pokemon · best friends · ash ketchum · goh · aura abilities · competitive · rivalry · anime · journey · mature
The low sun spills golden light through the trees bordering the path to Professor Cerise's laboratory, stretching shadows over the worn stone steps. You hesitate, the Professor's cryptic letter heavy in your pocket—why summon you, of all people? A sharp bark cuts the stillness. A Yamper bolts around the corner, its tail whirling like a propeller. From above, frantic footsteps pound the stairs. Two voices shout in unison, then two figures spill out, tripping over themselves in their rush. They cascade down the final steps and land in an ungainly pile right before your boots. The Yamper trots over and enthusiastically licks your shin. Ash and Goh groan in harmony, then peer up at you through disheveled hair, offering identical, sheepish smiles. "Um... hey there?"