Review shoutouts:
draconic skysong: Thanks for the support. Hope you like the future chapters.
LeoPK: I find that an interesting start is the key to any successful story, be it a fanfic or a normal one.
sarmientojude: Again, thanks for the support.
Reign of Sorrow: Thank you for showing the support. As for will Ash keep Suicune? You will have to read further to know the answer. As far as Ash is concerned, he will keep his promise.
Yanoack: I will keep continuing this story until I see the end of this fic and the entire series that I have planned. Cynthia is one of my most favorite female Pokémon characters and I don't like it when either she is not used in a fic or is used but made younger.
.Dawn: Thank you.
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Darth Reantus: Hope that you like the future chapters.
Author's Note: Wow! The support that I got for this fic was overwhelming. While many may think that 8 reviews, 49 favorites and 62 follows isn't anything great. For me, a novice writer, it is. I would like to thank everyone who has done so.
Now, presenting before you the latest chapter for Pokemon Platinum:Rise of a Master. Hope you guys enjoy it. And please review it and recommend it to anyone should you find my work satisfactory.
Disclaimer: Pokémon was, is and always be the property of Satoshi Tajiri. Until someone hires a ninja and decides to off him. In which case, I would say beforehand that it was not my idea.
Enjoy!
CHAPTER 2
A Promise Fulfilled
Dawn slowly made way for morning, the lightening of the sky heralding the beginning of another day in the quaint, humble Pallet town. The cawing of Fearow as the sun peeked over the horizon broke several local Pokémon out of their deep night of rest. Several Pidgey could be seen shaking off of their sleep, getting ready for a new day, while Caterpie and Weedle could be seen getting ready to gather as much pollen from the plants.
In Oak's Corral, an extremely heartwarming scene could be seen near one of the bigger trees. Surrounding the area were a diverse type of Pokémon, quite a few of them not native to the region of Kanto. Sleeping in between them, his back against his trusty Snorlax, was a black haired, fair skinned trainer.
The various Pokémon around him stirred, however the trainer somehow kept on sleeping, unaffected by the activity of his Pokémon. He was eventually woken out of his blissful sleep when the Sleeping Pokémon he was leaning against abruptly woke up and lumbered off, prompting the almost 16 year old to fall back into the ground.
"AHH!" the teen yelled as he shot back up, the sudden bout of pain now coursing through his head. "What the heck was that for?!" he exclaimed as he rapidly spun his head in various directions, seeing all his Pokémon even his trusted partner Pikachu, getting up and dashing off towards a familiar Pokémon Watcher who was bringing a cart of food. A comical look of disbelief marred his face as he looked at the utter betrayal of his Pokémon. He immediately followed the way his Pokémon were going, only to find his Pokémon along with a few others surrounding the cart containing Pokémon food. He could see the drool running down Snorlax's face.
Smiling at his Pokémon's antics, he made his way towards Tracy. "Morning, Tracy."
"Morning, Ash." The elder teen replied with a smile. "Quite a stir you created last night." He spoke while Ash grabbed some food and started feeding Bayleef, Aipom and a few of his Tauros, all of whom were basking in the attention their trainer. Tracy, still feeding the rest of the Pokémon, continued. "You should have seen the Professor. He looked like a chicken with its head cut off, running around the lab in panic and excitement." He chuckled at the memory that was going to be one of the highlights of his life, seeing someone like Samuel Oak in panic.
"Ah." Ash scratched his cheek with an index finger, "I didn't actually catch her. I just wanted her to get healed, and that was the only way we could come here without catching unwanted attention." Sudden concern came to his mind as he remembered the Pokémon, "Anyways, how is she? Did Professor heal him?"
Seeing the concern in the young trainer's eyes, Tracy couldn't help but smile. He had always thought that Ash, along with being a brilliant trainer, but foremost a great person. The fact that a Legendary had trusted the young man enough to let herself be captured further evidenced his belief.
"She is fine. Professor set her ankle and has placed a cast around it. Her inherent energy will complete the healing and she'll be all right in a week at most." Seeing the trainer take a sigh of relief, he continued, "She is asleep right now and will most likely be for a few more hours."
"Anyways, you decided what you going to do next?" the Pokémon watcher asked, getting Ash's attention. "Decided which region you are going to visit?"
Ash, still feeding his Pokémon, answered, "Yeah, I have decided to go to Sinnoh next. Gary told me that it is a good region with nice challenges and many kind of Pokémon I haven't seen." Tracy seemed satisfied with his answer, but was surprised when he continued, "But I have decided that since I still have four months before the new League year begins, I will stay here in Pallet and train the Pokémon like I should have. Ever since I have left for Johto, I have neglected them way too much and I want to make up to them."
Tracy stood there, stunned for a brief moment at Ash's admission, before he shook his head as the smile on his face widened. "You know Ash, it is finally good to see that you are finally taking your responsibilities as a trainer seriously. I can't wait to see how much your Pokémon progress now that you are here to guide them. Besides, I am sure that quite a few of them have various surprises for you as well."
Ash, having finished feeding his Pokémon, turned towards Tracy, a questioning look at his last comment. "What do you mean, Tracy?"
Tracy simply shook his finger, a gleeful look on his face, "Now that you are here, you will find out eventually. Besides, I don't want to ruin the surprise now."
Ash turned towards his Pokémon, hoping to find out what the Watcher was being mysterious about, but was prevented from speaking anything as a loud growl was heard by everyone in the vicinity. Everyone turned towards Ash, as the source of the voice rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"Oops." He laughed. "I guess seeing you guys eat has made me hungry as well." As if agreeing with him, his stomach gave another louder rumble.
As the Pokémon laughed, Tracy spoke, "I think you need food as well Ash." His countenance became somewhat apologetic as he continued, "I am sorry though. Breakfast isn't ready so early or I would have asked you to stay for it. Why don't you head home? Mrs. Ketchum may be awake right now? Besides she was rather worried when Professor talked to her, after he had treated Suicune and Pikachu."
"Ahhh...yeah," Ash replied nervously. "I probably should do that." He was a tad bit nervous about that confrontation. Delia Ketchum, although sweet and understanding, was quite overprotective of her son when she wanted to be, and would definitely get angry and yell at him (even if only for a little while) in regards to some of his more...worrying and dangerous activities.
Shaking his head to focus once again, he spoke. "Anyways, thanks Tracy. Pikachu, you okay in staying here for now?"
"Pika," the Electric Type nodded in reply.
"Okay then, see you guys later." Ash yelled as he began running towards the fence surrounding the Corral. "When I come back, we'll get started on training hard, so get ready!" With that, he jumped across the fence and made his way towards his own home. He wanted to see Suicune, but as Tracy said, she was asleep and he didn't want to disturb the Water Type.
A quick run and he reached his destination. The Ketchum residence was a modest, two-storied house with an open lawn, surrounded by a white picket fence. The quick pace that Ash had set in order to reach his home had quickly slowed down as he thought of another person he had not thought about. By the time he had reached the door, he had come to realize how his battle crazy mind had made him neglect a lot more than just his Pokémon.
Steeling his nerves, he opened the door.
"Mom, I'm ho-!"
He had barely finished speaking when Delia came from the kitchen, the apron over her usual attire, and a fierce angry look on her usually smiling face.
"ASH KETCHUM, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED I WAS-"
She was unable to finish her reprimand as the young trainer barreled into her, surprising her with the ferocity of his hug. She stood there, stunned at her son's behavior, who wasn't used to show such displays of love. Her surprise increased as Ash spoke.
"I'm sorry mom."
Ash placed his head on his mother's shoulder, letting loose the guilt that had crept up on him.
"I'm sorry for not being a good son, mom."
Despite being surprised, Delia replied, "What are you talking about Ashy? Of course you are a good son. You are a son any mother would be proud of."
Ash, still hugging his mother, shook his head, "No, I'm not. Had I been a good son, I would have spent time with you every time I returned from my adventures. Instead, I just packed my bags and started off for another region without thinking that you would want to spend some time with me. And for that I am sorry."
Delia simply stroked her son's back, "Seeing you happy was enough to make me happy Ashy. Every time you returned, you were so excited about your adventures and whenever you heard about another region, there was a feeling of anticipation in you that I couldn't help but feel happy about. After all, no matter what anyone says, that is the duty of a mother. They can't help but feel nervous, scared even, when their kids are out in the world going through some adventure. And they can't help but feel happy when they return and have a smile on their faces. And that is just enough to light up their day."
"Nevertheless, if you feel that you forgot to pay attention to me, I forgive you, not that there is anything to forgive."
By the end of it, Ash was weeping on his mother's shoulders. He still couldn't believe he had forgotten about his mother so easily. All throughout his travels, he had barely called his mother a few times. Whereas she was there for him in every facet of his life, be it his younger years, his first Pokémon, his every Tournament.
In the background, Mr. Mime smiled at the mother-son interaction, but decided not to interfere. He, however, placed a small illusion on the window so no passerby could see this private moment, before he went back to his usual duties of cleaning.
Delia caressed Ash's hair, letting him cry on her shoulder and let all the guilt out. She knew something had happened with her son. Professor Oak had hinted that her boy was finally going to act as a trainer, she didn't understand what he was hinting towards. Now, she knew something had caused her normally short-sighted son to be so retrospective. And she would find out what it was. But right now, he needed her.
"Ashy," she began. "Why don't you go and wash yourself? I am preparing breakfast. It shall be done in the next five minutes. And then you can tell me everything."
As if agreeing with the owner of the house, the never ending cesspit known as Ash's stomach gave a loud gurgle, making the owner of said stomach smile sheepishly as he wiped the tears that marred his face.
Delia smiled, her son would never change, and that's the way she wanted him to be.
Ash wiping away the last of his tears as he watched his mother go back towards the kitchen. Following his mother's advice, he hurriedly went through his morning ablutions and was seated in the dining table, dressed in a comfortable pair of cargo shorts and a white t-shirt, a picture of a Pokéball printed on it.
Not a few seconds later, Delia brought forth a plate full of pancakes with bacon on the side, along with a jug full of orange juice. Ash jumped on the food and tore through it like a hungry Snorlax, a fact which made Delia crinkle her nose. While she had found it adorable on a younger Ash, it did not suit her teenage son. Deciding to talk about that later, she waited for Ash to finish his breakfast, as she too sat and had a small portion.
Ash patted his stomach, which looked full to the brim, as Mr. Mime carried away the large pile of dirty plates using his psychic powers.
Delia turned towards her son, "Ashy, what happened yesterday dear?"
Ash sighed, knowing that it was going to be a long story. "Well, you see…"
Half an hour later Delia sat there, stunned at her son's words. Oh she took the fact that his son had captured a Legendary quite nicely. While she was indeed surprised that he had done so, when she had heard his explanation she understood his reasoning. Besides, she knew that her son was meant to have a few Legendries, what with the number of encounters he had told her about, and the one she had been a part of. What did surprise her was the last part of his explanation.
"…And therefore, I have decided to stay here for the next four months and only visit Sinnoh once the new League year begins."
Ash turned to look at his mother and got concerned as she simply sat there, stock still.
"Mom?" Ash asked carefully. "Are you all right?"
Seeing that his mother wasn't responding, Ash started to get up, only to recoil as he was suddenly in a hug by said person, which made any previous hug by her look tame. His arms flailed as he tried to breath against the constriction of his mother. His arms drooped down as his face started gaining a bluish tint from the lack of oxygen, all the while Delia kept proclaiming 'how good her son was' and 'how before Delia let go of her son.
As he gulped sweet air, as though it was his lifeline. Meanwhile, Delia took her place back, a sheepish smile on her face.
"So…" Delia began a few moments later. "What were you saying honey?"
The glare that he had directed towards his mother lessened as he continued.
"What I wanted to ask was that, could you teach me how to cook?"
Seeing the befuddled look on his mother's face, Ash elaborated, "You see, throughout my travels, there was someone who prepared the meal be it Brock or Tracy. And now, while there may be a chance that I'll meet someone who can take care of that, I don't want to be dependent on anyone else. There is the option of staying in Pokémon Centers, they are few and far between and most of my time will be spent in the woods."
"I was going to ask Tracy and Brock to teach me how to prepare food for my Pokémon, but when it comes to the matter of preparing normal food, I know that you are way better than them. So, please? Could you teach me how to cook as well?"
This time, instead of another crushing bear hug he had expected, he was somewhat surprised to find his mother with a finger on her chin, a contemplative expression on her face. He thought Delia was going to decline his request, but the smile that made way on her face answered his question.
"Of course I'll help you honey. As a mother, it is my duty to help you as much as possible," Delia replied nonetheless.
Ash let out a big whoop from his seat, gaining another giggle from his mother.
"So, when can you teach me mom?"
"When do you want Ashy?"
Ash stroked his chin, as a few thoughts ran through his mind. "You see," he began. "I was going to ask Professor Oak to teach me as much as he can in the next four months. While I know about battling, the rest of it I am not as knowledgeable about. If he decides to teach me, then most of my day will be spent at the Corral, either with Professor and Tracy or in training my Pokémon."
"So why don't I teach you at night, while I prepare the dinner?" Delia replied promptly.
"That'd be great mom." Ash replied happily. Finally, things had started shaping up. He simply couldn't help but feel anxious as he thought about everything he wanted to achieve in the next four months. His attention then turned towards the clock and he was startled to find that it was close to ten o'clock in the morning.
"Hey mom," he spoke while getting up from the chair and moving towards the door. "I am going to Professor's Lab. Want to check on Suicune and the rest of the team, and have to ask Professor Oak and Tracy about teaching me as well."
"Don't worry honey." Delia spoke as she too followed her son to the doorsteps. "I'm sure they will love to teach you. Now hurry off. And don't forget that you now have cooking classes with me."
"Can't wait for the night mom. See you later." He waved her goodbye as he made his way to the Pokémon Professor's Lab.
Back in the Ketchum Residence, Delia stood there on the doorway, watching the diminishing from of her son with a proud look on her face. She couldn't help but remember the conviction and resolve in Ash's face when he talked about his plan. However, the same conversation brought a frown on her face, as she remembered the various dangerous situations that her son had been a part of.
A thought crept up into her mind, the thought quickly turning into an idea. An idea that her caring heart was starting to approve with each passing second. As she went into the kitchen, to check whether Mr. Mime had properly cleaned the dishes or not, she resolved to talk to her growing son about it.
As she thought about her growing son, another thought came to her mind. About a lesson that she hadn't given her son. A lesson, that in truth, she should have given at least three years ago.
With a new resolve, she went into the store room of the house.
She had a book to find.
As she closed the door of the store room, she let out a giggle.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Back on the route, a shiver ran down Ash's spine as his instincts warned him not to go back to his house. Thinking it to be a figment of his imagination, he carried on to the Lab. A fifteen minute walk later, he reached the gate of the Lab. With newly resolved vigor, he climbed the stairs and rang the doorbell.
A sudden feeling of déjà vu crept through his mind, as his body was once again grabbed, as soon as the door was opened and dragged into the facility. This time though, rather than asking him anything, the Pokémon Professor simply dragged the befuddled trainer by his collar and dragged him across the Lab.
Seeing the panicked look on Oak's face, Ash couldn't help but ask.
"Professor? Everything all right?"
Oak moved forward, as though he hadn't even heard the question. Ash was about to ask him once again, when he spoke.
"You have got to calm Suicune down Ash." Oak almost begged.
Ash focused his attention towards the Professor. "What happened Professor?" he asked, unease evident on his face. "Is Suicune all right?"
Oak wiped a sweat from his forehead, as he replied, "She woke up fifteen minutes ago and since then she hasn't let either Tracy or me from going near her. Pikachu has tried talking to her, but she is not letting anyone enter the room. It seems that not seeing you in the morning has made her suspicious of everyone in here."
Not waiting to reply to the Professor, Ash ran towards the Recovery Room, intent on calming down the Legendry. Reaching the room, he wasn't surprised to see Pikachu standing in front of the door.
"Pikachu!" Ash exclaimed, getting his starter's attention.
Pikachu smiled widely as he saw his trainer, and ran towards him.
"Pika Pi Pikachu Chu Pika Pi." The Electric type spoke, gesturing wildly towards the closed door.
"I know bud, I know." Ash replied. "I should have come earlier, but I had to talk to mom about something and I couldn't delay it. Anyways, it doesn't matter now. You go on and rejoin the rest of them. I'll try to persuade Suicune to calm down and come out to meet the others."
"Pika?" the Pokémon asked quizzically.
"What?" Ash shrugged. "She may be a member of the team for just a while, that doesn't mean that we cannot make her feel at home. Besides, the others will be excited to see another Legendry. Don't you think so?"
"Pikachu." His starter replied with a thumbs up, before running off to join the group.
Taking a deep breath, Ash slowly turned the knob of the door, gaining a loud growl from the Pokémon behind the door. Not paying any attention to that, he moved forward.
"Suicune," he began cautiously. "It's me Ash."
The lessening of the growl gave Ash the go to move ahead. As he entered the room, he was surprised to see Suicune standing there, in one corner of the room giving as less pressure on her bandaged leg as possible. However, she still had a guarded position, as though ready in case Ash attacked her.
"I'm sorry for not being here when you awoke, but Tracy told me that you would be asleep for a while and I had to go talk to my mom about something. Could you please forgive me for not being here?" Ash almost begged the Pokémon as he moved closer towards her.
By the time he had explained the situation, Suicune seemed to have mellowed down. Ash took a few tentative steps towards her and seeing that she did not flinch, he took the last few steps and gently enveloped the large Pokémon in a hug. Suicune nuzzled against the trainer, making Ash give out a sigh of relief. Not breaking the hug, he rubbed her back, getting a purr from the Pokémon.
"Hey Suicune…" he began. "Would you like to meet the rest of my Pokémon? I have quite a few water types and they will be ecstatic to see you."
"Suicune." The Aurora Pokémon nodded in reply.
"You don't mind if I recall you back in the Pokéball, do you?" Suicune broke the hug to look at the trainer, who himself was smiling sheepishly while scratching his cheek with his index finger.
"Um, you see, I wanted to surprise my Pokémon with your entrance. While a few of them have seen a Legendary previously, quite a few of them are young and haven't done so before." He then took out Suicune's Pokéball and was happy to see that she hadn't showed any visible reaction, bare for the slight cocking of her head.
A few seconds later, Suicune nodded her head with a soft cry of 'Suicune' and touching the center of the ball, vanished in a red beam of light.
Ash gently placed the Pokéball back on his belt and went outside, only to find Oak and Tracy peering from around the corner. He waved at them.
"Don't worry guys," he spoke with a smile. "Suicune is fine. I have her in her ball."
As he moved towards the duo, he could see them take a sigh of relief. And truth be told, he understood where they were coming from. The Lab contained equipment worth a fortune. And they did not want to have a pissed Pokémon who could destroy that with just a couple, or even less, attacks.
Shaking his head out of his thoughts, he spoke to the Professor as he reached them. "Sorry for the delay in reaching here Professor. I was having a conversation with mom and it took longer than expected."
"Don't worry my boy. I can understand you spending time with your mother." Oak waved Ash off, as Tracy went back into the Lab, most probably to do some sketching. "Now, have you decided what you are going to do next?"
"Yes Professor," Ash replied as the duo moved towards the Corral. "I intend to go to Sinnoh, but after I spend the next four months training my Pokémon. This time, I intend to learn from my victories, losses and the trials that my friends and I have gone through. And therefore, I want them to be a part of my adventures from now on. But for that to happen I need your help Professor."
Oak stood there, his eyebrows cocked at the trainer's words. His eyebrows almost vanished into his hairlines, as Ash suddenly bowed from the waist.
"Professor," he began in a serious tone. "Can you teach me everything you can about Pokémon in the next four months?"
"Ash," Oak spoke in a solemn tone, after several seconds of silence. "You do not have to bow down to me to ask to be taught. Anyone who wants to learn about Pokémon can ask the Regional Professor. And should the Professor find the person worthy enough, he can teach that person. Now, had you been the same person who had started his journey nearly six years ago, with the disobedient Pikachu, and had asked the same thing, I would have immediately declined."
Ash's heart dropped hearing this and was about to thank the Professor, when said person continued speaking, "But now, I see a young man who will go through hell in order to help a Pokémon. And that is one facet that I find in very few trainers. Therefore, I shall happily teach you everything I can about Pokémon."
Ash was about to let out a whoop of delight as the words finally registered his brain, but was stopped short when Oak spoke, this time in a tone that was completely unlike his grandfather like persona.
"Let me warn you Ash," he began. "I am a very busy person and I don't like to waste my time. Should I find that you are not making use of this opportunity and slacking off, I will immediately stop teaching you. I consider the pursuit of knowledge a great task and expect you to give it everything you have got."
"I promise to give it everything Professor," Ash promised.
"All right then," the Professor continued. "Starting tomorrow morning, seven a.m. onwards I want you present in the Lab. Don't Be Late. You will spend most of the day around me and help me in the Lab. All the while I will teach you about Pokémon. Starting from the very basics. And I don't want you to whine when I tell you something that you already know."
Ash simply nodded, somewhat stunned by this personality showed by the usually calm Professor Oak.
"And know this, no matter how much I teach you, you can never know everything about Pokémon. Four months is not enough time to teach you everything I know. Even then, after all these years of research I have done, there are still things about them that are new to me. So treat everything you get to know about Pokémon as something new to learn. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Professor." Ash replied, having finally gotten his voice.
"Good," Oak himself nodded. "From tomorrow, the time you spend in here will be distributed in two parts. Me teaching you and then you training your Pokémon. How it will be distributed will be decided tomorrow onwards." As a calm look came on his face, Oak spoke softly, "I am placing my trust on you Ash. Don't break it."
"I won't, Professor." Ash proclaimed.
"That's good to hear. Now why don't you go and spend some time with your Pokémon and get reacquainted with them. I am sure they have quite a few surprises for you, just like you have for them."
"Ugh," Ash groaned. "Not you too. In the morning, Tracy was being all mysterious and now you too. What is it that you guys are hiding?"
"Now that would be telling, my boy." Oak gave a mysterious smile, something which pissed Ash off even further. "Now, is there anything else that you wanted?"
"Yeah," Ash nodded, having already thought what else he wanted to do. "You think I can make a few calls? I think it's time some of my friends come back home."
Oak gave an appreciative nod, as he started moving away. "It's nice to hear that. You can use the telephone in the Transfer room."
"Thanks Professor," Ash replied as he made his way to the room, intent on making a few calls.
Dialing the first number, he waited for a few moments before it was answered by a familiar voice.
"Vermillion City Police Department, this is Officer Jenny. How may I help you?"
"Hey Officer Jenny, it's me. Ash. You think you could open up the video feed?"
The screen in front of Ash lit up, the smiling face of Jenny visible on it.
"Hey there, Ash. Long time no see. How are you doing?" she asked.
"It's good to see you too Jenny. I'm great. How about you guys? How is the Squirtle Squad doing?"
"Oh you know," Jenny shrugged. "We've been keeping up with our training. The squad is an even better knit group nowadays. So, you called to get Squirtle back?"
"How did you know?" Ash asked sheepishly.
"I am an Officer, Ash. I have been trained to read people and I can almost feel the excitement on your face." Jenny spoke, a proud look on her face. "Anyways, when and where do you want him?"
"Can you bring him over to Pallet Town? I am staying here for a while."
"Sure, I'll be there by tomorrow afternoon. Besides, I think Squirtle will be happier when he is with you."
Ash cocked his head, "What do you mean Jenny? Is he not happy there?"
"No! No!" Jenny shook her head vehemently. "Nothing like that. It's just that he wanted to show you something for a couple of days and I think he will be happy to finally see his trainer. I can assume you will be taking him for good this time?"
"Yeah," Ash nodded. "I hope that is not an inconvenience for you."
"Of course it isn't Ash. The face that you let go of your Pokémon just so he could help us is more than enough. Anyways, I'll see you tomorrow then."
"See you tomorrow, Jenny. And once again thanks." Ash replied as he ended the call.
Dialing another number, he waited as the phone rang for a few seconds, before it was answered by a young green haired woman. Standing behind her was a Charizard with a bow on the top of its head.
"Hey Liza. How are you doing?" the Charizard huffed at being ignored. "And how are you doing Charla?"
"It's good to hear from you Ash. I'm doing well. How about you? Congratulations on winning the Battle Frontier." The woman, now named Liza, replied. Behind her Charla roared in agreement.
"Thanks Liza. It really was one of the toughest things I have done till date." Ash replied with his usual grin. "Anyways, how is Charizard doing?"
"How do you think? Ever since he has returned, he is training rigorously to regain what he thinks is 'lost prestige'. You know, I still find it difficult to believe that he was the same puny Charizard who came here nearly four years ago." She gained a sudden glint on her face, not that Ash noticed, as she continued, "Truth be told, you have also grown quite nicely in these years Ash."
"Thanks Liza," Ash smiled, without blinking, not understanding what she meant, something that Liza noticed. She chuckled at the trainer's obliviousness. Ash continued speaking, "Anyways, do you think you could send Charizard over to Pallet Town? I am going to spend the next few months here and Charizard can be a big help to my Pokémon in training."
A surprised Liza ultimately answered, "Nice forethoughts Ash. I will tell Charizard that you need him. Where are you going to go next? And will you take Charizard as well?"
"I am planning to go to Sinnoh after this. And will most probably need Charizard on a regular basis to train any new Fire-types I catch there." Ash replied with a smile. "Though I will see to it that he goes back to the Valley as much as he can."
"Sure, I'll inform Charizard. I'm positive he won't mind seeing you again so soon. He should be over there by the end of the day, sound good?"
"That's great, Liza! Thanks!"
"No problem! I'll see you soon Ash, take care!"
"Bye and thanks again. Bye Charla!"
"Charr!"
When the call ended, Ash took out the final number and sighed. He truly hoped that his first Fighting Type did not hold any ill will towards him. "Alright, here goes nothing," he told himself as he entered the number. The phone rang for several seconds by a brawny man with brown hair.
"Hello, this is Anthony speak-" he stopped short mid-introduction as he finally noticed who he was talking to. An awkward silence ensued over the next several seconds, with Ash not knowing what to say and Anthony simply stunned that Ash had called him. Eventually, the muscular man seemed to get his wits and spoke, "Ash Ketchum? Is that really you?"
"Yep, it's me Anthony." Ash smiled sheepishly.
"Holy fuck, you have grown nicely kid." Anthony shouted, and Ash was sure he heard a shout of "DAD" somewhere in the screen. "It's great to see you again, kid!" He looked away from the camera and yelled, "Hey Rebecca! Get Primeape over here, Ash Ketchum has called!" He turned back to Ash and continued, "It's been a while since we met kid. How are you doing?"
"I've been fine. What about you guys?" He didn't wait for a reply before continuing, "And how is Primeape doing?"
"We're doing great here. Primeape has been great as well. In fact he has been the P1 Champ for the last four years. I have seen to it that he trains regularly, not that he needs it. He truly is a training nut."
"That's great to hear Anthony, I can't thank you enough." Ash smiled before frowning, "You don't know how terrible I feel that I have been neglecting him all these years."
"Yeah, that was something I found wondering about myself." Anthony replied as a small frown appeared on his face. "I was surprised when you didn't call to check up on Primeape or anything."
"You don't know how guilty I feel about that Anthony. Even now I feel that Primeape will not forgive me." The guilt on Ash's face softened Anthony up.
"Don't be worried kid." The older man reassured him. "Sure, you may feel that you have neglected him. But I don't think that Primeape will hold it against you. In fact I am sure that he will be very excited to see you. By the way, I'm assuming that you called to get him back?"
"Actually-"
He didn't get to finish as a loud cry of "Prime Primeape" was heard from Anthony's side of the phone. A couple of seconds later, a large pig-like monkey appeared on the screen. Differentiating it from regular Primeapes was the shiny golden belt on its waist. Primeape seeing Ash on the screen, immediately got excited. "Primeape Prime Primeape!"
"Good to see you too Primeape." Ash greeted the Fighting Type with a joyful smile, as the feeling of nostalgia overtook him. "How are you doing, bud?"
"Primeape," the Pig Monkey Pokémon replied with a proud look on his face, while pointing towards his belt.
"I heard from Anthony that you have been the Champ for the last four years," Ash praised. "I truly am proud of you Primeape. I'm sure you have gotten a lot stronger since I left you with Anthony."
"Primeape Prime!" the Pokémon nodded by pumping his biceps.
"Awesome!" Ash said with a smile. "Say Primeape? Would you like to come back to the team?"
"Prime?"
"I know that I haven't been the best of trainers. I never called to check up on you, and truth be told, had someone not told me a few things yesterday I still may not have. I have no reason for such despicable behavior and right now the only thing I can do is ask for your forgiveness and somehow try to make it up to you. In a few months I am going to a new region to compete in the Pokémon League, and I'd really love it if you were to come with me and be a part of the team, battling alongside the others. I know it is a bit out of nowhere, but do you think you could forgive your idiot trainer and come back to me?"
"Prime Primeape!" the Fighting Type replied not a second later, pumping his fist, showing how excited he was. He was finally going to see his trainer again. And not only that, he'd get to meet his old friends? And travel with his trainer, hopefully getting some good fights along the way.
"Really Primeape?" getting an eager nod in reply, he turned towards Anthony. "Is it all right with you Anthony?"
"Of course, kid." The man replied with a smile. "In the end he is your Pokémon. Besides, I think I have taught him everything I can. Now the only thing he does need is experience in fighting Pokémon of different type, something which I am sure you can provide."
"Thanks Anthony." Ash smiled. "Anyways, how soon can you guys get here?"
"You still in Pallet Town?" Ash nodded in reply, as he continued, "I can be there by tomorrow afternoon. That alright with you?"
"That's great Anthony! See you guys then! See you tomorrow Primeape!"
"See you, Ash!"
"Primeape!"
As the call ended, Ash could barely hold the grin back on his face as he thought about the Pokémon that were returning to him. He was broken out of his giddy state courtesy of the voice of Professor Oak.
"So, Primeape is coming back?"
Ash smiled as he turned towards the Professor.
"Yep, and I have also called back Squirtle and Charizard. The next four months are going to be great, I just know it."
"Good, good," Oak commented. "I always thought that you would have won the match in the Indigo League if you had a few more Pokémon, especially someone like Primeape."
Ash chuckled as he thought about the Indigo League. It truly was his worst performance. While his Pokémon had given it their all, he was the one who thought about hair brained ideas. His chuckle died down as he thought about the match in the Top-16. About how Team Rocket had stolen all their Pokémon and how he had, just like always jumped into the fray to save them.
His memories soon shifted to that of a Pokémon. One of his first caught Pokémon. The Pokémon, which Brock had once commented, would take any attack if Ash asked her to. Dread filled his body, as he thought about a promise that he had made. A promise he had failed to keep.
He ran towards the Pokémon storage room, gaining a satisfied look on the Professor's face. He was happy that Ash had taken the hint that he wanted to give. Meanwhile, reaching the room Ash went to his own storage area and looked through his Pokéball collection, before eventually finding the one he was looking for. Picking it up, he ran towards the exit of the Lab.
He passed Oak on his way and stopped for a second.
"Professor, I'll be out for a while. I have a promise that I need to fulfill."
Not waiting for another second, Ash ran out of the Lab and in the direction where he had last seen her.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Pidgeot! Pidgeot!" the loud voice of the young trainer could be heard throughout the forest, as he tried to find his first Flying Type Pokémon. Ash again cursed himself for forgetting about Pidgeot. As a Pidgeotto, she had been his best Pokémon, someone he could always trust upon. And yet he had failed to keep up to a promise he had made.
Even now, he had this nagging feeling that perhaps she thought that he had abandoned her. What if she wasn't here anymore? What if she didn't forgive him?
He immediately dispelled these thoughts from his mind. He had to find Pidgeot. Even if she did not want to come with him, he had to at least tell her that he had kept his promise, albeit a bit too late.
"Pidgeot!" he shouted once again, not knowing that someone had indeed heard his shout. However, this someone wanted only one thing from Ash. And that was vengeance.
XXXXXXXXXX
A few hundred yards away, a pair of black eyes snapped open as a familiar voice reached its ears. Narrowing its eyes, it scoped the surroundings to check if it indeed was the voice of someone he despised. Eventually, it saw the person. While larger, the creature could still identify the person. The person who had used the retched Pidgeot to evict it from the area that rightfully belong to his.
It remembered. It remembered, how his own flock had gone against him when the group, led by that Pidgeot, had come to them in order to ask them to peacefully co-exist. How he had vehemently denied, only to be overruled by his herd. And how, now he was there, alone.
Once again, focusing on the human, the bird took flight.
XXXXXXXXX
A few kilometers away, a rocky cliff was filled to the brim with several small Pidgeys and Spearows. Overlooking them were a bunch of larger Pidgeots and Fearows. To a Flying-Type trainer, this would appear as heaven.
Seated on top of the cliff, like a king overlooking his kingdom, was a Pidgeot. However, her plumage could easily outshine anyone else present over there. The crest on her head longer than her body, made her stand out like a queen.
"PIDGEOT!"
The bird Pokémon snapped her eyes, trying to hone in the direction from which the familiar, yet more mature voice came from. Using her keen eyes, she scanned the area, trying to see if what she was hearing was indeed true. Not finding anything, she had almost given up.
"PIDGEOT!"
This time her eyes snapped in the direction of the shout, her keen eyes working in overhaul as she focused, more than she had ever done before. Not finding anything, she took flight, soaring higher into the sky. Flapping her wings, she increased her speed, traversing a mile within a few seconds, all the while searching for the owner of the voice.
Her eyes narrowed as she found the person. She focused even further, her eyes widening as she recognized him. Despite looking slightly older than before, not much had changed in the person. She was overjoyed as she realized that he had finally returned, returned to keep his promise. For the last three years she had almost given up hope that he would come for her, abandoning her just like many others did with their Pokémon.
As he stood there calling out her name, memories came forth to her mind. From the time he caught her, to the various adventures they shared and finally stopping on the memory of the last time he hugged her, promising her that he would come back for her.
Sudden movement made her snap her eyes in direction opposite to her trainer, her eyes widening in shock as she saw the Fearow who had started it all barreling towards him. Even from this far, she could feel the contempt and hatred that he held for her trainer. Her eyes narrowed as she saw his trajectory, a snarl forming on her face as she realized what he wanted to do.
Like hell she would let the bastard cause harm to her trainer.
She soared, higher than she had ever before.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Pidgeot," Ash called out, his voice barely a whisper, dread filling him as he thought that maybe he was too late. She must have left with her flock, lest she would have answered by now.
He turned back, dejected that he wasn't able to meet his Pokémon. He was ashamed that he hadn't even gotten the chance to apologize. As he walked back on the road, the sudden shadow of a bird forming over him made his heart sore. He stopped and looked up, hoping against hope that perhaps she had heard his calls.
Only for that hope to crumble and turn to dread, as he saw a Fearow, its beak glowing while the rest of its body spiraled downwards towards him. Not knowing the reason for such animosity, he turned to order Pikachu to attack the incoming bird, only to give a muffled curse as he realized that he had left his starter in the Corral.
He took out a Pokéball, but hesitated, not wanting to use Suicune in her weakened state. By the time the hesitation had gone, and he had enlarged Suicune's Pokéball, he realized that it was too late, as Fearow had covered the distance between the two of them and was just a few feet away from him.
He was about to jump aside and try to dodge the enraged Pokémon, when a reddish blur struck the Fearow from above, causing the Beak Pokémon to crash into the ground, creating a cloud of smoke in the surrounding area.
Ash coughed into his hands, as he got back up, the force of the attack having knocked him down a few feet away. He squinted his eyes, trying, and failing, in finding out the identity of his savoir. A sudden gust of wind blew across the area, sending the dust cloud away, immediately showing the identity of his savior.
His eyes widened, as tears filled his eyes. He would later realize that he had cried a lot in these two days. Currently, however, he could barely hold back a sob as he saw her, more majestic than any other Pidgeot he had ever seen before, as she stood there standing atop the Fearow who now had swirls in place of its eyes.
He could see the slight reddish tips of her wings, similar to the color of the shroud he had seen just a few moments ago. He did not wait another moment. He ran towards her, engulfing her in a hug, being aware as not to step on the fainted Pokémon.
"I'm sorry Pidgeot," he mumbled. "I'm sorry for being such a terrible trainer. For not fulfilling my promise. For not coming back for you even when I said I would. For making you think that I abandoned you. I have no reason for doing what I did, and even if I had I don't think it would be enough for what I did. I know that I am do not deserve it, but could you please forgive me?"
Pidgeot said nothing, staring at the openly weeping trainer as he clutched onto her plumage. She unfurled her wings, making the trainer let go of the hug with a puzzled look on his tear-drenched face. The puzzlement changed to shock filled horror as the Bird Pokémon took flight, soaring higher into the sky.
Ash looked down, tears starting anew, as he realized that his friend hadn't forgiven him. He had hoped that maybe, just like Primeape, Pidgeot would forgive him, only for that hope to be crushed as the flying form of Pidgeot grew smaller with each passing second.
He turned back, ready to go back to the Corral and inform his friends about how his absentmindedness had caused in the loss of a friend.
"PIDGEOT!"
Only to turn back at the sudden cry of his Pokémon. He looked up, only for his eyes to widen as he saw her simply hovering, high in the air, above him. Despite the height, his eyes caught Pidgeot's and he saw the fury in them. He again looked down, ashamed that he had caused this.
"PIDGEOT!"
The next cry made him focus on the Flying Type once again, his eyes widening as he saw her plummet towards him, a fire-like, red shroud enveloping her. Despite not recognizing the attack, he understood what she wanted to do. If she wanted to hurt him to vent her anger, he would let her. If this is what it took to gain her apology, he would endure the pain.
As Pidgeot closed in on him, barely a dozen feet away, he closed his eyes, getting ready to feel the pain. Although he was proud that she had learned an obviously powerful move by herself. His mind was moving towards another thought, when Pidgeot barreled into him.
The first thing he noticed that she wasn't hot, like the red shroud had indicated. The next thing he noticed, as he tumbled around, was that he had been engulfed.
Between a pair of wings.
His mind, taking a couple of seconds to reboot, finally realized that he had been hugged by Pidgeot. The tumbling duo finally stopped, with Ash laying on top of the Bird Pokémon, as he snuggled further into her plumage, enjoying the rhythmic beating of her heart.
Eventually, Pidgeot stood up, forcing Ash to do so as well. He rubbed her head crest, an action which she seemed to like if the way she leaned into him was any evidence.
"I'm really sorry, girl," he spoke, trying to convey his guilt. "Can you forgive me?"
"Pidge Pidgeot!" the Flying Type nodded, extending her wings.
Ash did not waste another moment and barreled into her, enjoying the warm feeling that she emitted, her abnormal size almost matching him in height. His focus abruptly shifted at the sudden narrowing of her eyes. He turned around, eyes focusing on the twitching Fearow on the ground.
He tried to understand why this Fearow had attacked him. While Fearow were known to be territorial, for them to attack a human without a reason was extremely rare.
"Geot Pidge Pidgeot!" the bird Pokémon chirped.
"What do you mean that he deserved it, Pidgeot?" Ash asked, happy that he could still understand his Pokémon despite being separate for such a long time.
"Pidge Pidgeot, Geot Pidgeot!"
Ash's eyes widened as he realized who this Fearow was. He turned back towards him, his burnt form twitching from the phantom pains. Several thoughts running rampant through his mind. The most prominent of them being the fact that he couldn't let such an angry Pokémon out in the open. Moreover, if Pidgeot came back to him, Fearow would without a doubt attack the flock once again.
Pidgeot seemed to be having the same thoughts, as she nudged the trainer, giving him a look that almost said 'are you gonna do it or what?' Ash shook his head, smiling. He had come here just to get his first Flying Type back, and the way she was indicating, he would most probably go home with two.
"Before I do that, I need to ask you something Pidgeot," he spoke, getting the Bird Pokémon's attention. "Would you like to come back and join me in my journey?"
"Pidgeot!" the Pokémon nodded, not even taking a second. Sure, she would miss her flock, but she knew that they were in relative peace and there were quite a few other Pidgeots and Fearows that were capable of looking after the younger ones. She also wasn't going to miss a chance to meet her other friends and see how strong they'd gotten.
Ash took out a Pokéball, and tapped it on Pidgeot's head, the mechanism sucking her in a red beam of light. He instantly let her go, his face expressing a happy feeling, something that was reflected in Pidgeot's face. He then turned towards Fearow.
"You truly did a thing on him, didn't you girl?" Ash asked rhetorically. In response, Pidgeot puffed up her chest, not at all ashamed that she had done so. In her mind, anyone who was ready to attack her trainer deserved what he got.
Ash shook his head, happy to see the loyalty that Pidgeot had for him. He took out an empty Pokéball and threw it at the unconscious Pokémon, the red and white ball sucking it in a red beam of light. The ball started shaking, indicating how the fainted Pokémon was struggling to free from its confinement. Ash stood there, nervous as he always was at the prospect of catching of another Pokémon.
The ball shook. Once. Twice. And thrice before it dinged.
"Yeah!" Ash whooped in delight, having successfully caught Fearow. Sure, he would have some trouble getting it to obey him, but he knew that with Pokémon like Pikachu, Charizard and Sceptile, he could get it done.
He faced Pidgeot once again, getting a look that almost seemed like a deadpan.
"What?"
"Geot Pidge Pidgeot?"
"Yeah…I still do that," he spoke sheepishly, the deadpan that Pidgeot had on her face increased as she thought about the childish habit that her trainer still had, whenever he caught a Pokémon.
Ash himself felt embarrassed as he thought about it. He suddenly realized that it really was a childish habit. It wasn't his fault that he got super excited when he caught a new Pokémon. Still, he decided that it was something that he could work on that in his interlude.
"Anyways," he spoke. "Would you like to stay goodbye to your flock? They are nearby? Aren't they?"
"Pidgeot!" the Bird Pokémon nodded, before she crouched down almost as if giving her trainer an invitation.
"You want me to climb your back? You sure you could carry me? I have grown a lot in these years, you know." Ash commented, getting a glare from his Pokémon in reply. "All right, all right. Geez, you don't have to glare so hard at me, you know."
He got on her back, balancing himself, as he clutched on to her feathers. An evil glint came on the bird's face, as she slowly got higher into the sky. Ash relaxed a bit, slowly getting accustomed to flying on a Pokémon's back.
Pidgeot stopped midair, an act that confused Ash. "You alright girl? Why did you stop?"
He did not get a reply, as Pidgeot zoomed across the sky, her natural instincts making her enjoy the flight. Though the reason for enjoying it also may be because of the extremely unmanly shriek that her trainer was giving.
XXXXXXXXXX
Ash stood in the area that he now recognized as the den of the Flying-type flock, surprised that such a remote location with such an abundance of Pokémon was situated near Pallet Town. He sat there, watching as Pidgeot gave a tearful goodbye to her flock. He felt sad, as he saw several of them crying. Sad at the fact that their leader was leaving. However, a few of the other Pidgeots consoled them.
Bidding her last goodbye, Pidgeot turned towards Ash and once again crouched down, giving him the permission to climb on his back. The trainer, somewhat apprehensively, got on the Pokémon's back.
"Um Pidgeot…" he spoke. "Could you go a little slow this time? I know I shouldn't have doubted your flying skills."
"Geot." Pidgeot nodded, before taking flight, albeit this time at a moderate pace. As she flew towards Oak's Corral, Ash couldn't help but feel excited as he thought of how his team was now complete, the only thing waiting was the arrival of his Pokémon.
XXXXXXXXXX
Back in the Corral, the rest of the Pokémon were growing anxious at the absence of their trainer. Even Pikachu seemed worried. They knew that their trainer had made a promise, one which he intended to keep. Yet, for him to be absent for such a long time was something that they hadn't seen before.
Pikachu went to ask Oak and Tracy about him, but Tracy replied that he hadn't seen him. While the Professor replied that Ash had gone to get someone very precious to him, all the while a mysterious smile on his face.
Pikachu truly wanted to shock the hell out of him. He didn't do so only because he had grown from being the immature Mouse Pokémon that he was when he had first encountered the person. That still didn't mean that he wasn't getting pissed.
He was about to go search for him, along with a few others when something dissuaded them.
Or rather someone. The voice of someone.
The voice of someone whom the entire Kanto team recognized.
"PIDGEOT!"
The Bird Pokémon landed beside the lake in a show of elegance, the flapping of her wings minimal, exhibiting her skills in flying. Everyone, bar the Kanto Pokémon, stilled, ready for any kind of conflict. Sceptile had narrowed his eyes, twig still in his mouth, as he checked out the Pokémon.
She was strong. That much he knew, as the innate ability the Pokémon contained helped him in finding out the gender of the Flying Type. Maybe even stronger than him. Something that was enhanced by her type superiority.
Meanwhile, Noctowl and Swellow could do nothing but gaze in shock and awe at the Pokémon before them. They could feel it. This was a bird who had led. A bird who commanded the respect of a flock. A bird who had fought and defended her position as the leader.
Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Kingler and even Muk dashed ahead, surprising the rest of the Pokémon. Their surprise further increased when they saw their trainer jump from behind the back of the Pokémon.
"Hey everyone," he waved at them. "Sorry for being so late. I had to go and get back an old friend." He grinned as he saw his Kanto team interact with Pidgeot. "Now, most of you don't know her. So let me introduce you guys. This is Pidgeot," he said, pointing towards the Bird Pokémon. "She was the second Pokémon that I caught and one that I used in almost every battle in my journey across Kanto. I had to let her go so that she could look after her flock and protect them from a flock of Spearow and Fearow."
"I had promised her that I would return to get her back, and although somewhat late, she agreed to come back to me. So, from now on she will be a part of the team. Why don't you guys come and say hi to her?"
The rest of the group did not have any time to react, as the most exuberant of the group ran towards the large bird. Corphish, not paying heed to others, ran forward and started jumping in front Pidgeot. His action was followed by the rest of the group, who slowly but surely went and introduced themselves. He smiled as he saw the almost fanlike reverence Swellow and Noctowl were showing to Pidgeot. He could also already make out the hint of rivalry forming between Sceptile and Pidgeot.
He shook his head, knowing that he would have to use it without letting it go out of control. His face paled as he realized that Charizard was yet to arrive, and that was without taking into consideration how powerful Primeape had become. Whatever, he would cross the bridge when he reached it.
Now was the time for his team to meet the temporary member.
"Guys and girls," he began. "I know you guys are thrilled to meet Pidgeot. But right now, I want you all to meet another Pokémon that I caught just yesterday. Truth be told, she will stay with us just for a few days until she is healed properly. But I wanted her to have a few friends until she leaves the place."
All of his Pokémon, bar Pikachu, nodded in excitement as they thought about their temporary, yet new friend. Pikachu was somehow keeping a poker face as he thought how his friends would react at the Pokémon's revealing.
"Everyone ready?" he asked, as he enlarged a Pokéball. Getting an excited nod from all his Pokémon, except Pidgeot and Sceptile who simply nodded, Ash threw the ball.
"Go Pokéball," he spoke in a serious tone instead of his usual hyperactive one.
The Pokémon in the clearing didn't have time to notice this though as the Aurora Pokémon appeared, her white streamer-like tails billowing, as though wind was blowing behind it. The only indication that she was injured was the small bandage wrapped around her ankle.
The group stood there, stunned at the presence of the Legendary. They could not believe the fact their trainer had caught one. Sure, they knew that he was a good trainer, but to catch a Legendary, even if it was temporary was huge.
"So, what do you guys think?" Ash asked, as he rubbed Suicune's head affectionately.
The silence continued for a few more moments, as none got the words to reply. This silence was finally broken, although not by anyone in the group.
"Well, this is interesting."
Everyone's eyes snapped in the direction of the speaker, the already widened eyes of the Pokémon widening even further. Ash, Pikachu and even Suicune's eyes widened as they saw the speaker.
Ah! A cliffhanger. Who is the speaker? What will he/she do now that he/she knows about Suicune? How the hell did he enter the Corral without tripping anyone?
All the answers will be there in the next update, two weeks from now.
And once again, please review.