Ash's Precious Little Girl - CH XIX: Don't Give Up, Daddy!
A/N: Attention! I decided to move the story's plot even further since I am behind schedule. Therefore, this chapter will start after the departure of Peter, Olivia, Colby, and Cynthia and the ending of the Sinnoh League Competition. As I promise, there will be other OCS, who will be making short appearances in this story. There will be a twist involving Ash's career as a Pokemon Trainer. You will find out what that is soon. So sit back and enjoy!
Ash's Precious Little Girl - CH XIX: ^~^ Don't Give Up, Daddy! ^~^
(Suzuran Island: Ash's hotel room)
Suzuran Conference has ended. It was a sad ending to Ash, who was one-step away in achieving of defeating the Suzuran Conference. In the final round of the competition, Ash was so close in winning the whole league; however, lady luck was not on his side this time. In the end, in an intense and heated final battle, Ash's opponent emerged as the victor and the winner of the Suzuran Conference. It was a narrow escape. The final match came to Ash's Pikachu versus the mysterious trainer's Darkrai. Both sides were evenly match until the mysterious trainer pull through in the end, crushing Ash's hopes in winning the conference. There goes another chance in becoming Pokemon Champion and facing the Elite 4 down the drain. Maybe next time. If there's going to be a next time that is.
"Daddy, are you going to be okay?" Homura asked her adopted daddy. The little blonde girl was staring at her daddy, who was lying flat on his back on his bed and staring up into space, from her seat.
"I-I'm fine…Homura…" His tone of voice had a hint of sadness. The young trainer was still upset and sad over his loss in the final round of the competition. Everyone can tell by his tone. "…Just fine…"
"Come on, Ash. Do not be sad. You did your very best in the competition. You made your way all the way to the finals. That is one of your best accomplishments ever. You should be proud of that." Brock tried to reason with his friend.
"I know I am, Brock, I really am. It's just that…"
"No butts, Ash. You should be happy that you were able to beat some of the best Sinnoh trainers out there." It was Dawn's chance to make Ash a little happy. "Throughout the competition, you were able to beat Nando, Conway, and even Paul. Is that enough to be proud of, Ash?"
"Yeah! Big sister is right. You were able to beat that big meanie, Daddy!"
"I know…but…"
"They are right, Ash. You were able to beat Paul in an official battle. You proven to Paul that you have gotten stronger the last time you two met." Brock added. "You should be at least happy with that, am I right?"
"Yeah, I am."
"So what's the problem then, Daddy?" Homura asked again, frowning.
("Yeah! Why so gloomy?") Homura's Eevee yapped worriedly within his trainer's arms. The young trainer sighed loudly, getting up to a sitting position. Pikachu, who was on Brock's shoulder, frowned. The yellow mouse felt a little guilty that he is one of the reasons why Ash is feeling so depressed right now. He let his trainer down during the final fight in the final round. This was his fault.
("This is my fault. I'm sorry, Ash.") Pikachu squeaked sadly, which caught his trainer's undivided attention. Ash took notice of his best friend's sad expression.
"Pikachu, this isn't your fault, buddy." Ash cooed. "I know you did your best, so don't worry about it. I'm really proud of you for heart and effort." The yellow mouse let out a small smile. "The one, who should be fault here, is…me."
"Come on, Ash. You really don't believe that, do you?" The young trainer let out a soft sigh. Brock frowns. "We all know that you gave everything you got o…"
"No, Brock. You're wrong." This made his group frowned. "I didn't give everything I got out there. I was so naïve and stupid. I made so many dumb mistakes in the last round that cost me the win."
"Ash…" Dawn whispered sadly, holding her penguin against her tightly.
("Boy, he's really down, isn't he?") Piplup chirped sadly, staring at the depressed boy.
"Daddy, stop being so sad. It's okay that you lost, it really is. Maybe you can win next time." The little blonde girl was giving her daddy some light of hope. The young father sighed heavily.
"If there's a next time…" The group gasped in shock. They could not believe what they just heard. Was Ash giving up?
"Ash, what are you saying?" Dawn asked, looking a bit worried. She has a bad feeling about this.
"Ash, don't tell me you're…"
"Giving up? Retiring as a Pokemon trainer?" Ash offers some answers. "Maybe…"
"ASH! DADDY!" Dawn, Brock, Homura, Pikachu, and Piplup shouted loudly in chorus. They were shock to hear this.
"Ash, you can't be serious about this!" Dawn said angrily, glaring at her crush. "We won't let you toss away your dream like this." Ash lowers his head down. "There will be other times, so please don't give up on your dream."
"Big sister is right. Please, don't give up, Daddy!" Homura's emerald green eyes started to water. "I won't forgive if you give up now, Daddy!"
"Dawn, Homura. I know you're upset with me, but it's my…"
"Wait a sec, Ash." Brock interrupts his friend. All eyes fell on the Pokemon breeder. "Before you make your decision, you should rethink this. Are you really sure that you want to toss away everything you have gone through over the years like this? Just like that?" Ash hesitated to answer that. Did he really wanted to toss away everything right here now? The young trainer wanted to say something, but nothing came out of his mouth. "That's what I thought."
"Then what should I do, Brock?" Ash was getting a little annoyed by all of this. "What should I do next? Should I start training again and try next time?"
"Yes." Brock simply put it.
"You might it sound like it is really easy to do." Ash argued.
"And you know why, Ash?" The young trainer did not say anything since he did not know the answer to this. "It's because I believe in you, Ash." This takes Ash right off by surprise. "I believe you will get stronger and learn all your weaknesses and frauds in no time, so you won't lose next time around."
"Brock…"
"And I'll be there to support all the way, Ash. You can guarantee on that." Brock assured his friend with a warm smile. "After all, what kind of friend will I be if I let you quit right now?"
"You will be good friend as long as you don't embarrass us like the time you try on that mankini…" The breeder blushed madly while the two girls gave him awkward looks. What was he thinking? Trying on a mankini? Does he want to scar Homura and Dawn for life or something? Imagine Brock in a mankini made the two girls shivered.
"Ewww! Uncle Brock, what were you thinking?" Homura said, getting the creeps from the Pokemon breeder.
"You're sick, Brock." Pikachu and Piplup nodded in agreement. "Don't do that again or else, I will ask Mamoswine to squash you like a pancake the next time that happens."
"Hey! I thought we agreed not to mention this to the girls, Ash!" Brock cried. "You LIAR!" Anime tears fell from Brock's eyes. Ash giggled.
"Sorry, Brock, it must have slip my mind." Yeah, right. Brock did not buy into that lame excuse. He knew Ash would bring this incident up eventually because he thought it would be funny if he did.
"That's a likely story, Ash." Dawn giggled. "What's next? Are you going to tell us that Brock…"
"Anyways…" Homura cleared her throat. The group was going off topic here. All eyes fell on her. They can make fun of Brock some other time. Right now, they needed to focus on Ash. "Daddy, please, don't give up. You can't give up, please…"
"I couldn't agree any more with Homura. Please, do not give up, Ash. You're not the type of person, who gives up that easily."
"That's right!" Homura agreed with Dawn. Pikachu and Piplup nodded in agreement.
("They got that right.")
"Guys…" Ash looks a bit surprised that his group does not want him to quit and give up his dream to become a Pokemon Master now. In addition, they were right; he was not the type of person on giving up that easily. He can always try again next time. "…Are you sure?"
Brock laughed. "Do you really have to ask that, Ash? You will always have our support." Ash closed his eyes and chuckled. That was true. The young trainer will always have his group's support no matter what. Why didn't he see this coming before? Oh, yeah. He was depressed.
"It's good to hear I still do."
"Does that mean you decided not to give up your career as a Pokemon trainer, Ash?" Dawn asked curiously, in hopes that Ash will give her a straight and positive answer.
Ash giggled. "After hearing that you guys are still going to support no matter what, my answer is no."
"YAY!" Homura chimed happily. She was not the only one, who was glad to see Ash was not going to give up now. Dawn, Piplup, Eevee, Pikachu, and Brock were also happy to hear this.
"That's good to hear, Ash." Ash nodded in agreement. "We were afraid that you were given up on your dreams for a second there." Dawn remarked.
"I was about to until you guys change my mind." He admitted. "Therefore, I decided to give the Pokemon League Competition one more shot and next time I will win."
"That's the Ash we all love and respect." Brock stated, smiling warmly at the young trainer. The two girls nodded in agreement. "Always ready for the next challenge."
"Uh-huh." Homura said, giggling.
"Yup. I must admit. Ash is always ready for any challenge that lies ahead of him." Dawn added.
"As long as it isn't food." Ash pouted. "If it is then Ash will loose his focus on everything." Brock teased.
"HEY!" The group laughed.
"Brock does have a good point. It's better that you stay focus on your goals than worrying about eating too much, Ash." Dawn teased, giggling.
"Oh, come on!" Ash whined.
"Big sister is right, Daddy! You eat way too much! I'm surprised that you don't get fat from eating so much food." Homura said, teasing.
"Hey! I'm a growing boy!" The group could not help, but rolled their eyes. "Of course, I need food. How else can I get my strength and energy if I don't eat?"
"By less eating and more excising." Dawn joked. Ash frowned.
("She got you there, Ash.") Pikachu squeaked in laughter. Ash's frown deepens.
"Very funny, guys." The young trainer said sarcastically.
"Don't worry, Daddy, we still love you even if you eat a lot." Homura tried to cheer up her daddy.
"Thanks." Ash continues with his sarcasm. "I feel much better now." He could not help, but giggle at his own sarcasm.
"Okay, enough teasing. We should get something to eat. You must be starving." Ash nodded, getting up from his bed.
"Yup!" He chirped happily, when it comes to food.
"Typically Ash." Dawn shook her head, but atlas it was better this way to have Ash eat than having him quitting his dreams of being a Pokemon Master any day. "But it's better this way."
"Yup! We rather watch you eat than giving up. Daddy!" Homura chirped happily.
"Thanks…I think." Ash did not know if that was a compliment or an insult. Either way, he just shrugs it off.
The group decided to head off to the buffet before making plans to head out to Pallet Town. Once Pikachu climbed onto Ash's right shoulder, it was time to head out. However, before the group can go enjoy eating some food, the gang heard knocking on the room door.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Who could that be? No one within the group was expecting any visitors. Was they? Either way, Brock walked up to the door and answered it. He opened the door, revealing a young man standing outside with a warm smile on his face. "Uh…can I help you?" The breeder did not know who this person was since he did not recognize him anywhere unless he was one of the trainers that participate in the league like that. Other than that, he had no clue who was this person.
This mysterious young man appears to be a year or two younger than Ash with neat brown hair and brown eyes. He was in some kind of a black raincoat or maybe a black overcoat of some sort. Under the raincoat, he was a blue shirt, gray pants, and black shoes. This overcoat-wearing person seems suspicious. Who in the world wears a black raincoat indoors? Anyways, Brock knows that he should not let his guard down for one second. He did not know if this person could be trusted or not. The unknown pre-teen gave the breeder a warm smile before answering. "Hello, is this Ash Ketchum's hotel room?"
"Uh…Yes, it is…" Brock replied awkwardly.
"Good. Can I talk to him for a few minutes?" The unknown person asked in a calm and respective manner. This person seems trustworthy. However, what does he want with Ash? Maybe he could find some answers if he let Ash talk to him.
Brock shrugged his shoulders. "Sure." The breeder craned his neck over his shoulders. "Hey, Ash!"
"Um…Brock, you didn't need to shout. I'm just a few feet away from you."
"Oh…" Brock felt a little embarrassed. "Anyways, some guy wants to talk to you." Ash blinked confusedly. He was not expecting any visitors. Who could it be?
"Uh…okay…" The young trainer and his two girls walked over to the room's entrance/exit to see the raincoat-wearing person standing outside of the doorframe. Brock moved out of the way, so Ash can have a closer look with the unknown visitor. "Uh…who are you?"
"It's nice to meet Ash Ketchum." The unknown visitor said in a kind tone.
"Uh…it's nice to meet you, too…um…."
"The name's Xotes." The unknown visitor introduced. The group blinked confusedly. That was a weird name. "Or…Alex since most people called me by that name." The group nodded. That was an easy name to remember.
"Okay, so what do you want from me, Alex?" Ash did not want to sound rude or anything. He was just curious. It goes with his group. What did Alex want with Ash?
"Oh, I just wanted to meet you that is all." Alex simply replied. There was more behind his answer.
"Is that all?"
"Yeah." The mysterious visitor said, nodding. "It's not everyday that people get to meet someone, who came almost close in winning the Suzuran Conference. You can consider me like your fan of some sort."
"Oh, that's cool." Ash said, rubbing the back of his head embarrassed. It is not everyday Ash has a fan. Alex nodded.
"Sorry that you didn't win." Ash shrugged.
"It's okay. I can always try again next time." The young trainer said, smiling.
"Well, that's good to know."
"Were you in the Suzuran Conference?" Ash asked the unknown visitor curiously, who shook his head 'no'.
"Sadly, no. I'm not a trainer, I'm more like a drifter of some sort and plus I just have one Pokemon, so I'm basically new." Alex explained. The group nodded in understanding.
"Me too!" Homura chirped happily. "I have one Pokemon, too. His name is Daddy!" Alex blinked confusedly. That was a strange name for a Pokemon. "Say hi to him."
("Hello!") Eevee barked happily. Alex waved happily the fox-like Pokemon. Once the group was finish introducing themselves to Alex, the brown-haired pre-teen turned his attention right back on Ash.
"Now that we introduced ourselves to one another, there's something I wanted to ask you, Ash." Alex spoke up, gaining the group's attention.
"Oh, what is it, Alex?" Ash asked curiously about Alex's request.
"I know that you're a strong trainer and a respective one I might add." The group waited for him to continue. "It's just that I want to see your strength in person."
"My strength?" Ash looks a bit baffled. Alex nodded.
"Yes. That's why I want to test your strength in person."
"So…in order words…"
"Let's have a one-on-one battle right here and now. What do you say?" Alex said, challenging the runner-up of the Suzuran Conference to a battle. What an interesting development.
One thing was for sure and that was…the challenge was issue. Will Ash accept it?
A/N: Sorry if I did not updated this chapter sooner. I was out of town on Sunday and did not come back until Monday night, so I am slightly behind on my updating schedule. Just bear with me on this, okay? Anyways, Xotes (A.k.a. Alex) belongs to SetoshiArenhariKai. I hope you like his character. Oh, yeah. His overcoat is base on Organization XIII from the Kingdom Hearts series, just to let you guys know. Will Ash accept the challenge? Wait until next time! I hope you like this chapter! Please R & R! Thank you! ^_^ Till next time, guys! ^_^
Johan07!