THE BLUE SPIRIT
CHAPTER 008 – THREE YEARS LATER
If one were to take a look at the island from high up in the air, from a helicopter or an airplane, they would think it to be just another tropical island paradise hidden from the world. And they would be partly right for the island is hidden from the world. But it's not just another tropical island, oh no. This particular island, named New Island, had many unique characteristics to it. Just a couple examples were that it had its very own mini mansion as well as its own pokémon battle and training stadium. And this particular island has been home to an enormous group of pokémon who have been training non-stop for the past three years. Training religiously for what is to come in the future, these pokemon continued day in and day out with fiery determination in their hearts. Of course they would take breaks and rest in between training sessions. And they would also have some fun and relaxation times. But that was only once every week, to keep them from getting too tense and to keep their focus on their goal.
Yet as hard as the group of pokémon has been training, so too has their trainer. If not more so. He's not like most other trainers, merely barking orders on his pokémon to train while just standing there. No sir. For the better part of the past three years, this raven haired young man, who is now a little past twenty years old, has been training himself in mind, body, spirit and since he's become an Aura Guardian only a few years ago, his aura powers as well. To say he's been very busy would be an understatement.
And right now, he was in a mental training session at the stadium with Mewtwo, the world's most powerful legendary psychic pokémon. "You've improved past my expectations Ash. I'm impressed," remarked Mewtwo, as he had attempted to dive into the young man's mind again but was pushed out by the boy's own mental prowess after a short while. "But you must be ready for anything!" snapped the feline as he sent a mind blast with his telepathy at him.
Ash quickly formed a mental shield around his mind without using his aura powers and the blast was deflected. After stopping the blast the twenty year old collapsed onto his knees. Taking in large breaths, he was exhausted since they were in training since morning. During his training, Mewtwo had helped Ash develop a little bit of his mental powers just enough to keep others from messing with his mind against his will or at least when conscious.
This was only part of how things went for Ash since they started training. He had done what Arceus has advised him to do. He had used the first year to catch many pokémon with great potential in both strength and spirit while training and researching many things as well. Then from the beginning of the second year, he had set up training regiments for each individual pokémon with the help of Mewtwo and all the research that they had done. Ash had his vast group of pokémon work on their weaknesses, increase their strengths, learn new offensive and defensive moves, create new moves by combining certain ones together, fighting multiple opponents at once and much more. Each pokémon also had a specific diet made for them, to help them get their necessary vitamins and minerals they needed to stay strong and to grow more powerful.
It was the same for Ash as he had his own diet now and his own training regiments as well. One day he would focus on his body, working out and sparring with Lucario. The next day he would focus on his mind, getting lessons from Mewtwo in mental communication and in resisting mental attacks, whether by other aura or psychic users, as well as meditation techniques to focus and clear the mind. The third day he would use to practice using his aura powers and abilities with Lucario. From using aura spheres, shields, forming weapons using his own aura such as a sword or hammer, enhancing his senses by using his aura and understanding what they show him, his healing abilities and more. It continued like that, one day body, one day mind, one day aura, and on and on. That was his training. The days where they weren't training with Ash, Lucario and Mewtwo would train with the other pokémon. He had made incredible progress in almost all areas of training, except for a few. He still had a lot to learn, especially in the ways of Aura, along with his healing ability still needing work since it drained him of too much energy when using it.
Panting heavily, the raven haired young man glanced at the purple feline standing near him. "Thanks Mewtwo…but…did you have to…go so hard on me today?" questioned Ash while taking in some breaths.
Mewtwo grinned in return. "That was more than usual yes, but still barely about a quarter of my full telekinetic power. Then again, my powers have been growing since I've been training with you. I've been launching stronger attacks at you each time we trained," informed the psychic with a smug grin.
"That was only a quarter of your power?!" yelped Ash in surprise with his eyes wide and a shudder going doing his spine. "I feel like I've been hit by a damn semi truck!"
The purple legendary laughed as Ash slowly got back onto his feet. He was about to comment back when suddenly his Poketch's alarm went off. He checked it and saw that it was the midday lunch break alarm. He tapped the screen and dismissed the alarm. Nodding at Mewtwo, the legendary feline shot a purple sphere of psychic energy up into the air which then exploded into many purple sparkles after reaching a good distance. It was the signal for lunch.
They started heading back towards the mansion-like house, ready to relax for a little while they had their lunch as it was for one hour. Reaching the kitchen, they passed the other pokémon that Ash caught. They were already eating with some inside the house while most remained outside. Walking past them while telling them to enjoy their lunch, his pokemon replied back in their poke speech making Ash smile as they enjoyed their food. Having set up a very convenient system where each pokémon got their own special food, he was glad that they were able to make it after many failures. The system involved a computer, several machines and edible organic matter they got from the many fruit trees and plants on the island and the vast scores of edible things from the ocean around them.
This system that they built took a long time to perfect, but in the end it was worth it. Because instead of wasting countless hours to prepare food for his pokemon when it could've been used for something else, the system did it for him. All his pokémon had to do was hold up a claw, paw, hand, wing, beak or other appropriate body part up against the system's scanner and it would prepare the food for that specific pokémon and send it out from a chute under the scanner. They had built ten of these systems and placed them inside and all around the house so all of the pokémon can get their meals without waiting too long.
Unfortunately, Ash still had to prepare his own food manually. But he didn't mind that at all. It gave him some time to relax and review his training session while doing something that didn't require too much brain activity. As he prepared his lunch, he went over his training session with Mewtwo, while said feline was enjoying its own lunch, having joined Lucario, Pikachu and a few other pokémon who were eating at the dinner table. Ash finished reviewing the training session in his mind right at the moment he finished preparing his food and joined his friends at the dinner table, taking a seat next to his starter Pikachu.
As Ash ate his food, he listened to his pokémon talk and joke amongst them, which caused a smile to form on his face. Because of the deep bond between him and his pokémon, he could tell what they were trying to say. But with the help of his aura powers that he had developed, he could tell exactly what was being said between all of his pokémon while they communicated in their poke speech.
"Pika pi pika chu pi pika chu?" questioned the electric mouse to his friend, after glancing at him and seeing him lost in thought.
Ash blinked before replying back to Pikachu. "Yea, I'm good buddy. I was just thinking about everything that we've done so far," answered Ash and he reminded them of all the things they did. As he spoke, his pokemon and Mewtwo remembered what they did during these past few years.
They had built the pokémon food system. They had gotten rid of the elevator in the mini mansion and made a staircase instead with locked doors for each floor. They upgraded the stadium with weather controlling and field changing applications to help them train against their weaknesses and how to still be able to fight and defend in certain harsh environments. They had created a new machine that could help each of his pokemon learn new techniques. They had made many friends and all of his pokémon, except for Pikachu, had fully evolved and much more. The pokémon at the dinner table nodded in agreement with smiles on their faces, steadily getting bigger with each passing statement.
"…and we've done all this, and we're not even done yet guys. It's been three years since I was told of the vision by Arceus and soon enough, the next part of the plan will come into effect," he told them with barley contained anxiousness that a certain purple feline still noticed but said nothing since he knew why he felt that way.
No sooner had he finished his statement, a bright pink circular glow appeared in the air next to him, causing everyone in the room to look at it. The glow vanished a split second later and in its stead one of his powerful pokémon, a dual psychic and fairy type, Gardevoir appeared. She stretched out her slender arm and held her petite hand out for her raven haired trainer to take the item that was held within; a yellow envelope that had the Pokémon League symbol on the middle of it.
Ash smiled at the sight of his pokemon. "Right on time. Thanks Gardevoir. I just talked about this." He stood up, took the envelope and hugged the psychic fairy, causing her to blush slightly, as she returned the hug and the other pokémon around them simply smiled. They let each other go and Ash gestured her to sit down while he got her some food himself, since there was a manual override on their system as well. He quickly brought her the food and she began to eat.
Though he was very caring and understanding with all of his pokemon, he gave a little extra attention to those that needed it and none of his pokemon was jealous whenever he did that since they understood the reasons behind them. He was very caring with Gardevoir in particular since he had found her abandoned and hurt in the middle of the woods as a Kirlia, scared beyond measure. It had taken a long time for Ash and the rest of his pokemon to gain her trust. After getting her food and giving it to her, Ash sat back down and fumbled for a second, trying to open the envelope that was addressed to his home in Pallet Town.
When Gardevoir sat down, Lucario had moved to be beside her and continued his meal with her when she received hers. Seeing that happen, Mewtwo had a knowing smirk form on his face but said nothing. Instead he glanced at his partner in this mission and thought about what he just did. This is why Ash is different, thought Mewtwo. He's surprised me many times these past few years and I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see him do those things. He's reached incredible heights in his power. Not only that, but he's always treated his pokémon as his equals and cares for them greatly. Not once has he treated me differently either, treating me like any other pokemon and even as another person. And that is one of the reasons why I respect him and that I'm happy to be here training with him for the coming days. To call him my ally…to call him my friend.
Ash finished taking out the folded letter from the envelope, opened it and read it out loud so Mewtwo and the rest can know what was written as well;
Dear Mr. Ash Ketchum,
It is of great pleasure that I am able to invite you to our upcoming pokémon tournament that we hold once every several years. It's a special one where only the best trainers around the world are invited to and its called the Spirit Challenge Tournament. We want to see who has the unbreakable spirit of a future Pokémon Master. The tournament will be held at the Indigo Plateau. We hope to see you at this tournament.
Besides the usual rewards, the winner of this tournament will receive five hundred thousand poke dollars, be able to challenge the Elite Four of each and every league and their respective Champions, if they are able to beat the Elite Four first.
We hope to see you at this tournament. Registration starts this weekend, from early morning Saturday and ends Sunday midnight.
Pokémon League President
Mr. Charles Goodshow
P.S. It's been a while since we've seen your particular talents at an event. You always seem to liven things up. I hope to see you at this tournament and that this letter finds you since no one has seen or heard from you for quite some time. But I'm not too worried since this Gardevoir showed up right next to me the moment I finished writing this letter and I have a feeling she would deliver it to you.
Mewtwo was notified of the letter by Arceus and Gardevoir volunteered to retrieve it for her trainer, since she wasn't intimidating unlike Mewtwo. After Ash finished reading the letter, he locked his gaze with Mewtwo who gave a curt nod in response to his unspoken statement. Standing up, Ash began walking out of the dining room with a determined gaze. Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder and Mewtwo followed along beside him as they walked out of the building, heading towards the stadium while telling his pokémon to gather there.
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After they all assembled around one side of the stadium, Ash stood with Pikachu and Mewtwo in front of his pokémon. "This is what we've been waiting for!" He spoke loudly and with conviction, as he held up the letter over his head while moving his gaze across all of his pokemon. Every single pokemon there had their eyes on the envelope with a determined gaze. "We've been training for a long time, waiting for this tournament. You all know the mission that Arceus has given us, the plans that we made. This is the next step we have to take. This will help us understand where we stand, whether our efforts have paid off or if we're still not there yet."
Ash took a moment to take a breather and to gather his thoughts before he continued on. "Some of you left your families and friends to come here and join me. Some of you at first didn't trust me because of past experiences. Some of you had difficulty in the beginning. Some of you I've known for a long time. But make no mistake; we've all worked hard! We've all grown in many different ways! We've made strong bonds between us! We've become friends and most importantly, we've become a family!"
"Pi pikachu!" cheered the yellow mouse as he raised his right fist into the air
Mewtwo simply nodded at those words while all of Ash's pokemon roared in agreement. For even though they were a large group of very different pokémon, they viewed each other as brothers and sisters, comrades in arms and above all, a family that would protect each other no matter the cost.
When the group of pokemon finally quieted down, Ash continued speaking. "We'll follow the plan and we'll go to this tournament! We'll show our strength, our skills and our undying spirit that we will never give up! We'll show everyone that we're fighters that can go the distance! We'll show those cowards and evil people who are right now probably working to unleash the darkness and other evils upon our world, our home, that there are those who will not back down and just let them do as they please! THAT WE'RE NOT AFRAID AND WE'LL NOT BE BEATEN!" roared Ash. Pikachu and his pokémon joined with roars and cries of their own, some even launching attacks in the air to show their commitment. When they finished and calmed down, Ash spoke. "We'll finish the day's training. Then I will prepare for the tournament and leave in the morning. Mewtwo will be left in charge. I want you all to relax and be ready for if and when I need you. So no training for at least the next couple of weeks. And don't worry; I'll do my best and try to give as many of you as I can a shot to compete in the tournament. With that said, let's get back to training and finish up today with a bang!" yelled Ash as he pumped his fist into the air and his starter copied his movements.
The pokémon moved back to their training locations, formed groups and continued their work for the day. They all put extra effort and energy because of being motivated and pumped up by Ash's speech. They were also looking forward to taking a little vacation for a couple weeks. While the pokemon did that, Ash went back to his spot to finish up his mental training with Mewtwo.
At the end of the day when everyone finished up their training, they went back towards the house and had some dinner. It didn't take too long afterwards for most of them to go to sleep. Soon, everyone else beside Pikachu, Lucario, Mewtwo and Gardevoir were asleep with some resting inside the house while most of the larger ones were outside.
Ash and the four pokémon went to his room, which was the master bedroom so he can prepare and speak with them. "Okay guys, so this is what I'm going to do. Since I don't want to reveal who I really am at the tournament for a couple reasons, I'm gonna have to come up with an alias and a disguise. I'll think up of a name on the way there tomorrow." Ash looked at Pikachu. "You can come with me Pikachu, but you would have to stay hidden almost all the time. Is that okay with you?"
"Pi pikachu cha pi chu kachu."
"Alright fine, I'll get you some ketchup and let you chill in the hotel room while I'm out battling."
"Pika!" Pikachu jumped up onto Ash's shoulder and nuzzled his cheek against his, happy with the deal.
"Okay buddy, it's a deal," said Ash while laughing over his antics while the other three pokémon let out sighs over the yellow mouse's obsession with the condiment.
"Ash, are you sure you want to go in disguise?" questioned Mewtwo.
Turning to face him, Ash was silent for a moment. "Yeah, I'm sure. It's just…well…"
"We know," interrupted Lucario, making them look at him now. "I still say it'll be better to face it head on but we understand and we support you."
Ash looked at the aura canine and then alternated his gaze towards Gardevoir, Pikachu and finally Mewtwo. Each pokemon gave him a nod and he smiled a little in response. "Thanks guys. I appreciate it. So, moving on…Mewtwo, I know I said this already, but I want you to look after things here while I go with Lucario and Gardevoir. I'm still gonna train while there and they'll help me with that." The three nodded in agreement, although Gardevoir looked a little frightened, which Ash noticed. "Don't worry Gardevoir; I won't let anything bad happen to you. Plus, I think you'll like it over there. There are a lot of beautiful things to see," he said, reassuring his pokemon that she'll be fine.
"And I will be there as well. I will protect you no matter what. You have nothing to fear, comrade," added Lucario, giving a short bow.
The white and green pokémon smiled a bit more confidently at their reassurance. "Thank you," she replied back with her telepathy, which carried an angelic soft tone, getting large smiles from the rest, especially from Lucario, since she didn't speak often.
"Of course," said Ash before moving towards his walk in closet. Opening the door, he walked and gathered the items he needed. "Okay, let's see…gonna need extra clothes…I got the invitation…my Poke Dex and Poketch…hmm, my account is linked to my Poke Dex but I'd need some cash…" Filling up his large duffel bag with the items while he spoke, his pokemon and Mewtwo watched him do that, pointing out some things that he missed while doing so. Turning to one side, Ash glanced at a necklace that was hanging on the wall next to a few other things. "I don't really need my aura crystal necklace anymore, right?" he asked them.
"Correct. You've mastered your aura enough to no longer require it so it's unnecessary," confirmed Lucario.
"Good. Is there anything else I'm missing?" he asked them, going over what he packed.
"You have what you need. What about your alias and disguise?" asked Mewtwo, reminding him of that.
"Name I'll come up with on the way so as for my disguise, I could just use sun glasses, a bandana and hat to cover my face," answered Ash as he finished checking and zipped up the duffel bag when done before he moved it beside his bed.
"Or you could let us help you on the disguise part at least."
Mewtwo spoke and pointed at Ash with his three digit hand that glowed purple. Ash felt something happen but didn't know what as he straightened out after lowering the bag. The pokémon around him gestured towards the mirror in the master bathroom that was attached to the room. He went inside, turned on the lights and let out a small yelp in surprise. Mewtwo had changed his appearance. His hair was no longer black but red, his birthmark 'z' marks that were on his cheeks were gone and his eye color was changed from brown to blue.
Ash went back to the group in a hurry. "Ah, thanks Mewtwo, but this is too much for me. Please change it back," he pleaded. Mewtwo let out a chuckle while rolling his eyes as he changed him back to his original appearance. "Thanks. I think I'll just stick with the sunglasses and hat, along with a trench coat or something. I've gotten taller and changed in appearance anyway over the years."
"True, but you still look the same Ash," muttered Lucario as he thought while holding a paw to his chin. "Perhaps we can at least hide your birthmarks and give you facial hair? And black eyes instead of brown? What do you think of that?" asked the aura canine.
"Hmm, I think that'll be fine. Let's try that." Ash checked himself out in the mirror again after Mewtwo performed the appearance change once more. Ash came back with a large grin. The beard on his face was neatly trimmed and actually matched him, especially without the birthmarks on his face. His black eyes weren't much too different. "I actually like it. It matches right?" The four pokémon nodded. "Cool. Gardevoir, can you do take off this disguise and put it back on as well? I don't want to put it on until we get there." Gardevoir nodded and her eyes glowed. The disguise vanished and she put it back on perfectly to make sure she can do it and then finally took it off. "Thanks. Alright guys, let's call it. I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight everyone."
Mewtwo and the pokémon replied back saying their goodnights in return and went to their beds. Lucario and Mewtwo each had their own room while Pikachu had a small little crib next to Ash's king sized bed while Gardevoir had her hammock that she loved, on the other side of it. She slept in his room because she felt safer with the raven haired trainer. Even though she was comfortable with the other pokémon, she still only fully trusted Ash, Mewtwo, Lucario and Pikachu. As his pokemon went to their respective beds, Ash merely dropped onto his comfortable mattress while still fully dressed and the moment his head hit the pillow, fell asleep instantly.
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Waking up early in the morning refreshed and eager to leave, the raven haired trainer began getting ready to head out to the tournament. Ash took a shower and brushed his teeth before stepping out and dried himself. He got dressed in his signature style that consisted of blue jeans over his black boxers, a black t-shirt, a blue jacket, red tennis shoes and black fingerless gloves. After getting dressed, he double checked his large packed bag. He put on the Poketch on his left wrist, put his wallet along with his Poke Dex in his inside jacket pockets and placed his invitation in his back jeans pocket. Grabbing his bag, he began walking out his room when Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder while Gardevoir gracefully got out of her hammock to follow them and they went downstairs together.
The trio found Lucario and Mewtwo already in the kitchen having breakfast and they joined them. After finishing their meal, they all headed out to the front yard of the house. Ash nodded at Lucario, who sent out an Aura Sphere into the air, which exploded into bright blue sparks, signaling the other pokémon to join their location.
After a moment all of Ash's pokémon joined them at their position. As they stood at attention, Ash looked over his family. "This is it guys. It's time for me to go but before I do I just want to thank you all for your hard work and for coming with me on this. I won't let you down." The pokémon gave a round of cheers for him and Ash smiled at their display. "Thanks guys. Remember, relax and be ready for when I call you and Mewtwo will watch over everything. Lucario, Gardevoir and Pikachu will be with me most of the time while I'm there. And please behave. I don't want to come back to a messed up house," he begged them with a small smile.
Many of his pokemon chuckled while several glanced away, not wanting to make eye contact. Shaking his head, Ash chuckled before locking his gaze with one of his pokemon. "Oh and c'mon Pidgeot. I haven't forgotten that you wanted to fly there." The massive yet beautiful falcon pokémon glided gently next to him, letting out a chirp of happiness. Ash knew that Mewtwo could've teleported him to the Indigo Plateau with ease but he also knew that Pidgeot wanted this. She had wanted to take a flying trip for a long time and was glad that none of Ash's other flying pokemon wanted to do it. Plus, they would get there with several hours to spare. She bent down a bit so Ash could climb up onto her back with his duffel bag swung over his body, the electric mouse losing his footing for a second while he did so and almost fell off. Everyone became amused at the mouse's expense, causing him to blush slightly. Ash chuckled again while scratching behind his ears, making his starter feel better. "Okay, stay safe everyone and enjoy the mini vacation! Lucario and Gardevoir, once I'm there I'll summon you with my aura so be ready. Unless of course you want to travel with me now while in your poke balls."
Gardevoir's face perked up and nodded at his statement. He smiled and brought out her luxury ball with his aura. He returned her and then clipped her ball on his belt. Lucario however said he will wait on the island until he is called for, as he wanted to do some meditation in peace before being around so many people. Ash had no problem with that and told him to enjoy. He took one last look at everyone and then motioned for Pidgeot to go.
As the falcon flew higher and gained in speed, Ash called out to them. "Bye guys! Have fun, relax and be ready! Next time I come back, it'll be with the tournament trophy and we'll be victorious!" His pokémon roared in agreement as they watched him fly away into the horizon. The young man's face was split with a wide grin. Glancing at his starter pokémon, he saw that he had a matching grin on his face as well. "This is it buddy. It's time for the next part of the plan."
"Pi pika!"
Facing forward, Ash kept his grin. As they soared through the sky with little wind resistance against them thanks to Pidgeot's abilities, the young man had many thoughts go through his head. Until one of them made his eyes widen. "Shit!" His sudden curse word made both his pokemon look at him in worry. "I just remembered something. Pidgeot, we gotta make a stop somewhere first before going to the Indigo Plateau." Ash told his pokemon where they needed to go first and the falcon chirped in understanding before changing her heading.
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A woman in her late thirties was working on the garden in front of her house. She had gotten up early in the morning to start working on it since she wanted to get the day's work done before it got too hot in the day. It was one of the hobbies of hers that she had always enjoyed doing since it helped pass the time greatly. It didn't hurt either that the physical demands of it helped keep her relatively fit and healthy. But the major reason why she enjoyed doing it was because it helped her keep her mind occupied instead of thinking a million different things. That would be bad since every single one of those million thoughts would be about her only child, her son who she hadn't seen for a long time.
Even though she hadn't seen him for three years, Delia knew that her son was alright. Call it a mother's intuition or something, but she felt that he was alive and well. She also had the word of the powerful psychic legendary that nothing will happen to him without her knowing about it. She didn't know much about legendaries and even less about that particular one. And yet she could tell that he meant what he said. And so she didn't worry too much about her son's long absence. But that didn't mean that she didn't miss him every day he was away…
Finishing up her work, she sat with her legs bent beneath her and took in a long breath before exhaling it out. Viewing her handiwork on the new white flowers she planted, she smiled. "That didn't take too long this time. Looks better than before. Not too shabby for an old woman," she said happily to herself.
"You're not that old Mom."
"Oh, you're just bein…" She stopped suddenly as her brain finally processed who spoke those words. Slowly turning her head to look behind her, Delia saw a tall, young man with messy black hair along with a yellow mouse sitting on his shoulder. "A-Ash?" she whispered.
"The one and only!" he replied back with his trademark goofy grin while extending out a hand to her.
"ASH!" Delia grabbed his hand and was effortlessly lifted onto her feet. She immediately hugged her son tightly who returned it. "It's s-so good to s-see you again!" she cried into his chest.
"Yeah, I'm happy to see you too Mom," he said while barely able to control himself.
Mother and son stood in that embrace for about a minute before she was able to calm down and they finally separated. "Wow, look how you've grown," commented Delia as she looked her son up and down, making him redden in embarrassment. "You're taller than me now and you've got muscles!" she exclaimed.
Ash rubbed the back of his head while chuckling a bit. "Yeah, three years of diet control and intense training will do that to ya."
"Pika pika," said Pikachu in agreement.
"Oh, I'm sorry Pikachu! Welcome back to you too!" she said as she picked up the yellow mouse from his spot and hugged him.
"Pika!" Pikachu started nuzzling against her cheek.
"Oh, you're as cuddly as always!" exclaimed Delia with a laugh and Pikachu enjoyed the affection given to him. A sudden loud rumbling came from Ash's stomach and Delia gave her son a smirk who chuckled in response. "Some things never change huh? C'mon, I'll make some breakfast for us," said Delia as she headed back inside the house after letting Pikachu go back to Ash.
Once inside, Ash placed his duffel bag on the couch before he and Pikachu sat on the dining table while Delia quickly whipped up some breakfast for them all. She didn't let them help her at all, wanting to do it. Even when her Mr. Mime came in to help, she shooed him away. Instead, he joined Ash and Pikachu at the table. It didn't take long but Delia had the table loaded with several breakfast dishes and items.
As they dug in, Delia let them eat for a bit before voicing the question on her mind. "So, how did the training go Ash?"
Swallowing the food in his mouth, he faced his mother. "I think it went really well."
"Really? So, what did you learn? Can you show me some of it?" she asked, curious about it.
"Sure." He held out his hand and concentrated. A second later, a blue circular glow appeared floating above his palm that made Delia gasp and Mr. Mime stared with even wider eyes. The glowing sphere grew larger until it was the size of a regular poke ball. The glow faded away to reveal a luxury ball. He didn't need to summon this particular poke ball since it was clipped to his belt but he wanted to show his mom something. Plus, he figured his pokemon would want to meet her and eat something herself. He opened the poke ball and Gardevoir appeared.
"Wow, she's beautiful," commented Delia at seeing the petite pokemon, who immediately went behind Ash. "She's a shy one huh?" asked Delia.
"Yeah." Ash glanced at her from his seat. "It's alright Gardevoir. This is my mom, Delia Ketchum and that's her Mr. Mime. You can trust them without question." Glancing at him, Gardevoir then looked at the two mentioned. A moment later, she gave them a small nod of her head before moving to sit next to Ash. "There you go. You hungry?" he asked her and she shook her head. "Alright. If you change your mind, feel free okay?" She nodded again and he smiled a bit before facing his mom. "So, Gardevoir's one of my new pokemon and she's pretty strong. But as you saw, she's also very shy."
"I see. Well, don't worry Gardevoir. You're welcome here anytime alright? So make yourself at home," she told the pokemon softly. A couple seconds later, the petite fairy smiled a bit in return. Delia smiled before facing her son again. "So, that was a cool. What else can you do?" she asked.
"Oh, there's a lot more Mom. I can't talk about most of it cause it's hard to explain but I'll tell you what I can." And so, Ash explained about some of his training that he went through and what he learned. He also talked about what some of his pokemon and Mewtwo did. Of course, he didn't tell her of the more important details that he had to keep a secret for the time being and he definitely didn't tell her about any of the times where he was in a bad spot. He really didn't want her to worry or feel bad over some of the things he went through.
After listening to him explain things for a while, when he finally finished up, Delia couldn't believe it. "Wait, so you're telling me you can do all that? Summon aura weapons? You can heal injuries? And you have how many pokemon? Wow…Ash…you've done a lot in three years. I can't believe it," she said.
"I can't believe it either sometimes," said Ash while chuckling.
Delia smiled in response. "I'm proud of you Ash. You've done well. I can't believe how much you've grown but I'm happy for you," she told him with pride, making him feel good. "All you need now is to find a girlfriend," she told him with a smirk.
"Mooom!" whined Ash, making her laugh while Pikachu and Gardevoir had small smiles on their faces.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. You'll get a girlfriend when you're ready. But don't take too long alright? I want some grandkids when I can still move around," she said jokingly.
Ash blushed heavily at that but didn't whine this time. He didn't say anything either, as images of the girls who he traveled around the world with flashed in his mind.
"Ash?" asked Delia, concerned over him being so silent.
Shaking his head, he refocused on his mother before glancing at the clock. "Sorry Mom. I gotta go or I'll be late," he told her while standing up.
"B-But, you just got here! And you've been gone for three years!" she complained while also standing up herself.
Ash gave her an apologetic look. "I know Mom and I promise we'll spend a lot of time together soon. But I gotta go sign up for the tournament at the Indigo Plateau that I was invited for," he told her while showing her the envelope that contained his invitation.
She looked at it for a moment as she remembered some things. "How did they know how to reach you? I thought you said no one can know?" questioned Delia with narrowed eyes.
"Mewtwo," he said simply and she tilted her head. "He's one of the most powerful psychic pokemon in the world and he's one of the masters of the island I was training at. Mewtwo and those masters have secret contacts and they let him know that I was invited. Since it lined up perfectly with my completed training, he convinced the other masters of the island that it would be a good place to test how strong my pokemon and I have become," explained Ash. He had thought up of this explanation while on the way home so he could tell her why he was leaving again so soon. He didn't like lying to her and he wasn't really lying but bending the truth in a way. Regardless, he had to do it right now. And he was going to tell her eventually but it just wasn't the time for it yet.
Delia didn't say anything for a bit until she let out a sigh. "Alright. I understand. At least I'll see you competing on the TV. But, you'll keep in touch with me while you compete alright?"
"Of course Mom. I'll keep in touch, I promise."
Delia hugged her son tightly and he returned it. "Be safe, have fun and go show everyone what you learned."
They separated and Ash had a confident expression on his face. "I promise Mom." With that, Ash returned Gardevoir after letting her know that he'll release her when they reach the tournament grounds, grabbed his duffel bag and headed out of the house with Pikachu on his shoulder. Delia and Mr. Mime followed after him and saw him bring out his Pidgeot, making Delia remember her and she felt happy that she was back with her son. Climbing onto the falcon's back, Ash made sure he was seated securely before looking at his mom. "I promise we'll win. It was great seeing you again and thanks for everything Mom!" he said with a wave and a smile.
"Pi pika!"
"Bye and good luck!" said Delia with a small smile as Pidgeot spread her wings and shot up into the sky.
"Bye Mom!" shouted Ash as the distance quickly grew between them. He saw her becoming a small dot on the ground as they increased their distance. "Bye Mom," he repeated softly this time before facing forward. It's time to start the next part of the plan. Whoever's in this tournament, I hope they're ready. Because we are and we're gonna show everyone what we're capable of!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A group of scientists were running around hurriedly inside their hidden underground laboratory in an unknown location. They were all on edge since the tournament was about to start and they were supposed to start testing some of their experiments. It didn't help either that their employer, or more accurately the boss of the entire organization was in the room with them.
"Is it ready?" asked a man's voice while he himself was hidden in the laboratory's shadows.
"Almost sir," answered one of the scientists immediately. "We have a few more things to check before having a field test. It will be ready before the tournament ends."
"Good. Keep me posted on progress. And what about the other tests? Any results on those?"
"We have made some breakthroughs sir, but…"
"But what?" asked the man impatiently.
"They're not what you're looking for," started the scientist but quickly explained further when he sensed his boss getting angrier. "But we're getting closer since we were able to get on the right track after our first test with those random trainers we crossed paths with. Plus our initial test subjects seem to be making their way to the tournament themselves without us even making them do so. It could provide valuable data."
Silence for a moment before the man in the shadowed area spoke. "A stroke of luck then. Alright. Have Johnson and Stevens assist you on that. I want results not luck. And I want them as soon as possible. Also, we should have agents in the area so keep tabs on those trainers. See what happens to better the next batch. I want to test them and the other one at the tournament itself."
The scientist couldn't help but break out into a cold sweat over what he wanted. "Y-You want to test it out at the t-tournament? What if it doesn't w-work? What about a-all those people?" he blurted out.
"Consider them field tests and sacrifices must be made. And the less trainers against me, the easier everything will be," replied the man in the shadows with no emotion as he made his way to leave the room. "This is what we've been planning for, for a long time. We have one shot and one shot only. Do not fail me."
"Y-yes s-sir!" stuttered the scientist and quickly went back to work.