The man who faded

The bright sun of Mesagoza lit up the sprawling city as Ash strolled through its bustling streets. The grandiose academy in the distance towered over the city, its majestic spires standing as a beacon of knowledge and adventure. Pikachu sat proudly on his shoulder, eyes scanning their surroundings with excitement.

"Man, this place is huge!" Ash muttered, his enthusiasm returning despite the strange circumstances of waking up in a world where no one seemed to remember him. Pikachu chirped in agreement.

As Ash turned a corner near the city's central plaza, he heard a familiar voice call out to him.

"Hey! You're the guy with the amazing Pikachu!"

Ash turned to see Nemona jogging toward him, her Skeldirge following closely behind. She looked as energetic as ever, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement.

"Oh, hey again!" Ash greeted with a grin, adjusting his hat. "Nice battle back there! Your Skeldirge is no joke."

Nemona smirked, hands on her hips. "And your Pikachu is no pushover either! I don't think I've ever seen anyone pull off moves like that in such a clutch situation."

The two stood in the plaza, chatting briefly about their earlier battle. Nemona couldn't help but notice the determination in Ash's eyes—a look she recognized in herself as a battle-hardened Trainer.

"So," Nemona began, tilting her head, "you're not from around here, are you?"

Ash scratched the back of his neck, chuckling nervously. "Not exactly. Let's just say I've been traveling for a while, and I'm, uh, kind of figuring things out right now."

Nemona's gaze softened, and her enthusiasm bubbled over. "Well, if you're figuring things out, there's no better place to stay than Uva Academy!"

Ash blinked in surprise. "The academy? You mean that huge school up there?"

"Exactly!" Nemona said with a wide grin, pointing toward the towering campus. "It's not just any school—it's where trainers from all over Paldea come to learn, grow, and hone their skills. And trust me, with your battling talent, you'll fit right in."

Ash hesitated for a moment, glancing at Pikachu, who gave him a reassuring nod. "I don't know… I've never really been one to stay in one place for too long." He said, remembering his days with Goh at Cerise Lab,

Nemona placed a hand on his shoulder. "Think of it as a base! You'll get to battle, train, and maybe even find some answers about… whatever you're figuring out." Her tone grew more curious, but she didn't pry.

Ash thought for a moment. "Well, it does sound interesting. And I wouldn't mind meeting other trainers to battle." He grinned, his competitive spirit shining through.

Truth to be told, he really needed a settlement, a safe space in this mysterious time.

"That's the spirit!" Nemona exclaimed. "Come on, I'll show you around. You're gonna love it there."

As the two began making their way toward the academy, Nemona chatted excitedly about its facilities, the classes, and the other trainers Ash might encounter

The grand gates of Uva Academy loomed before Ash, towering high with intricate carvings of legendary Pokémon intertwined with symbols of wisdom and strength. The air buzzed with energy as students passed by in their vibrant uniforms—scarlet and violet hues contrasting with the gray stone walls of the academy's façade. Pikachu perched eagerly on Ash's shoulder, his ears twitching at the sounds of chatter, footsteps, and the occasional cries of Pokémon in the distance.

Nemona stood beside Ash, beaming with pride. "Pretty amazing, right? Uva Academy isn't just a school—it's the heart of Paldea's trainer culture. From legendary battles to groundbreaking research, this place has it all!"

Ash adjusted his hat, tilting it upward to get a better view of the academy's massive structure. The main building was a sprawling castle-like complex, its spires stretching toward the sky. Large stained-glass windows depicted legendary Pokémon—Miraidon and Koraidon stood prominently in the designs, their images illuminated as sunlight filtered through.

"It's… huge," Ash murmured, awestruck.

Nemona chuckled. "Wait until you see the inside. Come on!" She grabbed Ash's wrist and led him through the gates, Pikachu nearly tumbling off his shoulder before regaining balance.

The courtyard was alive with activity. Students sat on benches, some poring over textbooks while others trained with their Pokémon on the grassy fields. A group of Eevees darted playfully around a pair of students, their laughter blending with the sounds of distant Pokémon battles. A decorative fountain stood at the center of the courtyard, water cascading from the mouths of Gyarados-shaped spouts.

"This place is incredible," Ash said, taking it all in.

As Nemona led Ash up the wide staircase to the academy's entrance, they were greeted by Director Clavell himself. The older man was dressed in a crisp purple suit adorned with a gold Uva Academy insignia on the lapel. His neatly combed silver hair gleamed under the sunlight.

"Ah, Miss Nemona," Clavell said warmly, his deep voice resonating. "And who might this be?"

"This is Ash Ketchum! He's a new trainer I met down in city yesterday," Nemona said excitedly. "He's got some serious skills, and I think he'd be a perfect fit here at the academy."

Clavell raised an eyebrow, his sharp eyes studying Ash. "Is that so? Welcome to Uva Academy, Mr. Ketchum. I trust you'll find this place both challenging and rewarding."

"Thanks!" Ash said, his trademark grin lighting up his face. Pikachu echoed his enthusiasm with a cheerful, "Pika-pika!"

After a brief conversation, Clavell had Ash follow him inside the academy to assign him a room. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior. Wide hallways stretched endlessly, their walls adorned with portraits of famous trainers and professors. Students moved in groups, discussing topics ranging from battle strategies to Pokémon habitats. The air smelled faintly of parchment and freshly polished wood.

Clavell stopped at a door with Ash's assigned room number engraved on a brass plaque. "This will be your quarters during your time at Uva Academy. I hope you'll make the most of the opportunities here."

"Thank you, sir," Ash replied, glancing into the room. It was modest but comfortable—a single bed, a wooden desk, and a window overlooking the courtyard. Pikachu immediately leaped onto the bed, testing its bounce.

Once Clavell left, Nemona leaned against the doorway, watching Ash unpack his bag. "So, what do you think so far?"

"This place is amazing," Ash admitted. "It feels… different from anything I've seen before."

Nemona crossed her arms, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Well, if you think this is cool, you're going to love what I'm about to suggest next."

Ash tilted his head, curious. "What's that?"

"The World Coronation Series!" Nemona exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. "It's the ultimate trainer competition—trainers from all over the world battle to climb the ranks, and the best of the best get to challenge the reigning Monarch."

Ash's eyes lit up. Memories of his own journey in the World Coronation Series flooded back to him—the battles, the bonds with his Pokémon, and his run cut short after winning against champion Diantha. His expression faltered as he realized that he lost his chance, he lost everything he once had.

Nemona misinterpreted his hesitation. "Come on, Ash! You're a strong trainer, and I can tell you've got what it takes to climb those ranks. You've got Pikachu, and I bet you've got other awesome Pokémon on your team."

Ash's grin returned, albeit tinged with bittersweet emotion. "Yeah… you're right. It sounds like a great idea."

Nemona clapped her hands together, thrilled. "Yes! That's the spirit! I'll even help you get started—I know some good trainers around here you can battle to boost your rank."

Ash nodded. "Thanks, Nemona. I appreciate it."

As they left the room together, Ash's mind wandered. He had faced countless challenges before, but this time felt different. He wasn't just battling to prove his strength—he was battling to find his place in a world where no one seemed to remember him.

And maybe, just maybe, this journey would lead him back to the people he cared about most.

The hum of the dorm room was interrupted by the sharp chime of Ash's Rotom Phone. It hovered off the desk, its screen blinking with the notification.

World Coronation Series Match Assigned!

Opponent: Roderick

Location: Los Platos Battle Square

Rank: Normal Class, 867

"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed, hopping onto Ash's shoulder.

"Finally!" Ash grinned, grabbing his cap and adjusting it firmly on his head. "This is it, buddy. Our first match back in the game!"

He grabbed his bag and stepped out into the bustling academy hallway, Nemona catching sight of him as he made his way toward the exit.

"You got a match already?" she asked, jogging to catch up.

"Yep, in Los Platos. Seems like the system found someone nearby."

Nemona's eyes sparkled. "Los Platos, huh? That's where you came, you said! You've got this, Ash. Just stay calm, read your opponent, and—"

"Battle with all I've got!" Ash interrupted with a grin.

Nemona smirked. "You'll fit right in here."

…

The quaint streets of Los Platos were alive with chatter as locals gathered to watch the World Coronation Series match. The Battle Square was a modest arena surrounded by cobblestones, with a few wooden benches and colorful stalls framing the area. A small digital scoreboard hovered above the field, displaying Ash and his opponent's names.

Roderick, a stocky man with a confident smirk, stood on the opposite side of the battlefield. He adjusted the Mega Ring on his wrist, the light catching the polished Keystone embedded within.

"You must be the new challenger," Roderick called out, eyeing Ash. "I'm sorry your first challenge must be me" he spat, grinning.

Ash tilted his cap, his grin unwavering. "You'll find out soon enough what I'm made of. Let's do this!"

The referee raised her flag. "This is an official World Coronation Series battle! Each trainer will use one Pokémon. The match begins… NOW!"

"Kangaskhan, let's show them our bond!" Roderick shouted, tossing a Poké Ball. In a flash of light, the towering form of Kangaskhan appeared, its child peering curiously from its pouch.

Ash reached for a Poké Ball. "Greninja, I choose you!"

Greninja emerged gracefully, landing in a crouch. Its sharp eyes locked onto Kangaskhan, reading its every movement.

"Mega Evolution!" Roderick called, holding his Mega Ring aloft. The Keystone pulsed with energy, connecting with Kangaskhan's Mega Stone.

A dazzling light engulfed Kangaskhan, its form shifting. When the glow subsided, the child had leaped out of the pouch, standing independently beside its parent, both ready to fight as a team.

Ash's eyes narrowed. "A Mega Kangaskhan, huh? This'll be tough, he wasn't joking. But we've faced tougher, right, Greninja?"

"Grenin!" the Water-Dark Pokémon replied, its stance tightening.

"Kangaskhan, use Fake Out!"

The larger Kangaskhan lunged forward with blinding speed, clapping its massive hands together in front of Greninja. The attack hit hard, flinching Greninja and forcing it to stagger back.

"Follow up with Power-Up Punch!" Roderick commanded.

Both Kangaskhan and its child moved in unison, their fists glowing as they charged at Greninja.

"Greninja, dodge and use Water Shuriken!" Ash called.

Greninja flipped backward, narrowly avoiding the punches. It summoned spinning shurikens of water, hurling them toward the Kangaskhan duo. The attacks landed, but the Mega Pokémon barely flinched, its Tough Claws ability enhancing its strength.

"Keep your distance, Greninja!" Ash said, his mind racing to strategize.

"Not a chance! Kangaskhan, Double-Edge!"

The mother and child rushed forward, their combined energy leaving trails of dust behind them.

"Greninja, counter with Double Team!"

In a flash, multiple copies of Greninja appeared, scattering across the battlefield. The Double-Edge attack hit one of the clones, causing it to vanish, but the real Greninja appeared behind Kangaskhan.

"Now, Aerial Ace!"

Greninja darted forward, its speed blinding as it slashed at Kangaskhan. This time, the attack landed hard, pushing the Mega Pokémon back.

Roderick growled. "Not bad, but this isn't over. Kangaskhan, Outrage!"

The battlefield trembled as Kangaskhan and its child roared, their bodies surrounded by a fiery aura. They charged at Greninja with unrelenting fury, striking wildly.

Ash clenched his fist. "Greninja, it's time to take this up a notch. Let's show them our true power!"

Greninja's eyes glowed as a surge of energy enveloped its body. Ash's aura synchronized with Greninja's, the bond between them intensifying.

"Together we will grow stronger, STRONGER, STROONGER! LET'Z GOOO!!!"

Greninja's form shifted, water swirling around it as it transformed into Ash-Greninja. Its blades of water shimmered with power, and its presence on the battlefield became overwhelming.

The crowd gasped audibly, some whispering in awe.

"What is that?" one onlooker asked.

"It's incredible!" another exclaimed.

From the back of the crowd, Rosa, the girl who had helped Ash only days ago, stood frozen, her eyes wide. "That form… It's… amazing," she whispered, her admiration clear.

Roderick's confidence wavered as he stared at Ash-Greninja. "Kangaskhan, keep using Outrage! Don't let it intimidate you!"

"Greninja, end this with Water Shuriken, full power!" Ash commanded, his hands mimicking the summoning of water shurikens. Pikachu, focused, mimicked the action as well.

Greninja leaped high into the air, summoning a massive Water Shuriken. It hurled the attack down with incredible force, cutting through Kangaskhan's Outrage and sending the Mega Pokémon and its child crashing to the ground.

"Kangaskhan is unable to battle!" the referee declared. "The winner is Ash Ketchum!"

The small crowd erupted into cheers, and among them, Rosa pushed forward, unable to contain her excitement.

"Ash! That was amazing!" she called out, waving to get his attention.

Ash turned, his face lighting up when he saw her. "Rosa?"

She rushed over, her smile bright. "I didn't expect to see you so soon, but wow, that battle was something else! That Greninja form… I've never seen anything like it!"

Ash scratched the back of his head, chuckling. "It's called Battle Bond. Greninja and I have been through a lot together."

Rosa's admiration was clear as she said, "You've got real talent, Ash. I'm glad I ran into you again. You're going to do great in the World Coronation Series! I'm so happy for you!" she said with a faint tint of pink adorning her cheeks.

Ash smiled. He was glad to see her again.

…

After days of battles, traveling, and training in Paldea, Ash finally found a quiet moment to reflect. As he gazed out the airplane window, clouds rolled beneath him, obscuring the earth below. Pikachu sat beside him, resting its head against his arm.

"We're almost there, buddy," Ash said softly, his voice carrying both excitement and nervousness. "Home… It feels like forever since we've been back."

"Pika…" Pikachu murmured, sensing Ash's mixed emotions. They missed Kanto dearly. The last time they were there was before the inauguration of the Masters Eight tournament and Delia had made an awesome party for Ash, Goh and all the Pokémon. But now, all of this seemed so distant.

The announcement from the pilot crackled through the speakers: "We are now approaching Viridian City Airport. Please prepare for landing."

Ash's heart began to race. It wasn't just the thought of seeing Pallet Town again—it was the hope of seeing his mother, of being welcomed home like always.

The streets of Pallet Town were just as Ash remembered: quiet, peaceful, and filled with a comforting warmth. It had been his home, his anchor, the place he always returned to after his journeys.

As he approached the small yellow house where he grew up, his heart swelled with anticipation. Pikachu looked up at him, its tail twitching nervously.

"Ready, Pikachu?" Ash asked, his hand resting on the gate.

"Pika-pika!" Pikachu replied, though its voice carried a note of uncertainty.

Ash pushed the gate open and stepped onto the familiar path leading to the front door. The scent of flowers from his mother's garden wafted through the air, filling him with a bittersweet sense of nostalgia. He raised his hand and knocked.

After a moment, the door opened.

Delia Ketchum stood there, her warm brown eyes looking at him with polite curiosity. She was just as he remembered—her apron tied neatly around her waist, her hair pinned back with care. But there was no spark of recognition in her gaze.

"Hello, may I help you?" she asked, her tone kind but distant.

Ash froze. The words struck him like a Thunderbolt. His throat went dry, and his mind raced.

"M-Mom… It's me," he stammered, his voice trembling. "It's Ash."

Delia blinked, tilting her head slightly. "Ash? I'm sorry, young man, but I think you must be mistaken. I don't have a son." She said, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

Her words hit him like a crushing weight. Ash's hands shook as he struggled to process what she had just said.

"Mom, it's me," he insisted, his voice breaking. "I'm your son! Don't you remember? Pallet Town, Pikachu, Professor Oak… It's me!"

Delia frowned, a flicker of concern crossing her face. "Are you feeling okay, dear? Maybe you should sit down for a moment."

Pikachu stepped forward, his ears drooping. "Pika… pi…"

Delia glanced at Pikachu and smiled gently. "That's a very cute Pikachu. You must be a wonderful trainer."

Ash staggered back, his chest tightening with a pain he hadn't felt before. He had faced countless battles, endured loss, and even stared down gods—but this, this was unbearable.

"I-I…" he began, but his words faltered.

Delia gave him a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry, but I really don't know you. Please, take care of yourself."

She closed the door gently, leaving Ash standing on the porch, frozen in disbelief.

Ash stumbled back down the path, his legs feeling like lead. He reached the gate and slumped against it, his head bowed.

Pikachu climbed onto his shoulder, nuzzling him gently. "Pika-pi…" he said, trying to comfort him.

"She doesn't remember me, Pikachu," Ash whispered, his voice trembling. "My own mom… She doesn't even know who I am."

Tears welled in his eyes, but he quickly wiped them away, his hands trembling. He didn't want to cry—Pikachu too was fighting hard not to cry—but the pain was too overwhelming.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over Pallet Town, Ash sat by the gate, staring at the house that no longer felt like home.

"I don't belong here anymore," he murmured, the weight of the realization sinking in. "What if… what if no one remembers me?"

Pikachu pressed closer to him, his small body radiating warmth.

As Ash walked away from the place that had once been his safe haven, he vowed to uncover the truth. Somewhere, deep down, he held on to the hope that his mother—and the world—would remember him again.

Ash's feet led him down the familiar road, the same path he had walked countless times before—toward Professor Oak's lab. It had been some time since he'd last been here, but everything about this place should have felt like home. Still, the weight of what had happened hung over him like a shadow.

He had already called ahead, knowing full well that Professor Oak wouldn't recognize him. That knowledge didn't make it any easier, though. The ache in his chest was still there, gnawing at him as he approached the old wooden door of the lab. Pikachu walked by his side, its small paws tapping the ground rhythmically. It could sense its trainer's unease, its eyes flicking between Ash and the door.

Ash took a deep breath before pushing open the door. The familiar scent of research papers, books, and the ever-present hum of scientific equipment filled his senses. The lab hadn't changed at all. Yet, something felt different. The walls—once adorned with photographs, mementos of past adventures, and reminders of the team he'd traveled with—were bare. Ash's stomach twisted, but he pushed the feeling aside. This wasn't the time for doubt. Not yet.

Professor Oak, as always, was hunched over a desk, looking at a clipboard, scribbling notes with his usual focused intensity. The moment Ash entered, Oak looked up from his work and greeted him warmly.

"Ah, welcome! How can I help you today?" Oak's smile was kind, but it was distant, almost robotic in its familiarity. He wasn't quite as sharp as Ash remembered him, and that stung.

It was no surprise, of course. Ash had called ahead and briefed Oak on the situation, telling him he was coming by to "talk" but had known from the start that the professor wouldn't recognize him. Even so, the weight of it all hit harder now that he was standing in the lab, the place where his memories had been built.

"Hello, Professor," Ash said softly, his voice quiet and unsure. "It's me... Ash Ketchum."

Oak furrowed his brow as if trying to pull something from the recesses of his mind. Then, with a shrug, he responded, "I'm afraid I don't recall any Ash Ketchum, but you must be mistaken. I meet so many trainers through the years. If you're here for a Pokémon, we have plenty to choose from. Would you like me to show you our current research?"

Ash swallowed the lump in his throat. "I'm sorry, Professor. I… I thought you might remember me." His voice cracked slightly, betraying his emotions despite his best attempt to stay composed.

Oak didn't seem to notice the distress in Ash's words. "I'm afraid I haven't kept track of every trainer I've ever met. But that's no matter—if you're here for help, I'd be glad to assist you however I can."

Ash could feel the tightness in his chest grow. His old partner, his Pokémon, they were all gone. He had hoped—desperately hoped—that something, some fragment of recognition would spark in Oak's eyes. But there was nothing. The lab was unchanged, yet the air in it was foreign. There were no photographs of Pikachu, no mementos from Charizard's fiery days, no trophies from past victories. The memories that Ash had once cherished so dearly now seemed to belong to someone else.

He tried to gather himself, forcing a smile. "It's okay, Professor. I understand."

Pikachu, always his faithful companion, looked up at Ash with its concerned eyes, sensing the turmoil within its trainer. "Pika," he called softly, nuzzling Ash's leg.

The world around him had shifted so drastically, and it felt like the bond they shared was the only constant left. But even that couldn't ease the ache gnawing at him.

"Would you like to see the Pokémon we have available for trainers in the area?" Oak offered again, gesturing to the shelves lined with Poké Balls. His eyes were friendly but distant, like the past was something far beyond his reach.

Ash took a deep breath and nodded. "Sure," he said, following the professor as he led him through the lab.

As he walked past the empty spaces where his old Pokémon used to be, memories flashed in Ash's mind. He could practically hear Charizard's roar, feel the grass beneath Bulbasaur's paws, and see Totodile's cheeky grin. All of that, all those years of companionship, were gone. Forgotten.

After a brief tour of the lab, Professor Oak asked if Ash needed anything else, and Ash politely declined, his voice tinged with sadness. It wasn't as though he was angry. He didn't blame Oak. He knew the truth was more complicated. But that didn't stop the sting of being forgotten from cutting deep.

"Thank you, Professor," Ash said, his words heavy with emotion. "I guess… I'll be going now."

"Of course, of course. Take care, young man," Oak replied with a wave, seemingly unaware of the internal battle Ash was fighting.

Ash turned away and left the lab, walking out into the warm Kanto air. But the air didn't feel warm anymore. It felt cold and empty, as though the whole world had turned its back on him.

Pikachu walked alongside him in silence, and the two of them left Pallet Town behind, uncertain of where they were going next, but knowing one thing for sure: the journey, the world they had once known, was no longer the same.

And Ash… he didn't know if he could ever go back to the way things were.

As Ash walked away from the lab, the air felt colder, and the weight of the world pressed heavily on his shoulders. He had hoped that seeing Professor Oak would bring some clarity, a sign that things could return to normal, but now, all he felt was an emptiness that gnawed at him from within. His old life, his friends, his Pokémon—it was all slipping away like sand through his fingers.

Pikachu padded silently at his side, seemingly just as lost as its trainer. The world around them seemed unchanged, yet nothing felt right.

Suddenly, a gentle, almost familiar sensation washed over Ash—a warmth that seeped through his body like sunlight through a clouded sky. He paused mid-step, blinking in confusion as he felt the sensation grow stronger, deeper. This presence was no stranger. It was comforting yet powerful, something that made the very air feel more alive, as though the universe itself were speaking to him.

"Ash…"

The voice was calm, ethereal—yet unmistakably powerful. It wasn't from the world around him, but deep within his soul. It was Arceus.

Ash felt a shiver run down his spine as the words echoed in his mind.

"Ash Ketchum, Pikachu…" The voice rumbled like distant thunder, yet it was gentle, as though trying to ease the confusion he felt. "The time has come for you to understand."

Ash stumbled, unsure of whether he was hearing things. "Arceus?" he whispered aloud, unsure of what was happening. "Is that you?"

The deity's presence swelled in his consciousness, calm but commanding. "Yes, Ash. It is I. I have watched over you, and I have seen the path you have walked. The balance of the worlds has been restored, but there is an imbalance that remains. Something is actively keeping the world from remembering you."

Ash's breath hitched. "What do you mean? Why doesn't anyone remember me? Why doesn't anyone remember my Pokémon?"

Arceus's voice grew more solemn. "There is a force at work, something that has manipulated time and reality, weaving a barrier that clouds the memories of those you once knew. This force seeks to erase you from existence itself, to keep your bond with this world severed. The distortion that began in Hisui... it has spread, and now it seeks to ensure that you never return to the lives you once touched."

Ash's heart sank. A force that actively erased him? The thought was terrifying, more terrifying than any battle he had fought. "Who... or what is doing this?"

"I do not know," Arceus replied, its tone full of ancient wisdom. "The force is subtle. It hides in the spaces between worlds, weaving itself around the very fabric of reality. Its power keeps your name and existence buried beneath a veil, and that veil is what clouds the minds of those you once loved. Your mother, your friends, your Pokémon… they cannot remember you because you were sealed with Giratina and the world has erased your name but not your impact, but not the life you have changed. It's like you both exist and don't."

Ash's eyes widened as the full weight of the situation sank in. "So, there's still the imbalance there was back in Hisui?"

"Yes," Arceus confirmed. "And I have been powerless to stop it. The memories of you have been sealed away, hidden beneath a veil that is beyond my reach. I cannot directly interfere with this force without risking the balance of the world. It must be you, Ash Ketchum, who uncovers the truth and confronts this enemy."

"But... why me? " Ash asked, his voice trembling.

Arceus paused for a moment, as though considering the question. "The reasons are still unclear, but this is not the end of your journey. It is merely another chapter. The path you walk is still yours to choose. The world may have forgotten you, Ash, but your heart, your courage, and your bond with your Pokémon will never fade. If you seek to undo the damage done to your world, you must fight. You must search for the force that is keeping you from being remembered. Only then can you restore the balance."

Ash clenched his fists, feeling a surge of determination rush through him. "I won't let this happen," he declared, his voice steady and strong. "I won't let the world fall into chaos! I will make all this stop!"

Pikachu was eager, finally a motivation to move. He would make everyone responsible for the pain his friend was experiencing pay.

Arceus's voice softened, as though pleased with Ash's resolve. "I know you will, Ash. But remember, the journey will be difficult. Your friends, your mother, and even the ones who once shared in your triumphs may never recall you. But your bond with them, the bond of your heart, will guide you. Trust in that."

Ash nodded, feeling the weight of Arceus's words settle in his chest. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, and the pain of being forgotten would never fully leave him. But he would fight, not just for his own memories, but for the people who had shaped his life. For Pikachu. For his friends. For everything he had ever known.

"Thank you, Arceus," Ash whispered, feeling the warmth of the connection with the deity before it slowly faded, leaving him standing alone under the fading Kanto sky.

As the presence of Arceus dissipated, Ash turned toward the horizon. The world may have forgotten him, but he would not be silenced. He had a new mission now. He had to uncover the force behind this mystery and restore what had been taken from him. The first stop: back in Paldea

And if he had to battle every step of the way, so be it. He was Ash Ketchum, and he would never give up. Not now, not ever.

Those words… Ash's eyes widened. There was still a bit of hope. Her name was the girl he had come to realize he truly loved. Serena.