Chapter Text
Fire is super effective against grass. Every grass-type Pokémon worth their salt knows that. Yet, as he ran through the scorched fields, Bulbasaur decided he couldn't care less. He could not hold back a sigh as a blaze consumed Professor Oak's lab. Lord Arceus! This was supposed to be a day of celebration! What did Ash do to piss you off!?
Bulbasaur's trainer Ash Ketchum, Alola's first champion, was infamous among his friends and Pokémon for finding himself in bizarre situations. Since he started his journey as a Pokémon trainer, it was a slow week if Ash didn't run into at least one Legendary or Mythical Pokémon. The same went for his encounters with evil teams on the daily.
It seems Ash's luck had finally caught up to us.
The seed pokémon's comrades were fighting back against the invaders who started this mess. Bulbasaur wasn't slacking either, dodging to the right as a Camerupt launched a flamethrower. Still, Bulbasaur hissed, his hide singed from the embers as the fire-type move collided with a tree behind him. It ignited instantly. Damnit! A burn! When did Team Rocket add Hoenn Pokémon to their roster anyway!? The grass and poison type readied his counterattack. Small vines emerged from the ground, ensnaring the Eruption Pokémon's feet. She fell straight to the ground, face-planting courtesy of a grass knot. Max damage. She wasn't getting back up anytime soon. So much for your double-type advantage. "Maybe think about losing some pounds, ya literal cow."
The Camerupt was struck by a red beam of light, dissolved, and retracted back into her pokéball. Her trainer snarled. He was dressed in a red and black full-body suit straight out of the Pokéstar Studios' Invaders series. He looks like a knight, but that's Team Plasma's shtick, and they're from Unova. So much for that Team Rocket theory.
"You're gonna pay for that sapling!" It's a bulb, idiot! Bulb-a-saur. The man in red pulled another pokéball off his belt. This time, he released a Magcargo. Great, another fire type. What next, a Houndoom? Marcargo created multiple orbs of white energy around itself. A rock slide in the making.
"Resix! What are you doing?!" The man in red turned around as Magcargo launched the rocks at Bulbasaur. As Bulbasaur dodged, he noticed the voice's source.
"Finishing this fight, Greesix." The newcomer looked exactly like Resix, the only difference being the color of his armor: green. Are your codenames really based on color? How lame are you? Bulbasaur hurled a leech seed at the Lava Pokemon. The vines quickly wrapped around the fire/rock type. Thanks for the pick-me-up you sna - -
The vines melted before the status effect could regain Bulbasaur some much-needed energy. He was facing the lava pokémon, after all. "Oh no," Greesix responds. "That Bulbasaur is mine!" Greesix sent out his own Pokémon: Breloom. Two against one? That's cheap. The Mushroom Pokémon immediately threw a mach-speed punch. It landed, knocking Bulbasaur back. Magcargo followed up with an incinerate attack to further capitalize on the momentum.
Ugh. Bulbasaur tried shaking the damage off. Cheap trick. Where's a potion when you need one? "Back off, Greenie. I found this little guy first!"
"You don't even like grass-types." Bulbasaur ducked and rolled past the continued onslaught of 'mach punches' and 'incinerates' as the poachers argued.
"You know what I do like? Rare Pokémon!" This isn't good.
Bulbasaur spotted an aqua jet headed straight for him out of the corner of his eye and braced for impact.
It never came. Peeking one eye open, Bulbasaur saw a small cloud of dust and steam where Marcargo was moments prior.
The cloud settled. The two poachers looked shocked. "What the hell?!" Resix's Marcargo lay unconscious at the feet of a confident, smirking Buizel.
Buizel cranked his head slightly, looking at the seed pokémon. "You alright, Bulbasaur?"
"Never better."
The sea weasel smirked. "Alright then." He uncrossed his arms and readied an ice punch. "You want a piece of me? Bring it!" The Breloom fell for the taunt, rushing Buizel. Breloom froze upon contact with the weasel's fist. Literally. "Get out of here, Bulbasaur! I can handle this!" Despite his hesitance, Bulbasaur agreed, strategically retreating toward the main lodge.
The seed pokémon noted how Oak's Corral had descended into a chaotic warzone with numerous battles across the field. Most of Ash and Gary's Pokémon were in one-on-one matches against men in eerily familiar black uniforms, each with a big red 'R' on the front. Wait. So Team Rocket's behind this after all? Maybe those guys I saw earlier are just an advanced unit?
…
Yeah right.
…
But then that means…
Bulbasaur was broken out of his thoughts by the roar of Ash's Charizard, soaring overhead. From Charizard's back, Gible launched a Draco meteor. Luckily, there was no Piplup there to send the attack off-target. That should help.
The place looks even more like a battlefield than before.
Bulbasaur approached the main house. The building was aflame too. He watched as Muk burst through the door, Professor Oak in his arms. They were followed quickly by Tracey Sketchit, Oak's assistant native to the Orange Islands and Ash's old travel companion. Both humans were coughing heavily, likely from the smoke. The structure looked bound to collapse any minute. Unfortunately, Bulbasaur wasn't the only one to notice Professor Oak's asthma attack.
"The package has been spotted. All units prepare for capture." A battle cry rose across the battlefield from all the Rocket grunts. Great, this can't get any worse. Bulbasaur marched up to the professor, taking a protective stance in front of him before firing a magical leaf at an enemy Barbaracle. Even if powered by a shell smash, the collective pokémon's tough claws didn't stand a chance. He fainted on the spot. When did Team Rocket expand their reach to Kalos? The seed pokémon looked back at the two humans impatiently. Come on, old man, get a move on.
Unfortunately, the Professor couldn't speak Pokémon, let alone read their thoughts. But Tracey had the same idea. "Go on ahead, Professor. I'll hold them off!" The sketch artist brought out two pokéballs. It was his Scyther and Venomoth. Both bug types acknowledged Bulbasaur with a nod before rushing the nearest grunts, ignoring their pokémon. Venomoth flung stun spores on a grunt, the bright yellow powder causing the women to collapse to the ground. Guess playing dirty is on the table.
The effort wouldn't have mattered if Oak couldn't get a move on. "I won't just abandon my lab!" Getting the message loud and clear, Muk picked the professor up once again. "Put me down this instant!" The sludge pokémon ignored the order, running for the hills. Knowing that Tracey was a competent trainer and Oak was in good if stinky hands,
Bulbasaur turned his attention to the other Rockets and his next opponent: an Arbok. It reminds me of Jessie's old one. It fell to a single double-edge. Just ignore the recoil. Fight through the pain. That became more and more difficult as the seconds ticked on.
Luckily reinforcements arrived in the form of Torterra, Corphish, and Quilava, taking over as the first line of defense. Torterra's new frenzy plant was particularly effective, despite most of their foes being poison-type pokémon. "Thanks for the assist, lieutenant."
Torterra rolled his eyes. "Who do you think you are? Surge?"
Providing aerial support were Swellow, Staraptor, Unfezant, and Talonflame. Each bird used a combination of brave birds followed by a roost. It was probably painful and definitely reckless, but effective. More and more foes dropped like flies, retreating.
Tracey, followed by his Azumarill, took the opportunity to head on after the Professor. "Come on, we're leaving!" That was his first and last mistake.
Yellosix, as Bulbasaur presumed was his name, ordered his Manetric to strike Tracey directly with a thunder. Azumarill jumped in front of Tracey, attempting to block the blow. Instead, it just hit both of them. "AH!" The intense jolt of electricity caused Tracey and Azumarill to fall unconscious. Scyther and Venomoth panicked as their trainer and friend collapsed. They left themselves vulnerable. A second of Yellosix's Pokémon, Magnezone, launched a thunder of his own. Unfortunately, electric moves are super effective against flying types. Scyther fell in a heap next to Tracey. Venomoth joined them soon after.
However, what really took Bulbasaur off guard was Yellosix throwing a pokéball at the fallen bug type. Doesn't he realize that you can't catch a pokémon already registered - -
Bulbasaur's eyes widened as Scyther was absorbed into the ball like any wild pokémon. Three quick shakes later, Scyther was successfully caught. That… that shouldn't be possible! It quickly dawned on the seed pokémon that Resix and Greesix's argument had been over who could catch… no, SNAG, him. Things just became a lot more tricky.
Observing the battlefield, Bulbasaur took a quick headcount. It immediately became apparent just how many of Ash and Gary's other pokémon were strangely absent. Where are all the Taruos? I only see maybe a handful of them. And like, half the Unova squad is missing. "Boldore! Palpitoad! Scraggy!" No answer. Professor Oak and Muk were nowhere to be seen either. If he got away or was taken hostage, Bulbasaur couldn't tell. Crap, where's Ash when you need him. Why did Ash have to extend his internship out an extra week?!
As for Tracey, he was being handcuffed by one of the grunts. Bulbasaur couldn't find Azumarill. She must've been snagged too. Bulbasaur considered stopping the grunt but realized it would be fruitless. It was four against one, after all. They might take Tracey and the Professor, but they won't take us! I need to warn the others.
Turning his back to the piles of charred wood that was all that remained of Oak's lab, Bulbasaur looked to the skies. He watched Charizard make another pass and Gible charge another draco meteor. "Charizard!" The fire-lizard noticed the seed pokémon's cry. "Code Viridian!"
The fire type's eyes widened. "You want us to evacuate?!" The pseudo-dragon roared. A small flame escaped from his mouth. "No! We're just dealing with Team Rocket, right? We can win this! I know we can!" He complained.
"But it's not just Team Rocket!" Charizard hid his shock well. "I gave you an order! Now get the others out of here!"
Charizard huffed, clearly disgruntled with the plan. Yet even he wouldn't dare defy Bulbasaur. The seed Pokémon was effectively the third in command behind Ash and Pikachu. "Fine bird food! But we're gonna be having words after this!"
So you want a fight? Wow. But in character. "Wouldn't miss it. Oh, and I'm gonna need Gible!" Following a quick nod, the flying fire-lizard barrel-rolled over. The land shark landed face first in the dirt.
Shaking it off, Gible looked at Bulbasaur with a big toothy grin. "BITE!"
Bulbasaur sighed. "No bite."
"BITE!"
Why did I have to get stuck with him? Right, it's my job. Now to keep that promise. "We gotta get moving, kid!" Bulbasaur ran across the burning terrain. Gible waddling close behind him.
A short distance away, Infernape, already in blaze mode, cloaked himself in fire and charged at the enemy Abomasnow. A flare blitz. The frost tree never stood a chance. Still, another non Kantonian pokémon? This can't be a coincidence. "Yo flame head!"
Infernape lobbed an ember attack at Bulbasaur. He ducked just in time for it to pass over his head. Gible wasn't so lucky. Remind me not to piss the monkey off. "Chill, man! It's us!"
Infernape backed off instantly, his blaze dying down enough for him to think rationally. The flame pokémon sheepishly grinned. "Sorry about that, Chompers."
"BITE!" Does Gible know any other words?
"Just be careful about friendly fire next time," Bulbasaur scolded the monkey.
Infernape shook his head. He really did feel bad. "What can I do for you? Besides beating up bad guys, that is?"
"Code Viridian."
"Dig then?" Bulbasaur nodded.
"DIG! DIG!" Guess that answers that question.
Infernape smirked. "Alright then, Seeds. Stay safe."
"And you undiscovered."
"Yeah, yeah. I know. I know."
BOOM!
Not even the Squirtle Squad could get a handle on this… not that they're here. A few of the weaker water types, Totodile, Oshawott, and the ice-type Glalie, tried their best to douse the flames. Glalie's melted ice beams were more effective than the rapid-fire water guns, but it was still pointless.
Infernape winced. "Well, Chompers and I better get to it. Send Krock my way if you see 'em."
Bulbasaur left Infernape and Gible to their task. He needed to continue with his own anyway. I can't be slacking on the job if even Snorlax isn't. From informing the likes of Sceptile and Torterra about gathering the troops for evacuation to getting Infernape the extra pair of claws he asked for on dig duty in the form of Krookodile, Bulbasaur kept pushing.
Keeping an eye open for the missing Pokémon and Professor, Bulbasaur found the latter in the hands of a Rocket Team Rocket member. He seemed a bit more well-dressed than the others. He also had dyed purple hair. Doesn't matter. A Rocket is still a Rocket. The man put a hand to the communicator in his ear. "This is Petrel. I've secured the primary package and a Muk. Will resume the snagging of Mr. Ketchum's pokémon until I receive orders otherwise." So they are after us… whatever, you're not getting away with this.
Bulbasaur fired another magical leaf. The great thing about magical leaves is that they can't miss their targets. The glowing green leaves strike Petrel directly, cutting into his skin. "Of course, this just couldn't be easy." Petrel reached for a pokéball on his belt. He was ready for a fight. "Koffing, use self-destruct." The poison gas Pokémon was shining as bright as the sun the moment he left its capsule. Bulbasaur was able to back up a bit before the Koffing suddenly exploded. It definitely wasn't far enough for Bulbasaur to escape the blast radius entirely.
Ugh, I'm gonna be feeling that one in the morning. The seed Pokémon rose to his feet, but just barely. The Koffing obviously lay unconscious near Petrel's feet. The Rocket smirks, grabbing another pokéball from his belt. "How about an encore? Koffing, self-destruct." It took Bulbasaur only a second to realize what that meant. Oh, you gotta be kidding - -
BOOM!
The only thing keeping Bulbasaur conscious was pure stubbornness. He felt so weak that he couldn't even get back to his feet. "Well, well, well," Petrel said. "Cheap tactics to capture you aside, you'll make a wonderful addition to my collection."
Shut up. It was then Bulbasaur noticed a strange glove on Petrel's left hand. It seemed to be supercharging an empty pokéball… his new pokéball. Not like this. Not like this. Bulbasaur tried to move. He couldn't feel anything. Petrel threw the sphere. It was right on target. It was over. Checkmate.
"I don't think so!" The snag ball is batted down by a vine whip. Bayleaf and Snivy came to the rescue. "You're gonna be alright, Bulbasaur. Just hang in there."
"Thanks," he barely breathed out. Then he felt someone on his back. This is not the time for that, ya dang bug! It was Heracross, as usual, trying to eat the sap and pollen out of his bulb.
Petra snarled. "Reinforcements? It doesn't matter." he grabbed an ultra ball off his belt. It was Petra's Weezing. If he orders this thing to go boom, I swear I'm gonna rip that goatee right off his face. Bulbasaur got back to his feet as the oran berry Bayleaf handed him took effect. It's not much, but it'll have to do.
Snivy's smug smirk never faltered for a second. "It's male, huh? Then it's my time to shine." The grass snake winked, summoning giant hearts which surrounded the Weezing. The hearts circled and sank into the unmoving purple time bomb. The status effect landed… but nothing changed. "What?!"
Bulbasaur's gaze narrowed. He noticed there was something off with Weezing's eyes. They lacked life. It's spooky. "You fools," Petrel gloats. "Its heart's sealed shut!" Heart sealed shut? Snivy was slightly dejected but shook it off.
"Well, whatever. Leaf storm!" Snivy jumped into the air, small leaves twirling around her. Waving her arms, Snivy sent the barrage straight down at Weezing.
"Shadow Rush!" Following Petrel's commands, Weezing charged straight through the leaves. Snivy was left vulnerable, unable to protect herself from Weezing's attack.
However, instead of Snivy getting slammed to the ground, Bayleaf jumped in the way to take the hit instead. It was a hard one.
"Again!" Snivy, this time, stayed on the ground as she launched a second leaf storm. It was even stronger than before, actually knocking Weezing slightly back. Petrel seemed somewhat shocked by that development. "Contrary to popular belief, leaf storm makes you stronger each time you use it!" No, that's just you.
Heracross took advantage of the opportunity with a follow-up attack, his horn alight with a mix of yellows and greens. "Taste mega horn!" Despite the type disadvantage, the move still packed quite the punch.
Unfortunately, Bulbasaur couldn't turn that fight into a four versus one, but a body slam by Bayleaf luckily paralyzed the strange Weezing. He could only watch as the trio surrounded the poison gas pokémon. "Wait. He might know - -"
Weezing exploded without any prompting by Petrel. All three of Snivy, Heracross, and Bayleaf were caught in the blast; they never had a chance.
Petrel laughed maniacally, knowing he'd won. No other reinforcements were coming. It was him versus a Bulbasaur with barely enough energy to stand. He brought out another snag ball. "I'll start with the dinosaur." he casually tossed the ball at Bayleaf. As it tapped her forehead, she was absorbed into it. I have to save her! One shake. Why won't my body move! Two shakes.
"Bayleaf!" Try as he might, Bulbasaur couldn't move. With a click, Bayleaf was caught, her new ball teleporting away. The seed Pokémon failed to notice the tears rolling down his eyes. Why?! You stuck your neck out for me, and now what? We all get caught?!
"Hmm… how about the bug next?" Rinse and repeat, Petrel summoned another snag ball and tossed it at Heracross. It's my fault. I'm the reason they couldn't escape. I'm useless… No! I won't let anyone else be taken because of my mistakes! They'll have to kill me first!
Petrel's eyes widened as Bulbasaur was absorbed in bright white light. It was different from the explosions and self-destructs. It was the light of evolution.
One shake. Bulbasaur grew bigger, faster, and stronger.
Two shakes. Bulbasaur launched a magical leaf at the ball.
Before it could click, the leaf shattered it. Heracross was released as Bulbasaur… no, Ivysaur, emerged from the dissipating light.
The rocket admin gulped. "Well, since you seem to like explosions, here's a bomb!" Sure, Ivysaur knew Petrel couldn't understand him, but he was still delighted as he fired a glob of sludge in Petra's face.
"AHHHH!" The Rocket tried wiping the burning sludge bomb from his face. It was gonna leave a mark. Using the opportunity, Ivysaur let sleep powder fly toward Petrel. He coughed as the green cloud reached his mouth and nose. He collapsed, passing out almost immediately. Checkmate!
Looking around, Ivysaur realized Professor Oak was nowhere to be seen. Damn! He must've been taken by another grunt when we were distracted with Petrel! He turned his attention back to his wannabe saviors. I can't carry Heracross, unlike Snivy. What am I supposed to - -
Ivysaur's eyes lit up with inspiration. He projected a pink powder from his bulb toward the bug. It wasn't poisonous. No. It was something far sweeter. Heracross woke up with a start, the scent driving him wild. Phew. For once, I'm actually glad he's addicted to my… Nope. Not gonna finish that thought. Ivysaur strapped the unconscious Snivy onto his back with some vines. As he did, Ivysaur used the chance to properly survey the ranch again.
It was hell. Most of the entire squad Ivysaur had left near the remains of the lab were gone. And I doubt they made it to the tunnel. The seed pokémon had to look away as Torterra got snagged for standing his ground. The air troops didn't fare much better. Talonflame seemingly took a hit for Staraptor as the latter attempted to escape. It didn't matter. Both were surrounded by the grunts anyway. Swellow looked at them sadly as it flew off, seeing the writing on the wall.
There was no chance of rescue; even Ivysaur realized that. The others were completely absent. We need to get out of here and fast.
Running toward the evacuation zone with Heracross on his tail, Ivysaur saw Torkoal crying in the distance. Torkoal had been cornered by a grunt and barely put up a fight. Pignite tried to snap Torkoal out of his trance while fighting against Resix's Houndoom. Guess he really did have one. Ivysaur watches on as Resix throws a snag ball at Torkoal while Pignite is distracted. It clicks instantly. No resistance. What? No, that's…
Pignite went down in quick succession to the Houndoom's Shadow Rush. Ivysaur snapped. You big stupid excuse for a turtle! Pignite risked his life for you! And you threw it away! You're… you don't deserve it!
As the fire pig pokémon's new ball teleported away, the peon had to duck. A furious Charizard circled overhead. "I'm gonna kill you for that!" Honestly, I don't doubt it.
Looking elsewhere, Ivysaur watched as more of his friends were taken. Kingler. Gliscor. Even Donphan. None of their losses hurt any less than Bayleaf's capture. Unfortunately, despite the skill of each and every one of Ash's Pokémon displayed, a big enough quantity will always beat quality. I… really am a failure. He would never have admitted it, but at that moment, he could sympathize with Torkoal. Tightening his hold on Snivy, Ivysaur shook his head. We… we need to cut our losses. Save those we can and get out of here. And so Ivysaur ran. Past friends and foe alike. Both Ash and Gary's Pokémon all around him dropped like flies. Even Gary's Nidoking, one of the closest things to an ace Gary had left at the ranch. Gary's Nidoqueen cried as she watched her lover and children be ripped from her arms. Ivysaur could do nothing to stop it.
As the trio arrived at the tunnel, he saw Leavanny jump into the dug-out tunnel, Totodile strapped unconscious on his back by a string shot. Before Ivysaur could follow, he was distracted by a loud hoot. The seed pokémon watched as Noctowl was struck down by a thunderbolt. "A shiny!" Yellosix exclaimed. "Wait till the guys see what I picked up." His Magnezone struck Noivern too. He, and Hawlucha, who had been riding on Noivern's back, crashed to the ground. Hawlucha got up fast and knocked the steel-type out with a series of quick punches and kicks. The close combat left Hawlucha drained of energy, yet the flying type still faced the electric trainer defiantly. "Oh, that's cute."
Before the Manectric could finish off the wrestling pokémon, Sceptile, clearly under the effect of Agility, grabbed Hawlucha by the tail feather and dragged him toward the exit tunnel. "Noivern! Let me go, Sceptile! That's my little brother!"
"You'll thank me later." As Sceptile and an unwilling Hawlucha descended into the tunnel, Noivern was snagged just like the rest of them.
Surveying the destruction one last time and putting faith in his friends, Ivysaur directed Heracross into the tunnel before jumping in himself. But faith alone is never enough.
Ash was feeling nostalgic. Over the eight years, he had spent training, he had gotten too used to goodbyes. It was an inherent part of meeting new people, and Ash sure had loved to meet new people. This one, though, Ash knew, was going to be particularly sour. He had met Goh at these docks the year prior, on the back of a Lugia. It was one of Ash's fondest memories with one of his best friends. But all good things come to an end, and today was the final day of Ash's internship with Professor Cerise. It had been a fun year through and through, traveling across the regions in an attempt to conquer the World Coronation Series, help Goh complete the pokédex and Project Mew, or deal with any assignments the Cerise Laboratory wanted to send them out on. Considering that within the week, he'd have to permanently settle down in Alola, it felt like the last hurrah. And Ash was proud of it. I still can't believe I've made it to the Master Ball tier. I was really hoping Goh could see me take the title of the best trainer in the world but, hey, eighth ain't bad.
The same could not be said for his journey with Goh. The boy was destined for greatness, that much Ash knew. The self-certified pokémon catching expert certainly had lived up to his namesake, technically catching over one hundred species of pokémon in just a year. Ash was just relieved Goh didn't dedicate himself to battling in the same way. That would be the most challenging title defense match he could ever imagine. The Champion of Alola was just disappointed he would not be by Goh's side to see him achieve said greatness with his own eyes.
Over the sound of the roaring waves, Ash heard footsteps approaching. He knew it was Goh and sighed. Ash had yet to tell Goh the bad news, and with him leaving on the morrow, this was his last chance. Pikachu licked Ash's cheek. The ace trainer appreciated the electric mouse's effort to cheer him up before what was bound to be a difficult conversation. A conversation that would culminate a significant chapter in his life.
"Hey, Ash! What'd you call me all the way out here for?" Turning around to face the boy Ash had considered a little brother, he gulped. Ash hoped the feeling was mutual, and this talk wouldn't be as terrible as his gut was telling him it would be.
"Oh uh... Hi Goh... How's everything going with you?"
The boy shrugged. "I don't know. You tell me. You doing okay?"
"Well... I'm sort of okay? It's just that well… something's come up... something big."
Goh's confusion was replaced by a confident smirk. "Huh? Well, alright then. I'm game. Where's the Professor got us headed this time?"
"N-not something like that." Ash took a deep breath before continuing. "So remember back in Alola when I told you I had won the Pokémon League? Back before meeting you?"
Goh groaned. "Is this about you not telling me about that sooner? I already said it wasn't a big deal. It's not like it changed anything. And, I mean, you forget stuff all the time." Ash might have been oblivious to most social cues, but he could hear the venom in Goh's voice. It WAS a big deal to Goh. This is gonna suck.
"Goh… I got a call from Kukui, and… well, I gotta go to Alola for a while. My duties as Champion demand it."
Goh's eyes widened. "Oh." He started putting the pieces together in his head. He didn't like the conclusions he was coming to. "How long is a while?" he said with dread.
Ash frowned. Time to rip the band-aid off. "I'm not sure, but… it'll probably be for a long time." Ash could see the tears forming in Goh's eyes. It made Ash wince. "I… told Professor Cerise earlier today." It had really been the prior week. "My internship finishes up tomorrow."
"Wait. Wait. Wait. Finishing your internship?! But then, that means you're moving out?!"
"Well, I mean, yeah. I'll need to move to Alola if I'm to act as the champion. Even my pokémon back at Professor Oak's ranch will be making the trip with me." Goh was actually crying by this point. It took all of Ash's willpower to not do the same. "I'm sorry, Goh."
"But you can't just leave! What about Project Mew?! Or the World Tournament! Tomorrow's too soon!" Ash didn't think it was the time to inform Goh that the World Coronation Series could probably just schedule his future matches in Alola to accommodate him.
"I really want to stay, Goh, but I can't."
"No! I won't let you! You'll just have to tell Kukui to wait!"
Ash couldn't blame Goh for acting so childish. He was just over 11, after all. Still, he couldn't deny it was a bit annoying. Is this what I was like when I was his age? How did Brock and Misty put up with me? "I can't delay this any longer, Goh. I was given a year after all."
It was true. Ever since Ash had become Alola's Champion, he knew it was coming. He had put it off, but there was no denying he had a responsibility to his people. He was 18. A legal adult. All champions of age were effectively the heads of their region's governments. That was the whole point of the Pokémon Association. To regulate the usage of Pokémon and act as a makeshift political alliance between the regions. It was also the organization that ran the World Coronation Series. During Ash's Unova travels, the Association merged with Charles Goodshow's League Competition Committee and Raoul Contesta's Pokemon Activities Committee. It was all-powerful and not an organization Ash wanted to get on the wrong side of.
"You were given a year?" Goh shook. Not just in fear. Not just in sadness. But in anger. "You mean you had to go back THIS WHOLE TIME, and YOU NEVER TOLD ME?!"
Ash was taken aback. He looked at the ground despondent. "I'm sorry I left saying anything so late; I just didn't know how to tell you."
"I don't want your apologies. And I don't want your excuses either! I trusted you! And you just strung me along like everyone else! I'm not just some child! Did everything we went through this last year mean nothing?!"
What?" Ash was genuinely confused. It had never dawned on Ash that he had played right into Goh's insecurities of being treated like a child by not telling Goh. It hurt Ash to his core how he let himself do this to his little brother. "Goh! This year has been one of the best years of my life! And you're a major reason for that. I promise I wasn't trying to string you along! Please don't think that!"
"SHUT UP!" Goh ran up to Ash. Catching his mentor off guard, Goh pushed Ash and Pikachu into the ocean by default. It was cold. Very cold. "I don't need you anyway! Good riddance!" Goh ran off after that. He wanted to be alone and sure as heck couldn't stand looking at Ash anymore.
Ash and Pikachu climbed back onto the dock. The electric mouse glared at Goh as he left. Ash scratched the electric mouse behind the ears. The water obscured Ash's tears. All he wanted now was a towel or a fire type. He would get neither.
Chloe Cerise was bored. The daughter of Professor Cerise had always thought of herself as a realist. She was never really interested in going off on a Journey like most kids. For the longest time, Chloe had been content to stay in school, to be dreamless, and follow the path of least resistance. It didn't hurt that Chloe had previously never been interested in Pokémon.
But that had all changed since Ash Ketchum had come into her life. At first, she found the guy to not exactly be all with it in the head. While that hadn't exactly changed, he had introduced her to a new frontier she had never experienced before. His love of Pokémon was contagious. And the thrill of being caught up in adventures featuring the likes of Arceus was something that she would never forget. And I only saw him once! Ash and Goh met Arceus twice that month alone! I can't believe I refused to go with them to that Hisui festival! My finals weren't THAT important! Encounters with legendaries aside, Ash's friends, Dawn and Serena, further broadened Chloe's horizons and got her interested in contests. Maybe she was turning into an adrenaline junkie, but she could not imagine what her life would be like without Ash and Goh around to bring a smile to her face.
So when she overheard Ash and her father talking about Ash moving back to Alola, she couldn't help but feel shell shocked. Even Mika, her best friend, had been on her case about being down in the dumps for days. That's why Chloe had skipped that day, calling in sick. She was done with being told she shouldn't feel sad. Unfortunately, her mother, Talia, took the day off out of her own worries for Chloe. So there Chloe was, curled up on the couch with Yamper and Eevee, watching the news. Not like anything else was on.
Chloe saw Goh burst through the front door from the corner of her eye. He was clearly pissed off and generally distressed. She noted how Goh didn't notice her as he ran up the stairs to his bedroom. I guess Ash must've told him, huh? Chloe paid it no mind. Goh was tough. Tougher than her by a mile. She knew he'd get over it. So she turned back to the TV.
What she saw next made her turn up the volume. It was Professor Oak's ranch… or what was left of it. Not a Pokémon was in sight. From her time at the Professor's Summer Camp, Chloe knew just how wrong that was. The green fields had been replaced by dirt. The only grass was charred and dead. And the main building? It was nothing but ash.
Her mom, Talia, peeked her head in from the kitchen. "Oh dear."
The reporter was one Chloe hadn't recognized, with green eyes, dirty blonde hair, and an apparent affinity for the color purple. She interviewed another woman Chloe recognized from the photos in Ash and Goh's room as Delia Ketchum, Ash's mother.
"I was supposed to meet Sam for lunch and visit my son's Pokémon like I do every day," Delia explained. "The lab was already in tatters when I arrived. Not a soul was in sight. Human or Pokémon." She seemed truly shaken. Chloe gripped Eevee and Yamper in a tight hug.
Ash came into the house a minute later. It looked to Chloe like he'd just taken a swim… in his clothes. "Hey, Chloe." His greeting was half-hearted. Things with Goh must've gone worse than I thought.
"Ash?" Talia called.
He stopped halfway up the staircase. "Yeah?"
"You need to see this." He hadn't noticed the TV yet. When he did, his jaw dropped. Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulder and sprinted to the couch. He turned up the volume even more. Ash wasn't far behind.
The reporter was interviewing Pallet's own Officer Jenny. If Ash recognized the familiar faces, he didn't seem to care. "We are currently investigating the cause of the incident. We can confirm that the whereabouts of Professor Samuel Oak, Tracey Skechit, and all the Pokémon residing in the corral are unknown. We have yet to rule out foul play."
"We'll continue to update you on the situation as it unfolds. This is Alexa Pansy, signing out."
Chloe would never understand how the network could decide to follow up the announcement that the most influential professor in the world, his assistant, and hundreds of trained pokémon up with the weather report.
She watched Ash and Pikachu out of the corner of her eye. Pikachu's red cheeks were sparking aggressively. Luckily, the electric mouse liked her too much to turn his desire to electrocute somebody on her. And Ash…
In the year since Chloe had met him, she had never once seen Ash be furious. Annoyed and crabby? Sure. But never angry. Yet there was a fire in Ash's eyes she had never witnessed before. Chloe had never once feared Ash, but at that moment, seeing Ash at what was undoubtedly the lowest low he'd ever experienced, she was terrified.
"Where's Mimey?" Ash wasn't asking. He was commanding Chloe or Talia to tell him. Her father too, considering he snuck in the screen door unnoticed.
Professor Cerise frowned. He didn't like this. Not one bit. But not a being in heaven, earth, or the distortion world would deter Ash. That much was obvious. "Last I saw, the park."
Ash nodded. "How soon can you set up my champion privileges?" Most trainers were only ever allowed to carry six Pokémonn with them. It was a safety measure of sorts. Both to make sure that any particular trainer wouldn't take on more burden than was necessary and help prevent cheating in the rare incidents that had come up. After all, six was the max number of pokémon allowed in official battles.
But Ash wasn't your ordinary trainer. No. He was a champion. And that meant he could carry as many pokémon as he pleased. Ash had stuck to six because he and most other champions still saw the benefits of focusing on a smaller number of pokémon's training at a time. Besides, activating those privileges meant there was no chance to back out. That was the main reason for Ash. He still had reservations about taking on the position of Alola's first champion. He even tried convincing Kukui multiple times that he wasn't fit to lead a nation. That he was too young and too stupid.
Whatever reservations Ash had were thrown to the wind. His godfather and pokémon were missing. Ash knew he had a lot of enemies. He didn't know who had done this. What Ash did understand was that they weren't gonna get away with it. And he would take any means necessary to make sure they got back safe and sound.
When Professor Cerise looked at Ash, he didn't see a boy. He saw a man. A very dumb man, but a man nonetheless. "Give me ten minutes."
Chloe didn't know what to say as Ash and Pikachu ran out the door. All she knew was that she felt useless. And that was something she had to change. No more waiting at home when my friends take on the world. "Eevee! Yamper! With me!" She didn't hesitate to follow him. Call it getting caught up in the heat of the moment. Or even a middle school crush if you want. Chloe knew that her place was at Ash's side, at least for now. Something told her he needed a friend. Besides, she was sick of being on the sidelines. She wanted, no, needed, action. "Bye, mom! Bye, dad!"
Any other mother would've been desperately concerned for his daughter's life choices. Running away from home? And after a boy?! Talia Cerise instead smiled. "Good luck, you two. And don't forget to change your underwear!"
"MOM!" Yeah, Talia would miss this.
Ash made it to the park in record time. He found Mimey giving a performance. Mimey was a Mr. Mime, after all. Well, actually, Ms. Mime would probably be more appropriate.
"Mimey, we're heading out!" The barrier pokémon looked slightly peeved until she saw Ash's determined expression. She knew, whatever it was, it was severe.
Chloe was out of breath by the time she caught up with Ash. He was returning Mimey to her pokéball when she did. "I'm coming with you," Chloe declared.
Ash raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"
Chloe's determination matched his own. "Yes." Ash, for the first time all day, smiled.
"Alright then." Ash released Dragonite from her pokéball. "We're headed for Pallet." She needed no further explanation. "Hop on, Chloe." She nodded. "But, uh, shouldn't you return those two to their pokéballs?"
Chloe blinked, then glanced at Yamper and Eevee. She smiled sheepishly. "Can you give me five minutes?"
Ash rolled his eyes. And so it begins.