Happy New Year in advance! Yay! Also a late Merry Xmas to everyone!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Xxx
Friend Me, Friend Me Not!
"Saffron!" Ash cheered. "Finally, we've reached Saffron City!" Luna meowed in support, happy to finally reach the large city.
"Third time I'm here and still cannot believe how big it is," Leaf mumbled.
Saffron City was, in fact, massive. It was the biggest city of Kanto, and famous even in faraway lands such as Kalos or Unova. It was a Metropolis, having access to routes leading to Celadon, Lavender, Vermillion, and Cerulean, and so acting as an important trade route even in ancient times.
Luna's eyes lit up as she tried to take in the large skyscrapers piercing the skies. Never had she ever seen such a large city, heck she never even imagined such cities to exist. She couldn't wait to explore it!
"Remember the way to the Pokémon Center?" Ash asked Leaf. The brunette nodded. "Great, lead the way!"
"I'll gladly be your guide if you so desire, Rookie Ash Ketchum." Leaf did a mock bow and walked off, leaving a scoffing Ash behind. Luna shook her head at their antics.
Luna blinked as soon as they entered the city's boundaries. Her ears perked up and she looked around, frowning. "Something wrong Luna?" Ash questioned his starter.
The Espeon shook her head, not wanting to worry Ash for no apparent reason. She jumped down from Ash's shoulder, favoring to walk instead.
'Tainted One…' Luna frowned as she felt someone whisper inside her mind. Her tail swished around uncomfortably as she stared at the crowd of people buzzing about the city.
"So many people…" Ash mumbled, feeling a bit antsy with all of them.
When you spend so much time in the wild with just your best friend and your team, you become so used to the idea of isolation that the idea of a hurdled city seems alien.
"Stay close to me," Leaf whispered, grabbing his wrist and easily swerving around the residents of Saffron City. Luna meowed uneasily as she tried to dodge the stampeding people.
"Luna, c'mon!" Ash called out. Luna sighed and slipped into a Quick Attack, easily covering the small distance separating her and Ash. She was about to jump up on Ash's shoulder when the whisper hit again.
'Oh tainted one… over here.' Luna growled and switched directions. The taunting tone, the very title of 'tainted one', the fact it was able to telepathically talk to her while she was still unable to, was frustrating to no end.
"Luna!" Ash yelled out in alarm as he took in the pink blur running across the street carelessly. The Sun Pokémon barely evaded a car heading towards her way and was right in the way of the second one.
The driver applied the break hard, card skidding across the road. Luna's gem glowed and she stopped the car right in its tracks, bursting into another Quick Attack.
"Where is she going?!" Leaf asked as the two took off into a mad dash behind her.
"I don't know!" Ash answered, crossing the street after shouting a 'sorry' to the driver. They ran after the Psychic Type, barely managing to keep up.
'Over here…' Luna growled and yowled angrily, reaching a dead end. She looked around, trying to find the source.
'We'll meet soon… Tainted One.' Luna formed a Shadow Ball and fired it off in frustration. To her surprise, it was intercepted and destroyed.
"Luna!" Ash called, panting as the duo caught up. "What in the world are you doing?!" Luna felt the presence disappear and relaxed. "Hey!"
"Oh shut up Ash!" Luna growled. Ash blinked. He looked at Luna in surprise.
"What happened?" Leaf asked left out.
"Luna used telepathy." Ash told her. Luna blinked. She did?
"Wait, you can hear me?" She tried again. Ash nodded.
"Yeah, it's a bit unclear and fades at some places but yes, I can hear you." Ash replied cheerfully.
"Can you hear me? Leaf?" Luna tried. Leaf nodded.
"I can too!" Leaf cheered. Luna's eyes lit up in excitement. She was finally getting her ESP back!
"Well, we'll celebrate this later. Why did you run off?" Ash asked, crouching down next to her.
"Well… it started as…" As the trio interacted, a dark haired woman smiled from the shadows, hidden from the normal eye.
"Tainted One…"
Xxx
"Dibs!" Leaf shouted, entering their two bed room. Ash rolled his eyes as she threw her bag on the bed, took off her shoes, and walked up to the bathroom.
"Get ready soon, beauty queen." Ash muttered. "I want to explore Saffron in daylight."
"I'll take only a minute." Leaf retorted. "I'm excited to eat the famous noodles!"
"You sure you ain't a Snorlax in disguise?" Ash joked. Leaf shut the door to the bathroom in response. "Okay, my feet are killing me…"
Leaf undressed quickly, stepping into the shower and opening it. The hot water rained down on her dirty, tired form, washing away the grime and also giving much needed relief.
Leaf sighed in relief and stood there for a few moments, letting the water trickle down. 'Why do I need to hurry up?' Leaf asked herself in disdain. 'This is so relaxing!'
She was about to grab the soap when her back began to hurt. "Ah!" Leaf grimaced, stepping back from the shower and reaching towards her back.
"Hey! Is everything okay in there?" She could hear Ash ask from outside.
"Y-yeah," Leaf winced, reaching to her back and trying to make out why it suddenly began to hurt. "The water's too hot." She lied. Leaf stepped up to the mirror, pulling her wet hair to the side and turning around. "What the-" She whispered.
Deep gashes were evident on her back. From where Leaf got them, she had no idea. "Where did they-" Leaf froze as she looked at the mirror. "W-w-w-w-w-w-who-"
The figure laughed evilly, his very voice sending chills down her spine. "I'm your worst nightmare Leaf Verdant…" The figure answered. Leaf turned around, feeling her body work against her will.
"A-Ash-"
"Tell him about me and he dies." He warned darkly. "I'll make sure of it." Leaf gulped.
"You're not real, are you?" The scared brunette asked. The figure gestured with his hand and Leaf gasped, dragged over to him telekinetically.
"We'll see…" He trailed a finger down her cheek, grinning at her terrified expression. "Till then-"
"C'mon Leaf!" Ash banged on the door. Leaf jerked to life, blinking. She looked around, trying to process everything. "What happened to a minute?"
Leaf was back in the shower, hot water running down her form. "What's wrong with me?" Leaf whimpered, covering her face with her hands.
"Leaf?" Ash's voice rang. Leaf collapsed down in the shower, sobbing. The water raining down managed to drown her sobs out. "Hey, everything okay?"
"Y-yeah," Leaf replied. "G-give me a minute." Leaf got up and quickly cleaned herself up. It wasn't as thorough as she wished to, but it'll have to do.
"About time!" Ash commented as the door opened. "Took- what happened?" Ash questioned in alarm as Leaf stumbled over to her bed and sat down.
"Nothing," Leaf replied. "Go get ready; we have a city to explore." Ash shook his head.
"What's bothering you Leaf?" Ash asked softly sitting down next to her. Leaf shook her head and managed a smile.
"It's nothing Ashy boy, go get ready." She answered. "Go! Before I push you inside."
"Okay…" Ash said a little warily, but nevertheless took the opportunity. Leaf waited until he was gone before sighing.
"Get yourself together Leaf…" She mumbled. "What is wrong with me?" Leaf asked herself.
'Tell him and he dies…' The words rang in her head. Leaf shook her head and picked a comb. Thinking about it would only mess with her head more.
Better not to think about it at all.
Xxx
"Saffron sure is polluted." Ash commented wrinkling his nose as the city air hit him. Leaf stepped out of the Pokémon Center just behind him, having paused to check the map.
"Where to first?" Leaf asked, voice void of any enthusiasm.
"You're the guide, you tell me." Ash joked. "Am I right, Luna?" Luna meowed in reply. The rest of their team was with Nurse Joy to get healed and rested. Only Luna and Misdreavus were in proper fighting conditions.
"Let's go eat up something first." Leaf decided. Ash muffled his laugh.
"Leaf and her priority, food." He commented. Leaf shot him a look making him shut up.
"Don't mess with me and my food Ashy boy, or I'll make you regret it." Luna cautiously stepped back, hiding behind Ash's neck to the best of her ability.
"No doubt about it," Ash muttered, stepping back. Leaf glared at him for a few moments before breaking into laughter. "Gee, she might eat both of us one day Luna." Ash told his starter.
"I'll eat you alive Ashy…" Leaf said in a singsong manner, swiping at the air with her nails.
"Crazy cannibal…" Ash muttered.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Leaf smiled sweetly. "Now, let's go eat something. Lunch's on you." She pointed at Ash. The raven haired trainer blinked.
"Who decided that?" He asked.
"I did, now come." She grabbed Ash's hand and pulled him through the bustling streets of Saffron. Luna wisely kept her position on Ash's shoulder, not wanting to risk getting trampled.
"Easy girl," Ash chuckled. "The noodles are not going anywhere!"
"No compromising on food!" Leaf replied back cheerfully, good mood back.
…
Sometime later…
"Those were some good noodles," Ash commented as they left the restaurant.
"Yeah, they were," Luna chimed in. Leaf grinned at them proudly.
"Told ya!" The brunette replied happily. "Next up… where?" She asked. "I mean, you want to shop something or do you want to visit the Dojo?"
"We'll visit the Dojo later on. I want to use Haunter against them and have to wait until he heals up completely," Luna looked at him with distaste. "I'll let you fight against the Celadon Gym, don't worry girl."
"Ash doesn't want to use his strongest cat yet," Leaf winked. "Once he finds a suitable opponent, he'll use you too." Leaf rolled her eyes at her buttering. "Clever girl."
"C'mon, let's go buy something for my favorite kitty." She urged, grabbing Ash's hand and leading him towards a couple of shops. Luna, perched on Ash's shoulder comfortably, decided not to spoil her mood and kept her eye on the road ahead.
"Saffron sure is very big…" Ash commented. "Pewter and Cerulean combined aren't as big as Saffron that's for sure."
"It doesn't produce 40% of Kanto's GDP for nothing," Leaf remarked. "It's Kanto's Troy."
"Great reference…" Ash said impressed by her knowledge. Leaf blinked. Where did she get the Troy reference from? The brunette briefly remembered Cynthia mentioning it in one of their chats but never really gave it much attention.
She stood upon the great walls of Troy, gazing upon the hundreds of thousands of troops approaching the Holy City of Victini for conquest. The defending army of Troy awaited the arrival, for they had the Goddess Victini at their side.
"Ready the Great Fire…" She heard a gruff voice command. Cannons were loaded with strange ammunition and aimed at the incoming large army. "Lady Victini, bestow us with your blessing as we defend our homeland!"
There was a moment of silence, before a large fire emblem burst above them. "All Hail Lady Victini!" With that battle cry, the cannons were fired.
She could only watch in amazement and awe as the army was obliterated and burnt into pieces, as their powerful strides were reduced to runs of survival, as Lady Victini herself relished in their-
"Huh-" Leaf gasped as accidently bumped into someone.
"Watch where you're going lady," The man snapped in an annoyed tone.
"I'm sorry, I-" Leaf stammered. The man gave her one last scowl before walking away.
"Hey, you okay?" Ash asked. "You kind of zoned out back there."
"Yeah, it's nothing." Leaf managed. "C'mon, the market is not far from here."
"Hey, what is going on? Tell me the truth Leaf," Ash stopped her. "You were acting weirdly at the Pokémon Center too, and now you zoned out."
"It's nothing, relax." Leaf flashed him a smile. "If there was, I would've already told you."
'Love the way you lie…' Leaf heard it sing in her head. She ignored it to the best of her ability and resumed her journey towards the market. She could feel Luna staring at her strangely, as if she had sensed the presence around her. 'She'll be dead if she did.'
"What are you playing to buy?" Ash questioned. Leaf did her best to focus on her best friend instead of the ghost haunting her.
"I want to buy Luna something, truthfully." Leaf replied. "Whatever you like, just tell me. Okay girl?"
"S-sure t-thing-" Luna's telepathy was abruptly cut off. The Sun Pokémon frowned at that.
"Huh?" Leaf frowned.
'And you thought they'll be able to protect you!' It taunted her. 'They can't even save themselves.'
"Shut up," Leaf muttered. "Hey Luna, everything okay?" Luna shook her head. "C'mon here," She opened her arms. Luna yipped and took the invitation, jumping into her grip.
"You two are really hitting it off," Ash remarked as Luna cozily snuggled into Leaf's chest. "You wanna steal my starter Leaf?" Ash joked. Leaf smirked at that.
"The offer is always open Luna," Leaf grinned. Luna yipped a response. "Now, what does my favorite kitty want?" The two had reached the market by then.
Saffron City's market was crowded, unsurprisingly, and offered quite the merchandise. From clothes to trainer supplies to even Pokémon, it had it all.
"Whoa," Ash expressed as they walked slowly, taking it all in. "How do you decide from all this?"
"We don't, we window shop!" Leaf exclaimed. "I remember coming here with Leaf; she was feeling awkward in here too, less than you though." She added.
"Yeah, she mentioned meeting you with Gary here." Ash replied. Leaf nodded. "Wonder how she is…"
"She'll be fine! Look at this, c'mon!" Leaf gestured him over to a vendor selling Pokémon toys. "Want any of them? Luna?" She asked the Psychic Type in her grip. Luna gazed at the toys before shaking her head.
"Charmander might like this one," Ash picked up a chewable plushy. "What do you say?"
"He might." Leaf replied. "How much for this?"
"170." The vendor replied. Leaf frowned.
"That's a high price. I got it for 100 before." She bargained. Luna looked at the exchange between them in astonishment as Leaf argued the price from 170 to 120.
"Fine, 120." The vendor said. Leaf smiled.
"Here," Leaf handed over the amount before Ash could.
"Hey!" Ash called out as Leaf picked the plushy. "I was gonna pay-"
"I'm gifting it to him, now shut up." Leaf said and handed him the plushy.
"Someone is oddly gracious today," Ash commented jokingly. Luna snickered. "What, are you planning to charm my team into being yours?"
"I don't need to gift them to do so; they'll come with me anyway." Leaf challenged. "Luna will, won't she?" She scratched the feline behind the ear making her yip in satisfaction.
"Traitor," Ash grumbled. The two continued walking, occasionally pausing to view items and stuff. Luna climbed atop Leaf's shoulder and nuzzled her cheek adoringly.
Leaf chuckled at that and caressed her forehead. Ash watched the proceedings with great interest. "You're still mine officially." Ash joked to Luna.
"Meh, I'm team Leaf now!" She stuck her tongue out. Leaf beamed at the telepathic message.
"Atta girl!" Leaf giggled. "Hey, I want to buy some clothes!" She spotted a clothing shop.
"Oh hell no!" Ash groaned. Luna rolled her eyes and dragged him over with her ESP. "Not fair Luna, not fair."
"Which one should I buy?" Leaf pursed her lips in thought. "Hey Ash, which one should I buy?"
"Why does it matter? You'll look ugly anyway," He snickered. Leaf rolled her eyes and picked up a Floral Cap. She tried it on.
"How do I look?" Leaf asked Luna.
"A-amazing-" Luna's face fell in disappointment.
"Hey, you're amazing, okay?" Leaf assured her. "You'll get it down eventually, trust me." Luna sighed before nodding. "C'mon, let's buy stuff."
"How does this cap look?" Leaf asked Ash. Ash looked up from his pokedex and blinked.
"Cute," He blurted out. Leaf gave him a teasing look. "Oh no, please don't start-"
"Ash Ketchum thinks I'm cute?" Leaf grinned naughtily. "Am I daydreaming?"
"I didn't say it," Ash straight up denied. "You have no proof!" Luna yipped making him groan.
"Luna is enough proof." Leaf giggled. "Hey, hold this. I'm going to go buy something else too."
Ash caught the cap she threw and inwardly sighed. 'Here goes my entire day…'
"You have a c-crush on Ash?" Leaf, who had been selecting clothing, paused. She turned to Luna who was giving her a knowing look. "Don't deny it Leafy."
"How do you know?" Leaf asked in surprise.
"You cannot hide it Leaf," Luna replied.
"I'm still ten though…" Leaf gave a mock sad look.
"You are fifteen," Luna replied deadpan. "By League standards you are ten, but in reality you are fifteen years old. So is a-a-ash-" Luna stumbled in her telepathy.
"Aw, my little kitty is so smart." Leaf teased. "Let me guess, Cynthia explained it to you?" Luna nodded. "Yeah, I'm fifteen according to the old, real, calendar but according to the calendar the League uses, I'm ten. Weird…"
"Don't change the subject." Luna grinned. "You like Ash, don't you?"
"He's my childhood best friend," Leaf muttered. "Off course I do." Luna rolled her eyes.
"I'll spill the beans to him-"
"No!" Leaf exclaimed. She paused awkwardly as the other customers looked at her. "Sorry," She smiled sheepishly. "Look, don't tell him."
"If there isn't anything, then why are you scared?" Luna grinned mischievously. Leaf blushed.
"Fine, I have a crush on him." Leaf admitted. "Happy?" Luna giggled.
"Very-" She stumbled again, gasping in effort. Leaf knelt down and ran a soothing hand on her back.
"Hey, don't overexert yourself." Luna nodded. "Let's shop now, I don't think Ash would like if we spent too much time here." The feline agreed whole heartedly.
One hour later…
"How do I look?" Leaf asked, picking the floral cap from Ash and wearing it. Ash opened one eye to take her new look in.
Leaf wore a silky, soft woven halter neck creamy crop top with black pants. Her hairs were done into a ponytail with the white floral cap. "Ta-da!"
Ash squinted, taking in her look as she did a full 360 for him. "Where is my Leaf?"
"What do you mean?" Leaf asked, preparing for a stupid remark or a fun jab.
Or both.
"Well, my Leaf was… um…" Ash stammered, cheeks heating up.
"Your Leaf wasn't so cute?" Luna guessed.
"Yeah," Ash blurted out. Realization dawned on him just a moment after though, but it was too late. "I meant to say, she wasn't so graceful-"
"Shut up," Leaf replied, gazing down shyly. "I look good in these?"
"Yeah," Ash gulped. Luna looked at the proceedings with interest. "But only because you showered today."
That ruined it.
Leaf slapped Ash on the back of his head angrily. "You bloody idiot!" Ash chuckled at her reaction. "C'mon, you need to buy something too."
"Already did," Ash replied, showing her the shopping bag. "I also paid for your cap, slowpoke."
"What? Why?" Leaf asked in surprise.
"I robbed a bank, I have tons of money. That's why." Ash responded.
"Why did I expect that?" Leaf asked.
"Cuz you know me." Ash grinned cheekily. "Now c'mon, let's get out of here."
Leaf paid for the amount and, stuffing her original clothes into the shopping bag, left the shop. "We spent what, a decade inside?" Ash asked.
"Perfection cannot be rushed," Leaf imitated a wise sage.
"I know that's why I'm asking. Why didn't you hurry?"
"You ruined the joke."
"There was a joke?"
"Yes, you."
"Wow, very funny."
"I know, right."
"Shut up, Ketchum."
"Make me, Verdant."
"I'll ring Cynthia and you will,"
"Gary isn't out of reach either,"
"I hate that jerk,"
"I hate you too."
"Ouch." Leaf looked genuinely hurt at that. Ash grinned at his victory briefly before looking at her. "Don't talk to me now!"
"Aw crybaby," Ash taunted.
"Not funny," Leaf looked at him and Ash was taken aback. There were genuine tears in her eyes. "You don't deserve a friend like me!" She began to walk away.
"Hey, I was joking." Ash tried. "Hey, Leaf! I was joking!" Ash ran after her. He grabbed her wrist and stopped her in her track. "What happened?" Ash asked.
"I can accuse you of harassment Ash," She warned. Ash rolled his eyes before pulling her in for an embrace. Leaf squirmed in protest before accepting it. Luna wisely jumped off Leaf.
"Harassment my foot." Ash chuckled. "I love you, you idiot." Ash caressed her exposed upper back gently.
"I know I was just messing with you." Leaf chuckled. Ash pulled back from the hug in confusion before looking at her amused and happy face.
"You little vixen," Ash growled. Leaf chuckled and hugged him again in amusement. "I was genuinely worried there for a second."
"Yeah, I know. You can thank Luna for the tears," Leaf giggled. Ash stared at the feline in disbelief. "She's officially Team Leaf now!"
"Luna, you backstabbing little fox!" Ash tried to scowl at her. It didn't work. "You two should feel ashamed, making fun at my expense."
"You're just too easy to mess with, you know." Leaf said between chuckles. "Okay, this was the last one." Leaf vowed. "No more bashing Mr. Ash Ketchum, pinky promise."
"You better not, or I might cry." Ash joked.
"Aw!" Leaf laughed, throwing her arms around him. Ash grabbed her wrists and jokingly pushed him away.
"Get off me Leafy," Ash told her. "Don't get so touchy," Leaf made a mock hurt look.
"Fine! I won't," She replied pouting. "Or you might file a harassment case for real," She kept a serious face for one moment before bursting in laughter with Ash.
"Glad to see your humor has returned, if only for a few moments." Leaf rolled her eyes.
"Okay lovebirds, c'mon now." Luna told them and jumped back on Leaf's shoulder. Ash raised an eyebrow at the remark while Leaf barely managed to hide her blush.
"You say that to Viper about Zeus and see their reaction." Ash snickered.
"You pair them?" Leaf asked in surprise. Ash nodded.
"You haven't seen them interact or you might too," Ash grinned. "I'll show you tomorrow, don't worry."
"Sure thing boss, now c'mon."
Sometime later…
"Hey Ash," Leaf said, spotting something. "Wait here, I'll be right back."
"Sure thing," Luna jumped from her shoulder to his. "Finally decided to return huh?" Luna whipped him across the face as a gesture to shut up. "Ow,"
"Hello," Leaf greeted the vendor. "You have the Psychic TM?" The vendor smiled and searched through his collection, picking the Psychic one. "Is it One Use or Permanent?"
"One Use." Leaf pursed her lips. "4500," Leaf's jaw dropped at that.
"I bought a Single Use in Celadon for 3000!" She argued.
"4500, only because you're a trainer. Otherwise I would've sold this for 5000." He replied. "It's your choice now girl,"
Leaf pulled out the money and paid it, grabbing the TM and a complimentary TM Case. "Thank you," She dipped her head and returned back towards Ash and Luna, hiding the TM behind her back.
"That was quick," Ash remarked. "Thought you'll take a day or so to return."
"You might burn down the city if left alone for too long." Leaf replied. "Luna, c'mon. Ash, give me her pokéball and close your eyes."
"Huh?"
"Just do as I say, okay?" Ash shrugged and obliged, handing her Luna's pokéball.
"What are you doing?" Luna asked curiously.
"Just wait and watch," The trio walked to an isolated corner and Ash closed his eyes. "No cheating Ash."
"Okay momma," He snickered. Leaf ignored him and returned Luna to her pokéball. She pulled out her TM Case and placed Luna's pokéball in it, fixing the Single Use Psychic TM.
'So desperate for affection,' the voice inside her boomed.
'Yeah, you're the one trying to get a fuck from me.' Leaf thought back.
'Careful, you don't want me to kill them do you?'
'You can't even show me your real form, how can you kill them?' Leaf countered.
'You want to see me? You already have. You see me daily.' Leaf tensed a bit.
'I see a lot of idiots daily, you one of them?' A splitting headache hit her and she nearly dropped the TM Case down.
'This idiot can break you, careful…'
'Offended much?' Leaf smiled as the voice trailed off. She saw the TM Case finish transferring data and threw the empty disk away.
"Open your eyes now Ashy." Leaf told him and released Luna. Luna came out, looking at her with suspicion.
"What did you… why can I access telepathy easily?" Luna blinked, taken aback.
"Did it work?" Leaf asked anxiously. Luna focused and she managed to lift Ash's cap up easily.
"Did what work?" Ash asked. Leaf handed him the TM Case and picked Luna up.
"That will solve your ESP problem, I hope." Leaf smiled.
"She used a Psychic TM on me." Luna answered for her. "It unlocked my latent ESP and removed the blockade. Am I right Leaf?"
"That explains the TM Case," Ash concluded. "Is that true Leaf?"
"Yeah, she is on point." Leaf said. "It was only in theory but I guess it worked too."
"You did not have to do that Leaf." Ash told her. Leaf rolled her eyes. "Psychic TM is one of the most expensive TMs. How much did it cost?"
"It was a gift. How much it cost doesn't matter." Leaf told him. "Just be happy."
"Don't be stupid Leaf; I can't accept such an expensive gift!" Ash protested. "Luna, you convince her."
"Luna, shut up."
"Um…" Luna hesitated. "Well, Ash has something for you too!" Leaf blinked.
"I told you to convince her, not to ruin the surprise." Ash snarled.
"I'm team Leaf." Luna grinned.
"Hey," Leaf cupped Ash's face by the cheeks. "Ash, relax." She leaned closer to him. "Luna is my friend too, okay. She has suffered a lot because of me. Let me treat her." She whispered.
"But…" Ash was hesitant. "But I'll buy you something later on, okay?"
"Shush Ashy. When did we start to keep account of this huh?" Leaf smiled.
"When did you start acting so cute?" Ash asked back. Leaf didn't even dare hide her blush.
"I-" Ash chuckled at her reaction. "I was born cute," Leaf broke the close proximity and flicked her ponytail in a diva like fashion.
"You're acting way too adorable today, you know." Ash laughed. "Like a little kid."
"I am a kid." Leaf winked. "Now, what was the surprise Luna was telling me about?"
"Well, since she already ruined it." Ash reached into his pocket and pulled out a golden necklace.
Leaf widened her eyes at the necklace. "Wow, it's…" She took in the entire design as Ash hung it for display. "…amazing." It was a thin, golden chain with a stylish 'Queen' for a pendant. Simple but elegant.
"Luna thinks so too." Ash replied. "So, wanna try it on?" Leaf turned around in response.
"You do the honors Ashy," Ash unclipped the chain and stepped close to his childhood friend. He reached forward and positioned the chain around her neck.
Leaf couldn't help but blush at the close proximity. She could feel Ash's breathe on her neck; they were almost equal in height, and the gift Ash gave her didn't help matters.
"You look so cute blushing!" Luna chimed in. Leaf widened her eyes at that. "Oh relax, I'm conveying this message to just you." Leaf breathed a sigh of relief.
"All done." Ash declared, stepping back. Leaf turned around slowly, looking at Ash with nothing but adoration. "It looks amazing on you Leaf,"
"I know," She replied simply. "It's your choice, after all."
"Yeah Leaf, it looks amazing." Leaf smiled at Luna. "Ash might just want to kiss you now…" Leaf blushed at that.
"What are you blushing at?" Ash asked.
"I-"
"Yeah Leaf, tell him what you're blushing at. Tell him you imagined him kissing you under a full moon while a cold breeze caresses both of you and he holds you by the waist-"
Leaf's blush only deepened as Luna kept on sending fake romantic scenarios in her mind. "Hey, you okay? You look like a tomato now." Leaf hid her face in her hands simply as Luna relentlessly continued.
"Luna, stop it." Ash chided as his starter was smiling mischievously. "Stop teasing her, she's already red as a beetroot."
"Beetroot are purple you idiot." Came Leaf's muffled remark. "You're an idiot Ash," Leaf leapt at Ash, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. "And I wouldn't trade you for the world."
"Okay, okay!" Ash laughed, hugging her back. "You're amazing too Leafy."
"Did I ever tell you how lucky I am to have you as a friend?" Leaf asked her, not breaking the hug.
"You-" Ash was interrupted.
"You're easily the best friend one could get. You're amazing with Pokémon, you're amazing at motivating someone, you're amazing at being such an epic friend, you're just… you. Nobody can ever replace you Ashy and I would rather burn the world than see you ever get hurt because of anyone, even me. Please Ashy, I-" Leaf's voice cracked at that. "Please don't ever leave me."
Ash was taken aback from all the praise. "Leaf…" Leaf began to cry in the hug. "Hey, hey." Ash pulled her in front of him and grabbed her by the cheeks. He used his thumbs to wipe away her tears. "I'm not going anywhere, okay? You're not getting rid of me that easily." He joked.
"Yeah, I just…" Leaf blushed once she realized just what had transpired. "You can file that harassment case anytime now." She joked back.
"If he waits for a couple more days, he might also add molestation charges." Luna winked. Leaf's eyes widened before she buried her face in Ash's jacket, now blushing even darker than a tomato.
"Luna!" She yelled. "What's gotten into you?" Luna was on the floor laughing ecstatically.
"What did she say?" Ash asked, amused by Leaf's reaction but also curious.
"She-" Leaf couldn't even say it. "Luna, you tell him." Luna obliged and conveyed the message.
"…what is going on with you two?" Ash asked blushing as well. "God, what did you make me imagine-"
"You imagined that?!" Leaf asked in disbelief. "Ew! Ash!" She punched his shoulder.
"I didn't mean to! It was spontaneous." Ash defended.
"Now Leaf is imagining it too, one big happy family." Luna sung into both of their minds.
"Luna!" Both yelled at her. Luna was on the floor rolling in her own laughter.
"Just return her back to her pokéball please," Leaf suggested. "Don't make this anymore awkward." Ash pulled out her pokéball.
"If he does recall me, I'll spill the beans." Luna warned as Ash aimed at her. "Ash, Leaf likes-"
"Wait! Stop!" Leaf grabbed his arm and stopped him. "I was… kidding." Leaf breathed heavily.
"Ash, Leaf has something to tell you." Luna said telepathically. Leaf rolled her eyes. She was just messing around with her. There was no way Luna could say that to-
"You do?" Ash asked Leaf. Leaf's eyes widened.
"I do what?" She asked. She looked at Luna who smiled. "Listen here Luna, I'm going to return you to your pokéball and throw it in a place where not even Ash can find you and-"
Ash grabbed her chin, making her face him, and kissed her.
Kissed her.
On the lips.
Leaf was taken aback and was certainly not ready for that. Luna sat down, letting it proceed without interruption. After a few moments of no response, Ash pulled back with a worried look.
"Oh," He began to panic. "Oh, I'm so sorry Leaf, I-I thought, and Luna was telling me that- and she just suggested that- I thought that-" He began to blabber.
"Oh shut up Ashy," Leaf said and pulled him into a kiss of her own. Ash returned it happily while Luna began to make wretched noises.
"Cough, return me now please, cough. Gagging noises!" She said telepathically in both of their brains. They ignored her, as expected.
"Hey," Leaf said, touching his cheek tenderly. "You…"
"Um… yeah?" Ash you replied. "Do you…?"
"Of course." Leaf said.
"Then will you be my...?"
"Why not," Leaf smiled. "From best friend to boyfriend huh." Leaf smiled and leaned in, pecking him on the lips.
"Guess now the molestation charges won't apply." Luna added. Both burst into blushes at the remark. "Just… recall me if things go-"
"Shut up Luna!" Leaf shouted at her. "Holy Mew! I regret giving you the Psychic TM now!"
"I haven't even begun yet." Luna giggled.
"Ash…" Leaf warned.
"On it," Ash returned Luna without warning. "She's so… I mean how can she even suggest that?! We're ten!"
"We're fifteen." Leaf replied shyly. "We're ten according to the League, but we're fifteen in reality. So biologically, we can…"
"What are you suggesting?" Ash asked.
"Nothing you idiot! I'm just saying that biologically, we can… um…" Leaf stammered.
"But we shouldn't. What would our parents say…" Ash questioned.
"I mean, who's going to tell them anyway…" Leaf trailed off.
"So you're going to… what? Lie to them?" Ash raised an eyebrow.
"Not lie, just… keep them in the dark." Leaf answered.
"That is… assuming we actually do it." Ash blushed a deep shade.
"Who's even suggesting doing it!" Leaf asked hastily. "I'm just saying that trainers actually do such stuff and then lie when asked or suspected."
"When did I say you're saying it?" Ash questioned.
"You thought I was!" Leaf protested.
"Not at all! I imagined doing it!" Ash replied back before pausing. "When Luna was suggesting it! Only then!" He added hastily at her angry glare.
"I don't blame you…" Leaf mumbled, rubbing her arm shyly. "This is getting way too awkward! C'mon Ash, let's grab dinner and eat up."
"Yeah, the sun has almost set too." Ash offered her a hand. "C'mon, my girlfriend."
"You make it sound like it's a bad thing." Leaf remarked taking his hand.
"Being or having a girlfriend is not a bad thing… doing bad thing is a bad thing." Ash remarked back slyly.
"You're such a kid Ash…" Leaf shook her head.
"I know I know…"
"Keep at it and you might actually do a bad thing." Leaf tried to remark slyly only to end up blushing herself.
"Which base…?" Ash asked innocently. "Do you reach while playing baseball?"
"First base," Leaf replied simply.
"It might be fun though, cuddling with you." Ash muttered.
"I do have nightmares every now and then. Maybe you can protect me from them…" Leaf added.
"Okay, enough double meaning talk for today!" Ash said. "Want to hit the Dojo tomorrow?" Leaf nodded.
"I need to start rebuilding my team now too." A pang of sadness hit her heart but she managed. "A Fighting Type will be a nice addition."
"Yeah, and you can get yourself a…"
The newly formed couple discussed Pokémon, leaving their awkward talks behind…
Xxx
"Today was a pretty tiring day…" Leaf commented as she finished changing into her pajamas. She stepped outside, sitting on the foot of her bed.
"Yeah, it was really eventful." Ash added, putting his pokégear aside. "I'm all ready to hit the haystack now."
"Hey… Ash," Leaf began hesitantly. "Can I… um… sleep with you?" Leaf realized just how wrong it sounded but thankfully, Ash understood.
"Yeah, sure." Ash scooted a bit to the side and made space for her. "You still have nightmares?"
"A lot," Leaf said, remembering her latest episode in the shower. "You don't mind, right?" She asked as she climbed upon Ash's bed.
"Not at all," Ash replied. "I mean, it's a tight fit but…"
"If you're uncomfortable with it, I'll just go to mine-" Leaf began.
"No, it's fine Leafy." Ash wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him.
"Okay…" Leaf replied timidly; face heating up at the closeness. "Don't try anything or else…"
"I'm not a pervert Leaf," Ash rolled his eyes. "Why are you doubting me? We've been friends since childhood!"
"I know, I know." Leaf smiled. "I'm just messing with you," Ash rolled his eyes and kissed her neck.
"Don't play this game, you might regret it." Ash commented cheekily.
"Yeah, let's see who will press the molestation charges on whom." Leaf joked.
"I mean, if you really wanna get molested…" Leaf blushed darkly at that.
"Since when did you gain such a dirty sense of humor?" She asked.
"Can't say you're not enjoying it," Ash chuckled.
"You know what I'll enjoy more?" Leaf asked. "Getting molested by my boyfriend." She said in a low, sensual tone.
"Your boyfriend will enjoy that too." Ash added.
"He cannot even make it to third base," Leaf pouted.
"Give him time and he might reach spots…" Ash muttered. Leaf, due to being so close to him, understood it and blushed even more.
"What has gotten into us?" Leaf squeaked. Ash shrugged and rubbed her back comfortingly.
"Let's just go to sleep now. Our minds are… messed up today." Ash ended awkwardly.
"Yeah," Leaf said, turning and putting her back against him. "Goodnight Ashy," Ash wrapped his arms around her stomach and pulled her close to him.
"Goodnight Leafy," He whispered in her ear. Leaf leaned into him, and let the tiredness catch up to her. Ash sighed in relief as her breathed in her vanilla scented hair.
'Is this for real?' He asked himself.
'He really likes you.' The haunting voice whispered. 'Would be a shame if I rupture his carotid artery, would it not?'
'Whatever psycho, we'll see when the time comes.' Leaf thought back before succumbing to sleep.
Xxx
A chill, relaxing episode after so many action packed ones. One thing I want to make clear is that I try to make Conqueror as realistic as possible and so, wait patiently. Everyone will get what they desire. Just let me progress through the plot.
Also, this is not a harem story. There is no fixed pairing as of yet, and I don't want to reveal the end shipping to you guys so sit patiently. I have a rough outline of things while a few will get altered.
With that said, please review! I get motivation while reading your reviews! Keep reading keep supporting! And we will finish conqueror one day!
Response to Reviews:
Reader(1): I kinda wanted to differentiate from the anime and thought this would spice it up more. You pretty much had guessed everything on point though. And my favorite Pokémon is Espeon which I wanted to give to Ash so there's that too. Ash will go to Kalos though, and we'll explore more of that later.
Reader(2): Trainer.
Reader(3): We'll find out more as the story progresses. Also, they're new so I wanted to show their approaches to Brock. And yeah, Steelix was formerly a rock type so it doesn't really matter XD
Reader(4): You have to wait an undefined time to see for yourself.
Reader(5): You're really a sharp reader tbh.
Reader(6): Thank you for the review.
Reader(7): Conqueror is going to be really different from the anime.
Reader(8): Can't blame them. The crime rate is high in here.
Reader(9): Unfortunately yes.
Reader(10): They already did XD.
Reader(11): Yeah, I'm going to make Gary less of a jerk in here.
Reader(12): Nobody stays forever, you got to get used to them not being there.
Reader(13): Conqueror is much different bro. Everyone must've figured it out by now.
Reader(14): That's what being a Pokémon trainer is all about.
Reader(15): Another great catch ;)
Reader(16): That was her call. Buizel is more agile and had Ice Moves so she decided on her.
Reader(17): Influence hits hard XD
Reader(18): Us
Reader(19): Another sharp prediction.
Reader(20): Paul and Gary are going to be different from their anime counterparts ;)
Reader(21): Yeah, you might've figured out by now that she's not dead and what Cynthia got so… hehe
Reader(22): Thank you for the kind words.
Reader(23): She's alive, although crippled.
Reader(24): It was a bit of a hassle to juggle both but I managed
Reader(25): Thanks for your support.
Reader(26): Being a trainer isn't easy in Conqueror.
Reader(27): It will be not a harem. That's all I'm saying :)
Reader(28): Yeah she did.
Reader(29): nice reference.
Reader(30): Don't jinx dear old Gary please hehe
Leafy boi: Yeah, Damien had it coming XD
Zyan: More into that later.
UltimateCCC: We'll see how things play out and how everyone reacts later on.