Chapter 10:Prologue IV: Higher power strikes
"He nearly had it." said Aaron.
Champion, Elite Four, and Charles were making their way through the corridors of the stadium. They were headed to their respective hotels to get some sleep after the eventful day. Ash's match had ended about half hour ago. Noone expected Ash to surrender, but it happened. He gave in and let Tobias win.
"Who would have thought that his Charizard could bring him back to the game..." asked Lucian more of a rhetorical question, not expecting an answer.
"You certainly wouldn't. You gave him zero chances to win." shot back Aaron. Lucian's behavior irritated Aaron to no end. Especially when Lucian has that 'I know everything attitude'. So annoying.
"And he had zero chances. If you want from a some simple Charizard to beat 3 legendary Pokemon, then you are mental." shot back Lucian.
"If you think that was just 'some simple Charizard' then you are the one who's mental!" shot Aaron back at Lucian.
"Stop it! Both of you! You are acting like two immature kids in kindergarten" Bertha scolded the younger members of the Elite Four. Gosh. She just had to have these guys as her colleagues. If it weren't for Charles, she would leave the Elite Four spot as soon as possible. Younger generation invaded Sinnoh's Elite Four and the very top. Those three acted so immaturely sometimes it was unbelievable. She would have thought that Lucian would be wiser since he is a Psychic specialist and is 21 years old. But No. The most grown-up of those is Champion herself. And she is fifteen!
"Fine." spat Aaron. Aaron could be a bunch sometimes, but he is a nice to the people who are nice to him too. Unfortunately Lucian isn't one of the nice ones. "By the way. What's going on Flint? You have been unusually quiet." asked Aaron his friend.
"Heh. Sorry had been thinking a lot lately." chuckled Flint. And he was truly thinking, as unusual as it is for him to do. Two things are on his mind. Two Pokemon more precisely. And not his Pokemon. Being the fire type lover he is he fell in love with Ash's Charizard and Infernape. Just seeing both of them duking it out with legendaries was great. But when they showed what they can pull off, it was just amazing. Especially that Charizard. Ash's Infernape was cool and all. He would've to give Flint's one run for his money. But his Charizard is on a whole new level. Such a magnificent and terrifying creature. Just his gigantic roars were music to Flint's ears. He wished to meet them both. Maybe he could, hey are probably on the island still.
"Yeah. I know about what already." said smugly Lucian.
"We all know." added Aaron.
As this was going on few steps behind them, Cynthia with Charles were walking. They were quiet the whole time. Which was getting awkward for Charles. Not for Cynthia though. Thousand's of thoughts about the Kanto boy were running through her head, that she couldn't be bothered by the outside world.
"Sooooo. What did you think about Ash's battle?" Charles broke the silence between them.
"I think he did wonderfully! What he accomplished is beyond words! I myself wouldn't be able to pull this off. He is just amazing! But... I am afraid that he doesn't see it that way. I'll visit him soon to check how he's handling it. He is too hard on himself sometimes" answered Cynthia in her sweet neutral tone.
"Can I join you? I would like to exchange few words with him." asked Flint immediately as he turned his head to the Champ.
"Sure. Why not. Just behave yourself OK?" replied Cynthia politely. But something in her wanted to be with Ash all alone. In her hotel room. Candles lit everywhere. Flowers on the bed. Blushing Cynthia realized where her mind was going and quickly shook it away. "NO! No! Bad Cynthia! Very very bad Cynthia! Behave yourself girl!" Damn puberty and raging hormones. What was happening?!
"Of course I'll behave myself. Who do you think I am Champ?!" replied a little angry Flint.
"A moron?" answered Lucian.
"Nobody asked you anything Psycho." Flint shot back.
"I am too old for this." thought Bertha.
"Guys please." said Charles as he saw the defeated expression on Bertha's face deciding to help her calm the storm. Charles just realized, he sent her with these guys to Unova. For a whole month. Poor woman. "Sorry about that Bertha."
"OK! OK! OK. I am calm. So. When are we heading to meet him Champ?" asked Flint a red-faced Champ.
"I think we can go right now." said Cynthia. It took a while for her to realize what she just said. Why on Earth did she say that? She can't go to meet Ash with these things in her mind! "Please say later. Please say later." How can she lose composure like that?!
"GREAT! Let's hit the road Champ! You know where he is right! By the way are you OK? Your whole face is red."
"I..I .. I'm fine. Let's get this over with." stuttered Cynthia nervously. And with that, she went ahead to be spared from the looks of her friends. Flint darted out right behind her.
"Two months." said Charles to Bertha with a big smile and crossed hands.
"Oh please, Charles. She can't keep it in for that long. I say one month max." said a smiling Bertha. Which was a rare sight. But something like young love can create a smile on her face. Especially if both parties are so cute.
"Wanna bet? Twenty pokedollars on at least two months." asked Charles challengingly.
"Sure. One month max." replied Bertha. Then she shook his hand.
The other two members stood there watching their friends leave. None of them had the slightest clue what was happening. Lucian didn't pay much of an attention, and Aaron just didn't understand what in the world could make Cynthia stutter.
"How are you doing Ash?" asked Brock his friend.
Brock, Dawn, Barry, and Paul are all in the Pokemon Center 3B. After Ash's match ended they quickly ran to him. To the place where he would probably be healing his Pokemon. And they were right. As soon as they entered, the gang spotted him on the red sofa, sitting and looking into the distance thinking about something. And Brock's question is the first thing to bring him back to reality.
"I'm sorry guys." said Ash sadly.
"What for?" asked concerned Dawn.
"That I let everyone down." replied Ash.
"You are the dumbest person I have ever met. No competition." said in his monotone voice Paul. Ash looked at Paul as he was preparing his long apology to them. But Paul beat him to it. "You didn't let anyone down. Quite the opposite actually. You took down 4 legendary Pokemon in one single match. What is there to apologize for fucks sake!" said Paul. His last sentence was a little louder.
"I surrendered..." said Ash sadly again.
Brock was going to say something, but Paul beat him to it again.
"THAT'S what's bothering you? Stop mopping already. We saw why you did it. We have eyes too you know. You should be proud of what you accomplished. It's actually insulting this attitude of yours. Do you really think so lowly of your friends. You think that they would dumped you just because you couldn't beat five legendary Pokemon?!" finished Paul his lecture to Ash.
"I don't want to insult any of you in any way. I promised them at the dinner that I'll win. I didn't. That's why I am apologizing." said Ash back. Not sadly this time. This time, with a sign of anger in his voice
"Does it look like they care that you lost?" Paul pointed at Dawn and Brock "And what the fuck are you guys doing?" Paul asked as he was eyeing Brock and Dawn "What the fuck am I doing? This is your job! He is your friend not mine!" yelled Paul to Brock and Dawn.
"You are being his friend. That's what you are doing." said Brock completely unfazed by Paul's outburst. As soon as he said it Paul suddenly shut up.
"But if you want to hear my part then here it is." said Brock to Paul. "OK, Ash. I saw you compete in 4 leagues already. Did I ever despise you just because you lost. Yes or no?" asked Brock.
"No, but I prom..." said Ash.
"No, buts Ash. The answer is no. And I am sure that Dawn feels it like this too. Don't you Dawn?" Brock lectured his little brother and asked Dawn.
Dawn nodded and smiled at Ash. "Brock sure knows how to do this." Paul's tantrum was a joy to look at. But it didn't accomplish anything. Brock on the other hand...
"So let's celebrate Ash's fourth place in Sinnoh league by going somewhere to eat. It is your best placement in the league after all. You are welcomed to join Barry and Paul. It's on me." said Brock with a smile.
"I'll join you! I am soooo hungry right now! And you'll have to pay me for defeating that Darkrai before me Ash!" Barry yelled. Barry just stood there watching the exchange not knowing what to exactly do. Even though they didn't know each other much, he liked Ash. Or at least, respects as a trainer.
"I'll pass." said Paul in his monotone voice, making his way out of the Pokemon Center. He is now a little embarrassed by his anger explosion. Did he really consider Ash his friend?
"... Thanks." Ash said after a long pause.
"Hey, what are friends for right?" asked Dawn as she threw her one arm around Ash a smiled.
"Yeah." and Ash finally smiled again.
And after 2 hours Ash is finally acting like his usual self, which is a great thing to see. They ate in a nice restaurant. And Brock regretted his idea inviting them for food though. Barry's and Ash's appetite knows no boundaries. His wallet became a lot lighter that day, but at least his friend was back. That's a plus.
They are walking on the path leading to a Pokemon center, which is surrounded by various stands with food like hotdogs, donuts and more, souvenirs stands and various attraction stands. Merchants are trying to profit from the success of this league, so every path on the Lily of the Valley island is covered with multiple stands with various things. But only one caught Ash's interest.
"Oswald! Hi there!" said Ash as he made his way to the ice-cream stand.
"Ahhhh. The famous Ash Ketchum. A pleasure to see you here," said the long-haired man behind the stand.
"Famous?" asked Barry. Clearly totally oblivious to what could've caused this.
"Heh? Haven't you heard it? This lad beat 4 legendary Pokemon in his semi-final battle. It's all over the place. TV, websites and I bet tomorrow's newspapers will be talking about it too." asked Oswald the others.
Dawn chuckled. "We've been there, mister. When Ash defeated those Pokemon. It's just we didn't expect it spread so fast like this."
"Aaaahhh. Well, it's already here. I have heard several people talk about you. Nothing bad of course. They wished things like your autograph, photos and..." Oswald stated and then nervously adding. "... other stuff."
"Which stuff?" asked Ash as he finally stopped looking at all the delicious ice cream flavors and joined the conversation. He is surprised that he was so famous. Ash himself was always the one who wanted those things. photos with champions and their signatures.
It felt weird that some people want that from him now. But what other things could they possibly want?
"Ermm... well... how would I put this... Let's just say that some ladies don't want your signature on paper but on the... other... places ... and with some... bonuses. And leave it at that." Oswald was very nervous talking about this. Not because he is shy talking these things. No. It is because of his daughter. She is one of the ladies that he was talking about. How could girls start to fall for a guy in a matter of few hours is beyond him. She didn't tell him of course. But when he came back home for supplies an hour ago. She forgot to close the doors to her room and he heard things that father of a daughter shouldn't. "Ashhh... ooooh... right THeeEREe!...". Brrrrrr. Let's change the topic.
"So what will it be?" asked Oswald.
"Brock you still paying?" asked Ash.
"With what? A kidney?" answered irritated Brock. He is drained to the last pokedollar and Ash would still try to milk his wallet more. What a friend. Speaking of his friend. HOW IN THE HELL COULD GIRLS FALL FOR HIM? He tried so hard to achieve the same thing and nothing. Not a single one. Ash doesn't even try and he has the whole bunch of girls ready to jump with him into the bed. AND HE'S THIRTEEN! That's just not fair. And not a single member of their group realizes it.
"Well... You still have two of them right? You could spare one for my stomach," replied Ash to Brock sarcastically.
The other to members of the gang began laughing hysterically. But in the end, Ash paid the ice cream for everyone sparing Brock's kidney. Soon after that, they made their way to the Pokemon Center. Barry separated from them since he is seated in a different one during the tournament, leaving our Sinnoh trio alone. Not for long though.
After several minutes, they made it back to the Pokemon Center. And instantly they were greeted by an enthusiast with a red afro. They all knew him very well.
"Finally. I have been waiting here for at least an hour. Hi Ash. How are you doing? You know what forget that. Can you show me your Charizard and Infernape please?" asked the afro man in his energetic manner.
"FLINT! What did I say to you!" dangerous voice of a girl was heard throughout Pokemon Center. Sitting in the sofa facing the TV, the group didn't see her face, only her hair. She raised from her seat and went their way. Cynthia is truly scary when she wants to be. For a fifteen-year old girl.
"Sorry Champ. I'm just so excited! It's the strongest fire Pokemon I ever saw. I couldn't hold it." he is like a kid before Christmas.
"Okay. I get it. But let me handle this first. Then you can do whatever you want." said Cynthia in her gently voice.
"Hi, Cynthia, Flint." Our three heroes greeted them simultaneously.
"Hi." said Flint and waited for Cynthia to do her thing, so he could have Ash and his fire Pokemon to himself.
"Ermmm... I... I'm sorry. I didn't win as I promised. I would have won it if I didn't do those stupid mistakes. I hope you are not to mad at me Cynthia." Ash said sincerely to the Sinnoh champion. He was so nervous right now. Being in Cynthia's presence is very intimidating. Ash felt so small compared to her.
"What are you talking about Ash. You didn't promise me anything," said Cynthia in her natural sweet tone.
"I... I did. Remember. The pep talk?" said Ash a little nervous. He could lie and get out off it. But he was an honest guy. Besides. Cynthia deserved the truth from him.
"Yeah. From what I remember you told me 'I'll win this conference!'." said, Cynthia, as she put an index finger to her chin which just made her cuter in everyone's eyes. Seeing Cynthia deep in thoughts, Ash got scared. The last thing he needs is Sinnoh Champion being angry at him.
"Hmmm... nope. No promise there." said Cynthia. "So why are you apologizing?" said Cynthia in her natural voice again. It's basically the voice of angels to Ash. He wondered if others thought this too.
"Wh... What?" asked Ash. She said it herself. He didn't deliver on the promise he made.
"What? What?" asked Cynthia. She loved toying with him. It is so much fun.
"You said it yourself. I promised you and Paul to win this conference. I didn't keep that." Ash tried to explain, but she only released a cute giggle. This is getting nowhere. Does she do this because she is mad?
"Really?"
"Yes!" said Ash a little louder than he would've liked.
"Hmmmm...Well... from what I heard, you have to say 'I promise' to promise something to someone. So I don't see a problem with your statement. Am I right Dawn?" Cynthia said calmly and asked Dawn.
"Yes, Cynthia." said Dawn chuckling at the banter between Cynthia and Ash.
"Anything else Ash?" said Cynthia in her natural tone.
"I.- ehh... that's.- but-" stuttered Ash looking for answers.
"I'll take that as a no. So stop apologizing and face the fact that you did nothing wrong. You did great in the battle against Tobias. You should be proud of what you accomplished. It was something unbelievable," Cynthia raised her voice a little. It was mostly because she wants Ash to feel a little scared and go with what she just said.
"I..." Ash then looked at Cynthia and was terrified. She had that 'DON'T YOU FUCKING DARE!' look. And the fact that she is slightly taller than Ash didn't help him feel any better either.
"OK! OK. I'll... I'll stop apologizing now." replied Ash nervously.
"Wonderful." Cynthia said happily clapping her hands. "Now that we have this out of the way. Flint...?" She waited for a few seconds. But she got no response. "Flint?!" she looked behind her where he should stand, but he wasn't there. She then looked around the hall in Pokemon Center, and saw him sitting on the red sofa. Sleeping... Really?
"Ash Ketchum. Your Pokemon are all healed" stated the Nurse Joy at the counter surprising our heroes.
"Excuse me." said Ash as he made his way to the counter.
"You have a manual on him or something? Because that was smooth." said Brock. Wow. To handle Ash like this? That deserves a medal.
"I don't know. It came to me naturally. Now if you too excuse me. I have to go wake up snoring Elite Four member of this region." Cynthia said. It really sounded ridiculous when she put it that way.
After several minutes of persuading, Ash finally let Flint meet his Pokemon. Mainly his Charizard and Infernape. The whole gang went to a training field behind the Pokemon Center, which was repaired already. Ash released his Pokemon and as he was preparing to thank them for their hard work, he was greeted by Charizard's Flamethrower to the face. Cynthia and Flint worried about Ash's well being rushed to aid Ash. It took some time to explain how his relationship with Charizard works, but they kinda understood in the end a let the things be as they are. Even thought they didn't like the fact Ash is being burnt to a crisp every now and then.
After the conversation with his Pokemon praising them and promising them rematch, and giving them an apology, everything was back to normal. Flint is examining Charizard and Infernape. Sceptile and Glalie are under the nearby tree taking it easy after those 3 hard days. And Snorlax is under his own, bigger tree, snoring under it's shade. Dawn released her Piplup too. He got injured when he tried to stop Charizard's training before the match. Thanks to this mistake, he missed the match. Now he is OK, but he keeps his distance from Charizard. Taking the safe route, Piplup began chatting with Pikachu about the match. Other four humans are sitting on the terrace in a nice shade.
"I thought that Sinnoh was supposed to be a cool region. But it is rather warm here." said Ash looking up at the sun that is shining brightly today yet again with not a cloud in sights.
"It normally is but this seas..." Dawn started talking only to be interrupted by a buzzing sound of the phone. And it wasn't hers.
"Excuse me, please." Cynthia answered politely and picked up a phone and went to answer the call. The conversation continued to be about the weather, until Cynthia finally came back to the table. And she looked sad. It didn't suit her at all and Brock was the first one to notice her solemn expression.
"Is everything OK Cynthia?" asked Brock.
"Yes. It's just some stupid thing. Don't worry about it." replied Cynthia trying to hide her emotions, but to no avail.
"Cynthia. It clearly isn't. You can tell us." said Ash in a soothing voice. Worried about her. Their abdomens shined blue yet again. But this time it was so small, that it was nearly impossible to see.
Cynthia couldn't say no to Ash when he asked her like this. And they were all good people. She already knows a lot about all of them so why not to share something from her life.
"OK. Have you heard about Steven? The Champion from Hoenn?" asked Cynthia with a sigh.
"Oh yes, he became a Champion 2 years ago. He's the one who likes rocks and archeology," replied Dawn. She is the type of girl that likes to spread and receive gossips. So she is pretty well informed with celebrities like him.
"Yes. Well, I've been in touch with him for last two years because of our common hobby. Steven called me and said that he found an amazing artifact that is from a prehistoric age. It could give us a lot of information about the past. He called me saying he's staying in Celestic Town for a week and hoped to give it to me for the examination. But I can't leave for the whole two weeks this island because of the conference. So I'm gonna miss it. After he gets back to Hoenn that artefact will be locked in the lab and I'll never see it again." Cynthia sadly replied.
"Couldn't he send it here? Or he himself come here?" asked Ash, hoping to give her an alternative.
"He can't give it to post. God knows where it would end. And he has only a week. Plus. He has a lot of work in Celestic Town, so he can't come here." replied sad Cynthia.
"And could you send someone there to pick it up for you and after a few days return it to him?" asked Ash curiously.
"Maybe. But who would've gone there because I want to see some stupid leather old necklace with an even older and stupider tusk as a pendant." answered Cynthia.
"Does it matter who would go? It seems pretty important to you." said Ash soothing Cynthia.
Dawn was about to say something when Brock stopped her. Saying her by the look just let Ash handle this one. Than Brock took Dawn's hand and made his way to the battlefield to Ash's Pokemon with Flint. Dawn caught off guard didn't comment on it as she was dragged away. But after it, she questioned Brock until he finally told her something that left her jaw wide open. "Cynthia?! There is no way..." she thought, not believing the theory Brock came up with.
"It... is. That tusk on this necklace could be from some undiscovered prehistoric Pokemon. I would love to see it. But what can I do. Life moves on." said Cynthia, dealing with the fact, that she will never see this necklace again. Ash and Cynthia were so caught in their conversation, they didn't even register Dawn and Brock sneaking away.
"I'll get there and bring the necklace to you." stated Ash.
"What?" asked surprised Cynthia.
"I said I'll get the necklace for you."
"But why would you do that? You could miss the final fight between Tobias and Greg. You don't have to do this for me." replied Cynthia surprised by Ash's statement. And even touched by it.
"No. I have to."
"What do you mean," asked Cynthia. Where was Ash going with this.
"If it weren't for you I wouldn't have made it that far against Tobias. I owe you for that pep talk." replied Ash simply.
"Paul was there too," argued Cynthia. She doesn't want to take credit for everything. Paul made his toll too.
"Because you woke him up," replied Ash. He was cornering her with these arguments. She doesn't want him to miss the final battle between Greg and Tobias because of one stupid necklace. Because of her.
"I- I- I yelled at you." said Cynthia back. She was running out of stuff to say.
"Heh. I needed that yell to be honest. And even then I didn't really mind. You were as beautiful as ever when you yelled at me. No harm done there." stated Ash without realizing what he just said.
"I- wait- beautiful?" asked Cynthia as she realized what Ash just said. Did he really thought that. Sure she was constantly referred as the beautiful champion. But Ash saying it to her right now made her feel all happy and giddy inside. And red on the outside.
"Whhhaaaaaat. I didn't say that," replied Ash quickly. "What the hell are you doing Ash!" thought the black-haired Pokemon trainer as he cursed his slip of a tongue.
"Oh... Okay." Cynthia went from happy to sad again. What was going on with her. "Why does it matter to me anyway?"
"Cynthia I didn't mean that... no, I mean. I meant that... no no..." Ash was now starting to feel like a complete idiot. Sigh. Just do it. It's nothing to be embarrassed about, so why is it so embarrassed to say?
"You are beautiful. Actually no. That's not the right word. You are extremely gorgeous. I would have never thought that I'll see an angel in a black coat, but here she is, right if front of my eyes. I didn't want to say it out loud but it's true." said Ash with all the courage he could find. Why was it so hard to say anyway? Maybe he is ill... He should visit a doctor.
Ash then resumed their conversation where they left it off. "But we are getting sidetracked. I needed that yell from you. And I don't care about the match between Greg and Tobias as long as I can do something for you."
Cynthia's face got all red now. Her clothes suddenly became warmer and warmer. The heart got wild and began beating at an unhealthy fast rate. The whole world became somewhat different in a beautiful way. And if her clothes get any warmer, she will shot out of that coat.
OK, Ash. You win. At least this banter will end before it gets even weirder.
"I... th-thank you. For e-everything." said stuttering like never before.
"Great! So call Steven and say him to expect me. I'm gonna pick my Pokemon and flew there over the sea with Charizard. I should be there in a few hours." said Ash happily, being glad he can help Cynthia just like she helped him that night, and dozen other times when he went against Team Galactic.
"Wait. At... At least borrow my helicopter. My pilot Lucas will take you there." said Cynthia nervously. She still tried to compose herself from the words that Ash threw at her. And somehow, she still did't manage to compose herself like she otherwise could.
"YOU HAVE A PRIVATE HELICOPTER?!" Ash questioned Cynthia in disbelief.
"Yes. Being a Champion has its perks." said chuckling Cynthia.
"Sure, why not. It has been some time since I flew in one. Thanks." said Ash, eager to fly in a helicopter again.
"No. I thank you, Ash. Thank you so much. It means a lot to me," said Cynthia in sweetest tone possible to Ash, expressing how much she appreciate this gesture.
"Anytime." said Ash and went to the field recalling his Pokemon. He then said the others what was going on and that he will be gone for a while. Well. Now that this is out of the way. Let's get Cynthia that necklace.
Delia was on the garden, finishing watering her tulip flower field with Mimey. It was beautiful evening right now. Ash's match ended a day ago. She was happy. Delia could see it on the TV that her baby boy didn't need her to check on him immediately as she thought he would need in the end. So right now she was waiting for his call to let her know when he'll come back home. "OK, Mimey that would be it for today. Let's go back inside and make something for a dinner." annoucned Delia. Mimey nodded happily and they made their way back home.
About a 2 hours later a car stopped in front of Ketchum's household. Sun was already over the horizon and if it weren't for the street lamp and a lights from a car, it would be pitch black. Inside the car were two people. As they stopped in front of the household, they waited for a little bit before they unbuckled themselves and looked at each other. Driver nodded to his co-driver. After the nod, they played a game of rock paper scissors. Paper packs stone. The driver lost and sighed. The winner wasn't celebrating or anything in that manner. The co-driver put the hand on the driver's shoulder and nodded slowly. They got out of the car and made their way to the door. They both stopped for a minute before ringing on the bell. Delia opened the door and greeted the guests.
"Ou. Hello. What can I do for you?" Delia asked politely
Now that the light illuminated the two people, they were easily recognizable. Both women took their blue caps from their head and placed them close to their chests. Then one of the turquoise-haired women spoke.
"Are you Delia Ketchum?"
Delia nodded.
"I am terribly sorry to have to tell you this news. But. Your son. Ash Ketchum. He died in a helicopter crash."