First chapter is 'A Reason to Fight'. I had the outline of this story made a few years ago and decided to bring this idea to life. Hope you like it.
And before you start reading this story, please know that English is not a language that I completely master, so there may be limitations and errors in my writing. I apologize for that and hope it doesn't detract from the quality of the story.
"When the demon of your fears is within your soul, you're up for a battle, and it seems like it's a battle you'll never win."
Kingdom of Rota, a small portion of land in the vast Kanto region, but which holds thousands of years of history. One of the last kingdoms of the modern age, mostly known for its legacy as the birthplace of aura guardians, mighty warriors who fight and manipulate the life energy in their bodies.
On the outskirts of Cameran Castle, a group of young teenagers were training Katas of a martial art, under the watchful eye of an instructor. The man in charge of instructing these youths in the ways of the aura exuded a sense of grandeur, wearing the formal attire of aura guardians, updated for the modern era, he walked with an unreadable expression, regarding each of the students with an analytical eye.
A young girl struggled to maintain her posture and when she lost her balance she was going to fall, but a strong arm caught her, as she looked up at the helper, she swallowed hard as she stared into the instructor's infamous electric blue eyes.
"Sarah, although an Aura Guardian's fighting stances are based on Lucario's fighting style, remember that you don't have the same physical build as the Pokémon. Relax your muscles, and adapt the movements to your body. You are still just a child, with time you will grow up, and your fighting style will mature with time." She nodded and followed the instructions, and when she was successful, she broke into a huge smile.
"Thank you, Master Ash! I promise to follow your advice." A barely perceptible smile appeared on Ash's face, but it quickly disappeared when he noticed that the other students had stopped training.
"It looks like I've been taking it easy on all of you, let's stay for another half hour beyond the agreed time." A chorus of disappointed moans echoed like music to Ash's ears, but someone caught his eye. Descending from the castle stairs, a middle-aged man who also wears the robes of an aura guardian headed to the place where the training was taking place.
Ash saw him and bowed respectfully. "Master Riley, it's good to see you again, but I can't help but be surprised. I believe you were on an assignment given by the queen herself and were going to be away from the kingdom for a few months." Riley looked at the youngsters training and smiled as old memories surfaced in her mind.
"Apparently you followed in my footsteps as a teacher, it reminds me of the times on Iron Island." Ash shuddered as he remembered the hardest months in his training.
"With all due respect, we both know that this – he pointed to his students – is nowhere near what we did back then." Riley chuckled as he saw his former student remembering his old training days.
"As much as I enjoy talking to you, I'm afraid you're not the reason for my short visit. The queen requests her presence, don't keep her waiting. I will conduct this training from now on." Ash nodded and when his students let out sighs of relief, his brow twitching in anger, but still maintaining his composure, he decided to leave.
Riley noticed and held back a smile, it was time to show the new generation why they are the most feared warriors in the world. "Well, it sounds like you're relieved, and I'm glad for that. I'm also happy to report that I was Ash's teacher and I miss a good outdoor training together, if you guys think what you're doing is a tough workout, you don't know what you're going to go through in my hands." The horrified screams were music to Ash's ears, and he let his smile widen.
Suffer brats! Master Riley's brutal training has found the new generation!
As he walked through the castle, Ash's smile made the guards shiver. Sir Ash 'Ironside' Ketchum smiling? May Arceus pity the poor bastard who suffered at his hand.
Unaware of the impact he had on the castle's guards and staff, Ash continued to walk and by the time he reached a massive, ornately carved oak door, the two soldiers guarding the entrance saluted him at the same time.
"Sir Ash Ketchum, it is a pleasure to see you." Ash nodded and turned his gaze to the massive door.
"Queen Ilene requests my presence." That was all Ash needed to say for both guards to open the door, as one of them announced his arrival.
"Your Majesty, Sir Ash Ketchum appears in your presence as requested." In the throne room, Queen Ilene nodded and the guards allowed Ash to enter, who slowly approached and when he stood before the throne, he knelt in a salute he had performed several times in the past.
"Good afternoon Your Majesty, forgive me if I kept you waiting, but I attended as soon as I was informed that my presence was required. Now that I am here, I await your orders." Ilene glared at him, but it didn't take long to reveal the reason for the summons.
"Sir Ash Ketchum, you have performed your duties with flying colors, and you have become the youngest aura keeper in history since Sir Aaron. Great responsibilities have been placed on your shoulders since the day you accepted to be a knight under our country's flag. Times have changed since the founding of the kingdom of Rota, but we still remain true to the teachings of our esteemed ancestors." Ash still hunched over kept his posture unshakable.
"I am honored by your words my queen, I took an oath to serve under this banner until the end of my life." Ilene glared at the man before her and directed her gaze to the guards who were stationed at the throne hall doors.
"Guards, withdraw from this hall, no one is allowed in this room until further notice."
"Yes, my queen!" Both stated before leaving to fulfill their monarch's new order. Ilene returned her focus to Ash and relaxed into her throne.
"You are free to speak normally." Ash got up and scratched the back of his neck, something that made Ilene laugh, because even after so many years, Ash is still the same boy who started walking his paths in the aura.
"Did I do something wrong? If it's about the royal kitchen's stockpile of Ketchup, I swear I tried to stop Pikachu, but he's smarter than he looks, and frankly, it's not worth a fight against a Pokémon that can fry me with a thunderbolt." A comical bead of sweat broke out on the back of Ilene's neck, Pikachu's infamous appetite for the condiment is known throughout the castle.
"As much as our chef started a weird rivalry with his Pokémon, this is not a big problem. Frankly, Pikachu brings an ever-welcoming cheer to the halls of this castle. Tell me Ash, how is Delia's health?"
"My mother's health is improving, but it is still difficult for her to get used to her physical condition. She was always used to doing chores in our old house, but now that she is in a wheelchair, adapting has been difficult." The queen took pity on the poor boy before her. Even though he sacrificed so much, he still couldn't fully help his only family.
"Poor Delia, I really wish I could do something, but I'm afraid your mother's situation is beyond my control. You fulfilled your part of the bargain with flying colors, I feel guilty that I couldn't help in the same way."
"Don't blame yourself, if it weren't for you, my mother wouldn't be alive. I admit, I'd like to see her in good health, but just being able to see her smile every day makes me feel relieved. She is the only family I have left, I would never forgive myself if I gave up on helping her." Ilene stood up and placed a hand on Ash's shoulder.
"You are a good son Ash, never forget that. But I'm afraid I didn't call you to talk about your mother. I have a new mission for you Ash, perhaps the most important one since you graduated as Riley's student."
Ash immediately became serious, Ilene is many things but never jokes about serious matters. "Just give me the task and I will do it." The queen was not surprised by the conviction of the man before her, Ash is known to have never failed the kingdom.
"I sent Sir Riley on a mission to the Hoenn region. A joint decision by the Pokémon league committees of all regions sanctioned by the league, as well as the Pokémon Contest Committee decided that a world-class competition should be held for each discipline. Trainers will compete in the World Coronation Series, and coordinators will compete in the Wolrd Contest Championship. It was decided that the best coaches and coordinators in the world would be required to attend what was called the Elite Preparatory School. Each region sent its best coaches and most famous coordinators."
Ash raised an eyebrow. "Ilene, I don't understand. Why would that be of concern to our realm? We are not bound by the Pokémon League or the Pokémon Contest Committee. And even though our kingdom is in the Kanto region, we are not bound by any law in the region. We are a sovereign state."
Ilene's expression darkened. "Normally this would be correct, but this decision to concentrate the best coaches and coordinators in the world in one place is not only motivated by sport. Ash, having a representative in this location is synonymous with prestige for the region represented, and as an independent state, we need a representative. You are by far the most capable trainer we have, which is why I have chosen you as the sole representative of our kingdom at the Elite Preparatory School located in the city of Slateport."
Ash sighed. "So, I'm being sent to a place full of teenagers with inflated egos in the name of advertising?" Ilene blushed with embarrassment.
"When you put it that way, it makes me feel like a fool. But look on the bright side, you'll see many of your old friends again and be able to chase your dream once again." For the first time Ash was genuinely angry and Ilene felt bad, given everything that's happened, the man's anger before her is not unwarranted.
"You know very well that I abandoned that dream a long time ago, and I have no intention of keeping in touch with any of those people. My only duties are to the kingdom and my mother." The queen was saddened to hear those harsh words. The man before her was forced to grow up too soon and abandon his dream.
This is just another one of her regrets as queen.
"I'm afraid you have no choice, your name is already listed with the students and a plane is prepared for your departure in a few hours." Ash glared at her intently, Ilene only saw this look once, the day Ash appeared in the realm after what happened to Delia.
"Is this my queen's order?" Ash's icy tone deeply saddened Ilene, but she knew she needed to be firm. For the kingdom and the man before her. He needs to face his past, or he will regret it for the rest of his life.
"Yes, it is an order." Ash placed a hand on his right chest and bowed his head.
"As my queen wishes, I will immediately prepare my belongings and leave for my new task. May the aura be with you." Ilene sat up and struggled to keep her posture steady.
"May the aura be with you, my guardian." Ash turned and left the throne room. Ilene watched him and when Ash was out of sight, she allowed herself to cry while no one was looking.
Being a queen sometimes forces her to make the worst decisions possible.
The walk to the Ketchum residence in the kingdom was not long, and contrary to what many would imagine, it was not an extravagant house, but simply a two-story house with a beautiful garden.
A garden as beautiful as the one they had at Pallet.
Sceptile was trimming the plants with the blades on its arms while Greninja used a Hydro Pump to irrigate the plants. Next to the front door of the house, Delia was sitting in her wheelchair wearing pink summer clothes and a hat adorned on her head, having Pikachu in her lap who was enjoying the affection received from the matriarch Ketchum.
Ash spotted his mother and quickened his steps. Delia saw him and broke into a huge smile. "Ash, home so early? Didn't you have to train those kids?" Ash hugged his mother and kissed her forehead, eliciting a laugh from the woman before him.
"I received a new task from the queen, I will be away from home for some time." Delia's smile faded, and concern washed over her mother.
"Is it dangerous? Please be careful, I don't know what I would do without you." Ash grabbed the two handles of the wheelchair and gently started to push her into the house.
"Don't worry mom, it's just a diplomatic task. I'll have to stay in prep school for some fancy tournament while being surrounded by cocky teenagers." Delia's gaze flashed the moment she came to a conclusion.
"Are you going to Elite Preparatory School?!" Ash, this is your chance to fulfill your dream, and if what I saw on TV is correct, a lot of your friends will be there." His mother's cheerful tone hurt Ash's heart. But he would never dare to hurt her, and he decided to show that he was pleased.
If it's for his dear mother's happiness, he doesn't mind lying to himself.
"Of course, mom, it will be fun. But I worry about leaving you alone. What if something happens? I wouldn't forgive myself if you got hurt." Ash left Delia in the kitchen and his mother looked at him sternly.
"Ash Ketchum, you go to this school and talk to your friends. Don't worry about me, your Pokémon have been nothing short of lovely and Riley is kind enough to come visit me almost every day. I will not allow you to throw any more of your youth away!" Delia's gaze softened as she gently took one of her son's hands, and felt the calluses on her skin, the fruits of hard work.
"My baby, you've already done so much for me, but don't waste your youth, enjoy it and go have fun, even if it's for a short time. I will always be here for you." Ash flashed a huge smile at his mother. If she's asking that way, who is he to deny her?
She is your reason for living, and your mother's smile is the greatest of your treasures.
"Ok mom, you won, ok? I'll pack my bags, I'm leaving soon." Delia nodded as she watched her son climb the stairs. Pikachu who was sleeping ended up waking up after the conversation and looked confused to where he was.
"Pika?" Delia stroked the electric mouse's ears, eliciting a happy sound from the Pokémon.
"Ash is going on a trip, are you going with him?" Pikachu was surprised by what he heard, but quickly became happy, 'Pikapi' was finally going to travel again!
"Pikapi Pikachu!" The Pokémon said aloud, electrical sparks crackling on its cheeks, such was Pikachu's excitement.
It didn't take long for Ash to come down the stairs wearing an elegant blue suit with a black shirt underneath, with a single ancient rune embroidered on his neck in golden lines, which represents his position as guardian of the aura. Black pants and perfectly polished black leather shoes. On his right index finger is his ring with an aura gem, something Ash has never taken off since graduation. The only thing he refused to wear was the hat, as he always found it too extravagant. Pikachu jumped from Delia's lap, straight onto Ash's shoulder.
"Hey buddy, looks like someone is excited for the trip." Ash scratched his Pokémon's cheek.
"Pika!" Pikachu responded with enthusiasm, which filled Delia's heart with happiness.
"Look at you guys, so excited to leave. Take care, and Pikachu, make sure Ash changes his underpants every day." Ash smacked his palm across his face, in disbelief that after all these years his mother still made that same embarrassing joke. Pikachu's cheerful wave didn't help.
That traitor mouse...
The farewell was brief, as Ash had little time to board the private plane that would take him to Slateport.
A limousine granted by the kingdom took Ash and Pikachu to the small airport on Rota, where a medium-sized plane was ready to take off, with the pilot waiting beside the entry stairs to the aircraft.
Ash got out of the limousine and the Chauffeur took the aura guardian's bags into the aircraft. The pilot talked briefly about travel time with Ash and soon he was settled in one of the seats, with Pikachu beside him, who was devouring with fervor a sachet of Ketchup provided by the Stewardess.
When the distinct sound of engines echoed in Ash's ears, he closed his eyes to get some sleep, knowing it would likely be his last chance at peace for the next few months.
The plane soon took off, heading for the Hoenn region.
Slateport, the port city that connects Hoenn to the rest of the world. One of the eight largest cities on the planet, known for the warmest climate and its welcoming people. The city gained a new attraction, the Elite Preparatory School, where the best coaches in the world would gather. Renowned people from all over the world were arriving to settle into the barracks around the huge complex of houses dedicated to the school, as classes were to start the next day.
Among so many familiar faces, a man got out of the limousine that brought him from the airport, standing in front of a huge mansion with the flags of the kingdom of Rota raised imposingly on the sides of the huge gate that gives access to what would be Ash Ketchum's residence during your stay in the city.
Ash thanked the Chauffeur and left with his bag in hand and Pikachu perched on his shoulder. People passing that street stared curiously at the man in expensive-looking clothes, and while Ash was flattered by his kingdom's care to ensure a quality stay, it was obvious that he had again fallen victim to his queen's exaggerations.
'Damn it Ilene, not everyone is used to luxury living as if it were a normal part of their routine, now people are going to pay too much attention to me. There goes my plan to go unnoticed on this mission.' Unlike its trainer, Pikachu looked impressed at the huge house where Pikapi would live. He was so absorbed in thought that he lost his balance and almost fell to the ground, if not for his trainer's agility to hold him.
Ash held Pikachu and the electric mouse scratched its head with its paw, similar to its trainer. An unspoken agreement that this scene would never be mentioned in public was sealed.
Pikachu returned to his place on his friend's shoulder, and Ash walked into the mansion. The gates opened the moment he approached, having been forged in Rota, they have aura gems to only react to the aura signatures of those who register. An ancient method of security, but still effective in modern times.
When the human and Pokémon duo entered the mansion, Pikachu jumped off his friend's shoulder and ran through the halls, curious to find out everything about where he was going to live with Pikapi. Ash smiled as he saw his trusty Pokémon quickly adapting to its new home, but it also reminded him of what would happen the next day, which made a frown appear on his face.
It is never in his plans to go back to being a renowned trainer. He was happy in Rota serving the kingdom and taking care of his mother, ensuring that she lived a comfortable and peaceful life as Delia always deserved.
But now he was forced back into the spotlight, Ash wasn't naive enough to believe he would go unnoticed. If it wasn't someone who knew him in the past, it would be his new role as Rota's representative that would bring unwanted stares. But none of that matters. Since the day his life changed, he's learned that none of it is worth it. Fame, glamour, titles, these are just excuses for people to act superior to others less fortunate.
When he needed it most, no one helped him, those he called friends didn't care even when he disappeared, cementing the fact that he was never really important in their lives. And with that, Ash made the decision a long time ago to accept that fact and live up to what he believes in. He doesn't need to be a Pokémon Master or be famous, all he cares about is protecting those who extended a helping hand in his most desperate moment, and protecting his mother's smile.
The world could end in a sea of flames, as long as his mother and those important in his life are safe, he will face it all with iron determination.
"Calm down Ash, they are not important, you have a mission to fulfill and you must represent Rota's kingdom with pride." Ash ran a hand through his hair, which even though it was much less unruly, still had a remnant of disarray. He grabbed his suitcase and headed upstairs, looking for a room to put his clothes and belongings.
Something that made a comical bead of sweat break out on her face was the ridiculous number of rooms that would be gathering dust during her stay. What was Ilene thinking? He knew that this mansion could end up being used as a kind of embassy of the kingdom in Hoenn, but still, if that was the case, why not rent a small house? It only made him uncomfortable with his current situation.
At the end of the corridor, a room stood out, with a huge bed and wooden furniture carved by artisans of the kingdom, making clear the effort put in to make him feel at home, and a small smile adorned the face of the man who placed his suitcase next to the bed.
How could he be mad when so many people tried to ensure his comfort during this mission?
Slowly Ash unpacked his clothes and placed them in the huge closet, and when he finally finished organizing his belongings, he headed to the bathroom, where he began to undress.
When he was about to turn on the shower, he saw the reflection of his appearance in the huge mirror that was becoming clouded by the steam of the hot water. A copy of himself stared back at him, horribly scarred across his chest and upper arms, evidence of past struggles and an eternal reminder of what he chose for his life.
Ash headed for the shower and let the water run over his head, getting lost in thought, of times when his only concern was traveling the world and collecting gym badges, the phantom pains of the scars brought back horrible memories of the day everything changed. in his life, and finally, when he was alone, he allowed himself to cry.
For he could never allow the people who depend on him to act as a beacon of hope and pride for the kingdom to collapse forward. To protect his mother's smile, and to guide the new generation down a path different from the one he chose.
To many, he's Ash, the Pokémon trainer who mysteriously disappeared, to others, he's Sir Ash 'Ironside' Ketchum, aura guardian and member of Queen Ilene's court, to his mother, he's Ash, the beloved son who do everything to make her happy. But at the end of the day, he is Ash Ketchum, the man who has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Elite Preparatory School, a huge complex of buildings dedicated to receiving the best Pokémon trainers and coordinators from around the world, where they would be prepared by the best gym leaders and elite Top Coordinators, all in order to gain approval to participate in the World Coronation Series or World Contest Championship.
But for Ash Ketchum, who was standing in front of the school gates, this is all a huge farce with the sole intention of feeding the ego of people who think they are superior to others who were not so lucky in life.
Pikachu stood faithfully on his trainer's shoulder, and Ash took a deep breath before taking the first step into this room full of people who probably have extremely inflated egos.
Everywhere he looked, all he saw were people socializing and bragging about their careers, or flirting with someone they found attractive, frankly, none of that matters to him. But unknown to Ash, his very presence raised doubts, as everyone who saw him couldn't immediately recognize him, and that was strange given the extremely high requirement to enter this school.
Ash's perpetually expressionless face, along with his graceful gait when walking and his clothing in his nation's colors made for an intimidating character, and no one was willing to stand in his way. Walking through the halls, Ash looked for the huge auditorium where everyone was assigned to go to the formal presentation of students. Upon arriving at the auditorium, a surprisingly small number of people, who barely reached the 100 students, took places of their own choosing to accommodate themselves, but after a short time thinking about why so few people were in this school, quickly the answer came to the coach's mind.
An extremely small number of people would meet the requirements to frequent this location.
Ash quickly found a seat away from the rest of the other students and quickly claimed it. It didn't take long for everyone to settle in and attention was drawn to a man wearing an expensive-looking suit, hair in a bluish tone extremely close to white, and a charismatic smile plastered on his face, which Ash would bet was fake, considering the situation you are in.
"Good afternoon, everyone, you probably know me, I'm Steven Stone, champion of the Hoenn Pokémon League and I've had the honor of being entrusted as director of this esteemed school that will prepare each and every one of you to be fit for world-class championships. Each of you are references as trainers and coordinators, but as we all know, the path to the top is for few, and for this reason the Pokémon League and the Pokémon Contest Committee decided that it would be necessary to prepare you for the enormous challenge that awaits them. And with that, I declare that the Elite Preparatory School is open!" The hall erupted in applause, and Ash looked with disappointment at the people in this room, all dancing to the music of a handful of men and women who hold the power of the world in their hands.
Steven waited for the applause to subside before continuing to speak. "I'm glad to see you're so excited, but let's get down to the real reason why you're all gathered here. Even though this school is unique, it is still a school, and all of you will perform for your future classmates. I know this may seem unnecessary, after all, everyone here has left their name in the world in some way, but treat it as a mere formality. I'm going to call you in the order of your seats, so let's begin..." And then several Pokémon coordinators and trainers were called to the stage to introduce themselves. Ash recognized several names and faces as people he'd faced in the past on his journey around the world, but a few people made a frown appear on his face.
Gary, Misty, May, Drew, Harley, Soledad, Dawn, Zoey, Kenny, Paul, Serena…a lot of people he thought he would never see again in his life, all acting as if they were special in some way, which cemented it even more. his massive disappointment in what his former 'friends' turned out to be.
Lost in thought, Ash didn't realize everyone was looking at him, and realizing what was about to happen, he mentally cursed himself. It is no longer enough to have to frequent this place full of hypocritical people, now he is obliged to introduce himself. But this isn't about him, it's about Rota's kingdom.
Taking a deep breath, Ash got up and walked with all the confidence and grace required of an Aura guardian, and Pikachu stood faithfully on his shoulder. Stepping onto the stage, Steven was genuinely surprised that he didn't immediately recognize the man before him, but given his attire and the way he addressed the stage, he must be someone who has earned a place at this school.
"Well, then we come to our last student, but I must say, I didn't recognize him right away, so please introduce yourself along with your achievements." Steven made way for Ash to stand at the microphone. Everyone looked curiously at the strange man with Pikachu on his shoulder, although some people were seeing a ghost, just holding on to their hopes, as everything would depend on the words of this strangely familiar person.
Finishing mentally preparing himself, Ash glared at everyone waiting for his words and began to introduce himself. "I was champion of the Orange League Championship, and the Battle of the Kanto Frontier. I am an knight of the highest order of the kingdom of Rota, aura guardian in full right, member of the court of esteemed Queen Ilene, and keeper of the crown of Rota and the Tree of Beginnings. My name is Ash Ketchum." A chorus of sighs echoed through the hall, even Steven couldn't believe what he just heard. He knew that the kingdom of Rota would send a representative, but not even in his wildest dreams did he imagine that this person would be the missing coach for more than 5 years. Ash walked to his seat, ignoring all the stares directed his way, not imagining the impact he had on the people he'd known in the past,
His former friends watched him walk as if he were some sort of ghost, none of them daring to move given how shocked they were by this revelation. Ash is alive, he disappeared and everyone assumed he died along with his mother, but here is Ash Ketchum in the flesh, but he is completely different from the boy they met in their travels.
The cheerful, impulsive boy has been replaced by an expressionless man who walks with the grace and confidence of a knight, given the irony that he really is a knight, given his claim.
Steven did his best to pull himself together, but even for him it was hard. "Well…huh, I'm glad everyone introduced themselves. On this first day at Elite Preparatory School, you are free to socialize and learn more about the facilities at this esteemed school. From tomorrow classes start. Again, welcome and I hope our time together will be extremely productive. See you soon." Steven came down from the stage and, together with the students, began to empty the auditorium, but the shock and surprise of Ash Ketchum's return still hung in the air.
Meanwhile, Ash decided to take the day to get to know the place where he would be attending for the next few months, after all, if he is going to be forced to study in this place, the least that is expected is that he knows the right directions to take when necessary. Unknown to him, a group of people desperately sought him out.
"May wait! Damn it, why the hell are you so desperate?" Drew yelled as he tried to reach his girlfriend who was desperately looking for that Kanto trainer. May stopped and turned, anger on her face.
"Why am I desperate? Ash is alive, I thought he was dead over 5 years ago! I need to talk to him, I need to know why the hell he disappeared without a word. I looked all over the place for him, and I blamed myself for not even being able to give him a proper burial, you know he was the first person I..." May started to cry and Drew pulled her into a hug. As much as he never liked being around Ash, that man was responsible for turning May into a talented coordinator, and was his girl's best friend.
"I'm sorry, ok? I was an idiot, let's look for him together, but you need to calm down." May nodded slowly and wiped away her tears, and calmer now, she walked beside her boyfriend to find Ash, who disappeared after the meeting in the auditorium ended.
Elsewhere in the school, Dawn tried to dissuade Misty from committing an attempted murder, grabbing the red-haired tomboy who was struggling to extricate herself from the blue-haired coordinator.
"Let go of me Dawn! I'm going to teach that idiot a lesson, and when I'm done hitting him, I'm going to get the truth out of that hollow head! Even if I have to commit a crime!" Dawn refused to let go of her friend, even though deep down she was just as frustrated as Misty.
"By Arceus, calm down! We don't know why he disappeared, and we know Ash too well to know he would never leave us without good reason. If you find him and try to hit him, you'll scare him and all the effort will be wasted. First we listen to you, and if the excuse is not acceptable, you can do what you want." Misty seemed to accept the suggestion of the girl who was holding her, and now calmer, she walked beside her friend, looking for the man who owes them a great explanation for making everyone so worried.
Close to the school's battlefield, Serena desperately looked everywhere in search of her childhood friend, and when she was about to give up, she saw a glimpse of a man with a Pikachu on his shoulder. She ran and as she was approaching he turned and they both froze in place.
Ash and Serena faced each other, and the smile took over the girl, but when she was about to run to hug him, she saw something that hurt her more than any slap or punch.
It was Ash's look of pure hatred, as if she were the vilest of creatures.
"Ash?" Was all the blonde could say, not reacting to such hostility from her old friend.
"Serena, I would like to say that I am happy to see you, but I would be lying." Ash said, as if her name itself was an insult. And in that moment, Serena discovered a horrible truth.
The Ash before her is not the same as the one she last saw more than half a decade ago, no, this Ash is a completely different man.
A man with deep hatred in his heart, and that hatred was directed at her.
And that was the worst thing that happened in your life.
Age of characters introduced in the chapter:
Ash: 19 years old
Misty: 19 years old
Gary: 19 years old
May: 18 years old
Drew: 18 years old
Soledad: 20 years old
Harley: 19 years old
Dawn: 17 years old
Paul: 17 years old
Zoey: 17 years old
Kenny: 17 years old
Serena: 19 years old
Queen Ilene: 30 years old
Sir Riley: 45 years old