Hello everyone, just letting you know this concept is not mine. The original story this is based on; "When One Door Closes, Two More Open" is owned by Dragonsrule18. I just wanted to expand on this concept and be able to not let it go to waste since the sotry hasn't been updated in…. You know, 5 years.

Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.

"Butts"- Humans speaking

"Butts"- Pokemon speaking

'Butts'- thoughts

"Butts"-Pokedex entries

New Pains, Brand New Start

Within the region of Kanto, Ash Ketchum sighed as he set his backpack down at the base of a tree on Route 1, unpacking the sandwiches and Poké-Chow his mother had packed them for lunch. His first day of being a Pokémon trainer was NOT turning out like he planned, since he somehow smashed his alarm clock in his sleep (he really needed to remember to keep that thing on the other side of the room from now on), which made him wake up late and made him late to pick up his starter. The Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander that were usually reserved for new trainers had already been taken. But Professor Oak had one left; a nice little Pikachu.

….However, the only problem was that Pikachu seemed to hate everyone. Especially Ash for some inane reason. He had shocked everyone in sight, and refused to get into his Poké Ball, so Ash had been forced to attach a leash to him and wear rubber gloves so he wouldn't be cooked alive. Once they had gotten out into the woods where no one else would get hurt, Ash had tried to find out what was making Pikachu so angry, but due to the fact that Pokémon could only communicate by saying their names, that didn't help much AND didn't really make sense. But when Ash showed Pikachu could trust him by throwing away the leash and rubber gloves, all Pikachu did was climb up a tree and ignore him.

And that was where the two stayed…. For the past 20 minutes…

Ash: Pikachu? Do you want to come down here and eat with me? I'm sure you're hungry.

Pikachu: Pika-CHU!

His cheeks sparked back as he spoke, as Ash just sighed and placed the bowl at the tree's base, where the mouse could easily grab if it were hungry.

Ash: Pikachu, I'm trying my best. I may be new at this, but I do want to be your friend. Please, just give me a chance.

Pikachu just turned away, making Ash feel annoyed and a little insulted.

Ash: Fine, have it your way then.

Hopefully, if he was patient and gave Pikachu his space, the electric mouse would come around soon. This was the state of mind he kept as he picked up his lunch and moved more into the field. As Ash ate, he looked up at the sky, watching the clouds and spotting a flock of Pidgey. He thought of capturing one, but dismissed it, as the odds of Pikachu helping him were probably somewhere in the negative range with the way he'd been acting. And the idea of trying to weaken it himself was just stupid, considering that something as frail as a Weedle could be stronger than a human. Instead, he just settled for scanning one on his Pokédex, then sat back and finished his sandwich.

Suddenly, he felt an odd presence nearby as a soft scratching noise behind him made him turn around, spotting a Pokemon digging through his backpack. He would've assumed it to be a simple Rattata, but it was far too big and he didn't remember shiny Rattata being blue. Curiosity getting the better of him, Ash took out his Pokédex and scanned the little creature.

Pokedex: Pokemon unrecognized. No data available. There are still Pokémon yet to be identified.

The Pokemon yelped at the sound of the Pokédex and began to back away, revealing his true form to Ash. It was similar to a Growlithe, only with blue fur, it was much skinnier, and it stood on two legs, though only on its toes. It has a crooked tail, small black appendeges on the side of its head, which also match a mask-like mark on its face that covers its red eyes. Ash followed the odd Pokemon's line of sight, with the little canine having been trying to get a bag of tortilla chips out of it. Ash smiled at the little one as he heard its stomach growl. Poor thing must be starving. Ash knelt down, smiling at the blue dog as it eyed him warily.

Ash: It's okay, little guy. What are you doing all the way out here? You hungry?

Ash noticed it was a short distance away, watching him carefully. He opened the bag of chips as quietly as he could so he wouldn't startle it more and held a chip out to it.

Ash: It's alright, little buddy. You don't have to steal from me, because I'll give it to you willingly. Do you want this?

It took a cautious step forward, then stopped, its eyes unsure. Somehow, Ash knew what it was afraid of as it also looked afraid of his Pokedex.

Ash: Don't worry. I'm not going to try to capture you.

The pair met each other in the eye, the Pokemon probably trying to see if Ash was telling the truth. Ash took off his Poké Ball belt, picked it up with his foot, and tossed it a short distance away.

Ash: See? You can trust me.

Somehow sensing it was telling the truth, the Pokemon relaxed a smidge, slowly making its way towards him. Ash held out the chip again, it relaxed a bit more as the Pokemon then slowly walked toward him. It sniffed his hand, then gently took the chip, sitting down on the ground and crossing its legs to eat it. It kept its eyes on him the whole time, though, probably making sure he didn't go back on his promise. Letting his guard down a little, the blue canine smiled as it ate.

After it finished, Ash held out another. Again, it took the chip, but stopped slightly to grip his hand, probably as a sign of trust and gratitude.

Ash: May I pet you?

He had learned his lesson about picking up and hugging a Pokémon that didn't know him without its permission once and he sure wasn't making it again. He still flinched every time he saw a Meowth.

The Pokemon hesitated before it closed its eyes. Ash thought he saw it glow for a little bit and saw the black appendeges on its head float up a bit before it opened its eyes again. The Pokemon walked closer, pointing at the bag for more chips. Before handing it more, Ash scooped up a handful of the chips in one hand while in the other, he held his hand out, palm facing the Pokemon's face.

Smiling at the sign of permission, the canine pressed his forehead against Ash's palm, making tha boy gasp silently as it then suddenly walked over, grabbing the chips before simply sitting in the boy's lap, letting out a rodent sigh of contentment. Ash smiled, scratching its head gently as the Pokemon ate. It was really nice actually having a Pokemon that liked him

Suddenly, he felt something touching his back, causing him to gasp and turn quickly, almost knocking the blue canine off his lap. Visions of madmen with knives going through his head for a second.

Ash: 'I really needed to stop watching horror movies with cousin Ethan whenever I'm in Johto.'

He wasn't sure to be relieved or worried when he found out the touch had come from another unknown Pokemon; this one being a small gren lizard with yellow eyes, a red stomach, and a bulbous tail resembling a pair of leaves.

Curious, Ash turned to the blue Pokemon as he held up his Pokedex, then motioned towards the reptile. Though hesitant, the canine nodded as Ash scanned the green Pokemon, only to get the same result as earlier.

Pokedex: Pokemon unrecognized. No data available. There are still Pokémon yet to be identified.

Confused at the repeated occurrence, Ash saw the pair of Pokemon speaking, the blue Pokemon getting more defensive towards him. They were squabbling as if they were siblings. However, Ash kept a smile on his face as he addressed the lizard.

Ash: Hi, little one. Did you see your friend with the food? Are you hungry too?

He took another chip from the bag and handed it to the green one. It sniffed the snack, then crossed its arms as it looked at Ash funny.

Ash: Not a fan of the brand, are you? But I think I have something you'll like a lot better.

He took a box of fruit snacks out of his backpack, remembering the day when he was still in trainer school, studying how most grass types fed on fruits and berries. The green color of the lizard's scales and its leaf-like tail made it seem like a grass type, so it might like them. He was about to drip a fruit snack on the ground, only for there to be a green blur and the snack to b gone. The lizard was seen chewing on something, somehow staying on the tree's surface as it smiled at Ash playfully.

Ash laughed and tossed another one into the air, which the reptile caught. The canine smiled and clapped in amazement while it watched, still in Ash's lap. After the reptile caught several more fruit snacks, it landed on Ash's head, smirking and letting out a raspy chuckle as it messed with his hair. Ash was amazed at the level of trust the two showed to him, especially when the dog and lizard chased each other in the circle, the dog landing onto his back and laughing loudly as the lizard tickled its stomach. It was like they had known each other forever. Ash turned to the tree where his rebellious starter was still glaring at him, hoping to lure him down.

Ash: C'mon down, Pikachu! You're missing all the fun!

Pikachu: Piika Chuu!

Somehow, it seemed even more hate-filled. Why did his starter hate him so much? Just then, the blue canine frowned as it jumped up over to the base of Pikachu's tree, grunting loudly as the lizard later joined in in their own language. Ash was worried, hoping that Pikachu wouldn't shock his new friends and wondered; Just what in the world are they saying?

—-

It was a rather bold move for a young foreign Pokemon to approach a traveling trainer, but then again, Cobalt was never the average Riolu. At least, that's what his family and Green had told him. He preferred to run around and play and explore rather than meditate and nonstop train as his species supposedly did.

He and Green had been watching this human for Dialga knows how long and his curiosity, as well as the human's kind actions, made him want to go over to him and see what he was like. He and Green always thought of what it would be like to have a trainer together. Aftr all, they were best friends and brothers. Though it wasn't a dream either of them had ever shared with their parents, or the rest of their tribe.

Green, a cocky, sarcastic, yet caring Treecko really agreed with his curiosity. He was amazed with the amount of trust Cobalt gave the boy and had never, ever seen him sit on a human's lap before.

Cobalt had always prided himself on being a great judge of character. His way with aura meant he could tell the intentions and emotions of any person or Pokémon that approached, and more often than not, he was absolutely right.

Their tribe had only been in Kanto for a few months and things were going into a small slog, and this was the perfect change of pace when they saw other trainers on the route. He had been a little scared when Green touched him from behind, but once he saw what he was, Green was delighted to be greeted with kind words and tasty snacks rather than harsh words, Poké Balls, or attacking mon. As the three of them played, both Cobalt and Green felt as if they'd known this human since birth.

As the two were doing their usual consequences when they one them loses a game of chase, the boy called for what must have been his starter, a Pikachu who looked like they oozed pure hatred, to come down and join them. The mouse simply glared and spat at the human, his vile aura actually making Cobalt feel sick.

Pikachu: As if I'll EVER be friends with YOU, human.

Cobalt knew he was probably at a disadvantage due to level, but he was never one to sit around and let his friends or family be insulted as he and Green angrily approached the tree where the electric type sat.

Cobalt: Dude, what the hell is your problem? That guy's been nothing but nice to you and this is how you repay him?

Pikachu: My problem?! I was just fine being free, then this human in a white coat captures me and gives me to this idiot!

Green: Hey! He's not an idiot, he's actually a nice guy! Why are you being such an asshole?

Pikachu: *growls* He's a human. They're all scum.

Hearing him say that with utmost venom at them, Green started to get angry. And when Green got angry….. Oh, it was a sight to behold.

Green: Oh, oh you think he's scum, do you? Well, he ain't! He's actually the best human I've met so far! You wanna see scum? Well, why don't you look at the pond's surface, you might find it!

Cobalt: *snorts* Good one. *to Pikahu* And as for you, you need to be a better judge of character. How about you, oh I don't know, actually try getting to know someone before you judge them?

Pikachu gave them a glare that could probably melt through solid metal. Good thing Cobalt wasn't a part steel yet.

Pikachu: Shut your damn mouths before I shut them for you. Permanently.

Green: Yeah? Well, how about you quit insulting our friend and screw off?! He's better off without ya!

The Treecko spat a small Bullet Seed at the electric type, not enough to hurt him, but enough to make him leave, Pikachu had had enough as he shot a Thunderbolt at Green. With a worried cry, Cobalt pushed his brother out of the way, even knowing this one neither of them would be able to survive… And him having no time to get out of the way….

—-

That would've been the case, however Ash had let his worries actually get the better of him, seeing his two new friends scolding the mouse. He was actually on his way to stop the confrontation, but he gasped when Pikachu suddenly unleashed a Thunderbolt, aiming directly for the little canine, who had pushed his friend out of the way. Ash knew instinctively that that much electricity would seriously hurt, if not kill, the young Pokemon. Ash panicked, diving into the fray and pushing it out of the way, getting hit by the Thunderbolt in the process.

Agonizing, burning pain shot through him, every nerve acting as if it were on fire and his heart feeling like it was about to explode like a bloody water balloon. It was worse than the other shocks Pikachu had given him. And what made it worse was Pikachu didn't stop even when he realized that it was his own trainer under fire…. H eactually intensified the attack. As his vision began to grow dark, he saw two blur and green blurs slam into Pikachu, cutting off the attack and heard someone scream

?: Help! Someone help us!

And then,... Everything went dark…

—-

Green: Cobalt, no!

Despite his brother's screams, Cobalt stood, knowing at least his brother was safe. But suddenly, someone pushed him out of the way. A scream made him turn, and with horror, both Green and himself saw that the kind trainer had pushed him away and taken the attack. Both brothers screamed in horror as Pikachu only intensified the elctricitym even knowing that it was his own trainer taking the attack.

Both of them reacted at once, Cobalt using Quick Attack on the mouse as green hit him with an Iron Tail. Pikachu cried out in pain and stopped his attack, allowing Cobalt to yell back to his tribe. He knew they made camp closeby.

Cobalt: Help! Someone help us!

It took only a minute for their tribe to arrive, consisting of taller lizard-like Pokemon with two fingers on each hand, leaves on their forearms, and long leaves extending out their foreheads as they had two pine leaves sticking out as a pair of tails. The leader happened to be their father, a much taller reptile with blade on his arms, yellow spheres on his back, and his tail resembling a pine tree. Pikachu ran for his life as the two smiled and victory. But, the tribe misinterpreted the cry for help and started to turn on their human friend.

—-

Ash groaned, his entire body felt like it was on fire and his muscles felt so stiff, he could barely move. He managed to open his eyes, only to wish he hadn't as he was surrounded by an entire tribe of what seemed to be his lizard friend's evolved form, along eith a taller, more matured one who he guessed was the leader. Worse yet, they were all glaring at him. Several began to strike him with their leaves. He tried to roll out of the way, only to find that his limbs were unresponsive. He braced himself for the attacks, but they never landed as the pair he befreinded jumped in front of him, pecking at one of the others that had gotten too close as two voices spoke up.

?: Wait, stop! Don't attack him!

?: He's not the guy you're looking for!

Who was talking? All Ash could see were the reptiles and the two that had just rescued him. It sounded like the voice had come from the blue one he had saved, but that couldn't be….. Could it?

Whoever the voice was, it had the effect of stopping the tribe in their tracks. Multiple voices, male and female rang out, saying things like, "Where's the threat?" and "Who is the human?". A deep male voice spoke, coming from the leader, having a sense of age and feirceness, but with the caring tone of a father.

?: Boys, what happened? Who is this human? *eyes narrow* Don't tell me you've been caught?

Dazedly, Ash wondered whether the electricity had fried his brain, or if he was in a coma and having hallucinations….. Probably the second one.

Green: No, Dad, you don't get it. He's not the threat. In fact, he saved Cobalt's life!

Leader: Cobalt, is this true?

Cobalt: Yeah, Dad. It's his Pikachu. For some reason, that… monster…hates him. More like hates everything. Green and I befriended him, I mean the human here, not that Pikachu, I didn't get his name and didn't bother to ask. He started insulting him and me being me, I told him to knock it off and so did Green. *hysterical* So he gets pissed and tries to blast me with a Thunderbolt, but this human pushed me out of the way, and he got hit by the lightning instead!

The Riolu panted, tears forming as he collapsed to his knees while one of the reptilian Pokemon, this one having a shorter head leaf and a more pronounced chest, hugged him in an attempt to comfort him.

Green: And that monster…he didn't stop! This poor guy was his trainer and he just intensified his attack like he wanted him dead!

Cobalt: Please, you have to help us save him! He saved my life, we can't let him die!

Seeing the poor canine made Ash's heart hurt, more so than the shock had. Ash wanted so desperately to comfort him, but he couldn't even move his finger. In his anxiety attack, the Riolu gently nudged Ash, trying to see if he was okay.

Cobalt: Human? Human, can you hear me? Please be okay! I need to know you're okay!

The female reptile from earlier placed a hand on his shoulder, pulling hi, into a hug as she did the ame for Green.

Female: Cobalt, sweetheart, he's human. He can't understand us.

Letting go of the pair, she looked over Ash, placed a hand on his wrist and putting the side of her head against his chest.

Female: He has a pulse, but it's stiff. Actually, I think he's conscious too. There's a bruise on his side probably from when he hit the ground- *motherly* Oh, you poor thing!

Green: What's wrong, Mom?

Female: His chest and arms are covered in over millions of burns. I need a Rawst Berry, stat!

Leader: Of course, Ivena. *to tribe* You go with your chieftess and find a Rawst Berry. Also, if you see that Pikachu, report back immediately. Do not attack alone; that Pokémon is insane and extremely dangerous. *to others* You lot, do a perimeter check. Make sure that Pikachu is not in the area. If he is, take him out. The rest of you; stay here in case we need you. Cobalt, Green, I need you both to stay here. It's far too dangerous for you two to be out alone.

Ash could hear footsteps as some of the Pokemon went to do their job as the pair he befriended and a large some of them stayed with him and the leader.

Cobalt: So, what do we do?

Leader: We need to obviously not panic. It's the best we can-

Ash struggled to speak, his voice creaking and raspy as if it hadn't been used in years.

Ash: Cobalt…. I can't….. Move….

Leader: He's paralyzed. *to tribe* Eric, go get a Cheri Berry qui…

He stopped suddenly and looked at Ash in shock as another Pokemon from the tribe flew off.

Cobalt: How…. How do you know my name?

Green: Human, can you understand us?

Ash: I…think so. I…don't…know how…never could before…Electricity might have… *starting to panic* fried my brain…or-

Leader: If you're going to say dead, in a coma, or hallucinating, none of those are true, so don't put yourself into a panic attack, you'll only get worse. Pokémon can speak, but most humans don't have the ability to hear us. The shock must have given you the power to understand we can investigate that later, we need to tend to your wounds.

Green: I'll grab some leaves to use as bandages. There's a tree near here that has leaves big enough to use. Cobalt, stay with him. Talk to him and keep him calm, I'll be right back.

The Treecko leaves the group, allowing Cobalt to sit with his legs crossed. starring awkwardly as well…. He's not used to humans being able to understand him.

Cobalt: Okay. So…umm…human…Wait, what's your name? It… honestly sounds wrong to call you human.

Ash: I….. I'm Ash.

The response only came out as a murmur as his eyes started to close slowly. However, someone shook him a little, bringing him back to consciousness. Ash looked up and saw the leader.

Leader: Kid, come on, we need you to stay awake for us.

Ash: I'll try…

The bigger Pokemon nodded as he then lied next to Ash, holding him to his body as Cobalt scooched closer.

Ash: *barely audible* What are you doing?

Leader: I'm keeping you warm so you don't go into shock.

Ash: Okay…

Ash started to drift off again. Everything hurts… It was so warm… He just… wanted to sleep. But someone butted against him, this time being Cobalt.

Cobalt: Ash, please, you need to stay awake. Talk to me. How long have you been a trainer?

Ash: Since this morning.

Cobalt: Okay, good. Do you like being a trainer? *inner facepalm*

Ash: Meeting you guys…yes. Pikachu…not so much.

Cobalt: Don't blame you there. How'd you end up with such that Growlithe in Mareep's clothing anyway?

Ash: *chuckles* I accidentally smashed my alarm clock in my sleep and got to the lab too late. Pikachu was the only one left.

Leader: Yeah, I can relate. Wake up schedules suck like that.

The female from earlier, Ivena Ash thinks she was called, approached with Rawst Berry in hand as another dropped off a Cheri Berry and left.

Ivena: I found the Rawst Berry. Eric found the Cheri Berry not too far from where I found this one. How's the human doing?

Leader: Thank you, Ivena. He'll be alright.

Ivena: I'm glad. *kneels down* The poor dear nearly got himself killed… Just to save our little boys.

Ash: *slightly surprised* You guys are Cobalt's parents?

Cobalt: And Green's too.

Ivena: Yes, we are- Wait, did he….

Cobalt: Yeah Mom, he can understand us. We think the shock somehow did it.

Ivena: My Alpha…. *to Ash* Child, now that I know you can understand us, thank you for saving our sons.

Ash: But you guys are… Well… You're welcome. Thanks, all of you, for saving me.

Cobalt: Hey, that's what friends do. *picks up Cheri Berry* Can you eat this?

With difficulty, Ash managed to eat the berry in a few bites asthe Riolu held it steady for him. Almost instantly, he found out that feeling began to return to his limbs. They were still extremely stiff, but at least he could feel them again and just in time as Green had come back, leaves in tow.

Green: I found the leaves. Is he doing okay?

Ivena: He'll be just fine, Green… Hm, if we wrap him up, he should be stable, but we need to find some place that can actually help you. I'll be right back. Arthur, can you-?

Leader: I'll stay. Just go.

The female nodded as she left. As Ash watched her go, he turned his head to see Green put the Rawst Berry in his mouth and chew it. He got out a leaf before letting the chewed up berry spill onto it before letting Cobalt mash it further into a paste, where he then rubbed it on Ash's burns as gently as possible, apologizing whenever Ash winced. After the burns were completely covered, he placed the leaves on top, pressing them down gently.

Green: And that should do it for you….. Uh…..

Cobalt: His name's Ash.

Green: Ash. Gotcha.

Ash: How did you learn how to do this?

Green: Our Mom taught me. Pokémon get into battles here in the wild too, with each other and with Trainers. So it always helps to learn which berries do what and how to use them. No Pokémon Centers out here, after all.

Ash: Pokémon….. do enjoy battles, right?

Cobalt: I can't exactly say this for everyone, but I do.

Green: Same here. Why?

Ash: Something I heard on television a few months back. Some activist group in Unova named Team Plasma or something was claiming that we were enslaving Pokémon and forcing them to fight.

Arthur: *chuckles* Seriously? Typical human egotism. No offense to you, Ash, because you're not like other humans. Pokémon are more powerful than humans, and people fear what they can't control. Gym badges or Poké Balls may show strength or ownership, but neither can control a Pokémon's heart. If we were as unhappy as this Team Plastic, or whoever they are, say we are, we would have started some world war or something.

Cobalt: I love battling. Someday, Green and I are gonna evolve and we'll be the strongest in the tribe! Right, bro?

Green: Got that right. Alright Ash, how are you feeling now?

Ash: Better. A bit stiff and still exhausted, but not any worse than before.

As the two sighed in relief, Ivena had returned, landing on her feet perfectly as he pointed to the distance.

Ivena: I found one. It's not too far from here, it's in Viridian City.

Arthur: Perfect. I think it should be safe to move you now.

Ash: Move me?

Ivena: Of course, sweetie. We could have injuries the berries can't heal. We need to get you to one of your…. Human centers, or whatever they're called.

Ash: *nervous* You… You mean a hospital?

Ash nodded, though he inwardly grimaced. He HATED hospitals. Well, anything that involved sharp, painful needles. But better that than dead.

Arthur: Alright, reach up and hold onto me.

Ash nodded as he attempted to stand up, still a little woozy and almost went back down again, but the tribe leader caught him. After a bit of a struggle and Arthur's help, Ash managed to get into his arms, Arthur holding him bridal style.

Ash: I'm not hurting you at all, am I?

Arthur: Naw, don't worry about it. I could probably carry two of you if I wanted.

Cobalt: Wait!

Before they could leave, the Riolu ran over, handing over Ash's discarded backpack and belt.

Cobalt: You almost forgot these!

Ash smiled as he grabbed his discarded accessories. However, Cobalt had tugged the belt back much to his surprise, taking out a PokeBall from the belt pocket as he started fiddling with it.

Cobalt: Come on…. How do you open this thing?

Ash: Cobalt, be careful!

Green: If you keep messing with that thing, you'll get sucked into it.

Cobalt: That's the point!

Green/Arthur: *surprised* What?!

Ash: I thought you didn't want to be captured.

Cobalt: Yeah, against my will. But the way I see it, you can't be a Pokemon trainer with a Pokemon and I can't be one of the strongest Pokemon in the world if I don't have a trainer. I want to come with you. I want to become stronger. And most of all, Ash… I just want to be there for you.

The boy gasped as a small smile crept onto his face. Arthur and Ivena looked to each other, and then their youngest child as he approached them, looking at them for a sign of approval.

Cobalt: Mom… Dad… Please… I want to do this…

Looking down at the Riolu, Iveno got onto one knee, hugging Cobalt close as she held him up to Arthur, who touched his forehead with his own.

Arthur: I knew this day would come… You go out there and become the best damn you can. You're always welcome back, Cobalt.

Ivena: We love you, son.

Nodding, Cobalt was put back down as Green approached. The two remained silent before Green brought him into a hug, which he immediately returned as Cobalt turned back to Ash, expecting an answer.

Ash: The button on the center opens it.

Cobalt: Thanks.

Handing Ash the ball, he hit the center button, turning intoa stream of red before getting sucked inside. The ball locked and sparkled without a single sign of struggle. It was technically official; Ash Ketchum had caught his first Pokemon. The boy smiled as he put the ball to his belt, the magnetic bond of it and the belt clicking them together. pushed the ball back into its pocket and snapped the magnetic button back into place.

Arthur: Ash, hang on tight. If you feel dizzy or like you're about to fall off, let me know. *Ash nods* Green, get on my back. If he loses consciousness or starts to slip, tell me.

Green: *nods* Okay.

As Green climbed onto his father, the search party of eight returned just as they were taking off.

Grovyle: Perimeter's clear. No sign of the Pikachu. Coward's probably halfway to Galar by now.

Arthur: Good. You can all return to hunting or go back to camp if you like, but remain on high alert. Make sure to respond to any and all distress signals. Ivena and I are taking the human child to Viridian, we'll be back shortly.

And with that, the small group rushed forth, the two older Pokemon jumping from branch to branch while Ash clung tightly to Arthur's neck, but was careful to make sure he didn't strangle the Pokemon.

Green: How are you holding up, Ash?

Ash: Good….

Green: Good. Now, with that out of the way… *threatening* That Pokemon you caught… That's my little brother…. You better promise me you'll protect him.

The boy flinched at the Treecko's words, but remembered the ball attached to his belt, making him gain a small smile.

Ash: I promise.

Ash glanced over at Ivena and was about to ask how far they were when Arthur suddenly stopped on a branch and look up, a face full of amazement on him.

Ash: *looks up* What's… Woah…..

In the sky above was a beautiful bird Pokémon with red and gold feathers and a pure white underside and atop its head was a yellow crest. As it flew, a rainbow appeared behind it. It stopped about ten feet away from them, stared into their eyes, then flew off in the direction of Viridian City.

Ash: What was that pokémon?

Green: Ash…. That was Ho-Oh.

Ash: Isn't that the Legendary rainbow Pokémon from Johto?

Arthur: Yes, she is.

Ash: But what's she doing here?

Green: Well, legends say she flies around the world searching for a trainer with a pure heart. Also, it says that those who see her are promised eternal happiness. Personally, I don't believe all that malarkey, but eternal happiness or not, that was still pretty amazing.

Ivena: Yes, it was.

A few minutes later, they reached Viridian City. Arthur and Ivena scoured the city from the treetops a few times before they spotted a small rainbow, similar to the one Ho-Oh had made. On impulse, Arthur followed it, only to see that under the end of it was the hospital. With a soft word of thanks to Ho-Oh, the Grovyle and Sceptile leapt down to it, Arthur maneuvering straight through the double door, Ivena right behind him and Green still clutching to his back. The nearby nurses gasped and pointed as they entered. Noticing Ash's condition, one of them ran up and helped him down, leading him to a stretcher.

Nurse: Is this boy your trainer?

All of them shook their heads. After making sure Ash was settled and safe, the three left the hospital, the boy being asked about the situation as he clutched Cobalt's Pokeball. As Arthur kept his pursuit, he looked on his back to check on his son, only to see him looking back to the hospital in a sense of longing. Green tried to shake it off….

But his father noticed, which was made obvious as he and his wifestopped.

Arthur: You want to stay with him, don't you, Green?

Green: Dad, I-

Arthur: Son, it's okay. I understand. I know you and your brother have wanted to become a trainer's Pokémon for a long time now. I've seen the way you both have looked at other trainers and their Pokémon partners. And I knew the moment I saw you and Cobalt defending Ash, he was the one for you.

Green: I…. *tears up* I'm sorry, Dad… Are you ashamed of me?

Arthur plucked the Treecko off his back, holding him close as Green hugged back.

Arthur: Of course not, my son. You're more like me than you realize.

Green: What do you mean?

Arthur: There's… A reason we started our travels in Hoenn and never went back. When I was your age, I was given to a trainer as her starter Pokemon. Her name was Jasmine. She was the sweetest person alive. Kind, caring, extremely protective of her family and Pokemon. Ash reminds me a little bit of her, believe it or not.

Green: You had a trainer?... But why didn't you ever tell us?

This time however, it was Ivena who answered, knowing how the memory hurt the Sceptile.

Ivena: Because it hurt him too much, sweetie. When Jasmine was about 17, around the time your father evolved from a Grovyle, she got very sick. She had a human disease. Cancer. A year later, she…passed away.

Arthur: And I'm still haunted by that memory to this day. Ever since then, I swore I would never take another trainer. Son, what I'm trying to say is that even though it hurt to lose her, I never regretted joining her that day. And Green, I think you should follow your heart and go with Ash and your brother.

Ivena: As do I. I love you, Green. Realize your dreams, baby. We're proud of you. Both of you.

Looking up at his parents in a new light and having his rare occasions of letting his emotions show, Green let go of his father before leaping over to hug his mother.

Green: I promise. Cobalt and I will make you proud. We'll visit as much as we can. And Dad?

Arthur: Yes, my son?

Gren: ….When the two of us evolve, let's have a battle. Me, you, and Cobalt.

Arthur: *small smile* I look forward to it.

After one last tearful goodbye, Green leapt off back to the hospital, his new future awaiting him. The parents watched him until she disappeared through the double doors, Ivena shedding a tear while Arthur looked down.

Ivena: I'm going to miss them both so much.

Arthur: So will I. But they had to grow up sometime. It just feels so soon. Especially with Cobalt.

Ivena: But they'll be happy. Ash is a good kid, he'll take good care of our sons.

Arthur: I know. *they start hopping away* Of all the trainers Cobalt could have chosen, I'm glad it's him.

—-

Back in the hospital, Green leapt through the double doors, parkouring through the hallways to dodge anyone who tried to shoo him out. He checked every room until he found Ash lying on a hospital bed with a doctor checking his vitals. He smiled, jumping from the wall as he landed on the boy's head, the impact causing Ash to jolt upright in his bed.

Ash: Green? What are you doing here?

He simply climbed onto Ash's chest, looking up to him as he walked to the foot of the bed and leaned back onto it.

Green: You think you're the only one worthy of training Cobalt? Think again. If he's gonna achieve his dream of becoming the strongest Pokemon in the world, he's gonna need his big brother to help him. Plus… *smiles* You seem like a fun guy to be my trainer.

Since the doctor was there, Ash couldn't reply, so he simply smiled, nodded, and reached up to scratch the Treecko's neck as he climbed back up to him.

Doctor: Excuse me, but is that Pokemon yours?

Ash gsimply grinned as he got out a Pokeball, allowing Green to hit it. Like his brother, there was no struggle. He took out Cobalt's ball as he stared at the two in his hands, smiling gratefully as he held them close.

Ash: Yes. Yes, they are.

TO BE CONTINUED….