When a life fades away

The story will be here: https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-man-who-faded_31551640108373105

The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of wildflowers and sea salt. A young man, full of bruises, his clothes dirty and thorn by what looked like claws were bloodstained. Ash Ketchum stood at the edge of a rocky cliff, staring out at the endless expanse of shimmering water. He had no idea how he got there. One moment, he'd been in the Distortion World, battling to save his universe from collapsing; the next, he was waking up in an unfamiliar forest.

Pikachu perched on his shoulder, sniffing the air warily. "Pika…?"

"I don't know, buddy," Ash murmured, his voice low. "But we're not in Hisui anymore. This place… it feels so different."

Behind him, Growlithe padded up, its fiery mane flickering gently. Braviary soared above, circling to ensure the area was safe, while Lucario and Greninja stood nearby, silently on guard. They, too, were on edge.

It had been hours since Ash had awakened in this strange land. The towering, crystalline trees in the distance shimmered like gemstones, and the Pokémon he'd seen were ones he didn't recognize—some looked friendly, others terrifying.

"Paldea," Ash muttered to himself, the word coming from a road sign he had passed earlier.

He would have checked the Rotom Phone if it wasn't broken, the Rotom being freed somewhere. Ash sighed: "Seems like there are limits to your devices' toughness, Clemont…"

But something else felt off. The region was unfamiliar, yes, but it was more than that. It was a gnawing feeling in his gut, an emptiness he couldn't quite explain.

He clenched his fists. "We need to figure out what's going on. Let's head into the city and see if we can get some answers."

"Pikaaa…" agreed an even more worried Pikachu.

….

As Ash and his team made their way toward the town, the path took them through grassy fields teeming with Pokémon he'd never seen before.

A small, green cat-like Pokémon with large eyes darted through the tall grass, playfully chasing a Lechonk that snorted in surprise. Overhead, a Pokémon resembling a parrot with vibrant, rainbow-colored feathers squawked as it flew by.

"Wow… These Pokémon are incredible," Ash muttered, his excitement momentarily distracting him from the uncertainty of his situation.

They reached the outskirts of the town just as the sun began to dip below the horizon. The streets bustled with people and Pokémon, the air filled with chatter and the occasional cry of a Pokémon.

Ash approached a stall where a vendor was selling various berries. "Excuse me," he began, "can you tell me where I am?"

The vendor, a cheerful older woman with a wide-brimmed hat, looked at him curiously. "You're in Los Platos, young man. This is part of the Paldea region. What happened to you?" said the girl, noticing the outfit of the boy.

"Paldea?" Ash repeated, the name unfamiliar. "Ah, yes! We had a bad morning!" laughed nervously Ash, scratching the back of his head, "I lost my documents and my pocket".

The young lady was surprised to hear that.

Ash's stomach rumbled loudly, interrupting his thoughts as he stood before the berry stall. Pikachu glanced up at him, and Ash chuckled nervously.

"You two must be starving," the vendor said warmly, her voice filled with concern. She leaned over the counter, looking him over with a critical yet motherly gaze. "And you've clearly been through something, haven't you?"

Ash nodded slowly, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. We got a little… lost, and I'm not exactly sure how we ended up here."

The vendor placed a basket of berries on the counter and gestured for him to take one. "Well, whatever happened, you look like you've had a rough time. But if you don't have your documents or even a place to stay, you're in trouble."

Ash hesitated, feeling awkward about accepting charity, but Pikachu's pleading eyes convinced him. He grabbed a berry and took a bite. "Thank you so much!" he said between bites. Pikachu happily joined him, nibbling on another berry.

The woman laughed. "You're welcome, dear. My name's Rosa, by the way. Why don't you come to my house? You can rest, clean up, and we'll figure out a plan from there."

Ash's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Really? That would be amazing! Thank you so much, Rosa!"

Rosa's home was a cozy, modest house just a short walk from the town square. Inside, the scent of freshly baked bread filled the air, and a fireplace crackled in the corner. Ash couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and safety.

"You can leave your Pokémon out if you'd like," Rosa offered. "There's plenty of space in the garden for them to relax."

"Thanks!" Ash said, releasing his team. Hisuian Growlithe stretched out in the sunlight, Hisuian Braviary perched on a sturdy tree branch, Greninja sat meditating near a small pond, and Lucario stood watchfully by the door. Rosa was surprised to see such rare and healthy Pokémon. She thought of Ash as an inexperienced novice, yet here he was with some incredible Pokémon.

As Rosa prepared a hearty meal, she asked Ash more about his situation. He explained his "bad morning" story, cleverly avoiding details about the Distortion World and Giratina. He had to trust her. He spoke to Pikachu beforehand and they both agreed to disclose their adventure without telling too much. Ash again was thankful to have Pikachu in his life. He was the best thing ever happened to him.

"Well, it's clear you're a good trainer," Rosa said, setting a plate of food in front of him. "But you can't wander Paldea without proper identification or money. Don't worry—I have some friends in town who can help with that."

Ash nodded, a lump of gratitude in his throat. "You're really kind, Rosa. I don't know how to thank you."

Rosa waved him off. "Just eat up and get your strength back. That's thanks enough for me."

….

The next day, Rosa took Ash to meet her friend Mateo, a local tailor who specialized in clothing for trainers. Mateo greeted them with a friendly smile as Rosa explained Ash's predicament.

"Well, young man, if you're going to start fresh in Paldea, you need the right look," Mateo said, sizing Ash up.

Ash fidgeted nervously. "I don't really need anything fancy. My hat, gloves, and shoes are still fine."

He didn't want to get separated from the only pieces of clothing he had back in his old life. Also, the ribbon Serena gave him was now tied to one glove so that was a plus for keeping them.

Mateo chuckled. "Don't worry. We'll keep your style intact. Just something practical and fitting for this region."

After some time and a lot of fussing over measurements, Mateo presented Ash with a new outfit: a light blue jacket with orange accents, a white shirt underneath, and long navy trousers. The design was simple yet stylish, perfect for a trainer.

Ash put it on, keeping his signature gloves, hat, and shoes. He turned to Rosa and Mateo, a big grin on his face. "What do you think?"

"You look great!" Rosa said. "It suits you perfectly."

Ash smiled: they looked like the clothes he wore before disappearing that fateful night. Pikachu knowingly smiled.

Mateo nodded. "Now you look like someone ready to take on Paldea's challenges."

….

With his new look, Rosa introduced Ash to another friend, a local official named Senora Clara, who worked at Los Platos' trainer registry. After hearing his story (and a slightly embellished explanation of how he lost his documents), Clara agreed to issue him new identification.

"Just give me a name, and a city" she said, typing into her computer.

"Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town, Kanto" he replied confidently.

Clara handed him a trainer card and a modest amount of starting funds. "There you go. You're officially registered in Paldea now. Welcome!"

Ash stared at the card, a mixture of relief and determination in his eyes. "Thank you so much!"

Rosa placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's a fresh start, Ash. Make the most of it."

Ash nodded, his resolve strengthening. "I will. And I'll figure out how I got here—and why."

Finally, with those few money, Ash repaired his Rotom phone. Absurdly enough, all his contacts had vanished as well as his ID and all other stuff recorded in it. The boy dismissed it, but Pikachu was worried.

In any case, the boy proceeded with logging in with his new account. Rosa hosted the boy one more night and the two young adults spent the evening telling each other stories of their adventures. Ash shared his World Coronation Series goal and Rosa her quest to become a famous Pokèmon breeder, something which made Ash remember his old friend Brock.

…

The soft glow of the late afternoon sun bathed Los Platos in golden light as Ash adjusted his backpack. Pikachu was perched on his shoulder, as always, while Hisuian Growlithe wagged its tail excitedly at his feet. The day had come for him to continue his journey into the Paldea region, but leaving Rosa behind tugged at his heart.

Rosa stood by the doorway of her small home, arms crossed but with a bittersweet smile on her face. The two had spent a few days together since Ash had arrived in Los Platos, and in that time, they'd become fast friends. It wasn't easy to say goodbye.

"So, you're really leaving, huh?" Rosa asked, her voice light but tinged with sadness.

Ash nodded, smiling but feeling the weight of the moment. "Yeah. Thanks to you, I've got my trainer card, some new clothes, and a fresh start. I couldn't have done it without you."

Rosa laughed, her cheeks faintly pink. "Don't go giving me all the credit, Mr. Pokémon Master-in-the-making. You're the one who got yourself this far. I just helped with the details."

Ash scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. "Still, I owe you. You didn't have to help some random guy who just showed up in town."

Rosa stepped closer, her expression softening. "You weren't some random guy. You were someone who needed help—and who clearly cares deeply about his Pokémon. That's all I needed to know."

For a moment, the two stood in silence, the distant sound of Pidgey chirping filling the air. Pikachu hopped down from Ash's shoulder and padded over to Rosa, giving her an affectionate "Pika-pika!"

Rosa knelt to pat Pikachu on the head, her smile widening. "I'm gonna miss you too, little guy." She stood up and looked Ash in the eye. "You know, you're different, Ash. There's something about you. Like… you're carrying something big, something important."

Ash's smile faltered for a second, and he glanced down at the ground. "Yeah, something like that," he admitted, his voice quieter.

Rosa tilted her head, studying him. "You don't have to tell me, but… just know that whatever it is, you're strong enough to handle it. I can see it in you."

Ash looked up, his grin returning. "Thanks, Rosa. That means a lot."

She gave him a playful punch on the arm. "Don't go getting all sappy on me now. You've got a journey to get to! And I expect you to make waves here in Paldea. Who knows, maybe I'll see you in a battle someday."

Ash laughed. "You'd better be ready if that happens. Pikachu and I don't hold back!"

"Pika-chu!" Pikachu chimed in, sparks flying from his cheeks.

Rosa stepped back as Ash turned to leave, the path ahead stretching into the horizon. "Hey, Ash!" she called after him.

He stopped and turned, tilting his hat with a grin. "Yeah?"

"You'd better remember me when you're famous," she teased, her voice a mix of humor and genuine warmth.

Ash gave her a thumbs-up. "How could I forget? See you around, Rosa."

And with that, he walked away, his Pokémon by his side and the open world of Paldea waiting for him. Rosa watched him until he disappeared from view, her hands on her hips and a small smile lingering on her lips.

"Good luck out there, Ash," she murmured.

….

The streets of Mesagoza were alive with the buzz of activity as Ash stepped through the city gates. It was a far cry from the peaceful quiet of Los Platos. Students clad in uniforms of Naranja and Uva Academies filled the wide cobblestone streets, their voices mingling with the sounds of Pokémon cries and street vendors selling snacks. The massive academy tower loomed high above the city, its presence both impressive and slightly intimidating.

"Wow…" Ash murmured, taking in the vibrant atmosphere. Pikachu perked up on his shoulder, letting out an excited "Pika!"

Hisuian Growlithe trotted by his side, his tail wagging as he sniffed the air. Ash adjusted his hat and gave a determined nod. "Alright, buddy. Let's see what this place has to offer."

As they strolled through the city, a shout caught Ash's attention.

"Hey, you there!"

Ash turned just in time to see a girl jogging toward him. She had olive skin, a bright smile, and her teal-and-black hair was tied into a messy ponytail. She wore the Uva Academy uniform but carried herself with an air of confidence.

"Hi! I don't think I've seen you around before," the girl said, stopping in front of him. She put her hands on her hips, sizing him up with curious eyes. "You a new trainer? Or just visiting?"

Ash grinned, his natural energy shining through. "I guess you could say I'm a little of both. I'm Ash, and this is Pikachu."

"Pika-pika!" Pikachu greeted her, giving a friendly wave with his tiny paw.

The girl's eyes lit up. "Whoa, a Pikachu! That's awesome! Oh, where are my manners? I'm Nemona! I'm the top Champion-rank trainer from Uva Academy. It's so cool to meet someone new!"

Ash blinked, intrigued by her enthusiasm. "Champion-rank? That sounds impressive."

Nemona puffed her chest out proudly. "It is! But hey, enough about me. You seem like you know your way around battles. How about we have one right now?"

Ash chuckled. "I'm always up for a battle!" Pikachu was excited.

…

he sun hung high over Mesagoza, casting a golden glow on the battle court just outside the Pokémon Center. A small crowd had gathered, drawn by the energy of an impromptu battle between two trainers. Nemona stood at one end of the field, her bright grin radiating excitement, while Ash stood at the other, adjusting his cap with determination.

"This is going to be awesome!" Nemona called out, holding a Poké Ball in her hand. "I'll show you what a Champion-rank trainer can do! Skeledirge, let's go!"

She tossed the ball into the air, and with a flash of light, her Skeledirge materialized on the field. The Fire/Ghost Pokémon roared, its fiery crest blazing as it stomped the ground, ready for battle.

Ash's grin widened. "Alright, Pikachu, you're up!"

"Pika-chu!" Pikachu leaped from Ash's shoulder, landing gracefully on the battlefield. Sparks of electricity danced around his cheeks as he faced Skeledirge, his eyes locked with determination.

The crowd murmured in excitement, some speculating on how Pikachu could handle such a powerful opponent.

Nemona pointed dramatically. "Skeledirge, let's heat things up! Start with Torch Song!"

Skeledirge opened its massive jaws, and a haunting melody echoed through the air as flames gathered into a blazing ball of fire. The attack shot forward like a comet, heading straight for Pikachu.

"Dodge it, Pikachu!" Ash called out.

With incredible speed, Pikachu leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the fiery attack as it scorched the battlefield.

"Now, Quick Attack!"

Pikachu became a blur of light as he dashed forward, zigzagging toward Skeledirge. Nemona smirked: "It won't hurt my ghost Pokémon Use Will-O-Wisp!"

Blue flames materialized around Skeledirge before shooting toward Pikachu.

Ash's eyes narrowed: "I wasn't going for the hit! Pikachu, now Thunderbolt!"

"Pika-pika-CHUUU!" Pikachu unleashed a powerful bolt of electricity, the golden energy surging forward and colliding with the spectral flames and overpowering them. Skeledirge was hit by a point-blank critical hit. The resulting explosion scattered sparks and embers across the battlefield, forcing both Pokémon to brace themselves.

Nemona's grin grew wider. "You're better than I thought, but we're not done yet! Skeledirge, use Shadow Ball!"

Skeledirge summoned a pulsating orb of dark energy between its jaws and fired it at Pikachu.

Ash reacted quickly. "Jump and use Iron Tail!"

Pikachu leaped into the air, his tail glowing metallic silver. With a powerful spin, he slammed the Shadow Ball back toward Skeledirge. The attack struck its mark, sending the Fire/Ghost Pokémon skidding back.

Nemona's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You're amazing, Ash! But we're just getting started. Skeledirge, it's time! Torch Song, full power!"

Skeledirge unleashed another haunting melody, this time channeling even more firepower into its blazing attack. The massive fireball shot forward, crackling with intensity.

Ash clenched his fist. "We're not backing down! Pikachu, use Electroweb!"

Pikachu summoned a glowing net of electricity at the tip of his tail and hurled it forward. The two attacks collided mid-air in a dazzling explosion of fire and lightning, forcing both trainers to shield their eyes.

When the smoke cleared, Skeledirge stood tall, though it was visibly tired. Pikachu panted, sparks flickering weakly from his cheeks.

Nemona pumped her fist. "You've got guts, Ash, but this is it! Skeledirge, Tera Blast!"

Skeledirge's body shimmered as it began to terastallize, a crystalline Fire Tera Crown forming above its head. Its body glowed with fiery energy as it charged up its ultimate attack.

Ash was surprised by the phenomenon as Skeledirge was engulfed in crystals and emerged with a funny lamp over its head.

Ash's eyes lit up with determination. "Pikachu, we've got to give it everything we've got! Use Thunderbolt, maximum power!"

Pikachu planted his feet firmly on the ground, his entire body surrounded by golden electricity. "PIIIIIKA-CHUUUUU!"

Skeledirge unleashed its Tera Blast, a concentrated beam of fire energy, just as Pikachu's Thunderbolt roared forward. The two attacks met in a cataclysmic clash of power, the battlefield illuminated by their intensity.

Ash called out, his voice filled with encouragement. "Pikachu, don't give up! Push through!"

With a final surge of effort, Pikachu's Thunderbolt broke through the Tera Blast, striking Skeledirge directly. The Fire-type let out a pained roar before collapsing to the ground, fainted.

Nemona stared in awe as the dust settled. "No way… Skeledirge is down?"

Pikachu stood victorious, though clearly exhausted. "Pika… pika…"

The crowd erupted into cheers, and Nemona couldn't help but laugh. "You're incredible, Ash! I haven't had a battle that exciting in ages!"

Ash grinned, walking over to Pikachu and scooping him up. "You did great, buddy. I'm so proud of you."

Nemona returned Skeledirge to its Poké Ball and approached Ash with an outstretched hand. "You've got some serious skills. I'd love to battle you again sometime."

Ash shook her hand, his grin never fading. "You're on I'd like to know that move you pulled out at last. But first, I've got some things to take care of."

As Nemona waved him off, Ash headed toward the Pokémon Center, ready to make the call that would change everything—or so he thought.

…

Inside the Pokémon Center, Ash approached the video-phone booth. He entered Professor Oak's number, his heart pounding slightly. After everything that had happened, he was eager to see a familiar face.

The screen flickered to life, and soon enough, Professor Oak's familiar visage appeared. He looked as lively as ever, his lab coat neatly pressed, and his office bustling with activity behind him.

"Hello, young man. How can I help you today?" Oak greeted politely.

Ash's grin faltered. "Professor… it's me. Ash!"

Oak tilted his head, studying Ash closely. "I'm sorry, but do we know each other? I don't recall meeting you before."

The words hit Ash like a brick wall. His heart sank, and Pikachu let out a confused "Pika?"

"P-Professor, it's me!" Ash stammered. "From Pallet Town! I've been your assistant! I've traveled with Pikachu! You sent me on my first journey!"

Oak frowned, his expression now one of polite concern. "I'm sorry, but I truly don't recall anyone by that name. Pallet Town does have some promising trainers, but I'm afraid you're mistaken."

Ash clenched his fists, the reality sinking in. "You really… don't remember me?"

"I wish I could help," Oak said kindly, though his tone carried a note of finality. "If there's anything else I can assist you with, please let me know."

Ash shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "No, that's all…"

As the call ended, Ash leaned against the booth, his head hanging low. Pikachu climbed down from his shoulder and nuzzled him, trying to comfort him.

"Pikachu… how is this even possible?" Ash murmured, his voice trembling.

Hisuian Growlithe barked softly, sitting at his feet, his golden eyes filled with concern. Greninja and Lucario emerged from their balls, concern written all over their faces.

…

The wind whispered through the rolling hills of the Paldea region, carrying with it the fresh scent of adventure. Ash Ketchum stood at the edge of a high cliff overlooking the sprawling city of Mesagoza. Pikachu perched on his shoulder, its ears twitching, sensing its partner's unspoken thoughts. The sun was setting, painting the sky in streaks of orange and violet, yet for the first time in his life, Ash felt like a stranger in the world he had once called home.

Ash tightened his fists. He didn't know how or why this had happened, but the memories of Hisui, of the sacrifices he'd made to stop Giratina's chaos, burned brightly in his mind. That battle, the ultimate test of his bond with Pikachu, had left him and his team battered and broken but victorious. Giratina had been sealed, and the balance of the world had been restored—at a cost.

His cost.

Now, standing alone with his Pokémon, Ash's heart ached. He had to push through. H'd start his life there before going back home to the only woman who could help him... his mother.

But elsewhere, in the shadows of a hidden lair, another force stirred.

A man stood before a massive screen, his sharp gaze fixed on a swirling portal projected before him. A flickering image of Hoopa appeared, its mischievous smile hiding the true power it held.

"This time, there will be no interference," he said coldly, his voice cutting through the air. "With Hoopa under my control, the legendaries will bow before me. And when Arceus itself is forced to act…" He smirked, his expression dark. "The world will kneel at my feet."

The portal on the screen crackled with energy, hinting at the chaos to come.