"Stand still, you bastard!" Serena shouted, her voice echoing across the beach as she chased Nix with her newly-acquired Verdantvenom Blade. She swung wildly, aiming to slice the man in half, while Nix scrambled for his life, his body already adorned with small, stinging cuts.
Nix had lost track of how long this nightmare had lasted. All he knew was that the seemingly sweet girl who hesitated at first was now hellbent on ending him. To him, she was no longer human but a demon in a fairy's disguise. All he could do was run—or endure the torture of her blade.
Ash had wanted Serena to gain some real-life combat experience without putting her at risk. Naturally, he decided that Nix—whom Ash derisively referred to as "Scum" or "Vix"—was the perfect live training dummy.
Initially, Serena was hesitant, unwilling to hurt someone, even a criminal like Nix. But after her first few strikes, something shifted. Each swing of her blade, each scream of pain from Nix, felt strangely satisfying. What began as reluctant practice transformed into something far more visceral—a twisted enjoyment of the fight.
Ash and his Pokémon watched from the sidelines with satisfied smirks. Serena, now something far beyond an ordinary human, she was a Spirit—a being more akin to a real fairy than ever before.
Flashback
Serena's eyes fluttered open, meeting Ash's bright blue gaze. His face was close, framed by the soft light of the still-burning campfire.
"Good morning, sleepyhead!" Ash greeted cheerfully.
"Good morning, Ash...but wait, you woke up before me?" Serena asked, pleasantly surprised.
Ash chuckled. "I had to sleep at some point to wake up before you, didn't I?" His tone was playful as he added, "And considering the position we're in, there was no way I'd disturb my majesty's rest."
It was then Serena noticed their position. The campfire still crackled, the Pokémon were starting to stir from their slumber, and Ash was seated on the oddly soft log. She, too, was on the same log, her head comfortably resting on his lap.
Her cheeks flushed red. "Wait, does that mean you didn't sleep at all?" Serena asked, incredulous.
"Of course not! How could I possibly sleep when my princess has honored me with the privilege of being her pillow?" Ash replied with playful dramatics.
"You idiot," Serena huffed, though her tone softened as her head remained resting on his lap. "You should've woken me up so you could get proper sleep."
Ash chuckled, his hand lightly brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Serena, I'm fine. I'm used to battling for hours on end. Unlike normal people, whose days last 24 hours, mine tend to stretch to 48 or even 72. Sleep deprivation isn't something I can't handle."
His words seemed to calm her, though she still gave him a small pout, showing she wasn't entirely convinced.
"Let's not worry about that—look what I've got!" Ash said excitedly as three scrolls materialized in his hand.
Serena sat up, her curiosity piqued. "What are those?" she asked, leaning closer for a better look.
"These," Ash began with a grin, "are the race change items I mentioned earlier. With these, you can transform into something entirely new. A Dragonoid, which is 25% dragon with the potential to evolve further. A Ghoul, the first stage in an evolution line that could lead to becoming a Vampire. And finally, a Spirit, the first stage toward becoming an Elf."
Serena's eyes sparkled with interest, and without a moment of hesitation, she said, "I'd like to be an Elf. Give me the Spirit scroll."
Ash nodded, handing her the glowing scroll with a smile. "Your wish is my command."
As Serena touched the scroll a system window appeared in front her.
————————————————————————
Do you wish to change your race from a Human to a Spirit?
Y/N
————————————————————————
Serena clicked on the "Yes," and the scroll dissolved into a swirl of multicolored energy, enveloping her entire body.
Ash watched intently as the vibrant energy surrounded her, shifting and pulsing like a living force. Then, with a sudden flash, the multicolored aura dissipated, revealing Serena's transformed form.
Her appearance was fascinating, to say the least. She now had delicate, butterfly-like wings that fluttered softly, keeping her effortlessly afloat. Her once cerulean blue eyes had transformed into mesmerizing pools of energy, their colors shifting with every breath she took. Her ears were now subtly pointed—not quite elven, but distinctly otherworldly.
An aura of tranquility radiated from her, soothing and calming anyone nearby. Yet, the most striking difference was her size—Serena was now no larger than Ash's palm, her petite form glowing faintly with an ethereal light.
Ash blinked in surprise as her pupils changed from a sparkling orange to brilliant silver. "Well… this is going to take some getting used to."
"What's going to take some getting used to, Ash?" Serena asked, her voice light and melodic, completely oblivious to her new state.
"Even her voice is higher-pitched now," Pikachu commented as he jumped on Ash's shoulder, his ears twitching as he observed Serena with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Having woken up earlier, he had seen the entire transformation unfold.
"Oh!" Serena gasped, finally noticing her predicament. She took a moment to inspect herself, her tiny hands fluttering over her new features. Then, with a delighted laugh, she twirled effortlessly in the air, her wings shimmering in the morning light. "This… this is amazing! I can fly!" she exclaimed, the wonder evident in her expression as she floated gracefully around Ash.
"We can't go back to the normal world with you looking like a pixie straight out of mythology," Ash said, his tone laced with concern.
"Silly Ash, don't you think I already considered that?" Serena giggled, her airy laugh sounding like chimes. Magic swirled around her, forming a glowing shell that encased her small figure.
Ash watched in fascination as the shimmering cocoon shifted and reshaped itself. When the magic settled, standing before him was Serena's human form—identical in every detail, from her cerulean eyes to her confident smile. However, the light in her eyes felt… distant, almost mechanical.
"Whoa!" Ash exclaimed, startled, as Serena's tiny, pixie-like form emerged from the puppet body's forehead.
"This is my racial ability, Astral Puppet!" Serena announced with pride. "I can perfectly mimic anyone's appearance and create a puppet version of them. I can control the puppets from both inside and out, though my sense of touch is dulled when I'm in the puppet."
"That's incredible!" Ash said in awe, watching as she floated back into the puppet body. The moment she did, the light returned to its eyes, giving it the lifelike presence of the real Serena.
"See? Problem solved!" Serena said with a playful wink through her puppet, her voice as warm and lively as ever.
"Yeah!" Ash said thoughtfully.
End Flashback
"Reviens ici, petit imbécile, et donne-moi ton sang!" Serena shouted in Kalosian, her Verdantvenom blade gleaming dangerously as she chased after Nix.
Ash winced at her choice of words.
"What did she just say?" Pikachu asked, tilting his head in confusion.
Ash sighed. "She said—and I quote—'Get back here, you little shit-tard, and give me your blood.' Not my words."
Pikachu's eyes lit up with pride. "That's your gal! A master of insults! I can respect that!"
Ash sweat-dropped, muttering, "Why is everyone in my life so violent?"
"Dad," Gardevoir interjected with a deadpan tone, "you hold the record for the most kills on this planet."
"Touche!" Ash replied with a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.
Nix finally collapsed onto the sandy beach, completely exhausted. Serena raised her Verdantvenom blade, poised to split him in half when a colourless blade intercepted her strike.
"Serena, we still need him," Ash said firmly, his blade holding hers back effortlessly. "I promised him that if he proved to be a good, loyal dog, he'd get to live."
Serena blinked, her innocent facade returning as she lowered her weapon. "Ah, sorry! I got carried away there!" she said sheepishly, but her sweet demeanor didn't fool Nix—he had seen the demon lurking beneath her fairy-like exterior.
"The smell of blood... it got me so excited. I think it's something to do with the Spirit in me. Before, blood didn't really stir any feelings, but now…" she trailed off, her cheeks pink with embarrassment.
Ash studied her carefully before speaking. "That might explain it, but there's still something I need to test."
Serena tilted her head, confused, as Ash drew his blade and made a shallow cut on his finger.
"Ash, what are you—" Her words caught in her throat as his blood began to drip. Her entire being seemed to lock onto it, her senses overwhelmed by the potent life energy radiating from just a single drop.
Without hesitation, Ash brought his finger to her mouth, and she instinctively took it in. At first, surprise flickered in her eyes, but it quickly melted into pure ecstasy as his blood touched her taste buds. The energy surged through her, filling not only her puppet body but also her true body with immense vitality.
"Spirits are immortal beings," Ash began, his tone calm and measured, "and they don't need food to refuel. They thrive on nature's ambient life energy. But blood contains the most concentrated life energy possible. As a new Spirit, you couldn't control yourself at the sight of something that could give you so much energy at once."
Serena pulled back slightly, her expression thoughtful. "That makes sense," she said, humming softly as she processed his explanation. "I'll have to learn to control that instinct."
Ash smirked. "You'll get the hang of it. Just don't go slicing up everyone you meet for a snack."
Serena giggled, though the mischievous glint in her eyes didn't escape Ash. "No promises!"
Ash turned to face their other Pokémon, who were beginning to stir and walk over.
"Gardevoir, can you heal Vix for me, please?" Ash asked, his voice light but firm.
Nix flinched at the name but didn't dare correct his master—he knew better than to question Ash.
Gardevoir nodded, her eyes glowing with gentle power. She conjured a blob of green liquid in her hands and splashed it onto Nix. The moment it made contact, all his wounds healed rapidly, leaving not a mark on his body.
"Now that's done," Ash said, turning back to Nix. "Tell me, Vix, what are you?"
Nix lowered his head in submission, his voice thick with self-loathing. "I am a pathetic worm who doesn't deserve the air I breathe. I am only alive because master willed it. Master can easily extinguish my life, like blowing out a candle. I will repent for my sins by being your loyal dog."
Ash blinked at the extreme words, his eyebrow twitching. "Okay, that's a bit much, dude. Calm down!"
Before Nix could respond, a system window appeared in front of Ash, and he couldn't help but smirk at the result.
————————————————————————
System Update:
Vix has been registered as your Tamed creature.
Nix Slither (Level 3)
XP: 350/350
Age: 36
Race: Human
Stats:
HP: 20/20
STR: 6
DEX: 3
SP: 5
CHA: -1
————————————————————————
Ash couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. Even the system mocks him, he thought with an amused smirk. He intentionally misspelled his name, but it felt oddly satisfying.
Ash, now confident in Nix's loyalty, gave him the go-ahead to enter his personal dimension.
He then turned to Serena. "Along with combat, we also need to train in self-control."
Serena raised an eyebrow, curious. "And how do you plan on doing that?"
Ash gave a small grin as he made a deeper gash on his hand, showing no signs of pain. "You'll try to hit me while the smell of my blood distracts you. Eventually, you'll learn to control your urges. Especially with my blood, given my high level."
Serena, entranced by the sight of his blood, simply nodded, her focus locked on the crimson droplets.
Time Skip
Ash groggily awoke from his bed, yawning as he stretched. Yesterday had been a lot, and he'd even gained a new family member. At the thought, a warm tongue licked his cheek. He turned to see Sylveon, already awake, wagging their tail in excitement to start the day.
Pikachu, Gardevoir, and Eilie were still asleep, curled up around him. He smiled at the sight, feeling a deep sense of contentment. Despite the chaos and challenges, this was home.
Ash woke up, going through his usual morning rituals and getting ready for the day. This time, all his Pokémon were with him—except for Zekrom, who was on Asholm.
The academy was the same as always, full of whispers, stares, and rude comments from his classmates. Ash could feel his Pokémon's irritation building, so he quickly opened a mental link with them, calming their tempers before they could wreck the place. By the time lunch rolled around, he felt the familiar mix of annoyance and exhaustion, but he decided today would be a day to relax, not gather intel.
"Why are you taking their remarks so passively, Dad?" Gardevoir asked, her voice tinged with anger.
"Yeah, Father shouldn't let those little—" Eilie cut herself off, her voice full of venom. Now in her Ekans form, her entire body was a deep, fiery red, with black markings on her rattle and neck, and her teal eyes glowed in irritation.
Sylveon, ever calm and silent, wrapped her feelers gently around Ash's hand, grounding him.
Pikachu, already used to the tension, remained quiet, but his steady presence beside Ash was always reassuring.
Ash sighed, feeling the weight of his Pokémon's concerns, but he wasn't in the mood for drama. "Let's just get through today," he said, trying to keep the peace. "We'll handle things in our own way, in our own time."
"Anyways, I completely forgot to offer you and Gardevoir a nickname! Do you want one now?" Ash asked, a grin tugging at his lips.
"I'm fine with whatever you call me, Dad!" Gardevoir replied cheerfully.
"Same here!" Sylveon chimed in, her voice soft but warm.
"I'll think of something fitting for you later," Ash said thoughtfully. "For now, Gardevoir, you absorbed all the ghosts and souls from the dungeon, right?"
Gardevoir nodded. "Yes, everything from the dungeon is absorbed, including the souls."
"That means you also have the future among your shadows?" Ash asked, his gaze focused.
"Yes," Gardevoir confirmed. "Future Ash is one of my shadows, but why do you ask?"
"Given that I've blatantly lied to Oak, it will be bad if he finds out," Ash admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I need future information to keep up the facade."
Gardevoir paused, looking concerned. "But absorbing your shadow will only give you part of his experiences and memories, and once that's done, he will be gone forever."
Ash nodded solemnly. "I know that. But sometimes, it's better to have help when you can, rather than doing nothing."
With a snap of her fingers, Gardevoir summoned the shadow of an adult Ash, as well as that of future Pikachu. The shadows seemed to be sweating as they appeared, almost as if they knew what was coming.
Pikachu hopped to the ground, inspecting his shadow, while Ash stood up straighter, no longer leaning against the tree. Both the shadows took position on Ash's and Pikachu's actual shadows.
With a wave of Gardevoir's hand, the shadows seamlessly melted into their originals. Ash and Pikachu both felt an intense migraine ripple through their heads. It was as if decades' worth of memories and experiences were flooding into them in an instant.
Both felt the weight of what they had just absorbed—the battle experiences, the knowledge of Pokémon, legends, rivals, friends, enemies, Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, and Champions.
Ash, breathing heavily, looked at Pikachu. "Fuck Charmander! We have to save him from that pathetic excuse of a human being!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a newfound determination.
"A Charmander?" Eilie asked.
"Yeah! If I hadn't received the system and this rule hadn't been in place, I would've gone on a regular journey, where I caught and rescued many amazing Pokémon. Now, I'll recapture as many as I can!" Ash said, and a system window popped up in front of him.
————————————————————————
Mission Alert!
Capture all the Pokémon you would've caught in Kanto!
Kanto (43/1)
Reward:
Title: Champion's Legacy – Ash gains complete mastery over Kanto Pokémon, understanding their behavior, strengths, and weaknesses. His commands now resonate so strongly that Kanto Pokémon instantly recognize his authority and follow him without question.
Title: The Aura Master – Ash has supreme control over life energy, allowing him to telepathically communicate with every being, enhance the strength and abilities of his Pokémon, and manipulate aura into constructs, barriers, or projectiles. His aura extends over vast distances, making him nearly invincible against aura-based attacks. All aura-sensitive beings instinctively recognize him as the pinnacle of their kind.
Ability: Life Bond Upgrade – Ash can form unbreakable bonds with his Pokémon, allowing them to share strength, communicate telepathically, and unlock unique Battle Bond forms.
Mission Alert!
Capture all the Pokémon you would've caught in Johto!
Johto (7/0)
Reward:
Title: Phoenix Ascendancy – Ho-Oh permanently blesses Ash, granting him immunity to death. If his body is destroyed, he will resurrect fully healed. His presence also calms hostile Pokémon and revitalizes allies.
Ability: Soul Overlord – Ash gains absolute control over spiritual and ghostly entities, allowing him to banish curses, summon spirits to fight for him, or manipulate souls at will.
Title: Will of Legends – Ash's unshakable willpower inspires Pokémon to fight beyond their limits, ignoring pain, exhaustion, and fear. All Pokémon under his command receive permanent stat boosts.
Mission Alert!
Capture all the Pokémon you would've caught in Hoenn!
Hoenn (5/0)
Reward:
Title: Primal Overlord – Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza will permanently remain in their primal and mega forms when in Ash's presence.
Ability: Infinity Energy Mastery – Ash's body becomes a conduit for Infinity Energy. This allows him to instantly Mega Evolve any Pokémon without the need for stones or bonds. Pokémon under his command also gain temporary Legendary-level power during battle.
Title: Elemental Titan – Ash can wield the primal forces of fire, water, and air in combat, devastating enemies with natural disasters or empowering his Pokémon to the same degree.
Mission Alert!
Capture all the Pokémon you would've caught in Sinnoh!
Sinnoh (6/0)
Reward:
Title: Master of Time and Space – Dialga and Palkia grant Ash total control over time and space. He can freeze time, create portals, or manipulate reality in battle or everyday life.
Title: Godslayer's Instinct – Ash is marked by Arceus, granting him immunity to any divine or legendary attacks. His Pokémon gain resistance to Legendary Pokémon's powers.
Ability: Eternal Bond – Ash's Pokémon gain immortality. They will never age or weaken and can return to life if they fall in battle.
Mission Alert!
Capture all the Pokémon you would've caught in Unova!
Unova (6/0)
Reward:
Title: Dragon King – Any Dragon-type Pokémon under Ash's command gains a divine form with unmatched strength, speed, and unique abilities.
Title: Truth and Ideals Ascendant – Ash becomes the perfect unifier, allowing him to combine opposing forces (e.g., fire and ice, light and dark) into unstoppable new powers.
Ability: Champion's Command – All Pokémon in Unova recognize Ash as their ultimate leader, granting him the ability to summon wild Pokémon to his side at any time.
Mission Alert!
Capture all the Pokémon you would've caught in Kalos!
Kalos (5/0)
Reward:
Ability: Universal Bond Phenomenon – Any Pokémon Ash bonds with can achieve a unique, custom transformation (akin to Greninja's Battle Bond) with no limits. These forms rival Legendary Pokémon in power.
Essence of Immortality – Ash has complete immortality. He no longer needs food, water, or rest, and his body regenerates from any injury. If the wound is large, a scar will remain, which fades over time.
Shadow Sovereignty – Ash has dominion over death. He can summon, control, and even revive Pokémon or humans at will.
Mission Alert!
Capture all the Pokémon you would've caught in Alola!
Alola (5/0)
Reward:
Title: Z-Power Supreme – Ash's Z-Moves become infinite, with no cooldown or recharge needed. He can create unique Z-Moves that can destroy entire battlefields or reshape the terrain to his advantage.
Title: Island Deity's Favor – Tapu Koko and the other Tapus grant Ash the ability to manipulate terrain permanently, giving his Pokémon environmental advantages no matter where he fights.
Ability: Ultra Champion – Ash gains mastery over Ultra Wormholes, allowing him to summon Ultra Beasts or even travel across dimensions without restriction.
Mission Alert!
Capture all the Pokémon you would've caught in Galar!
Galar (2/0)
Reward:
Ability: Behemoth Overdrive – Ash wields an energy blade and shield that can destroy any obstacle or negate any attack. These weapons can also imbue his Pokémon with divine energy.
Title: Crown of Eternity – Ash has unlimited Eternabeam energy, allowing him to obliterate foes with a single attack or empower his Pokémon with Gigantamax energy indefinitely.
Title: Worldbreaker's Authority – Ash's mere presence commands respect from every Pokémon in Galar, and he can summon Legendary Pokémon like Calyrex or the Galarian Birds at will.
————————————————————————
"That's a lot of missions!" Ash commented, staring at the ridiculously long list in front of him.
"You caught 40 Pokémon in Kanto but less than 10 in the other regions?" Gardevoir asked, raising an eyebrow, her tone dripping with skepticism.
"Ahem! 30 of them were Tauros!" Pikachu interjected, earning a sheepish grin from Ash as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Tauros? Really? There are so many better Pokémon out there," Eilie said matter-of-factly, her voice laced with judgment.
"Hey! Tauros are perfectly good Pokémon! And it was a necessity at the time!" Ash defended, his voice tinged with indignation.
"Didn't mean to offend you, Father," Eilie said, her tone apologetic.
"I'm not offended, Eilie. And anyway, it wasn't me who did that—it was the other me!" Ash said, waving his hands dramatically as if pushing the blame onto his past self.
"Right... but how exactly are you planning to catch all of them now? It's not like we're allowed to go anywhere outside of Route 1," Eilie pointed out, her deadpan delivery flawless.
"Good question! But I've got it covered." Ash smirked and turned to Gardevoir. "I'll need your help for this."
With a flash of light, an astral copy of Ash appeared beside him. Unlike his current Nephilim form, the clone was his original human self—completely powerless but also free of restrictions. A dangerous combination for someone who might, say, blow up the entire academy because of a bad day.
"Pikachu, you're in charge of making sure he doesn't obliterate the place, okay?" Ash said casually, passing off the monumental responsibility without hesitation.
Then, with a fluid motion, he scooped Gardevoir into a princess carry. She blinked in surprise but quickly wrapped her arms around his neck for balance.
Turning back to his Nephilim form, Ash's school uniform vanished into his inventory, replaced by his usual outfit. His long silver hair, streaked with black and red, cascaded down his back as the two of them lifted into the air, invisible to all.
As they flew off, Pikachu sighed, staring at the astral clone. "This guy's about to make me work overtime, isn't he?"
Ash flew toward Viridian Forest, knowing it was the birthplace of two of his future Pokémon. Gardevoir remained in his arms as they soared invisibly through the skies, her excitement matching his own.
Upon landing, they were immediately faced with a dilemma.
"Uh, how exactly are we supposed to find them?" Ash asked, scratching his head in confusion as he scanned the endless trees and underbrush.
"Dad, we don't need to find them at all," Gardevoir said with a confident grin.
Ash blinked, puzzled. "Why not?"
"Their shadows will instinctively seek out their originals," Gardevoir explained with a sly smile. "Once located, the shadows will be absorbed into their hosts, just like what happened to you and Uncle Pikachu."
Ash's eyes lit up. "That's perfect! Do it then!"
Without hesitation, Gardevoir nodded and closed her eyes, her aura flaring with power as she summoned the shadows. The air grew heavy with energy, and from her shadow emerged a spectral Butterfree and Pidgeot, their forms shimmering with an ethereal glow.
As soon as they materialized, the shadow Pokémon shot off in opposite directions, leaving Ash and Gardevoir standing there in silence.
Fifteen long minutes of what Ash generously referred to as "passionate waiting" later, a very confused Pidgeotto fluttered toward them. In her claws was an equally bewildered Caterpie, its tiny head tilting from side to side as if trying to process what had just happened.
Ash blinked. "Uh, Gardevoir, is it just me, or does that Pidgeotto look like she's asking, 'Why am I holding this thing?'"
Gardevoir smirked in amusement and gave no reply.
Ash couldn't help but grin as Pidgeotto landed in front of him, carefully setting Caterpie down like it was the most fragile egg in the world. "Well, our work in the forest is at least done."
"Ash, is that you?" Pidgeotto asked cautiously, her sharp eyes scanning him as if trying to confirm he wasn't some imposter.
"Yep, it's me—well, the one and only... I guess," Ash said with a grin before glancing at Gardevoir. "Wait, since I made an astral body, can I still call myself the only Ash Ketchum?"
Gardevoir rolled her eyes with a fond smile. "Of course, you can. You're still Dad we know and love, no matter how many versions of you exist."
"Yep, you're our Ash!" Caterpie added cheerfully, his tiny voice brimming with excitement. Ash knelt down and extended his arm, letting the little Bug-type crawl up to perch comfortably.
"Things have gotten a bit complicated," Ash admitted, standing back up as Caterpie settled on his shoulder. "Don't ask too many questions just yet—I'll explain everything when we're all together."
That was all Pidgeotto and Caterpie needed to hear. With complete trust in their trainer, Pidgeotto hopped onto his other shoulder, and both Pokémon nuzzled against him in contentment, as if they'd known eachother for a lifetime, which they did just not in this one.
"But why did that Gardevoir call you Dad? Don't tell me you're into Pokémon now," Pidgeotto asked with a mix of suspicion and teasing.
Ash's eyes widened in shock. "What? No, no! It's nothing like that!" he stammered, waving his hands in front of him. "I hatched her and Eilie from eggs, so they see me as their father. And wait—what do you mean by into Pokémon now? Where did that even come from?"
"Never mind that," Pidgeotto said with a dismissive wing flap. "But seriously, what's with the wings? And your hair—it used to look like a nest a bird Pokémon could comfortably lay eggs in, but now it's all... majestic."
Ash scratched the back of his head, looking away. "I'll explain everything later. For now, just know... I'm not exactly human anymore."
Before they could ask more questions, two Luxury Balls appeared in his hands. Caterpie crawled up his arm, giving the button a determined tap with his tiny head, while Pidgeotto flew over, lightly pecking the other ball. Both Pokémon were captured in a brilliant, sparkling flash, their trust in Ash as strong as ever.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
With the clone
Ash had recalled Sylveon, but Eilie, in her Ekans form, remained coiled around him like a living piece of jewelry. Her crimson scales shimmered dangerously, and her head rested beside his, her teal eyes gleaming with a predatory edge.
When Ash stepped into the classroom, the usual chatter of his classmates died instantly. Their eyes locked onto Eilie first, marveling—or perhaps worrying—over her unique color. But then their attention shifted to Ash himself. Gone was the calm, confident boy they knew. The Ash standing before them now radiated raw, unrestrained predatory energy, his gaze sharp enough to make even the boldest of them flinch.
Ash strode to his usual seat beside Giselle without a word. She opened her mouth to comment on the intimidating red Ekans, but Eilie's piercing stare silenced her before she could utter a single word. The snake's glare was like a tangible warning, and Giselle quickly decided her curiosity could wait... indefinitely.
As expected, the next class was Battle Training, and the moment Mr. Gideon stepped into the room, Ash's hand shot up.
"Yes, Ash? You have something to say?" Mr. Gideon asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, I want to issue a challenge," Ash declared, his trademark bloodthirsty grin spreading across his face.
Mr. Gideon smirked. "A challenge? Alright, go ahead."
"I challenge all of you!" Ash said, his voice booming with confidence. "I mean it—all thirty-nine of you—to a Pokémon battle. One versus thirty-nine." Pikachu and Eilie both hissed and crackled in agreement, adding to the challenge's weight.
The room went silent for a moment as everyone processed what Ash had just said. Then, all hell broke loose.
"He's lost his mind!"
"Does he think he's some sort of Champion already?"
"This is arrogance, pure and simple!"
Insults flew from every corner of the room. Ash stood silently, a smile plastered on his face, but the tick marks on his forehead were a clear indicator that his patience was wearing thin.
"QUIET!" Mr. Gideon bellowed, silencing the room instantly. His authoritative tone sent a shiver down everyone's spine, though Ash remained standing, his unsettling grin intact.
"Ketchum," Mr. Gideon began, his tone calm but firm, "are you absolutely sure about this?"
"Totally," Ash said, crossing his arms. "I won't even need to command most of my Pokémon."
"You realize your practical exams are next week, right?" Mr. Gideon reminded him, trying to gauge whether this was bravado or madness.
"So what?" Ash shrugged, completely unfazed.
Mr. Gideon sighed, shaking his head. "Alright, then. Everyone who accepts Ash's challenge, follow me to the training field!" Without waiting for further protests, he turned on his heel and strode out of the classroom.
Ash followed with an unshakable confidence, Pikachu perched on his shoulder, sparks flying in anticipation. Eilie, still coiled around him, raised her head proudly as if she, too, were ready to take on the world. The rest of the class exchanged uncertain glances before reluctantly trailing behind, a mix of irritation and curiosity fueling their steps.
Soon, the group arrived at the battlefield in the training grounds. Ash stood confidently on one side with Pikachu perched on his shoulder and Eilie coiled securely around him. His classmates gathered on the opposite side, their numbers a stark contrast to Ash's lone stance. However, many of them wore uncertain expressions. Yes, Ash was outnumbered, but he wasn't just anyone—he was the Ash Ketchum, the number one student in Class 1A. The scoreboard looming overhead was proof of his dominance.
Under the banner of Class 1A, Ash's name sat firmly at the top with a whopping 645 points. Below him was Giselle with 401 points, and trailing just behind her was AJ with 400 points. The gap was glaring.
"So," Ash began, his voice dripping with mock arrogance, "who's brave—or stupid—enough to fight me first? I'll even give you guys a handicap." He gestured to Pikachu and Eilie. "You can choose which of my Pokémon you'd like your entire team to face!"
With that, he revealed Sylveon, who gracefully emerged from her Poké Ball. She immediately wrapped her feelers around Ash, seeking comfort. Ash could feel her hesitation. After all, she was just a day removed from being an abused and frightened Pokémon, and now she was facing an entire class of opponents. The thought must have been overwhelming.
But Sylveon could also feel Ash's unwavering confidence. Slowly, that confidence seeped into her, and her resolve began to strengthen.
"What kind of Pokémon is that?" one of the students whispered.
"That's Sylveon," Mr. Gideon interjected with a smirk, "a Fairy-type evolution of Eevee. And by the looks of it, a shiny variant, no less. You do have a knack for finding rare Pokémon, don't you, Ketchum?"
"You haven't seen anything yet, Professor!" Ash shot back with a grin before turning back to his opponents. "So, who's going to be the first fool to challenge me? Who has the sheer audacity to step forward and be the first to lose? Who'll be the nincompoop to pave the way for the others?" He threw his head back and laughed like a second-rate villain straight out of a poorly written movie.
"I don't know where all this bravado came from, Ashy-boy," Giselle sneered as she stepped forward, releasing her Geodude onto the battlefield. "But today, I'll take you down and claim my rightful spot as number one."
Ash raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. He had expected AJ to jump in first, but Giselle? Fine. "Oh? You'll take me down, will you?" he replied, his mocking tone unrelenting.
Giselle smirked confidently. "And I'll crush that little rat of yours that you love so much!"
"Is that so?" Ash asked, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Then let's see you try. Pikachu, I choose you!"
Pikachu leapt onto the battlefield with a determined spark in his eyes, his cheeks crackling with electricity, ready to face Giselle's Geodude.
"You love saying that type doesn't matter, don't you?" Giselle sneered. "Then eat this—Geodude, use Magnitude!"
Ash, still calm and composed, gestured to Pikachu. "Pikachu, just float it off a little."
Pikachu gave a thumbs-up before activating Magnet Rise. His body began to levitate above the ground, completely immune to the effects of ground-type moves. The tremors of Magnitude rippled uselessly below him.
Giselle's smirk faltered. "That little rat! Fine—Rock Tomb!" she barked, her confidence returning.
Ash didn't flinch. His mocking smile only widened as massive boulders were hurled toward Pikachu. Without hesitation, Pikachu's tail gleamed metallic as he spun and smashed through every rock with Iron Tail, sending shards flying in all directions.
One particularly sharp shard ricocheted back and hit Geodude squarely on its body. The rock Pokémon staggered, groaning in pain as cracks formed across its tough exterior.
"That's called an Uno Reverse, Giselle," Ash said smugly. As Pikachu finished destroying the last rock, his tail came crashing down on Geodude with a sharp metallic strike.
Pikachu had held back significantly, but even with restraint, the blow was devastating. The combined damage from the shard and Iron Tail left Geodude slumped over, clearly in no condition to continue battling. It should've been thankful Pikachu wasn't going all out—Ash's Pokémon weren't just strong; they were ruthless.
Giselle gritted her teeth as she recalled her Geodude. "Fine! Let's see you handle this! Cubone, you're up—attack!" she declared, throwing out her next Poké Ball.
With a flash, her Cubone appeared, gripping its signature bone weapon tightly, ready to face Pikachu. Its eyes gleamed with determination, and it let out a small but fierce battle cry as it pointed its bone directly at Pikachu.
The Cubone launched her bone with precision, sending it spinning through the air like a boomerang. But Pikachu caught it effortlessly with one paw, spinning it around playfully like a baton.
Cubone froze, her eyes widening in shock before narrowing in determination. She charged at Pikachu, ignoring Giselle's frantic commands. Desperate to retrieve her weapon, she leaped and clawed at the air, but Pikachu easily stayed out of her reach, holding the bone high above her head like an adult teasing a child. The ground-type's little arms flailed, and her frustration mounted, tears brimming in her eyes.
"This is just bullying at this point," Ash said casually, though his smirk hinted at anything but remorse. Pikachu glanced back at him with a questioning look, almost as if to ask, Isn't that the point?
Ash's smirk deepened into a bloodthirsty grin. "Destroy it!" he commanded, his tone laced with malice. Even without Ruthless Compassion, Ash was proving just how ruthless he could be.
"WAIT, NO! DON'T DO THAT!" Giselle shrieked, her outstretched hand trembling as though she could physically stop what was about to happen. But her protests came too late.
Pikachu, with a wicked grin, exhaled a stream of fire from his mouth. The flames engulfed the bone, charring it to a brittle crisp. Pikachu then tossed the smoldering remains to the ground with a disdainful flick, the brittle bone breaking into several useless pieces upon impact.
Cubone's tear-filled eyes widened in horror as she ran to the remains of her once-precious weapon. Despite the heat searing her tiny hands, she clutched the ruined fragments, crying openly as the pain of her loss mixed with the physical pain of the burns.
"And that is called Emotional Damage!" Ash exclaimed, his tone almost celebratory. His Pokémon snickered in agreement, their faces adorned with mischievous smirks, mirroring their trainer's merciless glee.
Giselle stood frozen, her face pale as the scene unfolded before her. "You monster!" she muttered under her breath, gripping her Poké Ball tightly as her Cubone's muffled sobs filled the battlefield.
"Monster? Me?" Ash gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest as though deeply wounded. His mock-hurt expression barely lasted a second before vanishing, replaced by his trademark bloodthirsty grin. "Nah, it's called karma, you snob supreme! Ever heard of consequences? Every action has a reaction, and congratulations, Giselle—you finally pushed me to my breaking point. Bravo! Now, do yourself a favor: get your sorry ass off this battlefield and make way for the next loser!"
Giselle's face burned with humiliation, her lips trembling as she quietly recalled her sobbing Cubone. She turned sharply, refusing to meet anyone's eyes, and walked off without a word.
"About time," Ash muttered under his breath, folding his arms as he watched the next challenger step forward.
Aj strode up confidently, his gaze locked on Ash with a smirk that showed he wasn't intimidated in the slightest. "Guess it's my turn to put you in your place, Ketchum."
Ash tilted his head slightly, his grin widening. "Oh, Aj, you were always my favorite kind of opponent—the confident ones. They scream the loudest when they lose."
Aj narrowed his eyes, tossing a Poké Ball into the air. "We'll see about that."
"I'll face that new Pokémon of yours," he declared, confidence evident in his tone.
"Sylveon, it's time to shine in your first battle!" Ash called out. Pikachu leapt back onto Ash's shoulder, allowing Sylveon to take his place on the battlefield.
"Beedrill, use Twineedle!"
"Dodge with Double Team, then Flamethrower!" Ash countered swiftly.
Sylveon darted around the battlefield, creating four shimmering afterimages. Beedrill lunged at one of them, only to hit thin air. All four Sylveons seemed to breathe streams of fire, but only the real one—the one directly behind Beedrill—hit its mark.
Beedrill screeched as the super-effective attack scorched his body. Though weakened and burned, he wasn't out yet. With a determined buzz, he launched into a relentless Fury Attack. However, the damage from the burn slowed his movements, and Sylveon dodged each strike gracefully.
"Poison Sting, now!" Aj barked.
"Fall back, use Protect, then counter with Shadow Ball!" Ash instructed.
Beedrill launched a flurry of venomous needles, but Sylveon summoned a shimmering green barrier, effortlessly blocking the attack. Without hesitation, she unleashed a dense Shadow Ball that shot through the air, striking Beedrill squarely in the head. The bug-type let out a low groan before collapsing, finally knocked out.
Aj growled under his breath as he recalled Beedrill. Across the field, Ash's sweet, almost mocking smile did little to soothe his frustration.
"Fantastic job, Sylveon!" Ash praised, crouching to meet her level. "That's the best first battle anyone could hope for. Keep it up!"
Sylveon's feelers twitched with joy as she beamed, her confidence bolstered by Ash's encouragement.
Ash stood tall as Aj retrieved another Poké Ball, his frustration clear in the way he clenched his fist.
"What level was your Beedrill?" Ash asked casually, his tone dripping with nonchalance.
Aj's jaw tightened, but he answered through gritted teeth. "Eighteen. Why?"
"Want to guess what level my Sylveon is at?" Ash asked, the smugness in his voice unmistakable.
Aj narrowed his eyes. "Somewhere between twenty and thirty. Get to the point already, you bastard!"
Ash's smile twitched at the insult, but he quickly regained his composure. "You're wrong. My Sylveon is only level two," he declared smugly, causing gasps to ripple through the crowd.
"You're lying! That's not possible!" Aj snapped, his disbelief evident.
"I'm not lying. You can ask Mr. Waverly if you don't believe me," Ash replied, crossing his arms confidently.
All eyes turned to Mr. Waverly, who took a small scanning device from his pocket. A soft beep followed as he scanned Sylveon.
His eyes widened slightly. "Ketchum's right. Sylveon is only level two," Mr. Waverly confirmed, his tone laced with newfound respect.
Aj stumbled over his words in shock. "How did... how is that even—?"
"It's called skill, something you clearly don't have," Ash mocked, earning some murmurs from the crowd.
Aj's face burned red with frustration. "I'll show you skill! Sandshrew, come out!" He threw his Poké Ball, revealing his trusty ground-type starter.
Ash remained unfazed. "Sylveon, Double Team and Swift!"
Sylveon gracefully darted across the battlefield, splitting into four identical afterimages. She released a flurry of glowing stars that streaked toward Sandshrew with deadly precision.
"You won't get us this time! Sandshrew, go underground and seal the hole!" Aj commanded.
Sandshrew burrowed into the ground just in time, narrowly avoiding the homing stars. The hole he left behind quickly collapsed, cutting off Sylveon's direct attack.
"Just what we wanted!" Ash called out with a sharp grin. "Sylveon, turn the field into a poison pit!"
Aj's eyes widened. "Oh no..." he muttered under his breath.
Sylveon spat blobs of Toxic across the battlefield, tainting the ground with patches of poisonous sludge. Only the area directly under her remained clean.
"Sandshrew, Iron Tail beneath her!" Aj yelled, his desperation showing.
But Ash anticipated the move. "Sylveon, jump and counter!"
As Sandshrew broke through the ground, ready to strike, Sylveon leapt into the air. Her metallic tail came crashing down, striking Sandshrew's head mid-emergence. The hit not only sent her higher into the air but left Sandshrew dazed, with a growing bruise forming from the impact.
"Flamethrower on your landing zone!" Ash called out.
Still airborne, Sylveon unleashed a stream of fire onto the poisoned ground where she would land. The flames burned away the toxic residue, leaving the area beneath her safe just as she touched down.
Sandshrew, now poisoned and visibly concussed, stood shakily but refused to give up.
"You can do it, Sandshrew! Use Metal Claw!" Aj urged, his voice tinged with desperation.
"No, you don't. Grass Knot and Energy Ball!" Ash countered swiftly.
As Sandshrew charged forward, vines shot out of the ground, tangling around his legs and causing him to trip. He hit the poison-laden battlefield with a painful thud, the toxic sludge seeping into his skin.
Before he could recover, Sylveon launched a glowing green Energy Ball that struck Sandshrew square in the face, sending him skidding across the battlefield. The ground-type collapsed, unconscious.
Aj recalled his fallen partner, visibly trembling with frustration, while Ash stood victorious, a smug grin plastered across his face.
"Great work, Sylveon. That's how you handle a battle!" Ash praised, his voice filled with pride.
Sylveon wagged her feelers happily, her confidence soaring as the crowd murmured in awe of her strength and her trainer's skill.
"Alright, you're going down this time!" Aj declared, hurling another Poké Ball into the air. From it emerged his Poliwag, who spun in place before landing lightly on the battlefield.
"Bubble Beam on the ground before you land!" Aj commanded, his voice sharp with determination.
The Poliwag opened its mouth and unleashed a barrage of shimmering bubbles directly beneath itself, clearing away the poison-laden ground and creating a clean area to stand on. Aj smirked, clearly pleased with his quick thinking.
Ash raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Copying me now, huh? Let's see how far that gets you."
Sylveon braced herself, her feelers twitching in anticipation as she awaited Ash's next move.
"Sylveon, Dazzling Gleam, then Double Team!" Ash commanded confidently.
"Nice rhyme, dude!" Pikachu quipped, earning a burst of laughter from Eilie. To everyone else, her laughter sounded like a series of menacing, guttural hisses, sending shivers down their spines.
Sylveon unleashed a dazzling pink flash of light that blinded Aj and dealt damage to Poliwag. As Aj regained his vision, his jaw dropped—there were now sixteen identical Sylveon scattered across the battlefield, each one poised for action.
"Bubble Beam, hit them all!" Aj shouted in frustration.
"Energy Ball, overcharge it with Thunderbolt!" Ash countered smoothly.
Poliwag unleashed a barrage of bubbles toward the Sylveon copies. However, before the bubbles could make contact, a crackling Energy Ball tore through them. The glowing orb of green and yellow energy shimmered with electricity, the Grass and Electric energies swirling in perfect harmony.
Poliwag tried to dodge, but it was too late. The electrified Energy Ball slammed into the Water-type with a loud explosion, sending a cloud of dust and sparks flying. When the smoke cleared, Poliwag was knocked out cold, unable to continue.
"And that's what you call an exploding end!" Ash said with a smug grin.
Before he could celebrate further, a familiar system window appeared in front of him. Ash blinked in surprise. He hadn't realized he could gain XP from simply defeating Pokémon without killing them. However, the numbers left him less than thrilled.
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Sylveon gained: 50 XP
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Ash frowned slightly. Sylveon had defeated three Pokémon, all between levels 18 and 22, yet she'd only earned a measly 50 XP. If he'd chosen to kill them instead, the reward would've been far greater—likely somewhere between 2,700 and 3,500 XP.
"Well, that's... disappointing," Ash muttered under his breath, though his smirk remained firmly in place as Ritchie stepped forward confidently.
"Hello there, Ritchie. Fancy meeting you here," Ash greeted, his tone light but teasing. "We haven't really fought before, have we?"
"No, we haven't," Ritchie admitted, his expression serious. He took a deep breath. "But before we start, I want to make something clear."
"Go ahead," Ash said, gesturing for him to continue.
Ritchie's voice carried a mix of sincerity and determination. "I have nothing against you, Ash. In fact, I really admire you—for your skills, your attitude, and the way you seem to excel at everything you do. Honestly... I want to be like you someday. And maybe even be your friend."
Ash raised an eyebrow, amused. "Friendship speech before a battle? Bold move, Ritchie."
Meanwhile, Pikachu leaned toward Sparky and whispered, "Is this guy confessing or what?"
Sparky snickered, his tail flicking. "Nah, my trainer's just a sissy. Always this dramatic."
Pikachu blinked in disbelief. "Wait, you're calling him a sissy? Aren't you the one who ran from a Caterpie last week?"
Sparky glared. "That thing was freaky, okay?!"
Ritchie, oblivious to the exchange, stood firm, waiting for Ash's reply. Ash, meanwhile, bit back a laugh, keeping his smirk intact. "Well, Ritchie, let's see if your admiration translates to skill. Bring it on."
"I want to fight the Ekans," Ritchie declared firmly.
"Sure! Eilie, I choose you!" Ash responded, and Eilie leapt onto the battlefield with a playful hiss. Meanwhile, Sylveon returned to Ash's side, wrapping her feelers around his arm protectively.
"Happy, let's go!" Ritchie called out as he released his Butterfree. The battlefield, still tainted with patches of Toxic, added a sense of tension to the battle.
"Eilie, brawl!" Ash commanded.
"Happy, Sleep Powder!" Ritchie countered quickly.
"No nappy time for me!" Eilie teased, her tone light and mocking. With an elegant slither, she dodged the green dust swirling toward her and propelled herself off the ground. Her tail came down with a deceptively casual swipe, but the force behind it was unmistakable. What seemed like a gentle tap was actually a powerful Slam, leaving Happy reeling.
"Hey, Ritchie," Ash called out, his smirk widening. "I don't mean to insult you, but if you want to stand a chance, you might want to release all your Pokémon at once."
Ritchie hesitated, glancing at Professor Waverly, who nodded his approval. With a deep breath, Ritchie took another Poké Ball and tossed it into the air, releasing his Charmander, Zippo. Sparky jumped down from his shoulder, ready to join the fight.
The battlefield was now set, with Ritchie's team of three facing off against Ash's Ekans, her tongue flicking the air in anticipation. "Now this is going to be fun," Ash said, his grin turning feral. "Ready, Eilie?"
Eilie let out a playful hiss. "Oh, I've been ready!"
Happy, Confusion! Zippo, Ember! Sparky, Thunder Shock!" Ritchie commanded, his voice filled with determination.
Happy's compound eyes glowed as he tried to channel psychic energy to trap Eilie, but the move had no effect on the Poison-type. Meanwhile, small flames from Zippo and a bolt of electricity from Sparky streaked toward her, but Eilie's reflexes were unmatched. She dodged every attack with fluid movements.
With a powerful leap, Eilie coiled herself around Happy, the Butterfree letting out a panicked cry as her grip tightened. Using the momentum of her jump, she slammed into Zippo, pinning the Charmander beneath her weight. As her sharp fangs sunk into the fire lizard's arm, her coils continued to constrict the helpless bug-type.
Sparky hesitated, sparks crackling from his cheeks. His tail twitched as he realized the dire situation—any attack would hit his teammates as well. Frustration etched across his small face.
"You should give up," Ash said, his voice calm yet authoritative. "There's nothing more you can do."
Ritchie sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. He looked at his struggling Pokémon and nodded. "I give up."
"Eilie, come back!" Ash called out.
With a satisfied hiss, Eilie uncoiled from Happy and released Zippo, slithering back to Ash. She settled herself around his body, her usual spot, looking completely unbothered by the battle.
"Good fight, Ritchie," Ash said, though his smirk lingered. "But you'll need a bit more creativity to take me down."
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"Is that all of them?" Gardevoir asked, her tone calm, though her eyebrow quirked at the sight of the chaotic scene before her. Around Ash, a horde of Pokémon shuffled, stretching and looking around their strange new environment. Looming behind Ash like a silent storm cloud stood Zekrom, his eyes glowing with restrained power.
Charmander's gaze locked onto the legendary dragon, his tail flame flaring up like a tiny bonfire. His expression practically screamed, I'm gonna fight that.
Bulbasaur approached Ash with a curious tilt of his head. "What is this place, Ash?"
Ash grinned and spread his arms wide. "This is my personal dimension! Welcome to Asholm, population... well, growing by the minute."
Squirtle piped up. "Where's Pikachu?"
Ash waved a hand nonchalantly. "He's holding down the fort at the academy with my clones."
Charmander stepped forward, puffing out his chest. "Okay, but how do you have these powers? And what's with the legendary dragon? Did you... steal him?"
Ash snorted. "Long story. I'll explain everything after we get Snorlax and Lapras. Oh, and this time, I'm catching her, Mother," he added with a pointed look at Gardevoir, who rolled her eyes but nodded in agreement.
He turned to the gathered Pokémon. "Feel free to explore the place. Zekrom here will show you the ropes."
The group murmured their approval, though Charmander's eyes stayed locked on Zekrom like a predator sizing up prey.
Ash turned to Zekrom with a grin. "Before I go, I've got a new job for you."
Zekrom tilted his head. "What do you require, Master?"
"You're officially in charge of gathering food. The population of Asholm is going to grow fast, and even with my clones, I can't make enough Pokéfood for everyone."
Ash handed Zekrom a wooden key. "This is a special dungeon key. Unlike normal dungeons, this one spawns animals from Earth—endless amounts, but the creatures are completely random. You might even run into humans while you're there, but let's not get too creative, alright?"
Zekrom accepted the key with a solemn nod. "Understood. I will not fail you."
"I know you won't," Ash said with a grin, clapping Zekrom on the shoulder.
Before he could turn away, Charmander stepped forward, flames flaring from his mouth. "Fight me, big guy!" he roared, unleashing a Flamethrower directly at Zekrom.
Gardevoir glanced at Ash, her expression unimpressed. "Is he serious?"
Ash sighed, scooping Gardevoir into a princess carry. "He used to be a Charizard. His pride won't let him accept a stronger dragon without a fight. Don't worry—Zekrom knows how to hold back."
As they teleported out in a flash of light, Charmander's triumphant shout of "I'm gonna be the strongest dragon here!" was swiftly followed by Zekrom's amused chuckle. "You'll be lucky if you last two minutes."
The last thing Ash and Gardevoir heard before disappearing was Charmander's panicked yelp. "Wait, wait! I wasn't ready! ACK—"
Ash smirked as they reappeared midair above a vast ocean. "That'll keep him occupied."
Gardevoir rolled her eyes. "You're a menace."
"You say that like it's a bad thing."
"So… how far away are the Orange Islands, exactly?" Gardevoir asked.
Ash stayed quiet, steering them through the sky as they zipped past a flock of Fearow. The sheer speed of their flight ripped the feathers clean off the startled birds, leaving them squawking indignantly and looking like half-plucked chickens. Inside the air bubble Ash had created around them, everything was calm, with no wind resistance or pressure to deal with. Outside the bubble, though, the world was suffering the wrath of Ash's ludicrous velocity.
"Dad?" Gardevoir pressed, raising a psychic eyebrow.
"It's not that far," Ash replied, keeping his gaze forward. "At this speed, we'll be there in about 30 minutes. We're moving at, what, Mach 10? Maybe more? But finding what we're looking for could take a while. Pretty sure we're not making it back home tonight."
"That's fine," Gardevoir said with a soft smile, a light blush dusting her cheeks. "I love spending time with you, Dad. And we rarely get moments like this, just the two of us. It feels… nice."
Ash's face turned pink as he awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "Uh, yeah… glad you feel that way."
Behind them, a rowdy flock of Pidgeotto tried to stay in formation, but Ash's absurd speed created a vortex that sent them spinning in all directions. One particularly unlucky Pidgeotto was left completely featherless, hovering awkwardly for a second before plummeting like a rock.
Gardevoir shot Ash a look. "You realize you're causing chaos back there, right? Pretty sure Pidgeot's gonna file a complaint."
Ash shrugged. "Not my problem. They're the ones flying too slow."
After a few moments of silence, Gardevoir spoke up again. "So… what's this 'Earth' place?"
"Oh, it's just some planet without Pokémon," Ash said dismissively. "Honestly, the only exciting thing about it is probably their food."
"Wait, they don't have Pokémon?" Gardevoir asked, looking genuinely confused. "So… what do they do for fun? Play fetch with each other?"
Ash snorted. "Probably. Imagine throwing sticks at other humans just to keep entertained. Earth sounds boring."
Gardevoir chuckled, shaking her head as they streaked through the skies, leaving behind a trail of disheveled birds, confused clouds, and an inevitable pile of noise complaints.
It wasn't long before Ash and Gardevoir caught sight of the first of the Sevii Islands, and beyond them lay the Orange Islands.
"Hold on tight," Ash said, though Gardevoir was already snug in his arms. With a powerful flap of his wings, he surged forward, breaking the sound barrier. The shockwave rattled the skies, sending flocks of Wingull scattering in every direction as he pushed himself to his top speed. In mere seconds, they were hovering above the Orange Archipelago.
Ash abruptly halted mid-air, the sudden stop so precise that Gardevoir barely felt the jolt. He gently released her, and she floated on her own with the help of her psychic powers.
The world below them was bathed in the deep blues and shadows of night. It was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that only came with an untouched paradise. As they descended toward a nearby island, Ash's eyes narrowed. Shadows danced below, and with a flick of Gardevoir hand, she summoned one—a shadowy figure in the shape of a Snorlax.
For the next few hours, they followed the shadow as it glided ahead, weaving through the islands, searching for its source. Finally, they arrived on an island that looked like it had hosted a natural disaster. The trees were stripped bare, their leaves entirely gone. Bushes were crushed, and the ground was littered with gnawed roots and stems.
Ash landed lightly on the ruined island and pointed at the massive culprit: a Snorlax sprawled out in the middle of the devastation, snoring so loudly it made the nearby water ripple. Even as the summoned shadow returned to its original, the enormous Pokémon didn't stir.
Ash shook his head. "This guy ate everything, didn't he? The leaves, the trees, probably a few Pokémon too."
Gardevoir floated next to him, smirking. "He's nothing if not thorough."
"Yeah, well, he's going to be my problem now," Ash said, tossing a Luxury Ball with practiced ease. The ball struck the Snorlax and absorbed him in a burst of light. It rocked once, twice, and clicked.
"That was… anti-climactic," Gardevoir remarked.
"Efficiency is key," Ash replied with a grin. He immediately released Snorlax into his personal dimension, a colorless dome of energy enveloping the massive Pokémon as it vanished from sight.
"Let's hope he doesn't eat his way through your personal dimension," Gardevoir teased.
Ash groaned. "Great. Now I have to worry about him eating Zekrom."
"I think it's Zekrom who'll eat Snorlax instead," Gardevoir said with a nervous laugh, her sweat starting to bead at the thought.
Ash raised an eyebrow, looking at her. "Now I'm really worried…"
"Well, I can only hope that Bulbasaur does what he does best—keeping the peace," Ash said, half joking but also kind of serious.
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In the personal dimension, things weren't going as peacefully as Ash hoped.
Bulbasaur stood, stiff as a board, as Snorlax suddenly appeared right in front of him. The massive Pokémon blinked sleepily at him, oblivious to the fact that it had just materialized in a new space. Bulbasaur's eyes widened.
"Muk was hard enough… now him too?" Bulbasaur muttered under his breath, a slight twitch of panic in his expression. "Just when I thought my work was over…"
Pidgeotto, sensing the impending disaster, swooped down and landed beside the stressed Grass-type, gently placing a wing on his back. "It'll be okay, Bulbasaur. We've got this."
Bulbasaur shot a look at Pidgeotto. "You say that, but we both know I'm the one who has to keep him from eating everything in sight."
Pidgeotto just chirped reassuringly, though the concern was clear in their eyes. "Just focus on the Snorlax, and we'll handle whatever happens."
With a resigned sigh, Bulbasaur stood tall and nodded. "Alright, fine. But if I end up chasing Snorlax around trying to get him to not eat all of Zekrom's food, I'm blaming you."
The battle for peace in Ash's personal dimension was about to begin.
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It was almost morning when they finally found the sleeping Lapras pod. As the shadow of his Lapras was absorbed into the original, she woke up startled. The first thing she saw was Ash in his Nephilim form.
"Ash, what happened to your hair?" Lapras asked groggily.
Ash let out a dramatic sigh, facepalming. "Why does everyone ask me that? Was my hair really that bad?" He turned to Gardevoir for validation, but she averted her gaze, her expression suspiciously neutral.
"It was atrocious," Gardevoir muttered under her breath.
"Traitor," Ash grumbled, ignoring her comment, but before he could continue, Lapras tilted her head in surprise.
"Wait, you can understand me?" she asked, her eyes widening.
Ash latched onto her words with a grin. "Of course I can! The better question is, are you willing to join us?" He revealed a Luxury Ball, extending it toward her.
Lapras' eyes sparkled with excitement, but her gaze drifted back toward her pod and, in particular, her mother. Her expression faltered.
Noticing her hesitation, Ash offered reassuringly, "Your mother can come with us too, if you'd like."
Lapras nodded enthusiastically at his words, but her joy was short-lived as the rest of her pod stirred awake.
She swam behind Ash as he hovered closer to the water, his wings skimming the surface, creating a ripple effect that made it look like he stood atop the ocean.
Her mother swam forward cautiously, confusion and worry evident on her face. However, the male of the pod, Lapras' father, surged ahead, his demeanor far less welcoming.
The father Lapras barked an order for the pod to stay back and then turned his stern gaze to his daughter. In a commanding tone, he demanded, "Get back here now."
Lapras hesitated, trembling slightly, but didn't budge. She looked at Ash, then back at her father. She had made her choice. She didn't want a life of complacency as a wild Pokémon. She wanted to be strong and renowned, like her teammates.
Her defiance made her father narrow his eyes, his presence brimming with authority. It was clear he wouldn't let her go without a fight.
Ash smirked, stepping forward confidently. "Looks like I'll have to prove myself. Again." He turned to Lapras with a reassuring nod. "Don't worry—I've got this."
The male Lapras, enraged, unleashed a powerful Hydro Pump at Ash. Calmly, Ash extended his arm, showing his mastery over the elements. At the tip of his finger, he created a small wind tornado that spun faster and faster.
The water from the Hydro Pump was immediately sucked into the tornado, causing it to grow tenfold. With a casual flick of his finger, Ash flung the tornado into the ocean. Upon contact with the surface, the vortex exploded into a massive tempest, growing larger and larger as it sucked up the surrounding water.
Realizing the scale of destruction, Gardevoir acted quickly. Using Psychic, she lifted the entire Lapras pod, along with hundreds of water-type Pokémon, high into the air, safely out of the tempest's reach. Even several dozen flying Pokémon that had been caught by the tempest's pull were yanked back to safety.
Despite her heroic efforts, Gardevoir looked less than pleased. She muttered under her breath, "If it weren't for Dad, I'd let them all perish."
Ash, oblivious to her complaints, pointed toward the tempest and began explaining like a proud inventor. "I call that move Vacuum. There are very few counters to it, and only those close to my level could nullify it. Its specialty is cutting anything caught inside to ribbons. And, the best part? Whatever gets trapped in it fuels its growth."
At that very moment, a flock of Spearows and a particularly unlucky Fearow were "accidentally" released from Gardevoir's psychic hold. The tempest eagerly consumed them, the powerful winds tearing them apart and staining the storm with crimson streaks.
The Lapras pod stared in wide-eyed horror, shivering as the bloodied water sprayed out of the tempest. Lapras, however, gazed at Ash with amazement in her eyes.
Ash sighed and snapped his fingers. Instantly, the tempest stopped in its tracks, and the now bloody water crashed back into the ocean. Gardevoir, still holding the other Pokémon aloft, groaned and abruptly released them all. Exhaustion was visible on her face.
"Dad, I'm tired," she declared, floating down toward him.
Ash sweat-dropped as he caught her in a piggyback carry. Great, there goes my intimidation levels... he thought, but he couldn't help but smile as Gardevoir nestled into his back.
The Lapras pod remained silent, cautiously watching Ash, now equal parts fear and awe.
"Now you have two choices," Ash said, his voice calm but commanding. "Either submit to me, or let me take Lapras and her mother with me. What will it be?"
The lead Lapras hesitated, then slowly lowered his head in submission. The rest of the pod followed, bowing as well. "We will all submit to our great master—" He paused, looking confused. "Wait... what was your name again?"
Before Ash could answer, Gardevoir, still lounging on his back, grinned mischievously and loudly proclaimed, "Ash Ketchum, the greatest of all and the master of all Pokémon!"
Ash's face flushed red. "Gardevoir!" he hissed, mortified.
"What?" she asked innocently, a playful glint in her eyes. "Am I wrong?"
The lead Lapras blinked, tilting his head in thought. "Well, if you're the master of all Pokémon, I suppose that makes sense... Great Master Ash Ketchum, we are yours to command."
Ash groaned, burying his face in his hand. "This is not how I wanted this to go."
Gardevoir giggled softly, leaning her chin on his shoulder. "Oh, come on, Dad. You should embrace the title. It suits you."
Ash groaned in embarrassment, rubbing his temple. "I'm not even an official Pokémon Trainer yet!"
"Yet, you still manage to command an army of Pokémon and three Legendaries," Gardevoir teased, smirking.
"You know what? I'm done. I'll shut up now, and this topic is officially over!" Ash snapped, waving his hand as if to physically dismiss the conversation.
"If you say so, Dad!" Gardevoir chimed cheerfully. Just as she finished her sentence, the group, including the entire Lapras pod, was abruptly teleported into Ash's personal dimension.
To Ash's delight—and Gardevoir's visible displeasure—Serena was already there, waiting for him with her arms crossed and a knowing smile.
Ignoring the glowing system window that appeared in front of him, Ash immediately strode forward to greet her.
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Mission Completed!
Capture all the Pokémon you would've caught in Kanto!
Kanto (43/43)
Rewards:
Title: Champion's Legacy
Ash gains complete mastery over Kanto Pokémon, understanding their behavior, strengths, and weaknesses. His commands resonate so strongly that Kanto Pokémon instantly recognize his authority and follow him without question.
Title: The Aura Master
Ash has supreme control over life energy, allowing him to telepathically communicate with all beings, enhance the strength and abilities of his Pokémon, and manipulate aura into constructs, barriers, or projectiles. His aura extends over vast distances, making him nearly invincible against aura-based attacks. All aura-sensitive beings instinctively recognize him as the pinnacle of their kind.
Ability: Life Bond Upgrade
Ash can form unbreakable bonds with his Pokémon, allowing them to share strength, communicate telepathically, and unlock unique Battle Bond forms.
Note:
The Aura Master title will not activate until Ash acquires the Aura Wielder class. Once acquired, this title will become his fourth active title and remain permanent unless the class is changed.
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Thank you all, who Followed, Favorited, Reviewed, and who took the time to read my fic I really appreciate it.