Firstly, I am SO sorry. I said I wouldn't leave you all hanging for more than six months because it was shameful… and it has been nearly a year since I last updated. Really sorry.
I've just had really, really, low inspiration for this story, even with ORAS giving me the best way to incorporate my main villainous group, that I've made up, into an engaging plotline. I really will try to keep this thing updated, at least more than once a year. The problem is, I've been distracted by other things, case in point, me putting up 7 new stories (6 Fairy Tail and a Bleach story) and spending most of my time on my DxD story.
Although, I have to say, I'm a little proud I could do this, since I didn't think I finish it in time. Although, somehow, I managed to write this whole chapter in four hours and with this, I am continuing my every day updating spree, this now bringing me up to 60K consecutive words in updates, non-stop.
Once again, for those following my updates, I'll probably update either my DxD story, or one of my Naruto, or Fairy Tail stories next.
In any case, I'm sure most of you don't care for this, so I'll just let you read the chapter already.
Enjoy.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own Pokémon. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
"Telepathy"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 7 – Ripples
Giovanni stared at the hole in the roof of his Gym. His attempts to capture the trainer known as Ash Ketchum and steal his Pokémon, had been thwarted.
"To think, that he has the Legendary Pokémon: Rayquaza. That Pokémon…" Thought Giovanni in surprise, before walking back to his podium.
'You are no longer needed at this time Mewtwo, however, I suggest you get stronger, since a trainer was able to overpower you.' Said Giovanni, to the Pokémon clad in metallic armour.
The Pokémon didn't respond in the slightest.
Giovanni closed the panel, which had hidden Mewtwo previously, and walked deeper into his Gym.
"To think, not only was I bested, twice, but the boy even has a Legendary… what else could he have?" Questioned Giovanni, as he reached his office, Persian comfortably lying next to his chair, snuggling closer to Giovanni as he sat down.
Giovanni casually turned on his computer and typed up a very brief e-mail, which he then sent to all Team Rocket operatives.
The e-mail was simple.
Trainer Ash Ketchum is a high priority target. Do not engage. Observe only. All findings are to be reported back to HQ.
Giovanni gave a small smile.
"Yes, it has been some time since I've had a battle such as that. I look forward to the next, Ash Ketchum." Thought Giovanni in anticipation.
-line break-
'Brock, what do you think happened?' Asked Misty, as she and Brock stared at the roof of the Viridian City Gym.
'I'm not sure Misty, I just hope Ash is alright.' Said Brock hesitantly.
'Whoa, what happened here?' Questioned a familiar voice, causing Brock to turn around.
'Oh, it's you Gary.' Commented Brock, not particularly surprised.
'Yeah, where's Ashy-boy?' Asked Gary, never looking away from the Gym.
'No idea, for some reason, when he went to challenge the Gym, the doors closed and locked us out. Then, after a while, a massive roar and explosion was heard and we came outside to see… well this.' Said Misty.
"Yeah, that roar… it was Rayquaza. I wonder what could have happened to force Ash's hand like that." Thought Brock.
'So, you mean one of Ash's Pokémon did that?' Questioned Gary, pointing to the still smoking hole in the roof of the Gym.
'Yeah…' Said Brock, trailing off at the end.
'Which one was it? Venusaur?' Asked Gary curiously.
'I don't know.' Said Brock.
"But I do… to bring out Rayquaza and cause destruction like that… something seriously wrong must have happened." Thought Brock with a frown.
'Hmm and here I was, waiting to rub in the fact that I already have ten badges.' Commented Gary offhandedly.
"I always wondered about that." Thought Brock.
'Say, Gary, how exactly did you get ten badges? There are only eight main Gyms.' Questioned Brock, genuinely curious.
'From minor Gyms of course, their badges are just as good as anyone else's.' Said Gary with a shrug.
'Although, what about Ashy-boy?' Asked Gary.
'Well this was his eighth…' Said Brock, trailing off at the end.
'Heh, so I got eight first then it seems.' Commented Gary with a smirk, but didn't taunt his rival for two reasons: one, he wasn't there and two, he had seen the power his Pokémon held and that had earned Gary's respect.
'Although, I'm not sure where Ash went. I am certain he will be at the Pokémon League in time, but now… I honestly don't know where he could have gone.' Confessed Brock.
'Hmm, well, since the Gym seems to be having a problem of sorts, and I've already got more than eight badges, I suppose I'll head to Pallet Town. If you want, you guys can come with, as if Ash does show up, it'll probably be there.' Offered Gary.
'Thanks, I think we'll take you up on that offer.' Said Brock, as he briefly glanced to Misty who nodded.
'Alright then, let's go.' Said Gary.
"Ash, I hope you're safe." Thought Brock with one last glance at the Gym, before following after Gary, with Misty in tow.
-line break-
'Damn, that was too close!' Shouted Ash from atop Rayquaza's back, as the Pokémon soared through the sky.
Rayquaza grunted in agreement.
'Thanks for the save buddy.' Said Ash, as he patted Rayquaza.
'Pikapi.' Said Pikachu, as he crawled out of Ash's backpack and settled on Ash's shoulder, despite the speeds that they were currently tearing through the sky at.
'Hey Pikachu, you picked one hell of a battle to sleep through.' Said Ash, as Pikachu tilted his head in confusion.
'The Gym Leader was the head of Team Rocket.' Said Ash, getting Pikachu to let out a gasp of shock, while Rayquaza angled his head back slightly.
"Seriously Ash, how the hell did that happen?" Asked Pikachu telepathically in shock.
"I have no idea. He even used Mewtwo to try and capture me, and I only escaped thanks to my Aura and Rayquaza." Answered Ash telepathically.
"Perhaps you should ask Arceus." Suggested Rayquaza telepathically.
"Um sure… I'm just not sure how to." Confessed Ash.
"I did tell you just use your Aura and think of me and I'd hear you." Said a booming voice suddenly, shocking Ash and get a mild reaction from Pikachu while Rayquaza merely exhaled in surprise.
"Arceus, is that you?" Asked Ash stupidly.
"Do you know of anyone else capable of speaking into your mind from so far away?" Questioned Arceus rhetorically.
"Uh no, dumb question I guess… but anyway, do you know what is going on? A lot of things are similar to the past, but some things are different." Queried Ash.
"Well, to begin with, some of that is your fault." Stated Arceus bluntly.
"My fault? How?" Asked Ash in confusion.
"You did things differently. Surely you didn't think things would stay the same if you did so?" Explained Arceus.
"Ok, that makes sense I guess… but what do you mean some? Is there another reason?" Asked Ash curiously.
"That would be ripples from my doing. Sending you back, is an action itself which would cause ripples in the time stream, even with my power." Explained Arceus.
"So… what should I do then?" Questioned Ash in worry.
"Continue as you are. Nothing too important will change indirectly, however, your actions are capable of it. While I do support your idea of winning the League this time around, to gain more prestige and standing, allowing you to move more freely in this world and meet those who have the power to help you; you must understand, that this will causes changes, and you must prepare for it." Said Arceus.
"I see… Arceus, I don't suppose you can strengthen my body somewhat? Regressing back to this age has made it harder to control my Aura, and I almost got captured because of it." Queried Ash.
"Hmm, I can, although doing so discreetly is a problem. I can't enhance you directly, but I can accelerate your growth for a period of time. This time next year, it will be as though you have aged two years instead of one, but I can't do too much more, maybe at most, another year or two on top of that, as it would cause even more ripples. This is the best I can do for you within reason." Said Arceus.
"I see… well, I'll take what I can. The Leader of Team Rocket meant business." Said Ash.
"Hmm, the human known as Giovanni… yes, he is indeed one of the ripples you caused." Said Arceus, confirming Ash's previous assumption.
"Damn, he is really tough too, he matched my entire team, even Lucario. I'm sure if I had used Rayquaza and Pikachu I would have done somewhat better, but, that is not something I can do at every Gym. Especially if I'm trying to build a team, to combat all threats to the world." Said Ash.
"In any case, continue as you were, if you need anything else, you know how to contact me now, however, in the meantime, I suggest you train, immensely. Although, eventually, you will meet that fourth Pokémon I mentioned retaining their memories and they too will join you." Advised Arceus, before leaving Ash's mind.
'Aw man, what a day.' Muttered Ash tiredly.
-line break-
'Ah Gary, you're back, what a pleasant surprise. Hmm, and you brought friends too.' Said Samuel Oak, as he greeted his grandson, along with Brock and Misty.
'Yeah Gramps, I'm back, but these are friends of Ashy-boy, not mine, no offense.' Said Gary to the duo.
'None taken.' Replied Brock.
'Hmm, might you be the Pewter City Gym Leader?' Asked Professor Oak.
'Yeah. I travelled with Ash, after he beat me, in order to explore the world. It is my dream to be a Pokémon Breeder.' Answered Brock.
'I see and you, I can't help but notice a distinct likeness between your facial features and those of the Sensational Sisters.' Said Professor Oak.
'Yeah, I'm the fourth sister, one who actually takes battling seriously.' Huffed Misty.
'Ho? Although I've heard that Daisy has become a formidable Gym Leader recently, defeating eighteen out of her past twenty challengers… in fact, the last two that she lost to, were Ash and Gary.' Said Professor Oak thoughtfully.
'What, really? Do you have a phone I can use to contact them?' Asked Misty in shock.
'Oh yes, by all means. It is just over there.' Said Professor Oak, as he gestured to his monitor.
"Hmm, so Daisy did in fact get stronger thanks to Ash… that's surprising." Thought Brock.
'Indeed, it seems that the Gym Leaders becoming stronger is a common theme recently. Erika has also beaten six out of her past nine challengers, Surge has gone undefeated all this month, Sabrina defeated her fiftieth challenger in a row just yesterday and it even seems Blaine is battling in earnest again.' Said Professor Oak.
"Whoa… Ash, you've changed all of Kanto." Thought Brock in shock.
'It has even gotten some of the Elite Four curious. They too, have stepped up their training, as they believe that the Indigo Plateau Conference this year, might just yield a challenger who can take them on, seeing as how the Gym Leaders have stepped up their efforts and only the best of the best will make it to the League it seems.' Continued Samuel.
'Hmm, that's good to know, me and Ashy-boy even battled Blaine in a double battle, it sure was something.' Commented Gary.
'Ah yes, that reminds me, where is Ash? Has he gone to visit Delia by any chance?' Asked Professor Oak.
'Well, actually, we are not sure where Ash is now.' Confessed Brock with a frown, before explaining the situation.
'I see… that is indeed troubling news, there are rumours about the Viridian City Gym Leader, but I wrote most of them off as just that: rumours.' Muttered Professor Oak with a frown.
'Finally! I've been calling you for like five minutes now!' Shouted Misty, getting Brock, Samuel and Gary to look at her.
'Like chill little sis, you'll get wrinkles or something if you scream so much.' Said Violet, as she appeared on the screen.
'Enough about that! What's this I hear about Daisy taking battling seriously?' Questioned Misty.
'Yeah, you should see her, she's gotten so like, intense. Ever since those two cuties beat her, she's been really focused. Especially after one of them was like, so totally encouraging to her.' Said Violet, before she noticed the three in the background.
'Hmm, that looks like one of them there.' Said Violet, as she narrowed her brown eyes.
Misty looked to the side and saw Gary looking somewhat bored.
'Gary, come over here!' Ordered Misty.
'Huh, what?' Questioned Gary in surprise, before Misty dragged him in front of the monitors.
'Was it him?' Asked Misty, as she shoved Gary into the screen.
'Hmm, he is one of the two, but not the one who pushed Daisy.' Said Violet, after a bit of thought.
'Yeah, let go of me now. It was probably Ashy-boy anyway, that's more his thing.' Said Gary, as he shook off Misty's grip.
'Oh yeah! That was his name: Ash. To be honest, I think Daisy might have a bit of a crush on him, even if he is younger than her.' Said Violet with a giggle.
'Violet, who are you talking to?' Questioned Daisy, as she entered the room Violet was currently talking to Misty from.
'Oh hey big sis, like how was the battle?' Asked Violet.
'I'm still undefeated.' Proclaimed Daisy proudly.
'Hmm, I bet Ash would be excited to hear that.' Teased Violet.
'Daisy!' Shouted Misty, getting both of her sisters to look back at her.
'Oh, whoops, guess I forgot about you Misty. Anyway, Daisy, I think Misty wants to talk with you.' Said Violet, as she stepped back a little and let Daisy take centre stage on the monitor.
'Oh, hi Misty, how are you?' Said Daisy pleasantly.
'What's this I'm hearing about you suddenly being a good Gym Leader, huh?' Questioned Misty with a narrowed gaze.
'Exactly what It sounds like, I just beat my fifth straight challenger this week.' Said Daisy proudly.
'Ok. Now, what's this I hear about you apparently like Ash?' Asked Misty.
'Like, I don't know what you are talking about.' Said Daisy, as she, brushed some of her hair behind her ear.
'Oh my God it's true! You only ever brush your hair back like that when you're lying!' Shouted Misty.
'W-what, no, that's not it at all.' Said Daisy nervously.
'He's like eleven Daisy and you're seventeen, go after someone your own age!' Shouted Misty Indignantly.
'Hmm, that sounds like you want him all for yourself.' Teased Daisy, getting a blush out of Misty.
'W-what, of course not! That jerk and his Pikachu totalled fried my bike and nearly electrocuted me!' Shouted Misty in denial.
'Oh, that Pikachu was such a cutie. Although, you're an even worse liar then me Misty, your face looks like a tomato.' Commented Daisy.
'Aha! So you admit that you like him too!' Shouted Misty triumphantly, despite her blush.
'Hmm, maybe a little, but you just said too… guess you just admitted it too, little sis.' Retorted Daisy.
'T-that was a slip of the tongue. I could never like that jerk.' Huffed Misty.
'Hmm, you know Misty, as flat as you are, I don't think you can get away playing the tsundere role, he probably won't even know you like him.' Teased Daisy.
"Aha! I knew that is what Misty was doing, too bad Ash never realised it." Thought Brock triumphantly.
"Although, then again, he did manage to get Cynthia… oh boy, if Cynthia finds out that all of these girls are after Ash… there will be hell to pay." Thought Brock, slightly worried for his friend.
'Wait, wait, you mean both of you like Ash?' Questioned Gary, from his place behind Misty.
'Oh hi Gary, didn't see you there. You know, you're the last person to have beaten me so far, I've been unstoppable since then.' Bragged Daisy.
'Congrats on that… but seriously, you like Ashy-boy?' Questioned Gary curiously.
'What's not to like? He is kind, caring, encouraging, and you can just tell he will grow into a hunk one of these days. You probably will as well though, so don't feel too bad, a girl knows these things.' Said Daisy with a wink.
'Stop flirting with everyone!' Shouted Misty.
'Hmph, how rude, I haven't flirted with anyone in ages.' Retorted Daisy.
'What?' Questioned Misty in surprise.
'This conversation is getting a bit too weird for me.' Said Gary, as he walked back over to his grandfather and Brock, as the two sisters continued arguing over Ash.
'I guess Ash is lucky he isn't here right now, getting in between two sisters is really only good in one situation.' Said Brock.
Brock's words went right over Gary's head, but Professor Oak understood them and laughed.
'I'm sure Delia would be happy to hear that.' Said Samuel in amusement.
'Uh, hear what exactly?' Questioned Gary in confusion.
'Oh, nothing important Gary.' Said Samuel with a smile.
"Ash… I don't know whether you are lucky, unlucky, or whether I secretly want to kidnap you and take over your identity." Thought Brock enviously.
-line break-
'Hmm, I'm getting the feeling I should avoid Brock in the foreseeable future.' Said Ash, getting Pikachu to look at him funny, as the two currently sat in a Pokémon Centre in Saffron City.
They had touched down on the outskirts of Saffron City, to avoid people seeing Rayquaza, and had made the trek to the Pokémon centre, in order to heal his Pokémon from their battle with Giovanni.
Ash winced a little, remembering how Nurse Joy had politely chewed him out for taking so long to heal his Pokémon, before he explained a little of his situation, fudging the details somewhat to not reveal anything specific, but just enough, so that she wouldn't think he was abusing his Pokémon. Pikachu supporting Ash had certainly helped in that endeavour, as Nurse Joy hadn't looked very happy at all.
'Man, good thing you vouched for me Pikachu. I really don't want to get on the bad side of any Nurse Joy.' Said Ash with a sigh.
'Pipika pipi.' Said Pikachu, as he reassuringly patted his trainer's knee from his position, seated next to him.
'Well, well, look who it is; the last person to beat me before my fifty-battle undefeated streak got started.' Said a person, who had just entered the Pokémon centre and walked up to Ash.
Ash blinked before looking up and studying the appearance of the person in front of him. She had dark green, almost purple hair, reaching just below her shoulders. She wore a pink string top that bared her midriff, white pants held up with a belt and pink shoes, but the thing that helped Ash recognise her, were two glowing green and black bracelets, which pulsed with psychic energy.
'S-Sabrina?' Stuttered Ash in shock, with Pikachu next to him looking equally as shocked, jaw dropped, and eyes widened.
'In the flesh.' Quipped Sabrina.
'W-what happened to you?' Asked Ash bluntly.
'Hmm, oh my new look?' Questioned Sabrina, getting a nod from both Ash and Pikachu.
'Well, after you beat me, I decided to change things up a bit. I stepped up my Pokémon training, as well as my training in my psychic abilities, and decided a slight wardrobe change was in order. To date, I haven't lost a single battle since you left and just beat my fiftieth challenger, in a row, yesterday.' Said Sabrina.
Ash and Pikachu had now recovered from their shock and Ash was noticeably impressed.
'Wow, fifty in a row, that's incredible.' Said Ash.
'Thanks, although what about you?' Asked Sabrina curiously.
'Uh well, I just got my eighth badge yesterday from the Viridian Gym.' Said Ash, before internally wincing at what he let slip.
'Hmm, so that was you who blasted a hole through the roof of the Viridian Gym. I saw a vision of you but needed to confirm it for myself.' Said Sabrina, as she sat next to Ash, as Pikachu climbed into his lap.
'Er, you didn't tell anyone did you?' Whispered Ash.
'No, should I have?' Questioned Sabrina.
'No… it's complicated.' Said Ash, as he furrowed his brows.
'Well, I don't have anyone scheduled to battle me today, and I doubt anyone new will show up, so why don't we discuss this at the Gym, since from your expression, this is sensitive material?' Offered Sabrina.
Ash thought about it for a moment before nodding.
'Ok, just let me grab my Pokémon first. They are being healed from their battle with the Viridian Gym Leader.' Said Ash.
'Young man, you're Pokémon are healed.' Said Nurse Joy.
Ash stepped up to collect them, Pikachu quickly climbing up to his shoulder, with Sabrina also standing up and following him.
'Oh, Gym Leader Sabrina, I didn't see you there, how are you?' Greeted Nurse Joy politely.
'I'm good thank you, I hope the same for you.' Said Sabrina, to which Nurse Joy nodded before looking to Ash.
'Young man, I don't want you coming back after a delay as long as before, especially if you are planning on battling Sabrina.' Warned Nurse Joy sternly.
'Oh, you don't have to worry about that Nurse Joy, Ash has already beaten me.' Said Sabrina, getting Nurse Joy to gasp in surprise.
'Really? I thought you had just beaten your fiftieth challenger yesterday. Did this young man manage to best you after so long?' Asked Nurse Joy curiously.
'Actually, Ash was the last person to beat me before my winning streak started. He helped me find my focus and control again.' Said Sabrina fondly, gazing at Ash who was strapping his Pokéballs back to his belt.
Nurse Joy giggled at this.
'I see, well I wish you two all the best.' Said Nurse Joy with a smile, giving a knowing look to Sabrina, which caused her to avert her gaze.
'Alright, I'm ready to go Sabrina, lead the way.' Said Ash.
'Ok. See you next time Nurse Joy.' Said Sabrina, as she turned and left the Pokémon Centre, Ash and Pikachu in tow.
"Hmm, how nice for Sabrina. The boy who helped her out of the darkness is back once again. I'm sure she must be happy." Thought Nurse Joy.
-line break-
'I see, that is indeed sensitive information.' Said Sabrina from across Ash, after hearing about Giovanni.
The duo were sitting around a small, white table, in Sabrina's personal quarters, in the Gym, a cup of green tea in front of each of them, while Pikachu sat on the floor, guzzling Sabrina's ketchup that he had found. The room was painted entirely in black, with all the furniture being white.
'Yeah, it isn't the kind of information I want to get out to the public if I can help it.' Said Ash, as he nervously drummed the fingers of his right against the table, while his left hand was clenched and placed under his chin, supporting his face, as he leaned it against the table.
'Indeed, something like that could cause quite a stir, especially with the League Tournament coming up in a few months.' Agreed Sabrina.
Sabrina was startled somewhat when her phone starting ringing.
Sabrina quickly stood up and went to answer the phone.
'Oh my gosh Sabrina, you'll never guess what I just heard, apparently Ash has gone missing?' Said Daisy, as her face popped up on the screen.
'Er… but he is right there.' Said Sabrina, as she gestured to Ash who looked surprised.
'Uh hi Daisy.' Said Ash, as he walked over to the monitor, standing just behind and to the left of Sabrina.
'Hi Ash, how'd you get to Saffron?' Asked Daisy curiously.
'Uh... flew.' Said Ash lamely.
'Hmm, well you should probably call the Oak Lab sometime soon, my little sister is there with Gary.' Said Daisy.
'Was Brock there as well?' Asked Ash.
'Hmm, well I couldn't see him, but I think so.' Said Daisy.
'Thanks, I'll give them a call soon, uh Sabrina do you have another phone I can use?' Asked Ash.
'The room opposite this one has one as well.' Said Sabrina.
'Thanks, nice talking to you again Daisy.' Said Ash with a smile, before leaving the room.
'Soooo, Sabrina, with Ash are we?' Teased Daisy.
'What are you implying?' Asked Sabrina, slightly nervous.
'Hmm, I just never thought you'd be the first one to make a move, I bet he'd love to know that he is the reason you changed so much, including your wardrobe, to try and catch his eye.' Teased Daisy, to which Sabrina nervously spluttered, refuting the claim.
"Hmm, Ash is causing more ripples in time than he thought… plus, if Cynthia finds out Ash has a bunch of girls chasing after him… things are going to get heated…"Thought Pikachu with a slight frown, before giving a small shrug.
"Oh well. That's Ash's problem. I've still got half a bottle of ketchup to get through." Thought Pikachu, before going back to his treat.
Now that the chapter is over, I do have another thing to say. I'm pretty sure it is obvious given this chapter… but if not, I'm revisiting the idea of a harem.
Now firstly, no matter what, Cynthia is top girl in everything, she just has no equal… well, to me I suppose… I might be a Cynthia fan-boy…
In any case, what I mean by harem, is NOT, I repeat, NOT a massive 10-15 girl orgy. Truthfully, something like that in the Pokémon world is very out of place, in comparison to say Naruto, or High School Dxd, however, I am reconsidering my idea of a few, maybe 4-7 maximum, (including Cynthia) girls.
It is largely due to the fact, that since it has been so long, I reread my story to refresh my memory, and I did set up for a harem initially, so it is easily doable… plus, I don't like the idea of having made the effort to set it up and then not use it at all. I mean, even if I don't go through with the harem, I'm definitely going to have a few confrontations between some of the girls who like Ash and Cynthia, as I am not about to throw red herrings into my story, like Kishimoto did for Naruto (as you can see, I addressed Ash's earlier thoughts of having Arceus accelerate his biological age and body somewhat).
In the interest of full disclosure, here is what I am currently thinking of: Sabrina (I do like her remodelled look a lot), Daisy (I honestly put a lot into that unintentionally), Melody from the Orange Islands (it is a plot thing *hint* *hint*) and Clair (my second favourite girl, mostly because she uses dragons).
Aside from them, I'm also considering Dawn (who, if it isn't glaringly obvious, will get her memories back) and possibly Candice.
So yeah, please let me know what you think and I promise not to leave you guys without an update for another year again, once again, really sorry about that.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.