Pokemon Wizard - The Beginning

Cypress and his team of Pokemon returned home at the end of the month, mentally and physically exhausted. They had busted not only a poachers camp but also a human trafficking ring that was supporting the poaching indirectly. The league had been unforgiving when they found ten trainers ranging from the age of nineteen to thirteen being held and ready to be auctioned to who knows where and whom. Cypress ran his hand through his hair as he got off Arcanine's back, and looked at the fields surrounding Pallet town.

Lucario nudged him worried, -Cypress? Are you alright?-

Cypress gave a small smile that looked as exhausted as he felt, "I'll be fine, when I see my kids safe and sound."

Lucario nodded starting to walk again, -Today is a Saturday. If I remember correctly, they don't have any school today. I think we can find them out here.-

Cypress blinked, "If they have finished all their assignments, no doubt Lia will allow the kids out to play."

Arcanine sniffed the air before running west to the forest, -I know where they are right now.-

Lucario nodded and ran after Arcanine with Cypress following him not far behind. They went through the fields, shining a golden orange in the evening sun, into the forest following the scent that Arcanine picked up. The three of them heard talking and laughter coming from the clearing ahead of them. As they came to the clearing Cypress found Ash and Gary showing their older siblings how to use their powers. Wait a minute, what? Cypress blinked and blinked again, and yes his eldest son and Green were also using a form of energy.

Cypress shook his stupor and called them, "Kids, I'm back!"

Lucario eyed them, -We're back ~-

Arcanine rumbled his greeting, making Pikachu, Eevee, Litten and Charmander greet them in return. As the Pokemon chatted the kids turned to greet the adults. Red eyed his father who despite not being hurt looked like he had walked through hell and back.

Ash smiled happily, "Daddy, you're home."

Red smiled not pointing it out, "Welcome back Dad."

Gary, "Welcome home, Uncle Cy."

Green noticed the same thing as Red but didn't say it out loud, "Sup Uncle."

Cypress laughed as he picked up Ash who had rushed to hug him, seeing his kids safe and sound was such a relief. He finally relaxed as he hugged Red while holding Ash. Green and Gary walked over to them grinning from ear to ear. The happy emotion being contagious, the wild Pokemon that were playing with them, however kept their distance from the adult human and just observed them. The three Mew waved farewell to them with a promise to play again next time.

Ash waved back, "We will play again soon, promise. Thank you for helping Green and my brother activate their abilities."

Gary waved enthusiastically as well, "Yeah, we will see you again tomorrow. Promise!"

The three Mew nodded then disappeared from the area. Cypress knew his kids and the Mew were friends but he didn't realize how good friends till today. It made him worry about allowing either Red or Green go on their journeys. They would become targets pretty fast and that's not counting the poachers and traffickers.

Ash frowned seeing a worried look on his Dad, "Daddy, are you okay?"

Cypress sighed tightening his hold, "Just a bit worried about the future. You kids are growing up fast."

Red held his father's hand smiling, "Let's go home Dad. You must be exhausted because of work and travel."

Cypress nodded looking at the Oak siblings, "Yes let's go. We'll drop you two home, as well."

Green smiled, "Thank you, Uncle Cy, I'm guessing, you got questions too."

Cypress then turned serious, "How long have you and Red been able to do that?"

Green rubbed his neck, "Technically since Mew joined our team in the final practicals. Though practice wise a few weeks ago."

Cypress looked contemplative, "So you could say Mew activated your abilities."

Red nodded, "We think so. Before that incident, we didn't have glowing eyes."

Ash giggled, "Red is according to Mew an Aura User, a new blood."

Gary nodded, "And Green is a Psychic, unlike Ash and I, their cores are very distinct, centered and even powerful."

Green holding Gary's hand laughed, "Basically, we are not as interesting as these two."

Ash protested, "That's so not true. Your shields are stronger than mine, Green! Stronger than mine and I have been practising longer."

Gary nodded, "Yeah bro, and Red's attacks, man! He just started but his attacks are so powerful especially that Aura ball."

Green flushed feeling happy, "You two are such a sweet talkers."

Red did not say anything although Cypress noticed the pink tint on his cheeks making him smirk, "Well, I'm definitely proud of you kids. Oh by the way! I have news for you. Red, Green from today I'll be training you in hand to hand combat. Just the basics mind you! It'll take time and a couple of years before you can actually fight, but I'm hoping before you go on your journey you will at least be able to learn how to escape being captured."

Red was shocked, 'What?'

Green, 'WOAH!'

Ash was excited, "That's really cool! Did you hear that Red? Daddy will be training you, I bet you will be strong as him soon."

Gary was jumping, "Yeah, unlike our cores, both of your cores felt, feel like the combat type. I bet learning how to fight will compliment your cores really well."

Red smiled, "Maybe ~ The league allowed you to train us though? I thought there were rules about this?"

Cypress, "It's a new rule actually. They were alarmed at how many trainers were being taken off guard by poachers and kidnappers. So they decided to add hand to hand combat lessons. You and Gary will have them next year, Ash."

Green blinked, "Huh, it was that bad?"

Gary looked at his brother, "What was big brother?"

Green sighed, "Uncles latest mission was bad. Did any of... I mean, did anyone....? I mean, did you loose....."

Cypress shook his head, "They are alive and safe. A bit unhealthy, but safe."

Green looked down troubled before looking up determined, "I'm going to train hard and become a Champion and after that a Main Class Gym Leader."

Red looked determined as well, "Hey Dad, I'm going to become a Champion too. But instead of a Gym leader I think I want to become a front line hitter."

Cypress looked proud but at the same time has smile was a little sad, "I'm sure, you can become whatever you choose to be."

Red and Green nodded and soon the group reached the outskirts of the forest. The sun was a faint line on the horizon giving the evening sky a pale reddish hue which bled into a deep blue. It was a very lovely evening and they group first went to the Oak ranch where the Oak siblings were staying before the Ketchums returned to their own two storeyed house. Cypress put Ash down after they reached their porch, Ash ran ahead of them to announce his Dad's return.

Cypress stood back, "Red, I'll be honest with you. I'm very close to denying you from going on the journey. But I won't instead, I'll train you and I'll train you hard, till it is time for you to go on your journey. Do you understand, Red?"

Red looked at his Father wide eyed but answered, "Yes Sir, I'll learn everything you have to teach me in one year."

Cypress ruffled Red's hair in fondness earning a squawk, "Let's go inside, I have missed food from home."

Red nodded smiling, "We missed you too, Dad."

As they entered their home Cypress could smell the dinner waiting for them. He had lost his appetite more than once during the mission but now back home with his family his appetite came back with a vengeance and made itself known.

Delia greeted him with a relieved hug, "Welcome back honey ~"

Cypress returned the hug, "I'm back flower ~"

Delia smiled, "I made your favorite tempura tonight. I have to be honest, I didn't expect you back till next week."

Cypress, "We managed to get our work done quicker this time and some, so we got off early. It was not easy, but I'm back."

Red pulled a chair back, "Here Dad! Sit, Ash and I will serve the food."

Ash grinned as he helped Red serve the delicious dinner his mom had made for them to eat. The family had a very lively dinner with Red and Ash telling their parents about their adventures and discoveries in the forest. Cypress told them how his team were impressed with Lucario and Arcanine's mega evolution forms and they were now planning on getting some of their own. It was the main reason for new trainers showing up at their town and inn. They were here to visit the resident Professor is get his advice and opinion.

The good Professor played his part well, introducing Ash and Gary as his helpers. None of the trainers thought anything was odd when their Pokemon enjoyed playing with the two kids. Most of female trainers thought it was adorable, while the male trainers were quiet happy they could leave their Pokemon with trustworthy people. Delia also chimed in about her day managing between the grocery store and the inn. She had to at one point call someone to watch over the shop while she handled the inn. It was an exhaustingly satisfying day for her.

Delia spoke up while having dessert after the dinner, "You know, Princess Day is coming soon."

Cypress hummed, "It is next week, isn't it? What are you planning?"

Delia's eyes twinkled, "Well Ash! I saw your photos from Cinnabar Island. You were looking very beautiful in the blue kimono."

Ash blinked then blushed, "Thanks mama, it was Gary who picked it and insisted I would look better in that dress."

Delia smiled, "I'll have to thank him then. Anyway, my point is I brought a lovely dress for you to wear on that day."

Cypress sighed and mumbled, "Ash does look beautiful. Those punks better not get any ideas."

Red's smile was strained, "Is that a good idea mom?"

Delia beamed, "Of course it is, dear. Ash will look very beautiful in that dress."

Delia, 'Not to forget Ash seem to enjoy it a lot.'

Red leaned close to Ash, "After you dress up, make sure you stay close to me or Green or Gary. Okay!"

Ash nodded, "Okay, but why?"

Red did not answer instead he thought of how some of the male trainers were talking about Ash being really cute. It did not help his little brother was keeping his hair long, making him look feminine. He was pretty pissed off listening to the trainers fantasising about how Ash would be beautiful when 'she' grew up. Even the girls had agreed with the boys much to his annoyance. Luckily for them, Green sensed his growing anger and grabbed him by his hand and took him outside to cool down. He was starting to get angry again but took a deep breath and gave a smile to his younger brother.

Red, "This year, I feel there will be a lot of people in Pallet town during the celebrations. So yes, if you are going to be a Princess then you will stay close to someone you know, please, baby brother."

Seeing his brother look at him that way with worry, made Ash agree, Red made a really good point, anyway. Better safe than sorry! Ash watched as Red instructed Pikachu and Charmander to stick close to Ash no matter what happens the coming week. He told them about how more people were coming and it would not always be safe to be alone. Pikachu and Charmander both gave a cry of agreement at that, while Cypress and Delia nodded their heads in content.