(Viridian City)

If there was one place Ash never thought he'd end up, it was definitely a police interrogation room. It was a lot like the ones he would see in the shows Professor Oak was prone to watch, it was a small room with nothing but a metal table and two metal chairs, with a bright light overhead. The room was dull, the walls and ceiling were white and the only hint of color was the dark blue carpet. And to top it all off, a single black window was in the wall across from Ash, and he knew for a fact it was a two-way mirror.

Ash had gotten to Viridian City about an hour ago and went to the Pokemon Center, where he explained to a Nurse what had happened and that he needed Absol looked at immediately. Nurse Joy had been kind enough to do so, but had also called the police regarding the unconscious Team Rocket grunt hanging off of Ash's shoulder. Ash was requested to stay put, and he did so, all the way up until Officer Jenny came and escorted him and the grunt away. Officer Jenny had another officer take the grunt before placing Ash in this stupid room, telling him to stay put until she returned to question him. Now, in a way, Ash could understand why Officer Jenny would want to bring him in for questioning. Coming in with a clearly abused Absol and unconscious member of a well known and evil organization would raise several red flags for anyone, after all. Ash respected Jenny and the police for doing their job, but it didn't mean he had to be happy about his current situation either.

Ash was brought out of his musings as the door opened and in walked Officer Jenny, who was holding a notebook, folder, and a little device, probably to record their conversation. She sat across the table from him and placed down what she had brought in, before flipping a switch and turning on the device.

"My name is Officer Jenny, the time is currently 8:20 pm, the date is October 16th, and the location is Viridian City precinct one. For security reasons and in order to get the most accurate details as possible, I shall be recording this interview. I would like to reassure you that you, young man, are not arrested and are free to leave at any time. But staying here and answering my questions will help with our investigation," Officer Jenny informed, causing Ash to nod in understanding. "Wonderful. What is your name, young man?" she asked, and Ash cleared his throat before speaking.

"Ash Ketchum."

"Region and town of residence?"

"Kanto, Pallet Town."

"Occupation?"

"Pokemon trainer."

"Doing great so far, Mr. Ketchum. Now, can you tell me what you were doing in the Viridian Forest when the incident occurred?"

"I had left Pallet Town in order to journey to Viridian City, I was traveling through the Viridian Forest when I heard the sounds of a pokemon whimpering and a man yelling. I went to investigate, when I found two members of Team Rocket talking with an Absol locked inside a cage beside them."

"Did you happen to hear what they were talking about? Or, why they were in the forest?"

"The member I failed to capture and bring in was ranting about someone being twenty minutes late. Late for what exactly I don't know, but I remember the first grunt, the one I did bring in, said that their boss had no idea what they were doing. So they were going behind his back," Ash explained, watching as Jenny wrote this down.

"What happened next?"

"Absol was whimpering in pain… the first grunt kicked her cage again, and I was fed up with how they were treating her. I came out of hiding and challenged them to a battle."

"You decided to risk your life and battle two members of Team Rocket at the same time? Do you realize how dangerous that was?" Jenny asked with a quirked eyebrow, a hint of worry laced in her tone.

"I knew there was some risk, but I had confidence in my pokemon and in myself. Besides, if I wouldn't have stepped in, there's no telling what would've happened to Absol." Ash spoke with determination. He would go to the ends of the earth if it meant keeping pokemon safe, and battle any evil organizations that threatened to harm a single mon.

"Mhm, right. Now, can you explain to me why the grunt you brought in was so injured? He has a lot of bruising on his stomach and back, and at least two broken ribs."

"I…guess you could say that was done in self-defense? After I defeated the grunts, the one I brought in kicked and started attacking my Growlithe. I'll admit I might've…blacked out a little, but it was only to protect my pokemon," Ash tried to justify, not exactly proud of what he had done, but also not ashamed of it either. The bastard had hurt Absol and Growlithe, so as far as Ash was concerned, he had what was coming to him.

Jenny hummed in acknowledgment before sitting her pen down and interlocking her fingers, starting to think over the information given. Jenny knew who Ash was, she had a background check done on him the second he arrived, so she knew his history with Team Rocket. She did not not believe him, but she wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't telling the whole truth, like perhaps another reason for his attack was due to his hatred of Team Rocket and what they did to him and his mother. She couldn't prove this, of course, but people were prone to doing the dumbest and usually the most dangerous things while experiencing extreme emotions. A knock at the door stole their attention, and they turned to see another officer opening the door.

"Sorry to interrupt, we caught the other grunt the kid told us about. He spilled and told us everything, he and his partner were gonna sell Absol to a pokemon collector until Mr. Ketchum stopped them," the officer informed before closing the door and causing Jenny to sigh.

"Well, Mr. Ketchum, it appears you're free to go," she said while turning off the machine. "Again, I'm sorry about all of this, but this was standard protocol, so I hope you can understand."

"Of course, you're just doing your job. Can't be mad at you for that." He smiled at her, reassuring her that it was okay.

'Can't exactly be happy with her either. This was a huge waste of my time,' he thought while getting up and heading for the door.

"Oh, and Mr. Ketchum?" Jenny asked, stopping Ash in his tracks. "I understand wanting to do the right thing, but next time, please call and leave it to the authorities?"

"Haha, of course, Officer Jenny. Have a nice night." He exited the room after that, taking a second to compose himself and to calm down, pulling the brim of his hat down to cover his right eye twitching from irritation. 'You people would've taken too long, there's no telling what would've happened to Absol if I hadn't stepped in.' He thought bitterly to himself before walking away and exiting the building, heading towards the hospital. It felt good taking matters into his own hands and stopping Team Rocket, something that the police haven't really been doing after all these years… perhaps it would be better if Ash started doing things his own way. He got results much faster than he would with the police.

But, that was a thought for another day. For now, he just wanted to visit his mom and spend some time with her.

(Viridian City Hospital)

When Ash arrived at his mother's room, he was a lot more calm than he was before. He shut the door gently and quietly like he always did before shuffling his way towards his mother's bedside. He sat down and held her hand like he always, grazing the back of it with his thumb, unsure if she could feel it or not, or even hear him, but he hoped she could. That way she would know he always visited her, and was always thinking about her.

"Hey mom, it's me again. How are you? Nurses and doctors still treating you right? I hope so, otherwise I would throw such a fit," he joked, giving out a small and awkward laugh before sighing. "It's been… about a month? Maybe just a bit longer since I woke up from my coma. Despite waking up… this life doesn't feel real, ya know? I mean, obviously you don't, but like… gah, I don't know how to explain my feelings." He groaned, covering his face with his hands in annoyance.

"This doesn't feel real, nothing does. The majority of my life and what I thought I knew was nothing but a lie. And to be honest, I'm scared, mom. I'm scared that this is another dream, that years will go by, and I'll have another journey, and then suddenly wake up one day and realize it was a coma dream as well. I haven't told Gary or Professor Oak any of this… but I'm scared, and anxious, and confused, and it hurts that I can't come to you for help or guidance because you're well, ya know." He sighed, nails digging into his palm in an attempt to calm himself down. Now wasn't the time for tears.

"I don't know what to do, other than to keep moving on with my life and hope this is real. I think with time I can adjust, maybe even heal. Like, I have Gary and Professor Oak, and oh! I got some pokemon! Remember Charles Goodshow? He's the president of the Pokemon League. He dropped by Professor Oak's lab to see me! Can you believe it! Not only that, but he gave me two pokemon to be my starters! Sure they aren't the traditional ones like Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, he gave me an Ekans and Growlithe instead. But it's fine, they're sweethearts, I love them, and I'm sure you would as well, and I'm sure they'd love you as well." He smiled and gave a small giggle, talking about Ekans and Growlithe always put him in a better mood. He was interrupted, however, upon a vibrating in his pocket, and he fished out his pokedex to see what was up.

Nurse Joy: Mr. Ketchum? I apologize for the disturbance, but Officer Jenny and I would like you to stop by, so we can further discuss Absol's condition and what to do with her. Could you come by sometime tonight?

Ash sighed, letting out a soft groan of annoyance at the terrible timing. On one hand he was hoping to have some more time with his mother, but on the other hand he understood that this Absol situation was important. Besides, he could always spend the night and spend more time with his mom tomorrow. Absol needed him, after all.

Me: No need to apologize, I'll be right over.

"Sorry, mom, but it looks like I need to cut this visit a bit shorter than usual. Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy want me to come in and talk about Absol… which means I never told you what happened! Sorry about that, I'll tell you tomorrow." He leaned down, kissing her on the cheek like he always did before moving towards the door. "I love you, mom, and I promise to keep taking care of myself. I'll be okay… eventually," he said before opening and closing the door shut.

(Pokemon Center)

It didn't take Ash long to arrive at the Pokemon Center, and when he did he, noticed a severe lack of Nurse Joy in sight. He did spot her Chansey, however, who perked up upon seeing the trainer and rushed to his side. She tugged on his shirt and grabbed his hand, dragging him through a pair of double doors and down a long hallway. She brought him to a new door, and Ash could see through the window that the room was occupied by Officer Jenny, Nurse Joy, and Absol, who was currently laying on the table and connected to a few machines. Nurse Joy noticed him and gestured for him to enter, which he did and made a beeline for Absol.

"How is she?" he asked, staring down at the bandaged pokemon. He could see she was awake and staring up at him, and although it was hard reading her emotions, he thought that for a split second there was gratitude in her eyes.

"Well, the good news is her injuries weren't infected. We managed to patch them up, use our healing machine, and Chansey even used Soft-Boiled on her, and while all that has helped, it hasn't fixed all of her problems. She's horribly malnourished and her right back leg is broken. If we keep up with the treatments, she should be fine within a few days, but even then I would like to keep her here for a few extra days. That way I can run more tests on her and make sure everything is okay," Nurse Joy listed off, causing Ash to nod in understanding before he crouched down and started gently petting Absol behind her ear, giving the dark type a soft and reassuring smile.

"It's okay, I'll stay here and by your side for as long as it takes," he reassured her, holding in a chuckle upon seeing her tail softly start thumping against the table. As much as he was craving to start this journey, Absol needed him. He could take a week or two of intermission if it meant making Absol as safe and comfortable as possible.

"With that timeframe, we should be able to decide by then what to do with her. She was stolen from her home region, so she shouldn't even be here in the first place. Maybe it's for the best that we return her?" Jenny suggested. "There's no telling if she had friends, or family, or even a mate that Team Rocket stole her from."

"Actually, I'd like to keep her, if that's okay with Absol, of course." Ash spoke with a matter-of-factly tone. "I'll leave it completely up to her, which I think we should all do." He found Officer Jenny's intervention just a tad annoying. He was the trainer, she was her own pokemon, in Ash's mind the decision should be left up to Absol, not some cop who didn't witness everything that had happened.

"I'll leave it up to you girl, would you like to stay with me and travel once you're all better? Or, would you prefer going back to where you came from? The choice is up to you, and I'll support whatever you decide." He smiled again, trying to do his best to reassure the dark type that she could decide whatever she wanted.

There was a newfound twinkle in the pokemon's eye as she stared weakly at Ash. On one hand, it would be nice to go home and be a free and wild pokemon again, to go back to her pack and be with them once more. But there were drawbacks there too, the threat of a trainer always loomed over their heads, and sometimes they couldn't find or hunt enough food for the entire pack.

But with this human, sure she didn't get her freedom or get to see her pack, but perhaps he could be her new pack. Within the first day of being with Ash, she felt more safe and loved than the years she was with her pack. She could be safe, always be well-fed, and actually feel wanted. Plus… It's not everyday you get rescued by a kind, sweet, caring (and handsome) trainer with gorgeous hazel eyes that stare into your soul.

Absol started shifting her body, unable to stand but still able to wiggle around until she got closer to ash, giving his cheek a small lick and a nuzzle, causing him and the others to let out a small 'aww'.

"I think she wants to stay with me," he chuckled, using both hands to pet her.

"I suppose that settles it. I'll head to the station and write a full report on what's happened here today. Absol shall stay in Mr. Ketchum's care for the foreseeable future. Does that fine to you, Nurse Joy?"

"If Absol wants to stay with Ash, I'll support hers and his decision. Just as long as he takes care of her and keeps her from battling for the first few weeks after she fully recovers," Nurse Joy said, listing off another condition.

"I'll take great care of Absol, I promise," he said before smiling down at his new friend. "She's one of us now."

(Hall of Origin)

Unlike his usual solitude, Arceus found himself in the company of another being in the Hall of Origin. As Mewtwo floated next to his side, they watched through the table a scene of Ash in the Pokemon Center petting Absol, the decision to keep her having finally been decided. It was a sweet scene, seeing a pokemon who's known nothing but abuse and neglect finally getting the love she deserved. It pained Arceus to put one of his children into such a position, but if it meant defeating Ash's darkening aura in the long run, it would be worth it in the end.

They turned their attention from the table to Ash's orb, the blue of his light side and the black from his dark side were at odds with one another. The black had grown exponentially, but the blue was still leading. The margin was small, but it was winning nonetheless.

"His aura…" Arceus trailed off, worry etched in his tone. "He wasn't supposed to unlock that ability yet, and now he's used it to harm someone out of anger. This was just a small taste, there's no telling what could happen if he gets furious… something must be done, and quickly."

"My idea still stands, milord. Appeal to the Chosen One's desires, now before it's too lat. I mean, you don't have much of a choice, do you?" Mewtwo smiled sweetly, taking great joy in forcing god to concede and accept her idea. What else could he do? There was nothing, Mewtwo knew it, and deep down she knew Arceus did as well.

"As much as I hate to admit it, you may be right… something must be done, and your idea is the only one I have," Arceus sighed, his eyes glowing a bright blue for several seconds, unaware of or perhaps ignoring Mewtwo's widening grin. "There, it has been done. Once the Chosen One has better control and practices using his aura, the power will reveal itself. I hope you're correct about this, Mewtwo."

"So with the power unlocked at last, there's a chance the Chosen One will use it by accident. Surely he will be unaware of what is happening and why, and perhaps will panic. Perhaps someone should be with him, a traveling companion, a guide into his new world that will soon unfold for him," she hummed in thought, trying to decide who on earth could take on such a task. "It'll have to be someone who knows the Chosen One well, someone he trusts from his coma dream, someone who isn't busy protecting their region, or space and time, or anything important like that."

"I see what you're doing Mewtwo, and again I hate to admit this, but you're correct. Someone must be there to explain what is happening to the Chosen One when the time comes… you shall have to be that someone," he said, already regretting this. "But first, we must discuss the ground—"

He turned, blinking upon seeing that he was alone yet again. The psychic type was too excited and teleported away to ready herself before he could utter a single ground rule. He turned back and stared at Ash's orb, hoping this idea of Mewtwo's would work.

As the journey continues!

How the hell has it been 3 days since the last chaper? Feels like I just updated yesterday lol.

Anyhow, copy and paste message before authors notes 3

gofund .me /092671e9

Yup that's correct, that's a Go Fund Me campaign I've started for myself, and partially why it took so long to update this. My brother has gotten mixed up with bad people and owes them money, so he decided to steal some shit from me and give it to them to make up for it. One of those things being the laptop I use for college and fanfiction, I managed to get it back but the rest of my stuff is still missing: a Meta Quest 2 VR Headset, Nintendo Switch, Pokemon Scarlet, and a 128 GB SD Card for my Switch. I'm currently trying to raise the money so I can buy new versions of these items, as the police aren't too confident about finding my originals stuff. If any of you can donate or even share my link, I'd appreciate it. Worse comes to worse I'll take fanfiction commissions, meaning you pay me and I'll try writing just about anything you want.

Author Notes

Boom! Chapter 5 down. Ash's joruney is in hold until Absol gets better, but I wonder how long that'll take? (insert thinking emoji)

Hope y'all enjoyed. This was a nice chapter to write, and you can slowly see Ash's new feelings form and start coming out. Very cool imo.

Absol! Yes, Absol is now part of the team, just like in the original fic :)

Idk what else to say lmao.

Leave comments and suggestions about what, or who, you'd like to see. Especially Pokemon. Someone suggested a male Espeon and I loved it! As a reminder Ash will be a giver, not a receiver when it comes to sex.

See ya in chapter 6 :)