Authors Notes: Success! Completed on the fic's forth anniversary… Fucking hell, that took a long time.
It's time to draw this story to a close.
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If time could draw people apart, then it could also draw them back together. If time could cause damage, it could also repair damage.
Ash had plenty of time now. And much to do.
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The Team (Charizard included), had gathered, a smiling Tracey setting up a deck chair. Among the entire group, only one person seemed displeased.
"We did this already! Why do you wanna do it again?"
"To capture your new passion of course. Your new outfit, and aura, you've truly come into your role, I need to preserve this for all time!"
Ash sighed, and took his tree-stump seat, his team taking their places.
He made his sacrifices.
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"Ready for this, Ashy-boy?"
Ash gave his former rival a glare. "That's "Grandmaster-boy" to you."
He gave Ash a sly grin. "We'll see how you feel about that when we're done." He gave an exaggerated bow, giving Ash clear access to a door. "Well then, Grandmaster-boy, make your appearance."
Ash opened the door, presenting himself with-he gulped. Was it too late to get out of this?
Before him was a sea of excited faces. Children young and (slightly) older were looking to Ash with smiles, their excitement sometimes expressed in words which were lost in a clash of sound long before they got to Ash. Somehow a banner managed to stand, even among this crowd, "Professor Oak's Summer Camp" painted onto yellow cloth for all to see. There definitely weren't this many kids when he'd came here.
Gary grinned. "It's our biggest turn out ever!"
At Ash's feet, Pikachu turned around, and began walking away. He knew what kids meant, what kids did. Lots of grabbing, and he wasn't allowed to even shock 'em. Nope, he was gonna go home, and see if he could charm Delia into a petting-eep.
Ash pulled Pikachu up, holding him by the top of his head with a disturbing smile, looking his friend in the eye. "It's not quite Misty's mallet..." He grinned. "But it'll do." He turned to the young crowd, with a more "public friendly" smile. "Hey! Who wants to see my Pikachu?"
If excitement could be used as a power source, then Ash had just generated enough energy to power a small country. He tossed Pikachu into the mass. "Chu pikachu!" You asshole! Pikachu landed in the heart of grabbing hands, vowing to himself that Ash was gonna pay for this.
Gary smiled. "Thanks for this."
Ash did too. "No problem."
He rebuilt some very old bridges.
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He supported his friend's endeavours.
Both new….
Ash continued to wave, as Max and Ralts made their way in the distance. Next to him, May did the same. Ash had let Max part with a promise; when he'd gotten eight Hoenn badges, he'd pay Ash another visit, and Ash would get him ready for coming conference. He wondered how long that'd take...
Max eventually parted from sight, Norman and Caroline returning to the house/gym, leaving May and Ash alone. She offered Ash a bright smile. "Thanks for being here Ash, it really means a lot to him."
He smiled. "It's alright." A sudden growling caught his attention, both of them looking at the source.. May's embarrassment soon ended, as Ash's stomach roared. Even his stomach couldn't turn down a fight... "Lunch? My treat."
"Sounds good."
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...And old.
Piplup rose up on a pillar of water, gold stars literally dancing around him as he ascended above the arena, and his foe-a Feraligatr. He jumped from the pillar, the stars meeting behind him, exploding in light, forming a much larger star, to the utter awe of the crowds.
Ash rose to his feet. "Go Dawn!"
"Ka pikaka!"
He was there.
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"Frost Bite!"
A mouth of water closed over a target, turning to ice in an instant. A giant shard fell to the ground, a frozen, angry face inside. Scrafty's from was still, his hand raised in a rude gesture. The Scrafty-sculpture gave a muffled groan.
"YES!"
He got stronger.
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It'd taken him a while, but he'd found it. A little hill, covered in trees, overlooking the town of Pallet. He could see it all from here. Here, where his portrait would be painted. He turned his gaze to the painter, an old man to put it lightly. If Ash were only slightly meaner, he'd wonder how the man hadn't passed on yet. As it was, he kinda was, this guy looked too old to be even possible. "Drag me up here, why I oughta complain to Charles. Quentin at least did his at home. Slight better than Callista, no respect in that girl..."
With the painter had come two assistants, who were trying to keep up with someone who's brain and actions changed course on a whim it seemed. One set up the blank canvas, while the other followed with painting supplies.
"Uh," Ash articulately began, "do you need any-"
"You stay in pose! I will not have my canvass ruined!"
Taking the supplies from his assistant, the painter threw them on the tables next to his canvas, with precision and order at speed that a machine would envy.
"How long will this take?"
"As long as it does!" Ash sighed. "Keep your expression, boy!" Ash took his pose, Pikachu on his shoulder, a visage of the new Grandmaster, standing guard over his quiet little down. The painter smiled, for the very first time in Ash's presence. "Perfect!" A swift, bony, and skilled hand picked up a brush, touching the green on the pallet he was holding, and gently pressed it to the canvas, slowly moving it across. Ash hated this already.
He did his duty.
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Snorlax evaded a punch from his foe-a Hariyama, who slid past Snorlax on his own momentum.
Ash was gonna put his foot up somebody's ass. A week ago he'd gotten a call, about a little event idea they convinced him to attend; a powerful League trainer against a popular public figure. He'd taken that to mean a battle against a strong opponent!
They'd meant it as him facing some celebrity he didn't even bother remembering the name of. "Vain Asshole" seemed about right. "It's good for public relations" Charles said. Well Ash agreed with what Quentin had shared with him at that moment; Charles' mind was starting to fail him ("Not that he was fully sane to begin with."). This 'trainer' and Pokémon pair were no warriors, they were actors! And not even good ones! If the ass actually knew some real martial arts they could at least have a laugh beating the shit out of eachother, but no, he was a poser in every sense of the word.
Somebody's ass, his foot. Ash just needed to find whoever came up with this idea.
"Snorlax, Mega Punch!"
Hariyama was utterly unprepared for the blow that knocked him off his feet, sending him sailing into a wall. Ash raised Snorlax's ball, calling Snorlax back the second the ref called the match. As the applause (and some boos) broke out, nobody seemed to notice Ash's hand, his shaking hand, except for him.
He learned that some scars did not soon fade.
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Ash had finally gotten himself a new personal phone. His first call was to Charles, with a request: He wanted to meet somebody again. Before him was a familiar woman, who'd he met precisely a single a time before today. It was only today he'd even learned her name. She worked for the League, and more importantly..."Your job is to find things, right? Could you find what I want?"
Alice nodded. I am at the League's disposal, and to its members. You tell me to find something, or someone, I find what you ask for."
"Can we keep this private?"
"Mostly. If the League asks what I'm doing, all you have to do is confirm is I'm working for you. They won't ask what I'm doing for you. Plausible deniability and all that." She didn't need Ash to speak to grasp that confused look. "Everyone has their wants, Grandmaster Ketchum. My job, right now, is to supply yours. The League doesn't want to know. Now, this request counts as an unofficial service. Unless you want to tell everyone what I'm looking for, you'll have to fund it yourself."
"I don't care. Just find what I want and I'll pay."
"And my expenses-"
"I'll pay them too."
Alice smiled, clearly Ash knew how to speak her language. "I'll call you when I have something. Expect my call within a fortnight." Seeing Ash's shock at the time-line, she smiled. "I'll have to search far and wide for what you want. You're far from the first to ask for this kind of service. I'm not in the business of wasting time."
"Good. I'll be waiting."
He made choices.
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It took her nine days.
Ash found himself in the same café, at the same table, across from the same company.
Alice handed him a plain brown folder. "Clyde Byrnes."
Ash took the folder with a raised brow. "That's a lot."
"In my line of work, you gotta be thorough. You want the highlights, I assume." Ash nodded, and she reached across the table, opening the folder. "Sinnoh, outside of Oreburgh. Directions are-here." (Oh shit, a map…) "Details on him are-here. I've noted what's rumor and what's probably not." She turned a page. "Official League records and other documented battles." She smiled. "To your liking?"
Ash nodded. "What do I owe you?"
She handed him a second, smaller folder. "Expense reports." She handed him a small pile of papers, bound with a rubber band. "Receipts. You'll find my fee at the end of the folder." That he did, and-his brows shot up. Private Investigators did not come cheap. Seeming to translate his thoughts, Alice spoke. "If you hadn't gone through the League you could easily be paying double. I take cash or cheque."
Ash closed the folder, reaching under the table and pulling up a briefcase. He saw Alice was shocked, for once.
"What? I don't have a chequebook." He opened the case, finding rows of bills. "You said cash was fine."
He paid the costs.
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Deep within the caves outside Oreburgh, a trainer and his Machamp were moving in sync, going through poses slowly. His physique was much like his partner Pokemon's, honed for battle. The pair suddenly stopped, footsteps were coming. Clyde turned to see somebody in a black cloak, and a Pikachu on his shoulder come to a stop.
"Right where she said. I'll be using her again."
"Who the hell are you?""
"Name's Ash Ketchum." Ash removed his hood, showing his savage grin. "I hear you're tough."
He fed his hunger.
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Drip. Drip. Drip.
Smiling, Ash made way to a small pond, Pikachu walking besides him, somewhat dirtied, but otherwise not much worse for wear. Pulling up the sleeve of his cloak, Ash put his arm into the pond, dyeing it with traces of red. "That was fun. I'm gonna call Alice again, see what else she can dig up." He pulled his hand from the pool, and a med-kit from his bag. He silently thanked Brock for suggesting he take a course on emergency first-aid, time well spent! In short order he had his arm treated, and wrapped in a bandage.
"Ka chu pika kachu ka." Your mom's gonna notice that.
He finished tying the bandage, admiring his handiwork. "As long as I come home, she won't mind." He stood up, his smile bright under the pale moonlight. "As long as I don't die, it's all good."
He bore his scars.
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Ash was in the middle of a day out with Brock. Ash was in the middle of sharing a joke with Brock. Ash was in the middle of enjoying himself, but he made one error in judgement.
It'd been less than a weak since he'd fought in front of the camera.
"It's Grandmaster Ketchum!"
Like a chain reaction, that statement got heads turning. Only now did Ash realize..."Sorry Brock, should've worn my cloak."
"No apologies necessary."
Ash glanced at Brock, seeing if-yep, he'd gotten a ticket to la-la land. This would be the point where Misty grabbed his ear and dragged him off. Misty wasn't here, and Ash…had an idea forming. The crowd of nearly-all females gathered, seeming blind to the lovestruck Brock. The pair were backed up to a building wall, as the sea of hormones cornered them. Ash had learned that with any pack, an Alpha would soon break through-and there she was, a blue-eyed blonde with a low-cut top, showing a great amount of something that likely made Brock very happy. "I'm such a big fan." She bounced in place, the motion...transferring noticeably. "Can I have your autograph?"
Were she here, this would be the point Misty whipped out her Mallet and got to work (on who he wasn't quite sure). He smiled, his idea finally fully formed..."Hey! Who wants to meet my mentor?"
With that, Ash slipped behind Brock's back, and kicked him forward. Brock took it in stride, love hearts filling the air around him. "I taught him everything he knows, ladies! In battle and in love!" The female crowd parted pretty quickly, as Brock fluttered around like Beedrill in a flower field, even as the flowers were running away. Ash could only laugh, he and Pikachu quickly descending into hysterics on the ground.
He had fun.
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Max gulped, looking around. This was his friend's sanctuary, it was vast, and clearly it'd already been the location of intense battles, but that wasn't the scary thing.
It was Ash's gaze that was scary. "Alright Max, I got a month to work you over and I ain't wasting time! Are you ready to commit to my training? Are you ready to do what it takes to go the distance?"
Max nodded, Ralts doing the same thing at his feet. "When do we start?"
"Right now!"
"N-now?" Ash gave him a smile that was too friendly to trust.
"Welcome to Hell."
He had a lot of fun.
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Ash stood outside his house, Charizard waiting in the middle of the street. "I'll be back a week before the Championship."
"Do you have enough food?"
"Yes."
"Water?"
"Yes."
"Clean clothes? Cleaning supplies? if you want, I can rush to the store-"
"Yes, Mom, I have everything. Done this before, remember?" His mouth twitched into a frown, briefly, but he forced his face to correct his expression. "I gotta take this seriously, so I can't make any calls or anything, but you can call me if you need to, okay?"
Delia pulled him into an embrace, loudly wailing that "her baby" was "growing up". It was moments like this that made him question his profession, at least at this point in life. Maybe one of the reasons no Grandmaster was ever crowned in their teens was that they were still likely living with their mother. It felt like forever when she finally let him go. "You be careful Ash, and don't forget to change your you-know-whats, every single day, mister."
Ash nodded, something telling him she'd know if he didn't. "Bye Mom."
"Goodbye, Ash. Get stronger, okay? And remember, if you need me, I'm here."
"Go it!" He and Pikachu rushed towards Charizard, mounting the mighty dragon-like beast. "Let's go!"
Charizard spread his wings, and the three took to the sky.
He did what he had to.
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Clang, clang, clang.
Ash nodded at the long metal rods he held, they'd do well. He gripped them tight, taking a stance, clad only in his pants and gloves.
"Come on!"
Sceptile parted his arms, granting them neon green blades. He rushed forth, striking out with-CLANG. He struck again-CLANG. Ash began stepping back, Sceptile striking at the chest-CLANG, at the leg-and missed. He span in place, a swift strike aiming for-Ash ducked, jabbing Sceptile in the stomach.
"Too predictable, Sceptile! Get inventive!" CLANG
Ash smiled, as if the edge of a glowing blade wasn't an inch from his chest. With a growl, Sceptile pushed, sending a grinning Ash skidding across the ground as his foe rushed forth, ready to continue the assault. CLANG, CLANG, CLANG. Ash stepped back from a slash, waiting for-an opening! The rods slid down his hands, his grip becoming reversed as he closed the distance. He thrust out both rods, catching Sceptile's incoming elbow joints and pushing the limbs away. Ash kicked against the ground with all his strength, throwing his head forward. Sceptile saw it coming-glared and-WHAM
Ash and Sceptile were head-to-head, literally. Ash felt warmth blossom on his forehead, running down the bridge of his nose.
"Didn't see that one coming. I figured you'd dodge." He smiled. "Much better."
He endured.
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Ash stood in a familiar cave, at a familiar sight. Even a year on, the old scars were plain as day. Ash leaned against a wall, looking around. He'd been coming here for three days, and still...
"Pi pika pika pi pikachu." I don't think he's coming.
Ash frowned, starting to think Pikachu was right. The Stranger wasn't coming. Ash had wanted to fight him, and thank him, but it would seem he'd never get that chance. He put his hands in his pockets, and started walking. "Let's go."
He chased phantoms.
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And in the end; He prevailed.
"Volt Tackle!"
His form flaring like a sun of gold, Pikachu took aim at his incoming foe. He rushed forth, his mass of power growing larger and larger-BOOM!
The backlash was like a bomb going off, vicious winds and heavy dust. Something burst from the cloud, a lump of dust-Pikachu burst from that lump, flipping in the air, landing, and skidding across the ground, panting heavily. Ash steeled his stance, waiting for the next attack. They'd fight until they couldn't anymore. The cloud of dust parted, revealing Pikachu's foe in a similar state, dirtied, panting, and sparking.
Similar, but not the same. They fell, hitting the ground with a heavy thud. In seconds, the referee called it, in a moment, a voice sounded out across the stadium.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the still reigning Pokémon Grandmaster; Ash Ketchum!"
Ash raised his hand to the sky, his fingers making an old victory sign as the crowds broke into applause. Ash walked forward, picking Pikachu up. "You alright?"
"Pi kachu." I'll live. He looked over Ash's shoulder-he beamed. "Pipipi!"
Ash turned, finding-he smiled. A Marill, a Togetic and-Misty running towards him.
Pikachu leapt out of his arms, as Ash backed away, Misty looked like a wild Pokemon ready to-"Oof!" He hit the ground, Misty smiling down at him. Ash felt his heart thumping. What was she thi-
He closed his eyes, losing himself in the soft touch of her lips. Even in the world he lived in, Ash rarely saw things that could be called "true magic". This, this one he didn't even need to see. Time ceased to have meaning for what might have been a moment, an hour, or-it didn't matter.
The instance of time eventually passed, as did her lips. Ash opened his eyes, finding Misty beaming at him.
He smiled.
The pair got to their feet, the crowds cheering louder than ever as Ash's entourage joined him. Brock and Gary slapped him on the back. May and Dawn swept in, hugging him from either side. "That was awesome, Ash," Max was grinning, "Awesome!" Next to Max, Tracy gave a thumbs up, as Delia kissed Ash's cheek (goodbye, overrated badass image!). Misty locked her arm with his, her smile declaring what was hers. He smiled too, he wasn't complaining. Pikachu was dancing in a circle with Togetic. Ash leaned down, putting his lips to Misty's ear. "I love you, Misty."
"I love you too, Ash."
With a grin, he put his arms around her waist, lifting her, and spinning her in the air. She slipped her arms around his neck, laughing with him. Their impromptu ballet came to a halt, both of them smiling as Misty was lowered down. Their eyes closed as their lips met one more time, deaf to the cheers that surrounded them.
Once upon a time, Ash Ketchum had a dream, a dream of becoming a Pokémon Master, so that he might take the road to becoming Pokémon Grandmaster. One day, Ash achieved his dream, he became Pokémon Grandmaster. Since then, Ash had not dreamed, but that was alright.
One day, he would dream again.
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The End
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Author's Notes: Well, that was an experience. There were good times, some really good times. But there were bad times, and then really bad times. All in all, I think it turned out well. I could have just gone with a shorter AAML fic, but I wanted it to be something more, a story on reflection, on coming of age.
I wanted to gaze a little deeper into that thing we call life.
How did I do? Well, that's up for debate ain't it?
I seriously appreciate feedback people, so go nuts. I'd like to pursue writing professionally one day, but I've no idea if I'm actually any good. That's where you come in, I really wanna know if I should pursue, or resign myself to the fact that I can manage (at best) half-decent fanfiction. Rail or applaud (or anything in between), I want your honest opinion.
I'd like to offer my thanks to a few people.
Satoshi Tajiri: For creating the franchise, which touched mine, and so many other lives. Sorry your franchise is just being used as a cash cow these days, but know there will always be fans who still believe in the soul Pokémon once had.
Nintendo: For publishing and backing the franchise. Playing Pokémon makes up some of my fondest childhood memories.
Yoshi's kun: You were my best reviewer, for this story and for everything I've ever written. You were its number one fan, and the one fan I was writing this fic for. Your consolation and feedback made the earlier days of this fic oh so worth it (and helped me learn to do it properly-ish). After you disappeared there was so little reason to continue, but I knew you'd have wanted this story done. I hope you come back to read it one day, and it's to your liking.
You.
Just for reading. The road has been long, so if you are one from the early days, the thanks goes out to you most of all. Extra thanks to those who reviewed, spread the existence of this fic around, and especially the die-hard ones who checked regularly for new chapters. (You know who you are...you poor bastards, I really am sorry).
This is Erebos Brando, signing out. Thank you all for reading.