cloversworld (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
cloversworld) wrote2012-06-24 05:58 pm
cloversworld) wrote2012-06-24 05:58 pm
Entry tags:
Fic: Going Through The Motions
This is late because I had to re-write the previous chapter.
Verse: Bound by Destiny 7/? [MASTER POST]
Chapter Title: GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
clover71
Fandom: Pokémon (Anime)
Pairing: Paul/ Ash (ComaShpping); a hint of SnazzyShipping (Lucian/ Cynthia)
Characters: Paul, Ash, Brock, Delia, Flint (Elite Four), Aaron (Elite Four), Palmer, Dawn, Paul, Reggie, Cynthia, Pikachu, Infernape, Sceptile
Rating: PG
Description: Written for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
love_bingo Round 2, for the square prompt, 'unrequited love'
Word Count: 3,100+
Chapter Summary: Ash thinks that since he finally won at the Indigo League, he'll be stuck in Kanto to pursue his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master, but fate has other plans and that includes taking Ash back to Sinnoh.
Disclaimer: This is only fan fiction and written for non-profitable purpose. Pokémon and its characters are owned by its creator, Satoshi Tajiri, and its media franchise is owned by Nintendo.
Author's Note(s):
- Another filler chapter that's no longer following the plot outline I've prepared for this story. Somehow, the story has taken on a life of its own and I have to struggle to keep the prompt intact.
- Not sure if the pairing of Lucian and Cynthia is even canon, but whatever.
- The title of this chapter comes from the lyrics of 'This Is A Beautiful Word' – the ending theme of the movie "Giratina and The Sky Warrior'
My Love Bingo card
*the images used for this banner are screen captures from episode 6 of Diamond and Pearl (season10) & episode 46 of Galactic Battles (season12)
An extensive collection of memorabilia from all his journeys sits on top of his bureau. Ash lifts up the trophy he just won at the Indigo League to join the rest of his prized possessions – the silver-plated cup with a Poké Ball perched on top ironically light in Ash's hands.
Indigo League winner. He should be proud, should be on cloud nine since he's a step or two closer to his dream of becoming a Pokémon master. But for some reason, he feels so empty inside, his chest like a hollow cave.
The light tap on his door interrupts his musing.
"Ash?" Brock pushes the door open and stills at the threshold. "Everyone is waiting for you at Professor Oak's place."
Of course. The party, Ash thinks with little enthusiasm. Everyone in Pallet Town and some of his friends want to celebrate his victory, proud that he's the only trainer in town who has won in a regional league to date.
"I'll be there in five minutes, Brock. I just need to change." Ash is stalling and Brock can tell – if the scrutinizing gaze Brock fixes him with is anything to go by.
"All right. But hurry. Your own victory party won't start without you."
As soon as the door closes behind Brock, Ash reaches out for the Soothe Bell hanging on the Twinleaf Town festival trophy. The soft chime it makes is like a caress against his ears. This. This is the only reminder he has of Paul.
It's been a year and a half since he has last seen Paul. He still doesn't know what happened then, what made Paul leave so suddenly when he promised he would help Ash find Pidgeot the night before. It's like a movie stuck in his head that Ash can still clearly remember waking up to a note under his door one morning and when he looked out the window, Paul was merely a blotch in the distance.
For months, he desperately tried to reach Paul through his Pokégear but with no luck. Reggie told him Paul decided to travel to Unova and left any means to contact him at home.
Ash didn't understand then – still doesn't get it now. He thought he and Paul were starting to become friends. Why did Paul suddenly wedge some sort of wall between them?
The doorknob turns and Ash is ready to snap at Brock, to tell Brock to just wait for him at Professor Oak's place, damn it. But when the door is pushed open, it's not Pokémon-doctor-to-be who peeks through it. Infernape, Sceptile and Pikachu all stood at the threshold, watching him with wary eyes.
Ash can sense their thoughts, knows that his Pokémon are worried about him. They've worked so hard to get him this far that he owes it to them to at least show his appreciation. He forces his lips to form the most genuine smile he can manage. "Hey guys. Ready to party?"
"Infernape."
"Sceptile."
"Pi, pikachu!"
***
It's almost sundown when the guests start to dwindle and Ash is beat by then. A break away from all these people sounds like a good idea so he makes his way to the open field and settles underneath a large tree, a good distance from the party. He can hear Snorlax's soft snores from the opposite side.
Pikachu claims the spot in front of him, round eyes filled with what Ash can only interpret as worry. "Pika?".
"I'm okay, buddy. Just tired, I guess." Ash lifts his eyes to the sky and watches Staraptor, Pidgeot, Swellow, Unfezant and Noctowl flying gracefully in a 'V' formation. He remembers finding Pidgeot in the forest, glad that the bird Pokémon still remembers him, still regards him as its trainer. He spent months getting reacquainted with it, training it until they regained the bond lost because of all those time apart.
"Slipping into your own world again, I see." Brock's voice startles him out of his illusive daze.
Ash's eyes dart over to his friend who stood a couple of feet to his left with his hands on his hips, casting an achromatic shadow over Ash.
"Are most of the guests gone?" Ash runs his fingers through his dark hair. It has grown long, the layered tips touching his neck. He no longer tames it with a hat as if it was his statement that he had grown out of the spunky little brat persona everyone viewed him to be.
"Most of them, yes. Misty and May are still around. Iris, Cilan and Dawn called by the way. And…." Brock's face was tight, as if he's trying to dissect his next words in his head.
"And what?"
Brock takes several steps closer. "Dawn's asking how you're holding up. If you're still… Well, we know you've been preoccupied with those intensive training you did and the Indigo League and… I guess we're all presuming you're…."
"Just spit it out, Brock. Stop beating around the bush."
A long, exasperated sigh escapes Brock. "Dawn was asking if you're over Paul."
The sharp blow lands in his gut like a Mach Punch. It takes a full minute before Ash is able to collect his thoughts and feigns a smile when he says, "What? What's she talking about? Why would I have to be over Paul? I mean, we've gone separate ways, lost touch. It happens, right?"
"Ash." Brock uses that tone of his that hints there's going to be a lengthy lecture to follow. He sinks down next to Ash, back against the tree trunk, and rests his arms over his knees, his feet flat on the ground, eyes set on the grassy field. "I've known you since you were ten, traveled with you for almost four years and even though we also lost touch for months after our time in Sinnoh, I still know you like the back of my hand. You were always filled with eagerness and determination. Then Paul happened. After he left without a word almost two years ago, you seemed to deflate, the eagerness started to dwindle."
It's no surprise that Brock can read him easily. They've been best friends for years. Brock has been like an older brother that Ash never had. But…
"Seriously, Brock. I think I'm still eager and determined. I just won the Indigo League."
"Determined, yes. Eagerness…."
"What makes you think my life revolves around Paul?"
"I've seen how you are with Paul, Ash." There was something in Brock's eyes that made Ash swallow down the rebuff he has prepared. "I noticed it when we were in Sinnoh, I thought you'll outgrow him, forget about him eventually but then he showed up on your birthday celebration and… it was like he was holding the sun over your head."
Ash may have grown over the years, but he's got to admit that oftentimes, he's still clueless – like now, he has no idea what Brock means. "Stop speaking in riddles, Brock."
Brock tilts his head rests his eyes on Ash. "I know you like Paul. In a special way, that is." Ash opens his mouth to protest but Brock holds up a hand, says, "And it's okay. It's natural. But I'm – we're all worried how it's affecting you."
"We?" Ash can't meet Brock's eyes so he keeps his gaze on Oshawott and Totodile playing in the pond.
"We. Your friends, Ash." Brock's voice has gone soft. "Your mom, Professor Oak, even your Pokémon are worried."
Pikachu climbs on Ash's lap, utters, "Pika, pika," which Ash clearly understands as 'Brock is right.' Ash pets him on the head then moves his gaze to where Torterra is sleeping and Snivy resting on its back.
"I thought he liked me, too," slips out of Ash's mouth.
"I'm sure he did. I saw it in his eyes." Brock is smiling when Ash braves to face him again. "But you know Paul. He's not one to show his emotions, much less to express them."
"Why did he leave then? And why hasn't he contacted me in years?"
"He probably has his reasons." Brock pushes himself up and brushes the grass off his pants. "Come on. Let's go back before your mom sends out a search party."
***
Ash has been on break in between his journeys in the past but never has he been so bored like hell. Daily training with his Pokémon isn't enough to keep his mind from wandering to places he vows not to visit, places that involve Paul.
Even Pikachu is too bored that he has run off to Professor Oak's lab to play with the other Pokémon. Ash can't really blame his buddy for not wanting to stick around and watch him write and doodle on his journal all afternoon. It's silly to have one – a journal, that is – but his mom insists that he should start writing about his journeys.
The soft chime of the doorbell pierces through his pointless rumination and curiosity prods at Ash. He wonders if one of his friends has come to see him. It's been almost a month since he last saw any of them and he's actually thinking of paying Brock a visit in Pewter City or… or maybe even surprise Misty at the Cerulean Gym. Even Gary isn't around. He's gone back to Sinnoh to help Professor Rowan with research and stuff.
"Ash?" his mom calls from the hallway then breezes into his bedroom, waving a white envelope like some flag, her lips stretched in an infectious smile. "This just came for you."
Ash takes it, sees that it is addressed to him, all right, his name written in neat cursive strokes. With technology these days, Ash has never received any mail in his life. He opens it with uncontained eagerness then finds a purple and aqua blue card inside.
When his sees the message, he realizes it's an invitation and his eyes bulge out. "Oh man, Cynthia and Lucian are getting married?"
"Who dear?" his mom asks, still hovering behind him.
"Oh. Cynthia, the Sinnoh Champion, and one of the Sinnoh Elite Four, Lucian, are getting married and I'm invited to witness the ceremony or something," Ash explains, gaze somehow stuck on the card. He leaves off the part where he never knew those two were dating, but then again, Ash has only been too focused in improving his skills as a trainer that he hasn't really been up to date with what's been happening.
"That's wonderful, honey. I didn't know you're friends with the Sinnoh Champion."
"I guess I forgot to mention it to you, Mom, but yeah. Guess I can say Cynthia is indeed a friend." Ash hops off the bed, pads out of the room barefooted and says, "I gotta make a phone call, Mom!"
Brock is the first person he has in mind. Well, Brock is the only person Ash can probably talk to right now.
"Hey Ash," Brock says as soon as he appears on the screen. "Guess what I got in the mail today?"
"You got an invitation from Cynthia, too?"
"Yeah. Good thing it's a month notice. That will give me time to inform the school."
Sometimes, Ash forgets that Brock is in a Pokémon medical school. "Are you allowed to go on a break?"
"Of course. I can just take special classes when I get back."
"Then why don't we go there together? Earlier, if possible. I do want to catch up on what Cynthia and the others have been up to."
Brock shakes his head, soft laughter rippling out of him. "You sure are impatient. I think Dawn has been invited too. It will be like old times then."
Old times. Old times in Sinnoh includes Paul, unfortunately. But Ash isn't going to let that bother him or stop him from going back to Sinnoh. He's going there to see Cynthia. And Lucian, too. Not Paul. Maybe Paul won't even be in his home region.
"Yeah, Brock. I'll see you then. Can't wait."
***
The whole nostalgia bullshit comes crashing on him the moment he steps off the ship. Ash has been so restless that a month of wait seems like forever so he told Brock he was going to Sinnoh ahead. But Brock is Brock, insisted on going with him so now he's trudging along the dock beside Ash.
The first person Ash sees when he cranes his neck is Flint. Flint's curly red hair and cool, calm, collected disposition stands out from the crowd.
Pikachu must have spotted him too because he shifts on Ash's shoulder and exclaims, "Pi, pikachu!"
Brock's the one who raises his arm though and yells, "Flint!" to get the Elite Four member's attention. "C'mon Ash." He weaves through the throngs of people scattered along the dock with Ash and Pikachu following closely behind him.
Flint meets them halfway with a bright smile. "Hey guys, been a long time."
"Yeah," Brock says. "Three years."
"Well, it's good to see you both. You too, Pikachu." Flint leads them to his car – a red, shiny automobile that has Ash's jaws go slack. "Come on. It's a long drive to Hearthome and we have to meet the others for dinner."
Both Ash and Brock echo, "Others?"
"Yeah. The other guests. You're not the only ones who decided to come early," Flint says, buckling his seatbelt, then starts the engine.
Ash remembers that it took months before he reached Hearthome City with Dawn and Brock during his Sinnoh journey years ago but only because they traveled on foot and a lot of things have happened in between. Now it will just take hours, he supposes.
Much as Ash loves to enjoy the scenery while they drive from town to town and city to city, he's too tired to keep his eyes open. He's not sure when it happens, probably somewhere in the middle of Route 203 and Route 208, but the hum of the engine and the fading sun lulls him into a dreamless sleep.
***
There's a weight on his shoulder, shaking him and he hears someone saying, "Ash? Ash, we're here." It takes about a minute, maybe two, before Ash recognizes Brock's voice and when he lifts his eyelids open, he realizes that it's dark.
"Where are we?" Ash asks, mind still caught in a whirlpool of disorientation.
"We're at Hearthome, at Cynthia and Lucian's place," Brock says. "Flint thinks we might want to get settled first and change before heading over to the restaurant."
"Wow" is all Ash can say when they step into the house. It's pretty huge, in Ash's opinion, but pretty cozy despite the large space.
Pikachu echoes Ash's sentiment. "Pi…ka."
"This belongs to Lucian's grandfather, actually. He left it to Lucian when he moved to Unova," Flint explains. "We've got a guest room for you both, but if you don't like to share, there are plenty of rooms available."
Ash and Brock respond in unison. "Oh we don't mind."
After a warm shower, Ash chooses a neat plaid shirt and a clean pair of jeans to wear. Brock and Flint are both waiting downstairs with another Elite Four member, Aaron.
"It's great to see you again, Ash," Aaron says with a firm pat on Ash's shoulder. Ash silently notes how Aaron's green shirt matches the color of his hair.
The drive to the place doesn't take long, just about ten minutes – long enough for Flint to explain that it's a garden restaurant and Cynthia has reserved an area for everyone.
Ash expects it's just going to be a handful of people, perhaps all members of the Elite Four and a couple of Cynthia's friends, maybe. He's surprised to see a lot of people though, most of them he has met before.
"Hey! Here's the Indigo League winner now," Palmer announces. The Sinnoh Frontier Brain of the Battle Tower coaxes the rest to applaud.
Heat spreads over Ash's face. "Aw, you guys." And only when Dawn walks up to him did Ash stop feeling like he's in the center of a battle field, naked.
Pikachu jumps into Dawn's arms. She holds him for a while then sets him down on the floor beside Piplup. "Looks like your seven-month long training in Orre paid off," she tells Ash, a hint of teasing in her tone.
"Yeah. It did."
Ash senses Brock stiffen beside him. "Ash…."
A wary look crosses Dawn's face and her eyes skip over to Brock for a heartbeat then slide back to Ash. "There's something you need to know," she starts to say and whatever comes next doesn't reach Ash's ears because the pounding of his heart echoes around him.
Must be a mirage, half of Ash's brain reasons but Paul looks so real. He saunters over to Ash, hands hidden in his pant pockets and the weight of his stare pinning Ash in place.
"I heard you won the Indigo League." Paul's voice is deeper than Ash remembers. He regards Ash with a leer then he snorts derisively, says, "Sheer dumb luck. Doesn't change the fact that you're still pathetic," and turns to leave.
It's like déjà vu. Ash feels like time has reversed and he's back to his first Sinnoh journey. He's too busy watching Paul disappear among the cluster of people that he doesn't notice someone sidles up next to him until the person utters, "Don't mind him, Ash," prompting Ash to look up. Reggie wears what Ash thinks is a sad smile. "Paul has been like that since he came back from challenging the Kanto Battle Frontier."
Which was the time Paul came to visit me in Pallet.
Ash is still trying to formulate an appropriate reaction in his head when Brock asks, "Do you have any idea why?"
Reggie shrugs, eyes moving from Ash to Dawn to Brock. "Somehow I think it has something to do with Ash."
Cynthia chooses the perfect time to join them, effectively breaking the tension when she exclaims, "Ash! Brock! Glad you can make it." She leads them to the table, insists that Ash sits next to her so Ash can tell her all about his travels and his plans for the future.
Dinner doesn't turn out to be so bad, after all. Ash only gets to cross path with Paul once more that evening when he thanks Cynthia for the dinner. Relief inflates in Ash's chest when Paul leaves with his brother, Reggie, earlier than everyone else since they're both driving back to Veilstone City.
It's a week before the wedding, a week before Ash gets to see Paul again. Or maybe Paul won't show up. Whatever happens, Ash vows to make sure he's masked with indifference the next time they meet.
archived at FFnet and AO3
Verse: Bound by Destiny 7/? [MASTER POST]
Chapter Title: GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS
Author:
clover71Fandom: Pokémon (Anime)
Pairing: Paul/ Ash (ComaShpping); a hint of SnazzyShipping (Lucian/ Cynthia)
Characters: Paul, Ash, Brock, Delia, Flint (Elite Four), Aaron (Elite Four), Palmer, Dawn, Paul, Reggie, Cynthia, Pikachu, Infernape, Sceptile
Rating: PG
Description: Written for
love_bingo Round 2, for the square prompt, 'unrequited love'Word Count: 3,100+
Chapter Summary: Ash thinks that since he finally won at the Indigo League, he'll be stuck in Kanto to pursue his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master, but fate has other plans and that includes taking Ash back to Sinnoh.
Disclaimer: This is only fan fiction and written for non-profitable purpose. Pokémon and its characters are owned by its creator, Satoshi Tajiri, and its media franchise is owned by Nintendo.
Author's Note(s):
- Another filler chapter that's no longer following the plot outline I've prepared for this story. Somehow, the story has taken on a life of its own and I have to struggle to keep the prompt intact.
- Not sure if the pairing of Lucian and Cynthia is even canon, but whatever.
- The title of this chapter comes from the lyrics of 'This Is A Beautiful Word' – the ending theme of the movie "Giratina and The Sky Warrior'
My Love Bingo card
*the images used for this banner are screen captures from episode 6 of Diamond and Pearl (season10) & episode 46 of Galactic Battles (season12)
An extensive collection of memorabilia from all his journeys sits on top of his bureau. Ash lifts up the trophy he just won at the Indigo League to join the rest of his prized possessions – the silver-plated cup with a Poké Ball perched on top ironically light in Ash's hands.
Indigo League winner. He should be proud, should be on cloud nine since he's a step or two closer to his dream of becoming a Pokémon master. But for some reason, he feels so empty inside, his chest like a hollow cave.
The light tap on his door interrupts his musing.
"Ash?" Brock pushes the door open and stills at the threshold. "Everyone is waiting for you at Professor Oak's place."
Of course. The party, Ash thinks with little enthusiasm. Everyone in Pallet Town and some of his friends want to celebrate his victory, proud that he's the only trainer in town who has won in a regional league to date.
"I'll be there in five minutes, Brock. I just need to change." Ash is stalling and Brock can tell – if the scrutinizing gaze Brock fixes him with is anything to go by.
"All right. But hurry. Your own victory party won't start without you."
As soon as the door closes behind Brock, Ash reaches out for the Soothe Bell hanging on the Twinleaf Town festival trophy. The soft chime it makes is like a caress against his ears. This. This is the only reminder he has of Paul.
It's been a year and a half since he has last seen Paul. He still doesn't know what happened then, what made Paul leave so suddenly when he promised he would help Ash find Pidgeot the night before. It's like a movie stuck in his head that Ash can still clearly remember waking up to a note under his door one morning and when he looked out the window, Paul was merely a blotch in the distance.
For months, he desperately tried to reach Paul through his Pokégear but with no luck. Reggie told him Paul decided to travel to Unova and left any means to contact him at home.
Ash didn't understand then – still doesn't get it now. He thought he and Paul were starting to become friends. Why did Paul suddenly wedge some sort of wall between them?
The doorknob turns and Ash is ready to snap at Brock, to tell Brock to just wait for him at Professor Oak's place, damn it. But when the door is pushed open, it's not Pokémon-doctor-to-be who peeks through it. Infernape, Sceptile and Pikachu all stood at the threshold, watching him with wary eyes.
Ash can sense their thoughts, knows that his Pokémon are worried about him. They've worked so hard to get him this far that he owes it to them to at least show his appreciation. He forces his lips to form the most genuine smile he can manage. "Hey guys. Ready to party?"
"Infernape."
"Sceptile."
"Pi, pikachu!"
***
It's almost sundown when the guests start to dwindle and Ash is beat by then. A break away from all these people sounds like a good idea so he makes his way to the open field and settles underneath a large tree, a good distance from the party. He can hear Snorlax's soft snores from the opposite side.
Pikachu claims the spot in front of him, round eyes filled with what Ash can only interpret as worry. "Pika?".
"I'm okay, buddy. Just tired, I guess." Ash lifts his eyes to the sky and watches Staraptor, Pidgeot, Swellow, Unfezant and Noctowl flying gracefully in a 'V' formation. He remembers finding Pidgeot in the forest, glad that the bird Pokémon still remembers him, still regards him as its trainer. He spent months getting reacquainted with it, training it until they regained the bond lost because of all those time apart.
"Slipping into your own world again, I see." Brock's voice startles him out of his illusive daze.
Ash's eyes dart over to his friend who stood a couple of feet to his left with his hands on his hips, casting an achromatic shadow over Ash.
"Are most of the guests gone?" Ash runs his fingers through his dark hair. It has grown long, the layered tips touching his neck. He no longer tames it with a hat as if it was his statement that he had grown out of the spunky little brat persona everyone viewed him to be.
"Most of them, yes. Misty and May are still around. Iris, Cilan and Dawn called by the way. And…." Brock's face was tight, as if he's trying to dissect his next words in his head.
"And what?"
Brock takes several steps closer. "Dawn's asking how you're holding up. If you're still… Well, we know you've been preoccupied with those intensive training you did and the Indigo League and… I guess we're all presuming you're…."
"Just spit it out, Brock. Stop beating around the bush."
A long, exasperated sigh escapes Brock. "Dawn was asking if you're over Paul."
The sharp blow lands in his gut like a Mach Punch. It takes a full minute before Ash is able to collect his thoughts and feigns a smile when he says, "What? What's she talking about? Why would I have to be over Paul? I mean, we've gone separate ways, lost touch. It happens, right?"
"Ash." Brock uses that tone of his that hints there's going to be a lengthy lecture to follow. He sinks down next to Ash, back against the tree trunk, and rests his arms over his knees, his feet flat on the ground, eyes set on the grassy field. "I've known you since you were ten, traveled with you for almost four years and even though we also lost touch for months after our time in Sinnoh, I still know you like the back of my hand. You were always filled with eagerness and determination. Then Paul happened. After he left without a word almost two years ago, you seemed to deflate, the eagerness started to dwindle."
It's no surprise that Brock can read him easily. They've been best friends for years. Brock has been like an older brother that Ash never had. But…
"Seriously, Brock. I think I'm still eager and determined. I just won the Indigo League."
"Determined, yes. Eagerness…."
"What makes you think my life revolves around Paul?"
"I've seen how you are with Paul, Ash." There was something in Brock's eyes that made Ash swallow down the rebuff he has prepared. "I noticed it when we were in Sinnoh, I thought you'll outgrow him, forget about him eventually but then he showed up on your birthday celebration and… it was like he was holding the sun over your head."
Ash may have grown over the years, but he's got to admit that oftentimes, he's still clueless – like now, he has no idea what Brock means. "Stop speaking in riddles, Brock."
Brock tilts his head rests his eyes on Ash. "I know you like Paul. In a special way, that is." Ash opens his mouth to protest but Brock holds up a hand, says, "And it's okay. It's natural. But I'm – we're all worried how it's affecting you."
"We?" Ash can't meet Brock's eyes so he keeps his gaze on Oshawott and Totodile playing in the pond.
"We. Your friends, Ash." Brock's voice has gone soft. "Your mom, Professor Oak, even your Pokémon are worried."
Pikachu climbs on Ash's lap, utters, "Pika, pika," which Ash clearly understands as 'Brock is right.' Ash pets him on the head then moves his gaze to where Torterra is sleeping and Snivy resting on its back.
"I thought he liked me, too," slips out of Ash's mouth.
"I'm sure he did. I saw it in his eyes." Brock is smiling when Ash braves to face him again. "But you know Paul. He's not one to show his emotions, much less to express them."
"Why did he leave then? And why hasn't he contacted me in years?"
"He probably has his reasons." Brock pushes himself up and brushes the grass off his pants. "Come on. Let's go back before your mom sends out a search party."
***
Ash has been on break in between his journeys in the past but never has he been so bored like hell. Daily training with his Pokémon isn't enough to keep his mind from wandering to places he vows not to visit, places that involve Paul.
Even Pikachu is too bored that he has run off to Professor Oak's lab to play with the other Pokémon. Ash can't really blame his buddy for not wanting to stick around and watch him write and doodle on his journal all afternoon. It's silly to have one – a journal, that is – but his mom insists that he should start writing about his journeys.
The soft chime of the doorbell pierces through his pointless rumination and curiosity prods at Ash. He wonders if one of his friends has come to see him. It's been almost a month since he last saw any of them and he's actually thinking of paying Brock a visit in Pewter City or… or maybe even surprise Misty at the Cerulean Gym. Even Gary isn't around. He's gone back to Sinnoh to help Professor Rowan with research and stuff.
"Ash?" his mom calls from the hallway then breezes into his bedroom, waving a white envelope like some flag, her lips stretched in an infectious smile. "This just came for you."
Ash takes it, sees that it is addressed to him, all right, his name written in neat cursive strokes. With technology these days, Ash has never received any mail in his life. He opens it with uncontained eagerness then finds a purple and aqua blue card inside.
When his sees the message, he realizes it's an invitation and his eyes bulge out. "Oh man, Cynthia and Lucian are getting married?"
"Who dear?" his mom asks, still hovering behind him.
"Oh. Cynthia, the Sinnoh Champion, and one of the Sinnoh Elite Four, Lucian, are getting married and I'm invited to witness the ceremony or something," Ash explains, gaze somehow stuck on the card. He leaves off the part where he never knew those two were dating, but then again, Ash has only been too focused in improving his skills as a trainer that he hasn't really been up to date with what's been happening.
"That's wonderful, honey. I didn't know you're friends with the Sinnoh Champion."
"I guess I forgot to mention it to you, Mom, but yeah. Guess I can say Cynthia is indeed a friend." Ash hops off the bed, pads out of the room barefooted and says, "I gotta make a phone call, Mom!"
Brock is the first person he has in mind. Well, Brock is the only person Ash can probably talk to right now.
"Hey Ash," Brock says as soon as he appears on the screen. "Guess what I got in the mail today?"
"You got an invitation from Cynthia, too?"
"Yeah. Good thing it's a month notice. That will give me time to inform the school."
Sometimes, Ash forgets that Brock is in a Pokémon medical school. "Are you allowed to go on a break?"
"Of course. I can just take special classes when I get back."
"Then why don't we go there together? Earlier, if possible. I do want to catch up on what Cynthia and the others have been up to."
Brock shakes his head, soft laughter rippling out of him. "You sure are impatient. I think Dawn has been invited too. It will be like old times then."
Old times. Old times in Sinnoh includes Paul, unfortunately. But Ash isn't going to let that bother him or stop him from going back to Sinnoh. He's going there to see Cynthia. And Lucian, too. Not Paul. Maybe Paul won't even be in his home region.
"Yeah, Brock. I'll see you then. Can't wait."
***
The whole nostalgia bullshit comes crashing on him the moment he steps off the ship. Ash has been so restless that a month of wait seems like forever so he told Brock he was going to Sinnoh ahead. But Brock is Brock, insisted on going with him so now he's trudging along the dock beside Ash.
The first person Ash sees when he cranes his neck is Flint. Flint's curly red hair and cool, calm, collected disposition stands out from the crowd.
Pikachu must have spotted him too because he shifts on Ash's shoulder and exclaims, "Pi, pikachu!"
Brock's the one who raises his arm though and yells, "Flint!" to get the Elite Four member's attention. "C'mon Ash." He weaves through the throngs of people scattered along the dock with Ash and Pikachu following closely behind him.
Flint meets them halfway with a bright smile. "Hey guys, been a long time."
"Yeah," Brock says. "Three years."
"Well, it's good to see you both. You too, Pikachu." Flint leads them to his car – a red, shiny automobile that has Ash's jaws go slack. "Come on. It's a long drive to Hearthome and we have to meet the others for dinner."
Both Ash and Brock echo, "Others?"
"Yeah. The other guests. You're not the only ones who decided to come early," Flint says, buckling his seatbelt, then starts the engine.
Ash remembers that it took months before he reached Hearthome City with Dawn and Brock during his Sinnoh journey years ago but only because they traveled on foot and a lot of things have happened in between. Now it will just take hours, he supposes.
Much as Ash loves to enjoy the scenery while they drive from town to town and city to city, he's too tired to keep his eyes open. He's not sure when it happens, probably somewhere in the middle of Route 203 and Route 208, but the hum of the engine and the fading sun lulls him into a dreamless sleep.
***
There's a weight on his shoulder, shaking him and he hears someone saying, "Ash? Ash, we're here." It takes about a minute, maybe two, before Ash recognizes Brock's voice and when he lifts his eyelids open, he realizes that it's dark.
"Where are we?" Ash asks, mind still caught in a whirlpool of disorientation.
"We're at Hearthome, at Cynthia and Lucian's place," Brock says. "Flint thinks we might want to get settled first and change before heading over to the restaurant."
"Wow" is all Ash can say when they step into the house. It's pretty huge, in Ash's opinion, but pretty cozy despite the large space.
Pikachu echoes Ash's sentiment. "Pi…ka."
"This belongs to Lucian's grandfather, actually. He left it to Lucian when he moved to Unova," Flint explains. "We've got a guest room for you both, but if you don't like to share, there are plenty of rooms available."
Ash and Brock respond in unison. "Oh we don't mind."
After a warm shower, Ash chooses a neat plaid shirt and a clean pair of jeans to wear. Brock and Flint are both waiting downstairs with another Elite Four member, Aaron.
"It's great to see you again, Ash," Aaron says with a firm pat on Ash's shoulder. Ash silently notes how Aaron's green shirt matches the color of his hair.
The drive to the place doesn't take long, just about ten minutes – long enough for Flint to explain that it's a garden restaurant and Cynthia has reserved an area for everyone.
Ash expects it's just going to be a handful of people, perhaps all members of the Elite Four and a couple of Cynthia's friends, maybe. He's surprised to see a lot of people though, most of them he has met before.
"Hey! Here's the Indigo League winner now," Palmer announces. The Sinnoh Frontier Brain of the Battle Tower coaxes the rest to applaud.
Heat spreads over Ash's face. "Aw, you guys." And only when Dawn walks up to him did Ash stop feeling like he's in the center of a battle field, naked.
Pikachu jumps into Dawn's arms. She holds him for a while then sets him down on the floor beside Piplup. "Looks like your seven-month long training in Orre paid off," she tells Ash, a hint of teasing in her tone.
"Yeah. It did."
Ash senses Brock stiffen beside him. "Ash…."
A wary look crosses Dawn's face and her eyes skip over to Brock for a heartbeat then slide back to Ash. "There's something you need to know," she starts to say and whatever comes next doesn't reach Ash's ears because the pounding of his heart echoes around him.
Must be a mirage, half of Ash's brain reasons but Paul looks so real. He saunters over to Ash, hands hidden in his pant pockets and the weight of his stare pinning Ash in place.
"I heard you won the Indigo League." Paul's voice is deeper than Ash remembers. He regards Ash with a leer then he snorts derisively, says, "Sheer dumb luck. Doesn't change the fact that you're still pathetic," and turns to leave.
It's like déjà vu. Ash feels like time has reversed and he's back to his first Sinnoh journey. He's too busy watching Paul disappear among the cluster of people that he doesn't notice someone sidles up next to him until the person utters, "Don't mind him, Ash," prompting Ash to look up. Reggie wears what Ash thinks is a sad smile. "Paul has been like that since he came back from challenging the Kanto Battle Frontier."
Which was the time Paul came to visit me in Pallet.
Ash is still trying to formulate an appropriate reaction in his head when Brock asks, "Do you have any idea why?"
Reggie shrugs, eyes moving from Ash to Dawn to Brock. "Somehow I think it has something to do with Ash."
Cynthia chooses the perfect time to join them, effectively breaking the tension when she exclaims, "Ash! Brock! Glad you can make it." She leads them to the table, insists that Ash sits next to her so Ash can tell her all about his travels and his plans for the future.
Dinner doesn't turn out to be so bad, after all. Ash only gets to cross path with Paul once more that evening when he thanks Cynthia for the dinner. Relief inflates in Ash's chest when Paul leaves with his brother, Reggie, earlier than everyone else since they're both driving back to Veilstone City.
It's a week before the wedding, a week before Ash gets to see Paul again. Or maybe Paul won't show up. Whatever happens, Ash vows to make sure he's masked with indifference the next time they meet.
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