Haha oop-

"Come on pikachu!" the young boy exclaimed, stopping to look over his shoulder at the electric mouse running down the path after him. "We're almost home!"

The pokemon gave a bright excited smile, "Pika Pikachu!". The mouse gave a leap off the ground, landing perfectly on the boy's shoulder after years of practice.

The two continued down the old dirt path they had travelled down years before in all their adventuring, the smell of the air and the chirps of the pidgey welcoming them home. Neighbors gave them warm smiles, laughter filling the air as they quickly remembered the antics, eager to know what event he would bring into town this time round.

Ash let out a laugh with them as he raced down the path, heart racing as he grew impatient. He was back home again, back in his beautiful town that held so many childhood memories, that held the people he grew up with and cared about. Even after seeing the stunning sights in the other regions, Pallet town would always take first place in his heart, it was a sight he would always be happy to see, it truly felt like home.

The boy skidded around a corner, giving his companion a bright smile as the pokemon held tighter onto his shoulder. "Sorry buddy-" a cold feeling washed over him, like he was thrown into the ice covered ocean, left alone and vulnerable to anything hunting for its prey. He stopped in his tracks as his palms started to sweat, head whipping back and forth as he looked for something, anything, that would be causing this.

"Proceed with caution, Chosen one."

The raven haired trainer let out stutters of a word, taking a step back and making note of his surroundings. The pikachu on his shoulder let out a confused and worried whine, unsure of what was happening but moving quickly past his worry and on to trusting his friend's reaction, cheeks sparking as he surveyed the area as well.

"Something shall happen that both you and i can't predict, the fate of the world is forever changing and the actions of some can be unthinkable as they proceed ahead."

"Pi-pikachu.."The boy whispered, "What do you think that means?"

The pokemon gave him a confused look, feeling out of sync for the first time in their long journey. "Pikachu?"

"You must take a hold of your fate, of your future as you rush ahead. Decide on who you want to be and whom walks that path with you."

"Who's speaking," He clarified. "What are they talking about?" his mind raced as he struggled to come up with an answer, the growing anxiety crawling over him.

"You wont be alone, you wont ever be, but you must take that step into your hands to reach your happiness."

The sparks emitting from the pokemon's cheeks quickly came to a stop as a soft paw came to a rest on the boy's head, the pikachu checking his temperature.

"See you soon, Ash Ketchum. Remember, you're stronger than you know."

The silence that followed consumed him, sending his mind running in what felt like endless circles. Who was that? Were they a threat? What did they want? The interaction didn't feel like their first one, but who in the world could it have been?

"Pikapi?" Pikachu whined, a frown settling on his chubby face as his worry for his best friend grew immensely.

Ash did his best to swallow his fears, giving his head a small shake before patting his Pikachu on the head. "Sorry, don't worry buddy, it's nothing." He chuckled, starting into a small jog down the path that would lead him home. "Just hearing things I guess."

The pokemon didn't seem too happy with his answer but let the matter slide, if a problem like this occurred in the future then he wouldn't hesitate to find someone to help his friend, he would do anything for him, for his safety.

The duo came to a stop in front of the house framed in with a white picket fence, wild pokemon happily playing in the front yard while tending to the various flowers.

"We're home, buddy." Ash grinned, the small pokemon mirroring both his excitement and smile. At last, they were home after another tiring journey.

The boy started up the steps, each giving a creak with age, but a happy welcome to his ears nonetheless. He pulled out his key from his pocket and shoved it into the lock and giving it a quick turn, it clicked in response and he pushed the door wide open.

"I'm home." He called, slipping off his shoes and padding into the living room, admiring all the frames coating the walls of him and the glorious memories he made in all his years.

From his shoulder Pikachu gave a happy and yet confused chirp as he rounded the corner, causing the boy to fully take in his surroundings.

He couldn't help the smile that grew on his face as he saw his friends sitting in the living room along with his mother. Brock, Misty, May, Max, Dawn, Iris, and Cilan, it was so good to see them all again. He opened his mouth to greet them all but was swiftly cut off by a realization. None of them looked even an ounce of thrilled as he was, their expressions were contorted into something that brought chills down Ash's spine.

After a moment of silence, Ash decided to break it. "He-hey." He greeted, gaining nothing of the sort back.

He switched his weight to his other leg as his friends and mother looked between each other, conversing in a silent discussion.

The younger boy fiddling with his hands decided to speak up first, his voice soft and low. "Ash.." he started, but was saved from speaking anymore from his sister who let out a huff.

"Look," she started, eyes narrowing. "I'm gonna be real here. You still haven't won a league yet, Ash, after years of endless dreaming you're still in this fantasy that you'll somehow win, but the truth is you won't. Not ever."

The boy was taken aback, surprise flooding through his body as he tried to reason with himself. May probably didn't mean to say it exactly like that, maybe she was upset at something he did, but what?

Misty crossed her legs and scoffed before contributing her part. "It's pathetic really, just grow up already." The girl leaned back in her seat, waving her hand back and forth. "We all know you won't be able to achieve it, Ash, so just give up." Some of the others nodded their heads in agreement, muttering their support for him to give up.

Ash could feel Pikachu's grip tightening on his shoulder, cheeks giving off a slight spark as his emotions spiraled out of control. The raven haired trainer rested a hand on the mouse's head, trying to get him to calm down as his own heart panged with pain.

"Ash." His mother's soft voice called, drawing his attention to her standing figure. "I know you want to be a Pokémon master, but please, it's too high of a goal for you to achieve." His mother took a few steps forward, her light steps padding against the flooring. "You can always be a professor like Gary, or something else that would suit you, but please, Ash, stop chasing this hopeless dream."

His heart was pounding in his chest as his hands were clenched at his side, why was this happening? Tears threatened to escape as his eyes watered up, maybe he was weak as they were saying.

"She's right, Ash, throughout all your journeys you've only slowed people down, you've slowed us down." Brock added, nodding his head along with his own words.

"It all leaves a sour taste in my mouth." Cilan followed, head held high as he fully agreed with the rest of Ash's friends.

"You're such a little kid." Iris scoffed, picking at her nails, hardly giving him any attention.

Dawn twirled her hair around her finger, gaze shifting from her feet and meeting Ash's. "You've put so many people in danger, I'm surprised any of us are still alive." She said earnestly, letting her hand fall down to her lap.

Max hesitentaly opened his mouth, "I ag-agree" he stuttered, barely meeting Ash's eyes.

Silence once again took its place in the air, the rest waiting in anticipation as Ash combed through his feelings. Part of him wanted to laugh while the other wanted to cry and lash out in anger. He couldn't believe this was happening, the people he considered closest to him were now nothing of the sort. They spoke like they held his safety in heart, but when in reality he knew they couldn't care less.

A bubble of laughter nearly escaped as he replayed their words, he could find an argument for any and all of theirs but what was the use, they wouldn't give up, they filed each other's beliefs and he could never change that.

Maybe he was really useless, he was defeated turn after turn, never feeling like he was gaining any ground or room to fight, he was backed into a corner he set himself in and now he was paying the price. Maybe he was a disappointment and a failure all wrapped into one, someone that could never realize their own flaws until others spoke upon it.

"So, Ash, what do you say?" Brock spoke up again, breaking the heavy silence weighing in the room. "You understand, right?"

His hat was tilted down, any expression his face revealed was covered up and held within his own deck, it wasn't theirs to see and use. "I do." He whispered, voice barely audible as it was devoid of any emotion.

Sighs echoed through the room as they were all filled with relief, each one of them relaxing in their seats, his mother putting up with excitement.

"So that means you're going to stay here with me, right?" She asked, closing the distance between her and her son, hand moving to cup his cheeks, only stopping once he stared back into her eyes, his emotions clear.

"No." He stated, taking a step back and facing all of those in the house. "I understand where you're all coming from, but.."

He could remember each battle and the excitement thrumming through the scene, his hands sweating as the heat of the sun and pressure of the battle weighed against him. He could remember the chirps from his Pokémon as they joined him on his journey, their smiles replicating his own as they tried for their goal. He could remember the praise and criticism his opponents gave him and what good would it be if he let it all go to waste.

He might be a failure, a sad little boy who could never amount to anything, but fuck that, he would own it.

"I'm seeing this through, no matter what."

The thread holding the peace was quickly broken, anger arising in the other's chest as Pikachu could only feel proud.

Yells and screaming broke out, hands flying through their air with their words as they expressed their 'concern'. Ash could only listen as is past friends and family member screeched for him to listen, like he had grown deaf in the course of the past few minutes, their words never fully computing.

"Wake the fuck up, Ash!" Brock yelled, feet stomping as he approached the raven haired boy. He towered over him, the height comparison adding to the fear leaking into his body.

Ash blinked at him, the fear seeping into his bones wasn't enough yet to cause him to react. Once these were his friends, their happy go lucky attitudes could rival his own at one point or another, they weren't violent, driven to something like that.

'The fate of the world is forever changing.'

The world doesn't change on its own, it's from the actions of others that causes its path to shift, for change to take place. People are forever changing and therefore the world isn't set in stone, we can carve our own path.

People are forever changing.

"Let's go, Pikachu." He spun on his heel and started for the door, stopping to slip on his shoes before resting his hand in the door handle, sparks from his best friend setting the hairs on his arm up. "It's fine."

"Where do you think you're going?" Brock hissed, tone promising a through conversation about their unfinished business. The teen's hand grabbed onto Ash's, tightening as the boy turned to face him.

"Let go." He demanded, glare showing he meant each word, he wasn't playing around.

Brock didn't hesitate to harshly pull him away from the door, the inability to listen to Ash's request sent Pikachu into action, using Thunderbolt on the other boy.

Unfortunately the strength of the attack caused Brock to tighten his grip as the thunderbolt shocked them both, pain flaring through Ash's entire body. At the realization of his miscalculated attack, Pikachu immediately stopped, eyes wide as he sent mental apologies to his best friend and trainer.

As soon as he could breathe again as the attack came to a stop Ash ripped his sore wrist out of Brock's grip, tearing the door open and leaving the vicinity while the others tried to gather their wits. He was gone before they could fully process what had happened.

People change and so will I.

Pikachu was furious, his kind hearted trainer was betrayed by those he loved, those he held dear to his heart. He gave them everything he could, tried his best to help them where he could and yet they all let that go to waste. They took advantage of Ash's kind nature and grew to where they thought they deserved it, not that it was given but that they were born into the right.

Ash tried harder than any of them, he put his heart and soul into his passion, trying to push past any hurdles that blocked his way. How could they have the gall to try and force him away from the one thing he strives for everyday, the one thing that he worked his hardest for.

Pikachu didn't know everything about humans, but he knew that some of them truly sucked and this was more proof of that. Some get lost down the road, led into the wrong, bad side, but he couldn't feel any remorse for them. Not this time, not for this.

Ash sucked in a deep breath, trying to shake off the effects of the shock. Even after years of being on the receiving end of the attack, he was still human and felt the effects. "Thank you, Pikachu." He breathed out, rubbing his sore wrist as he sprinted down the path.

Pikachu hunkered down on his perch, feeling immensely guilty for his mistake. He always hated hurting Ash, it made him feel like he was back to the stubborn little Pikachu back when they first met, that he hadn't evolved into a better friend.

"Don't worry," The raven haired boy let out a forced laugh as he started up the hill. "I'm fine, Pikachu."

Ash barely looked at the wild pokemon as he rushed by, skidding to a stop in front of the Professor's door. He could hear his heart beating in his ears as worries flooded his thoughts. Would the Professor agree with his past friends and family? Would he tell him that he should just stop? Would that last straw keeping him standing and from breaking down into tears finally come down?

He rapped his knuckles against the door, the cold feeling of fear running through him. The wait was painful, his stomach twisted and turned as he wondered if he was walking into his own doom.

Footsteps sounded from behind the door and the lock clicked open, the Professor's face shining bright as he welcomed the boy back home. "Welcome back, Ash!"

The gasp escaped him as he let out the breath he had been holding, tears pricked his eyes but not with any ill emotion. "Professor." He greeted, a shaky smile forming on his lips.

Professor Oak quickly came concerned as he watched the boy's smile and the Pikachu pouting on his shoulder. "Would you like to come in?" He offered, stepping aside so the boy could enter.

Ash took the offer, and practically raced inside. "Thanks, Professor. Um, if it's alright with you I'm just gonna check on my Pokémon." He turned around without waiting for an answer and quickly made his way to the back of the laboratory.

Ash rested his hand in the glass door as he stared out into the back, pokemon happily jumping around and playing with each other under the warm, comforting sun.

"What's wrong?" The Professor softly asked, slowly coming up from behind and gazing out the window as well. "You've always been easy for me to read, Ash, so please don't bother lying." He gave the boy a kind look, resting a hand on his unoccupied shoulder. "I may be old, but I'm more than capable of helping you with whatever you need."

Ash turned his gaze back outside, letting his forehead rest against the window, begging his racing heart to calm down. He was safe now.

"Should I give up?" He asked, watching as his Bulbasaur rolled around on the ground, trying to find a nice spot to lay. "On trying to be a Pokémon master?"

The older man kneeled down, petting the Caterpie at his feet. "What a silly question," he started, "in order to feel complete you must do whatever makes you feel happy, Ash, choose for yourself and don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

The boy slid the door open, stepping out onto the wooden porch. "What makes me happy.."

"Yes." Professor Oak replied, grabbing a bag from the table beside the door and holding it out to the boy. "I fear I caught a snippet of what might have happened from Delia this morning, I didn't have time to warn you but I thought I could still offer my support." He looked off into the distance as his expression was riddled with guilt. "I'm extremely sorry, Ash, I should have done more."

Ash took the cyan and black bag, swinging it over his shoulder and turning to face the man once again. "It's.." he let out a sigh. "It hurts, but I'll be okay. Thank you." He concluded, eyes cast down as the situation sunk in.

The fantic knock at the front door drew their attention and the Professor gave Ash a shove towards his Pokémon that were starting to circle around after noticing his arrival. "I'll deal with that. All their pokéballs should be in the bag. Take care, Ash."

"You too."

Ash ran down the wooden steps and fell to his knees in front of his Pokémon, quickly going through his bag in search of their pokéballs. "We need to leave." He quickly announced, "I promise I'll explain later, but for now, please.."

They didn't understand but with one nod from the yellow mouse they were quick to obey. The message from Pikachu's look was clear; don't ask any questions.

Each Pokémon was returned to their pokéball, all except Pikachu and a certain fire type. "Charizard," Ash quickly asked. "Would you mind flying us out of here?"

The Pokémon looked over his shoulder and through the windows of the laboratory before giving his quick approval. He turned around and lowered himself so the duo could climb on, flapping his wings and sending them through the air at Ash's call.

Ash spared a glance back at the fleeting town, his hair whipping itself into his face. The town full of good memories was now to be left behind, his childhood was there but his future laid with him.

Next stop, Kalos.

"That's a hilarious joke" Gary deadpanned, grip tightening on his phone.

"I'm afraid it's no joke." The Professor's sigh came from the speakers, the man rubbing his temples. "Ash has left for another journey but who knows where."

Gary took a sip of his water before scoffing. "Let's hope it's to form a plan to kill those fuckers."

Professor Oak simply rolled his eyes. "Gary.."

"Yeah, yeah." He waved his hand back and forth, "Look, I gotta go now, but I'll talk to you later, okay?"

A soft smile spread across the old man's lips, "Good luck finding him, Gary." And with that the call ended.

Gary could feel the anger thrumming under his skin, he winded his arm back and threw the phone across the room, letting the screen shatter as it hit the wall.

He combed his fingers through his hair as he let out a strained hiss. "How the help am I to find you, Ketchum." He knew that at one point or another chaos would find Ash and it was a simple plane ticket that would bring them together again, but he couldn't just wait for that to happen.

_____

Best rivals

Gary: guess who's missing 😃👍
Gary: gotta find this guy cause some dipshits can't stfu

Barry: what???

Gary: Ashy boy's friends and mom told him to give up on his dream, treated him like shit and now he gone oop-

Paul: how do you suggest we find him?

Trip: who said we like what-

Gary: idk, hopefully he'll reach out but we'll have to keep an eye out for him.
Gary: also if any of you tell him the same thing they did I'll toss you out the window of a plane 😳

____

Hey, it's been a while. Sorry, but I've been a bit busy and couldn't find the login to this account. I've fallen out of the pokemon fanfic a bit so I've been writing bnha fanfic while I've been gone. Let me know if you want me to post it on Wattpad lmao

My writing still isn't good but hopefully it's better lol, but I thought this one deserved a bit of a rewrite even if I might not do the entire fic right away. Sorry for any mistakes.

Anyways, I hope you're all doing well, stay safe!