Timeline: Post-Man in the Mirror
The Black Dog
"Pika!" Pikachu licked his ice cream.
"I'm with you, buddy! It's just what we needed," Ash also enjoyed his frozen treat.
On their way to Littleroot Town to catch the ferry, they stopped through Oldale Town for lunch and treated themselves to dessert. They made the most of their time before the return to Pallet Town after the adventure with May and Serena. A calm and sunny day was the right way to close the adventure.
However, a series of unexpected events followed. "Whoa!" Ash looked down when he felt Poochyena brush past his legs. The distressed Poochyena barked when it bolted past the startled Ash and Pikachu. Unfortunately, Poochyena's sudden dash caused Ash and Pikachu to drop their ice cream cones.
Ash shed a tear for the melted ice cream on the cement, "I didn't even get to finish." He noticed the blue collar around Poochyena as it turned around the corner.
"Pikachu," Pikachu hung its head.
Ash sighed, "That Poochyena seemed in a hurry. Didn't it?"
"Chu," Pikachu agreed.
"I wonder where it went off," Ash rubbed his chin. Before the pair could make a decision, someone called out to them.
"Excuse me!" a young brunette man caught their attention.
Ash and Pikachu looked at the stranger and the young woman who accompanied him. "Did you see a Poochyena pass by here?" the woman asked.
Ash raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, it just ran past us. It headed that way." The trainer pointed in Poochyena's direction.
The woman scolded the man, "See, you scared Poochyena away with all your yelling!"
"My yelling?!" the man snapped.
"Yes, yours!" the woman didn't back down.
"What about your yelling?! If you hadn't snapped at me, there wouldn't have been a reason for me to yell!" the man argued.
"Uhhh," Ash and Pikachu didn't like the look of things. The trainer rubbed his head, "Aren't you gonna go after the Poochyena?"
The man and woman exchanged glares. They only stopped when they realized Ash and Pikachu were watching them argue. The young man cleared his throat as he recomposed himself, "Right, sorry for that."
The woman rolled her eyes, "I'm sorry you had to see that outburst." The man ignored her.
Ash tried to make the best of the situation. He smiled, "That's alright. Pikachu and I can help if you'd like."
The pair were surprised by his willingness to volunteer, "You mean that?"
"Of course. Right, Pikachu?" Ash eyed his friend.
"Pika pika," Pikachu nodded.
"I'm grateful," the woman bowed at them.
"As am I," the man bobbed.
Ash gave them a thumbs up, "By the way, I'm Ash, and you've met Pikachu."
"I'm Luke," the man introduced himself.
"And I'm Dez. It's nice to meet you, Ash and Pikachu," Dez waved at them.
"Luke and Dez, it's great to meet you both! Now, let's help you find Poochyena," Ash's determination motivated them.
They wandered Oldale Town's streets together in search of the black dog. "Pika!" Pikachu called out to the missing Bite Pokémon.
"Poochyena, where are you?!" Ash looked around.
"Poochyena!" Dez worried.
"Poochyena, come out wherever you are!" Luke hoped it heard them.
They asked around, but no one other than Ash had seen it. There were no signs of its whereabouts either, but that didn't stop them from looking up and down Oldale's streets. During their search, Ash asked, "So, who does Poochyena belong to?"
Dez half-smiled, "Actually, Poochyena belongs to both of us."
"We adopted Poochyena when we reached our one-year anniversary," Luke added.
Ash stopped, "Oh, I didn't realize you were a couple."
"Pikapi," Pikachu side-eyed his trainer.
"Huh, I thought our shouting match would've given it away," Dez joked.
Ash tilted his head, "I didn't think couples argued."
Luke crossed his arms. "Maybe in an ideal world, but that couldn't be further from the truth," he couldn't contain his sarcasm.
Ash swore he saw a vein about to pop on Dez's forehead. "Arguing is the only thing we do as a couple these days. Take notes, Ash," Dez glared at Luke.
"Wow," Ash listened to them. He thought back to arguments he had with May and Serena. The trainer hoped he'd never find himself in a shouting contest with either of them again as he observed Luke and Dez.
Suddenly, Poochyena seemed less of a priority. "We would do other things as a couple if you didn't run your mouth all the time," Luke became combative again.
"Why would I want to do anything with you?!" Dez retorted.
Luke clenched his fist, "You're right. Why don't we split up? All this arguing isn't letting me focus on finding Poochyena anyway!"
Dez snarled, "Fine!"
Luke rolled his eyes and stormed off. Ash, Dez, and Pikachu gasped at his abrupt leave. Ash noticed Dez lower her head, trying to hide her eyes under her bangs. "Pika," Pikachu pitied the girl.
Ash lamented, "Dez, are you alright?"
Dez took a deep breath, "Do you mind if we take a seat, Ash?"
"Not at all," Ash sat on a nearby bench.
There was silence. Ash remained unsure of what to say. He was in uncharted territory. The boy looked back and forth between Dez and the floor. Pikachu tilted his head at Ash, hoping he'd say something. Ash clenched his fists. If May or Serena were here, they'd know what to do.
Dez finally spoke, "Ash, have you ever had a girlfriend?"
The question caught the boy off guard. Pikachu remained focused on Ash. Ash let out a bashful laugh, "Not really."
Dez kept her head low, "Being in a relationship takes a lot of work and patience. That's something I'm trying to learn with Luke. Everything used to be so great."
Ash focused, "What changed?"
"Luke decided to compete in the Hoenn League after our anniversary. Since then, he's been training non-stop with his Manectric and spending less time with Poochyena and me." Dez's voice almost cracked. Ash continued to listen. Their story rang familiar. Dez found her voice again, "I realize Luke has dreams, but I would appreciate it if he made time for our relationship. If he still loved me, he would. Otherwise, we're better off breaking up." The young man raised her knees to her chest.
Ash lowered his head. He understood where Dez was coming from, too. It wasn't the first time someone brought up dreams and relationships to him. He imagined breakups were rough, especially if you've been together long. "Who would Poochyena stay with if you were to break up?" he asked.
Dez nodded sideways, "I don't know." She looked at Ash with shimmering brown eyes, "Poochyena has always been close to both of us. He loves it when the three of us spend time together. I can't begin to think how it would handle a situation like that. Something tells me that Poochyena ran away because it grew tired of our arguing. I don't blame it. I would, too."
"I see," Ash pulled down the brim of his hat. He felt sorry for the couple and Poochyena. He and Pikachu felt powerless to resolve their dilemma.
As night descended, the trio returned to the Pokémon Center without success. Upon entering, they found Luke in the lounge. He sat by the fireplace, distraught over their misfortune and wondering Poochyena's fate. The young man snapped out of his thoughts when he heard them approaching.
Dez looked defeated when she saw him, "Any luck?"
"Nothing," Luke sighed.
Ash and Pikachu saw Dez tighten her fists. "Poochyena," the woman whimpered. The brunette turned away, "Excuse me." She ran to her room, leaving Ash and Luke to eye each other.
"She's upset," Ash said.
"Me too," Luke closed his eyes. "I shouldn't have shouted earlier. I shouldn't have shouted ever. If I hadn't, Poochyena would still be here."
"We all make mistakes," Ash and Pikachu sat by him.
Luke nodded, "Yeah, but this was a stupid one."
Ash frowned, "I know it isn't my place to get involved in other people's business, but Dez talked to me earlier about the problems you've been having."
Luke raised his head, "What did she say?"
"She said you haven't been spending as much time with her and Poochyena," Ash recalled.
Luke's amber eyes lacked color, "It's true. I've been so busy training to compete in the Hoenn League that I haven't found time for much else. I hoped Dez would understand I need to focus on getting stronger."
"Is Dez against your training?" Ash tried to get both sides of the story.
"Dez does let me train, but every time I do, she gets upset. She gives me the cold shoulder when I try to talk to her. I'm convinced she wants me to spend the whole time with her instead of training, but it can't be that way. I need time to do the things that I want. I understand it's not easy, but things change," Luke expressed.
"Pi," Pikachu gazed at Ash. They needed to tread carefully.
Ash rested back on the chair. "I understand, Luke."
"At least someone does," Luke stood up. He closed his eyes, "If you'll excuse me, Ash." The tired man went to rest.
Ash stared at the fire, trying to make sense of the situation. "Pikapi?" Pikachu asked if he was alright.
"Let's get some air, buddy," Ash felt lightheaded. Pikachu followed him outside, where they stared at the stars. The trainer felt at a crossroads.
"Pikachu?" Pikachu tried to get answers.
"I don't know if I should get involved or how to help. I couldn't even help myself," a defeated Ash confessed.
Pikachu lowered his ears, "Pika chu."
Ash's eyes glimmered when he concentrated on the stars. "I wish May and Serena were here. They'd know what to do."
"Pikachu!" Pikachu leaped on his shoulder.
"Huh?" Ash sensed his enthusiasm.
"Pika pikapi pikachu," Pikachu advised.
"You think I'm fit to give them advice?" Ash listened. Pikachu nodded, causing Ash to laugh. "But I've never even been in a relationship, pal."
Pikachu balled up his paws, "Pika!" He still encouraged Ash to help Dez and Luke.
Pikachu's insistence gave Ash something to consider. Can I do this? Ash pondered. He knew he couldn't leave without helping them at least find Poochyena. Ash was determined to help the Ash way. He grinned. "I'll do what I can," Ash smiled at Pikachu. He didn't have May or Serena to guide him, but he'd figure things out as he'd done time after time.
Suddenly, they heard rustling amongst the bushes. "Pi?" Pikachu ears perked up.
"What was that?" Ash approached the bushes ahead of them. They tiptoed to avoid startling whatever lurked there. When they got close enough, they peeked over the leaves. Ash and Pikachu's eyes widened when they saw a blue-collared Poochyena wrestling with an Oran Berry that it was eating. "Poochyena!" Ash couldn't contain his excitement and relief. Poochyena backed away when it got startled. It snarled at Ash and Pikachu as it readied to flee again. Ash raised his hands, "Hold on, Poochyena. Please don't run away."
The mistrustful Poochyena growled at Ash, taking a few steps back. Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulder, "Pi pikachu." Pikachu attempted to calm it. Poochyena barked at the mouse, still unsure of their intentions. Pikachu nodded sideways, "Pi pika." The Electric-type Pokémon argued they meant well.
"Pikachu's right, Poochyena. We don't want to hurt you," Ash chimed in. Poochyena made eye contact with Ash and Pikachu. The canine sensed the sincerity and warmth in their gazes when it eased up. Poochyena relaxed when it felt a sense of trust. The Pokémon waited to hear what they had to say. "Dez, Luke, and I have been looking all over for you. They're worried about you," Ash mentioned. Poochyena's ears perked up when it heard their names. "They've been arguing a lot, haven't they?" Ash kneeled. Poochyena's ears fell. "Is that why you ran away? Are you upset by all their fighting?" Poochyena whimpered. Ash nodded, "I don't know much about how couples work, but I know how that makes you feel. I think we can work something out." Poochyena's face lit up when it saw Ash smile.
"Pika!" Pikachu raised its arms. They vowed to help Poochyena.
While staring at Poochyena, Ash remembered Serena. On the night of her confession, everything changed. Things might change if we get them to tell each other how they feel. Ash betted on it.
The following morning, Ash led Dez and Luke outside. "What's the rush, Ash?" Luke was confused.
"I didn't even get time to brush my hair," Dez complained.
"It's about Poochyena, so c'mon," Ash pushed them toward the exit. The couple was surprised when they stepped outside. "It's been sticking close by the entire time," Ash revealed the missing Pokémon playing with Pikachu.
"What?" Luke and Dez gasped. Pikachu and Poochyena rolled on the grass, but the Bite Pokémon stopped when it saw the couple. It froze when its eyes landed on them. "Poochyena!" the couple leaped to hug it, but Poochyena avoided them and whined.
Dez didn't understand, "Poochyena, it's me."
"Don't you want a hug?" Luke held his arms out.
Poochyena lowered its ears. The couple tried to approach it, but Poochyena took a few more steps back. "Poochyena is upset at both of you because you've been arguing too much. That's the reason it ran away," Ash explained.
Luke sighed, "I understand."
Dez clasped her hands, "I was afraid of this."
Ash got between them, "Don't look so glum. I promised Poochyena that I'd help you out. It's why it agreed to show itself!"
"You did that?" Dez fought back tears.
"Ash," Luke saw the devotion in his eyes.
"Chu," Pikachu patted Poochyena on the back. The mouse assured the distressed dog that his trainer would help resolve the couple's conflict. Poochyena looked at Luke and Dez, mustering hope.
Ash nodded, "Luke, Dez is upset that you're not spending enough time with her and Poochyena." His eyes moved from Luke to Dez. "Dez, Luke is upset because he believes you don't understand his dream to compete in the Hoenn League." Luke and Dez glanced at each other. They lowered their gazes in shame. "I know you've argued about it, but have you tried to talk it out instead?" Ash raised the question. Luke and Dez exchanged stares again. They shook their heads sideways. Their meditator smiled, "I think we should try that!"
"I guess I was scared to try it because I didn't think you'd see things the way I do," Luke expressed.
Dez murmured, "I thought you wouldn't care to understand things from my point of view."
Luke sighed when Dez raised her head to listen. "Dez, I'd hope that you would support me. That you would support my dreams."
Dez clenched her fists, "I want to, but I got so used to spending time together that I didn't think about anything else. We started to miss you, Luke." Ash, Pikachu, and Poochyena eyed the pair back and forth. "You hardly spend any time with us now." Luke felt a knot in his throat. Dez continued, "I didn't admit how I felt because I feared I would sound selfish." Luke's eyes widened when Dez looked at him. "I don't want to be the one who gets between you and your dreams, Luke. If this is how it is, then I think we should cut things off," a tear rolled down Dez's face.
Ash and the Pokémon got tempted to step in. Fortunately, Luke recomposed himself, "That's not what I want." It was Dez's turn to look surprised. "I understand, Dez, and I can see what you're saying now. It wasn't fair to you or Poochyena when I started to train all the time. I could've done better." His girlfriend mustered a soft smile. Luke sighed, "I'd gotten so wrapped up with the league that I forgot the other important things in my life. That's you and Poochyena. I'm sorry," Luke looked at Dez and Poochyena.
Relief came over Dez. She placed her hand over her heart, "I'm sorry to both of you for acting so defensive instead of working it out. You didn't deserve to get snapped at." Luke and Poochyena admired her glistening eyes. "I didn't want you to leave me if I said something," the woman admitted.
Luke grinned, "If two people love each other, then they don't walk away the instant things get hard. They work it out." He reached for her hands.
"Luke!" Dez whimpered into his chest.
The young man wrapped his arms around her, "I promise I'll split my time better between training and our relationship. That includes you, Poochyena." Luke winked at the canine. Poochyena barked and leaped at them. The couple opened up to receive it in a group hug. They were united again.
"All's well that ends well," Ash beamed.
"Pika!" Pikachu approved. Ash laughed at his best friend when the Electric-type Pokémon suggested he should be proud.
Dez held Poochyena in her arms when they separated. "Ash, Pikachu, thank you," Luke appreciated them.
Dez and Poochyena shared his sentiment. "If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have found Poochyena or saved our relationship," Dez also valued his help.
"Pikachu and I are just glad the three of you will stick together," Ash put his hands behind his head.
"You're a wise person for someone so young," Luke laughed.
"Me, wise?" Ash pointed at himself.
Dez winked at him, "Whoever ends up with you will be lucky!"
Pikachu snickered as Ash returned a sheepish smile, "Thank you." Luke and Dez laughed until Ash changed the subject. "Since we got that sorted out, Luke, how about a battle? I've competed in the Hoenn League before, so I'd love to see how strong you and Manectric are!" The fire returned to his eyes.
"You're kidding! You're on," Luke lifted his fist.
Dez raised her arm, "Then I'll be the ref!" Poochyena barked. It would referee with Dez, causing the friends to laugh again. The lighthearted moment came with a lesson that Ash wouldn't forget.