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Chapter Text

Prologue

Pallet Town

Kanto, Japan

May 22, XX93

Age 6

Satoshi Aster Ketchum, or more commonly known at home as Ash, is finally turning 7 years old tonight. At the stroke of the eighth chime. Tonight is also the night that his parents will tell him if he is going to be a big brother to a little girl or a little boy... either way he's gonna be the best big brother ever! He could barely contain himself as he darted in between his parents legs. Chatting at them about his classes, the few friends that he has, and of course his special Sume-sume. 

Ash was just about to make another pass of his father's legs when large and calloused hands reached out for him, which easily caught him and lifted his small form high. He let out a joyous shriek as he reached to wrap around his father's neck.

"Daddy!"

"Where do you think you're going, you little Mankay?"

Ash giggled. "I'm not a Mankay, daddy!"

"Uh-huh, don't change the subject, Ashy."

Ash pouted at the nickname.

"I'm waiting for Sume-Sume!" 

Satoshi senior chuckled lowly. "You can do that while you sit down and rest, can't you?"

Ash continued to pout at his father but nonetheless settled himself down. The first to arrive was not his Sume-sume, but his former best friend, Gary Oak. The older boy has changed a lot since the two started the new school year. Ash's new classmates believe everything Gary says about Ash, regardless how it has affected the raven so far. So Ash was not happy that Gary had shown up to his birthday party and is now acting like it's his party instead of Ash's. The next person to arrive was his godfather, a man whose hair is even redder than his mother's. 

He gave the birthday boy an awkward hug and a dragonite plushie with a ribbon tied around its neck. Ash gave it a squeezing hug, causing the poor thing to call out a realistic roar. Startling the two boys.

After his godfather came his uncle, his mother's younger brother, he was holding his young four year old daughter, Leaf, named after her late mother, who most called Green but that wasn't much of surprise since his daddy's nickname was Red and uncle Shigeru (Gary's father) was called Blue. Uncle Silver lowered Leaf down to Ash's level so she can give him a hug and a kiss on his cheek.

"Happy Birthday Satoshi-nii!"

"Thank you Leaf-chan, but remember I like to be called Ash!" The birthday boy gave the younger girl his infamous megawatt smile.

"Ok Ashy-nii!"

Ash continues to smile as if he hadn't heard anything.

Silver ignored his brother-in-law and his friends who were conversing in hush tones in favor of helping his sister bring out the food.

"Big brother has been making waves with the old man's old associates." He whispered, already knowing that there's a high probability that his older sister already knows this.

"Not just dad's friends but making some of his own too."

Silver frowned, deciding to change the subject in a loud tone. "Waterflower isn't here yet? I thought for sure he'd be the first to arrive with his little troop."

The men gave worrying glances at each other. Another knock at the door distracted them.

"That must be them right now," muttered Red, just loud enough for the adults to hear.

It wasn't who they were expecting but it was still another invited guest. A couple with their son who happened to be the same age as Ash had arrived. The Man, Hiroshi, looked strangely enough like a male version of Delia. Red tends to get disturbed shivers whenever he thinks about his sister's husband. Minami, Red's twin sister looked just like him, the only difference being that she has their father's foreign blue eyes and tanner skin tone, while Red has their mother's deep red eyes and pale white skin. They both got their father pitch black hair.

Due to this strange likeness of the couples, their sons look identical to one another with minor but obvious differences. Ritchie, Minami and Hiroshi's son, has a darker skin tone than Ash, Minami's blue eyes, and the auburn hair of Hiroshi. Ash also has his scars that set him apart from his cousin. Both Delia and Red had gotten used to them, so it's a little disconcerting to be reminded what Ash looks like without them zigzagging across his cheeks.

Red gave his sister, nephew, and brother-in-law an awkward smile.

"Please come in, Ritchi, can you go play with Ash in the living room? I'll take his present and put it with the rest."

"Okay uncle Red!"

Ritchie took no time to go to play with his cousin.

"Not who you were expecting aniki?"

"Ethan and the girls haven't shown up yet."

Minami hummed, "Odd, usually your old stalker would be the first to show up to any event he knows you're at."

Red scowled at his sister. "Ethan is not a stalker. Silver maybe but not Gold."

"I'm not a stalker!"

Every adult in the room gave the red head the same look.

"Sure, whatever you say little brother."

"Hanako!"

"It's Delia and you know it..."

"We shouldn't worry about Waterflower all that much, his girls are probably holding him back but I'm sure Kasume would start screeching her head off to hurry up." Lance spoke up. "That girl wouldn't want to be away from Ash for long."

They all nodded in agreement. It didn't take too long for a few more guests to arrive but once again, Gold and Kasume still haven't arrived. Even Ash was noticing that his best friend wasn't there yet. Sure the other kids distracted him but only in short bursts. Red was really getting worried for his friend. Something wasn't right.

He silently made his way to the phone. He got there but not unnoticed.

"Daddy?"

Ash, in Red's perspective, came out of nowhere. He nonetheless smiled at his son, hoping it would reassure the birthday boy. It didn't, Ash still gave his father a worried look.

"They're not gonna answer. No one will. They can't. Not till after."

Ash's bright red eyes usually shone with glee and happiness but were now dull and unfocused, like he wasn't actually seeing Red in front of him. Ash flinched back as if he was struck, he blinked and rubbed his eyes. Red was really worried about his son, Ash has been having similar episodes for the last couple of years.

Ash was already halfway across the room by the time Red processed what happened. He called the Cerulean City Gym first. Nobody answered. He called two more times before giving up and calling Gold's personal phone. Nothing. He called the Pokemon center.

"Cerulean City Pokemon Center, Nurse Emilia Joy speaking, how may I help you today."

"Hello, Nurse Joy, this Red Ketchum, the Kanto Champion. I'd like to know if Ethan, the current Cerulean gym leader, had been in today. I called the gym but nobody answered."

"Oh dear, how unusual, he or one of the girls usually answers without fail. How many times did you call?"

"Around three?"

"Oh my! Well, I will send someone over to investigate, I heard he was leaving his eldest in charge today, she just got her gym leader license a few days ago. I call right back when I get any news for you Champion Red."

"Thank you Nurse Joy. I'll be waiting to hear from you again."

Red turns to look around only to find everyone at the outdoor dinner table waiting for him. Most of the kids, especially his own, were eating like no tomorrow. His friends and wife gave him a questioning look, he sadly shook his head, no news.

He joined them with idle chatter. Soon food was put away and everyone went back inside to watch Ash open his presents.

Ash reached for his first present with perfectly hidden worry. Kasume and Uncle Gold have yet to show up, something was very wrong, he can feel it. He didn't know how to explain it nor could he describe images he was getting from his flashes. All he can tell is that it's bad and he might not see them for a long time. So in the end he just pretended not to feel the emptiness of not having his best friend by his side.

The first present he chose was from Professor Oak, it was (surprise, surprise) a book about Pokemon and their traits. While Ash had similar books, he gave the professor a polite 'thank you'. The second gift was from Uncle Blue and Gary, a beautiful and expansive looking locket/pocket watch hybrid that doubled as a compass. Gary had arrogantly mocked him about how with it, Ash no longer had an excuse for lack directional awareness (those were pretty much his exact words), he shut up quickly enough with just a look from his father. The next one Ash didn't choose, his Uncle Silver handed it to him. It was an old family ring that had Mew, a legendary pokemon that was usually sighted in the Kanto region, engraved on the flat surface of the ring. Mew was curled inward with its tail curled over its head, a tree was etched in the background, three small gems were clustered above mew, a fiery red Ruby, a grassy green Emerald, a deep navy blue Sapphire. 

Unseen and unnoticed by all of the party goers and her son, Delia, in the splittist of seconds, gave the ring an unflattering sneer. It was gone before anybody could notice the oddness of her reaction.

Leaf, in turn, gave her older cousin a matching chain necklace. The ring was too big for Ash to wear properly at this point in time. Ash thanked them both, knowing full well the chain was bought by Silver. His Aunt Minami present was next, it was an electric type pokemon grooming kit. He gave her a suspicious glare and betrayed a glance at his parents.

"Tch, don't give us those looks brat. It's too obvious that those two will give you their pika pair's first offspring. Before anybody knows it, the Ketchums will be known for having Pikachu starters."

It was Red's turn to give his sister a betrayed look. It was to no surprise to anyone then that the present with Red and Delia names on it turned out to be a yellow and black Pokémon egg. Ash didn't mind that his parents' surprise was spoiled, he got up and hugged them.

"For the record, I had a Charmander as a starter."

"My bad, you just caught a Pikachu not even five seconds later."

"I hate you."

"Love ya too, bro."

Ash ignored the banter and fetched the next gift. It was from his uncle Hiroshi and cousin Ritchie, this one was a little more fun, it was a complete Kanto Poké-card set and game board layout. It even came with a signed champion card. His dad's card!

"Oh my Arceus! Did you really have to give him that?! Hiro how could you?!"

All the adults laughed at Red embarrassment. No matter how long it's been since Red had been out in public as the Kanto Champion, he can't seem to hide from his fame, even his own home.

"I'm sorry (Not really) but when I saw it, I just had to get it. Best part is that it's one of the actual signed sets, not the printed ones. So it's extremely rare."

Red groaned. "I hate you too, Hiro."

Almost everybody was watching the exchange but Ash. He had noticed the last box, it wasn't very large. He carefully opened it. Inside was a large medallion, around the size of his whole hand or the size of his father's palm. Dozens upon dozens of unknown Pokémon were engraved on the edges of the medallion going inwards, circling a colorful marble with DNA helix. It looks exactly like the one his father and Uncle Blue have. It came with a letter and an old journal.

"Dad, can you read this for me?"

While Ash knows how to read, something in him said it would be a really bad idea to hide it from his parents, especially since it was not signed.

Red silently read it first, each passage making him go even paler than he already is. Not good.

Red cleared his throat. "I think it's time for some cake, what do you say Ash, ready for some cake and ice cream?"

Ash knew that look. Clutching the key stone, he cheered and quickly usher the other kids away from the adults. Not for little guest ears, got it. Red glanced over Lance.

'Later', he mouthed.

Lance got the message.

At exactly eight o'clock, Ash blew out his candles. Not just that though, the video phone rang. Red smiled at his son, though as soon as they made eye contact Ash's red eyes turned dull with unshed tears. Red headed to the living room to answer.

"Hello?- What? Yes, they're here. - I see, don't worry I'll alert them immediately... don't worry they'll be there soon. Yes thank you, I'll be there later as well."

Red turned a not so happy look, one can say it was somber.

"Lance, Blue, you're both needed down at headquarters. Something happened and they requested backup immediately."

Professor Oak noticed the indecisive look in his son's eyes. Gary.

"Don't you worry Shigeru, I'll take Gary home."

The indecisiveness was gone and replaced by determination.

"Thanks Pops. Be good to your gramps, Gary. I love you, and tell your sister I love her too."

He left out the door before Gary could even protest. Lance followed in a more sedate manner, briefly whispering to Red before leaving as well.

Realizing it was now more serious, Professor Oak, Silver, and Minami ushered the children out to head home. Hiroshi gave the Ketchum family a nod before shutting the door behind him.

"Ash-"

Before much could be said, the Pichu egg in Ash's arm glowed brightly, revealing of course, a little Pichu.

"Pi!"

Pichu, in his excitement, shocked the whole family.

Chapter Text

Chapter 1: The beginning of new era

Pallet Town, Kanto, Japan

9:15pm March 31st, XX97

Night had settled in a small rural town of Pallet Town. A small community, mostly made up of several families, it's own 24/7 radio station, a small shopping centre with no more than three store fronts, a family run restaurant, and a farmer's market style grocery store. It's home to two very famous families, though only one is more publicly known to live there.

A windmill ranch sat on top of the largest hill, Oak Pokémon Research Ranch, where the prestigious Pokémon Professor Samuel Oak lives and conducts his research... It also doubles as a school for children ages 5 thru 9. Yes, the Oak family is one of the two famous families that hail from the humble Pallet Town. Professor Oak was the man who put it on the map... but the Ketchums were ones to cement it into people's minds and hearts for all the ages.

Out in the outskirts of this small town sat a house, a well sized house with two floors, basement, attic home with four bedrooms and two baths. Currently, only two of the usual three residents occupy the home. A woman in her early to mid thirties, though you'd mistake her for younger, and her ten year old son. A boy who looks so much like his father with dark raven locks and crimson red eyes that usually is hidden behind brown colored contacts. Two 'z' shape scars just below his eyes marking the only visual difference between her two important men in her life. Her precious son... Who ... should be... in bed.

Delia watched as her son raced around the house, chasing his newly evolved Pikachu. His longtime companion, Pichu, of nearly 4 years finally evolved that very same morning. Delia can't handle it anymore, this madness has to stop before Pikachu blows another fuse.

"Satoshi Aster Ketchum!"

"Ah mom, not my real name! Gotcha!" 

Ash was finally able to catch his friend mid jump. Pikachu tried and struggled out from his owner's hold but most of his energy was already zapped out of him from trying to run away from his trainer. He readily gave up.

"Ash, just put him his pokéball and go to bed. It's late enough as it is."

"But mom, Pich- Pikachu doesn't like being his pokéball."

"Don't care."

Before he could protest even more, Delia swiftly returned the rebellious rodent into his pokéball, far too tired to release himself immediately.

"Here," she gave her son his Pokemon back. "Take out the trash then go to bed. Tomorrow's a big day for you."

Off she went, mostly likely to clean up before going off to bed herself.

"Well, well, what do we have here?"

Ash rolled his eyes at his mentor's grandson. Argh, what does Gary want now?

"Go home Gary. I don't have time for... whatever it is that you do."

"I see, you certainly had a busy day." Gary gestured to... all of Ash.

Anybody can tell just by looking at Ash that he had one heck of a day. He had soot and smudges cheeks and nose, dust and dirt on his shirt and pants, muddy sneakers, a bandana to keep his hair out his face and rubber gloves.

Ash didn't even bother with the jab, just gave his 'rival' an unimpressed look.

"Had to help Mom around the house before I head back to school tomorrow."

"Ah yes!" Gary falsely exclaimed in fake happiness, right before giving the raven haired boy a mocking smirk. "You're going to school tomorrow, where as I will be starting my journey to becoming a world famous Pokemon Trainer! I'll make sure I get the best Pokemon for myself, haha!"

"So... A squirtle?"

"What? How?"

"Your dad."

That's all Ash said before he shut the door on Gary's shocked look.

Welp, time for bed.

Red watched his son show his new partner around his bedroom, pointing out all his favorite things to the newly hatched Pichu. The younger Ketchum's eyes shone like glittering rubies with unadulterated enthusiasm, Red couldn't help but smile alongside Ash. Red would give him the world if he asked for it, just to see Ash smile like that forever. So it gives him great pain that he'll be the one taking it away right now.

"Ash."

"Yes dad?"

Red picked him up effortlessly and placed him on the bed. They began their nightly ritual of tucking in the now seven year old. Red thought of a way to tell Ash what he learned. In the end, he just said what he felt Ash needed to hear.

"I got a call from Lance... Ethan and the girls... the Cerulean City Gym- it was attacked earlier today." Red paused, searching for his son's reaction. A shadow fell over Ash's eyes, hiding them from view. He continued knowing Ash would want to know all that Red knew. "Ethan- your uncle Gold- was hurt, really badly. I still don't know how badly it was just that it's bad enough that he needs surgery. You remember what that is?"

A redundant question but he got a nod nonetheless. Ash rubs his chest a second later.

"Daisy and Violet were mostly fine when they were found, just unconscious with a slight bruising. Lily and ... Kasumi... they still haven't been found yet. It was believed that whoever attacked them, took them with them. Probably tried to take all four if I had to guess, found and partially stopped by Gold."

This was going to be the hardest part. Ash was mostly quiet but he can never be too sure how he will react.

"I- I volunteered to be part of the search party and investigation. I- I know I promised your mother I would no longer be part of the Taskforce and that I'm retired but.. but Gold- Ethan is my friend, I can't just sit back and wait. Not when I can help. Not while his girls are out there, scared, hurt and alone."

Red looked away. He promised his family that he'd be here, with them. No more missions, no more Taskforce, no more disappearances with no contact with days on end. He promised, especially with another one on the way. He missed a lot of Ash's firsts because of his unnecessarily demanding job of the nearly undefeated Kanto Champion and head of an independent global operative taskforce. He stepped down from both positions. While on paper, Lance is now the Kanto Champion, it hasn't been publicly announced yet. 

All to be with his wife and children. To be there. If the roles were reversed, hell, if it was Red and his family, all his friends would be the first to take action.

Red felt a weight pressing against his side. Looking down, he saw that it was Ash hugging him, giving him a wide but pricing stare.

"Just make sure to come back to us. Please."

Red nearly wept. Arceus, what had he done to be blessed with such a kindhearted, compassionate, forgiving, and understanding son? Ash may look like him but he was very much like his mother, it was those traits hidden within the raised to be a villain woman that attracted him to her. What did he do to deserve them in his life? Delia Ketcum was the woman Hanako  was never allowed to become.

Red hugged his son tightly before tucking him in again. Pichu took merely a second of thinking before snuggling up to his new owner. Neither Red's Raichu nor Delia's Pikachu had expected their egg to hatch yet, so the new parents were just as surprised as the rest of them. Both were extremely smug after Red checked him over and concluded that he was healthy and very strong for a newly hatched Pichu. Dexter, Red's pokedex, confirmed that Pichu has both Volt Tackle and Electro Ball as egg moves. A rarity in the Pichu lines, most lines have only Volt Tackle.

The father smiled down at his son, who didn't take very long to fall asleep. Red gave the room he was once raised in that now belongs to his son one last look before silently making his way out, gently closing behind him.

'Now for the hardest part.’

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Chapter 3: ...You make a huge mess cuz you dont know how to make lemonade

Part 2

Pokemon Center, Viridian City

Kanto, Japan

April 1st, XX97

8:46p.m.

"And then what happened?" A young ponytail wearing orange haired trainer asked Ash. He was telling the other ten year old about his day, the same one that led to him stealing and trashing her bike earlier, as well on how he got into this mess. At least she's letting him explain himself while they wait for an update on his pokemon's condition. "I mean it doesn't seem so bad."

"It doesn't get bad until I leave the town-"

"Then you should've started there!"

"Let me rephrase that- it gets worse after I leave town...*I definitely got dad's ability to get into trouble*... I'm just telling you how shitty my day was from the start."

"Language! You're only ten!"

"So are you," Ash rebutted. "Where was I?"

Pallet town 7:05am

Ash really hopes this doesn't take too long, the bus could arrive any time now, although it's not supposed to until at least eight-thirty to 9 but Ash really doesn't want to take any chances today. He took a deep breath to calm himself before knocking on the door. His knuckles barely tapped the door when it swung open, revealing the one Ash did not want to see this morning. 

Gary Oak.

"Well, well look at what the Meowth dragged in. I'm sure a good bath will get rid of all that stench! Don't know if it'll help in the looks department though!"

Ash mentally groaned. 

"Are you sure you're not just smelling your own breath? It reeks, man!" Ash made a show of looking over at Gary. He loudly scoffed. "My looks, have you seen a mirror? It's like you're not even trying anymore."

Ash squinted his eyes as he zeroed in on Gary's forehead.

"Huh"

"What?"

"You got a zit," Ash pointed and poked Gary in the same place he was focusing on. Forcing Gary to move aside to finally let Ash in. "Right there!"

"Hey!"

Ash left quickly, leaving his 'rival' to check the mirror for that fable zit. -

["Surely, he can't be that vain."

"Oh but he is, my dear."

"What's with the accent?"

"...shudup"]

- He made it up the stairs into the main lab without any trouble, only to bump into another trainer-to-be. A red head that looked eerily like him.

"Ritchie!/Ash!"

The doppelgangers hugged cheerfully. -

["You have a twin?"

"No, he's my cousin. His mom is my Dad's twin sister. This was the first time in months since I've seen him in person."

"Ah."]

- The cousins tried to catch up with each other only to talk over one another. They laughed.

"Man, it's been awhile, hasn't it?" Ash reminisced.

"Got it in one, cuz." Ritchie smiles sadly. It'll probably be another long time before they can see each other. Both were interrupted before they could continue their little reunion.

"Well isn't this a nice wittle weunion." A mocking voice called. A girl the same age as them walked towards them with a mocking smirk. "It's just so sweet! Sooo tooth rotting!"

"Morning Mosey!" The similar looking boys greeted her in unison.

The three stared at one another before bursting out laughing. The brown haired girl's blue eyes shined with mirth, it was obvious to the three of them that she was mocking Gary behind his back.

Just like Ash, Mosey was wearing her school uniform instead of a traveling outfit like Ritchie and Gary. An orange button up with puffed sleeves and green pleated skirt. If that's what the girls have to wear, he'd hate to see the boy's.

["I agree with you there. That sounds atrocious!"

"I know right!"

"At least your uniform is practical."]

The three talked as they waited for Gary and Professor Oak to arrive. Ritchie mentioned he was heading straight towards Pewter City instead of going to Viridian City as there was no point in stopping there first since the gym leader doesn't accept anybody with less than seven badges. Both Ash and Mosey understood this as they both go to school there and they've both encountered trainers that complained about that condition and from those were utterly defeated by the gym leader after getting the required 7 badges. Considering the school that Ash goes to is both founded and funded by that man, he has seen first hand how that man defeats those trainers in six-on-six battles with only his first chosen pokemon. Ritchie is still unsure if he should take on that challenge or go to a different gym for his final badge. Ash patted his cousin on the back.

At this point, Gary piped in by loudly proclaiming he would beat that gym leader on the first try. Ash would have retorted back but he had seen how that man wrestled his title from his Uncle Blue. Blue was never the same after that match, Gary would be an easy defeat compared to his father who has had that title since he was twelve. So he stayed quiet while the other two rookies scoffed at the notion, no first year rookie has defeated that man since he first joined the ranks two years ago.

Professor Oak joined them at last with a beaming smile and a tray of pokeballs and pokedexes.

"Ah, to be young and so full of potential!"

The four straightened themselves and faced the wizened researcher with their full attention. Oak started his grand speech that no doubt these four have heard hundreds of times.

"Every region has their own rules, regulations, and laws that help them work out how to handle Pokemon Trainers. The Kanto Region is currently still using its old traditions that have yet to change in the last thirty years. At the age of ten anybody who wishes to join the ranks of Trainer must pass a series of trials, tests, and evaluations. All of them must be completed by the following spring of their tenth year of birth. Once completed, they are given the choice to receive one of three chosen starter pokemon of Kanto from the Regional Professor, or to capture it from the wilderness from just outside their hometown, unless of course they were gifted it by a family member or friend."

Everybody gave Ash a sly look or smirk (or jealous glare courtesy of Gary) which left our young Hero to roll his eyes as a response to their teasing.

["*snort* Did you just refer to yourself as a 'hero'? Wow, now who's so full of himself?"

"I've been referring to myself in the third person this entire time and you decide now to judge my narrative style?"

...

"Hey, yeah! Why do you narrate in the third person?"

"The author isn't very good at writing 1st person pov."

"What?"

"Moving on"]

Oak carried on with his speech.

"This past year ten young aspiring trainers-to-be from our quaint little town were given the privilege of testing themselves to see if they have what it takes to gain a chance to become Pokémon Trainers. Of these ten, it was only you four that succeeded in passing every test you were given, overcame any and all trials you faced, and showed that you were more than ready to head out into this great and wondrous world in the journey of your lifetime!"

The pre-teens cheered, wide toothy smiles graced the children's faces as they looked on with awe at their sponsor.

"Mosey Fleur, please step up and choose your starter."

Mosey did as instructed. In front of her were three Pokeballs with unique designs to differentiate between the three. She was shocked and surprised to see pokeballs different from the standard red and white. She looked at the good professor with a questioning glance, Oak said nothing but gave the lone female trainer a knowing and encouraging smile with a conspiring wink. Something that did not go unnoticed by the other occupants.

"In the world, three elements were unanimously chosen to be used as a base for the three starter pokemon in each region. These three elements are none other than; Fire, known for its fierce ferocity and unrelenting determination, they forge for their own path! Water, with cunningness and adaptability alongside deep seated loyalties, they hold secrets like no other! And Grass, with power and wisdom of nature at their command, they are so much more than guardians and protectors of mother nature!"

 The four were once again struck speechless by the Professor who during his speech had moved to stand beside the incubator that housed the three pokeballs.

"In Kanto, the starter pokemon chosen are none other than Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle! Choose wisely my students."

At the call of each name, Oak released said starter. Mosey gave each of them a measuring look, holding eye contact with every one of them, giving the Squirtle the longest stare.

"I choose..." still giving Squirtle the most intense stare. "Bulbasaur!"

Squirtle gave out a disappointed sigh at the same time as Gary released a relieving one. Both Ash and Ritchie tried to stifle their snickers. Unsuccessfully might I add.

["You guys are just messing with him, right?"

"Yeah, kinda jerk-ish of us but he'd probably do the same to us if he was given the chance. We all knew he wanted Squirtle, we just wanted to tease him before he could get it. Besides, everybody already decided what they wanted long before today."

"What about you?"

"Me?"

"Mhm"

"Well... My starter was gifted to me by my parents. He was technically registered as my parents' pokemon until I got my license and registered under my name."

"Oh."]

"Ritchie Moore?"

He was called up as soon as Mosey was given her pokédex and five extra pokeballs. He didn't have enough patience to continue Mosey's little charade.

"I choose Charmander!"

"Char char!"  The little lizard happily jumped into the red head's arms.

The poor little Squirtle looked so dejected that it wasn't either of their first choice, not that Gary noticed as he immediately snatched up the little turtle happily twirled within his arms with a joyous squeal. His fellow trainers gave him knowing looks. 

Embarrassed, Gary cleared his throat.

"Of course the best pokemon was left with the best future pokemon master!"

"Right!" The other three chorused, snickering under their breath.

"Humpth!"

Professor Oak gestured for Ash to stand where the others stood. With a click of a button, a fourth pokeball was revealed, one that looked more like the standard red and white than the other three but with a yellow lightning bolt stamped on it.

Ash smirked as gazed down at the overly familiar pokeball of his own starter. 

"I choose..."

His partner, his companion, his brother in all but blood and species.

"PIKACHU!"

Then all of them were promptly electrocuted.

Ash gave his new little friend a very Meowth caught the Pidgey look. The orange haired trainer gave him a very unimpressed stare.

"Seriously?"

"Pikachu does not like to be in his pokéball. They were very much aware of what was going to happen once he was released."

She thought about it for a while and shrugged.

"Fair enough."

Before she could ask for him to continue his tale, his name was called over the intercom.

"Hold that thought, brb."

She nodded as she watched him walk to the counter to speak with the nurse attending to it. She had the strangest feeling it will be a long while before she'll get to hear the rest of the story deep within her guts. Her gut feelings were usually never wrong...

BOOM!!!

She didn't spend a second more pondering it as she was called into action.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Chapter 6 Big brothers do what big brothers do

Pewter City

Kanto, Japan

April 6th, XX97

Ash and Misty gasped as they finally got out of Viridian forest. They were a sight to see, covered head to toe with mud, twigs, scratches, and obvious bruising. They obviously have been through alot the last few days. The man sitting at the foot of a small step was startled when they popped out the bushes and was certainly concerned for the two.

What happened you may ask?

It all started with a broken perfume bottle, a young Caterpie, an energetic Pidgeotto, a horde of angry Beedril, and a rogue samurai nutcase. Doesn't make a lick of sense? Allow this poor narrator to recap what these poor adult-children went through in Viridian Forest.

They had just arrived at the outskirts of-

"Hey, are you two ok?"

The two preteens looked at the hobo looking man at the foot of the steps. They stared unwavering at him, which unnerved him greatly.

"Kids-"

"Where's the nearest Pokémon Center?" The red eyed boy asked. Still staring unblinking at him.

The man pointed down the street to the left. The duo walked off in a trance.

"Well that just happened."

Rude! I was narrating here!

"Oh * beep * off!" The orange haired trainer shouted to the skies.

The duo huffed as they ventured into the Center. Nurse Joy looked up to see the two preteens barely keeping it together. She immediately took them as priority over her other patients as they looked far too exhausted to do anything more than get past the front doors.

"Oh my! Are you two well?" She looked worriedly at them. "Any injuries? Illnesses? Infections?"

The two stared blankly at her. 

CLICK SHING

Nurse Joy heard the telltale noise of a pokeball self- activating. Looking down, she saw a Meowth with a Poké-help collar. She checked them over once more and noticed the matching tag on the boy's wrist. Nodding, she ushered them further inside to check them in.

It may have taken longer than usual for the two to get back into being semi-functional human beings but Nurse Joy has worked worse with far less time on her hands. Chancy reported an easy shift while she dealt with the trainers. She watches them gather their food and sit at the furthest table away from the entrance but right next to the emergency exit.

They must've been through some stuff.

It wasn't the first time that she had seen trainers come in like that, Viridian forest, while small, is easy to get lost in if you don't stay on the main path or road. It's something of a test or right of passage for rookies to see how they handle such areas. Which is odd, since she had already encountered the three trainers sponsored by Professor Oak this year. Professor Oak's notice stated that only three trainers this year would take on the traditional gym challenge from his school. She wasn't aware of any other rookie from Pallet Town. From their age, and looks, she daresay that they are of Johto-Kantonian descent, there isn't much of a difference between the two regions as just a few short decades ago the two were one united region. But it's become sorta of a pride to some to claim from which region their family is from, regardless of the fact that same language and dialect is spoken between the two, whereas in Hoenn and Sinnoh, while share a language with Kanto and Johto have different dialects that you can almost believe is a different language if you from any other region of the country outside those four.

Neither of them spoke, and other than giving them a quick check up and emergency first aid, she didn't ask for identification, that was a mistake on her part but time was of the essence as their injuries could've been far more serious if she had to stop and ask them a thousand or so questions. Or tried to get them to verbally respond to her. The boy's poke-help was a great asset in that regard as half her questions could be answered by simply scanning the boy's wristband and his Meowth's collar. She'll ask when they are done eating, for now she'll just monitor them from afar. She still needs to book them in and check up on their pokemon after all.

Oh hey now, who could be calling her on her personal cell phone. If it's that boy brock again, will- oh my, it's her sister at the viridian city center, maybe she's calling for an update on the pokemon she sent over a few days ago.

Maybe Ash does get why Misty hates bug types, if he has to see another beedrill ever again…

His body trembles at the thought of stinger wielding bugs. Well now he has Butterfree and a Pidgeotto as part of his team. He's kinda glad that Queenie, as a poke-help, allows him to have an extra slot. although, his unique disability trainer license allows him to have double the pokemon on him than that of traditional sponsored trainer. Not that he'd ever thought he would've needed to use those slots as he originally thought he wasn't even going on a journey. Why did he promise himself he was going to listen to his gut feelings from on? This is all so troublesome.

Ash observed his new friend, Misty was practically dead on her feet and nearly falling asleep on her porridge. Her speech was so cliché, and most probably ripped off some kids movie, but the way she was shown brightly with a fiery passion, the way her aura burned and rippled in response to her determination. It was like water being heated to its boiling point. Hot to the touch but quickly loses heat as soon as the source of the heat is gone. He taps on the table to get Queenie's attention. The Meowth faced him and made a concerned chuff.

"It's nothing girl, we just need to go back to the front desk and sign in with Nurse Joy." 

Both preteens helped each other gather and throw away their mess and made their way back to the front where, hopefully the same Nurse Joy that helped them before was there. It's pretty hard to tell the difference sometimes, especially the twins. The nurse now attending them gave them a smile.

"Hey you two, how are you feeling?"

"Better"

"That's good to hear, now how can I help you two."

They smiled at her and told her they wanted to check in now to have their pokemon checked.

"That's no problem you two, just give me a moment, do either of you have a pokedex?"

Ash pulled his Pokedex out and misty handed over a fancy blue colored badge. Nurse Joy nodded and took both, scanning the badge and plugging in the Pokedex like a hard drive disk into her computer. Chancey had come over with a tray to put their pokeball in. Pikachu and Queenie followed the pink pokemon on foot.

"Oh!"

Ash and Misty were startled into awareness but the nurse's exclamation.

"Oh, I'm sorry, it's just I didn't realize that Professor Oak sent out four trainers this year, not three, the others had already passed by here awhile ago."

Ash sheepishly looked at the nurse.

"I wasn't originally going to travel but I changed my mind at the last second. Due to what happened at the Viridian Pokémon Center, I wasn't able to contact Professor Oak or my mom about the decision. But I told both my uncles about it before I left Viridian City. One of them was investigating the attack on the pokemon center."

Misty blink, not knowing that. Then again, Ash never explained what happened to him or where he was when they had separated a couple of times. It wasn't any of her business.

"That's alright, changes like that happen all the time. You two were the one to save the Center from team rocket, right."

The duo glanced at each other and nodded when they looked at Nurse Joy again.

"On behalf of my sister and the rest of my family, thank you. If it weren't for you two, we don't know what would've happened."

"My uncle said the same thing, right after scolding me for doing something so dangerously reckless."

She smiled at him. "Well you're all set, here's your room key- oh hey do you want to sign up for then for the Indigo League gym challenge? You can sign up here or any Pokemon center. The season is just starting to pick up and the sign up applications just opened." She pointed at a poster on the wall that had the elite four and the Champion on it.

Misty noticed how Ash's eyes lit up only to dim once more as he looked indecisive, like he was having an internal conflict about it. Misty waved her hand slowly to get his attention but to not startle him too badly. He turned to look at her.

"Why don't you sleep on it huh? The season just started and the tournament isn't for a whole year. You can sign up whenever."

He gave her a grateful smile. "I'll think about it Nurse Joy, thank you."

Misty was being patient with her new friend, something that's unexpected of her.

They grabbed their keys and left, the urge to sleep trying to drag them down even before they were able to get to a bed.

Ash was actually well rested when he unexpectedly woke up late at night. He hated that he felt covered in grime on the nice bed, so the first order of business was to shower and change into something more comfortable. Ash didn't have a lot with him, if he knew he was going to end up going on a journey, he would've packed for a journey. Might as well see if his mom answered his email. Pikachu followed him down stairs, his first stop was the computer phones. Two things stood out when he logged in, one his mom did reply, she's happy that he's taken such an opportunity and that she sent out a care package for him that should be in Pewter in a few days. That's good. The other thing was that his school sent out a few assignments that he had to print and fill out, then send back by mail before it was due. Looking over the study plan, it looks like a month's worth of class work and he's given an extended deadline. seems he'll have to work on them between Pokemon center visits. Honestly he didn't realize there was even an option to still be in school and still go on a journey. The lesson plan is different but not too complicated that he cant get it done when it's time to turn it and all he has to do is be at a Pokémon Center  on certain days so he can do his tests. It isn't a bad deal.

Plus there is a gym option he can do so he doesn't have to do certain tests.

Ash saw the poster again from the corner of his eye. The work would be more lenient if he did the gym challenge. And he doesn't have to the finals if he gets all eight badges before the League tournament starts. Since the League is a week before the finals.

He always wanted to take part in the league.

He logged off and decided to take a walk.

He wandered around the town for a bit before stopping by a park bench. sitting down, Pikachu jumped to his lap and demanded pets. Despite how late it was, there was still a group of young kids playing on the playset. Ash mainly just sat there petting his starter. he probably should've brought Queenie or told Misty where he was going but it's a small town despite its name as Pewter City. Nothing too dangerous should be going on.

Unbeknownst to Ash, the kids had noticed him and Pikachu and approached them mischievously. The trainer was so focused on his pokemon's content. The kids were sneaky, making sure to not make any noise. Ash noticed them too late, the little brats immediately snatched Pikachu and began "playing" with him, squeezing him, pulling his ears and tail, and pinching his cheeks. Ash was horrified by the kid's actions.

"Woah! Hey, stop that!"

The children ignored him.

"Stop it!"

They giggled as the continued to pull at Pikachu's limbs and cheeks, not caring how uncomfortable the poor pokemon is by the unwanted attention.

"Please let him go!"

But no matter what he said the kids didn't let Pikachu go and Ash could see he was getting irritated. Ash himself was getting fed up with them. didn't they know how dangerous that was, grabbing random pokemon.

"PiKAchUuu!!!"

The yellow mouse gave them the biggest shock he could muster.

It didn't take long for the kids to begin crying so loud. Ash, with a few tears of his own and racing heart muttered to himself that they should’ve minded their own business to begin with. He knows he should've checked the kids if they were alright but honestly, he felt like they deserved it, and it was like they were his sister, so it's not like he should be bothered with them. Ash held Pikachu and backed away from them, and tried to comfort and soothe his Pokemon.

"What is going on here?"

The kids gasp and scramble to the older teen and begin clamoring him with a completely different version of events than what actually transpired. Ash scoffed, each of them telling them a different story, each more outlandish than the last.

"I see." The boy, now that Ash can see him more clearly, looked like an older version of the kids. In fact all the kids look very similar to one another. Almost like they were all copies and clones. Are they like the Joys and Jennys? That is super weird and creepy. Ash saw that he was focusing on Ash's wrist, where he keeps his disability band. The boys sighed.

"I'm sorry if they bothered you, they do in fact know better than to do what they did. I saw everything but it happened too fast for me to stop them." he smiled at them. "I'm Brock and these are my brothers and sisters, Suzie, Timmy, Billy, and Tilly." he called them in the order of right to left for Ash but left to right for Brock.

"Two sets of Twins?" Ash couldn't help but blurt out. Suzie and Timmy were both the same height and appeared to look the same age, and the same went for the younger two. Ash was no stranger to fraternal twins who look eerily similar.

Brock laughed. "Trust me I know, it astonishes me as well. And there's more, these are just the youngest."

"Wow, I just have a little sister, I can't imagine having so many siblings."

The older teen raised an eyebrow.

"Huh."

"What?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorta used to seeing Trainers allowing their younger siblings to join them."

"Oh! I heard about that, but my sister is two, she won't turn 3 for another several months, and she hasn't even said her first word yet."

"Ha! That's understandable. Your Parents probably have their hands full with a little one just learning to talk."

Ash eyed the older boy, he wasn't much older than Ash, 13 maybe 14?

He shrugged, "It's just my mom, my dad's- uh- not dead."

That's the only assurance that they have. Not Dead.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that..."

The conversation staled after that, why did he bring that up? Idiot.

Ash noticed the time.

"It's getting late Brock, shouldn't these kids be getting ready for bed?"

If his eyes weren't perpetually closed, there is no doubt that Brock's eyes would've widened.

"Shoot, you're right! Kids, apologize to Ash and Pikachu for grabbing him without permission."

"We're sorry Mr Ash, we're sorry Pikachu!"

Pikachu huffed and looked away snootily. Ash just smiled at them.

"Just be careful next time, Pikachu just evolved so he hasn't been trained to control his much stronger powers yet. And there are Pokemon much stronger than Pikachu that would have even less control. I'm not sayin this to scare you but Pokemon are very dangerous, even ones that are trained or have trainers. Always ask first and always listen when someone says no. No means no and you could hurt someone really badly if you don't listen to them"

The little quadrat looked down ashamed. Maybe a little despondent.  Until one of the older ones piped up.

"Hey! Will we see you again Mister Ash?!" Suzie asked.

Ash was a bit shocked at the question. "Well-"

Timmy Joined in. "You're a pokemon Trainer right?!  Does that mean you're gonna battle Brock for the boulder badge!"

The two little ones wowed at that before chanting. "Battle, Battle, Battle!"

Ash watched as the kids got more heated and excited at the prospect of a battle. He couldn't help but sweat. Was he ever like this? He knows he got way too over excited whenever his dad and uncles battled and trained in the past but this seems like a whole new level. He and Gary never hyped each other up like this. Ash looked over at the now exhausted teen.

"So I'm guessing you're the gym leader now, What happened to Mr Flint Slate?" 

"He's-... not dead."

That's a can of worms he's not opening.

They smiled at each other, an understanding passed through them.

"I'll see ya later."

"Ha, ya, see ya later Ash. Come along you guys, dinner's cold."

"Food!"

Ash watched them leave. An ache settled in his chest. He misses his mom and sister. He misses his dad.

He chucked to himself.

"Pikapi?"

"Nothing Pikachu, just... thinking." He looked up at the stars. "I think I will join the Indigo League, it might be fun. Plus I can finally put all that theoretical battle stuff into practice."

Pikachu cooed happily.

"Uh… Where's the Pokémon center again?”

Chapter Text

Chapter 7 Onward to the great beyond

Mt Moon

Kanto, Japan

April 14th, XX97

Ash shivered as they quickly left Seymour and the fairy Pokémon behind. He just wants to forget it all happened. He can feel Misty's amusement from where he was standing. Like she's the one to talk, his ears are still ringing from every time she screams whenever he lets Butterfree out. He can also feel Brock's pity.

"Ash-"

"I'm fine, Brock. Just keep walking, if we keep up this pace, we can make it to Cerulean City by lunch time."

They stayed silent. But only for a few minutes.

"Do we have to go to Cerulean? We can pass it over and go to Vermillion instead! hehe."

Ash looked back at Misty. Back in Pewter, after Ash told her of his decision to take on the gym challenge, they sat down and made a game plan and schedule, since Ash still have to do assignments and test on certain days, they made sure to keep those in mind while they travel, now thanks to Ash changing his curriculum from just traveling to gym challenge, he can cut half his assignments and tests in half and have videos of his gym battles taken to replace those grades. Ash and Misty got help from Forrest, the second eldest of Harrison children, to edit his video to send in as proof that he's taking the challenge as well as a report survey done by Brock to turn in. Brock was surprised by all it, most dropped out of school entirely to pursue a career in Pokémon training. Ash sheepish said that he actually doesn't know what he wants to do or be. His family were always involved with Pokémon, one way or another, and practically everyone hold some kind of position in the administration side of the IPA be it a Gym Leader like his uncle Giovani, leader of the Viridian gym or his other uncle Taru, some kind of inspector who apparently deal with investigating damages done to Pokémon centers or gyms that aren't done by reckless out of control Pokémon. Ash said a lot of description of what his other uncle does, he mentioned that his own father did something similar but more along the line of damages that are done by reckless out of control Pokémon. With the context of Ash's father not being around anymore, Brock got a clearer picture of what Ash meant then. 

"All, and I mean All, my current Pokémon are weak to Electric types. Pikachu is strong against Water types, and Butterfree and Pidgeotto are neutral, Queenie can hold her own in the water, and Fae and Carmine are water types themselves and won't be useful in the other gyms until they evolve. Plus I hate dealing with the Waterflower sisters, so I want to get this over with. So Cerulean first, we can reroute ourselves from there if you want to go to a different place."

"Why don't you like the Waterflower?" Misty's voice was a bit strained.

"It's not that I don't like them, it's just that Daisy, Violet and Lily get on my nerves sometimes. They would sometimes come to my school to hold seminars on water types, water type gyms and water type specialists. but the classes always end up being about them, their acting career, or their water ballet plays. It gets exhausting, I wish I could've dropped out of those classes but I couldn't because of Fae and Carmine being the hardest water Pokémon to train and raise to their fullest potential." Ash wondered if he should speak freely about them with his new friends. Misty is a water type specialist in the making, and with the Waterflower sisters being the so-called "most elite water type trainers" it would not be surprising if she admired them and denied his claim. And brock is a gym leader as well, he probable hold them to a standard-

"I can imagine how frustrating that can be."

"As pretty as they are, prolonging their presence is a bit of a headache."

Ash looked at them but they were serious. "Well I'm glad I'm not alone then." Misty hummed.

"Fine, battle, then we leave, got it?"

"They have to sign my worksheets."

"Yeah, yeah. whatever."

Misty was pouting.

They continued walking, leaving the troublesome Mt Moon behind-

"Clefable! [ Wait !]"

Ash froze. No.

They all turned around to see the large pink Pokémon rushing their way. Ash was pale and slightly drew closer to Brock and grabbed his arm. He let out a small whimper as the fairy approached them. It wasn't the Pokémon's fault, Ash knows this, but he can't help it.

"[ Hello friends, I am so sorry that I interrupting your quest but  I do have a favor to ask of you. ]”

Clafable stopped at a respectable distance. She held a pink egg in her hands.

Oh.

"[ It might be too much, but the clan talked and we came to the decision to allow you to take one of our own ,]" she gestured to the egg in her hold. "[ We did take your aversion to our kind young aura user into account, but yes we concluded that you three can take in a young and raise it. One amongst them is a breeder, yes. Can he approach? ]"

"Um... Brock, she's asking if we can raise her child. She's specifically asking for you to go and get the egg from her."

"Oh!" Brock approached the Pokémon.

They exchanged the egg. Clafable looked back at Ash and bowed.

"[ Maybe you can find yourself to not fear the little one. Starting small might be what you need to one day have one of ours among your ranks but for now, you can find an ally in us all anywhere you go. ]"

Ash held his breath but he nodded back. She turned and walked away, back to the mountain. Once she was out of their sight, Ash was able to relax.

"I still can't get over the fact you can understand Pokémon."

"Mom never taught me how to turn it off. And not all psychics or aura users can fully understand Pokémon either. I was just the lucky bastard that was born with an equal amount of both."

"Language Ash, babies can hear you."

Ash eyed the egg. He shook off the past memories that are trying to mentally trap him. What happened was no one's fault but Ash just so happens to associate the Cleffa line with the incident. He reached out his hand hesitantly, Brock smiled encouragingly. Ash placed his hand on it.

"I'm sorry Cleffa, that was a bad word and I shouldn't have said-" Ash froze again, this time as the little unborn creature reached out with its aura to touch his own. "Oh."

Ash pulled away quickly and continued walking as if the whole exchange didn't happen. "It's a boy. That's rare for them."

His friends blinked at him, Brock and Misty were perplexed by his behavior, Ash didn't explain his fear of the fairy Pokémon, didn't have to, Misty didn't explain hers, so she has no right to demand an explanation of his, Brock knows better than to ask. They could wait.

They continued on, to Cerulean they went.

It was a miracle that they didn't get lost, just as Ash had said, they made it to Cerulean City by lunch time. Misty had noticed someone vandalized the one mile away sign. Ash didn't care until Misty showed him what it said, which irked him and annoyed Brock. Dexter, his Pokedex, has a camera capture function, so he took a picture of it and told Misty they can go to Officer Jenny and report it.  Is it petty? Hell yes, would Gary get in trouble? Probably just a scolding and a 'Don't do it again warning'

"Gary doesn't sound like a good friend."

"Never said he was one, he's Professor Oak's grandson, so all that second hand popularity goes to his head. Uncle Blue is often disappointed in Gary for his attitude."

"Really?"

"Yeah, he often complains that while Gary is smart, he's arrogant and a bully, especially to his younger cousin. That no matter what he says or does, Gary is still a... well..."

"A jacka- jerk?"

"mhm"

"Should adults be saying that in front of children?"

"I don't think so but mom is mainly just happy to be out of the house, it's hard for her to speak with a lot of people since she has my sister to look after, but she tries to make time to visit Professor Oak and the lab, she can't stay long but she makes do."

"So he's so much of an ass that his entire family complains about it to your family but he's the only one who doesn't see he's an ass?"

"Language Misty."

"Pretty much,yeah." Ash shrugged.

Entering the city limits, they immediately looked for a city map or PokeCenter. As they were passing by a bike shop, Ash made a mental note to save up some earnings to replace the bike if nurse Joy ends up not being able to. He's seen Galarian bikes before, they're a bit expensive on the international market but he's sure he can get enough to make a down payment and start a payment plan on one by the time the Indigo league starts. He contemplates telling Misty about his plan, then scraps that idea. It'll be a nice surprise, especially if she thinks he forgot about his promise. They made it to the Pokémon center in no time, and quickly separated, Brock to the front to register them in, Ash to the video phones to make a few calls, and Misty to the officer stationed right inside the center to file a complaint.

Ash nodded as he looked at his email, his grades weren't bad, and the criticism on the assessment of his battle with Brock wasn't harsh, most of the teachers praised him actually. He got a test tomorrow and he got a small essay due for the following day. Nothing worthwhile really, the essay will mainly be about his experience so far in the wild. He mentally debated if he should write about Mt Moon before scrapping the idea and decided to talk about the oddity of braver pokemon trying to steal food from an active trainer camp and how the situation was circumvented. His survivalist teacher would appreciate it.

He nodded to himself before logging off the computer.

"Got what you needed?" Misty came up to him from behind. Ash nodded and hummed as he used his sensitive nose to find the cafeteria. Misty flinched, remembering just how sensitive Ash's nose is, she'll have to see if there's some kind of scent blocker for him for when they reach Celadon City, She's heard rumors about the gym leader's other job. She gently brought it up, he just hummed and shrugged in response. They got in line to get some food, thankfully all services at Pokémon centers are free for trainers to use, they don't have to spend money for food or lodging for their short stay. Brock appeared not long after they started eating, Misty and Brock conversed while Ash stayed mostly silent while sneaking treats underneath his seat to Pikachu and Queenie. The Cat scratch pokemon purred in appreciation as he gave her a good scratch behind the ears.

"So Ash, which pokemon are you gonna use against the sisters? It's usually 3v3 battles."

Ash hummed before shaking his head. He's not in a talkative mood but it doesn't bother Misty all that much. She's gotten pretty good at telling what he means through his body language. Brock is better at it though.

"More importantly, who are you battling? There are three sisters and you can choose only one to bat-"

"Four." Both Ash and Misty spoke at the same time. They looked at each other in bafflement. "Ash's right Brock, there are four sisters that are the gym leaders."

"Kasume," Ash whispered, Misty made a face that went unnoticed by the boys. "If she's at the gym and taking on trainers, it won't be an easy fight. She's the youngest but more battle driven than her sisters. Ethan, the former gym leader, is currently in Unova as there three water gyms opening up there. They are mainly for higher level trainers like multi league runners or veteran trainers. Violet and Lily would be good for trainers getting their first or second badge and Daisy for three and above. Kasume's record unfortunately makes her look incompetent, although it kinda looks more like she's using young, new, or untrained Pokémon in her battles which is putting her at a disadvantage compared to her sisters. Considering her sisters’ personalities, I wouldn't put it past them to purposely do that. Sabotage her, I mean. I've met Mr Ethan once before, he thinks the world of her, I know parents aren't supposed to have favorites but..."

Brock nodded, he's met Ethan as well, the man loves his youngest to death. Brock is honestly surprised that she became one the official gym leaders, that man is extremely overprotective of her and wants her no near Pokémon battles.

Misty was blushing, hiding her face and hoping they wouldn't notice.

"If- if she fights with her preferred or personal pokemon then I would choose her but that's also up to Daisy to give the ok for that to happen. while their parents are away, she's the one in charge."

"You seem to know a lot about the Waterflowers Ash."

Ash just hummed and shrugged again. Well there goes his speaking quota for the day. They finished up their meal and headed off to their rooms. Ash has a test to study for and an Essay to write up. Misty has a lot to think about and a midday nap sounds good.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8 The Not so Sensational Waterflower Sisters

Cerulean City

Kanto, Japan

April 17th

Ash did not want to wake up. There was a wariness in his bones that just refused to allow him to move from his bed. The last few days, nay, the last week, have been exhausting, both physically and mentally. Ash worked and quadrupled checked his essay all day before turning it in the day before, had a mini anxiety attack right before his test, and he's still waiting for the approval request for a gym battle, and that's not even getting into the clusterfuck that was Mt Moon a few days prior. Queenie was on his chest in seconds purring away and Pikachu moved to lay beside his head. 

Nurse Joy told him that it would be a few more days before Sparrow's bandages can be removed but he will still be weeks away before he will be able to battle. Which is fine by him. Carmine and Fae are two pokemon he's using for this but he still has the choice between Pikachu, Queenie, and Butterfree, and Pidgeotto for the third pokemon. Pikachu is the best choice for a water type gym, but he knows from several test battles that Queenie could stand her own against them, but Butterfree and Pidgetto could fly and he knows it could go either way with them. But Butterfree and Pidgeotto both were used against Brock already and they won, they struggled for sure, but won nonetheless. 

Brock didn't underestimate him. It felt nice, not being treated like a little kid. Sometimes it felt like Misty was wearing safety gloves around him sometimes, like he could shatter at any moment. He doesn't blame her for that though, he felt like that at times, like he would just break and nothing he or anyone could do to put him back together.

Where were Brock and Misty?

The door swished open, Ash was facing away from it so he didn't know who it was, nor if they were entering or leaving. Not until he heard soft footsteps approach his bed.

"Hey Ash," Misty called out softly. her cool hand gently pressed on his cheek. "How are you feeling?"

He could barely raise his arm but he did and gave her a so-so gesture. Even that took too much energy. The red head cooed as she rearranged the blankets so she could sit. Ash groaned at the movement, still not bothering to open his eyes. Everything was too much.

"It's alright Ash, take your time, there's nothing going on yet, so rest as long as you need to."

What did Ash do to deserve her friendship? They've barely known each other for two weeks and yet it feels like they've known each other for a lifetime already. He hummed in thought.

He had someone like her before, a good reliable friend. Who was that? Definitely not Gary, that's for sure. 

"Have you met Kasume before? The fourth waterflower sister, I mean."

Ash turned to face her, he wanted to tell her no, but he feels like it would be a lie if he did. His memory isn't the best, and after his father's disappearance and then the Clefable incident made his memory worse.

Ash tried shrugging but it was hard with Pikachu and Queenie on him, so he lifted his hand again. He made what he hopes is a "maybe" gesture. He heard Misty hum before he felt a hand pressed against his forehead. That's the second time she's checked his temperature, did he have a fever or something?

"I can check your email to see if the gym leaders replied."

He gave her a thumbs up.

She got off the bed and shuffled around their room. It was a spacious one, made for multiple occupants, both human and pokemon. Even had its own desk and computer. Big city centers are more luxurious than roadside or town centers, some of the larger cities like Cerulean can have multiple Pokémon Centers scattered around. They decided to head to the one closest to them when they entered the city limits.

Ash could hear Misty booting up the computer, they were lucky that this center has private desktops, Ash does think he couldn't have done his test out in the lobby where anyone could've looked over his shoulder. His anxiety was already through the roof by being so close to -

Misty let a string of curses that could make either a sailor proud or blush.

Ash sat up in worry as he looked over at her. Pikachu and Queenie also looked at her.

"Misty? You ok?"

Misty was angry, Ash has never seen her this angry before. The closest reference he has for this level of fury was the one time his father and uncle caught on when a certain gym leader was doing shady and downright illegal things. Ash frowned, he got a bad feeling and his gut was telling him that whatever Misty came across had to do with his battle request. The dread he's been feeling has probably worsened his condition as they have been in Cerulean City for a few days and Ash made his request the moment after reaching the Pokémon center.

"I'll be right back."

"Mist- and she's gone."

She left the computer on. He got off his bed and moved toward the lit boxy contraption. His mail box was open, his gut told him to not read it, to just let Misty handle it but- oh he has to know what it said.

Oh

Wow

If asked, Ash will say his hand slipped.

It took only a few minutes, but Ash's phone rang.

Click .

"Uncle Lance? Did you get my email?"

"..."

Ash can feel the same righteous fury that Misty was emitting just moments before returning tenfold through his phone.

"My friend- Misty- I told you about her before- she's on her way there. She read it before me- she's from here in Cerulean... oOK... no I understand, I - yes- oh you heard about Mt Moon? -no I'm fine, still a bit shaken by it but fine"

Ash heard the door open once again. He looked over, Brock was giving a confused and concerned look.

"OK, see you soon."

"Who were talking to Ash?"

"My uncle, the league inspector one" Ash gestures Brock closer, motioning to look at the screen. "The gym leader replied..."

Once more Ash felt an anger that just spelt doom to whomever was on the receiving end.

"My uncle wants to meet us there."

"Right-"

"Misty is probably already there, she's fast when she puts her mind to it."

Realization set in for both of them. For Brock, there was a look of resigned horror, Ash on the other hand still had his dead eye impassive expression that rarely changes.

Within seconds the room was left deserted.

Misty has never felt so much rage and revulsion coursing through her veins, how could they?! HOW COULD THEY?! Did they have no shame? Where was their valor? Their honor as gym leaders? How could they do this to their mother’s legacy?

Their father would drop everything and come home if he knew what they did to their mother’s life work and legacy. As much as she misses her father and wants him to come back home, she doesn’t want him back only for him to take away the gym from them and think them unworthy of it, to be disappointed in them. In her.

Misty was only gone for a month, how they have possibly lowered themselves to such a degree that they would do something so shameless. With written proof of them doing such a thing no less.

Her sisters better have a good fucking excuse for doing something so, so audacious!

To basically bribe a trainer to virtually falsify their own battle record so they don't have to actually battle the trainer for the badge and appease their lazy nature.

Oh how she wished she can slam open the doors to the gym for some melodramatic effect, that would really garner their attention. Sadly, she would have to settle with screaming at the top of her lungs as she caught sight of the golden blonde hair of her eldest sister.

“SAKURA WILLIAMS!! HOW FUCKING DARE YOU?!”

She wasn’t alone, their other two sisters were with her. Seeing the three of them, just standing there, laughing obnoxiously. As if they have done nothing wrong.

They jumped at her yell, they gave her a once over before rolling their eyes at her. She can see it, they already wrote her off, not thinking she was here for something important.

“Oh would you look at that, the runt’s returned. Crawling back already? Realized how much of a failure you are?” Lily viciously snarked. Out of all her sisters, Lily was the one that she got along the least, Daisy and Violet didn’t outright bully her as much as Lily does, the pink haired sister is even worse when it's just the two of them, this is as far as she’s willing to go in front of their older sisters who can be a bit more sensible in their teasing.

“Shut it Boton!”

“Girls,” Daisy started.

“YOU!” Misty rounded on the eldest. “I thought you were better than this! How dare you tell a trainer to make something up for a Gym battle evaluation and assessment! Do you know how much trouble they would get into if they did that?! How much trouble would we be in if it came out that they did because you said so? Giving away badges for free?! Really?! Dad would kill us if he finds out about this, the league could take away the gym from us! This is mom’s Gym! We can’t lose mom’s gym just because you three couldn’t give a rattata’s ass about actually doing what it takes to run a gym! It’s not like you guys are doing the hard part! Dad still handles the majority of the administrative work! You guys just have to battle a few trainers a week and then you can do whatever the hell you want. BUT YOU CANNOT JUST GIVE AWAY BADGES NOR CAN YOU TELL A TRAINER TO FALSIFY THEIR RECORDS FOR YOU! WE CAN GET OUR LICENSES REVOKE!”

“Geez not so loud you banshee, Johto wasn’t far enough? Sinnoh definitely heard you this time.”

Misty glowered at her 3rd eldest.

Daisy sighed, “Listen Misty, whatever you think you overheard, it’s not as bad as you might think.”

There was no way to contain her frustration now. What that email said, what it implied, they could lose everything if it came out.

Fuck hiding who she is from her new friend, her future is at stake.

“I read the fucking email, Daisy” she stared hard at the blonde, their shared green eyes made contact. “Just battle the kid- I will battle them.”

“ You ?”

Before she could say anything more someone spoke up behind her.

“Yes her, since I obviously can’t trust you to do your job,” they all blanched when they finally noticed just who it was that interrupted them. It was an older man, one closer in age to their father, a man they know very well.

“Champion Lance!” all four girls exclaimed. This was not good.

“Misty, I’m aware you have made friends with my nephew, do you mind going out there and keeping him company while I talk to your sisters about the email I just read. You’re not in trouble, I can tell you have no part in this scheme.”

Misty paled even further, she nodded quickly and practically ran out the room. It seems both her and Ash have a lot of explaining to do. This is not how she wanted their secrets to be revealed.

Because of course his “League Official uncle” is Champion Lance, because why the fuck not.

Ash and Brock were waiting for her in the lobby, Ash was still in his sleepwear. He nervously cuddled with Queenie, Pikachu surveying the room with a serious look. She felt bad, they probably rushed after her.

“So um-”

“Don’t- Not- not now, please Misty.” Ash begged, giving her wide Growlithe eyes. She felt ashamed, he shouldn’t have found this way.

“Ok” she mumbled inaudibly. 

Brocked sighed, probably about to go into big brother mode.

“Come on you two, let’s get back to the center, let’s let Lance handle this.”

They both nodded, not that Misty saw if Ash did as well, she just knows that he’s not going to give them a verbal response.

“My real name is Kasume Williams, Also known as the youngest sensational Waterflower sister, and the Fourth Cerulean gym leader. Misty was actually my mother’s Stage name as well as her international trainer name. I took it as my own when I officially became a trainer. I- it wasn’t that I didn't trust you because, after everything we’ve been through these past few weeks, I trust you two more than anything.”

As soon as the door to their shared room closed behind them, she let everything out. She knows from experience that she couldn’t let this fester between them.

“Misty, it’s ok” brock smiled at her, it was bittersweet. “You don't have to explain everything.”

She shook her head. “But I do, Brock. I-” she choked on her words.

Ash reached over and held her hand.

They all stayed silent for a few minutes.

Strangely it wasn’t awkward or tense, it was in a way, comforting.

Ash, against all expectation, was the first to break this oddly soft peace.

“My father is Red, uh- former Champion Red.”

Oh.

Oh.

“Oh…”

“Yeah.”

There are implications there, ones neither Brock nor Misty know how to address.

‘Is’ not ‘was’, ‘former’ not ‘late’.

Well, that explains Lance at least.

“Any other secret that would one day be a detriment to our peace of mind, speak now or forever hold your peace.” Brock joked.

“I think my Grandfather might be a former mafia boss.”

Brock and Misty stared at Ash.

“Uh…”

Ash did not blink.

“The Viridian Gym Leader before my uncle Giovanni.”

Well, now the tension just got even more awkward.

Brock, being the responsible older teen he was, clapped his hands to get all their attention again.

“That’s enough of that! Who wants lunch?!”

Right on que, Ash’s stomach growled the loudest.