Thanks for the amazing love and support you guys have showed me by reviewing! To reward you, I've released another chapter quickly! R&R (Read and Review) to get faster chapters!
I think I'll try to follow a weekly update schedule. What do you guys say? I'll only be capable of writing so much if you guys keep supporting so do help by reviewing and sharing your opinion on my story! Constructive criticism is always welcome, flames and haters will be ignored.
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Xxx
Goodbye Rock Tunnel!
"Guys!" Ash exclaimed. "Charmander is hatching!" Viper looked up from her position and saw the egg rocking. Ash pulled the egg out from its incubator and settled it down on a blanket.
Zeus, Mystic, and Viper looked on in interest as cracks began to form in the egg. Ash's grin stretched from one cheek to another as the cracks continued to widen.
Viper wondered just what an eventful day it was. First, they had finally found an Aron and captured it. Then Rhydon and Lairon attacked. Ash captured both Pokémon and released the Aron he had spent so long and hard to find. And now, Charmander.
The cracks finished opening and an orange hand came out. Ash watched on in curiosity as more of Charmander came out, before the entire egg broke.
A baby Charmander came out, eyes closed. For the first time, the Fire Type opened his eyes, taking in the real world. Ash smiled as his eyes landed on him, and gently offered a hand forward.
"Hey Charmander." Ash greeted softly. "My name is Ash. I'm a Pokémon trainer from Pallet Town." Charmander let out a cute confused cry, looking at his hand. "I'm your surrogate father." Charmander lifted his own hand and placed it on Ash's hand slowly, as if considering his very movement.
Ash smiled once again and looked at the amniotic fluid covering Charmander. "I'll have to wipe you clean, okay?" Charmander nodded and Ash gently lifted it with his blanket.
Ash began to wipe the Fire Type carefully, not wanting to irritate his own injuries. Once down, Ash put Charmander down and put the blanket back in his blanket.
"I'm going to introduce you to your new family in a minute, okay?" Ash told Charmander. "Viper, can you watch over him?" The Snivy nodded and got up. "That's Viper, one of your aunts."
Charmander let out a greeting and Viper smiled back. Ash noted that it was one of the very few times Viper had smiled and couldn't help the smile on his own face.
He got up and decided to finish treating his remaining team. Zeus had finished giving berries to Mystic. The Eevee was in a better condition than before and slowly approached the baby Charmander.
She licked him in greeting, giving a cheerful cry. Charmander greeted her back and then looked at Zeus. Viper told the Fire Type that Zeus and Mystic were her aunt and uncle, respectively.
Charmander questioned on why the other two Pokémon were sleeping to which Viper quickly replied that they were sleeping. That was a complete lie, but Charmander didn't have to know the truth right now.
Charmander then questioned on whether why his father was trying to wake him up to which Mystic replied that they had been sleeping for a bit too long. She said that they were just being lazy.
Zeus looked at Mystic and questioned on who would be Charmander's Mom jokingly. Mystic smirked and replied that she was most probably in Celadon or Vermillion right now.
The trio of Pokémon couldn't help but laugh at the prospect. Charmander questioned on who was her Mother and Mystic nuzzled him in response.
Zeus replied that her Mother was a tall girl named Cynthia and she was currently away from them. Charmander asked on why was her Mom away from them instead of with them.
Viper replied this time, saying that Cynthia would meet him pretty soon and would have his 'brother' with him. Viper thought on who he was referring to before remembering Cynthia also had an egg.
Charmander cried out in excitement that he couldn't wait to meet her and his brother. Zeus replied that his father also couldn't wait to meet Cynthia. Mystic had to stifle a laugh at that.
Ash returned to a scene of Viper tickling Charmander with her vines and the baby laughing wildly. He himself smirked and kneeled near them. "Hey Charmander."
Viper stopped tickling him and let Charmander crawl up to Ash. Charmander cooed something to Ash which he couldn't understand properly. Mystic explained it to him while chuckling.
"Your Mother?" Ash asked. Charmander nodded. Ash looked at Zeus and the two female Pokémon, feeling a nagging suspicion. Viper understood his look and replied innocently with Cynthia's name.
The trio burst in laughter at his blush. Ash replied that they'll hopefully meet soon enough and he'll love her. Just like Ash, Zeus remarked. They laughed again.
"Haha, laugh it up." Ash grumbled. Charmander giggled a bit, laughing not because he understood, but because he just felt like it. "You must be hungry Charmander." He nodded. "We all are. Let's eat up." Oceanus and Bulbasaur walked over to Charmander to meet him and Ash walked off to get their food.
Ash toyed with Lairon's Pokéball, wondering on whether he should heal him up as well. Lairon was brutally hit by Rhydon, after all. Rhydon's attacks were no joke.
Ash sighed and quickly pulled out his stuff. He'll heal Lairon up and then keep him in his pokéball until he talked with him. Lairon could attack them, after all. They barely had recovered from the fight with Rhydon and he was not in the mood to fight again.
Ash called out Lairon, wincing a bit at his appearance. Rhydon had done a big number on him. Ash would have to spend a lot of healings on him just to patch him up.
Yup, they were pretty badly hit. It was only lucky that Ash had a Dusk Ball left and Rhydon was so weakened. If he hadn't been captured, well.
Ash wasn't sure he'll have seen the sun ever again.
Xxx
After Charmander's hatching, Ash had decided it was in his best interests to leave Rock Tunnel. All of his team was recovering from Rhydon's attacks and he wanted some peace from their daily schedule of training and his supplies were close to ending as well.
Ash had decided to withhold his confrontation with Lairon after he reached the Pokémon Center outside the tunnel. For one, he hadn't battled with him fairly and had caught him just so Rhydon wouldn't damage him further.
The Drill Pokémon had no chill.
Other than that, Ash had thought of an idea with Rhydon. He could send him to Professor Oak and ask him to set it up for trade. That way, Ash could get formidable Pokémon in return and not have to deal with him.
After all, Ash couldn't exactly be comfortable around someone who very nearly killed all of them.
Viper had returned to her usual demeanor, with the exception of her rudeness. She seemed more at ease than ever before actually. Ash had to accept that much.
At least she wasn't being a total bitch and was actually socializing.
"Ouch." Ash winced as his injuries made themselves known. They were limiting his travelling speed by a lot and Ash was pretty sure he won't be so lucky if another territorial Pokémon decided to attack them.
"I'm fine." Ash assured his starter. Ash had kept at least one Pokémon out with him for defense. "Just, you know. The injuries." Mystic yipped in concern. "We'll take some rest and then continue."
Most of Ash's travels went like this. Ash would cover some short distance, rest, interact with Charmander, and then continue. The Kantonian was pretty rough shape.
Ash was sure he'll have to stay for a month or so at the Pokémon Center to be back at tip top shape. The injury seemed pretty deep judging by the pain. Ash hadn't felt this much pain even from a straight on Iron Head.
At least the Pokémon Center was capable to heal such injuries, no matter the time period taken. Ash couldn't imagine such an injury crippling him for the remainder of his life.
Ash had no open slot on his team currently, having a full team. So he couldn't properly register Charmander as his Pokémon or the pokéball would seal. Charmander was young and very easily influenced and not coming out of a pokéball wouldn't set that high of an example.
That meant Charmander had to be protected through other means. Ash had decided to wrap him up in a fire proof blanket he had gotten from Melanie and carry him around in his backpack.
"Enjoying the view Charmander?" Ash questioned his Fire Type. Charmander shook his head. The same scenery was being repeated all over again. The same old rocks. He wanted a change! "We'll get out of Rock Tunnel pretty soon, don't worry."
After Zeus had mentioned Cynthia did Ash begin to miss her. Ash had surrounded himself with his Pokémon and training so much that he just didn't have enough time to think about her at all.
Now that he had lots of free time, Ash missed the blonde. Cynthia would most probably be in Celadon or Vermillion right now, judging on where she wished to go. She was pretty far from her.
Though Ash had made terms with their separation, the only fact he didn't like was being separated on a reason that wasn't even in their control. How were they responsible for someone else attacking them?!
Ash wanted to meet her again. They had each other's Pokedex IDs for instance so Ash could call her on her pokedex.
Never mind the fact that the calling feature update was a hoax and their pokedex did not, in fact, have a calling feature nor it would get. Silph Co. had introduced pokégear in its place with the feature.
Ash planned to get one when he reached Saffron. They would most probably be free for trainers.
Coming back to Cynthia, Ash admitted that his Mom and Sophie had overrated. This separation plan would most probably be the latter's idea. She was always paranoid about her daughter's safety.
Ash felt frustration rise inside him a bit as his seventh birthday came to mind.
Though Ash couldn't blame her. She was her mother, after all. It was her right to be angry.
But he still believed that she overreacted!
After two weeks or so, Ash managed to cover a sizable distance and was nearly at the end of Rock Tunnel. He'll be at the end in about two or three days.
"Excited to get out?" Ash questioned the Pikachu on his shoulder. Zeus nodded excitedly, wanting to leave the tunnel as soon as possible. "Me too. Never expected our stay in the tunnel to be so taxing." Zeus nodded.
"Hey Zeus, I wanted to ask." Ash began. "Why did you stop your pranks? You really liked pranking everyone in our team but ever since we entered Rock Tunnel, you've stopped." Zeus nodded.
He gave the best answer he could manage, obviously hindered by the language barrier between them. Ash managed to get the main answer though.
"You grew out of it?" Zeus nodded. "After evolving, you feel like you're too old to prank anyone huh?" the Electric Mouse nodded. "You shouldn't feel like that Zeus."
Zeus gave him a confused look at that. Charmander, who had been sleeping, poked his head out to listen on their conversation. "You really enjoyed pranking, right?" Zeus nodded. "Then why stop now? We're always young at our heart."
"You can stop if you don't find the heart to do them but never let pressurized to let go of an aspect of your personality." Zeus nodded, contemplating it. "So, onto a lighter topic." Ash continued.
The duo of Pokémon continued conversing after that. Ash, who had noticed Charmander had woken up, included him in the chat as well.
After three days of continuous slow travelling did Ash manage to reach the end of the Rock Tunnel. Accompanying him on this special moment was his starter Mystic.
"Finally!" Ash exclaimed and then winced a bit. "I think we all have enough of caves for lifetime, right?" Ash joked to the Evolution Pokémon. She nodded. She won't go in a cave willingly in the near future that was for sure.
"Reaching here was one hell of a journey though." Ash commented, thinking about the process. "First, I was coming here with Cynthia. Then, all that ordeal with Melanie." He thought. "Then, I came here alone with my team. Fought Rhydon and got two strong Pokémon in my team. Then, Charmander hatched." Ash said, glancing at the asleep Fire Type in his bag. "Now, we're at the end."
Mystic nodded. Despite all the complaining they did about Rock Tunnel, it was actually a nice turning point for them. For Ash, it meant travelling alone. It helped him reflect on his life.
For Viper, it was her breaking point. Her façade broke here. Her real face came forward and she decided to be at ease with them.
For Charmander, it was the place he had hatched, the first place he put foot on. His story begins from Rock Tunnel.
For Skylar, it meant the first time she had to get separated from them and spend time in Professor Oak's lab. Now that Skylar was mentioned, Mystic wondered how the avian had spent her time. She must be angry.
"The Pokémon Center isn't that far from here." Ash told her. "Let's go then!" Renewed with the prospect of sleeping at ease, Ash sped up.
After about fifteen minutes the Palletian reached the center and entered inside. One of the first things Ash noticed was how oddly empty it looked.
Normally, a Pokémon Center had a lot of people, ranging from trainers to researchers to casual tourists. This Pokémon Center, however, had none of them. Even Nurse Joy seemed really bored as she awaited someone.
"Hello Nurse Joy." Ash spoke up. The Nurse's face lit up in joy at the sight of him. "Can you heal my Pokémon? We've just come from a long journey through Rock Tunnel."
"That's what I'm here for." The Nurse smiled brightly. Ash handed over his two normal pokéball, one dusk ball, and one Luxury Ball and Mystic jumped on the counter. "Anything else?"
"A couple of things, actually." Ash replied. "First, I need a room. Second, can you check my Charmander as well?" Ash reached inside his backpack and scooped the Fire Type out, wrapped in his fireproof blanket delicately.
"You've got six Pokémon?" She commented. Ash shook his head.
"I haven't officially caught him yet." Ash replied. "I already have six Pokémon. He would've just been sealed inside."
"Lastly," Ash continued. "I got into a fight with a territorial Pokémon in Rock Tunnel." Ash gestured to himself. "Got hurt around my torso. Can you check that up as well?"
Nurse Joy nodded. She took the sleeping Charmander from Ash and called for her Chansey. "I need your pokedex please." Ash handed over his half-white pokedex. "I'll register you in a moment."
Nurse Joy handed the baby Charmander to Chansey and took Ash's pokedex. Typing something coming from experience, she quickly registered Ash up and handed him back his pokedex along with a key.
"You can go get refreshed in your room. I'll check up your Pokémon in the meantime, okay?" Ash nodded and took off for his room. 'I need to send Rhydon, Zeus, and Oceanus to Professor Oak as well. Skylar must be real angry on me.'
Ash reached his room and entered inside, dropping his bag on the bed and heading into the shower. He'll take a rest after he finished all his duties.
Ash spent a decent amount of time in the shower, cleansing himself clean of any dirt as well as taking off his bandages. Rock Tunnel had done a number on his appearance and his clothes. Ash wanted to remedy that.
Coming out of the bathroom, Ash headed downstairs. "You ready?" Nurse Joy asked. Ash nodded. She told her Chansey to handle the counter in case someone arrived, though it didn't exactly look like it, and gestured Ash to follow her.
The two reached a room and Ash was told to lie down on a bed. "Take off your shirt please." She said. Ash nodded and took it off, revealing his injury.
Nurse Joy checked the injury carefully and professionally. "You'll recover pretty soon." She told him. "Will take about three weeks though." She added. Ash's eyes widened at that.
"That'll mess with my plans." Ash replied. He had originally planned to go after Gyms right after leaving Rock Tunnel so he'll have a lot of time in the later stages.
"Well, you need to heal up properly." Nurse Joy reprimanded. "Or do you want such a crippling injury to hinder you for life?" Ash shook his head. "You won't be able to do much until it doesn't heal anyway." Nurse Joy added matter of fact.
"Ok then." Ash sighed. "What medicine do I need to take though?"
"I'll get you all that in a minute." Nurse Joy answered. "First, get up and eat something." Ash nodded and wore his shirt back down. Getting up, he decided the first course of action to be eating something.
"How long until my Pokémon get healed?" Ash asked.
"They're pretty much okay. Just resting." She replied. "They aren't ready for battling or training yet though. I suggest letting them be for now."
"I was going to send them to Professor Oak actually." Ash said. "I need to officially capture Charmander and call my Pidgeotto back as well."
"Your Charmander's vitals are normal." Nurse Joy told him. "First time raising a Pokémon from its egg?" She asked. Ash nodded. "I'll explain you about how to handle one later on. Okay?"
"Sure." Ash got up. "I'm going to get something to eat now. Okay Nurse Joy?" She nodded and walked off, leaving the trainer alone. Ash ran a hand through his hair, sighing.
'There goes another one of my plans.' Ash grumbled. He got up and headed for the cafeteria, wanting to silence his roaring stomach.
Xxx
"Hi Mom." Ash smiled.
"Hey Ash!" Delia replied. "So long since you've last called!"
"Yeah. I was in Rock Tunnel." Ash answered. "Got three new Pokémon from there."
"Really?" Delia asked in surprise. Ash nodded and held up Charmander.
"Charmander, that's my mother." Ash smiled. Charmander greeted Delia with a wave, having learned that from Ash.
"Hi Charmander!" Delia cooed. "You're so cute!" She gushed. "When did he hatch?"
"Just after I caught the other two Pokémon." Ash responded. "The other two are Lairon and Rhydon. Very skilled ones."
"Your Rhydon is very strong Ash." She intoned. "Are you sure you'll be able to handle it with your current skillset?" Ash shrugged.
"It's going to spend a lot of time in Professor Oak's lab. That's all I can tell." Ash muttered. Delia took note of his tone.
"Something wrong Ash?" She asked. Ash shook his head.
"I'll tell you later. Long story." Ash half lied. He could've easily summarized it in four phrases. Rhydon attacked, they fought, they nearly died, and Ash caught it.
"It isn't anything serious though, right?" Delia asked worriedly. Ash smiled reassuringly.
"It isn't anything like that. Don't worry." Ash smiled. Delia crossed her arms.
"Well, someone has to worry about your safety." She responded. "Especially since Cynthia isn't travelling with you anymore." Ash blinked.
"Wait, what?" Ash asked. Delia sighed.
"I'll tell you later. Long story." She imitated. Ash cracked a grin at that.
"No, seriously. What do you mean by that?" He asked.
"I actually felt more assured when she was with you." Delia admitted. "I only asked you to separate from her because Sophie asked me to. After all, I cannot let my selfish desires put Cynthia in jeopardy."
"Oh." Ash stayed quiet for a few moments. "Did you get contacted by her though?" Delia shook her head.
"I asked Sophie about it and she seemed pretty angry about it." Delia replied. "Maybe Cynthia didn't call?"
"Eh." Ash said. "So, how's Pallet Town? Anything interesting happened there?" The two chatted for a good while, catching up on events. Ash decided not to tell her about his near death experience. She already had enough to worry about.
"It was nice chatting with you." Ash told her. "But I need to cut this call short now." Delia nodded. "I need to talk to Professor Oak and then plan my next move."
"No problem dear." Delia smiled. "Stay safe Ash." Ash smiled back as the call cut. He then dialed up Professor Oak's digits and waited. The aged face of Professor Oak showed up after a few moments.
"Ash! My boy!" He exclaimed. "Where did you find such a powerful Rhydon? He's way above your current level."
"Rock Tunnel." Ash replied simply. "Got him only due to Type Advantage." Iron Tail, Leaf Blades and other Grass Type attacks were the only reason Ash was capable to defeat the Drill Pokémon.
"I guess you want to exchange Pokémon." Ash nodded.
"Professor Oak, can I ask you a question?" The Palletian asked. The renowned Professor nodded. "Should I keep Rhydon or trade him?"
"Why would you want to trade him?" Professor Oak questioned.
"Let's just say our battle wasn't pretty." Ash answered vaguely. "What do you suggest?"
"Well, it's on a trainer whether they would like to trade their Pokémon or not." He began. "However, I suggest keeping him." Professor Oak continued his clarification. "Though you didn't have that pretty of a meeting with him, everyone deserves a second chance. Plus, Rhydon have a very versatile move pool. Yours is pretty strong in that department."
"Hm." Ash bit his inner lip. "Oh right," Ash pulled out Rhydon's pokéball. "I want you to keep him at the lab for the time being." Ash explained. "He was in pretty bad shape the last time I saw him."
"Beginning Transfer Process." Professor Oak said. The sealed pokéball was enveloped in white current and was converted into said matter. It transferred over to Professor Oak who picked it up. "Process Complete Successfully."
"Why do you say that anyway?" Ash wondered. "Have any transfer processes gone wrong?" Professor Samuel Oak nodded.
"Technology is never fool proof." He answered. "So, who else do you want to send?"
"Zeus and Oceanus." Ash replied. "I need a spot for Charmander, and want Skylar back as well."
"Oh, your Pidgeotto." Professor Oak chuckled. "She's actually really cross on you. You told her about a month or so. But it's been more than that."
"Yeah." Ash sighed. "Just some issues. That's why." Professor Oak got up.
"I'll go get your bird." He informed him and walked off. Ash smiled and readied his two pokéball. The professor returned moments later, flashing Ash's second capture.
Ash put Zeus's and Oceanus's pokéball in their places, readying his side. Professor Oak initiated the process, following the standard process. Once done, Ash picked Skylar's pokéball.
"Anything else Ash?" Professor Oak questioned.
"Do you know where Cynthia might be now?" It had been more than two months since Ash last talked to the blonde. He missed her every now and then.
"Unfortunately no." Professor Oak shook his head. "I have her Pokégear number though. Want it?" Ash gave him a confused look.
"Where did she get a pokégear?"
"You can get Pokégear at a Pokémon Center by filling in a form. You can try getting one." He suggested. Ash nodded.
"Thanks Professor." Samuel nodded and gave Ash his childhood friend's number. Ash smiled once he acquired it. "Chat you later Professor." He nodded and cut the call.
Ash got up and approached Nurse Joy. "I have your medicine ready Ash." Ash nodded.
"I'll take them in a minute but first, can you tell me about the requirements for a Pokégear?" Nurse Joy nodded and handed him a form.
Ten minutes later, Ash had his own Pokégear. "Take these painkillers only when you feel the pain turn unbearable." Nurse Joy instructed. "Understood?" Ash nodded.
Ash grabbed his medicine and entered his room. Smiling excitedly, Ash placed them in his room and typed in Cynthia's number. "Ready to meet your… mother?" Ash began excitedly but ended awkwardly.
Charmander nodded. He couldn't wait! Ash chuckled as his tail flame burned brighter at the prospect. Ash typed in her number, double checking it, and began the call.
'Ringing' the screen said. Ash felt really excited, feeling his heart make loops inside his chest. The Palletian wondered just what had occurred to him and saw Charmander matching his enthusiasm.
The call connected.
"Hello?" Cynthia's voice spoke.
"Hello blondie." Ash began in a teasing voice. "Miss me?"
"Ash?!" She exclaimed from the other end. "You also got a Pokégear huh?"
"Yeah. Don't think you can flex on me now." Ash replied.
"Wasn't planning on it." The excitement in her voice was evident. "Where are you currently?"
"At the other end of Rock Tunnel."
"So late?" The blonde questioned.
"Yeah. Let's just say I got trapped." Ash winced.
"Tell me in detail Ash, what happened?" Cynthia questioned, concern dripping from her voice.
"A very strong Rhydon decided to attack us. Mystic, that's the nickname I've given to Eevee by the way, and Oceanus got knocked out real early. Viper, that's Snivy, came in and managed to save me. Right after, a Lairon hit Rhydon and got brutally knocked."
"Oh my." Cynthia commented.
"I caught the Lairon to protect it from Rhydon. Rhydon attacked and it was only due to Viper and Zeus's efforts that I'm alive. I managed to catch him in a Dusk Ball after he had knocked both of them out. Suffering a very small injury right now."
"Tell me you didn't lose a limb." Cynthia's sarcastic reply came.
"Jeez blondie." Ash retaliated. "Where did you learn to talk like that from? Gary?"
"Yeah, he accompanied me till Saffron." Cynthia admitted. "Met Leaf there!"
"Nice." Ash added. "Anyway, I'm suffering from some broken ribs. Nurse Joy says it'll take two to three weeks until I can continue my journey."
"I leave you for two months only and you nearly die." Cynthia muttered.
"Well, you were my saving charm." Ash teased. "Anyway, my egg hatched!"
"How's Charmander?" The orange Fire Type, who had been listening his 'mother's' voice, perked at his name.
"He's with me at the moment." Ash told her. "Charmander, say hi." Charmander growled a greeting.
"Nice to meet you too Charmander. Can't wait to meet you face to face!" Cynthia smiled. "Where are we meeting btw?"
"I don't know." Ash admitted. "Where are you heading to right now?"
"Fuchsia City." Cynthia answered. "Will take me one more month until I reach there."
"Why are you going to Fuchsia so early?" Ash asked in surprise. "Shouldn't you challenge Lt. Surge and Erika first?"
"Lt. Surge can wait. I already defeated Erika." Cynthia told him.
"How was Erika? Easy?" Ash questioned.
"She's actually pretty hard to defeat. Don't underestimate her." Cynthia warned. "Maybe she got a League Notice or something, but she's taking it pretty hard and brutally defeating any careless trainer."
'"Sounds like someone got wrecked." Ash teased.
"Don't remind me that." Cynthia grumbled. "Be careful. Her Tangela needs more than brute force to defeat."
"I'll keep that in mind." Ash noted. "Anything else?"
"Find out yourself. Why should I spoil your fun?" Cynthia chuckled.
"Your wish then." Ash replied. "Where are we meeting though?"
"When do you plan to come to Vermillion City?" Cynthia asked. Ash mentally calculated his plans.
"I'll go to Lavender Town first. Then I'll head to Saffron and then to Celadon most probably. Then I'll head to Vermillion."
"Sounds like a pretty large plan." Cynthia commented. "I don't know where we can meet then Ash. Our travel plans don't intersect at all."
"Bummer." Ash grumbled. "Where will you go after Fuchsia?"
"Vermillion. Haven't planned after that though." The two thought of a plan to meet. Charmander, who had gotten bored from their chatting, left to wander the room.
"We'll plan something later." Ash assured her. "How did you meet Gary though? And how in the world did you two get along?"
"I'm actually surprised myself." Cynthia giggled. "He's like, my least favorite person yet at the same time I travelled for some time with him. He's actually pretty nice once you get past his taunts."
"Glad to hear." Ash commented dryly. "How much have you changed Cynthia? I leave you alone and the next time we talk you're praising Gary. What'll happen next? The Legendary Birds will fight?" Ash commented sarcastically.
"Aren't the Legendary Birds Extinct?" Cynthia asked. "They haven't been seen from the last century."
"There were sighting rumors." Ash defended. "Anyway, did you talk to your mom?"
"Yeah." The blonde sighed. "She's still pissed at you."
"Doesn't surprise me." Ash snorted. "Anyway, I'm going to take my medicine now. So, I guess I'll talk to you later."
"Sure. Take care Ash." Cynthia wished.
"Charmander, say goodbye to your Mother." The words slipped out of Ash's mouth. Charmander returned from his expedition and gave a growl in the Pokégear.
"Who's your Father Charmander?" Cynthia asked innocently.
"That's me." Ash replied after a moment.
"Okay." Cynthia stretched the word. A very awkward silence followed. "Take care Charmander. Take care of your daddy too. Mommy will see you soon, okay?"
Charmander gave a cheerful growl in return. Ash rubbed Charmander's head. "Bye for now blondie. When's your egg hatching though?"
"It already has." That surprised Ash.
"Who is it?" Ash questioned.
"Meet me and find out." Cynthia teased.
"Haha. Very funny." Ash laughed sarcastically. "Tell me Cynthia."
"Um…" Cynthia seemed to contemplate the question. "How about no?"
"Okay then." Ash grumbled. "Chat you later blondie."
"Bye Ashy boy."
"Just cut the call for God's sake." Ash snarled well naturedly. That was the third goodbye they had exchanged! The blonde chuckled at his reaction.
"Miss you a lot Ash." Cynthia cut the call then. Ash couldn't help the smile that spread on his lips. Ash got up from his bed and raised a pokéball.
"How was it talking to your Mother?" Ash questioned. Charmander cheered happily. "Let's welcome you to the team officially Charmander."
Charmander nodded and Ash placed the pokéball in front of him. The Fire Type tapped the button in front and was sucked inside. The ball wobbled once before dinging.
Ash picked the pokéball and released him out. Charmander came out and cheered. "Welcome to the team Charmander." Ash hugged him. He hugged back.
'Only Lairon remains now.' Ash thought. 'Rhydon does too actually but I don't want to do anything with him currently.' That was his entire team's decision. Rhydon was no joke. He alone destroyed his team plus Lairon.
Lairon and the others were with Nurse Joy except Charmander and Skylar. Ash had to talk to the Flying/Normal Type as well and spend some time with her.
They had finally exited Rock Tunnel. One arc in Ash's journey had ended and the next waits to begin. Will it bring happy endings or tragic beginnings for our protagonists?
Find out, in the next chapter of Conqueror!
Xxx
And done! I have to sit through midnight just to ensure the chapter gets completed and uploaded! Review to show your support if you desire more quick updates! The next chapter will follow Cynthia's rematch against Erika. We all know she wins but why is she going to Fuchsia instead of Vermillion? Tell me your prediction in reviews!
Until the next chapter then readers! R&R, stay safe, and stay blessed! This is soon to be favorite author LunarockMewtwo out!
Response to Reviews:
Cidinhoismeirm: Thanks for the review!
Lucky007: Thanks for the suggestion bro! I have a lot of things planned, don't worry!
UltimateCCC: Yup.
Guest: Glad to see people liking my art! Wild Pokémon are more or less like wild animals like lions etc. they can be pretty harmful. Hopefully I was able to put my point across.
Hero of all: Glad you think so about my story. He'll keep Lairon, that's pretty much clear but I cannot say anything about Rhydon. And dragon Pokémon are pretty hard to find in the world so, there's that. About faster updates and longer chapters, that's where the issue persists. If I make faster updates, the chapters will be around 5k or 6k words. If I make longer chapters, updates will take much more time. It's inversely proportional. Thanks for the suggestion though bro!
Snoozing Lurker: That's reassuring. Zeus and the others will get more screen time, don't worry. They'll have their own moments just like Viper had in the previous one. Don't worry. And about Aron, he's released. His role ended before even beginning lol.
Issei182: Thanks for the review!