Author's Note: Hello again, everyone. As of the time of writing this, there are currently 11 minutes left until it would turn July 13, one day late than the promised date so I will have to keep this short _
Cramping at its finest yet, yup!
Story: Part two of Unwanted Memories. Ash, Chloe, Gou, Gary, and Professor Cerise travel to Pallet town, where it all started, to find the answer to all of their questions.
Age: Ash and Gary are eighteen, Chloe and Gou are fifteen
Chloe burst through the doors of the lab, they banged against the walls loudly yet none of the five people currently working even glanced at her. Her eyes quickly swept through the room, instantly landing on the boy laying on a stretcher with multiple wires connected to him.
"What happened to him?!"
"He fainted on me!"
"And who are you?"
"Gary, I need help here!"
"Just wait for a second!
The first thing that registered to him was Chloe's constant questioning and Gary's and Chrysa's voices responding.
"Was it because of the concussion he had?!
"The what?!"
"Maybe! I'm not sure!"
"WHAT CONCUSSION?!"
"Guys...I think he's waking up."
Everybody in the room stopped what they were doing and turned to him as soon as they registered what Gou said.
He lifted himself up slowly, his eyes opening. He breathed out a heavy sigh and slowly looked up.
Chloe, Gary, Gou, Chrysa, Ren, and Professor Cerise all stared at him with wide, concerned eyes. They were all spread out in the room with Gou and Pikachu sitting on his shoulder being closest to him and the others huddled around the computer screens, displaying much medical-related stuff he could care less about.
Chloe had tears in her eyes that rained down her cheeks as soon as she saw him. Gary held up what he recognized as a defibrillator, the thing that was supposed to shock somebody back to life.
Did his heart stop somehow?
He ignored all of them and said the one thing that mattered right now.
"My dad...he's dead."
A clatter sounded in the air.
Gary dropped the defibrillator, his jaw hanged open. The life in his eyes slowly died out.
Ash couldn't have missed it, he turned to him and stared coldly. "...Did you know?"
Gary merely bowed his bed.
His eyes lit up with rage. "Did you know?!"He leaped off his bed and charged toward his former rival.
"ANSWER ME, DID YOU KNOW?!"
He grabbed him by his jacket and shook violently.
Gary didn't dare fight back.
"Gary! Tell me, did you know?!"
"...I'm sorry."
That was the only answer Ash needed.
Unstoppable tears rolled down his cheeks, he looked at Gary with the most devastated look he could channel.
This was the worst of all.
"Gary...you were there. I saw you. All this time and you didn't tell me?" Choking the words out, his hold on Gary slowly loosened.
He couldn't believe it. If it were anyone else, it would have been okay. Hell, even if it was his own mother, it wouldn't hurt this much, he'd be okay soon enough.
But the only person who knew about his sufferings all this long? The only other person than him that knew? The only one he talked to. Gary knew this whole time and didn't even tell him the reason.
He lived his life knowing he was suffering for twelve years and didn't bother at all.
Gary's face slowly reddened as he fought back his tears. "I'm so sorry!" He cried out tearfully, his voice guilt-ridden.
Ash almost dropped to his knees if it wasn't for Gary wrapping his arms around him to catch him just in time.
"I'm sorry!" He buried his head into Ash's shoulder and sobbed out.
The others watching didn't know what to do, they didn't even understand what was going on. They all stood to the side, frozen, except...for Chloe.
She was the only one brave enough to step closer to the two who were lost in their emotions. She kneeled down behind the duo and placed a hand on Ash's shoulder to give him her comfort, no matter how small it is.
She was sure nothing could really comfort him right now.
His birthday couldn't have gone more worse than this.
Nothing could possibly pass today's...and the one in the past.
An hour later, 3:33
Ash had passed out for the second time again in Gary's arms, now in pure exhaustion. Emotional or otherwise. His body couldn't take it anymore.
Gary had carefully laid on his bed after he got a hold of himself, finally, Ash was back in his room. Pikachu hopped from Gou's shoulder as he and Chloe stood behind in the space beside his trainer.
The researcher sat down near the edge and sighed heavily, shaking his head.
This was nothing like he expected coming here. He thought he would just be giving Ash the cake he brought (yes, he brought a cake It's been in the fridge since he arrived here.) and wish him a happy birthday, knowing full well Ash doesn't usually celebrate it.
After all, the day is ruined from the very start. Who would want to celebrate after that?
And even though it was also his birthday, Gary was more than happy to skip his celebration and just make Ash happy for today.
Too bad his mistake ruined everything.
He hung his head in shame, the covers of Ash's bed greeted him, perhaps it was mocking him. It felt like so.
"Excuse me?"
Gary only bummed in response,
He recognized the voice of the girl, the one screaming at him earlier, right? Must be one of Ash's new friends.
"Would you mind explaining what opened?" Chloe asked nicely, she and Gou stood by Ash's bed, watching over their friend carefully.
"Yeah, we're dying over here," Gou added.
Gary sighed and turned around, moving as lazily as he could.
Chloe was startled to see the look in the boy's eyes. It was familiar, she's seen it one too many times today. The look of absolute exhaustion and sadness, almost like they were about to give up or about to.
What Gary had now was one that showed he had already.
The realization made her own eyes harden. "Don't look like that," she snapped out. His eyes widened and met hers. "You still have some explaining to do...you can still fix this." Her tone softened in the end.
Whatever it was he did or didn't do, it was obvious to her that he felt bad. The way he cried earlier, looking almost identical to how Ash was. They told the whole story to her.
Seeing what happened when Ash woke up, she guessed that this was the only person aside from her now who knew about his nightmares, and several more stuff it seemed.
Gary sighed again as he glanced at Ash. This time, she noticed that he looked significantly less dead this time.
"I understand your curiosity," he started tiredly. "But...I don't think I have the rights to tell you."
"But you're the only one who knows what happened!" Gou suddenly exclaimed. Gary and Chloe quickly glared at him, their heads moving in unison.
Gou slapped a hand on his mouth and mumbled an apology. For a second there, to Gou, they looked like the same person. With the same heated protectiveness on their faces.
That could have woken Ash up after all. And Arceus knows he needed his rest.
"But you're the only one who knows what happened." He repeated in whisper-shout
"Yeah, but do you know the reason why I never told him?"
They shook their heads.
Gary looked between them dead in the eyes.
"Because his mother told me not to."
Stunned looks grew on both of their faces, clearly, they didn't expect that.
Gary slowly shook his head at them. "I wasn't allowed to." He sighed again, turning his head to stare at Ash solemnly. "It's not that I never wanted Ash to know. You have no idea how much I begged and pleaded with his mom to allow me to tell the truth until she basically kicked me out of there. I didn't want to just tell him secretly either. despite everything, I still had too much respect for Delia to do that...I don't think I'm appropriate to do it."
"How about we make her tell us then?"
They all turned to the door, where the new voice suddenly came from. Professor Cerise walked up to them with a sad smile. "Since we all have a lot of questions and Gary can't give them right now, we should just directly ask his mother."
"What are you saying? We go travel to Pallet town right now?" Chloe seemed to pale immediately at Gou's question.
The other two looked to Gary for his opinion. He thought about it for a moment looking up at the ceiling slightly. This day had been a disaster, if there was a possibility Ash remotely enjoyed himself in the beginning, then it was completely destroyed now.
Coming back home would do good for him, with his pokemon and family around, in the safeness and comfort only your home could provide. Gary could relate.
His questions could also be answered. The only downside was that he would be coming back exactly where it all started.
Gary sighed, looking back at the other three. He'll be there to console him if needed if Ash let him.
"Okay, but we should wait for him to wake up first and ask him properly."
"Naturally," Professor Cerise said. Gou just nodded with a smile.
"But wait!" They turned to the only girl in the room in confusion. "If we leave in a few hours, then by the time we arrive, it'll already be so late!"
They said nothing and merely stared at her, there was nothing that could make them back out of the plan other than Ash simply refusing to go.
And Chloe knew that, after a moment, she sighed defeatedly. "Fine." It looks like her school attendance record will be missing some dates for a while.
Oh, Whatever.
Gary smiled for the first time in a while. "Yay."
He was starting to get worried there. He thought that it might be good if Ash's current friends would be there for him. I
It was exceptionally clear this time that they were all so close.
He threw one last glance at his sleeping friend before starting to leave the room while asking,
"Do you have a mini-fridge or something? I brought a cake for his birthday today, he can it at Pallet Town. Maybe it'll make him feel a little be-"
"Wait, it's his birthday?!"
Four hours.
Just four more hours and the day would be over.
Back then, Ash would look forward to when these four hours would pass and the day would end. It was a new beginning for him. The next day, strangely enough, it would feel like nothing happened the day before. He would wake up fresh and happy. He remembered his friends often getting surprised by it, he was too.
He would forget everything that happened the very next day.
Now though, he wasn't so sure he could do that again.
How could he forget this?
How could he move on?
His father is dead...
His dad is dead...
"...Ash?"
He jolted slightly, he slowly turned around. His already long face dropped as soon as he saw the one behind him.
It didn't go unnoticed, Gary gulped slightly but pushed forward and sat beside him. "How are you doing?" He asked quietly.
Back inside the lab, everyone was busy preparing the car with the cake and some snacks to bring for the five-hour-long ride.
Gary only came out to inform him of the plan.
"Fine."
Gary sighed, he knew that wasn't true. Ash sounded exhausted as he said that, Gary wondered if he's said that many times before without meaning any of it.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Gary hummed and looked around the area. He expected that question before it came. He sighed again, "There's a lot of reasons, you know? It's not that I didn't want to tell you."
"Just answer the question, why didn't you?"
Scarily, Ash sounded a bit mad, and not in the way Gary was used to. He didn't even face him, he remained staring forward
It was the same place they met earlier. Ash would never know how much Gary's heart jumped in worry when he suddenly fainted like that.
"...If you remember, I accidentally told you it was our birthday today," Gary let a small smile grow on his face. It felt nice to finally say that.
Ash furred his eyebrows, "Is it really?"
Gary nodded and hummed.
Ash didn't know what to say, it was a surprise to him. He looked around awkwardly but never turned to him. "H-Happy birthday, then."
Gary chuckled bitterly and shook his head. Despite everything, he still says something like that. That was so Ash.
"I was supposed to be the one to tell you that, but happy birthday to you too, I guess."
Ash laughed slightly, "I'm not so sure what's happy for today."
Gary shut his mouth and nodded, "Right..."
"How did that happen anyway? How do we have the same birthday?"
"I don't know either to be honest. I was never told how " For obvious reason. He turned to look at him curiously, "Why are you asking me that anyway?" He chuckled slightly. "I know you have other questions."
"There's no point. I know you won't answer."
Gary had enough.
He abruptly got up and stood in front of him, So Ash had no choice but to look at him. There, Gary got a look on his face.
He had been crying.
Redness gathered around his eyes and nose.
Gary's gaze softened, nothing changed in the time they were separated. It still hurt to see him this hurt.
Gary knew he shouldn't say this, but it was too late now.
"Your mother who didn't want you to know."
His head snapped up, startled. They locked eyes.
"What?"
Gary stared down at him unyielding. The truth always has to come out in the end.
Delia will understand.
She has to.
Just like he did. She has to return the favor.
"She told me to keep it from you, but there is a reason..." He looked away for a moment. He quickly gathered the courage and said what he was supposed to say. "Your friends and I decided to travel to Pallet town to ask her everything. She'll tell you herself."
It was like Ash didn't even hear what he said. He kept shaking his head and muttering, "Why? Why didn't she tell me? Why didn't she let you?"
Gary didn't answer and merely held out his hand invitingly.
"Come with us."
The hand was as welcoming as it can be. Ash stared at it blankly, surprisingly, it didn't take him long to accept the offered hand.
Gary pulled him to his feet gently and offered him a reassuring smile.
With time, maybe it will.
Not long after, they were on the road. The car Professor Cerise has was quite small forcing them to leave Chrysa and Ren back. They couldn't have fit all together and the two understood that. Chloe and Gou were much more important to bring along.
Gou, Chloe, and Ash stuffed together in the back while Gary was fast enough to call shotgun.
The three were touching shoulders without even having to move. The cake was in the trunk inside a cooler, and the bag of snacks and drinks lay near Ash. Gary gave it to him in hopes the food would cheer him up.
It did... for a moment.
The car was completely silent except for the radio that sang its songs quietly.
Ash was lost in his thoughts, staring out the window.
The stars were bright and beautiful, lighting up the dark sky only the stars could do. They calmed his troubled mind, filling with light thoughts about how beautiful the world can be and is, though he was reminded of that every time he looked at Pikachu.
Though of course, one can always forget. Especially at times like these.
He ran his hand through his buddy's fur as he slept on his lap.
It distracted him from the situation at hand.
So distracted, he didn't notice Chloe stealing glances at him every few minutes.
She couldn't help it.
It's been a few hours, and she was still upset he didn't tell her about his birthday. And now the day is ending with barely anything happy that happened. She was sure she could have done so much to cheer him.
Plus, she just felt looking at him.
Smiling slowly and after a moment of hesitation, she bumped his shoulder that was already touching hers anyway to get his attention.
He slowly tore his eyes away from the sky and turned to her.
"Yeah?"
She pouted right in front of his face, "Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday?" She whispered out.
Ash's face turned confused, "Should I have?"
Her pout only became deeper, how could he ask that?! "Of course!" She whisper shouted. "I could have made you celebrate."
Maybe, she would have completely skipped school for him. Though she wasn't sure if she would have done that before the events in the garden. However now, she was sure, she would have done anything to make him happy.
Next year, she promised herself.
Ash smiled gratefully, "It's okay, though." It felt really nice to hear that.
Chloe stared at his eyes sympathetically, "Have you ever told your past friends when it was your birthday?"
Ash hesitated, this was the first time he ever thought about it like that. He shook his head slowly, "No..."
Her face dropped, "Why not?"
He shrugged innocently. "I don't know, it would be kind of awkward to just randomly say it's your birthday, right? As if you're asking for something." Plus...he often forgot about it when the day arrives.
Chloe huffed jokingly and turned away, but after a few seconds passed, she bumped his shoulder again just to let him know it was okay.
They both hid a smile and remained turned away from each other.
It looks like another really important day will be marked on her calendar. She promised herself that she'll do anything she could to make him happy.
Even if it was also his father's death anniversary.
Ash stared back up at the sky, imagining a time and world where he could celebrate his birthday with Chloe and be completely happy.
They were silent after that.
Some time passed and the car remained completely void of any chatting, Gary got curious and turned to look at the back seat.
A warm smile instantly grew on his face.
"It looks like they fell asleep."
Hearing that, the professor rapidly glanced at the back seat. The sight instantly warmed his heart.
The three got even closer and squeezed together than at the start of the ride.
Gou had his head against the window, asleep while Chloe leaned against his shoulder and Ash's head on her lap. They were all connected, sleeping peacefully. In that position, they were the most comfortable one could be sleeping in a car.
Gary was glad they were able to relax like this, albeit with a little bit of envy.
If he hadn't called shotgun, he would have been able to sleep that comfortably as well.
Three hours later, 1:23 AM
Four hours into the ride, Gary tried to get as much sleep as he can even in the passenger seat.
In the small space the car put him, he couldn't even stretch his legs. It wasn't comfortable at all and it was only a little, but he guessed that it helped somewhat.
It was so late in the night and three in the backseat remained floating away in dreamland and he was still very much jealous.
He lazily lifted his head drum the window and looked around at where they were now, he noticed the family outskirts of Pewter City, which means they were on the way to Viridian and then Pallet Town
He then glanced at the professor and saw just how much the older man looked exhausted and sleepy.
He felt bad.
There he was complaining about the little sleep he had yet the professor haven't gotten any at all.
"Hey," Gary called out, his voice hoarse and sleepy.
"Yes?" Professor Cerise looked at him quickly before turning back to the road, He had to be as careful as possible.
"Do you want me to switch for a bit? I can drive." Gary let out tiredly. This way, the old man can get some shut eyes too. He knew this area pretty well anyway. He's walked this grounds too much for too long
The professor hesitated, "Are you sure?" It sounded so tempting, but he wasn't how sure if the kid would be careful enough. Driving in the dark is always dangerous.
Gary nodded with a hum. It was the least he could do.
The professor drummed his hands nervously on the wheel.
"Be careful, okay?"
"Of course."
"My daughter is sleeping, so slow down."
"My best friend is too."
The professor quickly pulled over to a safe spot and they switched seats. Gary took a deep breath as he grasped the unfamiliar wheel in front of him while the professor got comfortable in his original seat, immediately leaning his head against the window and closing his eyes.
It had been a while since he's driven a car, having sold his old one long ago, but he was confident he'd still be able to do well. After all, he was someone who learned how to drive at the age of ten.
He was good at this.
Ash watched the trees pass by as Gary carefully drove through the Viridian forest. Like there was something telling him they were was getting closer, he woke up despite his very comfortable position
He still leaned against Chloe, this time on her shoulder while she remained leaning against Gou, looking through the window. Waves of nostalgia hit him one after another.
This was the very first forest he went through in his journey.
Even though it was so long ago, he still recognized some stuff. Like the large tree, he saved his old Metapod from and the worn-out cabin hiding behind thick trees.
Though despite all the messy, but happy memories, his heart couldn't help but sink lower and lower as they passed bt ut all.
The forest reminded him of the burning one in his, dream? Memory? What do you even call it?
How did even get burned down in the forest? What did the Rapidash have to do with it?
The answers to all his questions were getting nearer.
Did he even really want to know?
And what if he didn't like his answer?
Ash looked at Gary through the rear view mirror, he didn't know Gary still knew how to drive. As far as he's known, the last time was when they were both eleven, heading off into Johto.
He looked at Gary through the rear view mirror, he didn't know Gary still knew how to drive a car. As far as he's known, the last time was when they were both eleven, heading into Johto. He was there with him when he sold that car too.
Professor Cerise seemed to have passed out in the passenger seat. It was a good thing Gary let the professor rest for a bit.
He sighed as he looked out the window, again, he also leaned his head deeper into Chloe's shoulder. As he did, the weight in his chess seemed to lighten up a bit.
He breathed out blissfully and closed his eyes, he relaxed, smelling Chlor's now-familiar scent drift to his nose. It comforted him, reminded him there was someone always with him. it was a good thing Chloe was here.
Pallet Town, 2:13
By the time, they arrived at the Ketchum Household, it was already two am in the morning. Every house was lightless, the town was dark and everyone was asleep. It was almost creepily silent in the otherwise bright town.
Gary took in the indescribable feeling of being back home as he passed by all the other houses, along with his. He haven't been gone that long, not like usual, but he knew no matter what, he'd always feel that rush, comfortable, but a rush that made his blood buzz and make him want to run through all the fields.
It was addicting!
With a grin, he slowly pulled over in front of the Ketchum Household. He stared at it lovingly through the window. He could still remember all times that he would stay over and eat with the family or play around in the garden. Even through a window, he could see all the flowers blooming to the fullest right outside the house, Delia always liked to take care of her plants. Which was why he took special care to where he was parking to not run into any of them.
His smile never dropping, he quickly opened the door and stepped out. He was quickly blasted by the fresh country air and the scents of the flowers all around drifting to his nose. He took it all in gleefully.
This was home.
He heard another door opening and turned around, his smile dropped only slightly as he watched Ash step out.
He instantly wondered if he would be alright being back here, right where it all started.
His worries were for nothing as he saw the same smile he had blossom on Ash's face like the flowers in the area.
"Happy to be home, right?" Gary asked happily.
Ash looked around his home, his eyes shining, and nodded happily, "Yeah..." he shut them closed and breathed air in. The flower's scents drifted as well to him. He instantly recognized each scent, being some of his mother's favorites, Daisy's and Sunflowers. Both were flowers that she once told him reminded her of...him.
Gary smiled at him, his eyes soft and kind. While it hasn't been long since either of them had been home, it was being back together like this. It was like when they were kids.
"I'll go wake the others up and tell them we've arrived. Do you know how to open the door?" At this time of night and without any idea of friendly visitors like them, Delia must have locked the front door.
Ash nodded, "Yeah, of course. there's always a key here somewhere for times like these." As he stopped speaking, he found himself staring into Gary's eyes, reading every emotion that played out like a movie, comfortably exposed just for him.
He smiled slowly while his friend's face turned confused. "Don't worry about me by the way, I think I'll be fine." Life always had a way of moving on, but while he wasn't so sure of that now, it hurt too much for that, that lie didn't feel so completely wrong slipping out of his lips than usual. That was a good thing, he guessed.
Gary looked at him, surprised. His lips curled around the sides and he looked down, sighing heavily. Ash watched him with a kind smile. Gary felt bad, that much was obvious to him. Even if he hadn't said that his mom made him keep everything a secret, Ash knew he would have forgiven him sooner or later. That was just how they are. For the longest time, it's always been like that. Both of them could never be mad at each other for too long.
No matter what the other might have done.
Gary slowly smiled and looked up, locking eyes with him. "You don't have to lie to me like that." He let out softly.
This time, it was Ash's turn to look surprised. "Nothing you went through or saw would have anyone moving on in a day or be able to say that sincerely. I can tell you're hurting and that's okay. Just know..." He gave him a small, kind smile. "I'll always be here for you, just like that night all those years ago."
Ash's shocked face gradually melted to one of appreciation. "I know that...thanks, Gary." He knew Gary would be there the second he called, he knew Gary would be there if he ever needed a hug even if it was something they haven't done in years since they were children. This side of Gary was one only he's ever seen aside from his pokemon, the side of him he only ever let Ash see, just like how Gary used to be the only one who saw him in such a weak state all those years ago.
Gary thought about how strange and bizarre it was. The fact that they share the same birthday, the fact that they share an equal love for pokemon, the fact that they grew up so close to each other. He doesn't know how all that happened. It felt like destiny somewhat.
In a way, Gary has always looked at this friendship as one of soulmates.
Ash sighed as he bent down to look under the door mat for the key his mom would usually leave for him, in case she wasn't home.
He had his smartphone's flashlight so he could see under the dark while swiping his hand around for the key.
He smiled brightly as he felt his hand take hold of the familiar shape and swiftly pulled it out, indeed it was the key. Golden in color and even had the family name on it.
He stood up and got ready to open the door, however before he could insert the key in, a certain flower caught his eye by the side of the house.
He stopped what he was doing and looked at it curiously, the way it flowed in the wind seemed strikingly familiar to him. For a second he just stared at it, searching his head around, trying to remember before he felt his eyes widen and recognized it in two ways.
It was a Daffodil flower.
It was the same white flower he saw the day before, the one in the garden. He smiled and walked towards it.
How he didn't recognize what it was yesterday and now be so certain, he wasn't sure. Maybe the recent events refreshed his memory or something.
Without any hesitation, he walked towards the flower pot it was in and pulled one out gently, separating it from the bouquet.
He stared at the pretty flower with an excited smile, he knew just who he was going to give it to.
Behind him and inside the car, Gary came in to wake up Gou and Chloe first. The two were still leaning against each other, snoring lightly. He snicked quietly, he could only imagine how much Gou's neck and back must hurt being in that position for hours.
After a while or just nudging their shoulders over and over again, the two finally showed signs of waking up. Must have been a good sleep, Gary thought with no short of bitterness...
"'Bout time you two woke up, we're here." They lifted their head lazily and slowly opened their eyes, they seemed not even sure who was in front of them. Gary smirked, "Morning, sleepy heads."
Their eyes instantly snapped open and they jolted awake. He snickered again as he watched Gou immediately groan when Chloe lifted herself up and started moving. Yeah, he knew that must hurt.
Gou sat up while holding the back of his neck and groaning loudly. Chloe turned to him a bit worried, as Gou moved his body up a bit, a sudden sound of cracking echoed in the air that just made Chloe even more worried and Gary amused.
"He's fine, just get his bones moving," Gary smirked before he slipped out of the backseat, heading to the front to also wake up the professor.
After they all out and left the car they watched as Ash just now opened the door and walked inside, but not before taking off his shoes of course while Gary quickly followed up on what he did without any hesitation. The other stared at the spot the two were just on and turned to look at each other, confused.
The three just shrugged and despite being a little confused, they decided to follow up on their example and took off their shoes as well before getting inside.
Within the first step, you could immediately feel the comfortable, homey feel to it that blasted you in the face in the most gentle way possible.
The house was clean, not a speck of dust could be seen once they opened the lights, yet it didn't feel uptight at all.
It really felt like a home.
Ash grinned as he spun, taking it all in. His home didn't change at all.
"Home sweet home..." He breathed out. He spread his arms wide and closed his eyes. Everything about this house made him feel so much more comforted and nice than usual.
The others watched him with soft smiles. Maybe Ash hasn't noticed himself, but he seemed so much happier and lighter than he did the entire day, and they knew it was because he was back home.
It seemed like their plan was working wonders at the moment.
However, Professor Cerise found himself yawning and covered his mouth. "Say, where are we going to stay for the night? Is there enough space for all of us? Since it's so late, we'll have to talk to Miss Ketchum tomorrow, and I don't think she'll appreciate waking her up in the middle of the night."
Now that they brought it up, they suddenly became silent. They didn't think of that.
Gary looked up slightly as he thought about it. "Hmm, there are only two bedrooms in this house, I think. Ash's and his mom's." The Cerise duo felt their faces drop.
"Yeah, I think that's true because the last time I stayed here, I took Ash's bed." Gou shrugged with his hands raised to sync with it, he looked at the other cluelessly.
Gary looked at him while in thought. Gou has stayed here before? And then slept at Ash's bed of all things? He glanced at Ash before shaking it off, along with the tinge of jealously that ran through him. They were that close?!
"Are you alright with doing that again, Ash?"
Chloe didn't hear Ash's response as she walked away from them. She was suddenly drawn to the picture frames placed on top of a cabinet near the stairs. She was okay with staying anywhere, as long as it's somewhat comfortable anyway.
They can decide where to let the girl sleep.
She looked down at the pictures, from what she could see, all of them had Ash in them, ranging from younger to now. There was even one with Gou. Beside it, stuck to th3 wall, were cases filled with... badges?
She guessed that those were the gym badges that he had collected before meeting her and Gou.
There were only two cases, but she still didn't expect there to be so many.
Just from this, the fact that all the stuff lining up the walls was of Ash or had Ash in it, she could tell that his mom mist love him a lot. But Chloe couldn't understand then why would she keep such a big secret from her son. You shouldn't lie to your loved ones, right? Especially to someone she probably loves the most in the whole world.
Chloe knew how mothers were, they love and prioritize their children the most. She t knew that from her own mother.
There must have been a good reason...
She sighed and shook her head, she'll know everything tomorrow.
Sending the pictures and badge one last smile, she turned away and walked back to the boys just as they finished their discussion.
"So, Chloe will be staying here, right?" She heard her dad ask right as she reached them.
Chloe blinked quickly, "What?"
They turned to her, Chloe instantly noticed how Gary looked a bit put off and Ash looking amusingly between him and Gou.
Her das turned to her, smiling, "Gou said he wanted to stay over at Gary's house, Professor Oak's lab, which means you will be staying here with Ash."
Chloe's jaw dropped slightly, "W-Wait what?!" Gary said there were only two rooms, Ash's and his mom's...does that mean she'll be staying with Ash for the night?! In the same bed?!
"So you can have a go at it." She was startled to see Gou suddenly wink at her mischievously.
A blast of heat clouded her face, how did it lead to this?!
While she was away, the guys discussed together where they will be staying. Obviously, Ash will be in his room that was when Gary said that the professor have to sleep somewhere else since he was older and much too big for Ash's bed, so he should stay at his home instead.
Gou guessed that his home most likely will be the lab Professor Oak was living in as well and wanted to stay there, saying that he can then see the professor work at the very start of the day, leaving Chloe with Ash...
He was sure that Chloe will be much more comfortable staying with Ash, sleeping alone in a bed since Gary said there were only five bedrooms at the lab, Gary's, his sister's, the professor's, Tracey's, and one extra for guests. If she were to stay there, she would then have to share with her father.
And yes, maybe he really just wanted Chloe to stay with Ash. If something were to happen while he was asleep, like another nightmare, he knew Chloe fitted the job best to comfort him in some way. He was ready to sacrifice his comfort for that.
Somehow Chloe both wins and loses here...
Gary's sudden chuckle broke the silence as Chloe continued to gape at the air.
"You can just take my bed, you know," Ash shrugged nonchalantly.
Her head whipped to him with wide eyes, he simply smiled at her.
"Yes, I'm sure he doesn't mind," Gary said, a small smirk laid on his face. A little something in him felt strange about her reaction...
Chloe's shock slowly melted away and she sighed. "And you're okay with that?"She asked him.
That would mean he would be sleeping on the floor. He's had one too many bad nights. She didn't want him getting another one because of her in her own home.
He nodded, smiling kindly. "Yeah, I don't mind at all." He's done this before, not only did he want his friends to have the utmost comfort rest, he should always give it away to a guest. That's what his mom would have said if she were here and awake.
She hesitated, she searched his face for any lies, when she found nothing, she reluctantly nodded.
All the while, Gary eyed her curiously before nodding satisfactorily, smiling. "Okay, that settles it," he turned to his housemates for the night, "We should go now," he looked over at the clock hanging on the wall. "It's near three am already, we really to sleep. Come on, I'll walk you guys over to my house, and let's just leave the car here." He started for the door and slipped his shoes on.
Gou and the professor followed him albeit with the former grumbling lightly under his breath. Who gave him the charge to talk over us like that? Even if we're staying over at his house... Gou thought over in his mind.
Right as he got his shoes, Professor Cerise turned around and gave his daughter a big hug.
"You take care of yourself, okay?" He fussed over her as he placed his head on the top of her head.
"Dad, I'll be fineeee," Chloe whined but didn't pull away. She hugged back, burying her head in his chest.
After everything, she couldn't help but be glad he was here with her. She was lucky, she felt.
But still, did he seriously have to do this in front of all these boys?
"Dad, we'll only be separated for a night. Come onnnn," she slowly pulled away, pouting, but she still smiled at him after.
He just chuckled and let go. He glanced over her head at Ash's smiling face and nodded at him sternly. His eyes suddenly turned serious.
Ash understood the message and nodded back, smiling reassuringly. It was nice to see that he trusted his daughter with him of all people.
"Let's go," Gary spoke up, already waiting outside the house. He hid it as much as he can, but he was so tired. He traveled all the way from Pallet to Vermillion only to go back again, all without a break and a wink of sleep.
Professor Cerise nodded and proceeded out the door with Gou.
"Goodnight, Ash, Chloe," Gou grinned as he waved at them.
The two smiled back and waved back. "Goodnight, everyone," they said in unison.
"Sweet dreams," Chloe quickly added. The three nodded at them before they started to walk away, disappearing from their sight after a few seconds. The two watched them go for a bit even though they couldn't see them anymore in the dark.
Ash and Chloe looked at each, guess we're alone now, they both thought.
They smiled as they stared into each other's eyes.
Finally, after so long, they were finally going to get some proper sleep, well...maybe.
"Here's my room," Ash trailed off cheerfully as he opened the door, walking in and flicking the lights on as he went. Chloe followed him inside.
The room became visible, showcasing practically every side of his childhood that Chloe will be seeing soon. Ash smiled as he spun around again, like always, nothing changed, just the way he wanted it to be.
"It looks like my mom cleaned it again after Gou and I were here last time."
Chloe looked around as she smiled. This room was completely reminiscent of a child. Plushies and posters lining up the walls, all about pokemon unsurprisingly. Like he said, it was sparkling clean too. She couldn't imagine it being that clean if he still lived here.
"You have a nice room," she said, half teasingly. Her room was similar to his in that aspect of never letting go of childhood stuff.
Ash chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck bashfully, "Thank, I guess." That was always the reaction every time someone saw it. Didn't get less embarrassing though
He was also starting to doubt if they really meant it. It's not like the room is all that great, right?
Hmmm
Shaking that thought off, he turned around and pointed at his bed, "I'm not taking back what I said, you should take my bed and I'll just sleep over there." She followed his finger as he pointed at the huge Snorlax plushie that lay on the ground by the tv, where he last slept while Gou was here.
As she looked at that Snorlax, she just knew that it was very comfortable. But even so, he would still be laying on solid ground with just a blanket or two.
She sighed and instead turned her attention to his bed, wondering faintly if they could somehow fit in it together.
This was the first time she saw this kind before, it made sense she heard it's great for saving space. It was a loft bed, indicated by the ladder on the right side, it meant she would have to climb up. There was also a door below the bed itself which she guessed was his closet and beside it was a desk.
Reluctantly, she felt a little excited at the thought of sleeping in such a unique bed. It looked so comfortable and homey although no one stays there anymore. There was no dust or any sort of mess she could see from down there. Almost as if it was just waiting for someone to occupy it. Waiting for someone to come home.
Chloe couldn't help but smile wildly as she started to climb the ladder, just to try it out.
Below her, Ash grinned, "You excited?" He assumed she must be looking forward to getting a good night's sleep finally.
He was too, and maybe it would be better if he slept in his own bed, proper and nice, but he didn't mind giving it away. It was the proper thing to do.
He wanted her to get the best too after everything g she did for him, unintentionally or jot. He just wanted her to be comfortable like that.
Chloe swiftly pulled herself into the mattress as she continued to smile happily. She had no problem at all with the height, it was actually a bit fun looking down so high up.
She just nodded at Ash's question as she got herself comfortable, leaning against the wall and letting out a blissful sigh.
She blinked suddenly, realizing that she was acting way too comfortable. She moved over the edge and looked down at her new friend. "Are you really sure about letting me take your bed? I can also sleep on that Snorlax over there. It looks very comfortable." She looked down at Ash hesitantly. It was nice and all being up here, but...
He just smiled up at her, "You did bring a change of clothes, right?"
She looked down at him speechless, quickly realizing he had just completely passed over her words. He wasn't even going to try arguing anymore. Against her will, she sighed defeatedly, "Of course, I did." She answered mindlessly and slipped her backpack off, taking out said change of clothes.
"Alright then, you can change here. I'll go to the bathroom," Ash prepared to leave the room, already turning the doorknob, until he remembered something usually something very important.
"Unless...you want to shower first?"
Chloe shook her head, "No need." She was much too tired for that, not to mention that the water must be really cold if they didn't have a heater.
She waited for him to leave before getting down to change into her pajamas, watching silently as he took out clothes from the door beneath her. Looks like she was right with it being his closet. She briefly wondered if the clothes there still fit him or were their newly brought ones?
When he left, she climbed back down and started changing, after drawing the curtains over the windows of course. Just to be safe.
As she was changing, she started to look around once again. In the corner, a small drawer sat there, on top of it were a small tv and a stereo, but one thing that caught her attention the most was what was directly in front of her.
Another dresser, right by the door, golden in color and, kaid on top of it were several trophies and even more badge cases, there was also a Clefairy doll.
She found herself stopping what she was doing and just staring at it. She counted three trophies, a flute and a figure of a man wearing a mask with his hand extended, shaped like a paw. She didn't even want to think about that last one.
She knew those were his hard-earned achievements from his past journeys.
Chloe gave a small smile to the trophies, she then put on her shirt and finished changing. She wondered, even while going through all those nightmares and nonstop wondering for years, he was still able to do so many things.
Personally, she found that amazing. She was already sixteen and yet she still haven't done much for herself and her life had been fine while he got all these achievements in the years since he became a trainer despite all the obstacles he came across.
He was strong for fighting that long.
Two hours later...
The moon was out and bright as it can be, teetering to its most powerful form as its time neared its end. The stars were shining like they were always meant to be. As usual, at this time, everyone was asleep and happy, everything was peaceful.
"No..."
"I-I'm sorry..."
Ash tossed and turned, his head whipping around like he was desperately searching for something, but his eyes remained shut, the chaos in his mind gluing them together.
No, he was not happy and he was not peaceful.
In his mind, a scene played out like it has twelve times before. He was running through a forest, his breath knocked out of him with each step. Everywhere he went it was fire and chaos, screams echoed around all over the place, both from humans and pokemon as they all ran for their lives.
But not him, without even his control, he felt himself lurch into the burning forest. There was someone chasing him.
He whimpered, "I'm sorry, it's my fault." He bent his head down and shut his eyes, and at that moment, he couldn't have seen the rock on the ground he eventually tripped on.
He felt himself crash to the ground, forcing his eyes open. Against his will, the first he saw was the one currently standing tall over his otherwise small frame.
His dad.
Ash's eyes widened, and the smell reached to his nose unwarranted. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to block out the smell and the image of his beloved father, wrecked and destroyed, all because of him.
It was burning flesh, skin was slowly peeling off the body, revealing more of the smell he wanted to run away from but couldn't gather the strength to do so.
Suddenly, he felt hands grasp at his shoulder.
He knew who it was.
All this happened only in his mind, but everything could never stay in it, at least not silently.
"Dad!" He screamed out slightly in fear
Thay desperate yell reached up, floated down, and entered her ears. It was quiet in normal terms but in the dead of the night, it was loud for everyone in the room.
Chloe, still in her sleep, heard the yell and groaned, turning to her side. She had her own dream playing inside her head, the remnants of it slowly left to disappear, the voice of reality and her priority deep in her heart shoeing them away
Slowly, she blinked her eyes open, for a second, she wondered why she woke up.
Below her, ash whimpered loudly and turned to his left side, facing the bed.
The whimpers were very slowly registering in her sleep-covered brain. Was that Ash?
"Dad!"
Her eyes widened to open, she was wide awake now. She sat up slowly and looked over the railing.
Her face filled with worry, spotting a sweat-covered Ash, whimpering and tossing around, as if he was scared.
He was having a nightmare, she quickly realized.
Her sleepiness went away with the wind, she ignored the ache in the side of her head or the tiredness in her body, she mustered up her energy and climbed down the ladder.
As her feet landed on the ground, she was beside him in a flash, immediately laying a hand on his forehead. Chloe looked at him sympathetically as he flinched right as she touched him.
Even after everything, he's gone through, this day being way too long for him, and he still can't get a good night's sleep?
Just why was the world so cruel to him?
Swallowing down the lump in her throat and blinking away tears that were forming quickly, she placed her hands on his shoulder, and once again, tried to shake him awake.
"...Ash?"
He whimpered loudly in response, flinching away from her, scared.
Her heart broke into a million pieces.
She found herself looking down as she tried to get ahold of herself. It hurt so much to see him like this, so scared and in pain. This was truly nothing like the boy she knew days before.
Everything was just so unfair.
She placed her other hand on him and shook again wildly, "Ash, please wake up." Her voice cracked as she spoke.
When nothing happened and he still laid there, stuck in whatever purgatory his dream put him, she got a little more desperate.
"Come on, Ash, wake up! Get out there please!" She yelled out in desperation. She didn't care if it was always so late and everyone was asleep, and his mom could wake up, all she could care about was him.
When you think about it, isn't that what he deserves? Someone to care for him like she does.
"Ash, come on!"
His eyes finally snapped open. Her hands froze upon seeing it, she stared down directly at them. She was expecting it to be like last time, how he looked dead and lost. Instead, this time, his eyes were scared.
She didn't know what was worse or hurt more.
He slowly blinked, staring up at her green eyes. For a second, he looked dazed and didn't seem to recognize her.
She couldn't have missed that, she was too used to the usual look in his eyes he would have when he looked at her. Happy and bright, like the way he looked at the world and everything around him.
Chloe knew that the flashes of his dream still lingered, so she tightened her hold on him and shook again lightly in hopes to snap him out of it.
He blinked again, and finally, recognition grew on his face and he visibly relaxed.
"...Chloe...?"
She let out the biggest sigh of relief and pulled him up for a big hug,
"Finally!"
Ash felt a sense of déjà vu as he looked drowsily over her shoulder, his hand coming up to hug her back. It happened again, didn't it?
Over her head, his mind was stuck on his dream.
He didn't forget it. It was still in his head and when he looked back, it was there.
There was this feeling that told him that...he's had the same dream before.
Exactly twelve times.
It would make sense. If he were the type to think logically, he would have no known he was right without a doubt, but he was never one to be like that. He relied on his instincts and what his heart made him feel.
That dream...
The realization hit him like a truck and he stayed there, his hand frozen on her back while the other shook trying to hold himself up.
Ash's voice cracked as he spoke her name, "Chloe..."
He remembered it clearly, every single detail.
This was the dream that had been haunting him for twelve years?
Chloe must have felt his shock as she drew back, looking at him curiously. He stared at her blankly, trying to digest it all.
He wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry
It almost didn't feel real.
After all this time...he now knows?
After all this time...here it is.
"You had a nightmare again, didn't you?" She asked softly.
"Yeah..." He nodded absentmindedly.
Chloe pursed her lips. She didn't know what to do anymore. She resorted to looking around for any inspiration. Her eyes strayed over to his collection of trophies. Her eyes lit up.
There was only one thing to do.
Ash found himself looking at her eyes while it is away. He was surprised to see them look both excited and determined, a weird combination of emotions if being honest.
Her eyes weren't burning with the flames he would have, they looked strong, soft, and kind all at the same time. It was a look he knew only she could have.
Once again, Ash felt the dèjá vu hit him like a tidal wave.
The way the moon lighted up her face paired with the precious emotions displayed, reminding him of yesterday when the sun did the same.
It was nature's work of kissing her skin perfectly and now the moon found its way to her, giving him the only way to look at her pretty face he was getting so used to seeing up-close.
He was also reminded of a certain thing, another work of nature he thought about while gazing at jer the day before. It reminded him of what he desired to do.
It was a good thing because he almost forgot for a second there.
"We should talk about it this time."
"I want to give you something."
They locked eyes, a startled expression on each other's faces.
"What?"
"Huh?"
They spoke again at the same time.
Chloe blinked wildly and waved her hands about in the air to stop him before they talk again at the same time and overlap.
"Wait, wait, you go first. What did you say?"
"I-" Ash gaped at her before shaking his head to snap out of it. Suddenly, all that courage he had evaporated and he gulped nervously. He cleared his throat, "I-I wanted to give you something."
Chloe stared at, taken aback, a small slowly growing on her lips. "So suddenly?" The question registered to her what could possibly be the reason and in the middle of the night?
He looked away sheepishly, "I don't know a better time..."
The silence resumed as Chloe just watched him, her eyes glowing bright, even without the moon's influence. She found this image so so endearing, how he looked embarrassed and a little shy. This was the first time she saw such emotion in him and she was sure to remember this forever.
Every first she should have with him has to be remembered, one for the books only she could read
She felt that it was another item on the list of things she'll treasure because of him.
She felt a warmness resonate in her heart. She didn't even know what is it yet she felt that she already like it. Just because it came from him.
Chloe smiled softly while nodding to reassure him it was okay to continue.
Ash caught it from the corner of his eyes and grinned brightly. She watched him move away to reach under the Snorlax, near where Pikachu lay beside them.
Chloe was surprised to see Pikachu still sleeping peacefully despite all the loud noises Ash made.
Ash and Pikachu must be the same in the way they are both hard to wake up.
She's got experience.
Slowly her head went to turn to him, maybe not really because it only felt like stopped for a moment. She let out a soft gasp.
Laid a soft, charming smile on Ash's lips as he held out a beautiful white flower.
For a second, it felt like she wasn't even in the real world. It felt like she was in those romance videos she and her mom would spend late nights watching.
Tentatively, her hand reached out to hold the gift, her heart seemingly doing the same thing.
"This...this is for me?"
Chloe felt him chuckle, heavy in the chest and vibrating against her own due to how close they were. He sounded so happy.
It was strange to see this sudden change from how he was minutes before, but that wasn't her focus right now.
Her attention was solely on the flower she held gently in her hands and its sweet scent wafting to her nose. It was just a flower yet she was reacting like this, it was just a normal Daffodil. Sure, one that was clearly well taken care of, but still a flower she saw not that rarely. But...it was also given to her by Ash.
She would have never thought this was the gift. Not something so...romantic.
Everything about this moment screamed romantic, all alone in a room, the moon and his partner being the only ones accompanying them, sitting so close to each other...
"Of course, it's for you, I said I wanted to give you a gift, right?"
She snapped out of her thoughts and blushed slightly. Chloe couldn't find the words to say as she held up the flower letting the tip reach her nose and inhaling the scent deeply.
Sweet. She sighed blissfully.
Meanwhile, Ash felt his heart come to its finishing line after racing so fast because of his nerves. He thought that maybe she would like it since she loved flowers so much, but he didn't expect this much reaction. It made him glad.
He rubbed the back of his neck bashfully, "Anyway...I saw this flower earlier outside the house and it just...reminded me of you." Chloe looked up at him in surprise, her heart picking up its pace suddenly. "So I picked it out and decided to give it to you as a...thank you gift for all you've done for me."
He left out how she made everything bad that happened to him turn better even temporarily. He was able to smile big. That was something he rarely ever did on his birthdays. She made him feel better and if he was able to do that as well even temporarily like she had, then he was happy.
"..."
Chloe was at a loss for words, she kept looking back in forth from the flower to his auburn eyes trying to register it all.
This was so sudden. Every single aspect of it and she didn't expect any of it.
Not in any of the things she did had she ever thought of getting a thank you gift over.
"I promise I'll give you a bouquet next one."
Her gaze snapped to his smiling face. Innocent and bright, oblivious of how her heart felt like it suddenly jumped out of its cage and onto the wind.
"Of course, only if you promise to keep this flower save though," Ash then winked playfully.
"..."
None of the words reached out to her like they normally would. It was all lost in the most perfect way.
What came out was only a fraction of what she felt.
"Of course...I promise! Thank you...Thank you so much, Ash!"
None of it was worthy, but Ash readily accepted it.
"Keep it in a book and promise to treasure it, okay?"
"I promise. I'll treasure it forever."
Chloe laid the flower on the ground a few feet beside them before leaning even closer to him.
"Scoot over."
Ash couldn't think of a reason why but didn't hesitate to do so, moving to the side as she as laid down beside him, letting her head rest on the Snorlax. Ash chuckled, his heartbeat speeding up slightly yet he didn't move away to put some more space between them.
This was the first time he's ever laid beside a girl like this, in a bed and all alone.
They both turned to their sides, staring at each other's eyes. This kind of position was close. Closer than they've ever had with almost all the people they knew, but it was normal to them by now. It was comfortable. This laying beside each other position just added to the high level of closeness they already had.
It was all silence until Ash remembered what she said along with his declaration for a gift and spoke up in a hushed whisper.
"Hey, Chloe...what was it you said earlier? When I interrupted you?"
Her eyes widened slightly, just now remembering it as well. She chuckled nervously, "I might run the mood..."
Ash chuckled as well, "I think it's too strong to be ruined, so shoot."
Chloe smiled and nodded, "Okay, I said that we should talk about it. Your dream I mean..."
He fell silent. She was expecting that
"Are you okay, Ash?"
Ash hesitated, he stared at her expectant eyes and knew she was expecting him to say what was the truth.
"No."
Chloe smiled slightly, she was also expecting that answer.
"Then let's talk about it. Don't keep it all buried inside, let it out on me."
Her heart was unlocked, all he had to do was open it and tell her everything, let it all out, and be happy. Make it his own comfort place.
Now without any hesitation, he let it all out like she said. She was there for him without judge and listened.
He explained everything, down to the direction he went to how his father looked. He was surprised to see that Chloe didn't seem all that scared or grossed out by the over-description.
Maybe she was trying to be strong for both of them.
Ash just talked and Chloe listened, he talked and she listened. He talked about everything and nothing at the same time.
They didn't stop even when he finished describing his dream.
Gradually, they felt themselves get more and more tired, and eventually, their eyes fell to a close and they fell asleep together, where they were, laid on the ground, on top of the Snorlax and a blanket.
Their hearts and minds finally resting, right beside each other. A now beloved flower sat just inches away from them, and finally, they too were happy and at peace.
Unknown to them, however, a curious, but lovely pair of eyes watched them from the doorway.
"So...my boy did come home after all..."
"Mime, mime."
"I wish he could have woken me up, I wanted to give him a proper welcome home, especially on his birthday. Wonder why he was screaming earlier though..."
"Mime, mime..."
"Maybe, we should go back to sleep. We need to prepare a big breakfast for tomorrow after all."
Eight hours later, 12:29 PM.
Walking through simple halls has never been as satisfying as it is now nor did it induce him too much happiness. Gary looked right and left at the walls leading to Ash's room. On each side, pictures lined up like the army yet somehow made them look good.
Most of them were filled with Ash, either with friends, his pokemon, or his mother.
None of them contained his father, that was something Garu had expected.
It had been an awkward morning, he woke up, left his room, ignored everyone, and headed straight for the Ketchum Household. He has his duties to do, knowing Ash wanted to find out what happened as soon as possible, he didn't even bother for breakfast.
It made something so normal to him awkward when Delia, being as bright as she can be and as always, hugged him at first sight, as if they didn't have severe arguments every birthday he and Ash had.
They got less frequent as time passed since...the accident, but they still happened. As passive-aggressive as it may be.
Some would judge him for arguing with an adult, especially since he was seven and until now, but his gramps always taught him to fight for what was right and he had confidence he would still argue anyways just for Ash.
It took a lot of understanding to understand where Delia was coming from to not tell his best friend.
Ash would never know how much he fought for his right.
And that was something Gary was completely okay with.
With such nonchalance only he can have, Gary opened the door to Ash's room, not at all expecting the sight he was immediately greeted with.
"Oh," he let out softly.
On the floor, laid his best friend and Chloe cuddled on the ground, with their heads on a huge Snorlax plushie.
A disbelieving laugh escaped his mouth.
Clearly, he had been right. He had his suspicions last night, but he didn't think they were already at this level in their relationship.
"Wow, you move surprisingly fast, Ashy-boy~"
"Oh really? Why?"
"Ahh!"
Gary jumped as a voice suddenly spike out from behind him. He swiftly turned and, face set in a light scowl and clutching his chest.
"What?!" He annoyingly asked. He didn't relax even as he saw it was only Gou standing behind him, his cheeks starting to cloud pink.
Despite the fact he tried everything to get here as soon as possible, Gou still managed to follow him out, missing out on breakfast like him.
Gou raised a brow, smirking slightly. "Jumpy, huh?" He couldn't help but tease.
Gary schooled his emotions and stood straighter, but couldn't have humanly hidden the blush on his cheeks.
"What did you say again"?
Gou rolled his eyes at the change of topic also hiding the way his chest buzzed with pride at how he managed to get a reaction out of Gary, even a little bit.
"I asked who it was you were talking to yourself about being fast."
Now, a smirk grew on Gary's face as well. He confidently stepped away from the doorway and let Gou see what was inside.
"See for yourself."
"..."
Gary watched as Gou's jaw dropped instantly, his eyes going wide. He chuckled and turned to look inside again, he watched Ash move a little, burying his head even deeper into Chloe's neck.
"Who knew Ash was one to cuddle, right?"
"I-I can't believe this!"
Gary quickly put a finger to Gou's lips, "Hey, quiet! You'll wake them up!" Even though that was what he came here to do.
Gou shut his mouth and glared at him, Gary sheepishly put his hand away. Suddenly, they heard someone groan from the inside. They looked at each with fear before slowly turning their heads to the room
Chloe shifted a little, turning more into her side, but not at all moved away from Ash, she got even closer to him as she groaned.
Looks like they did wake her up with their loudness.
At least now Gary knew she was a bit of a light sleeper (at least more than Ash) as he silently watched her open her eyes and stare dead straight at them.
"..."
"..."
"..."
There was an awkward silence where they just looked at each other, watching the girl slowly come to realize they were there just...watching.
Chloe's eyes widened, letting out a small yelp, somewhat resembling Gary's earlier.
"Ahh!"
Quickly, she turned away from their sight and covered her face, coincidently turning to Ash's side and bumping his head, effectively waking him up.
"Ow!"
Gary couldn't help it and burst out laughing. The turn of events that just unfolded in front of him was probably one he'd remember.
He covered his mouth and tried to hold it in, beside him, Gou stood, doubling over in laughter.
Ash found it strange how the very first thing he saw as he opened his eyes, feeling a slight headache, was his best friend's laughing at him outside his room instead of Chloe's face or something.
"Whaaat?" He groaned out as he rubbed his forehead, confused. What hit him?
Through the doorway, the two boys were still laughing hysterically, beside him Chloe sat up, covering her head with her arms.
It took his sleep-induced mind a while, but with Gary's and Gou's laughs echoing in his head, he realized that he fell asleep right. beside. Chloe.
Ash's eyes widened, his cheeks immediately flushing in pink. No wonder they were laughing...
Chloe cracked open her eyes just to check if the sleep wreckers were still when she saw them trying to compose themselves and failing miserably, she covered her face again. She looked through the cracks of her hand for the blanket. Once she found it laying on Ash's lap, she quickly pulled it up and over her head.
She groaned quietly, not only did her annoying childhood friend and a relative stranger saw her sleeping with Ash, all three saw the mess that was her hair too!
Can this get any worse!
Gary barely managed to compose himself, a few snickers leaving his lips. "Well, well, good morning love birds~" he smirked, something that seemed to haunt said love birds.
They glared at him viciously, Chloe quickly popping out of her blanket only to come back again.
Another burst of a laugh escaped his mouth.
There was something so special teasing your rival and childhood friend with stuff like these. 'Cause who knew Ash would sleep with a girl on the ground when she was supposed to be in his bed (that was a whole new topic...) It seemed like all was done on purpose just to be beside each other.
It might not be the exact case, but whatever. He couldn't pass this up.
Gou smirked as he leaned against the threshold. "I had to sleep in the same house as Gary just to give you a good bed, and now you go and sleep on the floor? Enjoying yourself, huh Chloe?"
The girl popped out again just to quickly glare at him before going back into her blanket. Ash sighed as he watched everything unfold, "What are you guys doing here, anyway? Is there something you need?" It was best to get them out now before Chloe bursts from embarrassment or they spot the flower and then both of them suffer from the teasing.
"Why? Eager to get back to your cuddling?"
"I-!"
Ash clenched his teeth and glared at him. Gary nonchalantly held up his hands in surrender, "Anyway, your mom told me to come wake you up for breakfast, even though," he looked down at his watch. "...It's already past lunchtime."
Chloe quickly drew down her blanket just to stare at him in shock, showcasing her rather messy hair that Gary blinked at, surprised.
"What?! I slept for that long?"
Gou shrugged nonchalantly, he didn't seem to spare even a glance at her hair, long since used to it. Gary and Ash, however... couldn't help but stare a little.
"We did get here at around 2 AM last night."
Chloe sighed, slowly covering her head again with the blanket.
Now, Gary understood why she did that.
Gou hummed, putting up a finger against his chin and looking up, all in a facade of course. "Though...I don't know why you guys were still asleep two hours after we woke up when we had to sleep late since we still had to walk to the professor's house and also prepare the room." He hid his smirk discreetly.
Chloe tensed and looked away, a blush starting on her cheeks while Ash just chuckled nervously... Gou and Gary shared an amused look and just shrugged their shoulders.
They must have been up to something last night...
This moment of lighthearted teasing didn't last long however as Gary quickly remembered what they were supposed to be doing.
He took a deep breath and crossed his arms, a rather serious look now overtaking his face. "Anyway, Ash..." The other pallet boy looked at him curiously. Gary tried to give him a reassuring smile. "After breakfast...we can talk to Delia then about..."
A series of realized looks crossed around the room. They forgot about that.
Ash's face slowly fell, his eyes turning heartbreakingly sad that Gary almost felt regretful for bringing it up. He nodded slowly
Gou smiled at him sympathetically, "We'll wait for you downstairs, okay?" Ash nodded again silently.
Gou and Gary shared a concerned look before turning around and walking back.
Oddly enough, subconsciously, they've tried their best to set aside their differences because of the situation, and of course...Ash.
He wouldn't need his two best friends fighting.
Ash stared after their backs, sighing. He looked over at Chloe who didn't move or say anything under her blanket, but he knew she got the message, she heard Gary.
"...You'll be okay, you know."
A slow smile grew on Ash's face, "Yeah, I guess so..."
Chloe shifted her head around only a little to show her eyes. Ash instantly felt comforted as he stares right through those familiar green orbs.
"You'll stay with me, right?"
Unfortunately, once he's opened the door to her heart, it's hard to come back out.
Chloe smiled softly, but only her eyes were shown to him. That way, although unintentional, it was double the power it would usually give. It poured out sincerity and belief he didn't have right now.
"Of course, if you'd mind waiting for me."
Ash chuckled, "You're going to shower first, right?"
"Yes."
He stared at those eyes for a few more seconds, imprinting them in his mind before giving a soft smile and standing up slowly. "Okay...don't take too long though and after you're done, please bring Pikachu with you."
He had been dreading every second this moment would get near, but now here he really was. It was walking like to his doom, the walk to a broken heart he was already expecting to feel.
And this was also the first time he would fight to go down, rather than up.
The melodic sound in a form of a hum slipped out of Delia's mouth.
She hummed happily as she flipped the egg she was cooking over, the scent of the cooking food flooding the house around. She knew the smell could reach upstairs and even all the way to a certain room. She half-expected the usual thundering footsteps to come down the stairs a second later, rushing to storm down his breakfast, but as she looked up in anticipation, she only heard two calms ones slowly walking down.
She looked as Gou and Gary walked into the kitchen, smiled at her politelt, and sat on the chairs by the table, all in complete silence.
She wondered what was wrong, just yesterday, her baby got home without even informing her, and then she heard screams coming from his room. Why was everything so different?
"So, what have you two boys been up to?" She asked just to break the awkward silence that came around them. She had a strong feeling that something was terribly wrong...
They looked up, startled. Gou didn't know what to say, but Gary opened his mouth to answer, all too used to this by now.
"I just came from Hoenn where I researched the history of Hoenn's legendary pokemon, the Regis." He's not gonna mention that he was actually just here two days ago and then proceeded to destroy her son's mentality. No need for that...
Gou stared at him in surprise from his seat beside him. Quickly realizing the number of things he had to do just this week. Begrudgingly, he felt a sense of respect forming for the researcher, even if he lied to his best friend for years, he'll still try to fix it all.
"Oh really?! Did it go well for you?"
Gary only hummed as he looked away to stare out the window. He knew she just wanted to know what the people she cares about have been up to.
He wasn't sure if he should be happy about that, but he did know that care will automatically leave the moment she found out he accidentally told Ash about their shared birthday and everything involved in it.
Which was one of the things she wanted to desperately hide from her son, she showed it in her actions and words to him through the years.
QqHe tried to push away the bitterness that quickly rose.
He already understood it, understood her reasons. It's fine...
Like instinct, he looked at the entrance just as Ash came in, smiling slightly.
Gary keenly observed the mother and son duo, watching as Delia's fave immediately lit up at the sight of her son.
Times like these, he always realized how much Delia really loves and cares about her son and that she had her own reasons for keeping it away from him. But...he cared about Ash too.
"Oh, my dear Ash!" Delia put down her spatula and turned off the stove, rushing to give him the biggest bear hug.
Ash smiled slightly and hugged back. Gou furred his eyebrows as he watched the exchange. He would have thought Ash would seem a little upset at her, even if he tried to hide it. Gary did say she had a good reason, maybe that was enough for Ash to forgive her.
Delia pulled away first and ushered him to a seat, the one beside Gou and Gary.
"Come, come, it's time to eat. I'm almost finished cooking."
Ash sat down beside Gou, giving him a small smile which Gou returned awkwardly. Gone were the times they were loose and somewhat happy now that they were in the same room with Delia.
He was glad when a few minutes later, Chloe came down in a fresh set of clothes and just showered, carrying Pikachu gently and sitting beside him, placing him in between Gou and hee while Gary was beside Gou.
She came down just in time for breakfast to start as Delia finished cooking it all. What was on the table was basically a feast yet they couldn't enjoy it as much knowing that right after, chaos will start.
They all ate up their food with relative silence while Delia watched with curiosity as she had already eaten before. There was a tense energy that gathered around the four teens like they were anticipating something, something big and serious.
Chloe knew, she just knew that the older woman noticed it and refused to say anything, perhaps waiting for them to begin first. This was something she always went through with her own mom, she wondered if Ash could feel it too.
It just made everything all the more awkward for her.
For the entire time, the teens were all focused on their food which might have been an excuse as to why they were so deadly silent, however as Ash put down his utensils with his food still on the plate, it told everything. It was stranger that he'd be the one to stop so suddenly
The other swallowed nervously while Delia perked up, waiting.
Ash swallowed, looking down and avoiding her eyes. His eyes instead naturally locked into Chloe's who sat by his side. She gave him a reassuring smile.
That was enough for him.
"Mom...I think you have something you need to tell me." He felt her intense and confused gaze, and looked up, staring right at her eyes determinedly. His hands and legs shook slightly, so little that it was only Gary who noticed, watching his every move.
"And...I have a lot of questions."
Delia looked taken aback, if a bit nervous. "What is it, dear?"
"It's about dad."
In an instant, her eyes widened and they sharply turned to stare at Gary. He tensed but looked back, erasing the little fear he had in his eyes. He made a mistake and he did promise, it was for the greater good anyway.
Ash caught that short exchange and swallowed his breath, watching that made it all the more real. The fear continue to trickle down his body, it wouldn't be long till he would be soaked in. He took a deep breath, willing it away. Just why was he so scared? Isn't this what he wanted?
"I've been...getting what we think is memories lately," he started slowly. Delia slowly turned to him, her eyes going softer. "The most important being...his death."
The shocked silence came as expected.
Ash felt like this was the biggest, most important moment in his life. It felt a little like it didn't compare even to the leagues and life-threatening situations he went through. He both did and did not want to know the answer.
It was true what they said...lies can't last forever. The truth always has to come back.
He stared into his mother's stunning eyes, his own unwillingly starting to water. "Please...just tell me everything."
Her eyes too started to well up with tears yet she still turned again to stare at Gary. He met her head-on once again, he didn't waver even when catching sight of her tears and the emotions welling up inside, including the betrayal she had because of him.
She never thought she would ever have to explain, however, this was something he's been imagining for years.
The others, Gou and Chloe sat awkwardly between them, keeping silent. Pikachu just stared back in forth, completely confused. He was the only one out of the loop.
However, all were there to support him if Ash needed it.
"Ash-"
"Please," he practically begged, his hands starting to shake at his sides. Noticing it, Chloe tentatively reached out to hold one of his. He felt immediately her and relaxed a little. "I'm not mad, I promise. I just want to know."
"How did you even..." Delia shook her head in disbelief. "Did you tell him?" She asked Gary, her eyes boring into his.
His heart hammered in his chest as he nodded slowly. He watched almost unfazed as her face filled with betrayal. He shouldn't feel bad, even with the fact that he broke his promise to her...he shouldn't.
"It's not just memories of that time, there's a lot more rok that's been going on for years: he said. He looked over at Ash and nodded over at the woman. "Ash...we have to tell them."
Ash didn't want to do this, that feeling that set with for many years still resided within. The fear and solute refusal to tell anyone despite what happened with Chloe yesterday. Everything really couldn't completely go his way, it's always been like this.
He sighed deeply and looked down at the table, his half-empty plate starting right at him. That plate was the most basic and the most obvious sign of a change. Because usually, his mother's cooking...would always be finished quickly.
Everything has changed.
His hand that wanted to clench itself held Chloe's instead tightly without realizing. it reminded him. At that time yesterday.
How magical it felt, to finally tell someone.
How would it feel to tell the one person that mattered the most to him?
He closed his eyes tightly, feeling all the others gazing at him intently. He wished to ignore them. The change started with Chloe...and now it's continuing with her.
Always with Chloe.
The fear of change will always be with him he realized. From back then with goodbyes to his friends to tell the secret he's been keeping for years.
He had to place his best foot forward no matter what.
Here we go.
"I think I may have forgotten about my dad, and maybe...all these years, something has been trying to tell me, while I was asleep...through my nightmares, but I always forgot before I figured it all out," Ash said with all the conviction he had.
Thump!
He flinched at the loud sound, looking up slowly. His mom had dropped to her seat looking at the thin air blankly.
He didn't understand why.
He couldn't understand why he immediately felt guilty as he watched her in this state when he has been suffering for years because of her secrets.
He loved her.
He was sure she was the person he loved the most in the entire world, but...shouldn't her sin be too much. Why does he feel the need to forgive her?
Gary sighed deeply, expecting it already when Delia's eyes slowly turned to him again after barely getting over her shock.
"Did you know about this?"
He nodded, "I was there with him the second time, you were there the first."
"What? When? Why didn't you tell me?" with each question she asked, the more her tone turned desperate.
Gary shrugged coldly, "I didn't tell you because he told me not to," he rolled his eyes. "I've been sitting between your lies for so long." He turned away from them, facing the window and crossing his arms, saying with his body that he was done.
Ash sighed, despite his attitude, no matter what, Ash was grateful for all that Gary has done. Ash also knew he was just pretending to be annoyed, Gary cared a lot deep down.
Delia now stared at him, the reality of what have been revealed to hee setting in. It was like she saw her son in a completely new light.
All this time, her precious son, the person that matters to her the most, has been suffering under her nose.
She could see how tired and upset he looked. The exact thing she tried her hardest to avoid but it seems she just made it worse.
"When...when did this start?"
Ash's heart broke into pieces as he heard that voice crack, the desperation being too heavy.
Tears filled his eyes which he tried to hold in, he had to be strong until everything is over. He can break down later.
Delia closed her eyes, sighing as she too tried to hold in her tears. She didn't deserve to cry. She was the worst mother in the world.
That was something she knew Gary had been thinking for a while, now was the only time it sank in.
She suddenly turned her back on them to hide, the tears unable to stay kept in. She didn't deserve to cry and she didn't deserve to be felt bad dor when it was all her fault.
"You don't have to explain anything else to me. Finish your food, we're going to the lab. I'll tell you everything there."
It's time to fix things if she can.
A few minutes later, Professor Oak's Laboratory
Ash smiled softly as he breathed the fresh air in deeply, he was walking around outside the lab around the area where the pokemon rested.
He felt like he was suffocating just waiting around so he decided to check up on his pokemon despite the state he was in.
There was some stuff his mom and Professor Oak has to gather before they could talk.
As expected, he felt better as he walked out of the lab while calling out to his pokemon that he was back.
His belief tackled him immediately and right after his Taurus came in and trampled him over.
The usual.
The other greeted him very heartwarmingly as well, in a similar way to tackling him to the ground, but softly.
Bayleef stuck with him as he set out to explore the area he hasn't seen in a while.
For some strange reason, his eyes went in every direction like he was discovering for the first time.
The place felt weirdly new.
As he looked around in that direction, he slowly realized why. It was because of new memories returning to him.. Like a past life he had.
Each one hit him like a truck, but he refused to fall down.
He tried to welcome them with open arms instead.
Memories after memories of spending time with Gary playing around with the pokemon, drawing with him under the shade of a tree, and even the fights that never lasted long returned. Most of it was with him.
But in all of them, his father was involved somehow.
His dad was watching them play together, helping him teach Gary how to draw better for the school project they had, the fights that didn't last long because he pushed them to apologize to each other.
It was like a whole new side of him was awakening.
A breath suddenly got caught in his throat as he came to a stop. His eyes widened.
There was a huge open space in front of it. He spun around, his heartbeat fastening as he tried to look everywhere.
Over the years, as his pokemon and others filled the lab more and more, the fence that circled it got larger and used up more space.
He now knows that back then...that the fence didn't cover where he was now.
Because there was once a huge forest here.
The same forest that caught on fire years ago.
The place his father died in.
There was not even a single tree to be found now, he guessed all of them were burned to the ground and no one bothered to plant anything again.
It felt...strange.
To be looking at it now.
He couldn't explain it, this was a place where someone dear to him had died. Someone that was dear to him yet he barely remembered them.
"Bayyy?" His beloved pokemon broke him out of his thoughts, rubbing up on his leg with her head.
He tried to smile even a little as bent down to pet her gently.
"I'm fine."
He was yet again unsure if he meant that or not.
He always said to not make people that care about him worry, but what about himself?
What about his pain? What about his worries?
Can he move on from this despite his friends, new and old, pokemon, and family with him?
It feels impossible and yet it'll only get worse.
Once a upon a time, she was young and happy. Carefree with the only worry being how hard will the questions be on the next exam and can she take it.
Delia only worried about such things for the sake of her parents, but was it not for them, she would have been so careless about it.
She slipped though, for a moment she let another worry into her life.
It was in a form of a boy named Satoshi.
With him, came a lot more worries, but also a lot more life and happiness in her life.
Not a single moment did she regret anything.
Delia really couldn't imagine her life any other way.
She looked up as she heard the door open, watching as Ash came into the living room slowly and sat between his friends, Gou and Chloe.
Gary, as expected kept away from them and instead leaned against the wall by the doorway while the professors sat with her on the sofa opposite the teens.
There were papers and a box laid on the coffee table and more boxes lined up against the wall near Gary.
All of those were stuff she made sure to take well care of despite the years and not to lose anything, for she saw all of it as important.
She sighed as she took the stack of papers from the table to her lap, she looked up at the three teens, awkwardly waiting for her to start.
"You have questions, right? Ask away," she smiled softly.
Gou looked between his friends as they oddly got quiet. He gulped and looked back at Delia's soft gaze, "It seemed like...Ash didn't know anything about his father. Not even just his death, it was like he didn't know his existence altogether."
Delia took a second to answer but when she did open her mouth, Gary's voice came in to interrupt her.
"I think we should start from the very beginning." Without any fear, he stared at her sternly.
Delia was way too used to it by now and only nodded. Gou and Chloe stared at him in surprise. He was both polite yet left no other options.
She sighed deeply as she looked down at the papers on her lap before starting, making sure the most important one was at the very top.
A small smile grew on her face as that name came to mind.
"Ash's father's name is Satoshi."
Chloe, Gou, and professor Cerise's eyes widened. It wasn't much, this was the most basic you could get however they didn't even know about this until now.
"I met him at school, long story short, we fell in love and decided to marry just days after we graduated. But though we were already married, he still wanted to go out and be a trainee, like Ash."
Ash's head snapped to her at the mention of his name.
His mother smiled at him softly, "He was never able to do it when he was younger because his parents had prevented him and wanted him to study first, now that he was graduated, he could do whatever he wanted."
She was perfectly okay with it back then, she just wanted him to be happy. Something similar to how she never minded Ash always leaving and never staying too long at home.
"However, when he left...he had to come back soon enough when I learned that I was pregnant. Satoshi had no problems coming back and taking care of me and Ash," She smiled, a shine on her eyes that didn't fail to capture the people around her. It was obvious...shown in the way she talked, the way she looked.
She still loved him.
"He was so very kind and responsible that way...Back then Gary's mother and I were the best of friends, on the graduation day, we celebrated hard and I guess that...was the day Ash and Garu both were conceived." Delia finished awkwardly.
"So we were both pregnant at the same time. Nine months passed and before we knew it, May 22 arrived and so did our boys,"
Delia couldn't help but smile as looked back at it. No one anticipated they would be rushed to the ER in unison, but after they saw each other, they requested for the doctor to allow them to have birth side by side, like always.
Everything was perfect after that, though their dreams were stopped by the pregnancy, it was replaced with a new one instead, one with the hope they get to see their new son grow together and be as happy and healthy as possible.
It was like that until the two years passed and both Gary and Ash turned two years old.
Gary's parents got into a car accident.
And they didn't make it.
Because of that, Professor Oak started taking care of the poor boy instead.
Even with that accident that changed everything, it didn't stop Ash and Gary to grow old together. Spending birthday after birthday side by side.
Eventually, their seventh birthday came around.
The day continued as normal, there was a huge party near the lab, and classmates and Gary's friends all came.
Ash's only friend back then was Gary and only because he was in a different school and Ash preferred to play by himself. Sadly, it was also because none of the things Ash liked or did sit right with the other kids.
He was too bright, he was too optimistic, he was too adventurous, he was too clueless, he was too friendly when they came up to him that it was scary. They came up with all sorts of things.
Gary was the only one who could handle him and vice versa.
Satoshi's Rapidash, his first and only pokemon, pulled off a fire showcase with the circus grew they hired. This all happened in a clearing inside the woods, it was when the Flamethrower Rapidash let out was much, much stronger than the rest.
if was when the Flamethrower Rapidash let out was so much stronger than the rest. It went past over their heads and straight to the forest, effectively catching it on fire.
All the other people were able to come out of it alive and the pokemon inside were saved by the Professor's pokemon.
Gary was also safe outside the forest, everyone was, all but Ash and his father.
Rpidash managed to bring them out on its back, Satoshi tried his best to protect his son from the fire, wrapping his arms around the small boy and taking the full brunt from the flames, shielding him...essentially...sacrificing himself.
In the end, Ash and the Rapidash made it, Satoshi didn't.
"Rapidash had run away and we haven't been able to find it ever again, I suspect it blames itself for its trainer's death, and probably still does..."
A silence hung over the air as Delia finished telling the story.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Gary looked away from them, grimacing. Almost everyone was in tears and are barely able to hold it in.
It annoyed him.
Nobody should be crying except Ash.
Yet he was the one holding it in the most.
It hurt to watch.
He took a deep breath and stepped forward since no one else was doing it. This wasn't over, there was still more to say.
He gently took the papers from Delia as she wiped her years, "To answer your curiosity, Gou. Due to the trauma he had experienced at such a young age, he developed a very bad case of Amnesia." He spoke in an emotionless voice, trying to keep them railed in.
He had twelve years to be immune to this
Knowing it was his time, Professor Oak cleared his throat awkwardly before speaking up. "He has a strange and new combination of Retrograde and Dissociative Amnesia. Due to the childhood trauma, he experienced that day, he regressed and forgot anything that might be involved in the accident. His father's existence, Gary, and their shared birthday to name a few."
It was hard to guess the reaction the people in this room had right now.
Everyone was so silent, some had blank faces while the half looked completely destroyed.
"For the next hours after the accident when he woke, he did not even remember his own mother."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"The doctors who handled him believed that he may never remember the memories he had with his father or some of the ones with Gary."
"I didn't want to tell you about this because I wanted to protect you," Delia suddenly spoke up. Everyone's head turned to hee once again. "I thought for sure this information would destroy you so I hid it from you as much as I can. I didn't...I didn't fathom that I would only make it worse." Her voice cracked as she finished.
That was it, everything was out now.
No more secrets.
Ash took it in.
He took in all the information being said as much as he could, even if it feels as if his brain is splitting in two, he tried to implant it in his mind.
The things they were now talking about he could barely understand, but he got it somewhat
Basically, he forgot half of his life.
And his father.
Completely
Suddenly, he felt like he was suffocating. He screwed his eyes shut, a few stray tears falling out in the meanwhile, tears he's been trying to hold in this entire time.
Ignoring everyone's gaze on him, he stood up, still with his eyes close, and started for the door.
Gary kept silent as Ash passed by him, this was to be expected.
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu shouted as he tried to follow his trainer, but Gary swooped down quickly to pick him up before he could go.
"It's okay, Pikachu...He just needs some time," he spikes softly as he petted him by the head.
"Pika..."
Gary sighed, looking at the open space where Ash passed through.
He wasn't sure how it was going to go now.
How would it be with Ash, the changes in their dynamic?
It was all too unexpected.
Moving on from this is difficult, there would be too many changes in their lives.
He didn't care too much about himself though, only Ash.
He wanted Ash to be okay the most.
If you had asked her, at dawn, a barely starting day, if it will be long, like it lasted centuries, she would probably agree with you, but also you're exaggerating.
Well, actually, you wouldn't.
Yesterday dragged on as well, so tiringly.
But she also knew this day and yesterday feels so much longer for someone else, so she pushed on.
Chloe walked between the parted rees, she trekked against branches and itched at her leg as if a leaf brushed it. She walked through the forest in the cold of the night, only the moon lighted her way along with the determination in her heart.
This was the first time she felt so much determination before.
Ash had walked out without her even noticing, when she did, Gou and her dad prevented her from running to him.
And he still hasn't come back.
He ran into the woods without a word. His mother and the brown-haired boy she still hasn't learned the name of (he didn't know hers anyway) said that needed some time, to leave him alone for a while. They said while looking as sad as they can be.
And she knew...that they were probably right, but he's been through so much all alone that she couldn't bear leaving him alone even for a few hours. She still hasn't shaken off the fact that he spent years fighting his nightmares by himself.
The unknown is much scarier when by yourself.
But he knows now.
Yet she still feels like being with him.
She's been with him all this time. Why stop now?
So, knowing that they would stop her if they saw her, she sneaked off without their knowledge
Which is why she is here now, walking through the woods looking for the bright-eyed boy and churned to black she found literally on her doorstep.
Chloe stopped for a moment as she leaned against a tree and tried to catch her breath. For who knows how long, she had speed-walk her way here without resting and barely breathing, it was now biting her in the ass.
She leaned her head against the tree as she relaxed. All this time she had been walking so fast that she didn't notice her surroundings until now.
Suddenly hyper-aware of all the pokemon around her, the looming, unwelcomed eyes set on her, and the darkness.
She shuddered before shaking it off. What was she going to do? Run? No, she needs to find Ash. Scream. That...might be a good idea. He might come and save her if he hears, and then her job will be easier.
Shaking her head and standing straighter, she started walking again. She ignored the fear and the way her skin crawled on her back. No, she needs to find him.
She didn't know why, but the feeling that he needed her lied so deeply in her heart and impacted it so hard. And like always, she listened to it.
The unmistakable sound of a branch snapping echoed in the quiet night. At first, she looked down, thinking it was her doing. Once she saw the open ground at her feet, she looked up. For a moment, a shiver went down her spine and she felt afraid again before she shooked it off and walked towards the direction of the sound.
If it wasn't her, it could only be one other person.
If it wasn't him then...
It was worth the risk.
But it was him.
Chloe was close, she only had to take a few steps, part a pair of trees blocking her sight before it landed on his haunched form.
Her breath caught, she had to take the moon, for it lighted the man just a few feet away from her.
He was leaning against a tree like she was just a few seconds ago. His knees pulled up against his chest, his arms holding himself close and his head buried deep.
Her eyes turned beside him at the branches, crushed into tiny little pieces, too tiny for one step to do.
Chloe sighed quietly, she took slow steps towards him and sat down at his left. She moved gently and quietly, like a butterfly.
He didn't notice her.
She smiled, she'll scare him no matter what she did.
So, she called out softly. She tries. "Ash?"
Right to her prediction, he flinches slightly. His head only lifts a little before he recognizes her voice and drops it again.
He didn't say anything and she didn't either. It might okay to just be here with him. Comforting to know that someone was there.
"...What are you doing here?"
Chloe smiled, the softness of a pillow on her eyes, but the brightness of the moon on her lips. Her heart broke only slightly at the slight quiver in his voice, he sounded utterly broken.
But she was happy to hear his voice nonetheless.
"I wanted to see you," she said softly. "You made us worry you know.
A sigh, "I know.."
"You don't have to feel bad," His head shifted in her direction to hear her better. She was getting to him. "We understand."
"Why did you look dor me?
"Like I said, you had us worried."
He was silent again.
Patience, Chloe, she told herself. Patience.
"...I've been getting memories, lately. You know...the ones I lost."
Chloe hummed, slightly startled at him starting the conversation first. "That makes sense," she nodded. "Professor Oak told me that it's possible you'd start to remember bit by bit."
"There were only three big forests in Pallet Town. I saw one burn down last night. The one we were stuck in."
A pang of sadness hit her. "I was stuck in one too once." His head moved again. She smiled, "When Gou and I were five, we went to Professor Oak's summer camp. We drifted away from the group when he saw Mew. That was also when his dream started."
She didn't stop watching him as she talked, which is why she could possibly miss the way his cheeks lifted slightly, signaling a hidden smile. She couldn't be more glad to see that.
"Do you still want to talk about it?"
He shook his head, his knees moving along with it.
She sighed, just as though she was getting closer.
He heard her sigh and quickly responded. "No, it's not like that. I just..don't know what to say anymore. I think I already said it all to Gary. Or I just don't know what to say."
"Maybe both?" She suggested.
He shrugged his shoulders, his bobbing along with it. It still didn't lift. "Maybe."
Chloe sighed again if he didn't know what to say when she wouldn't say anything either. She moved her hand around, touching his cheek, and used it to turn his head over, half his body moving along. He let her without resistance she had to smile at. His head then landed softly o her shoulder.
Now she had a clear view of his face. He looked completely relaxed with his eyes closed. He sighed blissfully.
Her hand came down and held his. That unruly hair of his tickled her jaw and ironically enough, it comforted her a little... She hoped she was comforting him too.
She then felt him squeeze her hand and smile.
"I'll just stay here with you until you're okay, alright?" She said softly but left no options for him in her tone.
Ash nodded, a smile growing on his face. "Understood."
"I won't leave you."
He grinned, and her heart immediately melted.
"I know."
She looked away with a big smile, perfectly content with what she achieved.
They were quiet again. Ash's eyes fluttered open, she didn't see. He smiled as the first thing he saw was a strand of her hair being illuminated by the moon.
"It's really beautiful, the moon." It was right behind her hair.
Chloe tensed up, a blush coming to her face. She suddenly remembered that popular article she read once, along with the book and the things her friends told her.
"It is." She nervously let out.
He lifted his head slightly to smile at her, the lightness in his heart he was quickly getting used to feeling with her. She just somehow made everything better all the time.
"I'll stay with you too by the way."
"Thanks." She smiled, she gently pushed his head back into her shoulder. "You also know we're friends now, right?" She had to make sure.
"Yes."
"Good."
They sure came a long way since she found him on her doorstep. A lot happened in the last two days, but it felt so, so nice to be with each other like this.
Ash was sure no amnesia could make him forget this memory.
The End
Author's Note: Eight minutes left (:
Anyway guys, I do hope you liked this chapter. I tried my very best to pull off a good ending, but still, I don't think I'm satisfied at all.
The meaning of a Daffodil flower by the way is the start of something new, a journey or...a friendship.
Five minutes :)
I think I will be taking a break from writing for a bit, not just publishing, but writing in general, but don't you guys worry, I'm not at all abandoning this book.
I still have so many to show you :)
Four minutes.
Who knows maybe I'll write something from time to time when inspiration hit ;)
I hope you guys liked this chapter, please do tell me what you think in the reviews.
Thank you for reading :)
Words:19,369
Updated: July 12, 2022
(Two minutes...)
