Rising Hero

And I'm back! Sorry about the wait. I'm pretty sure you guys were hoping for an update on Tuesday. Yeah, sorry about that. School, you know? Anyway, I'd just like to say, I'm so happy you guys liked my one-shot, The Promise. If you guys haven't checked it out, please do!

I probably won't update for a while, though. I have a mid-term exam coming up on Monday (that's what a lot of people call it in my school; although it would be more appropriate in calling it a mid-year exam). I have to study for that. Oh, and the subject is Math. I also have a project due for my English class next Tuesday. And to top it off, I have to perform two songs for my guitar class on Wednesday. And yes, I'm taking guitar class; it's an elective in my school!

I don't think I did this in a while so I'll do it. Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon, though that would be SO FRICKIN' AWESOME! All the rights go to their respectful owners.

Like I said in chapter two, some chapters may be filler. Just thought I'd like to warn you. I don't think much really happens. But the plot is moving-slowly I may add.

Anyway, on with the chapter!

Chapter Three: A New Adventure

"Ash!" Dawn yelled. "Wake up!"

Silence.

Dawn sighed. She should have expected this, though. With the attention Ash had yesterday, of course he would be tired. But Ash said to wake him early, so Dawn was there trying to wake him up. Unfortunately to no avail.

She saw Piplup waddling towards her, and she had an idea. "Hey, Piplup. Could you use Bubblebeam? No not on my hair; it's fine. I'm talking about Ash."

Piplup had an evil grin on his face. He happily obliged. "Pip-lup!"

A barrage of bubbles made its way to its target—which happened to be Ash's face.

Splash! Splash! The bubbles hit its mark. Nothing. Ash was pretty much the same before the attack, but now he was drenched.

"Let's see . . ." Dawn put on her thinking cap—hypothetically, of course. She then tried a garage full of ideas—from banging pots together, to using her Pokemon's moves. None of which had any effect on the sleeping trainer.

At one point she even tried, "Hey, Ash! Breakfast is almost over and not much food is left!"

Even that didn't work.

She was stumped. She had tried everything she could think of. She was just about to give up until she saw Pikachu awaking from his slumber.

An evil grin spread across her face, though she felt guilty. A window was placed beside Ash's bed. The sun's rays were streaking through the window, hitting Ash's face. The light shone against his skin. She didn't want to disturb that. But she knew she had to.

"Hey Pikachu," Dawn said sweetly. "We need Ash awake right now. Would you do the honours?"

Pikachu now had a smile on his face. "PI—" Pikachu started charging the thunder within him. "KA—" The thunder crackled in his red cheeks. More and more electricity was being charged. "CHU!" Pikachu then unleashed all the stored electricity.

The Thunder Bolt made its way towards Ash.

"Aaaaaahhhhh!" Ash screamed. The Thunder Bolt had hit Ash—and from Ash's reaction, it looked like a powerful one at that. "Ow."

"I'm sorry Ash." Dawn gave him an apologetic smile. "I tried waking you up. It's just you weren't getting up. And I had tried everything. And you said that you had to do something before we leave for Kanto."

Ash scratched the back of his head. "No need to worry, Dawn. I'm awake now. I'm used to Pikachu shocking me. Yeah, I have to do something. And we better hurry. I heard that breakfast is almost over."

After showers and getting changed—and breakfast, of course—Ash and Dawn entered the lobby of the Pokemon Center.

"So, Ash," Dawn began. "What do you have to do?"

"I'll show ya."

Ash walked over to the video phones. Dawn followed, curious as to what Ash was going to do. He dialled his home and waited for a few moments. After three rings, an image of Delia Ketchum, Ash's mother, appeared.

"Hey Mom!" Ash yelled.

Delia smiled. "Hello sweetie. How are you?"

"I'm fine," Ash answered. "I just called to say that I'll be home soon. And Dawn's gonna join me."

"Really?" Delia was surprised. It was that time already? "Alright then. I'll make your favourites."

Then she noticed Dawn. "Um, Ash? I don't think you introduced me to your 'friend'." She motioned towards Dawn.

"Oh!" Ash said as if he just realized that—which he did. "Right. Mom, this is Dawn. Dawn, this is my Mom."

"Hello Ms. Ketchum," Dawn said. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise, I'm sure," Delia said. "And I'm assuming you were accompanying my Ash during his adventures in Sinnoh? And you're joining him as he heads back to Kanto?"

"That is correct, Ms. Ketchum," Dawn replied.

Delia smiled. "No need for formalities, Dawn. Please, just call me Delia."

"Okay, Ms. Ketch—um, er, Delia." Dawn laughed nervously.

Delia laughed softly. Then she focused her attention back to Ash. "So, how was the league?"

"It was great!" Ash answered enthusiastically. "I won!"

"Oh?" Delia said.

Dawn nodded in confirmation. "He did Delia."

Delia laughed once more. She knew that Ash had won. She watched the whole thing on her T.V. She watched, you know, and the closing ceremonies. She was hoping for a . . . different answer. "Anything happen after you won, Ash?" Delia asked innocently.

The trainer and the coordinator both felt their faces heating up remember the . . . um, event. Then Dawn spoke up, "W—what do y-you mean?"

"Oh, nothing," Delia said. "Did you know that the entire Sinnoh League was televised? I watched you, Ash. And you were right. You did great. Usually after a battle was finished, the camera would go to a newscaster. However, this particular time, it didn't." She winked at Dawn, then continued, "That was some performance, Dawn."

Dawn's face was completely red. She didn't know that it was televised. Great. How many people watched the finals? She gulped. "Uh . . ."

Ash was no different. His face was tinged with red. Even though his mom hadn't mentioned him, he knew that his mom knew.

"Now that you think about it," Delia said nonchalantly. "You two do make a good couple." She brought up the idea like she just now thought about it—which was totally not the case.

It was Ash's turn to stutter. "W—what makes y-you say that?"

"Well, that scene after your final round victory for one thing." Delia was warming up. "And yesterday, when you had your arm around Dawn."

Dawn was about as petrified as yesterday. Not to mention blushing like she never blushed before. "W-what?"

"Again, the whole thing was on televion," Delia explained. "Some photographer took a picture of you guys."

She then proceeded in pulling out an edition of the Kanto newspaper. "You guys made the front page. It's entitled, Sinnoh League victor celebrates victory with girlfriend. And it has that exact same picture."

Delia held up the paper in front of the screen. Ash and Dawn leaned in to see that Delia was right. The picture showed Ash and Dawn yesterday with completely dumbfounded expressions on their faces. Ash was to the left of Dawn, his right arm around his waste; his left hand holding the Winners' Trophy. Pikachu and Piplup stood beside their trainers, and if Pokemon could smirk, Ash and Dawn's starters did.

Dawn's mind was going a million miles an hour. It was real? She thought she had dreamed that. If the ceremonies were televised—which it was—who knows how many of their friends and family watched it.

Ash was thinking similar thoughts. So he hadn't dreamed that.

"Um, hello?" Delia said. "Ash? Dawn?"

Ash first snapped out of his trance. "Huh?"

Delia smirked. "You just zoned out. But you guys have to admit—you two do make a cute couple. Pretty much anyone who watched the closing ceremonies would think you guys were actually dating. Only your friends and family would know you guys aren't. You guys aren't, right?"

Dawn zoned back to reality about a second after Ash. She had heard everything Delia had said. And she gulped. Her family? Of course her mom would watch. Oh no, her mom! What would she say?

"So," Delia started, trying to get out of an awkward silence, "when will you arrive at Kanto?"

Dawn sighed in relief. No more embarrassment on her and Ash's behalf.

"We'll be there in the afternoon," Ash responded. "We will be going on the first ferry to Kanto. It leaves at 10 o'clock."

Delia nodded. "Well, I guess I'll see you guys soon." Then she turned to Dawn. "Good luck, Dawn," she said. She looked at Ash momentarily, just enough so he wouldn't notice, then looked back at Dawn. She smiled. All Dawn did was blush. And since Ash didn't notice, he just remained clueless.

"Bye, kids," Delia said.

"Bye, Mom," Ash said.

"And bye Delia," Dawn added.

The screen went black, and both trainers let out a sigh of relief.

Then Dawn realized something. She would have to tell her mom that she was still travelling with Ash. 'Great. How am I going to tell my mom? This should be fun.'

The conversation with Johanna was . . . interesting. It was pretty much the same awkward conversation Ash and Dawn had with Delia. Dawn did clarify that she would still be travelling with Ash. In a heartbeat, her mom agreed. It even ended the same—with Dawn's mom winking at her, motioning towards Ash without getting his attention, and saying, "Good luck."

"Bye, Dawn. Bye Ash." Johanna waved goodbye to the two trainers.

"Bye," the trainers said in unison.

The screen went black and Ash and Dawn headed towards the docks.

Once they reached there, it was nearly ten. They took out their tickets and started boarding the ferry. And let's just say Ash was psyched!

"Ash," Dawn said in a low voice, "I know that you're excited going back to Kanto. And I'm excited, too. But could you stop jumping up and down?"

"I sorry, Dawn." Ash gave her an apologetic smile. "It's just that it's been so long, you know? I'm just so psyched!"

A few hours later, the ferry was docked. Ash couldn't believe it. He was home. He was finally home.

As they disembarked, Ash and Dawn were checking their surroundings. Wild Pikachu were happily running around. The region's native bird Pokemon—Fearow, Pidgeot, and their pre-evolutions—were seen flying overhead. Other Kanto-native Pokemon were seen roaming freely. And Dawn was fascinated. Every other Pokemon she saw, she took out her pink Pokedex to check the entries of the Pokemon.

"Wow, Ash," Dawn said. "Your region is so amazing."

"Yup," Ash agreed. "Home sweet home."

30 minutes of walking later and Ash and Dawn reached their destination—the Ketchum residence. When they reached the house, they were greeted by none other than Ash's mother, Delia.

"Hello kids," Delia greeted.

"Hey Mom!" Ash said excitedly.

"Hello, Delia," Dawn added. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

"And the same goes for me," Delia said. "We should head inside. You two guys must be exhausted from your journey. I want to know everything . . ."

She didn't finish her thought. A shadow flew overhead of her and she looked up and gasped. Dawn followed Delia's example. She, too, gasped.

Ash wondered what they were looking at. He looked up as well, and let's just say he was as surprised as the others. "L-Lugia?"


Lugia landed with a light thud. He looked at the three humans in front of him.

Salutations, Lugia seemed to say, though his mouth didn't move. Telepathy. I wish my visit was under . . . more pleasant circumstances.

Once Ash got over his shock, he smiled. "It's good to see you, too."

Dawn blinked. Seeing a legendary wasn't something you see very often. But the fact that Ash knew this Lugia . . . the fact that Lugia came to Ash . . . well, it would be foolish to think that something wasn't amiss.

"Um, Lugia?" Dawn supplied. "What exactly are you doing here? I mean, it's not very everyday you get to witness the presence of a legendary Pokemon. And I hardly think that you came here to just say, 'hi'."

Lugia turned her attention to the coordinator. He nodded gravely. As I mentioned before. My visit here is not coincidental. My visit today is not a pleasant one. I came here to ask for Ash's help.

Ash was stunned. "M-my help?"

Lugia nodded once more. I need your help again, O Chosen One.

"Ch-chosen One?" Dawn asked. "Who's the Chosen One? Ash?"

Ash blushed and laughed sheepishly. "I forgot about that. It's been a while since anyone called me that. Well . . . no one really ever called me that except for the people of Shamouti Island."

"You never told me that Ash," Dawn stated.

Ash blushed again and scratched the back of his head. "It slipped my mind." He turned to Lugia, his expression turning serious. "But Dawn is right. I'd hardly believe that you'd come here to Kanto, all the way from the Orange Islands just for a visit. What are you doing here?"

I'm not entirely sure, Lugia admitted. I just know that a danger is approaching. And that I need help.

Then Ash's mom stepped in. Ash and Dawn jumped. Delia had been so quiet, the others forgot she was even there. "And what help are we talking about," Delia said worryingly.

Again, I'm not too sure, Lugia answered.

"Then why do you want Ash's help if he doesn't know what he's getting into?" Dawn asked.

If I tell him what it is, he might be too afraid to accept, Lugia responded.

"Good point."

"Well, whatever it is," Ash started, "I'm in."

Dawn and Delia were taken back. "Are you sure, Ash?" they both said.

"I'm positive," Ash said confidently. "Whatever it is, you can bet I'll be there! I know it will be dangerous, but I've been a lot of dangerous situations. Remember the Lawrence III and the three legendary birds, Lugia?"

I could never forget that, Ash, Lugia said sadly. That's why I came to you for help. I know you have what it takes to help me.

"Can I come?" Dawn asked abruptly. Maybe too abruptly. "I-I mean, Ash can't go alone, can't he?"

Lugia seemed to be smirking. But Ash remained clueless. "Of course you can, Dawn! I'll need all the help I can get."

Lugia turned his attention back to Dawn. I would know your reasons?

It was Dawn's turn to blush. Her cheeks were pink and she wouldn't look at Ash or Lugia.

I may have been here a short time, the water's guardian said telepathically, but I know your reasons. And remember: it doesn't take a psychic, or a psychic type to your intentions.

"Oh," was all that Dawn said.

So, are you guys ready? Lugia asked. We have a long way to go.

"Long way?" Delia questioned. "Just what are you suggesting Lugia?"

Ash and Dawn would have to travel to the Orange Islands, Lugia answered.

"But surely they can go tomorrow," Delia suggested. "Ash and Dawn, you guys must be exhausted from your journey here."

"You're right, Mom," Ash said. He also whispered, "As always."

Lugia looked like he wanted to argue, but he soon realized she was right. Ash and Dawn were tired, he noticed. Very well. Tomorrow we head to the Orange Islands.

"Alright!" Ash was pumped. "Can't wait to go on this new adventure!"

And there you have it: the third installment of Rising Hero! And I know that I put in a lot of SatoHika moments. It's only because I love this shipping so much! Too bad there aren't a lot of supporters . . . well, compared to like PokeShipping and ContestShipping, anyway. I really hope you enjoyed my chapter. I promise that I'll update fast. Maybe weekly?

So tell me: Love it? Hate it? Please review. I want to know what I do well and what I need to work on. Although I know I few: proofreading skills, and probably keeping the characters in character. I don't really know how Lugia or Delia would act, really. But that's only because they are rarely in the anime. I know, I know, excuses. I also promise-no vow (Haha, The Promise reference) to keep you guys entertained. And I hope you guys follow this story 'til the end.

I know this kind of out-of-the-blue but, I'd like to thank all the reviews I've gotten so far. And I hope more will come.

Sincerely,

~Lux