Author's Notes
Back again for another chapter. This time, a more action chapter.
Now, as the chapters go by, I get more umm... lost as to what to write for the Author's Notes since to be honest, you guys' reviews are far more entertaining to read than mine.
Besides that, I really really wanna write like character profiles and timelines and stuff but... it needs to be a dedicated chapter so that readers won't need to blindly check profiles from previous chapters in the future.
And as a result, I figured it out: My own personal author profile! A literal free space for me to dump character sheets and timelines!
So! If you guys want some info, check my Author Profile since it's gonna be a wiki of sorts. It's not finalized yet, but I'll tell you guys when it's done in the future chapters so stay tuned for that.
And finally... Review time!
starff2432:
I think I am in love with all of Ash's Pokémon
Just a quick question when will Chikorita get to know about Serena and you know get to meet her on call at least
Haha, thanks for the compliment. I'm real glad that the Pokémon interactions were enjoyable to read. As for Chikorita meeting Serena, that's a future interaction that I'm still working out on so stay tuned for that.
Corrupted1:
Ah... I see what you mean by extended cut with Chikorita... Damn.
I recently learned about Festival of Champions and when I did it hit me where yours was adapted/based on. God that thing is raw as hell. We are never going to get anything official like that.
That does bring a question to mind: The stigma against Dark Type.
Since that's a part of the fics world building, that it was only just considered a type the year the Trio started their adventure, and that Karen (seemingly) the one who's pushing them to a "better light", what does that mean for the rest of the world? Such as is the stigma a whole world thing or based on regions? Cause you have starter pokemon that are Dark types (like Greninja) which brings that to question unless it's like the more obvious Dark Types, which like "ya'll are racist". Or even like Piers in Galar with the first and only Dark Gym. Though if so, I'm guessing Karen snowballs it for everyone else to eventually use the type more officially like it.
I'm really digging that Ash and Zacian have more to say with each other... it's going to suck when that gets muted... probably. And on more to say, I'm actually glad you have instances of having the Pokemon talk to each other amongst themselves. I feel that gets forgotten that it's not always about the Trainer on the adventure. Least from what I've seen at times.
The image of Pikachu reaching out for Ash is cute but in this context, especially after his accomplishments/feats, heartbreaking. And if that fateful day is the same... then I'm almost curious as to how different it will be since you're doing a fusion of origins, but regardless, it's an insane origin.
Speaking of, know I said I wouldn't, but just... kid got the Kieran treatment, just not as traumatizing (maybe) and no Vergil moment in sight.
I find it odd how Ash has no photo of Delila cause you'd think Oak would have no problem providing a photo to Ash. So now I'm just thinking is this a situation where her side of the family, maybe others too, blame Ash for her death and don't want him to have memorabilia? Cause man, if there's one thing that gets my blood boiling, it's that fucking logic.
Like I get it for dramas and what not, but man, victim blaming to the extent of that? Hell no. If we're playing the pointing finger game, then the only people to blame are Delila for wanting Ash (but you won't) and the father for being an accomplice. Like fuck, last thing left of her, and just gonna disrespect her? Course if that's the case, if not, I'm just ranting. But I'm also pointing that at FatedAsh too since he seems to blame himself for his mother's dead despite that's not true (maybe) and in a way, be disrespecting his mother. Least how I feel, whatever.
Another enjoyable read, Corrupted. That being said, let's cook.
Chikorita:
Haha, 'damn' is the best compliment I can get from this. It's reassuring that its received well since I was scared it was too edgy. But if this level is alright, I can go a bit wilder in the future.
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FoC & Dark Types:
Festival of Champions is GOATED. That's how you know it will never be official (since its a fanmanga) nor given an anime (like Adventures). Funnily enough, Adventures was supposed to be CLOSER to the ideal Pokémon Satoshi Tajiri imagined. Just a heads-up for readers:
Please support Seijun Tombo for his Festival of Champions! It's the foundation Fated is based on, after all.
And now, the Dark types.
It's been a year or rather, almost Year 2 (since we're currently in the winter season in the fic, making it December, or Frax in the Gigas Calendar) since the Dark types were recognized. Here's the funny part:
There's two scenarios I can write here since I'm still deciding. The logical explanation and the conceptual explanation.
The logical scenario:
Dark has always been a thing since it was a Plate, after all. Meaning, Absol for example, was always a mono-Dark with the stigmatized public giving it Normal instead. But because Dark has different weaknesses and strengths in the Type Chart, researchers had a difficult time to draw a conclusion for the Normal Typing's effectiveness. In truth, they just don't wanna acknowledge the Dark type. Now present time, Dark was recognized, giving us the current Type chart.
The conceptual scenario:
Dark was always a thing but the Pokémon DID NOT have the Type before its recognition. Meaning, Absol was really a Normal type before the Dark type was conceptually given to it. This scenario can explain Gardevoir for example, since it was a mono-Psychic before Fairy was given to it by humans, granting a second Type through the collective agreement of humanity. Also, this scenario can be used to explain future Typings though I'm pretty sure 18 types is already too much for Pokémon's taste.
So take your pick, readers. Either is fine by me. (Present Piers at the minimum is a Dark type Gym Leader after the recognition.)
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Ash & Zacian and the Pokémon:
Glad the Pokémon interactions were good. You're right, Corrupted, that Pokémon are characters too in the story, not just tools. It's also the reason why Ash is catching fewer Pokémon each region since many personalities is overwhelming for me.
As for the two, honestly, it's the most scariest part of writing Fated. Their interactions, at least, since I have to read it in order to censor spoilers for the future as well as foreshadow some stuff. This implication means your fears were right, Corrupted. The interactions would be perma-muted in the future due to a... special event.
But not before Zacian reveals her identity/everything about her and demonstrate the Fate-equivalent of a busted/banned OU tier powerlevel. Shit's gonna be wilding when we reach that part.
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Pikachu:
Yeah, the juxtaposition is jarring, isn't it? The cutest action for the most heartbreaking situation.
Fusion of origins is the most apt way to describe Fated as you guys already know about Mama and Lil Kanga (btw, these two are a reference to X's Kangaskhan in Adventures) from the anime plus the FoC version of Pikachu's past in the prologues as well as Ash's experience in Pikachu's memories.
Now, imagine Festival of Champion's Pikachu backstory with a more immature Ash... an immature Fated!Ash, that is.
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Ash and Delia:
Oh, this is an easy one to answer. As I've mentioned before, Delia and Ash's father don't really play a part in his story. Deadbeat dad is vanquished and never talked about like in the anime and Delia serves as the cornerstone anchor between Incarnation(Ash) and Guardian(Zacian). It was also stated in M02 that Delia was back 11 years ago for the FIRST TIME in a decade(Imma hope this is right since I don't usually read my fic, funnily enough since I feel like that's egotistical and only do so for fact-checking) so Delia and her family are ka-put as well.
So this explains why Ash has no pictures of her nor any family members since in Fated's context, he is definitely alone. Besides, family drama and victim-blaming is something I agree with you, Corrupted. Shit's too blood-boiling to read, let alone write.
As for Ash's 'misplaced' guilt; in a way, you can kinda see his logic since from his POV, his mother sacrificed herself for him, making him an ironic victim blamer towards himself. However, this isn't healthy for him(obviously) and does disrespect Delia in a way (nice observation, Corrupted) since Ash is unconsciously denying his mother's sacrifice for him. Angst material for dayz!
Rajiv A. Rajaram:
Proper entertainment in this chapter on your return. The burial scene was painful but just goes with the darkness of TR and their evil ways. Pikachu backstory and some Pokémon dialogue was very good too. You never miss the beat to show how broken Ash is behind the bright eyes he tries to show often. That little moment with Zackie when he took the Pokéball was amazing, that anger was cool. Overall a good chapter and looking forward to more drama again
Thanks for the encouraging review, Rajiv.
Burial scene hits hard, huh? More reason for me to one-up myself, mwahaha!
And you're right, Rajiv. Ash is showing the cracks behind the 'mask' and when it falls... Hooo, boy. Let's just say his alignment's not really in line with a hero's qualities.
His anger towards Zackie being entertaining is a happy W for me since I rewatched the episode and was really ticked off by that little brat. 80% through the bashing was when I realized: Oh shit, I need to give him a life lesson, much to my displeasure. (Can't really have the characters go OC, can I?)
Atomic Morning:
Pls pls pls let Ash catch an Espeon. It was a huge missed opportunity for the anime writers to not give him one. Red has an Espeon, and Gary has an Umbreon. Ash should have had an Espeon lol
Gah! I'm sorry for this, Atomic, but the Espeon role was filled by Blue already.
Being the female Red, and by extension, Ash, her getting Espeon works as well. Although, I do understand where you're coming from. But seeing Ash's style in the anime and how Fated's gonna develop his techniques, Espeon doesn't fit him as much anymore.
Krion64:
Is it just me or is Cynthia giving off... pedo vibes towards Serena? The gifts that showed up this chapter, the personalized attention, the jokes about love, and the fact that, besides their Pokemon, Serena seems to spend a bunch of time in Cynthia's hotel room with just the two of them. Maybe it's all innocent and she doesn't intend anything nefarious, but given this is also a Fate story...
I dunno, if this was real life, I would be highly concerned for that girls safety.
Lmao, this was a funny read, Krion. But, you aren't wrong.
It's more of a gag like an older person making fun of a child. Plus, it isn't a hotel room but a penthouse so there's A LOT of breathing room, don't worry. They aren't forced into a small room like what you're imagining.
I guess you can allude this more to a sort of 'criticism' towards the... 'questionable' pairing between Cynthia and Dawn in fanarts and... 'fanarts'. Seems creepy, right? Apparently, its a thing. So yeah. No pedo Cynthia, not to worry, that's the artists' work, not mine.
TLDR: It's innocent + Green flag. More of a mentor teasing her student.
Okay, now this is a comment I saw on Wattpad and it warrants an explanation.
AmongusManlol:
How long will you make uus wait for a Reunion between Ash and Seren, I dont wanna wait for 3 years man, At this rate, like I swear
Again, I've said in the past that they are gonna reunite in Kalos in the far future. And yes, it will take literal years to reach that point but I'm not changing that, sorry.
It's the proverbial reward for Ash after surviving/enduring 'me' and the villains, making it more sweet after seeing how much the story screws around with Ash.
Stories that give the 'reward' too early will detriment their content since once the 'present' is opened... what's left? That's something I felt whilst reading some shipping fics.
So once Fated reaches its 'reward' after experiencing the fic's world, there's still more the readers can enjoy even after the reunion, which is my goal.
So technically, it's an Amour story disguised as an adventure/fantasy setting in the Pokémon/Fate world.
Really sorry if this isn't the answer you're looking for, but my advice for this is to simply stop reading Fated- Now, hold on!
What I mean is, go read other Amour stories. There's a mountain's worth of more well-written fics than mine so that should keep you company for a long time. And after some time, once you remembered about this fic, come read this again. Now with more chapters and hopefully, covers the reunion as well!
From the review(read: wake-up call) above, I do realize I kinda need to speed things up and not waste time on potential fillers. With that said, I'm gonna be skipping Gym Leaders!
As for which Gym Leader would get a featured battle next, it is... Chuck! So, we're skipping 3 Leaders. Sorry about this rash decision but it's for the greater good since I'm also scared that I'll run out of battle ideas in the future lol.
(UPDATE: 23/11/2023)
As rightfully criticized by f46adpg, this chapter's got an update, or rather an extended sequence.
TLDR: I cooked more portions.
With that being said, enjoy!
And now, let's start!
Chapter 72: Sprout Tower
Violet Gym, Johto Region (11:58 am)
Thud!
"Pidgey is unable to battle! Brendan of Goldenrod City wins!"
Nana let out victorious bark as she came out as the winner against the Gym Leader.
"Well done, Brendan. You are one of the best rookies I've ever faced," his opponent praised.
The white-hatted boy met the eyes of the Gym Leader:
A man with has blue eyes and blue hair, which covered his right eye. He wore a white sash, some indigo shorts, and a pair of black wristbands with red outlines.
"Thanks a lot, Mr Falkner!" Brendan grinned as he sparkled at his first Badge.
]=[
ATL Entry: Falkner Bisang
Violet City's Gym Leader. A young man who inherited his Gym from his father.
A specialist of the Flying type.
]=[
"To think you have a protégé this talented, Cerulean," the blue-haired man acknowledged the redhead.
"He's not my protégé, Falkner," Misty denied.
The two Gym Leaders shared banters while Brendan was still praising his hard-fought Pokémon to high ends.
"So, it's been a while since that little girl from Cerulean City stepped foot here. Vacation?" Falkner asked.
"Stop talking like you're an old man. You're only 20, y'know?" Misty shot back.
"Haha! In Trainers' terms, that's an age deemed close to an elder."
"You calling the Wandering King 'ancient' then?"'
They shared the same imagery in their head as they formed the appearance of a certain wild and burly aged man with fiery thorns for his mane-like hair.
DONG! DONG! DONG!
Falkner sprang into action as soon as he heard the ringing bells.
'Three ring…! Sprout Tower?!'
]=[
ATL Entry: Sprout Tower
An old 100-foot towerheld together by a giant flexible pillar that shakes from side to side. This technique was called jūkōzō*.
(Literally means 'flexible structure'*)
Its flexibility protected the tall tower from earthquakes and symbolized the battles that are occurring on upper floors. Such technology was further utilized in high-rise buildings, making it one of the progenitors of strong structures of the modern era.
According to legend, a 100-foot-tall Bellsprout was used to make the swaying pillar. It was inhabited by monks who study diligently and teach that all living beings coexist through cooperation.
A system of bell rings was installed within the tower that sounded across the entire city loudly:
One ring meant morning had come.
Two rings meant night had fallen.
Three rings meant trouble had struck.
]=[
"What's going on?!" the white-hatted boy exclaimed in shock.
Just then, Officer Jenny barged into the Gym, visibly out of breath as if she had finished participating in a marathon.
"Falkner-sama!" the policewoman panicked.
"Jenny, what's the situation?" the blue-haired man removed his jacket before putting on a police suit.
Falkner Bisang. A Gym Leader as well as a parttime policeman. Although his rank was not any higher than Officer Jenny, as a respected Trainer and valued member of Johto's circle of Gym Leaders, he was referred to with honorifics. It helped greatly that he was competent as well.
It was an incomplete outfit, but since it was an emergency, Falkner could care less if it meant the threat was gone sooner.
"Reports of a fire from Sprout Tower reached us, sir! We need to engage immediately!" Jenny saluted.
'Sprout Tower?! But that's…!' Misty and Brendan widened their eyes upon hearing that place's name.
It was, after all, where their third member went for a visit.
Sprout Tower was a tourist spot for Violet City as well as an architecture of history for the city. If it was destroyed, more than a tourist spot would be lost for Violet City. And Falkner could never let that happen.
"Cerulean," the Flying specialist glanced.
"Already ahead of you, old fart!" Misty rushed forth with Brendan in tow.
"Okay, now that's going too far."
.
.
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Sprout Tower, Johto Region (12:10 pm)
Ash and Priscilla worked with the monks to evacuate the children, rushing them into single file as they safely exited the tower.
"That should be the last of them," Ash counted.
"Miss Priscilla, please double check the kids."
The teacher nodded as she urged the fidgety children to group up to her as they moved away from the smoking building.
Suddenly…
"The Elder! The Elder isn't here!" one of the monks shouted.
The Elder Monk. The highest rank of Sprout Tower.
He was the head practitioner and the overseer of the tower.
"Where is he?!" another monk demanded.
Piecing scrapes of information he saw from the brochure, Ash's lightbulb lit up.
"Pikapi!" Pikachu gasped as he turned his head upwards.
"Yeah. He's at the top," Ash followed suit.
'It makes sense. Otherwise, who would ring the bells?' he concluded.
"Kero!" Froakie handed his Trainer a makeshift scarf of Frubbles, soaked with water for easier breathing.
"Am I that easy to read, buddy?"
"Kero."
"Haha… Thanks, you guys."
The raven-haired boy immediately twirled the scarf around the lower half of his face, ensuring he could breathe in the smoke-infested floors to come.
"Alright. No problems here," Ash muttered to himself.
However, his figure was caught by the students outside.
"Ash! What're you doing?!" Zackie shrieked.
To this, the raven-haired boy merely gave the child a reassured grin as he mouthed something:
"A Trainer's job."
Crack!
The scarfed Trainer sped up the stairs, leaving behind a small indent of his forceful step as he rocketed.
.
.
.
Zackie watched in muted silence, still dazed from what he saw. He was still fearful of the looming smoke around him and yet…
The raven-haired boy had the courage to tackle the threat without so much as a moment's hesitation. It was inspiring to see, for the child at least.
"Where is he?!" a shrill voice growled.
And here came one individual who hated that aspect of the boy.
"Ah…! Miss Waterflower!" one of monks recognized.
"Troy! It's been a long time, but I'm in a hurry now," the redhead nodded.
"If you're looking for the boy, I'm afraid he has gone up to save Elder Li!"
Repressing a groan, Misty nodded again as thanks before she sprinted towards the smoke-filled entrance.
"Please tell me that idiot didn't… Oh what the hell, of course he did!" Brendan grumbled as he followed the redhead.
Falkner soon arrived as he screeched to a halt before summoning his Pokémon.
"Spread your wings, Pidgeotto!"
A great bird materialized with its Trainer leaping onto its back before soaring above to the third floor quickly.
"To the top!"
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Floor 3, Sprout Tower (12:30 pm)
"You youngsters… Get out this sacred tower immediately," an old monk ordered sternly.
Snickering Rockets chuckled evilly as their ringleader stood from the elder's seat.
He was a purple-haired man with eyes as black as his heart.
The one man who started Gary's pursuit for Power:
"Oi, oi, gramps. Didja think you caught us off-guard by ringing this darn tower's bell?"
Petrel of Team Rocket.
"We let you ring it on purpose, stuuupid~"
"Be that as it may, but picking a fight against Falkner is foolish even for you, Neo Rocket," Elder Li spat out.
At this, Petrel gave a hearty laugh. He laughed as if his gut was about to explode.
"Ahahaha! That wannabe police officer?! As if us Neo Rockets would be interested in that gloomy fuck!"
"No, no, no… You're just the bait for the biggest pain in our ass," Petrel licked his lips as he stared patiently at the staircase.
Muted explosions could be heard from the second floor, prompting the elder to get into stance.
"Bwahaha! What's up, old fart? What's with that stance?" one of the grunts belittled.
Elder Li exhaled, his arms stretched forward with open palms and his legs spread evenly.
'Taijutsu? I've never seen that stance before,' the purple-haired man recalled Bruno's overpowering stance.
]=[
ATL Entry: Taijutsu
The umbrella term for any combat skill, technique or system of martial art using body movements that were described as an empty-hand combat skill or system.
It was a skill that many Fighting type specialist coveted as it was martial arts that brought out a Fighting type Pokémon's true strength. With human combat combined with a Pokémon's physical prowess, it was a force to be reckoned with.
However, the reason why only some Fighting specialists were able to teach their Pokémon taijutsu was due to how excluded the schools of martial arts were. Currently, the only karate practitioners were Bruno and Bea.
]=[
A grunt walked up to the positioned elder and placed a hand, gripping into his shoulder.
"Stop playing around old m—"
Fwip!
"Eh?"
In a flash, the grunt's vision was reversed. The floor above him, he crashed onto ground like a ragdoll.
Bam!
"GAH!"
"Do you know why Sprout Tower holds Bellsprouts in high regard?" Elder Li asked.
"You've seen Bellsprouts defeating opponents stronger than themselves. Why is that?"
"Their movements, graceful like spring. Each action they make is flawless like flowing water. Like a coin, its beauty is shared with its deadliness."
Elder Li returned to his original stance, glaring at the evil members with contempt.
"Come! Sprout Tower's fists will destroy you evil!"
"GET HIM!"
As the grunts crowded towards the elder, the latter struck instantaneously. Weaving the punches, Elder Li used his palms and slapped them away before pummelling them in response.
He deflected attacks while counterattacking them in return. A technique of both high attack and defense. With the addition of its lightning-fast strikes, the opponent, no matter how much stronger they were…
WHACK! FWIP! CRACK!
If they had no answer, they would lose without question.
"Hah! This got interesting!" Petrel laughed.
"But, y'know gramps… Do you still have gas in your tank?"
Sure enough, Elder Li was rasping for air after knocking out a dozen men. His stance threatened to break while the floor was engulfed with his laboured breaths.
"That's not even accounting for our Pokémon too," Petrel continued.
"Well, that's just my own twisted taste, I guess."
'This is it; I suppose. At least Troy and the others made it out,' Li mused to himself.
The man had no regrets. If it meant that his disciples escaped, he could ask for no greater reward. However, it did drive him a little mad that this Neo Rocket skirmish was all to lure out someone.
'…Wait. Who is this person?'
"Well, enjoy death by poison. Kuku, reminds me of that brat's Raticate," Petrel grinned.
"Weezing, get up here and [Smog] this fossil!"
…
…
…
But nothing happened.
'Weezing's on the second floor. He should be able to hear me from up here…'
Rumble!
Muted explosions from the lower floor trembled the wooden flooring.
{ Petrel-sama! It's him! It's the—! }
{ Stay back! Don't get close to his Poké—! }
The walkie talkie cut off, silencing the grunt on the other end. Petrel was initially confused before letting out a warped grin of evil towards the staircase.
A moment of silence and then…
Thock. Thock. Thock.
The sounds of footsteps grew louder from the darkened stairs before suddenly…
Fwwooom!
CRASH!
A large purple blur was flung from the darkness into crashed into the elder seat behind Petrel.
"Wha…?! That's…!" one of the grunts choked.
"Petrel-sama's Weezing?!"
The Poison Gas Pokémon was knocked out, smoking with heat emanating from his body as his eyes were swirls.
"I see…! YOU'RE HERE!" he shouted delightfully.
From the darkness…
Embers of fire and sparks of electricity could be seen.
And the most damning appearance that cinched the Neo Rocket's target:
The glowing bloodred eyes.
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.
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Floor 2, Sprout Tower (12:25 pm)
"Ash!" Misty gasped for air as she reached the second floor.
But what her cerulean blue eyes saw was devastation. Fallen grunts and their Pokémon littered around like pieces of rotten food. Thankfully, they were still alive and breathing, just not waking up anytime soon.
'This scene… It reminds me of…' Misty paled.
The news broadcast a year ago.
Team Rocket's defeat. The top floor where Giovanni resided and…
The sight of a near hundred grunts defeated with their leader. All in a single night.
The cause? She knew who.
BOOOM!
Loud noises came from above. The final floor.
'Not again!' the redhead grunted as she sprinted once again.
"I won't… I won't let you go through that again!"
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.
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Floor 3, Sprout Tower (12:32 pm)
From the black came out a raven-haired boy, his glaring eyes glowing ominously as his Pokémon growled beside him.
"You…" Ash snarled as he removed the blackened scarf around his face.
He remembered Petrel from Gary's retellings. How could he ever forget?
'The fucker who poisoned Raticate!'
"PIKACHUUU!" the electric mouse bared his teeth.
Dancing sparks flashed across the floor as Pikachu's rage erupted.
Fwoosh!
Beside them, Charizard's anger peaked, responding to his best friend's wrath. Flames of fiery rage boiled the room, raising the temperature in the otherwise cold environment.
"Ahaha! Pikachu brat, no, Faker! How long has it been?" Petrel chatted away, all smiles and rainbows.
"[Flare Blitz (Fake)]."
The orange dragon roared, swirling himself with his breaths of fire before rocketing towards the grouped grunts.
"Rude!" the purple-haired man blew raspberries before evading the flame-coated dragon with surprising acrobatics.
BOOOOOOOMMMMM!
"Cough… cough…" Elder Li hacked as the smoke got heavier.
"Get rid of it, Charizard," the raven-haired boy requested.
With a single beat of his wings, Charizard lifted the barrier of obscurity, returning vision. Ash himself had made it towards the elder, holding him up due to his frailty.
"You must be the elder," Ash nodded.
"A child? What are you doing here?" Li asked.
"Don't tell me… Did my disciple Troy order a child like you to rescue me? The nerve of that boy…"
However, the raven-haired boy shook his head to the elder before standing back to position after catching sounds of recovery from the grunts around them.
"Nah. I'm just a hopeless idiot who can't help putting his nose into people's business."
"Hah! A reckless child. Perhaps you should be a monk here!"
'This time, I'm glad I was such a busybody.'
The surrounding smog cleared, revealing a still grinning Petrel and a few grunts still raring to go.
Ash's blood boiled. Reinforcement cloaked his body as his eyes were set ablaze by anger. There was one target in his mind, pointing towards him:
The man who killed his partner's rival.
"You're mine."
Sprout Tower, Johto Region (12:34 pm)
"The sounds of battle… The top floor!" Falkner muttered into the wind.
Pidgeotto flew faster, zooming upwards before all of a sudden…
BOOOOOOOMMMMM!
"What…?! Pidgeotto, dodge!"
Debris fell from above with the great bird zipping tightly, barely missing the engaging obstacles and safely making it out of the debris fall.
"Is the elder fighting? No, a Bellsprout couldn't have made such a destructive mess… A third party?" Falkner theorized.
"No matter. Let's go, Pidgeotto!"
"Take care of their Pokémon, you two!" Ash called out as he faced the human threats.
"Pikachu!" / "Roar!"
'As expected, they're jammed…' the raven-haired boy thought to himself.
The capsules around his waist were jammed, most likely due to the Capsule Disruptor that he experienced from the trio he fought. But that was coincidentally his ideal situation.
He had returned Froakie into his capsule earlier, not wanting him to battle due to his inexperience against Neo Rocket. The same went for Chikorita and Heracross, no matter how stubborn they were.
'Sorry guys…'
This stage was exclusively for the veterans: Pikachu and Charizard.
The only ones who had fought Team Rocket before and spearheaded their disbandment. They had strength that Ash would never need to worry about.
'But I won't let more of my friends get hurt!'
It was hypocritical, but the raven-haired boy was too absorbed into his fighting instincts to mull over it.
"Zubats, [Supersonic]!"
The grunts' blind bats screeched a frequency that would confuse their opponents. Unfortunately for them…
Tonelico, discharge thy AURA immediately.
'What do you mean by [Discharge]? I'm not an Electric type,' Ash flinched slightly.
Simply push thy AURA outwards, it may serve to disrupt those annoyances.
'Oh, that kind of discharge…'
Although he grumbled, Ash listened to Zacian and proceeded to flood his circuits in preparation.
With exertion, the raven-haired boy dashed towards his Pokémon, landing in-between. Light glares twinkled from his glowing bloodred eyes as the flooded AURA was forcefully unloaded to his surroundings, cancelling [Supersonic] in the process.
Well done, Tonelico. Thou hast learnt AURA Radiation.
'Thanks. I think I work better under the pressure,' Ash chuckled to himself.
Glancing at the opponents' Pokémon, the boy hatched a plan as he glinted towards Pikachu.
"Your enemies are Zubats, Pikachu! You know what to do!" Ash insinuated.
[=]
Zubat, the Bat Pokémon
It has neither eyes nor a nose. It emits ultrasonic cries that bounce back to its large ears, enabling it to fly safely. Zubat remains quietly unmoving in a dark spot during the bright daylight hours. It does so because prolonged exposure to the sun causes its body to become slightly burned. When it gets cold out, they gather to warm one another's bodies.
[=]
'But still, Zubats, huh? Guess Kanto's overpopulation got leaked over here…'
"PikaaaCHIIIII!"
[Thunderbolt] unleashed with the electric mouse breakdancing in a singular point while launching shocks in an omni-directional manner.
CRACK! BOOM!
"KKKIIIIIIIIKKKKK!"
The bats screeched in pain at the sudden booming thunder around them.
"Zubat?!" one of the villains exclaimed.
'Zubats are blind, so they rely on their ears to 'see' through echolocation. So it's a no-brainer to realize how to counter them!' the raven-haired boy monologued to himself.
The Bat Pokémon's extraordinary hearing had backfired on them.
'I'm not done yet!'
"Charizard, light it up!"
Already prepped, the Flame Pokémon conjured a growing sphere of pyro as it devoured the air to enlarge. It was the same move Ash and Charizard created in their battle against Drake's Dragonite.
"[Hellfire]!" Ash called out.
However, Charizard merely stagnated the pyro sphere, emanating its heat rather than attacking with it.
"It's hot!" / "I'm sweating bullets here!" / "I take it back, the cold's better!"
Such remarks from the grunts caused some of them to pass out from the heat.
Thud!
Thud, thud, thud!
And sure enough, the Zubats dropped like flies, their blue bodies slightly burnt due to the change in temperature and light intensity.
Simulating the Sun using a proxy fireball? How resourceful.
It was high praise coming from Zacian.
Seeing his Pokémon's side had gotten easier, he sidestepped back towards the elder to protect him.
"Think fast, twerp!"
Fwip!
A jab aimed for the head was quickly dodged by the instinctiveness of the raven-haired boy.
'I dodged out of reflex. This is nothing compared to Mew—'
Tis not that simple, Tonelico. During your duel against Ratatoskr's child, thy AURA were fully realized and at full disposal.
'Okay… So what's different this—'
Currently, thy AURA capacity is merely a fraction. The Reinforcement spell wastes it!
Upon realizing what she meant, Ash hurriedly turned off Reinforcement as he backstepped from the grunts.
'Only a fraction? So even that day?'
Aye, even against those blasted triplets.
'No wonder I felt AURA draining faster than before. I'm not even using the full tank!'
'Zacian, why can't I use all of my reserves?'
The reason is because of my forceful activation of thy AURA. Thou must activate thy powers by thyself.
'So it's that mental image thing again… Goddamn Archer!'
Haaah… Oh, Tonelico…
"Oi, oi! You looking away from the fight, punk?!" a burly grunt taunted.
"Huh?! I was looking away from ya blinding head, baldie!" Ash countered quick.
"I'm not bald! This is skinhead fashion!"
Well done, Tonelico. In modern terms, this would be called 'trash-talking', no?
Magnificent counter.
'Doesn't change the fact I'm kinda screwed though…' Ash grumbled as he locked onto an incoming fist.
Pap!
Ash deflected away a punch primed for him, returning the favour with a punch on his own.
Bam!
'It's harder than I thought…!' the raven-haired boy's eyes widened in shock as his fist slammed onto the grunt's thick suit.
'Then!'
Morphing his fist into a grab, Ash leapt mid-air and proceeded to give a solid kick to the bald head.
Pam!
'Okay! It connec—'
"Bwfugh?!"
A forceful blow to the stomach flung the boy backwards, causing him to cough out in pain. The grunt he fought rubbed the back of his head before glaring menacingly at the boy.
"Pikapi!" Pikachu cried out before dodging a few attacks from the grunts' Pokémon, busily counterattacking them.
"Gah…!"
"Like the new suits? We improved them with carbon fibre lining," Petrel chuckled from afar, enjoying Ash's setback.
'No wonder. Giovanni's Kevlar armour couldn't stand against Pikachu's [Slash (Fake)], of course, they'd improve!' Ash clicked his tongue as he stood back up.
Ash messed up. His naïve thinking that it was the same situation as Kanto costed him a blow to the stomach.
Unfortunately, the world did not work like that. It did not stop for Ash, only mercilessly moving forward as not only the good guys improve, but the bad guys as well.
It did not hold the boy's hand, slowly nurturing him. Rather, it forced him to face the unpleasant truth:
He was nothing special.
Just an ordinary person.
Why should it humour him?
"Now then, I'll be killing the brat that beat the boss!" the grunt prepared to punch the injured boy.
"Pikapi!" Pikachu squeaked as he watched the closed fist flying towards his partner.
"Roooarr!" Charizard panicked as he struggled to hold back the Pokémon with his flames.
WHAM!
The flying punch that was about to hit Ash… was deflected in an instant. Standing between the grunt and the raven-haired boy… was Elder Li.
An open palm touched vertically onto the burly Rocket member's chest, the middle finger being the only part touching it. As it measured, Li closed his palm into a tight fist, unmoving from his initial position.
"Hm!"
BAAAAAMMMM!
With a single strike, the burly man was punched with greater force, sending him tumbling back.
A one-inch punch.
Crack!
A visceral crack could be heard as the burly grunt landed, completely unconscious due to the immense pain.
"How dare you raise your hand on a child… sei puk gai*!"
(You damn prick.*)
"Elder…" Ash coughed.
"You got guts, kid. But it hurts my eyes seeing such amateur footwork and technique!"
"Urk…"
However, the grunts would not stop coming. They encircled the two but aimed at the old man, seeing him as easy target.
"Elder…!"
"Watch closely, young man. This is how you fight!"
The ensuing seconds were more than enough to expose Ash to the elder's fighting style.
The graceful movements. The light footwork. Soft yet powerful strikes.
It was dazzling to watch.
Remarkable. To think it was derived from the movements of the one called Bellsprout…
Ash agreed with Zacian. It was a fast and powerful technique, the familiarity of his own battle style that he preferred with Pikachu.
Thump.
"Haah… haah… I must be getting on my years…" Li gasped for air.
"Go rest 6 feet under already, geezer!" a grunt yelled in frustration as he proceeded to aim a kick onto the tired elder.
Thwap!
But the kick never landed. In fact, it was stopped by the raven-haired boy's left arm block. And with his right fist…
'Like this right?'
WHAM!
He drove his fist into the grunt's stomach, collapsing him in a single hit.
Drip, drip.
As expected, due to the newfound hardness of Neo Rocket's improved suits, the raven-haired boy sustained light injuries on his knuckles.
"To think you got it in just a few seconds…" Elder said, impressed.
'What extraordinary copying… I daresay he has the complete basics down pat,' Elder Li observed.
Of course. This is nothing difficult.
= Transferring Bellsprout Style to user…
= Commencing forced transfer…
= Handshake forcibly observed. Sending data: Li(M) to ?.
Technique acquired.
'This is like a cheat…' Ash complained.
Was that a complaint I hear?
'Thank you very much, Lady Zacian! Banzaaai!' he immediately switched gears.
Fufu, adequate~
The revelation that Ash's technique transfer was initially one of Zacian's many abilities did not faze him. In fact, it made him appreciate her even more since she was the true reason that he was able to defeat Lorelei and Gary.
"GET HIM!" the remaining grunts shouted indignantly.
The boy struggled to his feet as the throbbing pain on his stomach preventing him from having stable footing.
"Pft!" Ash spitted out some blood in his mouth as he stared down at his rushing enemies.
'Jumping 4 versus 1? Bring it on.'
…'Jumping'?
Zacian was confused by the modern slang.
With limited AURA not enough to harden his body, the boy made a split decision after taking an even shorter observation of surroundings.
'Pikachu and Charizard are staying their grounds, so I don't need to direct them,' his mind pumped with adrenaline.
'This new taijutsu's not suited for crowd control so I gotta go with my instincts.'
Squeezing his fist tight, Ash exhaled as he glared forward.
'This is gonna be easy! That brat's all alone now!' one of the grunts grinned.
'His Pokémon's gonna be busy for now so if we rush at him all at once…'
'He's dead me—'
"Eh?"
For a moment, the target in front of them had disappeared. But a little adjustment found him easily, but it was not where they expected him to be.
'Above?!'
The raven-haired boy had leapt to an unnatural height, at least a head above the average grunt. This was thanks to his daily exercises as well as his body's conditioning from Exceeding and Zacian's regenerative properties.
These three factors benefited Ash, gifting him a stronger body even without AURA.
"Bufwp?!"
A stomp landed on the frontal grunt as Ash used the member's face as a platform before jumping again. This time, the raven-haired boy aimed a punch towards the ground.
'Reinforcement,' circuits flared within his fist.
BOOM!
The impact on the wooden floor left a crater wide enough to stagger the surrounding enemies, giving Ash one last moment to think.
Tonelico, thou hast…
'AURA's depleted, I know. Now it's a race against time!'
With that, the boy stopped thinking. He was now an unfeeling machine focused on one singular objective:
Taking down the grunts.
"Wha?!"
Crack!
An open palm hammered the off-guarded grunt's chin as his eyes rolled upwards as he fell unconscious. Hearing the sudden crack, the rest of the goons turned to find the raven-haired boy dodging the falling grunt as the latter's body fell limp.
The shockwave from the Reinforced punch left the remaining grunts wobbly in the legs but still able to dash towards the unemotive Ash as they surrounded both him and their fallen comrade.
But before said comrade hit the ground…
Grab.
"Bend over."
…Tonelico?!
The raven-haired boy seized the man's collar before stomping on the back of his knees, letting him drop to a coincidental position resembling a yoga pose of a kneel with his face kissing the ground.
Neo Rocket circled closer as they processed the sight before them:
Ash began to place his hands atop of the unconscious grunt's body, crossing them as he made his move.
Fwip!
'This brat—!'
One of them could not finish that thought as his face was met with a red and black-themed shoe, pummelling him back.
As it turned out, the raven-haired boy had begun to spin around with his legs whirling around above head and kicked the approaching grunts indiscriminately.
'He's breakdancing on Joe's body?' Petrel widened his eyes as he observed.
'Damn, he's pretty good too.'
Swift kicks spun around mercilessly until Ash heard the last grunt fall to the wooden floor with a resounding thud.
"Phew… Hm?!"
Ash sucked back the exhaled air as a punch came centimetres close to his face. A powerful blow had he not dodged.
"You little…!" a female grunt hissed as she prepared another fist.
BAP!
Responding to this, Ash delivered a jab onto the woman's stomach. It was incredibly hard to the point where the female grunt fell clutching her abdomen, before drooping to a dogeza.
"How… How dare you hit a wo… man…" she fainted with those as her last words.
"You came at me though? Kinda weird for ya to think I won't retaliate if you asked me," the boy raised a brow at her accusation.
Contrary to what most others thought, Ash had no problem 'throwing hands', as he called it, with the opposite gender.
But before he could continue towards Petrel…
"Kuh…" his knee dropped to the floor, fatigued from his fight.
His allowed AURA had dried out. The enormous remainder still locked behind a needed image, unable to be drawn out.
'Not now!' Ash tried forcing his body to move.
But it would not budge.
"Looks like you got some bite in you, brat. But even with this, I still wonder," Petrel quirked a brow, curious.
"How did a kid like you even defeat Boss? Looking at you now, you wouldn't last a second against our Three Beasts when they pounce on you, little pup."
In the end, Petrel merely gave himself a shrug before standing up towards the raven-haired boy and the elder he was protecting.
From his suit pocket, the purple-haired man pulled out an unidentifiable object. It was a small, pocket-sized jewel but the appearance was more than enough to startle the unlikeliest person.
…What a surprise. To think humans could replicate that.
Ash wanted to ask the meaning behind Zacian's surprise but as he stared deeper into the jewel…
'What… the hell?' his face paled as his eyes analysed the jewel.
There was a living AURA signature within the crystal.
'What am I… looking at…?'
"If you're this boring, then I guess we should end this here," Petrel smirked.
"What a shame~"
"|Bu—!"
BOOOM!
"Golduck!"
A jet of water shot close to the purple-haired man, interrupting his focus as he swayed to the side in faux surprise.
"Woah there~"
Tmp, tmp, tmp!
Skidding in front of Ash, a redhead teen placed herself to protect the exhausted boy.
"Don't you dare touch him!" Misty roared as she glared at Petrel.
"Misty…"
"Pikachu-pi!" the electric mouse squeaked, batting away a Golbat before zipping towards the redhead.
"You did an amazing job, Pikachu," she cooed while beckoning Charizard to return.
"You too, Charizard."
"Grr…"
As Misty finished, the cerulean eyes made their way towards Petrel, the ringleader of Sprout Tower's emergency call.
"Is that you, Tomboyish Mermaid? May I say you exquisitely ravishing~" the man licked his lips.
"Fucker…!" the boy behind cursed, disgusted by the man's disturbing words.
As the struggling Ash tried to get up, he was stopped by a hand blocking his view.
"Misty…"
"Calm down. It's just like a Pokémon battle. You must stay calm, right?" she said with a soft tone.
"Don't worry. I'll make him pay."
"Oi, oi, Mermaid-chan. You saw that look as well, didn't you?" Petrel interrupted.
"Those eyes of that mutt gave me the creeps. Be careful when raising that pup…"
"Cuz you may never know when it'll grow up to be a wolf."
"I'd rather get eaten than spend another second hearing your voice," Misty deadpanned.
"Golduck!"
Misty's attack gave Petrel a confused look.
'[Water Gun]? What would a Water specialist use such a weak att—'
Clap!
The webbed hand clapped together before a slight opening at the tip of the hands appeared. A miniscule amount of water swirled within the palms as Golduck aimed towards the purple-haired man.
'Wait a dang…!' Petrel widened his eyes in horror.
"Golbat, block it with [Air Slash]!"
A series of wind blades flew from his bat, travelling towards Golduck and Misty at high speed.
'Move, my body…!' Ash grunted in pain.
"Mis—"
"I told you."
Instantly, a bullet of rapid water was shot, shredding the [Air Slashes] before piercing Golbat's wing as well as Petrel's shoulder.
"Gah!" he gritted his teeth in pain.
"I'll make you pay."
[Water Gun]
Variation: Sharpshooter
It was a completely new technique Misty came up with. It was birthed from her loss against Ash in the Grand League as well as her undying desire to win against Lorelei.
Inspired by Lapras' [Volt Tackle (Fake)], the pressurized water was compressed to a small sphere within Golduck's palms and blasted with precise aim and maximum speed.
'You're not the only one who's gotten stronger, Ash,' Misty glanced back at the surprised boy.
"Right now…"
"I feel like I could take on Lorelei."
Meanwhile, Petrel gave a light chuckle as he applied pressure to his wound.
"That's it! You're waaay more fun than that brat, Mermaid!"
"The willingness to play a little rougher! That's what that brat lacks right now!"
CRASH!
From the hole made by a combined explosion of Pikachu and Charizard's attacks in the background, Falkner flew in with his Pidgeotto.
"Neo Rocket! You're under arrest!" the blue-haired Gym Leader declared viciously.
"Two Gym Leaders, huh? At this rate, Bahamut might come knocking," Petrel shrugged to himself.
'Bahamut? Who's that?' Ash raised a brow.
"Bahamut, King of Dragons. Who do you think I'm talking about?" the purple-haired man sensed Ash's confusion.
At once, the image of a certain carmine-haired man came to mind.
"That bastard's already thwarted my plans at the Lake of Rage. I ain't looking forward to seeing him here as well."
Petrel finished with a golden ring in his hand, throwing it behind him as it enlarged.
'Wha?!' the Gym Leaders shot their eyes open.
'A portal?!' the raven-haired boy identified.
That ring… They captured the Speaker's kkoma?
Ash had no time to digest that little tidbit as Pidgeotto and Golduck immediately jumped Petrel, who gave a wicked grin towards the boy.
"Ya really let me down, Pikachu brat! All that effort to attack Sprout Tower for this? Blegh," the Admin entered the portal.
'Did this bastard really attack Sprout Tower… just to provoke me?' Ash raged internally.
"Be seeing you, squirt. And you, my little water flower~"
Fwoop!
And he was gone, the portal ring vanishing within itself.
"Tch! He got away," Falkner clicked his tongue.
Finally, the Sprout Tower incident ended. Grunts captured and gone.
However, Ash did not share the same gladness as everyone.
.
.
.
Violet City, Johto Region
It had been 3 days since the incident. Misty and Falkner reported to the G-Men stationed close by as the latter relayed the information back to Lance.
Brendan was exasperated at Ash's recklessness, but after seeing the self-loathing in his eyes that day, he opted to stay silent.
As for the raven-haired boy himself…
…
"…"
The raven-haired boy was once more staring into the night sky. His expression passive and unreadable as he gazed upon the stars.
'…'
'…I was weak.'
The undeniable truth. His performance was lacklustre.
It was something he noticed when he fought off the Neo Rocket trio previously, but he paid it no heed. Currently, he was sorely berating himself for not listening to his gut.
'Misty had to bail me out twice now… At this rate, I'll just get in her way.'
Ash felt shameful. His self-oath, his mindset.
All of it dictated his actions. His thinking:
'Sacrifice yourself to save others.'
But in the end, he ended up being the one on the receiving end.
"…Tch!"
Powerlessness surged his mind and body. The chained feeling of not being able to help despite having the power necessary for it was aggravating.
No matter how many times Ash tried to conjure a mental image to use AURA at his full disposal, the boy failed each and every single time.
'Archer said it has to be something I feel strongly towards,' Ash gripped his fist tight.
He tried everything. From Pokémon to his obsession with blades.
Even the most cherished memory of the straw hat girl was met with silence.
'Yellow… Is she not important to me?!' Ash felt anguished.
For the first time, Ash doubted his feelings towards Serena. The fact that she was unable to be the source of his strength angered him to no end.
He knew she was precious to him. That much was the truth.
But it felt like the entire world was laughing at him.
Laughing and trampling on his feelings towards Serena.
And that really spited him.
"Hey, Ash."
The turmoil in his mind released him, granting him permission to look towards the source of the voice.
"Serena's on call. Go say hi," Misty gestured with a smile.
The shame increased twofold. Ash looked away from the redhead with a pained expression.
Squeeze!
"Ow, ow, ow! That hurts!" the raven-haired boy yelped as his cheek was pulled.
"Listen here, stupid brat. I don't know what sort of mental gymnastics you're cooking inside that broken head of yours…" she said truthfully.
"But don't you dare keep a lady waiting, got it?!"
"Aye, aye, ma— Gah, it hurts! GO EASY!"
…
{ Red! }
'Aah… My heart's back in peak condition,' Ash smiled contently.
Hearing that excitable voice from the honey blonde on the other side of the screen really soothed his turmoiled mind.
{ Sorry I haven't been calling you as much… }
Serena's words quietened as she bashfully eyed Ash in a shy manner.
{ Hey, wh-wh-why aren't you saying anything? }
"I just wanna hear you talk, that's all," a smirk crept onto his face.
Heat flushed the girl's face as she held her palms onto her reddened face like a lovestruck maiden. Or to be exact, she was one herself.
Seeing the honey blonde flustered so easily brought great relief for Ash. However, the nagging feeling of his uselessness returned; mitigated but there, nonetheless.
{ What's wrong, Red? }
"Huh? What makes you think the—"
{ You dummy. I can always tell when there's something wrong with you. }
'She can tell… That's kinda am—'
{ …Which is every day. }
Serena threw one last cheeky remark at the end, showing her own mischievous streak towards the eye-twitching Ash.
{ But seriously. I saw that Sprout Tower incident yesterday on the news. }
{ And don't tell me you weren't there since I know you can't help but put your nose in other people's business.}
"Wooow… You know me so well," the raven-haired boy drawled sarcastically.
{ Someone has to. So, what's bugging you? }
"…"
Ash took a moment to formulate before speaking.
"I felt weak. I had to be protected by others and that made me hate myself."
It was a childish feeling. Inferiority.
But despite that, Serena listened patiently. Hearing his words carefully as she nodded.
{ Isn't that fine? }
"Eh?"
{ Besides, we're still kids. The adults feel responsible for us so there's no need to feel ashamed. As for that last bit… }
{ That's just human behaviour. But if you don't like it, then do what you do best! }
Ash stared at the emotive honey blonde as she grinned, childishly pumping her fists up in excitement.
{ Don't give up until it's over! Be the very best like no one ever was! }
The radiance in both her voice and her expression captivated Ash to no end. He felt as if he could stare at her for days, no, years even, and he would never tire of her.
She was his star. The faraway light he sought to reunite.
There was never a doubt in his mind that he would be by her side eventually.
{ What? Did my cuteness overwhelm you? }
The conniving fox snickered as the raven-haired boy displayed a genuine smile, something he would usually show to Serena, and Serena alone.
"Yeah… You're so dazzling that it's blinding to stare."
{ S-s-sudden flirting?! Th-th-that's a dirty move! }
Even her struggling expression was cute.
But since she was just that cute, Ash felt generous and decided to throw her a lifejacket for her embarrassment.
"How's Eevee doing?" he asked, changing the subject.
{ Oh! You wanna see her? }
Just like that, the two were absorbed into a world of their own as they talked happily. Ash himself smiled and laugh, no longer held hostage by his inferiority and shame.
.
.
.
"I've never seen him smile like that before," Brendan whispered as he poked his head out of a corner, watching Ash's conversation with the honey blonde on the PC.
"He only gets like that when he's talking to his sweetheart. Better savour it while you can," Misty whispered back mischievously.
The ruby eyes observed the raven-haired boy closely. Comparing the Ash from after Sprout Tower and the current Ash were akin to night and day.
Despair was written on his face and inadequacy screamed from his body but now…
Just being with the person he cherished and dispelled those sickening curses, returning him back into the cheerful Trainer he once was.
"Pika…" Pikachu squeaked from Brendan's arms.
"Kero…" Froakie grinned on Misty's shoulder.
'I'm jealous…' Brendan mused.
'Could I have that one day?'
As Brendan thought more, his hand absently rubbed the covered forehead on his white hat.
Faded memories of a little girl sparked. Her brown hair and sapphire blue eyes.
His childhood friend… and first love.
'…Sapphire.'
'I miss you…'
.
.
.
.
.
Violet Gym, Johto Region
The air was tense. Misty and Brendan walked towards the battlefield, familiar with its layout since it was their second time there.
PAM!
"Alright! Let's do this!" Ash grinned as he brought his fist to his palm.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu sparked his red cheeks.
"Kero!" Froakie croaked confidently.
Hearing their excitement, Ash turned to them, blinking.
"You guys aren't even battling though?"
"Pika?!" / "Kero?!"
Seeing their shocked expressions elicited a chuckle from Ash as he patted the two.
"Hear me out. The reason why I'm not letting you guys battle…"
"Is cuz you two are strong."
'Yes, you guys are strong. Stronger than me,' Ash kept that to himself.
'If you strong Pokémon are willing to stay with a weakling like me…'
"Stay back and watch. Watch your Trainer's back."
'I'll use everything I have to sharpen the one weapon I have!'
…
"You're here," a familiar blue-haired man greeted.
"Don'tcha think it's been a long time coming?" Ash smirked.
Seeing the brazenness within Ash's words, Falkner drew a distinct difference between the boy he saw that day on Sprout Tower and the one before him now.
"Frankly, I've been wanting to battle that Pikachu of yours. But since it's not participating today, I'll let you experience my Level 1 tea—"
"Are you looking down on me?"
A blade's edge pointed towards the Flying specialist. That was the imagery Falkner had when Ash accused him.
'It's like steel…' he likened the boy's tone to such material.
"Besides, I have Professor Elm's endorsement so I'm eligible to battle your Level 2 team, aren't I?"
'What's with this kid? Wasn't he just despondent just the other day? What happened to him?' Falkner was really creeped out.
'Where did this burst of confidence come from?'
Within Ash's mind, or more specifically, the Sword, a thousand-yard stare was boring through the smirking raven-haired boy.
Tonelico…
Zacian's tone was dry. Deadpanned, she recalled the reason for her godson's unfounded confidence that nearly bordered on arrogance, something she had never seen before.
…
Last night, during Ash's late-night conversation with Serena…
{ Geez, I look away for one moment and here you are, worrying about useless things. }
'You're technically right, since that useless thing is 'me', after all…' Ash retorted internally.
{ S-so… }
'Hm?'
{ I'll ch-ch-cheer for y-y-you… right now! }
{ Y'know? Like a play of sorts! }
"You don't have to go that far for me…"
'Besides, I remember how much you got stage fright…' he recalled the time in summer camp where they had to act out a play.
Seeing that self-depreciation gave Serena the push she needed as she swallowed her embarrassment.
"Really, I'm fi—"
But it was too late. The scene he saw next was forever burned into his retinas for all eternity.
'Wha—?!'
As the screen blacked out for a few minutes before returning to normal, Serena was revealed to be wearing a larger version of the white dress she wore during their fateful summer camp. Now adorned with a larger straw hat as well, the unbelievably gorgeous sight for Ash unfolded.
{ O-O-Oh, my dear Pokémon Master… }
{ I'll always wait for you… }
{ No matter how l-l-long it takes. }
It was the same exact parting words she shared with him, but this time…
'Hawawawawawa~!' Serena short-circuited.
It was a more bashful and ear-blushing honey blonde, barely able to look at Ash with her fluttering eyes.
'…'
"…"
{ EI! THIS IS SO EMBARRASSING! }
{ I-I-I'LL CALL YOU NEXT TIME, RED! }
Call ended.
"…"
Ash was still shellshocked from the doe-like display from the honey blonde, his brain still registering what he had just witnessed.
"…Heh."
"Hehehe…"
"Hahaha."
"HAHAHA!"
The boy laughed maniacally.
…
I do suppose anyone would go berserk after such an endearing sight…
Zacian was truthfully also freaked out by her godson's sudden lunatic-like outburst.
"Come, Mr Falkner!"
The tower saved.
In other words…
His saviour…?
"Her future Pokémon Master will defeat you right now!"
Chapter 72: Sprout Tower
…The boy was on an ecstatic high.
Author's Notes
Hey there. Welcome to the bottom. Here to explain some stuff.
Falkner's surname is a Korean word meaning 'flight'. I like giving unique surnames to characters, gives them more identity even if there aren't important.
Sprout Tower's fighting style is inspired by Wing Chun, though having to explicit write that was embarrassing so I omitted the name. but if you guys are cool with IRL fighting styles (more obscured since it isn't as popular as say, karate, which is canon in Fated) then lemme know! I'll include them next time.
Bahamut. That's Lance's official epithet. Remember back at Orange Island that Drake implied there were two nicknames one could get? Lord of D. was Lance's unofficial one with Bahamut being his official title.
Why Bahamut? Well, in DnD, he's the King of Good Dragons and the guy being a Dragon specialist, it fits.
But for those familiar with DnD, you may recall a certain rival for Bahamut and since her name is a character from Fate as well, connect the dots on who it's gonna be.
The jewel Petrel was about to use... It's the thing that's gonna level the playing field against AURA Ash. What is it?
|Bu...| is the hint. And since we're taking Pokémon elements from EVERY medium, get ready.
Ash's 'victory'... is a total L, let's be honest.
The boy JUST found out he was getting only a drop of his total tank and immediately turned off anything that wasted AURA. To top it off, he was instantly punished for it.
Now, do I hate Ash and just wanna see him get beaten up?
...I mean, not exactly... But suffering builds character, right? And trust me, this is milder than ANYTHING in the future.
And finally, Ash's 'buff' in the end: Dude's an 11-year-old, what do you expect? Puberty's a thing, after all. (Even had Zacian going 'eek' for a second)
Next chapter is sort of an experimentation of how I could write an arrogant/overconfident Ash(juiced up on Serenanium) so head's up!
(UPDATE: 23/11/2023)
f46adpg:
A little miffed by the taijutsu part because the picture wasn't clear. The main reason for which is, atleast for me that it's easy to decipher or exactly know what a Person/Pokemon is doing on 1 on 1 battles. But there were grunts, their Pokemon, their leader and Ash and the elder, the timeline of events is not clear somewhat so I had to go through the section 3 to 4 times to get a clear image. But it may just be me, and in that case you can ignore it. But if everybody has that problem then it might be a case where only you have that image. In any case just try to make it a little more detailed for me personally. But it might also break the flow because the chapters does rely on the dramatic and powerful scenes so it might not be actually likable to change, but this kind of problem just...demotivated me somewhat.
Otherwise the whole chapter is very good, the pacing is a little bit off from easy starting gym battle to sudden chaos to "the talk" to another gym battle. And I'm not saying that you should make all of your battles like I said. It's just that this scene was literally the only and most important scene and the only fight scene so I think that it did deserve a teensy tinsy bit more attention. And...if that's just a problem with me then you can ignore it altogether
Thanks for the criticism, f46adpg. After giving a once-over, I did feel it wasn't clear since there's some jumping parts that don't follow linearity.
So! This new updated chapter will have some timestamps for readers to follow more perfectly for reading enjoyment.
Another thing you had a problem with was the unclear picture of the fight which I totally agree. The first half against the cueball grunt wasn't meant to be descriptive, just plain and simple since the fight was technically over in one move.
I wanted to make Ash more defeated but after giving another look, I probably made him look rather pathetic instead. And from what we've known about Fated!Ash, he's gonna throw hands even if he loses so that's honestly OOC on my part, my bad.
But for the latter half, I have cooked a sequence of one flashy but entertaining image for the readers' enjoyment! Specifically, Ash breakdancing on a fainted body whilst kicking the incoming enemies. Hope you enjoyed it and please do tell if there's any improvements to be made since writing human fights is new to me as well.
See ya!