AN: So far this is doing okay. Let's hope we can get more viewers and reviews. Also note. I know it's Aura Guardians in canon but I find Aura Knights to be cooler.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon
Dialogue Guide:
"This is normal speech"
This is a person thinking in their head
This is someone speaking telepathically or with Aura
("Pokemon Speak")
("Legendary Pokemon Speak")
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon
Professor Samuel Oak believed he would never sleep again after tonight. The doctors had managed to stabilize Ash for now, but he was not out of the danger zone yet. They had managed to prevent him from perishing outright thanks to numerous uses of Heal Pulse , but to give him the best chance of survival they placed him inside an advanced medical tank that was made of the same healing liquid used for Full Restores. Given permission to see him, Samuel could only watch with pained anxiety the sight of Ash's broken body, floating almost lifelessly within the tank wearing nothing but a pair of boxers and an oxygen mask strapped to his mouth. He didn't allow himself to weep, not while Delia sobbed next to him watching her son who was deep in a medically induced coma, unsure when he would wake up.
If he would ever wake up. There was a chance that his body could fail due to the internal damage he had taken, and even then there was a risk of being in a permanent coma due to the brain damage.
The damage in Ash's nervous system was so horrendous, they didn't know how much it would affect him, mentally or physically, in the years to come but it was clear that Ash's normal life was all but over. He will never be a Pokemon Trainer and would need special care for the rest of his life. Delia was devastated and barely reacted to anything as she sat down in the waiting room, looking as if her world had ended. Samuel vowed that he would make sure that Ash would be taken care of for as long as he lived, expenses be damned.
And yet, still none of it would be enough to make up for his mistake of offering him the Pikachu. His thoughts grew dark imagining he might not get that chance if Ash were to pass away. He shook those thoughts as he turned away to the rest of the group in the room.
The Pokemon were just as distraught. Sorrin's scowl had the look of murder, both from seeing his late master's son's condition and from the news he received from his returning flock members of their quarry, to which he promptly made his leave. Translating, Yoshi explained (written down of course) that his flock had been attacked by Spearow while hunting for the Pikachu, hence his exit. But not before leaving his First Mate and daughter to know of Ash's fate, for better or for worse. Most notable of the group was the Absol who looked the most devastated other than Delia. He held a paw on the tank, guilt and shame clear on his face.
Contrary to the uninformed and the ignorant, Samuel knows quite well of the Absols' true nature; predicting disasters and preventing the harm of others from said predictions rather than being the cause of catastrophes. If his mannerisms were anything to go by, Samuel had no doubt that his failure to rescue Ash sooner weighed heavily on him. While he did save his life, he could not spare Ash from his current condition. It was almost as bad as death itself in a way.
Eventually, Samuel left the hospital to make two phone calls. The first was to the Pokemon Rangers to alert them about the Pikachu. Most Rogue Pokemon that turn on their trainers (the few they are) often go out of their way to do untold damage, especially against isolated trainers and communities, which would label them as an extreme threat and would most likely be targeted for termination if need be. A knot formed in his stomach just thinking of the same Pikachu he remembered in his childhood being put down like a rabid animal. However, Samuel shook off those thoughts after returning to the present situation. Regardless of what went wrong, Pikachu had attacked and nearly killed Ash. It's hatred for humans was out of control and other lives would be in danger. It had to be stopped.
And if the rangers didn't find him first, Samuel would gather his full team and hunt that rodent himself.
His second phone call was to someone he knew would want to be here.
His grandson.
Gary knew he was going to have a great start to his Pokemon Journey. It was something he had trained all his life for and prepared for his big moment. Surprisingly (but not unexpected), it had gone far better than he could have hoped for. Not only had he managed to capture two Pokemon for his team, but they were already proving themselves to be strong fighters with Hydro, his Squirtle.
Hydro was just as determined to be the best as Gary was and they made a great team by testing themselves out on any wild Pokemon they came across. Hydro was barely winded by the time they made it to Viridian City, but Gary knew better than to push his Pokemon too far. It was also thanks to him that they got their new teammates.
First was Robin, a female Spearow who pretty much attacked Gary within the first six minutes meeting each other halfway across the road by pecking at his car, much to his annoyance since she dented the thing. But she proved herself to be a tough opponent and Gary knew she was a perfect choice for his team. Upon capturing her, he told her of his dream to be a great Pokemon Trainer and Researcher which impressed her enough to salute and join him in his journey.
The second was more of a lucky draw. It wasn't often to see an Eevee out in the wilds since they were so rare and prized as Pokemon but Gary wasn't going to complain about Arceus giving him good luck. Unlike with Robin, Gary found Eevee curious about their lunch but was almost scared away from the accompanying cheerleaders when they gushed about how cute she was. After sharing some of their food, he offered to take care of her and train her to which she nuzzled his hand in affection. Thus his third Pokemon was caught.
All three were strong fighters as indicated from the aftermath of the battle he had with a set of Pokemon Thieves who were dumb enough to try and raid a Pokemon Center head on. He admitted he was a bit worried when he heard that they were from the notorious Team Rocket (if their explosive introduction was anything to go by). They even had a talking Meowth for crying out loud! Thankfully, he wasn't alone in taking them down. Of all the people he ran into, he didn't expect to run into the youngest Cerulean Gym sister, Misty Waterflower, when he entered the Center. Apparently some wild Pikachu had attacked her when she got too close admiring it. She was fine thankfully, but her bike got completely totaled and she had to hike it all the rest of the way.
Too bad that Gary passed her earlier since he would have been more than happy to offer her a lift. Who knows, maybe he could even get her phone number. She was cute after all. Yeah, he had a bunch of fangirls following him, but they were mostly just for show.
He, Misty, and Nurse Joy had worked together to stop the thieves (his cheerleaders cheering him all the way) just in time for the police to arrive and arrest them. Officer Jenny thanked him and promised to put in a good word for him to her sister in Pewter City.
"Ah, a pretty great and exciting day for my first day as a Pokemon Trainer," Gary said as he rested on his bed with all three of his healed Pokemon inside their Pokeballs next to his desk. "I should train my team a bit before we hit Pewter. Hydro can probably take care of both of Brock's Pokemon, but I should see if I can teach Robin Steel Wing and Eevee Swift . Huh, I still haven't given her a name yet. I'll figure that out in the morning."
He then wondered how the other trainers were doing. He was so far ahead of Chase and Emma that he was betting they just got to Viridian by now. But what about Ash? I wonder if he's still on his way and if he's managed to capture any Pokemon yet. Well he better. I hate to have my rival not only start late in getting up but start late in everything else.
Suddenly his phone rang and he checked it out to see that it was his grandpa calling him. Probably to check up on me.
Answering the call, Gary said, "Hey, Gramps. Glad you called. Listen, you won't believe the day I had-"
"Gary..." The young trainer paused upon hearing the tone in his grandfather's voice and felt that something was wrong. "Something's happened..."
Ten minutes later Gary ran to his car, without his cheerleaders, and drove as fast as he could back to Pallet Town.
Despite finding everything around him to be alien and unknown, Azrael's entire focus was on Ash. He was lost on most of what the healer (what was called a "doctor" according to the Dragonite) was talking about but at least he understood that the human from his nightmares was still in serious condition. Even if he survived, there was a high chance he might never walk or even respond to the world in a similar manner. In the wilds, a Pokemon in such conditions will not survive long and is more often preyed upon by predators or given a merciful death by their peers to spare them the pain. The Humans it seems wouldn't do such things, they kept on fighting until the very end, ensuring that Ash continues to survive even as Yveltal's wings curled around him.
He wanted to believe that Ash was still fighting to survive, to wake up, to walk and talk again. Sure, he knew very little about the human whose life he saved from that Pikachu, but when you dream of nothing but nightmares of him for months you cannot help but feel a connection.
Despite the brief moment Azrael met Ash, the boy became the most important being in his life. And seeing how many humans and Pokemon were mourning or praying for his recovery speaks well of how much he meant to so many, further cementing his sentiments. This one human who haunted his dreams. He wanted to know more about him. What made him so important. And yet now he might be denied forever because he was too late to properly save him. The situation was all too familiar. His thoughts returned to the memories when Sigil died. He remembered his youngest brother got weaker and weaker with nothing their mother did to help him. His passing shook them all and Azrael wept for the loss of his younger brother, but he vowed he would do everything in his power to prevent such a tragedy again.
Yet I failed, didn't I? Absol thought bitterly. All my training and I am still too weak to protect others.
He, along with the Pidgey named Skye who rested on his head, watched Ash through the strange glass container that was filled with a light green and blue liquid that was, according to the Dragonite, slowly healing Ash's body. It fascinated Azrael to think that humans had invented such a thing, but his mother always did say that they were smart.
("You think he'll be okay?" ) Skye asked from atop his head. Her tone was dreary and she looked ready to cry at any moment for the human who protected her.
("Yes,") Azrael whispered as he focused on Ash's blistered face. ("He will be. He's strong. I can sense it.")
Sighing, Skye lowered her head in shame. ("It's my fault. I let him get shocked for so long because I was still recovering from that blow and I couldn't even believe what I was seeing. I was even scared despite Ash going through all that suffering and pain. I should have acted sooner. I should have stopped that Pikachu before he went too far.")
("It's not your fault,") Azrael whispered as he closed his eyes. ("I dreamed about Ash's possible demise for months but I never acted on it until recently. I should have bolted to save him long ago, but I hesitated despite feeling the call. If I had come just five minutes sooner he might not be in such a terrible state.")
("I guess we both share some of the blame,") Skye pointed out before rustling her feathers. ("But really, if anyone is at fault for all this it's that Pikachu.")
Yes, Azrael thought with a snarl as his teeth began to grit. Regardless of Ash's fate I swear that I will find him one day and kill him like the animal he is.
The door opened and the Dragonite, Yoshi, appeared before them. ("It's late. You guys should come to Samuel's ranch to rest.")
("I don't want to leave Ash,") Azrael insisted.
("Me either,") Skye seconded.
("Ash will be here in the morning, but we all need sleep,") Yoshi urged as he motioned them to follow. ( "Don't worry, some rest will do you both good. Skye, your flock is staying with us. Some of them got wounded in the fight against the Spearows and we're helping them heal.")
("I hope they gave them a good beating,") Skye muttered as she flew off and went past the door.
Azrael was about to follow when he paused and looked up at the big orange dragon. ("Will Ash get better?")
Yoshi was silent for a bit before he sighed. ("I do not know. But if Ash is to get better he's going to need a miracle.")
The two soon left the room, not knowing that there was a figure inside with them the whole time just waiting to act. Mew turned off her invisibility and giggled. Well, ask and ye shall receive. You want a miracle? You got a miracle! Mew the Miracle Pokemon is here to save the day! Huh, that sounds nice actually. I need to see if I can make that one of my titles.
Mew floated over to the healing tank. Her eyes and heart soften as she let out a tiny whimper upon seeing just how badly Ash really was. Marshadow's descriptions were bad enough to make her wince upon hearing them, but seeing it for herself…
She shook her head. He's just a kid. He shouldn't have to suffer like this.
Closing her eyes, Mew used her psychic powers to get a sense of Ash's condition. Her insides twisted when she felt how bad of a state he was in. Damn, Ash is lucky. Any more damage and he would have been a goner. His own Aura is keeping him alive and he's sacrificing a lot of it. Kid's got big pools of it, but the damage done to his body really shrank it down. Looks like he can still use it, but only in a limited capacity.
It was a shame too. Humans gifted with the use of Aura had always been rare. Everyone knew about the reputation of the Aura Knights, some of the finest humans that Mew had ever known. She had been there when it was first formed, and supported the legendary order even to this day despite it being a smaller fraction of what it used to be so long ago. Still, all regions respected the Aura Knights and everyone knew about the Legend of Sir Aaron, said to be the greatest of them all. Mew had many Chosen in her life, but Sir Aaron was always her favorite. Too bad he and Lucian died all those years ago. I bet they would have taken Ash as an apprentice in a heartbeat. Especially since their...Aura is...wait...
Mew's eyes widened as she focused her power more and began to observe every part of Ash's body inside and outside with her senses. When she was done, she gasped upon realizing that Ash's Aura was somewhat similar to Sir Aaron's. In fact, it was too similar. Combined with familiar touches and senses of his DNA and blood, Mew could definitely say that Sir Aaron was Ash's descendant.
But how? Sir Aaron didn't have any kids! Maybe someone from his family before he became a Knight? Then again, he rarely ever talked about it, Mew thought to herself as a more personal reason for saving Ash was now presented to her. Sir Aaron had been Mew's favorite Chosen and her most "go to" out of all them. There was always a part of Mew that regretted never saving Sir Aaron from his sacrifice to the Tree of Beginnings, but she would be damned if she ever let his descendant face a similar fate.
I better start the bonding process now so that he can leach onto my energy to help him with recovery. It should also stabilize him enough so that my power can work better when I heal him. I wonder what unique trait he'll get though, Mew thought as she concentrated. All Chosen, when bonded to a Legendary, gained a specific trait unique to them and no other. It wasn't something like super strength or super speed or anything that allowed the use of Pokemon moves despite some rumors. For Sir Aaron, he had gained the ability to sense danger better than any other normal human. Even to a point of sensing danger before it happened. If not for the fact that he had Lucian as a partner, you'd think he was the type that would pair up with an Absol.
Mew closed her eyes and slowly spread her Aura out like that of a small tree branch, extending itself through the air and into the glass where it slowly pressed through as though there was no barrier at all. It made its way towards Ash's heart and hesitated as she sensed his own Aura detect it like an invasive form of energy similar yet different to its own. It hesitated to trust it, but upon sensing it had no ill intentions it calmed down. Mew made sure to send out her emotions through the Aura chain that had started to form, assurances of calm, kindness, and a desire to help the troubled child before her. Ash's Aura was alerted again but of interest. It took a few moments for it to fully accept this feeling.
She then sent the image of their Aura's joining as one, becoming bonded in an invisible spectrum of unity. Mew assured the human's Aura that there would be benefits and a promise to heal the broken body it retained itself in. Sensing no deceit it accepted the decision with haste and expanded it's form into that of a branch similar to Mew's. The two Aura chains soon united and in an instant there was a glowing bright light on both Mew and Ash. His body began to tingle a bit, but showed no other movement as Mew's Aura mixed with his own, creating a small colorful light show as the branches became one and linked the two soul to soul.
Mew could feel every emotion of Ash's mind and heart in that moment and knew she had picked the right Chosen. The courage that roared like a fire and the determination of a storm. There was fear, sorrow, and pain mixed in with that but Mew resisted being overwhelmed by it and focused on the positives. No doubt she would need to do a lot to help him overcome this trauma.
Within a few moments, the deed was done. The link faded away but remained between them invisibly. Their Aura's were now bonded and Ash Ketchum was officially Mew's newest Chosen. Already, his new Aura was working to heal the damage done to his body thanks to being revitalized with the Legendary's energy. Now it was time for Mew to do her part.
Let's make a miracle! Mew thought as she charged up a Legendary powered Heal Pulse.
"...Doctor... Doctor!"
"Hmm?"
"Ash Ketchum's vitals!"
"Oh, no. Are they dropping?!"
"No! They...they're showing...all green!"
"...What?!"
"See for yourself! His vitals just suddenly became all clear! It's almost as if he was never injured at all!"
When Samuel Oak got the call from the hospital about Ash's condition he feared the worst and that Ash's body failed him, but instead he woke up to the most unexpected and yet joyful news.
Ash had been fully healed.
Every wound, muscle damage, nervous system injury and more was gone as if it never happened. His hair was fully grown, his skin a healthy pink, and his organs were no longer at risk of failure. Everything about him was as good as could be. It was almost as if the attacks from that insane Pikachu never happened. When he and Delia arrived, they cried with joy upon seeing Ash on a hospital bed, sleeping peacefully. Delia had all but cradled Ash's arm, sobbing into it and thanking Arceus that her baby boy was going to live.
Dr. Yuzuhara said it was like nothing he had ever seen before. It was as if Ash had been healed from all the damage his Pikachu had done in less than an hour, but they couldn't figure out what caused it. The system monitoring Ash only showed his heart and brain activity spiking for a short time before all his vitals suddenly skyrocketed into perfect health.
Ash was still unconscious and many were unsure when he was going to wake up. While he will still need to undergo physical therapy at least now it wouldn't be as intense or as lengthy so long as he followed a proper workout and good diet to re-energize his body to normal shape. There was even better news to hear. Ash was not only going to live, but he could continue his old life as before after some proper treatment to help him physically and mentally with what he had to deal with.
Everyone, especially the Pokemon both at the Hospital and the Lab, were happy to hear that Ash was going to be okay. When morning came, practically the entire town had come to the hospital to give their best wishes and sympathies to Delia and leave cards or flowers for Ash. All while under the watchful eye of Sorrin and his flock who had taken protective details around the hospital. According to Yoshi, Sorrin was not going to let Ash out of his sight until he knew he was going to be alright and was vowing to be there for him.
The flock wasn't the only one keeping an eye on Ash, the Absol that had saved Ash's life never once strayed from his side. He sat on the bed like that of a guard dog, watching over Ash with a careful gaze, observing everyone who entered cautiously, judging them to see if they meant harm or not. He was mostly at ease with Samuel, Delia, Mimey, Yoshi, Sorrin, Sorrin's daughter, and Dr. Yuzuhara, but everyone else he was cautious with. Even the Chasey's got a glare or two.
It surprised Samuel that this Absol was still here. Normally, when an Absol had finished helping prevent the disaster they had sense, they left the area quickly. This one on the other hand remained by Ash's side and showed no interest in leaving. Was it because there might be some other danger they had yet to foresee or did it want to ensure that Ash was safe? Whatever the reason, the Disaster Pokemon had bonded with Ash and Delia was more than happy to let it stay, even go so far as to pet it and give it some food she had made which it happily accepted. If Ash was lucky, he would wake up with a new Pokemon as a partner. One that was far better than the Pikachu Samuel had given him.
Speaking of which, the first chance Samuel had gotten he excused himself to hurry to a private spot outside of Pallet Town to summon an old friend. When he was sure that there was nobody around, human or Pokemon, he pulled out a glowing leaf necklace given to him by Celebi after his time traveling adventure so long ago. He had been told by Celebi that she picked him to be his Chosen and gifted him with a special leaf to use to call upon her whenever Samuel needed her. She told him that his role was to prepare Ash Ketchum for his greater destiny in life and if he was unsure about anything he should summon her. He had only done so a few times since then, though he'd hope not to rely on her power as much as possible. Celebi has explained how dangerous time travel could be and that maintaining the timeline as stable as possible was part of her job with the Legendary Dialga.
Focusing his Aura, Professor Oak closed his eyes and put what little energy he had into the leaf necklace. It glowed a light bluish-green color before the sound of the wind rushing in the air echoed around him. A small bright blue portal opened up not long after. Floating out of it, buzzing in the air was Celebi, who descended down to Samuel and smiled warmly upon seeing him.
Hello, Sammy, Celebi greeted in his mind using Telepathy. It's been awhile for you. Hasn't it?
"Twelve years," Samuel answered as he smiled at his old friend. "Which version of Celebi are you? How far into the future?"
Celebi frowned and shook her head. I'm afraid that, technically, I am your Celebi and yet no longer your Celebi, Sammy.
"Celebi?" Samuel was confused and blinked as he tried to understand what she was saying.
Celebi gave a heartfelt sigh, Sammy, I am sorry but this will be the last time you or at least this timeline of you, will ever see me again.
Samuel felt his breath nearly leave his lungs upon hearing this. Never see Celebi again? Or this Celebi again? What did that mean?
No doubt you already noticed that the timeline has changed. I'm afraid you are no longer part of the Prime Timeline or any of the normal alternate timelines that occur when such changes happen, Celebi explained with a serious tone. You and everyone else are now in a new alternate time, one never seen before. One that has started changing into events that were not meant to be, and yet several key events will still take place.
"...How did this happen?" Samuel asked as he felt nearly ready to faint. He had only so much knowledge of the future, but not all of it. Just enough to help him prepare Ash for his Pokemon Journey since he knew he would be important.
I'm afraid I cannot tell you. Spoilers, Celebi sheepishly answered. The new version of myself in this timeline doesn't not know either. Not for a very long time I suspect. Let's just say that even the smallest of choices really do have the biggest impact on us all.
"Then," Samuel took a deep breath and pinched his nose while trying to figure out something that was bothering him, "if we are in a new timeline, why do I remember the old one? Do I even meet this new Celebi?"
No, I'm afraid that due to the changes you will never meet the new Celebi that was formed in this new timeline. You will never travel back in time and Ash will never meet you at a young age, Celebi answered, As for how you remember it, you are my Chosen. Your mind was protected by the changes of the timeline so your memories of what was supposed to happen still remain. That is a common power all my Chosen have. Don't think too hard about how it's possible to have two sets of memories. One thing that is in all the timelines of our worlds is your existence and impact on it. You are one of the few beings who always appears one way or another.
Samuel had so many questions but he knew it was pointless to ask them at this point. Chances were Celebi could never answer them and even if she did most of it would probably fly over his head. However, one question he had to answer as it brought a pain to his heart to think this. "Will I...really never see you again?"
Celebi gave a sad smile and slowly nuzzled her cheek against his. I'm sorry, Sammy. I wish I could stay, but I cannot. I'm already risking a lot by being in this timeline to talk to you, but I felt I had a duty as your bonded Legendary to tell you what has happened. Know this, Sammy. Even if you and I are apart, our bond will always exist in our hearts. I am so proud of the man you became after our first meeting. You helped save my life and my future with Ash, and I'll always be grateful to you both. I'm sorry that this is our last goodbye, but I will always treasure the time we had.
"I as well," Samuel whispered as he slowly hugged his old friend and shed a few tears. He soon released her and a portal of time opened before them. "Farewell, Celebi."
Farewell, Sammy. I know that you will do well in this new timeline. Just do what you can for Ash. He will need all the support he can get both now and in the trials he will face in the future, Celebi said as she turned around and fled into the portal before it disappeared in a blink.
Samuel slowly looked at his leaf necklace to see it slowly wither away into dust before its ashes faded into the wind. Sighing, Samuel shed a tear before turning around and walked towards Pallet Town with a very heavy weight of sorrow on his shoulders.
Along with a new regret he would carry forever more.
Azrael was not one to believe in miracles but the proof before him was enough to make him reconsider his beliefs. He had seen Ash's burned, broken, and ruined body all the way to their journey to Pallet Town. He honestly believed that it was taking Ash's body all of its will power to live on. The doctor had made it clear that, despite their best efforts, Ash was still in danger of losing his life, that it all depended on what happened the next few days. Azrael rarely ever prayed to Arceus ever since his little brother died because prayers didn't save him, but he would admit since entering the hospital that he was praying harder than he ever did before. He didn't know why he cared about this one human so much, despite him haunting his dreams for so long. Maybe a bond was built in that moment they finally met? Maybe it was destiny? Or maybe Azrael's heart was so moved by the human's suffering he couldn't part from him?
Whatever the case, Azrael wanted Ash to live and vowed he would be forever by his side no matter what.
His prayers were heard when the human in a white cloak (that was called a Lab Coat according to Yoshi) alerted them that Ash had been healed. Fully and completely healed as if there was no damage to him at all. Azrael led the group all the way with hope in his heart and relief upon seeing Ash's injuries all gone as though nothing had happened. The only one more relieved than him was Ash's mother. His thoughts came back to his own mother and his older brother who he left behind in Sinnoh. It hurt knowing he would never see them again, such was the way of the Absol, but he knew with certainty that his place was here.
He guarded Ash, along with Skye, and the two of them made sure that he was safe and sound from all visitors. It amazed him how many humans and some of their Pokemon (even those from the lab) had come to visit and leave behind gifts for the boy. Knowing how cherished he was by so many people made him wish he could have brought that Pikachu back dead or alive to answer for what he's done.
For now however, Azrael put the Pikachu away from his mind. Sorrin admitted that his flock failed to get him due to interference from the Spearow and their Fearow boss in the area. It doesn't matter in the end, karma will catch up to that Pikachu someday.
Right now, all Azrael wanted was to see Ash open his eyes.
"(When do you think he'll wake up?)" Skye asked, perched over the bed of their human charge.
"(I do not know, but I will not leave until he does,)" Azrael vowed, to which Skye nodded in agreement. She too refused to leave even after her mother tried to convince her that she's done enough. Fortunately, Sorrin managed to reassure his mate that it would be best to let their daughter stay.
"(When he does wake up, I'm going to be his Pokemon,)" Skye vowed with determination, "(He saved my life and was kind to me. No matter what happens, I'm going to make him one of the greatest trainers in the world.)"
Azrael nodded. He already consigned his fate to stay with Ash, so he would let him decide if he wished to make him his Pokemon.
"...Hm..."
Their eyes widened as they both shared a look before turning at Ash's twitching lips. "(Did he just…)"
Slowly, Ash's eyes began to open as he let out a tired moan.
"(He's awake! He's awake!") Skye chirped excitedly as she flew around the room.
Ash slowly moved his head and turned right before slowly opening his eyes where Azrael was staring at him a mere feet away. Brown eyes met red eyes and in an instant there was a spark between them. Both felt something in their hearts that they were meant to see each other.
"Who...are you...?" Ash whispered, his voice all hazy and rough. "Where...am I?"
"(I'm Azrael. I saved you from that Pikachu. We're in the hospital in your hometown,)" Azrael answered before giving a warm smile, a rare thing in an Absol, to the young boy. "(It's...great to finally meet you, Ash.)"
Skye soon landed on Azrael's horn and cheerfully chirped. "(I'm Skye! I'm glad to meet you as well! Thanks for saving me!)"
"Azrael...Skye..." Ash whispered as he slowly got up and shook his head a bit. "I feel so weird..."
"(Do you remember what happened?)" Azrael asked.
"Pikachu...he...he almost..." Memories flooded Ash as he began to shiver and looked forward with horror in his eyes. Azrael was immediately by his side at once, nuzzling his hand while Skye leaped onto his shoulder to nuzzle his cheek. Slowly, Ash calmed down and began to look at them with wide eyes.
"(Don't think about it. Just relax. You are safe and he'll never hurt you again,)" Azrael said as he looked up at Ash. "(You mother, that professor person, and so many others will be happy to see you up and well.)"
"Mom...I must have made her worried like crazy, huh?" Ash chuckled lightly before rubbing his forehead. "Some first day as a Pokemon Trainer..."
"(Don't worry, Ash. We're here with you!)" Skye chirped while giving his ear a friendly peck.
"Thank you, Skye. And you Azrael. For saving my life."
"(It was not a problem, I...hold on…)" Azrael froze before slowly looking at Ash. "(Do...you...Do you understand me?!)"
"(And me?!)" Skye shouted in shock, realizing what was happening.
Ash froze in place as his eyes widened and he realized something. "I...I understood you...both..."
There was a long silence between the three of them until Skye bursted out what they were all thinking.
("WHAT IN THE WHAT?!")
Hidden in the room, invisible to all, a certain Legendary was silently laughing her tail off at what her Chosen had been given by their bond.
