Gary then sighed and hesitatively exclaimed, "Hey Ash..."

"Gary" I coldly replied. I can see where he is going to take this.

"I'm sorry" he announces.

________________________________________________________________________________

Ash POV  

I knew it. Let's see where he takes this. I reply blandly, "Ok," hoping for him to eleborate. Instead, he stood there, stone-faced. Like a broken machine you find at an old arcade store. Its there but unresponsive. Unable to program what to do next. After what must of felt like hours, but in reality it was couple of seconds, I retort "Wow, you are really good at this aren't you." 

"Hey now, Gary Oak doesn't do sorry that often so you better feel privileged," Gary defended. I loudly chuckle. Classic Gary.

"Yeah, the only person you apologise to constantly is dawn." I joke. Making Gary shake his head.  

He again took a deep breath. Gosh, I have never seen him this nervous since he asked Dawn out. "I'm sorry for abandoning you when you needed a friend the most. I'm sorry for standing and watching you suffer for the past 3 years. And I'm sorry for being a coward," he finally announced

Shocked I reply. "Gary a coward? What did you do to yourself? Did you and Dawn-?"

"What the hell ash!? No. God no. I just... grew up. Saw the world from another different lens. Look Ash the only reason why I abandoned you was Calem. He threatened the people that mean the most to me. Professor Oak, my mum, you, and most of all Dawn. I couldn't take any risk. I'm sorry. I should have tried harder. I was too scared of him. I know deep down that I shouldn't be scared of him and that his threats were shallow but... But he threatened Dawn. I couldn't take any chances... Sorry."

Solemnly, I place my hand on his shoulder. And shot him a reassuring smile. "Gary, I don't blame you for doing that. In life, sacrifices have to be made, don't they? At least my sacrifice was for a good cause," I reply.

"Yeah. I guess." Gary hesitantly stated.

I then walk so I'm standing to the side of him. I then drape my arm behind his neck placing my hand on his other shoulder. I then exclaim "I'm glad you are actually taking your relationship with Dawn seriously. Hell if you two broke up I would come to your house and murder you. I know where you live Gary. It took a lot of my time, sweat and tears to get you to stick with one girl."

He then burst out laughing. "O my gosh. I was such a kid back then. I thought I was the best in the world. I soon found out that I wasn't. Thanks to you Ash."

I nod my head in acknowledgment. I then remove my hand that laid around his neck. "About your apology... I'll accept it but I won't completely trust it. Gary, words are easy to say. It's easy to turn a bad lie into a believe one. Gary, I rather be slapped with the truth. Not kissed by a lie" Gary nods " I said this already today to Serena. But actions speak louder than words. I want your actions to apologies to me, not your words."

"Don't worry Ash I will," Gary swore. I nod my head. Hopefully, you will Gary. Hopefully.

Gary then joked "Now, about you and Serena."

I feel my cheeks started to turn into a Jigglypuff. Only this Jigglypuff didn't put people to sleep. I then cautiously replied, "Well... I know she has a crush on me."

I see Gary's face mouth drop. "What! How did you know she had a crush on you?" He curiously exclaimed.

"Just a feeling I have."

"Feeling? You can't even notice a crush unless you are kissed with it. What do you know about relationships Mr as dense as a Geodude," Gary joked.

"Hey just cause I don't see the obvious cues doesn't mean I'm dense. I got you and Dawn together," I exclaimed.

Gary then scratched the back of his chocolate-brown hair and replied, "Touche. But you are still  dense."

I roll my eyes at the boy's defiance. I then continue, "And, you are the last person I want to guide me into a relationship."

Slightly irritated Gary moves his arm up and points at my face. "Hey I've been in plenty thank you," he irritatedly exclaimed.

A wide grin grew on my face. I then shot "Yeah. And on the same day that the relationship starts, it ends with a foot to your balls. All except for the one relationship I helped blossom."

Gary again started to scratch the back of his head. He knew he lost this battle.

Suddenly, a booming voice bellowed "Are you two done having fun in there."

We then see the three teachers peek into the classroom."Yes, sir. Thanks, Ash. Don't worry I will make it up to you," Gary exclaimed while hastily running off. Probably back to Dawn's embrace.

The 3 teachers enter the class and stop a couple of meters in front of me. Brock then asked, "Grab a chair Ash." So I complied and found a chair to sit drag over. The teachers also copied my actions. We sat there for a couple of seconds. No sounds being made. Sheesh. It was like I was about to be interrogated.

Cilian then spoke. "Ash we have been closely watching you as of late. And over the past 3 years, we have seen you slowly transform into a different person. A more quiet person, not as excited or vibrant. A shell of the Ash we knew. Has something happened?"

"My Father" I coldly replied.

Tracy the exclaimed, "Father?"

Shocked by the teachers lack knowledge I curiously inquire, "Yeah. Didn't you hear?"

Tracy then hesitantly stated," Erm. Well. Believe it or not, Giovanni refused to tell us the news about your father. No one in the school knows what truly happened. Which I guess is why those rumours started circulating. Since no one saw your father at the parent-teacher interviews. But we know that your father would abandon you. So what happened?"

"Well, 3 years ago I was the bubbly energetic boy you all knew. 3 Years ago and had great friends and a loving father. 3 years ago my loving father suddenly disappeared in Vidiran Forest with no trace. 3 years later there have been no advancements in the investigation..." I look away from the teachers and close my eyes. Attempting to not allow any tears to escape. Come on Ash. You can do this. Don't cry. 

"Take your time. Deep breaths. We are here for you," Brock reassured. 

I adhere to Brock's advice and take a large breath. It was as large as a Snorlax's breath. When composing myself I continue, "The investigation has basically been abandoned and he is now considered dead. It's like the world has forgotten him. He has worked his ass off to cement his legacy into the world. A great man, who did so much to me. He treated everyone with the utmost respect, even if they didn't deserve. His work in the Vidrian forest was recognised by the president of Kanto. Only a select few get that kind of recognition!...  When he was alive, everyone was amazed by his attitude towards the world to people. But since he is presumed dead, nobody has mentioned how much good he did. It like the world designed a facade when he walked this Earth. When he left, the world dropped its mask and moved on as if nothing happened. As if there was no legacy or gift left because of him. He was a mouse being played by a Cat. But to me,  he was most of my world. He is the reason I have that never give up attitude. And why I have the will to help people who don't deserve it. It is all because of Red. The best father I could ask for." 

I pause to see if the teachers still cared about my rant. They did. All of them looking intentively at me. Analysing the words being sent. I continue, "I believe he is still alive. I feel it. Right in my heart. But that doesn't matter in this world. All that matters is power and money. If you have that, you can basically get anything it seems. And worst of all, for the past 3 years, Giovanni has been my 'guardian...'"

"Giovanni is your stepdad?" Brock spoke with a surprised tone.

"Yes," I calmly state.

"Has anything happened at home?" Tracy asks.

Reluctantly, I answer, "let's say he isn't as good as Red was. In fact, he is the polar opposite. If my father was a blooming apple then Giovanni is a rotten one. You may have seen the result from his orthodox parenting," while pulling up my blue jacket and a black undershirt. Revealing a big fading purple bruise. That ran across my abdomen. It was the mark Giovanni left two days ago.  It does look better, but it's still not what your stomach should look like. Furthermore, I had bandages and scabs all over my face. I could see the shock forming on the faces. Their own boss was doing this to his stepson.

"Absolutely disgusting. No person should ever do this to anyone. Especially not their stepson. Why haven't you told the police?" Cilian loudly proclaimed.

"Who would they believe the principle of this prestigious school or the outcast of the said school?" I inquire.

"It is their job to conduct the law. No matter the situation," Cilian intellectually answers. Cilian knows a lot about the law. He apparently was a part-time detective when he was younger. So that's pretty cool. But a problem about the law is that it can be bent.

"Like I said. This world's power is based on a small piece of paper. A couple of dollars being waved around and they will drop the case. They are human after all." I solemnly reply.

Cilian reluctantly nods his head in agreement. "We live in a cruel world sometimes. Where coloured paper can give you anything... Has there been anything else happening?" Cilian asked.

I answer, "A lot has been happening in the last 24 hours. I don't know what to do and how  or what to think." The teachers stood there for a few seconds. When they realised I wasn't going to say anything more, they motioned me to continue. "I wish my dad was here to help me right now. I guess we don't realise how much something means to you until its gone. And he meant so much to me. He taught me so many ideologies I use today"

"Can we hear one," Tracy curiously questioned. 

"This is one of the last lessons he taught me,"  I begin.

***

3 years ago 05/05/2016

My father and I were going through old photos from our collection. Red then notices a peculiar photo. He then turned to me and showed me the photo "Son, do you know the person in this photo," My father questioned.

The picture looked really old. Like decades old. Maybe even a century. It was a bit discoloured and was crumpled in some places. But I could still easily make out the objects on it. An old man standing proudly on a tall rock. He was dressed in safari clothes and had a large hiking bag. Probably holding all his materials for his exploration. The man was looking out in the beautiful green rich scenery. I honestly answer, "No I don't. Who is it?"

Red then takes off his red baseball cap, revealing his messy black hair, like mine. "It's your great grandfather. A famous explorer and documenter. He received many rewarded during his captivating career," Red cleared.

With stars illuminating in my eyes, I joyfully exclaim "Wow, that's so cool."

"It is. Now Ash. If you listen real close, you can hear him whisper advice to you. Go on listen."

Ok? Listen to a photo. Bit weird I know. But in the end, I obey. I bring my right ear towards the photo to try to listen to the sound.

Red also leaned next to my ear I feel his shallow breaths dancing around my sensitive ear. He whispered, "You hear it? - Carpe - hear it? – Carpe, Carpe Diem, seize the day, make your lives extraordinary."

Confused as a Psyduck, I pull my head back and ask, "Why does he say that?"

Red smiles at my curiosity. His hand then grasps onto my lean shoulder. "Well, Life is a powerful play that goes on and on. Now you can contribute to this powerful play if you wish to. But you must strive to find your own voice. But the longer you wait, the less likely you are going to find it. Ash, everybody has a start date. Yours is 22/05/2002. Mine is 20/09/1975. One day that 22/05/2002 is going to be followed by a dash and another date. So, that dash in between is important. Start now. Start searching. So you can find your voice and add a powerful verse to the play that is called life," Red explained.

Actions couldn't describe how I felt. My body was alone able to perform a simple nod. It was a lot to take in. Red smiled at me acknowledgement. "Now, speaking of dates, your birthday is coming soon. Do you want anything in particular son?"

Hmmm. What did I want? "All I want is for you and mum to be there," I answer.

"Done." He proudly replies.

The day before my birthday, he disappeared when going to grab my birthday present. Last seen in Viridian forest. I Don't know why he was there but he was never seen again. On my birthday I spent the whole day crying in my room. I was hoping, praying that this was all some sick joke on my birthday. But it wasn't. He never appeared at the front door. He missed my birthday. And now he missed 3 of them."

***

When I finished I look up to see there faces. Their faces had shock painted all over them. As if Jigglypuff came with its marker.

Brock then snapped back into reality and admitted. "I'm extremely sorry to hear that Ash. I didn't have a father when growing up also. He left after my 8th sibling was born. I was forced to learn how to cook and take care of kids at the age of 12. God, it was hard. It was like we had the weight of the world on us. But through this, I bonded with my family. Created a really strong bubble between us. I made connections that could be broken. And I really enjoyed it. Whenever my mum needed help with cleaning we all helped her. When one of the siblings needed help with homework, we all came to their aid immediately. When someone was crying, we ALL came to consul him or her.  These hard times makes me appreciate the good times more. So, Ash, I tell you this 'Sucking the marrow out of life doesn't mean choking on the bone.'"

Marrow? Why is biology here? I then question, "Is that a biology topic cause I'm going to admit I didn't really listen to previous lessons."

The teachers burst out laughing. Brock then explained, "No no. Ash, it means you should focus on the essence of life; living it to the fullest. Don't focus on the unpleasant and unimportant things around you. But focus on the beauty in life rather. Focus on the people who really care for you. Not the ones who resent you."

It took a couple of seconds to sink in. Focus on the good things, not the bad. At least I still have a family. Gary seems to be coming back.  Serena may like me still. And I have Pokemon as friends. I mean how cool is that!? No one else can say that. I still have a lot of good things with me. I then look at Brock and state, "Thank you. I really needed that. I've been really distracted lately."

"With?" Tracy asked.

"I just have a really tough choice to make," I answer.

Thankfully the teachers didn't try to push this topic. Cilian then stepped forward and injected, "Well, my advice. Listen to what your father said to make sure you have a verse to sing."

I nod to illustrate that I acknowledged Cilan's suggestion.

Brock then inquired, "Ash with all this going on, are you fine being paired with Serena?"

"Yeah, I can't wait to start. Out of everyone, I would take her in a heartbeat." I answer. 

A deviously smile grew on Brocks's face. O no he is going to- "Great cause the reason why I did that is cause I believe you two belong together," Brock cheerfully injected.

Facepalming I annoyingly reply, "O Lord, not you too."

"No seriously it's true. You two are made for each other." Brock confessed. 

"Says the one who always tells stories of getting rejected by girls that you try to flirt with." I jokingly state.

Brock then suddenly slumps forward onto the ground. Banging his fist on it. I hear a sad groan escape from his mouth. Unable to figure out what I should do, I turn to Cilian and Tracy for help. I see the duo sweatdrop at the biology teacher's action.

Brock then suddenly jumps back up to his feet. I see tears running down my eyes. While sniffling he announces, It's... ok... I will the one eventually. Hu Hu HU. ahh." Brock then again started crying.

I then walk up to him and reach up to place my hand on his shoulder. "I know you will. You are a great man and importantly a good cook." I try to counsel. 

Suddenly, his tears immediately stop. It was like nothing happened. What? Does Brock change like the weather? " Your right Ash... You should go now. Don't want to take your whole lunch."

I nod my head. I then get up and rush towards the door. Before I leave I turn towards the trio and exclaim. "Thank you. Again. I really needed that," I then turn back and rush out of the classroom.  

***

3rd Person

After school, Ash and the two pokemon go to wear Ash eats lunch. As usual, it was quiet. Only the sound of nature taking its course. Wind blowing the grass and loose leaves, and birds chirping in the tree canopy.

"I'm surprised you two stayed quiet when I was talking to Gary and the teachers," Ash comments.

"Well, there is a time and place for anything. And we realised that making unnecessary comments was not the time," Pikachu announced. 

Ash replies, "I appreciate you two doing tha-." Stopping my sentence I see a blond hair walking by the tree line. In response, Ash quickly grabs the two small pokemon and hide behind a tree. Please don't see me. Mew then innocently vibed, "O look it's your mate. You should go say hi to her."

Ash's face starts to turn a vibrant pink. Making Mew chuckle. "Yea-. I mean No. No! We need to get out of here. Mew quickly use teleport," The glowing boy demand.  

Pikachu then leaps out of Ash's arms and plead, "No. How about we don't teleport. Why don't we just ran away."

Ash then huffs, "Ur, fin-"

"Ash is that you again." I high pitched voice echoed. Sending shivers down the trio's spine.

"On second thought. Mew teleport us out NOW!" Ash panicked. 

"Done" Mew stated 

"No lets just ru-" The trio disappeared from their spot. Suddenly the honey blonde girl came to where they just were. "Huh, I swear Ash was right here? Did I miss him?" 

Viridian Forest 

Whoosh. 2 of the 3 trio successful landed on the feet like a cat. While the mouse went spalt onto the ground.

"Wow, I think I'm getting use to this." Ash gleamed. Mew nodded in agreement

"Yeah. Easy for you to say" Pikachu groaned while slowly getting back to its 4 paws.

"Yeah yeah. Anyways is this where the portal is meant to be?" Ash questioned.

"Yes," Mew answered.

"Great... So how do we open it?" Ash asked. 

"Don't worry I got this," Pikachu claimed.

Pikachu then cleared its throat and stood up on two paws. He then boomed, "Mirror mirror on the wall, let us in before they catch us all!"

We wait a couple of seconds to see if anything happened. Nothing did. The agonizing silence started to weigh on Pikachu. Eventually making the yellow creature slump in embarrassment.

"It was a... good try?" I try to comfort. 

"Tisk, tisk. Let me show you how it's done." Mew stated while pushing Pikachu out of the way.

"O yeah come on. Let's see you try." Pikachu challenged. 

Mew then stated "In 3, 2, 1," when Mew said 1 a purple portal suddenly appeared in front of them.

"Wow so cool Mew. Let's go!" Ash excited gleamed. The enthusiastic boy then quickly jumped into it.

"What how did you-" 

"I'm psychic Pikachu." Mew cheekily interrupted. The small pink pokemon then followed Ash though the portal.

"I'm PsYcHiC. Can you see if Sylveon and I get together then? Gosh. I swear Mew just doesn't stop being annoying." Pikachu groaned. The yellow mouse Pokemon then swiftly hopped through. Soon after the portal closed right after its yellow tail went through.

Mirror World

Pikachu then came leaping out of the portal. Landing next to the labelled, "annoying one." In front of them stood hundreds of pokemon who lived in the area. The pokemon came in all shapes and sizes. From the giant and mighty Onix and Kyjgore to the tiny Flabébé and Combee.   and all the mythical and legendary pokemon came from all parts of the distorted world. 

Ash then asked, "How did you know we were out there waiting."

Giratina then explained, "We can see you through that crystal." While motioning towards a blue crystal. Projected onto it was where the trio just stood. "We also heard Pikachu and his very bad poem."

Pikachu then jumped with joy and gleamed, "HA. Told you it would work. Wait did they say bad poem?"

Before anyone could answer the God Pokemon stood forward. Silencing the conversation. Staring at the trio. "Did any of you get spotted."

"No. No one noticed us" Mew proclaimed. 

"Good. Now Ash. Do you want to be trained to become an Aura Guardian?" Arecues put forward.

"I have Arceus," Ash answered.

"Ok. What is it?" Arecues questioned.

Ash could hear a fatherly voice echo, "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation. Don't be resigned to do that breakout!" 

"I want to be an Aura Guardian." Ash proudly claimed with a grin on his face.   

???

A phone could be heard vibrating a dark red room. 

A husky man the picked up the phone and huffed, "Who is this?"

"Giovanni," A voice on the other end proclaimed.

The bearded man suddenly perked up in his chair. Interested in the conversation. "Giovanni...Research is going smoothly. We are finding more and more information about this specimen you have given me."

"Good, I will see you in a couple of days. Change your hair colour. It stands out too much." Giovanni exclaimed. 

"Yeah, and your suit doesn't do the same either." The man shot back

"Fine. Just be ready for my visit." Giovanni huffed. 

A devious grin started to grow and the mans face, "It would be my pleasure."

A/N

Who is this mysterious man?

That's the end of Chapter 7. Thanks for reading. Vote if you enjoyed it and don't be afraid to comment. Next update will hopefully be some time next week. Have a great day. Or night. :D.