Chapter 57: Lookin' For Love
The next morning, Ash received a call from Goh who had been away for Project Mew. After a quick breakfast with Dawn and Chloe, Ash and Pikachu once again bade farewell to their former traveling partners to meet up with him. As they said their goodbyes, Pikachu and Buneary exchanged nervous glances, equally embarrassed about what had transpired last night. When it came time to go, they smiled and gave each other a hug, each whispering good luck to the other on their upcoming adventures.
With that, Ash and Pikachu departed back to Pallet Town. Upon arriving to Professor Oak's laboratory, the two were given a hero's welcome by all of Ash's previous Pokémon. There, Professor Oak and Delia congratulated them on their achievement, noting how far the two have come since their first day together.
As was typical for the duo, they didn't spend too much time at home before leaving, this time to meet up with Goh. After even more crazy shenanigans, and a bit of an emotional tiff, they were saying goodbye to him as well, wishing him well on his future endeavors. The two continued to travel for a bit longer, having lost track of time because now they had no particular destination in mind. No gyms, no league...just them traveling.
On and on.
The journey just never ends.
"AAHH! Magikarp!" Ash screamed as he jumped up from the river he had fallen into. When he landed upon the shore in front of Pikachu, several of the fish Pokémon were clamped onto his behind.
Completely at a loss for words, the mouse slapped his paws over his mouth in a desperate attempt to stop himself from laughing himself into a coma.
...It didn't work.
He unlocked his chest and fell over in a giggling mess, slapping the ground as he did. Immediately, tears were forming despite the mouse's best attempts to squeeze his eyes shut.
"Pikachu! Stop!" Ash begged with a bead of sweat on the side of his head. "Don't just lie there laughing!"
Finally allowing himself to catch his breath, Pikachu's face turned determined and he shot out a mild Thunderbolt which enveloped Ash and the pesky magikarp. Each of the fish gasped in surprise before detaching from the trainer and flopping back into the river.
Utterly proud, Pikachu gave his trainer a rather cocky grin as he closed his eyes and put his paws on his hips. "(What would you do without me?)" He chuckled.
"Thanks buddy." Ash quietly remarked with a weak smile, his body covered in soot.
This was the life. Them together, traveling the land and getting into shenanigans. What more could a guy ask for? He was completely satisfied! Absolutely!
Truly...!
...
...Well...if he was being honest with himself...
While Pikachu was smiling, glad to be on another journey...something was a bit...off.
Now to be fair, every time he smiled, he was being genuine. Plus, he was rather happy with how things have turned out so far. Being the first Alola champions, then becoming the World Champions...it was something to be incredibly proud of...and he was!
But...there was something...missing. It was as if he had forgotten something incredibly important and because of that, it was putting a slight damper on things for him. Granted, it didn't ruin any of the incredible experiences then or now but over time, it was becoming more and more noticeable.
Ever since they had won the title, they had remained undefeated. Well, at least when it came to him and Ash battling...the mouse couldn't say the same for the boy's other Pokémon.
Was that it? Was it being on top and being the very best what was causing this strange, almost empty feeling deep down? That can't be true, they hadn't been champions for very long after all. Was it the lack of direction? No particular gym or league to look forward to? Well, that wasn't exactly true either. They've been on plenty of misadventures and had gotten sidetracked for weeks before without so much as thinking about that stuff.
So what was it...?
As Pikachu watched Ash start to get up and dust himself off, he smiled again.
Well in any case, it was probably just the uncertainty of starting a new, aimless journey.
...Right?
Time passed and traveling for the two champions went on as it always did. They came across both old and new faces, helping people and Pokémon alike. Soon after, Misty and Brock accompanied them and for a while it felt like old times! Yup, there was nothing more fulfilling than doing this. And they had only more to look forward to!
Yeah.
Eventually, Misty and Brock parted ways and the two once again went on without any destination in mind.
The days turned into weeks and then into months. Ash Ketchum remained officially undefeated...at least when it came to a serious battle anyway. It was a bit unfair to declare that when he was in the middle of training Pokémon who were new to battling after all. In any other case, when a more experienced member of his party was used, especially Pikachu, it was always game over for their opponent.
From Kanto to Hoenn to Unova...the fun just never ceased.
For Pikachu however, unbeknownst to anyone, that strange empty feeling only persisted. In fact at times, it only began to grow.
As the champions went off on their own journeys, Pikachu and Buneary still remained in contact, almost always by phone or video. Occasionally, the two would meet face-to-face but those times never really lasted long before they had to hit the road again. Not to mention...things weren't exactly the same as they had been when they first separated in Sinnoh. Back then, the two had always called each other whenever they had the chance, usually from a Pokémon Center. After their special night in Galar, the two tried their best to keep in steady touch afterwards and for a while, they did.
But as one party went off on their own with no destination in mind and the other was hard at work both in the contest and modeling worlds, the flood of calls to each other began to trickle. Then, they became scarce altogether. And while the two lovers never ignored or forgot each other, their paths had fully diverged.
It was around a year after Ash Ketchum's supreme victory when Dawn found herself in the Hoenn region both for another photoshoot for Buneary and to compete in a rather special contest. As it so happened, both events were to take place in Lilycove City.
With the money coming in from Buneary's flourishing career, the bluenette's party could have easily just chartered a plane yet after much time had passed of constantly doing modeling gigs, staying in fancy hotels and shopping in big cities...well...sometimes it was best for a coordinator to get back on the road and start an actual journey, even if it was a much shorter one than usual.
It was worth breaking up the pace of things, not to mention that just thinking about it evoked a feeling of nostalgia for the entire group. Something to remind them of the good old days.
In actuality, it was Buneary who had brought up the idea of taking on a quick journey through the Hoenn region rather than just going straight to their destination.
And while the bunny somewhat yearned for reliving what it felt like to be back on the road, unbeknownst to the rest of her group, Buneary - if she was being honest with herself - had started to grow weary of the constant work. Oh sure, it was everything she expected and more and she was so grateful that she was in the position that she had found herself in! But...something was sort...missing. As if some aspect of whatever she was doing or attempting felt a tad...hollow...incomplete even.
It started not long after leaving Galar and it persisted no matter how important a job was or how far they had progressed in contests. It sort of felt...less important somehow. Of course, she still loved modeling and contests, she seemed to be born for such careers yet...something was off.
Eventually, with a few words of encouragement from Buneary and Piplup, the gang found themselves traversing the Hoenn region on foot.
The journey would be rather simple: start in Rustboro City and head east to Lilycove City. They would even make sure to take routes that went off into the wilderness to really get the full experience.
Still, despite the fact that they looked like any regular group going on a normal journey, that didn't stop a fan or two from recognizing Dawn and Buneary and asking them for an autograph.
The bunny's success never faltered since leaving Galar, all three of her shoots having received widespread acclaim. In fact, the work she had done for the Sinnoh renaissance edition had led to record sales for Poké Chic. This, coupled with the fact that Buneary was starting to participate in contests with Dawn again, only put more of the spotlight on her.
Yes indeed, the bunny's career was only going up with no sign of slowing down!
And that of course meant that with her newfound fame, the rabbit often found herself in the crosshairs of several suitors who vied for her attention. Some were even bold enough to ask her out the first chance they got! Thankfully, Buneary's modeling agent, along with Hermione, warned her against such attention as it was often either superficial or in the pursuit of their own fame. In a way, trying to date someone after becoming popular was even more difficult than it had ever been before!
Still, that didn't stop the bunny from eventually finding someone that genuinely cared for who she was.
He was a nickit from the Galar region whose name was Cortez. The fox with fiery fur and his trainer Richard had stumbled across Dawn's group in the middle of the wilderness about two weeks after leaving Rustboro City.
After a brief mishap where the two crews had to stop an opposing gang of sevipers and zangeese from going to war and tearing apart Lavaridge Town, they then decided to travel together.
As it turned out, Richard's trajected journeys had aligned quite well with both Dawn's and Buneary's future plans. He was an interesting fellow, at thirteen years old and having dabbled in both battles and contests, he was a person who was still deciding things for himself. He figured that his life's journey was only just beginning so he had planned to participate in as many leagues and contests as he could.
By the second week of traveling together, the two parties had managed to save a town, help some baby mudkips find their parents, solve a spooky mystery involving a lighthouse and discovered a secret recipe to making Pokéblocks. By the third week, Richard was already suggesting that he accompany Dawn wherever she went, often expressing admiration for her progress in contests not to mention that her knowing the World Champion sent the older boy over the moon.
Along the way, Buneary had gotten to know Cortez who served as Richard's third catch. The fox's confidence and strong animal magnetism immediately made him an interesting fellow to talk to. This coupled with his genuine care for others, ability to talk his way out of a situation without having to resort to violence and his knowledge in both battling and contests...well...it was only a matter of time.
Around five weeks of traveling together had passed and by the time they had reached the outskirts of Lilycove City, the two had agreed to test the waters.
"(And you're sure this looks alright?)" Buneary asked, checking herself in the mirror for any possible flaws in her appearance.
Standing in the Lilycove City contest hall, the bunny was wearing a slightly dark grey dress with a bow of the same color tied around her uncurled ear.
"(Yes babe. It's fine.)" Cortez chuckled as he too inspected her.
Now hired to promote a new line of clothing from a well-respected retailer, the bunny made sure that there were no wrinkles, stains or any sort of blemishes to be found.
"(Okay good, because it's really important that-)" Buneary muttered, her eyes darting over every inch of her reflection.
Cortez only laughed a little more before he calmly walked up to her. "(I said it's fine Buneary. You look impeccable!)" He said before gently placing a paw on her shoulder as she continued to stare at her reflection. "(Look, just do what you normally do and you'll be fine! You haven't messed up any shoots so far, so clearly it works for you!)"
Buneary gently sighed and nodded her head. "(You're right. Sometimes I just need to hear it.)"
"(Heh, you're welcome.)" Cortez said with a proud smile.
Buneary amusedly rolled her eyes at the Piplup-level confidence being shown to her. In a way, it was sort of attractive to be with someone who displayed such faith in themselves.
She slowly turned to face him and gave a smile. "(Thanks hon~!)" She laughed before moving forward to hug him.
The fox's body stiffened for a moment before he gently hugged her back. Then he quickly took a step away from her.
"(Again, you're welcome but remember babe, no gushy stuff in front of the others.)" He insisted, quickly looking around to see if anyone else had noticed.
Buneary merely looked at him and slightly sagged her shoulders. "(Oh...right. Sorry.)" She awkwardly laughed.
Inwardly, she wanted to sigh. While the fox had often displayed such confidence in himself, when it came to doing something, he often took great pride in how he appeared to others, especially when it wasn't something that he considered manly.
And that included acting soft with anyone, even with someone he was going out with.
A tad frustrated, Buneary silently exhaled out of her nose and she turned to give herself one last inspection.
"(So you said this is gonna be on the front cover of another magazine?)" Cortez asked.
"(Yeah, that's what they say.)" Buneary said, staring at her reflection before gently adjusting the bow wrapped around her ear.
"(Heh, can't wait to see how that turns out.)" Cortez snickered.
"(You'll have to be patient. They told me it could take months before the issue comes out.)" Buneary said, stepping away from the mirror with a confident nod.
"(Months?!)" Cortez exclaimed in disbelief.
"(Yeah, there's a lot of scheduling when it comes to fashion and they want to release my issue during their spring season.)" She said, turning away to face him.
The fox merely stared down at the floor, clearly a tad disappointed. "(Well that's too bad...)"
Buneary giggled and she put one paw up to her mouth. Then she gently patted him on his shoulder. "(You'll just have to be a good boy and wait okay?)"
Cortez rolled his eyes. "(Sure thing...)"
Satisfied, Buneary motioned towards the door. "(Alright, let's get this thing done!)" She declared before she led the way out of the room.
"(Heh, yes ma'am)" He said with a smirk as he followed her.
Around two months later, Ash and Pikachu found themselves in the middle of the Kalos region. Still without a destination, they eventually came across a familiar face.
It was Brooke and his starter vulpix Rhiannon. The two parties had a chance meeting in a café in Lumiose City. The slightly older trainer explained that after Sinnoh, he had gone onwards to several other regions such as Hoenn and Unova though much like Dawn's track record, he had yet to become a contest winner.
And it was here in Kalos where the young coordinator had planned on competing in the first contest festival held in the region.
Naturally as Ash and Brooke caught up, Pikachu and Rhiannon did as well. Through demonstrations of each other's abilities, the Fire-type had exhibited even more impressive techniques than when he had last seen her. Of course, having heard of the mouse's achievement, the girl was practically gushing at the thought of once again traveling with someone "so incredible" in her words.
After each starter had a chance to impress the other with the progress they've made since last seeing each other, the group set out, this time for Brooke to compete in the festival while Ash was more of a spectator.
There on the outskirts of Lumiose City, the two starters began to converse a little more. First it was some passing conversation whilst on their respective trainer's backpacks and then it evolved into the two walking alongside each other, completely immersed in another topic.
By the time they had reached Santalune City, things had already taken a rather interesting turn.
"Rhiannon! Fire Formation!" Brooke commanded, pointing at the vacant training ground. The open space was the perfect place for the starter to perform her latest technique.
Rhiannon bolted forward and let out a Fire Blast. Continuing to run, she dove headfirst into the flames and with that, she began to warp the fire to resemble a massive fox's face.
From the side, Ash and Pikachu watched in awe.
The newly-created face floated in the air for a few moments before Brooke gave another command.
"Alright! Now release!" He shouted.
The fire then dispersed in all directions, and remaining in midair was Rhiannon, the flames dancing all around her, making her appear akin to some sort of mythical creature born in the embers themselves.
The two world champions eagerly clapped as they watched the fire fox gracefully descend and land with a pose.
Then she and Brooke bowed.
Ash stood up, his clapping becoming even more excited. "Yeah! That's what I'm talking about!"
Standing next to him, Pikachu waved his paws in the air. "(That was incredible!)"
Laughing, Rhiannon waved in their direction. "(Thank you! Thank you! You're too kind~!)"
The two World Champions started to rush over. Ash went up to Brooke while Pikachu went to Rhiannon.
And as soon as he did, he nuzzled her cheek.
"(You're getting better by the day!)" He laughed, feeling her hot face pressed against his.
"(Thanks sweetie~!)" She giggled, nuzzling back.
He backed away and got a good look at her beaming face. Though it was hard to notice thanks to her naturally red fur, he could tell she was blushing. Then he made a proud pose.
"(Keep it up, and you'll be a shoo-in to win the festival!)" He declared.
Her blush only darkening, Rhiannon turned away. "(Th-Thanks babe~)"
Off to the side, Ash expressed equal enthusiasm. "Man! I'm pumped to see where you go from here!"
Brooke chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "Thanks. We've been working on that technique way before we got to this region!"
Ash's smile only grew. "No doubt! It looks pretty difficult to pull off!"
Pikachu nodded his head. It really was, given how Rhiannon could control the flames herself...a feat that he still couldn't wrap his head around.
In any case, it was hard not to feel excited!
Rhiannon smirked and gave Pikachu half-lidded eyes. "(And I trust that you'll be cheering me on~?)"
A bit startled by that, Pikachu sweat-dropped as a shade of pink began to take over his face.
"(Uhh...y-yeah of course!)" He nervously said before his confidence began to return. "(You betcha!)"
Rhiannon merely smiled at him.
Months passed of traveling and as was typical for Ash Ketchum, they ended up wandering the region instead of taking a more logical path and it took the group twice as long to reach Coumarine City.
Riding the monorail, the crew looked through the windows and out into the passing world. Doing the same, Pikachu and Rhiannon were pressed up against each other.
"(Woah, look at that...)" Rhiannon muttered in awe, unable to take her eyes off of the blue ocean down below.
The group was heading towards the west part of town and thanks to modern-day technology, they were able to get a good view of the entire city, its rolling green hills and near pearly-white cliffs.
"(I know! It's even more beautiful than I remember!)" Pikachu said with a smile, his eyes going every which way.
Minute after minute passed of the crew taking in the view before they finally turned around to further discuss what the first thing to do was.
The two starters eased up and got into a comfortable position in their seats as they watched their trainers debate on training versus visiting a restaurant.
"Are you really that hungry?" Ash asked. "You sure it can't wait for just a little bit?"
Brooke eyed the boy up and down. "Heh, you're one to talk!" He laughed, causing Ash to chuckle back. Then the coordinator shrugged. "We've been on the road for days; I say we should treat ourselves while we're here!"
Rhiannon suddenly shot her paw out at them. "(I second that!)" She declared with a smile.
Pikachu amusedly rolled his eyes. "(Taking your trainer's side...of course.)"
Rhiannon looked back at him and lightly decked him on the shoulder. "(It's not that!)" She giggled to which Pikachu joined her. "(I'm starving...c'mon, you wouldn't train on an empty stomach would you?)"
Pikachu sighed and looked back out to the passing landscapes. "(No, I guess not. Wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy...)"
"(Then it's settled! Next stop: the nearest café!)" Rhiannon excitedly proclaimed.
"(Okay, but as soon as we're done, I want to get a look at your latest technique 'kay?)" Pikachu said with a smirk.
Rhiannon looked at her boyfriend and then shook her head with a smile. "(Heh, alright. I'm sure Slowpoke would love to show off what he's been practicing.)"
"(I've never seen a slowpoke use Liquidation before. I didn't think they could use their tails for anything other than...uhh...actually what do they use them for?)" Pikachu wondered aloud, looking away in silent contemplation, trying to remember.
"(I dunno...balance maybe? I know it has something to do with them evolving.)" She replied.
They sat in silent contemplation for a bit.
Suddenly, Pikachu's stomach growled and he gave a rather embarrassed look
"(Jeez...)" He muttered to himself, holding his abdomen.
Rhiannon slightly cocked her head to the side. "(Starving are ya?)" She said with a little smile.
"(Yeah...I could eat anything right about now...anything.)" He grumbled.
"(I wonder what we'll get.)" Rhiannon said to herself as she turned away.
Still looking elsewhere, Pikachu suddenly got a rather mischievous thought. Suppressing a rather wicked grin, he merely cocked his head from side to side.
"(Mmm...I'm so hungry, I'm about ready to eat anything! Even another Pokémon!)" He dramatically said, waiting for the fox to turn her head back to him.
"(Huh? What was that?)" She asked, looking at him rather perplexedly.
Pikachu merely gave her a rather jovial smile. "(Yeah...I can just see it now. Fried magikarp...I think I'll order that at the café~)" He dreamily said.
Rhiannon pretended to gasp in horrified shock. "(Pikachu!)" She shouted, clearly trying to sound angry. Then she used her bushy tail to gently thwack him on the back of his head. "(Don't you even dare!)"
Unable to hold it back, Pikachu laughed and his infectious mirth was too much to handle for the fox as she too joined in on the fun.
"(I'm just kidding~!)" He laughed. "(Besides, magikarps are just scales and bones. Trust me, I once saw Meowth break his teeth trying to eat one.)"
"(Tsk...horrible Pikachu...)" Rhiannon giggled whilst shaking her head. "(You're just horrible.)"
They continued to laugh amongst themselves.
Yup, this was the life alright. Traveling with his best friend, seeing the world, having fun each day...
What more was there to-?
Looking over to the side, Pikachu suddenly stopped laughing as something caught his eye only a foot away.
Where each row of seats ended, there was a little container that was filled with reading material, many of which were magazines. Evidently, whoever was sitting nearby was reading one of them as the issue was laid wide open for all to see on a vacant seat.
Pikachu blinked as he immediately noticed a familiar figure in the magazine.
Ambipom.
Curious, Pikachu reached over and picked up the magazine and read over the article featuring her picture.
ULTIMATE PING-PONG CHAMPIONSHIP STARTING NEXT WEEK
Tilting his head a little, Pikachu looked at the title. Then he read over the article. It stated how Galar was hosting the event. Then he read over the list of participants and saw Ambipom's name along with her instructor: O.
He smiled at that. It was absolutely incredible that in only a few short years, someone who was his close friend was already competing for the grand title!
Pikachu's carefully scanned the picture and saw how Ambipom was standing in a group of other contestants. Huh...competition looks pretty stiff. Well in any case, knowing that girl, she'll breeze through it no prob-
The mouse's eyes suddenly widened and his blood ran ice cold upon seeing something else. While the competitors took up the forefront of the picture, several other people and Pokémon were seen in the background. There, way in the back corner...he saw Dawn.
And being held in the bluenette's arms...he saw her.
Instinctively, Pikachu gulped as he saw her face. She was just as beautiful as when he had last seen her. How long has it been now? Let's see...it was before coming to Kalos sooo...two months? Maybe three? It was probably just as long since they had talked at all.
He wondered if she still thought about him or if her life had become so busy that he never even crossed her mind-
"(Friend of yours?)" Rhiannon asked, peeking over Pikachu's shoulder to get a look at the magazine.
Pikachu gave a high-pitched squeal and he flinched, dropping the magazine onto the seat cushion. Unbelievably embarrassed, the mouse's face quickly turned a rose color that he didn't even think possible!
He merely looked at his girlfriend. She had an expression on her face that was a strange mix of amusement and confusion. Then she squinted a little at the magazine.
"(She looks familiar...)" Rhiannon muttered, still staring at the photograph.
Panicking, Pikachu nearly choked on his own tongue as he struggled to say his next words.
"(Er...yeah! That's Ambipom, you remember Ambipom don't you? From Sinnoh?)" He nervously laughed, the steam coming from his cheeks practically visible.
"(Hmmm...)" Rhiannon wondered aloud, her face getting closer to the photo.
Pikachu continued to laugh and although he was smiling...on the inside he was freaking out! Did she see Buneary in the picture? And even worse, did she notice him staring at her?! O-Oh legends above...what was he even thinking?! Was that considered cheating in some way?! He wasn't the sort to do so...he was better than that!
What would happen if she suspected it? Even if it wasn't true? Well...she wasn't the jealous type so maybe it won't be so bad...
...Right?
Rhiannon slowly eased up from staring at the photograph. Then she shrugged. "(Yeah, I think so. She was that cheeky monkey with that girl. What was her name? Dawn?)"
Immediately relieved, Pikachu's nervous smile was replaced with a more genuine one. "(Y-Yeah! That's her alright! She left to play ping-pong and look here! She's already competing for the big title!)"
Rhiannon chuckled and looked out the window. "(Pokémon seem to have a habit of getting really strong around you...huh Sparky?)"
Pikachu's ears twitched upon hearing her nickname for him. "(Uhh...well I think it's them who want to be strong.)"
Rhiannon gave him a little smile. "(Just you watch, I'll claim a title for myself before you know it!)" She declared before she leaned over to him with half-lidded eyes. "(Just so long that you're cheering me on~)"
The heat returning to his face in full force, Pikachu laughed and he scratched the back of his ear. "(Y-You bet Blaze!)"
Hearing her nickname, Rhiannon giggled and gently leaned over to kiss his cheek, leaving a very light sizzling warm spot.
"(Good~)" She whispered.
Around two months later, the day came when it was Brooke's turn to show what he was made of in the first ever Kalos contest festival.
And...he came out on top!
In an incredible display of skill and ingenuity, Brooke and his team of six gave it their all and as the competition began to dwindle, it came down to him versus a girl from the Johto region.
With Ash and Pikachu cheering from the stands, they watched as each side faced off, displaying their talents for the world to see.
Naturally, it came down to Rhiannon against a meganium. A Body Slam here, a Fire Blast there, the battle only lasted a few minutes but it was the most exciting few minutes the mouse had seen in a long while!
Finally, it all came to a head when Meganium tried using Bullet Seed only for Rhiannon to use Flamethrower to engulf them in flames, turning them into fire bullets that were shot in the opposite direction! When the projectiles hit their mark, Brooke commanded Rhiannon to use their final technique.
First, Rhiannon used Flame Cloak to engulf herself in fire. Then she launched Swift straight into the air. As the stars began to fall, she jumped atop one of them and with that, she became a flaming comet headed straight towards her opponent!
The crowd gasped in awe at the sight with Ash and Pikachu completely at a loss for words.
The stars from Swift now fully enflamed, Rhiannon performed a backflip as the projectiles went forward and crashed into Meganium.
When the dust finally settled, the Grass-type was completely knocked out and unable to continue. The crowd erupted into applause with Ash and Pikachu nearly jumping out into the open field to congratulate them!
And that was that. Brooke and his team...had won!
As the blonde-haired young man and his team stepped forward to claim their trophy, confetti began to shoot out into the open air and the fireworks rang high in the sky above them. The newly-crowned champions looked out into the cheering crowd. For a moment, Rhiannon made eye contact with Pikachu and she winked at him. His cheers of support only became more enthusiastic.
The enthusiasm soon turned to curiosity when the host of the event made a rather startling declaration. Apparently, with Kalos officially establishing a successful contest festival, there were enough regions to start a sort of battle-royale for contest winners. Calling it the Fabulous Four, the tournament, which was scheduled about a year from now, would act very similar to the Masters Eight Tournament and contest winners from all over the world would be able to compete, leading to four finalists battling it out for the ultimate title of Sovereign.
Such an event of course meant that the best of the best would be flocking, each with their own unique techniques and strategies. And because of it being the first of its kind, this first event would test the waters to see how successful it would be. If it was, the next time it would take place would perhaps be around three years from now.
Immediately, Brooke and Rhiannon jumped at the idea of going even further. As the fox enthusiastically talked about possibly being the best, Pikachu smiled at her.
But the day after the festival, the group's excitement cooled and they discussed things a little more. If Brooke was serious about this, he needed to give it his all. This meant that as soon as he could, he needed to get right back to training harder than ever. That could mean traveling a little to other places but more importantly, one-hundred percent of his focus would be on this upcoming event. No misadventures, no journeying unless absolutely necessary...everything would be dedicated to this. Everything. For a year. That was the new champion's mindset and he seemed dead set on sticking to it.
As the humans talked, Pikachu looked over at Rhiannon who did the same and they anxiously locked gazes.
Shortly after they left the stadium, Ash asked Brooke what he would do next. The slightly older boy declared that he would head back to his home in the Sinnoh region, his family having already heard the great news and were waiting for him. There, he would give serious thought on whether to stay and train there or elsewhere.
Both Ash and Pikachu wished them luck on where he would go although it was clear that the two were a little saddened at having to say goodbye.
For Pikachu, the feeling was eerily familiar. After getting a little time alone with Rhiannon in the nearby woods, the two talked for quite some time.
"(And you're sure you don't know how long you're gonna be in Sinnoh?)" Pikachu asked, holding his arm.
Rhiannon sadly shook her head. "(No. I think Brooke might want to travel with his brother for a little bit but that's all I know.)"
There was an awkward silence for a bit.
Looking away, Pikachu gulped. "(So...you're really going for it huh?)"
Giving him a slightly sad look, Rhiannon smiled at him. "(Yeah...I am. I have to.)"
"(Yeah. So I guess that means that you really need to buckle down...right?)" He whispered.
"(Yeah. I...maybe we can work it out. I mean, it's not impossible right?)" She asked.
"(I'd be willing to give it a chance. But I mean...)" Pikachu nervously said, rubbing his arm. "(If you really need to focus on this...I want what's best for you. I...don't want to stand in the way of something like this.)"
Rhiannon blinked at him. Then she looked elsewhere. "(Oh my gosh, I can't believe what I'm getting ready to say...)"
"(You don't need to say it.)" Pikachu firmly said, causing Rhiannon to look back at him. "(You don't...have to explain anything. I understand.)"
Rhiannon appeared a bit taken aback by that. Then she looked a bit embarrassed. "(I...I'm not choosing this opportunity over you. It's something that I can't pass up. This event might only happen once or a long time from now. I need to try. I...y-you of all 'mons would know what it's like to want to keep going. To try and be the best. To never stop trying and being better than what you are now.)"
"(Yeah...I do.)" Pikachu said with a sad smile.
"(So...I-I can't help but feel guilty about-)" She started to say only for Pikachu to interject.
"(Stop. Rhiannon...it's okay.)" He gently said as he put a paw up against her cheek. "(You need to do this. So you give it your all okay? You go out there, kick some butt and show the world that you can do even more than what you showed this week. Don't feel bad about this. I don't. Rhiannon, I care about you and I want you to do what makes you happy. That is what I want.)"
Her face still resting against his paw, Rhiannon locked gazes with him. As he looked back at her, he could tell that she was on the verge of crying.
The fox took a moment to silently take it all in. Her mouth still closed, she grit her teeth and she nodded her head.
"(You...really know how to lift someone out of the dumps don't you?)" She sadly laughed.
He merely smiled at her. "(I might've been told at some point.)"
"(I'm...I'm a little nervous.)" She squeaked.
Pikachu nodded his head. "(I'm sure you are. I certainly was for the Masters Eight tournament. It was something that really pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of.)" He said before looking off to the trees in front of them. "(At the time, Ash and I sometimes went and did what we usually do but other times, we went through the most intense training and preparation we've ever experienced. The only way we made it all the way was because we were committed. Friends are one thing but...a serious relationship...that's something else.)"
"(Yeah...)" She quietly said.
Pikachu looked back at her and studied her face. "(Rhiannon...)" He said, his voice wavering a little. "(I'm not going to stand in the way of something like this for you. I'd...I'd rather be your friend than someone who you end up hating when it's done.)"
Rhiannon shook her head. "(I think you're overthinking it a bit haha.)" She laughed before her face turned rather somber. "(Still...I can't force you to stay with me and Brooke and follow us for a whole year. You have your own life to live.)"
Pikachu's ears drooped down to the sides of his head.
It was all so difficult. On one hand, nothing was really stopping him and Ash from following them for the next year. That wasn't the issue.
It's true, his presence alone might not impede on her progress...for now. But what happens when the training gets underway and things are more stressful and tense than ever before? And it's not like he and Ash could help them all that much with contest training. If they wanted to win, they'd need training from folks who knew what they were doing. Brooke seemed to be the type to do things his own way so perhaps their presence would actually interfere with things.
So given all of that...would they be able to work through it? Perhaps...and perhaps not. What if it was too much and they had to take a break or even break up? Then he would definitely be a distraction to her! Maybe all of that would impede her progress and she would have less time to get ready for the tournament! They had only dated for about four months so...was their relationship ready to be put through something like this? Not to mention, that in the time that they have been together, Rhiannon got a taste of what was expected in his life: misadventures, saving the day, not to mention Team Rocket hassling them on a weekly basis.
If she and Brooke were truly serious about this...then they would have to commit to that first. And all of the mishaps that he and Ash brought with them all the time wouldn't help in any way.
Despite all of the rationalizations going through his mind, Pikachu's heart dropped and he felt a strange wash of guilt overcome him. He didn't even know why...just that it was there.
There was no way that any decision would be easy...so they would have to go with what was ultimately best for each of them.
Pikachu silently gulped and looked away. He didn't want her to notice the stinging in his heart, a strange mix of anxiety and pain settling in his chest.
It was funny, becoming a champion twice and so much has changed yet here he was in the same position as when...
Pikachu took in a quick breath and he looked back at Rhiannon. "(Well I mean...i-it was...I mean I really cherish what we had and-)"
Rhiannon quickly raised a paw up to his lips and leaned closer. "(Shh...you don't have to say anymore okay? I really care about you too. And...and I want what's best for us.)" She whispered with a sad and faraway smile.
Pikachu blinked at her as she slowly put her paw back down. His heart painfully beating in his chest, he merely nodded at her. Unwilling or perhaps even unable to say more, his mind flashed back to those painful moments in Sinnoh and Unova.
He opened his mouth, ready to say more yet he couldn't find it in himself and within his heart he locked up a little secret.
Not saying another word, he gently leaned forward and hugged her. Rhiannon, smiling, hugged him back and nuzzled his neck.
Only two days later, the world champions were bidding farewell to the contest winners as they boarded a boat bound for Sinnoh. Within the same day, Ash and his group were on a plane back to Kanto.
They stayed home for a little while longer than usual. Several weeks passed of taking it easy yet it was there that Pikachu had a rather interesting dream one random night.
He was sitting in a large room. It was a place that was unfamiliar to him yet oddly, he wasn't curious for why he was there.
The walls all around him were made of stone. Cold and slate gray, there was no variation in their color, design or texture.
Just by looking around, he could tell that he was in the dining hall of a large castle.
And there he sat in a throne made of rock. Between his ears was a rather large gold crown that he wore slightly tilted on the side of his head yet it didn't slip off. It felt heavy yet he made no effort to take it off. It was almost as if the crown itself was attached to him.
Listlessly, Pikachu looked around the drab room. In front of him was a rather long and rectangular table that held several dishes and snacks. Fruits, vegetables, goblets, utensils, anything that one would expect to see in a royal place like this.
The one little caveat was...that it too was all made of stone.
Actually, instead of being made from stone...everything on the table, including the table itself, looked to have...been turned into stone.
Indeed, the minute details on each item be it the wooden stains on the table or the random little spots on the cosmic apples...were all intact yet the actual surface of each item was stone.
Pikachu's throne sat in front of a wall and high above him was a window that was carved into the rock. There, sunlight poured in and it was his only portal to the outside world. He could hear the birds chirping and the wind rustling the leaves of the trees.
He could hear his friends talking and laughing as they played in the sunlight. He thought he heard Piplup's voice along with many others though he couldn't distinguish them.
Pikachu merely sighed. He wanted to leave this room...but he couldn't. And it was for one major reason.
His ears suddenly twitched and he looked over to see that the wind had blown a little leaf onto the arm of his throne. Curious, he reached out to touch it.
...Only for it to immediately turn into stone. He watched as the veins, the venules and the midrib remained intact yet the color of the leaf turned a uniform gray and its surface immediately turn cold and hard to the touch.
Pikachu retracted his paw and gave the new rock formation a long hard look. Then he sighed again. He looked out at the room.
From outside, he could hear the merriment in the voices of his friends as they talked and played, not a care in the world. And while they didn't say his name, Pikachu could tell that they were beckoning him.
Was this really life? Staying here in this room? What kind of life was this? What sort of life was worth living that was just so...hollow?
The only things that were not a monochromatic gray in here was himself and the golden crown he wore.
Time and time again, the mouse felt the impulse to reach up and touch the status symbol that rested on his head yet each time he did, he refrained, afraid of what might happen. Would he lose his crown? Would he lose his title? Would ridding it allow him to move on?
And so every time, he left it alone.
Sitting there in his throne of stone, Pikachu looked on into his cold world.
Pikachu's eyes shot open and he gave a little gasp of surprise. Laying on his side, it took the mouse a minute for his mind to clear and he realized that he was sleeping in bed alongside Ash. Still clutching his little green doll, Pikachu looked over and saw his best friend snoring away.
Huffing, the mouse laid back on his side. His mind raced on what he had just dreamt. Taking in a deep and quiet breath, he got comfortable and waited for his consciousness to ebb away.
Two days after that surreal little dream, the duo were in the living room watching the news when the reporter named Kayla Chavez appeared on screen. For the first hour, she went over numerous different topics: the weather, how safe or unsafe certain routes were at the moment, the construction of an orphanage courtesy of a generous donation by billionaire Bartholomew Buckingham at the behest of his spokesperson Laura Nicks...typical stuff.
And then the topic of conversation shifted to the modeling world.
Pikachu's eyes widened as a picture of Buneary appeared on the screen.
"And in other news, world-famous superstar model Buneary from the Sinnoh region was spotted on the film production of the upcoming season of 'The Truthful Lie'!" Kayla Chavez announced before the screen changed to another picture of Buneary, this one being her in a bright yellow dress.
"Gosh, I love that show Kayla!" Rhonda laughed. "With the series entering its fifth season, the ratings are higher than ever so who knows how much more they'll increase with her inclusion!"
Pikachu blinked. She was...on a show now? Okay granted, it was probably just for like an episode or something but still...he had no idea.
He started to get a sinking feeling. Just when exactly was the last time he had even talked to her anyway? Putting a paw up to his chin, Pikachu started to get lost in thought. His attempt at finding an answer was interrupted when the broadcasters continued talking.
"I'll bet they had to keep her inclusion a secret for quite a long time!" Kayla Chavez laughed before the screen again changed. This time, it showed Buneary standing rather close to a nickit.
Pikachu tilted his head at that.
"Rumor has it that she ended things with her relationship." Rhonda said with a smile. "Could it have had something to do with her modeling career?"
Pikachu hung his mouth open. She was...seeing someone? Again...he had no idea...
Not really knowing how to feel, the mouse's heart began to beat a little faster. Then he started to sulk a bit.
It wasn't the fact that she was seeing someone else...it was the fact that he was completely unaware of any of it. They used to talk all the time and now...
Then again...did she know that he had dated Rhiannon for months?
Swallowing hard, Pikachu looked over at Ash and to his surprise, he saw how his trainer was already staring at him. It was almost as if the boy knew...
"Buneary's been really busy huh?" The young trainer merely said.
Caught off-guard, Pikachu paused. Then he nodded his head. Not wanting a moment to doubt himself, the mouse pointed at a computer that rested on a desk nearby. Next to it was a phone.
Following to where his starter was pointing at, Ash looked back at the mouse. They didn't say another word, an unspoken conversation being exchanged between them. Then the boy got up and went straight to the phone to call Buneary's manager to see where she currently was.
Not long after that, the World Champion got a hold of Dawn over video chat. They actually caught a lucky break since the coordinator had just returned home from a journey. Otherwise, they'd have to wait weeks for a response. And if they were working on a modeling gig? Forget about it, they'd never be able to get a call through.
When Pikachu saw the bluenette, he put on a smile and waved at her.
"Hey guys!" Dawn laughed with a little wave of her own. "It's great to hear from-!"
Unfortunately, the girl couldn't finish her sentence because Piplup immediately pushed his way into view.
"(Hey there!)" The penguin proclaimed, hogging the screen.
"Heh, hey Piplup!" Ash chuckled which was followed by Pikachu.
Groaning in frustration, Dawn pushed the penguin back.
"Piplup!" She yelled. "Take it easy!"
"Piplup's just excited is all!" Ash laughed.
Dawn sighed and eased up. "I guess..." She muttered before her demeanor quickly brightened. "So what've you guys been up to?"
"Oh, a little of this and that. Traveling and befriending every Pokémon I come across. You know how it is!" Ash said with a smile.
"Oh, right! Your Pokémon Master goal!" Dawn giggled.
Ash nodded his head in agreement. Sitting on his trainer's shoulder, Pikachu jumped down onto the computer desk and looked straight at the camera.
"(Hey Pip!)" The mouse called out with a smile.
"(Hiya! How ya been?)" Piplup said, waving his flipper.
"(Can't complain!)" Pikachu laughed. "(You been winning more contests?)"
"(Yup! We're coming up with more stuff! You'll see! It's gonna blow your mind!)" The penguin proudly proclaimed. "(We're gonna...huh?)" He suddenly said, looking off to the side.
Pikachu paused and watched how his friend focused his attention to something outside of the camera's view.
"(Uhh...Pip?)" Pikachu muttered as the penguin whispered to someone offscreen.
"(Yeah it's him.)" Piplup quietly said before pausing. "(...You sure?)"
Both Ash and Pikachu blinked as they saw Piplup nod his head. Then he looked back at them and smiled. Without saying another word, he backed away.
Pikachu opened his mouth to say something when none other than Buneary appeared on screen. The electric mouse's words immediately got caught in his throat and he nearly choked upon seeing her!
"(Hey~!)" Buneary chirped with a wave of her paw, her infectious smile just as full of life as ever.
Pikachu could immediately feel his face warming at the sight of her.
"(I-I er...)" He stupidly stammered, unable to unlock his chest to access the precious oxygen in his lungs to say something.
Ash merely looked at him and – suppressing a much larger grin – gently nudged his buddy's shoulder.
"Hey, it's the superstar!" Ash chuckled.
Buneary giggled and put a paw up to her cheek. "(Hee~! Oh stop~!)"
Pikachu looked between Ash and the computer screen. Then, taking only a moment to regain his composure, he smiled.
"(Yeah! We just saw the news! I had no idea you were on a show!)" He laughed.
Buneary's smile only grew brighter. "(Oh, it was just for a couple of episodes. I was barely even on it!)"
"(Still, already landing gigs on the silver screen? You're a maniac!)" Pikachu chuckled.
Buneary only laughed harder at the mouse's enthusiasm.
From there, the two began to catch up, so engrossed in their own conversation that they hadn't even noticed the others step away entirely. Off in another room, Ash and Dawn caught up over the phone.
For the ex-couple, the next two months closely resembled how it was like when they had first separated after Sinnoh. The once scarce calls picked up to becoming occasional, then twice a week and then every few days. Soon, it became daily and any doubts or awkwardness that may have lingered after such a long time away from each other dissipated altogether.
Once in a while, someone from each of their group butted in to say hi, not that either of them complained. It was always nice to catch up with old friends!
Each of them learned what the other had been doing since leaving Galar. For Buneary, the modeling jobs and photoshoots had only picked up, often requiring Dawn's party to travel to different regions rather quickly. This, combined with the contest performances, made it no wonder why she was unable to meet up to talk as much as she could before.
Pikachu explained how he and Ash only continued to travel to different parts of the world, meeting new faces, getting into mishaps and occasionally saving the day. At times, they would find an unconventional league system where they – as the current World Champions – would be able to participate. They had actually just finished a tour of a strange far-off region called Oblivia and bore witness to the many impressive monuments and temples though the Pokémon themselves were quite strange.
After some time had passed and the tensions were eased, each of them confided that they had met and dated others in the time since Unova. Buneary laughed as Pikachu recounted his embarrassing experience with Curly and her Alolan tribe. He explained how he had met up with Rhiannon and engaged in a four-month long relationship with her and that she would be competing in the Fab Four tournament, something that Dawn wouldn't be able to participate in, not having secured a festival victory yet.
The mouse had dated three other girls before and since. There was Janis, a sharp-witted skitty who was with a Pokémon ranger traveling through the Hoenn region. Things went well for about a month before the girl evolved and then afterwards, the two had little in common. After that there was Whitney, a fennekin that Ash had captured when they briefly stopped in the Galar region. The girl had already traveled the world yet she took a keen interest in the champion's tenacity for befriending any Pokémon he came across. They had dated for two months before she decided to stay at a Pokémon Center, having found purpose in treating others in need. Lastly, there was another female pikachu that they encountered in the Johto woods. They only dated for about two weeks before realizing that as a wild Pokémon, she wasn't ready to leave the life she was accustomed to in order to live amongst humans.
Each girl had their own positives and for Pikachu, dating them had been fun although he found himself being with Rhiannon for far longer, finding that he had much more in common with her.
Buneary explained how she had briefly dated some guys here and there, often wary of them due to her increasing popularity. She retold how she had met the eevee named Buddy and how she eventually gave him a chance months after turning him down. The only reason she didn't date him longer was simply because her increasingly busy schedule took up more and more of her time. After the occasional date with a few other guys, some genuinely nice, others not so much, she met Cortez who was able to travel with her. By then, she was better suited to her new schedule so dating the guy was a lot easier. They dated for about five months before they realized that they would ultimately be better off as friends.
By the end of the conversation, the two realized that they hadn't even seriously considered dating anyone since returning home, both focusing on themselves first.
It was after that particular conversation did something rather strange happen that very night.
Taking his usual spot next to Ash on the bed, Pikachu got comfortable in the warm sheets and curled up in a ball. He mindlessly stared off into the darkness, waiting for the subtlety of sleep to whisk him away.
He closed his eyes and within moments, he was out like a light.
Pikachu stood in front of a running river that was oddly much quieter than it let on. Standing next to him was none other than Piplup.
Funnily enough, Pikachu didn't remember arriving here. His mind started to register that Piplup was talking, almost like they were in the middle of a conversation that the mouse didn't even recall starting.
What was even more unusual was that even though the figure next to him looked like Piplup and even had the same voice, it certainly didn't sound the like the blue penguin. In fact, it was speaking rather formally...proper even.
"(So when did you figure it out?)" Piplup asked, staring off into the distance.
"(Hmm? Figured what out?)" Pikachu inquired, taking his sights off the river to look at his friend.
"(You know, the thing...)" Piplup remarked, twirling his flipper in front of himself.
Pikachu blinked at him before the realization hit him.
Oh...that...right...
He turned away from his friend to settle his gaze on the valley that they were standing in which seemingly stretched on forever. Strangely, it looked as though all of the texture in the world – including on himself – disappeared, making everyone look rather sharp and blocky.
"(Oh...well...I guess I haven't yet...)" Pikachu muttered, feeling the warmth of the sunshine hit his face.
Piplup scoffed and shook his head. "(You're going to need to. You'll have to make up your mind at some point right?)"
Sighing, Pikachu let his shoulders sag. "(Right. I know.)"
He hung his head in shame. His ears pricked up upon hearing voices off in the distance. He looked up and saw Dawn's entire group out in the field playing, laughing and having a great time, all in front of their little house, a house that looked familiar but Pikachu swore that he'd never seen before in his life.
Amongst Dawn's group were several other faces he hadn't seen in a while including Misty's Togetic and May's Glaceon.
"(Tsk, always running so far and making progress but you're still behind.)" Piplup remarked, shaking his head. "(You know, someone should tell you that what happened with Rhiannon wasn't the same. You thought it was the same...but it isn't.)"
Pikachu continued to stare at the group and his gaze immediately took notice of her amongst them, laughing and enjoying life like she always had.
"(Yeah...)" Pikachu muttered.
"(Do it. Make a decision. If not for you, then for her.)" Piplup said, though for a moment, his voice sounded strangely like Aipom's.
His friend's words ringing in his ears, Pikachu slowly turned back to the penguin. He gave him a little smile and nodded in approval.
"(Okay...I will.)" He finally said.
Satisfied, Piplup patted his own chest with his flipper. "(Good man!)" He replied rather proudly.
Rolling his eyes, Pikachu looked back at the group only to see that Ash and Brock had now joined in on the fun.
"(When the time comes...)" Piplup said, his voice starting to strangely echo "(...you'll make your decision.)"
Pikachu turned back to his friend only to see that the blue penguin had disappeared. Startled, the mouse whipped his head back to the group and saw that they too were gone. Realizing that he was alone, Pikachu took a deep breath and nodded his head again.
"(Right.)" He determinedly said.
Suddenly, Piplup's voice rang out from the empty space surrounding him.
"(But be warned: whatever you decide, the price may be heavy indeed.)" The voice said.
Looking around, Pikachu steadied his nerves. Then he put on a determined look. "(It doesn't matter.)"
"(Then go forth and make your choice.)" The voice echoed. "(Life moves fast, so make haste for time is short.)"
Pikachu looked on, the sun becoming even brighter than before, enveloping the world in a blinding light.
Soon, he too was gone.
And then he woke up.
Author's Notes:
Ooh, decisions? Pikachu having deep conversations with his own subconsciousness? How pray tell, could this turn out?! Perhaps, things will be further explained in the next chapter! Stay tuned folks! We've got about four more chapters before ending Act III!
I'd like to give a very special shoutout to HDK315! They are the founder of the "Lovers of Lagomorph Shipping" page on this very lovely site! Go ahead and check out their story "Surmount" which basically retells Ash Ketchum's story...from the very beginning. Absolutely...insane! XD
Seriously though, show them some love and check out their work! They really deserve it!
Onwards!