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Gaurdian Solaris (Advanceshipping)

Pors

Active Member
This is definelty an interesting story you got going here. You describe your characters well and your OC has a good personality, which I don't see all that often.

However, just as an suggestion, I suggest you do something about the very first line in the story:

"The brunette travelled down the path, she had appeared that she was in her mid-teens she was a lot taller than she was 3 years before but not unusual for her age her hair had been allowed to grow longer but the top was held by a green bandana that bore a resemblance to the one that she had had the last time that she travelled down the path that was illuminated by the sun, she had a green sleeveless jacket (It’s her emerald costume okay; I hate describing clothes)."

That's 80 words in a single line ;). I don't know how other people feel but when I personally began reading your fic and read this line I was discouraged.

Keep it up, you got me wanting more :)
 

Xaotl

Dragon Lord
Guardian Solaris

Ages:

Ash-17

Max- 13

May- 15

Brock- 22

Dawn- 13

Serena – 10

Paul- 17

This chapter is, well the title says it all. I put it up quiet quickly, for reasons explained at the bottom of the ‘F.Y.I.’

Review Replies:

Well, I've done a patch up job of that chap, but I'm planning of doing a rewrite that is more... better

----

Chapter 17- Storm Clouds are Brewing

Ash stood in the large battlefield. On one side rose the grand metal arch, rising to dominate the skyline from where he was standing. On the other side, the flame of the Pokémon league, said to come from the legendary bird Moltres, burned at its usual pace. All around the cheers of the crowd was heard, roaring loudly.

Ash stood patiently, as his Pikachu returned from the field defeating his opponents Magmortar, using its speed and agility to overcome the Pokémon of the arrogant trainer.

Pikachu jumped up onto its perch on Ash’s shoulder as the trainer rubbed the Pokémon under its shin, to congratulate it for a job well done. The trainer sensed that Pikachu still didn’t seem to be pleased by the pleasantry.

“You’ll get your ketchup when we finish the battle alright” Ash said calmly, pleasing his Pokémon, who had a happy expression upon its face even though it had just faced off in a battle against a stage 2 Pokémon.

Ash then took his glaze over towards his opponent, who had just returned his fire type Pokémon back into its ball.

“Pathetic, why did I even choose you” The purple haired boy muttered to his Pokéball, that contained the Magmortar. He smirked, a fake look of superiority upon his face. The situation at hand was even direr for Paul; he was at his final Pokémon after Ash had devastated each and every part of his team, without even having one of his Pokémon faint.

“I, can NOT, fail the Darkness” Paul said trying to convince himself that there was still hope of winning, it was the only hope that he had.

He released his Torterra onto the field, as the turtle like creature gave a menacing yet determined glare towards Ash and his Pikachu, at the other side of the field.

Ash thought upon what his last choice should be, and while still undecided took out a blackened Pokéball. Immediately he decided against the action, and thought about using another one of his Pokémon, although Pikachu disagreed.

“Pika, pi” it stated, prompting Ash to send out his powerful dragon that could wipe the floor with the grass type, although its trained had his doubts.

----

“Do you know who he is?” May asked, to the rest of the group who was in the stadium, watching Ash in the finals of the championships.

“No, not a clue” Serena said, although the young girl, like May wondered why he was battling so harshly against his opponent. Serena always knew that although in his former state Ash could easily obliterate his opponents’ team with one Pokémon, he chose not to. Even though she didn’t know why.

“I know him” Dawn said.

“Yeah, me too” Brock added.

“Well, who is he?” Max questioned not liking the fact that he was still in the dark.

“His name is Paul, we met him while we were travelling in Sinnoh with Ash.” Dawn stated, recalling all of the groups encounters with the purple haired trainer, “Ash, tried to be friendly with him. But in the end Ash couldn’t stand the way that Paul treated his Pokémon, and beat him in the Sinnoh league, and that’s the last that I heard about him” she said.

“Ash, never said anything about him” Serena said in a slightly questioning tone.

“Yeah, but Paul is the kind of guy who, well, would beat his Pokémon” Brock added in, to Dawns words.

“So that makes a bit more sense” Serena said.

“What makes sense!” Max said irritated as to how he was still being kept in the dark. Serena gave him a cold glare, which shut him up.

“If you would have been patient, I would have said” Serena said, putting the boy from Petalburg in his place, “If there is one thing that Ash doesn’t like its people who hurt Pokémon and other things like that. Like in the Grand Festival Ash said how your friend” Serena gave a glance to May, “Tried to buy Pikachu, off of Ash” she said.

“Who?” Dawn asked curiously.

“Mays lover boy, that Drew guy” Serena said, leaving May with a slightly disturbed image of Drew proposing to her like the night before, stuck in her mind.

Max s******ed, at seeing his sister embarrassed, and Serena let it pass for once.

“I don’t like HIM!” May shouted to her brother, who slowed down the pace of his laughter, Better” she said as the two of them calmed down.

The peace was short lived as Max burst out into another fit of laughter, forcing his sister to get out a hammer to silence him, but was stopped by Serena who took the hammer out of Mays hand while Max was laughing too much to notice. The whiter haired girl took Mays place and silenced Max’s laughter which caused the whole stadium to look at the group. When Max got through the pain of the hammer he looked up to see the whole group holding in there laughter.

Max got irritated, but his irritation was short lived as a Pokémon was released onto the field by Paul.

----

“Pikachu, are you sure that we should do this.” Ash said to his Pokémon still unsure of unleashing the black dragon.

“Pika” the yellow Pokémon nodded, still remembering the stories that it had heard from Chimchar. The way that Chimchar replied to the kindness that Ash had given when they had first met, was enough to let Pikachu make this decision.

“Are you going to talk to your Pokémon all day or are you going to battle” Paul said showing his false sense of confidence.

Ash released his Pokémon, although his conscious disagreed. A Large Pitch black dragon, with patches that were a deep red, which resembled blood, came out and pounded its fist into the ground causing the stadium to shake lightly. The beast roared a terrifying roar, which struck through his opponent and his Pokémon, like a knife through butter.

A’Drith once again pounded the ground with his powerful limbs, as his tail swung, accompanied by another great roar from the beast. The metal arch suspended on one side over the enormous battle field, shook slightly as its foundations did, but to no harm, of anyone.

The black dragon calmed down and stared towards its opponent, and its trainer, with its deep crimson eyes. No Pupil, or Iris, or a speck of white could be seen. Just the deep and endless red of the black dragons’ eyes.

Even with the scare tactics of A’Drith, Paul tried to seem confident in the face of his obvious defeat. Defeat wasn’t an option for Paul, because the consequences were too dire. Yet he held his head up high, sending his Pokémon like a lamb to the slaughter.

“We have to win, for the darkness” Paul muttered to himself as the match began, reminding himself of his commitment, and his orders.

“Without orders or direction, A’Drith swiped his large claw in a slash. The claw dug through the ground, before hitting Torterra in the underbelly. The grass type was swiped up and thrown like a tennis ball into the air, rolling as it made contact with the ground again.

“Sorry, I’m so sorry” Ash said, as Torterra tried to get back on its feet, “I hope that he makes this quick” Ash said, only loud enough for Pikachu to hear. “I hope that you’re happy”.

“Torterra, use your Solar beam” Paul ordered, pulling out one of the grass types more powerful attacks. The grass type then began to absorb sunlight, but suddenly was slowed down as his opponent, made his height felt. As the dragon loomed over covering Pauls Pokémon in his shadow.

Torterra was now cut off from his sunlight, but still able to absorb sunlight. Although it was cut off from the sunlight, Torterra continued to absorb i6t as hard as it could, mainly to protect itself from the looming Dragon, who was playing with the Sinnoh native Pokémon.

“Pikachu, what have you made me do?” Ash said regretting how he had unleashed his powerhouse, who it seemed was playing games with its opponent, and so was Pikachu.

“Pika, Pi!” Pikachu called out through the field to his fellow Pokémon, asking it to stop what it was doing.

A’Drith listened to the plea of Pikachu, as Torterra was preparing to fire his own attack.

“NOW” Paul said, prompting his Pokémon while his opponent was momentarily distracted. In return the grass type fired its Solarbeam, yet its opponent was prepared as he fired a Hyper beam in return.

The two beams collided in close proximity, although they were nowhere near close in terms of power, as the Hyper beam quickly overwhelmed its opponents beam, sending Torterra out for the count.

A’Drith smirked with its sharp white teeth, which resembled daggers, seeing its victory. The black Dragon’s celebration was short lived, as it was sent into its Pokéball, by its regretful trainer, who would not bear to see any form of salt added to Torterras wounds.

“Happy?” Ash asked, Pikachu who was also regretting how he had not headed the amount of power that A’Drith had.

“Pi” the electric rodent said, letting its ears droop down. Ash had said before about how A’Drith had changed after evolution, although Pikachu had hoped that this would be a momentary slump. Pikachu was wrong, to the pain of Torterra.

“Pi, Pi, Pika pi” [He really has changed, hasn’t he Pikachu said over to Ash, still feeling sorry.

Ash nodded, at the time it couldn’t be helped, the Kanto native electric type, remembered the playful, little Zenith, just after birth. The young dragon, who would easily mistake a deadly situation as a game.

----

Paul returned his Torterra, as the cheers of the crowd were heard, all around the stadium. Confetti, that covered each and every colour of the rainbow, fell from the sky as the winner of the Evergrand championships was known, although still not known.

None of this mattered to Paul, the fact that he had last was painful enough. Considering the consequences.

“Pathetic Pokémon” he said, as his eyes held back his tears, “Where did I go wrong, we should have won” he said in the same downtrodden tone.

“Paul, I’m” Ash said apologetically, as Paul turned away.

“The Darkness is coming, I’d watch out if I was you” Paul warned, forgetting his self imposed fate, as he walked away, while the crowds continued to cheer in the face of a new champion. Although his face remained covered in shadow, in order to protect him from the plague that was stardom.

“So that’s what it feels like” Ash said to himself, knowing how that was what he had done to many others. But before Pikachu could say I told you so, the calibration ceremony was underway.

“Well done!” a short man said as he handed Ash his winner’s trophy, while the cheers roared, and the waves of confetti fell from the sky.

“Thank you” he said in return.

“Pika, Pi” Pikachu also added in, although in a more energetic tone.

“So what are you going to do next, you have already won a load of different leagues, as well as a grand festival. Which is an added bonus. “ The owner of the Pokémon leagues, known as Mr Goodshow said.

“I don’t really know” Ash responded.

“Well you could always become a member of the Elite Four, after all isn’t that your dream Ash” Mr Goodshow said, as Ash sighed.

“It’s like everybody knows, why do I even make the effort.” The trainer joked as the older man chuckled.

“So what do you think about my offer?” he said.

“Well, my dream was actually to become a Pokémon Master” Ash said.

“The thing about that is, a Pokémon Master is a, well, a ambitious title”

“How?” Ash questioned, although he felt that he knew the answer, as he had figured it out a while ago.

“The last Pokémon master lived Eons ago, well according to legend at least. After him no one has been able to achieve that title, because he was able to control Pokémon. Some say it was through friendliness, others say it was through cruelty. Reflecting the many diverse ways in which Trainers train there Pokémon, as you saw from your friend over there. But he was like an idol to Pokémon and humans alike. That, my Boy is a Pokémon master.” Mr Goodshow finished off.

“so, I guess I will just have to work harder” Ash said.

“So you’re saying NO? Oh well, you would have made a fine edition to the Elites. Either way.” The old man looked slightly put down by Ash’s rejection, “Well my offer will still be open if you want it” he said as his expression returned friendly once more.

“Well, thanks Sir, but I got to get going” Ash said as he shook hands, causing the dissipating cheers of the crowd to erupt again.

“What about your photo shoots?” Mr Goodshow questioned.

“I think the relationship between me and cameras is clear by now” Ash said as he walked off waving to the crowd for once. Behind him some camera men had just hopefully set up their cameras, and lifted there equipment when they saw that Ash had walked off in the opposite direction. They started chasing him as he also went away quicker, from the perusing Paparazzi.

“That boy” Mr Goodshow mumbled to himself, “he would have made a fine edition”

“Sir” one of Mr Goodshows assistants walked up to him.

“We should get going; there is nothing for us here. At least the others are still with us in this time of need” Mr Goodshow said as he began to walk out of the still bruised field, and the crowds of spectators followed.

----

The group met up with Ash, in a secluded area, away from anyone who any have wanted to take pictures, or autographs.

“Ash, why are we here?” Dawn questioned, tired of the wilderness surroundings, when she could have easily been in the warm Pokémon centre.

“Well: A, I don’t like the screaming fans, chasing me at every turn” he said, as Brock could only dream of such things. In fact he was, and Max had to click his fingers in front of his face several times, just to get him to snap out of it.

“Sorry” he said

“Anyway“ Ash continued, “there is; B, I wanted to say, goodbye.” He said, not showing any signs of regret.

“WHAT” May blurted out, although everyone else was just as shocked to hear about Ash’s decision, even Serena.

“It’s been nice to see all of you again, but.

But we all have to go our separate ways.” He finished off, still to the shock of the others.

“Why?” May said.

“You have to see your parents.” He addressed May, Max, and Dawn. They all understood what he meant, by that, as they knew about how he missed his own mother. They guessed, but could not understand.

“Brock, you have to go and see your family, right?” Ash said.

“Yep, my parents are going to some sort of convention. I have to take care of all of my brothers and sisters” The breeder replied, although regretting that they had to part. He knew that now they were on better terms, they would see each other again.

“Good luck, and I hope to see you soon” Ash said as he nodded, along with Brock; showing how the both of them understood how they may meet once again.

“Well I’m staying with you” Serena said in a stubborn tone.

“No, no you’re not” Ash said calmly

“What!” the young girl exclaimed.

“You’re old enough to start on your own journey; you’ll go far in any league that you’d decide to compete in” he said, trying to lie.

“Stop lying to me Ash, you just think I can’t handle the danger, that’s why you’re going on your own” Serena said hitting the nail on the head. Yet the others didn’t understand what she meant by her statement.

“Yes, you’re right” he admitted, “But I’m still going on my own” the trainer stood his ground; Serena tried to let something out to counter with his argument. The words didn’t come, she felt that he was still standing his ground, and knew him too well to fight him when he was like this.

Ash got out a small card from his pocket, and slipped it into Serena’s hand, but he didn’t let go so that she could see what it was.

“Your dad told me to give this to you when I felt that you were ready to have it” he said, as he slowly let go of the card, “Sorry it isn’t gift wrapped” yet Serena didn’t look at the card that was given to her by her father, who she knew to be dead.

The young girl looked at the person who had looked out for her all of this time, as he walked away.

“I’ll see you all soon” Ash said as he walked away, while the rest of the group watched him leave.

“Come on guys” Brock said as he turned the opposite direction, Max and Dawn followed him.

Serena then took a look at the card that Ash had given to her, and her eyes grew wide in shock at it.

“What is it?”May said as she walked over. The white haired girl still didn’t answer, and then May came into view of the card. “Is that a...”

“A trainer card, so I can enter gyms, without needing a Pokédex, or can get a Pokédex with one.” Serena explained, to May while still in shock.

“Come on May” Max said, waiting for his sister to catch up, but she decided to carry on talking to Serena.

“So looks like you’re going to go on a journey on your own now” she said trying to raise the young girls hopes.

“I guess, but, I don’t want to” Serena said, “Would you, want to travel alone?” she asked May. The co-ordinator, then recalled how she was when she first began to travel. Then how happy she was when Ash asked if she wanted to travel with him. The co-ordinator kept a soft smile upon her face.

“Then why don’t you follow him?” she asked the smaller girl.

“wha?” Serena said baffled.

“May hurry up!” Max called out now getting really impatient.

“NO!” the brunette girl called back.

“WHAT, WHY!” Max questioned back.

“I’m going with Ash!” May called back, as she turned to the opposite direction of her brother, towards where Ash could still be seen walking away. Serena had already gone down, the path.

“You comin’ or what?” the white haired girl said.

“May? What about Mom and Dad?” Max questioned her.

“There at home, we’ll probably never get the chance to see Ash again” She replied as she turned and followed Serena.

“Well what you going to do?” Dawn said, as she left Max and ran to catch up with May.

“I guess I’m going too” Max said, feeling that there was no other option, “Aren’t you coming?” the boy questioned the breeder.

“I’ve got to take care of my family, I promise, I’ll see you guys soon. See ya Max” Brock said.

“See ya soon” Max replied as he ran to catch up with the others.

Yet, still out of sight, someone was watching the group as they left to catch up with Ash. He smiled at the show of kindness, and friendship that had just occurred, between Ash and Serena.

“Ash, it looks like you’re keeping your promise.“ He muttered to himself, as he began to walk towards the stadium, “Now it will begin”

----

“Well Pikachu, it looks like we’re on our own from here. Again” the raven haired boy said to his Pokémon while it was still perched upon his shoulder.

“Pi, Pi, Pika” [Why are we still walking the electric type asked its trainer.

“Do you remember what happened the last time I listened to you about using him?” Ash said back.

“Pika Pi” [but this time it’s different the electric type said back,

“How?”

“Pi, Pika Pi, Pi Pika” [Well here he’s not in a battle, so I don’t really think he is going to go berserk Pikachu made an argument.

“I guess” Ash replied, as he considered his options. “Well, if anything, and I mean ANYTHING goes wrong. You’ll have no ketchup for a week” Ash challenged.

“Pi” [It’s a bet the electric Pokémon said, but was interrupted by someone catching up to them.

“Hey Ash” May said, when She and Serena finally caught up with the trainer.

“What? What are you doing here, I thought you were” Ash said shocked.

“Did you really think that we were going to let you go on your own” Serena said, as May nodded in agreement.

“YES, that IS what I planned” he said still in shock.

“Come on you need us” Serena added on, yet May noticed how she said us, instead of me.

“It’s too dangerous” He said, although May was still in the dark about what danger. “Hey, if you two are here where’s” Ash said, but Dawn quickly jumped on his back sending him to the ground face first. Pikachu avoided the fall by jumping off of Ash.

“Sorry” the blue haired girl said as, Ash sat up, and rubbed off the dirt.

“Here” May said, as she offered Ash a hand up, as he gratefully took it, and pulled himself up. He then took of some more dirt, as Max also caught up with him.

“Thanks May” the trainer said in gratitude.

“No problem, she as she, gave Ash a smile.

“So, I’m guessing all of you want to come with me” he said, feeling outnumbered. As they all nodded their heads in agreement. “Fine. You can come.” He said being defeated by the masses.

Ash then got out A’Driths pitch black Pokéball, ready to release the dragon, as everyone else backed away one step.

“Calm down Ash” Dawn said.

“I know that you didn’t want us to follow you, but don’t you think that this is a bit extreme.”Max added on.

“What?” Ash said, wondering why everyone backed away, then took a look at the Pokéball in his hand, “Oh, I’m just going to ride on him. I’d rather not walk” he said.

“You SURE that he won’t do anything” Serena said as she paused for a second, “Rash”

“He’s not in a battle, so I’m, fairly, mainly confident.” he said.

“Alright then” May said, as Ash released the black and red dragon, to give them a ride.

----

Inside of the centre stadium of the Evergrand complex, Pokémon rangers stood guard around, the now mostly deserted complex as everyone had left after the end of the championships.

“Report Ranger Adrian” the phone of a Pokémon Ranger who was a part of a few rangers that guarded the central field, said.

“All things seem to be in order, Sir” he said back into his mobile, which was standard for all rangers.

“Still, be on the guard. The flame is in danger” The voice replied once again from the phone.

“Yes sir” he replied back, he turned the phone off, and put it into his pocket. The ranger looked around the field, it was dark now, and only the floodlights lit the place up. “There’s nothing here” he said to himself, as a few more rangers patrolled the area.

The ranger then lost all sense of feeling in his body, as he slowly, fell to the ground, becoming limp. Behind him, hidden in the shadows of the stadium the man stood, and returned his hand to his side, after grabbing his shoulder, to knock him out.

The man remained confined in the shadows of the stadi9um, out of sight of the patrolling rangers, as he crept closer towards the staircase that led to Moltreses flame, as it continued to burn.

One Ranger kept guard of the staircase, and he too was quickly knocked out by the person, who then quickly made his way, silently up the staircase, towards the flame of the Pokémon league.

Yet no matter how silently he went up, he was still spotted.

“Target is on the move” The Rangers called out to each other, as they began to chase him, although he had already reached towards the peak of the staircase

“Great bird of fire” he called out to the flame, without any form of response, “I beg of you, I am yours to command” he said once more with no response.

Just as he was about to speak once more, he was stopped by the cry of a bird, emanating from the flame. Slowly the flame began to grow more and more powerful and brighter.

“Great Moltres, grant me your power” he said, as the Pokémon Rangers ran up to him, they grabbed his shoulders and pulled him away from the flame, he did not flinch, but continued to keep his gaze glued to the flame, which burned brighter and brighter. “and in return I give you my soul” he said, as the flame glew a blinding white light, the Rangers around the complex shielded there eyes.

----

Looking down to the Evergrand Complex; Jessie, James, and Meowth. The entire stadium complex was burnt down to ash. An enormous fire blazed, making the clouds reflect the red light.

Jessie got out a simple mobile phone, as she dialled some digits inside of the phone.

“Codename agents Pieces: Alpha, and Beta, reporting in. Sir.” She said. “Code name, Alpha, Delta, Omega, five, Charlie” she said once again, “Reporting, Moltres is loose, over, Moltres has destroyed the Evergrand complex” she said, as James, and Meowth looked on. “Yes sir” she said, and threw the mobile away.

“So what are our orders now, Jessie?” James said, as he knew, after what they had just witnessed at the stadium. Things were begging to heat up.

----

F.Y.I.

-This story may hold a few parallels with my other fic, ‘Legend of the King’ but I state that they are NOT linked in a solid manner, only a few parallels exist, but this story, I will keep confined to one fic, (unless I plan to write a sequel). There are still a lot of mysteries, to this fic and I plan to let them come out at their own pace, so that it will not spoil anything.

-I didn’t originally plan to use A’Drith in the battle, in fact I didn’t plan a battle at all, but after hearing how people wanted a battle/A’Driths appearance, I couldn’t resist.

- Serena’s 10 all of a sudden? Well, let’s just say that she has artificially aged, from a certain Alakazams ceremony.

- The trainer card can be used to get a Pokédex, or enter gyms without the need for one.

- Hint here is that, May is the only one apart from Serena who questions Ash’s decision openly, not even Dawn who has a more ‘open’ crush questioned him once. And when Ash fell, May was the one o help him up. Not Dawn who sent him down in the first place.

- The story line may become, slightly packed from here. If there are any questions about what happened, PM me, or leave it in a review. I will try to answer any questions.

- Like many other writers, I am going on a Christmas break :p , I will hopefully have a new chap soon after the New Year [in addition to at least two reviews]. (At least I’m not on strike)

----

“Insert standard quote here”

Blahdy, blahdy, blah

----
 
Last edited:

Xaotl

Dragon Lord
I've updated the first chapter, and the next chapter is ready to be posted (already done on ff.net). If I do not get at least two reviews here, it won't be put up.
 

Star Dust

live let live.
Very Interesting story with a very interesting OC. Serena really seems to just blend in with all the other characters. Unlike other fics, the OCs don't stand out like sore thumbs. Good job on that. :D And the story line is really cool. Mysterious and all, but you're giving light hints to help unravel the story. I really like the way that there is both Advanceshipping AND Pearlshipping even if there's more of the latter. But I don't blame you. And what could the Rocket trio have done? Not the incompetent thieves they used to be eh?
 

Pors

Active Member
Sorry for not reveiwing here, I mostly read the story on ff so I kinda forgot to reveiw here.

Either way, love how your story is developing. I'm guessing that the main story is about to kick in so to say and I can't wait to see where you are going to take it.

Too bad you don't get that many reveiws here, here's hoping for more readers!
 

Xaotl

Dragon Lord
Guardian Solaris

Ages:

Brandon- ??

This chapter for once contains absolutely no Ash, or May, or anyone else in the group inside of it.

Review Replies: well sorry for not updating immediately after the second review, I had completely given up hope of posting another chapter here again. and about the Pearl shipping. well it won't survive for long as Advance, lets just say that.

----

Chapter 18- Pyramid of Kings

All was silent.

It was a clear day, as the sun graced down upon Snowpoint. The sky was a clear blue, without a cloud in sight. The snow reflected the light of the sun, as everything remained still, nothing but silence.

Slowly a distant rumbling could be heard, slowly, steadily, growing in its power. Humming a continuous beat as it origins drew closer and closer. Providing the hum of a powerful engine, that would power a large structure.

Soon the snow glistening outside of Snowpoint Temple, started to shake and displace, as the powerful and Melancholy beats of the distant engines grew and grew, as the light powder that lay on the surface began to shake.

In the distance, easily spotted in the cloudless sky. A flying object bore closer and closer. Its shape resembled a triangle from the large distance it was away. It began to come closer and closer, as its black tiled surfaces became more apparent, and the shape of a pyramid became more clear. As its base, four enormous turbines kept the large structure airborne. One came out of any one of its corners, emanating a loud and melancholy beat, as they all hummed in unison. The greatest feature of the monumental structure was the enormous size of the black pyramid.

The pyramid quickly flew to a point just outside of the temple covering the snow in its large shadow, as the great fan like blades keeping the structure afloat, pushed away the snow like a ripple. The structure slowly, put its engines to a stop, as the structure descended, to a landing.

Slowly, two rather large doors with the symbol of the Battle Frontier, carved in stone above of them, opened up.

A man, with clothes fit for an archaeologist, who would normally be in a warmer climate, was tied up. The young man’s, hands and legs were bound by rope, and his mouth was taped up so he could not utter a word. He grunted, trying to wriggle free of the ropes that bound him to no avail.

Another, much older man walked out of the pyramid. He walked past the young assistant, whose struggle, grew as the older man walked past.

His head was held up high, and the grey and ageing features upon his face strained. He was in a dull green attire, that also resembled that of an archaeologist slightly, although unlike that of the younger, bound man was more suited the cold climate.

All around him, a pitch black aura flowed out like a river, as a menacing grin crept upon his face. This was Brandon, the frontier King of the Battle Pyramid. Possessed by the spirit of another king.

The struggling of the assistant, allowed him to sweep his legs, knocking the Grey haired Frontier Brain off of his feet, as the possessed man, fell hitting his head.

Brandon managed to quickly, get back up. His appearance had changed, the menacing grin had vanished, and the rivers of dark Aura had stopped flowing.

The Pyramid king had once again regained control of his body, although time was of the essence before the ancient spirit would once again take control.

Brandon glanced towards his assistant, who was bound although did not take any longer. The Frontier brain looked towards Snowpoint Temple that stood before him, and dashed as fast as he could before the spirit that inhabited him could resurface.

----

#Begin Flashback#

Brandon could feel the surging pain growing inside of him as the spirit, attempted to force its way to the surface. Brandon grinded his teeth, and clenched his fists, as he held the kings spirit back inside of him.

“I’ve set the co-ordinates, and I’ve locked them so they can’t be changed” the assistant said, slightly nervous of his boss.

Brandon clutched himself in pain, as the kings spirit spoke out to him.

‘DON’T FOOL’ It shouted.

“That is the only place where I can make sure that you are sealed away, for eternity. You can’t stop me” He said to himself, as his assistant looked on.

‘FOOL YOU HAVE NO CLUE’ the Spirits voice beamed once more inside of the Frontier Brains mind.

“Yes I do, you made me...” Brandon said to the spirit inside of himself once again, still holding back the pain, and the memory of what unforgivable act the king had forced him to do.

Then, he lost in the tug of war. The dark aura began to flow out of him, and his face grew more menacing.

“Turn us back around, Peasant” The spirit of the King spoke out through Brandon’s mouth, to his assistant.

“N, N, No” he replied shakily, although holding his ground to show that he would not be swayed easily by the spirit, who had threatened his life once before.

Then, the young assistant was knocked out, only to wake up bound by rope, and to see his Master under the complete control of the spirit of the ancient king.

As he tried, and failed to understand the technology of the Battle Pyramid. Attempting after numerous times to divert the Pyramid from its course, and failing.

Yet the assistant wondered, what it was so afraid of.

#End Flashback#

----

The Pyramid King, rushed towards his destination. The blood, rushing through his brain in shock of the internal war that he was waging. With every stride, the spirit that had taken refuge within his body attempted to smash through. Each attempt by the king took more out of the Frontier Brain.

‘STOP YOU FOOL’ It shouted inside of Brandon’s mind once more. Forcing the sweat to flow down his face.

At every turn it seemed that eyes were watching him. Inside every shadow, there they were, and then they would vanish. But the Frontier Brain didn’t have time to pursue the matter. He had more important things to worry about, than shadows that may or may not have been there.

Eventually he had reached towards his destination, and there it was standing before him. His only hope at freedom.

The image of the great Pokémon Regigigas, frozen in stone. In the floor a message was written, in a forgotten language, embedded in stone although it was worn away y the great effects of time.

The Frontier Brain didn’t focus on the inscriptions for once; his time was limited before he would lose control once again.

He released his three Regis, they then stood at respective positions around the statue of Regigigas, and then began to glow a white light as if they were evolving. So did Regigigas, and its intensity, cracked apart the stone, as chunks fell off piece by piece from the imprisoned stone Golem.

The light from the Regis: Rock, Ice, and Steel dissipated. The Powerful Pokémon looked with their many eyes, as chunk after chunk of Regigigases stone prison fell off.

The three then went down upon one knee and bowed before Regigigas, as a sign of the upmost respect.

Soon, the final pieces of Regigigases prison had fallen off, and he was free. For once in a long time he was able to move his arms, as he held them up into the sky, and shouted.

“REGI!”

“Regi” the three underlying Regis called out after their master, and pounded their arms to their chests, as they continued to kneel.

“Regi” Regigigas spoke out in its native voice [I am Free although he was quickly interrupted.

“Great Regigigas, I ask for your help” the Frontier Brain said as he kneeled on the ground, not out of respect like his Pokémon. He kneeled out of the pain that was growing inside of him.

“Regi, Regigigas” [A Human? Leave now or you will be exterminated Although Brandon was able to hear, yet he could not decipher why. It was like a shadow had pierced his mind. He could feel the screams from the king being quelled, although they had not vanished.

‘Speak, or he will kill you’ It said, the Frontier Brain now knew that the King had nothing to do with this. This voice wasn’t vengeful, or enraged like that of the king, it had a larger sense of malevolence behind of it.

Like, it was playing with him.

Although it was right nevertheless, if he didn’t speak the behemoth would kill him. If he didn’t ask the Spirit would remain feeding off of his mind, and soul.

Regigigas, readied its large stone like arms, preparing to unleash what was no doubt a powerful attack. An attack which would no doubt take Brandon out with one blow.

“Wait, I was the one who freed you” he pleaded, and in return Regigigas stopped powering up his attack. The titan then looked towards the tiny person in front of him and chuckled lightly.

“Regi?” [So what do you wish in return? And once again the Frontier Brain was able to hear the voice of Regigigas, and still the source of his newly found ability was unknown; yet it didn’t stop him from answering.

“Take this spirit out of my body” He asked

“Regi, gigigas?” the Pokémon asked curiously [You don’t want a soul?

“NO!” Brandon shouted out, slightly from impatience, although most of it was from the pain caused by the attempts of the king. He regretted it immediately, as he was stuck in the side, not by Regigigas, but by Regi ice, HIS Regi ice

The frontier brain was knocked to his side by the attack from his own Pokémon, after his outburst. He was not able to get back up, because the pain, the sheer pain that he was begging to feel inside of him. Crippling him from the inside, soon the Frontier Brain known as Brandon would be lost, inside of a sea of shadows.

“I am possessed, by an evil spirit, please destroy him for me” He said, trying to catch his breath.

But the titan had heard all that he had wanted to. Brandon’s forced outburst, had done its damage, and no amount of begging would change Regigigases mind. Because Regigigases mind had no pity inside of it.

“Regi” [You will die now

“Regi’s protect me” Brandon said, as he continued to feel the unbearable pain inside of him.

“Regi, Regi” [Regi’s destroy him the large stone golem called out.

Without any question Brandon’s three most powerful Pokémon stood up from there kneeling positions to follow their true masters commands.

They turned around, and launched three powerful beams towards Brandon simultaneously, throwing the man like a toy. When he crashed into the wall, his clothes were severely burnt. His hair singed leaving it in chaos. His face scraped and bleeding.

It was impossible to tell whether he was dead or still alive.

“REGIIIIII” the Pokémon hummed, not giving the slightest ounce of concern towards his newest victim [So, you are still here after all of these years.

Slowly, a figure came out of the shadows. Floating in mid-air like a dark spectre, vaguely resembling the Grim Reaper.

‘It’s nice to see you too, old friend’ Darkrai spoke telepathically to the leader of the Regis. The black Pokémon formed a mental link between the two minds, so absolutely no other being may intervene onto their conversation.

‘Don’t play your foolish games with me! I have been sealed in this tomb for an ETERNITY. You never came’ Regigas called out in rage.

‘But I have absolutely no way to take command of your Regis, and therefore free you.’ Darkrai replied calmly.

‘Spirit, you could still manipulate these weak humans. So’

HOW, do you think he was possessed? Humans may be inferior, but they aren’t completely pointless. They just need a incentive to fulfil your slightest whim’ Darkrais thoughts seemed to sound sinister.

‘Like?’ Darkrai didn’t reply, ‘No, NOO, he? but? Perfect. Although I hope that you’re not expecting any congratulations that is merely one thorn out of our side.’

‘I don’t expect anything from you. I was merely fulfilling the wishes of our, Master’

“Regi?” the stone golem was the first to break there telepathic communication [He’s Free?

‘Tell me, Soldier? Where do your Loyalties lie after your, great imprisonment?’

“RE-GIG-AS” he Bellowed [Don’t dare question my loyalties SPIRIT “REGI?” [What does my master command of me? The Legendaries tone became settle after hearing the news.

‘Our Lord, and Master is trapped. Imprisoned if you will, on the line between life and death. His physical body; torn apart and scattered around the world.’

“GiGas” he interrupted [That is your department spirit, not mine, I am a solder of our master

‘Do NOT interrupt me’ the stone golem waited patiently ‘soon he will once again be among us, but it is your duty to kill those who had betrayed him.

So that they may not tell these pathetic humans of his existence.

Until the time is right.

Do not let anything stand in your way.

That is the will of the Master’

“Regigigas, Regi!” he said [For the Master, Move out The four Regis then began to walk out of the temple, with Regigigas leading the group.

‘How did you know Solder?’ Darkrai inquired before they left.

“Re, Regigigas” [Humans aren’t smart enough to understand the words that may come out of my mouth. and with that they left. Left alone Darkrai, looked upon the fallen Frontier Brain, and once again vanished into the shadows.

----

Soon after, Brandon began to slowly stir awake, the idea of a spirit in his mind was only a memory. He tried to move his arms, and legs only to find that they were bound together. He began to panic, as he found himself in the Battle Pyramid, HIS Battle Pyramid.

“Let me GO!” he Bellowed, and he got a reply.

“No, Sir. He, IT is still inside of you. I’m taking you to the only place that you can find help. To the only people that can help you.” Brandon’s assistant said, as he left the room that Brandon was in.

Slowly but surely the memories came back, along with a sharp stinging sensation in the Mans mind. He was still not alone.

----

Back in the Temple, the words that were once worn out by the effects of time slowly began to revile themselves, left in an forgotten language.

Saying one message, and one message alone.

LATXO I am the War and the Chaos

----

F.Y.I.

- Next chapter is another ‘Mini Arc’ and things will heat up even more.

- IT was hard to write Regigigas in this chapter, I had to check Bulbapedia just to check I got it right!

- And that’s all Folks, so PLZ R & R
 

Pors

Active Member
Really nice chapter, can't wait to see what happens next. Although I do wonder why Brandon did not contact his fellow frontier brains? Surely they would be capable enough to help him so why not go there first?
 

Xaotl

Dragon Lord
Well, when one is possesed he would find a way to get... un possesed. and with it bieing Brandon, he knew all of this anchient stuff, and worked out the only remaining way to free himself. unfortunately he didn't know all of the facts. and the other brains, unlike him are in a static place, unlike the Pyramid which can move, and Brandon didn't have the time.

1 more review needed for next chapter...
 

Xaotl

Dragon Lord
Guardian Solaris

Ages:

Ash-17

Max- 13

May- 15

Dawn- 13

Serena – 10

Well I'm back here. You may be asking why? But basically I'm in a simalar situation to that of Matkins. The lack of reviews has been Reallly disheartning. But after seeing that this fic was actually nominated for the Shipping oscars got me thinking as to why I stopped if people are reading it. It has +900 hits, so if I have left some of you here feeling somewhat irritated I apaoligise.

There are some that do read this on ff.net, and well I can understand if you want to see the next chapter there instead of here so forget about your review. but now I'll post them up as they are made, keeping both on level peggings regardless of reviews on either end. I'll see this to the end.

Once more I'd like to thank all those that have voted for this fic. I never thought it would be up there, especially after I seemed to abandon this site, so once more I'd like to say my thanks.

The chapter starts with some Pearl, but gets better and more Advanceshipping as you read on. As well as some humour, which was a first for me.

Chapter 19- A Ghost Echoes

The Town of Lavender. Famed by the Lavender Tower which towers high, just outside of the reaches of the city. It is said to be haunted by many ghost Pokémon, and other spirits. Spirits of souls that have not been able to pass through death, instead they linger between planes of existence. Some say that these ghosts lurk near the Lavender tower because it was once a graveyard.

The true purpose of this tower however was never looked upon by curious people. Its origin which chose it to be a prison. Built in ancient times, to hold in a great beast for his treachery against his true master, and for his belief in freedom. But before the people of this small and sleepy town could find out,

Destiny would pay them a visit.

The great dragon flew high above the trees, and Pokémon, descending in altitude, as it circled outside of Lavender town. Opposite to where the Famous Lavender tower was situated.

On the back of the great beast, five people rode. (He’s big and powerful enough to hold them) At the front was the owner of the Black Dragon, although his trusted Pikachu did not ride alongside him.

Behind of Ash, Dawn had insisted on sitting. Throughout their flight, A’Drith seemed to be restless, every few moments he would let out a large roar, to make sure that they would have no chance of falling asleep, or relaxing whatsoever. In addition the mighty beast found it funny to give his passengers, some turbulence. Every few moments it decided to shake things up for them.

Although as an off result of the turbulence, Dawn wrapped her arms around Ash from behind. And tighten her grip allowing her, chest to press up against his back. In an attempt to give him a hint that she still liked him, although as usual he didn’t get it.

“Dawn” Ash said trying to keep his voice down.

“Yeah, Ash” she said hopefully, that maybe he had begun to understand what she was hinting to him all this time. So she held him tighter, and tighter,

“Can you not hold so tight, it’s kinda hard to breath” he said, as Dawn quickly let go, hoping that maybe the others behind of her hadn’t heard that, no matter how obvious she would try to make it.

Behind the two, somewhere, May sat as she held Pikachu in front of her. She had no idea why but the small Pokémon had become really attached to her, in comparison to Max, or Dawn; Pikachu had even chosen to ride with her rather than its own trainer. May occasionally thought about why on their ride, although the constant distractions had stopped her from getting anywhere with her thoughts.

She looked up and forwards to the owner of their current mode of transport, even though they would probably never use it again.

‘I wonder if he trusts me as much as Pikachu dose?’ the co-ordinator thought, but in the few days that they had been reunited, May had seen. The boy that had once burnt her bike had helped her from Drew, after she couldn’t tolerate his attitude anymore and he was just about to attack. He didn’t even ask for anything in return, he was just happy to be there.

She ran through her thoughts as she smiled, without even knowing why. Her eyes were then bought towards Dawn who sat close to him. Her smile had vanished, as her eyes looked away straight away, she didn’t know why, they just did.

Then the turbulence came, knocking May out of her train of thought. The mighty dragon began to speed up the closer it came to the ground, like a plane when it is landing; it wasn’t able to maintain a smooth course even if it would have wanted to. They all gripped on tight, as the trees underneath them started to become larger, and blur past them in the shadow of a second.

The rustling of leaves wafted as they descended more and more, underneath the group Pokémon rushed out of the way in order to get out of the Black Dragons way, although one Marowak stayed in her position, as the Black Dragon passed over her as well. If a tree came in the way, it was quickly swatted away like a fly and taken up out of its roots. It continued running as it came into a clearing; he then began to slow down in his speed. On the opposite side the clearings end drew closer and closer.

He wasn’t slowing down fast enough, he was going to crash.

The passengers tightly gripped the black dragons back so that they would not fall off. He continued to run, as the end of the clearing drew closer and closer.

Just before he crashed, the Chaos Pokémon quickly swerved, to his side, coming to a complete halt. The great speeds caused all of his passengers to fall off flying, and land with a thump.

“Ow” May groaned, as she rubbed her head.

“Ugh, I know” Dawn added in.

“Max?” May asked where her little brother was, as he wasn’t with the group.

“Here” he said as he got his face off of the tree he crashed into.

“That’s, gotta hurt” Serena said finally.

“And you think you’ve got problems” a voice called out, everyone wondered where that voice came from. “Here” it called out once again, as they all looked up to see Ash stuck in a tree.

“What you doing up there?” Dawn said trying to keep her laughter down, as Ash’s unusual position.

“You know, just, hanging about” he said, as everyone else burst out in laughter, including the two Pokémon. Ash just, hung off the tree with a plane look on his face as they subdued there laughter.

“Right, now will anyone help me down” he said, and in return the great dragon collapsed down onto the ground, and started to snore, pretending that he was asleep. The rest of the group sighed at the obviously fake act.

No matter how hard they would try, understanding what was going on in the beasts mind, was something a normal person would find close to impossible. One second he would be lustful to destroy, another he would be irritating, or a joker, then an annoyance once more, whenever faced with ANY prospect of battle; he would erupt like a volcano, ad that was when he would be at his most dangerous. Not even the many Pokémon in the world would be able to make sense of his chaos. Many of the legendaries, although going through a similar state of mind to A’Drith, they were nowhere near close to comprehending his thoughts.

After a while Ash had managed to get out of his predicament and return his chaotic powerhouse into its mutated Pokéball. They had reached Lavender town, as they walked around the centre of the relatively large town, the buildings were traditional, and there was barely any form of modern structure in the town.

It had the possibility of becoming one of the few major cities in the Kanto region, rivalling the city of Veridian. Agatha, the famed Ghost type specialist of the Elite Four, had even said that she would set up a gym in the town that was famed for its links to ghost type Pokémon, but it wasn’t a notable enough town on the world map to set one up. From birth the Town had not changed, the same people stayed in the same town, the buildings remained the same, and the same tower stood tall, just beyond the own, its purpose never shown to the world, obscured by shadow. Defended by the many phantoms and spectres and beyond that the town.

The town of Lavender, built not to guard, but to contain its contents. Built so that it would never grow larger, and under no circumstances, make any form of contact with the outside world, unless an outsider would free the beast that lurked within, a rule they broke, a broken rule that destiny would exploit, and use to wreak havoc.

The group walked through the centre of town as people looked upon the outsiders with dirty looks upon their faces.

“Ash?” May whispered, noticing the looks that they were getting.

“Yeah” he said.

“Everyone here is looking at us, I don’t care if I don’t really get another two days without sleep on A’Driths back, can’t we get out of here” she said not wanting to sound weak, to Ash.

“Don’t worry May, I got the same kind of looks when I came here before with Brock, and Misty” Ash said, “It’s just how the people here are like, they don’t really like outsiders, not even Agatha from the Elite Four feels welcome here, and she’s like in her zone with the ghost types” he explained.

“Oh alright” she said as the group continued to walk along, “Wait” she said in slight curiosity and stopped, as did everybody else in their group, “Did you say... Ghost types?” the Brunette co-ordinator said in an unsure tone.

“Ghost types?” Dawn added in, hearing Mays comment.

“Well, yeah. You see that tower there” Brock said as he pointed to the large landmark in the distance.

“Yeah” the other four said in unison.

“It’s CRAWLING with ghost Pokémon, you can’t see them, but they’re Everywhere” he said, May felt shivers crawl up her spine as her first encounter with a ghost type before she got her first Pokémon, during a time when the thought of becoming a trainer, let alone a Co-ordinator was distant.

“I think we should find another town” May said.

“Why? Are you... Scared?” Dawn said teasingly, taking away Max’s line. Although the young girl from Sinnoh thought that May was a good, no a great friend. But she would not compromise on Ash, she had missed him for too long, and now that her crush was back, she wouldn’t budge. But Dawn still didn’t want to break her good friendship with May, so if Ash’s reaction would show who he liked back.

“N, N, NO” May stuttered.

“Yes you are scared” Max said, not wanting Dawn to take away from his glory again, as he then shot Dawn a look wondering what her intentions were. Dawn used to be with May in making fun of the young Trainer, just about every time he tried to make May embarrassed, he had figured out that it was some sort of girl conspiracy, and decided that that was the end of things. Although this new little turn of events, paired together with Max’s inquisitive nature got him thinking.

“No, there’s nothing to be scared of” Ash decided to cut in, to Dawns anger.

“So, can we go?” May pleaded

“No” he said simply.

“Why?” she said.

“Well, urm, well” Ash pondered. He couldn’t really put his finger on it. It was like a voice, pulling him, through his essence. His words stopped in mid-sentence, as he could feel himself being drawn towards the tower.

Look at it, he had to look at it, but he couldn’t, no he had to resist. He had to...

‘Come to me, come to me, come to me’ a voice said, so silent that it could have been missed by the trainer as nothing at all, but it was far from nothing. Ash could slowly feel himself being seduced by a presence, he didn’t try to resist, he could not even think about resisting. A Marowak walked past, yet he didn’t notice it, as the sound continued to pull him.

“ASH” May said snapping the trainer out of his trance, “Are you alright? You seemed to drift off for a second there?” she said with concern.

“Uh, well yeah. I’m fine.” He said, as memories of his latest experience, vanished into the shadow that they had come from. No more, making sure that the being that had created those shadows would not be taken out of the shadows that concealed him.

“Well, let’s go” Dawn said, “I got to get a shower after all that time flying” she said as she lead the group to the Pokémon centre, that was in there view, although May and Serena stayed behind. Unconvinced as thoroughly as Ash that the trainers little lapse in consciousness was nothing.

“Wierd” May whispered to herself, not even aiming the question at the younger girl that stood beside her. She may have been separated from Ash for a long while, and he may have changed to someone, that she wouldn’t recognise as her clumsy friend at first glance. But she had a feeling, something was going on with Ash, and although Dawn or the others may not notice it, she did.

“I know, it’s like he lost it for a second” Serena said in return, taking May out of her train of thought.

“Wha?”

“You know, what just happened. I know you noticed it?” said the white haired girl.

“I don’t know what you’re talking ‘bout. Come on were going to lose the others” May lied, trying to make sure that the young girl wouldn’t worry. But May knew that there was something going on, even though she couldn’t put her finger on it, she knew there was something. She began to walk, hoping that Serena wouldn’t worry about anything, but was stopped when the young girl grabbed Mays wrist to stop her from getting away.

“You don’t have to do this”

“What?”

“Sugar coat everything, I’ve been travelling with Ash for a while now, and I don’t need someone to do things like that. I know what you’re trying to do and I appreciate it. It’s just that It’s more helpful if you tell me the truth, I can handle it” Serena explained, May was shocked, when she was older than the young girl she couldn’t bear a ghost Pokémon popping up out of nowhere, but Serena seemed to be strong.

“Sorry” she said, hoping that Serena wouldn’t be offended by Mays selected misinformation.

“It’s alright, I actually kinda appreciate it, but I’ve been travelling with Ash for a while now and...

Let’s just say that, well he’s” Serena tried to explain, but was cut off.

“You guys comin?” Dawn shouted over, to the two.

“Yeah!” May called back, “I guess we have to get goin”

“Yeah, but she can get a bit annoying at times, ya know?” Serena said, as May smiled back.

“Yeah”

But in the shadows a beast lurked, watching patiently, as he had become satisfied by his work.

‘The will of the Master is being fulfilled and soon he will pay for his treachery’ and with that thought the dark Pokémon vanished.

The five entered the Pokémon centre, and were greeted by a Nurse Joy at her desk in the average sized reception, not as extravagant as that of the Grand Festival, or the Pokémon centre of the Hoenn league, but the soft chalk like colours gave the place a nice homely feel, as a small T.V. hung on a shelf displaying the news channel.

“Hello” the Nurse said to the travellers, with a warm smile.

“uh, hi Nurse Joy” Max replied, as Ash remained silent. The young boys’ stone like mask had once again set in, as even his friends began to feel slightly uncomfortable around him, with the exception of Serena who had become used to it.

“So I guess we should heal our Pokémon” Max said, still a bit startled by Ash’s sudden change in personality.

“ur, yeah” Dawn added in, also a bit startled.

“I’d be happy to heal your Pokémon” the Nurse replied, trying to stay cheerful, although the hooded Persons dark Aura had made it’s effect on her, as her voice was slightly shakier than it would have usually been.

“Nah” Serena intervened, casual unlike her other friends. “They haven’t actually battled since the last time, so there really isn’t any need.” She said in an all knowing tone, as no one else was as calm as she was.

Ash just walked towards the Dining hall of the Pokémon centre, carrying a heavy aura with him, as all eyes were drawn to him like he was a magnet. May couldn’t help but feel a bit of a chill in her spine as she saw her warm hearted friend turn into a dark spectre once again. She then glanced towards Serena, trying to dispel the lure of fear that Ash had bought up.

The young girl didn’t seem to be worried at all. She had a smile on her face as she calmly moved away from the stagnant group and follow the hooded trainer. May was perplexed, but when she took her eyes off Ash, it seemed as if his dark spell had vanished.

The brunette saw how the young girl didn’t fear, and decided that Ash was her friend. There was no reason why she should fear him, as she too followed Serena, to eat.

“Hey Ash?” the Co-ordinator said as she sat down at the table, placing her plate of food down in front of her.

“Yeah May” Ash said as he stopped chewing his food, “Where’s your food?” he said as he looked away from his plate that was packed full of food, and over to Mays who’s platter was a lot more modest.

“Uh, here” she replied.

“You call that dinner? That’s not even enough food for a Torchic” he said back.

“Well, I don’t want to eat that much food” she said, although lowering her voice so others would not eavesdrop in, on their conversation.

“May, when we were travelling together. You ate a lot more food than...That, and you still stayed healthy, and ur, you know” he explained not wanting to say anything that was suggestive.

Serena than came over with her own plate of food, still a lot smaller than Ash’s plate, but it still put May’s plate of food to shame. “You call That food? From what I’ve heard, you eat almost as much as Big Mac here” she said pointing to Ash.

“SEE, I don’t want to be called, That” she winged.

“What? I’m not fat. Besides, you used to eat as much as me, and” he cut himself off.

“And what?” Serena teased out.

“And, well, you kept your figure” he said unsure, as he was put in a situation that he felt really unsure with.

“ur thanks” she said, as she submitted, and walked away to get more food.

‘Did Ash see me like that before? Maybe that’s why, no he couldn’t have’ The Brunette Co-ordinator thought as she walked away, ‘Besides Dawn likes him, and she’s my friend. I won’t do that to her’

A Marowak walked past her although she paid it no heed.

Back at the table the two hadn’t resumed eating, as Serena grew a sneaky grin on her face.

“No” Ash said, knowing what she may have been thinking.

“So you Finally, are interested in a girl” she said, not knowing what she had actually said.

“No”

“So you’ve never liked a girl”

“Yes, I have liked a girl” Ash said, wondering how Serena would take this conversation when she would grow older and begin to understand the deeper meaning of her words, which was to Ash, Homosexual.

“Just now?”

“No”

“Whatever” she said still smiling although her smile soon went away, “Besides it would be weird to see you have a crush”

“I guess, wait!” Ash replied, “She’s a friend, I don’t see her as” he thought of something to say.

“Girlfriend” Serena answered for him.

“Yes, that, besides, Dawns been more. Clingy to me than May” he said, as Serena raised her eyebrow.

“Ewe”

“What?” he said oblivious.

“She likes you”

“No”

“Yes she does, isn’t it obvious?”

“No, she’s just glad to see me again” As said putting any idea of Dawn and him to the back of his mind.

“I guess, I mean, who would be interested in you after what you did back there” the white haired girl said, referring to the mask he placed upon himself in the reception of the centre.

“Oh” his energetic voice dimmed down, “So you noticed”

“How couldn’t I” They then paused for a second, “Don’t you trust them?”

“I do”

“Then, why?”

“Because, I want to see how much work I’ll have to do before the see me, as who I am. Not like what someone who has seen me on T.V. thinks, but. I, I want them to see me as a proper friend, and if they were scared by that, then. They arn’t really my friends then are they?” he explained, “Besides you don’t trust them”

“Yes I do”

“Dawn” Ash said, turning the tables.

“Well, she’s my friend, but well, she’s older than me, and acts like I’m older than her” she said, deep down she did like Dawn, but there was just something that stayed in the way between the two. The only reason was that Dawn was concentrating more on getting closer to Ash, and not in making friends, unlike when she had met May, and Max.

“You don’t like May either?”

“Yes I do!” she fired back, earning Ash a grin as he knew how uncomfortable Serena was with May when they had first met. “ I mean No” she corrected herself.

“Hey guys” May said as she returned, yet Ash continued to grin at Serena.

“Hey May” Ash said as he took off his grin, May moved to sit next to Ash, as Serena started to grin at Ash’s expense, it was a rare opportunity and there was no chance that she was going to let go of it easily.

“Ash, can I ask you something?” she said as she sat down with a helping of food that matched Serena’s, although still wasn’t as large as Ash’s still was.

“Yeah”

“Well, it’s hard to say, I’ve been wanting to ask you this for a while now” she pondered as she tried to find a proper way of how to say it, it could have broken their friendship that had just recently stuck back together with glue. Serenas grin slowly came back as she thought

‘She can’t be asking him?’

“Well?” Ash said slightly nervous, as unlike battling or protecting another person. He had never done this before, if this was what Serena had been talking about before.

“You know that I’m your friend right? Well, Whenever I’m around you it’s like you have a split personality” she said in the most polite way possible.

“I think... no, no I don’t” he said relived. He didn’t know why he was relived, if Serena was just playing a small game with him.

‘Besides’ He attempted to reason with himself, ‘I would have had to say no, I don’t like her in That way’

“Well every other time I se you with others, you’re terrifying to even look at, then your friendly again like now” May explained step by step.

“So, you’re scared of me when I’ like that?” he said, feeling a bit disappointed that May still didn’t see him as a friend.

“Well, I used to, but when we just came here, I remembered” she said

“Remembered what?”

“That you’re my friend, and it’s silly to be scared of you, after how you take care of your Pokémon, I know that deep down you’re a nice person” she said, earning a smile fro Ash.

“You want to know?” he asked, as May nodded.

“Do you remember when we were going to the tree of egging with Lucario when Pikachu was taken by Mew?” ash said, as he looked over to Pikachu that had fallen asleep on the floor beside his chair. May nodded once again.

“And do you remember when Luario said that I had a very powerful Aura?” Ash asked once again.

“Yeah, but he can’t be serious, could he?” May said sceptically.

“I have a strong aura, but I can’t throw glowy balls out of my hands. Let me explain, everyone has an Aura, it changes whenever were happy, or sad, or Angry. I can control my aura to affect the Aura of others, therefore making people feel different ways about me.” He explained.

“So you can make people scared, or even fall in love?” She asked becoming curious

“Yes and no, I can make people feel scared, but I can Never make someone Love me, I don’t know why but I just can’t, and I wouldn’t want to” he said

“But why are you making people feel scared, why don’t you just, make them see you as a friend” she said not understanding Ash’s complex logic.

“Well, One It is easier, and safer to make people fear you, and Two if I used it to make people become friends with me, it would be fake, and that just wouldn’t be worth the effort” he said, his voice seeming to be as calm as it could be. May felt a feeling of enlightenment as she began to understand what was going on.

“So when you did that thingy when we came in, Its cause you didn’t want us as friends anymore” May said hitting the wrong answer, “So I guess if I’m not welcome here, I should get going” she said, her eyes felt cold, as she tucked away any sign of emotion within her. She would show Ash that she chose to see him again, she won’t need him, no she would leave with dignity.

“Wait” Ash said as he grabbed her arm so that she couldn’t leave. May didn’t turn back.

“What” she said in a emotionless tone, yet she didn’t scream it out, she would keep control of her emotions, and not do anything to her friend who didn’t see her as that, even though May had tried so hard to see him.

“That’s not it” he said calmly once more.

“Then what is it? It seems obvious to me?” she said as she turned to Ash in an instant, her eyes holding back there tears, trying to stay strong, they would stay strong.

“I did it because I wanted to know, I wanted to know if you Max, and Dawn are like everyone else. Too tired to see me for who I am inside, feeling that I am a hopeless case. That I am some loner and that is all there is to me. Max and Dawn are still scared, and I don’t want you to tell them. I won’t give up on them, I just wanted to see how long it would take for them to know the real me, and not the Mask that I have put on my face.

Like you have” May then calmed down, as Ash let go of her arm.

“Oh” she said simply, “Sorry about that”

“It’s alright” he said putting his arm on her shoulder.

May then snapped as she quickly hugged him, and let go almost as quickly. “Sorry, I should have trusted you”

“It’s alright” Ash said once more, although something seemed different after that quick hug, Ash could feel it, but he just didn’t know what it was.

He smelt the air, as he found a scent that he had seen many times throughout his travels. A horrid smell, that bought back many bad memories. This smell, this one smell, reminded him of Brock, just before they had split up as friends. Brocks’ mood swings, which would explain the one May had just had. And also Brocks change of attitude as soon as he had gained that scent around him brought by the vile drinks that he had.

After the last time they had met, Brock was no longer under its influence, now It was May, as the Trainer told himself, ‘I won’t say anything, yet. But I’m going to have to say something eventually’

“Ash?” May said.

“Yeah”

“You want to eat now?” she asked back as Ash was reminded of the large pallet of food in front of him. He smiled as they all began to eat.

“Sheesh, you take forever” Max said as he and Dawn walked over to the cafeteria, passing a Marowak on the way, although not paying it any notice.

“Whatever, besides you take ages talking to your parents” Dawn said back.

“And?”

Nothing” Dawn replied once again.

After the three had gone to eat, Max and Dawn had gotten the group a room in the Pokémon centre, as Dawn had a bath, Max had decided to talk to his parents.

The two walked down a hallway, as the door to the Cafeteria was seen at the opposite end.

“So what did you talk about?” Dawn said trying to start up a conversation.

“Wha” Max blurted out not catching what the Blue haired girl had just said, she sighed.

“What... Did... You... Talk... About... on the... Phone” she said word after word.

“Shesh, don’t have to be like that, I heard you the first time” he said, earning a irritated Dawn, who held back from using the mallet the May had lent to her, “My dad said something about all of the gyms/ Contests/ Just about everything relating to Pokémon battling is closed down” Max explained.

“Really?”

#Begin Flashback#

Max was at the videophone, as he tried to figure out how to use it.

“Mmmmm, oh I got it, this is one of those voice-activated ones” he finally figured out after a while trying to find the buttons.

“Dial number.” Max said

“Dialling. “ the Voice activated Video-phone called out as it began to call.

“I haven't told you what to dial yet... Dial number.” He said irritated.

“The number please? “ the computer like voice asked

“01643“

“0643. “the computer said

“No, you missed the one.” Max said a bit more irritated.

“ Pardon?“ it said

“You MISSED THE ONE”

“The number is deleted, please continue. “The voice called out once more.

“ARGH” Max said tugging on his hair.

“202“

“Where did that come from?“ Max said

“Pardon?“ The computer called out once more.

“NOOOO” Max shouted out still tugging his hair.

(Inspired from Top Gear, don’t own it)

#End Flashback#

“Well” Max said recalling his incident with the vid-phone, “I called my dad and he said something about having to go to some conference, with all the other gym leaders”

“Really, so that meansall the gyms are closed” Dawn asked inquisitively.

“Yeah, and so re all the contests” Max said, “So I couldn’t have gone home even if I wanted to” he said as they continued to walk down.

At the other end, a man with a Cubone besides him walked up to the two thirteen year olds.

Max and Dawn came out into the Dining hall with a person who had a Cubone following closely besides them.

“Hey guys” they called out, as they came up to the group, happily eating their food.

A Marowak walked past the group, as the Pokémon took a quick glance at the Cubone, although not for too long, so that it would not revile its identity. The Cubone that seemed to be very young, noticed the Marowak that the humans paid no attention towards.

It turned around to where the older Maowak had walked, but found that it had vanished, to the young Cubone something seemed familiar about the Marowak, something to strong to forget, embedded inside of Cubones DNA. Like a son recognising his mother.

“Come on Cubone” the person said, as the young Pokémon reluctantly turned and followed its master.

“Hey guys” Dawn said as she walked up with Max.

“What took you so long?” Serena asked.

“Well, Dawn” Max said about to make a comment about Dawns agonising time in the bathroom, but was stopped when he saw her trademark death glare.

“I guessed Dawn would take ages doing... Whatever she dose” Ash remarked, making a completely innocent mistake, as Dawns usually cheerful smile went away.

The reason why was because she had always tried to impress Ash in some way or another, any way to either get him to like her, or to just get him to notice that she liked him. But each attempt by the Blue haired girl seemed to be in vain; he was either to stupid or just decided that it would be better not to even think about Him and Dawn together, like the idea was horrible to him.

But Dawn never quit on her crush, and she still wouldn’t.

“Ur hello?” May said towards the other person with a Cubone by his side. Ash noticed him, as the spirit of all those who looked upon him seemed to darken. But the person, didn’t look at Ash saving him from the trait of fear that the Raven haired trainer could enforce, instead his focus was focused upon the floor.

“Hello, My name is Lee” he said giving away a false name, “I need your help, Have you heard the stories that have been going around here?”

“What Stories?” Serena asked inquisitively.

“Well, you know how you said that there were ghosts” Dawn interrupted

“Ghost Pokémon” Serena corrected.

“No, I mean that there are actual ghosts in the forest, two days ago” the person began to stutter, “Well two days ago my son was , well Exploring in the forest. I told him it wasn’t safe, but he didn’t listen. So I went and followed him, and, well he was taken” the man managed to say still looking towards the ground. “Your friends here have offered to join a search party of trainers to go and find him, and they said that you three were really good trainers yourselves.”

“So, we should go” Max said.

“Yeah, when should we go?” May asked without a question of doubt in her mind about the man’s story.

“There are two other trainers, who are leaving as soon as you all will join them.” He explained.

“And you” Ash said in a cold tone.

“W- Well, I’m not a trainer, all I have is Cubone here” he said pointing to the Pokémon who wore a skull as a sort of helmet, as it looked over at Serena with curiosity.

“Bone?” it said, offering a hand shake over to the young girl.

“ ur thanks” she said as she reluctantly shook the Pokémon’s small hand, but many People would be cautious when touching a creature that wears the bones of another.

“I got this Cubone after its mother was killed by thieves” he explained.

“Oww, how sad” the white haired girl said, as her cautiousness soon turned into pity.

“Anyway, all I have is this young Cubone, and he isn’t nearly powerful enough, so what do you say?” he pleaded, although Ash still had his questions about his story.

“Of course” May said as she and Serena got up out of their seats, “Ash?” she asked to the trainer who remained sitting down.

“Alright then” he said calmly as he too got up, they then walked away from the person, although the dark trainer took one glance into his eyes, striking the fear that he had avoided by looking at the ground.

He looked to the ground not because he knew of Ash’s manipulation of emotions Via Aura, but for other purposes.

As the group reached towards the exit of the Pokémon centre, ready to join up with the others, who were in search of Lee’s young boy. They got ready, as Ash had lifted his mask. He waited patiently listening to the news report that was being played in the Television, although the others didn’t notice.

“The Ranger Union, in conjunction with the Pokémon leagues association, are working in conjunction with the National Police, and the Government to find out what exactly happened at Evergrand stadium in the region of Hoenn a few days ago.

The entire Multimillion (Pokémon world credit) Evergrand complex was burnt down to Ashes, reports show that no trainers were hurt as they had all left just after the championships had finished, although a undisclosed number of Pokémon rangers have been reported Deceased.

There is a small uproar in the Hoenn region as this symbol of national pride has been completely destroyed, and the perpetrator is still at large. Mr Goodshow has not yet commented on the situation.

It is also not yet known weather this is linked to the mass destruction of towns in the Kanto region. Several small towns have been destroyed, and no survivor or record of the incident has been seen. All the towns have been levelled as if they have been bombed by a Air raid, the destruction of each is said to be monumental, although the Army have blocked off these areas from the public, and are yet to comment.

There is news of a criminal organisation coming to power, in addition to news of a Terrorist organisation. Any form of solid proof is completely questionable.” The news report paused as it showed the remnants of what was once the stage of the Evergrand Stadium complex, the pride of the Hoenn region, now noting more than a vast open space, left in ruin as Thick ash covered the ground. “The majority of people remain unfazed, although enraged by these most recent events. The future seems to be bleak for many

“Hey Ash, come on we gotta go” Serena called out from the door as he followed.

And he whispered, “So it Begins”

But it wasn’t then, the beginning, no it was far from it.

The true story began too long ago.

When Two beings were created, in the everlasting void of chaos. But that is a tale for another time.

This is something you should know now, in ancient times, there was a war.

This war was a war that tore apart family’s brothers, and the closest of souls.

Its devastation was on an epic scale, taking place throughout the cosmos.

From the homelands of the Deoxyse that orbits the red sun, to the planet of the human kind with its green grass.

No soul was spared.

From this war, this one war between two brothers.

In the end, I was imprisoned in the centre of the world, my loyal servants sealed away by my brother.

I was Betrayed by my three most loyal generals.

But I had my vengeance; before I was sealed away I cursed the three impudent fools, as they remained in my prisons, sealed away from creation. I cursed the humans that had helped in my imprisonment by sealing there general in stone.

And my brother, my loving brother, was cursed to a never-ending sleep. Just as he had cursed me, to be in the centre of this world, at the centre of its gravity as the weight of a billion souls crushed down upon my soul, not knowing who they tread upon.

My physical body is no more, as it was scattered to the winds. Now I remain in this accursed Limbo, but not without power.

But now...

Now I am Free.

At the moment that that stupid King killed one of my brother’s minions, the one you know as Ho-Oh.

The island of Cinnabar was no more, as I rose from the Magma. I rose and killed one of my treacherous generals, the fool known as Leo.

Now my brother is asleep.

My brother is asleep and I am awake.

His safeguards against me have failed.

His false prophesies will turn to dust.

And I WILL have my Vengeance.

My armies are being assembled, and they have already massacred many. The foolish humans still don’t know what is happening, but how would they? They don’t even know my name, and they don’t care.

But first, I will have to pay a visit to another of my, most faithful Generals. My ever loyal Regigigas is already on the move with his army to aid me. I don’t need his aid, but I will not forget my enemy, my enemy can be crafty.

And then, my brother will see what the true meaning of pain and suffering is. The pain that he had put me through.

For my name is...

F.Y.I.

- I’ve finally got a good reason why Brock/Dawn and Ash should split up now, as it was foreshadowed here.

- I hope that I’m not letting my Plot control my characters, or something like that. If there was a 60 second guide on it. I would be reading it right now.

- I’ve bought a new definition to the meaning of aura,and although Ash can’t fire ‘glowy balls’ it is a good reason as to how he has become a powerful trainer.

- The Marowak, has its own form of foreshadowing, it is also in the games.

- Any mention of Max and Serena is now thrown completely out of the window. I have thought about my future storyline, and that would make things completely creepy. So it’s a good thing that there aren’t hints about it so far. In fact, ANY Max shipping will be thrown out of the window unless there is strong support for one.

- A’Drith is male, as you may have guessed by me referring to him as, urm, he.

PLZ R & R

And now I vanish...
 
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Xaotl

Dragon Lord
Guardian Solaris

Ages:

Ash-17

Max- 13

May- 15

Dawn- 13

Serena – 10

Simon (OC)- 15

Robert (OC)- 18

Two new OC’s coming your way,

Chapter 20- Honour among Thieves

Two men stood waiting at the town centre of Lavender.

“You think he’ll deliver the goods?” one said. His complexion was light, with dark brown hair that was at an average length. He seemed to be around Eighteen years old. He wore black jeans, with a plain white T-shirt that was shown inside of a black jacket. On the back of the pitch black jacket there was a symbol, which was in white, it outlined a crescent moon, tilted on its side.

“He’ll have to” the other said, although his words were slightly muffled by the black scarf that he wore like a balaclava covering the bottom half of his face. He was slightly taller than the other although younger as he was Fifteen years old. His skin was a light brown colour, and his hair was black, although it wasn’t short it wasn’t too long either. He wore Navy Blue jeans with a Dark Blue hoodie, at the front of the jacket the same image of the Crescent moon lay on the front. His voice no matter how polite was deep. Like Ash his hood covered his head, leaving the area around his eyes as the only portion of his face within view.

“How can you be sure? He could tell the Police” The brown haired person said, in his slightly Russian accent (Accent won’t be shown through wording, kay)

“Cause he’s an honest person, he cares about others, and that is why he’ll deliver the goods” the hooded stranger said, his voice was deep and in contrast to his friend he had a strong English accent.

“Sure, Simon?” the older of the two said.

“Definite, besides you’re the one who asked me for help Rob” He said calmly, “Trust me”

“I would if you would take your hood off” Robert said.

“I can’t” he said, trying not to revile why

“Why?”

“Don’t wanna say” he muttered

“Say”

“I’ve got... hood hair” he said sheepishly, loosening up as the conversation went on.

“You look like a bloody murderer, and you’re scared that you’ve got Hood hair!” Robert said

“Yes” he answered simply, as Robert smirked.

“So” Robert said attempting to continue the conversation, “How did things go, at the Tree?” he said, knowing all of the rules that he was breaking.

“In public?” Simon’s eyebrows narrowed, as he looked around to see if anyone was watching, or listening in any way.

“Well, it’s not like any of these people will know the truth” he said in a hushed tone.

“It went perfectly, the explorers, including that; thrill seeker Kidd, I think that’s her name, have been taken into custody by the local forces.” Simon said in a pain tone. Hiding, any and all form of emotion.

“What happened?” Robert said as his curiosity began to rise.

“I got the target, but it appears that the Tree and the target have a Symbiotic relationship (Rely on each other for strength)” he said stating each syllable of the last two words individually, “ So that small kingdom was screwed.”

“That was harsh” Robert said as his eyes widened, and a small smirk grew upon his face, “you are seriously cold- blooded” he said amazed at his friends’ capabilities. “I always knew that you would be a great agent; no wonder you were regarded for such a difficult mission” Simons eyes than dropped down, as his masked face lost all form of expression upon it.

“I do what I have to do, that small kingdom and its people were a casualty waiting to happen” he reasoned, his voice was plain and had a melancholy tone to it, “that’s how I do my job”

“Still, old friend, tell me, what happened to all the people?” Robert said with curiosity still in his voice.

“Don’t you watch the news?” Simon said in an irritated tone at how his friend was cut off from the news. That he didn’t know about one of the largest events in history. Robert shook his head. Simon just sighed in return. “It seemed that the Tree is an actual, crystal like living- ‘Thing’ embedded in the rock, and like a normal Tree, It had roots, burrowed underneath the small kingdom, that’s why there was a crystal popping up on every corner there.” He said, hoping his older friend could keep up.

“So those crystals were like new trees trying to pop up” he said.

“YES” Simon said relived that he wouldn’t have to simplify it any further, “and When the target was taken, the roots disappeared” he explained.

“And the kingdom sank” Robert figured out, trying to comprehend the enormity of his friends actions.

“Yes,” he said as his expression dimmed once more, “just imagine that, a whole kingdom, sure it was small, but still.” He managed to spit out although the memories to him were too painful. Any more words would have carried signs of weakness with them, something he couldn’t afford.

“So what happened to the people?” Robert asked getting more curious.

“Most are in Refugee camps, there safe” he said, as a tear rolled down his cheek, dousing in his black scarf.

“Softy, you couldn’t finish it off”

“And?” Simon said not questioning his own morals.

“And... And are you crying?” Robert said, managing a smirk.

“NO” Simon said with gritted teeth.

“You are, you” but Robert was shut up by Simon punching him in the stomach. Robert grabbed his stomach in pain as Simon grabbed his hair, and put his face up to meet with his eyes.

“I do my job, nothing more, nothing less. I don’t have to like it, I just have to do it. Right” he interrogated.

“Yes” Robert said

“Yes, What?” Simon spat out, into his friends face.

“Yes, Sir” he said as Simon let go of Roberts hair.

“Good” he said as Robert, ruffled his hair back into its original shape.

“Simon man, you’ve got issues” he said, not feeling any anger.

“I know, but that doesn’t matter anymore because he’s fulfilled his promise” Simon said pointing to a group of five who walked over to the two.

“Ur, hello” Dawn said over to Robert.

“Miss” Robert said, back to Dawn.

“MISS, DO I LOOK OLD ENOUGH TO BE A MISS!” Dawn hollered, as Simon looked around seeing many people giving the group peculiar stares, but Simons return gaze sent them on their way.

“OW, Ow, OW” Robert said, as Simons previous attack left him slightly bruised, and Dawn was just adding to the pain.

“Dawn” a cold voice from the back of the group called as the blue haired Co-ordinator let go, of Robert.

“I am not a Miss” she pouted to herself as she turned away no longer looking at Robert who was holding his head in pain.

‘She’s crazy’ Simon thought as he remained out of the conversation, with his arms folded.

“Sorry, she’s a bit cranky” May said as Dawn continued to look away. “So someone called Lee sent us to help him find his son” May explained, “are you the two trainers?”

“Uh, yes” Robert said, just getting over the pain. “My name’s Robert, and he” he pointed to Simon” He is Simon, Warning High Voltage” he joked, at which Simon didn’t flinch or show any form of humour, these were strange people and he wouldn’t want to make them laugh at his expense.

Dawn looked over to the hooded person, and gave him a dirty look, as Simon wasn’t looking back at her it didn’t cause any damage.

“So shouldn’t we get going” Max said as he looked over to the two new faces, Robert seemed friendly enough, he then looked over to see Simon standing there patiently, as the silent figure stared over, Max drew his eyes over to who he was staring at and saw Ash, the look of Ash sent s hiver down Max’s spine. The trainers eyes were covered behind the shadows of his own hood although Max could tell that he was staring right back.

“Well, My name is May, this is Dawn, Max, Serena, and Ash” May said naming all the members of the gang.

“Let’s go” Simon said, not allowing himself to socialise with the others any further, as he began to walk away.

“I guess we gotta follow” Serena said.

A few minutes later the now group of seven reached towards the edge of Lavender town. Directly in front of them The Spirits of Lavender Forest lurked, and further beyond that lay Lavender tower.

They stood on the side of the path staring at the vast expanse of foliage and vines, which were incredibly thick. The path if followed would lead towards the Rock tunnel, a pitch black tunnel where the only way of surviving a journey would be with a Pokémon that could use Flash. But the group didn’t wish to go there.

Their destination was one more sinister, where some of the greatest ghost type trainers learnt, and even after greatness could continue to learn.

Serena felt shivers as she looked into the forest; it was as if time would stand still. No Pidgeys were chirping, and no being that stood there was daring enough to move. It was an indescribable feeling, not like when the Alakaazam took a hold of her which was a feeling of terror, and weakness, and much, much more. Almost indescribable.

But this feeling had shadows of its own, where as the village was shrouded in secrets of blood, and sacrifices. This was shrouded in darkness, the darkness of those who could not move on after death. She never thought about things like this, they were too sad to think about, life should be happy.

But this wasn’t.

Even the two darker figures of the expedition were still at the intensity of the emotions running through them, and the voices that called within their minds.

At a loss for words.

Each in a different way, Ash on one hand was trying his best to dispel the lure that came from the forest, something that used feelings of Lust, Greed, and Glory to drag him in. Others had used this before without succeeding, but this to the trainer was a lot more alluring.

‘Come’ The voices said.

‘Y- Y- NO’ Ash thought as his thoughts swayed back and forth, totally forgetting that his original objective as to go in to save a helpless boy.

“Ash, This is... Scary” Serena managed to say, as a pack of Murcrow flew out of the forest, snapping everyone out of their everlasting gaze.

“It’s alright Serena, I’m sure it’s noting” he said, snapping out of the lure that the voices inside of his mind had given, and putting a reassuring hand upon her shoulder.

“I’m sure he’s right” May said supporting Ash’s words upon the young girl, but all reassurances vanished when the flock seemed to turn Translucent and then disappear completely like the ghosts they were.

In comparison to Ash the other Dark figure that was known as Simon felt his heart skip a beat as the Pokémon vanished. Like the rest of the group all mentions of the mission ahead had vanished the only thought upon his mind was the thought of self preservation. But even he was sent back on track by another voice.

“So, what are we going to do?” Max said thinking logically although the mysticism of the place had still affected him very heavily. Simon took a side glance towards the rest of the group, frozen there in time, and then looked back upon the forest.

And took a look back upon his duties, his duties to the ones he had cared about.

‘What- We- Should- Do?... is Go in’ He thought as he took a step forward, just one step and as soon as that step was taken his mind was immediately barraged with doubt.

‘Don’t’

‘It’s not the smart choice’

‘Let him go in, yes. He’s the cannon fodder, and you shall take from the spoils what You require.’

‘That’s what you did there. At the tree of begging. Don’t you remember? How you framed that famous thrill seeker? And stole the keeper of the tree, don’t you remember? Remember how You sent those explorers to their prisons.’ He was under an onslaught by foreign thoughts they were not his. Because he wouldn’t look back at the mistakes he had committed to others, his good natured soul couldn’t handle it because he would break down at facing his crimes.

‘And how you sent a kingdom to utter destruction? The people may have been safe, as well as many of the Pokémon who were able to flee’

But whose thoughts were they?

‘But I wasn’t as lucky’

“Who’s in there?” Simon said as the rest of the group looked upon him with questioning faces.

“What are you talking about?” Dawn said tone meant to annoy him. Although it was to no effect, as he was used to words aimed to hurt others and could brush them off without a second thought.

‘So you wish to know who I am.’

“There’s something in there” he said in a calm yet dark voice.

Ash perked his eyebrow in curiosity, as Dawn continued to look upon the dark figure with a look that would make anyone feel unwelcome, but only if they would pay attention to her which he would not. Further aggravating the Sinnoh native.

“There’s something in there”

“yes, and that’s what we were going to rescue Mr Lee’s Kid from” Max once again intervened in a know it all tone. Everyone suddenly remembered about the boy, finding it foolish that they had forgotten.

“No, I mean something different, something... bigger” he said, in his dark tone.

“So what should we do?” Max asked once more, as Simon turned towards him, his expressions hidden behind his covered face. He took a step forward, and gripped a Master Ball from inside of his Pocket. He looked at it and knew that it was the wrong one. He placed it back inside and took out another, and then released the Pokémon that was inside of it.

“Scy” the Scyther said as it came out in a burst of red energy.

“Slash out a path” he called out, his Pokémon looked back to its trainer and towards the thick bushes and vines of the forest. The green Pokémon looked over to the forest and started repeatedly slashing away branches and leaves, efficiently clearing a path, and behind of it Simon followed.

“What’s he doing?” Dawn said in a mocking tone. Robert turned to look at her,

“Something that we all should be doing” he said and followed him through the forest, as the repeated slashing sounds came from the Scyther.

“So, we gonna follow him?” Dawn said.

“I... guess” May said.

“Guess? Of course we’re going. We’ve been standing here too long” Serena said as she, went in followed closely by the others apart for Dawn.

“Pika Pi” Pikachu mumbled to itself Took you guys long enough introduce a bunch of leaves and branches and it’s like Mars, to you lot

“Well I guess I’m gonna have to follow Ash” She said to herself as she too went in.

But the voices didn’t stop booming in the two Dark figures, as the voices continued to guide Ash deeper, and try to ward off Simon.

‘You want to know who I am. I am the one that you destroyed, the one, you know as... The tree of Begging’

The group walked as Lavender forest seemed to be a completely alien environment to the city. The sun couldn’t pierce through the leaves upon the trees that lay up above, but the leaves wore a deep dark brown, not that which would be rich in colour, but a dingy brown, as the leaves would fail to give up their hold upon the deceased trees. On the ground there was no grass, the only things remotely resembling life were thorny vines that lay upon the floor.

There was absolutely no noise from anything that was alive in the forest apart from Sythers slashes and the grunts that followed. IF there was anything else alive in the forest.

Simon walked at the head of the group closely behind his Syther, feeling irritated that the other trainers would do absolutely nothing to help him clear a path. But he remained silent, so that he wouldn’t be rude.

Dawn walked up to Robert, “Ur hey” she said.

“Hi” Robert said not making the mistaking of calling her Miss again.

“Yeah, I’m sorry about what I did earlier” she said sheepishly, “I was just irritated by someone” The Co-ordinator from Sinnoh said, thinking about Ash’s density and how annoying it was becoming, once again bringing to light in her mind what was a contributing factor to why they had separated.

“Simon?” Robert said mentioning his friend; it was easy for him to see how Dawn became so irritated by him at first glance, although not why she seemed so angry.

“Ur no, but about that guy. What’s up with him? He doesn’t talk or anything” dawn said referring to his general silence throughout the journey ever since they had first met.

“That’s just him, he’s ya know” Dawn tilted her head in confusion as Robert whispered, “Shy”

“WAHT?” Dawn said but Simon still refrained from turning around, believing that she was just saying stuff behind of his back, it was a bit obvious. “Shy?”

Robert nodded, “Yep, just don’t say it. Or just tease him randomly. He hates it” Dawn then grew a devilish smirk upon her face. “I’m serious” Robert said knowing what Dawn was thinking about.

“Alright, but how?” she said curious.

“It’s just him, some people aren’t confident all the time. But once you get to know him, he’s alright” Robert said, while they continued to walk along the path. But then Dawn turned her head to see something that she didn’t like.

“Ash” May whispered as she walked besides the trainer.

“Yeah?” he said in a soft whisper.

“This place”

“I know” Ash said as he put an arm around of her waist, not putting her into a full hug, but just enough to comfort her. May smiled as she began to feel safer around him as she closed her eyes for a second, taking in the moment. They were in one of the Scaryest places in the world, but at that moment it didn’t seem to matter.

She opened her eyes and from the corner of her vision she saw Dawn looking at her. She then took Ash’s arm off her even though she didn’t want the feeling of safety to leave.

“Oh sorry” Ash said.

“No, No, it’s just” May said, as the once eerie silence was turned into an awkward silence. All this time Pikachu couldn’t help but feel amused at the sudden awkwardness.

Outside of Lavender town, concealed from the view of humans by a large ridge which was constantly paroled by Golem, and Gravelers, a force waited.

They all stood, in groups of ten by ten. To form a square of a Hundred.

A hundred Golem. Besides them lay a square of a hundred Graveler, then a hundred Rhydon

All waiting patiently and in front stood the one Pokémon they followed, Regirock.

A distant rumbling could be heard as from the distance Three Hundred Pokémon came walking into formation. A hundred Glalee, Weavile, and Froslass

All led by Regice.

From another side three hundred more Pokémon came, Steelix, Scarmory, and Metang. All led by Registeel, and they all Moved into a grid of three by three. Nine Hundred and Three Pokémon strong. Ready to battle, to the death for their leaders, away from the view of the unsuspecting town, and from the ridge A great titan looked down upon the great army that he controlled.

“Regigigas- Regi” It said Spirit I know you are there and From behind him Darkrai appeared from thin air.

‘What do you want Soldier?’ it said telepathically.

“Regi- Gigigas” You are the one spying

‘You are ordered to stop your attack’ Regigigas turned to Darkrai taking his eyes off of his army. As a Marowak watched from the shadows, listening carefully into the conversation.

“REGI” WHAT He roared as the ground slightly shook.

‘It is his order. He orders you to halt your attack on Lavender.’

“Re- Gi” Why

‘Because he will partake in this attack himself’ Darkrai said as Regigigas took a step back in shock. ‘and he will be here soon.’ Darkrai said as a slight thunder could be heard in the distance, he turned to see storm clouds brewing in the distance away from Lavender town, ‘Very soon’

F.Y.I.

- Simon, not really a terrifying name that fits his dark character I admit.

- Regigigas keeps his nickname to Darkrai as Spirit, and Soldier is Darkrais nickname to Regigigas, tough they are meant in an offending tone

- If my writing is getting worse please tell me, I’m not all that sure about this chapter.

- The long descriptive babble won’t go on for too long. As the foreshadowing at the end about the next few chapters showed

And now I vanish...
 

Xaotl

Dragon Lord
Guardian Solaris

Ages:

Ash-17

Max- 13

May- 15

Dawn- 13

Serena – 10

Simon (OC) - 15

Robert (OC) - 18


Layout for the Pokemon speech has changed

“Translated Pokémon talk is now in speech marks and in bold otherwise if it isn’t in bold it is not translated”

And now this thread has caught up with ff.net. For all those of you who my be wondering what's going on with the next chap. Well it's nearly done. and it's my longest chapter yet.

Chapter 21- A Guiding voice

The group continued to walk through the forest as Scythers continuous slashes came one after the other in the front. Other than the slashing of vines and hollow branches, an eerie silence surrounded the group from every other direction.

Their progress was slow but steady as most of the group made small talk among themselves, apart from Scythers owner as he remained contempt with his own silence. But his thoughts were not like the general chatter of the rest of the group. His thoughts were focused more on the situation at hand, and how perilous it could be.

‘He’

‘ it?’ Simon thought as Scythers continual slashes prompted him to move forward slowly. ‘I know that it’s here’ the still hooded fifteen year old thought, ‘so why hasn’t... it, attacked?’ he tough wearily, and slightly paranoid. But then again someone needed to be. The rest of the group had seemed to forget completely about where they were. Lavender Forest, One of the most haunted places in the world, people came in and would not make their way back out.

Simon’s thoughts although slightly paranoid, were justified. Because from behind some withered bushes in the lifeless forest a Marowak watched on.

She held her bone upon her shoulder like a trooper would carry his gun whilst waiting. She looked on at the group that began to move slower with each passing moment as the vines and branches became thicker and thicker, the closer that they would get towards their destination. The destination that her new master wanted him to be, not them, only one member of the group was needed. He had to be there in order to stop the oncoming darkness. Or at least aid him to stop it. One thing was sure to the Pokémon that was how the others in the group would not be needed; they were just humans, cruel humans.

Now it would be a human who would help to save the world, a world created for Pokémon. By experience she had learnt how humans were cruel. They had killed her, and still to this day she had no clue as to the fate of her son, her innocent baby Cubone. The humans known to her as the Team Rocket did this, and now she was nothing more than a phantom, unable to move on from her former life. Not able to find what death would bring;

Heaven?

Reincarnation?

What would death bring? Marowak had learned that she may never know, but she could always take the lives of those who had taken away her own life. To take the lives of human beings’ would bring her vengeance.

“Do it my friend” she said as a breeze passed, shaking through her ghostly body like a ripple, but she didn’t feel a thing. She hadn’t felt the crisp cold air brush past her, or the sweet taste of food in years now. That was what death had bought her.

Simon began to slow down as he felt the cold wind shiver through his soul; he panicked internally as his eyes scanned from left to right.

‘Thought you’d forget me?’ The voice said as it had spoken sinisterly once more inside of the boys mind.

‘But I’ll always be here, always, not until I get my own Vengeance’ it spoke up once more, but then turned silent. Simon then looked towards his Pokémon, noticing how the repetitive slashes of blades against the branches, and vines had stopped.

“Scyther?” he said as the Kanto native Pokémon looked towards its trainer with some concern, but the bond between him and his Pokémon had alerted Scyther that something was amiss.

“Scy?” the Pokémon had said wondering if its trainer had any concern.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Serena asked.

“Simon, why have you stopped Scyther” Robert said assuming that it was the hooded trainer who had halted the Bug type from clearing a path.

“Something’s wrong” he said, covering for his Pokémon.

“What?” Dawn said as she folded her arms.

“Something” he replied, as Ash decided to remain silent about the voices that spoke inside of his own mind.

“I know that something’s wrong. But What?” Dawn said raising her voice.

“I don’t know?” Simon replied in a calm voice

“Then why’d we stop” Robert asked.

“Didn’t I already say” Simon replied becoming aggravated, “Robert you should know better than anyone that not everything’s as it seems here” he said as he looked towards his friend.

Robert nodded, but other members of the group weren’t as convinced. “How can we save that boy then?” Dawn said.

“We will,” Simon said playing along with her assumptions.

“So we should get goin” Dawn fired back.

“Calm down” Simon said, noticing how Dawn raised her voice towards him more and more as the conversation went on.

“Why? Don’t you care about His Kid?” she said back.

“And stop screaming” he said gritting his teeth.

“What? Look, I’m just trying to save a innocent boy here” she said

“Then GO!” he said pointing towards the everlasting darkness entangled with thorns covered in vines, filled with twisted branches that had been stripped from all forms of life.

Simon had become really angry with the co-ordinator, he was nearly always calm as he could be but the constant conversations about him behind of his back, and the degrading tone of her voice was piling up, “If you gave a Damn about him then you would have bloody helped me!” he said, “Scyther’s been doing all the friggin work, and all you bloody brilliant trainers have been so high in your selves that you can’t even let your Pokémon out to help” he said talking about the group as a whole.

“Then you should have said something” Dawn retaliated not giving an inch.

“Oh So- rry I thought that you had half a brain” he shouted back, “And now we’re in one of the deadliest places in the world, and you’re busy saying a bunch of crap about me behind my back”

“What?”

“I’ve got ears you know” he said with his eyes reflecting his anger.

“Well you’re the one who didn’t say Anything! If you were smart you would have said something about all of this” she said back, keeping her stubborn approach to the hooded boy.

“And you’re just one of the most helpful people in the world. All you’ve really done is gossip about me. YOU- ARE- USELESS” he said in return, as everyone hushed in silence.

“You, you” Dawn said cumulating her anger, preparing to rip him into shreds. But another being that was watching on had become tired of the argument.

“Take him out, at your will” the Marowak said to an invisible force as it complied with its wishes.

Simon then lost his feeling of anger as it slowly turned into fear. He began to realise the mistake that he had made. He tried to move his feet to stop any injury that could come from staying in the same place, but found that he couldn’t move. He looked down, and found that his feet were completely encased in a bright green crystal like substance, he couldn’t move as Dawn was now the least of his worries.

“Scyther” he called out as his bug type leaped in front of his trainer and Dawn with the aid of its wings.

“Scy” it said, glinting its blade like claws, as Dawn suddenly became really scared, ‘He wouldn’t, hurt me?’ she tough as she remembered what Drew had tried to do to May.

Scyther then moved its large claws holding them up in an attacking position as Dawn moved a few feet backwards. It then attacked its own trainer’s feet aiming for the crystals that encased them, but just before the attack had made contact the crystal had seemed to vanish, forcing Scyther to attack the legs of his own trainer. The bug type then pulled out its claw as fast as it could but the damage was already done, Simon stumbled one step back as a natural reaction before the crippling pain in his legs bought him down, he grabbed his legs in pain as his eyelid and jaw clamped shut holding back screams of pain.

Dawn looked on in astonishment.

“Scy” the Pokémon said in astonishment at its grave mistake, it held out one of his scythe like arms trying to help his trainer back up to his feet, it may have been a small cut that just caused a little bit of damage

Maybe.

But Simon opened his eyes to his bug type and gave a look of pain and anger to his Pokémon.

“Scyther” he said gritting his teeth together, in a voice that was deeper than it usually was. The green Pokémon became fearful of his Trainers judgement, “Scyther. Save yourself”

But his message wasn’t received inside of the Pokémon’s mind as a large green crystal erupted out of the ground throwing the bug type away several meters.

Another large green crystal then grew out of the ground throwing the young boy a few feet himself as he crashed on the ground not too far away from his Pokémon, continuing to grip onto his leg in an attempt to stiffen the crippling pain that was inflicted onto him by his own Pokémon.

“You alright?” he said to his Pokémon who had seemed to taken a heavier hit back than he did.

“scy” the bug type said although as it tried to take its scythe like arms back up, they were then suddenly entangled by green crystals that had sprouted out of the ground almost immediately. Their appearance seemed to be like that of a plant, and their colour was a bright Emerald green, “Scy- ther?” the Pokémon grunted as it tried to untangle itself from the crystal which would show no signs of breaking.

“They won’t break little insect” a sinister voice boomed out from all around the forest, “I will not break again”.

Simon looked towards the others in the group as he saw them break out of their trances by the impact of the sudden events.

Dawns eyes opened out wide as she was the first one to attempt to come to the trainers’ aid, but in front of her a bright emerald wall grew out of the ground. She rushed pounding against it as she attempted furiously in an attempt to reach the boy on the other end.

After her the others reached out of their shock educed trances and also attempted to get through the barrier.

‘Please be there’ the blue haired co-ordinator thought, as the emerald green shine that was originally there diminished slightly allowing a view of the events on the other end.

‘Why?’ thoughts came running through the co-ordinators mind as the rest of the group took a step back, Dawn then decided to follow suit. Ash’s Pikachu jumped off of his shoulder as the Electric type lit up bolts of lightning from its cheeks. One by one the others released their own Pokémon from the Pokéballs: Max released his Metagross, May released her Blaziken, Serena released her Ninetails, and Robert released his own Nidoqueen, and following suit Dawn released her own Empoleon.

All of the Pokémon took up a stance in front of the Emerald wall, as Simon watched from the other end with his Syther besides him, still on the ground.

“FIRE” Ash commanded like a general ordering his troops as the Pokémon let loose some of their most powerful attacks upon the wall, engulfing it in flamethrowers, Hydro pumps, Thunder, and a Hyper beam, creating a cloud of dust from the impact.

As the echo in the silent forest fell, so did the veil of dust and smoke. As the dust had cleared it appeared that the wall had been destroyed, Dawn prepared to rush in and aid the injured boy, but was stopped when the cleared dust reviled a Marowak standing in front of the group with her bone hung upon her shoulder.

All of the Pokémon took two steps backwards at its sight, clearly sensing something that their trainers had not about the Marowak. But Dawn didn’t really seem to be fazed by the Pokémon as she took another step forwards in an attempt to help Simon. The Co-ordinator was stopped when the emerald barrier reappeared, although it didn’t grow out of the ground. The emerald wall seemed to reappear like a ghost would vanish, which caused the Pokémon to return themselves into their Pokéballs and force Pikachu to rush over to Ash who dropped down to comfort him, while staring at the Marowak on the other end of the wall.

The Pokémon looked towards the people with some humour knowing how helpless they were. Marowak looked towards Robert who looked at her with a look that contained Anger and Determination. Anger because of his current situation, and determination. He had a sense of determination to capture the Pokémon, because that was what he had to do, the reason that he had called upon his friend for help.

In return Marowak looked upon Robert with a smirk of supremacy against the human who was helpless once more against her.

The Pokémon then shifted her view to look at the rest of the group until her eyes lay upon Ash who had a hold of a petrified Pikachu. The reason for its state of fear was because just about every Pokémon would feel the same way when put in front of the presence of a ghost, almost all; and this effect would take either eons of training and discipline to overcome or that Pokémon should be filled with pure power.

‘So he is here’ the Marowak thought as she looked upon Ash, ‘I’ll have to separate them, if we are to survive this chaos I must follow his orders and bring him the boy. But how?’ she pondered as she continued her gaze among the humans trapped behind the barrier passing May and Serena who had taken up positions either side of Ash, until she had reached towards Dawn.

The Pokémon looked at the blue haired co-ordinator. Dawn’s eyes looked on as her fists lay upon the impassable wall, not looking towards the Pokémon, but towards the person at the other end who lay injured. Her eyes filled with desperation.

Marowak smiled as she didn’t try to decipher Dawns thoughts; and turned around towards the boy who lay on the other end. Simon had managed to sprawl up onto his back holding a tight grip on his leg as blood dripped down his leg staining his clothes turning them into a dingy dark colour. Besides him his Pokémon remained bound to the dirt by the crystal vines.

Marowak took a step towards the injured boy, as Dawn looked on knowing what may happen, ‘Don’t’

‘Please, don’t Ash, do something, save yourself’ she thought even though she was looking at Simon, but when she looked on at the boy as Marowak advanced. She saw Ash, even though Ash was standing few feet away to her side.

For some reason, Marowak stopped in her advance and glanced towards the group. The Pokémon then smirked as it once again looked towards her original target and continued to walk.

Simon looked on at the Marowak, unable to move away from his current position. He noticed how he wasn’t the only one in danger, and pressed the button of a Pokéball from inside of his pocket. Immediately his Syther was converted into bright red energy, and sucked into the Pokéball.

He then saw the crystals that had once encased his Pokémon vanish into thin air, and smirked. He then drew his eyes towards Marowak who stood two meters away from him.

“So you must be the Marowak” he said, remembering his mission objectives. Even though Ash and the others didn’t.

“Ye- yes” the Pokémon spoke in a feminine voice; something that she had learnt to do in death. The voice seemed scratchy, breaking with every line.

“Still attacking innocent children I see” Simon said. “Guys, if you can hear me, I’m guessing this is the thing that had captured that kid.” He spoke.

“I-I D-ID noth-ing l-ike tha-t” Marowak replied coldly, her words still cracking, as she utilised her abilities as a spirit to communicate, “You, you a-re the m-murderer”

Ash looked on, his mind hadn’t yet thought about breaking the wall with the stronger members of his team, as he had become intrigued in the conversation. The fact that Marowak had questioned Simons integrity had been enough, as Ash hadn’t liked the boy since he had met him.

“So you say?” he said, trying his best to hide the pain in his leg, “Now what are you going to do?”

“Y-ou, will di-e” she said holding out her bone club towards Simon’s neck, as he was still kneeling down in an attempt to stiffen the pain in his leg. Dawn looked on helplessly.

“Now who’s the murder?” he whispered. Marowak, grew an angry look upon her face, as her anger could be sensed by all of the group who stood behind of the wall. She pulled her bone back, ready to deliver a blow to the trapped human.

Simon closed his eyes and turned his head, preparing for more pain.

But nothing came; he opened his eyes and saw the Marowak walking away as he sighed a sigh of relief.

“I-I-I do-n’t need to serve in such a task. A-n-other sh-all” she said continuing to walk away as she disappeared into the forest. Simon then thought for a moment wondering what she had meant, but then noticed that he was half encased in the bright green crystal.

“Damn” he whispered to himself.

His heart began to beat faster, as his breathing became heavier. He attempted to get out of his predicament, by moving his trapped limbs. The crystal seemed to be too tough as he relaxed his muscles, but as he did so the crystal tightened even more.

His heart beat became more erratic, he wasn’t ready to die.

“no” Dawn whispered as she saw the crystal slowly grow up the boy’s body. He couldn’t get his Pokémon out to help as his hands were trapped still clasped around his injured leg.

But all this time, the Marowak continued to watch in concealment, “Wak” she whispered in her native tong, not required to put on the false facade of human speech. “Maro- Wak” she commanded as the great crystal wall that blocked Dawn and the others disappeared in an instant, leaving a dim green haze in its wake.

Dawn jolted forwards as the solid matter in front of her vanished, and she had nothing to lean her weight upon. After a second of thought she had realised that the wall had just gone, and like Max, Robert, and Serena rushed forwards towards the injured boy, who was also freed as the crystal that had encased him also vanished into thin air.

Simon began to breath heavier as he regained control of the rest of his body. But in his current condition it did him no good as he continued to kneel upon the ground clasping his bleeding leg in pain. The scuffle of feet could be heard, rapidly gaining, as he was suddenly surrounded by those who had rushed to help him.

“Are you alright?” Robert said from his shoulder.

“Yeah As-” Dawn said stopping her sentence as she had realised how she had mixed up names.

“Come on” Robert said slowly pulling Simon up by the arm.

“no, he” Simon tried to say, but out of nowhere a bone came flying in like a boomerang, hitting the boy in the shoulder, and throwing him upon the floor once more. Simon clamped his mouth shut, attempting to get a message to the others although they didn’t seem to notice, as they were more enticed in Simon’s condition.

The group went back down to the ground as to evade the bone as it flew back on its return flight, and flew away. Robert attempted to get Simon back up to his feet, causing the fifteen year old to grunt in pain once more.

“STOP” He said showing signs of great pain in his voice.

“What is it?” Max asked

“Save, Them” he said pointing towards Ash and May who remained in their original positions all of this time. All the others turned their heads away from the injured boy, to the direction he was pointing at, and what they saw shocked them.

Ash was standing, behind of the great Emerald wall that had reappeared, with the lower half of his body encased in bright shards of crystal.

The view was slightly blurry from behind of the Green mass that stood in the void between the two groups. HE tried to scream, but the crystals had encased his chest. Ash would try and breathe in, and as he exhaled, the crystal would once more tighten its grip, leaving less air for his body, as his supply of air was slowly being lowered. His face began to change colour as the blood underneath his skin became deprived of the oxygen that allowed it to be a bright red.

But Ash wasn’t alone in his plight, as May stood beside him, attempting to hack away at the crystal with her own brute strength.

“May” Ash croaked out as the crystal tightened around him once more, forcing him to let out a breathless scream as no sound whatsoever came out of his mouth. The crystal gently tightened once more.

May called out her Blastoise. The water type came out looking at the scenario it was in with intrigue, as it then turned towards May and Ash and took a look at their predicament.

“Blastoise, help us out” May called out to one of her most powerful Pokémon, even though she knew that her efforts could just be in vain. The Water type’s natural instincts to protect her trainer kicked in as she launched one of her most powerful Hydro Pumps, towards the crystal that was encasing Ash.

Without thinking Blastoise let out her attack upon the crystal that encased Ash, but her attack also struck her trainer as May didn’t have time to move away from Ash. The surge of Water gushed throwing May off of her feet and into the air, forcing her to fly. May screeched, but her screams were held at bay by the great torrent, as Blastoise continued her Blast. May began to get closer to ash as her body was set to crash upon the crystal that had encased him.

But before the impact that could have ended the Co-ordinators life took place, the crystals had vanished, as she hit Ash sending the two of them to crash onto the floor, soaking wet.

Blastoise looked back up realising her grave mistake of injuring her trainer; although the water type was quickly taken out of her guilty state of mind, as she was poked on her back. Blastoise turned around to see great vines made out of the bright Emerald crystal growing out of the ground, glowing brightly. In shock the water type had no clue about what it should have done as it was slashed across the face by one of the crystal vines. The water Pokémon fell upon her shell, left unable to get back up as another vine slashed her across her side with a distinct cracking sound.

Blastoise was sent rolling around, flat onto her face, by another couple of vines striking her on her left. The water type used her arms to lift herself up but as she got up, she spotted something on the ground. It glistened dimly, and would normally go unnoticed but to the water type this was something that couldn’t go unnoticed.

There on the ground lay fragments of her shell.

The Pokémon immediately turned towards the strong vines, with a look of complete anger in her eyes, having lost a portion of her shell, a portion of her pride. Blastoise almost immediately launched a Skull bash towards the animated crystals, although the Pokémon came in contact with the impenetrable Emerald wall that separated the two parties.

On the other side the group seemed to be in perfect safety, looking on as horror filled their eyes. They watched as Blastoise got herself back up onto her feet. Finally finding herself an opponent worthy of her power. But being overcome by that power. Blastoise turned around and found many more vines erupting out of the ground, with their Emerald glow; and had enough.

Blastoise had no way of winning this, and with that thought she recalled herself into her owners Pokéball, allowing her to fend for herself.

May regained consciousness as Blastoise had returned itself. She found herself on the ground, besides her another person lay regaining his breath. May turned her head around and found her arms holding onto Ash for dear life.

“May” he whispered still attempting to catch his breath.

“Yes” she whispered, still holding on as some parts of her body became cold almost instantly.

“Are, Are you alright?” he asked, unable to move his body, or even speak in his normal tone, due to the lack of Oxygen.

“Yeah Ash, I’m fine” she said, as the cold sensation grew slowly. Creeping up her body.

May held Ash tighter, in fear of what was going on around, trying to find safety somewhere. Trying to make sure that Ash would still be alright. She didn’t know what she wanted to do, but besides Ash was where she had to be.

“May?” Ash said realising something was amiss. “Do you know where Pikachu is?” he said, as oxygen began to once again return into his bloodstream.

“Pi-Kachu?”She said, as she noticed that the yellow mouse like Pokémon was nowhere to be found.

She tried to move her limbs, but found that she couldn’t. All around her, she felt cold.

Too cold.

It began to get hard opt breath, as all external feelings became numb, all feelings apart from Ash in front of her.

He was the only thing there in the world that she was sent in that was as cold as pewter.

The rest of the group could only look at the two in shock. Unable to respond as they were too shocked. The sight they were witnessing was something that they had never seen before, and in front of it they were helpless, as the Emerald wall blocked them from moving to aid. Even though aiding the two would just be an act of suicide.

They watched as the two were slowly became encased in crystal, unable to move. Slowly loosing the feeling of air in their lungs.

Slowly dying,

Without anyone able to help them in any way.

Yet still hidden the Marowak watched on as the sight, as she felt some form of pleasure. The only form of pleasure, or happiness she had experienced in ages. The happiness that no food or wealth could fill in her current state, where Wealth and Gluttony could no longer satisfy her. The only happiness she could feel at that moment was the life being drained away from others.

Marowak shook her head, back to reality. Or at least the reality that she was in; the dreaded limbo without any escape, apart from the nearby town, and every entrance there would disgust the Pokémon, with the stench of the living.

“No, we have to keep them alive” she spoke in her native language, indecipherable to most humans.

“As you wish” another voice whispered through the wind of the forest.

And with that Ash began to be moved by the crystal along the ground, slowly at first. But with time he began to gain speed. May on the other hand was not being moved, but was dragged, as her arms began to stretch further. The crystal had let loose its death grip upon her, but in her new situation, that did her no good, as the being seemed to have any interest in the young girl, in comparison to Ash.

With great speed they vanished, through the deep vines, and branches that had made up the forest. The great wall had also vanished, as it had no use. Those who had stood behind it were too in shock from the rapid events that had just transpired, and would have been unable to do anything even if they were in the right state of mind.

Marowak continued to watch on, “That was fun while it lasted. But the girl was unnecessary” she spoke

“I know” the voice whispered once more, “but she did have a tight grip. Nothing I can do now. So how about revenge?” it suggested.

“Not... yet. Wait, and when the time’s right we’ll strike them down” she spoke.

“When the time is right” the voice echoed, as Marowak began to walk calmly in the distance that Ash and May had been taken in.

“Out of all the souls in all the planets, in all the universe. It had to be a human.” She said, to herself

“Why? Just what makes this one species so special?”

F.Y.I.

- Simon is similar to Ash, He acts like Ash was in the begging of GS, and still dose occasionally.

- The Crystal being, is the ghost of the Tree of Begging, I thought the new ways of attacking others would be better than big red blobs.

- Chapter was originally planned to be longer, but I just had to leave you guys on this cliff-hanger. Something that I should have NEVER done, but if I did carry on it would be two times the length. I just hope that it isn’t all that large a cliff- hanger, but you have something to look forward to in the next chap as Ash and May are now alone.

PLZ R & R

And now I vanish...
 

Xaotl

Dragon Lord
Guardian Solaris

Ages:
Ash-17
Max- 13
May- 15
Dawn- 13
Serena – 10
Simon (OC) - 15
Robert (OC) - 18

In retrospect I haven’t really done much justice to Drew, Brandon and Paul as characters, more so Drew than Paul or Brandon. But eventually in the story I’ll build up their characters, and not to the point where I’m just degrading them, they’ll have a proper background, that serves some justice to them as characters in the story.

Right now on with my longest chap so far...

----

Chapter 22- Search for Yourself

Dawn fell to the ground, as the person whom she loved was taken away from her. Dragged away from her by something.

Dawns usually bright smile turned into a frown, as the co-ordinators eyes held back tears of sadness. Her mother had told her not to cry, and she wouldn’t; no matter how strong the urge. But he was lost to her once more, that hurt her deep inside her heart, and that pain a river of tears could not take that away.

If anything happened to him, not even an Ocean of Tears would relive her pain

It was something that happened to her again. The last time, had them separated for an amount of time that was immeasurable to the young girl. The last time, the cause for their parting was too complex, the situation was too unpredictable. The last time she didn’t know what was going to happen. She didn’t know that she would be hurt in the part of any human that could be hurt the most, the only part of her that was vulnerable to the battering influences of the outside world.

She didn’t know, the last time. How much it would break her heart.

#Begin Flashback#

The sky was dim and grey just like the sky above the Lavender forest. It seemed almost as if a blue sky had never existed. Almost as if this moment and only this moment would exist for all of time.

This moment, three friends stood outside. Upon the pavement of a large road. There was no traffic or buildings of any sort. Just an everlasting entanglement of trees that spread alone either side of the deserted road. The dingy grey sky stretched on forever, as it fitted perfectly with the scenario.

“What’s wrong with you?” Dawn shouted towards Ash who stood opposite to her and Brock.

“Nothing” the recently crowned Sinnoh champion fired back. He took his gaze over to Brock, who stood with an emotionless gaze upon his face. “Brock” he said in a calmer vice, as he shook his head in distain.

“Don’t take things out on him.” Dawn said, “He’s done nothing wrong”

“Brock” he said as if he had never heard Dawns comment even though he wished inside that he could fire back at the co-ordinator, “After what you made me do, your now trying this out”

“What are you talking about Ash” the breeder said back, folding his arms.

“Brock it was just after the Sinnoh championships, you should know. Or have you Magically forgotten?”

“Ash, just leave it” Dawn said as she just couldn’t continue listening to the boy attack her friend unjustly. “Come on Brock, were leaving” she said knowing that Ash wouldn’t listen to any argument that she may put forward, given his usually stubborn state of mind.

“What?” Ash said shocked.

“What do you expect” Dawn said as Brock continued to stare,”I mean after what you did. your breath stank- I couldn’t stand it. When I tried to stop you. You- you nearly hurt me.” She said as she held her right arm, feeling the pain that was inflicted upon it by Ash.

“In more ways than one” she whispered under her breath.

“Dawn, I’m sorry if I hurt you” Ash pleaded, trying to make sure that one of his closest friends wouldn’t leave, “but I didn’t know what I was doing, I can’t even remember” he said trying to make eye contact with the young girl, although she didn’t let him as her eyes were distracted by some bushes to the side of the road.

“Dawn,” he said in a voice that had absolutely no anger in it, unlike that of the person that he was addressing, “what did I do?” but Dawn chose not to answer. Her attention turned back towards the trainer. Ash looked at the eye contact that he was given, as the trainer looked into Dawns hurt filled eyes, stained red, accompanied by the endless flow of tears rolling down her cheeks. She kept her silence as she just took a few steps towards Ash and spoke the words:

“I hate you”

“And I don’t want to see you again”

“Mr, “

“Ash”

“Ketchum”

And with that the Co-ordinator turned around and ran away from the trainer as fast as her legs could take her. Brock immediately followed the young girl in hope of comforting her.

But all around to the trainer, there was nothing but silence. While the distance that she ran away seemed to grow and grow and grow ever larger. The sounds of her sobs slowly penetrated through the silence that surrounded him.

Then The Champion of the Sinnoh league knew that he may never see that girl, one of his closest friends ever again. Through this void that was created by another one of his friends. These thoughts slowly tore him up inside. Because he knew that this was probably one of the last times that he would see two of his closest friends.

So he took the only course of action that he could, and turned around. He did not think, just reacted to the pain and sorrow that built up inside of him. Knowing that he had done no wrong himself, if he had done any wrong, he wasn’t to blame; was he?

Besides him his Pikachu lust looked up to its trainer, feeling some of Ash’s pain. With that knowledge the Pokémon chose to remain silent. As its trainer looked to the path ahead, that was laid with the image of his shadow.

#End Flashback#

Dawn continued to look on into the everlasting shadow of the forest. Wondering where she may be if she had chosen another course of action. She could have talked to him. Or even punish him in a way, Any way.

These thoughts, she had reflected upon for ages after their separation, as they grew in her mind. That was one of the reasons why she had become so concentrated upon finding Ash. When she had discovered why he was right under her nose. One of the reasons why she immediately thought of Ash when she met Max.

But now, she had to come and accept the fact that. ‘There was nothing I could have done’

She had to accept some facts, some clearer than others.

To the rest of the group she had been spaced out in her little world for a few minutes, as she continued to think.

“Dawn?” a voice came, but she took no notice

“Dawn?” it came again

So due to all outside attempts at taking the young girl out of her own world had failed one member of the group decided to take things into his own hands. He decided to stand on his own two feet. Independent from the aid of his friends shoulder taking away some of his weight. He put his full weight onto his injured legs as he felt crushing pain in his wounds.

He took step after step towards the spaced- out young girl. While Robert looked on at what the boy was going to do. Max had decided that he would take a look at the boys Scyther, to see if it was hurt or injured in any way; and the Bug type welcomed the assistance from the boy even though Max was a novice in the field, and the only things he remembered came from his old friend Brock.

The person stood next to Dawn with a slight imbalance in his posture as the pain in his leg continued to surge. Dawn didn’t take any notice of him, until he placed a comforting hand onto her shoulder, the boy gripped Dawns shoulder slightly to bring her back to reality.

“He’s gone” She said, wondering if Ash even knew that he was hurting her even now, by always pushing her slightly away whenever she would try and get really close to him. “Dose he even realise how much he’s hurting me?” she said in more of a whisper.

“Don’t worry. Don’t worry. We’ll get him back” he said, as Dawn turned to the boy who had covered the majority of his face underneath a black scarf and replied with a simple.

“Thanks”

“No problem” he replied.

----

Ash awoke into Darkness, to the sky that seemed to be without any joy. He awoke to the sky that seemed to have never seen the blazing glory of the sun. In a deceased forest that had lost all urge to grow. A forest that had lost all of the energy it once had while it was still young. The forest that had forgotten about the strength the sun had given it.

Through this forest a voice passed.

‘I need you’

‘I need you my s-’

Ash suddenly jolted up with the sound of that voice as he saw several shadows suddenly flee. As if they were alive. He looked around at his surroundings, not knowing where he was, or even what he was doing there. Slowly the blood made its way back into the capillaries within his brain allowing him to slowly recall the events that had guided him to his current predicament, and Ash remembered.

“May” he said as he looked to his side at the Fifteen year old girl who seemed to be sleeping peacefully “Like a baby” he said with a sigh of relief. Whilst Ash looked at how peaceful May slept something clicked inside of him. He was not taking any notice of anything around of him anymore. Almost forgetting where he was. Ash moved his hand over to her gradually. Not knowing of what guided him.

May twitched slightly in her sleep, causing Ash to stop what he was doing, but as she calmed down he returned to his action. He placed his cold hand upon her warm cheek. She shuddered slightly, but calmed down when she became used to the texture of his hand.

That was one of those moments. When time bends so person is able to fit eternity within a second, a moment when the fog of life gradually lifts. Like a bright flower blooming in the darkest of situations. For a moment Ash just sat there looking at May. He didn’t know what drew him towards the girl. He had never really found himself attracted to someone in this way, he barely knew what it was. But this, this was a slight flicker of what was growing inside of him.

But like all moments that seem to stretch for eternity, like every good thing in life. It had to end.

May slowly stirred as Ash slowly drew his hand back, with a gentile smile still upon his face. Slowly May began to stir even more until. The young girl Bolted up, into the same position as Ash. Breathing as heavily as possible, while the blood vessels in her body worked harder to return oxygen to the portions of her body that had been temporarily cut off.

“Ash!” she said in between deep breaths, as her first thought.

“May” he said, as the young girl turned o him, clearly recalling the events that had led them to this place.

“Ash!” she said while turning to face him.

“May” he replied in a calmer tone, but was taken aback when May quickly hugged him in search for some reassurance about what had just happened. “Ash” she said once more, as her voice shook with uncertainty. Ash then wrapped his arms around May, in an attempt to support her. To reassure her, just like he had used to.

“It’s alright May” Ash said in a voice that calmed her mind from the same shock that he had when he had woken up.

”What happened?” she asked while still holding her friend in an embrace.

“Don’t worry May, were safe for now.” He said as May slowly let go of her grip and Ash followed suit. The two still had a loose hold onto each other but were at a distance enabling them to see each other’s faces. “Don’t worry” Ash echoed himself.

“Thanks” May said as the warmth and reassurance that was gained from being so close to one of her closest friends was slightly lost. But not completely.

“No problem” he replied as his contempt state of mind slowly drifted away, whilst the two gradually let go of each other not wishing to, but required by the situation at hand. Ash began to focus upon what he had to do “May, are you alright?” he said with thoughts returning to where Pikachu, and the others may be.

“Yeah” she replied.

“Right” he said as a more determined expression came upon his face. Ash drew his hood back up onto his head, because it had fallen off during the attack by the mysterious being. But the trainers focus was broken as the plans of another came before Ash’s own personal objectives.

‘I need to talk to you’ a voice came in, like a dagger to Ashes mind. He faltered slightly at its sudden strike.

“Ash?” May said in concern.

‘YOU are destined’ the voice came once more. Ash stepped a few more paces backwards, as he held his forehead with his hand.

“ASH!” May said with even more urgency, as she rushed over to Ash grabbing him, and asking “What’s wrong?”

Ash continued to hold his forehead as the voice, the familiar voice called into his head. Each time bringing a sharp sensation to the boys mind.

‘Ash’ it spoke. ‘I know that you may not know me. But I know you’ Mays voice became drowned out. All became silent inside of the boys mind except for that one voice. Not even the thumping drum of his heartbeat was loud enough to cancel out its call.

Calling out of the shadows.

Asking for help, any help.

Not threatening the boy.

The owner of the voice knew about Ash, their blood was one and the same. Even though only one of the two had any blood left.

‘Ash’ it spoke, erasing any thought of the outside world. Taking Ash into a state of mind where only the voice existed, into a state of mind where a second seemed as if it was an eternity. ‘I have a lot to tell you, but first’ it said as it called out of the darkness once more. ‘First I need you to sleep’

And the trainer collapsed onto the ground, into a deep sleep. As Mays pleas for Ash to wake up, went unanswered.

“Ash” she called whilst shaking him, as he lay upon the ground in his deep sleep. Hoping that he’d get back up. But nothing happened, the forest that surrounded her continued in its eerie silence. Ash lay upon the earth in his deep sleep. So May stopped, trying to wake him up. She looked as he continued to breath, and she knew he was still alive. The co-ordinator just thought about all of the things that Ash would stay alive for. There was his home, May was sure that he’d want to see that again, and she also recalled all of the times he talked about Pallet town. Ash would surely want to go back. May then remembered about how determined the boy was about completing all of the gyms, how eager he would be.

‘wait’ she thought ‘that WAS Ash. I don’t know anything about him any more’ she thought as she then looked upon his face that was shrouded in shadow, ‘I don’t know anything’

So May just sat besides Ash wondering, how she would be able to know Ash for what he really was inside, not just the scraps that she had gotten so far. May figured out a while ago that he was not saying everything. Ash was hiding something and she knew it. The co-ordinator just thought about how she could get to Ash. While she thought this he dreamt a dream that she couldn’t fathom.

----

Ash opened his eyes.

He saw darkness. The trainer turned around, and still nothing.

He was floating, in nothingness. A great void.

“Hello?”He called out as his voice echoed within the great expanse.

He turned around once more, “HELLO” the hooded boy called out. But he got no response but that of his own voice echoing back.

Ash was lost, as he continued to look around, searching for a way out of the darkness. But as he searched in the emptiness, there was no silver lining, no hope. In this world of shadow. He closed his eyes.

As Ash opened them he was shocked to see someone standing right in front of his face. Ash pushed himself back in shock, as he obtained a better view of the man.

His hair was unruly as it swayed in all sorts of directions. His face was a light Brown, only slightly darker than Ash’s. He was slightly taller, but his facial features seemed to be a lot more mature than those of Ash. All in all he seemed like a split image of the trainer, only taller and more mature. That and the fact that his body was wrapped in plain white clothes.

He looked down at Ash with a peculiar look upon his face, “Seriously, it’s taken you how long? After all the signs. Your still not there yet.” He said, slowly getting closer to Ash.

“Wha? Who are you?” the trainer said with a questioning voice, although his questions had stopped the other person in his tracks, as he rethought about his stance towards Ash.

“Right” he pondered, “You wouldn’t know, you were too young then. Tell me, what is your name?”

“My name’s Ash, Ash Ketchum” he said knowing that giving up a name wouldn’t harm him much. “Who are you?”

“I, I am a ghost” the man said, causing Ash’s eyes to widen.

“Am I dead? Is that what I’m doing here?” The trainer asked.

“No, no, no.” He said comforting the boy. “You are very much alive, this” he called opening his arms towards the black expanse “is the embodiment of your mind” he explained as Ash looked around it.

“I never thought it would be this empty?” the trainer said to himself.

“No. This is a representation of your mind. It’s blackness. There’s no ground where you can plant your feet upon, he said referring to the lack of a floor, and how the two had been floating in emptiness.

“I’m guessing that this place was once filled with random colours around here, am I right” the person asked, causing Ash to nod. The last time the young boy was in such a situation, was when he was under the control of the King of Pokélantis, but back then the place looked a lot different. Back then, it wasn’t as empty.

“I’m sorry, but I haven’t introduced myself” the person said, “My name is Markus” he said.

“Yes, tell me what happened to my mind” Ash said impatient to know what was happening to him, weather he was dying, after all he was talking to a ghost.

“Oh, this place. Well this is a representation of your mind, it is cold. It is sharp, and precise.”

“So you’re saying that I’ve lost all emotion.”

“No no no” the person said, knowing that he was going off of the topic of his visit, but couldn’t help but feel the necessity of comforting the boy. “If this place is full of colours it shows that you are confused. You don’t know what path you are going to take, how things may lead out in your life. Even though your actions would show something different, you can’t hide what you feel inside of you. But you still have feelings” he said, “In here” the man said pointing to Ash’s heart. “You’re just hiding them from yourself for now”

“Right” Ash replied still confused, but not willing to go through a Philosophy lesson. “So what are you doing in my mind? I mean you’re a Ghost. So there has to be a reason”

“Yeah, do you know why I’m a ghost?”

“Well, Ghosts are things that die in a way that they can’t die properly”

“That’s your best explanation?”

“Hey, I don’t know much about this stuff” Ash replied, he didn’t know why, but he felt a strong bond with this person, or more accurately ghost, but a strong connexion nevertheless.

“Right, well there are many ways that people can become ghosts, some are plainly evil so well you can guess why their ghosts. Others have unfulfilled duties. Then there are those like me who have been cursed into a life of servitude in this limbo. In the last case the spirits usually are confined into one area, but in every other case the spirits are taken into this place. This one point in the world where all ghosts, poltergeists, and spirits come to guard a prisoner. A Traitor” he explained with his almost textbook explanation.

“I was cursed and sealed to this place” he finished off

“I’m sorry, but why do you want me?” he said, not becoming the terrifying hooded figure that he would usually be to just about every single living creature. But this one soul seemed different; this spirit seemed to have a connexion with Ash for what seemed to be an eternity.

“Ash, you have been chosen to wield one of the greatest powers in the world, I don’t know why you have, I just know that you have. Many terrible things are going to happen, but first I need to ask you to help me. Let me finally rest in peace, let me complete my duty for Arceus.” He said and in return Ash just nodded. In the back of his mind a white light went off, as a response to his selfless action.

As the trainer was about to ask the other man one more question Ash found that he couldn’t speak, his mouth would open, but no words would come out. “Thank you, when you find me I’ll show you the next portion of your journey” he said, although only one thing was upon Ash’s mind, “and Don’t worry, Pikachus with me so all I’d like to say is, Thank you” and all of a sudden the black void that was a representation of Ash’s mind became illuminated in a bright white light, flooding all around, covering the other person in its bright veil, until he had completely vanished.

Slowly things became more and more focused as the light dimmed, and figures began to pop out. Becoming sharper and sharper, until it wasn’t just a bright blur any more.

Ash rubbed his eyes, as he slowly sat back up from his position that was upon some sort of blanket on the ground. The trainer groaned, as he retained all that he had just seen.

Not like a dream. A dream would remain inside of its own realm. Once the person would wake up the dream would usually vanish within the blink of an eye. If it doesn’t it would slowly ebb away so it would be as if it hadn’t existed in the first place.

“Ash are you alright?” a voice came from his side.

“Yeah” he said, turning to find May there, “May, how long have I been out?” the boy asked.

“Half an hour” she said in a worried tone.

“Wow, it, but, May? Did you stay by me all this time?” he asked, looking directly into her eyes through the minimal distance that was in-between them.

“Well” she flinched; she slightly diverted the direction that she was looking at, as a strange smile graced her face, taking away the worried expressions that were once there.

“Thanks May” Ash spoke not wanting May to say anything that obviously made her feel uncomfortable.

“It was nothing” she replied. As her answer was soon followed by an awkward silence that could have lasted for a long while if Ash didn’t have any of his own objectives in mind.

“Right” he said as he got himself up. Slowly letting his limbs move once more after the two lapses in which his body had seemed to shut down. One in which Ash was bought close to death. He staggered slightly as he got up; leaving May to stand up like any other normal person would in comparison.

“Ash, you should rest” the co-ordinator said in concern, but the trainer wouldn’t have any of it.

“May, thank you. But I’ve gotta find Pikachu” he said feeling determined, even though his limbs didn’t have the capacity to carry that determination. He took two more steps, and staggered with each one, as May continued to watch on in his failed attempts.

“Ash” she called, without him saying anything back, but instead he took another step that took a lot of energy to place.

“Ash” she called once more, “Please. You have to rest” May said, as the trainer turned around to face her a few feet away. He stood looking into her eyes, knowing full well that his body did not seem to be up to the task for whatever reason. So Ash collapsed onto the ground, without feeling any pain apart from extreme exhaustion. May rushed up to Ash trying to see if he was alright. “Come on Ash” she said egging Ash onto stay conscious.

“Don’t worry” He replied managing to sit upright on the dead grass. He continued to breathe, as May was focused to see that he wouldn’t faint once more. “I’ll be alright”

“Ash, we’ll find Pikachu soon. Don’t worry.” She comforted her friend as she sat beside him. Holding him tightly around his body with one of her arms, to make sure that he wouldn’t fall over. “First, you have to relax”

“May?” Ash replied, not noticing that she was holding him. “What just happened?” he said whilst taking in deep breaths.

“What do you think? You’ve been knocked out twice. The first time you were nearly killed. Don’t ya think that you’d be a bit tired?” she said trivially. As he continued to take in deep gasps of air.

The only logical explanation as to why Ash hadn’t fainted the first time was because his body had pumped natural Adrenalin throughout his body to strengthen it. But this time, there wasn’t any produced fast enough to sustain what his mind intended his body to do.

“Right, so what about you?” he asked, as his breathing became less erratic.

“You were out for half an hour. Or have you forgotten?” she replied as a slight joke. May forgot that she was holding onto Ash, as her action seemed more natural than forced.

“Oh yeah.”

“But Ash, do you even know where Pikachu is?” May asked.

“Not really” He admitted, knowing the man hadn’t actually given a location.

“May” Ash said.

“Yeah?” she asked.

“When I fainted” the trainer began not knowing whether he should tell one of his most trusted friends. After all, this new path that he was put upon seemed dangerous; and if he could none of his friends would be put in this danger.

“Ash” May said as Ash paused, “Do you know what’s going on?” she asked, reading the person beside her like a book, and knowing that he had retained some information for himself.

“No, not really. Most of it is still very confusin’. But May. When I fainted, I saw something” he began, feeling slightly better as he got some of this off of his chest, “I saw a man, he said that Pikachu was safe, and was with him”

“Then wouldn’t it be better to go and find the others first?” she asked.

“No, the others have each other to help them, and they’d be looking for us anyway, so...”

“So” May said picking up on Ash’s sentence from where he had left off, “we look around, and who ever we find first, we’ll find. Right?” she asked.

“Right” he echoed.

“But Ash, I’m just wondering, the man and everything. Are you sure it was real?” May asked.

“Yes. I’m sure.” He said nodding his head.

“How?”

“Because it wasn’t a dream, so that narrows things down a bit.” He said ambiguously.

“right” May said knowing how Ash could get determined and see things through. Just like she could be at times. “What did you see?” she asked, not wanting things to turn into an awkward silence.

“Well” Ash began as he thought that he would tell her only what he had seen but not about the deep danger that he had been cast into, “I was in a dark place, it seemed completely empty, there was nothing there. Nothing apart from this one man, he looked a bit like me, only- older. He told me some stuff”

“What stuff?” May queried.

“Just- stuff” Ash said, still not completely willing to put one of his friends into unnecessary danger. “Then he told me, that Pikachu was safe with him” Ash said, not giving one of his most convincing arguments.

The Pokémon trainer turned towards May and although she seemed to believe his story, Ash could see deeper down, and knew that she wasn’t entirely convinced. “You don’t believe me. Do you?” he asked.

“Well- Yeah, of course I do. No, not really. I mean it wasn’t one of your most convincing arguments Ash” she replied.

“Right” Ash sighed. He knew that May could read him just as he could read her, it was a trait that they had for a while, beginning with their almost identical passion for food, and soon, it was as if they had known each other inside out, but that skill had become rusty on either side ever since they had separated from just about all forms of contact.

“May. Do you remember when I went to the battle Pyramid with you, Brock, and Max?” Ash asked.

“Oh yeah” May said, “when you beat the Battle frontier”

“No, the first time, when I was possessed” Ash corrected her.

“Yeah, I remember.” The brunette replied, raising a memory that wasn’t one of her happiest.

“I miss those days” Ash said in contrast.

“Really?”

“Yeah” Ash said getting slightly off topic.

“Why?”

“Well, I don’t know. Really, Don’t you?”

“Not really” May replied

“So wouldn’t you be there instead of here?” Ash pointed out.

“Well, I don’t know” May said listing up all of the good and bad points of both situations.

Here they were in the middle of this dark forest, without any ray of hope that they’d get out. Here they were an Aspiring trainer, and one of the best co-ordinators in Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Jhoto.

Here, cut off from their friends, almost killed. Or there with the warm sun glowing down upon their faces and Brock and Max for company.

Which one seemed better?

There, in the past, where Ash was possessed by a corrupt and evil soul. A soul who would kill just about anything that would stand in its way. A Evil king that kept a young boy as a prisoner inside of the boys own mind.

Or here in this dark hopeless forest that had died out long ago. With each other for comfort, knowing that if any danger would come they could count on each other for strength, and the next step that they would take in this endless nightmare they would be able to do it together, without having their own opinions shunned by the other.

“Your right May, I would rather be here” Ash said, taking the words right out of Mays mouth. “Anyway, I was saying something.” Ash pondered.

“What was it?”

“I forgot” he replied.

“Well you were saying where you would rather be, here or when you were possessed” May said in an attempt to refresh Ash’s memory.

“OH yeah. May, when I was possessed, I was trapped in this dark room. In one place it was like a window, and outside was everything that the king saw. Everywhere else, it was black, filled with little colours, like flying around” He said opening up about the subject for the first time, “Do you know what hose colours were?” Ash asked rhetorically, “They were My feelings. Never used that word before. But to the point, this time, when I passed out, and talked to that man. I was in that same place, and it was empty.”

“So does that mean. That you have no emotions?” May asked following some of Ash’s story.

“Maybe?” he wondered, “Honestly, after that, I don’t even know who I am anymore?”

“You’re Ash Ketchum” she said blatantly, not knowing who he had become herself.

“But beyond that?” Ash asked the same question once more. “All that I’ve not done, all that I’ve not said, that I would have said and done then”

“Well what haven’t you said?” May asked still feeling that Ash hadn’t told her something important that had been upon his chest.

“Well” Ash thought not wanting to give away another end of the world scenario. Especially in a place where every tree had ears spying upon the two of them, or more accurately: like every tree had a bunch of ghosts that had ears. “Well, like the time I saw you and Dawn again. When we had a battle, or even when we were in the same room. You didn’t know I was there, I didn’t even talk to you when the contest began”

“But you’re here now aren’t you? And even when I didn’t know that you were there, you were there for me. “May said, “and if you did reveal who you were, back then. Would I realise that you are one of my closest friends” she spoke as the girl began to let her own emotions out, “as much as I do now” she said without giving a second thought.

“Thanks May” Ash smiled, feeling bright inside of himself. Not knowing why, as much as May didn’t know why she had said all that she had said. “But, whatever made you, you know? You were one of the best co-ordinators out of countless people who competed. What happened?” Ash asked, wishing to know what had affected May so badly that it would make her do something that wasn’t natural for her, especially considering her normally joyful personality.

“Ash, it doesn’t matter anymore, really. I’m fine.” She told her friend, not wanting to continue something that had ended in a span of time that seemed forever ago.

“Right, so you gonna keep smiling?” he asked, to which May smiled, and nodded in agreement. “good” he said as the trainer wrapped his arm around Mays back, causing her to blush lightly, for two reasons: one was that Ash was holding her, and had brought her closer to him if that was even possible. The second reason was that she realised how she had held onto him from the moment that they had started the conversation. Originally to keep him upright, until May had relaxed into the position and completely forgotten about it.

“But May” Ash said as he relaxed his grip around her, and she in turn had relaxed hers, not knowing what was upon Ash’s mind. Although from his melancholy tone, it probably wasn’t good.

“What?”

“Remember how I didn’t try and free Simon?”

“Ash” May sighed, “Seriously? You know you can’t save everyone all the time”

“I guess, but I have one of the most powerful Pokémon in the world”

“Ash, were in a forest, he could have set it on fire, or hurt Max, or Serena” May said not wishing for Ash to dwell on feelings of regret.

“Alright then” Ash said, not being allowed to lead the conversation to what he wanted to tell May.

How he wanted to tell May that he didn’t trust the fifteen year old boy.

Ash then stood up as the dark forest seemed to become even darker, as a breeze sent a shiver down both of their spines, especially since they didn’t have the warmth of sitting so close to each other any longer. “Right” he said, as May stood up as well, becoming used to the growing cold that had come since Ash had let go. (Has two meanings) “We’ve gotta go and find Pikachu”

“Are you up to it?” May asked out of concern.

“Definitely. Let’s get goin” he said reassuringly.

And the two teenagers took out Pokéballs to release their Pokémon in order to clear a path.

----
The group of five walked through the thick trees, and vines of the forest. In the front a small group of Pokémon slashed against the thick shrub systematically, clearing a path, faster than it had been when only one was there.

Max’s Grovile in addition to Dawns Bayleef, Serena’s Gallade, with Simons Sandslash, Ivysaur, and Scyther that seemed to lead the group with their duties.

Simon had also asked Robert to release his Abra. The Psychic type Pokémon held onto its trainer as if it was having a piggy back ride. Its ability to sense danger if it grew close would serve as an early warning system. So they wouldn’t be off guard when something would come and attack them. They were all sure that Something would come. Their previously calm state of mind had worn off, and they all knew of the great danger that they were all in.

The group continued to walk at a quicker pace than they were walking at before. Robert was taking the attention of Max and Serena, saying things. Many things.

At one moment he would speak of his Abra, and its special ability to sense danger to the two. In another moment he would talk about local legends regarding the Pokémon’s ghost that had just come up to attack them. The spirit of the Marowak, and the crystal being. Max would raise his memories regarding his own encounters in the Tree of Beginning, but Roberts method of conversation didn’t allow the young boy to make the fairly obvious link.

The other two walked on with the pace at which the Pokémon had managed to cut down the thick woods, vines, and branches that had almost completely halted movement throughout the forest without any conversation going on between the two.

Simon became used to his bandaged leg. The pain had subsided with the pain killers that he had taken, and he had managed to somehow retain the ability to walk as he would always walk.

Dawn walked behind the mysterious boy, as she couldn’t even see his hair. His hair had been covered by his hood, that served a similar use to Ash’s one.

He seemed to walk. Just, walk. Almost as if he didn’t care about what had happened. Almost as if he had done something like that every day. Simon had begun to frustrate her; he didn’t even bother to talk to the co-ordinator.

Why?

Dawn didn’t even know anything that was underneath the boys’ shroud of clothing. From the colour of his hair to the expression that was upon his face.

The Blue haired girl quickened up her pace, gradually closing the space between the two until they were walking side by side. Simon didn’t turn his head, but glanced to the side with his brown eyes to take a look at the girl that was walking alongside him, wondering what she was planning to do.

“Hi?” Dawn said unsurely, remembering how their last conversation was just one big war.

“Hi” Simon replied.

“So, ur” Dawn said trying to strike up a conversation, “How are you doing?”

“How are you doing?” Simon echoed, with some disbelief in his tone.

“Right, stupid question. You’ve been attacked, and almost killed, and..”

“No, no, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just that it’s been a while since someone’s said that to me.” He explained.

“What do you mean?” she asked

“Looong story” he said casually, in a tone of voice that deceived his dark appearance.

“Right” Dawn said, expecting him to have a cold and uninviting voice in contrast to the tone in which he had spoken in.

“Well” she pondered.

“you got some pretty strong Pokémon” she said, taking her gaze to Simons Scyther, Sandslash, and Ivysaur.

“Thanks” he said, “But there’s always room to improve, innit?”

“So what are you? A co-ordinator?” Dawn asked.

“No. I’m not really into that. I’m a trainer.”

“alright” Dawn said placing another link in her mind to relate Simon to Ash.

“I’ve only been in one league tough.”

“Why?”

“Things came up. I just haven’t had the time to compete in a lot of Gyms. It’s annoying cause I know I’d do well”

“How do you know you’d do well?”

“Well I did win the Indigo league.” He said, in an off handed manner; although Dawn felt as if he was just making it up in the manner that he had said it. Usually people would be a lot happier when mentioning how they’d won an extremely prestigious Pokémon league. “All I remember is beatin’ someone called Ritchie or something like that. Somewhere in the tournament”

“So” Dawn said, changing the conversation topic, “Do you have family?”

“Yeah” Simon started, “I got. A Dad, Mum, two younger brothers.”

“Really?” she asked becoming more inquisitive.

“Yep” he sighed, with a slightly melancholy tone attached to his voice.

“Did anything happen to them?” Dawn asked after picking up on the sadness in his voice about the subject.

“No, their fine” He said, “Theirs nothin’ wrong. Their completely fine”

“Then what’s wrong?” the Sinnoh native asked.

“Why are you insistent?” Simon countered

“What do you mean?”

“All these questions.” He retorted

“Well, I just wanna try to say thanks, you know?” Dawn said.

“No, not really” the trainer replied dumbly. As Dawn just stared, finding who could be the only person in the world who could be thicker than Ash.

“Well, even after our argument. You’re still not being- you know.” She said.

“What bi-tter” he said putting the emphasis on the word bitter. Dawn just looked at him awkwardly, due to the way in which he said bitter. Simon chuckled lightly in return. “It’s nothin’ don’t worry about it.” He said in a relaxed tone, contradicting the danger of the environment that he was in. “So, what do you do?” Simon asked in return.

“Wha?”

“Like are you a Trainer, or a Breeder?”

“No. I’m a co-ordinator” Dawn said with some pride in her voice, at her occupation.

“Ooh” the trainer sighed, in a tone that resembled the barren wind that whispered its way through the deceased forest. “A co-ordinator” he groaned.

“What’s wrong with co-ordinators?” Dawn asked noticing his reaction.

“I don’t know. It’s just that every Co-ordinator I’ve met is a bit full of themselves.” He said, as his eyes scanned the dark forest, that was generally too think for most humans or large Pokémon to navigate. Simons words got Dawn slightly ****** off inside, as she attempted to hold her temper at the boy.

“So you think I’m full of myself?”

“No, not all co-ordinators. Just most of them are too full of themselves. They usually look down on trainers. But the expressions that they had when they heard how a trainer won the Grand festival in Hoenn. Priceless.” He said.

“Co-ordinators aren’t full of themselves. And for your information, I was at the Grand Festival in Hoenn.” Dawn fired back, in to the next heating argument between the two.

“I never said all co-ordinators. Just many co-ordinators”

“How? Co-ordinators need to be trainers, and Breeders.”

“Who said that?”

“My mom, she was a Grand festival champion” Dawn said, as the argument became slightly constructive unlike the previous one which was a flame war.

As they talked another being watched on with only one thing in mind, ‘must wait’

“Right. Since when did co-ordinators have to be trainers?” he asked

“Have you ever been in a contest battle?”

“Yes, and they’re not really gym battles. If you encourage your Pokémon to keep on fighting, it may be for nothin’ ‘cause the time’ll run out. I admit it’d be hard to win a contest; some of those battles are tough. But it’s just that. Well what do you get?”

“a ribbon. So how’s that different from gyms and their badges?”

“Good point, but with each gym you get more than a badge most of the times.”

“Like”

“To win a gym battle you ‘ave to learn. You have to be flexible, you have to be patient, cunning, and be able to learn something new as a trainer with every battle. A Pokémon champion has to be Wise.”

“Are you?”

“Am I what?”Simon questioned

“All that you just said?”

“Yes” he replied simply, but corrected his statement with, “I hope”

“You’re joking” Dawn said sceptically. “You think that you’re All Knowing. Mr High and mighty”

“No. There’s a difference between being ‘Mr High and mighty’ and being wise.”

“You lost me at ‘No.’” Dawn joked slightly, although giving the message of how he was being vague.

“Knowing everything is somethin’ different to biein wise. Being wise means that I know the difference between what’s right and what’s wrong.” He explained.

“So you’re saying that everything you do is the right thing?” Dawn asked with curiosity.

‘must wait’ It ordered to itself, ‘He Will fall’

“No. But I know the difference. That’s the problem.” He sighed.

“How is that a problem?”

“If you’re in the same line of work as me. It’s not all that useful.” He revealed

“And what’s that?”

“Better if you didn’t know” he said shaking his head slightly.

“Why? What are you, a Secret agent or something?” Dawn said as she chuckled lightly.

“Maybe” He replied as a joke.

“But, that’s gotta be useless. I’ve seen a cruel trainer who’d do bad things to his Pokémon. Then he’d win all the battles that he was in.” She said remembering about Paul.

“Just like a Co-ordinator to say that” Simon muttered.

“What?” Dawn said not hearing what he had just said. If she had heard, he would be headless right now.

“I said this to a co-ordinator. I met, and he said the same thing.” He said recalling the name of said co-ordinator.

“Who?” Dawn inquired.

“His name’s- Drew” Simon said slightly hesitantly, “You may know him”

“I guess you can say that” Dawn replied unsurely.

“I he can be a good person, if he wants to be. It’s just that he hasn’t got a clue about what he does half the time. He doesn’t know if he’s doing anything right or wrong. If his dad asks him to do something that you or I would say no to. He’d just say yes cause he doesn’t know the difference between wrong and right.” He said thinking, ‘He follows the Darkness. Without even knowing what the Darkness is’

“So you’re saying because I’m a Co-ordinator. I’m like Drew?” she said trying to see what the trainer could have been implying.

Simon continued to defend trainers. After all they were the ancient warriors of Arceus, those who would be prepared to defend him from...

Co-ordinators were relatively new to this world. My brother had fallen asleep long before they had emerged into existence. But trainers, they were one of his defences. Thinking that they were doing the right thing, by defending my slumbering brother.

“No” he replied plainly, tracing his eyes around the Environment. Sensing something amiss, “But there are things that you are.”

“Like what?” Dawn questioned not realising how Simons mind appeared to be in two places.

“Well, you’re *****y, get very angry” He said

“How!” She screeched becoming angry.

“It wasn’t all that long ago that you were talking about me behind my back” He replied in a calm tone, in contrast to Dawn.

Although still being ****** off she retorted “Well... You’re big headed, and Annoying, and”

“Say the truth” He finished off.

“What?”

“At least I have the guts to say the truth straight to you” the boy explained

“There was one Co-ordinator I met. I think her name was Zoey or something. She had an agenda against people who did gyms and Contests. And this other person called Harley, if he didn’t like you. He’d just talk about you behind your back, and use sneaky tactics to try and piss you off” he explained, not giving Dawn the space to argue back with the evidence he had given her

“Actually” the trainer stated pondering something, “Is Harley a guy?” He said not exactly sure, causing Dawn to chuckle slightly inside, as she was once thinking the same thing.

“I don’t know” she chuckled slightly, “But not all co-ordinators are like Harley or Drew” she said but hesitated slightly as she said, “or Zoey.”

“I know” He said with a smile behind his shroud.

“You do?”

“Yeah, I just wanted to see if you’d get annoyed with me?”

“Why?” Dawn questioned.

“To see if you were like those three. Besides, I’d like to have a battle with you. It’s been a while since I’ve had a formal one”

‘He needs to pay’ the being thought to itself.

“So you want to battle now?”

“Not now” he said, as he began to feel even more uneasy, “Eventually” he said looking towards Roberts Abra who tried to warn its trainer. Even the psychic type felt the impending danger.

“Alright” Dawn said noticing how the trainer seemed to be distracted,

to be continued underneath...
 

Xaotl

Dragon Lord
...continued

“What’s up?”

‘He Will pay. NOW’ it screamed inside of its mind. ‘Revenge Is My Right’

“No good” he replied simply, as Dawn completely understood what he was talking about.

“GUYS!” Simon called to his Pokémon in great alarm, as a large spike grew out of the ground in a split second nearly hitting him in the guts with its razor sharp edge.

He paused for a second just staring at his reflection cut up into several pieces in the point of the crystal.

Then it grew some more, as he was pushed onto his back.

Dawn had moved some paces back, as the boy rolled onto his side dodging crystal after crystal that grew out of the ground. With each previous one subsiding back into the earth.

“****” He muttered as he got up onto his feet, just dodging another crystal.

He stepped back as it seemed the attacks had stopped momentarily. He hit his back on something; he turned around in the blink of an eye only to see Robert, sweating like crazy. After having returned his Abra into its Pokéball, for its safety

In an instant the ground between the two began to shake, as they stepped back. A Green Column like cylindrical pillar then grew out of the ground, shooting upwards, and stopping.

From it Emerald rocks with spiked tips began to launch themselves like bullets, reloading in an instant, and firing once more.

The two intended targets put their arms in front of their faces. Ready and waiting for the pain to strike.

But In front of Simon Scyther, and Sandslash came to stop any harm from coming to their trainer. Scyther began to use its swords dance, as it deflected all of the crystal shards with its metal Scythe like arms, whilst Sandslash used Slash and Cut to divert them. They jolted from the Pokémon’s defensive swipes as they hit the deceased tree trunks, and the ground. Then vanished in an instant as if they had never existed in the first place.

In front of Robert Dawns Bayleef and Simons Ivysaur used a mixture of Vine whip and Razor Leafs in order to deflect the shards that could easily kill him. As they hit the ground they too vanished, leaving no trace of their existence.

Gallade maintained a position in front of Serena and Max who had been a few feet behind Robert. Making sure that they were out of harm’s way.

Simon lowered his Arms seeing the display of courage being put up by his Pokémon in front of him ,as their reactions seemed to speed up to unusually high levels. As Scyther swayed its arms constantly hitting target after target, without flinching.

The Bug type didn’t blink.

Didn’t flinch.

Conducted each reaction spontaneously, reaching its intended blocking position without any time to spare. Screeching sparks flew off in a dazzling display as each crystal shard made contact with the metal arms of the Bug type in a dazzling Swords Dance showering the Bug types silver scythes in a golden light.

Simon looked on in awe as all the Pokémon continued to defend against tremendous odds. Protecting the humans from a life form that wasn’t alive any longer.

Waiting for an order from their trainers, an order that could turn the tide of the battle.

Simon breathed in, the air of battle. As he realised that there was someone behind of him, breathing in the same air.

“Guys” He commanded.

“Cover us” he called, as his Pokémon just heard him above the concentration that it took to defend against such an intense assault.

The trainer then swooped around, lifting Dawn up and placing her upon his shoulder.

He then began to take a route to encircle the Emerald Column.

Sandslash protected its trainers Legs whist he ran with a roll out, whilst the Pokémon’s armoured back deflected the shards. Scyther used its wings to lift itself just above the ground as it Protected Dawn who was lifted up in the air, and the upper body of his trainer.

The column detected the movement as it moved its aim around, to aim for the trainer that had taken away its life.

Simon ran with every breath pulsing blood throughout his body, whilst Adrenalin shot through his Arteries, and filled him with an unexpected amount of energy; He could feel the shards landing on the earth just centimetres behind of his heels.

Once he reached Roberts side, he let Dawn down in a rush as he spun around to have another shard blocked an inch away from his nose, as his Scyther had just swiped its arm in order to protect its trainer from the head shot.

“Go” Simon called, feeling the effects of the near death experience, shaking his heart. Ordering it to beat harder or stop beating altogether.

“Go!” He called once more to the three who had stood behind of him.

“No” Serena called out.

“Yeah were gonna help you” Dawn said.

“Go, before you get hurt” he called out.

“We can help” Max said as he got out a Pokéball, ready to help the two.

“No, this isn’t your fight. Find your Friends” he said as he then grunted just dodging a shard that seemed to make its way through his Pokémon’s defence.

“Coward” Robert shouted, as the shots seemed to unexpectedly stop at his call.

“WHAT” the column vibrated, making a sound that almost sounded like a human voice, “WHATTT” it called out once more.

“You’re a bloody coward. Face us face to face. Let the rest of them go” Simon called.

The Crystal column then shattered, like an egg would shatter when a new born comes out of it. A hand extended from it, as it ripped apart the rest of the column. A Large Stone being in the shape of a human, made its way out, as it stretched its nonexistent limbs. Feeling amused with the boys proposition.

Its body was opaque with the bright green that it was made out of as it called out, “I ACCEPT” The forest on the opposite side was visible straight through the crystal being that had taken the form of those that had murdered it.

“****” Simon and Robert mumbled, not expecting it to actually accept, “Right. You guys should go. Now” the Trainer said.

“No” Dawn protested, not feeling intimidated by the danger. Unlike Serena and Max who were both fairly intimidated by the Human shaped being made out of a precious stone.

“We’ll help you two”

“No, you three. Go and find your friends. We’ll hold off... What should we Call you?” Simon Asked.

“You’re Executioner. For I will” the being began.

“Thank you. Mr Executioner is enough. Don’t need to go into a monologue.” He said angering the being even more, “SO go and find your two friends. We’ll hold of Mr Executioner”

“No, besides. I’ll show you that Co-ordinators aren’t worthless” Dawn protested.

“Dawn” Serena called knowing that Simon was making sense.

“They can handle themselves” Max added on.

“But?” Dawn muttered not knowing whether to stay or go. Weather to help them, or go and find Ash.

Didn’t she love Ash?

Or was the right thing to go and stay, to help the two fight off this thing.

Ash was her priority. She walked a few steps backwards. Keeping her head facing the battle that was easing to blow up.

Inside she knew that Simon’s talk of wisdom had some meaning to it. She didn’t know whether she was doing the right thing or not, as he stomach began to tie itself in knots.

Her Bayleef made its way beside its trainer, as Gallade maintained its position beside the other two.

Mr Executioner as Robert and Simon had decided to call. Became impatient. It pulled up its bulky arms as if it was dragging something out of the ground, and several more beings came out. Shaped like Rampardos, made out of the same precious stone that the Primary creature was made of.

They seemed to come out like plants, erupting out of the ground as they shook off the excess dirt from on top of them.

Dawn stopped walking back, as she looked at these new, even worse odds.

Simon threw two more Pokéballs, releasing his Nidorino, and Luxray. The Rhino like Pokémon stamped his hoof and readied its horn to strike, as the Luxray, focused its eyes upon the eight possible targets. The Luxray wasn’t like the generic form, as it was shiny, and had golden fur instead of the standard fur that its species seemed to have, in addition to pale white skin.

To make it seven on seven, a fair match in numbers, but unfair by just about every other standard.

Robert also released two of his Pokémon to add onto Simons five. They opened up to show his Nidoqueen, and his Kangaskhan.

“Ivysaur, Charmeleon” Simon commanded. “Flamin’ Barricade” he called as the two Pokémon turned around, no longer facing their opponents, but to Dawn and the others. Ivysaur let loose its Razor leaf as it forced several dead trees to collapse, forming a barricade in which Dawn, Max and Serena were unable to traverse past. Charmeleon then let out a weak Ember attack as he lit the trees on fire, so the other three couldn’t climb it even if they wanted to. The only direction that they could go was away from the battle.

So they did, they turned round as Bayleef used its razor leaf, and Gallade used slashes in order to clear the path, so that their trainers would be away from the danger, that Simon and Robert had a very low chance of defeating. Even with the help of the three.

Now, even though they did have a great urge to help. From the screams of defeat that would come from their friends and their Pokémon. The flaming barricade would prevent any immediate rescue effort.

Charmeleon and Ivysaur turned around in order to face their opponents.

Looking into their soulless eyes. Filled with nothingness.

No emotion.

Nothing apart from the bright Emerald glow.

They would do nothing apart from the orders that they were given.

With that the seven Pokémon that stood against the entities created out of the precious stone knew. They knew that they’d be shown no mercy.

But they didn’t need it.

Mercy was only for the weak, something that life had slashed away from them. The need for Mercy was one that had been stabbed in the back allowing these stronger beings to grow.

“So. We gonna do this?” Robert asked, rearing for the battle to commence.

“Soon enough.”

“Hey, Mr Executioner” Simon called out with the name that the trainer had given to the entity.

“Remember what happened?” the boy asked, not needing to hide anything any longer. The entity only tensed up, almost feeling the boys’ neck in the grasp of its hand. “Do you remember what happened to Mew?” the entities interest perked up, whilst the boy took out a Pokéball. The standard size of any other Pokéball, but this one was completely see through. Its outside appeared to be like ice “The Cryoball. Built by some of our greatest scientists, for only one purpose, to capture the Prime Mew. With the function of a master ball. But unlike the Master ball, Mew is not conscious. You see we knew about your link to the cat. So we froze her, just so she doesn’t die.. She’s in here. It’s gotta hurt? A part of you that’s still alive. Sooo close, yet sooo far away” He teased.

“Stop and fight. Human Filth” the entity roared out in rage.

“Alright then” Robert said, “For the Darkness”

“For the Darkness” Simon echoed in a lower tone.

The crystal being stretched out its arm to the seven Pokémon as its Rampardos shaped minions began to charge.

They began to thump across stampeding as the seven Pokémon stood their ground, shaking at the ferocious charge that shook the brittle ground underneath of them. Like the drums calling them to battle, as there wasn’t random movement within the charge. They moved as one single being.

‘Here come the drums’ The trainers thought, as they issued their whole command.

“Wall the charge off Charmeleon” Simon commanded. The Fire type launched a Flamethrower, swinging his head from side to side s the flames continued to pour out, spreading in the direction of their opponents, like a wall of fire.

But they passed through without any harm.

“****” the trainer murmured, “Rob, let’s split em up”

“Right” Robert said, “Now Nidoqueen, Kangaskhan, use your strength.” He ordered as the two Pokémon took up a stance, prepared their arms in defence, and readied for the attack.

“Guys, let’s use our speed, and FIND a weak spot in these things” the boy commanded to the other five Pokémon as they all took up less solid stances than Roberts Pokémon, giving them the freedom to move.

The Prime Crystal entity in the form of a human took his hand and stuck out his thumb. He then pointed that thumb down to the ground s the row of Rampardos like crystals all aimed their heads horizontally to deliver a head butt.

The sound of the drums went on, and rumbled with the growing charge.

Then they stopped, to be replaced by the large explosion of dust that had resulted from the clash of the opposing parties.

The dust dissipated almost immediately, showing Kangaskhan and Nidoqueen holding the heads of the Rampardos as they continued to run in one spot like a computer attempting to finish its function. They ran as their feet scraped up the earth underneath them, and the two large Pokémon began to cripple in their stance from the immense pressure.

On Simons half things weren’t going all that well either.

Sandslash had failed to evade his opponent. The Pokémon coiled itself up in a defence curl, as the Rampardos stopped its original strike off a head but and begun to slash with its arms at the coiled Pokémon. Trying to strike through its armour.

‘****’ the trainer thought it his Pokémon’s unfortunate position. Attempting to think quickly to remedy it. But he had four other Pokémon in need of assistance.

“Luxray, jolted from place to place, in an attempt to separate its opponent from the group, as it had been ordered to do. It leaped like lightning as the crystal opponent that it had slashed and slashed, and continued to miss. But the cumulative effects of the dodging took more out of the biological life form, than the one made from stone.

Charmeleon and Ivysaur had only one opponent, but one was more than enough for the two Pokémon. They used a combination of Ember and razor leaf at their opponent in a hope to fend it off. But their combination attack was quickly shaken off leaving no sign of damage upon the crystal entity.

Scyther had his own hands full fighting off two Rampardos. They continued to charge towards the bug type, as it leaped backwards, with aid from its wings to extend the speed and distance of his jump. But it wasn’t enough for the two continued to charge. Keeping up with the bug. Once they would get two close the But type struck them with its scythes, only to have the scythes go straight through them.

He turned his direction in an attempt to evade the two only to have them also alter their course. Scyther kept his head turned towards his pursuers, as he leapt and leapt, and caught his leg upon something. The bug type lost his flow as it crashed, ending up in a pile with. Something else.

It put its head up to see that it had crashed into Charmeleon, and Ivysaur, as the three stone entities formed a single line.

Another having been kicked in the guts crashed nearby the group. It was Luxray, as another Emerald entity lined up.

Scyther saw in the slight distance as Kangaskhan and Nidoqueen fell to their knees, roaring in immense pain as their arms felt the crushing pressure of their opponents.

Then it saw its trainer. Being held in the grasp of the crystal, with his feet a meter off the ground.

He grasped for air. But his gasp only got the crystal to hold on tighter. The trainers’ life would not get away from it.

“What” the trainer whispered out, “would Mew think?” he asked the crystal being as it began to make assumptions. As we all do for someone that we haven’t seen in a long time, usually separated by death.

“Mew” it murmured in a low voice, as its smaller entities began to lose all focus upon their enemies. As if they had shut down due to lack of power.

As all do the crystal being began to think, assuming that maybe. Mew would be disappointed. Mew would be sad.

Its gripped lessened as Simon took in a deep gasp of air into his lungs.

“I know it’s not much” he said still breathing heavily, “But I’m sorry, I really am” he said to the crystal, as Scyther shot its deep steel blade through its back, and then withdrew it. Causing it and all of its smaller sections to shatter into many shards.

The boy bent over and collected a few shards, knowing how it would help with finding a way to sustain Mew without the Cryoball.

He looked over to see Robert, as all the living creatures there began to breathe a sigh of relief.

A sigh of relief that wouldn’t last long.

From a hidden position the Marowak leaped out and into the view of the group.

Looking angry, after having only witnessed the last portion o the battle.

Simon stood up, and put the shards of crystal into his pocket as he whispered, “For the Darkness”

Robert echoed, readying himself to complete the mission that he had come out into the forest for the second time to complete, “For the Darkness”

----

F.Y.I.
- V. Long F.Y.I here
- The rest of the reason as to why Dawn/Brock and Ash split up will come up later.
- A little hint, although Ash said that he didn’t like May before, yet he was told by the person in his dream that he is hiding things from himself, for whatever reason.
- I’ve managed to put innit into the story. I never thought I was going to do that.
- A bit of anti-co-ordinatorism here. It’s just that I’ve noticed how many fanfics happen to strengthen the Contest world a bit too much, without many flaws in its existence. I.E. there’s never someone who dislikes Contests, or finds many co-ordinators to be annoying. I just thought what would happen if I could change things. Make a character dislike contest, and co-ordinators for a change. Something I’ve seen rarely done. If you hated that portion, I apologise, I just wanted to try something new that was rarely dodn in addition to Marowak (who also makes very rare appearances.
- The conversation between Simon and Dawn dragged on a bit, without much going on I feel, as well as the majority of the beginning.
- Cryoball (My original idea, Cryogenic Pokéball) Created by Scientists for the intention of capturing wild Pokémon that were critically injured, and if they wouldn’t accept capture for transport to a medical institution. The shell is made out of Quartz, making it almost impossible for any Pokémon to escape; its interior is forged out of a material that freezes the subject. The scientists were lied to. They were told of its true intentioned and when they begun to protest straight after for the lies, they were all shot dead.
- Here come the drums, a lil Doctor who spoof thingy I just had to add.
- Well Simons team has mostly been shown: Scyther, Sandslash, Ivysaur, Charmeleon, Lux- Ray.
- It’s kinda hard to see where this fic really ranks among all others. So if you please give an Honest opinion weather you think this is not good, or an alright fic. It would help me a lot to have a third person opinion, as to how I could work on this fic.

----

PLZ R & R

And now I vanish...
 

Xaotl

Dragon Lord
Guardian Solaris

Ages:
Ash-17
Max- 13
May- 15
Dawn- 13
Serena – 10

----

Chapter 23- Arrogance isn’t Wisdom

There it was. Ash and May gradually began to lose a sense of their surroundings, due to the great expanse of time that they had lingered in the dark forest. They stopped all urges to gaze upon the disheartening sights that had once grown all around of them, as the view of the winding trees, and the tainted skies became the last notion within the confines of their minds.

The only aroma that existed wasn’t one of rot, as one would expect within such a place. The Forests enchantment stretched onto further planes that life dwelled upon. The microorganisms that fed upon the deceased hulks of mass that remained in the wood, found no secure area to feed. They like all other sentient life forms that existed upon the face of the planet found themselves repelled from this particular area. Consequently it remained in a state of limbo, not moving forward to rot and therefore recycle the lifeless shells, adding onto the cycle of life.

Life?

Not giving the horrid smell that any form of organic matter would give. In contrast the only scent that filled through the two teenagers was the light mist that gradually grew around of them as their predetermined destination, stood tall in front of them.

They stood upon the side of the forest as it seemed to stop in an instant. Making its way to reveal the bare earth, once more devoid of any forms of life. In the centre of the clearing it stood. A great building, towering its way into the sky.

Their Pokémon had been returned to their Pokéballs as the dissipation of the Forest around of the structure did not require for them to remain out, exposed to the great danger that was an evident peril to any form of life in the vicinity.

Its design was not exactly attractive. On the contrary, it was a bleak and depressing site to look upon. Its four rising walls were made out of rubble. The grey walls grew upwards, as it seemed that it would crumble at any moment, without any form of conventional man made design apart from the square shape of the perimeter, that was not generally found within nature. Its relatively weak potency to remain upright was strengthened by four enormous tree trunks upon each corner, acting like a form of scaffolding. The tree trunks had managed to not rot, in accordance with the rest of the forest. The wood wasn’t expertly engraved, or decorated. It was there out of necessity, otherwise my construction; no matter how dismal would crumble to the ground. That was something I couldn’t let happen.

It had to hold in its prisoner, that traitor should not have been allowed to be released. My unsuccessful attempt, no matter how long it had stood was disgraceful.

Something that would soon be rectified, after all, my ineffective endeavour at manufacturing a prison, would soon be that which would fabricate one of my greatest strengths. Yet no matter how fruitless it was in effecting its duty, it was brilliant. The Tower, the Town, the Forest, the Dead, the Living. All were walls for him. Like the valley and the gates were for that fool Leo. My inventive use of resources in order to create some of the greatest walls, made out of stone, and wood, and Life, and Death. Making sure that it wouldn’t crumble away with time.

But it would, wouldn’t it. After all, he was there, that boy. That boy with that Dragon, with that symbol of chaos. One of the few voices that the void had incarnated itself in. That Dragon. Nevertheless, I was drawing closer, and the boy who dared to interfere in my agenda, would have had to pay the price. Yet the traitors head could be seen from the flat roof of my structure. His mouth muzzled like a Houndoom. The great irony, to be trapped like the very thing that you despise. It’s beautiful.

Yet all of this time he looked onto the tower, as he began to realise the structure that stood in front of him.

“I remember this place” He muttered.

“Where?” His accomplice asked, taking advantage from the heightened senses that came in conjunction with a lack of action for a certain period of time.

“Well, not here, here. You know?”

“No” she replied honestly.

“Well you know that other tower? The one closer to the city? Well Agatha made that one for training.” He recalled the last time when he was at Lavender town. The last time he had made his way into a haunted tower, and befriended a pair of ghost Pokémon. “That tower was like a second version”

“It was supposed to be like somewhere to train, because the original tower was” he paused, recalling what he had heard, “Deadly”

“Right, so that means that we shouldn’t go in.” She said taking in all that Ash had told her.

“No” he replied as a split reaction.

“Why?” she questioned him in return.

“Well” he pondered, not exactly knowing what had triggered his action.

“You don’t know?” she asked, wearily sensing the supernatural at work once more.

“Well” Ash thought, “No” and in all honesty in my part, he didn’t know after all he was a human, a pawn in this game that my prisoner has attempted to resume playing. How would he know, the signs have been scared upon the universe for what seems to be an eternity, on the top of every mountain, and written upon all of the walls of every city, and in the Iris of each Eye. Yet this ignorant species still haven’t been able to discover the truth. How imprudent and wretched could a species become? Yet, humanity is so integral to my story, but that’s a thought for later.

Slowly he began to feel it, as he continued to look upon the tower. Like a claw, finding its way through the shadows. Gradually clutching him in its grasp, the ears of the boy, opening his ears to the whispers that made their way through the mist.

Calling, ‘come to me, I need you’ in a tone that did not fit the callous attitude of its owner. Ash felt his heart gradually quicken its pace as the lure slowly wrapped itself around the boy. He was so close, freedom was near, he could almost taste it. This boy had to comply with his duties as a pawn. At least that’s what he thought. Not Ash, the other.

Ash glanced towards the dark tower as he began to take steps forward, being drawn by the arm that had guided him all this way through the forest. In more ways than one.

“Ash” May called snapping the trainer out of his trance.

“Yeah?” He asked casually forgetting all about the voice, that remained. Whispering, ‘come, do not waste time’

“Well Ash. Are you sure that we should go in. It’s not really stable” she said taking note of the ancient structure.

“I guess” he said listening to the advice of his friend.

‘No’

“But”

‘Pikachu’

“Pikachu could be in there”

“You sure?” May asked sceptically. Sensing danger emanating from inside of the structure.

“Well”

‘Yes’

“Yes, it’s the biggest thing here; you’d rather be in there than in the forest. Right?” he said

“I’d rather be out here any day” she said.

‘Hurry’

“But we gotta go inside” Ash said resolutely.

“Why” May asked continuing to sense danger from the tower.

‘Hurry UP’

“May” Ash said in a tone that he hadn’t used on May, in what seemed to be an eternity. “If Pikachus in there, we have to go in.”

“But Ash?”

‘What’

“WHAT” Ash snapped echoing the voice inside of his mind.

“Ash?” May asked seeing Ash becoming tense, until that snap had forced the young girl to inquire.

“Sorry, don’t know what happened” The trainer replied gaining control of his senses. For a brief moment.

‘Hurry’

“But we gotta go in.” Ash said once again falling into the subliminal lure that came from the tower.

‘Pikachu, needs you’

“Pikachu’s in there” he said once more adamant to maintain his own stance.

“How do you know?” May asked

“I don’t” he admitted, not yet realising the grip that the tower had grown upon him, especially from such a short distance.

‘Leave her’

“May, if you don’t wanna go it’s fine. I’ll go and come back as fast as possible.” Ash said as he took a step forward

“Wait, I’ll come” she replied, “After all, someone has to take care of you”

‘Why are you so adamant to taking to her? Hurry!’

‘Freedom will be mine’

“Alright then” he said taking another step forward to the tower.

“Wait?” May said as the trainer turned his head around to talk to her once more.

‘What Now?’

“What’s going on May?”

“Someone’s there” she said listening closely to something.

‘WHAT’

“What?”

“Listen” she said as the sound of slashing and the echo of organic substance being cut down became more and more clear. “It’s the others” she said with realisation, as their general chatter could be heard growing nearer and nearer.

‘This is not a time for distractions’

“Right” Ash replied unsurely, feeling torn between the mental voice, and the help that his friends could provide.

“Here!” May shouted shattering the ominous silence that the forest provided. The slashing was silenced for a brief second, “Its May!” she called once more, as the noises resumed at a faster pace, growing louder and louder as the other group made their way through the heavily wooded area.

‘Leave Them’

“May” Ash said unsurely.

“Wait a sec Ash” she said, shouting towards the other group “It’s us!”

“May, Ash!” Someone from the other group called out.

‘Time is of the essence’

“We’re fine!” she shouted in return.

‘They will only hinder my efforts’

“We’re nearly there!” the person shouted in return, as Ash could hear their voices grow even louder as the space in between began to close.

‘You must come’

“May” Ash said in a whisper as the foreign thoughts continued to fire at his mind.

‘NOW’

“I gotta go” He muttered as he turned his back to her and began running towards the Tower, devoid of any of his own individual judgment taking command of his limbs. Looking on like a bystander, whilst the voice grappled for control of his consciousness. Fighting Tooth and Claw, and Winning.

Ash ran feeling, breathing, yet not thinking. He took step after step in succession as he saw the great tower grow closer and closer.

“Ash” May whispered, hearing a rapid flurry of steps from behind of her. She turned around, no longer answering to the calls from the other group. “ASH” she called out to the trainer seeing him run away.

She saw him as he reached a bulky wooden door. Held upright with thick metal bars. Ash launched his leg into the door, shattering the wood that had been weakened by the damp originating from the mist that continuously lingered around of the tower.

The metal braces that held the door up collapsed onto the ground.

‘Continue’

Ash ran into the tower, complying with the wishes of the voice as Mays call for him to stop remained unanswered. “Ash!” she called out once more causing the advance of the other group to grow out of anxiety for Ash’s wellbeing.

“Ash!” she called once more as he vanished into the dark shadows of the tower. She continued to look allowing thought to vanish as she began to chase after him, wading through the fog knowing that there was something else going on. Seeing that something was amiss with Ash.

“May!” someone called out for her, as the co-ordinator stopped and turned around, to see a familiar figure through the haze. “May” he called out once more as she turned her head around, in order to see the other person who was calling out to her.

“Max?” she said, stopping in her tracks, as Max, Serena, and Dawn also began to run towards May slicing through the fog in their dash, having returned their Pokémon back into their Pokéballs.

“May” Max called out to his sister as he saw her figure in front of him, regardless of the large ominous tower that watched down behind of her.

“Guys” the Co-ordinator said in relief seeing her little brother and the others safe, not remembering the other two that were once journeying with the party. Max ran faster than the two girls alongside him as his sister waited in the mist. She held her arms out wide ready for how Max would hug her, like he used to. The boys’ mind which until now had doubted that May would come out of this in one piece, blew a sigh of relief. The Trainer stopped two meters away from his sister, not hugging her as he would have done when he was younger. But maintaining that distance in between the two of them.

“Are you alright May?” he asked his elder sibling, as she let her arms drop back down.

“Yeah, I’m fine, but”

“Where’s Ash!” Serena called out.

“Yeah” Dawn continued

“Ash.” May said turning to the large tower. But before she could say another word, Serena along with Dawn had already moved out in a hurry to the dark doorway that led into the ancient tower. Soon enough May and Max also found themselves running into the dark entrance.

Searching for the friend that they had lost.

Found.

Now lost once more.

----

The boy who the four chased made his way through the darkness of the tower, after entering through the door. Cramped, as a description of the space inside of it, was an understatement.

He ran with the strong earthy scent running through his nose, as the invisible claw took control of his liberty. The sharp scent of the stones that encompassed the perimeter took up the light that would have brightened the dark tower, but the vision of the trainer was still intact, no matter how much of the natural dingy light from outside was blocked from the inside of the tower. Small slits, across the walls, like those found in medieval castles, to prevent even the smallest of people to enter or exit, in coalition with the tiny holes in the structure allowed small streams of grey dingy light to penetrate the heart of the tower.

Ash looked around as the grey light that filtered through the clouds barely illuminated the internal area of the tower. There were no stairs of which to speak of, no ceiling, that showed that there were floors in the tower. Just the roof that was invisible to the trainer, the beams of scattered light reviled that there was no way to go higher, as there was no sign of stairs of any sort.

He looked around.

‘Nearly there’

The light that filtered through lay upon a column in the centre of the room. It took up the majority of the area inside of the tower forming the cramped atmosphere, the column was by no way consistent in its outline, bulging in and out, in comparison to maintaining a straight form. Although there wasn’t enough light to clearly define what it was.

He looked as he heard footsteps of others growing closer into the tower. The air began to gradually turn chilly, as Ash began to slowly notice many things around of his environment. Gradually feeling the air grow colder, with even the slightest movement of his muscles.

‘Pikachu?’ He continued to think of his friend. As the foreign thoughts that once grabbed onto his mind let loose of its grip.

For a moment.

“Where are you?” he muttered as the slight hope that the other voice had put into the trainers mind to increase its grip vanished just like Pikachu did once Ash and May were attacked by the crystal being.

He began to take notice of his surroundings, heightening his senses, searching inside of the darkest corners. Wondering where his friend was, like the voice had promised.

Seeing the individual pieces of dust floating in the air, viewable only from the small streams of light that existed inside of the tower.

He looked, seeing the stone walls, the darkness with slight and shallow beams of light like stars within the darkness of the universe, a pair of eyes, the rest of the rocks.

‘What?’ The trainer thought, as he turned to the eyes, only to feel a force strike him as everything became cold.

“Ash” he heard.

“Ash!” he heard someone cry out for him, as even the low amount of light within the tower disappeared in the blink of an eye.

He could feel it getting harder and harder to breath, as all breath vanished out of existence.

Ash felt things getting colder, no light at the end of the tunnel. Just the emptiness, the void. Waiting there for him. Ash felt his spirit slowly fading out of existence, slowly ebbing away into nothingness. But it then stopped.

Gradually, the dark, the emptiness. It slowly grew into a sensation inside of the trainers’ body.

The cold. Took hold from the crown of his head to the inside of his chest. At a temperature lower than that which ice is formed at, that one point where there is no form of energy whatsoever within an atom.

The cold shocked the trainer as he opened his eyes, only to have them remain close. He tried to scream, but nothing came out of his mouth.

The cold ebbed away in an instant as he felt an arm grab him out of the chill, wrapping round of his soul once more, as the cold dissipated into nothingness.

Then it all seemed to stop.

Nothing was there. Absolutely nothing. Apart from the claw that wrapped itself around of the trainers soul. That claw, holding on. Keeping Ash conscious. But other than it, there was nothing.

Absolution, absolution from the burden of life. The burdens of your friends, and family. To take off the weight of the world. Ash felt it leaving, the feeling that some may believe that would cause babies cry once they are born.

The weight of the world, the chaos that flows in and out of it with every waking moment.

It just...

Went away.

And with the release from these great burdens Ash opened his eyes, to find himself rushing. Not knowing where he was heading to, only knowing that he was heading somewhere.

Beams of light scattered throughout the great darkness made their way closer to the trainer and passed him with great speeds. Still he felt no gravity as he continued to ascend. No wind, just the nothingness.

Ash continued to look to where he was going as the beams of light dissipated behind of him. Only the darkness at the end began to grow. Ash didn’t have the ability to panic, to try and stop, or even the capability to question why. The claw continued to hold onto him.

It kept coming, kept growing; as the hold that the other had, grew in turn.

Then, all lights had past, as only darkness remained, yet Ash still had no form of doubt, no question as to his current situation. He just watched on as the events transpired.

Then from the dark expanse, it came, as the great grey clouds above of him came into view, and Ash came to an immediate stop without any feeling coming into the trainer from the sudden stop that he had just made.

He looked around as the claw vanished into nothingness, allowing the ability of sentient thought to bloom inside of the boy.

The floor that was underneath of him was made out of jagged rocks. There was a light mist everywhere. Yet he felt neither, the pain that the rocks would create upon his feet, or the sensation of water particles condensing upon his skin.

The sky was grey everywhere.

Then he noticed, as he murmured, “That ain’t right” He realised, that he was on the roof of the tower.

“What happened?” he asked to himself, taking into questioning all that had just happened. Seeing everything just rush past his eyes. Recalling that the last thing was how he was standing besides May.

Regaining his ability to think as the grappling claw had dissipated.

‘Enough, Come to me’

A voice came into the trainers head, echoing inside of it.

He turned around in search of the voices source, and he found what appeared to be a stone pillar.

Rising out of the roof that managed to maintain its might after all this time. A stone structure not made out of the same material as the rubble. This seemed to be more expertly carved, to the boy at least. He continued to look upon it as he walked towards it, maintaining his gaze. He began to see that it shared resemblances with other things he had seen.

The face of a handful of Pokémon. The pillar looked like the snouts Lucario, and Houndoom had. Ash began to unravel other Pokémon that this one structure had been based off of.

Without the strength of mind in order to see who was based on who.

The human was only a meter away. Only a meter, after so long.

‘I see that you have taken your time’ the voice boomed once more.

“What” Ash said.

‘What do you think? Human incompetence never ceases to amaze me. Or is that just you?’

“What are you talking about. Who are you?” Ash asked.

‘I’m right in front of you. The stone.’

“oh” Ash sighed in realisation, not really all that fazed by the strangeness of the situation.

‘I am the one.’

“The one?” Ash spoke remembering Leos words, “I thought I was the One”

‘NO’

“Huh?” Ash said not knowing what the other voice was talking about. Recalling the last thing in his memory as May.

‘Incompetent Fool. My patience was drained far too long ago. Do not dare to pester me with your inferior perspicacity, and incredibly dry sense of humour. I have no room for it. If I want, I can crush you. I may be held behind this prison of Stone, but you are feeble, and even now rely on me for survival. Of your Past, Present, and Future. So choose your words carefully’

“Sorry” Ash said, not knowing any other way to reply to the voices threat.

‘good. Now I can begin. My name is Marcus’ The voice told Ash as a telepathic message.

“Marcus?” Ash said, quickly recalling the man in his dream.

‘Took you long enough’ its voice seemed to be agitated.

“So, I have to.”Ash pondered, slowly recalling all that had just happened recently. “Free you.” He said, ‘Then you’ll show me Pikachu’ he thought, not blurting out his own needs, speculating that he may offend the being if he did voice his own wants in front of the beings needs.

‘Yes, I have waited for so long. Days and Nights. Now you are here. Do you recall my brother Leo?’ It asked.

“Yes” he answered, not having been able to make the links between the three if he was told straight to his face.

The brother of the friendly giant, the kind man inside of his mind. This was it, the two put into an actual physical being created this individual. This cruel and subjective being, ‘well’ he thought. The links were like the outlandish theories by a few that he had met saying how Ho-Oh and Mew were one and the same.

‘To liberate me, and obtain what you are searching for. Use the power that has fallen into your lap. Boy, I suggest that you make haste. I have waited so long, and you do not know how agonising it has been’

“So what do I do?” The trainer replied in his voice that suited the dark person that he was in the view of the public. Another duty had been put on top of him, and he had to be strong for it. For Pikachu.

‘Stop. Just cease. Before I tell you. You are Not exceptional. You are LUCKY. To have the emblem of Anarchy within your arsenal, the power shoved straight into your lap. Consider yourself for what you are. Your gloom doesn’t phase me, I have witnessed great horrors before my eyes, so don’t deem yourself to be something Big. I’ve witnessed your psyche, and have controlled your body. I’ve even killed you Boy. Get over yourself’

“Killed me?” he said, as every shred of existence around of him began to gradually become distant, and empty.

‘What do you think you are right now? Incompetent Human. The rocks don’t touch your feet; the spikes upon the stones don’t pierce your skin. You can’t feel the wind or the cold upon yourself’ Then nothing seemed to matter. Ash had his eyes wide agape as his non- existent knees collapsed upon the jagged rocks, as the jagged edges just passed through him.

Ash looked towards his hands, as he bought them in front of his face. The view of the rubble underneath of them, appearing as if a slightly tinted window had appeared in front of the dingy grey stones.

“No” he murmured.

‘What?’

“No, no, no” He said in a more panicked tone.

‘Yeah, you said no’

“NO, This. I can’t. NO NO NO.” He roared

‘oh Shut up, fool’

“HOW.” He bellowed. “I’m DEAD,

You killed me.

What do I.

How do I,

and.

But,

NO

NO

NO.” He said in alarm.

‘Enough Drama’ The voice called, as Ash found that he couldn’t talk anymore. His mouth was sealed shut, he continued to try and repeat the alarmed half- sentences that humans naturally voice out. Only finding that nothing continued to make its way out of his translucent mouth.

Ash looked up to the stone that appeared as the only solid piece of rock in the whole tower. Two points upon it gleamed a bright but unnoticeable pale green. Not as intense as the Emerald crystals, but menacing nevertheless.

Ash just stood, with his internal panic attack becoming replaced by a great sense of terror.

‘Now’ The voice spoke breaking the deadly silence.

‘If you would have just contained your pitiable animal instincts, I would have explained things to you. Audacious Monkey’ It spoke calmly in a tone which contradicted Ash’s state of alarm.

Ash thought ‘Animal?’ the trainer began to wonder. What was it? That word, he had heard it before.

Hadn’t he?

‘You can easily re enter your worthless meat sac, at the moment I am finished’ It continued to speak.

‘Monkey?’ Ash continued to think, where he had heard of these names before.

‘So use the Strength of the Chaos, and complete your portion of the agreement, and I shall complete mine.’

Ash looked back up towards the eyes of the statue, or at least they seemed like eyes.

‘Now I ask, will you hold up your end of the bargain?’

“Of Course” Ash stated, still wondering where those words had found their way into his mind.

‘Then I suggest that you disappear’ It said, as nothing else of importance appeared to happen. To any mortal viewer of these events, nothing happened. After all. The traitor spoke using telekinesis, and the boy is a mere spirit.

But to Ash a lot had happened, and a lot was still happening. He felt a rush. Something, a force.

Foreign yet familiar, pushing him, like a hand would.

He felt his essence pushed down, as the statue, the rubble that lined the roof of the tower, and the dingy sky vanished.

‘Gengar’ The statue ordered, as Ash vanished underneath of the rooftop.

A purple Pokémon rose from the rubble, with its menacing face looking straight towards the green eyes.

‘Well done’ It acknowledged for a moment as the Ghost type did not dare to raise its head to its master, knowing that the consequences could be brutal.

‘You killed him as you have been ordered.’ The conspirator thought rallying his opinion to the Ghost type Pokémon.

‘and That pitiable pair. They’ve been destroyed?

It serves them right, For all their ability, they were idiotic, now I don’t have to worry about that Marowak, and Mineral anymore they were unsuccessful, and merit what is to come to them. Now my loyal disciple, assure that that meat bag complies with our agreement. I have no assurance with Humans. They are even more treacherous than the tainted species that have infested this rock.’ The voice spoke as Gengar disappeared into the tower, ready to follow Ash.

‘Freedom.’ He began to talk to himself, if his telekinesis is even considered actual speech.

‘My name is Marcus.

And soon, my Master.’ He believed with wishful thoughts.

‘I will meet you face to face. And I WILL not meet the same fate as my dim-witted Brother.

The Day of the Wolf is pending.

My Day’

The fool thought. Oh, how mistaken he was.

----

Ash came through the beams of light as they passed through his immortal spirit as if it didn’t exist. The grey light and darkness seemed to provide a greater sense of alarm towards the trainer as the claw that pushed him didn’t entangle his consciousness, like the claw that pulled him in had.

Flying.

Falling.

Ash made his way down as the claw continued to push him. Pushing him to complete the terms of his agreement with the traitor.

Gradually, feeling his freefall slowing down, as he viewed the barely visible ground beneath of his feet.

Hearing others weeping.

Why were they weeping?

Ash put his toes down as they strived for the ground, regardless of the fact that he couldn’t feel its cold touch. Slowly the claw let go of its grasp, letting the fragile, yet potent soul slip through its fingers, as Ash found himself standing, fully aware of his surroundings, regardless of the low amount of light.

Weeping.

He felt it, cutting through him like butter. As if he was more exposed to outside influences than he had ever been before. No body or skin to defend him.

Sad.

He turned to his left, seeing figures illuminated by a flashlight, inside of the dimly lit tower. As the flashlight ripped through the darkness figures gradually made their presence known to the trainer as he took steps towards the silhouettes. All standing, in a melancholy silence. Ash could feel it. The Chaos.

He saw them all surrounding one figure that lay upon the floor, as Ash slowly walked over to them. He looked to their illuminated faces, recognising them in an instant as their faces bought happiness into his core.

“Dawn!” he exclaimed happy to see a familiar face, after everything that had just happened; only to find his yell of joy go upon deaf ears.

“Huh?” he queried to himself, looking towards the other faces that surrounded the one body. They were all there. May, Max, Serena.

Yet they were all sad.

Just sad.

Ash wondered why, for a brief moment, until reality came in front of his face once more. He turned towards the figure that lay upon the ground as realisation struck through him. “Oh” he whispered, as he looked upon himself.

His pale skin, his shut eyes. Just laying there.

“Don’t worry” one person said. As Ash continued to look to his mortal body.

Feeling nothing. Just, alone in this dark tower, put up in this dark forest, filled up with deadly spirits. Built nearby a suspicious town, unwilling to accept the outside world with open arms.

He was alone. Not even Serena who had kept him from so much darkness could see him.

Just looking.

“Don’t worry” the voice came, as the trainer turned his face away from the deceased, and to his living friends.

It was Serena, the one who had helped him when the rest of his friends had vanished. Despite her young age, her innocence was refreshing to the dark trainer. Keeping him, from the point of no return.

“What happened” another said. Whom Ash immediately recognised as his dear friend May.

“I died” Ash said immediately recalling his prior conversation.

Serena moved over to May who was sitting down, not taking her gaze off of Ash’s body.

“Don’t worry” Serena reassured May. Despite the age difference.

“How” Dawn added in, standing, yet also maintaining her view onto Ash. “He’s gone. We can’t bring him back even if we tried”

“Don’t worry” Serena added, reassuring Dawn as well as May. “It’s not all that bad”

“Yeah” Dawn said, as Max who stood silently with his arms folded took his eyes over t the co-ordinator, “At least we got to see him.” She said with a sigh, trying to look on the bright side of things.

“No. Just watch” Serena consoled knowing that there was something bigger at work here. Recalling how everything had been guided to this moment, and this wouldn’t stop the events that had already been set in motion.

“What?” May asked, “What’s gonna happen?” she scrutinised, seeing what was in front of her, despite of Serena’s efforts to help.

“I’ll show you” Ash muttered, knowing that he wouldn’t disappoint Serena. Even his lifeless body hadn’t stopped how she trusted him.

He looked to his cold face as he moved his translucent hand towards it.

Recalling how Marcus had said of how his body would be waiting for him to re enter. Remembering the path that Leo had put him on, and knowing that he had to find Pikachu.

He felt his hand being pulled, as it moved closer and closer towards the pale face. Recalling the previous time that he had come to Lavender town, and had his soul ripped apart from his body.

Déj?* vu?

He felt himself pulled as he began to feel the emptiness slip away. Replaced by another feeling. Slowly the figure of his spirit changed in shape as the trainer began to feel warmer.

Eventually the spirit was no longer separate from its physical counterpart.

His heart began to beat, as Ash felt a shock enter his system. Allowing him to be reacquainted with Pain once more.

His heart worked harder and harder as it sensed all areas of the body had been completely shut down.

His muscles contracted, as electrical signals from the brain, forced all of the trainers’ limbs to reactivate. His cheeks became warm as the cold was washed away with the flow of new blood. His mind was the prime portion of the body that managed to find itself warm from the newly pumped blood once more.

Ash could feel nothing as his mind restarted, bringing up all portions, as a flurry of thought rushed in front of the trainer. Not allowing him to realise what to do.

His lungs, took in a new gasp of air as it quickly oxygenised his circulatory system. Refreshing the blood to allow his food to burn. All of Ash’s friends looked on as his back arched up, in conjunction with his large gasps for air. Breathing in great panic, not ready to return into Deaths door.

Next was his ears as they reactivated, the sound of blood took over all other senses within the boys revitalised mind. Pounding, its continuous drum beat, as the Deafening sound filled the space of Ash’s mind.

His fingers curled, backwards, to their limits, as his muscles stretched. Moving, waking up from their blue sleep. Yawning for a newly awakened body.

But all he heard was the continuous beating of blood within his mind and body. All he could hear was the beating of his blood. Pulsing, reviving, rejuvenating his body, as he opened his mouth.

Screamed, as his muscles pounded with the red life that had been returned into them. Ash felt someone grab him. An action which led to the contrary of what that individual had aimed for. Ensuring that Ash didn’t have sufficient room in order to revitalise his body.

That person said something in alarm, and Ash sensed it, although it did not register. Just the throbbing beat of life, burning in his ears, as the shock ignited his body. The continuous Drumbeat of life echoing within his ears, as his body woke up once more.

Throbbing, as that persons close proximity, forced the body to take drastic actions.

The hart inside of him raced to greater length, in order to bring consciousness into his once lifeless body. Not ready to walk through Deaths door.

No.

“AAARRRGGGHHH” He roared, as his muscles tensed, near to ripping themselves to shreds. The throbbing growing and growing. The everlasting drumbeat of life. As Ash sat upright, through no deliberate conscious thought,

Still hearing the rapidly drumming heart inside of him, as he opened his eyes.

Seeing nothing. Just light and dark. Undefined, a mixture of the two polar opposites seemed as one and the same in his revitalised eyes. Slowly focusing.

Gradually defining individual shapes. Streaks of light, lying lazily, unfazed by the recent flurry of action inside of the tower.

A face.

These shapes, slowly forming, as the face grew to have hair, and the light chose not to mix with the shadow any more.

The hair becoming brown.

The heart slowing down.

The symphony of drums relaxing from their climax.

Calming down, as the muscles, mind, and heart grew accustomed to the rhythm of life once more. Returning to their natural flow and harmony with one another, as the beating sound within Ash’s ears relaxed gradually.

“Ash are you alright?” someone’s faint voice came into the ears of the trainer, as the beat in his ears gradually descended. He began to take in heavy breaths for air, as his body gradually slowed down from its resurrection. He sat upright, as the initial shock gradually wore off.

Breathing in order to rejuvenate the oxygen within his circulatory system.

Slowly focusing his eye sight, as it adjusted to the unusual light within the tower. Not at once knowing how many times he had been in the same circumstance this day.

“Urrr” he groaned as he moved his hands to his forehead. Holding it, as the pounding dissipated. Ash could feel the sweat on his skin.

He could feel. The air, the cold, and the warmth.

“Ash” the comforting voice came from his side. From the person who was holding him. Interfering with his resurrection, regardless of her best intensions.

“May” he said as the sound of his heart subsided completely, and in unison his eyesight focused.

“Yeah Ash” she said with relief in her voice, as Ash turned to his side, looking at her relived face. As well as the shocked expressions that Dawn and Max had. Whilst smiling towards the smug face that Serena had upon herself.

He just stayed there, breathing, as his hearts rhythm, dissipated. Not to be heard of with the same ferocity that it had previously. He just lay, whilst May remained besides him. Waiting as everybody took in the actions that had just happened. Regardless of the numerous moments in which the subject had been put through a form of rebirth.

continued...
 

Xaotl

Dragon Lord
“May?” Ash asked, whilst she continued to hold him at the side, recalling the last instance something like this had happened; not too long ago. Although previously he wasn’t as far as a fatality.

“Ash?” she said in return, carrying a calm voice.

“You can let go now. I’m fine” he said, noticing the expressions that the others had gradually grown, concerning how close the two were.

“Oh” she said in a somewhat crestfallen manner. As she let go of the trainer, who was ready for, ‘More questions. Just great.’

“What happened?” Dawn asked with curiosity, and slight surprise, “Ash. I thought. We thought”

“Well, I’m alright” the trainer said, putting to rest all of the fears that may have remained within his friends, with the exception of Serena.

“Besides, you gave up on me.” He said accusingly, feeling his body return to its natural flow; getting over his recent revival.

“How” Dawn replied a bit hurt.

“Serena was the only one who really believed in me.” He said looking towards his white haired friend whose smug expression for some peculiar reason had vanished.

“Sorry Ash” Dawn said, as she looked to the ground. Realising that unlike Serena she didn’t have trust in Ash. “It’s just that, you were. It’s just that” the Sinnoh native muttered, unable to reply towards his slight irritation.

“It’s alright” Ash conceded without a second thought. After all, the events had transpired so fast, and were continuing to move on.

“Thanks” Dawn said, “It’s just that.” The Sinnoh native chose wondering whether to continue.

“It’s a bit complicated” he sighed, as his primary objective made its way to be completed.

“Ash” Max asked, breaking his constant silence.

“Yeah?” he replied, as he continued to sit up.

“Where are we?” the younger trainer asked.

“Well” Ash said recalling old memories, “Lavender tower”

“How?” Max asked, “I thought that was that place with the friendly Pokémon, with a path.”

“Yes and no. This is the original tower”

“Original?” Max queried

“Well” Serena interjected into the conversation, “This was built ages ago. And that wasn’t” she put it in simple terms.

“Meaning?” Max queried once more. Wishing to know more detail concerning his current situation.

“Well” Ash sighed ready to teach a little history lesson. “This Tower has been here for who knows how long. But when, Agatha became a member of the Elite four. She chose to use this Tower as a place to train, like Elites do. But the locals didn’t like it. Even then she tried but had no way of reaching the tower, always falling short of it. Seeing as how powerful the ghosts in the forest were. Even for an Elite.”

“So she built the tower that we all know about, the one closer to the city. Things went well for a while. Then something got her to abandon the place. After that it was used as a Pokémon graveyard, but that was a bad decision. You know, Ghosts. But something happened with Team Rocket and a person in the town called Mr Fuji. It was abandoned. Until I came, and had a chandelier dropped on me.

This is like the Extreme version of that tower” He sighed after his lengthy speech.

“Alright” Max said, satisfied. Realising how the disputed and speculated tower that Agatha had created, was an echo of the original that he stood in. Altogether allowing him to wonder if those were the dangers in that tower, what dangers did this tower contain?

But Ash already knew.

The Raven haired trainer stood up, as May rushed in to assist him, knowing that he would probably be drained of his energy, although he managed to stand upright without much if any assistance. Kindly rejecting the assistance that May had offered him.

He looked around as the flash light that remained on, illuminated a small portion of the dark expanse. In the distance the grey rays continued to go through. Laying in front of Gengars two menacing Eyes.

‘Eyes?’ Ash recalled seeing them before he was attacked. They vanished, but the trainer had a clear idea of his primary objective. Lifting the torch Ash shone it around the stone structures interior.

“What you looking for” Serena asked with curiosity, regardless of the fact that Ash would have probably told everything to her later on.

“This” he said as he pointed his flashlight over towards the large stone pillar that lay in the centre of the room. The group looked at it as they noticed its uneven texture.

Ash tilted the flashlight upwards and saw that the pillar continued to stretch to the roof. Pointing the light back to eye level Ash took a few steps forward so that there was barely any distance in between him and the pillar. In turn the others also moved forward besides Ash.

“What’s that Ash” May asked the question that was on the lips of everybody.

“Fur” He replied, as he looked at the hair like texture of the column.

“how” May asked. Knowing that she was getting closer to the secret that Ash had been hiding.

“I don’t know” He sighed, placing his hand upon the fur. Feeling it as cold and solid as Stone. Grey in colour like the rubble that the building was made out of.

“Ash” Serena said, as Ash turned to her, “Don’t tell me” she sighed, recalling what he had told her of his last encounter with a trapped creature.

“Aright then” he said, turning back to the stone, “I won’t tell you”

“Tell you what” Dawn asked, sensing the great danger that Max and May also sensed.

“Tell you later” He said, smirking out of nervousness. Although this did close to nothing in order to calm down Mays nerves.

“Ash, you’re not gonna freak out again?” she asked wondering if another invasive force had made its way into the trainer.

“Not yet” he said, rummaging for a Pokéball within his pocket. Grasping it tightly, and taking it out. “Here it is” Ash said holding the pitch black Pokéball as he felt something pulsing inside of it.

Repeating his orders within his mind, ‘the Strength of the Chaos’

He held the Pokéball up. The greatest power, with the capability of rivalling mine with millennia of training. After all. The universe is merely a speck of Order within the void of Chaos. The Universe. Matter and energy working in harmony

Chaos, with the capability of devastating that harmony. Even now, Black holes envelop the universe in chaos. Radiation dissipating every form of matter.

Chaos with the power to annihilate anything, as I know all too well. To crush the order of a living being, or a Ghost, a curse or even a Planet.

He held up that power.

Slowly he felt pain surge through him. He felt power encompass him.

He saw the ball create links with the stone in front of it, as the streams of energy drew the sphere closer towards the statue. Attracting to each other like magnets.

He heard a cry. Ash heard the dragon cry out in agony, as the young creature used some of its greater strength. He heard a Roar, as the power crazed Dragon felt Power first hand. Flow through him like a conductor, as my curse dissipated.

The grey stone became enveloped by a pitch black oil like substance, as it grew along the stone, encapsulating it at each point.

The tower that had held itself upright for all this time began to shake, as the rubble did what debris naturally does, and crumbled.

Ash held on, as everything appeared to shake. Keeping his grasp onto his Dragons Pokéball. Keeping his hands around the sphere, knowing that to let go was not an option in any sense.

But the force grew stronger and Stronger, as he arms felt as if they would rip apart if he didn’t let go. Ash suddenly felt a load taken off of his arms, as he turned to see Dawn at his side, also holding onto the Pokéball.

“Thanks” he said, with a smile, whilst Dawn continued to aid him. Recalling the last time that she couldn’t aid someone in their time of need.

In turn the others also grabbed the Pokéball, all holding on with their own arms holding some of the strain. As the attraction that the Pokéball had grew, and the stress that the humans had upon their bodies also grew. But their determination seemed to persevere.

The courage of fools is courage regardless.

The one named Ash continued to hold onto the Dragon, muttering the words “I’m not letting go of you” as the structure became engulfed in the pitch Black substance. With its purpose completed the Pokéball stopped its actions, as the Dragons cries ceased. As all of the humans fell backwards with the potential energy that was utilised for holding the Pokéball being used for.

Ash found himself on his side. But the ground for some strange reason felt warm and comfortable. He sat up, finding that he was on top of Dawn.

“Sorry” he muttered, not finding the time to create an unusual situation. Within a crumbling building, small talk wasn’t the most ideal thing.

Ash stood up, and held out his hand to a partially crushed Dawn. She took it, feeling the pain of the crash landing, as well as the strange sensation of blushing. But like Ash, she knew that this wasn’t the time for small talk. The Blue haired girl found herself being dragged by the hand, as he led her out of the tower. Covering her eyes with her free arm as the change in light shocked her pupils.

She panted as her eyes quickly adjusted to the dingy light. Turning around to the tower as the rest of the group remained besides her, and Ash let go of her hand.

They all looked on as the tower shook violently. Where the grey rubble that had formed its structure was now thick black. Made out of a Black pigment that didn’t allow even the slightest portion of light to reflect off of it.

They all looked on, witnessing as the feeble structure which I had been ashamed of finally showed its Achilles' heel and began to shake in search of absolution. But my ineffective endeavour at manufacturing a prison, gained no penance from me. It had been infiltrated purely because the townspeople had allowed foreigners to enter the town, regardless of how unwelcome the visitors were. The people of Lavender had bought their fate upon themselves.

The walls of stone shook, as chaos distorted the slight potency that order had bought them, it began to crumble. The individual rocks falling off of the ancient structure.

The traitor could sense his freedom as my curse broke off of him. Although his pleasure was inconsequential, he like the boy was a pawn.

Yet the happiness of a prisoner is sickening regardless.

The stones rumbled as the barren ground surrounding the perimeter of the tower began to crack, and rip apart just like the tower that it had surrounded.

The conspirator shook, and reinvigorated his lifeless limbs, in an attempt to hasten his liberation. Happy that his apparent wisdom, translated to others as arrogance would be free to enlighten the cosmos once more. Not learning that Arrogance isn’t Wisdom.

The stone shook as he ripped his arm free from its stationary position. Ripping the tower apart.

Enormous chunks flew off, as an entire side of the tower dissipated into chunks that lay scattered upon the desolate earth.

His growl, ripped through the air, as he began to unshackle himself. Rotating his head, from the muzzled position that I had locked him in. He shook his body. Every limb, every strand of hair, like a Houndoom shaking off water from its back.

The rubble flew off like bullets being sprayed out in every knowable direction, as the rocks bounced off of the ground from the extreme speeds at which they were launched.

And Ash stared, as the creature reviled himself to the group of five.

The trainer looked on as the great beast, nearly the same height as Leo, shook its back in order to remove debris that may have been stuck within his fur.

It was bipedal like his brother. Although his fur was a deep grey. Stretching from his long pointed claws, to his pointed ears. Covering his tail and stopping as his snouted face, that resembled that of a Lucario, glowed in a deep silver radiance. His long and jagged teeth glowed with radiance out of his mouth. Longer that those of A’Drith, and by all certainty; made for the kill. As his pale green eyes pierced the air around of him.

His eyes that had struck deep within Ash’s soul once before awoke, as his claw stretched out. The claw that had kept Ash upon the knifepoint of death, and kept him on it.

The traitor, Hunched his back, as he took in a deep breath. Jolting his back upright once more as he howled through the sky, rejoicing his renewed freedom. From the abyss that I had left him in.

Howling as his call was heard far and wide.

Just like a fool to revile his position, to my army, and generals. Ready to do whatever was necessary to detain him once more.

Fool.

With a menacing grin upon his face, his piercing pale green eyes, Turned their attention to the human that had set him free.

“****” Ash muttered, as he saw those pale eyes pierce him once more, as Marcus hunched down to the human. But failing to reach the same height level.

“Ash” Serena whispered besides the trainer.

“Yeah” he said, as Marcus continued to stare.

“Why does this always happen to you?” she asked, as Ash laughed internally, remembering when he had first met Marcus’s brother and thought the same thing himself.

“Well” Marcus snarled, “You have completed my portion of the bargain. Maybe my brother wasn’t such a proud fool. As we bargained” he spoke as his breath rushed past the three humans.

The creature stood, and opened his hand. Lowering it to the ground in front of Ash, a small yellow Pokémon came out.

“Pikachu?” Ash said in a joyful voice, as his Pokémon jumped onto his shoulder, seeming to be completely unharmed.

Looking on to the scene Marcus huffed, “It took you long enough”

----

A woman stood within the Johto region, looking around the valley. Known to many as the Charisific valley, as the many Charizard began to fly off. One by one. Besides her, her own Charizard stood adamant, with three others. One of which belonged to Ash. The two others were her brothers.

A breeze passed as one of the four Charizard lifted himself up into the air and began to fly, in the same direction as all of the other Charizard.

“Where are they all going?” Liza asked herself, as if the brewing storm clouds didn’t provide enough of an explanation.

All of a sudden the three other Charizard also flew off, before Liza could do near to anything.

They flew off chasing the other Fire types, as they went somewhere that they just had to be. Somewhere that all Charizard that had been graced by this valley. Graced to find great strength, ready to fight for the one great being that had forged this valley in the first place. Ready to fight for me.

The last three Charizard flapped their wings, as they only found that one objective was all that seemed to matter.

They flew, as the storm clouds began to grow more and more intense. Striking light, in between themselves. Flashing in between of the great claps of Thunder.

They continued to fly as they neared a secluded area of the world renowned valley. Approaching their destination as fast as their mighty wings could take them, in order to pay back their tribute towards the creator of this safe heaven.

Where Dragons would begin to shape our destiny. Where the destiny of all would be shaped by those with the greatest power.

All of the orange Dragons watched silently. Lined up in a large circle whilst maintaining flight. Staring at the Charizard at the other end of their circle. Each and every Charizard that lived within the valley was a part of this epic ring. The old, the just turned. The Men and the Women. The Pure blooded, and the Half blooded. As long as it went by the name of the Fire Dragon, they had their place as a part of the circle, regardless of origin, and birth.

Each warrior would serve their purpose. Each Dragon would shape Destiny. Change the future, and make history.

My cause was not one to be laughed at, and the beasts knew that, as they maintained control of their Primeval urges to rage like the blazing tips of their tails. Keeping their heads up high, looking to only one point within the sky.

The deep dark Grey sky, that began to take shape, gradually taking form.

From the tip of the nose, sleeking to the majestic horns, as the rest of the great body remained coiled up within the image of the clouds. I was the clouds, my image forged inside of them. But one thing was for certain, and that was the Epic scale of my being. The supremacy of my being was grand regardless.

Forming as the Charizard underneath of me bowed their heads in respect. Even if I was not there in my physical body. They bowed, not muttering a word, as the only sound that shouted was the roar of the thunder within my image. Originating from the great amount of energy that such an image would create.

I roared, “My children”

As there was no other mortal that had any knowledge of this conversation, “This is the moment. This is the time that we will decide destiny. Beyond the False Prophesies that My brother has put up. His Prophesies of Death.”

“This is the moment that we change the Prophesy, this is the moment that the Dragons will decide destiny” I roared. “Take flight my warriors of the skies. Take flight to Lavender, and burn the citadel of Traitors to the ground. Make sure that our Roar is heard. Ensure that we create a scar on the land that is so deep; the Earth will cry tears of fire.”

Then they Roared. As all of the Charizard took flight towards Lavender to meet with my Generals.

All flapped their wings, equal in species. Equal as long as they roared the name Charizard. They were ready to join in battle with the other Nine hundred I had assembled.

Ready to fight for me.

The Winged ones. The Stone Legions. The Spirits.

My Army is being formed.

My brother Arceus is asleep. His warriors at my mercy. His chosen one in the midst of my coming strike. One traitor dead, another about to meet his true master.

Retribution is mine.

----

F.Y.I.
- When Dawn helped Ash she recalled the time that she was stopped from aiding Simon, and Robert previously (bit of a conscience crisis) she isn’t doubting her love. Just what she has to do to achieve it like leaving people behind to (possibly) die.
- Leo (Bipedal Lion) Marcus (bipedal Wolf)
- Too short for what I had aimed. Grr



PLZ R & R
 

Mayziken

Advanceshipping<3
Shiit this was a long chapter, but a great chapter anyway. You keep on getting better and better with each chapter!

You where very philosophical with the opening of this chapter I must say.

The part that I liked the best must be the descriptions put into the story when Ash is returning to his body. Going from the cold touch of death to the warm flow of life. When i read that description I was thinking; "OMG, this is fu*kings good and how do he now this stoff??"

Marcus used telepathy, not telekinesis

.:- Mayziken -:.
 
Last edited:

Shadow_Shaymin

Gotz Burglarized
Love the story. It has a great concept and flow. My only problem with it is the constant spelling and grammar errors. Fix them up, and you have a fantastic story here. Easily 10x better than whatever I could ever pull off.
 

Xaotl

Dragon Lord
Guardian Solaris

Ages:
Ash-17
Max- 13
May- 15
Dawn- 13
Serena – 10

Review Replies: Thanks guys. I'm still trying to get the grammar and spellings sorted, so I've hopefully progressed in those departments. But I'll stop holding you up. Next bit [points down]

----

Chapter 24- The Merits of Guile

“Ash, slowly...” Dawn muttered under her breath. staring towards the great creature in front of her eyes. “Step back, so he doesn’t notice” Dawn muttered, as the notion that ‘we’re gonna die, we’re gonna die, we’re gonna die,’ continued to run through her mind.

“Slowly” Max echoed Dawn, slowly placing one foot backwards, wondering whether the great beast in front of them would notice.

Its ears perked up.

“Bad idea, bad idea, bad idea” Max panicked freezing in his place. The great beast stretched his limbs as several bones within his body began to click into place once more. “Dawn?” Max whispered, “Why’d you have such a bad idea?”

“If you don’t like my ideas, get your own.” Dawn replied in a murmur. Continuing to think, ‘we’re gonna die, we’re gonna die, we’re gonna die’

“Ash, May” Dawn said, as the beast continued to reinvigorate individual muscles, in his obscure ritual.

“Yeah” they replied.

“Got any ideas?”

“We could battle him” May suggested, although her comment was immediately silenced by the look that she received from her younger brother.

“Pi Pika” Pikachu commented to his trainer.

“Really?” he said in a louder tone.

“What is it?” Dawn whispered.

“Well” Ash said rather loudly as everybody cringed slightly. The beast hadn’t noticed them as of yet, and Ash seemed to be destroying that small advantage. Altough the trainer dashed the hopes of his friends as he said “He can hear everything we say.”

The eyes of the others widened, as they looked to the beast, who just looked onto the group in return. Just standing, with his bright green eyes maintaining an everlasting watch onto the eyes of each and every human there.

Pikachu appeared to be the only one that was unaffected by the piercing green gaze of the wolf.

Marcus smiled, as the backs of May, Dawn, and Max shuddered at the gruesome fates that could await them. ‘Creepy smile, not good, not good’ Dawn thought, whilst Max looked into ‘rape eyes, not good, not good’

Ash kept his stance resolute as the rubble filled wasteland that used to be the tower laid scattered upon the ground behind of the great beast.

Marcus hunched his back, as his eyes came to the same level as that of the relatively small humans. Crouching slightly, he moved his head closer, breathing as he examined the faces of the little children that stood before him.

Maintaining a watch upon the mortals, and scaring them out of their skin.

Maintaining his gaze. Time seemed to stand still, nothing moved.

Marcus became bored. Exhaling his vile breath from his lungs that had not been used for years, Marcus made Ash wince at the horrid smell of his breath.

He had no tie any longer to this human.

The great beast stood up straight from the humans.

He huffed once more, as some of the group took steps back in fear.

His face turned into a snarl, as he flashed his teeth to the humans that stood there. In anticipation, they took a hold of their Pokéballs.

Growing fearful of the battle that would take place, even Ash, had no idea of what may happen. Basing any actions that Marcus would make, upon the actions of his brother would not suffice, considering how different the two were.

Then Marcus did something unexpected by all of the humans, although Pikachu seemed rather in different. After a great nauseating sound of bone shifting in place, he moved, and swivelled around, shifting the dirt underneath of him.

Turning around, and away from the group he began to walk away from them.

“Well” Ash said, as the rest of the group turned their attention to him. “That was a pile of rubbish right there”

“No duh” Max replied. As Serena looked at him.

“Look who’s talking. You were ready to cry.” She said

“Well you” Max said.

“I what?” Serena asked the older boy

...

But only silence followed, as Ash just looked on with a sense of amusement, only to be snapped out by May.

“Ash” she asked, knowing that this was a time for answers.

“Yeah” he replied,

“Well” she began but was cut off by a loud noise. Turning her head in the direction of the sound.

Marcus grabbed a large tree trunk, with one of his arms. Digging deep within the wood with his claws the creature pulled the trunk and all attached branches out of the ground, as the ground began to shift. The ground underneath of the trunk erupted as the tree was lifted with its roots still attached.

Marcus stood with the tree in his hand for a second, as the wolf began to remember his strength once more.

Shrugging off the thought the Wolf threw the tree into the distance, as it flew through the air and crashed in conclusion of its flight.

“Don’t see that everyday...” Max commented.

“A enormous Pokémon, most likely legendary, walking through Lavender forest throwing trees like pencils. No duh” Serena commented.

Marcus ripped out another tree, throwing it in the distance as the thickness of the forest kept him from advancing.

Smelling something.

Something faint, yet distinct in the air. Noticeable only to those experienced in its scent.

Marcus smiled as he began to move faster.

But the small party of humans unlike Marcus didn’t pick up on the slight changes in the air like Marcus. Humans rarely do.

“You sure it’s legendary” Max asked keeping his view upon Marcus, as Serena just looked at the boy in amazement.

“What?” he asked clueless.

“Well” Ash interjected “I’m guessing. Leo wasn’t in the Pokédex” he continued.

“Leo?” May inquired.

“Yeah, who is that. You mentioned him before” Max added on in curiosity.

‘Leo’ Ash thought.

“Leo” he replied, choosing not to look his friends in the eyes. Diverting his gaze to the beast that was slowly ripping apart the forest. “I’ll tell you soon”

“Why?” May asked as Ash put his hand into his pocket, “Why not now?”

“Yeah” Max echoed not noticing how Serena chose to remain quiet. “Why can’t you tell us now?”

“Because” Ash muttered, taking his altered Pokéball from inside of his pocket. “I got to stop him from getting away”

“What” Max asked, halting his speech once he saw the Pokéball that Ash had clutched inside of his hand. “oh”

Ash looked towards the wolf who continued to make his way, not wishing to have anything more to do with the group. But Ash needed the wolf. “Come one out” he muttered as he focused his mind towards the task at hand. Continuing to have a focus on his target even when A’Drith roared out into the sky, shaking the barren wood.

He felt the warmth of his friends leave, but he didn’t turn around. He knew that they had made it to safety. A’Drith has been known t be, unstable after all.

“A’Drith” he said maintaining his focus, “This is gonna be tough” he said, wondering if the dragon would acknowledge his trainer. Although the trainer’s doubts were shattered as the Chaos Pokémon roared in approval.

Hearing the commotion Marcus turned around as his grin grew into a smile. He stood upright, maintaining his confident grin, walking up towards the Pokémon, yet maintaining a sufficient amount of space in between the two of them.

“You want to fight me?” he asked with amusement in his voice.

“Yeah” Ash shouted in an attempt to project his voice, “Your brother told me”

“Leo told you to fight me?”

“No, he said that you would show me the next part of my journey!” he shouted once more, knowing that his friends would have all the more questions for him. But this wasn’t the time for explanations, only action.

“Foolish human” Marcus muttered, ‘He wishes to know what to do, but doesn’t understand that this is not his story. His arrogance is amusing’

Looking towards his foe A’Drith appeared to be more than eager to start battling he smiled once more. ‘This is going to be easy’ he thought. Yet at the same time Marcus was mildly surprised how the Dragons previous endeavour hadn’t left A’Drith drained.

“Well” Ash asked, “Are you ready?”

“Of course” Marcus replied calmly, “I need to stretch my limbs.” the creature said continuing the conversation that was beginning to take its toll upon A’Drith’s nonexistent patience.

Within the dragons’ mind nothing but impatience lurked, the lure of battle was too great to resist. Marcus was already using this to his advantage; as the Wolf continued to smile towards his opponent, waiting for the short fuse to burn out.

After all Power wasn’t everything. It is only useful with Knowledge, Creating skills and techniques. One of which Marcus was an expert in.

After all I taught him.

While he waited, he didn’t remember me, but rather the fun he was about to have, as the fight started in an instant.

A’Drith launched forwards in his own accord. The headstrong dragon pushed his legs into the dirt, launching him into the air like a missile, heading straight for his opponent. The wolf fell backwards on purpose, causing A’Drith to fly straight above him. As the dragon began to fall he stretched out his wings trying to slow down his descent; but falling face first into the dirt, as the ground shook from his weight.

A’Drith roared, getting back up in an instant. Turning his head around to find Marcus’ claw slashing his face.

He collapsed onto the ground from the strike, feeling a surge of pain strike through his body.

Pain.

The dragon groaned as Marcus' foot came in contact with his chest. Pushing all the oxygen out of his lungs, a dirty yet effective attack. Marcus kept the pressure, pushing more and more. A’Drith merely wheezed as the air was forcibly pushed out of his lungs, without any choice, he found himself panicking at this new situation.

“Come on!” Ash shouted, becoming as entranced with the battles outcome as A’Drith, but in return A’Drith wheezed even more, all of the air flowing out of his lungs from Marcus' foot that remained firm. The words of his trainer didn’t seem to strike through.

A’Drith quickly rolled, knocking Marcus off balance. Both combatants got up in an instant. A’Drith was already panting, as Ash noticed his Pokémon in a completely new light. Looking at A’Drith desperate for the first time in the Dragons life. Even whilst battling Celebi, the dragon wasn’t as desperate for energy.

He shouted, “Into the air” trying to aid his Pokémon, regardless of the great strength and agility that Marcus had already shown.

The dragon flapped his wings as a gust blew around of him, but the wolf had already found a countermeasure. Leaping high into the air, just as A’Drith was ascending, Marcus stretched out his claw, grabbing a hold of A’Driths wing, as the Dragon faltered, falling back to the ground once more.

Marcus walked a few steps away, turning around in order to face his opponent, snarling as A’Drith found a good portion of his pride ripped away. Ash thought, not knowing how to use his power house to its full potential. Wondering how to assist his Pokémon against an opponent that seemed to dominate him on all fronts.

A’Drith got up gradually, as a face full of anger grew, reviled through his blood red eyes. There was nothing else, just those eyes that shone towards his opponent in repugnance. Pure hatered growing inside of the dragons soul.

“Give it your all!” Ash shouted what A’Drith already knew, as several spores flew out of the dragon, flying, fluttering randomly like butterflies. Launching the very attack that had defeated a legendary, taught by Leo.

“Now that’s cheating” Marcus mumbled, but continuing to smirk, as the spores came closer to him instead of digging into the ground. Yet whilst A’Driths complete concentration was taken from the attack, Marcus managed to use his opponents distraction. The wolf pointed his hand to the Dragon, and shot a bolt of lightning, catching the spores along the way, as it struck the Dragon in the chest.

It continued, pulsing volts of energy as the bright blue beam of lightning forced its way through the air, illuminating all with its bright blue glow. Ash had to protect his Pokémon. But the energy continued to flow, not like a standard thunderbolt. This attack flowed like a river from the wolf. Not allowing his opponent to escape the volts.

“Flamethrower” he bellowed in desperation as the Dragon inhaled air into his already damaged lungs. Blowing the air out as pitch black fire that surrounded the Lightning, not stopping the energy beam, but covering its glow in a deep dark shadow. The flamethrower struck Marcus, meeting no resistance from the wolf as he fell backwards from the attack.

The Wolf got back up, entire patches of fur glowing orange as they burned, leaving a horrid smell within the air.

He growled from the strike, as A’Drith stood ready, focusing on his opponent, with a disgust against Marcus growing within his beaten chest. Eyes glowing blood red. Feeling the energy as it continued to pulse around of his body.

The wolf hands began to glow a dim blue once more as he opened them out wide. A crackling could be heard in the air. Marcus puffed his chest, with his arms on either side him. He clapped them, launching a bolt of thunder straight towards his opponent. “Slash!” Ash commanded as the Dragon used his claw to deflect the thunder, to the rubble of the tower, as it exploded.

Shrapnel flew from the debris, as it collided with Marcus' fur, and A’Drith's scales, but not damaging them in any serious way. Then in an instant Marcus struck like lightning and A’Drith was on the floor from a slash of the wolf's claw. He groaned, as Marcus put one foot upon the dragons wing, and another onto his chest. The dragon tried to move, but found that his opponents weight was too much.

Marcus pushed his foot into the dragons chest even further as the dragons lungs were damaged even further. He felt them ready to give up, the only scream of pain in his body that overcame the screams of the world.

Yet all Marcus did was smile. He prized the dragons’ mouth open with his arms, finding some resistance, but opening it up nevertheless. The dragons white dagger like teeth shone as Marcus placed one of his hands around of A’Driths jaw, keeping it open. Forcing the other hand into the dragons’ mouth, smiling as energy began to flow through his hand, finding its way into the dragon, without having to penetrate his armour like scales.

A’Drith screamed, as his eyes clamped shut, Unable to shut his mouth and sever the wolf's hand, the energy continued to flow. Streaming out from the dragon in the form of bright sparks, disintegrating his organs from the inside.

“Flamethrower” Ash called out in hope. But A’Drith couldn’t hear. “Flamethrower” he called out once more, but nothing came. “Come on!”

Ash stopped, feeling as if he could cry at the sight of his Pokémon being tortured. Then the tables seeed to turn, and Ash found a glimmer of hope ignite his eyes. Marcus began to howl in pain, letting go of A’Driths jaw. But finding that the Dragon had calmped his mouth shut. Marcus continued to scream out in pain, howling, as black flames escaped through the gaps in A’Driths mouth. The flames screams that were overshadowed from the howls of agony that the wolf let loose.

Marcus continued to pull, as his howls shook the forest.

The dragon growled, keeping a hold of his prey. Clamping his mouth shut as he sustained his point blank flamethrower towards Marcus. Finding some joy in his retribution.

“Keep going” Ash shouted, providing encouragement for the merciless attack. But Marcus managed to swing his claw, as it made contact with A’Driths cheek, forcing the dragon to let go. Retracting his hand Marcus found it ablaze, with a black flame that didn’t appear to extinguish.

He waved it around in the air, attempting to extinguish the flame; as A’Drith began to get up.

Marcus lay his hand onto the ground as he stamped it with ferocity, trying to extinguish the flame, whilst A’Drith had managed to get up onto his feet.

The blazing hand was not blazing anymore, as it appeared pitch black, letting a foul smell of burnt flesh and fur escape into the air once more. The hand was half cooked, half ash, as Marcus looked over to his opponent, with rage locked within his green eyes. A’Drith attempted to reflect that rage, failing through the intense pain that Marcus had inflicted. Keeping himself up with his last strands of strength.

Marcus, looked back to his hand, as a white glow began to emanate from it. “Get ready” Ash called out. But when the glow dissipated the hand was as good as new, appearing as if it had regenerated, “Now that’s cheating” Ash called out, meeting a reply from Marcus.

“Look who’s talking”

Marcus closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind for the next strike. Believing that his opponent would still be exhausted from their previous bouts to do much, if anything. But his moment of peace was taken out by a “fly!” order from Ash.

Marcus opened his eyes to find several balls of fire descending from the sky like bombs.

The Wolf placed both of his hands above of his head as the Flames met with some form of barrier that caused them to dissipate.

“Come on, what can’t he do?” Ash muttered, forgetting that he was brother to the one that taught A’Drith in the first place. “Use the Sky!” Ash thought, believing that he may have found a form of approval from the usually disobedient A’Drith.

The dragon swooped down, using his mighty wings in order to carry him, swooping down as if he was using Aerial Ace, but Marcus just stood, waiting as his opponent came to him.

At the last second, Marcus back flipped kicking the Dragon in the jaw with his powerful legs, as A’Drith lost stability and crashed into the dirt.

The Wolf smiled as he landed back on his feet perfectly, muttering “Still got it” with a smirk. He turned to A’Drith who lay upon the dirt, paying no attention to the post apocalyptic landscape they had created. The landscape that, if anything was more depressing than the backdrop that was there beforehand.

“A’Drith, stand” Ash said, as his Pokémon complied; “now” he said, although the dragon had no intention to listening to its trainer. He lunged towards the wolf with a claw, finding his strike parried effortlessly.

The Dragon turned around to Marcus, finding that he had vanished. Then finding the Wolf crushing his head in the next instant, as A’Drith found himself once more in the dirt.

Marcus grabbed the back of A’Drith's head, behind of his horns, with the ability to pierce the back of the dragons’ throat in an instant, killing him.

Then it was all over, Marcus found a hold on A’Drith like picking a snake up form the back of its head. A’Drith attempted to struggle with what little strength the dragon had. Moving, but unable to escape the grasp that his opponent had. It was over.

Ash and his friends remained silent, whilst Marcus pondered his choices. Wondering what A’Driths’ fate would be. Rubbing the dragons face in the dirt left and right. Left for death, right for a painful death. The others could try and intervene, but that would only result in the dragons death, as groans form the defeated Dragon escaped his mouth. But they clutched Pokéballs nevertheless, ready to avenge the dragon if Marcus would choose a wrong decision. Even though they would fall to the same fate as the dragon.

His eyes closed to hide his shame, knowing that he had only managed to last this long through luck. Whilst his opponent had used his physical strength and knowledge to run circles around the dragon. It wasn’t a matter of power, but of the combatant with the most intelligence. Or as the wolf would call it cunning... guile.

He moved his head to A’Drith's side, muttering. “It is amazing how dim-witted the infantile are. My brother is an idiot if he believes that you have any form of common sense. Power perhaps. But in the form of cunning, and guile. You are no better than the dirt that you are wallowing in. A pathetic display.” Marcus took a glance over to Ash and the others as they remained at the edge of their seats, “oh it’s great to be back. I presume that you won’t join the mêlée that’s coming up. No? All the better, the war zone isn’t a place for children.”

Marcus looked back to Ash, who appeared to be enraged even more than A’Drith, who in contrast appeared as if he just had all of his pride toppled. “I suggest that you train that boy, or he trains you. I don’t really know. Anything would help a distressed infant like you.” As the Wolf stood up, letting go of A’Driths neck.

Marcus smirked, as he began to walk off once more. Muttering “Now time for the main event. Retribution is mine” as the wolf moved out in order to meet a more potent adversary, the opponent that would shape the wolfs future from now on. Me.

Ash continued to watch onto Marcus as the wolf walked away. Once certain that Mracus had left, the trainer ran up to A’Drith, who hadn’t moved. He could be hurt, after all that battle was explosive. A clash of titans, with the only separating feature between the two being their experience.

He reached A’Drith as he could hear heavy breathing from the Dragon, as his chest expanded and contracted slowly. The trainer took a look towards the dragons face, and the rest of his body. Searching for any evident injury. Finding nothing, not even a scratch, just the marks of dirt that had been inflicted upon A’Drith as an indignity.

“Are you alright?” Ash muttered, not receiving a reply apart from the breathing, as he came to the conclusion that the dragon was sleeping, exhausted beyond words from the fight. He traced the individual scales of the dragon, realising that he was close to losing him once more. Sighing, Ash took out A’Driths Pokéball returning the beast within it once more.

For a second Ash just looked towards the Pokéball, continuing to contemplate on this new turn of events. He just didn’t know what to do, it was almost as if. He wasn’t in control of his own actions. He sighed.

“Ash!” someone’s voice came from behind, as the boy turned his head around.

“Hey.” He replied to his friends that had just managed to reach him.

“Is he...?” Serena asked with concern. Used to seeing Ash in battles, but nothing close to a battle of that magnitude.

“He’ll be fine. Even after that, he’s just really tired” Ash said, quite exhausted himself. “But we’ve got a lot of work to do, just like he said” the trainer said. Wondering ‘I just don’t know what to do’

“Ash?” Dawn interjected.

“Yeah?” he replied.

“Who is that?” she asked.

“The big hairy guy?”

“Yes. How do you know it? And who is this Leo person that you keep on talking about?” Dawn asked the obvious question. Ash stalled showing her that there was some basis to her queries, pushing her to ask more. “What aren’t you telling us?”

“Well” Ash said caught slightly off guard, “ahh” he thought

“Come on Ash” Max said, “I think we deserve an explanation.”

“Why?” Serena said in defence.

“Why not?” Max replied, “Why can’t he tell us what we need to know?”

“Because, if you don’t like it, why’d you come? He wanted to go on his own. Ash wanted all of you to stay safe, so what’s your problem? He didn’t want you lot to get tangled in this.” Serena explained defending Ash, although giving away the fact.

“So, you know this little secret as well” Dawn assumed, “May, do you know?”

“No” the Hoenn native replied.

“Ash. We deserve an explanation.” Max asked.

“Well” he pondered, stalling one more.

“Well what? Ash, why don’t you trust us. A few seconds ago you talked about this secret of yours to that thing .Like it was the most obvious thing in the world.” Dawn asked.

“And” Serena said once more before Ash could reply. Looking at Dawn who towered above her, but size didn’t faze the young girl.

“You say that Ash doesn’t trust you. What have you done? You just meet him, and you expect him to trust you like you’re best buddies again?” she argued.

“Why not. Ash is one of my closest”

“Then” Serena interrupted, “Why are you scared of him half of the time?”

“What are you talking about?” Dawn questioned.

“You know. I may be small but I’m not blind.”

“I’m not scared” Dawn said defending herself, “it’s something else”

“what?” the white haired girl accused, seeing that she had found some weakness in Dawn.

“Why do you need to know?” the Sinnoh native muttered

“Exactly” Serena exclaimed triumphantly, as Ash knew the outcome of the bout all along, not bothering to listen to the small hint Dawn gave away. Ash knew how good Serena was at arguing, especially after all the arguments the two had whilst travelling together, she had to be.

Dawn chose not to speak, as she just looked towards Max who had chosen not to interject once more. Then she looked over to May, who had also remained silent. “sorry about that” Dawn muttered out of thin air.

“Yeah, and... what?” the white haired girl asked, not expecting an apology.

“Sorry. It’s just annoying not knowing what’s going on. Not being able to do anything to help your friends. So sorry for taking it out on you” Dawn explained.

“wow... Well, yeah, alright, ur thanks.” The youngest member of the group stuttered.

“Ash” May spoke finally, “Tell us when you’re ready” she said, to the slight shock of the others. “It’s your choice” she said, knowing that Ash had his reasons, just like how he had reasons for making his friends fear him through his Aura abilities, to strengthen their bond with one another. He must have had reasons for his behaviour now as well. She accepted that.

“Thanks” Ash said with a smile. “Come on, We’re still in a forest full of ghosts.” He explained as he led the group the same way that Marcus went.

“Ash?” May asked once more, as he turned around.

“yeah?”

“That’s the same way that the, Thing, went.”

“I know”

“Why are we going that way?” May asked as they heard the sound of another tree being ripped out of the ground in the distance.

“Well he promised something. I want it”

“What did he promise?”

“It was a bit vague. Something to do with my journey” he explained.

“Don’t you mean ‘our’ journey”

“Not really” he said smiling, “I’m the only one that matters” he said cheekily earning him a light punch from Serena.

“Just hurry up, he’s bigger than us, and he’s going to get away” Serena said, as the group made their way.

They continued to make their way, progressing along. Not looking back at the wreckage of the tower.

Not finding any need to look.

But why would they need to look back upon the devastation of my failed creation. No, they carried on; they continued to run towards the traitor.

Not looking back. Not looking to the past for answers.

How very human.

How very human to not look at the fate of the past, to provide answers to what the future would be.

Because my plan was coming to effect.

It had already begun.

A while ago.

Now, in the midst of my failed creation, in the midst of the rubble, and through the stench of that traitor.

Beyond the city, the woods, the people, and the ghosts. Past the stone, and air. Past my abysmal attempt at a prison, there it was. Where one would fail, another greater plan would succeed.

Beyond anything that a mortal would be able to make, beyond their capability for thought; it lay.

It awakened.

The rubble lay around the old floor of the tower.

The seal that the traitor had unknowingly guarded. Brilliant.

I am brilliant.

After all, did you know that words that had been worn by time would slowly show? Reading one message. Only one message.

One message that had stayed there for all of this time, as the letters became clear once more. Written in a forgotten language.

It read the words:

TOAXL I am the Treachery and Deceit

I am coming. Ready or not.

----

F.Y.I.
- How’d you guys like the battle? I tried to make it as brutal as possible.
- Characters are not based off of me. No.
- Thanks to Sp1derp1g for being my Beta reader. If you don’t receive any of GlaDos’ cake... the mail man has it XD

----

PLZ R&R

And now I need to gorge on some cake...

Caaakkkkeeee...
 
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Mayziken

Advanceshipping<3
A great chapter as always Xaotl:) You have really long chapters with very high quality and that is just some few authors that have:)

I'm not the right one to check your grammar as I'm form Norway and I'm not that great with english grammar:D

Dawn and Maz seems to not trusting Ash completely yet, as for May and Serena they seems to trust Ash with or without knowledge of what he is doing and what he is going to do. As for the argument Serena and Dawn had, it seems that no one picks up whats bothering Dawn

I think I now what you are planing to do in future chapters, but I will keep my mouth shut to I now some more or to that point where I'm sure I can confirm my toughts on the future chapters:)
 

Xaotl

Dragon Lord
Guardian Solaris

Review replies: Thanks Mayziken... And well sorry for the realy late update.

Regigigases and Darkrais, (if that's the correct spelling for their names) their speech shall appear normal for this chapter.

----

Chapter 25- The Colour of blood


If you looked hard enough... squinted your eyes. Maybe then you would be able to see. See something that could crush the hearts o f the birds and the fish. Claw at the souls of man and beast alike. For above the forest, the wood that had been walled off from the universe for all this time, the clouds began to clear. The grey blanket that obscured the view of all those that watched down from above dissipated into history like all things before. The walls that I had bought up ages ago, collapsed. As the silent solitude that I had forged out of my own two hands, a resting place for spirits when the rest of the world, and the dark that lay within it screamed at those that were exiled. It vanished, succumbing to the chaos of the outside world.

The one place that they could rest in the peace that Arceus would deny them. The light I provided when all other lights were extinguished.

The clouds cleared and one would see, whilst the children chased. When the spirits stirred, as the traitor ran. One could see the sun cry. Its tears tainting the sky, banishing the blues that would come from the evening sun setting over a usual scene of the sort, and destroying the greys that had walled of this one area for so long.

The children persisted to run. Through the remains of a once living forest. Through a home, over a body. Shouting in ignorance “How much more running?” as the corpses of trees flew up into the air just ahead, they continued to sprint. Each piece of ground that they stepped on was a part of history. Each stone had its own legacy, seeing more than they would in their entire lives. A tree that sheltered countless generations, torn as if its contribution to this planet was as important as the dust in the wind.

They continued their dash, growing ever closer to their target. Growing ever closer to the traitor. Not turning around to see that which would sadden even the most callous of mortals. Looking nowhere but ahead, after all ‘onward’ is a human saying, how very naive. So...

They ran.

Ran to fire, to blood, to fury, to the battle that lay in the beast that lay in the souls of all men know as war, but they didn’t know.

They did not see that which was etched all around, carved in every rock, and each atom that whirred past them. But it knew.

The sun knew of what was to come, and it wept.


----

But my generals could see: the soldier, and the spirit. Seasoned, hardened. Trained to notice the slightest change in the wind, each minute detail and how it could change the course of battle. They stood on their ridge. The Regigigas and the Darkrai, standing alone like their human counterparts would do: It’s lonely at the top, I believe the saying goes.

Behind waited their army of nearly a thousand, Pokémon that would follow their generals’ orders without a second thought. Ready to fight, to win, to give their blood. The two generals stood, with hundreds behind them. All of their souls filled to the brim with the vital component of a mortal that is Loyalty. Ready to march, to move at the flick of a wrist. Ready to fill rivers with blood.

“You can feel it can’t you, Spirit.” Regigigas spoke. Whilst looking at the sky, marvelling as the few remnants of what could be called a heart wept at what it saw. The rest, stood strong. For the rest was fighting for an unthinkable prize.

“What is it?” Darkrai spoke in the way he had felt most comfortable, with the use of his mind. Having the same notion, same emotion as the being that stood beside him. Unnerved, maybe even slightly frightened, but that wouldn’t be the right adjective to describe Darkrai. Would it?

“You don’t know, do you?” Regigigas spoke allowing a weak chuckle escape his mouth.

“No” Darkrai replied indifferently.

“It is of what is to come, something a soldier sees just about every day. The smell of battle. The sky turns the colour of blood, as the sun mourns those who are about to die. Or at least that is how Uxie explains it. She tells the humans that it happens because Arceus is unhappy, or he’s really happy. I don’t really bother to remember what she says” Darkrai chuckled.

“It’s amazing how well she and her sisters can lie” he remarked.

“Who knows Spirit, today you could finally play with the big boys and take some blood, all know of your dishonourable tactics.”

“At least I get the job done without having to turn into a savage.” Darkrai fired back, as the momentarily peace between the two eroded once more, with a huff from both.

“You are”

“Useless” they spoke in unison

But their argument was stopped prematurely, from a sound. They stopped all action, then heard it again, a roar.

Regigigas turned around in a flash, using his powerful legs to lift himself, they couldn’t be discovered. Not yet.

“Troops!” he roared, as Darkrai was already airborne. All nine hundred including the lesser Regis turned in a flash, to the creature, but they couldn’t fire.

‘A Charizard’ the Soldier recognised, as the dragon flew above the neatly organised Pokémon. But the soldier couldn’t act. The hundreds of troops lay in wait as they watched Darkrai wait in front of the dragons’ path, whilst the lone Charizard hovered. Frozen in its tracks. All lay in wait, watching for this small event to end, as quickly as it had appeared. The Regis were irritated, for each creature that had stumbled onto this location was taken out immediately, without a second breath being allowed to escape their lungs, before they were taken into oblivion. But this Charizard was still breathing. Facing the Spectre like Pokémon, taking a period of time that Regigigas found a joke, but with a flick of his wrist the many troops that had been organised lowered their guard. Not needing any more of a command to obey.

The Charizard continued to gaze, looking at Darkrai intently. But neither made a move. This creature should have been dead. It was standard. I taught no mercy. To answer to no lower creature. But this creature. This creature was not affected by the murderous tactics that the spirit was usually use.

To trap its prey within its own nightmares.

Although this Charizard had no nightmares. It just waited.

Waited.

Waited.

Fell.

Fell.

Fell. Into the earth, laying limp and Darkrai slowly returned to the ridge alongside the other general that waited for an explanation. As well as a chance to mock, “Pathetic, how long did it take you to do that? I had hope for you. But that was shameful, if one of my troops committed that shameful display. I would give the sun a Real reason to cry.” But Darkrai continued to look at the sky. Up into the heavens, that mourned the massacre to come.

Admitting, “I didn’t kill it”

“What?” Regigigas asked.

“He was already dead before he had even arrived.”

“What”

“That Charizard, was a messenger from our Master.” The spirit said taking a glance to the general, “Here to give us our orders.”

“That has got to be the” Regigigas was about to speak but cut off by the spirit.

“Not another word. Before you mock his ways.” The spirit took a glance, just one glance towards his now silent... friend, for lack of a better word. “He sees more than you ever could. He has his own small army, and shall join us in our victory.” Darkrai spoke, not diverting his attention. Just relaying the knowledge that he had been given from that shell of a Charizard, “He died, because he touched our master, saw too much of his mind, like a Caterpie trying to understand the situation that we find ourselves in” the spirit said. Looking at the sky. The red sky that lay tainted with the colour of blood. The colour of things to come.

Even Regigigas noticed Darkrai as realisation fell upon the Pokémon that they had to follow all orders given to the letter. After all, Their debt had to be paid back. The gift their master provided, Priceless. The loyalty of the two was one that had stood the test of time. Where others ran, where even more turned to the enemy for a salvation that was not there. They remained. Here to spill the blood of those who may betray my cause.

“What are our orders Spirit?” The Colossal Pokémon spoke with cruelty in every word.

Anger.

Rage.

Mounting up a state of mind, that would become more aggressive by the second. Increasing the ferocity of his emotions slowly in order to use a technique Pokémon, and humans would usually use before combat of any sort, so that he would not be plagued by a slow start. Pumping, preparing himself internally for the challenge to come. There was no room for error. He had to show his worth.

To Crush the traitors in his grip.

“We must attack now” Darkrai said, staring at the sky, not knowledgeable in the art of war, the small techniques that a soldier would use to prepare for bloodshed. To his side, a warrior was being awakened to the smell of war, yet he didn’t care.

“REGIIII” the soldier roared, thumping the earth. Shaking it more and more. The troops moved, his Lieutenant of steel was the first .His three hundred, marching, moving like a well oiled machine, to the beat of Regigigas. To the sound of the earth shaking. Below the crying sun. Under the prophecy of the blood red sky.

“Regirock Surround the city. Eliminate all that escape” He ordered in an absolute tone.

“REGI” He obeyed, as he sent some to the rock pass, ready to take any human that may pass through in hope of escape. Another to the bridge that made its way out to the south. And the final lot to positions in the west. Ensuring no escape. The Scarmory to the air, flying in perfect military formation, as they guarded the skies above the town. No help would get in. No mercy would be given for those inside.

“Troops, prepare for the attack” he commanded, as they moved with all their speed, small battalions that would exterminate all that were left in the town, ready to crush. No longer bothering with Darkrai, after all what would that spirit, who still wasn’t baptised in combat do? Darkrai would sneak behind backs, hide in the shadows.

Pathetic.

Regigigas knew how shameful it was. A true warrior faces his opponent, crushing them in his grip. That was, is and always will be the way of the warrior.

But Darkrai continued to stare. Nothing had seemed to change to him, all was flowing in the direction that they had all predicted. The people still defenceless. Arceus still sleeping, with his precious legendaries left in chaos and disorder after the death of Ho- oh. The clouds of dust that rose behind of him from the movements of his partners’ small army caused no alarm. As barbaric as the colossal Pokémon was, Darkrai had his own duties and couldn’t care less about how the soldier went about his life.

Flying away silently, into the sky. The spirit earned a scoff from Regigigas, even as Darkrai turned into a shadow moving upon the surface of the earth Regigigas was not impressed. Regigigas saw Darkrai as the spirit became nothingness, the silhouette that he was created to be.

The shadow on the wall, the eyes in the darkness, he who came after Dusk. The one that would always unnerve you, just because he must. The greatest curse he could muster. The most powerful nightmare. The darkest void that he could unleash was nothing. Nothing compared to his nightmares. Nothing compared to what he could see in every moment.

He was the stuff of nightmares, quite literally. The greatest agony of all. Born for one purpose, one resolve. A body made of darkness, without any light to shine down upon it. No mortal can exist like that. A legend he may be, but he isn’t me.

I, his redemption. He flew, knowing that there was only one way forward. Only one resolve, one mission. To follow me and become himself, or to bend to the will of all around him. Humans, they look at him, thinking that he is one dimensional, Good or evil. But the universe isn’t like that; it never was or will be. Especially when you consider mortals.

Sometimes, the light does things you can’t expect. It blinds you, hides you from the truth; from what is really going on.

He followed me.

His mission.

His reward, Freedom.

Now you didn’t think I was Evil... did you?


----

Ash ran past the trees as his view began to change in an instant, a blur of what was going on in the forest. Stopped only by the crashing of wood in front of him.

Something was changing: Slowly, Quickly. His breath was slowly growing, no longer the same. He could feel it all pushing through the forest, but what?

The boy took a glance to his friends, seeing their faces in determination as they dodged another trunk that lay on the ground, half crushed by a large foot. They ran all out, trying to catch up as the shadows of the dead trees began to show themselves, against the bright ground.

He looked around, everything. Each little bit was different.

Shadows against the light, where there was only darkness before. Ash looked up finding the sky clear. Red.

A creaking noise came.

Red, he saw.

A deep red, strong enough to rival the eyes of the Chaos Pokémon. Ash stood, watching the sky, shine down on the barren wasteland after so long.

Ash stood, feeling a part of himself break off, float away into the abyss. Gradually move away into nothingness.

Ash stood.

“Ash”

“ASH” he heard a scream as he was knocked on his side, and sent flying with someone on top of him, as the large branch landed right in front of him.

He looked around at what had just happened, recalling, ‘I was staring at the sky, and’ He looked down at the person that that had just tackled him to safety, and the blue hair was a dead giveaway, as she grasped tightly. He could feel her warmth, she didn’t move, continuing to hold onto the trainer for a while burying her head within his arms. Frozen, almost as if she was expecting to die. Seeing as she had just had an experience that the young boy was all too familiar with.

“What?” he managed to let out, as Dawn took her head out of his chest. Ash noticed that she was breathing quite heavily. “What” he managed to let out, being on the opposite end of such an experience for a change.

“Watch where you’re walking” she said, quickly getting up, and nervously moving the direction of her face away from Ash.

He looked to the branch that had fallen down completely randomly, and managed to let out a “Thanks” in astonishment. He was supposed to be the one that saved everyone else in the nick of time, Right?

“You alright Ash” May said being the first to come alongside Ash, trailed only by Serena, as Dawn took a quick glance to the brunette.

“Yeah” Ash replied, still in a slight shock. As his mind returned to the one thought that had originally gotten him to stop in his tracks, ‘everything’s changing’

The trainer looked around finding differences throughout the entire forest, as the creaking of another distant branch alerted him to the once living trees.

As they became a pale green, at patches. With what I believe is called fungus.

He looked at it, phasing out for a while as his brain decided that now of all times was the time to think. Why? To say I do know would be a lie, but I do know that he is the definition of Thick.

Although one thought did manage to get through: ‘I’m gonna die!’

Great screaming sounds began to echo throughout the forest, screaming, as existence began to shift even more. The forest that had remained stagnant for all this time, creating a home for those that were exiled from that which death brings. A home for the feared, the confused, the rejected. Those that came to my prison to find sanctuary, and in turn becoming my walls. A small price for the bliss that the forest gave to the ghosts, that would otherwise become confused, and crazed by the chaos of that world which lay beyond the town of Lavender.

The ghosts screamed, shredding through the forest as an uncontrollable thirst for the blood of the living grew, trying to silence the chaos. All that was heard, was someone shouting.

“RUN”

“RUN”

“RUN!”

In an instant another lower roar came into the ears f the group, as the dark grey and bright silver of Marcus’s fur burst in front of their faces, forcing the group to a halt, as a large snake like Pokémon roared in front of them, but Marcus had no time, as the Steelix was tiny in the face of the wolf.

He moved like lightning, immediately and with precision, as the wolf found reality slowly bend to his own will. Instinct and Adrenalin kicked into his system as his pale green eyes took a shadow of a second to find all of the weaknesses within Steelix.

Marcus pushed his powerful legs, as le leapt up into the air, stretching his claws n front of his face in a cross, as he landed on top of the Steelix.

He breathed in and his victory was certain, as the claws went in between the small holes that existed in the steel types armour.

Then he exhaled. And in a blink of an eye the Steelix was in two pieces.

Using his dark long claws, he gripped the fallen Pokémon and threw both pieces behind of him, into the air, as he marched on forwards once more, tearing out tree after tree.

The group behind of him watched in slight awe, of how fast Marcus had taken out the Steel type, as the wolf was already another 100 meters ahead from them. They had to run once more and catch up with the ever advancing creature.

But something else changed. Something small, hazy, grey.

“Ash” May said, alerting the trainer, who along with the rest of the group was becoming tired from the running and walking that they had done all day without stop.

“I know, we’re all tired” he exclaimed, his mind dwelling on several things at once. Usually he would only think about one subject at a time, and against all bets that had been set his head hadn’t exploded.

“No”

“Yeah” he said, “I don’t know what a Steelix is doing here of all places either.”

“No”

“I know” Ash said again.

“Stop that, and look ahead!” May said getting irritated from all the running herself, as she dodged a tree that fell down to her side. Ash did as instructed, feeling Marcus grow further away as he noticed a large tower in the distance.

Not the same as my creation, this one was a tourist’s destination, and a graveyard. Used only for the trivial things that humans seem to constantly do.

“We’re near the town” Ash mumbled as that hazy scent grew stronger.

“What?” Serena asked not hearing Ash.

“I Said, We’re Near The Town” he spoke in an amplified voice, as the others looked to the human built tower that had become an attraction for the humans that would not be able to cross my sanctuary, my wall, my sorry excuse for a plan to deal with the traitor.

“Ash” Max said, gaining the attention of the trainer.

“Yeah?”

“What’s that smell?” he asked, as Ash began to feel stress build up in the back of his head, managing to only splutter out half words.

“Well, it’s, a, well” and before his friends could even begin to stare at Ash for his slight mental breakdown, they had all turned their heads around in one direction, and Ash soon followed. All looking to Marcus standing still.

The Wolf stood, nothing more, nothing else. Just stood. No longer bulldozing through the forest. A sudden change in pace as the creature came into focus, his different features becoming clear. The group realised how the wolves hunch may not have been optional and was already there after his previous experiences, becoming permanent after the numerous times his backbone had to move closer to the ground for stealth and to have a better battling position from which to strike. His arms were not as strong as Leos, yet the Muscles were clear, no matter how small, covered with bursting vein and arteries flowing with blood, clear for all to see. Each of his teeth had a dark glint to them, with the size of his front two canines larger than all others, slightly resembling a Sabretooth cat.

His patches of dark grey unkempt fur swayed in the breeze. Completely scruffy, that, if was on Dawn the young girl would have had a panic attack to say the least. At some places his fur had become nonexistent, exposing his skin that usually shone with a bright silver gleam, that became a bright red, as the colour of the sun mixed in with its natural shine.

Finding a small window of opportunity, Serena was the first to run over to the wolf, trying her best to overcome the exhaustion that continued to hit the young girl on the inside. She quickly fell behind the others, as her running came to a halt.

She began to pant as she stood, taking a glance to the others, as she saw them moving further and further away in the distance. Watching them not turn around, as she called “Wait” in a shattered voice.

Moving her eyes to the illuminated ground as her breathing became heavier. Managing out a “Come on”, as air returned to her, slowly refreshing her fatigued body. But she would have to catch up now, and they’d probably gotten away.

But Ash would wait.

'He’s gone too’ she thought, trying to muster some strength, to walk upon her own two feet. Attempting to draw out that which stubbornness could not replace, although that minor technicality did not do much in the way of stopping her. Looking at the red ground and trees, which had been bathed in the colour due to the activities that occurred in the heavens. The colours reflecting into the young girls eyes. The red colour of blood and fire mixed, together in an endless vortex.

“Ash, you forgot?” she questioned, as fatigue struck her hard, in every place, at each nerve. Forcing her knees to let loose the great burden of a body that they had carried throughout the day. The earth grew closer as the forest fell silent, distant.

The forest became another world to the mind of the white haired girl, the blood and fire that the sun had provided bathing her eyes in its haze. The earth grew closer as her ankles failed, letting loose of all previous strain, just, letting go.

The young girl collapsed onto her knees, knowing that they were going forward, to the next adventure, leaving her behind.

As humans do.

The grounds unforgiving rough touch shook her slightly awake as her breathing grew, distancing her ever more from the outside world. Here in a forest of murderous spirits. Not the best place for a little girl.

Her beat grew, thumping, silencing her calls within her own mind, distancing her from all around as the chaotic spirits stopped their chaotic movements, eyeing the young girl with a hunger for the blood that they could not touch. Slowly the earth began to vanish, beginning with the rough feeling, slowly being replaced by a new sensation,

The air passed her unnoticed by her ringing mind. Raising her up as she began to feel a familiar warmth. The air in her lungs slowly dissipated from the new warmth that began to carry her upwards.

Wondering only made things hazier, more obscure, but it was fading away.

No.

In a desperate act she took another gasp, before vanishing into sleep.


----

F.Y.I.

-I wanted Ash to be a bit more pathetic from the strong figure he was at the beginning.

- The problems that characters seem to be having before things even kick off (properly), as well as a bit of a mix up on who the good guys exactly are.

- runs away for shamefully late update, with rather short chapter, and annoying cliff-hanger as well as a lack of action.

And Now I see bricks being thrown at me...
 
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