I do import values through my fanfic, but that’s pretty obvious

Disclaimer: I don’t own pokemon that belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This is non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanwork by me so I own it, and my ideas and creations.

Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokemon talks

Chapter 7

Ash flew home; his mom would think he’d used a flying pokemon anyways, keeping himself shielded in Mist like Dewgong had taught him.

Dinner was waiting in the oven, Delia having gone off to her classes. During the day, she worked as a librarian at the Pallet branch library, and at night she was taking computer science courses.

That would hopefully lead to a better future.

They couldn’t count on the investments forever, right?

He ate his sandwiches quickly, along with an apple and some milk, and then released his pokemon. They happily filled the garden and played.

Freedom was being out of a poke ball.

“I can’t wait to leave…” Ash sighed.

Why?

< Is staying at home that boring? > Espeon asked.

Hmm… Vulpix chewed on a bone thoughtfully. I think he wants adventure.

< Ah, that would make sense. >

Also, Haunter kind of introduced him to the idea of ‘justice’ today.

< … Is that a bad thing? >

Not for us. But pity the trainer who abuses his pokemon where Master can see…

< Point taken. >

Espeon teleported, she knew a very nice meadow full of fragrant flowers, and she was taking Beedrill there. There were also some berry bushes that would make a nice meal.

Ash brought Dewgong some tuna, and fed the rest of his pokemon. They weren’t really his per se; more like friends than servants, but what did it matter to the world? It could see what it wanted to.

That has always been a talent. Being able to blind yourself to unpleasant things could prove dangerous though.

Ash nodded as he gave Dewgong a bath, which ended up with him taking one as well. Well, degrees of wetness showed that considering his damp skin and hair, he should go take a bath.

Might as well not waste water.

He fell asleep peacefully that night, but Haunter did not. The ghost pokemon scoured the rest of the school for potential danger, and made its decisions.

He would protect this one.

After all, he was a link between two worlds.

The next morning, Ash woke up when his mother shook him.

“Mom? What’s wrong? It’s only six…” Ash said, after checking his pokeball alarm clock.

“Oh thank goodness you’re alive!”

“What’s wrong?”

Delia sighed, holding Ash closely to her. “Well… this morning, Laura’s mother called me. Laura wouldn’t wake up. And then neither would Tommy, or Zackie…”

“So it’s like a cold?”

“Not exactly, Ash. They all seem to have gone into comas. Sixteen children went off to the Viridian Hospital this morning. Ambulances have been coming and going. Didn’t the noise wake you up?”

“I was tired.” Ash said. He yawned.

“Well, dear, I’m just glad you’re here…” Delia said, feeling guilty that her son was still safe while others were not, but it had nothing to do with her!

She felt guilty for another reason, too, to tell the truth. Ever since she had started taking classes at the local community college, she had been spending less and less time with her son.

He might as well be alone, or out on his journey already. And the boy was only eight.

Delia made a mental note to spend more time with him.

It wouldn’t do at all for him to withdraw from human company because of her errors… juniper would be so disappointed.

Juniper…

Why did you have to die?

What purpose did your death serve?

I know the government paid use five thousand for your death, but that means nothing! I’d rather have you alive than the money!

He’s handling it in his own way; I think he’s forgetting you. But that’s not right, not right at all!
Pease, I need to know what to do…

How can I help him? Will he even take my help? Sometimes it seems those pokemon are his family and not me…

It scares me.

Ash went back to sleep under his mother’s watchful eye.

Bagels and bacon were waiting on the table when he woke up again, fragrance wafting up to his room. Ash quickly dressed, cleaned, and ran downstairs. He ate heartily, fed his pokemon, who were all sleeping in his room with him in any case, and as it was a weekend, headed out to the hills to train.

“Bite!”

Espeon nodded, as the dark attack sent the Abra reeling. The wild pokemon fled.

Espeon preened. < I know I’m good. >

Of course you are. Ash said, hugging her.

< How are you doing with your own control, Ash? >

< Um… I’m able to tune out empathy unless it’s really bad, but that’s basically all I’ve been doing. And sometimes, I can rewind the Future Sight and watch it again, still… nothing else works. >

< At least you’re working. >

Ash nodded. * Yes, at least I’m putting my heart into training. *

< How’s the teleportation going? And what of the telekinesis and healing too? >

Ash sighed. * I can’t do either one yet… *

< Don’t worry about it; the abilities will come in time. >

< O-okay… >

< I mean, at least you’ve mastered telepathy now! >

< That’s true. >

End Chapter!

Started 4/2/04, completed 4/4/04