DarkFoxKit: This chapter is admittedly short, but it's the conclusion to the 'Pikachu's Goodbye' episode. And anyways it's easier to work with shorter chapters than incredibly long ones. Oh and happy February 29th! Enjoy this day while it lasts since we won't get another one for four years! Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. :)

Chapter 39: The Choice

Ash, Blue, Elecha and all the Chus watched as the dust settled. Storm and Chief were still standing, but both were tired and injured.

"Not bad, Volt," The Chief said, panting. "You've grown quite a bit. Most Chus can't stand up to a Volt Tackle."

"You weren't the first Raichu to use a Volt Tackle on me," Storm said. "So… are we going to continue?"

The Chief was silent for a little while. "Storm," he said eventually. "Your friends are right to call you that. You've earned a name with that kind of power behind it." Without another word, he fell to the ground and lapsed into unconsciousness.

All the Chus were surprised at the Chief's fall, before Ash came beside his partner and raised his paw.

"Chief is unable to battle. Storm is the winner!" Ash shouted.

That seemed to have snapped the Chus out of their stupor and began cheering loudly.

Storm blushed as he modestly rubbed the back of his head. All the Chus ran up to Storm and gave cheers as they lifted his body with their tails and threw him up and down. Storm gave a cheer himself as he was thrown in the air and back down. It was a feeling he never thought he'd feel in his lifetime.

Elecha roused the Chief with her electricity, re-energizing him.

Ash noticed and turned to them. "So it looks like Storm had won, Chief. What happens now?"

The Chief stood, slightly dazed. "Now he takes my place. I lose my name and have another one selected for me by the new Chief."

"Storm is going to be the new Chief here? … That's great. I'm sure he'll take great care of the Chu Clan." Ash smiled, but inwardly he felt sad.

Blue walked beside Ash, no doubt knowing what was going through the Pichu's mind, he looked up at the now former Chief. "Two questions; what do we call you now that you're no longer the Chief? And is there going to be a ceremony for Storm to ascend to the throne?"

"There will. During the ceremony, I'll pass my name to Storm, and he'll choose my new name." He was silent for a bit. "After that… I think I'm going to leave the Clan for a while."

"What? Why?!" Elecha exclaimed.

"Your son showed me that out there, there's no limit to how strong one can get. I want to know what kind of power I can achieve." He smiled. "Why don't you come with me?"

Elecha stood shocked for a second. "I… I don't know. I've lived with the clan my whole life."

"Exactly. Don't you want to know what else is out there?"

Elecha thought for a long time. "Could… could you let me think about it? I mean, I still have to consider Vo… Storm. I haven't seen him in so long and I don't want to just leave him."

Chief nodded. "I understand. Just let me know when you've made your decision."

Chief went over to Storm to discuss the ceremony about his new position in the Chu Clan.

Blue looked down on Ash and said, "Hey, you did a good thing. As a trainer you always want to make your Pokemon strong, but as a friend you also want what's best for them. It's a hard decision to be sure. Perhaps you and Storm should find a place to be alone and talk before he makes his final decision. Just a thought."

"Yeah… I should at least have one more talk with Storm before… we leave," Ash said sadly.

Elecha heard their conversation and turned to them.

"Sorry Elecha, we can't exactly stay… we do have somewhere else to be," Ash said to the female Pikachu.

Elecha looked surprise. "You aren't staying with my son?"

"Sad to say that we can't. We have our own homes to go to, and our own journey to take," Blue answered.

Ash gave Elecha a sad smile. "But your son is also my best friend, so I'm really going to miss him."

Elecha nodded. "To tell the truth… I might be leaving too. Chief is going to leave the Clan for a while. Explore the world and grow stronger. And he wants me to come with him."

"What about Pokemon Trainers? If they see you're wild and strong, they'll want to capture you. Would you be okay with that?" Ash asked. He knew Storm certainly wasn't when they first met, the Pikachu was pretty dang rebellious. It took a life threatening situation to get Storm to finally cooperate with Ash.

Elecha thought for a while. "I'm… not sure." She sighed. "There's so much to consider before I decide. But I suppose… I wouldn't mind. As long as I can get the chance to see my son again."

"You take your time deciding. I can't imagine this being an easy decision for you," Blue said. "But just know this is a decision most human kids make before they go on a journey with their trusted partners. The world may be dangerous, but it can also be a fulfilling experience."

Elecha tilted her head curiously. "How would you know what it's like for humans?"

"Let's just say we've been around our share of humans for a while," Blue answered.

Later that night, the storm clouds had reached their darkest point. Lightning was booming around the forest, yet strangely there was no rain. This was a time for Electric types to enjoy the outdoors and recharge their electricity. All the Chus were happily dancing around and eating berries.

Storm was sitting on a tree, wanting to be alone before the ceremony. Ash's first partner looked on at the Chu Clan as he thought about his life here when he was a Pichu. He had wanted nothing more than to become this clan's leader, its chief, and to prove himself. Now that dream had come true, all because he left the clan after he evolved and got caught by Professor Oak when he wandered a bit too close to Pallet Town. Oak may have caught him, but it was Ash who made him as strong as he is, and thanks to him and Mew, Storm had become the Chief of the Chu Clan. But as Storm thought more about it, could he really say this is what he wanted anymore? If he leaves Ash, what would happen to him? There was a war coming and Ash is going to be in the middle of it all. Would the boy be okay without him? He had sworn to Mew herself he would protect Ash ever since the Fearow Flock incident.

"Hey Storm."

Storm flinched in surprise when he heard said boy's voice. Turning, he saw the Pichu that was Ash had climbed up the tree and sat beside him.

"Figured I'd find you sitting up here. You always did like climbing to high places, like my shoulders," Ash said with an unreadable smile.

Storm looked at Ash before he sighed. "Yeah… Um… so it looks like I'll be Chief of this clan soon. You going to stick around for the ceremony?"

"Heh… yeah, Blue and I decided to be there when you become the new Chief. You… are my best friend after all. After all we've been through, it'd be rude me not to be there on your crowning moment."

"Do you think I would be a good Chief for them?"

"I don't see why you wouldn't be. You've grown a lot since we left Pallet Town together. You'll do just fine Storm."

"Yeah… but what about you? You have a whole war to worry about, and we promised to stick together, right?"

Ash paused as he gave a sigh, he really wanted to tell Storm how he felt about this, that he didn't want to say goodbye, but as Blue said he needs to think about how Storm feels, and maybe this will keep his best friend away from such a dangerous war, so maybe this is for the best.

"It's okay Storm. I'm not going to make you come with me. Once Memma turns me back to human again, I'll release you from your Poke Ball, so you can truly be free. You won't be confined to me anymore."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I think you'll be happier staying with your fellow Chus after all. When we first met, you weren't at all happy of being a caught Pokemon, let alone trained by some new kid who just left his home town. I know we've become close ever since then, but maybe a part of you still wishes to be Volt instead of Storm. After this ceremony, this is goodbye."

"But Ash…"

"I'll see you at the ceremony."

With that said, Ash ran down from the tree, not wanting Storm to see his face. Ash couldn't hold back the tears anymore as he ran away from Storm.

Storm climbed down from the tree as he watched the Pichu of his trainer running away from him. Storm's ears and tail dropped as he gave a sad expression.

"Ash…"

Another hour had passed as Storm simply sat in the tree again, watching as his namesake grew darker. And then a voice sounded out over the rolling thunder.

"Ladies and Gentlemon of the Chu Clan!" It was Chief. "The ceremony will be commencing shortly. Please make your way to the field."

Storm gave a sigh as he felt more conflicted than ever. He never thought he would have second thoughts about taking the chief position.

All the Pikachu, Raichu and Pichu had gathered around the pond, where the Chief stood on top of a good size rock; it resembled a human stage pretty well.

"In this year's Clash of the Chu's, I was finally defeated in combat by member that had left our Clan long ago before finally returning."

He turned to Storm. "Volt. Please step forward. It's time for you to take my name."

"Yes Chief." Storm slowly walked up onto the big rock, standing next to the Raichu. Looking down over at the clan, he saw Ash cuddling with Blue's tail, probably to try and keep himself from crying. Admittedly, it looked kinda cute.

"You defeated me in fair combat after being victorious in the clash. So now, as is our tradition, my name now belongs to you… Chief. And it is up to you how I shall be known for the rest of my days."

Storm paused as he looked at Ash in the crowd. The world around him grew silent as his eyes met the sad eyes of Ash. Despite being a Pichu, Ash was still Ash. And Storm began remembering his time with him.

I remember that day when I opened my eyes after I was finally out of that Poke Ball. The first time I set eyes on Ash. I only felt pure annoyance and anger. I went as far to threaten to shock him if he so much as touched me. The boy was weird though. He could understand Pokemon as if it was his own language, and he even made friends with some wild ones like that cute Rattata.

We ran from an angry Fearow Flock and I made my promise to Mew to protect him. We travelled together in harmony since then, taking on other Trainers, surviving wild Pokemon attacks, training hard for gym battles, dealing with Mew and her silly games. Finding out more hybrids are out there, meeting new friends, getting stronger together. … Now that I think about it, the Chu Clan is pretty small and cramped compared to being with Ash. What would I gain for staying in this tiny forest for the rest of my life? Why should I want to stay here when there's a whole world out there for me to explore along with Legendary Pokemon? Things only humans and Pokemon alike could only dream of? And what would I really gain for leaving the one I called my best friend?

The now unnamed Raichu cleared his throat to get Storm's head out of the clouds for a moment.

Storm blinked and shook his head, he gave a smile before he decided to give his own speech.

"As much of an honor as it is to be the new Chief of the Chu Clan… I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline."

Chief blinked as the Chu Clan all gasped in shock. After a moment of silence. "Are you sure about this? Because you've already challenged me and won, you won't get the chance to do it again."

Storm nodded, determination showing through his eyes. "I've thought about it long and hard… and I finally decided I will not be Chief because I don't want to stay in the Chu Clan anymore. I... also can't be Chief because it's against the rules for a human trained Pokemon to become Chief… and I am a human trained Pokemon. I am not a wild Pikachu. I haven't been a wild Pikachu for a long time."

Yet again, the Clan gasped.

"Well,"the Chief said after a longer silence. "That certainly explains your unorthodox fighting style."

"Yes, and I am sorry for not telling you this sooner, Chief. You'll have to choose another Chief to succeed you I'm afraid. My human trainer gave me the name Storm and I am proud to adorn it as my real name."

Chief sighed and nodded. "It's a pity, V… Storm. You had a lot of potential. I can tell you still have more. But I will respect your decision."He looked out to another Raichu in the crowd. "Amp, step forward."

Surprisingly, Chief had called on a female Raichu. There had never been a female Chief before, mostly due to the fact that most male Chus prefer to fight while females prefer to breed and care for the young.

The female Raichu known as Amp came up onto the rock.

"Yes, Chief?"

"Throughout the years, you have shown considerable strength and resolve, and have proven to be an excellent judge of character. So much so that I have enjoyed the fruits of your counsel on more than one occasion. And… I am planning on leaving the Clan to explore the world." Even more gasps. "So, for that reason, would you accept the honor of taking my name?"

Amp gave a bow of respect and said, "Yes, Chief. I promise to do my very best to keep this Clan safe and well kept."

The once again unnamed Raichu smiled. "And I do not doubt it. So what name shall you bestow upon me?"

"From now on, you will be known as Volt. Since Volt himself is now known as Storm. You both have great potential, and I will give you Storm's former name to reflect that. Is this okay?"

Volt, as the Raichu was now known, smiled, inwardly chuckling at how awkward that name might make things between him and Elecha. "A very poetic decision. I accept, Chief."

Amp, now known as the new Chief, gave a big smile before she announced to the entire Chu Clan. "The ceremony is now over. I will take the place of Chief and promise to lead you all well. Now tonight, we dance and receive the blessing of Zapdos and Raikou themselves from these clouds!"

Once again, as if on cue, a bolt of lightning struck the field in the center of the crowd, and the Clan roared in approval.

The ceremony now finished, Chief- now Volt, stepped down and approached Storm. "You know," He said. "Since I'm going to leave the Clan to explore the world, and your mother might come with me… what would your trainer think of having us join you?"

Before Storm could answer, Ash came running to his friend and pounced him to the ground while hugging his chest.

"Storm! I'm so happy that we won't have to say goodbye after all! But why? Why did you decide to decline? It was your dream to be the Chief, wasn't it?" Ash was almost blubbering at that point.

Storm gave a sheepish chuckle as he pat his Pichu trainer to try and comfort him. "It was, Ash, but back then I was only a Pichu who knew very little of the world. After thinking about it… I decided this place is too small for me, and there's no way I can say goodbye to my best friend. Plus, Mew would kill me if I went back on my promise."

Elecha ran out of the crowd and stopped beside Volt, panting before turning to him. "I'm going to take a wild guess and say you asked to join him?"

Volt smiled and nuzzled her. "You know me too well."

Storm's mother smiled. "Then I'll join you," She said, before turning to Storm. "That is… if you're okay with it?"

Storm was still holding Ash, and Ash turned to them with that child-like curiosity in his eyes.

"Are you sure about that, Memma? I mean going with me would mean you'd be a captured Pokemon. You won't be able to roam freely like you are now," Storm said in concern.

Elecha nodded. "I'm sure, little spark. It's been so long since I last saw you and I don't want to part with you so soon."

"There is also the issue that the Trainer already has a Pikachu to use, which means he'll send you to a place where a human takes care of other Pokemon. You know, kind of like a ranch? You know what a ranch is, right?" Storm asked, not sure if forest Pikachu knew enough about humans to know what a ranch was.

Volt nodded. "I've heard enough from travelling Pokemon to know what a ranch is. And… I suppose we wouldn't object. So long as we occasionally get to go out and see the world with you."

"You can also get stronger by training with the other Pokemon there. They help each other get stronger in case their trainer needs them for a tough battle," Ash said.

"Indeed, so perhaps it does work out for all of us," Storm said with a smile. "Maybe we'll even meet my male Memma along the way."

Volt smiled. "I'd enjoy another scrap with him. It's been far too long since last time."

Blue came walking to them and said, "I'm going to go ahead Ash, okay? I need your Memma to uh… change me back, because I think Yellow is wondering where I am and is worried. I'll see you in Viridian City whenever you're ready."

"Okay Blue, I'll see you there soon," Ash said.

Blue nodded before running on all fours out of sight.

Storm gave a small chuckle, "I guess it's time to go. Memma, Ch- I mean Volt, you guys want to meet my trainer now?"

Elecha nodded. "I'm… a little nervous. I've never met a human before."

"Humans normally can't understand Pokemon, so the communication can be tough, but my trainer is a special exception to that thankfully," Storm said with a wink to Ash.

Volt nodded. "Sounds interesting. I can't wait to meet them."

"Well, if you want to meet him, then we need to get a little further out of the forest. Come on, follow me," Ash said as he jumped away from Storm's arms.

The four Chus started heading out of the forest together. Elecha fidgeted her tail nervously while Volt curled his own tail around her to comfort her. It still felt weird for Storm to see those two together like that.

After a while, Ash looked around. They were close to the city. The boy nodded to himself before he closed his eyes and mentally called for Mew.

"Memma, I'm ready to change back now."

Ash turned to the Chus and said, "Okay, this should be far enough. This is where you'll meet Storm's trainer."

Elecha and Volt were both looking around, but were confused. "Where is he?" Elcha asked.

"Give it a minute…" Ash said.

Then they heard what sounded like giggling. There was a flash, and a pink cat-like Pokemon appeared before them. It floated there with a carefree expression.

"Oooh, look at that, you've made some new friends I see~" Mew giggled cheerfully.

The two Chus stared in complete shock. Mew smiled as she flew down to the little Pichu.

"You think me appearing out of nowhere is shocking? Wait until you see who this little Pichu really is!" Mew touched Ash's head.

Ash's body glowed as he grew in size. Before long, the glow faded and in the Pichu's place was a young human boy. The human boy gave a sheepish smile and waved.

"Hi. I'm Ash Ketchum, Storm's human trainer. Nice to meet ya!"

DarkFoxKit: Actually, I had just wanted to let Elecha and Chief/Volt stay in the forest, but I had a request from someone that they go with Ash. I probably won't ever really use them, but at least they can see Storm whenever Ash visits Prof. Oak. Anyways, I am DarkFoxKit and I look forward to hearing from you.