"Heel, toe. Heel, toe. You're doing a wonderful job so far, Mr. Ketchum. Just one more lap and we'll be done for today," Nurse Ada praised the young man as they walked around another lap on the indoor track of the Viridian City hospital.

"Nurse Ada, please, I've told you and the others that Ash is just fine," he chuckled, continuing his walk with the nurse like he's been doing everyday for a while now.

It's been several weeks since Ash has finally woken from his eight year long coma, and in that time Ash has made a lot of progress when it came to his recovery and therapy, both mental and physical. Everyday they would push slightly more and more, wanting to make sure he was in well enough shape before releasing him back into the open world. It was challenging in the beginning, at times he'd cry to himself out of anger and frustration, but he kept trying, wanting, and needing to prove he could do this, that he could get better and finally leave this place. Today he's already done a few small exercises and was currently on his seventh lap around the track, which soon came to a close as he and Ada reached the starting point yet again. Ada was a huge encouragement for him, and she would always walk the track with him to keep him company and to chat.

"And, that makes seven! Now let's try some balancing. Try standing on your left leg only, please," Ada instructed, causing Ash to do as he was told. Breathing in and out to calm himself, Ash shifted positions until he was only standing on his left leg with his arms stretched at his sides. He wobbled for a second but managed to stand straight until Ada thought enough time had passed. "Okay good, now the right leg," she instructed again and Ash followed as directed. He shifted and stood on his right leg, arms extended like before, but this time he didn't wobble like he did with his left. Ada nodded encouragingly, waving her hand as an indicator he could stop for now. "Perfect as always, Mr. Ket—Ash. Perfect as always, Ash," Ada corrected herself with a smile. "I'll take you back to your room and bring these results to Doctor Addison. There's no telling what he'll decide, but I have a strong feeling you're about to get some good news in your future." She winked playfully at him, causing him to beam with a wide grin before they left the track and started walking towards Ash's room.

She dropped Ash off at his room and watched him walk inside before leaving to go see Doctor Addison. Once entering his room, Ash's smile instantly dropped into a concerned frown upon seeing the motionless body of his mother. He walked towards her bedside, footsteps light and quiet, acting as though she was asleep and not daring to disturb her. He sat in a chair beside her, gently and gingerly grabbing her hand and using his thumb to rub it. He breathed in and out, slow and steady in an attempt to calm himself and avoid more crying. Still, it wasn't hard for the corners of his eye to get wet before he wiped them dry.

It wasn't fair, none of this was fair. Ash shouldn't have missed the last eight years of his life, his mother shouldn't still be in a coma, Professor Oak shouldn't feel guilty over what happened. Ash gritted his teeth, using one hand to stroke his mothers while his free hand gripped the chair's arm in anger. None of this was fair nor was it any of their faults. It was Team Rocket, they caused this. They stole Ash's life, Ash's mother, Ash's innocence. Team Rocket made all of this happen… they would pay. Ash swore to Arceus they would pay.

A knock at the door brought Ash out of his thoughts, shaking his head to gather his senses as he let go of the armchair, not noticing the new imprints from his fingers that had been pushed into the metal. The door was opened to reveal Doctor Addison and Nurse Ada, both of whom smiled at Ash before stepping inside.

"Mr. Ketchum, how are you doing today?" Addison asked as he approached Ash before sitting in a chair across from the young man.

"A little tired and hungry, but overall I'm fine. How are you? How are my results?" Ash asked in return, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

"I'm doing well, thank you for asking. As for your results, well... I think you're going to be happy." Addison smiled before flipping through the papers clipped to his clipboard. "We did a neurological exam, EEG, CT scan, MRI scan, and metabolic test. We didn't find anything wrong with any of the results; mentally you seem fit as a fiddle, physically you've shown great improvement compared to your first day of physical therapy. Breathing is good, pain receptors are fine and you can pinpoint where exactly you've been hurt, you've able to walk about seven laps around our track without needing a break, you can eat, drink, sleep, and use the bathroom just fine, and you're able to lift or move at least 10 pounds," Addison listed off, going over everything Ash had been able to do since he first woke up from his coma. The doctor smiled as he casted a glance towards Ash, "I think these results are proof enough that you can finally leave this place, starting today."

The declaration surprised Ash before he let out a large grin, with Nurse Ada giving a small clap of excitement and glee. It took all of Ash's willpower not to jump up and pump his fist into the air out of victory.

"That being said, I do recommend you wait before attempting that pokemon journey you've been so excited about. When you go home, I'd advise doing more physical therapy and exercising, just don't push yourself if you do. You haven't complained about body pain or headaches, so I won't be prescribing you any medicine, but please come back and let me know if that changes. You can eat and drink whatever you want, but don't Tepig out on sweets or other fatty foods. I'd also recommend staying away from alcohol for a while and from heavy lifting. I've compiled all of this information and more into a set of documents, which I'll give you and Samuel a copy of before you finally leave," Addison informed the lad. It was a lot of information to go over, so it was better to hand them paper copies in order to keep track of everything he said and whatever he may have forgotten to mention. "I'll leave you alone to be with your mother as I finish getting all the paperwork completed, should be no more than five minutes. You're free to come back and see your mother at any time, and we'll keep her monitored 24/7 and inform you and Samuel of any updates. Any questions, Mr. Ketchum?"

Ash's head was spinning from the collection of information Addison had laid out for him, but everything had made sense so he shook his head as there was a lack of questions he could think of. Take care of himself, don't push himself, and he could come visit his mother at any time. Once Addison and Ada could see Ash was without any questions, they left the room to give Ash and his mother some privacy. Once he made sure they were gone, he turned to his mother before grabbing her hand once more.

"Hey mom, it's uh, it's me, Ash, your son… of course you already knew that," he said while scratching the back of his head and chuckled awkwardly. "Today is… well honestly, I've forgotten what day it is, time sorta flies when all you do is wake up, do testing and physical therapy, eat, and sleep." He sighed before holding her hand a little tighter. "I hope you can hear me in there, it's a bit tough without you around, but I'll manage… um, I'm leaving today! So maybe you can finally get some rest without my constantly babbling," he joked, wiping away another forming tear. "I promise to visit you every chance I get, I promise to take care of myself, and I promise… I promise, on my life, to make Team Rocket pay for what they've done," Ash said with a stricter, more serious tone, a bright fire lit in his eyes. There was another knock on his door before it opened, revealing Nurse Ada.

"Ash? It's time," she said, causing Ash to nod before he leaned down and kissed his mother's cheek.

"Goodbye mom, I love you, and I promise to make you proud," he promised before leaving with Ada.

(Several hours later, Pallet Town)

"W-Wow, flying on a pokemon feels a lot different in real life than how I imagined it" Ash laughed as he stood on wobbly legs, causing Professor Oak and Gary to chuckle as they returned their pokemon. Professor Oak and Gary had gone to Viridian City to pick up Ash from the hospital and used their pokemon to fly the three of them back. Gary had used his Fearow, Professor Oak flew on his Dragonite, and also brought his old Pidgeot for Ash to use. It was getting dark out now, allowing them to fly in under the cover of the growing darkness. No one else besides Samuel, Gary, and the doctors and nurses had known about Ash waking up from his coma, and they intended to keep it that way. No one wanted the newly awakened boy to be swarmed by the townsfolk, or worse, reporters.

"So, this is Pallet Town now, huh? It's… still the same." Ash sweatdropped at the sight. Indeed in the eight years since he was asleep, Pallet Town had little to no change to it whatsoever. The only noticeable things were a few new houses that had been built, and off in the distance Ash would see that Professor Oak's ranch had expanded more, allowing more room for even more pokemon. "Neither has our house…" Ash trailed off, turning his view towards his and his mothers old home. On the outside it still looked the exact same, and in good condition too; Ash thought it would've started breaking down by now since it's gone so long without anyone upkeeping it.

"Would you like to go inside and take a look around?" Oak offered while brandishing the house key. "I've made sure to take good care of the house ever since… the incident," he said hesitantly, having never been a fan of talking about what happened on that horrid day. Ash silently nodded at the offer, prompting Samuel to walk up and unlock the door, allowing Ash inside.

Yup… same old house. Despite it being so long, Ash would often revisit the house in his dreams, and everything was in the same exact place as he remembered. The couch, TV, and all the pictures of him and his mother; everything was spotless too, showing that Samuel was true to his word and often came over to keep everything nice and tidy. Ash chuckled, running his fingers across the doorframe where his mother would draw the lines to check how much he had been growing. The last line for him was at 4'7. There was a green line for him, a yellow red for his mother, and… a yellow line for Serena. He frowned for two reasons, the first being that he realized how tall he had grown during his coma, over a whole foot actually as he now stood at 5'10, and the second reason he frowned was because of Serena. He wondered how she was doing after all this time, if she knew about the attack, if she… if she even remembered him at all.

He walked wordlessly throughout the house, taking in the sights of his childhood home before he walked up the stairs to the second story. He went to his mothers room first, subconsciously raising his fist before stopping himself, reminding himself that his mother wasn't here anymore and that he didn't have to knock. He peeked inside, seeing his mothers room was in pristine condition, with everything exactly where his mother would keep it. A new item was added to her room, however. It was a greeting card of sorts resting on her table, with the words 'Welcome Home' plastered on the front, no doubt a gesture made by Professor Oak. Ash had to wonder how the paper had been sitting there for. He closed the door before moving towards his room, where he breathed in and out to prepare himself before entering.

It was like a blast from the past, an instant wave of nostalgia hitting him upon seeing the bright green painted walls greeting him. He closed the door softly behind him and took a look around; shelves filled with books about pokemon, pokemon toys, and little arts and crafts he and his mother would do together. A Snorlax beanbag laid on the ground, resting comfortably, and Ash cracked a smile as he picked up and examined an object; his old Pidgy pokeball clock, not broken unlike the one from his dreams. A card caught his eye next to the pokeball and he plucked it up before awkwardly climbing up to sit on his bed, only now he had to hunch down as to not bonk his head against the ceiling.

"Welcome home, Ash," he mumbled before opening the card. "Dear Ash, I'm unsure when you'll eventually see this card. It's been four years since the incident, and everyday I pray you and your mother wake up soon. Things just aren't the same without you and your mothers presence everyday at my lab, your mother's wonderful cooking or how loud and cheery you get when we would watch battles on TV. I know the world may be different from the one you left, but I want to reassure you that Gary and I are here for you both, no matter what. Love, Professor Samuel Oak."

Ash smiled at that, wiping his eyes at how kind and sentimental the note was; he would be sure to thank Professor Oak soon. He placed the card down before something new caught his eye, and a lump formed in his throat. He reached out, grabbing onto and bringing close a Pikachu plushie which had been propped up against his pillow, more than likely from Oak himself. Ash stared down at the plush, unmoving and unblinking, staring into his little black eyes and its cute little smile. Ash's once normal breathing started coming out irregularly, his chest tightening as his hands started to shake before clamping down harder on the toy. Tears started forming in his eyes and before the boy knew it, he started sobbing, curling in on himself as he hugged Pikachu close to his chest. Seeing the toy had finally done it, it finally hit the nail on the head for Ash, making the boy finally realize and come to terms with the truth.

Gone… everyone, everything he had loved and fought for, it was all gone, made up, make believe, never had existed… he wasn't a pokemon master, let alone a trainer. He was a poor boy who had been in a coma for most of his life. There was no Misty or Brock that he knew, they were complete strangers now. Same thing with all his other friends… that's if they even existed. And Pikachu, his little buddy, his partner in crime, his starter… nothing. Everyone and everything was just a dream, and now that Ash had finally woken up, this was his new nightmare.

So caught up in his sobbing, he never noticed the shifting weight of the bed as someone sat next to him. The only thing he did notice was a pair of arms wrapping around him, bringing him into a hug.

"It's okay my boy, it's okay. I'm right here for you." Samuel shushed the lad as he hugged Ash close, rubbing his back in comfort. "I know things aren't… as you'd like them to be, and that things seem tough right now but, I promise things will get easier, and get better too. You'll see, it'll just take some time," Oak said as he tried his best to comfort the boy. "Listen, you just got out of your coma not so long ago, and your house is empty without your mother, so… why don't you come live with us for the time being? That way you won't be alone, and Gary and I can help prepare you for that journey you've always wanted to take. Assuming you still want to go on a pokemon journey, that is. How does that sound?" Oak asked once Ash's sniffling lightened up. The simple nod into the crook of his head was the answer Oak needed. He allowed Ash to stay there and cry for as long as the trainer needed.

(Two hours later, Oak's Lab)

After allowing Ash some time to let everything out, both Oak's escorted the boy (and his Pikachu plush) to Professor Oak's home. It was dark out, meaning it was easy to get Ash there without being seen as most people were too busy eating dinner or falling asleep. Professor Oak's place hadn't changed much since Ash was last there all those years ago, save for a few security modifications. However, there was a new room Ash had never seen before.

A bedroom, just for him.

Years ago Samuel had an extra room built, just on the chance Ash woke up before Delia and wanted to stay with him. The room was much bigger than his old one, with a nice and fluffy bed, light blue painted walls, a few bookshelves filled with everything from potion making to pokemon battles, with the books being consistently updated and replaced whenever a new up-to-date book was released, a computer, and some more goodies. A touching gesture that had warmed Ash's heart, in a way making him feel a bit safer knowing he had people he could depend on. There were a few new sets of clothes for him as well, so he changed outfits as the Oaks went to cook dinner. He ended up wearing a simple black t-shirt, blue pajama pants, and fuzzy slippers.

Now he found himself at the dinner table, a wide array of foods spread out for the three of them, much to his delight. They started to eat soon afterwards, and Ash was especially happy as their food was much better than the hospital food he had everyday. Dinner was going well, the Oaks telling him some stories from what they had been up to over the years and even cracking a few jokes, which brought a smile to Ash's face. Although a question was lingering in the back of his mind, which he finally decided to ask as they were finishing up their food.

"Professor Oak? Can I ask, what happened here all those years ago?" Ash asked, causing the other Oaks to turn silent. "Doctor Addison gave me a basic rundown, but I wanna know your side of the story. I'm sure there are some details he didn't know about. Why exactly did Team Rocket attack here?" Ash furthered his question, causing Samuel to sigh.

"I suppose now is as good a time as any to fill in the missing details of what happened." The older Oak sighed before facing Ash. "Eight years ago before the attack, I made a once in a lifetime discovery here in Kanto. During an archeology dig I discovered pokemon bones and fossils which were dated some 300 years ago. By doing some testing, it was revealed these bones belonged to a Growlithe and Arcanine respectively, but not the Growlithe and Arcanine we know today! These ancient species were dual fire and rock types, and looked drastically different. Sure, there are numerous different versions of pokemon found across the world, but this species of Growlithe and Arcanine have been extinct for hundreds of years, and the first of its kind found in the Kanto region; it was truly a remarkable discovery. Finding these bones alone was enough to be impressive, but the fossils were in such amazing condition, I theorized it was possible to revive them!" Oak smiled brightly as he retold his once in a lifetime discovery, before frowning. "I told Charles Goodshow and he was almost as overjoyed as I was, and we both agreed to keep this underwraps for the time being… only Charles got a bit overly excited during an interview and let it slip that I had made an amazing discovery. He didn't say what, but did say it was the biggest discovery of the decade. Team Rocket got word of this and, in their self-absorbed foolishness and greed, twisted the idea into believing I made a discovery regarding a legendary pokemon. I invited you and your mother over. I was so excited and with your love of all things pokemon, and since Arcanine was your mothers favorite pokemon, I wanted to show you both. That was the same day that Team Rocket attacked," Oak whispered somberly as Ash clutched onto every word of the professor.

"It all happened so fast. I told you two to hide as I ran to fetch my pokemon. We managed to fight off the attack and made the remaining grunts retreat, afterwards I searched for you all and couldn't find a trace. I had my Arcanine help with the search, and we found you two buried underneath rubble. We rushed you both to the hospital, where you two have been in comas ever since." Oak frowned, hands clenching. "That's why I apologized to you back in the hospital, and why I want to apologize to you now. I'm so sorry, Ash. If I never would've invited you two over this never would have happened, or if I hadn't informed Goodshow about my discovery, or if I had never found it to begin with. Maybe-"

"Professor Oak," Ash cut in, interrupting the man's tirade and stopping him from further blaming himself. "I don't accept your apology, because you did nothing wrong! You're a pokemon professor, finding new discoveries is in your DNA! And, you were just trying to show the people you love something you found interesting, and thought we would find interesting as well. It was a touching gesture and I'm sure my mom would've loved it." Ash smiled, which in turn made Samuel feel a little better over what had occurred. Although both Oaks noticed an immediate change in Ash's mood as he scowled. "If anything, this is all Team Rocket's fault… they were the ones who attacked us, they were the ones who hurt my mom, they were the ones that put me in a coma and made the last eight years of my life a lie. I'll make them pay for what they've done, I'll make them all pay," Ash promised, making the Oaks cast a worried glance at one another. Ash had just sworn vengeance on one of the most evil and powerful organizations in the entire world. Surely, nothing good would come from this.

(Hall of Origins)

In a dimension that was neither here nor there, sat a spectacular building made of pure white marble. The Hall of Origins, a realm where no human has ever entered, a realm where only a chosen few had access to; the legendary pokemon of the pokemon world. The most powerful creatures to ever exist, some were hailed as gods to many older civilizations and even to some humans today. But in truth there was only one true god, the creator of everything, including the Hall of Origin itself; Arceus the Alpha pokemon.

At this time Arceus was currently sitting at a giant table with countless seats surrounding it, looking at a projection of the globe, switching views to check and see what was currently going on, and to see which areas he may need to send his children to help. To his right on the table sat a crystal ball of sorts, plain as day, dead and void of color. Then suddenly there was a flicker of blue coming from it, very brief and faint, causing his attention to shift from the world to the orb. He stared at it intently, watching with bated breath as suddenly there was another flicker of blue. And again, and again, until suddenly it turned on completely, the orb now a bright and brilliant shade of beautiful blue, he was so happy he would smile if he could, but instead gave a sigh of relief. The orb was connected to the chosen one's soul, and with it being turned on meant that Ash had finally woke from his coma.

Arceus' relief was short lived, however, as suddenly in the middle of the bright blue appeared a small speck of a more darker shade, causing Arceus' relief to disappear as he immediately began to worry. This was bad, and could spell doom for the whole world unless something was done immediately.

Ash's once pure soul was beginning to darken, starting to go down its path of corruption. What could Arceus do to change the wicked path Ash now decided to travel down?

Find out next time… as the journey continues!

Chapter 2 completed! I hope y'all are enjoying the fic so far, I've definitely been enjoying myself by rewriting it and I'm excited for some of the upcoming chapters I have planned.

Money is getting tight as of late so if anyone wants to donate to me, DM me for my Pay Pal or Venom. My CashApp is $Wolfie9924

NOW ONTO THE STORY NOTES!

When Professor Oak was talking about his discovery, he was referring to Hisuian Growlithe and Hisuian Arcanine that we see in the game Pokemon Legends of Arceus. As for the time I've read countless articles and reddits where people were saying 150 and 300 years, but 300 appeared more often so I went with that.

Yes Serena and Ash knew each other, the attack happened years after they met and after she moved away.

Ash's soul darkening is a bad thing and I'll touch more upon that later. Chapter 3 will give a tiny bit more context. Chapter 3 will also be a bit... idk, silly/cracky in some areas so be prepared.

I wanna reiterate that this story will be different from the anime. Ash will have new pokemon and maybe capture some of the ones he had in his coma dream. I still nee to think about it.

Once again there will be lemons in this fic. I'll give several warnings before they happen so you can skip them.

Hmm...idk what else there's left to say. If you have any questions, opinions, ideas, or requests, feel free to leave them in a review.

Join me next time in Ash's new journey. See ya in chapter 3!