Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Alola, class,” Kukui calls out as the class sends a few responses back.

“Alola”,

“Morning Professor”,

“Alola Kukui”. Kukui smiles seeing that Ash made it into school just in time even though he does seem a bit out of it, probably just still tired.

“Well class, today we are going to discuss how types can affect battle styles and how they don’t. This will also include us going over some moves where they are almost the same and just slightly changed due to type. Oh, and Rotom. Principal Oak has some new research he needs to upload to you, apparently, something quite big in the Pokedex side of science hit today so he’s doing your next major upload today.”

“Bzzrt, You got it, Professor. Time to acquire new knowledge,” Rotomdex said as they flew out toward Principal Oak’s office.

“Well then Class let’s begin!”

~

During a short break in Professor Kukui’s lesson, Lana asks, “Wait Ash why were you so excited to see us earlier?”

“And why did you think it was tomorrow?” Kiawe asks.

“I just had an adventure that’s all,” Ash responds nonchalantly.

“Yeah, but why did you seem so surprised to see us all? Like you came up to us as if you hadn’t seen us in years.” Mallow says.

“Just a weird adventure that’s all,” Ash responds slightly less nonchalantly.

“Ash you’ve been on solo adventures before and haven’t reacted like that. You looked like you almost collapsed in relief when you saw Professor Kukui walk through the door.” Lana says.

“You want to know; you really want to know?” Ash says while letting some of the snappy tone he’s been holding back seep into his words. Ash looked around the room. The whole class was nodding apart from Kiawe and Professor Kukui.

“Well alright then. While Pikachu and Tapu Koko were fighting two of their attacks collided and Pikachu and I were sent to this other Alola. It was overrun with Ultra Beasts, all of Melemele, and all of Alola was destroyed. While I was trying to escape one of the Ultra Beast, I later found out to be called Guzzlord I found one other person, Dia, and his Zeraora, a Pokemon I never saw before, but it was about as tall as me and yellow with blue accents and a grey waist and legs. I’m pretty sure it’s an electric and fighting type but I haven’t seen it before so I’m not sure. Dia said that the Ultra Rangers tried to combat the Ultra Beasts when they appeared years ago, but they failed. He stayed behind to see if anything could be done but he was stuck there just surviving. After spending the night or as close as it got in the eternal storm of that world at the destroyed Pokémon School, we both headed back into town. We managed to send Guzzlord back through an Ultra Wormhole, but it wasn’t until the other world’s Tapu Koko showed up and had a battle with me that I was able to get back. And all of this took almost 2 days which is why I acted like I hadn’t seen you all in so long. I had just visited a world where all of Alola was destroyed. Me and Dia were the only people and Pikachu and Zeraora were the only Pokemon on the whole archipelago. I didn’t even see a Ratata or Grubin. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get back or not either. I’m glad I did but I do hope Dia is ok “

Wow, you had a crazy adventure, Ash! Glad you’re back safe with us now though,” Mallow says.

“I wish I could have an adventure like that,” Sophocles says while Lana nods and Mallow tilts her head in partial agreement.

“You don’t get it. You will never get it!” Ash shouts, “It was horrific I saw the world gone, destroyed, dead. You all definitely died and with the fact the champions hadn’t come to save Alola, everywhere else is probably in a similar state. I’m dead, you’re dead everyone is dead or in the process of hiding out and trying to last in bunkers and safe areas until they die anyway,” Ash says almost screaming at them, praying they will get his point.

Kiawe, Lille, and Kukui all have looks of horror and something bordering on pity for a horror they will never understand. Ash knows they understand but Sophocles and Lana still have faces that show even with these options they still want a crazy adventure with legendries and Mallow, although now obviously weighing it up, still seems to favor having a crazy adventure like that.

Ash knows now is probably the best moment he’s going to get to explain this all to them. Just how dangerous it is to deal with legendries, at least they are all trainers already,’ Ash thinks to himself, the memories of Max and Bonnie in danger weighing heavily on him. He may not be the oldest here, but he is an adult, and he has a responsibility to let them know what they are getting into before it’s too late.

After observing his classmates Ash says, “I’ve already died more times than all of you ever will combined.” A slight hint of anger started to seep through.

Taking a breath, Ash starts again almost spitting at his class. “You will never know what it feels like to always be waiting for someone to come rushing saying the Lance or Cynthia or Diantha is looking for you to fix their problem!

What it feels like to have these champions standing right next to you and still have you be the one who has to fix everything anyway.

To be the one who, no matter how hard you try, gets wound up in the legends of every single place you travel to, where you will have to save the world because no one else is going to.

Where if you don’t save the world, you know someone else is going to try and they may have to make a sacrifice play!

You will never know what it is like for people or Pokemon to do that for you!” Ash almost crying at this point but brings himself back before continuing. 

“Where you have to sit and listen to people talk about tracking down these Pokemon when you stumbled on them and died because of their mess.

To have all this power and still all you're doing is just fighting for those you love to survive. That’s all I was ever doing. Just trying to make sure those I love can survive. It’s why I leap after my Pokemon without a second thought whether that’s off a cliff or a tower or into a volcano I will always save my Pokemon. And I will do the same for my friends always.”

Ash stops just long enough to turn to face Kukui not taking in the faces of the people in the classroom, ranging from horrified to blank with shock.

“When the world got covered in storms and Pokemon felt a pull toward Kanto. That was me in the Orange Islands dealing with Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno because Lugia was being useless. When the Kingdom of Rota and the Tree of Life were going crazy, I had to harness Aura to save everyone. Stopping Kyogre and Groudon in Hoenn, Lance was there and all he did was give his Pokemon to ride on because his attacks did nothing. When Rowan was the Science world's golden boy for all his research on other dimensions, that was because I was being thrown around all those dimensions and dealing with Giratina and Palkia and Dialga months before. Stopping Team Galactic at Mount Coronet, me!

Ash getting increasingly exasperated, continues. “I turn up in Unova and Zekrom immediately blasts me and Pikachu before we even get to leave the docks messing me up and causing me to fail my team there. Going back into the past to stop Zekrom and Reshiram and save Victini saving the world. ME!

Having to stop Yveltal from destroying the world while trying to keep Diance safe and revive Xerneas while watching Pikachu die in Infront of me. ME! Having to stop a mythical Pokemon who was bringing all of the legendries together and mixing all sorts of time periods and creating a black hole in a city which required Arceus to give us some extra time to work on it. ME!”

He took a second before continuing. He can see he’s probably got through to all of them by now but there is no other time for him to tell this story so taking a deep breath followed by a full body shudder he takes Pikachu who had moved to crouch front of him while Kukui was talking into his arms and holds him tight. He turns back to the rest of the class knowing they should all of his next ‘crazy adventure’.

“And the Kalos Crisis. I was there having just lost one of the hardest conferences of my life. Harder for me than even against Tobias where my team had to beat a literal Darkrai and Latios! I put all my energy into Greninja and that last Z-move level Water Shuriken, while basically mega evolved with me putting in the energy. And now the entire region is under attack and another stupid prophecy means I’m not escaping it. Get tortured on the top of the tower and having to watch legendary Pokemon rampage across the city tearing it to shreds. Then once I’ve dealt with the two legendries in the city, I still have to deal with the construct heading towards Anistar city. We had all my friends, rivals, all the gym leaders, Diantha Carnet and Steven Stone. And who has to still guide them all on where to attack? Me!

Who had to carry it on as they got hit back by the construct, Me! And then after dealing with Legendary after Legendary for years and years I finally arrived in Alola on holiday trying to take a break. Then I decide to stay and on the next day, I get a Tapu Koko forcing me to battle. And I have to leave behind Greninja in Kalos because he’s the only Pokemon that can see the remaining threats from the crisis while constantly having to give energy to him to make sure he’s always ready.”

So yeah, I’m fed up. I’m tired of being Arceus's plaything and dealing with it all. I’m tired of being on call for the G-Men, The Rangers, the Secret Police, and every Champion ever when any legendary shows up and causes trouble. I wanted just one region where I’m not on call 24/7 to deal with legendries. Just one region where I won’t die or even get close to it. Just one region where I don’t need to worry about who’s going to appear next or if my friends are going to die. Just one region where I don‘t have to worry about who I’m going to be added to the on-call list next or which of my Pokemon are going to need to enter counseling back at the ranch. And I couldn’t even get that, I got drafted into a superhero team where I need to be the one to lead everyone again. It’s like Kalos all over again. I’m the leader who has to tell everyone what to do just this time I have someone who has no idea what the life and death situations out here are like wanting to scrutinize my every move and try to tell me how to do my job.

Everywhere I go Legendary Pokemon appear and mess up my life, Dealing with Nebby was the third time I had dealt with a baby Legendary Pokemon, and was my least dangerous resolution to that issue ever and you all were there in Ultra Space with me. The last time I had a baby Pokemon the Kalos Crisis happened, the time before I died while trying to save Manaphy and was thankfully brought back before I drowned so honestly it was the best I could have hoped for.”

“So everyone, do you still want to have a crazy adventure of your own?” Ash asks reverberating around the classroom as stunned silence finally settles on the room.

After almost a full minute, where were it not for the Pokemon chirping in the distance and the distance rumble of the other classes at the Pokemon school, it would almost seem as if the world had stopped after Ash’s final declaration. At last, Kiawe stood up. Slowly walking over to Ash who was holding Pikachu tightly to his chest Kiawe kept his hands slightly stretched out to the side until he was next to Ash facing his side. And then in what for Ash felt as slow as trudging through snow and as quick as Pikachu’s Quick Attack, Kiawe enveloped him in a hug. He held on tight but not so tight it hurt and just stayed there until eventually, Ash started to move into the hug slightly. Kiawe then quietly says so only Ash and Pikachu can hear, “I’m so sorry you had to go through that.” Taking a small breath before losing some of his stoic postures Kiawe then says “And I’m sorry for not pushing back against the others intruding and making comments like that. I’ve seen the clip of you jumping off that tower after Pikachu, I only realized it was you after you jumped off a cliff after him. Ever since then, I’ve realized there's more to you than meets the eye, so thank you for sharing.”

Kiawe stops looking down at Ash after another second and looks up at Professor Kukui, “Professor Kukui, Is Professor Burnet at home today?”

Kukui finally snapped out of his shock at hearing all that Ash has done while only knowing the league files for half of these. “Umm... Yes she is today, Why d- “

Kiawe, interrupting Kukui, says, “Great, I will be returning Ash to your house and leaving him with Professor Burnet using Charizard. I guarantee Ash will be safe for the whole journey.” He starts to guide Ash out of the classroom.

By the time Kukui has understood what Kiawe said, they were already passing through the door. Kukui comes up to them and asks, “Ash can you go stand over there for a second? Thanks.” After, Ash reluctantly leaves Kiawe’s arms, which makes Kukui almost regret the decision to have a chat with Kiawe. After taking Kiawe a bit more around the landing they can both still see Ash, but he won’t be able to hear them easily, or at least can drown them out better. “Why are you taking Ash back to my house? As his legal guardian, I am responsible for him while he is in Alola. You are within school time and should be staying here where we can be sure of your whereabouts.”

Kiawe, looking at Kukui, replies, “Because you have a room full of students who you are legally responsible for, unlike Ash who under inter-regional law is an adult anyway and who has legal responsibility of himself, who have all just had a very traumatised kid go off at them. It took me a full minute to react, and I understand that is because I am the most experienced of us who wasn’t trying to react to their kid saying they had died multiple times and has probably faced any and all legendries out there already.”

When Kukui tried to respond that Ash wasn’t his kid, Kiawe just looked at Kukui with an expression that said don’t even try, I’m right.

“Ash needs to only be with people he can trust and right now that is you, Burnet, and his Pokémon and away from those he can’t fully trust, and right now, that is half of your class.”

Kukui took a second to look at Ash and realized Kiawe was right. At the moment he wasn’t Ash’s parent adult he boarded with, he was the teacher to a class full of students whose parents relied on him to keep them safe, and taking Ash back and staying with him was failing not only their parents but also the kids themselves.

“Thank you Kiawe, can you go down and make sure Charizard is all ready for two-person rides on the paddock out there?” Kukui asked while pointing at the area just below where they were standing.

Kiawe just nods to Kukui and looks over at Ash saying, “I’ll be back in a minute with Charizard Ash.”

Ash, looking a million miles away, just quietly says ‘ok’ back to Kiawe. Kukui starts to walk over to Ash but before he can even say anything Ash starts, “I didn’t hear much but I did hear Kiawe talking about me being an adult and he’s right. I mentioned it to him a little while back in case he ever needs a loophole when a parent asks if any adults will be there. If anyone does complain don’t let them sit on you. There were multiple moments I could have stopped, and I didn’t, I’m an adult so I can take the blame. Don’t take any of the fire meant for me Kukui-Hakase.” He slipped into some light Kantonian at the end.

Kukui, just taking these small changes in stride at this point, starts to talk to Ash. “If anyone does complain, we will deal with it together. I promise to not shut you out as long as you promise to do the same, ok?” After getting a nod from Ash, he continues. “I am not angry at you, you have been through a major ordeal just today, or the past few days for you I suppose. Kiawe is going to take you home to where Professor Burnet is. And she can do whatever you want, she can listen if you want to talk about anything or just sit there and you can sit there with her or … I’m sure she would also be happy to watch a movie or something. Whatever you want to do you can but take it easy. I will be home as soon as I am sure everyone else is ok to talk to you if you want. I will probably have some questions I need answering but right now I am pulling you out of the Ultra Guardians, I don’t care what Ultra Beast appears you are not to respond to it unless I say so. I will make sure there is someone there to cover if it is needed. That is non-negotiable.” Ash nods his head after a second before hugging Kukui. They don’t need to exchange any words; their relationship has gone far beyond tenant and boarder or even housemates and Kukui realizes he’s ok with that.

Kukui takes a break to look down at Kiawe who all looks ready. He returns the thumbs up he receives and then Charizard starts rising up to the ledge.

“Well, I suppose that is simpler,” Kukui says quietly. As Charizard reaches the balcony Kukui taps Ash “Hey Ash, Charizard and Kiawe are here. They will fly you home to Burnet ok” After working together to get Ash on Charizard he says to Kiawe “Fly safe, you don’t need to race, just get him home.”

“You got it, Professor,” Kiawe says before taking off.

Taking a deep breath he takes out his phone to call Burnet.

“Hey Honey,” Burnet says when picking up the call.

“Hi, Ash is coming home right now with Kiawe on Charizard. Something happened today and he went off at everyone.” Taking a deep breath to prepare himself to retell this to Burnet “He got sent to a world where all of Alola is destroyed by Ultra Beasts and presumably the world he says. Sophocles made some inappropriate comments after hearing Ash’s what I presume to be a censored version of events. He started talking about other events … … Every major Legendary sighting or event in the last 6 years or so. I’m pretty sure he was at all of them mostly involved in stopping them. He has been saving the world and not had anyone to speak about it with and today he cracked. He’s probably got Trauma and maybe PTSD.”

Kukui’s voice starts to crack but he carries on. “Burnet, he said he has already died more time than the rest of us combined ever will. There were 7 of us in that room, he has died at least 7 times. Just take care of him, he probably doesn’t want to go out but maybe you could get that Beware Malasada place to deliver. I’ve noticed they seem to have a better rapport with Ash than other places so they might deliver if you explain that Ash is having a hard time today. If they ask what with just say past adventures. If they know him as well as I think they do that should be all they need.”

“Ok Honey, calm down. I got this. You need to get back to your students and work on how to play this with Principal Oak. Students first though. I can hear wingbeats so I think Kiawe is here. I’ll send him straight back to you. Good luck.” Burnet steps in hearing the telltale signs of Kukui starting to panic, going off on tangents like random.

“Good luck,” Kukui responds before ending the call.

Principal Oak, he’s going to have to deal with him, maybe both of the Oaks. He is going to take advantage of time zones as much as he can to avoid that. Rotom is with Oak! He sends a quick message to Oak saying he is ordering Rotom to stay with him overnight and that he’s sorry for doing this, but he has a class/home emergency and Rotom would just make it ten times worse.

Oak quickly sends back an ‘Understood’, before following up with a question on if he needs any more help. Kukui sends back a very quick message saying he has it sorted as he steps back into the classroom.

Chapter Text

Kukui stepped back into the classroom and looked at his four students, his four kids who were still there. Sophocles and Lana hadn’t moved at all if it wasn’t for the tiny rise and fall of their chest and the occasional blink of their eyes. Popplio and Togedemaru were sitting in front but seemed to not want to take the trainers out of this moment. Lillle had huddled up and started rocking back and forth while hugging Snowy very close to her to the point Kukui was starting to worry that she would start to hurt the Pokemon, but both seemed ok for now. Mallow just looked lost, Steene was pressed next to her, but she wasn’t there. She wasn’t unmoving like Lana and Sophocles, her eyes were darting all over the place and she would occasionally move her arms quickly a short way, but she had the stare of someone who wasn’t even perceiving her surroundings, the thousand-yard stare and a complete lack of reaction to Steene showed that much.

Kukui looked back over his class, and he felt almost as helpless as Mallow seemed, yes his teacher training included how to look for signs of trauma and how to help and guide to resources, but Ash wasn’t on his radar for that at all. He was always so happy and when he wasn’t it was for good reason like dealing with Ultra Beasts. He had been worried when he jumped off that Cliff at Pikachu, but he had forgotten about it. Ash didn’t seem any different after and he was all fine within half an hour. He knew from Lille he had experienced death before, but Kukui assumed it was a grandparent or maybe his dad. He never imagined it would be so personal.

His training didn’t cover how to deal with this, but he isn’t going to fail his kids. He’s going to do his best and if that’s not good enough then he is going to find someone who will be. At this moment he realized he had just stood at the front of the classroom for over a minute not saying anything as Kiawe had returned which finally snapped him out of it.

“Thank you Kiawe. Burnet told me you arrived ok,” Kukui says while giving Kiawe the most thankful look he can muster.

“Yes, Professor Burnet has him and I heard his full team around him just before I left,” Kiawe says as he returns to his seat.

Turning back to the rest of the class Kukui realizes the best thing he can do right now is try.

“Hey Class,” Kukui says softly managing to get Mallow and Lillie to look at him and cause Sophocles and Lana to start moving again. Picking up his chair from the side, Kukui continues. “I think we should all just come sit at the front here.”

“Can we sit on the floor please?” Mallow asks in a small voice face pleading to have something from a simpler time.

“Yeah sure, we can do a little floor time,” Kukui responds making sure to keep his voice soft.

As everyone heads to the front of the class, they all bring their Pokemon with them, apart from Kiawe who leaves Charizard near his desk at the back of the room.
“I want to start by letting you know I will always be here for you guys. That is in school and out if you want to talk about any of this or anything else just let me know. If you need to see me before class or after, just come and talk to me. We also need to be aware Ash may not want to talk about any or all of the things he mentioned earlier, and that’s ok. I will always be here for you to talk to about this stuff if you need to.” Kukui looks around to see Kiawe, Lillie, and Mallow nodding and Lana and Sophocles not nodding but Kukui can see they understand.

“Before we go any further, I want to ask if you have anything you want to say. A question, a statement, or anything. Feel free to say it now.” Kukui then sat there waiting for almost a full minute before anything was said. Normally he would have assumed no one would say anything after 15 seconds but he knows that everyone today is going to need some time. Later on, he’s sure he’s going to be trying to deal with all the questions at once as everyone has something to say but right now it’s too new.
Eventually, Mallow speaks up. “Professor, is Ash going to be alright?”

Kukui looked over a Mallow and took a deep breath in. “I don’t know, I honestly can’t know. People have limits on how much of something they can take before they break. Ash has been through a lot. More than I would wish on anyone here for their whole lives.
I think this is a case where we need to consider what we mean by alright. He may return to the Ash we knew before with us all a bit more aware of what we are saying but he also may become more reserved. Staying back from talking about it and that’s ok too. Was Ash really all right before when he was bottling this up? What I do know is that we will all move onwards together supporting each other where we need it.” Kukui finished hoping he had explained it well enough. His students are turning to him for answers, and he is finding himself with none. It’s not a feeling he is enjoying but he knows it’s one he has to deal with.

“Professor Kukui” Lillie starts and Kukui nods for her to go on. “When Ash was listing all those things, he’s dealt with he was looking straight at you, and you seemed to recognise some of what was said. Do you mind telling us a little more about it. I feel like I’m missing a lot of what Ash was saying then. Lille finishes almost shaking as she does so.

Kukui thinks for a second. He knows most of these events are classified by the league and it’s only because he is the regional professor that he has access but if Ash was even a quarter as involved as he says he was then he probably has the power to give them all the information and if not. Well, Kukui doesn’t mind breaking some rules to help his kids.
“Well, I’m not sure I remember all of them right now, but I’ll tell you about the ones I know about,” Kukui says glad he was planning on doing his Legendary Pokemon lesson next week so should be all brushed up on them.
“Ash mentioned Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno the legendary birds, Lugia Guardian of the Sea and the Orange islands. As I understand it about 5 years ago all three of those birds were sighted around the same time as a Storm started to cover the world. You might remember a day when we suddenly got a very thick storm overhead from seemingly nowhere and then it cleared itself about an hour later but messed up our weather for the next 2 months. If I understand Ash right, that was because of the Legendary Birds fighting which Lugia was meant to sort out as is said in legends however Ash seems to have been the one to stop them as Lugia was unable to.”

Kukui took a moment to go over the other one’s Ash said to him. Kingdom of … Roter, Rotu, Rota? He feels like he heard of it, but he can’t think of anything about it right now. Kyogre and Groudon he knows though. “Ash mentioned Kyogre, Groudon, and Lance which I believe to be Kanto-Johto Champion Lance. About 4 years ago there was a sighting of the legendary Pokemon of the sea and the land, Kyogre and Groudon. Reports I saw said they were fighting each other but eventually stopped and left each other alone. I think Ash may have been involved in sorting that mess and Champion Lance was unable to help him.
Taking a moment to make sure no one else had any questions about Kyogre and Groudon. Kukui then started again. “I know about Rowan’s work. It was revolutionary in our understanding of Time, Space, and energy. If Ash was the main data collector for that though, he has met Palkia, Lord of Space, Dialga, Lord of Time, and Giratina, Lord of the Distortion World as all three feature prominently in Rowan's work from that time. Team Galactic is an organization whose records say were stopped by a league task force and aimed to do something with the powers of space and time…”“I am sorry I don’t have more answers, but I think I can at least explain most of the Pokemon Ash mentioned after this. Zekrom is known as the Guardian of Ideals and Reshiram the Guardian of Truth and they are heavily featured in Unovan Myths and Legends. Victini is the mythical victory Pokemon said to help people and Pokemon succeed. Yveltal is the Bringer of Destruction just like Xerneas is the Brininger of Life, or at least that is what Kalos myths say. And that takes us up to the Kalos Crisis to my knowledge. I may be able to find more but these reports are already quite highly classified so I’m not sure how many of these I will be able to see.”

“Wait, Professor, will you get in trouble for telling us about this?” Mallow asks worried that Kukui will get in trouble if these things are classified.

“I get the feeling that between me and Ash, we can get you all any clearances you might need but to be honest, you could probably find most of that using Sophocles searching skills.” At this, Togedemaru makes a motion at Sophocles but he barely reacts still trying to just process everything he heard.

“We should probably talk about the Kalos Crisis too,” Kiawe says forlornly. “There was little communication that came out of Kalos for days after that started and most of it was panic and fear. It might be best if we can try to piece together what we can to work out what may have happened. Ash seemed to treat it as a major event and not just because he was involved in it. With the other events he did brief summaries, but he gave us a lot more than that on the Kalos Crisis.”

Kukui looks at Kiawe who gives him a small nod. “I know it started after the Lumiose Conference final where Ash may have been participating. I don’t know the schedule or timings exactly so he could have been a Semifinal match, but I imagine Ash scored at least top 4 in that tournament. I know Lumiose was almost fully razed to the ground and the reports I saw said it was by a legendary Pokemon. I know Steven Stone left to help almost as soon as the final ended as he put in an emergency alert saying he was temporarily reinstating Wallace as Champion of Hoenn less than 30 minutes after the league result said who won the tournament which is an automated message on the victor being declared. I know there was an organization called Team Flare that was involved somehow and that a large swathe of the countryside was torn up. A large line over 250 miles wide sort of large. That’s the basics as I know it anyone else any other info.”

“The reports I saw said there were two legendries in Lumiose or rather two of the same Legendary and I saw some video from residents of Anistar city who weren’t able to evacuate because there was a full evacuation ordered of there, that shows a massive rock creature moving towards the city and then getting stopped firstly by a lot of different Pokemon attacks I presume that is where Ash had the champions, gym leaders and friends and rivals try to help him. Then a giant green Pokemon appeared. It was like a Golurk had a black and green colour scheme with the feelers of Sylveon.” While Lille had been speaking, Sophocles had finally started moving, his hands flying over his holo-keyboard eventually finding what he was looking for and tapping a button near the screen to flip it for all to see and said, “Here, This is a still from the video. I can’t find the original, but this seems like the Pokemon you are describing. And I also saw the report as two Pokemon destroying Lumiose.”

Kiawe then says “I believe Ash mentioned dealing with two legendries in the city and then a construct. I believe Ash may have also had something to do with Team Flare and that they might have been orchestrating this like the Team Galactic you mentioned earlier Kukui. Trying to find out anymore would be speculation and would likely lead us onto the wrong track.”

“I have one more thing to add. I think the Kalos Crisis was a two-day event. The day of the final and the day this picture is from are over 48 hours apart so I wouldn’t be surprised if Ash got very little sleep for this whole thing.” Sophocles says.

“You are likely right, and I imagine he got very little sleep for his last night too.” Kiawe agrees.

“Um, Professor, what did Ash mean when he said he had died more times than we ever will?” Lillie asked in a very small voice while nuzzling up against Snowy. “I don’t want Ash to die.”

“Neither do I Lillie but I don’t think we get much of a choice. When you deal with legendries you are in a dangerous situation and Ash has been with them a lot. He does seem to suggest he has died several times over. But he has also refused to give up and still tries to take advantage of each day.” Kukui is all too aware of the losses his class has suffered and doesn’t want to give them any hope they could get anyone back thanks to Arceus so picks his next words very carefully. “Ash mentioned Arceus so they might be involved in Ash’s life in some way and Arceus is definitely powerful enough to stop Ash actually dying when he should have.”

Kukui after taking a second to reorient himself after considering that what is considered by many to be the overall God of the Pokemon world was involved with his kid on what is basically a personal basis. He looks around the class no one’s eyes seem to have that idea of trying to beg Arceus to bring their loved ones back at the moment so he hopes nothing will happen there.
At this point the class settled into a weird silence, no one felt that comfortable with it, but everyone knew that breaking it would likely just make it worse. Kukui sat there for about 5 minutes listening to the sounds of other classes in the distance and the sounds of the forest even further away. He hoped Samson had managed to tell the other teachers not to bother him so his class would be safe at break time from the other classes.

Kukui eventually speaks up. “You can all go home if you want to. I’m sure you can tell we aren’t going to be doing our regular lesson today. However, if I send you all off and all you’re going to do is meet up again without me then let me know. If you want some time as a class without me hearing it all I get it but I’m here for you so if we need to go somewhere where I can watch you from a distance and give you partial help, then we can do that.”

“I don’t really want to leave you guys, but I usually find food from my restaurant that helps me on days like this,” Mallow says.

“I usually binge eat when I have a research project fail on me and this feels a bit similar to that. Some food might do me good,” Sophocles says with slight uncertainty

Kukui looks around and sees that Lana although not one who usually eats in situations like this seems ok with the idea. Kiawe seems to still be in group protector mode but right now Kukui will take all the help he can get and he will make sure to talk to Kiawe later, you can only bottle stuff up for so long. Lillie doesn’t seem as happy with the idea of going to the restaurant but Kukui thinks that may have to do with the potential other people rather than the idea of food.

“How about I give Mallow’s restaurant a call and see if they can fit us in then?” If nothing else a change of scenery might do them some good, Kukui thinks. Seeing no one going to stop he explains. “I’m just going to stand in the doorway here and call and once that’s over I’ll work out a plan to get us all there.”

As Kukui walked over to the door he was reminded of just how young all these kids are Ash is only 17 years old Kiawe is almost there himself, but Sophocles is only 14 and his birthday was recent. He’s allowing these kids to go out and deal with Ultra beasts, at the time it made sense but now he’s doubting that choice. A problem for the future though if an Ultra Beast alert he’s telling Lusamine his kids aren’t dealing with it. She can get Gladion to deal with it and have the Kahunas support for all he cares. Gladion has done it before he should be fine. ‘Focus Kukui. phone call’ Kukui thinks to himself as he dials in the number for Mallow’s restaurant. It picks up after 3 rings.

“Aina’s Kitchen, Abe speaking. How can we help you today?” Abe says joyfully with his customer service voice.

“Hey Abe, it’s Kukui” Kukui says trying his best not to let his tone let up too much of what’s up.

“Hey Kukui. Is everything alright?” Abe asks dropping the customer service voice.

“Not really. The kids are all fine, physically at least, but we all need some time just to be together and Mallow and Sophocles seem to think food might help so I was wondering how busy you are and if we can drop in?” Kukui says looking back at his kids with a bit of worry.

“How about this? I’ve got no reservations and only a few people in right now, I close down the restaurant and you all come over have some food, and explain a bit of what’s going on to me back in the kitchen while we let the kids have some food in the main eating area. If you take let’s say 20 minutes to get to me that should all lineup.”

“Are you sure that’s ok Abe?” Kukui asks, it’s better a better plan than he hoped for, but he needs to be sure.

“Would I have offered it if it wasn’t? I’ll start making up some food. 6 kids right, though some of them have the stomachs for 5 so I’ll make some extra.”

“Just 5 actually, Ash won’t be coming, I’ll explain when I get there. And I think the food is more to give them something to do, so a snack for 5 kids rather than a full lunch.” Kukui feels a pit in his stomach when he says Ash won’t be there, but he moves on. He needs to get the rest of his class to the restaurant.

“Alright. Snacks for 5 kids and one teacher ready for collection in 20 minutes. See you there Kukui.”

Kukui just accepts that he will also be having a portion knowing arguing against Abe was a waste of time. “Ok Abe, thanks so much for this.”

“It’s no problem, I would do anything for my kid, and I know it’s getting to you that you can’t go to yours. Thanks for sticking with the rest of them in the class I know it’s probably not been easy. See you in 20” Abe says before putting down the phone.

Kukui takes a deep breath in and moves back into the classroom. “Ok kids, we’re all set to go to Mallow’s restaurant and there will be some food ready for us there in about 20 minutes so we should probably start heading out.”
No one verbally acknowledges Kukui, but they all start moving back to their desks to pack everything up and Kiawe is seen talking to Charizard before Charizard starts flying away.
Once the class (minus Ash the voice in the back of his head supplies) is all ready to head out Kukui starts to lead the class out of the Pokemon School and down the road towards Mallow’s restaurant. As they go he explains that Abe is closing the restaurant for a bit so they can be there in peace and that he’s going to head into the back with Abe but that if they need him just come and get him or call out.

Chapter Text

Burnet starts walking outside as sand starts to fly off the ground. She quickly puts her phone into her trouser pocket while trying to shield her eyes from the sand. She turns to Kiawe and Ash on Charizard as they settle down on the sand outside the house. Kiawe jumps off first and instead of reaching back to help Ash like Burnet thought he would heads towards her.

“Professor I don’t know how much Kukui told you but here’s the basics. Ash went to another world where Ultra beasts had attacked and won. Alola was gone and seemingly no support was on its way. It was horrible to even hear about, and we didn’t think. He just started speaking and never stopped.” Kiawe took a moment to get his thoughts in order “If it’s a legendary he’s probably met it, this applies to mythicals too I think, I never could get my head around the distinction, anyway he has been at the centre of too many disasters to be ok. He’s probably sleep deprived and is likely going to be annoyed at himself for losing it at everyone once he has more sleep. Keep him safe and secure and do not leave his side without his pokemon ok-ing it. I’ve seen them and they know him well enough to call that themselves. The most important thing is that he has done nothing wrong, his reaction is natural and probably later than anyone else would have taken it. I’ve got to get back to Kukui now but if you need me to get you anything let Kukui know, and I’ll fly straight there to get it and drop it.”

Burnet almost feeling overwhelmed by the information and the support Kiawe is promising can only nod. She knew Kiawe was mature, but he isn’t much older than Ash yet seems to understand just what she needed to hear to help her through today. While Burnet is trying processing what this means going forward, Kiawe helps Ash off Charizard and over to her. Burnet takes Ash and starts to guide him inside and onto the couch. Just before Kiawe leaves Burnet turns and mouths back thank you while trying to show just how grateful she is to the Akalan boy. Kiawe gives a strong nod before calling Charizard to fly back just as Burnet closes the door.

Once Ash is on the sofa Lycanroc walks up to him, picking up the need for a more subdued greeting rather than the jumping and play fighting and gently licks at Ash’s legs. Burnet comes back to the couch with a blanket which is laid over Ash. Lycanroc cuddles up by his feet, Pikachu situates himself near Ash’s head and Rowlet lazily flies out of Ash’s bag and into his arms. Torrocat just sits down in front of the sofa as everyone else took up all the room. Once all the pokemon are situated Burnet says.

“Ash, I’m just going to sit here on the other sofa but if you want me to get you anything or talk about anything just let me know.”

For 4 minutes Ash just lays there, his pokemon surrounding him. Then he asks Burnet “How much do you know?”

It was said in such a quiet voice but was still caught Burnet off guard. Deciding not to water down what Kukui had told her in anyway to save Ash having to reexplain himself, she started.  “Well, Kukui told me that you were coming back with Kiawe, That you had had some sort of adventures today on your way to school where Alola was destroyed and you told everyone the story of that, Sophocles said something he shouldn’t have and you started telling more stories of past adventures with lots of legendry pokemon involved. You also talked about how you have died quite a lot. Kukui thinks it’s seven or more”

Ash looked up and said in a quiet voice “It’s Six. I forgot to count myself.”

“Ok Six deaths” Burnet continued. “He also said that you had saved the world a few time over, so thank you for that I suppose. And that you might want me to order some Malasadas from the Beware Malasadas place.” Burnet offers with a strained smile. She doesn’t know how to support Ash here and she doesn’t want to make him feel worse either.

“Yeah, that pretty much everything then, or at least the high level version. At least I don’t have to repeat myself I guess.” Ash takes a moment to collect himself. Sitting up and taking a breath he starts “I just didn’t want them to follow in my footsteps, I go on all these adventures and they get dragged along and most of the time it’s fine but sometimes it isn’t and someone is going to get hurt. If someone has to get hurt it should be me because Arceus will always bring me back or heal me up anyway, but when I’m not there who will save them, who will take the fall when I’m not around? I’ve had too many friends I’ve left behind with strict instructions to call me no matter where or when, if a legendary or some crazy team is causing trouble I’ll be there as fast as I can.” A determined look overtakes Ash’s face and to Burnet it looks like he’s aged 10 years since he sat on the couch.

Into her house walked a boy who’s scared and frightened and already fed up with everything the world has thrown at him. But now, Ash looks like a man, one who has seen gods and the worst of humanity and is sure of his ability to beat them, sure of his ability to save his friends when they call, the sort of man who has looked death in the face and said No! This is the Ash of the stories, the Ash who battles Tapu Koko and deals with Ultra Beasts whenever they need someone to answer the call. But somewhere underneath that Ash is a boy who has seen and faced too much, who is tired in a way that a simple sleep can not fix. Alola should have been a holiday and instead he’s been drafted into a team to fix someone else’s problems.

Ash took a moment to come down from that posture and when he did he said. “I almost didn’t you know. When Tracy went to work for Professor Oak I didn’t even think about it, Misty knew to call me, but I didn’t check that until almost 2 years after I left her to manage her Gym. If it wasn’t for Brock telling me I needed to give May and Max instructions I wouldn’t of done it. May could have handled herself and would have stayed to the main roads once I was gone anyway, but Max. He wasn’t even old enough to be a trainer, he idolised me in a way that still makes me feel weird to this day, and he wouldn’t have stayed out of trouble unless I told him too. And I almost didn’t tell him to let me know when it gets tough or to remember to take a step back especially when you have no one but your pokemon with you.” Ash looks like he’s about to break again with anger at something that never even happened. Both Pikachu and Burnet are about to step in before he takes a deep breath looks down at the floor and then back up, the anger almost completely faded.

“I gave Dawn the spiel after we met Arceus, no better time than after meeting God I suppose. I told Iris and Cilian but I don’t think they believed me, even after the situation with Genesect and Mewtwo, but I tried my best. And then with the Kalos gang I almost forgot, I should have told them after Arcues intervened in Dahara City but I didn’t because I felt the end was too far off. And then I had no time after Volcanion to have a proper sit down and then the Kalos Crisis and rebuilding kept us all so busy I almost forgot. Clemont probably would have anyway and Bonnie would probably call Clemont but I couldn’t be sure, she’s only a kid and who knows what she will be like by the time she starts her journey. And Serena might have but she also could have hesitated due to her... not feeling ready yet. I did get to tell them, but I almost didn’t, I did forget to tell Serena to look out for May or Dawn with my recommendation and had to send that as a message afterwards, at least I was able to reiterate the point then.”

Ash suddenly looks straight at Burnet with an apologetic look on his face. “I’m sorry Professor, you didn’t need to hear all that, I just needed to convince you,” in a quieter voice “or maybe myself, that I had tried my best to warn them, to let them know how to get help.”

“Ash, you didn’t need to convince me of that. I trust you and I’ve seen how you are around your classmates. I know that you will have done right by your travelling companions and that they know you will help them if they need it.” Burnet said feeling partially like a proud parent for how much Ash was making sure his friends were safe but also sad that Ash felt like so much was riding on his shoulders and his shoulders, all alone.

“I just wish I had done it earlier, things haven’t been as crazy here as in other regions but we also aren’t living out of each other back pockets, they can too easily get in trouble without me even knowing and I should have told them the dangers and that I can help.”

“Ash, It’s not your responsibility to manage these kids or to teach them. I know you’re technically an adult here but the rest of them aren’t and you shouldn’t have to be. If Kiawe wanted to go on an adventure he could, but I get the feeling he already knows he can call of you to help. You aren’t together all the time because everyone else goes home to their parents and you come back here. You’re not even 18, be a kid Ash while you still can.”

“Yeah I suppose, but no one else has the training I do. If a really strong pokemon let alone an Ultra Beast or legendary pokemon came around and started attacking them none of their parents could help. You and Kukui could probably recognise what it was and come up with an attack plan but none of you have strong enough pokemon to challenge it. Me and Pikachu have faced gods and won. That’s the sort of training I don’t think anyone outside maybe the Kahuna can even start reach. I may not be travelling with them all the time but I am still the only one who can help protect them all the time.”

“And you do Ash. No matter what time of day the Ultra Guardians alert happens your always there and ready to help. You do an amazing job and I’m sure everyone really appreciates what you do for them. But you may want to have another conversation with them at some point about how you will help them if they need.”

Ash suddenly panicked, “Wait did I not tell them that, was I too harsh, do they all hate me know”

“Ash calm down. I wasn’t there so I don’t know the answer to the first two questions, but I do the last one. I am sure they will still want to be your friends after what you said. How about you have a lie back down for a bit and I’ll order us some Malasadas, does that sound ok?” Burnet asks cheerfully.

“Yeah Malasadas sounds great right now. I am really hungry, Dia didn’t really have that much food to spare in the... other school.”

“Alright, I’ll go and order, you relax.” Burnet says as she walks into the kitchen. Looking up the number for the Beware Malasadas truck and gives them a call once she tracks it down. A woman with a slight Kantonian accent, “Beware Malasadas here, what do you want?”

“Hi there I was hoping to get a to deliver order for Professor Kukui’s house.”

Over in Hau’oli City Jessie turned to James and Meowth and said “It’s the twerps mum!” James and Meowth looked over shocked. Jessie responded, “Sorry we don’t do deliveries”

Burnet had predicted this, after all what sort of food truck works if it’s constantly moving around for deliveries. “It’s not for me, it’s for Ash who has had a really rough day. I know you know him because you always seem to chat with him when we go.”

“Ash is a nice kid and I’m sorry he’s had a bad day but we don’t do deliveries. We could get something on frying for you so it’s all ready to go when you arrive if you want” Jessie says conflicted between wanting to help Ash and sticking by their no delivery rule. It just make no sense to go delivering with a truck of their size, you lose out on too many people by moving from the spot everyone know.

Burnet takes a moment before deciding to take a much harsher approach  and lowers her voice slightly, “Ok look, both me and my husband have our suspicions about you and if I’m wrong I’ll make it up to you another time but I don’t really want to waste any time today. Ash has had enough stress with going over his past adventures. So Jessie, I need you James and Meowth to get down here before I tell Officer Jenny where to find the current Team Rocket agents that have been causing trouble over Alola. You make us some Malasadas and to make it worth your while both Kukui and I put in a good word for you to be the main catering at this big event he’s planning. I can’t tell you much more right now but I will make sure you are included and transport is sorted even if you aren’t a main. You get me!” Burnet finishes angrily, getting them into Kukui’s new league shouldn’t be too hard, they are a pretty well reviewed Malasada place and all they’ll need is space on the ferry for the truck which gives them bonus points.

Jessie, James and Meowth however are still shocked. Finally Jessie replies “They’re is no need for the threats. We’ll pack up and head down now.”

James then joins in “Did you say past adventures? Which ones.”

“All of them, or at least all the bad ones.” Burnet responds.

The Team Rocket Trio share a look between them before nodding and James says “We’ll be down ASAP and don’t worry about payment we’ll sort that out another time. The tw-kid has been through enough already.”

“Ok see you soon... and thank you. I won’t tell Jenny unless you guys do something really stupid. You run a mean Malasada truck and I would hate to have to find somewhere as good.” Burnet finishes with a wry smile on her face.

“Ash, malasadas are on the way” Burnet shouts into the living room.

“Thanks Professor” Ash says back, “It’s been a while since I had some malasadas, hopefully these ones are tasty.”

“I’m sure they will be Ash.” Burnet replies as she walks back into the lounge, “Do you want to talk about anything else or just sit here for a bit” She asks in the most casual way she can right now, which isn’t that close.

“I think just sit here until the food gets here” Ash says while stroking Pikachu. “I wouldn’t mind it if you can and sat next to me though” he continues after a moment.

“Of course, I’ll sit next to you as long as you are happy for me to” Burnet says while carefully stepping over Torrocat and slightly nudging Lycanroc a bit more into the edge of the sofa.

Just as Burnet starts to get comfy Ash leans over into Burnet. “Thanks for being there for me Professor”

“That’s alright Ash, and you’re allowed to call me Burnet you know.” Burnet chuckles

Ash chuckles back but doesn’t say anything. The two humans and 4 pokemon fall in a comfortable silence with Ash taking after Rowlet’s lead and getting some sleep.

Chapter Text

15 minutes after Ash finally falls asleep Lycanroc perks his ears up at a sound coming from the behind the house, a few seconds later Burnet hears it as well. The unmistakable sound of a van coming down the part sand track leading to the house. Burnet slowly starts to remove herself from between all the pokemon and Ash. Even more difficult now that Munchlax has joined the group. Unfortunately, she isn’t quite smooth enough to avoid waking Ash “Sorry Ash, didn’t mean to wake you but I think the vans here with the malasadas. You just wait here while I go and get them.”

When Burnet got to the door she was surprised to see Jessie, James and Meowth all standing there with 3 or 4 bags each. “It’s probably easier if we just bring these in and put them down rather than trying to hand them off to you” Jessie says dryly “And we wanted to speak to the kid anyway.”

“Um I’m not sure that’s such a good idea right now...” Burnet starts to say not sure how to both thank them for the food and tell them Ash needs space

“Look we get that the kid needs space but I swear on my honour as a member of Team Rocket that I will not harm Ash or try to steal his pokemon.” James and Meowth nod along seemingly to say they would do the same.  “And the twe-kid needs a different perspective, one who was, at least partially, there for most of it. So let us come in have a quick chat and then we’ll leave you alone”

It almost seems to good to be true but something in James’s eyes tells Burnet they all mean the truth when they say they want to help Ash. “Ok you can have a quick chat but if I say it’s over you leave, got it?”

“Yeah sure, mama bear mode and all that” Jessie responds far too nonchalantly for how much Burnet has been mentally knocked of her feet by that comment. Is she being like a Mama bear to Ash. Something to deal with later she decides as she follows Team Rocket into her own house. After they all put down the baked goods on the table in the kitchen they walk into the lounge to see Pikachu and Lycanroc in a battle stance directed at the Trio.

“Well seems you saw through this disguise then, and Twerp can you tell your pokemon to calm down” Meowth says seeing their reactions.

“We’re not here to take them or to get you, we just want to drop off some Malasadas and have a quick chat. Ok kid” James says trying his hardest to seem non-threatening, which is surprising a lot.

“Ok, why do you want to chat” Ash asks warily “And of course I saw through the disguise, the same as I knew exactly why Jesselina was in the same Contests as Dawn all the time and Jessilee was in the same Showcases as Serena so often. There is only so many times you can use the same disguise before it becomes obvious to me who you are. I just hoped this was you turning over a new leaf, deciding to go into the malasada business rather than pokemon stealing business.”

“Well it is a little bit of that, we just wanted to see how you were getting on. We heard you were having a bad day and some old adventures had reared their ugly head, and well seeing as we owe you at least 10 at this point from you saving our butts by getting us out the way when we got too deep we thought we would come check in.”

“Not really old adventures I guess. Just had a new one that brought up some bad memories, compounded by some misunderstandings and more not great times.” Ash said in a quiet but straight tone

“Do you want to talk about it? We’re probably the only three in the region who you won’t have to explain everything to.” James asks, but realising he should probably give Ash an out continues “But you could always call Brock or Misty or well any of the old twe- I mean your old travelling buddies”

Ash put up a strained smile at James’s half slip up. “Nah I don’t want to bother Brock and Misty, Brocks got all his studying to deal with and I’ve seen Misty has gotten back into Fashion alongside her Gym duties. They’ve got enough on their plate.”

James having seen this reluctance to get help too many times before from Ash doesn’t even try to fight it. “Ok well if you want to talk let us know, we won’t it against you either way. And we’re probably the only ones who are going to offer who Pikachu can get away with hitting with a full powered thunderbolt if we get annoying.”

“Yeah I still don’t know how you keep surviving that to be honest, I have been running on a policy of not hitting you full power for a few years now but we have slipped up and all it’s done is send you further away, never more injured” Ash said in both an attempt to find out how they do it and to take attention away from him.

“We just put it down to whatever legendary is keeping you safe. We don’t get it either” Meowth said looking as confused as Ash had seen him.

“Arceus” Ash mutters. Taking a moment to add that to the list of things he needs to raise next time he manages to get of the god. Looking up Ash says “Alright, might as well tell someone and it’s not like you haven’t seen me at my worst already.” Looking over to Professor Burnet who was still standing just to the side of the Team Rocket trio. “Professor, can you take Torrocat, Lycanroc and Rowlet out with Munchalx for some games. Take some malasada’s as you go past.” Seeing that she was about to refuse or at least argue Ash says “I’ve still go Pikachu and you will only be a shout away.” Pikachu gives a nod, trying to convey that he thought it was ok.

“Alright but you call me if you need anything, ok?” Burnet acquiesces.

“Yes, I will” Ash says struggling not to roll his eyes. He could handle the trio in his sleep if needed to, but it’s nice to have someone care for once.

Once Burnet had corralled all the pokemon, bar Pikachu, out of the house and onto the beach for some games Ash stood up. “We might as well have some snacks while we do this.”

Walking over to the countertop he grabs 6 bags of Malsadas. He puts 3 bags in front of him and 3 in front of the other side of the sofa. Gesturing for Team Rocket to sit they do so leaving most of the corner of the L-shaped seat in front of the TV clear as a sort of barrier between them and Ash and Pikachu.

“This will probably be easier if I just check some things first. Were you guys involved with the whole Yveltal situation. The one with Diance?” The trio nodded, “I assumed you had kept up with us after the diamonds disappeared on you” Ash took a moment to marshal his thoughts, “Do you guys remember that cave with all the crystal mirrors back in Kalos, where we fell through to that dimension where everything was opposite?”

Team Rocket are all a bit surprised, this seemingly coming a bit out of left field. “Um yeah, with those knock-off versions of us the Heros of Valour or something” Jessie responds.

“Heros of Justice Jessie. They helped us get back to this world, we should at least get their name right.” James responds teasing Jessie a bit.

“Yeah whatever, we’re the better group” Jessie responds.

“Right well, It started out with a battle against Tapu Koko on the way to school but when Pikachu and Tapu Koko’s attacks collided we were sent to a different place. When me and Pikachu first ended up in this other world, we thought we had just gone back to that one. The colours were all a little weird and we never did see any cities or anything, just the countryside and other versions of ourselves, so it was possible. But then we saw that everything was destroyed. The whole world looks like a mix between the Yveltal situation and Kalos Crisis. This isn’t what that world was like so we were back to square one in terms of ideas. One thing I did feel was that pull of my lifeforce being sucked away slowly by the world, like a mild version of the drain that Yveltal’s destruction caused.” At this the whole of Team Rocket shivered remembering their own far too close call with Yveltal’s destructive power and life force depleting effect. 

“We saw this large pokemon over in the distance and so we headed towards it, but when we got there it just started to attack us. And when I tried to use a Z-move it failed, Z-moves never fail for me and yet this time both the energy of the surroundings and my own internal energy I call on to do them was just gone.” Jessie and Meowth look confused at this statement but James nods along with Ash understanding exactly what he’s talking about. “So then we almost got trapped until this other trainer, Dia and his pokemon Zeraora come in and save us. Dia explained that we was in what was a thriving city, I think it was Hau’oil City, or at least their equivalent. Apparently they used to have an organisation called the Ultra Rangers who tried to fight Guzzlord when it appeared. Guzzlord was the big pokemon I mentioned early, it’s giant all black and mostly mouth and will eat anything. They couldn’t do a thing to it, so they evacuated the city, then the island and eventually the whole archipelago. Dia organised a mission to come and pick me but that was going to be a day wait at least. So we went to Dia’s base.”

At this Ash stops, everything till now has been a bad but still regular adventure, but here is when it truly reminds him of just how narrow his victories have been. “The building was the pokemon school, half of it may have been destroyed but it’s too recognisable to avoid it. And it had pictures inside of it before it hit. Me and Dia managed to work out that I was definitely from another world to this one. He said that 10 years ago there was a large amount of overdevelopment or something and Ultra Beasts reacted badly to it or reacted well to the pollution it caused I’m not really sure. We managed to get Guzzlord into an Ultra Wormhole using Z-moves that activated when the other worlds Tapu Koko, who was a weird colour, showed up. Then Pikachu and Zeraora have a battle and we end up back here. I think I was gone for over a day my time maybe up to 2. The constant clouds made keeping track of the sun hard. But it was like I had never left when I got back.”

The Team Rocket Trio sat there in silence for about 15 seconds, “And how do you feel buddy?” Meowth finally asks.

Ash, who has been stroking Pikachu’s back since about halfway through his story, says “I don’t know. I never really thought I would live to see a world like that. I assumed it would either never arrive or I would die trying to stop it. How do you process visiting a world where everyone you know from one region at minimum had to evacuate and that’s if they were lucky enough to get out rather than being left behind to ...” Ash trails off and hugs Pikachu tighter into himself.

“Well you said that Dia was getting you passage out right. That tells me there is enough of a structure everywhere else that there is both somewhere for you to go and enough people to make it worth it. I think they probably got out everyone who wanted to go, and even some who didn’t. And kid, none of this was your fault” Meowth says trying to help ground Ash.

“I hadn’t considered that part, It was just too many memories of when it went wrong or started to. What might have happened if I had failed in the Orange Islands, or Sinnoh or. Ash says looking down onto Pikachu’s back while Pikachu tries to come closer to cuddle him. “Or Kalos”

“But you didn’t we’re all still here and it sounds like you even helped Dia out by sending away Guzzlord. I know you’re not telling us probably even half of how bad it was.” James says “Back in Unova we overheard you trying to describe some stuff to Iris and Cilian and the were jerks about it.” At this Ash’s head jerks up to look at James. “I know they’re your friends and all, but you tried to tell them about some very serious stuff and they just brushed you off. You might have been off your game in Unova but outside of new crisis this was when I saw the most of the old you shine through. And even then, you weren’t saying even half of how bad it actually was to them. We’re not going to push but we know your like, if you need us to do anything just say.”

“No. I just lost it at my classmates. Sophocles made some not great comments and after the past few days I couldn’t deal and I just listed them all. All the messed with the Teams and Legendries. I’m not even sure what I was trying to do, in the moment it felt important to make sure they got just how dangerous some of the stuff I do is but now I’m not so sure. They were saying about how they wanted their own adventures but now I think I might have just piled it all on doing nothing except making them worry for no reason.” Ash said.

Jessie leans forward, “Ash there is plenty of reason to worry, you have faced just about every legendary under the sun, and moon. Anyone else would have gone insane after the 3rd or 4th time maximum, so it’s no wonder people get worried when you explain everything to them. You’re a special kid, but you are still a kid. And before you say it, I know you’ve legally been an adult for a while and all that with Kanto’s weird laws over legal rights of Pokemon trainers and all that. But did you ever notice how nowhere else does the becoming an adult as soon as you start your adventure stuff. Only in Kanto can you be a legal adult at 10. That’s probably part of what set you up like this” James reaches over and touches Jessies shoulder. As he has done many times when Jessie starts to complain about how the Kanto legal system is broken. Jessie looks over a James, nods and then turns back to Ash

“But your barely 18 years old and you have faced more crisis than most people face in that many lifetimes. The average number of crises per lifetime in this world is probably just over a half at max. But thanks to those stupid beings who designated you the Chief Problem Solver you have faced far too many. I think we all wanted Alola to be a break but Legendries flock to you and HQ won’t leave us alone. But if there was anywhere to have this break it’s here, you have a family here and a home. You aren’t sleeping outside or in Pokemon Centres so talk to your Mom out there and Papa Kukui when he gets back from school ok. You need the rest as much as anyone, more so after the past few days.”

“Burnet and Kukui aren’t my Mom and Dad though. My Mom is back in Pallet Town and my Dad is off on an adventure.”

Team Rocket and Pikachu just stare at until eventually Pikachu jumps to the top of the couch and lightly hits Ash across his head with his tail.

Pikachu turns to look at Ash and starts gesturing and squeaking at Ash. Meowth then says “Pikachu’s right bud, I don’t know how you do it but everywhere you go you make yourself your own new family. You never had older siblings but I did and while Jessie and James didn’t either we have seen enough to know. When you were out with Brock and Misty it was like Brock was your older brother and Misty was your sister. You continued it over the years, Tracey, May Dawn all like having siblings roughly your age. Max as a younger sibling. Iris and Cilian were similar to Brock and Misty but less close still sibling like, but not the same and then by Kalos you were the Older Sibling, Clemont was the second oldest and helped you to care for Serena and Bonnie. You make a family with you everywhere, normally it’s just people being like siblings. But now you’ve made a new kind, one with parents as well as siblings.”

“No, I’m just good friends with everyone that’s all and Kukui and me are just living together while I’m in Alola” Ash said.

James just looked on with utter confusion while Meowth was slack jawed. Jessie just looked at Ash before saying “Pikachu hit him again” Which Pikachu promptly did.

“Ok so now you know that Pikachu agrees with me listen in. Meowth, James and Myself are a family. I don’t know how you would describe it really but there is more than just the family you were born into. There’s this old saying that I don’t remember but it basically says the Bonds you make are more important than the ones you are given. Now your Mom is your family and important yes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make new families. Now don’t turn down the great one you got here just because you got another one back in Kanto. This is your family in Alola and I know that because you would do anything for them at the drop of a hat, which is more than I can say I would for my parents and I imagine James for his.”

James nods along and then takes over from Jessie “Exactly, you may not have put it in words yet but Kukui and Burnet treat you like their son. Maybe not a typical 18 year old but you have been able to more like a kid now than you have in years. Take that opportunity and hold it tight, don’t lose it because you couldn’t see what it was, but hold onto to it or else you’ll regret not taking it when you had the chance.”

Ash sits there blankly, the only thing showing he is alive being his occasional blinks. “Thanks.” He finally says, “I know we have had our differences but I consider us the same you know. I know that when it comes down to it you will save me and I will save you. It might need to get a little further along than for most of my frien-, families but I appreciate it all the same.”

“Well yeah what did you think this is twerp. But I think our work here is done if you ever need to talk about something stupid Koko has done or reminisce on old time let us know. You know where to find us.” Meowth says as they all start to stand  James taking one bag of the Malasads with him. “Oh, and take a few weeks off being stolen from by us too, we’ll give it at least two before we come for you again Pikachu”

“We’ll be ready and waiting, won’t we bud”.

“Pika”

“See you round Team Rocket, until next time” Ash says as they finally walk out the front door.

“You can head back in now. Let him rest, he’s going to need it, and you have our number. If Legendaries start popping up again give us a call. We know the drill by now.”  Jessie Says to Burnet as she passes on the way to the truck. Ignoring Burnet’s shocked looks and the rest of Ash’s team eyeing them suspiciously.