Tryst with Destiny: The Beginning of the End (Main Story)

1 : Return of the Prodigal Son

<Author's Note Starts>

Before you start reading go and read the previous chapter titled "A few words by the author". That is very important. For it contains important details and things to keep in mind while you read the book. If you have already read then without further ado please start the story.

<Author's Note Ends>

(Ash's Flashback)

"Lucario. Use Aura Sphere!" Cameron commands. Lucario gives a roar as it powers up a blue Aura Sphere in between its palms.

"Counter with Electro Ball!" I shout.

"Pika Pikaaa!!" My buddy shouts as he spins head over tails in mid-air and fires an Electro-ball towards Lucario. Everyone watches as the Electro Ball and Aura Sphere cross each other before landing on their respective targets.

Two explosions go off with neither me or Cameron being able to see the outcome of the clash. After a while, the smoke clears, which reveals an injured Lucario barely able to keep itself upright along with my Pikachu who is fainted on the ground with swirly eyes.

"Pikachu!!" I shout in a concerned tone as I run over to my partner.

The referee announces, "Pikachu is unable to battle. The match goes to Cameron, who will now go on to join the semifinals of this year's Unova League." as I pick up my unconscious starter.

(Ash's Flashback and Point of View ends)

Ash sits in silence as he reminisces the match. He is on a bus which is going from Viridian City to Pewter City. It is almost 6 o'clock in the morning, but sleep just doesn't find him. His companions Alexa and Pikachu, however, are fast asleep, blissfully unaware of what he is going through.

"Damn. Why do I never make it to the finals? Despite all that training, hardship, experiences and challenges. I just seem to fall short all the time. Maybe something. Something is lacking. I need advice." Ash says to himself. Frustration is clearly radiating from his voice. 

He takes a deep breath to calm himself and then turns left, only to see Alexa & Pikachu who are sound asleep.

On seeing them asleep Ash puts his hand in his pocket and takes out something which he has kept secret from everyone. Something, which even Pikachu doesn't know about. Ash starts reading the letter for the thousandth time. He starts tearing up from the inside as he reads the letter. The words which are written in the letter start playing in his mind like a tape recording. Eventually, it is too much to take as Ash folds the letter and puts it back to where he retrieved it from.

"Well, better get some shut-eye myself. Unova's performance was depressing if not embarrassing. This letter on top of that doesn't help either." Ash thinks to himself before closing his eyes.

(Meanwhile in another region)

"Serena! Wake up. It is almost 11:00. Don't make me send Fletchling up," Grace yells at the top of her voice.

A sleepy Serena wakes up with a groan. She musters all the strength she can and then uses it to drag her unwilling body off the bed.

"Oh great! As if being Kalos Queen is not tiring enough? Now, I am not even allowed to sleep late on a weekend." Serena complains as she saunters down the stairs for breakfast.

"Excuse me, your highness! Kalos Queen or not. You are first and foremost my daughter so you will wake up whenever I tell you to wake up. Besides, in a few days, you will join the Kalos Institute of Pokemon. So you need to get used to waking up even earlier than this." Grace replies as Serena goes to the bathroom in order to freshen up.