Hello dear readers, this new project I'm starting is inspired by the recent announcement of Pokemon Presents, where they presented the future of the franchise with a new title, Pokemon Legends ZA. Nothing concrete is known yet, but from what was shown, but I think it will be set in a future era, unlike the past era in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. That's why I will set this story in a near future, but not a technological one, rather a dystopian one. If I could compare it, it would be like a Midgar from Final Fantasy but set in the future of Kalos. Of course, Ash will be the protagonist, accompanied by the maiden of Kalos, who couldn't be missing in this tale. I hope you like this project and I look forward to reading your comments. Without further ado, let's begin.
Pokemon A to Z: Hollow Future
In this mysterious world, where living beings define their role in the world by their power, their ambition, or their intelligence, every decision they make can have different repercussions on their own destiny or that of those around them. That's what happened to an 18-year-old boy from the Kanto region. A boy who always trusted what destiny had prepared for him. His dream led him down a path of greatness and adventure. He met countless friends, experiences, and challenges that led him to greatness and to be recognized by almost everyone in his time.
However, what destiny had prepared for him this time would be completely different; it would lead him to face challenges and decisions that would affect not only his destiny but the future of an entire region. For better or for worse, no one knows, but well, no one can see the future.
That world which once harbored the creation of the god Arceus with a world green, blue, and creatures that soared the skies, the earth, and the sea, was no longer the same as before. Not because of the decisions of the Pokémon, but because of those of their companions, the humans. Decades of differences that soon turned into doubts, then into fear, then into hatred, and finally into death, had led the earth into a senseless struggle where only silence prevailed, after having completely destroyed its society. Now, only a few places remained where the last inhabitants of the world, both Pokémon and humans, dwelled. A place of concrete and flickering lights, a place where the sky was not visible, only steel….and darkness.
"Keep the course, we're almost there," a woman shouted desperately as she wore a helmet with a holographic visor. "It's easy for you to say, especially when they're shooting at us," the young man piloting the vehicle yelled in frustration as he tried to evade the explosives being hurled at them by the people pursuing them.
The young woman remained busy assembling a strange device on her legs, while the strange individuals continued to shoot explosives and fireballs at their vehicle, the scene of chaos continued for several kilometers, destroying everything in its path.
As they fled, a blue dragon with red eyes descended from the sky and fired a blast of energy at the vehicles and machines chasing the couple. "It's about time, give us cover, we're close to the objective," the young dark-haired man exclaimed through his earpiece. The Salamence covering the skies was instantly attacked from behind, a strange flying machine fired a similar attack, strong enough to bring down the great dragon and its rider from the sky.
"Glocks down, we have to help him," the girl exclaimed very worried for her companion. "It's too late now," the pilot exclaimed, pressing the accelerator. As the couple tried to gain distance, they didn't notice several spiked spheres with eyes emerging from the ground in front of them.
When the pilot realized it, he only managed to hear his companion's cry, " Quilfish mines." A loud crash flipped the vehicle and slammed it into a wall, causing a huge explosion that destroyed everything in a block radius.
The pursuers surrounded the scene of the incident with several robotic canines very similar to Houndooms. From the rubble, the pilot emerged very badly injured, crawling he could only see several silhouettes surrounding him. "You are under custody, you will be interrogated and then exterminated, subject 1929394 akka Ash Ketchum." Only the face of the raven-haired boy could be seen, a person who did not belong to that place or time.
Chapter 1; The Day After Tomorrow
100 years before
The world was a beautiful place, the peace in the air was almost palpable, there was only peace, vegetation, and the breeze of the wind that gave a tranquility that he had not felt in a long time.
"It's a beautiful day, isn't it, buddy?" Ash asked while looking at the blue sky. His Pokémon companion and his greatest friend Pikachu just stretched on the ground very relaxed. It had been very hectic days for both of them; he was already 18 years old, but he felt like his stress level was like that of Professor Oak.
Since he had been crowned as Monarch of the battle circuit by defeating Leon four years ago, things had changed for him. At first, he tried to continue his adventures of yesteryear, but gradually his responsibilities as the number 1 trainer in the circuit began to affect him.
Tournaments and battles against trainers and important characters became more common, but easier. He always kept training, improving his strategies and his level, to the point that challenges and emotions were lesser each year. Now, at 18, he already felt that his career as a trainer had stagnated.
Regardless of anything other than his tranquility, he didn't realize that his communicator was ringing incessantly with an incoming call.
"Pika pika chu," the electric mouse told his companion, as if warning him of something. "Don't worry, I don't plan on telling them yet. I'm tired of not being able to take things easy," Ash exclaimed as he covered his face with his red cap.
A few minutes passed, but the communicator didn't stop ringing; the alarm melody was extremely annoying for Ash, and it didn't take more than a couple of minutes for his patience to run out.
"Darn it, I can't have a moment of peace."
"Damn, what do you want?" Ash shouted into the call, not bothering to see who was calling. He thought it was his agent or some invitation to an event. The only reason people called him.
"Oh, sorry, Professor, I thought it was one of those Mandibuzz that won't stop calling me," Ash replied apologetically for the misunderstanding. Professor Oak explained the reason for his call. Pikachu couldn't hear what Professor Oak explained, but he saw Ash put on a serious face.
"I understand, then I'll head over there," Ash replied before hanging up, then picked up his cap from the floor and adjusted his jacket. "Well, buddy, I guess we have a job to do. I guess we'll have to leave this tranquility for later. Maybe for the day after tomorrow or something," Ash explained before starting to walk towards the horizon where Vermillion City lay.
After walking a couple of kilometers, the black-haired boy entered the city. It was a peaceful city, but it had undergone some changes compared to the first time he visited almost a decade ago. Now, many buildings had been modernized, and more businesses had opened. However, green areas had also diminished, and wild Pokémon had become less common. It was normal, I suppose, since that was part of progress, but it did bother him a bit to know that the environment was more concrete now. Oh well, the city.
As he crossed, he noticed several young trainers in one of the public Pokémon battle fields. It was easy to see that they were novices who had just started their journey. This was evident by looking at the Pokémon they were using, but he couldn't help feeling a bit nostalgic seeing the excitement they had.
"Wow, it's been a long time since I got excited about a battle," Ash said to himself. Being named the Monarch Champion at such a young age had been the greatest honor of his life. But now, the excitement of finding a rival who could push him to his limits was hard to come by. Not because he was invincible or anything like that, but since he won, many of the great champions of yesteryear, whom he considered legends, had retired. Among them were Leon, Cynthia, Steven, Lance, and others. There were new champions, but they weren't of the same caliber as their predecessors. It wasn't their fault. The previous generation was very difficult to surpass; only he managed to surpass them.
He continued on his way, still melancholy. His companion Pikachu sensed his distress; he knew when Ash wasn't happy, but he couldn't really do anything. He had always accompanied him on every journey and adventure he took, but now that they didn't have a clear goal, they were aimless. A feeling worse than defeat.
After a long walk, they arrived at Professor Cerise's lab. The building was bigger; the funding for his research had increased in recent years, and the professor now had more experience and staff. "Well, buddy. Let's see why they called us this time; maybe it'll be interesting," Ash said to Pikachu, hoping their mission would be something new.
Upon entering the building, he noticed several assistants and interns bustling about, carrying papers and copies, shouting at each other. "I remember this place being quieter," he said to himself.
A young secretary approached him to register the visit. "Welcome to Professor Cerise's Pokémon research center, how can I help you?" the young woman asked almost robotically.
"Uh, yes, the professor called me," Ash replied, somewhat puzzled.
The young secretary just noted everything in her notebook. "Do you have an appointment with him? Because the professor is a very busy man. If you don't have one, I could schedule you for next week at this time," the young woman said while organizing her agenda.
"What do you mean until Tuesday if he called me to come now?" Ash exclaimed, somewhat tired of the secretary's rigidity. Before he could argue further, a female voice echoed in the lobby, a grumpy and authoritative voice.
Climbing down the stairs, a young woman in a lab coat with large green eyes and a brown braid reaching her waist came into view. The raven-haired boy would recognize that voice even if he were asleep, given how loud and bossy it was.
"You're late, Ash Ketchum. Some things never change," Chloe exclaimed as she descended the stairs. "I could say the same about you, Chloe, always making grand entrances," Ash retorted teasingly.
"Let him through. My father assigned him an important mission. Don't waste any more of our time," Chloe instructed her secretary in a severe and cutting tone, clearly managing her staff with an iron fist.
"Yes, Miss Cerise. I apologize for the inconvenience," the young secretary replied, very embarrassed. Chloe told Ash to follow her. "Some things remain the same around here," Ash murmured.
As they walked through the lab, several interns asked him questions and requested his signature on some documents. "Wow, are you guys the government now, or why is there so much activity?" Ash asked as he dodged some scientists who nearly bumped into him.
"We've expanded operations a lot this year. We now have different projects to start, and we don't have time for mistakes. Something you and Goh don't want to change, by the way," she said as she continued her path, receiving contracts she had to sign. Chloe had undoubtedly become more serious about her work, making her a candidate for future Pokémon Professor at just 18 years old, a goal she had set.
"Wow, I thought that's what you liked about me in the first place," Ash teasingly reminded her of their past romance. Chloe stopped dead in her tracks, turned around with a confident but deadly look, "Well, I blame puberty. It makes you do things you wouldn't do now, even if you died."
Ash just smiled coquettishly and mockingly, honestly enjoying teasing her.
"You and your pretty smile need to focus on the task my father will give you. It's supposed to be very important," Chloe exclaimed before entering another room.
"Well, you're missing out," Ash sighed. Although it might seem otherwise, both were fine with how things ended. They didn't have a formal relationship, but as one of their first romantic experiences, several things happened. Although it wasn't his first kiss—that was with someone else.
Chloe led Ash through a series of corridors, finally stopping at a large door marked "Professor Cerise - Private Office." She knocked briskly and then opened the door without waiting for a response, gesturing for Ash to follow.
Inside, the office was filled with books, scientific instruments, and various Pokémon research artifacts. Professor Cerise looked up from his desk, a welcoming smile spreading across his face as he saw Ash.
"Ash, it's good to see you," Professor Cerise greeted warmly. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
"No problem, Professor," Ash replied, his spirits lifting a bit. "What's the mission you needed help with?"
Professor Cerise stood up, walking over to a large screen on the wall. He pressed a button, and the screen lit up with a map of a remote, forested area. "We've recently discovered signs of unusual activity in this region" He explained showing a map
Seeing the map, he quickly recognized the place. He had been there several times and knew the cities well. "Kalos?"
"Yes, Professor Sycamore contacted me about a distortion in one of the caves near Lumiose City. His personal research team is on the other side of the region for another investigation. So, they requested our help to investigate the area," Professor Cerise explained the mission.
"Alright, who will be accompanying me this time?" Ash asked.
"Well, Goh was sent to Paldea to capture some rare specimens recently discovered in an area called Area Zero, and as you know, Chloe is very busy with other projects here. I don't think there would be any problem with you going alone, would there?" the professor explained.
"None at all, Professor, none at all," Ash sighed in response. "Alright, Ash, I've scheduled a flight for you to the Kalos region in two hours. Take what you need and head to Professor Sycamore's lab. He'll explain your mission in more detail there," the professor said.
"Don't worry, Professor. I'll complete the mission soon as always," Ash said, trying to sound enthusiastic, though he wasn't really. "Good luck, Ash. I know you'll do well," Professor Cerise said with a smile before politely excusing himself.
Both left the office without further ado. "Well, I suppose I can handle it without much trouble, don't you think?" Chloe just sighed and said before leaving, "Knowing you, Ash, trouble will find you. Don't mess it up, handsome."
After leaving the lab, Ash laughed slightly. Sometimes he wondered why he kept working there. For a long time, he had already lost a bit of the excitement for expeditions. Goh went on capture expeditions much more frequently than he did, and Chloe was in the lab all day. It wasn't the same as before. Although, in a way, it helped him distract himself and escape the constant battles for the monarch title.
Without questioning it further, he started walking towards the airport, but before leaving the property, he saw a silhouette waiting under a tree. "Hey, I didn't know you were here. What are you doing so far from the ranch?"
Ash looked at his old companion, Lucario, who growled upon seeing him. Being a Pokémon with a strong connection to aura, he could connect spiritually. More than words, they knew what the other was thinking.
"You want to come, don't you? From what I've been told, it's going to be something simple, so with Pikachu, I think that's more than enough," Ash said, although he wasn't entirely sincere, and Lucario knew it. His Pokémon stood in front of him and placed his paw on his trainer's chest, indicating that he wanted to accompany him.
Ash smiled. It was true that they hadn't had an adventure together in a while. Among his Pokémon, Lucario was one of those who had spent the least time with him recently but given what they had been through and how they had achieved their long-awaited dream together in the final against Leon, their bond was strong. After that, things had started to change, and in the end, battles didn't have as much meaning.
"Well, I guess it'll be the three of us. Let's go, buddy," Ash said to his companion as he walked toward the city's airport. Lucario smiled and followed him silently.
Arriving at the airport, Ash checked in for his flight to Kalos. The excitement of a new mission began to stir within him, though it was tempered by a lingering sense of melancholy. He missed the days when every battle and every adventure felt like a grand, new experience.
As they waited for their flight, Ash sat down with Pikachu and Lucario by his side. "You know, it feels good to be heading back to Kalos," he said, looking at his companions. "We've had some amazing adventures there. Maybe this one will bring back some of that old magic."
Pikachu chirped in agreement, and Lucario gave a solemn nod. They understood Ash's feelings better than anyone. They had been through countless battles and adventures together, and they shared a bond that words couldn't fully express.
Finally, it was time to board the plane. Ash settled into his seat, Pikachu curling up on his lap while Lucario took the seat beside him. As the plane took off, Ash looked out the window, feeling a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. Kalos held many memories.
Nine hours passed in the blink of an eye, as if he hadn't slept at all. It was strange when he felt like this; perhaps he was just emotional because of everything he had been thinking. He briefly remembered her smile every morning.
As he began to disembark from the plane, Ash stopped just outside the door and adjusted his cap, remembering the first time he arrived. How he had stumbled upon disembarking, after announcing his arrival to the region. How immature, right?
Exiting the airport and stepping onto the street, Ash felt another déjà vu. Everything seemed the same; at least Kalos maintained that elegant essence and stone streets. It was something cultural for them, and they tried to never change.
Ash and Pikachu keep walking through the buy's streets of the city, they passed some places the knew before, some stores and the battlefields in front of the Lumious tower. It was walking through the memory lane.
As he walked down the streets, he stopped for a moment in front of a dessert shop. All the walking had worked up his appetite, but he didn't want to waste time. "Would it be worth it to grab some when we're done, don't you think, Pikachu?" Ash said to his companion.
At that moment, Pikachu caught sight of a familiar face through the reflection, but when he turned, there was nothing there. "What's up, Pikachu?" Ash asked his Pokémon, who simply told him to turn around. However, when he turned around, he didn't see anyone.
Pikachu's ears twitched as he scanned the area, but there was no sign of anyone familiar. Ash shrugged, chalking it up to his imagination playing tricks on him. "Maybe we're just tired from the journey," he mused, giving Pikachu a reassuring pat on the head.
With that, they continued their stroll through the streets of Kalos, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. As they walked, Ash couldn't shake the feeling of nostalgia that washed over him with each familiar landmark they passed.
As Ash and Pikachu arrived at Professor Sycamore's Lab, he couldn't help but smile at the familiar sight. The lab hadn't changed at all, and it brought back memories of the day he first arrived in Kalos and the friends he had made along the way. As he reached for the door, he was surprised to come face to face with someone standing there—a face he could never forget, no matter how hard he tried.
Those striking blue eyes, golden locks of hair, and pink lips. It was her—the girl he had met as a child and again after losing his first gym battle in Kalos. It was Serena Yvonne.
"Serena, it's you," Ash exclaimed, shocked.
"Oh... hi. I didn't expect you to be here," she replied, equally taken aback.
Both stood in silence for at least a minute. For the first time ever, they were really uncomfortable with each other.
Ash cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence. "Um, how have you been?" he asked, attempting to ease the tension.
"Good, good," Serena replied, a nervous smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Just visiting family. What about you? What brings you back to Kalos?"
"Just a mission Professor Cerise assigned me," Ash replied, grateful for the change in topic. "Investigating some strange energy readings in a nearby cave."
"That sounds interesting," Serena said, but Ash noticed she was avoiding eye contact. It seemed like she was trying to distance herself.
"Um, what are you doing here?" Ash tried to continue the conversation, but she didn't respond.
"Sorry, but I have to go. Good luck," she said abruptly before quickly walking away.
Ash watched her leave, feeling a pang of disappointment. He had hoped to catch up with Serena, but it seemed like she wasn't interested in talking. "I guess ths changed" Ash said before entering the Pokemon lab.
Meanwhile, Serena just kept walking, forcing herself to keep going. "He looks so different, but I guess I changed too," she said to herself, a hint of sadness in her voice. She couldn't shake the feeling of awkwardness that had lingered between them. As she walked further away from the lab, Serena couldn't help but wonder about the past and the decisions that had led them to this moment. But with a deep breath, she pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the present, determined to move forward. Ash stepped into Professor Sycamore's lab, his mind still reeling from the unexpected encounter with Serena. Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, gave a reassuring nuzzle, as if sensing his trainer's unease. The familiar scent of books and the hum of various machines filled the room, grounding Ash in the present.
"Ah, Ash! Welcome back!" Professor Sycamore greeted warmly, emerging from behind a large desk cluttered with research papers and Poké Balls. "It's been a while since you last visited."
"Hi, Professor," Ash responded, trying to shake off his earlier discomfort. "It's great to be back. I hear there's some strange energy readings nearby?"
"Yes, indeed," Sycamore nodded, his expression turning serious. "It's quite unusual. The readings are unlike anything we've encountered before. That's why I requested your help. Your experience with Pokémon and their unique abilities might give us some insights."
"Sounds like a challenge," Ash said, his enthusiasm starting to build. "Where do we start?" "According to the short-wave scanners, the energy distortion originates 35 km within this mountain range formation. Do you remember this place?" the professor asked.
Looking at the map and the location indicated, Ash recognized the place immediately. "That's the Mirror Cave, right?" Ash replied confidently.
"That's correct. As you know, it's one of the unique ecosystems of Kalos, unique on the continent. The energy and natural phenomena of the place generate changes in electromagnetic waves, capable of causing alterations in reality," the professor explained the scientific reasons behind the location. But Ash already knew this firsthand. For some reason, he had been able to cross into another dimension within the mirrors.
A world where he and his friends were opposite versions of themselves. In that world, he was a boy scared of his own shadow, Clemont was a rustic boy with no appreciation for technology or science, Bonnie was a calm and very quiet girl. While Serena was a daring and rough girl, the opposite of the sweet and kind girl he knew.
"Your mission will be to go to the cave and, with this equipment that I'll give you, collect the readings from the place, as well as report any anomalies you encounter. But don't worry, there will be nothing to fear," Professor Sycamore explained before handing him a small tracking device to help him with his mission.
"I guess it will be easy. Well, I just have to be careful with the mirrors. Don't worry, Professor, I'll take care of it," Ash assured him, putting away the scanner that had been given to him. He was ready to fulfill his task, but he wanted to ask the professor one more thing before leaving.
"Professor, by the way... could you tell me what Serena was doing here? I ran into her at the entrance," Ash asked, trying to sound casual so as not to raise any suspicions or make the professor think it was something inappropriate. Professor Sycamore raised an eyebrow, noting Ash's attempt at nonchalance but decided to respond straightforwardly. "Serena was here to discuss some research she's been doing on Pokémon performances and their impact on local ecosystems. She's been quite involved in various projects around Kalos, helping to promote environmental awareness through her performances."
Ash nodded, processing the information. "I see. Thanks, Professor."
"Is everything alright between you two?" Sycamore asked gently, sensing a deeper curiosity behind Ash's question.
Ash hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "I think so. It's just been a while since we've talked. She seemed a bit distant."
"People change, Ash," the professor said with a knowing smile. "But old friends have a way of finding their way back to each other. Give it time."
Ash smiled back, feeling a bit more reassured. "Thanks, Professor. I'll get going now."
With Pikachu on his shoulder, Ash made his way out of the lab and towards the Mirror Cave. The journey through the Kalos region was filled with nostalgic memories, but Ash kept his focus on the mission ahead.
After crossing the trails and forests on the way to Mirror Cave, Ash realized that something had started to change. He felt that the weather was becoming a bit more erratic, and the number of wild Pokémon was already lower. He wasn't sure if what had happened in the cave had anything to do with it, but he remained determined to complete his mission.
But that wasn't the only thing. He didn't know if it was because training his reflexes had become so normal with his Lucario, but it had made his senses much sharper than before, and he could easily tell if someone was nearby, if they were watching him. Without knowing who it was, he stopped for a moment. He started to run a bit faster to lose whoever was following him, then tried to hide behind an oak tree to ambush his pursuer.
It didn't take more than a few seconds to see the silhouette of the person following him. It was very easy, so he got behind them and grabbed their arms, subduing them. "You're a very bad spy if you let yourself get caught this easily," Ash warned, tightening his grip.
The person struggled for a moment before stopping, realizing they were caught. Ash cautiously turned them around to see who it was. To his surprise, it was a familiar face.
"Serena?" Ash exclaimed, loosening his grip . "What are you doing here?"
Serena adjusted her appearance and said, "Before you arrived, I spoke with the professor. He told me you were coming to investigate some anomalies or something like that, so I came to see what it was about." She explained, choosing her words carefully.
Ash noticed something strange about Serena's behavior, like how she had fled when they first saw each other, but in a way, he was glad she was there. "Well, there haven't been any problems on the way so far, but I need to go to the cave to start the investigation... do you want to come?" Ash asked, trying to form a smile.
Serena didn't look him directly in the eyes, as if she were trying to avoid it. But when she did look at him, she couldn't help but smile a little. Ash didn't quite understand what was going on; it was as if there was a barrier between them.
Serena hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting as she considered Ash's invitation. Finally, she nodded, meeting his eyes briefly before looking away again. "Yes, I'll come with you," she replied softly.
Ash sensed there was something more to Serena's behavior, but he decided not to push it for now. Instead, he offered her a reassuring smile. "Great! Let's head to the cave then."
Together, they walked towards Mirror Cave, their footsteps echoing against the rocky terrain. Despite the tension between them, Ash was grateful to have Serena by his side.
As they approached the entrance of the cave, the atmosphere seemed to change. The air grew thicker, and an almost ethereal glow emanated from within. Ash could feel the energy.
"Ready, Pikachu?" Ash asked, looking at his loyal companion.
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded, determined as ever.
"Are you ready Serena?" Ash asked her, she looked uneasy, but she was certain, "Yeah lets go"
They stepped inside, the light from their surroundings reflecting off the countless mirrors lining the walls. Each step echoed, creating an eerie yet mesmerizing soundscape. Ash took out the small tracking device Professor Sycamore had given him and activated it. The screen flickered to life, displaying various readings and signals.
"Let's see what we can find," Ash murmured, scanning the area carefully.
As they delved deeper into the cave, the reflections in the mirrors seemed to shift and warp. But nothing too weird or something to worry about.
"This device doesn't seem to be detecting anything alarming," Ash said as he scanned the surroundings. On the other hand, Serena was examining the reflections and rocks in the cave. Ash began to feel uncomfortable again. "Hey, how long have you been in Kalos?"
"I've been back in Kalos for about 8 months, after Johto," Serena mentioned, still with her back turned to him. Ash was surprised to hear this. "What? You went to the Johto Contest Circuit," Ash exclaimed, astonished.
Serena felt sadness and anger confirming something she felt but didn't know for sure. "Yes, and I won the Grand Festival, you know. Seriously, you didn't know?" Serena reproached him.
Ash felt guilty seeing the blonde's expression; she seemed upset and disappointed with him.
Ash's guilt deepened as he realized he had unintentionally hurt Serena with his ignorance. He took a step closer to her, wanting to make amends. "I'm really sorry, Serena. I didn't mean to overlook something so important to you," he apologized sincerely.
Serena sighed; her frustration evident as she turned to face him. "It's not just about the competition, Ash. It's about feeling like you don't even know what's going on in my life or the others life," she confessed, her voice tinged with hurt.
"Did you even know that Clemont stopped being the Gym Leader six months ago?" Serena reproached him. Ash was stunned; how could something like that have happened? "What are you talking about?" Ash exclaimed, unable to believe it.
"They hired him in Mauville City to develop his inventions, and Bonnie already started her Pokémon journey months ago. When were you going to find out about what's happening?" Serena yelled, her emotions running high and furious about the situation.
Ash felt a mix of shock and guilt wash over him as Serena's words sank in. He had been so absorbed in his own adventures and goals that he hadn't kept up with the developments in the lives of his friends. "I... I had no idea," he stammered, feeling a pang of regret for not being there for Clemont and Bonnie during such significant changes in their lives.
"I know you've always been busy pursuing your dream of becoming a Pokémon Master, but after you defeated Leon and became the Monarch, you stopped everything. All the media says that you stopped battling or taking on challenges at all. At first, I didn't worry about it, but it's been over a year."
Ash remained silent; he hadn't expected to be attacked like this, especially from Serena. "Look its not like that. I just simply needed to stop, after defeating Leon it wasn't the same for me" Ash tried to excuse his actions.
"So your solution was to push away everyone who cares about you. I know you've been doing this for a long time, Ash, with your other friends, with your mom. I know it all," Serena explained, now very upset and frustrated with him.
Ash didn't understand how she knew so much about him. It was true that they hadn't been in contact since the brief encounter they had at the port of Hoenn. "How do you know all that? We haven't seen each other in a long time," Ash said, trying to find answers.
Serena's frustration seemed to simmer as she met Ash's gaze, her expression softening slightly. "I've been keeping an eye on you, Ash. Even if we haven't seen each other, I've always cared about what's been happening in your life," she admitted, her tone gentle yet resolute.
Ash felt a mix of surprise and warmth at Serena's confession. He hadn't realized how much she still cared, despite their lack of communication. "I... I didn't know," he murmured, feeling a pang of guilt for not keeping in touch.
"I know you didn't know, before everyone just accepted how you were with that issue, but you're not a kid anymore, and those things have consequences, you know. Don't think I was going to wait around like a fool for so many years," Serena reproached him, frustrated, without realizing what she was truly saying.
"But what are you talking about?" Ash asked, not understanding what she meant. Serena began to blush; she was saying something she didn't want to tell him, something she had been trying to keep under control for a long time, but she knew she had to get it off her chest.
"Listen, I..." she began to say before being interrupted by the device Ash was carrying.
Suddenly, the device beeped loudly, indicating a significant energy spike nearby. Ash quickened his pace, turning a corner to find a large, shimmering mirror that seemed to pulse with energy. This mirror was different from the others, its surface rippling like water.
As Ash approached the shimmering mirror, he could feel a strange energy emanating from it, prickling his skin. Serena followed closely behind; her curiosity piqued by the unusual sight.
"What do you think it is?" Serena asked, her voice tinged with awe and apprehension.
Ash studied the mirror intently, trying to discern its purpose. "I'm not sure," he replied, his brow furrowed in concentration. "But there's definitely something strange about it."
Just then, the surface of the mirror began to ripple more violently, as if it were being stirred by an unseen force. Ash and Serena stepped back instinctively, uncertain of what was happening.
Before they could react further, a sudden burst of light erupted from the mirror, enveloping them both in a blinding glow. The light surrounded Ash, Pikachu, and the others, leaving them unable to move. Ash tried to reach Serena, but his body felt trapped by the light. "Serena, take my hand!" Ash shouted, stretching to grasp her. Serena tried with all her strength to take his hand, but the light surrounding them held her immobile. They were so close when a tremendous roar echoed around them, like a scream. The light expanded and enveloped both of them and Pikachu until they were no longer visible.
Ash closed his eyes, expecting the worst, but suddenly felt his body falling rapidly until he hit the ground. He groaned from the sudden pain but quickly recovered to see where his friends were. He saw his Pikachu a few meters ahead, looking very disoriented.
Ash quickly stood up and checked on his companion. "Pikachu, are you okay?" he asked, very concerned, but fortunately, the electric mouse was completely fine.
"I'm glad you're okay, buddy," Ash said, relieved that at least something was alright. Then he remembered Serena was missing and started shouting for her. "Serena, where are you?"
As he walked through the unfamiliar place, he realized he was no longer in the Mirror Cave or any place he knew. He wasn't even sure if he was still in Kalos. He moved forward a few meters to a small hill, trying to get his bearings. "Why is this place so dark? Could it already be night?" Ash exclaimed, noticing the absence of sunlight and barely able to see where he was.
When he reached the top of the hill, he realized he was no longer in Kalos or any place he had ever seen. In the distance, he could see a kind of city illuminated by a great light emanating from its center, but almost all its surroundings were dark or had faint lights. He also noticed that he couldn't see the sky, only a ceiling.
"Buddy, where are we supposed to be? And where... where the hell is Serena?" Ash exclaimed nervously, not knowing where he was... or when.
End of the first chapter. I hope you like this story. It's a mix of Final Fantasy VII Remake and Pokémon, taking existing elements and combining them into an intriguing story. I hope you enjoy it and leave comments, please.