Disclaimer: I do NOT own Pokemon.
Author's note: So… Here it is. A kinda sequel to Hero from the Frozen Mountain. I say kinda sequel because I will have to, unfortunately, change some things from the previous story. I will mention them at the end of this chapter. If you want to know how many things and what things will be different from the Hero of the Frozen Mountain, skip till the end and read the notes there so you won't waste time reading through this. I have just one major change in mind, and that one will be decided by you, readers, regardless so we will see.
As for those who didn't read the first entry, I'll sum it up for you right here, because I think most of you would have a stroke trying to read my first fanfic. It has so many typos, mistakes, cringy and edgy moments that it is an embarrassment for me. But… if you'd like to know more about things that happened during the Team Rocket arc, you can still read it. Just don't expect anything good.
So, here is the recap: After Ash won against Paul in the Sinnoh League, Ash faced Tobias and lost. Ash's Charizard took down 2 legendary Pokemon in the row, but even that wasn't enough to take down a team of 5 legendary Pokemon and a Salamance. After that, Mewtwo was tasked by Arceus to find Ash, and stop Team Rocket for good. After 3 years of Aura training, hiding in a cave near the top of Mount Coronet, Ash was ready to defeat Team Rocket. However, he was captured and tortured, losing his left hand in the process. Team Rocket trio saved him and dropped him in Cynthia's villa in Kanto, where Cynthia lives as the new Champion of Kanto. (Tobias became Champion of Sinnoh, and Lance handed one of his Champion titles to Cynthia). With Team Rocket hot on his trail, Ash brought Cynthia with him into the cave, where she remained until Ash defeated Giovanni. An in the Epilogue, when Arceus thanked Ash for saving the world, he granted Ash one wish. Ash wanted his dad to be brought back from the dead. And so, he brought Richard back, and all of them returned to Pallet Town for a Christmas dinner, where Ash found out about the Omega Championship, and where he'll try to show the world he is indeed the very best, like no one ever was.
That's the short version. And now, onto the sequel! Enjoy!
Prologue: Foreign Home
„Muk use Sludge Bomb!"
„Scissor, use Metal Claw!"
In the dead of the cold winter night, a young man was watching TV in the living room. Nostalgic memories flooded his mind every time a word was spoken by the two opposing trainers. With a light smile, sipping a can of soda on a couch, he watched with a keen eye a battle that was several years old.
„Still not gonna work!"
„Fine, then sent Muk flying!"
On the TV screen, Scissor's pincer stuck in Muk was raised even with the gooey Pokemon. Scissor then threw him even higher in the air, surprising Muk and Muk's trainer. His younger self then commanded Scissor to use Swift attack on the flying Muk, which surprisingly worked!
„I still can't believe you came back, Ashy-boy." The young man with light brown spiky hair whispered. How time flies. More than three years world thought he died. And then he came back with an entrance that not even Arceus's descend to their world can top. Not only that, he brought back long lost Champion of Kanto. Not that it mattered much since Ash's father was Champion of Kanto only for about a week, but still.
Ash never ceased to amaze him.
As he was looking at the screen where Muk was declared unable to battle, he wondered if he can even beat his Pokemon in the upcoming tournament. Ash has several holes in the battle he is watching but in the Sinnoh league, they were ironed out or at least hidden carefully. To top it all off, analyzing him doesn't help that much. He is as unpredictable as they say. Maybe he should let it be for today. He still has a ton of time to analyze his fighting style.
„Scissor has put an end to Muk's battling today! And now Ash Ketchum has only one Pokemon remaining! Gary Oak has three Pokemon in his arsenal! What could Ash's last Pokemon be?"
„And here it is." Gary Oak braced himself for the grand entry of Ash's strongest Pokemon. Now Gary completely ditched the analyzing part of watching this battle, intending to enjoy this battle from a fan perspective.
„It's time. Charizard, let's go!"
„Huh?" Gary's quiet watching got interrupted by a light knock at the door. Gary rolled up his sleeve and looked at the watch. It's past 11! Who would knock at this hour?!
Gary raised from the couch, paused the TV, and walked to the doors, curious as to who would have knocked at this hour on the laboratory of Samuel Oak. And What do you know, it's the same guy he watched not even a second ago on TV.
Gary quickly put on his all-knowing smug smile. „Well, well, well. What do we have here? What brings you here Ashy-boy?" Gary leaned on the doorpost.
The bearded Ash Ketchum laughed at Gary's teasing. After the laugh, Ash quickly got to the matters at hand. „Can I crash at your place for today? Please?"
Gary leaned against a doorframe raised an eyebrow. „Out of all the places you could sleep in after years spent in a cave, you want to sleep on our couch?"
„It's not a matter of want. If I want to fall asleep, I need to crash elsewhere." Ash said.
Gary looked over Ash's shoulder at the Ketchum household in the distance. Lights turned off and it seemed quiet. „Seems peaceful enough for me." Gary looked back at Ash. „What's happening at home?"
Now it was Ash who raised an eyebrow. „You don't hear them?"
„Who?"
Ash quickly shook his head. „Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Just let me sleep on your couch."
Gary squinted his eyes looking back and forth between Ash and Ketchum household in the distance. It took only a few seconds for the young scientist to put two and two together. He pulled his body from the doorframe and smiled with malice. „Your parents are at it, aren't they?"
„How do yo- NO! They aren't!" Ash's tongue slipped.
Gary again chuckled. „I am not surprised. You and Cynthia weren't the only ones who were eye-fucking each other at the Christmas dinner. Plus, your mom has been sex-deprived for 11 years."
Ash grunted angrily. „Even if you are one of my close friends, if you ever put the word „sex" and „your mom" together into one sentence, I will shove an Aura Sphere up your ass." Ash got to Gary's face, deepened his voice, and threatened Gary.
„Geez, chill. I am happy for you and your parents." Gary said.
Ash sighed sadly. „Come on, man. Can you please let me inside?! I can still hear them."
Gary's eyes widened slightly. „Are they that loud?"
„Can we please drop the topic?!" Ash now resorted towards pleading.
Gary laughed a little. „Fine. Come in you poor guy." Gary wrapped his arm around Ash's shoulder and let him inside. „Who would have thought that having an enhanced hearing could be such a curse."
„Yeah. I'll need to move out soon." Ash chuckled.
Gary smiled also. „Damn. He changed so much." The beard, long hair, blue eyes, deep voice, and pale skin. He is a completely different person. It will take quite some time to get used to his new appearance.
„Cynthia would love to have you in that vila you know." The two young men turned around the corner and entered the living room.
„Fully aware of that. But I wouldn't get a peaceful night of sleep at her place either." Ash replied.
„Why not?" Gary raised an eyebrow as he opened the doors to the living room.
„Not important." Ash replied. Then Ash chuckled out of nowhere. „Reminiscing of the old times?"
Gary curiously cocked an eyebrow at Ash's remark. Ash pointed at the large television in front of the brown couch and a glass table with his head. The TV was paused at Charizard's roar to the skies on the battlefield.
„Oh, that. Preparation for the tournament, nothing else." Gary smirked at Ash and sat down on the couch. „Want to watch with me?"
„Sure. Though you won't get much from that battle. I changed a lot since that battle." Ash jumped onto the couch and both boys began watching Charizard battling Gary's Scissor. As Ash joined, Gary picked up where he left off with the can of soda he had on the table. „Don't have much to work with either way. Last three years there is nothing on you." Gary responded.
„You know, it's quite impolite to not offer something to drink to your guests." Ash added sarcastically.
Gary smirked crossing his legs on the couch acting like he owned the place. „Well, well, well. Who would have guessed Ash Ketchum will lecture me about politeness. What happened with the old loud-mouthed rude Ashy-boy I knew?"
„HE got several lectures and beat-ups by Lucario who was steadfast on teaching him manners." Ash replied.
Gary laughed. „Never thought I will live the day to see you have manners." Gary then pulled his eyes off the TV, put the can of soda on the table, and looked back at, Ash. „So, what would Mr. Ketchum like?"
„Anything else but ordinary water. I am fed up with drinking regular water." Ash said.
Gary chuckled. „No promises." he said and left the room by the second door right across from the doors they entered before.
That left Ash alone in the room, watching the TV without Gary. His Charizard already defeated Scissor and now the battle between Charizard and Golem raged, with Charizard failing to lift Golem for a Seismic Toss attack. Ash watched his younger self eagerly giving commands to Charizard, never doubting for a single second that his strongest Pokemon would prevail and win.
The Aura Guardian wondered if he can feel like that again, with the fire and excitement for Pokemon battles sparked once again in his heart. It has been gone for so long… All he knew for the last 3 and half years was training and life and death battles. There was no time for joy, only for the mission. It would be great if he could rekindle that spark he sees in his younger eyes. Not even the battle with Steven at Mount Coronet rekindled his passion for battles.
Charizard's Dragon Rage knocked out Golem and the referee announced another win for Charizard.
„How's that? Pretty powerful huh?" his younger self on TV taunted Gary.
„You've gotten this far Ashy-boy. But that'll be far enough! Blastoise, go!" Gary responded.
„Those were the good times…" Ash whispered. The troubled Aura Guardian raised his left arm in front of his face and looked at his missing left hand.
„I hope orange juice will be to your liking, Ashy-boy." Gary opened the door and threw a big carton of orange juice at Ash. The trained Aura Guardian caught it without trouble.
„Thanks."
Gary nodded. „I see that we are at the best part now." Gary said as he saw his Blastoise duking it out with Ash's Charizard.
„What a battle that was…" Ash added quietly as he opened the carton of orange juice drinking from it.
„The best I ever had…" Gary added, also quietly.
Both young men watched quietly as the commentator narrated the fight on the TV, excitement raising with his every spoken line. Pokemon trainers from Pallet Town yelled a command after command and even when both Pallet Town natives knew the outcome of the battle, it didn't diminish their investment in the battle one bit.
„Use Dragon Rage!"
„Dodge it, quick!"
„Charizard, lift Blastoise in the air!"
„Bite attack Blastoise, GO!"
„Charizard don't give in, SEISMIC TOSS with everything you got!"
Charizard made his famous loops in the skies and slammed Blastoise into the ground below. And when the smoke cleared, it was the orange dragon who stood tall. The two Pallet town trainers watch themselves shake hands, both finally acknowledging each other as Pokemon trainers.
„And to think this all happened more than 5 years ago…" Ash said as nostalgia hit him hard.
„Yeah…" Gary said with a satisfied smile on his face. The greatest battle he had, and it was with little Ashy-boy. Every time he watches his previous battles, it always brings a lifetime of memories. "I am gonna get you a blanket and a pillow so your sleep on the couch is at least somewhat comfortable." Gary chuckled at his own sarcastic remark.
"Thanks. After 3 and half years sleeping on the cave floor, your couch will feel like a marshmallow." Ash smirked back.
Gary stood up and stretched his arms. "I wouldn't count on that. The couch is older than two of us combined."
"Meh. Still better than a cave floor." Ash replied nonchalantly.
And even though Team Rocket is dealt with, sleeping alone still brought out the memories of torture. At least now, that they are gone, he only twists and turns during sleep, not scream. Hopefully tomorrow, Cynthia will be okay enough to be with him and to calm him down yet again
Ash's eyes fluttered open as the early morning rays hit his face. Getting woken up by sunrays… another thing that wasn't happening in his life in the last three years of his life. Well, getting sunlight, in general, didn't happen. He wonders if he'll ever be able to get the bronze tan he had before the lack of sun made him white as snow.
Ash sat up, gently slapped his cheeks to fully wake up, and looked around.
He knew Oak's lab enough to direct himself into the kitchen to drink some water. As much as he appreciates the advantages of being an Aura Guardian, the heightened up need for water and food is kinda annoying.
However, upon entering the kitchen, he found Daisy Oak, having her morning coffee in the kitchen. Immediately when she spotted him from her chair, her eyes widened when she saw Ash only in his trunks. It was not because of the unexpected appearance of the Aura Guardian, rocking a man body girls dream about that threw her off, believe it or not, rather the scars splattered all over him. Studying the biology of not only Pokemon, but humans as well, she knows very well, all of these are human-made.
"Ow. I am sorry Daisy, didn't expect you to be here." Ash scratched the back of his head nervously.
"Huh?" Daisy paused for a second. "What are you doing here?" Daisy quickly came to her senses.
"I had to find a place to crash in for the night due to… unforeseen circumstances," Ash replied with an embarrassed chuckle, trying to laugh it off.
"What could force you out of your house when you just returned? Is the bed too small for you?" Daisy teased with a smug smirk.
"Yeah. Sure. Let's say that's the reason." Ash laughed it off again. "Anyway, I'll just grab a bottle of something and I'll be on my way. I bet my mom is wondering where am I" Ash said, walking towards the fridge and looking for something to drink. "If she isn't sleeping that is. After what I heard, I don't think she'll be on her feet anytime soon." shivers ran down Ash's spine as the image of his parents briefly flashed in his mind.
As he finally found a bottle of orange juice his Aura sense began tingling, noticing what Daisy felt. Curiosity and a little bit of disgust. When he looked back, he saw Daisy staring at his back. She stared at his scars. Ash shivered, again, recalling where he got those scars. As the horror memories of the Team Rocket hideout slithered back to the forefront of his memory, he shook his head and walked out of the room to quickly dress and hide those scars.
He may as well pick up his Pikachu from the Oak's ranch and get back home. Something about recalling the Team Rocket encounter made him want to go home.
Ash opened the door to the ranch and was greeted by the fields covered in snow and snowflakes gently falling on the Kanto ground. Arceus, Ash doesn't even remember how Pallet Town looks under snow. Every time he returned it was always in spring or summer. And that spring or summer, he was gone to another region.
"Oh my god… my friends in other regions… I nearly forgot about them. I am curious to how they fare." Ash mused over all the people he met on his journeys. The most important like Misty, May, Max, Dawn, Paul. Then there were others such as Harisson, Drew, Morisson, Barry, and many, many more. Only Brock, the Oaks, Tracey, Lucy, and his parents know he is alive. Ou, and Cynthia of course. "Damn. I haven't planned how I'll make myself known to the world again." He thought, walking through the snow towards a barn where Pokemon in professor Oak's care rested if they wanted to still be outside despite the snowy weather. And because Ash's Pokemon were outside most of the time during the last 3 years, they chose to stay in the barn when Ash gave them to the professor, instead of in pokeballs.
Back to the topic though. The world does know about him, just not as Ash but as Red, the Aura Guardian who hid and struck from the shadows. And since both are quite famous, the reaction of the public is really hard to predict. Not to mention his dad who just came back from the dead. Goddamn, getting back into society is harder than he initially thought it would be.
As he walked through the snow, Ash looked to the distance, mountains behind Pallet Town, remembering the time he spent on the frozen mountain. His old green cold and grey scarf slapping in the chilly wind. The doors to one of the Oak's barn stood in front of him, and Ash opened them.
"Hey, guys. Getting cozy in your old home I hope." Ash spoke.
He saw all of them, most on their feet. Pikachu, Charizard, and Mewtwo were talking to each other in the corner. Kingler and Milotic were already getting cozy with each other, both sleeping with Milotic protectively wrapped around Kingler. Luxray and Typhlosion were sitting next to each other, observing Sceptile, Infernape, Glalie, Absol, and Weavile arguing about who is more powerful. Bulbasaur was whipping Heracrosss with his Vine Whip, no doubt because of his bulb again. Excited Meganium was running around lying Torterra, who housed Ash's Staraptor, Noctowl, Glyscor, and Swellow on its back.
Then some were sparring a little. Feraligatr and Floatzel were trying to scratch and punch each other respectively. Toxicroak and Lucario were another pair, and Tyranitar with Aggron were locked in a headbutt, trying to push each other. These Pokemon were overlooked by Gardevoir and Garchomp in case someone got hurt, or someone got too much into the spar. Crawdunt found a metal bar and was trying to snap it in half with his pincers. Torkoal was on top of Metagrosses head, enjoying the ride. Snorlax was sleeping, naturally, and Donphan also slept next to it. As soon as Muk saw Ash, he tried to hug his favorite human, but after 3 years of intense training, Ash dodged him, saddened Muk. Ash chuckled in return and dodged another welcome "attack", this time Glalie's Ice Beam. However, the last trickster, Sableye, managed to make Ash slip on a carefully placed Muk sludge and fall into a haybale.
"Damnit! I still fall for that old trick!" Ash chuckled a little and looked around for the purple trickster that caused this. Naturally, he was few meters away from him, laughing mischievously.
Nearly all Pokemon stopped what they were doing, apart from the sleeping ones, and went to greet their trainer. Pikachu immediately jumped onto his favorite spot on Ash's shoulder. Nuzzling Ash's cheeks. The young Aura Guardian conjured a slight smile and petted Pikachu's head. That simple gesture of Pikachu… It felt like just in the old days. Just he and him, against the world…
"Guys. I have an announcement." Ash got up from the haybale and dusted off his cloak. Looking back at his gang, they were quiet, with eyes on him, ready to hear whatever it was.
It made him a little nervous. Hopefully, they will be looking forward to what's to come. "Well." He began nervously scratching his head. "Scott and Charles Goodsnow announced a big tournament in Pokemon battles. The biggest tournament the world has seen. Everyone will be there. Tobias, Lance, Cynthia, Elite Four members, Gym Leaders… Everyone. And… the others, at the Christmas dinner… they talked me into it as well. So… what do you guys say? Want to fight for fun instead of battles to the death? Just like in the old days?" Ash asked.
"FUCKING YES!" the giant roar of Charizard woke echoed through not only the barn but whole Pallet Town, waking up half of its neighbors. "I want that fucker with Darkrai down! I swear if you'll leave me in a fight against him, I'll make a fried human out of you!" Charizard pointed accusingly at Ash, clearly remembering the humiliating surrender in the fight against Tobias. Well, it wasn't exactly humiliating since Charizard took down 2 legendary Pokemon in a row. But try to talk it into this stubborn lizard.
"Wouldn't have it any other way." Ash said, uncovering his ears. That roar… his eardrums may be gone because of that. At least it felt that way.
"I believe here is your answer. Newbies and veterans alike are all fired up." Pikachu on his shoulder pointed at all the Pokemon giving him a nod.
"Hmm… I am interested in this Pokemon battling as well. Heard a lot about it around the world." Mewtwo levitated towards Ash. "I wonder if I'll find the joy you all share in it." he added telepathically to all inside the barn.
"I wonder as well…" Ash added, more to himself than Mewtwo.
"Ash?" Ash's oldest Pokemon, Bulbasaur, walked out of the group.
"What's up Bulbasaur? Everything alright?" Ash asked. The bulb sucking from earlier shouldn't be an issue, but you never know. Bulbasaur is rather quiet and keeps to himself, so when he comes up with something, it's usually important.
"Now that we are back and you understand me, I have a question." Bulbasaur said and Ash nodded, gesturing Bulbasaur to continue. "Do you intend to go back for all the Pokemon you promised to return to? I… do feel rather lonely without the original Kanto squad." he said, turning to Kingler, Snorlax, a couple of Tauroses who weren't outside on the frozen fields, Pikachu and Charizard. "Nothing against you guys. But after this tournament, Charizard will be at Charisific Valley with his cubs again, possibly forever, Pikachu will stay with you, Kingler now has Milotic, Snorlax sleeps all the time, and Tauroses roam the fields together. I just… miss them. Especially my best friend, whom it looks like you completely forgot about." Bulbasaur said.
"Wow. The grandpa is so sentimental. Who would have guessed from the grumpy old guy he usually is" Ash's Weavile said, more in awe than trying to mock the Seed Pokemon.
"Yeah… Kinda hot. Not gonna lie." Weavile's everlasting rival, Absol said back.
As Weavile began to mock Absol for hinting at falling for Ash's oldest Pokemon, the Aura Guardian spoke.
"I haven't forgotten about them. Don't worry. I think about them a lot. Squirtle, Primape, Pidgeot, and Haunter. Even about Lapras and Butterfree, the ones I let go of forever. But… do they even want to come back? When Squirtle came back for the Silver Conference and the Battle Frontier, he always left." Ash said, a sadness apparent in his voice. "Maybe, their home is with their new trainers. Not with me."
"Maybe. But you did promise to come back for them one day. Perhaps, they are still waiting." Pikachu on his shoulders said.
"And you didn't leave that ladybird with a trainer. Most likely, she still roams the Viridian Forest with the flock." Charizard pointed out, who apart from Pikachu, remembered the original squad of him, Pikachu Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Buterfree, and Pidgeotto.
Charizard especially remembered the time they got stuck in a snow cave, and all of them had to share warmth to stay alive. That time… the relationships changed. It was just Ash, with them, trying to survive when all hope was lost. A lot of moments like that came and went, but this one just stuck to mind. Maybe because it was the first. His flame nearly died that day, and if it weren't for Ash's coat, Pidgeotto's feathers, Pikachu's fur, Bulbasaur's vines, and Squirtle's hug, he would've died. They all would have.
"I always thought that if she wanted back, she would come here. To see visit at least you, Bulbasaur. Or even the Tauroses, Muk, or Kingler. After all, she knows you are here, and the Viridian Forest is around the corner." Ash said. And as Muk was about to say something, he continued. "But in the end, I did promise I would come back for her. And Aura Guardians keep their promises. So… I will try to bring them back." he then turned to Bulbasaur.
"Which reminds me. We have few months before the big tournament. During the Christmas dinner, I came up with an idea to take Cynthia, and travel around the Kalos region. As we were stuck in the mountain for the past 3 years, the world got bigger. Kalos region has new Pokemon, and apparently, something called Mega Evolutions. If we are serious about the tournament, I should travel and maybe, get some new party members for our team, since we didn't scout that region for any connections, and more Pokemon who may be destined to be with us." Ash said. "So, after I'll take care of the Pokemon I left behind, I'll travel to Kalos." Ash said as most of his Pokemon sadly hung their heads. He knew exactly why, but this time, he won't be so selfish like he was during his travels 3 years ago.
"That doesn't mean you will be cast aside like you usually were." He said and his older Pokemon perked up their ears. Those who had them at least.
"Though I will not use you for battling much until the tournament, I will transfer some of you to me, so you will teach my new Kalos Pokemon about the advantages and disadvantages of being a certain body build, type and as such."
Ash's excited Pokemon cheered in excitement, some of the more affectionate ones like Muk and Bayleef even tackled Ash, who was caught off guard. It made him realize just how much it probably hurt his Pokemon to be left out of his adventures in other regions. With a sad smile, he gently pushed Bayleef and Muk off him, standing up once again.
"I am sorry for neglecting you so much, guys. I promise every one of you will see Kalos at least once." Ash announced signs of sadness were still noticeable in his voice.
"Interesting promise, considering you have more than 30 Tauros." Sceptile added.
"… Alright. Maybe not all, but most of you." Ash added. His herd of Tauros prefer to roam the fields at Professor Oak's lab together anyway.
"Ash?" the orange lizard asked, in an unusual quiet tone.
"Yeah?" Ash replied.
"Can I be excluded from the call to Kalos? I… I have matters to take care of." Charizard spoke, again, his tone unusually tame. And Ash knew why.
"Of course. You are one of the few here who never has to ask permission from me for anything. Do you want me to come with you and explain everything before I'll try to go bring our old friends back?" Ash asked. Thank Arceus, Charizards mate are for life. If he ripped Charizard out of his family for three years, and Charla was with someone else now, he would never forgive himself. As for the new Charizard leader there. Yeah… he isn't too worried about Charizard reclaiming that spot.
"No. That's something I have to do myself on my own. I am no leader of Charisific Valley if I hide under the skirt of my trainer." Charizard replied.
The overgrown lizard stayed at the Oak's lab for a day after their return to give goodbyes to his friends. Three years, locked in a cave, training together and living through some life and death situations. It creates bonds that will never be severed. The most heartfelt goodbyes were between him, Pikachu, Mewtwo, and Bulbasaur. Pikachu because, as little as that yellow rat is, he is his best friend and rival, Mewtwo because training with him and Pikachu till their legs couldn't hold them for three years, created another strong bond and Bulbasaur, because, well, they have been through a lot together.
"I understand. When will you leave?" Ash asked.
"Tonight." Charizard replied.
Ash nodded. "Alright then. If I may, I know you can't tell anything to Lisa even if you wanted, but please, don't hint at the option I am alive. Not yet. I would like to announce it to everyone personally." Ash said.
"If that's what you wish for." Charizard bowed a little.
Most Pokemon were in awe when they saw Charizard bow. Mainly because he refused to bow to even Arceus not so long ago, even picking up a fight with the God Pokemon, but he bowed to his trainer right now.
"I will not return until tomorrow morning here, so this is a goodbye." Ash sadly said. "For the time at least. As you said, we have some unfinished business with Tobias. So until the tournament, goodbye." Ash extended a hand to his powerhouse of a Pokemon.
"Yeah, keep my pokeball with you and remember that. Goodbye, Ash." Charizard said with a loud laugh.
Ash chuckled a little and looked at his Pokemon, where some were really touched by the temporary goodbye, and tears were seen on some of the more sentimental like Bayleef, Gliscor, and Crawdaunt.
"Anyway guys, the reason I will not stay with you here for too long, is that I need a makeover. Those long hair and beard are really irritating. So, mom promised me at the dinner she'll take my measurements and start making new clothes for me. Also, I will visit Martha, the local barber, and get rid of all of this to finally look like a 17-year-old, and not like an old wizard." Ash picked up a handful of his long hair from the back and showed it to the gang, who began laughing. "I just hope she'll be able to function after yesterday…" from what he heard, all the way to Oak's lab, his dad di da number on her. He shivered. "Bad thoughts. Bad thoughts." He quickly shook his head to get that particular image out of his head.
"Careful there Ash, or if you'll become too attractive, you won't be able to stop Cynthia from jumping you." Pikachu joked on his shoulder.
Even Ash chuckled at that. "Fortunately, mom has some pills that should lower the hormone levels of Cynthia so that she isn't horny 24/7. Honestly, it should strike me sooner she had something like that. My dad was gone most of the time, and she had to have something to suppress what aura was doing to her thanks to dad, just like what aura is doing to Cynthia thanks to me." That will at least postpone the inevitable baby that will come with their first intercourse. By how much, only Arceus know, but he would like to be married before that. And since by the laws of nature, they are basically already married, right now he just has to find a ring and do it properly in the realm of human laws. And Kalos is known for being the region of love, so what better time to propose than there.
"Lucky for you. I don't know what would stop her today. She nearly mated with you right in front of your dad yesterday." Pikachu said in his pokespeech.
"WHAT?!" his Pokemon or yelled.
"Aaaaaaalright. I will take my leave now since I really don't want to explain that. If you want, Pikachu, you can stay here and humor them. I'm gonna get the makeover I need and pick you up later." Ash said, opening the barn door and leaving.
"Oooooo. You bet I will humor them." Pikachu jumped out of his shoulder and began telling his tale to the other Pokemon in the barn, with Ash closing the door behind.
"Ash! Wait!" someone yelled.
As our hero was making his way back towards his home, he was stopped on the stairs down from Oak's lab. Turning around, he saw Tracey running down the stairs. The young assistant of professor Oak stopped in front of him, bent down and panting heavily. "Athletics is really not his strong suit." Ash thought while waiting for Tracey to recover.
Tracey didn't change much during those three years he was gone. Still wearing that pink headband, being on the paler side of the spectrum, and wearing his favorite green t-shirt and red shorts.
"What happened Tracey." Ash asked.
"Oh! Nothing! Just, professor Oak has something that belongs to your father. When he saw you through the window, he asked me to catch up to you and ask you to deliver it to him." Tracey said, finally straightening himself and his white lab cloak.
"Sure. What do you have for him?" Ash asked, arching an eyebrow.
Tracey smiled. "This." He reached into his lab coat and pulled out a red thin belt. Clipped to the belt were six shrunk pokeballs.
Ash's eyes visibly widened. "Are those…" he asked, the last words not coming to him so Tracey finished.
"Yes. These are the Pokemon your father owned before he was… killed." Tracey said hesitantly the last word, not wanting to bring bad memories. As Ash hesitantly reach for the belt, Tracey gave it to him and continued. "They never wanted to leave. Professor Oak told me, all six of them blamed themselves for getting their trainer killed. Even when professor Oak released them, they just came back, found their old pokeballs in his lab, and caught themselves in them as some sort of punishment they inflicted upon themselves. They were that devoted and loyal to him."
"Wow… Thanks, Tracey." Ash looked at his old companion.
Tracey chuckled. "No problem. Don't forget to visit our lab for a goodbye before you'll venture off to Kalos."
Ash smiled. "Of course. See ya later, Tracey."
"See ya later, Ash." the old companions shook hands, and Ash was on his way back home. Along with the walk home, Ash couldn't help but stare at the six pokeballs on the red belt. The ones who took his father through the Elite Four, all the way to the Champion and winning the title. A title, Ash never managed to win.
Which reminds him, he should ask why his father abandoned the post of a Champion merely one week later.
As he was walking home, Ash had to step aside, at the last second, because kids were bobsleighing from the hill professor Oak's lab was on, without a care in the world. It brought a smile to his face, seeing the kids enjoy the Christmas morning. Looking at his missing hand, he could only think. "At the cost of one shattered mind and hand, we saved them all. All in all, I think I won that trade."
Before he even realized it, his feet brought him to his house. Mimey was already in front of the house, shoving snow out of the entrance to the house.
"Morning Mimey." Ash greeted his Pokemon.
"Gooooooood moooooooorning, Ash!" cheerful Mr. Mime yelled in his pokespeech.
"Is mom up?" Ash asked as he opened the fence to the house.
"No, she is still sleeping according to your father. Isn't it awesome though?! That he's back?! My mistress was smiling so brightly during yesterday's dinner! I don't remember her being so happy!" Mr. Mime cheerfully informed Ash.
Ash chuckled at the enthusiastic Pokemon. "Yeah, Mimey. It's great indeed…" he said.
"Don't be out for long or you are gonna catch cold." Ash warned him, opening the door, walking into the house, and pulling off his shoes.
"Sure thing, boss!" he saluted to Ash who disappeared into the house.
Stepping into the small, cozy Ketchum's house, Ash looked around if, maybe his father is at least up. And indeed he was. Dressed in a red and white jacket, with a black undershirt, black gloves, and black pants, and red and white hat, Richard stood in the kitchen in front of a counter, looking into a book, scratching the back of his head.
"I don't think pancakes are supposed to look like that…" Richard quietly said to himself.
Hearing that, Ash slowly walked up to his father and looked over his shoulder at the pan that was in front of him. Whatever it was, it definitely weren't pancakes. "Gotta hand it to you dad. It takes a lot of talent to be worse in cooking than I am. But l think I managed to find a worthy rival." Ash said.
Richard immediately turned around and saw his very hairy son. "In my defense, I was dead more than 10 years."
"Can't say that is a bad excuse…" Ash replied. "So… Since you are experimenting in a kitchen, I suppose mom is still sleeping." Ash said, beginning to feel a little uneasy after knowing why exactly that is.
"Y-yeah. The dinner yesterday lasted until eleven in the evening, so she is still a little tired." Richard said, clearly lying through his teeth.
"I hope he doesn't think I am stupid enough to believe that. Whole town heard you two. But Arceus forbid I dig this particular hole deeper." Ash thought. Neither of them most likely realized he crashed at the Oak's place. "So I guess that barber will come first, then the clothe making." Ash said.
"Yes. Gotta say though, I am curious how you look without a beard. I only knew you as a little kid, and when I woke up, BAM! You have a bigger beard than Goodsnow ever had" the duo of father and son sat down around the small, 4 person kitchen table.
"Yeah. I am curious as well." Ash rubbed his long beard. "Speaking of curiosity. I am curious to see the Pokemon in these." Ash pulled out the red belt from his old, worn-out, dark green cloak.
Richard's eyes widened. "Where did you get this?!" Richard immediately asked.
"Professor Oak had them. They have been waiting for forgiveness from a person that was long gone." Ash said, handing the belt to his father, who slowly, with shaky hands reached for the belt with his chosen six.
"I… I thought I will never see them again." Richard managed to mumble out, with his hands still shakily holding his old red belt. Ash could see tears welling up in their eyes. "Apart from you and Delia, I thought of them when I got shot, hoping, Team Rocket would leave them alone until someone found my body and them."
"I think you should let them out as soon as possible. Tracey said they all blamed themselves for what happened to you." Ash said as his father placed the pokeball belt on the table.
"I... I'll go and let them out in the forest behind our house to privately talk to them and explain everything. We have a lot to talk about…" Richard said, putting the belt around his pants. "It still fits…" he thought.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it." Ash said.
"And I'll turn the stove off. Don't wanna burn the house down along with the pancakes." His father said jokingly. Ash chuckled on his way to the door. Life was good again…
Opening the door, he found non-other than Cynthia, standing there along with Mimey who finished his task of shoving the path off snow. Mimey immediately went inside, but Cynthia stood in the doorframe, red in cheeks and averting her eyes away from Ash.
"Hi, Cynthia." Ash greeted her, immediately noticing the bashful expression she tried to hide behind her blonde hair. "I guess the pills mom gave her really work. Otherwise, she would most likely be already on top of me." He thought. Arceus, the things she was whispering in his ear… he needs to find a ring as soon as possible so both of them can do those things without any regret or shame.
"Hi, Ash… Can… Can I come in? I… I think I have a few apologies to make for my behavior yesterday. Especially to you, and your parents." the blonde champion said.
Ash chuckled. "No need to worry about that. It's apparently normal for the wives of Aura Guardians to be a little more… wild." Ash gestured Cynthia to come into the house, a gesture she followed.
"I know, but… I… nearly raped you in front of your father! That's… I could go to jail for that! That is no laughing matter!" Cynthia voiced her concerns.
Instead of taking it seriously, Ash again chuckled. He grabbed Cynthia's chin with his healthy hand and gently kissed her in hopes of calming her a little. Cynthia's cheeks heat up, upon the contact, and her eyes were slightly dazed when Ash pulled back. "Trust me, when I say, I think I can defend myself against rape. The problem there was when you went for that fiery kiss, I think you sucked nearly all of my reasoning out of my body. And the little bit that stayed thankfully called for Mewtwo." Ash joked a little. If Cynthia managed to overwhelm his mind a little more, he would have taken her right there and then, on top of the staircase in their home.
"But still! What is your father going to think about me! He was literally resurrected, and instead of greeting him back, I was gonna rape his son in front of him! And I… I don't think I left the best impression at the dinner table either." Cynthia said, lowering her head in shame.
"As I said before, it's not rape if I wanted it too. Besides, Aura Guardians work a little differently than regular humans. Dad says that relationships in our sphere tend to be more feral. We'll just have to get used to it." Ash said, leading Cynthia into the kitchen. And as soon as they turned around the corner, Richard was sitting there at the table.
"True indeed." Richard said. "Good morning, Champion. How did you sleep?" Richard got up and extended his hand for a handshake.
Instead of a handshake, with reddened cheeks, Cynthia deeply bowed down. "Mr. Ketchum! I-I want to apologize for my behavior yesterday! I… I don't know what came over me! I promise I am not like that regularly!"
Richard Ketchum was examining her with those red eyes, retreating his hand slowly. Seems like she won't shake his hand, after being shaken by the events of yesterday so much. Well, now that she isn't as horny as yesterday. "It's quite alright dear. Your behavior is quite normal for people like us. If anything, we should have given you Delia's medication as soon as we knew that you two were already marked."
Cynthia lifted her head to look into the eyes of Ash's father. And though, their eyes are different, they give off the same feeling of warmth and kindness as Ash's. It was hard to feel guilty in their presence. "But… I-I nearly… in front of you. An-"
Richard jumped in. "As I said. There is nothing to forgive. Those accidents happen in Aura Guardian families more often than you'd think. It's our fault and we should have given you Delia's pills sooner. Though, be careful. Since both of your bodies are enhanced, and Aura doesn't like unnatural interventions, after a while, your body will become resistant to those hormone pills. It is not a permanent solution. Maybe not even yearly solution, since Ash's aura is more potent, and therefore the aura in you is more potent as well."
"I… I'll keep that in mind." Cynthia raised her head. "Still… I… I am sorry for the scenes at the table. Know that I am incredibly happy that you came back and that Delia's family is whole again. And I would like to get to know after who Ash is so great since Delia says that he is exactly like you."
"No need to fret about it. We'll have a long time to get to know each other and unite our families thanks to you two. I am looking forward to meeting your parents, as the two raised an incredibly charismatic, smart, and beautiful young woman." Richard cluelessly smiled at the blonde girl.
"That… is nice of you to say. But… the only person alive from my family is my grandmother." Cynthia said.
"Ow… sorry. Didn't mean to reopen old wounds." Richard quickly apologized.
"It's alright. It happened a long time ago."
Silence filled the Ketchum household, and to break it, Ash decided to step into the conversation between his father and Cynthia. "Anyhow. Cynthia, what kind of haircut should I get? These things-" Ash pulled on his black long beard and hair. "-are finally disappearing after three long years."
That caught the attention of both Cynthia and Richard, and both were smiling again. "Well… I liked your old haircut… I think the messy black hair would still suit you." Cynthia leaned on the table, tapping her cheek in thoughts about what would suit her soulmate.
"I agree. However, if I may, Ash and Cynthia, I think the look of one of our ancestors would suit you. Delia plans to make an outfit similar to his for you. He was revered as the most handsome and honorable man of his time. So handsome, in fact, that even the Queen herself couldn't resist him." Richard said with a smirk. He knew the truth of Sir Aaron and the Queen and rubbing this fact into the faces of those snob nobles in the Kingdom of Rota would make him particularly happy. Commoners and residents of the Kingdom of Rota revere Sir Aaron as a hero for saving them. As they should. But those snobby nobles, can't stand the name and the fact he seduced the Queen and had a child with her. Let's rub it into their faces during the tournament, Richard sinisterly thought.
"Uhmm… do you mean Sir Aaron, Mr. Ketchum?" Cynthia asked, turning her head to the older Ketchum.
"The one and only. The way I look at it, with Aaron's haircut and clothes Delia will make for you, you'll look exactly like him." Richard examined his son once more. "And call me Richard, Cynthia. Or if you would want, dad. Either is fine." he quickly added, making Cynthia a little flustered. Noone in the family doubts that Ash will put a ring on her very soon to make things official in the realm of human laws. But still… being offered to call Mr. Ket- Richard, dad, is big for the young woman. Maybe after they will be officially united, but for now, she'll stick with Richard.
Meanwhile, Ash thought since the 3 years in a cave made Ash paler, losing the z marks on his cheeks, and Aura training changed his eye color to the unique blue Aura Guardians posses, his face was reasonably similar to that of Sir Aarons. The only difference will be the eye scar Ash got during his hunt for Team Rocket. And the missing hand… along with those scars hidden by clothes… He quickly shook those unpleasant thoughts off.
"Hmm… well, I don't think jackets and caps are my styles after making a name as an Aura Guardian for myself. Seems like a natural thing to do, and honor my ancestors and lineage." Ash rubbed his beard. "What do you say, Cynthia? Would Sir Aaron look suit me?"
"Yeah…" Cynthia replied, more quietly than usual. "Maybe a little too much…"
It didn't strike her before, but Ash does have a face of Sir Aaron if Aaron's drawings are correct. And, many girls dream of a man as handsome and honorable as Sir Aaron. If Ash would take that look… she will have a lot of harpies to shoo away from Ash. To be honest, it would most likely be better to leave Ash with this giant beard and long hair. At least only her would know what kind of pretty boy is hiding behind all of that.
"Sir Aaron look it is then!" Ash exclaimed and as soon as he did that, both his and Richard's stomachs grumbled.
Cynthia giggled. "That reminds me. Which one of you burnt whatever were you trying to cook up here?"
Ash immediately pointed at his father, and Richard sheepishly answered. "Yeah… needless to say, with Delia as my wife since we were teenagers, I never really picked up cooking. So… yeah. That's why the burnt smell." Richard tried to laugh it off.
"You boys, are so hopeless without us… I'll make something for you two." Cynthia said.
"Yes! Finally! I'll taste your cooking" Ash exclaimed. During the short time, Cynthia was in a cave with him, she mentioned that she was learning how to cook from Delia. And since Ash always commanded Mewtwo to steal the cheapest things like jerky, baked potatoes, raw vegetables, and fruit or bread with ham, now, after so long, he'll finally, FINALLY have a home-cooked meal. He had some homemade meal from his mom yesterday during the dinner, but he didn't really have a chance to enjoy it when Cynthia whispered something extremely lewd into his ear every bite.
Cynthia giggled again. That deep voice mixed with almost childish excitement is really adorable. "Alright boys, what would you like?" Cynthia stood up from the table, hung her goth coat on the hanger, changing it for a black apron Delia had here just for her. The boys shrugged, not knowing what to even want for breakfast.
Time to show Ash's dad, that she can not only battle with Pokemon but take care of him… and the children that will undoubtedly follow.
Truth be told, she should be more scared about the prospect of children. She is nearing her nineteen birthday, and Ash turned seventeen recently. But, she isn't. She is actually looking forward to it. Maybe that's the Aura in her, changing her a bit, but she feels like they are prepared. After all, most Aura Guardians in ancient times had children even earlier than this. And, though, the times now are different than then, Aura Guardians' biology stayed the same, which they all know is really hard to counter. And even though most people won't probably understand Richard, Delia and Ash do. And that's all that matters. "Well, I'll need to explain my situation to my strict grandma too… Hopefully, it'll go well.
"I think I speak for both of us when I say after months in a cave, we will fancy anything you can come up with." Richard said, to which Ash nodded.
"Alright then. Prepare for Champion's breakfast!"
"Finally free!" Ash yelled out in the middle of the dirt path covered in the snow leading to his house. He touched his chin, and finally, after so many years, there was no hair! After enjoying the heavenly breakfast with his father and Cynthia, Ash along with the blonde champion went to the barber Martha, who styled and cut his hair after the drawing of Sir Aaron, so no more black, tangled mess of hair every morning either!
He still wore the dark green cloak, grey scarf around his neck, and black cape over his left arm to cover his missing hand. Now he has to wait for his mom to make new clothes, and he is ready to hit the road just like the old times.
Along the way, from the barber, he noticed Cynthia looking at him with dreamy, and sometimes sultry eyes. It was very clear, even to a dense guy like him, that she very much liked the makeover. Before the hair cutting, Cynthia kissed his hairy face one last time, before everything would feel different. Well, seems like she couldn't get enough of the hairless kisses, because she kissed him a lot on their way back to the Ketchum household.
"Free indeed…" Cynthia quietly said, before she again went in for a quick peck on Ash's cheek, latching onto Ash's unhealthy arm through the black cape.
"You seem to be quite fond of the new look." Ash smiled back at her. Being repeatedly kissed and oogled by the most beautiful girl in the world… Yeah, his confidence was sky-high, along with happiness. Life, couldn't be better.
"To that, all I can say is that I really don't blame the Queen for choosing Sir Aaron if he looked like this." she said, staring mindlessly at that perfect face with a badass scar across Ash's right eye.
Ash chuckled. "I am glad you like the new look. At least I won't be an embarrassment, walking arm in arm with a supermodel like you."
"Supermodel, huh." with heat-up cheeks, Cynthia chuckled. "Then you have to be pretty proud of yourself to hog one all to yourself." Cynthia continued to joke around.
"Not gonna lie." Ash looked at that perfect face and grey, almost silver uncovered eye. "Yes, I am."
In response, Cynthia playfully punched Ash's side. However, Ash didn't react. Not at all in fact. No witty response, no slight movement, nothing. He stopped dead in his tracks and looked to his right. Cynthia stopped along with Ash and looked in said direction.
The trainer walked on the path towards them. He was young, slightly older than she was, dressed in a dark blue winter jacket and black pants. His dark blue hair had a few snowflakes on them, alongside the black round glasses that rested on his head. His blue eyes, even from such a distance had a clear irritated look to them, alongside the expression on his tan skin. All in all, disregarding his expression, the young man was quite handsome.
"After so many years… and he still is the same." Ash whispered to himself.
Cynthia detected the disappointment in Ash's voice. It seemed that he heard something with his enhanced ears. "Is something wrong Ash?" Cynthia asked, looking at Ash who still had eyes on the blue-haired man. Then, as if Ash heard another thing, Ash's face turned dark and he began walking towards the young man, with Cynthia now releasing the hold of his arm and following shortly behind.
It wasn't until Cynthia was close to the blue-haired man she noticed a Pokemon trailing behind him. The Pokemon was visibly tired, barely making any steps forward. Cynthia recognized the Pokemon as a small Vulpix, but unlike the Vulpix she normally encounters, this one was white as snow, and its fur was more puffy and cloudy than that of the usual Vulpixes.
"Come on! Move or I will leave you right here!" the man yelled at the Vulpix behind him. But the Vulpix couldn't continue, and after a few last steps, the white Vulpix collapsed into the snow. "Tsk! You are as useless as you were in Alola. You know what?" the trainer said, and pulled a pokeball outside of his pocket. He then threw it near Vulpix. "Weak like this, you are not worth even evolving. I am sure some loser from this town will take care of your useless self."
But as the trainer turned around and was ready to walk away, he bumped into Ash. And since Ash was now around 195cm tall, the young man had to lift his head to see who he bumped into. And even though the blue-haired man was around 20 cm shorter than Ash, it didn't stop his rude attitude from showing. "Hey! Watch where you are going!" he yelled at the man.
Before Cynthia could react, Ash's fist collided with the man's face, and he was sent flying into a pile of snow on the side of the road.
"Red!" Cynthia yelled out when Ash's nickname when he punched the guy.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!" the man yelled, slowly pulling himself from the snow, the blood that was trickling from his nose.
"I hate bullies. Especially the one who never learn, Damian." Ash said, his tone bitter and angry, to an extent that even Cynthia reconsidered intervening in the exchange.
"Fuck you! I don't recall we even met." Damian spat the blood into the snow beside him. "And what are you doing, Champion?! Restrain this guy! He just attacked me!" Damian yelled at Cynthia when he noticed she stood a few steps behind Ash.
Cynthia found herself in a quite precarious situation. By all laws available, she really should restrain Ash and hand him over to the police for what he just did. Even when she hates how Damian treats the Vulpix beside him, for some reason, it is not yet abuse. Damian didn't strike Vulpix in any way, unlike Ash Damian.
"I am afraid I can't restrain the Last Aura Guardian." Cynthia calmly said.
"The fuck? Just because he is the guy that took Team Rocket down?" Damian looked at the man who stood tall in front of him. "Tsk! Do you think you are above the law just because you are a little special? Huh?!" Damian taunted Ash.
Ash gritted teeth in frustration. "Get out of my town. NOW!"
"Tsk. Never intended to stay too long in this shithole of a town." Damian slowly stood up from the pile of snow and shook the snow off his jacket.
"GET. OUT." Ash's voice darkened, and with the natural deep voice he has, it frightened even Damian who till now, acted as nothing fazed him.
However, Damian didn't show his fear. Instead, he grunted, and violently stepped and crushed the Vulpix's pokeball near the Fox Pokemon. "This all happened because of you!" Damian accused the tired Vulpix, who was breathing heavily, lying on the snow path. "If you were stronger and defeated that trainer with a Scyther, we wouldn't have to go through here for that fucking Ice Stone. But look at you! You'd be useless evolved as well! I don't need Pokemon like you for Omega Championship!"
"V-v-vul… pi…" the tired Vulpix said something back, but Damian didn't listen.
"Don't know what you're saying. Don't care." Damian said as he was getting ready to walk away.
"LEAVE ALREADY OR ARCEUS HELP ME, I'LL CRIPLE YOU RIGHT HERE." Ash gritted his teeth more, and the famed blue flames were starting to appear around Ash.
Though terrified, Damian hid it nicely with the knowledge that Aura Guardians generally don't hurt others, and with a quick smirk and left without care, as Vulpix was tiredly whimpered at his trainer. The small Fox Pokemon tried to get up and follow her trainer, but her legs gave out. Tears welled up in her eyes as there was nothing she could do.
Seeing the scene, Ash clenched his fist so tightly, that he was drawing blood with his nails. If Damian knew what he did to Giovanni, he wouldn't act like this unless he wants to be a cripple.
"Ash, please, calm down." Cynthia pleaded, grabbing his hand, trying that trick with a calming touch she did before. Don't get her wrong, when Ash lets out that darker side of his, it's hot as hell. But, she would rather avoid Ash getting in trouble with the law.
"I hate this… when loyal Pokemon, who would go through fire and brimstone for you, are treated like dirt." Ash spoke, looking at the small Vulpix, who was visibly crying.
"Me too, Ash. Me too…" Cynthia quietly said beside him.
Without a word, Ash bent down in front of the tired, crying white Vulpix. Ash extended his hand towards Vulpix's mouth, waiting for Vulpix's reaction. Even in an exhausted state, the small Fox Pokemon barred its teeth at Ash, growling louder when Ash's hand was getting closer. When Ash felt like Vulpix was gonna bite him, Ash released an uncontrolled stream of Aura out of his hands, which took control of blue flames rising from his hand, thrashing wildly. Though the flames touched Vulpix, they didn't burn. Instead of being terrified even more, Vulpix laid its head on Ash's hand snuggling it. Now with Vulpix's head resting in Ash's palm, he scratched Vulpix under his jaw, and the stressed Vulpix visibly relaxed in his hand, even quietly cooing in delight.
Cynthia watched with wide eyes the scene before her. "Incredible. Just like the books said. They can calm Pokemon without a single word…" The blonde Champion saw how incredibly close Ash is with his current Pokemon, but she has yet to see how Ash communicates with wild Pokemon after his transformation. And, though even when she met him in Sinnoh he had talent in befriending wild Pokemon, now, he was on another level.
As Cynthia was in awe of what her Aura Guardian can do, Ash meanwhile picked up the tired Vulpix into his arms, in which the Vulpix find a comfortable place to rest.
"Shall we go, m'lady?" Ash asked slightly dazed Cynthia.
After several blinks, Cynthia chuckled when she was brought back from her thoughts. "Of course." she said. "You haven't called me like that since the time at our encounter in my villa." she added.
"You weren't exactly comfortable with such addressing back in the villa." Ash chuckled.
"That I wasn't."
"And now?"
"You can call me however you like." Cynthia said, lifting her gothic coat and blouse underneath to show the mark on her abdomen. "After all, now I am yours."
"And I yours." Ash said back with a smile, but a slight shift of the snowy Vulpix in his arms brought Ash to other thoughts.
"Cynthia, have you seen Vulpix like this? At least I think it's Vulpix. It looks exactly like one, except for the color and fur change. And I don't think it's a shiny variant." Ash looked at the sleeping fox in his arms.
Cynthia put a finger under her chin, a habit she does when she thinks, which to Ash looks cute as hell. "Hmm… I can't say I have. But it has come to our attention that there are other variants of Kanto Pokemon outside of Kanto. Maybe, this is one of those variants. The previous trainer said the Vulpix is from Alola, which is known to have different variants of Kanto Pokemon." Cynthia said. "Speaking of the trainer we met. You seem to know him." Cynthia said.
"Me, him, and Charizard have a history with each other." Ash simply answered. "And this Vulpix isn't the first Pokemon I have from Damian."
Cynthia didn't know what surprised her more. That Ash is gonna most likely catch this Vulpix, or that Ash's monstrous Charizard was previously owned by this Damian guy, if the hints Ash gives her are rightly understood.
"So… are you gonna catch the Vulpix?" Cynthia curiously asked.
"If she'll want me too. First, she needs rest and food." Ash again looked at the white furball in his arms.
"That she needs…" Cynthia quietly confirmed as the two lovers made their way towards the Ketchum household, with their new friend, sleeping soundly in Ash's arms.
Author's note: So. The changes. Red will look like his game counterpart. Or in this case, his popular "fanart" look. You know which one. Red eyes, red and white cap and jacket, etc… Before I described him as a copy of Ash, but I decided to change the look so he looks like the Red we know.
I knew I promised the Championship in the sequel, and hopefully, we'll get there, but as of now, Ash has a few captures to make. So there will be a rather larger bit with Ash being in Kalos, to capture a few Pokemon he misses from Unova and Kalos. I won't be including much Pokemon from Alola or Galar, so Ash will be surprised by at least something in the tournament. And if my math is right, Ash has to recapture 4 Pokemon (Haunter, Squirtle, Pidgeot, and Primeape), along with 14 "new" captures from Unova and Kalos. (Snivy, Pignite, Oshawott, Unfezant, Scraggy, Levanny, Palpitoad, Boldore and Krookodile for Unova, and Greninja, Talonflame, Hawlucha, Goodra and Noivern for Kalos). All of those captures will happen in Kalos, so I'll create a new scenario for the Unova captures and tweak little the Kalos ones.
Then, there'll be the new captures for Ash, and even Cynthia as they travel through Kalos. First of which, will be the Vulpix I introduced here. And when I counted the new Pokémon I want Ash to catch, I ended up at the number… 23. I know that's a lot, but I need Ash to catch these Pokemon because of an explanation in the next chapter.
SPOILER ALERT: Ash will decide, that to become Pokemon Master in his own eyes, he needs to beat the Specialist Trainers (Misty for Water-types, Brock for Rock-Types, Lorelei Ice-types, etc…) on their own turf in six on six battles. So, he needs at least six Pokemon of each type to do that.
As for Cynthia, she'll catch 12 Pokemon in total during Kalos's journey. And speaking of Cynthia and Kalos, I have another idea here, which is the drastic one.
Now that the two are together, there isn't really much I can do with them. Sooooo… I have an idea to make this into a harem. I know how I'd explain it story-wise, but it is ultimately on you. Cynthia would still be the main girl if you'd be worried about that. Anyway, I'll post a poll for that, and you can vote. Also, let me know in the reviews or PMs what you think of that.
That'd be all from me. Thanks for the read, and leave a review!