Master of Legends (Chapter Four)
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.
In the Kalos Region a thirteen year old girl was sleeping peacefully in her bed, but unfortunately it was almost 9:30 in the morning and a certain girl's mother wasn't going to just let her daughter sleep all day. "Fletchling, please go wake up Serena" she said to a small bird Pokemon.
The little bird Pokemon chirped and flew out the window of the modest house the woman lived in before flying up to an open window on the second floor and landing atop the covered girl before chirping. The girl merely groaned a bit before shifting to a different side making Fletchling fly higher a bit to avoid falling off before landing again. Then Fletchling began pecking the girl rapidly on the side of the head.
"AH" the girl shouted sitting up with an angry look on her face. "Mom, I thought I asked that you please not use Fletchling to wake me up" she shouted downstairs.
"I already yelled for you… twice" her mother replied. "Now get up and have some breakfast; you have Rhyhorn Racing Practice today." The girl just groaned again before falling back on her bed.
SCENE CHANGE
After breakfast the girl was out back facing a lot of Rhyhorn. 'Oh man' she thought with a grimace. She hated Rhyhorn Racing; one, because it was a pain and two, she sucked at it. Yet her mother kept making her practice at it because she was once a Champion Rhyhorn Racer.
The girl sighed before getting on one of the Rhyhorn "Okay Rhyhorn, give me a break today" she begged the Rhyhorn. She started her training and it all started out pretty well, but sadly it ended like it usually did for Serena, the Rhyhorn got too excited and she was knocked off and fell in the mud.
"Ah, I hate Rhyhorn Racing" she whined. Then she noticed one of the Rhyhorn got spooked by her sudden appearance and bucked up. She gave a frightened yell as it looked like the Rhyhorn was about to step on her. Vaguely she could hear her mother screaming her name before the Rhyhorn's feet came down.
But next thing she knew she was safe on the other side of the enclosure. "Oh Serena" her mother cried hugging her tightly. "Are you okay" she asked quickly.
"I-I'm fine" she stammered. "But what saved me?" A loud bark got both women's attention. They turned and saw a large golden Arcanine who gave another bark. Both women stared in awe at the magnificent Arcanine before someone else walked up behind it.
This person was tall, about 5'8 wearing shiny blue shoes with white laces, blue pants with white stripes on the side and a thick blue zippered jacket on with white sleeves and blue cuffs. On his hands were white fingerless gloves with blue cuffs and a blue hat with a white pokeball in the center. A white pokeball also hung from his neck.
"Glad I made it in time" the person said. "Are you alright Ms.?"
"Oh yes I'm fine" Serena replied. "Is this Arcanine yours?"
"Yep" the person said with a smile. "I was passing through when I heard your scream. Looks like I was passing through at the right time."
"Thank you very much young man" Grace, Serena's mother, said gratefully.
"No problem ma'am" the person said also with a smile.
Serena was still staring at the person; he looked really familiar to her. She stood up and finally got a good look at him "Excuse me" she said getting the person's attention. "You look… really familiar, have we met before?"
"Maybe, somewhere else" the person replied. "You look a little familiar too; although last time I was in the Kalos Region was in the forests on the other side of the region."
Serena frowned slightly before looking closely at the face of the person; there was a large jagged scar going down the person's forehead, over his eye, and down his cheek to his jawline. He also noticed a tiny, miniscule, scar on the right side of the persons face across the jawline that was mostly faded.
Then her eyes widened when she saw the eyes of the person, a bright reddish-brown color. If she removed the scars in her mind she only saw one person "Is that you… Ash?"
The person's eyes widened "How do you know my name? Wait a minute… Serena" he gasped.
Serena's eyes widened before a wide smile came to her face and her blue eyes exploded with happiness. "Ash, it is you" she cheered jumping into his arms.
SCENE CHANGE
Ash was invited into Serena's home by her mother Grace as a way to properly thank him for saving Serena from being hurt. While Grace prepared food for them Ash and Serena sat on a couch with Ash's Arcanine was lying half on Ash's lap and half on the floor.
"Wow you won the Kanto League on your first try" Serena said amazed.
"Yep" Ash said with a wide grin enhancing his scars. Serena was very concerned upon seeing his scars, but she noticed, with a growing blush, that it just made him look more handsome.
"So… what are you doing in the Kalos Region" Serena asked. "Are you planning on taking on the Kalos League?"
"No, I'm just traveling around catching Pokemon" Ash replied. "I'm also looking for potential Elite Four Candidates."
"Elite Four" Serena said looking confused.
"I don't know if you know this, but Kanto and Johto share a Champion and Elite Four" Ash told her.
"They do" Serena said surprised. "But they're two separate regions, why do they share it?"
"Kanto and Johto are incredibly close together and even though Kanto was formed first Johto was formed not long after" Ash began. "I think it was some kind of disagreement a long time involving whether or not Johto would even be formed or just have Kanto expand its territory. In the end Kanto and Johto share a champion and elite four."
"Huh" Serena mused; who would've thought. "Anyway, you were saying?"
"Ah, right" Ash mused. "Anyway, after winning the Kanto League three years ago I found that it wasn't as exciting and fulfilling as I thought it would be."
"What" Serena said shocked. He didn't find it very satisfying. How was that possible: winning a league was every trainer's dream.
"Well considering the type of Pokemon I use, it's made victory a little too easy" Ash told her.
"Why, what kind of Pokemon do you use other than your Arcanine" Serena asked looking at the golden Arcanine that was still nuzzled on Ash's lap.
"I'm a user of the Legendary Pokemon" Ash said with pride.
Did Serena just hear him right, Legendary Pokemon? Cleaning her ear out she asked "I'm sorry, did you say Legendary Pokemon" she asked.
Ash understood her reaction "I know, shocking right" he grinned at her.
"But how… how is it possible" Serena asked shocked.
"You see, ever since I was a little kid I've always had a fascination with the Legendary Pokemon" Ash told her. "They are considered the greatest and most powerful of them all. Many researchers have wasted their lives just trying to find one and study it, a lucky experienced trainer catches maybe one and a trainer who is on a whole different level catches two or maybe three. I had no intention of ever finding a legendary Pokemon, but when I was seven… I did. I came across a baby Mew, outside my home one night and I befriended it. Three years later when I was ten Mew became my first Pokemon and our journey together began. At that time I had my first dream; I was going to be the most powerful Pokemon champion ever, I was going to find all the Legendary Pokemon in every region and become the greatest and most power Pokemon Master in the world."
Serena was enamored by Ash's story and his words; he sounded so passionate and confident. It was like nothing was going to stand in his way of accomplishing his dream. Unknowingly her face had gotten a blush on it as she listened to his words.
"And so I went about my journey capturing and defeating any Legendary Pokemon I came across" Ash said. "Some battled me and some came along willingly and by the time the Indigo League started we took them all by storm and won."
"Wow" Serena said amazed. "But… then why do you sound so disappointed in your victory?"
Ash's smiled dimmed slightly into a neutral frown "The Pokemon League Competitions are designed for the best trainers all around. Those who have proven their worth and earned the required badges. I know I have Pokemon that are considered the best of the best, but… I don't know, I guess I just expected more. Each trainer I went through I defeated using at most three Pokemon."
"Well" Serena began after a moment. "That also shows how well you train your Pokemon as well." Ash turned to her slightly surprised. "I agree, Legendary Pokemon are the best of the best, but Legendary doesn't mean unbeatable. You also need to remember you entered that tournament with no one knowing you had a Legendary Pokemon so odds are they were caught off guard by this and couldn't properly prepare for it. Now that people know odds are things will get more challenging."
Ash looked surprised, he blinked… and blinked again before he gave a laugh. "Wow, I can't believe I never thought of it like that before. Thanks Serena" he smiled at her.
Serena's blush got brighter, but she felt proud of herself "Anytime" she grinned shyly.
After a moment Ash thought of something "Hey Serena" he said getting her attention once more. "How come you never went on a journey" he asked. "I know you like Pokemon and like travelling as well so how come you never had your own journey?" It was then he noticed Serena began to look depressed and he felt bad. "Sorry, you don't have to answer if it's too personal."
"No, no it's okay" she said quickly. Sighing a bit she spoke "You see, my mother is a world champion Rhyhorn Racer. She became a champion at just fourteen years old and held the world champion record for five years before retiring. She's the only certified undefeated Rhyhorn Racer in the whole world having never lost a race once. She wants me to follow in her footsteps and has been training me for a long time, but… I don't like it. I never have liked it."
"Then why haven't you told her" Ash asked softly.
"I'm her only child, and ever since dad died I'm all she has left" Serena said sadly. "I don't want to disappoint her." Sensing the mood change Arcanine woke up and with a small bark he moved over to Serena and licked her face making her laugh. "Ah, ah, down boy, ah that tickles" she squealed as Arcanine licked her. "Ash, call him off" she laughed.
"He's a wild puppy, he doesn't listen to me" Ash snickered with a grin as Serena was practically licked to death. Neither of them noticed that behind the wall Serena's mother, Grace, had heard everything.
SCENE CHANGE
"Are you sure you can't stay for dinner" Grace asked Ash.
"Thank you for the offer Ms. Yvonne" Ash said as he slung his back over his shoulder. "But I need to get going now. It was nice to see you again Serena."
"Yeah, you too" she said sounding sad. She hugged Ash tightly "Good luck on your journey" she whispered to him.
Ash hugged her just as tightly "Thanks Serena" he whispered to her. "I'll miss you." Pulling back Ash smile at her once more before turning and leaving. Serena watched him go doing her best not to cry. Grace saw the look on her daughter's face and made her decision.
"Serena" Grace said softly. Serena hurriedly wiped her eyes hoping her mother didn't see before turning to her. Unfortunately for her Grace saw it all "Tell me, what are your dreams?"
"My dreams" Serena said confused. "I thought I told you, I want to be a Champion Rhyhorn Racer, like you mom."
The response seemed to make Grace sad "Serena, you don't even like Rhyhorn Racing do you?" Serena looked surprised and tried to assure her mother that she did. "It's okay Serena, you can tell me the truth" she said gently.
Serena really didn't want to do it, but this was her chance. "I'm sorry mom, I know you wanted me to follow in your footsteps, but I don't like Rhyhorn Racing at all. The Rhyhorn are too temperamental and they throw me around a lot; I've almost been crushed by them no less than six times. I'm so sorry mom, but I hate Rhyhorn Racing."
Grace didn't look upset and gently pulled Serena into her arms "I'm not upset, but why weren't you honest with me?"
"Because you seemed so happy whenever I was out training and you always talked about how happy racing made you" Serena said softly. "I wanted to make you happy."
Grace smiled and held Serena by her shoulders "You always make me happy Serena. You're my baby girl and if you want to chase your own dreams than I will support you all the way." Serena couldn't believe what she heard and looked ecstatic. "Plus I have the strangest feeling that reuniting with your childhood friend has stirred something within" she said with a teasing voice.
Serena blushed redder than a Simisear "W-W-W-What are you talking about" she stammered embarrassed.
"There's no need to be embarrassed" Grace said with a smile. "I felt the same way when I met your father a child. Although your father was pretty dense and never got any hints until I straight up kissed him when we were sixteen. Oh those were the times" she said with a blush of her own as she was reminiscing about her past.
"Mom" Serena whined embarrassed.
"Any way" Serena cleared her throat with a small blush of her own. "If you want to go out and have your own adventure then you have my blessings."
Serena looked positively delighted "Do you really mean it" she asked excitedly.
"I do" Grace smiled.
"YAY" Serena cheered brightly. "Hold on" she said quickly before wrenching the door open. "Ash, Ash, wait up" she shouted before shutting the door behind her. Grace smiled as she listened to her daughter's thundering footsteps.
SCENE CHANGE
"Now you promise to take care of my daughter Ash" Grace asked him with a serious look.
"Of course Ms. Yvonne" Ash replied trying not to sweat in front of the imposing mother.
Serena had caught up to Ash quickly before he could get too far away and told him of what happened. Needless to say Ash was happy that Serena would finally get to go on her own journey, but then she asked him if she could travel with him. Now Ash had never been on a journey with others before, just himself and he knew he would be in dangerous situations and he did warn Serena of that. She said that she didn't care and wanted to travel with Ash regardless. How could Ash possible refuse especially when she pulled the 'Growlithe Eyes' on him. Now Grace was setting everything straight with Ash.
"Mom, we got it, can we go now" Serena said impatiently.
"Do you have all your things packed" Grace asked her.
"For twenty minutes now" Serena said looking even more impatient.
"Alright, you can go" Grace said. Serena cheered and gave her mother a hug goodbye before grabbing Ash's hand and charging out the door with him. "Don't forget to stop by Professor Sycamore's lab."
"I got it" Serena shouted in return as they got farther and farther away.
Grace stood there until they were completely out of sight, a smile was on her face. "Take care of my daughter Ash" she said mostly to herself than anyone else before she went back inside shutting the door with a tiny click.
SCENE CHANGE
The trip to Lumiose City took practically no time at all since it was almost right around the corner from where Serena lived. They had to go there so Serena could be registered as a Pokemon Trainer and get her first Pokemon. Since she was currently thirteen she was already qualified to be a trainer.
"So Serena, what kind of Pokemon are you thinking of getting" Ash asked. Here in the Kalos Region the starting Pokemon for trainers were the fire type Fennekin, the water type Froakie and the grass type Chespin.
"I'm not sure, I think I might choose Fennekin, they're always so cute" Serena said with a smile imaging the cute Fennekin.
Ash smiled slightly "Well it's cool if you want one to be a cute type, but you should also think about what you'll do with the Pokemon in the future."
"What do you mean" Serena asked.
"Well what do you plan to do with your career as a Pokemon trainer" Ash asked. "You can become a battler like most trainers, a Pokemon Coordinator, a Pokemon Performer, heck you could even train to be an Elite Four member."
"I never thought about it" Serena said. "Honestly I was so happy that I could go on my own journey that I never really put much thought into it."
"Well if you want some advice then fell free to ask me" Ash told her honestly. "I helped a couple trainers in making decisions for themselves."
"You have" Serena asked. "Who?"
"Well the first one I ever helped was my best friend Ritchie" Ash said. "He's a trainer from Kanto just like me; we met during the Indigo Conference. Ritchie was the first one who managed to defeat one of my Pokemon."
"Really, he actually defeated one of your Legendary Pokemon" Serena said amazed.
"Not a Legendary" Ash said. "I also have Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon as well."
"Really, I thought you were only interested in Legendary Pokemon" Serena said looking confused. "I meant to ask this when your Arcanine was out, it's a not a Legendary either."
"True, but Arcanine is a special one" Ash said softly. "It's species is known as the 'Legendary Pokemon' but that's just a bonus for me. I found Arcanine when he was just a newborn Growlithe. Some Pokemon thieves known as Team Rocket were trying to capture it and its mother because of its rare coat color. Before I could do anything to stop them they killed the mother."
Serena gasped horrified "Oh no."
Ash nodded sadly "I took care of Team Rocket and gave the mother a proper burial. I didn't want poor Growlithe to be alone so I offered it the opportunity to come with me. The little guy accepted and we've been inseparable ever since."
"That's really sweet" Serena said with a smile towards Ash.
Ash blushed from the adoring look he got from her "W-Well, what else was I to do" he said rather humble.
Serena smiled and gently took his hand "That's what makes you that kind of guy." Ash blushed again, but smiled; Serena, realizing she was holding his hand let go with a blush on her face hoping Ash didn't notice. Thankfully he hadn't "So, you were saying earlier."
"Oh right" Ash said clearing his throat. "Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon are almost as rare as real-life Pokemon and their own prowess is legendary as well. So I've captured almost all of them and that's the main reason I'm here in Kalos, I was looking for a member of the Goodra line"
"Wow, did you find one" Serena asked.
"Yep" Ash said pulling a Pokeball out. "I was just heading into town to restock before leaving Kalos. Then I ran into you; lucky huh."
"Yeah" Serena agreed.
"Anyway, back to what I said earlier" Ash continued. "My friend Ritchie was the first one to defeat my Dragonair in battle and right away that earned him my respect. After the tournament I shared with him my thoughts and dreams for the future. Ritchie specializes in electric type Pokemon, a type never before seen in the rankings of the Elite Four, just in gyms and I saw how much talent he had with them. I told him that we'd meet again in a few years and together we'd search for potential Elite Four members and then share our idea with Charles Goodshow, the Head of the League, and then we'd show him our abilities."
"Wow" Serena said again amazed by Ash's dream and ambitions. He had such a big dream to accomplish; capturing the Legendary Pokemon and forming an Elite Four and he was still letting her travel with him. Serena felt like she was imposing on him and would hold him back from completing his dream. "So… how many Elite Four candidates do you have?"
"Two at the moment" Ash said. "Which means I'm halfway there. Ritchie and I are going to meet together in a month and collect the other member before we all set out to train and capture Pokemon."
"I see" Serena said. She was still feeling guilty now for making Ash take her with him just so she could be close to him again. It didn't take long until they got to Professor Sycamore's lab and on the way there Serena came to a hard decision. "Wait here Ash, I'll be right back" she told him.
"Are you sure" he asked. She nodded "Alright" he responded and watched as Serena went inside the lab. Ash waited outside for about five minutes before Serena returned and when she did Ash noticed she was carrying a little foxlike Pokemon in her arms. "So you chose the fire-type" he inquired.
She nodded "Yep" she said with a bright smile. "Fennekin, this is Ash, Ash, this is Fennekin."
"Fen, Fen" the fox Pokemon greeted Ash with a bright smile.
"Nice to meet you too Fennekin" Ash smiled petting the fox Pokemon on the head. "Alright, looks like we're all set to go."
"Before we go Ash" Serena said making Ash pause. "There's something I want to tell you."
"Alright, what is it" Ash asked her.
"I've made a decision regarding my future as a Pokemon trainer" Serena said. Ash gave her his full attention waiting to hear her decision. "Ash…" Serena began as bravely as possible "I want to become a member of your Elite Four."
Ash was absolute silent as he stared at Serena as she said this "Huh?"
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