Hey guys, I'm back with another chapter! I know a lot of you are likely looking forward to his chapter, so I apologize for the slight wait for this new chapter. But the holidays were very busy for me, and I also had to update my other fics as well. Well this fic is creeping towards 1,200 followers and 900 reviews, which is freaking amazing. Plus this story has almost 650,000 views. It's completely mind-blowing that this fic has been viewed over a half million times. So thank you all for your continued patience and support of this fic, and all of my other work. With that out of the way, let's get to the fic.
"Speech"
"Thoughts"
Pokemon Attack
"Telepathy/Aura Speech"
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon, or any of its characters.
(Five Minutes Later; Professor Oak's Laboratory)
"*Sigh* Things have been rather uneventful lately." Tracey muttered, as he lazily stared at the computer screen in front of him. The green-haired man released another sigh, before he continued to scroll through the countless data entries on his screen. "We haven't really gathered any new data in months."
"Well Gary hasn't been in the field in a few weeks, so until finishes his vacation things will be rather slow around here." Professor Oak said, looking over the research data in a manila folder. "When...When Ash was here...his Pokedex was always a treasure trove of new information."
"And his first hand accounts were an invaluable resource." Tracey said in a sad tone, as he leaned back in his seat. Pushing away from his desk, Tracey turned to face Professor Oak. "Say Professor Oak, do you think Ash will ever come back?"
"I have no doubt that boy will return home. He'll likely want to visit his mother after not seeing her for so long." Professor Oak replied, setting his research data down onto the table in front of him. "What I'm more concerned about, is how Ash will react when he sees us again. We didn't part ways on particularly good terms." The elderly professor sighed, as he gazed out a nearby window. "I just wanted what's best for the boy. After so many years of trying and failing, I figured it was time for Ash to stop and focus on something else. But I guess I was just being a foolish old man. Ash was still such a young man, and still had so much passion and drive to achieve his dream. We...I should have just believed in him for a little while longer. I just didn't want Ash making the same mistakes as his father. But I should have know Ash would follow directly in his father's footsteps. They're so similar it's actually kinda scary."
"Have you...been keeping tabs on the recent Pokemon League championships?" Tracey asked, earning a nod from Professor Oak. "We all made such a big mistake doubting Ash like that. All he needed was a little push and some extra encouragement, and he would have started winning." A frown spread across Tracy's face, as he stared at the floor. "Now Ash is winning leagues left and right, and we're not by his side rooting for him. He probably wants nothing to do with us anymore."
"Don't say that Tracey." Professor Oak said, as he walked over to Tracey and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Ash isn't like that. I have no doubt that Ash will be upset when we first reunite...But I feel like in time that we will be able to regain his trust and friendship."
"You really think so?" Tracey asked, looking up at Professor Oak.
"Yes. Ash has a big heart, and would never hold a grudge for too long. It's just not in his nature." Professor Oak said with a small smile. "Just like his father."
"When do you-" Tracey was cut off when a loud pounding rang out from the front door.
"I'm coming!" Professor Oak called out, as he walked towards the lab's entrance. When Professor Oak opened the door, he was surprised to see Delia standing there. What surprised Oak even more was the angry expression on Delia's face. "Oh Delia, how nice of you to drop by."
"I'm not here to chat with you Samuel." Delia said in an angry tone, poking Professor Oak in the chest. "I just found out some rather upsetting news, and I came here for an explanation!"
"Whatever are you talking about Delia?" Professor Oak asked in a confused tone, as he took a hesitant step back. The elderly professor had not seen Delia this angry since Ash's father had left all those years ago.
"I'm talking about how you wanted MY SON to give up on his dream, and drove him away!" Delia screamed, causing Professor Oak's eyes to shoot wide open.
"H-How did you hear about that?" Professor Oak asked in a slightly worried tone. "Did one of the others tell her?"
"I found out from my son that you've been keeping this hidden from me for the past few years!" Delia exclaimed, as she stepped aside to reveal that Ash was standing a few feet behind her.
"Hello Samuel." Ash said with a small smirk on his face. "Long time no see, right?"
"A-Ash?!" Professor Oak shouted, rubbing his eyes. "Is that really you my boy!?"
"Professor Oak what's..." Tracey stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Ash.
"Oh, and Tracey's here too." Ash said, glancing over at Tracey. "The only person missing is Gary."
"Ash..." Tracey breathed out, as a worried looks spread across his face. "W-What are you doing h-here?"
"I just wanted to drop by and have a nice chat with a few of my 'old' friends." Ash replied, walking up onto the steps towards the front door. "Mind if we come in?"
"I-I don't k-know-" Professor Oak tried to protest, but he was stopped when Delia loudly cleared her throat. Samuel was taken aback by the furious glare the woman was giving him. The elderly professor audibly gulped, as he felt a chill run down his spine.
"Now you listen here Samuel." Delia said in a commanding and low tone. "You're going to let us in, and you're going to explain what happened, because frankly I'd just love to hear why you tried to crush my boy's dream." Professor Oak took a fearful step back when Delia leaned in closer. The woman's eyes were as sharp as daggers, and seemed to cut right into his very soul. Her voice suddenly dropped down to a low whisper. "Just like you tried to do to Jonathan 19 years ago."
"But he was married to you and had a child, Delia." Professor Oak whispered, trying to defend himself. "It was time for him to give up on that silly dream of his."
"Shut your mouth." Delia hissed, as she resisted every urge to violently slap Professor Oak. "Jonathan is a great man, and is an amazing husband. Sure he wasn't home all the time, but he would still drop by and spend time with me and Ash. I knew it was his dream to be a Pokemon Master, just like it's Ash's dream. So I constantly supported him along the way, and I was his pillar of support. Jonathan would constantly send us money, so that we didn't have to worry about finances. So don't you dare act like he was a bad husband and father just because he constantly wasn't home. Jonathan was doing what he loved, and I'm glad he still hasn't given up on his dream. Just like my son hasn't given up on his." Delia's glare hardened, as she poked Professor Oak in the chest. "I was able to forgive you for what you did to Jonathan, because he convinced me to give you a chance. But I'm going to be much less forgiving a second time, Samuel."
"*Sigh* Come in." Professor Oak said, stepping aside to allow Ash and Delia to enter his lab. "We can talk to the next room."
"Hmph, thank you." Delia huffed, as she pushed passed Professor Oak and Tracey.
"It's great to see you again, professor." Ash said with a smirk still plastered across his face, placing a hand on Oak's shoulder before he walked into the lab.
"Professor?" Tracey asked, as he watched Delia and Ash take a seat in the adjacent room.
"I'll handle this Tracey, you just let me do the talking." Professor Oak said, rubbing the back of his head. "Well...let's get this over with."
"So Samuel...care to explain to me why you wanted my son to give up on his dream? And why you all lied to me about why he left?" Delia asked in a cold tone, as she crossing her arms over her chest. Professor Oak leaned forward in his chair and clasped his hands together, but didn't say anything. "Well I'm waiting."
"I just didn't want the boy to throw his life away on some silly dream." Professor Oak said quietly, continuing to gaze at the floor in shame. "He'd come so close and fell short so many times, that I felt maybe it was time for him to stop. Ash has so much potential to do great things, but he was spending all his time traveling and battling. I...I just wanted what I thought was best for him."
"Hmmm, that's sounds eerily familiar to what you said to Jonathan all those years ago. You were just doing what you thought was best for him back then too." Delia said, causing Ash's eyes to widen at the mention of his father's name.
"Mom, what are you talking about?" Ash asked, as he turned to face his mother. "Why are you talking about dad?"
"Because Samuel tried to convince your father to give up his dream 19 years ago, just like he did to you. Your father has the same dream as you, to become a Pokemon Master. But since Jonathan had married me and you were a young child, Samuel thought it was best for your father to stop trying to achieve his dream." Delia explained, causing Ash's head to snap towards Professor Oak; his eyes electric blue and alight with fury. "But I didn't want Jonathan to give up on his dreams. It was his passion and drive to achieve what he wanted that made me fall for him in the first place. If he had just given up, he wouldn't have been the man that had captured my heart."
"So..." Ash said coldly, slowly rising to his feet. The raven-haired man walked over to Professor Oak, and hoisted the professor to his feet by his collar. "You tried this same shit on my dad too!? I outta kick your ass!"
"B-But, I was just looking out for you and your m-mother!" Professor Oak exclaimed, as he held up his hands defensively. "I didn't intend to hurt either of you. I just didn't want you both to waste your lives."
"I was 18 when you tried to make me give up on my dream!" Ash shouted, causing Professor Oak to cower away from his booming voice. "I wasn't some fucking 35 year man! I still had my whole life ahead of me! You couldn't even believe in me for a few more years! If you had just waited a little longer, you could have been by my side right now!" Ash growled and tossed Professor Oak back into his seat. "Tch, I guess I should be thanking you and the other traitors. If wasn't for all of you giving up on me, I wouldn't have the drive to prove you all wrong. My anger is what gave me the strength to train harder than ever before. It's what allowed me to become the great trainer I am now." Ash grit his teeth and took a shaky a breath. After calming himself, Ash looked at Professor Oak; his eyes now back to their normal chocolate brown color. "However...despite everything you did to me, I'm not the type of person to hold hatred in my heart. Over the years my anger towards all of you has wained greatly, but I still aim to prove to you all that I'm the best trainer there is."
"Just like his father." Delia thought with a small smile, clasping a hand of her heart.
"W-What are you saying Ash?" Tracey asked, as he stepped up behind Professor Oak.
"I'm saying I don't hate either of you...and that I want to make amends." Ash said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out an unexpanded Cherish Ball. Professor Oak's eyes widened when Ash handed him the ball.
"What's this?" Professor Oak asked, inspecting the Cherish Ball in his hands.
"It's a special Pokeball designed to specifically hold legendary Pokemon." Ash explained, causing Professor Oak's eyes to widen. "Go on. Open it."
"S-Sure." Professor Oak said, as he expanded the Pokeball. Moments later, the professor released the Pokemon that was inside the ball. When the bright white light died down, Professor Oak and Tracey's eyes widened as they stared in awe at the Pokemon in front of them. "I-Is...is that...am I seeing things."
"Professor Oak, Tracey I'd like you both to meet Mew." Ash said with a grin, as the small pink Pokemon happily flew around the room. Professor Oak and Tracey watched the legendary Pokemon fly around with their mouths agape. After a few minutes Mew landed on Ash's shoulder and began to nuzzle his face. Ash smiled and gently petted Mew's head. "Yeah, I'm happy to see you too buddy."
"A-Ash, why did you bring Mew out?" Tracey asked, still shocked at seeing such a legendary and rare Pokemon in the flesh.
"I said I wanted to make amends." Ash said, as he began to dig through his pockets. A moment later, Ash pulled out what appeared to be a Pokedex. "This is my Pokedex from my recent travels in Kalos. It's full of data on the Pokemon I encountered and detailed notes on what I saw. I have a feeling that since I've been gone your research has slowed down significantly, am I right?" Professor Oak solemnly nodded his head. "Well...I'm willing to give you this Pokedex, because I have another special one from Professor Juniper...and...I'm willing to let you study and do some research on Mew."
"A-Are you serious!?" Professor Oak exclaimed, his eyes lighting up in excitement.
"On one condition." Ash said, as he pulled the Pokedex away from Professor Oak.
"What is it my boy?" Professor Oak asked, locking eyes with Ash.
"I want an honest and sincere apology from the both of you right here, right now." Ash replied, as he petted Mew again; causing the legendary Pokemon to purr in content.
"I should have expected something like that." Professor Oak thought, rubbing the back of his head.
"My boy...I fell horrible for what I did to you four years ago. It was wrong of me to try and stop you from achieving your dream. I had no right to meddle in your life like that. If you want to be a Pokemon Master you try your hardest and you achieve your goal." Professor Oak said in a sincere and regret filled tone. "I know I have no right to after what I did to you, but I'm going to root for you the rest of your journey. I'm...I'm so sorry Ash, please forgive this foolish old man." Professor Oak quickly closed his eyes when he felt tears beginning to form.
"It's good to have you back Professor Oak." Ash said with a smile, pulling Professor Oak into a tight embrace. "I missed our late night phone calls Professor. You always would give me such good advice." Ash released Professor Oak from the hug. The elderly professor had a small smile on his face, as he wiped away his tears. "But know this. I'm only able to forgive and forget so much Professor Oak. So you best not cross me or my family ever again."
"I hear you loud and clear, Ash my boy." Professor Oak said, as he sat back down into his seat. "You'll have my full support from now on."
"I'm glad to hear that." Ash said, turning to face Tracey. The green-haired man was rubbing his arm awkwardly and avoiding Ash's gaze. "Well Tracey...I'm waiting."
"You know me Ash...I'm not very good at these types of things." Tracey said, as he continued to rub his arm. "*Sigh* A-Ash, I'm truly sorry for what I did. Ever since you left...there's been something missing in my life. I realize that something was you, Ash. You're one of my best friends, and without you my life was pretty freaking dull. I'm not gonna beg you to forgive me, or to even be my friend again. I just want you to know that I feel awful for trying to make you give up your dream."
"Hmm, for not being very good at those types of things, that was pretty well said Tracey." Ash said with grin, extending his fist out to Tracey. The green-haired man's eyes widened for a moment, before he smiled and bumped fists with Ash. "It's good to have you back Tracey. When I become Pokemon Master, I want you to draw my victory portrait." Tracey's face flushed red in embarassment, and he rubbed the back of his head. "However...What I said to Professor Oak goes for you as well, Tracey. This is your one chance at forgiveness in my eyes. Betray me again, and I'll cut all ties with you and leave you behind."
"Don't worry Ash, I won't make that mistake again." Tracey said with a nervous chuckle.
"Well Mew, you're gonna be staying with Professor Oak for a little while." Ash said, getting the small pink Pokemon's attention. The raven-haired stroked Mew's head when a hint of worry flashed through its eyes. "Don't worry, he'll take really good care of you." Ash's eyes suddenly turned electric blue, as he glared at Professor Oak and Tracey. Both men recoiled underneath Ash's icy gaze. "If they don't I'll be back with Darkrai."
"*Gulp* We'll take excellent care of Mew, Ash." Professor Oak said in a nervous tone, as he felt a chill run down his spine. "But what about the rest of your Pokemon?"
"Don't push your luck with me Samuel." Ash warned, glaring at Professor Oak. "Professor Juniper has taken excellent care of all of my Pokemon over the past four years, and they've all become rather fond of her. However, if you want to watch over my Pokemon once again you'll have to speak with her...But let me warn you, she isn't to pleased with how you treated me. So when you call her, she'll probably give you an earful."
"Alright I'll give her a call soon, best to get that out of the way." Professor Oak said, as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Good." Ash said with a wide smile. "I'll be back to pick Mew up when I'm finished with the Kanto League." Ash gave Mew one last hug, before he exited the room. "See you later Professor Oak!"
"Bye Ash my boy!" Professor Oak called out, as Mew floated up next to him. "Tracey, go fetch Mew some food and water please."
"Of course, professor." Tracey said, leaving the room with Mew following closely behind him.
"You're lucky Ash takes after his father so much." Delia said, as she stood up from her seat. "If he were more like me, he would have kicked your sorry ass." Delia walked across the room, and stopped in the doorframe. "You may have earned Ash's forgiveness, Samuel. But it's going to take you much longer to regain mine. Jonathan I could handle, but doing to my son is going too far. Just stay away from me for awhile."
"*Sigh* That woman is seriously scary when she's upset." Professor Oak said, walking into his lab and plugging Ash's Pokedex into his computer. With another long sigh, Professor Oak sank into his chair, as the data on the Pokedex downloaded. When the data was finished downloaded, Professor Oak quickly opened the file. The elderly professor's eyes widened at the amount of data that flooded his screen. "T-Tracey! Get me some coffee! We're in for a long night!"
(Three Minutes Later; Ash's Home)
"Ash where were you?" Dawn asked, as Ash reentered his home with Delia following closely behind him.
"I was just having a talk with Professor Oak." Ash replied, causing Dawn's eyes to widen. The bluenette was about to speak, but Ash cut her off. "Don't worry, we managed to work everything out. I said my piece and he apologized."
"Well that's great to hear." Dawn said, as she kissed Ash on the cheek. "Well, we're all settled in, so what do you want to do?"
"I have to train for my gym battle tomorrow, but the rest of you guys are free to do whatever you want." Ash said, grabbing two Pokeballs off his belt. "Come on Pikachu, we have to get ready." Pikachu cheered and happily jumped onto Ash's shoulder.
"Who were you planning on facing tomorrow, Ash?" Delia asked, as she walked into the kitchen to prepare lunch for everyone.
"I think it's time I gave Brock a visit." Ash answered with a wicked grin. "With the present I gave him, he might actually put up a decent fight." With that cryptic response, Ash walked into his back yard to begin his training.
"Well good luck honey! Teach Brock a lesson!" Delia called out, before she returned to making lunch.
"Hmm, looks like tomorrow's battle will be interesting." Dawn said, as she ascended the stairs. "I'll see if May wants to practice our contest routines...maybe I can even convince Cynthia to join us. She did say that contests always interested her."
(The Next Afternoon; 5:30 p.m. Pewter City)
"Man it was a long day at the hospital." Brock said, letting out an exhausted sigh. "I hope the gym isn't a total mess, because I seriously don't feel like doing any cleaning. I'll still have to cook everyone dinner though." Brock smiled when the Pewter City Gym came into view. As soon as Brock entered the gym, he could hear his brother Forrest talking to someone.
"I'm sorry, but if you want to challenge this gym you'll have to face me." Forrest said to an unseen challenger in the next room.
"You listen here, I'm here to battle Brock and I'm not leaving this gym until I do! I'll wait all damn night if I have to!" The challenger exclaimed, just as Brock walked into the room that Forrest was in. Brock was surprised to see a large crowd of people gathered in the room.
"Forrest?" Brock called out, getting everyone's attention. "What's going on here?"
"Brock, will you tell this guy that he has to battle me if he wants to challenge this gym." Forrest asked, gesturing to the challenger; who still had his back turned to Brock.
"I'll handle this." Brock said, as he made his way through the crow of people. But as Brock moved through the crowd, he was surprised to see several familiar faces amongst the crowd. "Dawn? May? Cynthia!? What are you all doing here?"
"We're just here to watch our boyfriend challenge this gym." May replied, placing her hand's on her hips. "This battle had been a long time coming after all."
"What are you...Wait...boyfriend...you're...you're all dating the same guy?" Brock asked in a flabbergasted tone, earning a nod from the three girls. "What lucky son of a-"
"There you are Brocko!" A cheerful voice called out from beside Brock. "It's been too long, almost four years right?" Brock gasped when he heard the voice, it was deeper than he remembered, but there was no doubting who it was.
"Ash." Brock said, turning to face the raven-haired trainer. "So you've finally come to battle me."
"You're damn right I am." Ash said with a toothy grin, and hint of anger in his voice. "I hope you've been training Brock. Because when I thrash you, I want you to at least put up a fight."
"Tch, don't go acting all tough just because you've won a few leagues." Brock said, scowling at Ash. "I've been training and growing stronger too, so if you're so damn cocky let's settle this now."
"But Brock, I'm supposed to battle any challengers." Forrest interjected, as he stepped up beside his older brother.
"No Forrest, this is a battle that I have to fight." Brock said, glancing at his brother. "You'll just have to referee this match."
"Well if you think you're ready Ash, let's get this over with. I have some things to do, so I don't want to waste my time battling you." Brock said, as he turned to walk towards the gym's battlefield.
"Before we battle Brocko, there's one thing I want to do." Ash said, deciding to kick Brock where it really hurt.
"Oh, and what is that?" Brock asked in annoyed tone, as he stopped and turned back to Ash.
"Let me introduce to my girlfriends." Ash said, his girls all gathering around him. Brock's mouth fell open when each girl placed a passionate kiss upon Ash's lips.
"G-G-G-Girlfreinds!?" Brock screamed, as he collapsed onto his knees. Brock fisted his hair, while anime tears poured from his eyes. "I still can't get one girlfriend! But here you are with eight!"
"Heh, right in the balls." Ash said with a smirk, watching Brock slowly twist into the fetal position and cry like a baby.
And done! I know I said, Ash would battle either Brock or Misty this chapter. But I decided that I'll wait for that until next chapter, then I'll do Ash's confrontation with Gary as well. With Brock being Ash's first Kanto gym battle, Misty will be his last. I know some of you were likely looking for Ash to actually hurt Professor Oak, but I felt that wouldn't fit Ash's character. Even if Ash was betrayed like this, he still wouldn't physically hurt those who betrayed them; especially a seventy plus year old man. So what did you guys think? Love it? Hate it? Don't really give a shit? Let me know! Please remember to follow/favorite, PLEASE REVIEW (This fic has over 1,100 followers, we should be able to get over 30 reviews per chapter! Step it up people!), and PM me any ideas you might have for this fic.
P.S. I finished both Sword Art Online season one and two recently, and I must say that I'm now in love with that series. First off it's an absolutely gorgeous anime, fantastic work A-1 studios! The voice acting is phenomenal, but I felt the music was kinda meh. The characters were all enjoyable and there were few I hated, unless they were complete scumbags *Cough* Kyouji *Cough* The story for the most part was great, however the second half of season one was nowhere near as good as the first and the middle of season two kinda dull; but it picked back up near the end. Plus I absolutely love Kirito and Asuna's love story! They're absolutely perfect together, and I fight anyone who says otherwise; just kidding. If you want to seem my favorite pairings for Sword Art Online just check to my profile, but my definite favorites are Kirito x Asuna and Kirito x Shino. I'm so hyped for season 3, which is set to premiere this summer, and then there is a Sword Art Online movie that is supposed to come out before then. So I'm super psyched for both of those. If I had to give Sword Art Online a rating, as a whole, I'd give an 8.5 . I highly recommend you all check it out if you haven't.
So until next time, I'm outta here!