Graphic Depiction of Violence Warning
Ash's scream was silent. He watched as Omen dropped the chain, Euryale slumping to the ground with blood welling out of the wound at the base of her neck. Vulpix was grabbed by the neck and thrown to the ground.
Omen's teeth were bared like a snarling Lycanroc as he pointed the gun at Vulpix. Everything was blending together, sounds, sights, smell, heat turning his mind to mush. Then there's another shot, but it's not Vulpix bleeding.
It's Artemis.
The little canine yelps, her leap timed just so, the bullet grazing her side and chipping the bony ridges, sparing the incandescently furious Vulpix. Artemis barely stumbles from what had to be an agonizing wound, instead launching a noxious Smog at the poacher.
His little girl was smart, and instead of staying to engage, she locked her teeth around Vulpix's scruff and dragged the raging kit away. Omen coughed, toxic fumes burning his airways. But he had enough wherewithal to lift the gun again.
Ash was so sick of damn guns.
Squeezing his eyes shut and making his peace, he threw himself forward once again. His side was wailing at him, his lungs were burning, and all his limbs felt like jelly. But he still moved.
Omen didn't bother to shoot him. He slammed the grip of his weapon against Ash's head. Ash couldn't even try to stay standing. Falling to his side, and gasping for air, he struggled to open his eyes to look at the poacher.
In the back of his mind, he recognized Styx's distressed roars, could hear how her ruthlessness increased, cries of pain that weren't hers echoing around the clearing. Mew, that was heartbreaking.
Styx would tear this forest - this region - apart when he died.
Omen placed one combat boot on Ash's chest, pressing down with an expression that could only be described as apoplectic. Ash scrambled, his hands gripping Omen's leg, blood rushing in his ears. "Well, gotta hand it to ya, Ketchum-" He coughed, face paling slightly, "-you really know how to be a pain in my ass. Looks like I'll just have to head to Oak's. I'll get my prizes there."
Ash gave a muffled cry at that. 'Not Oak not Oak'.
Omen laughed callously as he leaned forward, putting more weight into his foot that crushed Ash's chest, the damaged ribs sending tsunamis of pain through his nerves. "I've been meaning to raid that place for a while now. What better incentive, right?" Another cough. A wheeze. "But this… I'm going to enjoy this."
Skin met skin, Ash's grip on Omen's leg tightened and an unknown feeling welled up within him, some of the pain fading. The infamous poacher's eyes widened minutely. The spark in his mind that towered over him dimmed.
A sudden flash of light caused Omen to startle and raise a hand to block his eyes. Something slammed into the poacher with the force of a train, throwing him across the clearing.
Ash gasped for air, his chest aching and creaking with every hurried, desperate inhale. He rolled over, ribs only slightly crying out in protest, one hand pressed into the ruined grasses as he caught his breath. The burning, stabbing pain of his ribs blurred his surroundings and he felt bile rising in his throat.
Forcing his head up, he looked to see what the Nether just happened.
Artemis had Omen pinned, his gun another molten puddle off to the side.
But she was bigger.
Her long devil's tail swishing side to side aggressively, legs braced wide with her front paws pressing harshly against Omen's shoulders. Two wicked, curved horns pointed towards the base of her skull, all her other bony protrusions gleaming in the sinking light of sunset.
Artemis had her teeth bared viciously, steaming saliva dripping onto the poacher's shirt, sizzling and burning through the fabric the moment it touched. Omen muffled his shout. The man looked sick, skin pale and clammy, face sunken and glistening with sweat.
He had never seen Smog do this to a human.
Bracing himself, Ash rolled the rest of the way over until he was on his knees and elbows. Teeth digging into his lip to stifle his whimpers, he slowly got his feet under him and stood. Holding his side, he turned his head to see Styx.
His starter was finishing up. The Magmortar was… oh Mew, it was splayed out, shoulder mauled and bleeding profusely. Its blood bubbled and steamed as it struck the ground.
There'd be no saving that arm.
The Hydreigon had burns covering her body, feathers seared away and scales a blackened, mottled mess. One head hung limply, cauterized lacerations mangling the nose and mouth. It twitched weakly, hissing all the while. The rest of Styx was heaving, snarling, one savagely clawed foot digging into a ragged Dusknoir that looked more like a pooling mass of black cloth than a Pokémon.
Catching his eye, Styx snorted roughly, primary and healthy secondary head both gesturing to Omen.
Trusting Styx, he turned and hobbled over to Omen. Every step closer to Artemis, his Houndoom, threatened to break his already tenuous composure.
But now wasn't the time.
He closed in until his shadow was cast over Omen's face. The man was struggling for breath, his bronchioles gradually closing from the poisons of Smog. He'd suffocate soon.
But Smog was only supposed to induce temporary asthma, not full asphyxiation.
Omen laughed, the awful sound whistling as it forced its way through narrowed airways. His smile was slightly bloody, but genuine amusement and mirth showed in his fatigued eyes.
"Gotta- gotta hand it to ya, Ketchum-" He wheezed. "ya look just like him."
Ash froze, eyebrows bunching together before he squeezed his fists and knelt, roughly grabbing the man's jaw and turning it towards him. "Look. Like. Who." He practically growled.
Omen chuckled again, choking on it, but he still managed one last quip. "Heh, ruthless too, just like- just like your old man."
Ash stumbled back, much to Omen's sick pleasure. The man, even as he struggled to do so, laughed through his death, dying with that twisted grin on his scarred, pale face.
The spark slowly dimmed until it faded like a candle being snuffed out.
Artemis sniffed, losing her tense stance, and slowly stepped off the man. She turned to Ash, smelling his distress, whining but not inching closer. Ash was shaking from a mix of things. Omen's final words, the adrenaline, Artemis evolving, almost dying.
Witnessing death.
His eyes were wide, locked on Omen's unmoving body. On the lifeless eyes that held no soul.
Ash had seen dead before, with how his journey has been he'd have been exceedingly lucky to have not. The Ultra Beasts had been…
But death? The process of it? The moment a body went limp and that light behind someone's eyes vanished?
How unnatural for someone cursed by Death having never witnessed death until now.
But he tore his eyes away. There were more important things.
Ash held out a fisted hand to one of his worst fears, and the Houndoom nuzzled against his knuckles. The ground shook a few times before he felt assessing flicks against his face. Turning, he was met with the forked tongue of Styx's smaller head and fuschia eyes wide in barely concealed concern.
He struggled to breath as she dipped, teeth grabbing the back of his jacket to slowly lift him up, happy to pause until he got his feet stable beneath him. He kept one fist on Artemis' head and the other on Styx's neck even as his body ached fiercely and swayed.
Styx and Artemis pressed close, a host of silent assurances and declarations flowing between them. The Houndoom's shaky whine, the Hydreigon's intermittent snarls of frustration, and Ash's rapid breaths as he basked in their survival.
Oh.
His eyes locked on the bright, icy masses.
Euryale was crumpled on the ground, chest twitching with shallow breaths. Vulpix was curled up in front of her, snout pressed to hers. Ash approached slowly, noting how Vulpix's eyes darted over but didn't acknowledge his approach.
Once more, he fell to his knees, looking at the once regal Ninetales.
She was awake, but her eyes were far away. Every few seconds, they would lock onto her kit, her baby, before that recognition faded. The wound was through and through, tearing through what had to be the carotid vein or artery. She probably only had a few more minutes.
Another spark was dimming in time with the blood staining the ground.
He uncurled a fist, placing a hand on her, carding his fingers through the beautiful tuft of fur on her head. Awareness came back to the glacial blue eyes as they looked at him. A broken, wet whine punched from her chest, her gaze darting between Ash and her kit.
He understood.
Fingers still brushing through fur he leaned closer, eyes prickling. "I'll take care of your baby, I promise."
It was like those words released her. Her eyelids fluttered weakly, breaths speeding up slightly, then everything went limp.
Vulpix keened, a harrowing sound that tore at the heart. Ash choked on his tears, the bloody heels of his palms pressing against his stinging eyes. He gave himself a moment to mourn, to be selfish and think of his own relationship to the beautiful, wise Ninetales, before he pulled his hands away.
Reaching out, he drew the grieving kit into his arms, ignoring its claws and weak, half-hearted struggles. All the fight suddenly drained out of the Ice type, and Ash tightened his arms. His thumb slid back and forth against the fur beneath the kit's eye, not trying to soothe, merely trying to be present.
He could feel Styx at his back and Artemis pressed to his side, her body heat more scorching in her new body than it was before. It prickled.
A subtle blue glow caught their attention. Euryale's body was glowing, softly and unobtrusively. Slowly, so, so slowly, her body started to shimmer, then it was like the light was flaking away, taking a little bit of Euryale with it.
Ash's heart was pounding in his confusion. What was happening?
Her body started looking less and less solid, like it was fading. The soft blue glow was now condensed where her abdomen used to be. The shimmers were faint now, being drawn towards the light.
As Euryale's body faded from sight, the blue glow dimmed, until a single object was left behind. Crystalline, translucent, but with a solid, snowy white center.
An Ice Stone.
The most curious of the stones. Forming from the remains of those that used one to evolve. A cycle. But a process that should have taken days as the body decomposes…
Vulpix was frozen in his arms, staring at the remnants of their mother. Ash loosened his arms, knowing this was a decision, a chance of closure, for the little fox.
Shaky and unsure, Vulpix crawled out of his lap and approached the innocently still stone. How could this small rock have been the most incredible Ninetales just a short time ago? Everything she had been was now encapsulated in this single, small memorial. Her tombstone.
He watched the internal debate within the kit. Six months is young for a Vulpix to evolve, but it wouldn't be detrimental. Vulpix's tails split months ago. So he held his breath, saw Vulpix steel itself, and stepped forward.
For the second time today, a Pokémon glowed with evolution.
It was tragically poetic. A mother's strength being passed on. A legacy to continue. A part of her to be carried along for the rest of their life, tucked away within them.
Vulpix grew. It was gentle, like even the energies of the world knew this was a somber moment, not something of brightness and spectacle. The glow was mimicked behind him, but Ash refused to look away, to sate his curiosity. Vulpix's tails lengthened and fluffed. A crest trailed higher and caught in an absent wind. Legs extended until they were longer than Mirae's.
And the light faded, the new Ninetales with its head bowed, sitting quietly in the battle-torn clearing. Nothing left of its mother except the energy and power now within them.
Ash exhaled, pushing himself to his feet with a grunt, and approached the newly evolved fox Pokémon. Like its mother before, Ash carded soft fingers through the crest, Ninetales pressing lightly against his side.
Gesturing for Artemis to sit with the mourning Pokémon, Ash finally turned around, seeing a still slightly glowing tree.
He pursed his lips and slunk closer. The tree wasn't nearly as tall as those that surrounded it, but it exuded more freshness than any other.
As he crept closer, his exhaustion and aches became muted. A heady calm filled his head with every step. Once he was close enough, he pressed an inquiring palm to the trunk, only now noticing his fading black fingertips.
And then his world exploded.
'Mew almighty, can I not catch a break'
His vision erupted into color, hues he could not name, shades too saturated, too vibrant for human eyes overwhelming his system.
His hand felt like it was fused to the bark, even as he was sent to his knees. His shoulder jerked and strained when he wasn't able to reach the ground. Like sunbeams through stained glass, his skin glowed equally to the tree, and his head tilted back and watched.
It was like Yveltal. Two sides of the same coin.
Ash's body felt energized, a million Beedrill buzzing beneath his skin and through his veins. His ribcage lost the sharp agony, his scars constant pain seeped from his forearms. He was gasping for breath, his exhaustion burned away with the force of whatever the fuck was happening.
His retinas burned when the tips of the upturned branches glowed a thousand colors. They cycled, and his eyes unfocused until it looked like a rainbow kaleidoscope. He absently wondered if he'd go blind.
'Fore Life and Death
Both give and take
Claimed by Death
To safeguard fate
As you live
And at the end
Recall this lesson
As you Ascend
There was a tugging in his arms as the force of whatever was happening increased to a breaking point. His head vibrated and as his vision went fuzzy, he saw a black fog run down towards his gray fingertips.
Then nothing.
When he came to, it was like a switch was flipped. One moment he was unconscious, the next he was wide awake, energy coursing through his veins.
He felt better than he had in months.
There was a hand on his shoulder, a pressure against his side, and voices above that confused him. He sniffed, and he could tell he was still in the forest. There was a light growling by his head, and yup, there's Styx. He exhaled and finally opened his eyes.
He blinked. Huh.
"Mr. Ketchum, can you hear me?" A brunette man was leaning over him, kind eyes glinting with concern. Ash frowned but nodded. Why wouldn't he be able to? "I'm Dr. Dorian, we're still in Santalune Forest. We got your emergency beacon. You have no injuries, but went into shock." No injuries? Is this guy a real doctor? "I'm going to help you sit up, alright?"
Ash rolled his eyes, not waiting for the doctor as he sat up on his own. He shook away the headrush and looked down. Artemis lifted her head and grinned up at him from where she was pressed against his side. Ninetales was on his other, not touching, but glared distrustfully, angrily, at the swarms of people around them.
A couple large collections of frozen craters littered the area pointed towards Ninetales being quite aggressive with the new arrivals.
The demolished clearing was overrun with police, League officials, and what was obviously interpol, with their stupid trench coats and suits. CSI were spread out, some taking pictures and others gathered around Omen's covered corpse.
It was nighttime at this point, but enormous stadium-sized lights had been wheeled in and now encircled the clearing, making sure everything could be seen.
How had they gotten those lights here? Airdrop?
The clearing looked like an Eruption had gone off, blackened earth and gouges torn from the ground. The tank was taped off with gloved officers going through the wreckage. Chunks of metal littered the area, and the tree that had collapsed before everything had gone to shit had been reduced to splinters and smoldering sawdust. Fires had been put out, but the branches and charred leaves of the surrounding trees were still giving off smoke, curling like thick incense.
The white tree stood untouched and unremarkable in the center of complete disorder.
Geeze, this whole thing was starting to look a little too familiar for his tastes. Criminals, weird happenings, teammates evolving. Aether anyone? Ash heard the doctor take a breath to speak, but instead there was a squeak. The next moment a large head lowered down beside his head and Ash smirked.
Wrapping his arms around the feathered neck, he buried his face and let her soothing rumbles coarse through him. Well, they were soothing to him, probably not to anyone else. "You were brilliant." Styx huffed, knowing what he meant. She rumbled a few seconds longer before pulling away, lip lifted in a snarl as a woman approached.
"Long time no see, Mr. Ketchum."
"Hi, Agent Anabel." The lilac haired woman was in her customary suit just like last time.
She smiled with exaggerated exasperation. "Trouble always finds you, doesn't it?"
Ash frowned. "Tell me about it."
"That's your job." He looked at her. "I mean tell me what happened." Ash deflated and looked down. Mew, had that all really happened? So much…
"No psychic?"
Anabel shook her head. "No psychic. You have a pretty thick layer of Nether energy around you, more so than last time. I can't get through it without serious discomfort to myself."
Ash frowned in thought, lifting both arms to place them on his Pokémon. His puzzlement was derailed and he stopped.
Froze.
Anabel's voice far away.
Ba-dump
Ba-dump
Ba-dump
Mouth dropping, he forcefully tugged his sleeves up to look at his forearms. The scars were still there, but they looked more healed than they ever had before. And…
The pain was gone.
The pain was gone.
It was gone.
He released a disbelieving laugh that suddenly turned to heart-wrenching sobs. Anabel and Dr. Dorian looked bewildered as his arms wrapped around his torso and his forehead leaned against his knees.
They didn't understand. The pain was gone.
The pain was gone.
The pain that has haunted him for months, wearing him down mentally, emotionally, physically, every second of every day.
It was gone.
The relief mixed with the complete despair from what had transpired and it all became too much. He sobbed like he hadn't sobbed in years. His breakdown with Damian and run-in with Yveltal paled in comparison.
He cried for Euryale, he cried for Omen, he cried for all the trauma and all the shit he's been through, he cried and cried and cried.
There was pressure on either side of him, pressure on his back, a calm thrumming that just caused another torrent of tears to cascade down his cheeks. His sobs were interspersed with hiccuping chuckles and he was sure everyone in the clearing assumed he was having a breakdown.
Well, they weren't wrong.
He was free. Free from the constant, draining, burning pain that's plagued him for months.
He was free.
Time had no meaning when one was having a crisis. Or, resolving a crisis? Whatever. He didn't know how much time passed before he finally got a hold of himself. As soon as he lifted his head, the pressure on one side of him shifted away.
Ninetales sat regally next to him, chin in the air and looking away. Proud, proud spitfire. Artemis huffed and pressed harder against him. He chuckled wetly and dragged fingers over her new horns. He scratched at the base, which resulted in Artemis slumping over and thumping her back leg.
Styx scoffed from above.
"Mr. Ketchum?" Ash looked up to see a hilariously hesitant Agent Anabel alongside a concerned Dr. Dorian.
He waved a hand. "Yeah, that was a long time coming." The two got closer and he scrubbed his eyes and shook out his hair, speckles of soot falling onto his torn and charred pants. He was still reeling from everything, obviously, but if therapy with Grimsley had taught him anything it was that talking it out actually helped.
Grimsley could never know.
"Yes, you did go through something very traumatic earlier. Are you able to tell me what happened?" Anabel had a good bedside manner, he decided.
Dr. Dorian opened his mouth to object but Ash held up a hand. "Yeah, I need to get this over with." Anabel nodded and brought out a recording device. When he got the go-ahead, he began.
He recounted the important things, how he was almost crushed by a tree, how Omen admitted to cornering him here, how he wanted Ash's Pokémon and had been practically stalking him since the Battle Chateau tournament. How he'd seen the man at Ambrette Aquarium, outside the Santalune Forest Pokémon Center, possibly stalking him on Route 8.
How he threatened Euryale and her kit.
How it all devolved when Ash decided to fight. Artemis taking out Ariados and Hypno, Dusknoir failing to capture Ash, Styx causing as much mayhem as she could. How Ash was a reckless idiot and got Euryale and Vulpix out of the cage. Anabel had frowned deeply when Ash recounted the metal the cage had been made of.
He engaged with Omen, how Styx battled Magmortar, Dusknoir and Weezing and threw Weezing into the truck-
Huh, that must have deactivated the jamming signal.
Anabel eyed Styx with a fierce intensity after her victories came to light.
How Vulpix attacked Omen, how he… shot Euryale. How Artemis jumped between Vulpix and the bullet and shot a Smog in the poacher's face, which would ultimately end up somehow killing him. How Ash tried to engage again, but Artemis evolved and saved him.
How Omen died. How Euryale died. The Ice Stone, and finally Vulpix evolving.
But there were some things that didn't leave his mind. Hypno and Dusknoir's avoidance, Omen's last words, as well as his… interaction with the tree.
Agent Anabel looked just as crushed and devastated as he felt. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, Mr. Ketchum. It might be too early to say this, but once the autopsy is complete and your story checks out, you'll be rewarded for the… capture… of Omen." She adjusted her suit and looked around. "The Magmortar and Galarian Weezing were found defeated. The Magmortar had to have its arm amputated and the Weezing… well, they couldn't save it. Ariados was severely burned but unconscious, and Dusknoir and Hypno were comatose, but should recover."
Ash just sighed, fingers tracing abstract designs on Artemis's horns. It felt wrong to be rewarded for all of this. All this misfortune, defeat, and death. The death of two Pokémon and one human, the crippling of a third. The deep sorrow he felt for his failure to save Euryale.
Something niggled in his mind as Anabel patted his knee and walked away to speak with her coworkers. Dr. Dorian ran a quick check up on his Pokémon now that Ash was awake, but Ash's mind was elsewhere.
Defeat… sorrow
He sucked in a quick breath. Sabrina's haunting voice echoing.
Kneeled before life's slumber
Besieged by pain and sorrow
Believe that death is not evil
And fire knows no 'morrow
Fire… the burns, the scars. The pain that tortured him for so long was gone. Temporary. It dies before tomorrow.
But how is this death not evil? Or was it… was it meant to happen? Omen's death, he was a monster the world would not mourn. But Euryale… that tore him up.
But her death allowed Vulpix to grow and evolve. A cycle.
Death and Life.
Destruction and Restoration.
Ash looked at the tree. The tree whose branches look shockingly similar to antlers. Branches that lit up in thousands of colors. Colors that took the poison from his arms, healed his injuries, but left the scars.
Life is shaped by experience.
Xerneas.
Give and take
The words seemed familiar, but he couldn't place them.
Mew almighty he was not cut out for this.
Ash imagined a salesman patting Ash on the head and saying 'This bad boy can hold so much trauma' and deliriously giggled. Ninetales eyed him and leaned away.
Ash buried his face in his hands and leaned back against his starter. For the moment, he was left alone. The news crews would be arriving soon, and he knew something of this importance - the death of the world's most wanted poacher since Hunter J - couldn't be brushed aside.
He'd be in the middle of it.
Omen's employer would see it. Another target on his back. One right after another. He wondered if Professor Oak had been contacted yet.
The power vacuum left by his defeat would wrack the Leagues, poachers vying for their name to be the one now synonymous with 'reliable' and 'expensive'. It's what happened after Hunter J was taken down, Omen rising up to fill the open position.
Turning to Artemis, his fingers danced along the healed bullet wound, a ropey scar that extended from her shoulder down to the bottom of her ribcage. Her new ridges were unharmed in evolution. "Did this heal when you evolved?" Artemis tilted her head back and nodded, her long tail wagging behind her. Ash smiled and traced the fur around the scar.
He took this moment of calm to look at Artemis, at the sleek and short black fur that rippled with every movement. The only pop of color was her muzzle and underbelly, a bright vivid orange. It was like a mix of the sunset and a raging wildfire on the horizon. Her horns were thick and dense, gray like calcified ash. The thought made him smile.
His arms prickled with phantom pain all the while, though he hid it well. But the lack of real pain left him breathless.
Taking a bracing inhale, he looked at Ninetales. The fox's gaze was faraway, but they held themselves proudly, sitting tall with their chin up. But Ash could see the quivering of their jaw. He battled with himself for a moment before he placed a hand on the fox's shoulder. Ash marveled at the thick, silky fur that left his arms covered in bumps. But he could also feel the bone underneath, the lack of fat and muscle that denoted Ninetales' poor state.
They flinched, but turned, allowing the two to lock eyes. Mew, the emotion in them was palpable. He didn't try to pet the proud Pokémon, instead just kept his hand as a steadying presence. "I promised your mother I'd take care of you. But is that something you want?"
He watched the Pokémon's reaction closely. They took a bracing breath and then nodded. Just once. Ash exhaled and patted the fox's shoulder before withdrawing and looking around.
"Hey Dr. Dorian?" The man looked up. "Do you know where my backpack is?" The man's confusion cleared and he shot a thumbs up. He jogged over to where a tent had been set up and ducked inside. On his way back over, Ash's bag hung from his hand.
Well, bag was a loose term. It looked more like rags that somehow managed to hold items within. Ash groaned but took the torn, burned, pitiful bag from the doctor. "Thanks." He said offhandedly before he gently dug around inside. Almost everything was still there, thank goodness, and he found what he needed.
The Luxury ball he spent a fortune on when he'd been in Camphrier. He presented it to Ninetales and waited for the fox. They eyed the ball for a long moment and then slumped. Ash didn't know if it was hopelessness or relief or just exhaustion. Maybe the reality of it all was finally setting in. The Ninetales extended their snout and tapped the button. There was no fight, and the ball clicked shut.
Ash felt guilty at the slight satisfaction that raced through him. He had always wanted an Alolan Ninetales. He just wished the circumstances could have been different.
He pulled out his Pokédex and scanned his new teammate.
Ninetales: The Fox Pokémon. Alolan Variant. Ice and Fairy Type. Alolan Ninetales live on Alola's snow-capped Mount Lanakila, which is considered by some to be holy ground. As such, it is revered as a sacred messenger or deity. Alolan Ninetales is known to aid lost humans in distress, though this is primarily done to keep them out of its territory. It can produce ice crystals from its fur, which it can use for both offense and defense. The ice crystals can act as a shield or form balls that can be fired like bullets with enough force to shatter rock.
This Ninetales is Male and has the ability Snow Cloak.
Known Moves: Disable, Ice Shard, Spite, Confuse Ray, Imprison, Extrasensory, Mist, Ice Beam, Hail
Egg Move(s): Hypnosis, Moonblast
This Pokémon stands at 3'08" and weighs 40.6lbs.
Talk about wonderful egg moves. Ash couldn't lie to himself and say he wasn't relieved Ninetales already knew Hail. He'd heard the horror stories of teaching that move, and it would have been necessary for the fox to learn.
Potential strategies on how to train him ran through Ash's head. Ninetales could cover his lack of a Psychic type quite well, able to to learn various Psychic, Ghost, and Dark attacks. Acting as a nuisance to offensive fighters would fill a big hole in his team's defenses.
He was extremely underweight, but that was to be expected after months in captivity. Ash pressed the release button and watched as Ninetales shook out his coat and wrinkled his nose. "All good?" He questioned. The fox huffed but nodded. He hoped the Luxury ball was as comfortable as advertised.
"It's up to you, but I have a name I'd like to run by you." The fox bared his teeth, but it didn't seem threatening, more curious. Ash chewed his lip for a moment, wondering if this was the best idea, but he pushed forward.
"There's a story of a hunter. He was one of the best, always steadfast and ambitious. His name was Orion. He hunted alongside Artemis… He was the son of Euryale."
The softest whine came from Ninetales, and Ash almost thought he imagined it. The fox trembled slightly before once again standing tall, offering a single nod. Ash matched it. "Alright, Orion." The fox exhaled harshly but didn't react otherwise.
Ash had to question if this was the right thing to do. Was it too much of a reminder of his mother? Or was it a tribute? Shaking his head, Ash averted his gaze. It's too late now.
Clipping the Luxury ball to his belt, Ash finally pushed himself to his feet. Even though he was filled with energy, he still stumbled a bit, his legs feeling unsteady beneath him. Artemis offered herself to help balance him.
Now that he looked, Artemis was almost a foot taller than Orion at the shoulder.
The fox and the hound.
Ash started rolling his shoulders, his head, twisting at the torso, but he felt great. He felt lighter. His attention was caught by the state of his clothes. Damn, another outfit he'll have to throw away.
His dark gray cargo pants looked like crisp swiss cheese and his favorite bomber jacket was unsalvageable. His white belt was mostly fine, a few sooty marks would have to be washed off. His t-shirt was bloody and ripped down the front.
Styx stepped back up to him, her damaged head blearily blinking after the healing it received. It would take a few days for the head to fully recover, but luckily the neural connections between it and the primary head were unaffected.
The healthy secondary head leaned down to sniff Orion, dodging when the Ninetales swiped at it.
Styx bared her teeth in delight.
He heard some commotion and saw a black van park in the clearing.
Kalos 24 was painted on the sliding door. The team that jumped out was obviously a news crew. A woman with vivid pink hair straightened her scarlet suit, shouting orders at her camera crew.
Ash recognized her immediately.
What was Elite Four Malva doing here?
Interpol exchanged a few words with the woman, her eyes darting over to Ash behind her half-moon glasses before she nodded with a slight dip of her chin. She turned to wave at her team and made her way over. Styx stepped closer to his back but it was Orion that was cause for concern.
The Ninetales' fur stood on end, icing over and making him appear much larger. His lips pulled back to display long fangs and a ball of icy power started gathering within.
"Woah, hey, it's okay, it's okay." Ash winced at the sharpness of the icicles gathered on Orion's coat, but smoothed it down and got the fox to at least drop the rapidly strengthening Ice Beam.
The news crew quickly started forward again, but Malva had never halted in the face of the Ice type's aggression.
"Mr. Ketchum! Malva Pachira with Kalos 24. May I ask you a few questions?" Ash eyed the Kalos Elite, rather surprised she also doubled as a journalist. The League was known to pay very well, so maybe this was just a passion?
Hesitating slightly, Ash inclined his head. The grin Malva gave him was just on the wrong side of reassuring. Styx's protective snarl did nothing to wipe the expression off her face. She was a Master afterall.
Ash didn't know much about the Kalos Elite Four, but they were the eldest group, having been in the role for over two decades. Malva, Siebold, Wilkstrom, and Drasna were all over 40 years old while their Champion was in her early 30s. The Kalos League had the lowest turnover rate of all eight League-affiliated regions. Though Kanto had the longest serving Elite in Agatha.
The Fire Master had an interesting history, having been betrayed by her mentor during the Kalos Crisis almost 16 years ago. Lysandre had been a powerful force in Kalos politics, but had also been a Fire Master and the previous Grand Duke of the Battle Chateau.
He had been viewed as the savior of Kalos during a time of turmoil and disease. That was before he committed mass genocide, obviously.
"Owen Menaghan, known by the name 'Omen', has been wanted by The League for almost two decades. He recently managed to pierce Paldea's borders and poach their 'Steel Titan', an abnormally large Orthworm in the Eastern Province that is worshiped as an avatar of Groudon. Now, Mr. Ketchum, why did the infamous Omen go from targeting a region's sacred figurehead to targeting a fifteen year old Rookie?"
Eying her for a moment, Ash spoke. "I caught a Pokémon that had escaped from Omen over five months ago. Recently, that Pokémon, my Zoroark, was unveiled during a tournament broadcast. Omen wanted him back."
Malva immediately brought the microphone back to herself. "You have also been confirmed to have a number of rare Pokémon, most notably your Hydreigon and a never before seen Eevee Evolution. Could this have something to do with Omen targeting you?"
Ash did his best not to grit his teeth. "Yes, I'm sure that had something to do with it." Ash was exhausted and he didn't want to slip and say something he'd rather not.
"How was a Rookie able to put an end to Omen's reign of terror when The League couldn't?"
What was she getting at? "Artemis evolved to protect me and Orion, and Orion attacked him when he shot Euryale." Styx nudged him and he withheld a smile. "Styx kept his Pokémon busy."
"Initial assessments say Omen was killed by your Houndoom, is that true?"
Ash's face went blank as he stared Malva in the eye. "He took a Smog to the face. Tell me, how many humans have died from Smog in the last decade?"
Malva's jaw worked back and forth before she bit out, "Three."
"And how old were they?"
"Infants."
"By all reason, Omen should not have died from that, and I will never punish Artemis for protecting those she cares about." The Houndoom thumped her long tail against the ground and pushed her horns into his palm. "Don't you have a Houndoom?" He asked the Fire Master with a furrowed brow.
She ignored him. "You said your Hydreigon kept Omen's Pokémon busy. How does a first-year trainer have a Pokémon that can contend with experienced and dangerous opponents?"
"Professor Oak introduced us almost three years ago. She's very protective." Styx snarled down at the Elite.
Anabel was off to the side looking more and more stressed by the interview. She was glowering at Malva and had an Alakazam beside her whose spoons were glowing and quivering.
"What was going through your mind throughout the altercation?"
"My team. Omen had threatened them, threatened to take them. I couldn't let that happen."
"You're reported to have eleven Pokémon registered to your trainer account, yet you only have two with you. Why is that?" Malva leaned forward, something more than inquisitiveness driving her questioning. It was the scent of blood in the water.
"I was using this time to bond with Artemis. I know when I'm back in Kanto I won't have the chance often." Artemis leaned heavily into his leg, a soft whine escaping her throat. Ash swallowed and decided to go for it. "I was hurt by a Team Rocket's Houndoom a few months ago." He held up one scarred forearm. The clearing was silent as he spoke. "Artemis had bonded with me before that happened. She's been so patient with me."
Even Malva looked pale at the admission. Ash knew from Grimsley that most Houndoom trainers had some minor burns that resulted in chronic pain, but Ash's scars were grotesque. The deeper the burn, the worse the pain.
And Ash's reached the muscle. His wrist extension and dexterity had never fully recovered.
They didn't need to know there was no pain.
"O-oh, well, yes." Malva's professional Sharpedo impression had finally faltered, but she shook off the momentary waver.
But not before her cameraman cut in, voice desperate. "Wait, are you saying Team Rocket is still active?" Malva paled further.
"Yes. If you look at Omen's vest, he has an R. He was supposed to deliver Euryale to them."
"Speaking of Euryale," Malva quickly cut back in. "Her death marks a truly mournful day for Alola, and we in Kalos are grief-stricken that this tragedy happened on our territory. What are you feeling, Mr. Ketchum, now that this whole experience has passed? That you came out on top?"
Ash chewed the inside of his cheek. He knew it was selfish, but he wanted to keep the fact that Euryale saved his life to himself. It had been used against him once, who's to say it won't happen again somehow? Is caring for Pokémon really such a weakness? In criminals' minds, yes.
"But we didn't." Ash closed his eyes. "We didn't win, not really. We just… we survived. That has to be enough."
"Even knowing the bounty on Omen's head was $5,000,000? That seems like a win in my book."
Ash almost growled. How could she be so cold? "Alola lost a key part of their culture, Orion lost a mother, a criminal lost his life after causing so much pain… If I could have avoided this whole thing, I would have. The money… That's just another platitude for going through a traumatic experience. I don't need any more of those."
Malva looked like she swallowed a nomel berry as she was put on the defensive. "I was unaware how insensitive that sounded." She bit the words out from behind clenched teeth. "To end this on a better note, what are your immediate plans following this? Will you reunite with Kalos' Princess Serena Yvonne?" The sly smile was back. She was milking this 'interview' for all it was worth.
"I'm meeting an acquaintance in Anistar City in a week, then heading to another city to meet up with Serena." He tried to be pretty vague with where he'd be. Anistar was the third largest city in Kalos, people would have a hard time tracking him down.
Malva turned to fully face the camera, holding the microphone just under her chin. "Today is a day for celebration and mourning, for a terror has been put to rest, as has a figurehead. Alola grieves for Euryale and others rejoice as the infamous Poacher Omen is finally stopped. We have Ashton Ketchum to thank and his Ninetales, Houndoom, and Hydreigon. This is Malva Pachira with Kalos 24, Good Night."
Ash gave a half-hearted salute to the news crew as they packed up. Agent Anabel walked back over to him and gave him a glare. "We're going to have mass panic after your little declaration."
He matched her glare with one of his own. "Yes, but they'll be observant. They'll be more alert, less places for Team Rocket to hide. The League is already mobilizing resources, having more eyes will never hurt."
The agent sighed and looked skyward, probably hoping to draw strength from whichever legend she worshiped. He had a feeling it was Jirachi.
"Alright, let's get you out of here. Your sponsor was alerted as soon as we received your emergency beacon. Is there anywhere in particular you'd like to go?" Ash blinked and raised an eyebrow. "I have permission to escort you wherever you need to go."
He opened his mouth, but was interrupted by a fierce growl. Styx wound her tail around Ash, her wings flaring out as she snarled at Anabel. Everyone left in the clearing took an unconscious step back. Anabel lifted her hands and backed away.
Ash shook his head. "No thank you. Styx will fly me. She won't let me out of her sight for a while." Her wings must not be damaged too badly if Dr. Dorian wasn't forbidding flight. He must have already healed them. "No offense, but I hope we don't see each other any time soon."
That erased the remaining awkwardness and Anabel smiled. "Yeah, I get it." Ash quirked his lips but turned to kneel by Artemis and Orion.
"Thank you both for what you did." Artemis shuffled forward and nuzzled his neck while Orion just dipped his head. It was hard, seeing the spitfire Vulpix he had met so stoic and detached. But everyone dealt with grief differently, as Grimsley told him. He took their Pokéballs and returned them, clipping them back to his belt.
Styx was impatient to leave and didn't even wait for him to heave himself up. Instead, she grabbed the back of his torn jacket and plopped him on her back. He rolled his eyes but wrapped his arms around her two smaller necks. "Let's go."
It was funny watching everyone duck for cover. Styx's legs flexed with the force of her jump, six wings working in tandem to get her considerable bulk airborne. He watched as the clearing grew smaller, the people becoming small dots, and the white tree, Xerneas, faded from view.
"Ashton Ketchum."
Ash's metaphorical hackles rose at Oak's tone, but he kept his face perfectly blank even as he stared down the video screen. "Samuel Oak."
He watched as the man's jaw jumped when he gritted his teeth. There was mutual silence for a few moments between them.
Ash landed in Anistar City at midnight and slept until noon. Styx had filled the room with her size, keeping her personal promise to keep her trainer in her sights. He wasn't even sitting at one of the video phones, instead leaning against Styx outside and calling through his Pokédex.
"I thought we agreed you wouldn't be reckless."
"What should I have done?"
"Run! Get away! Not engage one of the most dangerous men in the eight regions!"
Ash rolled his eyes and leaned back. "Oh right, why didn't I think of that? It's not like 'the most dangerous man in the eight regions' would have thought that I'd try to run. It's not like he had covered the area with Toxic Thread webs from his Ariados and it's not like he had a Dusknoir or Hypno that could have grabbed me the second I bolted." Ash panted, leaving out the part about how Dusknoir seemed to be terrified of him or how Hypno had been impaired.
Oak opened his mouth to argue, but then he caught himself. The man visually gathered his composure, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly. He pinched the bridge of his nose, eyes squeezed shut. "I didn't mean to imply it was your fault Ash. I'm just scared. You keep getting involved in unbelievably dangerous situations."
The fight drained out of Ash and he slumped. "You're telling me. It's not like I go searching for these. And I was specifically targeted this time."
The Professor grimaced. "I hate to say it, but I'm relieved that Omen's dead. I'm also relieved you're safe. How'd you get out of that with no injuries?" It sounded like a rhetorical question, but Ash could see the seriousness in Oak's eye.
Ash shifted and looked around. Most people passing by were keeping their distance. "I didn't. I 100% had a concussion, as well as cracked ribs. My jaw was at best bruised, at worst fractured. My chest was most likely bruised from where Omen stepped on it."
Oak looked pale and sick, but swallowed and questioned shakily, "Then how…?"
Biting his cheek, he internally argued if he should tell him. Sighing, he said, "I was healed. Xerneas."
The Professor blinked. "Uh…"
"I know. When I was in Geosenge I… I came across Yveltal's cocoon. Then in the forest, the clearing we were in had this huge white tree. I touched it and passed out. I was healed when I woke up. And… Professor," Ash took a bracing breath, still unable to believe it, "my scars don't hurt anymore." His voice was small, vulnerable. Saying it out loud made it all the more real.
Oak gasped, undeniable hope widening his eyes. "What?" It was strangled. Ash didn't say anything, instead he just smiled; light, free, and relieved.
The tears that sprung in Oak's eyes made a lump form in Ash's throat. "Oh Ash…"
"I don't know what these Legends want, but their presence… it's unlike anything I've ever felt."
The man slowly shook his head, bringing a hand up to his eyes briefly. His shaky breathing evened out as he got his composure back. Oak pushed air through his lips with his next exhale. "Well, I can't say I know what this means. But I can't help but be grateful you're spared from the pain."
Ash let his eyes drift. "How are my Pokémon?" He was so sick of talking about what happened. The segment would air on evening news tonight, and it would air over the eight regions. That'll be fun.
Oak eyed him for a few moments but allowed the subject change. "They were uncertain when they first arrived. But they quickly fell into a training regime with Bane and Hemlock at the helm. I must say, Mirae is quite a sight."
Ash smiled, much softer than he had in days. "Yeah, he is. Can you send them back?"
The Professor nodded and got up. It would probably take a few minutes for him to collect everyone. Ash patted Styx's side and stood up. "I'll be back in a little." His starter grumbled but stayed where she was as Ash walked inside.
It took a shorter amount of time than he expected for Oak to return with the eight Pokéballs. They must have all been together. The thought made him smile. Chaos types were notoriously isolationists, so for them to stay together? It was more than Ash had ever hoped for. He listed off the transporter ID and waited impatiently for his team.
The transporter only worked one at a time, which was a bit of a hassle, but eventually he had his teammates back with him. Clipping them all to his belt, he brushed a hand along them all before he headed back outside and returned to his position propped against Styx.
"Thank you, Professor."
The man waved a hand. "It's part of my job." He trailed off for a moment. "So, I saw Houndour evolved. How are you doing?"
Ash exhaled and nodded. "Much better than I expected. She saved my life, and now that I don't have the constant pain, it helps. I'm still… It's not perfect, but I'm okay. I'm still going to call Grimsley to talk about it, just to be safe. Her name is Artemis."
Oak beamed, the last vestiges of stress easing out of his features. "I'm glad to hear it. She's such a sweet Pokémon, she must be happy being back with you."
Ash smiled. "She was great, she didn't push me, was just very patient. She saved both me and Orion."
"Strong protective instincts. You're her pack, and you saved her. I won't ask you to retell your story, I know I'll see it tonight, but if there's anything you need, please let me know."
"Of course, Professor." Ash ended the call and leaned back, sighing heavily. Styx rumbled, eying a passerby with disdain. Her warmth was seeping into Ash, the midday December chill was worse here in Anistar. But the sun was shining and he had six days before Bill landed and a host of errands to run.
But for today, he could relax.
With a grin, he released his team, watching them shake off the stasis. He was subsequently attacked by Nettle, Mirae, and Artemis, their affection quickly smothering him. "Alright alright! I'm happy to see you too. Artemis I just saw you!" Laughing, he pushed them off, standing to greet the others.
Bane gave a wolfish grin and leaned into the ear scratch. Hemlock tried to trip him and pretended to grumble when Ash patted him on the shoulder. Castor bared his teeth happily when his jaw was scratched. Libra drew him into a quick embrace that ended up punching the air from his lungs. Polaris jumped onto his shoulder for a higher vantage point even though he was much bigger as a Frogadier.
Nettle and Mirae stuck close to him as he made his rounds with Sagitta flying a foot above his head, talons painfully tugging at his hair every few seconds. Artemis ran over to sit with Orion, who was sitting off to the side watching the greetings.
Ash walked over to the stoic Ninetales and stood on his other side. "Some big changes. First, Artemis evolved." The Houndoom wagged her tail and boofed softly. "Everyone, this is Orion. He joined us yesterday." Taking a fortifying breath, Ash resolved himself to tell the story again. "Something happened yesterday, something… bad."
He honestly wasn't surprised when his Pokémon rolled their eyes.
Yeah, it did feel like a weekly occurrence.
Settling on the ground, Artemis and Orion flanking him, he told the unabridged version of events. Everything. He wasn't worried about eavesdroppers; Styx could sense someone coming a half mile away. She'd warn him.
Orion slumped when it came to Euryale's injury and her reverting into an Ice Stone, but didn't show any other emotion during the entire tale.
When Ash was done, silence fell. Bane was the first to approach, but he stopped before Orion and barked. Ah, the Dark fox had been on his way to Omen. Both foxes had been held by poachers. Ash tried to give them some privacy, accepting Mirae as the Pokémon crawled into his lap. The Mytheon was a bit big now, and the wings made it difficult, but Ash made it work.
He entered a game of charades as his team tried to tell him about their time at the Ranch. Sagitta liked exploring the grounds and had been teaching Mirae more Fairy techniques.
Ash was still trying to figure out what niche Mirae would fill, but for now focused on building strong foundations.
Nettle demonstrated a slightly stronger Dragon Pulse, proving the beast was getting better with the attack. Ash made sure to congratulate the Poison type.
The day was spent in the company of his teammates. They huddled together in the cold, and Orion experienced grooming for the first time. He had been cleaned up when he was being healed at the center, but his coat was still knotted. Ash spent extra time just running the brush through his pristine icy blue fur that held a light pink tint.
As Orion dozed, Ash eyed his team critically. He's had multiple evolutions in the last few weeks, and he wanted to be prepared for any more. Nettle was still up in the air, neither Oak nor his acquaintance having any idea what could be the catalyst for evolution. Polaris had at least another two months before he evolved.
His eyes drifted over to Hemlock and Castor. Both had been more aggressive lately, and their rivalry has only strengthened now that Castor could end the battle in a tie once in a while. Neither had any physical changes yet.
It would be a long while before Libra was ready to evolve.
By the time he was getting ready for bed, he was infinitely more settled than he had been this morning. Having his team back with him did wonders for his stress levels. Orion had mostly kept to himself, but Bane was making progress with the other fox.
Any time someone passed their little area, Orion's hackles rose, aggression etched into every line of his body. They'd have to work on his trust issues.
The Ninetales had eaten though, so that was a good sign. He had to get his weight up and grief kicked one's appetite to the curb in many cases.
That night, though Ash's dreams were filled with sadistic grins and on-target bullets, he woke without pain.
Saturday morning was clear and sunny, and Ash woke up to his Pokédex buzzing like crazy. He groaned and flapped his hand around on the side table to grab it. Squinting his eyes open, he glared at the screen.
Oh no.
42 Unread Messages
8 missed calls
4 Voicemails
Ash flopped back in bed and groaned again. The news report aired last night. Bracing himself, he scrolled through the messages.
Hau, Gladion, Plumeria, Liam, Duncan, Haru, Aiko, Missy, Tia, Priscilla, Lillie, Roxie, and even Brock. Many of them quadruple texting him.
Missed calls from Lance, Kukui, Serena, and five from Grimsley. Each left a voicemail.
When Ash scrolled through the messages, there was one message from an unknown sender. Frowning, he tapped it and felt his eyebrows rise as he read it.
Unknown
Received 12/18/xxxx at 01:15
Dear Mr. Ketchum,
You may not remember me, but we battled months ago. My name is Giselle Goodshow. We departed on worse than terrible terms and both conducted ourselves in an appalling manner.
I have decided to put aside my grievances in order to thank you for your loyal contribution to maintaining the League's esteem. Poacher Omen was a blight to the League's forces and image and I am extending gratitude for your removal of such a plague.
Though I have to wonder if you mentally traumatized him to death.
Forgive me, that was bleak.
Giselle Goodshow
Uva Academy
Paldean Representative
Before he could even begin to comprehend how Giselle got his contact info, his dex buzzed again.
Grimsley calling
He sighed as he hit the accept button. This would be a long day.
After three hours spent replying and calling his various friends and companions from his travels, he was finally able to start his day. Grimsley had been beside himself with worry, which Ash could tell was new for the Dark Master. Well, Grimsley had also been rather pissed as he didn't know Ash was taking Artemis with him. Lance was sorry and grateful at the same time, but also a little annoyed at Ash's stunt with the press.
He hadn't realized making Lance's life harder would be an extra bonus to outing Team Rocket.
Styx had eventually acquiesced to being returned to her ball, so now it was just Artemis walking by his side. She didn't get as many suspicious glances that she would have had she been in some of the other regions.
He followed the directions on his Pokédex to the hole-in-the-wall shop. Sunbeam Jewelers was written in ruby toned letters above the door. As he pushed the door in, a tiny bell sounded above.
This place specialized in both jewelry restoration as well as Mega Stone accessorization. It was one of the oldest businesses in Anistar and overall very well reviewed.
Inside was covered with various display cases. Jewelry and ancient accessories sparkled like new behind glass barriers. Ash was pretty sure he caught sight of a relic from the Abyssal Ruins. Perfect.
"What can I do for you?" Ash looked up to see an older man manning the counter. He was once a tall man, but now was hunched with age. The only bit of hair on his wrinkled head was his bushy white eyebrows with red still coloring the tips. Sharp eyes were barely visible behind red-tinted glasses.
Ash got closer and withdrew the single golden cuff. It was just as lovely, just as comforting as when he'd first found it.
Reluctantly, he set it gently on the table. "I'd like to get this restored and fitted. I'd also like to get a Key Stone fitted in a pendant. I have a Houndoominite, I'd like to purchase an accessory for Artemis here."
Mega Stones were very valuable and highly coveted, and Grimsley had told him most people tried to hide the fact they had a Key Stone. Ash had originally planned on putting the Key Stone in the cuff, but he wouldn't be wearing it all the time, at least he didn't think so.
Getting it embedded in a pendant gave him options. He could put it on a necklace, maybe pin it to a jacket.
Lance had his as the clasp in his cape, Stephen had his in a tie clip, Cynthia had hers in a ring, and Alder's was in his leather hair tie.
The man looked interested now. He lifted the cuff and eyed it. "Hm, interesting design – haven't seen it before. It seems very old; there's some history with this. It speaks of Creation." The man almost seemed to be talking to himself before he jerked his head up to stare at Ash. "Where'd you say you found it?"
"The Abyssal Ruins in Unova."
"Hm. Nothing like this has been found in the Ruins before." Red glasses flashed as the man looked up. "I'll need to take measurements of the stones, and of you two. If you'll follow me." Not waiting for a response, the man grabbed the cuff and pivoted to head deeper into the store.
Artemis sniffed the air but followed, subtly letting Ash know she didn't smell anything suspicious. While Styx would always have an incredible sense of smell, canine Pokémon were infamous for their ability to track and pick apart scents. While there were some breeds better at it than others, specifically blood hounds and basset hounds, Artemis's doberman breed was nothing to scoff at.
Ash stepped into a small room. Various metal rings, chains, and bracelets were scattered about, shining all different shades.
"Let's start with the stones. What were you considering for your Houndoom?"
Ash looked down at Artemis and raised a questioning brow. The canine was oddly quiet for the next couple moments, before she turned her head towards the mirror hung on the wall. She gave a large huff before looking up at Ash and nosing at the bony protrusion on her sternum.
Ash gaped, his eyes almost popping out of his head. "Wha- Artemis, are you sure?" The Houndoom nodded resolutely, some smoke seeping from her snout.
Biting his lip, he really wanted to tell her to just choose an accessory, but the look in her eye was determined. Sighing, Ash turned back towards the man who had been watching the interaction closely.
"She wants the stone embedded in the bony emblem on her chest."
The man's eyebrow momentarily lifted. "Hm, well I'll have to bring in some outside help with that, seeing as I'm not a surgeon. Luckily, this request isn't as rare as you'd think. I've had requests to have the stone embedded in Absol scythes, Blastoise shells, Nether, I even had a Sableye want the Sablenite as its eye. I have a colleague that'll help. Give me a moment to give her a call."
The man was quick, returning after a few minutes. "Good news, she can Teleport over tomorrow and the procedure will be done at the local Pokémon center."
Ash nodded his appreciation. "Thank you." This was not something he expected from the happy-go-lucky Houndoom.
Shrugging, the man held out his hand. "Now, the stones."
Ash pursed his lips but dug them out. Artemis visually reacted when the Houndoominite was withdrawn. She perked up and whipped her head around to stare at the deceptively innocent stone. This was the first time Ash had removed it from its case.
The jeweler placed them underneath a bright light, the table hidden with a sheet of measurement paper. The man took careful pictures before bringing out a high tech scanner that got more precise measurements.
He smirked when Ash snatched the stones back, amusement shining behind his glasses.
"So you'd like the Key Stone set in a pendant, hm? Any preference on material for the claw setting and bail? I have gold, silver, platinum, rose gold, brass, tungsten, palladium, zirconium ceramic, stainless steel, tantalum, titanium, and a few meteorite rocks." He shoved a laminated 'menu' at Ash that detailed all the material choices and designs.
Meanwhile, the man took the cuff and went through a curtain where Ash could no longer see him. Ash and Artemis shared a look. Shaking his head, Ash leaned over so the Houndoom could see all the different materials the pendant could be made from.
"I'm partial to gold, it's classic. Though with how much shit we get into maybe something sturdier." Artemis looked over the options before squishing her nose against the black tungsten. "Yeah, I like that one too."
It was a while later the man came back, eying Ash like he was a particularly interesting puzzle. He set the Ancient Cuff down on a work table and tapped it. "Now before we tackle this, have you decided?"
"Black tungsten with this design." Ash pointed to an orb-like decal that reminded him of an orrery; an old mechanical solar system model. The man hummed and nodded.
There was a slight hesitation to him as he tapped a finger repeatedly on the cuff. "This isn't made of any material I've ever seen before and my family has been in this business for nine generations."
Ash opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
The man stared down at the cuff. "Take off your jacket, roll up your sleeve, and give me your arm." Ash immediately wanted to refuse but his curiosity won out. After a few moments, Ash extended his right arm, shirt sleeve rolled up to his shoulder and the man didn't even blink at his scars, instead bringing the cuff closer.
Ash took a moment to once again admire it, realizing that it wasn't truly gold, but more like a gold-tinted, gem-like material. It was about three inches long, and a single long strip of stone would rest against one side of his upper arm. Branching off the sides of both ends and middle were angular crescents like Spinarak legs that would wrap around his arm. A small gap would be left between 'legs' on the underside.
It was so uncannily unique.
Watching the man bring it closer, Ash remembered why he hadn't felt the need to try it on before. It looked much too large for him.
"I'd like you to stick your arm through." Frowning, Ash guided his hand through the three circlets, shivering when the material came in contact with his skin. The long strip rested against the outer side of his arm, the circlets leaving at least an inch of space between them and his skin.
But as soon as the man let go, there was a shudder. Then the cuff seemed to come alive, and with a click click click like mandibles, it closed around his arm.
Ash gasped even as it felt like he was in a vacuum, some otherworldly echo roaring in his ears.
Then everything quieted. They were silent, staring down at the cuff molded to his arm. Fused to his arm.
Ash panicked. "Gah!" He tried to pry it off, but the cuff refused to budge. "Get it off!" Ash clawed at it, but his fingernails couldn't even get beneath the golden material. Ash tried pushing it down, but all it did was tug at his skin, threatening to tear it.
The man didn't move, merely watched. Artemis was whining with her tail thrashing behind her, not knowing what to do.
"Help me!" Red eyes blazed with his plea, but the man tilted his head, eyes still on the bound cuff. On the black creeping into his fingertips.
"Calm yourself." Ash bared his teeth, and he could feel their abnormal sharpness. It took a few moments, and he kept one hand on the cuff, but gave his attention to the man. "Good. I've seen much in my day, many odd things, but this might take the cake. You found this in the Abyssal Ruins, yes?"
"Yes! I told you that!"
The man didn't rise to his shout. "That place was picked clean long ago. My acquaintance owns the shop that buys up whatever is found there. That?" The man gestured at the cuff, "That is one of a kind. I've only seen ore similar within Mount Coronet in Sinnoh, and even that was quite ordinary. No, this has energy to it, boy, and it was put there for you. It didn't respond to me this way. No, what I'm curious about is why there is only one."
Ash swallowed thickly, heart still racing at the question of what had just trapped him. "Can you get it off?"
Why couldn't his life be normal? Easy? A little less mentally scarring?
The man scoffed, a wheezy sound of bleak amusement. "Nothing I tried even chipped it, let alone altered it. Best get used to your new accessory." Ash recoiled. Rolling his eyes, the man scoffed. "Pull yourself together, you've got a great destiny to you. It wouldn't be wise to turn it away."
Ash bared his teeth once more, feeling like a cornered Shinx. He kept his right wrist clutched in his left arm, pulling his shoulder forward with great discomfort. The gem-like material was cool, almost refusing his body heat.
Always something else. Take down a division of Rockets? Get permanently painful scars. Make moves to get past his Houndoom PTSD and bond with Artemis? Get attacked by a psychotic poacher. Permanently painful scars get healed? Get jewelry with a mind of its own that refuses to come off.
'Fuck.'
Everything was happening so fast. Every time he turned around, he got smacked in the face with some wild, extraordinary and preternatural affair that rattled his sense of self.
He just wanted to train Chaos types and change the world's perception of them, was that too much to ask?
Apparently yes. Seems the universe thought he needed a dash of Legendary influence and a pinch of permanent bling on top of everything.
"So the surgeon will meet you at the Pokémon center at 9:45 tomorrow morning for the procedure, you'll pay her directly. A procedure like that is considered cosmetic and will cost around $8,000. You'll need to leave me the Key Stone and I'll have a Teleport bring it to you in about one week. Follow me back to the front."
Ash was silent as he followed the man, not sure what else to do. Why wasn't this man freaking out? What had he seen in his lifetime?
"The cost of the pendant will be $1489 plus a $150 Teleporter fee." The man waited impatiently as Ash struggled to wrap his head around the last ten minutes. When the man's glower deepened, Ash handed over his Pokédex. "You'll be charged a $489 downpayment with the rest to be paid upon delivery. You'll be hearing from me. Have a good day, Mr. Ketchum."
Ash was halfway to the door before he paused and turned back. "What did you say your name was?"
"Xenos."
Ash turned away and headed back out into the busy streets of Anistar. His breath fogged in front of him as he stood still for a long time.
Thinking.
Wondering.
Dreading.
"What was so urgent to pull me out of the Omen debrief, Dr. Mallard? Everyone is beside themselves with a kid having a Pokémon strong enough to take out Omen's monsters."
The medical examiner had a weary look on his wrinkled face, not even turning to greet the newcomer. Instead, he continued to stare at the body on his autopsy table.
Even in death, Omen was menacing.
"The toxicology report came back. Ketchum's Houndoom has an arsine-based flame, rather rare for the breed, that lends to the potency of its Smog technique. While I did find trace amounts of arsine in Omen's bloodstream, it wasn't a high enough dose to kill him." The Doctor handed the report to the other man before bringing up an image on the mounted screen.
It showed the thoracic cavity, huge white masses were littered throughout the image.
"Tell me, what do you see here?"
"Are those… his organs? Why do they look like bones?"
Dr. Mallard grimaced.
"What exactly is going on here?"
"Somehow, Omen's internal organs calcified. In other words, Agent Looker, Omen partially turned to stone."
The two men looked at each other with a mixture of horror and gravity.
"We need to bring Ketchum back in for questioning, if he has some kind of-"
The lab went silent.
Both men were frozen, faces blank. Eyes glowed purple for a brief moment.
"In any other case, Omen would not have died from the arsine-based Smog, but due to the Misty Terrain inhalation and Omen's predisposition to anemia and asthma, it's not surprising the man died from hypoxia."
Looker hummed and nodded, not sparing a glance to the now-covered corpse. "Very well. Thank you for your work, Dr. Mallard."
The medical examiner nodded and waved the interpol agent off, marking on his clipboard that the autopsy had been completed with cause of death as 'Hypoxia'.
10% luck, 20% luck, 50% concentrated power of luck, 5% death powers, 15% smarts and 100% reason to keep on reading
This chapter was so fun to write, though yes, very heavy with long-lasting ramifications. But the next ones will be lighter! Especially because Ash's scars are healed
Did I give her the name Euryale purely so I could name Ash's Ninetales Orion? Yes.
Artemis has no doubt she and Ash will figure out Mega Evolution. So why not EMBED THE STONE IN HER FUCKING CHEST YEAH ARTEMIS THATS SO METAL
I literally have no rhyme or reason to the cost of stuff in this fic.
Ash's Team
Styx - Hydreigon
Hemlock - Morgrem
Bane - Zoroark
Mirae - Mytheon
Sagitta - Togekiss
Libra - Hakamo-o
Nettle - Poipole
Artemis - Houndoom
Castor - Krokorok
Polaris - Frogadier
Orion - Alolan Ninetales