I Want To Be A Hero

by tristanscipio1

It has been 6 years since Ash and Misty's wedding. Charlie Oris is struggling between his drive to be a Pokemon Master and growing into liking other passions, such as helping those in need with housing. Skye is now the permanent Gym Leader of Cerulean City pushing herself to be as difficult to beat as her mother. August is increasingly being drawn to Pokemon research.

13. Chapter 13

A/N: I know I am getting off my schedule but life and work can sometimes get in the way of writing. I am very appreciative of those of you who keep reading this every week. I haven't had a chance yet to see Pokemon Horizons so it is definitely a subject I don't feel confident commenting on one way or the other but welcome to a new beginning. I do not own any of the characters and Pokemon belongs to the Pokemon Company, Game Freak etc.

As Ash, Misty, and Skye ate their breakfast, little Kieran came running into the kitchen, bursting with excitement. "Mom, Dad, guess what!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with anticipation.

"What's up, kiddo?" Ash asked, grinning at his son's infectious enthusiasm.

"I've been thinking about what I want to do for my birthday, and I've got the best idea ever!" Kieran said, barely able to contain himself. "I want to go see the Indigo League tournament! It'll be so cool to see all those amazing trainers and Pokémon battling it out!"

Ash's face lit up at the idea, remembering his own experiences at the Indigo League. He glanced over at Misty, giving her his best puppy dog eyes in an attempt to persuade her. "Come on, Misty, it sounds like a great idea, doesn't it?"

Misty hesitated for a moment, considering the logistics of the trip and the potential risks involved. However, seeing the excitement in Kieran's eyes, and Ash's pleading expression, she couldn't help but smile. "Alright, I suppose it does sound like a lot of fun. It'll be a great opportunity for Kieran to see what the world of Pokémon training is all about."

Kieran cheered, his excitement reaching new heights. "Thank you, Mom and Dad! This is going to be the best birthday ever!"

Skye smiled at her little brother's enthusiasm, remembering her own journey to the Indigo League years ago. She couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and excitement for Kieran as he prepared to experience the world of Pokémon training for the first time.

Charlie walked into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes and yawning as he greeted everyone. "Morning, guys," he said, still trying to wake up fully. He noticed the excited atmosphere in the room and couldn't help but feel curious.

Kieran, still brimming with enthusiasm, didn't waste any time before approaching Charlie. "Charlie, guess what! We're going to the Indigo League tournament for my birthday! You have to come with us, it's gonna be so much fun!" Kieran's eyes sparkled with excitement, making it nearly impossible for anyone to say no.

Charlie, now wide awake and intrigued, smiled at Kieran's enthusiasm. "That sounds like a great idea, Kieran! I'd love to join you all for your birthday celebration."

Just then, a slightly disheveled Pikachu walked into the room, clearly having been over-cuddled by Kieran during the night. The little yellow Pokémon looked a bit dazed but still managed to give a tired "Pika pika" in greeting.

Everyone chuckled at Pikachu's appearance, and Ash gently scooped up his partner in his arms, giving him a gentle pat. "Don't worry, buddy, we'll make sure you get some rest before we head to the Indigo League."

A few weeks later, the group arrived at the Indigo Plateau, eager to enjoy the tournament and celebrate Kieran's birthday. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, as trainers and fans from all around the region had gathered to witness the intense battles and showcase of skill.

As they approached the main entrance, they were greeted by none other than Lance, the current Kanto Champion, and a close friend of Ash and Misty. His signature cape billowing behind him, Lance approached the group with a warm smile.

"Ash, Misty! It's great to see you both again," Lance said, shaking hands with his fellow Pokémon trainers. "And you must be Kieran," he added, giving the birthday boy a friendly nod. "I've heard so much about you! Happy birthday!"

Kieran's eyes widened in awe as he stared at the legendary Champion. "Thank you, Lance! I can't believe I'm actually meeting you!" Kieran exclaimed, his excitement only growing.

Lance turned his attention to Charlie and Skye. "Charlie, congratulations on getting second at the Ever Grande Conference," he said with an approving nod. "That's quite an impressive accomplishment."

"Thank you, Lance," Charlie replied, grateful for the recognition from the Kanto Champion.

"And Skye," Lance continued, "I've heard you've been doing an outstanding job as a Gym Leader, just like your mother. You should be proud."

Skye smiled, feeling a sense of pride and determination. "Thank you, Lance. I'm trying to live up to her legacy."

As they all chatted, Misty couldn't help but feel proud of her family and friends. Being part of the Elite Four herself, she knew firsthand the dedication and hard work it took to reach such a level of skill in the Pokémon world.

Lance turned to Misty and asked, "May I borrow Ash for a moment? There's someone who would like to speak with him."

Misty glanced at Ash and gave a nod of approval. Pikachu, still perched on Ash's shoulder, seemed curious about the upcoming conversation.

Lance led Ash to a private room where President Goodshow was seated. Ash couldn't help but notice that the president appeared more frail than the last time they had met. Despite his fragile appearance, President Goodshow managed a warm smile upon seeing Ash.

"Ah, Ash, it's good to see you again," President Goodshow said, extending a hand for a shake.

"President Goodshow, it's an honor to see you too," Ash replied, shaking his hand. Pikachu chirped a greeting as well.

"I won't take too much of your time, as I know you're here to celebrate Kieran's birthday," President Goodshow began. "I just wanted to personally congratulate you on your accomplishments as a Pokémon Trainer and your continued dedication to the Pokémon world."

"Thank you, sir. That means a lot coming from you," Ash responded, feeling both humbled and proud.

President Goodshow continued, "Before we part, I'd like to ask you a question: How important is the Pokémon League to you, Ash?"

Ash thought for a moment before answering, "The Pokémon League has been a crucial part of my journey as a Pokémon Trainer. It has not only challenged me to become better, but it has also given me the opportunity to meet amazing people and Pokémon along the way. It's incredibly important to me, sir."

President Goodshow nodded, pleased with Ash's response. "Your passion is evident, and I have a proposition for you. I am planning to step down from my position as the President of the Pokémon League, and I believe you would be an excellent candidate to take my place."

Ash's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a mix of emotions—honor, excitement, and a little bit of overwhelm. "Me? But, why me, sir?"

"Throughout your journey, you've demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Pokémon world and its inhabitants," President Goodshow explained. "You possess a strong moral compass and have inspired countless trainers and fans with your dedication and sportsmanship. You would bring a unique perspective to the role, and your experience as a trainer, a Pokémon Master, and a friend to many Pokémon would be invaluable."

Ash took a deep breath, processing the unexpected offer. "Thank you for considering me, sir. I'm honored, but I'll need some time to think about it."

"Of course," President Goodshow said, understandingly. "Take all the time you need. We can arrange a meeting with you, Lance, and some key members of the Pokémon League to discuss this opportunity further."

Ash nodded, still feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Thank you, sir. I'll give it serious thought."

As Ash rejoined the group, he couldn't help but feel a bit distracted by the unexpected offer from President Goodshow. He did his best to focus on Kieran's birthday celebration, but his thoughts kept drifting to the possibility of becoming the new President of the Pokémon League.

Misty, always perceptive, noticed Ash's unusual demeanor but decided not to ask him about it just yet. She knew he would share when he was ready and didn't want to spoil Kieran's special day.

Kieran, oblivious to the undercurrents, was bubbling with excitement as he turned 6. "Mom, Dad, I think the most fun thing we can do today is to go see the Ice Field! I've heard it's amazing!" he exclaimed, jumping up and down in anticipation.

Misty smiled at her son's enthusiasm and looked over at Ash, who managed to pull his thoughts back to the present. "That sounds like a great idea, Kieran. The Ice Field is definitely a sight to see," Ash agreed, doing his best to match Kieran's excitement.

Skye directed the group to their seats, making sure everyone was comfortable before she excused herself to grab some food from the vendors. As she was waiting in line, she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see her ex-boyfriend, Jaxson, standing there with a smirk on his face.

"Hey, Skye," Jaxson greeted her casually. "It's been a while. How have you been?"

Skye immediately tensed up, remembering the less-than-pleasant moments they had shared in the past, including the time she had almost lost her virginity to him. She crossed her arms and replied coldly, "I'm doing just fine, Jaxson. What do you want?"

Jaxson seemed unfazed by her frosty demeanor and continued to try and make conversation. "Just wanted to see how you're doing. You know, catch up a bit. Maybe we can hang out sometime and talk about old times?"

Skye rolled her eyes, doing her best to ignore his advances. She knew he still harbored feelings for her and possibly still believed she hadn't been with anyone else. "I don't think that's a good idea, Jaxson. I'm here with my family and friends, and I'm very happy with my life now. I don't need to rehash the past."

Jaxson's smirk faded, and he seemed to recall the cruel words he had once said about Ash's absence during most of Skye's life. "Alright, Skye. Suit yourself," he said, backing off. "If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."

As Jaxson walked away, Skye breathed a sigh of relief, glad to be rid of his unwanted attention. She quickly grabbed the food she had ordered and returned to her group, eager to enjoy the rest of Kieran's birthday celebration without any further interruptions.

As everyone enjoyed the intense battle between a Crawdaunt and Houndoom, Kieran and Charlie were especially excited, discussing strategies and cheering on the trainers. Ash, however, couldn't help but notice Jaxson sitting a few rows away in the stands, staring at their group.

Ash's expression darkened as he remembered the hurtful words Jaxson had said to Skye about his absence during most of her life. At that time, he, Misty, Tracey, and Daisy had been listening at the gym door, and it took all of Tracey's strength to hold Ash back from bursting through the door to confront Jaxson.

The anger and frustration resurfaced as Ash recalled the R Gas incident, when Skye and Joy had nearly been mauled by a rabid Charizard affected by the gas. Since then, Ash had been trying to track Jaxson down, believing him to be responsible for the dangerous situation.

Ash clenched his fists and started to stand up, ready to confront Jaxson, but Misty placed a reassuring hand on his arm, whispering, "We're here for Kieran, Ash. Don't let him ruin our day. Let Lance know about Jaxson so he can keep tracking him."

Ash hesitated, torn between his need to protect his daughter and his responsibility to make Kieran's birthday special. Taking a deep breath, he slowly sat back down, nodding in agreement with Misty. He knew she was right, and for now, the priority was making sure Kieran had a memorable birthday.

Across the stadium, Pierce sat inconspicuously among the crowd, dressed in casual street clothes that made him blend in with the typical Pokémon League fans. He observed Ash and his family from afar, taking note of their interactions and dynamics.

Pierce's eyes narrowed as he noticed Jaxson in the stands, and he saw Lance moving in Jaxson's direction. Quickly, Pierce sent a subtle signal to Jaxson, alerting him of the approaching danger.

Jaxson glanced over at Pierce, nodded, and hastily stood up, weaving his way through the crowd just in time to avoid being spotted by Lance. Lance scanned the area, searching for Jaxson, but was unable to locate him.

Frustrated, Lance sighed and decided to return to Ash and the group, not wanting to alarm them further. He knew he needed to keep an eye out for Jaxson.

Pierce cornered Jaxson in a less crowded area of the stadium, his face stern and irritated. "What were you thinking? You almost got caught!" he hissed.

Jaxson shrugged nonchalantly, a smug grin on his face. "Relax, Pierce. You worry too much. It's all just a game."

Pierce's eyes flashed with anger, and he grabbed Jaxson by the collar, bringing him closer. "This is not a game, you idiot! The Boss isn't happy with your careless behavior. You're jeopardizing everything."

Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, was sick of waiting for Jaxson and Pierce to finish their job. Jaxson's lackadaisical attitude put their entire operation at risk, and Pierce was at the end of his patience.

Jaxson rolled his eyes, but the mention of Giovanni wiped the smirk off his face. "Fine, fine. I'll be more careful," he muttered, his tone still not entirely serious.

Pierce released Jaxson and took a step back, glaring at him. "You better be. The Boss won't tolerate any more screw-ups. Remember, our mission is far from over." With that, Pierce turned away and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Jaxson to stew in his own thoughts.

As Jaxson tried to shake off the encounter with Pierce, his phone suddenly rang. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen, his face paling when he saw the caller ID: Giovanni.

Swallowing hard, Jaxson answered the call, trying to sound confident. "Boss, what can I do for you?"

Giovanni's voice was cold and menacing, cutting through Jaxson's bravado. "Don't play games with me, Jaxson. I'm not in the mood. Your pathetic obsession with Skye nearly got you caught by Lance. Do you have any idea what that would mean for our plans?"

Jaxson's voice wavered, but he tried to maintain his composure. "I-I understand, Boss. It won't happen again."

Giovanni snorted, clearly unimpressed. "It better not. You were in a prime position to gather intel on Ash and Misty while dating Skye, and yet you came up with almost nothing. Your incompetence is wearing thin, Jaxson."

Jaxson felt a cold sweat forming on his brow. "I'm sorry, Boss. I promise I'll do better."

Giovanni's voice was deadly calm. "You will, or you'll find out just how little patience I have left for your antics. Don't let your personal desires interfere with our mission again. Am I clear?"

Jaxson swallowed hard, his voice barely audible. "Crystal clear, Boss."

"Good. Don't disappoint me again." With that, Giovanni hung up, leaving Jaxson to stare at his phone, his hands shaking. He now understood the gravity of his situation and knew he couldn't afford to make any more mistakes. Putting on a hat to make it easier for him to blend into the crowd, Jaxson left the stadium.

After the battle which the Houndoom eventually won, Charlie, Skye, Kieran, and Pikachu browsed through the various vendors near the stadium, enjoying their time together and the festive atmosphere.

Following a bit behind trusting Pikachu, Misty turned to Ash, her eyes filled with concern. "What's going on, Ash? I can tell something's bothering you. And I don't mean just Jaxson."

Ash hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "When I was talking to Lance earlier, he brought me to President Goodshow. He offered me a position I never expected: to become the new President of the Pokémon League."

Misty's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that's incredible, Ash! But you seem unsure about it. What's holding you back?"

Ash looked down, his thoughts racing. "I'm flattered and honored, but I'm also worried about what it would mean for our family. I've loved being a part of Kieran's life since he was born, and I don't want anything to jeopardize that. I'm afraid that taking on such a huge responsibility might take me away from you and the kids."

Misty reached out and took Ash's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Ash, I understand your concerns. But I know you, and I know how much you care about Pokémon and the community. If anyone can make a positive impact in that role, it's you. We'll figure it out together, as a family. Just think about it, okay?"

Ash looked into Misty's eyes, grateful for her support. "Thank you, Misty. I'll think about it. I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision for all of us."

With a smile, Misty leaned in and gave Ash a gentle kiss. "Whatever you decide, we'll be right by your side."

Delia suddenly appeared among the group, surprising Kieran, who joyfully jumped into her arms. She hugged him tightly, feeling the weight of the now-six-year-old boy in her arms. Internally, Delia realized how much older she was getting, as Kieran was no longer the light, newborn baby she once held.

This was the first time Delia had seen Skye since her night with Charlie, and she couldn't help but notice a very subtle gesture between the two. Charlie's hand grazed Skye's lower back, which made Delia wonder if that explained the random rose petal she had found when she returned from Greenfield. She didn't say anything about her suspicions, choosing to keep her thoughts to herself.

Ash and Misty greeted Delia warmly, their faces lighting up as they saw her.

"Mom! It's great to see you!" Ash exclaimed, giving Delia a big hug.

Misty smiled and hugged her as well. "Delia, we've missed you. How was your trip to Greenfield?"

Delia beamed, happy to see her family together. "It was lovely, but I'm even happier to be back with all of you. And just in time for Kieran's birthday too!"

Charlie and Kieran continued to chat excitedly about the upcoming battles and how cool it would be to see the trainers who made it through the four prelim rounds on the Ice, Grass, Water, and Rock fields. They eagerly discussed their predictions and strategies, their enthusiasm infectious.

Meanwhile, Delia subtly slowed Skye down so they could have a private conversation. Skye didn't notice at first, but when Delia referred to her as her "favorite granddaughter," Skye couldn't help but smile.

"I'm your only granddaughter, Grammy," she replied playfully.

Delia laughed and nodded, "True, but that doesn't change the fact that you're my favorite." She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "So, Skye, how are things going with Charlie?"

Skye's cheeks turned a light shade of pink, and she looked away for a moment. "Um, well, things are going really well. We're taking things slow, but we've grown a lot closer recently."

Delia nodded, sensing there was more to the story but not wanting to pry too much. However, curiosity got the best of her, and she decided to ask a question that had been on her mind. "Skye, do you have any idea why I found a random rose petal when I came back from Greenfield?"

Skye's face turned even redder, and she stammered a bit before responding, "Uh, well, um, maybe Mr. Mime brought it in from the garden?"

Delia raised an eyebrow, but decided not to press the matter further. "Well, just remember to always be open and honest with each other, and everything will work out," she advised.

Skye smiled and gave her grandmother a hug. "Thanks, Grammy. I'll keep that in mind."

As Ash, Pikachu, and Kieran ran off to the bathroom, Misty seized the opportunity to have a private conversation with Charlie. She led him to a quieter spot away from the bustling crowd.

"Charlie, I wanted to talk to you about something important," Misty began, trying to sound as casual as possible.

"Sure, Misty, what's up?" Charlie asked, sensing the seriousness in her tone.

Misty hesitated for a moment before diving in. "This may be a little uncomfortable, but I think it's important to discuss. I just want to make sure that you and Skye are being safe when... well, when things happen or are happening between you two."

Charlie's face flushed, and he looked away for a moment. "Oh, um, I understand your concern, Misty. I want you to know that I care deeply for Skye, and I would never want to put her in any danger or risk."

Misty nodded, appreciating his sincerity. "I believe you, Charlie. I just wanted to make sure. You know, as a parent, it's hard not to worry sometimes."

Charlie smiled reassuringly. "I understand, and I promise you, we're being safe and responsible. Skye means the world to me, and I want to make sure she's always protected and respected."

Misty smiled back, feeling a sense of relief. "Thank you, Charlie. That's all I needed to hear."

The whole group made their way to a restaurant for dinner, where they all gathered around a large table. Kieran eagerly dug into his favorite dishes, enjoying the fried chicken, spaghetti, and a delightful custard for dessert. As they were all eating and chatting, Kieran looked around at everyone and said, "Thank you all for making this such a great birthday."

Everyone smiled and nodded, happy to have been a part of his special day. Then, Kieran turned his attention to Skye and Charlie. "So, when are you two going to get married?" he asked innocently. In Kieran's mind, it was more of a formality than a huge deal.

Skye and Charlie exchanged flustered glances, clearly caught off guard by the question. Ash, on the other hand, was too shocked by the idea of his daughter getting married to even process the question.

"Well, um, Kieran," Skye stuttered, trying to find the right words. "That's something Charlie and I have to discuss and decide together. We're not quite ready for that just yet."

Kieran simply shrugged, not bothered by their discomfort. "Okay, I was just wondering," he said before returning to his meal.

As the dinner continued, Misty and Delia shared a meaningful glance, seeming to communicate without words. Their eyes locked, and it was as if they were having a semi-telepathic conversation.

Misty's gaze seemed to ask, 'Do you know anything about Charlie and Skye?'

Delia subtly nodded, her eyes conveying that she had some inkling of what was going on between the two. However, she also signaled that it was a private matter that they should discuss at another time, when it was more appropriate.

Misty understood and acknowledged Delia's message with a slight nod of her own.

Ash could tell that Misty wanted to have a conversation with his mom, so he decided to take the initiative. "Hey, how about I put the birthday boy to bed tonight?" he suggested, giving Misty a knowing look.

Misty smiled gratefully at Ash. "Thanks, Ash. That would be great."

As Ash took Kieran and Pikachu upstairs to get ready for bed in the cabin they were staying in for the tournament, Misty and Delia found a quiet corner to sit down and have an in-depth conversation about what they knew regarding Skye and Charlie.

"I don't know for sure what happened, Misty," Delia admitted, "but I found a rose petal in my house when I returned from Greenfield. It just seemed… out of place."

Misty sighed, deciding to be honest with Delia. "I'm pretty sure Skye and Charlie met up at your house while you were in Greenfield. I had a talk with Charlie earlier, and he didn't go into specifics, but he did imply that he and Skye are taking their relationship seriously."

Delia nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "I think it's important for us to be there for them and support them, even if we don't know all the details. They're both adults now, and they have to navigate their relationship on their own terms."

Misty agreed. "You're right, Delia. We'll be there for them, but we'll also give them the space they need."

Misty couldn't help but smile as she thought back to the time when Skye and Charlie were just beginning their friendship. "Do you remember the first night Charlie stayed over at your house? It feels like it was so long ago."

Delia laughed softly. "Oh, I remember. You were so scared and paranoid about them adventuring alone together."

Misty blushed, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Well, I didn't know Charlie that well back then, and," Misty hesitated, "Due to not knowing what happened to Ash I just wanted to make sure Skye was safe."

Delia patted Misty's hand gently. "I know, dear. You've always been very protective of Skye, and it's sweet. But, it's nice to see how far they've come since then."

Misty nodded, looking thoughtful. "Speaking of the past, what did you think when Ash and I started sharing a room back when he was getting ready to compete at the Indigo League? I mean, we were still just kids, but I always wondered if you had any concerns."

Delia smiled, recalling those days with fondness. "Well, at the time, I thought it was a good opportunity for both of you to learn from each other and grow as friends. I trusted you two, and I knew that you had each other's best interests at heart. Besides, you both had been traveling together awhile at that point, if you were being that way on the road I certainly couldn't stop it. I knew you cared a lot about Ash."

Misty couldn't help but feel touched by Delia's kind words. "Thank you, Delia. That means a lot to me."

Delia looked at Misty with a curious smile. "So, when did you know for sure that you liked Ash as more than just a friend?"

Misty hesitated for a moment, thinking back on her journey with Ash. Delia continued, "I can think of two different times when I was sure you liked him. The first was after Ash lost to Ritchie and you tried to help him when he was depressed the next morning. The second time was when you stayed with me while waiting for Ash to return from Hoenn."

Misty listened intently, her cheeks flushed as Delia recounted the moments that had revealed her feelings for Ash. She took a deep breath and admitted, "The time I knew, or at least would admit it to myself, was after Caterpie defeated Team Rocket singlehandedly in the Viridian Forest."

Delia's eyes widened in surprise. "That early on, huh? That's incredible."

Misty nodded, smiling wistfully. "Yeah, it was when I saw how much he cared for his Pokémon and how determined he was to protect them. I realized that there was something special about Ash, and that's when my feelings for him began to grow."

Delia smiled warmly, touched by Misty's confession. "It's beautiful how love can grow from such small moments. I'm so happy that you and Ash found each other and have built such a wonderful life together."

Misty returned Delia's smile, grateful for her understanding and support. "Thank you, Delia. I feel incredibly lucky to have Ash and to be a part of this amazing family."

Ash gently kissed Kieran's forehead as the little boy slept soundly, his dreams filled with the excitement of the day. Turning to Pikachu, who sat nearby, Ash posed a question to his oldest companion. "Pikachu, do you think I could still be as actively a part of Kieran and Skye's lives if I become the Pokémon League president?"

Pikachu looked at Ash thoughtfully, the scar just above his left cheek - a reminder of their harrowing experience while being held captive by Team Rocket - catching Ash's eye. Pikachu gave a reassuring nod, knowing that Ash would do everything in his power to balance his responsibilities and his family.

Feeling somewhat comforted, Ash's phone suddenly buzzed with an incoming message. It was a text from Lance: "Couldn't locate Jaxson. I'll keep an eye out, but for now, just focus on your family and the tournament."

Ash's brow furrowed with concern, hoping that his gut was wrong about Jaxson being involved in something nefarious. He knew he couldn't let his worries overshadow the happy moments they were currently experiencing, so he took a deep breath and made a silent promise to protect his family, no matter what challenges they faced.

With a last glance at his sleeping son, Ash quietly left the room and rejoined the others, determined to make the most of their time together at the Indigo League tournament. Unbeknownst to Ash, Kieran smiled at the thought of his dad being the President of the Pokemon League and he whispered to Arceus, "Watch over my dad, Arceus, he cares so much about Pokemon. He will do everything he can to protect them from bad people like Team Rocket."