Disclaimer/Notes: I don’t own pokemon. Nintendo does. No copyright infringement is intended. And, Shogakukan comics owns pokemon as well. Also, I only have what I create, my characters and my pieces of fanwork. Please do not steal.

SO, <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, and italics for pokemon talking

Timeline: 3 months later

Chapter 4: Rain of Happiness

Ash proudly held his diploma for certified graduation from pokemon technical aloft as he ran into the house.

“I’m home!”

Kin was not home, which was not strange, as she was working with Silph on fine-tuning the mechanics of the new Hyper Ball.

Ash happily twirled each of his pokemon around as they danced in the house. Lights glittered and sparkled as their happiness shone through.

Yay! You did it! Aster cheered.

Go master! Espeon shouted. Elementeon jumped on her ‘older sister’, and they began a wrestling match on the floor.

Noctowl and Flygon flew around the room, scattering green confetti.

Mysdreavus happily hugged Ash the way only a gaseous pokemon can do.

Ash smiled impulsively as he returned the favor.

Grovyle and Ampharos were slightly more subdued in their congratulations, but meant them earnestly just the same.

“I wonder where to next?” Ash asked, as he flopped down on his bed. “Wait till mom hears this!”

She’ll be proud of you, Satoshi! Aster said. I’m sure of it!

Oh yes.

So, have you gotten a girlfriend yet? Noctowl asked inquisitively.

I’m not sure… Mysdreavus, is it okay to love a ghost?

Mysdreavus blinked. Your love is a ghost pokemon?

I only see her in my dreams… but she’s solid.

Hmm… Espeon rubbed her chin thoughtfully as Elementeon sat on her back, laughing. I have heard stories of a realm separate from ours, where many pokemon live. It is known as the realm of dreams…

Ash’s eyes narrowed slightly. That does sound a bit familiar.

Well, if your mate is of the dream realm, and human, that would make her a guardian.

A guardian?

There are three main guardians who keep the balance of pokemon and power steady in our dimension, along with a few others, who are of lower rank. They can freely enter and exit the dream realm. All others would be killed, or, at the very least, disabled if they attempted to force entry into a sacred place.

Oh…

Ash rubbed his pendant meditatively. “Lighten up, Satoshi.” He told himself.

The pendant glowed faintly blue for a split second.

Aster stopped eating her carrot as her eyes flickered over it. * I wonder if that’s what I think it is… *

She sniffed a little.

Her former master had been fire guardian, but she had never told.

There had been hints that perhaps the ice guardian was dead, but it was not so. Otherwise, the realm would have imploded on itself.

But maybe, ice was staying with thunder…

Aster nodded. It would make sense.

Meanwhile, Ash went downstairs and got a glass of sparkling milk, which he drank. “Can’t wait until mom gets home.”

Excited?

“You bet! And then on to my journey!”

But you don’t need badges. Flygon said.

Ash only considered for a few seconds. “Oh well. Meet some new friends, maybe.”

Maybe! Elementeon seconded.

Why not? It’s always nice to explore. Mysdreavus purred.

Satoshi winked and began giving out free grooming. He was just finishing up with Noctowl’s fluffy feathers when the doorbell rang.

“Coming!”

After checking through the peephole and seeing only a box, Satoshi puzzled took it back into the house.

Maybe it’s a bomb?

No, I floated inside to look. It’s not. Mysdreavus said.

I scanned with my powers too. Espeon added.

Then what is it? Grovyle wanted to know.

A present!

“A present?”

Open it! Flygon said in excitement.

Let’s see what it is? Noctowl added.

Ash chuckled. “I think I’ll wait.”

A chorus of ‘Aw’ came from the pokemon.

“Besides, I should get dinner started. Mom might not be home until pretty late.” With that thought in mind, Ash heated up two cans of chicken noodle soup, sliced some French bread and put it in the oven to toast, and got out the chunky meat and tomato sauce.

Presto! Instant spaghetti.

Soon, the pokemon and he were eating a hot meal. Afterwards, Ash put the leftovers in Ziploc containers and refrigerated them.

At least he wouldn’t starve.

Frozen foods and such were so convenient. Too bad one couldn’t haul a fridge with them on a journey. Cans were still available though.

Ash counted the money he had in his allowance. He got thirty dollars a month added to his bank account, and extras for doing chores for his neighbors.

With pokemon, it was quite expedient.

As night dawned and Kin had not returned, Ash tucked himself into bed at ten, knowing he would have to get an early start the next morning.

His pokemon slept on scattered cushions in his room, except for those who were out at night.

And again, his dreams were filled with visions.

The pokemon in the dream realm kept him company through the long nights.

End Chapter!

Created 2/1/04, completed 2/6/04