The Legend of Ash Ketchum

6. Aura-Bond

"You sure you heard him right, Ash?" Bayleef asked, stomping her feet anxiously. "He's still not here and I'm getting sick and tired of waiting."

"His words exactly: assemble with your team tomorrow morning, I shall meet you at your camp. We can pick up from there," Ash said. Yesterday, Gold had suddenly appeared during his training session, interrupting. He told him about his conversation with Mew and how she wanted him to train Ash. Though Ash challenged Gold for a battle, his real intention was to impress Gold with that battle and slowly claw his way up his apprentice like his dad had done. But, when the offer to train under him came to Ash, he didn't waste a second and pounced on it. He was glad that Mew didn't forget about him. If not anything, she at least gave him a direction proceed.

"Have some patience, young one, for it is your biggest weakness," Tauros gave his wise words.

Bayleef pouted and turned her head away from Tauros. "I don't need some stupid old bull teaching me."

Tauros, the patient wild bull he was, simply ignored and stayed silent. It was a known fact that Bayleef was no different than stubborn brat and wouldn't listen to none, not even Ash at times.

"He's here! He's here!" Pikachu yelled from the top of a tree. He jumped to the ground and ran towards Ash. "He is on his way, Venusaur is bringing him."

"Puff, that ends our waiting," Bayleef said with an annoyed look. Ash didn't bother much with her, since her hysterics barely lasted a few minutes. She simply needs someone or something to distract her.

A distant shadow of Gold riding on Venusaur slowly appeared. Ash and his team ran up to them. "Morning, Master Gold."

"Morning, son," Gold jumped to the ground from Venusaur's back. "Have you been waiting too long?"

"No, not too long. Shall we begin with the training? What do you want us to do?" Ash stretched his elbows. "We're all pumped up."

"Yeah, give me any task," Pikachu did a front flip and slammed his tail on the ground. "I'm ready." Ever since he knew of Gold's identity, a spark of determination to prove himself to the revered trainer lit inside him. Everyday, he joined Ash in his pursuit to convince Gold for a battle. He helped Ash by giving him various ideas to change Gold's mind, but none worked.

"Ha-ha-ha, why don't we save that energy for later and have a seat first. Let's acquaint ourselves better, then I'll have an idea of where to begin your training."

Gold took a seat on a rock and leaned his scepter against it. Venusaur stood beside him. Ash sat in front of Gold while his team formed an arc behind him. Pikachu took his usual spot on his shoulder.

"Your team looks strong and healthy; how long have you been travelling?"

"Five years, master," Ash said. He stroked Pikachu's cheek. "I started when I turned ten with this fellow here."

Pikachu nuzzled Ash and licked his ear.

"Err, I'd rather you not call me master. Try something else."

Ash could call him by his name, but it didn't sound too right since he addressed him as son. He wanted something more intimate, especially since he was going to spend an unknown amount of time training under him. He tapped his chin in thought.

"Don't sweat, Ash. Call him, old man," Pikachu said. "He's old and he's a man. Old man, period."

That was it. If Ash remembered correctly, his dad used to refer to Gold as old man. Ash nodded to Pikachu. "How about, Old man? Didn't my dad call you the same?"