Friends are Never Forgotten Chapter 3: One Month of Frustration, a pokémon fanfic

Me: I'm back with Chapter 3 of Friends are Never Forgotten. Sorry I haven't updated in a... I have no excuse. Enjoy.

One Month of Training, One Month of Frustration

Satoshi stopped cold, his face threatening to betray him. His nervous system froze at the info that Gary just threw at him. Yet, because of his training, Seizon was able to keep his poker face on.

Gary on the other hand was seething, "You heard me! Where have you been Ash!?" He yelled again, his face becoming red. Satoshi sighed and took his hat off, sliding a hand through his hair.

He looked at Gary directly in his eye, "Proof?"

Gary stopped, his face returning to normal, "What?" He asked, shell shocked at this. He just exposed Satoshi as his old friend and all he can say is...proof?

"Do you have proof Gareth Oak?" Seizon asked again, folding his arms across his chest, his hair getting in his eyes.

"What?" Gary asked again, shaking his head, was he hearing this right?

Satoshi sighed again, how could he explain this without losing his mind, "I'll ask again: Do you have any proof to make me known as the dead Ashton Ketchum?" Satoshi bit his tongue, almost saying Ash's middle name. Gary's ego just deflated...he was right, but wait?

"Hold on: what about the 'news flash' that told about Ash's death and escape one week later after having his body salvaged from the rubble. It was said that when the doctor that was caring for him returned a week after Ash arrived at the hospital and saw that his body wasn't there. The doctor panicked, and searched the entire room, and noticed that one of the tubes he was hooked up to had a drop of liquid. The doctor took a closer look and saw it was blood, but the color of it was a purplish-blue. It was POKEMON BLOOD." Gary smirked, hoping to get 'Ash' to react the way that he wanted. Unfortunately it didn't work because Satoshi still held a poker face but on the inside he was sweating bullets.

"So? How do you know that one of his pokemon didn't just up and free him to give his/her master a proper burial? Before you say anything," Satoshi interrupted Gary, "Don't forget that his pokemon were next to him on a table. One of his pokemon could've just released itself and got the tubes off him, but must've cut him/herself in the process. It must've also been a strong pokemon, because there were a few dents and scratches in the hospital as well." Gary dropped to his knees, this wasn't Ash...he was still dead. A tear was shed and fell to the floor.

Satoshi dropped to one knee and patted Gary's shoulder, "I know you miss him Gary. I had heard a lot about Ash, more than you think. He was a great man, and he wouldn't want you to cry now does he?" Gary shook his head and stood up, his head still down.

Satoshi grinned, "That's Gary for ya. Let's head back to Leaf's house and train. We only have a month to do this so we'd better hurry." Gary nodded and both walked back to Leaf's in silence.

About ¾ of the way through Gary spoke up, "Hey Seizon, sorry for mistaking you for Ash. It's just you look almost exactly like him." Satoshi chuckled at Gary's statement, he was somewhat right.

"I guess I do now don't I. Well then I apologize. I also apologize if my name meant any significant importance to you." Gary smacked his head, he had forgotten about that.

"Don't worry. Let's just get back and start training." Satoshi nodded and both reached Leaf's place before noon and saw May's Blaziken versus Leaf's Venasaur, with Dawn's Empoleon and his master sitting near the battlefield, obviously she lost. Nearby was another one of Ash's old friends.

"Brock!" Said man turned to see a new face and Gary. Brock was a dark skinned adult with slit eyes and wore an orange t-shirt with a green jacket with multiple pockets and brown jeans.

"Gary it's good to see you again." They bumped fists.

Brock noticed the new face, "You must be Gary's friend." He held out a hand, "The names Brock."

Satoshi gripped Brock's open wrist, "Satoshi Seizon. I've heard about your accomplishments." At that Brock's ego was boosted slightly, "And your failed attempts at getting Nurse Joy or Officer Jenny to go out with you." And deflated immediately. Gary and Satoshi shared a laugh, Brock joining in a moment later. Their attention was brought back to the battle at May's command.

"Use Blaze Kick!" May called out. Her pokemon launched towards Venasaur, her foot catching fire. As soon as she was a foot away Leaf called a counter.

"Venasaur grab Blaziken with Vine Whip and launch a Razor Leaf while she's weakened!" Venasaur launched her vines and they wrapped themselves around Blaziken's torso. Seeing as she couldn't escape easily May cried out an order.

"Blaziken free yourself with Flamethrower. Aim for the vines!" The fighting-fire type blasted a molten beam and at the vines wrapped tightly around her torso. They started getting roasted and Green bit her lip. (Me saying Green is on purpose)

She got an idea, "Venasaur throw Blaziken in the air and fire a Sunny Day at Blaziken!" Everyone except Venasaur was confused at what she was planning, but her grass starter nodded and heaved the Blaziken into the air, stopping the Flamethrower from frying Venasaur's vines off. When Blaziken was about to reach her maximum height Venasaur blasted a large ball of flaming energy at the blaze pokemon as she reached her maximum height.

"Blaziken block it!" May screamed desperately, not knowing what Lead was planning. Blaziken, reaching the maximum height before she started to fall held her arms in a 'X' position over her chest. The large ball of flaming energy was heaved into the sky and was about to explode when...

"Now!" Leaf yelled. Everyone looked towards her Venasaur who launched a Solarbeam right when the sun intensified, letting a Solarbeam be fired without charging. May and Blaziken were caught off guard, so no defensive moves were made. The grass beam of sunlight connected, landing a critical shot. Blaziken fell to the ground, nothing being able to stop her.

"Venasaur use Vine Whip to grab Blaziken and bring her to the ground." Venasaur nodded and launched her vines and grabbed May's Blaziken around the torso, slowing her descent to the ground. When reaching the ground May ran up to her fallen Blaziken and kneeled next to her while Leaf returned her Venasaur.

May smiled sadly, "You did a good job Blaziken, return." Her pokemon was returned and the shorter haired brunnete stood up and sighed.

"Nice job Leaf. I haven't had a great match like that since the Johto Grand Festival." May said as she and Leaf walked towards Dawn. The males noticed that they weren't noticed and walked inside the house. Leaf and May popped a seat next to Dawn on a bench near the house and Leaf smiled at May's comment.

"You as well May. Hey Dawn, if your Piplup evolved than what was with the Piplup in your arms?" Leaf asked, remembering a second water Sinnoh starter in Dawn's arms.

"Yay, well after my Piplup evolved into Prinplup he met a wild female Prinplup and instantly fell in love with her. They mated and conceived a child. After the Piplup was born the female Prinplup realized that she wouldn't be able to help the newborn grow, so she let me take her. That's how I got this Piplup." She referenced to the little bubbling water type in her arms. The emperor father smiled at his son, but was saddened that his mate couldn't be here.

May smiled at the story, "That's nice. Empoleon must be sad that his girlfriend couldn't be here to see how strong their child is." The females started smiling and laughing, their conversation taking a different turn.

Back inside Satoshi, Brock and Gary sat on the black linen couch, the dark red loveseat, and the dark green reclining chair respectively, all concentrating hard on something. In the middle of the table was a pile of money, $20 in a variation of coins and dollars. Behind it was a deck of cards more or less headed towards Gary. Each had two cards in-front of them. Satoshi had one card flipped up, showing an eight, Brock's flipped up card was a ten and Gary's flipped up cards were a ten and a two. They were playing Blackjack...

Brock spoke up, "Hit me." Gary complied and handed Brock a card, revealing a four. Looking at the card that was flipped upside down and spoke again, "Hit me." A three. Broke bit his lip and told Gary to hit him again...he got a nine.

Brock threw his cards near the pile of money, "Busted." He murmured, holding a hand over his face, knowing that he just lost $7.50. Gary turned to Satoshi and saw him grinning as he put his flipped upside down card back down and murmured, "Hit me." Gary slapped down a three, causing Seizon's grin to widen and flip his last card over, revealing a king.

"21." He smirked, grabbing the money while silently laughing at his new friends' faces. He snatched his wallet out and stuffed the money in.

Gary held his hands over his face, "Last time I try to gamble." Brock nodded, both ashamed that they lost their money. It hadn't been a lot of money but it was money none the less.

Satoshi stood up, "That was fun guys. We 'ought to do this some other time," At this all he received was groans of disapproval, and to this he laughed, "Anyway, I'm gonna go and train. We gotta be ready for this tournament, seeing as their will be 4,000 trainers there. You guys better train as well, and good luck." Satoshi stated and walked towards the door. When he twisted the knob and opened the door he pulled Leaf in as well who was trying to push open the door as well. She fell and crashed into Satoshi's chest who quickly wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her up to keep her from falling. Everyone in the room saw the position the two were in and started laughing at them, both of their faces flushed. Soon however Satoshi started chuckling as well, Leaf still embarrassed.

"Can you let go now?" Leaf squeaked out. Satoshi complied and let his grip around her waist go and set them back by his side, a grin still adorning his face. Amusement rolled through his eyes as he watched Leaf do her best to rid the blush on her cheeks.

She noticed the smile on Satoshi's face, "Stop grinning like that." Leaf whined making a cute pouty face.

Satoshi shook his head, "Sorry Leaf, it's just; you look so cute like that." Satoshi chuckled and ran a hand over her cheek. Silence filled the room after that comment and Satoshi had the thought that he should leave before they start speaking again.

Outside...

Satoshi face palmed, leaning against the now shut door.

Dang it dang it dang it! Satoshi repeated in his head.

"Now I've got to be more careful." Satoshi murmured, the grinned, "Anymore moves like that and I'm sure I'll get slapped." He gave a small laugh and stuffed his hands inside his pockets, standing up straight.

"Let's train then." Satoshi mumbled, gripping a full crimson red poke ball.

Three Hours Later...

After his training ended Satoshi thought that he should give his new friends about an hour to relax after his accidental move on Leaf. So now...

"I can't believe I lost myself in this forest." Satoshi face palmed for what seemed about the tenth time today.

Crossing his arms Satoshi looked around the clearing he now resided in for the time being, a good place to train. Grabbing two poke balls he threw them into the air and out materialized his Infernape and Pikachu. The two looked at him and noticed where they were.

"Pika...Pi KaPi..." Pikachu deadpanned.

Satoshi nodded sheepishly, "Yes, I did get lost." Pikachu and Infernape face palmed, Pikachu giving him an evil eye.

Satoshi just shook his head, his hand going behind him, "Don't worry. We'll train our new recruit while we're here." Satoshi murmured the last part, now being seen holding a black poke ball. Pikachu, seeing the ball, grinned while Infernape just smiled lightly.

Satoshi tossed the ball into the air "Let's go..."

Around... Wow, 1:00 a.m...

Satoshi saw the house he was staying at appear into view; the only light that appeared to be on was the porch light. Satoshi sighed; it was a long day training his new recruit and he was beat up pretty badly training him. Getting into the affect rang of the porch light Satoshi was seen with ripped clothes, dirt matted over everything. The only sign of blood on his was a cut over his lip, a little starting on his right cheek and a drip of blood hanging from the corner of his mouth. (A/N: I'm soon going to be changing the rating to T.)

Satoshi wiped the blood off his lip, glancing over it, "Dang, this guy can pack a big punch." He murmured and grinned, before creeping over to the door. Activating his stealth aspect he turned the knob slowly, and quickly he noticed, for some odd reason, the door was unlocked. Satoshi was confused; why would Leaf, or better, anyone leave the front door of your house unlocked? He slowly opened the door as to prevent the squeaking from waking anyone. He made his way inside and took note of the dim lighting.

"Dim light means that someone's sleeping out here." Satoshi mumbled, listening carefully to the indoor sounds. He found himself correct when he heard light snoring coming from the loveseat nearby.

Satoshi smiled and shook his head, "Leaf, why? You don't technically 'know me'. So why are you doing this?" He whispered, crouch walking towards the sleeping female. Upon reaching her Satoshi smiled softly at leaf's soft, peaceful face.

If only none of this would've happened. Satoshi remembered his time as Ash and the times him and Leaf would hang out and call each other during their different journeys.

"If only we got to spend more time together" Satoshi accidently mumbled. He started panicking when he saw Leaf shift on the couch and mumble something.

"Why Ash?" Leaf mumbled in her sleep, Satoshi noticing that her voice was a little broken. His face broke into a frown, saddened by her predicament.

I'm sorry to have put you though this Leaf. Maybe I should have admitted that I was Ash to Gary. Ash thought sadly.

"Your old friend is closer than you think Leaf." Ash said, standing up to head back to his room.

Leaf woke up five minutes after that, "Ash?" I could've sworn I heard him.

During the month…

All I see is, shattered pieces. I can't keep it hidden like a secret…

In the beginning some moments were tense after Satoshi's accidental movement on Leaf but after about twenty questions that were bombarded on him by May and Dawn they moved on, ready to start training.

(I can't look away) From all this pain in a world we made!

Satoshi mainly trained by himself but he would seldom battle with Gary to test his strength.

Every day you need a bulletproof vest; to save yourself from what you could never guess!

"Pikachu dodge and fire a Thunderbolt on the ground!" Satoshi commanded. The electric mouse jumped into the air dodging Gary's Electivire's Thunder Punch. The mouse fired a current of electricity that circled the large beast.

Am I safe today? When I step outside in the wars we wage!

"You know that Thunderbolt won't work! What are you planning?" Gary demanded. Satoshi just grinned before yelling out a command.

"Iron Tail, cause an EARTHQUAKE!" Gary face faulted at the command.

Our future's here and now, Here comes the countdown!

During their war the girls were just sat inside sipping on some coffee.

"I'm shocked you two could handle coffee with how hyperactive you guys are on a regular basis." Leaf giggled while May and Dawn just rolled their eyes.

"Oh ha-ha Leaf." May sarcastically said. Dawn just laughed at the two and decided to bring up a topic.

"So anything happened recently with you guys?" Dawn asked suddenly, catching May and Leaf caught off guard.

May just shrugged, "Nothing much. But before I met up with you I got in touch with Drew again. He said he was going to visit the tournament and support me." May said with a light blush.

Dawn swooned and Leaf whistled, "So you going to get with him?" Dawn asked mischievously. (I need someone else to write these damn girls talk scenes for me. I really think during some of these scenes) May just spat her drink like when Leaf spat hers.

"Sh-shut up!" May stumbled, Leaf giggling silently at her friend's misery. May wanted out of the hot seat and targeted Leaf.

"What about you Leaf?" May asked. (She isn't panicking. She is calm when asking this) Leaf was taken aback at the sudden question and started stumbling.

"Well uh…" She started, but trailed herself off, not knowing where to continue.

"Oh so there is something going on. Care to explain?" Dawn was intrigued.

Leaf sighed, placing her cup of coffee on a coaster, "Well, last night when I fell asleep on the couch waiting for Satoshi to return so I could lock the door, I had a dream that I was face-to-face with Ash, and the only thing he uttered before disappearing was; 'Your old friend is closer than you think'. It was weird, and the way how his voice sounded, it was more matured and close by. When I woke I saw nothing except the living room. I was confused and hurt at what Dream Ash said."

May and Dawn were silent.

Ash was seen lying against a tree, resting his hat over his eyes, singing to one of his favorite songs.

Sound it off, this is the call!
Rise and revolution!
It's our time to change it all,
Rise and revolution!
Unite and fight, to make a better life!
Everybody one for all,
Sound off, this is the call, tonight, we rise!

Leaf stepped outside, deciding to go for a walk, wanting to clear her thoughts.

"Maybe I'm just overthinking this stuff." She tried to tell herself. Continuing her stroll she heard a familiar tune.

Rise! Tonight, we rise; Rise! Tonight, we rise!

Leaf stopped in her tracks, trying to sneak out the voice, "Is that Satoshi?" She asked.

Like a hand grenade,
Thrown in a hurricane,
Spinning in chaos,
Trying to escape the flame,
Yesterday is gone!
Faster than the blast of a car bomb!

"Where is he?" She asked, trying to locate the voice. She reached where he was and was going to go up and say high but his singing made her stay back.

And when the scars heal,
The pain passes,
As hope burns, we rise from the ashes!
Darkness fades away!
And the light shines on a brave new day!

Our future's here and now,
Here comes the countdown!

Rise.
Tonight, we rise
Rise.
Tonight, we rise!

In a world gone mad,
In a place so sad!
Sometimes it's crazy
To fight for what you believe!
But you can't give up,
If you wanna keep what you love!
(Keep what you love)
(Keep what you love)
(Keep what you love)
(Keep what you love)
Never give up, no!

Rise.
Rise and revolution
Rise.
Rise and revolution

Everybody one for all,
Sound off, this is the call!

Rise
Like we're alive
Tonight, we rise
Make a better life
Tonight, we rise!

Rise, rise, rise and revolution
Rise, rise, rise and revolution
Rise.

Satoshi stopped singing, signifying that the song was over, and stood up. As Leaf was going to walk over and say hi what he said stopped her.

"Maybe I should have just admitted to Gary. It probably would have made my life so much easier by this point." Satoshi held a hand to his face, taking his hat off with his other hand. Leaf was greatly confused by what Satoshi meant and decided to stay back, hoping to figure out more.

"Come to think of it, did Leaf even hear me last night?" Leaf fell backwards, snapping a few twigs and rustling the bushes. Satoshi snapped his head around and saw Leaf trying to swat the branches away.

"L-Leaf?" Said girl looked up and saw a shocked Satoshi.

"Uh-um, hi Satoshi." Leaf said, trying to stay calm.

"How much did you hear?" He carefully asked. Leaf just mumbled something, to which Satoshi replied, "What?"

"All of it…" Satoshi's eyes widened slightly.

Me: There it is! You guys got a double feature! Now treasure this, because It'll never happen again! :D Anyway, I'm leaving what Ash/Satoshi does in the next chapter up to you guys! I'll have a poll and you guys can leave your OWN suggestion in your guys' reviews. I'll pick what I find the best option and give a shout out in the next chapter. R&R and LoL (Laugh out Loud)!

Me: WAIT A MOMENT! I know this is kind of stupid but have you guys been getting email/spam from China, because I have. Here's the translated version of the message:

Insert e-mail tag Hello;

Stood on their own corner, pretending he is passing.

2013-7-1 12:10:39

Me: Anyone?