When a seemingly random Riolu wakes Clemont up in the middle of the night and led him out into Lumiose City in the pouring rain, the last thing he expected to see was Ash Ketchum and Pikachu sitting in an alleyway, completely soaked and with no memory of how they got there. What happened to them? And why does Clemont's heart skip a beat when Ash smiles at him?
Clemont wasn't sure what woke him up. It was still dark outside save for the numerous streetlamps. No sounds were heard aside from a dull roar of a rainstorm outside. Clemont checked his alarm clock. It was nearly 2:30 AM. The blonde groaned, but he put on his glasses and pulled himself out of bed to check on Bonnie. His big brother instinct seemed to always know if his little sister had a nightmare. He trudged out of his room and down the hall. It has been a little over a month now since he resumed his duties at the Lumiose Gym. A month since his journey through Kalos came to an end. A month since Ash went home. After everything that happened, it was almost boring to be back home. Even with the daily gym challengers requesting a battle either against him or Clembot.
Clemont peeked into Bonnie's room. She was sound asleep with Dedenne sleeping right next to her. Clemont smiled to see that his sister wasn't in any sort of distress, but it still begged the question of what woke him up.
That's when he heard it. A quiet scratching sound. So quiet Clemont was surprised he even heard it. He followed the sound to the front door of the gym. Perplexed Clemont moved to open the door. Surely no one in their right mind would challenge the gym at this ridiculous hour.
The door swished open. At first, Clemont couldn't see anyone except for rain and the streets. but just as he was about to write this off as a prank by some immature delinquent he felt a small pressure on his leg.
"Rooo"
Clemont gazed downward to see a very wet Riolu looking up at him with sad and worried eyes.
"Whoa, what's wrong, little guy? What brings you here?"
Clemont knelt down so that he was at eye level with the Emanation Pokemon and scanned it for any injuries. Once satisfied that the pokemon seemed fine albeit soaking wet he looked around for anyone who could possibly be its trainer. However, it soon became clear that Riolu was alone. Where did it come from? And why was it scratching at his door in the middle of the night? Fair questions, but neither had an answer at present.
"I'm...afraid that I can't have a gym battle with a pokemon." Clemont joked. "And even if I could it's the middle of the night."
The Riolu seemed uninterested in Clemont's attempt to lighten the mood. It began barking and pulling on Clemont's pyjama pants and pointing out into the rain.
"You....want me to follow you?" Clemont guessed, receiving an affirmative nod in response from the Riolu.
Clemont sighed. He really didn't want to go out in the pouring rain at 2:30 in the morning. Yet, the Riolu seemed extremely upset about something. From the way it was staring at him, Clemont had a feeling it wouldn't leave him alone until he investigated.
"Okay...just...just give me a second."
Clemont rushed back into the gym and back to his bedroom. He went into his closet to grab a blue raincoat and an umbrella and put his trainers on. Then picked up one of his pokeballs from his night-stand and called out Helliolisk. The Generator Pokemon let out a huge yawn.
"Sorry to wake you Heliolisk, but something....came up." Clemont apologised, unsure of how else to word this current situation.
"Could I ask you to watch over Bonnie for me in case she wakes up, I won't be gone long."
Heliolisk gave an enthusiastic nod, showing no animosity over his rather rude awakening.
Clemont thanked his pokemon and rushed out of his room. He raced back to the front door where the Riolu was anxiously waiting. It seemed to have the common sense to wait inside.
"Alright Riolu, lead the way."
- - - - -
Riolu led the blond gym leader around another bend. Heavy rain hammered down against his umbrella. Clemont's feet splashed into any and all puddles that were in their path as he tried his best to keep up with the pokemon in front of him.
"Maybe I should get in to shape more." he panted to himself, happy that Bonnie wasn't here right now. He'd never hear the end of it.
After about five more minutes of winding through the complexity that is Lumiose City, -and the poor visibility thanks to the rain didn't help matters- Riolu began to slow down near an alleyway. It let out a bark as if signalling someone. Clemont nearly dropped his umbrella when he saw a very familiar and very wet Pikachu come out of the alleyway. Within two seconds of seeing Clemont, Pikachu bolted over to him and began pulling on his pyjama pants just as Riolu did before.
"Pikapika, Pikapi Pi Pi Pikachu!"
"Whoa, Whoa, Pikachu calm down." soothed Clemont as he knelt down, and put his hand on Pikachu's head who looked close to hyperventilating. "What's wrong?"
"Pikapi, Pikachu!" Pikachu cried pointing at the alleyway and then bolted back into it.
Clemont followed Pikachu down the alleyway wondering what could have caused him such distress.
This time he did drop his umbrella.
Right in front of him, sitting against the alley wall a few feet away was someone Clemont was sure he saw off at the airport a little over a month prior.
"What in the...? Ash?!"
Clemont rushed over and practically fell onto his knees in front of Ash. He didn't care that they were now getting wet. Pikachu was already beside him with great concern etched on his features. Ash didn't show any indication that he heard Clemont. He just sat there cross-legged, staring at the ground. Clemont put his hands on his friend's shoulders.
"Ash, are you okay?!"
Ash's clothes were completely soaked through. He's certainly been out in the rain for some time. Clemont also felt him shiver under his hands, but other than that he didn't move.
"Ash, look at me! Tell me you're okay!" cried Clemont frantically, giving his friend a little shake. His heart began hammering against his chest. What happened to Ash? Why was he just sitting there? Was he hurt? Millions of questions were racing through his head. Any possible answers just made Clemont feel sick.
Finally, Ash slowly looked up and his brown tired eyes stared back at Clemont. He managed a small smile, clearly recognising the friend in front of him. Clemont looked him over. He couldn't find any obvious injuries save for a small cut on his forehead above his left eye. The cut wasn't too deep and has since stopped bleeding. Clemont could already tell that it wouldn't need any stitches and was thankful for it.
"Ash, what happened? Why are you just sitting here in the pouring rain?" he asked worriedly.
Ash shivered. He wrapped his arms around his body as if just now realising he was completely drenched.
"Don't know." came a hoarse whisper.
"Chuuu..." Pikachu whimpered placing his paws on Ash's leg. Ash put his hand on Pikachu's head as if trying to reassure the worried Mouse Pokemon.
Clemont knew exactly what to do next. It wasn't even a question. He took Ash by the arms and pulled him to his feet. Ash stumbled a bit but remained standing. Clemont took off his raincoat and placed it over the raven-haired trainer's soaked and shivering frame. Not that it made much of a difference now. He doubted Ash could get any wetter.
"Come on, let's get you somewhere dry," he said kindly as he placed an arm around Ash and began to lead him out of the alleyway.
Y...you're getting w....wet." Ash noted making Clemont smile. It was just like his friend to worry about someone else's well-being above his own.
"I'll be fine. Worry about yourself for now. Besides I have an umbrella.....somewhere."
With a quick scan of the area, Clemont located the forgotten umbrella. After wrestling with it for a moment he got it open and held it over both his and his friend's heads.
"Here we are. Let's go."
With his arm around Ash, Clemont made his way back to the gym. Pikachu climbed on to the blonde's shoulder. Riolu who had been watching the whole scene followed behind. Clemont didn't object to either.
- - - - -
Heliolisk happily greeted Clemont as he and Ash returned to the warm and dry confines of the Lumiose gym. He took one look at Ash then gave his trainer a bemused look.
"Liisk?"
"Your guess is as good as mine Helliolisk," said Clemont, guessing his pokemon's question. He closed his umbrella and placed it down by the door. Pikachu and Riolu shook the rainwater off of their bodies. Clemont flinches as the water splashed on him.
"Pika..." apologised Pikachu with a contrite look.
"I was already wet anyway," said Clemont with a chuckle, wiping the rainwater off of his glasses. He was definitely gonna need to change his pyjamas. A sneeze beside him made Clemont remember why.
"You okay?" he asked Ash placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Y...yeah, just c...cold," said Ash as he gave Clemont a brave smile.
"We should get you out of those wet clothes," said Clemont as he led Ash down the hallway. "You can borrow some of mine for now. We're about the same size." Clemont turned to Heliolisk. "Could you get me a change of clothes, a towel and the first aid kit please?"
Helliolisk nodded and dashed off towards Clemont's room.
Clemont led Ash to the spare bedroom. It was normally reserved for when his dad, Meyer came to stay for whatever reason. The room was pretty basic with one single bed, a night-stand and a wardrobe. Riolu sat on the bed. He seemed happy to finally be somewhere comfortable. Ever faithful Pikachu refused to leave Ash's side, clutching at his trainer's pants.
Helliolisk returned with the items Clemont asked for. He also had some dry pyjamas for his trainer.
"Hey, thanks Heliolisk," said Clemont, gratefully receiving them. He then gave Ash the dry clothes and a towel.
"Here Ash, we don't want you getting sick again." Especially since Serena isn't here to bail you out this time.
"Thanks, Clemont," said Ash.
They both turned away from each other for privacy's sake and changed out of their wet clothes.
"Pikapi?"
Clemont had just finished changing when he heard Pikachu's concerned tone and turned to Ash. He was already wearing a dry pair of trousers with the towel still over his head. He was staring at his bare arm looking troubled.
"Everything okay?" asked the blonde.
"Y...yeah, I guess I must've knocked my arm into something, that's all. No big deal."
Clemont felt a little unnerved by this. He was sure Ash had no other injuries besides the minor cut on his forehead. Though his first priority was getting out of the rain, so maybe he missed something?
"Let me see."
Clemont gently took Ash's arm and noticed some sort of abrasion. It's no wonder he didn't see it. It's where his shirt sleeve would've covered it up. The abrasion was relatively small and had some bruising. One strange thing about it was that it formed a perfect circle. Not something that can happen easily by accidentally knocking your arm into something.
"Does it hurt?" he asked Ash.
"Not really. I didn't even know it was there til now."
"Pika!" Pikachu cried pointing at Ash's other arm. Clemont switched to said arm before Ash could protest. He found the exact same abrasion, in the exact same place and the exact same shape.
"What in the world..." Clemont in a quiet voice. Ash just stared at his arm looking as disturbed as Clemont felt. He started looking over his friend again and found two more of the same...injuries? on his back. Only slightly bigger which only added to the teen's concern.
"Ash, what the heck have you been doing?!" cried Clemont.
Ash visibly tensed and suddenly seemed very interested in his feet.
"I.....I don't know. I can't remember." he said in a slightly panicked voice.
Clemont frowned, then led him to the bed and sat him down.
"Well, for now, let's get them cleaned up."
Clemont opened the first aid kit and started cleaning Ash's injuries. Ash was surprisingly submissive throughout. Clemont was sure Ash would at least try to insist that he was okay and didn't need to be fussed over, but he stayed quiet. It didn't make Clemont feel any more at ease.
I guess this must've freaked him out a little he thought.
Ash, hissed in pain when Clemont started cleaning the fresher wound on his forehead.
"S...Sorry, I'm trying to be gentle." apologised Clemont.
"It's okay," said Ash.
With the injuries cleaned and the bandages in place. Clemont closed the first aid box. By this point, Riolu and Helliolisk were fast asleep. Pikachu, was still wide awake wanting to make sure his trainer was definitely okay.
"So what's the last thing you remember?" asked Clemont, hoping to shed some light on this mysterious event.
Ash who had just finished pulling a grey hoodie over his head seemed to think for a moment before replying.
"Just....our battle, then saying goodbye and heading to the aeroplane I was supposed to take." Ash placed a hand on his head. "After that....nothing. It's just a huge blank. Like there's a scene missing or something."
Clemont frowned again feeling his body tense up, his concern starting to reach its peak. Clemont sat down on the bed next to Ash.
"Ash...." he started, unsure of how to break this to his friend. "That was over a month ago now."
Ash's eyes widened.
"Are you serious?!" he cried. He stood up and started pacing. He wrapped his arms around himself in a very uncharacteristic manner. "What in the world is going on?!"
Clemont stood up and placed a hand on Ash's shoulder to try and calm him.
"I'm sure we can figure this out," he said more confidently than he felt. "There's got to be a scientific explanation for this."
Ash smiled and nodded.
"Yeah."
Clemont looked at the clock on the night-stand and found that it was now 3:45 AM. Have they really been here for over an hour?! Funny how time flies.
"We should try and get some sleep.," he said.
Ash nodded and sat back on his bed looking ready to crash. Clemont picked up Ash's wet clothes.
"I'll get these dry for you."
"Hey....thanks Clemont. I don't know what we would've done without you." thanked Ash.
"Anytime," said Clemont with a smile. He then left the room to let Ash and Pikachu get the rest they needed, opting not to disturb Helliolisk at this point. After checking on Bonnie again, who was still fast asleep, Clemont put the first aid kit away. He placed Ash's clothes by the radiator to dry. Clemont returned to his room and sat on his bed. After everything that happened, he doubted he would get back to sleep tonight. Why was Ash here when he should be back home in Kanto? Why was he unable to remember anything? Could he be suffering from a concussion? Or is something else was at play here? There was also the strange abrasions on Ash's arms and back to consider also. There was no doubt about it. Something happened to his friend. Something sinister. That made Clemont's stomach turn and his blood boil. His hands curled into fists. His vision blurred at the very thought of someone causing his friend any sort of pain.
- Ash complimenting Clemont on his machines is his way of flirting. Even though it’s already fucking canon because Ash doesn’t do that shift with Sophocles like the way he did with Clemont.
- both Clemont and Ash are naturally touchy people so their usually holding hands or Ash has an arm around the gym leader
- Ash can sing, so he sings to both Bonni and Clemont when they both inevitably get sick during the colder seasons
Clemont clutched onto the sofa. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the TV. His heart pounded against his chest like a sledgehammer. Nausea settled in his stomach and wouldn’t leave. How could this happen right under his nose? He should've stayed longer. Made sure that he got on the plane. Now his best friend was goodness knows where.
The reporter continued her report on the security breach which resulted in a missing passenger: Ash. The day started out perfectly normal. Ash left for home – or so Clemont thought – Yesterday evening. Clemont and his sister returned to Lumiose Gym, had dinner then went to bed. They were having breakfast when Meyer called Clemont telling him he needed to see the news. Clemont didn't usually bother with the news but his dad sounded pretty serious. Clemont switched on the TV. They hardly moved since.
“Clemont, I don’t wanna listen to this anymore.”
Bonnie was sitting next to Clemont with Dedenne on her lap, she wasn’t even looking at the TV. Clemont nodded.
“Yeah, me either.”
It didn't look like they had any more information anyway. The reporter was interviewing the airport manager. He was telling her how they would be beefing up security. Clemont switched off the television. He rested his head in his hands trying to process what took place.
“What are we gonna do?” asked Bonnie.
“I don't know, Bonnie. There’s precious little to go off of."
“But we’ve gotta do something!” Bonnie stood up and faced her brother. “We can’t just let them take Ash away!”
“I know that!" Clemont flinched, he hadn’t meant to snap. He knew his sister was as worried as he was. Of course, she would look to him for comfort or solid answers. Any child would after hearing something like this. Clemont took a deep breath. "I want to help Ash as much as you do, but we need to know where he is first."
Bonnie crossed her arms and started pacing for a moment. She gave her brother a grin.
“Dedenne can help. He can use his electricity to find Pikachu.”
Clemont had to say that was a really good idea.
Why hadn’t I thought of that?
Wherever Pikachu was, Ash wouldn't be far behind. It wasn't a full proof plan, but it wasn't a long shot either and frankly, it was all they had.
“I guess it’s worth a...”
“Excuse me, Sir, Officer Jenny wishes to speak with you.”
Clemont stood up and nodded.
“Right, thanks Clembot.”
Clemont followed his robot companion to the kitchen with Bonnie right on his heels. Officer Jenny was sitting at the table with a cup of tea. Clemont stumbled backwards when a blur of yellow tackled his chest.
“Pi...Pikachu?!”
Pikachu stared up at Clemont with tears streaming down his red cheeks. Clemont sighed.
So much for Bonnie’s idea.
“Pi...pikachu Pika Pi!”
“We found him at the airport.”
Clemont turned to Officer Jenny who was pulling out a notepad and pen.
“As you can see, the poor thing is completely distraught. At the very least, he showed me where you lived.”
Clemont gave the officer a slight bow.
"Good morning, Officer Jenny."
“Good morning. I must say, I’ve never had a robot offer me tea before. That’s definitely one for the memoirs. That’s not what I came to discuss of course. Why don’t you take a seat?” Officer Jenny gestured to the chair opposite her.
Clemont nodded and sat down setting Pikachu down on his lap. The teen shuddered. Pikachu should be on Ash’s lap, not his.
"I understand that you and Ash know each other quite well. I was hoping you might have some sort of clue to his whereabouts."
Clemont’s fists clenched
"I'm afraid I don't know any more than you do. We only found out that Ash was missing this morning.”
"Do you if anyone has a grudge against Ash for anything at all that could provoke them to do this?"
“None that I know of. Ash isn’t the type of person to deliberately get under anyone’s skin.”
Officer Jenny nodded and took out what seemed to be a photo taken from a CCTV camera. Presumably one from the airport.
“Could I ask you to take a look at this?”
Clemont nodded and took the photo from Officer Jenny’s hand. There was a fuzzy image of three men who had cornered Ash against the wall. There was a Xatu and a Hypno standing next to them.
“Do you recognise anyone? Think hard now.”
Clemont shook his head.
“No, I have no idea who they are.”
“You’re sure?”
Clemont nodded.
“I’m sorry.”
"No, no, it's fine. I knew it was a long shot," said Officer Jenny as she put the photo away.
Clemont’s blood boiled.
“How did this even happen? Why didn’t the airport security do anything?!”
“Apparently, they were very quick. By the time security got to the scene, they were gone. All they could find was Ash’s Pikachu, passed out.”
“Chuuu...”
Clemont patted Pikachu on the head.
“Is it okay if Pikachu stays here? I don’t know how he would react if a stranger took him in.”
“I see no issue with that. He was already checked over by Nurse Joy and there were no serious injuries he just needs to take it easy for a day or two.”
Officer Jenny gave Clemont her card.
“Call me if you learn anything, no matter how small.”
“I will, thank you.”
Officer Jenny nodded and went on her way. As she left Meyer came in. He saluted as Officer Jenny walked by then turned to Clemont.
“How are you holding up son?”
Clemont shrugged.
“As well as can be expected.”
Meyer sighed then placed his hands on Clemont’s shoulders.
“Clemont, I promise that I won’t rest until Ash is safely back with us.”
Clemont sighed and nodded.
"Thanks, dad."
The rest of the day was a blur. Meyer got on the phone to inform Ash’s mum of the unfortunate incident. Clemont retreated to his room not wanting to see the reaction. Yet, not even his bedroom door blocked the sound of uncontrollable sobs. Afterwards, They searched the city, but there was no sign of the raven-haired trainer. They stayed out all day. The only reason they stopped for the night was so Bonnie could sleep.
"I'm not tired dad we've got to find Ash!" moaned Bonnie.
Pikachu shook his clenched paw at Meyer.
“Pika, Pika!”
Clemont let out a sigh.
Trust me, Bonnie I don’t want to stop either.
Meyer placed a gentle hand on Bonnie’s shoulder.
“It’s getting dark Bonnie. I promise we'll continue our search first thing in the morning. Come on now. I don't want you alone at the gym tonight. Come stay with me.”
So they all went through his repair shop and into the living room. Meyer made them all sandwiches for dinner, but they were hardly touched. Pikachu refused to eat at all despite Meyer’s coaxing.
"Come on Bonnie, you should try and get some sleep," he said as he led a moping Bonnie upstairs. I'll even read you a bedtime story if you want. How about Beauty and the Beast? You've always loved that one."
Bonnie only nodded.
Clemont smiled at his father’s help at keeping Bonnie distracted. Now if only distracting himself was that easy.
Does Serena know about this? Should I try to contact her somehow? If only she had a cell phone.
Clemont’s vision blurred. He clenched his fists and squeezed his eyes shut. How could he let this happen? Ash was his best friend. He should’ve made sure he was safely on the plane before leaving. Then this entire debacle could’ve been prevented.
“It’s not you’re fault you know.”
Clemont jolted and turned and opened his eyes. Meyer was leaning against the sofa with his arms crossed and a serious look on his face.
“But….if I stayed with Ash then….”
"They might've taken you and Bonnie too." Meyer finished for him. "I understand how you feel Clemont, but this isn't the time to beat yourself up. like I said, I won't rest until we bring Ash home," Meyer then smirked. "and I'm sure he's not gonna want to hear that you were wallowing in self-pity."
Clemont smiled slightly and wiped the tears away then nodded.
“No, you're right. Don't give up till it's over. That's what Ash always said. We will find him. No matter how long it takes!"
“That’s my boy!” said Meyer as he walked towards Clemont and patted him on the back. “You’ll need a good night’s sleep for that, so why don’t go catch some Zs.”
Clemont nodded and headed upstairs.
“Night dad.”
"Night son," said Meyer.
After a long shower, Clemont got into his pyjamas, brushed his teeth and climbed into bed. Sleeping wasn't going to be easy tonight. Wherever Ash was, sleep probably wasn’t at the forefront of his mind either. What started out as a normal day has turned into a nightmare. Too bad that this nightmare was very real. The worst part was Clemont had no idea how long this It would last, or even if it will end at all.
T.B.C
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/?
Fandom: Pocket Monsters | Pokemon (Anime)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Relationships: Citron | Clemont/Satoshi | Ash Ketchum
Characters: Satoshi | Ash Ketchum, Citron | Clemont, Eureka | Bonnie, Limone | Meyer, Satoshi's Pikachu | Ash Ketchum's Pikachu
Additional Tags: diodeshipping, AU, Rewrite, Fluff and Angst, No Smut, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, this gets dark, Really dark, LGBTQ Themes, Slow Burn, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Maybe - Freeform
Series: Part 1 of Circumstances
Summary:
When Ash showed up in Lumiose City after being missing for several months Clemont was overjoyed. However things would not be the same. Clemont was detirmined to help Ash in anyway he can, but why were these strange feelings getting in the way? (Rewrite of Circumstances)
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 2/?
Fandom: Pocket Monsters | Pokemon (Anime)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Citron | Clemont/Satoshi | Ash Ketchum
Characters: Satoshi | Ash Ketchum, Citron | Clemont, Eureka | Bonnie
Additional Tags: Male Friendship, LGBTQ Themes, this is by far the weirdest idea i've ever had, I'm Serious, but it's also gosh darn adorable, expect fluff, lots of fluff, ash is so precious in this fic, so pure, so innocent, protective clemont, he'll protect ash with his life, AU, Sun and Moon Anime never happened, not even XYZ happened, at least not yet, diodeshipping, No Smut
Series: Part 1 of Alive
Summary:
Clemont thought that getting the chance to be an intern at a new facility would be a valuable learning experience. Little did he know this facility held a huge secret which could change the world as they knew it! However, Clemont committed himself to protect and nurture this secret. Thus a most unusual friendship is born. (Mild Diodeshipping)
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 8/?
Fandom: Pocket Monsters | Pokemon (Anime), Pocket Monsters: X & Y | Pokemon X & Y Versions
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Citron | Clemont/Satoshi | Ash Ketchum
Characters: Satoshi | Ash Ketchum, Citron | Clemont, Satoshi's Pikachu | Ash Ketchum's Pikachu, Eureka | Bonnie, Riolu (Pokemon)
Additional Tags: AU, Sun and Moon Anime never happened, I havent fully planned this story out, Daft I know, expect fluff, lots of fluff, And angst, Fluff and Angst, No Smut, maybe some cuddles, but that's it, ash needs help, help him clemont, Romance, diodeshipping, LGBTQ Themes, Kidnapping, Nightmares
Summary:
When a seemingly random Riolu wakes Clemont up in the middle of the night and led him out into Lumiose City in the pouring rain, the last thing he expected to see was Ash Ketchum and Pikachu sitting in an alleyway, completely soaked and with no memory of how they got there. What happened to them? Why do they have a hole in their memories? And why does Clemont's heart skip a beat when Ash smiles at him?
