Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“And I still remember the battle I watched before the day we met,” Ash mused, tickling Pikachu’s cheeks as they marched through the foggy forest. “Gengar against Nidorino, can you believe it? It felt like so long ago, and it’s amazing to look back to see how far we’ve come!”

Pikachu chirped, paws pumping up and down when they spotted the Pokemon Tower. 

They were so far out that Ash’s shadow was illuminated by the stars. 

At the foot of the tower, Ash and Pikachu stared up at the building before exchanging a smile. 

“Remember when we were scared of ghosts even though they’re just pokemon? We were so young and dumb back then.”

Ears twitching in amusement, Pikachu climbed onto Ash’s head, a paw pointed forward as if commanding Ash to go forward. 

The familiar steps down the corridor, the ever-present ghostly weight in the air, the dangling “pull this” welcome message popping with confetti and ribbons. 

Ash and Pikachu carefully stepped across the old wooden floorboards, following their instincts all the way down to the basement. 

They creaked open the door. 

They were hit with two more waves of chillness. 

“How’s everyone doing?” Ash exclaimed, Pikachu squeaking in unison. 

The flickering tv at the corner honed in on them as snacks floated around two occupied chairs. 

Sabrina gave a small wave. “You made it!”

“It’s been a while, Ash,” Agatha said, her Gengar popping out of her shadow like a jack in the box to say hello. 

“It really has been a long time!” 

Ash held out an arm, letting Pikachu sprint across it and onto the ground, both of his paws waving. 

As Pikachu chatted with Agatha’s Gengar, Ash scanned the room, his smile growing as the toys scattered across the room magically shifted before his eyes. 

Agatha and Sabrina glanced over in unison, eyes twinkling as the three wild ghost pokemon showed themselves. 

Two pointy teeth shone in the light. Purplish gas morphed to fit them. Gastly nudged the swing back and forth, giant eyes that represented the very notion of innocence. 

Gengar phased through Ash, giving him a giant grin right up in his face before flying off and bouncing on their beach ball. 

Haunter tapped on Ash’s shoulder, eyes comedically popping out when Ash twirled around with a laugh. 

“And don’t think I forgot about you guys!”

All three wild ghost pokemon happily chirped, swaying back and forth. 

A faint grumble came from Ash’s shadow.

Pikachu and Agatha’s Gengar both glanced over before sharing a smile, their ears twitching. 

Sabrina held a hand over her mouth to stifle a smile, but Agatha simply cackled, saying, “I see you’ve saved another heart, huh?”

Ash blankly stared at her, mouth half-open in confusion. 

Rolling her eyes, Sabrina gracefully gestured around the room. “Come on Ash, you know all three of us can sense them in one way or another.”

The wild ghost pokemon swirled around Ash, practically bouncing off the walls at the notion of a new friend. 

Chirping, Pikachu gestured to Ash, both paws in the air. 

“Oh!” Glancing down at his hands, Ash chuckled. “I guess you’re right!” He stepped to the side, letting his shadow float next to him. “Everyone, meet Gengar!”

Pikachu gestured between Agatha’s and Ash’s Gengar before darting across the room, leaping off of Ash’s head and tackling his team member. 

Ash had a fond gleam in his eyes, sitting next to Agatha and Sabrina as his Gengar flew off to greet everyone, Pikachu cheering from on top of them. 

Agatha’s Gengar stayed put next to their trainer, stretching forward to pat their legs. 

Like they were around a campfire, Ash shared stories about his journeys with Agatha and Sabrina. 

Encounters with ghost pokemon, both megas and dynamaxing involved. How his friends found their way in life, like Chloe and Serena. All the trouble he had gotten into yet all the people and pokemon he’d helped because of it. 

“I can’t count how many times you’ve almost given Lance a heart attack, child ,” Agatha said, jokingly bopping Ash’s head with her cane. 

Ash shot up to his feet, cheeks flushed. “Sorry!” Poking his fingers together, he whispered, “Even more so if he realizes I hadn’t caught just your signature pokemon, but let’s not talk about that right now.”

Agatha only cackled. 

Sabrina shot Agatha an amused look, startling into a chuckle when Pikachu dive-bombed from thin air onto Ash’s face. 

As Ash and Pikachu toppled over, his Gengar swooped in and dramatically raised them up. 

The wild ghost pokemon alternatingly rose and sank; those who had hands enthusiastically clapped. 

Agatha’s Gengar eyed all of them with their hands over their face. 

Ash rolled his eyes, leaning over to pet Gengar’s head. “Thanks buddy, even if I know you were the one daring Pikachu to do it.”

Cheekily tossing Ash onto a nearby couch, Ash’s Gengar sank below the ground with a grin that both Ash and Pikachu copied. 

“No wonder you’ve gotten better at handling ghost pokemon,” Sabrina noted with half-lidded eyes and a smirk across her lips, making Agatha cackle. 

Resting his hand against the nape of his neck, Ash sheepishly shrugged. “Listen, I only started my journey back then.” After a pause, he placed Pikachu on his shoulder and leaned over the couch armrest. “Doesn’t excuse me being a jerk, I won’t lie. Will you three forgive me?”

Gastly twirled across the room, gas trailing around Ash like a hug. 

Gengar stretched and squashed in place to confirm yes.

Haunter made comedic faces right in Ash’s face while drifting up and down. 

Pikachu stifled a laugh as Ash smiled, his tone oozing with endearment, “Are all of you this weird?”

The three wild ghost pokemon snickered. 

Falling into a familiar routine, Haunter zoomed next to Sabrina, juggling bent utensils to make her laugh. 

Gastly danced through the air, trailing Gengar like a little kid while Gengar popped in and out of reality, diving and wriggling to fill random tox boxes around the room. 

If it fits they sit, after all. 

Ash hugged Pikachu, scratching under Pikachu’s chin before stroking his ears. 

Agatha petted along her Gengar’s spines, sharing a quick grin with her Gengar as Ash’s Gengar sat next to their trainer on the couch, nonchalant as if they didn’t. 

Sabrina suggested they play some music in the meantime. Haunter agreed, pulling a whole-ass mini piano from their mouth. 

Gengar shot over, playing on the piano and grinning as everyone else sang along.

They might as well bring out the tea sets to get the party started, right? 

(Cue Agatha’s Gengar helping Gastly by dumping a full cup of sugar in their tea.)

Ash side-eyed his Gengar, smile wavering as they turned away, trying to hide the faint stress lines under their eyes like from when they first met. 

Tilting his head, Pikachu hopped off Ash’s lap onto the ground, tiptoeing over to Gengar. 

“Do you want to rest up in your pokeball?” Ash asked his Gengar, eyebrows furrowed. Gengar awkwardly shuffled closer, patting Ash on the back and tilting their head towards Pikachu. “Ah, I understand!”

Leaning his head against his Gengar’s fuzzy fur, Ash squished his cheek against their side, murmuring, “You know, I really am glad you’re trusting me more now, Gengar. We’re gonna learn to deal even better with each other as time goes on, alright?”

Pikachu shot his team member an amused look as they immediately dipped , sinking beneath the ground again to avoid answering and causing Ash to flop over. 

Ash only grinned at his shadow. 

Not even a minute later, a pecha berry bounced off Ash’s head. 

Pikachu picked it up, brushing it off before munching it, tail twitching as he chirped at Ash. 

Ash held a hand to his head, eyes widening as the sweet smell of berries wafted through the air. 

“Wait-”

Ash’s Gengar dug through his incorporeal body and buried Ash in a mountain of berries. 

After a pause of silence, Pikachu burst out into laughter, leaning against the berries to catch his breath. 

Popping his head out of the berries, Ash mock-pouted at his Gengar. 

The floorboards creaked. 

Everyone watched as the three wild ghost pokemon floated handfuls of berries off, sporting “caught with their hands in the cookie jar” expressions. 

Ash’s Gengar tackled them, Pikachu cheerleading from the sidelines. 

Agatha’s Gengar facepalmed, carefully floating over to their ghost buddies and ready to resolve any conflict.

Ash glanced between Agatha and Sabrina’s identical amused faces, his laughter cutting the tension like a streak of moonlight across the stars. 

Chapter Text

The wind murmured legends of the past, cradling the farm with gentle caresses.

Farm pokemon roamed around the field, a sense of comfort weighing on the people present. 

Ash hopped upon a hay bale, running a hand over the prickly seating. 

Kiawe casually handed him a glass of moomoo milk, his face blank as he sat next to Ash. 

Gasping, Ash clinked glasses with Kiawe, not even trying to bite back a grin. 

They watched Marowak hauling Pikachu around with one hand, framed with the forest in the distance and the twinkling stars above, in comfortable silence. 

“You know,” Ash started, warming his hands against the glass of milk, “You two have grown so much. I’m proud of you guys!”

Glancing over, Kiawe huffed. “I see you haven’t changed a bit. I should have expected that.”

Ash wistfully glanced down at his empty wrist, trailing a finger along the blue veins running along it and pondering whether Nebby was alright. 

While Marowak played boomerang with Pikachu, Ash admitted, “To be fair, you haven’t seen me when I started out.” He took a deep breath, swirling the milk in his glass before downing it. “I saw myself in Marowak, even. I hope I have gotten better as well.”

“Of course!”

Blinking, Ash shook his head before echoing, “ I should have expected that.”

They shared a smile and fistbump, a flaming ocean in their eyes. 

After a pause, they both stifled a snicker, glancing over to where Marowak and Pikachu were rawring at each other, the former sporting a grumpy face while the latter jokingly copied it. 

Like trainer, like pokemon, right?

The grass glowed around them, and flowers sprinkled about the field. 

Ash picked a bundle of stray dandelions and handed them to Kiawe, squeaking when Kiawe leaned over to pat his head. 

While they made flower crowns, they chatted about Mimo and Bonnie. 

Marowak and Pikachu settled down, inching over and adding their own thoughts through grunts and squeaks. 

Ash casually placed his flower crown on Marowak, chuckling when Pikachu hounded Kiawe for his. 

“You two are so cute ,” Ash cooed at Pikachu and Marowak. 

While Pikachu squished his cheeks, innocent eyes gleaming, Marowak lit up their weapon, twirling it with one hand. 

“Cute and badass, thank you very much,” Kiawe said, an eager smile on his face. 

As the smell of copper and ghostly flames crept around them like a hug, Marowak danced in front of them. 

A dance of ancient legends. A dance of roaming winds and hidden shadows. A dance of regrets and recovery. 

Marowak twirled their bone above their head, the fire illuminating their horns and casting streaks of shadow like a halo. 

Sparks of flames against the endless tapestry of space. 

The darkness enveloped them like a heavy velvet blanket, like bedtime storybook pages rocking them to sleep. 

Ash stared into the friendly void, his eyes glowing blue for a split moment. 

The fire faded. 

Marowak strummed their bone like a guitar to finish it off.

Ash and Pikachu clapped, cheering. 

Kiawe fist bumped Marowak. “Wonderful job! I’m proud of you.”

“That was so cool !” Ash and Pikachu said in unison. 

Marowak didn’t respond, but they huddled closer to Kiawe with a smile on their face. 

“I know, right ?” Kiawe said. “I was the one who taught them how to twirl with one hand!”

“Yeah, I figured! Everything else obviously came from Marowak because of how smart they are!” Ash nodded, somehow both complimenting Marowak while taking a jab at Kiawe. 

“Hey, you don’t get to say that,” Kiawe jokingly hissed, shoving Ash on the back. 

Ash laughed, rocking back and forth on the hay bale when Pikachu jokingly presented his flower crown to him. 

Kiawe rolled his eyes, absentmindedly stroking Marowak’s head. “Anyways, dark chocolate and marshmallows? Marowak deserves a treat.”

“Oh, you bet! I’ll race you back!” Ash chirped, already racing off. 

“ Hey -”

Pikachu and Marowak shrugged at each other, sharing an amused smile.

Chapter Text

Pikachu squished Ash’s cheek, chirping directly into Ash’s ear. 

Rolling his eyes, Ash handed Pikachu yet another poffin. 

They both jolted when the poffin disappeared, echoing screams and cries ringing through the ears. 

As shadows descended over them, they couldn’t help the chill creeping through their bodies. 

“Hey, no .”

Ash turned, watching Fantina scolding a Misdreavus, giving them a poke on the head when they playfully bit her hair. 

The illusion dissipated as Fantina gave Ash and Pikachu a wave. “Bonjour! Apologies for my Misdreavus, such a little brat.”

Misdreavus only snickered, gliding around her and chirping to Fantina’s Mismagius.

“Oh, no worries. Bonjour to you guys too!” Ash greeted them with a grin. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Pikachu only side-eyed him. 

As Ash and Fantina chatted about their journeys while walking side-by-side through Fantina’s gym, Pikachu swatted at an amused Misdreavus. 

Mismagius only rolled their eyes. 

Fantina twirled in her dress, dramatically gesturing to Ash. “Oui, don’t think I’ve forgotten about your little countershield either!”

While Pikachu cheered, Ash only offered a weak smile. 

Misdreavus and Mismagius floated up and down next to Fantina, sharing a glance. 

Fantina stopped in place, watching her pokemon silently circling Ash. “All of this is très fantastique and all, but is something bothering you?”

“It’s not you guys,” Ash said in Kalosian.

Pikachu’s ears stiffened. 

“Oh, did you travel to Kalos?”

“Yeah, a year or two ago! Most of the journey was really awesome!”

Fantina’s two pokemon went wild, swirling around Ash like an anxious breeze. 

“Kalos, huh?” Fantina softened her voice as she watched Pikachu squeaking to Ash. “Is that what’s bothering you?”

Ash put his hands up. “Oh, no no, I appreciate the concern though!” Misdreavus and Mismagius both nudged Ash’s shoulder, making his grin waver. “I’m just pretty sensitive to the weather, that’s all!”

The storm clouds rolled across the sky, framed by the windows of the gym. 

Fantina snapped her fingers. “Then you can stay here for a while if you’d like. I’ll get you a blanket!”

“Uh-” Before Ash could say anything else, Fantina already danced away. “Oh-kay...”

Pikachu’s tail twitched up and down. 

Misdreavus nuzzled against Ash’s cheek, softly chirping, falling silent when Ash winced. 

Gaze flitting to the door, Ash rubbed his temples, sharply exhaling. 

While Misdreavus drifted about, Mismagius jokingly curtseyed to Ash, giving Pikachu a little nod. 

Ash chuckled, trying to pretend nothing was wrong. “Hey Mismagius. Having trouble with managing the new member?”

Mismagius dramatically sighed (like trainer like pokemon after all), both of them watching Misdreavus boldly nibbling at Ash’s cap. 

Pikachu narrowed his eyes at Misdreavus, blinking when they used their hair as little claw hands to hand him the poffin they stole earlier. 

Ash patted Pikachu’s head, giving him a nod and smile. 

Huffing, Pikachu took the peace offering, leaping down to playfully chase Misdreavus around. 

Ash and Mismagius watched over the two, the former flinching as Fantina suddenly tossed a blanket over him. 

All three pokemon turned to stare at Ash as he awkwardly cleared his throat, thanking Fantina. 

“...You know, they can sense your feelings,” Fantina said, nodding to Misdreavus and Mismagius. “Would you like for them to help?”

“I don’t want to bother-”

“You’re not. You’re basically a giant buffet for them.”

Ash glanced down at Pikachu, who raised his paws, chittering nonstop. 

Misdreavus dramatically licked their lips, squashing and stretching in place when Ash finally nodded. 

Their red necklace glowed, and Ash could physically feel his adrenaline and cortisol dissolving. 

And a little happiness chant from Mismagius later, Ash sighed in relief. 

“Thank you.”

Fantina copied Ash’s smile when Misdreavus affectionately tugged at Ash’s hair. “So… wanna make a teru teru bōzu with me?” 

Ash’s eyes sparkled. 

“You know I do!”

Pikachu rolled his eyes, curling beside Ash while he continued chatting with Fantina about battles and contests. 

(And Misdreavus and Mismagius sure enjoyed all the head pats Ash gave them!)

Chapter Text

“Remember when even the rocket trio thought we were together?” Ash asked, sharing a laugh with Misty while Pikachu stared out over the speckled gardens. 

“I was so embarrassed. And you were such a kid back then too!” Misty said, voice teasing as she continued, “Didn’t even win your gym battle-”

“ Mist . Pikachu won against your Mega Gyarados already, you don’t get to say that anymore!”

Pikachu agreed with a loud squeak and pout, ears twitching. 

Misty only patted Ash’s head with a grin. “Sure thing, my little bro.”

Grumbling, Ash stopped in place, gaze drawn to an innocent patch of moss and algae even before Pikachu. 

...

Red eyes stared back at them. 

“I see you’ve found Corsola!” Misty said, coaxing a random stone into life. “Cursola is around here somewhere too.” She glanced around, shielding her eyes when stepping past the shaded area. 

“ Corsola ? Are you alright?” Ash squatted next to Corsola, eyes wide when they affectionately bonked against his hand. “They don’t feel like your Corsola, Misty!”

Pikachu hopped onto the ground, chirping to Corsola with a wide grin. 

“They’re a Galarian Corsola,” Misty said, copying Ash’s stance. “I’m not risking bringing my Corsola.”

Watching Cursola wobbling over like a drifting balloon, Ash furrowed his eyebrows. “Not ‘risking’ it? What does that mean?” Pikachu waved a paw at Cursola, tilting his head back and forth to match Cursola’s bounciness. 

While Corsola and Cursola silently stared at each other in greeting, Misty explained, “Climate change and ocean acidification stress Corsola out, and they bleach and starve to death. They aren’t ghost types for nothing.”

“Oh.”

Pikachu patted Ash’s shoe as Ash fell silent. 

They watched Cursola swaying their spooky branches, like they were someone waving their hands at a concert, to try to cheer Corsola up.

While Ash and Misty pondered their futures, Pikachu walk-chased Corsola and Cursola around with a gleam in his eyes. 

“Perish Body,” Misty murmured to herself, squishing her cheek with a hand. “Humanity is on a time limit too...”

Ash shot up straight, oozing so much passion and life that Corsola perked up. “Well that just won’t do!”

“Going off to be the hero again?”

Tsking, Pikachu shrugged in response. 

“...Huh?”

“Being all reckless to save the world?” Misty said, standing up to directly meet Ash’s eyes. 

Corsola and Cursola both stared up at them. 

“I have no clue what you’re talking about!” Ash flatly said, ignoring how Pikachu only huffed, ears wobbling from his headshake. 

They all felt Ash’s experiences with the ocean. But that didn’t matter at the moment. 

“Remember that you’re not alone in this, alright?” Misty responded, lightly punching Ash’s arm when Ash stayed silent. “Hear that, baby bro? It’s not just your job to keep track of the Corsola and Galarian Corsola population, much less protecting both Cursola and humans.”

A tinge of sorrow streaked across Misty’s face, while Pikachu glanced off. 

The tension was choking. 

Ash relaxed, nodding and reaching down to pet Cursola’s ectoplasm. 

“You idiot .” Misty instantly pulled him back, dragging a hand down her face as Ash twitched, paralyzed. “You haven’t changed a bit , huh?”

Corsola bounced up and down in place before scooching next to Ash, deliberately blinking as they processed what just happened. 

Pikachu simply face-pawed, shaking his head as if he should have expected this. 

“And you can’t blame Cursola, even if I know you won’t.” Misty deeply sighed before chuckling, watching Cursola sheepishly shrinking their ectoplasm down. “Don’t worry, Ash, it’ll wear off soon.”

After patting Ash on the back, Misty and Pikachu both reassured Cursola, chatting and bonding over how stupid Ash could be, even if he was right there. 

Corsola only squeaked in amusement, their frown ever-present. 

They aren’t alright, but hopefully they will be!

Chapter Text

“Bug types still your fav?”

“Do I even need to answer that?”

Ash and Tracey both watched Tracey’s new Shedinja lazily darting among the trees, playing hide and seek with Pikachu. 

Chuckling, Tracey said, “They were quite the surprise gift too.”

As the two pokemon met up with their respective partners, Ash grinned, leaning back against the bark of the tree. “They’re the embodiment of protecting those they love, and that’s truly something special!”

Ash followed Shedinja’s movements, sticking his tongue out in concentration as he made his Shedinja plush, periodically glancing over at Tracey sketching Pikachu. 

Pikachu perched on Ash’s knees, munching on a pokepuff and offering one to Shedinja, who simply nudged it with their face. 

“Can I ask what’s with the cape?” 

Tracey followed Ash’s gaze, watching Shedinja hovering in place, cape fluttering in the soft warm breeze. 

“Oh, there’s a myth that if you see the hole on their back they’ll steal your soul. It’s false, but people still freak out.” Tracey shrugged, pencil scritching away. “More importantly, they like the cape.”

Ash and Pikachu exchanged a knowing glance, both beaming at Tracey. 

Shedinja blankly stared at Tracey, eyes slowly swiveling like rattling bells. 

Affectionate!

Ash reached out a hand, smiling when Shedinja landed on his arm and Pikachu climbed onto his head to wave at them. 

Tapping Shedinja’s little horns, Ash trailed along their halo as their wings gave the illusion of flitting up and down. 

Before long, Ash and Tracey exchanged their creations, their pokemon vibrating in place and excitement. 

Shedinja unveiled their stiff little claws, clinging onto Tracey’s shoulder as Tracey took out a washcloth and some natural polish, their halo already glistening like a crescent moon. 

Ash rolled his eyes as Pikachu incessantly squeaked, twirling a brush in his hand and teasing Pikachu with it. 

While brushing and polishing their pokemon respectively, Ash and Tracey chatted about past traveling companions like May, Max, and Misty, and all of the wild adventures they’ve gone through. 

“And maybe one day you’ll actually relax, play a video game like Hollow Knight or something,” Tracey half-joked, packing up his things in preparation for heading back. 

“Ooooo Hollow Knight?”

“It’s a game about bugs!”

“Cool! Aaron will probably like it!”

“...The Elite 4 Aaron?” Tracey asked. Ash only innocently shrugged. “Why am I even surprised.”

Before Ash could respond to Tracey, Pikachu zipped between them on Shedinja’s back, a kid cheering on a rollercoaster. 

Ash and Tracey shared an amused look, shaking their heads in unison. 

Chapter Text

Ash and Pikachu both wordlessly chirped back to Genesect, grinning as Genesect nuzzled them in response. 

Eric propped his cheek up with a hand, gazing at the dimming sky above with a smile. 

While Pikachu surfboarded on top of Genesect across the park, Ash bounced next to Eric, spotting Sableye peeking out of their cave. 

“Hey buddy! Long time no see to you too!”

Sableye scampered over, clawing at Eric and cooing when they got a pat on the head. 

Ash jokingly pouted. “Aw, just gonna ignore me?”

He burst out into laughter when Sableye tackled him, licking his face like a friendly Arcanine. 

Eric stifled a chuckle, ruffling Ash’s hair before sitting at the edge of the Panna Lotus pond. 

Following suit, Ash and Sableye admired the glittery sunset darting across the flower petals, their eyes equally sparkly. 

While Ash chatted with Eric about mega evolution and Mewtwo, Genesect zoomed between them, dropping Pikachu on Ash’s shoulder.

Ash nearly toppled from the weight. 

Pikachu pressed the ripe watermelon he found against Ash’s cheek, causing him to roll his eyes. 

Eric nodded to Pikachu before at Sableye, smiling when the two pokemon chirped at each other. 

Saluting, Sableye easily cut the watermelon into slices, squishing their cheeks when Ash and Eric thanked them. 

Munching on his slice, Eric teased Ash and Pikachu when they already plowed through a slice each. 

To join in the cronch , Sableye swiped dirt at Ash as they dug for rocks to eat, chittering when Ash playfully splashed water at them in return. 

Genesect swooped back to them, clicking happily as they managed to flip Ash onto their back, enjoying the startled cheers as Pikachu and Sableye rode along on Ash’s shoulders. 

Ah, kids. 

Eric shook his head with a small laugh, eyes wide as a blur of blue flew just overhead. 

Chapter Text

Sunlight peeked through the cracks in the tower. 

The brittle wood creaked under Ash’s careful footsteps as he murmured apologies to thin air. 

Pikachu sniffed the residual charred smell, ears twitching as he squeaked to Ash. 

“They’re way more friendly this time around.”

Ash gasped when he turned to greet the newcomer. “Morty!” 

Morty gave a one-hand wave to Ash and Pikachu as the different Gastlys and their evolutions who live in the tower came into sight. 

“And yeah, I’ve grown a lot since our first meeting!” Ash said, Pikachu climbing up to his shoulder. As Morty nodded to the ghost pokemon, Ash glanced back to the front door. “Training my own Gengar helped too?”

While Morty beamed and rambled about his Gengar, different tips and tricks for training a Gengar, Ash politely nodded along. 

Pikachu only stared up at Ash, eyes narrowed. 

As Ash inched towards the exit, Morty’s Shuppet and Banette popped out of their pokeballs, both staring at him and Pikachu. 

“...Hello there!” Ash said, hiding a wince when Pikachu side-eyed him. 

Morty glanced down at Banette hugging his leg before at Shuppet’s twitching horn. 

“Is something the matter, Ash?” Morty asked. 

“Nah, I’m alright! Thanks for asking!” Ash stilled when Shuppet nudged his cheek before giving the pokemon a grin and pat on the head. 

His hand flickered blue for a split moment. 

Pikachu’s ears wilted when Ash flinched and awkwardly laughed. 

“Ash-”

Ash dipped his head before whirling around. “Well it’s been fun, I don’t wanna take up too much of your time!”

Shuppet and Banette both cooed at Morty. 

“No, you’re alright. Can we chat back at my gym?”

“Ah yes your gym, see you there!” Ash said, zooming off with Pikachu stifling a scream when trying to cling to Ash’s shoulder all the way there. 

Morty watched Shuppet and Banette chasing after Ash, the other ghost pokemon awkwardly hovering around him. 

As Morty caught up with Ash, walking by his side through the gym, the pokemon exchanged awkward glances. 

“Sorry about that.” Ash stopped in place, nostalgia pooling in his eyes as he stared over the battlefield. “What did you want to talk about?”

As Shuppet and Banette stared at Ash from behind Morty, Morty asked, “That was aura, wasn’t it?” Ash and Pikachu both froze. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell.”

Ash still stammered with his hands out in front of him, immediately clasping them behind his back when they glowed blue again. 

He bit his lower lip. 

Pikachu patted Ash’s cheek, cooing. 

Before anyone could say anything, Shuppet carefully zipped next to Ash, inhaling all of his negativity. 

...

Shuppet blepped, backflipping with a laugh to entertain everyone. 

Morty only sighed, reaching over and patting Shuppet on the head, chuckling when Banette demanded the same. 

“Uh, thank you. Very much,” Ash said, glancing off when whispering, “Why did I come here again.”

Pikachu didn’t answer him. 

Clearing his throat, Ash continued, “Sorry, I usually have it under control. I can leave if you think it’s too dangerous.”

“It’s ok! Any reason why it’s been acting up?” Morty asked. 

“No clue. Thanks for asking though!” Ash rubbed his eyes, forcing a yawn down. 

Pressing his face against Ash’s shoulder, Pikachu gave a muffled sigh. 

“...Now I’m really sure you weren’t lying when you said you met Ho-oh.”

They stood there in awkward silence. 

Shuppet chirped, taking Ash’s cap and tossing it to Banette, both of them looking expectantly at Ash and Morty. 

“Are you busy tonight?” Morty asked, gesturing to his two pokemon. “Those two always want new friends to hang out with.” 

Ash blinked. “Oh! Pikachu, what do you think?” Pikachu waved a paw in affirmation, hopping onto the ground and chatting with Shuppet and Banette. 

Morty huffed in amusement, chatting with Ash about recent adventures as the pokemon led them to a room in the back. 

Before Ash knew it, he was snuggled in a pillow fort next to Morty. 

He scanned the mountains of pillows and stuffed dolls piled upon blankets, the random threads lying about, even poking out of the pockets of the dolls. 

Pikachu shoved the stash of Liechi berries away from Ash, curling next to him as Shuppet and Banette put on a puppet show for them, adorned in top hats and bows and all. 

Ash gradually relaxed, deliberately illuminating the area with a soft blue glow. 

Morty took out a bedtime legends book, leaning over to use Ash as a night light and audience. 

While listening to Morty and tucking Pikachu closer to him, Ash silently slipped into snoozing. 

Chapter Text

“Hey we’re gotten better at not being too overconfident!” Ash and Pikachu both exclaimed, sitting up on the grass.

Phoebe snickered, tossing a sitrus berry to her Dusclops. “I’ll pass the message along to Drake.” 

As Phoebe’s ghost pokemon lingered around the area like guardians, Ash pumped his fists up and down. “We really have! It’s why I start with a new team every region!” 

Pikachu bounded up and down in place, tail accidentally smacking Ash in the face. 

“It’s one thing to be overconfident, it’s another to be too modest.” 

Ash blinked, watching Phoebe nuzzling against her Dusknoir. “Too ‘modest’?” 

Sending Dusknoir on their way, Phoebe nodded. “This whole time, I haven’t heard you talk about any of your accomplishments. Steven mentioned you to us for a reason!” 

Ash and Pikachu exchanged a glance, the former musing, “Steven mentions us? Are you here to be our bodyguard because we get in so much trouble?”

Phoebe rolled her eyes. 

As they gossiped about Steven and by extension the rest of the champions, Phoebe’s ghost pokemon scattered about like leaves tumbling in the wind. 

Duskull zipped through the nearby building, single eye rattling around as they tried to spook Ash and Pikachu. 

Like a spoopy little squishy bean bag, Duskull plopped onto the grass next to Ash and Phoebe. 

“You’re quite a bold one,” Ash said to Duskull, grinning when Dusclops zipped over with a pile of sitrus berries before shyly disappearing again. 

When Pikachu chirped, Ash clapped his hands together. “Oh yeah! And remember that time when a Dusknoir saved Angie and me from being taken to the spirit world, Pikachu?” 

Pikachu waved a paw, scooching next to Duskull, trying and failing to win in a staring contest against them. 

Phoebe fiddled with the grass, joking, “Wouldn’t want to be taken to the Reverse World as the myths say, right?” 

She tilted her head when her Dusknoir chomped in agreement from the shadows. 

Eh, surely Ash and Pikachu haven’t actually been to the Reverse World.

Right? 

Ash interrupted Phoebe’s train of thought with another ghost story, laughing when Pikachu hopped back onto his shoulders, animatedly adding details and gestures. 

She’ll ask Steven later. 

For now, they’ll just have fun, exchanging stories as if they were around a campfire under the stars. 

Chapter Text

“And look how good they look together!” Ash exclaimed, showing Bonnie pictures of Kukui and Burnet. “I helped plan for their wedding too!” 

Bonnie slung her arms over a nearby Drifblim as if they were a giant plushie. “You and Serena would look good together too!” 

Only the sound of snoozing Drifloons and Drifblims piled on top of each other answered Bonnie. 

“Ash! Don’t tell me you still haven’t realized-” Bonnie started with a pout. 

Ash laughed. 

He patted Bonnie’s head before leaning back against a Drifblim. “I don’t need a romantic partner to be fulfilled in life.” Ash scanned the rocks, waving towards the tuft of yellow fur. “Isn’t that right, buddy?”

Pikachu waved from beside Dedenne, both of them squeaking when jumping up and down. 

While Bonnie patted the fuzzy cloud on top of the Drifblim, Ash rambled on about his friends, tossing a spare pebble up and down. 

“-nd May and Dawn are great coordinators too! Point is, I love my friends, and that’s more than enough for me.” 

“I never thought about it that way.” Bonnie watched the little Drifloons holding each other’s strings and zooming about, like little kids up at the wake of dawn when everyone else was sleeping. 

Ash scooped Bonnie up to give her a piggyback ride. “In the meantime, how about we do some cloud watching? Whaddaya say?” 

Pikachu and Dedenne scampered up Ash’s shoulders, cheeks sparking in unison. 

Bonnie cheered. 

The flock of Drifblim and Drifloon drifted over them like a swarm of bubbles, contrasting the sun sliding down the sky as if playing peek-a-boo with the planet. 

Chapter Text

“Do you remember me?” Pause. “Of course you do, who am I kidding? I can’t even imagine what you must be feeling right now.” 

Ash and Pikachu bathed in the moonlight, both sitting in front of the Hallowed Tower in silence. 

“...I chatted with Cynthia about her Spiritomb, and this was what she suggested.” Pulling out his guitar, Ash murmured, “I know there are some people or pokemon who don’t like music, but I sure haven’t met them yet.” 

Strumming and absentmindedly humming, Ash watched Pikachu scampering around the tower, ears twitching as he stared up at the sky. 

While the gentle music trickled through the air like perfume, Ash’s aura shimmered under his hands, pulsing and healing. 

“I can’t say you’re evil. Call me naive, but even if your experiences only explain your behavior, not excuse it, I still think you deserve another chance. So… I hope you keep that in mind.” 

Pikachu curled up next to Ash as only the melody of Ash’s guitar accompanied them. 

As his music faded into the night, Ash stood up and bowed to the tower. 

“...We’ll see you around, Spiritomb.” 

Pikachu hopped onto Ash’s shoulder, silent as they turned around to leave. 

“So you are an aura guardian!” 

Ash and Pikachu both startled, the former immediately stammering, “Wha- what? No I’m not, I said I was gonna be a pokemon master, didn’t I? How long were you- Please don’t tell anyone- What do I-... Hi?” 

The familiar old woman only cackled. “Fate is so strange!” Ash and Pikachu both offered her an awkward smile. “So what have you two been up to these days, you little rascals?” 

Chapter Text

Ice crystals drifted like sandstorms, sparkling in the dimming sunlight. 

“Missed us again!” Ash teased, tilting to the side to avoid Glalie’s ice beam. 

Pikachu jokingly waved a paw, rolling to the side as Glalie chased after him, their laughs echoing across the snowy mountain. 

“Can you keep it down?” 

Ash and Pikachu froze at the familiar voice, their eyes wide as a Froslass floated by with a camera, her body shimmering in the icy breeze. 

“Paul!” Ash and his pokemon beamed, grinning at Froslass as she took a picture of them. “It’s been so long, I wasn’t expecting you two to actually be here!”

“Ash.” 

Clapping his gloves together, Ash chirped, “I like your scarves!”

Paul narrowed his eyes, squishing down in his multitude of scarves. 

“It was a compliment!”

“You can shut up now.”

“No wonder you and Froslass get along so well,” Ash laughed before falling silent, a smile still on his lips. 

They stared over the landscape in comfortable silence, their pokemon playing with each other in the background. 

Glalie and Froslass made beautiful ice decorations while Pikachu clawed out a very mediocre ice carving. 

While Pikachu and Glalie chittered to each other and laughed at Pikachu’s attempt, Froslass zipped around them like an elegant cloud. 

After a long pause, Paul sighed, huffing out a puff of visible air. “...Thanks.” 

Ash tossed an item to Paul, his grin gleaming like sunlight gliding across water. “Thank you .” 

As Ash went to play with the pokemon, Paul stared at the item in his hand. 

A soothe bell, huh? 

Chapter Text

“Science is so amazing!” Ash and Clemont yelled in unison. 

Only the sound of Rotoms zipping through the air and electronics followed. 

Clemont blushed, even more so when Ash exclaimed, “I’m glad you’re so passionate about this still!” 

“Yeah…!” 

Ash side-hugged Clemont, eyes sparkling as Clemont continued working on his inventions. 

Pikachu raced around the room, paws swatting up at Rotoms as they played little pranks like writing silly messages on electronics and floating appliances by haunting them. 

Even Ash’s Rotomphone chirped in greeting at one point. 

Ash and Clemont casually chatted about everything from Rotom in different forms to the Rotom pokedex to the latter getting along with Sophocles. 

In this cozy room filled with papers and metal, the different Rotoms sparked, surrounding and nuzzling Ash and Clemont like little Growlithes, while Pikachu pouted from afar. 

Chapter Text

On a normal afternoon, Ash and Pikachu zoomed through the sky on a rollercoaster of gravity, laughing as they weaved between the floating pillars and crystals. 

After making faces at the crystals as if they were funhouse mirrors and theorizing about the possible locations those crystals corresponded to, they waved down at Newton. 

Chirping, Giratina floated down and landed next to Newton with Ash and Pikachu still perched on top of their head. 

Pikachu scampered across Giratina like they were an obstacle course, while Ash yelled down to Newton about alternate timelines and the mirror world. 

Before long, Giratina was comfortable curled up, purring as Ash scratched their horns and fed them pokepuffs. 

While fiddling with his electronics, Newton said, “No wonder you guys weren’t that phased by Giratina. Knowing you, you probably met the champions too, right?” 

As if expecting the answer, Pikachu slid down Giratina’s tail like a waterslide, smirking up at Ash. 

Ash snickered. “Yeah, we’re all really good friends!” At Giratina’s head wobble, Ash yelled again, “Don’t tell them about Giratina though, alright? Especially Lance, I don’t think he could handle it!” 

“Forget studying legendary pokemon, I wanna see that instead-” Newton joked. 

“ Don’t .” 

Giratina only laughed. 

Chapter Text

“You know, I’m really glad you got him back.” 

James wordlessly hummed in affirmation, continuing to polish his Yamask’s mask while said Yamask clung to his shoulder. 

Ash scratched Pikachu’s cheek, feeling the tickling of grass on his back and neck and the looming of stones over them. 

“I wasn’t expecting you to catch one too, twerp.” 

Ash’s Galarian Yamask zipped around the shadows, silently watching over them with giant purple eyes. 

Yamask on the other hand, held one of James’s shiny bottle caps in his beak, softly cooing. 

“What can I say? Yamasks really are cute, and I still stand by that,” Ash responded, with Pikachu trampling all over his face. “Mine isn’t as prone to touch as yours, but I respect them.” 

“I didn’t expect any less from you,” James softly said, handing Yamask his mask back, smiling when Yamask began play-fighting with Ash’s Yamask. 

Chuckling, Ash reminisced about how the Rocket Trio had essentially been his longest traveling companions. 

Pikachu squeaked, smugly grinning at James while James tried and failed to scowl at his “enemies.”

“So it’s no wonder that-” Ash cut himself off, sitting up with wide eyes. 

James and Pikachu both gazed towards where Ash did, shielding their eyes when the two Yamasks glowed in unison. 

Pikachu padded over, clapping his paws when both pokemon revealed themselves. 

Ash hopped onto his feet, cheering and jumping to the sky. 

James remained seated, laughing when Cofagrigus scuttled towards him on ghostly hands, very affectionately chomping on his arm. 

While Runerigus blended into the nearby stones, making stray rocks float to entertain Pikachu, Ash twirled around, holding a hand up to James. 

“Congrats!” Ash grinned when James high-fived him back, joking, “Now please kindly blast off already.” 

Chapter Text

Swinging his legs over the dock, Ash admired the twinkling of sun rays reflecting off of the ocean surface like a field of dazzling stars. 

“Are you lost again?” 

Pikachu stopped frolicking across the wooden dock, glancing up at Marlon with Ash in unison. 

“Surprisingly no! We’re just resting up before going to visit Meloetta!” Ash responded, greeting Marlon and his Wailord with a wave. 

As Ash got to his feet, Marlon’s Frillish and Jellicent burst from the ocean. 

Eyes wide, Ash and Pikachu watched them dance through the air, glimmering with water droplets and bioluminescence. 

“Fancy!” Ash exclaimed, clapping and grinning. “You’re all still so amazing, I really wanna battle with you guys in the future!” 

Bouncing on his feet, Pikachu waved his paws in agreement. 

“We’d be happy to!” Marlon responded. “Isn’t that right?” 

Frillish and Jellicent bobbed up and down as if drifting in the ocean breeze, their crowns twitching as they stared at Ash. 

“Cool!” 

Pikachu hopped next to Ash, chirping in annoyance as Ash splashed ocean water at him. 

While Marlon shielded his eyes and glanced out towards the ocean, Frillish and Jellicent watched Ash’s hands flickering blue and gold with wide eyes. 

Marlon put his swim goggles on, saying, “In the meantime, we’re going snorkeling for fun, do you want to join us?” 

“Maybe another day, thanks!” Ash said, finger-gunning at Marlon. 

“Whatever floats your boat!” 

After Marlon dove into the ocean, Frillish and Jellicent deliberately pausing for a split moment before doing the same, Pikachu smugly squeaked at Ash. 

Ash blushed, shoving Pikachu’s face away from him. “No of course not, of course I don’t have a squish on him!”

Pikachu only rolled his eyes. 

Chapter Text

Ash and Pikachu waded through the darkness, scrambling to stabilize themselves with the nearby bookshelves as their eyes adjusted. 

There was a faint purple glow pulsing from the distance, wafting alongside the smell of essential oils. 

Pikachu’s ears flickered. 

“Hello?” Ash called out, blinking when a pair of eyes stared back at him. “Oh, hello! Where are we?” 

“...How did you even get here?” 

Before Ash could answer, a Lampent drifted over, purple light glimmering like a lighthouse beacon. 

“Hello Lampent!” Ash paused for a moment, glancing over at Pikachu. “Did we die or something?” 

Lampent creaked in laughter, flipping through the air and picking up a Litwick in their arms like they were a lantern. 

“I can reassure you, they’ll make you drowsy at most.” 

Ash nodded, staring into Litwick’s flame and shrugging. “I’m Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, and this is my partner Pikachu!” 

Pikachu chirped, waving a paw in greeting. 

“I'm Shauntal, elite four ghost type user.” Shauntal tapped her pen against her cheek before patting the chair next to her. “You’re the one both Unova champions mentioned, right? Said you’re an adventurer.” 

Rubbing the nape of his neck, Ash said, “I guess!” 

As Ash awkwardly took a seat, Lampent plopped Litwick next to them, floating up to greet the chandelier that is Chandelure. 

Pikachu squeaked, batting at Ash’s hair. 

“No, Pikachu, you know how I feel about that.” 

Smug, Pikachu climbed to Ash’s head, making grabby hands up at Lampent and Chandelure while Ash rolled his eyes. 

Shauntal eagerly took notes in her notebook. “You seem to have a very close bond with your pokemon! Is electric your favorite type?” 

Ash, while absentmindedly petting Litwick’s waxy body, said, “Nah, I like all pokemon types! I know ghost and dark types get a bad rep, but I think they’re super cool!” 

“My sentiments exactly!” 

Before long, they were chatting about aesthetics, Incineroar being a dark type pokemon, and Ash’s Incineroar. 

Pikachu continued grabbing up at Lampent and Chandelure, like a little kid trying to grab at the twinkling stars above. 

Isn’t this what life is all about? 

Chapter Text

Pidoves flew overhead like a swarm of Combee, their songs intertwining with the buildings around. 

Pikachu dug his claws against Ash’s shoulder, ears swiveling for noises. 

“This place brings back memories, doesn’t it?” 

Chirping, Pikachu side-eyed Ash, a paw grabbing at the sky. 

Ash only chuckled, twirling around when a group of Goletts rolled by with a greeting. “Yeah, that did feel like a fever dream. At least it’s over now, so don’t you worry about me, ok?” 

While the Goletts playfully marched around Ash, Pikachu hopped off Ash’s shoulder, falling in line with them with excited chirps. 

The earth shook. 

A giant shadow slid over them like the horizon sliding over the sun, turning the ambiance to comfortable darkness. 

“Hey Goh, down here!” Ash called out. 

Goh patted Golurk’s head, waving to Ash and the pokemon surrounding him as Golurk set a hand down for them. 

Golurk set Ash and Pikachu on their shoulder, stoic as the myriad of Goletts climbed over them, trying to reach the Pidoves perched on Golurk. 

Before Ash could even get a word out, Goh started rambling about Unova legends and ancient civilizations, particularly the one about Victini. 

Ash and Pikachu exchanged an awkward glance before genuinely grinning up at Goh. 

“Sounds interesting! I wonder where Victini is now?” Ash said, swinging his legs while admiring the view from Golurk’s shoulder. “Ok not gonna lie, I kinda miss Cilan's macarons now.” 

Pikachu, tightrope-walking across a row of Goletts, softly cooed in agreement, his ears jokingly drooping. 

While Golurk gently swayed in amusement, Goh laughed, “Ash, come on, you’re hungry again? Golurk, onwards please!” 

After saluting, Golurk let the group of Goletts roll off of them before trodding forwards into the sun, cinematic style. 

Chapter Text

“And then they evolved into Sirfetch’d!” Ash explained, focusing on polishing a Honedge while Pikachu hopped onto the back of the bench with a loud squeak. 

“Uh-huh, sword and shield,” Sawyer said, watching his Aegislash zipping around the garden and greeting the other wild Honedges and Doublades. “Can we go back to how you met Wikstrom? Seriously, what is with you and meeting famous people? Even champion Steven seems to know you beforehand.” 

Exchanging a glance with Pikachu and watching him chase after Aegislash, Ash sheepishly rubbed the nape of his neck. “Oh yeah, we met him back in Hoenn, don’t think he was the champion back then. Funny how things turned out!” Yawning and sending Honedge off, Ash murmured to himself, “I wonder how Zacian and Zamezenta are doing?” 

Only the comfortable sound of buzzing Combees and muffled clanking of Doublades followed. 

Scribbling in his notepad, Sawyer leaned back against the bench. “Yeah, and Diantha too...” he trailed off, furrowing his eyebrows. “So uh, about the Kalos Crisis… Are you doing alright?” 

Ash blinked. 

Smiling, Ash jokingly patted Sawyer on the head. “You’re too kind. Yeah I’m alright, don’t worry about it. Speaking of Kalos, I should go look for Greninja too, wonder how he and Zygarde are doing? Oh, and have you recently gotten in contact with Alain? I would love to have a rematch with both of you sometimes!” 

Pikachu and Aegislash instantly popped out of nowhere and chirped in agreement, causing Sawyer to sweatdrop. 

“Yeah…!” 

Chapter Text

The sun rays scattered through the forest canopy, shining onto the picnic blanket like a kaleidoscope. 

A flock of Fletchlings perched on top of the trees, pecking at the branches to determine whether the tree was a Trevenant or not. 

While the wild forest pokemon swung back and forth on remotely controlled vines, Ash and Pikachu munched on their homemade sandwiches. 

“My pokemon friends are so amazing. They’ve really grown so much!” Ash exclaimed, stifling a laugh when Pikachu gave muffled squeaks through his full cheeks. 

Brock cut the crust off of another sandwich, handing it into the tiny nubby arms of a nearby Phantump. “Completely skipping over your human friends I see-”

“That’s not what I mean Brock! Just let me be nostalgic, alright?” 

Scanning the protective root systems around them placed by Trevenant, Brock stayed silent. 

Phantump munched on their sandwich, cheeks squishing as they nuzzled against Ash and Pikachu. 

“You’re right though. I really do love my human friends as well.” Ash cradled Phantump in the crook of his arm, continuing, “Have you chatted with Cilan or Mallow recently? Even Clemont? You all should have a cooking contest, see who’s best!” 

Pikachu immediately chirped in agreement. 

“Still hungry, I see.” Brock huffed out a laugh. “So you’re not even gonna support your longest traveling companion?” 

Absentmindedly rocking Phantump, Ash stuck his tongue out at Brock. “Sorry, but you have competition!” 

“Honestly, good. You wouldn’t be able to survive without a babysitter-”

“ Hey .” 

“What do you mean hey not even five minutes ago you said how this Trevenant just yoinked you away!” 

“That’s not my fault!” 

Pikachu glanced back and forth between the two of them, a smug grin on his face. 

Brock ground his knuckles against Ash’s head in response, causing both of them to laugh. 

Chapter Text

“I heard the news. How are you guys holding up?” Ash asked, weaving between the pumpkins and watching darkness take hold of the world. 

“Why do you and your stupid little Pikachu care?” Jessie hissed, glaring down at Ash and Pikachu. 

Her Gourgeist copied her expression, scowling at them as well. 

Ash nudged a stray pumpkin with a foot before answering, “Well, you guys may be annoying, but you were never that bad.” 

Pikachu chirped, waving a paw in agreement. 

Jessie’s face turned red with anger, but she only stayed silent. 

While watching Gourgeist twirling and spinning in the air to try to cheer Jessie up, Ash said, “You could still coordinate. You could still set up a food shop. You could choose your own path now!” 

“Tsk. Typical twerp.” 

A loud meow rumbled from amidst the pumpkins. 

Several pairs of yellow eyes lit up from the shadows. 

Gourgeist’s fangs gleamed under the moonlight as the swarm of Pumpkaboos danced in the air, their yellow lights flashing like kaleidoscopes. 

Ash and Pikachu’s smiles widened when Jessie tried to pretend she wasn’t smiling as well. 

Chapter Text

“And can you believe Arceus just showed up?” Meray exclaimed, stars in her eyes. 

Absentmindedly shaking his head, Ash munched on his donut and watched Hoopa and Pikachu playing together. “They sure don’t do that often, I’m surprised.” 

Pikachu jumped through Hoopa’s teleporting hoops, with Hoopa freely following him. 

“You know, I’m more surprised how blase you are about it.” Meray gestured over the rebuilt city. “Most people have never seen one legendary! Let alone- And you rode on Latios and Lugia?” 

Ash gave the slightest wince before grinning. “Yeah, it was so fun! Soaring through the sky felt really nostalgic too.” 

As Meray pondered his words, Ash finished his donut, glancing down at Pikachu and immediately saying, “Oh, hello, you aren’t my Pikachu. Where’d you come from?” He stood up, leaning over the railings and scanning the landscape. “Hoopa, this trick didn’t work on me last time!” 

Meray watched as a large golden ring materialized above Ash, slowly inching away. 

“Alléhooparing!”

Blinking, Ash yelped as a cascade of water dumped onto him. 

“Were you surprised, Ashkan?” Hoopa snickered alongside Meray as Ash glared at them. 

Ash’s Pikachu hopped through another of Hoopa’s rings, giving Ash a smug grin and victory sign. 

Water still dripping off his hair and clothing, Ash chased after Hoopa and Pikachu, threateningly gliding along the water like it was second nature. 

“Nostalgia is right,” Meray murmured with a smile. 

She didn’t notice her necklace flickering gold. 

Chapter Text

The warm Alolan air shimmered in the heat, a wave of blankets engulfing the land while sunshine poured from above. 

While stopping for a rest with Ash, Hau let out his Decidueye. 

“Hello Decidueye, it's been a while!” Ash and Pikachu greeted, the former setting down his bag, blinking when it moved on its own. 

“Looks like the gang’s all here,” Hau joked. 

Rowlet grumbled, poking his head out of Ash’s bag, taking in the sunlight that is Ash and Pikachu. 

“Just when did you get in here?” Ash asked, scooping Rowlet out, laughing when Rowlet swiveled his head to look over at Hau and Decidueye. 

After drowsily flying onto Ash’s head, Rowlet claw-shook with Decidueye while their trainers exchanged a smile. 

Ash reached up, tickling the ball of fuzz that is Rowlet, smile wavering when watching Hau cheerfully chatted with his Decidueye. 

“Remember our league battle?” Ash asked, trying not to force a smile when Pikachu’s ears flicked up. “It still makes me feel… pretty icky. I’m sorry.” 

Hands interlocked behind his head, Hau said, “In the end, you definitely proved you’re stronger. I had to learn to be better at losing eventually.” 

They both involuntarily winced. 

“...I know how that feels, but it still didn’t exactly feel fair ,” Ash said, pursing his lips when Rowlet already dozed off once more. As Pikachu chirped to him, he murmured, “I don’t know , Pikachu, you know I just don’t tell people I’m champion.” 

Decidueye nudged Hau’s arm, giving him a nod. 

Hau grinned. 

“Then how about a battle to settle it, once and for all?” 

After poking Rowlet awake, Ash exclaimed, “You know I’m never one to back down from a challenge!” 

Chapter Text

“Pikachu, use Iron Tail!” 

Pikachu dramatically soared through the air, tail sheening with metal as he yelled a battle cry. 

He sliced his tail through a poni radish. 

While feeding a group of sensu Oricorio, Hapu snickered. 

“Way to go, Pikachu!” Ash yelled, grinning when Pikachu waved a paw, scampering over with the plate of cut radishes on his back. 

After handing the plate over to Hapu, Ash scratched under Pikachu’s chin, wordlessly cooing to him. 

Brushing dirt off of his paws, Pikachu gestured over to the Oricorios, eyes as wide as Ash’s as the Oricorios gracefully danced in front of them. 

Ash observed Oricorios’s fans waving in the air, his voice pooling with nostalgia. “Do they remind you of home too, Pikachu?” 

With his ears flopping to the side, Pikachu nodded, squeaking a goodbye as the Oricorios pecked at the radishes before hopping off. 

“So Alola isn’t your home, Alola champion?” Hapu joked. 

“Oh, no, I’m still not used to people calling me that,” Ash said with his hands in front of him, jokingly glaring at Pikachu’s eye roll. “It's really ok if you don’t call me that.”

“...I am so glad I was wrong about you.” 

Chapter Text

It was a cliched bliss. 

The thrilling symphony of the winds, the bubbling of waves lapping over the sand, the trickling of sand when kicked. 

Ash and Pikachu raced across the sand, both of them twirling around Kukui, their laughter ringing through the air. 

A red shovel burrowed out of the sand. 

“A Sandygast!” Ash exclaimed, squatting and greeting the little mound while Pikachu playfully hopped on Ash’s head. 

“Mhm. I hope you don’t anger this one and get our house eaten by a Palossand again,” Kukui dryly joked, hands on his hips. 

Ash gave Sandygast a little pat on the back, joking back, “Why would I do that? Palossand is right over there anyways.” 

Sandygast bounced up and down, waving a pile of sand that is a chubby arm towards the distance. 

Kukui couldn’t help but facepalm as Ash and Pikachu ran directly at the Palossand, the latter immediately climbing one of Palossand’s towers and cheering from above. 

By the time Kukui caught up to them, Ash was offering colorful pebbles up to Palossand as an apology for when they first met and fussing over how they were still drenched from yesterday’s rain, eliciting a low grumble from both Sandygast and Palossand. 

“...Only you, Ash. Only you.” 

Chapter Text

Fake plastic candles and fairy lights shone like wreaths, illuminating the bookshelves looming over. 

Lounging on bean bags, Ash and Acerola joked about Nanu and his Meowths while sharing tips about their Gengars. 

Acerola’s Mimikyu, Mimikins, wiggled back and forth in excitement, holding a few assorted cloth patches and buttons.

The clacking of knitting needles echoed around the library, followed by the near silent punctures of sewing needles through fabric. 

While Ash dangled his vibrantly red and yellow striped scarf over Pikachu like a blanket, Acerola chatted with Mimikins about costume design choices. 

As Mimikins tried on different outfits, bobbing and twirling in the air to show off, the audience clapped and cheered for them. 

After dramatically high fiving Ash and Acerola like they were fans awaiting their arrival, Mimikins zipped around Pikachu before drifting across the air with their inky tentacles.

Ash and Acerola both laughed when Pikachu tripped over his scarf and tumbled after Mimikins, scowling as Mimikins playfully phased through the walls. 

Chapter Text

Wingulls soared overhead, cawing to the skies as it settled into the same color as the ocean. 

Lana was sitting on the top of the stairs leading down to the beach, smiling while reading a letter from Ida. 

“Do you remember when you and Popplio performed Hydro Vortex for the first time?” 

While Ash slung his arms over the fence railings snaking across the edge of the cliff, Lana answered, “How could I not? That Dhelmise was so angry at us!” 

Ash held out his arm, letting Pikachu hop onto and balance on the railings. “Come to think of it, why was that? We didn’t approach or agitate them after all.” 

Standing up and folding up her letter, Lana said, “Even if they were dangerous, I really don’t believe they were evil or anything like that. I think they were just having a bad day.” 

“Mm yeah!” Ash and Pikachu both glanced out over the ocean. “I wonder how they’re doing right now?” 

“Same here.” 

Deep in the ocean, Dhelmise, with their long chain of seaweed, was still dragging around Team Rocket’s Bruxish submarine. 

The friendly Skrelp grouped around them like Combees around a bouquet of fragrant flowers. 

“Oh, speaking of Dhelmise, what other dangerous adventures have you been through recently?” Lana asked, a gleam in her eyes. 

Pikachu sported the same gleam in his eyes, but Ash simply rolled his eyes. 

Chapter Text

First they were soaring through the air on Nebby’s back. 

Then they were falling through the air onto Gladion. 

Plastic scattered across the ground. 

“ Ow ,” Ash and Pikachu hissed. “Nebby, just why did you do that?” 

Gladion, still squished under Ash and Pikachu, flatly said, “And why are you two always falling from the sky ?” 

“...Gladion! I didn’t expect to see you so soon!” 

Pikachu also squeaked in excitement, ears twitching as he hopped onto the ground. 

“And you think I did ?” Gladion retorted. 

Ash sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, tumbling onto the ground and scooping up the fallen packets of star candy, grinning as Pikachu pawed packets farther away towards him. 

While Ash and Gladion chatted about their newest adventures and reminisced about past events, such as learning about Necrozma and their different forms, Nebby ran across the sky through different wormholes, playfully chased by a Lunala. 

“And remember that time you literally tackled Faba?” 

“Good times!” Ash chuckled, stiffening when Nebby raced by and licked his entire face, rolled his eyes when Pikachu cackled. 

Gladion sighed, shaking his head as Ash cooed at Nebby, beaming brighter than the sun. 

Lunala hovered next to them, sporting the same equal parts fondness and exasperation, chirping as they nudged Gladion. 

After patting Lunala on the head, Gladion watched them elegantly twirling in place before tagging Nebby and soaring off. 

“Go get ‘em, Nebby!” Ash cheered, waving alongside Pikachu as Nebby playfully raced after Lunala. 

As Gladion glanced between Ash and the two legendaries, he murmured, “I’m glad you were the one chosen to look after them.” 

“Huh?” 

“Nothing.” 

He deliberately ignored Pikachu’s smug smile. 

Chapter Text

“So I died again in that timeline,” Ash summarized, staring down at the rainbow wing in his hand, sporting a weak smile when Pikachu made a “disappointed but not surprised” face. 

As ghostly figures strolled through the cities behind them, Marshadow silently slinked out of Ash’s shadow. 

“And have you been looking over us this whole time?” 

Marshadow shut their eyes in affirmation. 

Ash cradled the rainbow wing to his chest, saying, “Well, I do want to thank you for it.” As Pikachu chirped in agreement, Ash pondered, “I do want to ask something though. How did you do a z move without a trainer?” 

Cracking open an eye, Marshadow gestured upwards. 

Soft chuckling drifted through the air. 

“If it isn’t the chosen one himself.” 

Sir Aaron materialized before them, giving a little wave and laugh when seeing Ash and Pikachu’s widened eyes. 

Ash couldn’t help but take a step back when Sir Aaron floated down next to an unamused Marshadow, bowing and continuing, “It’s an honor to meet you.” 

“No, it’s an honor to meet you !” Ash said, also bowing, breaking out of his serious demeanor when Pikachu nearly fell when trying to copy his pose. “Can you please tell us how Lucario is doing?” 

“He sends his warmest regards. He’s actually told me all about you two!” 

Pikachu beamed, patting Ash’s cheek and grinning when Ash’s eyes glistened with hope. 

The rainbow wing in Ash’s hands glimmered just a little brighter, but it was more than enough for Marshadow. 

Chapter Text

“And what did Lana call it back then?” Lillie asked, patting Snowy while fiddling with a pen. 

Ash bounded over with a grin, responding, “Boom boom spark spark!” 

“You two really come up with the strangest ideas.” Amusedly putting a hand over her mouth, Lillie said, “Who else would think to out-perform two ultra beasts?” 

“What can I say? Fireworks are awesome!” 

Pikachu hopped onto Ash’s shoulder, mimicking Blacephalon and Xurkitree’s sparking explosions to make Ash and Lillie laugh. 

“Blacephalon was the ultra beast you caught, right?” Ash asked, watching Snowy hopping out of Lillie’s grasp to perch on her head. “You’ve really come a long way since I first arrived in Alola, Lillie.” 

“Thanks to you and the rest of the class!” Lillie twirled a strand of hair, beaming. 

“And yourself of course,” Ash said, elbow jabbing Lillie’s side with a small laugh. “Anyways, Pikachu and I should get going soon.” 

“No worries, us too.”

Snowy pouted, batting a paw towards Pikachu, who squished his cheek against Snowy’s in response. 

After they all shot wistful glances towards Magearna, Ash held Pikachu out to Lillie and continued, “How about one final fireworks show? To celebrate our past and current journeys!” 

“We’re in!” 

Chapter Text

Clouds. Shadows. Rubble. 

The past shattered and dusted around them, leaving them in tattered ruins. 

“I’m a little teapot, short and stout!” Ash and Pikachu sang in harmony while finger-gunning at Polteageist. “Here is my handle, here is my spout. When I get all steamed up, hear me shout, tip me over and pour me out!” 

Sinistea silently giggled, bouncing up and down while twirling around Ash and Pikachu. 

“You sure recovered quick,” Allister murmured, still keeping his distance. 

“Well, sure, you wouldn’t be who you are without your past, but who says your past has to define who you are now ? And I of all people would know how it feels to struggle with that, especially from an early age!” Ash said in a serious tone, with Pikachu sporting the same serious expression. 

Allister stayed silent, fidgeting with the edge of his mask. 

“Anyways,” Ash said, casually playing peekaboo with the pokemon while continuing, “I know Cynthia would probably enjoy coming here! You did mention Diantha and Leon talked about me, so I wonder if the champions gossip among themselves? We should go check on them sometimes, Pikachu!” 

Pikachu gave him a resounding chirp of affirmation, jokingly batting at the floating Sinistea and Polteageist as they wobbled in place like jello. 

“Oh, speaking of which, you’ve got a gigantamax Gengar, right? Agatha would love to meet you. You guys could have a little tea party!” 

There’s no stopping Ash, is there? 

Allister sighed. 

Well, at least his pokemon are enjoying this. 

Chapter Text

“And literally every champion knows you for some reason?” Leon exclaimed, watching his Dragapult interacting with a nearby Drakloak. “I’ve never seen the Eastern region champs be equally fond of someone before!” 

“Really?” Ash giggled when a group of Dreepys floated over, snuggling themselves in his hair or vest, perching next to an amused Pikachu. 

Ash and Leon both startled when Dragapult launched two Dreepys past them like a cannon. 

They smiled when more Dreepys lined up for the rollercoaster, swarming both their evolutions. 

Leon, while watching a few Dreepys playfully propping up his cape, said, “Do you know how impressive that is? I didn’t even think Lance was capable of being fond of anyone outside of his family or pokemon.” 

Pikachu only rolled his eyes. 

“Well he’s not gonna be fond after he learns about Giratina,” Ash casually said, his arms acting as a seesaw for the Dreepys. “I’m trying to see how long I could go before it gets revealed!” 

“‘ Giratina ’.”

“Yeah!” Leon sweatdropped as Ash continued, “I think Giratina has the same typing as the Dreepy evolution! Isn’t that cool ?” 

While Ash cradled and rocked an armful of Dreepys and chatted with Pikachu about other cool ghost or dragon pokemon, Leon only sighed. 

Chapter Text

The darkened clouds roamed across the night sky, shielding the heavens above like slabs of cracked ice. 

Ash put his hands behind his head, tossing back and forth in his sleeping bag before settling on staring at the forest canopy above. 

Pikachu’s ears twitched. 

“Oh, I’m sorry, did I wake you?” 

Stifling a yawn, Pikachu padded over, squishing Ash’s cheek with a small chirp. 

“Yeah, might as well.” 

Sitting up, Ash chuckled when Pikachu hopped into his embrace, unabashedly asking for cuddles. 

Ash rocked Pikachu back and forth, both of them freezing when a blur of blue and purple galloped across their vision. 

The forest around them glowed with anticipation. 

“Pikachu? Are you seeing what I’m-” 

They both jolted when a pokemon zoomed in front of them, the rider intensely staring at them. 

As Ash tried to stand and talk to them, they immediately disappeared from sight. 

“...That was a legendary, wasn’t it?” 

Face-pawing, Pikachu sighed in unison with Ash. 

“That reminds me, you still remember when we first saw Ho-oh? We’ve really grown a lot together since then.” 

Pikachu beamed, even more so when the first streak of sunlight shone over the horizon, greeting them with a new day. 

One more adventure to continue. One more story to share.