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Chapter Text

Nothing sucked more than a life cut short.

All my ambitions and dreams, gone just like that - all to be forgotten in the future

Fuck

When I opened my eyes, instead of being welcomed by trumpets and querubins in a cloud kingdom, I found myself surrounded by a vast darkness, empty and void of life besides me, if I still count myself as alive.

"Hello?" - I call out, but only my voice echoes back a few seconds later - "Great-Great Grandpa? Hello? Is anyone out there?"

Again, it's only me. No loved ones that passed out waiting for me on the other side.

Was this hell? My personal hell?

One of a kind just for me?

Or just some kind of limbo and I'm waiting for my turn to be attended?

If this is a yes, then maybe I should have fight harder to keep living. This is so damn boring!

Fuck no!

Like hell I'll be standing here by myself!

I can't stay here! Or I'll become crazy!

“You See? I Told You This One Was Feisty!”

“Seems Clearly Energetic. Are You Sure This Is Cut For The Job?”

“We Don't Have A Lot Of Options. Besides, When Is Gonna Be The Next Time We Find A Conscious Soul In This Dimension?”

This strange, gender-neutral voices echoes in this dark pit. Well, not exactly. The sound never came to my ears but instead was coming from inside... My head?

“Over Here Young One. Look Above You”

I lift my head to see three color coded balls of light. Blue, Yellow and Red. They started to aproach me, but instead of feeling fear or distrust, something tell me they didn't have I'll intentions with me. The lights became bigger as they approached, the light dying and revealing the humaniod beings. Aliens, told my brain. No, more fairy-like than extraterrestrial type. Pretty cute actually, an very familiar also.

They all had long, ribbon-like tails, and shining red jewels between their amber eyes. One had blue markings and a cone shaped head with fin-like ridges on either side of it's head. The next was pink with four long, drooping appendages. The final creature was partially yellow with a helmet-like structure. Strangely, this one's eyes were closed.

"Pokémon!?" - I asked, not expecting an aswer - "I'm allucinating? Or this is real?"

The Blue one nodded, speaking in a deep male voice - “Correct. I Am Azelf”

“Mesprit” - said the pink one, in a distinctly more feminine tone.

The last one, eyes still closed, muttered in a gender-neutral voice - “Uxie”

"... Did I really died?" - i asked

“You Could Said So... ” - called Mesprit - “But At The Same Time You Don't”

This confused me, I'm not good with riddles - "Come again?"

The pink one was pushed by Azelf while taking control over the conversation - “Well, Let's Put It This Way. In Your Universe Humans Have This Thing Called Fanfiction. Some More Embarassing Than Others. As An Example, You Had A Bunch Of The Spicy Ones In Your Phone ”

Mesprit's hand suddenly darted out and hit Azelf on the side of his head. Eyes narrowing, he yelled - “What The Heck Was That For?” - His limp caressed the side of his face as if he had been dealt a great injury.

Pouting angrily, Mesprit growled - “Don't Scare Her Away!  It's Already Bad Enough That You're Being A Big Mean Jerk!”

Both the pink and the blue Pokemon were face to face, looking as if they would leap into battle at any moment. They probably would have, too, if it weren't for Uxie's intervention.

With a quiet sigh of 'Why me,' he floated to the two and forced them apart.

“Not. Now” - He hissed. Through all of this, his eyes remained persistently closed.

They all glanced at me in apology before resuming their circle around me. Uxie was next, and he glided over so that he was facing me.

“As Azelf Was Saying, The Humans From Your Dimension Had.... A Taste For Stories And The Innate Capacity To Have An Actual Look On These Alternative Universes And Bring Them To Life In Yours Through Stories” - What - “The Population Of Your Earth Is In Deep Touch With What Your People Calls Ley Lines. Those Ley Lines Emit Certain Waves That Sharp Minds Came To Contact With And Are Brought To Life As Books Or Other Media”

"Are you telling me there's a chance all the awkard romance bullshit of Twilight actually happened?"

“That's A Way To Put Ot” - Said Uxie while Mesprit seemed to be containing their laughs - “Anyway. As I said, Your Earth Is Like A... Giant Antena That Catches Signals From Another Worlds.. Like Ours But Not Exactly ”

I stayed silent, not knowing what to say - "And how's that coming to me?"

“Well Get To That Part” - Azelf inserted on the conversation - “Our Universe, Or More Like, Multiverse, Is Linked To Your World Since The Day a Certain Scientist Fell Through An Ultra Wormhole And Landed In Your Universe, Amnesic, Meet The One You Call Satoshi Tajiri And Gave Him The Inspiration To Create Us In Your World”

"I still don't get how that is related to me"

“You Don't Remember How You Died Didn't You?” - asked Azelf with a stern face, How? I don't know..

"Nooooo?" - I tried, but nothing came up, just the fact that I was dead

“An Ultra Wormhole Openned Into Your Dimension And Let Loose A Guzzlord That Almost Devoured Your Country. You Were One of Their Victims”

The statement of my death provoqued an unexpected reaction from me. I actually stopped breathing and I felt that I was chocking while the phantom ghost of being crushed—while my head was cracked like an egg by a chunk of concrete—

I was capable of breathing again when a light blue paw was pressed on my chest. I took a couple of deep breaths while the numbing sensation fulled my chest. I looked forward to see Mesprit giving me an apologetic look

“We Are Sorry To Have Triggered That Bad Memories. We Should've Been More Carefull, Your Death Was Particulary Gruesome”

"Yeah" - I said weakly, feeling tired... Wait... Guzzlord killed me... And nearly destroyed my home.. MY FAMILY!!!

“Calm Down, It's Okay Now” - said Mesprit, having his/her.. They? Their paw on my chest, holding me back, my emotions being midly drained

"What...  What do you mean by It's okay now?" - I asked, taking a deep breath, wanting nothing more than sleep

“Giratina Happened” - said Azelf, from behind their silbings - “And Celebi, They Send That Oversized Beast Back Where They Belonged And Make Sure That It Never Came Back To Your Dimension”

"But I'm still dead... Aren't I?"

The gem on Uxie's forehead glowed, showing me a proyected image. It was me, smiling and laughing with my family during a familiar dinner, unamused.

“You Died, But When Celebi Time Traveled They Supposedly Erased That Timelime, Except That Your Soul Traveled To This Astral Plane Between Dimensios. Until We Found You And Decided To Take You To Our Plane Of Existence In Our Universe. I Belived Having Shown That Your Original Is Still Alive Could Have Calmed You Down And Take Our Proposition.. If You Want...” - said Uxie

That's... That's an honest good offer. Also, it's true. I'm still me but... Not me... It's like the Loki series in which he's a variant from the original Loki and it's taken by the TVA... 

"This is too good to be true, isn't it?" - I asked to Uxie, what remained whit their eyes closed - "You didnt do this out of kidness.. There's something you need from me?"

The Lake Trio standed up straight - “That's Right” - said Uxie - “I'm Afraid You Wouldn't Be Brought Back With Pure Intentions, And Your New Life Wouldn't Be Easier As Well. I Sense You Are Expecting Answers And We Shall Give Them To You, After All You're Our Only Hope, Since We Won't Be So Lucky In The Unlikely Case We Found Another Soul Wandering In This Realm”

The three red gems glowed at the same time, transforming the dark void into a giant proyector. The scenario changed to what seems to be a rusty tower.

I took a few steps before my foot passed thorough something. I looked down and I found a head, a stone head that probably belonged to a statue. It's the face of a boy, it had long hair to his shoulders. But instead of having a stoic face like most of statues he seems to have being caught in motion. I looked forward only to found more broken statues. These statues looked like teenagers, two girls and two boys. One of the boys doesn't have the shirt on, shocked face like the rest of them, has his inferior half ripped apart and is holding a girl, which statue is missing her righ leg and the left arm. That specifically, is a very familiar scene.

 I know this scene

I know these people 

These aren't statues — These are–

The scene changes again, this time it's a castle. Said castle is completly covered in ice. Before I can wonder what the Lake Trio is going to show me, I found myself looking at a face I can recognize, an this person is truly a son of a bitch.

Ghenthis, the villain from Black and White, and their sequels, is laughing like the mad-man it is. It's comanding Kyurem, no, not Kyurem, the fusion of Kyurem and Reshiram, while not so far I can see the motive of his laughter. Trapped in ice, there are the bodies of his son, N, and the protagonists of the games, Nate and Rosa. Not so far, also trapped in a block of ice, are the Sword Trio with Keldeo, the Trio seeming to have tried to shield their apprentice from the attacks, not being strong enough.

The scenario changes, and i can't be mentally prepared to see May — not May, May never wore blue — holding and crying over a boy, his eyes are still open and blurry, he has a scar on the side of his forehead. It's only a small fragment of the giant fight behind her, this time the actual Kyogre, in his Primal Form, has a giant bite mark on his yugular and bleeding some kind of glowing purple ooze, while Groudon also in his Primal Form has his mouth drippling what seems to be Kyroge's blood, vapor surounds him, producing enough heat to keep the gigantic waves to wash him over, but it's a battle that will lost eventually if Kyroge doesn't fall first. And there's no Rayquaza around to stop them.

The scenarios have stopped and i'm again facing the Lake Trio. My mind can't actually belive it. I knew this people. And they died. They fucking died before my eyes.

I.... I think i need to take a seat...

“We find Out About This Thanks To Celebi... Well, Our World's Celebi. Right Now Cyrus Is On His Way To Capture Our Physical Bodies And Take Control Over Dialga And Palkia, Trying To Create His "Perrfect World" But Only Will Result On This One Being Destroyed... Celebi's Time Travel Will Be Nothing Compared To Dialga”

"And Arceus wouldn't do anything?"

“That's The Main Problem. While Exists Diferent Universes, Also Exists Multiple Versions Of My Brothers And I, As Alternative Versions Of Legendary Pokémon Like Ho-oh, Solgaleo, Rayquaza, And Even Necrozma, But There's Only Exists One Version Of Dialga, Palkia, Giratina And Arceus Itself. While Father Of All Take Breaks From His Work, He Is The One That Gave Birth To Different Worlds, And Right Now The Birth Of A New World Is Taking Plac . .. We're On Our Own"

I stayed silent during what seemed to be hours but we're probably less in real life. Taking a deep breath, i made my choice

"How can I help?"

Uxie seemed surprised, even with his eyes closed - “Are You Sure You Want To Walk This road? There Will Be Inmese Difficulties, You May Die Trying...”

"Well, I'm already dead, so yes, why not? Besides I have nothing to lose. I'm not even... Me, I'm just some damn variant that could have been lost in this void, and you will give me another chance. And my family in my Universe is safe, and that's all that matters me. And they'll be fine, I'm with them after all!" - I finished, smilling all the way

The only thing I could miss from my Universe would be the people. My parents mainly. But I was with them so... I'm just overreacting. Of course they'll be fine without me.

The Lake Trio looked between them, before floated back a few feet, and uttered in unison

“Very Well”

Before they did anything else, Uxie hovered forward so that he was about a foot from my face. His long motionless eyes twitched.

“I Have One Last Offer For You. You See, I Have The Power To Erase Minds. In One moment, Your Memories Can Be Wiped Away. I Won't Erase Them Completly, Just Memories That Could Hold You Back, Like Your Family, Only Leaving The Events To Come In The Future. If You Accept, You Will Live Like A True Kid, But Your Old Life Will Be Gone For Good. All If I Just Open My Eyes. What Do You Say?” - Their voice was sly, one that I was not sure if I could trust

Forgetting my parents? - "I think...." - I mean... It's not like I'll be able to meet them again. And the memories only bring pain - "You know what. Do it. Erase my memories. I have no use for them. "

Uxie joined his siblings, and murmured - “As You Wish”

Once again in unison, the Lake Trio speak - “Farwell”

Their images faded away, and I was left in the dark. Just as I considered calling out, a welcoming light shine before me. I extended a curious hand, and the light consumed me.

Giovanni was a lot of things depending who you asked

A Gym Leader

A Ground Type Specialist

A lovable husband

An absent son

But for the most part of his subordinates, Giovanni was one thing

Heir of the Team Rocket

You know, just the typical criminal band that comerced Pokemon in illegal ways

But Team Rocket wasn't just that

Let's go back in time, a few years, more like a couple of decades ago

Rockette Sinclair looked like any typical woman from suburbs. Beautiful. Elegant. Waved to her neighbors when they passed in front of her house. Was a loving wife and a caring mother. Giovanni memories of those days were like one of those old movies in black and white. The way his mother used to tend his wounds when he came back home after some kids from school dragged him over the floor and left with blooded scratches. The image would burn from his mind and now replaced for Madame Rocket, allmighty and unbothered in her throne, face obscured by the shadows.

There was an unspoken rule in this kind of work. One that had all of his respect. If you can cheat the person that sleeps next to you, then you didn't deserve anyone's trust. That's how his mother took his father's position so easily.

His father was nothing more than a goon in the organization when his mother took his place. A woman in that kind of environment with a child wouldn't look too threatening. At first. But when the men started to die like Rattatas, no matter how skilled that person was while training Pokemon. His mother had found the humanity's Achiles Talon and abused of it.

The bonds between humans and Pokemon make the human weak

Humans grow too dependable on Pokemon, she'd said

His mother's point was proved when he enlisted to the war, like everyone from his group of age.

Memories he wasn't proud of.

The war between Kanto-Jotho and Unova and their colonies lasted less than a decade but left deep scars. There was no true winner in this battle.

After coming back from the war, the Team Rocket took strength, feeding the lack of men in the country and the ashes of the war. Like birds of prey. Disgusting, but efficient.

War can do things to a person

Sometimes, it was like Giovanni had left the remainings of his heart in that battlefield across the sea.

Until one day, when was his time to check what had Ariana so busy that he found himself in that little town forgotten by Arceus.

Pallet Town was... Ridiculous...

How could these people live in such a sedentary life completely ignoring what was going on in the outside world?

He stopped in front of the direction that indicated Ariana's house

He was... I'm expecting more when taking Ariana's salary in consideration...

A loud crash startled his trained senses of fight and run, his hand already having his Breedill's ball ready to stung the intruder. But when he peeked to the source of the noise instead of an enemy, he found the most clumsiest, full of dirt with messy hair he'd seen in his life.

A familiar face from the past. 

From when he was still stupid and young and had decided to run away from home to try to have a piece of the world for himself. 

"Delia?"

"Boss, the meeting shall be starting in a few minutes, Sir" - called one of his subordinates, whisking away the memories, the warm of Delia's background was replaced by the cold office.

Giovanni blinked, noticing he had been playing with his ring the whole time. One quick look to the ring before standing up.

"You may retire," - he said, dismissing the grunt who gave a respectful bow before getting out of his office

Persian nuzzled his head against his hands, and Giovanni let out a sigh of relief before scratching behind Persian's chin, getting a purr from the feline. Giovanni gave another stroke before standing up, Persian was annoyed by the lack of attention, but didn't complain when he was put to rest inside his Pokeball.

The meeting room wasn't the big deal, not much different to a corporative, just... Illegal..

There was a large meeting table with ten chairs, Giovanni took a seat at the end of the table, finally giving a look to the other people in the room.

Ariana and Petrel were the closest people to his seat, both sitting with stoic faces and keeping their postures straight. Proton was slaking in his seat in front of an annoyed Archer. They were the men he had under his charge. Now, the other two are on the other end of the table. Two complete opposites. A woman with magenta hair and the resting face bitch in front of her. Miyamoto and Arlo were two of his mother most loyal and compelling executives, among a few more, but at least these were the tolerable ones.

"Shall we begin?" - asked Giovanni, looking at the people in the table, not really expecting someone to answer - "Good, let's start. "

Now the table changes, the brown color revealing being a facade and wiping in pixilated images, pixel spurts, and holographic constructions start to take form. A world map appeared. Kanto-Jotho, Unova, and Kalos were highlighted in red. Giovanni's brows twitched at the memories. Not. Now.

"As we stated in our last meeting" - Giovanni gave the word to Archer - "It's been 5 years since the sign of the peace treaty put end of the Kanto-Unova conflict. As consequence, Jhoto separated from Kanto, and with that the region lost the 47% of the economic advantage. The crime rates have been rising since then and within it the men in our ranks as well. Speaking of it, we wouldn't be doing better... But"

The world map disappeared, only leaving Kalos and Unova.

"Yes, Unova's economy is actually decreasing and they're taking their sweet time to recover. But they had started to require help, economically speaking" - the map nade zoom on the French region 

"What has to do Kalos with all of this?" - interrupted Proton, to Archer disgust 

"I was getting to the point" - started Proton, eyebrow twitching at Proton's antics - "As we well know, in the past and in previous years Kalos had tried to put their hands on our territory. Now while it maintained a neutral stance, it's in a more advantageous position than we've been. Of the previous Elite Four only has left that old hag of Agatha and old Samuel Oak quited after the war ended. In other words, ladies and gentlemen, we're vulnerable to possible attacks. Vulnerable and alone"

"There's a chance that Kalos could take advantage of our position?" - asked Ariana, stealing glances around the room

"There's always the chance we get attacked. It's a matter of when and if we'll be ready"

"So now we're playing heroes?" - mocked Arlo, and yes, definitely teasing - "We're supposed to stop this hypothetical invasion?"

"It's our territory, no matter how, it's ours" - interrupted Giovanni, slightly pleased by the scrunch on Arlo's face, his eyes narrowing through his glasses - "Keep going Archer"

"As I was saying, we're in a vulnerable state and we're on our own. We can't afford weaknesses. We need to find a way to get the upper hand on this before it's too late"

It's sadly true. Forty years prior the last attempt of taking Kantonian territory ws made by the kalosian army. They were defeated thanks to the champion of back then, but now they're weakened. Kanto's Elite Four was being reconstructed and all the experienced Gym leaders were men under his command, including himself. What should they do? Koga and Surge had control of the main ports in Kanto, Blaine didn't count since Cinnabar was most of a touristic trap than anything else. But tourists generally carried with them exotic Pokemon. Maybe they could expand themselves to the traffic of Pokemon to other regions. Celadon seemed like a nice place to start a base. 

"It's time to expand is to other regions" - declared Archer

"Woah, easy dude" - interrupted Petrel - "You're taking things too fast. We still have reached the capacity to start taking territories. If we start going around like these, " - he pulled the shirt of his suit - "people is going to rise suspicions. "

"We can afford the risk" - bite back Archer, then looked at Giovanni - "If you'll allow me to demonstrate boss"

Giovanni wanted to light up a cigarette and drink his stress away because Archer always made his blood pressure rise on levels Proton would never reach.

"Go on," - he said, wanted to just said 'Get to the fucking point'.

Archer just returned to the world map, this time the map zooming to the screwed up region of Orre. Orre was like a damn graveyard, in the sense they didn't exist a sole wild Pokemon since the Great War. Why Archer was so interested in this wasteland?

"Oh, I see where this is going," - snorted Arlo, not bothering to hide the smile on his face 

Archer just shrugged him off and kept going - "I've come with a business proposition." 

The holographic screen changed to show a Pocheena in screen, would have looked like any from their species, except this one was albino looking and had pitch black eyes.

"This is what their creators name a shadow Pokemon. Our possible commercial partners had successfully mutated regular Pokemon in a new kind of artificial type, " - explained Archer, slightly proud at the amused looks he was getting, especially the wide open jaw from Proton - "This new type doesn't possess any type disvantage to the moment, and it's extremely effective against all types, the updated Pokemon had shown a new level of obedience, they only live to the combat. Besides, most of the moves the Pokemon had learned will turn into 'Shadow' type moves. And this is only one of the beta versions. This still can be improved "

"Okey, this sounds way too good to be truth," - complained Proton

"It's good. Who are the people you said... Made those...?" - asked quietly Giovanni 

"Cipher Corporation "

"I know them" - speaked up Ariana - "Though Proton's right, it's almost too good"

"Because it is" - interrupted Arlo, happily to annoy Archer - "A few minor details, like the Shadow Pokemon are extremely violent, some of them had actually managed to kill a few of the scientists" - he said with a smirk at the rest of Rocket executives distrustful looks - "Besides that, the Pokemon can't learn new moves, as it lost the capacities of evolve or improve their strengths. But well, it's still an excellent deal, after all. "

Arlo smiled, as discord was flourishing in Giovanni's ranks. Perfect, just like Madame would like.

"You said this little project of them was still in probation, right?" - interrupted Giovanni, shutting the voices in the room

Archer could breathe, feeling relieved - "Exactly, Boss. They're still open for improvement. I'll be glad to pass your concerns about this little project of them"

"Don't bother" - interrupted Giovanni, for Archer's distress and wide open mouth - "We're not going to waste resources in this research, for the moment. If they show improvement, they have our support. Until then, we won't waste a cent on them. "

There was a silence in the table for a couple of seconds before Archer shoulder went down and looked defeated - "You know the best, Sir. "

The ring of a phone moved the attention of everyone in the room to the source of the sound. Giovanni shrieked in embarrassment before standing up and fake coughing. 

"I'll be right back," - he said before getting out of the room and getting his phone, only to see it was a call from the school. Doubting, he responded - "Yes?"

A squeaky that couldn't be heard by anyone that wasn't Giovanni came from the phone, making Giovanni turned pale - "Yes. Understood. I'll be on my way. " - he said about to hang up - "Thanks for informing me. "

After the phone call ended, Giovanni passed a hand over his face with frustration. He returned to the meeting room, but instead of sitting back, he recovered his stuff.

"Something came up, so I need to leave. I'm ending this meeting for the moment. " - he said before storming out of the room

No one tried to stop the gym leader from leaving. Most of them just accepting it was one of Giovanni's family emergencies. Arlo just scrunched his nose with disgust but shrugged off the carpet.

Giovanni looked incredulous as the nurses didn't let him into the labor room. HIM!! JUST BECAUSE HE WAS LATE A FEW MINUTES!! DELIA NEEDED HIM!

"We're sorry Leader Giovanni" - said one of the nurses, without guilt on her tone - "But we're afraid your disrupting your wife, please remain calm and let the profesionals handle it" - said the same nurse before shutting the doors in his face

Not far beyond him, stood Ariadna in casual clothes, he slowly turned around when he noticed from his pherisferic view a cup full with a dark liquid. Ariadna's lips made contact with the glass and left a mark of her red lipstick. 

"Did you sneak wine to your nephews birth??" - he said incredulously 

"Oh please, don't act surprised. I wonder how people here can work while being sober" - Ariadna take another sip of the cup, then catched Giovanni staring blankly at her - "Don't beg me, I'm not gonna share. "

"I wasn't going to ask for that" - Giovanni turned around, crossed arms and gripping his own elbows when another scream could be heard from inside the labor room

Ariadna noticed the small twitch on Giovanni's face and sighed - "Hey, Romeo" - she called out for him, waiting for her boss to turn around - "Delia's strong and more resilent than a Tauros, she'll be fine. "

"I know that" - said Giovanni while sitting outside the labor room, inhaled sharply, the screams of Delia's pain came muffled, knuckles becoming white of his grip

Not much after, a baby's cry could be heard, Giovanni's head snapped and stand, rushing through the door, only to a nurse block his way, coming out of the door and blocking the door.

"What's the meaning of this, is Delia okay?" - asked Giovanni looking over the glass

"Miss Ketchum is still in labor I'm afraid" - said the nurse, holding Giovanni back with surprising strength - "Apparently, his brother was blocking his silbing on the scan. But congratulations Leader Giovanni, you're having twins..."

"..... Twins?" - muttered Giovanni with an empty look... TWINS? Screamed his mind.. How...? HOW!? Like NOW!? HERE!?

"I CAN SEE THE HEAD!" - annuncied one of the nurses from the inside

Giovanni could only look into the void while thousands of thoughts of faceless fusions of him and Delia running inside the Gym, and they being crushed, pinched of poisoned in ways wasn't logically possible.

"Hey" - Ariadna's voice snapped him from his thoughts - "Look over there. Seems like it's a girl. "

Giovanni followed the direction Ariadna was pointing and his eyes softened at the sight of a baby in a pink towel being handed to Delia

They standed in a awkard silence until one of the nurses opened the door - "Mister Ketchum, you may pass"

Giovanni closed his eyes, inhaling and openign his eyes, one of the nurses guided him to put his arms in certain position, only to a baby in a blue clothing being handed to him. Giovanni frozed, the pink baby with barely something of red hair in the top of his head. Oh, he was just like his aunt.

"Dear" - Giovanni lifted his gaze, Delia smiling at him while holding at his little girl - "I see you already meet Silver" - said Delia, looking tired but still smiling

Giovanni take a seat next to his wife, the baby in her arms having a small puff of dark hair in the top of the head. Giovanni looked as his little girl, gazing at the boy in his arms. He actually help to make these... Tiny beings?

"You want to swap?" - asked Delia smiling at him

"Not so sure...." - said Giovanni, worried... What if his hands slipped? What if he dropped both? What they got hurt because of him and—

"Darling" - Delia's voice come softly as she put a hand in his hand, directing his gaze to her - "It's okay...."

The girl was placed in his arms, he was holding her head with a steel grip, afraid of letting her go... What if—

"You know how are things in Pallet Town" - said Delia. Ah, that horrendous tradition of naming their kids after a color... Don't tell me Delia was actually thinking— - "And since you already decided Silver's name since before he was born" - Oh for Arceus's sake.. Delia! - "I was thinking of naming her Rainbow... What do you think dear?" - asked Delia, looking at him with puppy eyes

A terrible, terrible idea - "I think..  That our daugther is not a Pokemon Delia..."

"Gio!"

Well... Existed worst names out there.... Like Green - "We could agree that as a middle name... Just in case?"

"Okay, mister seriousness, what are you thinking?" - said Delia with an offended look

Damn, his mother was right, he was weak - "Ash... Hmmm... Asher...?"

"I tought you said our daugther wasn't a Pokemon"

"And that's why you never will see me nicknaming my team" - said Giovanni darkly

"Asher... Asher sounds good..."

"Asher Ketchum sounds good"

"Silver Ketchum also sounds good"

Giovanni smiled at his wife, standing from his seat and kissing her on the top of her head.. - "I love you..." - muttered against her hair

"Love you too" - responded Delia, smiling back

What the fuck was that about!? Screamed said reincarnator on her mind What the fuck Lake Trio!? WHY THE PROTAGONIST!?

Chapter Text

I stare at the ceiling without blinking, focusing on the texture of the ceiling, wondering if someone made that mark with the shape of a Caterpie on purpose. Or it was just my imagination. I covered my eyes with my arm, and I felt relief when I closed my eyes.

I was tired and I wanted to sleep. But I couldn't.

My mind won't let me.

I'm supposed to get my starter tomorrow. There's nothing I should worry about. Didn't Celebi make sure Pikachu and Ash to find each other as a fate thing?

But.. I wasn't exactly... Ash

I remember taking Uxie's offer and erasing my memories. I didn't exactly forget everything. Just... Things regarding my previous identity.

My name. My previous parents' faces. Midschool. Maths. I guess the last thing is just me being myself, but I didn't forget totally everything. 

I remember them being the best parents of the world, but I couldn't dream of comparing them to Dad and Mom. Giovanni and Delia always overlapped my parents in the new memories of this life. 

I accepted they're my parents a while ago. Those thoughts don't bother me.

It's the future.

Because I wasn't sure what the timeline was at this point. 

I searched the Kingdom of Rota, Altomare, and Dahara City existed. So the movies were somewhat... Canon and would likely happen. 

Cool, cool. I planned to visit Rota after the Indigo League to sweep the floor with whatever idiot that dared to stand in my way to get my hands on Sir Aaron's staff. I wasn't going to let Lucario die.

But Lucario wasn't exactly a top priority unless Riley decided to get off of Iron Island and take the challenge. I doubt anyone else could get Lucario out of the staff.

My concern was Dad.

My... My Dad was the leader of Team Rocket, the only organization that never was caught on the anime.

I know he's a bad guy. I know what he's doing as the Team Rocket leader. And... He's... He's a great Dad. Silver doesn't remember a lot, but I do. I even started calling him Dad before I started calling Delia Mom.

If I ever got the chance to face him, I'm not even thinking if I could defeat him... I wonder.... I would do the right thing when the time came?

What would even be the right thing? Keep my family together or protect Kanto?

I let a cry out of frustration and throwed my pillow to the floor, feeling overwhelmed by the slightest things. The sheets, the hair on my face, and not being able to fall asleep. It was just too much. 

I take a look at the alarm on my bedside table and let a small groan see that it was one in the morning. I had to get up early if I wanted to get my starter before  noon.

Maybe some water and a visit to the bathroom would help me. I was feeling kind of thirsty.

I move quietly, trying not to make a noise. My eyes had gotten used to the darkness so I could see clearly my surroundings. I didn't want to wake up my brother. It was unfair that both of us stayed awake all night.

The house is kind of creepy at night. Everything is like having a black and white filter, like a Ghost Type is going to jump-scare me at any moment.

I use the bathroom really quickly, scared of finding a girl with a white dress and black hair covering her face the moments I turn a corner. But I doubt a Ghost would sneak into my house. They know to avoid the territory of strong Pokemon, not even a cocky one would even dare.

Ghost Pokemon are terrifying... But they're also soooooooo cool! Along with Fairy Types and Normal Types, they're one of my favorites! At least the cute ones.

If I get to meet them, I'm going to catch that Haunter from Lavender Town.

Screw Sabrina

I felt myself shiver at the thought of the psycho psychic. In the anime was terrifying. Being able to turn people into dolls, treat them like toys. I'll check for dark types before even thinking about facing her.

No, don't think of that. The only thing that you're supposed to think of is Pikachu.

The orange light from the fridge is more than enough to illuminate the kitchen, but it also blinds me for a couple of seconds. There's a small bottle of water available for occasions like this, since I'm not tall enough to reach the top of the fridge. 

I felt a lot better after drinking it, I didn't notice my throat was so dry. I drink half of the water bottle without noticing.

Wow, I need to pack soooo many water bottles if I plan to survive my journey. It would be weird to drink water ... From a water type.

Did... Water from a Pokemon counted as saliva? How did it taste? They know the difference between salt water and sweet water? They could control that?

Stupid thoughts. 

That's why I'm not able to sleep. I can't focus on the present, and I'm always daydreaming! How am I supposed to focus on battles this way? 

I'll be even a good battler?

Silver's clearly way better than me

Even Unova Ash seemed better than me

But I can fix that! I'll train seriously for the beginning! Maybe Pikachu can learn Iron Tail before Pewter's Gym!

Happy thoughts, happy thoughts

No, stop thinking! That's why you can't sleep! 

I stopped in front of my parents' room, not exactly closed. There was a small opening that let the light pass through. 

I didn't feel guilty at the idea of waking up Dad in the middle of the night.

I pushed the door, trying to be as silent as possible, thing that didn't work because the moment my eyes got used to the darkness in the room, a pair of red eyes looked at me. 

The big feline that was easily compared to a panther of Before stared at me for a couple of seconds before curling up and closing his eyes.

Lazy cat.

I moved around, avoiding stepping on Persian's tail, and moved closer to Dad's side of the bed. Dad is hugging Mom from the back as the sleep.

Maybe I could squeeze myself and find a spot on Mom's arms without bothering anyone. 

Who am I kidding? I'm not that kind.

"Dad?" - I called - "Dad.... ?"

The snores stopped when I pressed my weight against the bed, and Dad jolted from the bed. He stopped when he saw me, his hand going under the pillow... What does he have there? A gun?

"Ash" - he said after a small pause - ".... What are you doing?"

"I can't sleep, so I came here" - I said like it was the most obvious thing in the world

Dad sighed, passing a hand over his face. He moved to make a spot for me - "Come here" - he said, patting the side of the bed next to him

I stole Dad's pillow and folded it so it can support my head in the way I feel comfortable with, closing my eyes as I felt like the sheets covered my body.

Something isn't right

"Dad?"

"Hmnh?"

"Can you hugh me?"

Dad's arms are large enough to cover my torso, bringing me close to feel the heat he emanates.

Good

Now, no monsters or Ghosts can do anything to me

I know they can't 

Dad would never let me get hurt

I'm safe

I didn't have problems letting the darkness take me in

An elder man stood on the top of a mountain covered by snow. He seemed unbothered by the cold or the snowstorm raging, eyes fixated on the skyline. His hands were covered by wrinkles and sun spots by the age, gripped on his walking cane, waiting for something to happen.

Suddenly, the blizzard stopped as if there had never been one. The elder man didn't even flinch when a green light appeared over his head. He just smiled slightly. 

"Hello, old friend. Long time we don't see. Is it time?"

"BRIIIIIIII!" - exclaimed the sphere of light 

"I see. " - the elder man stood while supporting himself with the walking cane - "Then we better go now. There's a lot to do. "

"Briiiiiii!"

The green light shone once again, engulfing the elder man as the blinked started raging again, so when the light disappeared, the elder man disappeared as well.

The first thing that I noticed was the annoying rays of sun beaming on my face. 

I used the sheets to cover my eyes, sighing in relief and closing my eyes for a couple of seconds, more than happy to keep sleeping. 

I feel like I'm forgetting something important...........

.

.

.

.

.

.

oh

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU**!

I COMPLETELY FORGOT!

MY JOURNEY! MY ADVENTURE! PIKACHU!

I fell off the bed, being strapped by the sheets in a cacoon, doing a very bad imitation of a Caterpie as I tried to release myself.

"STUPID! STUPID! GET OFF YOU PIECE OF—!"

I didn't react well

Understandable

I crawled out the sheets while kicking my way out, almost ripping off the handle of the door as I stumble myself out of the bedroom and rush down the stairs.

"What TIME IS IT!?" - I screamed, I felt like I was going to have a heart attack at any moment. My chest hurt.

"Nine in the morning" - answered my brother, calm as hell while sipping in something that seemed to be... 

"It's that coffee?" - I asked 

".... Maybe" - he made a small pause before keep drinking 

"Didn't Mom said—" - I stopped myself, looking around - "Hey... Where's Mom and Dad?"

"Hi Honey!" - Mom suddenly appeared from behind the corner, I jumped a little at her sudden appearance. If someone told me Mom used to be a ninja  I'll gave them a raised eyebrow, but I would think about that - "Your Dad is handling the repairs of the gym, but he'll be back at any moment. Pancakes?"

I shrugged, knowing that was probably Team Rocket business and that I shouldn't poke at it.

Silver rolled his eyes. Obviously, he doesn't know Dad is a criminal, so... He's a little salty.

"So... What starter are you picking?" - asked Mom.

"Well... " - I started to think. I knew I'll end up picking Pikachu, but about the Kanto starters - "A logic person would choose Bulbasaur because of the type advantage, but I'll choose Charmander. "

"Charmander? Sounds lovely. I can say you'll be best friends in no time" - Mom smiled, a pink aura with small flowers and... glitter? surrounded her. How does she do that? I don't know. Blame the anime logic.

I'll be friends with a Charmander Mom, just... Not now.

"I'm going to change" - I said, leaving my plate empty and turning around, I gave Silver a last look before going up the stairs 

My bed was just as I left it last night, so I had to make my bed, not that I'm complaining, but a small part of me says that I'm going to unmake the bed anyways. Why bother? 

Didn't even take me five minutes, so I complained for nothing. 

I had picked up what clothes I wanted to use yesterday. I had decided for a white and green hoodie with long sleeves and the Pokemon League Logo on the back. Ironic. Original Ash got a cap for the Pokemon League Anniversary, I got a cool hoodie.

Long dark pants to protect my knees in case we needed to do the thing to gain Pikachu's trust. And sport shoes.

Wish me luck.

I didn't forget my personal hygiene. But it's... Women stuff that is private and should stay private.

I looked at the time and almost jumped off my skin, not literally, it's just an expression, but I felt my heart jump in my ribcage at looking at the time. Twenty minutes for the bus to Pallet Town to go, if I missed it I'll had to walk 10 kilometers, nothing that I couldn't do, but by foot that would take me hours, and I hoped coming home before lunch.

"Mom!" - I called, or more like screamed on top of my lungsto be heard - "Could you please take my thermos from the freezer? I'm going to be late!" - I said as I took note of everything inside my Silph backpack. 

"Of course, honey!" - I head Mom's response 

Trainer License. A couple of potions. Spare Pokeballs. Super road. First aid kit. I opened the first aid and double-checked for having several full heals and antidotes in case of encountering a poison type.

I wouldn't need the Camping Kit for Rookies or the Cooking Set for Safe Travels, both products made by Silph Co for helping trainers in their journeys, in high demand in both Kanto and Jotho for being the only mega corporation that was specialized on trainer products.

I only had the best of the best.

Fifteen minutes.

Better get going.

"Gotta go, gotta go" - I repeated as a mantra as I walked down the stairs, not wanting to roll all the way down or having some sort of accident. 

"There" - Mom handled over a brown paper bag to me, along with my thermos - "In case you can't make it home for lunch. I packed a few extras for your new friend. "

"Thanks, Mom" - I gave her a kiss on the cheek before putting all my stuff on my backpack. It would be fine, there's space enough to fit a bicycle in there.

I turned around to look for my twin, only to find him already standing there, like a horror movie character. I took notice of how Silver clothes resembled the ones he worn all the saga, but in white and different tones of blue.

"Let's have a battle when you come back" - he said, arms crossed but still smiling slightly. I wondered what Starter Dad was going to give him. 

"That's it? Where's my goodbye kiss?" - I asked, opening my arms, hoping for a hug

Silver sighed, not being the biggest fan of physical contact, but didn't complain as arms large enough to touch behind by back surrounded me.

"Ooow, missing me already?" - I asked in a joking tone, returning the hug

"You wish" - said Silver, separating from the hug - "Can't wait to get rid of you. "

Anyone else would've thought that Silver was being cruel, but nagging was his way to showing affection.

"You won't get rid of me. Never. " - I ``threatened``

10 minutes left 

"Better get going" - I stood in front of the door , stopping to look at my brother - "I'll see you later. "

"Don't be late. "

I hope so.

I ended up sitting on the back at the bus, between an elderly woman that was focused on knitting a sweater and a man wearing a t-shirt with champion Diantha on it and a camera hanging from his neck.

Unlike what a lot of people might think or blantly just ignore, public transportation service exists. 

Of course, Kanto is a little bit detrimental compared to other regions like Sinnoh or even Jhoto, mainly because we still use fuels to power our vehicles instead of solar energy or electric energy. Something I learned on Kantonian History Lesson. 

It was mostly related to the Kanto-Jotho conflict with Unova almost thirty years ago. They both wanted to exploit Orre's reserves of petroleum and other resources, including rare minerals and endemic species, leaving the region desertic and on a deplorable state.

But then some scientists figured out how to implement solar energy. It was a disaster for the economy. After all, solar energy was free, and thanks to studies on plant types and the effects that contamination had on the environment and Pokemon, laws about protecting the environment were implemented, and the rest is history. 

This is the only transport that goes to Pallet Town, as some people have noticed most of its passengers are tourists or people who go to visit their relatives. Natives pay a lot less than tourists, so it's a good thing.

Good, because it's probably going to be the last time I get up in one of these things unless it's absolutely necessary.

I felt my bile rise up my throat 

I had a serious case of motion sickness 

The actual reason why I'm traveling by foot

A yellow blur entered my vision, a few centimeters apart of my face. I sit up straight, squinting my eyes to be able to see clearly. A Nomel Berry. I followed the hand that was holding the berry in front of me. It was the tourist.

"For me?" - I muttered

"Sure, mate. Feel free to ask the guide if it gets worse" - the tourist gave me a smile 

"Thank you" - I said, grabbing the Nomel Berry and inhaling the scent, the  

"Ya' welcome mate" - the tourist turned around and started.... Taking pictures? Okay, let him be happy 

He seems nice. I hope he gets a great day. 

I didn't dare to look through the window at the dread that the nausea may come back. It's a good thing the berries are actually magical to some point. How? Who knows, but you can't expect to plant berries and hope for them to just grow, you need a plant type ASAP, or your berry field is going to wither. I decided to kow question it a lot and silently thank Arceus for such a gift.

I heard cheering and lifted my head. The bus kept moving, but I could see the welcome sign. Pallet Town, Shades of Your Journey Await.

Oh, no Pure White Beginning? I guess this sounds better.

Pallet Town was definitely more than just two houses and a lab. Still, it's relatively small compared to Viridian, but it's a large town that extends to a three kilometer radium, and that without counting Professor Oak's Ranch, that extends miles and is heavily guarded by Pokemon Rangers and security guards. It's pretty much like a mini Zafari Zone. Don't let me start with the personal that Oak contacts to take care of the Pokemon. 

Of course, Professor Oak doesn't hold on his ranch every Pokemon from every trainer from Kanto, just from the few people that he sponsors. It makes sense that he sponsored original Ash in the anime. Most people don't have a better sponsor than themselves, or if their lucky they got help from their families, gym leaders, or clans like the Blackthorn Dragon Clan. Naturally, Dad is my sponsor, and if I ever get more than six Pokemon in my team, they're going to be directly under his or Mom's care. I won't trust my friends to no one else, especially not a random gym trainer, or worse, a random Team Rocket Grunt.

Finally, the bus came to a stop, and all the tourists were too focused on getting out first that let me no other choice to wait for the crowd to disperse. Even the Galarian tourist from my while was also struggling to get out.

I considered sneak by a window, like I actually considerated it. Because the sole idea was funny. I liked doing stupid stuff for the fun of it. But I had some dignity left, not wanting to be filmed and becoming a meme.

So I waited some agonizing... Ten minutes? Give or take before finally feeling free from that metallic monstrosity. I gave a grin to the bust, I beat you, backpack on my shoulders and the familiar windmill on top of a hill that indicated where the lab was located.

Pallet Town was so quiet but at the same time so lively. Like the suburbs from those 80s movies with houses with fences painted in prostine white, lawn always green, rose bushes blooming on every front yard, women wearing dresses with flower patterns, some of them hanging white on a clothesline that waves like flags.

It's no wonder Mom grew up as the pure hearted soul that she is today

You can feel everyone is nice here

Everyone is smiling, in a non creepy way 

I can feel people are kind here

That's why Ash was so naive some times?

Because he grew up in such a healthy environment?

Ash was very kind, no matter what a lot of people could say

Ash was kind and selfless in a way I could only expect to be

I wasn't kind

I wasn't selfless

I wasn't naive

I... I'm mean

I'm selfish

I'm cynical

And... That's okay

Maybe a more mean, selfish and cynical version of Ash is something this world could use

The stairs to Professor Oak's Lab

I'm here, Pikachu. I'm here

I think I forgot for a second how to use the stairs, because taking every step felt like taking my first ones in this life, directly to Dad's arms 

Why am I doubting now? Is this excitement? Is this fear? A healthy mix of both? 

Regret?

Pffft 

Yeah, right

I've always wanted to have an adventure 

A great adventure

And I'm about to live the greatest adventure someone in this world could have 

I was bracing myself to press the doorbell, call it bad timing, call it protagonist luck, but as I was bracing to recieve whatever life decided to throw at my direction I wasn't expecting to recieve the sharp edge of the door direct into my face.

It hit my nose, and for a couple of seconds I don't even register I had been hit, until the signal reached my brain and I could only curse. 

"Motherf—" - I cut myself, closing my eyes by reflex as I covered my eyes and nose, a burning feeling extended over one of my nostrils along with a familiar tingle. Oh crap - "ACHOO!"

I end up biting my tongue, cursing again to Arceus by not making himself responsible for his own mess, looking down with my hands on my knees. 

Hmmm. There's a small red spot on the grass.

"—I'm sorry, I'm so sorry" - a frenetic voice repeated next to me, but it sounded distant. 

Is that blood?

Oh, it is blood

Hhmm... What was that?

There was something tugging of my pants, something small, like a little kid. Or, in this case, a Squirtle. I've never seen a Squirtle on real life, only on pictures amd documentaries about the preservation of this species on the natural reserves of Fiore and Almia, and the reason why there's so many non-combatiant rangers stationated there. Squirtle's blue skin is actually composed by thousands of small scales that molt quarterly, similar to Charmander, and once again shortly before evolving. 

"Squirtle?" - The Squirtle tilted their head, repeating it's name on a worried tone, like if it was asking "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay, buddy. Don't worry. " - I smiled at the small turtle, tempted to pass my hand against their head to reassure them

"It's everything in order here?" - asked a new voice coming from the lab's entrance. You probably would recognize that voice if you were a fan of DJ Mary since he's often invited to her show

His hair had more grey patches than the last time that I saw him, even the lines over his forehead seem deeper. Aging, I guess. Though I'd like to have the confidence to wear flip-flops at work.

"Hi Professor Oak" - I waved at him

"Ash?"

"Luckily, it's not broken. " - Professor Oak took a step back, giving the nervous girl that smacked me with the door a reasuring smile - "The hit probably just damaged one of the blood vessels and that's where the blood came from. "

"Oh, thank Lugia. " - muttered the girl that I figured out was Squirtle's trainer.

I'm taller than her, even if it's by a few centimeters, I usually can't brag about my height, so it makes me feel smug about it. She kind of looks like Princess Daisy, same hairstyle and similar blue eyes, except that she doesn't wear orange. She's wearing a black shirt with blue details and a pair of short blue shorts, with matching shoes without socks. She also has a yellow Silph Co bag with a Pokeball painted in white. 

Right now, she's young, but I can recognize her as one of the broken "statues" that the Lake Trio showed me on the visions. 

"Hey" - I extended my hand to her, in hopes for her to shake it, that's how I was taught - "I think we started with the wrong foot. I'm Asher Rainbow Ketchum, from Viridian Town, but people call me Rainbow. I hope we can get along. "

"I'm Blue. " - the girl accepted my hand, though she didn't seem used to handshakes - "Nice to meet you. "

Oh

Now I know why she's so familiar to me

"It's good to see you girls getting along" - Professor Oak says. Right, I practically had forgotten he was there - "We have no rush in this special day, but since this situation has seems to figured out itself–" - Professor Oak turns to me - "Ash—Umm.. Rainbo, don't you believe you're forgetting something?"

.....

          .......

                      .........

                                   .........

                                                 .........

                                                                 .........

                                                                              .........

"I FORGOT!" - I screamed, taking my hands to my head, making some people jump startled. 

Great, now I'm making a scene. I could feel my face heating because of the embarrassment. My face was probably tinted of a bright red right now. 

Silver's right, I need to be more self-conscious 

I fake coughed to pretend I didn't have an outburst, smiling sheepishly and turning to look at Professor Oak with determination. 

"I'm ready to get my starter Professor. "

Games definitely didn't make justice to Professor Samuel Oak Research Lab.

I followed through the hallway, giving a small peek to some of the rooms, most of them were aides that seemed to have better days as they drowned themselves on paperwork. Some of the rokms have giant computers showing... Charts? Or 3-D models of Pokemon with a buch of numbers and letters that put all together didn't make sense for me.

We passed in front of some kind of testing room, with multiple monitors showing multiple scanners. A boy happily sit with a Kirlia of all things,  with electrodes on their heads. The Kirlia had a pair of extra electrodes on both horns. The boy seemed to notice Professor Oak passing by, lifting his hand and waving excitedly, saying something that came out muffled because of the glass. Professor Oak gave a gentle smile and calmly waved back. 

"Here" - announced Professor Oak, as he opened the door at the end of the hallway 

I peek through the door, taking a look around the room. It's mostly painted white, with various bookshelves, an aide is on the corner in front of a computer, seems dejected of the world. 

Now, in the center of the room it'd a strange machine that I cannot find words to describe, but I know what it is. Is a Stasis Chamber, a compacted version of the healing machine that Pokemon centers use to heal Pokemon. I heard that they're hella expensive, some gym leaders can't afford one. The science behind that how thid healing machines works is a mystery,  and any kind of alteration or attempts of replicating it would be notified to the authorities and faced with charges of theft, plagiarism, vandalism, and others. I knew all of that because some years ago, a stupid guy dared to put a finger on the machine mainframe, and his trial was broadcast on national news.

How or why such brutality?

Simple 

The Healing Machines are Joy Property 

Why else do you think there's always a family member on each Pokecenter?

Nepotism at their finest

There was room for four Pokeballs, one on the center and the other three around forming a triangle, except there was only one Pokeball. 

"Ummm... Professor?" - I asked turning around 

"I'm afraid you got here a little late. " - Professor Oak had the decency to look a little apologetic - "Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle were picked up by local trainers. "

"I guess it makes sense" - I slowly grabbed the remaining Pokeball, my heart beating with strength on my chest, I could evej feek the temperature of the room increasing as my hands started sweating - "H-How about this one?"

"Oh yes. " - Professor Oak's face brightened, like if he was waiting for me to ask, and he probably did - "This one is a special case. It came to me a few weeks ago. One of my colleagues transferred to me and asked to find him a trainer. Sadly, to this moment, no one has wanted to take him in out of fear. "

This.... Something had changed.

T-This.... I don't remember things happening this way

Or do they work this way since things are different?

"—He might surprise you a little bit. " - Professor Oak must have been talking as I zoned out. Crap, what he was saying? - "But I'm confident you two are getting along in no time. "

"So... People had rejected him before?" - I asked, getting a small nod from Professor Oak - "And you're trusting me with him?"

"It's up to your choice. " - Professor Oak answered as his arms were behind his back

"Okay..." - I muttered, suddenly the room feeling smaller and smaller as I just stared at the Pokeball in my hand. 

Unlike the anime, the top was semitransparent, allowing the trainer to know ehar Pokemon was inside. The trembling in my hands stopped when I recognized that inside this Pokeball resided a Pikachu but it seemed to be sleeping because I couldn't see it's face.

I don't wanted to be electrocuted.

Okay

As we practiced 

Breath in 

Breath out 

Breath in 

Breath out 

You can do it

You can do it

Okay

You can do it

I pressed the white button of the center of the Pokeball, taking a step back as a blue light formed the shape of a familiar Pokemon. Except that this one was smaller that what I expected. And when the light faded I could see the differences clear as day.

Instead of bright yellow fur there was a pale and dirt rug that hadn't been used in years. Instead of a lighting bolt-shaped tail was a small stick resembling one. Instead of round eyes full of life there was a face painted with crayons. The real eyes were on the "torso". Two black pitched eyes that looked at me, as the whole frame of the mysterious Pokemon slowly trembled like a leaf.

This——This is n-not possible...

I-It can't be

This is no Pikachu 

Where's Pikachu ?

"KYU!"

I jumped out of my skin as the small Pokemon squeaked and in a dark blur the disguise Pokemon was hiding behind Professor's Oak leg, slowly peeking as claw make of darkness itself clung to his pants.

"P-Proffesor...?"

I hated how my voice cracked, but that wasn't the problem right now

Professor, tell me this is a mistake

Where's Pikachu?

"I told you he might surprise you" - Professor Oak smiled and looked down to the Pokemon clinging to his leg - "Meet Mimikyu. It's a new species that's endemic from the Alola Region. It's a Ghost Type as far as we know, but this one is very shy with strangers. Mimikyu—" - the Professor called at Mimikyu,  that meet his eyes - "This is Rainbow, Rainbow, meet Mimikyu. "

No way... There's... There's just no way..

It's not supposed to be like this

It's supposed to be Ash and Pikachu, not——!

Oh

Oh

How hypocrite from me

I'm not Ash

Pikachu belongs to Ash

I'm not Ash 

I'm a faker

A replacement 

A fake Ash Ketchum 

And Mimikyu is a fake Pikachu 

"Hi..." - I slowly waved at him. Him? Professor called him... Him. So it's a boy? - "Hi buddy. "

Mimikyu seemed to gripp at Professor's leg tigher, like if that was an impenetrable shield that would protect him from the world.

"No no no, it's okay" - I lifted my hands, showing that I didn't have nothing,  before noticing the Pokeball and quickly put it away from me - "Look! Look! You don't have to be scared of me! See!?"

Mimikyu didn't cower from me, but it also didn't do anything to reach for me

"Sadly, to this moment, no one has wanted to take him in out of fear. "

"I'm not scared of you!"

Mimikyu stopped shivering behind Professor's leg, his true eyes focusing his attention on me. 

"You just surprised me" - I lowered my voice, not noticing I had been screaming to this moment. Again, I need to be more self-conscious - "I've... I've never seen a costume like that. Did you make it yourself?"

For my joy, Mimikyu nodded. I could see that the claw made of darkness slowly retracted under the disguise. So, he likes compliments? I'll shower him with compliments!

"It's so well done, you got me totally tricked! I didn't know you weren't a Pikachu until Professor told me. You worked so hard on it, didn't you?"

"Kyu kyu" - Mimikyu nodded, the make head moving like a rag doll, that he actually was

I kneeled in front of him, Mimikyu had stopped hiding behind Professor Oak and seemed eager to talk to me. If I extended my arm I could easily cup it with one hand, but that might scare him and restart my progress. 

"I'm Rainbow..." - I presented myself - "And I'm planning to go on an adventure, and I'm looking for someone to come with me" - I extended my hand, so Mimikyu could see that I didn't carried anything with me that could harm him - "And... Maybe... Would you like to tag along?"

I waited for something

Anything

Even a rejection

I didn't expecting to feel... Something 

Small black tendrils formed under Mimikyu, slowly forming a hand, a hand made of shadows and darkness. Now a claw. A hand.

A humanoid hand.

The shadow construction slowly take my hand, I could feel some sort of vibration coming from the shadow construct. The vibrations resonated throug my body, something that send shivers down my spine as I let out a shaky breath. 

The vibrations didn't stopped, but somehow I knew they weren't a bad thing, despite my knees feeling weak.

"I... I take that as a yes..."

"Mikyu!"

Maybe.... A fake Ash and a fake Mimikyu was what this world needed