Chapter 4: Broken Friendship of a Dying Star

Location: Iki Town, Melemele Island

Ash kept quiet after seeing Brock, Cilan, and Dawn reunited with him. He couldn't tell the Professor, Lillie, or the Kahuna about the whole scene they made fifteen minutes ago. He had to fabricate it to say they haven't seen each other in a long time and left it like that. Of course, Hala was skeptical but didn't pry any further than needed and Lillie seems to believe it though.

Kukui continues talking to the large man while Ash and the rest sat down near the steps, still being filled with awkward silence.

Brock then decides to break the silence, "So... How have you been?"

Ash just shrug at the question, "Nothing much," he responds.

What else can the trainer say, how can he tell them with others he just recently met said that he faked his death without fearing that this was all a trick to get him to give up on his dream. He wants to prove them wrong, but with no League in Alola, what can he do? Lillie was curious about the three older trainers as to why they seem shocked when they saw Ash. Of course, she had to distance herself whenever Pikachu got anywhere close to her, despite knowing full well he meant no harm to the blonde.

"So, um... Mind introducing yourselves?" she asks kindly.

Ash silently gulp, slowly stood from the ground and wipe the dirt off him.

"Lillie this is Dawn, Brock, and Cilan," he introduces the blonde to his former companions, "They're my old friends I traveled. Guys, this is Lillie."

The shy blonde waved at the three and they did in return. It was then Professor Kukui walk towards the group with Hala following behind, with the young professor placing his hands on his hips showing a smile.

"Alright, so Hala and I have been discussing the whole ordeal that is happening right now," he explains, "But I think we should have these two little ones have their starters."

Max and Bonnie look at each other and back at the tanned professor as he gestures them to follow him. They oblige as they walk on the large stone arena before Kukui grabs three Pokéballs and toss them into the air revealing three new Pokémon. One was a tan and white owl with a green bowtie, the other was a black and red kitten, and the last one was a blue seal with a pink round nose and a white collar around its neck. Everyone, except for Lillie, was in awe to see brand new Pokémon and they were starters for this new region.

"These here are the region's beloved starters!" Kukui exclaimed proudly, "We have Rowlet the Grass Quill Pokémon, Litten the Fire Cat Pokémon, and Poppolio the Sea Lion Pokémon."

Each starter greeted the newcomers happily, making the two young kids look very excited. Bonnie was already looking at them with and couldn't decide which one to choose, while Max was trying to figure which one was the right Starter. Ash smile a bit, seeing that Max never had a Pokémon to call his own and Bonnie only had Dedenne. He could say, he felt the same way when he looks at the new starters.

"Excuse me, can I speak with you, Mr. Ketchum?" Hala asks.

Ash silently gulps before nodding his head as he and the old Kahuna moved away from the group. Ash put on his albeit, best, smile to mask his nervousness with the old man.

"What is it?" he asks.

"Your friends there; the three that I talked to, told me everything that happened to you," Hala stated.

Ash felt the blood on his face drain, already news of his "death" is already spreading here and he's beginning to believe that this was a coverup for the traitors to come in and take him back. Hala notices the fear in the Kanto born's face, placing his large hand on the boy's shoulder giving it a gentle, but firm, grip.

"Listen, Professor Kukui told the situation you were in and I'm sorry for everything that has happened to you," Hala said calmly, "But, I have to know; why did you do all of that? Revenge?"

Ash didn't say a word. Of course, revenge was the first choice for something as if they were in Ash's shoes. He could start planning his revenge on the backstabbers as the next region's "new Champion" and use any sort of godly power to prove it with a fake name until he gives out the reveal to the traitors. But, that wasn't on his mind when he left. He was mentally and spiritually broken by this sudden shift, not knowing how to process this.

"I don't know..." is all he could say.

Alola has no League or Champion. So, that's out of the picture. He wants to prove those who see him weak wrong, but with what? He could not tell. He knew this four-island chain region has a thing called Trials, similar to the Orange Islands, but they had a League, which was the only time he actually won. Though, not as Champion since the Orange Islands weren't consider a major region but a minor that's connected to Kanto.

"But that doesn't mean I'm ready for a new adventure!" Ash said with a sudden change of mood.

Hala could tell he was trying to hide the fact about the event. Still fresh in his brain, trying to suppress it and hopefully never mentioned it by anyone. The Kahuna decided to let it go. Ash turns around to see a small brown dog running up, barking happily as he wagging his tail at the Kanto born trainer. He stood up on his hind legs and stretch his forelegs upwards as if he was asking to be picked up.

Ash showed a small smile kneeling down and pet the small puppy's head. He has never seen them before and the look on the brown and white Pokémon was simple but amazing.

"It seems that little Rockruff really likes you," Hala stated with a smile.

A chuckle escapes from the Kanto born's mouth, seeing the tiny dog was giving him affection. He looks over his shoulder to see Bonnie and Max have already chosen their Pokémon.

"So, who did you get?"

"I got myself a Poppolio!" Bonnie squeals as she holds onto the blue seal, "She's so cute!"

"Well, I got a Rowlet!" Max exclaims rather profoundly with the small owl perching on his left shoulder.

The raven-haired trainer smiles at the two young kids' enthusiasm. He can't do anything but remember all his past journeys with each region and his first ever Pokémon. Looking at the Fire-type cat, he couldn't help but walk up to him and knelt down to his level.

The cat looks up at the raven-haired boy, tilting his head to the side as he walks around him, speculating him. Ash waits for a response from the cat as he returns to his original spot and looks back at him. The two continue to stare before Litten starts to turn away. Ash's friends look sad when they see the Fire-type starter didn't accept Ash's offer, fearing for the worst, that Ash might go into some kind of depression. But he didn't, he just got up and rolled his shoulders before turning around with a neutral expression on his face. Professor Kukui looks at the Kanto born boy, giving him a sympathetic look.

"Sorry about that Ash. Litten has been doing that to many trainers as of lately", he apologizes, "Hope this doesn't affect you in some way."

Ash look at the professor, only to give him a reassuring smile.

"It's okay, I wasn't expecting much anyways."

Ash looks at his friends, only to give them a slight reassuring smile, seeing their distress. He noticed a slight nudge on his leg, looking down to see the Rockruff bumping his head on the boy's leg, looking up with the literal puppy eyes at him. Kukui took notice of the Rock-type's behavior, only to smile.

"It would seem that the little Rockruff is taking a liking to you," Kukui smiles.

Ash looks down at the Pokémon called Rockruff and pets the small dog's head. The smile never left his face, with the young Pokémon barking with glee was all the signs they could ask for. Everything seems to be normal, but they couldn't be for sure if it would stay that way for long. After all: they were on thin ice.

"Is it okay if he's my starter?"

Kukui turns towards Hala with a response, the old man thought thoroughly, but he just smiles and gave the professor a smile.

"I don't see the problem with it," he said.

Ash smiles and looks down at brown and white puppy wagging his tail side to side and tongue sticking out. Ash pets the Rockruff before he picks him up and raised him in the air.

"Guess what buddy, you're going to be staying with me!"

The small Rock-type barks in excitement with the trainer laughing in glee. Something he hasn't done for the past week and if he was being honest: it felt good. He looks behind him to see the others watching him, he felt something in his mind and it was the same he felt before. Could he really trust them and become friends again? That negative feeling is telling him to keep an eye on him, while his once optimism is telling to give them a second chance. Sure Max and Bonnie were the ones who told him who stood by his side, but he can't be sure if it's all true.

He took a deep breath and exhale before placing the young Pokémon on the ground, turning towards the five companions and stood in front of them, without saying a word. The silence was awkward for a moment, but it didn't last long with Ash being the first to speak.

"Guys, we need to talk."

They didn't say anything but nod their heads. Ash turned away and found a trail that led into the forest. Gesturing his head to the location and they follow. The Kanto grass starter watches his trainer and his remaining friends heading to the trail whilst he stayed behind; being one of the oldest and the most matured next to Pikachu, he knows what's going to happen. Sadly, that didn't seem to get the puppy's mind as he follows his new trainer but was halted by Bulbasaur's vine grabbing him by the ribcage and lift him in the air.

"Bulbasaur. Bulba!" he spoke to the Rockruff only to get lick by the optimistic pup.

He sighs but he wanted to make sure things with Ash and his friends would find some common ground.

"Is there something wrong, Ash?" Dawn asks at the raven-haired boy.

They were all standing next to an old wooden bridge that led to another path. Ash thought their current place was just fine the way it is as he looks far out at the deepening canyon that led to a rapid riverbed. Taking a deep breath and turn towards the non-traitors.

"Here's the thing," he began with his neutral expression never changing, "I can't trust you guys."

The others wanted to object but Ash continued.

"I know you told me everything about between you and the others, how you wanted to me to stay by my side and all. I want to believe you, truly I do. And my actions that led to this was probably not the smartest move I came up with, but I can't go back. For all I know; you guys are probably lying at the bottom of your teeth and will most likely contact the others about my whereabouts and my life would be over."

Silence filled the air, but no one objected as Ash continues talking.

"So if you guys ever show any glimmer of betrayal or plan to ruin my life. I want you to leave right now and never come back. I don't want to be a part of your selfish needs and I won't hold anything against you."

That last part was somewhat true. In his head, he'll probably still hold a grudge against them but he had to let things go and move on if he wanted to become a new person. No one said a word to him, they should've seen this coming and wanted to argue against him. But that would only add fuel to the fire. Brock to a step and placed a hand on Ash's shoulder.

"Ash Ketchum, let me tell you this and I'm only going to say this once."

Ash looks at the former gym leader, eyeing him up with only a straight gaze.

"You are, by far, the most caring and determined trainer I'd ever known since you came to my gym. You have every right not to trust us and we won't hold anything against you for that. You put your own life aside for the safety of others and you're too stubborn when to quit. You have stopped multiple evil organizations when the odds are stacked against you and you NEVER took all the credit. You let everyone show their chance to shine and you built remarkable bonds with both humans and Pokémon. Seeing you reach the runner-up in the Kalos League proves that you have matured; both in battle and in life. If you still don't believe the words that are coming from my mouth, I understand. We'll leave this region and we won't spout a single word of your existence. You have MY word."

"You were there for me when I was at my lowest during our travels in Sinnoh," Dawn finally said, "I can never wish to break that type of bond we'd have and I'd kill myself if I would ever betray you."

"You made me see a whole new light with your determination when you stood face to face with overpowering odds," Cilan added, "You kept going with new spices in our travels together."

"You're like a brother to me!" Bonnie stated with tears welling up in her blue eyes, "I've told you that when you came back to retrieve your Pokémon. You took care of me and if it weren't for you, I would never be friends with Squishy!"

"I agree with Bonnie. You're like a brother I never had," Max said with a clenched fist, "You taught me everything about Pokémon when I was just an arrogant stupid kid! You have my word that I will still see you as my idol."

Ash didn't say anything as he heard their words, letting it sink through his brain as he replayed it again and again. The feeling from before that warned him was slowly subsiding but it remained. Taking a deep breath and look into their eyes and said.

"Okay, I believe you."

They beamed brightly, have they finally gained his trust. Maybe or maybe not, but it was a start for them. The set of footsteps made them all turn to see Lillie, Bulbasaur, and the little Rockruff all appeared.

"Is everything okay?" Lillie asks.

Ash nods, "Yeah, just need to make sure we're on the same page."

The platinum blonde smile until she felt something touching her leg, looking down to see the Kanto grass starter nuzzling against her leg. Jumping in fear at the Pokémon, with everyone sweatdropping at her reaction. She readjusted her posture, straighten her skirt with her face lightly flushed her face.

"Sorry," she muttered.

A sigh came from the Kanto born trainer, shrugging at the girl's fear but he would figure something out. The wind gently blowing through their hair and the sound of the rapids far below the small ravine behind them was soothing to their ears along the side of a light squealing and cawing coming from behind them.

Wait, what?

Ash turns his head to find the source of the sounds to see a seeing a flock of Spearow chasing a small Pokémon. But it was strange upon looking at it, it didn't have any form but it reminded the boy of a Gastly, but its color was a mixture of sky blue, indigo, violet, and pink. Its cloud-like form had a small black face with yellow eyes and blue cheeks similar to Pikachu's, yellow arcs that appeared on its body. The strange creature was being bullied and chased by the bird, leading the poor Pokémon towards the old wooden bridge. Instincts had taken over Ash's body, taking control of his body and races towards the helpless creature.

"Ash!" his friends cried out to him, not to prevent him from saving the defenseless Pokémon, but because of the old bridge was losing its grip on the cliffs.

"Pikachu! Bulbasaur! Keep the bridge from collapsing on itself!" Brock hollers.

The two starters race to each side of the wooden bridge, holding tight on the loosen rope as Ash just continue his pace and not stopping. Swatting his hands at the Spearow away from the poor creature, using his body as a shield. But no one can predict what came next as a white glow from the cloud creature and before exploding, destroying the bridge. Everyone gasps in horror to see both the now unconscious Pokémon and the Kanto born boy falling to the ravine. Fearing for the worst.

Ash kept his grip on the strange gas-like creature, closing his eyes, waiting for the impact of the cold water and sharp rocks colliding with him. His hat flew off his hat with every second he fell closer, not noticing a small electrical surge course through his body. To everyone who witnessed the whole thing, saw a bright yellow and electric glow flying from the sky, down to the ravine and back up in a matter of seconds with Ash and the Pokémon on the ground safely. Dawn, Brock, Cilan, Max, and Bonnie raced towards their friend with Lillie, Pikachu, and Bulbasaur follow suit.

"Ash, are you okay?!" Dawn asks with concern.

Ash opens his eyes to see the blue eyes staring at him before looking around. Confuse at what just happened; wasn't he just falling to the ravine? They heard a gasp from the platinum girl to see her pointing and see what she was pointing at. Standing before them was a black, yellow, and orange creature with an orange mohawk, white markings, black and orange pincers for hands, almost humanoid-like. The yellow armor on its side almost seems to represent a bird if it covered its body.

Everyone was in awe at this creature, before hearing it caw with the sound lightning came from it.

"TAAAAPPPPUUUU KKKOOOOOOOOKKKOOOOO!"

It jumps into the air with electricity trailing behind it and the sound of thunder can be heard. No one said a thing, how can they when this possible Pokémon to be a Legendary just save Ash Ketchum and the small Pokémon from death and then left without a trace. Ash blinks a few times before finally breaking the silence.

"What just happened?"

Author's Note: Sorry for the long absence of this story and for a short chapter. I swear this is something I (unfortunately) do whenever I write stories that I wanted to continue. But rest assured, it's back and I plan to make more chapters that don't plan to make a time jump until we reached towards the League. I decided to give Ash a Rockruff instead of Litten, mainly because of the anime. But don't worry, I'll find a way to bring Litten into the picture somehow.

Anyways, LeoPrime13 is out, PEACE!