning Shiftry.

She stood, conviction evident behind her tightened lips, and faced the grass-dark-type—her shoulders back, chest out, and chin high. "You want me, right?" She extended her arms wide. "Come and get me if you dare," she announced, her tone bold and fearless.

Shiftry roared, furious at the challenge thrown at him. With a minacious grunt he gathered all the energy in him, forming another Energy Ball in his hands, this time—much bigger and much brighter.

Bonnie shut her eyes, prepared to take the hit. She was convinced this was the only way Shiftry would be satisfied. It was she who trespassed and it was she who deserved the punishment, not the poor Pokémon. She cursed herself for going against Clemont's explicit instructions of not wandering off, if only he were here to protect her. Her heart pounded against her chest as all her unfulfilled dreams flashed before her. Finding a bride for her brother, starting her own journey with Dedenne, meeting lots and lots of Pokémon, continuing her journey with Ash, and so on. Now, she could feel all those dreams crumble before her like rocks through a grinding machine. She didn't even get a chance to say goodbye to her family and friends. Her dad would be super upset when he finds out what happened with her, maybe even thunder down Clemont for his negligence. Well, there is nothing much she could do now, her death was pretty much assured. Shiftry wouldn't back down and there was no one to protect her. She squeezed her shut eyes harder and braced for impact.

Her heart beating was the only sound she heard. She waited and waited, but the attack never came, instead, she heard a hurtful grunt from the Wicked Pokémon.

Perplexed, Bonnie slowly popped an eye open. A bruised and battered bipedal orange Pokémon she never saw before panted exhaustedly with his flaming tail facing her. He was of Pikachu's size and looking at the fallen Shiftry, Bonnie figured out the rest—this Pokémon saved her.

A wide grin formed on Bonnie's lips. She was about to go and thank the Pokémon, but—

"Shiftryyyyyy!" the Wicked Pokémon rose to his feet and thumped his chest with an ear-piercing battle cry. He shook his head, leaped in air, and charged forward in a rolling motion—he was using Rollout.

"Chimchar!" the bipedal Pokémon vaulted over the incoming attack and dodged it.

"So, that's a Chimchar."

Shiftry drifted his motion and made a sharp U-turn. With an increased pace, he rocketed towards the descending Chimchar—he got a clean strike on his head.

"Chimchaaarrr!" the fire-type cried as he too was hurled like Chespin and Dedenne. He rammed into the ground, his body dragging through the dirt. He crashed into a rock and fell unconscious.

Shiftry, unable to stop his rage, mercilessly assaulted the fainted Chimchar with an onslaught of repeated Rollouts. Each following strike was harder and more ruthless than its previous one, a ravaging beast who attacked his prey even after its demise just to satisfy his rage.

Bonnie, unable to witness the brutality, covered her face with her arms. The tears she had previously wiped away, spewed again. This was the third Pokémon suffering because of her. Chimchar didn't even make a single cry while being battered.

The atmosphere turned silent.

Bonnie looked back to check if Shiftry left, but what she saw horrified her beyond words. Shiftry had a giant rock in his hand and was striding towards Chimchar, ready to smash it, and clobber him to death.

Bonnie eyes widened. "Noooooooooo!" she cried her loudest cry.

"Electro Ball!"

A yellow static orb crashed into the rock in Shiftry's hand, decimating it into dust.

"Ash! And Pikachu!" Bonnie had a relieved smile on her face.

Pikachu took his battle stance on all fours and snarled: "Pika! Pika pika pika pi Pikachu!"

"Shiftry!" Shiftry grunted and sized his new opponent. Bonnie didn't know what Pikachu said, but the next moment, Shiftry bailed on his bloodlust and retreated into the forest.

"Ash!" Bonnie ran towards the raven-haired trainer and hugged him. "A-Ash," she said, and pointed towards the unconscious Pokémon. "Chim-chimchar, Chimchar—" she punctuated her sentences in post-tear hiccups.

Ash, understanding Bonnie, rushed to Chimchar. Bonnie picked up the injured Dedenne and Chespin. She placed the Antenna Pokémon in her bag and cradled the Spiny Nut Pokémon in her arms, and joined Ash.

"He's still Alive!" Ash said. He carefully scooped the fire-type in his arms. "He needs medical attention immediately."

"Cle-Clemont has a first aid kit," Bonnie, whose tears have simmered down a notch, said.

"Let's go then, quick!"

---

"Clemont!" Ash sprinted towards the blond inventor who was finishing his preparations for the day's lunch. "Help!"

Clemont dropped the spatula in his hand and hurried to the scar-faced trainer. Even Serena got up and ran towards him. "What happened? Is Bonnie okay?"

"I'm fine, brother, but Chimchar is not."

"Chimchar?" Clemont noticed the Pokémon in Ash's arms. He gasped.

"How did this happen?" Serena's hand flew to her chest.

"All that later, do you have anything which can help him? His condition is very critical," Ash said anxiously. A warm breath from Chimchar grazed his arm. It was weaker than before. Even his fire tail was ebbing it flame. Ash's stomach churned. If only he was a minute early, he could have prevented this mishap.

"Fear not Ash," Clemont smirked, adjusting his glasses. "The future is now, thanks to—ouch!" he caught his leg.

"We don't have time for that!" Bonnie who just kicked Clemont in his shin yelled. "You have something or not?"

"Y-yeah, I have something." Clemont ran to his bag and took out a metal box which could fit in the palm of a child. He placed it on the portable table he set up and pressed the red button on its side.

The box opened itself, enlarging into a futuristic-like medical device with transparent glass walls, inside of which were multiple wires and attachments.

Clemont opened its lid. "Place him inside."

Ash gingerly did so.

Clemont attached a few wired suction cups to Chimchar's body and closed the lid back. He pulled out a multi-buttoned remote from his pocket and pressed the buttons, getting the device running.

A streak of red light moved up and down Chimchar, scanning him thoroughly.

"Is this device safe, Clemont?" Serena asked. Ash had the same doubt, but given the situation, something was better than nothing, so he abstained from voicing his concern.

"Worry not," Clemont said, pressing random buttons on the remote. The scanning was complete and the device beeped. "Though I made this device, it is a Pokémon League sanctioned model. It'll just scan the condition of Chimchar."

"You mean, you can't heal him?" Ash asked exasperatedly.

"I never said that," Clemont said. He looked at the reading on the small screen on the remote. "Hmm, just as I thought."

"Thought what?" Bonnie asked.

"Well, Chimchar has eight fractures, three broken ribs, six ligament tears, and multiple lacerations. Fortunately, there is very little internal bleeding and his organs are still intact."

"He'll live, right?" Ash asked in a shaking voice. Clemont's list of injuries frightened him. His mind went back to the time Charizard suffered from cold, back in Orange Island, though Chimchar's condition was several times severe, both Pokémon fought deaths equally.

"Yes, Ash, he will live," Clemont smiled. "Most of his fractures can be mended in a few hours with the serum injected by this machine, but his left arm is badly broken. I can plaster it, but it'll take at least a few days before he can move it freely."

"Phew, thank Arceus," Ash sighed in relief, a huge burden lifting off his chest. Seeing Chimchar in that battered state pinched his heart like he was watching his very own go through that torture, not that he would remain unfazed by a wild Pokémon in such condition, he very much would be. It was like how a person witnessing an accident sincerely empathizes with the victim, but gets hysterical when the same occurs to someone they're close to, and Chimchar gave Ash an impression that he was his very own, and watching him in that state was ten times tougher than watching a wild Pokémon.

He peered closer at the fire type, twitching his body, and breathing a lot smoother than before. Even the flame on his tail was burning brighter, not as bright it should've been, but it was bright nevertheless—a lot better than his previous immobile state.

"Here, Bonnie, use this potion on Chespin and Dedenne. They are injured too, aren't they?" Clemont handed a violet bottle to Bonnie.

Bonnie nodded and got to work.

Ding! "Restoration complete!" the device sounded.

"Now a potion on Chimchar too, and he'll feel much better," Clemont said. He opened the device's lid and unplugged the suction cups. He lifted Chimchar and placed him on the table and sprayed the potion on him.

As the potion drizzled, Chimchar slowly opened his eyes.

"Chimchar!" Ash said happily. "I so glad that you're okay."

"W-w-where I a-am?"

"Don't worry, you're safe," Ash said.

"Now, Chimchar, this might hurt a little, but I want you to stay strong," Clemont said. He unwrapped the bandage in his hand and lifted the Pokémon's arm lightly.

"Arghhhhh!"

The fire type's agonic cry startled Clemont. The bandage slipped from his hand.

"Go away!" he moved erratically; with every movement he made, he cried again. His arm was gravely injured.

"C-calm down, Chimchar. I'm only trying to help." Clemont tried to touch him again, but Chimchar swatted him with his good hand. He cried again. "Don't be stubborn, if I don't—"

Ash placed a palm on Clemont's shoulder, asking him to stop. He moved next to the Chimp Pokémon and gazed into his watery eyes. He ran a delicate finger on his head.

Chimchar stopped struggling and stared into Ash.

"Listen to me, Chimchar, your arm is broken very badly. If we don't take care of it soon, you'll never be able to move it again and it may hurt forever. Try to bear the pain, it'll be over soon."

Chimchar bewilderedly blinked.

"I won't let anything happen to you," Ash lovingly caressed his fur. "Can you trust me with that?"

"Y-yes."

Ash smiled. "Clemont, can you tell me how do I do it?"

"S-sure."

---

Serena filled three scoops of Clemont's scrumptious vegetable stew in a porcelain bowl. She placed it on a serving try along with a spoon and three baguettes of Kalosian Bread. A delicate smile formed on her lips as she whiffed the aromatic vapors of the stew. Ash will definitely like it.

She made her way to the tree trunk from before where Ash sat cross-legged-ly with a sleeping Chimchar in his lap. She placed the food before him.

She tucked the hem of her skirt, snugging it between her thighs and sat beside him.

Ash was attentively caressing Chimchar's head as the little 'mon gave slow breaths of relief. He was so involved in it that he hadn't even noticed Serena's presence.

Serena slid the tray towards Ash. "Eat up. You're the only one left."

"Uh? Oh!" Ash noticed her, but he went back into his downcast expression, pulling the food closer. "Thanks."

Ash broke the bread into pieces and began eating, rather uncomfortably. Chimchar's presence in his lap restricted his movement. He couldn't lift the tray and place it on Chimchar, so he was bending his neck excessively so as to not drop anything on the poor fire-type.

"Why don't you give him to me?" Serena said. "You can take him back once you're done."

Ash smiled thankfully. He ladled the sleeping Pokémon, adroitly avoiding any contact with his bandaged arm. He inclined his body towards Serena and with the same caution, placed it in her lap. His sweaty inky brushed against Serena lips. She flushed—his scent had that distinct Ash-like essence, she had forgotten with time. It was nostalgic, like revisiting your old house you grew up in. A quenched smile spread on her lips.

"Be sure not to move his arm, all right?"

"Yes."

"Thanks," Ash said. He brought the tray in his lap and stuffed his mouth with the bread, not even bothering to flavor it with stew. He was either starving or was the same glutton with no appreciation for fine flavors. Serena peered at him again, yup—he was both.

Sighing within herself, Serena turned her attention to Chimchar. His body was warm and his tail-fire was put off. Clemont explained to her that its intensity was an indicator of Chimchar's health. However, Chimchar's evolution line was also capable of putting off their flames while sleeping to avoid any forest fires. It was fascinating how they had such control over it, unlike the Charmander evolution line from Kanto who'd die if their flame was off.

Serena gently stroked Chimchar's cheek, keeping her distance from the gashes on his body, like Ash had done. She thought she'd get a coo or a purr, but instead, Chimchar nestled deeper into her arms and sleepily rivered his unbandaged arm in the valley of her breasts. Her cheeks flamed. It reminded her of that one viral video of a Pichu who lived between her trainer's breasts.

She held her breath and gingerly moved his arm away, hoping that Ash might have missed her embarrassing moment. She sheepishly peeped. Ash was gulping down his stew remnants, with the bowl covering his entire face. She released her breath in relief.

"W-want more, Ash?" she asked, shrouding her mortification with her voice.

"Uh-huh,"—glurp, glurp, glurp—"haaaaa! That hit the spot." Ash put down the bowl. "I'm done."

"He-he, you haven't changed, have you?" Serena said, giggling.

"Huh?" Ash tiled his head; which Serena thought was the cutest expression he could make. She loved his radiant smiled and determined look too, but none could compete against his clueless tilt—it had its own charm.

"You still eat like a Snorlax."

"I sleep like one too," Ash chuckled.

"He-he, here you want him back?" At Ash's nod, Serena carefully lifted Chimchar and placed it in Ash's lap.

"Thanks again, Serena."

"It's—"

"Guys," Clemont interrupted them. "Is it a good time to talk?"

"Yeah, sure, Clemont. What is it?" Ash said.

"Firstly, Ash, thank you for saving Bonnie. She told me everything that has happened."

"It's all right, Clemont. Anyone would have done the same."

Serena nudged Ash in the arm. "You're getting many thankyous lately."

"Ha-ha, coincidence, I guess?" an embarrassed laugh escaped from Ash as he rubbed his finger under his nose. If Serena's habit was to hide behind her hair when embarrassed, Ash's habit was that gesture. "Where is Bonnie anyway?"

"Asleep, Ash. She cried a lot and the incident was traumatic for her. She said she thought she would die."

"Tsk-tsk-tsk," Serena clicked her tongue. "That must've been so tough on the poor girl."

"Well, she was feeling better before she went to bed. So, anyway, there is something else I want to talk about." Clemont uncomfortably tensed his shoulder. "I analyzed the data I collected on Chimchar. Since he is a Sinnoh starter and not commonly found in Kalos, I felt something was grey. Even his injuries aren't what you receive after a single battle. His were way severe than that."

"You found something then?"

"Yes, and my doubts were right. Chimchar has already had multiple hairline fractures and other injuries. The fight against Shiftry only made them worse. I also found something interesting." Clemont made a few clicks on the tablet in his hand and showed it to Ash and Serena. It was a blue screen with various small black windows open, all running some cryptic code in green. A picture of Chimchar popped up with bold white text 'Registered' beside. "Chimchar is not a wild Pokémon, but has a trainer."

Serena snapped her gaze at Ash, guessing he'd erupt, and erupt he did.

Veins corded Ash's neck like a time-lapse of growing fibrous roots. He had his eyes shut and he breathed flaringly. His face had a complex expression, a blend of anger mixed with sadness.

"Ash." Serena reflexively placed her hand on his cold clenched fist.

"Who's the trainer?" Ash said through bared teeth, his voice unwavering. He tried suppressing all his rage, but it was so apparent that he miserably failed.

"P-P-P-Pa-Pa-Paul S-Sh-Sh-Shi-Shinji," Clemont shivered, reading from his tablet.

"What!" Serena jerked forward with wide eyes.

"You know him?" Ash asked, surprised more than enraged. Serena was grateful for that in a way. Ash's ferocious look was too frightening to look at, an expression she never thought she'd see on Ash. Maybe he did change a bit.

"Yes. He was last year's Kalos League winner. He was the one who beat Calem," Serena said. "He was a little harsh with his Pokémon in his battles, but I never thought he could be so cruel."

"Where can I find him?" Ash asked, his voice still unwavering.

"Why do you want to know?" Serena asked. A fear that Ash might do something terrible ran through her. "And tell me the truth."

"Ask him why he did this. I want him to apologize to Chimchar, and then I'll hand him over to the authorities for Pokémon torture."

Serena calmed her nerves, relieved. "So, you're not getting into a fistfight with him, right?"

"If needed."

"Ash!" Serena swatted Ash arm. "Stop scaring me."

"You wanted the truth," Ash said. "Look, Serena, I'm as pacifist as the next person, but if there is something evil going on before my eyes and the only way for me to stop it is to get into a fight, then I not backing. It is an ideology I believe in, and an ideology that me and my Pokémon share together. So, I ask again: where—can—I—find—him?"

"I absolutely agree with you, but think about this: if Paul could do this to a Pokémon, who knows what else is he capable of? Not to mention, he's a Gold Class trainer and the winner of several leagues up to my knowledge. His Pokémon are not only strong but vicious."

"You don't need to worry about that," Ash said, smirking ever so slightly that is was invisible. "I can handle him and his Pokémon."

"Like how you handled yesterday's Garchomp situation?" Serena retorted. "Look, Ash, what you're doing might be brave and noble for most of the world, and I truly admire that about you, but what if something happens to you, you dimwit," she annoyedly pushed Ash's head.

"Ha-ha-ha, you worry too much, don't you?"

"Yeah, of course. You jumped like an idiot to save Froakie yesterday, if not for your Pidgeot coming in time, you've died you idiot. Died!"

"A-Ash, I think what Serena is saying is right. I don't know you as much as she does, but my first impression of you is: reckless, and I don't think that's a good first impression to make," Clemont said.

"You too, Clemont?" Ash asked. Clemont nodded. "Phew, fine, sit with us, I'll explain what happened yesterday and why there was no way I could have died."

As Ash finished narrating his conversation with his Pokémon in the sky yesterday, Serena could not decide if she had to slap him again or kick him in the nuts this time. He was talking as if there was no chance of error. She furiously squinted at him. "You seem so experienced in diving from the sky, huh? Next time, I'll be the one throwing you off, just wait and watch."

Ash sighed uncomfortably. "Clemont, you're good at math, right?

"Yeah, most nineteen-year-olds' think math isn't related to science, but they couldn't be more wrong. Without math, science would never progress to the stage it is now in. So, yes, I'm good at it."

"Err, yeah, right. My Pidgeot's top speed is Mach 5. Can you calculate and explain Serena if it possible for Pidgeot to miss me?"

"Wait, what? Did you say Mach 5 or I misheard you?"

"That's exactly what I said," Ash smirked.

Clemont gulped.

"What does that mean, Clemont?"

"Ash is right Serena. Even if Ash was only a thousand feet off the ground and Pidgeot was twice that distance from him, there is no way she couldn't have reached him on time. It's mathematically impossible."

"Told ya," Ash grinned.

"Bu-but… I-if…" Serena stuttered, finding it difficult to believe, and more importantly difficult to find words to reply. Despite Clemont's repeated failure at inventions, she had never once during their time at the academy known him to fail with his calculations, and the way he put it sounded like he absolutely confident about this theory. She took a deep breath. "Fine, but what if Pidgeot missed you, or you slipped of her back, or she didn't see you? What then?"

"That's even impossible-er. Pidgeot is my second catch and I've had her for eight years and not once in that time she missed her target."

"But—"

"Serena, that's enough," Ash said, stone-faced. "Where can I find him?"

Serena sighed defeatedly. There was no way of diverting Ash anymore. "He is supposed to battle in Kalos Premier Ligue 1. Every league winner of Kalos is given an entry pass into the Premier League. If you're lucky, you can find him during our travel, though I hope you don't."

"Then find him I will."

---

"Fine, I put my shades on the line."

"With my ketchup on the line, I can do anything."

"Deal then, give me the number."

"Lemme see," Pikachu watched the starlit sky with searching eyes. He moved his paw, counting each twinkle. "One, two, three, four, five, six… hmm, it's fourteen million two hundred and twelve thousand seven hundred and thirty-four."

"How do I know that's right?" Wartortle cocked his head.

"Count it yourself if you don't believe me." Pikachu shrugged.

"Ha-ha-ha, he got you there, Wartortle," a chuckling Ash said.

"He did," Froakie said, chuckling along with Ash.

"Now, my loot please," Pikachu extended his arm towards a scorning Wartortle.

"Fuck you, you didn't win shit," Wartortle said.

"Wartortle! Language."

"Sorry, boss," Wartortle blushed, sticking his tongue out. "But Yellow here is a cheat."

"You should've thought about it before you wagered your glasses," Pidgeot said from behind Ash, providing her body as a cushion to his head. "Now pay up."

"Grr," Wartortle grunted. He reluctantly pulled out his dark glasses from inside his carapace and handed them to Pikachu. "Shove it up your ass."

Pikachu scoffed. He put on the glasses and posed. "How's that for style."

"Like makeup on a Gengar," Wartortle said.

Froakie chuckled. He jumped down from Ash's chest. "You do this often?"

"Yeah, watching the sky at night is our favorite hobby," Ash said, his hands intertwined behind his head. There was something mysterious about the night, some distinct tenderness calming your brain from its endless clamor. As the day took its break and receded, it gave you a reward—its antithesis, a special kind of blackness, the kind that hugged you with a blanket of comfort. Maybe it was the lack of day's intricate scrutiny, or the silence of world's slumber, or even the vow of secrecy in that chill darkness—whatever it was, it allowed you to let yourself out, be free, be whatever you wanted to be. And sometimes a minute's freedom is all you need and the night gave you exactly that. "Why? don't you like it?"

"No, it's fun. None of my previous trainers spent time with me like this."

"O, O, O, you'll be surprised to know how much of time Ash spends with us," Wartortle said. "Back in Assumption Island, the nights were especially reserved for spending time together."

"Ash, heads up," Pidgeot said.

Ash rotated his head and glanced behind. The wavering flame of camp fire lit the closed mouths of the three erected tents. Eyes glimmered from drunkenly leaning trees as Pokémon raced up its branches, scrabbling their claws against its bark. Ash dropped his gaze below at the sound of crunching dew ridden grass, through which approached none but Chimchar.

A thin smile edged Ash's lips. "I see you can walk now."

Chimchar swiveled his baffled head around.

"I'm talking to you, Chimchar," Ash said. "Come on, join us."

With a brisk nod, Chimchar hobbled through the arm-length grass and weaved his way towards Ash.

"H-hello," Chimchar shifted his entire body weight to one side.

"Hello, Chimchar," Ash said. "How're you doing now?"

"Good, thanks t-to you," the fire type winced.

"You can lay you head on Pidgeot if you want, she won't mind."

Chimchar skeptically glanced at the golden bird. At her amenable nod, he gingerly rested against her belly, cautiously securing his plastered arm in place. "She soft and warm."

"She is, isn't she?" Ash said from beside him.

"Yes." Chimchar joined Ash in his starwatching. His eyes widened. "You-you understand me?"

"Yes, Chimchar, I can understand you," Ash said. "Don't ask how, I just can."

Chimchar merely nodded and continued staring at the sky.

The ambience turned silent. An urge to make Chimchar talk about his trainer and his brutality flowed through Ash, but assuming the topic's sensitivity, Ash resisted from brushing it. Even his ever-talkative duo of Wartortle and Pikachu kept their mouths closed. But the silence didn't last long.

"You want'o know how I get-ed my injuries, no?"

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. I know your trainer did that to you."

"Err, no, he did not."

"No?" Ash cocked his head and sat in attention. His Pokémon huddled around in curiosity.

"Who did that to you then?" Froakie asked. When Ash told his Pokémon what Clemont said, Froakie went furious. He wanted to trounce Chimchar's trainer for his mistreatment. He detested cruelty and injustice with all his heart.

"I-I did."

"What?" all voices exclaimed together.

"How did you hurt yourself so badly?" Pidgeot asked.

"I battle every Pokémon I find. No rest."

"Are you kidding?" Wartortle curled his lips. "Why would you even do such a thing?"

"I-I have to unlock my Blaze ability and get stronger, no?"

"So, you'll hurt yourself like a fool? Where's your trainer? He should be the one helping you with those things," Pikachu said.

Chimchar scratched his head with his free hand. "He selected for big league, no? he have no time for small thing. He leave me in forest and tell: train."

"So, he abandoned you?" Pikachu asked.

"Aban—bandon?"

"I mean, did he leave you?"

"No, no, no, he not leave me. He tell-ed me, he come back after months and see my strength then."

"And you believed him?" Froakie asked.

"Yes, he nice trainer. He don't break promise," Chimchar said.

"Bro, your condition shows how nice of a trainer he is," Wartortle said. "Take my word and leave that asshole. You can join us if you want."

"No, he very nice. He give me house and food."

"You can get the same and more with us. Wartortle's right, you have to get rid of your trainer," Pikachu said. "He's not worth it."

"I-I cannot," Chimchar lowered his head. "I promise him I get strong and wait."

"You can get strong with us, we're not weakling, you see?" Pikachu said.

"No, I promise."

"Ash, why don't you say something?" Pikachu asked.

"What do you want me to say?" Ash said softly.

"Huh?" Pikachu's wore a stunned expression. "Is it you speaking?"

"Yes, buddy, it is me, but what do you expect me to say to Chimchar? It's not like his trainer did something terrible. He left him in the wild for some time, didn't I do the same with Pidgeot?"

"That's different, Ash. You left me to protect a flock, not to beat myself up and grow strong."

"Yes, the reason is different, but the action is the same, right?" Ash said. "All Paul did was telling Chimchar to grow strong on his own and promised to return later. How is it any different from what I did to Pidgeot, Charizard, Primeape, or for that matter, you Wartortle?"

"Boss, you left us under someone's care, not in the wild. And you came back for us."

"Paul could have released Chimchar if he wanted, but he didn't. He still has him registered to his name, so I assume he intends to come back."

"What if he lied and doesn't come back?"

"No, he come. My master leave many Pokémon to train on own," Chimchar said. "He tell, training on own is best to get strong."

"There, got an answer to that?" Ash said. "I know, guys, it's infuriating to see Chimchar in this state and I know that better than anybody here. The trainer reminds me so much of Damien, but Damien released Charmander and lied to him. We have no proof Paul did the same. As a trainer, he didn't commit any crime. If I force Chimchar to come with us, then I'll be committing one."

"But, Ash…"

"Sorry, buddy, my hands are tied." Ash's heart knew how much of a mistake it was to not take Chimchar with him, how inhumane Paul was for treating his Pokémon like that. He wanted to punch that Paul guy with his bare hands for leaving someone as young and innocent as Chimchar in the wild—he could have died for Arceus's sake had Ash not found him. He wanted to cradle Chimchar in his arms and get him away from this place, away from this place, away from that cold-hearted trainer of his, but he couldn't. Was it the trainer rules that stopped him? No, he'd couldn't care less of those rules, that was only an excuse he gave his Pokémon. The real reason was Chimchar himself. He held so much faith and loyalty towards Paul in his eyes that Ash couldn't bring himself to destroy that. Had he tried taking Chimchar away, all that would shatter, and there was no way he was doing that, no matter what the circumstances. He turned away, ashamed. "Froakie, I know you hate me now. If you want to leave me like your other trainers, you are free to go. I won't force you."

"I almost want to, but what you said made sense," Froakie said. "Pokémon are born in wild, and if a trainer leaves one of his back there to train, as heartless it may sound, it's not entirely wrong. You said the right thing. I don't hate you."

"Thanks, Froakie," Ash said. "Chimchar, tomorrow, I'll leave you back in the wild along with food and medicines. I'll come back later to check up on you, if your trainer lied to you and didn't come back, would you be willing to come with us then?"

"My trainer come. He promised."

---

Author's Note:

Any review is much appreciated. Thank you and have a nice day ahead.

"Gotta Bond 'em all"