Chapter THREE, Problem Children
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Thanks minna-san, for reviewing! -does a happy dance-
Marshmellow13Dragon: Yo, what's up? -grins- I'm not going to tell you what's wrong with 'Shura, but I think there's hints in this chapter. -winks-
Suuki-Aldrea: Hi there, thank you for reviewing again! So you have troublesome muses too? -tilts head- Mine like to slap me with inspiration.
TheShadowPanther: Holy crap, that is a long review. I love it! By the way, Yuki came back from Canada, and he brought me bacon! And I found Kyoku-chan lurking around my soul room, randomly glomping me and my muses. I think he missed me a little.
Do you like the fact that I condensed the chapters so that they're not so short? It annoys me when people have tons of really, really short chapters, so quite frankly I don't like to do it. You'll notice that as per your request I stuck in a translation of Japanese. Personally, I don't think it's necessary, but I guess not everyone has our mad crazy Japanese skills, my friend!
I think I'm the only person I know who will openly admit that they like Pokemon. The English dub sucks, and the anime's kinda crappy, but the Falcon digs the original Chinese and Japanese manga! SWEET!
Kajeth: Wow, the Falcon has a new reviewer! Welcome to the show, my friend! To answer your question, yes, 'Shura still trains and will forever more. By the way, as a special hint, I already have the first two chapters of the sequel on my compie. I update as I edit. -Squees in happiness- And I might let you in on 'Shura's little issue this chappie.
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Ash sighed as he sat up in a tree, tracing a finger over the old scar on his left arm from the bout with Cell. Cell. The mere name made him shudder, and the memory of that day could still make him cry, however strong he was. Absently, he ran a hand through Pikachu's soft yellow fur as she snoozed on his lap. Suddenly, a sound met his sensitive ears, and the saiyan looked up to see a flock of Swellow fly overhead. They were making their screeching noises and the sound of flapping wings could be heard for over a mile away. Vaguely he realized that they must be roosting nearby, and as he followed their kis he found that he had been correct.
The boy had easily beaten Misty, a rather bratty girl with an ego the size of Vegeta's hair, with Pikachu at the Cerulean gym, and was now loitering in a field close by a pokemon daycare center.
All varieties of pokemon played in the fenced in area, and the boy couldn't help but relax as the happy sounds drifted to his ears. Pikachu's ears twitched and she sat up, letting out a huge yawn. Ash smiled as she did and stroked her head before leaping out of the tree. Pikachu protested in a grumpy fashion, but the saiyan child knew how to pacify her.
"Pika-chan, we have to get going. But before we leave the city, let's get some ice cream." The mouse instantly cheered up and hopped to his shoulder. Ash grinned. Worked every time. As they passed to breeding center, an old man waved to him. The boy did a roundabout to face the old guy to stare curiously at him. He didn't know this man, and was puzzled as to why he wanted him.
Bowing politely to his elder, Ash asked,
"Um, you wanted something, Ojii-san?" The man smiled at him, seemingly impressed by the respectful tone, not something he got a lot of the time.
"Judging by the Pikachu on your head and the pokeballs at your belt, I take it that you are a pokemon trainer?" Ash nodded. "Obviously you care deeply for Pikachu, am I correct?" Ash nodded again, not sure where the day care man was heading with this but deciding, due to past experience with the elderly that much of the time it was good to listen, stood still. "So, could I ask you to do me a favor?" He continued. The younger raised an eyebrow.
"I'll try. What is it that you wish of me?" Ash inquired, ebony eyes showing nothing but puzzlement. In a heartbeat a large egg was thrust into his arms. It was heavy by human standards and a light red color with white swirls. A large red question mark appeared above the boy's head and he blinked. "Um, Ojii-san, what do you want me to do with this?!" The old man happily clapped him on the shoulder.
"Raise it and care for it and it will hatch! A trainer's pokemon had it but the girl didn't want the egg, I've been looking for a good trainer all day to give it to, so take it!" This was all said very fast and Ash blinked again before the man went back to his house.
"Wait!! Ojii-san, what is it?!" There was no answer and the boy sighed, looking over the egg in his hands. Pikachu sniffed it and it gave a small wiggle, then fell still. Apparently it didn't have too much time left to incubate. With a sigh, Ash began to make his way to the pokemon center, eager to show Professor Oak his soon to be new pokemon.
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"See?!" Ash said joyfully as he held the egg up to the screen in the poke center. The prof raised an eyebrow.
"But Ashura, what is it?" The saiyan shrugged.
"Dunno." Suddenly, the egg gave a mighty wiggle, but this time didn't stop, and the movements got much more violent. Ash immediately hung up the phone despite Oak's protests and put the egg on the table so that he could see it better. Tiny chips appeared in the shell, then large chunks began to break off. Small fangs were seen inside the egg and Ash bent down to help pull parts of the shell off.
With a large crack, it split through the middle, and a very wet, very tiny Charmander tumbled out. It was only the size of Pikachu, really tiny and panted breathlessly from the effort of hatching. Ash looked around to see that the sounds had gotten everyone's attention in the center, and they were all crowded around him, staring and making sounds like,
"Awwwww, it's so cute!" and "Mommy, I want one!" and "Yatta!" Charmander had sapphire blue eyes, and was staring up at Ash in an adoring fashion. With a smile on her face, Nurse Joy handed Ash a blanket/towel and the saiyan wrapped his new pokemon up in it, making her look like a blue and red burrito with eyes. With a huuuuge yawn, Charmander tilted her head and rested it on Ash's chest, creating an utterly adorable scene and illiciting more awwwwwws from the crowd. From Ash's shoulder, Pikachu was looking on in an almost maternal fashion and prodded Ash's cheek with her paw.
::Congrats, Gohan. You're a mommy!!:: She said joyfully and Ash blushed as the effects of that statement set in. The boy said nothing however as he took the baby to his room that he was staying in for the night. Charmander wasn't asleep yet and as he sat on the bed she continued to snuggle up to him. With a smile, Ash held her up to his face and quirked an eyebrow at her.
"Hm, what am I gonna call you?" He asked softly. Charmander yawned cutely again and blinked at him. "How 'bout Aka?" No response except for another blink. "No dice for that one huh? How about Hikaru?" That one got a reaction. Charmander lifted her head and wagged her small flaming tail energetically. Ash grinned. "Hikaru it is then." It was then he realized that while Hikaru had been making tiny chirpy Charmander noises he couldn't understand her speak. So he turned to the know-it-all. "Pikachu, why can't I understand Hikaru?" Pikachu rolled her eyes.
::Think about it, you bonehead. She's a baby. Human babies make noise, but you can't understand them, can you? It's the same with pokemon.:: Ash nodded, that made perfect sense, once one thought about it.
"I get it." He said simply and cradled Hikaru in the crook of his arm while leaning back against the wall. Suddenly, the baby reached up and grabbed a hold of one of the ends of Ash's headband and pulled while making little giggling noises at him. The saiyan winced and gently tugged the fabric out of Hikaru's teeth. Once he did, the fire type's eyes began to water, and instantly, mini waterfalls of tears began spouting out of her eyes. Ash groaned.
The noise was torture on his sensitive hearing, and he clamped his hands over his ears to try to block out the sound.
It didn't work. Pikachu was also shuddering from the sound and ignoring the pain Ash picked up the sobbing pokemon and gave her a hug. Instantly she stopped crying and tilted her head to rest against his chest. Ash raised an eyebrow.
"Why does she keep doing that?" He asked Pikachu, and the thunder type smiled at him.
::She's most likely listening to your heartbeat. It's really soothing to a young pokemon.:: The boy nodded and stored that little bit of info in the back of his mind, he had a feeling that it would come in handy later. Hikaru had a smile on her cherubim face and her blue eyes were closed. Her breathing was even and slow and she looked the epitome of calm, the exact opposite of what she had been a second ago. Ash sighed and lay the sleeping pokemon on the bed so he could change into his p.j.s. After he did so he pulled back the covers and slid into the soft bed.
Pikachu curled up on his chest and Hikaru snuggled into his side. Ash yawned largely and closed his ebony eyes to quickly doze off. After all, saiyans need their sleep, especially young children.
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Poke.
Ash turned over in his sleep as a small paw poked him. Pikachu yelped as he did, she was still on his chest, and she glared at the saiyan, who was still sleeping. Hikaru poked him again and Ash yanked the pillow over his head. Pikachu rolled her eyes and swiftly gave the Ash a thundershock, instantly awakening the boy.
As he sat up, Ash rubbed his eyes and yawned. His hair was rumply, even for a saiyan's and he stretched, while shooting a small glare at Pikachu. Hikaru jabbed him once more and the saiyan turned and scooped her up, guessing correctly why she was acting like this.
"Ohayo, Hikaru. I'm guessing you're hungry?" The little pokemon's stomach gave a loud grumble and Ash smiled as he got dressed. He wasn't surprised. Hikaru had fallen asleep so fast last night that he didn't have time to feed her. Thinking about food, Ash made a mental note to ask Joy what to feed her, after all, Ash had never raised a baby pokemon before.
Speaking of food, Ash could use some himself, plus he had to feed his other pokemon and introduce them to Hikaru. He hoped they wouldn't be too temperamental about it.
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A while later, Ash was cradling Hikaru in his arm, and holding a bottle of who knows what in his other hand. The Charmander was sucking delightedly, and from Ash's shoulder Pikachu giggled. Amethyst, Tai-tai, Skit-chan, Chibi, and Stormeon were looking on with absolutely smitten expressions on their faces as they watched. After calling Professor Oak back and apologizing for hanging up on him while showing off Hikaru Ash had asked Joy what he should feed the little fire type.
The nurse then promptly proceeded to show Ash gleefully how the make the mixture and wouldn't let him off the hook until he got it perfect, which for him took four tries before it passed inspection.
Stormeon and Pikachu had spent the entire time snickering at him until finally he turned around and told them both to zip it, while mentally thinking up revenge. Like babysitting. Ash smirked evilly at the two, and they gulped. A look like that could only mean trouble.
Hikaru giggled at the look and Ash smiled at her while rubbing her head.
"You're too happy, little one." He remarked, shaking his head. Hikaru made a chortling noise at him in response. Pikachu made an awwwww sound.
::She's soooo kawaii!:: The mouse cooed, while munching on a piece of peanut butter toast. Ash nodded in agreement but soon became quiet. Stormeon poked him.
::Whatcha thinking about?:: She asked, and Ash shifted to face her.
"I was just thinking. We have to go to Vermillian, right?" Pikachu and Stormeon nodded. "Well, the gym leader there uses lightning types. I don't have any ground or rock types yet, and I was too lazy to grab an Onix in Mt. Moon. What should I do? At this point, I would say that I am undeniably doomed." Pikachu shrugged.
::Well, you don't have to have a rock type. You have Amethyst and Chibi, they're good against electric types. Trust me, I would know.:: This was spoken in a slightly bitter tone. Pikachu knew very well how good the two were.
::Yeah!:: Stormeon decided it was time to put in her two cents. ::And besides, should push come to shove, you always have Pikachu and me, even though I'm part water type.:: Ash still looked worried and any pokemon who knew him knew what was going through his mind. Pikachu thwapped him with a paper fan.
::Stop thinking like that! Don't you dare sell yourself short before you try!:: Ash blinked, then smiled.
"Thanks, Pika-chan." The mouse preened then got up, shaking herself off.
::We should get going.:: Tai-tai said, hopping onto Ash's head. ::If we want to get to Vermillian by this afternoon we can't sit around here!:: All the pokemon chorused in agreement, save Hikaru, and Ash recalled them before standing. Opening his backpack, the saiyan placed Hikaru in the biggest empty pocket as Pikachu leapt to his head. The boy waved largely to Nurse Joy as he departed and began to make his way to Vermillian City.
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Ash grinned broadly as he caught a Bellsprout on Route six. There were tons of pokemon there, and he had also caught a Drowzee, a Golduck, a Granbull, a Magikarp (don't ask) and a Meowth. Normally, he would have dismissed the Magikarp as something he could get anywhere else, but this one was a whopping level 40, and Ash couldn't afford to pass it up. He couldn't help but wonder how such a high level pokemon could get to a place where there was only level 20 pokemon at best but figured no one had wanted it seeing as how Magikarp were nearly useless in battle.
That is, until they evolved into Gyarados.
Very few people could control a Gyarados, thus Ash had bought an everstone at a convenience store to fasten around Magikarp's neck, until the pokemon trusted him enough, and until Ash trusted Magikarp enough not to blast him into oblivion when he evolved.
He had nicknamed the Drowzee, Yume; the Granbull, Pixie; the Golduck, Umi; the Meowth, Neko; and the Magikarp was Seiryuu. He didn't know why he had wanted to call a red pokemon that, but figured it would be good for when he evolved. There were very few people on the route that wanted to battle, which disappointed Ash, but the silence was nice, save for Pikachu's chatter. Eventually he caught sight of the large city, and gulped.
Ash had never been good with crowds, even as a little kid, he always felt fenced in. He figured it had to do with his saiyan genes, Vegeta had always hated crowds also, so he assumed it was normal. But he still couldn't help feeling a bit
unnerved. The feeling of claustrophobia was stifling and as he pushed through the crowds, getting shoved and moved by other people the saiyan longed for wide spaces.
Pikachu sensed his distress and patted his cheek. Hikaru began to sob as someone bumped Ash's backyard and the boy took her out and cradled her to his chest to keep her from being knocked out of his grasp. Eventually the baby calmed and Ash gave a sigh of relief when he caught sight of the Vermillian pokemon center.
As he opened the doors a Chansey rushed past, pushing a stretcher. A fainted Rattata rested on it, and Ash growled as his imagination ran wild with ideas of how it got so hurt, none of them very pleasant. Nearby, other Chanseys were pushing more stretchers frantically. Ash turned to the Nurse Joy standing there and questioned,
"How did all those pokemon get so hurt?" Joy sent him a very saddened glance.
"They all belong to trainers who challenged Lt. Surge." She said simply. Ash gulped and turned to Pikachu.
"Pik, suddenly I have a really bad feeling about this." Ash murmured, and Hikaru squirmed as they asked for a room. It was at times like these where Ash wished that pokemon weren't so perceptive about things like this. Pikachu nodded in agreement, but didn't want to back out.
::Don't talk like that!:: She snapped. ::We're going to that gym if I have to drag you there myself by your ankles!:: Ash smiled slightly at his pokemon's faith in him and he felt a little bit better.
"Thanks, Pik." He murmured softly, rubbing Pikachu's head with his free hand that wasn't holding Hikaru. The thunder type purred and leaned against the affectionate touch to nudge the saiyan's pokeballs.
::They want you to go to that gym and kick some arse, and you know it.::
"Pikachu, where'd you learn that kind of language?!" Ash asked, aghast. Pikachu rolled her eyes, something she did frequently at her trainer, and something that Ash really wished that she hadn't picked up from him.
::Where do you think, Mr. I-Like-To-Curse-A-Lot?:: Ash shook his head and sighed before sitting down at a video phone and dialing Professor Oak's number. It didn't take long for Oak to pick up, and when he saw Ash his wizened face broke into a smile.
"Well Ash, it's good to see you again!" Ash nodded happily and held up his adored Hikaru. "Look at Hikaru, Oak-sama! Hasn't she gotten big?" The scientist nodded and asked,
"Where are you, child?"
"I'm in Vermillian, about to get my pride sent to Otherworld." Ash answered dryly, and received a series of vicious thwaps on the head from Pikachu as she attempted to beat the evilness out of our dear, sweet Gohan. "Itai!" Oak chuckled at him.
"I see Pikachu's been keeping you in line, eh?" He only received a growl from the chibi saiyan, before clearing his throat to continue. "Ahem. So I take it you're going to challenge Surge?" Ash nodded grimly. "Judging by your expression, I'd say you've heard about how tough he is. He is difficult, but not unbeatable; that is, if you have a ground type. You do have one, don't you?"
The saiyan child groaned. "No, and at this point I'm completely screwed!" Ignoring the fan with the words 'Self Esteem!' on it hitting his head he sighed. "I'm doomed..." Oak scowled at him.
"If I were there I would thwap you myself!" He exclaimed, and Pikachu grinned at him before beginning to whack her trainer's head with a ketchup bottle.
::I got ya covered!:: She giggled and Ash continued to ignore her as he couldn't feel it. Oak began to annoyingly sing the song, 'Accentuate the Positive.'. Ash twitched as his saiyan hearing was molested but made no other reaction. Finally deciding to pull his trump card, Oak shrugged.
"Well, Surge is quite hard to defeat. I suppose that if you can't do it you may as well come back here. I can always count on Shigeru to become a pokemon master." Ash twitched again. The old guy did NOT just say that... With a venomous glare the boy turned to the TV screen and hissed.
"So you're saying I can't do it, huh?"
"No, you said it yourself-" Oak was cut off as Ash abruptly hung up the phone, grumbling to himself.
"Oooh, I'll show him! I'm no failure! Oooh, Surge is going down!" Pikachu grinned as Ash scooped her and Hikaru up and strode angrily to the Vermillian gym. That was probably the best thing Professor could have done, tweaking the saiyan's pride, that way Ash was furious and that meant more power for his side, a very angry saiyan was a very unpleasant saiyan. Face flaming, the boy shoved open the gym doors, only to be towered over by a burly man with a Raichu at his side. The man smirked at him.
"Well, another challenger for me to trash?" Ash nodded stiffly. Surge poked the little one's chest in a mocking manner. "But you're just a kid!" The saiyan stared him down.
"Are you going to battle me or not?" Ash asked in a menacing hiss. Surge was a bit thrown off by this. The boy looked like any other kid, however much the lithe, slender, and rather power-filled form suggested otherwise. But still, a child was a child, right? Just another stupid, reckless kid. The tone of voice unnerved him somewhat, but the gym leader refused to back down.
"Fine then, kid; it's your funeral." Ash said nothing more but took out Chibi's pokeball. As one of his most powerful and long time pokemon he figured that she was his best bet. The tiny dog burst out of the ball and growled menacingly at Surge. The man instantly began laughing hysterically, as did the other trainers in the gym.
"Okay kid, are ya sure you want to use that little runt? It won't be of much use in a one on one battle with my Raichu." Ash growled but made no move to return Chibi.
"I'll take my chances, thanks.." He said coldly, ebony eyes staring down the older man. This guy was just like Vegeta, same ego and arrogance, but without the raw power to back it up. Raichu leapt forward, and Chibi growled, standing her ground. Ash's eyes narrowed. For awhile the two merely stood there, until Ash's patience ran thin.
"Chibi, Quick Attack!" The dog nodded and dashed forward, hitting the larger pokemon, but Raichu only rubbed it's tummy where it was hit.
"Raichu, Body Slam that mutt!" The attack came quickly, and Chibi screamed in pain. Surge grinned. "Again, Raichu!" The thunder type nodded and repeated the attack. Ash hissed and made to return Chibi, as the challenger was allowed to switch pokemon, but Chibi turned to face him, baring her teeth.
::Don't even think about it, Gohan! I'll stop battling when I faint or die, whichever comes first! You're the same when you fight, you never give up, and neither do I! So don't think I'll back down!:: Ash's jaw went slack, then his fists clenched.
"Right!" He suddenly shouted, and Surge was startled at his outburst, seeing as how he couldn't understand pokespeech. "Let's do it! Chibi, Darkness Blast!!" The black aura surrounded the puppy but instead of shooting out in a beam, a bright white light enveloped Chibi. Slowly, the dog got bigger, and when the light cleared, a fearsome Mightyena stood, a snarl showing off her fangs. Chibi's crimson eyes were now a bit sharper and her slender structure was tense as she glared at Raichu. A broad grin shaped Ash's face.
"Yatta! You evolved! Now, Darkness Blast!" The wolf like dog nodded and fired out the beam from the aura that still surrounded her. Raichu screamed in pain and collapsed with swirly eyes. Surge gasped and Ash pumped a fist in the air while letting out a feral and very saiyan whoop before scooping up the large dog. Chibi plunked her paws on his shoulders and joyfully licked the saiyan's face while barking like a mad dog.
Pikachu cheered and Hikaru waved her paws in the air, giggling as she was pressed against the soft black fur due to the awkward and yet easy position they were in. Ash put Chibi down and rested a hand on her head as Surge came up. Chibi growled protectively and the man backed up a bit. Ash stepped forward and the and held out the Thunder Badge and a small ticket with a smile on his face.
"Good job, bozu." He said solemnly, and Ash gestured to Chibi pointedly. "Right, your dog's no runt, that's for sure." Both Ash and Chibi beamed with pride and the dog leaned up against Ash's leg, resting her head against his hip. The boy flashed a disarming smile at the man, all hard feelings forgotten for the moment.
As they left the gym, Ash waved to the leader jovially before allowing a feral smirk grace his features. "Ha! Take that Oak-sama!" Pikachu shook her head.
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Ash raised an eyebrow at the huge ship that the ticket represented a trip for. Pikachu gaped at the massive size and Hikaru merely giggled at it. Shaking his head, the saiyan went up to the man checking tickets and was soon admitted, before placing his things in the room and curiously went into the main deck of the ship where many people stood, talking to each other and holding out pokemon to show off and discuss.
A wide smile grew across the boy's face as he saw how happy everyone seemed and he sat down, getting out a bottle for Hikaru, who's tummy was grumbling rather loudly.
Suddenly, a hand was felt on his shoulder and Ash looked, startled, to see a boy not much older than him with a healthy looking boy Charmander at his side.
"Hey, do you mind if I sit here? There's nowhere else to sit, I'm dead tired." Ash nodded and scooted over. The boy and his Charmander sat down. "My name's Takahara Sasuke, I'm eleven years old. Who are you?" Sasuke asked cheerfully, as if there was nothing strange about sitting down next to a complete stranger and starting a conversation. Nonetheless, Ash was more than happy to oblige.
"My name's, er, Kagurazaka Ashura, you can call me Ash. And this is Pikachu and Hikaru. I turned ten about three months ago. Your Charmander looks pretty strong, does it have a nickname?" Sasuke nodded.
"Yeah, his name's Hinote." the human answered, eying Hikaru. "Hey, how old is Hikaru?"
"She's about four weeks old. I hatched her myself." A broad smile grew across the older boy's face.
"Yeah, I know what that feels like. Hinote's been with me since he was hatched, I was the first thing he saw. But how come you don't keep Hikaru in a pokeball? Most everyone else would, after all, Charmanders are rare."
"She's just a baby, why would I do something like that to her?!" Sasuke shrugged.
"My mom wanted me to keep Hinote in a ball because she spent so much on his egg. I didn't listen though so now Hinote won't go in. Not that I have a problem with it, Hinote's wearing an everstone collar so he won't evolve. I like him just the way he is, I wouldn't change him for the world."
Ash could certainly understand that, and he smiled softly.
"Yeah, you got that right." Sasuke nodded at his comment and leaned back against the wall, until a sound met both of their ears. They looked up just in time to see a Pichu go flying to slam against the wall with a pained squeal. Ash leapt to his feet to see a mean looking punk laughing at the small girl about their age that cradled the fallen Pichu. Sasuke's eyes narrowed before the older boy fell into a flawless fighting stance. Ash was startled.
"You fight?" The eleven year old nodded.
"Yeah, my family has been trained for generations as ninjas and bodyguards. Don't ask." The saiyan fell into a stance beside his new friend and fixed a venomous glare on the tormentor. The punk soon fixed his gaze on the two very pissed off boys. He smirked.
"Well well, two more wannabe pokemon trainers. Why don't you go cry before I beat your arses into oblivion!" Ash and Sasuke's glares only intensified and both sent forward their starter pokemon.
"If you're not scared, we want a battle with you. Two on two." Ash hissed in a dangerously low voice. Sasuke nodded and Hinote and Pikachu growled, signifying that they were up for the battle. Another smirk.
"Fine then. You two send out one pokemon each, and I'll send out two. First team to have the both of their pokemon faint loses." The younger boys nodded and Pikachu and Hinote hissed, Pikachu's cheeks sparking angrily. The guy sent out a powerful Exploud and an Electrode.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!!" Ash yelled. Right on cue Sasuke began shouting orders to Hinote, experience showing through in his voice.
"Hinote, use Swift on Electrode!" The larger Charmander nodded and shot out a flurry of stars to strike the steel and electric type. The large lightning bolt hit dead on, immediately causing Exploud to faint. All it took was another swift attack and Electrode dropped like rock and rolled away, quite freaked out. Without a word, the Guy (who will remain nameless) ran away to cry in his cabin. The two boys shot each other identical grins and gave each other high fives before congratulating their pokemon.
Ash looked up at a tentative tug on his shirt. The girl with the Pichu stood before them, sky blue hair falling in her face. She nervously petted Pichu's head.
"Um, thanks. You know... for .. well, for that." This girl obviously had a hard time with the arigatous and Sasuke gave a cheesy smile before taking her hand and kissing it gently. The girl looked like she was about to gag and Ash flared red and reeled back, feeling like he shouldn't see stuff like that yet. After a few seconds the girl grabbed her hand back before angrily slapping Sasuke across the face, bright red. "Hey! Shove off perv!" Sasuke blinked and Ash snickered for some inane reason unknown to him. It just struck him as funny. Then she turned to the saiyan.
"Hi, my name's Yumira. (Pronounced Yoo-MEE-ruh) Make fun of my name and you die." She added in a growl. "But you can call me Yumi-chan." Yumi winked and Ash blushed uncontrollably on instinct. She was looking at him like Mrs. Briefs did, which wasn't pleasant. However, she seemed friendly, and he also suspected that she was merely teasing him so he introduced himself.
"My name's Ashura, call me Ash, or 'Shura, I don't care which. And the guy you just slapped is Sasuke. This is Pikachu and Hikaru." Yumi grinned and petted Pikachu on the head. The mouse purred slightly. Ash quirked an eyebrow. He didn't know why, but the girl unnerved him. Her voice seemed familiar and she seemed to have a hidden power residing within her, which wouldn't be so strange if he could sense it, but he couldn't.
Ash knew for a full fact that he could choose any random human and pick him or her out of a crowd after six years, provided that they didn't die, he wasn't one to forget a ki, and he was sure that he had never met Yumi before. Ash shook it off however as Yumi waved a hand in front of his face.
"Hello? Earth to Ashura? You in there?" The boy blinked and blushed again.
"Oh! Sorry 'bout that!" He exclaimed and rubbed the back of his head in the 'Son Gesture of Embarrassment'. Yumi giggled at him.
"Well, I'll forgive you. Hey, how about we go get some lunch? I'm kinda hungry. What about you guys?" Ash and Sasuke nodded dimly as Yumi boldly took a hold of both of their arms and dragged them off to the cafeteria. As the trio of new friends left, a figure in the shadows watched in curiosity.
"Take care of him, Yumira-jo," Was all the figure said before slipping off into the shadows and disappearing completely.
(A/N I can't for the life of me remember where the SS Ann goes to, so I'll just have them somehow end up at Lavender Town. Gomen for my lack of brain cells. ; Hehehehe.... Also, have no fear, there are absolutely NO pairings in this story!)
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"I really don't like this place." Yumi murmured as she edged closer to the two boys she traveled with while they steadily walked through Lavender Town. Ash didn't know how exactly he had ended up traveling with the other preteens but Yumi somehow roped them both into it. The saiyan child shivered. He could almost feel the spirits of the deceased pokemon that resided in the town and needless to say, he didn't like the feeling.
Sasuke was about the only not showing unease, but Ash saw that his muscles were unusually tense and that the older boy looked rapidly about every so often. Hikaru wasn't as giggly as she usually was and Pikachu was pressed flat to Ash's head.
As they passed a house, Yumi stopped and peered at the sign in curiosity. The two boys stopped and came back as she began to read the sign aloud.
"Fuji-san's home for abandoned pokemon. Volunteers welcome. Give your time to a pokemon who doesn't have a trainer.' Oh my Kami, how sad." Yumi's blue eyes were downcast as she finished and turned to Ash and Sasuke. "Let's volunteer! We have plenty of time, and a person can always use the good karma!" Ash nodded and Sasuke soon followed suit. Ash's gentle nature had once again taken hold, along with the old waves of guilt from his father's death, and he would never forgive himself if he didn't do all he could in this world.
They were warmly greeted by a kind looking old man with a Minun on his head. Seeing as how the other two didn't make a move Ash took incentive and stepped forward.
"Are you Fuji-san?" He asked politely, just the way his mother had taught him to. The man nodded.
"Hai, I am. Can I help you kids?" With a charming smile on her face, Yumi was fueled by the response and answered for the saiyan.
"I hope so. We'd like to volunteer here for a bit. See, we're trainers and we love pokemon, we want to help you out." Fuji smiled.
"I'm grateful, we actually don't get many people in Lavender Town, because of all the ghost pokemon, and the few that do come through leave as fast as they can." The man replied, and directed the kids out to a field. "Just spend time with them, you know, that kind of thing." They nodded and went their separate ways as they walked outside.
Sasuke went out to a small barn, Yumi to a pond/lake in the back, and Ash found himself in a small paddock with some of the larger pokemon, like Kangaskhan, Girafarig, and Arcanine; but also smaller ones such as Nidoran, Skitty, and Electrike. With a shake of his head, Ash sat down in the soft grass, very aware that he was being observed.
Like many abandoned pokemon he had met, they didn't come near him, instead, they watched from a distance, so not to let him get too close. Eventually, he lay back and stared up at the clouds, only to come face to face with a pair of clear, violet eyes and an endearing pale yellow and purple face. A very young looking Delcatty was staring down at him in a curious manner. She wasn't close enough that she would feel threatened, but the feline had more daring than the others in the field.
Ash sat up and noted with a bit of surprise that she didn't edge away from him, but came closer with a soft 'meow'. Wondering how far he could go, Ash reached out a hand and slowly put it on the Delcatty's head. She didn't budge, and almost snuggled into his touch, but not quite. The purple fur was soft and fine, and the boy could see all of the other pokemon looking on in curiosity and more than a bit of apprehension.
A mild smile on his face, the saiyan rubbed the neko's head. She purred, and that time he knew that she leaned into the touch. Pikachu gleefully greeted her, now that she knew that the other pokemon wouldn't run.
::Hi!:: the mouse waved as this was said, and Delcatty smiled slightly, showing off her fangs.
::Ossu. You're a Pikachu, right?:: Pikachu nodded.
::Yup! That's me! And this is my trainer and best buddy, Ash! Or as he lets pokemon refer to him as, Gohan.:: Delcatty looked confused as she stared up at Ash.
:: How come you have two names?:: She asked, violet eyes wide and innocently confused. Ash grinned and scratched the back of his head.
"It's a long story, don't ask." Delcatty giggled at his cryptic response and flopped onto her back next to the saiyan.
::You smell different.:: The cat said suddenly, sniffing him. ::You don't smell like a two legger.:: Ash quirked an eyebrow.
"I don't? Well, I am a saiyan, but somehow I don't think that's what you mean." The boy remarked, and Delcatty shook her head.
::You smell like one of us, but you don't, it's quite strange.:: Ash shook his head and stretched his arms over his head, letting out a large yawn.
"Well I don't know, if I do it's nothing I can help." The saiyan shrugged and Pikachu leapt up onto his chest to close her eyes. "Pikachu, this isn't just her, is it?" Ash asked. Pikachu blinked at him.
::No, you definitely smell more like a pokemon than a human, and it isn't just your saiyan blood. I think it's why you get along so well with pokemon, your scent is more familiar to them, thus they're more trusting of you.:: Pikachu explained, yawning. ::Now see what you've done?! You've got me yawning now! Curse you, Gohan, you fiend!:: Ash chuckled and merely closed his eyes ignoring the mouse's ranting. Delcatty stretched out next to him, her tail waved contentedly.
::Hey, ya think I can come with you?:: The cat asked suddenly. Ash jolted up, startled.
"Nani?"
::Can I come with you and Pikachu? I won't be much trouble, and I'm fast and I'm strong and I have two more legs than you!:: Ash grinned.
"Sure you can! You can never have too many friends!" Delcatty and Pikachu beamed brightly. A thought abruptly came to the ten year old. "Hey, would you be willing to go in a pokeball?" He inquired, and Delcatty's eyes grew downcast.
::I'd rather not, if it's all the same to you. I have a thing about small spaces.:: Ash gave an understanding smile and ran a hand over her head.
"Of course."
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"I do not believe you." Sasuke grouched as the three friends continued on their way. "How the hell do you get all the luck?!" Ash flapped a hand at him.
"Stop bitching at me." The saiyan growled, and Sasuke wisely kept his mouth shut. Ash had been increasingly tense over the past week, and it was no wonder why. The next day was the first anniversary of the Cell games, he was NOT in the mood to play, and frankly he wasn't in the mood to be bitched at by the cranky bodyguard in training either.
Yumi merely glanced at him, a faraway look in her blue eyes. Ash crossed his arms and glared straight ahead. Even Hikaru had caught onto his agitated personality switch and was silent. Pikachu sat on Ash's head, and Delcatty, who was now named Kira quietly trotted at his side, her brand new blue collar sparkling in the light.
The group was currently traveling through the Rock Tunnel. Hinote walked in front of them, tail held high so they could see, and though Ash could see perfectly fine in the dark, they didn't need to know that. Roars that came from Onix moving deep through the walls were heard, and gemstones stuck out of the walls at odd angles. Oddly enough, there were no miners in here, but Ash figured that the darkness was too overwhelming for some people. Finally, after several hours, they stopped and Sasuke and Yumi began rolling out their sleeping bags.
"Even if we get out by tonight it will be dark when we do, and the weather guy said that it'll be nothing but rain for the next week, I would much rather sleep in here." Yumi said matter of factly. Ash said nothing but unrolled his blue sleeping bag before stomping off into a tunnel by himself.
"Oi! Ash, nande kuso-?!" Sasuke yelled, but Yumi stopped him just as the saiyan flicked them off. Concerned, Pikachu and Kira ran after him, leaving Hikaru with Hinote. Sasuke turned to the girl of the trio. " Why did you stop me?! He could get hurt!" He asked angrily. Yumi's eyes were still distant as she stared him down.
"Ash will be fine, don't worry. He can take care of himself." She said softly, before turning away. "Take your time, Gohan." She whispered so not to let Sasuke hear. "Take all the time you need."
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Ash finally stopped after about 30 minutes of furious stalking about like a tiger on a rampage. Pikachu and Kira had kept their distance until they saw him collapse on a large boulder, placing his head in his hands.
::Are you alright?:: The thunder type asked, but Ash made no response to her question. ::Hello? Gohan?:: The child looked up, and the two were shocked to see his ebony eyes brimming with tears.
"It's all my fault. I don't deserve to be here, I deserve to be dead!" He suddenly yelled, burying his face in his arms. Pikachu leapt to his shoulder and patted his cheek with her paw.
::Gohan, daijoubu. It was not your fault, so don't think like that!:: Ash sniffed.
"You're obligated to say that." He said miserably, and Kira placed her head on his lap, staring up at him.
::No, she's not. I may not know you as well as any of your other pokemon but I do know that one so close to you isn't obligated to say anything.:: Kira soothed, but was startled when Ash staggered to his feet.
"You don't know what I did! You have no clue of the sins I've committed! I almost let the most evil tyrant in the universe destroy my planet, I killed my Father, and the worst part is, I ran! I fucking ran away just when I was probably needed most! My mother was pregnant, now my otouto's growing up without a father or a brother!" Shaking, Ash powered up to the second level, the mere aura shattering rocks.
::Gohan, it's okay!:: Pikachu and Kira yelled over the din. The effort did nothing. Ears twitching nervously, Pikachu crept over to her trainer, and her friend, to grasp onto his pant leg.
::Gohan, I want you to listen to me, right here, right now. It's going to be alright! You are only a child, you're far too young to have the universe rest on your shoulders like that. You were only 9 years old, anyone else would have let the power go to their head, it's only normal.:: Brown eyes sincere, Pikachu climbed up his shirt to sit upon Ash's shoulder. Slowly, the boy powered down, before grasping a particularly sharp piece of blue colored crystal and snapping it off the wall.
::What are you going to do with that?:: Kira asked a bit apprehensively. Concentrating, Ash heated his palm with a tiny bit of ki energy, sterilizing it. Without a word, he brought it down upon his open palm, slashing it. The crimson blood spilt spattered the floor in pools until Ash reached into his pocket and pulled out a bottle of Super Potion, healing the large cut. However a scar was left as a token of the self affliction the child did and Ash clenched his fist in determination.
"I swear... I swear it on my own blood, I will never run away again. Never again will I allow someone close to me to be hurt because of my incompetence, I will NOT allow it!" Slowly, Ash sat back down on the rock, Pikachu and Kira next to him. "I honestly have no idea how I am going to survive tomorrow.." He mumbled, and Pikachu patted his cheek.
::You'll survive because me and Kira will be with you, and we won't let you do anything stupid, do you understand us?:: Pikachu asked, and Kira nodded as she seconded what the thunder type was saying. Ash looked up, and slowly nodded.
"Arigatou, you guys." He said quietly. Pikachu smiled gently at him.
::No problem, but in all honesty, I think you should stay here tomorrow, you're in no state to come in contact with people.:: Kira remarked.
::So it's settled, we stay here tomorrow.::
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They actually stayed there for several days. The dreaded anniversary was torturous for all of them. Ash did nothing but cry and went into hysterics several times, but did nothing drastic, due to his pokemon, who all came out to keep him company. They tried to get him to sleep, but whenever he did doze off the saiyan's dreams were plagued with nightmares and eventually they gave up with him resting. Every day though was a little less painful, and finally on the day Ash decided to go back to his friends (he had kept an eye on their kis.) his eyes were dry, but they could all tell he was still grieving, due to his somber and depressed attitude.
Sasuke and Yumi wisely didn't comment on where he had been, (Ash suspected that Yumi had threatened to beat the crap out of Sasuke if he tried,) and slowly things returned to normal, though Ash was still a bit snippy, but was nowhere near as horrible to be around as he had been.
"Hey, Ash, do you have the map?" Yumi asked. Ash nodded and tossed her the wad of paper that had been heedlessly stuffed into the pocket of his jeans. Yumi rolled her eyes and did her best to get the creases out so that she could see. "Gods, you are so careless, 'Shura!" Ash gave a sarcastic shrug.
"No, you're just picky." The saiyan said jokingly, dodging the shoe that was thrown at him and tossing it back as if nothing had happened. "Here's your shoe." Yumi huffed angrily at him and Ash and Sasuke shared a smirk. Torturing the girl of the trio was always fun, but now it was even more entertaining because the boys had begun teaming up together to cause as much mayhem as they possibly could. Of course, it always got them in a lot of trouble with Yumi (who reminded Ash scarily of his mother ) but hey, Ash wasn't one to listen to authority now, was he?
Sure, the saiyan knew that his mother would most likely castrate him the painful way should she ever find out about how he acted these days but she wasn't there was she? Yumi growled but didn't say a word. She was a Christian, after all, and what she wanted to say to the two boys she would most likely go to Hell for. Ash knew this and jogged several strides to catch up with the fuming girl.
"Hey, chill out, Yumi. You know we're only joking." Ash shot her a pacifying smile, it instantly worked it's effect in calming her down. "So, where are we headed again?" Yumi pointed and Sasuke leaned over so that they all saw what she gestured to.
"We're almost to Celadon City. It's about half a km. away, and if you had half a brain to look up ahead you would have seen the skyscrapers. You boys can be real bakas sometimes, you know that? You two would be lost without me." Ash sweatdropped as he looked ahead and indeed saw the tall towers of a large city. A matching one rolled down the back of Sasuke's head and the two stared at each other, now very sheepish.
"Well, don't I feel sheepish. Baaaaaaa!" Ash stated while blushing. As if to escape the embarrassment Ash began to walk ahead while Pikachu whacked his head with a fan labeled 'Baka!'. Kira shook her head and followed them, every so often rolling her violet eyes. Ebony eyes closed, Ash began to softly sing a song he had learned a few months before the Cell games.
When you walk away,
You don't hear me say,
Please, oh baby,
Don't go.
Simple and Clean is the way that you're makin' me feel, tonight,
It's hard to let it go!
Hold me,
Whatever lies beyond this morning
Is a little later on.
Regardless of warnings, the future doesn't scare me at all,
Nothing's like before.
Pikachu would have raised an eyebrow had she had them, hearing that song. (Noooo! Pikachu has no eyebrows!) It was a little known fact that Ash did have a gorgeous singing voice but she hadn't heard that one from him. Ash glanced at her and shook his head, signifying that he didn't want to talk. The thunder type shrugged then pointed up ahead.
::Look! The city!:: She exclaimed. Ash groaned.
"Ooh, I've said before and I'll say it again, I ABHOR CROWDS!" He growled, before pulling out a blue nylon leash and clipping it onto Kira's collar. She squawked at the indignity of it all but Ash shushed her. "Oh, stop it, it's not my fault! I can get in big trouble if you aren't on a leash, we went through this at Saffron!" Kira growled at him but eventually stopped sulking. Sasuke and Yumi caught up and Yumi wrapped an arm around both of their shoulders before pulling out her disposable camera and snapping pictures of the landscaping. Ash rolled his eyes.
"Must you do that at every new place we go?! The clicking is really getting on my nerves!" Yumi ignored the saiyan's comment before turning around and taking several pictures of the two boys.
"And you are simply infuriating, so it all evens out in the end." She said simply. Ash growled at her then with a scowl to match Kira's stomped down the hill. The girl shook her head. "Boys." Was all she said before following him. Sasuke smiled and shook his head as well.
"Girls." He muttered as he jogged to where the other two were waiting.
"Took you long enough." Yumi griped. Sasuke blew a raspberry at her. The girl fumed, but didn't retaliate due to the fact that Ash was already walking away. "Get back here!" She yelled before yanking on the back of his shirt to pull him back. "Not all of us are spastic, you know." She muttered. Ash grinned.
"Calm down." Suddenly Yumi darted forward and swiftly turned to face the boys with a vicious grin.
"Hayuku!" She called gleefully. Ash and Sasuke turned to each other, both asking the other, 'Are you gonna let her get away with that?' Both shook their heads and bolted after the girl, who was now laughing maniacally.
Finally, after chasing Yumi through the city for about an hour screaming and screeching at each other Ash stopped and stood in front of a perfume store. Sasuke stood beside him. Suddenly, Yumi poked her head out of the glass door. She winked.
"You boys have the balls to go into a perfume store?" She asked. Ash may have been a bit psycho, but he was NOT stupid. Without another word the saiyan turned and dashed in the opposite direction, running like hell. Sasuke soon turned tail as well. Both boys were pale, and shook as they stopped for breath.
"What are we gonna do?" Sasuke gasped out. "That perfume store doubles as the gym, we can't get a badge if we don't go in." Ash thought about this for a bit, until slowly a Vegeta Smirk grew across his face. Sasuke paled even further at the unusual expression.
"I don't like that look.. Oh no.... Iie, I won't do it!" The ningen boy wailed loudly.
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"Omae o koroso." Sasuke muttered, straightening the long skirts that covered his pants. Ash smoothed down the brand new sky blue wig over his hair as he ran a brush through it. Pikachu and Kira were snickering at the former boys, and Hikaru merely giggled at the sight of her daddy looking like a girl. The saiyan smirked.
"A), that's my line, and B), you look good in drag. Besides, you told me earlier that you would give your life for your pokemon training." Sasuke scowled darkly at him.
"My life, yes. But my masculinity is a whole other story!!" Ash merely smiled and waggled his finger at the older boy. They actually looked quite good in drag; Sasuke was now a blonde named Jennifer, and Ash was named Arashi. The saiyan was proud of himself for the makeovers, but Sasuke was now very nauseous.
"Must we do this?" the ningen asked, in a pleading tone. Ash narrowed his eyes at him.
"Must I hurt you? Don't you dare back out on me now!" Ash whirled, striking a bishounen pose. "Are you a man? Or are you a Jigglypuff?!" Pikachu suddenly raised her small paw that was clenched in a fist.
::Yeah! You've gotten me fired up now, lets go get 'em!:: She yelled cheerfully. Ash nodded, and Sasuke, or 'Jennifer' followed suit after Hinote relayed what Pikachu said. Both boys gave a loud whoop, and a fat old lady shushed them, muttering about rude little girls these days. Ash sweatdropped. He knew the costumes were good, but really!
Getting a bit pissed, he yelled back, "Oh yeah?! Ne, same to you, ol' lady!" With that, he cut his eye at her and the fat woman walked away, shooting glares at the saiyan child who stood there with his hands resting angrily on his slender hips. With a growl, Ash tried to get his spiking ki under control. "Who the hell does she think she is, Cleopatra?! Kono yaro.... she needs some manners!" Sasuke winced and clapped his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Geez, Yumi's right about you, you are psycho; calm down." The boy soothed. Eventually, Ash's fists stopped looking like they were itching to strangle someone and Ash sighed.
"Alright, alright. Let's go!" The saiyan yelled. Then, hesweatdropped. "Um... which way do we go again?" Sasuke sweatdropped also and pointed his finger in the right direction.
"We go that way." He said, deadpan. Ash blushed and turned, so he was facing the correct direction.
"We'll follow that trail!" Sasuke raised an eyebrow, seeing nothing but crowds, tall buildings, and not a trail in sight.
"What trail?" Smirking, Ash pulled off an ebony pokeball, which Sasuke knew housed a Sneasle.
"The trail that we blaze, damnit! Go!" With that he opened the pokeball and released Sneasle, who mewed at him cheerfully and began brandishing his claws at the bystanders. They all ran away. shrieking. Sasuke sweatdropped.
"'Shura, you did it again." The saiyan blinked, and turned around.
"THAT trail that we blaze!"
"Blonde." Sasuke muttered darkly. Heh, if only he knew. Ash patted Sneasle's head. "Joodeki, Sneasle!" He exclaimed, and Sneasle purred as he was recalled. Kira and Pikachu shook their heads, and Hikaru waved her small paws in the air, yelling adorably. Ash grinned and cuddled her affectionately. Sasuke shook his head and grabbed Ash by the shoulder to begin to drag him, skirts and all through the newly blazed 'trail' to the gym/perfume store. (A/N shudder)
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The two boys stopped a while later in front of the store, both a little pale. Who wouldn't be, after being hit on by every boy in the Gods cursed city?
"Are we ready?" Ash asked, eyeing his friend. Sasuke shook his head.
"No. But I am now very aware of my sexuality." He murmured softly, but was cut off as a pretty girl in a kimono opened the door.
"Can I help you two girls?" She asked politely with a bow. Ash tried to make his voice as feminine as possible.
"Hai, I hope so." The boy tried his damndest to sound coy, but was sure he was failing miserably. The girl seemed to buy it and opened the door wider. The scent of the perfumes may have smelled good to a human, but they were positively hell on Ash's saiyan senses and he fell back as the fumes reached him, trying not to gag. Even back in his own dimension, there was a reason his mother rarely wore perfume, because neither of the saiyan's in the house could stand it. Even Bulma's mother had learned the hard way not to wear it around Vegeta. The girl raised an eyebrow at his rather pained expression but decided not to comment.
"Konnichi wa. My name is Erika." She offered, and due to his mother's 'Dealing With Girls' lessons Ash bowed as well, giving Sasuke a sharp jab in the ribs to follow his lead.
"My name is Arashi, and this is Jennifer. We would like a battle for the badge of your gym" Ash said softly. "And I'm sorry for decieving you." The saiyan added as he yanked the wig off with a vengeance. "Yikes, that thing was driving me crazy! By the by, my name's Ash and this is Sasuke." He commented as he pulled off the skirts, revealing the formfitting blue jeans he wore underneath. Sasuke soon followed, glad to be a boy again. Both were shocked to see Erika chuckling to herself.
"What's so funny?!" Sasuke demanded, and Erika ceased her laughing.
"Well, we actually get a lot of guys who do this, but none have pulled off such a convincing act as you two. I'm very inpressed! But tell me, do you like perfume?" She asked sneakily. Sasuke was about to say something stupid that would get them kicked out but Ash once more shoved his elbow into the older boy's side.
"We don't mind it." Ash said tactfully and pseudo-sincerely, masking what he truly thought of the stuff. Sasuke nodded, knowing that Ash was the prodigy of the two when it came to dealing with girls (He should be, after being raised by Chichi!) and let him have his lead. Erika smiled genuinely and gestured for the boys to follow her.
"I'll be happy to oblige the two of you in a battle for a badge, it's rare for a boy to know how to treat a lady with such respect." She winked, and Ash flared red, before exchanging a grin with Sasuke and turning back to Erika, realizing that they had arrived in a battle dome.
"Whoa.." Ash said vaguely, and Sasuke nodded in affirmative. Erika grinned at their reactions and gestured to the battlefield.
"Okay, who's up first?" She asked, looking them up and down. Ash stepped forward.
"I'll go first. Does three on three sound alright to you, Miss?" He inquired. Erika nodded.
"Hai, that sounds just fine. Should I go first?" Ash nodded and the girl tossed a pokeball in the air, before throwing it. A tough looking Weepinbell materialized before them, waving it's leave/arms threateningly. Ash instantly went into fight mode and pulled out an electric red pokeball. Sasuke frowned and pointed.
"I don't remember you having a ball like that, what's up?" Ash grinned and tossed it, revealing a Houndour. "I caught one right before we entered the city, pretty smart, eh?" Sasuke cursed loudly at his comrade, earning himself a scathing glare from Erika, which told him quite plainly that he was being rude. Erika smirked at him.
"A fire type? I figured as much. But it'll take you more than just an elemental advantage to take me down, a good trainer has to have heart and a strong spirit! Here I was hoping for a challenge!" Ash shot her the thumbs up.
"Don't worry, I never disappoint. But I gotta tell you, it's going to take a lot to take me down! Shadow, Flamethrower attack!" The dark/fire type nodded and unleashed her attack, effectively frying Weepinbell. Erika frowned and returned the plant, before releasing a Sunflora. Ash quirked an eyebrow and pointed his pokedex.
"Sunflora, the sunflower pokemon. Evolves from Sunkern." Ash scowled darkly. "That doesn't tell me much.." He said to himself. "Oh well, nothing I can do about it now. Shadow, Flamethrower!" Erika smirked in triumph.
"Predictable. Sunflora, Sweet Scent!" The flower nodded and soon a sickeningly sweet aroma filtered through the stadium, rendering Shadow helpless.
"Damn!" The saiyan cursed, and threw another ball. Tai-tai appeared with a screech, and without waiting for a command dive bombed Sunflora, knowing what was expected of her. The grass type promptly fainted. Ash sweatdropped.
"Ne, that works." He mused. The gym leader frowned and recalled the fallen Sunflora.
"Not bad. But can you handle this?" With that, the last ball was thrown. A Gloom materialized, before letting out a fowl smelling odor. Both Ash and Sasuke gagged, but the saiyan was definitely worse off.
"Oh, man! That reeks!" Tai-tai obviously agreed with Ash, as she fainted from the sheer intensity of the revolting stench. The boy cursed again. "Kuso, what am I gonna do?! Man, what I wouldn't give for Krillin right about now!" Having a bit of a panic attack, Ash searched his brain for anything that could help him. Suddenly, it came to him. With a Vegeta Smirk(tm), the preteen threw his last pokeball. "Go! Chimecho!" The little wind chime pokemon burst out, and promptly covered it's face with tiny paws. Ash sweatdropped again. (A/N He does that a lot doesn't he?)
"Chime, what the hell are you doing?! You don't have a nose!" Chime removed it's paws and began to screech after seeing that Ash was right.
::I don't? OMG! I don't have a nose!! Where did it go?! I'm sure I had one! Fuck! Those God damned f animators didn't give me a f nose those lazy sons of bitches!:: Chime ranted. Erika was quirking both of her eyebrows and Sasuke was merely thinking, 'Sucks to be Ash.'
"Chime, calm down. You not having a nose is a good thing, I promise! Now, finish it! Use Shadow Ball!" The wind chime obliged and in a matter of seconds Gloom was lying face down in the dust. Erika ran over and recalled her fallen pokemon, before turning to Ash.
"Well done. Here, you've earned the Rainbow Badge." She said. Ash rolled the badge over in his hands, until Erika bent down and thrust the T.M. Mega Drain onto his hands while flirtingly planting a kiss on his cheek. The boy flared crimson from the coquetry and from the embarrassment.
"Uh.. well.. urm." Was all the saiyan could say before he caught sight of what else Erika had slipped into his hand. The girl beamed.
"It's a 25,000 yen gift certificate to our store! " She informed him, and Ash hid a grimace by covering it with a smile.
"Many thanks, Erika-sama, but I do believe my friend Sasuke wanted a battle with you also?" The younger said with a smirk, eyeing Sasuke's cringe as Erika fixed a glare/smirk on him for his rude comments earlier. With a grin Ash sat cheerfully down on the bleachers to watch the next battle.
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20 minutes later, Ash and Sasuke left the gym, each holding the badges, T.M.s, and the gift certificates. Ash turned to his friend, a questioning expresion on his face.
"What about Yumi? We didn't see her in the gym." He asked. Sasuke grinned.
"Can we just ditch her?" Ash frowned disapprovingly at him just as a familiar girl with sky blue hair popped up, mad as hell.
"Just WHO were you planning on ditching?" She asked in a sickeningly sweet tone which overrode a very nasty vengeful undertone. Both boys shook their heads frantically.
"No one!" The chimed as once. Yumi grinned.
"That's good, and kudos on your gym matches. I just happened to hear what Erika gave you two....." The girl let the last part drop, but her two companions didn't miss a beat. Ash and Sasuke both held out the certificates, completely deadpan.
"Knock yourself out." Ash stated.
"Please, do us the favor." Sasuke muttered, and promptly got whacked by a livid Yumi. Startled, Ash edged away very slowly, hoping she wouldn't turn on him, like she had a tendency to do, like his mother did. A frightened smile on his face, the youngest one of the group turned and began walking away.
"I'm.. um... going to the pokemon center, I'll see you there. Kay? And Yumi? Please don't kill Sasuke, I would hate to have to explain to his parents why their son is dead." The ten year old saiyan remarked. Yumi nodded to him and waved to him.
"By the way, Oak-sensei called, he wanted to talk to you about a strange pokemon that was spotted around the outskirts of the city, wants you to check it out, alright? It sounded really serious." Ash nodded and dashed away, and Yumi returned to beating Sasuke into oblivion.
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After he was safely away from human contact the boy lifted into the air to float around fifty feet in the air. From the ground, Kira sniffed around, looking for any signs of a pokemon that she didn't recognize. Pikachu was clinging tightly to Ash's shirt, but neither she nor Hikaru were frightened of Ash's flying skills, Hikaru having been born knowing these things and Pikachu knowing very well of Ash's expertise in the art.
"See anything Pikachu?" He asked, and Pikachu shook her head.
::Not a thing. Maybe we're looking in the wrong way, the problem is we have no idea what we're looking for.:: Suddenly, Ash got an idea.
"Pikachu, why don't we ask the pokemon around here if they've seen anything strange?"
::That's actually a good idea, let's do it!:: Pikachu cheered. With a smile, Ash descended, before telling the plan to Kira, who nodded and dove into the thick brush to ask around. Pikachu hopped off of Ash's shoulder and turned after going away a few paces.
::I'm going to check over there. How about we meet back here in about a hour?::
Ash nodded and began walking off in the opposite direction.
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Various pokemon scattered as the boy walked through the thick forest. However, a rare brave ones approached him in caution, and though they loosened up with his unthreatening demeanor they unfortunately had no information on the mysterious pokemon. After a few dead ends Ash sat down on a stump, only to sigh and kick his feet on the mossy wood. All of a sudden, an old Camerupt approached him. He was so old his muzzle had long grey hairs on it and his red coat was dulling. With an elderly moo and a stamp of a weathered hoof the lava cow asked a question.
::The pokemon are all speaking of a human who can speak with us, is it you?:: Ash nodded.
"Hai, sir-"
::Call me Red.:: The Camerupt interrupted. Ash raised an eyebrow but obliged the request.
"Alright Red. But yes, they are speaking of me."
::And is it true that you are searching for a certain pokemon?::
"Yes." The saiyan answered politely, the lessons he had received from his mother taking effect on the way he spoke in everyday life.
::What is it that you seek?::
"I'm not sure."
::Yes, that does sound like quite a problem.:: Red said slowly. Ash nodded.
"Hai, it is. I was wondering if you had seen a strange pokemon around."
::Aye, I have.::
"Where can I find it?"
::You're going in the right direction.:: Was Red's sounding reply, before he began to walk off. ::Good luck in finding what you seek, child.:: Quicker than one would think such an old pokemon could move Red was gone, and there was no indication of where he had gone.
"Um, thanks." The boy murmured in response to the cryptic reply. Shaking his head, Ash decided to abide by the old pokemon's advice and continued on in the same direction, eyeing the scenery as he did so. Strangely, there wasn't a pokemon to be found after about a mile of walking and a feeling of unease was washing over him. After about a half hour he was beginning to think that he should have turned around, until suddenly a strange feeling flooded his senses, blinding him temporarily. Cringing, he turned, and caught sight of the most disturbing and beautiful thing he had ever seen in his young life.
A pokemon he had never dreamed possible stood only several meters away, the close distancing causing his senses to go into overdrive, and all of his instincts told him to flee, despite how powerful he was. It was shaped like a Rapidash, but as black as Ash's eyes, and the flames were silver streaked with black in it's mane and tail. Her eyes were a piercing sapphire blue and regarded him in an almost friendly but aloof manner.
::You were looking for me, child?:: She asked, voice melodious but somehow terrifying. Ash couldn't describe the feelings of utter petrification that he felt, the fear was a blood curling, shrieking river that raced through him, freezing him and giving him a desire, a need, to run, and never come back. Despite this, the boy stood stock still, making good on his swear on blood to never run away. The blue eyes twinkled in an expression of laughter.
::I'm surprised, most people would run away screaming their heads off after coming within a mile of me. But you don't. Why?:: She asked, looking at him in confusion. Quivering, Ash only stepped closer, until he was a mere 5 yards away from the beautiful creature.
"I swore never to run. I don't do it."
::What is your name, little one?:: She inquired.
"Ashura."
::Iie, it isn't.:: She said simply. Ash stared before taking another step, almost to defiantly prove that he wasn't scared, which he most definitely was.
"Fine, my name is Son Gohan." His birth name felt strange after he hadn't said it vocally in a year, only heard it mentally from pokemon. He was sure it sounded strange too.
::That's better. My name is Rapidark. At least, that is my species, but it may as well be my name as I am the last of my kind.::
"I'm sorry." Ash said sincerely, eliciting a smile from Rapidark.
::Don't worry yourself, I have been by myself for over five-hundred years, I can keep on for the next few millenniums.:: Slowly, the fear began to melt away, and it startled him. Rapidark chuckled. Surprised? I only amplify a person or pokemon's fears, not cause them. As long as you don't fear me, it doesn't hurt to be around me. I'm glad you aren't scared of me. Ash smiled slightly, and came closer. ::Why did you want to see me?:: She asked. Ash gulped.
"Ne, um... I wanted to... uh... I don't know." He said quickly. Rapidark's smile widened.
::I know why I'M here. I was looking for you.::
"Me? Why?"
::Because you have something inside you, something very precious to humans and pokemon alike. It and you must be protected.::
"I don't know what you're getting at, but I can take care of myself." Ash said in a defensive manner.
::Oh, I know that you are strong physically and mentally, but what about spiritually? How strong is your heart? How much pain can you see innocents, people and pokemon stand before acting?::
"I.... don't know. Not enough, or so many people wouldn't have died because of me."
::I figured that you would think that. But your heart is what makes you special, you wouldn't be you without it. But let me ask you, why do you think pokemon are so at ease with you?:: Rapidark asked, and Ash shrugged.
"I don't know. But Kira once told me I smelled more like a pokemon than a human, and Pikachu said it had nothing to do with my saiyan genes. Does that have anything to do with this?" Ash said absently, forgetting momentarily that no one except his own pokemon knew that he was saiyan.
::Yes, but that isn't all. It's your aura that pokemon are drawn to. Do you know how it feels to us? It feels safe, it ensures protection, even if we don't need it. Tell me, if the pokemon Lugia was in danger, no matter how strong she was, would you try your best to protect her?:: Ash had no choice but to nod. ::That is what I mean. You have untapped-:: Rapidark was suddenly cut off.
"Whoa, whoa, are you going into the untapped power shtick? I got enough of that when I was a kid. Everyone was after me for that reason!" Ash exclaimed.
::Yes, that is exactly where I am going. You are extremely precious to pokemon, and if a person gets to know you, you will have the same effect on them. Like Piccolo?:: Ash staggered back, a harsh glare on his face at the name, almost as if he had been slapped.
"Don't mention Piccolo!" He growled, and Rapidark shook her head.
::Don't throw a temper tantrum, child. I was just listing an example, so calm down, Anyway, as I was saying, you have a great ability, so great that those less worthy will stop at nothing to get it. Now I understand that you are very tough and have no need of assistance, but I can unleash that power, but not all of it, much will remain in store unless you wish or need to use it. Should I? It's your decision.:: Rapidark prodded, and Ash stepped close again, eyebrow quirking.
"There are side effects aren't there?" He inquired, and Rapidark nodded.
::Nothing bad, but you will be effected normally. You aura will become much more pronounced to all who can sense it, unless you take other measures, despite how you hide you ki. Pokemon will be extremely protective of you, even if you don't personally know them, if they believe that you are threatened in some way. And your appetite will sharply decrease. But the abilities you will be able to tap into should be enough to override the unpleasant side effects. You be able to get close to any pokemon you wish, and bend them to your will, though all will willingly help you with no questions asked. Pokemon techniques will be open to you to use, any time, anywhere. But the ultimate power you have is to Change, Create, and Destroy. I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about.::
(A/N, I took the Change, Create, and Destroy thing from Shadow/phantomess and her Destiny fics. Great writer that girl is, I don't think she'll mind if I borrow this one little note. Besides, I asked her. Okay, I'll shut up now.)
Ash's eyes widened, and he instantly tensed.
"I do. But this is just too much power! I can't handle this, the last time I used hidden power I killed my father! I can't let that happen again! I can't handle this."
::If you don't accept it, you will be vulnerable. You need this, trust me. We cannot trust anyone else with this gift, you have the ability and it's been inside you all along! Tap it and make it yours! The fact that you do not want it makes you worthy in itself.::
"I just met you, how can I trust you?!"
::You don't fear me. Not one iota, which in my book means that you trust me. Please, Gohan, embrace this! If you don't accept it, you won't be able to fulfill your promises to yourself.:: This hit a sore spot inside the saiyan, and he looked away, not fully convinced.
"I don't know...."
::Please, you're needed! Are you just going to walk away from your duty? You're better than that!:: Rapidark yelled. Ash remained silent and continued to mull it over. Finally, he looked up to stare into the sapphire orbs.
"Alright, I'll do it. What do I have to do?"
::Just sit tight.:: Rapidark said gently, and began to say an unrecognizable chant. On instinct, Ash joined in, his voice mingling with the horse's until they were sounding as one. Suddenly, a strange energy seemed to settle over him. Rapidark quieted and watched as Ash collapsed from exhaustion. Immediately several Houndour came close, ignoring Rapidark's aura, to sit at Ash's sides, along with a blue, rather dog like pokemon.
::Look after him.:: She said to the blue one before slinking into the shadows, and she nodded, turning her sapphire gaze onto the saiyan as he slept.
END CHAPTER
Falcon: Oooh, freaky. the Falcon has no more comments, lest she gives the story away.
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TRANSLATIONS
Ojii-san: Polite way of saying Grandfather.
Yatta: Exclamation of happiness, like "Yay!" Or "Squee!"
Ohayo: Good morning.
Kawaii: Cute, or adorable.
Itai: Exclamation of pain. Ashura does it more on instinct.
Bozu: Kid. Not exactly nice, but not openly insulting.
Kagurazaka: 'Shura's false name for himself. He doesn't like his birth name, so he uses this. Trust me, I was sorely tempted to use Sakurazuka. Seishirou-san! -squees-
-Jo: Way of saying "My Lady". Very polite and used to one's superiors that they don't know very well.
Ossu: Hi!
Nande kuso?: What the hell?
Daijoubu: It's okay, what's wrong?, It'll be alright, Are you okay? The meaning we're using is number three.
Hayuku!: Hurry up!
Omae o Koroso: I'm going to kill you.
Kono yaro: That bitch.
Joodeki: Good job!
Konnichi wa: Polite greeting.