Chapter Text
Professor Samuel Oak strolled leisurely along the familiar dirt path that wound through the sprawling expanse of his ranch. The tall grass rustled in the gentle breeze, carrying with it the sweet scent of wildflowers and the occasional chirping of nearby Pokémon. His keen eyes scanned over each creature in their natural habitat – a Pidgey perched on a low branch, its vibrant plumage fluttering; a school of Goldeens and Horseas splashing playfully in a small pond; a Heracross lumbering past, its powerful horn catching the sunlight.
Tomorrow marked an exciting event for the professor – the distribution of starter Pokémon to new trainers. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he thought about introducing these young enthusiasts to the wonders of the Pokémon world. Nevertheless, he knew it was a duty he took on with great passion and dedication.
As he continued down the path, his gaze was drawn to a meadow ahead where Grass-type Pokémon lay basking in the warm sun, their vibrant leaves shimmering with vital energy. Suddenly, a deafening roar shattered the peaceful scene, causing Oak to quicken his pace towards the source of the tumultuous noise coming from the nearby lake.
As he reached the shore, his eyes widened at the sight before him: a massive Gyarados thrashed wildly in the water, its scales glistening as it swam rapidly while a young teen clung boldly to its top horn. The teen held a stopwatch, guiding the powerful Water-type Pokémon back and forth across the lake, accompanied by a Swampert and Empoleon. Other water-type Pokémon cheered them on from the sidelines.
Drawing closer, Oak recognized the teen as Ashi - an eighteen-year-old who had grown up in this town. His initial panic eased as he remembered how skilled and comfortable she was around even the most formidable Pokémon. Ashi remained calm and in control, holding on tightly as she guided the Gyarados with practiced ease.
The Professor stood along with the others, watching the trio go one more lap, seeing the Gyarados Pushing itself to finish it before they came to a halt seeing as Ashi called it a stop.
“Great job everyone that was excellent work back there!” With practiced ease, Ashi guided the Gyarados towards the shore along with the others by their side. As they reached the shallows, the massive Pokémon bend its head down to let the teen slide into the water, the girl taking the time to swim back without any trouble to where the Professor was waiting for them. She waved at him who in response return the gesture grinning at them. “Well that was quite a show back there I must say.”
"Yeah sorry about the commotion, we were kinda really into it just now." Ashi said, as she removed the goggles and seeing more of her tattooed face clearly and that she looked like she had been enjoying herself while atop the fearsome Pokemon.
“I was giving the gang here their routine check up and notice that Gyarados had put on a couple extra pounds since he was last examine. Nothing worrisome though seeing as he was getting a bit chubby and thought to get him some exercises by doing a couple laps around the lake should burn off the extra calories to help get things started, he’ll also need to lay off those carbs that he has been getting since I found that his blood levels were a lot more elevated and think should be put on a low sodium diet for the next few weeks until they’re back to normal but that’s your call I mean. But having him take a few laps around the lake with everyone who also felt to show their support and made it into a race of sort which they all had fun right you guys?”
The trio gave a roar of approval, clearly rejuvenated by their playful competition. Gyarados, in particular, seemed invigorated after its vigorous workout swimming laps around the massive lake. Now, it looked ready for a well-deserved nap.
Watching them, Professor Oak chuckled softly. "It's great to hear they're all doing so well. Terry was worried when Gyarados stopped obeying his commands, but it seems like it was just low energy, possibly from all those Poketreats disrupting its diet. I'll double-check to be sure, but I'll let Terry know about your plan."
Ashi had proven herself time and again. Many trainers relied on her insights once they saw how well she understood their Pokémon's needs. Professor Oak marveled at her connection with these creatures, especially the Dragon-types; they seemed to regard her as someone special.
(She really has a gift,) he thought to himself. (If she weren't so set on being a trainer, Ashi could have been an excellent doctor or researcher with that intuition of hers.)
Heck he would’ve gladly put her on the internship program himself if that’s what she wanted or have one of the others in his field since he remarked about her capability to his colleagues and saw they were intrigued after listening to him talk about her and knew they each wouldn’t mind bringing down their area.
Dripping water from her swim, Ashi wrung out her hair. "I'll have those notes ready before I head home, Professor. I promised Mom I'd be back by seven or she'll come looking for me."
"I'm sure she's preparing quite the feast," Professor Oak replied with a smile. "I wish I could join you, but I have plans tonight. Please extend my regards to her."
"Will do, Professor," Ashi said as she stroked Gyarados’s gills gently. The Professor smiled as he sees how the teen was before finally asking her on her thought about the big day.
“So you excite about tomorrow?” Turning back with a soft smile, Ashi responded to an earlier question. "Of course I’m excited about tomorrow! My brother has been ready ever since his trainer's license arrived."
"I wasn't talking about Toshi," Professor Oak interjected gently, noticing Ashi’s momentary silence as her gaze drifted towards the water’s edge.
Unlike most trainers who start their journeys at ten, Ashi had waited until she was eighteen. She had spent those years soaking up knowledge from every possible source—her mother Delia, her late father’s teachings, and Professor Oak himself.
Her family had moved here from Vermillion City after a tragic event at Silver Isle changed their lives forever—her father had gone missing and was presumed dead. Delia refused to declare him deceased until legally required, still clinging to hope.
Professor Oak respected that resilience. "Everyone deals with loss differently," he mused to himself. As he looked at Ashi now, he knew she was ready for whatever lay ahead in her own journey as a Pokémon trainer. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You've prepared well these past years. It’s time for you to chart your own path as a Pokémon Trainer."
A mix of emotions flickered across Ashi’s face as she considered her future—not just hers but Toshi’s too. "I know...but it's daunting," she admitted.
"You’ve shown remarkable empathy and knowledge for Pokémon," Professor Oak encouraged, his voice firm yet kind. "Tomorrow marks a new chapter for you—a chance to forge your own journey."
Ashi felt reassured by his words as she met his understanding gaze. "Thank you, Professor," she expressed gratefully.
"Best not keep you any longer—your mother has a special meal planned." The Professor saw her out with a smile that felt both encouraging and bittersweet.
Leaving the lab behind, Ashi opted for a slow walk home to soak in the familiar surroundings one last time. The town had become a comforting haven since moving here—a stark contrast to bustling Vermillion City.
As families strolled past toward their homes, laughter filling the air, Ashi noticed a young child linked hand-in-hand with their parents. A pang of longing hit her—the kind that came from deep-seated memories of similar moments now past.
Shaking off the nostalgia, Ashi quickened her pace back to the cozy two-story house where new adventures awaited with her family. The aroma of a delicious home-cooked meal greeted Ashi as she entered the house, causing her stomach to growl in anticipation. The familiar scent transported her back to cherished moments in Vermillion City when the family was still whole. She could almost see a younger version of herself rushing towards her father, who would beckon her to jump into his arms and—
"Hey sis!" Toshi's voice jolted Ashi back to the present. She blinked, focusing on her brother approaching her. "Oh, Toshi! Hey there," Ashi said warmly, ruffling his hair.
"Hey, don't do that!" Toshi playfully pushed her hand away. Ashi chuckled, taking a moment to admire her brother. He shared her olive skin tone, perhaps a shade darker, which complemented his wild, navy hair that fell to his neck, with longer fringes framing his chocolate brown eyes—eyes that mirrored their mother's, full of light and sparkling with joy at his sister's return.
Despite the odd lightning tattoos on his cheeks, different from Ashi's, Toshi bore a striking resemblance to their father. They shared the same Dragonslayer blood and power, which Ashi had happily taught him to harness during her time at home. Though his abilities were not as potent as hers, she was proud of his progress.
At five feet four inches, Toshi stood tall for his age, while Ashi surpassed him by five inches and even topped their mother when she wore heels. Their mother often joked that her children would rival their father's height if they continued growing at this rate—a prospect Toshi eagerly anticipated, having endured teasing for his short stature back in grade school.
Ashi knew that some kids had picked on Toshi for not having their father around, but she and their mother had always been there to support him, sharing stories to help him understand the kind of person their father was. Toshi's strong resemblance to him stirred something in Ashi's heart, reminding her of how much she wished he could be here to share this occasion—to revel in his children embarking on their Pokémon trainer journeys, express his pride, and give them both a well-deserved fatherly hug.
"So, how have things been here while I was down at the Professor's?" Ashi asked, pushing her thoughts aside as she placed her gear inside the hallway closet. She knew Mom would be upset if she tracked in wet shoes and soiled the recently vacuumed carpet. Though Ashi and Toshi often helped with the more bothersome household chores, Mom had taken the day off to spend quality time with her children before their big day tomorrow. It was a cherished opportunity for the three of them to enjoy one last family dinner before the siblings embarked on their Pokémon journey. Ashi understood that Mom would miss them terribly and worry about being alone in the house, but she constantly reassured her daughter that everything would be fine.
Toshi grinned broadly, his hands behind his head as he followed Ashi into the living room. "Mom's been working up a storm in the kitchen since this afternoon, making all our favorites, including Oran cobbler with water stones and her cinnamon spice strudels with fire stones for flavor. I decided not to get in her way."
He had witnessed their mother hauling dozens of groceries from the car that morning, along with various items from the pantry and the oversized fridge. The loud clanking of pots and pans signaled her determination to prepare a meal that would satisfy two hungry Dragonslayers and ensure they received all the necessary nutrients from the stones vital for their mana.
"Smart move there, bud. You know how moms can get if you try to step into that battlefield," Ashi joked, deciding it was best to leave their mom to her culinary expertise. She headed upstairs to shower and change into fresh clothes.
"So, how were things at the Ranch? I bet everyone is going to miss you when we're away," Toshi remarked, aware that Ashi had gone to check on the Pokémon one last time before their departure. Although she wouldn't be around to help, he was confident their mom could manage in her absence. Ashi had found it challenging to inform the Pokémon of her impending absence, but they seemed to understand and were content to be cared for by the Dragonslayer.
"Oh, they're all good. I saw a lot of new ones there, but while checking on Terry's Gyarados, I noticed a few things. I left some notes for the Professor to double-check on those that I felt needed the most attention."
"Well then I'm sure that I'll be able to handle things while you two are away, so don't worry your pretty little head," their mother said, emerging from the kitchen with a dishtowel in hand. She smiled at her daughter, who had just returned home.
"Hey sweetie, dinner will be ready in twenty minutes. Why don't you go wash up and Toshi, could you help me set the table?" she asked kindly.
"Okay mom/Sure thing mom!" the siblings replied before heading off in different directions. Ashi went upstairs to the bathroom she shared with her brother, making sure to be quick so she could change into comfortable pajamas for the night. With a bathrobe tied around her waist and a towel wrapped around her damp hair, Ashi headed towards her room to pick out fresh clothes.
Ashi opened her closet door and a blur of white and green burst out, triumphant cry of "Sora Surprise Strike!" echoing through the room as it went flying into her chest. The Litten or Sora as she affectionately called him, had been her loyal companion since he hatched from an unusual egg four years ago. His snowy white fur was adorned with teal stripes and his vivid violet eyes shone mischievously, giving him an irresistible charm.
She scooped Sora into her arms, feeling his warmth and soft purring against her skin. His long tail ended in an adorable tuft of fur, which he proudly displayed as it swish back and forth behind him. "You never cease to surprise me," she whispered, pressing a kiss on his forehead.
"Of course not! I've perfected my surprise attacks for moments like this. No Pokemon can defeat us on our grand adventure!" Sora boasted proudly, striking a fierce pose.
Ashi smiled at her playful companion and scratched behind his ears lovingly. "Yes, you're coming along on our journey to collect everything we need for our big trip with Toshi."
"Exactly! I'm your trusty companion, MEOW!" Sora playfully bumped his head against Ashi's chin before soaking up more attention. She went to set him on the floor before bending down to his level and looking into his eyes.
"But let's not forget about the trouble you can get into. Remember how you beat most of my video games with your paws?" Ashi chuckled, thinking back to all the times Sora had surprised her with his gaming skills. Who knew that someone with his tiny paws could easily maneuver her Switch’s console and successfully finishing the games that were saved inside it.
"I have to find ways to entertain myself while you're away on work trips," Sora teased, earning a playful nuzzle from Ashi. "I know, I know. Can't have you lounging around or watching Netflix all day," she joked, enjoying their playful banter.
Ashi's bond with Sora was extraordinary, originating four years ago during a field trip when she volunteered for the Professor's Pokemon camp for the first time. Her six-year-old brother, Toshi, joined the expedition alongside other children his age, all eager to experience Pokemon in their natural habitat. The location, not far from their hometown, provided the perfect setting for the kids to observe the diverse array of Pokemon thriving in the open area.
After their lunch break, Ashi noticed that three children, including her brother, had wandered off. She and the Professor set out to search for them. While the Professor located the missing children first, Ashi stumbled upon something that captured everyone's attention: an unusually large Pokemon egg, larger than any she had ever seen. When she brought it to the group, everyone marveled at its size, and the Professor attempted to examine it more closely. Surprisingly, the egg had a protective barrier that delivered a small electric shock to anyone who touched it, except for Ashi. Intrigued by this peculiarity, the Professor entrusted Ashi with the egg's care for the time being.
Weeks later, when the egg finally hatched, everyone was astonished to discover a unique, shiny Alola starter - a white-furred Litten with striking amethyst eyes. Despite its unconventional appearance, Ashi and Sora formed an instant connection, as if destiny had orchestrated their meeting. The Professor and his cousin, who promptly arrived to study the rare Litten, confirmed its Alolan origin but noted its distinct fur coloration and slight variations in its features. Nevertheless, it was evident that the shiny Pokemon had chosen Ashi as its companion.
As Ashi raised Sora over the following weeks, she discovered the Pokemon's exceptional abilities. Sora began to walk on two legs and even started mimicking words until it could form complete sentences, much to the amazement of Ashi's mother, who couldn't help but laugh. She explained to Ashi that this reminded her of a story Ashi’s father had shared about a unique species from his home world - felines capable of using magic and possessing abilities similar to Sora's. These creatures were known as Exceeds, the loyal familiars of Dragonslayers. Ashi couldn't help but feel that this was a significant sign; why else would her Pokemon possess such extraordinary abilities if not to be her very own Exceed, just like in the story her mother had recounted?
Ashi and her Litten, whom she had named after one of her favorite game character that she was into at the time, had grown an unbreakable bond over the years. Their connection felt destined, and seeing how well they had integrated into each other's lives brought Ashi immeasurable joy and comfort.
As Ashi finished getting dressed, she called out to her companion, "C'mon Sora, let's go." She held out her arm, and Sora chirped happily, "AYE!" before sprouting a pair of large white wings from its back. Using the wings to glide over to her, the wings disappeared within seconds as Sora climbed up to perch on her shoulder. The duo then made their way downstairs to the kitchen, where a delightful spread awaited them. Ashi had Litten hop down to his designated spot next to her, where Mom had prepared a special fish dish just for him.
The dinner was perfect, and Delia watched her two children with pride and contentment. She considered Sora, who affectionately called her "Mama Dee," as a third child and part of their family. While saddened by the thought of them leaving, Delia knew her little ones were capable of handling any challenges that came their way, taking after their father in that regard. She turned her attention back to the conversation between Ashi and Toshi, listening as Toshi polished off his fourth helping of his mom's famous Hot Dog Pizza Pie dish, while Ashi had managed an impressive eight slices before saving room for Delia's homemade desserts.
"Everyone at school calls you a Pokemon whisperer," Toshi remarked. "Gary thinks it's a fluke, but I tell him you just know what a Pokemon needs. Just because his grandpa is the Professor here doesn't mean you don't know your stuff."
Ashi grinned. "Well, someone has to keep you on your toes, and you need my sisterly expertise to keep you out of trouble."
"Yeah, yeah, but just wait! I'll be the number one Pokemon Master, no sweat!" The siblings laughed, enjoying their dessert before helping their mom with the dishes and calling it a night.
"Toshi, don't stay up too late," Ashi reminded him. "Tomorrow's a big day for us, so just remember—"
"I got it, don't worry," Toshi assured her. "I'm just going to watch one episode, and then I'll be in bed. I promise." Ashi's piercing stare followed him as he made his promise, a silent warning that she expected him to keep his word. Delia chuckled at the exchange, but her heart swelled with love as both her children planted kisses on her cheek. Even Sora gave a goodnight lick before following Ashi to their room.
As Ashi sat on the windowsill, gazing out into the starry night sky, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder wash over her. Not a single cloud could be seen, allowing the stars to shine with unparalleled brilliance. They were like sparkling diamonds scattered across an endless velvet canvas. Was it perhaps a sign for what was to come tomorrow?
She pushed away the thought, dismissing it as her imagination running wild. But deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that tomorrow would be an incredibly special day - not just for her brother, but for herself as well. Sora curled up in her lap, his warm body providing comfort as she absentmindedly stroked his fur. As she gazed up at the constellations above, her eyes landed on one in particular - Draco, the Dragon constellation. Its familiar shape and placement in the sky brought a sense of peace and calmness to her mind amidst all the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming day.
“… If you were with me now
I'd find myself in you
If you were with me now
Your the only one who knew
All the things we planned to do…”
Remembering the fonder moments when she was with her Papa and thinking how it could've gone on forever. She saw the child in her mind who was laughing carefree and thought everything was well as she got to be with her father until that day when everything changed.
“… I want to live my life
The way you said I would
With courage as my light
Fighting for what's right
Like you made me believe I could…”
Holding up her palm, she concentrated her magic, conjuring a small blue flame. As she watched it flicker, it transformed into a tiny dragon, its wings fluttering as it took flight. A second, smaller dragon soon joined its companion, and together they circled the room.
“… And I will fly on my father's wings
To places I have never been
There is so much I've never seen
And I can feel his heartbeat still
And I will do great things
On my father's wings….”
As she watched the two dragons soar through the room, Ashi's heart tightened with longing. She wished her father was here with them, but she could feel his presence in her blood, a reminder that he was still out there somewhere. With determination blazing in her eyes, Ashi vowed to find him, no matter how long it took or what obstacles they faced. Together with her brother Toshi, they would scour the entire region, searching for any clues that would lead them to her missing sire.
As the larger dragon began to tire and its flames flickered out until it disappeared completely, its companion flew back alone, landing on an open palm eagerly awaiting its return.
“…Someday with his spirit to guide me
And his memory beside me
I will be free—“
She closes her hand and unlocks the window, allowing the tiny creature to fly freely into the sky. It disappears into the unknown, leaving behind a feeling of enchantment in its wake as it ventures off without a single glance backward.
“Fly on my father's wings
To places I have never been
There is so much I've never seen
And I can feel his heartbeat still
And I will do great things
On my father's wings!”
She watched it fade outta sigh before pulling herself away to go lie down on her bed. Her mind was a whirl with many thoughts going on inside her head. Sora stirred to see Ashi looking outside the open window before pressing his paw to her forearm, drawing her attention onto him, “Don’t worry everything will be fine. I’m right here with ya Nyah!”
Ashi smiled before picking him up and carrying him towards the bed. She let Sora jump onto her pillow and moving to knead it perfectly before lying down while Ashi snuggled under the covers while thinking of what awaits her tomorrow. Thinking of that one precious dream, of being up in the air feeling the wind in her face and feeling the warm rumbling beneath her of the mighty beast who was conqueror of that very night.
“On my father's wings…” She murmurs before succumbing to sleep with Sora by her side. Both resigned to their dreams and the adventures that awaited them in the morning.
Ashi's internal alarm roused her at the first hint of sunlight, two hours before their scheduled descent to the lab. She took her time preparing, understanding the importance of feeling ready for the big day ahead.
Deciding to go and use the bathroom first, Ashi left the task of waking Toshi to the Pokémon. "Use whatever means necessary to get him out of bed," she instructed Sora, who stretched his agile body, back arched up and claws extending out, before nodding in acknowledgment.
"No problem!" Sora fluttered off to Toshi's room, where he found the boy sprawled on the bed, drool hanging from his open mouth, limbs splayed in all directions. The TV, still on but mostly static, suggested Toshi had watched multiple episodes late into the night.
Sora shook his head disapprovingly. "Ashi won't be happy about this." He perched on the pillow next to Toshi's head. "Hey Toshi, time to rise and shine! Up and at 'em!" he yelled loudly in his ear. The young Dragonslayer scowled in his sleep, mumbling about needing five more minutes as he turned to the other side.
An evil thought popped into Sora's head, prompting diabolical laughter as he rubbed his paws together. He moved to the side Toshi now faced, positioning his rear end directly in front of the boy's face, tail held high, a mischievous grin on his face.
"Okay Toshi, don't say I didn't warn you," Sora said before yelling, "FIRE IN THE HOLE!" and unleashing a potent fart he had been holding.
Just as Ashi, fresh from her shower, was getting dressed, she heard a bloodcurdling scream from Toshi's room. Peeking out, she witnessed her brother scrambling, limbs flailing, rushing to the unoccupied bathroom, one hand over his mouth, his complexion tinged green. The door slammed behind him, followed by loud retching and running water. The lingering odor of the fart helped Ashi piece together what had happened, and she sighed inwardly.
Sora emerged from the room, tail swishing proudly as he proclaimed himself the culprit behind Toshi's sudden illness. Ashi scolded him, though a small smile betrayed her amusement at Sora's cheeky nature.
"You said any means necessary!" Sora countered with a smug grin. Despite Ashi's expectations, Sora resorted to extreme measures. Shaking her head in exasperation, she found it difficult to stay angry at the mischievous Pokémon for long. "Yes, but let's not do that again," Ashi said firmly, hoping to avoid her brother falling ill from Sora's prank at the start of their journey.
"You got it, meow! Next time, I won't do it," Litten declared, striking a cool pose with his paw extended towards Ashi. As the Dragonslayer headed downstairs to check on her mother, Delia had just finished setting the table. Two towering stacks of blukberry pancakes stood beside a platter of bacon, freshly baked oran muffins, bowls of sliced fruits, and appetizing omelets filled with bell peppers, tomatoes, and particles of thunder or fire stones in separate dishes.
Ashi sat down at the table, marveling at the impressive spread her mother had prepared. "Mom, you didn't have to go through all this trouble," she said, knowing that Delia had likely been up for hours, trying to distract herself from the fact that this was the last morning she would spend with her children before their departure.
"I want to make sure you two start your journey on a full stomach," Delia explained. She had meticulously prepared meal plans for the next few days, including all the necessary ingredients and equipment they would need on the road. From a portable stove and a stainless steel fire grill to a cast iron sandwich maker that Miss Jones had sworn by, Delia had thought of everything. She had even packed filter water bottles, knowing how essential they would be.
As Delia continued listing the items she had packed, Ashi couldn't help but smile. It was best to leave the cooking in her capable hands, as the last thing anyone needed was Toshi accidentally starting a forest fire. Delia had even included a mana generator mini fridge, still in working condition as long as they remembered to properly discharge and replenish it with fresh energy. "Be sure to use the food inside before it goes bad, especially Toshi's greens. You know how picky he gets," Delia reminded her.
Fortunately, Ace and Delia's old camping bags were still functional, even after all this time. Acnolognia had used his ancient knowledge to cross-stitch runes into the bags, enlarging the interior to a spatial dimension that could carry anything and made it completely weightless. It had been incredibly useful during their long expeditions, and Delia was glad to see them put to use once more for her children. Toshi would be using Delia's bag, as it was a bit lighter, while Ashi would take Ace's, just as he would have wanted.
"I triple-checked your brother's things, and I know you've taken care of your own necessities. But I did pack a few extra 'you know what's' for when it's that time of the month," Delia added with a knowing smile. "If there's anything else you need, just call me, and I'll have it shipped to you via Pelipper Express, ASAP."
Ashi appreciated her mother's thoughtfulness, but a sudden realization struck her. Gazing at her hands, she hesitantly asked, "Mom, do you think Dad would have been proud of us if he were here?"
Delia's expression softened at her daughter's question. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on Ashi's and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Your father would have been incredibly proud of both of you. He would have wanted nothing more than to be here, seeing you off on this remarkable journey," Delia replied, her voice filled with warmth and love.
Ashi felt emotions well up inside her, a lump forming in her throat. She deeply missed her father, his absence a constant shadow. Yet, she held his memory close, drawing strength from it in times of need. "I feel him with me, you know? In my dreams, in my thoughts sometimes I…" Ashi murmured, her voice barely audible.
Delia nodded, a gentle smile on her lips. "I feel it too, sweetie. I know he's not truly gone. He's still with us, in here." She placed her hand over her heart, feeling its steady rhythm and finding solace in its familiarity. Ashi felt the same, but for her, it was even more profound. Her father's blood coursed through her veins, a subconscious instinct forging a deep, unbreakable bond between parent and child. She knew he was out there, and she silently vowed to find him, to bring him back and make their family whole once more. Ashi kept this to herself, not wanting to raise her mother's hopes, but she was determined to do everything in her power to locate their missing piece.
Ashi noticed the wistful look in her mother's eyes before they softened with a tender smile. "Thanks, Mom. I appreciate that."
Delia smiled warmly at her daughter, pride and love shining in her eyes as she pulled her into a hug, conveying just how much she meant to her. Ashi reached out, gripping her mother's arm, and Delia found herself reminiscing about when Ashi was a small child, now on the cusp of adulthood.
"He loved you with all his heart, and remember, no matter where your journey takes you, I will always be here, supporting you every step of the way."
Ashi felt a surge of determination and gratitude wash over her. She hugged her mother tightly, enveloped in the warmth and love they shared. With a renewed sense of purpose, she knew she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As Ashi and her mother shared a heartfelt moment, heavy footsteps descended from upstairs. Toshi, fresh from a scalding shower and dressed in clean clothes, finally made his appearance.
"Morning, sleepyhead. Glad someone decided to grace us with his presence on this big day. Did you have a good wake-up?" Ashi teased, a playful glint in her eye. Toshi adjusted his cap and zipped up his short-sleeved jacket before joining his family at the dining table.
Groaning, Toshi plopped into his chair, muttering darkly, "Sora is evil incarnate." He was still recovering from the wake-up call he had received earlier. It had taken an entire tube of toothpaste and a bottle of mouthwash to rid his mouth of the atrocious taste that lingered on his tongue. He gulped down a glass of orange juice and asked for a refill to wash it down further.
"Seriously, what did you feed him last night, Mom? It was like smelling burning hair and overcooked broccoli!" He shuddered inwardly, gagging with a look of disgust that would have made Sora proud. Again, he drank the juice, this time from the half-empty carton, much to his mother's annoyance and Ashi's amusement.
"Oh, come on, it wasn't that bad! Toshi, you have no sense of humor!" The Pokémon chimed in, appearing from underneath the table with a mischievous glint in his eyes before plopping down in his seat next to Ashi.
Toshi shot the unique Litten a mock glare before returning his attention to his breakfast. The delicious spread before them was a welcome distraction from his early morning ordeal. As they enjoyed their meal and exchanged light-hearted banter, the atmosphere in the room was filled with warmth and camaraderie. Delia watched her children with a mixture of pride and bittersweet nostalgia, knowing that this was just the beginning of their grand adventure.
After breakfast, Ashi and Toshi made final preparations for their journey. They grabbed the two weathered, lumbering backpacks by the door and loaded them into the car before sliding in. Ashi sat up front while Toshi and Sora got in the back. Delia turned to look at them from the rearview mirror, seeing her son looking antsy as he realized they were cutting it close, but she insisted on safety first before leaving the driveway.
"Okay, you two all set?" Delia saw that Sora was in a baby carrier that she had installed just for him, and he had his paws up, showing he was good to go.
"Now then, everyone ready?" The drive was slow, but Delia didn't want to make her two Dragonslayers' stomachs cramp up on the way, and thankfully, it wasn't long before they arrived at their destination.
The area leading to the gate was crowded with the entire community, gathered to wish the youngsters well on their journey. Delia let the kids and Pokemon out first, while she went to park in the employee parking area in the back. The trio moved to bypass the crowd and reach the front.
They noticed another pre-trainer standing with his back to them, but they recognized the familiar-looking youth with his brown spiky hair and honey-colored eyes as he turned around to see them walking over to join him.
"Well, well, look who finally showed up. If it isn't Tofu boy," Gary said. Ashi mentally groaned at the petty insult, while her brother's brow twitched at the mention of the annoying nickname he had been given. Before Toshi could open his mouth to make a scalding remark, Ashi stepped in with a faux grin plastered on her face. "Good morning, Gary. It's good to see you on this fine, auspicious-looking day."
Gary turned his focus onto her, greeting her with a warm gesture. "Yeah, I'll say for sure. Today marks just the beginning of my epic journey, and I'm sure you're all psyched to bear witness to greatness in my presence!"
Ashi didn't say anything, though one thing bothered her: wondering how someone like him could be related to her mother's boss. Gary was Professor Oak's grandson, and he acted boisterous and confident whenever he met them. Even now, he was dressed to show off how confident he was about today. Gary wore a long purple shirt, dark gray pants, a yin and yang necklace, and brown boots with black straps encircling them. Ashi noticed he didn't have any traveling equipment with him but probably had left it at his house and planned to pick it up after he got his Pokémon and then be on his way.
"Yes, it is quite exciting for all of us. Right, Toshi?" Ashi thrust her elbow into her brother's side, telling him to say something instead of scowling at his former friend/rival standing there. While she didn't understand why they always got under each other's skin, she knew that today there was to be no room for fighting.
"Ugh, hi, Gare..." Toshi muttered. He wondered why Gary had to be the other kid in town to get the same trainer's license, but then he remembered that Gary was the Professor's grandson, so he probably got special treatment. Ashi had said not to think that way, since if that were true, then they'd be in the same boat with their mom working under him. That shut Toshi up real quick, and he saw to being courteous even when Gary called him "Toshy," which aggravated him greatly.
Ashi hoped the Professor would arrive before the two got into an open argument. Her prayers were answered when the gate doors automatically opened, revealing the Professor stepping out to greet the waiting trio.
"Ah, it's good to see you three here on time, especially you, Toshi. For a moment, I thought you might have woken up late and come running here in your PJs at two this afternoon," he laughed, amused by the ridiculous notion. The Professor then stepped aside, allowing them to head straight up to the lab while the rest waited outside. Ashi found the Professor's silence along the way odd, as he was usually more upbeat and should have been thrilled to see them. Instead, he looked concerned, leaving the Dragonslayer wondering what was wrong.
Upon entering the room housing the research implements and the pedestal with the three starter Pokémon, the Professor turned to face them, his expression solemn. "Now, before I let you decide your Pokémon, I'm afraid I have some unpleasant news to share."
"Is it that bad, gramps?" Gary asked, puzzled by the timing of this revelation just as he was set to embark on his adventure. The Ketchum siblings shared his confusion.
"Professor, is everything all right?" Ashi noticed his unease before he turned to the trio to explain the situation.
"Well, do you remember Leaf's accident a year ago, just before she got her license? She has recently finished her treatment and decided to carry out her adventure, but..." The Professor trailed off.
"It had to be one of the three Pokémon you had on hand, the ones you were saving for us," Ashi finished, as the two boys also put the pieces together.
They were all aware of Leaf's accident, as they lived in a small community where the incident had been the talk of the town. Her family had been out for a late-night dinner to celebrate Leaf's upcoming adventure. On their way home, Mr. Greene took a shortcut down a road unfortunately inhabited by a flock of angry Spearows. The birds, not taking kindly to the intrusion, attacked the vehicle in a scene reminiscent of a scary movie. Mr. Green tried to drive them away, but they ended up in a serious collision. Leaf suffered four broken ribs, a fractured wrist, and her right leg was skewered by the crushed car's metal.
Fortunately, the paramedics arrived at the scene just in time to save the limb; otherwise, they might have had to amputate it based on the severity of the injury. However, Leaf still required extensive surgery to insert surgical screws to realign the bones before having to stay off her legs for the next few months until they properly healed. Ashi recalled visiting the family at the Viridian Heart Hospital, where they were all in rough shape, with Leaf being the worst and taking some time to fully recover and be discharged. She had a slight limp as she moved around, but they were sure it would go away with time. Leaf faced months of physical therapy and had to hold off on excessive activities, including traveling on foot, until she felt comfortable. No one could blame the girl for being a little on edge after that traumatic incident, though it seemed like she eventually overcame it, which was good news to them.
Considering their situation, they knew that only two starter Pokémon were left, and one of them might have to go without one this time until the Professor could get another, which could take weeks. This was going to be a minor setback, and Ashi thought about this as she looked between both boys, seeing they were thinking the same thing.
"So now what, Professor? Does this mean only one of us can't have a Pokémon?" Toshi felt conflicted; on one hand, he had been eager to get his, yet he realized that if he and Gary got theirs, Ashi wouldn't be able to.
His sister had done a lot for them over the years, putting her own journey on hold to watch over him. Toshi didn't like this, but thinking about how much his older sibling had sacrificed to help take care of him as a kid, maybe it was time for him to step up and do something for her.
"I-I guess if it comes down to it, sir, I could wait then." This surprised everyone, especially Ashi, as they all turned to Toshi, who spoke up, feeling everyone's eyes on him. "I mean, maybe the Professor can call and see if someone else has a spare Pokémon lying around, and I can hold off until then while my sister gets to have her—"
"Toshi, no, absolutely not!" Ashi spun her little brother around to face her, her eyes looking directly into his. "I appreciate the sentiment, but there's no need to throw away your chance at a Pokémon for my sake. We'll figure something out together, okay?" Ashi's voice was firm but gentle, her determination shining through.
The Professor watched the exchange with a thoughtful expression before speaking up, "While I appreciate your noble gesture, there's no need for anyone to miss out on this opportunity. I do have one solution in mind."
"Really? What is it then?" Curiosity flickered in everyone's eyes as they waited for Professor Oak to reveal his plan. He cleared his throat before continuing, "Why don't you boys go first, and then I'll explain what I have in mind. Is that all right with you, Ashi?"
The teen wondered what the professor had planned, but she decided to wait until the two boys received their starter Pokémon.
"All right, let's start with Toshi since he was willing to be so selfless out of the two, I'm allowing him first choice." Professor Oak's grandson scowled but refrained from making any snarky remarks, understanding his grandfather's sensible reasoning. Toshi stepped towards the pedestal where the remaining Pokéballs lay.
Which one should I choose? Toshi stared at the identical balls, noting the fire and water emblem stickers, and contemplated his decision. He had heard that Squirtles and Bulbasaurs were good choices for beginners, being easy to handle and train. However, he was drawn to the challenge and recalled watching the epic battles of his longtime idol, the unbeatable Champion, whose title he wished to claim for himself one day.
His mind made up, Toshi grabbed the ball on the left and released the Pokémon inside. In a flash of light, a bipedal, reptilian creature appeared. Its body was primarily orange with blue eyes, and its chest and the soles of its feet were cream-colored. Small fangs protruded from its upper and lower jaws, and a slender, flame-tipped tail swayed behind it. "Charmander!" it chirped happily upon being released.
(So he went with that one, huh?) Ashi thought it fitting for her brother, knowing his constant desire for a Charmander like his all-time hero. The Pokémon looked around before its eyes landed on Toshi, recognizing him as its trainer. Toshi bent down to the Charmander's level and said in a friendly tone, "Hi there! I'm Satoshi Ketchum, but everyone calls me Toshi. It's very nice to meet you, Charmander. I hope we can be good friends."
"Char!" The Pokémon's response was to jump into Toshi's arms. Toshi caught it, laughing, glad to see that it had chosen him. The room filled with the cheerful chirps of the fiery lizard Pokémon as it looked up at Toshi with bright eyes. A smile tugged at the corners of Toshi's lips as he held his new partner, chuckle when a small ember from the Charmander's mouth hit his cheek.
"Hey! That tickles!" Ashi couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as she watched her brother interact with his new partner. It seemed that those two were destined to form a strong bond. Gary, noticing that the only remaining starter was Squirtle, felt confident in his choice. With plans to evolve it into a powerful Blastoise, he was sure he could easily best Toshi and his fire-type lizard, considering water-types held a natural advantage. What a foolish thought!
"Looks like victory is within my grasp now!" Gary refrained from making any snide remarks towards the other Ketchum, knowing full well that his grandfather would reprimand him for being disrespectful to her.
With Toshi and Gary having chosen their starters, all eyes were now on Ashi, eager to hear what solution the Professor had in store for her. "Now, I apologize once more for this inconvenience, but as I mentioned, there is a way to resolve this." He smiled, looking at Ashi and the Pokémon perched attentively on her shoulder.
"You may not be aware, but Litten here is actually a starter from the Alola region. It shouldn't pose any problems to register him as Ashi's partner once I update the Pokédex with his data. Then, you'll be all set to go. Problem solved."
The Professor would need a few minutes to make the necessary adjustments, but he was confident it would work seamlessly once completed. While unconSoraonal, this solution helped them out of a difficult situation, and he believed it would prove to be a great fit for them.
"Oh, right! Sora is a Pokémon!" Toshi had completely forgotten that his sister had Litten by her side. This could definitely be the answer to their problem. Even though Ashi had never officially "caught" Litten, the Pokémon was as attached to her as a Gulpin, and Toshi believed it would be thrilled to accompany them on their adventure. Ashi thought the idea was reasonable but decided to consult Litten to ensure he was on board with the plan.
"Is that okay with you, Sora? Would you like to be my starter Pokémon?" Litten grinned widely before responding with an enthusiastic "MEOW!" and nuzzling against her cheek, which Ashi interpreted as a resounding "You bet!"
Seeing that the matter was resolved, the Professor knew all that remained was to provide them with their essential equipment—the standard Kanto Pokédex and five Pokéballs—before sending them on their way. He handed one set to both Toshi and Gary before heading to the back to retrieve the spare and recalibrate it with the extra data required for Ashi's registry.
"I'll be right back. It should take no more than a few minutes, so please wait here while I set up Ashi's registry."
"Take your time, Professor. We really appreciate this." Ashi meant every word, as she reflected on how well things were shaping up for them. As Gary, having already received his equipment, took his leave, he couldn't resist throwing one last quip at her brother.
"Smell ya later, Tofy boy!" Gary taunted as he left the room. Toshi clenched his fists, his fingers sparking with mana as small flames slowly engulfed them. "Ugh, that Gary! Why I ought to—"
Ashi grabbed him by the collar, interrupting the flow of his power. "Hey, cool it! This is no time to get petty over childish insults." Seeing her brother calm down, she released him. "Honestly, you need to keep that hotheadedness under control. We don't need another 'incident' like last time, understand?"
Toshi conceded, knowing she was right. Letting his emotions get the best of him could spell trouble if anyone discovered their capabilities. "Sorry, sis. I know better, but Gary's always trying to make me look bad!"
Ashi thought to herself, 'It's because you let him instead of being rational.' But she said, "Well, you just have to prove him wrong. Show him you're better than that. Don't stoop to his level; be concise and be the bigger person!"
"That's right, Nyah!" Sora chimed in from Ashi's shoulder. "Just because he thinks he's got a Squirtle on board doesn't mean we can't beat him with our paws tied behind our backs. He's got nothing on us!"
"Okay, I get it. We're gonna be better than him because we're TEAM OMEGAFLARE!" Toshi declared, confident that with his Charmander and Sora, they could annihilate the competition. Ashi hesitated. "Um, maybe we should rehash the name a bit more and get back to the drawing board on that."
As they waited, Toshi bonded with his Charmander while Ashi glanced at the clock, realizing it was half-past ten. Their mom should have been inside by now, but what could be keeping her? Suddenly, the overhead lights flickered erratically, and the machines acted up before settling down.
"Hmm, that's strange," Ashi mused. Seeing Toshi's confusion, she suspected a blown fuse might be the issue. Luckily, she knew where the circuit breaker was.
"You stay and let the professor know I'm going to take a quick peek at it. We'll be right back." Ashi and Sora hurried outside the research lab towards a medium-sized shed housing the electrical outlets and power generators. Noticing the door slightly open, they wondered if the Professor had entered, but the crackle of static electricity and a familiar scream from inside alarmed them.
"MOM!" Ashi cried out as they quickened their pace. They found Delia, Ashi's mother, on the ground, narrowly escaping a thunderous blast. She had a minor burn on her right knee from the fall, and Ashi helped her to her feet.
"Mom, are you okay?" Ashi asked, examining her mother's condition. Delia nodded, rubbing her shoulder where she had received some jolts earlier. "I'm fine, sweetie. I just didn't expect to find one when I came down here. It caught me off guard, but I'm really okay."
Delia had parked her car and made her way towards the Center, taking a route behind the crowd still gathered at the gate. She had hoped to witness her children choosing their Pokémon when she noticed strange activities coming from the electric shed. Concerned, she went to investigate. Inside, she discovered chewed wires and, as she ventured further, encountered the culprit that had attempted to shock her. She narrowly avoided electrocution by tripping and falling backward, letting out a scream that drew Ashi and Sora to her aid.
Sora stood protectively in front of the two humans, hissing with his back arched and flames ignited, glaring at the other Pokémon. The creature, also on all fours, flicked its tail back and forth in a challenging manner.
In the dimly lit room, Ashi identified the Pokémon as a Pikachu - a short, chubby mouse with yellow fur, two brown stripes on its back, long pointed ears tipped with black, and brown eyes. Red cheeks contained pouches for storing electricity. With five fingers on each short forearm and three toes per foot, a brown fur patch marked the base of its lightning bolt tail. As a male, it lacked the heart-shaped tail notch of females. Though quadrupeds, Pikachu could stand and walk upright.
The intruding Pikachu had likely sought food, gnawing on cables and absorbing their energy. Its cheeks sparked intensely as Sora growled, fangs bared. "How dare you hurt Mama Dee!" he roared, hackles raised at the audacious rodent. Sora lunged with Quick Attack, but Pikachu dodged and countered with Thundershock. The agile cat evaded, and they traded blows.
Ashi realized the clash could turn ugly fast, risking the room's equipment. She had to act. "Sora, dodge and use Fury Swipes!" Sora avoided the attack and retaliated, claws slashing deep cuts. Pikachu fell back, then struck again with Quick Attack.
"Nice try, pipsqueak!" Sora slashed, but Pikachu countered with Thunder. As they clashed, Ashi called, "Use Scary Face!"
Sora's face contorted into a terrifying visage, startling Pikachu. Seizing the moment, Ashi commanded, "Thrash now!" Sora lunged with blinding speed, striking Pikachu with rapid blows that left it dazed.
The electric mouse quickly shook its head, dispelling the disorientation, and glared at the Litten. Its cheeks flickered dangerously as it struggled to regain composure.
Seizing the moment, Ashi made a bold move. "Sora, let's finish this with Fire Fang!"
Sora nodded, eyes gleaming with fiery resolve. He charged towards the Pikachu and leaped into the air, flames engulfing his sharp fangs. The Pikachu tried to evade, but Sora was too quick. His jaws clamped down on the Pikachu's tail, causing an explosive burst of flames upon impact.
The Pikachu shrieked as it soared through the air before crashing to the ground. Though battered, it struggled back to its feet, body sparking as it prepared another electric attack. Sora, visibly drained from the last attack, knew he had enough for one more attack yet had to think wisely on it.
"Ashi!" Toshi shouted, tossing something in her direction. With a swift motion, Ashi caught the object—a Pokéball—and focused all her energy on the battle. As the Pikachu darted towards Sora with another Thunder Shock, Ashi was ready.
"Sora, hang in there!" she commanded. Sora braced himself as the Pikachu unleashed a powerful Thunder Shock. With remarkable agility, the Litten dodged the electrified onslaught, zigzagging around the crackling bolts. “Use Double Kick now!” Sora delivered a flurry of quick kicks, each strike landing with precision and force. The Pikachu staggered backward, unable to withstand the barrage. Its body crackled with residual electricity, but the wild Pokémon was reaching its limits.
Seizing the opportunity, Ashi threw the Pokéball towards the Pikachu while its guard was down. The Pokémon was engulfed in a bright light before being sucked into the ball, which fell to the ground, shaking once...twice...and then clicked shut.
As the tension eased, Sora approached Ashi with a proud and affectionate rub against her leg, basking in their victory. The air was still charged with electricity from the wild Pikachu's rampage, but the group had managed to subdue it thanks to Sora's quick thinking. Suddenly, the Professor burst into the room, his face flustered and shocked at the chaos he walked in on.
"What's going on here? Everything is haywire in the lab and then Toshi grabbed one of the balls and—" He trailed off as he saw Ashi helping Delia up from the ground, assessing her injury. Thankfully, they had first aid supplies in the lab. As they looked over to where Litten was proudly standing on top of a fallen Pokéball, chest puffed out and releasing a victorious meow, Toshi quickly explained what had happened.
"There was a wild Pikachu in here chewing on wires and it attacked our mom, but Sis and Sora took care of it! See?" The Professor's eyes widened as he saw the chewed up cables and heard Toshi's animated retelling of the battle. Delia dusted off her coat and smiled at Ashi.
"Yes, it was quite something. And Ashi did an excellent job handling things here." But before anyone could comment further, the Pokédex in the professor's hand dinged with its completion tone.
"Registration complete. Ashi Ketchum's starter Pokémon is Pikachu, the electric mouse Pokémon!" Everyone fell silent for a moment, processing this unexpected turn of events. Litten in particular seemed to be having a dramatic reaction, acting as though a Gengar had appeared behind him and covering his face with his paws while wailing "NOOOO!" furiously.
"Hey, get out of there you little—Get your furry tail out right now!" The Litten who was scratching and biting the Pokéball, trying to get to the Pokémon that was inside. It couldn't believe that this Pikachu had taken its spot as Ashi's starter.
Just wait until it got its paws on that Pikachu, it was going to become its chew toy. The Professor watched this comical display, thinking he never would have imagined witnessing a Pokémon acting in such a way. "Well, at least your daughter has shown she is capable of handling catching Pokémon," he commented with a wry smile.
As the group exchanged their final goodbyes, a bittersweet sense of farewell hung in the air. The warm sun cast long shadows across the grassy plain as Ashi and Toshi followed the well-worn path towards their next destination. They shared a poignant glance at their hometown, savoring one last moment to absorb the sight of its familiar streets and buildings before embarking on their journey. The sun's rays, warm and comforting, beat down on them as they inhaled the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers carried by a gentle breeze. It was a reminder of the simple joys they were leaving behind, but also a promise of the new adventures that awaited them.
As they walked, Toshi pointed out a cloud that resembled their father's dracocian form. Ashi looked up, her heart thrumming as she recalled her mother's words. A warm sensation washed over her, and a smile settled on her face. (Yes, Papa, we're on our way so please just wait for us!) She moved to catch up with her brother, both siblings feeling invigorated by what lay out there for both of them to discovery on their way side by side.
Asharia ‘Ashi’ Ketchum - Age 18, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Ashi -
Pikachu (m)
*Litten (m) - Sora
Satoshi ‘Toshi’ Ketchum - Age 10, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Toshi -
Charmander (m)