Chapter FOUR, Learning and Remembering, the Past Far Gone but Not Forgotten.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ugh, I'm kind of angry because I crapped out on my last updated chapter of Not So Lonely Anymore. -scowls- So just in case anyone actually read, Falcon is sorry. -bows- Also, Merry Christmas!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESPONSES:
Marshmellow13Dragon:
Thanks for reviewing again! -hugs- Merry Christmas!
You really think this is that decent? -scuffs foot- Awwwww, thanks. But don't forget, I need a healthy dose of criticism too! Also, it's okay to mix up our two dorks up. I kinda want to put Surge in again, I kinda like him. Maybe in the sequel, if I ever get off my lazy butt and finish it!
TheShadowPanther:
Panther-chan! -coos- Merry Christmas! I made a muse just for you! -hands tiny, chibi muse with aqua blue hair and golden eyes-
ChibiMuse: -yawn-
Falcon: He is compensation seeing as Kyoku wanted to come back to me. - is sheepish-
You know, it's such a nice feeling when your pokemon love you, whenever I take mine to those people who rate how much they love and they say mine can't love me any more, it makes me happy! And my Japanese isn't that good. But trust me, study many, many song lyrics, Gackt and HYDE are good people to start with. -hugs Gackt in one arm and HYDE in the other- Oh, my pretty, pretty J-rockers…
Also, -hands Panther some Canadian bacon- Have some bacon!
Sorry, it's really against my nature to keep things short. -shrugs- Short chapters make me mad when others employ them, so I don't like to do it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ash groaned as he sat up, before staring into four pairs of eyes, two sapphire, one brown, and one violet. Wait a second, he knew Hikaru had blue eyes, but who.....? The boy whirled, and came face to face with an unrecognizable face. A bright blue, dog-like pokemon sat on her haunches beside him, paws crossed in a dignified manner.
::Welcome back, master Gohan.:: She said quietly, and Ash jolted, looking horrified at the honorific. No one besides Chibi and Shadow EVER called him master, and that was rare. But they only did it because they were canine, and they never added his name on the end when they did.
"Wha..? Master? Oh no, I'm not your master!" He protested, but the pokemon held up a paw, asking him politely to be quiet.
::You are my master, you are the master of all of us, and those three should heed that.:: She said, shooting a scathing glare to Hikaru, Pikachu, and Kira, who all looked completely affronted. The Delcatty promptly hissed, and the strange blue pokemon made no response, only sat there, blue eyes primly condescending.
"It's okay, they don't have to call me master, and what do mean, 'of all of us'? I think I'm missing something here…."
::Do you not recall what happened last night? Every pokemon on Earth felt you come into your power, Rapidark didn't say anything about a loss of memory..:: She mused, almost to herself. It all suddenly came back to Ash, and he shook his head.
"But still, you don't have to call me master, call me Gohan. And what should I call you?"
::Call me whatever you wish, I am yours to do with what you wish..::
"Hm.... how about Aoinu, for your species name, and Aoi for your nick?"
::Nick?:: Aoi asked, sounding out the strange word.
"Yeah, you know, a nickname?" Ash asked, and Aoi shot him a shy smile.
::I like it.:: She said finally, and Pikachu and Kira suddenly cheered despite the cold remarks.
::Does that mean that you're going to stay with us?:: Pikachu asked happily, and Aoi stared timidly at the ground.
::If Master Gohan wishes me to.:: Ash shook his head as he grinned and cheerfully gave Aoi a hug.
"Of course I want you to stay!"
:: You'll keep me? Really?.:: Ash nodded. ::Then I will.::
"Oh, by the way, I think it would be best if you stay in a pokeball, new species are a big deal, and I don't want you to be taken from me." Aoi nodded and Ash plucked an ultra ball off of his belt only to have Aoi nudge it willingly and be sucked inside. The saiyan smiled then suddenly Aoi popped out again. All of them looked very surprised.
::Huh? Master, what happened?:: Aoi asked, very freaked out. Ash's ebony eyes were wide and he shook his head.
"I don't know! Maybe you aren't meant to stay in a ball or something." Aoi shrugged.
::I can teach you how to create an illusion so I won't be so conspicuous, if you wish for me to.::
"Really? I can do something like that?!"
::Certainly, if you have the willpower. Most of it will just come to you, it won't have to be taught.:: Was Aoi's reply, and then the two sat down on a stump, to begin lesson one.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A half hour late, the group now consisted of one saiyan, a Pikachu, a Delcatty, a baby Charmander, and a very strangely colored blue Plusle. Pikachu sweatdropped.
::She's blue. Why is she blue? Plusle are supposed to be red, you moron! She yelled, and Aoi scowled at her.
::Leave him be, the illusion is actually very good for a first try, it'll do. We'll get into color later.:: Aoi defended, soon starting a brawl between the two. Ash and Kira sweatdropped and eyed each other. Ash nodded and Kira took the cue, leaping forward to skid between the two battalions, sending up dust.
::Now is not the time to fight!:: Kira demanded willfully, and the other pokemon were startled into silence. ::Yes, Aoi is blue, but we're missing the point! We should concentrate on the task at hand, which happens to be Gohan's training, and keeping this from Yumi and Sasuke! If you don't agree with me, speak now or forever hold your piece.:: Neither could bring themselves to disagree with the neko and Pikachu hopped up on Ash's shoulder.
Kira nodded. ::Good, now we should probably get back to Celadon, the brats are probably worried.:: Ash raised an eyebrow.
"Brats? But they're older than me..." Kira absently flapped a paw at him.
::Minor details, minor details. Now let's go! We'll follow that trail!:: Kira posed dramatically and Ash sweatdropped.
"We go that way." He pointed out, deadpan.
::I knew that.:: Pikachu and Aoi snickered and Hikaru merely grabbed Ash's shirt to snuggle cutely into him with a whispered,
"Char..."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ash grinned as he rolled his shiny new Marsh badge in his hands. Defeating Sabrina had been relatively easy, Amethyst, Chibi, and his Banette had taken care of Sabrina's psychic pokemon with few problems and now the group of three were traveling back to Viridian City so Ash and Sasuke could challenge Giovanni for the ever elusive Earth badge. Every so often, Ash would shoot a worried look to Sasuke, who was tense and nervous.
Apparently, Sasuke's family lived in Viridian, and like Chichi, were extremely tough on their son to succeed. As of now, they were on their way to Sasuke's house, when he had talked to his parents they had invited him to bring his friends with him, so there they were.
"Sasu-kun, are you sure you're alright? You don't have to go home if you don't want to, you know." Yumi asked, voicing Ash's thoughts on the subject. The boy in question nodded nervously.
"I'm fine. It's just, my Obaa-sama is visiting my parents, and she isn't very fond of pokemon trainers. She was livid when she found out I had started my journey, this is going to be the first contact I've had with her in over a year." Sasuke said, twisting a strand of hair between his fingertips. Ash sighed, shook his head, and slung an arm around Sasuke's shoulders.
"Chill out Sasu-kun, everything will be fine."
"You don't get it, you've never met my grandmother, she'll probably be so rude to you guys; it's embarrassing how suspicious she is. I don't-" Yumi suddenly interrupted then, putting an arm around Sasuke's shoulders from the other side.
"Don't worry about it, you don't need to try to make a good impression on us, we know what you're like, family or not, so it doesn't matter how your relatives act." She said in a surprisingly pacifying manner. Ash nodded.
"Yeah, ditto on what Yumi said. Everything will be alright." The saiyan added. Sasuke said nothing, but a small smile had now grown on his face. The group walked in silence for awhile, until they arrived at a medium sized house surrounded by a large yard. Sasuke was about to take out a key to unlock the door when suddenly a blonde blur flew out of the house, leaping onto Sasuke.
"Sasu-anisan!" The blur yelled joyfully, and when it stopped jumping up and down like an Eevee on steroids Ash could see that it was a little boy, with blonde hair and deep brown eyes like Sasuke's. "Sasu-anisan! You're back!" Sasuke grinned and ruffled the chibi's hair from where he now sat on the ground.
"Good to see you too, Squirt." The older boy said fondly, before looking up to see Ash and Yumi smirking slightly, in a knowing manner. The little boy hopped off of his brother after greeting Hinote and stared up at the people he didn't know.
"HiHi! My name's Sasani! Who are you?" He asked in one breath. Ash grinned and being naturally tolerant of children having being in the process of raising Hikaru knelt down to Sasani's level.
"My name's Ashura and this is Yumi. I take it Sasuke's your bro?" He asked and Sasani nodded, before gazing awestruck at Pikachu, Kira, Aoi, and Hikaru.
"Wow! You have a lot of pokemon! The only one I've ever seen is Hinote, and Obaa-sama doesn't like him at all." The saiyan child grinned and ran a hand through Sasani's hair in a friendly fashion.
"I have a lot more than just them, and so does your brother, we'll show them to you later, okay?" Was Ash's reply. Sasani's eyes lit up and he dashed into the house, yelling,
"Sasu-anisan's back! Sasu-anisan's back!" Yumi, Sasuke, and Ash shared a knowing glance, until the younger two spoke up in unison.
"He's so cute!" Sasuke sweatdropped.
"You'll see how cute he is once he starts playing pranks on you guys. I love him, but that kid can be a real pain in the 'bleep'."
"'Bleep'?" Yumi asked. "Since when do you refrain from cursing?" Sasuke gulped.
"Since always, I never curse." The two were about to comment on this little fact when they both got a sinking sensation. They turned around and came face to face with a 'large' (and I don't mean tall, though she is..... wink) woman, with a scowling face and squinty eyes. Sasuke gulped again.
"Um.... hello Obaa-sama...." He stuttered as the large woman eyed Ash and Sasuke's pokemon with great distaste. She regarded him coldly.
"I see you're still a worthless trainer." She grunted and Sasuke stared at the floor.
"I'm sorry." The now twelve year old muttered, when suddenly Yumi stood and stared at her female elder, her five foot three clashing horribly with Sasuke's grandmother's six feet, but the girl was unflinching.
"Oi, Sasuke has nothing to be sorry for! Hey lady, what's wrong with you?! Sasuke is NOT worthless, and neither is Ash, because you insulted his pokemon as well! What's wrong with you?!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"What is wrong with her!!" Yumi ranted as the three sat on the front steps, Sasuke having been banned from his own house until his parents got home, later that night. Sasuke shook his head.
"I warned you, my grandmother is crazy."
"But to ban you until 11:00 at night, that's harsh beyond harsh." Ash commented, stroking Pikachu's head as the thunder type slept contentedly on his lap. Aoi was nestled in his arms, and Kira and Hikaru were snuggled up close, Hikaru against his chest and Kira leaning on Ash's side. Sasuke shook his head.
"That's Obaa-sama. I told you, she hates pokemon." Ash scowled but said nothing, to stare up at the glittering stars. So many times he had done the same back when he was small, wondering what was out there as a 3 year old, then full of regret when he knew, at 6; then praying for something better at nine. And now, praying, regretting, and wondering done with, Ash simply stared, an unknown emotion flickering through him. Without knowing it, a song filtered from his lips, and Yumi and Sasuke looked up to listen.
Love Me Love Me,
Try and reach the sky, honey.
Try your damndest,
I will still be here for you,
--
If you fall and,
Break your wings and cry, honey
Blood is healing,
That so much is true.
----
Love Me Love Me,
Skim the Rainbow ride, honey.
Skip the intros,
I know what you mean to do.
----
So if you fall and,
Break your wings and cry, honey,
Feathers' whisper,
"I wanna be with you."
Ash cut out at the end, and saw Sasuke and Yumi watching him, almost serene smiles on their faces, but was startled when the sound of clapping reached his ears, he whirled, and caught sight of a pair of people standing in the driveway. The man had light blonde hair and green eyes, the woman had grass green hair with deep brown. Ash blushed a deep red at the applause and Sasuke suddenly leapt to his feet to embrace the two people, who hugged him back.
"Okaa-san! Otou-san! It's great to see you guys!" Sasuke exclaimed happily. His mother snuggled him in the driveway long after his father had stopped, until finally she let her rather rumpled son go and turned to the other two.
"Now, what are all of you doing out here, it's after 11:00.. Oh wait.. Mother kicked you out didn't she?" Sasuke was forced to nod at his mother's question. "Oh dear! I'm so sorry, have you kids eaten yet? How long have you been standing out here?!" For the next twenty minutes all three of them were hugged by a hysterical green haired woman, got their temperatures taken at least three times each, and thoroughly fussed over.
Ash, in truth, was quite touched at the gesture, but after the third temp taking he put his foot down and politely asked the woman to stop, which she did. As they were led inside Sasuke's grandmother shot them all venomous glares, but Ash paid her no heed.
The huge ningen stood with a boom, suddenly waking Hikaru. The baby Charmander promptly began to wail and Ash held her to his chest, allowing her to listen to his heartbeat, which always calmed her down. The saiyan traded glares (A/N I will be referring to poor Sasuke's evil Obaa-temae as Grandma, frankly because I don't like her and I know that it would piss her off a lot.) with Grandma and turned away, well aware that he was being rude and frankly he didn't care what she thought. Going up to Sasuke's room, which was very large, he saw three sleeping bags lying on the floor beside the two twin beds, one of which contained a sleeping Sasani.
After changing into his p.j.s, Ash caught Sasuke watching his little brother fondly, and he suddenly felt a sharp pang at the fact that his own little brother was growing up without him. But he pushed that nasty little thought away and told himself that it was his own decision to leave and now he was paying the consequences for it. Yumi yawned and curled up inside the white bag she had chosen after a whispered Good night. Sasuke soon dropped off to sleep himself, and soon Ash was simply sitting awake on the floor, having no desire in the least to sleep. Aoi, now awake and unillusioned, nudged him.
::Are you okay? What's wrong?:: She asked in concern, blue eyes wide. Ash smiled and rubbed her head.
"I'm fine, don't worry about me. Go back to sleep."
::If you say so…:: Aoi yawned and curled up beside her trainer. With a sigh Ash stood and stared out the window to watch the lights of the city. Currently he was feeling thoroughly depressed, and he closed his eyes, feeling a sudden wave of homesickness wash over him but he shoved it off. The child flinched.
"No.. absolutely not! I do not miss them, they hate me.. I don't care!" He muttered to himself, turning away from the window, a pained expression on his face. With another sigh Ash sat on the floor and, deciding sleep was out of reach, figured he should try something new with his powers: Create. Concentrating hard, a lump of life energy appeared in front of him, that had been as far he gotten in his lessons, but it was surprisingly easy tonight for some reason.
"Colors... what kind of colors?" He mused to himself, until he settled on a shiny silvery red. (A/N Yes, that is a color, I have seen it.. come towards the light....) "Now, what kind of shape?" A dragon, definitely. The only dragon he had was Hikaru, and she was still an infant. Eventually he decided to make it a small dragon, that in battle could grow to full size. Much better. A slender head, sharp fangs, small, leathery red wings were also added. A long, scaly tail was made prehensile, and his little masterpiece was given sharp talons that were quite capable of being gentle, but ruthless as well. "Now... attacks. Dragon and others, definitely." Ash said to himself. Dragon Rage, Hyper Beam, Darkness Aura, Bite, Fly, Thunderbolt, Agility, Mean Look, Hypnosis, Flamethrower, and Thief were put on the attack list.
"Now for a name.. how about Scorchia? (Ahhh! Neopets, Sacrilege!) Nah. That sounds stupid. How 'bout Kotoko?" That one seemed to fit, so the saiyan named his new dragon Kotoko. Personality was the easy part. Loyal, willing to argue with him, joking, loving, childish, and a sense of both humor and honor were added. Finally, when all he thought he could do was finished, Ash sat back and removed his aura from around the pokemon. Kotoko sat up and blinked crimson eyes curiously at him.
::Hiya Master! The name's Kotoko, it's nice to meetcha!:: Kotoko chirped. Ash grinned at his success and picked the little dragon up in his arms and after a little positioning Kotoko was dangling happily from his arm by her tail.
"Uh, Kotoko, are you sure that's safe?" He asked apprehensively, and Kotoko grinned a fangy dragon grin at him.
::Don't worry so much, I know what I'm doin'.:: With that, the dragon continued to dangle, only to begin swinging back and forth. ::Hey, since it's night, aren't ya sleepy? Why aren't ya sleepin, those pokemon over there are sleepin'..:: It didn't take much talking for Ash to notice that he had unconsciously given his new pokemon an Osakan accent. It was weird hearing that from a pokemon, but somehow fitting. Ash shook his head.
"I want to sleep, but it's just not happening tonight." Kotoko's smile widened and briefly her eyes glowed silver.
::Should I put a hypnosis on you? That would help you sleep.:: Ash nodded after a bit of thought on the subject.
"That would be great, doomo arigatou." He answered, and a slight melodic twanging noise, like bells came from Kotoko, and in seconds the saiyan was flat out asleep on his sleeping bag, in a dreamless slumber. As Kotoko curled up beside him she didn't notice bright blue eyes staring happily at the pair, before the figure got up and gently placed a blanket over the two.
"Sleep tight, Gohan." She murmured, before turning to a newcomer standing in silence in the corner. Yumi was startled, but she didn't show it. "Hello, Anisan." She said, and the figure nodded.
"Yumira-jo, what are you doing? Your mission was to look after him, not get close! You know that you will end up having to leave him, and it will break both of your hearts! And that human, how could you?! The last time you got hurt you were depressed for centuries, I thought you swore never to get close to anyone ever again-!" The stranger was cut off as Yumi fixed a harsh smile on her older brother, that seemed to have an ironic tint to it.
"You know Brother, for being a Supreme Kai you don't know much. You haven't come into contact with him directly, you don't know what it feels like to be around him, you can't help but like him. He's like a sibling to me, maybe more than you are, since he doesn't try to manhandle me. So back off!" She snarled.
"What are you going to do? You know one of his worlds will be sacrificed, are you willing to doom the dimension I guard over to protect this child's heart?!" The Supreme Kai asked, iron control mounting in his voice, showing clearly his anger.
"I will do whatever it takes to do my duty." Yumi said stiffly. Supreme Kai smiled.
"Good. You know that he has to go back, and that this universe will perish. That is the way it must be, lest everything fall into ruin."
"But tell, why must he sacrifice this one? It's so peaceful, and save that idiotic Team Rocket they have done nothing wrong!"
"Because it is the way it must be! Yumira-jo, why can't you see?!"
"I still think you're trying to protect your own ass. I think it's rather selfish, conning me into giving up my universe so you won't get in trouble with Dad." Yumi remarked, staring coldly into the orbs of her aneki.
"How dare you!" Supreme Kai exploded quietly, so not to wake the others in the room. "How dare you suggest something so deceitful?! Gohan was born in my universe, he belongs there and he WILL go back!!"
"So says you. You forget, it is his own choice, as it was his own choice to dimension hop, I only helped him along with it. Only he can choose this, and as long as he is under my care you do not touch him!"
"Well, if you would stop being so stubborn about this we can work something out." Supreme Kai stated. Yumi continued to glare.
"This is beyond working out. You may be my elder, but remember, I am family and a supreme Kai as well. I do not take well to people trying to manhandle me, and you should know by now not to try to con me into anything. So don't try." Yumi crossed her arms in finality, and the elder Supreme Kai looked livid.
"Yumira-jo!"
"This discussion is finished, now get out of my universe before I make you. Oh, and by the way, don't ever call me Yumira-jo. I'm your sister, you idiot, not your distant cousin." With one last glare, Supreme Kai vanished. Yumi sighed and sat on the floor between Sasuke and Ash. "Gods above, I'm so sorry you had to get caught up in this, Gohan." She murmured softly, gently smoothing down Ash's wild bangs, which popped right back up. The boy twitched and turned over, away from the touch.
"Yes, I will do my duty. But Brother, which one will it be?" Yumi got a dark look on her pretty face. "He will learn not to test me. Don't worry Gohan, it's all up to you; no one can touch you here."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Ash awoke the next morning he found Kotoko and Hikaru snuggled up to his chest, Pikachu nestled into the crook of his neck, and Aoi and Kira strategically placed at his sides. Sasuke and Yumi were still asleep, Sasuke with Hinote, and sometime during the night Sasani had migrated to the his brother's end of the room. Ash smiled and stood to stretch and give a large yawn, he was always the early riser of the group. As he was about to leave the room to go outside a small hand grabbed a hold of his shirt sleeve and pulled hard. Ash looked down to see Sasani looking up pleadingly at him.
"You promised to show me your pokemon last night, but I had to go to bed before you could, can you show me now?" The little boy asked. Kotoko, Kira, Pikachu, Aoi, and Hikaru suddenly woke then. The dragon soared up to rest on Ash's head and the boy rubbed her wings fondly. The others took their said spots while Hikaru was picked up and Ash nodded.
"Why not? I did promise." He said, and Sasani grinned and happily grabbed his hand to drag him outside.
"Show me! Show me!" He exclaimed once the two sat in the yard. The saiyan couldn't help but grin at the ningen's enthusiasm.
"Alright, alright!" Ash laughed outright, and plucked Kotoko off of his head to place her in Sasani's arms. "Now, you're the first person to meet Kotoko besides me. " Sasani giggled as Kotoko sniffed delicately at his cheek.
"Is she a dragon?" Ash nodded.
"Hai, she is. She's brand new too. Now, this is Aoi, she's a Plusle."
"Why's she blue? They're supposed to be red, you know."
"Damnit!! Why does everyone notice that??!!"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sasuke and Yumi woke later, and the former was startled at first to see his otouto nowhere to be seen, the kid usually slept in, but grinned when the both of the them stepped outside and saw Ash sitting in the grass, Sasani in tow. The younger was staring eagerly at his self appointed sensei, who was now explaining and describing the preening Chibi who sat at his side. Yumi giggled.
"Professor Ash huh?" She asked, and Sasuke nodded. In truth, Ash did rather look like a teacher at that moment, pointing out specific details and answering all of Sasani's questions. With identical grins the two walked up to them and sat beside Ash.
"Having fun?" Sasuke asked, and Sasani nodded happily while starting to scratch Chibi's ears.
"Yeah! Hey Sasu-anisan, did you know I was the first to meet Kotoko?" Sasuke looked clueless.
"Kotoko? Who or what's Kotoko?" He asked, shooting a quizzical stare to Ash, who gestured to an inconspicuous silvery red dragon sitting in his lap.
"This is Kotoko. Now shut up Sasuke, I'm workin' here!" Ash snapped. Yumi couldn't help but smirk at Sasuke's expression as he was told off by the normally mild mannered saiyan.
"I want to be a trainer like you guys!" Sasani declared, and Sasuke frowned.
"Obaa-sama wouldn't like that much, she would never forgive you. Or me, come to think of it. I was the one who corrupted you."
"I don't care! If she had her way I'd be in a college thingy already." Ash was suddenly reminded of his own mother, pushing him too hard into everything, never really thinking about what he wanted, and he ruffled Sasani's hair.
"I think you should do whatever you think you should. A person never gets the best results with going with everything someone else wants. I know this first hand." Sasuke and Yumi exchanged glances. Ash rarely spoke of his family, if at all, and to have him do it now was definitely strange. Sasani immediately shot the group a broad grin.
"Are you guys going to the gym today?" He asked in curiosity. Sasuke nodded.
"We sure are, Squirt."
"Can I come with you?" The youngest inquired, tilting his head in what he most likely had no idea was a adorable manner. "Please? Onegai, Sasu-anisama?" Sasuke started at the honorific and traded a raised eyebrow with Ash, who shrugged.
"Well, I suppose if you're quiet you can." Sasani gave a wild whoop and Sasuke shushed him. "But ONLY if you're quiet, and good. Got that, you little brat?" Sasani nodded quickly, before whooping again.
"Yay!! I get to go! I get to go!" The child then proceeded to do a strange happy dance, in which he continued to holler this fact. Sasuke shook his head and suddenly caught Ash with a very unusual expression on his face. It looked almost wistful, and when the saiyan realized he was being observed he instantly turned his head away, avoiding Sasuke's gaze. The older boy said nothing about this fact, though he did have several comments, and dropped it, before standing and grabbing Ash's hand to yank him to his feet.
"Come on, 'Shura, breakfast is prob'ly about ready. Let's go." The ningen stated. Ash blinked, then recalled Chibi.
"'Kay." He said quietly, before placing Pikachu on his head. "Let's go, then." Sasani leapt to his feet and grabbed a hold of Ash and Sasuke's hands.
"Yay!" The chibi yelled, and grinned broadly while clinging tightly. "I'm hungry." Ash chuckled and ruffled Sasani's hair.
"I'm sure you are, little one."
"Hey, Ash-san?"
"Yeah?"
"If you're my brother's friend, can you be mine too?" Sasani inquired, large brown eyes staring straight to the saiyan's face. Ash blinked, startled, before beaming.
"Of course."
"Yay, you're my friend! Hey, what about you, Yumi-san? Are you my friend too?" The Kai giggled.
"Yep, me too."
"Awesome! Plus, I get to see a real live gym battle!" Ash, Sasuke, and Yumi shared glances before shaking their heads and not even bothering to hide their smiles.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast was a nightmare, to say the least. Grandma was no more happy to see them than she had been the night before, and shot them all scathing glares, which were fervently ignored. Needless to say though, the meal was finished as quickly as possible, and the three trainers and one little brother began to make their way through the city, until finally they arrived at the gym.
It was in no way hard to miss, being about the size of two pokemon laboratories, but for some reason Ash hadn't really noticed it his first way through. The boy assumed it was because he didn't really have a purpose to look at it, and kept it at that.
As he promised, Sasani was silent, as were the rest of them as they entered the gym. It was nice, and well kept, but something about it gave Ash a nasty feeling, like bad ki was about. Two huge, crimson double doors blocked their way, and guards, apparently to make sure no one snuck in were situated in front.
"We have to make sure only worthy trainers challenge Giovanni. Present your seven badges, or leave." They said in a monotone of voice. Ash and Sasuke showed their badges, and the guards turned to Yumi and Sasani.
"Only challengers are allowed to go in. Those two if they are not going to battle must wait in the lobby." The two older boys protested, and Sasani looked as if he were going to cry, but Yumi took his hand and gently led him away, knowing it was pointless to argue, despite the fact that she was a Supreme Kai. As the doors opened, Ash shot the guards a Death Glare as he walked by, and Sasuke merely gave a backward glance at Sasani, who was being comforted by Yumi. Once they were through the doors shut, scaring the daylights out of both of them. Ash noticed that they were in some sort of tunnel, and was lit by large torches, burning bright. Sasuke winced.
"I take it this guy goes for intimidation, huh?" He asked, eyeing Ash. The other boy nodded.
"I guess. You're not scared, are you?" Sasuke rapidly shook his head.
"Iie, you?"
"Nu-uh. Not a bit!" The younger exclaimed, perhaps a little too quickly, and held Hikaru a bit tighter to him. They continued to walk, luckily, the two fire types gave off plenty of light, lest they would have stumbled. Eventually they came to another door, this one a deep ebony. It opened on it's own, and they were blinded by the bright lights of the stadium. A broad shouldered man many women would call handsome stood a ways away, but frankly he reminded Ash of a used car salesman, so charismatic and charming that they come off as slimy. He inwardly grimaced as the man bowed.
"Greetings children, I am Giovanni. I trust you want a badge?" The two nodded and stepped forward, but both noticed that Kira and Hinote stepped closer to their trainers in a protective manner, as if they knew something bad was going to happen. It did.
Sasuke stepped in front of Ash, as they had decided he would go first this time, and quick as a flash a platform rose out of the floor with Sasuke on top. Bars circled around, and electricity crackled around the edges, preventing escape. As the older boy yelped Giovanni smirked maliciously.
"Do you like it? I had it specially made, for my challengers. If you try to leave, those bars will zap you with over one-hundred-thousand volts of electricity, and to top it off, you will feel every hit your pokemon takes, doubled. Doesn't that sound fun? That's why I have never been defeated, most trainers will head for one of the smaller gyms, after all, you only have to have 8 badges, league rules don't specify which ones you have to have. But the stupid ones pay dearly for their misguidance-"
"SHUT UP!!" Sasuke yelled from where he stood. "Stop shootin' your mouth off and battle already! I know the rules, but I won't be known as the best unless I beat you, so bring it!" Ash's cherubim face was twisted in a snarl at Giovanni's words and Pikachu and Kira were hissing angrily. The man continued to smirk and leisurely strolled up the stairs to his platform, though no bars circled it. Obviously the pain was only one sided. He should have known. Taking out a bright blue ultra ball, a vicious looking Rhydon appeared in front of the enemy side. Sasuke somehow kept his face blank and tossed out his Vaporeon.
"Get him, Vaporeon, Surf attack!"
"Rhydon, use Earthquake." Giovanni said calmly, and the ground began to rumble, before Rhydon unleashed it's attack. When it hit, Sasuke and Vaporeon screamed out as one, and the boy doubled over, holding his side. Vaporeon however didn't faint, and Sasuke somehow remained standing.
"Vaporeon! Try a Surf! Now, combined with Acid Armor!" The water type had speed on his side, and attacked, combining the moves with stunning accuracy before Rhydon could retaliate. The foe collapsed with swirly eyes, due to it's weakness to water. Giovanni kept his infuriating aura of calm, and Sasuke screamed again as he was shocked. Ash was on the verge of going Super Saiyan 2 at this fact, but somehow retained his calm as well. The gym leader kept his slimy smile on and sent out an extremely high level Electabuzz, which fried Vaporeon to within an inch of his life, and in turn frying Sasuke as well. Ash couldn't take much more of this, he really couldn't....
(A/N Neither can I, I dun wanna torture Sasu-chan! -wails-)
Sasuke sent out his Onix, which took down Electabuzz, and nearly killing the preteen battalion in the process. Giovanni was really getting ticked, no one had gotten that far before, no one... That was really pissing him off.... Then, he snapped his fingers, and the section of the wall opened, revealing a mysterious pokemon in black metal armor. At another snap, the armor fell away, revealing a violet furred, feline-like creature, with burning crimson eyes. A maniacal look grew across Giovanni's face, and he gestured to the pokemon.
"Consider yourself honored, I never use Mewtwo in gym matches, I've never needed to before. Mewtwo! Destroy him!" The man screamed insanely. The eyes glowed, and with a wave of black psychic energy Onix was taken down. Sasuke paled, but Hinote valiantly stepped in front of Sasuke's platform to stand as tall as he could.
The little fire type screeched a furious war cry as he launched himself at Mewtwo in a fit of pure, unadulterated hatred. The cat pokemon didn't move a muscle, but fired a huge psychic blast at Hinote, causing screams of anguish, pain, and fury from both effected. However, somehow Hinote got close, despite himself, and lashed out a sharp clawed paw, catching Mewtwo in the face. It roared and with another blast. Hinote was on the ground, unmoving. Sasuke suddenly keeled over as well, unconscious and bleeding a trickle of blood from his mouth.
Ash dashed forward and leapt onto the platform, avoiding the shocks to check his friend. Sasuke was out, yes, and very hurt, but his pulse was strong, and his heartbeat was also. The saiyan breathed a sigh of relief as he lifted the ningen boy into his arms before turning to Giovanni with the exact same look he had when he was fighting Cell.
"You bastard.... you... you..." Was all he could get out at first, until he found something intelligible to say. "Watch yourself, Giovanni." The child's voice was laced with venom as he gathered up Hinote and Hikaru. "You won't have your title, or your life, for that matter, once I'm through with you. So just watch yourself, I've marked you as mine. Trust me, you will die for this." (A/N Sounds kinda like Seishirou, doesn't he?.) With that, Ash used Teleport, and transported all of them to the nearest hospital, where Sasuke and his pokemon were all put into intensive care.
Then, it occurred to him that Yumi and Sasani were still at the gym, and reluctantly the saiyan child went back, where he informed the two, and sent both of them into hysterical fits. As if that wasn't enough guilt for him, the doctors said sadly that Hinote was most likely to be permanently damaged. When he heard this, Ash paled, and suddenly left the building, startling all of them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I can't believe this!" Ash wailed several hours later. He and his pokemon had gone into the forest, where Ash was now venting out all of his hurt and pain in one long hysterics session. Pikachu patted his cheek soothingly.
::Gohan, it's okay…::
"No, it's NOT okay! It's never going to be okay! This is all my fault! Hinote's never going to be the same, and Sasuke will probably never forgive mefor letting it happen!"
::Now you're being ridiculous.:: Kira stated, as if it were a common fact. ::You had no way of knowing that Giovanni had that monster, and neither did Sasuke. If anything, you saved their lives.:: Those words, unfortunately, had no effect on him whatsoever.
"It's all my fault.. Always. Why is it always my fault?! Always?" After this, the boy leaned against a tree and continued to sob, his cries alerting all pokemon of his presence. Pikachu was unpleasantly reminded of when the saiyan had only just begun staying at the lab, he was a complete wreck. She informed Kira of this, and the Delcatty looked up, startled.
::What?!:: She then stared over at Ash, who was taking no heed of their conversation and crying silently, not bothering to wipe his tears away. Pikachu nodded.
::Yeah, he was exactly like this. It was really bad. He never tells anyone about what his old life was like, but just by his emotional issues you can tell why he left. Oak learned quick off never to yell at this child; One time, when Gohan was just starting out he accidentally let out Oak's rarest pokemon, and the old guy had to chase it for hours to get it back. Naturally he was upset and frustrated and without intending to do so he took it out on Gohan. Poor kid left and didn't come back to for two weeks! I was with him at the time, and it was just horrible. You have to wonder though, what happened to make him like this? He was downright suicidal. Still is, when he gets stressed. If I could get a hold of the ones who did this to him, they would wish that they had never been born at all.:: Kira took awhile to digest this information, and once it had sunk in she was silent. Then, a familiar feeling was felt, and they both whirled to see a pokemon that only Ash and Hikaru had seen.
Rapidark stood only meters away, head bowed in sadness. Pikachu and Kira had only heard about Rapidark, but she was just as compelling as he had described her.
::What is distressing the Chosen Child so? All of us can feel his pain and sorrow, what goes on here?:: Pikachu quickly relayed the information to the horse, and Rapidark's eyes lost a bit of curious shimmer. ::I see. There is nothing I can do though, I am no Kami. You should tell someone of a higher station, they might be able to help. The one who may be able to help is closer than you think, but be warned, she may be powerless to do a thing.::
This said, Rapidark went over the saiyan and nudged him gently before laying down so that he was cradled against her. ::I will stay here for awhile.:: This remark was no question, and Pikachu, Aoi (who wasn't surprised in the least to see Rapidark.) , Kira, Kotoko, and Hikaru came closer, before coaxing Gohan to sleep.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yumi sighed as she stared down at the unconscious form of Sasuke lying in a hospital bed, her arms cradling the sleeping Sasani. Without another word, she turned.
"Anisan, what do you want? This is not the time." She said stiffly, with an iron edge to her voice. Supreme Kai stepped into the light, face tense.
"Au contraire, this is most definitely the time. Son Goku has found out that his son is here, and has been wished back to my dimension. They are developing a technology to dimension hop." Yumi gaped, before glaring snidely.
"And WHO exactly told him that Gohan is here?" She asked in a furiously low tone.
"It wasn't me. Do you honestly think that I want anyone to know that the most important person to all life itself escaped out from under my nose?" Supreme Kai said truthfully, and Yumi had to drop it at that. She knew her brother well, and one thing she knew he could not do was lie. Okay, lets face it, her brother couldn't lie worth crap.
"All right, so it wasn't you. I have family values, which means no matter how P.O.'d I am at you I won't rat you out, you know that, so I didn't tell. No one knew except for us two, so how could this info get out?!"
"Imouto, calm yourself. Maybe someone overheard, I don't know. But you have to reveal yourself soon, according to my calculations, the Z Senshi will arrive in a matter of weeks, you have to hurry! He has to choose!"
"Why are you leaning my way now?" Yumi inquired, tilting her head. "Last time I checked, you were completely against the idea of Gohan staying here. What happened?"
"I don't care anymore. I'm so sick of fighting with you on this. But he has to choose! If he doesn't, both of our universes will fall into ruin. You have to hurry!"
"I-.. I know that. Anisan, I know that better than anyone. Either way, he'll be shattered. I don't know if I can do that to him." Yumi admitted. "I swore I wouldn't come into direct contact with him when I gave myself this mission, now look at me. I'm close friends with humans, the one species I tried my hardest to avoid. And I don't even care about it either." The girl said, blue eyes downcast.
"Yumira, if the Z Senshi get here, their dimension is doomed. The choice has to be made." Supreme Kai prodded urgently.
"Give me time." Yumi requested, and her brother nodded.
"You don't have time!"
"Just a little longer."
"Alright, but promise me that you will tell him."
"Okay, okay! I promise! Now go away."
Supreme Kai shook his head but obliged, leaving Yumi with no one but her thoughts for the rest of the night.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next morning, a pair of deep brown eyes opened blearily, and the owner looked around. Next to his bed lay Yumi, slumped over in her chair, asleep, and an equally asleep rumpled Sasani. Sasuke sat up and yawned widely, but flinched when the sharp pains all over his body brought him back to reality and he lay down again. The first thing he noticed was that Ash was nowhere to be found, and that his pokeballs were gone.
Then he noticed that he was in a hospital and every moment of the day before came flooding back to him.
The gym battle. The pain. The loss. He vaguely wondered how he got there, then came to the correct conclusion that Ash had brought him here after he passed out. Reaching over and ignoring the pain, he poked Yumi, waking her instantly. She cried out when she saw that he was awake and, careful of his wounds, hugged him.
"Where's Hinote?" was the first thing out of Sasuke's mouth. Yumi's eyes became downcast and she looked away.
"I'm sorry, he's still in intensive care. The doctors say he'll live, but there's going to be permanent damage. He'll never battle again. I'm sorry." Sasuke paled then with a strangled gasp punched his pillow furiously.
"Kamis above! This is my fault... I shouldn't have let him battle! It's all my fault!" The boy exclaimed, and ignoring his injuries Yumi whapped him. "Itai!"
"Stop it. This is not your fault and you know it. Besides, Ash is blaming himself enough for the both of you." This stopped the older boy in his tracks.
"Nande? Why?! It wasn't his fault!"
"No more than it was yours. So stop blaming yourself. I'd say the same to him, but he isn't here."
"Where is he?" Sasuke asked. Yumi shrugged solemnly.
"I don't know. He ran after he got me and Sasani and told your parents what happened. He was in complete hysterics, we were all so worried. I have a feeling he's in Viridian Forest, but I can't be sure. But, I mean, where else would he hide?"
"We have to find him, he could get hurt."
"You aren't going anywhere." Yumi ordered, and Sasuke sulked. "I'll look for him after your parents get here. The staff wouldn't let them in so they had to wait until today to come. Until they do, just rest." Sasuke somehow found himself obeying her, despite himself.
Suddenly, the door was flung open, and a green haired blur literally flew in and in seconds had Sasuke in a strangle hold while sobbing hysterically. Jenrya gently pried his wife off of Sasuke, who was turning blue, and gave him a more gentle version of Sasuke's mother's. Instantly Karia began fussing over her son, examining his bandages, and making a general scene. None of them noticed when Yumi slipped out of the room, following Ash's ki to Viridian Forest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It didn't take her long. After all, when searching for a ki such as a saiyan's, especially one who doesn't bother hiding it, how could it be missed? Stepping into a clearing, Yumi saw the whole group of them, Ash in the protective center, grouped around Rapidark, who didn't look surprised in the least to see her.
::Finally going to do it?:: The horse asked snidely, and Yumi scowled at her.
"Hush, you, this isn't the time." Rapidark grumbled, but nudged Ash-tachi awake. The saiyan blinked blearily and yawned, before noticing the girl standing in front of him.
"Huh? Yumi? Wha-..?" The young (for a Kai anyway) Kai stepped towards him, whispering something.
"Atara ni sanshi ga nirouta." The words were strange, but familiar, as if he had heard them before, and he blinked, attempting to decipher them. Yumi simply continued to stare, in an eerie fashion. "Do you have any idea of what that means? Son Gohan?" Ash was about to shake his head no, when he realized what exactly what Yumi had called him.
"What?! How did you-?!" He would have gone on, however, her gaze seemed to hold him in place, like a sort of drug.
"It means, 'I am not what I seem', in the language of the Kais. As you are not what you seem, neither am I. But let me tell you, I mean you no harm, so feel no fear."
"Hold on, what?!" Ash asked, very confused, until he was cut off when the blue eyes closed, and a sky blue glow surrounded the girl he assumed was simply a human. Slowly, she began to change, and when the transformation was complete, a totally different person stood there. This Yumi had sky blue hair down to the backs of her knees and her eyes seemed to have a bit of a silver tint to them. She was dressed in silver robes, several earrings dangled from her now pointed ears, and a pair of light blue feathered wings came conspicuously from her shoulders.
Now, Ash was no normal child, so he didn't run away shrieking, but tried his hardest to remain calm, with little success. But really, if you saw one of you best friends turn into someone completely different, how would you react?
"Okay.... what are you?" The saiyan asked, trying to keep the quiver out of his voice. Yumi, glad he wasn't freaking out, answered quickly.
"I am the youngest, and only female Supreme Kai. I watch over this region, and have been keeping an eye on you." This most definitely freaked him out, and Yumi quickly added, "But I'm not going to harm you. I only need to inform you of several things. Please sit, and hear me out."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I am what?!!!" Yumi groaned, and wondered suddenly why she didn't just make her brother do this.
"I told you. Bonehead." Ash merely gaped at her like a codfish until she reached over and snapped his jaw shut with a manicured hand. "You look like a fish. Flies are going through." She growled, and it suddenly it hit Ash that though Yumi had a different form she was still his friend and he could trust her.
"Okay, tell me if I have this wrong. For some reason or another I have all these abilities and if I don't choose which universe I want to live in both of them will be destroyed. Personally, that sounds like something from some anime. But whichever one I choose, the other will fall. And if I stay in this one the Z Senshi will show up eventually. Am I getting this right?" Yumi had to nod. Told like that, it did sound rather stupid. "So basically, I'll never get away from anyone." Yumi had to nod again. "Well, this is an easy choice. I stay here." Now it was the Kai's turn to gape.
"What?! So soon? Don't you need to think on it?" She asked. Ash shrugged.
"Not really. I came here in the first place, and I've come to like it far more than my old home. If I am forced to make some unpleasant encounters, then so be it." The saiyan declared.
"So that is your decision? Your final one?" Ash nodded in finality.
"Then so be it." After this was said, the two sat in silence for awhile, until Yumi spoke up again. " Hey, Gohan?"
"Nani?"
"Since you know I'm a Supreme Kai, can I continue to travel with you and Sasuke?" She asked, rather timidly. Ash shot her a broad grin, and shockingly reached over and shamelessly gave her a hug.
"A'course! Why not? You've always been a Kai, so why should I be bothered now that I know?" This of course made no sense whatsoever, but Yumi simply chalked it up to a mixture of, as Vegeta called it, 'Baka Kakkorat syndrome and insane Banshee.' Getting to her feet, Yumi yanked Ash to his feet and suddenly recalled Rapidark into a black and silver pokeball that none of them had noticed before. The boy blinked.
"So Rapidark.." The girl giggled.
"Yep! Rapidark belongs to me!" With a slight shrug, Ash picked up Pikachu and Hikaru, before placing Kotoko in her silvery red pokeball and taking off Aoi's illusion. The canine shook, happy to be herself again. Kira snuggled up against him affectionately and Ash absently rested a hand on her head. As they walked through the forest in silence, Ash finally spoke up again.
"Hey. Um... did Sasuke wake up yet?" Yumi nodded.
"Hai, he did."
"And Hinote?"
"Will never be able to battle again." Ash sighed, then a sharp glare plastered itself on his handsome face.
"Giovanni's life will end today. I will make sure of it." Now, Ash was generally mild mannered, but anyone who knew him knew that he was really protective of his friends, and that when he made a death threat, there was no doubt that he would carry it out. Yumi knew this but felt not a shred of pity. She herself was a lot like her saiyan friend, and Giovanni would pay for all that he had done wrong at the hands of Gohan. Not to mention that when he got to Otherworld he would have a lot to account for there.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When the two got back to the hospital, Sasuke and Sasani were waiting for them, the former cradling a sleeping Hinote in his arms. The Charmander was a mess, there were burns all over him, but the most distinguishing new development was the large scar now twisting up Hinote's tail, to stop at the flame where Mewtwo had put it out. The older boy looked up when he saw them enter, and a wide smile spread across his face when he saw Ash.
"Hey. How's- how's Hinote?" Ash brought himself to ask. The blonde stared down at his partner and protectively stroked his head.
"He won't battle again, but that's okay. I'm just glad he's alive."
"And you?"
"I'm okay too, just really sore. I won't be able to compete in the league thisyear, maybe never. I refuse to fight without Hinote by my side." Sasuke said. Ash could understand this, and was about to comment, when Sasuke cut him off. "Don't even think about it. You're going to get your eighth badge, and compete. Even if I'm not there, you have to do your best. But go to one of the smaller gyms, I'll never forgive myself if any of your pokemon get killed." Ash shook his head.
"No way. I'm going to get that badge from Giovanni, and he is going to pay." The saiyan declared, and Pikachu, Aoi, and Kira seconded this as Ash turned away. "I'll be back later. Yumi, don't let Sasuke take one step out of that bed." He ordered, and the girl nodded as Ash stalked out the door, saiyan side showing through for his thirst for revenge.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ash's steps echoing through the gym, he shoved his way through the doors while absently showing his seven badges. He was so furious his aura was showing bright red, giving him a rather demonic glow. With every step, the stones set firmly into the walls to give them a tunnely look began breaking off, shattering in his wake. Without waiting for the ebony double doors to open the saiyan pushed them out of their hinges, mad as hell.
The slimeball was waiting, just where he had been the day before, wearing the exact same smirk. Pikachu's fur bristled, and Kira and Aoi growled, as Ash stood to his full and fairly unimpressive height.
"I challenge you for a battle!" He said loudly, and Giovanni's smirk widened.
"I recognize you, I trashed your little friend yesterday didn't I?"
"Shut up and fight." Was Ash's only reply as he hopped up onto theplatform. As expected, the bars circled it. Giovanni irritatingly stepped slowly up to his, and tossed out a Machamp.
"Destroy him any way you feel." The man said lazily with a wave of his hand. With a malicious smirk Ash gestured Kira forward. Giovanni looked shocked. "Are you out of your mind, Kid? Oh well, Machamp, Seismic Toss!"
"Kira! Attract!" Ash shouted. The Delcatty nodded and batted her eyelashes while sending out a stream of hearts straight at Machamp. In seconds the fighting type had hearts for eyes and he stopped his attack to stand stock still. Ash smirked again. "Good! Now use Ice Beam!" Before long, the beam had hit and Machamp was frozen solid. Ash tensed slightly at the shock he got but paid it no heed as Giovanni growled before sending out an Armaldo. The saiyan recalled Kira before releasing Amethyst.
"Try this on for size! Amethyst! Combine Night Shade and Shadow Ball!" The poor rock/bug type didn't stand a chance against the onslaught of the double attacks from the high leveled Sableye and fainted with the one hit. Giovanni snapped his fingers and as expected Mewtwo appeared, and Ash recalled Amethyst quick as a flash. After a bit of thinking on the subject the boy fingered a familiar ice blue and gold pokeball that had been with him the entire journey and threw it, revealing a very pleased to be out again Stormeon.
::Yes! The tempest is back in action!:: She yelled while stretching happily, then she caught sight of Mewtwo. ::Whoa, what the hell is that?!::
"Don't worry Stormeon! You can beat it!" Ash yelled. "Now, use Hurricane Gale!" He commanded. Stormeon obliged and shot out the attack. It had no effect. Ash and Stormeon both gaped before Mewtwo sent out a wave of Psychic energy, before the ice type recoiled slightly.
::Itai... that really hurts..::
"Stormeon, try the attack we've been working on! Use Purging Light! (My attack, so no stealie.)" With a war cry Stormeon leapt forward again, before beginning to glow with a soft golden light. The aura grew bigger until Stormeon opened her eyes and attacked, throwing Mewtwo against the wall with a slam. The huge cat screeched in pain, before the smaller pokemon's attack won out,and the clone collapsed.
Giovanni gaped, and Ash's eyes flicked from black to tealthen back to black again. The man tried to run, but the saiyan created a psychic barrier around him. The child smirked.
"Surprised? But I've got another one for you. I always go through with death threats." Without another word, Ash charged up a Masenko, but instead of being gold it was a bright silver, and with a dying shriek Giovanni was incinerated, only a scorch mark on the platform showing what had just occurred. Then, he leapt down from the platform to go over to Mewtwo, who had woken up. Taking out a Hyper potion, Ash sprayed it, and the cat got up, shooting Ash a look of curiosity.
::Why did you do that?:: He asked, and Ash crossed his arms behind his back.
"Because I love pokemon, no matter who they are." He answered simply, with a smile on his face. Mewtwo continued to stare until a violet cloud surrounded him; a teleportation attack. Before he left however he whispered something to Ash.
::I'm sorry, Chosen Child.:: With that, Mewtwo left, and the only evidence he was ever there was the armor lying deserted on the floor. Ash stood and was instantly tackled by Pikachu, Aoi, Stormeon, Kira, and a madly giggling Hikaru.
::Squee! You won!:: Pikachu cheered, doing a happy dance. Stormeon smirked.
::Was there ever any doubt? I mean, with me on his side, how could he lose?:: She said smugly and was bowled over by a growling Kira.
::And what am I?! And Amethyst?! Just 'cause you beat Mewtwo doesn't mean we can't kick your puppy ass from here to the Seafoam Islands!::
"Kira! Language!" Ash scolded mildly from underneath the pile, and in response Kira merely licked his cheek.
::Daddy!:: A small voice suddenly piped up, and Hikaru attached herself to the front of his shirt. It didn't register for several seconds what had just happened, but suddenly it hit him and Ash detached Hikaru and stared incredulously at her.
"Hikaru? Was that you?"
::Daddy! Daddy Gohan! Daddy!!:: The little Charmander exclaimed, and with a huge grin the saiyan pulled her close to him, laughing in pure delight.
"Oh my God! You're talking! Hikaru's talking!" He cried happily and Pikachu and Stormeon cheered loudly.
::Way to go kid!::
::Daddy Daddy Daddy Daddy!::
"Wahoo! My baby is talking!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"How are you feeling?" Ash asked as Sasuke sat down next to him on the man-made beach at Professor Oak's lab, holding Hinote by the paw. The Charmander was nearly completely healed, but would forever walk with a limp and the scars on his tail would never go away; but either way he still followed Sasuke doggedly, despite his injuries.
"Great! Nearly all better!" The boy replied cheerfully. Then he quirked an eyebrow. "Wait, the League battles are in a week, shouldn't you be training?" Ash grinned.
"I am training."
"How so, slacker?" Sasuke asked. Suddenly out of nowhere Stormeon and Kotoko tackled him, both soaking wet.
::Gotcha!:: They both proclaimed as one and Ash shoved them off, now drenched as well.
"Jeez, that's cold!" He yelped, and Stormeon grinned a fangy grin at him. "What was that for?!"
::For shovin' us in the waterfall!:: Kotoko growled playfully and pointed her paw enthusiastically at Ash. ::Get 'im! Attack!::
::Yeah!:: Stormeon seconded and squirted her trainer with a stream of icewater. ::You shall pay!:: The three continued to rough house for several minutes with Sasuke and Hinote staring at them as if they had all lost their minds, all laughing hysterically.
"Okay! Okay! I give!" Ash surrendered while flopping onto his back and mock pleading. "Please just let me live! I beg of you!"
::Neva'!:: Kotoko declared and Stormeon soaked them again.
"Waahhhhh!!! My pokemon are mean and nasty!" Ash wailed, pretending to sob. Sasuke shook his head and turned away, muttering to himself.
"Oh well, I guess everyone needs to play sometimes." The ningen said partly to Hinote and partly to himself. With a sigh he headed back up to the lab, before turning to see Stormeon using a Bubble attack on her giggling trainer. "Ah well."
End Chapter
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Falcon: The Falcon has nothing to say.
Raven: For once in her life.
Falcon: Shut up. -whacks- R&R, or if you know me just tell me what you think. Oi, Tobi, I'm gonna need an extra hard muse slap this chapter.
Tobi: No problem. -slaps extra hard.-
Falcon: -rubs cheek.- Itai... doomo.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAPANESE:
For those who aren't as familiar in the beauteous oriental language as some, I have italicized all Japanese and translated them here due to request.
Obaa-sama: Respectful way of saying grandmother.
Okaa-san: Mother
Otou-san: Father
Aneki: Brother. Not big brother or little brother, just brother in general.
Imouto: Little sister.