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Chapter Text

Ash woke up feeling groggy; though he instantly came to attention the moment he noticed the unfamiliar walls and lack of visible exits. He trembled faintly and tensed, only relaxing when he felt Pikachu's unique aura signature brush up against his tightly clenched fists.
As he steadied his unstable breathing, he stood up and examined the rest of the room, quickly noting that there were other, familiar people there with Pikachu and him.

“What hit me?” Iris mumbled, rubbing her aching forehead as she stood up and stretched with Emolga on her shoulder blades.
“I don’t know, but we’re not in the Pokemon Center anymore, that’s for sure.” Ash replied, watching as the others began to awaken as well.
She reached out to grab Excadrill as Axew popped his head out of her hair in curiosity. “Well, that’s pretty obvious.”

Riley grabbed his fallen hat as he slowly sat up. “I know Aura Guardians are trouble magnets, but Ash, getting kidnaped in broad daylight while completely unawares, isn’t usually on said list of troubles.” He sighed, Lucario at his side poised and ready for battle. “Though I suppose travelling with you has made me more open towards ‘unnatural’ aura induced run-ins.”
Ash merely shrugged sheepishly in response – this had never happened to him before either. ( If you ignore the kidnapping part, but he was currently trying to forget about that. )

“That still implies a high level of unconventional and dangerous experiences.” Professor Sycamore mumbled, uncoordinated and swaying slightly as he leaned against his Garchomp.
“Professor Sycamore!” Ash exclaimed, shocked. “What are you doing here? You were nowhere near Unova last I knew!”
“That’s what I’d like to know.” He answered, scanning the room and frowning deeply as he noticed someone missing. “Where’s Alain?”

The other three paused.
“Damnit!” Riley cursed, stretching out his aura in a futile attempt to sense the missing teen.
Ash and Iris gazed at each other warily. “That can’t be good.” Ash muttered. Far too many incidents have happened due to one of his friends disappearing.

[ “There's no need to be so vigilant.” ] A voice suddenly echoed out from within the room. Everyone jumped, startled as they prepared themselves for battle.
Whoever was observing them sighed, exhausted. [ “If I’d wanted a fight I wouldn’t have brought along your Pokemon.” ] They said, [ “As it is, I’m bringing in more people. Professor, do not be too worried, I was planning on bringing in Alain as soon as the first episode was over. You’ll see him soon enough.” ]

“You brought us here for a show?” Riley intervened, before Sycamore could try his hand at breaking the walls surrounding them using Garchomp’s Dragon Rush due to worried empowered fury. “Why can’t Alain be here now?”
They giggled. [ “A very special show.” ] The pressure in the area increased ten-fold, and Ash stiffened in familiarity. [ “One that’ll reveal all your missing pieces of information and show you what will be. As for Alain, I’m sure you’ll understand soon enough. Trust me, this was not an easy task; I had to get permission from Arceus, Celebi, Palkia, Dialga, and Uxie for this to work.” ]

“What.” Professor Sycamore was too stunned by the casual mentioning of so many Legendaries to reply to that.
Ash and Riley on the other hand, both narrowed their eyes at the idea of so many Legendary Pokémon joining together for a single task, – many could hardly stand to get along on a good day. Ash in particular, held Pikachu tightly as he braced for whatever disastrous situation was about to unfold.
[ “Come now, sit down and be patient. I assure you, you’ll want to see this. Besides, you wouldn’t be able to escape anyway! This enclosure is entirely indestructible. You may only leave when we’re done.” ]

Iris huffed, annoyed but the first to relent as she recognized the futility of the situation, – trusting her instincts to lead her correctly. She and her Pokémon walked towards one of the seating sections and got comfortable. Turning to look at the others she said, “It doesn’t hurt to try to do what they say right?” Shrinking a little as the attention fell on her. “I mean, just to see what happens…?”
Ash shut his eyes as he made his way over to the area next to her.
/ “Are you okay Ash?” / Pikachu asked him, watching his partner carefully as he sat down.
The other softened, smiling at the electric rodent. “Yeah, I’m fine. Don't worry about me bud.”

The room turned strangely silent for a moment until— “What was that?” Professor Sycamore asked Ash.
He startled, “What do you mean?”
The Professor was shocked, his eyes wide. “I understood that. I don’t know how but I know what Pikachu said!”
Riley swerved to gaze at him. “You what?” He frowned, “Are you an aura adept? I could’ve sworn you didn’t have any knowledge of it.”
Sycamore stared right back, “Aura?” He wondered aloud, confused. “Wait, who are you?”

“I’m Riley, Alain’s spoken of me I hope?” Riley paused, “Hold on, you’re not an aura adept? Then how did you…” He trailed off as the voice reappeared.

[ “I should’ve specified that, whoops.” ] They said, [ “Yeah, in this space, aura isn’t needed in order to understand your Pokémon. It’s a special feature that took us some time to figure out but I believe this’ll benefit Iris, who can’t understand all Pokémon very well yet, and the professor, who isn’t an aura user at all. Speaking of Pokémon….” ] There was the sound of someone snapping their fingers. [ “That should do it! Once you’ve all settled down I’ll begin the showing, so have fun! And happy viewing!” ]

The 4 occupants shielded their eyes as a white light covered their vision, blinding them.
When it died down, Ash was knocked to the floor as his pokemon tackled him.

/ “Ash!” / Tepig exclaimed in joy.
/ “Hug us!” / Oshawatt demanded
Snivy cautioned the fire and water types. / “Don’t smother him.” /
/ “He’ll be fine, my trainer’s stronger than that!” / Krookodile shouted, enthused.
/ “We should still be careful.” / Tranquill said.
/ “Whatever.” / Scraggy announced as he tried to headbutt Ash, who shifted away just in time to watch the fighting type hit the floor. / “Oww…” /
/ “Are you okay?” / Victini asked him. / “Fiiiine…” / Scraggy replied.

“Is this a dream?” Professor Sycamore asked. “And is that a Legendary? I’m not too well read on Unova’s history but I could swear that Pokemon looks an awful lot like Victini…”

Riley smiled at him. “No. No it’s not a dream, though usually people like you wouldn’t be able to hear the Pokemon speak, – whoever created this space must be very powerful and very well informed to allow non psychic types to project like this. And yes, Ash caught Victini a bit ago – he decided to stick with Ash after he saved him.”

“Incredible!” The man was practically vibrating with excitement. “The idea that Pokemon could speak and understand humans extremely well has always been well circulated, – especially with Kadabra and more human-like pokemon, – but to actually experience it first hand? Plus, a Legendary Pokemon right in front of me!” He scoured his lab pockets for a notebook, “I’m going to need to take so many notes! Starting with, what is aura?” ( Sycamore also wanted to question Riley about why he and the kids seemed so absolutely exhausted, but felt like that could wait for another time. He just hoped Alain wasn’t the same way. His heart might not be able to take his son looking like that. )

The Aura Guardian laughed at the scientist's ramble. “I’m sure whatever we’ll see here will explain, but if it doesn’t then I’ll be more than happy to answer your questions.” 

“Thank you!”

[ “Really quick!” ] Everyone jumped in surprise as the voice returned. [ “Mr. Augustine, since Alain isn’t here right now you’ll be watching over his Pokémon as they observe everything with you. Here you go!” ]

Charmeleon, Swablu, and Tepig immediately manifested and screeched in shock.

/ “Alain!!” /  Charmeleon called.

/ “Where are we!” / Tepig shook.

/ “Is this normal?” / Swablu asked. 

The Professor carded his hands through his hair, “We’re going to need a minute…”

Iris snorted. “Good luck with that.”

Chapter Text

It took a little while longer to get everyone in a position they felt comfortable with, – Ash’s pokemon notably kept fighting over certain spots, – but eventually they managed an arrangement and focused as the giant screen before them lit up as though they were in a movie theater.

| Panning towards Lumiose Tower, the camera focuses on Alain who looks at the sprawling city in horror and despair. |

“Alain?” Sycamore wondered. His son looked older there. Perhaps this really was the future? If it was, then it couldn’t have been more than a few years ahead of them judging by Alain’s appearance.
/ “Isn’t that Lumiose Tower?” / Charmeleon asked the professor, tugging on his sleeves.
“Yeah….” He got lost in thought, “What is Alain doing on top of the tower? That’s dangerous!”
Riley pursed his lips. Alain looked horrified.
“He looks even worse than he is currently.” Iris stated, worried.
“Whatever’s going on must be pretty bad.” And considering the fact that their Alain wasn’t here right now Ash had a nagging feeling that it was somehow related to him as well.

| Lumiose City was overrun with massive, ominous roots. Buildings were destroyed and people ran for their lives. |

Professor Sycamore straightened in his seat. “What happened!”
“Is that…” Ash mumbled.
“Lumiose City.” Riley answered, his eyes darting left to right as he absorbed the actions being featured.
“That’s Alain’s home!” Iris yelled, terrified.
/ “The Lab!” / Charmeleon said, wounded and curling into himself as Victini levitated over to him in an attempt to comfort the teary fire lizard.
“It’ll be alright.” Sycamore lifted the fire type pokemon into his lap. “I’m sure it’ll work out, this may even be the reason we’re here. To change this.”
“This kind of mass destruction could only be caused by a Legendary Pokemon.” Riley deduced.
/ “The only question is, which one?” / Lucario said next to his trainer.
“A Legendary huh?” Ash winced, the city’s situation reminded him far too much of Rota, and the giant roots only served to fuel the memories he had of the Tree of Beginnings.
“Maybe we’ll see you there Ash!” Iris tried to joke, though it fell flat.
/ “Let’s hope not.” / Pikachu responded, cheeks sparking in agitation at the thought.
Ash hummed, seemingly resigned.

| Alain appeared to be having a panic attack. In the background, an unknown voice is heard speaking to him.
“Alain, this is all thanks to you. We used the Mega Evolution energy to control Zygarde. The Mega Evolution energy you kept on collecting is proving very useful to the destruction of the world.” |

“Alain did what?” Iris questioned, confused and scared.
/ “There’s NO WAY!” / Charmeleon screeched, / “Alain would never do something like that!” /
“But something’s clearly wrong.” Riley announced grimly. “Whatever happened to Lumiose city definitely involved Alain in some way.”
“I know my son!” Sycamore stated. Determined. “Even if he did have something to do with the situation, he’d never do it without a good reason.”
Ash didn’t say anything.
“Ash,” Riley asked, worried.
Pikachu gazed up at his partner in sympathy. / It’ll be okay, you know Alain’s a good person.” /
“That’s exactly why I’m afraid for him.” Ash replied somberly.
Pikachu couldn’t say anything to that.
“Hey, Professor?” Iris spoke, “Do you recognize the voice talking to Alain?”
“No.” The man grit his teeth. “But judging by the context, whoever is speaking was the one who destroyed the city, – and it appears they used Mega Evolution energy to manipulate Zygarde into doing so for them.”
“The Legendary Pokemon of Balance.” Riley sighed. “How ironic.”
Lucario grumbled. / “That answers that question then.” /
Iris pondered, “So Alain collected this Mega Evolution energy for them and they used that energy to manipulate a Legendary pokemon into doing their bidding? Isn’t Mega Evolution what you and Alain are studying?”
The man nodded. “It is. I guess in theory it might be possible to use a device to gather the excess energy released when a pokemon Mega evolves. However, that kind of technology isn’t known to me yet. Nor am I aware of anyone else investigating Mega Evolution besides me and my associates.”
“A man using someone else to destroy the world.” Ash muttered darkly. “Sounds familiar.” Riley tugged him into a one sided hug sympathetically.
“But why did he comply with them?” Iris continued.
/ “Maybe he had no choice.” / Alain’s Tepig said quietly.
“Maybe…” Professor Sycamore dragged out. ( Alain is smarter than that though. So then why would he do something like this? )

|Alain whimpered, broken. His thoughts unexpectedly projected throughout the room. |

“We can hear his thoughts now too?” Iris asserted in awe.
The Professor shook his head. “It really is like a movie, or maybe a television show.”

| ( This… was because of him? All of this? )
( The destruction of the city he called home? The destruction of the world? )
Alain appears to be in physical pain, collapsing onto the floor, harshly panting.
( No ….. No… ) He slams down his fist.
“Mairin… Chespin… What was I… What was I fighting for?!!” His face twisted in agony as he shouted.
( Where had it gone wrong? What had the last two years been about? All he had ever wanted was to protect the people he loved. How… Why… What? ) |

“Oh Alain…” Ash said softly.
“Damnit!!” Riley clenched his fists; the Professor next to him looking one second away from attempting to scoop up his son from the screen.
Charmeleon was teary eyed and the other pokemon gathered around Alain’s to cuddle them, – except Pikachu, who remained close to Ash. Just in case.
“Who are Mairin and Chespin?” Iris wondered.
“Well, Chespin is the grass type starter pokemon for Kalos. However, I’ve never met a girl named Mairin before. From the looks of it though, Alain collected the Mega Evolution energy for them meaning he clearly cared about her.…” The black haired professor's thoughts raced as he ran his hand over Garchomp’s snout in an attempt to calm her.
/ “Alain is HURT!” / She screamed, angry.
“I know girl, I know.”
“He’s been collecting Mega energy for two years? But Alain is 15 right now and this can’t be more than a couple years ahead of us….” Riley paused. “This isn’t adding up…”
Ash tensed.
( There was no way this was leading to where he thought it was leading, right? But it would explain so much…. )

| “Helping Chespie and helping Mairin… that pure wish of yours is truly noble.”
( Lies. All lies! Alain didn’t want to hear that from… From him! This was noble? This Madness? Destruction!? ) |

“When I get my hands on the man talking…” Sycamore uttered furiously.
Riley nodded, just as mad.
Iris winced. ( Knowing that Alain would go through this, that he would sacrifice everything to help a girl and her pokemon and be repaid in this way… It made her want to lash out with them. )
Pikachu’s trainer merely looked at the images blankly, though not without any emotions.

| “Alain! ALAIN!” |

Everyone did a double take.
“Was that Ash?!” Iris yelled, turning around to grab the mentioned boy by his jacket. “I was just JOKING earlier!!! What on earth are you doing there!?!!!”
Riley breathed in sharply. “Ash…” He warned, said teenager flinching and tightening his hold on the electric type in his arms as he pondered the future events that may have lead to him being there.

| ( He didn’t want to hear it! )
“– I want to possess that power as well. –”
Screams then erupted from behind Alain, and he whirled around to see a red beam hit Ash and the ninja-like Pokémon next to him. |

“Oh Arceus…” Sycamore leaned over to check if the child ( Because he was still a child dammit! ) was alright. Riley foregoing all pretenses and bringing Ash into a full bodied hug as Iris sat up to join them.
“I’m fine guys.” ( Ash most definitely was not fine. ) He exhaled as they didn't let go. ( Might as well let them check his health. He was getting flashbacks to Brock and his mother henning. Maybe he should try for a distraction…… ) “Hey Professor…”
“Yes Ash?”
“Do you know the pokemon that’s with me?”
“Actually, I do. That’s Greninja, the final evolutionary form of Froakie, another Kalos starter and a water type.”
“Thank you.”
“Of course.”
( Augustine really didn’t want to contemplate the thought that Ash was put into so much danger while in Kalos, but it was moot to avoid it at this point. )

| “No! Stop it!” Alain shouted.
( Not Ash too. He failed Mairin, he failed Chespie, he failed Professor Sycamore. He didn’t want to add Ash to that list. )
( But wasn’t Ash already on the list? Hadn’t Alain betrayed him? Ash was only hurting now because Alain had stood by and done nothing…! ) |

“You could never fail me Alain.” Augustine said, forgetting that his son wasn’t there currently.
Ash slumped slightly. “He may have done something wrong, but it’s obvious he regrets it deeply. I’ve seen people do the most horrible of things without even blinking, and he was clearly someone's pawn. I just hope our Alain never has to go through this. ( It may be too late. )”
“Yeah,” Riley echoed.

| The beam grew brighter, and Ash screamed louder. Alain gripped a shaking pokeball, preparing it.
“What do you think you’re doing?” ( Alain trembled at the Director’s - No, Lysander’s voice as Ash screamed once again. ) |

“Lysander!” Professor Sycamore called.
“You know him?” Riley asked.
“He’s one of the most influential people in Kalos!”
Ash glared. “Great. Another megalomaniac who thinks they know what’s best for our world.”
“Another megalomaniac?” Iris questioned Ash quickly, her hearing excellent.
He didn’t answer.
“I’ll kill him.” Garchomp’s trainer stated seriously.
“This hasn’t happened yet, you can’t do anything rash.” The only other adult responded logically.
“But if Alain was gathering Mega Evolution energy for two years during this timeline then Lysanders already started whatever experiments he’s been planning now!”
/ “Let’s go! I’ll destroy him for hurting Alain!” / Charmeleon announced.
/ “No one’s doing anything!” / Lucario had to calm the rebelling pokemon, scaring them into submission.

| “Stopping you,” Alain said harshly. “Charizard! Free Ash and his pokemon!”
A very powerful looking Charizard materialized with a roar, using Dragon Claw to shatter the cuffs as Alain rushed to catch Ash. |

/ “Look! Look at me! That’s definitely me. I look like a strong Charizard don’t you think!?” / Charmeleon raved, excited at his future evolutions showing.
Sycamore laughed, the only bright sound he’d made thus far as everyone stared at the fire lizard in amusement.
“Yes, you look very strong.” He replied gently.
/ “I even used Dragon Claw! and Alain saved Ash!” /
“You both did very well.” Riley rubbed Charmeleon’s forehead.
“Thanks.” Ash told the fire type who smiled back brightly.

| Alain looked down at Ash. “Ash? Are you Alright?”
Silence. No…. something was wrong.
“Ash?..” Alain asked again, shaking the boy whose eyes remained closed, his chest lying still. |

Iris choked. “There's no way…..”
“No. Oh god no.” Riley whispered, his calm exterior shattering as he clutched Ash next to him.
“Ash?...” Sycamore faintly trembled, gazing at the boy who sat completely still. Unmoving.
Pikachu started sparking electricity. / “Ash Ketchum….” / he growled lowly.
Ash’s Pokémon grouped around him in fear, grabbing hold of whatever piece of clothing they could.

| Pikachu jumped onto Ash’s chest shooting Thunderbolt after Thunderbolt at him.
Ash didn’t respond.
( No. Arceus, please no. He didn’t move fast enough. )
“No, no, no. Ash! Wake up!” He shouted, gripping Ash’s shoulders tightly.
There was still no response. |

The viewers could only stare at the scene in deafening silence before Pikachu screeched.
/ “What the Hell!” / He yelled, / “There’s no WAY! Ash could never die. He could… never….” / He trailed off and curled up close to his trainer's heart, listening for its beat. When he heard it, he started crying softly. The rest of the team joined him in their collective sadness.
( Pikachu had the horrifying feeling that this time, Ash wouldn’t bounce back. )
“Pikachu..” Ash whispered, crushed.
Iris was sobbing, curling her body around Excadrill who held her as Axew stood silently, too young to know what had just occurred other than the fact that it made everyone around him cry.
Riley scowled deeply. “Where the hell am I? How could I let this happen?! Ash and Alain…..” Lucario placed his paw against the man who grieved for another lost guardian. ( This one far too young in his opinion to have such first hand experience with death. )
Sycamore felt the wetness streaming down his cheeks.
“I’m sorry.” He said solemnly. “So, so sorry.” Garchomp whined and put her head on his.
Charmeleon didn’t move. He didn’t think he could.
( If he’d just flown faster, released himself quicker! )
But his self blame was put on hold as Swablu and Tepig piled on him and they all bawled together.
Ash watched his pokemon break at his death, and knew that this would haunt them all forever; Even once they’d eventually returned back to their own time. ( He tried to ignore the slight disconnect his death on screen brought him. He was still alive. This was negligible in the face of the others despair. )
( That might not be the best coping mechanism though, now that he thought about it. )
Sycamore tried collecting himself. “Listen,” He began. “Please, please don't blame Alain. He doesn’t have a lot of friends, and —!”
/ “I don’t blame Alain; and I doubt Ash does as well.” / Pikachu interrupted, reassuring the Professor. / “I know people like him, people who are disillusioned and brought in by someone else's schemes. Even people who have been manipulated like he was. Though he put Ash’s life in danger, I know it’s not truly his fault he’s dead.” / The yellow Pokémon stared into the other’s eyes, showcasing a wisdom not often seen in even Legendary Pokémon. / “I know the Alain of now. The one who sat at Ash’s bedside for days after his coma. The one who helped heal and rehabilitate Tepig. I know for a fact he’d never forgive himself for this. Guilt is crushing, and sometimes even more of a punishment than anything else one could receive. Lysander however……” /
The rodent exuded a massive amount of hatred with that one name.
/ “He’ll pay. I’ll make him pay dearly.” /
“Pikachu…” Ash said.
He glared. / “No. He’s dead Ash. If I ever meet him, he won’t live to see another day. I swear it.” /
The amber eyed boy quieted.
( Ash didn’t like his pokemon killing people. Not because he felt much empathy towards those who hurt his friends, but because committing a murder like that would leave a scar that would never fade. They’d be irrevocably changed if they killed, which is why he tended to avoid it at all cost. )
( He didn’t want to think about what that meant for Alain, who would undoubtedly blame himself for not saving Ash even if he personally didn’t blame the other. Alain could be just as stubborn as he was sometimes. )

| Lysander stared at Alain and Ash’s body. “Oh? Was the Mega Evolution energy too much? I suppose if it worked on a Legendary like Zygarde, It would be too much for a frail human to withstand.”
“You– You,”
( Alain felt as though he was burning. A fire as hot as Charizards flames raged inside him screaming in outrage at the man in front of him. It grew larger and larger. )
His fury reached its peak, and then everything shattered. |

Everyone broke out of their tear filled stupor.
“What just happened?!” Iris questioned, rubbing her face.
( Though she and everybody else hadn’t forgotten what had occurred, they’d unanimously decided to put it away for later. )
( They wouldn’t let something like that ever happen. Not since they now knew it could happen. )
“No idea.” Riley replied, the man next to him cataloging every scene that showed up.
Ash, his pokemon, and all the others watched as the screen blanked, turning completely white.

| Alain was floating. Directions didn’t exist where he was.
( What happened to Ash? To Lysander? )
( Where was he? ) |

“That’s what we’d like to know.” Iris muttered snidely.
“Be polite.” Riley reprimanded her, distracted.
Victini shivered.
( That place seemed familiar. )
“Vicitni?” Ash asked, “Are you okay?”
They nodded. / “I’m fine, it’s just…. I feel like I know that place.” /
Ash and Riley stiffened as Iris and Augustine looked at the Legendary in curiosity.
“Do you now?....” Riley mumbled.
Ash stroked Pikachus fur.
( If Victini recognized that place it was very likely that another Legendary was getting involved. )
( Ash only knew of so many Legendaries that could create a separate space like that. )
( He didn’t like the options. )

| “The chosen one is dead.” A voice echoed in the white space. |

Riley tensed. “The Chosen One!”
“The who?” Iris asked him.
Ash couldn’t breathe.
( He was so scared. He hadn’t wanted them to know. He was just Ash. Ash Ketchum, a kid with a dream too big to fit in his body and a whole world to explore. He wasn’t some sort of predestined savior, he had never wanted to get his friends involved in so many dangerous situations, all he’d wanted was to become a Pokemon Master with his pokemon! )
He was brought back into the world as Pikachu, Snivey and Krookodile hit him.
“Ow!” He winced and narrowed his eyes at them sternly.
They were all unrepentant.
Tuned back into the conversation, he noticed Riley telling Iris and the Professor about the Chosen One from the Aura Guardians legends and felt his mouth dry up.
Iris had fear and awe in her eyes as the Professor listened, raptly engaged in every last word.
“Amazing…” He uttered. “But if the Chosen One is dead, and Alain is taken right after Ash’s … moment,” ( He couldn’t bring himself to say the word death. ) “Then doesn’t that mean…”
The Aura Guardian understood quickly, and turned around to look at Ash who refused to look him in the eye.
“Ash… are you......?”
“...........” He didn’t say anything. His silence as damning as a confirmation.
Riley said nothing.
When Ash was finally able to look upwards, he flinched at the man’s stone faced expression.
“We’ll talk later.” He promised.
( Ash couldn’t be more terrified for that conversation. )
( And as for the voice that’d just said he was dead, well, Ash had a nagging feeling he knew them from somewhere -– which couldn’t mean anything good. )

| Alain twisted, and then came face to face with a pokemon so regal that it couldn’t have been any Legendary but Arceus. He gulped, fully aware that this was the creator of the Universe, and who towered over him larger than any story could have ever possibly described. |

Professor Sycamore dropped the pen he’d been using to write with.
( He had found that notebook in his pockets and been taking notes diligently the entire time. )

“Holy Shit.” He whispered. “Pardon my profanity.” He told Riley, who said nothing as he focused his gaze on the oldest pokemon in existence. Near him, Iris gaped entirely unladylike; with her hold on Excadrill loosening.
All the Pokemon in the room tensed at the ‘Pressure’ the creator released, even when nothing more than a moving image on a screen.
( All of them barring Pikachu who simply grumbled incoherently and uttered profanities. Lucario, the second most experienced Legendary meeting Pokémon in the room, regarded the rodent incredulously. Not even he would dare to offend the powerful pokemon. Especially not so outwardly. )
Ash closed his eyes in despair.
( He knew it. He knew that voice was familiar! )
( Even ignoring that, the trainer’s instincts were screaming at him. This wasn’t over, something big was going to happen, something that would change everything. )
( Ash was apprehensive. Whatever was about to go down, he knew it would affect Alain tremendously. )

| “You are an acceptable substitute.” Arceus said. |

Wait.
What?
The four humans gaped at the screen.
What did Arceus just say?!
“What?!” Professor Sycamore yelled, his eyes going wide.
Iris couldn’t process anything and Riley was still as still as a statue.
( Ash was bad enough, but putting such responsibility on another one of his kids? Like Hell! Riley scrutinized the essential god. He’d fight Arceus if he had to in order to keep that from happening. )
Ash’s lungs stuttered. He hadn’t expected that.
( Is that what would happen if he didn’t continue helping Legendaries? Would another innocent person be expected to deal with all his daily craziness?! No. No he wouldn't allow that. If he had bear the burden so no one else would, then a burden he’d bear. )
( Though what Arceus said about being a substitute was concerning. This was especially true since he instated Alain during a time of disaster. While Ash knew the creator pokemon wasn’t cruel, he didn’t understand humanity very well, and had no idea how much a single person could take. If he made Alain a substitute for Ash, then whatever came next would likely shake the foundations of the trainers mind just as much as Ash’s death had. )

| “W–what?” ( Alain didn’t know what to do. )

“This timeline cannot continue, without the Chosen One, the world is doomed.” |

“Wow Ash, no pressure or anything.” Iris spoke, high pitched.
Ash laughed unsteadily in his head.
( Oh Iris, you don’t know the half of it! )
Pikachu shook his head. His silly trainer always attracted the worst trouble.
( He wouldn’t be able to anymore, because Ash was dead. He wasn’t coming back. )
( And it was Pikachu’s fault for not trying hard enough. )
/ “How come we weren’t told of the Chosen One situation beforehand?!” / Ash’s Tepig cried.
/ “Would’ve been useful information to have during the Victini incident.” / Tranquill quipped.
/ “I almost had a heart attack!” / Snivy told their trainer.
Oshawatt tipped his body in agreement. / “We should know what we signed up for!” /
/ “You didn’t sign up for anything, you joined because Ash called you cute.” / Krookodile responded, grinning.
/ “Where did you hear that?!” / The water type called, embarrassed.
/ “Pikachu told us.” /
/ “Okay, I know, it was kind of stupid.” / He said. / “But I’m getting better! And Ash is a great trainer so obviously I chose right!” / He hit his shell proudly.
/ “Fun! Fun!” / Scraggy was jumping up and down.
/ “I’m sorry. I caused so much trouble.” / Victini apologized.
/ “It wasn’t your fault.” / Pikachu comforted the Victory pokemon. / “Damian was just very absorbed with his goal. As for why we never told you all about the Chosen One thing….” /
“I don’t like telling people.” Ash murmured. “My pokemon find out eventually, but only after a few times encountering Legendaries. I just … don’t like putting my friends in danger.”
/ “Hmmm,” / Snivy hummed. / “Pretty sure you’re never getting rid of them.” /
Ash sighed.
/ “He never does.” / Pikachu dryly stated.
“What he said!” Iris added. “Alain and I are in for the long haul – like hell you’d get rid of us!”
Augustine rubbed his nose bridge. “I should visit Unova soon.”
Riley groaned, exhausted. “Another adult would be appreciated. I think Alain would enjoy seeing you as well.”
“I’ll book the next flight.”
/ “Alain got involved with crazy people.” / Charmeleon said.
/ “But you enjoy the challenge.” / Tepig replied bashfully.
/ “I do! Especially fighting Pikachu, I won’t find a better training partner!” /
Swablu popped their head out of their wings, / “I like Ash.” /
/ “I do to.” / Charmeleon agreed.
/ “Crazy kids.” / Lucario deemed them all.

| There was a flash of green light before Celebi appeared, chirping. |

Ash took a sharp breath, much like Riley had done earlier.
“Oh no…” He spoke.
“What? What’s going on?” Iris asked.
Riley tipped his hat over his eyes, shadowing them.
( He had a feeling he knew where this was going. )
“Isn’t that a Celebi?” Professor Sycamore jotted down more notes.
“A Celebi?” The girl tilted her head at the image.
“Yeah.” Ash’s voice was muffled as he put his head behind his hands. “They’re Legendary pokemon that manipulate time.”
“Time!?”
“Uh huh, and if a Celebi was called then…” Ash trailed off.
“There’s only one thing that could mean.” Riley continued.
“Time Travel.” They spoke together.
( Ash knew something was up! He had hoped that he’d been wrong but it was very clear that time travel was involved. Which meant that Alain was likely going to be sent to fix this mess. )
( Ash didn’t ignore the implications of that. If future Alain had time traveled back to the past, then his Alain was… well, no wonder he got nightmares so often. )
Riley clasped his hands.
( He knew what was going on, but he didn’t want to believe that Alain had gone through something as traumatizing as this. All his wards were pretty bad, but the complete annihilation of the world and the guilt of having supposedly killed your own friend? Riley was going to have to have a long conversation with Alain later. )
( This explained so much about the eldest trainer however, it cleared up so many inconsistencies he’d been noticing. )

| Alain weakly raised a hand to wave at Celebi in greetings.
“Chosen One?” He asked. ( What was Arceus talking about? )
“Will you travel back in time to prevent this?” Arceus asked him. |

“Oh.” Iris said, realizing what was going on now.
“Alain…” Professor Sycamore groaned, rubbing his eyelids. Seeing what Iris was as well.
( This, this made perfect sense, but he couldn’t get around what his son had gone through in order for it to be so. The nightmares, the codependency, the worry, this covered everything he’d been wondering about! )
( Time travel. His son had time traveled to stop the end of the world and hadn’t told him! Why hadn’t he told him? )
( Augustine knew why. Alain thought he wouldn’t believe him. He hadn’t wanted to worry him. Too bad for his son, it was a parents job to worry, and as a researcher who knew all about Celebi, time travel wasn’t too far fetched. They’d be having a talk about secrets when he saw him next. )

/ “He’s going to say yes, isn’t he.” / Charmeleon said.
“Definitely.” The Professor replied.

| ( Alain felt his heart skip a beat. )
( Time travel? He could prevent this? All this madness? All this destruction? Yes, anything to stop this disaster. )
“Yes.” Alain answered, no hesitation in sight. |

Ash grimly shut his eyes.
( Damnit Alain! Why? Why would you decide to carry such a heavy task by yourself?! )
Riley grimaced.
( A very, very, very long conversation about trusting others, keeping secrets and recklessly jumping into things. )
“He always cared so much, Garchomp.” The Professor stated.
( Sometimes too much. )
Iris clicked her tongue.
( Alain Sycamore! You idiot! She was going to give him the chewing out of a lifetime when she saw him next! )

| “Very well.” Arceus said.
Celebi twirled around and a green portal opened up.
Alain fell.
The world swirled green around him and he was falling…
Falling….
Falling……
Until the scene suddenly shifts and then he’s falling out of a bed.
Younger.
The screen went black. |

“That.” Iris started. “Was both infuriating and informative.”
“Very.” Augustine said. “Alain time traveled! I have so many questions and a very long talk to prepare.”
“I’m with you there.” Riley agreed. “He needs therapy.”
“We all need therapy.” Iris stated wryly.
“Yeah.” Ash muttered.
Riley went and stared at Ash hard.
“You and I are also going to have an extremely long talk. Understood?”
He looked dejected. “Yes sir.”
Sycamore got up to stretch.
“So, are we done? Can I see my son now?”

The voice reappeared.
[ “No.” ] It said. [ “This is merely a break, and that was only the prologue. We’re going to go into depth what’s happened since Alain was brought here, and watch his journey with Ash, Iris and Riley to help you adjust to the events that are soon to come.” ]

“You said I could see my son.” Professor Sycamore sounded dangerous.
[ “I said you’d see him when episode one was over. Again, that was only the prologue.” ]

Riley had to physically restrain the other man.
“Guys.” Ash called. “Maybe we should continue the viewing? I don’t really like it either but it may help us understand Alain better, and we won’t be let out anyway.”

The enraged man settled. “True. Nothing to do but watch I suppose…,”
( Ash was right. Augustine really wanted to know what was troubling his son specifically, besides the time travelling. )

“Wait.” Riley said. “Ash. Come with me.”

Said trainer winced.
( This was going to be a long rant, he could tell. )
“Coming…” He sighed, Pikachu trailing after him.

________________________________

It took nearly half an hour for them to review everything and make up. From where the others were sitting, they could tell that it involved a lot of tears and pent up emotions. When Ash and Riley finally returned, they were both obviously emotionally drained and tired, – so much so that Professor Sycamore advised a longer wait.

“You’re not going to be able to watch anything in that state!”

So their observer opened a new area to their prison – bedrooms. When they found out that this was prepared beforehand because the viewing would likely take a couple of days, Iris nearly cursed up a storm.
( Just how long would these showings take?! )
They slept, weary, and supposedly woke up the next morning as the lights in all the rooms had turned on.
( Apparently their kidnapper didn’t add any clocks because time ran differently in the space and they felt it would only tire them out more if they knew how long they’d been there. )

Reconvening in the cinema, the humans and their Pokémon prepared for the next viewing.

Chapter Text

The screen lit up and immediately took off from where they’d left last time. 

| ‘Thud!’ |

“That’s gotta hurt.” Iris said amused. 
Charmeleon was bouncing around in recognition. / “Oh! I know where this is!” / 
“Settle down.” Riley ordered, cowing the two. 
“Yes sir!”

| Alain scrambled upright after hitting the floor, he tried to collect himself. 
( How far back-? )
His eyes blinked, noticing the soft blue walls. 
( There was something…. Familiar…. )
His breath hitched as he spotted the plush Gible sitting on a desk, its nose charred black. |

“Ahhhh,” Professor Sycamore exclaimed, humoured. 
“What?” Ash asked.
The man chuckled, “Well, that’s–” 
He was interrupted as Charmeleon pointed their attention towards the next scene.

| “Charmander! This is my room!” |

“Is it just me, or are the edges of this scene kinda blurry? And gray?” Iris mused.
Riley shook his head. “No. I believe you may be right. Perhaps this is what people call a flashback?”
Sycamore nodded, smiling. "Yeah, this actually happened a while back; after Alain got Charmander in fact.”
“Something tells me this story is funny.” Ash said. 
/ “With the way the Professor and Charmeleon are laughing? Definitely.” / Pikachu responded. 
/ “Shhhh!” / Tranquill said, / “I want to know what happens!” /

| “Char!” ( Neat! ) Charmander yelled curiosity gleaming in his eyes. |

Iris coughed. “Wait, we can hear what they're saying on screen as well?!” 
“Seems like it!” Augustine was fascinated. 
( The possibilities for this were endless! )
“Forget knowledge, the sheer amount of power this would have taken….” Riley trailed off as Ash sighed. “No wonder so many Legendaries were needed!” He added. 
The Pokemon were in chaos, some having existential crises. 
/ “They’ll hear everything!” / Ash’s Tepig was worried.
/ “Can’t they already hear everything?” / Snivy replied. 
/ “Hah! I have nothing to hide!” / Krookodile bravely screamed. 
/ “I’m sure it’ll be okay.” / Victini tried to calm the scared pokemon.
Swablu blinked. Yawning. / “Quiet, I’m sure nothing bad will happen. I doubt anyone here is going to use whatever they see against us.” /
They all stared at her before Lucario intervened. / “That’s very true. Now silence before things get out of hand.” /
( He was just as intimidating as his trainer. )

| The young fire type wandered into the room, looking around. Eventually, his eyes landed on the soft plush sitting on the neat bed. He reached for it, only to let out a mix between a cough and hiccup that caused a burst of fire to escape his mouth, setting the plushie on fire. |

Iris and Ash snickered softly. “No wonder the Professor was so amused!” She said; Ash adding to her words, “Don’t worry, my Charmander did that a lot too before he evolved into Charmeleon and Charizard.”
Charmeleon, Riley, and Iris stared at him. 
/ “You have a Charizard!” / Charmeleon shouted, excited. / “What are they like? How powerful are they? Oh! If they’re yours then they’re probably really powerful! Can I train with him? Please!” /
Ash felt squished. “Yeah, he’s one of my strongest Pokemon. However, right now he’s training in Charicific Valley in Kanto.”
( Charizard was one of the Pokemon Ash had tallied on his list for whenever he planned to challenge the title for Pokemon Master. Truly, he was one of his best and most experienced partners. )
“You have got to spill more about your other Pokemon Ash.” Iris told him. “First Chikorita and Infernape, now this! How many do you have?”
“A lot.”
( Professor Sycamore watched, finding the trainer's current bombardment funny. He was snapped back into it as Riley grinned at him, wrangling the kids back to their spots. )
( Alain was in good hands. )
( Really, good hands. )

| “Mander!” ( Oh no! )
“Ah!” Alain rushed across the room, quickly using his lab coat to snuff out the flames.
Charmander curled his tail around him, looking down shamefully. |

“It was fine Charmeleon.” Sycamore stated, “Alain wasn’t upset, and while the plush is still charred you didn’t destroy it.”
/ “I know! Alain’s kind like that.” /
Iris tilted her head. “Looking at him now I can definitely tell he’s a Professor's assistant.” 
Riley nodded, “He doesn’t really show that side much, perhaps we should engage him more.”
“You should.” Augustine said, “Alain can get really into it when asked.”
“We’ll do it more often then!” Ash replied.

| Alain laughed, petting Charmanders head. “It’s okay, no harm done. We’ll work on getting that ember under control.” |

/ “Alain is really good-natured.” / His Tepig said.
/ “Yeah.” / Charmeleon answered. / “He helped me control my flames when they were first starting  to show, and was always there for me, so now I have to be there for him!” /
Pikachu gazed at the other starter in silent understanding. 
( He knew that while the other Pokemon formed a strong bond with their trainers, Ash’s included, it was always the starter Pokemon that got it best. )
( There was something to being a starter, the first Pokemon on the team. Pikachu should know, and he could tell that Charmeleon did as well. Their partners needed them because if they weren’t there they’d do something very stupid. Ash did it all the time, and the electric type could tell that Alain was just as self destructive. )

| Back in present time, Alain picked up the Gible gently, as though afraid it would fall apart. 
( This was one of the first toys Professor Sycamore had given him back when Alain had joined the lab. ) |

/ “Really?! I’m sorry for ruining it!” / Charmeleon apologized. 
“It’s fine.” The Professor once again soothed. 

| ( This… was his room. )
( That was his orange jacket hanging in the closet. Notes with his handwriting scattered around the desk. His red leather research journal that Sophie had gotten him for his birthday and the set of colored pencils from Cosette. ) |

“Who are the people Alain mentioned?” Ash asked. 
“That’s Sophie and Cosette, if this continues, you’ll probably see them, but they work with me and are essentially Alain’s other confidants.”
“Got it.”
“He has other adults to rely on then?” Riley wondered.
“Yes, though I hope after this is resolved he’ll actually go to us with his problems.” Sycamore sighed. 
“He’s hopeless.” Iris threw her hands up in frustration, “Utterly hopeless!”

| Alains eyes widened as he found the calendar. 
( That was… The date was three days before he left on his journey, over two and a half years ago. ) |

“Two and a half years!” The Professor cried out, worried. “My son hasn't come home for two and a half years? He spent all that time collecting Mega Evolution energy?! I swear if I ever meet Lysandre…”
The other adult rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Arceus sent him nearly three years into the past, the event’s of the future are even closer than I would have liked.”
“Yeah…” Ash appeared troubled.
( Alain was all alone. He hasn’t told anyone about his mission, and was just sent back to his bedroom in a time presumably before he’s made any mistakes. This was not going to go down smoothly, Ash could tell. )

| Alain sank into his bedside. He found the picture of Professor Sycamore, Garchomp, Charmander and him sitting by the table next to him. Tenderly reaching for it he appeared visibly choked up.

( He was Home. )
( Two and a half years ago, right before he’d met Lysander, before he’d foolishly joined team Flare. He hadn’t just been sent back to stop the attack on Lumiose City. He had been sent back before everything had happened. )

( He was Home. )
( By Arceus what had he done to deserve this? ) |

“Oh Alain…” 
( Sycamore would never stop feeling despair for the direction his son's life had taken. For all the pain and sorrow he’d endured. He was so grateful that Arceus had sent his son back, but at the same time wished Alain never had to have gone through any of it. )
( His sweet, kind, wonderful son who had done everything in his power to help someone dear to him only to be betrayed. )
( He was going to destroy Lysandre and his organization. Team Flare was it? Sycamore was sure Riley would approve of the matter judging by his reactions to the kids so far. )

Ash shook his head.
( Alain didn’t have to do anything besides be himself. This wasn’t a punishment because he didn't deserve one. How could Ash blame him for protecting someone? How could he think the Professor would hate him for being himself? How would that friend of his felt had she known about Alain choosing to punish himself for helping her? )
( Ash was going to have to talk to Alain after all this. )
( It may end up even messier than Riley’s talk with him. )
( Though he was positive he’d have to wait for the Professor’s and Riley’s conversations first; he had a feeling everything would turn out right in the end. That’s why they were here. )
( To make things better. )

| Someone knocked on the door before it opened to reveal Professor Sycamore who peeked his head inside. 
“Alain. Time to get up– Alain?!” Professor Sycamore rushed into Alain’s room, concern written all over his face. ( Alain felt his heart ache. )
( He had really missed Professor Sycamore. This had all started because Alain had wanted to protect this wonderful man who had taken him in. )
“Are you alright Alain?” Professor Sycamore asked, “You’re – you’re crying.” |

( Murder was acceptable in this situation right? Sycamore was absolutely going to murder that monster for hurting and manipulating his son. It would be retribution for everything Alain had gone through. )

( Riley knew exactly what Augustine was plotting and almost felt tempted to join. These kids were basically his kids now, and the pain Alain went through should be inflicted ten fold onto its initiator, -– though murder may be extreme. )

( Ash didn’t like corrupted people in general, but one who had hurt one of his friends in such a way? Oh, Ash hated him. Which may be strange because Cyrus had arguably done just as much damage if not more but at least he hadn’t emotionally destroyed someone! )
( That did not take away from the rest of his generally horrible actions. Really, Ash just couldn't understand people who hurt others in the pursuit of what they deemed ‘a better world’ – it was too contradictory to him! )

( Iris was only human, and she knew this fact very intimately; which is why the burning rage building inside her wasn’t weird. Although she had learned patience and restraint after all the incidents Ash had gotten them into, that didn’t mean she forgot her emotions existed. She was absolutely planning to join the Professor’s excursion in killing, maybe aid as a distraction if Riley prevented her from doing anything too dangerous. ) 

Most of the onlooking Pokemon were stiff as they stared at their trainers' prone forms. 
A fleeting thought passed through their minds. 
( Lysandre was dead. )
( Really, really, dead. )

| ( Oh. )
( Now that he’d mentioned it, Alain was aware of the hot tears streaming down his face. )
He squeezed the Gible plush tighter. 

“I’m fine.” Alain said. “Just… Just a bad dream.” ( The words felt foul on his tongue, a lie. But how do you confess that in a few days you would’ve left on a journey from home only to join Team Flare, cause the destruction of Lumiose City and fail to protect anything? ) |

Sycamore sighed, tired. 
( He would have to reassure his son more in the future that whatever he said, Augustine would always take it seriously. His son needed to confide in him more. )

| “Do you want to talk about it?” Professor Sycamore asked. |

“Please! Take the offer.” Iris screamed. 
/ “He’s not going to Iris.” / Charmeleon said.
“I know.” Iris responded, despondent as Emolga curled up on her shoulders with Axew calling out in sadness for the trainer on screen and Excadrill attempting to comfort her. 

| Alain shook his head. ( Everything felt too raw, like it was going to bubble up to the surface. He was still reeling from it all. )
( He was in the past. He had a chance not to join team Flare. Mairin… Chespin… Ash… )
( Oh, Arceus he was going to screw this up! )
( Nausea rolled through him. ) |

/ “You’re doing fine so far.” / Pikachu whispered, so quietly no one but Ash heard him. He leaned into his partner's chest and huddled even closer to his chest to confirm its heart-beat. 

| “Breakfast?” Professor Sycamore asked. “Some food would get some color back into you. Sophie made her homemade chocolate chip waffles.”
( Bile welled up in his throat at the mere thought of food. )

Glumly he shook his head. 
“I–I think I’ll go visit the gardens,” Alain said weakly, “The fresh air will probably help.”
Professor Sycamore’s face fell. ( And there he went, disappointing the Professor again. ) |

/ “That kid has got to stop blaming himself for everything.” / Krookodile said, surprisingly wise as everyone looked at him in astonishment. 
/ “What!” / He cried, annoyed. / “I can be smart!” /
/ “Sometimes.” / Oshawatt muttered to the side. 
/ “Who said that?!” /

| “Okay,” He said, squeezing Alain’s shoulder. “Just remember that if you need someone to talk to, I’m here alright?”
( Alain felt his heart squeeze tighter. ) “Got it. Thanks Professor.” |

“I should've pushed harder.” The Professor mourned. 
Riley glanced at him.“Perhaps; but knowing Alain, he wouldn’t have cracked.” 
Augustine dropped. “I suppose you're right, still, I could have comforted him more.”
“Alain needed a breather though, you did your best.” Ash added, drawing his Pokemon nearer. 
“Thank you.”

| The scenery changes again. This time to a shaded meadow with rivers and glass panes forming dome walls with an overhead roof, showcasing a sprawling city behind them. |

“Where is that?” Iris asked.
“That’s the open garden we implemented for the Pokemon at the lab.” Sycamore said. “We wanted them to be comfortable while we raised, trained, and studied them, so the garden was created to fit their preferred environments while providing a calming and familiar habitat.”
“That’s amazing!” Ash exclaimed, awed at the clear proof of the Professor's love for Pokemon.
“It is impressive.” Riley told the other, who shuffled sheepishly at the praise. Blushing slightly.

| Standing in the center of the habitat was Alain, who squeezed his eyes shut, tears running down his cheeks and still refusing to stop falling. He scrubbed his face with the sleeve of lab coat, trembling. His chest was heaving, rasping for air and he swallowed, seemingly wanting to silence any noise he’d make. |

“Oh Arceus, that can’t be healthy.” 
( What did it say about Alain, Iris pondered, that he had silenced his tears so well nobody had heard him. )
( What did it say about the rest of them, that they hadn’t noticed how bad it was or the fact that they all did the exact same thing to various degrees? )
( Iris knew she was right earlier, — they all needed therapy badly. )

| ( He was in the past. Truly. Honestly. This was real. It wasn't just a dream. ) 
( This time he could protect them, protect them from Team Flare. He wouldn't disappoint the Professor. Mairin wouldn't lose her smile. Chespin wouldn't get hurt. Ash wouldn't… )

Alain sucked in a sharp breath as the events that had happened right before he had been thrown back in time came crashing down on him. 
( Ash had… he had… )
( It hadn't happened yet. ) |

Augustine took a breath, his chest feeling almost as tight as his son’s on screen. 
( Oh Alain….. He was still hurting wasn’t he? His reaction to Ash when they’d met in Unova wasn’t because he was unused to human interaction, it was because he was terrified of what had happened in his future. )
( His son had thought this all a dream at first. Had believed he was undeserving of such a huge blessing. )
( And he’d had a panic attack. Was still, probably, having panic attacks! Who wouldn’t after what he’d been through? They would need to work something out when Sycamore saw him next. He’d have to tell his son that it wasn’t his responsibility alone to protect them. That they could protect themselves. )
( Maybe he could also look into Mairin; his son seemed to have adored her in the previous timeline. )

As the Professor workshopped plans for the future, Riley fiddled with the brim of his hat. “A flare-up.” He said sadly, “All too common for him I’ve noticed. Though I guess now I have an answer as to why he has them so often.”
“Yeah,” Ash muttered, “And what an answer it is.” 
( Why was it always time travel? )
( And why was it always the people he cared about?! )
/ “Ash…..” / 
He looked down and smiled thinly. “I’m fine Pikachu; don’t worry.”

| "Charmander?" ( Alain? )
Alain whirled around. There, peeking around the bushes, was a Charmander. His Charmander. He choked. Was there any more proof that he was in the past than the fact that his partner was back to his first stage of evolution? |

/ “That must’ve thrown him for a loop.” / Snivy said, understanding.
/ “Especially since Charmeleon was a Charizard who’d probably been through a lot with Alain in the previous timeline.” / Lucario pointed out. / “It’s likely he’s still having trouble reconciling the two, alongside not being able to confide in his now de-aged and de-evoed partner.” /

| Charmander wandered out of the bushes, bumping up to Alain's legs.
Gently, Alain picked him up, cuddling against the warmth the fire type emitted.
"Hey there Charmander," Alain said. |

“You two are so cute!” Iris announced giddily.
Charmeleon’s blush was almost unnoticeable due to the dim lighting and his own coloring. / “You think so? Thanks!” /
She chuckled at the lizard's look of unbridled joy as he received the praise alongside his human.
/ “Alain gives good hugs.” / Said trainers Tepig whispered, embarrassed.
Swablu ruffled her feathers. / “Well, his hair is certainly a great bed. Really fluffy and soft!” /
/ “You would know that best.” / Tranquill replied in slight exasperation. 

| Charmander curled his claws into Alain's lab coat. ( "Char?" Are you okay? )
Alain choked, tears flowing fresh again. 
( It was going to be okay. He had Charmander, he was in the past, he could change everything. ) 
( He just had to breathe. ) |

Ash lidded his eyes. “Breathe huh?” 
( ‘You just have to get up and keep moving forwards’ a voice murmured in his head quietly. ‘Life waits for no one, and you cannot afford to stop moving. Just bury it all. It doesn’t matter. You have more important things to worry about.’ )
( Lord he’d hoped Alain would be better than him at handling his problems. Maybe even get help for them. )
( The chances of that weren’t looking very good. )
( Go figure. Legendaries could be both good and bad but hardly did they ever properly comprehend the depths of human emotion. )

A little ways to his side, the black haired Pokemon Professor frowned heavily. 
( Just how many times had Alain broken out into tears without him knowing? How many times had he suffered from his new situation? )
( It was almost certainly more than he would ever know. )

| Suddenly, there was a change in the screen. The scenery shifted from the enclosed outdoor space and moved into a room full of monitors and electrical equipment. Then, a new voice is heard, one that’s definitely not Alain’s.

( Something was wrong. ) |

The four humans and their Pokemon blinked in shock.
Hold up, What?
“That's not Alain’s voice.” Riley said. “In fact, it sounded more like —-”

| ( Well, Augustine had known that for a while, but it was distressing to see the problem persist. ) |

“Professor Sycamore?!” The two teenagers yelled in surprise. 
“Huh,” The man himself was startled. “Well, that was unexpected.”
“That’s all you have to say?” Riley questioned him. “I’d think you’d be more worried about the fact that we’re currently hearing your thoughts entirely separate from Alain’s point of view on a large screen for all to see.”
“If by all you mean yourself, the kids, and their collected Pokemon then I suppose so. Maybe I’d have been more demanding of my privacy had it not been this particular group watching and listening to my inner-self. As it stands, I’m just wondering about the true extent of what had to be done in order to accomplish such a feat, and whether I should be afraid of revealing any mortifying secrets about myself.”
The Aura Guardian snorted softly. “Whatever’s revealed, it’s unlikely to compare to the absolute chaos you’ll notice we get involved in later.”
“I can’t wait to see more.”
“Don’t get excited. You’re in for a heart attack.”
“Now I’m just concerned.”
“Well it’s, –—”

Iris leaned into Ash’s ear. “Are they flirting?” She asked lowly.
He leaned back into her. “I mean, that's what it looks like……”
She glanced at him. “Do we say anything?”
“Nah, just let them work it out.”
“If you say so…”
( They both pushed the implications of their own thoughts being seen as well into the back of their heads. )
( No need to get distressed over the things that were still just possibilities. )

Lucario grumbled. / “My trainer is a complete dumbass; he’ll never get it.” /
Victini tilted their head curiously. / “Get what?” /
/ “Sigh. Nevermind, it’s nothing.” /
/ “Okay…….?” / 

| ( Alain was acting strange. He distinctly remembers that this all started that one morning Augustine had gone to get him for breakfast only to find Alain crying and clutching his stuffed Gible. A thousand and one different thoughts from ‘maybe he had somehow hurt himself’ to an illness had sent Augustine scrambling. ) |

“It must’ve been difficult.” Iris said to Sycamore, drawing his attention away from Riley.
He nodded his head weakly. “I was so worried, and I had no clue what had triggered his sudden actions.”

| ( He might have bought the bad dream excuse, but not after Alain turned down Sophie's homemade chocolate chip waffles. ) |

/ “That’s what informed you of his sudden unwellness?” / Oshawatt exclaimed, stunned. 
“It’s a legitimate reason!” Augustine defended. 

| ( Alain loved Sophie's chocolate chip waffles. He’d asked her to make them every time it was Sophie's turn to cook breakfast ever since he was six. It was the first meal Sophie had made for him after Alain came to live at the lab and he loved those waffles to pieces.

( For Alain to turn down Sophie's homemade fluffy chocolate chip waffles was complete blasphemy. ) |

“See!” He said, feeling vindicated in his thoughts. 
The water type huffed. / “Yeah, yeah.” / 
“Oshawatt, be polite.” Ash chastised.
The blue and white Pokemon turned around and apologised, cheeks warming visibly. 
The man laughed. “Don't worry; no harm no foul!”

| (Sophie herself had spent the rest of morning in shock after Augustine had told her that Alain didn't want chocolate chip waffles. 
"But… but… but I always make Alain chocolate chip waffles! How can he not want chocolate chip waffles?! They're his favorite!") |

“And that’s how it all starts.” Ash told Iris, who looked at him strangely.
“How what starts?”
“The worry.” He replied sagely. “I would know. Brock was exactly like this when I stopped eating some of my favorite foods after Rota. It was not a pleasant experience.”
“Rota?” She wondered out loud, then, — “Wait, who's Brock?!”
“One of my previous travel companions, who also happened to be a Gym Leader.”
“What?!”
He didn’t say anything. Just grinned, a light twinkling in his eyes as he turned back to the screen.
“Hold up! I mean. You can’t just! —-- ASH KETCHUM!!!”

The adults gazed at them in confusion.
“Do I want to know?” The Professor asked.
“Probably not.” The other answered.
“Okay then.”

| ( Since then, Alain would just wander around the lab with a dazed expression. His mind was thousands of miles away, and when he was focused, a gloomy atmosphere clung to him. ) 
( He withdrew slightly, not opening up to any of Augustine, Sophie or Cosette's inquiries about his well-being, just brushing it off that he was fine. ) |

“Sounds familiar.” Riley uttered, exhausted.
( It was only what he heard the boy tell him daily in order to avoid talking about his nightmares. )
“Really?” The male next to him said, devastated. “I’d sent him to Unova on a journey with Ash in the hopes that he'd get better at knowing when to allow others to help him. I had thought that maybe he was improving, even if what I’ve seen so far points otherwise…..”
“Yeah, that’s not exactly Alain’s area of expertise. Whenever one of us tries to help him, he just brushes us off and says he’s fine, even when we can clearly tell he’s not.”
“Oh dear…..”
“Indeed.”

/ “He reminds me way too much of you Ash.” / Pikachu told his trainer, who winced at the implied reprimand. 
“I guess so…. I just really hope we can help him……”
The electric Pokemon shocked him lightly. / “Help yourself first! You can’t assist the Professor in getting through his son's stubborn head if your own is just as thick!” /
“...........” 
“Whatever you say Pikachu.”
( Ash did NOT want to deal with the plentiful amount of issues he’d been locking away in his head right now. )
( Not ever really. )
( Pikachu may end up forcing him though. )
( At least he wouldn’t be alone. )

| ( Charmander was glued to Alain's side almost 24/7, rarely leaving it. Garchomp was similar, demanding the boys attention. In fact, most of the lab Pokemon were drawn close to him. It wasn't too unusual as many of the Pokemon here adored Alain, but it was even more obvious than usual, as if they had also noticed something was wrong. ) |

“Are the Pokemon just naturally attracted to Alain? Or is there another reason?” Riley asked Sycamore.
“Actually, he's the one who helped me find and rehabilitate most of them. He also spends a lot of time in the facility where they stay so they're all quite fond of him.”
“I see.”

/ “You must've been super worried, huh, Charmeleon? / Victini said.
/ “Yeah, I was. Alain’s had nightmares before but they'd never been bad enough to warrant a reaction that lasted for days on end! /
As Charmeleon’s excessive closeness came up, Krookodile crossed his arms. / “It’s a guard's duty to protect their ward! You did well, brave warrior! So stand tall and unflinching!” /
/ “Is he always like this?’ / Excadrill spoke to Ash’s Tepig, chuckling as he responded with a small ‘yes.’
/ “Especially during battles. He thinks it’s only cool if you fight till the end and manage to enjoy the experience with your opponent. He says it's the duty of a boss to always pursue ‘coolness.’” / 
/ “I think that’s just stupid.” / Emolga stated, ever so arrogant. / “Why try so hard on something you can get others to do for you?” /
Snivy sneered at her. / “Maybe one day you’ll comprehend the meaning behind the word teamwork and actually pull your own weight.” /
/ “Yikes.” / Tranquill stage whispered. / “Drama!” /

| "Maybe it's puberty?" A short woman, with purple hair in a bob-cut and golden eyes suggested. "He is at that age." |

“Who’s that?” Ash inquired to Augustine curiously. 
“That’s Cosette,” He answered. “And the woman with navy hair next to her is Sophie.”

| "Teenage angst," said Sophie, crossing her arms. "I went through a stage like that too." |

“Teenage angst?!” Iris choked. “Ha! That’s so accurate it’s hilarious!”
Ash’s lips twitched. “I mean, it’s a mix. Technically the problem’s a bit more severe than that, but the Alain we saw in the future was dressed kinda edgy……”
“True….” Riley trailed off as well, his face crinkling in an effort not to laugh as he teased the Professor, who was looking more and more offended.
“Alain doesn’t do teenage angst!” Sycamore squawked, defensive.

| “Alain doesn't do teenage angst," Augustine said; unaware he was mirroring the words of himself from the future.
( Honestly, the thing that sucker punched Augustine most was the way Alain looked at them when he thought they weren't looking. He looked at Sophie and Cosette as if they were going to shatter into a thousand pieces if he touched them. He looked at Augustine as if Augustine was going to vanish on him, a vulnerability that Augustine hadn't seen since the early days of Alain's arrival to the lab. ) |

Pikachu’s ears moved as he faced Charmeleon. / “Did Alain have similar issues as a child? Time travels its own set of crazy and trauma inducing but judging by what this is saying, was something wrong with him when he was younger?” /
The starter's tail flickered in distress. / “I didn’t join Alain until a couple of years after this incident, but I’ve been told he was found in the wreckage of a Pyroar attack with his parents dead; all alone amidst the leftover flames.” / He sagged, despondent. / “If only I’d been there to help him then.” /
Alains guardian shook his head sadly. “He might not have been as receptive to you as he is now Charmeleon. There’s no need to be sad.” He paused. “You’re right, I was the one who found Alain, and he was indeed surrounded by fire, as well as the only survivor of the attack. After it was put out, Child Care Services came and attempted to separate us.  He was so against it that I just told them that I could watch over him until he recovered and they found him a new home.”
“Clearly, that didn’t happen.” Iris said.
He smiled. “Yeah, they just…. never came back for him. In all honesty I believe his case may have simply fell through the cracks; which is fine in the grand scheme of things. Alain eventually calmed down, adjusted, and became someone I see as my son; although, now that I think about it I don’t think I’ve filled out the legal documents saying so yet……”
Riley stared at him, astonished. “He’s not legally your son?”
“Not yet. At least, not on paper.”
“You might want to fix that, Professor.” Ash inserted. “I’m pretty sure I’ve heard Charmeleon calling you dad before, and I’m positive Alain would like the reassurance that he’s family no matter what happens.”
“Perhaps you’re right Ash. I can file the paperwork as soon as we’re home, it wouldn’t even take a day considering the length of time he’s been staying with me.”
( Sycamore really owed Alain everything he had. If it hadn’t been for the boy he’d picked up from that disaster instilling a new sense of responsibility in him, he’d have never reached the place he’s currently at. Alain was his son, and he needed to remind him of that as often as he could till the teenager finally accepted it. )
“We’ll throw a congratulations party when it happens!” Iris exclaimed, Axew mimicking her. / “A party!” / 
“Haha! Well then, I’ll thank you in advance.”

| ( If Augustine didn't know any better, he would have said someone had hurt the boy he thought of as a son. Only, Augustine didn't know who could have, how they could have, or how to even reassure Alain that he wasn't going to leave him. ) |

“I know now.” He stated, weary. “I’ll have to talk to him about it before preparing the certificates. Maybe it really will assuage his fears.”
/ “Then dad will really become our dad!” / Charmeleon announced happily.
/ “Does that include us?” / Swablu wondered offhandedly.
/ “Absolutely! And you’ll even become siblings with Big sis Garchomp!” /
Alain’s Tepig and the young Swablu turned around and gazed at the very strong looking Garchomp sitting next to the Professor. Her eyes slid towards them and she grinned widely.
/ “Don’t worry, any partner of Alain’s is my family.” / 
Tepig chuffed a bit. / “I’ve always wanted a sister……” / 
/ “I’ll never have to look for another forest bed ever again!” / Swablu declared ecstatically. 

/ “Are we Ash’s family?” / The other boy’s male Tepig asked Pikachu, who kept his trainer from responding as he answered.
/ “Of course! We’ve even got more extended members!” /
/ “How many more? / Oshawatt questioned as Krookodile said, / “Are they as strong as you and Infernape?!” /
The rodent smirked. / “Obviously they’re weaker than me, but there’s an okay amount of them who can certainly keep up.” / 
/ “Sweet!” / 

| He sighed, watching from the window as Alain robotically finished his chores, a trail of Pokemon following after him.
( The only question was what could he do to help Alain? ) | 

“All you have to do is be there for him.” Riley said. 
“I will be. Always.” 
( Because where would he be otherwise? )

| The scenery turned dark and the point of view changed. Alain was frozen in place, staring upwards; an enactment of his previous timeline. There Ash hung, suspended in the air as the red glow of Mega Evolution energy continued to uphold him.
( He had to move. He had to move before Ash- before he-! ) 

Alain jolted awake in bed. | 

“Nightmares.” Iris uttered wryly, “How relatable.”
“And completely typical.” Ash added, “We’re always waking up from them.”
The Aura Guardian watching them from the side, sighed through his nose. “We need medication for that because none of you are getting any sleep.”
“Please, you’re included in that y’know. Don’t think we believe for a second the only reason you get up when we do is because you hear us and we wake you.”

Augustine watched the debate feeling sick to his stomach. 
( No wonder they had all appeared so exhausted when he’d first seen them. Not a single one of them was getting any sleep! )

| He huffed, trying to catch his breath, sweat rolled down his face. Goosebumps broke out across his skin, causing him to shudder, and he tried to shake off the foreign feeling. He pressed his hand to his face, Ash's screams still echoing in his head.

( Because of him, Ash had-... He had d–- )
( Alain was pulling off the covers and rolling out of bed before he knew it. It was too much, he wanted nothing more than to run away as fast and as far as he could. ) |

“So, his nightmares are about me huh.” Ash muttered. “Figures I’d ruin the life of one of my friends again.”
The dark skinned girl near him clicked her tongue as she heard him, shoving his shoulder in response to the dim statement. “Shut up Ash Ketchum! Alain’s having nightmares about your DEATH, — which is completely warranted — but it’s not like any of us blame you for dying! This entire fiasco can be blamed on Lysandre, Team Flare, and fu**ing Arceus for Legendaries sake!”
“Iris!” Riley yelled in reprimand.
“Whoops.” She mumbled. “Uh, Excadrill —”
/ “Sorry, you’re on your own this time kid.” / 
“F***!”
“IRIS!!!”
“I LITERALLY SPENT MOST OF MY TIME IN THE WILDERNESS WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?!”
“I don’t know! But I know you have at least SOME manners you could be using!”
“IT’S A STRESSFUL SITUATION!”

| ( Instead, he found himself outside in the gardens again. ) The cold grass crunched beneath his feet. He crouched down, plucking at the blades of grade, trying to breathe. The wind whistled softly; crisp and cool.
( Being outside was calming. Before his arrival in the past, Alain had preferred sleeping outdoors than staying in his room at Lysandre's Labs. ) |

/ “L–ab-s?” / Scraggy tried saying, to little effect. 
/ “I suppose Lysandre’s home base was a Laboratory, most likely hidden. It looks like Alain didn’t like it much though.” /
/ “Who would?” / Pikachu stated darkly. / “Labs belonging to villains are never comfortable. The air is always way too maniacal and depressing; not to mention oppressive.” /
/ “Have you been in many villainous labs?” / Vicini asked. 
/ “Too many to count!” / 
/ “How unnatural.” / Lucario put out. 
/ “Eh, it’s par for the course where Ash’s involved.” /

| (Could you even call it his room? Everything was so cold, so oppressive. Alain was only there to hide away from the peering eyes from the other members, was only there to rest before hitting the road again.) |

“Alain…” Augustine said, his voice dripping with sadness. 
( His boy had been put through the metaphorical wringer, hadn’t he? And it had started even before the time travel had happened. )
( He despised the atmosphere of the only place he felt as though he could return to in order to rest and was so alone he never contacted anyone. )
( If it wasn’t for this Mairin character he’d heard about he’d be inclined towards the idea of his son not having any acquaintances at all besides his Pokemon! )

| ( A shudder ran down his spine. There was a sharp contrast from there, here, and how much he had missed being here, being home. )
( He was an idiot, an absolute idiot. ) |

“Please. If anyone’s an idiot, it’s Ash.”
“I thought we were over this?!”
“Oh, we are; but even if I know your one hundred percent not even remotely a kid, there’s no way I’m overlooking your complete lack of any impulse control.” 
“I’m doing better!”
“You JUMPED OFF a WATERFALL without any protection or plan WHATSOEVER!”
“I—”
“.........”
“Okay, that’s fair. But still!---”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. You’re brilliant when you want to be Ash, but you’re giving all of us – especially Alain – heart attacks watching you!”
“Riley and I will figure something out.”
“I really hope you do. Then again, if all else fails you still have Pikachu to side with you.”
He smiled at Iris. “True, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Pikachu nodded. / “I’ll always be there with you Ash.” /
“Thanks bud.”
( He was so, so lucky Pikachu had stayed with him despite all the crazy disasters he’d gotten them into. Still got them into. There was no other Pokemon he could imagine travelling with him. )

| ( How was he supposed to do this? The pressure was overwhelming and it had already been three months since he’d crash landed in the past. Nightmares weren't anything new. No, seeing Professor, Sophie and Cosette every morning were what took Alain's breathe away. Despite the overwhelming proof that he was in the past, everything still felt like a dream. What had he done to deserve this second chance? ) |

“Still with the self-worth issues huh?” Sycamore whispered.
Riley shook his head. “It’s going to take more than a few self health-care talks to assist him. I’m sure he’s already accepted that this isn’t a dream, but that doesn’t dispel the guilt of what happened to him, nor does it make him stop worrying about every little thing that could go wrong.”
/ “But why doesn’t he think he deserves this?” / Victini pondered.
/ “Because he’s still under the impression that it’s his fault Ash…. uh….” / Snivy was having trouble finishing her sentence tactfully. 
( Just because the Legendary was used to and even accepted the idea of death didn’t mean she wanted to expose them to it again! )
/ “That Ash ascended!” / Tranquill helped.
/ “Oh……” /
Scraggy was frowning. / “Asc— Asss…..--- what?” / 
/ “Flew.” / Charmeleon translated, causing the hatched Pokemon to jump up and down in jubilance.
/ “Fly! Fly! I wanna Fly!” /
Swablu yawned. / “I’m sure your trainer could work something out.” / 

| His chest tightened and tears were threatening to spill again. Alain wiped them dry with his pajama sleeve, gasping for breath.
( Now was not the time to begin crying. There was so much to do. He still hadn't done anything about Team Flare. They were active already. )
( He had to— ) |

“I knew it.” The Professor lamented. “If we follow the relative timeline, there’s no way Team Flare hasn’t already begun their operations.”
“We’ll just have to look into it when we get back.” The younger man replied. 
“You’re in Unova right now. Well- actually, technically, not right now, -– I mean,” He sighed. “You know what I mean. I’m the only one of us currently in Kalos, and that’s where Team Flare’s situated. You can’t uproot Ash’s entire Gym run and your protection of the kids just to investigate an up and coming group hell-bent on ‘reforming’ the world.”
“I could.”
“Well, I’m telling you not to. It’s fine, without Alain their operations have probably severely slowed down, as he was the one collecting the Mega Evolution energy for them last time. Plus, I was planning on having Sophie and Cosette look after operations in Kalos when I decided to visit you all in Unova. They can monitor Team Flare's movements for us. No need to worry.”
Riley stuttered. “If you’re sure….”
“I am.”

“Professor Sycamore is really reliable, isn’t he.” Iris said.
Ash hummed in assent. “Alain’s lucky to have him.”
( And I think he feels lucky to have Alain. )

| "Alain?"
Alain looked up. "Professor."
Professor Sycamore rubbed his eyes, yawning. "Why are you up? It's like– 3 in the morning."
( The words choked in Alain's throat, the bitter taste of a lie welling up. ) "I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"
Professor Sycamore gave him a soft smile. "Not at all. I was on my way to the kitchen. Is something wrong?"
Alain shook his head. |

Not a single being, Pokemon or otherwise, was surprised at the response. Truly, Alain’s case perfectly demonstrated the repercussions of a guilty conscience.
/ “That boy’s gonna crush himself under his own weight soon.” / Lucario worried. 

| Professor Sycamore gave him a sad smile. "Still don't want to talk about it huh?"
( Alain tried not to flinch. He was still getting wrong, still making the professor worry about him. ) "I'm sorry," he said softly. |

“For Arceus sake.” Iris muttered “I swear, we’ve got to get this guy to understand that he’s not only loved but also adored and doesn’t ever have to worry about what the Professor will think of him!”

| Professor Sycamore took a seat next to him on the grass. "There's nothing to be sorry about," he said. "Just know if you want to talk about it, I'm here to listen."

Alain nodded glumly. He knew that. It just… wasn't something he could talk about. Time travel, even with the full knowledge of legendaries like Celebi was a hard pill to swallow. Plus… plus wouldn't Professor Sycamore be so disappointed in Alain for joining Team Flare? For helping them destroy the city?
( Guilt gnawed at his heart and Alain simmered unhappily. ) |

( Augustine closed his eyes briefly, and wondered if it was his fault his son was unable to come to him with his fears. )
( He locked the thought away and looked at this logically. )
( Time travel; though he himself knew that it wasn’t such a far-fetched concept, for Alain who was not only alone but also terrified of what he’d done and feared rejection, believing Sycamore would understand him may seem out of reach to him. It’s no shock he kept refusing to admit what he was running from. Alain was still only a teenager, surviving his Pokemon trip and Team Flare in the future didn’t change that. Nor did it make him see his son as anything more than a child in need of protection. )
( They'd speak about it eventually. He knew they would. )

| "How about some hot chocolate?" Professor Sycamore asked, offering out a hand. 
Alain blinked. |

The kids and Aura Guardian copied the boy on screen, blinking in minor bafflement. 
“Is chocolate just the universal cure for nightmares?” Ash spoke out loud in wonderment.
/ “I guess so.” / Pikachu responded.
Riley shrugged his shoulders. “It could just be a coincidence.”
The man offering the treat on screen tilted his head. “What coincidence?” 
“Everyone we’ve met so far has given us hot chocolate after noticing us waking up from nightmares on our journey.” Iris said. “Even Riley!”
“Huh. Strange.”

| The view switched, once again becoming blurry and gray. A flashback was happening. 
"A bad dream, Alain?" Professor Sycamore asked, sweeping the six year old boy into a hug. |

“He’s adorable!” Iris squealed, charmed. 
“He was a rather lovely child. Super sweet too, if not incredibly timid.”

| Alain buried his head into the crook of Professor Sycamore's neck, clutching his shirt tightly.
Professor Sycamore hummed, rubbing Alain's back. "How about some hot chocolate? Just don't tell Sophie, okay?" |

“That’s where it began then?” Ash chuckled.
“Yup, it’s what I’d continue to use to calm him down after frequent nightmares for years onward.”
The Pokemon trainer raised an eyebrow. “And Sophie doesn’t know?”
“Ehhh, she probably does; but if it works, who is she to keep me from using it? I’m still her boss after all!”
“Something tells me she doesn’t actually care about that fact all that much.”
“Y’know, you’re probably right in that regard.”

| ( Mentally he laughed, heart swelling with joy as his chest squeezed with grief. The Professor always made him hot chocolate after a bad dream. ) 
Alain smiled weakly, grasping Professor Sycamore's offered hand. "Sure, I would like that." |

( God. He really, truly, loved his son so, so much. )

| The screen brightened, and then they were looking at the inside of what was definitely a laboratory. 
"Two stones seem to have a strong connection to Mega Evolution." Professor Sycamore said. "One is held by the Trainer and the other by the Pokemon. When the two stones resonate, the Pokemon temporarily attains great power." |

Pikachu’s partner straightened. “A Mega Stone and Key Stone.” He said.
Augustine gazed at him. “That’s correct. I wasn’t aware Alain had told you so much about our research.”
“Well, we did manage to come across both kinds of stones in our travels.”
“Truly? They’re exceptionally rare items.”
“Yeah, Alain said the same thing. But we lucked out and got three Key Stones and two different Mega Stones.”
“That IS lucky.”
“It was a battle hard won.”
“You’re telling me.” Iris stated quietly. Exhausted from the mere memory of Eindoak Town. “What a ride…..”
“We still haven’t been able to test them yet.” Riley spoke.
“That’s understandable; you need a matching Mega Stone after all. If you don’t own the Pokemon that the Mega Stone goes with, then it’s really nothing more than a pretty rock.”
“Makes sense. Though I’m almost positive the stone I’m in possession of is a Lucarionite, so no need for concern over that.”
“Now that would be incredibly fortunate.”
“It would be, had we not gotten them from an inheritance and been assured of their history.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
His Lucario was the one to answer. / “Aura Guardians have a long history of ties with Lucarios. Centuries ago, they managed to build a kingdom where both kinds ruled and lived together, — it’s now called the Lucario Kingdom, and the stones are artifacts that have been passed down in the nation through the generations.” /
The Professor was enraptured. “Amazing…. Now that would be a point of study! A whole kingdom of Lucarios and the Aura Guardians' possible connections with Mega Evolution!”
/ “You’re welcome to visit when you have the time. I’ve already promised the queen that I’d bring along Riley’s wards someday.” /
“I would LOVE to!”

Garchomp walked away and joined the other Pokemon. She sat next to Charmeleon and said, / “We’ve lost him. He’ll be knees deep in his research from here on out.” /
/ “I’m sure it’ll be fine!” / The fire lizard replied.
/ “Just let humans do their own thing.” / Krookodile told her. / “No need for us to interfere with it.” /
/ “I guess so…..” /
Emolga curled up on her trainer’s shoulders. / “You’re all so hard to deal with. Ignore them and let them deal with it for you.” / 
/ “Iris is fine, but you still tick me off.” / Snivy snidely put in after she stopped talking.
/ “You do you.” /

| Alain started up at the screen numbly recognizing the picture Sophie had pulled off. ( This… this was the conversation that had led him to leaving on a journey for Mega Stones. Odd that they were only having this conversation now, but well, he had been worrying everyone at the lab so much that research had fallen a bit to the side. )

( He bit back the guilt over the fact that he was causing everyone to worry, and tried to focus on what Professor Sycamore was saying. )
"Where does the power come from?" Alain asked. "Is it given to them by humans?" |

Excadrill scratched his head. / “Wouldn’t Alain know best? Since he’s from the future where experiments into this subject have likely gone into much more detail?” /

| ( Despite everything Alain had seen, he still didn't know exactly how Mega Evolution worked. The bond between Pokemon and Trainer helped push it even farther, but the source of the power still remained a mystery to him. ) |

/ “Nevermind.” /
Tranquill’s wings shook. / “It’s possible that Lysandre purposefully kept the information from him.” /
/ “Or maybe he just never looked into it deeper considering the other stuff he had on his plate.” / The female Tepig added.
/ “That’s a good point as well!” /

| "No, it's the Pokemon's own power. Humans only draw out the power using the stone, that's all. Perhaps it was something that Pokemon could naturally do. I personally think that it’s the strong bond between human and Pokemon which allows this phenomenon to happen," Professor Sycamore said. |

“I like that thought.” Iris smiled brightly. “The idea that it’s our bond that triggers such power.”
Ash looked wistful. “Our bond huh.” He looked down at Pikachu. “What do you think?”
/ “I think it sounds like a powerful boost to my already extensive arsenal! You think they have a Pikachunite lying around somewhere?” /
“You’re already so powerful though bud. Anymore and it’ll be even more unfair than it already is!”
/ “I’ll just have to figure out how to do it without the stone then!” /
“To be frank, you’d have to, if you really wanted to accomplish Mega Evolution.” The Professor answered the electric rodent apologetically. “As far as we’ve noted, Mega Evolution can only occur if the Pokemon’s at its final stage of evolution.” /
/ “Dammit,” / He cursed. Ash’s expression turned stern. / “Why?” /
“It’s just a hypothesis, but I think it’s because Mega Evolution is an extra, final tier of evolution Pokemon just can’t access normally due to its extreme power. That’s why humans are involved, and why Pokemon need to be in their third stage, — so that they can handle and unleash the power lying dormant within them without having it backfire.”
Pikachu grumbled. / “Figures.” /

| ( Like Ash and his Greninja. If there was ever proof that the stones weren't required, it would be Ash and Greninja. ) Alain smiled softly at the thought of him. |

Ash’s expression became curious. “Like me and Greninja? Isn’t that the Pokemon you said evolved from Froakie? The one that was next to me in the very first part where Lysandre was draining energy from us?”
Sycamore winced. “Yeah, that’s the Pokemon; and now that I’m thinking about it, if you and that Greninja could Mega Evolve or replicate the effect of Mega Evolution without the use of the stones, then it’s no wonder he tried to use you to power his device. It’s likely he thought the energy he’d get from your bond would be stronger than what he’d collected from ordinary trainers.”
“Just my luck.”
The yellow colored Pokemon in his lap hit him. / “Hey, look on the bright side, we’re getting an awesome new friend in the future!” /
“That’s true!” He cheered, stroking the other's fur.

Riley leaned over into Lucario's space.
“You don’t think it could be that….. Do you?”
/ “We saw the effect with Victini though, is it that much of a stretch to say that he could do it with a Pokemon he’s known for far longer than a couple of hours?” /
He sighed. “Not in the least. So..….. More research.”
“More research.” the fighting type agreed. 
“Good grief. I’ll be gray before I turn thirty.”

| "Does Mega Evolution only come to existence through humans?" Sophie asked.

"Yes. Though there are still many mysteries," Professor Sycamore said. "It’s an established theory that Pokemon can't turn back to their previous forms once they evolve. However, Mega Evolution overthrows that theory. After the transformation, they return back to normal. |

“Alain told us about that too! It’s such an amazing field of study Professor, you must be proud of how much progress you’ve made in it!”
“I am, and though the mysteries are still too numerous to count, I hope that one day I’m able to fully uncover all its hidden secrets. Maybe then, I’ll finally comprehend the reason for its existence.”
( Maybe it’ll even help him understand the unknowns lying behind Pokemon evolution overall. )
( He should enlist Alain’s help even more when this is finished. He’s sure his son has seen some incredible things during his hunt in the future. )

| “Another question is why it only occurs during battles. According to the information in our possession, there are cases of Pokemon changing their Types and Abilities upon Mega Evolving." |

Iris appeared affronted. “The Pokemon can change their Types and Abilities?! Alain never said anything about that!”
“It’s still confidential research,” Sycamore said. “It’s not surprising he kept some secrets. But yes, there are examples of certain Pokemon changing their Type and Abilities when they Mega Evolve. For example, Sceptile, who's a pure Grass type, becomes a Grass/Dragon type upon its Mega Evolution.”
“That is so cool.”

| "If their Type and Abilities change, releasing that power might place a burden on the Pokemon," Alain offered. Charizard always seemed to enjoy the change to Mega Evolution, and there was never any downside Alain had observed. But perhaps there was more beneath the surface. There were many variables in the world after all. "Perhaps that's why it only happens during battles?" |

“Spoken like a true Professor's assistant.” Ash smirked, “Reminds me of someone I know actually.”
Riley rolled his eyes fondly. “Of course it does, what did I expect?”
His other kid just giggled. “We really should indulge in Alain’s assistant side more. He looks just like one in this scene!”

| "That's a possibility," Professor Sycamore said. "Either way we don't have enough samples."
Alain smiled bitterly. ( Perhaps one day, once Charmander was fully evolved again, they will find a different Keystone and Charizardite X. ) |

/ “A different Charizardite? Doesn’t that mean Alain found one in the previous timeline? / Lucario queried aloud. / “And what's with the X that’s tacked on at the end?” /
“Truthfully I’m not sure about the specification of the kind of Charizardite Alain was talking about; however, if we consider the context, it’s possible that the line actually has multiple Mega Stones and Evolutions.” Augustine responded.
/ “Great.” / Pikachu sniffed in feigned pretentiousness. / “That guy’s ego is gonna become so inflated if he hears about this.” /
/ “Who’s ego?” / Charmeleon asked.
“My Charizard’s.” Ash replied, amused.
Chameleon's jaw dropped. / “That’s right! You said you had one; I have to meet him one day! You’ll let us get together when he’s done training right?!” /
“Sure, whatever you want.” 

/ “Why can’t he use the Charizardite he’d had in the previous time? Wouldn't it be in the same place?” / Oshawatt spoke.
/ “Maybe he got it from Lysandre……?” / Tepig reasoned.
Garchomp ground out her words carefully and filled with fury. / “If he did, then it’s not a surprise he refuses to use the one he used to own. Forget it not being in the same place, he’d be using something given to him by that monster.” / 

| "As someone researching Pokemon in Kalos, it's something I don't think I can avoid looking into," Professor Sycamore said. "I think it's important to study the impacts of the energy on both the Pokemon and Trainer."

( Alain felt as if the rug was just pulled out from under his feet. ) |

“Shit.” The Professor cursed.
Swablu tilted her head. / “What?” / 
“‘Study the impacts of the energy on both the Pokemon and Trainer’." He recited his on screen words tiredly. “Alain’s in the past after not only experiencing, but also seeing such impacts for himself. He’s not only traumatised, but replaying the event in his sleep. And I’ve gone and triggered him!”
He trembled. “How could I be so stupid?!”
Riley snatched his hand and squeezed it firmly; Sycamore almost dropped it in self-consciousness. 
“You didn’t know.” 
“But I—”
“You. Didn’t. Know.” He enunciated. “So don’t spiral down into self-blame all over again.”
“........... Alright.”

| ( Ash hanging in the air. The red pulse of Mega Evolution energy scorches him, hitting Ash with full power. Ash's screams ring in his ears and Alain, still frozen in place. Screams, louder, harsher, deafening.
Until silence, so quiet as Alain's worldview shrank, praying that Ash would wake. Until that everlasting stretch of white. )

( Alain was too late. He had been too late. His inaction had caused Ash to- Ash had- He swallowed harshly, choking on the realization. Ash had… Ash had died. Because Alain was too weak, too slow, too paralyzed to do anything! ) 

"-an! Alain?!"
Alain blinked, vision focusing, tears streaming down his face. |

The silence in the theater was both telling and deafening. 
Nobody spoke a single word.

| Professor Sycamore squeezed his shoulders, looking concerned. "Alain?" he said softly. "Take a deep breath."
Alain compiled, "S-sorry," he sputtered out.

"Alain-" Professor Sycamore started.
"I just need a moment," Alain said, pulling away.
( This was all his fault. ) |

The stretch of quiet continued, Ash’s Pokemon looking towards Alain’s and Iris’s as their trainers remained unresponsive. 
/ “What do we do? / Snivy asked Lucario. 
He murmured softly. / “We let them work it out.” /
( Sometimes, the people closest to them just needed time. Time to come to terms and clear out their heads before they got back to functioning. )
( If there was anybody in need of such a break, it was the humans currently surrounding them. )

The Point of View and Scenery were replaced once again. 

| ( Augustine tapped his pen against the desk, absentmindedly reading the paperwork before him. A girl's parents wanted to give her a starter early. Her birthday would have pushed off her journey for another year, but they wanted to let her start early. He glanced over the glowing recommendations and proper paperwork. He supposed there was no reason not to deny her. ) |

“Is that how that works?” The youngest trainer in the room questioned the Professor in a low voice.
The man hummed. “Yup. As long as everythings in order, early journeys aren’t that uncommon.”
( Although he did tell every new and early trainer who walked into his lab to message and keep him updated constantly. It was always a fear whether they’d go missing one day. )

| "Garchomp." ( I'm worried about Alain. ) 
Augustine smiled, reaching over to pet the dragon type. "Hey there," he said. "I thought you would be with Alain."

Garchomp let out a low pitched whine, looking out the window.
( Augustine followed her gaze, finding Alain sitting on the rock outside, absentmindedly staring out in the distance. Charmander cuddled in his arms. )

Augustine sighed. "I don't know what's wrong either," he told her. |

The him in the theater guffawed unsteadily. “I know now.” He said brokenly. “I know all too well now.”
Garchomp had returned to his side once more and wrapped around him as best she could.

| ( He didn't like the lost look in Alain's eyes. There hadn't been any major issues, but it was clear that Alain was carrying through the motions of the day on autopilot. He never engaged in any conversation unless spoken too, and often started his responses with a sorry. )

( What did Alain have to be sorry for? ) |

Charmeleon scowled. / “Nothing. He has nothing to be sorry for. The one apologising should be that evil, evil man!” / 
/ “Seconded.” / Krookodile and Oshawatt agreed, staring at each other in surprise as they did. 

| ( Then there was Alain's reaction during their Mega Evolution research conversation. No matter how many times Augustine had asked, Alain refused to divulge what was wrong. What could have possibly caused him to cry like that? ) |

Iris pursed her lips in consternation, simply pulling Axew, Excadrill and Emolga closer. 

| Garchomp let out another low pitched whine.
"Maybe… a change of scenery will help," Augustine said. "We can go somewhere else." |

“Hold on…” Riley began, “Is this why…..”

| Garchomp nodded her approval. Augustine hastily scribbled his signature on the paperwork and cleaned up. ( He had some phone calls to make. ) |

“Oh,” Ash whispered, “This is why you came to Unova, isn’t it?”
Professor Sycamore nodded. “As you can tell, I thought it would help improve Alain’s mood….”
The boy in blue raised his mouth in the facsimile of a smile. “I’m glad.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, it’s obvious this never happened in the past timeline, but I can’t imagine not being with Alain on this journey right now.”
The older male scrubbed his red eyes lightly. “Thank you.”
“Anytime!”

| The camera moved towards Alain , who cuddled Charmander, pulling his partner close. Charmander let out a content rumble.

"I don't know how I'm supposed to do this," Alain confided quietly to Charmander. He could always count on Charmander.
( Ash… Ash… had died because of him. Mairin lost her smile. Chespin ended up in a coma. Professor Sycamore was disappointed. Because he wasn't careful enough. Because he wasn't fast enough. Because he had foolishly fallen for Lysandre's plan. )

( He failed to protect the people he wanted to protect and that failure stung worse than any pain Alain had ever felt. )
( He shook his head, trying to clear away the gloomy thoughts. He had spent long enough moping about this. Team Flare was still a problem. Alain had looked up Lysandre’s Labs yesterday. They were still situated on the outskirts of Lumiose City, no doubt still carrying out their experiments with Mega Evolution energy.) |

“At least you know where to start.” Riley said.
“Indeed. I’ll tell Sophie and Cosette to investigate as soon as we return.” He narrowed his eyes. “Lysandre will never get the chance to complete his plans in this life if I have any say in it.”
The Guardian beamed thinly. “If we all have any say in it.”

| ( If his memory served him right, in the old timeline, Alain would have met Lysandre relatively soon. )
( Would it be enough? Would not agreeing to join Team Flare, never meeting Lysandre, would it be enough? )

"It should be," Alain said softly. "Without me they can't get what they want." ( Alain was the one who went running around collecting Mega Evolution energy for them. Even what went down Hoenn would probably go differently. Without Mega Evolution energy, they couldn't carry out their plan. ) |

“As I thought,” Augustine pronounced, only a teensy bit smug. 
( His son was vital to their operations. They could probably find other people to do his job but he doubted they would be as good or as efficient as he was. This would slow down their progress severely. )

| "Char," Charmander said. ( It'll be okay. )
Alain smiled, rubbing Charmander's head. "Thanks Charmander."

"Alain."
"Yes?" Alain said.
Professor Sycamore grinned. "What do you say about a trip to Unova?"
"Unova?" Alain asked, blinking in surprise. ( What was in Unova? )

"I have a colleague, Professor Juniper, who is the regional professor of Unova. She specializes in the origin of Pokemon and I thought it might be good to review some older stories of Mega Evolution," Professor Sycamore said. "Sophie said she can't make it, so if you're okay with coming with me, it'll just be the two of us. What do you say?" |

Tranquill glanced towards him. / “How sneaky. Providing a reason for him to come with while not arousing suspicion. Impressive” /
“It wasn’t too hard. Sophie was a very willing scape-goat when I told her why I was doing this impromptu trip.”
/ “I’m sure she was.” / 

| ( Oh. That was a good reason. Not to mention if the Professor published his paper, it would slow Team Flare down more wouldn't it? If more people were studying Mega Evolution, it would make Team Flare's movement even slower. )

"Okay," Alain said. "Sure, Unova sounds great."
Professor Sycamore beamed. "Excellent! We leave tomorrow. We need to get packing!"
"Char Char!" Charmander cheered. ( Let's go! I can't wait! )
Alain smiled. ( Unova huh? What would they find there? ) |

“Something unexpected.” Ash snickered.
/ “More like someone unexpected.” / Pikachu tacked on.
“Actually, it’s more like they found a heapful of trouble.” Iris stated mischievously.
Riley groaned, exasperated. “You kids……”
( Every last one of them was a handful, Alain included. )

| The industrial city line of Kalos was soon exchanged for the rural forests of Unova. "Welcome to Unova!" Professor Sycamore said, as they drove down the road.

Alain smiled, taking in the scenery. ( A new region huh? He wondered what kind of Pokemon he would see here. And it would be interesting to see what Professor Juniper was working on. ) Above, a Pidove flew, cooing as it passed overhead.
"Professor Juniper's lab is located in Nuvema Town," Professor Sycamore said. "Which isn't that far from here.”

Alain took in a deep breath, smelling the salt in the air. ( This far away from the airport harbor and still the scent of the sea lingered. ) "Must be quiet," Alain said. "Not like the bustling city back home." | 

“That's for sure.” Iris said. “Even being given a single glimpse of Lumiose city would allow anyone to notice the large amounts of differences between the two regions!”
“But that's what makes travelling so much fun!” Ash exclaimed. “Everything’s always new.”
“I suppose you would find that exciting.”
“Absolutely!”

| Professor Sycamore grinned. "Perhaps we should look into moving the lab further out?"
"The Pokemon might like it," Alain agreed.

They pulled down a small road, passing a herd of Deerling grazing among the grass. They turned the corner and there came into view a large lake with several bird pokemon floating.
"Oh, I don't even recognize those," Alain said.
"I believe they're Swanna," Professor Sycamore said. "They're water/flying types." | 

/ “They're so regal!” / Tepig announced.
Swablu assented. / “They are, but I’ve heard my final evolution is much more powerful than them!” / 
/ “Well then, I’m sure we can’t wait to see what happens.” / Lucario cajoled.

| The road led straight into a small town. "Here we go, Nuvema Town," Professor Sycamore said. "And if memory serves, Professor Juniper's lab should be right up ahead."
They pulled up to a large white building. "Wow, it's big," Alain said.

"She has the room to spread out," Professor Sycamore said. "Hopefully she isn't too busy. She mentioned a morning engagement and our flight arrived early."
Alain pulled out the bags from the car. "Should I ring the doorbell?"

Before Professor Sycamore could answer him, the rumble of a car engine could be heard. There pulling into the driveway was a jeep full of people. Alain recognized Professor Juniper from Professor Sycamore's pictures, a redhead lady, an old man that looked vaguely familiar and-
Alain's breath was stolen away. ( Ash. Ash was in the jeep. Pikachu peeking over the edge of the car, his cheeks sparking. ) | 

/ “Here we go!” / Charmeleon screamed, / “First meeting! I can't wait!” / 
“This is really it.” Ash muttered. He tilted his body towards the Professors. “Get ready sir, because everything gets crazier from here on out.”
“Even crazier than time travel?”
“Without a doubt.”
“Wonderful.”

| "Professor Sycamore!" Professor Juniper said, climbing out of the car. "You're early! If I’d known you had arrived already, I would have picked you up too."

"Professor Juniper… is that you Professor Oak?" Professor Sycamore called out, waving.
"Hello, Professor Sycamore," Professor Oak greeted.
"Our flight landed early. You didn't mention you would have Professor Oak over as well," Professor Sycamore said.
"I figured it would be a nice surprise," Professor Juniper said. "This is Delia Ketchum and her son, Ash. They're guests of Professor Oak."

"Nice to meet you," Professor Sycamore said. "This is Alain."
Alain meekly waved, still stunned.

( By Arceus, Ash was here. ) | 

The screen went black, and the voice returned once more.
[ “So, how was it?” ] 

Chapter Text

The lights turned on, and the people in the room didn’t jump this time, having gotten used to the voices' random yet timely appearances. They did however, watch as Professor Sycamore completely ignored the question, stood up, and demanded he see his son. 
The voice? Person? Seemingly wasn’t offended much.
[ “Not a problem! ] They said. [ I’ll send him in now.” ]

As the room began to brighten, Riley quickly looked away; recognizing what was about to happen. “Cover your eyes!”
His shout was perfectly timed. Everyone turned their heads just as the white light filled the theater once again; when it was over, a teenage boy stood before the gathered crowd. Terrified, but unharmed.
“Alain!” Sycamore cried, rushing ahead and crushing his son in a bruising hug. Garchomp, Charmeleon, Tepig and Swablu were not far behind him.
The moment he let go, Charmeleon pounced. / “Alain! You’re okay!” / He screamed, landing right in his trainers arms as the Professor’s assistant cradled him. / “I’m so happy, I missed you! Things were so weird without you here!” /
The female Tepig nosed at the human's ankles. / “We’re glad you’re alright.” /
/ “The Professor was worried out of his mind!” / Swablu announced as she flew up and perched herself on his head contently.

He winced. “I—”
“I’m so thankful you’re well.” Augustine interrupted, murmuring into Alain’s ear as he embraced him once again; Charmeleon in-between the two. 
Alain hesitated, before collapsing like a puppet with its strings cut. Tears streamed down his cheeks unimpeded. 
“I’m so, so sorry! She told me what you saw. It was all my fault!”
“No, no, no, no, Alain,” The man called, “None of it is your fault. None of it. All the blame can be placed on Lysandre and his scheming. You did nothing wrong!”
“But I did!” He said, distressed. “It was me who allowed him to deceive me! It was me who collected the Mega Evolution energy! And it was ME who…. Who caused….. Who—” As he continued, the adults and teens watching him flinched at the sight he made. 

Alain was spiraling. Badly. 
( Someone was trying to grab his attention but he couldn’t tell who, their voice impossible to translate. His nails stung as they dug into his hands, making them bleed. )

Ash, who was viewing all of this a few steps away, frowned as he stalked up to the pair. 
( Alright, that’s it. Alain had nothing to keep apologizing for, and he was going to make him understand that. No matter what it took. )
( It hurt him, watching his friend shatter at the mere mention of his supposed ‘involvement,’ even if they all comprehended the utter lack of any true malicious intent behind his actions. )

Sycamore cupped his son's face gently, wiping his tears as the younger boy paused next to him.
“Alain.” Ash spoke. Pikachu with him and on his shoulders. “I forgive you.”
( I forgive you now, just as I’m sure the me of your past would’ve done. So there’s nothing left for you to fear. We’ll all spend as long as it takes to prove that to you. )
The trainer's breath hitched. 
“What?........”
“I forgive you.” He repeated. 
Alain shook. “How could you possibly forgive me?!” He wondered, astonished. “After everything I did? Everything that happened to you?! —”
“In a timeline that no longer exists.”
Chameleon's partner swallowed thickly. “That’s…….”

“The truth.” Riley stated, Iris beside him; her face solemn. “It’s nothing but the truth Alain. No matter what you may believe, the time you came from doesn’t exist anymore. It couldn’t. And though you may think you’re the same, the fact is, that the timeline’s not the only thing that’s changed.” He softened. The blue of his eyes became a clear sky, rather than a stormy sea. “Alain, you’re different. Changed from the person you were and you don’t even realize it.”
“What?” He whispered in disbelief. 
“Lysandre may have controlled all the pieces of your life lastime, but that isn’t the case anymore. You’ve learned, and we’re so proud of you. However, you’re also drowning in ways you shouldn’t be. Ways that make us worry.”
The trainer stared at the man blankly. Only partially aware of the Professor’s hold somehow turning even more protective than it was previously. 

Surprisingly, it was Iris who picked up on Rileys metaphor. “You’re drowning in your fears, your insecurities, your own mind. You’ve convinced yourself that nobody would believe you, and that we’d despise you after hearing the truth; when really, you should’ve caught on long ago.” Her eyes were remarkably bright. Their intensity unlike anything the group had seen of her up till that point. “We’re not going to hate you Alain. We’re not going to hate you, we’re not going to fear you, we’re not going to think you a bad person for following your ideals, and most of all, we care about you Alain. That’s something you can’t rid us of.”

His hands shook as he gazed at everyone around him. The Pokemon within the theater hadn’t been sitting idly by as their trainers had gone up to convince the boy of their conviction; and had instead been slowly advancing towards the rest during the conversation. 

Alain’s next words were barely more than a whisper in the wind. 
“Do you really mean that?”

It was Sycamore who spoke for everyone there. 
“Did you think we didn’t?” He crouched down. “Alain, you know us better than that. So if you don’t trust your own judgement, then at the very least, trust in your knowledge about our characters.”
The breath he took was sharp and audible. 
“I just don’t understand,” He said. “Why choose to care for me when all I’ve done is mess things up?”
“Why choose to think of our affections as impossible rather than accept that we care?” Ash’s expression was of pure determination as he responded. 
“That’s…….” 
“Sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith, Alain.” Riley stated, “Healing isn’t done in a day, but it does start with you, and the only one who can decide whether they’re ready to move forwards, is yourself. We won’t interfere with that.”
( They may push a little though. Just to get him through the door. )

Alain choked. 
“Okay.” He agreed shakily, strong, even through the tears. “Okay. I’ll try.”
( He would accept their freely given help, and try to understand why they’d go this far for him. Why they’d look at him as though he was worth it. Why the Professor would love him like a son, why Riley would treat him as his ward, why Iris would continue to be his friend, and why Ash would………,
Why Ash would forgive him for failing to save his life in a time no one but Alain use to know about. )
( He would try. For them, for himself, and for his Pokemon. Who had circled the group and joined the rest in reassuring him, their voices far clearer than he’d ever recalled himself being able to comprehend. )
He clenched Charmeleon tighter. 
( This time, Alain knew he’d do everything to protect what he had without the need for Lysandre’s shady help, or Team Flares abusive training conditions. )
( This time, he’d forge his own path. )

The crowd of people didn’t separate for a very long time. 

______________________________________________________

An unknown length of time passed before everyone was ready to get back to watching the videos of Alain’s life. In that time frame, the boy himself had to bear through three different lectures from both the adults and other teenagers he knew. 
Iris’s lecture had probably been the easiest. All she had done was clarify her thoughts on his choices, and comfort him. He knew she’d always be there for him now, much like Mairin had been. 
( A sister wasn’t an idea he’d contemplated in a while, since he’d so badly failed Mairin no matter what she said, but Iris made him think of the term once more. )

The Professor and Riley’s talks had not been as simple. Though they’d gone into different topics, both had spoken fiercely and with deep wells of determination. He was genuinely terrified of what would happen if he were to disobey the ground rules they’d set for him. 
( He also felt like crying again after realizing how much they thought of him, and how the Professor was planning on officially adopting him when they got back. It had been an all around emotional moment, with the man emphasizing the fact that he’d always be family and nothing Alain could ever do would make him hate the boy. )

However, despite all the others coming up to him, Alain had yet to talk to the one person he’d been worried about the most; besides the Professor. 
As he settled between Riley and Ash alongside his Pokemon, who refused to part with him now, he wondered if Ash had been lying to him about his forgiveness earlier. 
( In the depths of his heart, Alain still hadn’t reconciled the words the other boy had said to him. It was just too unbelievable, why would he ever be forgiven by the person he’d arguably hurt the most? )
But, as the screen lit up, and the darkness receded, Alain felt someone's callused hand grab his own. 
“Ash……?”
“I meant what I said earlier,” He muttered back quietly, instead of replying to the confused call. “I don’t care about what you did then Alain, because I understand your reasons. The only thing I need to know, is what you’ll do from here on out.”
Alain twitched. “I think……. This time, I’m going to protect everything I wished to protect last time; just, without the double edged sword the help I got came with.” He looked at the screen with newfound resolve. “I’ll succeed now. I know I will. Because I have all of you behind me.”
“I think that’s a good goal.” Alain couldn’t see in the dark of the room, but he did hear Ash’s smile in his voice. 
Pikachus' light shock came from nowhere, and it felt like acceptance. 
( Because didn’t Ash say he only did that to people he liked? It was as much a saying of forgiveness, as the words Ash had spoken earlier had been. )
( Alain’s heart hurt. )
( Yeah. This time, they would change everything. Together. )

The T.V flickered, and the show began once more. 

Chapter Text

| ( Ash was here. ) |

“Immediately beginning with my innermost thoughts, great.” Alain sighed. “It's only going to get more personal from here on out, isn’t it?”

Ash looked at him apologetically. “Probably.” He said. “At least we’ll all be in the same boat!”

The other boy huffed wryly. “True. I guess there is that.”

“I’m more surprised about the fact that you’re still in shock about Ash being in Unova Alain. Did this not happen in the previous timeline?” Iris questioned.

Alain paused, and then winced slightly.

“I’m honestly not sure.” He whispered. “To be frank, I’m beginning to realize that I didn’t actually know much about Ash last time. He challenged me to the best battles of my life, but I never got to know him much as our paths rarely crossed. It’s become another regret of mine.”

Pikachu’s trainer grinned sideways at him. A knowing glint sparkling softly in their eyes. “Well, there’s a perfect chance now!”

“Yeah.” 

( One that almost came too late, —- Did, actually, come too late. )

( Alain was trying to be more open with the rest, but it was still hard; and the fact that he still heavily regretted not being able to know more about Ash weighed on him in ways he just didn’t want to say yet. )

( Riley internally sighed as he noted the boys strained expression. )

( It seemed as though Alain still needed some time. )

| Alain numbly blinked, visibly trying to wrap his mind around this information. 

( Ash was here, alive! Ash was alive and Alain had never felt such relief to see him smile so happily. Alain hadn’t expected to meet him until Ash arrived in Kalos. What was he doing here in Unova? ) |

“Travelling the whole world like a madman.” Iris stated. Amused in spite of herself.

“I am not a madman.” Ash retorted, pouting as Pikachu turned to him in disbelief alongside everyone else in the room —- barring Alain. 

“Ash Ketchum.” She began. “That is the biggest lie I’ve heard anyone tell me in a long time. You do understand that most people only do one gym run in their entire lifetime right? Two at most, usually because of the proximity of the regions, and after getting a position on the trainer rankings, they typically stop and find something else they enjoy doing. You, however, have been to nearly 6 regions and done a gym run in every single one of them! You’ve ranked in all of them! That’s insane!” 

He rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed. “Really?”

“YES!”

“I’ll be honest Ash,” Professor Sycamore began, “I only did two gym runs before I traversed the path to becoming a Pokemon Professor. Sure, I became Champion in one of them, but there's hardly anybody in the world who undertakes so many regions, so far from home.”

“Oh.” He blinked, “Wait, you were a Champion once Professor?!”

Alain was just as shocked as him. “I didn’t know that,” He murmured. 

Augustine chuckled. “Well, it isn’t really something I speak about often y’know? After all, I didn’t do anything with said Championship once I’d earned it, so it’s basically nothing more than a fun title to fling around these days.”

“It’s still very impressive.” Riley said. “Champions are very strong trainers, you must have had an impressive team.”

The Professor smiled wistfully. “Yeah, I did.” He shook his head, “In any case Ash, what you’ve accomplished isn’t common, and the travel experience you have is quite spectacular.”

Ash’s cheeks warmed a bit. “Thanks.” He responded, Pikachu eyeing him knowingly.

( He hadn’t realized what a big deal it was. After all, he adored going to new regions and learning about new Pokemon; so why not travel and do gym runs at the same time? He had the time. )

( Just another thing that made him ‘abnormal’ huh? Why couldn’t he be ‘just’ Ash for once? )

Alain squeezed the other's shoulder. 

“Ash? Are you okay?” ( He didn’t like the look on the ‘Chosen One’s’ face. )

The amber eyed boy turned around. “I’m fine.” He said, "thanks.” 

Alain continued to frown. ( The smile his friend wore was a bit dull. )

| "Alain?" Professor Sycamore asked, looking at him with a touch of concern.

Alain blinked and managed a hasty smile. "Hello," he said. He bowed politely. "Thank you for having us, Professor Juniper."

Professor Juniper smiled. "You're a polite one.” She said, “I hope I can be of help." |

“My son is exceptionally polite.” Sycamore said, a tad smug. 

“That’s for sure.” Iris muttered. “He’s also such a worrier. You should’ve seen his face while Ash was unconscious after saving Victini; you’d have thought someone died.”

“That’s just common sense!” Alain replied, twitching at the very mention of the memory and grasping Charmeleon tighter. “Besides, we didn’t know whether he’d even wake up or not!”

Augustine was extremely alarmed. “What?!” He whisper-shouted at Riley. “It was that bad?!”

The other man pursed his lips. “Probably worse.”

( He wasn’t going to beat around the bush with Alain’s guardian, that’d be asking for trouble. )

Garchomps trainer wearily sighed. “Unova. As soon as I get back, I’m heading to Unova.”

( This ‘Chosen One’ nonsense from Arceus really did impact these kids. He wasn’t going to keep Alain from travelling with Ash now that he knew what was happening, but he’d prefer to be at the heart of the danger with his son than waiting for a phone-call that may never come. )

( Why the creator of the universe decided a child was the best inheritor for the heavy title he would never understand. )

| "Are you a trainer too?" Ash asked, coming up to Alain. Pikachu was perched on his shoulder, looking just as excited as his trainer.

The 'yes' swiftly died in Alain's mouth. "Not really," Alain answered, opting for a half-truth. "I have my trainer license, but I'm Professor Sycamore's assistant." |

“Bullshit.” Iris swore, ignoring Riley’s exhausted reprimanding. “I mean, sure you’re a Professor's assistant, but not a trainer? Like hell, not with those skills!”

Alain shrunk a bit. “I’m not that good….”

Ash snorted, shaking his head wryly. “Alain, you are ‘that good’.” He stated, confident. “You have skills, not to mention the fact that your adoptive father is apparently a regional Champion. Even ignoring the time travel, you and I are nearly tied for wins and losses in our daily battles, and though they’re only practice, the fact that you can keep up either way is incredible.”

/ “Don’t underestimate yourself.” / Lucario said. / “Besides, your capability with Aura speaks for itself. There’s no need to doubt what you can do.” /

The boy hesitated, shifting in his seat. “If you all say so…..”

“We do.” Sycamore intervened quickly. “Trust us.”

( Alain really was too self-deprecating. That was not a good trait. )

( It was probably a hand-over from his past life. Ash’s death and his failure to save him would certainly be able to give him the impression that he was lacking the necessary abilities. )

( They’d have to reassure him more often. )

| "Ah, like Gary!" Ash said. |

“Who?” Iris asked. 

/ “An acquaintance?” / Snivy provided, sneering as Emolga clung to her trainers shoulder and haughtily huffed right back.

/ “Obviously. / The electric flying squirrel spoke. / “What else?” /

Iris sighed at their back and forth argument, Ash hastily interrupting and clearing the confusion before the situation got out of hand. 

“He’s the friend I spoke of earlier. The one I said reminded me of Alain when he mentioned working as a Professor's assistant.”

“Oh! I remember now.”

The boy grinned. “Yeah, I’ve known him forever.”

( Though the other was a real jerk when they were younger. At least they’d worked that out, he was pretty immature too, so Ash guessed it evened out. )

Alain ran a hand over Charmeleon’s head. 

( He wondered what Gary was like. How well did he know Ash? )

“Whose assistant is he?” Sycamore asked Ash, blinking as the teenager hummed.

“Professor Oaks.” He replied, chuckling as the expression on the Kalos Pokemon Professors face turned surprised. “He’s actually the man's grandson as well, but he’s good at what he does and Professor Oak doesn’t really do nepotism, so it works out.”

“Well, considering my son is my assistant, I have no place to talk about nepotism.”

“True.”

| ( W-Who? ) Alain mentally winced. ( Despite the fierce rivalry he had shared with Ash, Alain actually didn't actually know him that well. He mourned that for a brief moment. There had never been any time, not with the way Alain had been carrying out his mission. )

'This time I'll be able to ask,' he thought. 'I'll be able to really get to know Ash.' |

The present Alain turned dour, burrowing deeper into Charmeleon as Swablu and Tepig rubbed against him. 

( He felt so guilty about that. Ash had felt closer in the past-future, but looking back, Alain had known so little about him and his friends. )

( He’d been so addicted to his goal, he’d never bothered to learn more about the trainer who’d been able to make him smile again. How terrible a person he’d been. )

Ash took one look at Alain’s face, sighed silently, and grabbed his hand. 

“It’s fine Alain.” He whispered gently. “I understand, and I’m sure I would’ve seen you as a friend in your time as well. Besides, I doubt the people I’d spent time with in Kalos knew as much about me as you do now.”

( Ash was pretty confident about this fact actually. He wasn’t really one to open up so much, however, the situation here had basically demanded it. )

( He’s never felt so raw before. At least the people around him were taking it well, he wasn’t certain how great he himself was doing. )

( Pikachu kept glancing at him. He was fine, he had to be. )

( He ignored the look the Pokemon was giving him right now. The fight between Scraggy and Oshawatt was more interesting anyways. )

Alain’s smile was small, but grateful. ( Ash was far too understanding. He was so lucky for the forgiveness. )

Pikachu sparked. ( Why did his trainer have to be so stupid? Ash was a wreck. Riley had his work cut out for him. )

Riley shivered. ( Someone was talking about him, he just knew it. )

| Pikachu's cheeks sparked. He shook his head, looking unhappy.

"Is that normal?" Alain asked. ( Pikachus weren't that common to Kalos and the only time Alain had seen Pikachu's cheeks spark outside of battle like that, was the second time they had faced each other, right before the match. He had taken it as a sign of excitement back then, maybe it wasn't? ) |

“No, it is. Something was just wrong back then.” The rodent’s owner stated dryly.

/ “It was so annoying!” / His partner grouched. / “It didn’t hurt at all, but it kept happening and it wouldn’t stop! It felt like I had way too much energy but nowhere to put it!” /

“Well that is kinda what was going on.” Augustine said. “Overload isn’t exactly common, but considering the amount of electricity you took in – particularly since it came from a Legendary – it’s hardly a surprise you entered such a state.”

Riley frowned. “What?” He blurted out precisely as Iris said, “Which Legendary?!”

Ash shook his head, far too used to the antics of the so-called, ‘Most Powerful group of Pokemon in the world.’ “It came from Zekrom, I’m sure the screen will go into more detail soon so there's no need to say much more.”

The Professor nodded. “We came to a conclusion pretty quick after all.”

Iris wilted. “Fiiiiinnne.” She groaned. 

Excadrill pet her shoulder lightly. / “Your Dragon Type favoritism is showing, Iris.” /

She pouted. “Dragon Types are the best Types though.” She sniffed. 

Axew appeared, grinning widely. / “Best! Best!” / He announced gleefully. 

/ “What are we, chopped liver?” / Pikachu mumbled quietly. 

Ash laughed. 

( Iris had gained quite a bit of confidence since this experience had begun. He knew she’d make a good trainer, she just needed time to grow. )

Sycamore bumped Rileys side softly. Garchomp shifted next to him. 

“Those are your kids.” He said, smiling as the other man's mouth twitched. 

“One of them’s yours too y’know?”

“Yeah, but I know you’re taking good care of him.”

( Riley was so fond of the teenagers, the adoration was almost palpable. )

( It’s why he was so okay with Alain travelling with him. )

( That and some – admittedly – personal bias. )

| "Not like this," Ash answered.

"We'll take a look," Professor Juniper promised.

"Let us know if we can help," Professor Sycamore offered.

They funneled into the lab, where Professor Juniper placed several probes onto Pikachu.

"Chuu," Pikachu whined, unhappy to be covered in wires. ( I don't like this. )

"Just stay still," Ash said. "It'll be over soon." |

Victini spun around, concerned. / “Was it really that bad?” / 

Pikachu flicked his tail. / “Probably not as terrible as I make it out to be. I just have some more… associated memories with wires and lab tests.” / 

/ “Oh.” / 

Oshawott shrugged. / “Ash said Pikachu and I have different opinions on many things because of how we grew up. I was raised in a lab, so Pokeballs and check-up’s aren’t that strange to me; but Pikachu hates Pokeballs with a weird passion.” /

/ “They’re uncomfortable!” / He retorted quickly. / “I feel so .… restricted.” /

Ash’s Tepig sneezed, releasing small embers as Krookodile fixed his sunglasses and complimented the eldest Pokemons words. Scraggy tilted his head, uncomprehending of the conversations happening around him. 

The Victory Pokemon hummed brightly. / “How interesting!” /

The Professor’s expression hardened a tad. 

( Pokeballs hurt Pikachu? Was this a common occurrence with other Pokemon as well? If any of the labs Pokemon had problems with the balls they’d likely have made a fuss, but it’s always possible they were just hiding their discomfort. )

( He’d have to double check when he got back. The Pokemons comfort and health always came first and foremost. )

| "Can you tell us what happened?" Professor Juniper asked.

Ash nodded. "We had just gotten off the plane at the harbor and there was this Pokemon we didn't recognize breaching from the water, so we got a little closer to try and see it. There was a minor run in with Team Rocket but before anything could happen, this dark thundercloud came out of nowhere and shocked us.

"Pikachu fired a Thunderbolt back, and we thought we saw the shape of a Pokemon in the clouds. It shocked us again." Ash grimaced. "We passed out for a bit and when we woke up everything was fine, but Pikachu's cheeks started sparking." |

“Team Rocket!” Iris bemoaned, “They were there too? How often do you meet them? And why are they always after you?!”

Ash was pretty nonchalant about it. “This is actually the least amount of run-ins I’ve ever had with them before. They’re usually more proactive in the regions I’ve visited, but we’ve only seen them around 3-4 times since arriving in Unova.”

“‘Only’ 3-4 times?” Alain repeated warily, “How many times do they typically bother you?”

Ash looked at him, and visibly debated something in his head. “Honestly? I’ve run into them so often by now that I’ve lost count. Pretty sure they’re my most commonly seen acquaintances, and if they weren’t constantly trying to steal Pikachu, I might have actually befriended them by now.”

/ “That’s concerning.” / Lucario grumbled, his partner’s face contorting into an expression of pure exasperation.

“If it were anyone but you Ash, I would’ve questioned as to why they’ve yet to turn in their constant stalkers to the Police by now.”

“They’re strange, and definitely exhausting to deal with, but…….” He trailed off, a thoughtful look crossing his face, “They’re not all bad. Certainly better than many, many, of their other ‘comrades.’ Plus, those four have helped me out more than you’d think; the saying, ‘The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend’ has applied to them waaaaay too often at this point.”

“As long as you understand the risks.” Sycamore added.

The Pokemon trainer merely smiled.

/ “I knew joining you was a good idea!” / Krookodile cackled. 

/ “Absolutely no fear for his own safety.” / Snivy huffed. / “Unbelievable.” /

/ “Do I need to be worried about them?” / Victini asked Pikachu.

/ “Nah.” / He replied. / “At least, not this specific sector of them. Other members of Team Rocket should be dealt with carefully, but these guys are easy and gullible enough that it should be fine when encountering them. Still, be wary about revealing your Legendary status.” / 

/ “Okay!” /

| "You were shocked too?" Alain said, paling at the thought. ( The image of Ash hanging in the air, the red beam of Mega Evolution energy pulsing as Ash screamed, stood at the forefront of his mind. ) "S-Shouldn't you get checked out too?"

"Ash?" Delia asked, concern lacing her tone. |

Alain flinched violently at the flashback. Ash eyed his tense form and shifted closer.

“So that's why you were so concerned that day?” 

“Part of it.” He mumbled.

( The nightmares of his greatest failures would haunt him for the rest of his days. )

Riley gazed at the interaction. “Y’know Ash, his reaction is pretty normal. If it were anyone but you and Pikachu I’d be incredibly concerned about the lack of healing you underwent.”

Said trainer coughed and turned his head away. “It was really nothing, Pikachu’s shocked me harder before.”

“Again. Abnormal. Not even the most type oriented of electric-type gym leaders get hit with electricity as hard and as often as you seem to!” Iris added. 

“I see …….” He trailed off.

( Maybe it was unnatural from their point of view, but Ash was far too used to Pikachu’s aura signature to feel much damage when he was hit. Probably best not to mention the times he’d been electrocuted when wet, however. )

| Professor Juniper stuck a probe to Ash. "Alain is right. You didn't mention getting shocked earlier."

Ash frowned but let her place probes on him as well. "Pikachu has shocked me harder."

He had? Alain stared in bafflement. Pikachu was so well behaved, Alain couldn't even imagine when that could have happened. Do Pikachus startle easily? Was that why? |

Ash snorted. “Nah, it’s really just a thing between us. I promise it doesn’t hurt me in any way. If it did, Pikachu would’ve stopped ages ago.”

“I suppose so.” Alain still shook his head. “Either way, It’s more comforting when we can check for ourselves, so try and get help more often. Please? If only for my own sanity.”

The other boy shrugged. “If it’ll make you feel better.” ( Man, it was like Brock was with him all over again! )

( As for the well behaved bit …… Well, Pikachu had been quite rebellious when they’d first met, but it had worked out in the end. No need to worry. )

| "The readings look stable, both for Ash and Pikachu," Professor Sycamore said. "No unusual abnormalities."

"Agreed," Professor Oak said.

"Perhaps a quick stress test," Professor Sycamore said. "Have Ash run a couple laps around the lab and Pikachu run through his moves. It might be fine currently, but once the heart rate goes up, things could change."

"Excellent suggestion," Professor Juniper agreed. "Ash, Pikachu?"

"We can do that!" Ash said.

"Pika!" Yes!

They headed outside, Ash and Pikachu pulling ahead and running a few laps. Alain watched intently, looking for signs of distress. He remembered that one battle where they had been testing the synchronicity of Ash and Greninja that ended with Ash collapsing on the ground. |

“What?” Professor Sycamore asked. 

“Ah.” Alain exclaimed. 

“Synchronicity test?” Riley wondered. “What is that?”

The time-traveller spoke, slightly uncomfortable. “I don’t know if you know, but the reason why Lysandre was so interested in Ash was because of a particular phenomenon he could initiate.”

“A particular phenomenon?” Iris questioned, Axew tilting his head in time with hers. 

Alain nodded. “Yes. Ash could cause his Greninja to evolve into a state very similar to Mega Evolution through sheer willpower alone. He only ever used it with Greninja, so I’m not sure if he ever figured out whether he could do it with his other Pokemon or not, however, it was incredibly powerful.”

“It sounds impressive.” The Professor murmured. 

“It was. It was also incredibly draining though, and during the first real test we ever did Ash collapsed from exhaustion midway through the battle.”

Augustine hummed. “So it was a double-edged sword.” He said, his son fiddling with his hands as he answered. 

“Yeah, Clement was kind of worried about continuing his analysis, but it paid off in the end. Ash really pushed me and Charizard to the brink, and that was with Charizard Mega-Evolved.”

The Pokemon in question was cheering loudly from his seat in Alain’s lap, very pleased to hear about his counterpart's exploits. As for Ash, he lightly punched the talking assistant with a wry grin.

“You still won in the end.”

The victor’s actions dimmed. “But it didn't feel like I did.” He said back.

( How could it when Ash died not soon after and Lumiose city fell to ruins? )

( There was no victory in the losses that he caused. )

Victini frowned. Alain’s aura was darker than before.

Riley grimaced. ( Really, why were children always suffering? Especially HIS children!? )

He ran a hand through his hair. Approaching a different topic to get away from the one currently being discussed. 

“Do you happen to know the name of this Phenomena Alain?”

Before the boy could get the chance to reply however, the screen answered for him.