Kalos Chronicles: The Rewritten Story

The Pokémon Center was quiet, its soft lights and gentle hum offering a stark contrast to the chaos of Prism Tower earlier. Trainers moved about quietly, tending to their Pokémon or chatting in low voices.

Ash sat on a bench near the window, leaning back with his eyes half-closed. His mind replayed the events of the day—the sheer terror of the Hyper Beams, the crumbling balcony, and the desperate dive to save Pikachu.

He watched Pikachu in relief that he was able to save the day some how as it rested beside him, its tail flicking lightly in its sleep. Clemont and Bonnie had gone off to get snacks, leaving Ash to his thoughts.

Froakie's absence weighed on him slightly. The Pokémon had vanished after helping save Garchomp, and while Ash hadn't expected it to stick around,but he still couldn't help but feel a flicker of disappointment,but yeah he did still have a guess it might just turn out the way it was in the show.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A faint shimmer caught Ash's attention, drawing his gaze to the air in front of him. A glowing, translucent panel materialized, its soft light pulsating gently.

Words began to appear, glowing softly:

"Greetings, Ash Ketchum—or should I say Tom? This is Arceus, the creator of this world."

Ash's eyes widened. "Arceus?"

"You have proven yourself time and again, risking your life to protect both Pokémon and people. It is time you understand the truth about yourself and the unique gifts you have been granted,this was given to you because you have helped in saving my life and many other legendary pokemon's lives."

Ash straightened, his heart pounding. "Gifts? What kind of gift?And does it have anything to do with me Tom since I am not Ash should you not have rewarrded him instead of transmigrating me into his body."

The panel shimmered, and more text appeared:

"The life you knew as Tom and the memories you have as Ash are both yours. You were always Ash, but your memories of being Tom have been returned to you as a reward for your selflessness and courage. But there must be something that you want to know as the watcher of show right about Pickachu"

Ash's brow furrowed as he tried to process the revelation."Oh! So that was the gift thanks alot really really thank you,and yeah you are right I would,it is strange how its stats gets reset everytime they go to a new region."

"Your Pikachu," the message continued, "possesses a rare ability called Fair Play. This ability is its second ability along with statics and it allows Pikachu's stats to adjust dynamically based on its opponent. Against weaker Pokémon, its power becomes weak to ensure fairness. Against stronger foes, its strength rises to match the challenge,but yeah its strength/level will remain the same as the opponent it meets until it meets a stronger opponent."

Ash blinked. "That explains why Pikachu could take on Pokémon like Latios but struggled against some of the starters…"

The panel pulsed again:

"However, this ability was created due to bond you share with pickachu. Should that bond falter or break, Pikachu's strength diminishes, leaving it vulnerable."

Ash's heart tightened as a memory surfaced—not one of his own, but from the Kalos region episode he had watched as Tom.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ash recalled the scene vividly: Snowbelle City, the aftermath of losing to Wulfric. Ash had been frustrated, and Pikachuhad been loooking for him in the blizzard. Later, when Team Rocket attacked, Pikachu's Thunderbolt had failed to blast them off—a shocking moment for tPikachu as Team Rocket left Pickachu as it was because they did not have interest in the Pickachu that could not blast them off.

"That's why Pikachu wasn't able to blast them off…" Ash murmured. "Because Ash's sorrow and misery at his own weakeness caused thier bond to flatter."

The panel pulsed again:

"Yes. In that moment, Pikachu's Fair Play ability could not function properly due to the weakened bond. Remember, Ash, your connection with Pikachu is its greatest strength—and its greatest vulnerability. Nurture that bond, and you will achieve greatness together."

The panel's light softened, its final message appearing:

"Embrace who you are, Ash. You are not defined by your past life as Tom, nor solely by your present life as Ash. You are both.Also if u still think you are just Tom know this is your second chance at life now walk this path with courage instead of overthinking too much about the situation and dangers,remember do not ever change your ways since thats what makes up your being."

The panel faded, leaving Ash staring at the empty space where it had been.

Processing the Truth

Ash leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly. The weight of the revelation settled over him.

Pikachu's strength isn't just about battles—it's about us. It's about trust, and I can't ever let that waver.And yes,Arceus is right I am overthinking about this alot it is not like I am much different from Ash when it comes to caring about pokemon,I just have to be me.

He thought back to the events at Prism Tower. The way Pikachu had thrown itself into danger without hesitation. The way Froakie had stepped up, even though it wasn't his Pokémon.

Ash glanced at Pikachu, now stirring lightly in its sleep. He smiled faintly, stroking its fur. "I'll never let that happen to us again, buddy. I promise."

Pikachu nuzzled his hand in response, its eyes half-closed but filled with trust.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sound of approaching footsteps broke the quiet. Ash looked up to see Clemont and Bonnie returning, a tray of drinks and a box of Poképuffs in their hands.

"Look what we got!" Bonnie chirped, holding out the box.

Clemont handed Ash a drink. "You looked like you needed this. It's been a long day."

Ash chuckled, taking the drink gratefully. "Thanks, guys."

Bonnie plopped down beside Pikachu, offering it a Poképuff. Pikachu yawned, accepting the treat with a soft "Pika!"

"You were amazing today, Ash," Clemont said, adjusting his glasses. "I know I am mentioning this again but the way you handled Garchomp—it was incredible,I truely admire your love and determination when it comes to things related to pokemon."

Bonnie nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! You were just like a superhero!"

Ash laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just… did what I had to do."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the evening deepened, the Pokémon Center grew quieter. Bonnie had fallen asleep beside Pikachu, her head resting against Clemont's shoulder.

Ash stared out the window, the city lights twinkling in the distance.

He brushed his hand gently over Pikachu's fur. "We'll do better, buddy. We'll keep growing stronger together."

Above, the stars glittered like a promise, illuminating the path ahead.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Then they picked themselves back up and headed to the Professor's lab,since he had told them that they had more cosy rooms,journey to the Professor Sycamore's lab was subdued. The glow of Lumiose City's streetlights flickered as the group trudged through the evening streets, their footsteps soft against the paved roads. Ash kept a steady pace behind Clemont and Bonnie, his thoughts swirling with the day's events.

Pikachu, perched quietly on his shoulder, nudged Ash gently. Its warmth was comforting, but Ash's mind was far from settled. The memory of Garchomp's rampage replayed vividly in his head—the terrifying glow of its Hyper Beam, the suffocating tension as the floor gave way, and the desperate leap he'd made after Pikachu.

Ash sighed, shaking his head. Man that was really a lot, he thought. All of this. Every danger, every choice—it's not just a show anymore. I can't let myself falter,and yeah I need to stop thinking too much and set mind straight and form a mindset just like Areceus said.

They reached the lab just as the city's skyline turned indigo, the last rays of sunlight disappearing behind the buildings. Professor Sycamore greeted them at the entrance, his expression weary but relieved.

"Welcome back," Sycamore said warmly, stepping aside to let them in. "You've had a long day, and I'm sure you could use some rest."

Bonnie drowsily spoke "Ash you were cool,Garchomp take rest."

Clemont who was holding her shoulder's and preventing her from morning"Yeah I guess we could,I'll back Ash after putting Bonnie to sleep"

"Take your time clemont and it is better if you head for bed also your self" Ash said as he turned towards professor Sycamore."How is Garchomp doing professor?"

Sycamore smiled gently. "She's resting in the recovery area. Officer Jenny ensured she returned safely, and she'll be monitored overnight."

Ash exhaled a quiet breath of relief, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "That's good."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While Clemont and Bonnie headed to sleep and Ash saw Professor moving towards the recovery area, he found himself a quiet spot near one of the large windows in the lounge area. He sat down heavily on the cushioned bench, leaning back and closing his eyes.

Why does it feel so overwhelming? he wondered, running a hand through his hair. I've seen Ash do this a million times... I've seen him face tougher challenges than this,even after all the talk with Arceus I feel a lot of burden that is also even after knowing I am Ash.

His hand rested on Pikachu, who had curled up beside him, its tiny body rising and falling with steady breaths. But this is different. I'm not just watching anymore. I'm living it is that why I am feeling this way?

Ash leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.His gaze fell to Pikachu, who stirred lightly and opened its eyes, sensing his unease. "Pika?" it said softly, tilting its head.

Ash smiled faintly, reaching out to scratch behind Pikachu's ears. "Don't worry, buddy. I'm just... thinking."

Pikachu nuzzled against his hand, and Ash's heart warmed. Right. This isn't about being perfect again. It's about trying, no matter how scared I feel. And as long as we stick together, we can handle anything,yes just be yourself nothing more,Ash.

Sycamore's Observations

Ash's quiet moment was interrupted as Professor Sycamore approached, holding two steaming mugs. "Ash, I thought you might need this," he said, handing one over.

Ash blinked, surprised but grateful. "Thanks, Professor."

Sycamore sat across from him, his own mug in hand. "It's been a long day for all of us," he began, his tone thoughtful. "But I have to say, I'm impressed by how you handled yourself. Garchomp's situation could have been disastrous, but you kept your composure."

Ash hesitated, glancing down at his drink. "I don't know about composure. I was scared out of my mind. I still am thinking about how close I was to death, those hyperbeam and me falling from the last floor to save Pikachu in case of any mishap I could have, just died."

Sycamore smiled kindly. "Fear is natural, Ash. What matters is how you move forward despite it. From what I've seen, you have an incredible ability to connect with Pokémon, even in the most dire circumstances. And, that is not something you should underestimate."

Ash nodded, though he remained silent. He doesn't understand,well yep how could he, he is not me,it is not like he can understand anythin without me telling him about my situation. 

The Professor continued, his gaze softening. "For now, though, rest. You've done more than enough for the day."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that night, after a long time after Bonnie and Clemont had retired to the guest rooms, Ash still remained in the lounge, staring out at the cityscape. The faint hum of the lab's machinery was the only sound around him.

I've got a lot to figure out, Ash thought, his hands resting on Pikachu's sleeping form. About what I'm supposed to do next,I have figured this out that I am Ash from now on it will be hard but I just need to be myself, first and foremost tomorrow I need to catch Dedenne for Bonnie and Fletchling at our first encounter itself ,without dragging the issue,if froakie comes and wants to help I need to come with a plan where we do not need to lure into the rocky terrain. 

He exhaled deeply, his breath fogging the glass of the window. But for tonight, I'll let it be. Tomorrow is a new day, and we'll just face it together and I cannot be sure if Froakie will even follow me.

To be continued.....