Hello! Yeah, I know, I said I would start working on this chapter three months ago. However I've been busy with other things. So apologies for that. So now that that's over start reading.
Serena opened the door to the hotel, Clemont and Bonnie following behind her. It was the seventh hotel they had visited looking for Ash. "Excuse me? I was wondering if Ethan Blue is staying here?" She asked the receptionist. "Let me see… No ma'am he is not. However I believe one of our residents dined with him last night. I will call Miss Carolina and see if she would be willing to tell you where he is." Serena felt a chill run down her spine at the word Miss."Miss Carolina? Someone is here to see you. She needs to find a man named Ethan Blue. Yes, yes alright. I'll tell them." The receptionist turned to Serena. "Champion Cynthia is on her way downstairs to guide you to the camp where Mister Blue and his friends are staying." Serena nodded. "Thank you." She turned and sat down in the waiting room. "So Ash has been hanging out with Champions? Makes it easier to believe how hard it is to track him." Said Clemont. Bonnie nodded. "He must have stayed with Cinis in Johto for a few years. Given the fact that not even Cinis's own Elite Four know where he lives, with the exception of Silver, it's entirely possible that he hid there. That would explain why Cinis knows him so well." "You know, you're right." Said a voice from behind them. The trio turned to see Dawn. "Ash probably stayed in Johto. No one searched there. Not even Lyra, and she lives there. The question is, why are you searching for him here?" Serena didn't respond, trying to keep that a secret. Clemont frowned. "I'm going to break the secret, Ash is in the tournament, and he's using a fake name. Don't hit me Serena. She loved Ash too. She has the right to know." Serena felt a fire light behind her eyes. "We are going to have serious words later Clemont." She said coldly. "Who called me down here to help find Cinis's camp?" Serena stood. "I did Champion." Cynthia nodded. "Then keep up… Dawn? Dawn Berlitz is that you?" "Hi Cynthia! It's great to see you again!" "It's good to see you too! I didn't know you were staying here! Anyways, I assume that since you're here the four of you have been let in on Cinis's little secret. I'll guide you all there. Follow me." With that, Cynthia and the others left the hotel in the direction of Cinis's camp.
"There are some details I would like to discuss with you regarding the Legend of the Marigold." Ash blinked. "That old legend about the warrior and the chosen?" "You've heard of this legend?" Said Arceus in surprise. "God damnit Arc I told them the legend their first week! What're you, ignorant?" Arceus and Cinis stared at each other with stony faced expressions. Suddenly a grin surfaced on both their faces and they started laughing. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting to use that quote on you!" Cinis choked out. "I've been waiting for it. Anyways, I know you want to get it over with so go ahead and throw your pokeball." Cinis smirked. "You're going to love this pokeball! It's even got your color scheme if it works!" Arceus grinned. "Throw it." Cinis pulled out a gold and white pokeball. The letters G and S engraved on top. Ash nearly shit himself. "The GS ball! You have the GS ball!" Cinis smirked. "Turns out it held a Celebi, who knew right?" Cinis threw the pokeball at Arceus, who allowed himself to be sucked inside. Inside the pokeball Arceus grinned. Happy Christmas and merry New Year Cinis, thought Arceus as he allowed himself to be captured. Outside the pokeball everyone saw the light on the pokeball that signified a capture. Cinis and Ash looked at each other. "Smack me, I'm dreaming." They both said simultaneously. They both slapped each other. When neither of them awoke in a bed they felt shock, incredulity, and joy rush through their bodies. "HOLY SHIT I FUCKING CAUGHT GOD!" Yelled Cinis. He was so loud he woke up Rosa, Hugh, Silver, and Red. Hilda was staring at Cinis with an open mouth as he laughed hysterically. He ran to her and pulled her into a hug. She felt herself blush. "You're making a scene Cinis." She said. "A scene!? I'm making a scene!? I caught Arceus and you call this a scene!? No no no, me pulling you into a long kiss with a firework display would be a scene, and I'm not going to make one!" Cinis laughed before kissing her on the cheek and running to grab his new Pokemon. Hilda touched her cheek in surprise before Cinis let out Arceus. "Have a merry New Year and enjoy your Hanukkah present!" Cinis was still laughing. He didn't know what else to do other than say, "It's happy New Year." Arceus grinned. "I know, but I love that movie so I wanted to see if you'd take the bait. Anyways you're probably gonna be too excited for the rest of the night so details can wait till tomorrow. Oh and by the way, Cynthia is guiding Dawn, Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena here." Ash felt his eyes grow wide but Cinis didn't even hear. His brain processed different information, "Hold that thought! Cake time!" He sped to the oven and pulled out the cake pan without any heat protection. He set the cake on the stone worktable before realizing he had burned himself. "Whoops. Lucario, come out and use Heal Pulse. Umbreon, come out and use Heal Bell!" After Cinis healed himself, he allowed the cake to cool before cutting into it and slicing off several pieces of cake. "That cake was only in there for twenty minutes, are you sure it's ready to eat?" Asked Rosa who had emerged from the forest and been caught up to speed. "It's a very powerful oven. This is it's lowest setting, anything higher and it would have been done while I was singing. Anyways, chow time!"
Ash leaned back in his chair. This time he was pressed against a tree to keep himself from falling. "An awful lot of stuff has happened in the last few days huh Pikachu?" Pikachu nodded. "Pikapi chupi. Pikachu pika pika?" "What am I going to do if I run into any of my old friends? I guess I'll either pretend I'm Ethan or if they know it's me I'll let them know." "Pikachupi?" "I'll tell them everything. They're friends, and if they still are I'll only lose one limb." Ash nodded to Cinis. "Your dealer certainly has had an interesting day. Help me keep him grounded alright?" Pikachu nodded and sent a thunderbolt towards Cinis. "God damnit Pikachu! I didn't mean it literally! It's an expression for keeping him humble!" Yelled Ash. Cinis laughed. "It's alright Pikachu, live and let live, give me a handshake would you." Pikachu accepted, yelping in surprise as his hand was covered in ice. "Lesson one, never handshake someone you just electrocuted. Especially if they can use Ice Punch passively." Pikachu nodded. He stalked into the trees and grinned, looking down at his frozen hand, then slammed it into a tree to reveal six packets of ketchup. In the clearing he heard Charizard casting a flamethrower at Cinis. The idiot knew the risks and he did it anyway, thought Pikachu, thinking it about Ash as much as Cinis.
Cinis grinned. "Hey Ash. Leave Charizard out. I've been dying to return the punches for years. Now that it's public knowledge I can, I'd like to see just how strong I've become!" Arceus shook his head. "Cinis, don't have him use Charizard, have him use Greninja and his special ability." Cinis grinned. "Yeah! This is gonna be fun! Come on Ash send him out!" Hilda looked at Cinis. "What's Greninja's special power?" Cinis's grin widened. "No idea, Ash has kept it a secret for years so when I discovered Hyper Evolution I kept it hidden just to get a taste of vengeance." Cinis looked at Ash. "By the way I'm forgoing your fake name. In retrospect it was kinda dumb hiding ourselves like this. Now send Greninja out and have him use his special ability!" Ash grinned. "Right away. Everyone come out and watch!" Out came all of Ash's Pokemon, old and new. He had caught fifteen new Pokemon aside from his legendaries. (He spent five of his seven years in Johto staying in one location. Plus he caught legendaries. Give him a break!) A Marowak, a Druddigon, an Absol, a Zoroark (Yes it was the Zorua from Zoroark, Master of Illusions), a Rhyperior, a Gengar (Yes the one that stayed with Sabrina, it evolved into a Gengar when she traded it to Ash for a Sigilyph.), a Magnezone, a Jolteon, a Roserade, a Dragalge, a Houndoom, a Bisharb, a Chandelure, and a Florges (Yes the one who attacked the Marshlands). Also, his Pidgeot, Primeape, Goodra, and Lapras had all returned to him.
"Greninja! I choose you! Come out and fuse!" Yelled Ash. The frog ninja burst from his pokeball, a cobalt blue light suffusing his body. When Cinis looked at Ash he had the same light around him. A torrent of water shot up from them both, covering them head to toe before the water pillars met and locked around Greninja. Cinis's smile had grown to an unbelievable length. "That's a stage between Mega and Hyper evolution! This could actually be fun! You've got the first move Ash." Ash and Greninja nodded in perfect synchronization. Then Greninja shot forward, his fists erupting with circling water shurikens and a power up punch on both hands. Cinis grinned and used protect, stopping the powerful attacks dead on the shield. He dropped the shield and sped toward Greninja, his fists alive with lightning and a close combat beneath them. His fists slammed into Greninja's water torrent and sent it up with an electric shock. Greninja wasn't even slowed down. He grabbed Cinis's hands and threw him into a nearby tree. Cinis stopped himself by using Sacred Sword on the ground, slowing him down enough for him to jump and dive into the water torrent. Lightning crackled from his Sacred Sword before it met a Night Slash, sending black flecks with occasional lightning flickers flying out of the torrent. Cinis grinned, leaping out of the spiral and deciding to have some real fun. He charged forward, Superpower and Close Combat forming on his fists. He slammed them into Greninja, feeling a sharp pain dig into his cheek as Greninja hit him with a Night Slash. Cinis didn't care though, he just kept hitting Greninja until the frog finally threw him away. When he landed he noticed Ash was clutching his side where his final punch had impacted with Greninja.
"So, you take the same damage that Greninja takes? Lucario is going to need a hell of a heal pulse to treat that. Mainly because my ability is Contrary." Ash felt his face grow pale. To disguise this he asked, "How do you learn your ability?" Cinis shrugged. "Experimentation. Trial and error mostly. I cannot tell you how much it takes to figure it out. Now back to our regularly scheduled combat." With that Cinis sped forward, slamming a Superpower Thunderpunch into Greninja's Solar Plexus - though not before taking a double Power Up Punch to the face. Even with his defense up Cinis felt the punches a lot. "Christ that hurts! Didn't think quadruple effective moves hurt this bad!" Said Cinis through clenched teeth. Meanwhile, Ash was thinking much the same thing. "We need to end this now Greninja. Use Hydro Pump and Power Up Punch." Greninja sped toward Cinis, who at the same time charged with a Sacred Sword that had again been charged with the lightning of a Thunder Punch. The two combatants slammed into each other. Both winced at the pain before they collapsed. Greninja's water torrent faded away as Ash collapsed as well. All three of them were breathing heavily and had taken a pretty serious beating.
"Let's call it there Ash… I need a rest." Croaked Cinis with an enormous effort. Ash tried to nod, winced, and just said, "Yeah." Paul and Hugh helped Ash into his tent after Lucario used Heal Pulse on him. Cinis used rest in his bed. Hilda and Rosa said goodbye and that they'd move in tomorrow before returning to their hotel, promising to move over by tomorrow night. Arceus smiled as he watched the events play out. He morphed himself into a human form as he felt the approach of several people. He had bleach blonde hair and alabaster skin. His clothes were a gold and white Hawaiian shirt, brown sandals, and tan cargo shorts. He had emerald eyes covered by white sunglasses which he quickly took off and placed in his pocket. He had an easy smile on his face as Cynthia and the others walked into the camp. Arceus was the first to speak. His voice was quiet and steady, yet full of laughter.
"Good evening, how can we help you? If you are here to see Cinis or Ethan come back tomorrow. They just had a hell of a workout." Serena raised an eyebrow. "Really? What did they do?" Arceus grinned. "Cinis just fought Ethan's special Greninja. It was a draw." "It was really fun too." Came Cinis's voice. A moment later he pushed out of his tent in new clothes, the scrapes and bruises gone. "Lucario gave me a chesto berry. I feel like I just slept all night long." Cinis explained. "He's right though. Ash is not in any shape to do anything, he's asleep and probably really sore." Serena and Dawn jumped. "I'll help him!" They both yelled before glaring at each other. Cinis grinned. "Thanks, but the only thing he needs now is sleep. Talk to him tomorrow." Serena and Dawn both started to protest but Clemont made a hand gesture to cut them off. "He's right, besides, Ash will probably be a little shocked to see us. Better if he's fully rested when he sees us." Cinis nodded, inwardly laughing at the two girls' eagerness. "Clemont is right. Anyways, we are getting to new additions tomorrow and I want to get the cabins done when I get back. So I am going back to bed." Cynthia looked at Cinis. "Who's joining you? Also, who is this?" She asked, indicating Arceus in his human form. "My friend and rival from Johto is the man you just pointed at, his name's Archie but he prefers Arc. The two new arrivals are Rosa White, Hugh's girlfriend, and Hilda White, my girlfriend." Cynthia felt her heart stop for a moment. She maintained control however and made no outward indications. "When did you get a girlfriend?" She asked. "Earlier this evening. We met at Grays and hit it off unbelievably quick. She asked me out but I can't leave these idiots alone or they'll set the forest on fire trying to learn how to make chicken soup." Cynthia nodded, feeling her emotions vying to take control. Cinis noticed. "Are you alright? Did I do something wrong?" Cynthia shook her head. "No it's not that, I'm just really tired. I'll talk to you later." That didn't match up with what Cinis was seeing, but he didn't voice it. Cynthia hated people trying to help her in this state. He sighed and turned back to his tent as the others retreated to their tents or hotels.
Ash was dreaming. He was standing above the world. He had a glowing ring on his left hand, which a hand was gripping tightly. Ash looked to his right to see Cinis and Hilda, with their hands locked, looking down on the world as well. He looked to the left and saw Serena, wearing an earring with what looked like a Hyper stone inside of it. When he looked at the glowing ring Ash noticed it was a Hyper stone too. When he looked behind him he saw Red, Silver, Paul, Lucas, Hugh, and Rosa standing in front of a sea of familiar faces. All of Ash's rivals, friends, and traveling companions, his Pokemon, all of his friends' Pokemon, the Champions and Gym Leaders, legendary Pokemon, and even the Pokemon professors! Cinis smiled as he looked back as well. "The Chosen of the Sea Beast and the Ashen Warrior will lead a new generation of Aura Keepers." Cinis yelled before he and Hilda jumped, falling towards the planet. Ash took a deep breath before he jumped too. He felt himself grinning as his friends all followed suit, falling downwards with smiles on their faces as they fell towards what looked like certain death. When Ash looked ahead again Cinis was touching his Hyper necklace. His grin widened as he touched his ring, feeling shocked as a rush of energy flowed through him. Flashes of light all around him told Ash that others were Hyper evolving too. He felt more at home in that instant than he had ever been in his life. It was like he was fulfilling his purpose.
The crowd of friends behind Ash began to diminish. Hundreds of faces faded away until only a few remained. Yet strangely, Ash was not disconcerted by this in the least. He felt himself stop falling. He was rotated until he was in a standing position. He noticed the remaining figures were doing the same. Serena clutch his hand tighter and whispered, "This dream is so weird." Ash looked at her. "You're not dreaming. I'm dreaming, this is all…" "A vision from Arceus." Said Cinis, cutting Ash off. "I'd say hi Serena, this is real Ash, or at least his mind. Trust me, I've gone through this before. So, who is gonna break first? Hilda, Rosa, Hugh, Paul, Red, Silver, Serena, Ash, Cynthia, Alder, Clemont, or one of these Gym Leaders. I recognize Sabrina and Brock, but haven't met these other ones." "Their names are Skyla, Flannery, Volkner, Korrina, Maylene, Wulfric, and Norman. Interactions with Ash changed them or their family in a certain way. As such they are good candidates for your new program." Came a feminine voice from above. Cinis smiled and walked toward a girl with blonde hair and a straw hat, descending out of the endless black sky. Silver and Red looked at each other, not sure how Cinis would react to seeing his first love again after so many years. "Hey Yellow." Said Cinis casually. Everyone could tell he was holding back a torrent of emotion that threatened to break through his charade of cheeriness. "Hi Cinis. It's been awhile hasn't it?" "Almost twelve years. I miss you, you know that right?" Yellow nodded and smiled sadly. "I know Cinis. I miss you too. However we both know that this barrier is one that neither of us can cross." Cinis swallowed to keep the lump in his throat at bay. "Yeah I know. Death is a bit of a stickler for rules. So… What do you think of the friends I've chosen? They meet your old standards?" Yellow giggled slightly. "You're still holding onto those? Classic Cinis, can't let an old joke die. Ash, Hugh, Paul, and Lucas certainly do. They've overcome their flaws quite nicely. Even if they are a little overconfident, so was I. Cynthia is always a good friend to have. However even though I saw every advance she made on you, you didn't, so you just see her as a good friend. Is that correct?" Cinis nodded. "Yes, that's true. I honestly haven't even noticed she was making advances on me. What about the new additions?" "Well I approve of Arc off the bat. He's very genuine and friendly. Rosa is perfect for Hugh and seems like a good friend to have. Hilda though, she is special. The first person to have caught your eye in a romantic fashion since me. I really like her and think that you and her could get along for an eternity, oh and don't hold in that emotion Cinis, it's not healthy. I'll give you a minute to let it all out."
That was all the incentive Cinis needed. He fell to his knees, tears pouring down his face as his body was wracked with sob after sob. Hilda moved to comfort him but Red blocked her path. "Best to let him take this minute on alone. This is the other side of the happy energy rocket we all know. After all, the smoke and negative byproducts of a rocket need to be emptied. This is Cinis letting all the sadness, the rage, the pain, the very things that Cinis strives not to accumulate, out. So again, it's best not to interrupt him when he's like this." Hilda stared Red dead in the eye before pushing past him and sitting down next to Cinis. She pulled him into a hug, and much to the shock of everyone who had seen Cinis like this before, he hugged back, seeming to find comfort in Hilda's presence. After a few seconds Ash walked towards him and crouched down, putting a hand on Cinis's shoulder. "I'm here for you Cinis. You're like an older brother to me. I'll always be here for you." Silver and Red joined him, followed by Paul, Hugh, Cynthia, Alder, and Rosa. They crowded around the man they had come to know as their friend and lended him all the support they could. Cinis pulled each of them into a long hug, not caring just how much this showed about him as a person, before he stood and turned back to Yellow. "I'm all good now. I'll let you continue." Yellow nodded and began to speak.
"Almost twelve years ago I died. It turns out that was a lot more important to the world than I thought. It's an old prophecy made way back when the Aura Guardians were still common. 'Twelve years after a Marigold dies in a pool of metallic rose, the Chosen of the Sea Beast and the Ashen Warrior will lead a new generation of Aura Keepers.' It's a pretty cheesy prophecy, but a lot of prophecies are like that. Anyways, Ash and Cinis are the major characters there. However a shitload of other details reveal that there are other players in the mix. A ton of ancient text refers to all of you by name. Weird right? So, here's how this will go, you are all going to learn from Cinis and Ash. I know some of you will find that weird being taught by people who are younger than you. However they each have something valuable for you to learn. Cinis can teach you how to have strength, and how to control it, while Ash can teach you how to value yourself and others, as well as teach you determination. They both can teach you a unique blend of sympathy, love, and compassion. Now, that is all, I will be sending many of you away. However there is something I would like to do with Cinis and his gang. Goodbye." With that, the Gym Leaders were teleported away, as well as Cynthia and Alder. Serena, Clemont, and Brock were left behind.
Yellow smiled before asking, "Would it be alright if I took a photo with all of you? I want to update my photo album." Cinis, despite his depressed state, still managed to grin and reply, "Only if anyone who wants a copy gets one." Yellow giggled. "Of course you can all have a copy. You all are going to be the main group after all. It's only fair to have your first gathering in a photo. Now everyone group together. Hilda, you and Cinis hold hands. Paul, flip off the camera! Red and Silver, hug each other. Hugh and Rosa, go in for a kiss and stay just far enough away for it not to make contact. Lucas and Brock, Help support me when I get over there. Use your shoulders to do it and smile. Clemont, you're good there. Serena, get as close to Ash as physically possible, like press your entire body against him to the point where he looks uncomfortable. Ask him to go shopping too. That usually works to make boys uncomfortable. Perfect, I'll set the timer." Yellow set the timer to fifteen seconds and jumped onto the shoulders of Brock and Lucas. The young girl pressed her palms together and looked as though she were praying while she sat cross legged on the two men beneath her. The camera lens snapped and began to take multiple shots to make sure they got a good photo.
"Alright now let's have a fun photo! Look as stupid as you can or do something completely unnecessary or romantic, that's the way Hugh! Kiss her like you mean it, oh wait you actually do, never mind just keep kissing her then. Really Lucas! You had to fucking move!" The camera had snapped a photo of Ash and Serena changing roles from Ash being embarrassed to Serena being embarrassed; Cinis was giving Hilda a piggyback ride; Brock was trying to catch Yellow; Lucas, Red, and Silver had pulled out cards and we're playing Blind Man's Bluff; Clemont had just turned his glasses upside down, before shoving his middle finger between his glasses and face; Paul didn't even change his face.
Yellow smiled before grabbing the camera and promising to have the photos delivered by the time they woke up. Then she left, causing everyone to look around, wondering what they were supposed to do next. "So, we probably are going to be here for a while. Anyone up for Crazy Eights?" Hilda shook her head. "I've got a better idea. Can you make instruments with that energy of yours?" Cinis nodded. "Probably, but this is a dream, why settle for that?" Cinis pulled an electric guitar out of thin air and tossed it to Rosa. Then he pulled out a horn and gave it to Silver. Hugh got the idea and summoned some drums. Cinis and Hilda had a quick briefing before nodding. They began to sing to pass the time.
"You got two black eyes from loving too hard, and a black car that matches your blackest soul, I wouldn't change ya, oh oh. Wouldn't ever try to make you leave, no. The neon coast was your sign, and the Midwest wind with Pisces rising. Wouldn't change ya, oh oh. Wouldn't ever try to make you leave, no. Static palms melt your vibe, midnight whisperings. The black magic of Mulholland Drive, swimming pools under desert skies, drinking white wine in the blushing light. Just another LA Devotee, sunsets on the evil eye. Invisible to the Hollywood shrine, always on the hunt for a little more time. Just another LA Devotee. Just another, just another, uh oh. Just another, just another, uh oh. Just another, just another, uh oh. Just another LA Devotee. You got bleached out eyes from the valley sand, and the black tar palms keep weeping your name. I couldn't change ya, oh oh. Couldn't ever try to make you see, no. The high rise lights read your rights, and a downtown storm with Aries rising. Couldn't change ya, oh oh, couldn't ever try to make you see, no. Static palms melt your vibe, midnight whisperings. The black magic of Mulholland Drive, swimming pools under desert skies, drinking white wine in the blushing light. Just another LA Devotee. Sunsets on the evil eye, invisible to the Hollywood shrine. Always on the hunt for a little more time. Just another LA Devotee. Just another, just another, uh oh. Just another, just another, uh oh. Just another, just another, uh oh. Just another LA Devotee. LA Devotee, LA Devotee, LA Devotee, LA Devotee, The black magic of Mulholland Drive, swimming pools under desert skies, drinking white wine in the blushing light, Just another LA Devotee. Sunsets on the evil eye, invisible to the Hollywood shrine. Always on the hunt for a little more time. Just another LA Devotee. Just another, just another, uh oh. Just another, just another, uh oh. Just another, just another, uh oh. Just another LA Devotee."
When they finished the song Hilda turned to Cinis. "What the hell is LA anyway?" Cinis shrugged. "I think it means Lumiose Avenue. You know, that place where all those Kalosian movie stars live?" Hilda nodded. "So Cinis, mind telling me why that floating lady knew you so well?" Asked Paul. Cinis sighed before replying, "That was Yellow Murry. She died almost twelve years ago now. She was my girlfriend and we were going for a walk on New Year's Day. She was shot when we discovered a Team Rocket operation. Both of her kidneys and her stomach were punctured. She didn't have long and died in a pool of her own blood. A few years later, when all of us went to Team Rocket HQ, I saw the man who killed her. That's what made me snap and when I came to thirteen team rocket members lay dead at my feet. I was told later that I had killed all of them with my fists, snapping neck after neck in vengeance for Yellow." Cinis turned to Hilda. "That's why Red tried to keep you from coming to comfort me earlier. He didn't want me snapping. I understand if you don't want to date me after what I've told you."
Hilda smiled at Cinis. "You regret killing them now though. You're not evil, you were just hurt and couldn't control yourself. I can't fault you on that." She giggled as Cinis's eyes widened. "You're the greatest, you know that Hilda?" Her smile widened. "I know. Thanks for acknowledging it though." Cinis laughed. "Another reason I like you, you're humble." Hilda punched at him. Cinis grinned and caught the punch in his left hand before pulling Hilda into a hug. A grey and orange wall surrounded them as they fell asleep in each other's arms, creating a dream within a dream.
Ash stared at Serena. He didn't quite know how to do this. He had been gone so many years he hadn't really thought about the reunion. Serena however, had. She sprinted to Ash and wrapped her arms around him, the daze they had been in ending as Serena snuggled into Ash's chest. She was silently crying and whispering something Ash couldn't hear. All he knew, and all he cared about, was that Serena was there. She was pressed against him, her body language giving off joy, worry, happiness, and pain. That didn't matter to Ash though. He wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head. "I missed you." Was all Ash could say. Serena found herself crying even harder. Her quiet whimpers had grown to full-fledged sobs as the man she loved held her. To the sidelines Brock and Clemont casually fist bumped. "Cilan and Max owe us ten thousand now." Said Clemont as Paul looked at them. "You bet on who Ash would end up with?" Asked Paul. When Clemont nodded Paul slapped his forehead. "Damn it, we should have done that with Cinis and how long it would take him." Lucas nodded before drawing from the card pile. "You play way too many card games Lucas." Said Hugh.
"You two want in? No one's got a pair yet." Rosa and Hugh looked at each other before sitting down and pulling seven cards each from the pile. "Lucas, have any kings?" Asked Silver. Lucas cursed and handed off a king of spades. Silver grinned. "Alright thanks, I get to go again because I made a pair right?" When Lucas nodded Silver turned to Hugh. "Any aces Hugh?" The Unovan grinned. "Go fish. Oh and Lucas, got any twos?" "Fuck!" Yelled Lucas as he handed off his two of clubs. "Nice, now the three." "Double Fuck!" Said Lucas angrily. He handed over his three of spades. Hugh grinned and turned to Red. "Got a jack Red?" "Fish for it." Rosa grinned and looked at Hugh. "Hand over the jack Hugh." Hugh smirked. "Well I would but…" he held up the jack of diamonds he had just pulled out of the deck. "I already paired it." Rosa sighed. "I hate this game." She said before drawing a queen of hearts.
Ash and Serena were still locked in each other's arms. Neither was letting go as they felt their breathing synchronize. Serena had stopped sobbing, but tears still silently dropped from her face and onto Ash's jeans. Ash in turn was dropping tear after tear onto Serena's arm. "You changed your hair back." He said finally. Serena nodded, a small brush of hair falling into her eyes and catching a tear. "You came back." She whispered. Ash smirked. "I did, and I think it was the right call." Serena shuddered and almost started sobbing again. "Ash I'm so sorry, I didn't know what playing hard to get would do to you. Please for-" she got no further as Ash pressed his lips against hers. Both of them tasted something different. Serena tasted saffron, chili, and cinnamon. Ash tasted strawberries. Neither moved as they continued to kiss. Neither came up for air. They were in a dream after all. Air wasn't a necessity.
The next morning Cinis was working at double speed on the cabins. The tournament wouldn't start for another hour so he wanted to get as much done as possible. Ash grinned as Cinis slammed the hammer on his finger in his haste. "Ow fuck," Said Cinis as looked at his thumb. It was throbbing like it was out of a cartoon. Lucas giggled and handed Cinis an ice pack. "Here Cin." "Thanks Luke." Lucas turned to the others in the camp. "So… Are any of us going to talk about what happened last night?" Ash grinned. "I was waiting for someone to comment on it." "Please don't tell me you've made a habit of that," came a voice from the trees. Brock and Gary emerged with grins. Ash smirked. "I haven't, but I'll do it occasionally when I feel like it's warranted." Cinis turned a withering glare on Ash. "How the fuck was it warranted Ash? You were literally the first person mentioned in last night's events. You're the first main goddamn character!" Ash grinned. "You're a main character to Cinis." "Yes but not the first one!" Said Cinis. "That's one of the worst arguments I've ever heard," Said Brock, "and I travelled with the Maples!" "Yeah Cin, that was a pretty terrible argument," Said Red with a smile. "We'll all of you are main characters too!" Said Cinis frustratedly. Paul shook his head, "We're all mentioned by name in the text around the prophecy. But the main story followed you, Ash, and Yellow. Technically since you're the oldest of the three main characters you were the first one."
Cinis glared at Paul before saying, "No soup for you," while raising his middle finger and continuing, "one year." Arc raised his eyebrow, "Did you just Seinfeld him?" Cinis nodded and turned to Gary. "Who are you exactly?" Gary grinned. "One of Ash's old friends. I ended up running into Brock while walking around yesterday and we've been hanging out. So when he ended up waking up from a dream and saying Ash was here I knew I had to protect my old friend from the horde of ravenous traveling companions (COUGH COUGH DAWN, LYRA, AND MAY COUGH) who would like to tear your shirt and pants from your body." Ash smirked. "So the great Gary Oak was worried about my safety. Thanks but I think I'll be alright." Gary smirked. "No you won't. As soon as I found out I called them all and let them know." Cinis fell off the ladder he was on from laughing too hard, Arc and Lucas just started rolling on the ground. Paul and Red hid smiles, while Hugh and Silver both conveniently took sips of their coffee to cover up their laughter, which wasn't very effective considering hot coffee splurged out of their noses. Ash had gone a deathly pale while staring at Gary. "You're an enormous asshole." Gary just let his smirk widen before sitting down at the table. "Relax Ass. I didn't tell them where or who you were." Cinis felt his smile grow a little wider as Ash seemingly didn't notice Gary's insult. Ash just breathed a sigh of relief before it was shattered by Brock. "I did though. I told Misty and that's basically revealing the secret." Ash's eyes widened with horror. "Including our location!" He asked, his voice shaking with terror. In the forest the sound of movement made him leap in fright.
"What's up with you Ash?" Asked Hilda. She emerged from the forest with Rosa following behind her. Ash breathed out in a sigh of relief. "Sorry, but these assholes" Ash paused to indicate Brock and Gary before continuing, "just gave away the fact that I'm here, who I am, and my location to my psychotic fangirl traveling companions." "YOU TWO DID WHAT!?" came Serena's voice from the other side of the clearing. Ash grinned. "Hey Serena! Come over here!" Serena walked towards the group, casually slapping Gary and Brock on the way. Cinis grinned and turned to Ash. "She's gonna fit in just fine." Serena nodded her head in thanks before pulling Ash into a hug. Ash's grin widened as he hugged back. "Hey Ash!" Called Bonnie as she and Clemont emerged from the forest. Cinis grinned. "Good, the gang's all here!" Paul looked at Cinis. "We're not a gang." "Fuck you, Paul, use your imagination!" "No." Cinis sighed. "Asshole. Anyways, after today's matches we'll begin your first lesson. Oh and Ash, tonight I'm gonna teach you and Silver Hyper Evolution." Ash grinned and clapped his hands like a child about to be given a new toy. "Oh goody!" Hugh looked at Cinis. "When do I get to learn?" Cinis smiled. "When you get over your demon. You know, the one you are carefully hiding from the rest of us. Lucas and Paul too." Paul and Lucas both shuffled their feet uncomfortably. Rosa looked at Hugh. "Come on Hugh. Tell us what your demon is." Hugh sighed. "It's got a lot to do with you, Rosa. You probably won't be comfortable if I bring up what happened." Rosa nodded, her face going pale as she replied, "It's all right. I give you permission to talk about it. Please tell us."
Hugh took a deep breath, sniffed once, then began. "Rosa and I were in the park playing when a man with two Machamps attacked us. He had one of his Machamps beat me into a bloody mess. Then he forced me to watch as he… As he…" Hugh covered his face and took several deep breaths, tears streamed down his cheeks as Rosa took over for him, though her eyes were filled with the haunting memory. "He forced Hugh to watch as he beat me… Then he tried to rape me. Fortunately Marshal of the Elite Four stumbled upon us and knocked the man and his two Machamps out flat." Hugh took another deep breath and looked up. "I hated that I couldn't do anything to help Rosa. I was powerless to stop that psychopath. If Marshall hadn't shown up then I don't think Rosa and I would be here."
"Well damn. I see why you didn't want to tell anyone." Said Arc. Hugh nodded. "So you hated being powerless to save Rosa, so your demon is that you want to be strong enough to keep her safe, and you can't forgive yourself for not being strong enough then. Am I right?" Asked Silver. Hugh nodded. "Yes. I want to be strong enough to save her if she's ever in danger again." Cinis stared directly at Hugh. Then he snorted, and the snort turned into a snicker, then an outright laugh. Hugh stared at Cinis, fists clenching in anger. "What's so funny?" He asked through clenched teeth. Cinis finally managed to take a breath and speak. "I- snort I'm sorry, you want to be strong enough to defend Rosa. You do realize you beat Sydney of the Hoenn elite four right? You didn't just beat him either, you made him say Matei. An elite four member kicked that psycho's ass! You're already stronger than the league of the guy who saved her. And I know you. If I ordered Lucario to attack Rosa right now you would beat him even if he Hyper Evolved. You know that right? You fight best for someone else. Now I believe Rosa is about to either support you or chew your ass up for being so stupid. I'll leave her to it." With that, Cinis returned to the ladder and continued working on the house.
Hugh turned just in time to be hit with a kiss from Rosa. "Don't doubt your power anymore Hugh. You can beat just about anyone. Maybe even a champion. So please don't doubt yourself." Hugh didn't know what to say so he just pulled Rosa closer until their entire bodies were locked together. Cinis smirked and snapped his fingers, forming a grey and orange energy bubble over them. "Let's give them some privacy, shall we?" Said Cinis as he hit the last nail into place, completing the third cabin and levitating the duo inside. He could hear muffled groans from inside the bubble. He turned to Ash and Serena and grinned. "When you two do that, make sure it's in your cabin or hotel room. We don't need to see that shit." A small grin escaped his lips as he looked up at the sky. "Practical advice reader, don't fuck in public." Arc laughed hysterically. Ash just raised an eyebrow in confusion. "I always thought he was talking to Arceus when he did that, but he isn't. Who is he talking to?" Silver grinned. "Don't ask me, he's been doing that since before I met him." Cinis giggled and turned back to the group. "The tournament starts in twenty minutes. I'll see y'all this afternoon. Paul and Lucas, your matches are in a few hours. I'll see you then." With that, Cinis sped off. As the camp gradually emptied all that was heard were the groans coming from inside Hugh and Rosa's cabin. Arc, being the last person in the clearing, grinned. "I wonder when Cinis will stop breaking the fourth wall. Eh, I'm not worried. Oh, and readers! How many of you caught the Blood Sport reference earlier in the chapter? Answer in reviews and I'll know. How? Because I'm god, Fuckface, don't question."
That's that chapter done. I'll begin working on chapter four soon. I'm sorry about the long waits between uploads but I do this as a hobby. I am writing an actual book so I do this in my spare time. The book currently has about three hundred and forty five thousand words. I'm going to repeat my previous statement and ask again for any constructive criticism. I greatly appreciate the feedback. This chapter was really fun to write so if you enjoyed it express that however you like. Or don't express it, up to you. I hoped you enjoyed. - Frick.